#these pouches can be filled in lakes or rivers

[justmorebtsffs]

Any ideas for what type of Arena I should use for my Hunger Games AU?

I want to do something different than the arenas used in the books. Here are my ideas: Sorry if the descriptions sound really weird I’m trying to describe them in detail and give the pros and cons of each arena.

1: Abandoned city

2: Swamp. Mud that you can get stuck in, alligators, but plenty of places to hide. And there are birds and some type of large rodent mammal that can be killed and eaten (if it doesn’t get the tributes first). Trees that can be used as hideouts.

3: Ice scape. Some caves to hide in, really cold, mammoth mutations that are fast and have sharp tusks. There are caribou but they are few and far between and they blend in with the landscape and they’re fast. Clean, drinkable water can be gotten from snow and ice. Rabbits are there as food as well.

4: Dessert. Hot and dry during the day and frigid at night. Not many places to hide and not many sources of water. Water is stored in spiny cacti, guarded by aggressive owls. If the owls are killed they can be eaten, along with the fruit provided by the cacti.

5: Grass Plain. Baren, hard to hide, there are snakes, and not much food besides aggressive wild bison. There is one lake and a few ponds scattered about that tributes can drink safely from. Berries grow on low bushes, most are okay but some can make tributes sick.

6: Marsh. High grass and deep mud. Birds that will attack you from above but are tasty if you kill them, and alligators that will try to eat you. Lots of places to hide though and if killed the birds are good to eat.

7: Mangrove forest/mangrove swamp

8: A small set of like 15 sandy islands surrounded by water and sharp Coral reefs. with fish to eat, but also sharks. (Not so far apart that you can’t swim between them.) The only water sources are water pouches hidden around the islands and supplies are in waterproof boxes in the coral reefs. The fruits on the palm trees are edible.

9: A temperate forest with an oceanic climate. (A really rainy, damp, misty, slightly cold, forest. Like Forks, Washington) It rains a lot and rain water is easily collectable for drinking, plenty of mosses and mushrooms are available for eating. Some of the mosses and mushrooms are poisonous. There are deer to eat, if you can catch them, but the deer are carnivorous. Grubs and bugs can be eaten but some are poisonous or venomous.

10: An arena that is mountainous with a large wide river running through the entire thing. The water is drinkable and filled with yummy fish, unfortunately said fish are carnivorous and there are alligators and river sharks. There are some fruits and berries growing but they aren’t very nutritious. The mountains are good for hiding and have caves but the oxygen levels at the tops of the mountains have been decreased by the gamemakers leading to severe altitude sickness.

[knockyasocksoff2022]

What Arena should I do for my SKK Hunger Games AU?

Options under the cut. Just put the number in the comments.

1: Abandoned city

2: Swamp. Mud that you can get stuck in, alligators, but plenty of places to hide. And there are birds and some types of mammals that can be killed and eaten (if it doesn’t get the tributes first). Trees that can be used as hideouts.

3: Ice scape. Some caves to hide in, are really cold, mammoth mutations that are fast and have sharp tusks. There are caribou but they are few and far between and they blend in with the landscape and they’re fast. Clean, drinkable water can be obtained from snow and ice. Rabbits are there as food as well.

4: Dessert. Hot and dry during the day and frigid at night. Not many places to hide and not many sources of water. Water is stored in spiny cacti, guarded by aggressive owls. If the owls are killed they can be eaten, along with the fruit provided by the cacti.

5: Grass Plain. Baren is hard to hide, there are snakes, and not much food besides aggressive wild bison. There is one lake and a few ponds scattered about that tributes can drink safely from. Berries grow on low bushes, most are okay but some can make tributes sick.


6: Marsh. High grass and deep mud. Birds that will attack you from above but are tasty if you kill them, and alligators that will try to eat you. Lots of places to hide though and if killed the birds are good to eat. 

7: Mangrove forest/mangrove swamp

8: A small set of 15 sandy islands surrounded by water and sharp Coral reefs. with fish to eat, but also sharks. (Not so far apart that you can’t swim between them.) The only water sources are water pouches hidden around the islands and supplies are in waterproof boxes in the coral reefs. The fruits on the palm trees are edible.

9: A temperate forest with an oceanic climate. (A really rainy, damp, misty, slightly cold, forest. Like Forks, Washington) It rains a lot and rainwater is easily collectable for drinking, plenty of mosses and mushrooms are available for eating. Some of the mosses and mushrooms are poisonous. There are deer to eat if you can catch them, but the deer are carnivorous. Grubs and bugs can be eaten but some are poisonous or venomous.

10: An arena that is mountainous with a large wide river running through the entire thing. The water is drinkable and filled with yummy fish, unfortunately, said fish are carnivorous and there are alligators and river sharks. Some fruits and berries are growing but they aren’t very nutritious. The mountains are good for hiding and have caves but the oxygen levels at the tops of the mountains have been decreased by the gamemakers leading to severe altitude sickness.

[waterfiltergurus]

Waterdrop Water Filter Straw Review [year]

🧾 Overview The Waterdrop is a water filter straw that can be used for filtering water on-the-go. The filter is small and lightweight, making it a handy portable clean drinking water solution that fits in most pockets and backpacks. With a 0.1 filter membrane, this water filter straw is designed to trap contaminants found in natural water sources, making it safe to drink from any river, lake or stream while hiking or camping. 💡 Features Plastic filter casing The filter casing provides a barrier between the filter and the outside air, protecting it from damage during storage and use. The casing is lightweight, but not too flimsy, and allows the device to be used exactly how it is - as a drinking water straw.  Coconut shell activated carbon filter Inside the casing is the filter itself, which has tiny pores of 0.1 microns in size, allowing you to drink from rivers, lakes and other bodies of natural water safely.  Double-sided removable cap The Waterdrop filter straw’s removable cap makes the device versatile to use in a number of different ways. You can attach it to most standard plastic water bottles to filter water straight from the bottle, or use it with water bags.  Water bags Included with the Waterdrop are two water bags: one for storing unfiltered water and one for storing filtered water. You simply attach the bags to either end of the filter device with the included flexible tubes, then hang the unfiltered water bag up high and let the filter do the work. Gravity water bag, squeeze pouch, and filter 🚦 Performance When it comes to performance, you won’t get much better than the Waterdrop. Its filter consists of a media made from thousands of tiny micropores at 0.1 microns in size, making it capable of trapping even the smallest of contaminants while allowing water to pass through.  There are four stages of filtration, with each stage removing a different set of contaminants from water. The first pre-filter fabric stage is designed to protect the filter by removing the large contaminants like stones and leaves. In the second stage, the hollow fiber membrane removes 99.9% of bacteria, and in the third stage, the activated carbon media helps give water a better taste and smell. The fourth and final stage sees water pass through a post polyester membrane, which removes any lingering rust and dust. Filling the gravity bag ⏱ Filtration time The Waterdrop straw is particularly speedy for a gravity filter, and takes around 10 minutes to filter a whole blue bag’s worth of water (1.5 gallons). Of course, speed can be affected by factors such as the quality of the water you’re filtering and the position of your filter bags or water bottle. But, generally, being designed to filter unclean natural water, the Waterdrop is well-equipped to work at fast speeds to remove contaminants in no time at all. The gravity bag can also hang from a tree 👌 Ease of Use There are three different ways you can use the Waterdrop: as a drinking straw, with a water bottle, or with the included water bags.  Using the Waterdrop as a drinking straw is the easiest option, because you simply use it to drink straight out of a water source. Ahh fresh, crisp stream water! Attaching a water bottle to the device is another simple option. After filling a water bottle with dirty water, you attach it to one end of the straw and tip it back above your head, drinking through the other end. There’s less resistance from the straw because of the position you’re holding it in, and you can simply attach your water bottle to the straw every time you want a drink.  Finally, if you’re looking to make batches of water at a time, you can use the two included bags. Connecting the bags to the straw is fairly self-explanatory, and something you should feel confident in doing after a trial run. However, this isn’t something you could easily set up while on the move - it’s best for when you’re stopping for longer than a couple of minutes. Using the filter as a straw 🏋️ Weight & Portability On its own, the Waterdrop filter straw weighs just over 1 pound. It has a smaller frame, too, making it easy to store in a big pocket or a bag. Keep in mind, though, that the capacity of the blue bag is 1.5 gallons and the capacity of the white bag is 20oz, so when these are filled and attached to the system, it’s not going to be as light and portable.  🔨 Durability The Waterdrop has a huge 100,000 gallon capacity, so you can expect it to last several years, even with regular use. Though the filter has plenty of life in it, the plastic casing is a little flimsy, so you should be careful not to store it beneath heavy items (or accidentally sit on it). ✔️ Maintenance With the device’s high capacity, you won’t need to worry about changing the filter regularly. But when it is time to buy a replacement filter, you simply buy a whole new straw - no need for any filter changing maintenance. With the device being priced at less than $20, buying a new one every few years shouldn’t be too much of a stretch on your budget.  The only other maintenance required for this filter straw is backwashing. You need to backwash the filter after every use, which clears the contaminants from the filter and prevents it from blocking up. To backwash, you simply blow through the mouthpiece and shake out the straw to get rid of any lingering water. 🔔 Pros & Cons 👍 What I Like - Versatile - 3 different uses - Tiny 0.1 micron pores for thorough filtration - 100,000 gallon capacity 👎 What I Don't Like - Requires frequent backwashing - The clean water bag needs to be held as it fills - Not portable when attached to bags ❔ Final Verdict If you’re looking for an effective water filtration solution for camping or hiking, the Waterdrop water filter straw is one of the best options on the market. Its impressively long lifespan and ability to remove contaminants up to 0.1 microns in size makes it a low-fuss, efficient solution for on-the-go water filtration - just remember to backwash it regularly to keep it in tip-top condition. Read the full article

[novarustech]

Pure Water Anywhere: The Convenience of Portable Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

Access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially when on the go. Portable reverse osmosis (RO) water filters have emerged as a game-changer in the quest for pure water wherever you are. These compact and innovative devices utilize advanced filtration technology to remove impurities, contaminants, and harmful substances, delivering crystal-clear and great-tasting water. In this article, we explore the benefits and convenience of portable reverse osmosis water filters, allowing you to enjoy the refreshing taste of purified water wherever your adventures take you.

Advanced Filtration Technology Portable reverse osmosis water filters utilize a highly effective water purification process known as reverse osmosis. This advanced technology employs a semi-permeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals, dissolved solids, chlorine, bacteria, and viruses. As a result, the water produced by these filters is of exceptionally high quality, meeting or exceeding the standards set by regulatory authorities.

Compact and Travel-Friendly Design One of the most significant advantages of portable reverse osmosis water filters is their compact and lightweight design. These filters are specifically engineered for easy transportation, making them ideal companions for camping trips, outdoor adventures, road trips, and international travels. Their sleek and space-saving construction allows them to fit into backpacks, suitcases, or even the glove compartment of your car, ensuring access to purified water wherever you may roam.

No Installation Required Unlike traditional under-sink reverse osmosis systems that require installation and a dedicated water source, portable RO water filters are hassle-free and do not need any plumbing work. They come with their own water storage tank or pouch, so all you need to do is fill it with water from any freshwater source – a tap, river, lake, or even a pond – and let the filter work its magic. This simplicity and independence from water mains make them a versatile and convenient solution for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

Enhanced Taste and Odor The reverse osmosis process not only removes harmful contaminants but also improves the taste and odor of the water. By eliminating chlorine and other impurities that can affect the water's flavor, portable RO filters deliver crisp and refreshing water that is free from any unpleasant aftertaste. This enhanced taste makes staying hydrated more enjoyable, encouraging you to consume more water throughout your adventures.

Eco-Friendly Alternative Portable reverse osmosis water filters are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic water bottles. By investing in a reusable filter, you reduce the consumption of disposable bottles, contributing to a cleaner environment. Additionally, the high-quality filtration provided by portable RO filters means that you can confidently refill your water container from various natural water sources, reducing the need to purchase bottled water.

Emergency Preparedness In times of emergencies or natural disasters when access to clean water may be compromised, portable reverse osmosis water filters become invaluable resources. They can transform contaminated water sources into safe drinking water, ensuring that you and your loved ones have access to essential hydration when needed most.

Long-Lasting and Cost-Effective Portable reverse osmosis water filters are designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, these filters can serve you for years, making them a cost-effective investment in your health and well-being. Considering the savings from not purchasing bottled water during travels and outdoor activities, portable RO filters quickly pay for themselves.

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[huidinnerware]

Green Holiday Entertaining: A Consideration to Mother Earth

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~ Norman Vincent Peale

And so it should remain a beautiful world. With a few eco considerations holiday entertaining is a joyous gathering of family and friends with a friendly eye toward Mother Earth. Here are some suggestions for keeping your holiday celebration earth friendly.

Christmas Tree

A live tree is actually better for the environment as it is a natural renewable resource that is returnable to the environment. If a cut tree, it can be reused in so many environmentally friendly ways:

ground as mulch used for landscaping and gardening

chipped and used for playground material, hiking trails, paths, and walkways

used in whole to stabilize shores of lakes and rivers, prevent beachfront erosion, and for fish and wildlife habitat

Truly earth friendly is to buy a ball and burlap tree to replant after the holidays. Most people do not have the room to do this but many garden nurseries will rent these trees and take them back after the holidays.

Ornaments and Decorations

There are so many 'make- it-yourself' suggestions for creating holiday decorations from items around the house. Anything ranging from paper towel rolls, to hollowed out oranges, to old greeting cards. The key is to get creative and give a second life to items that would normally end up in the trash after just one use.

There is so much beauty in going natural. Ornaments, decorations, and table center pieces made from pinecones, acorns, holly or evergreen branches, rocks, shells, flowers, and potted plants bring in the beauty of the outdoors. Don't forget the use of seasonal fruit or other food items even as tree ornaments:

popcorn and cranberries strung as garland

oranges pierced with cloves put in a bowl or hung with a ribbon on the tree OR hollowed out and filled with oil and a wick for a warm glow

apples sliced and glazed either strung or made to hang individually

artichokes dug out with a tea light added gives a festive look to any table

Greetings and Invites

Save a tree and look for cards and invitations made from sustainable materials. There are so many other choices to traditional paper that not only saves a tree and the natural habitat it provides, but also uses less energy and chemicals to produce. Look for paper made from hemp, cotton, flax, or banana fiber. A great alternative that will have you remembered well after the Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box holidays is a plant-able card or invite. These are made from sustainable materials or from recycled paper with seeds embedded. The recipient plants the entire card in their garden or flower box and is reminded of your holiday greeting or invite well into the Spring!

Eco Gifts

With the large selection of eco products available for the entire family, it's easy to find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list while keeping it earth friendly. Look for products made from organic, sustainable, or recycled materials. Gifts could include;

organic cotton clothing or plush toys

skin creams and personal care products made from organic or all natural ingredients

hemp clothing, notepaper sets, or journals

toys from recycled plastic milk jugs

pouches, purses, and cases from recycled materials

bamboo clothing or tableware

cosmetics made from all natural ingredients or mineral makeup

stainless steel water bottles and lunch kits

beeswax crayons

soy candles

Wrappings

As with cards, gift wrappings come in a variety of eco-friendly alternatives. Beautiful wrapping made from recycled paper or other sources like hemp or reusable gift bags are great alternatives for keeping it green. Or make the wrapping part of the gift itself like putting the gift in a bamboo recipe box, stainless steel lunch box, or a purse or tote made from recycled materials. Get creative and re-use items around the house like newspaper, an organic cotton dish towel, material from a worn out t-shirt or jeans, or an old tin. Remember those natural decorating items? These can be used to put the finishing touches on the gift - vines to tie it closed, flowers, branches, berries and pinecones to decorate. The possibilities are endless.

The Feast

An important part of a gathering is the 'breaking of bread' - the food! Food and drink seems to bring people closer together and there is every reason your feast should also bring your guests closer to Mother Earth. To keep it green buy local organically grown foods. Seasonal vegetables and fruits purchased from local organic farmers say so much more in the holiday spirit. And there are so many delicious holiday recipes that use organic ingredients. Also readily available are organically grown wines to compliment your organic meal. Don't waste food... leftovers can be put in reusable food containers to give guests to take home.

Forego the paper plates and napkins. Re-usable tableware is the way to go. After the meal rather than running the water to rinse off dishes prior to placing in the dishwasher, have a water-filled pan ready to dunk and wipe. To save on water and energy wait until the dishwasher is full to run the wash cycle. If disposable tableware is going to be used select those made from sustainable resources such as bamboo party plates and utensils or products made from recycled paper. Cloth napkins, especially those made from organic cotton, are the better choice. If going with disposable use recycled unbleached paper towels.

Make it easy for your guests to join in your green environment. One way to do this is to identify the recycle and trash bins. Each town actually recycles items in a different way so don't leave the decision up to your guest. Simple labels on each bin can identify what gets recycled and what does not.

BYOL - Bring Your Own Linens- is actually becoming a very popular concept. If you have a close rapport with your intended house guests, you can ask them to bring their own bed linens and towels. This eliminates running a wash for a one time use as the guest can bring their linens home and continue using until their 'wash time'.

Remembering Mother Nature

The holidays are a joyous time to gather with family and friends and to count blessings for what we have - the beauty of our earth and the gifts given to us through its natural resources. This time of year especially should be a rejoicing for these gifts and an extra effort made toward protecting such wonderful gifts. With little effort holiday celebrations can be kept green as a consideration to Mother Earth.

[ajarstore]

mSawyer Products Squeezable Pouch for Sawyer Squeeze Filter and MINI Water Filtration Systems | ajarstore

[mariondeux]

[.II] Mon Premier Amour

— MUSETTE OF FALSITIES

— SYNOPSIS ; After being left on the ground, you need some time to mentally be ready to continue exploring. While washing off in the river, an innocent looking young man catches you on accident.

CW ; NSFW, drugged sex, aphrodisiacs in food, manhandling, strong hajime, creampie, mentions of blood, Hajime is aged up

WORD COUNT ; 1588

PAIRING ; Alice!Hajime Shino x Male!Reader

A/N ; Oh boy, this one is a long one!

FEMALE ALIGNED DNI.

[.I], [.III]

You sat in the lake, scooping up some water into your hands and poured it onto your body. You don’t know how long you’ve been sitting in this river, washing off every bit of cum or blood off. No matter what you did, it didn’t feel like enough. Still, you couldn’t get a good grasp on why the short-tempered rabbit had done that to you.

You brought your hand to your face, noticing how wrinkly your fingers had turned out due to how long you sat in the water. So, deeming that as enough, you rose off the rocky ground as water dripped off your body and into the water. You froze as you heard rustling from the bushes right up ahead, eyes wide to see what it was. You screamed as an innocent-looking young man made his way out of the bushes, decorated head to toe in light blue fancy clothing. He flinched as he heard your screaming, eyes landing on your naked form. He finally realized what he’d walked in on, color blooming in his cheeks as he gasped and turned to face his back to you. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know you were here. I can leave!” He fiddled with his fingers as he squirmed in his spot. Not a clue on what to do now. Your muscles relaxed a bit. This guy seemed much kinder than the White Rabbit from before. Maybe he could actually give you intel. You swallowed, “No! Don’t go, um, let me get changed really quickly!” He met you with a nod as you walked out of the river, shaking and getting any water off your body. Once you were dry enough, you slipped your clothes back on, leaving your socks and shoes off, going through the river to make your way over to the young man. “Hey!” He peeked through the corner of his eye before fully turning back around to face you now that something fully clad you. “Hello! I’m sorry, again, for walking in on you like that.. I came to the river to get some water since the water here is fantastic..” Guilt probed at you, knowing that you used the same lake to wash dirty substances off of your body in a good lake like this. “No, you’re fine! Uh, actually, I kinda need your help right now..”

He nodded, sitting the both of you down onto the soft grass. He listened to everything you had to say closely, even offering you a couple of cookies from the cute little blue laced pouch he had on him. You felt yourself warming up to him so quickly. He was so kind and was so understanding of your predicament. You felt like you could actually trust him.

You soon learned that his name was Hajime Shino, and that he’d been in a similar situation to yours. Although the people here were mad, all filled with things beyond your understanding, he stayed here. You questioned his decision, really. But, you were glad he was here, otherwise you yourself would have gone mad if another sane person wasn’t here. “(name).. Are you okay? You’re sweating and you’re breathing heavily..” Hajime leaned over to get a good look at your face, worry washing over his physical appearance. You hadn’t even noticed how hot you were until Hajime pointed it out. You sucked in a breath, leaning back against a tree as you fanned yourself. You stammered over your words once you noticed the visible bulge in your pants. No way you were turned on, how and why were you even? “I’m sorry- I don’t know why I’m hard, I promise!” You failed to notice a smile tug at the corners of his lips, only to be pushed back down. He crawled over to you, getting in between your legs as his hands pushed your legs far apart. “I.. can help you? This.. looks like it hurts..” He put on a shy facade, cheeks burning as if he was afraid of what you’d think of his next words. You were completely unsure. You were still recovering from what had transpired hours ago and you don’t think you ever wanted to get sexual soon. But, then again, you could trust Hajime, right? Plus.. You weren’t sure you could take care of your problem alone. Your cock was aching. “Okay.. okay yeah, please help me..” You breathed out, eyelids drooping with hazy lust as you pulled your pants off once again. You needed his cock in you right now. You don’t think you could do any foreplay right now. Hajime’s breath hitched in his throat at the sight of your hardened cock and your hole. His own cock twitched in his pants in excitement. You weren’t aware of it, nor did you know, but all this time, ever since he saw you, he wanted to have his cock inside of you so badly. He unbuttoned his pants, pulling his erect cock out of his pants. You swallowed thickly at the sheer size of his cock. You thought he’d be a good 5 inches at most based on appearance, but from the looks of it, he was definitely bigger than 5 inches. Not that you minded, the bigger the better. You pushed your ass against his, begging him to fuck you. He moved his hand over to your hole to prepare you, only for you to stop him. “It’s fine! I’m already stretched. Just hurry, please!” Hajime’s brows furrowed as his lips nearly pressed into a frown. Did you finger yourself or did someone else already fuck you moments prior? Either way, he’ll find out, eventually. He needs to be inside of you now.He let out a high-pitched moan as his long, veiny length slipped into your hole in one thrust. You were right; Someone definitely stretched you out. Not to where you were loose, though, but just enough for your walls to hug his cock. Hajime closed his eyes as he let out ragged moans, thrusting in and out of you at a luscious pace. He could get addicted to this, fucking you into nothing but a mess as he stuffs you full with his semen. You were so dangerously addictive, but he will indulge you. “So good.. Mmf~ How does.. How does my cock feel fucking you like this?” His moans matched up with yours as the level of desperation slipped through the cracks of his facade. You closed your eyes tightly, throwing your head back as you laid back against the tree and took it all. You used your right hand to jerk your hardened cock, rolling your hips against Hajime’s. “So long.. It feels so fucking good! Haji.. Hajime!” You jerked your cock faster, bucking your hips into his to reach release much quicker. Whatever was happening to you made your body much more sensitive, seeing as your cock pulsed, pushing cum out and landing right onto your tummy. That was the quickest you ever came. It felt so overwhelmingly good.

