#yes im posting this like seven whole hours late leave me alone

[spaceguylewis]

Horizon: Zero Dawn (74/ꝏ) | REMASTERED A Quiet Moment Together, After the Storm

[getsojaded]

chemistry || calum hood

word count: 3.8k+

warnings: mentions of weed, swear words, mention of injury, food & the slightest bit of sex talk

a/n: hey twt moots ;)) anyways, this is inspired by this post! i hope u all enjoy <3

-

It was about 11 pm, and I had just finished taking an unnecessarily large amount of notes for chemistry class. With a sore, shaky hand and a vision that was starting to go blurry, I had finally finished ten pages. Who knew that there was so much information about 5 organic compounds?

I yawned in my seat, stretching my arms out and removing my glasses. I was more than thankful that I can call it a night, and walked towards my bathroom to get ready for bed, which took a good 30 minutes. It usually doesn’t take me that long, but fuck, I was exhausted this whole day. After all my skincare was completed, I walked back to my bedroom and hopped into my bed, prepared for a well deserved rest. After slouching for a good three and a half hours, comforter and pillows had never felt so good against my body. 

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard a loud ding! from my phone and I opened my heavy eyes, which immediately annoyed me. I ignored the first one and tried to go back to sleep, but one ding turned into six and I couldn’t take it anymore. I angrily ripped the covers off my body, sitting up right after reaching for my phone on the nightstand beside my bed.

6 New Text Messages from: calum hood

hey wyd rn

can you do me a favour

i need your help

im at this party right now and i’m about to get high as fuck but i forgot about our homework for tomorrow and i was wondering if you could do them for me

you don’t even need to make them look pretty like how you do it just take down the important shit

please

“What the fuck?” I whsipered to myself as I looked at my phone. “Who does this bitch think he is?”

to: calum hood

are you fucking serious right now

from: calum hood

please i’m really sorry LOL i completely forgot about it

i know your smarty pants finished it the second you got home please

i’ll literally buy you starbucks tomorrow morning

As much as I hated to admit it, his last text message kind of convinced me. I was a sucker for coffee, and could really stop spending money on it every morning. But was I really about to lose some more sleep just to do the party boy’s notes? I barely know this kid anyways. How’d this guy even get into college? 

to: calum hood

is it gonna be a venti

from: calum hood:

if that’s what you want, sure

I knew I was going to regret this decision, but I threw on my glasses and put my hair up once again, walking towards my desk. “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I sighed out, opening my laptop and gathering my supplies together. I unlocked my phone, seeing that the time was 12 am. Am I doing this for coffee or am I doing this because he’s attractive and I couldn’t really say no to him? I groaned and leaned my head on my desk, texting him back.

to: calum hood

i hate you so much

get me a venti iced white mocha no whip and an extra espresso shot

actually no make that two extra espresso shots cause bc of your dumbass im staying up��

from: calum hood

i gotchu angel

thank you so much, see you tomorrow :)

“Fuck off with the petname and the smiley face,” I angrily cursed at my phone, picking up my pencil and beginning to write another ten pages of notes. 

“I hate this bitch,” I said, throwing my pencil onto my desk and slamming my laptop shut. The time was now 3:45 am and tired was an understatement for me. I crawled into bed, falling asleep almost immediatly, hoping that these 5 hours of sleep will give me enough energy to get through class tomorrow.

-

“You have got to be fucking joking me,” I mumbled, reaching over for my phone to turn off the alarm. I was definitely not a morning person, and the fact that I didn’t get at least 7 hours of sleep meant that I was not going to be in a good mood today.

I slowly crawled out of bed and began trudging towards my bathroom, seeing I had gotten a text meesage from the man himself. I rolled my eyes seeing his name pop up, opening the conversation between him and I.

from: calum hood

goodmorning!

to: calum hood

fuck off

I set my phone aside, getting ready for bed in the slowest way possible. I honestly could care less about what I looked like today, so I decided on a hoodie and sweatpants. I went back into my room and packed my bag with everything I needed, including Calum’s stupid study notes. I threw it over my shoulder, putting on my shoes and walking out the front door, into my car. Thankfully my college was not too far from my apartment, so it didn’t matter if I was running a couple of minutes late.

