#y'all she was a hat stall my god

[void-ink-studios]

Oh Glob, He's Been Kidnapped

A silly romp through Ooo, with a touch of bitter sweet at the end. I hope you enjoy y'all!

A few sidenotes:

I've started picturing the Organizer's voice like Agent 47's handler, Diana Burnwood, in the new Hitman games. No idea why, just felt like it fit her.

Random thought that might end up as it's own post, but I find the idea funny if Scarab's species had no real concept of gender, and Scarab just accepted he/him pronouns because that's what everyone in the pantheon used for him and he just shrugged and accepted it.

Next time, as suggested by @scumbkat I think it's about time Scarab gained his own Nightmare aspect.

Fun fact, this was the instalment to push this series over 100 pages in the google doc.

Word Count: 2,500

Of all things Scarab had expected on this "field trip" (as Prismo put it) to the land of Ooo, this was not one of them.

Where in Glob's name did Prismo go?

Seriously, Scarab had turned his back for, like, maybe 10 seconds. And when he turned back, the human shaped mage Prismo was disguised as was just... up and gone.

At first he thought he had wondered off to another shop in market or something, but Scarab had scoured this place top to bottom at least 3 times, and no sign of the Wishmaster anywhere.

He climbed the tallest stall he could find, earning him some choice curses, and nothing.

It wasn't as if Scarab was nervous or anything. Prismo was a god. One of the most powerful in the multiverse. Just because he was currently human shaped did not make him as vulnerable as one.

But, well, this trip was kind of off the books. If Prismo got his body killed somewhere, they'd have the Organizer to answer to, and Scarab was not particularly looking for a scolding next time she visited for tea.

"Prism!" He called the fake name the Wishmaster had given himself, trying to shout over the chaotic crowd. "Prism, where did you go? We're supposed to be heading back soon! Prism!"

All that got him was annoyed looked from the people trying to pass by him.

Great.

"Hey, big knight dude" a voice called. Scarab momentarily forgot what he looked like, confused at this address. But, yes, he recalled now. He looked much more like a knight, his shell conveniently passing for armor with a bit more flair. He turned in search for the voice. "Over here, man!"

A human. Or, Scarab was pretty sure he was human, he looked enough like Prismo's body to be somewhat confident. He was tall, muscular, with a mess of blond hair spilling out the back of his hat. A mechanical arm waved him over.

Scarab shook off his frantic edges, striding over with an air of confidence.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"You need help, man? Heard to yelling for someone, and I saw you pacing around the place. What's going on?"

"Oh, I seem to have lost my traveling companion. I turned my back for a few seconds, and poof, gone."

"What's he look like?"

Scarab examined the human a little closer. Big smile, sword on the hip, an attitude similar to a happily suicidal puppy. Hmm.

"And how do I know you don't have something to do with his disappearance?"

"Nah man, I'm super good! I'm the hero in these parts."

Scarab decided that, if worst came to worst, he could take him.

"...I'll choose to believe you for now, hero. Short stature, brown skin, long curly gray hair and beard, most garish pink wizard robes possible? Enough jewelry to be mistaken for a treasure chest? Old?"

"Hmmm..."

"Hey, didn't we see someone like that walking around with those weirdo wizards" a new voice chimed in. Scarab's head snapped to the new comer, spotting a... dog? Rainicorn? Both? She didn't have discernable eyes, but very long almost platinum blond hair that had been fashioned into a hammock in the tree.

The hero thought for a second.

"Oh yeah, that's right Junior! Man, I knew those creeps were trouble!"

"You know these characters?"

"They're quick to sniff around anyone with a hint of magic junk" Junior supplied. "Tried cutting my hair for rainbow powers of whatever."

"What for?"

"We're not sure" the hero sighed. "They keep harassing wizards and stuff, but no one's really gone with them before. You guys new here?"

"You could say that, yes. We're passing through."

"Man, sorry about that. But, if they dragged your bud away, I think I know where they went!"

Scarab released a long-suffering sigh, rubbing his hand under his helmet.

"Glob, Prism, of course, of course you'd get yourself accidentally kidnapped the second I turn my back."

"You don't sound to worried" Junior said.

"I'm not. Prism is more than capable of taking care of himself. But, it is... inconvenient. He probably thinks this is an adventure or some nonsense."

"Hey man, anything can be an adventure! Even kidnappings. C'mon, we'll find him together. What's your name, stranger?"

"Ruby Knight is fine. And you?"

"I'm Finn! And this little lady is Jake Jr. but I just call her Junior."

Scarab was thankful for both his helmet and remarkable poise. If either failed him, he might've started choking on air.

Finn. This was... Prismo's Finn. He finally noticed the tattoo on his chest, a smiling dog cradled in forget-me-nots. Of course. Of course he'd happen to run into the one human Prismo might know.

And... Jake Jr. A daughter, most certainly. Did Prismo know? Most likely, Jake had to have told him if they were as close as he believed, but he made know indication of having ever met her.

Okay... Okay, this is fine, probably. And, it's not like he had much choice right now.

"A pleasure to meet you, Finn the hero. Let's go find my idiot wizard friend, shall we?"

"Alright, let's do this! Adventure time!"

And with that, the human went charging off in a direction through the market. Junior seemed unsurprised, casually standing up.

"We should probably try to keep up. Can't let him have all the fun to himself."

Scarab nodded, quickly catching up and keeping pace with Finn.

"Hey, dude, I don't see a lot of new knights around here! Which princess you work for?"

