#the stolen throne WOULD be so good if it was good though which is i think what i said that prompted this ask

[vigilskeep]

"dragon age would be so good if it was good" mood of all time

honestly i respect it but i cannot take “dragon age would be so good if it was good” seriously purely because of the previous fandom i’ve come from. i have a star wars main. and unless you’ve been there i don’t think you can understand how low that makes my standard for “good”

[ccscocoapuffs]

Aegon Targaryen NSFW Alphabet

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex) Super Clingy, he wants you to hold him close to your chest and play in his hair. Maybe let him softly suck on your nipples while he lets out soft whines from coming down from his high. He adores skin to skin as well afterwards. If you were into to trying it he would love to cock warm with you and fall asleep still inside you.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s) His favorite part of himself is honestly probably his dick, the boy cherishes that thing, its probably the thing he uses the most on his body as well lmao. He is 100% a tit man, sucking them, biting, fucking them, it doesn't matter he adores your tits, he adores them no matter the size as well.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically) He loves cumming inside you no matter what, it inflates his ego to astronomical levels to see himself leaking out of you knowing that he is the only one who gets to fill you with his cum. If you dom him though make him cum all over his tummy and lick it off of him and he will go absolutely feral.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs) Definitely has stolen a pair or two....or more of your panties for him to wrap around his dick when you aren't around to please him. He loves the feeling of the soft lace going up and down his cock while he pleasures himself.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?) He is pretty damn experienced in the world of sex, i mean come on the man is a bit of a man hoe. (We love our little sad man hoe though)

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying) He loves trying all kinds of different positions with but he has two favorites to use with you. His first favorite is facing each other on your side with your leg over his waist and he will just thrust up into you while looking into your eyes. The second is cowgirl he adores when you ride him and take charge f the situation.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.) He can really be both, sometimes he will be kinda goofy with you and make you chuckle then other times he is so into the feeling he gets from having sex with you that he just kinda zones out and becomes more serious into the moment.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.) He has a very small bush o hair that borders on being a darker shade of a blonde, it certainly doesn't match the gorgeous silver hair that adorns his head. He doesn't really keep it tidy, but keeps it managed if that makes sense.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect) Depending on the mood of the moment, he can either be very intimate with you and kiss up your neck while he tells you how much he adores you or he can be very straight to the point which is what tends to happen of the point of having sex that day to simply make a heir.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon) He masturbates alot, even though you two have each other he just enjoys pleasuring himself when the moments you two can't be together arise. As I mentioned before when he does masturbate he usually wraps a pair of your panties around his cock and will moan the filthiest shit as if you are right there with him. "Oh fuck....baby....feels so good wrapped around me like that".

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks) Mommy kink Slight bondage feel like he might have a bit of a lactation kink as well pegging light spanking (like put him over your knee and give him a light smack to his ass, don't worry you'll see more of this later)

L = Location (favorite places to do the do) He doesn't give a flying fuck where you two have sex but his favorite place is without a doubt the throne. He loves setting you on his lap and letting you ride your king till he spills himself deep inside of you on the most wanted seat in the seven kingdoms.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going) Everything, Aegon stays in horny mood 24/7. He would get really into things though if you initiate things, like walk up to him and whisper in his ear "Be a good boy, Aegon and I'll reward you with your pretty cock in my mouth.""

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) I think Aegon would be very firm on never hitting him, he doesn't mind you smacking his ass or something like that but never hit him in the face. It would just bring back alot of memories about Alicent he doesn't wanna have at that time.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.) He loves to eat pussy, he would lowkey tell you it's his favorite meal. You will 100% have to push him away from you to get him to stop fucking you with his tongue. He will keep on till his face is soaked in your release.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.) He doesn't have a preference on the pace sometimes he wants fast and rough other times he wants a slower pace and to savor the moment. He leans towards being slower and sensual more often then anything else.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.) He loves a good quickie, especially the ones where anybody could walk in at any second. His favorite place for a quickie is the dining room table, he loves to just bend you over it and fuck you to his hearts desire.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.) Oh he is definitely risky, he likes the thrill that comes with being so risky. We have already mentioned a few of the risky things he likes to do such as stealing your panties and the quickie locations.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?) Usually about 2 back to back, though if you have sex several times throughout the day then he can go for many more rounds then generally.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?) He definitely owns a few dildos, both for you and for him. He loves being pegged as well so there is for sure a strap somewhere in his room.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease) He definitively likes to tease and make sure you know that he is being extra needy for you. However if you tease him then he will be a whining mess.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.) Loud, he doesn't care who hears. If the whole castle hears him getting fucked then so be it, he will let out the loud whines and whimpers. If you peg him he may actually scream when he cums.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character) When he's been a brat bring him to your chambers and lay him over your knees. Give him soft spankings while telling him "Mommy wants you to be a good boy for her *Smack* I want you to learn to not be a brat *Smack*" 9 times out of ten he will whimper back "I'll be go mommy, promise"

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes) Aegon is about 6 inches in length and has a medium sized girth. He is just big enough to make you feel the most sweetest stretch. Don't be fooled though he can still shove it down your throat and make you choke on it.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?) It's Aegon, he is possibly the horniness person in the world. He wants you all day everyday which I feel makes his yearning in the category of VERY VERY high.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) Almost instantly, He wants to be snuggled up to you first before getting nice and coxy under the blankets. He would adore if you played in his hair while he drifted to sleep.

[kerubimcrepin]

Wakfu OVA - Book 1, The Throne of Ice [PART 1]

"Finally, we have arrived to one of my most favorite parts of Wakfu... The OVAs!" <- If I said this, I would be locked up in a psyhiatric ward forever, however, there is some truth to that.

I am a big fan of uhh the bits of the second OVA that have Joris, Kerubim, and Atcham in them. Sadly, Book 1 is not that OVA. It will have Sipho posing as Joris, and, well... that's the next best thing, ain't it? At least we'll get to analyse if he's doing a good job or not.

Ecaflip demigod memory retention deniers will be like "Ush being a core member of a powerful cult at 9-10yo for multiple reincarnations is normal".

Anyway, group chats are real in this setting. And Harebourg is their discord mod I think.

Tot I'm begging you to elaborate on this, what do you MEAN by this, what do you—

STOP USING GRIMALKINE SISTERS BEING A PART OF THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE FORGOTTEN AS A FLEX ON THE HATERS! I'M SCARED!

Them in the Great Wave manga when they show up and say they're at fault for Jahash and Julith's whole shtick or whatever.

Ughh.

Le meilleur journal qu'il est -

boufboul

[cant make out the rest]

little text in the corner: fji de ij

Ngl considering the fact that the King of Bonta dies within the next two years, he might have a legitimate reason not to come: being in the process of dying.

They LOVE Joris in this kingdom.

I bet real Joris would like to remain silent because, uh., lying is bad? If he tries to say the situation isn't as shitty as it seems, it might seem condescending.

So, Sipho fails at being in-character moment counter: 1. Joris would not say shitfuck here.

Oh my god... His fangs... His blush... His eyes...

One of the things I really like about the OVAs are the changes to Joris's design. While yes, like most people I miss the finer details of the previous seasons — but his new design is more sleek, and a bit more... catlike. It takes a lot of inspiration from his Aux Tresors design.

It is not the intention of the authors, but the fact that he is drawn with a mouth makes sense on a character level: he is more understandable and human than he was in the first two seasons. While he used to be a mystery back then, now he is a friend to the Brotherhood of Tofu, — and, to us, the viewers, he's just a guy.

Anyway, there is a big question here — while it seems obvious that other nations are involved — Sadida wouldn't invite other politicians to this meeting, if them seizing the Eliatrope Dofus was a secret, — just how involved were other nations? Was it mainly a Bonta-Sadida project which they let others know about? Were others interested up until the moment the Dofus were stolen, and is it the reason nobody showed up?

It seems kinda too obvious to state, however: Guys, this confirms that Joris and Harebourg are enemies.

Though, let's be real, all three of the Crepin-Jurgens are kind of opposed to the Brotherhood of The Forgotten. The trio is very... god-neutral? The outlook those three have is more of optimistic-nihilism — "the gods suck sometimes, life does too, but whatever. I need to restock the store and eat a soup, why should I ruminate on this." instead of "WE NEED TO KILL AND DETHRONE GODS IMMEDIATELY", which... creates a bit of friction.

Something to note is that Joris and the Kingdom of Bonta were involved with hiding the Dofus.

So, the Dofus disappearing, the proposition, and the condition that Amalia should be accompanied only by the Brotherhood of Tofu, are already both a political incident in on themselves, and a bunch of red flags stacked together.

Just listen: the property of a nation (the Eliatropes), which was in custody of a different nation, and can be used to save a kingdom, was stolen by a different kingdom to unlawfully demand marriage and unification of two kingdoms.

If real Joris was here, I'm sure he would be quietly having a panic attack about the fact that there may be spies in Bonta, and that Harebourg was able to do this without, let's say, knocking him out after he got all the Dofus and stealing them.

So, Sipho fails at being in-character moment counter: 2. Joris would be having a quiet panic attack, and pointing out just how fucked this is. just how fucked this is.

Sipho fails at being in-character moment counter: 3. At this moment, real Joris would come in, and say "YUGO THIS IS FUCKED!! Anyway we are going to beat Harebourg to death when we get there. I didn't want to say anything objectionable because Amalia would be sad."

He already did that in the manga. When Amalia and Eva asked him about his real opinion on Jiva getting the six Dofus.

While I think that Joris is someone who very much believes that the leaders of this world make hard decisions — and for this reason he MUST keep doing war crimes in Waven times to keep Bonta afloat, he MUST keep eating pig people and using slave labour and making explosive devices out of crackler babies, because really, 90% of war criminals quit just before true peace and prosperity—-

But, Joris is canonically enough of a feminist to be 100% pro-"pregnant women on a ship during a dangerous adventure across the world", so I think that outweighs his sense of "greater good".

In my opinion, he is more likely to think "very evil of you Harebourg, to force a woman into a relationship using the lives of her subjects. You're SICK, you're SICK, you have NO sense of romance or how a person should be treated!" and say "ughh we need to beat him up for this, Yugo. This isn't a very good deal for the Sadida. He's holding them hostage, Yugo. My main concerns are definitely not the way Amalia is being treated as an object but the political implications of that, Yugo."

Sipho literally committing character assassination out here. I will count this as the 4th time he does that.

Adamai is still very pissed off about Joris not asking before taking the Dofus. I think Joris deserves this quip very much. I wish Joris could hear Adamai be a hater towards him.

Sipho fails at being in-character moment counter: 5.

At this moment, instead of ignoring Adamai and continuing to talk, real Joris would make a funny face that implied he is in mortal pain due to someone he likes making a snide remark about him.

He is shown to be very much ashamed and worried about the fallout this will bring to his relationship with Yugo and Adamai in OVA 2.

Huppermages already did this, and it kind of failed when Ogrest's Chaos hit.

[acotarfrustrations]

An ongoing list of ACOWAR grievances I'm keeping track of while I read (because there's too many to make a post about all of them) pt. 2

I'm on chapter 15 now and feeling the urge to complain again so here we go

1) the writing is way too overdramaticized. Like every other paragraph is some remixed version of feyre going "I wondered whether it would be eggs or bacon for breakfast. But when I looked at Rhys I realized that he was giving me my own choice. My mate, my high lord. In our home. With our family. Every thing was always my choice" and its CONSTANT, LIKE OH MY GOD GIRL SHUT UP

2) every thing about Lucien's plotlineand the elain mating thing. I HATE this subplot with a PASSION

3) feyre immediately fucking rhys when she got back instead of going to see her sisters

4) feyre and rhysand acting like they've ben separated for forty centuries instead of a month

5) the contradictions about how the high lord thing works. Like it was established that its a government position given to you through basically fate and being chosen by the cauldron or whatever which is why siblings kill each other for a chance for the throne and yet they just went to a priestess and swore feyre in as high lady?? It makes her title not feel real like it's purely ceremonial. It doesn't even make sense that she would be able to be HL of the night court as she has no more ties to that court than she does any other court. Is it because she's mated to Rhys? I don't understand the HL lord at all, it just keeps changing

6) the fact that Feyre, Rhys, and Cassian tell Lucien about their tragic backstories and everything that's happened to feyre at the NC and he just immediately does a Feyre™️. Like he's suddenly "Oh yeah you had a horrible childhood and took feyre into your found family without letting her explore relationships outside of the IC, that totally makes up for all the evil shit THAT IVE SEEN YOU DO WITH MY OWN 2 EYES. wow i cant believe youre not evil even though you killed 50 winter court children and sexually assaulted your mate and mind raped her constantly to get her to like you"

7) the way they're treating Nesta. It has been a MONTH since she was stolen from her home, brought amongst a race that she is terrified of and THAT ENSLAVED HER PEOPLE, and was forcefully turned into ONE OF THEM and the IC is acting like she's being unreasonable for not wanting to talk to them or to mate with Cassian. WHY THE HELL WOULD SHE EVEN BE THINKING ABOUT CASSIAN RIGHT NOW?? WHY THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL BAD FOR HIM? Instead of him worrying about how his mate is doing regardless of his own comfort he's like WOE IS ME, SHE DOESNT WANT TO FUCK ME?????? GET OVER IT ASSHOLE?? WHY IS FEYRE EVEN LETTING CASSIAN COME NEAR HER AND ANTAGONIZE HER?? DOESNT SHE LOVE TO FLAUNT HER HL STATUS AROUND?? THIS IS THE TIME TO USE IT, PROTECT YOUR GODDAMN SISTER FROM HIM? ITS SO OBVIOUS THAT SHE DOESNT GIVE NEARLY AS MUCH OF A SHIT ABOUT NESTA AS SHE DOES ELAIN!!

