#thiscrimsonsoul

[celestialmantdonna]

What Have I Become? || closed reply

@thiscrimsonsoul continued from here

Mantis knew things would never be the same, not after everything Thanos had done to the galaxy. To the family Mantis had found when she wasn't even looking for one. She had always known the galaxy was cruel, so much so that Mantis only sought to make it softer with her gentle disposition. But, as she witnessed the aftermath of Thanos' plan, Mantis realized she would hardly be able to make a difference. She pushed the thought aside; after all, a small difference was still a difference.

Even though the galaxy had been permanently changed, Mantis enjoyed little moments like these, letting her mind wander while she would tend to her plants. She hummed a melody, her hands arranging the leaves calmly. Focused as she was, she didn't notice there was someone new aboard the Benatar. She was startled by a loud knock on her bedroom door, and she frowned slightly before reaching out to open it.

"Wanda?" Mantis asked. What was Wanda Maximoff doing in space? And how did she get into their ship?

Mantis wasn't too familiar with Wanda, but as the young woman threw her arms around her, begging for help, Mantis hugged her back almost instinctively. A victim of the Snap holding another in a moment of need, now that they were something other than mere dust.

"Wanda," she repeated, keeping her voice soft. "What...?"

Wanda's energy revealed she was unwell, so Mantis knew her healthy, youthful appearance was an illusion. Wanda was in so much pain... She was grieving, and she felt tremendous loss, guilt and overwhelming loneliness. Mantis rubbed Wanda's back in an attempt to soothe her, though she refused to use her powers for now. Sometimes people just needed a hug and a sympathetic ear.

"It's okay, you are safe. Thor is here, if you are looking for him, and... I am here, too. You are not alone," she said, hoping Wanda would understand that whatever had happened, she didn't have to go through it alone.

[lightinxthedark]

@thiscrimsonsoul - continued from here

Wanda... wanted to know if there was anything she needed? Pandeira blinked in surprise - rather touched by her concern. It was obvious to her Wanda was uncomfortable, that she was pushing herself to talk to her, and... gods, she knew well the feeling, which made it all the more kind. Though, she couldn't quite wrap her mind around what had prompted the woman to approach her. At least, not until--

Oh.

She cleared her throat awkwardly and averted her gaze for a moment - unsure how to react. It wasn't as though Pandeira was trying to keep Cieran's death a secret, as she had told her therapist such, but it was not something she actively shared. It was quietly known, because that was what made her feel better. Well... perhaps not better, but it was easier to swallow that way. She didn't want their pity. She didn't want to dwell on what was lost, and she certainly didn't want to rip open a wound that had healed some time ago, even if being in this time had aggravated it.

But she could tell Wanda wasn't bringing it up out of malice, so Pandeira was more gentle in trying to shut it down. "Aye, I did," she said slowly, as she carefully chose her words. "But you... you do not need to worry about--"

She stopped herself short. Wanda... lost her twin brother too? Oh, gods.

Her heart ached for her, and the need to shut the conversation down was no longer a concern for her. No, this was personal for them both, and... and Pandeira could bear the pain if it meant helping this woman. As much as she would rather keep it to herself, it was clear Wanda was trying, and who was she to deny that?

"I... I am sorry," she said softly. "'Tis not a pain I would wish on anyone, but I hope I can return the offer. Cieran had..." She hesitated. Her throat tightening with grief. Perhaps it... was not so easy to bear as she thought, but she was not willing to let herself begin to crack so easily. She took a slow breath to steady herself, and shook her head to try and refocus herself. "I appreciate you reaching out to me, Wanda. I admit I don't know if I'm willing to talk about it just yet, but I thank you for the thought. 'Tis very kind of you."

Was there comfort to be found in this? Maybe, though Pandeira wasn't quite certain just yet. Her heart ached for Wanda to be certain, and it was already burned by her own grief, though to be comforted by such a loss... She swallowed. It sat oddly in her chest, though she did her best to ignore it in favor of her appreciation, however odd it was that someone would tell Wanda that.

"I'm Pandeira, by the way." She offered a small smile - hoping to ease the woman's discomfort, and hoping to chase away the grief that was threatening to take hold of her own mind. Of the thought of that awful night. Of the thought of her brother's face, as he sank beneath the water. "You can call me Pan if you wish, I do not mind either." A pause, and-- "Please do not cause yourself pain to try and ease mine, but I truly do appreciate you coming to me about it. If I can help you with your grief, know I will do so, but I... I am alright, I suppose." As alright as I can be.