Parking my car and walking towards class, more and more annoyance filled my body, hoping that nobody would say a word to me, or even better, look in my direction. As I walked into the classroom, I walked towards the empty seats in the very back, choosing the one closest to the wall. I got settled into my seat, leaning the side of my head against the wall, hoping that I’d get the tiniest bit of extra rest.

“The last text message you sent to me wasn’t very nice.” I heard a voice beside me say. I opened my eyes and looked up, seeing the stupid Calum Hood. He was holding two cups of coffee - one for me, and one for him I’m assuming - and was wearing a maroon hoodie, which he actually looked really good in.

“I don’t think you deserve to have a nice goodmorning text, because you are the reason I’m in a pissy mood today, thank you very much.” I responded, taking my coffee from his hand and placing it on my desk. I reached into my bag and took the study notes I wrote for him, slapping it onto the desk beside me.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered as our professor began to speak up, indicating that class had begun. “What can I do in order for you not to be mad at me?” I turned to look at him. He had the biggest pouty face I had ever seen, which was absolutely adorable. But I’d never tell him that.

“Just shut up.” I sighed, turning back towards the board, opening my notebook and beginning to take notes. 

Not even ten minutes later, a green sticky note caught my eye as I was writing. My eyes gazed towards the sticky note, scoffing at what was written on it.

Pls forgive me :(

I turned towards Calum, who was currently well focused on the board in front of us. I lightly chuckled, knowing he was more than pretending to actually pay attention in this class.

I thought I told you to shut up, I wrote underneath his writing and stuck it back onto his desk, and continued from where I left off. I got maybe 5 words in before I saw the neon green appear back onto my desk. I can’t shut up if I’m not talking.

I rolled my eyes before crumbling the paper in my hand, looking at Calum once again. “You’re distracting me. What do you want?” I asked him, the brunette boy turning his head to me once again. 

“For you not to be mad at me.” He responded. “What can I do for you to at least smile at me? Besides telling me to shut up.” 

I stared at him with the bitchiest face I could put on, then rolled my eyes and began to take down more notes in my book. First, he makes me write ten pages for him and now he’s distracting me in class. Can he leave me alone for at least five minutes? 

“And now you’re not gonna talk to me. Fine, be that way.” He grunted. The two of went back to what to we were doing for the remainder of class.

-

“That’s all for today folks, I hope you have a good rest of your day and don’t forget to read pages thirty to thirty-five and finish questions one to twenty-seven.” Our professor said to all of the class, which resulted in me grabbing my bag and standing up immediately, wanting nothing more than to just get the fuck out of this place.

Please don’t talk to me please don’t talk to me please don’t talk to me-

“Hey wait,” Calum said and grabbed my hand. 

Fuck

“Yes?” I asked him, turning my body towards him as he let go of my hand. 

“What’re you doing the rest of the day?” 

“Nothing, why..?”

I saw that Calum had the cheekiest grin on his face after I gave him my answer. “As an apology for making you write down my notes, thank you very much by the way, along with making you angry this whole morning, how about we go get breakfast on me, and we can do our homework together, except I will do all the work, and you just copy my answers? How does that sound?”

I thought about it. One part of me just wanted to flip him off, go back home and get the sleep I missed out on last night. The other part of me was actually kind of down for that idea. Free food, free homework answers and I get to hang out with pretty boy? I wasn’t really losing anything here, huh? 

“I mean, I would say yes, but I took my car here and also I’m dressed terribly right now, the last thing I need is for more people to see me looking like this..” I trailed off, looking down at my current outfit and laughing lightly. “Babe, you don’t even look bad whatsoever right now. However, if you insist, you can go home and change and I can come get you when you’re ready. Is that a plan?” He asked in response. First angel, now babe? What is this guy doing?

“I mean.. I could do that...but-” “Pleeaaasee?” Calum cut me off, pressing his hands together, acting as if he was praying. 

