#tavins work

[ace-in-the-author]

Being friends with Alastor and Rosie headcanons!

Probably ooc.

wc: 857

> And We’ll Party Like It’s the 1920’s Again!

Whenever you and/or Alastor go to Cannibal Town to see Rosie, there’ll always be at least one dance before one of you leave; it’s simply a must!

We all know that both of them love to dance, sing, and play instruments. So a day spent without a dance is a day wasted, to them!

Tea-time in the gazebo and gossiping about any and every thing that happened while you three were separated! Oh, it is a happy day when tea-time happens!

Absolutely ranting about Susan from Rosie, and occasionally a (dis)respectful quip from Alastor about Vox or Lucifer.

Tea-time is as splendid as it is informative! The newest gossip brought to the table may be the vilest crimes you’ve caught word of in Hell –Better yet, on Earth!-- and retelling the stories to Alastor and Rosie.

If you partake in such; a quaint meal with Alastor and Rosie made of only the best quality of meat, of course!

They’d only purchase the finest of venison or… sinner; for their meals, expect no less when buying for you too!

If you do not, you’ll have food of your choice whilst they happily munch on an unfortunate lower-life sinner. All dietary decisions are respected with these two!

Introduce them to Electro-Swing music, especially Alastor. He might give you a ‘look’ from the genre’s name, but once he listens to it, I’d bet he’d absolutely love it.

I feel he’d like “Party Like It’s 1929” quite a bit, considering his voice is identical to the man in the songs, among other things.

Introducing Rosie to Electro-Swing would be a blast; she would definitely love this genre as well!

If you’ve met Charlie, you either loved her enthusiasm or were partially uncomfortable by it. Either way, she adores you and subconsciously sees you and Rosie as parental/sibling figures.

You’ll have many-a-reminiscing to when modern technology was the candlestick telephone and radio! A shared distaste for modern media and current technological advancements between the three of you.

Rosie absolutely accompanies you when purchasing clothes, recommending and suggesting garments that suit you well. I can tell that she and Alastor have impeccable fashion taste.

She’d be evidently delighted if you were to stop by her shop, Rosie’s Emporium, to purchase a few delicious treats, or one of her fantastic 1910’s apparel!

If you’re an Overlord as well, you three would visit each other's lands for fun, kill a lowly sinner here n’ there, and –naturally– sit next to one another during meetings with the other Overlords.

The wonderful emotional bond created as you brutalize and consume a ne’er do-weller is something indescribable. Adrenaline rushing, blood pumping and flowing, the poor souls' cries garbling as you tear apart their chest; something you simply cannot replace!

Meetings are a coinflip, either there are productive topics to be discussed at hand, or an insignificant argument on display for everyone to see; during the latter, you three usually engage in casual conversation or attentively listen to the on-going drama with large smiles on your faces.

Visiting Alastor’s and Rosie’s parts of the city is always a welcomed sudden switch from modern to old-fashioned, not a modern device in sight! Depending on the theme of your land, there may be greater or fewer visits, no matter, as when they do visit they both have a blast!

The local newspapers adore your ‘accomplice triplex’ relationship, though, are mildly off-put whilst viewing your trio's work in action.

The people of Cannibal Town are least disturbed, but cannot shake off the paranoia of themselves pulling the short stick and falling victim to one of the ‘spontaneous’ free meals.

The sinners inhabiting Alastors land could not possibly be more afraid of him, and witnessing anyone commit those atrocities alongside him –willingly,– adds an insurmountable level of terror.

The topic of vulnerability is something rarely spoken of between the three of you, and usually between you and Rosie when it is.

No matter how close or trusted you are by Alastor, he’s not the man –or demon– to tell many that kind of information.

He might reveal hints at his human life in casual conversation and such, but it’s so subtle that you’d have to actively listen for it to realize.

Despite the label of associate and accomplice, you’re all close friends, but their (and your) reputation must be upheld! (Even if anyone can tell you three are friends.)

Playing early 1900’s instruments with Rosie and Alastor is a favourable past-time for everyone!

Rosie teaches you how to play certain songs –even if you already know them– on your favourite instruments. She also loves whenever you or Alastor play her a song she likes.

Alastor plays a few musical instruments, and wishes to one day use one of the songs you three played on his radio show; though he’d rather die again than reveal even a hair of weakness to his listeners.

All in all, you three have a wonderful bond and would eat any low-life sinners who dare disrespect any of you! Sounds like a true friendship to me!

[0ccasional-thoughts]

Go check out my writing blog! requests open

also check out my friends blog @pray4byron !

@ace-in-the-author so you can put your asks for things there if you feel like it.

HAVE A GREAT DAY OR NIGHT EVERYONE

[yellowmagicalgirl]

Every so often, I've been making shitposty Valentine's Day cards involving the Khyber Shards characters. Some of them are more endearing than others, lol. Bonus innuendo-filled cards under the cut.

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

A Calm Washes Over

⚔️ All Previous Parts Here ⚔️

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: ABO (knots, slick, mpreg) Viking/god Col, fae Dom, fear, PTSD, threats, worried boys, small time jump, plot and baby heavy chapter, Dom getting dizzy, Col in wolf from, Cia being adorable, signs of labor, Dom being stubborn, fingering (sort of), Col being a good mate ☠️ rating: mature/explicit ☠️ shared ideas by @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

They had been searching for Megna for over a month. Tavin had even joined in and sent word to the surrounding villages and clans, not that there were many. Everyone knew it was very serious when the fae and humans were working together but of course they were. In a way she had also threatened Tom and Mod simply because the four of them shared leadership. That meant the progeny of the forest nymph twin royal's was in trouble and they wouldn't stand for that. Tavis was still adjusting to normal life again but since Inga so rarely left his side he was handling it surprisingly well and he was finding his power again a little more every day. Tavin had been so ecstatic to have him alive he'd stayed with them since. The man wasn't much more than a mad king after being without his other half so long but he was getting better too. They were helpful, even if the human parts of Kol'son's village felt a little overwhelmed by all the magic.

The chieftain gave absolutely zero fucks if his more… hateful villagers found it hard to live amongst so much power. Not while his mate and children were at risk. With Megna and whomever helped her at large he was almost constantly on high alert. The only people he knew he could trust were those closest. He wasn't even human any longer- if he'd ever been. If they didn't like the twins or anyone else with a hint of power they obviously just tolerated him because they'd watched him grow. They hadn't even found out who was helping the bitch. None of the people who they suspected were around and it broke something inside the god every day that he couldn't protect his family. The entire thing was opening up old wounds he'd thought were closed since he rescued Dom from Bjørn. Though… had he really?

It wasn't just Kol that felt ripped open. The fear of being targeted by Harald's daughter was bringing up the unknown in Dom's past too. The Viking could feel it in the way he shook at night, though he was trying to hide it. During the day the siren was a strong queen- helping their people and raising their son as his body grew with their pups but at night? At night he would shiver and cry and when it was at it's worst he would jerk away from his daidí's touch. They were trying to shield Ciarán from the pain and fear but they knew he'd caught them a few times. At one point he'd climbed into bed after Dom had fallen fitfully asleep and the selkie screamed awake at his touch. They knew somehow they would get through it but it hurt to know they couldn't completely protect him.

Dom felt like he was losing it. He tried so hard to be a strong mother, wife, and friend but the closer they were to the babes joining them the more he worried. He was scared that they couldn't keep them safe, that the only hope he had of protecting them was keeping them exactly where they were but that wasn't possible. Every day he could feel them growing, their little feet and hands pressing at the walls of his womb. He couldn't imagine how anyone would want to kill something so small and precious. How anyone could hate that much. What drove him the most mad was how it felt transferable, as if because of all the people who hated so much that they hurt him- he was becoming poisoned by it. There was a little speck of black in his heart that was making him that angry. That vengeful. It felt disgusting. He wouldn't allow it to touch his children and become a part of them. No, their babes got to keep their innocence but someday he would have Megna's heart on a platter and her head on a- "Ma!"

Dom startled at the tiny voice. He'd been so wrapped up in his thoughts while hanging out clothes to dry he hadn't been paying attention. Cia was fast approaching three and showing how much he took after his father in how quickly he was growing. He was still small but it hurt the siren to see him age. He wished to keep them all tiny forever. Before he could brace himself the tot ran head first into his hip and giggled when he fell back on his little butt. "Cia, are you 'urt? Ya know mumma's too big to bend over and get ya." He joked but by the sound of the cherubic laughter he could tell his son wasn't hurt. "'Ere." He hummed, dropping the edge of a tunic for the boy to hold.

