#winter maiden: eira

[witchoflegends]

"It matters because she has something that doesn't belong to her." Eira wasn't one to be possessive of the maiden powers, but she knew the dangers of them being in the wrong hands. So the sooner she could release Maple's powers from the hands of Cinder, the better.

"You don't get to apologize," she said harshly. "Not after so long. Not after all the pain and suffering you have caused humanity."

"....Are you referring to Cinder? I have no idea where that girl currently is.... but that doesnt matter right now...."

Her daughter's reaction was to be expected but she was still felt with sorrow at the sight. What she had done was an unforgivable act towards her innocent daughters...

"......I am sorry, little one. "

[zorkaya-moved]

𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍:

Current Name: "Zarina Hawke" or “Zarina” the Moonseeker Child name: Eira (no longer used) Previously “Adult” name: Eilistraee (no longer used) Age: Unknown due to the Astral Plane’s absence of time Spent time in Faerun: Around 250 years Class: Sorcerer Subclass: Lunar Sorcerer Race: Elf (?) Subrace: Astral Elf (?)  Current patron deity: Sehanine Moonbow Alignment: Neutral Evil Occupation: Owner of the White Night Tavern in Baldur's Gate (current), Informant (on hold), Leader of the "Frigid Moon" syndicate (on hold as she’s considered dead), Investor (on hold), Merchant (on hold), Mercenary (former), Entertainer (former), Researcher (former), Graveyard keeper (former). Background via game mechanics: Criminal Unique fact(s): Does not remember her 'true' name and goes by 'Zarina' because she chose that name for herself back in the Astral Plane, has been prophesied to become divinity with her talents, Elminster knows her personally and knows of her knowledge/powers all too well + knows she’s been to every dead gods’ isle in the Astral Plane, she possesses several legendary relics from gods’ isles in her hidden headquarters that you can get while doing her quest, she has always nerfed herself pre-tadpole and tadpole acts as her power’s limitation.

𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒/𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄:

Researcher of the Dead Gods Keeper of Gods' Graveyard The Prophesied One Slaughterer of Her Kin Death’s Lullaby Multiverse Traveler Winter's Apathy Silver Mistress of Secrets Hiemal Maiden of Lament Lunar Maiden Mistress of Polar Nights The Woman Lady Silver Lily Lamenting Moonmaiden Owner of the White Night Tavern The Frigid Moon

𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓:

An elf you encounter during your study of the Nautiloid. She is a charming, confident and undeniably assertive woman who knows what she wants and knows how to get it. It’s noticeable that she has a way with words but there hides something dangerous, something deeply disturbing and cold. 

Zhentarim upon hearing several words from her suddenly treat you with respect, alas with a tingle of worship when they glance at her smile. 

Pragmatic beyond simple words, she encourages you to make allies with people who’ll be useful to you in the future. Her powers are a mystery, but she refuses to say anything until you get closer. Can you find the truth in this blinding yet chill light of the moon? 

𝐖���𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃?

Zarina can be found on the crashed Nautiloid, specifically in the area where Tav and Shadowheart first encounter enemies. However, unlike the two companions, Zarina isn’t being attacked as she’s not engaging in battle under an invisibility spell.

After you kill all enemies, she will make herself seen and softly chuckle about how she’s seen Tav, Lae’zel, and Shadowheart on the ship (or depending on how your muse as Tav muse acted out on the ship). Zarina explains that she’s been in the hiding and watching their every move, impressed by their abilities; thus, seeking them out to see if they, too, are having an issue with connecting through tadpoles. 

Zarina explains she is interested in reaching Baldur’s Gate after dealing with the tadpole issue, offering to join the campaign of Tav for the future. If you recruit her, she is a powerful sorceress, but you may notice further down the line that her skill-set is rather unique for a sorcerer. Especially if your Tav is a wizard or a sorcerer themselves. 

𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘:

“Zarina” was not born in Faerun nor was she any close to it. She was born to a wonderful family in the Astral Plane within a community of Astral Elves. They lived in seclusion on the isle hidden through illusion created by their goddess whom they worshiped: Sehanine Moonbow. A secluded collection of astral elves made it their path to study what there is and to pray to their goddess. Zarina was known as the brightest mind in the community, reaching heights not many expected even the most genius of their own. Her skills in sorcery were of prodigal status and her mind worked faster than those of fellow children. The elders of the community spoke proudly of the young girl, but they also noticed the lack of warmth in her eyes. Zarina spent many days away from other children closer to her in age, preferring books and choosing a company in those who could meet her intelligent mind face-to-face without making her sigh. Because of that, she was chastised for her arrogance and taught how to interact with others better. It helped because her younger brother was there to help her out get along with other kids. 

As years go by, the community changes their perception of Zarina quite a lot, letting her travel outside of their community as she showed great interest in research. Her status in the community was higher than ever, her smile gentle and calm as she would teach others whenever she came back from her travels. Her adult name was chosen and she’d gather far more knowledge than anyone ever expected. Only her family knew the truths to her core self, still never changing apathy remained deep inside her soul and it only turned to feelings around them - her family. Not the community, but those she deemed her family. Her father and her brothers. 

