#think about how much more good we could have done from stable ground

[tearlessrain]

I hope even one single person who refused to vote to preserve their Moral Purity realizes the monumental degree to which they fucked up

[multbasa]

I never got into the Archie comics for a variety of reasons, but one of my issues with it was the portrayal of the future where Silver is from. I really really dislike the idea that the future is "stable" and it doesn't matter what happens in the past even with time travel because it won't affect the future. I honestly hate it.

What's the point in traveling back in time if it affects nothing? It doesn't reflect the actual canon future in the Sonic games which is clearly volatile and changes often in response to present events as we can see with Silver's numerous appearances where he had a good future in Colours but a bad future in Forces.

And this will offend some people, but I didn't like the Article future cast either. Silver having his own crew of friends in some unchanging future really defeats the purpose of his time travel and I much prefer the existential horror of the delicate existence of everyone Silver may meet in any one future.

The idea that some existences will be erased or changed when he goes to the past all for the greater good is much more reflective of Silver to me. He's someone who considers the bigger picture over the few which contrasts him from Sonic who had seen what Eggman has done but still would not go so far as to kill him.

We see this side of Silver in '06 where he and Blaze promised to fix the world at any cost, and he struggles with the thought of killing one to save the world. He ends up being unable to choose the world over his only friend and when the sky clears, he looks away even though that was what he wanted all this time.

We also see this in Rivals 2 (albeit more aggressively because every character is super aggressive in that game) where Silver is very driven to complete his goal even at the expense of others for the greater good. He and Espio end up leaving Eggman Nega to die in the Ifrit dimension.

And even though I hate Forces' portrayal of Silver being a "realist", the fact that he prioritizes the bigger issues over finding Sonic does make sense for that part of his character—my issue with Forces is that he can't be a realist because a realist wouldn't travel back in time, and Silver being pessimistic about Sonic surviving while he was optimistic in '06 even when Sonic was dead in front of him is such a mischaracterization.

Silver is the way he is because of how volatile the future is with how much is on the line. He's an optimist who holds onto hope that he can fix everything (which also gives him a bit of an ego). Giving him a stable future defeats the purpose of his time travel and diminishes his motivations. He is the way he is because the future can be changed and changes often.

The IDW comics have Silver in the past for "no reason" which is fine to keep him around in the main cast, but they are not allowed to show details of the future created which is mandated by SEGA. A lot of people hate this, but since the writers are from the Archie comics, I'm actually glad because I fear they would just tread the same ground and make the future impossible to change because it would affect original characters. I'm happy that Silver can be involved in present events because he gets to interact with the main cast a lot more. In Sonic Team Racing, he is shown to be a bit paranoid about things that could happen with a bit of a strong intuition which I think is something that can be explored in the present. He's so focused on the future that he struggles to relax when there isn't an obvious threat. IDW already touched upon this which I think is great and I want to see them explore his character more.

Also give us more depictions of Silver's power. I love the fact that Silver is threatening but everyone is fortunate that he is so focused on doing good. I like seeing characters in the series like Mimic see Silver as a threat.

I think there's a lot that can be explored without establishing some cushy happy future with cushy happy friends. Silver is alone in his time travel and the people he meets in the futures he creates may not exist in the next one and that is way more interesting to me and includes a moral question that is more meaningful than "Silver goes back just to make the past a little nicer which has zero impact on the future because the future doesn't change."

[ciaossu-imagines]

Chrome Dokuro and grief

Chrome, sad to say, is really so used to being alone and lost in grief. Her upbringing with her mother taught her grief from early on. She’s always been sad. She’s always been alone. She’s been that for so long that those emotions are just so much a part of her makeup that she legitimately does not notice them anymore. Even when she finds a place among the Kokuyo Gang, there’s always been reminders that she could easily become alone again. Even when she makes friends with Kyoko, Haru, and I-Pin and starts to gain confidence and a life, there’s still that part of her that is deeply sad but knows how to continue on.

Because of this, small moments of grief aren’t even noticed by her. Things that would make other people sad, that would feel like loss to them – losing something small and sentimental, failing a test, disappointing someone, having a favourite character die…those are all things that are about the same base level of sad that she’s been so used to carrying around that those things are at most a small blip on her radar. She’ll mostly feel upset at herself and will definitely blame herself only if it’s things that she could have prevented, like the loss of an item or disappointing someone. She’ll beat herself up over it and push herself to do better next time, but it doesn’t provoke a strong grief response.

The only time this changes is if it is something related to Mukuro, Ken, or Chikusa. We see this in canon – the trident breaking during the ring battles, her alone in Kokuyo Land during the future arc. These definitely pull out more of an emotional response from her, but her grief is less expressed through sadness or despair. It’s more often expressed through fear and a kind of avolition. She gets frightened more easily and she finds it hard to know what to do. She finds it hard to make any decisions or even to make herself get up and try. She retreats into herself, huddles into her own little world, and waits for orders from someone she feels is better than she is.

While this will improve as she ages, I do think grief is always going to be expressed as fear in some way when it comes to Chrome. This is especially noticeable when it comes to the times when she will actually acutely feel grief, which is through a loss of someone in her life. This could be anything from someone actively deciding to leave her, such as a friendship ending or a romantic partner leaving her, to someone actively dying who was important to her.

In both cases, Chrome feels intense sadness, yes, but even more so, she finds herself filled with an anxiety and fear that is cloying, almost choking her in its intensity. What is she going to do without this person in her life? Did she do something wrong? Is she responsible for this? Is she still not good enough? How is she going to survive now? What should she do? What even can be done? What’s the right thing to say, to do, to feel?

It’s all a big, confusing, scary mess of a world after a loss in Chrome’s life and she retreats a little bit into herself. She is definitely someone who, after a major loss in her life, could fall into a deep depression. She needs other people in her life during these times to keep her grounded, to encourage her and kind of direct her in what to do. They need to keep her stable while allowing her the room she needs to make sense of everything going on in her head.

Unfortunately, this often leaves Chrome open to being mistreated in a lot of ways, because in the wake of that grief, she’s going to cling super tightly to whoever shows her kindness, mercy or even a scrap of love. She was denied those things for so long that it really does only make sense that when they are given to her, even with ulterior motives, she can’t really see anything beyond those things. Because of this, people with less than positive motivations, or who treat her rather unkindly, can often fuck around with her or mistreat her and she won’t leave, just because she so desperately doesn’t want to lose someone else from her life, not so soon after a loss.

I will say that, as an adult, she is less prone to that and when that situation does happen, she does find the courage to leave it quicker than she would’ve as a teenage girl.

[autistic-shaiapouf]

What's your opinion on Meruem x Pouf? :3

I saw this ask come in yesterday but wanted to wait until I had enough time to give it my full attention 👀

The short answer is that I support it with a resounding yes courtesy of the illustrious @ravenfeet222 👀✌️💖

The long answer is gonna give me a lot of space to talk about pouf which is why I wanted to wait to answer this 😭 Gonna live up to the url for just a moment 👀

ALRIGHT SO, let's talk about pouf for just a second. I truly do feel that a LOT of people missed the major points of pouf's character just because his arc had a lot of negative growth, plus the more flamboyant aspects of his character also seem to have made some people write him off U_U I've done a few large scale analysis pieces on him but I'm gonna reiterate a few points for the sake of the discussion at hand, and they're all points about how pouf interacts with and perceives the world around himself.

Pouf is afraid. It's explicitly said in canon multiple times that as the arc progresses, he understands everyone around himself less and less and grows increasingly more afraid of all the change. Pouf is also emotionally disregulated, he shows intense anger, he cries like his heart is breaking, all with little prompting. One thing I clung to was a line that seemed to be treated like a joke - pouf commenting that soldiers had no need for memory or emotions, ironic coming from the most emotional character in the arc, but what I believe it hints is that pouf doesn't view his own emotions as out of line. He thinks he's acting in a perfectly reasonable manner and minimizes his emotional expression to not conflict with his own personal image of being a perfect soldier (on his good days - there's still plenty where he thinks very poorly of himself).

Okay so pouf is afraid and he struggles! Where do we take this? My argument is gonna get a little shaky bc I'm a pouf scholar and haven't studied meruem to the same extent but I'm not gonna let that stop me 👀 In my eyes, meruem's arc progresses in an opposite manner to pouf's - meruem grows more stable and trusting while pouf feels increasingly more suspicious and borderline paranoid of the world around himself; meruem's desires become more grounded while pouf's grow increasingly more frantic and based in fear. They counteract each other in ways that would be conducive to each other's growth, with special regards to meruem acting as an anchor for pouf's fears and general anxiety about the world. Meruem, judging from his earlier-arc interactions, could still get caught up in his mind similar to pouf, but focusing on asking himself what he's meant to be doing, what his purpose is, and pouf would easily draw him out of that. I'd also like to believe that, somewhere in there, pouf learns to be more of an individual, likely with a little help from meruem pushing him towards his interests and helping him grow beyond what pouf initially considers to be his purpose.

I'm not generally someone who cares much for shipping (as someone who's aro and ace, though I do have very contrasting feelings for specific fictional guys lmao) but I can definitely see the dynamic between the two growing into something mutually supportive if both of them were given time to grow (which canon didn't do U_U). Let this also be my way of saying that I have strong opinions on the ants and the caa as a whole and I wish I saw it get discussed in a greater capacity but you can't win them all, I put out what I can and am always glad to be asked about them 😤 Also I just think that pouf deserves to be happy, the man entered a mental health spiral and dropped dead imagining himself as a failure; he's. very personally important to me and to see him get put in a situation where he can start to recover and become healthier means a lot to me, so that's also a bonus ✨️

[reversemoon255]

Crossframe Girl Star GaoGaiGar and Goldymarg

Though I usually refer to them as GaoGaiGal and Galdymarg. I bought two copies of this kit; the first to straight build so I can understand its construction, and the second so I could use it for parts for a custom based on my Jupiter Theory, since they're much more slimmed down than stuff like the RG and SMP.