“Ugh, fine, I’ll go with you! I’ll go home and get ready, and I’ll text you when I’m done.” I responded as the both of us walked out of the classroom, towards the parking lot. 

“Pinky promise you won’t cancel on me last minute?” Calum asked, extending his arm and putting his pinky in front of me as we reached my car. I hadn’t even noticed that he walked me to my car, which honestly made my heart flutter when I realized. 

“Are you kidding me?” I laughed lightly, taking my pinky and sticking it out with his, interlocking it. “Pinky promises mean everything, sweetheart. I’ll see you later.” He responded, winking at me then walking away. Getting into my car, I hit my steering wheel, squealing while I repeatedly hit my head against my wheel. “Fuckin’ angel, babe and sweetheart?! What’s next?” I asked myself, driving back to my place to get ready for this little study.. session? Hang out? Date? 

I never noticed how nervous I was to hang out with Calum until four different outfits were placed on my bed, with no ability to choose which one looked best. “Fuck, these are all terrible.” I groaned, flopping onto my bed and closing my eyes. I was interrupted by my phone ringing, seeing that Calum was calling.

“I know you pinky promised that you wouldn’t cancel on me, but angel what is taking so long?” He asked, laughing into his question. “I’m so sorry,” I groaned, getting back up and looking at the outfits I planned on my bed. “I’m having a little wardrobe crisis. I have zero idea what to wear.”

“You could’ve showed up in the hoodie and sweatpants and I’d still find you gorgeous,” He responded, making my heart flutter for what felt like the hundreth time today. This man throws small compliments left and right and it’s kind of driving me crazy. “But lemme see what you got planned out. I’ll make it easier for you.” I responded with an okay, quickly snapping a photo of the clothes that were currently on my bed. 

“Okay first off, none of these are bad at all. I think you could’ve chose any of these and rocked all of ‘em. Second, little shirt big pants is always the way to go. I say the second one.” He told me, choosing a white long sleeved shirt and the baggiest light wash jeans I had in my closet. It might’ve been basic, but Calum was right - you really can’t go wrong with a little shirt big pants combination. 

“Okay, thank you.” I sighed in relief, taking the clothes into my hands and walking into the washroom to change. “You can come now, I’ll text you my address. I’ll probably be done by the time you get here.” 

“Now was that so hard?” He asked in response, causing the both of us to laugh. “I’ll see you in a bit. Bye bye!” 

“Bye Calum, see you later.” And with that the call ended. I quickly changed into my clothes, put my laptop in my bag - along with everything else I needed - and slipped my shoes on. Once I finished doing so, I heard a loud honk outside, indicating that he was outside. 

Walking out of my house I saw Calum exiting his seat, walking over to the other side and opening the door for me. “Wow, what a gentleman.” I laughed as he closed my door and got into the drivers’ side once again. “You look great.” He told me, his eyes focused on my outfit. “All thanks to you.” I said nervously, as he started the car. “Where are we going again?” I asked him. 

“You can never go wrong with IHOP,”  He said proudly, with a wide grin on his face. “How’d you know I loved going there?” I asked him, gaining a chuckle from him in response. “Not sure if you knew this, but I’m a mindreader.” He joked, causing me to roll my eyes and laugh in response. 

Arriving at the place and ordering our food, Calum and I began to have a little conversation. It started off with an are you still mad at me? which resulted into talks about other classes, finals and parties. 

“You’re telling me you’ve never been to a party?” He asked in shock, me shaking my head as I took a sip of the water that was given to me. “Are you kidding me? We’ve been in college for what, two years, and you’ve never been to one?!”

“Yeah, in case you didn’t notice, I go to school to learn and not to party. I don’t ask people to take ten pages of notes for me so I could blaze up, unlike somebody I know,” I responded, Calum looking at me in disbelief. “I cannot believe you just called me out like that. I said I was sorry!” 

“Yeah yeah, I know. You’re making up for it with free food and free homework answers, so I decided to get over it.” I responded, laughing. “Also, when are we gonna start doing the questions?” I asked as the waiter came with both of our plates of food, thanking them as we began to eat. 