The days of her travels hid away the talents that started to bloom fully. Astral Plane allowed her to travel for long periods of time, gathering knowledge of other stories and other races living in the Astral Plane. Knowledge of war, of magic, of politics, of selling and buying, of praying and of breaking out of religion. During these travels, Zarina did not need to hide away who she was - ambitious, calm, perceptive, observant, and assertive. There was no need to pretend to be a gentle soul before others, her hand could kill as much as save. The sensation of power was growing and so did her magic. It allowed her to study the isles of dead gods. Each one of them, every single one of them. Her study of them was as in-depth as one could go, but how was she allowed to travel through them if they were guarded? That’s where her powers would come in. Illusions, disguises, stealth, and more. The divinity would still shine there and it would respond to her so tenderly, but the Astral Elf did not know at that point just how much was she changing over those years. Each isle granted more powers, more relics, more reasons to wonder just what else is out there. Countless diaries were hidden through magic, stored somewhere where only she could reach. To her, surviving on those isles was exciting, interesting, and fascinating. She never destroyed them, never took more than she needed, and never left a big enough mark to let others know she’s been there. However, the beings there would always remember her: the Keeper of Gods' Graveyard. 

The undead fell, the powerful entities responded to her, the enemies were dominated to let her do what she wished for. She was overwhelmed with power, but on her way home after studying the last isle, Zarina found herself disliking the way her talents prospered. The words spoken from the last isle’s habitants made her wonder if she was still herself or if she was something else. Concerned filled her mind as she started to notice how apathy and boredom would start to cloud her mind, making everything else seem dull and uninteresting. The passage of time didn’t exist in the Astral Plane like it did in other worlds. Her knowledge was passed to certain people, she met with those who will know the history of Faerun. Such as Elminster, exchanging legendary relics and discussing Dead Gods’ isles. They were sages who sought out knowledge, but Elminster did tell Zarina to return to her home before it’s too late for her. What did he mean by that? The power coursing through her veins was flowing, but it was slowly erasing something within her.  

And so, Zarina returned to her community… 

Before her arrival, let’s speak about those who do visit the remote community of the Astral Elves. Travelers, sages, mages. Those who do not bear ill will to their community outside of it are let in, the Moonbow’s blessing protects them endlessly through illusion. However, the words spoken by the travelers after they saw who the community considers their “beloved priestess” have shaken the community. They spoke about the fears, the blood, the winter’s apathy, the cold aura, the eyes of gold shining. They were tested on truth, they were tested and they were proven right… Even though they did not leave the community’s grounds for a way to get the information’s trustworthiness came from spells used. 

By the time Zarina arrived, there had also appeared a prophecy. A prophecy that made her family immediately find the silverette and drag her to their shared house, stating that they must leave their community. While Zarina was away, the prophecy spoke of something catastrophic happening and the traveler who arrived only made the elders go along with their terrible path… But was it really terrible from their perspective? They only wished to protect their goddess’ shine and their community’s safety. 

“Daughter of the Moon shall taint the image of brilliant and pure light, her sins will sink deeply into the future for she has tasted the power she’ll use for her personal gain. Her ambition has corrupted her and she lost her purity. The one with eyes of gold and hair of silver shall become the evil goddess, one who’ll lose her humanity and become the end to those who love her the most.”

The family pretended that they’ll be loyal to the decisions of the community, but they did not wish to see their kin killed. They loved her, they loved her more than anything and they knew that she was not going to turn into a monster as long as she has those she loves around them. While they are there, there will be warmth in her heart and she’ll be gentle. There will be fluffy snow instead of sharp icicles, but the community did not think so. The ‘traitors’ were found and they were dragged out. Zarina begged in tears to let them go and that she’ll do whatever they wished as long as they didn’t touch her family, she’ll leave but they did not have it. The traitors were deemed as those who were tainted and who were corrupted, dangerous to their community and to the future. If their deity gave them this prophecy, they did not wish to go against it. The evil must be exterminated, they must protect their community, their home, their families, their faith. 

And so, the blood of ‘traitors’ was spilled before the very golden eyes of one who was the center of the said prophecy. The Prophesied One did not remember exactly what happened after, but she remembered the stench of blood. Pools, pools of blood. It looked like a horror picture, a grotesque showcase of cruelty and evil. Every single elf was dead, their expressions frozen in fear, no kid and no elder survived. No cattle and no animals, nothing and no one. A weapon in her hands was light and she felt her lungs burn, but she felt empty. She felt nothing but emptiness. The apathy filling her mind and soul, she felt nothing when looking at those corpses and that bloodshed. The only moment she felt something when she found her family’s corpses, breaking down in tears. She tried to use the spell to speak with the dead, but they all told her one thing: go on, live, leave us. It was the last time when she was ever seen in her community, her home was destroyed and erased from reality with her spells. 

