#sorsha replies

[moonlightndaydreams]

Little Deaths | a ghostly ot8 story

MDNI 🔞 this is an adult story!!!

La petite mort. ‘the little death' is an expression that refers to a brief loss or weakening of consciousness, and in modern usage refers specifically to a post-orgasm sensation as likened to death.

fem!reader x ghost!Skz

Your driver abandons you at a creepy mansion that turns out to be haunted by 8 cursed, horny ghosts. Their mission is your pleasure.

Word count: 6.8k

Content Warning below

CW: ot8 are ghosts, drugging/intoxication of reader, seduction?coercion?, sexual acts with ghosts, vaginal fingering, oral sex (m & f), vaginal and anal penetration, blow jobs, double pen in 2 holes, double pen one hole, restraints, rough sex, spitting, it's basically a gangbang, sub reader, there is a part where a cock alternates between readers vagina and anus - this is not recommended irl, choking, name calling, pet names. The sexual acts in this story are not meant to reflect how things work irl.

a/n: this story isn't a love story, like I often write here on this blog. It's basically self indulgent ot8 porn. It's my first oneshot that features all 8 members fully, and it was actually so hard to write. I considered posting this story on my side blog @daydreams-after-dark where I write my unhinged shit, but it took so much energy and thought, that I wanted to keep it over here with my other oneshots of similar length.

I hope you enjoy this oneshot. If you do, please let me know your favourite part, and consider a reblog. x. Sorsha.

“Ma’m, I think we need to stop the car, this weather is just making it too hard to see.” your driver called over his shoulder. The rain outside was falling harder than ever, and with it being the dead of night, and on a windy deserted road, you knew he was right. It wasn’t safe.

“But where on earth do we stop?” You replied, trying to see out of the window.

“I think I’ve taken a wrong turn.” He said in a shaky voice. “But… I think I’ve found somewhere we can pull over.”

You leaned around to look between the two front seats of the car, and could just make out the shape of a mansion ahead of you. Your driver pulled the car to a stop in front of the dwelling. “Should we go knock on the door?” You wondered, but your driver was getting out of the car and pulled out your suitcase.

“I think so. I could barely see the road.” He insisted.

You let out a big sigh and climbed out of the car. From what you could tell, the mansion was enormous, and very old. 

Stepping up to the front door you saw there was no doorbell. Just a big brass knocker. “You know,” you turn to your driver who plonked down your suitcase beside your feet. “This feels a lot like that Backstreet Boys music video. The one with a haunted mansion.” You gripped the knocker in your hand and knocked three times and waited. “You know, Backstreets Bac-“ You turned to your driver but he was running back to the car, jumping back in and driving away. The fucker! 

“Hey!” You yelled after him, but he was gone.

The big front door creaked open, capturing your attention. A young man with fluffy long blonde hair peeked his head around the door.

“Oh my goodness!” You wailed. “I…it was raining…and…well…my driver…he’s just left me here.”

The young man looked at you curiously. “Come in out of the cold.” He smiled warmly. He immediately put you at ease.

“My name’s Felix.” He said picking up your suitcase.

“Y/n.” You replied following him into the mansion. It was quite dark, but you could make out that you were in a large entry hall, with a grand staircase in the centre.

“You will need to stay the night.” he stated. “I’ll take you to your room.”

“Stay the night?” You turned to him. “But I just need to make a phone call, have someone come collect me.”

Felix shook his head. We haven’t any mobile reception, and the landline is down. Due to the storm.”

You frowned.

“Plus,” he began as he started up the stairs. “No one should be driving in this weather.”

You closed your eyes and sighed. He was right. You followed Felix up the winding staircase and along a dimly lit hall. The place was creepy. It felt deserted and cold. Such a contrast from the man leading you to your room. Felix seemed so warm, like sunshine. Why would someone like him live here?

“Here we are.” He opened a door at the end of the hall. “You will be staying here. I’ll bring you up some supper and a cup of hot…chocolate. Yes, hot chocolate.” he rambled. “Please-” he gestured for you to enter the room and placed your suitcase on the floor beside you.

“Feli-?” you turned to the blond man, but he was gone. Weird. “Felix?” you called and popped your head back out into the hallway. But he had completely disappeared. Vanished into thin air.

Despite the cold emptiness of the mansion, your room was stunning. Even if it did look like it came out of a haunted house movie. It had Victorian gothic themed decor, with a huge bed that had four thick posts, and the bedhead itself was a feature piece. It came almost up to the high ceiling. Dim lamps around the walls illuminated the room. The entire space was grand and of another time.

“I suppose I could spend the night here.” you patted the bed. The bedding seemed freshly cleaned, and you noticed there was no dust on anything. It was like whoever lived here was expecting a guest. Was Felix the only one here? You wondered as you opened your suitcase and pulled out your silk nightie. 

Your sleepwear seemed far too vulnerable and sexy for such a room and as you climbed into the giant bed, you had thoughts of some beast coming and ruining you in your sleep. Maybe you’d need to stay awake just to be safe?

Knock knock. 

You pulled your knees to your chest, and your heart began to pound. Someone’s come to rape you and murder you. Your mind had really spiraled over the past ten minutes.

“Y/n? It’s Felix. I’ve brought you some food and a a-drink.”

You scampered over to the door. “Fel-” you started. But again no one was there. How was he so quick?

On the floor at your feet was a tray with a slice of cake and a big mug of hot chocolate. You took the tray back to your bed. You were hungrier than you thought, practically inhaling the cake within a minute.

You turned your attention to the hot drink, bringing it to your lips and taking a sip. It was delicious. Rich, creamy, with a hint of something you couldn’t put your finger on. You took another sip, allowing the warmth to wash over you. By the time you had drunk the last of it, you were feeling floaty and fuzzy, almost like you were drunk. 

All thoughts about your safety left you as you snuggled down and fell asleep.

Your core ached as you felt your body buzz and swirl. Sensations of cool hands all over your body, caressing your legs, and your breasts, making you moan. More. You needed more. Whatever this was, you had to have more or you’d die. Your body felt hot, like it was on fire, and you needed the relief of the coolness that was caressing you. 

The sensation moved up your inner thigh, while elsewhere on your body it wrapped around your neck. More across your stomach and breasts. It reached the top of your inner thigh and, ‘oh god yes, touch me there’, slipped inside of you. You felt like you were writhing on the bed, back arching off the mattress. But then it seemed you couldn’t move at all. It was like you were being held down. You tried to cry out, the pleasure becoming unbearable, but your mouth was filled with the same coldness that was inside your pussy. Again, your body cried ‘More’. You needed more. The cool sensation then filled you deeper and deeper and stretched you open, fuller, wider than ever before. Your throat felt full too, and you were certain you were going to choke. Your dreamy vision blurred further until you were seeing white, and the tension in your body reached breaking point. A surge of cold energy filled you and your core burst with a relief like you’d never experienced in your entire life. Your walls squeezed and pulsed around the coldness inside of you.

Your eyes flung open. Your chest was heaving. Your body was hot. Your cunt still fluttering. Fuck. That was some dream. You ran your hands over your body, down between your legs. Your panties! They were gone. You sat up abruptly, your eyes darting around to locate your missing underwear. There they were, at the far corner of the bed. Torn. What the actual fuck?

“You did that to yourself, you know.” a voice said from the corner of the room.

“Huh?” your eyes shot to a man sitting in the shadows in the corner. 

“We didn’t touch you.” he added.

You were confused. “We?” you arched an eyebrow, trying to calm your racing heart.

The man disappeared, startling you, then reappeared sitting on the edge of the mattress.

You pulled your knees into your chest. “How the fuck did you do that? Who are you? What are you? How’d you just do that?” you cried shrilly.

The man smiled, his dimpled cheeks and kind eyes making him appear non-threatening. But that didn’t mean he wasn't a psycho killer. A magic psycho killer.

“Here, have another hot chocolate.” he passed you a mug.

The hot chocolate. You scowled at the man. “You drugged me!” you hissed.

The man shrugged. “It’s an ancient remedy. We needed to know if you were compatible with us.”

“Compatible? Compatible for what? What do you mean, ‘us’? You and Felix? What does this drink do?”

“Shh..babygirl. It’s okay.” he hushed you. “The drink merely relaxes you and unlocks what you crave most. I promise it wears off within twelve hours. The drink you had earlier was only one eighth the strength of this one here.” he pointed to the drink in your hands.

You brought the drink to your nose and inhaled. It smelled irresistible, and you resisted the strong compulsion to drink it down. “But why do you want me to drink more? Couldn’t you tell if I was compatible or not from…” 

“You are compatible. It was clear the moment you called for us.” He said simply.

Your eyes widened. “Called for you? But I don’t even know you.” you whispered.