“I mean, we could go back to my place and work on it, if that’s alright with you.” Calum said, his mouth full of pancakes. “Is that your way of trying to get in my pants?” I asked jokingly. 

“You’re a fiesty one aren’t you?” He asked, with a simple nod from me in response. “Well to answer your question, no that is not my way of doing such a thing, I’d be much more smooth about it.” 

“Oh, so you think you’re slick or something?” “Nah babe, I know I’m slick.” There’s the cocky party boy that I was much more familiar with. I rolled my eyes in response.

“I’m gonna ignore what you just said.. Anyways, I am fine with working on it at your place.” I told him, getting a nod in response. Throughout the whole breakfast, we got to know each other quite well. I learned that he played soccer in highschool, but due to a torn ACL he had to quit. But because of that, he got into music and started playing the guitar. I told him that if there’s enough free time when we finished, he should play me something. He happily agreed to it, saying that I will fall in love with him after I hear his singing. I just roll my eyes at his cocky compliments about himself. 

I also got to hear his totally wild college parties that he goes to, telling me about this one time one of his friends’ houses got shut down due to the various noise complaints from neighbours down the block. “you should come join me in one”, He offers, with a “fuck no” in response from me. 

“C’mon, they’re not that bad. They’re actually really fun, and everybody’s always so nice.” 

“I literally can’t tell you the last time I got high, and the last time I got drunk it was not pretty, I’m retired from that shit.” I said, as he paid for our food and began walking back to his car.

“Oh, so you used to be rowdy?” He asked, the two of us laughing in unison. “High school me was a different story, we don’t talk about that.” I responded. “The things I would do to see that side of you. You gotta go to at least one before you get outta this place. They take a lot of stress off your shoulders for the night.” He told me as we walked towards the front door to his place, which made me laugh at the fact that he tried to make parties seem like a really good thing. A simple Maybe, was all I responded with as we got settled into his apartment, which was fairly clean to my surprise. 

We were currently sitting across each other at his dining table, the both of us reading over the textbook and him answering the questions after every section. He worked effeciently, which also took me by surprise. I underestimated this guy a lot, didn’t I?

A good two hours later, Calum had finished all the questions for homework and I had finished copying them down, thanking him for doing such a thing.

“It’s no problem. I had no idea that the notes were ten fucking pages long, you deserve a break after that- wait, you wear glasses?” He asked me, analyzing them.

“Yeah, only at home though. I don’t really like how they look on me,” I replied, taking them off and rubbing my eyes. He took them in his hands and put them back on me, smiling. “They look really cute on you, I like them.” He said, causing me to blush. “What’re you so flirty for?” I asked. Keep these compliments up and I might just fall in love with you before you even sing, I thought to myself.

“Well, with somebody as pretty as you, I gotta slip in a flirty remark every chance I get, eh?” He smirked, taking my hand, and taking the both of upstairs. “Don’t take this the wrong way, my guitars in my room.” He reassured me as we walked inside his room. He took the guitar from the side of his room, and sat on the edge of his bed, gesturing me to sit down next to him.

“Ready to fall in love with me?”

“Try me, Hood.” 

He chuckled, playing the intro to Sam Smith’s Leave Your Lover. “Holy shit, I love this song,” I whispered, watching his hands strum the guitar.

He began to sing, immediately amazed by his voice. It was so soft and raspy, I literally could listen to it all day. I closed my eyes, leaning my head on his shoulder. He laughed softly when he noticed, continuing on with the song. 

He finished playing the outro, which caused me to open my eyes and look up at him. “So, how was that?” 

“It was beautiful, your voice is so pretty.” I responded, smiling at him. “You should drop outta this whole college thing and just become famous.”

“Oh man I wish, but I think it’s too late for that.” He told me, now leaning on my shoulder, which made me want to scream and kiss him. “Did you fall in love with me yet?”

I patted his cheek with my hand lightly. “Not yet Cal, not yet. Stil kinda angry about that whole ten pages of notes thing.” 

“You’re never gonna let that go, are you?”

“Nah.”

