#ven getting the jump on bard

[lanternlightss]

oohhhhh…. nameless bard and venti sparring ……

[frostfro]

Chapter 7

Previous ...... Next

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

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Mature themes up ahead, mild angst

Where is he taking you?

Your thoughts all sudden and full of fluster as he held your hand and dragged across the town and, dragged you into a building.

It seemed fairly small on the outside and but it is quite spacious indeed.

“This is where I stay for the time being make yourself at home!”

How can he even manage to afford a place like this isn't he just a bard?

Your brow raised as you chuckled to yourself.

I guess he is trying to live amongs the humans. Things have changed quite a lot.

As you stood their thinking and admiring the inside decor, Venti steadily walked towards you.

You snapped out of your gaze and looked down at him, his face seems like he had quite a lot on his mind.

“Ven?”

He let out a sigh.

Suddenly you felt him give you a big hug his head leaning flush up against your chest and his arms are firmly wrapped around your waist.

Your eyes widened caught of guard for a moment before returning the hug, leaning up against him as you lowered your head on top of his your cheek on top of his little hat.

“I really did miss you….so much”

You smiled at his cuteness his words muffled by your chest as he talked.

“I missed you too.”

His brows furrowed as he squeezed you harder almost in a possessive type manner.

“You had me waiting all those years for you I was waiting.”

Your brows furrowed and you un-wrapped your arms around him.

“Why did you leave me….on that day?”

He looked up at you from his position looking into his eyes seeing many emotions swirl within them but mostly sadness took place.

“I’m sorry, I never meant to leave you like that….I had no choice..”

You could tell the topic was way deeper than what it seems, he's not even looking at you in the eye properly.

This must be hard on him I can tell this is bothering him.

You sighed.

You put a hand on his head.

“It's okay I trust your judgment whatever the situation was I know you handled it the best way you could I'm not mad, but I was pretty sad that day..”

He felt relief wash all over him.

His face frowned up, shortly after being silent and in thought.

“Let me make it up to you.”

He said eyes swollen with promise.

You looked down at him and raised a brow.

“Oh how?”

“Well you don't plan on staying in mondstat…do you.”

You look up at the ceiling for a bit thinking then looking down.

You shake your head.

“hmm thought so…”

“Then I have a wonderful idea! How about I…join you on your travels!”

He said with his natural closed eyes smile as his arms raised up in excitement almost in a childlike way.

You couldn't help but pinch his cheeks giving in to the temptation of him being cute.

“Don't you have….other things more important?”

“First of all I'm retired and it's been so long since I've been out.”

He had a dreamy expression on his face as he looked up almost as if he was fantasizing of some sort.

You just shrugged your shoulders not really caring if he does.

He got super excited about the answer he jumped up.

You felt a warm sensation onto your lips. It took you a minute to realize that he had kissed you.

You were a bit surprised but generously returned his affections you kissed him back sudden wave of nostalgic feelings hit you like a truck.

His eyes closed and he hummed in content as he put his weight into the kiss making you stumble backwards and you fell graciously onto the sheets of a very soft yet warn bed.

When did that get there?

You didn't think long before he pried his mouth off your lips now gazing at your eyes.

Something was a bit off about how he was looking down at you right now…almost like a predator finally sinking its fangs into the fresh meat its been waiting and drooling all over.

For some reason you felt a sudden pounding shift of butterflies in the pit of your chest slowly falling down to your stomach and a sense of tingles elsewhere…

You squirmed under the heat of his gaze too shy to meet them afraid of your pride shattering within meer seconds of a glance.

“Y/n. Look at me.”

Your whole face instantly felt itself heat up at the firm tone of him being so demanding. Your eyes remained off to the side hesitant blinking almost rapidly.

You felt a firm hold onto your chin as he redirected his gaze again, you inhaled deeply at his gaze as he lowered himself down to you and kissed you again.

It was much more intense. Nothing but fever and heat. Taking his time making you fall apart on his tounge as he pulled your hands into his firm above your head making yourself all open for just him, and vulnerable.

You couldn't help but let some noises through the heated session only spurring him on more. He released your lips from his with a wet pop, sailva decorating both of your lips.

He looked down at your form, chest rising up and down cheeks flushed and lips all plump from his assault.

No matter how many times he defiled that body of yours he couldn't help but get addicted all over again, you were more addicting than the finest of wines he could get drunk off you and never get sober.

Lost in his thoughts he started attacking your neck without warning, your back arched at the feeling his hat falling off at the movement.

His legs in between your own as he pressed himself closer to your core trapping you.

You combed your fingers in his hair as your turned your head allowing more of him onto you.

He slid his hands down to your thighs grasping them firmly as he started rutting his hips onto you.

All these feelings so nostalgic you couldn't help but be reminded of the very first time you to have done such acts, but for some reason this time felt more special…Maybe it's because you were..not doing it with him as the goddess of beasts Kemono and rather as just Y/n. Just as he is as Venti and not Barbatos.

But even so right now he didn't feel like Venti in the slightest from way he looked at you. Staring down at you.

The thought alone mixed with his actions started to make you excited. Too excited you can feel yourself dripping with anticipation. Clenching your thighs trying to calm your pulsing clit.

“Y/n let me be selfish and let this poor soul fulfill his desires.”

He gasped out you noticed how half lidded his gaze was as his cheeks had the smallest of blush within them.

“You smiled, I'm yours aren't I? You don't have to ask.”

He sighed, a small smile plagued his face. “What did I do to deserve a such a gem like you.”

You laughed and lifted your head to give quick pecks and kisses on his lips.

“It was you who pulled the charms remember?”

You blushed at the thought. He looked up for a bit before his face slowly changed into one of a teasing smirk.

“Oho! So you do remember I really did like the little faces you'd make.”

Your brows furrowed as you flushed. You wiggled your hands free from his grasp and you tried to push him from you.

“Awe why so shy about it hmm?”

You move your head away from him this bard sure does have some nerve teasing me when I'm all pent up like this.

You began to pout but suddenly your body twitched and you let out a lewd moan, you looked at Venti shock and lust filled your gaze.

He had already reached his hand down to your cunt hand in your pants as he was gliding his skilled fingers through your folds and making it linger on the hood of your clit.

Cheeky bastard.

He had this grin on his face as he stared at your reactions not leaving yours for a second.

“ngh! You can't just!-”

Your body arched when he entered a finger inside of you shutting you up instantly, his middle finger finding that rhythm on the spot. It's almost as if he's playing you like a lyre he's long lost.

“Hmm Y/n what's wrong you seem to be a bit excited.”

All of a sudden the pleasure doubled ten folded making your back arch unknowingly giving him more access as he started thrusting his now two fingers in your pussy rapidly making you lean your head back in euphoria. You let out a sharp gasp as your moans that were quiet and soft now became loud.

Your eyes were closed in pleasure as your brows furrowed you sought to bring your hand down to his wrists to lent up on the pleasure that was now too much.

He gazed down on you kissing your neck not as roughly as before though.

So sinful the wet squishing sounds and the rapid thrusting of his fingers compared to the soft love kisses on your neck, were like polar opposites.

You felt a knot, an overwhelming sensation of pleasure was getting ready to burst at anytime.

You held onto his wrist hand tightening as your other arm grasped him desperately to ground yourself.

He knew you like the back of his hand he started whispering words of affirmations. Biting your ears. Your moans started to become broken tears welling up in your eyes as your body shoke, your orgasim caving in on you.

His fingers messaged the deepest parts of you make you shoke out a sigh at the relief of a good orgasim. You whined in overstimulation as he got the last few thrusts in before removing his fingers.

Your body layed limp in his hands he chuckled.

You let out a yelp as he dragged you across the sheets legs on the side of him.

“W-what wait-”

“Oh? Don't tell me you think I'm done with you. We've got so much to catch up on!”

His face didn't match his tone at all.

He licked his fingers with your essence on them licking his lips.

You shuttered.

He lowered his head down breath on your still clothed cunt no doubt drenched with your left over orgasim.

He looked up at you from his position gaze full of mischievousness as he smirked.

God

[crownshattered-moved]

GENSHIN IMPACT VERSE INFO:

First off, keep in mind that I’ve built this verse around MY SISTERS’ TERRA, VENTUS, AND VANITAS. Things can be adjusted accordingly (like if you have a genshin verse for any of those muses lol).

Aqua is originally from Fontaine but left home at the age of eight and went to Inazuma. There, she studied under Master Eraqus with Terra until she was sixteen. She’s a catalyst user.

She got her vision, Hydro, one day when she saved her little brother from a pyro abyss mage. She took the water from the stream they were right next to and used it to extinguish the beast. However, she wanted to be able to use this power better now that she has it, so she went searching for a master. She heard that there was someone in Inazuma that could teach her, and she found him.

Ventus (10) joined the trio when Aqua was 13. I’ll give a BIT of info about the other characters related to her verse a little ways below.

When Aqua was 16, she and Terra were out adventuring (near an entrance to the Abyss….) when they were attacked by abyss mages. They both tried to fight them off, but in in end Terra was knocked unconscious. They tried to take Terra away and down to the Abyss, but Aqua jumped in after him. She used a water fountain spell to grab Terra and push him out, instead leaving her to plummet into the abyss in his stead.

