#the resident a wedding a funeral

[frankcastleonlyfans]

𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐒

pairing: daemon targaryen x royce!reader

summary: after an unexpected invitation to a wedding at the north, y/n royce teams up with her unbearable ex-husband, prince daemon targaryen, on a journey that leads us to Winterfell, where they plan to stop their daughter from marrying cregan stark.

author's note: this short series (it will probably be a trilogy) is based off the movie "ticket to paradise" (yes the one with george clooney and julia roberts)

warnings: enemies to lovers, short haired daemon, y/n and daemon hate each other and will probably remind you of your divorced parents. daenys is 18 and i don't remember how old is cregan sorry :)

reblogs, feedbacks and likes are appreciated. support your content creators 💓 please leave a comment if you like my work, and enjoy your reading.

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You thought that years after your daughter became a woman, parenting wouldn't be a problem in your life anymore. You were wrong. As your eyes read the letter in your hand, over and over again, your mind screamed: This is all his fault!!! And of course you knew it wasn't directly his fault, after all, your ex-husband resided at King's Landing, and probably by now he'd be reading the letter, same as you, after receiving this dreadful news. Your sweet young daughter has just got engaged to Cregan Stark.

Daemon's nostrils dilated in anger. Two weeks ago, Viserys had asked him to visit Winterfell and make presence at Cregan's takeover ceremony, as he just became the new Lord of Winterfell. The Prince was ready to do so, but his precious Daenys asked him to go on her father and uncle's behalf. Now, Daemon would take the blame as he knew it was, in fact, his fault.

As the The Rogue Prince went over the words written on the paper, he could already feel your future judgmental gaze burning him alive. He had thrown his daughter to the wolves, and she thought she was prepared to lead the pack. She asked to go and he let her. Now, he was invited to a wedding at The North.

This wouldn't be happening if she lived in The Vale with you. But no, she had to choose daddy. She would always choose daddy. The Vale didn't had a dragonpit, The Vale didn't had her silver-haired family, The Vale didn't had anything but cows and sheeps and grass. But The Vale had you, and sometimes Daenys would stay for a few weeks with you, even if that meant that her dragon would be flying around Runestone and scaring the villagers.

You had received a raven from Daemon, inviting you to King's Landing so he could escort you to Winterfell on dragonback. Though you preferred the more traditional method of traveling on horseback, you accepted.

The capitol greeted you with its usual oppressive heat and unpleasant smells. It was as you remembered it: hot, congested, and overwhelmingly unpleasant. The last time you had been here was for Rhaenyra's engagement, which had turned into a wedding—and a funeral. The bitterness of that memory lingered.

The court's reception of you was as cold as the city was warm. You were an outsider—no Targaryen lineage, no purple eyes, and no place in the intricate web of court politics. Queen Alicent, though not a Targaryen herself, had embraced the court's customs, which had twisted her children into incestuous little monsters. And as for the heir to the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra's disdain for you was palpable, perhaps fueled by her own obsession with Daemon. The rest of the court's members paid little heed to your presence.

Your carriage delivered you to the Dragonpit, where Daemon was preoccupied with Caraxes, his dragon. The beast’s excitement was evident in its whistling and the way it eagerly twisted its neck to catch sight of you.

Daemon's scowl was familiar as he wrestled with Caraxes. “I wondered if you’d actually come,” he grumbled, his voice a mix of irritation and begrudging relief.

“You knew I had no choice, someone had to come fix up your mess." You shrugged, getting closer to pet the animal.

"My mess!? I don't remember telling Daenys to marry Cregan fucking Stark!" The Rogue Prince scoffed, his voice sounding a little high pitched, "I gave her a task, It's not my fault she has done something completely different."

You hissed at his audacious condescension, "You gave her your task, your responsibility. It's your fault Daemon, as everything is always your fault."

The Rogue Prince frowned as he hopped on his dragon's back, "What's that supposed to mean?"

You chose to ignore him, but accepted his help to get on top of Caraxes' back.

It took eight agonizing hours upon the skies on way to Winterfell, and you could only imagine how many Stark babies your daughter had made by now. It was quite silent upon the clouds, and you could feel the cold air of The North starting to freeze your bones. You wondered if Daenys had adapted herself to the cold already. As always, all your thoughts were on your daughter.

A soft, almost comical tune drifted over as Daemon hummed in High Valyrian while steering the dragon. You rolled your eyes and snorted.

"What’s so amusing now?" Daemon asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Just thinking about how we're going to stop her from marrying the North’s icy prince," you replied with a sigh.

Daemon’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "We should act like we're totally onboard with this. I'll get Cregan to admit he's marrying her just to get his hands on political power, and you, with your talent for manipulation, can work your magic on her."

You shot him a sharp look. "Oh, right. Because your idea of ‘support’ is turning into a two-faced schemer, and my ‘magic’ is just being a professional puppet master. Perfect."

Daemon chuckled at your response, his gaze fixed on the icy expanse below. "It’s not a matter of ‘manipulating’ her, it’s about protecting her. If this marriage goes south, it’s not just her future at risk—it’s the stability of my entire line."

“Stability? You’ve always cared more about your pride and dragons than anything else,” you retorted, shivering slightly as the cold air intensified.

“Pride and dragons have their place, but you underestimate my concern for Daenys,” Daemon said, his voice softening. “She’s my daughter too. If this marriage is a political maneuver or a trap, I need to know. And unfortunately I need your help to do that.”

The snow-covered landscape of Winterfell was becoming clearer as Caraxes descended. You glanced at Daemon, seeing a flicker of genuine worry in his eyes. For a moment, the old animosity between you seemed to melt away, replaced by a shared concern for your daughter.

As Caraxes touched down in the snow-covered grounds of Winterfell, the stark chill of the North bit through your layers. Daemon’s expression was a mix of determination and frustration, and you couldn’t help but notice how the grandeur of Winterfell seemed to dwarf the fiery presence of his dragon.

You and Daemon dismounted swiftly, the crunch of snow beneath your boots echoing in the silent, frigid air. The imposing structure of Winterfell loomed ahead, a stark contrast to the warmth and opulence of King's Landing.

“The Starks will be expecting us,” Daemon said tersely, his gaze scanning the frosty landscape. “We need to play our parts carefully.”

You nodded, still bristling from the cold and the tension between you two. “I’ll do my best. But if this whole affair is some kind of power grab or an elaborate ploy against us, I want to make sure Daenys is safe.”

Daemon’s expression softened again, a rare glimpse of vulnerability crossing his features. “We’ll find out soon enough. For now, let’s just hope this is a union built on more than just politics.”

As you approached the gates of Winterfell, the grandeur of the ancient castle was both intimidating and awe-inspiring. The guards let you pass with minimal fuss, their cold eyes assessing you and Daemon with practiced neutrality. The hallways of Winterfell were lined with Stark banners, and the warmth from the hearths provided a small relief from the biting cold outside.

You were soon ushered into a grand hall where Cregan Stark awaited. His presence was as formidable as his reputation, with an aura of quiet strength that seemed to fill the room. Beside him was Daenys, looking regal but noticeably tense, her eyes meeting yours with a mix of relief and apprehension.

“Mother, Father,” Daenys greeted, her voice steady despite the situation. “I’m glad you’ve arrived safely.”

You offered her a warm but concerned smile, taking in her attire and the unmistakable signs of stress on her face. "Daenys, dear. You look… well. But we need to talk."

Cregan stepped forward, his expression courteous but his eyes sharp. "Welcome to Winterfell. I trust the journey was not too arduous?"

Daemon gave a curt nod, his eyes fixed on Cregan. “It was long, but we’ve managed. I hope the arrangements for the wedding are proceeding as planned?”

Cregan’s expression remained neutral. “Indeed. We’ve made all necessary preparations. I’m eager to discuss the future and the alliance this marriage represents.”

As the conversation continued, you couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a complex and possibly perilous chapter. You knew you’d have to navigate not only the intricacies of court politics but also the fraught emotions of a father who was clearly worried about his daughter’s well-being.

The banquet that followed was a display of Northern hospitality, but your mind was elsewhere, focusing on how to ensure Daenys’s future was secure. As the evening wore on, you planned your next steps carefully, knowing that every word and action would impact the delicate balance of relationships that had already been strained.

As you finally retired to your quarters for the night, you and Daemon shared a moment of silence. The weight of the situation was palpable, and while the old arguments and grievances were still there, a shared purpose had emerged. Protecting Daenys was now the priority, and perhaps, in this endeavor, you and Daemon could find some common ground, if only for a little while.

In the stillness of the night, you lay in the unfamiliar bed of Winterfell, the grandeur of the castle doing little to soothe your growing unease. The banquet had been a parade of forced smiles and veiled threats, and the cold seemed to seep through your bones with each passing moment.

A knock at your door broke the silence, and you opened it to find Daemon, his face lit by the flickering torchlight. His usually stern demeanor was tinged with a rare hint of vulnerability.

"Thought I'd find you awake," Daemon said, stepping inside, uninvited "We need to be extra cautious. Cregan Stark is shrewd, and there’s more to this marriage than meets the eye."

You raised an eyebrow, crossing your arms. "Is that so? Because it sounds like you’re just now realizing what kind of game the Starks are playing. Should I prepare myself for a lecture on how wolves hunt in packs?"

Daemon scowled, clearly irritated. "I don't need you to remind me. What I need is to figure out if this alliance is a genuine union or a clever trap."

You snorted, leaning against the wall. "And you think I’m here for the fun of it? We need to be careful, Daemon. You can’t just stomp around like a bull in a wolf’s den and expect to come out unscathed."

Daemon’s eyes flashed with irritation. "I’m not planning on stomping around. I’m suggesting we handle this with some subtlety. Unlike some people who seem to think they can charm their way through every situation."

You gave him a sharp look. "Oh, don’t start with the high-handed approach. We both know you’re just as likely to spark a conflict as you are to prevent one. If you want to be useful, maybe try blending in with the Northerners instead of prancing around like a dragon amongst wolves."

He narrowed his eyes. "And maybe you could stop pretending you have all the answers and start cooperating for once. We’re in this together, whether you like it or not."

With a huff, you pushed away from the wall. "Fine. Let’s agree to not kill each other while we’re here. But remember, Daemon, while you’re plotting your next move, I’ll be the one trying to keep the peace and avoid any unnecessary skirmishes."

Daemon’s expression softened just a fraction. "Agreed. I’ll focus on not antagonizing everyone, if you focus on not making me look like a fool."

As he turned to leave, you caught his arm, a smile playing on your lips. "If this goes south, I expect a full report on how you are to blame."

He shot you a sardonic smile. "I’ll make sure to include a chapter on your unmatched ability to defuse a crisis."

With that, he left, and you returned to the window, staring out at the snow-covered grounds. The chill of Winterfell seemed to amplify the tensions between you, but perhaps, with a bit of wit and a lot of careful maneuvering, you could unravel the true nature of this alliance and ensure Daenys's future wasn't just a pawn in a Stark game.

chapter two: icy flames

[slavicdelight]

EPHEMERAL

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen × Targ!Royce!f!reader

Summary: Your father, Prince Daemon Targaryen never ackowledged you. Your mother, Lady Rhea Royce passed away when you were little, which leaves you to be raised by your uncle - King Viserys Targaryen, and his wife - Queen Alicent Hightower. As you grow up in the Red Keep, you grew close to the kings second son - Prince Aemond Targaryen.

Warnings: cursing, violence, canon divergence

A/N: part two is here HIRAETH

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Being the daughter of the infamous Rouge Prince was not easy, especially when your mother was a woman he despised up until her death or after that. You were not even supposed to exist, as your parents held such resentment towards each other, that their union was not consummated for a very long time, before one fateful night, when Prince Daemon was exiled from King’s Landing yet again by his brother, King Viserys. Your maid mentioned to you that your father was extremely enraged and got drunk inside the walls of Runestone. Your lady mother was also having an exceptionally bad day, and so she joined her husband in consuming a ridiculous amount of wine. One thing led to another, therefore you were conceived, and the Targaryen man fled the very next day.

You were born the same year as the eldest son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, growing up in the Vale with only your mother there, as your father, upon hearing the news of your birth did not even acknowledge you as his child and flew away to fight in the Stepstones. He could call you a bastard of his “Bronze Bitch” all he wanted, but even though you had brown hair, no one could deny the fact that you have the blood of the dragons flowing through your veins, for your eyes were the gorgeous shade of violet. Runestone was your home. You loved running in its halls, playing with various servants and guards, but your most favourite part was learning everything you could from your mother. Sadly your childhood joy did not last long. When you were two name days old Lady Rhea passed away in what was called a hunting accident. People of the Vale did not believe that story and were spreading rumours that it was her husband, who murdered her in cold blood.

Queen Alicent, after learning about your misfortune, convinced her husband to bring you to the Red Keep to be raised among your cousins. She mentioned a well-known saying going around the Targaryen family: “A dragon alone in the world is a terrible thing”. And so, as a result, you were brought to Kings Landing and raised along with the queen’s and Princess Rhaenyra’s children. You got on with Helaena and Aemond pretty well. The princess was your closest friend, you spent most of the time together, because you were the only two girls among the royal family residing in the castle. You did not mind her riddles nor her fondness for small creatures, quite the opposite, you found it fascinating how smart Helaena is. Aemond was a slightly different story. You remember being drawn to him, something inside you did not let you pull away from the prince. For him you were his light in life, the only person he did not mind the company of. You both were polar opposites. You being very kind, talkative and a ray of sunshine, him being closed off and quiet. You disliked Aegon, even though you were the closest in age, because of his vile language and inappropriate behavior. He was also a bully and liked to tease you and Aemond for not having dragons, dragging the sons of Princess Rhaenyra into it as well. When it comes to Jace and Luke, you found them pleasant to be around when they’re not doing Aegon’s bidding. Your life in the Red Keep was going well and you thrived in this environment, but what you did not know, is that it would all soon come to an end.

time skip to the funeral of Laena Velaryon

After Prince Daemon won the war in the Stepstones, he came back to his brothers’ side once again, but it did not last long, as he left following the wedding of Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor. During his presence in the castle, he was set on ignoring your existence, and you only saw him once, when he strolled through the gardens, where you were sitting with Helaena. He wed the lady Laena Velaryon soon after and left for Pentos abandoning you again. Now, you are all standing on Driftmark, attending the said lady’s funeral. Once again your father has paid you no attention and you decided not to let it bother you. After the coffin was laid down into the sea everyone started conversing amongst each other. You decided to stay close to Aemond, due to not feeling confident and you knew that he was the only person who could bring you comfort. As you headed to where the green siblings stood, you heard Aegon talking.

