#the fae general and the apothecary woman

[night-shadowblood-writes2]

The fae general and the apothecary woman

Part 3

There will be pregnancy if that makes you uncomfortable. I'm sorry also some spoilers for book 7

Tw kidnapping

Meet lilias two friends was a dizzying experience. Levan wanted to learn more of the human language while maleanore was rather bossy. Lilia looked ready to rip his hair from his skull, but I couldn't help but smile. I was getting to know more about lilia every day. Sure, I wouldn't see him for weeks at a time before, but when we got together, those long weeks felt like nothing.

I was introduced more to the culture and knowledge that is the fae world. There were a few stares that weren't as welcoming as some held distaste for the humans, but since we were still new and too many fae children in their eyes.

But I did make a fae friend, his name was Alec. Alec was a young fae who had a passion for painting landscapes dreams, but most importantly, he did portraits. When lilia was away and I wasn't helping Laven or by maleanore's side chatting, Alec and I would chat about his latest paintings he says his dream is to paint the royal family but he didn't believe he was good enough yet.

Of course, I believed he was brilliant and voiced it. "One day, I want you to make a portrait of my family! One day, lilia and I will have a little one or two, and I want to immortalize that. I know my life expectancy is shorter than his own, and I don't know the life expectancy for half fae half human babies, but I think he'd love to have that of us." I say confidentially.

Alec smiles, " My friend, I would be honored to do so. You are the first one to believe in my dream. I will bring your portrait to life, I swear!" He says with a wide smile, thinking of how beautiful the vanrouge family will look and what would compliment the background the lighting and more.

When I got to the little cottage where lilia and I lived, I began to separate my medical herbs, meal herbs, and such. Though our wedding was a small one, I loved it completely. Lilia was so handsome in his uniform, and the dress was a gift from the Draconia family. The wedding night when we consummated our marriage left my cheecks burning. While this was our first night as a couple and our first time Lilia was a dedicated lover, and we were left breathless by sunrise.

Placing a hand on my stomach Lilia and my own child, I was so giddy. I knew it was a girl. I felt it in my gut, and I knew the perfect name. But concern filled my being the humans were getting worse going further inland destroying to make a castle of their own. How shameless the king never informed us of this plan when people volunteered to go with him. It was only meant to be exploration and resource negotiations to see if this land had medicines we didn't have (they did i go crazy every time I go out to expand my knowledge) .

"Oh, expecting as well, my friend?" I hear and tur to my friend,"Maleanore! As well?" I say before gasping, " you too?!" I cry out happily, to which she nods pridefully with a large smile. "Congratulations!" I smile "amazing I hope our children become great friends like you and I, " I say as I make tea and bring out some sweets.

We talk, and i say how I feel like my child would be a girl and how she knew her child would be a boy. We talk names, "Oh, paying homage to lilia with that name." She teases,"I smile. "I love him. I adore Lilia, so when my daughter is born, Lilian is her name, " I say confidant. " I love your confidence, my little human friend, though I should be going lest Lilias face grow red like the streake in his hair," and with that, she's gone in a twinkle of green light.

Lilia walks through the door not ten minutes later, sighing and clearly tired. He has tried to keep the horrors of the humans from his human brides ears. They have gotten pushy and worse than before a year ago. But when he opened the cottage and saw his wife attempting to cook a meal, he chuckled a brilliant woman but no cooking skills at all.

"Lilia! I have amazing news" I smile when I see my husband. I greet him and kiss his cheek, setting his meal down and getting his drink. He looked curious or as curious as that natural scowl could raising an eyebrow as he eats. " Lilia, in nine months' time, we will have a new addition to the vanrouge family!" I smile.

His eyes widened before darting to my stomach. He came around and felt my belly. "Six months married, and now we have our own child. I will teach him to be string and swift to protect his family." He smiled." Oh no, my love, this here is a girl." he looked up at me. " You know the gender already?" He asked, amazed. "...no," I mutter, pouting. He smiles. " And when will be her name?" He asks.

"Her name is Lilian," I say softly, looking into his beautiful eyes, which widen before the gentlest smile appears on his face, "Lilian be strong your father and mother look forward to having you in our lives" "Oh and guess what" tease he looks up cautiously "Maleanore and Levan also expect a child I hope they get along as closely as you three did" to which he groans and lays he head on my lap.

Later that night, lilia warns me not to venture out far alone. He tells me of how humans have gotten more daring and disrespectful and cruel to the natives of the land. I promised not to go far alone. If only I had been more careful...

Maleanore wasn't feeling to good so I wanted to help her but the herbs I had at the moment were low so I got my basket and set off I had planned to not venture far as I had promised lilia. Plus, being eight months pregnant made it difficult to move, maleanore had a few weeks left before she lay her egg. I was being careful, I swear I found what could ease my dear friends pain and what could help with a safe delivery for us both so I was too focused I had not noticed a handful of men in armor behind me until I felt them grab me.

"A woman! She has round ears! Woman, what are you doing so far into fae territory?! It's dangerous here. Get her back now!" The leader yells "no release me, I demand it!" I struggle as much as I could. My basket knocked over in the struggle. " sir she is pregnant!" One says looking at my stomach with dusgust "a fae lover are you huh?" The leader says handling me a lot more violently.

"Willing or forced wench?" He demands, but I keep my mouth closed and glared at him. "Willing," he sneered in realization and pushed me to another male. "Take her back. The king will surely punish her misdeeds." I have done no wrong now, release me, or my husband will have your head!" I yell. "This could work in his favor," the knight mutters as they try to stealthily sneak back to the human territory, but I scream.

Before I could scream again, my vision went black. My only thought was, 'Please, lilia, find us.'

[faun-the-hound]

More fantasy AU characters. (part 1)

Made with Tiefling Maker｜Picrew

Zoey (woodland fae), Levin (birdfolk), Malachi (ghost/tiefling), Nana (meif'wa), Lucinda (lunar witch(blood moon variant))

AU info for these guys under cut.

Zoey was once a member of a hidden druid grove that protected the World Tree, Yggdrasil. There are a number of druid groves hidden across the world, each protecting a different magical landmark that, in turn, hides the druids from hunters and slavers looking to imprison them.