Aqua stayed in the Abyss for 4 years (until the current time of the game) while all hell broke loose in Teyvat. Now, she’s 20 and escapes the Abyss through the gateway on Musk Reef, so now she’s in Mondstadt.

BACKGROUND INFO:

What happens: Terra doesn’t remember what happened to Aqua. He believes that she’s still in Inazuma, and he was trying to find her for those years….until the vision hunt decree was announced. His family fell apart when that decree was announced, as himself, Ven, and the Master had visions. They came to get Terra’s vision, but Eraqus defended him by saying that HE was the one with the vision, and he was killed instead. Meanwhile, Ventus was being chased by one of the members of the Kujou Clan, Kujou Vanitas.

In the end, Ventus escapes with Vanitas after turning him onto his side, while Terra joins the Tenryou Commission in an attempt to be able to find Aqua before someone else could find her and kill her for her vision. He has no idea that she’s not even in Teyvat.

CHARACTER INFO:

Terra info: Just kinda a normal dude! His master has a dendro vision and is kinda like his dad. He’s got Geo and a claymore and is now on the WRONG SIDE.

Ventus: THIS BOY DATES BACK TO THE MONDSTADT REVOLUTION. It was led by five people, the Bard, Amos, Gunnhildr, Diluc’s ancestor, and Ven. However, Ven was frozen by Decarabrian and stayed frozen for THOUSANDS of years until he was thawed out in Inazuma. He has an anemo vision and a spear. Doesn’t remember the Mondstadt Revolution. When he leaves with Vanitas, they go to Mondstadt.

Vanitas: He was born into this clan and was the one sent to deal with Ventus. He has a pyro vision and wears black armor with red accents. He’s a goodish guy now, but Aqua doesn’t trust him.

[itsjustmyfantasyroom]

Riddler part 4

Master List

Warnings: fluff

WC: 1527

Enjoy x

“Wait, wait just one minute” Amanda paused frowning at you. You were both in the break room having lunch.

“You went on a date with Barba last night and you took him to our Mexican place on Sunday? You’re cheating on me and you’re out of line Detective”

“Yes and Yes. Come on Amanda, don’t be a jealous” she laughed at you “And it’s still our Mexican place. He also asked me on a date on Saturday night”

“Have you told him about everything?”

“Yeah I have. He was pretty caring when I told him”

“How about you’re Aunty?”

“Yep. I found out stuff about him as well, his past”

“Well” she paused “I ‘am happy for you. I would give anything to see my best friend happy.” She smiled at you “We need to go shopping for this date. We need to make you look more like a women” you both started laughing.

Rafael had sent you a text early Saturday morning with the address of where he wanted to meet you that night. Amanda was there when the text came in, you were both going shopping.

“Oh wow, look at this.” Amanda lent over your shoulder and seen the picture’s you had on the screen.

“How romantic, a New York roof top bar. Barba has taste”

Amanda ended up staying with you all day and was going to drive you to the bar that night, which was only 2 blocks from your place, but she insisted on her driving you.

“Barba is going to flip when he sees you” she said looking you up and down.

You had a black cold shoulder overlay jumpsuit. The overlay over your bust was seer, the legs of the jumpsuit were the perfect fit between tight and lose enough, your hair was wavy curls and your make up was just enough with very low black heels.

“How did I get here” were so nervous. “It was so much easier when…”

“Don’t do that, get out of your head. You of all people deserve to be happy let’s go”

Amanda dropped you off and you got out of the lift to the bar level. As the doors opened, “Senorita” By Shawn Mendas and Camila Cabello was blasting over the speakers, really the entrance couldn’t have been planned better with a song like that playing. As you scanned the roof, you seen Rafael sitting over near the balcony on a high two topped table. He seen you, and a big smile came to his face as you walked towards him.

“You plan this song to play as I walk in Barba?” you both laughed as he lent over and kissed you on the cheek.

“I don’t plan on running away from you Y/N, But I’ll call you Senorita anytime you want.” he gave you a wink and you bust out laughing.

“Very smooth Counselor, very smooth” you laughed at him again.

You guys ordered drinks and just ordered dinner when you heard your name, you looked up and Rafael turned around to see who it was,

“Blake, what are you doing here?” you jumped off your stool and run into the man’s arms, who lifted you up off the ground in a huge embrace. Rafael didn’t know what to think. Here was this extremely tall dark handsome younger man lifting you off your feet, and you were here with him.

“I almost didn’t recognise you. You actually looked nice for a change”

“No seas grosero primo (don’t be rude cousin). Smart ass” you back handed him on the arm, Rafael was relieved when he heard you call him cousin.  “I ‘am on a date” your cousin’s eyes opened wide with a big smile on his face. “Ven (come), I’ll introduce you” your cousin wrapped his arm around your shoulders, yours around his middle and you led him to the table.

“Blake, this is Rafael Barba, Rafael this is my cousin Blake Y/L/N”

“One of the many, Nice to meet you Rafael” he held his hand out to him, Rafael done the same and they shook hands.

“Like wise” Rafael smiled back, you guys looked a like, same features, he was just really tall, over 6 foot he guessed.

“Blake and I are number 6 and 7, born a week apart, las gemelas (the twins), I’ am older though” you smiled at Rafael

“You wouldn’t think so” your cousin squeezed your shoulder with a smile “Are you still coming next week, por favor dime si (Please tell me yes)” your cousin pulled back from you

“Yeah of course, wouldn’t miss it, is anyone else coming?”

“No, pendejos (assholes). Rafael, you should come with her”

“What I ‘am agreeing too first” he laughed looking at you.

“Blake is a web designer, he has a launch party for his latest project next Saturday, and it’s a big one”

“Por supuesto (of course) I would love to” Rafael smiled at you

“Oh, you speak Spanish Rafael?” Blake asked.

“He is Cuban and the Assistant District Attorney” you informed him

“Bonito (nice). Tia will be pleased with you Y/N, what a catch”

“Relax Blake, don’t plan the wedding yet” you all started laughing.

Blake left not long later after some small talk. You sat back up on the stool and looked at Rafael with a smile.

“So tell me about them”

“About who Rafael?”

“Tus doce primos (Your 12 cousins)”

“You really want to hear about them?”

“Of course they are a big part of your life”

“Sit back and relax Counselor” you both laughed “I’ll just go from oldest to youngest. Oldest is Bard, he is married to Mandy and a Dentist, Craig is married to Brooke and in the Air Force, Lachlan is married to Sally-Anne and an Accountant, Ryan is married to Grace and is also an Accountant. Those two have a business together in Jersey. Brodie is in the Air Force as well, then it’s me, then Blake who is a web designer, Caesar is an ER doctor, Logan is in IT, Nate is anaesthetic nurse, Grayson is a Vet, Emanuel is a pilot and Baby Rodney is in the Navy. So Blake, Logan, Nate, Grayson, Caesar and I all live in Manhattan, we all catch as much as we can, the rest are all over the place. We all keep in touch but usually only all get together at Christmas”

“Wow, that’s a lot to take in” you laughed at him

“Yeah it is a lot to take in, but it will be a lot more when you finally meet them all”

“You want me to meet them?”

“Well, yeah one day I guess, if it gets to that point” you looked at Rafael who had a smile from ear to ear.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter, a lot of drinking and smart ass comments. Rafael wanted to walk you home, even more so when he found out you only lived two blocks away. He grabbed your arm and linked it in his as you walked down the street towards your apartment building.

“I can understand if you don’t want to come next Saturday, it’s a lot to ask.”

“What, no it’s not. Come on Y/N, you have worked with me enough to know if I didn’t want to go, I would have said no.”

“Yeah that’s true, unless I fight with you” he laughed out loud.

There was a comfortable silence as you guys made your way onto your block.

“This is me” you nodded towards your building. “I had a great time again Rafael, thank you”

“I had a great time as well” he smiled at you, taking a step closer.

“Rafael, at risk of being too forward, mi gustas (I like you), a lot”

You looked into his eye, you couldn’t read them. You weren’t sure how he was going to react. He looked into your eyes and lent forward, placing a hand on your cheek and kissed you lightly on the lips. He pulled back, looking deep into your eyes, running his thumb over your cheek.

“Yo demasiado Hermosa (me too beautiful)”

“I know I may be a lot to handle, but I wi-” he lent in and kissed you again. You moved your head to side and opened your mouth slightly to allow his tongue in, he moved his hands on your waist and pulled you into him, and you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him even closer. The kiss was amazing, you had forgot how amazing someone’s touch was. But really not just anyone’s, Rafael’s. He pulled back and looked into your eyes again.

“I don’t want you to do that again. I don’t want you to ever change, I like you just the way you are, and when the time is right, I will take you home to my Mum” you smiled at him and lowered your head to hide your blushing cheeks and your slight tears filled eyes. “And I think I just worked out how to shut you up in the good way” Rafael lent in again.

