#thanks for the feast (again) lin

[vladdyissues]

... now i have omegaverse headcanons

i am as predictable as i am a simp but--you want some omega!Vlad headcanons? i have some now

-it's a function of becoming a half-ghost. it has to be because if it weren't, the college trio would have practically no obstacles to being a weirdly stable polycule (and i'm tempted to add that to my list of future projects because that happens to be the next favorite of my ships)

-heats don't actually happen because of biological cycle but as a result of having a combo of enough resources, safe territory, and exposure to an alpha that will help protect them and their offspring

-this would actually drive Vlad up a wall because his instincts are telling him about step 1 and 2 but they're never enough for whatever is making him so frustrated and there's no alpha half-ghosts

-well. until Danny. obviously. he doesn't register as an alpha right away but once he does

-mutual moment of "MINE" (though tbh i think that thought would happen regardless of omegaverse. or type of relationship)

-Vlad's first heat would be a fucking sledgehammer to his very carefully maintained self-image which of course would heighten his frustrations until Danny gets in range for sensory tropes to go down

-the heat doesn't induce a mating haze, it just makes the omega HYPER sensitive and feeling good while signalling "hey. this one right here. they want and are ready for a baby. put one in them"

-an alpha only even senses it if the omega wants them to because ghost powers filter subconsciously

-Danny wouldn't just be able to sense it, he would practically have glowing neon billboards of senses directing him to Vlad from halfway across the state

-Vlad would be deeply embarrassed by how desperate for a good time his heat makes him act. but. not enough to find a way to stop it because it feels. very good

-pregnancy would be a surprise to both of them but also Vlad would finally be able to fucking RELAX. that thing he wanted this whole time that no amount of stolen goods or big neighborless houses was satisfying? he got it. he can enjoy the nice things he has now, fully

-thing is he spent years getting territory and resources from a frustration in lacking some missing thing so there would be a tiny bit of a backlog in regards to a heat cycle

-bonus: alpha ghosts have fucking ridiculous levels of sensory ability to be able to pick up on a receptive mate as fast as possible. Danny can 'smell' interests, dangerous ideas, and impending disaster, he just had no idea because he lived with his parents who telegraph all three of those things so hard he just thought he was comparing what he picked up off if them

Me, reading (and rereading) this ask:

[nyamadermont]

Day 29: Feast + Fatigue

For @orangepanic's Whumptloktober!

Kya stuffed a kerchief in her belt pouch a little roughly just before Meelo stood to give her a hand and help her step out of Oogi’s saddle. She gave his hand a grateful squeeze as he lowered them gently on a puff of air. 

She pulled him close for a hug, still shocked by his newfound height. “Thank you. I think I’m a little old for sliding down Oogi’s leg at a formal event.”

Teenager that he was, his hug was tight enough to make up for his verbal reticence. 

“Should I go back to her office to make sure she came?”

Kya fought to keep her face under control. “She promised me she’d be here.” The last time I saw her, a week ago.

She took her nephew’s arm as they walked in one of the side entrances, leaving Varrick to hog the limelight beside Raiko. They giggled to each other as they ducked inside.

As they emerged into the brightly-lit ballroom, they had to pause for a moment just to get their bearings. Dozens of large tables were set throughout the hall, ready for the guests to park for minutes or hours at a time. Ringing the floor were other tables laid with so much food, Kya began to worry that Tenzin would be upset for a month.

Lin was worth it all, though. Kya knew they agreed on that.

There was no feast too big to celebrate her life of service to the city.

But as the night progressed, Kya became less and less sure that Lin had ever had the first intention of attending her own celebration. She had memorized a segment of the guest list, and once she had greeted each of those people, she tracked Tenzin down.

At a glance, they both knew that they both were looking for Lin, and neither had found her. They bent close together and ducked through one of the doors to the service areas to one side.

“Will you let Meelo take me on Oogi to Headquarters? He offered earlier, but I thought she’d be here by now. I think it will be too conspicuous if you leave.”

She drew a breath to keep talking, but the chatter in the main room increased in volume suddenly. When the tone shifted, they gave each other a worried glance and nearly knocked each other over to get back through the door.

The crowd stood in a ring ten people deep, and even Tenzin wasn’t tall enough to see over. He bent himself straight up over the assembly, and alighted in the middle of the crowd. Kya had to make do with elbows and harsh language.

She stumbled through just in time to see Tenzin catch Lin as she wavered while talking to Raiko.

Kya pushed herself to Lin’s other side, wrapping a possessive arm around her waist.

“Lin? What’s going on?”

She looked, and saw that Lin could barely hold her eyes open, and felt her weight far too heavily.

Lin pulled open a pouch at her waist, and produced a report that she raised feebly toward the President. Raiko scrambled to take it when Lin’s strength seemed to give out on her and she slumped hard enough against the siblings that they had to let her fold her legs to sit on the floor.

“You threatened my department if I didn’t finish that case by tonight. There. You have my report.”

Her head lolled to one side, but she forced a breath, opened her eyes, and stared at him from her position on the floor. “I haven’t slept for three days.”

Her neck relaxed, and her head fell backwards. Two more breaths, and she lifted it again and ground out, “Your brother is under arrest for contract fraud.”

And with that, she passed out.

[howlingday]

What do the girls of mortal kombat do when jaune just absolutely and utterly beats the hell out of Quan chi,shinnok,shao kahn,and oonaga

Jaune panted as his arms shook from the final blow. The Sorcerer, Quan Chi, was slain. The Conqueror, Shao Kahn, was dethroned. The Dragon King, Onaga, laid, in twain at the young knight's feet. Cheers roared around him and fell to his knees.

At his sides, Liu Kang and Kung Lao helped him to his feet, as Raiden, the Thunder God congratulated him on his victory, and promised he would hold true to his word, and send the warrior home.

It was here when Johnny Cage spoke up about holding a celebration, and after much pestering from Johnny, the paladin relinquished. A feast with music and dancing was held to celebrate Earthrealm's victory, as well as all others, over the tyranny of Outworld and the Netherrealm. Jaune Arc feasted like a hero, and was praised as one, though he felt no different than before. "The attributes of a true hero," replied the Thunder God.

Meanwhile, in Outworld, a seperate Tournament was held for a new ruler to replace Shao Kahn. Sindel, Skarlet, and Mileena sank into the shadows to plot and scheme, much to the chagrin of the forgotten princess, though all began savoring the moment the knight from the foreign realm would return.

At the same time, Jade removed herself from Kitana's side, and made her way to Outworld. There, she sought a companion much like the warrior she met at the Mortal Kombat tournament. The closest to him she found was a being who dominated the Outworld tournament, and seemed destined to become the new king. Their eyes met, and Jade knew she had found her prize.

In Earthrealm, Jaune Arc was engaged in a new competition. Though less deadly, it was all the more challenging as he put his wits against the greatest minds in the realms... and Johnny. Cards were tossed and dice were rolled, and Jaune had lost against everyone... including Johnny.

Sonya Blade chided Johnny as Jax laughed at the brotherly bond Jaune seemed to share with the Special Forces. Guns were no stranger to Jaune, nor were bionic implants, but energy-based weaponry like that of Sonya's arsenal were entirely new to him. He and Sonya took notes to share with Ruby when he returned.

Though Jaune felt great fear and trepidation entering the tournament, he steeled his heart and tempered his emotions into a righteous fury that won him out against the warring realms. It almost started a new war between the Lin Kuei, Shirai Ryu, and the Shaolin Monks for the new pupil, when Kitana spoke that the war would be pointless, as Jaune would be gone the next morning. The three factions shared a laugh, including the normally stoic Frost, and thanked Kitana for preventing further bloodshed. Liu Kang complimented Kitana, explaining that her beauty and her mind were second only to her fighting skill. Jaune nodded in agreement, though he was oblivious to her flushed face at the initial comment.

Tomorrow, Jaune Arc would return home as the same warrior he was before. However, perhaps this tournament was what he needed to improve his spirits in his endless war against the Grimm. He could stay here, in the company of his new allies. He pondered on this thought, then waved it away, because his friends needed him in Remnant. But should Earthrealm ever need assistance again, he would gladly answer the call.

[shijiujun]

ANOTHER REC from the author who wrote The Wife is First 妻为上! I’ve actually read like six of her novels so far (will do a compilation soon heh) and 绿野千鹤 (the author) is very fond of transmigration, going back in time, reincarnation, revival and everything, and she’s also very fond of historical settings where men can marry men, in varying degrees, and this is one of them!!!! This is a very feel good novel, just like The Wife if First - considered a sweet, not complex novel. 

(And for those asking about reading difficulty levels, this is actually not very complicated, so if y’all wanna read in Chinese, you can actually try this!)

- Part of Min’s ‘Why You Should Read’ Series -

Summary:

At his deathbed in his 20s, emperor Yu Jin Tang tells his male empress Song Xiao to die with him right before he passes away from a severe injury sustained from war. Devastated and also willing to die with him, Song Xiao is about slit his own throat when Jin Ling, Jin Tang’s younger brother who’s next in line for the throne, reads out the imperial decree to have Song Xiao be given a wangye title and assist Jin Lin in his rule, a decree that Jin Tang made before he died, of course not expecting Song Xiao to die with him.

Song Xiao slits his own throat anyway after killing the man who dealt his husband with the fatal blow, and wakes up in 16 year-old Song Xiao’s body in the modern world. He’s in the hospital after an accident, and is entirely confused with this world. He also wonders where Jin Tang is, if he also travelled to this world after his death, but Song Xiao first has to get used to the modern world, to his father, who is the CEO of an entertainment company, unofficial stepmother (who is an actress under the company and had an affair with Song Xiao’s father) and stepsister.

After recovery, Song Xiao gets to school and becomes tablemates with someone who looks exactly like Jin Tang, called Yu Tang, who is the heir to the wealthy Yu family.

Cue Yu Tang and Song Xiao trying to test each other out to see if they really transmigrated to this world and have memories of their past life, navigate their families and find other transmigrated people from that dynasty in their current timeline. Yu Tang and Song Xiao also reaffirm their love for each other after clearing up the misunderstanding that led Yu Jin Tang to go off to war suddenly that year, which inadvertently led to his death after.

Read:

Novel (Online) | Novel (Print) - Not Available | Novel Translations | Manhua 

Characters:

1. 宋箫 Song Xiao - In his past life he was a scholar who first met YJT at a palace feast, and YJT fell in love with him at first sight and was adamant on marrying him as his empress. The previous emperor caught wind of this and wanted to execute Song Xiao, but his grandfather begged the emperor to spare his grandson in exchange for his life. He loves YJT but in his past life was always carrying the burden of the empress title and was never close to YJT in public, and in private, he repeatedly refused to sleep with YJT because he was scared of the pain, but also did not tell YJT that this was the reason for his rejection, leading to YJT thinking that Song Xiao must really hate him/not love him. 

After he commits suicide and transmigrates to the modern world, he’s the 16-year old son of the CEO of a huge entertainment company, and lives with his father, stepmother and stepsister. Before he transmigrated, the current him was diagnosed with autism and he was non-verbal, until his stepmother/stepsister hurt him and led to him being in a coma. He wakes up from the coma having transmigrated after, and is so confused at all the nurses, plus he has all his ancient traditional habits - the way he talks, his hand gestures etc. He was caught calling his stepmother a concubine LMAO in public, and only has two months to get used to the modern world before he’s tossed into school, where he meets YJT again. And as expected he forgets himself frequently and ends up greeting people traditionally like this LOL:

Considered to be a real pretty boy HAHAHAHA as expected, but before he transmigrated he was often the subject of bullying. He ends up rooming with YJT, and they start second-guessing whether each other has transmigrated. It’s hilarious because even before confirming that he is indeed YJT, Song Xiao is so used to things like feeding YJT chicken wings, helping him with his clothes etc. from back in his days as empress, and YJT in modern world is also like used to it and then when they realize their actions they’re like ???? hold on, are you...

Totally doesn’t get Math (like all of us), but luckily he’s so smart and picks up all his academic material quickly. 

2. 虞锦堂/虞堂 Yu Jin Tang/Yu Tang - Went against laws and his father in his past life to marry Song Xiao, and really, really loves him. He always doubts that Song Xiao loves him back, however, because of the way he basically forced Song Xiao to marry him, and did not take in any concubines etc. in the year they spent together before he died. They argued over this, which led to him going to war in anger, and to his eventual death. On his deathbed, out of spite and anger at his impending demise, he asks Song Xiao to die with him, but does not mean it, having already planned Song Xiao’s future for him.

He wakes up in his new body as an 11 year-old named Yu Tang, 5 years before Song Xiao transmigrates despite their deaths being minutes apart. At some point he goes to read historical books and is furious and devastated when he reads that Song Xiao killed himself after he died, and wonders if it’s because Jin Lin didn’t tell Song Xiao about the decree.

He’s been waiting for Song Xiao to turn up, and when he does, Yu Tang finds himself testing Song Xiao to see if he really has his memories or not, and even plots for Song Xiao to room with him because Yu Tang gets pissed at the thought of someone else seeing Song Xiao’s body as he comes out of the bath everyday HAHAHA. 

In this modern world, he no longer has to deal with the burden of country etc., and one of the possible heirs to the Yu fortune and empire, he now only has to deal with greedy relatives and a grandfather who may oppose same-sex relationships, but smart Yu Tang knows what he’s doing and is more than familiar with fighting for the throne in his past life, and now in this life. Because he lost so much in the previous life, he’s now plotting to keep everything, including Song Xiao.

3. 虞锦麟 Yu Jin Lin - YJT’s younger brother, who also transmigrated to the modern world the year Song Xiao does, but in his past life he dies much later than his brother and Song Xiao did out of natural causes. He is reborn as Yu Tang’s baby brother, and this baby has ALL THEM MEMORIES.

4. 独孤暗 Du Gu An - Yu Tang’s current same-age bodyguard, was picked up from the streets by Yu Tang when they were both younger. He was the head of YJT’s secret army in his past life, who transmigrated over.

Other Things I Like in the Novel:

In private, Yu Tang and Song Xiao refer to each other frequently as emperor and empress, but they’re conscious to not say it in public because they know people will wonder if they’re insane hahaha

Yu Tang ran for President of the Student’s Club, won, and then changed all the names of the different committees in school (cleaning committee, disciplinary committee etc.) into historical ministry names like, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Justice etc. hahaha

They acknowledge each other quite early on in the book and it’s so sweet from then on! Technically even though they’re 16 year-olds here in spirit they’re like... they’ve lived another lifetime together, so Yu Tang refers to Song Xiao as his wife and empress, and keeps stealing kisses etc.

The man who killed YJT in his past life was reborn as Yu Tang’s literal dog in the modern world, and a lot of characters transmigrated/were reborn as well, including YJT’s eunuch gonggong, who is actually a high-ranking butler now in the main Yu family branch and who has also been waiting for YJT to turn up in the modern world. When Song Xiao first meets him, his eyes automatically go to the butler’s crotch LMAOOO

YJT’s sister was also reborn as his sister, and because he wasn’t able to protect her in his past life, he’s very thankful that he can do so now

It’s really cute because there’s even an overseas academic exchange part. Outside of school they also try to navigate their relationships with their families, and it’s impressive to see how Song Xiao and Yu Tang deal with their pesky relatives, work etc.

Song Xiao has to defend himself (with the help of Yu Tang) against his stepmother, and another woman that his Dad had another affair with etc., but all these tactics are elementary to him as he recalls how his siblings in his past life were much more merciless and scheming than this towards him LOL

[smellss]

after all these years - zuko x reader

gif credit: @forgotten-or-unknown-truestories​

a/n

I love the concept of the gaang interacting with all there children and i haven’t seen to many oneshots about it. I hope you enjoy this one because i think it’s my favourite one yet. keep requesting

- smells x 

the laugh of children could be heard echoing through the hallways of the palace, the patter of feet coming closer and closer to banquet hall were y/n was helping organize decorations for the banquet this evening 

uh oh here we go

“your highness the children are here to speak with you” the guard explained, trying to suppress his grin

“thank you enzo, let them in please” y/n smiled kindly to the guard, knowing what was coming next

the children all came in dressed in there best clothes for the feast they all huddled into a group,all whisper shouting until lin and kya pushed tenzin forward to speak

“um hello auntie y/n, we were wondering if we could ask you something?” little tenzin asked very shyly, looking down towards the ground trying not to make eye contact with y/n

“of course what can i help you all with?” y/n smiled to the children

“well um-m see we where...” tenzin stuttered his face becoming redder by the second, the children beginning to giggle behind him except for lin who scowled at all of them for teasing tenzin 

instead izumi took over instead pushing tenzin back to the group

“well mum, you know how we are all supposed to sleep in our separate rooms after the feast tonight. we were wondering if instead we could bring all our sleeping mats into one room and stay together?” the young girl spoke very quickly to her mother drawing out the last part, looking at y/n with pleading eyes

“like a sleepover” bumi added stepping forward to stand with izumi

“we promise to be extra, extra good aunt y/n don’t we guys?” kya said turning around to the kids, all of them nodding their heads and giving cheesy smiles

spirits how am i supposed to say no

“well if all of your parents say it’s alright, then i don’t see why you can’t” y/n exclaimed making eye contact with each of them giving them a warm smile

a wave of cheers erupted from the group, all of them running to y/n to wrapping there little arms around her legs yelling thank you over and over again

“now all of you run along the feast will start soon” y/n smiled to the children as they ran off happily discussing who was going to sleep next to who

izumi ran back one last time throwing her arms around y/n’s waist and squeezing it tightly

“you’re the coolest mum ever!” izumi exclaimed smiling widely, before running back to her friends

y/n smiled to herself, before walking over to help one of the guards hang up a picture frame

after hours of hanging up artwork, lighting candles and setting the table the feast was ready to begin. the children all sat at there table while all the gaang sat together, the people of the fire nation began to enter as zuko gave the opening speech to allow the feast to commence.

“it is not true” y/n exclaimed crossing her arms and pouting at her friends all teasing her

“love it’s true, they asked you because you can’t say no to them” zuko chuckled amused, placing a arm on his wife’s chair smilingly at his wife 

“no it is not!” y/n exclaimed flabbergasted at her husbands comment, throwing her hands in the air

“sure it isn’t buttercup, i’m sure that if they you asked you something you could say no” toph teased the woman, taking a sip of her drink looking staring at y/n knowing she would crack under her hard stare 

“there just so many of them and they always make tenzin talk for them and he has these little pleading eyes so i can’t say no” y/n rambled out before, snuggling her head into the crook of zuko’s neck out of embarrassment

the group laughed loudly at y/n, katara and aang nodding agreeing with knowing of there son’s bargaining capabilities 

the rest of the feast was a roaring success, everyone leaving with full stomach’s and droopy eye’s. the children all ran to the large room filled with sleeping mats, cushions and blankets the adult’s followed behind laughing at the children’s antics. the children all changed into there sleeping wear and began to settle for bed, y/n volunteered to stay with the children until they fell asleep. 