The Yggdrasil Grove is one of the largest in the world, and the hardest to find in Ru'aun, a beautiful city built amongst the sprawling roots of the World Tree, the home of hundreds of fae, fauns and elves gifted with druidic magic. Zoey was a herbalist, gathering wild herbs from the surrounding forest, tending gardens and tending the sick and wounded.

While foraging one day, she came across a very young, very sick, birdfolk child, just a few months old. She brought him back to the apothecary, reasoning that, even with the law against bringing outsiders to the grove, her superiors couldn't turn away a sickly infant.

She was wrong.

Not only did they refuse to assist the child, they pulled Zoey before the Archdruids and exiled her from the grove. Breaking any law was to be punished, no matter the intentions behind it. Zoey left the grove with Levin in her arms, hiding herself amongst humans and trading the rare healing herbs she brought with her for food and shelter.

She was captured by hunters after only six months, imprisoned by the Callers of The Void while they waited for further instructions. A birdfolk woman named Aphmau released her and Levin shortly after, and, though wary, Zoey agreed to travel with her. Levin needed someone of his own species to teach him, after all, and Aphmau had the protection of a dragon. There was seldom anywhere safer. ----------

Meif'wa have always been a rare sight across Ru'aun, even rarer were they gifted with magic. Nana Ashida is one-in-a-million, truly a prize to be admired. She travelled for a long time, performing with her animated dolls for crowds of adoring fans. Until the Callers found her.

She was very swiftly imprisoned, pushed to overuse her magic, experimented on and generally abused by the cultists. She escaped after two years with the help of a fellow prisoner, Lucinda, a bloodmoon mage. They weren't friends, particularly, but they needed each other's help to escape, parting ways shortly after.

Nana stopped her public performances after her escape, fearing being captured again. She set herself and her dolls up in a tavern, a rest stop for weary travellers, food, drinks and entertainment all throughout the night. Aph and her group wind up here while fleeing the Callers of The Void. Nana panics hearing that the Callers are involved, and when the group returns to the tavern later on, the building is abandoned and covered in cobwebs, seemingly left some time ago.

Nana later reappears at the camp Aph establishes on unclaimed land between kingdoms (eventually becomes Phoenix Drop), joining the camp and the fight against the Corruption and Void.

Lucinda returned home after escaping the Callers, her tower outside of Pikoro Village. She returned to her own research on the Corruption plaguing Ru'aun, her potions, magic and usual life. Until the Frostwalk (eastern) werewolves found her. They sought the power that came from lunar witches, being so linked to the Moon Mother.

She was furious, even more so when the werewolves threw a white-winged birdfolk and a young onyx tiefling into the cell with her. Aphmau and Zenix agreed to help her escape, if she helped them in return with their research in Pikoro.

Lucinda later joins them at their camp, using her magical prowess to assist in the research and banishing of the Corruption. ----------

Malachi was a child around nine-hundred years ago. A child ousted by his noble family for something he couldn't control- his horns. Small and broken, even as a child, nothing like the grand crowns that adorned his family usually. Sent away to a far smaller, far colder castle in the tundra that covered much of south Ru'aun, with a miniscule staff just big enough to keep track of the energetic child.

He wasn't all that bothered by the lack of people, lack of care, or lack of warmth. He didn't notice that he often went to bed hungry, or how angry the servants would get at his boundless energy and optimism. Until one servant couldn't take it anymore.

Malachi was watching the snow fall on the balcony attached to his room, stood on a chair and leaning over the railing, going on and on about how pretty the tundra was in the sunlight, glittering like a desert of diamonds. His handmaiden, accompanying him outside, was fed up with the endless talking, her patience wearing thin.

It happened too quickly to really react.

Blood splattered across the cobbles, right in front of two maids bringing in the laundry.

Malachi was broken beyond healing. He woke up, sure, but he wasn't himself anymore. A phantom, trapped in the castle by the innate magic within, finding himself with the ability to conjure monsters, demons and nightmares from the deepest depths of his former servants' minds, bringing their worst fears to life, even only as a illusions.

It didn't take long for him to be alone in the castle. He could still interact with the physical world, passing time by playing with his toys, and reading the stacks upon stacks of books in his library.

Nine-hundred years and many unwanted visitors later, Aphmau arrived, stumbled into the castle in the middle of a blizzard with the company of a tiefling and a faun, Zenix and Dante. At first, Malachi did what he always did, scared them with his phantasms, tried to drive them away, angry in his loneliness and afraid of the strangers taking his belongings.

When fear didn't chase them away, only angering the strangers, Malachi was forced to drop his disguise, caught in his phantasms and made to face them himself. To his surprise, Aphmau was enamoured with him, not afraid or angry at all. She saw him as the frightened child he had always been, offering kindness that had never previously been extended towards him.

The following day, she and her companions found someone to exercise the castle, freeing Malachi from the chains that held him there, and he left with them, helping their escape from the Frostwalk werewolves and joining them back at the camp.

[hoperevive]

lips part in preparation to answer but halston's own energy lowers a bit when she thinks about the words. most people didn't know about her spirituality because even in a world with gods, angels, and faeries, people still looked at her funny when she wanted to mention magic or the veil. occult stores like the apothecary were still frowned upon because the general populace didn't want to accept anything they couldn't touch with their own two hands. even then, most people wouldn't believe it even if they could touch it.

halston blows a raspberry into the air. he was here because he needed help, right? desperate enough that something pushed him to this possibility which, is how it always starts for people who aren't born with any obvious ability like telekinesis.

" because, i've seen things, " her smile grows at the thought of kerrin and the fae. the answer, though, was generic enough for a lone butterfly to tickle the pit of her stomach. " because i've been to another place and got brought back. " the witch didn't remember much of her time in the fae realm. honestly, all she really remembered was the look of horror on kerrin's face the first time they met.

" i hate saying those words because people look at me like i'm crazy. there's magic right in everyone's faces but they refuse to see it, so they don't. but, if i can accidentally fall into another realm what's to say there isn't more than that? if we live here, on this floating rock, flying towards a fiery ball, why can't there be other places doing the same thing? " there was also her personal theories about other dimensions. not to mention how science had already said that time is a human construct.