Tags: @detective-giggles @beccabarba @thatesqcrush @the-baby-bookworm @dianilaws @scarletsoldierrr @lv7867 @permanentlydizzy @averyhotchner @infiniteoddball @ritajammer21​ @madamsnape921​ @word-scribbless

[yukiwrites]

Meeting Again, Now and Forever

Thank you for the support and patience as always, @breeachuu! I hope you like it! >v<)

Summary: After getting acquainted with the Traveler, Venti approached her for help with something as important, or even more so, than with the issue with Dvalin: He wanted to find his long-lost love, Auria, who was undoubtedly also looking for him...

Commission info HERE and HERE!

__________________________

It hadn’t been long since the Stormterror Crisis had been dealt with (not to mention how the party had to bolt out of the temple before the illusion on the Holy Lyre wore off), so Lumine -- and, by extension, Paimon -- went to Angel’s Share to rest her weary bones for a bit.

The sight that welcomed her the moment she stepped in, however, shouldn’t have been surprising, but given the state of their goodbyes just a day ago, Lumine hadn’t expected to meet Venti again so soon.

“Ah, Lumine!” The youthful bard smiled brightly once he saw the Traveler step into the tavern, cutting his performance short as though he had already been about to bring it to a close. “Good timing!”

“... What do you mean, ‘good timing’? You look like you’ve been waiting to ambush us!” Paimon crossed her tiny arms defiantly as she flew behind Lumine to snark at the Archon.

“Little old me? Why, I’d never!” Venti giggled adorably before stepping closer to the duo. “To be honest, I wanted to ask a last favor of you, but given how we got separated after our… elegant exit, I waited here!”

The way he smiled brightly could deceive many people (especially elderly), but Paimon only growled and narrowed her eyes. “What do you want NOW, Tone-Deaf Bard? We already went all over the place to help with that dragon business-”

“Paimon, it’s okay.” Lumine waved to shut the little fairy up. “If there’s anything I can help with, of course I’d want to. Is it anything serious?”

Venti smiled in a mature yet lonely way that didn’t go well with his youthful appearance -- it was perhaps the smile of an immortal being as it was confronted with its own endless life. Or perhaps it was a way to make himself seem more mysterious; there was no way for Lumine and Paimon to know.

“Actually, I’m looking for someone.” He bobbed his head to the side, walking towards the counter to sneak some alcohol into his system. “Her name’s Auria. We kind of missed each other during some time of turbulence.”

“...” Paimon sat on Lumine’s shoulder as the Traveler stood beside Venti by the counter. “That’s it? No more hints? What does the Tone-Deaf Lady Friend look like? Where did you meet last? You’re not gonna ask Paimon to look for someone without saying anything, right?”

Bluntly ignoring the talkative little fairy, Venti turned his unmatching mature smile to Lumine. “She’s my special someone; the muse I drink my inspiration from -- the one who’s been with me the longest. I keep sensing her in the wind, but it’s like we always barely miss each other.” He twirled his fingers around as a tiny current danced within his palm before he closed his fist. “Will you help me look for her, Traveler? I’m absolutely sure she’s here in Mondstadt, so the search shouldn’t take long.”

Lumine took a few seconds to nod, somehow appreciating the new side of this mysterious god as she felt the affection that dripped from his words when he spoke of Auria. Paimon shook her head once she saw the Traveler accepting yet another ridiculous request, but even she was unable to fully voice her complaint after sensing the weight of Venti’s words.

“Really?” Venti brightened up like the sun, jumping out of his seat with a spring in his step. “This calls for another song! Lo and behold, as the best bard of the land plays for all of you tonight!” He bowed extravagantly before hopping to the stage he had been earlier, a lyre ready at hand.

Lumine laughed and clapped along with the other patrons, happy that Venti’s mood seemed to have improved.

From the outside of the tavern, a young-looking girl looked up at the starry sky, wondering why the wind seemed so unstable that night…

________

Auria had been hiding amongst the humans for 500 years while she waited for Barbatos to wake up from his slumber, so she was well-versed in dealing with people; though she wasn’t one to stay in a place for long.

“Hmm, what I mean is that… why is it so hard to catch up to a single bard? I hear whispers here and there of his whereabouts, but by the time I arrive, it’s like he’s carried by the wind!” Auria grumbled under her robe which concealed her body, “of course, that wouldn’t be strange, considering Barbar’s personality…”

Sighing, the fairy-turned-sylph looked up to the endlessly blue sky. She had heard through the grapevine about those bard contests -- innumerable, considering the amount of stories to be sung by the many traveling bards in the land -- and had ignored them for two years until she had heard who had been the winner for the third year straight: A young boy named Venti.

Curse her lack of attention! What good was it to possess the power of an Anemo Vision and be clueless about the words the wind carried?

“Hahh…” Auria sighed again, kicking the dust just for the sake of it. She had heard about how Dvalin had left Mondstadt -- which was Venti’s handiwork, no doubt about it. If only she had been there…

Holding back another sigh, Auria took a deep breath and, instead, slapped both of her cheeks to spur herself into action.

“Get a hold of yourself, Auria! Those 500 years of wandering and hiding weren’t for nothing!” She looked up at the fluffy clouds with renewed resolve. “I’ll find him and we’ll finally be able to be together again, just like old times.” She nodded to herself, as though talking herself into action had become a habit she cultivated through the centuries. “Okay, now that’s dealt with…” she looked around the wide prairie before her to check if there was anyone looking before crossing both hands over her chest. “Annd, transform!”

After Auria’s whisper -- word that was actually not needed for her transformation from sylph to fairy to work, but that she had grown fond of using due to Venti’s influence -- she was covered in sparkling dust, seemingly poofing out of existence.

A tiny form, smaller than even Paimon, emerged from the dust, flying about freely to be able to cover the distance to the city. She had changed to her original form of a fairy, before Barbatos had bestowed upon her the very first ever Anemo Vision which allowed her to retain a human-like form to live out the rest of her life beside him.

It took her a while to arrive at the city, as the sky was now covered in a blanket of stars. She poofed back into her human form behind an alley, feeling a weird stir in the air after she felt it caress her face.

It felt as though it was welcoming her into an embrace -- like it was ready to give her what she wanted the most: the hug and comfort of her beloved Barbatos.

“Oh…” Auria covered her mouth with both hands in surprise, her eyes misting with tears. “He’s here! Ven is here!” Her voice shook with emotion for finally being able to grasp Venti’s presence like one catches a petal in the wind.

She closed her eyes and intertwined her fingers in almost prayer, focusing all of her being into the Anemo energy all around her. If she could pinpoint the source of the wind… If only she could, then she would most certainly find Barbatos at the end of it.

All wind and freedom are born from him, so it was no wonder that if one pulled the thread of the wind, they would find Venti at the end of it.

However, it was easier said than done -- there was a high amount of magic energy; differing levels of Anemo and other Visions spread throughout the land to be able to pull at one without finding it entangled in another. It felt like Auria was learning how to knit by untangling yarn instead of weaving it into clothing.

She spent the night at an inn not too far from the most famous one in town as she needed to concentrate on her task, though if only she had walked half a block further… her fate might’ve been different.

________

The next morning, Venti, Lumine and Paimon left Angel’s Share to look for the bard’s special someone, though not without Paimon’s easily-ignored teasing.

“She loves the natural sound of the wind, so I’m sure she’ll be in a place where she can be surrounded by nature!” Venti twirled around himself to make a small whirlwind follow his steps, making dust and leaves dance behind him. “The prairie right outside town should be a great place to look, methinks!”

“Alright, then you can go alone, Tone-Deaf Bard! It doesn’t make sense for all of us to go together, after all.” Paimon shook her tiny legs in annoyance for being ignored after asking questions about the Tone-Deaf Lady Friend.

Lumine nodded in accordance, “yeah, it’s best if we split up. I’ll ask people based on the description you told me, so you should look for places she’d most likely be at.”

“Mhm, mhm!” Venti nodded brightly, taking Lumine’s hand on his before shaking it vigorously. “Thanks again for this, Traveler! Let’s find her pronto! I miss her so much!”

“No one asked, though…” Paimon grumbled beside the duo, puffing her cheeks so they were fit to burst at any moment.

Blinking with sparkling eyes, Venti looked in Paimon’s direction and smiled before giving her a cheeky wink and turning to leave. “Then I leave this area to you! Let’s meet back at Angel’s Share if we return empty-handed.”

After saying that, a current of soft green wind covered Venti, dissipating into warm specs of light once he safely warped himself out.

“Good riddance!” Paimon grunted, wobbling around Lumine before taking a deep breath. “Alright then, let’s go, Traveler! I’m so curious to meet the lady crazy enough to live SO LONG with that Tone-Deaf Bard that I can’t stop scratching myself!” The flying little girl scratched the back of her hand excitedly, wearing an evil smile unfitting to her adorable face.

“Heh,” Lumine smiled before turning towards the market. “Let’s first ask some innkeepers; they’re the best when it comes to dealing with new people.”

“Let’s gooo!” Paimon eagerly flew behind the Traveler.

________

At the same time, Auria gasped, feeling the thread of wind she had barely managed to catch, snap. “Oh, noo…” She grumbled. “Did he warp somewhere? He was just around here in the city, but now he’s flown far away…” Her voice sounded dispirited as her body lumped forwards, on the bed.