He laughed, then took my hand and intertwined it with his, rubbing circles on it with his thumb. “What if I told you I’d be down to do this again, minus the whole ‘let me do this for you today as an apology’ thing?” He questioned, lifting his head from my shoulder and looking at me.

“What do you mean, ‘this again’?”

“I mean picking you up with a coffee before class, bothering you the whole time, getting breakfast with you afterwards, studying together, and then playing a song for you once we get too lazy to finish our assignments.” He replied with a soft smile that made my heart warm and my cheeks red.

“And what if I told you that I’d be down to do those things aswell?” 

“Well then my love, I will pick you up on Wednesday at 8:15 with a venti iced white mocha with only one extra shot of espresso, because I won’t keep you up to write more notes. After class, I’ll take us to any place you wanna go. Denny’s? IHOP? Waffle House? You name it. Then, we can go back to my place, study our asses off and then I can play you as many songs as you’d like. How does that sound?” He offered, the biggest smile appearing on my face.

“That sounds perfect.”

“Now if we’re going to be doing this... does this mean I can finally take you to a damn party?”

“Fuck off, Hood.”

[drabblesanddreams]

Black and White- Fyodor Dostoevsky

This turned out so much longer than i planned it to be sorry folks!! But this imagine i tried making it slightly diff than the imagines, i honestly wouldnt say its romantic tbh it also doesnt have as much fyodor as i planned for there to be sadly :(( but let me know what yall think!! also im on vacation again this time for a month so im so sorry yall if i cant post as much!!

word count: 2.5k

summary: The black and white of your world holds a whole new meaning when you meet him.

TW: Hints towards depression a lot, really depressing dialogue 

The day before he came into your life everything was black and white. A perfect world encased in various shades of grey, shrouded in a two-tone hue of barrenness and desolation.

The light that poured into your world started off as a warmth seemingly brought forth by an angel. But slowly, before you could even realize it at the time, the warmth grew more and more intense the longer you spent time with him. It grew and grew until that once comforting warmth turned into a scalding sensation, burning your touch along with the pretty pictures of your life. It burned the new-found colours until you saw yourself left in the end with no picture at all, surrounded by the darkness that once upon a time was all you knew.

In the end, you horrifically realized that he was no angel at all.

He liked to claim that he was a god, but you didn’t believe his words even from your first meeting up until the last. You knew better than that, in the end, he was more so like Lucifer.

Once an angel indeed, you suppose so judging from not only his carefully crafted facade of a morally virtuous persona but also his physical features.

You remembered the first day he came into the music shop that you worked at, his angelic features drew and ensnared your attention almost immediately.

That particular day it was snowing lightly, the white flakes gently building on top of one another until the city was a buried underneath one of the worlds most beautiful creations.

Beautiful, untainted white snow with unique patterns pressed onto each flake. However, when mingled with the rest of its own kind, it was as ordinary as it could ever be to the naked eye. An average speck who will never stand apart from the rest of its kind and will instead be overshadowed by those who come after it.

Much like you.

Despite the gloomy thoughts, it didn’t make the snow any less cold.

“Shit,” you scowled as a gust of cold air blew into the store, taking with it a flurry of snowflakes, “Hurry up and shut the door behind you, Ann.”

The person in question was your friend and the sole reason you had this shitty job working as a cashier at the music store. Her family had hired you purely out pity when your parents died. You were at the tender age of 12 at the time.

You liked that word. Died. It was straight to the point, no bullshit and no cushioning of the hard blow it delivered. You remembered at the funeral how the many unrecognizable people who had attended came up to you, choking out apologies for your late parents.

Or how they passed away.

Or how they were deceased.

Died. Dead. Death. It didn’t matter, you liked the foreign comfort the words gave you. It meant that the world you spent so much time analyzing was the same as you made it out so sure to be. It meant that one day you too were going to “pass away” and your existence would then blend into the hundreds of thousands of those who lived and died before you.

And then, you’d be forgotten.

You never figured out why that morbid thought was so relieving to you.

Ann rolls her eyes, shaking you out of your stupor and back into the real world. She closes the door behind her but not before ruffling her hair free of snowflakes, this action allowing another draught of frigid air to enter.