" john 117, " the witch's gaze goes out of focus. eyebrows pinch together. without meaning to, she grips the man's hand just a fraction harder. " spartans. want to see thermopylae. hushed whispers. the demon's coming. the demon's coming. " halston's head tilts to the side. " metal. running. armor? crying. holding the spine. bring my dog back. blonde woman. very pretty. very scary. oh... "

the sight of his body stretched on a table is what brings her out of the channel. halston shakes her head, already feeling the pulsing in her temples. with her free hand, she presses her palm flat against his chest, where she'd seen a scar in her mind. of course, at that moment it was hidden by layers of clothing.

" why do you want to go back to all that fighting? " a hand flies up to cover her mouth. " i'm sorry. that's a really rude question. "

There had been more times than he'd care to consider since his arrival on this world that he had felt alien, that he had felt out of place, reminded time and time again that he did not belong, that this was not his home, not his world, but none of them seemed to measure up to this; to try and find a way to ask questions about subjects that he had only cursory knowledge in hopes that he could find someone capable of understanding what he was asking when he himself did not. He knew much; he was trained in tactics, in science and mathematics that were on par with some of the brightest minds of this time and place, yet there was nothing in these fields that had proven of any help to him and Cortana in the months that he had spent scouring journals and academia.

Theories, and theories, but none that could explain what had happened to him, or more importantly: how to get him home. Back, to his people and his war.

He had been more than a little reluctant to turn to this world, this supposed magic that Cortana wanted him to accept as a possibility, as something that was beyond what science could explain. It seemed ridiculous, and so much of what he had initially found was nothing but charlatans and snake oil salesman. He had pushed forward, growing more frustrated as time went on. He had wanted to give up, but he knew he had no choice. Spartans didn't die, and they didn't surrender.

He had approached the owner with trepidation, and when the young woman had tentatively interrupted, he'd watched her with a wary gaze. Her intent seemed genuine, and it became clear as the conversation continued that her belief was the same, not only in what she practiced, but in her belief that somehow, some way, she could help him. It was hard not to let her optimism rub off on him, though skepticism was still winning the day. Her touch surprised him - it wasn't something that most people ever thought to do; his build, his frame, his scars, his reputation all dissuaded everyone back home from daring to cross that personal boundary but then --

This wasn't home, and here, all he was was ... just a man, with most of his scars concealed beneath the jeans and pull over hoodie that he wore; the closest he could get to 'blending' given his size. Still, the touch made him freeze for a brief moment, startled by it, but he managed to find a way to offer a smile in return, if only to try and match her enthusiasm, even if he didn't feel it himself. "I have to ask ... " He hesitated, then, not sure if he wanted to know the answer. "Why would you believe anything that I've told you, about where, or when I'm from? I don't know that I'd believe it, and I've lived it."

[ao3feed-widowtracer]

Moon Charms

Read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2KoTtf6

by ccauchemar

“Hi,” Lena said, taking the offered drink. “Haven’t seen you around here before.”

The woman smiled, and gently held her hand out flat. “Oui… I moved here recently. I thought it would be nice to meet the people. Can I have your name, please?”

And, like a fool, Lena gave it to her.

Words: 1286, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Overwatch (Video Game)

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/F

Characters: Lena "Tracer" Oxton, Emily (Overwatch), Widowmaker | Amélie Lacroix, Satya "Symmetra" Vaswani, Angela "Mercy" Ziegler, Fareeha "Pharah" Amari, Misty the cat

Relationships: Emily/Lena "Tracer" Oxton, Lena "Tracer" Oxton/Widowmaker | Amélie Lacroix

Additional Tags: cryptid AU, Fae AU, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Eichenwalde, Emily owns a Bookshop, Satya owns an Apothecary, Cryptids and Fae and lots of good fun, lena's a useless lesbian, Emily is a water fairy, Fluff, Magic, Cats

Read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/2KoTtf6

[atlasforced]

          ❛     v. 002.     beyond the hillsides and valleys deep waits a village so  small that it almost does not exist at all. it is known by many names, but those who are born and breed there call it arcadia. it is a place of great magic; a gateway from the human world to the land of the fae and the holy grounds on which gunmar the black was sent away to the darklands. the war exists fresh in the minds of the older inhabitants, but the younger generation knows no fear. there are no bounds of which they are afraid to cross; they live freely under the sun, unsure of why they hear echos in the night or why their parents warn them never to eat in a strangers house. these children live in the world between human and magic until one boy is chosen to protect both.

          james lake junior     is son to the most renowned apothecary in the  region. he is also the trollhunter; a title only held by one before him. while journeying beneath the bridges of old and past, he came upon a horrendous sight. the deliverer, a troll the young one heard only in legends, was fallen. the amulet of merlin shone in her hands. it called to him in a woman’s voice so soft and sweet he feared it to be a trick of the fairies. but no, the deliverer had one final message for him. the world was not safe, gunmar’s son still roamed free. beware the changelings, the voice echoed, beware what will become of your young. 

[friendshipcampaign]

Session Recap 2/24/2018

After spending the night in the stables and talking with Volfred, Kriv returned to the Drunken Dragon around dawn, asking Api if she knew where he could buy some plants. He had dropped the voice he’d been using around the party since they started traveling together and was instead speaking in his more natural, fairly heavily Draconic-accented one. Api noticed quickly that Kriv seemed hungover and directed him to the local apothecary, just a little down the road. 

When he arrived, he was greeted by a human woman, but after explaining to her that he was looking restock his herbalism kit, particularly anything for headaches and nausea, and being lead inside, a kobold in an oversized green robe leapt out from behind the counter and said that they would handle this, as Kriv didn’t seem to pose a threat. The kobold introduced themself as Bakna, and explained to Kriv that they sometimes didn’t show their face to certain groups of adventurers, who might be more prejudiced towards someone like themself, but that they would gladly help Kriv as the two of them “shared the blood of dragons.” Banka also grave him some recipe cards with a hangover remedy on them. After his shopping was done, Kriv returned to the Drunken Dragon -- where Api slid him a glass of water as he entered -- and went back up to his room to prepare the cure.