Her next target was the group of travelers who led to this outcome. And she found them, and she killed them. It didn’t make anything better. She still felt empty, hollow, void of any emotion. It was too late.

PART II: Travel to Faerun to be added. PART III: Life in Faerun to be added.

[witchoflegends]

@grcwingstrcng 

“James! Stop!” Eira called after him as Maple moved to intercept the General’s path. The sisters had come running at the sound of a blast in the area of the prison cells. What they discovered was unlike anything they thought the General to be capable of. Sure, he was under a lot of stress and Jacques Schnee wasn’t the best of people, but that wasn’t an excuse for what Ironwood had done.

Maple swiped at him with the blunt end of her spear to knock him back a bit. “What are you doing?” She asked as she came to stand in front of him. “You’re going to destroy everything. Yourself included.”

[writersrealmbts]

Frosted Glass: Part 2

Description: Yoongi is in love with the princess of another land, and he’s given the opportunity to court her, with the help of his brothers. You are the princess of the country south of the frozen kingdom, but you’ve gotten a deadly disease and your only home is to venture and live in the icy north. Will Yoongi be able to win your hand with the help of his brothers?

Warnings: N/A

Posted: 02/01/2020

Tags: Yoongi x reader, Prince!Yoong, Prince!Jaebum, Prince!Yesung, Prince!Yeonjun, Prince!Hwall, Frost Prince, Jack Frost! Yoongi

?: 1,966 words

A/N: Second part posted as my soul leaves my bodies and winter semester slump sets in.

You stood tall, despite feeling like you were about to drop dead. You had no choice.

“Presenting Princess Y/n, second daughter of the kingdom of Cierova,” The man announcing you to the royal family of Godeuleum continued to drone on and on about your lineage.

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. They knew who you were. They had invited you. You just wanted to shut his mouth and make this supposedly essential greeting go more quickly. You wanted to lay down. The cold felt amazing, but the journey had exhausted you and you had been ill for quite some time now.

“We welcome you, Princess, we were sorry to hear of your illness. I’ve had our healers prepare a room for you to recover in before we discuss treaties,” Crown Prince Yesung said the moment the man stopped to draw breath. “I’m sure you’re exhausted. Jisoo will lead you to your room directly and my brothers and father will greet you when you are recovered and ready to meet them.” He had a soft smile that was kind as he gestured toward a maid.

You curtsied, but lost your balance.

“Careful,” A different voice said, catching your arms and supporting you with hands so cold you could feel it through the sleeves of your dress.

You closed your eyes, feeling dizzy, but when you opened them you were looking at dark blue silk, embroidered with black. Pale hands carefully gripping your arms and holding you steady, long fingers that looked oddly attractive.

You managed to look up at the face of the one who assisted you.

He was breathtaking.

You shook your head, trying to clear the delirious thoughts, but caught a glimpse of the crown on his head. “I apologize, I think…”

He released one arm, and pressed his icy hand to your forehead. “Your fever has risen again. Jisoo, get her to her room. I’ll send the healers directly.”

“Yes, Prince Yoongi,” The maid that must have been Jisoo said, curtsying to him before his older brother. She came and supported you as he carefully released your arms. “This way, Princess.”

You let her lead you away, glancing back at the icy prince who had caught you, and his brother. There was something almost familiar about him.

Not that you saw much of anyone for the next few days, too busy getting treated, feeling more alive as you limbs went numb from cold than you had in the past two months since you’d contracted that confounding illness. It gave you time to adjust, really. Time to come to terms with the fact that you would most likely spend the rest of your life here, married to one of the princes. You knew it wouldn’t be the eldest, Yesung, because he was recently betrothed to some princess from an even icier kingdom than Godeumleum—Princess Eira. But the king had three other sons of marriageable age, though you knew the one was on the much younger edge of being old enough to marry. And then there was the youngest son, who was apparently away at school.

You found yourself at the window one morning after the fever broke, looking out, but then noticing the designs in the frost on the pains.

You grinned and carefully examined it. You hadn’t seen the designs of your frost-friend in a long time. Not since that morning a while back, when the design had been incomplete and you’d been unable to keep yourself standing. You hadn’t been able to check the windows since, too ill. You were honestly surprised you were even able to stand upright on your own while initially being welcomed to the kingdom by Prince Yesung.

Your frost friend had drawn flowers and trees, a little frost landscape. You sighed happily, glad that whoever it was hadn’t completely abandoned you anyway. It made sense that they’d be here as well, since this was the kingdom of all things cold. The Kingdom of Old Man Winter and his Frost Princes, of Ice Princesses from the highest and coldest of mountains, and snow during all seasons of the year.

