#the lake alone was enough but the dragon?!

[leolovesthings]

Now THAT is truly a clusterfuck of a village.

Located deep in taiga forest near a frozen lake surrounded by mountains.

On the forest side they have some ancient shrine with a less than friendly guardian statue.

And then near the lake there was a freaking ICE DRAGON, also not particularly friendly. And some smol dino, mean.

Seeing the dragon destroy that house with ice breath was something else. The aftermath scene looks epic to me.

And only after the dragon was finally slain did I notice a gigantic ravine behind the forest patch. It had a waterfall go down to some puddle with... Green... Floaty flying things? So. K. Why would you live there.

[vhagarys]

Mother of Dragons

husband!aemond x reader

summary: traveling alone into the forest proves dangerous, an unlikely companion comes to your rescue.

warnings: attempted sexual assault, violence, kidnapping, angst, protective!vhagar, minor character death, mentions of pregnancy, fluff, happy ending!

The heat of the fading sun sunk into your flushed, pink skin as you dismounted your horse and landed on the forest floor beneath you.

Ser Arryk had prevented you from venturing outside the gates of the Keep the previous afternoon, by command of your husband. You secretly loved your husbands protectiveness, knowing just how deeply he cared for you.

But, the past few days in the heat of summer made you restless.. desperate to find reprieve outside the confines of the Keep.

Since your betrothal to Aemond, time alone soon became was scarce. And though you loved spending time with Helaena and her children, your sanity required solitude.

Your mood as of late has felt a bit stale as well. The shrills of delight from your nieces and nephews, usually bringing a smile to your face, had lately become more of an annoyance.

Though you usually reveled in your handmaiden brushing through your tangles, lately you only seemed content with your lord husband’s nimble fingers massaging your scalp.

These conflicting emotions were unlike you, and you hadn’t the slightest idea what had possessed you.

While your husband and his Kingsguard met for their weekly meeting, you devised a plan to journey into the surrounding forests with your horse.

Such behavior would not be taken kindly by your husband, though you’d convinced yourself he’d come to understand your desire for peace and quiet. How easily it was for him to take to the skies on his dragon and escape the world below when he craved solitude.

Such luxuries were not available for you. Thus, in the small hours of morning, you managed to evade the guards outside the stables and venture into the forest.

The air was fresh and earthy. Breezes filled with the scents of dew and grass whisked through the holes of your gown’s laces, sending goose prickles across your skin.

Silence enveloped you, save for the occasional ruffling of leaves and grunt from your horse. You sighed in relief as your feet met the soft cushioning of the forest floor.

Haphazardly, you removed your riding jacket and slung it over a low hanging branch. The shimmering reflections off the lake pulled you close. Like the sweet melodies of a siren’s voice, you couldn’t help but move closer to until you reached the shore of the water.

Before you knew it, you began removing the laces of your riding boots. Feet bare, you crept closer to the shallow edges of the lake.

Your horse broke your trance, stomping his feet and neighing loudly in your direction. Your head snapped to assess what caused the outburst, seeing nothing out of the ordinary.

“Just a while longer, sweet girl,” you soothed, hoping to calm your companion long enough for you to enjoy the cool water a bit more.

Turning back towards the vast blue, your toes finally met the shallow river banks. A loud sigh escaped you as you inched further into the lake. The ends of your skirt were soon submerged, thoroughly soaking through the multiple layers of fabric.

A delicious chill crept up your spine as you reveled in the cool reprieve, oblivious to the world around you.

So entranced, your ears failed to register the sharp cry from your horse, warning you of the dangers approaching.

Fast, booming footsteps overwhelmed you before you had time to regain your bearings.

You screamed in pure terror as large hands harshly pulled at your arms, two sizeable men yanking you out of the water.

“Stop! Please! Please, you’re hurting me,” your horse continued to stomp his feet, crying out loudly at your scared state.

The taller of the two, with scars litterings his cheeks and forehead, smiled wickedly at your wreathing form. He effectively subdued your flailing limbs with an arm slithered around your neck, tight enough to scare you into submission.

“If I’d a known it was this easy to get my hands on you, I’d have paid you a visit much sooner, lady Y/N.” Tears blurred your vision as the other man stood in front of you and tucked a piece of hair behind your ear.

Fear consumed you, the dread of being so far removed from anyone who could rescue you.

“Aemond! Aem-”

The man clamped his hand around your mouth. You thrashed in his hold, kicking with all your might as the other man crowded your space and gripped your face with his calloused hands.

“If I were the prince, I’d of never let you out of my sights. You’re quite the specimen, my lady. Just lookin at ya makes me hard.”

Bile rose up your throat at his vulgar words. You averted your eyes from him despite his proximity, praying to any gods that were listening to save you.

His smile only grew wider. He pressed himself closer, until you felt his hardness against you.

Your screams were muffled by the hand smothering your mouth, and your throat began to burn from overuse.

“I bet,” his hand moved down to roughly grope at your left breast, “you’ve got a tight little cunt hidden under all those layers, eh? I bet I could fuck you better then that one-eyed prick ever-”

You managed to break your right leg free from its constraints and deliver a solid kick between his legs, causing him to groan loudly and stumble backwards.

“You fucking bitch!” The sting of his hand against your cheek throbbed painfully as your head whipped to the side.

His hands gripped the top of your bodice, and promptly ripped through the front of your gown, exposing your breasts.

“You wanna play this game with me? Huh? Lucky for you, I love when they fight back.” His eyes were as black as the nights sky as the man behind you grunted in agreement, pressing himself to your buttocks.

Suddenly, a menacing growl boomed through the clouds. Your captors froze and jerked their heads to the skies.

A large shadow engulfed the entirety of the lake, the three of you swallowed in the dark clouds.

One of the men backed away from you, his eyes bulging out of its sockets.

“Don’t fucking tell me it’s a” the roars grew louder as a large green mass descended from the skies.

Vhagar.

The men watched in horror as the dragon set its course towards the three of you.

Aemond, he’s here.

A rush of relief shot through you, but to your confusion, there was no rider atop the fearsome beast.

Vhagar landed in the lake. You couldn’t help but shake in fear as the dragon, much like yourself, had ventured unaccompanied by your husband.

She leaned her neck down, and you were met face to face with her large, black pupils.

Your body collided with the forest floor as the man once holding you shoved you towards the dragon.

“Here! Take her, we mean no harm, please!” The scarred mean shrieked in terror, frozen in place while his friend bolted into the forest.

A sharp pain from your belly caused you to visibly wince, whimpering audibly as you cradled yourself.

You felt the air from her snout as she leaned towards you, and gently nudged your shaking form as if to console you.

I know you. I will not harm you. You could hear the unspoken words as you craned your head to meet her eyes.

Tears continued to fall as you lay still on the forest floor, any attempts of moving sent shockwaves of pain through your body.

Rustling behind you redirected Vhagars attention. The man was slowly creeping away, and you noted the wet stain on the front of his trousers.

She took a booming step forward, and before you knew it one of her large, veiny wings encompassed your limp body.

Your line of sight was blanketed by the fine networking of scars and holes littered across her wings. It was easy to forget how long she had been alive, how many wars she had fought in.

Your heart cracked at the thought.

Vhagar’s screech bounced off the trees of the forest, and you only wished you could see the man’s expression before you felt the warmth of dragon fire through her wings.

His screams quickly diminished as his form disentegrated from the merciless flames.

She huffed the last bits of smoke in her snout towards his ashes. You shivered as the cool breeze glided over your exposed nipples, dress still damp from your venture into the lake.

Vhagar let out another series of roars, these sounding almost sad, helpless.

“Y/N!” his voice tore through the branches and you knew your husband had come.

Still hidden beneath her wings, he galloped towards his dragon unaware of your shivering body.

“Skoriot iksos ziry, Vhagar,” your husband’s voice was filled with anguish.

(Where is she)

You tried to conjure up a reply, yet all you could muster was a whimper.

Vhagar growled disapprovingly at him. Carefully, she removed her wing and his eyes grew wide as he witnessed you tucked beneath his dragons limbs.

He rushed towards you and fell to his knees. Guilt surged through him as he witnessed the state of your clothes, the layers goose prickles fixed on your skin.

I failed her.

He covered you in his riding leathers and began to inspect the redness on your cheeks.

“My love, I am sorry, I am so sorry. I should’ve-”

You shook your head softly. “The fault is mine, my love. I-I snuck out without your knowing, it was wrong of me-.”

He watched in horror as you winced and grabbed at your belly, his own hand reaching out instinctively to console you.

His eyes were ablaze in fury, that anyone would dare to lay hands on you. Picturing you alone and afraid filled him with a fire that was foreign and all-consuming.

“Prince Aemond!” Two kingsgaurd cautiously approached the three of you, bringing forth a heavily beaten man struggling to escape their grasp.

“I’ve done nothing! Let me go, please! Please!”

“We found him fleeing from the forest, figured he played some part in injuring the princess”, they ignored the man’s pleas.

Aemond met your gaze and you nodded. He growled and went to unsheath his dagger and bury it in the man’s neck. Weakly, your fingers clutched at his sleeve and murmured, “Please don’t leave me, not now.”

Your words were droplets of water dousing his flames, his eyes softened at the sight of his beautiful wife.

He nodded, lightly wiping away a fallen tear. He was riddled with guilt at you feeling the need to sneak away to have some time to yourself.

The war had made him untrusting towards others, afraid to let anyone too close to you in fear they may harm you.

He’d been so wrapped up in fruitless council meetings that he’d neglected his favorite person.

His person.

Aemond scooped you into his arms, kissing you lightly atop your forehead before turning to his dragon.

“Kirimvose raqiros,” he looked into her large orbs. They swam with worry, he sensed it.

(Thank you, friend)

Gently, the fearsome dragon lowered her head and softly nudged the hand cradling your belly.

You were touched by such an act of gentleness from your husbands companion.

Smiling, you lifted your fingers to caress her snout, and offered a small “thank you, friend” before your husband mounted you atop his horse and took you home to see the maester.

——

“Well, my princess. There will be slight bruising on your abdomen and on your cheek. Nothing that will be permanent, thankfully,” the maester shuffled around the bed and place a pouch of ice to your temple.

You winced slightly.

“I’m glad to hear it, Maester Orwylle. Can you call for my husband, he’ll be delighted to hear such news.”

The maester grinned.

“My princess, I believe there are other good tidings from my examination. You are with child, your grace, a healthy one from the looks of it.“

Your eyes widened.

Tears of joy gathered in your eyes as your hands shot down to caress your belly.

“But the fall, Maester-”

“Your fall did not disturb the babe, thank the heavens. From my observations, it appears your are 4 weeks along.”

4 weeks?!

And you’d been none the wiser. Though, that was likely to explain your uncharacteristic moods as of late.

A tentative knock came at the door.

“May I come in?” your husbands soothing voice seeped through the cracks of the doors.

Maester Orwylle grinned lightly, “I will leave you two alone.”

He opened the doors and bowed lightly to the prince.

“Congratulations, my prince,” was all he offered before he retreated down the corridor.

Slightly bewildered, he quickly approached your bed and kissed the top of your hand. Anxiety radiated off of him as he scanned over your face for any signs of discomfort.

“My love, what did the maester say? Is everything alright?”

Your fingers intertwined with his. You sniffled and moved his hands to rest atop your bruised belly.

“We’re just fine, dear husband.”

A couple moments ticked by in silence as he processed your words

“We?“ he paused, “You mean, are you-” you nodded, beaming at your husband as you added,

“I’m with child, my love. Our child.”

Aemond sunk to his knees. Fingers still twined, you felt his tears seep through your bandage wrappings from the maesters. He peppered small kisses across your skin.

“No harm will come to either of you. From this day, I swear it on my life,” his words were fierce, yet his tone was light.

“Perhaps Vhagar will let me ride her, take our child on a little adventure,” you mused, thinking back to earlier.

She knew. Vhagar knew of the babe growing in your belly. With her and your husband together, no harm would ever dare come to your child.

You closed your eyes and reveled in the comfort of the moment.

Aemond chuckled lightly, nodding his head.

“Something to look forward to…They may claim a dragon too one day, just as their father once did.”

A roar echoed from the gates of the dragon pit.

authors note: vhagar is a softie, confirmed. husband aemond is starting to become my fav trope, enjoy <3

- alice +++

[cherryheairt]

Dragon Dreamer pt. V

sorry for the wait, I'm trying to do a mix of longer and shorter chaps depending on how much time I have. Love yall 🩷

tags- @beebeechaos @hueanhdang @emery-aka-emmy @r-3dlips @watermel0nsugarhigh @delaynew

cw- blood, death

"I'll find her." Cregan promised the she-dragon, not stopping to wonder if it understood his common tongue.

He sat upon Red's saddle, looking out into the dim forest. He prayed of the old Gods that she was only lost.

🗡

Daenys had yet to find her mysterious calling. It wasn't a voice or a message, but a persistent tug in the forefront of her unconscious mind. The snow seemed to fall harder the deeper she continued into the forest. She was unsure which way she had come from, but knew it didn't matter now.

White fortresses of snow grew all around her, trapping her from going any other direction. Squinting, she could barely make out a few feet in front of her face. This must be some cruel game the gods were playing, toying with the Princess before leading her to her doom. Perhaps a frozen lake would be fitting. She wouldn't even know that she was standing in the middle of one until she was frozen in the icy depths.

Or mayhaps a cliff so monstrous that the jagged edges left nothing of her mortal body left behind. Whatever it was, Daenys just wished she would reach it already. Now that she was wide-awake, the cold was getting to her, mentally and physically. Even the well-suited fur dress was not enough to keep her alive forever. She needed fire, warmth.

And what of her most recent vision? Tame in nature, but harrowing to her poor heart nonetheless. Daenys had never seen Rhaenyra so undignified before, flying on Syrax in a dirty, worn dress and covered in soot and sand. Her hair was in a loose braid, clearly one meant for sleep and not council duties. She was searching for something that no one else could find. A dragon, perhaps? Maybe Seasmoke had become active again after his depressive state from Laenor's passing. The grey dragon had always liked Rhaenyra. The married couple often rode their dragons together to spend time away from King's Landing. Daenys was sure it would obey her still.

But that look on her face. The same one she wore after returning from her birthing room, without baby Visenya in her arms. Puffy face, red eyes, downtrodded posture unbefitting of the new Queen. It was all the same in her dream, maybe even worse. Daenys was glad that her mother was with Syrax, for the she dragon would keep her safe no matter what.

She smiled slightly at the remembrance of Syrax, the princess dragoness. Though Morningstar was not born from Syrax's clutch, the two had bonded as if they were truly kin. Daenys had even commissioned an iron star-shaped chain to be the dragonsaddle's chestpiece. Rhaenyra had given Syrax a similar heart-shaped chestpiece in her youth and was happy to see the white dragon doning a matching article.

Daenys suddenly felt a pang in her heart, clutching the star necklace hanging at her neck. Guilty ate at her for leaving her loyal dragon behind. She missed her warmth.

She missed Cregan's, too.

She longed for either's protective embrace in this desolate wood.

"Find me," she whispered to the nothingness. The air seemed to still, freezing Daenys in place. She listened for something, anything. She no longer felt the incessant tug. Her mind cleared.

A crunch of snow was her answer.

But Daenys hadn't moved an inch.

"Cregan?" She asked, louder. "Are you here?"

No answer but the one in the wind, like a solemn wolf's howl.

Another crunch. Another step. Cregan would've answered her by now, surely. He was not one for callous pranks or jests. Daenys wasn't alone anymore. Was this the destination? Her mind's call? Would it be a wise seer, or a vessel sent by the gods to deliver a message? Swallowing, she hoped that the entity was merciful.

A low growl answered her desperate wishes.

A wolf.

Not Dusk.

Shit.

Daenys stilled her breaths, bracing her legs into the snow. What does a weaponless person do in the face of a predator? She'd never been taught such survival methods. The Red Keep's wildlife consisted of garden rabbits and squirrels, and Dragonstone had naught but sea creatures and crabs at its disposal.

Her eyes caught the slow movement of the creatures paw, striking dread straight into her heart. The form was smaller than Dusk, by a lot. Direwolves had a size no natural animal compared to. But this one seemed smaller than an average wolf, too. Perhaps a wolf in its teen years, just recently leaving its pack to stake his place in the world.

It was a slim thing, thick coat not enough to hide its ribs. Poor thing. It was starving, clearly. Daenys would have the heart to help it if only she wasn't the current prey he had in mind.

It was survival of the fittest in this world, after all. A dragon and a wolf. Any person with common sense would declare the dragon the victor before the fight could even start. But what was the blood of the dragon without the dragon? Daenys began to wonder if there was anything special about the Targaryens besides their dragons. They gained no special traits. No endurance, strength, speed. Without Morningstar, was Daenys worthy of her namesake? Lightbringer, the realm lovingly called the beast. Fearsome and powerful, a shame that the dragon will never be given glory like other dragons of history.

The dragon wouldn't be winning wars, protecting Westeros, or even stationed at a House to guard. All because of the rider she was bestowed.

A wolf does not care for blood.

They stared at each other, neither blinking nor moving.

Run or fight.

Run or fight?

Her only two options, and both would lead to her death. It wasn't nearly as merciful and quick as a frozen lake or a jagged cliff would be. No, she would be torn apart kicking and screaming.

If she charged it, would it run or have the courage to meet her head on? No, it would not back down. A starving dog hunts best. A starving wolf cannot risk failure.

What would Rhaenyra do? What would Daemon do?

Rhaenyra might stand her ground, ever the Dragon Queen she was. Mighty and proud, though she wielded no sword or plated armor.

Daemon wouldn't hesitate, drawing Dark Sister from its sheathe, beheading the wolf with a triumphant laugh.

Daenys was neither her mother nor her step-father, though she wished futility to be an image of them.

Cregan? Perhaps he would tame yet another wolf, seeing as he clearly had an affinity.

What would a northerner like Cregan Stark do in the face of a wild wolf? Unarmed, unshielded. Pray? Take the death as the will of the Gods? Maybe.

Daenys Velayron was far from a northerner. Fire and blood hot through her veins, not ice or faith. The way of the dragon was to be unchained, forever standing tall above the realm.

Though, wild animals have no reason to care for heritage or blood. The meat on her bones was all it could see.

A wolf does not care for blood.

Daenys exhaled, long and slow. Run or fight. Fighting a starved wolf meant death, instantly. Running gave her a chance at finding a tree or rock to climb–anything to get her a vantage point.

The choice was clear.

She just needed to act.

To turn your back on a predator was to sign your own life away.

Daenys, ever so slow, unbuckled her fur coat from her shoulders. The grey wolf eyed it, snarling. Its yellow eyes grew brighter, like two harvest moons shining against the fallen snow.

Daenys mustered up all the courage she could manage, heart pounding, throwing the fur coat across the distance to the wolf. Immediately, it took it in its maw and ripped its head back and forth wildly. If it were a hot-blooded prey, the coat would be dead with blood spattered all over the snow.

Daenys ran, wasting no time watching the display.

She hoped to blind it temporarily, but it catching the furs was a better outcome than missing entirely.

She panted, adrenaline coursing through her to give warmth and strength to her limbs. They burned with the sudden exertion. Daenys could hear the wolf throwing the fur away, not being able to gather any sustenance from the useless garb.

It barked frustratedly at her disappearance from his sight, quickly giving chase to the girl.

Daenys could only hear her heart beat out of her chest and the sounds of the snarling chasing her, closer every second. Her eyes flew around wildly, hoping to spot a low-hanging but sturdy branch. Kind of difficult when running at full speed. Screeching at a bite nipping at her heels, she jumped to the nearest branch she could reach, not having any time left to search. Daenys managed to pull half of her body over it before the wolf's teeth were on her skirts, tugging violently.

She cried out as she hit the cold floor, winded from the wall. The wolf planted itself over her, leaving no room for escape, nipping at her face. Her arm instinctively flew to protect her throat and face, resulting in the wolf's jaw clamping right down on her forearm. She screamed in agony, flames of pain running through her arm. She kicked at its flank while it snarled deep and heavily, salivating through her arm. The blood and saliva from her arm dripped down hot streaks to her face, blinding her.

When the wolf let go of her arm, bracing to go for more vital parts of her to end her squirming, Daenys accepted her fate. The kicks had done nothing. It hadn't moved an inch nor showed signs of pain. At least her death wouldn't be completely useless. The wolf would be fed, for perhaps a few weeks until it could find another easy prey.

Above her, the yellow eyes were lit with hungry and drive.

Daenys closed her eyes tight, hoping for the end to be swift.

But, she did not feel the jaws of death.

She felt the hot sting of blood being poored onto her exposed skin. She shot up, feeling the head of the wolf fall onto her chest. In a horrific pool of blood and bone, the wolf's head went to her lap as she sat up. Daenys froze, chest heaving with panicked breaths. She wanted to toss the head off of her, throw up, and cry all at once. But she was frozen with shock.

"Is that you, Princess?"

That was not Cregan.

Daenys lifted her gaze from the head to the voice. A man, tall and sharply built, dressed in all black. Perhaps close to Daemon's age, with a salt-and-peppered black beard and hair.

She could only stare at him, eyes wide with terror and adrenaline leaving her body. The pain in her arm was flaring, only growing as it bled onto the snow. It could hardlt be called snow anymore, the radious around Daenys was pure blood red, including herself. Her hair was dyed red, too, sullying into her usually perfect white. She was sure she would never feel clean again, that the hot blood would remain on her forever.