The Good: This set of kits sets out to do a lot, and is quite successful in a lot of it. Starting from the ground up, the base body for GaoGaiGal has many different configurations: standard, Galeon, GaiGar, and GaoGaiGar. They do require parts swaps, but they are effective.

Then Stealth Gao, Liner Gao, and Drill Gao are all Good recreations. And while Liner Gao has some parts forming due to what it needs to accomplish for this kit, Stealth Gao only sheds a few parts, and Drill Gao requires none of that.

This set is also able to accomplish all the minor forms, like Stealth Gao being able to carry Liner Gao, and GaiGal utilizing the alternate forms of Stealth Gao and Drill Gao.

Moving on to the GaoGaiGal configuration, she can do everything you'd expect the real one to do. Use the Dividing Driver, Hell and Heaven, you can use larger robot hands or can swap them for the normal white hands, there's an alternate configuration that gives her four arms. It's quite a lot, and we haven't even started talking about Galdymarg and the Stealth Gao II yet.

Speaking of, Galdymarg also has a few different outfit options: basic, schoolgirl, and schoolgirl with hammer backpack. I believe this is also the first time Crossframe Girl has done this smaller body type? I tried looking, but this was the only one I could find, which is kind of neat it first appeared as a crossover kit, if that's true.

Her larger accessories also have several different configurations, like reconverting parts of her outfit and hammer into a little tank scooter, or adding a few parts to Stealth Gao II to make a sky bike. She also has several hand modes.

Stealth Gao II also adds new functionality to GaoGaiGal in the Gattling Driver and Levitation Rings.

The Bad: While GaoGaiGal does a lot, she's not very stable. While all the vehicles, and even Galdymarg are quite solid in their construction, GaoGaiGal constantly fell apart on me. Head would fall off, hair would fall out, chest would pop off, arms would pop off, etc. And because most of these parts are meant to be swapped out, you can't glue them.

Also, and especially because of the arms falling off, it's very hard to effectively utilize the hammer. The RG has a small base to help hold it up, but this kit only has a little clip that you're supposed to attach to a stand, except it requires a long peg that's not standard for most stands.

The Details: Because of how many different conversions this kit has, I took photos as I went. Because of that, I really only panel lined. This kit comes with a small amount of stickers that I just didn't use because I forgot until half-way through.

Overall, this is a very interesting kit, even if it isn't the most solid. I can think of several reasons to buy it, but I can't really give it a heavy recommendation? I hope this gives you some idea of what you're getting into before you take the plunge, at least.

Also, I definitely took more photos than Tumblr allows on a single post, so this might not even be everything it can do.

[randomoranges]

idk why im so blocked with writing recently. everything is so hard lamao. but here is a thing

October Long pt 2

October 7th 2023

Edward had excused himself to take a quick shower and change into more appropriate clothes and so, when he steps out of Élyse’s washroom, it is to more commotion coming from the living room. It seems that the rest of the family, minus Samuel, has arrived and he realises, not for the first time, that it’s been quite a long time since he’s last properly seen and spoken with Jacques and Suzette.

He tries not to panic as he wonders how they’ll react, but before he can discreetly hide anywhere else, Suzette seems to spot him from the other end of the room and she lets go of Étienne with an ear-piercing shriek, before making her way quickly towards him.

“Edward?! Is that really you?! I haven’t seen you in forever!”

He doesn’t even get a chance to respond and he soon finds himself with an armful of Suzette, who is going on about how good it is to see him and how much she’s apparently missed him. He’d forgotten just how energetic Suzette could be – and how strong – given her small stature, but she nearly picks him off the ground with her embrace and when he gets over the initial shock, he finds a way to hug her back. He spares a glance towards Étienne, silently asking for help, but his boyfriend shares a look with his brother and the both of them shrug, amused.

“It’s good to see you too,” He manages to wheeze, when his feet are fully back on solid ground.

Truth be told, he’d always enjoyed his holidays at Jacques (and Suzette’s). If anything, it had been a fascinating observation exercise in the strange dynamics of Étienne’s family. Compared to his own, Étienne’s family had never felt close. Sure, Étienne was close to Élyse, and sometimes Étienne would spend hang out with his cousin Charlie (even though it always felt as though it was done under duress), and he didn’t mind visiting Jacques on occasion, but Étienne and Samuel were like fire and water and it rarely felt as though any one of them would lend a hand to the other if there was some sort of grave situation.

At least, Edward thought, he had civil relations with most of his own family – to some extent – and knew that if one was going through something, the others would pitch in to help out. In most cases. Or – more so than Étienne’s family.

Anyways.

It had been quite interesting to see that despite everything, come Christmas, everyone made an effort and gravitated around to Jacques’ place, as if Catholic guilt, maybe, pulled them all back together. It was always fascinating how it was Jacques who seemed to be able to pull this, given that he was the quietest of them all, and maybe, Edward reflected, that was the key to the success. A stable force of nature to balance out Samuel’s snark and Étienne’s easy to ignite temper when he was around him.

Still, it had never felt forced, or at the very least, more often than not it had never felt forced, and maybe it meant that deep down, they all wanted to get along in their own ways but years of hurt had stopped them from reaching out properly.

But Edward keeps fond memories of those evenings filled with laughter and good food and that, if nothing else, has to count for something.

“You know, I was starting to think we would never see you again. Does this mean you and Étienne have patched things up?”

Edward spares Étienne another glance. It’s not that he doesn’t want to tell Étienne’s family that they’re dating, but he also has not had this conversation with Étienne either. Technically, he also knows that Étienne’s family wouldn’t bat an eye at the notion, but he also doesn’t know if he wants to explain the particularities of his relationship just yet.

“If you’re asking if we’re friends again, then yes, we are.” Étienne comes to his rescue and Edward lets out a sigh of relief. “We finally pulled our heads out of our asses, rekindled our friendship, and El invited him over.”

“Oh! That’s wonderful; I’m so happy for you!”

“Thanks,” They both manage to say in unison.

Edward is amazed that Suzette doesn’t push it, but he’s also glad. He wonders as well if she’s that naïve, or if she’s giving them both the benefit of the doubt. He also has about half a dozen questions he’d like to ask his beau about where Suzette thought he’d been for the past few holidays and whether or not she’d ever really knew that they’d been sort of together back in the days. He’s not about to push his luck and ask, but he’ll have to have a chat with Étienne about it later; it would be nice to have a clear plan and version of facts for when it’ll be needed.

“You should come for Christmas! Like you used to. I can make you a new stocking and it would be lovely to have you over again. Oh, say you’ll come over for Christmas, Edward, please?”

Suzette looks at him with imploring and pleading brown eyes and she looks so very hopeful and pleased with her sudden little idea. Étienne squawks besides him, babbling on about how he must already have plans and how he has a family of his own and such. Edward appreciates the easy out he could take but at the same time, they had spoken about this last year; about alternating. And – it would be nice. He’d have to speak with Calvin and he knows for a fact that Étienne would tell him that Calvin is more than welcome. Plus, Samuel would be happy to see Calvin and vice versa, but he still needs a moment to figure it all out.

“Honey, tell Edward he can come over for Christmas.” Suzette nudges Jacques in the thigh and Edward still thinks it’s comical how this smidgen of a woman has such power over the quiet giant that is Étienne’s brother, Jacques.

“Of course.” Is all Jacques says and Suzette beams, as if that’s all the answer anyone needs.

“I’ll – that’s very nice of you to invite me – I’ll get back to you once I’m back home, but I would love to be there.”

His answer seems to be good enough for Suzette for now and she hugs him tightly once more, mentioning all the things she’s going to make. Edward lets her, oddly calmed by her chatter, until Élyse calls them over to the dining room.

FIN

[burning-basilisk]

I feel *down*, but in a good way. It's weird.

My energy is low, outwardly. But my focus is intense. Work sucked. It drained me. But I didn't feel overwhelmed. Cognitively, sure, I needed to take some time to rest in the middle of the day. But emotionally, I didn't even question whether or not I could handle it. I just kept on rolling. Didn't ignore my emotions either. Checked in with myself often, felt grounded and stable. A little worried that my mood was consistently on the lower side, but also... steady. Stable.

I have a small stirring of anxiety because this state does feel aesthetically similar to times when I was crawling into a hole. Feels a lot like diving into work to distract myself from other problems... but I'm not running from anything anymore. I'm toiling away at the floor of my mind, not to dig a hole to hide in, but... it's like I'm patting the soil down. Hardening it. Building a foundation for... something. Not even sure what, yet.

I'm so heavily grounded. Nothing psychoactive feels right, lately. Not even caffeine. I've spent so much time in the last few weeks with my closest friends and family, making concerted efforts to reach out, to travel, to visit them however I can, and it has help me shed so much of my own pretense for who I think I am supposed to be. I don't care about that anymore. They don't love me for any of the reasons I thought they did. I don't need to hold on to those images of myself anymore. I don't even need to describe to myself why my loved ones love me back, anymore. I want to be able to do more for them, to reciprocate all that they have done for me.

I want to see their eyes light up as we laugh and dance and make merry together.

To that end, I toil. And when I'm ready, I will invite them over. But I have a lot of work to do.

I really should learn how to fucking cook already.

[emberlynnrayne]

10-29-23

God, I hate you.

Everything that was once good is gone. Every ounce of faith and trust is gone. Everything in you that I thought highly of is gone.

We were supposed to be good for her. If nothing else, she was supposed to be the one thing we worked together for.

Now you treat her as another way to control and hurt me. She is the last thing you can use to threaten and control me with, and you've made it clear- you will stop at nothing to do so.

My mistake was having faith in your ability to be reasonable and level headed. The more time passes, the more like your parents you become. Everything about them that you hated. Everything about them that you swore you'd never be.

God help you if I find out you put hands on her. That is the last level of faith, the bottom rung. Don't abuse our daughter. Be good to her. You've already destroyed my faith that you will be an active, loving parent. I believe you love her, but you've shown how little real work you're willing to put into parenting her. And parenting is so much work. So much. And it's inconvenient as hell.

I don't believe you'll be in it for the long run. You'll let me take the school year because it's so much more convenient than doing it yourself. Not because you know it's best for her.