Before he could pull him up his wolf ran up and shook his large head. Kol had been obstinate about him not lifting anything no matter how silly it felt in regards to their boy but Kol'son took the babe's shirt between his fangs and picked him up to set him on his feet. 'You weren't supposed to get away from me.' The chieftain grumbled, he still hadn't released their son completely even though he wiggled. Dom couldn't help but smile at the pair, for all the babe took after Kol he had the energy of the fae.

Kol'son paused, his nostrils flaring. When he was overwhelmed by the scent of his eldest pup he let the squirming boy down to press close to his mate. It reassured him when Dom didn't flinch but something felt off about his smell. 'Are you okay?' He hummed mentally, rubbing his cheek against the swell. He tried to tuck his snout under them to relieve some pressure but it seemed to make his wife dizzy.

"Oh. Maybe not." The fae whimpered. He hadn't realized he was in pain at all he was so used to it but his fingers gripped tight at Kol's fur and the wolf whined low. Between one breath and the next his mate was standing stark naked next to him and the man lifted him straight into his arms.

"No more work. I'm putting you to bed and you're staying there." His voice was gravel from being in his other form since the day before. The wolf seemed more comforting to his wife at times because his fur was warm and soft and he could curl around his lover almost completely. It was something he could do when the fae woke from bad dreams but he needed more control.

Dom huffed as his daidí carried him back to their hut. He didn't see a need to lay down and it drove him mental to relax but he wouldn't fight his husband. He knew he was already being so much trouble. He watched over Kol's shoulder as their babe followed after them, his blonde curls bouncing as he walked. He couldn't help picturing the little ones still to come and which might be blonde or if they'd look completely different. "Mmm, you know your scent gets stronger when you're thinking about them." The leader smiled, lifting his pack closer to his face. His senses weren't as elevated in that form but it was impossible to miss.

When they reached their room he set his mate down carefully in bed, getting him as comfortable as possible before he moved to investigate a little better. Dom smelled like he always did- sea salt and honey and the earthen musk and fresh bread that came from their growing babes. There was just something… extra that he couldn't quite explain and he could only remember scenting once before. His gaze flicked to their son where he was playing with blocks on the floor. He was worried the moment it hit him.

"Every'fin alright?" Dom asked, reaching for the bowl of fruit perpetually by their bed. He got peckish and didn't always feel like moving so he kept something close to snack on. Whatever was making his mate act strange had him worried sure but he didn't think they should both overreact at the same time.

"Yeah just um… How are you feeling?" Kol asked, his head tilted. Even as a man he was so much a pup and it gave Dom butterflies in his belly and a giggle on his lips. Hmm, the butterflies were a bit aggressive he supposed but otherwise he felt alright. He had a lot of extra weight he was carrying around, he wasn't surprised by the dizzy spell. Especially with his trouble sleeping.

"I'm fine." He shrugged, popping a grape between his pin prick fangs and when he bit down too hard a little juice gushed past his plush dark lips that Kol couldn't help but track. He watched as the god flicked his tongue out to wet his mouth as if he were licking Dom's and it made the boy squirm. Instead of reaching for him though he tossed the next grape, intending to hit him in the face but the Viking was too skilled. Kol caught the fruit and spit it right back, happy when Dom caught it again. It was an interesting way to swap spit sure but-

"Hey fuck. Not fair. You know how to distract me. Pretty little b-" The selkie arched a brow and he caught himself just in time. They didn't mind cursing around the babe but calling someone names wasn't nice, especially not to each other. He huffed softly and shook his head, crawling up to sit next to his wife just in time for Ciarán to run to the edge of the bed and stare over Dom's second skin. His seafoam eyes were wide and worried and he reached a little arm out, his fingers gently poking at his mother's stomach. "What's up pup?" The god asked and Dom had to hide a grin behind a grape. He didn't see the need in encouraging the man, he already thought himself hilarious.

"Babies." The boy whispered- or what passed as whisper for one so young. Of course it was loud enough everyone could hear and Dom started to worry. Kol being concerned was one thing but if their little one noticed something?

"Wha' Kols? Wha's wrong?" He asked, his voice low as he tried to swallow his fear. There was no reason to be scared. He had too much that gave him anxiety already. He couldn't handle any more.

The Viking hummed under his breath as he helped their son on the bed and gave him a halved grape to nibble on. He finally turned to his love and took a deep breath, their hands twining between them. He leaned close, he didn't want the mood any more anxious so instead he kissed the fae's cheek and nuzzled there. He couldn't scent mark him the same as in his other form but he hoped the action was still relaxing. 'I think you're close to laboring. I wanted you safe and to see if relaxing could slow them down.' He kept his thoughts soft and calm and his lips left a trail of kisses over his wife's cheek and shoulder. This was their second adventure, he could be the rock he wasn't before.

"Fuck you and tha'. Nope. You mad daidí. Ain't nuffin- I'm not- 'Ey staying right 'ere." The siren growled. "We got another monf at least. At least. You mental."

Inga and Tavis had pulled Kol aside a few days before and sat him down for a talk. Fae babies were unpredictable at best but litters? Even human women birthed early with multiple children but an omega whelped with so many? They wanted to warn him it could be any day and they knew how Dom was fighting it. The kid was terrified they wouldn't be safe if they were free and even if he was right… Kol wouldn't let him hurt himself or their pups because he was scared. "Maybe I am. But what's best for you is to lay here until that spell passes. I need you to rest and drink some water for me. Will you do that if I bring you some?" He kept everything gentle, somehow even though he'd been a mess with their little chief he was steady this time. Perhaps it was because Dom had been calm before but was needy now. Their instincts always flipped to take care of the other.

Dom whined low and shook his head, his hand clinging to his husband's for all he was worth. He didn't want to admit he was scared but- "Don't leave me alone. Call for Mod to send Tom?"

The Viking smiled, it warmed his heart to be needed, he couldn't help worrying sometimes that he wasn't doing well enough but Dom needed him. He was needed. He bit another grape to pass to their surprisingly quiet son and called for his cousin mentally but he didn't move an inch and he wouldn't. Not until they knew what was happening or until his wife felt safe. He worried sending for Tom though, the selkie was obviously nervous about his pregnancy and only finally starting to show. If he actually witnessed Dom's birth he might refuse from fear alone. Although the man he called brother wasn't much braver. "They're coming." He soothed, laying his heavy palm over the oversized swell of Dom's stomach. He just wanted to help and connect. Part of him understood the worry. It did feel soon. Just because he could feel it approaching though didn't mean it might not be days still. "Does it feel like before?"

Dom shook his head before pausing and closing his eyes. He'd been so up in his anxious head for weeks he hadn't truly paid any attention to his body. The butterflies were there that he'd put off on his mate's presence, but… maybe it was something else. His bump felt heavy as fuck- as if the pups were all resting low, but they did that sometimes. It didn't have to mean anything. There was an ache in his back and a tightness in his swell, his hips felt clamped between two boards. "Oh gods."

Kol bit his cheek not to snort at his lover's whine, that wouldn't be polite and he could understand the distraction. "I've got you. I've got all of you." He vowed instead and let his touch wander under the blanket draped over his mate's legs. When Dom scoffed and stared at him wide eyed he almost chuckled. 'Just making sure your waters didn't come yet.' He purred mentally, his fingers finding their way under the boy's tunic and ghosting between his drenched folds. He knew from before his wife would be wet anyway, as if his body wanted to stay soaked just in case.

"Like you could bloody tell the difference. Jus' trying to feel me up. I can scent you 'ard from 'ere." His tone was admonishing but his lustful gaze and playful smirk was anything but. When his thighs fell open Kol'son kept teasing. Honestly it would probably be helpful to open him up. He was just being a good alpha, wasn't he?

Author's Note/Tags: @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @manicpixiedreamb0y @cole-way-iero28 @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

Eeep!!! Who knows if they're coming yet or Kol is just being protective, I guess we'll find out! I hope you enjoyed it 🖤☠️

[comment-exchange]

336. Sonata for the Broken Badass in E Minor (Khyber Shards)

Title: Sonata for the Broken Badass in E Minor 

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53167390/chapters/134530648

Platform: AO3 

Creator: YellowMagicalGirl 

Work Type: Fic 

Fandom: Khyber Shards 

Rating: T 

Pairing: Gen, Arlo Fletcher/Thora Tavin 

Word count: 3,342 

Warnings: Past Suicide Attempt, Depersonalization, Internalized Ableism 

Number of comments: 1 

Completion Status: Complete 

Short summary/description: After five years as the mindless weapon of Blackwheel, Thora is forced to become a person once more. Five years after Thora was presumed dead, her loved ones find out otherwise and try their best in the aftermath. 