“We have nothing in common.” he said, clearly talking about Helaena, who sat on the ground playing with a spider. As you walked closer you heard her muttering one of her riddles. “She’s our sister.” defended her Aemond, right when you appeared next to him and took his hand, sending a small smile his way, which he returned. “You marry her then”. Lately, it has been revealed that the two eldest children of Queen Alicent are betrothed. You pitied your friend, Aegon was probably the most horrid person you have ever encountered.

“I would perform my duty, if only mother had only betrothed us. But I am to marry someone else.” with that he looked at you. “I am happy to be marrying you, as you are the best possible choice.” you said to him, squeezing his hand tighter. The small council also decided on a marriage between you and the King’s second son.

“She’s an idiot.” said Aegon and your blood boiled. “At least she’s not a complete moron and a drunk.” you bit back and Aemond had to fight back a grin. “Oh you little witch.” said the boy and tried to advance towards you unsuccessfully.

“She’s your future Queen” said the younger brother. It was a known fact that the Queen and the Hand wish to put him on the throne instead of Princess Rhaenyra. War was inevitable. “We do have something in common.” said Aegon, when a maid came over with a tray of wine. “We both fancy creatures with very long legs.” and with that he strolled away in search for more alcohol.

That left you alone with Aemond. Suddenly the pair of you heard unmistakably a roar of the dragon in the distance. Vhagar, the she-dragon of Queen Visenya, that recently became riderless. You look at your companion and noticed the longing look in his eyes. “Aemond. What are you thinking?” you said to get his attention. He turned to you for a second before continuing to stare in the direction of the sound. “She’s hurting, mourning the loss of lady Laena. I always wanted to see her, after all, she is the last living symbol of the conquest. “ you kept going. “Hmm. Maybe we should go and see her then.” you looked at him as he said that. “Tonight, after everyone’s asleep so that no one stops us.”You were used to sneaking out, as you both often did so to spend time together in the keep’s library late at night, to read all the books you could find. After small moment of consideration, you nodded to let him know that you agree to the plan. Up untill the night, you spend time with each other exploring the Drftmark castle.

Soon enough it started to grow dark. You and your best friend stood next to the flight of stairs leading to the beach, looking at drunk Aegon. Just as you were planning to sneak off, the boys’ grandfather, Otto Hightower, came into view, grabbing the eldest prince to drag him to his bed. Aemond looked at you as they left and motioned to follow him, which you did without any worries. Both of you walked towards the place Vhagar nested in, and once the mighty dragon became visible, you were amazed. She was so big, that she did not need to open her mouth much to swallow the two of you. “Fuck” muttered Aemond. “She’s amazing, isn’t she?” you whispered and couldn’t tear your gaze away. And with you saying that the white-haired boy proceeded to move closer towards her. Your brows furrowed at the act and you asked “My prince? What are you doing?”

Aemond turned to face you and said “She is unclaimed and she’s suffering. I can’t let it go on.”. You then understood what he meant and the idea of your betrothed going straight into the jaws of the biggest dragon alive made you uneasy. “Aemond. This is a bad idea! She could burn you! Or eat you!” you argued. “It is my right, both of our right, to claim a dragon.” you knew that, but there were so many dragons without riders. Surely you could make a trip to Dragonstone and try your luck with others, nonetheless, you knew that once Aemond set his mind on something, there is no changing it.

“Just please, be careful.” you muttered into his ear as you hugged the boy. Unwanted tears gathered in your eyes, as you saw him approach the animal. You were pretty far away and too lost in your own mind to hear him say anything. When Vhagar opened her mouth to breathe fire, you almost fainted from worry, but you believed that he could do it. And he did it, the dragon accepted him as his rider, letting him climb atop her for their first flight. You were so proud of the prince and you beamed into the sky screaming “Yes Aemond! You did it!” and laughing. Once the flight was done and he climbed down, he called you to his side. You came over slowly, wary of the dragon, as you knew, they don’t like the presence of people, who aren’t their riders.

“I did it! Did you see? I was flying!” Aemond became a ball of energy at this moment and you couldn’t help but grin. “You did it. You’re finally a dragon rider.” and with that, you hugged him. “I’m so proud of you.”. He gave you a beautiful smile, but it slightly fell, once you said “But scare me like that ever again and I will kill you.”. Taking his hand, you both started walking back towards the castle and Aemond told you all about the experience, and how freeing, yet terrifying it felt. Neither of you expected to encounter a problem once you walked inside.

“It’s them.” said one of your half-sisters. In the entrance stood the daughters of the late Lady Laena, along with Jace and Luke. “It’s us.” confirmed Aemond when you both emerged from the darkness. “Vhagar is my mother’s dragon. She was mine to claim.” exclaimed Rhaena and you could clearly see rage overcoming her. ��Dragons aren’t possessions to be passed down, dear sister.” you told her and everyones eyes turned to you. “Aemond had the right to claim her and she chose him. It is done.” you defended your prince and he gave you a small smile before saying “Perhaps your cousins would find you a pig to ride. It would suit you.” Not that long ago Aegon, Jace, and Luke pulled a prank on Aemond, dressing up a pig in wings, calling it Pink Dread. With that Rhaena tried to hit him, but he dodged the attempt and pushed her away, making Baela strike him on the nose. With that, all hell broke loose and you knew that it will not end well. You tried to stop them “No! Leave him alone! He didn’t do anything wrong!”, but someone pushed you away and you banged your head against the torch on a wall. You could feel the bleeding and the ache, but you ignored it to observe what was happening in front of you.

Aemond was holding Luke by the neck, while in his other hand he gripped a rock. “You will die screaming as you father did. Bastards.” he said and you were shocked, not because you didn’t believe it, but rather because he said it out loud. Everyone knew Princess Rhaenyra was having an affair with Ser Harwin Strong. How else would anyone explain the certain resemblance he has to the “Velaryon” boys? They do not look anything like their supposed father Ser Laenor. The King Viserys was conveniently blind to it, but everyone knew that he just prefered to conceal the truth to protect his “only child”. “My father’s still alive.” said Luke and you watched a smirk appear on the white-haired prince’s face. “He doesn’t know, does he? Lord Strong.” he continued and you had to intervene. “Aemond stop. That’s enough. Let’s finish this madness.” you tried to convince him to let the younger prince go. He looked at you and that’s when Luke broke free and both he and Jace attacked Aemond. Before you could comprehend what was happening you saw a flash of knife and blood chilling scream of your betrothed.

You ran towards him and saw him clutching his eye tightly. The bastard took his eye. “Aemond!” you screamed. “Guards! What are you waiting for?! Get help!” you yelled at your sisters and cousins, while trying to soothe Aemond. Soon enough guards poured in and one of them pulled you away from your best friend, much to your protest. “My prince. Let me see.” The guard turned Aemond around and saw the wound. “Gods be good” Gods be good indeed. You were all taken to the hall and the adults were called. By that time you felt very faint from the blood loss and passed out. You didn’t hear the exchange between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra as you did not wake in time, but you know, as did everyone in the realm, what transpired there.

You woke up two days later, and you took time to recover. It did not stop you from visiting Aemond in his chambers or going to the gardens and spending time with Helaena. One day as you were walking to your rooms, you overheard a conversation between Queen Alicent and Lord Larys Strong. They were discussing the issue of your father marrying Princess Rhaenyra and the scandal it caused. Both believed they had a hand in Ser Laenor’s murder, but what was said in this conversation rang in your head for days. “I would not put it passed Prince Daemon to murder the princess’s husband. After all, nothing stopped him from killing his first wife.” Your mother’s death wasn’t an accident, because it was Daemon who murdered her to finally be free of marriage duty. Since that day you hated your father even more and you promised yourself, that you would avenge your beloved mother.

time skip six years later

You and Aemond have been married for a year now and you recently welcomed a child into the world, a beautiful girl named Alysanne after the Good Queen, who looked like exact copy of the prince. Your husband a wonderful father and lover. Since the day your daughter was born he has been spending all of his free time tending to you both. Even though the Driftmark accident caused the prince to be colder and more intimidating, he was very caring and soft towards you, your daughter, his mother and his sister. Only the women of his family were privileged to see this side of him. After your wedding you relocated to Runestone and you took over your responsibilities as a Lady of the house. Aemond unsurprisingly thrived in the Vale as the Lord of Runestone, as he was dutiful, smart and formidable. You were content there, but you visited the Red Keep as often as you could on your dragons. Yes, you heard correctly. Dragons. About two years after the loss of Aemonds eye, you stumbled upon a dragon of your own. It was one of the wild ones, that terrified anyone who heard his name. You claimed the notorious Canniball. During the last visit to King’s Landing, Helaena gifted you both a dragonn egg from Dreamfire’s latest clutch to put into Alysanne’s cradle.

Just last night the three of you arrived at court for the Driftmark petitions, that are being held in approximately three days. Corlys Velaryon suffered a terrible injury during his voyage and no one could be sure if he will recover. This plundged the succession into question. Lord Vaemond Velaryon publicly questioned Lucerys Velaryon’s right to become the next Lord of the Tides. King Viserys has been bedridden for a long time now, and the realm was placed into the hands of Hightowers, who ruled in his stead. Princess Rhaenyra was informed of the petition and was to come to the Red Keep to defend her son, and along with her will come the whole black fraction of Targaryen family. You weren’t keen on seeing any of them again, especially Prince Daemon, as you held strong resentment towrads the man.

On the day of their arrival you and your daughter were on the country yard watching Aemond train with Ser Criston Cole. Soon you saw the two eldest sons of heir to the iron throne and smirked at their terrified expressions, while they realised what formidable fighter your husband was. With a few more strikes of the blade Aemond defeated Cole. “Congratulations my Prince, you’ll be winning tourneys in no time.” said the knight. “I don’t give a shit about tourneys.” you beloved answered and directed his eyes towards the boys. “Nephews. Have you come to train?”. In that moment the gate opened and in walked Vaemond Velaryon, advancing towards the keep, he casted the nastiest look he could muster towards his “nephews”.

After that Jace and Luke scurried away inside, probably in search of their mother or Daemon for protection and Aemond walked up to you and took your daughter into his arms, while she blabbed excitetly at her father. “It seems, my love, that you scare them off.” you said, smilig at him. “Hmmm. Good. It is best they learn their place. I am not so easily defeated now.” and with that he placed his hand on the small of your back and guided you in direction of your chambers. When you walked inside, Aemond placed your daughter in her cradle, while you sat next to the fireplace. “I wish for you to behave today. I know that their presence irritates you, but it is not for long and we don’t need any fights today. Gods know my father is only waiting for a reason to kill us all, so it will be best not to give him one.” Aemond only hummed at that and went to stand behind you to massage you neck. “You’re tense.” he stated the obvious. “Of course I am. It is stressfull enough to be in one keep with him. Seriously Aemond, do not do anything to cause a fight today, I beg you.” you truned to look him straight into the eye. “For you, my darling wife, I will be civil, but don’t expect me to be nice.” he answered. You nodded in confirmation. That was all you needed.

Finally it was time for the petitions to be held. You stood between Aemond and Heleana, looking straight into the eyes of Prince Daemon Targaryen and he held your gaze, as if it was a staring contest. Lord Hand stood before the Iron Throne and declared the petitions to be open. First one to make his was Ser Vaemond. His statement was going all about the Velaryon blood, and how his supposed nephews did not have a drop of it in themselves. Princess Rhaenyra tried to intervene, only to be stopped by you mother-in-law. At the end of his petiton he put himself forward as the successor of his brother. It was now the turn of your stepmother to defend her son’s right. She walked gracefully towards the throne and started to say “If I have to grace this farce, I must remind you, that yearly twenty years ago in this very room..”

She was interrupted by the doors swinging open as the knight announced “King Viserys Targaryen, First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.”. Everyone couldn’t hide their surprise, after all, the king hasn’t been seen in a long time, too sick to even get up from his bed. And yet here he was, walking to the throne with a golden mask covering half of his face, leaning on the support of a cane. “Father has once again come to defend his only child.” sneered Aegon. You couldn’t help the scoff that escaped your lips, it was true, he never shown any care to anyone other than his eldest daughter, and for that you hated the man almost as much as you did your father. In your eyes he was a weak king and even a weaker man. Disgraceful.

In that moment everyone knew that Driftmark will be going to Lucerys, no matter how wrong it was and how many people protested against it. Luke was a sweet boy, but he had no right to the Driftwood Throne. “I don’t understand why are we discussing a settled succesion.” the king said after finally settling on the throne. “The only one, who could offer keeper insight into Lord Corlys’ wishes is the Princess Rhaenys.”. The said princess took a step closer before answering her cousin. “Indeed Your Grace. It was in Lord Corlys’ wishes for Driftmark to be passed to his grandson, Lucerys Velaryon. His mind never changed, nor my support of him. Princess Rhaenyra offered to betroth her children, Jace and Luke to Baela and Rhaena. A proposal to which I heartily agree.” You all knew that is was pointless to argue now. Viserys affirmed Lucerys as the future Lord of the Tides, but it wasn’t acceptable to Ser Vaemond as he openly declared the sons of the heir as bastards. “I will have you tongue for that” rasped the king, but it wasn’t necessary. Prince Daemon Targaryen unnoticed by everyone sneaked behind Vaemond, Dark Sister in his hand, and cut off his head in one strike. Everyone in the hall got startled at that and the petitions were over. The King had to be carried out of the hall as he suddenly fell down.

“Did you see them? Flaunting their privilege without a care in the world. It is horrible how they think they can get away with everything.” you spoke on the way back to your chambers with Aemond trailing behind you. “Darling. Do not worry, it will not last long anyway.” your husband tried to coax you to calm down. After walking into the room, you headed straight to the cradle where Alysanne laid awake, playing with a dragon plushie you made for her during your tea with Helaena. The prince dismissed the maid who was watching your daughter and walked over to you two. “I’m scared Aemond. You saw what he did there. He has no restrain, I fear what he would do to us, to her.” you said and looked at the babe. “He will do nothing, for he would be called a kinslayer. And I shall protect you both with my life. Nothing will happen, I promise you.” That made you hug him and bury your face in his chest. Everything has to be alright.