Well, technically, she didn’t know if he had flown ‘far away’, but since he wasn’t within her grasp anymore, she pouted adorably, digging her face into the pillow.

She had barely slept last night; she was also starving and tired of trying to untangle the mess of winds and magic around this big city… Pouting even more, Auria growled impatiently before taking a deep breath.

“I’m going… yeah, I’m going to buy something to eat. Bread! Sweets! Fuel for my weary body!” She psyched herself up by springing to her feet, raising both fists to the sky. “Let’s go!”

Soon she left the tavern without checking out -- she was playing on staying until she found Barbatos, after all -- taking only her money pouch and cloak with her as she headed to the marketplace.

No matter how many times she squeezed herself through the stalls, the sight was always marvelous. Humans were truly fascinating in their own pursuit of freedom: from house decorations to delicious food; there was nothing one couldn’t find in this place as long as they looked hard enough.

Auria gleefully bought a bag of baked sweets that looked much too large for someone her size to eat by herself, which warranted her some glances from the shopkeepers as she passed them. Nevertheless, Auria happily munched on a creamy donut as she started to make her way out of the marketplace.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw a familiar sparkling dust, so she unconsciously followed it. Since it was just like what her wings in fairy form produced, she felt somehow akin to the flying little girl just a bit ahead of her.

The girl looked too big to be a fairy; not to mention her lack of wings, which cemented the fact that she was not one of Auria’s brethren. Still, Auria found her gaze following the little girl and the one she accompanied -- a young Knight of Favonius, from the looks of it.

Once the duo was out of sight, Auria realized she still had half a donut sticking out of her mouth, so she busied herself with eating it, making her way back to the inn. On the way there, however, she passed by the largest tavern, Angel’s Share, and shrugged before going in.

After all, it would be weird if one that held the title of Most Popular Bard of Mondstadt wasn’t known in such a big establishment. So, renewed with the power of sugar in her veins, Auria went inside with burning eyes.

“Excuse me, I want some information…” She walked to the counter, finding a beautiful flame-haired young man tending to the bar.

“Ask away.” Diluc said curtly, not raising his gaze from the cup he was drying.

“Do you perhchance know of a bard named Venti? He’s about this tall-”

“No need for a description; not only do I know of him, he performed here just last night.” Diluc looked at Auria, then to the piece of donut that fell from her mouth to the floor he had just moped in her surprise.

“He was WHAT? Here?! What?!” She almost let go of the bag of sweets, but managed to catch herself in time to prevent the tragedy. “But I’m just right- across the street? I can’t believe-” She widened her eyes the more she spoke, staring blankly into Diluc’s face.

After a few seconds of astonishment, she caught her breath with a gasp. “Do you know where is he right now? I must meet him!”

Diluc took a moment to reply as he circled the counter to get a broom. “He didn’t say where he was going, but he left this morning with the Traveler and that flying little girl that accompanies her.”

Auria knew who Diluc was talking about immediately. “That young knight of Favonius?” She mumbled more to herself than to Diluc, though he did nod in response.

“Yes.”

Squeezing the bag of sweets, Auria’s heart beat so hard it felt it was about to burst out of her chest. Was that the reason she was so drawn to them back at the market? Were the winds telling her to seek them out so she could finally be reunited with her love?

Her mouth agape as she breathed heavily, Auria’s face brightened with each passing second. “Thank you so much, master! I’ll- I’ll be back!” She quite literally flew out of the door, leaving only the sweet scent of her treats in her wake.

Diluc wasn’t even surprised about such things anymore, so he just finished his sweeping in silence.

________

“Huff, huff!” Auria panted as she turned the bag over into her open mouth to eat everything at once while she ran, clearly unafraid of choking. She quickly arrived back at the marketplace, though due to the sheer amount of people, it was hard to pinpoint a single duo.

Of course, the little not-fairy would be easy to find since she was such an odd sight, but that did not mean that looking would be effortless. Auria put herself on her tiptoes to look above the crowd, but ultimately decided that it would be easier to look from above.

She hurried to an alley and poofed into her fairy form, taking an easy flight high above people’s heads. Looking left and right, Auria flew not too close so as not to be spotted, but not too far so she would still be able to see clearly.

“There!” She pointed to the blonde knight far off in the distance, at the entrance to the pier. “It seems she’s talking to some people, so I’ll just fly down here…” Auria found a quiet spot behind some crates to poof back into her human form, immediately storming towards the place where she last saw Lumine.

She was so eager, she rammed into the young knight with everything she had the moment she took a turn, rolling on the ground in her arms. “Ow, ow, ow…”

“Lumine, Lumine! Are you alright? Who’s this crazy lady?!” Paimon pulled Auria’s cloak to take her off of the Traveler, failing miserably in moving anything but the hood she held on to.

“I’m alright, but-” Lumine shook her head, helping Auria sit up beside her. “Are you okay? Who are- wait… you look familiar.”

“Familiar? Have you seen this crook before, Lumine?” Paimon flew to Lumine’s side, widening her eyes once she took a good look at Auria. “Wait, it’s true! Aren’t you the Tone-Deaf Bard Lady Friend? You are, arentcha?!”

“Tone-deaf-” still dizzy from the collision, Auria massaged her forehead with a groan. “Tone-deaf…?”

“Don’t mind her.” Lumine waved her hand in Paimon’s direction, ignoring the ‘hey, what do you mean by that?’ from the emergency food. “You’re the one Venti is looking for, aren’t you?”

Auria’s eyes sparkled immediately, forgetting the pain and frustration as she took Lumine’s hand. “You know Venti?! Oh, thank the heavens! Do you know where he is? I’ve been looking everywhere for him!”

Lumine and Paimon exchanged surprised and pleased glances. “He just asked us to help him look for you. He left the city for a bit, but we promised to meet back at the Angel’s Share later this afternoon to report our findings.” Lumine nodded to the eager girl holding her hand. “Should we wait there together? It’s best if we stick close lest you two miss each other again.”

“Oh, would you do that for us? Thank you so much, sir knight! Thank you, thank you!” Amidst her emotion, Auria hugged Lumine as she laughed brightly to the point of tears.

“There, there,” Lumine smiled, patting Auria’s back so they could look each other in the eyes. “I’m Lumine, by the way. The one over there is Paimon, so no need for formalities.”

“That’s right! You’re thankful, aren’t you? You gotta tell us more about the Tone-Deaf Bard and how you two met and stuff!” Paimon bounced excitedly all around the two girls. “I need something to kick him in the shin with, keheheh…” She mumbled the last part to herself, snickering evilly.

“I truly am thankful!” Auria sniffled, then got up with Lumine’s help. “I would also love to hear how you two met Venti and what he’s been up to!”

“Sure,” Lumine patted the dirt out of her dress. “Let’s head back to the Angel’s Share.”

________

With each step Auria gave in the direction of the tavern she had left just an hour ago, the stronger her heart pounded. They haven’t seen each other in five hundred years, so the longing she felt to be in his arms was unparalleled.

She tried hard to listen to Paimon’s retelling of how they managed to save Dvalin, but the sound of her heart beating inside her ears made it difficult for Auria to do anything else apart from breathing. And even that was difficult, to be honest.

The wind was restless. Was Venti back? If so, was he already waiting for her? If not, would he take long? It was already the early hours of the afternoon, so he probably should be on his way… oh, Auria could hardly wait!

She didn’t notice, but her steps became quicker the more she approached the Angel’s Share, as though spurred by the threads of wind woven into a breeze. By the time she noticed it was hard to breathe, she was already running.

Her steps fueled by the swirling wind, Auria forgot all decorum and opened the door to the tavern with a loud bang.

The air entered from behind her into the building as though being sucked by a primal being; as though being rolled back into its beginning and end; as though it was simply returning to its master and servant.

The wind swirled around the two adorable twin braids, ruffling the little red cape that covered the small back.

Short of breath, Auria could only gasp as her eyes met Barbatos’ for the first time in a half a millennium. “Ven-” she stuttered, faltering on her feet as she reached out to him.

His clear, aqua eyes widened in surprise as he saw the wind usher her to him, a wide smile covering his face. “Auria!” He opened both arms and ran into her embrace, tackling her with everything he had.

“Ven- oof!” Auria opened her arms to welcome his lightning fast jump, squeezing him into her embrace as they wobbled backwards, falling on top of the incoming Traveler once again.

Paimon grumbled something about the Traveler pursuing a career of safety cushion, but neither of the two lovers heard her.

Auria’s clear tears rolled down her cheeks as she dug her face into Venti’s hair, rubbing her face on it as though to imprint him into her. “Ven! I missed you so much! Where,” she sniffled, “where have you beeen!” She sobbed.

“Hehe,” Venti smiled cheekily, rubbing his face on Auria’s chest as his own eyes itched with unshed tears. “Haven’t you heard my tunes? I was looking high and low for my one and only muse!”