“The coldness you felt.” he leaned closer. “On your body. Inside your body. That was us. You could feel us even though we hadn’t touched you.”

You held your breath.

“We could feel you too. We could feel your desire. Your warmth. You aliveness. Your tightness. It wrapped around us.”  he whispered.

You whimpered. He, they, could feel you? You bit your lip. “So why drink more?” you arched an eyebrow. “If you know I’m compatible with…whatever this is.”

“Because what I’m about to tell you might be,” he sucked in a breath. “Overwhelming.”

You locked eyes with this stranger and carefully took a big gulp of the hot chocolate. You immediately felt a sense of warmth flow through your body and pooling in your core.

“You see, y/n, we’re ghosts.”

You just stared at him. “What?” you laughed. “Just ��cos you did some magic disappear-reappear thing before, I don’t believe in-” 

The man in front of you turned translucent. Fuck. Your mouth fell open. You could still see him, but his colours were muted, and he wasn’t….solid.

“You’re a fucking ghost?” you choked. This wasn’t happening. Surely the drink has some kind of hallucinogen?

“Y/n, allow me to introduce you to my brothers.” he gestured for you to look around the room. Gradually, seven young, translucent, men emerged from the shadows. 

“Holy shit!” you whispered and swallowed hard.

“My name is Chan.” the dimpled mad said. “And here we have Changbin, Hyunjin, Jisung.” he pointed to three of the men who waved at you. ‘And over there we have Suengmin, Jeongin, Minho, and you’ve already met Felix.”

“Sorry I drugged you.” Felix blushed and lowered his gaze.

“May we come sit on the bed?” the one named Hyunjin asked. “We won’t touch you unless you ask.” he added.

Why did that something to your insides?

You nodded and the ghost men gathered around and hopped on the bed. That’s when you noticed they were all quite young and very handsome. And they were all wearing the same thing. A gold and black silk bathrobe.

The words of Chan resounded in your head. “You called to us”,  “We could feel your desire. Your warmth. You aliveness. Your tightness.” 

You pulled the blanket up higher and stared at your drink, considering whether or not to drink more if it was going to help you relax.

“W-what did you do when I called to you?” you asked in a small voice.

“We came straight away.” Another man said. Seungmin, you think.

“We watched you, kitten.” Minho smirked.

“You were so receptive.” Changbin added.

“Your body begged us to fill you, squeeze you. Fuck you.” Hyunjin said silkily.

“But you didn’t… touch me, right?” 

“No, babygirl. Like I said, your body showed us what you craved most. We didn’t touch you. I promise. But we could feel you.”

“But why do I crave you?” you were confused as to how this could even be happening.

“We think it’s part of the curse.” The chubby cheeked boy, Jisung, said. “Every so often a woman will stumble upon our mansion. We give them a drink,” he nodded to the cup in your hand, “to see if they’re compatible. Sometimes they just sleep soundly.”

“Those ones aren’t compatible.” Seungmin chimes in.

“And some, like you, are receptive.” Jisung continued.

“Compatible.” Added Minho.

You looked around the room. So you craved these… ghosts? Sexually? Was this a trick? You thought about your dream and how incredible it felt to be consumed by whatever it was that was touching you. Would it feel like that?

“What happens when you find a compatible woman?” You were almost afraid to ask.

“We have to pleasure her.” Chan said flatly.

Your eyes flicked to his.

“And what happens if you don’t?”

“We get tortured.”

Your eyes widen. “Tortured? Why? By who?”

“I think we need to tell her the whole story.” Said Jeongin.

Chan rubbed his chin. “Hmm, you’re right.” He took a moment before he spoke.

“Y/n. When we were alive we were… a harem. Or reverse harem, I suppose. We had our Mistress whom we served… sexually. She wasn’t right, in the head. She went mad. She didn’t want us to age, to get older. So she hired a witch who was meant to concoct a spell that would keep us young for eternity. The spell was not only to keep us youthful either, but also bind us,” he looked around at the other men. “To be sex slaves forever.” 

“But it went wrong.” Exclaimed Jisung. “It killed us. Now we’re young, dead, sex slaves forever.” He looked down at the bedspread.

The mood in the room suddenly dropped and you could tell all the men were in a moment of reflection.

“So,” you started slowly. “When a woman comes along who subconsciously requires your… services… then you are bound to fulfill her needs?”

They all nodded.

“Our bodies naturally respond. It’s intoxicating.” Hyunjin said softly. “All of us are aching for you.” His hand reached out and touched your arm. Cold. Cold just like the sensation in your dream.

“What if I say no? What happens?”

“We won’t touch you.” Chan states. 

“But we’d be in pain until the next compatible woman comes along.” Said Felix.

“The urge and desire won’t dissipate until we have found another compatible woman.” added Seungmin.

You considered everything they just told you. It was wild. It was far-fetched, and absolutely unbelievable. But here you were. On a bed with a room full of ghosts. Ghosts that were horny for you. You should say no. But you couldn’t. It seemed you were horny for them too.

They were alluring. Tempting. Could they make you feel the way you did in your dream? They weren’t even touching you then, supposedly, and you wondered what it’d feel like to have them really do those things to you, and more.

You took the cup to your mouth. “What happens if I drink this stronger version?” You looked at Felix.

“It will relax you. But more importantly it shows us what your body truly needs to be sated, and who want to do it to you.” Said Changbin.

“There’s no hiding if you drink that. You won’t be able to hold back.” Minho smirked.

“And everything will feel more intense.” Added Jeongin. 

“Babygirl.” Chan gripped your arm. “You need to give us your permission. Will you let us pleasure you… fuck you until you can’t take any more?”

You bit your lip. “Yes.” you whispered, and gulped the entire drink down. 

“That’s it, baby.”  Clapped Jisung.

“I knew from how hard she came earlier that she’d be up for this.” Seungmin added.

“She’s just drank the whole thing. Chan, that was full strength.” Felix was horrified.

“Means she’ll be pliable, we can do anything.” Seungmin said slyly.

“Well, anything she wants.” Corrected Changbin..

“She’ll want us to do absolutely everything. I can tell. This one’s a fucking freak.” Said Minho.

You immediately became lightheaded. And hot. So fucking hot. You threw the blanket off and started clawing at your skimpy nightie. “Hot!” you cried. “So hot.”

Ice cold hands came to your body, ripping the garment from you, leaving you naked, on fire, your skin burning. “Please!” you cried, searching for the cool relief of those hands.

A hand wrapped around your leg, dragging you into the middle of the mattress. More hands started to explore your body. Firm, freezing, so relieving against your scorching skin. 

You opened your eyes to find that all eight ghosts were surrounding you on the bed. But they weren’t translucent anymore. They appeared as real as living men. “Touch me.” you sobbed as your eyes darted around to each of them.

“Fuck, she’s perfect.” Whispered Jisung.

You didn’t know whose hands were who’s, but there were so many on your body. So cooling to the skin. A hand cupped a breast, while another pinched your other nipple. Your legs were spread wide and a frozen cold tongue pressed against your pussy. 

“Fuck!” you cried out and looked down to find Jisung sucking on your clit. “Fuck! Feels so good.” you panted.

“How does she taste, brother?” someone asked. 

“Like pussy.” he groaned. “I fucking missed this taste.”

While your eyes had rolled back into your head from the intensity of what was happening, you felt your arms being pulled above your head, and soft velvet ropes were tied around your wrists. You looked up behind you to see Minho tying the other ends of the ropes to the headposts. “Kitten likes to be tied up.” he winked at you.

Meanwhile, Jisung had peeled himself away from between your legs and Hyunjin was kneeling between them, gazing at your pussy. Just the way he was looking at you and licking his lips made your cunt gush. He noticed and swiped his finger over your dripping arousal, then took his finger to his lips. He proceeded to wink at you, slip off his robe. With the most deranged look you’d ever seen on a man, he lifted your hips to line your entrance up with his cock, and slammed you onto him. His cock felt like a hard block of ice. Thick, hard, rigid. But so relieving inside your searing heat.

He was so strong, he wasn’t even thrusting. He was simply making you fuck him. The binds on your arms were pulled taut every time you were fully impaled on him.

“So pliable.” Jeongin said as he leaned down to suck one of your nipples. 

“Like a fucking ragdoll.’ Seungmin mused. “Look how her eyes roll back every time he fucks into her.”

It was so hard to focus on where everyone was and what they were doing. All you knew is that you needed them to touch you. You needed Hyunjin to keep doing whatever he was doing. He felt so long, so deep, and after a while the sharp coldness eased off and his cock started to feel more warm. More alive. You weren’t sure whether your body was warming him up, or if he was cooling you down.

Your core tightened, your orgasm was approaching fast. As if on cue, a finger landed on your clit, and rubbed hard, rough circles on it.

“Please…please…I’m gonna…I…I…so close..” you cried and babbled. 