It was probably a good thing you liked winter as much as you did. You learned how to skate as a child, and had continued practicing as you grew. You’d helped the children of the capitol city make snowmen, and you frequently took your horse for a brief canter through the winter woods. You conversed with ice fishermen. Then you would go home and curl up with your furs next to the hearth fire, drinking tea and hoping all of the townsfolk were warm through the night. You didn’t have power, or access to any sort of money—your mother had been making all of the purchases for you—and the townsfolk knew it. They knew you couldn’t help them as you would like when you would bring the children food you had pilfered from the castle kitchens to try and help those you knew were struggling. They knew when you would “lose” a scarf that you had wrapped around a child that looked too cold, or a hat that you had shoved onto the head of a maiden that looked chilled to the bone.

You were always warmly welcomed in the village. As the youngest of six you were left much to your own devices, frequently absconding to the towns and villages to check their welfare.

But now, marrying one of the princess of this kingdom would be the best way you could aid your own kingdom. It would result in better trade agreements, ease travel through the mountain regions, and you wouldn’t be a burden to your kingdom’s finances any longer.

You dressed in one of your favorite gowns with the help of the maids, then exited your room for the first time in a week. You were to dine with the royal family, and the dress was more than appropriate, however you started doubting your choice as you noticed most people wearing clothes in blues, purples, whites, blacks, browns, and some greens—meanwhile you stood out in your pale pink gown. It wasn’t even that bright, and yet you felt as though you were standing out in such a terrible way.

“Y/n?”

You looked toward the voice, seeing another woman with a delicate tiara on her head, pale as snow.

She dropped a slight curtsy and you mimicked it, shaking a little. “It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Eira, of the Ice Mountains. It is good to see you are well, and we are happy you are to join us this evening. Shall we walk to the hall together?”

You nodded, smiling a little and taking her arm. “Sorry, I am still a little shaky on my own feet.”

“Of course you are, you have been so very ill. I am so sorry. That must have been hard, especially so far from family. But you look wonderful, and that dress is astounding on you. An excellent choice,” She said.

You wondered if she was buttering you up. Nobody was this nice.

“We should have lunch together, the family usually have duties that go through midday meals, but I could use the company. I am so accustomed to being surrounded by the women of the mountains all the time and here I am surrounded by men, but now that you are here, perhaps we can find some sort of common ground over a meal together?” She looked at you with such genuine friendliness that you knew that she was being honest. About everything. Her compliments, her invitation, everything. It reminded you of something one of your childhood friends used to tell you, that only black ice knew how to lie.

“I think that sounds lovely, I could bring my embroidery,” You replied, smiling back and feeling a little better.

She visibly brightened, her smile becoming dazzling. “Oh! Yes, that would be excellent! I could work on lace and you could embroider and we could just enjoy one another’s company! Oh, I am so glad to have another woman here.”

You giggled, squeezing her arm. “I can tell.”

“Oh! Yeonjun! Have you met Princess Y/n?” Eira called to a young man that was talking to a guard.

He looked over and smiled, bowing as you curtsied. “I have not, but it is a pleasure to meet you, Princess. I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. My father is eager to meet you at last.”

You curtsied again, feeling a little shy at the thought of meeting the king. You’d heard so many legends about him, and you wondered how many were true.

Yeonjun offered both of you his arms, and you both took one, allowing him to escort both of you in. You could tell that he was too young for you, kind and definitely would be a sweet brother, but altogether too young. Still, his kindness warmed you.

The King stood to greet you, gesturing for you to take a seat right away. “I would hate to keep you on your feet, I know you are still recovering. We are mightily pleased to have you here with us, Princess. You are most welcome. It’s high time that a treaty came about between our two countries, seeing as you’re our only neighbors.”

“I believe both of our kingdoms could greatly benefit from an alliance as well,” You agreed quietly. “I am happy to be here, and thank you for your hospitality. Without it, I fear I would have been much worse.”

“Someday that blasted disease will be cured, but we’re glad we were able to help you so quickly. You have met my eldest son, Yesung, and my second youngest, Yeonjun, but may I introduce my second eldest son, Yoongi, and my third eldest, Jaebum, and my youngest, Hyunjoon.”

You dipped your head since the king had been quite insistent on you sitting. “A pleasure, gentleman.”

“And you’ve met Princess Eira.”

You smiled toward the woman, nodding. “We have met, yes.”

She grinned back at you from beside Prince Yesung. “She has charming manners, my king. I approve of her very much.” She sat as Yesung pulled her chair for her.

“I believe there are very few of whom you do not approve, my dear,” Yesung said, the affection palpable in his voice as he gently pushed her chair in once more. He sat beside her, the King on his other side.

Yoongi sat next, then Jaebum, then the youngest two seemed to sit at the same time. You were across from Prince Yesung, but Yoongi sat beside you.

The youngest started telling the King about some of his activities from school and you glanced at Yoongi beside you.

“I was unable to thank you for catching me when I first arrived,” You said softly, knowing you were allowed to have your own conversations since Jaebum, Eira, and Yesung were chatting with each other.

He shook his head slightly. “You should have been shown directly to a room to recover. You are feeling better?”

