#squire peacock

[peacockstalemusicalstorytelling]

Who Killed Cock Robin? A Norfolk Noir 2/8 Cock Hall

[kulturado]

The Story: Brew a Cuppa and Relax With These 12 Cozy Murder Mysteries

The Writer: Bethy Squires

(photo illustration by Vulture, with photos from Peacock, Paramount, BritBox)

[en8y]

chalcopyrisquire + knichalcopyric + chalcopyriprincet

[IMAGE ID: three horizontal flags with nine stripes; each flag has three gem shapes, all a very simple black outline, in the center. the middle stripe is twice as large as the rest of them, which are equally sized. the left flag has these top three colors: desaturated medium green, dark teal, and seafoam green. the middle flag has these top three colors: dark maroon, warm dark grey, and desaturated dark green. the right flag has these top three colors: medium grey, light grey, and white. each flag has these bottom six stripes: neon blue, off-white, neon blue, neon cool pink, dull golden yellow, and medium blue. END ID.]

chalcopyrisquire: a gender connected to being a chalcopyrite/peacock ore squire; this gender is connected to chalcopyrite/peacock ores, chalcopyrite/peacock ore aesthetics, military aesthetics, squire aesthetics, and nonbinary rankhood.

knichalcopyric: a gender connected to being a chalcopyrite/peacock ore knight; this gender is connected to chalcopyrite/peacock ores, chalcopyrite/peacock ore aesthetics, military aesthetics, knight aesthetics, and rankhood.

chalcopyriprincet: a gender connected to being a chalcopyrite/peacock ore princet; this gender is connected to chalcopyrite/peacock ores, chalcopyrite/peacock ore aesthetics, royal aesthetics, and being abinary!

[psikonauti]

Sabrina Squires

Peacock Still Life, 2020

Acrylic on wood

[ur-fairy-of-mimicry]

While I was just minding my own business, I suddenly had an idea. And that idea is to write the origin of Sky's pet dog, Lady.

Nobody knows where Lady is from or how Sky got her. Soo here I am to write it for y'all to read. Time to share my thoughts!

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

Lady was once a nameless puppy in the planet Lynphea. She was under the care of Queen Rachel, often kept in a fancy menagerie in the palace. There were other animals in the menagerie such as peacocks, magiwolves, foxes, serpents, and many more. The animals kept are both domestic and exotic, and Lady was one of those animals.

The pup was unhappy and bored in the life of fake deluxe. Although everything in the menagerie was lavish and managed, Lady was aware she was living in the same cage for her entire life. The queen noticed this, and so did her little daughter, Princess Krystal.

Queen Rachel was concerned for the puppy, wondering what would help live its life better. Suddenly, Krystal (she was at the age of eleven here) suggested to give her as a present to Prince Sky of Erakylon. It was three days before his twelfth birthday, and the queen was struggling in finding a present for the prince. Queen Rachel agrees with her daughter's idea, thanking her afterwards.

When the twentieth of March arrived, the puppy was groomed and bathed, ready to be given to Sky. The pup was very confused, wondering why she was inside a dog carrier. It adds when she was riding a carriage towards the unknown destination. The pup was feeling confusion, terror, and a small amount of hope.

Finally, the royals of Lynphea arrived in Erakylon and proudly gifted the birthday boy the puppy. King Erendor was not very pleased, on the other hand, Queen Samara was delighted. And of course, Sky was ecstatic when he received Lady as his pet. In first sight, he immediately promised to raise her in the best care.

Sky and Lady's first interactions were not the best. The puppy was rather disobedient and suspicious of Sky, thinking he will keep her captive in the life of luxury. However, Sky was determined to befriend the puppy.

The small rivalry between the two continued for five months. Lady began trusting Sky when they played together in the gardens of the Erakylon palace. The puppy always wanted to run around and play like that, and Sky was the very first person who helped her achieve the dream. Because of this, Lady became comfortable around Sky. Ever since, they became best friends.

When Lady started to trust the prince, she also learned how to trust the servants and Sky's parents. She was now willing in learning tricks and such as well, even to the point of developing mannerisms that are similar to a lady's. Because of this, the family (Yes, King Erendor finally came to liking her after a while) adored the puppy and named her Lady in her first birthday.

The more they spent time together, the deeper the connection they had as best friends. Even when Brandon became the prince's new best friend and squire, the dog never left her owner.

Sky and Lady were always by each other's side through the thick and thin. Whenever Lady was ill, Sky would effort in taking care of her. Whenever Sky was experiencing pressure from his family, Lady would comfort him. She would even bark at whoever approaches the crying prince. The first time Lady saw Sky cry made her vow to protect him at all cost.

The main reason why Lady only obeys Sky's commands is because she saw the amount of patience and effort he did in befriending her, which she strongly believes only he was worthy of her obedience. Therefore, she would only listen to her owner. Lady can play with anybody around. But whenever it comes to simple commands, only Sky holds the power.

No matter in life, regardless of whatever planet or parallel world they are in, Sky and Lady will always be the best of friends.

(please take my apology for being inactive for a while. I hope this origin story will do :'>)

[warsofasoiaf]

Why aren't halberds, Poleaxes, and Warhammers more used in ASOIAF given how common plate armour is. A sword is a pretty bad weapon against full plate and in duels the extra reach of a halberd would be very useful. Robert seems to be the only warrior that uses a weapon good against full plate.

At the portcullis they came upon a dozen guards armed with halberds. Their badges marked them for soldiers of Lord Tarly's host, though none was Tarly's own. She saw two centaurs, a thunderbolt, a blue beetle and a green arrow, but not the striding huntsman of Horn Hill. Their serjeant had a peacock on his breast, its bright tail faded by the sun. When the farmers drew their cart up he gave a whistle. "What's this now? Eggs?" He tossed one up, caught it, and grinned. "We'll take them." Within the tent, they found camp stools and a trestle table, a rack of spears and halberds, a floor covered with threadbare carpets in half a dozen clashing colors, and three officers. One was slim and elegant, with a pointed beard, a bravo's blade, and a slashed pink doublet. One was plump and balding, with ink stains on his fingers and a quill clutched in one hand. Dunk felt sick himself. What would I do if such a fate befell Thunder? A man-at-arms with a pole-axe dispatched Ser Humfrey's stallion, ending the hideous screams. Dunk turned and forced his way through the press. When he came to open ground, he lifted Egg off his shoulders. The boy's hood had fallen back and his eyes were red. "A terrible sight, aye," he told the lad, "but a squire must needs be strong. You'll see worse mishaps at other tourneys, I fear."