Auria sobbed more, squeezing his neck into her embrace with such force he almost turned blue with lack of air. “I looked everywhere for you…”

“I know, Fairy.” He whispered her nickname in a loving voice, making Auria’s tears flow more intensely. “Thanks for being so good at finding me! What would I do without you, really…” he kissed her neck, then loosened his embrace so he could kiss her wet cheeks before trailing his lips to hers.

Paimon gawked at the sight, covering her eyes with a red face as the two young lovers shared their kiss of reunion, not even bothering to stand after they fell.

“Don’t, sniff, don’t even think about going around on your own again!” Auria dipped more tiny kisses onto Venti’s rosy lips, drying her tears the best she could. “We’ll stay together from now on, Ven!”

“I would have it no other way, Fairy!” Venti giggled brightly, using his frilly sleeve to dry his beloved’s faze. “Now there’s nothing that can separate us.”

[kessielrg]

Kisstober: Week 3: Terraqua

Week 3 is all about tension and as such at least two (including this one) drabbles involve @chibi-mushroom‘s Dragon Age AU. Because there’s enough tension to cut with a knife, sometimes. This is also the second drabble that reached over 500 words- but I’m gonna blame that on describing battles.

Terraqua, inspired by @chibi-mushroom‘s Dragon Age AU

Word count: 535

---

“Ven sure is missing out.” Terra told Aqua, an almost delight coming from his voice as he ran a darkspawn through with his sword. His amusement toward their ambush was one of the many things ticking away at Aqua's nerve at the moment.

“He needs to learn how to hold court.” she told him. A darkspawn was coming up to her from her right- she pressed both her hands together to form a stone fist before launching it the cursed creature.

“A bard should not be the one teaching him how to hold court.” Terra spat back. He was going to say more on the subject but in noticing a darkspawn sneaking behind Aqua, he instead declared, “Aqua, duck!”

The mage didn't even second guess him- immediately ducking as Terra flung his shield at the darkspawn. The creature went down immediately, leaving Aqua to pick up Terra's shield and toss it back at him.

“Thanks.” she called out from over her shoulder. Terra caught his shield with a single hand, a proud half grin on his face as he took a moment to appreciate Aqua's battle mode.

“Hey Aqua,” he entertained as he brought his attention back to some oncoming darkspawn, “There's something I have to tell you.”

“Could it wait?!” she demanded- casting barrier with one hand to stop a darkspawn from attacking her side, while also casting a cone of fire toward the front. The darkspawn in front of her went up in flames and soon became limp. Her mana was wearing incredibly thin. She could feel her arms grow heavy as she went on. But the darkspawn just… kept… coming. When they found whoever was in charge of this small outbreak, Aqua was going to snap their neck herself.

“I don't think it can.” Terra informed her. The darkspawn were working to box the duo in, and so far it was working. Aqua nearly jumped when she found herself back to back with her fellow Grey Warden.

“Better make it quick.” she warned him, mentally preparing herself for an area spell.

“Alright then.” Terra agreed, as if it were a challenge. “Aqua, I love you.”

Aqua blinked. She turned her head to Terra to get some gauge on what he was getting at. “You're joking.” she retorted in a flat voice. “You have to say that now, while we're in the middle of-”

He didn't let her finish. Instead, he quickly took her by the face and kissed her without a moment's hesitation. Aqua's eyes expanded as her heart raced faster from what was not because of battle. Was… was there lyrium on his tongue? When…?

Terra quickly pulled away from her to make a precise swing at a darkspawn that thought it could get a jump on them. Aqua blinked a few more times before shaking her head.

“We are going to have a talk when this is over.” she informed him. Terra just smirked at her before they both brought their attention back to the finally thinning hoard. There was going to be a talk, alright, and it was going to end with a post adrenaline induced make out session.

Maybe it was a good thing that Ven wasn't here...

[kingdommad300]

KH DnD: Between Dawn to Dusk Session 18 Summary

Two hours after leaving Radiant Garden, Blank shares his concern for Kairi and the others, questioning if he should have come. The others assure him that everything is okay.

Jason notices that his gummiphone starts ringing. When he answers it, the phone flashes a bright light and Chirithy appears.

Chirithy explains that the situation at Radiant Garden has calmed down. They explain that Leon had asked the guild for aid with a Nobodies situation that the RGRC was having but due to the Vanitas situtation, Leon never recieved the aid he needed and the Nobodies managed to burst into Radiant Garden. Kairi is currently doing damage control as the incident hasn't put the guild in a good light to the council and the Radiant Garden residence.

Rotti asks on any news on Webby as Huey, Dewey and Louie had gone to ask them for help. Chirithy explained the boys had come for their aid as Webby is currently ill in bed. When Ven went to check it out, he found corrupted markings on her back. They explained that they will keep an eye in the situtation, especially with Scrooge McDuck on their case about it.

Chirithy reminds the group to focus on the task given to them by the Masters. Chirithy does give a message to Blank from Kairi, saying 'No matter where they go, everyone hear is with them'.

Rotti mentions their food storage to Chirithy. Making the spirit bring them some food supplies before disappearing.

Blank, who has regained his focus, brings up the nagivation to show the options they have. He explains that due to distance are from the worlds, they only have basic for the time being.

A Festive World with a link to the Realm of the Dead.

A World Connect to the Woods

A Palace within the Desert

The group decide to go to the first world mentioned. Blank mentioned that it will take under two weeks to get there and suggests that if anyone wants to train, they can use the simulation built in the gummi ship.

Durring the travel time, the group use the time they had to do different tasks.

Batty- Hanged out with Levi, practiced his bard skills in the simulator and listened to some of the music available on the ship to gain some new magically abilities.

Jason- Talked with North in regards of upgrading his keyblade. Learned what materials were needed to make the new keyblade and syncing up with the new drive form that North had develop known as Odin Form.

Rotti- Chatted with Blank about whether they made the right choice in Radiant Garden and learnt how to do repairs in the gummi ship. He would spend most of the jounrey providing food to the group.

Arriving on the outskirts of the world, Blank gathers everyone to the bridge to explain how the gummi ship works. He explains that to help keep the world order, the gummi ship will need to be kept on the outskirts of the world and that someone needs to stay with the gummi ship since they do not have chipmucks to fly their ships. He also explains that in order to achieve their goals, at least three people will need to go down to the world.

Jason, Batty and Rotti voluteer to go. Eden manages to beat Levi in voluteering. The four of them gather their gear and head to the world while Blank, North and Levi stayed on the gummi ship.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Eden, Jason, Rotti and Batty enter the village of Santa Cecilia to see colourful decorations everywhere with autumn petals on the floor, stalls being set up and musicians playing in the square. The group do notice a fox when they enter the village but choose to ignore. 

While walking through the village, a few people look at Batty and Rotti strangely. Eden comments to Jason that they should be aware of the world’s order going toward. When a little girl comes over, she asked if she could hold Rotti, who looks like a soft teddy. Eden and Jason play along and the girl gets to hug Rotti before she goes on her way.

As the girl walks away, the group noticed a hooded figure at the entrance of the village with the same two tailed fox by their side. The figure looked a little panicked and lost.

Eden takes the lead and ask the stranger if they could help them as they were new in town. The group and The Stranger chatted between themselves, see that The Stranger was from another world. While Batty asked if the stranger had seen Aithne, Eden suggested that they come with them for the time being, introducing herself and the group.

The Stranger introduced themselves as Enya and their trusted two tailed fox called Blink. Blink showed off its name as it started to blink jump backwards and towards before warming up to Jason. With an alliance made during this time, the group ended to the square.

Batty ended straight to the fountains to watch the mariachi band play, excited to see and hear so much music and celebration. Blink ruins the fun a little by blinking into the fountain to soak the musicians. 

Rotti looks at the stall and sees another moogle setting up a stall.

The moogle introduce himself as Lom. He explains that he is a travelling merchant that goes from world to world selling and collecting goods.

Rotti starts to ask Lom about the crystal and if he is connected to the moogles back at Raidant Garden but tries to be evasive when Eden came over to the stall. Lom, confused by Rotti’s actions, continues to talk about the crystal to the world can only be found in the Land of The Dead. Lom suggests if they want to find out more about the Land of Thea Dead, they should look for a man called Miguel Rivera, as he tend to tell songs about the Land of The Dead.

Batty approach the soaked musicians with Enya and told them that their music was great, showing them his ukulele. They talk about music, eventually the musicians suggest Batty to go see Miguel as well.

The group gather up at the Rivera’s household to see a young man playing his guitar outside of his home. Eden halts as she listens to the tune that was being played and recognized the song as ‘Simple and Clean’. The group asked if they were Miguel and mentioned that they wanted to know more about the Land of The Dead.

Miguel was reluctant at first but when Eden asks about the song he was playing, he explained that he learnt a song from his friend Sora when he was in the Land of The Dead ten years ago.

Batty compliments Miguel on his music, playing a quick tune too. Miguel takes a closer look at Batty, he asks if he knew a man called ‘Francis’ When Batty confirms that is his father, Miguel explains that his father lives on the outskirts and likes to come down to enjoy the festival and music, which makes Batty freak out.

After coming Batty down, the group asked Miguel if he could help them get into the Land of The Dead after Rotti shows him his corrupted marking and that they are looking for a friend. After a few moments, Miguel agrees to help, telling the others to come back here when the sun starts the set and he goes back into the house.