"None of them. Technically, I work for Prism, but I am my own agent."

"Ooooh, I remember meeting a few of those. They were jerks, way to into their own armor. One followed me around, like all day, trying to embarrass me. You seem cool though."

"A knight obsessed with armor is a lousy knight indeed. I've met a fair share who seem to think the weapons and costumes are replacements for skill."

"I know, right? I got skills though, skills to pay the bills. At least, that's what Marcy and PB say."

Scarab found himself relaxing at least a little bit as he followed this human hero.

"...How you know your buddy would be fine? You sounded really sure about it."

"He's one of the best mages I've ever met. He is more than capable of helping himself if he feels his in actual danger. Problem is he is very bad at telling what is and isn't dangerous."

"Man, that sounds like me. I once jumped into a dungeon without backup, got my ass kicked. By a cat. And another knight, the Bucket Knight. Scarier than he sounds."

Scarab didn't talk to mortals very often, but this he felt was a good one.

One of the fun ones.

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

"Ooooh, what's this do?"

Prismo, meanwhile, was having the time of his life. When three dudes in black cloaks put an arm around his shoulder and offered magic beyond belief, well, he was hooked.

No, Prismo was not an idiot. Everything in there was very clearly cursed, destined to attach or leech or possess the user the second they walked out of the spooky tent with it.

But, no harm if he didn't leave with it.

"That, sir, will amplify your powers into a brilliant burst. You'd be untouchable."

Prismo could tell the goons were getting impatient. He knew he looked like a fat, easy target with his jewelry and demeanor, but he was much trickier than most assumed.

Money's paws were fun, after all.

He could hear them whisper.

"He gonna buy anything or just waste our time?"

"Patience, brother. We'll have him soon enough."

"Can't we just stab him and be done with it?"

"Quiet!"

Prismo chuckled to himself, standing up straight. Scarab had probably noticed he was gone by now, he should probably go back before he split his shell.

"Well guys, this was nice, but I think I should be going now. Lots of neat stuff you got here, but I don't think I'm interested."

He turned with a big smile to see three hooded goons who looked like they wanted to rip him apart.

"...Now?"

"Now."

Two of them surged forward to hold Prismo's wrists, dragging him to a very fancy looking chair.

"Woah, friends, what's the harsh treatment for?"

"Oh shut up, old man. We listened to you prattle on about nonsense for the past hour! We're bleeding you dry of magic, with or without your cooperation!"

Prismo was suddenly very aware of a knife to his neck as he was strapped down.

"Fellas, fellas, you don't wanna do this" he crooned.

"Oh, trust me, it's no trouble, you doddering old fool. It's our pleasure."

"No, no, that's not what I mean. My bud, he's probably looking for me. Not the kind of guy you want to get on the bad side. So just let me go and we pretend none of this ever happened, right?"

"We're not scared of some over dressed, pompous knight! We're wizards, wizards rule fool! Kin, get the bowl, it's gonna get messy."

Prismo rolled his eyes.

Well, this went poorly quickly. He was not gonna hear the end of this when Scarab showed up.

"Yeah, wizards rule, but guys, I'm telling ya, he's not someone you underestimate. I keep him around for a reason, you know?"

"Oh just shut up already! Whatever pitiful little magic you've got won't be worth more than you finally shutting up!"

"Wow, harsh dude."

There was a cold blade against his neck again, making him squeak a little. Okay, he might have to break himself out of this one...

"Uh, guys-"

BANG

There was a loud, grinding bang outside the tent, a yell, and suddenly light.

Everyone groaned at the sudden harsh light, but Prismo smiled at the glittering red armor.

"Prism! You Glob forsaken idiot, you better be here!"

"Ruby, hun, I seem to be in a bit of a pickle."

Prismo giggled a little at the utterly exhausted groan Scarab let out. There was a scream, a warm splatter, and a thud. The knife wasn't on his neck anymore, now kicked far away across the floor.

"Man, this is some serious dark junk." Prismo's eyes widened. He craned his neck, spotting the long blond hair and robotic arm. Oh Glob.

"These are definitely cursed, Finn. Like, the aura in here is toxic."

Jake Jr....

Oh Glob dammit. Don't cry, don't cry...

"Prism, dear, are you okay?"

Prismo blinked, trying to shake away the tears, smiling at Scarab's helmet covered face.

"Yeah, I'm okay, no biggie!"

He felt the straps around his wrists loosen, then him get tugged into Scarab's chest.

"I'm okay, I'm okay Ruby, promise. Sorry for wandering off, I know I'm not gonna hear the end of this, I know..."

Finn seemed to stop moving, slowly turning his head toward Prismo.

"Wait a second..."

Prismo took a deep breath, slowly emerging from Scarab's chest to face him.

"Oh my Glob..."

Prismo expected a lot of things could potentially happen. Yelling about being in Ooo, maybe anger for not being able to bring Jake back, maybe even annoyance for having to save him again.

But he did not expect a hug. A big bear one, that lifted him off the ground, feet dangling an undignified foot and a half off the grass.

"PRISMO!"

Finn laughed as he swung the Wishmaster around, now hugging back both out of respect for the hug, and to not go flying if the human's grip slipped.

"Wait, is that... like Prismo Prismo? As in Prismo the Almighty Wishmaster that dad kept gushing over, that Prismo?"

"The one and only! Man, I didn't know you could leave the Time Room! I'd have invited you on adventures a long time ago!"