There's plenty of pole-weapons in ASOIAF, it's just falling into the typical fantasy trope of using swords as the primary heroic implement. The reasons for that are primarily cultural: pole weapons were primarily "commoner" weapons and used in a formation which does not fit the individual heroic mythic sentiment.

Thanks for the question, Anon.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[shinigami-striker]

The 2024 Game Awards Nominees | Monday, 11.18.24

The upcoming 2024 Game Awards show will premiere on Thursday, December 12, 2024 (in less than a month from now) at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, so we've got less than 24 days to vote for which video game(s) will go home with any award they've been nominated by each category.

But first, the nominees (by category) down below:

Game of the Year:

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Best Game Direction:

Astro Bot

Balatro

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Best Narrative:

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Silent Hill 2 (2024)

Best Art Direction

Astro Bot

Black Myth: Wukong

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Metaphor: Refantazio

Neva

Best Score and Music

Astro Bot

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Silent Hill 2 (2024)

Stellar Blade

Best Audio Design:

Astro Bot

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Silent Hill 2 (2024)

Best Performance:

Briana White (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)

Hannah Telle (Life is Strange: Double Exposure)

Humberly Gonzalez (Star Wars: Outlaws)

Luke Roberts (Silent Hill 2 (2024))

Melina Juergens (Senua's Saga Hellblade 2)

Innovation in Accessibility:

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Diablo IV

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Star Wars Outlaws

Games for Impact:

Closer the Distance

Indika

Neva

Life is Strange: Double Exposure

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2

Tales of Kenzera: Zau

Best Ongoing:

Destiny 2

Diablo IV

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers 2

Best Community Sport:

Baldur's Gate 3

Final Fantasy XIV

Fortnite

Helldivers 2

No Man's Sky

Best Independent Game:

Animal Well

Balatro

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes

Neva

UFO 50

Best Debut Indie Game:

Animal Well

Balatro

Manor Lords

Pacific Drive

The Plucky Squire

Best Mobile Game:

AFK Journey

Balatro

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket

Wuthering Waves

Zenless Zone Zero

Best VR / AR:

Arizona Sunshine Remake

Asgard's Wrath 2

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Metal: Hellsinger VR

Metro Awakening

Best Action Game:

Black Myth: Wukong

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Stellar Blade

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Best Action / Adventure:

Astro Bot

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Silent Hill 2

Star Wars: Outlaws

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Best RPG:

Dragon's Dogma 2

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Metaphor: Refantazio

Best Fighting:

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

MultiVersus

Tekken 8

Best Family:

Astro Bot

Princess Peach: Showtime!

Super Mario Party Jamboree

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

The Plucky Squire

Best Sim / Strategy:

Age of Mythology: retold

Frostpunk 2

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Manor Lords

Unicorn Overlord

Best Sports / Racing:

F1 24

EA Sports FC 25

NBA 2K25

Top Spin 2K25

WWE 2K24

Best Multiplayer:

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Helldivers 2

Super Mario Party Jamboree

Tekken 8

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Best Adaption:

Arcane

Fallout

Knuckles

Like A Dragon: Yakuza

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Most Anticipated Game:

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Ghost of Yotei

Grand Theft Auto VI

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Monster Hunter Wilds

Content Creator of the Year:

Caseoh

Illojuan

Techo Gamerz

Typical Gamer

Usada Pekora

Best Esports Game:

Counter-Strike 2

DOTA 2

League of Legends

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Valorant

Best Esports Athlete:

33

Aleksib

Chovy

Faker

Zywoo

ZMJJKK

Best Esports Team:

BiliBili Gaming (League of Legends)

Gen.G (League of Legends)

NAVI (Counter-Strike 2)

T1 (League of Legends)

Team Liquid (DOTA 2)

...and more to come before the upcoming Game Awards in the coming weeks!

[gwenllian-in-the-abbey]

A little preview of Our Fathers Clad in Red, Chapter 5, which @aifsaath and I are working hard on updating asap! “Peacock,” muttered the king. “I did ask for no roast meat, but I supposed the cooks might consider fowl to be in a different category altogether.” He gave her an odd look. “What do you think, my lady?” “I couldn’t say.” Baela frowned at the peacock. She’d always found courtly food rather ostentatious, and peacocks were much lovelier strutting about in gardens than they were on the table. “Myself, I prefer fish.” “The first night I returned to the Keep, the staff brought out a crackling pig.” The king raised a brow. “I had to leave the table. Later, I had the cook flogged and sent away. To this day, I do not know if it was an intentional slight, or carelessness.” For a moment Baela did not understand what the king was saying, but then it came to her. “The smell,” she said. The king nodded. “I wouldn’t be the only one who can no longer stomach the smell of charred flesh.” He nodded to towards the hall. “Our Lord Stark has never faced a dragon, but Tully there? He was with his father at Tumbleton, when the traitors Hugh Hammer and Ulf White burned the town.” Tully had been the first of the great lords to agree to the peace that was offered. Only a bit older than Aeg, Baela thought; the same age as Luke had been. The war had taken boys who should have been squiring at tourneys and playing kissing games and had made them face down dragonfire. “Did his father perish in the battle?” Baela asked. The king shook his head. “The poor bastard survived the battle, but took ill on the march, not two moons later. Bad drinking water.” He shrugged and said nothing else on the subject, but Baela took his meaning. This too was war. One man could survive terrible burns and broken bones, against all expectations and likelihood, while another could perish from a mere drink of water.

[dragonbanexxi]

The Great Bronze Conspiracy

***!!!NOT CANON COMPLIANT!!!***

Aegon Targaryen x OC Targaryen Royce

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two very different men sit across from each other, with calculating eyes studying the other diligently.

One dressed in an earthy emerald doublet, with the aurora a poised peacock. The other adorned in his bronze armor encrypted with sacred runes for protection and good fortune.

Two very different men with one distinct mutual hatred for the infamous Rogue Prince.

“You’re a fool if you think there isn’t any better offers for my grandsons hand.” The Hightower man drawls. Eliciting a tight smirk on his companions face.

“You’re a fool if you think if you think you can crown the little princeling king with only Lannister gold and very few allies.” Ser Gerold rebuttals back.

“Marry the prince to my niece.” The Bronze Knight says gruffly. “The boy will become king and my niece his queen. She is also just as much of the blood of the dragon as the rest of her paternal family. Wed them and together we will finally put an end to Daemon Targaryen once and for all.”

The Lord Hightower’s eyes shine with contentment at that last statement. It’s been his greatest desire to get rid of the Rogue Prince for years now. A cocky smile breaks out on his face as he offers his hand to Ser Gerold .

“Very well.” They shake hands firmly.

“Let us join our houses. My grandson with your niece.”

