#they became romantic and agreed they wouldn’t marry until they were both cured and turned back human

[arospecsyourblockdudes]

The two sims I had that I loved the most of them all were Oliver and Bruno Maynard-Moon. They started out as a challenge for myself to see how long I could keep a werewolf and vampire living together while pretending to be human (not doing anything obviously spooky in from of the other basically) and turned into an epic romance I’ll never be over them

[coralinegoldie16]

Couples that should have been Endgame (TVD)🥰:

1. Bamon (Bonnie & Damon)

Ah Damon & Bonnie, a couple that should have been together! These two both got off to an incredibly rough and rocky start when they first met but to me there has always been some underlying sexual tension between the two of them. Yes Damon is a bad person and Bonnie absolutely shouldn’t date him after all he has done to her and the people she loves but people change and Damon changed completely. Now I know all the Delena fans are going to go off about the fact that Elena changed Damon for the better but I don’t think she was the only one that did that, I think personally that Bonnie helped along the way especially when it’s just the two of them in the prison world together (of course Stefan did as well). They bonded and grew to care and love each other which changed the both of their opinions of each other for the better. Even before there ‘friendship’ change to Best Friends, they were willing to work together for the people they loved and care about, even tho they mainly hated each other for a long period of time, they chose to be civil together rather than cause a rift within the group. It’s just an excellent development of a relationship and I think relationships that turn from hatred to love are one of the most powerful and enjoying types of relationships to watch, as they have so much depth and room for exploration than other relationships you typically see. They may just be Best Friends but the love they have for one another is so lovely and sweet to watch.

Their love story would have been a classic Enemies to Lovers like Romeo and Juliet.

2. Steroline (Stefan & Caroline)

Now I see a lot of hate for this couple and I don’t understand why. I think this was absolutely the right choice and relationship to go forward. When these two first met it was clear that Caroline had a mad attraction for Stefan Salvatore, I mean who wouldn’t? Of course back then Stefan was head over heels in love with Elena but I always felt that a relationship could happen between Stefan and Caroline and it did. The two of them became Best Friends who trusted one another and cared for one another. I loved how they became Best Friends as it felt so right and pleasing to me. Before they even have a romantic relationship they went through so much together as friends and to me it felt right that they ended up falling for one another. Stefan and Caroline were so right to be endgame with one another, and they were until Stefan sadly died (why did they do this to me?😭). They were Best Friends that talk about everything together and experienced everything together, they understand each other and knew each other feelings when they are feeling them. It’s a perfect relationship and to me was not forced at all. Caroline always had those underlying feelings for Stefan but he was so in love with Elena he couldn’t see them. Yes that’s completely horrible and wrong that he couldn’t see them but sometimes people are oblivious to the most obvious things and it’s only when they realise them that other feelings take over.

I see their relationship as them being each other Soulmates.

3. Malena (Matt & Elena)

Now this relationship I know a lot of people won’t agree with or like but please just hear me out😂 Matt and Elena have of course had a relationship in the past before all the Vampires, Werewolves, Doppelgängers and Witches entered into their lives and took over. I know that Elena broke up with Matt for a reason as she felt that there was no love their anymore and that was the best thing to do, but these two have known each other since they were little children. They played together and did everything together, they grew up together, and when Elena first turned into a Vampire, Matt felt guilty as he thought it was his fault and he did everything he could to help her. He let her feed on him so she didn’t need to do it to anyone else and he understood her sadness when she became a Vampire. Elena has always wanted to grow old, have children and live a happy human life but that was taken away from her when she became a Vampire. But the cure happen and she got a second chance at a human life once more, but the problem was that she was with Damon and he didn’t want to become a human (yet), he wanted to remain a Vampire. Matt never changed to a Vampire and remained the human out of all of the gang, he was the one achoring the human side to the supernatural life they all lived. He wanted to live a human life, have children and grow old. The relationship that Matt and Elena had was pure and innocent and it happen slowly over a long period of time. I think that Matt will always have romantic feelings towards Elena but Elena will see him as a friend that she cares about a lot, I mean he was her emotional trigger to turn her humanity back on. If they ended up together, I think that Elena romantic feelings would eventually return back for Matt and they would be happily married together with children. I think that after all that they have been through, I feel that they would have been each other’s connection back to humanity after all the supernatural stuff ended and moved on. The both of them would have had a fresh start and would been able to live a healthy happy human life together where no supernatural stuff was lurking in the shadows and no worry was still present.

Their would relationship would be Best Friends to Lovers again.

So this ends my long post😂 I’m sorry if I offend anyone with this post but these are just my opinions and thoughts on certain relationships in The Vampire Diaries! Let me know if you agree and tell me your own opinions😄

[treeofsalvation-blog]

My Pairings

No fanfic today, but I do want to ramble a bit about my pairings. I have a couple of new ones in potential, but I want to work on them for a little bit longer. These are my established pairings. I’ve talked about them quite a bit in response to prompts, so here I’ll just ramble about how they got together and what kind of relationship they have. Just rambling in general, I guess.

If you have a question, feel free to ask.

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Thorne (blue haired landsknecht ♂) and Jonah (male red-haired landsknecht ♂)

Thorne was the one who first made his interest know. Jonah is suffering from a curse in his eye that allows him to learn stats of monsters. Thorne didn’t know that when he first laid eyes on him. Only thought he was cute because he was smaller than the average landsknecht. And he’s cute in general.

Even after learning that Jonah is cursed, and that the one who cursed him is still out there somewhere, Thorne maintained his interest. Jonah was cute and interesting now. Thorne is protective of him, however. Not exactly possessive, but he’s the only one who can tease Jonah and make him blush ever-so cutely.

Jonah doesn’t know what to make of Thorne first, especially his blatant honesty toward him. He did find Thorne rather handsome, but figured that a guy like him would lose interest in him quickly and move on. Thorne was rather flighty, after all. But Thorne made his interest and pursuit of him known, and stuck to it regardless of Grandpa Vlad’s displeasure.

In Nexus, they’re officially in a relationship. Thorne is openly affectionate while Jonah is still more reserved. He doesn’t push Thorne away however, just blushes deeply.

Nairn (male black-haired alchemist ♂) and Althea (orange haired medic *male portrait* ♀)

Their relationship doesn’t fully form until they reach Lemuria/Nexus, and Althea is aged 18. Althea has had a crush on him for a couple of years, but always held back out of fear.

They met accidentally when Althea was in the library studying and Nairn just happened across her. Because of her being mute, she didn’t verbally respond to anything he said. Instead of feeling annoyed that she’s giving him the supposed cold shoulder, Nairn was intrigued because while she didn’t speak, she looked somewhat interested in what he was saying.