"My lady, focus on me." His words were stern as he knelt to meet the Princess, a hand on her face.

She listened, looking into his crystaline blue eyes. A northerner, he must be, born and raised. "...Ser?" She whispered, hoarse.

He nodded, focusing her face to his and not letting her gaze drift. "Where are you, Princess?"

The question startled her from despondency, confused. "Where am I? The North?" She asked.

He chuckled at her bemusement. "Aye, lass. Very good. What's your name?"

She felt annoyed suddenly, this man was asking very stupid and obvious questions. He called her Princess, he must know the answer. "Daenys Velayron. Who are you?"

"The man who saved your life. You're very welcome, by the way." He smirked crookedly, chortling when she only narrowed her eyes.

"Seamus Knott, at your service, My Lady. I am sworn to the Wall, though, so I am no Ser." He bowed dramatically, though his bitter smile showed his discontent with his position. Perhaps he was sent to the wall in a way he deemed unjustified. Whatever the reason was, Daenys did not want to be alone with him for long. The Night's Watch was loyal to the crown in respect only. She was content to visit, but only because Cregan would be there to look after her. Theives and rapers were a majority of the Watch, Daenys did not want to take any chances with them.

"Why are you so far from the wall, Seamus?" Daenys asked him, still sitting lamely in her spot.

He raised a brow, "why are you so far from your protector?"

She bristled, curling in on herself protectively. Had he been following them? For how long?

Seeing her demeanor shift, Seamus raised his hands in a show of surrender. "Not like that, your highness. I was simply speculating. A princess so far in the North hasnt happened in a century. You are news to us all. At Castle Black, we were informed that you would be arriving with Lord Stark soon."

It did make sense. Though, only three days had passed since they left–

"Step away from the Princess." A voice growled behind the Knott man. Daenys perked up at the sound, the familiar tone putting her heart and mind finally at ease. Ice was held straight to the back of his neck, a perfect extension of the Lord's arm.

Cregan stood tall and firm with his expression almost unreadable. Would he be angry with her for her recklessness, send her back to Dragonstone? Or perhaps he was more angry with the Night's Watch for spilling private information to all the residents.

"Cregan!" She gasped, trying to stand to her feet but was stopped by a wave of vertigo. Her feet were like water, unable to hold up any weight. She held her head with her uninjured hand, cradling the pain.

Cregan glanced at her briefly, brow furrowing at the state of her, before he stepped closer to Seamus. The tip was a mere inch away from the man's stubbled neck, though the older man paid it no mind. Grinning, "I saved the poor maiden, she'd be dead by now if I 'aden't. Where were you, Stark?"

Cregan's jaw ticked, "How did you find her? We're too far from any houses for this to be considered a mere coincidence." Clearly, he was ignoring the man's words. Probably because he was right. The blood had long cooled in on top of her, leaving the liquid to intensify her shivering.

Seamus looked down at him over his narrow nose, arrogantly sizing the lord up. His blood-covered steel sword was still at his side, clenched around a gloved fist. "I have been summoned weeks ago to head the beckoning of Lord Tully. I received a raven from Castle Black's Commander only a few days ago, informing me of the Warden escorting the Princess to the Wall. I merely wished to ensure our Princess' safety."

Cregan was unmoved. "I can handle that perfectly well. She is under my protection, my watch."

"Your watch hasn't even begun, Stark. You have no idea what it means to serve the wall. Sitting pretty in Winterfell while we work thanklessly for our keep." Seamus sneered, nasty expression twisting his uncomely features.

"Who's fault is that, Knott?" Cregan bit back. Daenys was left confused at their familiarity. Did they know each other?

Seamus' grip on his sword tightened, the leathery squeeze ringing in Daenys' ears unpleasantly. Her ears rang harshly, blood rushing to her head and drowning other sounds out. About to vomit her rabbit up or faint, she did not know. Dusk, who had been loyally by Cregan's legs, now moved to Daenys' side at the flick of his owner's wrist. She placed an unsteady hand on his brown shoulder, allowing him to take her weight as she leaned into his warmth. He wasn't quite as comforting as Cregan had been, but the relief was nice.

Dusk huffed into her ear, though he still stared up at Seamus the whole time. When Daenys fell asleep, the sound of steel sheathing filled her muffled ears.

🗡

She awoke to a weight over her body, bundled like a blanket. The strong scent of iron and wood filled her nose and surrounded her entirely. She opened her eyes to see Cregan at her side, under the cover of a tent. Looking around, she spotted none of her belongings. His tent. He crouched on his knee, tenderly wiping at her wound with a wet cloth. While he was deep in concentration, his brows knit together tightly, a frown dragging his handsome face down.

"Cregan?" He lifted his head to face her, turning his attention from her arm.

He smiled tightly at her, clearly still bothered by something. "My Lady, I'm glad to see you awake." Cregan told her earnestly.

Daenys sat up with his help, allowing his arm to linger at her back. "What happened to Seamus?"

Clenching his teeth, Cregan fought the urge to roll his eyes childishly. "Outside. Dusk is watching over him. I had to tend to you before I deal with him."

She kissed her teeth when she felt the sting of her arm come back. The wound was clean, though deep and raised. It would scar her for the rest of her life, a painful reminder of her dreadful night.

Cregan, noticing her downturned face, lifted her chin to look up at him instead. "It is a warrior's scar, Princess. We have that in common." He smiled more genuinely now as he lifted his sleeve to reveal his bicep, raised slightly with an old white scar, one that mirrored hers.

"Dusk bit you?" She gasped, brushing her fingertips over the scar. Gingerly, as if she thought it would still hurt him.

He chuckled fondly, watching her eyes rack over the scar. "When we first met. I was six and ten when I first became Lord of Winterfell. I was forced to imprison my uncle and his sons that day to take my place. I left for a solo hunt to be alone for a while.

He found me first. The size of a normal young wolf. We were hunting the same dear when I shot it down first. Dusk didn't take to kindly to that," He gestured to the teeth marks. "But I won that fight, gave him a scar to match. He's stayed by my side ever since." Cregan left out the part where he discovered his soul bonded to Dusk's, due to him being able to warg.

Daenys smiled, moving her hand away from his arm. "I'm glad I didn't have to fight Morningstar to get her to obey me." She laughed. Cregan laughed along, white teeth glinting in the light.

Cregan survived a direwolf attack all on his own when he was but a young man. Daenys would have died without assistance against her attacker when she was a woman grown. Clenching her jaw, she started, "I'm sorry for leaving last night. I...wish I could tell you my reasoning, but I don't know myself."

He took her face in his hand, inspecting it long and hard. Her violet eyes were half-lidded, a sign of her exhaustion. They still shined brightly in the day's light like they always did. Two perfect amethysts looking straight at him.

"You did nothing wrong, sweet girl." Cregan's thumb brushed the apple of her cheek, rubbing at the clear skin. She now noticed the feeling of the sticky blood was gone almost entirely, except from her dress. He had washed it all off of her in her unconsciousness. "You couldn't stop it, could you?"

Like he knew everything, Cregan seemed to hold all the wisdom in the world. Perhaps that was the result of being a Lord at six and ten. "I stopped walking when the wolf came." Daenys nodded.

He kept his hand in its place while he took a moment to think. "I should've been there, It's my duty to keep you safe, and I failed. Seamus is right, the creatin he is. If he hadn't come first, you wouldn't have come home to the Queen."

She smiled crookedly, telling him she was not upset. "From now on, I must insist." He focused entirely on her, making her face feel hot from the intensity. "You be with me at all times. In my tent, hunting with me, Hells, even on horseback with me if that's what it takes to keep you safe."

"I do not wish to be your burden, My Lord."

"I wish it," He shook his head, a secret pang in his heart that she hadn't called him by his name again.

"Even while you hunt? I am not quite as stealthy as you, I would just scare everything away."

"I will teach you." Cregan said firmly, leaving no further room for arguments. "We will stay in larger clearings from now on, even if it means walking greater distances. I want Morningstar to be with us as we sleep. I do not trust Knott."

"Speaking of," she started, tentatively. "How do you know him?"

He sighed deeply, reaching into his satchel bag to grab a roll of bandage. While he worked on wrapping her arm, he spoke. "My father and him grew up together. His brother, the Knott heir, warded with my father for some time to learn his Lordly duties. Seamus just tagged along because his father wished to be rid of him. He was a jealous, spiteful person even as a boy. When their father passed, he left everything to his rightful heir Kent.

Seamus killed him when he had not even been Lord for a year. He was sent to the Night's Watch by my father, a worse punishment than death for a man who only cares for titles and power. In the Watch, all brothers are equal."

"I do not want to kill him because he saved your life. I also do not want him anywhere near you." Cregan grit his teeth, frustrated at his torn opinions. He owed the man what he asked of, which was simply to accompany Cregan and Daenys to the Wall. Cregan cursed himself for his own honor, the Lord of Winterfell always kept his word.

"I promise, if he does anything, anything, to make you uncomfortable, I will take care of him." Cregan told her, earning a short nod from the Princess.

He stood, bandage firmly in place, helping her up with a sturdy hand. "Change your dress and wash up, then I will bring you hunting." It was too early to allow her to sleep, he wanted her to sleep tonight so that they may only travel during the day. They had completely lost this day thanks for the circumstances, and he wanted to spend the remaining time doing something useful. Also, he wanted to keep his mind of maiming Seamus where he stood.

While Daenys changed, she grimaced at the sight of blood that had made it way further down her dress. The garment was not fixable without a miracle, so she left it outside of the tent for Dusk to use as a temporary bed. Less weight for Mylo to carry, she supposed. Daenys scrubbed the dried blood from her neck and chest, not yet able to clean out her hair. That would take running water, not a damp cloth.

Stepping outside, she doned a new white dress, lined with grey fur. The sight of grey reminded her of the young wolf, filling her heart with guilt. She hoped he hadn't felt fear or pain in his quick end. She was met with Seamus, standing a few yards away from her tent. He wore a wild and proud grin, baring his teeth to her.

"Princess! You're awake, how delightful." She nodded her greeting stiffly. "I have a gift for you to take home, a proper warrior's trophy for the Queen." He presented the wolf's head from a bag attached to his belt, its yellow eyes still wide open, but holding none of its previous hunger. Daenys gasped in horror, bringing a hand to her neck. Cregan, who'd been waiting near the edge of camp for her, strided forward.

"Is this a cruel joke on your Princess, Knott?" He began, hand hovering over Ice. Before Seamus or Cregan could begin to argue again, Daenys rushed forward to take the pup's head in her hands. Both men stared at her in surprise.

Without saying a word, though she had many specific words for the brute, she gently held the wolf's severed head as she brought it to Morningstar, who had been laying in the edge of the clearing. She looked grumpy already, perhaps because of the direwolve's irritating presence, but purred when she saw Daenys finally coming to her. Daenys sat the head gently in front of the dragon's head, "Daor havor."

"Dracarys." Daenys commanded the mighty dragon, stepping back many paces. The three people, and the curious direwolf, watched on as the dragon scorched the head until it was naught but ash. The snow around the head had melted to reveal black burnt ground. Silence filled the campground. Daenys bowed her head, whispering to herself. "Kostagon aōha iemny sagon forever lēda sir"

She turned to look up at Seamus, who had a strange look on his face. "That was a cruel thing to do, ser. Not to me, but to the poor animal who lost it's life to starvation."

Seamus clenched his jaw at the scorning, never having been told off by a girl, much less a younger one. "Aye, Princess." Was all he said, trodding off to sulk in his own small tent.

Daenys looked to Cregan, who smiled softly at her. "That was kind of you, my Lady."

She thanked him, "could we find a river before our hunt? I wish to rid my hair of this blood before it becomes permanently red."

He laughed jovially, agreeing. "I do not think red hair would fit you. White is your color." He gestured towards her dress, then to her dragon, making her grin warmly.

🗡

Cregan led her to the nearest water source he could find, merely a small stream, but it would work just fine. Politely, Cregan turned away, although she wasn't taking any garments off. She snickered to herself at his chivalrous attitude, refusing to watch a lady wash her own hair. It took a lot of scrubbing and numb fingers before she was finally content, seeing no more red wash out.

"How does this look?" She asked the man behind her, who turned to inspect her. Wet hair still dripping onto her furs, she looked as lovely and youthful as ever. Her hair seemed longer, curls not yet bunching it up. "Beautiful, my Lady." He offered her a hand. Daenys hoped that her cheeks were not visibly red at the simple compliment as she was lifted by Cregan.

He smiled that secretive grin once again, walking ahead of her. "We will set a snare up first. Then, I'll teach you how to make a kill."

Daenys swallowed harshly. The last thing she wanted to do was kill another animal. She knew it was necessary, though. The Gods would not be spiteful for Daenys filling her stomach.

She followed Cregan into the denser part of the woods, carefully stepping in every place he did. After a while of her silence, he glanced behind himself with a concerned look, only to stifle a laugh at her delicate tiptoeing. He shook his head good-naturedly, grateful that she was trying.

Daenys watched him carefully set up a snare with the coil of metal wire in his pocket. They both crouched over it, leaving it in by a rabbithole before moving on to set another. This time, Cregan gently instructed her to do her own. It took a while, almost thrice the time he took, but he never got impaitient with her. Finally, she set the wire to the sticks coming out of the snow, triumphantly looking to Cregan for approval. "You're a natural born hunter, Princess." He declared, watching her smile with pride.

The two sat far from their many snares for hours, sitting against a sturdy pine. No words were needed as they kept a comfortable silence between them, Daenys finding herself struggling to stay awake with the peaceful atmosphere. Cregan glanced to her from her side, placing a hand over hers. He traced symbols, cracked joints, and tapped their fingers together rhymically to a pattern she followed by doing the same back to him. The focus kept her awake, her mind on the new task.

As the sun was near setting, Cregan led her to his snares first, picking up two rabbits and his wires. He whispered Northern words of respect for the animal before swiftly stabbing it in the heart. They inspected Daenys' next, finding one rabbit struggling in it. She hesitated to step forward, only urged on by Cregan. "Here," he handed her his dagger, a fine piece of steel that had a direwolf's head placed on the pommel. She kneeled next to the rabbit, thanking it quietly for its sacrifice. She took a deep breath it, releasing it as she stabbed into the white chest. Daenys paused a moment, grimacing. Blood stained her leather gloves, another reminder of the wolf. He would haunt her forever, it seemed. She clutched the rabbit gently in her arms, holding it like she held baby Aegon and Viserys. Cregan fondly smiled at her. "You did well, Princess." They collected the wire, walking back to the campsite. After wiping the dagger off with a kerchief, she handed it back to him.

Cregan gently pushed it to her chest, shaking his head. "Keep that one on you. So I know you're safe, even if we're apart."

Daenys, awestruck, nodding slowly. This was her first gift from a person that wasn't her kin and not a new dress or piece of jewelry. "I will keep it safe." She grinned up at him, earning a hearty chuckle.

They burned one of the rabbits over the fire, sharing it amongst themselves. It seemed like Dusk had gone on his own hunt, gnawing on the leftover bones of his dinner. While Daenys and Cregan settled into his tent for bed, she felt too tired to be nervous. His comforting scent surrounded her like a blanket, his warmth radiating throughout the tent. He slept without the furs of his cloak, a wonder that Daenys was curious about. Did he run so hot that the chill of night didn't bother him, only needing one fur blanket?

Shaking the thoughts from her mind, Daenys snuggled into the furs he had given her for her own tent, almost grumbling at their lack of distinct scent. The two fell asleep side by side, the purrs of Morningstar soothing them to sleep.

Daor havor - not food

a wolf does not care for blood

Kostagon aōha iemny sagon forever lēda sir - may your stomach be forever full now

beheadings have become a trend in westeros, i see. i just remembered robb's direwolf and how he was grey.

did you catch that double meaning lol

also rip grey wolf, you would have loved being housed and fed in Winterfell by Cregan

I'm thinking that Morningstar is the child of Silverwing and Vermithor since they're a mated pair. We don't know if they produce asexually or not, so idk. Definitely Silverwing's baby though, since she's the only white dragon alive, but when I imagine Morningstar I see a white smaller version of Vermithor, I adore his horn and face design.

Who knows, the dragons seemed to be random colors. Arrax is white and Vermax is green, even though Syrax is yellow and theres no male whites or greens

[intoxicated-chan]

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏 ༻ 𝐀 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬

(A/n) ➳ Going over this, I just now realize how similar it is to the first episode of House of the Dragon and I apologize for that! Feedback is greatly appreciated!! Take care of yourselves and take a break, eat a snack, drink some water!!

Word Count ➳ 2.7k

Content Warnings ➳ 3rd, P.O.V, violence, blood, injury, mentions the Doom of Valyria, mentions of death…

AWOIAF Masterlist

The sun set hours ago… Lake-town was cold enough during the day and when the sun came down, it felt like a winter storm.

Bard was preparing to set off to collect fish again. He hated leaving for so long and coming home for a day or two, it broke his heart whenever he had to tell his children he was leaving again.

Bard climbed the wooden planks and up to the rooftop where his young son, Bain, sat. He leaned back, his head up towards the sky with widened eyes.

“Come Bain, it’s cold.” Bard said, his arms resting on the rooftop. “It’s time for bed.”

Bain turned to his father. “Da, is the dragon gonna come for us? Like the one in the stories you told us?”

Bard hopped onto the rooftop, kneeling to his son. “No, son. The dragon sleeps within Erebor. It has for a hundred years.”

But Bain pointed to the sky. “But there’s one.”

Bard followed his finger and squinted. He felt his heart drop when he saw the shadowy figure soaring through the sky. He could barely make out the size or his wingspan.

A gasp left his lips as he grabbed his son’s shoulders. “Go, go inside.” He demanded, pushing him. But his eyes remained on the dragon. “Quickly now.”

Watching him take a couple of laps around the Lonely Mountains. His heart raced, was the dragon trying to tempt Smaug? He followed his son inside, trying to remain calm for his children.

He didn’t see the dragon descend towards Mirkwood.

The dragon flapped his wings as he touched the ground, sending out a cloud of dust, twigs, and leaves out of his way.

The dragon grumbled as the guards surrounded him. “Rȳbās.” His rider told him, taking off the leather belts that held her to the saddle. “Lykirī.”

The dragon bent his neck, allowing the rider to dismount. She smiled rather widely, running her hands along his scaly neck and to his head.

She placed her hand under his eye, seeing her reflection in his eye. She laughed as her dragon rumbled under her touch, she placed her forehead onto his skin, closing her eyes, humming a soft tune.

Tauriel approached her with a stern expression. Usually, she would happily greet her but considering that nobody was supposed to be leaving Mirkwood, let alone at midnight, she was frustrated.

“The King does not like repeating himself.” Tauriel warned her, coming close even if the dragon seemed to be displeased. “No one is allowed to leave unless granted.”

She pulled back from her dragon and turned to face her, the smile still on her face. “Aegar is more than big enough to saddle two. I know how much you love the sky.”

Taruiel shook her head in disappointment. “Come, the King wishes to speak to you.” She walked with some of the guards, two waiting for her.

She sighed and followed her, leaving Aegar to lay and rest.

She may have been here her entire life, but the Kingdom of Mirkwood never ceased to amaze her. They have been friends for her entire life as Tauriel was the one who taught her how to use a bow from a young age.

They walked arm in arm through the halls of Mirkwood. Tauriel found herself unable to contain her laughter and smile.

“It is difficult to understand you.” Tauriel giggled. “Do you take pleasure in seeing all of us scramble to locate you?”

(Y/n) grinned sheepishly. “Admit it. You wish to ride a dragon.”

“I believe I’m content with seeing you fly.”

“Your loss.” She pushed her lightly. “So tell me, how angry is he?”

(Y/n) then pulled her arm back as they approached the throne room, Thranduil sat there, observing a jewel in his hands.

Tauriel took her leave but not before looking back at her, her smile had faded but she remained calm. Tauriel left before Thranduil could say anything else to her.

“(Y/n).” Thranduil’s voice was calm yet assertive. But there was an edge of frustration. “You know how I feel about these reckless flights of yours. And to venture out without my permission, disappointing.”

(Y/n) bowed her head, her gaze focused on the floor. “Forgive me, My Lord.” She replied. “Yet you don’t allow me to go flying with your permission.”

Thranduil sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You must remember there are dangers out there, worse than what Aegar poses. You dare fly close to Erebor? Are you asking to battle with Smaug? A dragon three or more times larger than Aegar. He may be a dragon but you are not.”

(Y/n) straightened, lifting her head to meet his eyes. “Aegar is strong, he is loyal. I wouldn’t dare use him as a weapon.”

“The time is coming, (Y/n). You are a formidable soldier, you two make quite a team.” Thranduil admitted. But with a wave of his hand, he dismissed her. “Take a bath, you stink of dragon.”

It has been several days since Thranduil warned (Y/n). His words lingered in her head.

She shouldn’t have to feel frustrated with him, afterall, he was the one to find the items left behind by your family.

There were many things gifted to her when she was old enough to read. Books of her great- great- something grandfather’s handwriting, it was worn, some words difficult to read.

Before she even learned of High Valyrian, she thought the words were a remembrance of her home or maybe her family. But no.

It was far from it. A warning.

Zaldrīzes buzdari iksos daor.

