#the rest of the nein's names ; ;

[dent-de-leon]

I do think Tealeaf would find it a little bit funny if he found out Essek was so touched and moved to tears by his death and then he was immediately resurrected and running around naked like five minutes later--

[scattergoriesofevil]

I am 100% convinced the Bright Queen knows exactly where Essek lives. I assume she’s quite furious, at times irrationally so. But I also feel once she becomes aware he’s Caleb’s partner, it really changes the strategic calculus and she calls off the assassins.

She owes Caleb a great debt and respects what the M9 have done for the Dynasty. It’s entirely in the Dynasty’s best interest to watch from a safe distance while Caleb and Beau continue to hunt down corruption in the Empire. Wildemount is a better place for having the M9 around to reunite occasionally to fight something no one else could. They are a real asset as things currently stand. She is not interested in becoming their enemy. She could easily have thrown them into the dungeons when she met them. The power dynamic’s really changed since then. They’re incredibly powerful, and they have allies.

There’s no way she doesn’t have people scrying on the M9 occasionally for general situational awareness. Knowing what the M9 are up to is important, especially in times of chaos. Caleb and Beau’s ongoing business is definitely of international interest. They’re more discrete than the others, but not flawlessly discrete.

The rest of the M9 have zero discretion. Caleb tries so hard early on. “Where’s Essek? Is he coming with you?” “I have no idea what Essek is up to,” stern look, sounds aloof, changes the subject. It’s a lost cause. The M9 keep using their secret wizard’s real name in open conversation, no matter what disguise he wears in public. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who Seth is.

Most importantly, the Bright Queen is damn near immortal. She can afford to play a very long game, even longer than most elves. As long as Essek keeps his distance from the Dynasty’s affairs, he is safe as long as the rest of the M9 are alive. After that she has a wealth of time at her disposal to reassess.

TLDR The Mighty Nein are incapable of keeping their second wizard a secret, and the Bright Queen is no fool. In this essay I will

[maacbrem]

Absolutely insane about the Thelyss brothers in Vasselheim cause like

Essek the Bright Queen is RIGHT THERE SIR PLEASE - but then, so is his brother, his little brother he probably still thinks of as a child because they were allowed to be children so briefly before anamnesis failed to come and they had to make something of themselves as new souls in an ancient Den, and Verin is the youngest Taskhand of Bazzoxan and a highly accomplished Echo Knight but he’s going to war??? Against aliens and would-be god killers and Ludinus Da’leth???? And Essek is a heretic fugitive and selfish to his bones, but he loved his brother even when he didn’t think he was capable of love at all, even if he wasn’t very good at it. So he stays in Vasselheim and he makes sure that these strange, awe-inspiring legendary heroes know his brother’s face, his voice, his armour, so that maybe if he falls one of them will deign to pick him up. He thinks about his friends, far from him now (Caleb, out of his reach and likely preparing to do something reckless but too brilliant to be called foolish), and looks at his brother, who will also go, who might never come back.

And Verin??? The youngest son of his Den, the second new soul prodigy by necessity who never really understood his brother but loved him anyway, who mourned their father so hard that he tried to become him by throwing himself against the endless hordes of the Hells, who now answers the call of all the gods and Exandria itself to fight a war with impossible odds, offering himself and his soldiers as potential cannon fodder so that the legendary heroes of the age might emerge victorious? I need to know how long he’s known what Essek did (because I know that Essek confessed and part of him hoped that Verin would condemn him, his righteous, devoted brother), and I need to know if Essek faked his death or just vanished, and I need to know if Verin wept for him. Verin who loves his people and his country and his god, who believes in things like faith and loyalty because he’s never really had cause not to, who has to find a way to believe in his brother, too. He learns to recognize this Archivist disguise and a few others that Essek favours, and he stops referring to his brother by name ever just so he doesn’t forget at the wrong moment, and he carries the beat-up booklet of Ashari poetry that he first learned to read Common from that still has child-Essek’s penmanship in the margins and he thinks about how seasons change and how winter doesn’t really kill, it just rests, and the process of a butterfly’s metamorphosis isn’t really that far off from the Luxon’s decree to become your ever-bettering self.

Essek doesn’t say “come back” but he does say “fight smart” and Verin knows what he means. Verin wraps him in a spine-cracking bear hug, uncomfortable in his armour but Essek has gotten better about physical affection in the past few years and one day Verin intends to thank the Mighty Nein personally for that. Verin says “stay sharp” and then quieter he says “i’ll see you again” and Essek hears ‘in this life or the next’ and he very calmly and sanely doesn’t start screaming, but he does press a pearl to Verin’s forehead (Caleb’s variation of the somatics, a useless bit of sentimentality made powerful that Essek adores). And then they have to part ways before Verin rejoins the Kryn contingent and Essek disappears back into the crowd, two brothers finally on the same side but unable to stand together.

Anyway, I think they’re neat.

[bluemoontarot]

Critical Role pls give me a serious one shot where Kingsley explores his backstory and learns to live as himself and embraces the Nein

Please give me Kingsley lore

They fought tooth and nail and died and came back for Mollymauk and we got Kingsley, a true new start. He's not Molly, but he is.

I yearn to see Tal explore his emotions, how he deals with those memories, how much he claims of both Lucien and Molly. When does he stop seeing his past lives as parents and start claiming them as part of himself. When does he confront the Nein and tell them to stop mourning someone who is right in fucking front of them, who just has a new name and has changed like the rest of then.

I love the silly one shots

But the Nein fought a whole campaign for this purple idiot can we please see him in action as the main babe

[quipxotic]

I love that Robbie figured out Seth = Essek before nearly everyone else, but couldn't remember his real name, so tried to mime a person floating to convey to everyone who he was. And that most of the rest of Vox Machina blue screened at his charades attempt until Liam helpfully provided the name. Their inner Bell's Hells and the Mighty Nein would have been screaming at them for being so slow on the uptake if both groups weren't, you know, on the moon.

[laterkatersays]

I don't know, I kinda wouldn't be mad if Bell's Hells ended up being the bad guys to the rest of the world.

Like Vox Machina are legendary heroes. Mighty Nein saved the world but are mostly unknown. Let Bell's Hells be the well intentioned group who did everything they could to save the ordinary people of Exandria and yet still end up taking the blame for the end of the gods.

Can you imagine how fun that would be for the new characters in campaign 4? Maybe they're connected to Bell's Hells in some way and know the truth. Maybe they are convinced it's all their fault and hate them with a passion.

Maybe they take a trip to the feywild and meet a faun who seems so friendly and fun and then they find out her name. (God, can you imagine them meeting Ashton and getting the wrong end of the stick immediately? Or seeing Laudna as this sweet lady then having her form of dread emerge?)

I just think it would be fun.

[velvet-paradox]

Stay (ch. 3)

Fandom: Call of Duty Pairing: Viking!König x Female reader Length: Long Warnings: some strong language.

Realization - The answer - A lesson in training - A birth - Fitting in

The scream that left your throat left you hoarse, as if you'd been calling for your animals back home all day. It was early enough yet after dinner that boots could be heard coming down the hallway towards your room, towards your screaming anguish. Krueger was first through the door, followed by Soap, begging the head of the KorTac clan what in the Gods names was going on back here.

The words you wanted to say came tumbling out like a pile of rocks, spitty, messy, garbled beyond coherent hearing.

Finally a "YOU'RE LYING!" made its was through the blubbering mess of your voice.

"Oh König, you didn't have have family killed did you?"