Nairn held a sense of interest in her because of her shyness and muteness. His interested turned into protectiveness after seeing a few ladies of society corner her and place the blame on her for the actions of her murderous mother. After seeing how distressed Althea was and how she couldn’t exactly talk back, he did instead. His family is of high society too, but he doesn’t care what others think.

After he learns what had happened to Althea (her mother brutally murdering her father and tried to kill her before fleeing) he vowed to help her regain her voice. And in order to do that is to make her feel safe and comfortable.

They have a very sweet relationship. Holding hands and cuddling is as far as they go, really. They’re both content just to be with each other.

Emmett (red haired medic ♂) and Crystalena (blonde protector *male portrait* ♀)

Crytalena is a maid who works for Emmett and is the daughter of the maid that has worked with Emmett’s family for years. In her mind, she’s just the maid and the help. Emmett is completely out of her league, and rightly so. Emmett is considered Lagaard’s wealthiest bachelor and has a lot of marriage-minded woman and mothers looking at him. And he hates the attention. He’s only interested in Crystalena.

In order to help Emmett ward off unwanted advantages, Crystalena agreed to be his pretend girlfriend. But she believes it’s only a ruse to help Emmett. But Emmett is determined to prove to her that she’s the only woman he can ever see marrying.

Because of her upbringing, Crystalena finds it extremely difficult to believe she’s worthy for someone like Emmett. Even though they’ve crashed into bed together a few times. Had sex, basically. That causes a bit of tension between them, but Emmett is stubborn.

In Nexus, they’re engaged. Crystalena has accepted that Emmett’s love for her is the real deal and she loves him in return. She still has maid tendencies where she likes to serve others. But she knows that Emmett is dedicated to her.

Kendrix (brown haired highlander ♂) and Sokyu (black haired ronin ♂)

Sokyu was seriously injured protecting his younger brother after a monster attacked his village. He would have died had it not been for Kendrix, who had been tracking the monster that attacked. He led Sokyu and his brother to safety, giving up the pursuit of the monster. Sokyu didn’t remember her when they reunited in Lagaard, but Kendrix recognised him immediately. And from then on Kendrix decided to be the one to protect Sokyu and help him heal from his injuries.

As Kendrix watched over Sokyu, his protectiveness morphed into that of genuine need to keep him safe. Even though Sokyu didn’t remember him, he did develop a crush on him.

After a sighting of the monster that attacked Sokyu’s village, Kendrix goes in search of it, attempting to keep Sokyu away. Sokyu tracks him down nevertheless and demands answers, actually more disappointed that Kendrix would leave him behind him. He’s surprised when he learns of their past connection.

After that, the two worked together to take on the monster and free them both of their regrets. For a short while they thought that since the monster was no longer connecting them, that they would drift apart. But they didn’t. They grew closer in fact and decided to attempt this relationship thing because they were both free now.

In Nexus, they’re in a steady and affectionate relationship. Kendrix is still protective of Sokyu though.

Kaiser (blue haired dark hunter ♂) and Kaede (blonde alchemist *male portrait* ♀)

Kaiser’s sister was murdered by her own guild and Kaede was the only witness. She was targeted by that murderous guild and took refuge in Lagaard. Kaiser happened to track her down, hoping to use her to get to the murderers. But he realised how scared she truly was and realised that the murderers aren’t someone to mess with.

So Kaiser became Kaede’s secret protector. He knew that the murderer would eventually come for her, so he reasoned with himself that he’s just keeping an eye on her until then. But Kaede was a very sweet young woman. His need for revenge for his sister grew to also keeping Kaede safe.

The murderers eventually return and Kaiser chooses to protect Kaede over his need for revenge. Staying in close quarters together soon turned to comfort and the cliched passion took over. The murderers realise that they are outnumbered in Lagaard, and the guild’s popularity outmatches any shit-stirring they could cook up. So they fled.

In Nexus, Kaede still lives in fear of the murderers returning, but she knows that Kaiser will protect her. Kaiser has vowed to stay by her side, no matter what. So they have a very endearing relationship.

Ritvik (dark skinned war magus ♂) and Elah (red banded hexer ♂)

They’ve been together for as long as they both can remember. Ritvik found Elah soon after he was turned into a Hexer and immediately took him in to care for him. Elah is very ill, suffering from a curse that affects his physically health. Ritvik is attempting to search for a way to cure Elah.

They’re in a very close relationship. Ritvik is very protective, benignly possessive of Elah. They’re both devoted to each other. Some may see it as being too dependant on each other, but they really do love and care for each other. Who wouldn’t go to hell and back for the one they love?

Duardo (older gunner ♂) and Fleuretta “Fleur” (blonde haired survivalist – classed as sovereign *male portrait* ♀)

Fleuretta is a princess on the run and in hiding. Her sister wanted her place on the throne so sent assassins to kill her. As you do. So Fleuretta went into hiding, taking her loyal guard, Duardo with her. He went willingly, of course.

Duardo considers himself Fleuretta’s bodyguard, and he can’t be anything more. He doesn’t really have “romance” or “relationships” in his vocabulary. Fleuretta, on the other hand, wants Duardo to see her as more than an obligation. She’s a very unconventional princess, so she’s the one pursuing him. Which baffles the hell out of him.

It takes Duardo some time to realise that Fleuretta is actually serious about disavowing her royal family and becoming an explorer, and having him by his side as a romantic partner.

It takes a few close calls for Duardo to realise that he can’t really see his life without Fleuretta in it. And maybe a life as an explorer for the both of them isn’t so bad.

In Nexus, they’re in a fledging relationship. Fleuretta is still very blunt in her adoration of Duardo though.

Tyvon (white haired dark hunter ♂) and Charity “Charli” (brown haired gunner *male portrait* ♀)

Tyvon is a street rat of Lagaard. Grew up on the streets and did what he could to watch over the other vulnerable street rats. Despite his class, he’s a caretaker. He tries to help other vulnerable people. But the vulnerability he sees in Charity’s eyes really catches his attention. It also helps that she’s kinda cute.

Charity came to Lagaard to hide from her sister after witnessing her brutally murder a couple of street kids, and tried to blame her for it. She was very skittish and tried to keep to herself in order to keep others safe. She couldn’t shake Tyvon, though. Especially when the two of them are found by Vlad in less than ideal conditions, and he took the two into his guild.

Their relationship started with friendship, to developing crushes on each other. After a near encounter with Charity’s sister, which put Charity in hospital, made Tyvon realise that she could be taken from his life forever and he didn’t like that.