8) the fact that sjm didn't keep cassian's wings shredded. Him learning to live with that would have been a badass character development but now sjm doesn't want me to have good things

9) the mating bond in general. I think it could be a potentially good plot device but no one ever employs it well and sjm is definitely the most egregious with it

10) the fact that the ic never gave consequences for their fucking actions. Feyre dies in acotar? Turn her into a fey and give her ALL of their powers. Stealing a precious artifact that they didn't even end up needing and getting a bounty on their head in the summer court and then getting that court invaded? That's fine because feyre is SOOO brave and says things that are common fucking sense which makes her SOOOO smart so we obviously need her as an ally so we'll just rescind the blood rubies. Getting the spring court sacked? That's fine we didn't like them anyway. Rhys and feyre's bond gets snapped? Well they didn't know about our super secret mating bond that is actually the only thing that gives our characters chemistry so we still like each other. Rhys causes irreparable damage to every court for 50 years and kills 50 kids? Well that's fine he was being held hostage and hey! We don't know he actually killed those kids 😡 Feyre, a 20 year old girl who's been fae for like 6 months and training for even less goes up against thousands of years old beings? She beats them effortlesslessly! Rhys gets sexually assaulted for 50 years! Well he planned all of it so it has no negative consequences on him. Cassian gets his wings shredded? Well he worked really hard and they're fixed now 🥰. Rhys FUCKING DIES?? Well that's no problem, tamlin can just resurrect him, nvm the fact that there's no reason why he WOULD. like no harrowing situation is ever interesting cause we all know sjm isn't actually going to do anything to the ic

11) "my mate" STOP SAYING IT PLS IM BEGGING

12) "males and females" STOP SAYING IT PLS IM BEGGING pt. 2

[links-in-time]

Guilty as Sin

Smutt warning 🔞

This fic was inspired by this gorgeous piece of art by @amariaarts please go and check out more of their work it's awesome!

Also tagging @hobartsaglet, because they asked so nicely.

Sexy stuff under the cut.

Link had no idea he had fallen in love with Zelda. Until one day he looked up and couldn't see who he had been when he wasn't in love with her. At first she had just been part of his duty as the wilder of the Master Sword. Their destinies were entwined. But it was just his job at the end of the day. It didn't take long for her to grow on him though. Little things, like her fascination with nature. Her genuine love of Hyrule and it's people. Zelda showed Link things about his home he had never seen before and he loved her for it.

Zelda on that other hand had disliked Link the moment she set eyes on him. That is to say, she found him attractive, but she couldn't escape the fact that Link had achieved much of his destiny already. While she had yet to awaken even a smidge of her sacred power. Zelda projected much of her own frustrations and shortcomings onto Link, which created a gap between them.

It was only after Link realised his own feelings that Zelda seemed to soften. It began with little things at first. The odd stolen glance, or a smile left lingering after they parted. Zelda found Link's presence became a comfort instead of a nuisance. Link found himself waking up each morning, eager to see what experiments Zelda had cooked up for them for the day.

In their seventeenth year, Link was to be knighted at an official ceremony attended by all of Hyrule's great and good, as well as delegations from the other four regions.

A new Royal Guards uniform had been made especially for the occasion. Link's father remarked how much his son looked just like he had at his age. Zelda teased him about the tastles and the berret. An addition to the uniform she had always found amusing. But nothing could dampen Link's mood on this day.

Standing at the doors to the great hall in the middle of Hyrule Castle, Link waited nervously for the ceremony to begin. He had done everything perfectly up until this point. He had pulled the master sword at the tender age of twelve. He had graduated top of his class as the youngest royal guard in history. Link had even retrieved the Hylian shield, a symbol of royal Knights, in record time.

Link shifted his weight from one foot to another. Today had to be perfect too. If he stumbled. If he fumbled the words of his oath. If Calamity Ganon suddenly burst into the chamber demanding a fight... Well, Link hoped he wouldn't have to find out how that would go just yet. He fiddled with his white gloves. He itched to get back into his champions tunic, which was far more comfortable than the suit he was being forced to wear. Link cleared his throat and stared down at his feet.

"And now,"

Link's gaze shot up and he stood bolt up right at the sound of the announcement coming from inside the room.

"... without further ado, I present your champion, the Hero of Hyrule. Link!"

With one final deep breath, Link stepped towards the slowly opening doors. A thunder of applause greeted him as Link walked into the circular chamber. Every inch of floor space had been occupied by the visiting dignitaries. A small circle in the middle near the throne was illuminated by sunlight streaming in through the high windows. Link walked forwards, keeping his breathing steady as he tried not to walk too quickly.

King Roham, Zelda and the captain of the palace guards stood waiting for him. Zelda held the Master Sword raised in her hands. She smiled at him reassuringly as Link walked towards her. Just as they had rehursed, Link dropped to one knee in front of Zelda. He swept the berret from his head and held it tight and close to his chest. Link could hear his heart beating in his ears. His throat seemed tight, but he took a breath and calmed his nerves.

The ceremony itself passed in a blur of speeches and oaths.

"Link, soldier of Hyrule. Do you swear to uphold this oath to defend our kingdom? To protect its citizens and the royal house? To take this sword that seals the darkness, and wield it with honor in the name of peace and justice?"

Zelda said her lines exactly as she had rehursed. Her father nodded his approval and the collected crowd waited with baited breath for Link's reply. The man in question tilted his head to look up at Zelda standing over him. Though her face was almost impassive, Link could see the twinkle of a smile in her eyes. He turned up the corner of his mouth ever so slightly before he spoke.

"I so swear!" Link replied, clear and sure as any words he had ever spoken in his life.

His heart thumped eagerly as a roar of approval went up from the crowd. King Rhoam, the Captain and the other delegates clapped reservedly. Before Zelda said her final lines.

"It is therefore my pleasure, to dub you, Sir Link. Knight of Hyrule."

Zelda tapped the master sword on each of Link's shoulders twice before holding it out in her hands again. Another raucous cheer filled the chamber and Link took another breath before rising to his feet. He replaced the hat on his head and carefully took the sword from Zelda. He turned to face the congregation, raised the sword with one hand before sweeping it forwards and dipping into a low bow.

The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur of hand shaking, bowing and general merriment. At some point Link found himself holding a glass of what he assumed was champagne. Though he was too nervous to find out for sure. He decided to hold onto it to give at least one of his hands something to do.

The weight of the Master Sword on his back felt like a continual reminder of his new status. But Zelda helped shoulder the weight. Her easy smiles and polite chatter kept attention off of Link.

Evening drew closer and some of the nobles began to leave the party. However, as it's star attendant, Link was forced to stay. He was sure the time was fast approaching midnight and yet the celebrations seemed never ending. A ray of hope presented itself when King Rhoam announced that he was retiring for the night. As her father disappeared through the crowd, Zelda wove her way back to Link.

"I think it's safe for us to leave now," she uttered close to his ear.

"Are you sure? Aren't I supposed to stay until everyone else leaves?" Link replied nervously.

"At this point we've shaken hands with everyone at least twice. I don't think they'll miss either of us now. Besides, there's plenty of alcohol to keep them happy until dawn. Speaking of which," Zelda reach for and plucked the glass from Link's hand. "I think you've been holding onto that for long enough."

She gracefully placed the glass onto a trey as a server passed them by. His hands now empty, Link clasped them behind his back and shot Zelda an appreciative smile.

"Come on, let's get out of here," she whispered.

Wriggling her fingers into Link's hand, she tugged him gently towards a side door in the chamber. Together they slipped out of sight. No longer observed, the teenagers hurried along the narrow corridor, giddy in their childish behaviour. At the next corner, the pair collapsed against a wall in a fit of laughter.

Finally able to relax after the long day of pomp and ceremony, Link's heart was thumping to a different rhythm. Freed of his inhibitions and giddy with how well he had been received, he pushed himself off the wall towards Zelda. She eyed him wtih feighned caution as Link approached. He slipped a hand around the back of her neck, while the other rested on her hip.

"May your Knight have a kiss from his beautiful princess?" He asked in a breathy voice.

"Hmm, I think I can oblige," she replied, mischief sparking in her eyes.

Link smiled as he closed the distance between them, planting his lips against hers. Heat blossomed between them as the kiss changed from a flash of a moment, to something deeper. Link drew back to take a breath and drink in the sight of Zelda. She was gorgeous as always, in her royal blue gown, a slender tiara holding back her golden locks. But no crown or jewels could compare to her smile. A gift Link cherished, for it was a smile she reserved only for him.

"Link, I... I want to ask you something," Zelda said hesitantly, her smiled waining a little.

"Ask me what love?"

"I know you feel as I feel about us. I love you Link and I'm determined to spend my life with you," Zelda began. Link's heart soared to hear those words. Though she had said them in variations before.

"As do I. If it were possible I would be by your side for as long as I live."

"I want you Link," Zelda sighed, her eyelids heavy.

"You have me," Link frowned, not quite understanding Zelda's meaning. "You have me entirely."

"That's just it Link. I DO want you entirely. I want you every way a man and woman can have each other. I want, you."

Zelda searched Link's eyes for some sense of understanding. However, with his mind still a jumble of oaths, dignitaries names, and other wayward thoughts, Link failed to catch Zelda's meaning. To help him along, Zelda trailed one of her gloved hands from Link's ear, over his chest, down over his belt and towards his crotch. Link's breathing hitched. His body shuddered against his will and a spark ignighted somewhere inside him.

"Uh, do you mean you want to... to..." Link fumbled to find a word that wouldn't make him sound like an ignorant idiot.

Several came to mind of course. He wasn't completely naive, just inexperienced. In his years in the barracks Link had been subjected to all manner of dirty words and language, not fit for the halls of the castle.

The other soldiers found him fun to tease, but Link always took it in good spirits. His life left little room for romance (until Zelda of course) and he found that any girls or boys his age couldn't get past the Hero title and see him for who he really was.

Since they had begun their romance, Link had spent many nights alone in his room thinking of Zelda. Thinking of her, of being with her. Kissing her, and how it might feel to sleep with her. Touching himself with her name on his tongue.

"Are you sure?" He asked, searching her gaze for the right thing to do. Zelda nodded.

"I'm sure, I want us to give each other everything."

Link closed his eyes and tried to collect his thoughts.

"You don't want to?" Zelda asked, confused by Link's less than enthusiastic reaction. She thought he would be happy about her suggestion.

"Of course I do," Link replied quickly, leaning forward to kiss Zelda again. "It's just, I don't think your father would approve."

Link wasn't an idiot. He knew what the King would do if he found out Link and Zelda had slept together without saying vows before a priest first. As free as other couples could be before marriage, there were still expectations on a princess to produce a legitimate heir to the throne.

"Link," Zelda said with an eyebrow raised. "I don't want to think about my father right now."

To emphasise this point, Zelda kissed Link firmly, hooking her hands behind his neck while she slipped her tongue into his mouth. Link moaned against her, his inhibitions melting in her embrace. His hands found her hips and pressed Zelda against the wall behind her. Link leant against her a little, triggering a different heat between them. Zelda's hands wandered into Link's hair, tugging the berret from his head and pulling it onto hers instead.

Link drew back with a chucke, taking in the sight of Zelda with his berret plonked lopsidedly onto her head. She only ever showed her fun and silly side to him. There was no one else for her to share it with. Her father had all but closed himself off to her, seemingly preferring Link as a sort of surrogate child. With Link she could be whoever she wanted to be.

"Alright, I'm sorry. I'm just, my head's all over the place right now," Link sighed.

"Well maybe we can do something about that," Zelda murmured, close to Link's ear.

Another shudder ran down his spine and he lurched forwards reflexively. This time his lips went to Zelda's neck. Pulling down the high collar of her dress to expose the soft skin beneath. Link planted soft sucking kisses against Zelda's neck, drawing out a soft 'oh' from the Princess.

"Mmm, Link. I think we aught to move this somewhere more private." Zelda said, trying to focus her thoughts.

"You have somewhere in mind?" Link replied, speaking between kisses.

"We could go to my chambers. But there's always the chance one of my servants or Impa could walk in. I don't know anywhere else someone won't see us." Zelda mused, beginning to fret they wouldn't be able to be alone together.

"We could go to my room," Link suggested, his hands wandering over Zelda's body. "It's on the other side of the castle but no one has any reason to go in there other than myself. We wouldn't be disturbed."

Zelda's heart fluttered. She had only been to Link's room once. He had to take her with him to fetch some things from his room, and they may or may not have had a makeout session against his desk.

The couple wove their way through the castle towards the rooms reserved for officers and the heads of the castle staff. Links room was up several flights of stairs and by the time they reached his simple wooden door, Zelda was panting slightly.