“be good for aunt y/n okay guys” aang said nodding at kya,bumi and tenzin all lying on there sleeping mats 

“we love you” katara whispered placing a kiss on each of there heads before walking out of the door arm wrapped around aang’s waist smiling 

“be good you two, okay?” toph exclaimed to lin and su, the girls smiled giving toph a quick hug before running back to there sleeping mat, sokka also winked at the beifong sisters from the door making both the girls giggle before walking out with toph

“izumi, i’ll see you in the morning okay?” zuko whispered into the girls ear giving her a tickle before walking over to y/n

“i’ll see you later love” zuko exclaimed kissing y/n on the head before walking out waving to all the kids before shutting the door 

the children erupted with loud voices and shuffling of mats now moving them around after there parents had gone lin and tenzin sheepishly moving there mats next to one another, kya and izumi moved so they would be next to su and bumi.

y/n shook her head and smiled at the children, lin and tenzin reminding her of herself and zuko when they were travelling with the rest of the gaang 

“okay, now that you have moved and gotten all of your talking out it’s time for sleep” y/n exclaimed to the children, resulting in a wave of groans and sighs 

“but mum we aren’t tired yet!” izumi whined flopping dramatically back onto her sleeping mat, y/n rolling her eyes at her daughters antics 

she really is so much like zuko  

“could you tell us a story please?” lin asked hesitantly a chorus of yes and pleases following lin’s question

“well i suppose so, what story would you like?” y/n questioned to the children

they all turned to each other and huddled little snippets of conversation could be heard like “no that’s boring” or “weird”, finally su and kya turned around with a squeal

“could you tell us the story of how you and uncle zuko met please?” the girls giggled and the boys groaned

“it’s going to be all gross and romantic” tenzin sighed in annoyance placing his chin in his hand

“what’s wrong with romance tenzin?” lin raised her brow at young air bender with a smirk plastering her face

tenzin let out a muffled nothing blush dusting his cheeks as he looked away from the young beifong girl

“well zuko and i didn’t get a long at first actually, we met at the northern water tribe when we fought against each other.” y/n began to explain to the children

“stop, leave him alone” y/n yelled as she jumped in front of aang and sent water crystals flying at zuko’s head, the fire prince shielding himself with a wall of fire

“i don’t think we have met yet, prince zuko soon to be capture of the avatar” zuko mocked the girl, sending back a ball of fire which y/n gracefully dodged

“i wish i could say it was a pleasure to meet you but it isn’t” y/n yelled sending a wave of water over freezing zuko in a block of ice

“by the way the names y/n” y/n smiled running over to help katara with aang

“woah you trapped dad in ice” izumi gasped looking at her mother with wide eyes

“yes well he was trying to capture aang” y/n explained to her daughter, making the other kids giggled at the thought of the two men trying to capture each other

“i met zuko again when he joined our group at the northern air temple, i didn’t trust him at first i was still convinced he was trying to capture aang. so he tried to convince me that he wasn’t.” y/n smiled at the memory

“spirits y/n what is it going to take to get you to trust me” zuko yelled at the girl throwing his hands in the air out of frustration

“i don’t know zuko, all this time we have been running from you and i’m not sure if i can trust you” y/n yelled back tears beginning to form in her eyes

“please y/n just give me a second chance” zuko pleaded, showing y/n a side of himself that she had never seen before

“okay i will give you a second chance,if you hug me” y/n said smirking at the boy

“what why would you want that” zuko exclaimed stepping away from the girl exasperated at the idea

“come on zuko one hug and i’ll give you a second chance” y/n teased opening her arms and wrapping them around zuko

the fire bender turned a bright shade of red as the girl squeezed him tightly, zuko reluctently wrapped his arms around the girl

y/n smiled contently, quickly placed a kiss on his cheek and skipped away yelling a “thanks zuko” over her shoulder

zuko stood there in shock placing a hand on his cheek were y/n has kissed him

“auntie y/n why did you hug him” kya asked tilting her head

“yes why did you hug me?” zuko questioned leaning against the door smirking at his wife before walking over to her, scary all the kids and y/n

“zuko spirits, how many times have i told you not to sneak up on me” y/n scolded the man whacking him on the chest causing him and the children to chuckle

“sorry love but i wanted to see what was talking you so long but now i want to know why did you hug me” zuko questioned his wife

“well i know how much you hated being hugged or anything involving another person touching you ,it made you feel like you were trusting them which weren’t really open too. so i knew that if you let me hug you and you accepted it that then you truly trusted me and i could trust you.” y/n explained to her husband smiling at him as the kids awed at the couple

“also i had a bit of a crush on you then” y/n laughed before zuko hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear “i love you”

“now i think that is enough stories for tonight so goodnight everyone” y/n exclaimed waving to all the kids blowing out all of the candles, before walking out the door

“thanks for that zuko i don’t think i-mph” y/n was silenced by zuko’s lips pressing against her, still after all these years it sent fire works through her body

“thank you for trusting me love” zuko whispered tucking a stray piece of y/n’s hair behind her ear earning a loving smile from his wife.

“i would do again it a thousand times” y/n gleamed embracing zuko tightly just like she did all those years ago. 



[thetrueweaveroffate]

Subscorp Week - Day Six - Rabbit

It was strange, seeing the Lin Kuei Temple in so much red.

Not red from blood, but from celebration. Red paper-cuts and couplets decorated the sides of several doors. Red lanterns were hung throughout the various courtyards. And, perhaps for the first time in Lin Kuei history, plenty of Lin Kuei were in the celebratory mood and wore red clothing against their customary blue.

When Hanzo arrived, he stood in a moment of disbelief, clutching the small box he brought with him - wondering rather irrationally if someone invaded the Lin Kuei without his knowing - until his eyes landed on a rather disgruntled Frost in a red qipao and Kuai Liang next to her in a rather dashing red hanfu.

Hanzo almost felt embarrassed that he forgot to wear red himself for an occasion like this. But, the red undershirt that is somewhat visible will have to do for now.

"Hanzo," Kuai Liang greeted amicably and Frost saw her opportunity to walk away, tugging at her collar, "Thank you for joining us."

"Thank you for inviting me," he replied, handing him the box he had prepared beforehand with both hands, "The Shirai Ryu wanted to gift yo several utreats that I'm sure you would enjoy."

"Oh Hanzo, you didn't need to."

"No please, I insist, on behalf of the Shirai Ryu."

Kuai Liang meekly accepted the gift, looking at him with a soft expression of affection, "If you insist. Thank you Hanzo."

He merely nodded, though the smile has yet to leave his face, "I must say what you did here is rather impressive. I had not entertained the thought that the Lin Kuei can celebrate… Anything, in particular."

"They didn't," Kuai Liang said, "Er, well, I suppose they did, but they didn't lean into celebrations. Frankly, I had not learned the Spring Festival was this… elaborate, at least until my brother had me away from the Lin Kuei for more than a year during for one of his missions during my youth. But, I hope to change the Lin Kuei tradition of not celebrating festivals into something better."

"Well, I would say you did well," Hanzo replied, "And you do look rather handsome in that hanfu."

Kuai Liang snorted, clearly amused, before beckoning him to follow. Hanzo's chest felt warm - or rather, warmer than usual - to see Kuai Liang genuinely on his own for once, and he stared down at the stairs while following him to hide his growing smile. Hanzo had arrived, as part of another one of his "diplomatic missions" with the Lin Kuei, formally put forward by himself. But the rather well-hidden smirks by some of his clan members indicated that they knew better. It was an excuse for their Grandmaster to celebrate an additional holiday after their own New Year's festival two months before, or, put more simply, it was a date. This would likely explain why no one else was particularly willing to go with him - it was an occasion of families coming back together, and currently, the only person who has family within the Lin Kuei was none other than Grandmaster Hasashi himself.

It was definitely more rambunctious inside than out, and warmer too. Students strode and moved with purpose around him, delicately carrying dishes and other food to the dining hall that the Lin Kuei Grandmaster led him to. The tables have been replaced with numerous round tables, and Kuai Liang gestured to the seat across from where they stood at the largest table, and a Lin Kuei member pulled back two seats for them before politely leaving.

Hanzo took the seat that was off on the side so that Kuai Liang could take the spot directly opposite the door, glancing about the room at the various well-done paper cuts welcoming the Year of the Rabbit.

"I must thank you once again for joining us," Kuai Liang began, pouring himself and his companion some tea to pass the time "I know we celebrate New Year's at different times and that you're a busy man. It must not be easy to spare an entire evening to spend with us while you and your clan is still carrying out their regular duties."

"Oh hush. I am always willing to spend time with you," Hanzo answered, and Kuai Liang's face threatened to be as red as his outfit.

"I - erm - well, I hope we can treat you to the best hospitality the Lin Kuei can offer," he managed, "And that both of our clans can find prosperity this year."

"And perhaps, finally, some peace for both of us individually. I would say you deserve it more than me."

Kuai Liang's smile disappeared before pouring himself and his companion some green tea, "Peace… And to think I am turning 48 this year. Too much of my life I have spent fighting."

The tone of their conversation suddenly went somber. "And too much of it we have spent as revenants."

Hanzo awkwardly sipped his tea. The aroma was nice, despite the usual bitter taste.

"I'm sorry," Kuai Liang said after a moment of silence dragged on too long, "I don't mean to bring down the mood. We should be celebrating the New Year, not mourning past traumas."

"No, it's okay. It is the New Year, we should be looking to the future, and start anew, in a sense," Hanzo reassured, "I would say you started off on a good note with this festival alone."

Kuai Liang nodded.

"You said you are turning 48 this year?"

"Yes, what about it?"

"You're a rabbit?"

Kuai Liang blinked at him, lowering his cup, "Yes, I was born in the Year of the Rabbit. Supposedly this would be a good year for me."

Hanzo failed to suppress a laugh, "Somehow the fact you are a rabbit should not surprise me."

"I fit my zodiac well?"

"My initial thoughts were how adorable you are."

That statement earned Hanzo an annoyed look, but he placatively patted him on the shoulder, "I'm teasing. But yes, you do fit your zodiac well. You're gentle, you're elegant and self-disciplined, and I am sure you will lead your clan - and perhaps even the Shirai Ryu - to prosperity."

"Oh please," he shrugged off, "I'm hardly - "

"Stop. Don't sell yourself short," Hanzo gestured to their surroundings, "Look at what you have done. This hall, you used to say, was where you were served rice and vegetables two times every day - three if you were lucky, and now it holds a feast, for a family. Your family. You've transformed the Lin Kuei - "

"Yes, you won't stop mentioning that - "

"Because it is impressive. Were I a younger man and a fool, I would have never thought it possible," Hanzo looked down to grip Kuai Liang's hand in his, "And I am forever grateful that I have the opportunity each year to spend time with you."

Kuai Liang gave a coy smile, grip tightening on his hand, "And I'm grateful for you too." He leaned in for a soft gentle kiss before the rest of the clan was called to join them for dinner, and pressed their foreheads together.

"Happy New Year."

[hotpinkrathian]

Christmas Party

(Kyalin)

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Please..."

"Kya..."

"Lin it'll be fun." Kya promised.

"Games with the families are never fun. Do you want me to count how many times Su broke my nose playing pie in the face?"

"It wasn't that many."

"Four is a lot of times to break your nose, Kya."

"You got me there. But Lin, imagine, a big Christmas, on the island. Everyone is... happy,"

"Until we fight."

"And there's sweets at all hours of the day." Lin didn't look impressed.

"We can start drinking at 11."

"In the morning?" Kya nodded, causing Lin to raise an eyebrow.

"Go on," Lin said. Kya pursed her lips, placing a hand on Lin's waist, circling around the earth bender.

"And when everyone goes to bed, waiting for the morning, we go back to my room and celebrate like adults." Kya whispered the last line in Lin's ear, and Lin was blushing profoundly.

"Alright," Lin caved, "but I'm not babysitting for your brother." Kya stretched a hand out.

"Deal."

"Lin! Kya! So glad the two of you could make it!" Pema greeted. The temple was already buzzing with activity. Lin put her coat on the filled hanger next to the door observing the chaos behind Pema.

"Thank you for having us, Pema," Kya smiled, embracing her sister in law. Lin wasn't paying attention when she, too, was pulled into a hug. She raised an arm awkwardly around Pema, looking to Kya for help, instead just getting laughed at. When Pema pulled away, distracted by the sound of a clay pot crashing to floor, Kya sidled up to Lin.

"That was cute," Kya said.

"There wasn't even a warning. What did I do to deserve that?" Kya nudged her with an arm.

"You'll get used to it."

"Thats what scares me." Kya chuckled, walking over to Bumi who slammed a shot glass onto the table. Lin followed, impressed by Bumi's gusto, although, at this rate he'd be out by dinner.

"Bumi!" Kya called, "did you start without me?"

"Took to long, Kya, I'm already four ahead of you."

"That didn't help you last year, it certainly won't this year." Lin had vague memories of their sibling drinking contest. Tenzin only ever participated once, he lost so badly and was sick for a week after, he never did it again. Kya picked up a shot, lifting it to meet her brother's.

"To tradition!" She said.

"Tradition? To drinking!" Bumj corrected as they took the shot. Bumu turned to Bum-ju who squeaked behind him.

"See Lin," Kya started, "the secret to having a good pace, is waterbending." Kya explained, "manipulate a little alcohol out of the shot, replace it with water, and bam. Suddenly five shots feels like two."

"Thats cheating."

"We never set the rules, or if we did, we don't remember them. If he can find a way to manipulate his alcohol with airbending then he is free to so." Lin scoffed.

"Lets get something to drink, hmm?" Kya said, guiding them to the table in the living room the Avatar was dotting around.

"Beifong, Kya!" Korra said, raising her glass.

"Not too much of that," Lin said and Korra nodded.

"Absolutely Chief, I am relatively new to the world of alcohol I will absolutely pace myself." Lin side eyed her, as Kkrra grinned and shuffled over to Asami.

"Here," Kya said, passing Lin a drink.

"What is it?"

"Not sure, ran out of the first one so I mixed it with the next bottle." Lin looked at her skeptically, Kya just shrugged. Sje took a sip of the concoction, ignoring the bitter taste it left in her mouth. Kya must've seen it on her face, because she lifted an eyebrow, pressing a hand to Lin's jaw.

"Too bitter?" She asked.

"It's... fine, I guess. It'll do the job." Kya grinned, leaning close to Lin's ear.

"Later I'll do my job, and don't worry, what I have to offer is very sweet." Lin blushed as Kya took a nip at her ear, before swinging her long white ponytail in her face, and walking over to Pema. Lin watched her go, unsure of what she was supposed to do after that.

"Lin, its good to see you." A voice said from behind her. She turned to see Tenzin, standing there with a small grin to his lips. Lin nodded, extending her hand. He took it and they shook, Lin grinning.

"You too, airhead." He rubbed the back of his neck while he replied.

"Haven't heard that one in a while."

"I thought it was the perfect time to bring it back." He chuckled.

"So, how are things with you?" He asked. "I feel like we haven't talked much with all thats been going on with the refugee camps." Lin looked to Kya who met her eye, wasting no time in downing the shot in her hand, making sure to run her tongue all around the glass of the cup. Lin gulped returning her gaze to Tenzin, hoping her blush wasn't too noticeable.

"They've been good. I've been taking breaks." She said.

"Good, good. I'm glad, you deserve a break, Lin. Should you take it."

"Heh, you aren't getting rid of me that easy." He placed an arm on her shoulder,

"Of course not," he replied.

"Dinner is served!" Pema called out. Bolin and Korra tossed them selves over the sofa, racing for the first plate of the meal. Lin waited for everyone to settle before getting a plate of her own, sitting across from Kya at the large table that had been brought in by Asami to seat everyone.

"Should we say something?" Asami asked, before eating anything.

"Like what?" Korra asked, halting her fork full of meat inches from her mouth.

"I don't know. I guess I just..." the girl trailed off and Lin frowned. Of course, it was her first Christmas without her father.

Korra put her fork down, placing a hand on Asami's knee to comfort her.

"Go ahead," Korra said, "we'll wait." Everyone nodded, and Asami took a deep breath.

"Thank the spirits," Asami started, "for giving us the chance to have this season together. And for this great big family I inherited. I miss you dad," she finished. Everyone dipped their head. Asami cleared her throat, and with that, the feast began. It didn't take long for Lin to engage Senna in conversation, the Avatar's mother absolutely adored all of the Korra stories Lin had to share.

"She was arrested the first day she got here," Lin explained, "someone didn't get the memo that destroying things is against the law." Senna laughed, and Korra shrugged from down the table. Lin lifted her glass, she wasn't one for wine, but it fit the occasion. Before she could place it to her lips, however, she was kicked in the shin. She furrowed her brows, trying to look under the table. She landed her eyes on Kya, who sat across from her, staring intently at the metalbender. Kya but her bottom seductively, her leg brushing against Lin's under the table. Lin gave her a half-hearted warning look, and the waterbender winked.

   Lin volunteered for the game, solely to escape Kya's teasing for just a bit. The waterbender had been throwing her glances all night, and Lin wasn't sure how much more of it she could take before she pushed her against a bathroom wall and well... the rest is up to her imagination.

"Wait what do I have to do?" Korra asked for the third time.

"You... again! Just, drink the shots," Asami said, "I'll handle the rest." Lin watched as Bumi expertly poured three shots each,  before re taking his seat.

"Kya!" He called. Fabulous. "These count as part of the race." He declared.

"Seems like cheating to me," Kya said, placing a hand on her hip.

"Hey, a shot is a shot. Watch me of you feel so inclined." No please no-

"I will." Kya made an example of herself as she sat down, pulling her chair loudly to the table, right next to Lin. Lin didn't meet her eye, trying to stay focused on the task at hand. Kya's hand found its way to her thigh, her thin fingers sliding in between Lin's legs...

"Lets drink, shall we?" Lin said, downing her first one, starting the round. The game was simple, take a shot, flip through a deck of cards until you flipped an ace, first to three flipped aces, wins.

She began flipping her cards, well aware of Kya's hand gripping her thigh, her fingers hovering over the material of her pants.

"Go Bumi!" Kya cheered as her brother flipped his first ace. He downed his second just as Lin flipped her first ace. Korra was still flipping, her clumsy fingers getting a lot of help from Asami.

"Faster, Lin.' Kya said, almost mockingly. Lin gulped, feeling herself blush.

"Faster, Lin, Faster!" Lin ran a tongue over her lips. Focus.  She flipped her second ace, reaching for her final shot. She took it like it was the only thing keeping her alive. At that moment, Kya decided to really squeeze her thigh, and Lin spat the shot out in suprise. She covered her mouth with a hand and looked to Kya, who was evidently playing dumb.

"Too much for you, Chief?" Kya asked. "I know you hate those coconut ones."

"Done!" Bumi shouted, slamming his glass on the table and standing up in triumph.

"Sit down before you hurt yourself, Bum'" Kya said.

"Hah! This old man just beat Chief Beifong and the Avatat in a drinking game. I think you're lacking Kya." He smirked, gripping the edge of his coat. Kya's eyes narrowed, and Lin watched as the waterbender stood up, taking the can next to Asami. She held it horizontally in her hands, thinking it over, before cracking into it with her nails and drinking out of the torn aluminum. Lin watched, oddly turned on by the action. Kya kept her eyes on her brother who's jaw was agape. Kya threw the can on the floor wipednher mouth with her arm, also hot, and sat back down.

"Thats got to be... what, like three more shots? I think your lacking Bumi." Bumi crossed his arms, storming away. Korra looked thoroughly impressed as Kya's newfound talent, getting the healer to promise to teach her. When the kids left, the two of them were left at the table in silence. Lin cleared her throat, hoping Kya would say something.

"I must've impressed you, you have nothing to say." Kya grinned, taking the cards and returning them to their boxes.

"I didn't know you could chug like that." Kya scoffed, stacking the boxes of cards in the center of the pile.

"Yes you did," the waterbender finalized. Before Lin could say anything more, Pema interrupted, lifting a leaf over their heads.

"What are you doing?' Lin asked.

"Its a mistletoe, Lin." Pema explained. Lin looked to Pema in confusion.

"Am I supposed to know what that means?" Lin asked, crossing her arms gruffly.

"Oh Lin, don't be so grumpy, you kiss whoever is under the mistletoe." Lin looked to Kya, who was undressing her with her eyes. This again?

