#that’s symbolism for your dead wife

[marbletheunworthy]

‘Abbey’ -Mitski

[teaboot]

(Re: I asked if anyone in “John Wick” ever actually explicitly SAID John’s wife was dead, or if it was just heavily implied and stepped around so I could choose to argue that she wasn’t)

Oh, yeah, dude of course- I KNOW she’s dead. I watched the same movie as you. She’s like… SUPER dead. Flatline and funeral, yeah.

What I wanted to know was if anyone in the movie actually SAYS “death, died, dead, deceased” (because I couldn’t remember) because if they HADN’T, if everyone had just kept saying “gone” or “left us” or “not there anymore”, it would give me a WHOLE NEW ANGLE to play with.

Without anyone SAYING she’s dead, flat-out, all we got is heavy implications, a hospital flatline, and a funeral scene that I COULD argue may have been flash-forwards shown out of chronological canon to mislead the viewer, which films have done before.

I LOVE subtext. I LOOOOVE symbolism and metaphor and allegory and foreshadowing. I could talk about the dog from John Wick 2 not getting a name for hours. About Helen’s NAME. Oooohohoho my god or the LIGHTING.

Yeah, duh, we’re supposed to read the room and know she died. They were super good at making that clear. The viewer is supposed to pick up on that. Good movies DO THAT- lead you to an empty space by showing what’s around it.

But VERY GOOD movies… sometimes they lead you to an empty space by showing you what’s around it, then showing that a dozen other things could have that silhouette. They’re misleading on purpose, to play with your expectations and make you think and prove a point. Horror movies, while not my personal favourite, are FANTASTIC at this. Some thrillers and murder mysteries are BRILLIANT at this. Agatha Christie? She had some banger twists.

So like… it’s fun? It’s fun

And we used to talk about movies like this for FUN, like… “oh, what if the sheriff from Walking Dead never woke up from his coma and the last 40 seasons were just a dream?”, not because we think that’s where the movie is headed, but because it’s fun to think about

I’m not sure when exactly we stopped talking about media for fun and started doing it to feel clever and correct, but I don’t want to be right, here. If I wanted to just be right I’d have searched up the info before I said anything.

I want to solve a riddle I invented so I can enjoy a story that wasn’t told for myself, and share the idea with my friends maybe.

And I happen to think that considering the movies again while pretending Helen is still alive and just not around John turns it pretty handily from a tragedy to a comedy kind of, doesn’t it? See how the tone shifts? Isn’t that new perspective fun to look at?

Being correct is boring cause there’s only one answer. You gotta ask what’s possible

[readychilledwine]

Free Will

Eris Arranged Marriage – Drabble

Summary - Eris knew his father would purchase him a bride sooner rather than later.

Warnings - Arranged Marriage, alcohol use.

A/N - From one Vandaddy to the next.. May do more with this. May let it die. Too early to tell.

🔥Eris Masterlist🔥Master Masterlist🔥

You were beautiful, Eris would give his father that. Glowing skin enhanced from the moonlight kissing you. He had found you sitting in a window, looking outside like a bird now trapped in a glorified cage. You had disappeared from the festivities taking place, and he was tasked with finding you.

“How miserable,” he walked closer, noticing the half empty bottle of wine beside you. “Drinking alone in the dark, wife? You should have invited me. Mother knows I hate a boring celebration."

Your eyes met his, your cheeks flushed and eyes slightly glassy, “Did not realize my oh so powerful new husband would take pleasure in dark corners and," you paused to lift the bottle, squinting to read it. “Pomegranate wine.”

Eris only chuckled and took the bottle, drinking straight from it. “My favorite, actually.�� He leaned against the window ypu sat in. He followed your eyes, noticing you were looking over the garden. “They say pomegranate is the origin of sin and the seasons.”

“The tales of the Dark Mother and Forest God. I know it well,” you held your hand out. Your new husband took another drink before handing it back to you, bottle now passing between you. “Legend says the Dark Mother had found him so beautiful she lured him to her with a snake of many colored scales. Once she had him in his poison garden, she gave him a choice.”

“Eat the pomegranate and stay with her,” Eris finished. “Or watch as she slowly killed the lands he loved. But by eating the seeds..” He smirked for you to finish.

“He upset the Mother. So she cursed the lands of the North with the seasons and turned his home into a barren land of ice and snow, his sister's into one haunted by rot and neverending harvest, his brothers into one trapped in the beginning of the rebirthing cycle and storms, and his parents in dead heat and drought.”

Eris looked you up and down. "They say the female of the species is always more deadly than the male." Eris sighed, “But his choice also unleashed freewill among the fae.”

"But it cost us the ability to connect with our true forms and shift. That power is now heavily reserved," Your voice seemed empty. As if the thought of that piece of you that was missing was more than just an animal but a symbol of freedom.

He studied you again, you leaned in to look into his eyes, “I do wonder what kind of animal would have been behind your skin, my wife. Are you a snake leading me to a trap? Are you a bird with clipped wings, desperate to fly away? Or are you a lioness, stalking and waiting for her chance to kill?”

Your lips twitched up. “You'll find I associate heavily with the symbol of our court, husband,” you looked him up and down, the tension between you two growing within every second. He could see it. He would see something cunning and intelligent hiding behind those drunk eyes.

A fox fits you well, and now, you were invading an enemy den.

Eris gave a smile that made chills run down your spine, “I think we will get along, y/n.” He took another swig of the wine finishing the bottle before picking you up and forcing you to hold his hand. “Our party awaits, my little wife. And more pomegranate wine.”He lead to you the ballroom, loud music and dancing in full swing as the fae celebrated the marriage of their heir apparent.

Eris poured two glasses, handing one to you, “To free will, my fox.”

The words were an offering, an understanding.

Your glass touched his, arms linking to drink as ceremony required. “To free will, husband.”

[novaursa]

Hour of the Wolf

- Summary: Cregan keeps his promise to you, and delivers Northern justice to the South.

- Pairing: velaryon!reader/Cregan Stark

- Note: These events happen right after The Wolf's Flame. To read all parts of this story, visit my blog. The list is pinned to the top. This is the last part (conclusion) for this series.

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Word count: 5 000+

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @daeryna @melsunshine @21-princess

The cold wind that blows down from the North seems to follow him even here, into the heart of the South, where the air is usually filled with the warmth of the sun. Yet today, the skies over King’s Landing are heavy with a gray pallor, as if the gods themselves know that justice is at hand. You are not here to witness this, but you are the reason for it. Every step Cregan Stark takes is one of duty, but also of love—love for you, his Y/N, his beloved wife, and the mother of his children.

The streets of King’s Landing tremble under the march of Northern boots, the sight of direwolf banners casting long shadows against the red stone walls. Cregan’s expression is as hard and unyielding as the land he comes from, his gray eyes focused on the path ahead. He is the Lord of Winterfell, the Wolf in the South, and today, the Hour of the Wolf has come. 

Outside the Red Keep, the air is tense, the men around him anxious. They know what he is capable of; they know the purpose behind his presence. Justice. It is the promise he made to you, and the promise he will fulfill. Waiting at the gates, he finds two figures—one is the boy king, Aegon, the youngest of your mother’s children, and the other is Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, your grandfather. 

Aegon stands tall, but there is a shadow in his violet eyes, a weight that he has carried since he took his place as the King of the Seven Kingdoms. Corlys, too, has the look of a man who has seen too much, but still, there is a fire in him, one that refuses to die despite the years of war and loss.

As Cregan approaches, it is Aegon who speaks first, his voice steady despite the turmoil that surrounds him. “Lord Stark, we have been expecting you.”

Cregan nods, his gaze unwavering. “And I have come as promised. The South will know the meaning of Northern justice.”

Corlys steps forward, his eyes sharp as they search Cregan’s face. “The traitor Aegon II is dead, found poisoned in his chambers,” he announces, his tone devoid of satisfaction, yet also lacking in sorrow. “The throne is now secure, but the realm is not yet at peace.”

For a moment, the air is still, as if even the city itself is holding its breath. Cregan’s expression does not change, but there is a flicker in his eyes—a glimmer of something darker. “The death of Aegon II was too swift,” he says, his voice low and filled with the cold of the North. “He deserved more for what he did to your family, for what he did to my wife.”

Aegon shifts uncomfortably, but Corlys holds Cregan’s gaze, understanding the weight behind those words. “Justice has been served, in one way or another,” the Sea Snake says, his voice carrying the wisdom of his years. “But what of your children, my grandchildren? How are they?”

The question brings a softness to Cregan’s hard exterior, a flicker of warmth that only thoughts of you and your children can invoke. “They are well,” he answers, a hint of pride in his tone. “Safe in their mother’s embrace, in the heart of Winterfell. And Killian, our eldest, has had a dragon hatch from Thraxata’s clutch. A fine beast, worthy of a Stark and a Velaryon.”

Corlys’s eyes widen at the news, and even Aegon’s lips twitch in something that almost resembles a smile. The thought of a new dragon, born of your bonded dragon, Thraxata, the Midnight Fury, a creature of polished obsidian and violet fire, is enough to stir the blood of even the most hardened man. It is a symbol of your strength, your legacy, and the legacy of the children you have borne with Cregan.

The Sea Snake nods, his gaze distant as he considers the future. “A new dragon, a new beginning,” he murmurs. “Perhaps there is hope yet for this broken realm.”

Cregan does not reply immediately. Instead, he turns his gaze toward the towering walls of the Red Keep, a place that has seen too much bloodshed, too many betrayals. He thinks of you, of the letters you exchanged before he rode South, the promises made between you. He is here to fulfill those promises, to ensure that your family, your children, will inherit a world where they can grow without the shadow of war looming over them.

Finally, he speaks, his voice as unyielding as the North. “Hope is something that must be earned,” he says. “And I will see to it that this realm is worthy of the children it will one day belong to.”

With that, Cregan Stark, the Wolf in the South, turns his back on the Red Keep, his mind already turning to the tasks ahead. There is still much to be done, and he will not rest until justice, true justice, has been delivered. For you, Y/N, for your children, and for the memory of your family.

As he walks away, the wind picks up, carrying with it the chill of the North—a reminder that Winterfell, and all that it holds dear, is never far from his thoughts.

The throne room of the Red Keep is a place of power, but also of shadows—of secrets whispered in the dark and blood spilled on the cold stone floor. Today, however, it is a place of judgment. Cregan Stark, the Wolf of the North, stands before the Iron Throne, his presence imposing, his expression as cold as the winter winds that sweep across his homeland. The crown has been secured, the usurper dead by poison, but the realm still bleeds, and it falls to him to stitch its wounds.

He takes his position as Hand of the King with a heavy heart, but with unshakable resolve. Justice must be done, and he is here to see it through, not for his own glory, but for you, his beloved Y/N, and for the future you share. He remembers the words he once whispered to you in the quiet of your chambers, promises made in the stillness of Winterfell: to protect, to avenge, to make the world safer for your children. Today, he begins to fulfill those promises.

Before him stand nineteen men, the accused, each bearing the weight of their sins. Traitors, conspirators, men who played their parts in the bloodshed that tore the realm apart. They are the remnants of a conflict that has claimed too many lives, the final vestiges of a regime that crumbled beneath the weight of its own ambition.

Cregan’s voice rings out in the hall, deep and unwavering, as he addresses them. “You stand accused of treason, of betrayal to the crown, and of crimes that have brought the realm to the brink of ruin. Justice is what I seek, and justice is what you will receive.”

The room is silent, the tension thick as his words hang in the air. There is no mercy in his tone, no room for doubt or leniency. The eyes of those before him are filled with a mixture of fear and resignation. They know what is coming, and they know there is no escape.

Cregan’s gaze moves across them, his expression unreadable as he delivers the sentence. “Those of you who have been found guilty, you will take the black. You will live out the remainder of your days on the Wall, defending the realm you have betrayed. Your lives are forfeit, but the Watch will have your service.”

There is a murmur among the accused, some relief, some despair. The Wall is a harsh fate, but it is life, of a sort. But not all will receive such a sentence, and they know it.

Cregan turns his gaze to the two men who stand apart from the others, Lord Larys Strong and Ser Gyles. They do not flinch under his scrutiny, though they know what fate awaits them. They are men who have accepted their end, men who understand that the blood they have spilled cannot be washed away by mere words.

“For you,” Cregan continues, his voice colder now, “there will be no such mercy. Lord Larys Strong, Ser Gyles Belgrave, you have been judged, and your sentence is death.”

The room is silent again, the weight of his words settling over all who are present. Cregan steps forward, the greatsword Ice in his hand, the Valyrian steel gleaming in the dim light of the throne room. It is a blade that has seen many executions, a blade that carries the history of House Stark in every inch of its steel.

Without hesitation, Cregan raises Ice, his muscles rippling beneath his furs as he prepares to deliver the final justice. The men before him kneel, heads bowed, accepting their fate. It is a grim task, but one that must be done. For you, for your children, for the future of the realm.

The blade comes down, swift and sure, and in a single stroke, both men fall. Their heads roll across the cold stone floor, the blood pooling at Cregan’s feet. The sound echoes in the chamber, a final, resounding note of justice delivered.

Cregan stands over the fallen men, Ice still in his hand, his breath steady. He feels the weight of his duty, the coldness of the act, but also the warmth of satisfaction. It is done. The traitors have paid for their crimes, and the realm can begin to heal. 

As he steps back, wiping the blood from Ice with a cloth handed to him by one of his bannermen, a raven arrives. The black bird flutters through the open windows of the throne room, a small scroll tied to its leg, the wax seal of Winterfell visible even from a distance.

Cregan’s heart skips a beat as he takes the scroll, recognizing the seal immediately. It is from Maester Kennet, and he knows what news it carries. He breaks the seal with a steady hand, though inside, his emotions swirl. The paper crinkles as he unrolls it, and he reads the words written in the familiar script.

"Lord Cregan,

It is with great joy that I inform you that Lady Y/N has given birth to a healthy son. Both mother and child are well. The boy has been named Rickon, after your noble father. Winterfell rejoices at the birth of its heir, and we await your return.

Maester Kennet"

Cregan’s heart swells with a warmth that almost overcomes him. Rickon. Another son, another piece of the future you will build together. He closes his eyes for a moment, allowing himself to picture you in the great hall of Winterfell, holding your newborn son in your arms, surrounded by Killian and Alysane. He can see their smiles, hear the laughter that will fill the halls once more.

He tucks the letter away, the coldness of the throne room fading as he turns to leave. His duty here is nearly done, and soon, he will return to you, to your children, to Winterfell. He will hold his son, he will see your face, and he will feel the warmth of home once more.

But for now, he is still the Wolf in the South, the Hand of the King, and there are still tasks that must be completed before he can return to you. He steels himself, knowing that with every step he takes, he is one step closer to home, one step closer to you and the life you have built together.

The fire crackles softly in the hearth, its warmth chasing away the chill of the Northern winds that rattle the ancient stones of Winterfell. The room is quiet, filled with a peaceful stillness that you savor, holding your newborn son close to your chest. Little Rickon, barely a few days old, sleeps soundly in your arms, his tiny breaths warm against your skin. His dark lashes rest against his pale cheeks, so much like his father’s, and you can already see the strength in his small features, a promise of the man he will one day become.

You sit in a chair by the fire, wrapped in furs that keep you warm and comfortable. The weight of your son is a soothing comfort, grounding you in this moment, despite the swirling thoughts that sometimes pull your mind southward, toward King’s Landing, where your husband, Cregan, now walks paths that you wished you could have shared with him.

