#whispers of the winterstorm

[nightcorecarseatheadrest]

Yolo swaggins will be in my dnd campaign

[cuddlepilefics]

Winterstorm @fluff-cember

(DAY8) @12daysofchristmas

Touch starved

Telling secrets around the fire

„Sometimes the hardest part is forgiving yourself.”

Santa, can’t you hear me? – Ariana Grande & Kelly Clarkson

Fandom: Stray Kids

Hybrid: Minho (cat-hybrid)

Ship: Minsung

 

No one’s POV.:

“I don’t think we’re making any progress here”, Chan sighed, leaning back in his seat. It was the day before Christmas and 3racha was still in the studio working on some songs but it had been slow going today. Part of that might be that Jisung barely contributed any ideas, having withdraw completely. Not that Chan and Changbin could blame him. Their youngest was still getting over a breakup, which was so much harder to cope with knowing everyone else was with their loved ones during the holidays. Glancing at his dongsaengs, Chan hummed: “Let’s just call it a day and come back to it after the holidays.” The thought of Chan sending him home already, sent shivers down Jisung’s back. “Can we keep going?”, the younger pleaded, making Changbin roll his eyes. “What do you want to keep going with? We’re not making any progress and you’re not helping to change that”, Changbin pointed out, wanting to go home to spend time with his family.

“Come on, I’ll walk you home, Ji”, Chan smiled after shutting off the laptop. That way, Jisung wouldn’t be by himself all that soon. They parted with Changbin and Chan offered to take a detour and treat Jisung to some hot chocolate on the way to his apartment. Sitting across from each other, Jisung watched the vapor swirl over his cup and mumbled: “I don’t wanna go home, hyung.” The older hummed in acknowledgement, taking a sip. Jisung had shared his apartment with Minho for the past two years, so living there by himself made him miss the other so much more. “I don’t think I can stand another day there”, Jisung whispered, trying to hold back tears. His chest felt tight, thinking of the quiet apartment that felt cold without Minho despite the heating working just fine. “You know, you’re always welcome at my place, Ji”, Chan hummed sympathetically, “You didn’t even decorate for Christmas, did you?” Shaking his head, the younger admitted: “I just couldn’t get myself to do anything.”

Chan ended up taking Jisung back to his place to pack a small bag before they both took a bus to Chan’s place. On the ride there, they passed a park that brought tears to Jisung’s eyes. When Chan noticed it, he offered the younger his hand and squeezed it gently. It had been there that Minho had broken up with Jisung and the younger had been avoiding that park ever since. Chan only knew the bare minimum about what had gone down but he could tell that Jisung wasn’t taking it well. Jisung was well aware that he had deserved Minho’s harsh words, feeling guilty for the way he had made the older feel. Along with the guilt came the worry. Minho had left their shared apartment and Jisung had no idea where he was sleeping now. The older had mentioned having lived outdoors before but it was winter, a storm announced for the upcoming days. Sure, Minho had his fur but Jisung couldn’t imagine it would be warm enough to keep him from freezing to death.

The thing was, Minho was used to living in the wild. Being born a hybrid with the ability to shape shift, he always had the option to live in his animal form, so that day when he decided he couldn’t stand being around Jisung anymore, he shifted, confident that a soft, fluffy cat would always find a place to stay. Best case scenario, some family would take pity on the cute stray and take it in, worst case, he’d shelter in some shed to stay safe from the storm. Christmas had completely slipped from Minho’s mind ever since they had broken up, Jisung’s words still ringing in his ears. With how long they had been together, Minho had felt it was time to tell the younger about his ability to shape shift. It was a lapse in judgement to trust Jisung with that secret because after being left speechless for a while, the first thing the rapper did was tease Minho for not being fully human. He couldn’t have known but that was a very sore topic for Minho, who hadn’t expected to hear this from the person he cherished most.

Jisung had the habit of saying the most random and thoughtless things when he was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to say, he was aware of that but he also knew that it wasn’t an excuse. The heartbroken look in Minho’s eyes still haunted him, making it hard to get any sleep at all. He hadn’t intended to hurt the older and he didn’t mind his boyfriend being a hybrid but it had been a lot to take in and he hadn’t known what to say till something just slipped from his lips and he couldn’t take it back. The gift Jisung had prepared for Minho still lay hidden under his bed, it’d probably still be there collecting dust when Jisung would get ready to move out one day. “I said something that hurt him, hyung”, Jisung eventually admitted as he curled up on Chan’s couch, “It was inappropriate and kinda mean and I totally deserve him leaving me over that. I just- I just feel so bad for hurting him. If I could take it back, I would. I miss him so bad, hyung.”