“Long may they reign” Ser Gerold says with a large smile.

“Long may they reign.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 1: Amélia

“Uuughhh” an annoyed frosty haired girl groans. “Septa Minnie! I’ve been practicing my good posture and walk all morning.”

Taking off the stacked books from on top of her head, the young lady gave her septa a girlish pout. Her brown eyes shift to the large window, peering outside. Taking in a sunny pasture, with butterflies flying about and birds chirping happily. The lady’s tender heart yearned to frolic about through the flower beds barefoot.

“It’s such a lovely day. Why can’t we go pick flowers at the meadow?”

The woman of faith pursed her thin lips at her mentee. Tsking at the young ladies childish suggestion.

“You are a young lady now Amélia. Soon to be ten and six. Picking flowers is for little girls.”

Amélia Royce turns away from Septa Minnie. Not wanting her to see the displeasure on her lovely face.

“Scarlett Redfort still picks flowers.” The Lady of Runestone grumbles under breathes.

The only daughter of Lord Griffin Redfort who was the younger brother of the actual lord of the Redfort Keep. Scarlett Redfort is stunning girl with the loveliest midnight shade of raven hair and riveting ice blue eyes that shone with wildness. Amélia didn’t particularly care for the Lady Redfort; she found her to be snobbish. Yet the Runestone girl had to admit Scarlett was a talented kisser. Both girls having had many intense kisses with each other. Usually after finishing a whole bottle of cherry wine.

Septa Minnie manages to hear Amélia talking under her breath. Whacking her wooden stick harshly on the young maidens hands.

‘Fuck you’ Amélia curses the bitter wench in her mind. Not daring to say it out loud. Instead honey brown irises glare daggers at the rigid septa.

Damn that woman’s spectacular hearing. Septa Minnie’s ears have caused Amélia a great number of lashes on her hands throughout the years; for being impertinent at the worst times. In retrospect Amélia does have a naturally combative nature. Preferring to debate and argue her way out trouble. In truth the girl brings it upon herself the majority of the time.

“Scarlett Redfort is a girl with a horrid lack of manners and loose promiscuous morals.” Her voice stern. “Besides the Lady Redfort isn’t the one marrying into the royal family.”

Well that much was true about the Lady Scarlett Redfort. At the age of ten and four, she had been found kneeling infront of a Westerling boy who was squiring for her father. It didn’t take long to decipher what they were doing. Given that the raven haired girl had her delicate hands down the Westerling boys pants. The golden haired boy had been sent home immediately after.

“Have they even accepted the match?.” She huffs changing the subject before she says something else that’ll get her hit.

“Papa never tells me anything.”

“Well I’ll have you know little lass, the lord hand is quite impressed with your dowry.” The gruff voice of her Uncle-Pa spoke behind her. She turns around with a large grin on her pretty face, engulfing her Uncle-Pa in a bear hug.

The middle aged man sports an amused grin and is adorned in his shinning bronze hunting armor. His beard a fusion black and grey hairs tickling her temple as he hugged his ward back.

“But what truly sealed the deal is your Valyrian look my dear.” The man says as he ruffles the girls hair.

Amélia feels her eye twitch.

Despising the fact that it’s true. The Lady of Runestone has the Valyrian look. Tall and regal frame, with long, thick, frosty platnuim curls cascading down her back.

Her eyes however did not shine that otherworldly violet. Instead they rang true to her Firstmen heritage, gleaming the color of the warmest purest whiskey.

Smoothing out her ruffled hair she says,

“How tragic that they are promised a Valyrian lady, but they will instead end up with a barbaric Firstmen savage woman.” She jokes, snorting unladylike.

Causing Septa Minnie to look at her with vexation.

“Well you will need to learn your graces lass. The last thing we need, is you scaring off the Hightowers. I worked hard to secure this match.”

Amélia rolls her bratty brown eyes.

Her uncle and her Septa share a conspiring look.

“Give us a moment Septa Minnie” the woman curtesy’s her way out the living parlor. Leaving the two Royce’s alone.

“Must you always give an attitude to your Septa?” He sighs pinching the bridge of his nose.

The young lady smiles innocently. “I just wanted to pick flowers” shrugging her shoulders.

Her uncle isn’t at all amused. Peering at her with his dark brown eyes.

“She has point Méli.” He sits himself in one of the cushioned seats.

“You will be the Queen someday.”

“A treasonous statement Rhaenyra Targaryen is the heir apparent.” She drawls uninterested in the same conversation they’ve had a million times over.

“Have you forgotten what Daemon Targaryen did to your mother?” He growls angrily at her.

Guilt begins to swarm her belly. She hadn’t forgotten what her sire did to her dear mother. The monstrous Rouge Prince had bashed his wife’s head in with a rock until she bleed to death. Amélia had been a mere babe when her mama had murdered. Though Ser Gerold had told her about the Lady Rhea’s tragic demise, making sure to go into great detail.

Suddenly Amélia feels her breakfast in her throat, the urge to vomit making her wheezy.

The hatred the girl developed for her sire afterwards is a vast raging one. The beauty may not remember her mother, yet her loyalty for Rhea Royce is unwavering.

‘I hate you Daemon Targaryen!’ The voice inside Amélia’s mind says with antipathy. ‘And I hate your daughters!’

Ser Gerold is her true father. She prefers him anyway. When her father walked away from her attempting to steal her birthright, Ser Gerold defended her in the Eerie. She owes her Uncle-Pa her life. Amélia will always heed his advice and follow his directions.

That is why her Uncle- Papa, has secured a betrothal between her and the Prince Aegon. Together they will secure his claim to the Iron Throne and bring Daemon Targaryen to justice.

“No papa. I haven’t forgotten.” Her voice small. Sad brown eyes filling up with glossy pent up tears.

Ser Gerold pats her head with his large hand in a fatherly fashion.

“Your mother will be avenged my dear. Daemon Targaryen will pay for his crime against our house.” Her uncles voice void of its usual gruffness. Oddly soft.

“He has wed the Princess Rhaenyra. Any ally of his is no friend of ours.” Ser Gerold raises a sharp brow at her.

She nods her head in agreement.

“You will be the Queen one day. It will be your mothers bloodline that will continue on, come what may.”

“Come what may… “ she parrots back at him. Not all liking the sound of that sentence.

A cheery smile appears on his face.

“Why don’t you begin to ready yourself for the ball at Gulltown lass?” He suggests eliciting a happy grin from his teary eyed niece.

“Oh! Yes it is tonight isn’t it? Oh I have the loveliest new powder blue gown just perfect for the ball tonight!” Amélia says excitedly wiping her eyes dry with her long sleeve.