"Alright, alright, fine." Lin leaned in for a quick kiss, taken aback when Kya gripped her face, holding her lips hostage under the mistletoe. Kya's tongue breached her mouth and Lin almost hummed at the soft groan Kya released. Kya pulled away, licking her lips modestly as the crowd cheered and whistled. Lin pressed her fingers to her lips. Pema looked mildly insulted she likely hadn't meant for the two of them to make out out under the mistletoe. To be fair, Lin hadn't expected it either. Lin looked down at the floor with a blush, while Kya sat there, smirking at the results of her handy work. Someone whistled, likely Bolin and Lin was urged to stand up. With a dip of her head she retreated to the washroom, closing the door behind her.

As she expected, it wasn't long before a soft knock rapped on the door. Lin opened it, stepping aside to let Kya though.

"Did I embaress you?" Kya asked, looking to Lin. Lin scoffed.

"Yeah, but I think I'll be fine." Kya's lips stretched into a grin. Lin pursed her lips, leaning against the sink when Kya pressed her chest against hers.

"Ready to get out of here?" The waterbender asked. Lin nodded,

"I've been ready the whole night." Kya laughed.

"I know you have." Kya took Lin by the hand, the two of them snuck passed those who remained at the party and up the narrow stairs of the Air temple, celebrating by themselves for the rest of the night.

[idjitlili]

Hi its me! Could you write something for the cinnamon roll known as Lindir?

I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye

Lindir x elf!reader

Summary:growing up as Gandalf's adopted daughter ,being apart of the company only to pass through Rivendell,only to joke about doing your best friend,Lindir.

Word count:1200+

It was no secret that Gandalf wasnt your real father, you both looked nothing a like. However this didnt stop him loving you like you were his actual child,you werent sure if wizard could have children. You wondered if he ever got horny,it disturbed you but you did wonder. Anyways you didnt know your parents ,they were killed by orcs ,Gandalf found you crying as babe ,and thats all you know. You were an elf ,mostly Thorin didnt like that very much when he found out.

So how you ended up in the company of Thorin Oakenshield was; simply because Gandalf didnt want to leave you with the elves again ,or leave you at home where you could be in more danger.

You were more than capable of defending yourself,due to your many vists with Elrond they had trained you very well. You also became best friends with Lindir since he was responsible for most of your training ,plus being your tutor. Lindir was also abandoned as a child but was taken in by Elrond. He grew to become a marchwaden.

Lindir was a kind soul,nothing like the elf which lived in greenwood ,suck up assbutt's in your opinion. Don't get me started on Thranduil with those slug eyebrows,his son looks older than him,he has a stick shoved right up his anus.

Lindir didnt really like having to talk to strangers or infront of large crowds,he was shy,but he wouldn't let anyone know thing. However you did know,you felt exactly the same. Lindir was pretty much your only friend growning up,you weren't social compared to the other elves.

Oh god the first time you had gotten a little drunk with Lindir was at feast wherethey were handing out wine ,keep in mind Gandalf was out of town ,and you had stolen a bottle ans dragged Lindir to your balcony to drink it. Of course the elvish stuff it doesnt take alot for you to get drunk.

 After that you had both snuck out to a river and with that Lindir just wanted to splash his feet in the side. However you had a different idea,whilst he wasnt looking you had stripped yourself from dress  before jumping in.  He was too busy looking at his bare feet ,when he had looked up and seen you swimming about in just your underclothes.

"y/n! Get out now,thats dangerous." he had scolded you ,pulling his shoes back on.

"ppft. g-gonna put some dirt in your eye." you sassed the ellon,swimming closer to him only for him to pull you out with ease,onto your feet.

"damn ,you are so strong,I would like to see whatelse you can do..be the scissors to my dwayne johnson..lin I-" You began to admit some feelings only to fall dizzy in Lindir's arms ,not surprising though,before hand you had jumped on your bed ,parkour. Parkour! you must have been shattered, with that he had carried your wet body in his coat to your room. Setting the fireplace a light,placing you in bed with like a million blankets because you were soaking but he didnt want to undress you. In hopes you would warm up.

Aways he was gentleman,and the bestfriend you could ever ask for. Back to now you were in Rivendell with the company of thorin oakenshield.You had been greeted  by Lindir ,who simply sent a nod your way not wanting to anger the dwarves ,if they knew of your close friendship,and soon enough elrond arrived and was like who's hungry.

In which ended up with you sat next to kili ,who sat next to Bofur ,Kili seemed to admire the elves. You picked at the salad ,wheres the lembas bread or chips ,you could do with some potatoes right about now.

"Cant say I fancy myself an elf too thin,high cheekbones not enough facial hair." he spoken up to avoid Dwalins and Thorin killer gazes. "Though that one isnt bad." he gestured to Feren an male ellon,you had giggled ,Bofur nudged him "that is not an elf maiden." Dwalin smirked ,causing the company to burst out with laughter. Kili's cheeks boomed red from embarassment,you patted his back as the laughter died down.

"if it helps ,I know which ellon ,I would rough," you spoke smirking eyeing Lindir who looked back at you confused,you know he heard , you just hope Gandalf didn't ,you look at him and hes still in deep conversation with Elrond ,thank valar. "and who is that miss y/n?" fili had piped up from down the table.

 "the brunette elf next to elrond," you had faced away when you finished ,blushing a little pretending to look at the trees.

Yes it was no lie that you had deep feels for the ellon for many ,many years,but you did not know he felt exactly the same. The whole company had turned to lindir ,some in disgust mostly thorin ,dwalin,others smirking,some blank. Lindir had just smirked knowing you were up to something seeing your posture and gesture  when avoiding his gaze.

"I bet you five coins lass,you wont do anything about it," Bofur had suggested ,the dwarves knew you were shy,and soon enough kili,fili,ori many others had bet on this too,bilbo just watched the scene unfold like that star trek meme ,you know the shocked face. Thorin didnt bet ,not wanting incourage you.

"okay,I accepted." and with that you smirked at the company then looking at Lindir who looked back you with farrowed brows ,as you stood from your seat. Slowly you made your way over to your bestfriend.

"w-what a-" before he could finish you had cupped his cheeks pressing your lips to his soft ones. His face and yours red,knowing your ada had just watched that. "I've wanted to do that for so long." the dwarves look on in shock,not really bilbo or balinbut most of them.

"as have I" he spoke ,you just sent him a wide grin before returning to your seat. "pay up lads." you held your hands out gesturing your pay. "you knew him before this,right?" bilbo questioned you cheekily. "yeah,he was my only friend growning up,i guess he's more now..." your face still red ,your legs shaking you couldnt believe you had just done that. "well lads pay up ,shes got more balls than you gave her credit for." Th0rin commanded ,it was no lie that you had made him hate elves that little bit less.

IN which finally confessing your feelings ,got you a pay check. Yeah you are so bodaciously epic you say Thorin and kili and fili and have a date. You are totally excellent. You meet up with Lindir not very long after the battle of the five armies,and not that many years later you get married in which the whole company come,Bilbo is your maid of honour. Of course Gandalf excepts Lindir as his son in law ,seeing you both grow up together plus he's an angel.

[missjosie27]

Merry Christmas, My Love

Hey, everyone! It’s that time of year again and here is my gift that I wish to bestow. Merry Christmas, @lins-hogwarts-mystery I hope I did your MC justice.

A big thank you to @hphmsecretsanta2020 for organizing this again. I will always participate! Without further ado!

Clara Lin loved snow. The white powder of frozen ice crystals always held a special place in her heart since she was little playing in the fields of Oxford. At Hogwarts, Christmas time became that much more special. Even with the underlying horror cursed vaults, there was always time to celebrate the holidays in a merry fashion. This year in particular she and her friends agreed to stay behind and spend time together over the course of winter break.

And what better way to celebrate that than a snowball fight on Christmas Eve?

“I got you! HAHA-” WHAM!

Charlie Weasley’s momentary triumph was silenced by Tulip’s double decker snowball smashing him in the side of the face, causing everyone else to laugh.

Staying behind were also Rowan, Penny, Barnaby, and Tonks who were all participating in the battle of winter circa 1989. Even Merula had skipped out on going home and though she and Clara would never be best friends, the two were amicable enough to have a snowball fight without getting too intense...mostly. They were on different teams after all.

The contest played out within the training grounds, so there wasn’t much cover to be had as far as trees or underbrush but then again magic could make up for lack of natural cover. On one side was something akin to a medieval castle, complete with five foot high walls, a drawbridge, and a flag. The other was a giant circular wall, good for combating attacks from all sides but vulnerable to a possible sir attack. In any case, standing up even for the slightest moment was unwise as Charlie found out first hand.

“She’s got good aim,” he muttered rubbing his cheek while dodging another projectile.

Clara couldn’t help but giggle. Even the person with the best reflexes amongst their Gryffindor brethren could be sniped by the cleverest Ravenclaw.

“Bombs away!” Penny yelled out hucking up a snowball into the cloudy winds of nowhere.

“Best to aim a bit first,” Rowan chided kindly as she adjusted her glasses while gathering more snow in her vicinity for the purpose of more ammunition.

“Merula’s team is eating our lunch,” Charlie lamented. “We need a new strategy.”

“Ooo!! I can help!” squealed out the tiny voice of Clara’s little sister, Emily, otherwise known as ‘Em’. She was five years younger but often associated herself with her big sister’s friends and refused to not be included in the festivities. A first year Hufflepuff, she was eager to help but lacked imagination.

“Keep firing as many snowballs as you can,” Rowan assured her again in an understanding tone that placated the little girl. “I think I have an idea.”

The teams were equally divided- Clara, Charlie, Penny, and Rowan on side while Merula, Tulip, Tonks, and Barnaby were on the other. Em was considered young enough (and insignificant enough to the female Slytherin) that her presence was not decisive enough to affect the outcome. But any competition featuring Merula Snyde guaranteed to be intense. After all a rivalry did not subside just because the two girls had formally agreed to work together in finding the cursed vaults.

“What would that be? Now would actually be a good time,” Clara observed as more snowballs skimmed the top of their fort. Charlie had to chuck a few more of his own to prevent Tonks from getting any closer.

“Simple. We use a freezing charm to turn one of our snowballs into a giant ice ball. I’ll use a propulsion charm to send it forward. With any luck their castle should come crumbling down and victory ours!”

“What the heck? I’m in!” Penny said excitedly over the noise, her rosy cheeks becoming apparent in the winter weather which was fast becoming colder in the later afternoon. Pink contrasted her light blue outfit (she was also the only one still wearing a skirt). Charlie’s Quidditch reflexes served him well but even he couldn’t overcome the odds of beating four other teengers surrounded by a full blown fort.

“I thought we weren’t allowed to use magic. Wouldn’t that be cheating?” Em asked, naive to the fact that no one adhered to that rule during a wizard snowball fight.

“Em, they’re using magic already,” Clara said bluntly, her practical nature coming into play already. She adjusted her glasses (being practically blind without them) and peeked out over the top and sure enough, saw the evidence needed to prove her accusation.

“Merula...I knew it,” she breathed out, frost emanating from her lips. “A banishing charm.”

“So that’s why those snowballs keep coming in so hot,” Rowan said, rubbing a gloved hand underneath her chin.

“And Tonks is using her metamorphagus ability to turn her nose into a trunk!” Charlie added, tossing another snowball back the other way and ducking down. “Bloody, cheater.”

“Then I say we hold nothing back,” Clara suggested.

“Sure that won’t be a problem with Barnaby?” Penny teased.

“He’s six foot three and can eat three turkeys in one setting, he’ll be fine,” the Gryffindor girl responded with a small blush trying to ignore feeling the pang of guilt at the idea of pelting him with snowballs. But there was no time to waste and when it came to December battles amongst the powdery, ice cream hills of Hogwarts all bets were off.

“Let’s do this,” Rowan remarked. Taking out her wand and removing one of her gloves, she summoned one of the snowballs while the rest their magic to summon snow from the ground to steadily grow it to the size of a grapefruit, spinning like the back wheel of a car, glistening in the glowing pink light of the evening sky.

“Now it’s really time for bombs away,” Penny giggled fond of muggle sayings.

“Oh I’d say so,” Rowan grinned mischievously. “Once that thing blows open their fort wall, Clara you and Charlie charge forth and win the battle.”

“What should I do?” little Em asked, still eager to help.

“Just keep throwing snowballs with Penny and Rowan, okay?” Clara ordered. She was quite protective of her sister even in light hearted situations such as these. Besides, despite being the most practical of the group the sixteen year old carried a competitive streak of her own.

“Three...two...one...NOW!”

At Clara’s command, Rowan muttered the necessary incantation and sent the massive ice ball at top speed towards their adversaries. Such was the speed, it had no trouble bursting through their castle with such force that it did exactly as Rowan foretold.

“CHARGE!” Charlie howled above the din as he and Clara rushed forward dodging strikes issued by their opponents, weaving and somersaulting in and out before performing an attack of their own.

“Eat snow! Take this!” Clara laughed as she struck Tulip and then fired another shot at Merula which caught her straight in the face (she never tired of one upping the Slytherin girl). But when wheeling around to do the same to Barnaby she came upon a strange sight. Her boyfriend didn’t seem to have his heart in the friendly competition at all. On the contrary, handsome, chiseled features were flat and carried a degree of melancholy unusual especially on Christmas.

My love, what’s the matter?

But before Clara could drop her snowballs and inquire further, someone beat her to the punch as a powerful burst of white exploded in the face of the burly Slytherin.

“Yes!” Charlie Weasley yelled out triumphantly. But Clara was not out of danger just yet, in her hesitation a projectile just missed the back of her head and only because Barnaby moved her out of the way just in time.

“Merula!” he said crossly. “Come on, don’t cheat.”

“Speak for yourself,” the Slytherin witch said with equal disdain. “We said no magic and yet here we are.”

“You broke the rule first,” Charlie argued.

“Right like you wouldn’t have done the same.”

“Enough,” Clara cut across the cacophony of argument which was reaching a boiling point. “It’s getting dark. Let’s go back inside.”

Her insistence, as well as her leadership qualities over the group won over as the magically flying snowballs ceased and even Merula despite her snarling, gave in to logic though it was apparent from the look on her face she would have continued given the opportunity.

“Fine, Lin,” she said with a shrug that failed to hide its competitiveness.

Whistling over, Clara signaled to Rowan, Penny, and her sister that the fight was over but that was not the end of the drama. Looking back towards Barnaby, the sadness etched on his face had not dissipated in the slightest.

“Are you okay?” she asked kindly, mittened hands interjoing for a brief moment before Barnaby pulled away.

“I’m fine.”

“You sure don’t look fine.”

Barnaby was much better at hiding his emotions than a certain other Slytherin and gave a smile that would have seemed natural were it not for the previous circumstances.

“Don’t worry about me, Clara. We have a whole Christmas ahead of us. And pudding!” he added excitedly.

The childlike enthusiasm that normally enraptured her would have normally worked, but being the sensible Gryffindor she was (a rarity in the house of the brave) could tell this was not the entire story. Nevertheless, she did not press further...for now.

“Alright.”

She was given an affectionate kiss before the group trudged back to the castle as the light decreased and the day drew to a close. Even holding hands walking to the entrance felt oddly out of place.

“Good match, Clara Lin,” Tulip said with a wink. “See ya tomorrow for the feast.”

“Bye, Clara!” Penny waved cheerfully as she descended towards the basement and thereby the kitchens.

With the exception of her housemates and sister with whom she shared a common room, everyone waved a hearty goodbye but her boyfriend did not say anything other than giving a quick kiss on the forehead before lumbering off quickly behind Merula. How ironic it should be that the youngest among them should voice aloud her suspicions.

“Barnaby seemed sad,” Em mentioned as they approached the fat lady.

“Hm?” Clara asked, not expecting such a comment from her eleven year old sister.

“He kissed you but not the usual way,” came the innocent response. “Maybe he’s homesick.”

“Barnaby’s fine, I’m sure of it. If he says so, I believe him.”

“Do you believe everything I’ve told you.”

Clara rolled her eyes at her little sister.

“It’s different with siblings, Em. You’re just lucky mum told me to let you tag along.”

“I didn’t need to tag along to know your boyfriend didn’t wanna throw snowballs.”

At this conjecture, Rowan gave the password (Festum Maximus) but not before the remark caused Clara to pause for a brief second before continuing into the common room. She knew Barnaby and would be aware of any personal problem or grief he had within his psyche.

Right?

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

Clara briefly forgot about the snowball fight after sharing some hot cocoa with Charlie and then some brief but good natured gossip with Rowan. The two girls discussed all manner of things as they usually did- presents, family, relationships, and what they would wear to the feast the next day however fancy or casual. But soon the warm and coziness of their dormitory overtook them and without fuss or fanfare fell asleep into the soft snows into the night, falling down silently within the December darkness.

By morning, however, the same excitement came upon them both as light permeated through the stained glass windows. The snow had since ceased, but a fresh layer of powder brought more excitement to an otherwise extremely white Christmas. And presents were waiting.

“Race you down!” Rowan said with a laugh as she bounded out of her bed, blue robe flying behind her.

“No you don’t!” Clara shouted back.

It wasn’t long until they were opening presents of which there were many laying under the tree. Charlie was already one step ahead of them, a blue Weasley sweater with a large ‘W’ inscribed on the front courtesy of the kindly Mrs. Weasley whom Clara had acquainted with by now.

“Happy Christmas, Clara!” the redhead said cheerfully.

“Happy Christmas to you too, Charlie.”

“You two seem to have quite a few gifts. Don’t hold back on my account,” Charlie said with a good natured chuckle and waggle of the eyebrows.

Neither of the girls did. Trying to be sensitive to the fact that her best male friend (aside from her boyfriend) did not come from wealth, Clara and Rowan opened their presents slowly and with a degree of caution. The latter came from a naturally wealthy family due to the success of their tree farm while the former, not rich by any stretch of the imagination, still accrued enough gifts to acquire a sizeable load- treacle fudge from Hagrid, a Gryffindor Quidditch scarf from Charlie, a cookbook from Em (‘haha’ she thought sardonically given her lack of skill in making cuisine of any type), a red dress from Penny hand stitched, a new mug from Rowan, further sweets from Mrs. Weasley, and a book on Chinese Mandarin from her parents, no doubt to further education as a potential ambassador like they wanted. Annoying, but even so Clara knew her parents loved her all the same despite their flaws.

After an hour or so she thought that all of her presents had been opened until Rowan flipped her one last gift, missed originally from the large pile.

“It’s from Barnaby,” she explained.

Of course! How could I have forgotten?

Clara hoped he had enjoyed his gift down in the dungeons (Newt Scamander’s latest book on creatures) but had not yet detected his own token of gratitude. It was actually quite small- a little rectangular box no bigger than ten centimeters wrapped in red and green paper with sparkles topped with a golden bow. All in all the decoration by itself was impressive.

Opening up, her jaw almost dropped.

It was a moving photo of Clara and her family before Jacob disappeared. Everyone appeared radiantly happy but there was reason for it. Right away she discerned that this was the photo she’d given Barnaby three years at the end of their third year before parting ways. A wave of nostalgia hit her as she witnessed her parents smiling and waving, Jacob’s tepid nervousness at what he was about to face, his younger sister giving a gigantic hug, while little Emily sucked on a pacifier, blissfully content in doing so. The meaning was not lost on the sixth year Gryffindor: a time when her family had been happy and unspoiled by the loss of a child. The photo was framed in silver and carried a heartfelt note.

May your family always guide you even in the darkest of times.

-Love, Barnaby

Wiping her eyes, Clara looked up towards Rowan and Charlie who had also noticed the scene.

“This was so beautiful,” she spoke quietly.

“Aw, hun,” Rowan comforted sitting beside her, embracing the fireside. “You know he’d do anything for you.”

“I’m wondering...maybe Em wasn’t so crazy. What if he really was struggling with something and I ignored him?”