[multiversalstarlight]

@thiscrimsonsoul from [x]:

Wanda sighed, understanding what America meant but disagreeing wholly. "I think... my being here has less to do with me and more to do with his own guilt. I think he feels like a lot of... what happened... was his fault, or that he didn't do enough to stop it. To stop... me. So this might be his way of... I don't know, maybe feeling like he's doing something right or... trying to fix things. I think it's just his way of salvaging a situation he feels he screwed up. That's my best guess from what I know of him." She shrugged. "But he shouldn't feel that way, it... none of it was his fault. It was my fault," she said, not really wanting to dwell on that fact for any longer than she had to. "Don't read into things. It might have just been his face," Wanda said, actually cracking a small smile. "What I mean is... Stephen can be a little defensive sometimes. I don't know him that well, but he seems like someone who prefers to keep people at a distance. And if I had to guess, he's probably feeling really guilty about what you went through, and maybe he's getting grouchy with you instead of just saying that he's mad at himself." She shrugged again. "I don't really know, though, like I said, I don't know him that well. And I'm not a psychologist." "Look, if you really think he hates you or has some problem with you, then why don't you try to-" Wanda started to say, but then there was a loud knock at her door and she froze, eyes wide. "Wanda? Are you awake yet? I need to talk to you about something," Stephen called. It was a little early in the morning, maybe, but after his conversation with America, he needed to talk with Wanda. She... couldn't stay here anymore. Maybe. He didn't know. The last thing he wanted to do was reject an unstable witch with reality-bending powers who was already going through it in a big way, but he also had to think of America's well-being too. He'd be able to sort out some kind of solution, he thought, if he could just talk it through with Wanda. There had to be a solution that worked for all parties involved, and he was determined to find it. Wanda didn't answer at first, looking to America and trying to think fast. "Get in the bathroom...?" she suggested, more mouthing than speaking so Stephen wouldn't hear. "He probably won't look in there. It's that way," she said, pointing to one of the other doors. Of course she could just... compel Stephen to go away. Make him forget why he came. Make him suddenly want to run off to do something else. She could. It would be so easy... and quick... to just... No! No, she was done with things like that. She had to be, if she was ever going to recover and live any sort of normal life.

America might have said something in response - even had her mouth near open - when the knock on the door comes. She freezes, too, but it's of a different sort: at least the witch is supposed to be here; she's not supposed to even know about this place.

And then she hears Stephen's voice, and her eyes grow wide, and the witch is suggesting she go hide in the bathroom, but she's got a better - in her mind, at least - idea.

Stephen can always find her in a bathroom.

He can't find her in another universe.

Which means she can't get into trouble!

"Can you hold him off for, like, five minutes?" America whispers, eyes already glowing. She's got enough control that she can find her way back from wherever she is; she just doesn't know how long the portal will stay open once she steps through it. Five minutes, tops. If that. Five minutes should be more than enough time.

Theoretically.

Then, without waiting for an answer, America turns and punches a star-shaped hole from this universe into another one. She half steps through, pauses, and then glances back, biting her lower lip before saying, "Unless you, um, you know, wanna come?"

[starcchild]

@thiscrimsonsoul - continued from here

Almost immediately, Carter's face flushed red - embarrassed by the delivery of her question, rather than the question itself. It... felt right to ask that of Wanda, but... now she just wished she had planned it a little bit better. Or at least practiced a few times beforehand.

But, Wanda's smile was comforting, at least, and Carter took a deep breath and followed her into her room. Doing her best to try and collect herself so she could be somewhat coherent. "No- no thank you," she replied, and offered a nervous smile back - her cheeks still red, although she appreciated the brief change in topic. "I- I, um, I- I appreciate the off-offer, though."

Her blush only darkened as Wanda then repeated the question, and Carter wrung her bracelet nervously around her wrist as she smiled shyly. Her heart fluttering wildly in her chest. "It- it is," she agreed quickly, "but I- I still wanted-- It- it felt right to- to ask. Um, I- I hope--" She cut herself off as her friend spoke again, and felt a rush of relief flood through her. Her gaze visibly brightening with delight as she gave her her blessing. Her smile widened into a grin, and she felt her heart skip a beat as Wanda assured her that she felt she was good for her brother. That she was a good person.