I hate you. I hate you. I have held love in my heart for you through every shitty, abusive thing you have done to me, but this is unforgivable. You threaten me with her, over and over. You've done the absolute bare minimum for almost an entire year, and yet you think you have any right, any standing to challenge my custody? You think you could actually keep her from me?

You're disgusting.

I have tried so hard to be good and patient and kind. I have tried endlessly to be good, effective coparents for her. I STILL WANT THAT. Nothing else. Not a damn thing else from you. I have taken every step in making 50/50 possible FOR YOU and yet you pull this insane bullshit?? I have done everything reasonable thing I could to help you be as involved as possible over the course of this year, and yet you behave this way! I have worked my ass off to build a life fit for her, I rebuilt from the ground up- I have two jobs, I have clean, stable housing, I have worked on every developmental step with her, I have loved and supported her through every change and transition. I have done everything. Everything.

You think that I lost every right to anything we built because I left. Fine. I don't want anything from you beyond being good coparents. That is all I ask of you. Not for me. Not for my own benefit. But because SHE deserves it. She deserves a team dedicated to loving, protecting, supporting, and helping her through life.

God, I hate you. I do. She deserves so much better.

I hope so deeply, so painfully, that you will step up soon. That you will join the team dedicated to her well-being. That you can get past your angry, narcissistic, controlling ways, and just be the father she deserves to have on her team.

Not because I have any faith left that you will, but because I hope the best for her in every way, and having the parent you have been, having a father failing to do the work required to have a good and healthy upbringing... That's not what's best for her.

You're running out of time to step up and clean up. I'm running out of patience, and I am done being your proverbial punching bag.

Grow up. Get with the program. Stop fighting battles that don't exist. Stop trying to use her to hurt me, goddamnitt. She's not a fucking tool. She's not a weapon. She is a little girl, a whole person, and she deserves a support system that works together for her.

Do better. Be better.

[guhamun]

     HE HAD TO LEAVE as soon as possible.

     That thought stayed in his head

     Despite this, though, he paused, hesitant even, when several Rangers rushed by with an urgency that put him on the alert. Had something happened to Jiyan? The man had been hanging on by a thin thread, only walking about out of what he could consider sheer stubborn determination. Still, as much as he wanted to see what was going on, he wouldn’t have been much assistance as he was. Thus with brewing worry, he stayed put just as they did despite their own worries, the medics assigned to look after him doing so with intense focus. In time, a ranger eventually came by to update the medics on what had transpired, relief flowing through all of them, surely, upon hearing that his condition was now stable. Ah, good... As much as Calcharo didn't want to remain here, had he heard things took a turn for the worse...

     No, he wouldn't think of that.

     The medics were thorough, going through everything possible to ensure that he was stable enough to leave, and thus, once they gave him the ‘greenlight’, he pushed himself up, fighting against a dizzy spell that had come over him as best he could. Transportation had offered to him and his people, but he waved it away and continued onwards, gesturing for his people to follow him. There was no need for that – so he liked to tell himself; a choice he came to regret later. Him and his Hounds had only made it far enough to not be seen by any rangers before Calcharo swayed and stumbled forward, unable to prevent himself from nearly falling upon the ground before one of his Hounds caught him. There were words said, worried with curses sprinkled in, but he couldn’t make out what was said exactly before his mind quieted and everything became black. Everything after that was unknown to him, but he did know from one of the older medics back at headquarters when he finally awoke, that he had been out for three days. That was...far longer than he expected this time...

     ❝You need to be more careful, Calcharo. Had you stayed in that state any longer, not even I am sure how that would have gone for you. You might have fallen into a coma, or worse than even that.❞ The older medic seemed to be writing a few things on a clipboard, glancing up periodically to look at him, then at the beeping monitor. ❝We only have one leader, after all. What would the Ghost Hounds have done without you, hm?❞

     He closed his eyes, a sigh escaping him as he lifted his hand to drag down his face. ❝I’m aware. There are a few reasons why this time was…different from usual, even so, I hadn’t meant to go that far over the edge.❞ Eyes opened once more, his mouth opening to ask the question that had been on the tip of his tongue---

     ❝The General is fine. We haven’t received any updates that his situation became worse, so I can only assume all is well…aside from needing time to recover, that is.❞ What a comfort it was to hear that. Had he not wanted to avoid being trapped and worried over by Midnight Ranger medics, he would have stayed longer and checked on him himself. Alas…he had very little choice but to ‘flee’.

     ❝That’s good to hear.❞ Attempting to push himself up, a quick and decisive hand upon his chest pushed him back down against the bed. The medic gave him a long stare, one that in itself left very room for argument. So…he was going to be stuck in here until he was deemed fit to be moving around, huh? Clicking his tongue, he simply closed his eyes again. ❝Understood.❞ Considering he just woke up, he would have to be checked over more before being ‘released’ from his care, and so, Calcharo would cooperate for the time being (because arguing with medics was like fighting with a rock; more so with those who were older).

'I am fine', he thought to himself, as if that would somehow deceive his pained body into continue pushing itself forward.

Doctors make the worst patients, a saying that applied too painfully well to Jiyan. The general had the medics waiting while he finished giving instructions to the rest of the rangers and, rather than sitting down and sitting as recommended, he insisted on walking to the back of one of their vehicles, as if to show that he was fine. And it was then that it happened. The moment he pushed himself up, the nausea and fatigue hit him all at once, his vision turning shapes into independent dots as numbness spread from his nose to the rest of the face. "General Jiyan!" was the last thing he heard before the world went silent.

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was that his eyelids felt heavy and his body felt numb. Once he got used to the lighting, he recognized a few elements around the tent until the figure of a ranger sighing in relief crossed his vision. "You really scared us back there," the young ranger said. So he really ended up passing out, huh? When he tried to lift an arm to rub his temples, he noted the presence of an IV drip. His golden gaze followed the fine route until it reached the plastic container and tube. He also noted that his arms and part of his torso had burn dressings, which felt slightly exaggerated in his opinion, but he couldn't complain. So, instead of pushing himself to a sitting position, he simply sighed and closed his eyes. "How long was I out of it?" He asked, tired.

Rather than the cheerful and relieved voice of the young ranger, a stern voice he knew since his training days replied: "A severe concussion, suffering from blood loss, and multiple first and second degree burns from electric shock on arms and torso." If he wasn't too exhausted, he would've winced and lowered his head in shame. "It's a miracle you have no fractures in your skull nor went into cardiac arrest. You're lucky you have a common blood type. Jiyan, you're the youngest assigned general in the history of Huanglong. Are you trying to become the youngest general at the Midnight Rangers' cemetery as well?" There wasn't much he could say, so he stayed quiet until the medic was done giving him an earful. Only after the medic left, he looked at the young ranger and asked: "Did the Ghost Hounds return to their headquarters already? The mercenary leader Calcharo was extremely fatigued. He shouldn't be pushing himself, either." As expected, Jiyan was more concerned with the wellbeing of others rather than his own.

The young ranger simply scratched the back of their head. "I mean... we did offer to drive them back to their headquarters once your condition stabilized, but..."

[tangelo-jay]

Tw health stuff, i just need to vent a little

My dad has prostate cancer.

We still have yet to talk to the doctor to figure out what the next step is. Test results seemed to say "low grade" or something to that effect which I'm pretty sure is "good," all things considered. And these days prostate cancer is very treatable. I know that.

I just wish that the ground wasn't constantly sliding out from under my feet. My mom's breast cancer scare back in February. This with my dad. D with all his... idk, bullshit that I don't understand at all because nothing about what he said that night we got into our first fight makes any goddamn sense whatsoever to the point where I'm pretty sure it doesn't have much to do with me at all. I'm thinking it has more to do with some kind of past trauma that he hasn't gotten over yet and now I'm... triggering it somehow? By trying to get closer to him? I asked him if I did something wrong and he said that I didn't. So why ghost me then? Why all that stuff about him calling himself selfish and "looking out for himself" and "not giving a fuck about most people because it's easier that way"? And if that was true and actually did apply to me, why the fuck would he consistently show me a side that cares? Everytime I needed someone to pull me back from the edge of giving up, he's done it. INCLUDING once when I didn't ask him for help. He could have just gotten in his truck and left but he didn't. He knew that something was wrong, he could see it on my face. He stayed and tried to calm me down and reassure me and I didn't ask him to do that.

He always knows when there's something wrong. He always has. He's the only one that has been able to recognize when I'm having a panic attack and he's the only one that's been able to calm me down and talk me through it.

During the fight, I... I turned his words back on him and threw them in his face. I said "So just to be clear, you don't give a fuck about me." He sighed and said "If that's what you took from that..."

I know that he cares. I do know that. I spoke from a place of fear and insecurity and put words in his mouth. Words that he didn't dare repeat or directly confirm. Not even in anger. That's... something.

It's been... weird and tense since that. Last class was the first time we worked together since then. I could feel the tension on him. He wasn't sure about it. Neither was I. By the end of it though it was okay, more or less, and we were able to have a relatively normal conversation after class.

I don't understand how we got here. Leading up to the fight things were good, maybe even great. And then it just came crashing down out of nowhere.

But the universe keeps telling me to not give up. Keep going. You're almost there.

I hope the universe is right.

I hope things will be fixed with D.

I hope my dad will be okay.

I hope my top surgery will go off without a hitch.

Can't I just have a happy and stable life?

Please?