"Nein!"

"Why is it when I always find her, she is always crying?"

They talked above you as you knelt, crumpling to the floor on your knees and wept. You sounded just like your mother had when The Collector took you for leverage. You covered the back of your head with your hands, trying to breathe, trying to think.

It was no use.

You suddenly felt their hands on you, coaxing you up to at least sit or lay on the bed, or as it were now your bed. You let your body go limp, wanting nothing more than to crush into sand. You curled up and held your head, sobbing terribly. Your eyes hurt, your head pounded, your heart and mind raced.

"Guess you did find yourself a little wife, eh Collector." Soap chided as the three men took their leave.

"Not now, Soap."

….

You cried yourself to sleep. What else could you do? Your father had offered you up for future payment. The bracelet on your arm brought you only a sliver of comfort, not the warm embrace of your mother.

You had stayed up long, late nights dreaming of the day when she would pass it down to you. Who was worthy enough to call you their wife? Who would watch over and protect you from anything slight out of line. What would your dress look like, who would do your hair? Who would be the one to bind your hand together with your new husband?

All those scenarios flew away.

You were now bound to the boogeyman, without your consent. Stuck in this prison. As you rose, sitting up in your bed, your face stained and crusty, you noticed there was a scroll next to your pillow. That was not there before. It was tied neatly with a lock of your mothers' hair.

You fingered over it as you read the letter.

How sorry they were to have to do this, how times had only gotten harsher back home to keep food on the table now that you were gone. Your father was catching just enough fish for the both of them and sometimes only your mother was eating breakfast. The winter months were creeping and they just couldn't afford what was needed and knowing that you would be taken care of, a place to sleep, eat and live was their only concern.

It made you cry even more when you noticed how your mother had signed it.

It was splotched in a few places as if… your mother had been crying while writing.

You cleaved it to your chest and cried yourself back to sleep.

….

You didn't eat with the rest of the clan that night, instead you waited until the music stopped, the bustling dinner and ruckus had died down. Just to see, you pulled on your door.

It was unlatched.

Your eyebrows almost met as you yanked it the rest of the open, lit torches illuminated the dark hallway. The great hall was empty, the tables and chairs were clean, König's throne was empty and gave off the element of intimidation. It was huge, even if he wasn't sat in it.

You looked around the dining hall before climbing up the cold wooden steps, your mother's lock of hair still in your palm and sat down. You felt tiny.

This place would become your home. It wasn't a bad village, it was far bigger than your own, bustling with little shops and wares.

You touched your bracelet and started to well up again.

"Enjoying yourself, wee lass?" Soap peeked around the corner, hoping with your fingers crossed that he wouldn't tattle on you. You hopped up instantly.

"You won't tell him will you?" You meekly asked.

Soap adjusted his leather shirt before going towards the front double doors, hanging around just a bit. He looked over his shoulder at you with a smirk. "Tell who what? Good night, pet."

Your shoulders relaxed and you wandered about the hall, touching the wooden walls, jumping out of the way of a stray cat who was more startled then you were. You found the kitchen cellar eventually, at least there was a loaf of bread left out and some scraps of meat that reminded you of your first night here.

You made it to the back door and creaked it open, the moonlight shining over the tops of your neighbors homes, little fire bugs danced and dallied about the air. You tore off another piece of bread, watching the twinkling stars above, the Gods were out and shining.

"Beautiful night." The Collector scared you as he suddenly walked by, arms behind his back and shirtless. He looked tired, even though you could only see his eyes as he moved closer and leaned against the door. "You were missed at dinner this evening."

You snorted. "By who? No one cares."

"I care."

"Why? Is this a game to you? I'm left here, this isn't my village, these aren't my people. You're a cruel man, with a cruel title. Everyone fears you," you shook your head at his arrogance. "Do you know the children in my village are warned about you, that if they are naughty you will come and snatch them in the night, steal them from their parents. And now… they'll know the sick truth that I too am susceptible to such a fate."

König sighed and pushed off the door, towering over you, making you move out of his way.

"I'll tell you this, pet. I shall let you sulk and whine and moan about your situation but after tonight, you sneaking around to eat stale bread and cheese, get used to it. Your parents are better off."

"How dare you! How can you say that?"

"Because it's true. They can barely get by themselves and you're just another mouth to feed. Here your will be warm for winter, you will participate in village duties, you will pull your own weight. You earn your keep here," König hummed and patted your head, assuming you like the pet that you were. "I know you are strong willed and you'll fit in just fine. You'll also need some training."

"In what?"

"In combat. I'll collect you at dawn; get some rest, pet."

….

He was indeed quite serious about the timing, banging open your door, rousing you like a trained solider at camp, ready to lay waste to the enemy. Frantically dressing, tying your boots off at the front doors of the hall, scrambling behind the big, bad man in the early hours. Not even the shopkeepers were awake, only the bakers.

You weren't tethered to him this morning though.

You tramped over bushes, a well traveled path behind the great hall and out in mornings first light. The sun was gentle, the mist and fog light, the grass still damp.

You wondered about the man before you, was this the plan all along? Did he plan on taking you before changing pay day? He certainly had something in mind because why did he pick on your family first? He barely gave you a glance beforehand. Always snatching and counting coins at your dinner table, grunting if it was enough and then leaving like a phantom.

You soon came into a clearing, there were tree trunk rounds with arrows struck into them at varying angles, tree stumps for exercise and balance training, hanging cloth dolls with previous practice.

You started simple.

He wanted to see your aim. The Collector had handed you a blade that surely had been used for either threats or promises, it was warm and heavy in your hand. He pointed to one of the logs and watched as you hefted it up and threw. He clicked his teeth.

Not impressed.

You did that for quite awhile before moving on to core and balance, standing on one leg one of the tree stumps. He'd poke and prod at your standing leg to keep you on edge, make you think, make you better. You wobbled again and König spanked your ass, making you jolt a little more before righting yourself to the other foot.

"May I ask you something?" You asked, eyes trained on the now swaying stuffed body when the wind picked up.

"I suppose I can entertain you for a moment."

"Soap had mentioned something about your last ransom captive. Told me I should stay on your good side."

"Ah, good man with even better advice."

"Can I ask what happened?" You switched feet again, now with your arms out at your sides.

"Is that not what you are doing right now, pet? Would you prefer the long or short version?"

"Whatever you prefer. I'm curious."

"Hmmm, one should be. I held her captive for the summer months, she tried and failed to escape more than once; hence why I keep you close by and within eyesight like a babe." He pushed your standing leg once more, a satisfied hum when you didn't falter. "I found out she had convinced and seduced one of my own, a traitor. Naturally, you being from here, you understand what the price is don't you?"

"Blood eagle." You half whispered, the sickening image of what you'd known flashed behind your eyes.

"My pet is very smart, good job. So I tied her up, took them both in the night and in front of everyone, the entirety of KorTac itself, held her to my chest and made her watch us blood eagle him. Her screams seemed to last forever. After he was dead and his lungs pulled out, I took my blade and slit her throat. Burned them both afterwards." König gave a light shrug and stood in front of you.

"So yes, Soap was right to tell you not to fuck with me. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."

….

"Again!"

"But it's so heavy."

"It's a fuckin a boulder, it's meant to be. Now pick it up and flip it again. If you're going to be a shieldmaiden you need to be trained, ready." König sighed heavily, even though autumn was on its way, he'd taken off his furs and shirt, scarred skin and taut muscles glinting in the sunrise.