It... truly meant a lot hearing such a thing.

"Than-thank you, Wanda." Carter's blush slowly began to fade as she beamed at her, and hardly noticed as Kenobi flopped down at her feet with a dramatic sigh. "I- I, um-- I- I already kin-kinda asked him a-about it, but he- he doesn't know I'm- I'm actually going to- to be-- I- I mean, I- I still gotta do some-something else first, but--" She stopped, and cleared her throat before she could continue to ramble, and her blush returned just as easily, though her grin never faded. "Thank- thank you. It... it didn't- didn't seem right to- to not ask for- for your blessing fir-first."

And as Wanda continue to excitedly carry on, Carter's already bright gaze seemed to brighten even further. "Really?" she asked - clearly delighted at the explanation. "I'd- I'd like that! Though, I- I can't pro-promise baking with me will- will go well-" she let out a brief laugh "-but that sou-sounds like fun!"

[mxrvelouscreations]

[thiscrimsonsoul] "Happy Birthday, Steve," Wanda said, presenting him with a small red velvet cake with cream cheese icing she baked herself. "I knew I couldn't fit one-hundred-plus candles on it, so I didn't try," she said awkwardly, smiling shyly.

Steve peered up from his tablet just in time to see Wanda walking in with the cake. Instantly there was a smile on his face, his gaze moving from the cake in her hands to the other's face. "Wanda this is far too kind," he replied, "you didn't have to do anything for me." There was a gentle laugh that filled the room at her comment about the candles. "I'm not sure I could even blow them all out. Thank you for this, this really does mean a lot."

@thiscrimsonsoul

[wovenwaves]

((see below the poll for specific items!))

A whale flute necklace carved from bone. It's old, but so well taken care of, it almost seems new.

A silver wave ring. It's beginning to tarnish, but nothing a simple cleaning can't fix.

A skein of untouched yarn. It's brand-new, and dyed a beautiful shade of blue.

A polished tapestry bobbin made of dark wood. It's one of several, sitting in a basket on a small table.

A tapestry shuttle made of marbled wood. There's blue-dyed yarn wound around the center.

A smooth tapestry beater made of light wood. There's a chip in the handle, though it's been sanded down.

A golden tapestry needle. It's in the basket with the bobbins, and seems new.

A hand-woven blanket made from undyed yarn, with the initial, B, sewn into a corner. It's oddly small and several years old, but clearly made with love.

A small utility knife from the kitchen. It's shaped like a whale, and used to cut fruit.

A small tapestry of the sunrise on the ocean. Looking at it brings a sense of tranquility.

tagged by: @thiscrimsonsoul tagging: anyone!

[disillusionedjudge]

((see below the poll for specific items!))

A copper-colored chocobo feather. It's several years old, but still has a faint shine.

A thick, heavy tome on the history of Ivalice. The pages are yellowed and the leather cover is worn.

A sketched map of Archadia. It's been partially inked, though not yet finished.

A dagger with numerous tines that seems more decorative than functional. It's one of two.

A wide silver choker. The pattern is like that of filled chain links.

A thick book about trade and commerce in Archadia. It's newer, but the pages are already filled with annotations.

A hand-carved, wooden koi. It's painted blue and white, and fits in the palm of your hand.

A leather gorget that's smaller than normal. It fits snuggly beneath the standard gorget and armor.

One of several books detailing Archadia's politics, both past and present. Although worn and clearly read, a light layer reveals the lack of use.

A black writing quill with a golden calamus. The metal has an ink-stained fingerprint that's smudged.

tagged by: @thiscrimsonsoul tagging: anyone!!

[imxthexhandler]

Word Association

RULES: fill in with the words you most associate with your character.

ANIMAL  :  Fox. COLOR  :  Sky Blue. MONTH  :  October. SONG  :  "Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man. NUMBER  :  1776. DAY OR NIGHT  :  Night. PLANT  :  Apple tree. SMELL  :  Cinnamon sugar. SEASON  :  Fall. FOOD  :  Chocolate chip cookies; Wild mushroom risotto. ASTROLOGICAL SIGN  :  Sagittarius. ELEMENT  :  Earth. DRINK  :  Bee’s Knees; Cherry Limeade.

stolen from: @murder-popsicle-- hope you don’t mind! tagging: @koiwrites for Gerry and Sonny; @quiveringdeer for Dazzler; @agentsterling; @yourscarletscarab; @thiscrimsonsoul; @ablackwidowsbite for Natasha; @sah1x1s​ for Tristan; @bokketo​ for Clint; @wildthiiing​ for Jane; and @marvariants​ for Logan.