It was a hard decision, staying behind. You wanted to be there at Cregan’s side, to see justice served for what was done to your family. But the weight of your pregnancy had kept you here, in the North, far from the seat of power and the vengeance that now unfolds. You had argued, begged even, but Cregan, in his stern but loving way, had insisted. His duty was there, and yours, he said with a gentle hand on your belly, was here, with the child you were carrying and the children who needed their mother.

You sigh softly, glancing across the room where your other children play. Killian, your eldest, is sprawled on the floor, his dark hair a wild tangle as he wrestles with a small dragon, a hatchling from Thraxata’s clutch. Vexion, as Killian named him, is a striking creature, barely larger than a hunting hound, with scales of deep midnight blue that shimmer like sapphires in the firelight. His wings, though small, are strong and powerful, the membranes tinted in the same shades of violet as Thraxata’s, and his eyes, bright and alert, match the deep purple of her own.

Killian laughs as Vexion snaps playfully at his fingers, his little teeth harmless for now, though you know that one day, they will grow sharp enough to rend flesh and bone. But for now, the dragon is just a playful companion, a symbol of your legacy and the bond your family shares with these magnificent beasts.

Alysane, your daughter, sits beside her brother, her pale hair cascading over her shoulders as she carefully arranges a set of wooden figures. She’s creating a scene, you realize, a miniature version of Winterfell with figures of wolves and dragons placed carefully around the perimeter. Her little brow is furrowed in concentration, but she smiles when she hears Killian’s laughter, her violet eyes sparkling with the same mischievous light that often shines in Cregan’s when he is teasing you.

Watching them, your heart swells with love and pride. These are your children, your future. They are the reason you stayed behind, the reason you now feel a deep sense of contentment despite the ache of being apart from your husband. Here, in this room, surrounded by the warmth of the fire and the presence of your children, you find peace.

Rickon stirs in your arms, making a soft, contented noise, and you gently rock him, brushing a kiss against his tiny forehead. “Hush now, little one,” you murmur softly, your voice filled with a tenderness that surprises even you. “Your father will be home soon, and then we’ll all be together again.”

The thought of Cregan’s return brings a soft smile to your lips. You imagine him walking through the doors of the great hall, his face breaking into a rare, warm smile as he sees you and the children waiting for him. You imagine the feel of his arms around you, the strength and warmth that have always been your greatest comfort. You imagine introducing him to Rickon, watching as he takes his newborn son in his arms for the first time, the pride and love shining in his gray eyes.

But for now, you are content. Content to be here, with your children, safe in the heart of Winterfell. You have known loss, grief, and the cold touch of betrayal, but you have also known love, fierce and unyielding, and that love has given you these three beautiful children, each one a piece of your heart walking around outside your body.

“Look, Mother!” Killian’s excited voice pulls you from your thoughts, and you look up to see him holding Vexion aloft, the little dragon’s wings flapping furiously as he tries to stay airborne. “Vexion’s learning to fly!”

You laugh softly, a sound full of warmth and joy. “He’s doing wonderfully, my love. Just like you.”

Killian beams at your praise, setting Vexion down gently on the floor. The dragon immediately scampers over to Alysane’s miniature Winterfell, sniffing curiously at the wooden figures. Alysane giggles, gently guiding him away from her carefully arranged scene.

You watch them with a full heart, feeling the warmth of the fire, the weight of your newborn son, and the love that fills this room. Yes, you wish you could be with Cregan, standing beside him as he delivers justice, but you also know that this—being here, with your children, holding Rickon close—is where you are meant to be. 

You lean back in your chair, closing your eyes for just a moment, allowing the peacefulness of the moment to wash over you. Soon, Cregan will return, and your family will be whole again. Until then, you have this—this quiet, this warmth, this love. And that is more than enough.

The air in Winterfell is crisp with the first touch of spring as you stand at the gates, your heart pounding with anticipation. The sun is low in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard where you wait with your children. The news of Cregan’s return reached you only this morning, and ever since, you’ve been unable to keep the smile from your face. You’ve missed him with a deep, aching intensity, and the thought of having him home again fills you with a joy that’s almost overwhelming.

Killian and Alysane stand beside you, both of them practically bouncing with excitement. Killian’s hand is clutching Vexion’s leash, the little dragon sitting obediently at his feet, though his violet eyes are alert, as if he too can sense the importance of this moment. Alysane’s hand is in yours, her small fingers squeezing tightly as she peers down the road, searching for the first sign of her father.

The minutes feel like hours, but then, finally, you see them: the first of the riders cresting the hill, the Stark banners flapping in the wind, and your heart skips a beat. Cregan is home. 

As the riders draw closer, you spot him at the front of the group, his dark hair falling loose around his shoulders, his broad frame unmistakable even from a distance. The sight of him stirs something deep inside you, a rush of warmth and love that makes your eyes burn with unshed tears.

“Father!” Killian’s voice breaks through your reverie, and before you can stop him, he’s running across the courtyard, Vexion darting after him with a playful roar. Alysane releases your hand and follows suit, her laughter ringing out as she races to meet her father.

Cregan dismounts with ease, dropping to one knee just in time to catch Killian in his arms. Alysane is close behind, and he sweeps her up as well, holding both of them tightly against his chest. His deep laugh rumbles through the air, the sound of it filling your heart with a warmth that melts away the last remnants of the cold that had settled there in his absence.

You watch them, your vision blurring slightly with tears. This is what you’ve been waiting for, what you’ve dreamed of during the long nights alone—this moment, when your family is together again. 

Finally, Cregan looks up, his gray eyes meeting yours across the distance. For a moment, the world seems to stop, and it’s just the two of you, connected by the unspoken love that has always been the foundation of your bond. He rises to his feet, one arm still wrapped around each of your children, and as he walks toward you, you feel your breath catch in your throat.

When he’s close enough, you close the distance between you, your hands reaching up to cup his face. His skin is cool from the journey, but beneath it, you can feel the warmth that has always drawn you to him, the steady, reassuring presence that you’ve missed so much.

“Cregan,” you whisper, your voice trembling with emotion.

He smiles, that rare, genuine smile that’s reserved only for you and your children. “Y/N,” he murmurs, his voice deep and rough with emotion. “I’ve missed you.”

And then his lips are on yours, gentle at first, but quickly deepening as the months of longing and separation melt away. His kiss is everything you’ve needed, everything you’ve craved—warmth, love, passion, and the undeniable connection that has always bound you together. You lose yourself in him, in the taste of him, the feel of him, the way his arms wrap around you, pulling you closer as if he can’t bear to let you go.

For a moment, the world fades away, and it’s just the two of you, lost in each other. You can feel the beat of his heart against your chest, strong and steady, a reminder that he’s here, he’s home, and you’re safe in his arms.

When you finally pull back, your forehead rests against his, and you take a moment to just breathe him in, to savor the feel of him against you. “I’m so glad you’re home,” you whisper, your voice thick with emotion.

Cregan’s hand comes up to brush a strand of silver hair away from your face, his touch tender and filled with love. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” he replies, his eyes soft as they gaze into yours.

Killian and Alysane, sensing that they’re witnessing something special, are unusually quiet as they cling to their father’s legs. But you can see the joy in their eyes, the way they look up at him with adoration and love. 

Cregan glances down at them, and then back at you, his smile widening as he takes in the sight of his family. “I’ve missed so much,” he says, his voice tinged with regret.

You shake your head, squeezing his hand. “You did what you had to do. And now, you’re home. That’s all that matters.”

He nods, his eyes shining with the same love and pride that you feel swelling in your chest. “I’m home,” he repeats, as if savoring the words. Then, he looks at you, his expression turning more serious. “How is Rickon?”

Your heart swells at the mention of your youngest, and you can’t help but smile. “He’s perfect, Cregan. Just like his father.”

Cregan’s smile softens, and there’s a tenderness in his eyes that makes your heart flutter. “I can’t wait to meet him,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.

You nod, taking his hand and leading him toward the keep. “He’s waiting for you,” you say softly. “We all were.”

The walk to the great hall is short, but it feels like a journey, each step bringing you closer to the home you’ve longed for, the completeness you’ve missed. When you enter the hall, the warmth of the fire greets you, along with the familiar scents of Winterfell. But it’s the sight of the small cradle by the hearth that draws your eyes.

Cregan steps forward, his movements careful and reverent as he approaches the cradle. Rickon is awake, his tiny fists waving in the air, and when Cregan leans down to look at him, you see the wonder and awe in his eyes.

“He’s beautiful,” Cregan whispers, reaching out to gently touch his son’s cheek. Rickon’s eyes, a soft gray like his father’s, blink up at him, and a small, contented smile spreads across his tiny face.

“He looks just like you,” you say softly, stepping beside Cregan and slipping your hand into his.

Cregan shakes his head, his eyes never leaving Rickon’s. “No,” he says quietly, “he looks like us.”

The words bring a lump to your throat, and you lean into Cregan’s side, feeling the warmth of his body against yours. This is your family—whole, safe, and together. 

You stay like that for a long moment, just watching Cregan with Rickon, feeling the love and contentment that fills the room. Then, slowly, Cregan straightens, his eyes still filled with that soft, tender light as he looks at you.

“Thank you,” he says quietly, his voice full of meaning.

You smile up at him, your heart full to bursting. “For what?”

“For giving me this,” he replies, his hand gently squeezing yours. “For our children, our home… for everything.”

You reach up to cup his cheek, your thumb brushing against the rough stubble that you’ve missed so much. “We built this together,” you say softly. “And now, we’ll enjoy it together.”

Cregan’s eyes darken with emotion, and he leans down to capture your lips in another kiss, this one slow and full of promise. When he pulls back, his forehead rests against yours, and you can feel his breath mingling with yours.

“I love you, Y/N,” he whispers, the words a vow, a promise, and a declaration all at once.

“I love you too, Cregan,” you reply, your voice filled with all the love and devotion you feel for him.

The world outside may be cold and harsh, but here, in this moment, in this place, you are warm, safe, and complete. Cregan is home, your children are safe, and your family is whole. And that is all you need.

Excerpt from Fire and Blood by Archmaester Glyndwyr, Chapter: "The Hour of the Wolf and the Dawn of the Dragon"

The Dragon That Followed the Wolf

In the aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons, the realm lay in ruin, its people exhausted from years of bloodshed and treachery. The Iron Throne, once a symbol of absolute power, had become a seat of sorrow and conflict. Aegon III, the Dragonbane, who had ascended to the throne at a young age after the fall of his mother, Rhaenyra, found himself ill-suited to the demands of kingship. His reign, though marked by attempts at restoration, was overshadowed by the lingering shadow of the civil war and his own deep-seated melancholy.

It was in this time of uncertainty and discontent that voices began to rise among the lords of Westeros, calling for a new ruler—one who could unite the fractured realm and bring about a new era of prosperity. These voices soon coalesced around a single name: Killian Stark, son of Cregan Stark and Y/N Velaryon, a boy of strong bloodlines and even stronger will, who had already shown promise as a dragonrider, bonded to Vexion, a dragon of Thraxata’s clutch.

Killian's lineage was beyond question. As the great-grandson of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, his claim combined the noble blood of House Targaryen and House Velaryon with the unyielding strength of House Stark. With his mother Y/N, the only daughter of Rhaenyra, and his father, Cregan Stark, the Warden of the North and Lord of Winterfell, Killian embodied the unity of the North and the Targaryen bloodline.

It was Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, who first championed Killian’s cause. The aged and wise Lord of the Tides, having outlived nearly all of his contemporaries, saw in his great-grandson the potential to restore what had been lost. The Sea Snake's influence and respect among the lords of Westeros were unmatched, and his advocacy for Killian as the rightful heir to the throne was taken with the utmost seriousness.

Corlys's argument was simple yet compelling: the realm needed a king who was not only of noble blood but also one who could command the loyalty of the dragonlords and the great houses alike. Killian, with his Stark resolve and Targaryen fire, was that king. He was a boy with the blood of the dragon in his veins, and unlike his predecessors, he had a dragon at his side—a symbol of the power that once ruled the skies of Westeros. Vexion, though young, was already growing into a fearsome beast, his deep midnight blue scales and violet eyes a reminder of the might of House Targaryen.

The Great Council of 138 AC was convened at Harrenhal, a place chosen for its neutrality, to decide the fate of the realm. The lords of Westeros, weary of war and eager for stability, gathered to debate the future. Among those who spoke for Killian was not only Corlys Velaryon but also his father, Cregan Stark, who had already proven his dedication to justice during the Hour of the Wolf when he served as Hand of the King and dispensed justice to those who had betrayed the realm.

Cregan Stark was a man of honor and few words, but his presence at the council carried weight. It was said that when Cregan rose to speak, the hall fell silent, and every lord in attendance felt the weight of his words. He did not advocate for his son out of ambition but out of duty—to his family, to the realm, and to the memory of those who had suffered and died during the Dance of the Dragons. He spoke of the need for a ruler who could command both respect and fear, a king who could rebuild what had been broken, and a dragonlord who could ensure that the skies of Westeros would never again be darkened by treachery and betrayal.

The lords of Westeros, many of whom had fought in the Dance or had seen their lands ravaged by it, were moved by the arguments presented. They saw in Killian Stark the hope of a new beginning, a ruler who could bridge the divides that had torn the realm apart. The fact that he was a dragonrider only strengthened his claim, for the memory of dragonfire was still fresh in the minds of many, and the power of the dragon was seen as essential to maintaining order in a realm as vast and diverse as the Seven Kingdoms.

Thus, it was decided by the Great Council that Aegon III, whose reign had been marred by personal tragedy and political strife, would abdicate the throne in favor of Killian Stark. Aegon, who had always been more comfortable away from the throne than upon it, accepted the decision with grace, retiring to Dragonstone, where he would live out the remainder of his days in relative peace.

On the first day of the new year, in 139 AC, Killian Stark was crowned as King Killian I of House Stark and Targaryen, the Dragon-Wolf, first of his name. His coronation was a grand affair, attended by lords and ladies from across the realm, each of whom pledged their loyalty to the new king. As the crown of Aegon the Conqueror was placed upon his brow, Vexion let out a mighty roar, his wings unfurling as he took to the skies above the Red Keep, a symbol of the new age that had dawned in Westeros.

The reign of King Killian I was marked by a period of reconstruction and renewal. With his parents by his side—Cregan Stark as his most trusted advisor, and Y/N Velaryon as the queen mother—he worked to restore the realm to its former glory. The North and South were united as never before, and under his rule, the great houses of Westeros found a new sense of purpose and loyalty to the crown.

During their marriage, Cregan and Y/N had more children, each of whom played a role in the continued stability of the realm. Their eldest daughter, Alysane Stark, was married to the heir of the Vale, further strengthening the bonds between the North and the South. Their younger sons, Rickon and Jory, were given lordships and served as key figures in the court, ensuring that the realm remained united and strong.

King Killian I’s reign saw the rebuilding of many of the great castles and cities that had been destroyed during the Dance. The Targaryen bloodline was secured through alliances with the other dragonlord houses, and the power of the Iron Throne was restored. The scars of the past were not forgotten, but they were healed, and the realm once again prospered under the rule of a strong, just, and wise king.

In the end, the Dragon-Wolf proved to be the ruler that Westeros needed—a king who could command both the loyalty of his subjects and the respect of his enemies. His reign ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity, and his legacy would be remembered for generations to come as the king who brought the broken realm back to life.