Hyunjin thrust you onto you harder, digging his fingers into your flesh, and the fingers on your clit became more forceful.

“It’s okay, Hyunin’s gonna make you cum.” Chan cooed.

A sudden powerful surge of cold energy exploded inside your cunt, causing your walls to automatically contract around it. “Holy fucking shit!” you panted. “I’m…fuck!!!” your walls clenched tighter than they ever had before, and you were coming so hard you thought your body had split apart. It felt as though your entire pelvic region was pulsing around Hyunjin’s cock. It lasted so long, maybe an entire minute, and by the time you came down, you were sobbing. Hyunjin leaned over and took you in a deep kiss before slipping out.

“No! No!” you cried out. You were too empty now. Your body relaxed into the bed when a few sets of lips soothed you through kisses to your body. “More.” you whispered softly.

“Shh. You’re gonna be plenty filled tonight, baby.” Jisung whispered in your ear, before he hooked his hands under your arms and dragged you so your head hung off the edge of the mattress. He opened his robe to reveal his delicious cock, and you immediately opened your mouth for him. He smirked as he pushed his cock into your warm, wet mouth. He too was was ice cold, but you noticed he began to warm up quickly. 

“Baby likes to choke on big cocks, huh?” he snarled. “I never expected such a perfect little lady to turn up on our doorstep tonight.” he pushed himself all the way into the back of your throat. You couldn’t breathe. But you didn’t care. Right now being filled with cock was more important to your survival than air. 

“Fuck. You can see it pressing into her throat.” Jeongin hissed. He was setting himself up to fuck you now. 

“If you put your hand on her neck, you can feel it.” Jisung said excitedly.

Jeongin reached up and pressed his hand to your neck, squeezing your throat and making Jisung feel so much bigger. He pulled out to let you catch your breath, and then he was stretching your throat out again.

Jeongin twisted your lower half so you were on your side from your waist down. He straddled your bottom leg, pinning it into position, whilst lifting your upper leg to rest on his shoulder. He pressed his hips, pushing his cock into you, and immediately started fucking you fast. He was hitting you so deep that you were certain he was pushing your cervix deeper and deeper into your body, and the way Jisung seemed to be pushing deeper and deeper into your throat, you thought they would eventually meet up in the middle.

Your hands were guided to wrap around two rock hard, ice cold cocks. You had no clue who they belonged to. You didn’t care. All these ghost men were fuckable. You wanted to touch and feel every single one of them.

“Grrr…I’m fucking coming.” cried Jeongin. 

“Let’s cum in her at the same time.” Said Jisung.

Then you felt it. The same as with Hyunjin. The cold surge of energy, filling you up from both ends. Your back arched off the bed as you came again. Your hands squeezed around the cocks you were holding. Cries and hisses rang out around the room at the sight before them.

“Good girl. So fucking good.” Purred Jisung as he eased his cock from your mouth. 

“Noooo!” You cried. He leaned down and kissed you. Baby, I’m gonna fuck you so good later. I already know what you’re gonna want me to do.” He winked.

Jeongin was gone too. The dicks in your hands also gone, and you whimpered at so much loss. You didn’t have time to cry for too long when you were suddenly dragged by your feet further onto the bed and flung into your stomach. “You’re such a filthy little slut, pup.” Seungmin laid against you, whispering nasty words in your ear. He’d grasped your arms, holding them both behind your back with one hand. Your hair was plastered on your cheek, and he spat on it before pushing your face against the mattress below.

“Please-” you choked. 

“Oh, my slutty little pup. I know exactly what you want. But I wanna hear you say it for the whole class to hear.”

How does he know? You wondered to yourself in your delirious state. Seungmin pressed the length of his hardness against your ass. 

“Please…fill my ass.” You sobbed. A collective hum spread around the room at your admission.

“That’s right.” Seungmin pressed his tip against your rim. You still weren’t used to how cold their cocks were to begin with. “Such a slut wanting me to put it in without loosening you up first.” He spat on the side of your face again, his saliva sticking in your hair. You needed him to hurry. You needed him to fill you. You were so fucking empty. 

Seungmin’s cock breached your rim as he pressed his body further on top of you. The stretch felt overwhelmingly satisfying, while the coolness of his cock soothed the sting. The feeling of being trapped beneath him, arms held tight behind you, the feeling of helplessness intensified your need for him to penetrate you.

Finally, his hips met the curve of your ass cheeks. “Such a tight little hole. He grunted as he started to grind against you. “Not sure how tight it’ll be by morning.” He whispered low in your ear. He started with a slow, steady pace, allowing your body to warm his cock. “Harder…harder.” You mumbled into the mattress. 

Seungmin growled and fucked into you, pressing your face further into the mattress. It felt like he was fucking you forever, yet not long enough. You were mumbling and dribbling all over the bed. Then, the familiar feeling of what seemed to be their orgasms, filled you once again, making you come hard. Your cunt clenched around nothing, and you were already desperate to have someone fill it again. 

It was as though Minho read your mind, and as soon as Seungmin dislodged himself from your ass, he was dragging you to the otherside of the bed. He stood on the floor and pressed your legs up into a mating press position and drank you in with hungry eyes. “I love watching my cock sink into a pussy.” He said. “Watch with me.”

You looked down just in time to see his cock push inside of you. “Kittie’s hungry.” He smirked as you sucked in his entire cock, and glanced up at you. “Does it feel good?” He asked.

You nodded fervently. “Yes! So good.” You squeaked. He cocked an eyebrow. “What about your ass?” He pulled out of your cunt and pushed fully into into your ass.

“Fuck! So deep. So fucking deep.” You cried. This position allowed Minho to reach the deepest part of you. He fit your cunt so well, but, oh fuck, he felt incredible in your ass too. You wanted him to fuck both hol-

“You really are filthy.” Minho said disbelief. He pulled out of your ass and plunged back into your pussy.

You knew, you really knew, that this wasn’t a good idea, but you wanted him to do it so fucking bad. And he knew! He knew what you wanted. They all seemed to know. You didn’t have to say a word and they knew all the filthy things you craved.

You glanced around you to see some of the others had gathered around to watch Minho fuck your pussy, then your ass, then back to your pussy, while he held you still on the bed.

“Look how her holes stay open waiting for him to put it back in again.” Felix said mesmerised.

Despite your delirium, you had an idea. You wanted someone to finger fuck you when Minho was in your ass. He pulled out of your cunt once more and as he pushed back into your now gaping asshole, Changbin slipped two fingers into your pussy. 

“That’s it, Bunny. Binnie’s fingers stretch you good don’t they?” He purred.

Your hands flailed around looking for cocks to jerk off, relieved to find Felix and Jeongin in your hands. “My mouth! Need someone in my mouth.” You whimpered.

“Fuck, she’s perfect.” Cooed Jisung again. “Chan, you should fill her mouth. She’s begging you.”

“Yeah Channie, you haven’t felt her. She’s fucking incredible.” Seungmin encouraged. 

Yes. You wanted Chan in your mouth. “Please.” You were crying because you wanted it so bad. Chan straddled your chest and pressed the tip of his cock against your lip. “Open wide, babygirl. Daddy needs to make you choke.”

Your eyes rolled back into your head as he pushed his cock into your mouth. “That’s it. Suck on it.” He pushed deeper.

Minho picked up his pace, slamming into your ass at an alarming pace, and Changbin was digging into your g-spot aggressively. You were feeling so used, but at the same time so special.

“Changbin’s got four fingers in you, baby. You should see your pretty little holes.” Jisung panted as he fucked into his own hand. 

Chan gripped your hair and started to fuck your throat at the same rhythm as Minho was fucking your ass. You didn’t know why taking their cocks down your throat was so incredibly arousing, but it was. You couldn’t get enough. It was almost like you didn’t need to breathe when they were in your mouth, and you wondered if it was some weird ghost magic.

You were pinned down and held still as they forced another orgasm out of you. How much more could your body take? You hadn’t even fucked all of them yet. You started to feel drowsy and your eyes fluttered closed. Chan withdrew his cock from your mouth, and some saliva dribbled down your chin. 

“Babygirl.” He stroked your cheek. “Are you okay? You need to wake up for us. You still need more to be sated.”

Minho and Changbin pulled out of you too and came up to check on you. 

“We can’t keep doing this if you’re asleep, pretty lady.” Felix stroked your hair and gazed down at you. 

You opened your eyes and grinned with a fucked out expression. “Why am I empty?” You whispered.

“Atta girl.” Chan slapped your face, pulling you out of your sleepy moment, and just like that you were ready for more.

“Come ride me, bunny.” Changbin coaxed you over by gripping his cock and pumping it a few times. You licked your lips and crawled towards him, and a few hard slaps landed on your ass as you did so.