Hugging himself, Jisung allowed the tears to flow freely while Chan walked over to him and took a seat next to him. He could tell the younger was touch starved, so he gently pulled him into a hug and whispered: “Sometimes the hardest part is forgiving yourself. Yet that is all you can do to feel better and I want you to feel better.” With them unable to get a hold of Minho, Jisung wouldn’t be able to apologize to the other directly, so if Jisung wanted to move on, he’d have to let go of the guilt.

“My cousin’s having a campfire with a couple of friends and he invited me. Do you wanna come? Felix is a pure ray of sunshine, he won’t mind if I bring someone along”, Chan offered, hoping the distraction would do Jisung some good. Though hesitant, Jisung agreed. Anything would be better that sitting alone with his thoughts and a campfire would be just the thing to enjoy a day before the winter storm hit. They wouldn’t get to go outside again for a few days while the storm raged, which instantly reminded Jisung that Minho might be out there somewhere. If he found shelter?

Felix greeted Jisung cheerfully, handing him a cup of hot cider. “There are sticks and marshmallows over there and we have a stack of blankets on that bench in case you get cold”, Felix smiled as he guided Chan and Jisung to the yard. Shivering, Jisung made his way over to the blankets and wrapped one around his shoulders. Felix introduced Chan and him to his friends and they chatted for a bit, though Jisung was mostly spaced out as he stared into the flames. When Felix shot him a worried look, Chan whispered: “He’s getting over a breakup, I’m trying to get him out of the house a bit.” Nodding in understanding, Felix poked a marshmallow onto a stick and roasted it. “Here, I roasted this for you”, the Aussie hummed lowly as he approached Jisung. Putting on a smile at the sweet gesture, Jisung thanked the other and accepted it but his attention was soon drawn by something else.

There had been some rustling in the bushes and Jisung thought he might have seen a cat’s tail. He had never seen Minho in his cat form but it this cat was enough to remind him of his ex once again. “Oh, the kitty’s here again”, Felix beamed, getting to his feet. He ran inside to grab a can of tuna. On his way back outside, Felix explained: “That stray has been around for a bit and it always goes back to that shed a few blocks away, so it probably lives there. We make sure to always feed it when we see it outside. Come here, kitty.”

Minho had smelled Jisung already from a block away and was confused as to why his ex was at the freckled boy’s house. Eventually, his hunger won though and he reminded himself that Jisung wouldn’t recognize him in this form, so he purred when Felix came and brought him his tuna. What Minho hadn’t expected was for Jisung to start singing under his breath when one of Felix’ friends plucked away at a guitar. “Santa, can’t you hear me?”, Jisung sang, his voice surprisingly clear despite the emotions coursing through him. His voice sent a jab of pain through Minho’s chest and his appetite vanished. Instead padding closer to Jisung to listen. Touch starved as he was, Minho convinced himself that it would be fine to approach the other for some pets. He wouldn’t recognize him anyway.

Jisung’s pets felt so nice that Minho ended up hopping onto the younger’s lap, purring. “Aigoo, your paws are so cold”, Jisung cooed, using the corner of his blanket to wrap Minho up in it. The tension instantly melted off of Minho, Jisung’s scent always the most soothing. He closed his eyes, almost dozing off but what would you expect when you haven’t gotten any proper sleep for so long. Minho always had to keep his guard up, so now that he finally felt safe for the moment, the exhaustion crashed down on him.

As he ran his fingers over the cats soft but cold fur, Jisung got caught on something hidden deeply in the fur. He almost wanted to point out that it couldn’t be a stray if it wore a collar but shut his mouth when he realized it was a necklace. He knew that charm. Jisung froze, pulling out the matching necklace from under his shirt. Minho and him had gotten those on their first anniversary. Since the cat looked so peaceful in his lap, Jisung figured it was asleep but he couldn’t be sure, so he requested a different song to be played. “Please, come home for Christmas”, Jisung sang softly as he scratched Minho’s furry ears. The older must’ve heard him because he snuggled closer and nuzzled into Jisung’s hand.