"This is a new thing, first time on Ooo, I promise. Finn, you're kind of crushing my ribs here."

Finn carried him outside before finally placing him back on his feet.

"Prism, hm?"

"We didn't wanna attract too much attention. So, disguises!"

"So, wait, then who's that" Junior asked, pointing her thumb toward Scarab. "Is this guy some poor schmuck you hired, or something else?"

Prismo collected himself a moment before holding Scarab's hand in his own. "This is Scarab. He's a coworker of mine and... well, my partner." He placed a soft kiss on one of Scarab's knuckles.

"And you're lucky for it" Scarab sighed. "Who else would I run halfway across a city for?"

"Oh, rad, good for you, man. I know we haven't talked much since... well, we haven't talked much. But, y'know, it's good to see you okay and stuff. And that you've got someone looking out for you."

Junior seemed to be deep in thought for a moment, before she strolled up and tapped Prismo's shoulder.

"I'm uh... I'm Jake Junior." She extended her hand in an offer to shake. "Dad... Dad liked talking about you. It's nice to meet you."

Prismo's smile wobbled, but it was wide. He tried to rub the tears from his eyes, but soon gave up and accepted the hand shake.

"It's nice to finally meet you too. Jake... Man, every other sentence was him bragging about one of you. He really loved you guys a lot."

Junior had a sad smile on her face, nervously rubbing the back of her head.

"Pris, now that I know you can come here, we gotta go on a proper adventure sometime, yeah? And, like, a proper one, not one where you just get kidnapped but some shifty wizard dudes."

"Seriously, they're like, the shiftiest guys I've ever seen and you just... went along with them? No questions asked?"

Prismo giggled nervously as he felt everyone's mildly judgmental stare on him.

"I don't know, it just looked... interesting. Not like they could actually hurt me or anything."

"That might be the case, but if you got discorporated, you would get to me the one to explain to the Organizer why we were walking around with unauthorized bodies."

"Hey, you didn't need to come with me!"

"Clearly, I did."

Prismo groaned, half embarrassed, half strangely happy at the day's turn of events.

He looked at Finn, and noticed the same sad smile Scarab often described the Wishmaster having. "Hey, Finn? If you... wanna hang out, in the Time Room, I can give you my number, or something... I'd like to see you. Same to you, Junior. You and any of your siblings are welcome to the domain of the Almighty Prismo."

Finn slapped him on the back, firmly gripping his shoulder.

"C'mon. Let's head to the Candy Kingdom, there's a bar, drinks are on me."

The two gods walked behind the mortals. Prismo could feel Scarab looking at him, a question trying to push past his mandibles. The Wishmaster didn't answer. He opted instead to tuck his hand into Scarab's and walk in comfortable silence, listening to these two mortals talk.

Maybe things would continue to be better.

Maybe Prismo's heart could take this.

[obis-kenobiposts]

Satine Kryze - Hogwarts AU

Blood Status: Pure Blood

House – Gryffindor (Head Girl)

Her family is from France, but spent most of her early life in London. She chose Hogwarts over Beauxbatons Academy and does not regret it.

She was a hat stall. The hat wavered between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor for ages before deciding on the latter.

She is known around her year as a sharp-witted, headstrong, pacifist witch who refuses to cast offensive dueling spells and will only disarm. 

As a matter of fact, she has had this discussion with her Defense Against the Dark Arts professor many times. “The very name of the class is DEFENSE against the dark arts, and I will cast nothing more.“ 

She enjoys tending to the plants in the Herbology greenhouses, especially when she is stressed or worried about something.  

She has an angelic singing voice and sings in the school choir.

Is fed up with inter-house conflict and has worked tirelessly as a prefect to minimize house wars and bullying. 

She has a ginger cat named Korkie, and her favorite candy is licorice wands.

She rarely attends quidditch matches as she thinks its all rather barbaric. However, she hasn’t missed a Ravenclaw match in the last year or so. (it may be do to a particular Ravenclaw player, Ben Kenobi, but no one dares point that out)

House placement reasoning here if interested!

[leiawritesstories]

okay leia i just thought of this so feel free to reject this prompt if it’s shit. i’m going to say “cowboy” and “love interest” because you have two cowboy aus going on lol

cowboy is teaching love interest about lassos but it’s going completely downhill, so they kind of lashes out on love interest. an argument begins and love interest says something like “i just want to tie this lasso around your neck and lalala” or “i’m going to catch you with this lasso and throw you at lalala”. cowboy can say “i dare you to try” or maybe just end up caught by surprise but the thing is the love interest ends up lassoing the cowboy! they finally made it yay but omg the cowboy is now tied down…

it’s just a loose idea but i hope you like it!!

I HAVE NEITHER REGRETS NOR APOLOGIES ABOUT THIS

word count: 2,176

warnings: horny horny Rowaelin, ropes, NSFW

Enjoy, y'all! 

Riding Together

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aelin shoved away the image of Rowan wearing her hat and all the things that seeing him like that did to her self-control and focused on the day, focused on leading the tour group of guests around her ranch. 

Gods. So last night hadn’t been a dream. 

But she could not allow herself to think of that. Guests, Galathynius. Focus. On. The Guests. 

All the guests, not just the one she wanted to focus on. 

“And here is where all of our horses live,” Aelin announced, pulling open the barn door.