Thus ends the account of King Killian I, the Dragon-Wolf, and the legacy of House Stark and Targaryen.

[branwinged]

Hi, if you’d like, could you expand on how Arya becoming ‘no one’ mirrors how society (hers and ours) sort of erases women who refuse to play by patriarchal rules? Thanks!

yeah sure! so it's less of a mirroring and more of a literalisation of that aspect of her arc. the defining conflict for her character is that she can't and doesn't wish to perform aristocratic femininity and that she yearns for a life outside of those patriarchal restrictions. most fathers will simply not let their girls near a sword, ned's own father didn't, but i do think ned is humouring her when he finds her a dancing master because cat and ned both make this unspoken assumption that it's a phase she'll eventually grow out of. she simply has to, otherwise she has no future in westeros. when ned compares her to lyanna he says, "she was beautiful, and willful, and dead before her time". girls are only ever called willful in books when they're being stubborn (not quietly complying with misogynistic expectations, that is) and ned knows lyanna died because of it. he hires syrio forel for her but in another scene he also lays out her future, it'll be only marriage (Arya screwed up her face. "No," she said, "that's Sansa." She folded up her right leg and resumed her balancing. Ned sighed and left her there) so that's the setup for her story. her gender nonconformity is going to slowly drive her away from and out of westeros. because she doesn't conform she has no future there as a lady. this begins in small ways in agot where she's often mistaken for a boy, which is generally harmless but iirc arya gets very annoyed whenever she's addressed as a boy and is quick to correct it, so i've always considered that an important detail, that she's already being labelled inadequate because she's not correctly performing femininity. then in asos and acok she's forced on the run and has to pretend to be a boy, all the privileges and protection she had at the beginning of the series as a lady of a noble house are taken from her. in effect she's no longer a lady and she's ultimately thwarted from reclaiming her identity as ned's daughter but had she outed herself to her father's bannermen sooner and reunited with catelyn and robb, we know what would've been in immediate store for her: marriage with a frey.

when she arrives at the house of black and white, right before she begins her initiation the kindly man tells her:

“You believe this is the only place for you.” It was as if he’d heard her thoughts. “You are wrong in that. You would find softer service in the household of some merchant. Or would you sooner be a courtesan, and have songs sung of your beauty? Speak the word, and we will send you to the Black Pearl or the Daughter of the Dusk. You will sleep on rose petals and wear silken skirts that rustle when you walk, and great lords will beggar themselves for your maiden’s blood. Or if it is marriage and children you desire, tell me, and we shall find a husband for you. Some honest apprentice boy, a rich old man, a seafarer, whatever you desire.”

normal thing to say to an eleven year old. but this is how westeros views its daughters, they're objects of exchange and arya is once again asked to give herself—her name and her will and her body to a man. and when she refuses that future for the final time, what she's presented with instead is an offer to remove herself from the rest of society:

The price is you. The price is all you have and all you ever hope to have. [...] You will be no one’s daughter, no one’s wife, no one’s mother. Your name will be a lie, and the very face you wear will not be your own.

the faceless men are a death cult, she's symbolically entering the house of death/underworld here (willful and almost dead) and all this is happening at the same time jeyne poole is forced to take arya stark's name, so i'm reading this as arya also being presumed dead and replaced with another girl in westeros, one who can perform traditional femininity better than she ever could and is therefore more suited to role of a lady of a noble house. the role, again, being marriage! and jeyne too has been brutalised to fit that role ("i'm a good girl. they trained me") but i don't think it's a coincidence that the one character who thinks of arya often and keeps her memory alive in adwd is also the one who put a sword in her hands and was the only family relation who openly encouraged her gender nonconforming pursuits. ned would've never hired a dancing master for arya if jon hadn't given her needle first. so i think that bit of speculation is very convincing, that the memory of jon will stop arya from becoming no one. she knows there is at least one person waiting for her who has and always will accept her as she is.

[chaoticwriting]

The Ascension

The sky is dark. Not like the night or cloudy type of dark. It's like darkness itself is coming forth.

On the scorched wasteland once called Metropolis, a figure is kneeling silent while holding two lifeless bodies in his arms. Heroes circle the figure with grief in their eyes. A tall redhead, wearing what looks like a power suit, slowly approaches the figure.

Jazz: Danny? Answer me, Danny. Let me help you.

Danny: There is nothing you can do. Both of them are dead. All because of me. All because I am a coward. A coward who is afraid of power. A power that I could have used to protect them. But no! I don't take it! All because of an irrational fear. Now look where that gets me. My wife and daughter, dead and lifeless.

Clark: It is not your fault, Danny. Darkseid's invasion is too sudden. None of us are prepared for it.

Danny: It doesn't matter. If I was stronger, I could have protected them.

Standing up, Danny slowly lay down the corpse of Cass and Ellie. A hint of frost grows around them, and 2 beautiful ice coffins surround the bodies. One with many world landmarks and the other is full of ballet symbols and theatres clasics.

Looming over the coffins, 2 drops of his tears fall onto the coffins, and the crystal clear ice turns into solid blue. He then turns around and leaves the coffins there.

Jazz: Danny, wait! Where are you going? We need to check for your injury.

Danny: I'm gonna do it, Jazz. I am not gonna be a coward anymore. His power. I'm gonna take it.

Jazz: No! It's too dangerous. What if the power overwhelms you?

Jason: What are you talking about?

Seeing Danny slowly walking away from them, Jazz panic and tries to hold him back.

Danny causally swings his hand, and Jazz immediately gets thrown back into a nearby ruined building. The heroes around are shocked to see Danny do that. Out of everyone here, Danny could be said to be the most gentle whenever Jazz is involved.

Flash: Yo, dude. Not cool. What's wrong with you?

When Flash 2(Wally) appears in front of Danny, he freezes his legs with ice and starts to float. He is going. To the place.

Everyone immediately gets super tense as soon as they see Danny move. Out of everyone here, it could be said he has the most troublesome power set.

Jazz: Stop him.....

As Jazz whispered before she finally fainted, Wonder Woman throws her lasso to Danny, intending to capture him to calm him down. But Danny easily turns intangible and flies further trying to go somewhere.

Martian Manhunter tries to stop Danny but he easily defeats him with a ray of ectoblast, sending J'onn crashing onto the ground. Several other flying and non-flying heroes try to stop him, however, none can stop him.

Batman suddenly pulls out a special red batarang, and throws it at Danny, intending to subdue him when Danny simply catches the batarang by encasing it in ectoplasm ball.

Danny: Blood blossom batarang. A genius invention I might say.

Several magic users try to cast restrictions spell on him but he easily breaks them, sending backlashes to everyone. As he continues to fly higher, he looks down on his friends. With them laying on the ground, most of them passed out from sheer exhaustion after just fighting a war.

It's time to put an end to this farce. With great power, comes great responsibility. And it's time for him to take both power and responsibility that he has been ignoring.

[scribbledswans]

✦ lakeside desire

Till death do us part. But what do you do when it finally does? More importantly; Is it considered infidelity to fall in love with someone you're in hell with, even if you'd been married to another in your life?

WARNINGS:

Kind of a weird moral dillemma in this one, Potentially OOC Guest 1337

This fic is also up on ao3

There's nothing Guest finds more calming than the shore during downtime. Distorted images of the moon dance on the surface of the lake, old wood of the dock creaking under the strain of each step he takes. He fidgets with the wedding band wrapped around his finger, chest heavy with thought.

Some horribly selfish part of him hopes his wife didn't move on. Guest shakes away the thought as quickly as he can. It would be cruel to doom his daughter to a life without a father. He hopes, for Charlotte's sake, that Daisy managed to move on without him. Whether or not she found someone new to give her love to is something he doesn't need to think about. A bigger question settles on his mind, something more real than hypotheticals regarding a world he's no longer part of.

Is it unfaithful for a dead man to fall for someone else?

Guest runs his hand through his hair, the blue strands becoming messy and disheveled at his attempt to self soothe. He regrets leaving his wife and daughter behind, but there's nothing he can do now to change that outcome. He made his choices, but you?

God. You deserved a long life, something kind and comfortable. Yet here you were, subjected to the same conceivably eternal torment as him. His gut tells him it isn't fair— some cruel force punishing the innocent for a grief they can't control. Here he is, though, counting the seconds before the peace becomes entropy.

And here you were, suddenly, tired eyes looking him over like he was a stray dog.

"Hey, can't sleep?" you ask through a yawn, taking a seat next to him on the dock.

Guest looks you over, slightly concerned by your half-awake wandering. "You should be resting while you can. It's important that you make the most of the downtime, you never know when we'll be sent back out there again."

A peaceful look washes over you when you look out at the water. "I just wanted to visit. I don't get to see you outside of treating your injuries."

This strong, sudden sense of yearning bubbles into his throat, and he does everything in his power to swallow it down. Your ability to patch him up quickly is what helps him keep his head at times, and he wants to make sure it stays that way. If he lets his feelings off a leash, it'd make these sick games that much harder for everyone.

Guest says nothing, returning to fidget with the tarnished gold ring on his finger, a symbol of faith now reduced to a mere question. His gaze darts to your hands, eyeing the way you twist your own ring around your finger, staring off into the water. He entertains the idea of you feeling the same towards him— pining for companionship in such an unforgiving environment. Wondering if it makes you any less faithful to your living loved one if you were to act on this want.

"Hey." You say, eyes still fixed on the water, "Do you ever think about them?"

He chuckles, a dry and mournful sound. "When It's quiet."

You don't acknowledge his response, your hands coming to a halt. Guest watches you bring your knees to your chest, some of your hair falling out of its neatly kept place. It's here, seated before the quiet water with your face lit up by the moon, that he lets himself indulge. Despite the exhaustion around your eyes and the mess of your hair, you're pretty. He can't quite recall when he started noticing it, but he's seen it for a while now. The crease of your brow tells him you're worried about something. The way you chew on your lip tells him it's serious.

Guest hesitates. He's not much for overthinking, that's part of his efficiency, but the things you do his brain are too much.

Regardless, "Are you okay?" He asks anyway.

You look at him, finally, and your expression is a mix of fear— no— apprehension, and doubt. Guest tilts his head, placing his hand on your shoulder to ground you a bit. You blink, and shake your head.

"Yeah. I mean, I don't know." The words clumsily fall from your mouth, "I want something to happen. I know it shouldn't but..."

You trail off, eyes flickering from his face to his hands. "It keeps me up at night knowing it could."

Silence. Uncomfortable, grating silence, thickens the air around the both of you. Guest begs his heart to stop beating so loud, like you'll hear it through his chest. He swallows hard, trying to scan your face for any sort of clue. Deep down, he knows, but he's not impulsive. He needs you to say it.

"What is it that you want to happen?" His saliva is napalm in his throat when he swallows, ignoring the way his heart sinks into his gut when you look away from him.

Then, a quiet murmur. Something secretive and vulnerable, something resembling a hushed confession caged away behind clenched teeth.

"I want to kiss you. I don't know if I should."

Guest's jaw falls slack for a second, only a second, expecting words to follow. Instead, he's silent, and he pulls his hand away from you. He can't help but feel like he had himself doomed. As much as he wants this, and trust him, he wants it bad— he has a wife and kid. You have a spouse.

At least, the both of you had those things. The realization sort of graces his conscious as he looks back at you. You don't have them, not anymore. Neither does he. Death was very sure to bring the two of you here alone, regardless of how many people waited for you at home.

His hand meets your shoulder once more, prompting you to look at him. A calloused palm greets your jaw, the hand not on your shoulder cradling your face in the slightest of touch. Dark blue eyes flicker to your lips, and back to your face, begging for some sort of go ahead. When you lean in, he does too— rough lips connecting to yours in desperation.

He feels your hands travel to the nape of his neck, pulling him closer to you in unabashed want. Your lips are chapped, cold air and poor sleep making for a careless and rough kiss for the both of you.

After a few seconds, you pull away. Guest caresses your cheek with his thumb, rough hands feeling like satin in your lovesick stupor. He watches as you stand up, a little bit of shock and well met excitement plastering your face. A small smile tugs at his lips, warmth finding its way to his face when he sees you twirl your hair kind of like a schoolgirl.

"You should sleep now. I promise I'll try to rest soon too."

You nod sheepishly, returning to your cabin not long after. When he knows you're gone, he presses the back of fingers to his lips, feeling the warmth of where yours had been.

[multific]

A Thousand Years

Astarion x Reader

Summary: Astarion tells a story of love.

"Tell me about your wife." said the man sitting in front of Astarion, the room was quiet around them, only the crackling of the fire could be heard.

Upon hearing the word, wife, Astarion's features softened. 

"It might be a long one."

"I want to hear it." insisted the man as he leaned back in his chair, waiting for Astarion to start.

Astarion smiled, his eyes filled with love as he began.

"My wife... My beloved Y/N. She saved me you know, in more ways than one. She not only helped me kill the man who caused me so much pain and suffering, but she saved me from myself.

My beloved was a strong woman, brave and incredibly beautiful. She was a kind soul and yet, she could kill a thousand men without taking a break.

She loved songs and loved to dance. Although that might be because I was the one dancing with her. She often said she didn't wish to dance with anyone else but me.

She enjoyed sweets. But only the ones I have given her.

And even if I told her not, she kept on eating them.

It has been so long yet, I will never forget her laugh. She became my world. You know, it wasn't even intentional, I fell in love by accident. I was only meant to seduce her so she would help me kill Cazador. And yet I found myself in love.

But make no mistake, I never regretted the feelings I have. Not once. Falling in love with her was so easy.

I am quite privileged to be able to tell that she was my wife.

My... scars on my back, she cried when she first saw them. She hugged me and told me how sorry she was for I had to endure such pain. She kissed me and cried at the same time. I was so confused by it, I didn't know what to do.

But then, not long after, I asked her to marry me." Astarion looked at the gold band on his finger.

"I never believed in marriage, I thought it was silly for people to bind themselves to one another, and the symbol of it all... a simple ring. I laughed at the idea until I met the person I never wanted to let go of again. Suddenly I wanted nothing more but to have her bonded to me and for me to be bonded to her. I looked and searched for the perfect rings. Matching ones, but hers had a simple stone in the middle. A stone which was made of our blood. The perfect diamond, mixed with my and her blood. And then, we were married. Not like the words of others mattered to me, I would have been happy just to have her in my life, but to have her as my wife... it meant everything. 

I will not bore you of the events directly after the wedding, leave it up for your imagination I suppose, but I can assure you, she was the first woman who could have me at her feet with a simple look.

And she always looked at me with so much love and care. She was always so gentle and lovely.

When people say love burns like fire, they lie, my love for her burns like lava, much like the core of the Earth. I was ready to destroy everything and everyone who would dare get between us. If I had to, I would have burnt down villages for her, for she was mine.

And not long after, she gave me the greatest gift. 

A gift so precious.

I will never forget the look on her face when she told me, pure happiness.

She was with child.

Something I never even thought would be possible for me and yet there she was, getting more and more round with my child, with my son. Our son.

She was the sun for me. I have lived a long life in darkness and pain, and she made it all go away with a simple simple. I had a life of happiness thanks to her." Astarion leaned back in his chair once more when the noises from the kitchen stopped.

"STOP TELLING PEOPLE I'M DEAD!"

"I have never used the word 'dead', My Love." Astarion turned to look at you as you exited the kitchen.