A dragon is not a slave.

She managed to grasp her forebear’s language with some help but she wouldn’t say she mastered the tongue of High Valyrian. Rather, she knew the basics.

It was noon, the sun casting a warm glow over the wooden yard. (Y/n) focused on fastening the leather straps to the saddle, she had a feeling that it was becoming loose.

Aegar laid comfortably on the ground, snoring.

Legolas leaned against a nearby tree, watching her and noticing the furrowed brow that she had for nearly an hour.

“Something is on your mind.” Legolas commented. “Speak, looking bothered does not suit you.”

(Y/n) paused, her fingers picking at the old and peeling leather. “It is nothing.” Offering a smile.

But Legolas saw through her smile, he could see it in her eyes. “You forget I know you, I knew you from the start… You’re worried that once Aegar is old enough, you’ll be forgotten.”

She sighed, tying the leather back into the saddle. “I only worry for Tauriel. The King does not respect her enough.”

“You worry too much, you need to place some of it on yourself and Aegar.” Legolas stepped forward. “You have earned your place here.”

“I have no place here. My home is gone and I’m an outsider, I’m no elf. If I had not appeared with my dragon, Thranduil would’ve sent me away.” She explained, standing to her feet as she observed the saddle.

Legolas was ready to push that idea out of her head. He had no idea she thought of herself so lowly. He grabbed her arm.

Tauriel suddenly appeared. “There’s trouble.” She announced tension in her voice. “The King has ordered another nest to get rid of.”

(Y/n) pulled her arm back. “Aegar!” She shouted, waking him up from his slumber. “Iōrās.”

Aegar stood on his feet, stretching his wings. She grabbed the ropes to mount him.

“(Y/n), wait,” Tauriel grabbed her hand. “The King has requested you stay behind.”

(Y/n) frowned and scoffed. “It would be easier if Aegar-”

But she could see it in Tauriel’s eyes, Thranduil was going to keep her and her dragon here. “A dense forest with a large dragon?” Tauriel laid it out for her. “He fears the damage it could cause. Aegar could not maneuver properly in those woods.”

“Alright.” She muttered, stepping away from Aegar. “Alright.”

“I’m sorry.”

(Y/n) watched them go, annoyed and saddened. She longed to be by their side, joining them in a fight.

Thranduil was going to make her wait and watch. He was going to make her feel like a burden. His way was punishment.

(Y/n) watched from the corner, watching as each dwarf was pushed into a cell. Their complaints were falling on death’s ears.

She stepped out from the shadows and towards Legolas’s direction, wanting to know where the dwarves came from.

“What do you know of dragons, girl?” The dwarf’s voice was gruff, laced with bitterness as he eyed the dragon sigils embroidered into her clothing. “You wear it like a badge of honor.”

(Y/n) eyed him as well, realizing who the dwarf in the cell was. “You’re Thorin Oakenshield? Heir to the throne of Erebor.”

Thorin’s fists clenched around the iron bars. “You have yet to answer my question.”

(Y/n)’s eyes widened in amazement. “I cannot believe it. I’ve-”

“(Y/n)! Dina!” Legolas commanded her to come. “Get away from the dwarf.”

With that, she walked away, leaving no room for Thorin or (Y/n) to say anything.

“Must you speak to them?” Legolas sneered, following you down the steps. “What reason do you have?”

“I’ve always wanted to see the infamous Thorin Oakenshield. It was not disappointing.”

“...Is it?”

(Y/n) nodded, a smile on her lips. “Yes. If what they say is true… If they reclaim the mountain, I would love to see the glory of Erebor.”

Legolas froze in his steps. “I am beginning to wonder where your allegiance lies.”

“What makes you wonder that?”

“...Go, I need to report to the King.”

She rolled her eyes, asking herself if her curiosity made Legolas or anyone else question her loyalty.

Of course, her loyalty lies with Thranduil, he saved her and took a human and a dragon in. A human not from this world.

The sun had begun to set when (Y/n) stood at Thorin’s cell. “Might I ask you something?” She began, breaking the silence.

He looked up at her, eyes wary. “What is it? Dragon rider?”

“If you had no memories of the kingdom or its riches, would you still fight to reclaim it?”

“Yes.” He answered without hesitation. “For it is not the gold or treasures that drive me, but the honor and memory of my kin who were lost. To reclaim Erebor is to honor their memory, to give those who wish for their home.”

He stepped closer to the bars as he spoke his words, loudly enough for the rest of the Company to hear. He spoke with bravery and pride, not a single ounce of shame in them.

(Y/n) listened to his words closely. It made her think of her own home, the writing of the book could not describe the doom correctly.

Only a dream, unsure if it came true…

(Y/n) became lost in her thoughts, she began to speak aloud. “I wonder…” She uttered. “What it would be to see Valyria, to walk the streets, see the dragons fly into the sky with my people on its back. I wonder if any Targaryens remain.”

She sighed, sitting down on the steps. “I wonder if the dream was true and the doom of my home was correct.”

Thorin, still irate from the encounter from earlier but genuinely curious about her side of dragons, sat as well. “Was it taken?”

“It was destroyed. A Targaryen had a dream, D… Daenys had a dream. She had foresaw the destruction. But I have no way to know if it was true, I do not know if Valyria still stands or if any Targaryens remain to rule the skies.”

(Y/n) looked up to the ceiling, closing her eyes to remember how Valyria was described. “To be home. I would give my life just to see it.”

“…May you find your way home, dragon rider… And safely.”

It was a chaotic scene. The dwarves and Bilbo found themselves stuck in wine barrels but their path down the rough rivers were blocked by the portcullis.

Kili’s cry was loudly heard as he fell back, clutching his leg that the Morgul arrow stuck out of.

“Kili.”

Thorin felt his heart sink, hearing his nephew’s cries as he was unable to do anything.

Legolas, Tauriel, and the other Elves fought against Blog and his party.

The Orcs were relentless, fighting to the point until their bodies gave out and welcomed death.

Arrows flew into their bodies, daggers stabbed into their hearts or heads.

Kili’s eyes shut tightly, hissing loudly as he attempted to get back up.

His eyes opened and widened, his eyelids fluttering as the pain was flowing throughout his body… He could see a dragon flying… A dragon?

He could make out the dragon’s silhouette against the sunlight, circling the river before he saw him make a dive. He could hear him roar, loudly.

Tauriel’s eyes immediately shot to the sky, Aegar’s body casting a shadow over the river.

Aegar descended from the sky and landed into the river, his landing sending waves that splashed anyone close.

Thorin couldn’t see Aegar but the sound of his roar was enough to send chills down his back. He looked back and saw the rest of his Company staring up at the dragon.

(Y/n) swiftly unchained herself from the saddle, her feet hitting the ground. She drew her sword, cutting down the Orc coming towards Kili.

She took a quick glance around and estimated the amount of Orcs, she could hear another group coming.

Aegar let out another roar, lunging forward and his massive jaws snapped shut on the nearest orc, easily crushing him into two pieces.

He exhaled a quick stream of flame at the incoming group, the Orcs screaming as they threw themselves into the river.

The Orc swung his ax at her, she ducked and cut his leg, making him kneel with a shriek. She pierced his head with force, making sure he was dead.

She continued to cut through the Orcs with Aegar protecting her, coming down on an Orc that nearly came down on her.

“Tauriel!” She shouted as she tossed one of her daggers past Tauriel’s head.

She grabbed the dagger lodged into the Orc’s chest to stab it once more before using it on another, she tossed it back and (Y/n) caught it.

She heard Kili loudly groan once again, Thorin’s Company were sitting ducks in those barrels and they could only do so much with little to no weapons.

That’s when she noticed why the Company was just floating. The portcullis was shut. It must’ve been why Kili wasn’t in his barrel and why he was on the ground, holding his knee.

(Y/n) dodged another Orc’s attack, managing to move behind him. She grabbed his head and slid her blade across his neck, she then let him fall to the ground.

She came to Kili’s side. “Now’s your chance!” She stated, crossing blades with another. “Go! Before they outnumber us all!”

Kili managed to conjure whatever strength he had left and grabbed the lever, opening the portcullis, and allowing the Company to escape.

“Kili!” His brother cried out, watching Kili slump to the ground once again but push himself into the barrel.

Kili felt and heard the arrow snap, sending another wave of agony throughout his weakening body.

(Y/n) watched as one-by-one, the Company fell into the water and their barrels carried them through the rough stream.

She turned back the Orcs, immediately impaling one Orc coming down on an Elf, and used her dagger to finish the job.

She looked up at Legolas drawing another arrow. “Secure Mirkwood.” He ordered. “Worry about damages later.”

Legolas ran off, following the Orcs that were focused on the Company, Tauriel was behind him.

She rushed to Aegar, she climbed onto Aegar who lowered his neck, allowing her to quickly settle herself.

“Sōvēs!” Aegar began to run, flapping his wings a couple of times before taking off.

(Y/n) directed him towards the gates, wanting to spread the word first. Thorin looks back into the sky, watching Aegar and noticing (Y/n) upon his back.

© Intoxicated-Chan 2024, I do not allow my work to be copied, translated, modified, adapted, or put on any other platform without my permission.

Taglist ➳ @mrsdurin , @marsmallow433 , @oneiratxxia10 ,

[bonefall]

again looking over the reworked history what the hell happened with Ripwater, I wanna know. What *was* that? How did Riverclan kill it?

Oooooh, quite a request! Ripwater, Queen of the Lake, one of the episodes of BB!Po3!

Ripwater is a Wels Catfish, the largest freshwater fish in Europe. The biggest specimen EVER caught was just landed last year, in 2023, 9.4 feet long. It wasn't weighed, but smaller fish than this one have broken 300 pounds.

And it's not a good thing that we're catching so many big ones.

Wels catfish are extremely invasive across most of Europe, introduced for anglers who want to land record-setting catches. They're massive, intelligent carnivores, sometimes called the "freshwater orca" because they will lunge out of the water to catch land prey. They DESTROY the population of anything big enough to fit in its terrible mouth, including fish, amphibians, and even turtles.

They get that big from a mix of constant food and hot temperature. It's a sign that they're devastating their surroundings, and that nothing has been able to kill them for the decades it takes to get so large.

So of course, some dunderhead put them in British rivers, where they've been spreading upwards ever since. Thankfully they thrive better where it's warmer, so they're not too massive of a threat to BB's modeled regions in Northwestern England, but they're fucking coming.

Ripwater's name isn't an exaggeration. That's how they hunt. They gape their jaw and beat their fins like dragons, creating eddies and currents that suck their hapless prey in. When RiverClan names her, it's because they see her ripping the water in half. I was thinking about her recently, and came up with some new stuff. I'll take a brief break from my drafts to serve up some fragments for you.

[A gray cat with blue eyes, Lakepaw, later BB!Lakeheart, swims in bluegreen water surrounded by lilypads. Below her is the massive shadow of Ripwater, a gigantic Wels Catfish. Its eyes flash in the depths.]

SMALL RECAP OF BB!PO3: (to set the stage)

It is now a breather arc, just dedicated to some worldbuilding!

I feel pretty strongly that Po3's strength is how AWESOME of a slice-of-life arc it could have been. To this end, I removed the Kin of your Kin prophecy from it, until it's revealed only at the very end just before Cruel Season.

That's so I can focus on The Three and their adventures around the lake, without this big prophecy looming over them and making the lower-stakes conflicts look small.

Instead, the various episodes of Po3 are related to problems that their new home presents, with just a teeny bit of Sol's magical influence to spice things up.

While Lionpaw learns about the "meaning of strength" and ultimately learns a terrible lesson he will extend to his kits, and Jaypaw finds his limits and learns to prevent others from defining them for him, Hollypaw is grappling with Fire Alone and how to reconcile her grandfather's legacy with her strict dedication to the Warrior Code.

And SO we find ourselves in one of the earliest episodes of BB!Po3; Ripwater the River Demon. This is like... episode 3 or 4, it's a REALLY early one.

I'm just shuffling it around with ANOTHER RiverClan-centric episode; the Shinewater Plague. The oilspill from TNP is now going to be bumped up to Po3 so it's more about establishing Mothwing and her apprentice Willowpaw, to contrast Leafpool and her apprentice Hollypaw, before Holly swaps to being a warrior. Jaypaw completes warrior training before becoming a Cleric apprentice.

So I don't want them to be TOO close together. Maybe put Ripwater in Book 2 and have RiverClan comment that they don't really want to ask for help because of the last big event, Mistystar hates feeling indebted to ThunderClan.

After all, it could basically replace the "flood" episode from Canon Po3, which is often forgotten about anyway. I'm already having ShadowClan construct dams instead of RiverClan anyway...

ANYWAY RIPWATER

I want to start this episode off with Sol/Harry, who is unnamed, messing around near water. He has a bit of a fish motif going on that I want to establish, and I need to get him to start messing with the Clans good and early.

(Specifically his motif is going back and forth between the koi, also an invasive and notably domesticated species, and the atlantic salmon which is famous for its changing life cycle.)

The Wels Catfish is an invasive species to England, slowly making its way up the island from the South. The fish who will become Ripwater, at this point, is already HUGE but not cat-swallowing huge. She's an 80-pounder.

Sol hits her with some godly magic, which allows her to grow at a rapid rate.

The sort of thing where it wouldn't be COMPLETELY implausible. He just... helped it along.

When we get to her first true on-screen appearance interacting with RiverClan, she is nearly 300 pounds of monstrosity with a length of about 8 feet

I'm unsure how, exactly, ThunderClan comes to know of this. But I DO know that I want Hollypaw to be snooping, and heavily encouraged by her mentor Brackenfur to do so. So, somehow, SOMETHING starts going wrong across the lake and ThunderClan catches wind of it.

Thinking about it, this should probably be her first big action after swapping out of Cleric apprenticeship.

One of the few things she's missing about Clerichood is the way she could be close to Willowpaw without needing to sneak around so much. It's easier to just pass it off as "friendship" and "Clerics need to be close." Leafpool and Mothwing are a similar way.

Possibly work in that Hollypaw's also already seeing Heatherpaw in the tunnels, contrast the two things...

At this point, Hollypaw has a crush on Willowpaw, which is requited, but... it's kinda fading.

She still loves her like a friend, but she's liking Heatherpaw a lot more. It doesn't mean she doesn't CARE for Willowpaw, of course, but

Willowpaw is still IN love, and it's slowly becoming unrequited, when it didn't used to be.

And from RiverClan's POV...

The first disappearance is so sudden they have no idea what's happened. I'm planning for it to be Robinpaw.

(I go back and forth on if it's Robinpaw or Dapplepaw, but I'm leaning towards Robinpaw again, because I like Dapplenose too much to have her get killed off here.)

She went out clamming in the lake with her sisters, Lakepaw and Otterpaw, there was a swirl in the water, and that was it. She was gone.

Just like that.

She never came back up. RiverClan searched for her, following the currents, checking the shoreline, everything. It was like she vanished.

Mistystar is suspicious and doing everything in her power to figure out what happened, but... let's face it. It's the word of two apprentices, who were swimming alone, who swear Robinpaw just went under.

Misty JUST got done with the Shinewater Plague and isn't trying to make RiverClan look like it can't keep track of its own young. The most likely situation is that Robinpaw was sucked down by an undertow that the three of them were too inexperienced to recognize.

So... she's pretty adamant about not sharing this information until Robinpaw's body is found. Jaws Style. "We cannot let the other Clans be alarmed by this, else they might meddle in our affairs..."

(and she's still maybe a little paranoid that some snoop in another Clan is going to find out that Leopardstar wasn't killed by a rogue, y'know.)

I don't want it to be TOO much of a bloodbath, so I'm capping Ripwater's body count at three and just aiming for two deaths total.

I'm also going for a coincidence RiverClan is going to interpret as a pattern; this happens a lot, specifically, when they're hunting Freshwater Pearl Mussels.

Ripwater doesn't like the river as much as she likes the lake, but it has nothing to do with their clamming. They're just going to interpret it as such.

Anyway.

The next one she goes after was lucky. By some stroke, she opens her jaw, and the victim is able to grab onto something before they're sucked in. (Maybe toss in something here were it was Holly who was able to help save them.)

Since the WHOLE Po3 Apprentice Generation is going to be getting more focus, there needs to be more input from the RiverClan apprentices. Lakepaw and Otterpaw obviously need time here, but I also NEED to involve Ripplepaw, to establish how he's going to be seen as one of the strongest in RiverClan by OotS.

EDIT FROM THE FUTURE AS I FIGURED STUFF OUT:

It was Ripplepaw, Otterpaw, and their two mentors on a raft who were attacked next. They were fishing for mussels in a shallower part of the lake.

Otterpaw was tethered to the raft with a flax lead, so it wouldn't float off. Or just tugging it in her mouth. Either way she had a line.

When Ripwater attacks her, she is swallowed on the line like a worm on a hook

And it starts pulling the WHOLE RAFT down, just a crummy bundle of sticks

One of the mentors started shouting to cut the line, else it would drag all of them under, but Ripplepaw dives right down to beat its ass without telling them he's not gonna cut it

Hollypaw just rushed right in, didn't think about it, forgetting she was supposed to be trying to sneak around

Taking control as the natural leader she is, she ordered them to shut up and start pulling the opposite way

Underwater, Ripplepaw braced himself against the fish's lips, grabs Otter's tether, and YANKS

Abovewater, the adult warriors are pulling together, Holly grabs the raft and pulls too

Once their paws touch the bottom of the shallows it's over, one last HEAVE-HO and POP!

Otterpaw is FREE

And when it's finally known that the apprentices weren't mistaken, there's a monster in the water, THAT'S when the debate really starts up. Mistystar does NOT want ThunderClan meddling, and she'll already be pissed off that Hollypaw (and any OTHERS who tagged along with her, I wouldn't put it past Honeypaw to wriggle her little yellow butt into a later draft, or Lionpaw for his massive strength) witnessed something that's not her business.

There's a moment from canon I desperately want to keep; where Squirrelflight comes to fetch her daughter.

(more reason to just say this is replacing The Flood Episode from canon lmao)

It's such an interesting moment, and so forgotten. In a nutshell, Squilf is both furious and concerned that her kit went missing and meddled in another Clan's affairs, but... understands the impulse.

Because it's something she would have done.

So when she scolds Hollypaw, there's this aching feeling that she's scolding a younger version of herself. Calling her arrogant and disloyal, that an apprentice's opinions mean less, and that she needs to listen to "older and wiser" warriors within her own Clan.

In BB, I want to do something big with this. Firestar is the figurehead of Fire Alone, who encouraged Hollypaw's behavior through his deputy, Brackenfur, who he set as her mentor for a reason.

But Squirrelflight is being abused. By Brambleclaw.

This is one of the lowest points in Squirrelflight's life, and she is walking a line between self-worth, the warrior code, and her personal beliefs, just like her daughter is.

SO, since I'm already using Brambleclaw's enabling of Ashfur's physical abuse as one of the contributing factors to Hollyleaf's descent, I ALSO want to show how he acts on other characters.

Brambleclaw, Clan Culture, the pressures of their strength-obsessed social system. So it's gotta be Squirrelflight that reminds her, or even plants the seed in her head;

"What you did isn't consistent with the Warrior Code."

Maybe even have Mistystar herself state this earlier, to be echoed by Squirrelflight, offering an alternate perspective to Hollypaw. Make her realize that ThunderClan's political leanings are not universal or even popular.

But when Hollypaw comes back to ThunderClan, whoever set her to be a snoop wants her to spill the beans. This is also a big WIP part, as Hollypaw struggles with if she's going to obey or not, and I still need to set all the political "players" in this moment.

I know for sure, though, that Firestar's IMMEDIATE desire is to meddle like it's an episode of Scooby-Doo. Though he's savvy enough to be smart about how he phrases it and what actions he takes, his ultimate goal is to put his little cheeto-dust paws all over this. And Hollypaw is starting to question how appropriate that actually is.

This is where it starts to really be a rip in Holly's mind. Clans aren't JUST big, blanket groups with united opinions, they're collections of individuals. Mistystar doesn't want meddling, but Willowpaw is in danger. Otterpaw and Lakepaw went all that time without being believed, after they watched their sister die, because they're lowly apprentices like her. Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw are angry and disappointed, while Firestar and Brackenfur are secretly lathering her in praise.

Now imagine me standing in front of a big board where I'm writing ??? because there's a missing chunk here.

I need to connect THIS part to what comes next, which is where ThunderClan DOES come in and help out. Here's the thought process going on in RiverClan;

Willowpaw comes in to do something important. She adores Hollypaw, knows her value as a Cleric, and knows that StarClan can sway Mistystar.

I want her to have a couple of pieces of a vision... BUT. She decides to interpret it in a way that's convenient, and add a few details.

It's not a tooootal lie lmao. It's just 75% true.

This is the true power of Clerics, when they realize it. No one can actually challenge them without just ignoring them or stripping them of power. They are accountable to StarClan alone.

A mentor simply doesn't say this out loud to their apprentice. It's a quiet secret. And Willowpaw just realized it.

and thinking about it... this should be the thing that finally breaks the budding romance Holly and Willow had. Holly is sickened by this, when Willow confesses how she convinced RiverClan to work with ThunderClan.