“Sorry, I love you”, Jisung breathed when the song was over and he told Chan and Felix goodbye, a trail of pawprints discreetly followed behind him.

[odinsson2021]

Here's the Playlist of my Tonight's Show!

I hope you liked it!

Stormwitch-Rondo ala Turca-Eye of the Storm-1989-(Hot Blood Records)

Slash’s Snakepit-Beggars&Hangers on-It's Five O’Clock Somewhere-1995-(Geffen Records)

Slaughter-Reach for the Sky-The Wild Life-1992-(Chrysalis Records)

Pink Cream 69-Lost in Illusions-Sonic Dynamite-2000-(Massacre Records)

Bad Sister-Bad Attitude-Out of this Business(Re-Issue)-19.05.2023-(Pride&Joy Music)

Vixen-Edge of a Broken Heart-Vixen-1988-(EMI Records)

Warrant-Down Boys-Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich-1988-(CBS Records)

Hit the Ground Runnin’-Dirty Girl-Control yourself(Re-Issue)-19.05.2023-(Pride&Joy Music)

L.A. Guns-Over the Edge-Hollywood Vampires-1991-(PolyGram Records)

Mötley Crüe-Too Young to fall in Love-Shout at the Devil-1983-(Elektra Records)

Imperium-The One-Never Surrender-19.05.2023-(Pride&Joy Music)

Alice Cooper-Bed of Nails-Trash-1989-(Epic Records)

D.A.D.-I won’t cut my Hair-Riskin' it all-1991-(WEA Records)

Winterstorm-Future Times-Everfrost-14.06.2023-(AFM Records)

Helloween-Future World-Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt. 1-1987-(Noise Records)

Malice-Hell Rider-New Breed of Godz-2012-(Steamhammer Records)

Wasteland Clan-Dark Matter-The End of Time-21.04.2023-(Massacre Records)

Mercyful Fate-Angel of Light-Time-1994-(Metal Blade Records)

Metal Church-Ton of Bricks-The Dark-1986-(Elektra Records)

Burning Witches-Unleash the Beast-The Dark Tower-05.05.2023-(Napalm Records)

Serious Black-Fallen Hero-Vengeance is mine-2022-(AFM Records)

Weapon-Drumbeats of War-New Clear Power-19.05.2023-(Pride&Joy Music)

Ad Infinitum-Eternal Rains-Chapter III/Downfall-31.03.2023-(Napalm Records)

Bloodbound-1066-Tales from the North-07.07.2023-(AFM Records)

Majesty-The last Reward-Generation Steel-2015-(NoiseArt Records)

Lords of Black-Prayers turned to Whispers-Alchemy of Souls Pt. 2-2021-(Frontiers Records)

Blind Guardian-Mr. Sandman (Single)-1996-(Virgin Records)

[kpop-thoughts-i-have-at-three-am]

Monsta x singing voices as the seasons of the year

I don't know why but the thought of:

what season of the year would resemle the voice of each member the best~ crossed my mind and I tried my best to find a way to describe my decision.

I hope you like it :)

_______________________________

▪︎

○🍃°• 𝕊𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 •°🍃○

▪︎

Wonho

Wonho's voice is calm, soft and very lovely. It pulls you into a warm hug full of love and tingles on your skin like a plesant breeze of warm spring air. As you continue breathing the scent of fresh flowers lingers in your nose.

Hyungwon

Hyungwon's voice is like a really good nap between flowers. warm, protective, comfortable. It sounds like a beautiful lullaby that makes you sleepy in the best way and takes you to places you didn't know existed.

▪︎

○☀️°• 𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕣 •°☀️○

▪︎

Minhyuk

Minhyuk's voice is as warming as the late summer nights in July. His raspy tone sounds like a soft summer rain that leaves you with a feeling of being refreshed, alive and happy.

Shownu

Shownu's voice is like the sunlight that shines on your skin while you are laying on the beach on a hot summer day. It brings the feeling of happiness and warmth to your heart and a big smile to your face.