[creune]

I am currently in a VC, watching my partner game with his friends and just thinking, cause I don't have anything better to do

I checked up on some things I haven't in a while and it made me realize something

I have removed myself from friends before for a specific reason

They refused to move forward

They refused change

Still do

They don't seem to understand that recreating something that is impossible to is only going to make them more said

Yearning for better times is fine, normal

But refusing to turn towards the now, to move on, it's not

I have seen some messages that made me realize that

That this place became toxic for me not because they were bad people

But because I changed, moved forward, found my own path

Yet they refused to move

I realized that everything felt so much the same, because it was

From what I've seen while checking in, they only see two options, go back to the past, before change happened, to years ago or give up and suffer in the now

But they don't see that change, that moving forward is another option

Not an easy one, don't get me wrong

But it's the option they need

Not what they want, sure, but absolutely what they need

They made me realize how stuck to "better times" they are, even now

Better times being when most people didn't have certain responsibilities and had more time to hang out, which again is fine

But when they refuse to accept that time moves ahead, that their now is wasted in a past that will never return, that they'd rather be bitter that even just look ahead, that's not the best

I get it, the future is unknown, scary

Sometimes you wish to go back when you didn't know just how scary it can be

But we all must accept that it is impossible

And soon what is now will be the past, and that future is the now

And if you refuse to even look, you will slip, fall, sink ever deeper in the wishes of a time of stable ground

But you will never see it if you refuse to walk towards it

I feel sad, really

Not in a pity way

But more in a "I hoped they would mature and grow, as I did, as those did who moved on (and also away)"

It is also strange how everyone who moved forward eventually left those who didn't behind

They all talk less, or not at all

I think they all know, deep down, that when you surround yourself with people stuck in the past for too long, you will become stuck yourself

Or maybe they all are just busy

Who knows

All I know is, that this realization is as strange as the people there, stuck in a past that will never return

I should have seen that before too

There were times when I noticed they yearned to recreate something, a fun thing that most participated in, over and over, even after it didn't work, every iteration less effective than the last

Like they are trying to recreate glory days

They could have created other things, new things

When there were experiments for those, more people got involved, as it was new, refreshing, interesting

But all those got abandoned in favor of an attempt to recreate the original, the one that involved all

But it never did

It never will

As far as I can tell, only a few are involved anymore

Telling the same story again and again

Playing the same moves over and over again

Singing the same songs over and over again

Yet it all blends together, into something they have all experienced before

Even I have forgotten about the magic of the first by now

It's been done so many times now, and even more since I have last checked

As they refuse to move on

To a new story, a new melody, a new page, a new step

You'd think that with so much time passing, they would learn

Yet they do not

As far as I can tell, they tried to take a look, then refused to look again, even less willing to take a step

I'm not sure tho

I just know what I see

And watching them yearn for times that people know will never happen, it is a sad thing

They will forever remain in that state of yearning, a state of suffering

They do not see the good things in the now, the possibilities of the next step, only the joys of what is now just memories

It is truly a sad state to be in, not able to move forward

Because while moving forward hides pain, it also hides hope, opportunity, happiness and joy

Change most often isn't a bad thing, it's just new

And new is scary

At least until the new becomes the now, then the past

But by then there's new now to live through

Good or bad

I think it's better than an eternity of yearning and hopeless wishes

And to anyone who might come across this and is too afraid to move forward or maybe is just not willing:

Moving forward isn't your enemy

The now isn't here to hurt you

The future isn't coming to rip you apart

Time is flowing forward

Resisting it is just going to cause you more pain

Change is a part of life, for better or for worse, but it cannot be stopped, no matter how much you try

So just, let the river of time take you with it

Let go of the branch you're holding onto

The river is wild, yes

But it will bring you to where you need to be

It will help you go forward, find new worlds to explore, new adventures to go on, new friends to make

It is not a smooth walk in the park, don't get me wrong

You will be knocked around for a while

But the river slows, the water gets shallow

And as you float down the river of time

You will find your peace

Under a sky filled with stars made of your hopes and your dreams

Those might not be what they are now

But you won't be either

Because you grow

Because you change

Because you move forward

[firsttarotreader]

Tarot question. There are rumors Pedro is reading the blogs. Should he read this blog, what does he think? Serious question. I am curious what he thinks if he reads the readings? I am sure he knows it's all in fun and he is a good sport. Still curious. 😂🤭

Hi! You see, before we start, we need to remember that even though these readings are “for fun”, Tarot is not a joke or a game. The Oracle is serious and it’s something created centuries ago and studied since, with roots possibly in the spiritual beliefs of the Egyptian civilization from thousands of years before Christ. When we say it’s for fun, it’s because I am not a professional Tarot reader and I am not talking directly to Pedro, so I cannot know if my interpretations of what The Oracle shows me are always correct. I can only try my best to capture some of the vast world of meaning in every card and maybe get it right, but only Pedro could say how much of it I get right. I have been successful in at least being in the right path for several readings that matched things he has said and done before and after them, but without him and his own insight there are always things I could miss or not get correctly. So it is “for fun” as it is not meant to be taken as “truth” or “insider info” or a professional reading, but rather an attempt to pick up some of the answers this amazing Oracle has to offer, in which I might be successful or not.

That said, I have done a reading about whether Pedro (and Coco) know about the blog and how they could feel about it, but I will ask again about what Pedro could think if he reads the readings. I am answering the anon's questions, so be respectful. You don't have to believe Tarot or me, we're not asking you to, but be respectful.

The first question was whether he has possibly read at least one of my readings about him or if he reads them. The Major Arcana were The Magician reversed, The Star and Temperance.

This is interesting. The Magician reversed could be suggesting that, at first, he could have been kind of "blocked" in a way, not very open to the idea of Tarot, kind of doubting it or not wanting to believe it could be true. Then, The Star changes everything completely. There's hope, there's positivity, like he opens himself up and feels optimistic and inspired. Could that have been a moment where he decided to read something and then realized it was actually positive and maybe right? Well, potentially. Temperance represents balance, harmony, give and take, and different things that blend harmoniously. It might represent a healthy perspective, he doesn't get obsessed by it but doesn't reject it either, it's a satisfying feeling.

The Minor Arcana were the 7 of Swords, Queen of Pentacles and 6 of Wands. 7 of Swords with The Magician reversed represents the way he possibly saw Tarot before, like he didn't believe it, or couldn't trust it, but remember when The Star showed up? Queen of Pentacles comes along with The Star and this Queen is very grounded, reliable, stable, sensible (and sensitive), she's a nurturer and someone you can not only trust, but count on. Let's say that what probably gave him that hope and positivity could have been seeing readings that made him feel more confident about Tarot. 6 of Wands with Temperance might be pointing to his experience being a success, like he opened up and it went very well.

So I would say he has possibly read the readings, and they could have changed at least a little bit of how he saw Tarot before.

Then I asked loosely what he might feel about the readings. The first cards were 9 of Spears reversed, Queen of Hedgehogs (this deck's version of the Queen of Pentacles!) and 6 of Hedgehogs. What at first gave him anxiety and worries (9 of Spears) became something that started to feel grounded, sensible and stable (Queen of Hedgehogs) and it gave him a feeling of kindness, of giving, of sharing something one has. Who is sharing what with whom? lol

The next cards were 9 of Flowers, Page of Teacups reversed and 8 of Flowers. So there was hesitation and not really beliving it would work out much (9 of Flowers), then some insecurities, overwhelm and immaturity (Page of Teacups reversed - some readings are deep, aren't they?), but things changed fast and very intensely (8 of Flowers), maybe with a rush of emotions.

The last cards were The Sun, The Chariot and 2 of Spears. He might have felt seen, heard and understood, like everything became clear, but it was joyful, warm, fun (The Sun), and things progressed really quickly, and on the right path (The Chariot), but all of that also brings vulnerability and sometimes it might be hard to decide whether he wants to read them or not (2 of Spears). After all, we've got some sad readings over here too, right?

The closing thought was Temperance, and you already know what that represents, and it's balance, harmony.

I would risk saying he's fine about the readings if he's actually read any of them. Again, no hateful anons, I am not saying this is 100% true not an ounce of doubt, and you are not forced to believe it.

[misguidedquotes]

12/23/22 - 17:18

Things can change in the blink of an eye. Between one breath and the next. In this case, it was the instant between choosing to speak to someone and not. It was the moment between making a connection and existing in a space where I didn't know that connection was missing. It was in the space between asking someone what their D&D class would be if they could choose, and harmlessly looking at the people who were looking for friends in my area.

We've all heard the statement about curiosity killing the cat. My so called 'cat' in this instance was clicking through the subsections of Bumble - dating section included. I can't say how it happened. I don't know if I closed my phone at one  point or got distracted looking at another app, but between the dating section and the friend section, I opened another app and came back to the dating section. I came back and noted someone with a profile that caught my eye. I swiped right because that feature was the same, and I was told it was a match. I reached out first to ask the question I mentioned above. I didn't realize until a little while later that I was in the dating section. But by that point, it was done. The message was sent  and he responded a few minutes later. We started talking, and that was that. I should have stopped the conversation as soon as I realized what had happened, but it seemed harmless enough. We didn't flirt or exchange lewd images - we talked about D&D and music and shows. Someone was giving me attention and making me laugh and giving  me interesting song recommendations.

I thought I was in control of the situation. I thought since he and I had established that neither of us was looking for a relationship (despite not clarifying on my part that I was married), that it would be okay. Obviously it wasn't. Obviously it hasn't been.

I don’t regret what happened. I do regret the pain that I caused and the way things played out. I regret that talking to this person happened on a dating app vs literally any other way possible. I regret that I may have lost the opportunity for a truly unique friendship. I don’t regret that this incident opened the door for the tsunami of pain and grief that was only just being held at bay. I don’t regret that it let me and Cam discuss all of the things that have made me feel lonely in both recent events and in the past few years. It’s unleashed all of the hurt that I didn’t know how to communicate, or that I was too scared to admit to.

Everything can change in an instant.

And everything has changed. I live in a separate home from my husband now. Admitting to the conversation made him look at me with a hurt in his eyes that I have never seen before. It's made me divide my time with my son. Living in the same household has now become a few days here, a few days there. It has meant moving back home to live in my mom's old room and watching my family here adapt to my sudden presence. It has meant growing pains within my family as we adjust to each other again. Seven years I've been out of this house. And now it is my home again. The pain and shock of that hasn't quite hit yet. I love my family, but living with them again wasn’t something I was prepared for. They have been supportive in their own rights, but our personalities have grown and changed. More than anything, we’ve become accustomed to only being near each other for a few hours every weekend at most. It has been an odd experience to try and find stable ground here.