Giving her uncle-pa a daughterly kiss on cheek, the lady ran out the palor and to her chamber. All thoughts about revenge were pushed to the side. Tonight she is going to dance and dance until her feet give out.

And look her mighty best while doing so.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Starting off this chapter light! This fic will have more politics compared to my other two fics. I hope you guys enjoy Amélia! She’s going to be quite the spitfire. Thank you guys ❤️ Comments are always welcomed.

[moneeko]

minor antagonists; How do I think it should look?

I'm not going to talk about Gabriel or Nathalie. however, I wanted to talk about how I think characters like Chloe, Lila, and Felix should be on the show and interact with the main characters. This can be considered as rewriting. as you like.

Chloe Bourgeois; appears from the first season. And she is portrayed as a mean girl from a rich family. (canon) and ok until her failed redemption ark didn't appear: Chloe is the daughter of a politician (Andre) and a fashion critic (Audrey). She was raised baked by butlers and maids because her father was busy. when he appeared, he rewarded her with expensive gifts. Chloe knew her mother only from television and tried to impress by imitating her. (that's why she had no friends except for Adrien, others used for money) Chloe doesn't see Adrien as a romantic interest but as a friend, as she sees someone around him she is a typical bully/mean girl. She is always next to Sabrina. he does not see her as a friend but as a squire. And Sabrina sees her as a friend and role model (dress style etc) Generally from the canon, I love her episodes like queen wasp, showing that she learns from mistakes and tries to be good even though she is still mean. Redemption Ark, although it is sometimes mean (it has conflicts); Status: Anti-Hero ( Sympathetic villain)

Lila; Rossi

about Lila. I'll tell you about the boy when the episode of Volpin appeared, I thought it would be another super hero, but it turned out to be a villain. What if she was a superhero (traitor), I'll explain my idea to you. Lila Rossi is an exchange student from Italy. She is naturally pleasant and everyone believes her (charming and empathetic.) Everyone succumbs to her lies, but unlike the original, she uses such a range that is achievable (e.g. she does not lie that there was a must for Jaged but she was at every of his concerts, etc.) notes in in her diary lies to remember what she said so as not to make a mess. It is unknown where she got the fox miraculous, but she is the one who craves attention as Volpina claims she is stronger. Using your powers to your advantage. He makes a deal with the moth lord (You'll help me get the Miraculous and you'll be the hero) Lila agreed. In school life, however, she watched over her thirst for attention and fame as Vopina leads to the finals 3 and 4. Lila/Volpina manipulates Chloe into akuminizing for her parents. and Until Ladybug and Chat Noir lose all Miraculous.

status; As Lila Rossi (false donor)

Status as Volpina ; False donor Traitor

Felix Fanthon/Graham de Vanily

I love Felix. and may surprise you since it first appears (although the model could have been modified more). She's the perfect "bad" person to develop Adrien's personality. He hates his uncle (Gabriel) and wants to reclaim his family's breasts and the Peacock Miraculous for his mother. (I'll take a little from SentiAdrien/felix theories) The boy is close to his mother but cold to the rest, Amelie thinks it's because of the death of his father and sister (yes in my au Felix had a younger sister named Diana) The character of Felix, even as he pretends to be Adrien, tries to make him realize something, but Adrien does not understand what allows him to guess over time. Felix reluctantly joins Gabriel (as well as Nathalie and Lila) to help with the Miraculous but gave him the condition that he will give him the Peacock Miraculous. And thanks to him and Lilie, Gabriel manages to get the rest of the Miraculous (not counting the ladybug and the black cat) While there is a ball organized by Gabriel, Felix shows up. When Argos transforms and makes a Sentimonster (moon) which he calls her Diana (may be in the form of his sister) with her help she gets rid of the adults. And here comes a conversation with him with Adrien and Kagami. Thanks to this, Adrien understands and tries to help his brother after his sister's despair, to which Felix says that he has three people to protect (His mother / Amelie, Adrien and Diana ( sentimonster))

Status; Anti Hero

these are my ideas, an outline of what I would do with them. And uses it for the concept of a comic book with them.

[supremeuppityone]

Klaroline fanfic update: Perhaps One Day

I finally posted a sequel to A Beautiful Symmetry - Chapter 131: Part 1 - Klaroline Fall Bingo (Football season prompt). 

Chapter 9: Building a Bridge

           He’d been worried about the wrong quarterback. Klaus had watched this lumbering buffoon, this Matt’s fumbling attempts to woo Caroline and it made his fangs itch to drop. Unfortunately, he’d been so preoccupied he’d failed to register another quarterback slyly biding his time.

           Lockwood was an idiotic name. The useless wolf’s ancestors had been grasping, slovenly tribesmen of the forests of Britain who falsely claimed noble lineage and eventually were run out of Yorkshire. Clearly, the colonies had lower standards. Ever since Tyler started squiring Caroline about town, he was puffed-up like a peacock.

           Plucking a daisy from a cluster near the fence row and tucking it behind Caroline’s ear. Imbecile — Caroline preferred bluebells.

           Sharing a chocolate ice cream cone. The silly prat hadn’t bothered to find out that Caroline liked chocolate chip cookie dough.

           But it was no matter — Klaus was confident in his plan to successfully woo the stubborn blonde vampire away from that dullard. Granted, their interactions thus far had been somewhat...fraught with complications, but the manner in which Caroline would scold him like a wayward schoolboy...it was her unabashed fearlessness that called to him. There always was an intriguing spark between them during those fiery confrontations, and Klaus fully intended to coax it into a raging fire.

Please read the full chapter here:

AO3

FFnet

[ulkaralakbarova]