[simply-un-well]

school has been brutal, but finally got the chance to write some more !! intro to some of the team + heat exhaustion. requests are open, but i was thinking about doing a motion sickness one next ! or maybe an oc intro, who knows

-

A sharp whistle echoed around the field, drawing the attention of the players. It's boiling outside, but for some horrid reason, Coach has decided that today would be a perfect day to do stamina training. As the team starts to gather around, he explains the plan for today's practice.

"Okay, I know that it's still relatively early into this year, so we're going to start conditioning your bodies. This exercise will count as both endurance training and a bonding exercise with your teammates," he recites. "In this park, there's a five-mile trail-"

There's an outbreak of murmuring after that, five miles isn't too bad normally, but in this heat? Jason groans audibly before getting elbowed in the side by Blake. Glaring he gestures for Jason to shut up.

Coach claps to get their attention back on him. "Yes, I know it's hot out, but you're going to be playing in heat like this during some of your games. I'll be dividing all of you up into groups. You will introduce yourself to each other and run the trail together."

Jason sighs, tuning Coach out as he begins to read off the names of each group. Blake and him are the only two first years that he knows of so far. Running with upperclassmen just doesn't seem that fun, but at least they might not-

"Tucker, Ackers, Salem, Hakashis," Coach calls out. Jason glances to the side, meeting Blake's eyes and sighing exasperatedly. Of course, it's their luck to get out in the same group.

It takes them a minute to find who else is in their group, only figuring it out when one of the taller guys waves them over. He's the second tallest of the three people huddled together, with tan skin and brown hair. The other two have the same black hair and cream-coloured skin.

Nudging Blake, Jason frowns. "Wasn't only four last names called out?" His question earns him an eye roll before Blake pushes past, leaving him to catch up.

"I'm guessing you two are first years?" The guy who waved them over smiles at them. "Name's Tavin, most people on the team call me Tavi. I'm a fourth-year student."

Nudging the taller guy next to him, Tavi gestures for him to go next. The guy shakes his head amused before introducing himself. "Jesse, fourth year, technically captain. It's good to see some new people on the team."

Jason grimaces internally, it's just his luck to be placed with the one guy he's hated for most of his life, and two fourth years, where one of them happens to be the captain. Before either Blake or him can introduce themselves, the third person standing there cuts in.

"Ace Hakashi, they/them, third year, unfortunately, related to the captain." That makes a lot more sense as to why there were only four names called out.

"You're just annoyed that you have to listen to me," Jesse smirks before turning back to Jason and Blake. "What are your names?"

Jason glances at Blake before hesitantly speaking up. "Jason or Jay, either or works, first year." His face feels hot with embarrassment as he trails off shrugging slightly, unsure of what else to say.

"Blake, first year," his voice is careful, introduction straight to the point.

Tavi nods before smiling. "Have either of you run this trail before?" Two shakes of the head from both first years. He grins, "You'll love this trail. It's not super hard or anything!"

Jason can't help but feel a little eager, he's always been a pretty big runner. Same with Blake, the two of them constantly competing against each other for speed.

"-we're probably going to go at a bit of a slower speed to warm up in the beginning." Jason tunes back into what Jesse was saying. "If anyone in the group needs to slow down, take a water break, or anything, let everyone else know so that we can adjust accordingly." There's a few nods of acknowledgment before he seems satisfied.

Jason spends the next few minutes lost in thought as the third and fourth years talk amongst each other a bit. Occasionally Blake or him would chime in when prompted. Eventually, Coach calls their group over to start running.

They take off and it's smooth for a little bit. They're all sweating like crazy even before five minutes have passed. The sun is brutal, but thankfully most of the trail has little periodic bits of shade every five to ten feet.

All five of them end up settling into a formation of sorts. Jesse and Tavin are in the lead, as they're both accustomed to this sort of training. Ace is slightly behind them, but it seems willing like they just don't want to be running next to their brother. This leaves both Blake and Jason in the back of the group.

The two of them are engaged in a familiar silent competition of who can keep up the best. Their teammates, having more practice with these types of workouts, can hold a faster speed throughout. This leaves the two of them to try and keep up the best they can.

Sweat drips into Jason's eyes as he keeps running. Calves burning as they pass the two-mile marker. He's always had a rather low heat tolerance, so as much as he loves running, this is starting to feel like his own personal hell. Out of the corner of his eyes, he can see Blake starting to speed up a little, maintaining the gap behind Ace.

Jason glares at him before speeding up a little faster. From there a push and pull begins where every time one of them would speed up, the other would too. His mouth is dry, chest burning from exertion, but at the same time, Jason is far too stubborn to call it quits or ask for a break.

Blake glances over at him as they pass the four-mile mark. Slowing down a little, his face holds a weird expression. "Ace," he calls out. They turn their head slightly, indicating that they heard him. "Can we break?"

Jason snorts quietly. "Are you really that tired already?" It feels like a small victory to have Blake ask for a rest of some sort despite the blistering heat being a pretty valid reason.

Blake rolls his eyes in response but doesn't engage verbally. Everyone in the group slows down to a stop, ducking into the shade. Jesse looks slightly concerned, eyes lingering over each person in the group.

"Is everything alright?" He frowns worriedly, shoving Tavin when he starts making mom jokes at him.

Blake nods. "Just a bit hot. Needed a few minutes."

Taking advantage of the break, Jason leans his back against the tree that all five of them are under. It is hot. The ground practically looks like it's swimming from the heat. Wiping his sweat off his face with his shirt, he closes his eyes trying to imagine that it's cooler out than this.

It feels like it's all too soon before the break is over, Jesse and Tavin start to move out from under the tree, followed closely by Blake. Jason opens his eyes before pausing, the world spinning underneath him. It's disorienting and he blinks rapidly to try and get rid of the feeling.

He feels exhausted all of a sudden, leaning more heavily against the tree. Ace glances over at him before freezing, looking over him more closely. "Hey, Jason, are you okay?" The question brings the attention of the other three to how he's slumped against the tree.

Jason only manages to lift his head, vision swirling, before doubling over his knees gagging. Vomit splatters the grass in front of his running shoes. Tavi stands there a bit shocked by what just happened.

Quick to move, Ace is there to support Jason right before his knees give on the next retch. Vomit splashes into the growing puddle. There's a choked gurgling noise before he opens his mouth, sick pouring from it like a faucet, too out of it to properly heave.

Jesse checks his pulse before frowning. "It's too fast. Probably heat exhaustion." Moving his arms to help support Jason a bit better, he pauses for a second. "Tav, Ace, finish the run and let Coach know what's going on. We're not going to be able to carry him back. Ace, stay with Coach. Tav, get cold water then come back."

Both of them are quick to nod before dashing off at a faster pace than before. Blake hovers around, unsure of what to do before hesitantly crouching down where they are.

Jesse keeps a hand firmly pressed on Jason's back, a grounding presence that he appreciates. The world is spinning off-kilter and he just feels bad. "Blake, you feeling okay?" Jesse asks cautiously, unsure if he should have sent him back too.

He receives a brief nod of confirmation. "I'm fine. Jason has a worse tolerance to heat."

As if he heard his name, Jason glances over. There's vomit clinging to his lips and his eyes are unfocused. He squints before jerking slightly. Jesse is quick to push him forward between his knees just in time for him to add to the puddle in front of him.

"M'gonna pass out," he slurs and it's the only warning they get before Jason slumps to the side, falling into Blake.

A few minutes pass by in silence, Jesse rubbing circles onto Jason's back as Blake lets him lean on him despite their rivalry. It feels like forever before Tavin returns. He's panting heavily from sprinting there and back, cold water in hand. Passing it to Jesse, he frowns at the way Jason's limp against Blake.

"Passed out," Jesse explains briefly as he presses the cold water bottle to Jason's neck, passing it to Blake so that he can hold the bottle in place while he gets the update.

Tavin nods worriedly. "Ace should be here with Coach in a few minutes. We just need to keep him alive until then." Looking over the two youngest members of their team sat together under the shade of the tree. Blake who has a weird mix of annoyance and worry on his face, Tavin smirks. "Shouldn't be too hard."