The tour group she was leading oohed and aahed at the horses, strolling down the line of stalls to admire each one. Darrow gave a brief introduction to horseback riding before inviting anyone interested to have the chance to ride, and a very nice line formed up, the guests eagerly waiting their turns. Aelin and Darrow saddled up the usual batch of horses for the guests, leading them one by one to a horse and helping them mount.

This group had so many interested guests, though, that she was forced to lead Elentiya, her mare, out of her stall for herself. “C'mon, my girl, let’s show these city slickers how we gallop, yeah?” Elentiya whickered as if in agreement.

And then a throat cleared. “Ma'am?”

“Hmm?” She turned, forcing a blush not to rise as she met the bright pine eyes of Rowan Whitethorn, the Seattle businessman.

“I don’t think I’ve been helped,” he said, apologetic. “Could you guide me?”

Aelin flicked her glance quickly around the barn. Few horses remained, all of them wilder and less ready for untried guests to ride them.

And Elentiya.

Hell.

“Well, Mr. Whitethorn, do you mind riding double?”

“What?” His brows furrowed.

She chuckled. “We’re fresh out of single horses, save for the ones not yet tamed, so unless you’re willin’ to wait for the group to return, seems like you’ll have to ride double with me.” She winked. “But don’t worry, city boy, I won’t make any moves.”

He swallowed hard. “I’ll trust you, Miss Galathynius.” It was his turn to wink. “Nothing more pleasant than riding with an experienced rider, as I see it.” The innuendo in his voice not going unnoticed.

That man and his words. 

Stop fucking thinking about last night, Galathynius! 

“Right,” she said, leading him to Elentiya. “Since you’re the inexperienced one--” he let out a deep, soft chuckle at that--“I’ll help you get into the saddle, but I’ll be sittin’ in front of you.” 

“My favorite,” Rowan whispered into her ear, low enough that only she could make out his words. 

“Be professional,” she hissed, covertly pinching the crease of his elbow. “Now, step up on this stump here,” she instructed him, guiding him onto the step and helping him swing one leg across Elentiya, the mare standing quietly in place and waiting for Aelin. “Excellent. Now scoot back a li’l, city boy.” Rowan did, and she swung atop Elentiya in one fluid motion, settling herself so her back was flush with Rowan’s warm, solid chest. 

“Isn’t this cozy?” he hummed, wrapping his arms around her waist. 

“Behave,” she smirked, pressing her hips backwards just to hear him gasp sharply. “Let’s go, my girl.” She nudged Elentiya with her heel, and the horse stepped into motion. Rowan’s grip tightened around her waist, bringing a smirk to her lips. How cute, the city slicker and his nerves about riding horseback. 

“You doin’ alright?” she asked after a few minutes. 

His hold relaxed. “This is nice.” 

She chuckled wickedly. “Well, you’re takin’ to ridin’ right quick, city boy. Let’s see how you do at a canter.” 

“Wha--” His question was cut off when Aelin nudged Elentiya into a canter, his arms wrapping right back around her. 

She grinned. “Loosen up, Whitethorn!” 

It took him many minutes, but eventually, he did loosen up, his grip around her waist loosening, and grinned into the wide blue sky. “You know, this really is fun!” 

“Glad you enjoy it,” she returned, grinning broadly, loose strands of her hair fluttering in the breeze. 

~

They reached the rest of the group out in the open corral shortly later, joining up with Darrow and his presentation on lassoing. “An’ with enough practice, y’all can see how the ropers catch cattle so easily.” Darrow tossed the coil of rope to another ranch hand, who caught it easily and uncoiled part of it, tying a lasso knot with graceful ease. He then flicked his wrist, and out sailed the rope, landing neatly around the neck of the practice dummy cow to much applause. 

Rowan, now dismounted with Aelin’s assistance, leaned into her side. “Now that’s a fancy skill,” he murmured. 

“Miss G!” the roper called. “Show the city slickers yer skills, yeah?” 

She barely had time to protest before he was tossing her the lasso. “All right, all right,” she laughed, detaching herself from Rowan and striding out into the packed dirt of the corral. “Now y’all just stand back, okay?” She gave the lasso a few experimental twirls, then reached back and flicked her wrist forward and out spiraled the lasso in a string of neat coils, the loop at the end floating down around the practice dummy’s neck. 

The guests cheered. 

“Your turn!” she declared, nodding to Darrow. He passed out short lengths of rope with the loops already pre-tied, teaching everyone how to hold the rope and letting them flick it towards the practice dummy. Most of them managed a passingly good toss, a handful even getting close to the plastic cow. 

But Rowan? He was hopeless. The rope somehow tangled around his hands, he couldn’t toss the lasso more than a few feet, and he’d even managed to rope himself, looping the coil around his own leg. 

“Havin’ fun there, city slicker?” Aelin teased from her perch on the fence. 

“Shut up,” Rowan grumbled. “I can do this!” 

“Mhmm,” she crooned. “When you’re ready for help, I’m sittin’ right here.” 

“We’ll see who needs help when I lasso you, cowgirl,” he purred, challenge--and something darker--lighting his beautiful eyes.

Well, that went straight to her core. 

“Good luck,” she smirked, hopping off the fence and watching him fumble with the short length of rope. He threw it straight into the air, swearing viciously when it landed in a heap at his feet. 

“Fuck!” 

“Alright?” 

“Fine,” he grunted. He picked up the coil and shook it out, swore at it, and then flicked it into the air. 

And to everyone’s shock, it sailed out in a neat arc and looped around Aelin. 