A teenage girl is raised underground by a robot “Mother”, designed to repopulate the earth following an extinction event. But their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Daughter: Clara Rugaard Mother (voice): Rose Byrne Woman: Hilary Swank Mother: Luke Hawker Child: Tahlia Sturzaker Infant: Maddie Lenton Toddler: Hazel Sandery Toddler: Summer Lenton Brother: Jacob Nolan Teacher (uncredited): Tracy Britton Film Crew: Story: Grant Sputore Art Direction: Todd Smythe Second Unit First Assistant Director: Kelvin Munro Executive Producer: Philip Wade Producer: Timothy White Production Design: Hugh Bateup Co-Producer: Anna Vincent Editor: Sean Lahiff Costume Design: Mariot Kerr Casting: Nikki Barrett Art Direction: Adam Wheatley Set Decoration: Lisa Brennan Line Producer: Julie Byrne Executive Producer: John Wade Executive Producer: Paris Kasidokostas Latsis Executive Producer: Jean-Luc De Fanti Executive Producer: Terry Dougas Story: Michael Lloyd Green Executive Producer: Bryce Menzies Prop Maker: Marco Wuest Unit Publicist: Mark McGowan Second Assistant Director: Sophie Calver Second Assistant Director: Shannon Crotty Driver: Isabelle Scott Location Manager: Jesse Goninon Costume Supervisor: Olivia Iacobelli Production Accountant: Elspeth Baird Driver: Nadia Samson Sound Recordist: Des Kenneally Stunts: Mike Duncan Digital Intermediate: Marty Pepper Animatronics Designer: Zoilo Abad Set Production Assistant: Michael Barba Production Coordinator: Carly Maple Stunt Coordinator: Steve McQuillan Script Supervisor: Mojgan Khadem First Assistant Editor: Regg Skwarko Boom Operator: Corrin Ellingford Boom Operator: Nick Steele Dialect Coach: Jenny Kent First Assistant Director: Travis Kalendra Director of Photography: Steve Annis Stunts: Jennifer Bichard Stunts: Daisy Fryer Stunt Double: Marlee Barber VFX Supervisor: Jonathan Dearing Original Music Composer: Antony Partos Original Music Composer: Dan Luscombe Casting Associate: Natalie Wall Casting Assistant: Claudia Allison Set Designer: Kate Rawlins Set Designer: Alice Wong Set Designer: Prue Parsons Hair Designer: Tracy Phillpot Makeup & Hair: Karen Gower Armorer: John Coory Still Photographer: Ian Routledge Still Photographer: Matt Nettheim Sound Designer: Tom Heuzenroeder Sound Designer: Duncan Campbell Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Pete Smith Foley Artist: Adrian Medhurst Foley Recordist: Ryan Squires Music Supervisor: Bernard Galbally Second Assistant “B” Camera: Joel Brown Steadicam Operator: Glenn Clayton First Assistant “B” Camera: Cameron Dunn Second Assistant “A” Camera: Samuel Fraser Drone Pilot: Ryan Haste Focus Puller: Russell Marrett Focus Puller: Sarah McDonald Second Unit Cinematographer: Ross Metcalf Grip: Leigh Nemeth Drone Operator: Sam Peacocke Steadicam Operator: Ulric Raymond Key Grip: Matt Richardson Gaffer: Andrew Robertson First Assistant “B” Camera: Geoff Skilbeck Second Assistant “A” Camera: Sam Steinle Grip: Matan Tatarko First Assistant “A” Camera: Samuel Vines Focus Puller: James Ward Miller First Assistant “A” Camera: Jules Wurm Movie Reviews: SWITCH.: As technology edges closer to our bodies, and the notion of genetic engineering and artificially intelligent drones begin to feel less outlandish, these age-old questions on the ethics and impact of science take on a more urgent dimension. ‘I Am Mother’ explores them with intelligence and style. Not only is it by far the best science fiction film to emerge from among the multitude of Netflix Originals, but cult gem status surely beckons. – Jake Watt Read Jake’s full article… https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-i-am-mother-finally-a-great-netflix-sci-fi-film Head to https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/sff for more Sydney Film Festival reviews. Gimly: Bottle-episode sci-fi films have treated me pretty well in the past. _I Am Mother_ is not the greatest example of such a thing, but it is a fair one. Props in particular when it comes to the titular Mother, who absolute...

[parkerbombshell]

Rules Free Radio Jan 9 2023

Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm  EST Rules Free Radio With Steve  Caplan bombshellradio.com On the next Rules Free Radio with I’m Steve Caplan we’ll be mixing up old and new including some brand new and even a few tracks from albums that have yet to be released including a new one by Liam Gallagher from Oasis with John Squire from The Stone Roses, one of what will be monthly releases leading to a new album this September by Rob Moss, plus new and recent releases by The Incurables, Boston’s Fireking, Jim Basnight, The Weeklings, Gumshoes, and others. We'll hear a lot of classics including The Beach Boys, Blondie, Power Of Blue, Mark Lanegan, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Diamond, Nico, Radiohead, Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, The Dears, Rainy Day, and a bunch more. In the last hour, we’ll pay tribute to a couple of very different Jazz musicians we recently lost. Les McCann was a pianist, composer, and arranger perhaps best known for the song Compared to What. English drummer Tony Oxley played with such greats as Paul Bley, John McLaughlin, and Gary Peacock. The Weeklings - Like We Used To Do The Incurables - I Told Myself (Absolutely Nothing) Blondie - One Way or Another Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin - The World (Is a Playground) Lillix - What I Like About You Astrid - Cherry Cherry Neil Diamond - You Got To Me Las Antorchas - Shake Powers of Blue - Cool Jerk Fireking - Today The Mad Starlings - Little Green Men Jefferson Airplane - The Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil Oasis - Morning Glory Peter Bilt Group - Do It Up Gumshoes - Cacophony The Postmarks - Watercolors Mark Lanegan - Wild Flowers The Beach Boys -  Don't Worry Baby Rainy Day - I'll Keep It With Mine Jim Basnight - Stay To The End Nico - Somewhere There's A Feather Boy Scouts - Model Homes Art Moore - Rewind Christine Sako - Warmth The Dears - Warm and Sunny Days Radiohead - Paranoid Android Liam Gallagher feat John Squire -  Just Another Rainbow The Stone Roses - Waterfall Jimi Hendrix Experience - Love or Confusion Robin Trower - Little Bit of Sympathy Richard “Groove” Holmes & Les McCann - Black Groove Teddy Edwards & Les McCann Ltd. - Our Love Is Here to Stay Les McCann - Yours Is My Heart Alone Lou Rawls & Les Mccann - In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down) Les McCann and Eddie Harris - Compared to What Paul Bley - Speak Easy Cecil Taylor - Chimes John McLaughlin - Arjen's Bag/Pete the Poet Gordon Beck - Orbit (Unless It’s You) Read the full article

[psikonauti]

Sabrina Squires

Peacock Still Life, 2020

Acrylic on Wood

[harrylee94]

The Tournament - Chapter 12

You can find this on AO3!

Summary: "Are you alright, sir?"

"I'm… I'm a little scared, to be honest."

"Scared, sir? You? But… but you can't be scared! You're so brave and smart and strong!"

"I can be all of those things and still be scared. I don't think you can be brave without being at least a little scared though."

Notes: Here it is, the moment you've all been waiting for...

TW: some injuries that can be sustained during jousts and fighting with swords appears in this one.

Chapter 11

——————————————————————

"What are you risking, sir?" - Cobb

This was it. This was what it had all been for. All the fear and the aches and injuries he had endured had been leading up to this moment. He shifted in his saddle as he clenched and relaxed his right hands, shaking them out as the build up of nerves made them shake. He couldn’t risk that now; too much hung on this last bout, and he couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.