Looking over, Jesse pauses. "Yeah, shouldn't be too hard."

[glitterdustcyclops]

in a moment of absolute self-indulgence i decided to try and recreate one of my fav ocs from inquisition, the sassy dual-wielding rogue tavin. given what i had to work with i don't think i did half bad tbh.

and so of course, obviously, i had to make my guardian look as much like iron bull as possible. lmao.

[merrock]

CHARACTER INFORMATION

face claim: lee pace

full name: garrick velour

nickname(s) / goes by: n/a

pronouns & gender: he/him, cisgender

sexuality: questioning

birth date: November 4, 1987

birth place: rural quebec canada

arrival to merrock: may 2023

housing: historic downtown; (townhome in some converted historic building ie brooklyn brownstone)

occupation: seller at bookends

work place: bookends

family: mother, Émilienne; father, Casimir; and five siblings: Jacqueline, Tavin, Caelan, Delwyn, and Aveline

relationship status: single

PERSONALITY

+ Compassionate, empathetic, outgoing, trustworthy - Reckless, manipulative, selfish, defensive Love spills out of him in droves. He searches for connection wherever he is—bars, restaurants, walks around the neighborhood. The kind of man who would greet a passerby while they’re out for a morning walk with their dog and remember both of their names. As the eldest brother who never quite shed the coat of his adolescent expectations, Garrick often puts himself out for the sake of helping others, especially his friends and loved ones. Even to his own personal detriment Despite his big heart, Garrick has quite the penchant for mess. He’s quick to be on the defensive and bite back, especially when he feels exposed or backed into a corner. He’s overly sensitive and tends to turn himself into a martyr while in the heart of conflict. He loses himself in relationships, pouring so much from his own cup that it’s entirely empty. Using love and attachments as a shield from the ragged, raw parts of himself that he can’t bear to look at. Riddled with insecurities he tries to keep expertly shoved away, Garrick is slowly working on his lack of self and is set on growing into a better man.

WRITTEN BY: Alex (she/her), est.

BACKGROUND / BIO

triggering / sensitive content: verbal and emotional abuse, alcoholism

Garrick has spent his life stepping into hyper-masculine roles that felt like they fit—the eldest son and child, the provider, a paternal figure. Roles that settled on his shoulders after his parents split when he was eleven years old. His father was rarely around, emotionally distant, verbally and emotionally abusive when he was. Garrick felt his father’s absence when he was away constantly on business, but the distance only grew more painful when Casimir finally was home. In the aftermath of their divorce, he had his mother, pregnant with twins, and three siblings to help her look after and a farm to keep going. Money grew tight. The pressure to help keep his family afloat and raise his youngest siblings became heavier with each passing year. He stepped into shoes that were far too big for him to fill.

In his late teens, his family packed up and migrated to the States, settling on a smaller farm in Vermont. The farm in Quebec became too much for Émilienne to handle, especially with Garrick deciding to go away to school—which she and his sister, Jacqueline, insisted he do. He attended college around Boston with an academic scholarship. He played lacrosse while at school before graduating with an English degree. His passion for the subject was all-consuming, inspiring him to continue with his studies in higher education. He completed his Masters in Literature and moved on to teach in the Boston area at a college level.

Garrick’s queerness is still a very tender and raw part of himself. Implicitly tied to his struggles with masculinity, he’s still peeling back the layers of his identity. The parts of him fractured in childhood. The parts he continued to cover up and hide away in college. He bounced from toxic relationship to toxic relationship during his twenties and thirties, fostering an environment that stifled him. He wasn’t blameless through any of it, though. An equal participant with his manipulative and selfish behavior, his unhealthy habits collided with every girlfriend he had at the time. Together, they created suffocating, whirlwind romances that always ended as explosively as they began. 

Things came to a tipping point when he was thirty-six. His girlfriend fell pregnant which he only discovered shortly after they had a very heated split. The idea of being a father was far too much for him to process. Despite toying with the idea in theory, he could never separate his image of fatherhood from the ghost of Casimir, constantly hovering over him. He took the news extremely hard, spiraling into a panic. His lingering issues with vices—smoking and drinking—became too tantalizing for him to not indulge in. Burying himself in liquor in the immediate aftermath of Natalya’s pregnancy, he picked a fight with men at a grungy bar, got arrested, and lost his teaching position. 

Which, then, brings him to present day in Merrock. A new start. An opportunity to pause and reflect, get back on his feet. His daughter, Alina, is three years old and he moved up to Maine to be closer to where she is. Legal battles with custody rights and visitation have been long and strenuous, but all he knows is that he wants to show up for her. Be present and become a man he can be proud of.

[tavinfoundation]

Education for Underprivileged Children in India: A Path to Socio-Economic Change

In India, millions of children from underprivileged backgrounds face barriers to education that limit their future potential. Poverty, gender inequality, and lack of access to resources often hinder their ability to receive even basic education. Organizations like the Tavin Foundation aim to address this challenge by providing opportunities for quality education to marginalized children, believing that education is the key to socio-economic change.

Education is more than a means to acquire knowledge; it is the foundation upon which children can build better futures for themselves and their communities. When children from disadvantaged backgrounds are educated, they are more likely to break the cycle of poverty, contribute positively to society, and lead healthier, more productive lives. However, providing education to underprivileged children in India involves overcoming numerous obstacles, including lack of infrastructure, shortage of trained teachers, and social and cultural barriers.

The Tavin Foundation is dedicated to addressing these issues through its “Education for All” initiative. With a belief in the transformative power of education, the foundation's volunteers work on projects that focus on ensuring access to quality education for children from low-income families. The foundation supports initiatives like school infrastructure development, teacher training, and providing essential learning materials such as books and uniforms. By focusing on holistic development, they also work to create environments where children feel safe and motivated to learn.

Through grassroots efforts, Tavin Foundation's volunteers are actively engaged in creating sustainable solutions. They understand that education is not just about academics but also about nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and life skills. This approach helps equip children with the tools they need to succeed in life, making them more adaptable to future challenges.

Education for underprivileged children in India is a critical requisite for social and economic development. By investing in education, the Tavin Foundation is fostering a brighter, more equitable future for these children and, ultimately, for India as a whole.

[funkydragonman]

I have been working for a little while on my own DnD campaign. I haven't got much yet but I felt like sharing the Divine and the Pantheon that I've come up with!

The world that these being are in I've come to call Orthos.

The Primordials

The Voidmother; embodiment of the void and mother to all existence

Valos (of the Unyielding Ember); Primordial Goddess of fire

Diios (of the Endless Frost); Primordial God of ice and snow

Sprig (of the Reaching Roots); primordial God of forests

Tempest (of the Raging Storm); Primordial of wind and storms

Atlantis (of the Churning Waves); Primordial God of the ocean

The Gods and Goddesses

Süne; God of the sun and good harvests. 

Represented by a shield with a lion's head.

Luminari; Goddess of the moon and tides. Patron to Elves.

 Represented by a silver chalice.

Dryda; Goddess of plants and growth. 

Represented by a flower crown.

Thane; God of beasts and strength.

 Represented by a golden boar.

Safine; Goddess of lust and blood.

Represented by teardrop rubies.

Malcath; God of war, and strategy. Patron to Orcs. 

Represented by a battle-axe or warhammer.

Grimm; God of death, bones, and necromancy.

 Represented by a skull.

Beinn; God of mountains, the forge. Patron to Dwarves.

 Represented by an anvil.

Pethro; Goddess of fate and change.

 Represented by dice or a set of runes.

Vina; Goddess of knowledge and magic. 

Represented by a scroll or tome.

Ruvaak; God of stealth and shadows.

 Represented by a raven.

Othala: Goddess of home and hospitality. Patron to halflings. 

Represented by a lit hearth and fresh bread.

Tavin: God of art trickery. Patron God of the Fae.

Represented by a pair of comedy masks.

So far Diios is the only one with a design, not counting the Demigod that I've come up with. I'm open to any comments or suggestions.

Please reblog so this can reach more people

[shakespearenews]

Taviner’s acting career comprised just four films (one of which was as a nine-year-old).  Contemporary and modern critics agree that there was nothing wrong with these melodramatic stories of ghosts, spies, and murder, apart from the acting, the plots, and the scripts that is!  Her stage career lasted longer; from a 1924 London production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, she continued to work until the year of her death.  Again, notices were mixed.  Her only cheerleaders seem to be have been her local newspapers, basking in the glory of having a ‘star’ in their neighbourhood...