Even after the murderous sister had been dealt with, the two continued with the Just Friends charade, even though they’ve admitted that they would like the other to stay in their life a little longer.

In Nexus, they’re beginning a fledging relationship. Taking things slowly because neither had been in a relationship before.

Garek (silver haired fortress ♂) and Skylark (blond haired sniper ♂)

Garek found Skylark alone in the labyrinth as he attempted to train. He didn’t like that because being alone is dangerous, so practically drags Skylark back to town and gets him to join his guild. Nup. If Skylark wants to train on his own, to master the bow he had inherited (and which his sister is willing to kill him for) he to deal with Garek tagging along. No ifs or buts about it.

Starts off as Garek being Skylark’s bodyguard, to helping him train, to simply hanging out. And it kinda develops from there. There’s no “what are we exactly” talk. They just go with the flow.

Jamal (dark skinned imperial red hair ♂) and Oceana (brown haired fortress *male portrait* ♀)

Oceana is boyish in appearance, but the mother-figure of the entire guild. She never knew her mother and was raised by a hard-working single father. She’s a blend of toughness and gentleness. Jamal is a cynical imperial who is looking for information of his “missing” father.

Oceana is drawn to Jamal first by his looks. He’s rather hot, after all. But its his secret pains that gains her full attention. She understands what he’s going through and wants to help.

Their relationship starts out rather platonically. Jamal sees Oceana as a fellow warrior. Someone to have his back in battle. But he slowly begins to see that she’s there for him outside of battle.

Their relationship starts off as physical at first, the two just needing someone to touch and hold. They soon develop a true bond though Jamal isn’t sure what that is because he hadn’t encountered anything like it before. After Oceana nearly dies does he come to the realisation that he wants a future with her.

In Nexus they’re married, and a short while later Oceana finds herself pregnant.

Harlan (blue armoured imperial ♂) and Celeste (blond runemaster *male portrait* ♀)

Celeste is a bit of an airhead. She was raised in a small village out in the Windy Plains to become a Priestess of Nature. In order to do that, she needed to visit the labyrinths. Harlan is a simple low-level soldier for the empire. They don’t really have anything in common.

Even so, Harlan realises how naïve Celeste still is and kinda took it upon himself to ensure she doesn’t wander into danger. So he finds himself tagging along on her little wandering journeys. It’s through these journeys that they bond and develop feelings for one another, though it isn’t until they shared an unexpected kiss do they ask “What are we?”.

They still don’t know. But it’s nice, so they’ll stay together.

Jake (green haired sniper ♂) and Rosetta (brown haired runemaster *male portrait* ♀)

Rosetta is quite the character who doesn’t care for social cues. She makes her intense interest in Jake known from the moment they meet. That confuses Jake in return and since she’s rather deadpanned about it, he can’t take her seriously.

Rosetta may seem like she’s outrageous in her attempts to get with Jake, and Jake is just a hapless victim. But he has the ability to tell her to fuck off, and she knows when she’s pushed too far. She doesn’t see the point in hiding or being reserved. A part of Jake respects that. He still doesn’t know how to handle her, though. He’s not used to anyone being so openly and honesty affectionate toward him.

In Nexus, they’re in a relationship. Rosetta is still openly and outrageously affectionate. And Jake still finds himself overwhelmed at times. But they genuinely care for each other and Rosetta knows when to hold back and when to push forward.

Miguel (blond dancer ♂) and Shanti (alt purple haired dancer *male portrait* ♀)

Shanti had been raised to be ashamed of her body. She’s out of everyone’s league and she’s destined to live life alone because she’s so useless and such. To say that she’s suffering from low self-esteem is an understatement.

Miguel is outspoken in his complete adoration of Shanti. To him, she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. He’s very encouraging, both gently and outrageous. He knows when Shanti needs a pep talk, or need someone to simply sit quietly with her.

Interest at first sight which turned into a gentle friendship, to a gentle relationship. Shanti still believes that Miguel deserves better than her, but she also doesn’t want to push him away.

In Nexus, they’re officially in a relationship and Shanti is slowly allowing herself to show Miguel affection out in public.

Daniel (brown haired EO4 medic ♂) and Ryland (brown haired EO4 landsknecht ♂)

Daniel is Tharsis’ most eligible bachelor and his mother wants nothing more for him to settle down with a nice girl and start popping out grandkids. Daniel has other ideas, however. He’s interested in his medical training and to advance that, he agrees to start a guild with his friends.

Ryland is emotionally stunted and suffering from the radical abuse he had suffered as a child. He sees himself as a warrior, not a person. A punching bag with no emotions.

For Daniel, it’s interest at first sight when he meets Ryland. As a medic, he decides that it’s his duty to help Ryland to understand his emotions. He wasn’t expecting Ryland to be so adorable, though. Or so attached to him. Ryland himself is startled by how attached he is to Daniel. His sister, Rosetta, was the only person he had allowed himself to become attached to.

Their relationship turns physical rather quickly because Ryland isn’t used to using words. Action speak louder than words, and sleeping with Daniel helps him to realise how much he means to him. And how much he means to Daniel.

They have a rather unconventional relationship, but Ryland is very attached to Daniel and only sees himself doing “those types of things” (aka, sex) with no one else but Daniel. And Daniel is protective of Ryland, and will protect him no matter what.

Brody (younger white haired EO4 medic ♂) and Sonya (younger purple haired landsknecht EO4 *male portrait* ♀)

Sonya has an obvious crush on Brody and tries whatever she can to get even a moment alone with him, or do something romantic like going on picnics or dates. Brody, however, is older than he looks and he refuses to have anything to do with Sonya at first. He doesn’t encourage her crush on him. He figured that it’s a phase and she would move onto someone much more suited.

It’s not until Nexus that Brody begins to realise that Sonya is indeed quite the beautiful young woman. And she’s as determined as ever. He’s still reluctant, however. He’s a bit of an asshole. A known one. Sonya deserves better than that.

So, currently, they’re in the “they obviously care for each other” phase of their relationship.

Neroli (red arcanist ♂) and Lotus (purple arcanist *male portrait* ♀)

They were friends since childhood and Neroli had dragged Lotus around on little adventures. Only her. He wants to see the world, and he wants to see it all with Lotus by his side. Lotus only wants to stay with Neroli and she wants to see him happy.

They have a very, very innocent and pure relationship.

Devlin (black haired nightseeker ♂) and Kali (white haired nightseeker *male portrait* ♀)

They were in the same cult as children, though they had different roles. Kali was selected to become the Priestess of the Moon and he was nothing more than a lowly guard who is meant to pledge his entire life to her. But something went wrong during the ritual and Kali’s hair turned white. Using the chaos to his advantage, Devlin grabs Kali and flees to Tharsis where they’ll be safe from the cult.