"I'm good with a bow. Isn't that enough?"

"No! Not when I know you're highly capable of being better than just good with a bow. Also, as those are your only pants, bring them to Gaz tomorrow and get a second pair, leather. He'll know what to do and some boots too, those are plenty worn in."

"How will I pay for them?" You asked, out of breath. He was blunt but not murderous to you. You had taken Soap's healthy advice and kept quiet, only answering when spoken to. You were untied and had been able to venture though KorTac's great alone unaccompanied, even though you felt eyes on you at all times.

"Hmph. Just get them."

"On my own?"

"Do you wish for me to escort you myself? As if I am not the clan leader and not busy! Can you be trusted with such a task?" König grabbed another boulder, only slightly smaller from the pile behind you and dropped it at your feet.

"Sorry."

"Ask Keeva to assist you if you want. I can trust you won't run away, ja?"

"I won't."

"Good. Keep going, gotta' build you up some." The Collector shouted words of encouragement that left even your bones sore.

"Thanks for coming with me." Your legs ached and begged for respite as you walked down the lane, a very pregnant Keeva beside you, a basket of mending on her own hip. You took a dip in the bucket in your room, full of fresh cold water before changing into the dress the women of KorTac had laid out for you.

"I'm happy to! I very much enjoy your company and now that you're staying, I'm sure we will be fast friends. And I should get out of the house, Price is making me mad. Any day now for this baby to come out, I feel like I'm going to pop!"

"How do you know I'm staying with KorTac?"

"Simple. You're getting things mended without payment, Gaz does excellent work and charges those foreign to him but now he'll have you fixed up just right. Plus, Price overheard The Collector talking with Soap last night in the hall. Walls aren't very thick if you know what I mean."

"Oh. Yeah, he took me out training this morning. He's intense." You said and rolled your shoulders, still achy from flipping that damn boulder.

"He has to be, love. He's the leader, his need to showcase his work is smart. If he can express that you are now a willing party to KorTac, he will be seen quite strong. Ah, here we are."

Gaz's mending shop was larger than to be expected. You thought maybe he did this out of his own home but this stall, made of beautifully carved wood and leather was stunning. He was tanning hides in the back when you two strolled in, a confused nod to as if he didn't think had lasted this long here. He sized up your pants, had you sit and took measure of you boots as well while Keeva looked through the freshly dyed linens he'd hung, holding her belly and talking to it.

Keeva took to you quickly, muttering about Price, her husband. How eager he was to have another babe with his pretty little wife. It sounded nice. A love match. Not like the one you were so quickly thrown into. The smell of burning leaves hit you quick and you thought you might've stepped into a snake hole of some sort, only to feel the pinch of Keeva's nails on your looped forearm.

"Are you alright?"

The look in her eyes was sheer terror as she hiked up her dress and flow of fluid splashed out to the ground below. "Oh no. It's happening. oh pet, we are too far from home, from the hall. I won't make it. Ow!"

"Um, come, let's get back to Gaz's shop, he'll have furs and cloth for you to rest on rather plop out a baby in the street."

"Don't make me laugh!" Keeva covered her mouth and waddled back to the shop with you.

"Okay um, lay her down gently, I need to check you."

"No offense, Gaz but I'd rather have Y/N do it."

"Right. Apologies. Uh have you ever done anything like this before?"

"With sheep!" You said with a shrug when Keeva screamed through clenched teeth. You got on your knees and did what you were taught, what to look for, signs of dilation, where the baby was turned. Keeva looked incredibly small down on the ground of the shop, Gaz had run to close the shudders at lightning speed for everyone's dignity.

"Oh Gods help me!"

"Is it alright if I--"

"Just do it! Oh Price, I am so sorry my love…"

"Is this your first?" You asked as you hefted up her skirt a little more.

"This is our third. Oh!"

"Hold her hand for me will you, Gaz. You're gonna' feel some pressure and… oh, well, it's coming. Can you push for me?"

"Don't really have a choice. OH GODS!"

….

You were certainly having quite the day.

First light training with The Collector, getting into town for new items that you didn't have to pay for because, as it were, news travels fast here. Helping deliver not one, but two newborns when you had no idea what you were doing. You can't just pull out a baby like you can a cosset. There's timing and finesse and thankfully everyone is doing just fine.

The look on Keeva's face when you told her to push again was bamboozled.

Gaz and packed and stuffed a sturdy wheelbarrow with fur and linen, had wrapped up her newborns in the softest of materials he had as they wailed, being welcomed into the world. You held the babies as Gaz helped Keeva lay back onto it, smiling exhaustedly, as you handed her her babes. She thanked you over and over again, even as you hefted the wheelbarrow up and slowly and with the utmost care, walked the now four of you home.

A group of teasing kids met you as drew closer, your limbs on fucking fire but safety is key and first. You've got a brand new mother to look after! A blood eagle was the last thing on your mind, there was absolutely no way you'd strand your newfound friend in any type of need or aide.

"Price! Father! Their back! Come see, come look!" The children shouted, bouncing and running and eventually cooing as the noticed the little bundles in Keeva's arms.

Price, in all bearded glory practically kicked open the front door to their homestead, curious and eventually ran over to you as you settled the contraption down, hunched over and just about ready to pass out.

"You… how… two babes?! Twins!" Price was overjoyed, tears flowing sweetly down his cheeks. The rest of the village had come to see all the commotion as well. He patted you on the back after helping his wife into the house.

When everything had settled down you looked up towards the great hall to see König standing in the archway, arms crossed, still shirtless and gave you a head nod of approval.

[thewriterg]

𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠?

pairing(s); konig x fem!reader, deadbeat!konig x daughter

summary; After a year Konig tries to waltz back into your life flipping it upside down while you tried to keep your daughter right side up —angstober day; 16–

word count; 1.0k

warning(s); arguing, Konigs real name in this is Midas, crying, black coded reader, self berating thoughts, your daughter is around 2-4 months, and language

playlist; dealer by lana del rey

A/n:—GIFs;@villageofshadow & @romeestrvjds—

Whoever said that being a parent was simple lied to your face you realized as you weaned your daughter off your nipple resting her small body over your shoulder her face lying in your neck as you gently shuffled between patting her back and rubbing your palm in a up and down motion until you heard the soft burp erupt from her mouth you pressed a soft kiss on the soft skin of her forehead before lying her in the bedside bassinet you’d got as a gift from your baby shower

It was difficult being a parent in general let alone a single parent with no support from the other party bills were racking up and you were grateful for a retired neighbor who was able to watch your and a semi understanding boss at a temporary job to keep your lives dragging rolling along you stepped into your bathroom connected off your room taking a bit of time to care for yourself that you hadn’t usually had in the past few months as the steam around the bathroom stuck to your skin while you stared at your form in the mirror running hands along your hips and lower stomach that still had a bit of flub to them from baring the life of your daughter

You stalked back to your room your throwing on a random T-shirt that you didn’t realize the impact of it until it was situated on your body falling to your knees the musk clouding over your nose sending your senses haywire at the familiar feeling that you couldn’t say was pleasant you snatch it off your head before throwing it across the room running a hand over your forehead and slightly damp curls

The last time you heard from Konig was when he’d met you at the hospital from your sudden sickness just to find out you were pregnant when you cracked the news to him he swore you would make it work and after a while he said he was going back home to bring you some things when you were released from the hospital a few days later you came home to find majority of his belongings gone and his truck no longer parked on the driveway