Group decides to head back to the square for the meanwhile.

The next bit is for Enya only.

Enya sees Blink goes into a dark alley from the corner of her eye. She follows him into the alley and asks Blink what they were doing, referring to them soaking the musicians.

Enya watched Blink turn back into its Unverse form and starts to talk to Enya with Vanitas’ voice coming out of Blink.

Vanitas asks ‘Why she changed her name?’ Enya explain she didn’t want to grab attention like they had planned.

Vanitas tells her that due to her lack of sneaky skills, it will be better to stick together. He instructs her to stick with them to get the crystals and reminds her that if Blink is here to keep an eye on her and to give support, if Blink falls, Vanitas will come.

Enya nods in submission and follows Blink out, watching the fox turn back into its disguised form   

[amplesalty]

Halloween 2021 - Day 17 - Theatre of Blood (1973)

William Shakespeare goes into a pub and the landlord says ��Get out, you’re bard!’

Sometimes you catch the synopsis of a film and it just jumps right out at you. Vincent Price starring in a horror movie as a man casting his vengeance upon his foes with a series of themed murders? Why, this sounds oddly familiar...

No, this isn’t another entry into the Dr Phibes series but it is strikingly similar, but rather than following the theme of murders based upon the various plagues inflicted upon Egypt, here they are based upon ones that play out in the works of William Shakespeare.

Vincent Price stars as Edward Lionheart, a Shakesperian actor unappreciated in his own time and derided by his critics. Their shunning of him for t he best actor award at their award ceremony is the final straw, causing him to seemingly take his own life.

But you should know that the crypt could never tame him, and Lionheart rises again right back into the Burbage Theatre where his vagrant followers do his bidding and help bump off the many critics who mocked his fine thespian styling’s. But it’s not enough to simply take a mans life, one has to do it with a little dramatic flare so Lionheart will often soliloquize from the play of the day before taking shuffiling his critic off their mortal coil with something fitting. Be it the stabbing in Julius Caesar or drowning in wine ala Richard III.

One of said critics is played by Arthur Lowe, he of Dad’s Army fame.

These murders start out rather gritty, the first for instance sees one of the critics set upon by a bunch of squatters in an abandoned warehouse who suddenly start brandishing knifes and broken bottles. Or another who is run through with a spear before being tied to the back of a horse who promptly drags his corpse straight into the funeral of the first guy.

But oddly things take a turn for the absurd (okay that horse bit was kinda absurd) but only after the emotionally driven flashback scene of Lionheart confronting the critics after the awards ceremony where the prize he thought destined for him is given away to a newcomer. What they believe to be the drunken ramblings of a sore loser soon give rise to his intenions to end his misery as they watch in horror as he flings himself from a balcony and into the River Thames.

Once we cut back to current day though, there’s all sorts of weirdness going on, like Lionheart masquerading as a campy hair stylist who rigs up the lady critic with hair rollers that are rigged up to the mains. A few thousand volts later and she’s made her last cutting remark. Price looks like he’s trying out for the role of Bob Ross here.

The best though is where Lionheart has apparently hired or, presumably, stolen an entire TV filming truck filled with a equipment that he uses to stage some sort of mock production of ‘This Is Your Dish’, which I can only assume is an in universe TV show combining This Is Your Life with a cooking program? I can’t help but smile at the sight of Vincent Price in a chefs outfit, that still is tremendous and the premise is utterly ridiculous. This is all based on the fate of Queen Tamora in Titus Andronicus who is forced to eat her own children that have been baked in a pie. Only, you never see any of the critics’ children so you’re left wondering where they’re going with this, and then you remember the critic they’ve been showing throughout the whole movie who is always fawning over his two poodles...

In my head I feel like I enjoyed Phibes a little bit more than this one. That scene where Phibes forces the surgeon to operate on his own kid has always stood out to me and stuck with me in my memory even though it’s been nearly 10 years since I saw that movie as part of my first year of doing this whole thing. Man, I probably should plan something special for 2022, huh?

Maybe if you’re more familiar with Shakespeare this one works a little better, though I’m guessing that would be a weird ven diagram where you like Shakespeare and horror movies. The plagues of Egypt are perhaps a little more universal, I think we all learned about them as kids, whereas Shakespeare maybe only comes up once or twice towards the end of secondry school in England where you’re studying Macbeth or Romeo & Juliet or the like. I remember doing Macbeth for sure and I wanna say we looked at Henry IV, Part 1 at some point and maybe A Midsummer Night’s Dream too.

There’s something more chilling and menacing about Phibes as well, just his general look and his voice box sounding voice versus the very dramatic and over the top delivery of Lionheart. I guess it’s hard to sound scary whilst reciting Shakespeare. His menace moreso coming from the delinquents he surrounds himself with that will readily pounce upon his enemies at a moments notice.

It’s obviously derivative of Phibes but this is still a fun one to watch and perhaps that gap between watching Phibes and it’s sequel was enough of a breather to watch something familiar but fresh.

[doc-ravenbe]

Heroes of the Ossuary

The skies were awash in crimson, the red moon Dalamud was approaching ever closer to Hydaelyn, ever close to the continent of Eorzea. In the city-state of Ul’dah, the tension in the air was thick enough to be cut with a knife. The citizens were somber, the Immortal Flames had marched out to Carteneau, to aid the alliance against the imperial forces of Garlemald. The Arrzaneth Ossuary was now beholden to another beacon of hope. The Sultana had arrived and began to lead a prayer at the altar to Thal.  Rarakurzu watched briefly from the shadows of the hall before heading back to the deeper sections of the Ossuary. While the temple was home to the buried dead of Ul’dah it was also the home of the Thaumaturge Guild and contained many treasures. Tomes and tools of magicks, ancient histories, grimoires of myth and legend. This was Rarakurzu Ven Bebekurzu’s second home.

He stumbled a couple times, his breath smelling lightly of ale. Some of the other thaumaturges whispered rumors that he was drinking far more recently due to the end of days. He was drinking to keep the whispers out of his head. “Damn that bard,” he muttered to himself as the Echo flared into being with screams and random visions and then quieted. “Ever since he came here these visions have been acting differently, this is as bad as when Rambroes sent me that relic.” Rarakurzu rubbed his temples while plodding to the historical records. It was then the ossuary rumbled as if struck with a giant’s fist. Dust and rock began to fall from above as light filled the room. “Seven hells” Rarakurzu gasped before being knocked out.

He could swear he was in a different place now, armies clashing and fleeing from a red moon breaking open. No, it was hatching and from it came a being Rarakurzu had only read about in old tales. Bahamut, the Dreadwyrm. Was this what had caused the light? He thought. He saw an aged Elezen step forth as if to confront the elder primal. Rarakurzu was blinded again by light.

“Doc! Doc!” the nickname and rustling from the young hyur thaumaturge snapped Rarkurzu back to reality. “Are you ok? The place is going crazy!” Rarakurzu stood up. Aside from a bruise, and small cut on his eyebrow he was ok. He noticed the thaumaturge staring at him. Looking around he noticed the hallway was darkened. “Sorry, I still haven’t gotten used to your eyes glowing in the dark.”

“Forget about it. What’s happening?” Rarakurzu said as he looked around he noticed the guild master Mumuepo had started barking orders. The Sultana was still there, anger and determination were on her face.

“We just heard that a riot has broken out at Sapphire Avenue. Mumuepo is threatening to burn anyone that approaches.”

“And you call yourself a man of the cloth!?” it was the Sultana, “Our citizens are in the grip of fear. They but want for a voice of reason to restore them to their senses. Who among you will aid me?” Everyone there was silenced by her words. She was taking control of the crisis. He noticed the 5 siblings had volunteered along with Raubahn’s adopted son and old man Papashan. Rarakurzu was about to volunteer when he noticed several dark robes flying through the ossuary toward the back. There was another rumble, but he recognized the men. Mumuepo was following close behind them. Rarakurzu couldn’t hear them clearly but parts did ring clear.

“Take as much as you can, and we leave this place.” Mumuepo seethed. “The Sultana is creating a perfect distraction and I will not die here…”

Doc eyes flashed with anger. He knew exactly where they were going. Dragging the thaumaturge that helped him Doc minced little words “Boy, I need your help. Our guild master is about to leave the guild and by the look of his mean he’s doing more than fleeing with his robes and staffs. What’s your name?”

“Tobie.”

“Alright Tobie, gather some rope and have anyone you trust be outside the historic records soon and wait until you hear the screams.”

Tobie was perplexed but dutifully followed his orders. Rarakurzu dashed through the hallways as the lead deeper underground. Mumuepo’s men may only know the main entrance but there were 2 other ways in to the historic records. There was a slight grin on his face when he realized he could do an experiment as well. Darting through the funerary preparation room he gathered some death shawls. “Maybe its time to raise some dead to save this place.”