“You’ll see him at the feast,” Charlie reasoned, playing with a dragon toy Bill had given him from Gringotts. “And I’m sure he’ll love how much you appreciated the gift.”

Clara supposed that might be true but she couldn’t help but feel something was amiss. Either way, her cursebreaker instincts would be put to the test in finding out the truth. Barnaby never held back from her. He was always jolly and upbeat, why should this holiday season be any different?

I just hope I’m not too late….

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

The Hogwarts feast was as grand as it always was- twelve enormous fir trees decorated with an array of colorful ornaments decked the halls, wreaths, mistletoe, and holly hung from the ceiling in a wide array of patterns. Along the tables belonging to each house lay a smorgasbord of dishes- roast turkey, mashed potatoes, sprouts, chicken, green beans, pudding, treacle tart, and so much more. The kitchen pulled out all the stops and Professor Dumbledore sitting at the head of the staff table gave his stamp approval, his blue eyes twinkling with holiday joy.

“To the many few who opted to stay behind for our voluptuous feast I say- tuck in.”

Charlie roared with approval as he ravenously delved into the goodies with Clara and Rowan not far behind. It didn’t take long for the rest of the group to show up- Penny, Tulip, Tonks, etc. They were the only one among the sixth years that had stayed behind with a mere handful of younger students hanging around awkwardly by themselves. The teenage Gryffindor would have given more thought to them were it not for the fact that she was anticipating a certain someone.

“Have you seen, Barnaby?” she would ask every time a new guest sat down at the Gryffindor table (it didn’t matter who sat where at this point). No one knew. Her sister remained blissfully unaware of course by the time she arrived, bragging about how many presents received that year.

Though trying to enjoy the scrumptious feast at hand, Clara couldn’t but look up every so often or so for her boyfriend...which by Rowan’s calculations was every five minutes.

“You’re not even eating,” came her best friend’s admonishment. “Relax, he’ll be here.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“He can eat more than the rest of us combined. Why would he miss the opportunity?” Charlie reasoned.

“The feast is his favorite part of Christmas,” Penny said, reaching across and squeezing Clara’s hand.

Despite the kindly reassuring of her friends, it wasn’t until Clara caught a flash of green that she truly began to seek out answers. Unfortunately, the green sweater did not belong to a burly man of about 190 centimeters but of a Slytherin girl recognized as her greatest rival (and pest at times). Merula joined their table without fanfare but right away everyone could tell there was something amiss. Far from being a ‘friendly’ person you could always count on a sarcastic or snarky remark from Merula Snyde. Not so this time around.

“Lin. I think you need to go see Barnaby,” she stated bluntly, getting straight to the point.

The table immediately ceased eating at this development, not that Clara had consumed much beforehand.

“What?” she asked, dumbfounded.

“Are you deaf, Lin? The bighead isn’t even interested in eating and that’s saying something…” she huffed in frustration knowing sensitivity wasn’t her strong suit and tried to deliver the news more amicably. “Just see him, okay? He doesn’t want to talk to anyone else.”

Were this their first year, the amount of trust in Merula would have been below that of a snake. But five years later, she would not have informed Clara of something that delicate were it not of serious importance. They were collaborative rivals after all...not bitter enemies. At least not anymore.

“Where is he?” came the simple question.

“In the courtyard freezing his arse off. Just...don’t let him do anything stupid. More than he already does.”

Clara wasted no time in getting up from the table. She didn’t even bother to look back at the reactions her friends may or may not have had. The hunch of the previous day had been right...but she’d fail to recognize it. For Merlin’s sake even little Em could tell. What was so deficient within herself that her own boyfriend stood out on Christmas alone in the cold?”

“Sis?” Em called out but it was no use. She was out of the Great Hall before anyone could say so much as ‘Doris Crockford.’

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

It didn’t take long for Clara to reach the desired destination. So frantic was her pace, there was barely time to button up her jacket, pull on her black knit gloves and hat, while also adjusting her hair into its usual long ponytail. But none of that mattered. Personal comfort could be foregone in the face of a significant other suffering needlessly. Numerous anxious thoughts raced through the brain upon the approach, seeing that he was dressed in a dark brown jacket, jeans, a blue and red hat with a puffball on top complete with calf level brown boots.

Something was wrong...something was wrong and I didn’t bother to ask. I just assumed. What if I made him upset? What if he wants to break up?

“Calm yourself, Clara,” she admonished herself. “Barnaby wouldn’t hold back anything from you.”

Despite that attempt at reassurance, it didn’t do much for her nerves. That being said, a Gryffindor did what was necessary in spite of fear. For better or worse, this Christmas conversation had to occur. For Merlin’s sake, even Merula knew when something was off. But the analytical mind wouldn’t let the issue go until she found out what plagued him so.

“Barnaby!” the cursebreaker said in a tone that fully betrayed her anxiety. “Merula told me you were out here. Is everything okay?”

“Did you like your present?”

The simple reply, a question to a question. In fact she was so taken aback by it, words failed her for a brief moment.

“I-uh….yes. Of course I did, but that’s not the reason I came out here.”

She took both his hands in hers, noting just how much taller he was in situations like these. It took quite the effort to kiss him but the primary concern lay with the heart- underneath the archway of the west aqueduct in the courtyard, twinkling white crystals winking in the late early morning sun. Both of their breaths resonated but only one had trouble looking the other in the eye.

“Was my present not what you wanted? I know you’re interested in being a Magizoolist but if there was something else I could get you instead…”

A finger pressed against her rosy, red lips.

“But did you like mine?”

The question, being repeated twice became a source of puzzlement now.

“Barnaby I already told you I loved it. It’s not often I get to see a picture of my family whole like that…” she paused, narrowing her eyes but not unkindly. “Why?”

“If you’re happy that’s all I care about on this special day.”

“But if you’re not, how can this day be special?” Clara countered. “Please...don’t keep me out. What’s wrong. Merula sees it and so can I.”

There could be so many explanations as to why her boyfriend was upset. But this wasn’t a cursed vault where a keen, undiluted mind could be put to the task in finding it. It didn’t require analytics, but empathy.

Barnaby stuffed mittened hands into the pockets of his jeans, turning his head to the side.

“I...I thought if you could realize how important your family is to you maybe it might help...with mine,” he breathed out.

“What do you-oh…” Clara said, letting out a soft sigh of realization. “Your dad.”

“Yes.”

“He yelled at you again in a letter.”

“No.”

“He disowned you?”

“No.”

“He said something-”

“Clara,” the sixteen year old Slytherin said sharply though the aim of his emotions was not directed towards her. “He didn’t send me anything this year. Nothing.”

It took a second for the Gryffindor to sink that in her brain.

“Nothing?”

“Our relationship has been bad for awhile. But at least he sent me presents. Heck, he liked that I was good at fighting and eating. I love both those things.”

“You’re more than just a fighter and an eater,” she soothed in a soft tone, rubbing his arm. “You know that.”

“I do,” he said, still not looking directly at her. “But with me constantly disobeying his wishes and taking my own path in life...it makes me realize my family has always been rubbish. Those presents were only under the three if I did what he said...and the wrapping paper was always lousy!” he added.

Clara had an inkling of what her boyfriend’s life was like but not much beyond a few short stories and traumatizing incidents he never liked to discuss. But to be cut off completely well that was news to her. And it wasn’t fair.

“Sweetie, listen,” she told him, wrapping her arms around his strong neck. “It’s not your fault.”

“But it is. If I had just…” his voice cut off now unable to say anything more beyond potential crying and Clara could see tears welling up in his eyes. “I-If I can’t have my family, you should at least appreciate how amazing yours is.”

“Shhh,” she said, rocking him in a tone she used whenever he became upset. Being a member of the frog choir and an excellent singer, it helped calm her boyfriend. And now was the perfect time.

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

The muggle tune was one she knew growing up and read from one of her mother’s books at university. Given that it was Christmas time, the moment felt quite appropriate. Slowly, she grabbed his left hand and led him around the courtyard as if they were dancing, feet crunching in the snow in a soft ballad until they stopped below a string of mistletoe that hung in one of the archways.

Sleep in heavenly peace

Upon the ending of the song, she wiped the stream of tears from his cheeks.

“You always have a family in me,” Clara said, adjusting his scruffy, brown hair underneath his hat. “And you’re the greatest gift a girl could ask for.”

Slowly and with such tenderness that the loving couple melted into each other like a marshmallow into a cup of hot chocolate, they kissed.

“Merry Christmas, Barnaby Lee.”

The Slytherin grinned back, picking her up by her waist and swinging around and dipping her forward as if she were a princess. All tears were gone and regret washed away by the spirit of the season.

“Merry Christmas, Clara Lin.”

[bloody-bee-tea]

For the prompts would you do 48 with Jin Ling & Jiang Cheng? I'm in a yunmeng family kind of mood lol. Love your writing!

Not a problem at all, family feels are always important! Thank you

48. “Boo.”

Jin Ling is crying, again, and Jiang Cheng stares at the ceiling in desperation. One night. He just wants one night of uninterrupted sleep. Is that really too much to ask for?

He gives it another ten seconds, but when the screams don’t die down, Jiang Cheng pushes himself up and out of bed. 

Jin Ling’s crib is standing at the other end of the room, so Jiang Cheng is with him in mere seconds, but even the sight of him can’t calm Jin Ling down. He’s already all red in the face, and Jiang Cheng’s heart constricts at that.

“Shhh, tiny one,” he tries, because sometimes his voice is enough to calm Jin Ling down, but it doesn’t seem like it’s working tonight.

Jin Ling only hesitates for a second and then he starts his screams again, with new vigour too, as it seems.

Jiang Cheng sighs as he bends down to pick him up, but Jin Ling starts to hit his hands as soon as they are in reach and he also starts squirming for good measure, too.

“What do you want?” Jiang Cheng asks, voice filled with desperation, because he has never been good with reading people, and especially not tiny ones. 

He relies on people to tell him what they want, so this is a huge problem.

“You have to grow up soon, so you can tell me what you need,” Jiang Cheng mutters as he captures Jin Ling’s foot in his hand and gently shakes it.

It causes Jin Ling to stop his crying for long enough to stare at Jiang Cheng with his huge, tear-filled eyes and Jiang Cheng shakes his foot again.

“Mh, tiny one, what do you need?” he asks again, despite knowing damn well that Jin Ling can’t answer him yet, but trying doesn’t hurt.

Surprisingly enough Jin Ling stills for a few seconds, before he slaps his hands on his face and then pulls them away again.

He does it a few more times when all Jiang Cheng does is stare at him with a frown, but eventually it clicks for him.

“Really? That’s what you woke me up for?” he whispers and briefly tickles Jin Ling’s tummy before he puts his hands over his own face.

“Where did uncle go?” he playfully asks and then reveals his face with a softly muttered “There he is!”

Jin Ling blinks up at him, and Jiang Cheng can already see the beginnings of a smile on his face so he does it again, and again.

Jin Ling only starts to really laugh when Jiang Cheng startles him with a little “Boo!” as he reveals his face and then Jin Ling just doesn’t stop anymore.

He waves his little fists in pleasure and the gleeful shrieks of a happy baby fill Jiang Cheng’s room, much to his relieve. 

This is much better than the sorrowful cries from before.

“If only it was that easy to please everyone,” Jiang Cheng mutters, but Jin Ling doesn’t take to the interruption well, his tiny face scrunching up in displeasure again.

“Boo!” Jiang Cheng is quick to go on, because he doesn’t want him to start crying again.

Jiang Cheng hopes that Jin Ling will eventually tire himself out, but it isn’t before the first rays of sunlight hit the room, that Jin Ling starts to drift off.

~*~*~

“Uhm, Sect Leader Jiang?” Sect Leader Yao says, and his eyes are on a point behind Jiang Cheng.

“Do not ruin this for him,” Jiang Cheng hisses, without paying Jin Ling any attention at all, and while Sect Leader Yao falls into an obedient silence, Jin Guangshan narrows his eyes at him.

“Do you really think this is the proper way to hold a cultivation conference?” he demands to know and Jiang Cheng can’t help himself.

“It’s certainly better than spending it being distracted by a huge feast and barely clad dancers,” he gives back, much to the disapproval of many of the sect leaders it seems, but he couldn’t care less.

“How dare you,” Jin Guangshan splutters, but this is Jiang Cheng’s home, and if Jin Guangshan finds it so unbecoming, he can damn well leave.

“You should at least teach him the proper ways,” Jin Guangshan tries next, because he probably sees how few fucks Jiang Cheng gives about his opinion, but Jiang Cheng won’t tolerate this either.

“I am teaching him the proper way to play,” Jiang Cheng gives back, overly aware of Jin Ling, who is now approaching the lotus throne from behind.

He’s not as stealthy as he thinks, especially not in his golden robes, but Jiang Cheng pretends he can’t see him at all.

“He should learn the important things,” Jin Guangshan says, clearly miffed. “How to behave, sit still, listen attentively.”

“He’s three,” Jiang Cheng presses out, because he will not allow that man to ruin his nephew’s childhood. “He needs to be three, be allowed to act like he’s four. And you will all shut up about that now,” he orders them, because Jin Ling is already close, and he will pounce soon, Jiang Cheng knows that.

He lets his eyes drift over the gathered cultivators, so he doesn’t turn and catch Jin Ling before he even gets to attack him, and his gaze is caught by Lan Xichen, who is clearly trying to hide his smile. His eyes snap to the side for a moment, and Jiang Cheng knows that Jin Ling is about ready now.

Lan Xichen’s smile only grows and Jiang Cheng braces himself, and not a moment too soon. 

Jin Ling jumps over the side of the lotus throne and crashes right into Jiang Cheng.

“Boo!” he gleefully calls out as he wriggles around until he can sit in Jiang Cheng’s lap. “I caught you!”

“That you did, little one,” Jiang Cheng gives back softly and boops his nose. “Now what’s next in your training for today?” 

Jiang Cheng is overly aware of all the eyes on them, but his nephew demands his attention, and he will always be more important than any of the other people in the room.

“Supervising your work,” Jin Ling decides and changes his position, until he can lean back against Jiang Cheng’s chest, his little feet just barely reaching over Jiang Cheng’s knees.

“That’s very important,” Jiang Cheng agrees with a nod and curls one arm around Jin Ling, before he turns his attention back to the people in front of him.

“So, where were we?” he demands to know, but everyone is too busy staring at him and Jin Ling.

Jiang Cheng bites back a smile, because a few of the sect leaders have the most dumbfounded expression on their faces, a few mouths are open in surprise, but he can’t help it any longer when Jin Ling nods seriously.

“Yes, go on,” he declares, as if he was leading the conference, and Jiang Cheng is surprised when Lan Xichen plays along.

“Very well, Second Sect Leader Jiang,” he says with a serious nod and picks right back up where they left off before.

No one dares to say anything when Jin Ling chimes in every now and then.

~*~*~

Jin Ling is in Yunmeng for a night hunt with his new friends and Wei Wuxian.

Jiang Cheng knows about that because it’s Yunmeng, and not because Jin Ling told him about it. 

Jiang Cheng tries not to be bitter, truly he does, but it’s hard when it’s so clear that Jin Ling prefers to spend time with Wei Wuxian now. He doesn’t begrudge him that, spending time with family is important, but it does grate, just a little bit.

Jiang Cheng tries to focus back on the report in front of him, can’t allow himself to slack off just because his nephew is in the area but can’t even be bothered to visit him, but he can hardly concentrate on the words.

He has to read the report three times before he even realizes it’s coming from Sect Leader Yao, and then every last ounce of will leaves him. The old man can wait a little bit longer, he decides.

He puts the letter to the side and picks up a new one from his never-ending stack, and he is a bit more motivated when he sees it’s from Lan Xichen. They don’t have much contact recently, not with Lan Xichen still being in seclusion, so every letter Jiang Cheng receives from him means even more now.

Jiang Cheng settles down to read, when suddenly someone jumps on his back.

“Boo!” Jin Ling calls out, clearly not bothered by the sparks Zidian lets out due to Jiang Cheng’s surprise, and the boy only laughs in Jiang Cheng’s ear.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Jiang Cheng demands to know as he pushes Jin Ling’s face away, but he has to admit that for once in his life, Jin Ling managed to surprise him.

“Can’t I come home when I want?” Jin Ling wants to know, and Jiang Cheng will never admit what it means to him that Jin Ling feels so at home in Lotus Pier.

“I thought you were on a night-hunt,” Jiang Cheng gives back and warily eyes the door, because he’s not sure if he’s ready to see Wei Wuxian again.

“I decided not to go,” Jin Ling says, still hanging off Jiang Cheng’s back like a little monkey. 

“What about your new friends?” Jiang Cheng asks, because as much as he loves seeing Jin Ling, he doesn’t want him to lose the first friends he ever made.

“They understand the need to see family,” Jin Ling gives back, for once honest and serious, and Jiang Cheng goes all warm at that, doesn’t even know how to reply to that.

“Get off, brat,” he finally settles on, but Jin Ling tightens his arms around his neck.

“No,” he decisively says. “You can work around me. You did it before.”

That much, at least, is true. Jin Ling had a habit of just being there when Jiang Cheng did his work, no matter what it was, and he always sat in Jiang Cheng’s lap to do it. 

“You’re too big for that now,” Jiang Cheng says, though there’s a wistful tone to his voice. 

He misses those days.

“Nonsense,” Jin Lin decides and just shoves himself under Jiang Cheng’s arm and curls up into his side.

Jiang Cheng freezes with the contact, but then he pulls Jin Ling closer.

“I missed you,” Jin Ling lowly confesses and Jiang Cheng knows that he hasn’t been around enough.

He was so busy avoiding Wei Wuxian and giving Jin Ling time to come to terms with what Jin Guangyao did, that he seriously neglected his duties as uncle.

“I missed you too, little one,” Jiang Cheng says, using his old nickname for Jin Ling again, and for once in his life, Jin Ling doesn’t protest.

Jiang Cheng hasn’t done work like this in a long time, but with the comforting weight and warmth of Jin Ling resting against him, it’s easy to fall back into old rhythms.

[Prompt taken from this list, but please don’t send in more]

[greyfongschemmenti]

Under Pressure 2|15

FryeArcana

Chapter 2

Spirits

Summary:

You go to the South Pole to help Asami with a possible deal with Varrick and come across from dark spirits.

You hold on Lin’s waist as she drives on your cycle dropping you off the to the airstrip. You unmount from the cycle and smile, “you should change from your sato-mobile to a cycle, you look way sexier on it” you smirk as you flirt and see Lin’s cheeks redden “stop it, y/n.” she whispers at you. You look around and laugh “no one is around, they’re setting up the plane, I appreciate you dropping me off before work.” She groaned “don’t mention it”

“I’ll see you when I come back” you whisper softly as you cup her cheek then look around and steel a kiss, she leans in and kisses you back before you pull away, “be safe” she mutters as she looks at you and you nod, “always, don’t stress too much” you slowly pull back as Lin drives off but not before giving you another glance.

You walk over and see Asami walk up to you and gives you a knowing look, “so you and Chief seem to be getting along well” she smiles, you give her a knowing smirk and brush her off, “we’re just friends, Sami.” “sure, is that what you’re calling it?” she laughs as you pack your bag into the under compartment of the plane. You lean against the plan and groan “I don’t know what’s happening. The past six months we practically spend most of our time outside of work together. I even sleep over most nights even last night” You rambled then stopped “I- you didn’t hear that” look over at her and see Asami give you a surprised face “you and the chief, you’ve…?” she stammered, and you cross your arms “What?! No! I literally slept over…. I mean we were in the same bed, but all we did was sleep. Nothing else. I swear.” You huffed then rub your face “it’s just I never felt this way for anyone before. I’ve had romances before sure, but no one like Lin.” You sigh “well, have you spoken to Beifong about it?” she looks at you as she leans back on the plane beside you. You deadpan at her “Have you met Lin; she isn’t really the talking type.” You both exchange soft laughs “well enough about my love life or whatever kind of life that is…when are we taking off?” you change the subject

“soon, we’re just making sure we have enough fuel to make the round trip and that everything is working perfectly.”