▪︎

○🍂°• 𝔸𝕦𝕥𝕦𝕞𝕟 •°🍂○

▪︎

Jooheon

Jooheon's singing voice can be raspy and honey sweet at the same time. His voice is not only as colorful and surprising as the leaves in this season can be, it is also as calming and heartwarming as the feeling you get while walking a beautiful alley.

▪︎

○❄°• 𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣 .•°❄○

▪︎

Kihyun

Kihyun's voice is as clean and soft as snow and can give you a pleasant goosebump as it touches your ears just like a soft winter breeze. At the same time it brings the warm bubbly and exited feeling into your stomach that you got as a child as soon as the first snow started falling.

Changkyun

Changkyun's singing voice is the warm and cozy hug you need in a cold winterstorm night. It is like a shy whisper of sweet things that touches your ears as soft and warming as the softest blanket.

________________________________

Thank you for reading!

-Mimi ♡

If you want to read more: masterlist

Requests are open: request here :)

[starwarned]

top 5 of 2020

I was forced to go through all of my old fic (because it’s all from this year because I am a menace and will not stop pumping out content) in order to find these so I have suffered greatly for this tag game. y’all ever just despise everything you’ve ever written?

that being said, thanks @xivz @amywaterwings @flammable-grimm-pitch @phoxphyre @bazzybelle @simonsnowsfreckles @letraspal @palimpsessed for the tags <3 :) you all inspire me with your talent and I <3 you.

rules: share your favorite 5 lines you’ve written in 2020! 

these are just in reverse chronological order. I think I’d have an aneurysm if I tried to rank them.

1) The Only Place Worth Being (which is something I’m really proud of! I guarantee I’ll hate it in two months time!) (THIS LINE IS TAME, BUT THE WORK IS EXPLICIT):

Simon Snow is not subtle. He kisses like he’s got a sword in his hand and three seconds flat to make his opponent fall to his knees.

2) Without You, I’ll Never Be Home (lots of people liked this line and I think it’s sweet so here ya go):

“You know I’ll ask you to marry me someday, right?” he whispers into my hair.

I smile. And I kiss his collarbone. “I know.” 

3) Misery Acquaints (this is my fav fic from my fictober works. this line is quintessential simon just not knowing he’s in love with baz):

He’s really lovely. You know, for a bloke. (And then he opens his mouth and I want to break his nose again). 

4) Wanted It To Be You (this is my You’ve Got Mail AU that I still actually like! I don’t have any particularly ~beautiful/poetic~ lines in this fic, but I do think these are funny-ish): 

winterstorm: You’re insufferable. I hope we meet one day so I can knock your teeth out.

grimmauld: You’ll be ruining a very handsome face if you do. A face you could be staring at dreamily instead of punching.

5) The Merely Livable, The Merely Survivable (mostly chose this one because I like this fic. one of the few works that I like lmao): 

And it’s clear that he’s never done this before - and I’m incredibly in love with him for it (because of it, in spite of it - all of that).

95% sure everyone has been tagged but I’ll tag a few people that I don’t remember seeing do it??? @seducing-a-vampire @rhienfic @trenchcoat-moth @nightimedreamersworld @captain-aralias @effing-numpties (if you’re already done it, I so so apologize. I’m bad at tumblr)

[gwiiyeoweo]

Reggie freaks out. Noctis brings out the ‘mother’ in Tidemother.

Pairing: Noctis & Leviathan, Noctis & Regis Rating: G

Accordo was nothing like Lucis.

The Crown City of Insomnia had her bright lights and towering buildings, monumental things that pierced the skies and scraped the inner Wall, Regis’ magic barely able to cover the entirety of their city. During the day, the sun gleamed harshly across her pillars of steel and glass, heated the concrete and asphalt until they threatened to blister. At night, the loud thrum of life never faltered, and the marching steps of commuters and businessmen only walked to a different tune. The lights switched on, the obnoxious neons and LEDs lighting billboards or storefronts and shady nightclubs, and the streets were filled with white headlights and the purr of engines. She was a carefully constructed system, all sharp edges and manufactured borders, and boasted the culmination of technology and ancient magics.

Altissia, however, was a stark but lovely contrast. While Insomnia was surrounded by steel and earth, Altissia bathed herself in sparkling waters and soft stone and perfumed air. There was history in every marred brick, a living piece of art whose splendor shone in her architecture and people. Life bustled here, but not in the same way as Insomnia whose citizens were much like drones in a hive; they were like schools of fish, some lazily flitting about or scurrying this way and that in vibrant spurts of energy.