The historic records section of the Arrzaneth Ossuary contains many important documents.  Records of whom was buried, documents pertaining to the shinning history of Ul’dah as well as its dark truths.  It also contained rare books and trinkets the Order of Nald’Thal gathered. All of these would fetch riches more than any one Eorzean could dream. Rarakurzu waited in the darkness his Ven eyes able to see better in the dark than most folks or lalafells. He heard the heavy footsteps of three individuals. “Mumuepo’s men” Rarakurzu thought to himself. Having spent his time down here thanks to the guild master’s decision, Rarakurzu learned to listen for footsteps and their speed. Rarkurzu hid behind the counter. Waiting for the looters to enter.

“Thal’s balls! How can that desert witch see in here?” one of the looters muttered stumbling into a wall.

“Quiet you idiot! What if he comes back? The guild master mentioned he was knocked over and drunk after that whole flash of light.” Another looter, a lalafell, said. “We have to move quick and get as many books as we can. Simeon, do you still have the key?”

“Aye right here.” Simeon stuttered, he shifted uneasily in the dark. “Why can’t we light a torch here? It’s too dark and I can’t see beyond my hand. What if the rumors are true and he can raise the dead or summon vopidsent like the other Ven do. Thal’s balls let me be able to see.”

Rarakurzu smirked. He concentrated his aether through his staff into the gems across the room. Ghostly flames began to light the room.

“What in the seven hells?” the first looter said, his eyes widening in the now low-lit room. “Which one of you idiots did that?” The other two were silent, fear playing across their faces as they grew pale. Simeon backed towards the counter. Rarakurzu leapt at this chance. Before the Hyur knew it, there was a staff against his throat, growing colder as Rarakurzu channeled umbral aether to freeze into ice. Rarakurzu’s eyes glowed in the dark, one ivory and one blood red. The ghost flames exaggerated and twisted his stern smile.

“Hello boys and girls.” Doc said as Simeon whimpered. “I’m afraid the records hall is closed right now due to the commotion outside.” The other two looters drew their weapons, the hyur a pair of daggers and the lalafell a staff.

“Shit their eyes due glow in the dark.” The hyur said with a tremble.

“Stuff you mouth idiot.” The lalafell stammered out keeping her eyes on Rarkurzu. “We don’t want any trouble Doctores, just let us take the books and you won’t get hurt. We can even make so you get a split of the profit. This city is ending! Beasts and rioters are running in the street! Garlemald is invading! What do these dusty old scrolls and tomes mean to you?”

“Our past. Our future. It must always be protected. Besides all the books.” Rarakurzu said as ghostly flames lit up the rest of the room, “All these books are currently in use by our… older patrons.” Rarakurzu laughed as shrouded figures began moving through the shelves. The room began to grow colder

“He can summon voidsent.” The looter lalafell said as panic filled her eyes. The free hyur dropped his daggers and fell to his knees. The three looters began shivering. Rarakurzu focused back to Simeon and channeled aether into his staff again, this time focusing on lightning. Simeon sparked a little then fell to the ground knocked out but still breathing. Rarakurzu jumped down to the ground and approached the other two. His eyes glowing brighter. The other looters cowering and frozen in place as they screamed and then fell to sleep. More footsteps approached the records hall, Rarakurzu focused aether again and the ghost flames turned to normal lighting. Entering the room was Tobie, some thaumaturge guild members and one of the sultansworn. Rarakurzu smiled as they began to tie up the looters and carry them out. All three looters passed out but pale white as if they had seen the seven hells themselves.

A couple days later, Rarkurzu was helping the other guildmembers in restoring the ossuary. Yayake Yake was walking toward him with Pipin Tarupin by her side. “Doc, you guest has arrived.” Yayake said and then went back to the receptionist’s desk. Rarakurzu bowed and bade the Vice Flame Marshal follow him to the historical records.

“I’m sorry for not contacting you sooner.” Rarakurzu apologized, “but circumstances were a bit dire and I had to confirm something with Madame Dewlala.” He produced a key from his pocket. “I found this on one of the looters. They seemed to be keen to use it, I’ve been in this department of the Ossuary for some time and I recognized its purpose. Madame Dewlala confirmed that it was to financial records of the Ossuary and that is why she allowed me to contact you.”

“Why would these looters want with the order of Nald’Thal’s finances? And why call for me personally” Pipin asked.

“You’re the only person close to the Sultana aside from the Flame General and Papashan, and I fear she may need to see this.” Rarakurzu said, “In all my time here at the Ossuary, there was one room in the records I could not access. Where we kept the list of donations and contributions. Mumuepo was the only one that had access to this room. What I heard during the day of the Sultana’s visit and the riots. I felt the Sultana needed to know about what we’re about to see.” As the two lalafell approached the door, a shrouded figure began walking forward. Pipin drew his blade while Rarakurzu began laughing. “Seven hells. I knew I forgot one.” Rarakurzu stood before the shrouded figure and removed the cloth covering it. The Mammet underneath stopped and looked around before bowing and scurrying off. “Its funny how I’d always get angry when people with spit and attack over my heritage.” Doc said as he returned to the door. “This calamity that came upon us. Finally made those superstitions useful for once.”

The following days as the rest of the city state of Ul’dah was being rebuilt saw many turn of events. The Immortal Flames had returned many badly wounded and hurt but alive, including the Flame General Raubahn. It was during this time that evidence of corruption and embezzlement came to light in the Arrzaneth Ossuary, all helmed by its guild master Mumuepo. In the room Papashan and Rarakurzu entered, they found the list of donations to the Ossuary and a list of personal accounts belonging to the guild master and which books were the most valuable. As soon as the Sultana was informed of these incidents. She stripped Mumuepo of his title and standing in the order and instated the five lalafellin brothers who were part of her seven in calming the riots as the guilds’ new masters. The Sultana herself awarded Rarakurzu and several of the guild members with the title of Hero of the Ossuary for his efforts in protecting the historical records from looters and his part in exposing Mumuepo’s illicit deeds.

Before Mumuepo was escorted from the guild to his new home in the jail, he had one last visitor. Rarakurzu punched him square in the cheek. “You should be careful who you hire” Rarakurzu said, “I was too good at my job to let someone like you ruin our guild, our nation and the order.”

[kessielrg]

[DA + KH] Hurricane and Venus

Summary: In which Ventus is distracted by an Orlesian bard. Inspired by, but not directly related to @chibi-mushroom's Dragon Age AU for Kingdom Hearts, because I needed an excuse to write about Sabrina and Ventus again. It’s been over a year, and that’s too long.

Rating: K+

Word Count: 2,448

-

She had been following the trio for three solid days now. If the older two had noticed, they certainly didn't let it show easily. Not that she actually had plans on intercepting them at any point. By now, rumors and legends could easily identify the blue haired woman in that trio; the Gray Warden, the Hero of Ferelden, Aqua Amell. Traveling with her were two male companions, one about the same age and one younger. The one close in age to Aqua was another Gray Warden; Terra. The younger one, the one she was slowly growing an odd fondness for as she watched the trio travel, was actually the son of a Ferelden arl; Ventus.

The trio were on a mission, given to them by a friend, and it was one that she could have been a part of. But seeing the trio now? From just watching them deal with wildlife, and bandits, and those dumb enough to make known that they were hunting the trio down, she realized that she had made the smarter move here. Old habits wouldn't let her stop watching them, however. She simply wasn't trained to remain idle when people of interest came along.

And Ventus? He was very much a person of interest to her.

She just needed to get a little bit closer…

. . .

At first, Ventus thought he was going insane, hearing flute music come from somewhere deeper in the woods. Terra didn't seem to notice it, and Aqua had already gone out to scout the area. He didn't really tell Terra that he was going -more of an over the shoulder 'I'll be back' kinda deal- but he didn't expect that flute to be so far into Ferelden's dense forests either. The idea that he shouldn't have come alone didn't even hit him until the music suddenly stopped. Dead silence rang in the young man's ears. He considered tracing back to their campsite before he heard someone say;

“You must be some kind of idiot- following strange music in the woods like this.”

Surprised, Ventus turned around and found himself almost face to face with someone new. This person was a young woman, her shoulder length raven hair tightly curled and gently resting on her left shoulder. An ornate mask, designed in the shape of a rabbit head, covered her face- preventing him from knowing what her eye color was.

Ventus knew that, because she wore a mask, it meant that she had come from Orlais. He wouldn't have assumed that at first, though. Her voice barely contained the familiar Orlesian accent- only coming through with the way she'd lengthen her 'A's and 'S's. He wondered if it meant she was Ferelden, then taken in by an Orlesian family. Or perhaps it was the other way around, and she was losing the accent? Was that even a thing?

“W-who are you?” Ventus questioned. “And why are you-” he didn't finish his sentence, because his mouth almost betrayed him by saying 'so pretty.' And that was ridiculous. He didn't even know her; for all he knew, she was another one of Luxu's guards sent to kill them. Besides, how could he find her pretty when there was so little of her to be seen? The mask covered most of her face, and her clothing hid even the tiniest bit of skin from showing.

The woman straightened up a little at him. She walked toward him, offering her hand out in peace.

“The name's Sabrina. Means 'princess.'”

“You should be.” Ven sighed before he could stop himself. When he realized what he said, he flinched and quickly started to babble, “I-I-I mean, you… you should be going! Y-yeah! Going! I'm a lot more dangerous than I look! Oh yes, you haven't seen nothing yet. Absolutely nothing.”