I haven’t truly allowed myself to be sad. There’s too much hurt to feel all at once. Our seven year anniversary is coming up soon. Seven years. I don’t know how to wrap my mind around that. We have never been perfect, and I’ve never expected us to be. But I don’t think I ever expected to feel like this either. I didn’t expect my first year anniversary in my marriage to be with my spouse and I in different homes. I didn’t expect that I would be contemplating whether staying in said marriage was good for me or not. I certainly never expected that I would have loved someone this much just for it to turn into possibly nothing.

I understand that the lessons we’ve learned will remain regardless of whether I stay married, stay with him, become single, etc. The things I’ve learned and the ways I’ve changed will always remain. The hard part now is trying to figure out who I want to be and how I want to get there. If I’d like to live my life with him at my side. Or if I need to be alone and independent first. I’m just not sure.

[faithhearted]

"A horse farm," the Major echoed with a clear twinkle in his eye, "Were I not so taken by school-teaching, I imagine that would be the perfect job." 

“If you admire horses that much, then I imagine you’d be right at home there. My father has every breed you can imagine. Takes beautiful care of them too.” 

"Do you ride, Mrs. Woodhull?"

“I do, although it’s been many years since I’ve done so outside of a carriage…”

“There's nothing quite like racing through the countryside with the wind whistling through your hair and the sun shining upon your face, a rush coursing throughout your veins since surely, it's the closest you could ever feel to God." 

Goodness. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d ridden in such a manner. Surely it hadn’t been since she was a little girl. Mary could easily recall how freeing it’d felt to feel the strong legs of her stallion as he’d galloped across the countryside, every pound of his hooves beating against the ground reverberating through straight to her core. Nowadays, she felt more like a mare who had been bred, stabled, and forgotten about. 

"Forgive me" Tallmadge apologized, pulling her from her thoughts "I didn't mean to ramble. Your upbringing sounds...well...it's very understandably why the Woodhulls became so enamored." 

Meaning Richard, of course. It was possible Thomas, her original fiance and son’s namesake, had thought her a worthy bride, but she’d barely had the chance to exchange correspondence with him before his death. Mary couldn’t help but think of him and how things might have turned out while Benjamin told of his past and how it led to enlistment.

Soldiers like him, like Thomas, were courageous and honorable, but it didn’t change the fact that they often left behind mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters, to grieve their loss. 

That’s when the sound of little Thomas squealing with delight tugged her from her melancholia. Mary was astonished by the sight of her son enjoying himself to the point of audibly expressing it. Not even Abe could usually convince him to do so.

It was moving to the point that her eyes began to well up with tears, which she quickly blinked away, not wanting to damper the moment of joy she had the privilege of witnessing. 

"Sorry," Ben apologized. "I've often been told I'm one of the boys, and I suppose that also extends to children." 

Mary continued to watch in wonderment, unable to stop herself from smiling, stretching muscles that had not been used in years, “You must have been splendid with your students if you get along so well with young children.” 

"I'm afraid I'm not all that interesting," he assured, "In truth, it would seem Abe and Caleb were the ones making me even the slightest bit intriguing, so I could share a few stories...though some of them might not be appropriate for mixed company." 

“You’re surely being modest, Major,” Mary answered, “I respect my husband deeply, but he’s about as interesting as watching the cabbage in our field grow.”

And then rot in maggot-infested shame.

Tallmadge hoisted Thomas back up onto his shoulders and the boy lightly drummed on the back of the man’s head in excitement, "I hope you're both comfortable here. Camp life is hard, but...we're trying to keep normalcy afloat, if only for the children's sake."

“That’s a noble endeavor. After all, how can your soldiers perform optimally without a properly functioning camp? A clock should be well oiled and running smoothly for it to work.”

The river came into view and Sprout bounced jubilantly with anticipation, knowing full well that a river meant leaf boats were about to be crafted. 

“We’re managing just fine,” Mary admitted, “It’s difficult when he asks after Abe, but, in a way, I feel he’s safer here than we were in Setauket.”

As if it were second nature, Mary carefully kneeled beside the bank and began to gather suitable leaves for Sprout, “With all you oversee, the ring included, you no doubt are the one who should be asked how he’s fairing.”

“I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me." Mary's tone was soft, but tart with bitterness. “Abe no doubt has very little interest in speaking of a marriage fulfilled out of some sort of family obligation.”

Benjamin balked at that, not having expected such candor. "Forgive me, Mrs. Woodhull, but I don't feel it my place to comment on what I, myself do not have...and yet I'd like to assure you: Abe doesn't look towards you nor Thomas as an obligation." Or at least, not Thomas.

Mercifully, Mary went on to describe her home life. At the talk of a horse farm, Benjamin perked up, having always been fond of the gentle creatures.

"A horse farm," he echoed, smiling wistfully. "Were I not so taken by school-teaching, I imagine that would be the perfect job." He glanced her way. "Do you ride, Mrs. Woodhull? There's nothing quite like racing through the countryside with the wind whistling through your hair and the sun shining upon your face, a rush coursing throughout your veins since surely, it's the closest you could ever feel to God."

As if in answer to his musings, young Thomas giddily kicked his legs and tugged on his queue, almost mimicking the tug of reins.

Unsure of himself, Benjamin laughed, the sound a touch embarrassed. "Forgive me" he apologized, "I didn't mean to ramble. Your upbringing sounds...well...it's very understandably why the Woodhulls became so enamored." Even if that only meant Judge Woodhull, God rest his soul...

Regrettably, Mary's thoughts seemed to take on a similar path, and her features darkened, her lowered lashes sealing off the light that had briefly entered her eyes.

Before he could think to apologize, she pressed, “What about you? I’d met your father several times from church, despite his sermons having to take place in the schoolhouse. He seems a devout man. You weren’t living at home though before the war, were you?” 

"I wasn't, no," Benjamin allowed. "During my schooling in Connecticut, I became ensnared by the burning urge to enlist, so I'm afraid I never returned home. It almost felt cowardly writing to Father of my intentions, rather than facing him like a man -- and most especially since he, himself had served and was deserving of being looked in the eye -- but in truth, I was afraid that if I were to see him or Samuel or Abe, I might lose my resolve...so I stayed away. And then Sammy ended up following me into the service."

And so did Hale. And now both of them were dead.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Benjamin exhaled and gently brushed his thumb over Thomas' knee, who squirmed with a startled giggle.

"Ticklish, are you?" he asked, a warmth wrestling in his chest against the cold. "I'd start a tickle war, but I'm afraid of getting kicked in the head."

Behind him, Thomas attempted to tickle his neck and chin (which, alas, weren't any spots of true effect), and when the boy came too close to his mouth, Benjamin playfully nipped at his fingers, causing Thomas to draw back with a surprised squeal.

Unbidden, a solid ache formed inside his chest. He was jealous of Abraham, he realized -- not of his family, per se, but because he had one, and somehow was willing to throw it all away as if they were nothing.

Oblivious to his turmoil, Thomas went back to poking and tickling at his cheek, hoping to instigate more playtime.

Ever one to deflect from his emotions, Benjamin grinned and quipped, "A glutton for punishment, are you? I really don't think that's a good idea..."

Giggling, Thomas started patting his tiny hands against his face and smooshing his cheeks.

"You're making this very difficult," Benjamin continued on, feigning resignation, "and do you know why?" Without further preamble, he grabbed Thomas' ankles and easily spun him around, dangling him over his shoulder with the threat of dropping him from his full height.

Thomas screamed, though the sound was filled with delight and laughter rather than terror or pain -- Benjamin wasn't quite sure he could ever get used to that.

He looked Mary's way with a sheepish smile. "Sorry," he apologized. "I've often been told I'm one of the boys, and I suppose that also extends to children." Here, he lifted Thomas up and down, imitating the flight of a bird while the child shrieked and beamed.

"I'm afraid I'm not all that interesting," he said after a moment. "In truth, it would seem Abe and Caleb were the ones making me even the slightest bit intriguing, so I could share a few stories...though some of them might not be appropriate for mixed company." Setting Thomas back upon his shoulder, Benjamin smiled. "I hope you're both comfortable here. Camp life is hard, but...we're trying to keep normalcy afloat, if only for the children's sake."

[juletheghoul]

Burning Hour (Part 3)

This series has completely taken over my life and I am so happy you are all enjoying it so much - thank you for all of the lovely messages and comments - I treasure them deeply.

So - you shouldn't be surprised that this particular moment on the red carpet absolutely inspired a scene in this story and I regret nothing. Hope you all enjoy this fantasy that's keeping me going lol.

Din Djarin x F!Reader (Virgin reader)

Pairing: Din x F!Reader

Word Count: 4.9k

Warnings: (18+ NO MINORS) Angst, pining, slow-burn, implied arranged marriage, language, age-gap (about 10-11 years, legal, reader is of age) Yearning, jealousy, fingering/touching / slight dirty talk (slightly possessive)

Let me know if I missed anything!

reblogs are appreciated

Masterlist Series Masterlist Part 4

—

You floated through the morning.

Your dreams were full of kisses, of declarations of love and beskar glinting under the sun and it was hard to concentrate on anything.

You smiled to yourself as you broke your fast with warm bread and butter, feeling his eyes on you from his place behind your father.

“Your highness-” Your father’s advisor came through the door holding the usual paperwork, things for him to look over, letters to read. “-A letter has come for the Princess.” He turned to you then with a smile. He was an old man, grandfatherly and sweet. He handed it to you and you noticed from the corner of your eye Din’s helmet turn towards you.

It was a small letter and you noticed how beautiful the script was as you opened it.

Dearest Princess,

I would be honoured if you were to join me here at my home for dinner. My messenger awaits your response and if you agree, I will send my personal household guard to accompany you. I also imagine your knight will be in attendance, I welcome him and whoever else you choose to bring at my table. Ruby as well of course.

Hoping you’ll say yes.

Ever yours,

Poe. D.

“It’s from Poe, he asks that I join him this evening for dinner.” You were frowning at the letter, conflicted because you wanted to stay home, wanted to meet Din in the garden again. A tiny part of you however, the tiniest part wanted to say yes - wanted to see how Poe would behave. Part of you wanted him to do something unforgivable to wipe the smiles off your parents faces.