If only you would’ve sprung it on him more gently

if only you could go back and remember that damn pill

You perked up at the sound of heavy knocking on your front door your eyebrows furrow and for a brief moment you glance over to your firstborn hurrying to throw on shorts and a army green tank grabbing the hand gun you kept in your nightstand purified water bottle, your breast pump, and a small lamp setting on top of its surface training in SAS didn’t allow your brain to not be prepared for anything especially pounding on your door at god knows what unfaithful hour you inch out of your room inching towards the living space the door staring back at you as the pounding continued and you were spaced out until you felt your hand on the doorknob swinging the door open your hand secure around the forearm your finger a split second away from the trigger meeting its wall until you locked eyes with those sharp blue ones that you’d once loved

“Maus please, please just wait” The Austrians voice seeped from the crack of your door before you had the chance to slam the door in his face he’d set a steel toe boot in the threshold of your house and you shove a shoulder to the surface of the door trying to keep him out

“If you need money, a place to hide out, or whatever I don’t have it” You hissed attempting to keep this intruder out of your home

“Nein it’s, its about the baby” He mumbled his eyes meeting your as you scoff in disbelief with a shake of your head your curls moving with each movement framing your face and a fibbed smile etched on your face

“Oh so now you want to take interest in Solei, ou- no my daughter! Are you drunk Midas!?” The pitch of your voices rises until you hear the wails of your daughter in your home and you don’t waste another second on Konig before going to aid to your babygirl

“Shhh it’s okay Sol mommy’s here” You whispered having picked up her small frame cradling her to your chest for such a little body she had a carrying pitch yet nonetheless settled down when your familiar hum traveled to her ears Midas stood in the doorframe of your room watching you both as you care over his daughter his heart pounded in his ears and before he knew it you were lowering her back down into the bassinet the screaming whales down deducted into tiny whimpers and hefty breaths when you turned around it was your turn to suck in a sharp breath not expecting the 6’10 colonel to be waiting for you but before you could open your mouth he stalked towards you forcing a wide tan envelope in your hands the weight slightly dragging your hand down

“This is what I calculated or tried to, to make up for the last year. Bills, Mechanics, You and… Solei” You noted the sound of your names sounded like a prayer falling from his pink lips that were no longer covered by his sniper hood like before

“You cant walk into our life after you just blatantly left and everything will be handy dandy, it doesn’t work that way”

“I want this to work Mau-, Y/n I want to be there for our daughter and for you I’ll do anything it takes. I was a fool back then and I know that now, but she’s still young and I want to be there before it’s too late… before we’re too late” He pleaded and you shook your head a frown forced on your face

“We are too late Midas, but that doesn’t mean Solei doesn’t deserve a father we take this little at a time… baby step” Konig applauded at your answer going to bring you in a hug before stepping back when you took a step away from him a shocked and somewhat frightened look on your face and he nodded taking one back

“Baby steps”

©2023 thewriterg spooktober do not copy, translate, or modify.

[mooshlovely]

Nein Again Episode 9

"Wessek the Trim" Nott: "We have the same middle name" iconic (20:31)

I love that Caleb is constantly looking for ways to scam people (26) Also Fjord sitting back and just watching it happen

Yeah Fjord really is the voice of reason. Telling Molly that they won't be going to go rob random people (32)

Molly: "We're also always big fans of underbellies, especially if there's an underbelly with a heart of gold" Jester: "Especially one if it's furry and you can pet it" (47)

I loved the Gentleman plot line on my first watch. Especially because everyone who warns them away just makes them want to investigate even more (49)

Fjord coaching Beau on compliments and smiles "You're really attractive" with an absolute grimace. One of my favorite reoccurring jokes (54)

They're so fucking nosey. Is this secret meeting at all relevant to what they're doing? Probably not. Are they immediately consumed with investigating? 100% (57)

Also wow this meeting does such a good job of setting up the conflict in the empire. The disconnect between the people and the government, the pervasive level of discontent and distrust for the Cerberus assembly. Matt knew what he was doing

Beau's absolute disbelief in Jester's mom makes so much sense in hindsight. (1:19)

"Families missing in Nogvurot! Crick kidnappers steal them away in the night" God the foreshadowing is so fucking good. That would be the anamnesis (1:28)

This is the moment when Caleb starts thinking about running again. He's so concerned with staying under the radar and remaining hidden and just when he was starting to settle into this group, the rug is suddenly pulled out from under him. I didn't realize the first time through how much of an impact this interaction likely had. (1:32) Also Fjord again keeping the peace

Nott really does have a cut and dry sense of morality lol. Absolutely no gray area. I don't like them, therefore they are evil (1:57)

Caleb "I don't want to stick my neck out, but anything that is a thumb in the eye of empire, I am all for" Beau clocks this so hard

Actually Beau has a good point, it is kind of funny that both Nott and Caleb have an element they aren't a fan of. They just need two people with air and stone trauma to complete the set (2:34)

Wow you can see how this interaction kind of enforces the image that Nott is child-like. Teaching her how to swim like a baby, joking about giving her a sticker (2:40) Really helps her hide her real backstory cause its so far off what they expect

You know I think Molly's insistence on truth was one of the things that bothered me the first time round. Even before it's clear how much he's lying, it feels hypocritical. Also the insistence on truth when it's clear that the others have good reasons for not sharing. You can't just demand honesty before you've earned it (2:43)

It's actually pretty funny how the rest of the Nein treat Yasha's reticence to share her past in comparison to the way they interrogate everyone else. Turns out the trick to keeping your secrets is to give one word answers and look super uncomfortable about sharing them (2:44)

What towns can Molly not enter??? (3:01) It's like he wants the vibes of Ashton but doesn't have the backstory to make it work. Also again, he pretends to be an open book while lying out his ass. Unless the circus really fucked up some shit, there's no way he's been around long enough to have fucked up that much shit

Jester being remarkably clever and manipulative again while looking innocent (3:04)

Actually kind of wild in hindsight that gated communities have dispel fields. On one hand, good for them, but also I feel like there's a lot of rich people who want to keep their secrets.

I got so much second hand embarrassment watching this scene the first time. I thought Jester was deluding herself thinking that her mom would just send her money after she wasted all of her own (3:17)

The continued insistence that Caleb just clean up and get a nice coat. I also was confused about why Caleb refused to dress nice but the poor man just absolutely does not want to be recognized. (3:29)

[quinn-of-aebradore]

Anyway my headcanon for what the Nein have been up to for the last Exandrian month is that, because magical seals got fucked, they firstly had to go handle Uk’otoa again and then promptly got caught up in handling an unleashed Desirat and the Eiselcross worm whose name I’m not gonna try to spell right now.

So please, picture if you will, Caleb getting hit with Sending working again in the middle of traversing subterranean Mount Mentiri or the frigid expanse of Eiselcross again. And then promptly turning to Jester to have her Send to Imogen, which turns into the Nein taking a short rest so Jester can send to everyone now that it’s working again.

[imaginedreamwrite]

I can only imagine the vein that pops up on König’s forehead whenever his pretty wife mentions the word divorce

I had to

Every single time he hears that word he wants to scream. If he wasn’t a man with such good control over his emotions, he would have truly earned himself a few felonies.

Divorce, curse that damned word and the implications that you thought this was a faux marriage.

Divorce, his pretty little wife that he saved from being deported from his beautiful country, would be a sin.

Every time you said that word, König wanted to throw you against the bed and show you exactly why divorce would be a mistake. You were his wife, he had done everything in his power to make you take that ring, to sign your name to his.