Just looking at you dirtied with your own cum made him feel so many things. He got so lost in the pleasure that he threw your legs over his shoulders, hips snapping and balls slapping against yours as he chased for more of that feeling. You cried out, your overstimulated cock twitching as the pleasure only increased tenfold. In between heavy breaths, you tried to tell him to slow down, that you're overstimulated, but it was like your words fell on deaf ears. He still fucked you with purpose, his arm wrapped around your legs so roughly as he plunged his cock into your hole recklessly. For such a pretty young guy like him, you never would have thought he’d be strong. You can feel his thick muscles tense underneath his dress shirt.

“Can.. hah.. Can I come inside of you?” Hajime breathed, his thrusts growing sloppy as he grew closer. And at the moment, your hungry mind made you scream yes and not a second later he sunk his cock deep into you, letting out a drawled out moan as he emptied himself out into you with his essence. You bit your lip as you whimpered, feeling cum dribble out past your hole and onto the ground. How much did he cum?

He eased his cock out of you once he was done, face completely red as he was awed at the mess he made. He filled your asshole with thick, white cum spilling out of your hole. You looked so beautiful, fucked full of his cum. He wanted to keep you for himself so badly.

“(name).. Will you be mine? I’ll treat you so well you won’t ever want to go back home..” Hajime crawled closer to you, the surrounding vibe changing into a more possessive one. This sudden change scared you, causing you to press your back flat against the tree. You needed to come up with an excuse to escape somehow..

“Actually.. Ah, I have to go pee! I’ll let you know once I’m done!” You got on your own two legs, picking up your pants as you limped to a more secluded area. Hajime stood there and watched you walk away. He doubted you would try to run away, especially when he’s the only sane one here.. Right?

The moment you knew he had his back turned towards you, you wiped his cum off of you and pulled your pants back on, not looking back as you ran off deep into the woods.

TAGLIST ; @exhokai @venniin @shuvies @s1cklyang3l

[hoeneypirate]

River Bath

Yamato x fem!reader

MINORS DNI SMUTTY SMUT TIME

Yamato and reader meeting up as they make the way back to the village during the pain attack. They’re already close friends and both secretly pining for the other. After reader washes his hair in the river after the first day of cleaning up the village, quiet sexy times happen. Reader also has been trained by Tsunade so she has the ability to summon a slug, that’s how she knew what was going on in the village.

“Yamato” you say as you hop from the tree down beside him as you both ran

“Y/n something going on with the village, naruto-..” you cut him off

“yes I know. I’m headed there myself.” A small slug moves from your back to your shoulder

“Naruto is fighting the Akatsuki member Pain in the Village. Pain has destroyed the village and naruto is transitioning into the nine tails” the small slug said in her soft voice

Yamato curses under his breath and then yells “no! We’re too late!” As he watches his palm change signaling the ninth tail.

You both stop in the middle of the forest, his distraught facial expression as he looks at his palm

“Yamato” you whisper and grab his hand softly with both of yours “it’s okay”

You watch the emotions swirling in his eyes before your arms are wrapping around him and you’re hugging him close.

He hugs you back without hesitation, burying his face in your hair as he has this internal battle. There’s nothing he can do to help Naruto or the village.

“I believe in Naruto” you say softly and his hands grip the back of your vest “he can get through this. We can rebuild the village”

You feel his body shudder and he takes in a shaky breath and then steals his nerves and pulls back with determined expression and a firm nod. He looked so handsome it made your heart flutter and cheeks warm.

“Are you okay? Your cheeks look a little flushed” he says and you clear your throat as you step away from him, looking away as you turn “yeah! I’m fine!” You say in a voice that just one or two octaves higher than normal “let’s get going” you say and he nods “right”

You’re silent for the most part, running through the forest as the small slug keeps you both updated with whatever was happening. You watched Yamoto’s shoulder physically relax when she said that Naruto stopped the nine tails himself and the pride in his eyes when she told you that he was able to talk to pain and convince pain to believe in him as well.

When you reach the village you stop and gasp. There was a crater where the village used to be. You instinctually grab his hand, squeezing it as you take it all in. You swallow hard and nodded “Where should we start?”

You helped evacuate and build tents in the outskirts of town where there was space. You spent the day following orders and working to the bone, at the end of the day, when your skin was sticky with sweat and your muscles spawned with aches, you took your extra pair of clothes that was in your pack, and disappeared down to the river after everyone had gone to bed.

The water was cold and felt soothing on your overworked body. You stayed near some bigger rocks in the middle to hide if necessary and to look up at the sky, admiring the stars and the calmness of the night after a battle.

“Y/n?” Your ears perk at your name and you spin the water to look back at the shore “yamato?” You ask with surprised chuckle, hands covering your chest even tho they were covered up by wate.

“We must have had the same idea” his voice sounds like he’s smirking

“Well it’s a big river I promise to look the other way and stay in my half” you tease and he nods before looking away when he sets down his things,you’ve both been to communal bath houses so it wasn’t too weird to share a river. You spun slowly back around and resumed looking up at the sky, listening to the sounds of him undressing before he walked into the water.

“It’s beautiful tonight” he says softly but it carries over the water like he was whispering in your ear. It sent a tingle down your spine.

“Yeah. No matter where I go, it’s always the most beautiful when I’m home” you respond, running your fingers through your hair and moving to a shallower spot where your toes could touch.

His eyes flick to you, your bare back in the moonlight looked so soft and beautiful. He looks through his pouch he set on the shore near a deeper end and then sighs “Do you have any shampoo? I seem to have forgotten mine”

Your face warms and you grab your small bottle “yeah. Meet in the middle?” You ask and he laughs “sure”

Swimming towards each other, you felt tension grow in your belly the closer you got. The closer you got to him the more you could see his face, his cheeks looked a little flushed and he had a small smile on his lips.

“Here you go. I hope you don’t mind the rose scented” you say softly and he chuckles, his hand holding yours around the bottle for a moment “I don’t mind. It will just remind me of you”

You gasp and feel your face heat up as he smiles, taking the bottle from your hands

“Yamato, do you think I..” you don’t finish your sentence feeling a little embarrassed

“Do you wanna wash my hair?” He asks with a small chuckle and you shrug with a shy smile “I think it would be nice”

He hands you back the bottle “but over there okay? There is a rock I can sit on” you nod and swim a bit beside him, grateful that it was too dark and you couldn’t see down in the water.

He dips his head back under the water to wet his hair and he meets your eye as you stand behind him, the river still covering your chest. You smile, feeling a little bare in this moment but also, it felt right somehow. Being here with him in an intimate moment.

You put some shampoo into your hand and lather it before applying it to the top of his head and moving your fingers down through his hair softly, down through the sides before your fingers card up through the back. His eyes fluttered closed as he let you wash his hair, a soft sigh falling from his lips as he let you take care of him. His heart fluttered and then melted into his butterfly filled stomach

“Your hair is as soft as I thought it would be” you whisper and he laughs softly “you’ve thought about touching my hair before?” He asks and raises his eyebrows.

you chuckle “yeah maybe I have” you admit and the smile in your voice makes his heart race.

“Okay, lean back” you command and he follows your order. His hands bracing against the rock and leaning back as you supported his neck as you rinsed out his hair.

His eyes were on your face, taking in your sweet features as he relaxed into your hand, the moonlight lighting up your face and making you look like a spiritual entity of the lake. After such a long day this is just what he needs, a moment where someone will take care of him and what better person to do that than the woman he’s in love with.

“Y/n” he whispers and you stop your hands, your eyes moving to meet his and smiling. “Yamato” you whisper back and he smiles “can I kiss you?” He asks and you gasp, then looking at how close your faces are together

“I-I.. uhh” you fumble through words, your face heating up to new levels as your fingers begin to rinse the rest of the soap from his hair. He smiles softly uo at you when he sees how nervous his question made you “it’s okay if your answer is no” he whispers and you smile, chuckling softly and meeting his eye again when the bubbles are gone.

“Thank you” you say and he stills for a moment as he waits for you to speak again, his heart aching for just a second until you say “but my answer is yes”

He laughs and leans up, moving from the rock to stand right in front of you. The water hits just above your breasts and just below his pecs as he cups your cheeks and dips down, capturing your lips with his own.

It all seemed to happen in an instant, you saying yes to him smiling sweeter than you’ve ever seen and then he was cupping your cheeks and his lips were on yours, electricity shooting through your system as you reached up to hold on to him, kissing him back as a soft moan falls from your lips.

Sure, you know you’re naked. You know he’s naked. But you also know you can trust him with your soul, even if this progresses you know you could say no or stop at any moment and he would.

Your arms wrapped around his neck as you pressed your chest to his, kissing him with fervor as you bury your fingers into his hair, pulling gently as he licks your bottom lip.

You brush your tongue against his and he moans, reaching down and grabbing your thighs, pulling you up to wrap your legs around his belly.

His hands roam your back, making sure to not touch you anywhere you didn’t want him too. You break away from his kiss and cup his cheeks, looking down at him as you breath heavily together.

“I’ve wanted to kissyou, for so long” he admits though pants and you press your forehead to his with a small breathless laugh “me too, Yamato. I really, like you” you admit quietly and his arms tighten around your back “I really like you too” he says and grins, his hands reaching down to grab you by your thighs and hold you a little high up his body, he doesn’t want you to feel uncomfortable and doesn’t want you to notice how hard his cock was from feeling your bare chest against his, your hard nipples rubbing against his chest.

You weren’t dumb though, you guessed he’d be hard by being pressed together. You tighten your legs around him, so your warm cunt is pressed to his stomach as you move down to kiss and lick up his neck. “Did they tell you we’re sharing a tent? They did it randomly so no one would complain.” You whisper and feel his grip tighten on your thighs and a broken moan tumble from his lips.

“Do you want to finish up here.. then meet me back at the tent?” You ask and bite down on his skin for a moment “well I guess if we stayed here we could be a tiny bit louder than in a tent surrounded by our friends and village in other tents”

“Y/n. Please can I touch you?” He asks with a little desperation in his voice and you laugh “yes please. Please touch me Yamato” you mumble against his skin and his hands grip your thighs right before they slide higher to grab your ass. His lips find yours again and it’s rough and sloppy as your lips move together. He moves his hand father up, his finger sliding up through your slit, gasping into his mouth with his fingers brush your clit

“Let me hear you, pretty girl” he whispers against your lips as he begins to rub slow circles against your clit.

You moan into his neck, your hands gripping his shoulders tightly. “Yamato” you moan into his neck and you shudder when he bites into your neck, his tongue licking your skin as his fingers press down harder into your clit. You’re trembling against him, twitching against his fingers

“I’m gonna!” You gasp “I’m gonna cum!” You moan against his neck as you twitch in his strong arms, your hands gripping his shoulders tightly “cum for me pretty girl” he whispers and licks a stripe up your neck across the hickies he’s left.

His fingers press down harder and the cord snaps, your body twitching as you cum hard. His fingers slowly swirl around your clit as he kisses your neck softly as you whisper thank yous as you come down and catch your breath, you clit throbbing snd cunt clenching as the remnants of your orgasm course through your.

You lean back and press your lips to his, wrapping your arms around his neck “Yamato” you whisper against his lips “god I want you so bad but I also don’t want to get a river disease” he chuckles and kisses you back whenever your lips press to his “let’s go to the tent, we can be quiet” he’s moaning against your lips and you unwrap your legs from him and trail your hands down his strong chest, keeping eye contact with him as you bite your lip as you wrap your hand around the middle of his hard cock.

“Y/n” he moans out when your thumb rubs across the head. You lean up and kiss him one last time before swimming away, back to your stuff and clothes. You know he’s watching you as you you climb out of the river, you put on a little show as you hastily throw on a shirt and your pants and shoes.

He pulls himself out of the water by the time you’re fully dressed, you hold in a moan when you get a glimpse of his cock outside of the water. “Like what you see?” He asks and you stand, throwing your pack on your shoulder “I’ll show you just how much” you say before disappearing into the forest and back to the tents.

He opens the tent flap and you’re standing next to a lamp, in one of his shirts you found by his cot. He groans and bites one of his knuckles as he drops his pack to the dirt and turns, zipping the tent shut before turning back to you.

You look him over, from his damp hair to his shirt, his previous dirt stained shirt? that was thrown on a wet body. Your eyes trail down his chest to his hips, biting your lip when you see how hard he is. Your thighs rub together, your slick between your slit rubbing and turning you on more

“Please Yamato” you whisper breathlessly and he crosses the tent in one step and cups your cheek, capturing your lips with. You melt into him, one hand gripping his shoulder and the other softly palming him through his pants.

You kiss down his jaw to his neck “I need you inside of me” you moan into his ear is a low tone that only he could hear and bite his neck. He groans as his cock twitches against your palm through his pants but he can’t take it anymore he needs to feel his body presses into yours.

He grabs your ass and pulls you easily up into his arms before laying you gently down on one of the cots. You blow out the lantern then pull his shirt over his head “y/n” he moans breathlessly into your neck

“Wait!” You whisper out and he immediately stops, pulling back and getting off you in a second, looking down at you in the dark with your eyes barely adjusted

“No I didn’t mean get ..”. You chuckle softly and shake your head as you stand again. You slowly pull off your shirt watching and then grabbing his waist you lean up and kiss him softly, smiling sweetly as you take your time undoing his button and zipper, pushing his pants down he kicks them over to the other cot and then cups your cheeks

“Is that all?” He asks, his voice deep and gruff but quiet enough and growled into your ear. You cup his jaw gently and place the softest kiss he’s ever had against his lips and it makes his head spin.

He sighs softly and presses his forehead to yours for a moment “I feel like the luckiest man” he whispers and you chuckle, brushing your fingers across his skin softly as you bury your hands in his hair. “Please tell me you’re mine” he whispers out, his voice deep and like he was barely holding on. You chuckle and look into his eyes “if you are mine, Yamato, I am yours”

His lips crash into yours with a renewed fervor. Passion on his rough lips and tongue as it runs against yours. You hold in your moans as he grabs your ass and lifts you up again, his fingertips digging into your skin as he carries you over to the cot again.

He lays you on your back slowly, kissing down your neck, he moves to go lower, desperate to taste you but you whine and reach down to wrap your hand around his length. “Need your inside me” you whisper into his ear and he holds in a moan by biting your shoulder as you rub him up and down through your slick.

His head catches and you silently gasp as he pushes the head in. You claw at his back as he slowly presses into you inch by inch. You kiss and lick at his neck as he grunts quietly against your skin. You feel him bottom out and you gasp, panting heavily underneath him, it’s taking all your concentration not to make any noises.

“You’re so big” you whisper against his ear and he shudders, slowly pulling out of you and sliding back in slowly. You were so wet the sound of squelching sounded way too loud. You tell him to wait for a second and then have him move to his side. You throw your leg over the top of his hip and guide him back inside of you. You throw the small blanket over your waists to muffle some of the sounds as you slowly grind your hips together.

He watched your facial expressions, couldn’t tear his eyes away from you. Your eyes shone in the darkness, his heart was racing and stomach fluttering with the love he feels for you but the way you’re clenching around his cock makes his eyes want to roll back. How it was possible to be so full of love and lust at the same time it was like his world was exploding and imploding all at the same time god you felt so good around him.

Your barely audible gasps he was chasing, wishing he could hear you scream for him. In the back of his mind he already planning the home he’ll make with his jutsu, walls extra thick so you can be as loud as he just knows you will be. His home building plans fizzle away when your eyes widen and you grip his shoulders tight. “There” you whisper on an inhale and he nods, his hand coming to tease and rub your nipple as your bodies move together, his slow pumping and your hips matching the slow pace had your head spinning and breaths coming in quicker, your pussy throbbing as to feel your orgasm nearing.

You could feel your coil tightening, your skin was so hot you were so close, you bury your face into his neck, a quiet squeak of a whimper left your lips “cum with me yamato” you moan into his ear and he felt himself snap, his hips stuttering as he moves just a little bit faster, you bite down on his shoulder and a breathy quiet a moan he knows is taking everything out of you as you cum around his cock, squeezing around him deliciously as he cums inside of you, your warm cunt squeezing him and spasming as you came together. A string of “I love you. I’ve loved you. I’ll always love you” he’s whispering into your neck and you can’t help but respond in kind, confessing and returning his feelings easily.

You pant into each other as quietly as you could, if anyone was walking by you doubt that they would know anything. You were proud of yourself and him for keeping quiet. You feel him grow soft inside you and slip out as you stay pressed together in slick and sweat.

He presses light kisses to your neck and shoulder as your hearts and breaths return to normal. You laugh quietly and lean back, giving him a small peck before pulling yourself out of his embrace.

You wet a washcloth before wiping down your body while he watches you from the bed, a small relaxed smile on his lips. You grab another washcloth from your bag and wet it as he stands and comes over to you.

He goes to take it from your hand but you keep it, standing on your toes to kiss his chin before softly wiping it across his chest and stomach. You pepper kisses behind the washcloth as you wipe down his body. When you’re finished he pulls you into his arms and kisses your lips again “thank you, love” he whispers against your lips.

After dressing he lays down on the cot and you climb onto his chest “I really love you” he whispers into your ear “that wasn’t just a moment thing” you lean up and run your fingers softly across his forehead and down his cheek as you smile. You kiss the corner of his mouth and then lean into his ear “I really love you too.”

[tribbetherium]

The Early Glaciocene: 100 million years post-establishment

From Dusk Till Dawn: Duskmice Diversity in the Early Glaciocene

Duskmice, a group of hamsters that have remained very basal throughout the Rodentocene, lived up to their name as small, crepuscular mouse-like rodents. Indeed, many species still remain small, unassuming and unremarkable. However, three of its branches have gained tremendous success as of the Glaciocene, and taken on forms far unlike their ancestral lineage-- the burrowing molemice, the aquatic pondrats, and the carnivorous hammibals.

Many other lineages aside from these three have emerged, many being basal in form, as small, stout, short-tailed rodents akin to the founding hamster. These include the hampters and their pointed-nosed cousins the nholes: in an almost comical irony, the hampter is one of the only hamsters of this world that still resembles what one would recognize as a hamster very closely-- virtually unchanged for a hundred million years. Yet despite its mundanity it is a winning formula, and the hampter thrives in the niche it has held all the while, of seed-hoarding desert rodent, while all else changes around it.

Other lineages of basal duskmice not part of the three aforementioned clades would include the arctic fluffball, polar rodents that nest and migrate in enormous numbers, the herbivorous gwinnie that lives in a wide range of habitats feeding on foliage, and the prickly heckhogs whose bristly fur has been modified into sharp defensive spines.

But it is the three lineages of the molemice, hammibals and pondrats that have reached the greatest levels of diversity, morphing into forms defying the basic shape of a rodent --or mammal, even, and are barely recognizeable as being related to the primitive hamsters they coexist with. Evolution is not a ladder with "evolutionary levels", but a complex and often chaotic process, and here on HP-02017, hamsters basically unchanged live side-by-side with their other, distant cousins who are unimaginably different in form and function.

Yet this illusion of levels is quite visible among the molemice: a group of duskmice that had evolved subterranean adaptations. Small, furry members of this clade still thrive, with different means of burrowing, such as the insectivorous shovelsnout and its spade-shaped nose, or the long-toothed molrus that excavates dirt with long incisors to search for roots and tubers.

Yet among these molemice is one very special clade: a hairless, ectothermic group called the molrocks. Adapted for living in deep, underground burrows, they evolved slower metabolisms to better cope with decreased oxygen levels in their subterranean tunnels. Their eyes had dwindled in the dark, and instead feel their way through sensitive whiskers all over their body, like the gregarious, colonial ruffrus, while its insectivorous cousin, the stellasnoot, developed fleshy tendrils on its snout that can feel, smell, and even "hear" the vibrations of small prey.

Not all molrocks had poor eyesight, however. Some molrocks, the surface molrocks, began living above ground again, in small populations along Easaterra where they lived as insectivorous ambush hunters. Their eyesight had re-emerged, with larger eyes better adapted to daylight vision, and it is this lineage that would give rise to one of the most unusual rodent species of all: the rattiles.

Rattiles became so successful on the continent of Fissor that they would end up outcompeting all the basal surface molrocks, leaving only the armadiles, large molrocks that were Fissor's top predators, and the noodnoots, which thrived on some forest habitats on the Easaterran mainland.

The rattiles would diversify to dozens of species, thanks to various adaptations. Their pangolin-like protective scales, fat-storing tails, and their r-strategist reproduction would give them an edge: bearing well-developed young that could fend for themselves at birth, they would recieve minimal care from the parent--little more than the beneficial microbiota passed to them as they exited the birth canal-- and thus saving energy, could instead invest in many self-sufficient young, where few will survive to adulthood.

These strategies allowed the rattiles to fill most of Fissor's small-animal niches, be it the herbivorous gwannas, the arboreal hameleons, the aquatic monisaurs or the burrowing sninks. Their unique anatomy allows them to fill unusual ecological roles-- but at the same time, constrains them in other ways that true reptiles weren't, and forces them to evolve in niches far removed from those of the squamates they so closely mimic.

The carnivorous hammibals, meanwhile, would become HP-02017's first predators, preying upon smaller hamsters in the days of the Early Rodentocene. Tiny predators like those still exist in the Glaciocene, filling a niche akin to small mustelids, such as the tiglets, which chase small prey down their burrows, or the social gamsters, which hunt in groups of about three to five to take down prey as big as a small hamtelope.

This clade, in the Late Rodentocene, would bring about the carnivorous hamyenas, a clade of predators that, unlike the ferrats, would adapt their upper incisor into a single stabbing point while whetstone-like lower incisors kept them sharp and lethal. The hamyenas would be devastated, however, by competition from beelzeboars and fearrets as the continents collided in the Therocene, and today a few species remain, such as the hamsanians of a few isolated islands off the Ecatorian mainland, and the vulweirines of the continent of North Ecatoria.

But one lineage of the hamyenas would survive: the zingos. Gracile, canine-like cursorial hunters, they would come to dominate most predator niches by their adaptability and greater social intelligence, more quickly pushing aside the carnohams in retaking the carnivore niches after the Glaciocene mass extinction. Today they dominate nearly all continents except Borealia and Peninsulaustra, and are found in an array of diverse and unusual forms.

Some zingos are small and fox-like, filling omnivorous mesopredator niches, such as the omnivorous fawndogs that supplement their diet with plants and fruit, the zingdings that specialize on small, bite-sized prey and sometimes carrion, and the specialized insectivorous moundhounds that feed primarily on ants, termites and the numerous grubs and beetle larvae that nest under rocks and logs.