But, without even being a full Warrior, the apprentice leverages her power as Cleric of RiverClan, and 200 skill points of Improv Acting, to tell them these things;

"StarClan is so angry with us that they've sent a hog to the water! It's why they've sent a ThunderClan apprentice, we must work with them to eliminate the beast that lurks in our waters. With spears and plans, we must hunt it honorably!"

(Mistystar is defensive, but it's not known why) "We haven't disobeyed StarClan in any way. We'd already accepted their help once before, when sickness drove us to weakness, and it's only let them think they can disrespect our borders as they please. This can't be the holy will of our ancestors."

"It's-- We've been disrespecting this bountiful new land that they've so generously given us. That's what the pile of shells in my dream was. Think about it! The last attack was on the shore where we collect mussels. The second attack was on a cat latched to a raft, and it was only the tether that saved them. And the first..."

IVE GOT AN IDEA, Robin, Lake, and Otter WEREN'T clamming when they were attacked. She gestures over to Lake, knowing that if she doesn't back her up, the theory crumbles.

(Otter is in the Cleric's den, unconscious.)

Lake hesitates, not wanting to lie. Willow jumps back in,

"It's why Otterpaw was attacked," does those little jazz-hands to be like 'come in bitch work with me,' "And it's why Lakepaw has to be involved in killing it, to end what she started, and appease StarClan."

Lakepaw more like I LIKE-what-you-just-saidpaw, "It's true, we were so ashamed to admit it, Mistystar, this is all MY fault, I wanted my siblings to dig up mussels, PLEASE let me atone by stabbing the fish to death"

AND AFTER THAT IT'S NOODLIN' TIME

Mistystar, begrudgingly, accepts Firestar's help, or perhaps reaches out to him. Ripwater is a "Hog in the Lake," a beast too big for them to kill honorably on their own.

ThunderClan is the ONLY Clan that uses spears, and only for boar hunts. To protect themselves and to give their quarry a quicker death.

No other Clan touches weapons for dishonor reasons, as they're heavily associated with the demon Shredtail.

I should have Willowpaw explain her half-truth to Hollypaw here, and it's where Hollypaw just... so very suddenly can't look at Willowpaw the same way.

Jaypaw would definitely face an ableist moment from someone, but it's going to have to be one of those times where he accepts that there IS a very real limit to his ability here. Spears are range-weapons and his whiskers don't reach that far. He can't tell where he's stabbing, and the water is going to make it too hard to smell where Ripwater's dangerous mouth is. He can't be chosen for this hunt.

Meanwhile Lionpaw learns from Willowpelt how to make a spear and it is one of the most satisfying things he's ever done in his life, he's like "this is so awesome oh my god i love weapons"

just gently setting up that he's going to eventually become ThunderClan's head of hunting, and also that he's a lil violent

I feel like him and Lakepaw should hit it off a little because they both think the idea of stabbing a fish in the face is super cool, only for someone to growl at them that they shouldn't be enjoying themselves so much

Maybe Blackclaw, fuck that guy

(absolute tangent but BB!Lionblaze is kind of evolving into a little dork and I love that for him. Local himbo only capable of making friends or enemies, all Clanwide opinions on him are polarized, more at 11)

THE PLAN

So how DO they kill that thing? First of all, it's all about strategy.

Immediately they started making a couple of specialized spears. Most spears they make are exclusively for boar-hunting, so they have a distinctive "lug" that prevents a boar from impaling itself down the shaft to get you.

Someone in RiverClan explains that you don't want a fish having the chance to get off a claw. If Ripwater escapes, they might not find her again until she kills someone else

The solution is that these need to be custom-made, with special claw-shaped prongs, so they're chevron ^ shapes instead of tear-drop points. They stab in, and don't pull out.

So they need to make spears from scratch, which is an intensive process, and they don't have time to waste. RiverClan doesn't want to hunt by water that has a chance of having a freshwater orca spawn and drag you in; they'll starve

And there's only so many artisans in TC that can MAKE spears. Glue, twine, shafts, blades... these are all things that take hours of labor to create.

And MORE IMPORTANTLY, they realized from the Raft Rescue that a tether, attached to a floating object, can be very useful. Each weapon has rope tied through it and is tethered to a raft-- which is even MORE intensive, RiverClan had to repurpose several nets to create so many lines, and they only own three rafts, so the rest have driftwood.

So they only have time to create 3 special water-spears, and bring in 2 modified boar-spears.

Lionpaw is like visibly disappointed he can't have one lmao

The only apprentice given a spear is... Lakepaw. And it's a boar-spear

Because she's gonna be bait. They believe the litter is cursed for their "sin" and she'll be the next target.

But still, they chum up the water near the last sighting with blood and crowfood, like hog slop, and wait.

(Heavy WIP stuff here as we get to a play-by-play I haven't fully figured out yet)

Their plan is to get it on the shore as quickly as possible.

Four cats could pull Otterpaw from its mouth, so 5 spearcats and a dozen strong warriors could pull it onto the shore. Surely.

shorely.

It comes as expected, lunging at Lakepaw. She leaps back and tries to use her spear on it, but she is NOT properly trained with it, she stabs its face, but can't break the skull

RiverClan manages to toss a net at the beast, but it's NOT heavy enough

And they managed to get LAKEPAW with it, pressing her to the beast, her spear is dropped into the water

Someone shouts that it swims like an eel, able to just reverse course unlike a REAL fish which must turn

In the panic, warriors start mobbing it.

she thrashes, and splashes and the net is barely holding her back at all

She smashes a warrior with her tail, buffs another with her powerful head

She's stabbed in her side by a ThunderClan warrior (probably Sandstorm), and she turns on the raft they're standing on, breeching and SMASHING it to bits. Lionpaw and the rest of the cats on this raft get dunked

In the water, ThunderClan cats are useless, and RiverClan cats can't properly handle spears.

Someone from RiverClan, probably Blackclaw, tries to free Lakepaw but is scooped up in Ripwater's mouth.

He's screeching and yowling and trying to hold onto its upper jaw, regularly cut off as she dives under

When Willowpelt gets her spear in, she holds onto that damn stick with her LIFE, getting swung around and dunked in the water and then going back up into the air

Thornclaw, holding the other boar-spear, aims for its tail

But it's not enough; Even with several warriors of RiverClan, five spears, a net, and the weight of the two remaining rafts, Ripwater's managing to pull them towards the depths

She's too big to bite, too large to claw, and too strong to hold down

LIONPAW TIME

He grabs the spear that Lakepaw dropped

Ripplepaw seems to zoom right passed him, running away from the fish. He thinks he must be some kind of coward, the fight's NOT OVER YET!! WE NEED TO HELP LAKEPAW

(In a later draft I might have Lionpaw be on the smashed raft, and Ripplepaw brings the spear to him before turning and bolting back to shore. Either way he doesn't explain himself)

He paddles near one of the rafts, and is pulled up onto it

Firestar calls him a WONDERFUL BOY for bringing the spear

Lionpaw mumbles something enthusiastic around the stick in his mouth, wriggles his butt, and jumps back into the water

Grabbing the net sticking to Ripwater and using it like tree bark, he pulls himself on

Bites the spear by the lug like a handle

And stabs it in like a knife

But it's already starting to pull out, too shallow

Filled with anger and resolve, he bites the shaft, and PUSHES

Harder and harder and harder until there's a crackle, the twine breaks loose, and the lug snaps

The rest of the spear slips in as if Ripwater's made of butter

Figuring that's probably deep enough, he lets go of the net, breaching the surface, sputtering and hacking

He's about to dive again to go get Lakepaw, but to his surprise, she breaks the water next to him

and then he feels the fish bump his paws

His name is called from the shore, and there's Hollypaw and Ripplepaw waving. Ripplepaw TOOK HIS SPEAR'S ROPE. Like a GUY WHO THINKS.

Now there was a team of cats on the shore, all the spent warriors who got thrown off, pulling Ripwater to the shore.

And from the feeling of slimy fish under his paws, it seemed like her fight had been all but spent.

And more cats were swimming to shore now, with the ropes attached to the other spears.

Once on the shore, they're able to discover that, tragically, Blackclaw has died. Mistystar in particular looks deeply torn by this, as their relationship was notoriously toxic. But still, he had been the father of her children, and drowned trying to save a Clanmate. She jumps up onto the massive fish, giving a speech about sacrifice, how Blackclaw and Robinpaw would be honored, and that RiverClan has learned its valuable lesson.

Ripwater was symbolic; it's the greed they had unleashed upon the lake by over-exploiting one resource. From now on, they would be respectful of StarClan's bounty. She thanks ThunderClan for helping to fulfill a prophecy, and offers that their debt be repaid by splitting the meat of the hunt.

Hollypaw, internally: "Oh she's doing that on purpose. She knows ThunderClan hates fish and it would be rude to refuse."

Firestar: "well. how could we refuse."

Sandstorm, quietly, in the distance: "easily actually ew"

CLOSING STUFF

I kinda want some kind of "epilogue festival" where the two Clans legitimately celebrate with a somewhat somber meal sharing. Some of these episodes in Po3 will result in lasting traditions and holidays that are celebrated annually.

At that little "fish festival," it works for Holly to officially break it off with poor Willow, to leave this episode off on a bit of a sad note.

This was one of the first times Lionpaw's power becomes obvious, and it's the sort of thing that wasn't really noticed. I figure it would be good for Lakepaw to ask how that lug snapped, she could barely even get the spearhead in. Lionpaw just brags and says it must be because he's SUPER STRONG.

For some reason he's just making a ton of friends whenever I write these out, I think I'm going to lean into it. Lionpaw's got friends when he's a kid lmao, starts losing them over time as he gets more violent.

It's probably because I really need a comic relief in The Three's dynamic. Hollypaw is very dramatic, Jaypaw is dealing with legitimately stressful social issues, and Lionpaw is violent. Someone has to lighten the mood up a little and it's probably because he's The California Girl himself lmao

At this fish festival he also discovers fish isn't actually that bad. Everyone's being weird about this. It's not really that slimy. It's got a strong taste but that's kinda nice, actually?

Could use some berries but like... "damn why don't we do this more often. this would go great with blackberries."

Ripplepaw: "You think so? I can taste sweetness, can I try to make it at home and tell you how it works out at the next Gathering?"

Lionpaw: "It's not hard, you just mash the berries and stew them in a little water before pouring it over your meat. I learned it from Willowpelt, she's got a mad sweet tooth."

Lakepaw: "No offense Lionpaw, but I always thought you were a total lunkhead. I never thought you'd like, cook?"

Lionpaw: "I mean not really, I'm an awful cook, I can just make simple stuff. Willowpelt's just nice enough to be patient with me, my mentor Ashfur says if I can learn something anyone can, haha."

Just a nice little moment for him.

Blackclaw is being mourned in the mortal plane, but secretly, getting a SCATHING trial up in StarClan. His death was heroic, but his ENTIRE LIFE was treacherous.

From teaching Hawkfrost to follow in his father's pawsteps, to joining him in WindClan's Civil War, and his constant arguing and undermining of Mistyfoot back when she was just a deputy trying to do the right thing.

He goes on trial for a bunch of things he did in TigerClan, too, facing his victims who took his misdeeds to their graves. He's not the only cat in RiverClan who is getting a review like this.

Leopardstar is already in the Dark Forest, and soon, Blackclaw's sent there too.

I decided to kill off Blackclaw here so he could have a VERY cool Land Mar;

(context: all Dark Forest demons now get a cool little evil playset area just for them, where they spawn into after they're thrown out of StarClan. These are called Land Mars)

It's still unnamed, but it's basically an even BIGGER Ripwater. It goes above and below the river and lakes of the Dark Forest, popping up in any body of water big enough to hold her.

[justaz]

merlin places all his friends to rest in avalon. first freya, then lancelot, then arthur, then gwaine. and then the rest of the knights when they pass along with gwen. freya and co spend time together in avalon but freya is the lady of the lake so only she has the power to manifest herself to merlin. she does so when he comes to visit. she tells him that all his friends arrived safely in avalon and are resting peacefully, recovering from their lives. merlin passes her messages that she carries to the rest and they pass her messages which she carried to merlin.

its a few years later when freya manifests and asks about morgana. merlin isn’t a fan of the conversation but freya says that they’ve all made progress with themselves and each other and have kinda sat back and viewed everything that happened from and outside perspective and gwen wants her best friend and arthur wants his sister to have that same chance, they can’t bear the thought that she’s wandering the forest, driven mad and in pain. they ask that merlin puts her to rest. she’s been tormented enough in her life, she deserves a chance at rest and peace.

merlin begrudgingly treks out to the spot where he stabbed morgana and gathers her remains to carry the bones to the lake. he puts her to rest. freya thanks him and keeps him updated on her progress, it’s slow going but arthur, gwen, and leon want their morgana back, the girl who fought for what was right and just, damn the consequences. years layer freya shares how morgana is more akin to the young girl they described from all those years ago. merlin cries and finally mourns his friend.

morgana’s apology is carried by freya and merlin’s apology is carried back. her first request is for mordred to be put to rest in avalon as well. arthur seconds the request. the knights echo the same sentiment for their brother in arms. morgana tells freya where she buried him and merlin follows her directions and finally puts him to rest in avalon. freya tells him that mordred sobbed when he realized emrys put him to rest, he had thought that bridge was forever burned. merlin will never admit it but he definitely shed a few tears for him as well.

all his friends are together now. at rest. in avalon. more and more years pass but merlin’s health never declines. he’s old, too old, past 100 now at this point. yet he lives. he thinks it might be a cruel joke played by the gods but man can’t live forever so it’s only a matter of time. more and more years pass and he still lives. out of morbid curiosity, he closes himself and imagines himself as he was when he first arrived in camelot. at once, all his aches and pains melt away, his skin tightens, his beard and long hair shrivel up and when he peers into a looking glass he barely looks 20.

a cruel joke by the gods indeed. all of his friends are at peace, resting in avalon, and merlin will never join them. he will remain walking the earth until the end of time or when the gods deem his punishment fulfilled. he will never see his friends again. not unless they rise as the dragon said, but merlin has since come to terms with the fact that the scaly bastard is as manipulative as they come. he may have been lying about that too.

as more time passes and magic begins to fade from the minds of men and they turn to science, pillaging the environment of it’s resources and pumping it full of pollution, freya finds it harder and harder to manifest until she all but can’t. merlin sits by the lake for days without moving and she never appears. the world is different now and merlin is all that remains of albion. camelot fell centuries ago and invaders conquered the isles and made it their own. merlin is all that remains. he is completely and utterly alone.

[avatar4life]

A few weeks have passed and the triplets were still learning how to control their dragons better, and especially learning high Valaryan to give better commands to their beast. In their time at king's landing they have gotten close to Rhaenyra as they seemed to like her very much, often searching for her when they couldn't understand a word in high Valaryan, the only trait they got from their father is the issue with learning a new language.

Sometimes they talked with one another about their mother and how they miss her and their home

"ugh! When are we going home? I'm sick of this place" the boy said annoyed as he paces around his chambers

"we still have much to learn, brother, it will take time" the first girl said as she sat by the window "though we can make it for fun" she said with a smirk, intriguing her siblings as they looked at her with interest in their eyes "how about we have some fun with our siblings?" She said and the other two, understanding what she meant, smiling mischievously at the idea. During their stay, they have been pulling pranks and scares on their half-siblings, getting a laugh out at their scared look.

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Reader was in her office, dealing with some paperwork as she set her crown down on the desk and pulled her cloak off, feeling relieved by the weight no longer on her shoulders. A knock came "come" she said looking at the door to see who the visitor was. "Ackley.. it's good to see you again" she said happy to see her old friend, who always harboured love for her but respected her decision to stay alone and helped her raise the triples whenever she was busy ruling her lands or she needed time for herself due to the stress.

"how are you feeling dear Blue?" He asked her as he walked over towards her, looking concerned as always "it is tiresome but I can handle it" she said smiling at him "I meant about your children being away?" He asked her with a soft smile of his own, holding her hand to comfort her "...I miss them. It is weird now that the castle is quiet...but I hope that they're learning well. Though...a mother still wish for her children to be with her even then though it's for they're good that they're away at Westeros" she said smiling and appreciating his comforting presence.

"let's just hope they're not causing too much trouble" he jested as he chuckled at his own joke. Reader laughed too, enjoying the joke "you know them, they will cause trouble. Let's hope not enough to cause issues later" she said to him before going back to the paperwork, getting some help from Ackley.

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The girls were walking around the garderns as they were enjoying their walk, before stumbling upon their younger half-sister. The animosity between them was hight enough to cause tension in the air. Suddenly the half-sister fell inside a lake because she didn't notice a pebble and the girls laughed a little. "Stop laughing! Gods you two are insufferable!" The half-sister said as she stood up and walked away from the lake and from the girls "you got a frog on your dress!" The second girl said as she laughed and walked away to continue her walk., "and leaves on your head!" The first girl said as she followedbher sister.

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All of Jacaerys and Baela's children were in one room complaining to their parents about the triplets

"last night they out a spider in my chambers!"

"they jump scared me when I was training with my dragon!"

"they put jelly in my hair products!"

"they laughed at me!"

Jacaerys and Baela were comforting their children, but Jacaerys was also busy thinking how to confront the triplets without causing more strain in their already distant relationship.

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After hours of discussion and arguments between Baela and Jacaerys they finally agreed that they'll have to send a raven to reader because they knew that no matter what the children would not listen to than and probably cause more problems to instigate them and their kids.

As they went to sleep, only one thought was in their minds

'let's hope that reader answers fast'

@aemondwhoresworld

[blakeswritingimagines]

You Broke Me First

Summary: Doing his best to woo you and capture your attention which never seems to work, does Aemond turn to Alys Rivers leading everyone to believe that's his new beloved only to have her work her magic so he can finally have his way.

Word count: 6.8k

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the House of The Dragon/Fire & Blood characters nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

You hummed to yourself as you walked through town feeling like you needed some alone time, which led to the thinking of going to your favorite hidden spot away from almost everything which was a small lake surrounded by tall flowers and grass where you couldn't hear much going on in markets or anywhere the farther you got. Having forgotten all about helping what seemed to be Prince Aemond during the last few days choosing to not think much of it which was exactly the opposite of how the prince was thinking since he couldn't get you out of his mind not knowing how to go about it until he went out looking for you. He had been thinking of nothing else but you. You were like a siren calling to him and drawing him to you. He will find you and claim you for his own. And he will not be gentle.

As Aemond was trying to focus retracing his steps to look for you, he would suddenly see the exact person that he had spent so much time thinking about. He could not believe his eyes as he saw you walking toward an area near a lake. He could not believe that he was lucky enough. Were you thinking about him? It made Aemond nervous, but excited at the same time. Thinking maybe he should go and talk to you. But what would he say? Aemond knew he had been so intrigued by you as he sought you out. He followed from a distance as you made your way to the secret spot. In his mind, he was already picturing spending time with you alone and what the two of you could do together. He watched you walk into the secluded area, taking note of every curve and crevice in your figure. He had to suppress a sly grin from forming across his face as he made his presence known to you. “Is this your secret spot?” he purred. You jumped in surprise at the sudden sound of Aemond's voice. Your heart beating fast, you looked up at the prince as he approached. Your lips parted to speak but a sudden sense of fear overwhelmed you. Instead, you just nodded your head in response. Turning suddenly towards him again speaking delicately. "Why… Yes, it is. How did you know? I wanted to be alone here. It is peaceful and serene. No one bothers me." You spoke with a faint smile on your face, as you looked down at the ground shyly.

Aemond could feel his heart racing as he saw your reaction to his talking to you. He was surprised that you had spoken at all, to be honest. The fact that you hadn't run away was a good sign. Aemond took a moment to look around at the beautiful scenery of the lake, which made him calm down somewhat. "This is a very peaceful and serene spot, that is true. Do you come here often?" Aemond said as he looked back at you. Aemond chuckled as you seemed to show a mixture of surprise, confusion, and embarrassment at him being here and even walking closer toward you. He looked around for a moment, soaking in the scenery. You were right. It was quite peaceful here. No wonder you like this place. He thought he might like it here as well. Aemond turned his attention back to you as your smile caught his attention feeling his heartbeat pick up. "It is quite the beautiful place," he replied. "I came to find out more about you." You tilted your head slightly, with a curious smile on your face. "What do you wish to know about me?" You looked at Aemond shyly, almost in a childlike way. The way you were looking at him made you look adorable and so little making Aemond think you needed him. You seemed to be innocent in your way of thinking. You were not like any other Aemond had seen before.

"I wish to know everything about you," Aemond said matter-of-factly. "But let's start with your name. What is your name?" Aemond did not want to overwhelm you, but at the same time, he wanted to know more about this enchanting commoner in front of him. He had never come across anyone quite like you. This can't be a coincidence. He had been looking for you high and low, and now here you are. You seemed a little overwhelmed when Aemond said that he wished to know everything about you. It took a couple of seconds for your mind to process this information. "Oh, but I'm just a simple commoner, my lord. Why would you want to know anything about a nobody like me?" Your tone was a little playful at the end, as you continued speaking with a smile. Aemond chuckled at your question. He was attracted, fascinated, and yet confused by this commoner. He could not understand why you were trying so hard to make yourself seem so unimportant. You were so beautiful, mysterious, and enchanting to him. You were nothing like the others he was used to talking with. "I want to know everything about you because I am interested in you," he replied. "Does that answer your question? Or have you already lost your train of thought, Commoner?" He said as his words were laced with humor.