"But you made it sound like I am." you pouted as Astarion looked at the ring on your finger, he smiled as you placed the food on the table. "Don't listen to him, Love, he is but an old romantic." you said as you sat down.

"I am very much aware, Mother. I just like to listen to him talk about you." admitted your son as he smiled at the two of you. Now a grown man, yet all you could see was him as a little boy running around the house, hair silver like his father's but eyes the same as yours.

"That's because I love your mother very much."

"I love you too." you replied as you all finally began to eat.

You two loved each other for a thousand years, and you will continue to love for another thousand to come.

Your son could only hope to find such love.

Taglist: @fleursirvart@greenarrowhead @thisismysecrethappyplace@sincerelyfan@theoneanna@aestheticsandmarvel@rororo06@castellandiangelo@destynelseclipsa@spilledinkindumpster@capsiclesdoll@puknow@alwayshave-faith@alex12948@lxdyred@imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl@anonymoussherlockandmarvelgeek@praline357 @trshngyn@avengers-r-us @violet-19999 @top1bbgloak @manduse@jacalineiscomingforyou @mandoloriancookie@noname2246

In case you want to help out a dreamer: patreon.com/multific  

~Masterlist~

ˇAO3ˇ

DO NOT STEAL, REPOST OR TRANSLATE ANY OF MY WORKS  

[cynthiav06]

Ok, so I am HOWLING with laughter.

So, have you heard? People are comparing Percy and Annabeth to................Odysseus and Penelope.

When I heard this, you don't know how funny it was to me. I almost choked on my spit. LMAOOOOOOOOOOO

Penelope would NEVER hit or insult Odysseus. She doesn't play mind games with him and they communicate properly.

Odysseus and Penelope are not toxic. Percabeth is.

Also, Rick Riordan is LEAGUES worse than Homer. Like, the guy cannot even compare to the ACTUAL GREEK POET.

And people are actually comparing the two.

Percy Jackson IS good at times, but it will NEVER compare to Homer's compositions. Literally never.

TBH that's just my personal opinion.

Also, Homer actually composed many of the Greek epics that we still read today.

I get why people would want to compare them, but there is no comparison, really. It's so fucking funny to me.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on Percabeth compared to Odysseus and Penelope?

That comparison alone has ruined the New Year for me. It's an insult to the Odyssey. Hell, it's an insult to the recently released Ithaca Saga of Epic the Musical.

But seriously, are these things actually being said? Cause that puts Percabeth stans from delusional category to brain dead.

Homer's Iliad and The Odyssey are one of history's most reputed myths of all time. And the primary source of Greek mythology for many people. I am certain Rick himself referred Homer's works for ideas and references. Even Riordan himself would be ashamed to compare his writing to Homer, in even the slightest manner.

Now to Odysseus and Penelope; the greatest couple of all time, truly and undeniably. The orignal eternal love. Even Hera, the goddess of marriage and family, considers Odysseus and Penelope's marriage bed sacred. Which Odysseus carved out of a living tree as a symbol of their undying love and so that it could never be moved.

Odysseus crawled through hell to get to Penelope and Telemachus. He survived and won the 10 year long Trojan war, defeated/ tricked a Cyclops, countless mythical monsters, Circe, Calypso, and even Zeus himself and at last Poseidon. That alone is beyond comprehension. Because Odysseus isn't a demigod or any specially blessed being. No, he is just an ordinary mortal, a genius mortal, one trained by the wisdom goddess but an ordinary mortal all the same. Yes, he is one of a kind genius, but these are literally eldritch creatures compared to him.

Let me put it this way, Odysseus is the OG Batman. He is who all smart fictional human characters aspire to be.

The Odyssey is literally about the all transcending power of human will. Of Odysseus's sheer fucking will to get back home, to his wife and son. That's it. A common desire of a common man, yet so miraculously burning and indomitable in Odysseus's mind that it alone outshines his extraordinary genius.

He quite literally died on his way there. Had to hitch a ride through the Underworld and then some.

Then he had to sacrifice his ENTIRE CREW, HIS FRIENDS, HIS COMRADES to get back to Ithaca. Mind you, Odysseus had the record of getting every single one of his 600 men alive out of Trojan War. The only one to have done so. And he had to lose some to the tragedies and then WILLINGLY SACRIFICE others to get back to Penelope.

I don't think there are words enough to encapsulate Odysseus's dedication.

Now Penelope. The thing is, she is just as bloody impressive. The Queen of Ithaca and a Spartan Princess, she is also one of a kind. Throughout Odysseus's departure and the suitors' invasion , not five, not ten, 108 SUITORS, Penelope held her own, keeping the castle, her son Telemachus and herself secure. All the while, raising Telemachus and running the kingdom on her own as well.

She tricked the suitors into an eternally futile game of trying to lift Odysseus's bow and shoot with it. Tricked them by telling them she was weaving Odysseus's shroud, which, when finished, would signify that she is picking a new husband. Each day, she would weave for all suitors to see, and each night, she would unravel the shroud. All in an attempt to stall. Among the many other ways, she did so. Including STEADFASTLY DENYING EACH AND EVERY SUITOR CONSTANTLY FOR YEARS AS THEY ASKED FOR HER HAND, NEVER ONCE LOSING HOPE OR FAITH IN ODYSSEUS.

When Odysseus returns, disguised as a beggar, she not only immediately recognizes him but subtly helps him in killing the suitors, which then Odysseus and Telemachus proceed to do.

All 108 suitors dead in a night. Add that to 600 men under Odysseus's command. 708 lives murdered and then some all for Odysseus and Penelope to reunite.

And this is me abridging the whole thing. Imagine the struggle, the suffering, the mental and physical trauma. 20 years straight. You can't fathom it.

I don't think I have words enough to state how repulsively disrespectfully wretched this comparison is. I would use an analogy, but it's so horrendous that I don't think there's one that suffices.

I literally have more than half the posts dedicated to dismantling the delusion of percabeth being a perfect ship, so I won't preach to the choir, but I mean Annabeth's fatal flaw is Hubris and Percy's is Personal Loyalty. Go figure.

If that isn't enough, Percy jumped in Tartarus for Annabeth. She fell, but Percy jumped, among the many other ways he has saved her from countless deaths. And Annabeth offers him what in return? It would have been alright if she gave him nothing in return, but somehow, the situation is EVEN WORSE.

Physical and mental demeaning. Toxic and controlling attitude and of course BLAMING HIM FOR GETTING KIDNAPPED AND HAVING HIS MEMORY WIPED BY A GODDESS. WOW, THAT SOUNDS SO SIMILAR TO PENELOPE AND ODYSSEUS.

Not to mention, Penelope accepted her husband, as he was. Even after being so completely changed by his tragic journey that he was quite literally NO LONGER HIMSELF.

And Percy when had to CHOKE AKHYLS WHO WAS DEFINITELY GOING TO KILL HIM AND ANNABETH, WAS KILLING HIM AND ANNABETH, OUT OF SELF DEFENSE AND SHE BLAMES HIM AND FORCES HIM TO PROMISE NOT TO USE HIS POWERS TO DEFEND HIMSELF???

WHAT THE FUCK??? And sure it would have been ignorable had it not had any long term effects. BUT NO PERCY ALMOST KILLS HIMSELF OUT OF KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO ANNABETH.

Call them whatever the hell you want but DON'T EVER COMPARE THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ODYSSEUS AND PENELOPE.

PERCY DESERVES INFINITELY BETTER THAN ANNABETH. Enough said, really.

[sansaorgana]

— SOMEPLACE BETTER (I)

PART TWO || PART THREE

PAIRING — Sauron x fem!human!Reader

SUMMARY — Sauron takes over a body of a recently deceased commoner without realising that stealing this man's identity comes with a price to pay – enduring his annoying wife.

AUTHOR’S NOTE — It was supposed to be a short fic and it turned out to be so long that there will be three parts... 🙊 I was writing it for a week – slowly, bit by bit each day after work. Sauron is a bit ooc here (and surely will be at the end of this fic), so be warned! 🤧 Also, I really wanted the Reader's character to be very common and low born, therefore I was reading how to change the speech to sound more like that and I hope I haven't overdone it... 😅 I hope she makes you laugh at least once while reading this! 💕

WORD COUNT — 3,850

ENGLISH IS MY SECOND LANGUAGE.

SOMEPLACE BETTER (I)

Sauron was walking down the road slowly, still trying to adjust to his new form – finally a proper one after such a long time of being barely alive – and he still had no idea how to start the work on his plan that he had been crafting for the past centuries. Perhaps naturally occurring events would lead him to the right path, therefore he allowed them to happen and waited for an opportunity to arise.

And in order to help the interesting things to start happening, he was walking towards the smoke and the fire he could see from the distance far beyond the trees.

As he walked and walked, he spotted a group of people coming out of the woods. Common villagers like a man he should pretend now to be as well – the one he had found in the back of the carriage and whose body he stole.

The body had been dead already anyway – for a day or perhaps two. When Sauron had taken that man's form, it was like giving him a new life, a new chance. Not that he needed those excuses. He would have done that anyway, even if the man had been still alive. Judging his clothes and the wagon he had been travelling in, he was a commoner. Even the cause of his death was far from noble – alcohol.

The people Sauron encountered on the road looked exhausted and miserable. They were carrying some of their belongings and most likely leaving their ruined homes, which were probably the ones burning at the moment.

“That way lies death, friend,” an old man told him when they walked up to one another as they crossed each other's paths.

Sauron walked past him.

“Then that is my path,” he only said.

“An army of Orcs moves against Men,” the old man warned him and Sauron froze as he turned around to see him better. “We were the fortunate ones.”

“Perhaps the fortunate ones were the first to die,” Sauron answered, challenging him. And the words indeed had an effect on an old man as he approached him closer and looked deep into Sauron's eyes.

“I know you've suffered. I can see it in your eyes,” he said. “There's another life waiting for you. You just have to turn toward it.”

But Sauron was not listening to him anymore as his eyes sparkled at the sight of an item hanging by the old man's belt. It was a pendant of some sort and it did not look like something a villager or a commoner would wear. There was a symbol engraved on it that looked quite regal.

“That heraldry,” Sauron pointed out. “What is it?”

“A symbol of kings, long-dead,” the old man sighed as he took the pendant into his hands to show it off better.

“Your family?” Sauron asked, out of curiosity, although he doubted that the answer would be positive.

“No. My family served them,” the man answered.

“Then why wear it?” Sauron wondered and his wonder was genuine because he could not understand why one would want to wear a symbol of his oppressors.

“As a reminder that our fates are never certain, that fortunes can turn, for even the most powerful,” the man answered with the wisdom that was often attributed to people his age and Sauron nodded in silence as it reminded him of the downfall he had been through as well.

“A grim reminder,” Sauron pointed out with a smirk.

“Or a hopeful one,” the old man nodded. “A sure path may crumble, but there's always another. Often, it can lead us someplace better. Someplace good,” he added with a soft and genuine smile, to which Sauron could only answer with a matching one. “They say there's a place across the sea, a man can escape himself. Find another path. Perhaps another life,” he explained as more and more people walked past them.

Sauron furrowed his brows. He was sure the old man meant Númenor – a place that he surely wanted to visit himself and a place that was also on a list of things he needed to go to for his whole plan and scheme to succeed.

Just like he had been suspecting – the events would lead him where he needed to go on their own. He just had to let them unfold.

“Halbrand!” Some woman's scream made Sauron look around because he was curious to see what was happening.

There was a young woman amongst the walking people with her face dirty from the ashes and her hair ruffled. Her dress was linen and simple, patched in a few places. And in her hands she was carrying a basket but she dropped it the moment he turned around and with terror in his eyes, Sauron realised that she was running to him.

“Halbrand, ye son of a bitch!” She greeted him with words so awful and yet there were tears of joy and relief streaming down her cheeks as she opened her arms and pulled him close while sobbing. “I feared ye were lost to us! Sent yer sister to seek ye, but while she searched, the village was laid to ruin... attacked, it was, and...” The woman took a deep breath in and took a step back as she cupped his face and shook her head. “Ye filthy gambler, ye are... Missed all of it, ye did! Off drinkin' an' gamblin' like always, leavin' me here, alone as ever! I can't abide ye, ye wretched bastard!” She hit his chest with her fist as Sauron tried his best not to show the panic he was feeling on the inside.

A woman – especially like that – was not something he had planned to inherit alongside the body of the dead man he had found inside the carriage.

The woman he had killed must have been this man's sister and his name must have been Halbrand. A drunkard and a gambler. Most certainly not the best husband to this young woman either.

“Diarmid, this here's my husband – the one I've spoken of,” she sighed and looked at the old man who was smiling at them both. “That cursed bastard.”

“Now I see why he wanted to go back into that forest so badly. It was to find you, (Y/N),” the man whose name was apparently Diarmid told her and she rolled her eyes.

“Most like he wished me dead, so he might pry our last coins from my cold fingers an' be off to his taverns again,” she looked up at her husband with a scolding manner but despite her cruel joke and her words, Sauron could sense lots of affection in her, too.

“Don't be foolish, woman,” he tried to play along as he rolled his eyes and Diarmid chuckled.

“Ye're foolish, ye are! Best ye help me carry that basket, 'tis all I could salvage,” she dragged him behind her to the place where she had left her belongings. “An' where's yer sister, then?”

“She never made it,” Sauron quickly lied.

“Bless her soul, though it's no surprise. She was a drunkard, same as you. All yer kin are…”

“Don't start,” Sauron winced and lifted the basket to walk away from her.

If she was about to whine like that all the time, his patience would quickly run out. And as much as he would want to kill her even now to get rid of her, he knew that there were too many witnesses and he really wanted to go to Númenor with them, therefore he couldn't do anything suspicious. He had to wait for the right moment and then, he could kill this woman and be free of her annoying presence.

(Y/N)'s mouth was open constantly and she never failed to find a reason to complain about something. Sauron stopped paying attention to her words and only kept humming and nodding but the constant noise she was creating was slowly driving him insane.

In the evening men were busy with putting up small tents and women prepared the meal. It would take them a few days at least to get to the seaport, therefore they needed breaks.

When Sauron finished helping other men to put up one of the tents, he realised that most of them barely knew him. The people here were a mix of commoners from many villages around.

So, only his annoying wife was an obstacle to start a new life.

When he joined her side by the fire, she handed him a bowl full of soup that looked far from delicious but people around him were eating it eagerly either way, driven by hunger. 

Sauron himself did not need to eat and this sort of food surely was not something he would consume for his own pleasure. However, not to look suspicious, he ate half of the bowl and offered the rest to (Y/N). She had finished her portion some time ago and still kept staring at the empty bowl as if she prayed for more food to magically show up there.

“There, have it,” he took her empty bowl and handed her his.

“Are ye certain, Hal? Yer stomach's an endless pit, it is!” She was visibly surprised.

“Eat,” Sauron ordered, a bit harshly. At least when she was eating, she was not talking.

She nodded at him and began slurping on the soup eagerly and Sauron fixed her ruffled hair a little, so she would present herself less ragged.

That gesture made her look up at him with a soft smile and Sauron forced a smile back.

Gods, how he detested her.

Sauron did not mind the cold temperature but he could sense that the air was cold on that night, even inside the tent. (Y/N) was laying next to him, still wearing her dress under a thin, patched blanket. She was trembling slightly and he was staring at the ceiling out of boredom. He did not need sleep.

“Can't find yer rest, love?” The softness of her whisper surprised him as he looked down to meet her gaze and she cracked a smile as she reached her hand to caress his cheek. Her fingers were ice cold.