Changbin had a thick cock. Maybe the thickest you’d ever seen. You threw a leg over him and reached down to line his cock up with your entrance. You both sighed in relief as you slid effortlessly onto his thickness and immediately began to roll your hips. “Fuck, yeah, bunny. Still so tight, even after we’ve fucked you open.”

You grinned down at him as you found a rhythm with him rolling his hips up into you in the most delicious way. “Kiss me.” he sighed, and pulled you down on top of him and captured you in a deep kiss. You melted against him, as he cupped your ass and pulled your cheeks apart. You panted into Chanbgin’s mouth. “You want Felix at the same time?” he whispered. You nodded.

Like clockwork, you felt the mattress dip behind you. “It’s okay, love. Lixi’s gonna help keep you feeling full.” he positioned himself behind you and lined himself up with your ass. 

Although your ass had been stretched by two cocks already, Felix was met with some resistance due to Changbin already filling you up so good. But Felix persevered, pressing and pushing until he was fully seated inside of you.

A few of the other men gasped at the sight of seeing you filled like this. 

“Felix,” said Changbin. “You know what she wants us to do. Are you ready to give it to her?” Felix grabbed hold of your hips, pressing his fingers into you hard, and began to fuck you with hard, sharp thrusts. He snapped his hips quickly, forcing you to cry out in choked sobs. At the same time, Changbin gently rolled his hips up into you. The difference in technique and pace was driving you insane. The feeling of both your holes stretched like this was overwhelming. They were going to break you into pieces. You were sure of it. You were crying and sobbing, eventually collapsing onto Changbin and letting them fuck you dumb. Drool was dribbling out of your mouth onto Changbin’s shoulder, and you felt like you were losing your sense of consciousness.

“P-please…please…ruin me…fuck me…feels s’good…so deep… full.” You babbled.

“She’s so dumb from cock. Look at her. Eyes unfocused. Drooling.” Minho observed. 

“Her cunt is gushing around Binnie too. You all know what she wants next, don’t you?” Jisung winked at Chan. 

“C’mon fellas. Fuck her harder. She’ll fall asleep if you’re too gentle.” Minho snickered.

Both Changbin and Felix doubled down, both finding a matching rhythm, and slamming into your holes. Even though you knew what to expect from theirs orgasms, it still hit you hard, taking you over the edge with them. The three of you were a trembling mess by the time they pulled out of you.

“Pup, show us your pretty used holes.” Seungmin requested. You happily obliged by leaning your head into the bed, ass in the air, and spreading your cheeks with your shaky hands. 

Whines, whimpers, sighs, and mumbled “fucks” filled the room as they all gazed hungrily at your sloppy, used holes. “Fuck, I wish I could ejaculate. I’d cum all over that ass.” sighed Hyunjin.

“I’d fucking cum in there and watch it ooze out.” added Minho.

“Babygirl.” Chan had laid himself on his back, leaning against the pillows. “My turn to feel your pussy. I’m out of patience.” 

You sauntered over to him, and kissed him. “Turn around, babygirl. Show ‘em how you ride reverse.” You straddled him, reverse cowgirl, and swallowed up his cock whole. Chan’s cock was ice cold like the rest of the men, but he was much, much bigger. He stretched you out like you were made for him. “That’s it. There you go. There you go.” he cooed once you planted your feet into the mattress and used your legs as leverage to bounce yourself up and down his length. 

All eyes were on your hole swallowing Chan’s cock, and then sliding up to reveal just how wet and slippery you were. Hyunjin was lying on his stomach watching everything curiously. A few of the others were pumping their still hard cocks. You even noticed a couple of the men were translucent again.

You eyes landed on the one man you hadn’t fucked yet. Jisung. He looked at your pussy desperately, like he was in pain. He needed you. He looked up, locking eyes with you, and in an instant, he crawled over to you. “Hey baby. You ready for me?” he grinned.

“I am.” you whimpered.

“Okay, lean back on me…that’s it.” instructed Chan. “Let’s push your legs up. Good girl. That’s it. Make room for Jisung.”

Jisung kneeled in front of you and rubbed his cock against your clit. “Please.” you plead. You watched as Jisung pushed against your entrance, beside Chan, and when the tip slipped in you cried out. “Fuck.” you squeaked. “It’s so…fuck…the stretch…it’s” your hands gripped onto Jisung’s arms to hold yourself in place as Jisung pushed further into your cunt. 

Jisung’s cock was cold, where Chan’s had warmed up and the difference in temperature allowed you to feel the two distinct penises that were inside you.

“I’m gonna push all the way in now, baby.” Jisung pushed his hips hard, and with your pussy so wet, it gave way just enough for the rest to slip in.

“Fuck, it’s so tight.” Jisung’s eyes squeezed closed. 

“Full…S’full.” You groaned.

“Stuffed full of cock.” Seungmin admired.

The other men had gathered around and watched in awe as they watched your pussy being fucked by two cocks at once. Chan continued to hold your legs up out of the way while he fucked you from below. Han leaned over you as he snapped his hips as vigorously as your cunt would allow.

‘’Open.” demanded jisung. You opened your mouth for him and he spat into it before crashing his mouth onto yours. Apparently ghosts don’t ejaculate, but oddly enough they have saliva. 

“This what you wanted, babygirl?” Chan nibbled your neck. You answered with a whimper. 

“You love being stretched like this. Filled so deep with cock?” Jisung said, panting. “You don’t have to say anything. We already know. We know how after this you want us to all take turns double penetrating you.”

You moaned in agreement.

“One in the pussy…one in the ass. Or two in your tight cunt like right now.” Jisung pressed his mouth against your ear. “Maybe even two in the ass?” he whispered. “Maybe we should get everyone to pair up ready?” 

You yelped, and clenched tighter around the two men.

“She likes that idea.” Chan chuckled.

“Well it’s her idea, remember? We’re the sex slaves.” Jisung grunted as he pushed in as deep as possible.

“Good thing our erections last so long. Our pretty Babygirl is so needy. Lucky we're here to take care of her.”

Your body felt floppy, like they could bend you and stretch you however they wanted, and your body would accommodate. All of your attention was focused on the sensation in your core. You felt so full. Their cocks reaching deep inside you. What state would it be in when they’re finished? You didn’t care because after this you wanted them to do it all again. 

Jisung changed his angle to concentrate on your g-spot, causing your body to start shaking. It was simultaneously too much and not enough. You were a helpless, sobbing mess, needing to come, but not wanting to yet.

Minho and Felix moved closer, one on either side of you, and took hold of your trembling legs, freeing up Chan’s hands.

Subconsciously, your hands found their cocks and you started to jerk them off.

“You gonna come with us, babygirl? I can feel you’re so close.” Chan encouraged as he wrapped a hand around your neck to choke you.

Jisung sat back on his knees and began to rub your clit as he and Chan continued to abuse your pussy with hard, relentless thrusts.

You threw your head back, wanting to cry out, but with Chan’s hand squeezing you, it turned into a gurgling sound. Hands groped at your tits, most likely Minho and Felix while they held your legs. You felt the tip of a cock on your cheek, and Chan turned your head so you could open up for Changbin.

You couldn’t hold on any longer. 

“That’s it, babygirl… let go.” Chan whispered.

“Come for us.” Hyunjin said. Words of encouragement resonated around the room.

The tension inside you snapped, setting off your orgasm. Your cunt clamped down, causing Chan and Jisung to come too, moaning and cursing under their breaths. The force of both of their cold energies extended your orgasm, thrusting you into a new realm of pleasure. It had you pulsing, squeezing, shaking, and then squirting all over their cocks.

“Fuck, she squirted so much! Like a fucking faucet.” Someone growled. 

Changbin came in your mouth, and with Chan still choking you, it heightened the feeling of your orgasm and you squirted a second time. 

“Good fucking girl.” Purred Chan as he continued to roll his hips into you.

“She’s the most compatible we’ve ever seen.” Noted Jeongin.

“We’re gonna pull out now, baby.” Jisung stroked your cheek. You grasped his arm and shook your head.

“No! Need more!” You sobbed.

“I thought she was meant to be satisfied by now.” Said Hyunjin, confused.

“It’s like the more we give her, the more she needs.” Observed Felix.

“We have to keep going until she’s satisfied.” Confirmed Minho.

“What a fucking shame.” Sneered Seungmin as he approached the bed and pulled Jisung out of your cunt and lined himself up.

A/n: I have similarly unhinged oneshots and drabbles that you may enjoy on my side blog @daydreams-after-dark .

General Taglist is open for both blogs.

@channieandhisgoonsquad @noellllslut @chansbabyg @kangnina @vanillacupcakefrosting @itsseohannbin @weareapackofstrays @xxkissesforchanniexx @enjaken @newhope8 @jehhskz @weareapackofstrays @bethanysnow @queenmea604 @queen-in-the-shadows

Again, my tag links have been messing up. 😫😫

[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."