"Not breathless already my love?" Link asked teasingly, earning him a half hearted swipe from Zelda.

"Just open the door!" She giggled, tentatively hopping about behind Link.

As quick as the door was open Link closed and bolted it behind them. He quickly set about lighting some candles and lamps around the room, then spun around to find Zelda. She had perched herself on the end of his bed, looking up at him through half lidded eyes. A wave of realisation washed over Link. Zelda was here, with him, in his room. Of course he was excited. What idiot wouldn't be?! But as desperate as Link was, he also wanted to savour every single second of this moment for as long as he could make it last.

Link had grown hard a while ago. A few staircases ago at least. But Zelda was the most important thing in his world in that moment. Whatever she wanted, she was going to get.

"Will you kiss me, Sir Link," she hummed, her singsong voice drawing Link close.

He dropped to his knees in front of her and reached up to place his hands on either side of her face. Link pulled Zelda in for a kiss, soft and gentle but laced with desire. He teased her a little, pulling back a short way. Each time she tried to chase him, he pulled away again. A smile played on his lips and Zelda huffed in frustration.

"You are a terrible tease Sir Knight, not very chivalrous at all!" Zelda crossed her arms in mock annoyance.

"I'm sorry your highness, I'll endeavour to make it up to you." Link pouted, but it quickly turned into a smile.

Making quick work of removing his gloves, Link moved his hands to lift the hem of Zelda's skirt. Working his way up from her slender ankles, he trailed his fingers along the inside of her legs. Zelda hummed with approval at the feeling of Link's rough hands on her soft skin. His lips joined his hands in their exploration of Zelda thighs. Kissing the skin as he lifted her dress higher and higher. Zelda gasped as Link's fingers brushed against her underwear. He paused, but when Zelda didn't pull away or tell him to stop, he continued.

Link brushed his knuckles against Zelda's crotch. Finding a small patch of wetness Link's heart skipped. Rising quickly to his feet Link easily picked Zelda up by her waist and laid her down in the middle of the bed. Zelda barely had time to cry out in surprise before Link was on top of her. She lifted her hands to pull his face down for further kisses, while Link's hands returned to Zelda's thigh. Inching closer to the crease between her leg and her torso. Link fumbled a little with Zelda's underwear as she distracted him with kisses, pulling him closer and closer. She moaned against his lips as his fingers slid beneath the offending fabric and delved between her folds.

Zelda let out a soft note of surprise, her eyes flying wide as Link's fingers made contact with her sensative skin. She pulled away from their kiss and their eyes met. Link's were searching, waiting for her to give him some sign to continue. Zelda almost froze. She knew the feeling of her own fingers between her legs all too well. To have Link's there instead felt a bit foreign. But not unpleasant. After a moment she realised Link had stopped and she looked into his questioning gaze.

"It's alright, you just surprised me. That's all. Please don't stop." Zelda quickly reassured him, caressing his cheek with the back of her hand. Link lent into her hand slightly.

"I'm not hurting you?" He asked. Zelda shook her head.

"Not at all."

They both smiled at each other. Link bent down to kiss her neck just beneath her ear, drawing out a long sigh, while Link's fingers moved again. Sliding one digit over her clit he pressed firmly against the soft skin. His own heart raced as he found the source of the wetness beneath Zelda's underwear. He moved his finger between her lower lips, slowly and softly. Link relished in the little gasps and moans Zelda was making. Reassuring him he was on the right track.

After a few moments fondling Zelda's folds, Link slid a finger towards her hole. Zelda's next breath caught in her throat as one of Link's fingers slipped inside her. He waited for her to adjust to the sensation before pushing in a little further.

"Are you okay?" Link asked, noticing Zelda had squeezed her eyes shut. She nodded, letting out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. As she did so, the feeling of Link's finger inside her became more pleasurable.

Link began to slide his finger back and forth, hooking it slightly against the inside of Zelda's walls. Zelda's back arched off the bed and she threw her arms around Link's neck, dragging him down towards her. As she did so, Link added another finger, stretching her slightly. Zelda hummed her approval and her face blushed in a wide smile. Link's hand moved faster, creating more friction and increasing the volume of Zelda's moans. She began to breathe shallow breaths in time with his movements, while she enjoyed Link fingering her.

Zelda could feel the ball of heat and pleasure building within her. The rest of her body cried out for attention while Link drew her closer and closer to the precipice. Her heart swelled with love and desire as the wave of her first orgasm washed over her. She came with a shudder and Link withdrew his hand, slick with Zelda's cum. Zelda slumped down into the mattress, an easy smile on her lips. Link thoughtlessly wiped his hand on his new uniform and crawled forwards to plant a kiss on Zelda's forehead.

"You okay?" He whispered.

After a beat Zelda nodded, eyes closed in bliss.

"I'm good," she breathed eventually. "You have some talented fingers Link."

"I was, I was only doing what you seemed to enjoy."

"Mmm, very much so," Zelda nodded, her head rising off the pillow slightly.

"Good." Link's gaze dropped to Zelda's torso, clad in her royal blue ceremonial gown. "May I?" He asked, a hint of mischief in his expression.

Zelda nodded a little more eagerly than she meant to. However, realising her dress was a little complicated to unfasten, she began to push herself up into a sitting position. As quickly as she could, Zelda talked Link through how to help her out of her gown. He was surprisingly dexterous for a warrior. But given how easily he had drawn her to a climax, she shouldn't have been so surprised.

Link made quick work of the fastenings on Zelda's dress. He worked it off her shoulders and tugged it down past her legs. The heavy fabric pooled on the floor, along with her gloves and her underwear. Link hesitated to remove her corset, but after a little coaxing from Zelda, he loosened the laces. At last he pulled her slip off over her head and to his surprise, she sat down on his lap on the edge of the bed.

She was so perfect. Her hair was loose and draped around her shoulders. Unadorned by crowns or jewels, Link found Zelda eneven more bewitching. His heart swelled even more than he thought possible as he reached out a tentative hand to softly brush her arm. He cursed his fingers for their roughness, but Zelda didn't seem to mind. She didn't flinch or complain, simply closed her eyes and grinned at the feeling of Link's skin against hers. Speaking of skin.

"I seem to be at a disadvantage now," Zelda pointed out, eyeing Link's very much still clothed form.

She unclasped his collar and began to work his belt buckles. While Zelda undressed him, Link's eyes drifted across her form, settling on her breasts. A nervous breath shook him as he slowly reached up to caress the underside of Zelda's plump boosm. She responded with a breathy laugh, distracted a little from her task by Link's touch.

"You're distracting me Link," she chuckled.

But link wasn't deterred, he found he liked teasing her. Almost as much as he liked the feeling of her firm breast beneath his hand. He rubbed an experimental thumb over her soft nipple. Zelda shuddered, pressing her wet crotch further into his lap. His cock twitched at being so close to her. Only a few layers of fabric separating him from what he so desperately wanted. Zelda must have felt his movement because she began to grind herself into Link's lap.

"Now who's teasing," he chucked.

Zelda laughed, but kept pleasuring herself on Link's crotch. She could feel his hardness growing, almost reaching up to meet her. By the goddess she wanted to feel him inside her. She wanted him to fuck her senseless, until she forgot all about duty, and power, and her inheritance.

At last Zelda worked Link's tunic off over his head and slipped off his undershirt, exposing his torso. He was slim for a young man his age. A little shorter than Zelda too, which she often delighted in reminding him. A few pale scars criss crossed his body, showing the history of his journey to become a Knight of the kingdom. Zelda traced her finger along one cutting low across his abs.

Link flinched and stopped fondling Zelda's breast for a moment.

"That tickles!" He complained.

"What's it from?" She asked.

"Duelling with some older boys in town," Link dropped his gaze slightly. "They weren't too happy with me after I beat them all. They pinned me down and one of them took out a knife. Said I needed to learn a lesson. I didn't care that much."

Heart strings thoroughly tugged, Zelda dipped down to kiss the aforementioned scar. She left a trail of soft pecks along the pink line. Link closed his eyes and sighed at the feeling of Zelda's soft lips on his scar torn skin.

Link rubbed his hands up and down Zelda's body before pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I love you Zel," he uttered into her ear.

"Mmm, I love you too Link."

Occupying Link with a sloppy kiss, her tongue shoved down his throat, Zelda unbuttoned Link's trousers. She grabbed the top of his trousers and his underwear, pulling at them in unison. Caught off guard, Link lifted himself off the bed for a moment and his clothes dropped to the ground. He gasped suddenly as Zelda's body pressed against his cock.

"Zel!" He huffed in shock.

"Sorry, did I... Sorry," Zelda scrambled to apologise. Link shook his head.

"It's alright, just, getting used to a couple of things," he replied nervously.

Outwardly he was just about managing to keep his cool. Internally he was shaking like a nervous Korok. He watched with baited breath as Zelda moved her hand towards his cock and wrapped her fingers around him. A small sound caught in his throat and Zelda hesitated.

"Is this okay?" She asked softly.

Link nodded and tried to relax. He dropped his shoulders and moved his hands down to Zelda's hips. Link closed his eyes as Zelda's hand slid over his cock. He twitched in her grasp and Zelda couldn't help but smile. She wiggled a little excitedly on his lap and quickly gave each of her fingers a suck. Moving her now slippery fingers back to Link's cock, she rubbed the tip of his head. A bead of pre-cum trailed behind her finger and Zelda bent to lick it.

"Oh!" Link groaned out, gripping the soft flesh of Zelda's thighs at the sudden sensation. "Oh goddesses!"

Excited by Link's reaction, Zelda started to slider her fist up and down Link's shaft. Slowly at first, gauging his reaction with each stroke. She was intensely aware of the possibility of hurting him or doing something wrong to ruin the moment. Little did she know that no matter what she was doing Link wouldn't have cared. His brain, which usually wasn't up to much anyway, was almost completely empty. His only thoughts were of Zelda's hand around his dick and the bounce of her breasts while she pleasured him.

Link looked down at said breasts and leaned forward. Zelda continued to fist him while Link's lips brushed against one of her nipples.

"Ahhh," Zelda breathed out a laugh of pleasure.

Link closed his mouth around the delicate bud and began to suck. Zelda's hand went still and she rested the other against Link's shoulder for support.

"Mmmm, oh!" She muttered against his neck.

Link moved to cover her other nipple with his mouth, flicking her nipple with his tongue. One hand wound it's way up to her other breast and began massaging the now wet, stiffened nub with his thumb and forefinger. Zelda's body convulsed with the sensation. She could feel fresh wetness slickening her thighs as it dripped onto Link's legs beneath her. She pulled herself closer to him and her clit pressed against his cock. Link pushed down the urge to buck his hips forward and simply enjoyed the feeling of Zelda's wet folds against his rock hard dick.

When Zelda's head fell back Link gathered her up in his arms and turned her over onto the bed. With his arms planted either side of her head, he braced himself above her. Zelda looked up at him, her green eyes shining with the flickering of candle light. She looked up at Link's, Sky blue dazzling above her. It really was like looking up at the sky. If the sky were waiting to fuck her.

Link dropped his head to Zelda's chest and left a trail of sucking wet kisses across her collar bones. Zelda hummed with each kiss until she started giggling. Link snorted a laugh then carefully lifted Zelda's left leg. He kissed the inside of her thigh as he moved himself in between her legs. Glancing up at her face, Link found Zelda staring at him through half lidded eyes. Her golden hair splayed out around her like a halo.

His body pulled him forward with an equal measure of desire and devotion. He wasn't quite sure if he should say a silent prayer. But since Zelda was a literal reincarnation of a goddess, he thought it probably wouldn't make any difference. Link crawled forwards and pressed his pelvis against Zelda's. His cock met the wetness of her folds and twitched with anticipation. Zelda hummed at the thought of the pleasure to come. While Link carefully lifted his cock to line himself up.

There was a moment of brief tension while Link figured out where he was supposed to be. But an instant later he felt himself entering Zelda's body. The tip of his cock pushed past her walls and slipped easily inside.

"Oh!" Zelda let out a long gasp.

For a horrible moment Link thought she was in pain. He stilled himself and looked back down at her face. She was smiling, tentatively, but she was smiling. Her eyes were closed but Link could see them rolling behind her delicate lids.

"Are you okay?" Link breathed, hardly daring to speak. After a moment Zelda nodded.

"I'm okay," she replied in a voice barely more than a whisper. "It feels," she paused, "It feels good."

"Okay," Link breathed with a sigh of relief. "It feels good for me too. Can I move a little?"

"Uh huh, just, go slowly okay."

"Alright, I won't do anything you don't want me to," he assured her firmly.

His mind set at peace, Link pushed a little more of his cock into Zelda. She gasped and shuddered with each of his movements so Link kept things slow and gentle for a while. With a few inches of his cock surrounded by her tight wet walls, Link drew back a little. But not all the way. When just his head was left inside, he pushed forwards again. Relishing in the fresh tightness around his cock, Link repeated the motion. Gradually he picked up speed until he found a rhythm he could maintain. With each of his thrusts she let out a groan, each spurring Link on to go faster. But he held back ever so slightly, because she had asked him to.

"Oh, Link," Zelda breathed, reaching up to tangle her fingers in his hear.