She exclaimed in surprise as the rope tightened around her shoulders, pinning her arms by her sides. “Do I look like the plastic cow, Whitethorn?” 

“Uhh...” he mumbled, flushing crimson. 

Darrow strode over, chuckling. “Seems like someone got the idea!” he joked, swiftly untying Aelin. “Next time, aim for the plastic cow, city slicker!” 

“Noted,” Rowan mumbled. 

Aelin winked at him. “No one’s commenting on your accuracy of aim, Whitethorn.” 

His eyes flashed dark. “Aelin,” he rumbled, his voice a warning. 

She smirked and shrugged, striding back over to Elentiya. “Catch a ride with Darrow, city boy! I’ve got work to do!” 

~

Aelin lounged on the porch swing of the family house as dusk fell, sipping the iced tea in her hand and watching as the vibrant hues of sunset faded into deep blues and grays. Evening was her favorite time of day, the hours when the guests were all occupied up at the guesthouses and she could just relax on her front porch, letting all the worries of running Galathynius Ranch fade away like the sunset. 

Footsteps crunched in the gravel driveway. 

She looked sharply up to find a very familiar man striding up to her porch, his t-shirt smudged with the dust of the day and his expensive khakis crinkled. 

“Private property, Mr. Whitethorn,” she purred, not budging from her seat. 

“I’ve an invitation from the owner herself,” he returned smoothly, taking the front steps in one long stride and planting himself in front of her. “Or do you truly not recall anything from last night?” 

“However could I forget?” She winked. “Best ride of my life.” 

Rowan pounced, his muscled arms caging her in against the cushioned swing. “And how would you enjoy a second experience?” 

“Why don’t you find out?” she smirked. 

“With pleasure,” he growled, sweeping her into his arms and kissing her fiercely, all tongue and passion, and walking her backwards into her house without breaking the kiss. Aelin groaned into his mouth, taking control of the kiss as she whirled them around and pressed Rowan against the wall, her hand fisting in his shirt. He grunted in surprise. “Aelin.” 

“Ro,” she murmured, tracking a line of hot kisses down his strong throat, pushing his shirt up and off of him so she could kiss his tattoo. “So gorgeous.” 

He lunged for her, intent on pressing her back into the wall and teasing her until her legs gave way, but she dodged, scurrying up the stairs and into her room with him right on her tail. “Playing hard to get, cowgirl?” he rumbled, padding towards her, every inch of his stature screaming predator. 

“Just leading you to your favorite place,” she smirked. And dropped her oversized hoodie, revealing only bare, tanned skin. 

“Fuck,” he groaned, shoving his pants and boxers to the floor. “You’re so beautiful, Ae.” 

“I know.” She grinned. “Want to show me?” 

“Such sass,” he purred, placing his broad, hot hands around her waist. “Such fire, baby.” 

“You love it,” she shot back, trailing her own hands dangerously slowly down his chest, over the sharp cut of his hips. 

“I do,” he smirked. 

Then he tossed her onto the bed. 

“But I love making you scream even more.” 

Fuck her, this man and his dirty talk. She’d barely had the time to moan before he pulled her to the edge of the bed, dropped to his knees, and locked his gaze on hers as his tongue swept up her soaked core, licking a long, flat stripe up to her clit. “Rowan,” she moaned wantonly, knitting her fingers into his hair. “Gods, Ro!” 

Spurred on by her moans, he devoured her, licking and nipping, his tongue everywhere all at once. He slipped two fingers into her, groaning at the way she clenched reflexively around the intrusion, and focused his attention on her clit, sucking the swollen little bud into his mouth and nibbling lightly. She screamed his name and came hard, her release coating his face, and he worked her through the throes of her orgasm, his fingers moving in long, lazy strokes. “So good for me,” he purred, kissing a path back up to her lips and guiding her back against the pillows. 

Before he could kiss her, she’d flipped them over, straddling his chest, and whipped a coil of rope out from under her pillow. She smirked down at him, noting the way his chest heaved, and swiftly looped the small lasso around his wrists, yanking his hands above his head and securing them to her headboard. 

“Baby,” Rowan moaned, testing the restraint. 

“You look so good all roped up,” she smirked, raking first her gaze, then her hands, down his body. “Gonna give me a ride, city boy?” 

“Yes,” he breathed. “Yes, please.” 

Such nice manners. She winked at him and lifted her hips, then slid all the way down his cock, seating herself fully, both of them groaning at the sensation. “So full,” Aelin panted, her head tipping back in pleasure. 

“Move,” Rowan gritted out, his eyes screwed shut. 

She clicked her tongue. “Think you give the orders here, pretty boy?” He whimpered. “No, you do not.” Her fingers danced across his cheek, caressing the strong planes of his face. “But since y’look so desperate, I’ll give you a bit of a reprieve.” And she rocked her hips in a slow circle, moaning loudly, her control fast vanishing as she sped up her pace, bouncing on Rowan’s cock, chasing the pleasure he wrung form her. “You can move, Whitethorn.” He jerked his hips up into hers, frantic, curses and moans of her name spilling from his lips as he fucked her. She moaned his name as she felt herself hurtling toward orgasm, her nails scratching down his chest. 

“Aelin!” he roared as he came with a grunt, spilling himself into her. 

“Rowan!” she moaned, the feeling of him finishing inside her sending her over the edge, her orgasm rolling over her in waves. “Ohh, Rowan,” she panted, collapsing atop his chest, barely remembering to reach up and untie his hands. 