Regis loved his kingdom and his city, and he was a king proud of all that he's protected and helped nurture. But he couldn't deny the breathtaking sights and the savory scents of Altissia. It had been years since he last set foot in this nation, when he had been but a young man set out on a diplomatic mission to build relations between Lucis and Accordo. Now, with the threat of Niflheim pulled back into its den — for however long that would be — he held high hopes he could finish what he had once failed to do.

Regis, accompanied by Cor and Clarus and a handful of council members, walked down the ornate brickwork as they followed Lady Claustra's advisor through the city. With one hand raised and held tightly, he occasionally looked away from the beautiful artwork and sculptures that filled the plazas and stole a few glances at Noctis, who had decided he'd rather walk atop the narrow stone fencework that kept its tourists from falling into the waters. No one had the heart to remind the prince of his manners, not when this was his first time overseas ever since Tenebrae; and children, even royalty, deserved to behave as children. So Regis kept his grip firm but gentle, helping keep his boy steady as he nimbly put one foot in front of the other on what could have been a balance beam.

Noctis listened with rapt attention to the cries of gulls and the crash of waves all intermingled with the bustling noise of tourists and street music; and when his eyes gleamed with such innocent excitement, even hardened councilman Ferriam caved and bought a pretty little berry tart from a street vendor for the young prince. Noctis devoured it in record time.

Beyond their retinue, where several people stood and watched in shared whispers and pointing fingers, there were those who recognized their faces, the Lucian black suits, and the Draconian emblems emblazoned into their regalia. Some only watched in quiet awe or hushed murmurs, others were more bold — paparazzi, most definitely — and clicked on their cameras with wild abandon, the telltale sound of clicks and shutters going a mile a minute. Regis noticed the look shared between Clarus and Cor, the silent language of their subtle gestures and hidden expressions. No doubt news of their arrival would reach Niflheim and ultimately stir up some trouble.

Accordo had been a target for years, barely able to keep neutral and fend off Niflheim’s political advancements, especially with the power play and snapshots of military strength Aldercapt and his men liked to remind the world of. But hopefully, with the very odd but very appreciated winterstorm that battered and froze over the nation, Lucis could take advantage of the weather phenomenon and make alliances where she could, and hopefully, end the tensions that threatened them all.

Regis knew he should think of the repercussions of the paparazzi — though his council had already planned for the worst and worked out contingency plans — but Noctis’ wide smile and glimmering eyes were a potent distraction. And infectious. He could feel a warm smile creeping up on his own face. Maybe, he blithely hoped, the reporters and journalists would get a decent candid shot, so he could clip it out of the newsprint and save it in his scrapbook.

It's the third day of their diplomatic visit when Regis about tore his hair out, one second away from breaking all protocol and proper decorum.

Everything had been smooth sailing. Claustra had kept her sharp wits and no-nonsense tone as expected, but she had been very open to his proposed terms and possible alliance. Their talks had only hit minor roadblocks, conditions that could easily be tailored to suit both nations’ needs, marked with little to few resistances on either sides. Clarus and Cor had actually learned to relax a little, as they were somehow delegated to be Noctis’ fishing partners when the boy dragged both of them by the hands to a pier. Last month, Noctis had figured out how to stuff more things into his Armiger, namely a rod and tackle box when he had become so engrossed in the hobby. (Regis had wiped a proud tear from his eye, and wondered what shenanigans his son would inevitably come up with.)

His darling boy had even eaten vegetables. Altissia's culinary greatness had managed to get Noctis to eat peas and broccoli, and Regis was still debating whether or not to abuse his authority as king to swipe whoever the chef had been and slap a visa on them. He could bring them back to Insomnia as Noctis’ personal chef, and Claustra wouldn't be too upset if he did, or so he hoped.

But that idea was tossed to the side, and a prince's personal chef would be pointless with no prince to cook for. Since Noctis was missing.

A handful of Crownsguard and battle-sharpened warriors and still the Prince somehow slipped out of sight. Were he not a patient and understanding king, Regis would be counting how many heads he needed to roll.