“Oh but you must go!” Your father’s voice boomed through the room and you imagined that you could almost hear Din’s jaw clenching.

“Yes my darling, you must go. What does the letter say?” Your mother held her hand out and you handed it to her. She smiled as she read it. “Din, you must accompany her.” She was smiling big, excited at the prospect of a match having been made. No one bothered to ask if you wanted to go.

“Yes of course, let his messenger know that the Princess will be in attendance. She will go, Din- I leave her safety in your hands. Take you who must.” It had been decided for you, and you had to accept it. You felt Mila’s hand grasp yours under the table in understanding.

-

“Which gown would you like to wear your highness?” She asked sadly as you put on your undergarments and you sighed.

Whichever one makes everyone leave me alone.

“Whichever you think would look best sweetling, I have no preference.” You said the words and they were honest. Yes - Poe was charming and sweet, handsome and in another life you would have been faint with excitement at his interest in you but you were in love with Din. He was the one you wanted to share a meal with. He was the one you wanted to kiss in the open - to have holding your hand as you sat together in front of the hearth. He was the one you wanted in your bed.

“How about this one?” She held out a lovely powder blue gown. You would have said no, something more plain but you had to be seen to be making an effort.

“Yes, that will do nicely.” You smiled but it didn’t reach your eyes. She didn’t comment on it.

“I will tie a blue ribbon around Ruby’s neck to match, and I think you have some sapphires as well.” She brought over a tray of jewelry for you to peruse while she laced up your gown.

Your mind drifted to an interesting place. You imagined you were preparing for dinner with Din and imagined your knight picking out jewels for you to wear.

Would he prefer diamonds? Would he like me better in opals or emeralds?

You had a feeling he wouldn’t mind either way, but it was lovely to pretend even for a moment. She placed a dark blue cloak about your shoulders and stood back.

“You look beautiful Princess, the blue looks lovely against your skin.” She held up a silvered looking glass and you saw the reflection of a happy woman, although why she was happy - no one could know.

“Thank you sweetling, let's get this night over with shall we?” You smiled at her as you both made your way outside.

---

Din, along with five of his best knights, waited for her to set out for Damerons home. Damerons own household guard waited as well, having been sent to accompany her and he surveyed them. They seemed competent enough, he gave them their space nonetheless.

It was getting more and more difficult to put the future out of his mind - he knew that the Princess would marry at some point, it was her duty as Queen. She might even marry Poe - he knew that objectively they were a good match but his mind simply couldn’t stay objective. Not when it came to her.

This whole thing was moving faster than he hoped and he didn’t know what he could do about it.

You have to face facts Djarin, you’ll never marry her. You are a knight, she is a Princess, there is no place for you. Maybe you should just let her go.

It was in him to do so, to ignore his feelings for her; to find Gisela and ask her to marry him - have a couple of little ones and pray for things to work out. The harsh words to get her to hate him on the tip of his tongue but they evaporated like dew on a sunny day when he saw her come out to meet him.

She was a gem- a bright, glittering thing that he wanted so desperately to hold onto.

“I am ready Sir, shall we?” She smiled shyly and he nodded.

“Of course Princess, allow me.” He guided her into the wheelhouse, dreading and cherishing every single second.

--

The ride was uneventful, the road was quiet thankfully with nothing to see but long swathes of trees and greenery in the gloaming of the evening.

Ruby was napping softly in your lap but woke quickly when you arrived, her little tail wagging happily at the prospect of exploring.

“Yes my little darling - we are here.” She was in Mila’s arms when you pet her, the two of you waiting for the wheelhouse to come to a stop.

Din opened the door for you, he was helping you climb down when you heard Poe’s voice sounding out.

“Princess, I am so pleased you agreed to come-” He was striding over, his squire on his heels. “-I am happy to see you all. Please - be welcome.” He was smiling big at everyone as his guards retreated, no doubt returning to their posts. He crouched quickly to pet Ruby before approaching you.

“Hello Poe, I thank you for your invitation.” You smiled as you took in your surroundings. His home was a beautiful sprawling estate. He must have been wealthier than you thought. “You must give me a tour of the grounds - I would love to see the gardens.” You smiled at him as he offered you his arm.

“Of course Princess, I will show you whatever you wish after our meal - unless you’d like to go now?” He paused for a moment.

“After dinner would be just fine.” You answered as he guided all of you inside.

--

You weren’t sure what to expect about his home when the letter had come in earlier but it was a pleasant surprise. There were fresh cut flowers everywhere, painstakingly detailed tapestries hung up on the walls as you made your way to the large dining room. Lush carpets and plush chairs, truly a man who enjoyed his comforts.

“You have a lovely home Poe.” You smiled as he led you to your seat.

“I thank you Princess -“ He turned to Din and the other Mandalorians waiting by the table. “-Please, sit with us. I meant what I said, you are all welcome at my table.” He gestured to them to sit.

“I do not wish to intrude, we would be happy to eat with the rest of your household guard.” Din replied, his voice was clipped however.

“Nonsense. I insist, I dare say the Princess would be more comfortable if you were to join us.” He said it with an easy smile and Din hesitated slightly before agreeing. They all sat, lining their helmets up before them.

Din barely spoke.

He had never been one for long speeches - you were unsure whether it was because of the helmet, or just his nature. The other Mandalorians were friendlier and Poe took it all in stride. You could see that he took nothing personal and treated them just as he treated you.

Aside from Din’s cool demeanor and Poe’s etiquette, the dinner went well. The food was wonderful and you didn’t fail to notice some of your favourites on the menu.

“I took the liberty of finding out what you like to eat.” He said it quietly, not wanting to draw attention and you favoured him with a smile. It was hard not to like him, he was very thoughtful.

Once the meal was done, he fulfilled his promise and escorted you outside. It was much more open than the gardens back home - everything illuminated by torches and lanterns. There were flowers and neatly pruned shrubbery surrounding the large building. You noticed a stable on one side, as well a modest greenhouse on the other.

“It’s nothing compared to what you’re used to but I enjoy it. The kennels are just behind the stables and there are flowers and different fruit trees just to the right there - that’s where they get the most sun. I’m afraid the night doesn’t do it justice, it’s much lovelier during the day.” He was walking you through the grounds, your arm tucked under his as your party followed.

“It’s lovely, truly.” You were sincere and you couldn’t help but look up, the sky awash in stars. “I would imagine you must spend a lot of time out here.” You let him guide the way.

“Not as often as I'd like to, but I try. Perhaps when we marry I’ll make more of an effort.” He said it with a wink and you scoffed loudly but without malice.

“Oh is that so? Well then I suppose I’ll have to change some things around since in your mind I’ll live here hm?” Your tone was playful but sarcastic and you were acutely aware of Din following the two of you.

“Oh yes Princess, I am quite sure. My home is yours and you may do with it what you will. I live only to make you happy.” He was just as playful and as annoyed as you were that he was so confident in your union, it was also aggravatingly refreshing to be able to speak to someone so honestly - better yet for them to respond in kind.

You ignored it, Poe was charming, that’s all.

Much to your annoyance, the night was enjoyable. Poe was an excellent host and it was later than you had originally planned when you set off for home. The woods were pitch black in some spots, it made you anxious to ride in the wheelhouse while the world outside seemed like it didn’t exist. The soft light of the moon doing nothing to pierce through the darkness of the road at times.

Reaching the palace had been a relief and you said as much when you stepped out.

“You should have told me Princess, I would have ridden in it with you - if it would have helped.” He spoke as he guided you inside. You had wanted to, but the temptation of having him so close would have been too much - and as much as Mila knew about your feelings towards him - you didn’t want her to see you kissing him.

You patted his arm in silent thanks and he said nothing else.

When you reached your room you hesitated at the door, wanting him to pull you away somewhere but he didn’t - instead he waited until Mila got in. He took his helmet off and you smiled at the state of his hair. Your fingers itched to ruffle through it.

“Princess, if it’s not too late, I would ask you to join me for a midnight ride.” He waited for your answer and your smile widened.

“Of course! Would you permit me to change quickly?” You didn’t want to ride in such a stuffy gown - as beautiful as it was.

“I will wait however long it takes.” He motioned for you to go and you did - urging Mila to help you once you reached your bedchamber.

“The soft linen dress I think - with the long shift and the heavy cloak. I want to be comfortable and warm.” You changed as fast as humanly possible - all but ripping the jewelry off and within a few minutes you were rushing out the door. The two of you making your way towards the stables as silently as possible.

You watched him work deftly, his skilled hands saddling his horse with ease. One horse, not two.

“Are we to ride together?” You looked at him confused.

“Is this a problem for you Princess? I thought it might be quicker to get us to safety should something happen if we were on the same horse. I could saddle you your own if you prefer - we just wouldn’t travel too far.” He hesitated momentarily and your heart leapt at the thought that he would be holding you so closely.

“I trust your judgment Sir, one horse it is.” You kept your voice neutral and he nodded, finishing his work quickly. Once he was done - he helped you up and pulled himself up behind you. The cool beskar pressed up against your back as his arms reached around you to grab the reins.

Your dress pooled up around your thighs slightly, but your legs were covered by your big cloak but it was exciting nonetheless. You felt exposed, with his proximity it excited you way more than it should have. It felt forbidden, taboo and thrilling to have it feel like he was holding you. You couldn’t stop yourself from leaning back into his body slightly but he didn’t complain.

The ride through the forest was quiet except for the sound of the night birds, the crickets and the creatures that prowled at this time. The sound of the horses' steps, the sound of its breathing mixing with yours as well as Din’s. He rode through trees, through the little paths only he seemed to know and after a while you were beside a lake. The soft sound of the water kissing the shore added to the nightsong and you were happy that he had brought you here. He had been silent the whole ride, but you felt him take his helmet off behind you and secure it somehow to the saddle.

“You should know that you looked exceptionally lovely today Princess, blue is your colour.” His breath tickled your neck and you shivered. You turned slightly to look back but you couldn’t fully face him, the angle awkward but he kissed you just under your ear to let you know it was okay.

“I thank you Sir, I hoped you would like it.” You leaned back into his arms to tuck your head under his chin.