Link realised then that he had lost his hairband at some point, and his dusty blond hair had fallen lose around his face. It clung to the sweat on his face and around his neck. The feeling of Zelda's fingers tightly curled into his locks sent shivers down his spine. Link bucked convulsively at her touch, earning him a sudden gasp from the Princess.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly, panting a little.

"No it's fine, please... Please Link, for the love of Hyrule, please don't stop."

Link raised his eyebrows. This dream was getting even better. Link resumed the movement of his hips but he saw Zelda shake her head.

"Faster, please. Fuck me harder Link!"

Something primal pulled at Link and seemed to take over him them. Something wild and untamed. A side of him he never knew he had. Pulling Zelda's hips up slightly onto his lap, Link increased his pace and rammed harder into Zelda's hole. She cried out in satisfaction and Link moved faster, hammering into Zelda his thoughts only for their shared pleasure.

"I'm, I'm going to cum," he stammered through grasping breaths. "We should stop."

"No please!" Zelda almost begged, lifting her head off the pillow to stare up at Link. "Please Link, don't stop. I'm so close."

"Zelda, we mustn't," Link sighed, with an audible groan of annoyance. "You can't..."

Whatever Link was about to tell her Zelda couldn't do, he didn't get the chance to say it. She cut him off in an instant.

"I can Link. You're the only person in this kingdom I want this with."

"But your fa-"

"My father will either have to accept the idea of us being together, or we will simply leave. Both of us know how to survive on our own in the world. I'd leave tomorrow if it meant I could be with you for the rest of my life. I want to have everything with you Link."

Two sides warred within Link in that brief moment. His honour told him this was not the chivalrous thing to do. But he had left chivalry at the door when he invited Zelda into his bed. Knowing there was always a risk. Of course he would have prepared a little better if Zelda had given him a little more warning. The other side of his brain, the one filled with endorphins and testosterone, jumped into action.

"Okay, only if you're sure," Link sighed, reaching forwards to caress Zelda's cheek.

She turned her head to kiss his fingers, tasting a little of herself on his hand. Then she looked up at him and nodded.

"I'm sure."

With renewed energy, Link gradually built up his rhythm again. But it wasn't long before his thrusts became a manic pounding. Link dropped his hands to the bed and Zelda linked her arms behind his neck, holding onto him for dear life. Zelda could feel the crest of her climax approaching with every thrust of Link's body against hers. Link knew he couldn't last much longer, his cock and his body throbbed with the need for release. But he waited, he wasn't sure what he was waiting for, but he decided he'd know it when he felt it.

Zelda clenched and spasmed around Link's cock. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Zelda's mouth dropped into a wide Oh. Link felt a rush of warmth around his dick and with a deep thrust he let himself come undone. Thick white ropes of cum filled Zelda, while she pulled Link down close to her. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck while she hugged him tightly against her body, shuddering with each movement. Both of them breathed deeply, clawing to get their breath back.

Link felt Zelda's legs spasming either side of his body and gently began to lift himself up. Or he would have if it's arm hadn't given out beneath him. He tried to apologise but Zelda only laughed, high on her rush. Link tried again, better prepared for the exhaustion now pulling at his body. He pulled out of Zelda carefully and quickly tugged his pants on.

A moment later he had Zelda in his arms, blankets thrown over their sweat covered bodies to keep them warm. He had one of his legs laid over hers, his arms wrapped around her body to hold her close. He wanted to be closer. Which he knew was a stupid thought given what they had just done. But he just couldn't seem to get her close enough. Skin pressed against skin, Link wished he could somehow be closer. The scent of sweat and sex and Zelda's hair filled his nostrils and he breathed out a deep sigh.

"I love you. I love you Zel," he muttered into her shoulder.

"I love you too, Link."

[fandomsimagined]

hoax (Nikolai Lantsov x Reader) - Prologue

Title: hoax - prologue

Pairing: Nikolai Lantsov x Reader

Warnings: Language, death, violence

Word Count: 1.4k

Summary: When Sturmhond stumbles across a Kerch pirate ship transporting stolen Ravkan goods, he takes it upon himself to confront the captain only to bind himself faced with a potential ally or yet another adversary.

Author’s Note: Hi! it’s me again coming to you with yet another Shadow and Bone fic. This is one I’ve had in my brain for quite some time and it will follow the canon storyline (not completely of course but for the most part). Nikolai is one of my favorite character of all time so I really really hope that I did him justice with this. I hope you enjoy! If you have any requests, please feel free to send them in! I write for all of the grishaverse characters pretty much. Sorry for such a long authors note. I hope you enjoy!

Nikolai smiled and nodded with apparent approval. His years of diplomatic training were finally paying off, his years of pretending to listen in on meetings with foreign ambassadors when he was younger had prepared him for these types of situations. Though, he imagined his parents meant for it to be utilized in a more civilized setting. The issue came in with the fact that Nikolai was many things: he was an excellent shot, dashingly handsome even as a ruddy pirate, and perhaps a tad bit egotistical at times, in an endearing way, of course; but he wasn’t stupid. It was quite obvious to the privateer that the fellow captain was lying. He didn’t even need Tolya or Tamar to confirm.

The Kerch captain seemed to be blind to Nikolai’s insincerity, because he kept rambling.He had to admit, he was good. If it was anyone other than Nikolai, they might have fallen for the falsehoods that were spewing out of his mouth, but Nikolai knew better. The goods on his ship were Ravkan, stolen from a Ravkan trade ship on its way to Novyi Zem. Nikolai had been trying to entertain the conversation long enough to find out if the captain (whose name still hadn’t been divulged, and he didn’t care enough to ask) was working with a larger coalition plotting against the Lantsov throne. The more he spoke, the less likely Nikolai found that scenario. This captain was working only for himself, which was wonderful news. He’d like to set sail as quickly as possible. The dark grey clouds looming overhead indicated that they would be in for quite the trip back to Os Kervo.

Tamar was standing to his side, fingers tight around the handles of her beloved axes. He was right. He was lying. Her demeanor told him everything he already knew. That the captain was lying and that he was going to try and ambush them to escape. Tolya had a grip on his blade as well. Neither one of them needed the weapons–they could simply rip the air from someone's lungs with just a few movements of their hands–but they always did have a flair for the dramatic. Something that he most definitely had no experience with.

“There’s no need to be hostile.” The captain held up his hands in a mock surrender, a chuckle escaping from his throat. “We’re just having a casual conversation.”

Nikolai gripped his pistol in the holster on his side. He was slightly offended that the captain actually thought that he didn’t know what was going on–despite that it was what he’d intended. He’d hoped that his reputation had preceded him enough that the captain would’ve tried a little bit harder. This was amateur work, and since Nikolai had gathered that this particular captain was well-experienced in the art of stolen goods, it was because he thought that it would fool Nikolai–Sturmhond.

The captain’s eyes flickered to the crow’s nest where Nikolai could just barely make out two figures. At least one was a heartrender, he presumed. They were stationed there to snuff the life out of him if things went awry. He figured that the one closest to him was a decoy, that way they wouldn’t know which one the true heartrender was and that they would assume incorrectly. That’s what he would do. They just didn’t realize that Nikolai had two heartrenders of his own.

Nikolai shifted his weight, maintaining his aura of confidence–though it wasn’t hard. He was quite certain that even though this crew was experienced, that he could take all of them on his own if necessary, but he had Tolya and Tamar with him.

“Really? Seems your men didn’t get the message. I don’t usually keep heartrenders on hand for a conversation.” Nikolai gestured to the crow’s nest. “You know, communication between a captain and his crew is key in running a successful business venture. I might suggest trying some trust exercises to really make sure that you’re on the same page.”

He couldn’t lie and say that he didn’t enjoy the panic that flickered over the captain’s face. “They’re only there as a precaution. I’m sure you understand the need for such matters as a captain yourself.”

“Of course, though I do wonder why such precautions would be necessary if you just intended to have a casual conversation, as you put it.” Nikolai wondered aloud, though he didn’t really wonder. He knew. He was going to try and take over his ship too. Over his dead body. “See, what I think is that you wanted to get caught by the dashingly handsome Sturmhond. The only thing that leaves me quite puzzled is why. Do you plan to kill me? Take my ship? Tell all of your pirate buddies that you fought Sturmhond and won?” Nikolai clicked his tongue in disapproval. “Many men have tried to do the same, and yet none have succeeded. Why do you think that is?”

“Probably because you talked them to death,” the captain scoffed, sweat forming at his brow. Another lesson in diplomatic training. How to talk for long periods of time making people believe that it’s about something important, but really nothing of any value was said. It was strange. There didn’t seem to be much difference between pirates and political figures, but that rabbit hole was for another time.

“Good guess, but no.” Nikolai shook his head. “It’s because I don’t let my crew do my dirty work for me.” He lowered his voice. “If you want that ship, you’re going to have to kill me for it, and I assure you I won’t make it easy.”

“I’ve killed much stronger men for less,” he sneered.

Nikolai couldn’t hold in the bout of laughter that erupted. While he was aware that there were much stronger men than him out there, he just couldn’t imagine that he’d killed them considering he wasn’t smart enough to notice what Nikolai was really playing at. “I’m sure. And were those much stronger men the ones that you smuggled these goods from?”

“I’m not wasting any more time with this.” The captain raised his hand slightly–a signal to his grisha to stop his heart right then and there. Nikolai waited patiently, but as he already suspected, nothing happened. While Nikolai was busy monologuing, Tolya had discreetly dropped their pulses. His grisha were taking a nice long nap, which meant that they could go ahead and wrap this up in a nice little bow. Surely, he wasn’t dumb enough to actually try and fight him on his own.

Tamar couldn’t suppress a smirk from playing on her lips, and Nikolai had to admit, he was having a hard time doing so as well.

“You don’t make your crew do your dirty work, eh?” The captain raised his eyebrows.

“They just made it a fair fight. I told you, if you want my ship, you’ll have to kill me for it. What I meant was that you would have to kill me for it, so if you’d like to try, go ahead, or you can hand over the goods you stole and we’ll call it a day; though I’d like to get this over with quick. There’s somewhere I need to be, so make up your mind quickly.”

“Why you little–” The captain’s sentence was cut short. He clutched his chest and fell to the deck, blood trickling from his lips. Nikolai frowned. Tolya and Tamar were right beside him and they hadn’t moved, awaiting his orders.

“Did you?” Tamar looked at Tolya who shook his head.

“No, but it was a heartrender.”

Nikolai glanced around the ship once more, trying to find a sign of another ship or crew. The Kerch’s grisha were down and they were the only others on the boat. Was it someone on the Kerch’s crew? Why would they want him dead?

“There’s no one else around.” Tamar stated, though her grip hadn’t loosened on her weapons.

“We have to assume the worst,” Nikolai warned. “If there is another heartrender on the ship, then I’m sure they aren’t happy with us, so stay sharp.”

“There’s no need. My qualms aren’t with you.” A girl stepped into view from the captain’s quarters. He hadn’t even realized the door was open. She looked to be around his age–seventeen or eighteen.

She stepped over the dead captain, standing in front of them, clearly not afraid. Nikolai grabbed his pistol, Tamar and Tolya wielding their respective weapons as well. It was no use. Had she wanted him dead, she wouldn’t have come out. She could have easily had the three of them down in seconds. No this was a personal vendetta against the captain.

“Why?” Tamar asked.

“So that I can get off of this stupid fucking boat.”

[darkdemeter]

DARK FEATHERS (REQUEST TEASER) ────────────────

Horsemen x Crowfather's Heir! GN Reader ↳ a request submitted by @screechinginthevoid I'm (currently) working on. Unsure when to say this one will be coming out, it's gonna be quite long I imagine considering that I want to implement a lot of lore and history into this one, even from the book. Hopefully you enjoy this teaser though Jer! and know that I am working on this piece bit by bit!

As your first introduction with the four, it had been accidental at best. Honest. You never meant to intrude on your dear father or his business with the Nephilim soldiers and their commander. 

You entered their lives like a breath of fresh air. One they could finally swallow without fearing it would poison their lungs on the next gulp, that it didn’t taste of bitter ash and desolation. 

True and raw beauty incarnate, a mold of flawed perfection, so fragile and regal with a frightful innocence they cannot help but become allured by. 

Though utterly blindsighted to the improper enthrallment of their attention on you, the Crowfather sternly clears the ragged chimney of his old throat, beckoning the glowing orchestra of eyes to him again. And in turn, it brings you out from your own stupor, cheeks warmed to a degree you didn’t know was possible. 

“I finished inscribing those tomes for you.” Your voice is a euphoric and blended splendor of everything Heaven denied them. 

How could they have been warded off by the Keeper of Secrets from something so undeniably divine? 

“Good. You have done well, my child,” croaks the Crowfather. For the first time since they dared to step foot in his domain and obtain his audience, they saw the Old One’s lips fold into a tender smile. 

With a small bow of your head you then turn your eyes, shyly allowing your gaze to take in the four standing at the bottom of the darkened steps. 

“Dad,” you whisper lowly, sinking down to level yourself to where he sat on his throne. “Who are they?” 

“They are…” He hesitates a moment, eyes shrivelled into a narrowed vision as they flitter back and forth. The last thing he’d wish for is to scare you despite the terrible need of such an emotion. It will grant you a better understanding of the worlds and universe around you when you eventually take your place on the Veiled Throne of Secrets. 