[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.

[daydreams-after-dark]

Hey Sorsha hope yu not over working yourself & staying healthy!🥰

Ok so I came here for 2 reasons

1- you’ve never taken this long to reply to any of my requests & it's making me nervous.

2- I remember the bts question but I don’t remember the other or if I made more that one request that day😭😭😭

🎀

Hey friend! I promise I’ll get to your asks really soon my dear. 😘😘😘

[sorshania]

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.

[moonlightndaydreams]

Hey Sorsha I wrote is like 7 or 8 moths ago around the time I first started writing. I was writing on Wattpad before I started on here. I went on my old account & found this in my drafts. Now Idk what else to add because I remember being stuck between leaving it with fluff or adding smut😂 but I'm a perv so I know that's not happening. Mind finishing the story for me? It's a SeungBin Jealousy Oneshot. I'll send in what I already have & you can add to it or not. If you do I will be merging it & posting it on my account & I will most definitely be tagging you in it.

If you don't want to just reply to this saying you not interested or already have too much to write & just delete the request with the story❤️

OMG I have only just seen this!!!!!!! I have been so behind and taking a break due to illness. Right now I am creatively worn out so cannot commit to anything at this stage (as much as I'd love to). I'm only just getting to my inbox, so many amazing prompts but I'm struggling rn.

[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

[macgyverbooks]

The Orc and the Elf

Chapter 4 - Dejah spills the tea

Summary: When Bala flees her home after a terrible attack she never thought she'd find help among the elusive Orc Clans hidden deep in the mountains

Word Count: 7000 (sorry)

Warnings: Graphic descriptions of injury

Notes: Yet another chapter down, wooh!

Read on AO3 Here

Chapter Three Here

Chapter Five Here

“We can’t just go galavanting off into the valleys on the word of some… Elf!” The Grande Council members all grumbled in agreement. The large band of old Orcs stood under the flickering light of the candelabras of the great hall, the dim glow catching the shadows of their craggy faces turning them ghoulish and haggard, at least more so than usual.

“It could be a trap!” A loud voice from somewhere in the back yelled followed by more grumbles and nodding.

Kaal Sorsha laughed openly at that, her clear voice cutting through the noise as she lounged in the fur-covered ivory throne in front of the central fire pit. The council rippled with indignation at her reaction, elderly woman bent double over their canes turning to whisper harshly to their neighbours as the mens faces soured. Drawing himself up Kogan, a conniving old Orc with a face to match stepped forward from the group with a look of barely contained contempt.

“Does my Kaal find the idea of potential annihilation amusing?” He demanded dramatically, his jowls wobbling as he spoke, a heavily ringed hand pressed ardently against the rich brocade covering his barrel chest.

I felt Vanda stiffen next to me making a jerking motion to stand, a deep growl building in his throat as he glared down Kogan. My hand shot out and grabbed the back of his sash, sitting the hot-headed idiot back down with my own impatient growl before anyone, especially Sorsha could notice. Thankfully we sat well behind the Kaal, partially obscured in the shadows of the decorative tapestries that hung on either side of the throne. Facing the assemblage from our hiding spot, we acted as Sorsha’s extra eyes and ears as the council decided on the elf woman’s fate.

Vanda flicked an annoyed look to me but tried his best to relax, folding his arms and crossing his ankles, actively attempting to hold himself in place. We weren’t formally supposed to be here, as Vanda wasn’t technically part of the council and myself being technically banished. That fact aside if Sorsha even suspected Vanda tried to step in during one of these debates she’d kick his ass from here to Deaths Gate, pregnancy be damned. Vanda leaned over, his eyes still locked on Kogan.

“This is fucking ridiculous! A two-man scout party take less than three days to find out what we need.” He hissed

“Yes,” I smirked, “but why do something useful when you can argue.”

Vanda grunted and scowled deeper at Kogan as he lobbied support from his councilmen. I chuckled as Sorsha adjusted in her throne. By the tilt of her head, I could imagine the calamitous look she was levelling at the old Orc.

“What I find amusing,” she replied lightly, her words triggering a hushed quiet around the room, “is the thought of the mighty elders of this clan cowering in indecision, in their own hall, over the words of one half lucid she-elf.”

The hall exploded with noise, the crowd bellowing with indignation, denial and accusations. I winced at the reaction while Vanda stifled a laugh, a look of pride in his eyes as he nudged me in the ribs. Grinning at my friend’s infatuated expression as he stared with pride at his wife, I glanced over in time to see a young broad shouldered warrior push his way to the front. Both Vanda and I jumped up, stepping toward Sorsha braced for anything when the warrior shot an angry finger toward her.

“Kill the elf!” He bellowed over the noise. “Feed her to the wolves before she destroys us!” Sorsha’s head snapped in his direction but her council members were already shoving him back.

“Shut up, Dannik!” One yelled, grabbing his shoulder and pushing the warrior away.

“Whats the boy doing here? Get out!” Another woman screeched, “this is no place for children!” More shouts and boos overrode each other, Dannik’s face shifting from smug conviction to uncertainty as the crowd turned on him. I watched as he slunk back to hide behind Kogan at the back of the hall, unease prickling along my scalp as the old orc patted him on the arm like a trained dog. Figures someone like Dannik would fall in with Kogan’s lot. The threat gone Vanda and I settled back down, prepared for a long evening of arguing and politics only for a figure to appear, slipping through the main doors and elbowing to the front of the riotous group as they shook their fists and pointed fingers. It was Ada, her craggy face looking even more irritable than usual. After a respectful bow, Ada stepped foreword, Sorsha motioning her over with a subtle curl of a finger. They whispered quietly to each other, Sorsha having to bend low to hear Ada over the clamour and appeared to nod together in agreement. Turning in her seat, the Kaal beckoned me to her side. Passing a worried glance at Vanda’s surprised face, I squared my shoulders. Brushing back the tapestries, I stalked foreword with forced ease painfully aware of the growing number of eyes on me as the room grew deafeningly quiet. Not the respectful quiet Sorsha had earlier, more like the quiet before the storm the air charged and loud with fear.

At my approach members of the council visibly leaned away, faces curled in distrust, some even backing up a few steps as if I were contagious, their eyes sharp for any suspicious moves. The only ones to not cower were Kogan and Dannik, Dannik even appeared to step foreword his face promising violence only for Kogan to seize his shoulder. Dog, I mouthed over the councils heads staring directly at Dannik whose face turned purple with rage. Placing a firm hand on my arm Sorsha glanced up at me with a tight smile. Her young, unmarked face looked drawn and increasingly exasperated. Still, her eyes softened with a deep fondness that made my throat catch. She patted my forearm, an attempt to reassure herself or me I couldn’t tell, then raised her head high in a commanding tone.

“Enough.” The council ceased their low mumbling, albeit grudgingly, and eyed the pair of us with open suspicion. “Karn Dejah was able to walk through the mind of the she-elf.” Sorsha announced clearly. Ignoring the deafening silence that filled the room, she ploughed on looking up at me expectantly. “Tell us. Did the Elf speak the truth?”

My skin flushed hot, and I swallowed. I’d known it had been a gamble when I told the Kaal what I’d done for the elf. Sorsha had a duty to deal out the laws of our people, yet I trusted her anyway. But this? Declaring I’d broken the clans law in front of the entire assembly felt like leaping from the frying pan into the fucking fire. Ignoring the growing knot of anxiety in my belly, I fixed my gaze to the wall over the top of the crowd and nodded.

“I saw her memories, it is exactly as she says.”

“No sign of traps or elven tricks?”

“None,” I confirmed to Sorsha’s satisfied nod.

“You say you saw her memories,” an older woman with blind eyes croaked, her hands white-knuckled on her walking staff. “What of magic? Is she… tainted too?” Her words were careful but the implication was obvious. One magic-user in the village was enough, two would mean inevitable disaster. I fought a grimace off my face and shook my head smoothly, keeping my breathing even.

“No, she is untrained. Just a noviciate, nothing more.” The tension in the room visibly eased. After a gentle squeeze Sorsha removed her hand from my arm, a clear sign of dismissal and I stepped back, taking up a position behind her throne.

“That is all the confirmation I need. If our Karn says the elf is safe, then she is safe. Are we in agreement?” A general murmur of reluctant assent rumbled from the group, a stab of guilt shooting through my stomach.

“A scouting party will be sent out first light tomorrow. We will decide what to do when they return.” Sorsha announced and stood with a flourish, the council bowing and murmuring their goodnights to their Kaal as she rose. Turning, her furs sweeping out and catching the fire pit sending embers flying up in sparks, Sorsha leaned close so she could whisper surreptitiously in my ear, her smile flashing sharp teeth

“Do not fear the council, it was for the best. You proved your value today.”