...What of that third role Taviner inhabited?  Her claim to be the reincarnation of Mary, Queen of Scots, (she even had her portrait painted as the queen) was the pinnacle of her many fantastical claims about herself.  She claimed her mother was the offspring of German and British aristocrats; she was not.  Taviner styled herself Baroness Marovna, the widow of a scion of the Romanovs, but no such barony existed.  She was supposedly elected spiritual leader of Scotland by an organisation that has left no trace of its existence.  She claimed to have worked in British intelligence during the war; she had not.  Her story about Joyce’s spy ring was a fiction.  All these tales smack of Taviner trying to make herself more interesting to producers and directors.

[ace-in-the-author]

Never Nothing To Talk About!

Reader lowkey-highkey hates couples mb

As with all my writing, the reader is somewhere on the spectrum, both the aroace and autism spectrum. Allistics can still read this though, because I don't think it's a prominent detail? I'm unsure.

Alastor is DEFINITELY ooc in this, I think. It's probably me projecting how I want to have silly friendships with unimaginable horrors of which reside only in the deepest, darkest corners of Hell.

•——————————————————————–—–•

| •<~ *~. . ~*.•.*~ . .~* ~>• |

•–——————————————————————–—•

The venture to my and Alastors favourite park was peaceful; or rather, it was as peaceful as it could realistically be in Hell. Conversing with each other about how we’ve been, how our day went, and what we’ll be doing later had made the distance between the hotel and ‘our’ park seem significantly shorter than it truly was.

Before either of us had realised it, we were making our way into the entrance of the park.

“We’re already here? Wow, either we started walking faster, or our memories got worse. I swear the park was further away last time!” I chuckled, “No matter, Al, are you ready to see the horrors of which are… couples?!” I dramatically gasped.

Alastor, ever the drama queen, played along not missing a beat. Drawing his hands up to hold his face; which had his eyes widened, smile shrunken just enough to form a farce shocked look. “Oh, the horrors! I shall face my fears and venture into this horrifying park alongside you!” He places his hands upon his hips, “These face-sucking terrors have no chance against two of us!”

A large smile granted itself solace upon my face, muted laughter breaking out through my nostrils in the form of breath. Soon enough, I gather my resolve and lend my arm out to Alastor; patiently waiting for him to interlock his arm with mine.

As we walk toward our favourite quaint gazebo —wooden, kept safe from modern renovation, many trees behind it, surrounded by beautiful grass and a few benches along the way.— Alastor snaps his fingers and the wonderful gazebos center is given a matching table with two chairs. A nice table covering spread over it, a delectable meal (not flesh!) you both thoroughly enjoy, and of course the tea set; in place and prepared.

“Mm, just as lovely as last time!” I thanked Alastor, skipping up to the gazebo with him, unlinking our arms to sit in our respective seats. Placing my forearms on the outer-edge of the table, I clasp my hands together to lean my head against, “So… Mind sharing anything that’s happened at the ‘princesses peace project’? I will say, I’m utmost curious, do tell!” and near instantaneously, Alastors eyes literally glow in excitement.

“I’d be glad to satiate that curiosity! She has received her first pathetic demon wishing to enter Heaven! I believe his name is… Sir Pentís? No, no, it’s Sir Pentious.” He quickly corrected, before continuing, “He had shown up again six hours after blowing our front wall off with a poorly made cannon in his poorly made ship. Ha ha!” He waved his right hand up and down in amused disbelief.

“Only six hours? and he was let in? She allowed him into the hotel? I swear, she has placed an unreasonable amount of faith onto the sinners here!” I comment in astonishment, enthralled by the information. Alastor details, “Not only had the princess let him in, but she had reprimanded Angel Dust for rightfully questioning his intentions!” He paused to sip at his tea, leisurely observing the unimportant demons also residing in the park currently.

I followed his gaze, bearing sight to a… rather shameless couple of demons on one of the periodically placed benches near our precious gazebo. “This is improper of me to say… But have they no shame? Why in the seven rings must couples do… That?” Deciding to jest my thoughts more I mimic the two, “It’s as if they think ‘Mm… lets go outside and play tongue twisters on each other for everyone to see! mm, oh, soo hot!’ As if we already don’t get romance, even Hell knows we need not to see that.”

Alastor nods slowly, turning away quickly with disgust present in his ruby eyes. “It is an unpleasant and grotesque display, yes.” He shakes his head, “Though, I’m relieved to know you have common sense, my dear.” He tries to rid that scene from his mind by closing his eyes, before snapping them open again, caught off-guard by my following sentence.

“What if… We twist their intestines instead?” Excitedly, I pondered aloud to him. “...” He stares at me for a moment, “Pardon? I may have to retract my previous statement, dear.” Covering my mouth with one of my hands, “My apologies,” I laughed, “I’m feeling a smidge hungry for violence, is all. Surely, you can agree? Perhaps, my revulsion has surpassed yours after all?” I tease as I near the end of my explanation.

Alastor gives another gracious sip of tea, responding back, “Ha, ha! I doubt that.” then serves the jambalaya in serving size for the two of us, his mothers recipe; of course. “As much as I agree with you on the… ‘Situation’ over there, I have yet to finish recounting the hotel's newest addition!”

“Oh yes, I nearly forgot!” Weary of the temperature, I spooned up a portion of the delicious jambalaya, “And you’ve brought the best food to go with this story! Your mothers recipe, I presume? You are one phenomenal cook, Al.” At my compliment, Alastor metaphorically perked up again, ego stroked and heart warmed nicely. Taking a bite of the astronomically delightful dish, I usher him to continue on with his story.

By the time he had completed telling ‘the drama’ to me, we had finished our bowls of the wonderful jambalaya; resorting to commenting on the other demons in the park, making jokes about each of them.

Suddenly, one of the hellborn children we were observing, had idiotically ran straight into a tree headfirst, then got back up only to trip on a large stick! I must admit, I do not regret wheezing at the sight. “Holy Hell-” Interrupting myself with more laughter, “The- they fell twice! Oh, Satan, my day could not possibly get better than this!” All the while, Alastor had simply chuckled, breaking into his loud ‘radio-man laugh’ as I named it, after my commentary.

“HA HA HA! You weren't lying about your itch for chaos today, were you!” Alastor pats the table before standing, “Alas, our outing is unfortunately coming to an end, my dear. Would you care for a parting dance?” Holding his gloved hand out to me, he gleefully adds, “As per our ‘tradition��, of course!” And I immediately grasp his hand, standing to follow him out to the grass nearby our gazebo.

Bringing both of my hands into his, I ask, “Are we gonna do ya’ swing dance, or my style this time?” Smirking, Alastor pulls me into a 180° spin, “Neither, only a quick dance to bid each of us a good afternoon!” He grinned, spinning me back around to face him and side-skipping to the right, as I skipped to the left.

We turn swiftly to face each other halfway and switch places, grasping the other's opposite hand and pulling ourselves closer that way. Circulating in the opposing direction, I quickly place both of my hands into his, moving farther away again. “The great spin, hm?” I casually jested, my left hand disbanding from his right, finishing the dance after a few minutes and dramatically bowing.

“It was a wonderful experience dancing with you once again, my friend.” He bowed back, “But I am afraid we must depart now. Will I be seeing you in Cannibal Town with Rosie overmorrow?” He asked, lifting his head before the rest of his upper body followed. I nodded my head in confirmation, “You will, and I wish you a good afternoon, Alastor! I will see you in Cannibal Town!”

And with that, we walked out of the park and to our respective jobs, all but impatiently awaiting our next outing alongside Rosie.

[katiestory]

Day 70: Romance (but make it dragons)

From Tim Clare’s 100 Day Writing Challenge, Day 70: How do you convincingly convey that a protagonist is romantically interested in another character, and make the reader actually experience it, when the protagonist themselves may not be aware of it? 

I uh, decided to make the protagonists dragons here for the fun of it. :)

She pulled herself out onto the cliff face that overlooked a grassy valley and saw the returned raiding party circled around, heads lifted in jesting conversation as workers unhitched the straps that bound their bodies with the takings of their quest. The largest of the group flexed a massive wing luxuriously after its bindings were removed and his low bellow of satisfaction reached her even at the distance. As he appraised the great length of phosphorescent skin he noticed her on the ledge and lowered his wing swiftly, giving a polite nod.