Kali doesn’t truly remember her attachment to Devlin, just that she trusts him with her life. Devlin has cared for Kali for years and had wanted to get the both of them out of the cult for years. He’s dedicated to Kali and makes his affection toward her known. And Kali is as dedicated to him. She doesn’t remember everything of their past together, but her heart does. And that’s all that matters.

They have a strong relationship, having only eyes for each other. During the nights of the full moon, their relationship is very sensual and physical.

Theron (earthlain portrait) and Alexis (younger dragoon ♂)

They’ve been friends for years. Theron is the son of a noble family and expected to find a wife. Alexis’ family owns a chocolatier, which he is expected to one day own, thus giving up his “silly” dream of exploring.

Alexis is a martyr, putting everyone first. He has had feelings for Theron for years but refuses to tell him in fear of ruining their friendship. And Theron deserves better, in his opinion. Theron doesn’t initially see Alexis’ crush on him. But when he does, he goes on a crusade to show Alexis that his feelings are returned.

Which is surprisingly not that easy. It takes some time for Alexis to accept the fact that handsome, rich Theron does indeed like him. He likes him a lot.

In Nexus, they’re in an official relationship. Theron is very handsy, one could say.

Zachary "Zac" (piercings Harbinger ♂) and Astara (long haired warlock *male portrait* ♀)

Astara lost her family in a terrible fire some years ago, but she’s lost a great deal of her memories from that night. Zachary is a bounty hunter who may know a little more about that night than he’s willing to reveal.

They started off as guildmates before Zac found out about Astara’s trauma, so he becomes her secret protector. First, that is out of duty. But after spending time with her, he realises that he’ll do anything to keep her safe.

To Astara, Zac was rather intimidating. But she soon learns that he’s quite the nice guy. Very smart, easy to spend time with. Protective, too. She develops a crush on him rather quickly. She doesn’t do anything about it, though as she’s still struggling with the lost of her family and her memories.

In Nexus, they’re not quite in a relationship. They’re both working through personal issues. But it’s obvious that they care for each other deeply. To others, they’re basically off the market. They just haven’t made it official yet.

Xanthe (Warlock ♂) and Chantall (long haired Harbinger *male portrait* ♀)

Chantall comes from a high ranking council family and expected to marry well. She’s interested in exploration however. And in order to get her family off of her back, she makes up an imaginary man and tells her family that they’re dating. Well, fuck me, they want to meet this man!

Desperate, she turns to Xanthe, an unsocial warlock, for her in pretending to be her boyfriend. Amused by her plight and revelling in the possibility of fucking around with a snooty family of high society, he agrees. Much to Chantall’s shock.

A series of cliché moments between them cause them to spend time together. And they realise that the other isn’t so bad. They’re kinda nice. Cute, too.

In Nexus they’ve decided to make their pretend relationship into a real one.

Ramon (squared jaw Necromancer ♂) and Lilybeth (Fencer *male portrait* ♀)

Ramon was meant to marry a daughter of a noble family. But he decided that he would rather throw himself head first into the labyrinth than marry. Lilybeth is the sister of the betrothed and is sent to find him and drag him home. Instead, she finds herself joining him and his guild, becoming a explorer.

Ramon has made his interest in Lilybeth known practically from the beginning. Lilybeth had been her family’s human punching bag, so relationships are foreign to her. She does find herself drawn to unconventional Ramon, who is hell-bent on helping her to lighten up.

In Nexus, Lilybeth has turned her back on her abusive family and is beginning a relationship with Ramon. They’re kinda in the courtship stage, Ramon going out of his way to woo her again.

Valente (eye patch Dragoon *female portrait* ♂) and Mikazuki (cat-eared Masurao *male portrait* ♀)

Valente is the eligible bachelor of Iroys, and he loathes the title. His family is pressuring him to get married. So he gets childhood friend, Mikazuki, to be his pretend fiancée. And in order to teach his haughty family a lesson, she agrees.

Their relationship is outrageously “affectionate” when they first begin their façade. It soon has them both seeing their steady friendship through a more romantic lens. And they soon realise that their “pretend” is becoming more natural.

In Nexus, they’re in an official relationship. Still outrageously affectionate, but sweetly so now. Especially in private.

Kayin (long haired Necromancer ♂) and Selena (celestian *male portrait* ♀)

They started off as partners working on the case of Selena’s murdered mentor. Spending long hours together, usually just the two of them, had them starting a close friendship. That soon turned into a sexual attraction, which they soon began to explore.

They fell into a natural relationship after that. They’re both very spiritual individuals, and quite mature. So they just went with the flow of things to see where it would take them.

Radhi (younger Pugilist ♂) and Jasmina (Rover *male portrait* ♀)

They both have obvious crushes on each other. But they deny them because they’re a couple of idiots who think relationships are silly and not for them. They’re also stubborn.

They do care for each other greatly however. They’re not sure how to express that, though. So often get into verbal fights, especially if they’re worried. They don’t get vicious with each other with their words though. And don’t say outright negative things about the other. When alone they weakly admit how worried they are and how relieved, and such. Like a pair of idiots.

In Nexus they’re still in the denial stage, but are slowly accepting that they have crushes on each other.

Nadiel (young shogun ♂) and Mercy (alt younger medic *male portrait* ♀)

They’ve been through quite a bit; their prince’s assassination, being stranded on Lemuria before Maginia arrived, and Nadiel being hurt. But they managed to survive by working together. Mercy healed Nadiel while Nadiel kept her safe from harm.

They developed feelings for each other while they were on the lam, but they did not fully accept them, and certainly didn’t do anything about it. They were too busy trying not to get killed by assassins. Now that they’re safe with the guild, they had a few conversations about their feelings and though they felt guilty about failing their prince, they knew that their prince wanted them to be happy. And they’re happy when they’re together.

They have a very sweet and supportive relationship. Very gentle and healthy.

Tabris (younger hoplite ♂) and Kaidus “Kai” (younger orange haired gladiator ♂)

Tabris’ family’s name was ruined several years ago after a member claimed to have seen a monster that “should not exist”. Kaidus had his reputation at stake after the party he had been escorting was wiped out by a monster that “should not exist”.

It started off with Tabris wanting Kaidus to help restore his family’s name. But he soon found himself having to protect Kaidus from those who don’t want him to tell anyone what he had witnessed. Kaidus reluctantly turned to him because he felt guilty about not protecting those in his protection and he wants to help Tabris to restore his family’s name, even at the cost of his own.