*

You and Asami reach down to the Southern Water Tribe and get settled into a hut Korra arranged for the both of you. Later in the night you girls check out the Glacier Spirits Festival, “you think we’ll run into them?” you look over at Asami while you check out the games. “Probably, I mean I have no problem with it. I asked Bolin to accompany us to the meeting with Varrick.” You look at Asami confused “Bolin? Cute and clumsy Bolin. Mako’s brother Bolin?” you laugh softly “sure, if you think he can help secure this deal with Varrick” you grab some food and munch on it a bit.

After checking out the festival you end up bumping into the rest of Team Avatar. “oh hey…. guys” you wave at them, you see Korra and Mako being all into each other as a couple. You’re glad for Korra but still have some reservations with Mako, but after your talk with him you decide not to let it go. “Oh hey girls!” Bolin exclaims cheerfully after stuffing his mouth with an artic hen. “so I’m we hoped to run into you guys, well with Bolin. You ready to go to that meeting?” You look at Bolin and give an awkward smile. Bolin gulps trying to eat the hen in one go before patting his stomach, “yeah let’s go” the three of you wave at the couple and walk in the opposite direction towards one of the docks. Looking for Varrick’s private yacht.

“I’m glad you guys came with me to this meeting. Varrick is one of the richest men in the world, and he controls the entire global shipping business. So you guys can be my assistant and advisor. Just stand back and don’t say anything. I can handle this.” You nod understanding the plan and look at Bolin hoping he won’t say or do anything stupid. “no problem, Pabu and I are natural assistants” he rests assured and you sigh while you follow Bolin up towards the yacht. You three watch as Varrick is in the middle of the floor in a deep concentration while his assistant is writing down notes and a couple dozen people are just staring intently.  You wonder what is going on until Varrick opens his eyes and exclaims, “did you see that! Levitation! I was a foot off the ground.” You look around confused as you watch the other business folk clapping encouraging him. I guess whatever you have to do to get in Varrick’s good graces, you think as you and Asami join in on the clapping. Bolin continues looking at Varrick confused then opens his mouth to say, “it looked like you were just sitting on a pillow.” You and Asami’s eyes widen while she gasps, and you lower your head in shame as you groan putting your hand in your face. Shit Bolin you just had to say something.  You hear as everyone else in the room gasps as well looking at the back of the room where you three stands. Varrick eyes Bolin and stands up stomping towards him and you look between Varrick and Bolin, “are you saying I wasn’t levitating?” he leans over Bolin intimidating. Bolin looks scared as he lets a loud gulp go down his throat. “um, no?”. Varrick turns around and yells at the group in the room, “well why didn’t anyone tell me? Now I look like an idiot. Swami you’re fired!” you’re taken back and watch as the older man bows out the room and look back at Varrick as he grabs Bolin by the shoulder. “I like you kid. You’re a real straight shooter, just like me.” he points at Bolin’s chest then turns over to Asami “Ms. Sato? He’s with you?” Asami nods and sighs as Varrick smiles “brought your tiger-shark with you to do business, huh. Now that’s moxie?”  you laugh awkwardly “there’s no other way to do business, sir” you and Asami walk after Varrick and Bolin. “oh please just call me Varrick, no sir, I’m not old. I pay good money to prevent that sort of thing.” He pushes Bolin down on a pillow “get over here and pop a squat. Zhu Li, get some tea for my guests.” You sit down as Zhu Li hurryingly brings over a tray with various teas for Bolin while Asami starts with her business talk, “thank you for meeting with me. As you know, Future Industries is looking for a partner to handle our shipping—” Varrick cuts her off “sure. But first, you gotta check out my new venture: Moving Pictures. Zhu Li, do the thing.” He orders Zhu Li who is still tending to Bolin on the tea. She shoves the tray at Bolin and runs over to the projector. You look at the wall as you watch a series of pictures show up giving the illusion as it’s running in place in front of you. “wow” you mutter under your breath. “mind blowing right?” Varrick looks at the three of you “yeah!” Bolin exclaims before Varrick jumps in “Forget that! That’s the past! Shut it off, Zhu Li!” he barks at his assistant. “Imagine watching this” he motions for a young woman with bright red hair to come forward. “Ginger, come over here and do your poses.” You have to agree with Bolin that she is quite the looker. Her hair really makes her exotic.  Varrick further explains his ideas on these moving pictures before he explains they are going to be called movers for short. You look at Asami wondering if this is normal with business deals with Varrick. He seems to just be talking to Bolin instead of Asami, Asami speaks up confused “okay, but I’m just concentrating on getting Future Industries back on track. If we could hammer out a deal--” Varrick puts his hand up to stop Asami and tells her to look him in the eye. You’re there sitting right in front of their stare down, just confused on this whole meeting. You watch Asami stare him down not blinking and standing her ground. Varrick smiles and screams out “We got a deal!” you let go of a breath you didn’t know you were keeping, and sigh then get up and smile.  Varrick proceeds to shake Asami’s hand ���we’ll hammer out the details at the Royal Feast tonight.” You watch as Varrick exclaims if anyone wants to take a ride on his rocket boat and everyone hurries out the room. You watch them leave “that was interesting…” Bolin joins in “is that how business usually goes?” Asami turns and gives Bolin a big hug then ruffles his hair “you are a natural assistant.” You laugh and give him a pat in the back “yeah, you did great Bolin!” you smile.

*

You take a seat besides Asami at Varrick’s table where you are joined by Ginger, Mako, Bolin and Zhu Li at the Royal Feast. You finish eating when you take a sip of water looking back at Tenzin and his family. Your eyes catch the waterbender sitting next to him then look at Bolin “hey Bolin, do you happen to know who that waterbender that’s sitting next to Tenzin?” you whisper over to him. “oh that’s Kya, Tenzin’s older sister. She lives here in the southern water tribe with Master Katara.” You slowly nod as you hear the information and eye the waterbender “Kya…” you whisper under your breath. You have the feeling you might have met her before, she gives you a sense of familiarity, but you look back at your table. Maybe it’s nothing. Your attention is back at the northern water chief as he gives his speech. He voices his concerns on how the south are handling the respects towards the spirits and hope it can be turned around. His concerns cause the crowd to murmur and wonder what’s going on before Varrick tries to defuse the tension by bringing in an otter-penguin show. You wonder what that speech was about, maybe Korra will know.

*

You and Asami break away from the rest of Team Avatar and check out the different booths. “I don’t know what Unalaq is talking about. The festival seems like a nice thing, but I guess if it’s a problem with the spirits then there must be some way to calm their anger” you mutter as you try to knock down some cans. Asami agrees then you guys continue walking around until you meet up with the team again.

*

As everyone gets ready for bed, you guys get together and talk about how Korra is feeling being back home. She’s happy to see her parents but is annoyed at her father after learning the truth of some things. “My dad and Tenzin were the ones to keep me cooped up in that compound not Aang. Then Unalaq offered to train me. He says he can teach me about the spirits and my connection to them.” You look at Korra and smile “that’s great! Doesn’t help to work on your spiritual connection especially since he says they are angry for some reason, but what does Tenzin think about this?” you look at her as your eyebrows furrow. Mako mutters “don’t mention Tenzin” but it’s too late Korra sighs annoyed and rolls her eyes “Tenzin treats me like one of his kids. Air bending training is boring and taking too long. I’ll never finish training if I stay with him.”  She groans. “I get what you’re saying but it takes time to master an element. You just unlocked air bending and you made great improvement. I’m sure Tenzin is just looking out what’s best for you. He's just trying to help you as the mentor he is.” You try to calmly speak to her. Korra groans and pulls her knees up “but you heard what Unalaq said! The south is spiritually unbalanced and it’s the Avatar’s job to fix it, and my dad won’t let me even think about Unalaq teaching me.” she sounds defeated already. You frown “well your father has his reasons as to why not, but like you said it’s the Avatar’s job to restore peace and fix the unbalance between humans and spirits. If you feel like Unalaq can better help you in your spiritual training then maybe it might be a good idea? Maybe try talking to Tenzin about it first, not as Korra and Tenzin but as mentor and mentee.” You put your hand on her shoulder as you try to give her some advice.

Soon everyone heads to their respective huts and turn in for the night. You’re in a deep sleep before you hear loud howling that sounds like Naga. You wake up and rub your eyes “what the flameo is Naga howling at now?” you mutter as you get up from your bed, grabbing your coat and walk outside. You rub the back of your neck running your hand through your hair as you look in the direction of the howling. You see movement ahead of Naga and Korra and your eyes widen as you see a dark spirit coming from the snow. “what…” you watch it quickly turn around having seen Korra and in a blink of an eye you watch it sprint to her and hit Korra sending her back. “Korra!” you yell out as you start running over to her. The spirit has Korra in its grasp pinned against a snowed wall of earth. It’s so close to hurt Korra that you metal bend your cable smacking the spirit on its head, “Hey! Back off our friend!” you yell at it as Mako and Bolin fire and earth bend at it. Bolin creates a wall between the spirit and Korra giving her a chance to escape. The three of you watch this spirit moving too quickly for either of you to land a shot. It swings its large tail at you three and knocks you guys to the ground, groaning as you hit and roll down the ground. Tenzin and Tonraq run out of their hits and help you guys get up, you wrap your arm around your stomach as your groan softly, “it’s a dark spirit, it’s attacking Korra up the mountain” you point in the direction. Tenzin and Tonraq run after to assist Korra, you gain up your strength and ready to head back to help Korra when you see Tenzin hurling back in your direction getting hit by the spirit. You help Tenzin back up “you okay?” he nods and looks at the spirit “we must find out why that spirit it angry with us. Fighting it will only make it worse.” You nod understandingly before Mako points in the direction Korra is in “well it’s going to Korra and she’s about to fight it.” The four of you run down the mountainside as you watch Korra and the spirit battle it out. Korra gets thrown into a booth right when you arrive you watch as Unalaq starts bending on the spirit. It seems to be calming the spirit no longer in a hostile manner. The water starts to illuminate in a bright yellow light that you cover your eyes while you walk up to the scene and stop as you watch that the spirit is become illuminated. “woah…” you watch the scene play out and watch the spirit walk away and soon it seems to dissipate. You look back towards Korra and run towards her, but you stop with the rest of the group when you see Korra in a heated discussion with her dad, Tenzin and Unalaq. Soon Tenzin returns with a hint of sadness which means Korra has made her decision.

*

You stand next to the guys and Asami while you watch Tenzin packing up the rest of his things while his family are settling down on Oogi. You can’t help but feel sort of sad of the situation you cross your arms as you warm yourself up. You watch Oogi fly away with the family and you sigh looking down before you climb up the plane. You and Asami fly your way back to Republic City.

*

You settle your bag down quietly as you make your way through the apartment and tiptoe into the bedroom. You weren’t sure why you had to come here right when you came back, you guess to surprise her or check up on how she’s doing. There she is. Lin is sleeping; you change into your sleepwear and slide into bed wrapping your arm around her and softly kiss her shoulder. Lin stirs a bit then settles back down before she mumbles “you’re back”. You smile hearing her voice again and kiss the back of her shoulder again “I couldn’t wait until morning to see you. I hope it’s okay” you whisper. “I wouldn’t expect you to do anything less” she mumbles as she takes your hand in hers like that night you spent together back in the southern compound. You feel like you’re back to where you belong, whether it’s this confusing are you or aren’t you dating or courting. You lay there and admire the woman next to you, as she sinks into you and settles back to sleep. Your mind wanders back to what happened between Korra and Tenzin, you understand where Korra is coming from. You’re just hoping that she made the right decision at the right time.

[iamcaledonia]

Day 9 - Chestnuts

As Arthur and Merlin walked back from the feast to Arthur's chambers Arthur stayed a step ahead, feeling anxious. Merlin, whom Arthur had seen sampling the spiced wine on more than one occasion throughout the evening, was humming softly, seemingly content.

Arthur strode to the fire when he entered his chambers, leaving Merlin to close the doors against the cold air. Merlin lit the candles then came to attend to Arthur's clothes. 

"Oh, before you start I, um, I brought you something from the feast," Arthur spoke swiftly, his face burning and his hands outstretched. 

Merlin took the cloth parcel and slowly unwrapped it. When he saw the contents his eyes jumped to Arthur's face, wide with joy. 

"Arthur, these are…"

"Cook's best candied chestnuts, I know. I saved you some since I know how much you like them."

Merlin's pale skin blushed and Arthur's heart clanged in his chest like a tower bell. He knew he could do nothing about his feelings for Merlin, at least not until he became king, but they were far too powerful to be ignored. So Arthur did what he could to alert Merlin to his true feelings. Small gifts like these chestnuts were the best that Arthur could do, for now, and he hoped Merlin understood them for the confession they were. 

One day you will have all of this and more, please give me the time I need to make it right. 

"Thank you, Arthur," Merlin said, his voice low and sincere. It sounded like he was trying to say something else, something bigger. 

"You're welcome, Merlin," Arthur said, whispering, hoping it sounded like I love you . 

Merlin offered the candid chestnuts to Arthur, and he took one. Smiling, they both took a bite at the same time. The sweetness burst in Arthur's mouth, the underlying hint of warm spices. Cook's candied chestnuts really were the best part of the midwinter feast.

They may only have been candied chestnuts but for Arthur they stood for so much more. And by the gentle smile on Merlin's face, and the red flush to his ears and cheeks, it seemed as though Merlin understood exactly what Arthur was trying to say.

Arthur sighed, momentarily content, and took another bite of his chestnut. 

Day 10 - Silver & Gold

"You need to hold still, Mer lin," Arthur grumbled, manhandling his servant to keep him steady.

"Why do you need to measure my head, again?"

"We're fitting you for a new ceremonial cap," Arthur said, and he managed to keep a straight face. The clothier made his measurements and noted them down, handing them to Arthur before politely taking his leave.

"It's not going to have feathers , is it?"

--

The silversmith had taken weeks and weeks , but his work was finally finished, and good enough quality that, in the end, Arthur paid nearly twice what he had agreed. Gwen had taught Arthur to appreciate his tradesmen.

Arthur held the item, watching the light gleam off its polished silver surface, rubies glinting, and his heart swelled until it seemed to fill his entire body. He hoped, gods how he hoped, that all of his effort would not be in vain. He hoped that Merlin would accept his gift, extravagant though it was.

He placed the item carefully back inside its bag, and then he hid it deep at the bottom of a rarely opened chest. As terrible as a housekeeper as Merlin was, there was little chance that he would find it.

--

The rest of Arthur's preparations took surprisingly little time, though keeping his intentions secret proved difficult. He timed his gift giving for mid winter's day, hoping that his special requests would be taken as part of the festivities. 

By noon the day of the feast, Arthur surveyed his chambers and deemed everything ready. Now he just needed to find his servant. 

--

"I wanted you to try on your ceremonial clothes before the feast, I have had them delivered to my chambers, and the clothier is on hand should you need anything adjusted."

Merlin narrowed his eyes at Arthur, who said, "I have made some changes, now that I am king, and I wish you to wear this new outfit to all official banquets and events."

"There better not be feathers," Merlin grumbled, but he followed Arthur to his chambers.

When he opened the door and saw the lit candles, and the greenery and decorations he froze for a minute, a frown flitting across his features as swift as a bird. Arthur's heart beat painfully.

"Are you planning to entertain in private this evening?" 

"If all goes well, perhaps."

"I wasn't aware we were expecting any guests of high importance."

"Not a guest, as such."

Merlin looked at Arthur as though he wanted to ask more questions, but he stopped speaking as though the possible answers frightened him. Arthur locked the doors and walked to the table, feeling nearly sick with nerves, and he picked up the wrapped parcel, holding it out to Merlin.

"I've had this made for you, Merlin, and I wonder whether you would consider wearing it." 

"Hmm, it doesn't look like it has feathers."

"Just take it," Arthur said, handing Merlin the parcel. 

Merlin began to unfold the cloth, his face a labyrinth of emotions that Arthur couldn't read, and when the item sat, uncovered in his hands, he looked up at Arthur, trembling.

"I don't understand, Arthur, this... This is a crown."

Arthur walked to Merlin and lifted the silver crown, his hands shaking, and placed it gently on Merlin's head. It fit perfectly. 

"I promised you things would change when I became king. I wonder whether you would consider wearing this, Merlin, as my betrothed."

Merlin looked at Arthur, his eyes lingering on Arthur's rather larger, golden crown, which Arthur was wearing in advance of the mid winter celebrations. 

"I would be honoured," Merlin reached up and took the crown off, holding it close to his face to see the detail. It was inscribed with intricate knots and patterns that, when glimpsed as a whole, looked like ruby eyed dragons. It was a slimmer, silver twin to Arthur's own crown.

"There are a hundred others who would be your queen," Merlin said, his eyes downcast. Arthur put a finger beneath Merlin's chin and lifted his face until their eyes met. 

"I don't want a queen, Merlin, I want a Sourcerer."

--

That night at the feast the hall was filled with music and laughter. Arthur and Merlin stood side by side, and the warm fire light danced on the surfaces of both crowns; one gleaming gold, and the other shimmering silver. 

[hphm-etched-engraved-everlasting]

28. Em

Author’s Note/Table of Contents

MCs/OCs featured: 

Nora Magnus [ @dat-silvers-girl ]

Sarahi Silvers [ @dat-silvers-girl ]

There was something about the pumpkin juice at Hogwarts that brought a smile to my face despite all that was happening. Perhaps it was the flavour of the drink, fresh in any temperature, or the bright orange colour that looked a bit like liquid fire. Whatever the case, it was something I wouldn't turn down for the world, even as things got bad.

And I knew things were about to get really, really bad.

I couldn't get Jacob's words out of my head, insistent as he told me to not get involved with he trouble he dragged our family into. The look on his face was enough for me to feel guilty, not only for him and his predicament, but for me and my reckless behaviour. If I dove too deep into this, they feared that I wouldn't surface again. I knew Jacob already took too deep of the plunge to even bother coming back up for air, but he couldn't control the people he took in tow. Clara was already caught on the line--what did it matter if I joined in? Even if I was just a first-year who knew only the most rudimentary stuff, I knew I had to help my siblings. Not knowing them well enough when I was younger was no excuse.

The sweet tang of the pumpkin juice coated my tongue as I swallowed it down, imagining it drowning down the worries and fears I had for my older siblings. I just hoped that neither of them suffered from horrible repercussions that could potentially arise.

"Oi, leave her alone, will you?" I heard someone pipe up from behind me. "The only reason she doesn't want to speak to you is because you've already injured her enough!"

I turned around now to see Dawn and Nora face Eunice and Travis with daggers in their eyes, eyebrows narrowed as they stared the two Slytherins down. What was going on here?

"It was just a lousy Flipendo," Eunice drawled. "I didn't ask for her to break her elbow."

"Does it matter? First her nose, then her elbow--not even Nora would hurt her intentionally!" Dawn cried. "Whatever trick you two have up your sleeves this time, we're not interested in seeing it. I'll even tell Professor Snape what you've been up just to stop you both from bullying anyone else."

"She's another source of disgrace!" Travis added on, not even sparing me a glance. "I'm surprised you two would rather roll around in 'cursed kid' scum. No thanks. We'd rather squash her out before she infests everyone with her disgusting--"

SMACK!

The resounding crack of cartilage made me blink as Nora's fist connected with Travis' nose, punching deep into his face. Blood slowly began to trickle out of his nostrils, the scarlet carving a path over his pale face; the sneer suddenly dropped, and his expression morphed into one of horror.