“So good, baby,” he breathed, flexing his wrists before wrapping his arms around her, his big hands stroking her back. “So good.” 

“Mmm,” she mumbled, carefully pulling herself off of him and falling into bed, letting him be the one to pick up the warm washcloth and clean them up. “Stay, Ro.” 

“Of course,” he whispered, settling in beside her. “Of course I will.” 

~~~

TAGS: 

@charlizeed

@cretaceous-therapod

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@nerdperson524

@claralady

@fireheartwhitethorn4ever

@morganofthewildfire

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@story-scribbler

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[thedepthsremember]

TRR 3.21: “Taken” aka ten minutes before this chapter dropped I woke up abruptly so I was shaky from adrenaline LET'S DO THIS

Ahhhh we're starting off with the SAD MUSIC oh boy :( 

Ah yes. We are definitely kidnapped. IF Y'ALL HURT MAXWELL I AM BURNING YOU TO THE GROUND 

This place is giving me flashbacks to the dungeons in Dragon Age: Origins. Where’s my dumbass buddy Jowan? god I really have a type huh

Wassup, Anton? Oooo he got a new outfit! He kinda looks like a priest with my glasses off.

I'm gonna put my glasses on.

My skin crawls hearing him describe Olivia as his wife. Olivia agrees and threatens dismemberment. Stab him, STAB HIM GIRL

The people love me, he can't make me a martyr and expect the people to just go with it. 

He disregards this. But he honestly likes Riley, which I guess is...….. nice... But not worth much since he’s still trying to murder her and everyone she cares about. :////

Also hurts to hear him say that in front of Maxwell who honestly liked Justin. :/ Maxwell just kinda. quietly sad in his corner. 

Liam's coming for us, and sounds like they've got Gladys locked up, now that she's done playing her part. Oh dear. I’m betting diamond choice for if we get her out or not.

Wassup Claudius. So this is the SOB who shot Drake (and almost me).

As a Hufflepuff and admittedly a bit removed from the situation, I remain more offended that he shot my friend than me. Riley doesn't share my feelings and is still rather personally offended. 

Sure, remove your mask from your face so I can punch it. 

Oh he's older than I thought he’d be. Hello jerk Zaeed. 

Do I defend Drake or do I insult his dumb face. Ughhh fine I'll be slightly more mature, I bet it’s cooler anyway. [it is]

Yep. Here's what this whole story comes down to. Are Liam's emotions his strength that's going to make him the King who’s right for Cordonia, or a weakness that'll doom us all?

If you have any doubt, you haven’t been following along. (But it’s fun to worry about it anyway.)

Claude: *calls Olivia a shrew*

SHREW?? SHREW MOTHERUFCKER ESCUSE ME I am about to rip myself free from these ropes and scratch out your eyes.

Ooo TCATF reference~ (this is like the only one I’m going to catch, I’m only 2 chapters in)

Olivia’s trauma conga line continues. :( God, it hurts me to think about how she grew up trying to live up to her name and her parents’ legacy, and of course loving them and wanting to know more about them... and now the more she finds out about it the more it only hurts her. 

Way back in chapter 10, if you ask Olivia’s aunt what Olivia’s parents were like: 

Sorry I just had to drag someone down that road with me to know what I was thinking about when...…. 

OLIVIA CALLED ME HER FRIEND. HER ONLY FRIEND. (sorry Liam you're out I'M IN) I'M HONESTLY CRYING HARDER THAN FOR THE WEDDING.

ahhhhhh, she’s just come so far. 

Anton gets in close to gloat. Idiot is in HEADBUTTING RANGE and I am TAKING IT. 

DON'T YOU FUCKING TOUCH MAXWELL DON'T YOU DARE 

THEY KNOCKED HIM OUT. OLIVIA FIND ME A SWORD, NOTHING WILL SAVE ANY OF YOU NOW. 

They leave us alone. Olivia says this isn’t how she expected the evening to end. Considering it is Riley’s wedding day, I have to say she had a fairly different idea of how she wanted this night to go as well. 

Yes Olivia, mediate on the image of PUNCHING ANTON'S STUPID FACE in a nice lovely field with a breeze. :) :) :) ahhh. relaxing.

(If you panic instead, MC cries that they’ll never kiss their LI or wear another fancy hat again!!! Olivia is unmoved by our nonsense.) 

Riley remembers her Cinderella roots and considers asking the mice for help chewing through the ropes. Dude, you’re trapped with Olivia. In this dress her earrings are knives. I think we'll be okay.

It is possible to mess up the escape real bad and get Olivia stabbed twice before you leave. It is hilarious, but throughout this whole thing my best efforts never got Riley killed. Bummer. 

MAXWELL'S OKAY!!! excuse you Olivia, this display of affection is totally necessary, did you not see the soulmate point. The game agrees with me.

Nggghh we have to solve a riddle to get outta here. Or else deadly traps. "The best offense requires a personal touch...” Shield because heraldry? But also like all Nevrakis stuff is stabbing, but here our only option is a sword and not knife. Uhhhhhhhhh ok sword.

Holy shit I did it! 

[Even if you mess up and hit all the options, the traps mostly stab at you a bit. Nobody actually dies. Bah.]

But if we did... How awkward. They come down to take us to mock Liam and we’re dead already. ‘mmm yes this is uhhh exactly as planned.’ 

Hey it's the lighthouse background! NIKOLAI WE'RE COMING FOR YOU Oh wrong book.

GLADYS?!!! Guys it’s Gladys! Wait uh no i’m not happy to see her. She tarnished my Rogue Leader title. 

*sighs* ........Guys I am such a fucking sap. I've forgiven her already. It's ok just like, stop using the sad sprite. 