“You wore that for me? I thought you wore it for Dameron.” His hands came up to hold onto your arms as he pressed little kisses to your neck.

“I always dress for you.” You left it at that, hoping he would understand that despite everything- he was the one you wanted.

“Can I confess something?” His hand came up to slowly undo the cloak tied at your throat.

“Yes, anything.” You answered almost breathlessly, watching his hands open up the cloak to expose your shoulders, the skin of your thighs poking out where the dress had bunched up even more.

“You might think me wicked but, I thought about what it would be like to kiss you.” His hand trailed down as he spoke, rubbing at your thighs over your dress and you watched them in the low light of the moon, mesmerized.

“You’ve kissed me before Sir, you could kiss me now.” You turned a little more but he stopped you.

“I wasn’t thinking about kissing your mouth lovely girl, I was thinking about kissing you somewhere else.” His hands slowly gathered the fabric of your dress, bunching it in his fist - lifting it inch by inch to bare your legs to him. “May I show you where I want to kiss you?” He stopped but you clung onto his arms around you.

“Yes - please show me.” You felt is other hand join the fray and soon he had exposed your lower half to the cool night air. Your undergarments were damp you knew it - the arousal pooling low in your belly at the thought that he might touch you where you most wanted him to. He didn’t disappoint.

His hand trailed up your inner thigh lightly, slowly, up until he skillfully slid it into your undergarments. He groaned deep in his chest when he touched your bare sex.

“Right here. I long to kiss you, taste you here.” His touch was feather light on the lips of your womanhood, slipping along the seam of you. You whimpered, no one had ever touched you here and you felt the slick dripping out of you as you let him explore. “Would you let me Princess? Would you let me bury my tongue right here?” He dipped his fingers low, parting you slightly to dip his fingers just at the entrance - collecting your arousal onto his fingers before slipping them out and bringing them to his mouth behind you. You moaned at the sound of him sucking you off of them and you nodded frantically.

“Yes Din, I would let you - I’m yours.” You moaned the words and his other hand held you in place.

“And I am yours.” He responded before bringing his hand back to where you craved it, this time he spread the lips of your cunt open wide, honing his middle finger on the pearl of your sex. He rubbed tight, slow circles around it and you moaned - trying desperately to open your legs wider. He chuckled darkly behind you.

“Does that feel good Princess?” He turned your face with his other hand, twisting his upper body enough to capture your mouth in a messy kiss, not quite aligned but it sent a shiver of arousal through you and you felt yourself climbing higher and higher- his finger relentless as he sped up a little.

“Yes - Gods yes - it feels so good Din, I thought about you too.” You moaned the words into his mouth. “I think about you touching me like this, when I do it to myself.” He groaned at your confession, his tongue thick in your mouth when he kissed you again.

His finger dipped low to collect more wetness and the glide of it was just right, just slippery enough to send you over the edge and you almost screamed. Your body seizing up with pleasure as your sex clenched around nothing. He cooed into your ear as you rode it out.

“You are intoxicating my lovely one.” He kissed your neck, as he lowered your skirts.

You watched him, blissed out and boneless as he licked his fingers before grabbing the reins again and slowly making his way back to the palace.

-

Mila was snoring softly when you slipped into the room and you were careful not to wake her and as tired as you were from travel it took you a long time to fall asleep. Your heart full of love for Din and a hunger you couldn’t satiate filled your belly. It was a craving for his body, for his kisses, for physical love a woman shared with her husband. You fell asleep hoping - though secretly knowing- that he craved you the same way.

—-

As happy as you were when you awoke the next morning, it was quickly dampened - your father informed you that Poe was to arrive at the Palace as his honoured guest. That he was to stay for a time as a gesture of good will.

You saw right through it.

Your parents had decided that Poe was the suitor they wanted for you and they weren’t being at all subtle.

They informed you with big smiles on their faces, no doubt in hopes of pushing you towards him. It was exhausting - this constant reminder that you would never be truly free to live the life you wanted with Din.

When Poe arrived, he was happy - taking this as a sign that he was winning you over.

“Greetings Princess, I cannot tell you how happy I am to be able to spend more time with you.” He was all smiles and you had no choice but to smile back.

“It will be interesting for sure.” With the way you felt about Din, the intense desire to be around him was at the forefront of your mind. As well as the way Din behaved around Poe, it would definitely be interesting to say the least.

—

Your father invited Poe to dine at your private table, and he engaged him in conversation almost the whole night. They spoke of the future, of how Poe would help rule if he were indeed to marry you. Your mother smiled silently, happy to let the conversation center around the two of you.

Din stood still behind your fathers chair and you wanted nothing more than to pull him to sit with you. To talk to him, kiss him and feed him from your own plate.

“I would want to help people to be quite honest, extend a hand to those that aren’t as fortunate as us. There are people out there starving and that doesn’t sit right with me.” He was honest, to a fault like he said but you admired that.

“That’s very noble of you my boy.” The king nodded.

“It’s very honourable isn’t it my darling?” Your mother smiled at you and you smiled back, nodding around a bite of your food.

“I’m sure the Princess and I could do much and more to help the people who need it the most, if she would let me that is.” He had a shy, genuine smile for you, tentatively reaching over and taking your hand in his. You couldn’t very well snatch it back but you felt Din’s eyes burning into the interaction.

This could get messy.

“Princess, I would humbly ask that you accompany me for a walk through the grounds - chaperoned by your knight of course.” He asked as the remnants of the meal were taken away.

“Oh I’m sure she’d love to join you wouldn’t you sweetling?” Your mother cooed, and you smiled and nodded.

“Yes of course.” You let him guide you, Din following closely behind.

—

“I hope I’m not intruding - I know that the King and Queen are very keen for this to work between us.” He held your hand as you walked arm in arm and you couldn’t help but sigh softly.

“Yes they are aren’t they.” Your tone came out a little more exasperated than you’d hoped but he was well aware that you were not to be swayed by him so easily, you knew he should expect some hesitancy from you.

“I understand that you aren’t impressed and that I am most likely not your first choice. For all I know you might already have your eye on someone else.” He laughed and you couldn’t help but look over your shoulder at Din. “Regardless of that Princess, I know this must be difficult for you but I beg of you to give me a chance to show you that there is potential here. I believe that in time you might come to love me.” He pulled your hand up to his mouth and kissed your fingers.

“You are selling yourself quite hard Poe, I appreciate that you understand that my feelings for you aren’t where you want them to be.” You looked up at him apologetically, expecting him to have a sad look on his face but he surprised you; he was smiling - content to listen to you speak.

“I know, it’s not in you right now but I believe you will see me in a different light. I have faith.” He left the conversation there.

——

It was hard to find time to meet with Din, Poe seemed to be everywhere and his determination seemingly had no bounds.

Your mother found you as you dressed for the day - she had a note from Poe. He was asking you to accompany him into town to hand out some supplies. You couldn’t refuse him, not when your mother had delivered it herself.

“Will Din accompany us?” You asked it offhand, your voice neutral - your face a mask of nonchalance.

“No your father is going on a hunt and Din will be protecting him, there will be other guards with you.” She said it with a shake of her hand as she searched your wardrobe for an appropriate dress. “This will do nicely.” She picked out an off the shoulder, deep berry coloured dress that was not at all practical for a day out in the city.

It would have to do.

-

He had taken you to an orphanage in the heart of the city. There were kids running around of all ages and the older ones ran towards Poe when you entered - recognizing him. He had a big smile on his face as they hugged him around the middle, all decorum forgotten.

“Poe did you bring us anything?” A boy of about twelve years was eager, looking around you to the entourage of guards waiting behind you.

“Of course, brought all of you some good stuff like I always do.” He ruffled the boys hair before he held his hand out to you, you smiled and stepped forward. “I have someone very special here with me today, this is the Princess. Come on over and say hello.” He called them over to you and you saw some of the little girls eyes light up. They flocked to you, asking you if you were indeed the Princess. Asked you if you had a crown, and most importantly why you were there. They were precious.

“She’s here to help just like I am.” Poe answered for you.

A little girl of about six pulled on your dress and you lowered yourself slightly to be at her level.

“Princess, I like your dress, you’re so pretty.” She was smiling at you, her hair was a tangle but her eyes were bright.

“Thank you sweetling, you are much prettier I must say.” You moved the hair out of her eyes and she smiled wide, her little hand clutching at a makeshift cloth doll.

You helped Poe hand out toys and new clothes and there was food for them to eat. You spent the day playing with them and learning about their lives. The women who ran the orphanage knew him and you saw that all of the talk of helping the less fortunate was real, he had already been doing much more than you had ever even imagined.

It was hard to deny the little spark of something that he held within you.

He was handsome, he was kind and smart- funny and generous and with the way his eyes found yours throughout the day; he felt something for you. His eyes were piercing, dark and mysterious and for the first time, he gave you butterflies.

One of the little ones was showing you his space within the building, his bed and his tiny toy horse. He was waxing poetic about how one day he would be a knight. You were smiling at him when Poe stood next to you, his gaze heavy and it sent a flush crawling up your neck to light up your ears.

The fabric at his neck was crumpled and you couldn’t help but reach up to fix it, your arm extended over to him and his gaze focused on it, reached up to hold it to his neck. He placed a delicate kiss to your bicep and pulled you closer. The act was small, but so intimate it did something to you. Melted a tiny piece of you that up until now was frozen to him and he saw it on your face. Felt it in the way you let him hold you close, your arm still around his neck, his hand moving down to hold onto your waist.

The little boy was in front of you now, asking Poe if he would ever give him a real horse and he laughed, not unkindly.

“One day my boy, one day I will give you a horse - only if you promise to behave and be on your best behaviour. Can you do that?” The little boy nodded sagely promising he would. You didn’t pull your arm away, and you couldn’t pinpoint why.