Another clade of zingos, in the meantime, would become larger and more akin to wolves and coyotes, being large-scale predators that chase after bigger prey such as ungulopes. Some are solitary or pair-hunters like the rintins while others such as the zingerwolves hunt in bigger packs to subdue larger prey, and one genus, the nearly horse-sized marewolf, has turned to powerful jaws and brute force to tackle Easaterra's largest herbivores, the scruffalo.

And the marewolves are not the only zingos to specialize in hunting the enormous ice-age giants, as on Ecatoria and Westerna, the saber-toothed daggarats have done the same with the local megaherbivores of their continent: the hammoths. Of the basal one-fanged lineage are the slaybers, with their fang being utilized as a stabbing weapon designed to puncture vital organs for a quick kill, and the lycanines, smaller, shorter-fanged forest hunters that target smaller ungulope prey. This one-fanged lineage had long been driven from their role as slashing-toothed plains predators by their cousin the double-sabered dark mauler, which now reigns as top predator of the Westernan plains, targeting ungulopes, drundles, and small-to-medium sized hammoth species.

And last, but definitely not the least, are the aquatic pondrats: a group of semi-aquatic duskmice that, lacking tails, instead came to use their hind feet as propulsion in the water. Small diving species such as the puddlemouse and the riverat, which feed on small invertebrates at the bottom of ponds and streams and inflate their cheek pouches as flotation, are similar to the ancestral forms of the entire clade back in the Rodentocene.

From these, bigger otter-like and beaver-like species arose, such as the shrish-eating lutrons and the herbivorous capstors, which are primarily found in freshwater rivers and lakes. Some of their relatives would later head out to sea, becoming the bayvers, pinniped-analogues such as the arctic poleroles that live in the freezing northern sea, and the more tropical yurf that frequents equatorial beaches. This clade would further specialize to life in the sea, and are now very clumsy on land, the fusion of their pelvis and hind limbs facilitating better swimming, but leaving them unable to properly walk and having to awkwardly flop along on their foreflippers and stomachs.

Impeded on land, the bayvers would spend more time in the ocean, and some would leave the land entirely to live their whole lives in the sea. These would include the herbivorous hamatees, which feed voraciously on the sea-dwelling grass known as coast kudzu, and the highly-unusual jousting bayver whose asymmetrical upper incisors would come to form a single forward-pointing tusk used for both self-defense and for stirring up bottom sediment to search for the seafloor invertebrates that comprise much of its diet.

But most abundant and successful of these fully-aquatic bayvers would be the cricetaceans, and in the Glaciocene would find greater levels of diversity due to the more nutrient-rich cold seas. With the formation of the land bridge Junctus the Centralic Ocean has become one giant bay of sorts: and while inside the bay small leviahams flourish as porpoise-like hunters, on the outside of the Centralic and up to the polar seas the cricetaceans would instead prosper, like the small, speedy shrish-eating blippers that travel in cooperative pods, and the more solitary, predatory phorcas that feed on other marine hamsters as well as larger shrish and floating carrion. And, to conclude the list of the duskmice's diverse and fascinating descendants, are the seavers-- giant, filter-feeding marine hamsters that, in the colder seas of the Glaciocene, have since grown into the biggest creatures ever to grace the surface of this spectacular, seeded planet.

▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

[giorno-plays-piano]

The Paths We Take

Pairing: Fairy King!Steve Rogers x Reader

Warnings: yandere, obsession, kidnapping, mentions of stalking.

Words: 2789.

Summary: As your little sister has been kidnapped by the fair folk, you have to set her free, exchanging your life for hers.

________________

"Remember, you shall not give him your name." The old woman told you, putting a little iron coin into your mouth. "Wait for him to give you his word. Unless he does, neither you nor your sister are safe."

You bowed your head to her, thankful for all her advices that could save your life - this woman was the only one to escape faerie ring and stay alive. She was a young girl when she got lost and returned when her hair turned grey, her skin wrinkled. Her scarred face warned the ones wandering the woods from going too far to the north.

"Do not be afraid." She said gently, caressing your cheek wet from tears with her rough, work-weary hand. "Your sister is still alive. Do everything right, and you will set her free."

You nodded and lifted a heavy basket filled with jugs and jars with wine, honey and butter, your offering to the wee folk to pass safely. If not your stupid, uncaring sister, you would never have to set your foot so far into the forest. But with no one to seek protection from, you had to go there yourself.

If only your sister didn't spend her days dancing in the woods despite all your warnings. You admitted you didn't raise her well, yet with no one by your side you spent all your time trying to provide for the both of you - life in this little village surrounded by woods had never been an easy one, especially for orphans.

As she had never listened to your pleas, no wonder one day your sister didn't return. The villagers had immediately gathered to start the search, but the only thing they found was a piece of your sister's dress hanging on a bush right near the faerie ring. Everyone knew then what had happened to her, and no one was ready to risk their life to save a silly young girl who didn't know better but enter the realm of the fair folk. People were helpless against the faeries, and many of the villagers had lost their loved ones to them. You could still find human bones if you went too far into the woods.

The basket was heavy, and you exhaled loudly as you set your foot outside of the elderly woman's hut, looking at the dark gigantic trees far away with worry. The woman told you that you wouldn't return - you would ask the fairies to take you away instead of your poor little sister.

"Wait, Y/N!" You heard someone's voice and turned around to see another woman, her hair all grey too despite her age - she was the one who had lost her only daugther to the wee folk a few years back. Since then she had aged faster than any other woman in the village. "I... I have something to help you!"

You blinked when she got close to you and reached out to your face, a little bottle in her hand. You closed her eyes as she rubbed a strange smelling salve into your eyelid, covering your eye with something that made you feel like someone poured a bucket of cold water over your head. Inhaling deeply, you opened your eyes and realized one eye was seeing much better than the other. The objects became sharper, the colors more bright as you stared in the woman's face with confusion. What was that?

"This is what one witch gave me when I was looking for my daughter." She whispered quietly as if she was afraid the Fae would hear her. "Now they won't fool you with their glamor. But don't show them you can see everything!"

"I won't." You assured the woman quickly and squeezed her shoulder gratefully. "God bless you for your kindness."

She nodded and hurried away, hiding the bottle inside her long worn out dress and never looking back at you. You knew she was scared. No one dared to come with you to the faerie ring, afraid to be tacken away by the creatures they feared and detested. Yet you were grateful to the woman - she knew how much it hurt to lose your beloved ones to the fair folk.

Turning to the woods, you licked the iron coin in your mouth and pushed it to the side, pouching it in your cheek. It didn't feel pleasant, but it was the least of your worries now as you went closer and closer to the gloomy forest, thinking of all the dangers it hid. Why did you sister go there? Why didn't she dance somewhere on the meadow, basking in the sun? What made her forget all the warnings every child was given?

Biting your cheek, you stepped inside the forest and clenched your fists, following the path an elderly woman had showed you. You stopped near the huge stump, taking a few pieces of fresh bread out of your basket and placing them on an improvised wooden altar for little forest sprites as an offering. Although you didn't need them to guide you, you asked them not to play with your path, twisting it such way you might end in the village again instead of the faerie ring. Losing their favor was not wise.

As you moved further, you sensed yourself speeding up despite feeling lightweight as if you were a little feather carried by the wind. For a moment you felt frightened, but then realized the sprites took a liking to the offering you brought them and helped you on your way. Did they know why you were coming so far into the woods? Maybe they did.

The further you moved, the more nervous you became, afraid to put your head up and look upon your surroundings - you saw elderflower glowing on your left and averted your eyes immediately, afraid to be charmed before you reached your destination. Then a few blue sparkles lit up the trees to your right, and you hurried further into the woods, wiping away your tears. You could make it. You could save your sister despite fairies' attempts to charm or scare you away.

Soon you moved to the left, leaving the path, and saw the ring formed by those little white mushrooms. It looked odd as the ring was the perfect round shape as if someone purposely made it.

Sighing heavily, you had doused your lantern and set it on the grass. Dear God, you were truly doing it. Licking the iron coin in your mouth, you pressed your lips into a thin line and stepped inside the ring, closing your eyes for a second. The moment you were past the line of mushrooms, your senses were clouded, your head light, your body almost flowing in the air - you could feel you entered the other realm as the forest lit up around you, and you heard the laugh and charming voices.

When you opened your eyes, you saw a great fire and many strange-looking creatures circling it. They danced, screamed, laughed and cried as they sat together, certainly celebrating something, and you stared at them in awe, blinking and unable to move. Your left eye showed you graceful fairies with their long curly hair laying on their shoulders, their faces strikingly beautiful, their bodies glowing warmly as they sat close to the fire. But your right eye, the one covered with that salve... it showed you ugly, revolting creatures with their fingers crooked, their faces dry and wrinkled, tree branches piercing their backs, their silky clothes being just some dirty rags. Not all the fairies looked distgusting, but many, many of them did. You almost flinched when they looked at you, standing in the ring with your large basket full of food and wine.

You didn't see the man sitting on what appeared to be a throne on the other side of the cirle, hid by the flames of the fire, but once he rose to his feet everyone fell silent. He was tall, well-built, looking stronger than any man in the village, his dress made out of pure golden threads. Certainly, his glamor spell was way stronger than the charmed salve made by the witch as both your eyes showed only one of his forms, unlike the other fairies.

He was the fae's lord, you realized as you bowed deeply, refusing to look him into his deep blue eyes. You didn't even see his face clearly as you stared at your own shoes, clenching the basket.

"What a lovely human I see." The man said, and you heard the wee folk chuckling at his words, whispering something to each other. "Will you give me your name, little one?"

You gulped and froze on the spot. You knew well you should never respond to the fae's question with your name as you would simply hand them the power over you with it, "giving" yourself to them. But staying silent was considered rude, nonetheless.

"Forgive me, lord fae, for I cannot. But I can tell you it is Acantha."

A thorn. It wasn't your true name, of course, as even saying, not giving it to the fair folk was dangerous and unwise. The lord fae knew it well, of course, and narrowed his eyes at you, smiling.

"My name is Steven, little one. I am the King of the Fae, and this forest belongs to me just like the meadows, fields, rivers, and lakes." Though he was smiling, it didn't reach his eyes - you didn't realize you weren't bowing to him anymore and stared at his pale face, glowing in the dark. "Why did you come here, little one? What are you searching for?"

As you heard nasty cackling to your right, you clenched your teeth, realizing these very creatures had trapped your poor sister for their fun. Now you saw many of them drinking not only ambrosia and wine, but also a dark red liquid that looked like blood.

Murderers. Ugly beasts banished by God himself to all the darkest places, unworthy of sunlight. Did they claim they owned the meadows and rivers and lakes? No, the villagers did. And they would drive out and kill all the fair folk with iron knives and pitchforks who would dare to come out the woods. The forest was the only place humans were afraid to enter.

Gritting your teeth, you bowed your head again and gently set the basket in front of the fairy's circle, taking a step away. You had to keep calm. You needed to get your sister out.

"I am searching for my sister, fae lord. She's a silly little thing, and I'm afraid she took the wrong path in the forest, disturbing your kind folk with her dancing." You said, choosing your words wisely and not looking at anyone, savouring the taste of iron in your mouth. The coin was muffling your words, but no fairy had sensed anything yet. "I came to plead you for help, fae lord. Please, bring her to me, let her come back to the realm she belongs to safely, and I will give you whatever you would like me to."

You sighed, squeezing your eyes shut. You said it. You just exchanged your life with hers. If he took your word, you would be trapped here, in this cursed place belonging to The Unseelie Court.

The King looked content with you being so courteous, your offering very generous for a simple village girl, indeed. He motioned to two forest sprites to bring your basket to him and pulled a jug filled with the finest wine you could find, setting it near his thrones while handing the basket to others. As they flew to it, ripping it apart and claiming whatever they could reach, you bit down on your tongue, feeling utterly disgusted. All of them deserved a pair of shoes made from branding iron.

"You have good manners, little one." The King smiled at you, and the next moment he wasn't standing near his throne made from gold and decorated with gemstones shining in the dark, but cupping your chin as he stared down at you, his warm breath tickling your skin. "You brought a nice offering. I will give your sister back to you, and sprites will escourt her to your people. I give you my word."

Your eyes went wide. He said exactly what you wanted him to, and it only took you an offering and a plea. How was it possible? You knew well how cunning, haughty, and treacherous the wee folk could be. But the King himself gave you his word. It was an oath the fae couldn't break.

Before you could bow your head again and express your gratitude, however, the King had suddenly put his warm palms on your shoulders and turned you around, forcing you to stare at the procession, several fairies leading your still dancing sister to the fire. You could see her feet bleeding, but she had that strange little smile stretching his lips and enlightening his eyes as she kept moving, laughing and throwing her hands into the air. Her clothes were dirty, her hair disheveled, yet she didn't see it, caring about nothing but dancing.

You realized you were crying only when the King gently wiped your cheek with his palm.

"Set her free once she steps out the ring." He said as fairies lured her to that little circle of mushrooms. "Bring her home safely and make her forget all that she saw. Do not ever let her come back."

You tried to make a step towards her, take her into your embrace, kiss her cheeks, whisper her to never set her foot into the forest again, and ask her to promise she would take care of herself, but the King still had his hands on your shoulders, and his grip was becoming tighter and tighter, forcing you to stay still despite all your attempts to run to her. He wouldn't let you tell goodbye to your own sister. You were made to watch as she was taken away from you, and your eyes were full with tears again. Dear Lord, why? Why didn't he let you approach her for a mere minute? You wanted to scream and cry, but realized you couldn't open your mouth. The Fae King had charmed you.

Once your sister disappeared inside the faerie ring, you had collapsed to the ground, your fingers buried into your hair, pulling at the roots in despair. You would never see that little girl again. Cruel laugh of the fairies surrounding you made you face wet from all the humiliation and pain.

"Shhh." You heard the Fae King speaking as he got down to you and caressed your hair gently. "It will be alright. She will live her life like all humans do, and you will stay here and forget all your sorrows."

You cried harder at his words, and an iron coin the elderly woman gave you slipped on your tongue. The King had immediately reached out to your face and opened his hand, looking at you patiently. Now he knew you carried a coin in your mouth.

Pausing for a moment, you realized it was meaningless: it was over now. You were in the hands of the wee folk, and no one would come to save you. You submitted, dropping a coin to the fae lord's hand - he hissed as it burnt his skin, but once he clenched his huge fist the coin disappeared as if you had never brought it in your mouth.

"See? It's easy, little one." The fairy murmured, dropping a kiss to the top of your head and making you turn your face up as he wiped the remains of the salve from your eyelid - he saw it, too. In the next moment the darkness became light, and ugly creatures surrounding you turned into the most beautiful beings you had ever seen. "You will forget. Don't you know you were born under the Milk Moon, little one? You shouldn't live the life full of hardships as a peasants' daughter. You deserve to be happy in my lands."

With me, you could hear his whisper inside your head.

He didn't tell you he had been watching you gathering herbs and berries in his forest close to the village for years. He didn't tell you he lured your sister into the faerie ring, knowing you would follow and try to save her, ready to trade your own life for hers.

You didn't tell him you kept an iron nail in the pocket of your dress, prepared to fight for your life till the very end. You weren't born to become a little doll of the Fairy King, and you were ready to prove it.

________________

Tags: @finleyjayne @alexakeyloveloki   ​@helenaeisenhower @villanellevi @hurricanerin ​@void-hoechlin @abyssaint @heeeyitskay @chris-evans-indian-fanfic @navegandoaciegas @rosalynshields @brattycherubwrites @sllooney @angrythingstarlight @lovelydarkdaydream

[scarlettroubles]

Say Goodbye to My Heart Tonight

Mc’s mentioned in this story are Jules Farrier and Will Scarborough @cursebreakerfarrier​, Morgana Canigula @lgvalenzuela​ , and Septimus Crowe @brothergrimm71​. Finnegan Bradigan, Eliza Ryder, Augustus Hawthorne and Mathias and Matteo Alabaster belong to me.

As Eileen made her way to the library as instructed by Headmaster Dumbledore, she couldn't help but smile in anticipation and from the fluttering feeling in her stomach as she made her way to see the final surprise laid out by her boyfriend.

Boyfriend the very word made Eileen lightheaded and made her want to swoon. She found it very annoying. She wished it would stop.

But then she remembered the antics her and Will got into these past few days. How they had both heard the exact same announcement from Dumbledore that there was to be a Valentine's day Ball and the rush of excitement that flew through her veins in that moment.

She remembers how she had instinctively turned to look at Will from where he sat in the great hall with the rest of his housemates from Slytherin like Augustus who was just napping, Jules who had a far away look in her eyes. Probably thinking about her boyfriend Bill, Barnaby who was bursting at the seams with joy at the prospect of getting to dance with Morgana again, and Merula who although was sneering at the idea of some silly love fest with Ismelda Murke and the rest of her school clique, Eileen couldn’t help but notice the way her eyes darted off towards the Gryffindor table and on to Septimus Crowe, who was his usually broody self this morning but whom Eileen knew was hiding a drinking flask underneath the huge table. At most days Eileen would  have scolded him for drinking on a school day but seeing as how her sister Eliza and Jae Kim were currently sitting near him and talking his ear off and just being plain pain in the asses, she would let it slide for now.

She remembered the electric shock that passed through her when she found Will looking right at her from across the room too, and how they had both blushed madly when they had realized that they had been staring at the other like love struck teens. Penny and Finn had squealed at how adorable they found it while Diego and Chiara just gave her a knowing look. Tonks on the other hand  went as far as guffawing very loudly and had to have a hand smacked across her mouth before the entire teaching staff could silently scold them with their eyes. She remembers feeling her cheeks heat up with embarrassment and how badly she wanted to disappear in that moment because dammit she had a reputation to uphold-

But then it was announced that Madam Pince of all people would be planning the ball and suddenly the entire mood of the great hall dropped dead faster than a demiguise could disappear right before your eyes.

God they really were idiots. Not only idiots but idiots in love, how fucking cheesy was that? How fucking cheesy was it that they had BOTH immediately thought of saving the Ball for the other. How Will teamed up with Augustus (who had apparently only joined in with the promise of free snacks from Matteo) the Alabaster twins, Eliza and even dragging poor Septimus who looked absolutely done with everything  into the mix to try and convince Madam Pince in making the Ball into something everyone would enjoy and not the classical and so very lonely event she had had planned. While Eileen teamed up with Merula, Finn, and Jules to give Argus Filch of all people a makeover in order to get him to woo and convince Madam Pince to change the Ball into a classical woodland fairytale.

When she looked back at it now she really should have paid more attention to the poorly concealed smiles and giggles her friends were throwing at her every time the boys passed them by in a hurry.

With Mathias blushing from the tip of his ears every time he spared a glance at his boyfriend Finn, to her own boyfriend nearly crashing into every damn column or wall that was around him if he so much as passed by her and probably would have had a concussion by now if not for her sister Eliza grabbing him by the scruff of his shirt just at the nick of time and throwing her a questioning look, seemingly judging her taste in a romantic partner when Eileen herself felt like she had no right to judge seeing as how piss poor her sister’s own love life was.

It was funny to think that she and Will had gotten together just a few months after the start of 6th year. Those first few months were bliss compared to what had been going on now.

It was hard. It was really, really hard not to think about Rowan. Eileen wanted nothing more for her best friend to be here with her, She was the first person to have picked up on her feelings for him long before she had realized it herself. She should be enjoying the Ball with them and teasing her with the rest of her friends on how adorable she was with Will. She should have been laughing with Ben and her as they danced badly to whatever song the band played next.

She should be here, here in Hogwarts, alive and not buried 6 feet below the ground. Here laughing that unrestrained laugh of hers that never failed to make her smile and look at her with so much love. Talking off Eileen's ear about the many historical romances and fairy tales she knew as they went on their daring quest to save the Ball for everyone at Hogwarts. The rich scent of parchment, ink and fresh-sawn lumber following right behind her. With that stupid scarf she loved so much hanging off of her gangly shoulders and fluttering in the breeze.

Sometimes Eileen swears she can hear her voice ringing down the halls. But she knows she is dead and gone from the physical world. She is but a muted colored ghost of regret and guilt in her mind but a dear friend and loved one in her heart. And Eileen tries her best not to let the heavy chains of guilt that she struggled so hard to snap off wrap themselves on her wrists once again.

She really shouldn't linger on such thoughts unless she wanted to dampen the mood. Rowan wouldn't have wanted that for her. She would have wanted her to be happy. A sad smile that slowly turned into a bright one graced Eileen's face as she remembered just how her friends had found out she was dating Will.

Will had given her his old Slytherin sweater a month after his confession to her by the black lake. She hadn't worn the sweater at all during those first few weeks after receiving it, wanting to keep their new relationship on the down low for now. And, albeit being the tiniest bit embarrassed at owning a piece of her boyfriend's clothing and what others might scandalously think happened between them if they caught her wearing it.

But after another disappointing encounter with her brother and an upsetting talk with her father that had involved a bank statement from Gringotts meant for him, followed by her breaking into the Gryffindor dorm rooms just to get an old friend of hers to take her to the Ryder family Manor in order to investigate said bank statement had left Eileen feeling drained and in desperate need of comfort. And so in a moment of weakness, she had finally put on the sweater and slept in it only to wake up the next day to be met with wide eyes staring right at her groggy form wearing a Slytherin sweater that definitely didn’t belong to her.

The girls had all screamed their heads off upon learning that yes, her and Will did finally get together. While Chiara, Rowan and Penny all gave her a group hug and immediately started swamping her with questions, Tonks, in her usual fashion, went and started screaming at everyone in the Hufflepuff dorm room that “THE SHIP HAS SAILED EVERYONE! IT'S FUCKING SAILED! WILL AND EILEEN HAVE FINALLY DONE IT HAHAHAHAHAH- OW!” 

Before she got bonked in the head for being too loud and for cursing with first years around by Diego . It wasn't long until the the entire school found out about it and both her and Will were receiving congratulations from their classmates. In fact, Eileen could have sworn seeing Snape grumpily give Professor Mcgonagall a small pouch of money at the teachers table that morning during breakfast and for some reason, seemed to be glaring at her as if it was her fault for him losing some kind of bet but also seemed to look at her like he was...relieved…? Ugh, the very memory of such a strange encounter left her mind buzzing.

And so it was with a heavy heart Eileen buried down the guilt and pain that still lingered deep within her and focused on the present.

It was Valentine's day after all and she had a date. This was no time for sorrow and regret. This was a day of love and there was only one path for her at the moment and that path was leading her towards the Hogwarts Library.

Snapping back to the present, Eileen found herself right in front of the library door. She felt her palms start to sweat and her heart speed up. Whether from apprehension or excitement she could not say.