[americashielded-a]

what's your role in a found family dynamic?

the protective one

it does not require much for you to take someone under your wing. you have a knack for seeing the best in others and rooting for them, and they look up to you in turn. they feel that you are safe to go to in times of chaos or strife, and are calmed by your presence. you take extra measures to make sure everyone feels supported. things that others might not even consider, you have already likely accounted for. in most scenarios, you are "the leader." your struggles tend to come from your desire to provide things to others. you want to give, to see those you love happy, to make wherever you are a place of comfort. your failures hit you hard because you see this as your responsibility, and you hate to let people down. ...okay, yes, there's no avoiding it: this is the parent friend.

tagged by stolen shamelessly from: @redheadarcher​

tagging: @hcxcd @youxmove @mistakeiwontmaketwice @abeautifulmencgerie @ofgunsandlipstick @killerqueenwidow @lcstinthewoods @thiscrimsonsoul and anyone who feels like stealing this from me

[celestialmantdonna]

@thiscrimsonsoul continued from here

Mantis didn't mean to upset Wanda by showing concern, though she knew the woman wasn't upset because of her. Wanda was going through a hard time, and Mantis wanted to offer her all the comfort and reassurance that Wanda could possibly need.

Sitting next to Wanda, Mantis lifted a hand to place it over the woman's shoulder. Hopefully physical touch would help her stay grounded in the present moment. She had expected that answer; Wanda did look sleep-deprived and exhausted. The empath wasn't necessarily offering to use her powers to help her sleep. For now, she could offer a sympathetic ear.

"I see..." Mantis replied softly. "Nightmares can be difficult." An understatement, really. Nightmares had to be one of the most counterproductive things in life, interfering with the very function of sleep itself. After a bad day, sleep could be a means of escape, but what did you do when it wasn't a source of comfort? When it only came to torment you further? Talking about it could help, but only Wanda could decide whether she wanted to or not.

[themxlodyofmiidnight]

This was fun! I am tagging @deviantredhead, @fenrirlokison01, @president-loki, @thiscrimsonsoul <3 (I hope I got all the right people, it's been a bit since I've been on here.. ^.^' )

I kind of love what I got, honestly. :3 {link}

Thank you for the tag @dee-writes-smut !! This was so cute and fun :)

My results!! (Maybe I really am an Elain and I haven’t realized it lol)

[ link ]

No pressure tagging 💙💙

@lilah-asteria @mybestfriendmademe @glitterypirateduck @thehighladywrites @whistle1whistle

[multiversalstarlight]

@thiscrimsonsoul

There are rules to living at Kamar-Taj. Not very many, of course.  Or, at least, not so many that America can’t keep them all straight.

Some of it is schedule - trainees normally wake up around dawn, then there’s training in the courtyard, then there’s time for independent study, and between all of that is breakfast, lunch, dinner - America always makes time for snacks, carries them in the folds of the new robes that they’ve given her, and eats them between meal times, even when Wong gives her a strange look for doing so.  Some of it is limited access - there are certain books she isn’t allowed to read in the library because she hasn’t learned enough yet (and there are certain books she can’t read because she doesn’t know the language), which is fine with her because she doesn’t really like the sit down and read this book aspect of learning.  And some of it is on places she isn’t allowed to go - mostly it’s other people’s rooms without their permission, although she’s not allowed to run through the kitchen and snatch up rolls or apples anymore (or try to make her own pizza, because she’s really bad at that).

In most cases, the rules make sense.  The schedule is...well, it’s a bit like school, isn’t it?  Only America hasn’t been in a school since Utopia.  It’s just an adjustment.  Having books she can’t read is fine, because eventually she’ll get to a point where she can read them.  And for the most part, the places she can’t go are like that, too (with the exception of other people’s rooms, and she’s fine with that because it means other people can’t go into her room without permission either, and she likes that).