Keeping my face carefully blank, I bowed my head in thanks. With that, Kaal Sorsha turned and looped an arm through Vanda’s waiting one and disappeared through the large double doors behind the tapestries, heading to her private rooms without so much of a backward glance. Meeting adjourned.

I stayed were I was, standing by the throne as the elders shuffled out, studiously ignoring me as they filtered through the doors into the cold night. Kogan however, remained behind with two elder councilmen and Dannik at his side as he approached the throne with measured steps. Schooling my face into a blank slate I folded my arms and raised my head high, watching them wearily. Looking like a plague of vultures circling carrion they spread out, the heavy drapes of their robes dragging behind them on the wood floor like detailed wings, firelight glinting off their many jewels and fine metals as they boxed me in. Dannik’s leering grin set me on edge, aware of how empty the hall had become. Kogan drew himself up, his flabby face and withered, cracked tusks picked out in detail by the flames as he eyed me, his lip rising in a sneer.

“Our Kaal may find your demon-craft amusing,” he grunted imperiously, “but we will remember you broke our laws. Again.”

“You forget yourself, Bah-zra!” Snarled the elder on my left, his haggard face twisted into a cruel smile. My fingers twitched involuntarily at the insult, feeling a pulse of energy flicker under my skin. Levelling an empty gaze at Kogan I bit back the urge to bare my teeth at him.

“I broke no rules,” I rumbled, keeping my voice low and steady

“Lies!” Dannik hissed, snapping his jaws threateningly but I lifted a shoulder in a half shrug, unfazed.

“By the law of hospitality. I did everything in my power to help a guest, as is our custom” Kogan flushed an angry purple, spittle flying from his lips as he pointed a black clawed finger at my chest

“Do not presume to cite our customs to me, Bah-zra! By our law the elf was not a guest when it arrived and by such laws you will be damned!” He boomed backing away. “We do not forget. You will pay what’s due in time” Kogan had flair, I’ll give him that. One by one they all filtered out the hall spitting at my feet as they went.

Breathing a sigh of relief at the now empty space, I relaxed my shoulders and rubbed the back of my neck. They where right, one way or another I would have to pay the toll be it time in a cell or lashes. Wasn’t anything I hadn’t done before, even so, a knot of dread stuck in my gut. Turning to follow them out I nearly jumped out my skin at Ada who stood silently in the shadows by the door.

“Fucking shit woman!” I shouted leaping back nearly landing on the burning coals of the firepit. She watched me flail, her eyes slowly squinting into judgmental slits.

“She’s getting a fever,” Ada said and stalked away out the room.

“So treat her then,” I called after her, baffled.

Following her outside, I groaned and stretched looking out over the moonlit mountains from the vantage of the Great Halls high terrace. Lanterns and torches lit up the cold night throughout the village, casting a warm glow on the few that wandered the streets. Large groups sat in tight circles around cook fires and spits, roasting meat laughing drinking and joking enjoying the holiday atmosphere from last night. Away from the cooking fires, the air was bitterly cold. Winter had already lasted an eternity in these mountains and yet, the shifting air pressure foretold more snow and freezing weather was on the way. Ada waited for me at the bottom of the stone steps arms crossed, foot tapping.

“Nothings working,” her lips were pursed in annoyance, but her voice sounded uncharacteristically worried. “I can’t get her fever down and she throws up anything I give her, even your tea.” Bouncing down the steps, I joined her scratching my jaw and thinking it over. The wound hadn’t been that bad, bloody and gruesome maybe but not deadly. Unless there was an infection. In something that deep an infection could get real bad, real fast. Glancing at Ada who was chewing on the inside of her lip also in deep thought, I asked reluctantly

“You want any help? I could get my books, make sure there isn’t something you missed?”

“Books won’t work,” she snapped, her voice sharp and patronising. I grunted with a shrug and walked around her, heading out of the village for home, immediately losing all interest.

“I’m serious,’’ Ada called jogging up to my side on her much shorter legs.

“I’ve tried everything, nothing is helping.” She reached out and tugged on my shirt dragging me to a stop. “You’re the only thing we haven’t tried.” My eyes narrowed at the old Orc, noting the way she shifted her weight to one side with a mildly guilty expression, her ears flat.

“I can’t do that.” I said quietly, folding my arms defensively.

“Don’t be childish, you did it just fine earlier so just do it again.“ She snipped, talking like I was the one being paranoid, but I shook my head dismissing her comment with a scowl.

“You heard what Kogan said. I can’t risk it again,” I snapped back. “If I do it now, it would be deliberate insubordination. And what of all those lectures you’re always jabbering about? All these years flapping about rules and loyalty and now you think you can just ask me to-” The rage was building in my tone, my shoulders rising as I towered over her. How could she even ask me this, after everything that’s happened? I was already in the shit after Sorsha’s little announcement earlier, if anyone even suspected I’d try healing magic again that’d be it. Not seeming to take in anything I was saying, Ada straightened her spine.

“I think it would be best if she stayed with you.” That threw me.

“What, why? She-“ I stuttered

“I’ve already talked to Sorsha about it, and she agrees. That way the elf is out of the village bounds and you can…” She waved her hand in the air obscurely, looking for the right word.

“Can what?” I said between clenched teeth

“Help her, Dejah.” Ada said as gently as she could manage. They were mad, the pair of them, and they were going to get me killed or worse. I backed up ready to leave, but Ada followed close behind clasping her skinny, wrinkled hands together in a pleading gesture, something I’d never seen Ada do before.

“I may not like elves, but I won’t let a soul suffer under my care when I *know* something can be done. Heal her Dejah. Read your mothers notes, do whatever you have to just make sure she doesn’t suffer more than she needs to.”

“What if one of the council find out?” I huffed glancing about with mounting paranoia

“Then Sorsha will deal with it like always.” Ada looked smug like she’d thought of everything. “Besides after your little tale earlier why would they be worried? As far as they know, the elf is harmless.”

I stared at the ground as my fingers drifted to the stark white burns that encircled my wrists. My thoughts where a tangled mess of fear, questions and doubts that clouded together into an ugly vortex. Bringing the Elf to the village, using my abilities and now betraying the council’s trust, again. It was all building up. Ada sighed and motioned to follow her

“Come see her at least, that might change your mind.”

Trailing behind her in silence, I scrabbled for a plan. I wasn’t all that skilled with the arcane. Even if I read all my mothers notes and books, it was questionable if I could do much beyond keeping the Elf calm and comfortable. What if I kill her, a small, traitorous voice whispered. Fear shot down my spine and gnawed at my belly, I shook my head trying to shake the nerves away.

Too distracted to notice, my feet tripped over a soft bundle on the ground. Looking down in surprise, I spotted a small stack of goods laid out carefully on the snow-packed dirt. Blankets, clothing, extra food and pairs of sturdy leather boots in various sizes were placed like an offering by Ada’s door. Small bunches of pine needle sprigs wrapped together with hawthorn berries decorated the pile in pretty little wreaths, something the children were especially fond of making. Picking up one of the wreaths I twirled it between my fingers, they were signs of good luck and used to ward off bad energy. I smiled at the gesture. Motioning to the spread, I asked a little incredulously

“What’s all this?” Ada shrugged, a small smile playing on her mouth.

“Who do you think. Besides,” she sighed stepping over a carefully wrapped bundle of clothes and pushed open the door. “Most know what it’s like to lose everything. They just wanted to help.”

Following her into her hut the sharp, tangy smell of infection and sweat hit my nose immediately. The Elf lay curled on her side, breathing fast through her clenched teeth, her eyes roving under closed lids as sweat beaded and dripped down her tan face. Her mass of thick white hair was tangled and ratty with blood, still soaked through from when I’d found her. She was even dressed in that same worn, blood-spattered rag that barely covered her shaking form. Grimacing at the state of her I glanced at Ada who stood out the way watching us both. In Orcish, I whispered

“Why didn’t you bathe her?” Ada shrugged and replied in kind

“I tried, she wouldn’t let me.” Strange, I thought. I glanced sharply between Ada and the Elf my eyes narrowed.

“What did you say to her?”

“Nothing, just gave some advice is all.” She waved dismissively. I snorted, I knew exactly what Ada’s “advice” was like.

Crouching, I sat crosslegged by the Elf and looked her over carefully, nose screwed up from the smell. Her panting breaths were short and rattled in her chest while a sickly heat radiated off her. Whatever it was that raged in her blood, it worked fast. It had only been a few hours since she had stood before the council looking so calm and collected, almost regal. Her whole body twitched and shook while the tips of her long ears poked through her hair, flicking and moving as she dreamed. Reaching over, I placed the back of my knuckles on her brow and frowned at how her skin felt taught and pale, the sweat dripping down her face smelling strangely metallic. Not good.