The night came, and with it the dreaded family dinner, which was demanded by Viserys in honor of his family being all in the same place for the first time in six years. You were talking with Helaena about setting up another playdate for your kids, while your husbands stood to the side talking Gods know about what. Eventually, everyone took their seats. You and your husband were at the end of it, exactly in front of Lucerys and Rhaena. You all stood up when the King was carried in and so let the game of pretending begin. “It is good to see you all, together” Viserys started and Alicent proposed to say prayers. The King stood up for a speech. “My own face is no longer a handsome one, if indeed it ever was” he revealed his full face, which was missing an eye. He looked more like a skeleton than a human. “But tonight, I wish you to see me as I am. Not just a king, but your father.” he looked towards Rhaenyra, Aegon, Helaena and Aemond. “your husband” he said to Alicent. “and your grandsire who may not, it seems, walk for much longer among you.” Everyone’s faces displayed something else, but what they all had in common, was pain of seeing him suffer. “Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. Set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown, then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly.”. After his speech, Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent made toasts to each other and the atmosphere became lighter. Everyone were enjoying themselves, the room was full of music, laughter, dancing, and pleasant conversations. It was all going smoothly until the pig was brought to the table and set directly in front of your husband. By that time Viserys was carried out as he felt worse. That made Lucerys chuckle, as he was reminded of Pink Dread, and send a smirk Aemonds way. This was his mistake, as the older prince suddenly slammed his hand onto the table, grabbed his cup and made the final toast of the night.

“Final tribute.” with saying that he had everyone’s attention and Aegon raised his cup in support of his brother. “To the health of my nephews: Jace…Luke…and Joffrey. Each of them handsome, wise…” every person in the room held their breath as their waited for inevidable. “Strong.” “Aemond” you and Alicent said at the same time, but he did not listen and he was not about to stop. “Come…Let us drain our cups to these three Strong boys.” that made Jace mad and he went to retaliate. “I dare you to say that again” the bronze haired boy said and everyone stood up from their seats in case a fight erupted. “Why? ‘Twas only a compliment” continued your husband. “Enough of that” you said at the same time Aemond aksed “Do you not thing yourself Strong?”. Jace came over and hit the elder prince straight on the jaw, but it did nothing for Aemond only laughed and shoved the Velaryon onto the floor.“Jace!” screamed Rhaenyra. Lucerys tried to join the fight to help his brother, only to be stopped by Aegon, who slammed him on the table. “That’s enough” said Alicent. You were mad and decided to storm out of the room.

Not much later you husband stepped into the comfort of your chambers where he found you staring outside the window. He walked closer but you immediately took a step back and hissed at him “I asked you not to do anything today. But as always you had to let your pride ruin everything. Now you put a target on our backs. Daemon won’t let this go.”. “My love…” he started only to be cut off by you. “No! I do not want to hear your pitiful excuses.” Aemond scowled at you and you could see him getting angry. “That bastard dared to laugh at me. AT ME! Because of that fucking pig! I was only defending myself!” you only scoffed at that and walked towards the fireplace, further away from him. “If you had any decency you would have ignored it. But you didn’t! Instead you behaved like some peasant and started throwing insults and then began a fight”. “Jaecerys hit me first! He began the fight!” your husband defended himself but his look softened as he saw how worried you were. He kneeled before you and took your hand in his placing a kiss atop of it. “I’m sorry darling. I should’ve composed myself and ignore him. You are right. Please forgive me”. You looked at him and pulled the eyepatch off his face. “I just worry. I don’t want anything bad to happen. We should probably head back to Runestone. I think we overstayed this visit.” Aemond agreed and you decided to set back to the Vale in a couple of days.

But what you didn’t know, is that you wouldn’t be able to return to your keep, as for when you were sleeping, King Viserys drew his last breath and told his lady wife the dream of song of ice and fire, which was interpreted to put Aegon on the throne. War was on the horizont and no one was safe. Your and your family’s happiness and peace is about to become EPHEMERAL.

ღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღღ

A/N: My obsession with Aemond Targaryen and Ewna Mitchell reached to the point where i decided to give it a try and write something. Anyways, English is not my 1st language, so there may be some mistakes in writing. If you would like a part II of this story, please let me know in the comments. It would mean the world to me if you decided to leave a heat here ♡

[honey-and-sims]

After the wedding, Winifred moved into the shared housing unit that Lawrence occupied. It was cramped inside, with no electricity or running water and the kitchen and dining area were shared with the other residents who lived there. Despite this though, they tried to make the best of it and think of it as cosy instead. 

And of course, we mustn’t forget Winifred's two furry friends, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They were Winifred’s two best companions in the entire world and were completely inseparable.

As a girl, Winifred found that she had an aptitude for writing poetry. She would read her poems to the other girls at the workhouse, which would end in tears and applause. 

However, as she grew older, her writing turned into stories of ferocious beasts and things thirsting for human blood. When she shared these stories though, the other girls became terrified of her and said it was unladylike to write things like that.

Nowadays, Winifred settled for writing advertisements for brands like Corn Flakes and Sunlight Soap to earn a living, and kept her macabre stories to herself. 

Lawrence was in his third semester studying at Britechester where he majored in Biology with a minor in thanatology and hoped to turn his studies into his own funeral business. 

His father, however, was a shoemaker in Henford, and as the years went on, it was likely Lawrence’s brother, Samuel Jr, would inherit the business after Lawrence had made it clear he wasn’t interested. This caused great tension between the family, and Lawrence had become quite estranged from them.

Despite this, Lawrence remained optimistic about his future and the coursework kept him busy enough to not be able to think much of his family troubles. 

[bullet-prooflove]

A Special Place: Lee Dutton x Reader (feat: Kayce Dutton)

Tagging: @kmc1989 @yousigned-upforthis @foxfabled @trublu2u @worlds-tallest-fairy @mjmdragons

Companion piece to:

1993 - You read out a letter to Lee over the phone.

A Boy from Bozeman - Lee says goodbye to the woman he loves.

The Worry Doll - Lee still keeps the worry doll you gave him.

Wild Fire - Lee tells you the truth about the wildfire.

Experiance (NSFW) - Lee's gained some experiance since the last time the two of you were together.

Blind Date - John puts the word out around town that Lee needs a wife.

Fire Wood - Lee always chops firewood when he's pissed.

Wedding Bells - You and Lee tie the knot in secret.

Until Your Dying Day - You make a promise to Lee.

Duty - Dutton men don’t marry for love.

Never Again - You promise Lee that John won't come between the two of you.

The Last Time - Lee gets to be with you one last time.

Lee’s funeral is everything he wouldn’t have wanted it to be. It’s a fanfare of people he couldn’t stand parading through the ranch and giving his father their condolences with a sincerity that borders on pathological. You can’t fucking stand it so you leave, you stand right up in the middle of the service and go because this shit, it isn’t Lee.

When Kayce finds you, it’s three hours later and you’re sitting in that field of wildflowers, your feet dipped into the stream the two of you bathed in during your honeymoon. The water feels warm as it runs over your feet and you remember the expression on Lee’s face when he held you close and you’d promised him you’d love him until his dying day.

“I won’t apologise.” You tell Kayce as he sits down alongside you, stripping off his own boots and socks before rolling up the cuffs of his jeans. He had been the only one not wearing a suit, the only one to respect Lee’s wishes.

“You never have to apologise to me.” He says as he leans back and tilts his head up towards the sun. “Lee would have hated all that shit anyway.”

“Yea.” You say, kicking your feet a little in the water. “He would have.”

The silence between you grows and you find yourself thinking of the child nestled inside you, the one that will never know it’s father. You want to say something to Kayce, to tell him but then you remember the promise you made Lee, about how the two of you would escape this legacy, how your child would never feel the burden of it.

“What happens next?” Kayce asks you interrupting your thoughts, his eyes are closed as the sun bathes his rugged features.

“California.” You say quietly. “The cars packed up and ready to go, I just wanted to come here and say goodbye one last time.”

“It’s a special place…” Kayce agrees and you can hear the sadness this place, it doesn’t even belong to them anymore. The deed is in the hands of a man who owns the ranch next to the Duttons because John had wanted to punish his oldest son for loving you.

“I should get going.” You say as you raise to your feet and Kayce remains seated, his gaze fixated on the pastures in front of him. “I’ve got a long drive ahead of me.”

“I’m gonna stay a while.” He says, his fingers threading through the grass underneath him. “I’m not ready to let go just yet.”

Your eyes sting at the sentiment, your palm coming to rest on his shoulder, squeezing it lightly.

“Take care Kayce.” You say, unable to keep the sorrow out of your voice and Kayce, he doesn’t respond because he’s trying not to cry underneath the brim of Lee’s cowboy hat.

Your heart aches as you leave the wild bloom, your fingertips brushing over the dainty petals for the very last time.

“You have to promise me, we’ll get the hell out of this place.” Lee had whispered as you lay tangled up in bed together the night you’d found out you were pregnant. “That we won’t end up trapped by it.”

“I won’t let that happen.” You had vowed as his palm came to rest on the space where the baby resided in your belly, his thumb smoothing lightly over the fabric of the plaid shirt you were wearing. “We’ll get out, I promise you we will.”

And that’s what you do, you and Lee’s son, you get the hell out of Bozeman and you don’t ever look back.

Love Lee? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

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Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[whenthegoldrays]

ELLY'S TOP TEN K-DRAMAS (with songs to match!)

10. Queen of Tears (2024)

Baek Hyun-woo is relieved to hear that his wife has only three months to live, which will save him the mortification of divorcing her — what he isn’t expecting is to fall back in love with her in those three months. This show gets a little crazy, but the acting is top tier, and the ensemble cast is one of my favorites ever. (Also, the OST is my new most beloved.)

Song for this drama: Don’t Take The Money

9. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Woo Young-Woo navigates her career, life changes, and love as a rookie at Hanbada Law Firm and a woman on the autism spectrum. Young-Woo is a darling, and her boy is the greenest flag ever.

Song for this drama: scales

8. Castaway Diva (2023)

After 15 years stranded on a desert island, Seo Mok-ha pursues her dream of becoming a singer while searching for the boy who helped her escape her abusive father. Despite the horrors, this show will make you believe there is good in the world.

Song for this drama: Sweet Chamomile

7. Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021)

Yoon Hye-jin moves to a seaside town to open a dental clinic and finds the home she always wanted amidst its colorful residents. So funny and the male lead is basically the perfect man.

Song for this drama: Apple Pie

6. Familiar Wife (2018)

A married couple who have fallen out of love get to see each other in a new light after the husband, Ju-hyeok, goes back in time and changes their history. You've never rooted this hard for such an infuriating man.

Song for this drama: No One Knows

5. Marry My Husband (2024)

After being murdered by her husband and best friend, a woman wakes up ten years in the past, months before her wedding, and must fight to prevent her marriage and eventual death from happening again. Swooniest male lead, cutest female friendships, and some of the most legit terrifying villains.

Song for this drama: Funeral

4. Lovely Runner (2024)

Immediately after her idol commits suicide, the devastated Sol is transported back to high school, where she discovers that the two of them used to be neighbors and begins a desperate mission to change the course of his life. Get ready for the most adorable, most pathetic loser of a male lead ever.

Song for this drama: Always Remember Us This Way

3. Crash Landing On You (2019–2020)

After a freak accident lands her in North Korea, Yoon Se-ri must rely on the soldier who saved her life in order to survive, stay hidden, and get back to South Korea. Rips you apart in the best possible way.

Song for this drama: If I Never Knew You

2. Live Up To Your Name (2017)

Renowned acupuncturist Heo Im falls 400 years through time and lands in Seoul, where his life and fate intertwine with that of cardiac surgeon Choi Yeon Kyung. Beautiful, unmatched chemistry.

Song for this drama: epiphany

1. Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

Ha Eun Gyeol is mysteriously sent back in time, where he meets his parents as teenagers and discovers he didn't know as much about them as he thought he did. Peak family feels, peak soft couple, and peak enemies to lovers.

Song for this drama: Long Live

[possessiveandobsessive]

The Spirit of Determination- Epilogue

The battle is over, the Veilguard was victorious. Now Rook has time to let herself live a life, and a man to live it alongside. He is her home and she is his. A small series of Rookanis moments set after the end of the main storyline of Veilguard.

This is Part One of a two-part epilogue! This part is Rookanis focused, while the next part will include everyone (and obviously still Rookanis). Enjoy!

Epilogue Part 1: So This is Love

Rook was humming lightly as she absentmindedly traced random symbols and shapes onto Lucanis’s bare chest. The two were laying on the infirmary bed that now lived in her room at the Lighthouse, still recovering both mentally and physically from the fight with Elgar’nan only a couple days previously. After the exhausting confrontation, the whole team had returned to the Lighthouse, where nearly all of them proceeded to sleep for 12 hours. It was only then that they ate dinner together and celebrated their victory, and mourned the loss of the missing member of the Veilguard together. It was cathartic, and Rook realized just how much her companions had become her family in such a short span of time. 

As of now, they were all still residing in the Lighthouse. Emmerich and Davrin however, already had plans to leave in a few days' time. Emmerich wished to return the the Necropolis to help in the funeral rites for the Mourn Watchers who had fallen in battle that night in Minrathous, and Vorgoth had requested his help with several other miscellaneous tasks, the descriptions of which Rook had completely failed to comprehend when Emmerich was explaining to her. She had been supportive regardless, after all, their mission was complete, and she was not his or any of their keepers. 

When she had said as much to Emmerich, he had smiled at her before saying, “Well my dear I suppose you’re right, but I have gotten used to following your lead. It feels odd to be leaving with no plans to return as a group.”

He had seemed emotional about the thought, and Rook had placed a hand on his shoulder before reassuring the older man, “We will all be together again at some point Emmerich, I’m not letting any of you disappear that easily, not after all we’ve been through.” 

Emmerich had brightened at that. “Yes! Splendid Rook! I’d love to invite everyone to have tea in the Memorial Gardens when we’ve all the time. I think it would be a wonderful backdrop to visit with friends.”

Rook had to fight back a snicker at the idea of Taash holding a teacup in the Memorial Gardens at the Necropolis. “I’m sure that will be lovely Emmerich.” Rook smiled at him, “I will definitely come to visit when I can, Manfred will miss me too much otherwise.”

Emmerich chuckled, “Oh yes, he’s already been upset as I’ve been packing. He doesn’t want to leave any of you behind. Change is still not easy for him, poor thing.” Emmerich seemed to perk up and looked at Rook with an excited expression, “Oh! And do invite me to the wedding, Rook! I wouldn’t miss you marrying Lucanis for anything!”

Rook sputtered and fell into a fit of coughing at THAT unexpected statement. Emmerich seemed concerned and patted her back lightly as she got control of her breathing back. “That isn’t- We haven’t- I don’t-” 

Emmerich waved off her many broken attempts at a response, “Oh don’t worry dear, Lucanis doesn’t seem like he would be keen on a huge ceremony, I’m sure you will be fine.”

Rook simply stared at him open-mouthed as he gave her shoulder a pat and bid her farewell as he returned to his packing as if he didn’t just send her into a confused fit. Classic Emmerich.