THAT’S RIGHT YOU MADE MAXWELL SAD sympathy retracted.

My priorities are so messed up, guys. What even.

*sighs* Ok Gladys, just take us to the weapons.

If she stabs me in the back again, I deserve it at this point. 

“Olivia is it just me or does this look like your armory?” Yes guys, it is the Same Background.

Aww Gladys. It’s about what I thought. You got a crap deal and were very foolish and trusting about finding a way out of it. She didn’t even realize she was working for Anton. This was dumb and you're still super fired but I can’t really be mad. 

It’s a good look at how wacky nobles with their silly obsessions can actually hurt people without thinking about it. You’re in a position of power, you’ve gotta think about more than yourself. 

Looking at the different playthroughs, each of the LIs chooses a different weapon. Maxwell got a fancy knife (it kinda looks like it swings from the handle?? wild). Hana gets the double-bladed sword (hot). Drake picks up a sword (and they mention his duel with Neville). Neat detail. 

EYYY Olivia picked the pretty dagger that iirc looks like the one I used to open champagne at the Beaumont Bash :D bestiesssss 

....Damn. This means I can’t use it. I personally also prefer either the small stabbables or a bow, but I considering the boutique battle, I guess Riley's style is more swing vigorously. Axe it is! The other ones are too heavy and I’d probably be more likely to hurt myself than someone else honestly. 

Riley finds your weaponry expertise hot, Olivia. Maxwell probably does too. 

…...Oh my god for a minute I thought Olivia was going to stab Gladys in front of me.

I'm doing what's probably the dumb thing and letting her go to cause a distraction but WHELP. Gotta stay true to my brand. i just wanna trust!!!!

Gladys pulls through and keeps guards away from us! I hope she’s okay. [oh my god wait do we ever find out what happens to her??? Gladys??????]

(If you don’t let her go, you see a guard and accidentally almost stab your friends but there isn’t really danger. boooo)

speaking of friends IT’S DRAAAAKE AND HANAAAAA

MY BUDDIES MY GOOD DUDES ♥__♥ *GRABS BOTH OF THEM AND CRIES* 

LIAM YOU BIG.... DUMB.... GRYFFINDOR 😭 He’s gone off BY HIMSELF to stall Anton while Hana and Drake try to find us. Clearly none of them trust the king’s guard and who can blame them. but GOD I AM STRESSED. 

Anton: 'you want to see the hostages? Well uh I... would too, fuck where are they. Guysssss who was watching the hostages D:'

CLAUDIUS DON'T YOU TOUCH LIAM WITH YOUR FILTHY DRAKE SHOOTING HANDS 

Olivia says to wait for the right moment. Uh Olivia is now the moment LIAM'S GONNA GET HIMSELF SHOT

goddddddd he really doesn’t care if he dies as long as it gives us time to get out. L I A M

……… I just realized, if we hadn’t already freed ourselves and Hana and Drake were still looking for us, Liam would’ve definitely gotten himself killed. NO

Oh man Olivia and I vaulting over the banister, weapons in hand, dresses trailing behind us........ What an image 😍

Wh. Why. How could you make me choose who to help WHY I CRY

Ok we're going with Maxwell but if ANY OF THE REST OF YOU ARE DEAD I'M GOING TO BURN CORDONIA TO THE GROUND

“THIS ONE’S FOR RILEY. AND THIS ONE’S ALSO FOR RILEY.” God I love him. I’d be willing to bet that doesn't even change if you're not romancing him either. [I looked it up and it doesn’t! he is so ride or die]

Anytime Riley or Maxwell call each other partner my heart swells and I want to die. ♥

ANTON PULLS A GUN AND MAXWELL JUMPS IN D: Flashbacks to Maxwell being sad he couldn't protect us at the Homecoming ball like Drake did. Noooo baby you don't gotta 

Maxwell: [john mulaney voice] THAT’S MY WIFE!

If we get outta here you know he’s doing that all the time. 

Riley jumps in AND --- what she doesn’t chop Anton's arm off with her freaking battle axe? i guess she didn’t wanna get too gory while she’s wearing white. i mean. knocking things over on him works too.... i guesssss

Riley: AND STAY DOWN Anton: [immediately gets up] Riley: …..godddd dude learn to listen.

What kind of.... secret fighting dance move nonsense is this :'D 

[Drake voice] self defense and dancing aren’t all that different! 

Friends team up and talk the goons out of fighting us. Goons sense we are ANGRY and HOPPED UP ON WEDDING CAKE and VENGENCE and are prepared to BITE OUR WAY OUT OF HERE IF NECESSARY. 

Fukkin Claudius is still here and Drake …… recognizes his voice or something, I’m guessing. 

(dramatic inner monologue about how Drake probably hears that voice in his nightmares when he flashes back to that night... oh no) 

Hell yeah DRAKE REVENGE HEADBUTT!!!

Part of me deeply appreciates him being more vengeful for himself (who actually got shot) than me (who got scared but not at all shot). Everyone here cares about me way too much. 

WHOA

NO

YOU DO NOT STAB OLIVIA ON MY WEDDING DAY ABSOLUTELY NOT D8 

IF YOU CAN BREATHE YOU CAN STAND

AND IF YOU CAN STAND YOU CAN FIGHT

TEARS

(sidenote since I’m pretty sure like. everyone picked that option (and you should it’s hella good), but if you pick “You can’t kill her you need her!” Anton muses that he can just say you did it, and he can get sympathy points from the public for avenging his dead wife. he’s the fucking worst god stab him already Olivia THANKS YOU DID GREAT)

Olivia: “Riley, I’m hurt...” oh god the fact that she’s even admitting that …….. my eyes just won’t stop leaking. 

Oh god ALL these one liners are so fucking good AUGHHHH can I just say them all in succession as he's being dragged off????

YOUR PUN LEVEL IS NOTHING AGAINST MAXWELL, FAKE JUSTIN. NOTHINGGGG