—-

Tag list: @frannyzooey @foli-vora @danniburgh @greeneyedblondie44 @lola4pedro @ezrasbirdie @221bshrlocked @artsymaddie @supernaturalgirl20 @sleep-tight1 @softdindjxrin @wheresarizona @sherala007 @marydjarin @cannedsoupsucks @thirstworldproblemss @ilikechocolatemilkh @lori-tovar @freeshavocadoooo @hrk-fic-recs @greeneyedblondie44 @maxwell--lord @princessxkenobi @the-feckless-wonder @kirsteng42 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @thisshipwillsail316 @feministfanboi @dihra-vesa @gaiuswrites @stevie75 @sweet-creature98 @readsalot73 @pedrostories @tobealostwanderer @mandocrasis @elegantduckturtle @diogodxlot @alczysz17 @evyiione @absurdthirst @beskarboobs @andruxx @littlemissoblivious @1800-fight-me @goldielocks2004 @maievdenoir @gracie7209 @omlwhatamidoinghere @bellaorisa @hellovanessax @magikfanatic @frankiecatfish @mrs-ghuleh @pedritoispunk @librariantothejedi @studythoreauly @missswriter @prostitute-robot-from-the-future @pintsizemama @mswarriorbabe80 @a-trial-run-on-paper @giizhkens-cedar @la-le-lu @chickadee-djarin @dobbyjen @rosiefridayrogersunday @ajeff855 @anaaaispunk @johnsrevelation @the-witty-pen-name @zombiesnips-blog @quica-quica-quica @sarahjkl82-blog @fan-of-encouragement @queenofthecloudss @mandosmistress @deadhumourist @felicisimor @tuskens-mando @no-droids-on-sunday @sophiefatale2495 @toomanystoriessolittletime @what-iwish-you-knew @pedrostories @athalien @bi-thewayy @literallydontlook @pedrosbrat @gamingaquarius @gothicxbarbie @tkolemba @localddreamer @luxmundee @iamafadedmoon @nakhudanyx @littlemisspascal @grogusmum @ajeff855 @recklessworry @soltassbruxa @heyitmelexie @liviiii98 @killyspinacoladas @gothicxbarbie @evildxad @dragonslarimar @spideysimpossiblegirl @chemtrail-mix

[awkwardspontaneity]

Hello. This is my first request for the Legend of Zelda, so I do not know how to write it correctly. I don't speak English and I'm writing this in a translator, so there may be mistakes here, sorry. In general, I want to see how the reader will react to the fact that Revali, Link and Sidon cheated on her. (something made me feel sad) Thank you in advance ╹▽╹

I'm so sorry something happened to upset you. If it's along the lines of this request give me a name😤👊 anyways thank you so much for requesting!! This ended up being so much longer than I intended but I'm pretty happy with it. I hope this is what you're looking for!

✨ requests are open✨

Warning: angst, cheating

Revali🐦

I think with his prickly nature not a lot of people would stick around long enough to get to know how much he cares

But some bitch saw how much he was training to perfect his powers to help Hyrule and couldn't resist

It started off as bringing him lunches and heat pads after a long day of training and then it escalated

They would wrap his wings up and suddenly he was letting them fix his braids. He never saw it as much more than a fan helping him out but you saw differently

It ended up in a big fight when you finally brought up how Revali was allowing this fan to hang off of him like they were his partner not you. You brought up excellent points like how he took such a long time to even trust you with braiding his hair and that he could at least let them know he's in a relationship.

Revali got upset (probably cuz ur right and he can't admit it) and snapped that at least they appreciated him

Yeah bad move. You walked out and bird brain left to train away the pain

You came across his first and decided to head to the shooting range with some peace snacks but what do you find?

You walk up the slope towards the archery range, a container of Revali's favourite snacks in hand. As you approach you see something sitting inside the hut and assume it's him. Sterling your breath you walk into the hut and what you find takes your breath away- not in the good way either. Revali sat there with his wings wrapped around them, too caught up on their liplock to notice you standing there.

CRASH

The container hits the ground with a shatter, ruining their little scene.

"Y/n-"

"Don't even try it." You wish your voice didn't sound as broken. No matter how much your heart squeezed in pain from the betrayal, you wanted to come off so much different- angrier. Because you were angry. "Just because we have an argument does not give you the right to run off with your new friend."

Revali flinches at the word and you feel a sick glimmer of satisfaction. He opens his mouth to protest, ignoring your glare. "I-I'm sorry." Your glare darkens and he immediately flounders for the right words. "You accused me of something I didn't do-"

Yeah, not the right words. You wish you could do something, anything to hurt him like he hurt you. But you had to be the bigger person no matter how much you wanted to snap that precious bow of his in half.

"I accused you, not have you permission."

"We can work through this, together" his wing reached out to you, but you recoiled to fast.

"We're not together." You walked towards the entrance "I hope it was worth it."

Link 🗡️

Link is a closed off person. Sure he has people worship him for his title as the hero of Hyrule, but he would never let that get to his head. You could tell this boy he's amazing and it still wouldn't get through his insecurities

Maybe it's cruel but, that almost reassured you he would never break your heart like that. You felt secure in your relationship

That's why it was so shocking when you found out he had fallen for Zelda.

It wasn't meant to ever be more than knight and princess. And you never should have found out.

You were walking towards the stables of your party was staying at. It was supposed to be a simple trip to complete some research out in the plains. Of course your trip was ambushed by an energetic princess who begged to come along for research purposes. You couldn't complain because the addition of the princess also came with your boyfriend Link.

Now you were looking for him outside the small ranch. You fully expected him to be caring for Epona like he always did after a long trip. His love for his horse was something you had always loved about him. The way he would stay later than everyone else to make sure she was okay. It had made stables kind of your spot. Hanging out at the end of a long day to talk and spend time together while caring for your steeds.

Maybe that was why your heart felt so utterly shattered when you did find him, standing next to the stable, with the princess in his arms. Maybe you could have fooled yourself into believing he was being friendly if he hadn't pressed a long loving kiss to her forehead followed by both her cheeks, chuckling softly as she giggled.

You knew they had always been close. I mean they spent all their time together. You'd just never thought that Link would do something like this to you.

You walked away from the stables fighting backs the tears in your eyes. It was only when you found you had walked into an older area, a spare shack outside, that you finally let the tears fall. Your heart twisted in pain as sobs tore from your throat.

Why hasn't you seen this? Why weren't you enough?

------

Your research trip was almost over. You had gone back late into the night to find Link on the edge of his bed head in his hands. He had shot up to demand where you had been when you finally walked in and although he looked like he wanted to argue, he accepted that you had been organizing your research supplies and notes in quiet.

That had been 3 days ago. You had spent the research trip sticking close to your colleagues, poring over each plant and testing their uses. The princess was too distracted with her own interests to really notice how you shied away from her presence. Link had though. And he was about done with you brushing him off in favour of your work. You both were busy so not having time was nothing new. But this was different. You couldn't meet his eyes and he had caught you staring at him and Zelda as if you were about to cry before. He was at a loss and now he needed to figure things out for himself.

However he wasn't quite ready for the answer.

"I saw you and Zelda together."

His throat closed up. He wanted to say so many things. How sorry he was. How he wished he could have told you himself. How he wished he could hold you and forget how complicated things were.

"it's okay." Now that, he wasn't expecting. "I thought I could be mad at you. Both of you. But I guess... It just makes sense." You sniffled softly. You really didn't want to do this. You hated that it had to be you who gave up. But we're you really going to fight? No. As much as it tore your heart into pieces, you would stand aside for them. "I wish that things hadn't changed but, clearly you don't feel the same anymore and I don't want to hold you back. I love you. So much. But I don't deserve this, and I won't put either of us through the trouble. I hope you two are happy together Link."

As you walked towards your friends to head home Link felt his heart clench. You deserved so much better.

Sidon🦈

You were a princess from another kingdom, betrothed to Prince Sidon of the Zora. We all know how these things go, neither of you were all that fond of the idea but you would go through with it. For your kingdoms

You tried to be as understanding as possible of the situations, knowing that the prince was just as trapped as you were. So you played along with your parents wishes.

You two went on dates and spent time together, getting closer and closer until finally you kissed him.

Things were great. You were planning your wedding and enjoying the time you spent with your fiance as you prepared for your future

It wasn't until a few days before the wedding when you were trying on your dress that things fell apart.

Your dressmaker had been in a bad mood, grumbling as they worked and even sticking you with needles a few times. You would have brushed it off as a bad day if not for the facts that they seemed so unapologetic.

You finally brought it up, softly asking if there was something wrong and if you could help. They snapped, going off about how you were ruining the princes life and that he didn't love you and was only marrying you for his kingdom and that he deserved to be happy.

They realized their mistake and left quickly, leaving you alone in your wedding dress with shocked tears slipping down your face.

You later made you way to Sidons office, hoping to clear some things up and maybe seek comfort from the one you loved.

What you didn't expect was to find him already comforting someone. Your dressmaker.

You watched as he whispered sweet nothings and reassurances to them. It was when he said no matter what they were the one that he loved when you broke away.

You stood in your room, packed bags beside you. You knew there were better ways to deal with this. You knew that your kingdom was counting on you and thus marriage. You just couldn't go through with it. Not anymore.

"Y/n?"

You sound around to find the Zora princess standing in your doorway. Mipha had become a close friend in your time in the Zora domain, even feeling like family as you worked closely planning the wedding. She had once told you that you were everything she could hope for in a sister and wife for her brother. You guessed it didn't matter in the end.

Finally you choked out pained words "I can't... I just... I can't do this anymore."

"If you are feeling nervous, I can assure you my brother would never hurt you."

This made you laugh. It was cold, similar to the ice creeping into your veins. "He would. And he did." You cut off Mipha's confusion, wringing a hand through your hair, "Sidon is in love with someone else. I made every effort to work through this engagement despite our... rocky beginning. But he didn't choose me back. He never wanted me, and I won't ruin his chance to be happy."

The room was silent after your outburst. You only noticed the tears when your friend wiped them from your eyes. She offered you a small smile, sharing the pain you felt. She was losing you and still understood it was best for you. You needed to move on and save yourself from a life of pain. A life of being chosen second.

"I hope one day we can meet again, sister."

You let out a choked mix of a son and laugh. Hugging the princess before you grabbed your bags and walked out the door, out of the kingdom that stole your heart and crushed it in its hands.

"I love you, always."