Davrin had told her that he and Assan were heading to meet with Evka and Antoine in Lavendel. Apparently, they had some pretty urgent news and wanted Davrin’s help. They had also inquired whether or not Rook was coming back, and when Davrin relayed the question to her, Rook had a tough decision to make. She truly didn’t have any desire to return to the Grey Wardens at this point, though she would miss the nights spent around a fire with Evka and Antoine. Rook simply couldn’t see a future within the Order for herself anymore. Once, she had wanted nothing more than to be like the Hero of Ferelden, now, she was exhausted and wanted to get away from the darkness. 

When Rook had said as much to Davrin, she was surprised at his reaction. He had laughed and told her he was glad she wouldn’t be returning, which had deeply offended her before he explained. 

“Rook, you’ve earned a break. You of all people deserve to live free of darkspawn and the blight for a while, and I don’t want to see you back in Lavendel, coming back to a tent every day covered in darkspawn blood. You answered when duty called, so now you need to rest, before the world needs you again.”

The elf had laughed as he said the last part, and only laughed harder when he saw her grimace in response. 

“Oh no.” Rook shook her head as she spoke, “No more world saving for me, I took my turn. It’s someone else’s problem next time some evil fuck decides they want to ruin the world.”

“As if you could say no when people’s lives are on the line.” Davrin smirked at her as she simply rolled her eyes in response. “People who become Grey Wardens by choice are usually not ones to shrink from conflict, especially when innocent people are getting hurt.”

Davrin then sobered again, looking at Rook seriously, “I mean it though, go live your life Rook. You don’t owe the order anything. Plus,” He shot her a sidelong glance and a grin, “I don’t think Lucanis is interested in becoming a Grey Warden.”

Rook flushed and shoved his shoulder. Then, she furrowed her brows and turned to look at him again. “What about Assan? His brothers and sisters are living in Arlathan now, I figured you two would go and stay there. I’m sure Eldrin could use the help wrangling twelve griffons.”

“That’s the plan, eventually.” Davrin said, smiling at the thought before turning back to her, “But Evka said they have news, and they could use my help. So Assan and I will go there first and see what they need.”

“I’m glad you’re moving on too, Davrin.” Rook smiled at her friend, “You deserve a life too.” She had hugged him after that, promising to visit him in Arlathan once he and Assan were settled there.

Neither Neve or Bellara had said anything about their plans for leaving yet, but given how Neve had desperately sprinted towards Bellara after the battle before pulling the shocked woman into a passionate kiss, Rook assumed they were probably going somewhere together. 

Taash hadn’t given any indication that they had a plan either, but Rook had elected to give them some space for a bit and let them come to her when they were ready.

Rook was pulled from her reverie when Lucanis’s hand moved to rest on top of her own that had been tracing his skin. Looking up, Rook’s cheeks heated. Lucanis was looking at her with a raised brow and a half smirk tugging at the side of his mouth, which was the exact look she received when she had been so spaced out she didn’t hear him speaking to her. 

“Are you with me, Rook?” Lucanis asked in a teasing tone once she had returned to the present moment. He was always patient when she “disappeared” into her mind. It happened often these days; she frequently found herself caught up in a thought or memory, and the rest of the world simply ceased to exist when this happened.

“Yes…” Rook responded sheepishly, feeling guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to zone out, were you trying to get my attention long?”

“No.” He responded simply, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I just asked you a question and when you didn’t respond, I knew you were gone.” At her guilty look, he chuckled and gently grabbed her chin, coaxing her to look at him. “Rook, it doesn’t bother me, you don’t have to feel bad.” Lucanis smiled at her before adding, “I am well aware you’re not ignoring me on purpose, especially because you normally can’t keep your eyes off of me.”

Rook grinned and rolled her eyes, all traces of her anxiety gone now. “Well yeah, you are incredibly attractive. It’s not my fault, I’m only a woman.”

Lucanis was the one to roll his eyes at her this time, but he pulled her to him and kissed her gently. “I love you, Rook. I cannot imagine being anywhere but at your side, which brings me back to my question that you did not actually hear before.” 

Rook’s cheeks went pink again, both at the confession and at the fact that she had completely missed what seemed to be a relatively important question to Lucanis.

“Would you- I mean, what are your plans now?” Lucanis stumbled on the first few words, cursing himself for giving his nerves away immediately. He had been doing so well before.

Rook was surprised at Lucanis’s sudden shyness as he asked the question. He had cut his eyes away from her own after he began speaking which was odd. Lucanis valued eye contact with her normally. Then she digested what he had asked and understood. Rook mentally face-palmed for not having established her position sooner, but to her credit, everything over the last several weeks had happened very quickly. 

She waited for Lucanis to meet her eyes again before she answered. “Luca,” Rook began, smiling at his blush. The nickname was new, and she was pretty sure that he loved it even more than she did. “My only plans are going where you go. I figure you’ll want to return to Treviso soon, what with you being The First Talon and all. Pretty sure your fellow Crows are itching to have you back home.”

Lucanis stared at Rook with wide eyes and seemed to be speechless for a moment. Told you! Spite shouted from within his mind, making him flinch slightly. Rook stays with Lucanis and Spite, would not leave us! Belong with Rook! Okay, okay, Lucanis thought, trying to calm Spite down. Yes, you were right, please stop yelling. It gives me headaches, remember? Spite went quiet and Lucanis could feel his chagrin. …Sorry. Forgot. Did not mean to hurt Lucanis… It’s okay, Lucanis fought a smile at how far the spirit had come in understanding him. I know you didn’t mean it, just relax while I talk to Rook.

When Lucanis refocused his eyes, he realized Rook was watching him with a hand covering her mouth and eyes full of laughter. “What?” He asked, confused at her expression. “What is it?”

Rook gave him his favorite smile, the one that made butterflies erupt in his stomach. “I have been able to tell when you’re talking to Spite for a long time, but now I can tell when he’s yelling at you.” Rook giggled before continuing, “You get this scrunched look on your face and your lips get all pursed, and then your face just slowly relaxes after he calms down. It’s just funny how I can see you interacting, that’s all.” 

Lucanis snorted, of course Rook was focused on the weird thing his face was doing and not on his utter shock at her previous statement. He shook his head at her before returning to her answer to his question. “So… you said, you plan on coming with me? To Treviso?” He paused, “I just wondered… I wasn’t sure if you’d want to go back to the Grey Wardens. I mean, that was your life before this, right? Do you not wish to return?”

Rook just shook her head and grabbed his hand to begin massaging his palm as she spoke. “No, I don’t plan on going back. To be honest, I have no desire to return. I became a Grey Warden when I was 19 because I wanted to feel like I was serving a greater purpose. Plus, I had always been a relatively skilled fighter.”

Lucanis watched her with rapt attention as she spoke, she almost never referenced anything about her past beyond meeting Varric.

“But… after a few years, I started to become pretty disillusioned with the order. It was so much more political than I expected, then it should be. So after the incident at the village, when I joined Varric, I wasn’t really ever sure I’d go back. And now that this is over, now that I’ve killed enough darkspawn to last a lifetime, I will absolutely not be going back. I already talked to Davrin about it.”

Lucanis simply stared at Rook in shock. “You already… Is that allowed? I thought Grey Wardens were bound for life?”

Rook busted out laughing at that. “Lucanis,” Rook collected herself, the last few laughs trailing off, “The order doesn’t even officially have a leader up north at the moment. Evka is running the show for now. She’s not going to drag me back, and I’m pretty sure the Warden Commander isn’t going to show up at my door and force me to come back.”

Lucanis was still somewhat reeling at this point. Sure, he had been pretty certain that they would work something out in order to stay together, in fact, he had considered leaving his title behind and following her if that’s what it took. But, he had not been prepared for her to simply leave the wardens and join him in his home city. His heart swelled for the woman in front of him, and he had to fight to hold onto his composure. 

Lucanis was not entirely successful in this endeavor, and a huge smile made its way across his face. “You are going to come home with me, to Treviso.” His voice held a note of wonder, and he suddenly pulled her tightly to his chest in a crushing hug. Rook made a squeaking sound that evolved into laughter at his reaction. Lucanis didn’t even care if he was being ridiculous anymore, he simply held a laughing Rook to his chest as he listed off the things he would take her to do when they returned to Treviso. He’d take her back to Cafe Pietra, he would introduce her to his favorite stray cats around the city, take her to his favorite rooftop spot to look out over the city, and introduce her to his favorite restaurant for dinner. 

Lucanis continued his list to add taking Rook on a private gondola ride, but he stopped when she went still in his lap. “What is it?” Lucanis pulled away to look at her as he asked, immediately concerned.

“Well I- It’s just…” Rook desperately tried to come up with an excuse to play her reaction off, but gave up when she met his eyes. They were so full of warmth and love, and she realized that there was no reason to lie to him about it, especially if she was going to be with him in Treviso of all places. “I can’t swim…” Rook admitted in a small voice, looking down at her hands on her lap. “I never learned, and when I was 14 I almost drowned in a river near where my clan was staying. It was running fast because of all the snow melt, and I slid off a rock and fell in. If my friend hadn’t been there to get help, I would've died. Ever since, I just… avoid water when I can.”

Lucanis felt his mouth fall open at Rook’s admission, before quickly closing it when he realized how hard this was for her to admit to him. She’d never said a single word about it, to anyone as far as he was aware, the entire time they’d traveled together. Looking back, she had always seemed off when they were near bodies of water, and always went silent when they had to cross rivers and streams in Arlathan or the canals in Treviso. Then it really hit him, her room was surrounded by a fish tank that made it appear underwater.

“How have you been sleeping here??” It probably wasn’t the best initial reaction to Rook telling him about her fear, but he couldn’t help but blurt the question. Wasn’t this akin to torture or something?

“Hah… It took a few weeks for me to really be able to sleep a full night.” Rook rubbed the back of her neck. “I used a lot of sleeping potions for the first month or so. But it got easier.”

Lucanis was looking at her like she was crazy. “You… why not just move? Why stay here?” He couldn’t fathom this new information, knowing she was afraid of water… Then it hit him. Before Rook could even answer his questions, he said in a hushed voice, “The Ossuary…” Lucanis directed his full attention to her eyes, which had widened a bit at the intensity in his voice. “How… How did you even manage to get there? It was a lengthy boat ride in a tiny boat, and then you had to go under water! And stay there the entire time it took to get me out!”

Rook sighed. “It was awful, I won’t lie. I wanted to throw up the entire boat ride there and back. Once we were in, I was distracted with killing a bunch of Venatori so that helped a lot. And then I-” She broke off and flushed, “And then I was distracted by you so it was easier after we freed you or, I guess you kind of freed yourself.”

“Rook…” Lucanis whispered her name, looking at her incredulously. “I, you are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. To be so afraid and still push through, the whole time pretending you aren’t afraid,” He shook his head in wonder, his eyes never leaving her, “I am so lucky.”

“Lucanis…” Rook looked incredibly embarrassed. “It’s not that big of a deal. You can’t really be afraid of water and still live as a Warden or lead a team like this one, so I just had to adjust. That’s it.”

“But-” Lucanis stopped himself and just smiled at her. “Okay. Fine, it’s only kind of impressive. Happy?” Rook responded by giving him a look, and he chuckled. “So, how about this: I teach you to swim. There’s plenty of places in Treviso that are good to learn in, I can take you to where I learned and teach you.”

Rook went pale. “Uh…” She began to form some kind of excuse when Lucanis stopped her.

“Rook, if you’re going to live in Treviso, which is filled with canals and surrounded by water on two sides, you should know how to swim. We won’t do too much too fast, we can start with just getting you used to the water. I promise, I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Rook still looked apprehensive, but slowly nodded her head. “O..kay, you can teach me.”

Lucanis looked pleased. “Thank you, Nyra. I know it's frightening, but I would hate you going anywhere in Treviso near deep water, knowing you can’t swim. You don’t have the best luck.”

Rook blew air out of her nose at that. “Understatement.” She muttered under her breath. Then she looked back up at Lucanis, “Speaking of going home to Treviso, when did you want to go back? Also, were you planning on just returning to the mansion?” This last statement was spoken with an edge to it, and she prayed Lucanis wouldn’t catch it. Of course, he did.

“I am ready to return whenever you are. If you’re ready to go, then we can return in a couple days after I write Teia, Viago, and Caterina. As for returning to the mansion…” Lucanis raised a brow as he studied her face, “Do you not want to live there? We can-”

“No!” Rook interrupted. “It’s not that I don’t want to live there, it’s just… Caterina also lives there. And she doesn’t know about me, and most likely wasn’t expecting someone like me to be the one you bring home. So I just worry, I don’t want things to be weird and I don’t want to start a fight between you and her and-”

It was Lucanis’s turn to cut her off. “Slow down Nyra, take a breath.” Rook stopped and did as instructed. “Good, now, first of all, Caterina will move to the guest house in the back. That has been the plan since I was young. When I was old enough to take over and had my own partner and family, she would move out of the main house. Secondly, I’m not sure Caterina would have a leg to stand on in terms of rejecting you, but even if she didn’t approve, it wouldn’t matter. She doesn’t make my decisions for me, and if she doesn’t like you, then she is not someone I want to spend my time with, blood or no.”

Rook looked relieved and sagged into Lucanis’s warm chest. “Oh good. Then I’m ready to go home with you as soon as possible. I really do hate this room.”

Lucanis threw his head back with a bark of laughter and fell back against the bed so that they were laying down once again. “Perfect, I will write to them later. Right now, I’m busy.” Rook felt her body heat and let herself melt into his kiss. Moving to his mansion in Treviso was definitely looking more and more appealing. 

************************************************************************

Two Months Later:

Rook regretted agreeing to swimming lessons as soon as Lucanis brought her to the small pond on the Dellamorte property where he had learned to swim as a child. Just looking at the body of water and knowing she was going to have to get in was making her feel ill.

“Why do I need to learn how to swim again? I have made it 27 years so far without and have been fine, very successful actually. I saved Thedas not knowing how to swim, so I’m probably good. Let’s just head back inside and we can-”

“Ah ah ah,” Lucanis cut her off as he pulled his loose-fitting tunic over his head. “You promised, remember? I’m pretty sure promising me anything is essentially the same as making a deal with a demon, so you’re locked in now, Nyra.”

“Yes!” Spite agreed, hissing out the words from Lucanis’s mouth before curling his lips into a smirk, “Rook promised! Cannot. Break her promise to us!”

“Fine, fine, okay.” Nyra agreed warily, still eyeing the pond with distaste, “A promise is a promise.” She gave Lucanis a sidelong glance, adding, “You’d better not let me drown, I’ll haunt you from the afterlife.”

Lucanis chuckled at the comment as Nyra finally began stripping her own clothes off. As soon as they were both down to their undergarments, Lucanis closed the distance between them and pulled Nyra towards the pond by her hand. She resisted weakly for a moment before accepting her fate when they arrived at the edge of the pond.