You were his beautiful wife, how perfect partner. Why the fuck would you want a divorce when he was the best man to take care of you.

“…divorce in the fall?” There you said it again, divorce.

König felt his eye twitch, his hands clench beneath the table as he grit his teeth. Divorce was a dirty word.

“Nein,” he denied you and instead slid his hand under the table to your thigh, “in the fall we will go to Oktoberfest.”

“Oktoberfest-“

“-unless you are pregnant, than we will celebrate the American way by carving pumpkins and eating candy.” König didn’t let you speak of divorce for the rest of the night, of course it was hard to say anything when you were pinned under his body with his tongue in your mouth.

[disgustingtwitches]

"Her legs ran all the way up to heaven and past Avalon"

More König x tall+curvy!reader ( ´ ∀ `)ノ～ ♡ Lovely young thing like you, it's so hard for an older guy like König to not feel a little insecure when he sees you talking to other men, even if they are his friends.

MDNI

Also poorly translated German because it's fun and I enjoy making a fool out of myself

"I like these."

König walks up behind you while you fix your earring in the mirror. You shift your eyes to see that he's holding the tallest pair of heels you own. Probably wants to show off the tall, pretty stallion he got for himself. You slip them on and head to the party.

It was a very relaxed get together held in someone's apartment, soft music with the hum of different conversations fills the space. He introduces you to his friends, shaking their calloused hands. There's pleasant chit chat while König walks off to grab you a glass of wine. The obvious question of your height comes up, there's a whistle and joke about König wanting to make his own Olympic basketball team when you answer. You laugh, chest jiggling slightly in your low cut dress. Without you noticing, the blonde one (what was his name? Krueger?) steals a quick look at your cleavage, couldn't help himself. König comes back, strong hand placed on the small of your back while handing you a glass. You swear there was a tense moment between him and his friend but you ignore it, continuing your conversation about the potential giants you might raise with König to the rest of the group. The drive home is quiet,

"Is something wrong?"

You look at him, his knuckles white gripping the steering wheel.

"Nein, mein Engle."

He reaches over and squeezes your thigh, keeping a firm grasp there until you get home. He doesn't even let you put down your purse before he makes you put your hands on the wall, using his foot to slide yours over to open your legs. You hear him quickly undo his slacks,

"Bist du mein Schatz?"

He asks, hiking up your dress to around your waist, rubbing himself between your cheeks.

"Of course I'm yours."

You're confused because he only uses German around you when he's upset. Slams into you, not giving you any time to adjust to him. You yelp his name chidingly. He doesn't pay attention to your pleads to slow down, just pounds orgasm after orgasm out of you.

"Du willst, Dass ich so Weiterfahre? Wünschst Du Dich so Sehr, Dass ich Dich ins Wahnsinn treibe?"

You barely register the words he tells you, he didn't teach you half of the things he just said.

"Yes, keep going plea-"

He bites your neck hard enough to make you gasp, sucking hard enough to leave red marks that will definitely bruise later on. His fingers knead into your breasts, the same ones his friend were ogling. No one gets to see you like this, only him. He's at this for hours, sweat dripping off both your face and bodies.

"No more, please König."

You're beyond the point of exhaustion, every inch of your body is covered in marks.

"Ich benutze dich, wie ich will, mein Schatz. Du gehörst mir."

His words send a chill up your spine, this isn't ending anytime soon. He's had you in every position one could think of, staring at your body like he's engraving every curve into his mind. He leans down to painfully leave more hickeys on your chest, ignoring your whimpers. Just when you think he's done, he sits you right on him, guiding your hips up and down. You can't think straight, actually you haven't formed a single thought in hours. His pretty blue eyes roll back so much, you're afraid they'll stay like that.

"Ich will dich ganz und gar, für immer, dich und mich."

Makes you say it back, because of course you belong to each other, don't you? Fit together just like puzzle pieces. He enjoys this position because you're tall enough to have your chest infront of his face. He doesn't even suck on your nipples, literally just sloppily makes out with them. He pushes your breasts together so he can fit both nipples in his mouth.

You're struggling to hold yourself up while he bucks his hips into you. Your arms give out, face first into the mattress and he's still as relentless as ever. It's hot, it's sweaty, tests his endurance that he's been conditioning for years. He's been quiet, too quiet. You look and he has a face of pure ecstasy, drooling. You think you have an out, finally a chance to give your poor pussy a break. You take deep breaths and slam your hips up and down, drawing out grunts from him with each stroke.

"Gott im himmel-"

His voice cracks. It hurts, but you have to end this. Now. You go faster and he wraps his arms around your waist, giving you an anchor to leverage yourself so you can rock back and forth harder and faster. You clamp down on him and he groans, your name crashing out his mouth. He pumps into you, hot thick ropes spurting into you over and over. You try to lift yourself off of him but he grabs your ass and holds you there.

"Mein Engle...Mein Eigentum...Ich will dich, alles für mich."

You groan, you're all his, his territory to keep all to himself. He flips over, putting all his weight onto you, pinning you in place with his dick still inside. He falls asleep like this. His angel. His property. You and him, forever.

[chronik-alexander]

Erster Eintrag

24. Februar 2025

Mein Name ist Alexander und ich bin ein nicht-binärer/Transmann aus Deutschland. Gestern haben mit 20,8% etwa 10.300.000 Menschen eine gesichert rechtsradikale Partei gewählt und weitere 28,5% (ca. 14.000.000 Menschen) eine Partei mit menschenfeindlichen Positionen. Zwei Parteien, die Flüchtlinge unter Generalverdacht stellen und abschieben, an den Grenzen abweisen und im Meer ertrinken lassen wollen. Parteien, die Menschen wie mich nicht akzeptieren und tolerieren, in Teilen am liebsten auslöschen wollen. Wir sehen, wie es in den USA unter Trump gerade läuft, wo Transmenschen ihrer Ausweise beraubt werden.

Fast 50% der Wählenden in Deutschland haben sich für eine konservative - rechtsextreme Politik entschieden, in der Hoffnung, ihr gezeichnetes Feindbild müsste nur ausgewiesen und ausgeMERTZt werden. Flüchtlinge, linke, grüne, Bürgergeldempfänger. 1933 wiederholt sich. Merz wird SPD und Grüne versuchen nach seinen Regeln zu erpressen oder mit der AfD zusammen gehen. Tendenz : in 4 Jahren ist AfD stärkste Kraft, wie die NSDAP 1933 und den Rest der Geschichte kennen wir. Dass die AfD über Deportationen von ihnen unliebsamen Menschen spricht, ist bekannt. Chatverläufe, Kommentare, Posts und Tweets von Abgeordneten und Anhängern, Reden im Bundestag und auf Parteitagen - es ist alles da. Hunderte von Beweisen, aber die, die etwas tun könnten, tun es nicht.