She stepped off the ledge and extended her own feathered wings, silvered with age, and let the wind carry her down. 

“Imperator, I presume,” the lead dragon greeted with a patronizing edge.

“My father, long may he rest, died in the winter plague,” she explained curtly, breaking off his sharp gaze to appraise the other, meeker subjects. In the corner of her eye she saw him—cow a little? Fear was it, for loved ones left behind to the plague’s ravages?

“Indeed,” she added. “Many were lost along with him. You may attend to your kin as soon as the workers are done here.”

He snorted and curled back. “All my kin are here before me.”

“Good then,” she added. There was something unsaid. He was bitter perhaps at the lot given him. Had her father chosen him because he had nothing to lose? A sad existence. And yet not unlike her own.

“What do I call you, friend?”

“Tavin.”

“Come to the palatial chamber when you are done here. I will expect a report.”

The imperator turned and jumped into the air, not missing the male’s lingering stare as she climbed into the sky. As she wheeled upward into whispering cloud cover, she contemplated the threat before her. Tavin was capable, she was sure, to have led a loyal group through two years of uncertainty, and if he chose to wield that alliance against her, he stood a reasonable chance of success. The state accepted her by tradition, not through her own compelling power.

And if there had been something else in his gaze? He was, after all, a raider, and had spent time enough taking what was not his. Any fantasies of dalliances she had put to death long ago. Imperators were not allowed the tangled intimacy that others enjoyed.

The air was cold and thin, and she tucked her wings into a dive down toward the palatial complex, her mind distant as she felt an ache deep in her chest. She wondered if it was the loneliness that had killed her father in the end. Before his death, she had never questioned their isolated status. Before his death, she had never been fully alone.

A really interesting challenge! For me part of the answer is having the protag's behavior change in unconscious ways: accidental rumination, increased self-consciousness, increased scrutiny of the love interest, melancholy... And then of course, you must throw an obstacle in their way from the get go. Here the character meets the love interest, and when his attention makes her uncomfortable, she interprets him as a political threat, in denial of the possibility of a romantic relationship. There are a few obstacles at work: the politics of being an “imperator” and the personality hang ups of both characters.

[yellowmagicalgirl]

ღ for your favorite ship!

I want you to know that I couldn't choose, so I wrote out 6 different ships and rolled a d6. I then got a 5 which got me thorarlo, aka Thora Tavin/Arlo Fletcher from the actual play Khyber Shards.

Who’s the first to wake up in the morning: Thora; she also will fall asleep later than he does. Guilt haunts her too much to sleep.

Who’s the one to make breakfast: Arlo; Thora's more likely to grab a slice of bread and some tea than make an actual breakfast.

Who’s the one to serve the other breakfast in bed: It's nothing fancy but because Thora's the one who's awake she's more likely to (unless she's sick enough to quarantine herself in their room)

Who suggests they both ditch work to lay around all day: Neither because they live and work at a boarding school and the children really need to be supervised (and so do the rest of the staff, who are college-aged PC's and will bring home a pet murderbeast or something)

Who chooses the movies: their world doesn't have movies but if it did then Arlo

Who initiates kissing during the moving, thus distracting the other from the movie all together: Thora

Who orders lunch: Arlo because I see him as less likely to skip a meal

Who steals food from the other’s plate without asking: Arlo does it more often and earns an eye roll. Thora has enough rogue levels that when she steals food he doesn't notice.

Who curls up next to the other and falls asleep due to a full tummy: Honestly either of them. They are running on coffee and should nap more.

Who distracts the other from trying to work at home: Their home is their workplace so both, though Thora almost never interrupts a class.

Who asks to go get ice cream like a five year old: Thora

Who takes pictures of their partner eating ice cream: If photos existed in this world (and were publicly available) then Thora... and if they were difficult to procure spy technology she would still want to take a photo even tho she won't

Who cooks dinner: They trade off (and the rest of the staff is on the trade-off schedule when they're not away on a mission)

Who cleans up the kitchen afterwards: Arlo, since he just uses prestidigitation to make it go very quickly

Who stays up until 2 reading: Doing paperwork/grading? Both of them on occasion. Reading for pleasure? On rare occasion Arlo, but he's too tired most of the time.

Who stares at their partner while their sleeping: Thora, both because she's a former spy and because she has enough insomnia/is a light enough sleeper anyways

Who kisses their partner while they sleep: Thora

Send me a ღ and I’ll fill this out about a ship

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

The Spring Awakens

⚔️ All Previous Parts Here ⚔️

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: ABO (knots, slick, mpreg), Viking/god Col, fae Dom, plot heavy chapter, Big Angst™️ (like seriously guys this chapter is INTENSE! Please check warnings!), back stabbing, insults, threats, death threats, torture threats, actual torture, sexual torture (barely but still), unwanted touching (Dom), threats of unwanted sex (Dom), unwanted handjob (Dom), threats of killing children, fear, PTSD, blood, biting, graphic descriptions of an attack (Dom against someone), lots of blood, more fear (Col), public nudity, twist ending, slight cliffhanger ☠️ rating: explicit af ☠️ shared ideas by: @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

The Plan as it was, had to be put together fast and probably a little too sloppy. Kol'son's favorite words when it came to sex with his wife but for rescuing the boy? Not so much. They didn't have time to flesh anything out and after opening his mind a little more he could feel the stress from his mate. The mental pulse coming from the boy felt like all those nights he woke up in a cold sweat from nightmares about Bjørn- he knew that meant whatever was happening was becoming sexual and it turned his stomach. It would never change his love or worship for his queen but he never wanted the kid to hurt.

The Plan was no more than to get to Dom and get him free. That might mean they were all slaughtered by the goddess and it might mean they had to kill everyone. The only thing he put his foot down about was sending Modig and Tavin to protect his children. His cousin fought him, the last time they'd gone to war they were shoulder to shoulder but… times were different and if something happened to him and his wife someone had to lead and raise the kids. He didn't like having to question their survival or to even think that he might not be able to say goodbye but he knew if he went to see his pups he'd never be able to leave them. Tavin had barely been able to leave his brother but Tavis needed his revenge. As badly as Kol'son wanted to sink his claws into Megna's chest and rip out her heart he would leave it to the fairy prince. After all, he'd helped with Dom's parents.

Night was falling as they neared the other village, it wasn't far from their own but even though it was theirs now it felt foreign and wrong. He knew Áine had a magical ward around the town and he could feel that many of the humans had escaped to their other village. It was only from his own power and a little help from Tavis that they weren't forced back from the place. As it was he still felt sick the closer they got and he worried for his kin, especially Inga. He tried to make her go along with Mod but of course she wouldn't. She would stand with her mate while he found his vengeance in blood.

"Son, you must breathe. If you shift now you'll go blind with rage and we need your head clear." The fae whispered in his ear as they reached the tree line around the main house. For just a moment he had an intense flashback. He was right back in the same spot he'd been years ago, hoping his mate was inside to save. At least this time there wasn't also a child to worry about but it didn't calm his nerves at all. This was worse than before, this was a fucking goddess. But he was a god.

The chieftain growled and nodded, shaking his hand off. It wasn't to be rude but he felt overwhelmed and any touch was too much. Now that they were so close his connection to Dom was much more open and he could feel hands on his body where they shouldn't be. His throat worked fast to swallow bile and he moved to storm the house but he was stopped again. This time it was by the human bitch wandering out of her house. The house where she'd slaughtered her family. Ew. "Take her uncle." He whispered, offering her death to the man she tortured. Tavis still hadn't spoken about what happened to him but even if he never did they knew it was terrible. The fae was scarred physically and emotionally. Before the nymph could move though more voices joined hers, the visiting king and queen were looking for their goddess.

They all dropped, staring through darkness at the three trying to bring their downfall. He knew though, deep inside, he would never let that happen. "Megna! We had worried for you! Is Áine near?" The queen spoke and Kol couldn't help but wonder if her mate even had his tongue anymore. Was the man just a walking doll? A zombie? He sure seemed dead inside. He almost laughed at how offhandedly they worried for the human, they obviously didn't but they had to act as if they did.

Megna huffed and threw her arms up, the bitch was mid-tantrum it seemed and still just as annoying as she'd ever been. "She's playing with Dom. She wouldn't let me play too. Have you seen the vampire?"