"You--you wouldn't--" Travis muttered wildly.

"Key word: intentionally," Nora repeated, eyebrows narrowing further. "Now scram before I do something even worse."

The two Slytherins didn't have to think twice. With one last horrified look at Nora, they turned on their heels and hightailed out of there.

"What did they want with me this time?" I asked Nora and Dawn then, wiping my mouth with my napkin as they sat down by the Hufflepuff table. "And why bother you two about it?"

"Your guess is as good as ours," Nora responded grimly, twisting her fist decisively against her robes. "I'd assume they'd want to pick a fight with you after hearing that you've learned and somehow perfected the Disarming Charm way before Professor Flitwick taught it to us."

"Though it did surprise us, I'll say that!" Dawn added. "How did you learn the Disarming Charm so quickly?"

I didn't tell anyone about my involvement with Clara's friends. Well, Nora saw me and Diego working together, and Hillary saw me with the Weasleys, but no one else knew much about the people I spend time with. I don't even think they know about the fact that I've attended a few of Bill's Defence Against the Dark Arts tutoring lessons sometimes.

"Diego taught it to me," I eventually replied. "He taught me while we were in the Duelling Club one night."

"Not to be rude, but...who's Diego?" Nora asked, tilting her head slightly at the name. "Not one of us first-years, right?"

"You mean Diego Caplan?" Dawn interjected. "He's one of the strongest duellers at Hogwarts! Not to mention he's good-looking. He's a sixth year Hufflepuff," she added to Nora, who only nodded in slight confusion and acknowledgement.

"And he's one of my sister's friends," I said. "They've been looking out for me quite a lot since the start-of-term feast. They've always had my best interest at heart."

"So that's who your sister introduced you to, then!" Nora finally realized. "No wonder you've already gotten quite a few friends."

"I can't always rely on them, though. They'll be graduating soon, and who would I be left with once they're gone?" I pointed out. "I'll admit, though, you guys are a good bunch to hang out with too."

"Aww!" Dawn gushed then, pulling me into a brief side hug. "I mean, why not? You're a student just like any of us. There's really no reason to treat you differently because of who your brother is."

For all the bullying and attacks that Eunice and Travis had beset on me, it was a relief to see that there were a lot of people who still cared about me and my well-being. I nodded and smiled at the two of them, a warm fuzzy feeling radiating within me. "Thank you both."

The two girls just smiled back as they grabbed a sandwich each, and we shared our dinner together that night.

---

As Halloween started to roll around, the excitement for the spookiest day of the year began to spark in bursts like heated embers by the fireplace. Professor Dumbledore eventually called on a few student volunteers to help with decorating for the season a few days prior, and not to my surprise, a lot of students actually signed on.

"You should join too!" Dawn encouraged me, pointing to the sign up sheet. "We need someone of your creative calibre, after all! I'm sure you'll do a great job leading us."

"This isn't like creating flower hairpieces, Dawn," I warned her. "I can make a few basic crafts, but to lead students into making them?"

"It should be cake!" Hillary chirruped beside me. "Please?"

"Not to mention, we'll even get to work with Hagrid's giant pumpkins!" Nora added. "And I bet we'll create some awesome Jack-O-Lanterns with your help!"

Next thing I knew, Dawn grabbed the quill and signed my name on the sheet before I could say anything, and everyone wheeled me into the Great Hall to help with the decorating process.

"Ahh, Miss Lin," Professor Dumbledore greeted me with a serene smile. "And I see your friends convinced you to help, is that right?"

"That's right, Professor!" Hillary agreed. "She's actually pretty talented with crafts."

"Then I see you'll be a wonderful asset to our team," Professor Dumbledore said with an approving nod. "Very well. You four can go take a seat over there, and we'll get started shortly."

I normally wasn't a fan of Halloween. When I was much younger, my mother once scared me with a banshee mask on her face and a short loud "boo!" that made me cry in fright. I was wary of scary faces from that point on, but here it seemed very different. There were no masks around, no scary faces to be pulled--just floating Jack-O-Lanterns and dark candles that Professor Flitwick levitated with the recently taught Levitation Charm, and a couple of streamers and banners for us to hang around the Great Hall. Everyone had different tasks to do--the younger students had the job of making the streamers and banners, while the older students handled the knives and carved the Jack-O-Lanterns. I remembered offering one of my designs to one of Clara's other friends who signed on--Liz, I think her name was--and in no time she and a boy sporting Gryffindor coloured face paint carved out the Hogwarts castle on the biggest pumpkin in the room.

"Whoa! That looks amazing!" I heard one of the Weasley twins suddenly exclaim behind me, and I turned to see the two of them grin at the giant Hogwarts castle silhouette on the giant pumpkin.

"Now that is what I call an impressive Jack-O-Lantern!" George agreed with Fred. "Who came up with the design for it, by the way?"

"I did," I said, waving a hand.

Now Fred beamed at me and shook my hand excitedly. "Well, I'll say, you got quite some potential!" he said.

"Right?! We all played a part in the decorating, but I think her Hogwarts pumpkin is going to be the ultimate highlight," Dawn said, joining us with a huge grin on her face. "If I had any say in this, I'd say she should start an arts and crafts club of her own."

"What?" At the sound of that, I shook my head. "Dawn, you can't be serious--"

"I'm serious! You can literally turn something into anything!" Dawn said. "Like your flowers--you can turn them into crowns! I've seen you do that in our dormitory a few nights ago. And you even turned a Sickle into a pendant--and a button into a charm--"

"I figured we could all use that kind of extracurricular," I nodded thoughtfully. "I mean, if everyone loves and appreciates that, I guess I can foster their interest in that."

Just then, I saw Sarahi enter the Great Hall with a few books in her arms. The moment she saw me, she quickly ran over to me.

"Em!" she called out.

I quickly waved her over just as she approached, a tired smile on her face. "Hello, Sarahi."

"I know I meant to reach out to you much earlier, but how are you doing?" she asked. "You know, with Eunice and Travis messing around with you and all."

"Managing," I managed to respond with a sheepish laugh. "I mean, at least they haven't had the urge to injure me again. A bloody nose and a fractured elbow is enough for me for one year. Let's just hope I don't get petrified next."

"Oh, yeah. I wouldn't want to think about the Petrification Curse either," Sarahi mumbled darkly.

"I just hope my sister and brother know what they're doing," I eventually said. "They recently just told me to have at least one normal year at Hogwarts. How can things be normal when they're pulling themselves deeper and deeper into danger every year? All I can do in the meanwhile is try to dodge Eunice and Travis every chance I get."

Beside me, Dawn wrapped an arm around me and squeezed my shoulder with a hand. Sarahi just nodded at the mention of my older siblings.

"Em, you know that when it comes to family matters...I'm not exactly the best person to turn to for advice," Sarahi said. "But know that when it comes to bullies, I'll protect you with everything I have. If I have to, I will Depulso Eunice and Travis into the sun, and I don't care how young they are. If they only act to hurt, that's not okay at all."

"Better than throwing a Dungbomb at them?" Fred countered, slightly disappointed.

"Lots of problems can be solved without Dungbombs, Fred," Nora warned him as she caught up to us. "And besides, I think we have gotten enough of your stinky pranks."

"Speak for yourself. Come Halloween, though..." George winked at Fred and chuckled. "You may have yet to see our first big heist."

"Oh, I'm looking forward to it, alright," Nora mumbled while everyone else laughed.

The sounds tumbling out of my mouth made my heart light again, and I thought back to the time I helped Hagrid with making rock cakes in his hut a few weeks ago. I had never really felt this happy since then. I suppose that was all a part of life--the happy times, the sad times, the scary times that would detach us from what we used to call 'normal'.

If only life was just as sweet as the pumpkin juice here. I wouldn't hesitate to drink it down every day if I had the option to.

[continuallycrow]

i’ll be your breath if you can be mine

final entry for casphardt week 2019 - wedding, celebration

on ao3 here

when the dust settles, the immaculate one is dead.

caspar and linhardt go home.

When the dust settles, the Immaculate One is dead.

It bleeds, and yet Linhardt struggles to tear his eyes from it. The green fluid shimmers in the dying firelight, reflects the figures of Byleth and Edelgard still clinging to one another before the creature’s lifeless form. The few remaining church soldiers are scattered across their ruined battlefield, weapons slowly falling from hopeless hands. The Adrestian forces are already moving in, taking captive those who will not come willingly, but Linhardt predicts those will be few and far between. After all, with their saints gone, they have little left to follow.

His crest, which through the battle has been activating all on its own, a beacon for those seeking his help, now lies cold at his wrist. He wonders, for a moment, if it’s changed. Cethleann is no more. It would make sense that her power within him has died, too.

He can’t quite bring himself to look.

A clang of metal on stone just behind him is enough to startle him in the overwhelming silence that seems to have blanketed Fhirdiad since the fall of the beast. He spins, just in time to catch Caspar (whom he was certain had been on the other side of the courtyard, how had he made it all the way here?) as the shorter man drops to his knees. Thank the goddess that his faith isn’t completely spent, because it’s obvious that Caspar needs him now.

“Easy, Cas, easy. Breathe for me."

There’s blood on Caspar’s face, and his breaths come in ragged and short, but at least he is breathing. He shakes, and buries his head in the folds of Linhardt’s tattered robes, worn bare and ingrained with years of dirt, with almost six years of kneeling in the midst of raging battles and saving the lives of his friends. As he envelopes Caspar in warm healing light, his love slumps against his chest and, hopefully for the last time he’ll ever need to, Linhardt closes his wounds, soothes his pain and quiets his sobs. Caspar was the first life he ever had to save, and in this moment he swears to himself that he will also be his last.

They ride back to the monastery in one of the supply carts. For once, Caspar is the one who spends the time asleep, while Linhardt holds his head in his lap and continues to comfort him, both with magic and with soft touches of scarred hands, entwined, never letting go. Never again.

Late at night, he whispers in his ear to settle him as he dreams. “We won, Caspar. We won the war.”

Days are allowed to pass by without action, for the first time since they were little more than children. The halls and gardens of Garreg Mach bear an air of serenity, talks of peace plans and cathedral bells floating by on the wind. When the hurt are healed and the final ally returns home, a ball is planned for the night the Garland Moon rises in the sky.  Linhardt writes home, and within days, a parcel arrives with new evening clothes, as he’s long since grown too tall to wear anything from his academy days.

It feels like freedom, to dress in something that isn’t armor-plated or woven through with protective charms, so much so that he can’t even begrudge his father’s taste, the ruffles in the shirt silk and the ridiculous, ornate cloak that falls past his knees. In front of the mirror, he thinks of what Caspar would say if he were to leave his hair loose, but then, there is nothing to hide from now. Besides, Caspar’s habit of untying it when they’re alone is something he doesn’t wish to miss out on ever again. So he takes a white ribbon and twists a simple braid, tied at the end.

Caspar wears a waistcoat the same blue as his eyes, and Linhardt realises he wants to look at Caspar without his armor every day. Years of wielding heavy weapons have made him broad and reliable and beautiful, goddess, so beautiful he never fails to take Linhardt’s breath away. The veins in his arms when he rolls up his shirtsleeves make Linhardt’s knees a little weak, and all the more so when, after the feast when the band begins to play, his lover takes him into those strong arms and leads him to dance. In all their years together, they have never been able to dance, but the moment of uncertainty is soon forgotten when something in Linhardt tells him to draw Caspar close and take the lead.

Perhaps it’s Cethleann. The legends claimed she loved to dance. Though her crest no longer glows within him, perhaps a little of her is left somewhere.

Tonight, something takes hold, and they spin together, bodies pressed close. Other pairs surround them, and as the wine flows, the dances get faster, wilder. Their friends trade partners and laughter and happy, happy tears, but Linhardt is content to simply hold Caspar close. That is, until the shorter man is torn away from him by a giggling, flushed Dorothea, and he finds himself relieved of a dance partner before he’s quite realised what’s going on.

It’s all planned, more or less. Dorothea knows what he’d like to do tonight, and she’ll give Caspar a push in the right direction when it’s time, or so he hopes. The good thing about Dorothea is that she’ll do a lot for love, regardless of whether it’s her own or that of others. She’s as ready as Linhardt is, and thus, all he can pray for is that Caspar wants this too.

The climb to the top of the goddess tower has never seemed longer. He’s thankful for the cloak after all, as he leans against the balcony and gazes up to the stars. All there is to do is wait, and it seems like an age before he hears the echo of telltale heavy footsteps making their way up the spiralling staircase.

“I knew I’d find you here.” Caspar’s voice is quiet, heavy with tiredness. Without even turning around, Linhardt can tell that he’s smiling, just a little. “Of course you did. I told you, one day, I’d wait for you here.”

“We were nineteen.” Caspar has come up behind him, taken his place at his right side and pressed up close there. Linhardt turns his attention from the night sky to his lover, and finds those beautiful eyes, the colour of the sea that his birth-month names, gazing up at him in the moonlight. He smiles, and a hand comes up to cup Caspar’s face, to hold that contact for a moment he hopes to repeat over and over. “Nineteen. Awake in a fortress in Adrestia, where everyone else was asleep. You should have been sleeping too, and yet, you lay awake and asked me to tell you stories.” “You tell wonderful stories.” Caspar blinks slowly, a small smile twitching the corners of his lips. Linhardt decides he would quite like to kiss those lips, and so he does, only briefly, but relishing in the knowledge that he can now kiss Caspar’s lips whenever the desire strikes him. “I told you the legend of the tower.” He strokes the other’s cheekbone, and something must touch a nerve, because Caspar shivers for reasons that can’t possibly be the temperature. If he were cold, he’d be wrapped up in Linhardt’s cloak by now. “The stories of all the lovers who have sealed their fate up here.”

There’s silence for a moment. “You promised me we could seal our fate, too. But, Lin, it isn’t the Ethereal Moon now. It isn’t the right time.”

Linhardt bites his lip, and retrieves something small from the pocket deep within his clothes, but doesn’t show it to Caspar. Instead, he takes his hand. “There are other ways to commit to someone, Cas. A thousand ways to tell them you love them, and wish to live out your days in one another’s embrace.” He turns Caspar’s hand palm-up in his own, and in his palm, rests the ring. The silver almost glows in the moonlight, the inset stones a deep, bright green. Caspar’s mouth falls open, but, for the first time in Linhardt’s memory, he appears speechless.

“I… Caspar, I have been in love with you in every memory I have regarding the two of us.” The words come easily, now. It feels as though a door has been unlocked, and beyond it, are all the words Linhardt has waited all these years to say. “I can’t tell you when I realised it, but I can tell you that I am more than certain of many things. The first is that I would follow you, to the ends of the world and back again, through all of your plans and your adventures and the paths you intend to follow. I also know that, when we tire of the tracks and trails, I wish to remain beside you, and for you to wake in my arms, and fall asleep there, each morning and every night.”

“Lin- I-” “Let me finish, Cas, I have been trying to give you this speech for years, goddess, I…”

It’s too late, though, there are tears, and the ornate proposal in Linhardt’s mind is taken off course by Caspar, wrapping arms around him and easing him down to his knees, because he’s trembling like a sapling in a rainstorm, and falling on the stone floors would hurt too much to think about. Caspar produces a handkerchief and wordlessly dries Linhardt’s eyes, takes him into an embrace and a kiss.

“I appreciate the speech. You know I love to hear you talk. But what I love more than speeches is you, Linny. When you wake up in the morning and the first thing you tell me is that you missed me. The way you somehow know I need healing before even I do. You’re at least three-quarters of the whole reason I’m alive and without you, I’d be lost. I’d be missing a real big piece of myself - the part that I know you’re keeping safe right here.” Caspar’s hand presses to Linhardt’s chest, just over the spot where his heart is threatening to beat right out of his ribcage. “You don’t need to wish for things like forever with me. I’m already sure that I’m never, ever leaving you, you utter, hopeless, beautiful, romantic, idiot. ” He laughs, and pulls Linhardt close.

They’re both crying now, but the tears are no longer hot, frustrated, hurt ones. Caspar’s are of joy, and Linhardt’s something like relief. The latter takes a few deep breaths before he lifts his head, and takes the hand that he pressed the ring into only moments. Caspar fans out his fingers and Linhardt plucks the jewellery from his palm.

“Caspar von Bergliez… will you marry me?”

They wed one afternoon drenched in sunlight and joy, a few days before Caspar’s birthday, beneath an ornate archway in the gardens draped in white silk and red roses. Linhardt keeps composure all through his vows, and finally spills out all the things he wanted to say in his proposal. This time, Caspar cries through the proceedings, and doesn’t stop until they’re pronounced married and Linhardt can kiss him as petals and rice rain down upon them.

The war is over. Peace is upon Fódlan, and, from the ashes and rubble, for Linhardt and Caspar and all those around them, a new world is born at last.

[vidkid20ssimblrlair]

Episode 15: The Dinner (Part 1)

I can't remember the last time I dressed up. I was never the type. A black t-shirt, a nice pair of jeans, and some jewelry was my formal wear. Instead, I was sitting here in an itchy blue knit sweater and dress pants. I felt ridiculous.

"You look nice...for once," Matthew said sounding almost sincere.

I looked up to see Matthew. He wore a brown sweater, slacks, and glasses. He looked strangely normal. Like someone's douchey dad. He sat down one chair away from me at the end of the table. Too close for comfort for my liking. I turned my back to him ignoring him. As expected he wouldn't take such an insult quietly.

"You know this dinner is for you. I agreed to this," he said scowling. "Just so you know."

I scoffed. "Oh and I'm supposed to thank you or something? Fuck off."

"Well, getting along I see..."

We both looked up to see Madison standing over us now. She sat down between us. She looked different. Less boyish. She was all dolled up in a floral dress, earrings, and heels. Makeup adorned her face. It even smelled like she was wearing perfume. I caught myself staring at her in shock and looked away. Matthew, on the other hand, look like an idiot with his mouth hanging open. He was practically drooling.

"You look...well...um nice," I mumbled blushing. Too chicken shit to even look her way.

"Wow. Thank you, Vince," she said smiling.

"You look better than nice. You look beautiful," Matthew burst. He then looked over her shoulder and smirked at me. The smug bastard.

"Thank you, Matt. Very nice of you. You look nice as well actually. Both of you," she said studying us. "Those are nice sweaters"

"Yeah. Yeah. Where's Audrey?" I said waving her away.

"Always the gentleman," Matt scoffed. He pointed at the archway. "She's over there talking to Aaron."

I quickly spotted her and was completely taken aback. Gone were her jeans, messy hair, and blood-soaked oversized jackets. She was dressed to the nine's in a little red dress and her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. No bandage in sight. She even had makeup on. She looked like an actual chick for once.

I caught her eye as I gaped at her like an idiot and she looked embarrassed looking away. I cringed staring at whatever I could to hide my own embarrassment, but I glanced over to see she was headed my way. I cursed under my breath and sat up with my back to her. When she stood over me I turned around as if I hadn't seen her.

"Hey. Sup! Didn't know you were there."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, right."

"So um...you look...decent."

She shook her head and smirked. "Decent. Well, you look pretty decent yourself."

"So how's the head?"

She smiled and turned around. She pointed to a partially shaved head and in the back was stitches. "It's better. Said the stitches should be coming out soon.

"That great."

"Yeah, and I got a cool haircut out of it too. It's probably going leave a gnarly scar. It's going to be badass."

Madison chuckled. "Would you like to sit here, Audrey? I can move."

"No. I don't think so," she said cutting her eye at me and frowning. "I promised to sit next to Grace's tonight. Besides, I'll be right across from you."

She didn't utter another word. She nodded and took her place across the table next to Grace. The two exchanged pleasantries as Omar joined them. Her gaze making sure not to meet mine.