Ich schreibe, weil mir empfohlen wurde, die Geschehnisse dieser Zeit aufzuschreiben, damit sie mich und uns nicht unsichtbar machen können. Dieses erschreckende Wahlergebnis hat mich nun endlich dazu gebracht. Ich habe Angst. Angst um mich und meine Liebsten. Um Freunde, die schwul, lesbisch, trans, queer oder einfach nur links sind. Freunde mit Behinderungen und Erkrankungen. Wir reden darüber abzuhauen. Ich bin 28, bin hier geboren, werde als "bio deutsch" wahrgenommen, bin hier aufgewachsen, habe Schule und Ausbildung gemacht, Freunde gewonnen und verloren, geliebt, gelacht, geweint, krank geworden. Ich habe mich nie groß um Kultur oder Tradition geschert und ich tue es auch heute nicht. Aber ich kenne die Landschaft, die Sprache. Teile meiner Vergangenheit und Gegenwart, meiner Identität. Jetzt muss ich darüber nachdenken zu fliehen. Auswandern war schon immer ein romantischer Gedanke. Etwas Neues sehen und erleben ; ich war nie ganz sesshaft. Aber fliehen, um vielleicht mein Leben zu retten? Nein, daran musste ich noch nie denken, bis jetzt. Und es macht mir Angst. Das ist nichts, was ich ganz frei entscheiden kann. "Ach, in zehn Jahren könnte ich ja mal auswandern." Nein. Ich muss abwägen, ob ich, mein Leben und das meiner Liebsten in Gefahr ist. Ob wir wie 1933 begann in Lager gekarrt, zur Arbeit gezwungen und dann vernichtet werden. Das ist kein romantischer Traum vom Auswandern mehr, sondern blankes Entsetzen. Wer will schon Flüchtlinge, auch wenn sie weiß sind? Vor allem, wenn sie wie ich oder mein bester Freund arbeitsunfähig sind und nur "auf der Tasche liegen", wie es immer heißt? Flucht oder Suizid, wenn sich die Lage nicht bessert. Suizid nur, weil ich dieses Leid in einem KZ bis zu meinem Tod nicht ertragen kann und will. Ich musste genug ertragen.

Das hier wird kein Tagebuch. Das wird eine Chronologie des Schrecken, der uns die nächsten Jahre wahrscheinlich ereilen wird. Eine Chronik von Ereignissen. Ich bin hier. Ich war da. Ich bin nicht unsichtbar und was da draußen passiert, passiert wirklich. Ich komme wieder.

[utilitycaster]

So far in campaign 3, 5 of the party have died and been resurrected and 2 have died permanently, with only Imogen, Dorian, and (presumably) Braius not dying ever. In campaign 2, again 5 of the party died and got resurrected over the whole thing with Beau, Yasha, and Kingsley surviving, and Molly permanently dying. BUT, in Vox Machina, everyone except Tary died at least once with the twins dying FOUR TIMES EACH and only Vax permanently dying. What do you think changed after the first campaign? Is it that Matt got “better” at scaling encounters, the players got better at staying alive, a group decision to take resurrection more seriously, or is it a total coincidence?

It’s just something I noticed all of a sudden tonight and I’m not sure if I’m just seeing something where there is nothing or if other people have noticed this too and have thoughts on why it is.

Hi anon,

I started to write up a massive and lengthy analysis this morning and realized it was not very good and that I had to leave for work in 20 minutes. Anyway I think it's mostly the players getting better at staying alive, mostly through party comp:

Vox Machina unexpectedly, for "Ashley got cast on a TV show that filmed in NYC" and "Tiberius's player sucks" reasons found themselves abruptly down not only a healer (most of the time) but an arcane caster, leaving Scanlan and Keyleth doing double and triple duty. Vex did a pretty impressive amount of healing for a ranger, actually, but only had touch heals and limited spell slots for them. Add the fact that Keyleth couldn't heal while in Wildshape until pretty much the endgame and Scanlan was absent for an arc, replaced by Tary, who could heal but was not a full caster, and that explains a lot.

Vox Machina also had two characters with relatively low HP/terrible con saves to go with it (the twins) and only one true, full-time tank (Grog). Vex and Percy were often out of healing range but could get hit by an AOE attack. Also, dragons are particularly lethal for AOE reasons and four of those deaths are Raishan, two from when they tried to get Raishan immediately after the Thordak fight.

Of Vox Machina's deaths, two of Vax's, one of Vex's, Keyleth's, and one of Grog's are all out of combat and primarily due to player choice. They got way better at not doing this (well, Vax's are kind of unavoidable, but we only had one in C2 of this nature with Veth and the Power Word Kill trap, and none in C3).

One VM death (two if you count the wedding one-shot) was a direct assassination vs. one in the Nein and none for Bells Hells.

Now consider:

The Mighty Nein and Bells Hells each have at least two tanks; Bells Hells has three. The Nein have two full clerics (*extremely tired voice* Jester actually is a very good healer, Caduceus is just exceptionally support-focused) even without Fjord and Yasha's healing. Bells Hells had one full time cleric, and now they have a full bard and a bard-paladin.

No one dumps CON anymore. If only I could get them to start dumping WIS again and stop dumping INT, but I digress.

People are getting better at checking for traps and not selling their souls to cursed items.

Otohan Thull's build is in fact, I must admit, pretty good and cool, her lack of any personality traits not withstanding, but her lethal nature is specifically because she exclusively faced a super tapped party in a situation where they couldn't get out of there. She is responsible for all 5 deaths that weren't a Bertrand Bell Clear Setup situation; I think if Bells Hells hadn't been trapped and tapped things might have gone differently, whereas Vox Machina often was like "rests are for SUCKERS" and got their asses beat in avoidable manners.

My other caveat is of course not to count your chickens before they're slaughtered, namely, while none of Vox Machina died in the final Vecna fight unless you count Vax, which I don't, Vecna did kill two of them earlier on, though; Vax permanently (the Raven Queen just let him hang out a bit longer). The Somnovem/Lucien hybrid killed two of the Mighty Nein in the final battle. Ludinus or Predathos could fucking level the party. Otohan could have gone much worse in episode 91 without many changes; that was the first time I've ever heard Matt talk like a TPK was potentially imminent. Some of this is also luck, and some of this with Bells Hells is that *Myst voice* the ending has not yet been written.

[lunaralynx]

i think pt. 1

things about supa strikas that sit in my head (and headcanons)

hc: my sister headcanons that vince constantly wears long-sleeved suits (i've never seen him wear short sleeves like, ever-) bc he has a bunch of small scars and tattoos. i mean, bro looks like he runs a mafia in his spare time, and thus i thought, vince with a huge snake tattoo on his back sounds cool. i will stand by this.

iron tank is all brawn and no brain (except ja nein, who is the only brain and braincell)

dooma is a cat lover (you can tell how much i love this)

from the episode "the perfect match" aka the one with max power: shakes, why do you have a photo of skarra on that huge web of max power objects? i know skarra broke his leg that episode and that picture of him was upside down...

big bo with that photo of a brick wall in his locker. i still have no idea why he has that. also, why is his cactus named spike? doesn't all his trauma stem from spike dawson?

hc: ura giri plays sudoku and gets real mad when he gets one square wrong bc it throws off the rest of the board.

klaus and dingaan my sillies...

streamer shakes? he does play video games everywhere he goes-

there's a small animation mistake in "cool aid" where the number on north shaw's jersey is 2 (klaus's number) and not 8 in the scene where cool joe is performing in the stadium.

tiger's signature is just 虎 and it makes me so happy-

liquido in that one scene in "one superleague under the sea" without context sounds real sus. like what do you mean "north shaw's looking good... real good (sus smirk)" and why did you voice it like that?!

dancing rasta, please stop getting injured so much, it's most definitely not healthy-

[velvet-paradox]

Stay (ch. 6)

An explanation - A celebration - Jealousy is a hell of a drug - An acquaintance has arrived Warnings: NSFW 18+ ONLY, strong language.

You didn't speak to König for three days. Your only communication to the man was eye contact, or eye rolls to be honest. You even closed the door last night, sick of hearing him snore louder than the before.