She placed her hand on the door knob and took a deep breath before giving it a twist…..And found herself walking straight into a fairytale.

The library had been completely transformed. Fairies that she recognized from the forbidden forest were flying about, buzzing softly and casting the entire room in a warm, soft glow. The books and tables in the library had been transformed into stairs and a platform to walk on. Above the platform even more books had been transformed into heart shaped archways and at the bottom of those archways lined scented candles that filled the library with the smell of lavender and lighted a path to somewhere deep in the library. Where the path led to she could not see but was excited to explore.

She took another step forward to investigate and saw that underneath the platforms were blue construction paper that seemed to have been enchanted to mimic the movement and flow of a running river.

Eileen couldn't help but cover her mouth in awe. She couldn't be blamed for it, because this…This was incredible and as Eileen stood there still struggling to take it all in, behind her came a familiar voice.

"Happy Valentine's, day my love." Will spoke softly as he emerged from his hiding spot. Carrying with him a brilliant red rose.

The smile on his girlfriend's face was so intoxicating Will couldn't help but smile back and think that he wouldn't mind getting drunk on it.

He was snapped out of his thoughts though as Eileen was suddenly running to meet him halfway and accidentally got a little too excited and ended up colliding straight into her tall-as-a-fucking-building of a boyfriend and hurriedly moved to wrap her arms around his shoulders and Will just laughed at his girlfriend's enthusiasm as he too, mirrored the gesture and wrapped his arms around his lovers waist and twirled her while also trying to not let the rose still in his hand get crushed in-between them as they both laughed.

Eileen drew back a bit to look at Will. He was taller than her and although Eileen had finally gotten that growth spurt of her’s these recent years and stood at a whopping 6’1 feet, she still had to crane her head to look him in the eye. Something he always liked to tease her for, only for him to be lightly punched by his girlfriend in the shoulder good naturedly.

"How in the world did you pull this off? This is- this is absolutely gorgeous Will! If it weren't for the musk of old books I would have thought I was transported somewhere entirely new." Eileen exclaimed to her lover with a smile.

Will just laughed softly, pleased at how much she liked it.

"I had a little help…" he explained rather cryptidly.

Eileen gave him a confused look when she suddenly heard a familiar chirp followed by a buzz behind her.

She twisted her neck to see where the noise was coming from and felt her jaw drop as she saw a familiar branch of bowtruckles behind her, it was the bowtruckles from the Care of Magical Creatures classroom but among them was also her bowtruckle companion, Barnaby Jr. And Tinkerbell, a fairy she had helped rehabilitate after having found her at the end of a nasty storm and whom she had named after some fairy from a muggle film Finnegan had shown her once, all up on a bookshelf.

Junior, noticing they had managed to get her attention, let out another happy chirp before quickly making his way down the bookshelf followed by Tinkerbell and the rest of the army of bowtruckles and Eileen could only watch in amusement as the tiny creatures raced towards her. She let out another laugh and bent down so she could scoop up Barnaby junior and let out a gasp as upon further inspection, noticed the tiny bowtie the little bowtruckle had on him. She turned to look at Tinkerbell and found her to be also sporting a beautiful blue ribbon tied into her hair as well as tiny rose bracelets on her wrist. Actually, all the other  bowtruckles had  accessories that fitted them all so perfectly. It was clear whoever gave them the outfits made them with utmost care.

"Oh Merlin, look at how stunning you two look with those accessories! They suit you both so well! You didn't just give Junior and Tinkerbell outfits though, you even gave accessories to Francis,and Ottie,and Rosie and- oh holy Hufflepuff look at all of you! You all look so lovely! Oh Will I think I'm gonna cry-" Eileen squealed happily as she did her best to cradle all the little creatures she had been caring for for years near her face and Will just smiled so lovingly at her as Junior and Tinkerbell, and the entire army of bowtruckles all let out happy chirps and buzzes at the attention they were getting from their caretaker and Mummy.

"I told them I wanted to do something special for their mummy. And as soon as they heard that I immediately had their attention. When I started to explain the plan they started jumping up and down, climbed down their Wiggentree, and made a beeline for the library. It was really funny and touching to watch them all clamoring to impress their mum." Will rubbed his neck in embarrassment.

"Junior found Tinkerbell fluttering around and must have explained to her the plan because the next thing I know, I'm putting some of the charms up to make the paper river and suddenly there's this group of fairies demanding they help out too!"

By the end of Will's recount, they were both laughing as the little creatures began to pat themselves on the back in a job well done and puffing out their chests, obviously liking the amount of praise they were all getting.

"Did Pince really let you use her precious library just for this or have you somehow managed to bribe our friends and the teaching staff to keep Hogwarts favorite librarian busy as we enjoyed our date?" Eileen asked playfully but with the slightest bit of worry in her voice. She didn't exactly want her date with Will ruined with an angry librarian and caretaker barging in the middle of it and having their date end with them sentenced to serve detention by helping Pitts out in the kitchens. It would have been worth it sure, but it would still be annoying and a wickedly bad damper on their special night.

"Actually yes, as long as we promise to tidy it all up afterwards and leave the place exactly as it was."

"Madam Pince has been left in such a good mood from her own romantic fairytale date with Filch that our friends and beloved teaching staff may or may not have set up for them that she has agreed for me to use the library for this very special occasion just this once." He finished with a flirtatious wink.

"The entire teaching staff? Even Snape?" Eileen asked, not quite willing to believe it.

"After being pressured into it by Professor Mcgonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore? Yes, even grumpy ol' Snape joined in on it."

The picture of the ill-tempered, greasy haired bat of the dungeons grumpily setting up a date for his two fellow co-workers left the two love birds cringe just the slightest bit at such a disturbing image.

"Now that that's out of the way, shall we?" Will said as he extended a hand to Eileen while still holding on to the rose from earlier and his face immediately lightened up as soon as the rough yet warm hand of his lover joined his open one. He led Eileen down the heart shaped archways and the path of scented candles while behind them, followed the crowd of bowtruckles and fairies. Letting out soft chirps and buzzing noises as they too went under the romantic shaped archways.

Will suddenly stopped and turned to Eileen to give her the red rose and she graciously accepted it with a soft smile that left Will's cheeks feeling warm. He quickly grabbed for the wand in his pocket and with a flick of his wrist, some string instruments cleverly placed in the corner of the room started to play a soft yet sweet ballad. Eileen gave Will a disbelieving look at the ridiculous amount of effort he put into this whole thing and Will just ducked his head and chuckled in embarrassment before grabbing for her hand again and moving on.

"So uh, this isn't too much is it? I-I know you're not the biggest fan of grand  gestures or anything but, I… I know these past few months haven't been easy on you and I just- I wanted to do something special for you. I wanted to give you the storybook romance you deserved. And yes, I know technically storybook romances although ideal are not realistic, but…."

Will raised his hand, gesturing to something ahead of them and Eileen let her eyes follow to where they were pointed to before letting out a sharp gasp.

Soft, pale pink light emanated from the floating fairies like the faint embers of a candle. It cast the room in a rosy hue, highlighting the platform she saw ahead of her. It was one of the strangest displays she'd ever seen. And yet, somehow it fit.

The platform was composed entirely of books bound together by enchantments. Stacks of curving tomes that resembled the half moons flanked its edge, conjoining in a heart in the middle. Candles flickered along the edge, creating a kaleidoscope of pastel pinky, peachy colour throughout the library. It was a scene that would make Pince lose her mind. It was a scene that melted Eileen's heart.

Will once again gave his wand another precise flick and suddenly there was a silver dining platter floating gently to the ground. As soon as the platter touched the floor, almost all the small creatures in the room started to crowd around it. When the lid slid open, the plate was revealed to be filled with creature feed which started to float a few inches off the plate before swiftly distributing itself to the eager hands of fairies and bowtruckle alike. The creatures making pleased noises as they ate their meals.

“They deserve a reward for helping me out with this. They're er, they're eating it so I'm going to assume I got the right feed for them? I know you explained to me their diets in the past and I even asked Hagrid and Barnaby to make sure I grabbed the right one but even then I was still scared I went and mucked it up. S-sorry I'm just blabbering now aren't I? ” Will laughed nervously as he struggled to keep his composure relaxed.

Eileen just looked at him adoringly though. She was touched to know that Will had listened to what she said about bowtruckles and fairy diets. Hell, he even remembered the whole damn conversation and went as far as double checking with Hagrid to make sure he got it right!

God, she could feel how sore her cheeks were getting from how wide she was smiling right now. But she could complain about how stupidly cheesy this all was later on, in the privacy of her dorm room with her face maybe buried in her pillow as she replayed the night's events all over again on loop.

Right now, right now she was stupidly in love with her boyfriend because she's an idiot and her  heart felt like bursting from joy. And right now she would very much like to kiss her boyfriend stupid.

Will looked at Eileen only to find her looking at him with those golden eyes he grew to love so much. Eyes that reminded him of the sun that, at times felt like they were gonna scorch him alive with that intense stare of hers but right now, felt more like a warm caress upon his skin and for all his charm and skillful words, he could not help but grow bashful at the knowledge that a girl like her was looking at him with so much love. And if his heart started beating faster and his cheeks grew flush then that was his secret to keep.

He grabbed for her hand once more and she let him guide her up the stairs of this strange platform. And in the faint darkness of the library, Eileen ludicrously wondered to herself if Will could see the faint red glow of her own cheeks as she felt his sweaty fractal covered palm against her calloused one.

As the two made their way towards the middle of the floor, Will took both of Eileen's hands in his and held them firmly as he gave her a small smile that told her a thousand secrets.

"You made this Valentine's ball perfect for everyone, even for the likes of grumpy old Filch and pinched-faced Pince."Will started off until Eileen decided to speak up in typical smartass fashion.

"Technically you could say we both did seeing as how we cheesily went behind the others back to save the Ball in an attempt to give the other the best night of their lives but please, continue."

Will gave her a disbelieving look at her interruption in which Eileen just laughed as her lover struggled to fight down a smile and keep their already sweaty palms clasped to one another.

"As I was saying, you made this night perfect for everyone, even when no one asked you to. And I wanted to do something for you in return. Can't have my own girlfriend outdoing me anyway."

"Outdoing you? Will Scarborough, are you saying this was a contest between us?" Eileen asked, exasperated.

"Of course not, because if it was then I would have obviously won and you would have obviously lost. Which you hate and today is a day of love. I mean, c'mon Elly I built you a whole damn classic fairytale romance with nothing but books and paper in a library that is guarded by a crazy librarian who hates people using her library with the help of the creatures you love so much. Without another person's assistance might I add! And no, Headmaster Dumbledore does not count because he merely stalled you so I could do the finishing touches, but I digress."

Will finished as Eileen fought to contain her laughter at his mini rant.

"Okay okay, we need to be serious right now. This is my serious face."

"I thought that was your dork face-

"Merlin's beard Elly, will you let a man speak? If you interrupted me this much when I first confessed to you at the shore of the black lake we would have been caught by the teaching staff before I could get a word out!"

And it was then that Eileen finally bursted out laughing and clutched her stomach as Will smiled down at her on how silly she was being.

He couldn't help but feel a wave of pride to know he was one of the few that could make her laugh like this.

Eileen let out a new guffaw of laughter as Will grasped her by the shoulders. Trying to steady her and make her stop laughing. 

"Just- hold still. I'm being very serious right now. I am about to be a huge romantic so we are going to be serious. What I am about to say is serious" Will said as he craned Eileen's face to look at him as she finally ceased giggling. Sensing Will's sudden change of mood.

"These past few months have not been easy for you. They haven't been easy for me either because they weren't easy for you. And it hurts me to know you are hurting and all I can do is to hold you and hope you can feel my love. That you know that my love for you is always there. And that you are free to take it just as I am free to take yours. That you can trust in me like a lifelong friend just as I trust you, and have faith in me that I will come back like a sailor at sea does to his family and his wife after every little row we have no matter how silly or bad it was."

"I am grateful that you trust me enough to hand me your heart and have faith I will not break it or wander off with it as I hand mine to you and hope for the same thing. I am grateful I can make you laugh like no one else can and you are comfortable enough to be vulnerable around me just as much as I  can be vulnerable around you."

"I thought I knew what love was but then I met you. I am so, so glad I met you Eileen, my love. My beloved. My trusted friend. And I know sometimes you question if you are worthy of being loved, if you are worthy of my love, and sometimes I wonder if I am worthy of yours as well. But I think- I think we should stop questioning if we are good enough for the other and just focus on being enough for each other instead. Love isn’t built on doubt after all, it’s built on trust and faith. Because at the end of the day that is what I want. To be with you and to continue to grow as a person because of you. And at the end of all that, I say- Happy Valentine's day, my love."

Will finished with tears in his eyes he was desperately trying to hold back his own tears only to find Eileen holding back tears of her own. He moved his hand to wipe them away, not wanting to see her sad but she merely grabbed his palm and pulled him into a kiss. And as Eileen claimed his lips she could only hope he got the message loud and clear.

I love you too.

When they both finally pulled apart for air, they pressed their foreheads together and smiled sweetly as tears of joy streamed down both their cheeks and held each other close. Tucked safely away from the prying eyes of all save for the small creatures that still hung around the room but were smart enough to give them their privacy.

When they finally opened their eyes to look at the other, green eyes met gold ones that were filled with such love and understanding that only they would truly know.

"Before we end the night, I have one more surprise up my sleeve."

"Another one? Haven't we had enough surprises in one night Will?"

"Trust me, I think you'll like this one." He said confidently and Eileen took his word for it.

" As you may or may not know, we are most definitely the best power couple in this school. And don't you think Hogwarts best power couple deserve to have their own love story written down for the ages? So why not have our own storybook?"

Will  brought out his wand and with a wordless spell, a book suddenly materialized right between them.

It was a leatherbound book and was expertly crafted. It was a gorgeous shade of teal with various roses of pinks and reds decorating the edges of the cover and two interconnected golden hearts in the middle with what looked like an actual key hole in the space where the two hearts met at their feet. With a golden chained necklace wrapped around the book with a heart shaped key on the end of it.

"It's beautiful Will." Eileen breathed out softly. Still mesmerized at how well crafted the book was.

"Only the best for my lady." He said as he gave her his most charming smile which only made the smile on Eileen's face grow even bigger as she let out a small chuckle.

"So, what's it about? Wait no, let me guess… It's about a curse breaking witch who had a strong connection with animals and made a living by breaking curses who one day meets this charming sorcerer.

They don't get along at first but they keep running into each other over and over again and eventually team up to stop some ancient evil."

"And have a classic romance story along the way." Will added with a smirk.

"And end up becoming each other's future despite everything that was thrown their way. Because they knew the moment they met each other a second time, that it was fate." Eileen finished with a smile.

"I think that's a story I can read over and over again." Eileen said as she cradled the book gently and caressed the cover. Feeling the soft leather beneath her fingers and admiring just how much love was put into its pages.

"With you being a bookworm and a sappy romantic? Definitely. The key will allow you to open it so that way you can read it whenever you want. You can even wear the key like a necklace so that way the story will always be with you."

"Tch, and you call me the sappy romantic when you went and did all of this?"  Eileen said teasingly.

Will just gave her a pouty face which made her laugh and to which he quickly joined in.

"It's perfect, this entire night has been perfect. Thank you Will."

"What do you say we end this night with a dance?" Will said as he offered her his hand one final time.

She felt herself smirk and grabbed his hand without hesitation.

"I couldn't think of a better way Mr. Scarborough."

As Will led them both to the middle of the library floor, this time it was Eileen who brought out her wand and with a gesture of her hand the instruments at the corner of the room started playing a song for slow dancing and the couple both positioned their hands on their partner's body and proceeded to dance. The bowtruckles and fairies, seeing the humans swaying softly to the music decided to follow them as well and all partnered up. Doing their best to copy Will and Eileen as they danced the night away.

And as Eileen rested her head against her boyfriend's chest and listened to the soft beating of his heart.  For the first time in forever, Eileen looked forward to the future and hoped that Will was included in every step of the way. Because there was no one else she'd want by her side to take on the world than Will Scarborough.

And just for the night, the universe was merciful on Eileen Ryder and her lover Will Scarborough. And she smiled.

For even if it was just one night. No matter how short their love story would be. Eileen knew she would rather love Will no matter how short of a period of time that would be, than not love him at all.

And just for this night.

It was enough.

[felassan]

Food and drink lore from The Last Court

Thedosian food and drink lore details that come from Dragon Age: The Last Court. Some of it is Orlesian or even specifically Seraultine. Some of it has its origins in other parts of Thedas and some of it is surely fairly universal. I had been working on this for a while because I just wanted to gather the things of this nature that are mentioned in the game together somewhere as a resource; it’s coincidentally a bit more pertinent now with the looming TLC deactivation. If I come across more I’ll update the post. Cut for length.

Drinks

Serault cider

Spiced wine: served steaming warm

Amaranthine red wine: notably sweet

Southern wine: notably rich and bitter. black as pitch

Red wine: rich. good for accompanying venison

Serault yellow wine: the Elegant Abbess’ own vintage from her small vineyard at the Abbey of the Bans in Serault. I wonder if this is akin to Vin jaune in our world. The Abbess trades her vineyard’s product for other, “more exotic” wines from across Orlais. She’s charmingly modest about her own vintage

Alyons black wine: Alyons is a smaller but better-regarded neighbor of Serault. The vintage in 9:41 was terrible, so casks of the year ’38 were what characters preferred to drink at one point

Celestine black wine: in Orlais, the region between Lake Celestine and the shores of the Waking Sea is known as “The Heartlands”. The Heartlands is a rich place of vineyards and gilded marble estates. This wine costs a fortune. Divine Justinia was fond of it. In one instance it is served in a fountain, from which drinkers filled their cups from the splashing sheets. This fountain took a pair of skilled hands to make, work which cost good gold to have done

Wines (other): there are references to “strong” wine, “sharp” wine, wine “from the sun-brushed south” and “bitter black wine”

Fereldan whiskey

Beer: Seraultine peasants sometimes drink “watered beer” to stave off summer heat. Presumably this refers to watered-down beer

Black tea flavored with juniper: fierce, fiery, insistent, with an undertone of juniper. Supposedly a sovereign remedy for hair loss and perfect for celebrating providential occasions

Lattenfluss tea: eye-watering. The Lattenfluss is a river in the Anderfels. As long as only one cup is drunk per week, it’s “very unlikely” to kill the consumer. According to wild rumors this tea is brewed with lyrium. Gifted in a tiny pouch to the Marquis by the Purveyor of Teas

Fires of Change tea: a unique tea that was offered as a coded message to the Divine. It was presented in a lacquered box, the top of which was inlaid with a red flame symbol (a sign used by revolutionaries)

Old nameless Tevinter tea: a nameless tea that was drunk in “Tevinter of old”. Oily, blue, swimming with leaves, smells like damp wormy earth, unpleasant taste, caustic. It causes the throat to burn after drinking it. Sharing this mysterious tea with another binds the two drinkers together. It’s not clear whether this is just a poetic cultural custom or some kind of magical binding. In the game it was brewed in a black clay pot and served in pewter cups. The Purveyor of Teas and the Marquis drink it in the context of making a pact and entering into a business arrangement

Food

Wild boar: can be hunted in the Serault Applewoods

Deer/venison: can be hunted in the Serault Applewoods. The meat of such deer is rich and red. In one instance venison pasties are served with curls of goat’s cheese. In that instance the meat is heavy and rich, the pastry is light, and the cheese has a kick to it

Rabbit: can be hunted in the Serault Applewoods

Squirrel

Duck

Swan: in one instance brilliant gold-colored gilded swans are served in an apple blossom-white gravy made from river herring. The gilt in that instance is made of egg yolk, flour, an eastern spice and a costly handful of real gold leaf for an authentic luster

Goose: goose-fat is also used for things

Pheasant

Partridge: in one instance served simmering in a pot with sweet onions and pale beans

Cow: their tongues are sometimes eaten as well as their meat

Chicken

First Day chicken: in some areas it is custom to eat chicken on First Day. This reminds me of the tradition in some parts of our world of eating turkey (for example) for Christmas Dinner. Since this reference cropped up in TLC, I wonder if this is an Orlesian thing

Veal: in one instance galantines of veal are served in a teetering mountainous pile on a bed of steamed beans, with cubes of pickled ox-tongue. Galantine is a dish in French cuisine

Pickled ox-tongue

Black pudding

Steak

Meat pasty: venison pasties served with curls of goat’s cheese is a local specialty in Serault

Sausages: there are at least 12 different kinds. In one instance they are succulent and bursting, served popping and sizzling in a skillet as wide as a man is tall. In that instance the sausages came from the pride of the Pig-Farmer’s brood of pigs

Roast meat: in one instance a dozen carcasses skewered on a spit are turned by ten chevaliers, sweating in bright polished armor. As they turn the skin crackles as fat drips onto the flames. Cooks then come forwards with pearl-handled knives to carve steaks from the haunches

Fish

River herring: can be used to make an apple blossom-white gravy

Mussels

Eggs: can be hard-boiled. Egg yolks can be mixed with flour, an eastern spice and real gold leaf in order to gild food

Cheese: a soft variety is mentioned, a feisty variety is mentioned

Blue cheese: blue-veined, ripe

Goat’s cheese: has a kick. Served with venison pasties as a local specialty in Serault

Honey: sweet. The sisters at the Abbey of the Bans in Serault have beehives. The Marquis’ cook bakes round cakes laced with it and peppered with poppyseed

Custard

Round cakes: peppered with poppyseed and laced with honey. In Serault antlers are baked into the crusts of these cakes (since Serault heraldry includes a stag)

Porridge: eaten by peasants in Serault at mealtimes

Bread: a grainy black variety that comes in cobs is mentioned. A soft variety is mentioned. A dark variety is mentioned. A variety is eaten warm. In Serault bread is eaten by peasants at mealtimes

Pie: in one instance a great glazed pie stirs and rustles until its crust is cut open with a sword. A torrent of fifty white doves with gold rings around their legs then burst out. These doves were a symbol of the Marquis’ hope for the Divine’s peace talks at the Conclave. Servants opened the windows of the hall so the doves could escape

Gravy: an apple blossom-white variety can be made from river herring

Vegetables (various)

Sweet fruits (various): from the Serault Applewoods

Nuts: from the Serault Applewoods. Can be set upon with a nutcracker

Apples: there are references to a bitter variety and tart wood apples. Serault has orchards and apple woods

Bramble berries: in the Serault Applewoods there are bramble shrubs, meaning there could be blackberries, raspberries and/or dewberries

Barley: in Orlais, Claose is an area near Serault. Its fertile valleys are golden with barley

Corn

Flour

Pale beans

Steamed beans

Mushrooms: mushrooms grow at the edge of the forest in Serault. Field mushrooms are also harvested in Alyons

Red onion: fiery on the tongue

Sweet onion

Sweet peppers: fiery on the tongue

Antivan olives: can be served steeped in vinegar and stuffed with capers

Capers: may be served stuffed in Antivan olives steeped in vinegar

Wild fennel: harvested in Alyons

Cloves: harvested in Alyons

Black peppercorns: from Caiman Brea (west of the Silent Plains)

Poppyseeds

Vinegar

Honeysuckle

Juniper

An “eastern” spice: I’d guess from Antiva, Rivain, Seheron, Par Vollen or eastern Tevinter

Edible gold leaf: very costly

Herbs: there are “certain herbs” in the depths of the Applewoods. Could refer to culinary herbs, but in the context of the original excerpt it was most likely a reference to recreational/medical substances

Sugar cane

Notes

In Serault, the Applewoods are a region of the Tirashan forest renowned for its hunting and rich game. The Greenwood region is tamer and teems with game. The Deepwoods are further in and more dangerous, hosting more sinister creatures. These woodlands also yield sweet fruit, berries, nuts and herbs.