You nodded. “Yes, thank you.”

He smiled softly, just barely, but it felt strangely warm for a frost prince. “Good. Once you’re fully recovered, I could show you the town.”

“That would be lovely, thank you.” You thought it strange that the one you’d heard had the coldest demeanor was so…friendly? Maybe they had it wrong.

Yeonjun caught your attention, striking up a conversation where you told him about summer activities in response to his curiosity about what one did in “extreme” heat.

You were very aware of the presence beside you, watching you casually, listening. It felt…so familiar. Again. But you couldn’t quite put your finger on why, but it excited you.

–

Previous.  Next.

Masterlist.  Yoongi Masterpost.

Tagging: @alex–awesome–22​  @bryvada​  @missmoxxiesworld​  @knjhe​ @agustdgeniuslab​ 

(Please remember to comment on the Taglist masterpost if you want to be tagged)

[theoriginalsuki]

Hi! For the name thing (if ur still doing it) a female or unisex name, I like art , reading, and winter/snow ❄️

Your Welsh name is Gwyneira, pronounced gwen-ay-ra, which means “white snow.”  It can be shortened either to Gwyn or Eira, “white” and “snow,” respectively.  Or go with the full name for a feminine, lyrical feel.  Like you stepped out of a Snow Maiden fairy tale!  A true Snow White!

Thanks for the ask!

[omgrachwrites]

May Queen (Loki Laufeyson)

Pairing: OC x Loki

Summary: Astrid, the princess of Vanaheimr relocates to Asgard to seal a betrothal to the youngest prince. She soon finds happiness and a multitude of new friends. Unfortunately treachery and deceit lie in the court of Asgard in unlikely places, and she learns that true love never dies.

Warnings: little bit of angst, little bit of fluff, mentions of death, slowburn

Words: 2188

A/N: Sorry for the wait on this one guys but I hope you guys enjoy! Please let me know what you think and if you would like to be tagged, I love you all very much! xxx

Part Two -  The tourney

Astrid had awoken that morning – the morning that some may say her life began and ended all at once – to see with delight that the frost on the windowpane had all but melted away. Happily and with much joy in her stride she hurried to look outside, over the expansive lands of the palace grounds and the princess saw that the frost had also melted on the emerald green grass. Even from the top of the tower in her chambers she could see the moisture sparkling like precious gems beneath the watery late winter sunlight.

Astrid took the sunlight – no matter how weak it was – and the melted frost as a sign that winter was finally all but over and spring was finally on its way after what felt like an age. Truly, she couldn’t wait to bask in the warm sun again and smell the sweet perfumes of the spring flowers, animals would soon be coming out of their long hibernation and baby animals would be born. The castle would soon be alive with music and the sweet voices of the bards singing of valiant heroes as they came to the palace to pledge their allegiance and loyalty to Queen Eira and her daughter. Winter was a lonely and quiet season with so few bards and performers making the long trip to the palace.

Astrid despised the winter more than any other season, of course the snow was always quite pretty at first but it soon grew rather tiresome, not to mention dangerous. Astrid had been born in the warmest and prettiest spring, her father always used to jest and say that fire lived in his daughter’s veins in place of blood. A couple of winters ago Astrid had gotten so sick from the cold that she’s almost withered and died in her bed, though she didn’t remember much of anything during that time. She hated the cold most of all – and cold people to boot. She hated the way that the cold seemed to creep inside of her and squeeze her heart.

The air that morning was fresh and crisp, it smelled like wet grass and forgotten dreams, she was having breakfast on the balcony of her chambers with Mara. Astrid was licking the honey and crumbs from the delicate pads of her fingers and she was reaching over the table to take another delicious morsel of honey cake when the Queen’s squire interrupted them with a message.

“The Queen requests your presence in her chambers my lady,” he paused with a look of disdain as Mata rose along with her mistress, “alone. There is no need for your maid,” he scowled, his upper lip twitched with disgust. The Queen’s squire had been a boy that Astrid had played with as a child and he’d always been incredibly sweet. Unfortunately, once he was given just a little bit of power it changed him for the worst.

“Do me a kindness,” Astrid hissed, “and never insult my handmaiden again or it may be the last thing you ever do,” she gave Mara a smile and in return she got a beaming grin back. Astrid narrowed her eyes at the squire before she departed from her chambers and she made to see her mother.

When Eira bade Astrid entry into her chambers a small bubble of worry and fear inflated within Astrid’s chest. The Queen looked extremely stressed; her normally elaborate raven hair was wild and askew around her pale face as she paced the length of the long room.

“Mother?” Eira’s head shot up when she heard the sound of her daughter’s sweet voice, “whatever is the matter?” Astrid asked.

Eira smiled serenely – or at least she tried to – as she combed her fingers through Astrid’s long soft hair and she motioned for the princess to sit down. She pressed a goblet of warm milk into Astrid’s hands; it had been sweetened with honey and cinnamon.