“And you?” He asked.

“'Tis bitter cold in here,” she whined and Sauron wrapped his arms tight around her trembling body to pull her close. She immediately nuzzled herself into him and lowered her hand to place it on his chest. Her fingers began to caress dark and curly hair growing there.

He felt awkward like that but what surprised him the most about this experience was how oddly good it felt to be able to sense someone's touch on his skin. After long centuries of not even being a person, it surely was an extraordinary sensation.

“I'm sorry I wasn't there,” he told her, suspecting she wanted to hear that from her husband.

“I'm just glad ye're here now,” she looked up to meet his gaze and kissed him on the throat before laying her head on his chest again.

Sauron sighed as he looked back on the ceiling once more. Despite everything – she must have loved that awful man named Halbrand.

“Why do you love me, remind me?” Sauron asked in a whisper out of curiosity. He disguised himself with a playful smile as she laid her eyes upon him again and furrowed her brows.

“Ye must be jestin', Hal!”

“No, truly, I mean it. I'd like to hear it one more time. Just pretend I've knocked me head and forgotten all,” he winked at her and caressed her hair.

“I think ye must have,” she mumbled and laid her head, “for ye're so much nicer all of a sudden,” she teased and Sauron chuckled.

“I got afeared I'd lost you,” he lied but she was happy with the answer. “So then? Why do you love good ol' Halbrand?”

“Ye're neither good nor old,” (Y/N) giggled. “But I'll gladly tell ye how I've doomed meself for life and fallen for ye, ye bastard,” she added jokingly.

“Well, I'm all ears, then,” Sauron smirked, trying to stop himself from bursting into laughter.

“I've known ye since we were naught but children. Always a troublemaker, ye were,” (Y/N) began her story with a sigh. After yer mother's passing, yer father turned to drink, and there ye were, wanderin' with no ambition, no purpose. That was, until me old man took ye in, when ye were 'round seventeen, was it? He taught ye all he knew of smithery,” she smiled and Sauron's heart skipped a beat at the mention.

Was Halbrand a smith, too? The coincidence seemed to be nearly impossible and yet… Nearly as if it was a sign of some sort.

“And what was I then? A silly little goose, not even fifteen, watchin' ye work, battin' me lashes, but to ye, I was naught but a child, wasn't I?” (Y/N) chuckled. “Then one day, when I was seventeen meself, ye finally saw me as a woman. I've known from the start ye were no good, but I loved ye still. Just like my old man, I've a heart that's too soft,” she finished her story with a smile and raised her hand to brush his hair strands out of his face.

Sauron knew that she expected some declaration from her husband as well in return and even though he could treat her coldly, he assumed that the nicer he would be, the less annoying she'd act on the next day. He just had to keep her happy until an opportunity to kill her off would show up. And he couldn't possibly know when he would be able to get rid of her, therefore he had to play it safe – he didn't want to risk her being constantly complaining and annoying.

“That soft heart of yours is what I love the most about you,” he cracked a smile at her and booped her nose. “And that big mouth of yours, too… sometimes,” he added with a smirk.

“Ye must've truly been afeared for me, Hal, 'cause ye're all of a sudden so much kinder,” (Y/N)'s lips twitched into a nervous smile as her eyes glistened.

Sauron was a little taken aback by her words. He was not trying very hard to show her affection and he had been quite rude to her earlier, too. And all of that was enough to make her think he was too kind.

“A new life awaits us across the sea. We can start anew there. I want to be better to you,” Sauron shrugged his arms and (Y/N) smiled before she nuzzled her face into his chest as she yawned softly.

After a short while, he felt her muscles relaxing as her breath steadied itself. She was asleep now and he was just laying there and staring at the ceiling again, waiting for the night hours to pass.

The woman's sleep, however, was not calm or peaceful. After an hour or two, she began trembling and shaking, experiencing some sort of a nightmare and judging by the things she was mumbling, she was dreaming of the night when the Orcs had come and destroyed her village.

Her face was twisted with pain and terror as she was trying to fight the shadows which only existed inside her head now. Sauron wondered, however, if his dark presence could somehow influence and worsen her dreams.

“(Y/N), love, you're safe now,” he woke her up and her eyes opened rapidly as she took a few deep breaths and kept looking around, still scared. Her body was trembling and she began to sob. “(Y/N), I'm here now, go back to sleep,” Sauron tried to calm her down but nothing seemed to work and it looked like she was not fully aware that she was awake already.

Therefore, he put his hand over her forehead and put her to sleep with his craft. Her limbs weakened in an instant and she drifted off to the land of much nicer dreams now. Sauron himself focused hard on putting beautiful images inside her head – green and sunny fields of Valinor that he still remembered and to which he was not welcome anymore.

Perhaps (Y/N) complained a little less truly than on the first day but it didn't mean her mouth would ever shut. Sauron was fighting himself not to lash out at her and tell her to shut up at least ten times a day. He wondered how she was not getting tired from all this talking but he also learnt a very useful skill that most husbands possessed the knowledge of sooner or later – the art of letting her words go in one ear and out the other as he only hummed and nodded.

And as he watched some human couples travelling alongside them with their whiny offspring, he only thanked fate for not cursing him with a child as well. (Y/N) was an annoying obstacle but it could have been… so much worse.

Only one day of the road was ahead of them now as they would spend their last night in the tents before getting onto the ship. Sauron was playing with the awfully looking food inside of his bowl as he waited for (Y/N) to finish her meal and when she did, he handed her his.

“No,” she shook her head and he furrowed his brow. “Hal, I see what ye're doin', an' I'm fair surprised to see how much ye care for me these days, but ye can't keep on like this, eatin' only half meals. Ye need to eat, too, love.”

“I'm just not hungry,” Sauron insisted with an irritated sigh but she didn't seem to be convinced.

“Ye're worryin' me, Halbrand. I can't smell a drop of drink on ye, an' ye've stopped eatin' too. What's ailin' ye these days?” She asked and the amount of worry in her eyes nearly made him feel bad for not being an actor good enough.

“I lost my sister, nearly lost my wife, my home is gone, and now we go into the unknown. Go on, guess,” he rolled his eyes and (Y/N) looked down.

“Sorry, love,” she mumbled and took the bowl from him. “Ye're certain ye won't be eatin' this?” She glanced up and he nodded at her, softly. That was what finally convinced her and she finished the meal hungrily. 

“I hope we won't be short of food in that place across the sea,” (Y/N) sighed and Sauron reached out to lift her chin up and force her to look into his eyes as she gave him a confused look.

“We won't. I'll see to it,” he gave her a false promise with her dead husband's lips and her whole face lit up at his words.

He let go of her chin and she moved slightly closer to him to put her head on his shoulder with a relieved sigh.

“We've lost all we had, an' yet… when I'm with ye, I feel safe,” she confessed. “I'm truly hopeful for our new life, Hal. Mayhaps we could start a family there,” she added shyly and Sauron froze at her words, although he pulled her closer and leaned in to kiss the top of her head.

“Yeah, mayhaps,” he mumbled.

As if he, Dark Lord Sauron, would ever even consider such a possibility. It was below him after all.

It was the middle of the night and they were finally on a ship to Númenor – all people together in one cabin but at least it was warmer this way. (Y/N) was sleeping next to Sauron, with her arm wrapped around his chest and her face nuzzled into his neck. Her breath and smile were peaceful because he made sure to put nice images inside her mind, so she would not have the awful nightmares again. He did not want to deal with them.

He was not asleep however and was not even trying to hide it on that night. He didn't expect anyone to notice.

A sudden and deep growl coming from the sea made him look around. He was able to hear and sense more than ordinary mortals, therefore he could feel that some sort of danger was coming.

“Nightmares again?” The old man named Diarmid asked as he was laying on a bed nearby. “What haunts you so?”

“I've done evil,” Sauron admitted but he did not look him in the eye and looked down instead at (Y/N)'s sleeping form.

That man seemed to be quite wise. Sauron did not mind sharing with him a little without revealing too much. It felt good to talk to someone who was not Halbrand's wife.

“Yeah, your wife told me. She tends to overshare,” the man chuckled softly but then his tone became serious. “All of us have done things that we care not to admit.”

“Not like I have. You don't know everything. She doesn't know everything,” Sauron shook his head.

“Find forgiveness,” Diarmid insisted as he leaned over to be closer to him.

“Forgiveness cannot be found. It should be earned,” Sauron pointed out.

“I think you have earned it already,” Diarmid looked down at (Y/N) and a soft smile appeared on his lips. “Despite her nature, she has never spoken of you with anything but love. You are alive because you have chosen good.”

“But what of tomorrow?” Sauron finally looked up and turned his head around to look at the old man's face.

“You have to choose it again,” Diarmid shook his head as he chuckled. “And the next day. And the next. Until it becomes a part of our nature.”

The sound of rumbling and a low wailing coming from underneath the ship interrupted them as they furrowed their brows. (Y/N) woke up as well as she sat up and rubbed her sleepy eyes with her fists.

“What is it, Hal? D'ye hear that, love?” She mumbled and he looked down as his heart skipped a beat at the realisation that a sea serpent was swimming underneath the ship.

“Grab hold of something,” he warned Diarmid and (Y/N) got scared of his words, so she clinged to his arm.

But that very moment they were attacked.

The ship got wrecked in an instant and the water was getting inside through the creaks in the wood. There was chaos on board as people screamed in panic and tried to evacuate themselves but the waves kept rocking their ship, therefore they were falling down or getting carried away by the tides.

By the force of such wave, (Y/N) let go of Halbrand's arm and he could hear her calling out to him but he did not even look back. It was a perfect opportunity to get rid of her.

And there was a sting of guilt in his heart, which surprised him dearly, but he simply ignored it as he grabbed Diarmid's pendant with the noble family's heraldry and left the old man there to die.

He was free now and with a brand new plan.

MASTERLIST

[shooting-love-arrows]

𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄! 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍

SYNOPSIS: 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 who according to the sacred tradition of his peaople kiddnaps his bride. PAIRING: 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 x Female! Reader tw. kiddnaping, mention of blood, general lack of consent (becaouse history says screw it), mayhem. WRITER DISGRESSION: I do not support this kind of behaviour! It is only a piece of fiction and and for entertaiment putpooses only. Thank you for your attention!

𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

It was a sacred tradition among his people, passed down from generation to generation in his clan. Filled with adrenaline and led by primitive instincts, the soon-to-be groom/husband kidnaps his future bride and wife from her home. 

𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 were traditionalists when it came to domestic life and topics related to love. He believed his ancestors and their ways of ‘wooing’ their subjects of affection were not only successful but also the truest form of confessing one’s feelings for their beloved.

Perhaps only taking you from home in the dead of the night would be better for an outsider like you, who is yet to understand the way of his people. But whenever he thought about it, 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 was holding a belief that you deserved better. Something memorable and "romantic," quoting the wives in his village.

That is why he didn't hesitate to raid your village at night.

Dressed in his best furs and leather, additional beads attached to his long, messy hair, and all sorts of accessories tied to his clothes symbolizing his impressive position among his clan. He was at the front, proudly riding his trusted stallion and leading the group of his best warriors on galloping horses towards where you were residing.

Not soon after they'd arrived, everything was set on fire. The barbarians didn't spare a hut from the unforgiving force of nature of their torches. Even some unfortunate fellas couldn't escape from it. Some fortunate ones were given a quick death by the sharp blades of barbarians. 

It was the mayhem, gifted to you by 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧.

“Oh my dearest wife, where are you?” He kept thinking, urgently looking all around. Adrenaline and euphoria were pumping in his veins. He was a predator on a haunt, ready to pounce on you the moment he saw you. 

And found you he did.

The second he laid his eyes on you, he got into an action. Without hesitation, he quickly urged his horse to gallop towards you. It didn’t matter who he tramped on his way, nor who he slayed to get closer to you. His full focus was placed on you.

You stood no chance.

When he was close enough, like a hawk, 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 swiftly leaned down and tightly gripped your waist, hoisting you up on his horse like you weighed nothing. You began to scream and trash in his iron hold, but it didn't phase him one bit. In his eyes, it was endearing and even arousing. He knew from the stories of the other married man that the more a woman puts on a fight, the better wife she’ll be. 

"Shhh...beloved...shhh!" 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 cooed, fervently kissing away your tears and wet cheeks and holding your hands tightly to his broad chest. Some of the blood splattered on his face he smeared on your snot coated face by nuzzling into you. Between whispering sweet nothings to you and coating your face and neck in his kisses, he couldn't help but laugh. His deep and raspy voice came rumbling from his chest, only frightening you further.

For 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 everything was perfect. Under the night sky, surrounded by flames (of his passion) and screams of villagers mixed with the mad laughter of his people, he achieved what he wanted. He gave you a grand and memorable ceremony. Additionally, in the eyes of his gods, clan and according to the sacred tradition, he laid his claim on you.

You were his, just like he was yours.

"You're mine, dearest wife. Mine!"

Forever.

All of the published posts on this account/blog belongs to @shooting-love-arrows. I do not consent to my works being: translated, stolen, published or reposted on this and other sites. Likes, reblogs, comments are highly appreaciated. Thank you.

[burningembers91]

Down by the Sea - Hwang Jun-Ho x Fem!Reader

Follow up piece to:

Sleeping with the Enemy

The Gangsters Wife

Escape Plan

Cabin in the Woods

Synopsis: You and Hwang Jun-Ho settle into your new life by the sea



The water was calm today, the gentle waves lapping the side of the small fishing boat. The weathered vessel bobbed lazily side to side, lulling Hwang Jun-Ho into a blissful sun-drenched haze. It was perfect weather today, warm, but not too hot and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was a perfect day for fishing.

It had been eight months since your arrival in Samcheok, and life was almost perfect. Jun-Ho had secured a job on a small fishing trawler, spending his days out catching fresh fish for the town’s restaurants and cafes. It wasn’t the most glamorous job, and the pay wasn’t great, but he was happy. You’d taken a job as a cashier in a convenience store, the novelty of being able to earn your own money still not having worn off.

It had taken you days to arrive in town, having to stop every few hours as the car journey had been excruciating for you. You’d arrived in the dead of night, checking into the one tiny motel under assumed names. For all intents and purposes, you were now Mr and Mrs Jung, a young married couple from Busan. News of Jun-Ho’s wanted status hadn’t reached the tiny fishing port, and for the moment, you were safe.

You’d arrived with nothing but the clothes on your back, a few blankets and a camping stove and for the first few weeks, life was tough. Neither of you had any money, but the townspeople took pity on you, and provided you with clothes and food to see you through. The kindness you’d received from complete strangers has bowled you over. Nothing was too much for your new neighbours, and you integrated into your new life with relative ease.

You rented a tiny one room apartment overlooking the harbour, the place barely big enough for one of you, let alone two. But you were happy, and for the first time in years your life was full of love and laughter again.

Jun-Ho doted on you, pouring every ounce of love and affection into your relationship. You spent your nights cuddled up on your tiny bed, binging terrible reality TV while eating instant ramen. You made love most nights, entwined under your sheets as your soft moans melted into the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore.

Gone were your designer clothes and jewellery. You’d swapped Prada and Dior for jeans and pastel coloured cardigans, and your LouBoutin’s had been replaced by a pair of white sneakers. You ran along the beach every morning, the wind in your hair and Jun-Ho by your side. You were finally the living the dream, your life playing out like the most perfect movie.