Voski woke Ditto up by flipping over her mattress on the ground and giving her an overly-cheerful, sing-song-y “Good Morning!” Though Ditto seemed groggy, Voski told her that she had something to talk with her about -- as well as Erwyn, if she could find him. When Ditto went downstairs to at least get some breakfast first, the elf was already down there, flipping through one of the books that he’d picked up at the Crossroads Market.

When she and Erwyn returned upstairs, they discovered that Voski had pulled the room’s endtable in front of the bed to make herself a desk, which she was sitting at, hands folded in front of her, and a peppermint-scented candle lit at one corner of it. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve gathered you here today,” she said, and proceeded to explain a proposition to them which she described as an “exciting scholarship opportunity,” saying that while she perhaps hadn’t been entirely supportive of some of the other two’s side interests in the past, she would be entirely willing to help them if they promised to pursue one thing alongside them -- researching the magic that had been bestowed on them by the Lady Elessea, and seemed to express itself at odd and potentially dangerous times. 

When she proposed the best avenue of investigation being trying to sneak into the learnstead they had heard so much about from the locals, Erwyn instantly replied with a “No, absolutely not,” much stronger than his usual response to things. Voski, at the very least seemed surprised by this, but when she and Ditto tried to discern if Erwyn was being honest, they both came to the conclusion that he was, as well as seeming very uncomfortable about the idea and perhaps unhappy about the idea that something about him had lead Voski to think he might want to visit it. With that idea rejected, Voski laid out the skills that she was confident she could offer them if they had any other ideas -- the ability to finance certain avenues of investigation and to get them into places, particularly if it involved the creation of any fake IDs. 

When Ditto and Erwyn still seemed to be pushing back, Voski pried further. She asked Ditto (who seemed distraught over the question) what exactly she’d seen when Daisy launched that ship back in Soreth. She pointed out that the other time this magic had activated, it had killed Erwyn. As she laid this out, she suggested that without understanding what was going on and with it clear that something about everyone’s proximity to each other was activating the magic, at the moment they were likely dangers to each other and themselves. Erwyn quietly pointed out that while the magic had killed him, it had probably saved her. Voski didn’t seem particularly swayed by this argument. In the end, Ditto and Erwyn both agreed they’d try to look into this further, as it was probably worth investigating, but when they asked Voski if she had any other ideas about how to start, she simply said “You’ll think of something” before shooing them out of the room.

As Erwyn and Ditto headed towards the stairs, Ditto mentioned offhand her recent weird spate of beholder dreams and waking people up with ominous pronouncements. Erwyn thought about this for a moment, before explaining to her that it wasn’t unheard of for people who had been around the remains of dead beholders to sometimes accidentally pick of some of their memories when breathing in spores that could manifest as strange dreams, but that didn’t make sense seeing as they certainly hadn’t killed one recently. Ditto suddenly remembered seeing the beholder eyestalk in the castle in Soreth, and that she’d certainly breathed something in around the same time, which she mentioned to Erwyn. He tried to reassure her that there was probably nothing to worry about, but hedged it by admitting he wasn’t an expert on the creatures and had some poor word choices that didn’t exactly help.

With everyone but Amaranth downstairs, Kriv took the initiative to grab a glass of water and his hangover remedy and take them up to her. He knocked on her door and said that he’d seen what she’d taken from the Bag of Holding the night prior, and she told him to come in. He set down the water and little potion and instructed her to take both of them, although admitted that the taste of the latter was not going to be very good. It did, however, make her feel slightly better. She told Kriv that she’d be downstairs in a bit.

Voski had started performing some little shanties, and Orsik was offering to read some of the Drunken Dragon’s patrons’ fortunes (for a price), while Erwyn had taken to a corner and started poring through his book on the planes for any mentions of the Fewyild, the only way he could think to start the research Voski had suggested. Ditto eventually wandered over to Orsik and asked him, citing his experience in Divination specifically, if he knew how to find people. When he asked her for more details, she seemed reluctant to give him much information. Orsik told her that he’d become a Divination wizard specifically because he was interested in knowing what would happen -- even it it was the end of the world. This comment spooked Ditto severely, and his follow-up statement that he’d like to know what kinds of trouble she’d gotten into did so even more, to the point that she ducked out of the conversation entirely, making an excuse about needing to write some things in the Tome of Mynskay.

When Amaranth finally came downstairs, she tripped on the last step and fell face-down on the floor, making a loud noise. She pulled herself back up and went to sit next to Kriv, who encouraged her to get something light to eat and rubbed her shoulder a little. She got some toast. Meanwhile, Kriv was on his third breakfast. Eventually, he asked her about the occasion for the drinking, and Amaranth admitted that watching him go down in the fight with the shadows had been a pretty big scare. When Kriv made a comment about everything working out because the party was doing their best, Amaranth quietly said that “Sometimes your best isn’t enough.” Voski, meanwhile, seemed to have noticed Amaranth looking rough and surreptitiously started playing a Song of Rest.

Ditto ultimately wandered back to Orsik, and decided to give him a description of Daisy. When he explained he could really only find her through his connections to mostly non-magical channels, she added that he should tell people that she was dangerous. As they talked, Orsik offered to help teach Ditto Sending, seeing as she might have more luck finding Daisy as someone who actually knew her. Ditto agreed to that, closing off their conversation by saying “You’re a little terrifying, but you seem like a good egg.”

By the time the party actually got moving, it was early afternoon. Their travel day was uneventful and as it started to get dark they found themselves at a major intersection -- one road leading to Deepwell, and the learnstead beyond it, another to the north, and the third deeper into the forest. The bird they’d been given seeming to be directing them south, onto the last one. There was a particularly large shrine to Fharlanghn near the crossroads, and they decided that it would be a good place to spend the night. Concerned about more shadows, Ditto put up some wards that the Tome of Mynskay had offered as a possibly way to counter undead, or at least warn them that they were coming, and everyone decided to sleep inside Voski’s Leomund’s Tiny Hut (which she st up inside the shrine).

As everyone was about to fall asleep (with Kriv offering to take first watch), Erwyn knelt next to where Voski had already laid down and asked her if she really thought that the learnstead was their best option to get a better idea of what was going on with the fae magic bound to them. She replied that it certainly felt like their best lead, and Erwyn apologized for reacting so strongly to the suggestion earlier if that was the case. He said that his reasons for not wanting to go there were selfish, and if she really thought it was something that cold help everyone, he would be willing to go along with the plan. Voski suggested they sleep on it.