“I should have told you this years ago but it wasn’t always set in stone,” Eira muttered more to herself, Astrid raised an eyebrow and gestured for her mother to continue, “do you remember when you were fifteen and you fell in love with Erik? Do you remember what your father said when we both found out?”

Astrid frowned at her mother, that had happened over six years ago, she couldn’t think why her mother was bringing it up now, “yes, I remember. He said that if it was possible for me to marry for love then I could,” the King had always been very kind like that.

The Queen nodded and it looked like she was composing herself for what she had to say next, “about two months before your father died he had been conversing with Odin, the King of Asgard. He proposed a match between you and one of his sons; he thought that a marriage would be a good idea. If we were allied with the Asgardians it would more than likely send a powerful message to our enemies. Your father died before he and Odin could finalise the betrothal and we needed time to grieve for your father.”

Astrid sat there for a moment, gaping at her mother, she knew that her father had meant well but she just couldn’t help but feel horrendously betrayed, her father had lied to her. It took her a couple more moments before she could answer mother, “okay. So if the betrothal wasn’t finalised why tell me at all?” she whispered but she both knew and feared the answer.

Eira chewed her lip and placed a letter on the little table that separated them, “I received a letter from Odin yesterday morning, he wants the betrothal to be made final and he offers his youngest son Loki.”

Astrid knew why it was only now that Odin was so eager for her to be married into his household; his enemies had presumably lifted their gaze to Asgard. A sort of manic fear washed over Astrid, she didn’t want to marry this prince, and she didn’t want to be sold off like a common mule. She’d heard stories about women who married men they didn’t know and they were never seen again. Asgard and Vanaheimr were formidable fortresses but on their own they couldn’t hope to defeat all their enemies.

“I don’t want to,” she said simply, “I don’t want to marry someone that I do not know, I want to marry Erik. But I’m sure you’ve already accepted Odin’s offer, telling me was just so I don’t make a fuss.

Eira’s eyes that were normally so soft and kind hardened for just a second but in that second Astrid hated her.

“Sometimes we have to do things that we don’t want to do. Do you think that I wanted to marry your father? Thankfully I fell in love with him and you may be lucky enough to fall in love with Loki. You will both have a chance to get to know each other before you marry. He and his family will be joining us for the tourney in a months’ time so I don’t want to hear another word about it. Also, your Erik is promised to another.”

“Yes mother,” Astrid muttered like a dutiful daughter, trying not to feel it when her heart split into two and she quickly departed from the room and her mother’s presence.

When Astrid arrived back at her own chambers and she couldn’t stop herself from cursing her mother, her father and the youngest Prince of Asgard along with them. Mara dutifully listened and Astrid was so angry that she didn’t see the saddened longing expression on her handmaiden’s face. In the end Mara suggested that they sit outside under the trees and it seemed to calm down the princess considerably.

“Do you think that Loki of Asgard is going to be handsome?” Astrid asked as Mara combed her hair until it shone a couple of days before the tourney. Mara ceased in her movement for just a second.

“If he was would that make you forgive your mother?” Mara grinned at her through the golden gilded looking glass.

“No,” when Erik had heard about the betrothal he caused such a fuss and he hadn’t spoken a word to her since – even though he was engaged to another – there would be no forgiveness for that.

----------------------------------------------------------

Loki glanced at Thor to see an identical glum expression on his brother’s face and Loki knew why. Their father had forbidden Thor to ride out in front of the carriage; the older Asgardian would draw too much attention with his inability to stay quiet. At least Thor doesn’t have to marry someone he doesn’t know Loki thought bitterly. He had been so angry when his father told him that a betrothal had been arranged for him. He’d gotten so angry that he’d smashed his mirror and in the shattered fragments he thought that he’d seen his eyes turn red. Later on, when he’d calmed down he had decided that it was just a trick of the light.

The younger prince sighed and rested his chin on his hand as his icy blue eyes followed the world that was streaming past the carriage window. The land was beautiful; they travelled through lands of trickling streams, expansive lush forests and even a farm that had a little windmill.

“Oh cheer up brother!” Thor boomed, his voice even louder than usual in the small space of the carriage. Loki winced as Thor slapped his shoulder, “she may be a beautiful maiden.”

Loki rolled his eyes, Thor would never understand, he had always been the favourite, “I always have the worst luck so she probably looks like a toothless crone. Now leave me alone and let me sleep,” Loki hissed, leaning against the side of the carriage as he closed his eyes.

Loki could not say how long he’d slept for, maybe it had been for a couple of hours or maybe it had been a couple of days but he was awoken by Thor as they were crossing a little stone bridge. Loki’s first view of Vanaheimr was a magnificent beautiful white castle that was nestled deep into the mountains; it was a thing of fairy-tale.

As the Odinsons stepped out of their carriage Loki spotted the royal family standing in front of the castle, waiting to greet them. Loki’s eyes should have been fixed on the princess who looked very fine in silks of periwinkle blue and a crown of winter roses to match in her hair. However, he looked straight past her to the young woman with long golden hair. As he walked closer and vaguely heard his father and mother introduce themselves to the Queen, the similarities grew unnerving, the woman with the golden hair looked a lot like the fairy he’d met in the forest all those years ago.