Tabris’ protectiveness toward Kaidus soon turned into genuine affection. And Kaidus himself had never saw himself in a relationship, but there’s something nice about being protected by Tabris. And being shielded in his arms.

Currently, they’re in the Not Quite a Relationship stage, though it is obvious that they care deeply for each other.

--

Christ, that took longer than I had expected. And there’s likely more of them in the future. Of course I have a lot of purely platonic “couples” but I’ll leave them for a later date.

[mymelodyheart]

Starting OverChapter 6 ~The Hangover Cure~

Jamie switched off his phone and made some coffee. Joe and Geillis were starting to get impatient, and they wanted to speak to Claire, but she was still fast asleep.  Again!  Geillis had shrieked into his ears and threatened him if she didn't get Claire to the phone. After pacifying the madwoman on the other end of the line and reassuring them that all was well, they finally calmed down when he promised, he would make sure Claire called them up at some point during the day. 

Thinking about what transpired before Claire fell asleep in the back garden yesterday, Jamie knew he'd made a huge mistake, and the thought caused a pit to grow in his stomach.  What was I thinking?  He'd promise Joe to lay off acting on his attraction towards Claire, and what had he done? He'd kissed her. Now Joe's words had come back to haunt him, despite reminding himself repeatedly he'd only meant to prove a point. Although he'd never been the type of person to act on impulse, when it came to Claire, every common sense, self-discipline and logic seemed to fly straight out of the window. It was becoming more apparent and frequent, his reaction to her didn't fall within the bounds of normal.

Though guilt and culpability stung his conscience, he didn't regret kissing her. He was guilty, yes, but he had no regrets. It was supposed to be only a brief kiss, but the moment their lips touched, his instincts along with his testosterone had gone into overdrive, and everything else had faded into nothing. His entire universe had suddenly whittled down to the softness of the body beneath him, and the scent of wildflowers penetrating his senses, sucking the air out of his lungs. Her kiss was sweet, almost-virginal and passionate at the same time, unmarred by any motive of seduction but to give. It became his salvation and torment all at once, and he burned the memory into his brain for safekeeping for the times he would crave for something beautiful and whole. He ought to have known better of the ramifications after their first kiss in Lallybroch. But his obsession for her had only grown with time, clouding all reasons and logic. Jamie had thought, he had everything under control, but by the time he realised how wrong he was, it was too late. He was already far too intoxicated under her power.

It's true, he was used to attractive women, but what made Claire more appealing and irresistible was her understated beauty that stemmed from her lack of awareness of how truly beautiful she looked. She'd reminded him of an untamed filly when he'd caught a glimpse of her fieriness in Lallybroch. He had wanted to be the one to tame her with no intention of quashing her spirit, but it was becoming more apparent, Frank had been slowly suppressing that part of her over the years.

As it was, there were far too many guilts already residing in his head, starting with his family's expectations. And then there's his inability to commit to anything that wasn't related to rugby. The last thing he needed was adding more to the growing list of accountability. What was he even thinking, taking advantage of a woman in her vulnerable state? What was he hoping to achieve? A relationship? He wasn't even sure if he knew how to be in one. But he had sought her out, hadn't he? And now what? 

Last night Claire had held onto his hand with complete trust as they laid side by side under the open sky. It was a trust that didn't demand anything in return - it was simply given. And that made him even more determined to do what is right. There was no denying that he wanted her but not while Frank was in the picture. Claire had loved that man at some point for her to agree to marry him, but she hated the man he'd turned out to be. If she hadn't cared about Frank, she wouldn't have been drinking to forget.  Christ!  He hadn't even met the bastard, and already he hated him with passion. But Joe was right. What happened yesterday could not happen again until she was free. He wished they had met under different circumstances, but right now, he would take anything that was on offer as long as he could get to spend time with her. Whatever happened beyond that, he could worry about it later.

He had promised Claire last night he would be there when she woke up. Picking up the tray from the kitchen counter, he decided it was time to wake her up.

...........

Claire heard the door creak and grimaced when she rolled to her side. Her head felt like a cannonball that had knocked a thousand castle walls and her mouth like it had been stuffed with cotton wool.

"Good morning, Sassenach."

She buried her head in the pillow. "Urgh, go away."

Footsteps neared her bed, and then the mattress to her side dipped. Jamie's scent of aftershave, sunshine and coffee filled her nostrils. "I'm no' going away. I let ye sleep in yesterday, and ye slept all evening last night. C'mon, time to get up. It's a beautiful day."

"Let me be. You sound too chipper. I can't do chipper today. You're usually grumpy."

"Look who's talking?" he chuckled. "Let's not waste this day, Sassesanach. I made plans for us."

She managed to raise her head and opened one eye. "What plans?" Unconsciously, she touched her locks. Holy Mother of God, why does he have to look so good? I must look like a poodle.  His hair was still slightly damp from a shower and fell in unruly waves around his forehead. He looked like a walking advertisement for summer with his plain white t-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and a brand new tan.

"Ye just have to wait and see." He winked at her and placed the small tray on the nightstand.

She sniffed and managed to sit up, momentarily forgetting the state of her morning appearance. "Oooh, do I smell coffee?" 

"Aye and here ...take these first." He handed her two paracetamols and crossed his arms to watch her, his lips twitching at the corner and amusement dancing in his eyes. 

She took the pills and popped them in her mouth. "What's so funny? And why are you looking at me like that for?" she mumbled.

"Nothing is funny. I like looking at ye. Ye look adorable first thing in the morning. Did ye know that?"

She eyed him suspiciously over the rim of her coffee mug. "Oh yeah? What do you want? You want me to make breakfast or something?" Frank rarely ever saw her morning look. She'd made sure of that when one time she'd slept in late, and he'd made a joke about her hair blocking the sun from the window.

"Maybe another time. I have pancake batter already done."

"Pancakes?" Her stomach growled.

"Aye, pancakes," he grinned. "Now that I have yer full attention, I meant to tell ye that I spoke to Joe yesterday, but I never got the chance after ye disappeared on me. And um ...he called up again this morning. He says yer uncle seems not to be too overly concerned about ye, but yer friends are. I promised ye'd call them today, but if ye're not up to it yet, I'll try and hold them back for a little while longer. "

Of course, Uncle Lamb was not worried. Growing up in archaeological sites, she was often left to her own devices. Her uncle rarely fussed over her. " She's a smart kid ...she'll be back,"  he used to say whenever she'd gone missing. 