“I shall explain later, child. Now off you go.” His long and jagged nail points forth in a direction that urges you with firm banishment. You knew that tone better than any living creature. His dismissal came in a coldly played act, a ploy meant to deceive any perception of your close relation to the Keeper; to protect you. 

“Y-yes, Crowfather.” 

You make good on his command and hastily walk towards the chamber’s archway, doing your best to hide your face from the Nephilim as you pass by them. You have to ignore the heated trance of their eyes following you as you do, failing when you let your eyes drift aside and make contact; an intimate fusion between which grants you a peeking view into the depths of their souls.

A mere stolen glance turned into a keen and flustered fascination. Forbidden and yet so desirably wanted all within one moment. One observant and not so secret study. So much for being the inheritor of the very one who upholds that principle. 

Your footfall fades into the distance and eventually the darkened trail of your robe reminiscent of the Keeper’s himself disappears out of sight. 

“I wasn’t aware that the Keeper of Secrets harboured a ward under his care.” Death says this with a lowered drawl that strums the deepened cords of his voice like a rustic purr. The Crowfather sneers, hearing the belittling snicker in the commander’s tone. 

Strife adds with a velveted chuckle, his body arched forward with a laced pounce, “And a rather fine looking one at that.”

Your father’s nails ring with a scraping claw against the stone arms of his throne, long and square teeth bared by his ferocious temper to restrain himself. The nerve of these insufferable creatures…

The four began to run errands for your father. Their presence came and went through the Veil and fortress. Attending jobs that required their expertise and skills, their other objectives that you suspect were related to their kin became abandoned, instead favoured by these visits. Whether to actually get into the good graces of your father or to have some excuse to run into you, you didn’t have a clue. 

Because of these visitations, it was expected that you would have your run-ins with the four, almost chased around as you meant to go about your business. Furthermore when affections began to rise it was also very futile for the Crowfather to intervene. Somehow your young heart was set as was the four Nephilim that pursued you.

[motherstone]

WAVERIDER THOUGHTS

This will be long, and nasty. I may be yapping nonsense myself, and ngl this was all written in a fit of emotion, so it may be biased as all fuck. SPOILERS EVERYWHERE. Read further at your own choice.

Kazu, the neglectful, crappy father of his characters

Yeah, no, it’s been a long-time issue of his. Every new book has a new character. Not much of a problem if you're establishing the world - it’s a big one if you’re ending a story. See, the point of a finale isn’t to get us invested in new characters, it’s about giving a satisfying conclusion to your old. And not necessarily purely conclusive either! Some characters still have some journey to walk, but what matters is that you could read what happened to them, be at peace with how they went.

Kazu wrote the finale as if he’s writing 16 more books.

Let’s see the line-up shall we?

Trellis - has been hyped up being the true king, has been trying to get people stop believing in the false king, would not shut the fuck up about the well-being of the elves for several books.

Ending: Changed his mind last minute and gave up the throne.

Vigo - a flawed mentor. Kinda useless. Tries to be a guiding force and emotional support.

Ending: Dies in the most pointless and jarring way possible.

Aly - has exhibited great leadership qualities, is a good friend to Navin.

Ending: she wasn’t even there.

Etc etc. and that’s THREE of them so far, and it’s disastrous. Their conclusions were poor and nonsensical, the narrative portrays them as foolish and ignorant, and basically just treated their entire journey of 8 books as worthless and with little to no growth. Which is just yonkers. The main players don’t play in the final part, and the supporting casts are pretty much not supporting.

Then there’s the NEW cast.

No, sorry, I can’t stand them. They’re not appealing to me, we barely know anything about them except they’re apparently competent and we’re supposed to accept that they’re gonna be the better, newer generation of the Guardian Council? Because the story says so?

Why put new characters to play a part where your established characters can fill in perfectly? At least those established characters already have something ESTABLISHED, thus the payoff is more impactful ,especially if you fit them properly into the role. I never even gave a crap about Cielis and there needing to be a new Guardian Council, I always got the impression in book 4 that it was supposed to be the waning era of stonekeepers, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE MOTHERSTONE WAS STOLEN, THERE’S LITTLE OF IT LEFT, THERE ISN’T A NEW MOTHERSTONE IN CANON, APPARENTLY ENDED UP FORGOTTEN BY EVERYONE ELSE DESPITE BEING A POWERFUL ARTIFACT, AND STONEKEEPERS ARE TOO DANGEROUS FOR THE WORLD OF ALLEDIA. IN GENERAL.

All in all, the book feels like it’s trying to shove and rub these new guys all over my face, trying to get me to love them.

Gabilan, or just make Gulfen a democracy at this point

I'm gonna be for real though, I don't think Gabilan is the best guy for the job. Just because he was "kinda" right about stonekeepers doesn't mean he's a leader, and I don't think someone who kills people for a living, profits off of war, violates people's minds and steals their memories and ruin their lives, and arrogantly believes he has the judgment and say on who gets to keep which memories would be anyone's first choice to rule the country at its most desperate either. He’s sharp, yes, but moral? He has the moral backbone of a fucking chocolate eclair. A guy like that would not treat the people under him with the right to choose, when so many of his actions involve violating other people. If that’s THEIR next best choice after Trellis, Gulfen is fucked.

It's also kinda frustrating. Gabilan gets ONE reference to how he intends to be King, while Trellis gets references that he's the true king for several books, people desiring he make a better people out of the elves, had enemies trying to kill him to prevent him from taking the throne like the VOICE himself, only for the narrative to never even follow through it? 

The story can't seem to make up its mind either. "Stonekeepers in power are bad because they keep seeking to control others and are bad at maintaining control, so you shouldn't be King. That's why you should get an even higher, greater authority so now you're the leader of the Guardian Council!" 😩 make it make sense? 

Ronin, or how to make supervillains

Kazu has a bad understanding of how people work by how he wrote Ronin. Iffy enough that Ronin is retconned to be alive, her method on raising these stonekeepers is to be heavily scrutinized. I’ll be controversial here, but Ronin sucks as a person.

That’s NOT how you treat people, especially when they’re asking for help, even if they wronged you. That’s prioritizing your pride over what’s needed to be done.

Keeping kids in an isolated area, even with their consent, scaring off locals from their livelihood so you could have THEIR resources instead, and then scaring them into not bothering are all shitty things to do. If I didn’t have context, I’d genuinely think she’s trying to make a cult.

She didn’t create a better generation of youth, she created an ECHO CHAMBER. Their interaction with other people who isn’t them are limited and only under her monitoring, they don’t get to have the support and interaction of a wider community, they have fights, she induces them to lose control on purpose (even for training, that’s basically like having someone HAVE breakdowns so they’d “handle breakdowns better”), the young stonekeepers only interact with HER beliefs and HER teachings.

She’s arrogant as all fuck. 

The worst part is that the narrative doesn’t treat this as bad, just flawed, which is anything but 💀

To use @/gofancyninjaworld analysis, which is semi-realistic ngl, what Ronin did was plant seeds for these kids to be supervillains.

A sense of isolation

It’s bad enough that having overwhelming power alienates stonekeepers from most people, Ronin’s method of training has them explicitly stay in an area where the range of people they could interact with are greatly limited to Ronin and their fellow students. Sure, they interact with some civilians, but in an unbalanced way, purely in a savior and rescuee way, nothing else. This gives them sparse experience in the give-and-take interactions in a society, because for all they know, water only flows downwards.

A sense of superiority. It's not good to be considered 'gifted' and to be set aside from others. 

A sense of entitlement to rule.

Which Ronin further reinforced by planting into their heads that they’re the new Guardian   Council eventually, despite having little experience in leading. What happened to “rejecting a seat on the Council because she felt the responsibility at her age was too great”? And that was when she was an older teen. These guys are younger than she was offered.

Access to the means to do so.

The quarry, their stones, and their inevitable ascension to be the new Council.

So basically all she did was groom overly powerful kids with induced breakdowns, with heads too big for their bodies, with very little connection to the wider world to ground them in their thinking and humanity, basically four bombs that could and would inevitably go off. Cool. Any one of 'em could wind up becoming a totalitarian menace. Y'know how spoiled entitled billionaire bastards exists? It's almost virtually the same process.

Interacting with regular people AS regular people, not just as savior or leader is important. It grounds you. It teaches you there’s a variety of people, who won’t always be the perfect victim, who are not necessarily evil but are bad, who are not intentionally malicious but just incompetent, among other things. Application is the real teacher here - the more exposed you are to other people, the better you’d be able to handle them.

Emily, the monster, the savior, the next Buddha

Can’t make up its mind whether to condemn Emily or if she’s the next best thing since sliced fucking bread. Apparently, self-confidence is her issue, not her arrogance or survivor's guilt.

Not to mention her powers came outta nowhere. It’s like she discovers enlightenment, and that was what allowed her to properly control her powers.

Defeats the entire theme of needing other people and that not every outcome is reliant on ONE person’s actions, BY DOING EVERYTHING BY HERSELF, AGAIN!

God, I wish I could say more, but I skipped some of Emily’s parts because reading it was as tedious and agonizing as threading on cold mud. I can’t help but cringe at every dialogue.

The Voice, or how to NOT make a supervillain

…. I don’t even know what to say. Poor Ikol, a victim of the most indecisive and sloppy writing of  a villain I’ve seen, I actually feel genuinely fucking bad. I don’t even know where to begin with this dude, he’s just one whole confusing set of contradicting depictions and motivations.

Riva, or how to get a restraining order in 2 fucking seconds

If I were Trellis and told me the same words Riva said, I’d bolt as far as quickly as I possibly can away from her. That’s creepy, full stop.

I think this was kazu's way to prevent fans from shipping Emily and Trellis by a.) aging up Trellis because that’s the only explanation I could think of (even though he said a few times on twitter that he's the elf equivalent of 16) and b.) to get him together with Riva.

The way Kazu went about it is too insane for me. "Hey, I had a vision of you and me having babies and you became a great leader, let's get together" 💀 that's no basis for any healthy relationship, or any relationship at all that isn't transactional 😵. What is this?

On the other hand, he doesn't respect Riva as a character at all. A character becoming a love interest and a parent isn't a bad thing in of itself, but he wrote Riva so impactfully and charismatically in book 6 - she's one of the few rare elf characters, and a girl elf character to boot, is an established leader, was the daughter of an immigrant and knows all the hardship that comes with it, not to mention hails from a city that Cielis outcasted and abandoned because of their fear and prejudice but she compassionately takes care of the people there anyway.

There's so many interesting and compelling storylines with the foundations he made Riva with, and he focuses on getting Riva to get Trellis to get together with her 😵 she gets reduced from a character with plenty of potential to a character that exists purely to uplift another. That's just depressing. Riva and Trellis deserve better.

Who? Navin. We all forgot about fucking Navin

Actually, I’m pretty sure Kazu forgot about Navin up until the last second. The fact I forgot until he came up on the page speaks for itself on how bad the writing problem was. He plays almost no parts at all. He doesn’t even GET to be a leader properly. He was there to get punched, didn’t even GET to help Emily or anybody else.

The Ending

……………………………………………………………………………………

If Older Emily could time travel with the Void, why didn’t she just eliminate Ikol herself instead of leaving it to our current Emily? Oh, and Vigo jarringly dies and sacrifices himself in the most pointless way possible.

All in all, Kazu - world’s most terrible chef

BAN HIM FROM THE KITCHEN 🔥🔥💯💯🔊🔊🗣️😩😩 HE CAN'T COOK.

Bad? I knew it was gonna be bad at the cover alone, ut no way I could've predicted it was THIS atrocious. It’s not the medium’s fault either, you can’t claim that the medium limited what Kazu had to say - Kazu created comics for a living. He has more than a decade of experience, made dozens of pages, by now, he knows YOU CAN’T WASTE A PAGE. Every panel is important. It’s not the medium's fault for being short, it’s Kazu’s for being sloppy. 

He has an editor. He has a studio, he has a team, he has several copies of his series, he has claimed he has reread them over and over. He has no excuse to be this inconsistent and directionless. So what the fuck are they doing? Do they just sit there and draw? No quality or consistency check? 

Honestly, if he says it was executive meddling, if he was just tired of Amulet and just wanted it over, if it was because of medical reasons - I could accept all those reasons. I could forgive why the series wound up as it is, they’re all reasons I could understand. A decline in quality on purpose I’d understand because that can be fixed. A better employer, a better work schedule, better accommodations.

What I will not accept, if he genuinely believes this. Is. GOOD. WRITING. BECAUSE IT’S NOT. That’s either a lie, an in-denial belief, or just plain ol’ ignorance. That’s just pure arrogance to me. You drop this slop on my feet, 300 pages of yapped nonsense and try to convince me it’s gold? Fuck no. I deserve better, we deserve better, the kids who read your books deserve better. There’s no fixing that kind of thinking.

Am I too harsh? Yes. But I need to let all of these out. Am I kinda biased and a lil incomprehensible? Yes, but I don't care. If you enjoyed it, good for you! But it’s not for me. For closure, I’m nursing whatever shit I try to fix with a rewrite. Kazu already nuked the playground - might as well take a page from his book and do whatever I want like he did.