At least someone was getting some rest in this damn place.

Tonight though, as you got ready for bed, just about to close the door when it suddenly stopped and opened violently. König stared you down.

"Nein. Not tonight."

You went to grab for the door silently as König huffed in annoyance. "Will you talk to me? You need to talk to me."

"I don't need to do shit!" You shouted and tried again for the door, only to have The Collector do what he does best and collected your body. He picked you up, arms pinned to your sides and sat you down on your bedding. Kicking and squirming did absolutely nothing when he held you down.

"Listen to me now, I will not have this kind of obedience. I let you throw your little tantrum for three days now, it will not go beyond that, understood?"

Your breathing changed, hitched up in your throat like a dog with a bone. You writhed beneath his hands and stilled when he switched up his hold, grabbing both of your wrists and pinning them above your head with one while the other pointed at your nose. Like he'd pointed at Ada.

You didn't realize what you do in that moment but seeing your saliva make land on his mask, gliding down your heart dropped. He'd punish you for sure. Lock you up. Put you down.

"My dear pet," König sighed angrily and lowered his face down to yours, straddling your legs. "I understand you are angry with me. I can feel the rage in your body, in your eyes. But you must speak with me."

"Why?" tears started to form, clouding your vision. He was still scary of course, still intense but he sounded earnest. And that somehow was way worse. He hurt you. You hurt him. This back and forth, push and pull, give and take was a walking disaster.

"Bitte, stop crying."

"You did this! I want you to know, you did this to me. I don't know who I am more angrier at; you or me. You for leading me o-on, with your soft words and your raw vulnerability, you manipulated m-me. Or myself, how naïve I could be into believing you!" You cried out.

"I did not lie to you. I feel and care for you, pet. I do I-"

"Then why you were in bed with another woman? We saw each other. You and Ada and Soap… Ghost. All of you with her. Is that what goes on around KorTac? fucking dog pile orgies?" Your stomach flipped when he sat back, taking his weight away from you. "I thought… I thought we shared something."

"We did, pet. I care only for you, I protect the ones I care about and you are now one of them."

"So, so if you didn't care for me I'd be in Ada's position? Like Ghost said? I would be for consumption."

"It is not like that, I promise."

"Stop it!" you sat up, tears clumped in your lashes, bile in your throat, pain making you dizzy that you would even feel this way about your captor. "All your promises, all your lies. If you cared so much for me then what were you doing in there with them if not having sex? What we did was something unheard of, it was bold and new. It felt like so much more and I've never felt that close to someone and in the same breath so used and discarded as I felt seeing you with her."

"Forgive me. She is not what I want," König pushed himself off your bed and began to pace the length of the room. His voice cracked. "I can't… I- If you dare tell anyone what I am about to say I will kill you. You've seen me do it before, I am not mute to it as you know. More than a punishment. I will carve my name into that pretty little face of yours if I so much as a hear a mouse squeak about it, ja? Answer me." "Fine." He fixed you with a glare and stopped in his tracks. "Okay, okay. What is so damn important and secret?"

….

"I panicked."

It was strange, this feeling coiling in your belly. The Collector was a monster, to be feared, to obey. You gave money freely without question because who would ever think to stand up to him. He had been doing this for a very long time, with no end in sight.

"Everything I have ever been dealt, had the honor of having, crumbles into sand. Every time I get close to someone, that I let my self get close to someone, I am never enough."

While he was treated like a nightmare, he was still human and as such still had feelings of his own. It just didn't occur to you that these feelings would be… tender.

His explanation of precisely what he was doing in that back bedroom, one of many and not to mention those locked cells. He had made a promise to Ada once; if he found someone worthy of him, he would never come to her door again. On the chance of König finding someone he deemed special he may grant her one last night. And as he sat next to you, your hand in his, dwarfed comically in size, he told you her last request was to look into his eyes one last time.

"You may not want to be here but I need you here."

You didn't blame the woman, pretty smart actually. His eyes were absolutely stunning. As stormy and blue as water of the fjord. He sounded genuine but that could also be some sort of ploy, a trick to get you to talk to him. You may have left the door between you open that night, but that didn't mean you fully trusted him either.

You had made it yours days mission to get finally observe the fjord, the ships coming into the port, the stunning cliffside. Tove's words, not your own. There was just enough daylight left over on your walk back that you wouldn't be walking and bumbling around the lanes.

You saw Ghost walking towards you, his heavy steps sticking into the mud, as were your own. Somewhere nearby someone was roasting meat to perfection. It wasn't until Ghost got closer did you notice he was being closely followed. A smaller blonde man, fit but not built like the man walking him like a dog.

"Graves?" You paused when they walked past.

"Runt?"

"Aye, what's the hold up?" Simon grunted and tugged the rope bound around Graves' wrists in front of him.

"I know her you big lug!" Graves sneered and looked you over. "So this is where you've been hiding."

"I wouldn't use those choice of words."

"How do you know 'em, pet?"

"Pet?" Graves snorted which made Simon jerk on the rope again.

"I said what I said idiot."

"Unfortunately I do. His name is Graves. He's a local gravedigger, hence the name. He also like to take a little something extra before he puts them in the ground." You made a face and upturned your nose. "I gotta' get paid somehow."

"The families pay you, you prick!"

"Yeah yeah, 's not like their gonna' miss a ring or two."

"I 'ave killed my fair share of men with my bare hands, beaten them unrecognizable but that, robbing the dead, is pretty disgusting." Ghost rolled his eyes, waved you off and yanked Graves to follow.

"See you around runt!"

Tove wasn't lying.

The fjord was breath taking, the grass was lush and the greenest shades you'd ever seen. Rock faces, mountains as high as the sky would allow. The slow moving clouds passing and blending as one had you sitting down by the shore to take it all in. A little chilly from the waves coming from the prisinte waters edge made you hug yourself.

You didn't have any of this sort of scenery, sure you had rolling hills of sweet grass and landscape but nothing to compare to this. A long ship had since left the harbor, you could the men on the ship, the size of ants, on there was to travel to far away lands. To raid or trade was a mystery.

"Simon tells me you are friendly with our newest help." König mentions at the dining table, tearing into a chicken leg beneath his mask, a twinkle in his eye when you chose to sit next to him. You were still frosty to the man beside you, warming back up but still on the colder side. Much like the weather outside the hall's doors.

"He lives nearby, the next village over. We have had run ins' with their clan before, annoying as they come. Graves is no different." You shrug.

"Ah, so not that kind of friendly."

"Did you think I had some sort affair with him?"

König made a curious noise in the back of his throat. "As I've said, you are a beautiful woman, pet. Any man or woman would be lucky to share their bed with someone like you."

"Lucky huh?" You snorted at that. "You think I am like your favorite paramour? That if someone pays me enough or I like them enough they can do as they please between my legs?"

"How many times must I tell you--"

"Until I am satisfied."

"-- I only have eyes for you," König touched your arm, fingered over your familial arm bracelet. "This still means something to you, ja?"

"This means everything to me. Generations of women from my family have worn this. It is apart of me and my history and future." You looked up at him, notice the softer way his eyes were boring into yours. They were so blue in this lighting of candles and fire that they could almost be described as glassy.

"Then it means that much and more to me that you keep your tradition, even under these circumstances." He rubbed his thumb over your knuckles and for the first time, you let him bring your hands underneath the long table, into his lap to hold.

….