As he kept watch, Kriv heard an odd squelching noise behind him. He turned around to see nothing there. There was another squelch after he turned away, and when he looked back again, the small chest that people generally put things in for passing travelers had moved closer. He tossed a piece of bread at it and it snapped open, seeming to eat it, and closed again. As soon as this happened, Kriv shook Amaranth awake and told her something was wrong. She got up and tried to poke the chest with her sword. The first time, nothing happened. The second, it deformed and leapt at her.

The attack stuck to Amaranth after it hit, but she was able to break free and stab the mimic, shouting “Hey everybody, wake up!” Ditto snapped awake, though her attempt to Levitate the chest failed. Voski woke up as well, though much more lazily. As Kriv smashed the mimic with his warhammer, several of the pieces of paper tacked onto the walls of the room flew off it, one of them attaching itself to his face, and another onto Amaranth’s. She cut it off her face with her dagger.

Despite his being a light trancer, it took longer to rouse Erwyn, perhaps because he’d been so exhausted recently. But he ultimately snapped awake and fired an arrow at the larger mimic, which hit with a rippling flash of silver light. Orsik, too, finally woke up, but failed to hit his target with a Poison Spray and instead headed towards the door. Ditto Magic Missile’d the large mimic, and followed after Orsik. When Voski got around to shooting the same on with her little hand crossbow, it collapsed into a shapeless puddle. She also inspired Kriv -- by saying “You got it, just like, pull it off, it’s fine.”

Kriv managed to pull the smaller mimic off his face and followed after Ditto. The paper mimic used the “ink” swirling across its surface to make a rude gesture at him. He made one back. The same paper then reattached to Amaranth’s face, and the other remaining one got Erwyn. The rogue was able to rip it off again with her dagger, and Erwyn managed to remove his mimic as well. Orsik then used Prestidigitation to catch the one near Erwyn on fire.

Ditto stepped outside the reaches of the Tiny Hut, remembered that she wouldn’t be able to see through it, and stepped back inside. Tiktik, however, who had followed her out, remained outside. Ditto then hit the remaining paper mimics with Magic Missile and destroyed one.

With one mimic remaining, Voski stepped in front of Erwyn to cast a Thunderwave at it. It managed to destroy the paper mimic, but as it hit the opposite wall, she noticed it ripple. The Tiny Hut dissapated, and at that point, the door to the shrine swung shut. Tentacles sprouted from the walls and wrapped around Ditto and Orsik, and the walls around the party started closing in on them.

Kriv attacked the tentacles holding Orsik and Ditto with his warhammer, using Divine Smites both times and getting them to drop the wizards. From outside, Volfred telepathically asked Kriv what to do. The paladin told him to use his best judgement and the goat attacked the wall. Amaranth started hacking at where the door had been with her swords, watching it form a small slit that then closed again. Erwyn fired another arrow, this time at one of the walls, which hit with the same silver flash. Seeing a small opening appear when he did so, Ditto used the glimpse of the outside to Misty Step out of the massive mimic, casting Fire Bolt as soon as she was outside to test and see if it would light on fire, or just get burned. It appeared to be the latter.

Back inside, Voski tried to attack the same area Amaranth had with her longsword, but missed. The giant mimic landed grappling attacks with its tentacles on Erwyn and Amaranth. Kriv again landed Divine Smites on both to free his fellow party members. Amaranth continued to land hits on the mimic from inside, but with the walls closing everyone in at very close range, Erwyn was forced to draw his sword instead of continuing to use his bow and proved less successful with it. 

Ditto cast a Fireball on the mimic from outside, which caused it to collapse into a puddle of goo -- but around everyone else who was still trapped inside. Only Orsik was able to react quickly enough to keep his head out of the muck. Voski, too, was able to squirm out a little, but not much, and asked “Little help?” As Kriv poked his own head out, Volfred trotted over to assist her. She inspired the goat, who pulled her out and flopped onto the ground.

Orsik used Alter Self to give himself mole hands and dig his way completely out. With Erwyn and Amaranth failing to make their way out, Ditto scanned the pile of goo to try to catch a glimpse of one of them. When she noticed a visible scrap of Erwyn’s cloak, she tried Levitating him into the air -- revealing that he’d been knocked unconscious when the mimic collapsed on them. Similarly, Voski directed Volfred to where she thought Amaranth might be, and dug Kriv out herself. The paladin made his way over to where Erwyn was hovering and, though he wasn’t entirely sure how, was somehow able to channel healing energy through the scale relic that he’d been given and restore Erwyn to consciousness from afar, causing the elf to start to flail in a panic in mid-air. Kriv felt the scale diffuse a strange, calming warmth into him.

Volfred unearthed Amaranth, who had also been knocked unconscious -- not instantly, as Erwyn had, but from the ongoing acid damage caused by the giant mimic’s remains. Tiktik flew over to Erwyn and dragged him out from over the goop so that Ditto could lower him safely to the ground. Once he was close enough, Kriv grabbed his hand and brought him down. Orsik dug Amaranth out with his mole hands, but couldn’t lift her, calling to Kriv for help. Instead, Voski dragged her from the goo and used Cure Wounds on her.

As everyone stood around, fishing belongings from the mess and recovering from the intense combat, Voski sidled over to Erwyn and leaned on her sword. She made a comment that maybe the shortest route to a place was actually the best, although there was always the possibility of taking a little longer than was entirely necessary on their way back.

The party saw a dim light approaching from the south, which eventually showed itself to be a lamp carried on a pole by a giant slug-like creature, with a glowing pendant on one of their antennae in the shape of a scroll. A second, toothy mouth opened above its main one, and announced, “Hey! I’m Kitty! You know, you really shouldn’t be out here this late at night.”

[night-shadowblood-writes2]

The fae general and the apothecary woman

Part 4

Tw abuse birth death cursing revenge angst. This hurt me writing it, but it helps contribute to Lilia's hatred for humans 😔

When I woke up, I was dragged by two human men. My heart dropped. I had hoped it was a nightmare when they noticed I was awake they let me drop to the floor my wrists were bound in front of me, and my feet were bare, I guess they fell off.