She sighed. "Why are you doing this, Jamie?" Taking a sip of her coffee, she looked at him and wondered why he was in a good mood. She'd been living in denial for a whole day and a half, and sooner or later, she had to start picking up the pieces of her life. Beautiful as Cullen might be, Jamie was acting like they were in some sort of holiday, and they weren't. She was in serious trouble ...at least where her career was concerned.  Doesn't he have his own life to sort out? Sure, he's Joe's friend and may feel sort of responsible.   But he barely knew her. All of a sudden, the thought broke off and then she stopped. Memories from yesterday came rushing in, and horror washed over her.  Oh no! Bloody hell, not again!   Her recollection might be a bit foggy, but her body remembered the kiss and the press of his arousal between her thighs.

As if reading her thoughts, he spoke the words out loud. "Oh aye, about that kiss yesterday. Dinnae fash about it. We were both drunk, ye were sorta sad, and looking pretty and I wanted to prove a point to ye. Nae need to feel guilty about it, ok? I initiated it. And to answer yer question, I'm doing this because, as I've said before, I like ye."

Her breath hitched, and her mouth dropped open. "Oh ..." 

"And also, from what ye've told me, I think Frank talks a lot of codswallop." He stood up and picked up the tray. "Let's not be awkward about this, alright? I'll leave ye to get ready, and I'll start up the pan for breakfast."

"Y-yeah, fine. And Jamie?"

Halfway towards the door, he paused and turned around. "Aye?"

"How was it? You never told me."

"The kiss?" A wicked grin slowly spread across his face. "Ye're an ace kisser, Sassenach. Took me ages to fall asleep thinking about it."

Her heart did a somersault, and before it could do a double backflip, she stopped herself. "Right, thank you, I think," she muttered, dismissing Jamie with a wave of a hand as she scrambled out of bed. "I'll get ready. I shall see you in a bit." She kept her head down so he wouldn't see the smile and crimson starting to bloom on her face.

He laughed out loud and walked out the door.  Unbelievable! He always says the right things. Why am I even surprised? He's a potential player. He's been there, done that and he knows his way in and out.  Too bad, she was beginning to like him a lot also. Crush or no crush, she reminded herself to keep her head above water with Jamie. Men like him are always a magnet for beautiful women, and she didn't think she could live with that. Not that he would be interested in her in a romantic way. Maybe a fling but she'd never done flings, and she wasn't about to start that habit either.

Moments later, feeling refreshed dressed in shorts, shirt and sandals and her hair scooped up in a ponytail, she made her way to the kitchen. The table was already set, and there was a fresh mug of coffee waiting for her.

She slid into the chair and immediately dove into a plate of pancakes drizzled with raspberry sauce. "God Jamie this is so good," she mumbled in between bites. "You weren't kidding when you said your pancakes are to die for."

"Glad ye like it, Sassenach. Ye'll need plenty of energy today." He sat opposite her and sipped his coffee.

"Why? What are we doing today?"

"I rented a couple of bikes. We're going sightseeing."

She shot him a look, her cutleries clattering, as she let go of them and leaned back on the chair. "No way. I'm still suffering from a hangover. And besides, I don't do outdoor sports."

"Fresh air and movement will be good for yer hangover."

"Says who?"

"Says me."

"I'm the doctor here. I say I should take it easy and get loads of fresh air while reading a good book out in the sun," she argued, defiantly crossing her arms across her chest.

"C'mon. It'll be fun. Where's yer sense of adventure?" Jamie challenged.  He's got the bloody nerve to look like he's holding on to his patience!

"Are you joking? Fun? I just recently left my groom at the altar. This isn't a time for fun."

"Aye, it is. Ye just saved yersel' from a lifetime of misery. You ought to be celebrating."

She blinked, pushed herself away from the table and got up. "I can't be dealing with this. Good luck with your adventure. I'm going back to bed."

He caught her by the waist and swung her around, his eyes settling on her lips. "Listen, Sassenach," he sighed, his long exhale of breath blowing a loose curl at her temple. Fascinated, she watched him tuck it behind her ear. "I'm sorry for pushing. I wasn't planning on riding long distances. We'll take wee breaks, I promise. It'll be good for me too. In fact, this trip has been really good for me because it stopped me from wallowing in my own shit. How about this? We'll ride into town and if ye're not enjoying yersel' we'll come back. How's that?"

Compromise! I like that.  She jerked her head up and looked into his eyes. There was no hint of amusement or cockiness lurking behind them. Just a questioning look and almost pleading. Suddenly she felt like a selfish, spoilt child. She almost forgot he had his own problems too and all he'd done was try to help. "God, Jamie. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap. I've been so engrossed with my own problems that I ..."

"Sssh, it's alright." He pulled her against him and hugged her. This was the second time in two days he'd done that. There was nothing sexual but gentleness with the touch, and it gave her a sense of well-being and security. If she wasn't careful, she could easily get used to it, and with the mess she was in, it could complicate matters. Mentally shaking away her thoughts, she gradually began to relax and laid her head against his chest. "Would ye like to call Joe or Geillis now?" he whispered against her ear.

She tilted her head back. "Not ready yet. Maybe later? After the ride?"

When his face broke into the most heart-stopping smile she'd ever seen, Claire decided that maybe, agreeing to go on a bike trip was worth it after all.

..........

It was the best day Claire had in a very long time. She was glad she'd agreed to take the bike trip with Jamie. They'd explored the town, walked along the beach with their shoes off, visited a castle, and now they're in a local restaurant finishing their bowl of Cullen Skink, a thick soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. It was an ideal dinner, as the temperature had dropped down. Even though it was summer, it could still get nippy at night in that part of Scotland, and she was thankful Jamie had remembered that and brought with him a couple of cardigans for them to wear in his rucksack.

Her thoughts drifted to Frank, and she was reminded how she'd almost forgotten how much fun it was to let the day guide you and to be silly and impulsive without being criticised and reprimanded every second. It was almost like she'd been freed from incarceration after a very long time.

Was lack of freedom what she really equated life with Frank? He'd never shouted or physically hurt her, and he'd reminded her often enough how much she meant to him. He justified his controlling ways by saying he did everything out of love, to make sure they had a strong, solid relationship. And he reckoned, because of it, they'd become a better version of themselves.

"Sassenach?" Jamie leaned forward and looked into her eyes. "Ye in there?"

"Sorry ...got distracted." She pushed her bowl away and decided it was time to discuss the mess she'd left behind in Edinburgh. "About Joe and Geillis ...did they say how bad it was?"

"No. But Geillis threatened me with all sorts of horrible things she'd do to me if I didn't make ye call them back. That woman is scary."

She winced. "I guess it's understandable. I left them a huge mess to deal with. I'm such a bloody coward."