You laughed as Aemond teased you. You couldn’t help but be drawn in by his wit and charm but knew better than to actually think something could happen between you both. You looked up at him, your stomach tightening out of embarrassment slightly. "No, my Lord. I have not lost my train of thought. I am just shocked by your interest in me. I am just a commoner, a nobody. The fact that a prince like yourself would care about knowing anything about me is perplexing." You spoke with a slightly shy smile and looked down at the ground again. Just look at you, Aemond thought. I can practically hear your heart beating. "Is it really that shocking?" Aemond asked, hoping you would look up at him again. "You have been all I've thought about ever since we met. There is nothing perplexing about it." Aemond could see the embarrassment in your eyes, but he decided to press a little bit. You seemed shy, but he knew he could get you to crack. "Why are you here by yourself at the moment?"

Looking at Aemond with a slight smile on your face. "Oh, well… I come here because it is calm and tranquil and no one bothers me. I get to sit here alone, by the lake, and relax. No one will come and bother me or judge me here. It is just nice to be alone." Your shyness and sweetness combined made you look even more attractive to Aemond. You must have some reason why you want to be alone, Aemond thought. But he had a feeling that it was much more than what you were telling him. He could see your beauty in the light. It was almost too perfect. "I understand what you mean by being alone," Aemond said, moving a little closer to you. "I find that there is nothing better than being alone in a private and serene place such as this. What if I were to tell you something, and you would have to promise not to tell anyone else." You raised your eyebrows slightly in curiosity. Aemond seemed to be moving closer to you, and speaking quietly, with a slightly mysterious tone to his voice. You couldn’t deny that you were intrigued by what he was about to say. "Okay, what is it, my Lord? I promise, I will not tell anyone else." You spoke quietly, with a faint smile.

Could this beautiful, mysterious commoner actually be interested in me as well? Aemond wondered to himself as he took a deep breath "I came here to find you. You may not have known it, but I have been thinking of you since the day we met, and I was looking for you," Aemond said, as his voice got slightly lower. He looked at you, and could feel his heart beating hard. "I have never been so attracted to anyone in my life, and you are the only one on my mind." Your heart skipped a heartbeat when Aemond stated that he had only been thinking of you since your first meeting. You were speechless for a few moments as you took your time to process this information. As you tried to understand how you were feeling at this moment. A slight smile appeared on your lips, as you spoke. "I… wow." You still seemed to be a little speechless, you still seemed to be processing Aemond's words before slowly nodding your head as you started walking away. Wait a minute. Aemond thought as he watched you walk away. Why are you leaving? Does this mean you are not interested? What did I do wrong? You were leaving without looking back, which meant you were either shy, embarrassed, or truly disinterested. However, Aemond did not want to give up this easily. He followed you a short distance behind and called for your attention. "Hello? Commoner? Where are you going?" He said, as his tone grew slightly more desperate.

"Oh," You suddenly turned to Aemond when you heard him call out your 'name'. You seemed surprised that he wanted your attention. But Aemond's tone also seemed different this time, it sounded more like he wanted to talk to you more or wanted for you to stay. "Um…" you looked down at the ground and sighed. "I was going to go home." You said clearly since you had started thinking there was no point in talking with him anymore. As time continued to pass the prince kept going out of his way to gain your attention and affections from telling you how he viewed you, giving you gifts he figured you would like, to very detailed letters that sent shivers down your spine from how much the well-put-together and normally graceful prince sounded like a crazed animal who wanted to sink his teeth into you, Aemond was becoming more and more frustrated with you as the days passed. He could not figure out why you did not want to speak to him. He had tried everything: being polite, being forceful, being friendly, etc. In the end, nothing had worked. You would always leave.

He was starting to think that maybe you just did not like him, or maybe you were nervous around him for some reason. He did the only thing he could think of and went to a trusted associate. He went to Lady Alys Rivers. As Aemond walked up to Lady Alys' chamber, he thought that maybe she could help him figure out why the commoner was so shy and reluctant. He would tell her everything that he knew about you, in hopes that she could give him information or advice on how to best approach the situation. He stood in front of Lady Alys' chamber and knocked on the door, waiting for her to answer. Lady Rivers opened the door and stepped aside to allow for Aemond's entrance. She had been expecting the prince today, having prepared herself for his arrival. "Please, come inside my prince," she said, gesturing to his seat in front of her. To Alys, Aemond seemed a very handsome young man, even being younger than her, she could easily see why so many people were attracted to him, both men and women. "You are here about a matter, I presume?" She said in a serious tone.

Aemond could tell that Alys wanted to get down to business, and he decided not to waste any time. He sat down in front of her and began speaking, with a serious expression on his face. "Yes, I am here because there is a matter that has me rather perplexed. I have had a meeting with a beautiful and mysterious commoner, who claims to wish to go unnoticed. I find that she does not wish to speak to me, yet her behavior contradicts her words. I am confused and I seek your guidance, my Lady." He looked at her, waiting for her response. "Would you be able to share more about this woman?" Alys asked, trying to get the fullest picture of the situation before giving her advice to her prince. "How did you meet her? What has she done? Has she done nothing besides avoiding your words?" She continued, trying to get a clearer picture of the situation. She seemed quite interested in this woman, who was a commoner of all things.

Aemond was a little surprised that Alys showed this much interest in the commoner. It made him feel that he had made the right choice in seeking her help. He decided to tell her the full story, from their first meeting to her avoiding his words, up until the moment when he came to see Lady Alys. He wanted to be as accurate as possible so that Alys would have all the information necessary to help him understand the situation and figure out what to do next. He hoped that she would be able to provide him with some advice or guidance. Clearing his throat as he took his time to speak "I was at a brothel due to my incel of a brother and she had stopped anything from happening….I've become crazed with the idea of her, taking her, owning her. I need her now." Alys's eyes narrowed, studying the prince carefully for a moment before she spoke. She had not been expecting this story at all, she was under the impression that the commoner had done something to draw the attention of her Prince, not that her Prince had found her near a brothel of all places, this changed the situation a lot.

"And this whore refused to do anything for you?" Alys asked directly, not bothering to mince her words towards the Prince. "You are smitten by this woman?" Alys asked in a curious tone. She could tell from Aemond's words that he was quite taken with you, more than she thought he was. He was clearly enamored with you, despite not knowing anything about you. She looked at him and took a moment to think, before speaking again. "What is her name? I want to know more about this woman." Alys asked. Aemond felt absolutely angry when Alys immediately referred to you as a whore. It seemed a little harsh, even by his standards. He took a deep breath to gather his thoughts but was quick to speak again. "Her name is… I do not know at this time." That was the truth, of course, since you had refused to even tell him your name. "She prefers that I just call her a commoner it seems," Aemond spoke in an irritated tone, knowing Alys would not be pleased with this answer. Aemond was still thinking over the choice of words that Lady Alys used when speaking about you. She had called you a ‘whore.’ Aemond didn’t understand why that word had to be used. It seemed so disrespectful, and he had grown protective of his commoner sweetheart. "No, she didn’t do anything! She wouldn’t even speak to me. She is shy and innocent, like the Maiden herself. I find that fascinating."

"Hmm," Alys said, raising her eyebrow at this turn of events. She found the whole thing quite amusing, but also quite interesting. It seemed like the Prince was truly in love with you, considering how defensive he was of you even without truly knowing you. "So let me get this straight," Alys started, trying to fully grasp the situation. "You met this commoner near a brothel, she helped you not follow through with Prince Aegon's idea so to speak and now you want her for yourself?" She asked. She really hoped that this was not how the situation was, because if it was, she had some bad news for him. "She wouldn't even speak to you?" Alys asked, her confusion only increasing with every new detail. "And yet, you have grown absolutely obsessed with her, for no particular reason." She tried to not sound too judgemental, but at the same time, it was very hard not to. He had grown obsessed with a commoner who he had seen in a brothel and had refused to speak to him, that had to be a new low, even for a Targaryen Prince. Aemond was starting to get a little annoyed by Lady Alys' assumptions. She assumed that he had become obsessed with you purely because you had helped him in a brothel. What she was saying made him sound like he had only a perverted interest in you. He felt the need to clarify this with her. "No, it is not like that. The fact that I met her at a brothel is meaningless to me. I want her for other reasons. And she did not speak to me because… because she is a commoner, and she fears punishment for associating with me."

"And these other reasons are…?" Alys inquired, raising her eyebrow slightly, it was almost too good to be true. She could not believe that the prince really fell for a commoner like you that easily, but, it looked like he was really telling the truth. "If I may ask, what is so special about this commoner?" She did try to keep up a serious disposition while asking, but the question had come out too naturally. Aemond knew perfectly well that what he said next was going to sound ridiculous, especially coming from a royal prince. However, he was tired of keeping his feelings about you locked up. He decided to be completely transparent and honest with Lady Alys, even though he knew that her reaction was going to be filled with disbelief. "She is beautiful. I could not help but be completely mesmerized by her look the moment I saw her. I feel this strong attraction towards her, this overwhelming need to speak to her and become closer to her, despite her refusal to speak to me." Alys's eyes went wide, she could not believe that the prince was being so truthful about his feelings for you. Most of the time, princes never fell for commoners, they always married nobles in order to preserve their royal and noble blood. "I see," Alys responded, trying as much as she could to seem unphased by the situation. "Have you told her this? Have you shown her this 'overwhelming need' that you feel for her?" She asked.

Aemond thought that perhaps Lady Alys would laugh at him or judge him for what he said next. However, he also felt an overwhelming need to be completely honest, which is why he was responding to her question in such a way. He shook his head from side to side, in a 'no' response, as he spoke. "No, I have not. The commoner girl seemed to be too scared. She doesn't trust people at all. I wanted to let her know how I feel somehow, but I don't know how I could do that if she will not even entertain my words." Alys raised her eyebrow at this new information, she had not expected him to say no. "I see," she said again, this time in a way that showed a touch of amusement, "so let me ask you this, my Prince, what do you know about this commoner girl other than what I have just heard here?" She asked, still curious about this whole situation. She could not believe that the Prince had gone to such lengths just because of a pretty face. Aemond thought of his interactions with you. He knew almost nothing about you, which was precisely what made you all the more intriguing to him. The fact that you tried to stay alone and out of the way, made him even more curious about you. It made him want to find out more about you, but that seemed impossible, as he couldn't speak to you at all.

"Well…" He thought for a moment, trying to remember everything he knew about you. "Apart from what I've already mentioned, there is really nothing that I know about her." "Then how can you be so sure she will reciprocate your feelings for her?" Alys asked, still unsure about this whole situation. "What if she simply wants to stay out of your way?" She said, raising her eyebrow ever so slightly, she could not imagine a commoner refusing advances from a Prince so easily. Aemond shrugged his shoulders in a slightly helpless fashion. "I don't think she even has a choice in this matter. I am a Prince, and she is a commoner. Commoners cannot deny the advances of royals. She may not wish to be with me now, she will grow to care for me, just as I do with her. That is how it is meant to be." Alys tilted her head slightly, still trying to understand his logic. She could not believe the Prince would have chosen to think about you in such a way. She saw you as someone beneath him by just virtue of your birth, something that Alys could never truly understand. "And what if she rejects your advances?" She asked, still feeling slightly amused by this. She could only imagine the prince's reaction if this would actually happen, even though she believed the odds of that happening were extremely low.

Aemond nodded his head as he heard Alys out before letting a smirk take place on his lips, shaking his head as he knew that's why he came here but leaned back in his seat crossing one leg over the other "That's where you come in, you'll be helping me make her love me." He spoke with nothing but certainty in his voice since he and everyone else knew of Alys and her use of magic. Alys was surprised to see so much faith and confidence from Aemond regarding you, but she could also not help but feel slightly flattered by his comment. It was true that she was considered the most skilled witch in the Riverlands, and she believed she would be able to help him if you had been blessed by the Old Gods."Very well, my prince. I believe I can help you charm this commoner," Alys said, raising her eyebrow slightly to emphasize her confidence in the situation. Aemond's eyes lit with excitement at the sound of Alys' words. His dream, to at last finally take the commoner as his seemed to finally become a reality. Aemond could not contain his joy, and he started to speak eagerly to Alys, with a wide, relieved smile on his face. "Thank you, my lady. I appreciate all the help that I can get with this situation." Aemond paused and spoke cautiously. "What exactly do you plan to do?"

Alys smirked slightly, seeing the expression on Aemond's face and seeing just how eager he was to have this situation resolved. She did not believe that it was going to be easy to charm a commoner into falling in love with a prince, but she was one of the most powerful witches in the Riverlands, and with the aid of the Old Gods, anything was possible. "You will leave the charm to me, my prince," she said, raising her eyebrow and speaking in a commanding tone. "You must simply provide me with some more information about her, such as her full appearance. I believe our best bet at this point will be to try and use something to help her see you in a different light," Alys said, tapping her chin as she took a moment to consider the situation. This whole thing seemed ridiculous, but she was willing to help the prince with it. "We would need to find a way to give the girl a glimpse of your inner feelings for her," Alys continued. "If she is a faithful woman to the Old Gods she will understand the power of blood magic and the importance of our lineage, I think." Aemond was intrigued by Alys' plan. He had no issues with her using sorcery, as long as it could help him get a chance with you. Aemond began telling all about the girl's appearance, in the most detailed way possible. "Very well, she is very beautiful. My lady. I know that she has beautiful glowing skin and long hair with different shades when the light hits it. Her eyes are beautiful, yet her gaze is soft and enchanting. She is petite, but her curves are like none you've ever seen. I don't think any painting could ever come close to her beauty."

Aemond nodded in understanding what Alys was proposing. He wanted to see the commoner girl so much, that he would do anything to make it possible. He was willing to help however she asked. Alys was one of the best witches in the realm, and he trusted her to get the job done. "I will tell you all that I know about her and about our past meetings, My Lady," Aemond said with a warm, charming tone. "If you succeed, I will be forever indebted to you." He spoke confidently, fully hopeful that Alys would succeed. Alys let out a slight chuckle at the description of the commoner, especially the part about your curves. As far as she knew, Alys had heard very few things about this commoner, and yet the prince spoke of you as if you were a goddess. She wondered what you actually looked like. Alys listened to the prince's words carefully, taking notice of every detail he said, so that she could do her best in the task he proposed to her. She was confident that she could help the prince, she was the best witch in the Riverlands after all, and she would not fail him.

Alys had spent the last few days searching for a spell that might be able to help the prince with his commoner issue, after much thought, she decided to try and use a blood magic spell. According to ancient scrolls, this type of magic allowed a witch to give somebody a glimpse into another person's thoughts, feelings, and desires. This could hopefully show you how Aemond truly felt about you. With this, the witch prepared the spell and found the commoner that the prince had asked her to help him with. She was hoping there would be some positive results out of this. Alys walked outside her chambers, a small smile on her face as she spotted you sitting in a chair not too far from her chamber door. She would have to be completely alone with you for the spell to work, making it even harder to accomplish. "Oh, dear…" Alys said in what she hoped was a calming tone, stepping near you. "My apologies for the sudden appearance, I am Alys Rivers. I was wondering if you would be so kind to let me take a seat?" Alys said, politely asking for your permission. You, who always kept to yourself, heard Alys's voice. You looked up with a startled expression and were slightly startled to see someone approach so close to you. You looked up at Alys with an uneasy expression, but you didn't show any outright signs of disapproval and nodded your head slightly, meaning that you were okay with Alys taking a seat right next to you. You took a moment to process everything that was happening, trying to figure out what Alys wanted and what her intentions were. You were curious, but also slightly suspicious.

"I hope this is not too sudden for you, but the reason I am here today is because I am very interested in you," Alys said, looking you straight in the eyes as she spoke softly. "If I may ask, what is your name?" Alys said, hoping for a response, she needed to know your name if the spell were to be successful. "I only ask because I believe we would be a good match together," Alys said, smiling to try and ease any nerves you might be having. You were a little confused by what was happening. A stranger had approached you and asked if she could sit next to you, and then after a few moments of silence, Alys spoke to you again, saying that she was interested in you. At first, you thought that Alys was referring to herself and that she was flirting with you. With this revelation, all of this became even more confusing. All you wanted to do was to be left alone. "My name is Y/n…" You said with a nervous voice.

"Y/n, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman," Alys said in a calm tone. She was not at all surprised that you had misinterpreted her words, after all, many women felt the same way. But she could not let you continue with this misinterpretation, as it would not benefit anyone. "I meant that you would be perfect for Aemond," Alys explained, looking straight into your eyes. "I have seen how he looks at you, I know how much he wants you. Let me show you…" You listened intently to what Alys had to say. The situation was starting to make a lot more sense now. Still, you were still quite suspicious of this whole thing. You wanted to see how Alys would show you Aemond's feelings towards yourself. You were curious if it would end up matching with what Aemond had described to you. So, you just nodded, not saying much else, waiting for Alys to show you. Alys's eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed in concentration. As a witch, she found the connection between you and Prince Aemond fairly easy to find. "Look there," Alys said, motioning toward your mind. "See how his thoughts about you are all-consuming, he can think of nothing else. He is in love with you and he would do anything for you." Alys said in a calm, gentle tone, hoping you felt some relief hearing about how Aemond truly felt for you.

You were shocked by what you saw in front of your eyes. You were seeing all these visions and thoughts from Aemond, which all indicated that Aemond was feeling something deep and strong for you. This was so overwhelming for you, to see someone feeling like that towards you, that you felt your heart started to race. You never imagined that anyone would think about you that way. Alys's spell was starting to work, and it made you slowly realize what Aemond really meant when he mentioned how he felt for you as you slowly started to feel Alys's spell take over as you started to feel fond for the tall prince. Alys could see that her spell was working, not only were you shocked at the feelings of Aemond, but you were also starting to feel the same too. "See what I mean?" Alys said, smiling at you and giving you a calming look. "Prince Aemond loves you, and he would do anything for you. You and him are perfect for each other." Alys continued, feeling slightly proud of herself for the work she did. "Now come with me, my Prince is waiting for you," Alys said, hoping you would decide to go with her.

As the spell was taking effect on your mind and body, you started to feel things for Aemond that you had never experienced before. You had never thought that you could feel such a strong pull towards a person. You were starting to understand Aemond's sentiments now. You wanted to be with him, to make him happy. Suddenly, you were snapped out of your trance when Alys said that you should follow her and meet Aemond. "Yes, I understand." You responded, feeling extremely overwhelmed. "I'll follow you." It was true, you had now fallen in love with Aemond, and that was more than clear from your eyes. Alys smiled as she saw how her magic was finally working. "Perfect," she said happily, "My Prince will be glad to know that you and him can now be happy together." Alys stood up, extending her arm out to you, "Come, he is just down the hall waiting to see you." Alys offered you one last smile before slowly moving away. You both would have to make your way to Prince Aemond's room in order to meet the Prince, and Alys believed this would not go unnoticed. "Come, my Prince is waiting," Alys said with a slight bow, expecting you to follow her.

You could not hold your joy, feeling that you were close to finally being with your one and only love. When Alys stood up and extended her arm to you, you did not hesitate to accept it. Taking Alys's arm, and standing up, feeling Aemond's presence near now. Suddenly, it felt real. You could see him now. "Yes, I'll come with you." You replied with a bright smile on your face. You were eager to meet Aemond, the man you were in love with. Alys could see the joy in your eyes, and the way your grip on her arm slowly tightened, made her feel somewhat proud of herself. She had not expected you to fall for Aemond this quickly, but then again, the power of love was often stronger than she had initially thought. Alys was glad you had not been afraid to accept her offer. Soon, you both finally made your way to Prince Aemond's room, and Alys turned towards you as she gave you a last reassuring look for a moment as if to say "it is safe to be here." From there, Alys opened the door to the room, motioning for you to step inside.

Taking a deep breath and stepped inside the room, ready to meet Aemond, the man that you loved so dearly. Your heart was beating like crazy. You could hardly believe that this was happening. That you would finally see him again. You looked at Alys with a nervous look, not wanting to disappoint anyone, knowing that Aemond had been wanting you as much as you now wanted him. So, you took your last moments to prepare yourself, putting a smile on your face, to look as beautiful as possible for him. Aemond was looking over some scrolls when the door to the room suddenly opened. He did not pay much attention right away until he saw the beauty walk in. Oh my… He thought to himself the girl that he had been trying to talk to for months was now standing in front of him. You looked absolutely amazing. He could not believe his eyes. Did Lady Alys accomplish her task? Did it all actually work? Aemond was waiting with his breath hitched in his throat when he saw you smile at him. He could see the nervous look on your face, but he was excited just the same. You came here. You actually came here. Aemond turned to you and approached with a small bow, not wanting to waste any time. "Hello," he said to her as he got within speaking distance. "I am so happy that you came. I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."

Feeling extremely embarrassed but also extremely happy at the same time. You couldn't help but let out a giggle when he complimented you. Alys's blood magic spell had worked just as she expected it to, and you were starting to believe that maybe you were meant to be with Aemond. But the fact that he was also showing interest in you was making you even more nervous. "You really mean it?" You asked Aemond after a while, feeling a little hesitant to accept this wonderful compliment. Noticing and feeling stunned by how handsome Aemond was. You had never seen anyone that was as charming and handsome as he was. You were taken aback by Aemond's words, feeling as if someone hit you on the head with a baseball bat. You were not expecting this, in your head, you were screaming. This had to be a dream; no way this was real. "Of course I mean it." Aemond stepped closer to you, his eyes taking you in as he observed your beautiful face. He could not believe how lucky he was. He had never met anyone quite like you. You were not like any of the wealthy, noble girls that he had become accustomed to talking with. There was something about you that made him want to be close to you, and you were making it quite easy for him now. Perhaps this isn't a dream after all, he thought to himself.