When word had reached Cobb that Ser Jaonar had reached the final round, he wished he could say he’d been surprised, but he’d witnessed the way that knight had practiced, how doggedly he’d chased perfection when it came to his combat skills, and he’d known it couldn’t have turned out any other way.

But it did make knowing that this was the opponent he faced that much more nerve wracking.

The knight had been a thorn in his side for months, from almost the very moment he'd arrived at the castle all those months ago in some sort of ploy to bring his House and the Witch King’s closer together, and he'd had to endure his derision, his snobbery, and even the occasional physical attack. Now, he could finally retaliate.

If he lost this, however, it was likely that he would lose everything; so he wouldn't allow himself to lose.

He could hear Greef Karga making his announcements around the corner, but he could barely make out the words. The kids at his side were quiet, probably sensing his mood, and one of them was holding the back of his ankle as they looked up at him. It was grounding, and Cobb used it to bring himself down from being a nervous wreck.

"Are you alright, sir?" they asked as he took a deep breath.

"I'm… I'm a little scared, to be honest," he said, and he smiled down at the child's surprise.

"Scared, sir? You?" they said. "But… but you can't be scared! You're so brave and smart and strong!"

"I can be all of those things and still be scared," Cobb replied with a small smile. "I don't think you can be brave without being at least a little scared though."

"Why's that?"

"Because it means you know what you'll lose if you don't win, but you'll do it anyway because you know it's worth the risk."

The kid considered that for a few moments before looking back at him again. "What are you risking, sir?"

Cobb swallowed, unsure how to reply, but luckily he was interrupted by the call of his name.

"I'll tell you later," he said as he nudged Chenin forwards, the kid's hand slipping from his ankle. "If you haven't already figured it out by then."

With that he rode out onto the field.

The stands were fit to bursting. Everyone was there, from the highest Lord to the milkmaid that came to the castle doors every morning before dawn, and, for the most part, they were all cheering for him, waving makeshift flags and handkerchiefs, some even with small red krayt dragons painted on them. They shouted wishes of luck to him, advice, their joy at simply seeing him there, and it brought a tear to his eye.

He could see Jo and Peli there, too, stood next to the front and yelling just as loud as anyone else, if not louder in Peli’s case, and he chuckled at the sight.

When he finally came to a stop before the Prince and bowed to him in respect, he had to blink rapidly to keep himself from crying. Never before had he felt so supported, so loved.

But that wasn't what he was here for.

"Our second finalist has cut his way to the top," Greef called, and the crowd quieted to a steady murmur. "He has beaten each and every opponent with a ruthless efficiency we have rarely witnessed in this field, and shown his strength with vigour. I am of course talking of the knight from House Suum’anar, Ser Jaonar the Bold!"

The knight burst onto the field in a flash of black and gold, Parjai prancing around the list nimbly as he waved at the crowd, preening like a peacock presenting its tail feathers to potential mate. When he eventually came to a stop at Cobb's side, after showing off his riding skills a little, he turned Parjai on the spot before giving Din a quick and barely respectful bow that was more like a full body nod.

Cobb hadn't had the chance to see the knight during the Tournament, but Jo had told him enough to know not to be deceived by the flourishes. As Greef said, this man was brutal, and he hid it behind a gilded suit of armour and a fake smile. He would have to be careful and watch his every move.

As Din rose from his seat, the crowd hushed themselves into a tense silence.

"Ser Jaonar, Krayt Dragon," the Prince said, his voice carrying across the field. "You have both achieved what all others have not, and you are stood before us as finalists in the Trials for becoming the Protector. Though you have come far, you must not forget the rules, for they have not changed. You will aim only at your opponent’s shield. The joust will only continue until all lances are spent, one of you has been unseated, or one of you yields for any reason. Once the joust is complete, there will be a melee round if both of you are able. Blunted swords only. You will fight until your opponent yields or can no longer compete. Even now, in the final test, should you break these rules, you shall be disqualified."

"Understood, my Prince," Ser Jaonar said with a flourish that sent a few of the younger nobles into a swoon.

Cobb bowed low.

"Good," the Prince said. "To your positions."

Leading Chenin to the start line, Cobb could hear his heart in his ears. His palms were sweating beneath his gloves and he had to reposition the lance in his hand after he’d retrieved it, staring down the field at his opponent.

He had to do this. He signed up for the Tournament just for this moment, and now it was here he could not allow his fears to ruin it.

“Begin.”

Ser Jaonar wasted no time in kicking poor Parjai forwards, and Cobb was quick to the same. The distance between them became ever smaller and smaller, shrinking quickly until their lances lowered.

Cobb’s entire body quaked at the hit, the splinters of both lances flying everywhere as he clung to Chenin by his knees. He grunted at the pain that blossomed from the hit disturbing his already large bruises, but he moved to collect his next lance.

The second run was just heavy handed, and he gritted his teeth, patting Chenin in apology for squeezing him so hard. He threw his broken lance to the side and gathered his next, just as Ser Jaonar did the same. Parjai was stepping nervously from side to side, but the rider pulled at the reins too hard to force the gelding to be still.

The third run, and his shoulder ached fiercely, but another broken lance was added to the pile.

The fourth came, but this time his aim was off. The knight, however, caught him perfectly.

He was behind.

He disposed of his damaged lance for the last one, and he lined himself up.

He couldn’t lose. He had to do this. He had to keep him from winning.

They rode forwards, their horses steady beneath them and their grips on their lances firm. The lances lowered.

The crowd cheered.

For a moment Cobb wondered what had happened, but then he realised that, while his lance had been broken, he hadn’t felt an impact. Turning around, he saw Ser Jaonar throwing an unbroken lance to his squire in obvious annoyance, and he grinned. A tie. Their joust had been a tie.

“In a surprising turn of events, both competitors have four points each!” Greef declared. “Ser Jaonar, Krayt Dragon, are you fit to continue?”

“I’m fit!” the knight cried, and Cobb bowed, eying the way the knight angrily untangled himself from his stirrups and deposited himself on the ground, already heading towards him and drawing his sword. Cobb quickly dismounted himself, but didn’t draw his blade just yet.

“Then the melee shall begin once both contestants are armed!”

Cobb drew his sword just before he came into the knight’s reach, and a moment later he was holding back a barrage of swings. Again and again they came, the noble born lordling using his sword like he would a club, swinging it hard and heavy. Cobb just barely kept them at bay, but eventually managed to catch the knight’s wrist to hold their swords in a lock.