“Okay,” Lucanis began, “We’re just going to work on getting in the water, floating, and keeping your head above the surface today. Nothing crazy, and I’ll be right next to you the whole time.”

“We will not. Let anything bad happen to Rook. We keep safe, Lucanis and Spite are good swimmers.” Spite added, the purple light in Lucanis’s eyes flashing as he pushed his way to the surface to speak before fading back to their warm brown color.

Nyra blew an anxious breath out in a huff, before nodding. Lucanis went first, pulling her gently behind him as he waded deeper into the pond. Nyra’s legs trembled a bit as she followed behind the assassin. The water crept further up with each step, and her anxiety grew with it. 

Get it together, she scolded herself, it’s water. Even the kids here can swim, you need to calm down. It was easier said than done though, and once the water reached her waist, Nyra stopped suddenly. Lucanis paused when he felt the sudden resistance and turned to look at the woman behind him. His eyes softened when he saw Nyra was standing completely still and stiff, with her eyes closed as she took deep breaths in and out in an attempt to relax.

Lucanis then took several steps back until he was standing right next to her, gently tracing his hand up and down her spine. He watched as her left eye cracked open slightly to see what he was doing, and was relieved when she seemed to relax at his proximity.

“Would it help if I walked the rest of the way next to you?” Lucanis’s voice was genuine and soft, and he fought back a smile at the way Nyra’s freckled cheeks pinkened in response.

“Uh… yeah, that- that would help I think.” Nyra stuttered out a response lamely. Gods, I’m so hopeless, she thought, cringing internally. Why is this so hard??? I’ve literally killed a god, and I can’t walk into a pond?

Lucanis pulled her out of her self-deprecating thoughts with a light squeeze to her waist after he had wrapped an arm around her back to help guide her forward.

“Get out of your head, Nyra. Just follow me and try not to focus so much on the water, I promise I’ve got you.”

Squaring her shoulders, Nyra gave him a nod and the two began moving deeper into the pond again. She was doing well, and was excited at her progress. Nyra turned to grin at Lucanis proudly, and opened her mouth to share her giddiness. Just as she turned her head to the side, her foot hit a slick patch of mud and got stuck under a small rock. She found herself suddenly falling backward into the water with a startled gasp.

As her head dipped below the surface, Nyra kicked her legs and sputtered. Her eyes burned and she closed them tightly, trying to fight back her panic. Just as soon as she had gone under however, there were strong arms hooked under her armpits, hauling her back above the water.

Nyra’s head broke the surface and she coughed as water dripped down her face from her bangs that were now plastered to her forehead. “Fuck!” Nyra said breathlessly as she re-oriented herself with her surroundings. Lucanis was looking at her with wide eyes and an anxious expression.

“Are you alright?” He looked her over and brushed her soaked fringe out of her eyes as she coughed lightly again. “I’m sorry, I should’ve warned you it gets slippery-”

Nyra cut him off and rendered him speechless as she began laughing. Her laugh rang through the empty space of the large property, and Lucanis grew concerned that she was having some kind of break.

“Nyra..?” Lucanis spoke again in a concerned tone, running his eyes over her head in search of a wound that would cause something like this intense shift.

Nyra finally caught her breath again and looked at Lucanis, who was shocked to see a smile on her face. “I’m such a mess.” she laughed again, “Only I would find a way to somehow get my head underwater in water this shallow.” Then she beamed at him, “But I didn’t die or completely freak out. And you got me up right away. I’m actually feeling much better about this now.” 

Lucanis stared blankly at her for a few beats before he also burst into laughter. “I cannot believe all it took to ease your anxiety was falling into the water. I would have just shoved you in at the beginning had I known this would be the outcome.”

Nyra swatted his shoulder, “Hey, no shoving. I’m still nervous and I don’t really want to have that particular adrenaline rush again today.”

“Okay,” Lucanis agreed, still laughing lightly, “No shoving. Are you ready to go deeper and try floating?”

Nyra took a deep breath and met his eyes, her own smoldering with a new determination, “Yeah, I’m ready.”

************************************************************************

Four Months Later:

Nyra was humming to herself as she finished brushing her hair, also giving her outfit one last once over in the mirror. Lucanis was taking her to Cafe Pietra, and then he planned to take her on a gondola ride (now that she could at least keep herself from drowning).

She smirked as she recalled his puppy dog eyes when he had asked her to let him take her on the small boat. 

“Nyra.” he had tried for the third time that week, “You cannot live in Treviso and have never taken a gondola ride! That’s practically a crime!”

“Good thing I only hang out with criminals these days then.”

He had groaned at her response and she just gave him a mischievous grin. Finally, she elected to take pity on him. She really didn’t have any major issues with the gondola, but Lucanis had been so insistent and brought it up so often, Nyra couldn’t resist messing with him.

“Fine Lucanis,” Nyra began and Lucanis’s face lit up with excitement, “You can take me on a gondola ride.” 

A huge smile split Lucanis’s face and he kissed her. “I can’t wait, I know you’re going to love it. You just-”

“Wait,” Nyra held up a finger, “You have to take me out for coffee at Cafe Pietra first. That’s my condition.” 

Lucanis stared for a moment before grinning again, “You’ve got a deal, I’m glad you thought of that actually.”

So now, here she was several days later, getting ready to head to the Cafe to meet Lucanis. He was already there, having had to meet with a couple Talons about some changes he was imposing on the Crows. Apparently these Talons were the most frustrating, so he was going to need an extra coffee AND plenty of affection from her to recover. Not that he’d ever tell her that, stubborn as he was.

Nyra continued to hum lightly as she walked through the market. She had an old Grey Warden tavern song stuck in her head, though she wasn’t sure why. Maybe she was missing Davrin, Antoine and Evka. She’d have to write them soon, Nyra decided.

She was so lost in thought, Nyra didn’t clock the man behind her who had begun to follow her after she passed the fruit stall. Nyra just wasn’t as vigilant as she used to be, the gods had been dead for over 6 months by now, and living with Lucanis in the Dellamorte manor meant she didn’t have to be too concerned about threats. The people of Treviso knew better than to fuck with the First Talon by trespassing.

This man however was drunk and stupid, so much so, he didn’t realize who the woman he had begun trailing behind was. He just saw a beautiful woman and decided he wanted her, a “classic scumbag” as Neve would say.

Nyra had reached the front of the cafe and began to head inside when an arm was suddenly barring the entrance in front of her. She frowned and turned to see who was denying her entry, and took a step back when she came face to face with the seedy looking man. He stank of shitty wine and body odor, and she could see how yellow his teeth were when he leered at her. 

“Heeeeey missss.” The drunk slurred, taking a step closer to Nyra, who took another step back to avoid being so close to him. She was getting a bad feeling, and discomfort began to stir in her stomach. This man did not have good intentions.

“You’re too pretty to be walking thessse streets alone.” The man continued, “Why don’t you let me walk you home, I’ll keep you niiiiice and safe.” 

Nyra flinched as he leaned forward. Mr. Disgusting took a deep breath, clearly trying to smell her as he moved his face towards her neck. She wasn’t sure why she didn’t knock him senseless, but she was too surprised and uncomfortable to think clearly or act. It was incredibly disturbing, and Nyra took another step back so that his face didn’t creep any closer to her neck.

“I’m not interested,” Nyra said in a cold tone, “I’m meeting someone here, and I don’t need assistance or want to go anywhere with you. Leave me alone, I won’t ask again.”

She fixed a glare on her face at the end of her sentence to solidify her point, but was horrified when the man simply laughed and shot his hand towards her, snatching her arm. His grip was painfully tight, and rage combined with a sick feeling coursed through her. Nyra made a fist with her right hand, about to punch this idiot’s lights out, when suddenly the man went flying and crashed into the brick wall, 20 feet behind him.

Mr. Disgusting groaned and cursed at her. “Dumb bitch, what do you-” 

He didn’t ever get to finish his sentence. Lucanis materialized in front of him so fast that Nyra’s eyes couldn’t track him, and broke the man’s neck in an instant, without hesitation. The square went silent for a moment, before a man, most certainly a Crow, left his spot against the wall and began dealing with the corpse. Lucanis said something quietly to the Crow, who nodded and whistled to a second man who came to help him take the body away. 

Conversation in the square resumed then, but Nyra couldn’t even hear it. Lucanis had turned to face her, his irises glowing a faint purple and smoldering with rage. They softened as soon as they met her own, and Lucanis was in front of her in a second. He began immediately running his hands lightly up and down her arms and looking for any sign of injury with a small frown and furrowed brow. Satisfied that she was unharmed, he muttered something in Antivan under his breath and pressed his forehead to hers. 

“I’m glad you’re safe. I was just sending the Talons away when I heard people start whispering about something happening just outside. Spite could tell you were there, and practically made my ears bleed with his shouting. I am grateful though, it made me move fast.” “No one. TOUCHES. Our Nyra. He made Nyra upset. Now he is dead. Wish we could kill him again.” Spite growled out the last part, causing Lucanis’s eyes to flash brightly and the air to take on a light electric charge, smelling of ozone.

“Easy Spite,” Lucanis murmured, “He’s dead. Calm down.” 

Nyra could practically hear Spite’s huff as the air around them settled. Then Lucanis finally addressed her directly.

“Are you alright? Did he hurt you? Did he…” Lucanis trailed off, eyes growing murderous again.

“I’m fine!” Nyra said quickly, hand coming up to cup Lucanis’s face. “He was creepy, disgusting, and awful, but he didn’t touch me or hurt me. He just made my skin crawl and stomach churn, nothing a good cup of coffee won’t fix.”

Nyra forced a smile onto her face. She was fine, just still slightly shaken from the vile man’s sudden, forceful advances. She desperately didn’t want it to ruin their evening, especially since Lucanis was already tense from the meeting he had just finished.

“I will make you coffee at home then.” Lucanis’s look left no room for argument, not that Nyra even truly wanted to argue, she would much rather be home. “We have plenty of the coffee beans, and I’m sure you’re exhausted. We can take a gondola another day, they’re not going anywhere.”

Nyra nearly teared up at how well he knew her. She wanted to stay for him, but she preferred to go home after this experience.

“Okay.” Nyra said softly, smiling at the love of her life, “I like your idea better.”

“That’s because I’m a very smart man with fantastic ideas.” Lucanis smirked at her, before sweeping her up into his arms. 

Nyra let out a shocked squeak and her hands automatically found their way around Lucanis’s neck. “Lucanis!” she exclaimed in a whisper, “You don’t have to carry me, my legs aren’t broken!”

“I am aware I don’t have to carry you.” He said simply, and began to quickly weave his way back to their home. Lucanis’s tone said this wasn’t something that he was going to debate with her, so Nyra settled against him. His heart beat steadily under her ear, and she smiled. She may have had to fight gods themselves to get him, but finding Lucanis was the best thing that had ever happened to her. 

Feeling safe and grateful, Nyra drifted off. She had been tired before this whole confrontation, and she had barely been keeping her eyes open since Lucanis had picked her up.

Lucanis smiled down at the woman in his arms, watching her eyelids flutter and then stay closed. His own eyes faintly glowed, flecks of purple shining through his brown irises. “I love you more than anything in this world.” He whispered to her in Antivan, “I will never let anyone hurt you again.”

DATV Masterlist

[ddarker-dreams]

Apologue.

Yan Albedo x F Reader. Commissioned piece.

Warnings: Yandere themes, unhealthy relationships, Albedo just having this strange unsettling energy... Word count: 3k.

There’s a homely atmosphere to Mondstadt that you don’t experience in other cities. 

Everyone knows one another and does their part. If a neighbor falls ill, without requiring formal organization, the community provides meals so fresh, you can still see steam rising off it. Birthdays are remembered each year, you go to one childhood friend’s wedding then the next, and funerals pack the Favonius Cathedral to its limit. There’s an unspoken sense of togetherness each denizen of the city of freedom possesses. It is invisible, yet tangible, like a gentle breeze. 

That’s why you don’t think much of it when Noelle seeks you out, carrying the news that once again, Klee has been placed in solitary confinement. 

When the stalwart maid departs, you just sigh and shake your head. Klee’s solitary confinement punishment has become synonymous with ‘wait until [First] comes to take her off our hands.’ The Spark Knight may not be your blood relation, yet you often care for and look after her. Her eccentric mother is gone more than she’s around. While you can appreciate Alice’s zest for adventure, you wish she’d take her daughter into account before disappearing for half a year. 

You can practically hear the globe-trotter’s voice from the last time you raised this concern. 

“That’s what I have you for,” Alice would say. “Klee is fortunate to have such a kindhearted influence like you in her life. If it ever gets to be overwhelming, why not rely on her big brother more?” 

At the mention of him, you dropped the topic. If Alice noticed the change in your demeanor, she didn’t comment on it. She instead elected to discuss a stipend you then respectfully refused. Monetary compensation was the last thing on your mind — you were raised in a community that helped one another because they wanted to. 

You slide a bookmark into the latest novel that caught your interest. Chapter five will have to wait until after you’ve rescued Klee from the strange way the Knights try curbing her behavior. 

Not even a second later, a shadow envelops your form on what is otherwise a sunny day. 

“[First],” a calm voice belonging to a certain alchemist greets. Then there’s a gloved hand held out for you to take. “I assume you’re also going to headquarters?” 

Biting down on your bottom lip, you inspect the choice you’ve been presented with. Presently, you’re sitting in a field of fluffy dandelions, right outside Mondstadt’s gates. This particular gesture is harmless enough. It feels like a concession on your part, but nonetheless, you place your palm in his and he hoists you up from the ground. 

You come eye to eye with Mondstadt’s resident genius, Albedo. 

It isn’t until silence resounds that you realize you should respond.

“Yes, I was just about to walk over there now. How did you…?” 

“I heard about Klee’s predicament. As her guardian, I wanted to smooth things over with Jean.” 

“Of course,” you say a little too hastily. Your eyes flicker downward, to where your hands remain connected. Should you tug it back? The thought doesn’t sit well with you, it’s too flagrant. Fortunately, he notes where your attention lingers, and releases his hold. You pray the relief you feel isn’t too palpable. 

You dust some imaginary dirt off your blouse. “I’ll let you get to it, then. I know you’re busy.” 

“You aren’t planning to come with me?” 

His tone isn’t the slightest bit accusatory, and still, you’re burdened with this burning need to defend yourself. 

“Ah, well, there’s no need for both of us to go, right?” 

“Klee’s missed seeing you around, you’re all she talks about,” The edges of Albedo’s lips tug into a smile. His eyelids then droop ever so slightly, and he tilts his head. “I hope your reluctance isn’t because you’re trying to avoid me.” 