When Jun-Ho had suggested you pretend to be a married couple, he’d gotten down on one knee.

“When this is all over,” he told you, “will you marry me?”

He’d woven a ring out of blades of grass, a tiny wild flower acting as the diamond centrepiece. That floral ring sat pride of place on your small mantle now, a symbol of the life that was still waiting for you. The grass and flower had withered and dried, but the significance still remained.

You had almost everything you wanted, but there was still the looming fear that gripped you both every minute of every day. There was the fear that your husband would find you, that the police would be alerted to your whereabouts. Your new friends and neighbours didn’t know the truth, and they seemed like good people. But your husband had a reputation of exploiting people’s good nature, and you knew he’d be able to easily manipulate them if word got out that you were here.

But you refused to live your life in fear. You treated each day as though it were truly special, basking in the small, perfect moments with Jun-Ho. When life got heavy, you’d at the ring he’d weaved, and focused on moving forward. You’d find a way to escape your husband for good. You’d find a way to marry the man who made you feel like a real life princess. The two of you had been building your own case, wads of paper and pictures taped to the inside wall of your tiny closet. Each night you spent a little time working on, piece by piece putting together evidence to bring down the dirty cops and gangsters who had tried to tear you apart.

You had no idea if you’d be able to beat them, but you’d be fools not to try.

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Marlene Dietrich (Shanghai Express, Witness for the Prosecution, Morocco)—Bisexual icon, super hot when dressed both masculine and feminine, lived up her life in the queer Berlin scene of the 1920s, central to the 'sewing circle' of the secret sapphic actresses of Old Hollywood, refused lucrative offers by the Nazis and helped Jews and others under persecution to escape Nazi Germany, the love of my life

Sophia Loren (Marriage Italian Style, Houseboat)—Major Italian star, first actress to win an Oscar for a performance not in English (for Two Women (1960)) and later when Roberto Benigni won an Oscar in 1999 he jumped over the chairs towards the stage going "Sophia Sophia!!" because he was running towards Sophia Loren and said he cared more about her than the Oscar, that's the effect she had on people. She was big in the 60s already even though she gained a lot more notoriety after that. And I mean. Can we take a moment and just.

This is round 6 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Sophia Loren:

She has maxed out all her stats: beauty, elegance, sensuality, she's got it all. her mesmerizing eyes, her sensual mouth, her sharp face shape, her everything is so striking and unlike any other beauty in films. she was also voted the world most beautiful woman when she was freaking 65

im submitting her in honor of my dad bc she was the first celebrity crush of his he ever admitted to me and my sister :) and he was right. shes so pretty

OSCAR WINNER. Worked with some of the hottest leading men in Hollywood but remained faithful to her husband whom she had a loving marriage with till he died (even though Cary Grant almost tempted her once, it's complicated)

One of the most well-known sex symbols of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and unlike some unfortunate others, she seems to have been pretty well at peace with occupying that status. She made assertiveness and a tempestuous temper seem glamorous, and although she's famous for side-eying Jayne Manisfield's cleavage, honestly? She's one to talk.

Absolutely, drop-dead sexy, also a hard working, extraordinarily talented actress who didn't shy away from the less glamorous roles to gift us some gritty, memorable performances

Submitting this on behalf of my dad, who knows nothing of tumblr or this blog, but I remember being a kid watching Houseboat while my mom thirsted after Cary Grant, dad thirsted after Sophia Loren, and I was excited that they lived on a boat. Anyway, she's extremely beautiful and was an international star, doing a ton of movies in Italy before being recognized in the US.

JUST LOOK AT HER Y'ALL

Very smart and beautiful, the characters that she played (I mean those in the movies that I put in the previous question) are as strong and determined as her which I think adds to her hotness.

Global superstar and my late grandfather's long time movie star crush and for a man as quiet as he was, and as hopelessly devoted to his wife as he was, the fact that I know that means she was EXCEPTIONAL.

Big in the chest, snatched in the waist, pretty in the face 😳

Sexy, beautiful, deep. A real star.

Her performance in "Man of La Mancha" is just so very captivating. Dubbed as "the Italian Marilyn Monroe", she looks beautiful in any movie and at any age.

Forget the exotic sexpot of her Hollywood films and go back to her Italian career: sparking with Marcello Mastroianni as the woman who drives him mad and outwits all his fumbling attempts at macho posturing in their early films, and showing a tender side in their 1970s films. Sophia isn’t self-conscious about who she is or her beautiful body: she enjoys being herself and she wants us all to enjoy ourselves too.

She starred in films as a sexually emancipated persona and was one of the best known sex symbols of the time. She is a great cook and her filmography is immense.

On the misattributed quote that Sophia owed everything to spaghetti: 'Did you actually say the quote frequently attributed to you, "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti"?' "Non è vero! It's not true! It's such a silly thing. I owe it to spaghetti, no, no. Completely made up."

Marlene Dietrich:

ms dietrich....ms dietrich pls.....sit on my face

its marlene dietrich!!!! queer legend, easily the hottest person to ever wear a tuxedo, that hot hot voice, those glamorous glamorous movies…. most famously she starred in a string of movies directed by josef von sternberg throughout the 1930s, beginning with the blue angel which catapulted her to stardom in the role of the cabaret singer lola lola. known for his exquisite eye for lighting, texture, imagery, von sternberg devoted himself over the course of their collaborations to acquiring exceptional skill at photographing dietrich herself in particular, a worthy direction in which to expend effort im sure we can all agree. she collaborated with many other great directors of the era as well, including rouben mamoulian (song of songs), frank borzage (desire), ernst lubitsch (angel), fritz lang (rancho notorious), and billy wilder (witness for the prosecution). the encyclopedia britannica entry im looking at while compiling this propaganda describes her as having an “aura of sophistication and languid sexuality” which✔️💯. born marie magdalene dietrich, she combined her first and middle names to coin the moniker “marlene”. she was a trendsetter in her incorporation of trousers, suits, and menswear into her wardrobe and her androgynous allure was often remarked upon. critic kenneth tynan wrote, “She has sex, but no particular gender. She has the bearing of a man; the characters she plays love power and wear trousers. Her masculinity appeals to women and her sexuality to men.” in the 1920s she enjoyed the vibrant queer nightlife of weimar berlin, visiting gay bars and drag balls, and in hollywood her love affairs with men and women were an open secret. she was an ardent opponent of nazi germany, refusing lucrative contacts offered her to make films there, raising money with billy wilder to help jews and dissidents escape, and undertaking extensive USO tours to entertain soldiers with an act that included her a playing musical saw and doing a mindreading routine she learned from orson welles. starting in the 50s and continuing into the mid-70s she worked largely as a cabaret artist touring the world to large audiences, employing burt bacharach as her musical arranger.

First of all, there are those publicity photos of her in a tux. Second of all, I have never been the same since knowing that she sent copies of those photos to her Berlin lovers signed "Daddy Marlene." Not only is she hot in all circumstances, but she can do everything from earthy to ice queen. Also, she kept getting sexy romantic lead parts in Hollywood after the age of 40, which would be rare even now. She hated Nazis, loved her friends, and had a sapphic social circle in Hollywood. She also had cheekbones that could cut glass and a voice that could melt you.

Her GENDER her looks her voice her everything

“In her films and record-breaking cabaret performances, Miss Dietrich artfully projected cool sophistication, self-mockery and infinite experience. Her sexuality was audacious, her wit was insolent and her manner was ageless. With a world-weary charm and a diaphanous gown showing off her celebrated legs, she was the quintessential cabaret entertainer of Weimar-era Germany.”

The bar scene in Morocco awoke something in me and ultimately changed my gender

"Her manner, the critic Kenneth Tynan wrote, was that of ‘a serpentine lasso whereby her voice casually winds itself around our most vulnerable fantasies.’ Her friend Maurice Chevalier said: ‘Dietrich is something that never existed before and may never exist again.’”

"Songstress, photographer, fashion icon, out bisexual phenom (notoriously stole Lupe Velez and Joan Crawford's men, and Errol Flynn's wife, had a torrid affair with Greta Garbo that ended in a 60-year feud, other notable conquests including Erich Maria Remarque -yes, the guy who wrote All Quiet on the Western Front- Douglas Fairbanks Junior, Claudette Colbert, Mercedes de Acosta, Edith Piaf), anti-Nazi activist. Marlene was a bitch - she had an open marriage for decades and one of her favorite things was making catty commentary about her current lover with her husband, and her relationship with her daughter was painful- but she was also immensely talented, a hard worker, an opponent of fascism and the hottest ice queen in Hollywood for a long time."

"She can sing! She can act! She told the Nazis to fuck off and became a US citizen out of spite! She worked with other German exiles to create a fund to help Jews and German dissidents escape (she donated an entire movie salary, about $450k, to the cause). She looks REALLY GOOD in a suit. If you're not convinced, please listen to her sing "Lili Marlene". Absolutely gorgeous woman with a gorgeous voice."

Gifset link

"Bisexual icon and Nazi-hater. Looks absolutely stunning in the suits she liked to wear. 'I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men'."

"would you not let her walk on you?"

[thealmostthursday]

Do you have any facts about L in Death Day? Or maybe stuff that's backstory-related?

I just wanna know more about your interpretation of him because you never miss + I love his DD design so very much :']

got really excited about this ask and ended up making a whole family tree + collage of memories from L’s childhood. . . whoops! ( i already know tumblr gonna chew and EAT these images so click for better quality lolol )

sphiel ( + alt arts ) about family tree 🌳 below the read more!

🌳 LAWLIET FAMILY TREE

first off, everyone’s wreath is based off their ethnicity. if someone has more than one ethnicity ( literally like 75% on the diagram ) their wreath is like some kind of mutant almagamation hybrid lovechild tree of the different kinds of trees.

>> also if they are dead, so is their wreath! and they’re also desaturated / greyed out. . . if they’re dead and crying, it means they were murdered.

>> and also each limb and each little leaf bush signifies something.

>> also i made a 4 minute long tiktok video speed explaining this you can click to see here lol

i’ll go L outwards for this, i hope you enjoy!!

🍰 LOVE ‘ L ‘ LAWLIET

european ( english oak ) , japanese ( japanese cedar ), ghanian ( cocoa tree ) , thai ( golden shower tree )

KOFI, biological mother: strong connection besides death. smarts came from her, she’s an intellectual lady who everyone always told him he looked just like her when she was alive.

VINCENT, biological father: also strong connection besides death. got his conviction and radicalism from him ( also he’s completely based on canon L’s looks ). L always thought he looked more like him than his mom.

WATARI, adoptive father: very strong connection, relies on this man for literally everything. very unorthodox father-son relationship, but L would call watari his father.

M, wife: oouughhhh he’s in love with her strange ways and peculiar looks. L’s type is interesting people, unpredictable folks who can pull the rug out from under him. . . M’s just that.

NEAR, biological daughter: his little princess, isn’t she beautiful? if near has a bad day, L’s having a bad day. currently he’s having the biggest ego trip right now because near wants to be just like him. and his selfish immature side kind of loves that he created his number 1 fan.

MELLO, adoptive son: that’s his boy, his interesting little guy that he totally doesn’t study the reaction of in every interaction they have. ( frankly most interactions L has he subconsciously treats as tests on the other ) but this kid interests him, so he’s very welcome to stick around and be his son, his little prince.

ROGER, father-in-law-figure: ‘ everytime we interact, i deduce you are a little less qualified for the job watari has given you. ‘

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ watari & L’s connection line is bountiful on his side to show the benefits of he and watari’s relationship. there is a small branch at the base of the limb to resemble somebody else L had a somewhat similar relationship with once upon a time. but shes not pictured.

➡️➡️ his wreath is covered in flowers, cocoa pods, and leaves to symbolize that he should have a very long life ahead of him.

➡️➡️ the small branch shooting off L & M’s love line is to represent his effort to connect to mello.

💫 KOFI PÍÈSÍE ‘ PAPRIKA ‘ PEPRAH-LAWLIET

ghanian ( cocoa tree ) , thai ( golden shower tree )

VINCENT, husband: she loved this man to bits! oh just the absolute most! it was a storybook romance truly, too good for this earth- - no one got her quite like her do <3

L, biological son: her pretty little boy, she was gonna make sure he was safe and protected in this big scary world no matter what! couldn’t wait to see what her little smartie grew up to be.

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ no leaves and her cocoa pods are rotty because she is very very dead. . . all of her branches represent family members she had, her connection to them is severed in some form or way.

🎨 VINCENT ‘ DO ‘ LAWLIET

european ( english oak ) , japanese ( japanese cedar )

KOFI, wife: his first muse, his eternal flame, good christ he loved her to to the point of dedicating everything to her. all his paintings revolved around her in some form of way. often by including the stars she was so fond of.

L, biological son: if vincent was the moon, kofi was the sun, L was all the little tinsy stars. his one in a billion little guy. like kofi, vincent was also steadfast in L being able to protect himself from the big scary world. he was so proud of the little man he was becoming.

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ no leaves because he is very very dead. . . and not really any branches due to a complete lack of family besides wife & son.

➡️➡️ one spikey for each person he’s gravely pissed off. . . three spikes lead to kofi for those hateful individuals who also despise her just by marrying him. and two spikes lead to L for two absolutely hateful sons of bitches who loathe L aswell.

🗝️ QUILLISH ‘ WATARI ‘ WAMMY

european ( english oak )

L, adoptive son: ah yes, his little prodigy that really should get out of the house more. . . fortunately, there’s a solution to that. . . just making him go! which L doesn’t seem to whine and complain about like he did once he upon a time, years ago. seems his boy has finally grown into a man that understands, whether he likes it or not, engaging in more civilian experiences is a necessity for he and his family’s health.

➡️➡️ watari doesn’t see the care he still puts into L now as continuing his fatherly care. it’s strictly as his butler / righthand. . . watari does not take payment for this work though as he ‘ has all he could ever want already ‘.

ROGER, life-long friend / father-in-law-figure: watari believes wholeheartedly roger can run the orphanage they built from the ground together. it’s too much faith and belief, really. so much that it blinds him to seeing how much roger is NOT qualified for this.

M, daughter-in-law: changed so much since the day she walked into wammy’s. . . he’s watched her grow from a much farther distance than L. he’s happy with the progress she’s made in her health from the sickly little girl who needed the orphanages help. happy to be her butler and listening ear when need be.

NEAR & MELLO, adoptive grandchildren: oh these children are much easier to please than L was at his age. . . but maybe that’s just the years of experience of handling L speaking. want a toy? got it. new puzzle? right on the way. need to be driven to soccer practice? hop in the car.

➡️➡️ since near isn’t the ultimate sweet tooth like L, and mello only really likes chocolate worth sweets, watari very much so enjoys making them treats that leave the comfort zone of L’s sugar craving.

KOFI & VINCENT, adoptive son’s biological parents: he bets they were wonderful people.

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ no leaves on his wreath to signify he is old as a fart. but his longest branches have leaves to indicate that those connections are strong and he does enjoy them!

➡️➡️ each branch signifies a person not shown in watari’s life. specifically the one connected to his wreath is for family no longer here. the ones all along his line ‘ connected ‘ to roger is representative of other colleagues and friends. and the branches on his connection line to L resemble other children watari had a bond with as a caregiver. though none of them were strong, or made it as far, as his relationship with his son, L.