Aemond smiled at the response. You were starting to warm up to him finally even if it was the magic's work, and that made his heart race. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. You are truly beautiful. "Yes, I mean it," Aemond said in a soft tone, wanting to see you become more flustered. "In fact, I don't think I have ever meant anything more than when I am speaking to you. Let me tell you something. I have never felt this way with anyone before." You got slightly embarrassed when Aemond got closer to you, but also incredibly happy when he spoke to you in such a sweet tone. Feeling as though he could hear your heartbeat going crazy, feeling the blood rush through your veins. This was the moment that you had been looking forward to for months, and it finally happened at last. "I…" You didn't know what to say, just standing there in complete silence, feeling lost in Aemond's charming words and gaze. You had never received so many compliments before, and seeing that the Prince's attention was all on you, you couldn't help but feel your legs becoming weak and dizzy all at once. You couldn't believe that something like this was really happening. You almost felt as if you were in a dream now. "This is incredible," you said, your voice becoming soft. You could not believe your luck in meeting a Prince like Aemond, who treated you with so much respect and admiration. You felt butterflies in your stomach at the thought of speaking with him in such a pleasant manner.

You truly are perfect, Aemond thought to himself. He was still in shock that he had finally gotten to be with you without having to chase after you anymore. He saw how happy you were, and it made him happy as well. I am so lucky to have met her. What would my life be like if I had not met her? He took your hand and stepped closer as he spoke gently "The fact that you are here with me, alone is incredible to me as well." He said the last part in a playful tone. Could it really be this easy? Aemond thought to himself. It was so effortless. After all of his attempts to win your affection, here he was, finally with the girl of his dreams. He had to contain his emotions, and he took a deep breath as he moved even closer to you. "My lady, may I be so bold as to ask you for your hand in marriage" Aemond had you right where he wanted you, and he could not see himself doing anything else but spending every waking moment with you. Hearing Aemond talk about marriage as if it were something normal made your heart beat a little faster. You felt a heat in your belly was burning from embarrassment, but not in a bad way. Instead of feeling afraid or nervous like you felt up until now, you were starting to feel butterflies in your stomach. The idea of marrying the Prince was something that was never considered by you, but now that he had just asked you for your hand in marriage, you suddenly seemed all for it.

You felt incredibly happy to hear Aemond ask for your hand in marriage, feeling that this moment was going to happen to them sooner or later. You smiled widely and then nodded your head, accepting his proposal. "Yes, I will marry you, My Prince." You said in a soft voice, feeling deeply happy. You had always dreamt of this day coming and now, it was finally happening. You couldn't wait for it to finally be true.

[ereana]

Neuvillette x Furina - I’d come for you. No matter what, when you need me, I will be there.

The news hits Fontaine like a drop of rain across a still pond.

Furina is gone.

It ripples out from the point of impact in waves.

Furina is missing.

It provides only a second of warning, enough time for people to look up and wonder, before the rest of the rain falls.

Furina has been kidnapped.

The sudden deluge appears from nowhere, pedestrians quickly flee for shelter and vainly attempt to shield themselves from the heavy drops of rain that pelt the land below as if in punishment. In his manmade lair of marble and glass the Hydro Sovereign feels five hundred years of control snap.

Had Focalors known what she was doing when she returned his power? Had she known what it would unlock inside him? Emotions, once dull and frustratingly out of reach, now howl in his breast. Neuvillette snarls and feels fangs in his mouth. There is no hiding from the vortex of rage and fear that consumes him, he embraces it.

He has to find her. He must find her. He needs to see her stand before him unharmed and unfazed, smiling excitedly as she talks about the new dish she is attempting to master.

The fools who have done this do not know what they have unleashed, what now hunts them with unwavering focus. People uneasily watch from the sides of the great lake as its waters swell and churn, mirroring the mood of the enraged dragon.

If Furina has been hurt they will wish the prophecy had taken them.

Messages are sent out, officers are given tasks, and Neuvillette clamps down on the growing need to walk out the Palais doors and start hunting by himself. Patience, he reminds himself. He needs more information, the sort that only comes from human networks and investigation. 

Clorinde eyes him with uncertainty as she reports back, seeing the promise of savagery that lurks beneath his human guise. Neuvillette does not try to hide it. His claws scrape across the grand wooden desk of his office as she tells him of the group of rogue scientists from the Fontaine Research Institute who had sought to experiment with Primordial Sea water. Their proposals had been soundly rejected by the Institute so they had left to look for other opportunities and had come across the news of the only Hydro vision bearer who could control the dangerous substance.

Clorinde does not look away as she relays this to him nor does she flinch when the arm of his chair splinters under the force of his grip. There is a satisfied tightness in her eyes as she stands before him having just condemned these men to death.

Neuvillette enters their hideout alone.

He ignores the concerns from the Melusines and the Gardes. It is misplaced. He does not bring them with him not because he doubts their abilities, but because he will not be able to ensure their safety once he steps foot inside the wretched hole in the ground. His power simmers in his veins ready to be called upon, to obliterate anyone who has dared lay a hand on Furina, and he cannot guarantee that any assistance would be caught in the crossfire.

This is where they have kept her? A rotting network of pipes and caves that reeks of chemicals which sting his nose.

Unforgivable.

The first sinner kidnapper that he sees dies without uttering a word, merely gargles as water in the air starts to condense rapidly in his mouth and lungs.

This is no trial. No arguments. No evidence.

They have dared to put their hands on Furina; the woman who holds the heart of the Hydro dragon in her hands, the woman who could command him to drown a thousand nations for her and he would do so gladly, the woman who never would because kindness is an intrinsic part of her very soul.

Everyone in this pathetic shelter has already received their final judgment and all that remains is for Neuvillette to carry out the sentence.

Corridor after corridor passes in a blur of yells and the crushing force of his power. With each step his panic rises. Not here. Not here. He hasn’t found her yet. She isn’t safe.

What if-

He rounds a corner and is met with the most beautiful pair of mismatched eyes looking at him from behind the raised hilt of a sword. The fight leaves him instantly and he almost staggers towards her.

Furina lowers her blade at the sight of him. Her familiars float around her, searching left and right for enemies, Mademoiselle Crabaletta snaps a claw in his direction. 

“Neuvillette? How did you….What are you…” She stutters, before her eyes widen. “Is that blood?! Are you alright?” She steps closer to him, hands waving wildly as she frets over the red splotch on his coat. Normally he would listen intently to her every word but not at this moment. Not when a wave of relief crashes over him with the force of a tsunami.

She is here.

She is alive.

He sees the tear in her coat and shirt, the telltale bruises around her wrists that could only have come from chains, and part of him wants to continue through the base and rip apart the ones responsible. The rest of him doesn’t want to leave her side.

“Are you listening to me?” Furina asks, waving a hand in front of his unblinking eyes. “I think I made it about halfway up before they noticed I escaped and I think one of them raised the alarm. I mean I didn’t expect you to come but we should-”

“Why?” Neuvillette asks hoarsely. “Why did you not think I would come for you?”

Furina startles at the interruption, before dropping her gaze to the floor. Her body language shifts from a battle ready stance to something smaller, weaker. It conjures fresh memories of a fateful trial and a broken woman sitting silently on her throne.

“W-Well, I-I mean you’re so busy with running Fontaine and I-I’m nobody important anymore, just a civilian. I know we’re friends but I know you have other priorities.”

Neuvillette listens to her and hears what remains unsaid.

And the last time I needed you, you left me alone.

He falls to his knees before her.

He doesn’t reach out to hold her like he so desperately wants to, not until she allows him to.

“I’d come for you.” He swears to her. “No matter what, when you need me, I will be there.” 

Furina freezes, her hands momentarily still in their fluttering before she clutches them to her chest. She looks at him with equal parts trepidation and hope, five hundred years working together and she’s never heard him speak so ardently.

His oath echoes in the room around them and outside the world itself seems to hold its breath.

She lets out a shaky breath, sniffs once. Twice.

And then she pulls him into a crushing hug as she starts to cry into his shoulder.

Neuvillette returns the embrace immediately, careful not to hold her too tightly lest he inflict more pain than he already has, and lets his goddess find the comfort she needs in his arms.

[mint-yooxgi]

{1} - Morning Mist - Yandere!Dragon!Ateez X Chubby!Reader

Yandere AU & Dragon AU

Genre: Mature, Horror, Angst

Pairing: Ateez X Reader (Yes, all 8 of them. Though, there’s a focus on two in particular rn)

Words: 4,238

Warnings: OC gets called a bitch once. Minor Violence. Minor blood and injuries mentioned. This is a Yandere story, it will contain themes such as stalking, violence, obsession, possessive natures, and just general overall creepiness and swearing. You have been warned.

A/n: Here it is!! Chapter one to the start of that dragon series I was talking about a while ago!! I just got so inspired to start it tonight that I couldn’t contain my excitement. I have a lot planned for this series, but I’m not entirely sure when updates will be for this series, or how frequent they will be. Also, a friendly reminder that I do not do tag lists. As always, feedback is greatly appreciated! Enjoy~

Mini Masterlist

The light of the setting sun casts warm hues of orange and red across the sky, darkness beginning to creep along the edges. A gentle breeze flits through, cooling the air as the leaves rustle all around, the mountains standing ominously in the distance. Faintly, the buzzing of beetles can be heard all around, birds chirping as they begin to sing their evening lullabies to their young, flitting between the branches above.

You let out a soft sigh, adjusting the basket held against your one hip.

Collecting herbs from the forest is no easy feat, especially when the marketplace isn’t as kind to trading items with you as of late. Everyone is tense, given the rise in sightings of the eight Hala dragons in the area. Sightings of which seem to be getting more frequent every day.

It’s only a matter of time before one or more of them finally raid your own village, plundering whatever they can in their quest for the crown. A crown of which is being fought for by the two main dragon clans of the realm. One of which being the Hala dragons, and the other being the Wolf Gang.

A puff of laughter escapes you as you think about the Wolf Gang now. How ironic for dragons to be named after wolves. They certainly act worse than them at times. At least, from what you’ve heard. They definitely give the hunters a hell of a time every encounter they have.

What a joke those hunters are. The ones in your village couldn’t hit the wide side of a lake with their horrible aim, let alone spot a dragon hiding amongst their midst. Though, you suppose they’re more for show at this point than anything.

So much for your protection.

There’s also been rumours floating around lately about a cloaked figure spotted around town. You’ve heard whispers of this supposed Shadow Demon lurking in the dark, but they don’t worry you so much. 

You’ve been on your own long enough to know how to take care of yourself. Besides, your father would kill you if you let anything bad happen to yourself, especially after everything he’s done to ensure your protection. You just need to be on the lookout for golden eyes staring at you through the dark. At least, that’s what the townsfolk have been warning you about.

Approaching the edge of the village, you let out another sigh. The side of the basket you have pressed against your hip digs into your skin, and you honestly cannot wait to get home for the evening. Tonight will be the first night in a week where you can just finally relax. No interruptions, just you and the final chapters of that book you’ve been attempting to finish.

Rounding the corner of one of the buildings, you notice most of the vendors packing up their stalls for the evening. The light from the setting sun is fading quickly, and most people know not to stay out passed dark. Not now, especially with the Hala dragons so close to home.

At least you can count on one person to always exchange goods with you, no matter how late it gets.

“Find anything good today?” Renjun quirks a brow as he lifts his head to meet your gaze. He had just been packing up the last bits of his supplies into his small wagon to take back home when he saw you approaching out of the corner of his eyes.

“Would you believe that the bloodroot I had found the other day is nearly all gone?” You place your basket on top of the wooden slab he has set up as a table across two wooden barrels. “I swear, someone else has been foraging in my backyard.”

His eyes flash in understanding as he walks over to the other side of the table. “Or it’s the wildlife taking over again.”

“Could be,” you hum, watching as he picks up a few stems from your basket. 

Renjun runs his fingers over the herbs delicately before nodding to himself. “You always manage to pick the finest ones.”

“It’s a gift.” You acknowledge knowingly, watching as he places the herbs back into your basket. “So, what have you got for me today.”

“Well, Harold swore he heard growling coming from the opposite side of the fjord last night. Claimed it to be the Hala’s and Wolves fighting again.” Renjun remarks casually. “A storm is supposed to roll in overnight and into the morning, Mark says he can sense it in his bones.”

“Did he say what kind of storm?” Your eyes follow Renjun as he pulls a separate basket back off of his cart, full of fruits and vegetables.

The heavy sound of the basket hitting the table greets your ears. “A big one. That’s all.”

You nod. “I see.”

“I would be careful, if I were you,” he continues, pushing the basket towards you. “Get home quickly before dark, lest you want another incident to occur.”

The knowing look he sends you has you chuckling lightly.

“Whatever do you mean, Junnie?” The smile you send him is nothing short of innocent as you trade off baskets for the evening.

“Information is never free, Jewel,” his eyes flash. “You know this.”

“Don’t call me that.” You snap, your demeanour changing in an instant before that calm smile is back on your face. “Well, like you said, I better get home. It is getting late.”

Renjun’s lips tighten into a thin line, silently dragging the basket with the herbs you’ve collected towards himself. “Be safe.”

“I always am,” the words fall almost like second nature from your lips as you begin to trek away from his stand for the evening. 

The basket of produce takes the place of the basket of herbs, your one arm wrapped securely around the wicker as you walk down the dirt path, and down the familiar road towards your little cottage on the side of town. Before you get home, however, you make sure to stop by the little fountain at the centre of town, leaving some apples for the children that gather there and ushering them home. The smiles you receive are worth it every time.

You still have one more stop to make before you can settle in for the evening, and you curse yourself for it nearly slipping your mind. Already, darkness blankets the sky, the stars beginning to twinkle above your head as the chill of the night settles over the land.

A shiver caresses your spine, and you know that you must hurry. Something is not quite right, and you do not want to be out when the inevitable happens.

That’s when you hear it. The unmistakable boom of the flapping of heavy wings.

A roar sounds in the distance, the first of the terrified screams reaching your ears as the alarm bells are rung. The constant clanging of the hammers on metal ring through your ears as you enter into the closest building that you can, which just so happens to be one of the many mess halls. A building you had been attempting to reach before this chaos started.

Nothing but darkness surrounds you, the lamps that usually illuminate the area already burnt or blown out.

Odd, considering you know Amy should have been the only one here during this time. She never misses your deliveries, especially not when she knows you’re trading with Renjun for the day. Then again, she did say her sister was supposed to be taking over for a few days. Who knows what Angela has done to the place.

“Amy?” You whisper, hoping she may be just hiding somewhere amongst the commotion happening outside. You can faintly hear the screams of the villagers, the roars becoming louder and more frequent as shouts of the hunters reach your ears. “Angela, are you there?”

You take a step forward, blinking despite the darkness surrounding you. Out of the corner of your eyes, you swear you see a shadow move.

“Is anyone here?” Your voice is small, so as not to alert anyone to attack you in case they think you are an enemy of some sort.

A floorboard creaks behind you.

“Hello?” You whip around, sure you’ll be coming face to face with one of the girls behind you.

Only, when you turn around, no one is there.

That’s when you feel it. The unmistakable press of claws at your throat.

You drop your basket of produce.

The moment your lips part and a choked gasp is escaping you, the claws at your throat begin to dig into your flesh. Not enough to draw blood, but enough to serve as a warning.

“Scream, and I’ll tear your throat out in an instant,” the voice is low, and unmistakably male as his breath ghosts over the shell of your ear.

You begin to shake, whole body trembling as you feel his body heat beginning to radiate against your back.

“Please,” you keep your own tone steady, reasoning with the dragon in human form who stands behind you at this very moment. “You don’t want to do this.”

“Oh, I don’t, do I?” He chuckles, clearly amused by your choice of words. “And why wouldn’t I want to do this?”

“Because,” you exhale a low breath, closing your eyes only briefly before they’re flashing open, glinting in the dark. In the next second, you’ve pulled out your hidden dagger, flipping your positions so that you’re now pinning the dragon to the wall, blade pressing into his throat. His skin begins to hiss beneath where the knife makes contact. “Touch me again, and it will be the last thing you ever do.”

The arm you have pressed against his chest is firm, and the shock is clear on his face. Those dark brown eyes flash a golden amber in the dark, a snarl tugging at his lips as he scowls at you.

“Ah-ah,” you tut, pressing the blade firmer into his skin as you see his fingers twitching, claws still on full display at his sides. “One small nick from this, and you’ll be dead in minutes.”

A growl is all you receive in response.

You tut, shaking your head. “And you made me drop all of my produce, too.”

“I think you have more important things to be worrying about,” he replies, swallowing a bit thickly as his skin burns beneath the blade you still have pressed against his throat.

“Do I, now?” You quirk a brow. “You overgrown reptiles usually travel in packs, yet you seem to be all alone. Why?”

“I don’t have to answer to you.” He spits, pressing himself further against the wall you have him pinned to.

“No,” you hum. “I suppose not.”

“You stupid hunters and your stupid-“

Your nostrils flare, “don’t you ever dare compare me to the likes of them again.”

“What? Don’t like being called out for the scum you are?” He nearly scoffs. “You’re the worst of the worst, huntress.”

“Still good enough to pin you,” you counter.

Fine. If this bastard wants to believe you’re one of those good for nothing hunters, let him. You’re in control here, anyways.

In a flash, he’s swatted your dagger away, switching your positions so you’re now the one pinned to the wall with his claws back at you’re throat.

“Who’s pinning who now, huntress?” He grins maniacally, digging his nails that much firmer into your neck.

This time, it’s your turn to scowl, gritting your teeth in frustration as a smug look washes over his features.

“You know, I would have believed you more if you had started pleading for your life the moment you got caught,” he tilts his head almost mockingly at you. “I might have let you go, then.”

“Oh, please,” you roll your eyes, grabbing his wrist in your one hand as you move to knee him in the groin.

The moment he hunches over in pain, you’re swiping his feet out from under him. A second later, and you’ve rolled across the floor. Grabbing your dagger once more in your hand, you have him pinned beneath you with your blade at his throat yet again.

“I thought you’d kill me if I touched you again?” His voice comes out a bit strained, chest heaving as his skin hisses beneath your dagger.

“Answer my original question and I might let you live.” You turn his own words back on him.

His brow twitches slightly in amusement. “You’re a bold one, aren’t you? Taking on a Hala dragon like this?”

“A Hala dragon? Where?” This time, it’s your turn to tilt your head almost mockingly at him in response. “All I see is a little boy meddling in affairs he has no business getting into.”

The snarl he releases is nothing short of feral as his eyes flash at you once more, pupils narrowing into slits as he absolutely glares at you.

“Real charmer, aren’t you, huntress?” He manages to get out through gritted teeth, his jaw twitching in tandem.

“Overgrown lizards that talk a big talk are more often than not compensating for something, sweetheart,” you hum mockingly, a malicious grin tugging at your lips.

“You’re fucking annoying, you know that?” He hisses, wiggling slightly beneath your hold as he attempts to free himself to no avail.

“I’ve been called worse,” you shrug, nonchalantly. “Now, answer my question.”

The man remains quiet only for a moment longer as he seems to be contemplating whether or not he actually wants to respond to you. At the way he lets out a long exhale through his nose, you believe he’s chosen wisely.

“I’m not alone, we just each took a different corner of town,” he responds. “Our youngest was adamant about retrieving someone by himself while we gathered supplies.”

“Why our village?” You press.

“It was the next on our stop.” He replies. “Plus, the only town that our youngest seemed to care about.”

Your mind begins reeling. “He imprint or something?”

“You seem to know a lot about us for someone who’s not a hunter.” He counters.

“Just answer the damn question, you overgrown lizard.” You shift the blade slightly over his neck, noticing how his eyes dart down towards it nervously in the next second.

“You could say that.” He mumbles.

“Who?” You seethe, your need to protect the town and its inhabitants skyrocketing as his words settle over you.

“What’s it to you?” His eyes narrow.

“Watch it, or my hand might just slip,” you threaten, tightening your hold over him as your body rests over his own for the time being.

Again, his eyes dart down to the blade pressed against his throat, skin bright red and irritated beneath the metal.

“I don’t know her name.” He voices lowly.

Your brow quirks, tilting your head at him in disbelief.

“I swear I don’t!” He’s quick to add. “I don’t even know what she looks like. He’s been adamant on us not interfering with her since they met. I don’t even think she knows who he is, or what he is. He’s the only one of us that can actually hide it well.”

“Oh?” The corner of your lips twitch upwards. “Thanks for the information, you sure have a lot to give.”

He scowls briefly, before he manages to steel his features. “You sure are confident I’m not feeding you false information.”

“You sure do like hearing yourself talk, don’t you?” You huff out a dry laugh.

“You sure have a lot of confidence for a human.” He counters, fangs glinting beneath the light of the moon.

“Human, huh?” You smirk, nodding subtly along with his words. Then, your gaze is sharpening, eyes narrowing as you lean in as close as you dare to his face to whisper lowly in his ear. “Get the hell out of my village and never come back. Take your little friends with you, too.”