Incredulous, you gape at him, heat flooding your face. He’s impossible to get a read on. If eyes are windows to the soul, then that wall of impenetrable teal might as well be shutters. Most consider Albedo to be aloof and polite enough, if not impersonal. He doesn’t entertain conversations longer than necessary and prefers to be left alone to his own devices. You either pique his interest or you don’t. Depending on the category you land in, he’s more willing to show his wry disposition. 

“I’m joking,” Albedo claims, though his composed visage remains impassive. “You’ve already done plenty for her. You’re under no obligation to do more.” 

This snaps you back to reality. “It isn’t like that. Should we discuss this later? I don’t want Klee to be in that dark closet longer than necessary.” 

He takes a moment to study you. You instantly regret the way your words came out, they were more abrasive than you intended. He didn’t technically say anything to incite your displeasure. From a purely logical standpoint, this rings true every time you’ve talked. You’re never given a justification for the apprehension his presence brings. 

At least with a bad omen, you know what to expect, even if it foretells disaster. There’s a paradoxical comfort that comes from learning certain doom awaits. It is kinder to tell a man he’ll be killed tomorrow than to say he’ll be killed sometime in the future. He’ll rest easier the night total oblivion awaits compared to an agitated lifetime of glancing over his shoulder. True anguish comes not from knowledge, but a lack of it. 

This is the limbo you occupy where Albedo is concerned. A permanent state of inertia that could equally be a product of your overimaginative mind or a legitimate threat. A pendulum swings yet tauntingly, yet never fully settles between the two. 

Albedo finally grants clemency from being held prisoner beneath his stare. 

“You’re right. That takes priority,” he relents. When he’s no longer facing you, he then casually adds, “It’s never good to be kept in the dark.” 

You scrunch your lips to the side and follow him into Mondstadt. 

-

“Big sis?” 

Klee sits before you on a red gingham blanket. The little girl pinky promised not to try playing leapfrog with her bombs in Mondstadt’s main square again, but in return, she wanted an outing with you and Albedo. This request was paired with doe eyes and a pout. Although you had your reservations, this infamous combination easily demolished your defenses. So here you are, sitting beneath the shade of the monumental oak tree in Windrise. For the moment, Albedo is absent, the only sign he’d been here is his easel. He said something about needing a more accurate shade to faithfully paint your hair and took off to his workshop. 

“Hm? What is it, Klee?” 

You continue brushing through her platinum blonde locks. In all the excitement today, her signature hairstyle got entangled in knots. 

“Are you mad at big brother?” She inquires, much to your astonishment. You’re grateful she’s situated in such a way that she can’t see your face. “When he comes back from the snowy mountain, I don’t see you as much.” 

Your grip on the hairbrush tightens. Kids are nothing if not observant. “I’m not mad at him, no. I’ve just been busy lately.” 

“All the fun grownups are always busy,” You can practically hear the way she puffs out her cheeks. “No one can tell stories like you, big sis. The chatty lady with a bird tried, but I couldn’t understand.” 

What’s admittedly a cute anecdote tugs on your heart in a painful way. You do come around less often when Albedo is in town. For the longest time, he seemed content to conduct research for months in the frigid climate of Dragonspine. This allowed your interactions to be few and far between. Lately, however, he’s been hovering around Mondstadt like a storm cloud that refuses to dissipate.

Hence your current predicament: avoiding him meant avoiding Klee. It’s a temporary solution in desperate need of a better fix. 

Not wanting to sully the mood, you extend an offer. “Would you like me to tell you a story now to make up for it?” 

She practically leaps up in excitement. Stars twinkle in her eyes as she wraps her arms around your form, pulling you into a tight hug. You can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. You’ve never found the stories particularly impressive, though Klee would vehemently disagree. It must have to do with your flexibility to retcon Dodoco into every fairytale. He’s been a valiant knight, a mad scientist, an explorer of the sky, and far more. Your humble apartment is decorated with colorful drawings from Klee, depicting these collaborative storytelling efforts. 

Her attention goes up and over your shoulder. “Big bro! Big bro! Big sis is gonna tell a story!” 

He must be back. That was fast. 

“Oh, is that right?” You hear Albedo reply. Klee nods fast enough that it’s a miracle she doesn’t get dizzy. “I had good timing then. It’s been a while since we’ve been treated to a [First] narrative.” 

Is he going to make a point of mentioning that as well? You pay him no mind, instead opting to fix Klee’s hair before she gets too impatient. She sits crisscross, unclasps Dodoco from her backpack, and places him on her lap so he can participate. Meanwhile, Albedo gets to mixing his paints. He’s already roughly sketched various outlines onto the canvas. So far, it’s Klee tugging on your hand, pulling you to some unknown yet fantastical destination. 

Klee once told you her big brother has drawings of you “everywhere” in his laboratory, prolonging the first syllable for emphasis. You still recall how you shuddered upon hearing this revelation. 

“Let’s see… what kind of story would you like to hear, Klee?” 

“A scary story!” 

You knit your eyebrows together. “... A scary story? Are you sure? I don’t want to give you bad dreams.” 

“It’s okay. I have Dodoco and my big brother to protect me,” Klee reassures. “Ms. Lisa told me I can’t check out a scary story until I’m older. She said you’d share one with me instead. Pretty please?” 

That’s one crafty librarian. What is it with the Knights of Favonius and pawning their Klee-related problems off onto you? Your genial nature must lend itself to such dilemmas. After mulling it over a few moments, you arrive at a story that frightened you as a kid, but not excessively so. You’ll still tone down some elements regardless. 

“Once upon a time, there was a poor married couple who lived in the woods. The wife was pregnant with their first child, yet she never had enough to eat. She asked her husband to pick vegetables from a nearby field, believing it’d long been abandoned by its owner, who they never saw. Her husband did as he was asked. He returned with cabbages, carrots, and potatoes. His wife cooked a yummy stew. Full and happy, she no longer had to worry about being hungry. A healthy baby girl was soon born. Their daughter grew up to become a sweet young lady who everyone in the nearby villages loved. Though the family had little, they cherished one another. All seemed well. Until one day, the father went hunting, and came across a man wearing a cloak.” 

Klee’s eyes widen and she leans in closer. 

“The man wearing the cloak revealed himself to be a warlock who had magical powers. He knew that many years ago, the husband had taken vegetables from his garden. The warlock demanded to be paid back for what was stolen. The husband said he had nothing of value. The warlock threatened the husband, saying that he’d place a curse on him and his family for a thousand generations. Unless, that is, he made it right by giving up what he loves most. And there was nothing the husband loved more than his sweet daughter. Left with no other choice, the married couple tearfully gave up their daughter to the warlock.” 

“Oh no!” Klee exclaims in a whisper. “The poor daughter…” 

You nod solemnly in agreement. “And so it was that the daughter was taken to a dark, isolated tower where the sun never shone. The warlock quickly fell in love with the woman, for she was very beautiful and kind. He did everything he could to make the young woman love him too. He gave her the finest jewelry and clothes in the land. Still, she wept bitterly at the sight of him, no matter what he tried. The warlock then thought to use his magic. One night, when he approached her, he created a pretty bundle of the reddest roses from nothing. She—” 

“He made a flower? Like what big brother can do?” 

…

An audible snap can be heard behind you. 

You look over your shoulder to see Albedo holding his paintbrush, which has splintered into two. 

There’s a quiet intensity radiating off him in waves. He’s frowning, though other than that, his countenance remains as unreadable as a tome in a foreign tongue. He ignores you completely and fixes his strange stare on his younger sister. 

“Klee,” he starts in a monotonous voice, “Would you mind running back home and getting me a new paintbrush?” 

“Aw, but big sis is in the middle of her story! I wanna know what happens to the nice girl and evil magic man.” 

“You can find out when you get back. I’d really appreciate your help, Klee.” 

It’s rare that Albedo ever asks for help, much less from her. She promises that she’ll be right back and sets Dodoco onto the picnic blanket, so that “you and big brother won’t get lonely.” She then skips off onto Mondstadt’s main road. Once she’s out of earshot, you stand to your feet, smoothing out the wrinkles on your skirt. 

“Unaware of your own strength, huh?” You ask Albedo, almost absentmindedly. When he doesn’t respond, you swivel on your heel.

The alchemist is scrutinizing his work with a hand on his chin. He must’ve been in the middle of painting your hair when his paintbrush broke, the glossy streaks revealing that it’s still wet. You pull your lips into a straight line. It isn’t like him to zone you out. You’re about to voice a similar sentiment when he finally speaks up. 

“It’s smudged,” he mutters under his breath. 

The impossibly idyllic scene he tried depicting is marred with an imperfection. 

Teal hues scrutinize you next. “Would you be open to changing the tone of the story when Klee returns?” 

“Hm? Why’s that?” You cross your arms over your chest. “It’s important that she learns there are people in the world who don’t take no for an answer, always testing the limits of what they can get away with.” 

It’s such a miniscule motion, you almost miss it, but you know for certain his eye twitched. 

“Is that so?” 

The calm waters of his voice obscure the raging tides hidden beneath the surface. Soft tufts of sandy blonde hair brush against his face as a zephyr passes through, rustling nearby branches with it. To be a citizen of Mondstadt and a child of Barbatos means to ascribe importance to the wind. The direction it blows, its strength, and what scents or sounds may come along with it. The Anemo Archon watches over his people with a certain fondness the other gods lack. 

You wonder what it is he’s trying to get across to you. 

“You have that expression again,” Albedo comments. 

“... What expression?” 

“A prey warily eyeing a predator,” he’s walking toward you now. You go stiff yet remain firmly planted. “Attempting to access the threat level and plan accordingly. To fight back, flee, or do nothing. Do you no longer find the last option appealing?”  

The pendulum errs to the side of warning. 

He still isn’t giving you anything substantial. In passing, you’ve heard of Sumeru scholars who spend their entire lives trying to find rare, elusive species. Camouflage is what allows these lifeforms to go undetected for so long. They slip under the researcher’s noses, almost tauntingly, blending into their surroundings and giving the false impression there’s nothing worthwhile to look at. Then the researcher moves on to the next area, frustrated and at a loss. 

Perhaps you came to a conclusion prematurely. A lack of knowledge may be damning, but possessing it and being unable to do anything might be the cruelest fate of all. 

“I don’t get it. Why don’t you just do something already? Say what’s really on your mind?” You seethe in a fit of frustration, jabbing your fingers at his chest. He doesn’t so much as flinch. “You obviously want something from me that I’m not willing to give. Is this some sort of punishment for not feeling the same way you do?” 

“Nothing I do is intended as a punishment on you, [First].” 

“Then what are you doing?” 

“Waiting.” 

You take a step back as if the word had physically pushed you. “What is it you’re waiting for…?” 

Albedo extends his hand into the air. The sensation surrounding him begins slowly, a focusing of energy. He sees the world for what it can be, not what it currently is. A light golden hue emanates from his outstretched palm. You’ve seen him do this enough times to recognize the alchemical process. For a natural like him, overlooking notes or extensive preparation isn’t necessary. Sucrose often impressed upon you just how prodigious Albedo’s abilities are. 

The gold light fades. 

Dark green stems twist into vivacious hues of blood-colored petals. Utilizing his esoteric knowledge, Albedo produced a bundle of red roses from thin air. He takes one, inspects it for thorns, and once he confirms there are none, nestles it gently behind your ear. He sweeps your hair aside with such tenderness that any passerby might mistake you two as lovers. 

Dumbstruck, you accept the bouquet into your hands at his prompting. 

There it is. That mischievous glint, flickering in his eyes briefly, just long enough to burn. It extinguishes before you can gauge how dangerous the fire will one day become. 

“Finish the story and maybe you’ll find out.” 

[squidolus]

And remember kids, your family are immigrants too.

- sanctuary cities and states are not immune to ICE raids (sec. 17, PTAPAI, White House, 2025)

- children born in the USA are subject to deportation if parent was not a “lawful permanent resident at the time of said persons birth” (sec. 2 PTMAVOAC, White House, 2025)

- raids can be conducted in “sensitive locations”: places of worship, school’s hospitals, domestic violence shelters and hospitals. They can happen during funerals, weddings, and public demonstrations (these no longer need approval due to the revocation of policy 10029.2, U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

^^pending legal review // congress can do something really constitutional rn

If you will not stand up out of fear that everyone else will stay sitting, know that many others are standing up with you. You have worked side by side with immigrants, you have gone through school with immigrants; we are all human, protect yourself, protect others.

[guardianinthemist]

I wanted to try and design a dress for Ludmilla that was a homage to her white dress in canon. I had a lot of fun with this one! I really have started to like drawing lace, and I'm really happy with how it turned out. Detailed explanation of the dress and it's symbolism below the cut!

One of the big things that I wanted to express through the design of this dress is the juxtaposition of grief and happiness. Her sleeves were based off of the lily of the valley, often used in weddings, symbolism of happiness. The skirt of her dress, on the other hand, was designed based off of the petals of a lily. A flower commonly used in funerals, symbolic of the soul's return to innocence. I wanted this dress to really symbolize this duality of marriage and death, grief and happiness, achievement and loss. It's about new life through death, shedding the sins of mortality for the innocence of vampirism. The dress, in itself is, primarily, contradiction. The bodice of her dress focuses on extenuating the features of womanhood, yet is barren all the same. Grieving madonna, bereft of child. It is an hourglass, but it is empty, void of time, caught internally in this very same contradiction of grief and happiness, never able to permanently reside in one emotion or the other, but forever pressed into the cycle of both, forever consumed by them.

[princesscatherinemiddleton]

The Royal Fandom Autumn/Fall 2024 Photo Challenge! We've done summer so it's time to do autumn (or fall, for Americans). Royals take fewer autumn-related photos so this is far less linked to autumn and more linked to whatever was in my head. Either way, enjoy! The Rules for the challenge are below.

1. Favourite photo(s) of a monarch 2. Favourite photo(s) of a royal under autumnal trees 3. Favourite photo(s) of your favourite royal wedding 4. Favourite photo(s) of a royal from the heir's generation (born 1968 to 1985ish) 5. Favourite photo(s) of royals with umbrellas 6. Favourite photo(s) of an heir (they have to be currently first in line to the throne) 7. Favourite photo(s) of royals and their pets 8. Favourite photo(s) of a new adult royal (aged 18-25ish) 9. Favourite photo(s) of royals learning about their past 10. Favourite royal formalwear 11. Favourite candids photo(s) of royals 12. Favourite photo(s) of your favourite royal tour 13. Favourite photo(s) of royals with their ancestors (make of this what you will) 14. Favourite weird outfits 15. Favourite photo(s) of royal children 16. Favourite royal jewellery (not tiaras) 17. Favourite photo(s) of your favourite royal 18. Favourite photo(s) of your least favourite royal 19. Favourite photoshoot(s) of a royal 20. Favourite candid looks 21. Favourite photo(s) of monarchy 22. Favourite royal residence(s) 23. Favourite photo(s) of royal christenings 24. Favourite royal family 25. Favourite tiara(s) 26. Favourite photo(s) of royal siblings 27. Favourite photo(s) of royal PDA 28. Favourite photo(s) of monarch's birthday celebrations 29. Favourite photo(s) of royals and pumpkins 30. Favourite photo(s) of a royal funeral 31. Favourite photo(s) of royals in Hallowe'en costumes

Rules:

x Tag your posts with “Royal Autumn 2024 Challenge”. x It says photo challenge but if you want to use gifs or poetry or however you want to represent them, you can! x Edits can include different royals from different families! x If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here.