🥀 MASATOSHI ‘ M ‘ MIYAKE

european ( english oak ) , japanese ( japanese cedar )

AKUMI, biological mother: M only knows her through journal entries akumi started to write at the beginning of her pregnancy, like a baby scrapbook! M treats that thing like her bible. . . akumi was very excited to be a mother. . . such a shame she died right at the start of what should’ve been their jounrey together, huh?

KINSHU, biological father: M also never got to meet him. he died before she was born trying to protect akumi & her. his death is what caused the stress that killed akumi. so it’s all just truly unfortunate.

ROGER, father-figure: spent the most time with her during her years at wammy’s out of any other caregiver. since she was ‘ the easiest kids to deal with ‘ ( something she wore with honor back then, now doesn’t like to be reminded about ). M had once hoped one day roger would adopt her like watari did with L, now she’s glad he didn’t. as he continues to fumble his interactions with her ‘ not so easy to handle ‘ children. . .

L, husband: the weird little freak that lives in the walls of her manor. he intrigues her with his obtuse behavior and strange existence. . . but no seriously she’s head over heels for this scratchy beast. loves how much he spoils her rotten

NEAR, biological daughter: her precious girl, named near because she’s so near and dear to her heart, her little smartie pants whose just so goddamn smart. works herself happily to the bone to ensure near’s receiving the best care all around.

MELLO, adoptive son: her precious boy, her marshmallow, her little angel who always has a reasoning for his every obtuse action in her eyes. same with mello, M’s working round the clock to give him the best life a kid like him can have.

GEVANNI, little-brother-figure: sees him once a year at christmas but it’s like no time has passed every single year. first kid she connected with after becoming a caregiver at wammy’s at 18. but really was more like his stern older sister than somebody responsible for his wellbeing ( he was already a late teen when they met. . . wammy’s really wasn’t given the time to undo all the shit he went through beforehand )

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ the way i depicted the japanese cedar doesn’t really have branches or ‘ leaves ‘ like the others- - but each little flowery looking thing represents somebody from her past or another relationship she has that isn’t depicted. . .

➡️➡️ her and roger’s connection isn’t nearly as strong as L’s and watari’s, and the three flowers on her end / three leaves on his represents a ‘ three chances ‘ mentality with his behavior.

➡️➡️ her and gevanni’s connection line is weak and nontouching due to the sheer distance between them. as gevanni kicked bricks and moved to the U.S.A. basically the second after he turned 18. still, it’s there, they still care about eachother.

⌛️ AKUMI HATO

japanese ( japanese cedar )

KINSHU, lover: she had a thing for ghostly men who say cryptic shit. and that’s exactly the type of man kinshu was. her love for him ran hot. really, the world wasn’t ready for this kind of lover. and really, her entire world shattered into a million little pieces when he died. . .

M, biological daughter: oh her precious girl, she knows M was going to go on to do great things. and do very very well for herself. after all, she is her daughter, it’s practically fated she’ll take the world by storm.

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ every dead flower was a family member akumi had that didn’t take M in after she died. fortunately, as akumi doesn’t like her other family anyhow!

🕊️ KINSHU MIYAKE

japanese ( japanese cedar )

AKUMI, lover: he would do anything for her, he’s kiss the dirty ground she walks on. he’d rob every bank, he’d capture two of every animal, a true yearner.

M, biological daughter: the little ruler of his life in the making. he couldn’t wait to meet her, no doubt he was never more excited for something in his life. . . shame he never got to meet her, but he wouldn’t take back what he sacrificed to keep her safe.

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ like akumi, each dead flower is a relative that didn’t take M in. which he would also be glad about, as he hated his family also. . . too loud- - too stupid- - too barbaric.

🫚 ROGER RUVIE

european ( english oak )

WATARI, life-long friend / father-in-law-figure: what would life be without his best bud in it? literally have been friends since roger can remember. and has basically just followed watari’s close footsteps wherever he went. ‘ you want to open an orphanage in the rubble of ww2? okay! ‘ , ‘ you want me to work there and generally help / care for the children? okay! ‘ , ‘ you want to change the mission of the orphanage to give care to the most misfortunate kids in the world? okay! ‘ , ‘ you want to retire and leave this place full of deeply troubled children in my care because you trust me and believe i enjoy this line of work? okay! ‘. roger knows damn well he doesn’t like kids. . . but watari doesn’t gotta know that.

M, daughter-figure: she was so easy to handle when she was younger. why is she so difficult now??? why are her children. . . the way that they are. . .? roger can’t believe the girl he once knew happily spends her days wrangling these two little goblins. . . and why are they not biting her but keep trying to bite me??

L, son-in-law-figure: ‘ oh L, watari’s pride and joy. you’re probably why your children are so weird. ‘

NEAR & MELLO, grandchildren-figure: ‘ why won’t you hug me but will hug watari? ‘

GEVANNI, family-friend-figure: ‘ hey you! i remember you! you were a real piece of work back then! haha! ‘

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ roger still has a lot of leaves on his wreath to signify he has a lot more life to live.

➡️➡️ same rules as watari’s, the little branches of his connecting line resemble children roger has had a similar relationship than what he has with M. but none of them have gone on as well / long as with M. >> the branches off his connection line to watari represents friends in similar vein. and both connectinng lines have leaves to symbolize the strength in them.

🌥️ ‘ NEAR ‘ RIVER MIYAKE-LAWLIET

european ( english oak ) , japanese ( japanese cedar ), ghanian ( cocoa tree ) , thai ( golden shower tree )

M, biological mother: oh, so this is where she got her brashness and attitude. near is glad this trait passed down, a lot less people try to tread on her when she’s got generational venom.

➡️➡️ near, whether she aware of it or not, puts a solid effort into what M says and asks of her. when often the words of others are sent into the shredder of near’s mind. this is because she loves this woman, that’s her momma, one of her only friends.

L, biological father: oh this is her idol right now! her own father has checked off every box on deserving near’s respect and admiration with flying colors! she wants to be just like him! she wants to do what he does and how he does it! she wants to be the next L!

MELLO, adoptive brother: she thinks he’s interesting, and looks up to him in her own unique way. he doesn’t know that though, and she ain’t gonna tell him.

➡️➡️ near enjoys shadowing mello’s activities, not very much so participating, but spectating. the cause and effect of what he does fascinates her.

WATARI, adoptive grandfather: ‘ yay the toy guy, thank you for the toy. yeah your gifts put me at ease enough that we can hug for a solid three seconds. ‘

ROGER, grandfather-figure: ‘ don’t touch me, don’t talk to me, you say nothing of value. don’t whine about it either, it’s your fault you are the way you are. ‘

GEVANNI, family-friend-figure: she thinks he’s very much so cool as fuck. he’s literally the alternative older cousin with the kickass car and laid back attitude. who, just like her, has interests outside of what would be deemed normal for who he is. . . basically, he’s everything she wishes she could be. but won’t be, because her brain just isn’t built to compute like his.

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ not much to go off of because she’s just a teensy thing. . . but under the flags is the very first flower, pointed at gevanni. meant to symbolize the importance of their relationship to her that will last years to come.

🍫 MIHAEL ‘ MELLO ‘ LAWLIET

croatian ( slovanian oak ) , european ( english oak )

M, adoptive mother: his confidant, his protector. didn’t give up on him when everyone else did. he’s too little and damaged to really express that he’s grateful for her, but one day he will. for now, his continuous reliance on her will just have to be proof enough that he trusts her.

L, adoptive father: oh this guy is cool. . . THIS GUY IS FAMOUS!! mello wants to be the next L right now, but as a better and brighter successor, he wants to be the BEST! and he’ll do whatever it takes to win L’s affection and ensure this future is his!

NEAR, adoptive sister: ‘ augh! don’t you see i’m trying to become my own person? damnit! stop following me around!!! “ “ . . . oh no wait, don’t go, watch this totally epic prank i’m about to pull you’ve love it! “

LILLIE, biological aunt: heaven has to be real because his aunt really deserves it. he misses her the absolute most. . .

WATARI, adoptive grandfather: ‘ yay the guy that gives me chocolate even after i’ve been cut off for the day. sure i’ll let you hug me because of these positive experiences we’ve had. don’t expect a hug back though, i’m not a pansy. ‘

ROGER, grandfather-figure: ‘ M & L said i can bite you if you try to force me into a hug again. but i’m just gonna do it right now anyways because i don’t like the look on your face. ‘

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ his wreath is growing little acorns to signify his growth since entering the family. that’s why there are so many around the knot that connects him to near, M & L.

➡️➡️ the connecting line to him and his aunt is force cut, but still there, and still strong. he already has two branches trying to grow towards her.

➡️➡️ the little branches jabbing into near’s wreath symbolizes how they don’t always get along that well. and they’re growing from mello’s side despite their spats being a two person effort because near’s very good at manipulating situations into looking like she’s just an unfortunate passerby. especially with mello who is still dealing with lots and lots of big emotions. . .

➡️➡️ two of the little acorns growing represents matt but i ain’t gonna tell you which:3c

📿 LILLIE KEEHL

croatian ( slovanian oak )

MELLO, biological nephew: oh her little buddy, it should’ve just been him and her from the very start. lillie’s every rotty little fiber is tensed not knowing if he’s safe from her horrid sister and wretched brother-in-law. . .

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ what you should expect at this point. no leaves because she’s dead, branches symbolize family not shown. her branches reach in mello’s direction always.

💰STEPHEN ‘ GEVANNI ‘ LOUD

european ( english oak ) , japanese ( japanese cedar )

M, big-sister-figure: gevanni once rejected M’s proposal of joining the family. as he didn’t want family holding him back. still, despite his efforts to stay hidden in the darkest little crevices of the world, M manages to get him an invitation for christmas dinner every year. and he RSVP’s every single time.

L, brother-in-law-figure: ‘ god you’re strange. . . i can see why M likes you. ‘

NEAR & MELLO, niece-&-nephew-figure: ‘ hey kids, wanna hear about the time i broke into this super big important museum and stole a statue bust worth millions??? oh, just near? fine by me-! ‘

ROGER, grandfather-figure: ‘ every family’s gotta have a guy like you around, roger, it just ain’t the full experience without the weird grandpa. ‘

WATARI, grandfather-figure: ‘ you may be responsible for leaving roger in charge of wammy’s, and that might have been a crazy decision, but god do you make a good strawberry shortcake. ‘

BRANCHES & LEAVES SIGNIFICANCE:

➡️➡️ each little leafy tendril is a connection gevanni has. BUT NOT FAMILY! he doesn’t have any of that. . . he’s a lone wolf. . . an alpha male, if you will.

➡️➡️ still, the connection to M is there, and he is developing a strong connection with near, slowly.

🌳 yay, thank god, i’m done. this is so long, but i love it. and just like most asks i take every single chsnce to yap too much. . . but now you know about L’s entire family dynamics!! so yayy!!!!!

THESE are just little memories. . . L coming to wammy’s house, he and M’s first kiss, & that time he caught M crying and tried to comfort her despite being right shit at it. it’s the thought that counts, y’know <3

[antinousletmehit]

˚₊‧꒰ა Chapter 17 ໒꒱ ‧₊˚

⋆˚࿔ Book 2 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

୨୧┇pairing: Telemachus x reader

୨୧┇aressss

────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ───

The heavy doors of the palace burst open as a breathless soldier stumbled inside, his face pale and slick with sweat. Raphael, reclining lazily on a cushioned chair with a goblet of wine in hand, barely spared him a glance. He was far more interested in admiring the deep red marks he had left on Y/n’s skin earlier that night. The sight of them brought him a twisted sense of satisfaction.

But when the soldier collapsed onto one knee before him, head bowed in urgency, Raphael’s grip on the goblet tightened. “My lord,” the soldier gasped, still catching his breath. “The men you sent—”

Raphael’s eyes finally flickered over to him, his once relaxed posture now tense. “Yes? What of them?” His voice was dangerously low.

The soldier hesitated, gulping.

“They’re dead.”

Silence.

The air in the chamber seemed to thicken. Raphael’s fingers twitched, his jaw clenching so tightly it could crack. The room felt smaller, the flickering torches casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. “All of them?” he finally asked, his voice eerily calm.

“Slaughtered.” The soldier refused to look up. “Not a single one returned, my lord.” Raphael’s heart pounded. He forced himself to breathe. No. This wasn’t supposed to happen. They were meant to send a warning, not be wiped out like insects.

That meant—

He suddenly stood, sending the goblet crashing to the floor, wine splattering like blood across the marble. The sound echoed through the hall. The soldier flinched. Raphael didn’t waste another moment. He turned sharply on his heel and stormed down the halls, his steps echoing violently against the stone. Servants scrambled out of his way as he made his way toward his older brother’s chamber.

Endymion would not be pleased.

Raphael shoved the doors open without announcing himself, his chest still heaving. Endymion was seated near the fireplace, dressed in only a loose tunic, his thick black hair slightly damp from an earlier bath. He had a goblet in hand, though unlike Raphael, he seemed to be pacing himself, taking slow sips as if the world outside wasn’t on the verge of war. He barely looked up. “You’re making a lot of noise, brother.”

Raphael gritted his teeth and marched closer. “The men I sent—they’re dead.”Endymion exhaled through his nose as if he had expected this. He set the goblet down on the nearby table with deliberate slowness.

“And now you panic?” Endymion murmured, rubbing his temple.

“This isn’t a joke, Endymion!” Raphael snapped. “Telemachus and his crew are here! They’re picking us off like dogs, they’re coming!” Finally, Endymion stood, moving toward a large chest at the corner of the room. He opened it with a slow creak, reaching inside before pulling out something that glinted under the firelight.

A helmet.

Not just any helmet, a decorative one, carved with intricate details of goldeon laurels and obsidian lines running down the sides. It was meant to represent both royalty and war, a symbol of a warrior meant to lead armies. Endymion turned to face Raphael, holding it out with a groan.

“Then prepare for a real war, little brother.”

Raphael stared at the helmet, his heart still hammering in his chest. He slowly reached out, running his fingers over the cold metal. Endymion sighed, shaking his head. “You should have killed Telemachus the moment you took his wife. But no—you had to play with your food.” His blue eyes flickered over Raphael’s face with mild disdain. “And now, you’re dealing with the consequences.”

Raphael gripped the helmet tighter, his nails pressing into the metal. No. He wasn’t going to let that bastard take y/n back.

If war was what Telemachus wanted.

Then war was exactly what he would get.

——

The night air was thick with the scent of salt and damp earth as Antinous sat alone near the edge of the camp, sharpening his dagger with slow, methodical strokes. The others were sleeping, their bodies heavy with exhaustion, but he, he couldn’t sleep. Not with that voice still ringing in his head. It had been there in battle, deep and commanding, flooding his veins with rage, power. It wasn’t his own voice, he knew that much. And yet, it had felt… familiar.

He flexed his fingers, staring at his calloused hands. He should be worried. Should be unnerved. But instead, something in his gut itched—not with fear, but anticipation.

Then—a shift in the air.

Antinous froze. The wind had gone still. The usual sounds of the night, distant waves, rustling leaves, vanished. A presence loomed behind him, heavy and unmistakable. Without thinking, he moved. His instincts took over as he whirled around, fist flying toward whoever had dared to sneak up on him—

But it never landed.

A hand caught his punch mid-air.

Strong. Unyielding. Antinous’ breath hitched as his eyes met the figure standing before him. Tall. Broad shouldered. Cloaked in deep crimson. His skin was bronzed from war, his arms lined with scars, not from wounds, but from victories. His eyes, glowing like embers in a dying fire—bored into Antinous with a knowing smirk.