"Don't ever say that again! If ye are a coward, ye wouldn't have climbed out that window and ye would have stayed behind and married Frank."

"I think I should go back." Her voice was barely a whisper, as panic began to sink in. "I can't let Joe and Geillis deal with it on their own. It's not their problem."

"Ye think? Look, ye cannae go back without a clear head. There will be accusations, questions and ye'd be ripe for Frank's manipulation, and ye might end up doing something ye'd later regret. Call Joe and Geillis. I'm sure they'd understand and would want the best for ye. Go back when ye're ready. But on yer own terms."

She buried her face into her trembling hands. "I know, it's just that I haven't done anything like this before. God, this is so scary."

"Take all the time ye need. Do something for yersel' for once. I ken I'm no' Joe or Geillis, but I promise ye, whatever ye choose I will stand by ye. And if ye do decide to see Frank, I'll go with ye."

"W-what about your life? You've put it on hold for me. What will your family say?"

"Dinna fash about my family. I'll explain everything to them. As for my life, I've put it on hold for a while now. And I'm just beginning to join the land of the living again. I was a total mess locked up in my apartment for a long time. So me helping ye is not purely a selfless act. I'm kinda doing this for mysel' too. So what ye'd say? If ye wish, we could go to Skye ...a change of scenery, if ye will. I have a few friends there."

Her eyes widened. "I can't do that. Everyone will hate me."

"Not the ones who matter, Sassenach. In fact, if ye call yer uncle Lamb now, he'd probably encourage ye to stay away for a while."

The thought was tempting, and Jamie was right. She wasn't ready to face Frank yet. It had been a liberating couple of days not to be restrained by petty worries and expectations, and responsibilities. Surely a few more days wouldn't hurt. It wasn't like they were doing anything illegal or running away from the law. She used to be spontaneous and adventurous until Frank curved that trait from her. Time to regain her old self back.

"Alright, let's do it," she breathed, her body shaking with excitement. "We'll call Joe and Geillis when we get back to the cottage and explain everything."

Jamie grinned, signalled for the bill and took her hand in his. "That's my lass."

The waiter came and stopped halfway from clearing their tables and gazed at her. "I'm sae sorry for staring, but ye look ever so familiar. I was just wondering if I know ye from somewhere."

Claire studied him and shook her head. "I'm sorry, I don't think so, but I do meet a lot of people at work. Unfortunately, I'm bad at remembering faces."

"I beg yer pardon for the intrusion."

"No problem at all," she smiled.

Jamie handed his credit card and waited until the waiter was out of earshot. "Another admirer? Like the one from the beach yesterday? What was his name again? Oh, aye, Tom."

She rolled her eyes and smacked his wrist. "He was sweet. Just a tad bit touchy for my liking."

"Touchy?" He raised a ruddy eyebrow. "If I hadnae come, ye would probably have agreed to go out for a coffee with him ...or cider."

She laughed out loud. "Perhaps. With my self-esteem in tatters, Tom asking me out would have been good for my ego."

Jamie frowned at her, but before he could utter a word, the waiter glided back, placed the bill down for his signature and smirked. "Ah ken now where I saw yer face. Ye're in the paper!"

An icy chill of trepidation coasted down her spine, and she stiffened. "Wh-what paper?"

"The Edinburgh Post. Ye're the runaway bride. Yer pic ..."

Jamie jumped up from the table, threw the signed receipt down and grabbed her hand. "Haud yer wheesht, ye wee daftie or I'll more than yank yer tip from ye. Understood?"

The waiter's eyes widened and glistened in fear. Realising his error, he nodded shakily. "Aye, aye. I-I'm sae sorry. I didnae mean to cause offence. I willnae say a word."

Jamie ignored the waiter and grabbed Claire's elbow and led her down the street. The fresh air washed over her, but her thoughts were spinning round and round, and she couldn't stop it long enough for her to breathe. Her breaths came in gasps, and she felt she was about to pass out.

"Bend over and put yer hands on yer knees, Sassenach." 

She heard Jamie speak, but he sounded so far away like he was speaking from a narrow tunnel. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to calm her racing heart while gasping for air. Ye're the runaway bride, the waiter had said. The words burned like acid in her guts, making her want to throw up. She reached out for Jamie's hand and tugged it. "I-I have to s-s-see it ..."

"Sassenach, please. I'll try to get us a lift and ..."

"NO! I have to see it now."

He gave her arms a tight squeeze, the pressure from his big hands cutting through her panic and anchoring her. "Stay put."

Wrapping her arms around her chest, she waited in the darkened street. She tried to concentrate on the music drifting from the restaurant and the giggling couple that walked past her. When Jamie returned with the newspaper, the worried expression in his eyes confirmed it was bad.

With shaking hands, she gingerly unfolded it and read the headline.

Edinburgh's Wedding Of The Year - It Went Off Without A Hitch

Her gaze landed first on her engagement photo. She was wearing an elegant cocktail dress during a charity event, and Frank was holding her hand and staring adoringly into her face. Though she smiled for the camera, her eyes looked blank.

The next photo was of Frank, exiting the church surrounded by guests protecting him from intrusion and reporters thrusting microphones in his face. He looked lost, spent and broken as if she'd ripped his heart out and stomped mercilessly on it.

The world began to spin again as she forced herself to scan over the article. Several phrases jumped out:

Philanthropist and renowned surgeon ditched at the altar by his own resident.

Some speculate the bride ran away with another lover.

Family and friends rally around the groom, refusing to make any official statements.

Reality descended heavily on her shoulders like a metal cloak, and her hope of freedom suddenly becoming only an unattainable dream. She had done the unthinkable, and now it's time to pay.

Claire turned to face Jamie, her voice sounding foreign to her ears. "Take me home."

"Sassenach, let's take a moment and talk about this ..."

She shook her head. "Show's over. Take me home, please."

He muttered a string of vile curses before nodding in agreement.

A couple of hours and several phone calls later, they were on their way back to Edinburgh, her fingers still clutching the newspaper.

[wingsandwant]

There is something to be said for those who can live without letting the world scar them. Those who can remember that happiness will eventually come, that light will always remain at the end of the tunnel no matter how dark it gets. At one time, she had been one of those people. There was a smile to be worn on every occasion, a way to pull joy from the silver linings of every storm cloud that had the audacity to rain on her parade. So what changed?

The reckoning changed. The supernatural should have stayed a secret, because even humans were never quite powerless, despite the common misconception that they were harmless. They were violent, and when they were scared..well, they were malicious. Fear motivated some of the most heinous crimes no matter what the species, and Simone had lived every one of them.