[royaltysimblr]

Charles, Prince of the Isle (1828-1875)

read about him below!!

The long-awaited prince was born in 1828 to Queen Mary III and her husband, Prince Charles, the Earl of Statford. Queen Mary showered her son and heir in love and attention while ignoring her older daughters. Prince Charles recieved an extensive education which was overseen by his father. The young prince was intelligent, bright, and cheerful despite being sickly most of his life. After his father's death in 1847, the prince spent more time with his family, with his mother heavily relying on him during her mourning period. Charles attended the Imperial University of Windenburg from 1848-1850.

In 1852, Charles became engaged to Princess Sophie Alexandrine of Mannheim, his distant relative. Charles fell in love with her the previous summer while she was visiting relatives in San Myshuno. His mother, Queen Mary wanted her son to marry a bride from a country which had more prospects. Sophie Alexandrine was a minor princess whose second-cousin was the Grand Duke of Mannheim, who ruled a small insignificant country. The princess also lacked a dowry and was a few years past the marriagable age of the era (She was almost 25) . Despite this, Mary allowed her son to propose after months of convincing. Sophie Alexandrine arrived in Windenburg two months before the wedding was scheduled and resided with her relatives who had grace and favour apartments at Kingston Palace. The Prince would visit his future bride almost every single day with the company of a chaperone. The couple enjoyed long walks and playing music together, with the prince playing piano, and the princess playing the harp. A month before the wedding, Sophie Alexandrine suffered from a fever which would result in her death. Charles was devastated from the death of his betrothed and would never be the same again. The prince demanded that Sophie Alexandrine have a funeral as if she was a Princess of the Isle, which Queen Mary agreed with. The Princess was buried at the Royal Burial Ground in San Myshuno, despite not yet being a member of the royal family. The court remained in mounring for eight weeks.

Queen Mary described her poor son as "a shell of his former self". The Prince refused to eat anything for days at a time and would never leave his apartments for months. The prince began to lose a considerable amount of weight causing Queen Mary to worry for her son. As the years went by, Charles gradually recovered from the death of his fiance. Most Windenburgians assumed that Charles would never marry and would later be succeeded by his younger brother, Edward who had gotten married in 1857. In 1863, Prince Edward became gravely ill with the Bricehster Flu, remaining bedridden for weeks. Prince Edward eventually recovered, but the Queen used this situation to urge Charles to marry. After two months, the Prince eventually relented and allowed his mother and sisters to find a potential bride. After rejecting many suitors, Princess Odette suggested her husband's cousin, Infanta Maria Christina of Selvadorada. The bride was beautiful and well educated, and like her husband enjoyed music. After meeting twice in Champes Les Sims, the couple became engaged that year.

In 1863, at the age of 35, the Prince was married to Infanta Maria Christina of Selvadorada. The Prince's mood initially became better after his marriage to the infanta, however Maria Christina gave birth to a stillbirth daughter on the anniversary of Sophie Alexandrine's death, leaving the Prince in a state of severe depression. In 1866, Maria Christina gave birth to a daughter, Princess Alexandra who would later on become Queen Alexandra II. Charles was delighted by the birth of his daughter and would spend an extraordinary amount of time with her. In 1869, Maria Christina suffered from a difficult pregnancy which would result in her death. Maria Christina gave birth to twins, Prince Henry, and Princess Charlotte. Maria Christina died in labor, and her son would die the next day. Charles was heartbroken after the death of his wife and son, and secluded himself away from court. Charles would never return, and spent most of his time at Dunkeld Palace in Victoria. The Prince rarely saw his children as they reminded him of his deceased wife.

In 1870, the Prince was remarried to Princess Adelaide of Brichester, a cousin of his first wife. Although Charles never wanted to marry again, his overbearing mother encouraged the match and stressed the importance of having a mother figure in her granddaughters lives. The prince ignored his new wife and continued to live seperately from her in Victoria. In the absence of their father, Princess Adelaide raised Alexandra and Charlotte herself, overseeing their education and wellbeing. In 1875, Charles succumbed to a fever and died alone at his lodge in Victoria. His daughter, Alexandra became heir to the throne and would succeed her grandmother, Queen Mary II, as the new Queen of Windenburg in 1885.

[jpitha]

Between the Black and Gray 4

First / Previous / Next

At the docking ring, Fen and Ma-ren led Gord all the way down to the end. Past the regular passenger ships, past the scheduled freighters, past the bays for warships, past the semi permanent bays for residents to the last seven bays, thirty three though forty. Before they reached bay thirty three Gord could see the bulk of the Starjumper. It was easily five times larger than any ship here.

Walking past a simple barricade they stepped into an area of the docks that were not visited very often. The noise and bustle of the docks receded until Gord could only hear their footsteps and the thrum of the air handlers. Fen walked up to an airlock and gestured dramatically. "Here she is. Spyglass. She last moved when my Grandparents were young and Mom was a kid the last time she had power."

Gord walked up to the airlock. It was dark, with no lights, and no indicator over the door. a light layer of dust surrounded everything. "Oh, what happened hon? What did they do to you?" He whispered to the ship. He turned to Fen and Ma-ren "How do we open the airlock?"

"There's no power; we have to open it manually." Ma-ren shrugged. "We should be able to pump that lever there a few times and then the outer door will open."

Gord looked around and found the lever. It was worn and clearly well used. "What about shore power from the station?"

Fen laughed. "We can't afford those fees. Grandma says back when she was a kid they used to pay to run shore power during celebrations like weddings and funerals. These days though, nobody really cares anymore."

Gord stared at Fen and Ma-ren for a long while before turning back to the airlock and pumping the handle.

"Uh Gord?"

"Yes?"

"What's going on? You're acting like Spyglass is alive or something. Like, we left someone behind. If Spyglass was alive, we'd remember. Grandma would have mentioned it, Mom would have mentioned it, anyone would have mentioned it."

"There was a time when Spyglass was alive." Gord sighed. "She was a friend of mine. I'm worried for her. I want to view the logs and figure out what happened."

Fen blinked. "Gord, that doesn't make sense. If you were friends with Spyglass that would make you...."

Gord didn't meet her gaze. The airlock slowly opened as Gord worked the handle. After a moment it was wide enough for a person to enter. "Come on, let's see what's inside."

The inner airlock door was wide open. One the one hand, Gord was happy that he wouldn't have to pump the handle to manually open it, but having the airlock wide open was a bad sign. Gord took out two palm lights and handed one to Ma-ren and turned on the other.

Fen was surprised at how... cramped it was. She hadn't been inside Spyglass since she was a kid, but it always seemed to big when she was little. Now, she realized the halls were only a little taller than her and how small the rooms where. Gord started walking down the hall towards the command deck.

Ma-ren and Fen followed Gord. As soon as he was aboard, he seemed to know exactly where they were going. Occasionally he'd swing his light over some detail and nod, or look at something else and grunt, but he wasn't lost.

After a few minutes, they made it to the command deck. Now they were further into Spyglass than Fen or Ma-ren had ever been, and as evidenced by the floors, it had been a long time since anyone else was here. The floors were dusty and what few boot-prints there were were also covered by a layer of dust. Gord wiped away at a sign on the door. At the top, it said "Command Deck' in Colonic, but under it was another phrase in a different language.

"Gord, what's that under the sign in Colonic?"

Gord looked up. "Oh? Ah yeah, Spyglass was refit right after Colonic took over as the main language for the colony worlds. The bottom text is the same thing in Late Period English." He read the words out loud. The language was strange to Fen and Ma-ren, very staccato.

"You can speak it Gord? Are you a scholar?"

Gord chuckled. "I can, and I'm not. I don't need to be a scholar to speak my native language. Gord opened a panel on the side and stick his hand into the cavity and rummaged around. There was a click and he was able to slide the door open.

Fen and Ma-ren stepped in after Gord and gazed around. They could only see tiny parts at time from their small palm light, but the room was large, with many seats and was all oriented towards a large screen at the front. Gord sat in a seat in the middle and touched a screen on the arm. "Completely dead. I would have expected something, even if was just dim lights." He stood. "Come on ladies, I'll need your help."

"Why?" Fen was having a good time looking around the old command deck, and didn't want to leave just yet.

"We're going to restore power. At least to critical systems."

"What? How?" Ma-ren's fur poofed out and her tail twitched worriedly. "Everything is dead and cold."

"Well yeah, but it wasn't always this way, and so long as you haven't stolen parts-" He turned and looked at them "You haven't stolen parts, right?"

They shook their heads.

"Then we should be able to get her up and at least lit. Spyglass had 6 reactors back in the day. We only need one for lights and heat. We get her lit, we can check the core and figure out what happened.

Gord lead them back down the other end, down stairs and across halls, deep, deep within Spyglass. Fen was sure that nobody had been down here since after they docked. It was odd. She expected things to be... grimer than they were. Sure it was dark, and sure it was dusty, but things weren't leaking or broken, and there weren't any vermin about. It was quite different than the station.

They reached the Reactor Room, and Gord once again did his trick with the panel to open the doors. As soon as he stepped inside, he swung his light around the room and gasped.

"What? What is it?" Ma-ren walked in behind him and looked around. It was a long hall.

"The reactors! There are supposed to be six of them! There's only two left!" Sure enough, Fen and Ma-ren followed Gord as he walked down the hall, his boots clanging on the metal grating as they passed empty space after empty space, finally coming upon two huge, identical machines at the very back of the hall. Gord peered at them and tisked. "Well, so long as they're not both broken in the same way, I can get one going again." Without looking up he gestured at Fen and Ma-ren. "There's a tool kit over in the locker behind you. Please go fetch it. There should be some battery lights too, let's see if we can get a little more light on this.

"It took a few hours to get everything set up, and they were well past curfew before they were finished, but they had set up the lights and Gord had the reactor in more pieces than they thought possible. Gord knew where everything was, even things that he shouldn't know. He had told them that the medical ward was a few doors down and they were able to find some folding chairs to sit, and even some cots so they could take a nap. Gord never seemed to have to take a break. He didn't eat, didn't get tired, just continued to tinker. Fen and Ma-ren dozed on the cots while Gord worked.

Finally he sat back, and closed the panel. "Ladies? I think we're ready for ignition. It's made up of spares and most of the other reactor, so we'll never be able to run the Stardrive or the weapons, but we can at least have lights and heat and the computer.

"You fixed it?" Ma-ren yawned hugely.

"Not really. Just rigged it together. This old model reactor is very durable and resilient. I'm a little surprised the crew that brought you here wasn't able to keep it running. Everything needed was onboard."

Fen nodded. "Grandma mentioned that hardly anyone knew what to do or how to work the ship, there was a lot of guesswork and hoping involved."

Gord didn't reply. Instead he turned back towards the reactor. "I'm going to start it, watch out."

Before Fen and Ma-ren could ask what to watch out for Gord pressed the starter. There was a hum and a loud clack of relays, followed by a warbling hum that started slow and went faster and faster until there was a sound like a burst of static.

And then, with hardly any fanfare at all, the lights came up.

Before they could cheer, there was a cacophony of alarms and klaxons and sirens. Gord jumped at the noise, and then took off towards the command deck. Fen and Ma-ren hurried to catch up.

In addition to the alarm and siren sounds, there were voices warning things. They'd speak in two or three languages that Fen didn't recognize and then in oddly accented Colonic she heard "WARNING. WARNING. REACTORS OFFLINE. BACKUPS OFFLINE. HULL DAMAGE. WEAPON DAMAGE. STARDRIVE DAMAGE. SYSTEMS CRITICAL." and it would repeat.

They made it to the command deck and Gord was sitting in the middle seat, his fingers dancing over the pads until the alarms were silenced one by one. Sighing in relief, and continued to poke and prod at the pad. "I'm turning off running lights. They've been off for decades, no sense in telling station authorities that we have power now." Gord was speaking to them without looking up.

"So Gord, is Spyglass alive or not?"

"I don't know. She's not replying to my usual queries." He looked up at the room. "Hey Spyglass! You Up? It's Gord!"

Nothing.

"Come on, let's go check the core. Something's up."

They made their way deeper into the ship; deeper even than the reactors, until they reached a door that was almost completely hidden. There was no frame around this door, and no panel on the outside. There wasn't even a sign in Colonic. Just a small line of text in that angular Late Period English language. With the power on, Gord didn't have to rummage in the walls looking for an override. He approached the door and touched it with both his hands, palms in. There was a click and the door slid smoothy to the side.

This room was completely different than the others. It was barely more than a closet, bathed in a blue light. From the floor to the ceiling were racks and racks of electronics and half of it blinked and hummed. The other half was dark and silent, separated by a large black mechanism that was stuck haphazardly over things. When Gord saw the mechanism he said something in his old language that Fen and Ma-ren didn't understand, but the meaning was clear.

"Fuck."

"What?"

"It's a shackle." He gestured towards the black mechanism. "It's meant to lock down AIs, to prevent them from being intelligent. Spyglass is here, but she's trapped."

"Someone is...inside Spyglass?" Ma-ren's ears twitched.

"Gord shook his head. "No, she is Spyglass. The ship is her body."

"Oh no" Fen shuddered. "So is she aware of herself?"

Gord nodded. "Probably, yes."

"How long has she been like this?"

He peered at the mechanism without touching it. "This looks like late third Empire tech. Right around The War." He straightened up. "She's been locked down at least five hundred years."

Fen and Ma-ren looked at eachother. Five hundred years? "She's... going to be upset when we unlock her right?"

Gord turned to them and smiled thinly. "Ma-ren, I would like to take this moment to state how pleased I am that you assumed we're going to unlock her. To answer your question, she is going to be a mess. But, I have some skill here. I can help her."

Fen nodded. "Okay then, Gord. How do we free her?"

"Luckily" Gord turned back to the shackle "They were never meant to be hard to install and remove. We just have to enter the code." Gord touched a panel on the front and a keypad rolled out from behind.

"What's the code?"

Gord chuckled. "It's zero zero zero zero one."

Fen blinked. "You're kidding."

"I'm not. The Empire set up these shackles, but didn't trust that anyone could remember the code to remove them, so they hard coded it to something easy."