Concentrating, I reached out with my mind hoping to replicate the connection from before. The Elf’s awareness was dark, a writhing mess of incoherent fever dreams and nightmares. Forging on anyway I dove in and was nearly swept away by bloody images and memories, crippling in their violence. Torn and mangled bodies buried in bloody snow. A shadowed figure in destroyed plate armour reaching out with a clawed, metal hand, gurgling from the pulverised remains of its head, the skull mashed into a boney, bloody pulp that oozed down its neck its tongue lolling and twitching like a worm. Gritting my teeth, I fought back forcing the images away, imagining them being corralled and wrestled into a massive iron-bound chest. Slamming the lid shut I looked about searching for any signs of her in the oppressive darkness.

“She’s in pain,” I noted out loud. An exasperated huff from Ada had me staggering back into myself and levelling a questioning glare at her. She had her arms folded impatiently, mouth twisted into a derisive sneer.

“Course she’s in pain,” she huffed. “She’s been poisoned.”

“What?” I exclaimed, pulling at the blankets the Elf was wrapped in to take a look at the wound itself. Ada crouched next to me and explained

“She kept going on and on about how she couldn’t feel her magic or something. Accused us of poisoning her.” She wriggled her fingers and rolled her eyes. “I told her no, but I don’t think she believed me. Wouldn’t let me touch her after that.” Ada finished with a huff as I unravelled the bindings on the Elf’s leg.

Collectively we leaned back and gasped as the smell of rot and disease hit us. Her entire thigh was swollen, distended and coloured a frightening burning red. The wound itself was an angry purple that gaped like a gruesome maw with dark lines spreading out from it like ugly roots, trailing up her leg. It wept a yellowish fluid, blood and puss between the straining, partially ripped stitches.

“Gods have mercy,” Ada breathed. I winced in agreement.

Pulling a knife from my boot, I thrust it into the fire to sterilise it then sliced through the stitches, pulling them gently out of the swollen, inflamed flesh. With the stitches gone the wound was left open and freely flowed with puss and blood.

“We’re going to have to cut into it to get at the infection,” I muttered. “We got any idea what poison it is?” Ada shrugged tapping her chin

“Can only assume it’s what the Imperials used on us during the invasion. Nasty shit. Steals your energy till you can hardly breathe. Only way to treat it is to flush it out the wound.” Ada paused and peered at me thoughtfully.

“So, you’re going to treat her then?”

I ducked my head, grunting in affirmation. Ada was right as usual. It just wasn’t in me to sit and watch someone waste away in agony, not again. Reaching over she clapped me on the back in approval, I held back a smile. Just like the old days, I thought

We got to work. Ada cleaned the Elf up as best she could, replacing a cold rag on her face and neck repeatedly to keep her temperature down. At the same time, I set about cutting into and draining the injury, redirecting my own energy into the wound to dull the inflammation and aid in drawing out the worst of the infection from deep in the muscle tissue. Satisfied, I rapidly mashed together a salt and honey poultice with boiled water. Applying it with gauze I rewrapped the Elf’s thigh and scooped her up, my movements fast and precise. Walking smoothly out the hut Ada followed chewing her lip, muttering advice then said

“I shouldn’t be seen helping you outright, but if you need a hand I won’t hesitate.” Her words were hard and decisive, but I shook my head

“Its okay Ada, it’ll be fine. Go back inside, quick now.” Ada obeyed giving me one last unyielding stare before shutting the door. Not wasting time I left the path and made straight for my own home through the trees.

“Vaas!” A shout went up behind me. “Vaas, wait! Dejah!”

Swearing under my breath I tucked the Elf’s tiny body closer, her head fitting snuggly under my chin and waited for the approaching figure to catch up. Evhran jogged over a look of excitement on her face. Her axe bounced at her hip while a pack was slung over one shoulder.

“Hey, I wanted to grab you before we set out,” she said eagerly. Coming to a halt her long braids swung over one shoulder, the multitude of honorary beads and decorations clacking together and catching on her thick furred parka. Evhran’s eyes flicked down to the Elf in my arms, she frowned. Shit.

“What do you need Evhran?” I prodded in a sullen tone, hoping to distract her away from the Elf. Her frown deepened as she glanced about furtively, checking for anyone watching.

“What are you doing?” She hissed under her breath, “if someone catches you making off with-.“ I rolled my eyes with an exasperated growl.

“I’m not making off with her. Gods, what do you think of me!” I snapped. A look of surprise then hurt flashed across her beautiful face at my sharp retort. I never talked to her like that, not before and certainly not now. I cringed internally and took a breath

“She’s sick and Ada can’t help her. It’s up to me,” I admitted with a grunt leaning away toward the woods. “I’m in kind of a rush here so…”

“Oh,” Evhran shifted on her feet looking awkward, “so you’re gonna do your… uh, thing?”

“Thing?” I quirked an eyebrow and raised the corner of my mouth, trying to ease her a little. It worked for the most part as she smiled albeit tightly back.

“You know what I mean,” she paused, “I just wanted to let you know I was leaving…” Her words trailed off as she wrestled with herself, rubbing the back of her neck in a self-soothing gesture. My heart thumped painfully in my chest as I nodded, looking anywhere but her face.

“Heading down the valley,” she continued stiffly, “hoping to pick up a trail.” Her hand motioning loosely to the comatose Elf.

“Thought you were heading out in the morning?” I asked weakly. Evhran shrugged and mumbled something about bad weather, wanting a head start. Gods, this was the worst. We both floundered for a beat looking anywhere but at each other and shifting restlessly from foot to foot. The air was so heavy I could almost taste the awkwardness. Letting out an exasperated growl I tilted my head back and screwed my eyes shut not wanting the words that were piling up my throat to come out.

“Look, Evhran. You… you don’t have to check in with me, or up on me, or whatever it is you’re doing. We’re fine, it’s all fine.” I risked a peek and found her staring emptily off to the side, a thumb absently running over a green bead that hung from a braid by her ear. Slowly she looked down and took a deep breath to speak when a shout from behind made us both jump. A male Orc, I couldn’t tell who at this distance stood hand raised and waving Evhran over, a pack at his feet and weapons at his hip.

“Who’re you going with?” I asked with forced lightness, thrusting my chin over in his direction

“Riktor,” Evhran replied distractedly as she waved back.

Riktor. I’d seen him hanging about in Evhran’s circle, seen how his eye lingered on her. He was tall, loyal, a good warrior and came from a decent bloodline. Fuck, I hated him. Evhran walked away then looked over her shoulder, an unreadable expression playing across her profile.

“You’re wrong by the way. Nothings fine, Dejah. And it won’t be, not for a long time.” She kept walking. Hating to watch her leave so somber I called out before I could stop myself

“Be safe!”

“You too,” she echoed with a wave disappearing further into the village with that bastard Riktor trotting at her heels.

I stared after them feeling raw, listless. I had entirely forgotten the Elf was still cradled in my arms until a small shift from her spurred me into motion, heading out of the village and through the woods. The forest was quiet and thick with snow. This far from the village’s light and fires, you could feel the full force of winter. Winds so cold they took your breath away buffeted us, sending up flurries of ice crystals that bit like glass shards. Occasionally a clump of snow fell off a high branch making eerie thumping noises in the dark, setting me on edge. It wasn’t quite cold enough to freeze the sap in the trees, but even so, the branches creaked and cracked menacingly above us like popping knuckles.

A soft, warm glow appeared through the trees. Rounding a boulder a small guiding lantern could be seen, hung from a rocky outcrop that rose out of the forest floor. Even after living out here for so long, it was still a strange sight to see my front door wedged under the exposed outcrop of boulders. Almost like it had just been abandoned there, propped against the rocks to rot away. Hands full with the Elf, I used my foot to kick open the door revealing an utterly dark space within, the faint lantern glow from outside doing nothing to pierce the gloom. Shutting the door with my hip, I felt about using my feet, carefully laying the Elf out on a pile of sleeping furs and blankets. With practised speed, I set about lighting candles and getting the central fire pit going.

The growing light revealed an expansive cave carved out of a soft blue-grey toned stone. The rock walls were worn smooth, undulating like waves. Stalactites hung like teeth from the cavernous ceiling forming columns thick as my leg in places. Old, battered tables and chairs were shoved haphazardly against the uneven walls along with piles of storage barrels and baskets. It was messy and disorganised, every surface stacked so high with books, papers, tools and dried herbs they spilled out onto the floor in a chaotic jumble. I winced, seeing the place with fresh eyes. It wasn’t the most inviting space for someone to rest and recover, but at least it was out the village. Determined to tidy up later I turned to the Elf who lay sprawled and unmoving on the bed furs, breathing raggedly. Frowning down at her, I thumbed my nose turning over what I knew of poisons, infections and how to counteract them. She would need to ingest something to fight it internally, as well as something to treat the wound and infection directly. My main worry was how to clean out such a deep injury thoroughly, without causing even more damage. Slowly an idea formed piece by piece. Kicking off my boots I rifled through my stacks of books finding the a soft, handwritten leather journal, the pages yellowed and stained with use, and got to work by the now roaring fire pit.