“Prince Loki, it is an honour,” Loki quickly drew his attention to his future bride and saw with shock that she was really very beautiful – after all her name translated to ‘divine beauty.’ She had a lovely heart shaped face and big doe eyes with rosebud lips.

“Princess Astrid,” he muttered, kissing the top of her hand like he’d been taught to, “the honour is mine, I have not seen a sight more lovely than you. Truly.”  The princess had the grace to blush.

Loki was still feeling slightly unnerved when he sat by Astrid’s side in the stands to watch the tourney, her handmaiden was called Mara but it couldn’t possibly be his Mara. That was just completely impossible, though he longed to have just a moment with her. He scolded himself whenever that thought entered his head.  Loki was less than impressed with the tourney, with all that singing of the bards and the clanging of steel on steel as the knights fought for honour.

The tourney was much more what Thor loved, Loki would have loved nothing more than to seek out the library and seal himself inside with a good book until his wedding day. He really did have little interest in getting to know Astrid and he was sure that his mother knew that. Though, he had to admit that she was very lovely as she told him all about the knights from their noble houses.

On the second day of the tourney Queen Eira honoured and delighted Thor by asking him if he wanted to compete in the tourney. Loki was given the same offer but he politely declined. Loki allowed himself to clap and cheer as his brother rode to meet his opponent, a young boy not much older than Loki with flames in his hair.

Loki noticed the misty eyed looks that his future wife was giving Thor’s opponent. He also noticed the way Astrid’s face fell when the boy rode up and asked a lady with silver blonde hair to tie her favour onto his lance. It seemed like Loki wasn’t the only one with a secret and secrets never seemed to last too long at his father’s court.

---------------------------------------------------------- 

@theonelittleone @void-imaginations

[frznkingdom]

“🎵“ all your muses :3

Send “🎵“ and I’ll reply with a song that’s related to my muse and I’ll explain why

Eira - Take Flight (Lindsey Stirling)

Essentially, much like how the main 4 of RWBY got their own trailers, this is the song I'd pick if Eira had her own trailer. For starters, she plays the violin and I can easily see her being able to play this song. Second, her semblance gives her wings. And thirdly, the title hits at her longing to "take flight" and flee the life that others are trying to force her into. She wants to be free and make her own decisions.

Laurel - Calm the Fire (Alter Bridge)

I picked this because it matches how much Laurel wants the fighting between humans and faunus to stop. If they're going to fight the bigger threat, they need to do so together, but there's too much chaos and anger. She just wants everyone to love each other.

Midnight - You're Going Down (Sick Puppies)

It mainly fights Midnight’s tendency to be overconfident and resort to violence.

Myrtle - I am the Fire (Halestorm)

This would work for much later in the series, as it takes a long time for Myrtle to develop the confidence she needs. But when it does, this is her song of triumph.

Nera - Welcome To The Playground (from Arcane)

Since I based Nera on The Pied Piper, I mainly see this as a song that would play when she’s taking in a child out of the cold, miserable conditions of Mantle slums to give them a home. She wants to promise them a better future even when they’re surrounded by bleakness. It also fits with her creepy/darker aesthetic.

Gale - Legends Never Die (Against the Current)

Since she’s the winter maiden, I mainly see this connecting to the story of the maidens and how the powers transfer between people, ensuring that someone always has possession of the magic.

[witchoflegends]

@aureumdraconeus​​ liked for a RWBY starter: Yang

“It seems like you and your sister are the only set of siblings that didn’t get separated. Though, I can only imagine how everyone else is feeling.” Eira wished she knew where they were, but even she didn’t remember ever seeing a place like this.

[witchoflegends]

@invernc cause it’s Winter’s birthday

“We heard it was your birthday!” Dawn, the youngest of the sisters, beamed excitedly as she stepped up to the serious looking military officer. Her hands held behind her back as her sisters approached at a much more acceptable pace. “So we thought we’d get you something! Though... we didn’t have time to wrap anything... Still!” Bringing her hands in front of her, she revealed a small pot full of white and blue violas of different shades.

“We weren’t terribly sure what you’d like,” Kyra, the second youngest said as she pulled out a book. It was a new romance novel that she had heard was becoming quite popular.

“So we each got you something different.” Maple, the next sister revealed a medium sized candle that would smell like a perfect fall day when lit.

“You don’t have to accept if you don’t like them,” Eira, the eldest sister assured her. She opened up her hand palm up, and presented her with a simple chain necklace with a piece of aqua aura quartz on the end. 

[witchoflegends]

@grcwingstrcng​ gets something we briefly talked about: Winter

“I need you to know that it wasn’t my intention to take the potential of the maiden powers away from you.” Eira had discovered that the general had decided to try and control who the powers went to. When she had went to speak to him about the matter, she ended up sharing more than she problem should have. Revealing at least part of her origins to him in the process.