In the blink of an eye, you’ve stood off of him, fixing your cloak which had gotten dishevelled in your tussle with him on the floor. A second later, and your back is to him as you walk towards the door, stepping over your discarded produce without another thought.

“If I ever see you here again,” you spare a glance at him from over your shoulder as you watch him stand back to his feet. “I won’t be so kind.”

Just as you go to reach for the door handle, you sense him moving behind you. You manage to duck just in time to avoid the swipe of his claws aimed at your head, hearing the scraping of them against the wood of the door as splinters rains down above you.

Your body moves instantly, the steps almost second nature as you spin around, brandishing your dagger on the offensive. Two moves later, and you’ve sliced a deep gash across the side of his ribs, hearing how his breathing immediately becomes laboured as he drops to his knees.

“You bitch,” he seethes, glaring up at you as he desperately holds onto his bleeding side, attempting to stunt the flow of blood in any way he can.

“I warned you,” you sheathe your dagger, backing away from him slowly. “You’ve got minutes little boy. I hope your friends are close by.”

Without another word, you’re escaping into the night, blending into the chaos that greets you outside of the door.

A scowl rests on his features as he collapses to the floor, voice desperately calling out to his brothers in his mind for aid. The last thing he sees before his vision begins going black at the edges is the flow of your cloak as you fade into the crowd.

Not even five minutes later, and you’re bursting through the front door to your little cottage, slamming the wood shut behind you. Your breathing comes in jagged pants as you attempt to catch your breath, eyes darting around the area to make sure no one has broken in in the panic still occurring outside of your house.

That’s when you sense another presence with you.

Slowly, you begin creeping towards the back of your house, pulling out your dagger once more.

“Hello?” You call out, voice shaking as your eyes dart around the room, attempting to find the presence lingering at the edge of your senses. “Who’s there?”

Reaching your kitchen, you notice the backdoor has been left wide open. Carefully, you creep over and close the door, blocking off the exit for whoever decided to invade your home during this time. They’re not leaving here alive, that’s for sure.

A thud coming from behind you catches your attention, a low curse escaping whoever it is in the next second.

Your brow furrows. “Jongho? Is that you?”

“Yes, it’s me,” he replies, though his voice sounds a bit strained.

A minute later, and after hiding your dagger once more, you’ve managed to light an oil lamp. The light allows you to now see him rubbing the side of his hip as his face is contorted in a grimace of pain.

“What are you doing here?” Your brow furrows, walking over to check on him almost immediately.

“I came to check on you.” His reply is instant, almost forgetting about his injury as you come to stand before him. His hands find purchase on your arms as his worried filled gaze flits over every inch of your torso. “As soon as I heard the alarm sound, I came running.”

The way his nostrils flare as he pulls you the slightest bit closer does not go unnoticed by you. If you didn’t know any better, he almost looks annoyed for a second before that concern is taking over his features once more.

“I’m fine.” You reply, shrugging his grip off of you and taking a step away from him. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll be better once we get out of here,” he says, reaching for you again. Only, the way you avoid his grip has his brow furrowing. “We need to leave. Now.”

“Why?” You tilt your head almost innocently at him. “You know I’m safe here. It already sounds like the worst of it is over.”

“You don’t know that.” He grimaces slightly.

“And you do?” You raise a brow questioningly at him. “I get you’re worried for me, but really, I can take care of myself. I have been for a long time. Even before I met you.”

You swear you hear a low growl on the wind.

He takes a step closer, managing to grab your hand lightly in his own this time.

“If you let me, you wouldn’t have to be alone anymore,” Jongho’s voice is low, nothing more than a mere rumble as he brushes his thumb tenderly over the back of your hand.

“Jongho, you sure are acting strange tonight.” You reply, somewhat warily. “What’s gotten into you?”

“I-“

Before you have time to react, you sense three more presences rushing towards your back door. Instantly, Jongho has pulled you into his arms as the wood flies off its hinges, three males rushing into your kitchen. One of whom you recognize.

“I’m sorry, we couldn’t wait any longer.” The gruff voice of a male with bright yellow hair, the tips a vibrant red, reaches your ears as he supports another familiar male between himself and another male with chestnut hair that’s shorter in the front, but longer in the back.

“I told you not to interrupt.” Jongho seethes, pressing you firmer into his side as he holds you to him protectively.

Two more males follow behind, one holding bloodroot in his hands while the other carries some honeysuckle. Each wear worried expressions on their faces, watching as the first two males lift the one held between them onto your counter.

The flapping of wings can be heard outside before two more males are rushing into your house a moment later.

Thunder booms overheard, rain beginning to dance across your rooftop.

Your heart pounds within your chest as your eyes widen at the eight males now having invaded your home. In an instant, you elbow Jongho in the chest, slipping out of his arms as you draw your dagger in front of you for protection once more.

“Who the hell are you, and what the fuck are you doing in my house?” Your eyes dart between each male, making sure to now keep your distance from Jongho all the while.

“Did you not tell her yet?” One of the males with sharp eyes, and what appears to be a birthmark beside his left eye, turns his gaze towards Jongho, arms crossed in front of his chest.

“I didn’t get a chance to before you all came bursting in.” Jongho’s eyes narrow in response, jaw clenched in annoyance. “I told you to wait.”

“We can’t get the bleeding to stop.” The one holding the honeysuckle says, placing some in his mouth to begin chewing the plant into a paste to apply to the wound.

“He’d fading,” the other holding the bloodroot adds. “Fast.”

“We remembered you saying something about her being good with herbs and tonics.” The one with the longer chestnut hair says, eyes briefly darting towards you.

A strained cough is heard from the male on top of your counter. “Oh, she’s good alright.”

All heads are turning towards the male as his chest heaves with every breath. A sheen of sweat lines every free inch of his skin, his flesh getting paler and paler with each passing second.

“Hello, huntress.” The male grins, gaze meeting yours for only a second before he becomes too weak to continue holding his head up.

All heads now turn towards you.

“You did this to him?” The tallest one standing off to the side says this, voice both a little incredulous and accusatory.

“So, that’s why you smelt like him,” Jongho mumbles, a furrow to his brow.

Your eyes widen with an unrivalled fury as you round on Jongho, the injured male’s words from earlier about their youngest ringing through your ears.

“You’ve been lying to me.” You keep your tone low, grip tightening on the blade still held in your hand.

Lightning flashes, thunder crashing above.

“I know you’re probably scared right now-“

“Scared?” You cut Jongho off. “Oh, no. I’m furious.”

“Listen, you can have your little lovers spat later,” the one with the bright locks akin to a flame cuts in. “Seonghwa is dying and we need you to heal him.”

“Who said I was going to help you?” You huff out a breath, straightening slightly in your spot.

Seven low growls reach your ears, and you almost let a threatening one of your own slip passed your lips.

“Who said you had a choice?” The one with the birthmark quirks a brow, turning his piercing gaze towards you.

This time, you cannot contain the way your eyes flash at all of them in response, the golden hue lighting up the room along with the next spark of lighting.

A sharp inhale is heard from all of them, shoulders tensing as you mentally curse yourself for losing control, even if only for a brief moment.

Jongho’s lips curl over his teeth. “Looks like I’m not the only one who has been keeping secrets.”

[hazelchooseme]

How to train your dragon | Hazel Callahan

AU set in the world of How to Train Your Dragon.

English is not my first language.

Song recommendation: 1950 by King Princess.

Enjoy 🐉

"Whether you like it or not, at some point we are going to have to leave." You said looking down at your dragon.

Magna was a beautiful Night Light, she had black fur covered with white spots, a large white spot around her left eye making her green eyes stand out. She grunted while still lying on her back in the grass. You sighed as you sat next to her.

You looked around observing the stone walls that your dragon refused to climb since she was too busy resting. You couldn't complain though, the vines hugging the walls, the small lake in the center sparkling with the sun, the silence, everything was relaxing and perfect.

A monstrous belly sound brought you out of your trance. You and Magna made eye contact.

"That wasn't me, buddy" With what seemed like an embarrassed smile she began to roll on the floor with no intention of standing up. "C'mon" You clapped your hands as you stood up to grab her paw, trying to make her stop but failing. "Magnaaaa, help with something ball of scales!" You rested your entire body on the corner of her right abdomen, now trying to turn her over. It was enough for her to move a little and you would end up eating dirt. And so she did. You raised your head, spitting out the grass that entered your mouth. "Thank you for nothing, mutant fish. I should have adopted a male." Magna's laugh/grunt brought a smile to your face. As you stood up cleaning the dirt from your clothes you heard another laugh, a human one.

Turning around you could see that it was no one else but Hazel. Fantastic. She saw you being humiliated by the animal.

Hazel was on top of some rocks riding her dragon Heimdall, a gorgeous Hobblegrunt, who now looked yellow showing his happiness.

"Need some help?" She asked with a mocking smile as she landed with Heimdall next to you and got off.

"Hi, Hazel!" You responded with a voice that was high-pitched with nerves."No thanks, we're pretty busy here."

She turned to see how Magna was still rolling on the floor. "Are you sure?"

"Yes... Because she is really focused right now, so if you don't mind—" Before you could finish speaking Magna jumped up and ran straight to Heimdall who was drinking water. That was it, you were going to give her up for adoption as soon as you arrived in the village.

"You need something?" You asked before there was an awkward silence.

"Aaah, right. Emmm.... PJ was looking for you"

"Why? Did something happen to her?" PJ was your best friend and although you loved her very much, she used to do pretty stupid things.

"I don't know, no one could find you so I went looking for you."

"Aaah"

Should you thank? Was it a good thing that she had come to look for you? Did they force her? Is she hating you right now for wasting her precious time on a Sunday afternoon? It wasn't your fault, Magna was the one who wanted to go exploring and since she didn't dare go alone you accompanied her. You never thought that the lazy dragon was going to get tired and rest for hours in the pit of the world. Shit, you were so hungry.

"Are you, like, dating?" Hazel asked suddenly.

"What? Who?"

"You and..." She looked anxious as she spoke. "You and PJ"

"What?! Nonono, she's like my twin, like if I had a stupid sister it would definitly be PJ. You know, like, same blood. Her and I dating. Incest." You spat hastily, wanting to make it clear to her.

"Well, that's a relief then."

"What? Wh—"

"What happened to your arm?" Hazel asked, completely changing the topic, worriedly as she approached, taking off her helmet. Her brown waves bounced off her forehead making her eyes look bluer than they were. You noticed that in this light her eyes looked brighter than when the light of a campfire shined on her, you noted that fact mentally.

You were brought out of your thoughts when Hazel grabbed your arm, you jumped away, trying not to make the move too obvious you started looking at your arm that was bleeding at the elbow and mumbling.

"I probably scratched myself on Magna’s mount when I fell,” you laughed a little, another scratch to remember.

"It looks bad, we need to clean it."

"We?"

Taking your good elbow she guided you towards the lake. Once on the shore she made you kneel, taking a piece of cloth out of one of her pockets and sinking it in the water. Sitting there together you were able to observe her better, her somewhat messy hair that moved slowly with the wind, her frowning brow, her lips pressed together in concentration, on her leather pants you could see some yellow scales that Heimdall must have dropped on the trip, she had grass stuck in the seams of her leather jacket. You honestly wondered if it would be too rude to clean it up for her. The sound of a splash made you turn to look at the lake where both dragons were playing.

"This is not the most hygienic but it will do" Hazel said looking at you with a smile, then with a nod of her head she silently asked you for your elbow. She began to clean carefully, her fingers moved gently over your skin, every few seconds she looked up to give you a tiny smile. Was it your idea or were his hands shaking a little? Or was it you? When your eyes met again, neither of you looked away.

"Hazel?"

"Yes?"

When she made the move to get a little closer she accidentally pressed the cloth on your wound making you hiss in pain. In less than a second your dragon was between you and Hazel. Magna began to growl threateningly at the blue-eyed, causing Heimdall to also become overprotective of his owner. In the blink of an eye both dragons were in attack position.

"Hey, hey! Magna is okay, I'm fine" Standing in front of her you grabbed her by the snout so she could look at you. "She's my friend, I like her, okay? Nothing bad happened, calm down" You began to caress between her eyes, knowing that it would calm her down . You could hear Hazel doing the same thing. After a few minutes both dragons calmed down noticeably. Looking over your shoulder you turned to see Hazel, watching as she rested her forehead on Heimdall's head. When she noticed your gaze she smiled at you.

"We better go"

Nodding your head you climbed onto Magna. Following Heimdall and Hazel you began to fly.

Up here in the clouds with Magna you felt like you could do anything, you could travel every corner of the planet and more. The blow of the wind, the cold, the altitude, everything felt right. Looking to your right you saw Hazel beautiful blue eyes, she was the most beautiful while she was flying, or when she was walking, or when she smiled at you that way. Her hair moving in the wind made you notice that she didn't have her helmet, your stomach twisted, maybe this was your chance.

"How about a race?" Before you could answer, Heimdall began to fly faster, losing him in the clouds. Magna moved excitedly, waiting for you to give her the order.

"Come on, show them what you're made of."

Without thinking for a second, Magna launched herself after the Hobblegrunt.

When you reached them, Magna began to fly in circles around them, then dive to the ground and almost instantly propel herself upwards, surpassing them. She was showing off just like you taught her.

"That's my girl!" You shouted in celebration.

"Nice" Hazel was flying upside down. Among the clouds her blue eyes took on a more grayish tone, you also noted that mentally. She was so close that because of the speed her hair hit your face, if you leaned down you could kiss her forehead. "But not so fast" Saying that she disappeared again.

You sighed. "I'm screwed"

After what seemed like hours of flying and chasing each other you decided to return to the village.

"I'm fucking hungry" You complained as soon as you landed. You turned to check on Hazel but you couldn't help but laugh at her messy hair.

"What?" She asked as if she didn't know what was happening.

"Nothing" You managed to articulate between laughs.

"What? My hair is funny?" She questioned you as she got dangerously close. "It's very messy, does that make you laugh? Let me fix yours." Without anticipation she launched herself at you, her hands ruffling your mop of hair while you laughed and tried to get rid of her. "C'mon baby, let's match"

"Get off of me" You said laughing.

Slowly sliding her hands through your hair she took a step back and walked away.

"Today was fun" She said with a smile "Thank you"

"Thank you for looking for me" You could see in her eyes the internal debate of whether to stay or go so you decided this was the time. "I have something to give you"

You walked towards your house laughing with both dragons following you.

Once you were at home, you went to your room to look for the gift while Hazel waited in the living room. With the box in your hand and trembling with nerves, you cheered yourself up.

"Come on, you just flew through the clouds, this is nothing" But it was all. Hazel was everything. You were pretty sure you loved her, a long time ago. And today she tried to kiss you, you weren't crazy, it had to mean something.

"Here" You handed her the brown box which she immediately began to unpack. "It's...Ummm Consider it a belated birthday present... 3 months late" You were already regretting it.

"Oh my god" Hazel took a helmet out of the box, you had decorated it with metal-tipped studs, which you knew she liked so much. Although the top was black both sides had Heimdall drawing and hand painting by you, the glasses were automatically retroactive if she pressed a button on the back.

When you noticed that she didn't react or say anything, you started to ramble. "I drew Heimdall yellow because I know he's happy to have you. Emmm... Maybe it doesn't combine with he's mount, but I can make you a new one... You know, this is what I do" You laughed uncomfortably. But you still didn't get a response. "Hazel?"

She slowly began to move the helmet between her hands. "It's... It's beautiful, I... I have no idea what to do or say"

"Nothing! You don't have to do or say anything, it's just a gift"

"It's not just a gift" She looked up at you, you had never seen her so serious. "This is the most precious thing for me from now on"

You swallowed hard, unable to break eye contact.

"I'm glad you liked it" You blurted out stupidly.

"I better go" She said as she walked towards the door, before opening it she turned again. "Thank you so much"

When the door closed you were able to breathe normally again but your heart did not stop beating strongly.

"That was—" But before you could finish the door opened again with a loud bang.

Hazel came back in, this time she walked straight towards you. When she arrived in front of you she began to open and close her mouth, searching for the right words. . "I'm not good with words but... I know you feel the same way I do, tell me I haven't misinterpreted everything, please" Nothing else was necessary, you knew perfectly well what she was referring to.

"Yes, I do, I-I feel the same"

Without saying anything else she grabbed you by the waist and brought you closer. Her hand rested on your cheek, she didn't have to ask, you just nodded in response. The first touch of lips was calm, just enjoying the moment, you could notice her soft lips, almost as if they were made of silk. You don't remember if it was you or her but someone started kissing harder. You remembered the moment at the lake, the way she touched you so delicately, here it was the complete opposite. She slid her hand behind your neck in a way that made your entire body tingle with excitement, desire. Her other hand was still resting on your waist, grabbing the fabric of your shirt as if she wanted to tear it off. Your hands were tangled in her hair, pulling from time to time causing a sound in her that you never wanted to forget. While her lips continued exploring yours, her tongue ran over your lower lip, you opened your lips slowly allowing her to lick the corner of your lips. The electricity that felt all over your body reminded you of the feeling of flying over the clouds, exciting and at the same time reassuring, as if you belonged there, on each other's lips. Your hands stopped on her chest, feeling how hard her heart was beating. Sucking the tip of her tongue you slid your hand inside her shirt, her moan sent shivers down your spine. The kiss began to calm down, ending with Hazel placing small kisses on your lips and then on your nose and then all over your face. She kissed your neck and then leaned on you.

"I was dying to do that." She laughed.

Still with your hands shaking you explored her back feeling her chills. "We have a lot to talk" Just at that moment, both Magna and Heimdall ran into the place, throwing you on the floor and licking you as if they knew what had just happened.

As you tried to get Magna off you, you were grateful to have such a lazy dragon.

[nothanksehh]

The Rooms - A 5 Part Series

Hi all! I have been wanting to do more writing lately and I got an idea for a short series of absolute smut. Hardly any plot. Many big o's. These pairings are with my four favorites from my favorite books, these groups answer the question, "If you could put four people in a room and do whatever you wanted with them who would you pick?"

A Trial of Lust- Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, Lucien X Reader

You find yourself wandering the streets of Velaris at night on your way to Rita’s. You never expected to run into the inner circle, let alone find them on their free night.

A Banquet of Lakes- Rowan, Dorian, Manon, Fenrys X Reader

It's a beautiful time of year in Terrasin, you can't help but want to find a lake to take a swim in. It becomes an even more beautiful day when you are found by those who want to picnic near your lake.

A Game of Kings- Ruhn, Ithan, Aidas, Tharion X Reader

Playing card games in small towns has always made you happy. When a card game goes wrong, what will you do to distract your opponents?

A Lesson in Riding- Xaden, Sawyer, Liam, Dain X Reader

You had always heard that Dragon Riders know how to ride well. You couldn't help but want to venture out of the Healers Quadrant and experience it for yourself.

A Taste of Obedience- Casteel, Kieran, Delano, Reaver X Reader

You knew that being good was something you were not good at. One day your friends decide they have finally had enough and decide to give you a taste of the good life.

[akindofmagictoo]

DRAGONSONG: draft 2 update: 14/10

previous word count: 112,769

current word count: 113,477 (708 added)

notes: SWORD THROWING!! (this is actually possible IRL, but not at this distance and not through plate armour. but hey, dragon fire magic powerup!)

snippet:

In her mind’s eye, she saw herself running to try to block the blow. But she would never reach them in time. It was too far. Her head still spun. She would fall before she made it a few steps. The way was littered with stone and bodies. And Bethany’s weapon was already rising into the air. Sierra’s eyes went wide. Voice cracking in terror, she cried, “ISI!” Isi’s blood ran cold. Sierra needed her. So she did the only thing she could think of. She threw her sword. She put all her strength into it. The force sent her staggering to one knee, but as soon as the weapon left her hand, she knew it shouldn’t work. It was something she had only ever done as a trainee, to show off with her friends. The point would quickly drop too much to be effective. It might not even make the distance at all, let alone be enough to stop Bethany. But her sword flew true and fast, almost humming as it cut the air. The blade punched through plate and chainmail, and straight through Bethany.

TAGLIST

@isherwoodj @metanoiamorii @lilmissravingwriter @weekofwednesdays @the-unwrittenwriter

@talesofsorrowandofruin @little-boats-on-a-lake @teriwrites @magicalwriting @magic-is-something-we-create

@writingbyjillian @waysofink @perditism @thehellinsideyourhead @calicowrites

@vellichor-virgo @google-plexed @therecouldbecolorsandlove @the-orangeauthor @ellatholmes

@happyorogeny @ladywithalamp @ashen-crest @authortango @strangerays

@moononherwings @nikkywrites @ambersky0319 @ambsthom @talesfromgringolandia

@wickerring @wizardfromthesea @diphthongsfordays @e-lisard @enchanted-lightning-aes

@emscribblings @teardropsandtherain @lowslore @fablewritten @copper-dragon-in-disguise

@reneesbooks @dirtybarkshark

and @chauceryfairytales bc we've been talking about this >:)

[latibvles]

playing pretend.

who up mourning that this is the last prompt. it’s me im up. anyways for Dress Uniform we’re going all the way back to Wendover. It’s December, 1942, and John Egan’s about to find out that he is in fact, a very good actor.

—

The frigid air reminds him vaguely of Manitowoc.