"Decent?" Madison reiterated. She laughed. "I hope she looks better than decent. I helped pick out her outfit and did her makeup."

"I think she looks lovely," Matt injected grinning stupidly.

I rolled my eyes at him choosing to keep my mouth shut. It was then I was greeted by two morons arguing behind me. Not loud enough to wake the dead or garner the attention of the rest of the room, but loud enough to get the attention of the three of us. We all turned around to see it was Nathan and Aaron. Both in grey suits bickering.

"You said once she was better, you would give me my letter. That was the terms of our agreement! Now she's better, so please give it to me!"

"I'll give it to you after dinner."

"No. I want it now. That letter is very dear to me."

He frowned searching around in his pockets. "Look, it's somewhere here. I just got to find..."

"You lost it?!"

I groaned. "Can you two shut the fuck up?"

"He has my letter," Aaron continued to whine.

"What letter?" Matthew inquired.

"I found a love letter in Aaron's room and decided to use it as an incentive..."

"More like blackmail!"

Matthew stared at the two of them looking utterly confused while Madison seemed amused watching them.

"Who's it from?" she asked completely enthralled. "Sounds romantic."

Nathan shrugged. "Some chick named Alex."

"Parker!"

"Oh, is that your wife?"

He sighed. "No. Just someone very dear to me."

Nathan then pulled a small letter out of his pocket and held it up. "Found it."

"Give it to me!"

Matthew seemed to be growing just as annoyed as me. "Just give him the letter already, Nate. Dinner will be starting."

"She must be really hot to be this hung up on a letter though," Nathan said cheekily. He held the letter up just out of the doctor's reach. "Come on give me the details. Is she hot?"

"Parker, please!"

He winked. "I'll give you a letter if you tell me."

"It was a he! A ‘he’! Are you happy now?! I loved him and that letter was the last thing he gave to me. Now please give it here and leave me be!" he cried loudly.

Everyone seemed to hear him and froze. The room grew completely silent. Matthew and Maddison looked stunned. Nathan stood wide-eyed and held out the letter looking dazed. The doctor snatched it glaring at all of us.

“Thanks a lot,” he snarled. He stuffed the note in his suit pocket and stormed up the stairs. His face a mask of anger. 

Nathan stammered. “Wait. Aaron..I..I..”

Lin stood in the doorway with a glass in her hand. She took a drink and smirked. “Well, this is an interesting dinner already.”

Wade then entered the room. He joined us at the table and sat down next to Nathan looking like a country hick straight out of the 70s in his formal attire.

"Hey, I just ran into Aaron in the hall. He looked pissed. Did I miss something?" he perplexed.

"You missed everything and nothing", Lin cooed sitting down next to him.

"I don't know what the hell that means, but did you have anything to do with you huh?" he asked leaning over to Nathan. He smirked. "You look like you lost a bet and some, boy."

"Wade...now is not the time," Nathan mumbled looking utterly miserable with a full glass of wine beside him.

"Leave him alone, Wade," Lin said rasing to her feet. "He a wounded animal who stuck his nose where it didn’t belong. You know how that feels right? Being an animal and all."

"Oh, real funny. A real comedian you are," he huffed as he watched silver tongue Lin slink away.

The awkwardness of earlier dissipated and our host, Mr. Jones entered the room garnering everyone's attention. The only remnants left was Nathan's unusually quiet and sadden demeanor. Then there was Audrey making it a point to ignore me again despite sitting across from each other. She talked gleefully with Grace and even sprung up a conversation with DJ at some point as dinner was being served. In fact, both DJ and Tao seemed to be all over her fighting for her attention. Pretty typical for young little dudes, but I couldn't help but be annoyed as she chatted with him as if I wasn't there.

"Vince... Vince!"

"What?!"

"The least you can do is answer me," Lin spat. "I'm trying to serve you, dickhead."

To my amazement, I was served three slices of roast meat. I look around to see the table with servings of food scattered about and plates in front of each individual. It was no giant feast, but I was pretty impressed. It almost looked like a dream. I picked up the fork ready to dig in. Not even paying attention to my surroundings, but Madison slapped my hand bringing me back to reality.

"Wait," she whispered pointing at the head of the table beside me where Mr. Jones now stood. "Prayer."

I bowed my head and closed my eyes as prayer was said. I don't think I’ve heard prayer or even had anything close to this in a while. The last time I had sat down for a proper family dinner was at my Mom's house for Thanksgiving. My daughter, Mya. My girlfriend and Mya's mom. Uncles. Aunts. Cousins. My grandmother. They were all there. All so vivid, but simply memories now. Would I ever see them again?

Once prayer was done, we all proceeded with dinner. I wasted no time digging into my plate while some took small bites cautiously. Things went pretty typical from there. A few laughs were shared. Lin teased Wade as usual. DJ and Tao took a break from fawning over Audrey to fling food at each other. Everyone just basically goofing off and chatting. It felt nice. It felt normal. It felt comfortable.

Mr. Jones stood up clearing his throat and the chatter died down. He beamed. "This has been quite an evening and it's all thanks to our two newest friends, Vince and Audrey."

"They didn't fill those bellies though," DJ joked loudly causing some to chuckle.

"Oh, hush you," his grandfather said smirking. "Now's let's go around the table. Each say something about ourselves."

"Yeah. How about our professions? I often wonder what the hell you all got up to before the dead took over," Madison said. "I know some of your stories, but not everyone. I'm especially curious about you, DJ."

"Being as fly as fuck was my job," DJ jested winking.

"Oh, give me a break," Jones moaned causing everyone to laugh again. He sat down in his chair and leaned over to me. "How about you, Mr. Martez?"

I stared at him at feeling beads of sweat form on my face.

"How about you go first?"

Previous Episode

All Episodes

Part 2 is next. More to be revealed and not the last you’ll see of an Aaron. Bringing back the vote/poll soon too. :)

[alydiarackham]

(Cover by me)

Linnet and the Prince by Alydia Rackham

Chapter One

          “Linnet! Come down!”

         “But I can see it from here!”

         “You will tear your clothes. Mother’s told you not to climb trees anymore. You’re too old.”

         I ignored my older sister far below me and adjusted my hold on the beech tree, amongst whose pale branches I stood. It was early spring, so the leaves did not obstruct my view of the vast rolling emerald hills in the east. I smiled as I gazed over them, and saw the gray ruins of Tilmidel skirted in mist. It was cloudy, so the morning sun did not get in my eyes. I had never seen Tilmidel so clearly before.

         “How far away is it, do you think?” I called, not taking my eyes from the distant castle. My sister, Aeleth, sighed.

         “Too far for you to try to make it there before it is time to get ready for tonight, so don’t even think about it.”

         “I wasn’t,” I lied, smiling at the castle.

         “You are ridiculous.” I could just see Aeleth shaking her blonde head as she picked berries from the thicket below. “Most girls of fifteen are more interested in chasing boys than exploring haunted ruins.”

         “Sixteen,” I reminded her. “I’m offended, I think.” I glanced down at her, arching an eyebrow. “You arranged my birthday party.”

         She lifted her head and her azure eyes sparked at me, set out by her plain blue dress. I had always thought that my sister was uncommonly pretty, what with her perfect, pale skin, slender form, plaited golden hair and graceful hands, and she could be pleasant to be around if she was not in one of her mothering moods.

         I, on the other hand, had chestnut hair—which was not considered as beautiful as gold by anyone I knew—and though I was slender too, and had blue eyes, I was shorter than she was. Besides which, I had calloused hands from handling bow and blade, and I was one of the few girls allowed to wear a long tunic and trousers instead of a dress. And I was not always known for being pleasant.

         “Anyway, you’re a princess,” Aeleth said. “Which means that you should not be climbing trees.”

         “It doesn’t matter what I do,” I replied, watching a sparrow that had landed on a twig not three feet above me. “You’re the one who will be queen, not me. I’m just here to protect you.”

         “Then it would still be inconvenient if you broke your neck. So come down.”

         I sighed, took one last look at Tilmidel, then swung down, thudding to the grass right next to my sister. I grinned at her as I arose and dusted off my hands and brown sleeves. She just shoved a basket of berries at me. Making a face at her, I took it and resumed helping her pick the berries, disheartened that I could no longer see Tilmidel because of the stretch of thick forest that stood in the way.

  LLL

            “I have not torn my clothes for years,” I huffed as I walked beside Aeleth on the narrow, winding path back home. The breeze rustled through the new leaves overhead, and sunshine—which had just come out—dappled the young grass and ferns all around us.

         “You did tear your clothes,” Aeleth insisted, brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead. “Just this past Haventide you—”

         “Sh.” I halted, and grabbed her elbow. “Hear that?”

         She frowned. I held my breath, listening. I heard it again: laughing, struggling, shouts.

         A fight.

         “Hold this.” I shoved my basked into Aeleth’s hands.

         “Linnet!” Aeleth objected, but I took off down the path, my soft boots thudding on the dirt. I pumped my arms and breathed rhythmically, my gaze darting ahead of me. The noises grew louder, and when I wheeled around the corner, I met the source.

         Two tall boys my age flung another boy onto his back. The tall ones looked like brothers—blonde and blue-eyed. The one who struck the earth had black hair and tanned skin. The brothers wore fine clothes of the country gentry—I did not know them. But the fallen boy’s name was Gar, and he had been my friend from childhood. The strangers were hitting him. And that made me see red.

         “Get back!” I commanded, leaping in front of Gar. The blonde boys jumped away, startled. I heard Gar’s labored breathing behind me. I turned to him and bent down. His plain brown clothes were torn and dirty, and when he lifted his bright black eyes to me, I saw his lip and nose were bleeding, and the star-shaped scar on his left cheek stood out, enflamed. I helped him to his feet—he only stood an inch taller than I.

         “Are you all right?” I asked, dusting him off. He ducked his head.

         “Lin,” he muttered, shooting a chagrined glance at the others.

         “Oh, they can bile thar haids,” I growled.

         “What do you think of this, Chais?” one blonde chuckled to the other. “The Badi half-breed needs some girl to defend him!” And he shoved my shoulder.

         I whirled, grabbed his elbow and delivered a chop hand to the side of his neck. I kicked forward and whipped his leg out from under him. He thudded to the ground. A gasp snapped out of him and his eyes went wide. Chais jumped over his brother, roaring, and charged at me. I leaned down and struck his chest with my shoulder. He stumbled back and tripped over his brother. He landed on his back on his brother’s chest.

         “Get off!” the first one choked. I leaped on top of Chais, pinning both boys down. Chaise glared at me.

         “Listen, you—” he started.

         I slapped his face. He sucked in his breath. My eyes blazed.

         “I am Linnet, second daughter of King Peliar and Queen Ealasaid,” I hissed, leaning down and pointing a finger right at his nose. “I have been trained since I was born to bring men to their knees to protect my sister—and I will also protect my friends from the likes of you stuffed-shirt, ignorant country rats.” I got off them and backed up to Gar’s side. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Aeleth arrive, still bearing both baskets. She only watched—she had seen this before.

         “What made you think he was one of them?” I demanded.

         “The scar on his face,” Chais managed. “It…well, it looks like a Badi symbol!”

         I looked down my nose at the strangers, who now scrabbled up and blushed, hardly meeting my eyes.

         “My friend Gar lived with his family at the base of the Black Steps when he was little,” I told them, my voice low and deliberate. “One night, a group of Badi raiders captured their home. They burned his mother and father alive on spits, cut off their heads, and branded Gar with the iron they use on their horses.”

         The brothers stood together now, heads bowed. I wanted to hit them again, but restrained myself.

         “How dare you call him one of them?” I snarled. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

I slid my hand down and took hold of Gar’s. He said nothing—his eyes shimmered with tears. I started down the path again, Gar in tow. He squeezed my hand. I returned the pressure.

I heard Aeleth’s skirt whisper as she passed the brothers.

         “I hope I do not see you two at the feast tomorrow,” she said, her tone regal and cool as my mother’s. And then she caught up to us, and walked on the other side of Gar. She gave him a winning smile, and handed him a kerchief.

         “Are you ready for the festival tomorrow, Gar?” she asked effortlessly lifting the mood.

         He managed a smile and wiped the blood from his lips.

         “Yes, thank you, ma’am.”

         “I hope your uncle is bringing his special cider,” I said.

         “Oh, he is,” Gar nodded. “Would…Would the two of you like to come taste it?”

LLL

            “Where have you two been?” my mother, a solemn, blonde beauty like my sister, but with less light in her eyes and a firmer mouth, asked as we came in. She wore a deep emerald gown with bell sleeves, and was arranging blue and white flowers in a vase on the broad main table. I shut the thick wooden door behind me, my basket resting on my hip. My sister, who had entered first, strode into the long hall and smiled at Mother.

         “We picked enough berries for practically everyone to eat tomorrow,” Aeleth announced, gracefully avoiding the subject of the scuffle, as she always had before.

         “Good! I have been longing for berries all winter,” Mother said, dipping her hand into Aeleth’s basket and taking one out to eat. I glanced up and down, noticing that Mother was alone in the tall-ceilinged, grand hallway. I always took a deep breath when I came in here—it smelled of burning pine and cooking pheasant; and footsteps and voices echoed warmly against its wooden walls, hung shields and arched rafters. I moved to the main table and set my basket there, then sat down on the stone floor in a square of bright sunlight that came in through an upper window. Leaning back, I closed my eyes, and halfway listened to my mother and sister discussing the state of the berry bushes.

         “You shouldn’t sit in the sun like that,” Aeleth scolded.

         “She’s right,” my mother agreed. “Your skin will turn brown.”

         “So?” I raised my eyebrows but did not open my eyes.

         “I’ll not have you look like a filthy Badi. Get out of the sun.”

         I bit back my reply—my mother was relentless and severe on this point, no matter how much time I spent outside, and how much tanner I got than my sister because I practiced my shooting or riding. Letting out a breath, I slid to my feet.  

         “Come with me, Linnet,” Aeleth beckoned, giving a half smile. “Help me pick out something to wear tomorrow night.”

         “Don’t trust her judgment, Aeleth,” Mother warned her as I took my sister’s soft hand and we trotted toward the door.

         “Linnet will have you dressed in trousers!” My mother despaired. “Aeleth, you pick something for her to wear, and make sure she looks presentable this time!”

         Both of us just laughed as we dodged out of the hall and down the narrow corridor toward my sister’s rooms.

  LLL

             “Please pay attention—I really do need your help!” Aeleth called me out of my reverie—I had been gazing out the window of her chambers at a large group of happy, loud-voiced, well-dressed peasants making their way down the winding road from the mountains to the town. I turned and faced my sister, leaning back on the windowsill.

         She had opened her trunk and flung out every dress she owned across her broad curtained bed, her two other trunks, and her vanity table. Two even lay on the rug. Equally, her jewelry box had been dumped out on the pillow, and the treasures glittered in the light that came in through the window behind me.

         “Come out of the sun!” Aeleth scolded me again, pushing a strand of hair away from her face and picking one of the dresses up.

         “No,” I said. “I spent all winter practically freezing to death—I am not about to hide from the light like a mole. Besides, you can smell the heather now—smell it?”

         “Yes, I smell it,” Aeleth muttered. “The red gown or the green one?”

         “Mother is wearing red,” I answered, propping my elbow on the sill and glancing back over the fields and wandering road. I let out a slow breath. “I really thought Father would be back for this festival.”

         My sister’s bustling halted. After a moment, she cleared her throat.

         “Yes, well, it’s because of him that we can actually have the festival. If he doesn’t keep the Badi beaten back, they’d overrun the kingdom. And I’m sure the festival wouldn’t be in the Badi’s taste. They’d probably rather eat raw horse meat.”

         “You think they would leave us alive to discuss the particulars of a festival with them?” I raised an eyebrow at her. She folded up the red dress and put it back.

         “I don’t want to think about that,” she said. I began to smile.

         “What would you rather think about?”

         “Nothing,” she insisted. But she blushed.

         “It’s William,” I guessed. Her eyes flashed at me.

         “Shush,” she hissed. “It is not.”

         I was grinning now.

         “You are going to see him at the feast, aren’t you? You’re going to dance with him, even though Mumma said you shouldn’t.”

         “I don’t care what Mumma thinks,” she said, lifting her chin, but her cheeks were scarlet. “And I don’t care what you think, either.”

         I laughed out loud. She slapped my shoulder.

         “I’ll not be laughed at by a baby sister,” she snapped. “Especially one who has been no help, and probably wants to wear one of my dresses.”

         I covered my mouth with my hand.

         “I’m not laughing,” I mumbled.

         “Good,” Aeleth gave me a sharp look. “Then tell me which gown I should wear.”

  LLL

             Twilight fell as I left the mead hall, wrapping a woolen shift around my shoulders. The air was chill, and smelled of peat fires. My footsteps padded on the dirt road as I headed down the hill, and passed between the blacksmith shop and the tanner. I left the road, turned left and walked around to the back of the smith, then smiled at the figures that waited in the gray light.

         Elb, a lanky young man with bright brown eyes and messy brown hair, who had been my best friend since birth, glanced up from where he sat gave me a big grin and waved a long-fingered hand at me.

         “Hello, Lin!”

         “Cheers,” I said, coming up to stand beside him. Gar sat on Elb’s other side, and only sent me a short look and a nod. Both stretched their hands over a low pit where a tame fire danced. It made their faces glow with orange light, and enlivened their eyes.

         I plopped down next to Elb, still enjoying the freedom of my tunic and trousers. Elb towered over me, since he sat on a stump. I eyed him.

         “You need new clothes,” I remarked. “Your trousers are too short and your shirt sleeves practically come up to your elbows.”

         “Yes, I know—I can’t really help that,” Elb said, tossing a twig in the fire.

         “You eat like a horse,” Gar noted, rubbing a finger across his hurt lower lip. “You are already taller than your father, and you’re still growing.”

         “You are lucky I am,” Elb answered back. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to get that lost arrow for you.”

         Gar scowled.

         “I would have preferred getting shouted at by my uncle—maybe that would have kept me out of the woods and in the shop where I belong.”

         “Listen, that was not your fault,” I spoke up. “Those brick-heads were looking for trouble already—I just wish I had been able to give them more than they bargained for.”

         “I heard about that!” Elb crowed, slapping my back. “Well done!”

         I laughed.

         “Did Gar tell you?”

         “No, I saw those two—limping and dusting themselves off like beaten whelps,” he grinned. “I heard the fully story from William—Aeleth must have told him what happened.”

         I looked to Gar.

         “Why didn’t you tell him?”

         He sighed and narrowed his eyes.

         “Listen, it’s just a wee bit embarrassing to have to be saved by a girl, all right?”

         “I resent that,” I replied. “I’m not just any girl. And there were two of them.”

         He was not listening. He was staring into the flames, running his thumb across the brand on his cheek. My light mood vanished.

         “Gar, I know it’s tradition,” I murmured. “But you don’t have to tell the story tonight if you don’t want to.”

         “Oh, psh,” he snapped, throwing a leaf in the fire. It sparked. “I am not that much of a weak-liver.”

         “Well…” I shrugged, teasing. He tried to scowl at me, but I gave him such a big smile that he had to chuckle.

         “All right, fine,” he sighed.

         “Oh, good,” Elb rubbed his hands together. “My festival was going to be ruined otherwise.”

         I agreed with him, but I would never have said so—I had not wanted to pressure Gar. The story he had told us every eve of the Spring Festival since we were young was a favorite amongst the Steps people—all of Hilrigard had heard it since Gar’s coming, of course—but to this day, no one could tell it better than he.

         “Long ago, in a land that is far from this one,” Gar began, leaning forward and capturing our eyes. “There lived a Badi king…who was afraid of Death.”

         A chill ran down my back as I wrapped my arms around my knees, already breathless. Gar gave a small smile, and went on.