“Who are you?” the knight demanded before pulling away to circle him to swing back for another attack.

Cobb deflected each blow when he could, and dodged the ones he couldn’t, finding this man’s fighting style to be more aggressive than the ones he had faced before. Still he remained quiet, only a small handful of quiet grunts escaping when the knight continued his barrage, and even when he managed to retaliate, driving the man back further and further until Ser Jaonar turned the tables back on him again.

Every hit just made his body quake even more, the bruises he’d sustained from the joust and the strain in his legs and arms from riding making it difficult to hold any sort of stance for too long, but each and every strike only reminded him of what he was doing this for, of who he was protecting from this, and it bolstered his resolve.

He would not give up.

“ Who are you ?!” the lordling demanded again, coming in close to swing at Cobb’s legs. “You come here,” an upwards slash, “with your silence,” backhanded, “and your secrets,” forehanded, “but you’re scared… you’re nobody.” Jab, jab, overhand, backhand, jab. “ Nobody !”

Cobb caught the knight’s sword again. “Nobody, huh?”

Jaonar was visibly surprised by his words, flinching back, and Cobb used it to start driving him back again, directing them both closer to the royal stage.

“Why did you sign up for this, ser?” he asked, and the knight visibly flinched again. His attack had been strong, but this must have been because his defence was weak, and Cobb huffed. “Was it to make sure the people’s needs were met? The people of import of course.”

“How did…?” the knight began, but Cobb pressed his advantage and hit his sword hand, making the man cry out in pain and drop the weapon, his fingers likely now broken, before knocking the knight to the ground. As the knight lay there, he set his foot on his chest and leaned down, setting his sword against the spaces in the visor.

“Do you yield?”

The knight struggled for a few moments more, but then froze when Cobb slid the tip of his sword through the slits enough to touch his face.

“I yield!” he shouted, and Cobb grinned.

“Good,” he said, and as he leaned closer to his defeated foe, he removed his helm, the coif that kept his hair from getting caught in the joints slipping off with it, leaving his head completely bare. “Stepping on you is better than what you deserve.”

“Y-you!” the knight gasped.

“Me,” Cobb agreed, but then he removed the sword from the visor and stepped back, offering the knight his hand. As expected though, it was batted away and the knight rolled himself over so he could push himself up with his one good hand.

It was only then, as the knight was walking away, that he realised that the crowd was applauding, their shouts and whistles making him look up at them. And then he turned around to where Prince Din was standing, their eyes meeting, and it suddenly hit him:

He’d won.

——————————————————————

Colour meanings:

Black -- Justice

Gold -- Vengeance

Chapter 13

[astraeagreengrass]

The Queen's Husband [3/?]

When her reign is threatened, the Queen of Ergona must find a husband to secure her throne.

Word Count: 2.096

Warnings: None! English is not my first language so I apologize in advance for any mistakes.

A/N: No one is free from apprehension - not even queens! Luckily for our queen, she has found herself a pretty nice fiancé! This chapter is a little short and not exactly what I wanted it to be, but I decided to post it right away instead of keeping on battling my writer's block. I hope you like it! And, as always, thank you to the lovely, kind, generous people that take the time to read, comment and reblog. I appreciate you ♡

Series Masterlist

My Masterlist

Marble archways and red-orange torches were the only witnesses to yours and Steve’s late night conversations.

Your hand was in his as you ambled. It was fairly inappropriate, even if you were engaged, but you couldn’t help it in the darkness of the hallway. The touch of Steve’s skin was thrilling and your palm was sweating from the adrenaline coursing through your veins. The feeling was brand new and fantastic.

This tradition was something you both committed to once Steve moved to the palace, three weeks after your betrothal: he’d escort you to your chambers at dusk, the only moment you could talk in private, even if it sometimes meant you had to whisper. Every other hour of the day you were surrounded by your handmaids, advisors and political allies and you weren’t keen on them listening to your conversations with the Captain; not when the butterflies you first felt in the rose courtyard were still there, brewing a storm in your stomach whenever you gaze met his.

Growing up as the heir to the throne of the Ergona, you’d been extensively schooled since your earliest days. Politics, mathematics, geography, english and other languages, diplomacy… You excelled in many topics, having been taught by the most brilliant minds in the world. Love, however, had never been in your syllabus.

Queens weren’t taught the ways of love and, as such, it was never your priority. Knowing you’d most likely marry for duty, with a suitor chosen by others, you focused on becoming a good ruler - a fair and honorable sovereign, born to love Ergona rather than a spouse. 

Steve’s confession had terrified you - not because you didn’t believe him but because you did. You weren’t lying when you said you thought he was a good man and maybe that was why his love for you was so mystifying. Steve was handsome, loyal and kind-hearted. He could have any woman he wanted and yet he chose to love the one who built walls around her heart higher than those surrounding the Dragon Keep in Albeon. 

Wariness was a hard lesson to learn but a necessary one: trusting the wrong person could cost you your kingdom, your crown and your life. No one told you how hard it would be – the loneliness and the doubt – but a Queen’s life was full of sacrifices. Yet now, every night after you bid your goodbyes to the Captain and laid to rest on soft feather pillows, your past decisions and insecurities kept you awake, taunting your mind with “what ifs” and lost possibilities. 

What if you’d smiled more? 

What you’d been less cold?

What if you’d been more talkative?

Maybe then you’d know what to do with the snake coiling around your lungs, crushing your breath while it screamed you were not good enough. Not for Steve and not for Ergona. 

After every sleepless night, you’d watch the sun rise. The golden glow would slowly but surely spread across the inky sky, making way for dawn. It made you think of Steve and the way the blonde strands of his hair reflected that same light: your fiancé, blessed by Helios himself.

Amidst the anxiety, his presence was soothing. It confused you how the cause of your worries could also be their healing balm. Your days, as busy and hectic as they were, now suddenly revolved around the prospect of these slow walks to your chambers, the dark shadows of the castle’s walls mere bystanders to the way Steve was carefully, day-by-day, breaching through the queen’s careful armor until he found the woman.

It was scary but exhilarating.

Your conversations were easygoing and light-hearted. He’d ask about your childhood, your life in Foghar, your favorite color and favorite foods. In turn you’d question him about growing up in West Ergona, his days in the military and his travels.

You learned Steve was a sickly child who dreamed of being a soldier. His best friend was named Bucky Barnes - “he’s a punk”. He loved visiting Asgard because it reminded him of his mother and was very grateful to Abraham Erskine, the doctor who healed him.

Steve never inquired about your political agenda or demanded to be part of small council meetings. Much to Lord Fury’s chagrin, while you sat in stuffy rooms negotiating tax administration, the Captain could likely be found training archery with Master Barton. 