As a general note, the following were all mentioned or are apparent – pig farmers, bakers, butchers, millers, granaries, vineyards, orchards, apiaries/beekeepers, fields of crops, herds of livestock, game hunting.

Orlesian nobles’ cuisine at special or important occasions is so ostentatious and over the top... pies with 50 doves sealed in, fountains of expensive wine, chevaliers in armor turning roasts on spits, edible gold leaf-covered meats. That extravagance is classic Orlais lol.

Some of the items listed are obvious (like of course inhabitants of a classic fantasy world hunt game and fish etc, just like in real-life) I know, but I wanted to include them for completion’s sake.

[tipsycad147]

Binding and Banishing 5

Ice Binding 1

Light a white candle and your favorite incense. Meditate a short while

on the problem. Invoke the Spirits of Protection for you and yours. Then

take a piece of brown paper, like from a grocery bag, on it use a lead

pencil to print and write the name of the offending person or people. If

unknown people are involved, also print and write, "and all persons unknown

that are causing harm to me!"

Cross off each line forcefully and say, forcefully,

" I freeze name(s) to be bound by this spell, unable to cause any more

harm to (name(s)! As I will, so mote it be! "

Then put a spoonful of used coffee grounds on the brown paper, fold it

small, and place it in the freezer. Leave it until the problem is

completely resolved. You may wish to  wrap a rubber band, string, twist tie, etc. to keep the coffee grounds from falling out of the paper. You can also use a ziploc bag. Be sure and burn the candle completely up. Don't  use that candle for a different purpose.

Ice Binding 2

Another way of ridding yourself of an unwanted negative influence is to write the name of the person or event at cause on a piec of paper. Concentrate on putting the negative energy into the paper. Place the piece of paper into a jar of water and put it into the freezer. Allow the paper to remain frozen in the water until all of the negative energy flow has completely stopped, then you can remove it, thaw it, and bury it in the ground.

NEW BEGINNING SPELL

Just before sunrise, go outside with some heather and a feather. Face East, light incense, and hold feather in hand while concentrating on the new day ahead as a new beginning. Say: Flight of feather, Scent of Heather Give me Cleansing With this beginning! Blow feather from hand and let the wind carry it away. Watch the sunrise and feel its rays cleansing you for the new day ahead. It is done.

PEACEFUL HOME

This spell is very good if there is a lot of turmoil or stress in the household. Do the following spell, and while doing so, remember to focus on your intent for a peaceful household. Sew a small pouch of lavender cloth. Place a small trinket in the pouch for each member of your household. Add to this a pinch each of lavender, rose and chamomile, before placing each pinch in the pouch, remember to hold it for a moment and REALLY focus, finally, add a small amethyst. Now, anoint a lavender or pink candle with peace oil(see recipes) and then light it. Sit in front of the candle and hold the pouch in your hands and whisper the following chant over it softly 3 times: Blessed Goddess, most gentle one, calm my home for me. Relieve all tension, send it far, so from stress we shall be free. Touch my family with peace and calm, and the sweetest softest bliss, Bless my home, Great Gentle Goddess, with your calming kiss. Set the pouch with the candle. Allow the candle to burn down completely. Hang the pouch in your home, preferably in the room where everyone gathers the most. Whenever tension seems to build, repeat the above chant 3 times and envision peace and tranquility radiating from the pouch and The Goddess.

Poppet Binding Spell

The purpose of this spell is to rid yourself of the negative energies of someone who is mentally or emotionally abusing you. If done properly, it will not harm the object of the spell nor will it affect his or her daily life in any way. It will simply make the person powerless to mentally or emotionally harm you.

Preform when Moon is dark

Materials:

Small cloth doll,(poppet) leave the head unstitched until you are ready to begin the ritual Needle and thread

Some personal item from the person you want to bind (fingernail clippings, hair, handwriting sample)

Black ribbon

Black candle

Cauldron or other fireproof container

Sterilized needle

Piece of parchment paper and pen or quill

One candle at each quarter (optional)

Ritual:

Call the quarters - I like to use candles at each quarter to form a circle of fire for extra protection. Light the black candle Concentrating deeply on the person you are binding, place the personal object inside the head of the doll and sew it shut.Tie the black ribbon around the poppet's head, signifying the binding of that person.

'With harm to none, my will be done

I hereby bind you (name of person)

Your words cannot harm me

Your thoughts cannot harm me

You cannot harm me'

Continue chanting this or something like it until you feel power surging through you. Visualize the person helpless to slander or verbally and mentally abuse you while you are chanting.

~ Now, to bind the spell ~

If you have a sigil or a craft name, sign it on the small piece of paper. If not, sign your own full name. If others are working the ritual with you, they too should sign the paper. With the sterilized needle, prick one of your fingers and put a small drop of blood over your signature. Again, if others are working with you, they should place a drop of blood over their signatures. (using a different needle, of course) Fold the paper, light it on fire and drop it into the cauldron (which should be on a heat-proof surface!). Meditate on the flames until the paper completely burns away. If you are working with a group, join hands at this point and feel the power surging around the circle as the spell is bound. Ground and center Release the circle. Thank the Goddess and God for their protection and power Bury the doll as far away from you as possible within the next few days.

RID OF NASTY ASTRAL SLIME

After Chakra cleansings in the evening by the ocean or a large body of water like a river or lake or pond. As the sun sets so your bad fortune will drain away. Hold a stone or object that you find and feel is appropriate and project all the nasty slimy and inky feeling you picked up from this person into it. Really focus on letting all your emotions about it as well and let them flow into the rock. When you have done this say: "I release this astral slime And all darkness which is not mine I let go of all that may have harmed My aura is bright all negativity released And I am charmed" Now throw the rock into the water preferably as the sun drops below the horizon and be conscious of its fading light taking away your bad feelings from this person. You can do this spell on then first night of the waning moon (after a full moon) for seven nights if you really feel tainted. Also Place 1/2 cup vinegar, a bunch of fresh or rosemary and 1 tablespoon of sea salt in your bath. Light a white and a blue candle. Imagine yourself surrounded by blue light, giving you positive energy. Visualize all of the negative energy and astral slime leaving your body through every pore.

SPELL BINDER

This is best used at the end of a spoken or written spell. This adds a certain boost to the releasing of energy. It also works best if you are wearing a Pentagram you have attuned to yourself. Speak these word with all the fibers of your body while releasing the spell's energy: By the Pentagram I wear, Water, Fire, Earth, and Air, Ruled by Spirit as All should be As I speak So Mote It Be!

Spell Breaking or Reversal

from Tesa on the kitchen witch list

This spell is performed to either reverse  a spell you have cast, or  to break a spell cast by another.

What you need:

Your cauldron

A black or purple candle (purple for spell reversal,  black for spell  breaking)

During the full or waning moon, place the purple or black candle  inside your cauldron. Fill your cauldron about half way with water.The candle should be at least as tall as your cauldron or slightly  taller. Focus on the task at hand- imagine the energy from the spell  you are reversing or breaking is forming before you into a large ball  of light. Imagine that the energy is now moving

toward the candle and  inhabiting it. Light the candle as you are focusing

and say, "Break the spell, break the curse, the spell which was cast

is now reversed." Now imagine the energy slowly disappearing and that it no

longer exists. Allow the candle to burn down until it fizzles out in the water. Say, "It is done." Pour the water outside in a stream or into the

ground away from your house. You can bury the candle or throw it out with

the trash.

SPELL TO RID ONESELF OF A BOTHERSOME SPIRIT

Say "What is dark be filled with light, remove this spirit from my sight." Before starting place your hand before you, and start the flow of power out of your hand and then say the words, letting the envisioned blue-white light from your power hand fill the room or house or any other place that you might be.

TO FREE A HOUSE FROM HAUNTING

"The Presence that stands Upon the stairs The unseen hands That move the chairs. The lights that play Across the wall, The stains that stay, The plates that fall, The mist , the chill, The wandering scents This gentle spell must speed them hence. At midnight, set A table neat, With cup and plate, And wine and meat, Invite the ghost To sit and feast, As any host Should urge a guest. Presently, clear The meal away, Then open the door and softly say- "Quick or dead, Thou art fed, Cease to grieve And take thy leave" Bid him depart But should he remain Be calm, take heart And feast him again.

CHARM OF THE BEAST SPELL

-- mugwort angelica 3 hairs of an imposing beast black cloth oil of frankincense or myrrh Mix the mugwort and angelica in equal parts, add to it the 3 hairs and bind together in a black cloth. Add a few drops of the oil onto the cloth. then say " He who is strong, he who is mighty Lend thine power to this charm Demons turn on your heels and run" Draw over it a pentagram and the charms of banishment. Burn the mixture to drive away the spirits that ail you. Burn it in your home or room you wish to exorcise. Bury it before your doorstep and no demon shall touch you nor enter. Wear the charm or hide it in the roof to ensure safety against any ills.

TO BANISH AN UNWELCOME ENTITY

Speak directly to the entity, or in the room most affected, saying: It is time to leave here; all is well. There is nothing here for you now, You must be gone Go now, go ~ complete your passing, Go, and with our blessing fare well. Farewell. Remove everything of the previous occupant ~ writing and photos in particular. If there is anything you wish to keep, purify it with salt or incense, saying: With this I purify you of the past Of hurt and memories Keeping only Love

https://crimsonwolfe.tripod.com/id4.html

[f107group4]

ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: Fireflies by Owl City

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◄◄⠀▐▐ ⠀►►⠀⠀ ⠀ 1:17 / 3:48 ⠀ ───○ 🔊⠀ ᴴᴰ ⚙ ❐ ⊏⊐

Can you believe that these glowing light in the waters are sea fireflies? Everything is indeed never as it seems.

I bet you were awestruck[cod]! 

 Now, these millions of sea fireflies would like to wave “Hi!” as you go through the blog and get to know the bioluminescent ostracods under genus Vargula. 

CLASSIFICATION

          Kingdom: Animalia  

                Subkingdom: Bilateria                

                   Infrakingdom: Protostomia    

                      Superphylum: Ecdysozoa    

                         Phylum: Arthropoda    

                            Subphylum: Crustacea  

                               Class: Ostracoda          

                                  Subclass: Myodocopa            

                                     Order: Myodocopida

                                        Suborder: Myodocopina  

                                           Superfamily: Cypridinoidea        

                                              Family: Cypridinidae  

                                                 Genus: Vargula

                                                       Species Name: Vargula annecohenae

(ITIS nd ; Cohen and Morin, 2010)

BIOLOGY

Cod you see me?

Ostracods can be found in basically every aquatic environment ranging from marine, freshwater, and estuarine habitats. These organisms are either swimming in the surface waters or crawling on the sea bed and moist land. Their distribution depends on their adaptations to environmental parameters, mainly salinity and water temperature. Vargula species inhabit the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea coastal landmasses (Wilkinson, 1996; Ogoh & Ohmiya, 2005). 

Although they are everywhere, ostracods rarely grow to a few millimeters long; small but (Pechenik, 2015). A single organism can’t be easily seen unless we look closely. Still, they’re small but widespread. 

What do you mistake me as?

Ostracoda is an ancient group of crustaceans. Surprised? 

The unsegmented external feature separates them from other crustaceans (Pechenik, 2015). Besides this, they resemble bivalves by having their entire body laterally enclosed inside a pair of partially calcified carapace or shells held by adductor muscles, even during early development; hence, the common name — mussel shrimp (Moore, 2006). 

They are also similar to branchiopods Conchostraca (clam shrimps) such as water fleas, but the appendages, lack of growth rings, and smooth swimming of mussel shrimps gave it away. Another feature that differentiates both is the carapace formation. Clam shrimps add material to their carapace as they grow, while mussel shrimps shed their carapace with each molt (UC Museum of Paleontology, 1995). 

Mussel shrimps are mostly head which means that the other body parts are greatly reduced. Their trunk is merged to the head. Usually, they have seven pairs of appendages adapted for locomotion, grasping, feeding, cleaning the carapace, or as sense organs. Vargula uses two pairs of antennae for swimming, some species only utilize one pair or the other. Notably, they have setae or tiny hairs protruding through the carapace pores that function for sensory mechanisms (Wilkinson, 1996;  Pechenik, 2015). 

A light show to remember

Bioluminescence is often used, but only by males of the species V. annecohenae, for mating displays. Males of each species, like fireflies on land, use distinct patterns of light flashes (seen as a series of dots) that only attract females of the same species. By performing brief dances in which they release short bursts of light as they pass towards the surface of the water, males show off just how sparkling they can be. They start their "dance," which lasts 45 minutes on average, with a stationary period in which brief (second-long or shorter) flashes of bright blue light are produced, attracting the interest of possible female mates. Then in the next process, males spiral up the water column vertically, producing quicker light bursts that are less bright (Gonzales, 2017). 

(Courtesy of Gretchen Gerrish)

We compete to procreate

The male grabs onto his newfound partner with his antennae if a male is successful and an interested female arrives, and the pair will mate. Competition is intense, sometimes a woman's attention is won by the brightest male, but males can also impress by synchronizing their lighting display with other males or creeping up and taking a mate from another male (Gonzales,2017).

Life cycle

V. annecohenae has a long life cycle of up to about 1 year. It typically develops slowly for 3 months before adulthood. It has several broods of a few offspring numbering between 10-15, and has no free-living larval stage (Gerrish and Morin, 2008).

Five juvenile instars constitute the life cycle of Photeros annecohenae The life cycle of an ostracod in the genus Vargula (now Photeros) are divided by molts (that occur by the ecdysis) as well as an adult instar that is followed by a final molt (Gerrish and Morin, 2008).

The total growth period of ostracod eggs and embryos in females was 26 days, with an average of 7.84 days for the interval between mating and brood deposition, and an average of 18.4 days for the eventual release from the brood chamber. Eggs initially become evident within the female's body during development. While inside the mother's body, eggs increase in size but exhibit no other noticeable morphological changes. Females discharge fertilized embryos as translucent, spheroidal, or ovoidal masses into the marsupium or brood chamber (Gerrish and Morin, 2008). 

(a) One egg of this female has been released into the marsupium and the four remaining eggs are visible in the female ovary. (b) The eggs are extruded into a marsupial brood pouch after 7-8 days. Each egg consists of a large yolk mass at this stage, and the cells inside are barely visible. C) Cell division has created a defined, cloudy cellular mass that fills the egg by day nine in the brood pouch. D) The first apparent structures include the naupliar eye, a red speck, and the intestine as the embryo develops its organs. E) The embryos appear as A-V instars with a large brown eye spot and a fully developed and functioning light organ just before release (Gerrish and Morin, 2008). 

 I have a sperm bank?

Female V. annecohenae can produce several broods without male re-exposure. suggesting that sperm is stored between broods (Gerrish and Morin, 2008).

 I’m a natural

15-17 days after a previous cohort was released new broods can be formed (Gerrish and Morin, 2008).

ECOLOGY

Ostracods are considered to be useful paleoenvironmental indicators because their ecology is often reflected in the shape and structure of their carapaces and also considering their wide distribution in aquatic environments. They can range from warm waters of the tropics to very cold environments such as polar seas and are found from intertidal zones to many thousands of meters depth in the deep sea. They can also thrive in freshwater niches such as rivers, lakes, and even temporary ponds (Brandão & Karanovic, 2020). Generally, ostracods are characterized as omnivorous scavengers because they mainly feed on tiny organisms like algae, diatoms, bacteria, molds, and pieces of organic detritus that are present in the water or on vegetation. Some ostracods are also predatory. Being relatively smaller, they attack their prey in groups so that they can eat organisms larger than them. However, ostracods are also often preyed by small fishes (MESA, 2020).

Freshwater ostracods usually have smooth, thin, weakly calcified simple bean-shaped carapaces and feed on diatoms, bacteria, and detritus. On the other hand, pelagic ostracods may also have thin, smooth shells but they have long powerful swimming appendages or antennules. The formation of rostral incisures at the anterior of the carapace of pelagic ostracods allowed freer movement of these appendages. Furthermore, benthic ostracods are commonly detritivores or filter feeders. Their carapace is usually smooth, small, robust, and sometimes elongated because they tend to burrow into the substrate. Epifaunal ostracods have flattened ventral surfaces sometimes with projecting alar wings, frills, keels, or lateral spines while those found on coarser substrates in higher energy environments tend to have more robust heavily ribbed or reticulated carapaces (Olney, 2002).

RELATIONSHIP TO HUMANS

Generally, ostracods are useful for scientific purposes. According to Boomer et al. (2013), ostracods are being used in studies of earth science and related disciplines such as archaeology, ecology, and genetics. This is because ostracods are widely distributed and are easily preservable. Their assemblage and morphology are some of the important ecological proxies. For instance, in recent research conducted by McCormack et al. (2018) wherein ostracods are being used as a bioindicator. Their research has shown the sensitivity of ostracods’ faunal assemblage (Candona sp.) to changes in water salinity and alkalinity in Lake Van.

Next, valves of ostracods are also being used in paleoenvironmental studies. Valves of ostracods are said to absorb trace elements from host waters (Palacios-Fest et al., 1994). This characteristic makes these microcrustaceans ideal models for reconstructing and analyzing past environments that could range from deep-seas to small lakes. Aside from this, the diversity and variety of reproductive modes of ostracods are also one of the main reasons why they are being used as model organisms for laboratory and research studies (Martens & Hornes, 2009).

Moreover, laboratories have started culturing bioluminescent ostracods. The culture of these organisms is done to determine the biosynthetic pathways of bioluminescent substrates that could lead to the discovery of new tools for biotechnology and biomedicine. For instance, in the study conducted by Goodheart et al. (2019) wherein they cultured California Sea Firefly (V. tsuji) for studies regarding the biosynthetic pathway of cypridinid luciferin and genomic manipulation of an autogenic bioluminescent system.

Serve the Teaaaaa!

The T in Osctracod means Teaaaaa! 5 amazing facts you need to know about ostracods.

1. OLD BUT GOLD

Colymbosathon ecplecticos, a species of ostracod, holds the record of oldest known fossil penis. The historical penis was discovered from a 425 million-year-old rock in England. It was said that a wide variety of animals living in the sea 425 million years ago were killed by an ash fall from a volcanic eruption. However, the ash preserved the animals, including their soft parts. Through technology, the painstaking 3-D reconstructions of a preserved male ostracod revealed amazing details such as the hairs on limbs, gills, and a penis.

2. LIGHT IT UP LIKE A DYNAMITE

Some species of Myodocopida ostracods produce a bright blue light. These are known in Japan as Umi-Hotaru or sea-fireflies. The light is produced by mixing two chemicals together in the presence of oxygen and is for mating displays. Each species flash at different rates to stop any confusion in the dark. Japanese army collected Umi-Hotaru in baited traps during the Second World War. They dry them out and ground them down to a powder. Adding a small amount of water to the powder produces a low-intensity light used by soldiers to read orders or maps without giving their position away to the enemy during battles.   

3. ULTIMATE SURVIVOR

Ostracods can survive being eaten by fish. Experiments with the ostracod Cypridopsis vidua showed that 26% of specimens eaten by small bluegill sunfish came out the other end alive and unharmed. This is possible because ostracods can close their shells very tightly inside their carapace to survive passage through the gut of the fish eventually to be excreted out by the fish.

4. OSTRACODS ARE OMNIPRESENT

Ostracods are found in almost every aquatic habitat, even in some very small and isolated places. They are found deep in the sea, on the shore, on wet leaf litters, springs, groundwaters, puddles, small pools, rice fields, ponds, lakes, and rivers. Some species have a global distribution and are found from the subarctic to the tropics. Their dispersal abilities caused this massive distribution of ostracods. For example, the eggs and adults can hitch a lift on the feet of birds and are displaced because of migration.

5. WE DON’T DIE, JUST DRY

The ostracod eggs can be viable many years after being dried. This is the reason why many freshwater ostracods can be found in temporary water bodies, such as puddles and rice fields. These eggs start to develop and hatch when water is already available in their environment

References

Boomer, I., et al. (2003).  The Use of Ostracods in Palaeoenvironmental Studies, or What can you do with an Ostracod Shell? The Paleontological Society Papers. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1089332600002199

Brandão, S.N.; Karanovic, I. (2020). World Ostracoda Database. Accessed at http://www.marinespecies.org/ostracoda on 2020-11-15. doi:10.14284/364  

Cohen, A. C.; Morin, J. G. (2010). Two New Bioluminescent Ostracode Genera, Enewton And Photeros (Myodocopida: Cypridinidae), with Three New Species from Jamaica. Journal of Crustacean Biology. 30(1): 1-55., https://doi.org/10.1651/08-3075.1

Gonzales, M.R. (2017).  You Light Up My World! Smithsonian. https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/invertebrates/you-light-my-world

Goodheart, J., et al. (2019).  Laboratory culture of the California Sea Firefly Vargula tsujii (Ostracoda: Cypridinidae): Developing a model system for the evolution of marine bioluminescence. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334600678_Laboratory_culture_of_the_California_Sea_Firefly_Vargula_tsujii_Ostracoda_Cypridinidae_Developing_a_model_system_for_the_evolution_of_marine_bioluminescence

Gretchen A. Gerrish, James G. Morin, Life Cycle of a Bioluminescent Marine Ostracode, Vargula Annecohenae (Myodocopida: Cypridinidae), Journal of Crustacean Biology, Volume 28, Issue 4, 1 October 2008, Pages 669–674, https://doi.org/10.1651/07-2934.1

Horne, D. J. & Smith, R. J. (2004). First British record of Potamocypris humilis (Sars, 1924), a freshwater ostracod with a disjunct distribution in northern Europe and southern Africa. Bollettino della Societe Paleontologica Italiana, 43 (1-2), 297-306.  

Laessle, A. M. 1961. A micro-limnological study of Jamaican Bromeliads. Ecology, 42, 499-517. 