It had been Cor who rushed to his side and delivered the news first, right when the meeting called for a recess. Noctis had been strolling about the piers with a few guards — or so it was supposed to be — and when his keepers had turned their eyes for a split moment, poof. No royal heir to be seen, yet no sign of a struggle or silent kidnapping.

It took every remembrance of childhood lessons on grace and poise to keep Regis from gunning down the hallway, but his power walk and stark expression kept everyone out of his way. He only paused when Clarus placed a heavy hand on his shoulder, pinning him to his spot, and Regis reeled his head around to glare him down with a tempest and an inferno in his eyes.

“Clarus, I expect a good reason for you to —”

“Altar. Someone reported a child with Noctis’ description at the altar.” Clarus pressed two fingers to the small receiver in his ear, his lips set in a tight grim line.

‘Bahamut help me,’ Regis silently cursed but wasting no time. The Altar of the Tidemother was not only a sacred place of history, its original monuments and the altar itself dating back centuries, but a place of terrifying power. Leviathan was known to take on many forms, from a lithe woman with a sea creature's tail to a towering monstrosity that matched Titan's might. And while her visage changed throughout the history books, her temper did not. Despite Accordo's worship and homage to her, the Astral was known for her ferocity and rage, the tsunamis and ocean storms and gaping maw that could swallow entire islands. She didn't share Shiva's fondness for humans and only tolerated them, at least until her promised time of the Feeding.

And since she had no trouble eating whole cities, she would have no reservations with snapping her cruel teeth around a small boy — royalty or not.

But Regis? He had no qualms with throwing down with the god, even if it meant throwing a lasso around her scaly neck and riding her like a seahorse jockey.

When he heard Noctis’ scream, Regis nearly catapulted himself into the waters.

There, within the tidepool was the Hydraean herself, an immense serpentine creature that made midgardsormrs look like groveling worms. Every twitch of her muscle sent waves across the waters, threatening to drown the surrounding paths and stonework, to sweep Regis and his guards off their feet and pull them into her tides. Thick, swirling tendrils of sea rose into the air, some spiraling into each other in a criss-cross puzzle of ringlets, others taking a transparent form and mimicking the great god herself. Physics bent to her will, gravity failing to keep what should not be dancing across the sea salt air. What should not be his son trapped in a vortex of rushing waters.

Regis’ heart leaped to his throat, and he heard Clarus and Cor curse beside him. Taking no chances and letting no precious time waste, he sweeped his arm to the side to summon forth his sword — because yes, he was going to flay Leviathan like a fish fillet or die trying —

“Hi, dad!”

Regis choked , and it wasn't on the errant sea water that splashed across his face. His magic sputtered, along with the fear and terror that had gripped his limbs and mind. (So perhaps flinging oneself at a raging god was not the smartest idea, especially when one is king and still has a nation to guide, but he panicked.)

Noctis, high above the waters and cradled within a swirling Leviathan mimic, waved both his arms in wide arcs above his head. His smile was as blinding as the sun that reflected off the watery vortexes and the Hydraean's pearlescent scales. The watery serpent, however, as if miffed by the shift of attention, took the boy by the scruff and tossed him higher into the air.

Noctis screamed again, much like the scream that had nearly paralyzed Regis. Much like the scream of a child's laughter and glee, the father later realized.

Leviathan herself rose up from the tidepool, catching the falling boy atop her head. But her scales were smooth and slick with sea, and Noctis coasted down her back at a blood rushing speed as she guided him toward one of her lower fins. A quick flick sent him flying into the air once more, rewarding her with another excited whoop from Noctis.

Leviathan, apparently, made for the ultimate waterpark. The thought was almost as jarring as the knowledge that she wasn't going to eat Noctis after all, that she seemed perfectly content at sporting herself as a gargantuan water slide.

Regis could count on one hand how many times he's been left speechless and daft, but he'll take adding another finger and a soaked boy than have his son eaten alive.

Though as much as he wanted to believe Leviathan meant no harm, he wasn't relieved until Noctis slipped down a solid slide of water and landed back on firm ground, taking a few stuttering steps to find his balance again. With no grand announcement, Leviathan sank beneath her waters once more, withdrawing her powers back and leaving nothing but some light flooding in her departure.

Noctis shook the sea from his hair and limbs before looking up at his father with bright blue eyes and a mischievously angelic smile.