[atopvisenyashill]

since falling into my hotd brainrot ive been reminded of one of my gripes which is this misunderstanding that daenerys lived in "abject poverty" (to use the language from an ask you got not that long ago) before her introduction and this is just... not true?

That was when they lived in Braavos, in the big house with the red door. Dany had her own room there, with a lemon tree outside her window. After Ser Willem had died, the servants had stolen what little money they had left, and soon after they had been put out of the big house. Dany had cried when the red door closed behind them forever."

people living in abject poverty don't have access to servants or their own rooms. does this mean their time here would equal the upbringing viserys and daenerys would have had in the red keep? absolutely not. for one thing, daenerys wasn't tutored by a maester or septa which is pretty standard for most noble children of a similar standing, let alone a princess.

They had wandered since then, from Braavos to Myr, from Myr to Tyrosh, and on to Qohor and Volantis and Lys, never staying long in any one place. Her brother would not allow it. The Usurper's hired knives were close behind them, he insisted, though Dany had never seen one.

they would have needed coin for those ships.

At first the magisters and archons and merchant princes were pleased to welcome the last Targaryens to their homes and tables, but as the years passed and the Usurper continued to sit upon the Iron Throne, doors closed and their lives grew meaner. Years past they had been forced to sell their last few treasures, and now even the coin they had gotten from Mother's crown had gone. 

what happened with ser willem was absolutely terrible but this idea that daenerys and viserys were living on the streets is inaccurate when their targaryen name is what allowed them to live with the likes of magisters and merchant princes. nor was this something that happened overnight, as indicated by the "years past". they also had "treasures" (meaning jewels) which again no person living in abject poverty would have. those treasures were a lifeline for them but it was a lifeline that a character like nettles never has.

Her brother Viserys had once feasted the captains of the Golden Company, in hopes they might take up his cause. They ate his food and heard his pleas and laughed at him. Dany had only been a little girl, but she remembered. "I have sellswords too."

people living in abject poverty don't feast captains.

it just irks me because when you compare it to the details of nettles' life, it feels wrong to me to believe that both these girls lived in abject poverty. that was nettles. that being said though, that doesn't mean daenerys had an easy time living in exile with viserys. he was a monster to her and she deserves sympathy for that. but while daenerys and nettles' upbringings were similarly tragic (orphaned etc), they were still worlds apart in their differing levels of privilege. it also irks me when they try to use this to compare daenerys to sansa (funny how its often just sansa and not the other starks)

yeah those are all definitely good points. as you say, I don't want to discount that Daenerys had an incredibly stressful childhood (to say the least), much more stressful than The Average Noble by far because she and viserys were actively thinking about and worrying over where their next meal will come from, how to keep a roof over their heads, and they aren't learning jack shit because they don't have a maester, a guardian, a parent, or a single person in all of Essos looking out for them. but it's also like. first of all, we have two canon characters that actually do experience real poverty, the first being davos though he doesn't experience it on page and the second being arya - she's actively avoiding capitalizing on the stark name so she's actually living the life someone who is born poor would live.

and one thing about dany's life - which i've touched on before re: noble girls getting sold in marriages in what a previous anon referred to as slavery - but her last name and the class she was born into if not the class she lived in cannot be disentangled from the life she lived. i pointed it out there that for example, if poor jeyne poole found some dragon eggs in the crypts, used ramsay's dead body to hatch them, and started burning shit down, she's just not amassing the sort of following dany would because she doesn't have the name. and you can see that directly with Nettles, as you point out - despite everyone seeing clearly that Nettles manages to claim Sheepstealer, has a strong bond with her dragon, because she's lowborn and Not White (and not even an acceptable Not White, like dornish, but some ~random brown girl~ from nowhere with no claim to any specific heritage in canon) she's still seen as a temptress, a whore, a witch, all because she claimed a dragon and had some old married dude following her around. dany and viserys regularly trade away their jewels, hype up their titles and heritage, in an attempt to gain basic necessities and this is certainly a marked difference from the way other nobles have lived and important but arya, gendry, hot pie, lommy - they don't get that. lommy just gets killed. and he's not even running his mouth the way viserys is in vaes dothrak. he's just a dumb kid whose leg is broken and asks to be carried and he's murdered for it. hot pie is a normal ass kid who has to learn how to defend himself because it's literally life or death while dany regularly has some sort of guard protecting her.

and again - it's not to say dany doesn't experience a lot of trauma and instability that other nobles will never face that gives her an understanding of violence and war that others don't have. but just like you can't say she was truly "sold" as a slave to drogo because her class is tied to the concept of these nobly born child brides, it's not exactly true that she lives in abject poverty either. it's something a lot more complex than that.

[clonerightsagenda]

HDM Season 1 Episode 2:

So far the child actors have been pretty good! That's always a crapshoot, and given the nature of the story, they can't age them up very much. I bet they had a blast shooting some of the early scenes running around Oxford. The children yearn for the catacombs.

(Speaking of which, Asriel bringing back (allegedly) Grumman's head makes a lot more sense with the reminder that scholars are buried that way.)

Outside of Oxford, the world looks very modern. It's not quite clear what era it is in Lyra's world since their tech developed so differently from ours. Are the calendars running in perfect parallel to Will's world? If they ever mentioned who's on the throne that would help, but I don't think they ever do. Is there even a king/queen, or is it just the Magisterium?

Following Roger's experiences being stolen and the gyptians' quest to find the missing children is a good adaptational move. In the book we're told the gyptians have been working on this, but here we see it, which reinforces that they don't just show up when the plot needs to get Lyra North somehow.

The show is doing a lot of work to set Mrs. Coulter up as a complex character early. She comes across as way more overtly villainous in book one. Frankly the actress might be overdoing it with some of her tortured pauses. Also lmao at Lyra getting hired/adopted and during her first breakfast her new boss/mom mentions she wants to kill herself sometimes. Lyra: … Anyway starts eating breakfast

While Mrs. Coulter seems to want Lyra as a decorative ornament in the book, it seems like she's more interested in training her as a minion here.

Ma Costa is a lot more distraught than she was in the book but honestly, fair. Her child is missing. And it's possible she just did a good job of hiding her emotions from Lyra so as to not stress her out more.

The religious symbol for the Magisterium looks quite sinister! And sort of like a biohazard sign. If this is a legit piece of Catholic iconography, sorry.

The show is drawing a lot of attention to Mrs. Coulter being able to go a large distance from her daemon. That's hinted at once or twice in the first book, but I don't remember it ever being explained? They're not severed, because iirc they almost sever them to power a bomb in a later book. Since the sequel series either retconned (uncharitable) or expanded (charitable) the lore about how frequent separation is, maybe that's the case here. She certainly has enough internal conflict for it to be a possibility.

Wow, we're dropping the Lord Boreal dual identities worldhopping situation early. I thought that would be a much later reveal. It explains something though - I thought it was odd that we didn't see his daemon much in earlier scenes, but I suppose he's in the habit of hiding it.

That's a different way of doing the dad reveal! Lessens the lore dumps later on, I suppose

Ok, they did the Mrs. Coulter scene later. I think that steals a lot of the punch, but it lets new viewers stew in trying to figure out how dangerous she is longer. I'm not sure why the kids would buy her sales pitch after they got dragged away with nets, though.

Whoah, they actually killed the journalist? Good way to establish the rules of killing someone's daemon, I suppose.

What's the deal with the hypnotic fox daemon? I don't remember anything like that.

[queeenpersephone]

20 questions for 20 writers

tagged by @katebishopofearth ilysm lizzy <3

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 53

2. What’s your total AO3 word count? 455,252 (almost half a mil)

3. What fandoms do you write for? so many. predominately, marvel, the x files, shadow and bone, the librarians, the umbrella academy, game of thrones (a few years ago). but i have a few i've only written one or two fics for.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos? like one of yours, ye multitudinous ocean (pjo) (2283 kudos) - delicate (marvel) (2005 kudos) - are you there, chloe? it's me, god (lucifer) (1428 kudos) - it will be a heaven of black-red roses (marvel) (1208 kudos) - a ring around the moon (s&b) (1170 kudos). the crazy thing? the top one i posted this year.

5. Do you respond to comments? ALWAYS. nearly every one, even if it's just 'this was great'. i only don't reply if it's just emojis (which are still appreciated! i just don't know what to say lol) or if it's like a rude demand for sequels or to update. i don't mind asking for a sequel, but just be nice about it.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? ooo that's hard. objectively though, it has to be the whole thing would fracture which is a strange daisy x coulson fic (agents of shield) where daisy, inspired by watching doctor who with fitzsimmons, causes the apocalypse when coulson is killed.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? that's a really hard question! new years day in terms of payoff (ironwidow) and now when weather turns to may (all my sisters fly to me) (doctor who, companions traveling together without the doctor) in terms of canon divergence lol. it's the epitome of everyone lives, nobody dies.

8. Do you get hate on fics? not very frequently! i think i'm in good fandoms (or good parts of fandoms at least) it's shocking considering that i ship some pretty touchy ships. i think i've gotten the most on ironwidow fics tbh. i always delete it without responding so i think that's why i get so little - zero interaction policy.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? oh yeah, although i held out for a long time. what kind? like mildly explicit? it's usually in a darker context, i suppose.

10. Do you write crossovers? i have! and forth he hastened (and grasped at moonbeams glistening), which is a lotr/game of thrones crossover. it was for a friend - i don't typically like crossovers, but it was fun!

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? yep - i've had some very kind people reach out to inform me, and i've always been successful in taking them down.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? yes! it's a huge compliment.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? yes! one. it's since been removed as my friend took down all of her work due to receiving hate

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship? this is pretty much an impossible question. if you put a gun to my head, i would still say it's a tie between the doctor and rose and natasha and tony. the doctor and rose changed my brain chemistry, and ironwidow basically taught me how to write.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? ooo i have this game of thrones soulmate!au where sansa's soulmates (one romantic, three platonic) are varys, jon, petyr, and daenerys. i have the whole timeline, and i posted three parts of it in a series. i genuinely love the concept so much and i've written a lot for it, but my love of the show took a huge hit in s8 and i don't plan on writing more of it.

16. What are your writing strengths? i think i'm pretty talented at dialogue. i've written poetry my whole life, so poetic descriptions are kinda my thing.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? there's so many things to improve on! general descriptiveness, getting better at showing emotions instead of telling them. writing longer stories is definitely difficult for me.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? i've done it, but infrequently. i don't even like indicators of accent (ie, strollin' instead of strolling) i think it can be offensive very easily. except endearments! love endearments in other languages, but i usually do some research to make sure i'm accurate.

19. First fandom you wrote for? i THINK harry potter? or pirates of the caribbean. fanfiction.net is down so i can't check. no i will not be telling y'all my fanfic.net handle it's better this way.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written? hi this is an impossible question. holistically, it's probably like one of yours, ye multitudinous ocean, a pjo fic that was ripped from my soul either this year. i believe it's one of the best things i've ever written, and has also gotten the best response of any fic i've written. in terms of plot, easily new year's day, which is a marvel rewrite with ironwidow as the focus. the yellow roses of texas (fiveya) is the most symbolic, layered, complex fic i've ever written and i love it to death. honestly, and it's gimmicky to say, i wrote a fic for the sorcerer's apprentice when i was 13 (with a mary sue OC and everything) that had a great response on fanfic.net and it made me want to do this for the rest of my life. so yeah. maybe that one.

yay i loved this! thank you again lizzy for tagging me.

Tagging: @rappaccini, @baronessblixen, @hedgehodgy, @gingerteaonthetardis, @imissthembutitwasntadisaster,

@impulsive-astrophile, @scullysflannel @repeatinglitanies, @scullysexual @thatfragilecapricorn30

pretty sure all these folks write/have in the past! feel free to ignore <3

[simpyshrimpy]

Not me dropping vil crumbs after being afk for god knows how long. anyways i love vil thanks. also yes this is for the demon fox au sometimes i just want to write about pretty boys. also i cant stop thinking about this scene with vil and kumiko sending him fan letters of encouragement after neige appears. bby i love you.

Vil Schoenheit was a prince. An elven prince. He was renowned for his immense beauty and grace, both of which he inherited from his rather famous father who dabbled in theater acting and his mother who was the noble lady many referred to as "the most beautiful".

Even Vil's adoptive brother was incredibly beautiful, even if he was a human...

Vil hated Niege Leblanche. Or rather, since his mother brought him home, it would be Neige Leblanche Schoenheit.

That was the beginning of Neige stealing everything from him. First his name... then his mother... then the people of his country... and then even the title handed to him on a silver platter.

"The fairest of them all."

He used to be- he was the product of two of the most attractive people on the continent arguably. Admittedly he himself stole that title from his mother, but she never cared for it as much as Vil did.

That was his title. His.

It seemed that the only thing that Neige wasn't able to take from Vil was his father. Thank goodness to that, too. Vil may have gone mad if that were the case as well. Vil simmered in his hate for Neige for less than a month, though, before receiving a letter.