Martens, K., and Horne, D.J. (2009). Ostracoda. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012370626-3.00184-8

McCormack, J., et al. 2019.  Ostracods as ecological and isotopic indicators of lake water salinity changes: the Lake Van example.  Biogeosciences, 16, 2095–2114, 2019 https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-16-2095-2019

MESA. 2020. Ostracods. Marine Education Society of Australia. http://www.mesa.edu.au/crustaceans/crustaceans03.asp

Moore, J. (2006). An Introduction to the Invertebrates (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Morin, J. G. and Cohen, A. C. 1991. Bioluminescent displays, courtship, and reproduction in ostracodes. In R. Bauer and Martin, J. (Eds.), Crustacean Sexual Biology:1 16. New York:Columbia University Press. 

Ogoh, K. Ohmiya, Y. (2005). Biogeography of Luminous Marine Ostracod Driven Irreversibly by the Japan Current. Molecular Biology Evolution, 22(7):1543-1545. https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msi155]

Olney, M. (2002). Ostracods. Microfossil image recovery and circulation for learning and education. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/GeolSci/micropal/ostracod.html

Palacios-Fest, M.R., et al. (1994).  Use of ostracodes as paleoenvironmental tools in the interpretation of ancient lacustrine records. Revista Espanola de Paleontologia 9(2):145-164. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291990499_Use_of_ostracodes_as_paleoenvironmental_tools_in_the_interpretation_of_ancient_lacustrine_records

Pechenik, J. A. (2015). Biology of Invertebrates (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Sars, G. O. 1895. On some South-African Entomostraca raised from dried mud. Skrifter i Videnskabs-selskabet. I. Mathematisk-Naturvidenskabs Klasse 1895 (8): 1-56.  

Sars, G. O. 1896. On some west Australian Entomostraca raised from dried sand. Arch. Math. Naturv. 18, 1-35.

Seidel, B. 1989. Phoresis of Cyclocypris ovum (Jurine) (Ostracoda, Podocopida, Cyprididae) on Bombina variegata (L.) (Anura, Amphibia) and Triruris vulgaris (L.) (Urodela, Amphibia). Crustaceana 57, 171-176.  

Siveter, D. J., Sutton, M. D., Briggs, D. E. G. & Siveter, D. J. 2003. An ostracod crustacean with soft parts from the Lower Silurian. Science, 302, 1749 - 1751.

UC Museum of Paleontology. (1995).  Introduction to the Ostracoda. https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/crustacea/maxillopoda/ostracoda.html

[the-awkward-outlaw]

Second Chances - Ch. 33

Hymn to the West 

Warnings: swearing, blood

Word Count: ~6700

Masterlist

Read on AO3

All you can see is black as you begin to wake up. At first, you feel nothing. You don’t know where you are and you barely remember your own name. What you do know though is that you succeeded: Hamish came to help you save Arthur. Unfortunately, your exhaustion got the better of you before you could be much help.

As you breathe softly and slowly, your senses begin to return. First comes your hearing. Birds are singing, but they’re dull. Then you hear the sounds of wet bubbling. The sound is preceded by the smell of cooking bacon. Along with the scent is that of burning wood. 

You feel slightly chilly and a steady breeze wafts over you. A hard surface lies beneath you, further chilling you. Just as you’re acknowledging this, you begin to feel your body and pain comes pounding over you. 

Your eyes flash open and you gasp, your back arching, which only makes things hurt worse. Your upper left arm and shoulder burn particularly bad. Your eyes sting with fresh tears. 

“Woah, settle down, settle down.” Someone walks over and then Hamish’s face appears above you. “Easy. You’re okay.” 

“Hamish?” you squeak. 

“Here, you must be thirsty.” 

He kneels down and takes a water pouch. He tips the nozzle to your lips, dripping water into your dry mouth. Your hands wrap around it, drinking greedily. 

“Not too much, you’ll make yourself sick.” 

You’re in too much pain to argue with him, so you pull the pouch away and breathe heavily for a moment. Finally, your eyes open, even though you’re still in a great deal of pain. 

“Arthur?” you ask. 

Hamish furrows his brow for a moment, his jaw clenching. You suddenly fear the worst. 

“Can you get up?” he asks. 

“Where am I?” 

“My cabin. I’ll explain in a bit, but you better come see.” 

You take a better look at your surroundings. You recognize the stove and the table of Hamish’s cabin. Looking down at yourself, you see you’re lying on the ground near the door. When you stare questioningly at Hamish about your position, he lets out a small laugh. 

“Sorry, had to sort of dump you there and with this leg I can’t lift heavy loads from the ground.”

You nod and then start to sit up. The act is agony. Every muscle in your body is sore and tired. You move your left leg and your knee immediately complains. You clasp it, grunting.

“You alright?” 

“Yeah,” you gasp, adjusting yourself to try and stand. Hamish sees how you’re struggling and bends down to help you up. “My horse, he fell on me when they… when he died.” 

“That’s a shame,” Hamish says, pulling your arm over his shoulders. He gives you a sad look.

“Where is he?” you ask. 

“I’ll show you.” 

The pain in your body is nothing compared to the pain and fear that runs through your chest. Arthur must not have made it, you think. He must have bled out or been exposed for too long. You simply weren’t fast enough.

Hamish begins to walk you, but instead of leading you to the door, he takes you around to the fireplace. His bed comes into view, Arthur lying on his back. 

You let out a painful gasp when you see him and immediately pull away from Hamish to go to him. He’s wearing nothing but his union suit which is unbuttoned to his mid torso, a blanket covering him to his chest. A few pillows line his sides and prop him up slightly in a sitting position, preventing him from rolling. His eyes are closed and his lips are parted slightly. You sit down next to him and brush the hair from his face, tears spilling down your cheeks. 

“He’s in pretty bad shape, but he’ll be okay I think. Got the bullet out of him and he’s got a couple broken ribs.”

You look up at Hamish. “Thank you,” you sob. “How long have we been here?” 

Hamish grabs a chair from the table and pulls it over. “It’s only been a day. When you showed me where he was and passed out, I tried to move you and him but as I said, I can’t pick up heavy loads from the ground with my leg. And from what you told me about your gang, I knew going to town for help or a doctor was out of the question. So I went on the trail and happened to bump into a nice fella and his wife and their teenage son riding in a wagon. I told them the problem and they were willing to help. They were kind enough to help me load you and Arthur into their wagon and bring you both down here. Turns out the wife works in the doctor’s office in Annesburg, so she knew a few things. She helped me pull the bullet out of him.” 

“Was he… was he awake when you did that?” 

“No. We knew he had broken ribs when we tried moving him. Even just trying to get him to sit up seemed to be too painful and he went out soon after. It was a good thing because he was panicking about you when he saw you fall.” 

He pauses and smacks his lips a little. “When you collapsed, he tried to move but just couldn’t. I haven’t seen anyone beaten the way he is with that look in their eyes since the war. Now why don’t you tell me exactly what happened up there? You’re all torn up and he looks worse.” 

You sigh and wipe your cheeks dry, keeping your hand on Arthur’s chest. You’re comforted by the steady rise and fall as he breathes. You tell Hamish everything that happened from the train robbery to saving Abigail and killing Milton to Dutch betraying you. 

When you get to the part where you were by the river with John, you have to pause again as tears overwhelm you. Hamish gets up and gets a cup, filling it with water and bringing it back to you. After taking a sip, you continue on. 

“Micah found me, that little bastard. He told me that he’s been working against us the entire time. How could I have been so stupid?” you sob. “I heard him telling Dutch all about the ferry job all them months ago. He set us up.” 

Hamish pats your shoulder comfortingly. “You couldn’t have known, Y/N. If he managed to play that many sides for so long, he was very clever. Knew exactly how to manipulate the rules of the game in his favor.” 

You nod, looking at Arthur’s bruised and cut face. He hasn’t moved at all. After a moment, you continue telling Hamish your story up to the point where you found Arthur. 

“Please tell me he’s going to make it,” you beg him as if he has any control over Arthur’s fate.

Hamish sighs. “Doing everything I can, miss. The young lady who helped me had some kind of alcohol the doctor uses, gave me that to clean the wound, then she stitched him up. Long as it doesn’t get infected, he should be fine. But to be honest, he hasn’t moved at all since he’s been here.” 

You involuntarily let out a sob and look down, stroking Arthur’s face. 

Hamish sighs and stands up. “Well, I got some bait cooking up, been seeing signs of some giant pig about. I’m going to finish that, then I’ll make you something to eat. You need anything now?” 

You look up at him and shake your head. 

“Okay. Well, get some rest.” 

Hamish walks away to the stove and begins stirring whatever’s cooking inside, which explains the bubbling you heard when you woke up. You watch him for a moment, still somewhat dazed by everything that’s happened. With a heavy sigh, you lie down next to Arthur, resting your head on his shoulder, wishing he would wake up. 

Another day passes by and Arthur still hasn’t woken up. Hamish has been a blessing. He let you spend the night in his bed with Arthur. He happened to have a cot which he set up on the other side of the fireplace. You briefly noticed the fish you caught mounted up as well as the wolf that nearly killed Arthur sitting on either side of the fireplace. Hamish made you a plate of venison with canned peas, but understands when you don’t eat much. 

You hardly leave Arthur’s side, constantly hoping he’ll wake up. Hamish notices the stitches on your face are ready to come out, so he sits down and removes them for you. That’s when you notice the stitches in your upper left arm where the bullet grazed you. Hamish also noticed how you were favoring your left knee when you walked. Figuring it was just sprained, he wrapped it for you. 

You sleep sporadically throughout the morning, your body still tired and sore. By noon, after finishing one of your naps, you wake to find Hamish gone. Figuring he’s out with Buell or hunting or fishing, you get out of bed and walk around the small cabin. Arthur’s hat lies near the door, so you pick it up and set it down on the bed near him. 

You walk over to the small mirror hanging near the sink. You haven’t seen your reflection since you were at Charlotte’s; that also happened to be the last time you bathed. It’s hard to believe that was only four days ago, it feels like a lifetime has passed. 

In the mirror, your face looks awful. While the stitches no longer decorate your forehead and cheek, an angry red line still marks it. You’ll have a scar there the rest of your life. Along with it are the dark bruises on your lower cheek and neck from when Micah attacked you. You rub your neck, despite the tenderness, and suddenly you’re sobbing. 

How can this have happened? The gang you’d grown to love and view as a family is gone, either dead or run off. Arthur’s fate still hangs in the air and at this moment, it feels like he’ll never wake up. You wish you could forget all of it, it’s simply too painful. It would have been so much easier if Arthur never showed up to collect your bounty. 

Hamish walks in at that moment and he sees you breaking down. 

“Hey, you okay?”

“Yeah,” you sniff, wiping your cheeks. 

“Come on now, your face ain’t that bad.”

You laugh at his bad joke, despite the pain. “Good. I was worried.” 

He smiles and puts a hand on your shoulder. “Well, why don’t you go get yourself cleaned up? Lake at this time of day is nice and warm and there’s a spot on the south side that’s sheltered from view. You could use some sun, too. I promise you’ll feel better. I’ll stay with him.” 

You nod and thank him. He gathers a bar of soap and a towel and hands them to you. He also points out where he left your saddlebags so you can take out some clean clothes. 

Once you’re set, you head along the shore of the lake to where Hamish described. You find a cluster of large boulders that form a small pool, perfectly hidden from the road and the cabin. You climb up onto the nearest boulder, sitting behind a bush and undressing. Then you slip into the clear water. 

Hamish was right; you already feel better. The water covers your body to just above your elbows and the sun washes over you. You take a moment to enjoy the sensations of both. 

After scrubbing your hair and your skin, you grab the clothes you stripped out of and wash them too. You drape them over a boulder that’ll be in the sun for most of the day and then climb out of the water, putting on fresh clothes. 

You walk back to the cabin, your heart sinking again, not that it lifted much in the first place. When you walk in, Hamish is sitting on the chair he’s kept near the bed and he’s talking. 

“Ah, there she is,” he says when he sees you. 

It only takes you a moment to realize he must be talking to Arthur. Hamish stands up, offering you the chair and you rush over to find Arthur, his eyes open. He smiles when he sees you. 

“My girl,” he says in his deep, gentle voice.

“Arthur,” you say, smiling for the first time in days. You place your good knee on the bed and place a hand on his cheek. He sighs and puts his hand over yours. 

“How you feeling?” you ask. 

“Just dandy,” he says with a smile. “And what about you?” 

“About the same,” you say, your eyes tearing up again. 

His arms suddenly lift away from his body, inviting you to lay down with him. 

“Arthur, your ribs. I don’t wanna hurt you.” 

“You ain’t, darlin’. Just come here.” 

You hesitate and then lay down, resting your head against his neck. He rests his cheek on your head and his arms enfold you. For the first time in a long time, it feels like home. His warmth seeps into your cool skin. Tears squeeze from your eyes again.

He sighs heavily and rubs your back. “Saved my life again, darlin’. Me findin’ you in Tall Trees was the best thing I ever done.” 

“You must be in a lot of pain, Arthur, you’re delirious.” 

His arms stop and his cheek leaves your head. He tilts your face up so he can look at it. 

“I am in pain, sweetheart, but I ain’t crazy. I would have died on that mountain if it hadn’t been for you. If only I knew when I took your bounty poster from that sheriff how much of an impact you’d have on me.” 

“Would you still have come if you knew?” 

He smiles and kisses your forehead. “Oh yes. And I’d have gotten there sooner too. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” 

You lean up to look at him better. “Well, you saved my life by coming after my bounty, Arthur. Guess the least I could do is save you back.” 

His thumb traces your cheek as he says “Well, you’ve saved me more than I saved you. Think it’s my turn next time.” 

You sigh and lay back down. “I hope there won’t be a next time, Arthur. I’m so tired of running and being scared.” 

“Me too, sweetheart.” 

A few more moments pass in silence. You replay the events of that night when you and Arthur fled with John. You remember the Pinkertons, how many there were, and then you recall how they were still coming when Arthur sent you away. 

“Arthur, what happened with the Pinkertons? When John and I left, they were still coming after you.” 

He doesn’t speak up immediately. “Right after you and John left, Micah showed up. He tackled me and threw me down to the ledge. That’s how these ribs got broke. Anyways, we fought there and because of my damn hip and ribs, he had the upper hand. I fought him as hard as I could but then I just couldn’t stand anymore. His gun got thrown so I started crawling to it. That was when Dutch showed up. Told me the game was over and he’d won. Course, I told him that it was you and John who won, you were the only two to get out.

“I remember his eyes when I pleaded to him. It was like he came back to himself when he saw me, just for a moment. Micah begged him to go with him, but then Dutch just turned around and left. Micah must have figured I couldn’t do much, so he ran off. Pinkertons were still coming, but I didn’t care. Thought I was a goner, so I crawled to where you found me. I just wanted to see the sunrise one last time.” 

You’re quietly crying at this point. You saw the same sunrise, remembering how beautiful it was. 

“Then the Pinkertons showed up. Ross looked at me and said I wasn’t worth wastin’ anymore bullets on since he figured I was about to die anyways. They left after that, chased after Dutch and Micah.” 

He goes silent now and rubs your back. After a moment, he speaks up again. 

“Why did you come back, darlin’? You must have figured I wouldn’t make it and it’d be a dead end for you.” 

You wipe your cheeks again. “I had to, Arthur. Something in me just told me that I didn’t have a choice. But when I was coming back, I ran into Micah.”

“Micah found you?”

“Yeah. Arthur, he told me he’s been working against us the entire time.” You tell him everything Micah said. He sighs, his brows furrowed. 

“He killed Hosea, Lenny, all the others. That goddamn bastard. I wanted to kill him from the start, but Dutch liked him too much.” 

“I saw him, too. He… Micah was about to finish me when Dutch showed up and shot him. Gave me the chance to kill Micah.” 

“Dutch. Did he say anything?” 

“Yeah. He said how he left you to die. I told him if I ever saw him again, I’d kill him.” 

Arthur sighs again. “Good. That damn fool, lettin’ himself get played for so long. I known him for over twenty years, but I don’t think I ever really knew him.” 

“Micah twisted him, Arthur.” 

“No. Think he was that way before, but Hosea kept him straight. Without Hosea, Dutch was free to show who he really was. All them speeches about how he was gonna keep us together, all them things he claimed to sacrifice, how he kept us alive. They were just a facade.” 

You run your hand across his chest. You can only imagine the pain and betrayal he must feel. 

“I’m sorry, Arthur. I’m so sorry.” 

He kisses your forehead again. 

Hamish suddenly walks in. “Sorry to interrupt you both, but I need to take a look at Arthur’s ribs, make sure the swelling’s going down.” 

You look back at him and nod before standing up and moving away from the bed. Hamish approaches Arthur’s side and pulls his union suit away, exposing his right ribs. You see the red bruises on his side and upper chest. Hamish touches them gently, causing Arthur to flinch. 

“Well, looks about the same. Just keep breathing slow as you can.” 

“How long do ribs take to heal?” you ask.

“About six weeks or so,” Hamish says, pulling the union suit back over Arthur’s chest. “Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to hasten the process or even dull the pain.” 

You remember the concoction Hosea made you when you’d been shot in the leg with an arrow. “I have something. You have any yarrow and ginseng?” 

Hamish nods and tells you to follow him. Going outside, he leads you to the back of the cabin near Buell’s stall. There, he has a little shack and when he opens it, you see some gardening tools and higher above, hanging from shelves, a variety of dried herbs. He takes some herbs down and hands them to you. 

As you’re heading back to the cabin, Hamish stops to give Buell a pat. He invites you to do the same, so you walk over and rub his neck. The small morgan you stole comes over, looking for some affection as well. Of course, this only reminds you of Artemis and Rannoch and how they died. Pain pings in your chest again, bringing a new wave of tears. 

When you return to the bedside, you sit down in the chair beside Arthur as you grind the herbs up in a bowl. Something on your face must attract his attention.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” 

You stop and look up. “It’s just… Rannoch. And poor, sweet Artemis.” 

He sighs heavily. “I know, darlin’. I miss her. And Rannoch was so good for you. To have him torn away like that after Rain… I’m sorry.” 

You shake your head, letting the tears spill. “They were good horses. They deserved better.” 

“Yes, they did.” He puts a hand on your thigh as you continue grinding up the herbs. Hamish, silently listening, fills a kettle with water and puts it on the stove to boil so you can make a tea. When it’s cooled down, you help Arthur to drink it.

The next few weeks pass much the same way. Every day, you make the ginseng and yarrow tea for Arthur’s pain. His bruises slowly vanish and the bulletwound begins to heal. He starts slowly being able to sit up more and more as the days go by.

A few days after he’d first woken up, you could tell he was growing depressed in the bed from the constant confinement. You know in times like this, he liked to write or draw in his journal, but he’d left it in his satchel when he gave it to John. You take the morgan and ride into Valentine and buy him a new satchel and a handsome leather journal with a wolf stenciled into it. When you show them to him, his eyes light up and the kiss he gives you is one you’ll never forget. 

Hamish is a trooper the entire time you’ve been here. You feel sorry for invading his home and his bed as Arthur recovers, even stating you can both leave and get a hotel room in Valentine or someplace, but he refuses. He seems to enjoy yours and Arthur’s company, claiming he hasn’t had anyone to talk to very much in the past few months. 

When Arthur sleeps, which is quite frequent, you and Hamish go out hunting or fishing, which you enjoy. He’s got such a wealth of knowledge and you learn a few tricks such as setting snares for small game like rabbits and squirrels. He also teaches you how to sew pelts together to make clothes or blankets. On his boat, he teaches you how to make lures with the right combination of feathers and gleam. He also tells you stories of the war or when he lived with his grandfather, learning to trap and hunt. 

One morning, you’re sitting out on the porch with Hamish, tying a new lure you’ve made completely on your own. Arthur’s inside sleeping again. Hamish sits on the other side of the door, cleaning his rifle. He keeps mentioning seeing signs of some giant wild boar. You’ve seen them too, occasionally finding dung, tracks and once a dead ram which had been gored. 

The door creaks open and Arthur walks out, wearing nothing but his pants over his union suit. You look up at him and your eyes widen. This is the first time he’s been on his feet. 

“Arthur! What are you doing, go back to bed.” You stand up, putting your lure and twine down. 

“Ah, I’m sick of that bed, darlin’. Besides, I ain’t been outside in so long. Started to miss it.” 

He limps onto the porch and asks you to move your things so he can sit. You can tell his hip still hurts and he moves his upper torso gingerly.  He sits down heavily, grunting a little. His beard and hair have grown long since he hasn’t been able to cut it since fleeing Beaver Hollow. 

“Well fine, since you insist on being out here, then you gotta let me give you a shave,” you say, going inside and grabbing the chair from the bedside and heaving it out so you have a seat. Arthur just smiles when you come out a second time holding his shaving supplies. 

As you cut his hair, you can tell he’s eating up being outside, hearing the birds and seeing the lake. You know he would have come out here weeks ago, but you’ve been perhaps a little too protective of him. He’s been very patient with you though. 

You move on to lather his face and then take the blade and carefully start shaving his neck and chin. You try not to laugh as you see goosebumps erupting along his neck and arms as you touch him, but it’s clear he’s enjoying it. 

As you wipe the blade clean, he continues looking at the lake. Hamish stands up, holding his rifle. 

“Well, I’m gonna take Buell and go to town, pick up a few things, then go on a hunt. Either of you need anything?” 

You and Arthur shake your heads and he mounts up and trots off, leaving you and Arthur alone. You pack up the shaving supplies and take them inside. Arthur asks you to grab his hat, which you do, knowing how much he likes wearing it. When you hand him the hat, you notice how dirty his union suit is. Even though you washed it after Hamish patched him up, it hasn’t been cleaned properly since. 

“Arthur, do me a favor. Think you can walk over there?” you point to the boulders where you bathe at the south end of the lake. He looks and shrugs his shoulders. 

“I can try.” 

He stands up with some difficulty, putting an arm on your shoulders so you can help him walk. The stairs prove to be a challenge for the both of you, since your knee is still sprained, but you make it down fine. Unlike you, however, Arthur can’t climb up onto the boulder, so you help him strip on the shoreline and then wade into the water, still wearing your own pants. 

Once Arthur’s settled between the boulders, you climb up to your spot in order to remove your clothes. You blush as he watches you, despite knowing he’s seen you like this many times. It has been a while though. 

When you enter the water, he holds his arms out and you walk over, folding your arms around his waist. You’re glad his bullet wound is beneath the water. Although it’s not infected, it looks gross. You press your face to his warm chest and place a light kiss directly over his heart. A soft laugh rumbles through his chest. 

“Hmm, I’ve missed seeing you like this,” he says softly, his chin on your head. 

“Me too. Just a shame we can’t do nothing just yet.” 

“In time, sweetheart,” he sighs. He lets you go so you can grab the soap. You’re about to start cleaning him when he grabs it from you and starts scrubbing your hair. His fingers rub your scalp, sending shivers down your spine. When he’s done with you, he lathers himself up and then allows you to take the soap and wash the parts he can’t reach and then move on to scrubbing your clothes. 