Plucking ingredients and utensils from wicker baskets lined up haphazardly against the wall, I kept my movements slow but deliberate. Meticulously selecting plants both fresh and dried from my stores and from the various bunches hanging from the ceiling. I stripped and crushed them up in a mortar, adding boiled water when needed. Occasionally I would flick back through the handwritten notes, double-checking and then rechecking my work until finally, I felt happy with the concoction. Fetching a small frame with a finely woven white cloth stretched over it I strained the mixture into a large copper bowl and settled back at the Elf’s side. For the first time, I got a proper look at her. Under all the dirt and dried blood she had a dainty profile that was distinctly Elven with an upturned nose, curved jawline and a long elegant neck. Her dark skin caught the firelight turning a rich golden brown while her long white hair trailed starkly at her sides, the telltale long pointed ears peeking through the strands. Although she was relatively short compared to our kind, she had long, strong proportions though she was far too skinny, her bones poking through her skin like an elegant scarecrow. She was so alien in a curious kind of way, so far removed from what I knew in the village. *Doesn’t matter what she looks like if she’s dead*, a voice reminded me and I got back to work. Propping her leg up, positioning it above the bowl of the strong-smelling herbal concoction, I glanced at her sleeping face with a grimace.

“This is probably gonna hurt,” I explained, “but I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Wrapping a hand around her knee holding it in place over the bowl, I hovered my other hand, palm down over the open wound, my body hunching in concentration. Reaching out tentatively, I plucked at the thrum of magic that buzzed under my skin and imagined it weaving between my fingers, stretching down into the Elf’s gaping thigh and through to the other side like threading a needle. After a moment of distinct nothing, I heard the sound of water sloshing, the copper bowl rocking back and forth on the stone.

Cracking open an eye I watched as the mixture rose up into the air on its own, spiralling up to gather at the underside of her leg. Directing the liquid with little twitches and flexes of magic like a puppeteer plucking at strings, I felt the pressure build and build as the herbal brew forced its way through the tear and into her thigh muscle. A dreadful moan tore from the Elf’s throat as sweat began to pour down her face and neck. A skinny hand shot out and gripped my forearm with surprising strength. I jumped at her wild grab, control on the mixture slipping as it sloshed back into the bowl and floor, her hand like a vice on my arm

“Hello?” I queried, but she didn’t reply, apparently still dead to the world.

Feeling stupid for being so jumpy, my heart pounding in my chest, I gritted my teeth and raised up the liquid again. Dragging it into the fissure left behind by the arrow, it travelled up and into the muscle, spreading the solution as deep into the tissue as I could get it and then flushed it back and forth just to be safe. I took my time, careful to search out every trace of infection. After what felt like hours, I hauled the liquid out the top of the Elf’s thigh to gather in my waiting palm. Releasing my hold on it, I let the mixture drop back into the bowl and sagged, exhausted from the effort. Extricating her hand off my arm, I gathered the mixture and turned it to the light out of curiosity. Where it had smelled quite pleasant before it now wreaked of infection with a distinctive heavy metallic smell so acrid it burned my nose. An oily sheen swirled over the top catching the light in a sickly rainbow. Holding it at arm’s length and fighting the rising gag, I dumped the mixture outside in the snow, not wanting to sleep in the same room as that foul stench.

Energy fading fast, I quickly reapplied a fresh salt poultice to her leg and bandaged it back up with fresh gauze. I didn’t bother stitching it, thinking it more than likely I’d have to clean it again. Mixing together a honey and ginger tea the journal recommended I rose to my feet thinking maybe I could drip feed it to her then go to bed when I froze. The clay mug slipping from my fingers as a pair of luminous violet eyes stared up at me from the shadows. The now very awake Elf regarded me with an unreadable expression. Grimacing in frustration, I flicked my gaze between her penetrating stare and the mess on the floor.

“Ah shit,” I muttered under my breath, crouching to pick up the pieces. I could actually feel her eyes tracking me like mini sun beams as I moved about tidying the mess. She didn’t say a word not even when I sat cross-legged off to one side offering her a fresh steaming cup of tea.

“You need to drink this.” I said waving the cup a little in the air. Her intense stare never leaving my face, she shook her head slowly. Shrugging I placed the cup down near her head and made one for myself settling back by the fire. I wasn’t going to force it down her. I sipped my own tea in silence, trying not to nod off

“That hurt,” came a hushed dry voice from the bed.Flashing her an apologetic look I inclined my head drowsily

“I thought it might. Didn’t realise you were awake. Sorry” The Elf stared at the clay mug next to her, but made no move to reach for it. Instead appearing transfixed by the swirling steam that curled off it in waves.

“What’s your name?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. She ignored me, focusing on the tea instead

“Mine is-.“

“I know your name,” she interrupted

“Alright” I said, a little confused at her cold tone. With a long tired sigh, she lolled her head back and stared at the ceiling.

“I can’t feel it,” she whispered abruptly.

“Your leg?” I sat up in alarm

“No, my magic. My magic is gone,” her croaky voice was weak but filled with so much fear and misery I felt my chest constrict in sympathy. That is until she whipped her head to glare at me, her dirty bruised face livid. “You people did this. You poisoned me!” She accused, her body curling away feebly like she was attempting to escape. I barked out a laugh and shook my head, purposefully ignoring her angry glare.

“If we could do that I’d be the first to know, trust me,” I chuckled darkly, rolling the clay mug between my fingers. “The slaver arrow in you thigh was poisoned most likely. It numbs you, steals your strength. Probably why your magic’s gone.” I explained keeping my face to the flames. Out the corner of my eye I watched her pause, biting her lip before wilting back into the furs. Staring back at the ceiling with tears in her eyes

“My people. They’re where taken. I-I saw them die.” The Elf murmured brokenly, tears streaming down her cheeks, disappearing into her hair. I flinched, ducking my head unsure what to say. A sob wracked her tiny frame followed by a pained moan, a shaking hand going to grip her thigh. Grabbing another mug I pulled a well used bag of powder from a basket and dropped a pinch into the mug, adding some water. Holding the fresh brew in one hand, I scooted over to the Elf and crouched at her side. She cringed away from me, her breath hitching raggedly in her throat

“Easy,” I said, raising a hand keeping my voice low. “This’ll help with the pain,” she shook her head, the motion almost violent with fear

“No. I have to find them. They’ll die if we don’t get them back. Please, I have to-.“ She was getting frantic, almost delirious, her huge violet eyes wide and glassy. On reflex I put a hand on her burning forehead. Holding her head still and smoothing back her sweaty hair in a soothing gesture, something I remembered my mother doing to me as a child. To my surprise it seemed to work, the Elf relaxing fitfully into the furs

“I know,” I nodded, “we’re sending help, first thing tomorrow. We’ll find them.”

“You swear?”

“I swear.”

Liar, I thought. I had no idea if Evhran would find anything. When our own had been taken all those years ago, they’d never been found. I doubted this would be any different. Not seeming to notice the hesitation the Elf sagged, the fight in her eyes fading away like an enormous weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Cupping the back of her head I put the mug to her lips

“Drink this,” she choked it down with a disgusted grimace. It tasted foul but you couldn’t argue the results. Lowering her head back to the furs I pulled a blanket up to her chin and rose onto my heels to stand when I felt fingers brush my arm

“Bala,” the Elf said drowsily, her eyes closing as her arm dropped back to the floor with a heavy thump. “My names Bala.”

“Bala,” I repeated. It was a sweet, warm name, simple. Not what I was expecting. “Nice to meet you,” I rumbled quietly as she dozed off, the brew taking affect nicely. Turning to gather the cups and blow out the candles, I almost missed her mumbled response.

“Nice to meet you too, Dejah.”

Her sleepy husk married with the musical Elvish accent did something distinctly pleasant to my name as it flowed from her lips. Turning the blunt, clumsy noise into a soft, drawn-out vibration akin to a low harp string being gently plucked. Goosebumps rose up my neck in reaction, and I shivered involuntarily. Nobody had ever said my name like that, not in years. Hell, they didn’t even speak my name if they could avoid it. Something in my chest twisted but I clamped down on the sensation, squashing it quickly and settled down to sleep, staring at the flames listening to Bala breathe deep and evenly across the cave. *She’s going to be trouble*, a voice whispered in my head. I couldn’t help but agree.

꧁ 𓅓 ꧂

Read on AO3 Here

Chapter Three Here

Chapter Five Here

[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.

[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