“Just shake my hand, you idiot.”

Ventus suppressed the urge to say 'Yes ma'am' before quickly taking her hand. Her hand was much smaller than his- with a jolt he wondered if it meant that she was younger than him too. He had been so focused on how small her hand was that he nearly jumped out of his skin when she asked; “And what's your name?”

“Ventus.” he replied, almost too quick and with a high squeak. “Ven. Ventus.”

“Well, which one is it?”

“My friends usually call me Ven.”

“So what am I to you?”

“I… I don't know yet.” he admitted. “We just met.”

Sabrina's mouth curled as she thought this over. She eventually started to bob her head in agreement. “Not a bad answer.” the young woman decided. Ven momentarily froze. Had there been a wrong answer? What if he did give bad answer? Of course, he wasn't completely defenseless, but if this was just an elaborate ambush…

“I've been watching you and your friends for awhile.” Sabrina then decided to tell him. “If I wanted to kill you, I would be dead just like the other morons that tried to intercept you three.”

Well, that answered that question.

“Then why are you here?” Ventus wondered. “If you're not here to kill us, and you've been watching us for this long, then why make yourself known now?”

For this, Sabrina offered a small roll of her shoulder. “I guess...” she mused, “I guess I wanted to see you.”

Ven's face suddenly became a deep scarlet in surprise. “Me?”

The young woman nodded her head, folding her arms in thought before looking back up at him.

“How long have you been away from home?” she softly inquired. “A week? A month?”

“Well, it's been… uh… um...”

Sabrina took a rather large step toward him. They weren't close enough to actually touch each other, but Ven could almost feel the heat come off of her. He could definitely feel the intensity of her eyes from behind that mask, though. It was an odd feeling- simultaneously making his heart race and his stomach queasy.

“You're just so… green.” she continued to observe. “And I don't mean by how obviously nauseated you are to be in my presence. No, there's this innocence to you. Like your whole body radiates in a warm light...”

Another step forward and Ven was sure she could hear his ragged breathing. He could definitely hear her softly exhale as she looked over him. Ventus tilted his head, slightly, at her. He couldn't describe it. He just wanted… something. Something he was sure Sabrina could give if they were just a little bit closer.

Likewise, Sabrina was trying very hard to fight the thoughts she was having. Ventus wasn't the first she'd been this curious about. Her training as a bard dictated that she was to never get attached to anyone. Too bad that they were close enough now that if she didn't stare into his deep blue eyes, then she'd be looking at his lips. She was sure they were very inexperienced. Inexperienced boys were the absolute worst- but they were more susceptible to distraction..

“Ventus,” Sabrina carefully said in a low voice, “Have you ever given someone a thimble?”

“A thimble?” he repeated, his voice reduced to a husking rasp. He was drifting closer to her now. He could almost see that the eyes of her mask were covered in some kind of mesh- half lidded dark brown eyes were hidden under them.

“A thimble is a precious thing.” she informed him, mirroring his movements. “You should never give them out lightly.”

“Never?”

Sabrina let out a soft laughter. “Well, I guess one misplaced thimble wouldn't hurt...”

Ven didn't know who was the first to kiss the other, but at that point it took him a moment to realize that they even were. His brain ran off into autopilot as his heart pounded in his ears. He could barely notice that Sabrina had made a small movement before deepening their embrace. The young woman was the one to break the kiss. It was with a surprised gasp as she pushed Ven a small distance away. Ventus could only stumble backward a bit- his mind was reeling from what had just happened.

“Drop the knife.” a voice resembling Terra's carefully demanded.

Ventus's mind was still in a fog. Knife? He didn't have a…

“Urg, fine.” Sabrina grumbled. The sound of something heavy hit the dirt ground with a thud. Ventus's eyes trained numbly to the ground. Sure enough, there was a knife laying there. A very ornate one too, with hand pressed curls on the handle and a very sharp blade.

Ventus looked up at Sabrina to find her mouth in a thin line. He noticed something shining behind her- his heart jolted in shock to find that it was Terra's sword. Commanding the sword was Terra himself, his face red with anger and looking hard enough to kill. That was when Ven woke from his stupor and moved quite a bit away from Sabrian.

“Terra, don't!” he started to plead, waving his hands in defense. “She was just…!”

“She was just about to kill you, Ven.” came the blunt interruption. To Sabrina he said, “And just give me one good reason why I shouldn't run you through with my sword. No one assaults my friends. No one.”

“Assault?” Sabrina repeated- a small, bemused chuckle crossing her lips. “I hardly consider it assault when he was the one leading.”

Terra growled before pressing his sword further into Sabrina's back. The young woman let out a small sound of surprise in response.

“Stop Terra!” Ventus cried. “This isn't like what happened with Aqua! Let her go!”

“I'm gonna tell you what I told him,” Sabrina said to Terra from over her shoulder, “If I really wanted to kill you, I'd already be dead. I'm practically a foot in the grave now and I've barely done a thing!”

“Please Terra,” Ven once more tried to plead. “Just put the sword down.”

The look on Terra's face indicated that he did not plan on standing down. It was with a lot of reluctance that he moved the sword from Sabrina's back- pointing it to the ground, but not placing it back in its sheath. Freed from the spot, Sabrina bent down to retrieve her knife, but was quickly stopped by Terra placing his blade right in her eyesight.

“You can leave that there for a little longer.”

The side glare the bard gave him was a dark one, but she didn't argue against it. She came back up to cross her arms in defiance.

“You're being so unfair.” the bard pouted. “Poisoned Apple didn't even have poison in it today.”

“Poisoned Apple?” questioned Terra, raising an eyebrow in suspicion.

“The knife.” she explained, even giving a small gesture to the object. “That's what I've called it. There's a hidden compartment in the handle that holds poison. When it cuts, it releases the poison. The knife has been in the deIsigny family for generations.”

“deIsigny?”

“A fallen noble house from Orlais. You may be more familiar with the derogatory name 'Disney.'”

“Well that explains the mask...” Terra mumbled over his shoulder.

“As if it were ever in doubt?” Sabrina teasingly mused.

“I thought the symbol of the deIsgny family was a mouse?” Ventus then interjected. “If you're from the deIsgny family, then why are you wearing a rabbit mask?”

“You really are kinda innocent, aren't you?” the bard laughed. Not unkindly, but it wasn't intended to be pleasant either. “Heraldry of a noble house can change for many reasons; their main source of income switches, sometimes the old one was just plain ugly to look at, or -in the case of deIsgny- their golden child gets snatched up by the Circle and is never heard from again.”

“You know quite a bit about nobility.” Terra noted. To this, Sabrina merely shrugged.

“What can I say? I enjoy The Game.”

Terra's body tensed upon hearing this. His grip on his sword tightened as it took it with both hands. “Ven has absolutely nothing to do with Orlesian politics.” he told her.

If they had seen it, both boys would have seen Sabrina cock an eyebrow at him. “No?” she mused. “I heard he was Orlesian by blood. That makes him a player by proxy.”

“Ven has nothing to do with Orelsian politics.” Terra repeated, this time much darker. This led him to finally ask, “Who sent you? And why are they after Ven?”

“Well, someone tried to buy me to kill all three of you off. But I declined.”

“Why?”

“Because you three aren't truly part of The Game, that's why.” There was a small huff before the prudent addition of, “But I'm a curious girl. Goldilocks over there was a lot cuter close up than I thought.”

Ventus's cheeks flared a deep scarlet, but Terra still wasn't budging.

“Who tried to hire you?” Terra questioned. “Who?”

“Terra? Ven? What's going on?”

The two young men and the bard turned their attention to the newcomer. The bard held her breath in realizing that it was the Hero of Ferelden herself. If there was anyone who could easily kill her for kissing a naive moron, Aqua Amell was the one Sabrina was sure would do it. At least, that's how the rumors went. Seeing the Hero of Ferelden now was soon proving at least two thirds of those rumors false.

“It's nothing, Aqua,” Terra tried to quickly dismiss, “We were just...”

“I was just leaving.”

All attention turned to Sabrina now. A devious smile traced itself on her lips- this was her favorite position, with all eyes on her. In a single motion, she bent down at the hip to neatly scoop up her knife, placing it in a holder attached to her upper leg. Her head was held particularly high as she started to leave. Sabrina stopped next to Ventus- their shoulders brushing slightly.

“If you ever find yourself in Orlais,” Sabrina started to muse before moving a bit closer to his ear, “Come find me.”

Sabrina's fingers gently grazed against his own, causing a small shiver to run up Ven's spine- his lips parting slightly to let out a breath he didn't know he was holding until then. The bard could not hide the satisfied smirk on her lips as she departed. Even moments after she was out of eye range, her presence was still felt between Terra, Aqua, and Ventus.

“Ven,” Aqua eventually spoke up, breaking the silence, “Are you alright?”

For a moment, the younger between the three of them didn't react. Slowly, Ven started to look up at his friends with a wide smile.

“I'm fine.” he assured them. “But I think I just gave away my first thimble.”