They were rough, and i was so scared for my child and my safety. If I was too slow, they'd drag me by my hair, ignoring my cries of pain. My feet bled, and I was so hungry and thirsty. 'Where is Lilia? I'm scared' were the thoughts that passed my mind for hours.

It was as if they deliberately chose difficult routes... I was crossing the freezing river but slipped falling to the side. I could see nature fae peeking unsure what to do. Fae males never treated the fae women so cruelly. I tried to stand, but a hand gripped a fist full of my now disheveled hair and yanked, almost lifting me off my feet.

I cried out, but I only received a slap to my face. I knew I was bruised and bloody a horrible sight from what my reflection told me. "We don't have time for a bath, woman!" The knight yells in my face.

"Please don't hurt me... I'm sorry. " I cried hands, gripping the front of my skirt. "Tsk!" He drags me by my hair out of the river, and we continue the way forward. "This should be far enough rest we leave in a few hours," the leader instructs.

They bring out food and eat water to drink, but their hatred was strong 'arrogant bastards,' I thought. While they ignore me, I turn away from them. It may seem petty, but I had a plan. Lilia always told me to be careful to always have a plan. My knife, however, was in my basket, which they trampled on.

But I didn't fall over for no reason. The fae are amazing but petty and prideful. A water fae, in my fall in the river, handed me a sharp rock. The same rock that I was using to slowly but surely cut my hands free.

But I was carefully watching so as to not arouse suspicion. They laughed and told stories of how they "conquered " this land, ha! As if my husband will make you regret the day your mother brought you to this world. I felt a pain in my stomach and back.

It took some time, but when the rope fell away, I waited. When I was sure I could escape, I got up slowly snuck away. I wanted to run, but I knew the noise would alert them faster. My heart raced, but when I was confident, I began to run. My feet and lungs begged to rest, but my brain knew we couldn't. My stomach pain doubled though 'Lilia!' I scream internally

I believed I was a good distance when I heard rushes foorsteps. I knew they noticed my absence. I ran I rans so fast the forest looked like it was flying past me. Only to kneel over hand on a large sturdy tree I felt water down my legs. Oh no no no no please no!

I couldn't please not now Lilian. It's not safe. We are not safe! But I felt the pain again, and I knew my little baby was coming to the world whether I was ready or not.

My heart was racing, and I looked around frantically to find someplace to hide, but my efforts were in vain. The leader was there glaring down at me. He reached out to hit me, but I cried out and fell to my knees, holding my stomach. His eyebrows furrowed, then understanding crossed his face.

"You're in labor, woman." He stated he then steps back and watches me. "Is this your first birth?" He demands, and I nod. "Felix!" He called one steps forward, the only male who didn't agree with everything that was happening in this group of five.

"Felix, here is our doctor one of the few what first came here. He will help, " he states and walks a few feet away. Felix comes forward. He is a tall male bit lanky he grabs his bag. "I was not prepared to deliver. I'm not sure I have everything I need," he says to the leader.

"Matters not just deliver the bastard-" he was cut off. " I am a married woman! No child is no bastard. " I glared at him "you married a fae so you two didn't just fuck how disgraceful you do know they wish to kick us off this land" one knight says "this is their lands! Your king was only to explore a bit, then return home, not settle down!" I argue back while the doctor adjusts me to my knees

"Grab a hold of the tree," he instructed while lifting my dress and tying it away. "We will use gravity to assist the delivery it will be less burdensome on your body." He informs."My baby will hit the ground," I say, but he assured me, "I will be here. I will not let the baby touch the floor. Now when you feel pressure push"

I nodded, and the fae midwife has already informed me what to do. It hurt, and it didn't help the four other knights glaring at me. Felix snapped at them, but they argued back and forth. "The baby's head is out now the worst part, mrs?"

I proudly say, "Vanrouge, Yona Vanrouge. " he nods,"the shoulders will be the worst, but once you push them out, the baby will slide right on out, and then the placenta will be next, Mrs. Vanrouge," he tells me.

I steady my breath and push, crying out in pain, but then nothing, "I've got it," the doctor says, cutting and tying the umbilical cord with a string I then proceeded to push the placenta out with Felix's assistance. He used his cleaned baby and apologizedbefor eripping my skirt and wrapping the baby. "Welcome to twisted wonderland, little miss." he smiles he notices round ears, unlike the fae.

"Miss? So I was right, ha! Beat told ya I was right, Lilia." I mutter weakly, laying down. "Lilian vanrouge my sweet baby girl," I reach out for her he hands her over and goes to the leader to inform him of her ears. "Beautful..." She was pale like her father but had his straight hair in her hair color. The baby opens her eyes, and her husband's eyes stare back at her framed with thick lashes and an adorable beauty mark under her right eye she began to cry soflty quickly. I smiled to her and hummed the song my mother sang to me (I think of you'll be in my heart from tarzan, but you can choose whichever you like).

"Are you crazy she just delivered a baby. we can not move her!" The doctor cried outraged."If that was your daughter -" he was cut off, "if that was my daughter, I'd beat her within an inch of her life, " the leader says coldly then proceeds to me and yanks my beloved baby from my arms.

"No!! Give her back, please!" I push myself up only to be kicked down. "Get her up and let's go home, boys," the leader says. I was grabbed and dragged across the floor more violently now that the baby was out.

Once out of sight, the leader turns to the doctor, "Get rid of it." He says so coldly felix flinched back, "..what?" Felix utters shocked."Kill it, we have no use for it, and the men don't want to listen to a wailing bastard the rest of the way home." Felix backs away." I just brought that child to life, and you want me to take it away? I refuse! Im a doctori save lives, not take them, please let them go home please " Felix defied and begged

The leader nods almost sympathetic. "I see, doctor, I understand you can't take a life." Felix begins to smile, thinking the once kind leader he traveled with was back, but in an instant, it was gone. Because the leader and slit the infants throat, "NO!!!!" Felix yells horrified, rushing to the leader only to be met with a kick to the stomach. Unlike the knights, the doctor had no such protection.