The letter went as such:

"To the fairest of them all, Vil Schoenheit,

I hope this letter finds you well, though I doubt it. I've heard your mother recently took in a human boy... Now, I don't quite hate humans. They're rather amazing, resilient things, however... my heart does go out to you... it's completely ridiculous- the things that I've been hearing of. I've spoken to your father about such things and he as well expresses his sadness. Firstly, your mother's blatant neglect since taking in that human kid. Secondly, the fact that your servants as well will forget about you the second Neige walks in. And even thirdly, that people dare speak of Neige being better for the throne than you."

The letter wasn't finished. But Vil took a moment to stop and calm himself a bit. He knew well all of those things. Especially that last one. An elf's ears are especially keen- but Vil exceeds that. He's always had an ear for gossip.

"In regards to those things, I want to say... well they're dumb. Completely dumb and ridiculous. I've never been more drivin' up the wall than with all of this nonsense. I'm on your side Vil. I'm declaring myself your #1 fan. Don't let their words get to you, and don't give in to the hate either.

It's all well and good to hate them, but if you begin to let it get to you too much you'll lose your beauty for sure. Hate makes all things ugly. I know that too well. Neige has stolen a lot from you, unjustly, but its not his fault entirely as well. His blame lies in the side that is terribly ignorant and unbothered by the suffering of those around him. For him to claim so blatantly that you two are brothers and that he loves you- all the while blind to the very pain you feel. That is his problem. He may be as sweet as he wants, never harming even a fly, but that ignorance of him makes him just as bad.

Like I said though, it's not just him. The people to flock to him, disregarding their respect for you over a pretty new toy- those people are in the wrong too.

I know you're angry. One day even, that anger might consume you despite my words. But I hope that, instead of holding that anger in till the point it bubbles over into an incurable poison, you might instead confide in me- your number one fan.

I'll always be on your side. As will the people who truly love you, like your father. It would bring me great joy if we started to exchange letters just like this. Of course, you don't have to if you don't want to, but the offer will always be there.

Love,

Your #1 Fan, Kurama

P.S. That is not my real name, I just made it up, just thought I should let you know.

P.P.S. Neige isn't even that cute I literally do not get why everyone thinks he's prettier than you it's unreal. Do these people not have eyes?????"

The letter thusly ended, and for the first time in a long time, Vil laughed as though all of his worries melted away.

[el-gilliath]

Thank you to the always lovely @andrea-lyn for tagging me on this. I don't do a lot of these any more, but they are always fun!

1. How many works do you have on Ao3? 41. I could have more if all my WIP's or blurbs were posted though

2. What's your total Ao3 word count? 228, 700. For 41 fics, I will take it.

3. What fandoms do you write for? None, at the moment. But The Old Guard and RNM could always tempt me back.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos? 1. Not complete without you (Joe/Nicky) 2. Of Trickery and Love Confessions (Steve/Danny) 3. Tumblr Ficlets (Mics) 4. I Thought You Didn't Love Me (Michael/Alex) 5. Because I Could Not Stop For Death (Michael/Alex)

5. Do you respond to comments? Yes I do. Sometimes it takes me forever, but at some point I will always respond.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Well there's always Sacrifice, my RNM fic where Alex dies.... I'm not gonna link it because people yell at me when they read that hehe.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Most of my fic have a somewhat happy ending, but probably Nachos which was a fun little one shot for the love of my life @christchex

8. Do you get hate on fics? Sure do. But I don't really mind, I find it funny that people get so invested that they just have to tell me they hate something. I'm weird like that.

9. Do you write smut? I do!

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you have written? I have written a crossover between Hannibal and RNM with @winged-fool called i know he knows that he’s killing me for mercy. I love that fic. And also You Take Me Home To Glory's Throne which is a Pacific Rim/Old Guard crossover witten with @andrea-lyn. One of my favorite passages ever written is in this fic.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not to my knowledge

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Nope

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes! i know he knows that he’s killing me for mercy and You Take Me Home To Glory's Throne

14. What's your all time favorite ship? Harry/Draco or Angel/Spike are ships I always come back to so those, probably. But I have so many

15. What is a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? It's not online any more so I won't mention it.

16. What are your writing strengths? Flow of language and pain. I like angst, okay.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? Battle scenes and heavy exposition.

18. Thoughts of writing dialogue in another language in fics? I don't mind that at all. Preferably one I speak but with a good translator I don't mind others either.

19. First fandom you wrote for? Harry Potter or Buffy.

20. Favorite fic you have written? Not complete without you. Making @andrea-lyn cry was the highlight of my writing career. And no, I am not joking. That fic just works in a way I don't know if I ever want to recreate.

I'm not gonna tag anyone but I would love for @winged-fool to do it :) So I guess I did tag you. Moahaha

[bananadrinkxxx]

THE BLOOD CROWN

PART 12

AEMOND FANFICTION

"I can't let Rhaenyra lose another child,"

Aemond heard his mother say, softly, dejected and exhausted. Her voice was weak. But she wasn't. His mother was the strongest woman Aemond knew. Sacrificing her youth for the crown, always dutiful and always righteous, she had been a great support to the kingdom. Unlike his half-sister, who only did what she wanted. Took what she didn't deserve.

"Rhaenyra is aware of the consequences of her actions, my dear child. It's not your responsibility to protect her."

"Is she? I'm not sure. From her point of view, we have stolen something from her. That letter, was it a good idea?"

Even though Aemond had nothing but bitter feelings for Rhaenyra, Aemond understood his half-sister to some extent. Even if he was convinced that she was not entitled to the throne, he still understood her situation. His father had appointed Rhaenyra as heir to the throne and had never deviated from it. And on the evening of his death, after he had even defended Rhaenyra's position at court by preferring his nephew, a bastard without any doubt, to someone who stood before him in birthright, the truth tasted bitter. But Aemond believed his mother. Probably, shortly before his death, his father had a clear flash of insight that showed him that his decision to name his daughter as heir to the throne not only broke the law, but also threatened to split the kingdoms.

"It is the final warning. Either Rhaenyra accepts Aegon as the rightful ruler or her absence will be seen as rebellion. Even if it's just stubborn behavior on her part, enemies of the crown, will see her lack of acceptance as justification to take up arms against Aegon."

"Rhaenyra's pride is hurt but she will not risk the downfall of this realm."

"That's very naive thinking, Alicent. Rhaenyra would be willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the throne. The moment you show weakness," Otto warned, "she will take everything from you. Take everything from us. And don't forget who is standing by her side. Daemon has proven that he thirsts for blood and war. Are the lives of your children so unimportant to you?"

Aemond heard a bang. It sounded like the palm of a hand hitting a flat object. "You shame me with your words, father. My children mean everything to me. They are my priority. They will always be my priority."

It was true that his mother often seemed cool and distant. Often enough it was hard to understand her, often he had misunderstood her reactions, misinterpreted her, but at the same time he adored this woman. She was hard to read but her righteousness, her loyalty, her honesty and her modesty, were an example for every depraved soul. And when he had been hurt, she was the only one who had fought for him. She was ready to cut out a child's eye so that justice could be restored to him. He would never forget her love and kindness. Her will to fight for him.

"And yet you underestimate Rhaenyra's desire for power. Rhaenyra is gathering allies around her. Right now. In this minute. I am amazed that you still rate your friend as innocent."

"I don't rate her as innocent!," Alicent scolded. He had never heard his mother talk like that. She always had a calm, deliberate tone.

He knew that this conversation was not meant for his ears. He had not intended to eavesdrop. It had been a coincidence that he heard this conversation. The door was only slightly ajar when he went to visit his mother. He had not known that his grandsire was already with her. And now he stood here, in secret, listening to a conversation that was not meant for his ears.

"And yet you refuse to accept the situation as it is."

"As it is...?"

"Aegon must defend his position. He must not show any weakness. Unfortunately, you are still, the only one to whom Viserys has revealed the change in his will. Officially, Rhaenyra is still the appointed heiress, which means that her submission is the most important part of Aegon's position."

"This is not news to me. I am aware of it."

"Then surely you are also aware, should Rhaenyra not give a satisfactory answer by the next moon, we will have to have Lucerys executed."

Alicent made a gasping sound. She seemed upset, grieving. Aemond knew that her main concern was not for Lucerys but for Rhaenyra. Even though the two were enemies, Aemond knew of the deep bond and friendship the two women had shared in their youth.

"I can't."

"You wrote it down yourself."

"Yes but to do it is an complete different thing."

Aemond hated Lucerys. Since taking his eye, he had had no other feeling for his nephew, yet the prospect of his execution tasted bitter on his tongue.

"And still the only way when-"

"No. She already lost a child, I can't-"

"The miscarriage wasn't our fault, you-"

"You know I'm not talking about this regrettable incident. I'm talking about her daughter. Her first daughter!," Alicent's voice boomed. "It's wrong. So wrong."

Then he heard his mother crying. She was sobbing, he could hear the pain, feel it in every pore, it was heartbreaking and Aemond couldn't bear it any longer. He had heard enough. Aemond moved away from the door.

Her first daughter.

Aemma Velaryon.

A name he had not thought of in a long time. A name that he had associated from his memory, just like the girl that had once carried it.

The girl who disappeared without a trace.

He had never paid much attention to her. She was just another bastard of Rhaenyra, who had pushed him only a little further from the throne.

Still, his memories of her were the most formative.

Aemond had been a little boy then. A dragonless little boy.

He had hoped then that one of Syrax's eggs would be for him, after the dragon of Rhaenyra had laid three dragon eggs just before Jacaerys was born. It would have been perfect. One for the child in her womb, the second for him, and the third for whomever. All that mattered was that he would receive an egg. He deserved it. He was pure blood. Pure valyrian blood.

He had fallen asleep every night dreaming of his dragon.

Only it had not been for him.

Prince Jacaerys had been born a healthy boy, with a strand of hair as black as coal. He had found it weird that he looked so different. So strange. But he didn't think any further about it. What was important was his egg. Aemond did know that the first egg wasn't for him. He knew it was for her first born. He had thought that he would receive the second, but no matter how long he had waited patiently, the wish had remained a wish.

It had not taken long for Rhaenyra to carry another child. Another bastard who got the dragon egg. But despite his bitterness, Aemond had remained patient until only two moons after Lucerys birth, Rhaenyra was again blessed with a child. Whereby it was more like a curse for Aemond. He had been ashamed of it at the time, but still he had hoped that Rhaenyra would lose the child. If this child did not exist, he would get his dragon.

Aemma Velaryon had been born sickly.

Too early and much too small. The spitting image of her brothers, the third bastard.

He had looked down on her. A small ugly thing, with a too small nose and too big eyes,wrapped thick in blankets, covering a lack of silver hair and Targaryen eyes.

Aemond had his eyes on the commander of the city watch, who had more in common with her than her supposed father Leanor Velaryon, who raved to the king about Aemma's enchanting nature.

He had wondered if they were blind. He had never seen such an ugly baby.

"Brown hair again," his mother had commented. "How fascinating."

He had noticed the hostile look between her and Rhaenyra. Maybe it was this moment when he understood for the first time that they were not family.

After that, she had left.

Aemond had not been in a hurry to leave. He had watched Aemma, watched her embrace the egg that should have been his.

He leaned over as far as he could and peered into the cradle holding the little baby with brown eyes.

She stared at him, fascinated. She had slept most of the time, now she gazed intently at him.

"Don't worry," Aegon had said, "she'll be dead soon. I overheard the midwives. She is weak. Then the egg is yours."

Aemond had not wanted her death and yet hope had taken hold of his heart. Hope of having an dragon. And then came shame.

Only she hadn't died.

As weak and frail and sickly as she had been, she simply hadn't died. And when they had placed the dragon egg in her cradle, it had been the first egg of the three to hatch. As if it were a sign that this one was meant for Aemma.

After that, Aemond had not had much to do with the little girl.

She was too young, too girlish, and yet he had never been able to take his eyes off her when she entered the room. Her laughter had set off a strange tingling inside him. With age, she had lost her ugliness. Her nose suddenly fit her face and her eyes were no longer too big.

Aemma had not been of great importance to him, and yet it felt strange when he learned of her disappearance. It saddened him, depressed him, and he had hoped that he would find her, on Vhagar, bring her home, as a hero on his heroic dragon.

He wondered what happens to her. To the little silly girl who was fascinated by fire and strange paper dragons. Maybe she was dead, as everyone assumed, swallowed up by the waves of the sea, reaching for the girl, which mistakenly called herself a Velaryon.

She did not deserve this death, if it had come to her.

Aemma, unlike her brothers, had had a good and pure heart. He remembered a situation that today he saw as a good deed but at the time he had misjudged. Ruined by her brothers ruined by her mother, he had believed only in the bad in her.

She had found him crying after her brothers and also his own brother had given him a pig, his new dragon, as they called it. Aemma had given him a paper dragon as a replacement for his dragon that didn't exist. "Here, until you own one." Aemond had stared in bewilderment at the white folded figure in her small hand."You can ride my dragon with me when he grows up," she had offered Aemond when he had been teased again by her brothers, still dragonless. 

He had pushed her, hurt her, she had cried, and he had felt guilty. After that, she had not spoken to him again.

They had not been present when Aemma disappeared. It was the night after his injury, after the loss of his eye. Aegon had called it the revenge of the Seven, but Aemond had wondered even then, if it had been the revenge of the Seven, why she had taken Aemma and not Lucerys with them.

Probably a question to which he would never get an answer.