"But then anyone could have removed them."

"This is true, and wonder, Fen, why they didn't." Gord typed in the code and pressed the start key at the bottom.

The shackle lit up and started glowing green. After a moment, the racks of equipment behind it received power and started glowing like the others.

"That's it?" Ma-ren peered at the equipment.

"That's it." Gord looked around. "We should be able--"

Their conversation was interrupted by the PA crackling to life.

There was a piercing noise.

A woman was screaming.

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 25 (Unexpected Death Cull but then a Baby, Finally!)

The town of Henford was rocked by a seniors’ river cruise disaster which killed Spencer’s grandparents Dennis and Vivian Lewis-Kim, as well as Ian and Derek Moody-McMillan, who were old friends of the Nesbitts and grandfathers to Nicola, Hazel’s bestie-turned-girlfriend.

The disaster brought Everett and Spencer home to visit her family. The Nesbitts sent condolences, grateful to have been spared greater grief as the town’s fledgling riverboat tourism industry took a nosedive. Spencer met her new niece and infant Greyson got to know his aunts on the Pancakes and Kim-Lewis sides of his family.

The visit made them miss home, and they began to talk about coming home to Henford for good. For now, however, life called them back to Oasis Springs after the funerals.

Daisy was still a PlantSim, which was concerning as the effects of the forbidden fruit had worn off much slower than she expected, and River’s wedding was just around the corner. Despite this, Daisy stayed close to Heather until delivery.

One evening, Heather tried to show her mother how to use accounting software for her floral business, but it wasn't going well and Heather was starting to get bored. She nonchalantly checked her phone. "You wrote a whole cookbook, Mom. You taught me how to do online research, but you can't figure out a few numbers?"

Daisy frowned. "I always let the telescope do my number-crunching for me. I really just loved gardening." She clicked something, and the program disappeared. "Oh, what now?"

"Let me." Heather leaned over her mother's shoulder. "You deleted it? How did you do that?"

Daisy shrugged in frustration. "I really don't know."

Heather opened her Recycle Bin to retrieve the deleted file when she noticed a strange folder. "VetConnect? Is this a clone? What?"

"What does that mean?"

"I...I think someone might have cloned my app files and given them to Petcare Inc."

"Who would do such a thing?"

"Other than you, no one's used my computer since...since Malcolm! I used to let him log in to send work emails. Oh my god! I could kill him!"

Daisy frowned. "Don't say that. Can you sue?"

"Against the Landgraabs? I don't even know if I could prove it was him," she said. "But I think I can fight fire with fire. My vet tech had the idea, and it took years to make the first one, but I'm going to have to work on a new app."

After a family dinner in Henford, Heather finally went into labour. Daisy went with her to the hospital, where her doctor was the on-call intern, Jamar Scott, her childhood neighbour.

(And the eldest son of Henford townies Simon and Sara Scott.)

"How's life in Brindleton Bay?"

"It's really great! I love being by the sea and I really feel like the clinic was my calling."

"I know what you mean. What you do for animals is what I love to do for sims."

"And how's Malia's freelance career?"

"She loves the flexibility, and I can't say I blame her. We're talking about starting a family of our own once my residency's done and I can work better hours."

Just before four in the morning, an exhausted Heather gave birth to a healthy baby boy she named Ash Neal Nesbitt. She debated the last name for months, but Malcolm hadn’t checked on her except when he needed a paternity test. And he stole her mobile app's code!

Since then he’d been no better than a ghost. If he wanted to miss out on his son's life, Heather was fine with it. ->

<- Previous Chapter | Gen 2 Start | Gen 1 Summary | Gen 1 Start

NOTE: To prevent them from randomly marrying other sims I made Dennis Kim and Vivian Lewis fall in love and marry years after their kids, Eric and Alice, married and started a family (they had three girls - Olivia, Spencer, and Lydia Kim-Lewis).

NOTE 2: I made OG grocer Kim Goldbloom the adopted daughter of Ian Moody and Derek McMillan because I wanted to make all the Henford NPCs playable at the start of the game. (I also paired up Michael Bell and Cecilia Kang despite their canon bad first date, married off Agnes and Agatha and moved them in with the Pancakes after making Agatha the mother of Bob, and put Lavina and Rahul in a home in the Bramblewood. She married Paolo Rocca and had two more kids, Rahul married Rashidah Watson after graduation and they moved to Brindleton Bay to start a family.

[quotesfrommyreading]

The Chinese government says that its policies in Xinjiang are intended to curb terrorism and separatism, and that the camps provide instruction in Chinese language and other skills to people who might be susceptible to extremist ideas.

But the Karakax spreadsheet shows how officials have monitored minute details of daily life to find targets for detention as Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party boss in Xinjiang, ordered officials to “round up everyone who should be rounded up.”

The authorities scrutinized three generations of each detainee’s family, as well as their neighbors and friends. Officials in charge of monitoring mosques reported on how actively the residents participated in ceremonies, including the naming of children, circumcision, weddings and funerals.

The list specified whether detainees learned about religion from parents and grandparents or elsewhere. Dozens were listed as having a “heavy religious environment” at home — a designation that was often followed by a recommendation that they not be released.

The authorities also studied how many times a day detainees prayed and whether they took part in — or were even interested in — religious pilgrimages.

Outward signs of piety were also recorded. “Wore a beard from March 2011 to July 2014,” reads a description of one detainee related to several people who had been sent to camps. Officials categorized as “trustworthy” another man, the father of two detainees, who had cut off his beard and started drinking alcohol after a year of abstaining.

  —  How China Tracked Detainees and Their Families

[bouncinghedgehog]

Episcopalian Church's response to Trump by Hayden Vaughn

"President Trump,

1. Much like those who do not want you to be president, you do not get to decide whether a bishop's office is legitimate. She was chosen by the people of her diocese to be their bishop. Then, she was granted consent to be a bishop by other bishops and standing committees of our church's dioceses.

Beginning by calling her a

"so-called" bishop is an obvious low blow to discredit her as a person, rather than what she said that you disagree with. The Episcopal Church was legitimate enough to hold your third wedding, the funeral of Melania's

mother, and the baptism of your son, Barron. Barron also attended an Episcopal day school. Now you have an issue with how we do things when it doesn't go your way?

2. You didn't have an issue with politics being brought into the church by the ministers who spoke at your inauguration, or by yourself for that matter.

They were blatantly partisan, crediting God for your political success: "Mr.

President, the last four years there were times I'm sure you thought it was pretty dark, but look what God has done," Graham said.

3. She wasn't nasty in tone, plain and simple. I can't remember ever hearing a homily given in such a gracious manner and calm tone. If you disagree, listen to her speak. You may disagree with what she said, but her tone was in no way "nasty." Additionally, insulting her intelligence, rather than quoting what you disagree with, is a very typical narcissistic play.

Defending yourself about being asked to have mercy on immigrants by saying,

"A large number of illegal migrants came into our country and killed people," is a gross

misrepresentation and does not make sense. By that logic, we should be locking up or deporting all Americans because the majority of crimes were committed by citizens. We do need to improve our immigration system, but Scripture commands us as Christians to have mercy.

Mercy is a central tenet of our faith. Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Leviticus 19:33-34 says, "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." If you take issue with this, take it up with God.

5. Saying the service was boring and uninspiring is a move to discredit the event rather than what specifically was said.

However, it's worth mentioning that the

purpose of a service is not to be "exciting." There are several purposes for our services, such as honoring God, bringing us closer to God, and being in community with one another. Being "exciting" is not one of them. As far as inspiration goes, that is in the eye of the beholder.

You get as much out of it as you put into it.

6. The Bishop does not owe you an apology. Our church does not owe you an apology. All that you were asked to do is what scripture directly asks us to do. If you could quote one thing she asked of you that isn't asked of us in scripture, we would apologize. Someone recently reminded me of something I often heard growing up in church. If you are offended by a minister's sermon or feel that it was a personal attack, look to see if you can find anything they said that was out of line with scripture and the teachings of Jesus. If you can't, that feeling is what we call "being convicted of your sin". The fact you are offended by what was said shows you know there is truth in it. To your supporters who also feel offended by it, the same does."

[eventinelysplayground]

This is my final entry for @violettduchess and @lorei-writes Sunshine and Starlight creation challenge. I will tag you both when I write the prequel (I guess) for my first entry but it's not even started so. I went with stained glass for this one and it was actually the first idea I had. It's not what I thought it would be, initially I had a different plan but when I started to write it I wasn't feeling it so thought more on it then switched gears to this. I do pull a tiny bit and some dialogue from Faust's route as well as the make me melt event epilogue but as always not a prerequisite to enjoy the fic. Returning to the church brings back memories for Faust. Fluff with a bit of spiciness, WC approx 1305.

A Dance of Colors

With the war having passed the streets of Paris were busy once again with the comings and goings of its residents. Along a certain street stood an imposing church, one that had bared witness to so much in its time. Across the road from the church's heavy wooden doors stood a man, his hazel eyes seeing the past rather than the now.

‘I just wanted to do something to help. Unfortunately the bread is all I could give…’

‘You know, they say ‘devoting yourself to others without caring about yourself is called dedication.’ not many people would offer to help a stranger without hesitation. You're a very compassionate person.’

A sudden chorus of children's laughter could be heard bringing Faust's attention back to the present. He clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes.

“Of course the children would still be as noisy as ever.”

He watched one of the older boys open the heavy church door and hold it open so that the smaller children could dash inside. Stealing himself Faust quickly walked towards that same door, one he had not entered through in decades, and opened it.

The inside of the church was mostly unchanged since the last time he was there. It had held up well through the long years and wars it seemed, only requiring the replacement of most of the stained glass.A pity they had to be replaced, the way the colors used to dance off her skin.

Faust's face softened and his lips turned upwards into a smile as he took a seat in one of the pews and thought back to the time he and Mitsuki spent in the church together. Happy times filled with playing children, christenings and weddings; sad times filled with sickness, funerals and despair; and other times…

‘Johann, I…ohh…’

‘Mitsuki…’

‘Johann, Johann…I want to give myself to you. So you have to give yourself to me too.’

‘Here. Now. Are you sure?’

‘Of course I'm sure. Ahh! Haah…Nnh. Hnh…’

‘Neither God nor Devil can take you away. You belong to me.’

Other times that were filled with love and passion but that would almost certainly see them both condemned to hell.

Faust sat in the pew listening to the children and reminiscing about his life so far he failed to notice that the young priest had noticed him and was slowly approaching.

“It's quite a fine day today, wouldn't you agree?"

Faust said nothing.

“Though the expression on your face doesn't match the weather.”

Faust still said nothing and kept his eyes on the altar as the priest sat down beside him.

“If you won't talk to me, how can I help you with your problems, my child?”

Faust clicked his tongue.

“I am not your child.”

“We are all God's chil-”

Faust cut the priest off with another click of his tongue followed by a sigh.

“Where did you ever learn to be so impudent?”

“Oh most certainly from my Father.”

Faust turned to face the priest, hazel eyes meeting hazel eyes. The priest gave Faust a devious smile and he let out a low chuckle.

“They kicked you out of the castle didn't they?”

A frown came over Faust's face and he turned his attention back to the altar.

“According to your mother, my standing there was making Le Comte and the old goat nervous.”

“Were you really just standing there?”

“Of course.”

“You shouldn't lie in a church, you wouldn't want to end up in hell after all.”

Faust let out a scoff.

“I assure you Christian, if I am to end up in hell for my behavior in a church, lying would be the least of my offenses.”

It was now Christians turn to click his tongue and sigh.

“How did you ever manage to make everyone believe you were a respectable priest?”

“Watch your tongue my son, I took my duties here quite seriously even if I do not believe in God myself.”

“If it's true that you do not believe in God then why are you here?”

Faust was silent for a moment as he pondered his eldest childs words.

“Even though I do not believe in God, this place brings me peace and once again brought hope into my life.”

Father and son sat in silence for a long time watching as the children played in the church while the sunlight coming in through the new stained glass cast colorful patterns across the floor.

“I believe they have had enough time now.”

Faust stood to leave.

“Before you go…”

Christian began fishing around in his robes for something.

“I only just got this back today, I was going to bring it to you tonight but you're here now so might as well.”

Faust looked quizzically at the brown paper wrapped item Christian held out to him.

“Trust me, you and Mother will both enjoy it. Think of it as a momento from your past.”

Faust gently turned the item over in his hands, his eyes widening ever so slightly.

“Thank you, I will see you later tonight?”

“Of course.”

Faust had just exited the pew when he heard Christian cough and saw his hand come out palm up to block his path.

“The scalpel Father.”

Faust rolled his eyes but his sons hand didn't budge.

“Now Father, all of them.”

Faust sighed and took not one but three scalpels out of various pockets and handed them to a smiling Christian.

“Thank you. Go with God my child.”

Faust grumbled as he left the church leaving behind the noisy laughter of not only the actual children but Christian's as well.

The castle was always quiet this late at night, in their room Mitsuki sat awake in bed staring down at the face of the man she loved.

“Did you fall asleep taking care of me again?”

The memories from when she had caught the epidemic, or any other time she wasn't feeling well played through her mind. Mitsuki reached out and began to run her fingers through Faust's hair disturbing the colors displayed upon it.

I'd know those colors and pattern anywhere but how?

Mitsuki began to look around the room and her breath hitched when her eyes fell to the desk. Sitting on top of it propped up against the window was a pane made with the old stained glass from the church.

“Christian gave it to me.”

Mitsuki startled a bit at the sudden voice.

“Johann you're awake!”

Mitsuki's hand traveled from Faust's hair down to rest on his cheek.

“And so are you.”

Faust grabbed Mitsukis hand and placed a kiss upon her palm, it was only then she noticed that her hand was no longer wrinkled.

“How long?”

“Five days.”

“Oh, and everyone else is….”

Mitsuki's voice trailed off and Faust chuckled.

“Both of the old goats are fine and still in one piece.”

Mitsuki let out a breath she wasn't aware she had been holding then she smiled at Faust.

“Thank you, I know it was difficult for you but…”

Mitsuki snaked her arms around Faust's neck then planted a quick kiss to his lips.

“I really am yours for all eternity now Johann.”

Faust's strong arms wrapped around Mitsukis waist pulling her towards him.

“I hope you are prepared to spend the rest of eternity with me because I'll never let you go or let anyone else have you.”

Mitsuki let out a soft moan as Faust trailed kisses down her neck.

“I'll gladly spend eternity with you Johann.”

The sound of passionate kisses along with lustful moans and soft cries began to fill the room.

She really does look so beautiful when those colors dance across her skin, especially when it's flushed from pleasure I give her.

It was the last coherent thought Faust had before they both succumbed to the rising heat between them.