Regis bent down, ready to scoop his son into his arms, but a booming voice had him and everyone else cringing and withdrawing into themselves. Noctis, the dear boy, looked entirely unaffected and swiveled around to step closer to the water's edge.

Breaching the surface, a pale hand gripped the stone at Noctis’ feet.

Regis, with bated breath, could only look on as a tall woman hoisted herself over the edge, dark hair sticking to her bare skin and a shimmering black tail resting in the waters. She smiled warmly at Noctis, who's standing height barely reached her shoulders, and lovingly patted down his wayward hair, wicking the ocean and moisture from his locks and clothes. When her hands reached his sides, she teased her fingers into his ribs and frowned, narrowing her golden eyes before flicking her gaze to Regis.

Her sudden sharp gaze was unnerving to say the least, but when she spoke, it was in that same ancient language and resounding tone, and Regis knew this woman was unmistakably Leviathan, despite never having seen her in physical form before now. She seemed a bit cross at him, judging by her furrowed brows and judgmental stare, but he couldn't figure out why. Not without an Oracle or Messenger to play translator.

“Hey! I'm not a stick!” the boy whined.

Noctis pouted, puffing his cheeks out at Leviathan. She turned to him, gaze turned soft once more, and petted his head. When she murmured again in her archaic tongue, he grumbled some breaths and looked down at his feet, her soft ministrations doing little to settle his ire. “I eat! Lots. Like, um, chicken and sandwiches, if there's no tomatoes or lettuce. I like chili too, as long as it doesn't have beans. Beans are gross.”

At this, Leviathan gave him a suffering  look, even tutting at him, before she reached her hand into the waters and pulled out a small trinket. She unclasped her hand and held it to him, allowing his widened eyes to soak in the sight, before dangling the fishing lure in front of Noctis, waving the sparkling obsidian as bait before his eyes.

He reached both hands for it as she snatched it just out of his reach. The god waved her other finger at him, and shook her head, whispering another string of sounds.

“What! Nooo, please, I hate beans.” Noctis lamented, stomping one foot against the stone.

But while she would move the tides and torrents, she would not move for this, it appeared. If there was one thing Regus had to commend her for, it was for withstanding Noctis’ infamous puppy dog eyes. She raised the Leviathan lure higher.

Noctis squeaked, hopping up and down as his fingers barely brushed against the smooth weight of his distant prize. It didn’t take long for him to surrender. “Okay, okay. Fine, I'll try eating more veggies,” he groaned and with an added, “Promise.”

Leviathan laughed, her echoes like the silent cold depths of her seas yet like the thundering crash of her torrents, an odd juxtaposition that seemed to phase in and out of itself. She dropped the lure in the boy’s cupped hands, watching as he turned the shining thing in his hands and marveled at the design.

Before she slipped back into her waters, Leviathan turned her eyes to Regis, a predator’s deadly focus bearing down hard upon the king.

And this, Regis knew, and he didn't need a translator to convey the message. Not with the razor sharp teeth she displayed in her lethal smile, a promise and a threat set at each serrated edge. It was the exact same look he silently exchanged with Clarus, Cor, and Titus when they took it upon themselves to treat Noctis, to bribe for the child's favor in their attempts of nabbing ‘#1 Uncle’ for the month.

“Dad! Look what Leviathan gave me! It looks just like her.” Noctis ran up to Regis, proudly showing off the rare lure. Leviathan took the momentary distraction to swim off.

Regis, taking several deep breaths and willing his nerves to calm, took both of Noctis’ hands in his. He didn’t so much at glance at the gift, and instead focused his eyes on his son, to ground himself through sight and touch. To make sure he wasn’t having a stroke or some hallucination. “I…” — his mouth dry, he cleared his throat and tried again — “Well.” Ah, hell. ”Yes, it certainly does, son.”

Noctis bobbed up and down on his heels, closing his hands around the lure and treating it as precious cargo. “I want to go fishing! Pleaseeee. ”

Regis really should have expected that. And the begging puppy eyes.

But being merely grateful that his son wasn't drowning in the belly of a sea god, he couldn't find himself to be upset. There was, perhaps, a pinch of fear still left, though he would have to later analyze just what that fear was directed at or stemmed from.

“Of course, Noctis. I do believe I'll even have time later this afternoon to join you.” Regis glanced to the waters, expecting Leviathan to emerge again and surprise them all the more. “But could you tell me what she said to us earlier?”