~~~~~VICTORY GROUP HUG~~~~~~

Olivia is horrified by this show of affection. Drake, unwilling group hug veteran, comforts her.

This is all very touching but I wonder who Olivia's bleeding on. It had better not be me. We should probably get her medical attention.

HEY LOOK IT'S THE KING’S GUARD late as always.

I think it's all those edits but I cant help interpreting Liam's neutral face as sarcasm now. ‘Yes Bastien. We're here and fine :| So nice of you to show.’

Nah Bastien, screw propriety, you go ahead and yell at your foolish king. You can be his dad now. He at least should’ve had some kind of backup plan.

Honestly I’m thinking Bastien’s gotten so rusty not having to watch out for Leo that sneaking away was probably super simple for Liam.

Whelp, back the party! 

Awwww Reginaaaa ;-; Liam YOU JERK IF YOU DIED YOU WOULD HAVE LEFT HER ALL ALONE

Well. Alone with Leo. ...well. 

BERTRAND IS HUGGING US BOTH. ON PURPOSE. THIS DAY IS SO BLESSED. 

My dog! hi baby!!!! 

I am a sucker for every time they pull the “who’s a good boY!!!??” ":o?” “IT’S YOUUU” god I love doggos. 

Hell YES THIS IS THE TIME FOR DANCING. It’s called a victory dance for a reason. 

Drake just said the words "Maxwell is right." While smiling. what even is this day

We get some pairs interacting! 

Penelope and Kiara are always the best :D 

neville is like still fukkin here for some reason??? roast him madeline 

Regina and Olivia share a nice moment :) 

Olivia is still bleeding and annoyed about it. Olivia..... babe........ maybe like....... lie down a bit.............

Team Riley has another sweet moment~~~ 

Ok this is all very nice but Riley has gotta be getting tired and she still needs to bang Maxwell to within an inch of his life. When is that happening. 

FINALLY Madeline comes up like “hey ok I’m resigning my position as your official cockblocker, go, leave.”

girl ARE you serious. Are you. I GOT KIDNAPPED PROBABLY BC YOUR COCKBLOCKING SHENANIGANS WORE MY GUARD DOWN, AND NOW HERE YOU COME ok you know what I'm taking it

Riley: *GRABS MAXWELL AND THROWS HIM OVER HER SHOULDER* BYEEEEEE

Finally alone!!!! bless 

You have the option to succumb to giggles or tears or jump in his arms, and while I picked laughter because this whole thing is absurd as hell if you go for tears, he is very comforting and he gets many points for that. ♥

whelp, here they go. (this isn’t going to get detailed, don’t worry/sorry) (lol)

Different music than normal! It's the sexy club track instead of the '😏 yee we're getting busy 😏' ones. I like it! Sets the tone for this very well, it's celebratory! We are well past anyone needing to be seduced. In one option Maxwell jokes he's glad you guys got advance practice in (lol), and the difference here does show. Neither of them are trying to impress each other, this is pure culmination of 'I love you, I want you, we went through hell for this, get over here.'

I appreciate that even though Maxwell likes to be on top, every time he brings them to the floor or here with the couch, he cushions her fall. Sweet as hell. 

He's back in his fucking jeans I can't djdjjfjgjgjg 

if they’re so determined not to make him one with boxers, at least get one with the fancy pants. It doesn’t even have to be the same fancy pants, just like. try slightly harder. 

There's no way I was wearing that bra under that dress. 

Ok this recap is going to fade to black here.

...

Maxwell, I know we’ve got to work on your self-esteem, but you can’t give me credit for the sex, it’s a team effort. (and let’s be honest it kinda seems like he does most the work. Not that I’m complaining.)

Maxwell, whilst being adorable, accidentally flings his ring off and freaks out. Don’t even worry about it man, do you know how many rings I’ve just left on sinks in public bathrooms? I was happy with the dang twig 

.............he got 

he got us ROSES im

Mmdmmfmdn

this almost makes up for that dirty trick  they pulled on us at the beginning of book 2. 

Did

He

Write us a poem???

Flowers and champagne and mood lighting... babe it’s like you're about to propose all over again.

ok it was not a poem but it was...……………...very good and destroyed me

G o o d b y e  I love him so much

I want to physically fight the entire Cordonian court for making him think he wasn’t worth it. 

The amount of self-depreciating things he says with a smile on his face is.... unacceptable. 

Luckily he has Riley now and she’s damn well going to spend the rest of her days helping him build up that confidence he deserves. 

this entire scene is my cause of death. it’s been an honor and a privilege. 

♥♥♥

♥♥

♥

actually

speaking of 

the logical part of my mind felt like 3 books was a good place to bring the story to completion, but now that it’s becoming a reality...……… I’m not ready. :(