König had trying his hardest to get back to where he was comfortable with you, you let him in a little bit more day by day. Still uncertain if you trust a man like him. Was it wise? Was it worth it? Was it safe? He could easily turn on you, turn you loose.

You'd seen the carnage he's left in his wake, he'd even knocked your own father to the ground for fucks sake! You've seen him stand tall, heads above most, a giant to some. A beast, a monster, a predator in the night.

But he let you in, let you see that he was human and not some otherworldly entity, even though sometimes he came across that way. Blunt and honest. Once you two were alone in your respective rooms, he'd remove his hood and you could see his entire face. What made him König.

The harvest celebration was loud and clamoring, everyone was drunk or well on their way. Horangi had stayed a for time, the next day he was to take his steed back to his own clan. His bounty already loaded onto a full cart in the back of the hall. He insisted you dance with him.

And with König's permission you did.

For a man covered head to foot in fur and leather he was quite light on his feet. Spinning and dipping you along with some other couples and friends. Anso and Tove had each of their twin siblings in their arms as they moved and swayed to drum heavy beat.

You had finishes your horn of ale, wiping away the excess with the back of your hand when someone grabbed your arm.

"Saved a dance for me, have you?" Ghost slurred, gleeful as he swayed in his boots.

"Can you even dance, Simon?"

"Using my first name, Apologies! How bold of you."

"You know my name."

You could tell the big man was making a face behind his mask, his eyes glassy and deep voice a bit on the watery side. "I know I know. But I like Apologies better, so what say you, one dance? I promise I won't step on your feet."

"You sure about that?"

Simon thought for a moment before extending his hand. Large like König's, but not as calloused.

"We are going to find out!"

Ghost seemed to be in a mood, moving his feet faster than you've ever seen before. He was moving around you and fucking wiggling his hips to the beat. You had to laugh at his antics, he as having fun, you were having fun. Actually, the most fun you've had here with the KorTac clan and you let yourself go. Buzzed and smiling you took Ghost's hands and brought yourself in close only to extend back out, laughing as you both synced up and began to spin in a circle.

And it appeared you were in a mood of your own as well. After Ghost had picked you up after your dance, shaking you about playfully, you looked across the hall. Moving about the crowd. Glass was broken somewhere nearby, a cacophony of outrageous laughter erupted soon after. A group of jovial children ran by until you stopped in your tracks back to your table.

Ada was sat at your table, in your spot, on your pillow. You filled and finished another horn and swayed your hips in your cobalt blue dress and belt, eyes set on König, you made a beeline. No one would remember this anyway, everyone was too happy about the plentiful bounty KorTac had provided this year to notice.

"… you are certain I cannot change your mind, Collector? Just once more-"

"I've told you; you know our deal. I have a partner now, Ada. Our last time was our last time."

"But you didn't even fuck me!"

"Never said I would."

"That is not fair. What if you just watch?"

"No means no, Ada. You of all people know that."

"Is this new partner even worthy?"

"Yes, Collector," you stood next to König then, his head turning quickly to find you, his eyes clearly on your chest which was to his eye level. "Am I worthy?"

"My pet."

"Well you should answer accordingly, ja?" You held his gaze long enough before flicking them over to Ada for the first time. She sneered at you and crossed her arms in a pout.

"Of course you are. I had professed time and time again."

"Well this time," you took his hood in your hands, moving closer so even the slightest of his stubble could brace between your breasts, through the fabric of your dress. "I need to hear you say it."

König chuckled and held onto your hips, his hands as hot as the look he fixed you with. "You, my pet, you are worthy."

"Then why is she in my seat?"

"Leave us."

"You are quite serious? I'm being replaced by some ransom?!"

König didn't take his eyes away from you. "She is not some ransom, you foolish woman. She is to be my wife."

Something feral and drunken came over you then, the way he looked at you, the way he sounded absolutely enamored with you, possessed. How he dismissed Ada with wave of his wrist, his acceptance of you staring him down and eventually sitting in his lap like you belonged there, had left him speechless.

"Take me to bed." You breathed in his ear through the mask.

He grunted and grabbed you swiftly, dragging you behind him through the raucous, the excitement towards the back to your rooms. He made a sound when pushed him down on to your bed, the much larger man letting you take over, do as you pleased, as you wished.

Your head was spinning.

Should you do this?

Do you want to do this or is this to show off?

Were you really this jealous and had no recollection of it before you were in KorTac?

You stood at the foot of your bed, watching The Collector push himself up on his elbows, watching you toy with the idea.

Fuck it.

You unlaced your boots, eyes a little blurry and streaked with alcohol, you climbed on top of him. You put your hand on his chest, pushed a little harder until he was shrinking back into your covers. You ghosted a hand over his mask, feeling his breath catch and hitch before dragging the mask down, exposing his face as you tossed it aside. You angled your body down, arching your back with his hands lifting to your hips once.

"Don't make me regret this."

"I would never."

….

"You are certain you know what you are doing, pet?"

"Yes, Anso, I know how to shoot a bow!" You shook your head at the eldest Price, placing the string to your nose and cheek after taking out an arrow from the quiver, eyeing the targets he was pushing and swaying on the training grounds. "Do as you are told now, remember you are to run past them and I'll shoot."

"You promise not to hit me?" He shouted back at you.

"Only one way to find out. Go!"

Anso was pleased with your accuracy and that you hadn't shot him with an arrow, you thought you might be far more rusty then you actually were!

While you and the boy were training and practicing with the wooden swords, axe handling and throwing them at the tree lined targets Kruger had set up, you couldn't help but smile. You were once more having fun. You laughed and rolled to the ground letting Anso take a win, pretending to stab you in the belly. You exaggerated your death as the young kid balked victory, placing a boot onto your chest with a loud WHOOP!

"You did good, kid. You will make an excellent warrior." You said, slinging an arm around his shoulders, ruffling his short brown hair as you walked back to KorTac.

"Of course I will, pet; I am the son of a Price!" Anso exclaimed with a raise of his fist before walking him home.

You thought about your night with König on your trudge up the wooden steps to the great hall, the fires burning giving off just enough heat to warm your hands before heading inside and getting ready for bed.

His large hands on your waist, in your hair, rutting up against you. The way he kept his blue eyes open for the first kiss of the night, licking into your mouth, pressing himself closer to you, groping over your tits, holding your throat, mouthing and panting against your throat and shoulder.

Someone cleared their throat behind you on the landing, taking you out of your memory as you turned to see Graves leaned up against the hall. He waved you over quietly.

"What do you want?"

"What's the plan?" He half whispered, keeping his voice down and low.

"What plan?"

"The escape plan, runt. You have been holed up here with these people for months, surely you have come up with a plan of escape. Maybe even tried to once or twice."

"I don't have a death wish, Graves. I have seen what KorTac is capable of," you relaxed your shoulders and announced something unheard of. "And these people… are soon to be my people."

"What do you mean by that?" Graves twisted up his face into a nasty shape of disgust.

You held up your arm.

"You mean you are to marry one of them? Which one?" He locked eyes with your bracelet, he scoffed and looked down his nose at you. You raised your eyebrows.

"Don't… do not tell me you are to marry him. You are to be the wife of The Collector?! You cannot marry him, he's a monster. You would rather be his whore than attempt to escape?"

"I'd rather be his whore than attempt to leave, especially with the likes of you! Too bad Soap didn't kill you when they had the chance, save us all from your incredible annoyance and ignorance." You spat at his boots and headed inside.

"You are going to regret that!" He called, the music and commotion drowning out his words.