But a few days after America moves into Kamar-Taj, Wong makes an announcement - an entire wing in the area being reconstructed is to be entirely off-limits.  Not just to America, but to everyone.  The rest of the trainees bow to their Sorcerer Supreme, and America follows suit, but she can’t help but glance over to the abandoned part of the temple and wonder...why?  No one is going to go over there anyway.  It is dangerous.

What is he hiding?

---

In the weeks that pass, America’s paths through Kamar-Taj bring her close to the forbidden wing.  Not by necessity, maybe, but in those times when she’s supposed to be in the library for independent study, America likes to wander.  She’s always liked to wander.  It’s basically been her entire life for the past....  Ever since she lost her moms.  She’s had to explore to understand the universes where she found herself.

Kamar-Taj is smaller than a universe, smaller than a planet, and America gets to know it really well.

Other than.  You know.

America doesn’t go past that wing very often, at first.  She’s determined not to go there under any circumstances.  It’s off-limits.  She finally has a safe place to stay.  She has more than one set of clothes, she has a reliable source of food, she has people who care about her, and she doesn’t have to leave!  All very, very good things!

Except there is a wing that isn’t entirely constructed that’s off-limits when it shouldn’t be.  It’s like telling her not to go into the forest after the sun goes down.  The immediate response is what’s in the forest?  Never mind that she never would have gone there before.  Now she wants to know.

Sometimes, when she passes by, America hears something.  She can’t be quite sure what she hears, but it sounds like someone.  Once, she even gets close enough to the first door to press her ear up against it, but then someone else starts to pass by, and she jumps away from the door immediately because no, she was not going where she’s not supposed to go, she’s just standing around, she wasn’t listening, no, siree--

It doesn’t matter.  The other trainee calmly places a hand on America’s shoulder - which she shrugs off immediately; she’s not a kid - and leads her back to Kamar-Taj proper.  Where everything is safe and wonderful and not forbidden.

America scowls, and she glances over her shoulder back at the door, and she squints, and she peers, and it doesn’t matter because there’s nothing really there to look at, just a door closed to everyone outside, and she wonders.

--- It’s late - or perhaps it’s early - when it’s dark out, America can’t really tell - when she snaps awake, heart pounding, hands clenching tight to her bed sheets.  She’s not supposed to dream - she doesn’t dream - but she feels the sense of something niggling the back of her brain, something that she can’t quite grasp.  She shakes her head, but that feeling doesn’t go away.

Her room in Kamar-Taj usually doesn’t feel small.  It’s just right for her because she doesn’t have much to clutter it up with.  But right now, it feels miniscule, like the walls are getting closer together, and it’s all she can do to pull her jacket on before escaping.

The courtyard is empty in the dark, and a cool breeze helps her calm.  America scuffs a sneaker along a scorch mark.  They’ve done a good job cleaning everything up here, but some things won’t change without more than sweeping brooms and picking up clutter.  She shivers and pulls her jacket closer about her.  Not that it helps.

The breeze whips harsh all at once through the parts of Kamar-Taj still under construction, and it sounds like wailing.

It’s late - or it’s early - and there’s no one else around - and America glances over to the wing where she isn’t supposed to go but she’s been getting closer and closer to anyway.  She looks around again, just to make sure, because surely someone is going to stop her.  That’s how this sort of thing goes, isn’t it?

The wind howls as America turns towards the forbidden wing, and that’s probably an omen of some sort, but she’s never really been an omen sort of person.  She takes control of her own fate. (That’s a lie.  She tends to run from that sort of thing.  Fate.  Omens.  Half of the time, she gets really scared and then her powers kick in and...that’s not supposed to happen anymore, so.  And if it does, she can find her way back.)

America glances back over her shoulder when she reaches the door.  Still no one.  She reaches for the doorknob and finds that it’s unlocked.  That’s weird.  She kind of expected it to be locked.  Like, really, the least they could do with a forbidden area of Kamar-Taj is to lock the door, but apparently whoever is in charge of this sort of thing (she suspects Wong, but this doesn’t seem like a slip he would make) trusts everyone else here to abide by the rules.  In all honesty, that makes her feel bad, like she isn’t just breaking the don’t go into the forbidden wing rule but also she’s somehow going against the whole morality of Kamar-Taj by betraying the trust of whoever left the door unlocked, but then she’s already turning the doorknob, and the door is already opening, and she slips inside without another thought.