Ares.

Antinous felt his heartbeat slam against his ribs. He tried to yank his fist away, but Ares’ grip tightened just slightly—a silent reminder of his strength. “You’ve got a hell of a swing,” Ares mused, tilting his head. “But if you’re going to try and hit a god, boy, at least aim to kill.” Antinous barely heard him over the roar of his own pulse. Ares released his hand, stepping back just enough to observe him, eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

“You’ve felt it, haven’t you?” The god’s voice was smooth, dangerous. “That power, surging in your bones, guiding your blade.” He leaned in slightly, smirking. “My power.” Antinous swallowed hard, his grip tightening around his dagger. He wanted to deny it—to question it—but deep down, he already knew the truth. That voice in battle. That rage. That strength.

It had been Ares all along.

——

Antinous took a shaky breath, his fingers still curled tightly around his dagger. He should’ve been afraid. Should’ve felt something other than the burning fire still coursing through his veins. But instead, all he felt was that same thrumming anticipation clawing at his insides. His voice was steady when he finally spoke. “Why me?”

Ares’ smirk widened. “Why not you?”

Antinous clenched his jaw. “Don’t give me that divine cryptic shit, why have you been in my head? Why are you helping me?”

Ares let out a low chuckle, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Help? Is that what you think this is?” His gaze flicked over Antinous, sharp and assessing. “I don’t help mortals, boy. I favor the ones that earn it.”

He stepped forward, his presence alone enough to make the air feel heavier. “You—you’re all brute strength. Unrelenting force. A blade with no hesitation.” He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with something wild. “You’re my kind of soldier.” Antinous swallowed, his breath slow and controlled. He didn’t flinch. Didn’t back down. Ares noticed. And grinned.

“You remind me of the men in Troy.” The god’s voice dripped with amusement. “Ah, the Trojan War… Now that was a battle. Blood, chaos, glorious carnage. I had so much fun watching fools rip each other apart for the gods’ little game.”

Antinous furrowed his brows. “And now?”

Ares let out a sharp breath, pacing slightly. “Now, I sense the same game being played all over again.” He gestured broadly to the sky. “The others are meddling, slinking around behind the scenes, shifting the tides of war for their own amusement. Just like before.” He scoffed, shaking his head. “Pathetic.” Then, his gaze snapped back to Antinous, burning with excitement.

“But that just means more bloodshed. More war. And that—” He pointed at Antinous, his smirk growing feral, “that is why I’m here.” Antinous inhaled slowly. He should’ve felt used, like some pawn in a god’s game. But instead, he felt something else. That same hunger he’d felt in battle. That thrill.

Ares leaned in, voice dropping to something almost intimate. “Tell me, boy—” his grin widened, “don’t you want to see how far your strength can take you? Antinous stared at Ares, the war god’s grin widening as if he already knew the answer. And maybe he did. Maybe he had seen the fire burning in Antinous’s chest long before Antinous himself had realized it.

Strength. Power. Bloodshed.

Antinous had never cared for the gods’ games, but this—this was different. Ares wasn’t offering empty words or divine riddles. He was offering strength. And Antinous wanted it. He straightened his back, smirking. “Fine. Train me. Show me how to win this war.”

Ares let out a deep, satisfied laugh. “That’s what I like to hear.” He clapped a heavy hand on Antinous’s shoulder, his grip like iron. “But be warned, boy. My training is not for the weak-willed.”

Antinous scoffed. “Do I look weak to you?”

Ares grinned, but before he could respond—

“Antinous!”

A loud, annoyed voice cut through the night. Antinous turned just in time to see Eurymachus stomping toward him, arms crossed and looking thoroughly pissed off. “There you are, you bastard—what the hell are you doing out here?”

Antinous blinked. “I—”

“Don’t even start.” Eurymachus grabbed him by the arm, ignoring how much stronger Antinous was. “You disappear in the middle of the night, and now I find you talking to air like a lunatic? I swear, if I have to deal with one more—“

Ares just raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Hmph. You mortals get cranky so easily.”

Antinous sighed. “Eurymachus, let go.”

“No.” Eurymachus yanked him harder. “We’re going back to camp before you get yourself killed doing—whatever the hell this is.”

Antinous growled. “I’m training—”

“You’re sleeping.” Eurymachus shot back, already dragging him toward camp. “And if you even think about sneaking off again, I’ll personally throw you onto the front door of all of those Skiaphos soldiers.”

Ares just laughed as Antinous grumbled, letting himself be dragged off. “Try not to get too soft before training, boy,” the god called after him. “We start soon.” Antinous just smirked, already looking forward to it.

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[the-fiction-witch]

You are not a Queen. You are The Queen. My Queen.

Media - House Of The Dragon Character - Aegon Targaryen Couple - Aegon X Reader Reader - Alysanne Targaryen (Daughter of Rhaenyra, wife of Aegon) Rating - Sweet AF Word Count - 2437

The carriage bumped and bustled through the king's landing streets, the crack of the whip of the horses echoing in the mad rush. 

Alicent sat across the carriage in her impressive green dress, with golden chains and symbols of the faith of the seven. The crown she has always worn as queen nettled in her brown hair with her veil trailing down her back. She sighs and hardens herself for what must be done. 

Aegon sits dressed in his finery even if he shivered and he slightly cried trying to think of any way he could escape this fate. "Do you love me?" He asked his mother his voice plaid it like a joke but she didn't know the strength it took for him to utter those four words, and the deep tethers within him that those words and her answer would hold. 

"You imbecile," she shook her head, 

Her answer was enough of an answer for him to understand, but he felt compelled to speak once more, "Where is Alysanne?"

For a moment there was silence, and it spoke more than her words ever could, but after a time she speaks, "I send word for her but she could not be fetched. We couldn't wait."

He chuckled, "She is my wife." He glared, "We couldn't wait five minutes for her?" 

"every moment we wait risks the wrath of dragon stone."

"Yet you had time to change your dress?" he glared, 

"She would remain where she is safe, with the children." 

"So if Rhynera comes to burn the red keep we will all be in the dragon pit, except my wife who is in the red keep." 

"That is not what I intended-"

"Maybe not but its a helpful circumstance," 

"We should not speak of this," 

Aegon tried to protest but they arrived at the dragon pit, before anyone had much time to think Aegon was forced from the carriage and taken inside no matter his arguments.

The High Septom prepared the oils as the smallfolk were forced through the streets and ushered into the dragon pit until it was full, A small stage was set up with Alicent, Otto, Cristen, Helena and Aemond all waiting, preparing for this moment. 

Otto steps out to address the crowd, "King's Landing! Today is the saddest of days! Our beloved king, Viserys the peaceful... is dead!"

Muttering of shock comes from the crowd, 

"But it is also the most joyous of days!" he continues, "For as his spirit left us, he whispered his final wish that his firstborn son Aegon should succeed him"

more muttering but soon applause echos through the dragon pit, 

Members of the city watch rush the dragon pit pushing smallfolk as they do, they make a path to the stage half to keep smallfolk out, and half to keep aegon in. Horns ring out in royal tones as the armoured men raise their swords. 

Aegon does not wish to do this but he is forced out, so he takes slow and gradual steps a tear slipping from his eye as he begins the walk, the swords dropping behind him one by one, Each step makes him want to run, makes him want to fight his way out but with each one he is cementing his fate. 

His family's fate. 

His people's fate. 

His city's fate. 

His realm's fate.

He glances back and sees the swords are preventing his way, he really has no way back now. 

He holds 

"It is your good, great fortune to be here, to witness this. A new day for our city. A new day for our realm. a new king to lead us." 

He looks up and meets eyes with his mother a rage boiled inside him, that all this was her doing. 

When he climbed the steps she came and held his cheeks kissing his forehead, leading him by the hand to the Steptom of the faith of the seven. 

He looks to Otto who two gives him no choice he simply nods to him,

So Aegon kneels, 

silence rings out, 

"May the warrior give him courage, may the smith lend strength to his sword and shield, may the father defend him in his need, may the crone lift her shining lantern and shin his way to wisdom." the Septom says and with each anoints his head with oil, 

The crown is then taken from its pillow. The crown of Aegon the conqueror, sharp spikes of Valyrian steel with gems and jewels of finery. 

"The crown of the conqueror, past down through generations." Sir Criston takes the crown and places it on Aegons head even if the crown doesn't fit him right, "Let the seven bear witness, Aegon Targaryen is the true heir to the iron throne." 

For the first time in what feels like hours, Aegon lets out a breath, feeling the weight of the crown on his head, he gets to his feet and looks to everyone in attendance seeing how each bows to him,

"All hail his grace! Aegon second of his name, king of the Andals the Roynar and the First Men. Lord of the seven kingdoms and protector of the realm!" 

The bells toll out as cheers erupt for him, 

Aegon looks out to see the faces of all those who cheer, all those who look at him with joy, none of them know the death and destruction he brings. But even so, he can't help but feel a pride, and a swell of his ego as he takes Blackfyre from his belt and thrusts it into the air. For a moment he is swept up in his own family's pageantry and feels a joy to be king. 

But it doesn't last, as a rumble comes from below and suddenly dust and stone erupt up from the floor of the pit, people scream and try to run but there is no way to get away as the floor crumbles under their feet the red queen comes though the floor the dragon crushing smallfolk and killing hundreds in her wake otto tries to demand the doors to be opened but people are already dying, as Rhaenys sits on top of her dragon as the dust clears.

Alicent jumps in front of Aegon putting herself between the dragon and him,

The Red Queen screeched at everyone before turning and flying out and away into the sky. 

Aegon remains in the dragon pit, the pageantry of the moment long faded, the true death toll of his day hitting him, the weight of the sword in his hand and the crown on his head causing him to ache. He had such conflict in his heart, as he truly thought it all though. 

He never wanted this... and yet it was done. 

He never thought he was the heir... yet now the crown rests on his head.

His coronation... left hundreds dead. 

This moment... had surely begun a war that would tear apart his family, his realm, his house and all that he held dear. 

And in all of it, he stands alone, or so he thinks. 

Alysanne walks the up the stairs he walked up, her eyes looking only at him. Her gown is a body of green velvet, with silver threat lacing the bodice, black leather sleeves tight to her skin all the way to her wrists, a large skirt of green velvet with black flames embodied on the bottom, a long cape from her shoulders of a sheer black fabric cut like dragon wings. Her hands behind her back as she reaches the stage, she bows to him dipping her knees and lowering her head before her eyes meet his once more. 

His wife, in this moment, she is the light in this darkness. but there is so much sadness in him as he looks at her starlight eyes. 

"I am sorry Alysanne," He told her, 

"I hardly believed it to be true," she began, "Once word reached me." 

He felt unable to speak,

"Oh Aegon..." she said, "what have you let your mother do to you?"

Aegon looks at her with a mixture of guilt and shame, his throat tightens with emotion as he takes in her words. "I didn't have a choice,"

"I know." she nodded, "You are the king," She said almost not believing her own words,

He looks away, his mind filled with sorrow and anger, he is king, but he isn't happy. "This... already ways heavily on me... I cannot carry it alone." 

"If you are a king... I suppose that makes me a queen," 

He feels the weight lift a little, to know that she is beside him in this, "I am not a King. I am the king. You are not a queen. You are The queen. My Queen." he gives her an affectionate smile,

"so it would seem," A smile escapes her, but soon fails, "what- What is to happen to our children?" Her voice was full of fear,

Aegon's heart sinks as she asks, he knows his children are in danger, he feels already like he has failed them and his wife, he knows no matter what he can't protect them from this. "I do not know..."

"Forgive me, I should not sour your victory with my concerns."

"You should, concerns are now my most important matters." He told her, "I am sorry Alysanne, truly, I wanted to share this moment with you more than anyone. I am so sorry you were left behind,"

"... well, it's over now. it doesn't matter."

"It does. you are my queen and the fact you where not beside me for this moment... it breaks my heart."

"I admit... I am upset. that your mother had called this, not just for the politics and the show of the realm but... she wore her finest dress, her gold and her jewels, brought your family here, coronated you in front of thousands, gave you a crown, a sword, and the title of king... and I. Was left at the red keep with our children. Like a nursemaid." she explained, "I wish I could have been here is all..." 

He felt his blood boil that she felt this way, he took her hand and squeezed it, "I wish you could have been here, I wanted this to be for us. I wanted to take the crown with you by my side to take your own. I wanted our children to be here to witness the crown that may one day be theirs. and my mother robbed us of that... I am sorry, truly sorry. and I know I can never repay the injustice done to you." he explained, "You are my queen... and... you do not even have a crown." 

"I do." she said, as she revealed her other hand, "She gave me this when they arrived back to the red keep." she said and in her hand sat a small tiara of gold and green. No larger than a hair clip, and for a moment he remembers the crown his mother had worn today a large headband of gold and emeralds His own wife. His queen. Was tossed a crown, Without even being given a coronation. "I... I hardly wish to wear it at all... seems... foolish," 

Aegon stares at the tiny tiara and feels an intense surge of anger at the treatment his wife has received. It is a reminder of her insignificance in his mother's eyes, and it hurts him deeply. But he doesn't want her to be sad, he wants her to be proud of her new station. He looks at her, her face filled with a mixture of anger and sadness, and he doesn't want her to feel that way. He wants to make her happy and to make her feel wanted and accepted. "Wear it." He says, firm but gentle. His voice is a command, but also an appeal. He wants her to wear this crown, to let the world know that she is his wife and his Queen and that he is proud of her. He wants everyone to know that she is the Queen, no matter what his mother says or does. 

"There's no point..."

"Here," He takes her by the hand and tugs her with him to stand in front of the banners, he takes the small tiara from her and smiles, he gives it a clean on his shirt to make sure no fingerprints are on it before he does is most epic and dramatic voice for her, "May the warrior give her courage, may the smith lend strength to her sword and shield, may the father defend her in her need, may the crone lift her shining lantern and shin her way to wisdom. May the mother be an ever-sweet light in her life, may the maiden keep her safe, and may the stranger's visits be few," He explained, "The crown of ... uhh... the most beautiful of queens," he makes up as this crown had no name, 

she chuckles at him and he gently but sweetly presses the tiara into her hair, crowning her as his queen, his hands run down her hair and he kisses her lips softly, 

"Let the seven bear witness, Alysanne Targaryen queen of the seven kingdoms." he proclaimed, "All hail her grace! Alysanne Targaryen, queen of the Andals the Roynar and the First Men. lady of the seven kingdoms, protector of the realm, beloved bride and mother. My queen. My sweet queen," he cooed, 

"Thank you Aegon," she smiled, 

"You're welcome, and I promise you. You shall have a crown more worthy of your beauty and title." He smiled, 

"I think we have more pressing matters than a crown Aegon," she said,

"True," He nodded as his heart sank, "... you said once, not long after our children were born, that perhaps it would be best to cut or losses, to fly to Dragonstone with the children to meet with your mother, to cleave to your mother and beg for her mercy." 

she shook her head, "... it's too late for that Aegon, no matter what side we are on. Blood will be spilt, and the only way to keep our children alive is to be on a side of our own." 

He nodded and briefly smiled, "You took to talking queen fast," He chuckled, 

She smiled, "Aegon darling, I have been talking and acting like a queen for as long as I can remember. Our family ensured that. Come. The children wish to see their new king, and we have much to do." she explained taking his arm, he nodded and squeezed her hand happily walking with her even if the two were beyond scared of what now was to be done.