The poor baby only had a few minutes of life. The once bright red eyes lost their light, and red spilled onto the cloth covering her. Felix felt tears fall down his face, "Oh Felix, why she'd tears for this abomination it's not your child. I could have very well saved it from future pains," the leader says, mockingly then proceeds to throw the baby under the tree she was born. Felix instinctively reaches out.

"You're a monster..." Felix utters crushed his faith in humanity, and what he believed was its kind nature shatters. "Get up, Felix. After all you have to console the bitch didn't her father wish you two wed maybe now that she has returned you can be a real family a mutt and a fae whore! Just like her father wanted before he died, " He laughs condescendingly.

Felix hadn't taken his eyes off the infant his heart broken he became a doctor to save people's lives he could only imagine your pain when they returned without the baby.

He was forced forward toward the small camp he was dazed his hands wanted so badly to lash out, but the leader was bigger and stronger and had four others to back him up. 'Revenge... I swear it little Miss Lilian Vanrouge you will be avenged,' Felix thought malicious thoughts never before entered his mind.

When they joined the camp, all were ready to depart. "Where's my baby?" Felix flinches and looks to the mother as new tears fall down his face. "Oh apologies ma'am, am the abomination didn't make it," the leader says, joy in his voice they all watch as life disappeared from her brown eyes, "what..?" The leader then proceeds to tough hs throat and once what he was implying set in she ran to him hatred like no other on her face she got two clean hits on his face before the others slam her to the ground and she screams and cries and curses each and every one of their lives so viciously they recoil.

"My baby.. my Lilian, my baby, give me my baby where she is, " she sobbed the men, let her go. The leader in his anger beat her the four knights, and the doctor could only watch in horror. No enemy has ever received such beatings, but here, their leader was beating a fragile woman who just gave birth and lost her baby. They didn't know what to do they couldn't move. The four knights also could not believe their leader, the kind leader they stood by for a year murdered an infant only minutes after her birth.

"Give me a rope I will hang this whore." Their leader says but none moved watching the woman's body they couldn't tell if she was alive anymore. The leader glared before getting the rope himself and choosing a tree he knew the fae where close he could just tell he had to get them out safely and fast, and dead weight wasn't worth it he could explain the discovery to the king himself and the knights could back him up.

Once it was ready, he dragged the woman by her hair and wrapped the rope around her neck. "Stop.." Felix says "dont do that please"

"If she still is alive, she can let the fae know each of our faces, and we will be hunted down. Now, will you help me or stand their like idiots!" The leader yells, but they don't move, thinking of their mothers, sisters, daughters, all the women in their lives they would be disgusted with them.

"Tsk," and with that, he pulled, and she grabbed the rope around her neck and desperately struggled. Felix stepped forward to help her, but "you take one more step, and after I hang her, your next felix!!"

"Rethink this! Please, no more death, let her return to her husband!" He cried out, but the leader pulled again, lifting her off the ground, and she struggled gasping. Felix ran forward, grabbing her legs to lift her up. The leader tied the rope around the tree and slams into Felix the other knights struggle to decide on whi to help but the leader was stronger than them that's how he got his position in the first place.

After Felix went down, the leader murdered the four soldiers. "This could work," he went back to the tree to raise her higher," I can say we were ambushed trying to rescue the apothecary... yes, I can be praised for being the only one to make it back alive, "he sounded insane," Felix thought from the ground too weak to move.

'Damn it damn it damn it!!' He cried mentally, but it hit him the hardest when the little woman stopped moving first her daughter now her own life how cruel humans were. Felix began to feel an ugly feeling he began to hate humans. The old man who saved him and stopped these ugly thoughts was gone, and he couldn't even save his daughter or granddaughter.

'James Archer, before I leave this world, you will not die before you get what is coming to you.... ' Felix thought watching the leader, James, ran to the human settlement. Felix then fell unconscious.

Only to be awoken with cold water splashed onto his face and surrounded by what he can only guess was fae. And in front of him was the shortest one heaving angrily before he ripped his mask off, glaring at him with so much hatred he was surprised he was not dead. Before he could speak, he was getting beat. And he didn't fight back taking the punishment because he couldn't stop the deceased men from bearing the little woman.

He spoke, but Felix couldn't understand fae language. Lilia could speak human language fluently but in his rage spoke his native language. Felix felt broken, and he weeped the male looked like the baby, "...looks exactly like little miss Lilian vanrouge.. " he mutters blood everywhere. It was after he said that Lilia paused for a moment. Felix looks, and a tall male with a crocodile mask in his arms is a small bundle, and he knows he looks back at the male in front of him and weeps.

He spit out a few teeth drool and blood on my ching and tears and blood on his cheeks. "I delivered little miss and helped Mrs. Vanrouge deliver. I begged for James Archer to return the woman and her infant vack home, but he wouldn't listen.... he is stronger, faster he killed them all...I save lives I don't take but... I could save them. I deserve death, " Felix says, accepting whatever this fae the obvious husband wishes to do. Not sure the fae understands what hes saying.

Lilia listened to this human babble his seemingly last words before grabbing his shirt and yanking him forward. "Not until you tell me who James Archer is after I'm done with him. I'll kill you next." His voice was deep fury in his voice. A screeching was heard they had gotten Mrs vanrouge down. Lilia rushed to hold her, but she was long gone. The fae around began to mourn the loss of the only human loved by the fae and the little one they never got to meet. They communicated in their language. "In my bag, there is a drawing one of the men was an artist..." One fae yanked the bag and searched on a parchment. It was all of them before they met the woman it showed them together by a fire. " The tall big one he is James Archer." Lilian looked at the paper he saw the other men death on the ground and using blood wiped their faces off, so only James Archer remained. He set her down, grabbed his cleaver, and approached Felix

"Please, before I die, let me help you! Im a doctor, my unique magic, I can increase or decrease pain, and such i can help you make the pain feel triple the amount please let me have this revenge" Felix replied. " Then I will gladly accept death, please! I knew her father he took me away from a dangerous life and taught me to be a doctor to help lives to save them and because of James Archer the son of a bitch I could save two lives in front of me please....please let me help you humans..humans are so cruel and dirty and disgusting..." Felix grit his teeth.