“As whole as I might feel when the powers are returned to me, they haven’t belonged to anyone in a terribly long time. I simply wanted to work with you. I didn’t think he’d make a decision like this.”

[witchoflegends]

@aureumdraconeus​ gets another Eira thing: Penny

Eira could feel the power, her power, radiating off the girl. If it wasn’t for her being able to feel the power of the Winter Maiden, she would have such assumed the girl was another body or a random person passed out on the ground. So she had stayed, trying to coax the girl awake. “It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you,” she assured the girl when she finally came to. “Looks like you had a pretty nasty fall. Let’s get you somewhere safer. Warmer.”

[witchoflegends]

@aureumdraconeus​ liked for a Eira starter: Salem

Eira stared at the woman she once called her mother. Drawing her swords, she prepared for the worst. She didn’t know what to expect. Not when Salem looked more like a monster than she remembered her mother ever looking. “What are you doing? Why are you doing this?”

[witchoflegends]

@grcwingstrcng​ continued from here

“I’m good, but thank you.” It was late, but Eira couldn’t bring herself to sleep. It was surreal to her. Being with her father again after so long. Seeing what he had built and allowed to flourish. So she sat in front of the fountain that was in the center of the courtyard. It was where Glynda had found her.

“How much do you know? How much has he told you?” It was obvious that her father trusted the woman, and she was curious as to how privy she was to his past. How much she knew about her or her sisters, if at all.

[witchoflegends]

indie multi-muse - multi-fandom - selective

                              featuring the original maidens from RWBY

                                               Eira (Winter Maiden)

                                               Maple (Fall Maiden)

                                              Kyra (Summer Maiden)

                                              Dawn (Spring Maiden)                                     

[witchoflegends]

Like for a starter from Eira (original Winter Maiden)

[witchoflegends]

I wanted to write down some of my thoughts regarding the maidens and the relics. More specifically, the correlation between them and the relics they’re tasked to protect in regards to how I play the original maidens.

I fully believe that Oz had a reason to pair each maiden with their relic. Everything he does is too thought out for him to just pick a random maiden to go with a random relic. I also believe he used his daughters’ personalities to at least partly determine which maiden to connect to which relic. So he either chose the maiden that would most represent the relic in question, or would be least likely to be suspected for each relic. Personally, I think it’s the latter. Mainly due to my own characterization of the original maidens, but still.

So, let’s start with Kyra. She is the original Summer Maiden, who is tasked to protect the sword aka the Relic of Destruction. I wanted to start with her, cause I find hers the most interesting. The way I write Kyra, she is the most interested in learning and innovation out of the sisters. Which is ironic that she would be protecting the Relic of Destruction. Then again, it makes a lot of sense. Kyra would be the least likely out of her and her sisters to want to use the relic. She’s all about creating, and bringing new things into the world. So there’s no reason she would want to open the vault and use that relic.

Then we have Maple, the Fall Maiden. The one tasked with protecting the crown, or the Relic of Choice. This relic works by giving the user random visions of the future. Now, fall is arguably the season of change. So, one would think that it would be perfect for the Fall Maiden to be given the Relic of Choice. That they’d want to use it. However, for change to really take root, you do have to be focused on what you’re doing in the present, and Maple is very much a person that is grounded in the present. Her past motivates her, but she cares the most about the here and now. So she’s not going to want to use the relic, because there would be no point to it for her. 

Then there’s Dawn. The Spring Maiden that protects the lamp, aka the Relic of Knowledge. Now, Dawn is the kind of person that has this gentle kind of wisdom. She’s not looking for answers that she herself cannot find. Dawn is the type of person that learns from the world around her and her own experiences. Nothing else. So she has no need or want for the Relic of Knowledge. It’s just not something she cares about.

Lastly, we come to Eira. The Winter Maiden and the staff, or Relic of Creation. As a person, Eira prefers to work with things that already exist. She uses the world around her to her advantage. Taking in all the little details and using them how she needs. She’s not interested in creating new things when she feels like she already has all that she would need in any given situation. So the Relic of Creation doesn’t really concern her. 

So, this is kind of my long winded way of explaining how, with my interpretation of the four original maidens, Oz chose their roles specifically. Maybe a part of him hoped that his daughters’ personalities would rub off on those that held the powers. Or maybe that the powers would search out like minded souls. So he wanted to make sure that as much was accounted for as possible.

Which is why he connected the maidens to the relics by using his daughters’ personalities. As well as why he chose to pair them up in the way he did. If you pair them up with their opposite, then they’re less likely to be used by the only people that can get to them. Meaning that they’re safer, and more protected.

It would also make sense that he would thing this way when initially locking up the relics and first discovering the maiden powers. Since even he doesn’t fully understand how they work. So he was just working with what little knowledge he had. Which was based on his daughters. The girls that originally held these powers.