After you’re done, you help him walk out of the water and onto the shore. However, you realize with a pang you neglected to grab fresh clothes for you and him. When you tell him so, he just laughs. 

“Well, I’ll stay here. You take the towel and head back to the cabin- oh, maybe not.” 

You look to the cabin and see Buell’s there, which means Hamish has returned. “Crap,” you say. “And the saddlebags are inside.” 

Arthur just laughs. “Well, give me the towel. I’ll, uh, go get our things.” 

“Arthur, you can barely walk. I don’t want you pushing yourself.” 

“You don’t gotta mother me, Y/N, now give me the towel.” 

You roll your eyes. God he could be stubborn. You hand him the towel and he wraps it around his waist, tying it off. Then, he starts hobbling towards the cabin. It takes him some time, but he manages to make it. He disappears for a few moments inside the cabin, then he comes out red-faced. Even from here, you can hear Hamish laughing. You put your hand in your face and grown as Arthur makes his way back. 

“Well, glad he at least found it funny,” Arthur says as he hands you your clothes. He whips off the towel, smiling when he sees you staring. You blush and quickly dress yourself so you can help him into his clothes. You ask him why he didn’t bring his other union suit and he just gives you a sly look before going back to the cabin while holding your hand. 

A few days later, you finish cleaning up breakfast. You cooked this morning as a way to thank Hamish for his hospitality. As soon as they were done eating, Hamish headed off to hunt and Arthur went outside again. 

Just as you finish drying the last plate, you hear something thunk outside. Wondering what it is, you head out onto the porch. Although it’s late in the morning, it’s unusually warm and you look over to the left of the house and find something that makes you bite your lip and smile. 

Arthur’s standing near a stump Hamish uses to chop wood. He’s got an axe in his hand and is swinging down on a log. What’s got your attention though is he’s removed his shirt. Even from here you can see the sweat on his neck, arms and chest. You know he really shouldn’t be doing something this strenuous just yet, but he just looks so damn good. At least the bruises over his ribs have been gone for the last couple of weeks. 

He must feel your eyes on him because he looks up and smiles when he sees you staring. Instead of talking to you the way he normally would, he continues chopping, only he’s put more of a flourish in his movements, as though trying to impress you further.

With a heavy sigh, you walk over to him. “Honey, isn’t that hurting you?” 

He pauses to wipe the sweat from his brow beneath his hat. “A little, but nothin’ I can’t manage.”

He lowers the axe and embeds it into the stump to stay standing, then he turns to you, giving you a chance to admire the hard lines of his shoulders. You smile and have to look away to hide your blush. 

He walks over to you and enfolds his arms around you, letting you plant your face on his damp and hot chest. 

He begins to say something but then he stops when Hamish’s voice washes over you. Looking back, you find him walking up to the cabin on Buell, singing to himself with two rabbits dangling from his saddle. Arthur sighs and lets you go, putting his blue shirt back on. 

Two weeks later and you’re walking down the trail and back to the cabin with Arthur. He’s insisted every day to take a walk down the trail and go a little further each day. He seems well enough to be able to do it, although you still see him wince every so often. 

Even though it’s been six weeks since the gang fell apart, there’s been no word about Dutch or any of the others. Hamish went to Annesburg a week back and returned, stating the Pinkertons have left. They must have figured Dutch is no longer in the area so turned their attention elsewhere. Not that you care much; you prefer it this way. You and Arthur haven’t spoken of him again. 

When the two of you walk into the cabin, you find Hamish stumbling around on his crutch as he’s taken his wooden leg off. He does this quite often when he’s staying inside, resting what remains of his leg. When he sees the pair of you, he smiles and greets you, sitting down and putting his leg on. He must be preparing to go hunting or fishing again. 

“This is a’right,” Arthur says, looking around the cabin. “Livin’ away from civilization like this.” 

You nod. It has been nice. While the gang never lived in a town, the life was rarely quiet, but here it’s like time stands still. It’s been a welcome change. 

“Civilization,” Hamish grumbles, finishing strapping his fake leg on. “I saw what that and industrial advancement will get you in the war. Progress, well, it ain’t always progress.” He stands up, testing his leg is on properly. “Besides, I’m never lonely up here, even before you two showed up. I always got company with nature. I plan to make the most of it as long as there still is some.” 

Arthur hobbles over to the bed to grab his journal since you and him observed a rather striking bird during your walk. Despite him insisting Hamish take his bed back, Hamish has refused, stating Arthur needs the bed more. 

Hamish limps over to the window by the door. “Oh, there it is! That beast.” 

You and Arthur join his side to see what he’s looking at. By the outhouse stands a massive boar, big as an ox. You never knew they could get so large. 

“Jesus, look at the size of that thing,” Arthur says. 

“When I was coming back from a hunt the other day, I saw some cattle gored, but I didn’t think it was possible for one to get so big. Let’s go get it!” He grabs his rifle and darts out the door. You and Arthur barely have enough time to grab your own guns before Hamish is on the porch. He fires at the animal, but misses, and the boar runs off with a loud grunt. 

“Damn! Thought I got him. You both pursue, I’ll grab the mounts.” Before you can say anything, Hamish runs off the porch with surprising speed. Arthur buckles his gun belt and then hobbles off the porch as quickly as he can. You’re worried about him riding again.

A few days ago, Arthur begged you to let him try mounting up on the morgan, stating it’s been six weeks since he got hurt. You couldn’t resist and helped him mount up. Although he was clearly in some pain, he enjoyed walking around the cabin on the little horse. He’s been riding every morning since, stating there’s less pain, which has given you some confidence. 

You and Arthur run as fast as Arthur’s capable, following the boar. It outruns you though and soon you’re following its tracks. The slots the boar leaves behind head up the side of a small mountain, which Arthur struggles with. However, he pushes on and steps onto the main trail. Hamish darts up on Buell, leading the morgan. 

“Get on! We’ll get this monster.” 

Arthur nods, panting a bit, and climbs up on the morgan. You slide on behind him, worried he might be pushing himself too hard too soon. Hamish trots along the boar’s trail before you can say anything however and Arthur leads the morgan to follow. 

“Pig shit. Think he’s been through here twice,” Hamish says. “Got two sets of tracks, but I can’t tell which is fresher. Can you?” You and Arthur shake your heads. Hamish stares at the tracks for a few seconds. “Let’s split up. You go up, I’ll go onwards.” 

Arthur nods and clicks to get the horse moving, walking up the trail. After walking up the slope of the mountain, you find the body of a freshly gored wolf. 

“Jesus, thing’s goring wolves too,” you say. 

“Keep an eye out, darlin’, don’t want this thing gorin’ us or the horse.” 

Suddenly, from the direction Hamish had been heading, you hear gunshots. 

“Shit, think he’s in trouble,” you say. Arthur tightens his hold on the reins and kicks the morgan into a run, ignoring your complaints. 

“Arthur, your ribs ain’t-” 

“My ribs are fine. Besides, he might be in trouble.” 

The horse canters along the mountain and the trail comes into view. Across it on the next slope you see Buell and Hamish being chased by the massive boar. 

“Shit, that thing’s after him,” Arthur says. He kicks the morgan hard, running down the trail and following the path the boar left behind. There’s a loud scream and then the horse rounds a bend in the path. Hamish comes into view, though he’s lying near the ground. Buell stands 50 feet from him, pawing the ground nervously. 

“Hamish!” you call out. 

Arthur stops the morgan and slides off, running to Hamish’s side. You do as well and see the blood pouring from his thigh. You grip his shoulder. 

“We can fix it. Hamish, we can fix it.” 

He just laughs. “Nah. No, he got me good. Don’t think there’s any fixing this.” He pants on the ground for a  moment. “I got thrown and the bastard hog got me. Take Buell for me, would you? He’s a good horse. He may be stubborn but he’s strong and he likes you two.” 

“Hamish,” you gasp, tears streaming down your cheeks. Arthur pats his shoulder. 

“We’ll take good care of him, just like you’ve taken care of us. Thank you, my friend,” Arthur says. 

Hamish smiles and then, with a final breath, his shoulder sags. Arthur removes his hand and then reaches for you. 

Just as he’s about to take hold of you, something loud snorts behind him. He turns and leaps to his feet. You do too, glaring at the massive boar. It squeals again and then charges. You both whip out your guns and shoot it, emptying your chambers into its head. Just as the boar’s about to ram into Arthur, it stumbles and falls before lying still. 

“Damn bastard,” Arthur growls, holstering his pistol. 

You put a hand on his back. “Come on, Arthur. Let’s get him buried.” You walk over and grab Buell’s reins, wiping your cheeks dry. Together, you and Arthur heave Hamish’s body onto Buell’s back. Arthur swings up onto Buell and the two of you head back to his cabin. Arthur finds a beautiful spot on the east shores of the lake with blooming wildflowers. 

The two of you begin to dig, although you insist that Arthur takes multiple breaks. After a few hours, the hole’s finally deep enough to be an acceptable grave. Then the two of you set Hamish’s body into it. Standing above the grave, you both look at him sadly. After a few moments, Arthur speaks.

“Thank you, my friend. You saved both our lives and we can never repay our debt to you. You’re a good man, and I hope you find peace.” 

You grab his hand as your eyes water again. “Thank you, Hamish,” you sob. “I rarely have good fortune, but I was very lucky the day we met you. You saved our lives when no one else would. I’m sorry we couldn’t save you in return.”

Arthur’s hand slides up to wrap around your shoulders. The two of you stand silent for another few moments and then you begin to cover the body. Once he’s buried, Arthur finds a large, flat rock to mark the spot. For the next few hours, he carely engraves Hamish’s name and the saying “Blessed are those who are merciful”. He asks your opinion and you tell him it couldn’t be more perfect. 

Just as he places the stone down, a light rain begins to fall. Arthur takes your hand in his and heads back to the cabin. You stay there for a few days, but it just doesn’t feel right without Hamish. This was his home after all, not yours. His lake, his trees, his mountains. You tell Arthur you want to head west, somewhere you won’t have to be reminded of how many people you’ve lost. 

Arthur agrees and so you pack up your belongings. You lay a bundle of flowers on Hamish’s grave and thank him one last time. Afterwards, you and Arthur mount up, Arthur astride Buell, and head west into the setting sun. 

**Author’s note: there will be two separate epilogues. I will post them at the same time so that if you choose to read one over the other, you don’t have to wait**

[poor-wifi-uwu]

Veil ch4

Worlds apart. Days apart. Inches apart. They finally meet.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/22680382/chapters/54916576

The night was quiet, filled with only the gentle rustling of the trees and soothing sound of running water as he walked along a river in a mockery of a relaxing stroll.

3 hours.

It took 3 fucking hours to get out of Yunmeng’s capital. With a horse and properly cleared street it should have only taken him what, 20 minutes at full speed? He should’ve reached the next large town by now!

Instead, here he is, walking along a river next to the road hoping to catch a glimpse of even a small village in the distance.

It was common knowledge not to travel alone at night in the wilderness, but he has literally no other option. It won’t take long for his family to learn of his escape and they’ll send their fastest riders after him as soon as they realize. Running so close to the main road is not the best way to avoid notice, but no matter what, his highest priority was to put as much distance between himself and Lotus Pier as possible.

The fastest way to Gusu is using the main road built in the past for easy trade between their nations. The road had been built for speed with a smooth road to protect delicate cargo on along the journey, and being so profitable both nations had gone out of their way to construct through natural obstacles. Yunmeng is known for its many rivers and lakes, and as a pretty much straight line the road has many bridges built to avoid unnecessary detours. One of the lakes is so huge that it would require a boat or add days to a journey to get around. He’ll have to cross that bridge.

For ease of travel, the road was built along a major river running through Yunmeng, only breaking off to keep its straight trajectory when faced with a bend in the river. The river bank was fairly hidden and free of obstacles that stumble one’s footing, especially for a Lotus Pier child, so it was a good way for Wei Wuxian to avoid a lot of eyes.

Thankfully, with his speed and endurance Wei Wuxian was able to reach quite a distance by the time dawn broke. His body could keep going if it really had to, but after running all night it wouldn’t do him any good to strain himself now and leave him vulnerable later on. Although he’d finally passed a couple of villages along the way, they were either small and difficult to hide in or were trading posts littered with guards. It was best to just get as far as he could and find some hidden alcove to rest.

God, it’s like he’s a fugitive in his own country.

It wasn’t that difficult to find a spot to sleep in. The thing about using unconventional tactics when you are vastly outnumbered is you gain a very deep understanding of terrain. He’s had to hide entire battalions within shouting distance while close enough to see the enemy camp. This was a cake walk.

Wei Wuxian had a very fitful sleep. Despite his confidence in his camouflage skill, the best riders Yunmeng has to offer were all trained by him, so he knew their ability to hunt. Every snapping twig, gust of wind, footstep on the road snapped him to attention. He couldn’t count the time he actually spent asleep, and he didn’t want to. At least Wei Wuxian got to rest his body after that little marathon last night. 

He continued to rest until evening when most sentries would begin returning to their posts with the dimming light. He would’ve gone earlier but with the declaration of winter coming so early many unaware people were still rushing to complete their business before the weather would no longer permit it, leaving the road packed with possible witnesses.

Wei Wuxian hadn’t seen any royal troops yet, likely thanks to his circle’s stalling. He doesn’t know how long they can keep it up, but he’s grateful for whatever buffer they can buy him. In a way, the Jiangs’ total lockdown of the city actually bought him time since Wen Qing has a pretty good justification for why there’s no way he left the palace. The compasses he left with Suibian must also be throwing his siblings off. One of the ways they would always check if he snuck out to goof off is by walking around the outer edge of Lotud Pier. If the red tip kept pointing at Lotus Pier, then he was home since he never went anywhere without his compass set. He suspected that Madam Yu would be the one to figure it out, and it’s not like his siblings would defend that he must be on Lotus Pier considering their reactions to his decision.

Wei Wuxian checked that the compasses faced the proper directions before setting off on another marathon run.

The marathon run was a bad idea.

While yes, he did need to make that distance, and yes, he is trained to get the most out of his legs, it doesn’t negate the fact that running for 8 hours straight two nights in a row without proper sleep would lead to a bone-deep exhaustion that had Wei Wuxian’s eyes slipping closed. He’ll have to take it easy from now on.

Finding a good hiding spot, Wei Wuxian flopped down with a stifled groan. God his legs were really starting to feel that burn. Wei Wuxian ruffled through his pack for his medicine bag, before remembering he didn’t pack one. There was no way Wen Qing would let him go anywhere without one, but Wei Wuxian also didn’t remember seeing anyone else place it in. He kept rummaging, his curiosity overpowering the searing pain running through his thighs. When he finally found it with a small cheer, Wei Wuxian froze before slumping against the tree trunk with a wobbly smile.

Wen Qing takes her medicine seriously. Very, very, very seriously. Although she was a special breed of hardass, her family took no less pride in their work. Each member of Wen Qing’s branch clan would receive a special embroidered sachet to carry their medicine within. It was unique to their family and each person only got one. Wei Wuxian held the bag against his heart.

This one had his name on it.

Wei Wuxian looked up at the rising sun. It’s golden radiance shined brilliantly over the forest, revealing the canopy of trees as if laying a blanket of light. The pouch seemed to radiate heat as it warmed his heart where they touched. Wei Wuxian took a deep breath as his shoulders relaxing, willing himself to stay awake through his newfound comfort.

A raindrop hit his nose.

Wei Wuxian looked up again and saw clouds quickly overrunning the sun, the once bright morning overcast beneath heavy clouds. He looked dully where the sun used to shine for a few more moments before calmly crawling inside the tree trunk.

He had medicine to put on.

Lan Wangji looked outside his window as a harsh gust of wind rocked the shutters of his hotel room. The white skies of a Gusu autumn have begun growing dark with the promise of a coming storm. 

The emperor hoped the pavilion’s foundation would be finished in time.

It had been a new feeling, speeding through the nation with his face on full display with no one recognizing him. Although still dressed with the regal travel robes of the Cloud Recesses, his presence did not bring the populace to their knees in silent awe as his headdress would have. It felt strange to be somewhat invisible, like he was seeing a new side of the world that would normally be on its best behavior before him. 

In some ways it was… liberating.

The emperor hoped he could lower Wei Ying’s guard the same way.

Lan Wangji had ridden almost nonstop from the moment he left the Cloud Recesses until it grew too dark to continue safely. He had reached quite a distance, though not far enough to be satisfied. Having calculated the quickest path to Gusu on horseback before he left, Lan Wangji’s fingers drummed a tune on the table as he drank his tea. Although Wei Ying must be a day ahead already, the main bridge connecting Gusu and Yunmeng across the natural river barrier was closer to the Cloud Recesses than it was Lotus Pier. At full speed, he should reach the bridge the same time as Wei Ying.

Lan Wangji wanted nothing more than to hold Wei Ying’s hand as he guided him to his new home.

Knowing his empress was still days away left the emperor restless, fidgeting with his luggage and checking on his horse frequently. In the end he could only practice a few songs on his guqin to calm down. With his hands over the sachet causing a warmth to grow in his chest, Lan Wangji finally got some rest.

He woke to the sound of droplets thundering against his window like a barrage of arrows. Lan Wangji cracked open the shutters only for a burst of hail to rain through into his bedroom, the wind attempting to force the shutters all the way open. He checked with the nightstaff only to learn the storm had started only recently and does not seem to be stopping anytime soon.

It would be foolish to travel in this weather.

Lan Wangji grit his teeth as he ignored the breakfast before him. Given the circumstances, Wei Ying would have to take the river bridge to cross over into Gusu. No matter how wide it was made to accommodate the trading caravans, it is still a narrow straight line with no blind spots. It is the only point at which he is guaranteed to meet Wei Ying without missing each other. But that is only if he gets there before Wei Ying does.

Lan Wangji rubbed the sachet in his sleeve in silence for several minutes. Biting his lip, Lan Wangji narrowed his eyes. 

Wei Ying would keep riding.

Lan Wangji grabbed his bags.

The only thing worse than riding in the rain was running in the rain. 

At least when Wei Wuxian rode his horse through the rain it wasn’t his legs that kept sinking into the mud. He could look past the splotches staining his robes and the dirty water seeping into his shoes, but to lose his already poor footing is asking too much. 

Wei Wuxian had only rested for a few hours before setting off again. Although it was only the afternoon, no reasonable sentry would be out in this downpour and even the unreasonable ones wouldn’t be able to see anything. It’s a good chance to make some headway.

Qing-jie’s medicine worked wonders as always, Wei Wuxian toasted his water-logged bag to the doc. His legs had gone from a searing pain to an aching throb that is no less uncomfortable but much more manageable. Of course, she would kill him for straining his still-healing body, but in Wei Wuxian’s defense she would beat him up much harder if she saw his current state should he get caught. 

When he thought about it that way, running through the mud in the middle of a storm didn’t seem so bad anymore. Well, his clothes are ruined but he can always say he was locked in a vicious battle with mud-slinging cobras. It’s technically true, though the bureaucrats of Lotus Pier might take offence.

Wei Wuxian just hoped the emperor wouldn’t be too put off should he not reach an inn in time to clean up.

Wei Wuxian slowed to a walk to catch his breath. It was pointless to keep running. With his footing so unstable and the rain weighing his clothes down, no matter how much Wei Wuxian pushed forward he wouldn’t make that much of a difference running than walking. It was fine in the beginning, but with the rain growing into one of the infamous pre-winter storms of Yunmeng it became a pointless endeavor.

Yunmeng’s storms can easily last over a week, so there’s no chance Wei Ying would try to wait it out even without the warrant that is surely out for his capture. He’ll just have to get used to it.

At least the tree canopy helped block some of the downpour.

The Nie were truly exceptional when it came to animals.

Lan Wangji gave his horse some carrots as he dried off its mane. Despite the uncomfortable and difficult weather conditions his steed had faithfully ran the full day at top speed without complaint.

A gift from the Nie king, this horse was specially bred to match Wei Wuxian’s infamous steed, but lacking the difficult temperament of that manic beast. It was the only horse able to match Wei Wuxian’s wild stallion on the battlefield. Although large and dressed with the most regal gear, without its armour it looks like any other Gusu white stallion.

Patting the horse’s side, Lan Wangji’s ears turned red.

In one of the famous love stories of the Gusu Empire, the first emperor Lan An had broken courtesy to ride his horse into the wedding hall with his bride in his arms. Despite the disapproval against their union, Lan An refused to wait even a second longer and rammed past all the defenses to do the three bows with his beloved. 

Although his uncle had told the story as an example of the Lan clan’s susceptibility to irrational emotions, it had always been one of Lan Wangji’s favorite stories.

The horse shook its head, bumping into Lan Wangji. Blinking at it, the horse looked at his ears and snorted at him.

Ah, right, brother helped train this horse.

Lan Wangji quickly refilled the carrots and speed-walked back to his room, the horse’s whinny following after him.

Although Lan Wangji was soaked through, he put off changing his clothes until after he could assess any possible damage to his luggage. The emperor had carefully packed all of his betrothal gifts to account for different weather, even choosing fabric coated with wax to wrap the articles. Carefully laying each one on the ground, Lan Wangji was relieved to find no issues. Even the scroll he had packed was safe within its bamboo tube.

Lan Wangji gently stroked a platinum hair crown. With the phoenix's nine tail feathers forming a lotus in full bloom and studded with brilliant red and blue gemstones, the small headpiece was the picture of refined elegance that would inspire awe in the wearer’s status from whoever glanced at them. It had been difficult to make it worthy of Wei Ying while keeping it practical for his empress’s daily antics, but there would be no point in giving him something he can’t wear. Lan Wangji’s finger lingered on a red gem.

He hoped Wei Ying would like it.

You see, there’s a reason you shouldn’t walk in the rain for hours on end.

Sometimes you feel like shit afterwards.

Wei Wuxian blinked through the blurriness in his vision. The cold had seeped into his very bones, every step growing heavier as he makes his way to the closest village. There’s no point in hiding out in the forest if he’s just going to die and the engagement falls through.

With his legs numb, the throbbing ache had moved to pound behind his eyes as Wei Wuxian clutched his head. He could feel his throat growing itchy as his nose stuffed up. If he doesn’t get somewhere warm soon then he might get sick for real. Not the most attractive thing to sneeze into the bride and groom’s shared wine cup.

After what felt like ages Wei Wuxian finally reached the village entrance. Though small, it thankfully served as a pit stop for travellers and therefore had some inns available. Wei Wuxian picked a small but cozy building, not so cheap as to be shady but also below what the guards would assume he would stay in. It was a family-run establishment with the husband handling the business while the wife catered to the guests. They were kind people who didn’t judge Wei Wuxian’s ability to pay by his frankly homeless appearance. The husband had laughed that they had seen many of their competitors lose business by kicking ragged men and women out of their rooms to make space for high-end clients, only to learn they were actually some rich or important person who got caught up in the war or got attacked by bandits. 