He was tanned from his moments spent outside in the summer air. His already impressive muscles were bulging and his smiles were relaxed and frequent, as if joy itself had made a home in him. You’d never seen him so carefree.

Outside the fortress domains, Ergona thrived with the news of your nuptials. Apparently, there was nothing like a royal wedding to lift the nation’s spirits after a war and - unsurprisingly - the prospect of Steve becoming the new King was very exciting.

For the first time in your reign, you welcomed Western emissaries to the royal palace, including Steve’s father, the Duke of Arvenia, who was absolutely delighted with his son’s good fortune. A short, balding man who resembled Steve very little, the Duke arrived with an entourage of musicians, dancers and even his personal painter. His golden cape could rival a lion’s mane and his necklace was encrusted with the finest emeralds. A feathered beret completed his look, making him look every inch an exotic peacock. 

Despite the obvious luxury he surrounded himself with, the Duke wasted no time asking how profitable the engagement would be to his duchy. Steve was flabbergasted with his father’s audacity, his face turning a shade of red that could rival his stepmother’s rubies - a girl even younger than you were. In an attempt to soothe him, you placed your hand over your fiancé’s, delicately saying that if the Duke of Arvenia had any questions regarding the marriage, he should take them to Lady Natasha. 

She would sort him out.

You'd gripped Steve’s hand on instinct, your body’s automatic response to his discontent. It was organic, as if your own senses were attuned to his - perfectly synchronized.

When you felt him relax you let it go, even if the loss of his skin left an unpleasant tingling sensation. You weren’t expecting for him to grip you hand again a few hours later, under the dinner table, as Lord Pierce - an obnoxious marquess from West Ergona - made you uncomfortable by suggesting Steve’s virility would surely grant him many sons.

His answer to Pierce, in the same commanding tone he spoke to his soldiers with - made the older man wither like a flower in a snowstorm.

“I hope our first child is a girl, so that she may follow her mother’s footsteps and become a great Queen".

He then proceeded to toast to his words, his wishes dying in a smirk of wine-stained lips.

It was how you ended here, wooden soles clicking on the stone slabs of the corridor. After the second course you excused yourself from the dining hall. You thought Steve would chose to stay with his relatives - according to Natasha, he hadn’t seen his father in three or so years - but he rose from the table as you did, not even biding his farewells.

You missed the way Lord Stark pulled his squire from his belt, preventing poor Peter Parker from escorting you and Steve. No one else dared to follow you and, as soon as you left the room, Steve's hand reached for yours again - bolder this times, fingers entwining in a move so similar to the way his own soul was twisting and wrapping around yours. 

You walked in silence for the first time. No conversation to appease the tension or divert your mind from the heat shared between your palm and his?

As usual, once they saw you approaching, the two guards that kept watch outside your chamber’s door exited to grant you privacy. They’d return once Steve left.

The Captain cleared his throat and spoke:

“In Asgard, where my mother was from, it is customary for a man to give a ring to the woman he is betrothed to. It is a promise of his commitment to her until the wedding day.” 

From his jacket pocket Steve removed a navy blue velvet pouch. Long fingers loosened the cord that held the pouch closed - dexterous with a sword but delicate to the touch - and a ring fell on his palm.

The oval stone was the same shade as the velvet cloth - midnight indigo, dark as the depths of the ocean that crashed in Ergona’s shore. Dozens of tiny diamonds surrounded it, twinkling lazily in the warm firelight glow. Even more diamonds made up the ring band - and opulent jewel, made of the finest gems dig up from western mines and handcrafted by the greatest jewelers at the Duke of Arvenia’s disposal.

Too opulent for you and Steve knew that.

“I know it’s too much” he said apologetically. “My father is known for his grand gestures. But I miss my mother dearly. This ring is the only heirloom of hers I have left. I know it’s not your style, but it I would if you accepted it as a token of my affections.”

There he was, breaking down your walls again. Every carefully placed defense crumbled in the presence of his words, scattering to ashes when you couldn’t find dishonesty in them. You found yourself divided: one Y/N was rational, overzealous and logical, screaming at the top of her lungs to halt the other - wide-eyed and ingenue, desperate to break-free and be loved. It was the second one who said:

“Doesn’t Asgardian tradition say that the groom should place the ring on the bride’s finger?”

Steve beamed - a beautiful stretch of lips and cheeks and eye crinkles. He smiled with his whole face, making you wish for broad daylight so that you could better commit to the loveliness of it.

He slid the ring on the fourth finger of your left hand. The jewel was even heavier than it looked, engulfing your digit in blue lavishness. Delicately, Steve traced a line from the base of your finger towards your wrist.

“This is the vena amoris. It runs from your left ring finger straight to your heart. I hope you can see this ring and remember that my own heart belongs to you.”

He continued.

“And, if you allow me, I will cherish your heart as you have cherished mine.”

“How could I have cherished you heart if I didn’t know of your… feelings?” you replied. 

 He laughed - a short, breath-like laugh that tickled your nose.

“You did so by being you. That is enough for me.”

“I don’t know how to do this” you whispered, mentioning to the space between you, yet meaning it as more than the inches separating you. 

“Neither do I” he took your other hand in his - limbs and worries and dreams laced together in the  dark. “But I’m willing to try if you are.”

Wordlessly, you nodded, cracking a small smile as you swallowed your tears. You didn’t cry easily,  but you found yourself getting more and more emotional the longer you shared Steve’s presence.

With his thumb he caressed the outside of your eye, temple, nose, then slid it downwards and traced your lips. Gently, as if touching a cloud, he took you chin in his grip.

When Steve's lips touched yours, the butterflies in your stomach broke free from their prison,  spreading their crazy fluttering to your heart, your skin, your mouth. It was quick - the briefest of pecks - but it still left you breathless and wide-eyed.

“I'm sorry” he muttered, mistaking your awe for consternation. “That was too bold. Your Grace, …”

Raising your hand, you interrupted him.

“Don’t apologize, I beg of you. I’m just… overwhelmed. I’ve never kissed anyone before.”

Now it was his turn to be surprised.

“Our acquaintanceship is changing me. Being in your company is bringing to life so many things I never wondered about or deemed important. In so many aspects I feel like a new person. And it's disconcerting but rewarding. You make me feel happy.”

“And I don’t know what this means or where this will take us but I hope you’re not afraid of going there with me. Because I’d hate to be alone again.”

“Your Grace…” Steve started but you interrupted him again.

“And I order you to stop calling me Your Grace. At least when we're alone”

Then, in a move that astonished both Steve and yourself, you rose to your tiptoes and kissed him again.