She’d seen in, the beginning. The part where people started to go missing, when her neighbors all of a sudden seemed to move overnight, and then when her father had declared they were moving. Their clan, their people had lived there for longer than anyone else, and just like that, they could and they would give it all up. They hadn’t moved soon enough though, and the night before, they were found.

Nothing about it was subtle, there were no more courtesy disappearances, no more missing, just slaughter. There’s something about seeing the dead for the first time that sticks with you, something about watching your mother bleed out from between your own fingers, covered in whatever was left of her life force, while you desperately tried to help. That was what did it, that’s what changed her. The world finally won, the world finally found a way to make her ugly, to force her to be cold.

It was after that she had learned to fight, that her father had taught her, the two of them left as the only survivors of it all. The ability to protect herself wasn’t enough though, that desperation from before had birthed a need, a demand for power that would promise she’d never be so helpless again. That’s what forced her hand, what taught her to collect the abilities of others, that made her a little bit more of a monster each time.

It was on one of these trips, one of these self serving missions that her father was finally found again. This time they’d taken him, promising to drain him dry from nothing more than the magic in his veins, and they did. They killed him like a hunter would an animal, and then used him for parts, as if he didn’t mean anything to anyone at all. It’s them, all her family, that are forever commemorated over her heart. Each time it beats, it’s like touching them one last time, like what it could have been to say goodbye.

It was after his death, after the dust had settled over the final burial, that she decided it was time to join the war. It had claimed everything she’d ever loved, it was only right, fitting almost that it claim her too. After all, she’d never be as soft and delicate as she once was, because that kind of vulnerability bred a weakness she could no longer afford. The fight was the violence that her bones now craved, that she needed to quell that urge to spread her own pain far and wide. Revenge was an addiction for which there was no cure, but it made no difference.

She wanted to take it, and she did. For years they would celebrate both victory and the losses that paved the way, until that lucky streak finally ran out. Their crimes forced them into the ugliness of the underground, a sort of forced prostitution to pay off the debt they owed, to pay back some semblance of the lives they’d taken. It was all checks and balances, a theory she could understand - but never respect.

Even the brothel taught her things, and even the brothel brought her new power. After all, it wasn’t just the humans that frequented it, and everyone wanted to touch, to see, to feel the fight under her skin, or the sting of her teeth, most though? Most wanted to know what it was like to be owned, and she, she would have gladly taught them, one by one, second by second, until they couldn’t remember anything, wouldn’t remember anything but her.

A decade, maybe two, dragged by until her penance was considered paid. It had been enough, just enough to teach her one thing - that she wanted, she needed to stop running. There was some tall tale of safety, whispered in the dark, and it had a name: Folie a deux. While Simone had learned long before that safety, complete safety was just a children’s lullaby, she knew that something, was better than nothing, and so off she went.

Pride wouldn’t let her share her memories though, wouldn’t let her label herself as some sort of sorry little rescue. Rescue, it implied she’d needed saving and she’d been far beyond that for centuries now. So, she’d played the game, paid, found the right people to make her into a sponsor with a half hearted promise of what she could, or what she would do, for the town.

After all, if she’d been so good at finding power for herself, she certainly could do the same for this place. A scout, but always just this side of self serving. She was dangerous, but dangerous in the way that fire could destroy an entire existence, but we still craved its warmth. Whatever the reasoning the council had, this was it. This was where, who, and what she was now.

The problem was getting close enough to find that out, and considering she’d never bothered to share her memories, who really knew what exactly that was? Some days, she certainly didn’t.

Details..

She has a black and grey tattoo of her family’s crest about her heart on her chest, it has the initials of her two deceased siblings, her mother, and her father.

Simone speaks with a distinctly French accent, despite the fact that her mother was Irish. The accent is something she’d learned from her father before he passed, and while she was growing up. While the years have allowed her to learn to hide it, she often doesn’t bother, and instead uses to pay homage to her father.

Simone’s power includes the ability to leech powers from other beings (fae, or otherwise), or mimic powers she’s seen, experienced, or heard about in the past. She’s a particularly gifted fae, and before her family passed, they were held in a very high regard because of this.

There is a scar that runs the length of her left side from the battle her army had lost, the one that ended in them all being sent to the brothel. While it’s been something many have asked about, she’s never told the story, not even to those that have offered money and other goods in exchange for this.

Simone is well known in the town as someone to go to if you want to check up on someone in the outside world, or if you want them found and brought into town. Granted, this is usually a service the council with provide, but chances are, if you ask her - you have an increased level of effort and skill going into it, that, and she’s definitely willing to take an offering or bribe for it.

What’s hers is hers, this rule applies to people, places, and things.

There is another scar at the base of her neck from where a client threatened to slit her throat if she wouldn’t agree to marry him, which, well...let’s just say only one of them is still breathing.

She wears her mothers wedding ring, but won’t explain the significance beyond the fact that she, herself, is not married. She often turns it out of nervous habit, or the need to keep her hands busy.

Suggestions..

Someone who taught in the war either alongside her, or someone on the opposing side if you’re feeling real nice and nasty. Here’s a little more breakdown on what I’m seeing for either one:

Same side: This would be a particularly close connection, perhaps even a romantic one (but platonic is fine too). They were essentially her second in command, and one of the only people who knew why she joined the war to begin with. Their intimacy doesn’t stop there, it’s written in all the little things the two of them do together, whether it be the way she looks at them just a touch softer sometimes, or the way that only she seems to know how to talk them off the edge. Separate, they were always missing something, but together, they were finally whole. After they lost the battle, the two were separated and now will finally find one another in folie.

Opposing sides: This could be a good love to hate kinsnof opportunity. They two of them were in talks to negotiate, for their side to surrender or even team up with Simone’s army, but it fell through for one reason or another. Whatever that may be, it ends up being the same reason they lost the battle that landed her in the brothel. Again, they can be meeting up in folie, or she can be sent out to get them, unknowing of exactly who they were until she gets there.

Someone from the brothel, be it another warrior that was sent there with her, or clients. Personally, I think the client angle would be very interesting to explore, especially if we throw some drama or feelings in there - considering she had a strict no getting involved with the clients rule - or they could have helped pay off her debt sooner so she was released, honestly, there are a bunch of options here. I’m also cool with something just simple, plain as a one night thing, whatevs.

Someone that asks her to go find something, or someone for them. Alternatively? Someone who has been scouted and brought to the city by her. They could have had quite a far journey, so they became close on the way, or a few close calls (fights, other scouts, armies, weather related things) together, bonus points if its weather or enemy related and they had to spend long amounts of time “cooped up” together.

If you’re interested in plotting with my girl here, just like this and I will message you.