Kol smirked, he knew they had stolen the Viking and he couldn't help his pride as they told her that. "Somehow they made him switch sides. He's theirs now. The goddess has Damhnaic? But- but why?" For a moment the god almost believed she was worried for her son but of course she ruined that just as quickly as the thought came. "We were trying to find her someone fresh! She shouldn't have to dirty herself with a human's thrall."

That was it! That was fucking it. He was eating everyone. He was so tired of hearing the way these people thought of the person he loved most. "What do you mean they have Eric? He can't leave Áine's side silly, she spelled him." The words from Megna were barely caught through the haze of his anger but he certainly felt the sword at his throat. The vampire had snuck up behind him and because he'd been so up in his pride he hadn't even thought twice.

Lips pressed to his cheek, the dead thing was just an inch or so taller than him but so much broader and the cool touch against his body while he could still feel his wife's violation made him sick. "I'm sorry Kol'son, please know… I truly liked you both." The vampire whispered before pushing him through the tree line into the clearing. Kol was filled with anger, it felt like fire was melted and flowing through his veins but for the moment he followed direction. Eric hadn't exposed everyone else. Yet. "Look what I caught. Isn't it pretty? Megna didn't you say you wanted to play with him?" The man's voice was right back to that charming bravado he'd used when they first met in the woods. It was so different from his pain filled whisper it was almost shocking. He truly believed the vampire was hurt that he had to do this.

The wolf raised his hands and went to his knees when Eric pushed him there. His violet gaze catching the couple as they laughed at him. "I thought you stole our vampire but it seems no matter what you steal you can't keep. We've acquired our son and our rogue. It seems you're the one left empty handed, savage." The bitch grinned, calling back to how he'd threatened her before. She stepped closer and touched him only long enough to yank his face up. She was obviously just as disgusted touching him as he was being touched by her. "Before the night is over we'll have all your children too. But you don't have to worry, I'm sure you'll be dead by then."

Her ring covered fingers connected with his cheekbone so hard he felt his cheek split. Blood pooled on his tongue and he smiled, crimson fangs on display before he spit on her pretty clean dress. She jumped back, kicking him square in the chest but he didn't fall back. He wouldn't. He wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction. Eric moved, leaving him where he was to wrap an arm around Megna's shoulders, even still the vampire looked… lost. They obviously treated him as other as well. Vikings were heathens to them. Funny since they were the truly fucked up ones. "I didn't steal him." He growled, his beast right at the surface but he knew it shouldn't matter. He just wanted them to know it was their own fault. They lost someone as incredible as Dom because they were disgusting. Kol'son was blessed because he showed the boy kindness. Love. They didn't know what that was.

"Wife, we should kill them all and head home. There's no reason to linger. Let us get Damhnaic and the children and be off." The king finally spoke and the queen looked annoyed just at his voice. How did a marriage end up like that?

"That's all you wish isn't it? You believe now that Damhnaic is ruined for the goddess she will let you keep him? I know how close you came to ruining him yourself!" Her voice was harsh and Kol's stomach turned. The implication was enough, he didn't wish to hear anymore. He couldn't imagine looking at Kiva or Rose or Ronan like that… how fucking dare he.

"Oh do shut up wife, I only wish to get us safely away from here! If you remember it wasn't just him. Do not let this win color your perception of our safety." The king growled and while Kol'son was happy they were distracted from beating on him, he was starting to see how Dom had gotten himself hurt in their fights. He couldn't imagine how scary that was for his boy. He vowed then and there that if they made it free, they wouldn't raise their children seeing them like that.

"You're quite right, he wasn't alone but with your goddess so distracted you appear to be." And there it was, Tavis's calming voice. He could feel more than just the few people he'd brought with him step up behind him and he knew that's what had taken a moment. The fae called more of his people for a show of power. The four in front of him backed up but they were still standing between him and his wife and he knew they had to be careful. If they called for Áine she might kill Dom before he could get inside. The queen clapped her hands and the few selkies they brought with them came out behind them. He knew it meant the great hall was clear of everyone but the bitch and his mate but it only took one moment to kill his love. He couldn't gauge how many of their slaves would actually side with them or who might stand back. He didn't want to have to kill them but if he was forced to…

"Blood doesn't have to be spilled here. Lay down your arms. We will welcome you. Your true queen will welcome you. I promise Dom is better than this. He's kind, he loves his people, he isn't… he isn't this." He tried to call out as he stood and laid his hand against his sword. He caught the people looking around, they were obviously wondering if he was telling the truth but he could understand their fear. This was all they'd ever known.

"The savage lies! Damhnaic is no better than him now! Look at your kin and see what will become of you!" The queen shouted, pointing at Ádam who scoffed.

"What? Happy? I found happiness. That's what following Dom brought me. I know how cold and depressing home has become. The goddess and your leaders are failing you! Help us save the only light the kingdom ever had and you may join. We will go and bring everyone here!" Ádam shouted back and Kol couldn't help but give him a look. He supposed they had the room but he shouldn't promise without asking. Shit. "You remember how sweet he was, how much brighter the world seemed with him in it. It was as if spring had finally come again. Stand with us. We can make a new home."

"Kol'son?" The vampire purred and everything quieted as they looked at each other.

"Yes?"

"That promise your wife gave me, you remember it, yes? A favor?"

"Considering you-" He was about to rant about how the bastard had never switched sides but the dead man gave him a look and instead he huffed- "Of course."

Eric smiled a wistful pained thing as his palm curled around Megna's throat. "Free me from the goddess?"

The god's lips curled in a slow crimson grin, his heart thundering in his chest as the reality of the moment hit him. He didn't know how to do what was asked of him but the pride was still there. If he could steal their rogue he could steal his wife back. Somehow. "Fuck yes."

☠️⚔️☠️

"You're cute if you think that little puppy outside can kill me. Precious really. He's been stopped by your parents and a vampire." Áine cooed, her fingers trailing between her legs to gather slick enough to coat her own cock. Dom was more than disgusted at the sound, somehow it felt so different than when he and his husband made love but he tried to focus. Kol was just outside. He risked opening himself up just a little, he didn't wish to distract his Viking but he needed to feel his strength. He didn't need his mind opening up enough that Kol'son heard all the secrets that had been exposed, he didn't need to worry for more than just him but it was if through his mate he could feel their children distantly.

He was ripped back to the moment when the goddess pulled his legs up and over hers and his heart leapt into his throat, his core clenching so tight he prayed nothing could fit inside him. He tried to squirm, he fought with everything inside him just to move even the littlest bit but she was obviously focusing so much of her strength on him. He could see it in the way her chest heaved more than it should, in the sweat beading at her brow. It wouldn't matter to him though even if she was fighting to keep control, if she entered him he knew nothing would ever be the same. He could feel the rot of bad magic inside her, he could smell it, taste it from the kiss she had forced on him. If she came inside him it would kill whatever early bloom was growing in his womb. He just knew it. That was her goal though.

"Your hand!" He finally rasped, fighting tears and vomit. She'd offered her hand and perhaps if he acted like he was into it he could buy time. Kol would get inside eventually wouldn't he?

"I thought you wished for my death?" She husked, that voice deep as she positioned herself at his core but she still froze. Her pride was enough that she could believe she had seduced him. He knew it.

"I- I um- show me summat better Áine? Show me a soft touch? You so beautiful." The words felt like ash on his tongue but even though his mind was screaming it was all lies she was so narcissistic it didn't matter. She smiled, leaning closer and kissing him softly and he choked on her prodding tongue when her palm wrapped around his limp dick. It made him ill but he let her, if she stayed focused perhaps she wouldn't try fucking him just yet. The most important thing was always protecting his children. It hit him suddenly, that was why he'd tried to run when she first appeared in the woods. Megna had held his Cia but his instincts trusted his god to protect their son. His omega side had known already they had caught and was screaming at him to keep this little one safe.

Dom sighed as the goddess leaned back from their kiss, his chest was panting but it was more from fear and disgust than need or exertion. Her lips curled down in a pout and his heart tripped over itself as she glared down at his shaft. He wasn't getting hard. Gods how was he supposed to? "Bad pet. I know I don't need it to breed you but… don't you think I'm pretty?"

The siren swallowed a lump in his throat and nodded, trying to smile at her. "Of course. You're perfect. I've never… I suppose I'm shy." He tried to lie and she tilted her head, moving her hand faster and tighter over his cock as the head of hers brushed his opening. She yanked his head back and led him to kiss down her jaw, her neck. He thought about biting her pulse and ripping her throat out but he didn't think it would be that easy.