At least she shuts the door behind her.  It started shut, and it’s ending shut, so no one will know, right?  Right.

America looks around.  It’s just a room.  Just a normal room.  It looks just like any other room in Kamar-Taj, maybe a little better, given the whole reconstruction thing.  She doesn’t see anything that would cause it to be forbidden.

Weird.

Then she hears it.  Something.  Someone?

America shivers, but she takes a step forward anyway.  She doesn’t see anyone.  It can’t be anything too bad.  Wong wouldn’t keep anything terrible at Kamar-Taj.  That’s just--

“Hello?”

Her eyes narrow, and she squints into the room.  “Is someone there?”  A moment and then, perhaps foolishly, “You need any help?”

[starcchild]

5 Songs that Remind You of Your Muse

Tagged by: @thiscrimsonsoul Tagging: anyone!!

main verse

1) Bird Set Free - Keala Settle

And I don't care if I sing off key / I found myself in my melodies / I sing for love, I sing for me / I shout it out like a bird set free / No I don't care if I sing off key / I found myself in my melodies / I sing for love, I sing for me / I'll shout it out like a bird set free

2) You're On Your Own, Kid by Taylor Swift

From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes / I called a taxi to take me there / I search the party of better bodies / Just to learn that my dreams aren't rare / You're on your own, kid / You always have been

3) Colour My Heart by Charlotte OC

Don't colour my heart blues and greys / Don't tell me that I'm not ok / Don't colour me with all your shades / Don't colour my heart cause I'll make it through / Yeah, I'll make it through / No more tears for you / Don't colour my heart

4) King of Anything by Sara Bareilles

All my life I've tried (Tried) / To make everybody happy while I / Just hurt (Hurt) and hide / Waiting for someone to tell me it's my turn to decide

5) World's Smallest Violin by AJR

My grandpa fought in World War II / He was such a noble dude / I can't even finish school / Missed my mom and left too soon / His dad was a fireman / Who fought fires so violent / I think I bored my therapist / While playing him my violin

ikau

1) Eight by Sleeping At Last

I remember the minute / It was like a switch was flipped / I was just a kid who grew up strong enough to pick this armor up / And suddenly it fit / God, that was so long ago, long ago, long ago / I was little, I was weak and perfectly naive / And I grew up too quick

2) Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift

It's me, hi / I'm the problem, it's me / At teatime, everybody agrees / I'll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror / It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero

3) It's Alright by Mother Mother

Oh hey, I had a night I had a day / I did one million stupid things / I said one billion foolish things / I'm not okay, I got a baseball bat beside my bed / To fight off what's inside my head / To fight off what's behind my meds / I'm lonely; lost in pain / It's alright, it's okay, it's alright, it's okay / You're not a monster, just a human / And you made a few mistakes / It's alright, it's okay, it's alright, it's okay / You're not gruesome, just human / And you made a few mistakes / It's alright, oh, it's okay, oh

4) Oh No! by MARINA

I know exactly what I want and who I want to be / I know exactly why I walk and talk like a machine / I'm now becoming my own self-fulfilled prophecy / Oh! Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no, oh! / One track mind, one track heart / If I fail, I'll fall apart / Maybe it is all a test / 'Cause I feel like I'm the worst / So I always act like I'm the best

5) Family Line by Conan Gray

Oh-oh / All that I did to try to undo it / All of my pain and all your excuses / I was a kid, but I wasn't clueless / (Someone who loves you wouldn't do this) / All of my past, I tried to erase it / But now I see, would I even change it? / Might share a face and share a last name but / (We are not the same, same) / Scattered 'cross my family line / I'm so good at telling lies / That came from my mother's side / Told a million to survive / Scattered 'cross my family line / God, I have my father's eyes / But my sister's when I cry / I can run, but I can't hide / From my family line

[mxrvelouscreations]

[ @thiscrimsonsoul ] (for Steve) "Happy birthday, sweetheart!" Wanda said happily, wrapping her arms around him.

@thiscrimsonsoul

Steve wrapped his arms around Wanda as she came closer, pressing a gentle kiss against the top of her head. "Thank you sweetheart," he replied, his hand rubbing over her back as he pulled back slightly to look at her. "I have to say that this has to be the best birthday I've had, thanks to a certain redhead." He was being honest, having Wanda there made everything feel a lot more normal and he didn't feel like he had to be so focused on being Captain America.