Wei Wuxian laughed as well, shaking his head at those people who would never learn. When the wife left to fetch some bathwater, Wei Wuxian’s smile dropped. If that many ‘important’ people got caught on the road, how many regular people’s suffering went unnoticed?

He thanked the wife for the hot water and prepared to finally get a hot soak, his cloak dropping with a chime.

Wei Wuxian paused.

He rubbed his forehead as if trying to remember something as he walked to his bag. Stopping down to rummage through it, Wei Wuxian grabbed the bag and lept out the window, the sound of shocked gasps behind him as a number of footsteps scrambled to follow after him.

Wei Wuxian never kept his charity bell on his cloak.

Shouts of ‘General!’ sounded out behind him as the royal guard begged him to stop and return to Lotus Pier. Wei Wuxian drowned them out as he assessed his situation. There were only five of them even after all this shouting. Wei Wuxian flinched when they sent out the signal flare, but even minutes later no one came. They must have divided amongst the villages along the main road in hopes of catching sight of him. The villages might be quite the distance by foot, but that distance is nothing by horse.

They’ll be here sooner than later.

Wei Wuxian cursed as he ran through his options before a smirk crawled onto his face. Whipping out Suibian’s compass, Wei Wuxian calculated the direction of Lotus Pier and ran the guards around in circles, dodging any ambush when he noticed less than five people chasing after him. With their attention locked on him, they never realized Wei Wuxian kept inching closer to the horses tied near the end of the village.

With a burst of speed once he grew near, Wei Wuxian slashed at the ropes tying the horse to the post, smirking as the guards’ eyes widened and faces paled as they realized what they had unintentionally done. Laughing, Wei Wuxian sped past before they could recover and disappeared down the road.

One of the most unintuitive vices in combat is the idea of being overcautious. Everyone in Yunmeng knows not to underestimate Wei Wuxian. Every time someone has, they have lost if not died, so it is no surprise that the guards would take every precaution to ensure Wei Wuxian doesn’t notice them surrounding him. But when people get so caught up in one aspect of a plan they forget about other details, such as where to leave their horses. In this case, they were afraid he would get spooked by the sound of horses and therefore left them where they entered the village to search for him on foot. While good in theory, this also leaves those horses in a predictable position. That is, in the direction of Lotus Pier.

This also proves they’re not one of his men, who know better not only through Wei Wuxian’s rigorous training but also his habits. And judging by the lack of hoofs behind him, they’re not as well-trained for the weather either.

Wei Wuxian laughed as he patted the horse through his throbbing headache. 

Fucking finally.

The wind stabbed a chill deep into his bones yet he felt hot.

Lan Wangji tried to convince himself the pounding of his heart was due to his intense journey and not the distance slowly closing between him and Wei Ying. 

One day.

He was just one day’s journey from the bridge. 

A few more hours and he would make it in time to catch Wei Ying before he journeyed across alone.

Lan Wangji bit his lip as he shook his head, eyes focusing on the road ahead. It was dangerous to get distracted in such weather. Although the hail had reverted to rain this far south, the weather was no less terrible. The canopy of tree tops covering the path couldn’t prevent all the rain from passing through and the wind was not helping.

The last thing he wanted was to lose it all when he was so close.

The road was easy to navigate. No matter how far he went the road remained empty, the more sensible people having opted to stay inside. No caravans or adventurers, not even a patrol. Nothing but the sounds of the hoofs beneath him, the rain around him, and the thumping within him. 

It was a bit lonely. As if he was the only one in the world.

It never felt like this when he was alone with Wei Ying. Silent but for their quiet breaths, still but for the slight glance or small fidget. Even their stake-outs against one another had felt more intimate than empty.

He wondered if Wei Ying was just as lonely on his own journey right now.

Lan Wangji rode silently for the rest of the journey.

Sliding off his horse, Lan Wangji could almost feel his legs trembling as the guard confirmed that General Wei Wuxian had not been sighted on the bridge yet. He made it in time.

As the adrenaline faded, Lan Wangji could feel the slosh of his boots, the weight of his cloak, the drops sliding down his face. The emperor tensed imperceptibly, fishing out a small mirror to be faced with a frankly unacceptable appearance. Hair clinging to his face from where it escaped his topknot, robes clinging to his skin, specks of mud splattered across the bottom hem of his robes, face both flushed and pale.

The emperor had never looked less than pristine even in the throes of battle. He can’t let Wei Ying see him in such a state.

Giving orders to the guard to contact him at any sighting, Lan Wangji sped off to a hotel to clean up, ignoring his horse’s mocking whinny.

It was already evening by the time Lan Wangji arrived at the bridge, yet he could not help but stand under the roof of the entrance to be the first to see Wei Ying. He smoothed his robes for the fourth time within the hour. In a new set of clothes and with his previous ones washed, dried, and packed within his luggage, Lan Wangji looked as if he had just stepped out of the Cloud Recesses.

He wondered what Wei Ying looked like.

Wei Ying had always dressed casually when he could, but this was a special occasion that he took very seriously. And with his flair for dramatics, Wei Ying might have even travelled in wedding robes the entire time. 

Lan Wangji’s ears burned as he imagined it.

Well, Wei Ying always dressed in black and red with a gold-ornamented sword, so technically… Though Lan Wangji would never make him settle for wedding robes of that caliber. Not that Wei Ying’s clothes are low quality, of course. Wei Ying always looks nice. His clothes have a certain wordly charm to them. Not that they are not charming over all of course—.

He might need to practice speaking before they meet.

A call from the guard has the emperor’s head snapping up to the bridge, only to slump in disappointment.

White and blue. The Gusu royal guard.

When the leader caught sight of him, he shouted out orders behind him before charging ahead to reach Lan Wangji. Jumping off his horse, the captain bowed in salute, “Master.”

Lan Wangji’s eyes softened as he waved his hand to rise, “Bichen.”

Bichen got up from his bow to tilt his head at Lan Wangji, confusion clear on his face before morphing into worry. Lan Wangji never leaves the palace alone, especially without the proper dress of his status. Something must have happened.

Lan Wangji’s ears burned as he gave a small but rigid shake of his head. As Bichen’s confusion grew, Lan Wangji’s ears only burned more red. With no one else around, Lan Wangji looked down, “I came to escort Wei Ying.”

Bichen’s face exploded with a blush. For the emperor to come personally…

Then he blinked, coughing to cover his slip-up, “He accepted then?”

Lan Wangji gave a small sharp nod.

Bichen kept a composed face as he congratulated his master, but he could feel happiness bubbling in his chest. His master wanted this for so long…

“Did you speak to him?”

Bichen snapped to attention, “I delivered the letter, but nothing more.”

Lan Wangji looked at him for a moment, “Not Wei Ying.”

Bichen’s eyes widened in realization as he fidgeted with his fingers inside his clasped sleeves, “...No. He was not in the room with General Wei so I handed the letter over to Wen Qionglin before leaving. Though he and Doctor Wen ran in the direction of the meeting room, so I do not know if they forgot about it.”

Lan Wangji looked at him, “Wei Ying’s people are never negligent. The letter reached him.”

Bichen blinked and smiled.

“Why not speak to him?”

Bichen’s smile froze. He fidgeted in place, looking this way and that, “We’re still enemies at war, I did not wish to overstay my welcome. And I did not know what he was doing, so there’s no reason to interrupt him, especially if he’s still injured. What if I woke him up?” Bichen’s cheeks puffed out as he muttered, “Hmph, he would probably be sleeping even if he wasn’t injured.”

Lan Wangji looked on with raised eyebrows, understanding his brother a bit more, “I can make a formal appointment.”

Bichen choked as he began frantically denying it, horrified that his small little wish could blow up into an international incident. Lan Wangji looked on amused as Bichen gave every excuse he could come up with about why he shouldn’t speak with Suibian after all. Finally Bichen huffed as he crossed his arms and looked away, “And who needs to talk to a guy like that? Only nonsense would come out of his mouth anyway!”

Lan Wangji just nodded in acquiescence as the light flush across Bichen’s cheeks darkened. Deciding to let Bichen save some face, Lan Wangji had him explain the rest of his journey.

As Bichen gave his report, Lan Wangji felt something was off.

Although Bichen did leave earlier than Wei Ying, the General’s horse was faster even at a jogging pace. There would be no reason for Wei Ying to hide from the royal guard either, so if they didn’t come together it could only mean Wei Ying passed them and went ahead. 

So why has no one seen him yet?

On top of that, Yunmeng had suddenly declared Winter. Even Gusu had just barely declared Winter all the way up north. It was even more strange that Lotus Pier went as far as to spread the news with the royal courier falcons instead of riders. Yunmeng had always taken full advantage of their southern position to extend the travel seasons, so why the sudden rush?

The butterflies in his stomach seemed to drop as a cold heaviness settled in his chest. Bichen seemed to notice, stopping his report to await the emperor’s orders. 

Lan Wangji took a deep breath. Wei Ying’s strange letter suddenly made sense. It was not the Jiang family who accepted the letter, it was Wei Ying himself against their wishes. They must be trying to stop him for some reason.

Bichen was shocked as Lan Wangji explained. The Gusu royal guard had not faced any trouble along their journey in either direction despite their gear being fairly obvious about where they are from. They were riding through some of Wei Wuxian’s ‘territory’ but surely such a serious reaction would have affected them.

Lan Wangji placed his hands in his sleeves, shoulders back in the regal pose of the emperor bestowing orders, “Return to the Cloud Recesses. Brother must know the situation. Tell no one else. I will go ahead.”

Bichen’s jaw dropped dumbfounded. The emperor, charging into hostile territory and leaving his Sentinel behind? It was Bichen’s job to go with him, always!

Lan Wangji wouldn’t budge and gave his orders a second time, making Bichen salute in shocked acceptance. The emperor makes a point not to repeat orders. He’s serious.

Lan Wangji was going to explain, but stopped as he squinted his eyes into the distance. He felt his fingers numb.

It was a purple lotus signal flare.

Whatever it was, Lan Wangji had to hurry.

In any other situation, reaching the eye of the storm so quickly would be a blessing.

Wei Wuxian cursed as he willed his horse to stay quiet when the rush of hooves flew past. Of all the times he could have used the natural camouflage of rain, it had to let up when he was surrounded. Any way he tries to break through now, he’ll inevitably be seen and chased. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem, but his vision had already been blurring with exhaustion the day before and he had ridden through the night without any sleep. Wei Wuxian even had to leave his cloak behind, so he had spent the coldest hours of night with barely any protection from the storm.

He can already feel a fever forming.

Wei Wuxian shook his head to stop the forest from spinning and placed all his focus into his surroundings. They had been in this stalemate for a few hours now, knowing Wei Wuxian is here but the general maneuvering just so to stay hidden. Each side waiting for the other to leave an opening.

If only he could see who the riders were, he could exploit their weaknesses.

Wei Wuxian flinched as the riders suddenly doubled, his heart rate skyrocketing before he took some deep breaths and pinched himself. His blurred vision slowly returned to focus. His horse gave a small whinny at the movement and it was as if the world froze as everything went silent.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened as he sprung into action, charging through the closest gap he could find. He could distantly hear a flare being sent up. 

Shit.

That black stallion of his may be a giant pain in the ass sometimes, but at least he knew when to handle himself. 

Wei Wuxian never thought he’d feel so helpless because of a fucking horse.

Arrows flew past his arms as the group of Yunmeng troops charged after him.

Arrows, really?! And they keep missing too, do these bastards want to triple their regimen to show him such a disgrace?!

Wei Wuxian bit his tongue from shouting out advice as he wove through the barrage on his horse. This is not a time where he should want their archery to improve.

A stray arrow finally nicked his arm and an instant numbing sensation followed. Wei Wuxian cursed. Paralyzing arrows?! He knew Wen Qing would not make them a new batch of paralyzer to coat them so where did these bastards get them?!

Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes. Don’t tell me… Did some fucker secretly keep a batch of arrows and claim they ran out. Wei Wuxian barked a sardonic laugh. With all the factions he wouldn’t doubt it.

Well, at least their aim makes a tiny bit more sense now. They don’t want to actually hit him, just nick him enough times to catch him. Though falling off a horse at full speed isn’t exactly the safest option.

With one arm quickly losing function, Wei Wuxian had to think fast. He took a sudden dive into the forest. Wen Qing packed him all sorts of medicine, so if Wei Wuxian could just lose them for an hour he should be able to get his arm back.

Lan Wangji followed the direction of the signal flare, gritting his teeth at their slow advance despite going faster than they had through the entire journey.

Nothing good can come out of a Lotus Flare in this situation. Most flares across the continent were mainly used to either signal a location or call for help. Either way, they must have found Wei Ying.

Lan Wangji’s hands tightened around the reins until his knuckles had turned completely white. He saw that first signal flare hours ago. They could be in a completely different direction by now but all the emperor could do was charge blindly forward like a buffoon.

Why didn’t he think more carefully about the proposal and the acceptance letter? Why did he wait an entire day to set off, and another day at the bridge?

Lan Wangji was so caught up in his childish euphoria that he forgot how Lotus Pier tends to disagree with Wei Ying almost on principle.

He was such a coward.

Had he not feared being rejected and scheduled a formal meeting with the royal family, they could have resolved all of this directly. Instead he just sent a letter, a small part of himself resembling a young Lan Wangji fearing the truth and ready to wave the rejection off as coming from the Jiangs instead of Wei Ying.

Lan Wangji bit his lip as he glared forward.

He was so close.

A boom off in the distance made him flinch as Lan Wangji looked up to see a much closer Lotus Flare. Memorizing the location, Lan Wangji charged forward.

They were persistent.

Wei Wuxian had been weaving through the forest and back onto the main road repeatedly, trying to lose the guards in the prison of the forest. But no matter which direction he went or how dark it got, they dogged after him. It was incredibly difficult to navigate a forest on horseback, the wide array of possible obstacles ready to shred the horse and its rider without the most careful maneuvering. A couple of the guards were lost on the way, but the majority were frustratingly competent. 

The entire time they had been calling for him to stop and return home. That more than anything was wearing him down.

Didn’t they understand that he wanted to go home?!

Wei Wuxian grit his teeth as he reached a clearing with a hill. If he could break their eye contact on his back for just a second, he could disappear. Gritting his teeth, Wei Wuxian tightened his grip on the reins as he heard his horse whinny.

Suddenly he felt himself falling.

Wei Wuxian’s horse tumbled forward in a heap with Wei Wuxian being thrown forward out of the harness. By reflex he angled his body in such a way to roughly roll forward without breaking anything, the final smack of his back against the hard ground gouging the air from his lungs. Wei Wuxian coughed as black spots entered his vision. Head lolling, he could barely make out through his fluctuating vision the glare of an arrow sticking out of his horse’s chest.

Wei Wuxian struggled to get up before he even registered what he was doing.

The Yunmeng troops were all behind him and none of them would shoot the horse during friendly fire. Someone else was here.

Pain shot through Wei Wuxian’s leg as he tried to get up, his forgotten numb arm slipping and sending Wei Wuxian’s face into the mud.

He can barely move.

He’s been in worse situations before.

With the desperate burst of energy that is found only in the face of death, Wei Wuxian crawled to the nearest tree trunk for cover. His body screamed with every movement, Wei Wuxian biting the fabric of his numb hand to keep from screaming out. No matter how good their night vision is, with Wei Wuxian’s dirt-crusted black clothes he’s practically invisible in the night. His horse, not so much.

Wei Wuxian closed his eyes as it let out a final whimper before going silent.

In the sudden quiet, Wei Wuxian realized the Yunmeng troops should have caught up to him by now.

In the eye of the storm, the moonlight peaked through the clouds to illuminate the clearing. Wei Wuxian felt his eyes dull.

The arrow had purple feathers.

They wouldn’t.

Wei Wuxian didn’t even realize he, too, had been revealed by the light. His dull gaze struggled to raise with the sound of light footsteps coming closer. Seeing the purple uniform, Wei Wuxian felt himself go numb.

The masked assailant leapt forward, sword stretched out towards Wei Wuxian’s chest as he threw his body to the side. The sword impaled itself into the tree trunk, buying Wei Ying a precious few seconds to jam his searing arm into his bag to grab a bomb, a knife, a shoe, ANYTHING!

The shadow of a blade over him had Wei Wuxian turning around with the bag held out ready to catch the blow, only to hear a grunt as two bodies hit the ground. Looking over, Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened as another Yunmeng guard had pinned the first and with a slice at his neck with an arrow knocked the guy out.

Wei Wuxian panted as the new Yunmeng troop took off his mask and Wei Wuxian felt his lips tremble into a smile, “...Third Shidi…!”

The guard sent him a V for victory with his hand as he finished tying the assailant up and ran over, “General!”

Wei Wuxian struggled to sit up on his elbow, “How did you—” Wei Wuxian noticed the quiver of Paralyzing arrows and his jaw dropped indignantly, “That was you?!”

Third Shidi scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Wei Wuxian felt his blood boil a bit, “To think you’d shoot your own commander! And you couldn’t even shoot properly, what was that crap?! You want a triple training regimen? Quadruple?!”

The color quickly draining from Third Shidi’s face satisfied his bloodlust a little. The stockier man held his hands up in surrender, “Yes, our training has fallen completely off the rails since General’s disappearance! Our aim has become downright horrible!” He sent Wei Wuxian a wink.

Wei Wuxian huffed a breath in understanding. So his loyals had snuck into the sentries to let him escape should they catch him. But then…

Wei Wuxian’s face fell as he looked at the tied up Yunmeng troop. Third Shidi followed and his once warm and friendly gaze hardened into ice, “Don’t know what the fuck was up with that. Motherfuckers had the nerve…!”

Wei Wuxian’s eyes narrowed sharply, “There were more?”

Third Shidi nodded, “They ambushed us with a gas bomb when General ran for the clearing. The normal troops were knocked out but the enemy didn’t factor the Wei faction’s training into the strength of it. The others stayed behind to fight off the rest of the group while I ran ahead since I was the only one not locked in a battle.”

Wei Wuxian sighed in relief. His men could handle the best of them on the worst of days. They’ll be fine. Wei Wuxian grunted as Third Shidi helped him stand up, “How likely that they’re imposters?”

Third Shidi steadied him against the tree trunk, “Most of the factions aren’t this stupid. Some are. It’s hard to say, but I checked and that’s a genuine Yunmeng uniform so if they are imposters then that raises a lot of questions.”

Wei Wuxian groaned, freezing at the echo. His eyes darted left and right. Third Shidi tensed imperceptibly as he noticed. Holding his hands out as if continuing to steady Wei Wuxian he raised his eyebrow in question. Wei Wuxian pursed his lips and drummed his fingers on Third Shidi’s arm in code.

It’s too quiet.

Third Shidi’s eyes widened as he noticed the unsettling silence. The fight had ended and there was no hostility between them, yet the forest was as silent as the dead.

Third Shidi inched his hand toward his sword as Wei Wuxian clutched his bag.

Wei Wuxian swept Third Shidi’s feet with a kick that sent them both down as an arrow thumped into the trunk where their heads had been. With a fluid turn, Third Shidi smoothly unsheathed his sword intime to deflect another arrow as Wei Wuxian crashed to the ground. Third Shidi spun to check on him, leaving his back open for the split second necessary for the enemy to jump out of the shadows and lunge forward as one. 

Wei Wuxian grabbed the first thing in his bag and yelled, “Flash!”

They both closed their eyes as Wei Wuxian threw out the flash bomb, blinding the enemy into crashing into one another. Third Shidi used those few seconds to knock three of them unconscious with a shocked horror on his face. Wei Wuxian must have looked the same. There’s no way it would be taking this long for his men to beat a group that small, and if anything there's even more enemies than before.

Wei Wuxian quickly glared as he barked at Third Shidi, “You can’t get information if you’re dead, at this point their lives are forfeit!”

Third Shidi lunged with a roar, “YES SIR!”

Wei Wuxian noticed some attackers sneaking up behind Third Shidi and threw a chili bomb at their heads, the screams of agony as they scratched at their eyes making Third Shidi spin around to quickly end the group in three fatal strikes before returning to his previous opponents. Wei Wuxian wobbled onto his feet through pure adrenaline as he barked out locations and orders. 

The numbers just seemed to keep growing until some finally made it past Third Shidi and charged at Wei Wuxian. He ducked under the first blow, striking his palm upwards in a sudden smack that cracked the bastard’s neck and threw him back onto his little buddy, Wei Wuxian biting back a scream as lightning shot up his injured arm. He sent out a kick to send the two bodies crashing backwards, knocking their heads together with a crack.

Wei Wuxian crashed to the side at a flash of moonlight, the sword shaving off a few strands of his hair as the enemy continued in a relentless assault that had Wei Wuxian dodging and kicking on the ground with no break to scramble up. He swiped a bomb out of his bag and the enemy shut his eyes in preparation, Wei Wuxian smirking as he dropped the bomb to cover his ears with one hand and his shoulder, “BANSHEE!!!”

Third Shidi smacked his hands against his ears without even dropping his sword just as a horrifyingly piercing screech thundered through the forest, sending whatever birds were left scrambling to escape. Wei Wuxian laughed as the bastards around him dropped unconscious with blood dripping out of their ears, his own still ringing from being at ground zero.

Without a second to waste, Wei Wuxian pulled himself up with the tree trunk and reached for his sword as one of the recovered assailants charged at him blindly, cutting through his chest like paper then using his momentum to turn and drive his sword into another guy and using his body for leverage as he roundhouse kicked a third behind him. Wei Wuxian pulled out his sword swiftly and jumped to back up Third Shidi, slicing clean through one guy at his back and two at his side when he felt himself flying through the air, a stabbing pain shooting through his good arm.

Wei Wuxian crashed to the ground, arrow sticking out just below his shoulder joint glinting purple and red light in a mockery of Wei Wuxian’s own troop colors. He willed his numb arm to move, kicking another bastard’s knees as he tried stabbing down and then kicking his face for good measure. A shadow behind him had Wei Wuxian flipping around in time to block, cursing as his legs were angled in the wrong direction and twisting his neck to dodge the blow when as arrow struck the bastard right in the fucking head.

More thumps sounded behind him as Wei Wuxian twisted around to find four bodies hitting the floor at the same time, bullseye on each one. 

A whinny roared through the battlefield as a horse charged through people like roadkill, a silver flash of moonlight severing head from bodies with the swiftness of a war god.

Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened as he saw the man haloed by the moon flicking blood off his sword as if he were too pure for such filthy things. He lashed out his sword with the ruthlessness of a demon, eyes glowing the molten starlight of divine fury as he swept Wei Wuxian’s limp body into his hold.

The arrows were white.