He prayed for her safe return. Probably the first time he had prayed for someone other than himself. But his prayers had never been answered.

T̶H̶E̶ ̶B̶L̶O̶O̶D̶ ̶C̶R̶O̶W̶N̶

Rose had no idea how to start the conversation with Lucerys. She didn't even know if he wanted to see her. When she entered his chambers, he was sitting in his chair, his legs entwined, his head resting on his knee. Just like that time, she thought. Only this time he seemed thinner, frailer, weaker. The time in captivity had taken its toll on him.

She did not ask if she could enter. She went up to him and put the plate with the lemon cake on his table. Queen Helaena had said that was his favorite cake. Lucerys looked up in surprise. He hadn't heard her, or he had ignored her, expecting his enemies.

But Rose was not an enemy. Or was she?

"Is it true? Did Daemon attack you?," Lucerys surveyed. His eyes slid over her body as if searching for evidence.

"Yes, unfortunately, my prince."

"I'm sorry about that."

She now had the opportunity to lie. To make Prince Daemon look bad, but Rose didn't think that was a good idea. She didn't want to upset Lucerys, and even though the situation had been dangerous for her, she understood the Rogue Prince's anger.

"He seemed enraged. He demanded your release," she reported, folding her hands in front of her body.

Lucerys nodded. He didn't seem surprised.

"My stepfather is often guided by his emotions. It must have been an interesting conversation."

"It was quite brief, my prince."

Lucerys laughed and looked at the lemon cake. He took the spoon (they didn't dare give him a knife) and "cut" the cake in half.

"Hungry?" he asked, looking at her. Rose was surprised at his offer, but she declined with a smile.

"Thank you, my prince, but I can't. I am allergic to lemons."

Lucerys looked at her in surprise. Something flitted across his gaze, something unfamiliar, and for a brief moment she saw a look of pain in his eyes.

"Just like my sister."

"You have a sister?" Rose didn't know anything about that. She only knew about Lucerys' brothers.

"Some would say I had one, but I do not believe it."

"I must confess I do not understand, my prince."

The corner of Lucerys mouth pulled up slightly, but it did not seem like a smile.

"My sister, Aemma. She disappeared without a trace a few years ago."

"Your sister disappeared?"

Rose didn't know anything about that.

"She was very young. Everyone thinks she's dead, even my brother Jacaerys, but Mother and I are the only ones holding on to the fact that she's alive. They never found her body."

It sounded cruel. Not knowing what had happened to a loved one. To be constantly tormented with hope that this person was alive after all. Or was hope the only thing that kept you breathing?

"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure she's still alive so you can hold her in your arms again one day."

Lucerys gave her a warm look. Gratitude was in his eyes. He nodded. "I hope so. I'm just afraid I won't recognize her. Or that she won't recognize me. But sometimes I think I know what she would look like," he said, looking at Rose again. His gaze was intense. "You remind me of my sister. I imagine her the way you look. Your eyes, your hair, I think she would look like you."

Rose didn't know what to say.

"You're probably wondering what happened, aren't you?"

She nodded. Lucerys pointed to the seat next to her and Rose complied.

"We don't know ourselves. My sister should have been in her bed, asleep, protected from the world, and when my mother went to check on her, she was gone. Without a trace. We haven't seen her since."

That sounded cruel. "That must have been very hard."

Lucerys took a bite of the cake. "Yes, but it hit my mother the hardest."

Rose could imagine that.

"Tell me about your mother," Rose asked, smiling. Lucerys looked at her in surprise.

"You want to talk about my mother?"

Rose nodded. "Of course, if you wish.  I hear she's delightful. Realm's Delight, they call her."

"Not anymore, is it?"

"Hmm, now I guess it's more like Black Queen."

The Black Queen was by now a title known throughout the kingdom. But here at court, one was not allowed to put it in one's mouth unless one wanted to lose one's tongue.

"She shouldn't be called that. She is the true queen. Viserys appointed her as heiress."

"And if he changed his mind?" The possibility was there.

Lucerys looked at her angrily. "He hasn't. The Greens have always had it in for the throne."

"They're sitting on it now. Your mother isn't."

"They stole the throne from her."

"So you want her to take it back? Risk war?"

She hadn't been lying when she said the prospect of war didn't scare her. Most people would be frightened by the thought, but unlike her, most people still had something to lose as well. In her case, it would only be her own life. She didn't want to lose it, but sometimes she wondered if she wanted to grow old as a servant. The life of a servant was nothing to aspire to.

"The war would not have to be if they had not started it. Everything it does and will do is justified."

"And your death? Would that be justified, too? If she doesn't bend the knee."

Lucerys looked for a moment like he was going to burst into tears. As if the weight on his shoulders was becoming too heavy. He looked like a child longing only for his mother's embrace.

His lip trembled as he tried to smile.

"I would be ready. It's my mother's birthright. My brother's birthright," he murmured, but his voice was strong. "I'm not lying, of course I'm afraid. I'm afraid of death, but I have faith in my mother. She will do the right thing."

Rose had to admit that she was surprised at the love Lucerys felt for his mother. She couldn't say the same for herself. She had loved her mother, longed for her warmth and closeness, but no matter how hard she had fought for it, Rose had always felt that it had been one-sided. She had been sad when her mother had died, suddenly completely alone in this cruel world, but she had always known that her mother had meant more to her than she had meant to her mother. She knew that she would not have been willing to die for her mother.

But Lucerys would be. It is. He would do anything for his mother and suddenly Rose felt miserable. Lonely, abandoned. She felt envy, and regret, wishing she could have what Lucerys had. Of course, his situation seemed more deplorable than hers, trapped and ignorant of his future, which swung like a sword over his head, threatening to strike down on him at any moment, but he had something she never had. A family. Someone who loved her. Rose wondered what it was like to be loved.

She could keep arguing with Lucerys. Try to change his mind. But that would be wasted effort. He wouldn't budge from his position. No matter how much it would hurt him, how much it would harm him, Lucerys Velaryon would not break.

"Aside from her birthright, do you think she would make a better queen than Aegon?" she knew how dangerous the words she spoke were, but she did not remain silent. "What is she really like? As a human? Not as a queen. Tell me why your mother deserves it, aside from her birthright," she asked instead, and Lucerys looked at her in surprise.

"Isn't her birthright decisive enough?"

"Probably, but we are in a situation where people have to choose sides. Who do they choose?"

"The rightful queen."

"That is wishful thinking, my prince. The people are simple. They have been presented with a king. Now the only question is who they want."

Lucerys surveyed her. For a brief moment, it looked like he was going to deny her request before he smiled.

"Hmm, my mother is the purest and kindest woman I know. Perfect, perfect for me. She has never judged me for anything, on the contrary, she has always supported me," Lucerys began to gush. "She is just, and respects the opinions of others. She wants to protect this realm. She can protect this realm. A woman is no less fit to rule than a man."

It was strange to hear these words from the mouth of a young man. Most people in this realm would probably disagree with him. A man was always preferred to a woman. If that were not the case, they probably would not be in this situation.

Rose had entered with the thought and the will to change Lucerys mind, to make him bend the knee, but suddenly it felt so wrong. As if she wanted to take something from him. But she realized that she couldn't change Lucerys' mind. He would not bend the knee. He adored his mother, with every fiber of his body, and no one would be able to change that. For a moment the envy returned. She wondered what it would have been like to have a mother like Rhaenyra Targaryen, a mother who would inspire that love in her. She suddenly missed that love that had never been hers.

"I wish you would bend the knee. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you," she confessed, looking sadly into the prince's eyes.

Lucerys nodded and reached for her hand. He squeezed it and Rose returned it. Although they hardly knew each other and were from different backgrounds, the bond between them was something she could not explain.

The prince seemed familiar and Rose had already taken him into her heart.

"You know I can't do this. But I thank you for everything, Rose."

And he broke her heart.

NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE FULL OF ROSE AND AEMOND.

I know you'd rather read about our two lovebirds than these conversations that seem rather trivial at first, but this chapter is very important.

[otp-shipping-industry]

I know we all know joke about Sauron having spent time designing Galadriel's outfit for the mindscape/proposal scene. We know

And just to confirm that Sauron definitely has Thoughts about aesthetics and style, here's a quote from Two Towers where Éomer complains about Sauron's orcs stealing specific horses when the Rohirrim didn't agree to sell them to Sauron.

‘Then you do not pay tribute to Sauron?’ said Gimli. ‘We do not and we never have,’ said Éomer with a flash of his eyes; ‘though it comes to my ears that that lie has been told. Some years ago the Lord of the Black Land wished to purchase horses of us at great price, but we refused him, for he puts beasts to evil use. Then he sent plundering Orcs, and they carry off what they can, choosing always the black horses: few of these are now left. - Two Towers, Chapter 2: The Riders of Rohan.

So looks like our Dork Lord is pretty committed to his style choices. No wonder he had created Galadriel's outfit to fit the proposal scene! Personally, I'm pretty sure he had designed a whole wardrobe for his queen-to-be. Jewelry of course included. A throne too, right next to his.

But going back to the horses.

Of course our Dork Lord would decide that since he turned 100% evil again, he can only use black horses. No, other horse coat colors don't fit his Evil Aesthetics though he didn't mind them when he was trying to be good and make Galadriel like him. So when he's back to his dastardly evil ways? Only the most evil look is good enough. Only black horses are Sauron approved.

It's just that other horses just don't have the right appearance, they don't look sinister enough for the darkest of dark lords in the history of Arda. Everything needs to look the part in case Galadriel is watching and feeling guilty about rejecting him and making him Bad again.

I'm also pretty sure he distributed a pamphlet like this to his orcs so they knew what horses he wanted them to steal and which ones he didn't. Or did he have a discussion with them, instructing them to only steal the black ones? Something along these lines:

Sauron: OK, we need more horses and since we couldn't buy them, go steal them. Random orc: My lord? Sauron: Specific horses, mind you! Don't steal just any random horses you see. Random orc: Uhhh, my lord..? Sauron: The black ones. I want black horses. Don't bother bringing me grey or brown ones. And definitely not the white ones! Bad memories. And that stupid wizard who Galadriel likes rides one too! Random orc 2: Don't ask. The last one who asked why the coat colors matter got fed to Shelob while the Dark Lord muttered something about aesthetics and no one understanding his vision. Random orc: Right. No questions, just black horses. Got it. Random orc: We'll get right to it m'lord. We'll bring you the blackest horses you've ever seen! No problem at all. They really don't pay us enough for this..

Though I gotta wonder why Rohan simply didn't stop breeding black horses. Imagine if they only had white or grey horses, bet Sauron wouldn't have stolen any of them. Wouldn't really fit his Dark Lord image now would they?

[rileypotter17]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thank you @4getfulimaginator2022 for tagging me! Hopefully this is interesting to someone!

How many works do you have on AO3? 14. Not a ton. Now, how many ideas I have rolling around in my brain is another story...

What's your total AO3 word count? 425,639

What fandoms do you write for? When I hopped from FF over to A03, my fandoms changed, but far and away for the Jorleesi fandom (Game of Thrones), with HP and Peaky Blinders as one offs

What are your top 5 fics by kudos? Leading by an enormous amount (thank you PB fandom) is 'The Other Shelby Girl', then my Jorleesi royalty AU 'The One Who Loves Her The Most', my Blue Room fever dream 'A Darker shade of Blue', a modern HP love story with an OC 'How To Be A Heartbreaker', and wrapping up with my Jorleesi regency AU 'A Decent Proposal'

Do you respond to comments? Always, to the best of my ability. And I try and leave comments on anything I am reading. I am a firm, staunch believer in that we do fic in community. If we don't know our peers are reading and enjoying, then the community aspect is gone. I try and walk the walk always.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I don't really do angsty at the end. These are all happy endings at heart. But I do have one WIP that will have an angsty ending.

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Likely a tie between 'From Egypt, With Love' and 'How To Be A Heartbreaker'

Do you get hate on fics? Not so much on A03 as FF, thank goodness. A03 y'all are nicer!

Do you write smut? I attempt. Jury is out on whether any of it is good :)

Do you write crossovers? Nah...but never say never

Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not yet (fingers crossed)

Have you ever had a fic translated? I have! It was the nicest surprise to see. I've also had people make fan art I had no idea about which was cool to stumble across

Have you ever co-written a fic before? Yes - Will You Be My Valentine with fanoftheknight on A03. They are amazing and my depression kinda caused me to drop the ball on that one -_-. Totally willing to pick it up again or collab with others!

What's your all-time favorite ship? This is a hard one. Han/Leia originally got me into fic, but my biggest body of work and my favorite fandom has to be the Jorleesi ship

What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? I'll finish all of them mark my words! Just will take me some time.

What are your writing strengths? I'm not quite sure! I think I do AU's well, and I bring some witty dialogue into my writing

What are your writing weaknesses? Losing the plot sometimes!

Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? I'd be open to it, but there hasn't been a case where it would have served a story well

First fandom you wrote for? Star Wars and Harry Potter around the same time

Favorite fic you've written? It isn't completed yet, but I am most proud of 'A Darker Shade of Blue'.

This was fun! No pressure to do this, though: @ser-jorah-the-andal, @terisrog, @houseofthebear, @clarasimone, @gettingovergreta