"You're new to a woman. I understand. Here." She purred, her grip tight but she pulled his face down to her breast and he tried not to gag as he teased her. The scent of her slick and precum was making him nauseous but he gave everything he had, using every trick his mate lavished him with on her tits. Her hips moved, she was obviously enjoying his attention but with every wiggle she was closer to entering him and he couldn't. He fucking couldn't. "You like it don't you?" She asked, her voice dripping with sex and he nodded but he was sure she could feel the lie in his soft shaft and dry pussy. He fought to move his body but he couldn't and when she growled and pulled her hand off his dick he knew he was in trouble. "I don't know why I try! You're ruined! A broken toy!" She spat, curling her palms around his hips.

A broken noise escaped him as her bruising touch tightened but when he still couldn't move he did the only thing he could think. Black blood poured into his mouth as he sunk his pinprick fangs between her breasts and she screamed so loud it shook his bones. She was where sirens drew their power, selkies too, she was the wicked wellspring of their magic and she was rotten. He screamed right back but refused to let go, he had finally hurt her- finally found a kink in her armor and he was like his pup with a bone. She would have to break him to stop him.

He'd only let his voice out like that once before. When his little Ronan had been born he couldn't hold it back but there he was, siren screaming against the creator of the sound. His pinkie twitched where his palm was glued to the chair and something inside him cheered. She was hurt enough to lose a little control. Her voice echoed through his soul but he kept going, no part of him belonged to this bitch. He'd been reborn the day his mate saved him, he'd been baptized by his god in cum and blood and so much more. She was nothing compared to Kol'son. Nothing. His fangs sunk deep again, his jaw trying to eat straight through her and her voice broke and with it more of her hold on him.

Dom only sat back when he could move his whole hand and he was able to watch her take a breath before his claws pressed against the bite on her chest. There was black ooze dripping from her lips, her nose, even her eyes as if she were crying. He knew she was dead inside but gods. "Don't-" She tried to speak and coughed.

He smiled. "Wha'? Don't destroy you like you destroy every'fin you touch?"

"I- I'm your goddess. Your home will die without me. Your people. You and your child- children." She tried to talk but every word seemed almost impossible.

That almost stopped him in his tracks. It was an old idea that if you killed a god you killed all they created. He thought perhaps that's why Fenrir locked a part of himself into Kol'son's family line. Normally it was a way to carry on, the people weren't supposed to take the power into themselves, they were just supposed to hold it. Áine had always seemed too narcissistic to lock a piece of herself away. It didn't matter though, she was already dying and he couldn't risk leaving her alive. She was too dangerous. "You see, I don't fink tha's true but if so, at least I'll fucking take you wiv me." He growled, his claws sinking deep in her chest.

Her lips parted on a scream but no sound came out and Dom instead screamed for her. A pain bloomed in his own chest as if he were feeling her ache but he kept going, fighting through bone and viscera to curl his palm around her heart. A light started, something blindingly bright and he lost sight completely as he screamed and pulled.

☠️⚔️☠️

Eric moved to strike but suddenly a bright light shone through the windows in the great hall and they all fell back. Pain ripped it's way through Kol'son's chest and he heard the scream of his wife. He sank to his knees, tears streaming down his cheeks. It was the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard but it was a heartbreaking song. It filled him with absolute fear until the last note. When the light dimmed and silence filled the land he glanced around. Everyone was trying to right themselves but the queen was smiling wide. "It seems we won. Your queen is dead and you have nothing to offer any of our people. I'd relish your death myself but my goddess wishes to keep you. Both of you. Eric you should beg for for-"

The doors swung open and the sound reminded Kol'son of the last war he was in. The sound brought hope that time. That time it was the sound of fae joining his battle. Now it sounded final. Terrible. He couldn't even make himself look at the doors. He knew Áine would be covered in his mate's blood. No. He would wait for his death on his knees. His hands dropped to the dirt as his heart broke, his chin against his chest he let himself cry. He didn't fucking care what anyone thought of him. He just wanted to join his lover. Slow footsteps made their way to stand in front of him but he wouldn't cower from her. The stench was enough to turn his stomach though.

"I know, it's gross right? Don't even fink I want to use our baff to clean it off. Bitch smelled like a zombie." Kol blinked fast, his heart freezing in his chest before it jump started and tripped over itself. That was… Dom's voice? His gaze worked it's way up but he was almost terrified. What if he was just crazy? But no. "Eric I truly apologize for finking you was-" Before Dom could finish his sentence the god was surging up and wrapping his arms around him. He didn't care about the black blood covering the boy's mouth; he kissed him anyway. Under all that rot was his wife. Alive. Safe. "Dom?" He mumbled against smiling lips. He couldn't believe it.

The siren took a deep breath as they parted and he realized the ooze had vanished. His husband's kiss had made him feel pure again. Whole- and somehow his outsides matched. A soft giggle escaped him as the Viking twirled him around and set him down gently, the man's hands already wandering his body even with everyone watching. He didn't care though, he needed Kol to chase the pain of her touch away. "It's me, I'm okay! More 'an I fink." He sighed and the god's brows furrowed. The wolf could see a new light, a new glow behind his lover's eyes but he didn't understand.

"How? But we heard her kill you!" The siren caught his mother's voice and he growled low, turning to face her.

"Actually you 'eard me kill 'er. Áine is gone. You're all free! Besides the fhree of you. Eric, if you please?" The vampire grinned back at Dom and winked, pushing Megna close to the king and queen and keeping his sword pointed at all of them.

"When you say 'more'...?" Kol'son purred against Dom's ear, his palm wandering over the boy's bare skin until it hit his lower belly and the fae giggled at the feel of his mate's cock jerking against his back.

"No, well… yes but no. I…" Dom trailed off and shrugged, holding out his hand and waving it over the ground. Under their feet a patch of fresh grass grew and it made a trail over to his parents where roots burst free to wrap around their feet.

"Holy shit ástin min-" The god almost laughed. He couldn't believe it but at the same time, it made perfect sense. Like Ádam had said, Dom was their light.

"It seems you ain't the only kin of a god around 'ere daidí." Dom hummed as his husband nuzzled his neck and pet over his stomach. Obviously the Viking was more focused on scenting him again than whatever new power the boy possessed. Because of that his next words were directed more at the visiting kingdom. He would normally feel shy being bare around so many people. He hated being seen with his soft belly and chest but now it felt more like a sign of what he was. He was a new beginning. He was the spring. "I am ya new goddess." He explained and while the rest of them went quiet his husband laughed, hugging him tight from behind and it was the most beautiful sound Dom thought he had ever heard.

Author's Note/Tags: @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @manicpixiedreamb0y @cole-way-iero28 @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker 🖤

Eeep! Slight cliffhanger but at least it's a happier one! I know this was a SUPER intense chapter but I loved writing it and I hope you love it too! I swear soon it'll be hurt/comfort and smut and some baby fluff! We all deserve it. But first... Revenge 🖤☠️

[comment-exchange]

303. Refined for Fear (Khyber Shards)

Title: Refined for Fear 

Link: AO3, Squidgeworld 

Creator: YellowMagicalGirl 

Work Type: Fanfic 

Fandom: Khyber Shards 

Rating: T 

Pairing: Arlo Fletcher/Thora Tavin 

Word count: 2007 

Warnings: Dubcon Kissing, Implied/Referenced Aphobia, Implied/Referenced Canon-Typical Violence 

Number of comments: 1 

Completion Status: Complete 

Short summary/description: Attending an academic conference away from Stormreach was a mistake. Thora won’t let Arlo be hurt the same way she was. 

Snippet: 

Unlike her former colleagues, Thora knew how to keep her feelings to herself. She was protecting Arlo. Nothing more. She hoped this wouldn’t ruin things anyways.

Thora pushed Arlo behind the pilaster and just barely pressed their foreheads together. She cupped his face with her right hand. She placed her left hand on the wall, just above his shoulder. If her mark burst into flame despite her efforts, the flames wouldn’t transfer to him.

“We need to fake an intimate moment,” she said to him in a low voice. “Doing more would help us sell this, but only if you can fake it convincingly. He’ll catch on otherwise.”

Arlo looked down the hall, eyes wide and frantic. She tried to think of other ways she could save them both. This wasn’t going to work; what had she been thinking?

Then he looked back at her, and their eyes met for just a moment. He closed his eyes and kissed her.