         “He was very wealthy, and had many wives. Nothing he desired was ever denied him. Because of this, he feared to lose it all. It worried him so much that he could not eat, and could not sleep. At last, his advisors urged him to open a door deep in a cave—a door that had never been opened, for it was the doorway to the mansion of Death. They told him to bargain with Death and learn the key to immortality.” Gar paused and an owl hooted. I scooted closer to Elb and leaned against his leg. Gar folded his hands and continued.

         “And so, the magic men and the advisors and the king gathered in this dark cave, and drew circles in the dirt with their blood, and chanted spells and incantations to open the door. They did this for seven days and seven nights. The king was about to despair—when lo!”

         I jumped, then bit my cheek. I always jumped at that part…

         Gar raised his hands, close together, then slowly spread them apart.

         “The stone door in the back of the cave slid open, and a great dark chasm waited behind. None of the advisors or magic men dared to pass through, but the king burned to learn the secret, and so he stepped in.

         ‘There inside, he came face to face with Death—a towering black shadow clothed in night, leaning on an axe that bore the blood of every mortal who had ever died. The Badi king fell on his face.

         ‘Who are you?’ Death hissed, in a voice like a thousand snakes. ‘And why have you troubled me? For I am due to wander far and wide tonight, and take up five and twenty lives.’

         ‘I have come to learn the secret to eternal life,’ said the king. ‘I love my wealth and my life is pleasant, and I never wish to die.’

         ‘That secret has never been told to any man,’ said Death. ‘For no man has ever been able to match my price.’

         ‘I can surely match it,’ said the king. ‘For I am the greatest, mightiest ruler that ever lived, and can grant you any request.’

         ‘Very well,’ said Death. ‘Go home. A fortnight from now, I will come to you, and tell you what you must do.’

         And so the king went home in high spirits. But his men and wives could not bear to look at him, for his face bore the look of the dead.”

         “What exactly does that look like?” I wondered to Elb. “The look of the dead? How can he look dead and not be dead?”

         “Shush!” he nudged me. I flicked his knee, but his attention never faltered from Gar. Gar’s serious eyes flickered with mischief for a moment, then he kept on.

         “A fortnight passed, and the king slept well. But then, one night, Death appeared in his chamber. The king fell on his knees before Death, and held out his hands.

         ‘What must I do?’

         ‘First, you must pull down the forests—uproot the trees and lay waste to the woods. Life, my great enemy, has a foothold there, and this will be a mighty blow against him. Do as I say, and I will tell you the secret.’

         And so the king went out and uprooted the trees. He pulled down the forests and burned them, and turned the woods into a rolling desert where the sun baked the land and the bones of animals came up and bleached white. Then, Death came to him and said:

         ‘You have done well. But it is not enough.’

         ‘What else must I do?’ the king asked.

         ‘You must conquer the great plains, where Life is at his grandest, and you must kill everyone who lives there and bring their heads back to my cave on spits. That is the sacrifice I require.’

         And so the king went out and conquered the great plains, slaughtering all of its people, taking off their heads and bringing them to Death’s cave on spits. The rivers ran red with blood, and the Badi swords became dull with the carnage. When none were left alive, Death came to the king and said:

         ‘You have done well. Now I will tell you the secret: when you are old and full of years, I will come to you. I will wait at your door, and you will see me. Tell your sons to move fast—tell them to wrap you tight in linen and pour oils over you, then place you in an oaken box covered in your finest riches. Tell them to seal you within a chamber and wait for you for seven days. At the end of the seven days, you will rise from the dead as a young man, and you will never die.’

         ‘I will surely do as you say,’ the king said.

         ‘But remember,’ Death warned. ‘You must be sealed in the chamber before you breathe your last breath, or you will belong to me.’”

         “Uh, oh,” I gave a wicked grin to Elb, who returned it.

         “Shush,” Gar said this time. “Anyway…So the king lived to be very old, and when he lay on his death bed, he told his sons what to do. They did as he said, and carried him to the chamber.

         “But they did not move quickly enough. The king let out his last breath as he entered the chamber, and the door sealed half a moment too late. Because he had not been burned, his spirit could not be released into the arms of Life. However, neither could he be swallowed by Death, for the bindings and sacred oils that covered his body. Death, in a rage at the imbalance, shook the chamber and collapsed it, killing the king’s sons and wives and children, and burying his wealth.”

         I sat still, cold, staring at Gar. This part always chilled me to the bone…

         “Now, even to this day,” Gar murmured. “The Badi king’s soul, caught between both Life and Death, is forced to wander for eternity over the desert he created, crying for his sons, for his lost wealth—searching for the gate to Death’s house to beg him to let him die. But Death, who holds a grudge, will not let him in.”

         We all sat motionless for a long time. Then, I rubbed my hands up and down my arms.

         “That scares me every time,” I admitted. “And on the walk home I have to remind myself that it isn’t true or I will have nightmares.”

         “The Badi would tell you different,” Gar said, flicking a twig into the fire. I frowned at him.

         “What do you mean?”

         He looked at me.

         “The Badi believe it’s true. And the search for immortality goes on. Why do you suppose they are so bent on killing everyone?” Gar’s voice lowered as his expression darkened.  “Ask anyone and he will tell you it’s so. The Badi are the servants of Death.”

 LLL

 As the afternoon of the festival deepened and the sunset lit up the sky, flute music and laughing filled the air, as did the smoke of party fires and the aroma of cooking food. Out on the grassy slope in front of the royal house, the entire population of Hilrigard had gathered, dressed in their finest and brightest, to celebrate the first day of spring. The fore part of the lawn was arranged as a dancing glen, and beyond that stood dozens of long tables for the feast. I watched the bustling crowds by my sister’s side, atop the highest step of the royal house. Aeleth was dressed in a pearl-colored gown with beads embroidered into the bodice. Her hair was done up, and white buds surrounded the small silver crown on her head. Her white cheeks were flushed and her blue eyes vibrant. She looked like a new blossom next to my proud-headed mother who, wearing scarlet with her rippling hair draping down to her waist, and bearing a taller silver crown, looked like a rose in full bloom.  My mother’s features were sharper, stronger than those of my sister and me. She always carried herself so proudly—a queen without effort. And her sapphire eyes saw everything.

I was wearing the simple blue dress Aeleth had worn earlier to pick berries. It was pretty enough for my taste, and my hair hung down simply, with no adornment except for my own crown, which was just a silver circlet. The only weapon I wore was a long knife in my boot.  

         The fresh breeze blew through our hair and skirts, bringing the scent of roasting game hen, flowers and incense to me. I took a deep breath and smiled. Horns sounded, and then a flute, lyre and group of singers broke into song, singing a lively spring madrigal. Mother descended the stairs, Aeleth behind, and me last.

         We stepped down to the grass yard and into the crowd, and they put out their hands so that Mother and Aeleth would touch them. All of them smiled, and many of them handed my mother and sister flowers. One little girl pressed a posy into my hand, but most of my people just inclined their heads to me. I smiled back, and kept close behind my sister, as always. I caught sight of Elb, since he was so tall, and Gar beside him. I gave them a small wave. They returned it with big waves. I grinned.

         We trailed through the people as they called my mother’s name and shouted springtime greetings to their queen. We approached the long table, overhung by an arbor of blooming roses and decked out with silver platters full of fruit and meat. We came around and took our places behind our chairs—Aeleth beside my mother, and I beside Aeleth.

         The brilliant sunset just above a hill before us—gold, orange and red—shone in my eyes, and glittered off the silver goblet my mother raised into the air. At that sign, all the hundreds of people gathered grew silent, and turned toward us.

         My mother, her face aglow, smiled and cast her gaze over all of them.

         “Friends,” she called, her voice carrying easily over the crowd. “Welcome to Hilrigard! My daughters and I thank you from the depths of our hearts for coming down from the mountains to our home to help us celebrate the long-awaited arrival of spring!”

         All of the town cheered, clapped, and tossed flowers high over their heads. I beamed as white petals showered down like snow—they looked pink in this light.

         The musicians began to play—it was a lively dancing tune that we all knew. My sister clapped, and I hid a smile as my mother commanded that the dancing begin.

         All the young people paired off, and the children and elders backed away, making a circle around the dancing lawn. The partners faced each other, bowed to each other, and then began the dance.

         I sat down in a tall wooden chair, as did Aeleth and Mother. I always loved watching the dancing—I was fairly good in practice, but no one ever asked me to be his partner. Elb and Gar had flatly declared dancing to be silly. It was still enjoyable to watch the high leaps of the others—how they spun, and stepped around each other, one arm high, the other lowered, their hands graceful—how they shot stunning smiles at each other, and how the ladies’ skirts and hair streamed out behind them.

         My sister kept clapping in time with the dizzying music, and I just smiled, happy to feel the evening breeze, and to smell of the flowers and food on the table.

         A young man approached us, coming up to my mother. He was tall, with light brown hair and a short beard, and wore simple but lightly-worn green trousers and tunic. He bowed low to my mother, but glanced up at my sister. I hid behind the vase of flowers to conceal my smirk. This was William.

         “My queen,” William said, his head still bowed. “May I have the honor of dancing with your daughter?”

         I could feel my mother’s disapproval ripple down the table, but as my sister was not engaged with anyone else, and she clearly wished to join in the dancing, mother sighed, and simply nodded.

         Aeleth got up, beaming, and swept around the table, offering her hand to William, who glowed at the sight of her. He led her right into the dance, and soon they were leaping and spinning with the best of them. I sat back in my chair, tapping my fingertips on my armrest, pondering the fact that my mother had not asked William to clarify which daughter he wished to dance with. But then, she never did.

         The dance ended, mother and I clapped, and the dancers laughed and bowed to each other. My mother rose to her feet again, and by the look on her face, I knew what was coming. She was about to call the tune—the famous tune beloved by all of us: the springtime welcome my father had written before he went to war a year ago.

         The crowd quieted. Aeleth and William stayed side by side, hands clasped, faces flushed. I folded my hands on the table and looked to my mother.

         “I have never seen such splendid dancing,” my mother declared, and everyone chuckled. She lifted her bright head and went on.

         “I hope to see more as the evening goes on—but I wish all of you would do your best with this one, for it was written by my beloved husband, King Peliar—”

         “King Peliar, may he live forever,” all of us echoed.

         “—and if he were here, I know he would take particular pleasure in seeing…” My mother trailed off. Her eyes flickered. The smiles faded from the people’s faces. Silence fell.

         And then I heard it. Rather, I felt it. The table beneath my hands began to vibrate, ever so slightly—and so did the earth beneath my feet. I stood up.

         Now, the sound reached us. It was a low rumble, like distant thunder, or waves upon an unseen shore.

         And then a figure appeared on the top of the hill, silhouetted by the stunning orb of the setting sun. It was a man. And he was running as fast as he could.

         Cries of alarm rose up as the people turned to see him. The men pulled their women closer. I reached down in my boot and slid out my knife, and set it on the table. He was following the road that none but soldiers ever took—the road that led down to the valley and the Black Steps.  

         “Aeleth, come here,” Mother commanded, never taking her eyes from the approaching man. Aeleth broke from William and came around the table, eyes wide. I grabbed her arm and put her behind me, keeping hold of her wrist. The rumbling grew stronger.

         “Make way!” the stranger shouted, his voice strained with gasping. The crowd parted for him, and he broke through them, staggered, and fell to his knees before our table. I sucked in my breath.

         He was bleeding from his blonde head, and his clothes were torn and dirty. But I could still recognize that he wore the leather uniform of one of our father’s soldiers.

         “Who are you?” my mother demanded, fire and ice at the same time. The young man lifted his head. His face was streaked with sweat, and his eyes were glazed over. He could barely speak because every breath rasped in his throat.

         “My queen, we are undone,” he managed. My mother stilled for just one instant. Then, she narrowed her eyes.

         “Speak plainly.”

         “I am, my lady,” he swayed forward, but caught himself. “We received word that the army was taken by surprise by Niro, king of the Badi, on the plains of Seshem. They surrounded them and routed them, and drove them east. From there, they were pursued by his son, Prince Rajak, as Niro left off to fight the plains kingdom. It was not ten miles hence that King Peliar was shot with five arrows.”

         I went cold.

         Father…

A shudder ran through me, and I would have sat down if Aeleth had not clamped down on my arm with all her force.

         My mother went ash white. But she spoke.

         “Who survives?”

         “Only I do, my lady,” the soldier fell forward onto his hands. “I managed to escape so that I could come here…and tell you to flee.”

         “What of the garrisons at the Black Steps?” my mother snapped. “What of the watchtowers of the Twin Hills and in the—”

         The man was already shaking his head.

         “Overwhelmed, my queen. That is where I was stationed. Rajak’s army is all on horseback, with siege engines that can demolish our watchtowers with a single blow. We tried to muster in time to meet them, but they came so quickly…like lightning…”

         “How could Niro’s army overwhelm five-thousand men?”my mother demanded—but she was leaning on the table now, too. I felt distant, as if I was watching myself from above. The runner gathered himself, shaking his head again.

         “They captured the water, and would not let our army near it,” he said. “And they are all deadly with a bow—Rajak most of all. They shot down anyone who tried to take word to you.”

         Faraway cries came over the hills—cries urging horses forward. I swallowed. I recognized the sound, now: horse hooves. Thousands of them.

         “And my lady,” the messenger sighed, his brow furrowing, his eyes tired. “They say that Prince Rajak is steps away from finding the key.”

         I had no idea what he meant. But my mother did—I could see it in her frame. My sister trembled behind me, and did not let me go. My mother lifted her eyes to the top of the hill, to the blazing sun: the place where the Badi army would appear.

         “And now they are going to kill us all,” Mother murmured. The runner did not answer. My mother’s jaw tightened.

         “We will not flee only to be shot in the back. If that animal that likes to call himself a prince wishes to slaughter us, he will look us in the eyes.”

         Mother stepped around the table and passed the runner, her train whispering over the grass. I stayed where I was, my gut twisting as if I had been stabbed there.

         “Oh, Linnet,” Aeleth whimpered just behind me. “Father—” Her throat shut, and I felt her lean her forehead against the back of my hair. My lower lip trembled. I kept my eyes fixed on my mother.

         The men closed in behind their queen, and she stopped in the middle of the crowd, facing the west. I held my breath.

         The top of a spear appeared, rising up over the edge of the nearby hill, and with it came the figure of a man on horseback, black against the blaze of the sun. Beside him came another, and another, until the entire horizon was lined with horsemen. And then they poured over the hill, like a slow, inky flood, the thunder of their hooves shaking the stones.

         They spread out, covering the road and then some, gravel crunching beneath. They passed the border of the town—spilled between the blacksmith, the baker and the tanner’s buildings like lava between stones.

         As they neared, and came out of the shadow, I could see their forms better. I had never seen the Badi—I had only been left to imagine. But what I beheld was worse than even my nightmares.

They all rode sleek, black, armored horses, and wore black clothes and leather breastplates, bore gleaming bronze shields and shining black helmets with red plumes. Long, curved swords hung from their belts, bows rested across their shoulders, and they also carried long, spiked spears. The skin of their faces and hands was dark, tanned, and their eyes like night.

         The two men at the front of the company drew my attention. They both wore black, high-collared, long-sleeved tunics and black trousers and boots like the others, but one had a scarlet stripe across his chest, and the other…

         The other’s horse was decked in gold, and he jingled with every step. The man’s tunic was embroidered with swirling red patterns, and his helmet bore red jewels and hammered gold atop the black metal. I could not see his face, but I knew who he had to be.

         Prince Rajak.

         The first man, the one with the scarlet stripe, lifted a hand, and the vast army drew to a halt. Horses snorted and stamped, and tossed their heads. Harnesses jangled. My people stood still.

         The man with the stripe handed his shield and spear to his squire—or one who acted as his squire—reached up and pulled off his helmet. His hair was black; he had a large nose, and dark, cold eyes.

         “You are very brave, Queen Ealasaid,” the man decided, his voice deep, his accent strange. “Braver than your king.”

         “Who are you?” my mother demanded. “And what gives you the right to march on these lands?”

         The man regarded her.

         “I am Commander Hashim,” he said, in the universal language known as the Common Tongue. He lifted his chin. “And the Badi own these lands as of this morning, when we killed your husband and all his men.”

         A suppressed cry ran through the crowd like a needle through flesh. Commander Hashim smirked. The shining helmed head of the man next to him turned to him. Commander Hashim cleared his throat, and raised his eyebrows at my mother.

         “Woman, how many people live in this…village?” He cast a narrow glance around at the lawn and the houses before regarding her again. My mother did not answer.

         “Speak!” Hashim barked. “Or the chance you have to spare your people may be lost with our patience.”

         “About a thousand,” my mother replied, her voice flat.

         “And how many in the hills beyond?”

         My mother hesitated again, but the spears of the Badi rattled. She took a breath.

         “Perhaps thirty thousand, according to the census five years ago.”

         Hashim glanced at the one next to him. The shining head nodded. Hashim sighed and his jaw tightened, but he turned back to my mother.

         “Prince Rajak is inconvenienced by the effort of bloodshed, as duties back home call his attention. Therefore, he wishes to offer you a bargain.”

         “Then let me hear it from him,” my mother shot back. “Unless the famous prince is deaf and dumb.”

         A shiver traveled through my people. And a murmur, like a covered hornet’s nest, disturbed the quiet of the Badi. The one beside Hashim raised his hands and lifted the helmet off his head.

         His hair was like a raven, mussed and wild. He had a young, narrow, handsome face, and a dignified nose. He had a scar on his right cheekbone, and a stern, frowning mouth. But the look he gave my mother with those blazing obsidian eyes ought to have caught her on fire.

         He handed his helmet to Hashim, kicked his leg over the back of his horse and slid to the ground. He landed soundlessly, and stepped toward my mother. Our men backed away—it was as if they could not help but shrink from him. I swallowed hard. Rajak was a good head taller than any of the men in my town, and power radiated from him like heat from the sun. His look fastened on my mother. He stopped before her, and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.

         “I am Prince Rajak,” he said quietly, with perfect diction. “And you will address me with respect or be flogged before your people.”

         My mother did not answer. I knew he would do it—or at least he would try. My mother was a second sister, as I was. She could fight just as well as I could, if not better. But if she decided to fight, and the Badi retaliated…

         My mother stayed still. I clenched my teeth. Prince Rajak cast his gaze over the crowd. They cringed. Then, he returned his attention to my mother.

         “My proposal is this,” he said, his voice still soft. “My forces will now occupy this land, claiming it in the name of my father, King Niro. However, I will not slaughter its inhabitants on one condition.” His eyes searched past my mother, and found the royal table. And his gaze fell upon my sister. “You will give me a princess for a wife.”

         Aeleth’s hands locked on my elbow so hard I thought she would break my bones.

         “In this way,” Rajak went on. “My people will share a bond with yours, and be less inclined to destroy you. In the same fashion, you shall be less inclined to defy my father, as I will have hold of your heart. Consider my offer carefully, as it will not be extended again.”

         “Impossible,” my mother protested. “I cannot and will not—”

         “This is my condition,” Rajak’s voice rose, and he stepped back toward his horse. “Not a one of you will live should it be broken.” He mounted his horse again, took up the reins, and looked down his nose at my mother. “Believe me; my father would never be so generous.” He nodded at Hashim, then turned his animal and pressed back through his army, until I could not see him. Hashim now spoke to my mother.

         “You have half of an hour of privacy in which to discuss my prince’s proposal.”

         “Surely you must give us more time than—” my mother tried.

         “Oh, of course,” Hashim’s tone was caustic. “So that you can spirit her away and poison the wells for us.” He shook his head. “Woman, you are fortunate to be alive at this moment. Now go.” He waved toward the royal house. “You now have less than half of an hour. And I advise you not to wait that long. The prince has even less patience than I do.”

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