[mxrvelouscreations]

@thiscrimsonsoul

"Nuh uh we're not even going to think of what if because I know that you didn't deserve it," Pietro was quick to replied, shaking his head slightly. To him, Wanda could do no wrong. If she had, it was because someone had done something to cause her harm, or had tried to harm her at least. She wasn't a bad person, end of story. "I'm glad that I can help now though. I wanna see my sister happy, I don't like knowing you're sad Wanda. You deserve to always be smiling."

There was a small smile on his face as she repeated what he had said, nodding softly. "Exactly, no sadness, only happiness," he mused, "we gotta be thinking positively. Besides, I know that life is never predictable so there's every chance you'll have kids again. And I know that you will be the best mom in the whole world."

Laughing as she told him that he needed to let her spoil him, there was a small shrug of his shoulders. "Ok ok i won't argue with you, not when you're being so loving and making sure that i'm full," he teased, turning his attention to the cake. This was something that he had been craving ever since he had woken up here and he was thankful Wanda knew just how he liked it. "Pffft like that's going to happen. I burn it off quicker than you make it sister."

“Sister what happened? Last thing I remember was Ultron… you look so different, how?” (From Pietro; Mxrvelouscreations)

@mxrvelouscreations

“Pietro…?” Wanda asked, suddenly wrenched from her study of the Darkhold to see her brother? Standing… right in front of her? “How are you here right now?” she said, her voice shaking as she struggled to understand. Was she seeing things? Was she dreaming about people she could never see again? That seemed to be happening more and more to her nowadays. She had been peeking into other verses, so had she accidentally brought him back with her? Wanda hadn’t seen him during her studies, though.

She was confused, but she almost didn’t care how he’d gotten there. And part of her was still hurt from the way Agatha had tricked her in Westview, but another part wanted so much to believe he was really there… even if it didn’t make any sense. Slowly, she approached him and lifted her hand to his cheek to find it solid and warm. “‘Oh gods…” she whispered. Her eyes filled with tears and she smiled brightly. For lack of knowing what to say to him after all this time, she simply said, “Hi…” Her thumb rubbed his cheek as a tear trickled down her own. 

[weariedwightarchive]

@thiscrimsonsoul - continued from here

Faegalad did well to avoid the Trollshaws when she could. Although the number of Trolls were fewer than they had been years before, when she had been forced to seek a horrid sanctuary in that forest during the Second Age, she still couldn’t shake her unease of being near. Couldn’t shake the fear that lingered in the back of her mind that one wrong misstep would result in her capture. But, she could not deny the pull that lead her back into those woods that day - could not shake the feeling that a new magic had entered Arda, although what could have stirred such magic was beyond her. It was not the same that was carried by the Three Rings or Gandalf, but... she could tell it was strong, even despite having yet to see the source of it. 

What she did not expect, however, was to find a young woman crying.

At first, Faegalad dared not approach. She remained back, hidden in the foliage, as she studied her. There was something about the woman that was unusual. There was an aura of magic, of power, that surrounded her that she had not seen with any Man before, even in her own father, who held the blood of Men and Elves in his veins. But... her curiosity and concern got the better of her, and when she spoke, she kept her voice gentle and quiet. Her steps silent as she finally stepped closer to the woman and pulled back the hood from her cloak to reveal her face. Pity swelling in her chest.

Slowly, she crouched down before the stranger, although was careful to keep enough distance to prevent the woman from feeling trapped. Her golden gaze never wavering as she studied her. Her head canting slightly as she listened to her speak. Although she could understand her, her accent was... peculiar. She had never heard it before despite all of her travels and the changes she had lived through, and there was something about her Westron that... didn’t seem quite right.

Although, that was far from concern given the woman’s answer, and confusion gleamed in Faegalad’s gaze. How could she not have known how she got there? There was no settlement close by outside of Rivendell. No easy way to just... get lost in those woods without making a deliberate attempt to enter. And she spoke of energies being different... that had to relate to the change in magic Faegalad had felt. But how, she was not certain.

However, instead of focusing on that, she pushed aside her own questions, and allowed her gaze to soften. “You are in the Trollshaws, not far from the Bruinen,” she said quietly - her words spoken as a gentle breeze. “Come with me. Rivendell is not far from here, and is far safer than remaining out here. Perhaps food and rest would ease your heart?”