Of course, it would get much colder, snow piling up against the door. He’d help his dad dig out the pathway leading up to the house, the sidewalk, the driveway. And he remembers steam puffing up around their mouths, how he’d take his dad down in the snow to save his sisters from the “dragon” and how powder would cling to his curls. It’s something sobering, warming — he’s not drunk, not enough to have much trouble finding his way.

Wendover isn’t big. There’s base, and there’s the town, and the local bar. On a weekend, they might’ve taken a bus into Salt Lake City, but it’s Thursday, so they all settled for this instead with no practice flight tomorrow. He could take his chances walking back alone, and he doesn’t hate the memories that are choosing to accompany him. He likes the cold, for the most part.

He shoves his hands into the well-worn pockets of his dress uniform, hums under his breath as he takes in the windows with their lights off. If he had a watch, he’d check the time, but he doesn’t. Bucky just knows that it’s late, because he’s never been the kind of guy to call his nights early.

The song they’d been singing in the bar has wormed its way into his thoughts and he’d have to pester Brady for the name of it tomorrow.

He’s halfway between bar songs and shoveled snow when he hears hurried footsteps behind him. He doesn’t have much time to turn around before he’s being swathed by the scent of a peachy perfume, arms hugging one of his and he’s met with slightly frizzy hair, and eyes boring into his own; hazel ones, alight with something indiscernible. He knows her face, because it’s hard to forget something that pretty, but he and Lieutenant Savorre hardly ever spo—

“There you are!” She practically chirps, jovial. If it weren’t for the fact that he can’t smell anything on her breath he’d ask if she was drunk. She’s not though, as she tilts her head up to sear a kiss against his cheek that’s warmer than the whiskey in his blood. Her breath ghosts against the shell of his ear, making him shiver.

“Sorry for the trouble, Captain, but those boys back there have been trailing me for the past block. Could you play along?” Bucky hears it, then. The loud laughter, and as he turns his head he catches glances of the group in his peripheral vision. How they double over one another and stumble, loud and reckless in the quiet. They aren’t Army, not by the way they’re dressed. If Savorre’s scared or nervous, she doesn’t show it. Her lips are pressed into a tight smile as she looks up at him and they keep walking.

Bucky’s never been much of an actor, but he figures he can try.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he leans forward, daring to press a kiss to her hair and Savorre bows her head to let him, like they’ve practiced this before. “Took you long enough.”

“Got caught up with a friend,” Savorre’s reply is breezy as she lifts her head once more. “Missed you like crazy though.” Bucky swallows, harder than he means to, at how easily the words come to her. And if it weren’t for the clamor behind them, he could easily forget that she was just saying it to say it.

“Like crazy, huh?” he counters with a grin of his own. Savorre’s nose scrunches, her eyes narrow.

“Don’t tease me.”

“Can’t help it,” he counters. She huffs, and he chuckles. “C’mere.” Bucky moves his arm from her grip to drape around her shoulders, pulling her into his side and dunking himself further in the scent of her, the warmth of a body pressed against his own. Her hand finds his heart through his jacket, hand curling against fabric.

She’s too good at this.

Savorre keeps looking up at him, laughs at the jokes he comes up with and counters his quick remarks with her own. His thumb presses into her shoulder as he tries to make sense of their predicament. Or rather, the fact that this is the most they’ve really spoken since meeting a couple weeks ago. And he can’t help but be mildly surprised at how easy she makes this all look: she laughs and lightly pats at his chest and bats her eyelashes like she really is his “sweetheart.” It’s impressive. It’s off putting.

He glances behind them momentarily as he leans down as if his plan is to whisper something salacious in her ear.

“Bank left,” he mutters, and Savorre giggles and gasps out a “Sir!” that sells as he veers down a sidestreet with her in tow. They move a few feet behind and Bucky looks behind them to watch the group of boys stumble past, paying them no mind.

Savorre untangles herself from him with a soft sigh, straightening out her jacket and he watches for a moment. His well of words has run dry and all he can really do is stare as she rights herself; straightening her tucked in tie and rumpled collar, before her gaze drags up the length of him to settle on his face.

“Sorry for the trouble, sir. I hope I’m not uh– in trouble for that.” Bucky balks at her.

“What? No. I’m not—” he pauses, before waving his hand dismissively. “Stays between us. That happen often?” Savorre looks a little caught off by his question, before she presses her lips into a line.

“Sometimes, in Texas.” She shrugs, looking at the main street. “Usually we… travel like a pack but my partner had to make sure our Radio Op got back safe and I was handling something with the bar owner.” She reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. He doesn’t miss it — the way she keeps the details vague and he isn’t going to press her for them. But he does smile a little bit.

“Your partner, that’s—”

“Neumann, yeah. Tiny one, black hair,” Savorre demonstrates by holding her hand near her mouth and Bucky can form the image pretty quickly. It was hard not to stare at them.

“I don’t think she’s a fan of me,” Bucky admits and Savorre chuckles at that. He’s pretty sure this is a real laugh of hers, and she shakes her head a little bit.

“Everyone thinks that. It’s just her face. Promise she hasn’t said anything bad, sir.”

“So you girls talk about us?” Savorre rolls her eyes, but he doesn’t think it’s malicious as she raises a brow towards him.

“If you’re hoping for the inside scoop all I can offer is that we’ve been calling you ‘the tall one’, so don’t get too excited,” Savorre smiles a little, like it’s the secret he’s been waiting to be let in on. Maybe it is, because he’s been curious about all thirty of them since he met the pilots on the runway. He presses a little more.

“If I’m the tall one then what’s Kidd?”

“That’s classified information for the 349th to know and for neither you or Kidd to ever find out.” Bucky kisses his teeth, makes a hissing noise as he puts a hand over his heart as if he’d been wounded. She laughs again, with a slight shake of her head and a roll of her eyes.

“Y’know Savorre, they say secrets are poison to a marriage.”

“So now it’s a marriage? I thought it was a rescue mission.”

“Well I’m hoping if I promote myself I’ll get clearance to know what it is.” Savorre makes an ‘ah’ noise, then hums, like she’s really considering it. Makes a point to take her chin between fingers and stroke it pensively, staring up at the cloudy night above them before clicking her tongue and shaking her head.

“Sound argument, sir, but no can do. Plus I’d have to be the one to promote you anyways if that’s how you wanna play it.”

She’s got him there. There’s a glint to her eye — something like mischief — and Bucky’s pretty quick to decide that he likes talking to her and wants to do it more. Mostly because she’s funny, which he didn’t know, and in part because somehow she’s made the idea of Jack Kidd being called anything besides Jack or Kidd seem like the most interesting thing in the world. It feels like a game in some respects and Bucky likes a good game.

“You can drop the sir,” Bucky offers. “...when we’re offbase.” An olive branch, or something like it, he watches the way her face softens up some in surprise, before she tilts her head and furrows her brows.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s just us. Bucky works fine.” Savorre looks like she’s contemplating it for a moment, her expression virtually unreadable. It’s always been pretty easy for him to decide who he does and doesn’t like; it’s easy for him to file Savorre into the prior category as opposed to the latter. She nods, slowly, mutters his name under her breath before fixing her gaze back on him with a smile; warm, friendly.

“This isn’t just a way to get yourself on the fast track to promotion, is it?” Bucky scoffs in mock offense.

“Y’know, if you weren’t smiling all nicely I’d be offended by that.” He whines. Savorre snorts a little bit, which he doesn’t expect.

“Well then sorry, Bucky, and you can call me Viv when it’s just us. If that’ll make it up to you,” She offers and he nods. Viv. And then it’s almost like an immediate switch; how she rocks back on her heels for a moment, looking away from him to one of Wendover’s low rows of businesses and houses. “And thanks again for… playing along. I wouldn’t’ve done that if I had another option.” She sounds almost apologetic and Bucky rejects the unspoken apology with a wave of his own hand, a shake of his head.

“Anytime,” he assures, before amending the statement. “Well, maybe not anytime but if you need a bailout I’m not… it doesn’t bother me.” Viv nods, and he takes her in a little bit. The pinkened state of her cheeks and tip of her nose from the December air, and the progressive softening of her features.

She’s not readable, at least not in any way he understands quite yet. But she’s not stiff either, or rigid. The only other time he’s ever gotten some kind of read on her was when she’d breezed past him with two other pilots to go greet Veal with a “What took you so long?” and a smirk that reminded him of just about every other pilot he’d met, including himself. Maybe she didn’t have sharp edges, but she wasn’t shy or meek about anything.

She’s not shy or meek now either. Maybe comfortable, which feels like some kind of reward for him.

“I might give some of mine the heads up on that,” she admits. “If you don’t mind. Some of them are too shy about that kind of thing and don’t know how to ask.” It doesn’t sound like a complete thought, more like she had more to say but is withholding it. He decides not to pry into it.

“I don’t mind,” he agrees, instead. They lapse into silence for a moment, stiff with that uncomfortably frank knowledge that, yeah, this isn’t the first time any of them had been followed around. Bucky decides, quickly, that he doesn’t like it: the silence and the knowledge. He can do something about both, thankfully enough. “So can I keep walking you back or do you plan on leaving me in the dust?” Viv makes a noise, somewhere between amused and disbelieving.

“Yeah you caught me, I was planning on running for the hills ‘till you opened your mouth.”

“Yeesh, am I that bad of a husband?”

“Well I wouldn’t know. You promoted yourself pretty quick — and it still doesn’t count.” She walks towards him, and then brushes past, and he turns on his heel to follow her, falling in step pretty easily.

“I’m taking that as a ‘No, Bucky, you’re great and also terribly funny. An absolute catch.’” That makes her snort again and she reaches to lightly shove at him, but he doesn’t move much as she shakes her head.

“Sure, Bucky. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

[acefaun]

Can you write a drabble about my King Under the Mountain, Lord Smaug? 🔥🔥You need more dragons on your page, mlady Faun 🐉

Smaug~ Treasure Hoarding

Synopsis: Accidentally coming across the lonely mountain in one of your escapades, you find your idol, Smaug, the King Under the Mountain. Making a deal with a dragon who hoards treasure would be beneficial for a little thief like you, wouldn’t it? 

🍃Masterlist🍃 Gender neutral MC!

A/n: I should never expect less from a dragon… Well, my liege, I hope you're impressed! You were a bit vague on the details… but I assumed you wanted something good and not an angsty piece about after his death… 😁 So, you get a dragon friend! …Or whatever Smaug is to you!

–Word Count: 2,359 –

The wind practically whistled beside your ear as the arrow brushed past your head. You should have used a little more caution when passing through the little fishing town, but it was nothing you couldn’t handle. Well, they weren’t shy in pursuing you well outside of their city, but they were certainly falling behind. You thought men on horses would have a better chance against someone on foot carrying bags of gold. To be fair, you had more than a few bags, but the rest of your collection was waiting for you beside the mountain just across the lake. As soon as these men left you alone, you wouldn’t squander your chance to get back there and add your recent findings. 

Lucky for you, those humans seemed to know when enough was enough and failed to follow you closer to the mountain. 

You jovially hummed to yourself, heading over to your hidden wagon, dripping with gold coins and various other treasures and jewels. Though, you knew your beloved treasure would get attention, so you decided it was time to find a good hiding place to settle down. Nothing, you thought, was better than a mountain where humans were wary to follow. Besides, if you were lucky, you’d find treasure already in there. All you’d have to do was fight off whoever owned the treasure. Then you’d have both treasure and a mountain to hide. Besides, this had to be one good mountain for a thief considering no one else dared approach.

Densely neglecting and disregarding the surrounding scenery, you excitedly entered the entrance of the mountain, a wide opening which looked like it should have had closed gates. Lucky for you, this seemed to be a mountain abandoned by dwarves. Giddy with excitement, you pulled your load of treasure behind you, traveling deep into the mountain. You’d only settle for the best hiding place for your collection. After all, you couldn’t have someone just happening across your belongings and mistaking them for unclaimed things; they were yours. 

However, it seemed the deeper you went, the heavier the air became. It was as if some magic hung over this place… Ah well, that was none of your concern. If there was a foreboding presence, then there was no doubt your treasure would be safe from intruders.

Standing in the door to another hall, you paused, your eyes glittering. With the lone bag on your back, you abandoned your cart in the hall, sprinting for the large doors before you. Your wide eyes scanned the room you found yourself in, flickering to and fro across the sea of gold. You’d have missed it before had it not been illuminating the entire area with a sheen of golden light. 

This was perfect. If those humans didn’t dare enter and find this trove then how could they dare to follow you and find yours? Feeling cocky and certain of yourself, you left your wagon at the door, carrying with you a few bags of gold, the start of your collection if you were to find a good hiding place. You didn’t want to just dump it in with the rest of this collection, you’d never be able to sort yours from the ones already here. Besides, you were prideful and wanted to keep track of how much treasure you personally collected before happening across this magnificent trove of sparkling wonders. 

The path was tricky and you, too many times, slipped upon the piles of gold. It was more difficult than walking upon sand dunes; these coins would like to devour you whole. Though, you thought you were having a fairly easy time of it, until the ground beneath you shifted. 

Frantically, you clawed at the mountain of coin to gain proper footing, but it was all in vain. Tumbling down, down, and further down the clattering gold, you were nearly buried under the tumbling coins. It was all you could do to keep your head above them, scrambling to free yourself. You suppose people weren’t exaggerating when they said too much gold could kill a person. You hadn’t taken it literally before now as you dug your way free from your shimmering prison. 

Feeling a puff of air blow your hair into your face, you froze in place, realizing just why no one had pursued you. This mountain… was the lonely mountain. You were in Erebor. And this dragon that gazed down upon you as if you were a mouse was none other than Smaug, the King under the mountain.

You should have been terrified, you should have feared death, but you could only kneel in awe of your idol from the stories. Once again, your eyes were glittering in delight, and this dragon seemed to sense that odd emotion coming off of you—it wasn’t fear. 

The great dragon hissed, “What mortal dares to enter the domain of the Great Smaug?” He meant to intimidate you, but you adored the intensity of his voice. He had astonishingly accomplished the complete opposite of what he intended.

“My Lord Smaug,” you praised him as though he were a god. “I should have realized sooner—an embarrassing mistake on my part that I shan't make again,” you promised vehemently. Despite your mortification at not recognizing the domain of this great King, you soon collected yourself as you continued to praise his magnificence, “The stories speak for themselves, your excellency! The ability to steal a trove of treasure but in a single moment…” You trailed off, ogling the great dragon. 

“And you dare threaten to steal from me?” Smaug tilted his head, regarding you with his sharp, serpentine eyes. “I will not part with a single coin; not one piece of it.”

“Of course not, my Lord!” You waved him down from a near tantrum, well aware of just how territorial dragons could be of their gold—you weren't all too different from him, after all. Eagerly, you presented your bag of treasure to him. “I… have a request, otherwise,” you timidly suggested. “I'm not here to steal, but rather… I'd like to strike a deal with a wise and powerful dragon. If you were to permit me, your excellence.”

Your heart raced as his head drew nearer to you. He was so much larger when he was hardly a foot away from you. But the sudden puffs of air that fluttered your hair made you quickly come to realize that he was sniffing you.

“This treasure is not of this mountain,” he huffed, pulling away and laying back atop his hoard. Luckily, you weren't perceived as a threat for the moment. “Speak, mortal.” 

“Well, then, my Lord, I just so happen to be a distinguished thief! Similar to you, my great excellency, I, myself, have accumulated a vast wealth of treasures over my time!” You proudly proclaimed your accomplishments, despite many of those treasures being lost. “Well… I've had the misfortune of never having a great place to safekeep them exactly… Until now! Great Smaug, with all your wisdom, would you allow me, a poor soul, to add my bountiful treasures to your hoard for your safekeeping?” 

It was quite agonizing for you, waiting for him to deliberate and contemplate. However, only after willingly displaying your wagon of treasure was a deal struck. You were a fortunate soul to be able to store your various treasures in the hoard. Of course, you had your own pile, separate from his on a ledge that hovered over the large trove. 

And day after day you would leave, sometimes you wouldn't return for days, but when you did return it was always with trinkets and treasures and gold to add to Smaug’s unnoticeably growing treasure hoard. 

However, your back and forth traveling only leads others to become interested in the abandoned, lonely mountain. After all, if someone like you could go in and come back out alive then surely the dragon had either fled or perished. So certain of their beliefs, they entered the mountain after their notorious thief, determined to get back their gold and steal from the limitless and bountiful riches within the depths of the mountain.

Unfortunately for them… You led them to exactly where they wanted to go, only to vanish the minute they lost themselves in the heaps and mountains of gold. 

“L- Look at all of this… We'll never have to work a day in our lives!”

“But that bastard thief… We can't have ‘em snatchin’ our gold. Where's that little rat?!”

“Here,” you announce, revealing your position atop a pile of gold, high above where they stood. You held a sword in your hands, but you weren't intending to use it. Your eyes narrowed, but the smile on your lips betrayed your glee. “You've made a mistake in coming here. This gold is not yours for the taking.”

“We're not here to ask for permission, thieving scum!”

“I can't pity a poor soul like you,” you solemnly replied, unconcerned with their approach. “Your excellency, these mortal men mean to steal from you.” 

The men froze at the foot of the gold lump, their eyes widening as the gold coin began cascading down like a waterfall. However, the more gold that fell, the more horror filled them. 

“That… That’s the dragon, that is!”

“Smaaaauug! We're gonna die!”

Their squeals didn't last long as blazing heat filled the room, burning the foolish men to a crisp. The sight enthralled you as you grinned, standing atop the head of your beloved King under the mountain. “We surely make a great team, my Lord.” You hummed in content, sitting down as you leaned against his horns. He too burrowed himself beneath the cool coin that surrounded him, relaxing atop his hoard. “You know,” you added thoughtfully, “I put a lot of my stuff in here and I really owe you for taking me in and protecting all of it. If there's anything you ever want, lemme know! Nothings off limits!” 

Though Smaug remained silent, his inaudible rumbling revealed his intrigue to your offer. Finally, he revealed his desire, “There is a golden ring that interests me… A golden ring of power. It is easy to recognize… Should you come across such an invaluable treasure as this, I should command that you bring it to me.”

“Yes, sir, my Lord! That ring is as good as yours if it ever crosses my path!” Your promises are always well kept, though he knew the chance of you coming across the ring was slim to none… He had to demand it. 

Well beyond that day, you continued to bring to him your trinkets and treats for months… years… centuries. Such a long, long time. Smaug would have otherwise not cared for the passage of time were it not for your coming and going, and his occasional leaving the mountain. 

Again sitting with you amongst the piles of gold, he commented, “You… are an odd human.”

You inclined your head curiously to regard his larger figure. “Human? My Lord, I'm half human.” 

His hums of intrigue vibrated the gold you sat upon as he mused aloud, “That explains the odd inhuman scent that follows you. An impressive little mortal.” Only being half human, it was no wonder you could accomplish the feats you did and bring back as many gifts as you have the past centuries. 

“I’m sure I smell profusely of dragon and gold at this point,” you couldn’t help but joke in response. But even if you did smell of nothing but dragon and gold, you were proud of it. You’d wear this scent like a badge of honor, proud to be the mortal companion of the great and powerful King under the mountain. “I’m glad to be with you, my King.”

You sat relaxed atop a gold hill, a reddish scaled tail trailed around you, peeking out from beneath the thousands of golden pieces. Beside you was a full view of your dragon friend amidst his hoard. You were determined to stay by his side and continue bringing him treasures until you found the ring he once mentioned. It was the only desire he’d ever named to you and you were determined to one day come across it and gift it to him.

Smaug, on the other hand, was content with you going and coming with your menial treasures as if you, yourself were a mouse-sized dragon with your own nest-sized hoard. You were oddly adorable, something he didn’t imagine he could feel about another living creature. Knowing what he knew… it was safe to say he was fond of his little half-human. 

His tail coiled further around you, not ensnaring you or trapping you, but comfortingly surrounding you, claiming you. “My precious little treasure…” His voice came out as a low rumble as he buried his head further in his pile of gold. 

You were convinced he was muttering about his hoard of gold, ignorant to the way his tail curled possessively around you, the scales nudging against your back. You simply took this as an affectionate brush, leaned further against his tail, patting his scales in return. How were you supposed to know that you’d suddenly become a part of a dragon’s hoard? And should you fail to ever return to him… Well, those unfortunate cities would understand why it is unwise to part a dragon from his treasure.

[dreadintensifies]

in stories whenever a group splits up it usually skips to post travel, or only one half of the group gets their travel adventure explored

which tends to leave one of my favorite adhd movie questions- what happened to the other group?

example, currently binge rewatching the dragon prince since season 6 just came out

when ezran splits off from the group at the end of season 2, he travels with corvus. we basically skip their entire journey because its not really important, but remember by this point they have already traveled quite far, even if ezran and corvus took all of the direct routes as quickly as possible, that is still a several day journey, possibly even a week or more

meaning there is a decent chunk of time with just pure ezran being his glorious self and corvus experiencing all that is ez for the first time

like that poor man dude absolutely lost 20 years off his life from that trip alone, ez may be wise and responsible beyond his years but hes also a 10 year old who can talk to animals and has a heart that bleeds enough to fill a lake

and hes corvus' king

that poor man no wonder hes on the counsel later he didnt have a choice. dude spent half the trip wanting to rip his hair out because ezran saw a cute murder creature and wanted to say hi, and the other half in awe at how good and pure ezran is to his core