"Very well but after James Archer is dead your next." Lilia says digust in his eyes as he look down at Felix and he nods back "gladly I won't fight back or anything just please I want him to suffer far worse than what he did to these young ladies" Lilia nods before communicating with two fae to take his loves home for proper burials. "We hunt him down now before he gets into the human settlement keep up or your dead before you see his ugly mug again" Lilia threatened before the remaing fae followed him to hunt down the human known as James Archer.

Author note: If there is misspelling or bad grammar, I'm sorry I got tired, but I wanted this out, James Archer we are coming for you and there is no mercy from Lilia

[night-shadowblood-writes2]

The Fae General and The Apothecary Woman

Part 2 it's a little short because I'm sick, but I hope it's well received

I was back to it, gathering more herbs. Hopefully, I'd get to see Lilia again, and he could tell me more about the flora that grew his on his land! This time, I brought two baskets and a book with a charcoal pen so I could keep track of everything.

My father was a doctor. He, along with a few others, was hired to look after the few who were brought to this land. My father vouched for me though it took some time, the king agreed. Now I go deep into the woods, though it took some time to escape my guards. I didn't understand why I needed them, plus they stomped on and didn't respect the land.

It was then that I felt it, and a smile grew on my face. "Hello Lilia," I say as I turn to him. He stood there before removing his mask. "Hello, Yona," he squats down, observing my basket before picking some out. It's been a year now, and it never amazes me how fast he was to pick up on my speech.

"Have you been well? Has the princess given you more trouble?" I chuckle. To that, he rolls his eyes and grumbles in his fae speech. "Lovely, I can't understand you," he tch to that before laying his head on my lap. Though he won't say it, we've grown quite close, or so I'd like to believe. "I had to distract her with her husband again so I could leave. When I'm not on duty, I shouldn't be forced to watch over her. She's grown now and married. Shouldn't she focus on an heir?" I smile down at him.

"Oh Lilia, it just means she values you, no?" I murmer, playing with his bangs. "I doubt that. How is life there when will your people leave?" He asked. "I'm not sure myself. I'm just documenting as much as I can. Will you miss me?" I tease. He glares at me. "Why would I you humans have short lives I blink and your gone from this land."

"Truth but the strong general won't miss his pillow?" I smile. He wraps his arms around me. I won't let you leave me. The humans can leave, but you're staying." "I thought I'd just disappear in a blink of an eye~" he sits up and away from me. "Nooo lilia, I was teasing come back~ After all, that was a proposal, no?" I continue to tease.

He turns back to me and leans close. "If it was? If I decided to keep you here by my side and never let you return to the humans, would that upset you?" I could feel my cheeks warm under his intense gaze. My stomach began to flutter. "I would stay.." I murmer.

He began to lean close, and I closed my eyes. This fae was going to be my husband, so if he stole a kiss, it was fine. Until there was a rustle, and we pulled away. There stood two tall figures the air around them. Like Lilia was powerful. The woman was beautiful and regal. The make was handsome, though personally her Lilia was more so.

"Lilia, what is this? Are you getting close to a human?" She demanded. He stood up. "She is to be my wife. I will see to no harm befalls her." He glared. The male smiles. "So this is the woman who has caught our Lilia's attention. I was quite fascinated with the language and asked him to teach me. Maybe the humans would listen to diplomatic reasoning in their own language. So thank you"

I nodded. These were royals what do I do I haven't even met our human king now I meet the fae ones. "She shakes like a left are you sure you wish to promise yourself to this lilia?" She asked.

"She is my woman. I will wed her, " he says firmly. "And what of your children, what if they come out defective?" She inquires, and the male also took interest. "They will be cared for by their parents, and if I have to cut down villages to protect my family, I will."

"I tell no lie I would be very interested to see a fae and human halfbreed" the male says. "Laven you are to curious" the woman says. "But meleanore our dear lilia has found love we should throw a festival a wedding is about to bridge us together!" Laven smiles while meleanor softens her features and rubs her stomach.

"Very well," She conceded. "Come, we have plans to make." she turns and struts. I giggle while lilia curses under his breath. I grab his hand, which was rough and strong. "They really care for you, huh?" His only answer was rolling his eyes.

[night-shadowblood-writes2]

The Fae General and The Apothecary Woman

This is with my twisted oc she isn't yuu

This is a short to hype myself up to write chapters

Briar Valley has been known to be home to the king and queen of the fae, but they have come to notice that mortal humans have begun to invade their lands. It started out slowly they knew they were there but not much was cared for they were thought to be harmless what mortal could harm a fae.

It was a good 10 years that they first settled in. Mostly men, but some brought women and a handful of children as well settling in at their leisure.

But the fae began to notice how the humans were not respectful to the land and were draining it of it resources. So, they began to take precautions. Listening, and seeing how far they dare to go inland.

It was one day that Lilia got away from the princess. He thought after the marriage to Levan she would be preoccupied to bother him.

Out on a walk, he noticed something small it was a cloaked being a basket in their hand collecting herbs and fruits he took note that most were harmless or medical herbs, but he saw them reaching for a certain berry bush!

He was quick in grabbing their wrist. "Are you an idiot! Those are belladonna berries! Do you have a death wish!"He galres angrily at them it wasn't until they looked up and he was mesmerized by the warm color of her eyes like new brown soil after a refreshing shower so rich and beautiful with long thick lashes to curtain them. She was of bronze skin, and now that he was closer, she was curvier than the usual fae who were more lanky and regal. Shocked as she gazed back at him, he was beautiful pale as the moon eyes like rubies and hair as black as the night sky with red streaked in some areas. Though he was short, he held an air for power.

Then she saw the ear the were pointy! "Your ears, they point! Are you a fae? A native to these lands?" She says excitedly before pulling her hood down her red hair was in a high ponytail with her bangs framing her face. She pushed one side back, and he saw her round ears.

He couldn't understand her she spoke fast, and though he's heard humans speak like so he never cared to learn the language like Levan who took an interest in the humans. "Who are you?" He demaned. She looked confused she couldn't understand his screeching.

He sighed and pointed to himself, "Lilia Vanrouge." Then pointed to her. She lit up before pointing to herself, "Im Yona" and that was how the general fae met the apothecary woman and how this story of love loss and rebirth came forth.