To commune with the gods fell on the shoulders of Oracles and Messengers. Yet for whatever reason, his son seemed to understand the Astrals just fine — another idea to digest at a later time, perhaps over a bottle of whiskey with Cor.

Noctis huffed, obviously offended at his own answer, and poked at his little ribs. “She said I need to eat more.”

[whisperingwillowssds]

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[meta-gamer-blog]

Heroes of the Storm | Valeera Sanguinar

A new Hero has arrived in the Nexus - Valeera Sanguinar. A World of Warcraft character, she is a key part of the Rogue class hall story and the story of Varian Wrynn.

Early Life

Valeera is a Blood Elf. After being orphaned by bandits and surviving the Scourge plague, she ended up in jail before being brought by Rehgar Earthfury to fight as a Gladiator, alongside Broll Bearmantle and an amnesiac human called Varian.

In Dire Maul the three fought and won. Varian earned the name Lo'Gosh and Valeera? Valeera was sold to Helka Grimtotem for her troubles. She escaped her new mistress, and went looking for her friends. It turns out they had escaped too, but were now being hunted by an assassin. Valeera defeated the assassin, barely, before being rescued by Aegwynn, the former Guardian of Tirisfal.

Journey to Stormwind

Aegwynn reunited her with her friends. Lo'Gosh's true identity is revealed - he is the King of Stormwind. Heading home to reclaim his throne, the trio are attacked by Naga. During the fight she absorbs the magical energies of a Naga Trident. Like all Blood Elves, she was born addicted to magic and this act brought that back to the fore.

Landing in Menethil Harbor, the three headed towards the nearest Alliance capital, Ironforge. Another assassin took aim at them - this time a warlock who exploited Valeera's addiction with the Mark of Kathra'Natir. This mark allowed the demon to possess her and she struggled to maintain control. In Ironforge, she attempted to overcome the addiction and the possession. Aegwynn intervened to help her.

In Stormwind, the trio faced off against Onyxia, who had orchestrated the disappearance of the King. He was reinstated, and Valeera became a bodyguard and advisor to the King. Broll and Varian had become the family she never had.

Meryl and Med'an

During the fight against the Scourge, Valeera undertook a mission to save Med'an. He was the son of Medivh and Garona and his mother offered key intelligence in return for his life. She worked with Meryl Winterstorm, an undead mage and the foster father of Med'an. They rescued him, but then found themselves facing Cho'gall. Cho'gall killed Meryl, and Valeera knew it would take an exceptional act to save them.

Valeera absorbed magic from Meryl and Med'an in order to activate the demon within her. Unleashed, he could fend off Cho'gall. Med'an healed Meryl, who teleported them to safety. Med'an, as the son of a Guardian of Tirisfal, had an enormous amount of power. Seeing an opportunity to gain it, the demon Kathra'Natir attempted to gain control of Med'an, but could not. To free Valeera, Meryl took the demon, which he managed to repress (mostly).

Character

Despite all of her connections to both the Horde, through her people, and the Alliance, through her friendship with Varian, Valeera considers herself independent. She becomes part of the Rogue order in Legion.

Valeera's Future?

There is at least one major unfinished storyline for Valeera - her connection to Aegwynn, the now-maybe-this-time-deceased Guardian of Tirisfal. Aegwynn saw greatness in Valeera and she has yet to do anything that would truly fulfil that.

The death of Varian may also impact Valeera. The shadow of her addiction to magic remains over her and grief makes people do crazy things.

In the Emerald Nightmare raid, Il'gynoth the Heart of Corruption whispers cryptic hints to the player.

Her heart is a crater, we have filled it. Valeera has been possessed before. She is a potential candidate for this, though others (Jaina or Azeroth herself) are more likely. Could Valeera be possessed by the Old Gods?

The boy-king serves at the master's table. Three lies he will offer you. If this turns out to be Anduin, Valeera will could well be a key player in dealing with it by rescuing or defeating Anduin.

In the hour of her third death, she will usher in our coming. You know who has died twice? Aegwynn. You know who might not really be dead? Aegwynn. Valeera and Aegwynn's connection could be developed by Aegwynn herself being alive and Valeera being involved with this storyline.