“Okay miss grumpy, chillax ‘kay?” she teases and it's your turn to roll your (e/c) eyes as she slips off her coat, tossing it behind the cash register.

“Besides,” she continues as she takes a seat next to you behind the register, “Your shift is up in literally ten minutes so you can go home and sleep.”

You look at her from the corner of your eye as you rest your cheek in the palm of your hand. She has taken to sorting the receipts silently for a moment before she asks, “How long did you sleep for last night?”

You blink a couple of times before realizing the exhaustion must be painted so easily on your face. The purple eyebags decorating your face must not be a pretty sight. You can feel the weight of your own existence pulling you downwards, like all you want is to crawl under the covers and fall asleep to a mixture of winter and Chopin. Today has hit you particularly hard, but you don’t let her know that.

Inhaling through your nose, you sit up right before casually replying, “Seven hours give or take”

She beams at the easy lie as she nods approvingly, “Making progress, good.”

All you do is shrug, its been a slow day all you want to do it go back home. There have barely been any customers and the shop is completely empty at the moment save for the both of you.

‘Anyways,” her tone changes to one full of pep, “Can I tell you about my tinder date? I’m gonna tell you about my tinder date” she doesn’t wait for your approval.

You snort, standing up as you make your way over to the hanging instruments opposite on the wall. You intend to straighten them up again for the millionth time, the slightest crook getting on your nerves.

She takes this action as a sign to go on, “So, I swiped on this guy na-“

She is cut off by the soft chime of bells filling the small store indicating a customer has entered.

Before even moving, you feel the cold air gently sweep across your exposed skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

You turn your head to the door, your hand pausing on its readjustment of the violin hanging on the wall.

A tall slim young man, maybe somewhere aged in the mid 20s has entered, his seemingly delicate pale hand pressed against the window of the door. His shoulder length black hair falls softly onto his shoulders, ensnared underneath a ushanka as white as the snow that has entered the store. The white snowflakes stand out against his long black coat.

He searches around the shop for a moment before his eyes catch onto yours. That’s when the air leaves your lungs and you feel a shiver run down your spine.

Never in your life had you ever met a man so…so…beautiful.

Beautiful was an understatement, he was simply breathtaking.

The most striking thing about his visage, however, were his eyes.

Purple eyes. Never in your life had you ever met anyone with that particular eye colour. But it was more than that, it was the sharp look in them as well.

You felt yourself tense up at your eye contact, something about this man was unsettling you quite so. You can barely breathe, your body shrinking back into itself as all you wanted to do was run and run. You wish you had an ability that enabled you to do so.

His eyes flickered downwards before they moved upwards to catch your eyes once more and it was then that you felt so exposed. Like an insect underneath a microscope, completely visible and naked.

Compared with his striking features, you no longer felt human standing next to this man.

Suddenly, someone clears their throat, effectively breaking the silent game of observation occurring between you and this stranger.

You turn your head to the source, Ann, who raises an eyebrow at your impolite and reclusive behavior. Even more reclusive than usual.

She turns her head to the customer, interest taking over her features as she too realizes just how otherworldly this man is.

She wears a charming smile, “Hello sir, can I help you with anything today?”

“Good day,” the stranger says, the words rolling off his tongue in a seductive Russian drawl and you feel yourself heat up. You turn away, busying yourself with straightening the instruments once more.

Ann’s got this; you’ll just ignore him.

“I was wondering, do you perchance sell cello’s here?” he asks smoothly. Your hands freeze on the cello you were adjusting and briefly wonder for a moment why he even asked when you know he clearly saw it behind you with that little stare off just a few moments ago.

Ann confirms that, yes, we do sell cello’s here.

And when she asks what particular one, he is looking for, she mistakenly points towards a Franz Sandner instead of an August Kohr.

You take the liberty of correcting her.

“Its actually this one,” you quietly point out her mistake and effectively drawing the stranger’s attention back towards you. Beside him, Ann glowers knowing that you have somehow ruined her plan of seducing the customer with talk of a cello.

You wish you didn’t because the fear that washes over you feels stronger than before.

“Okay well,” Ann glowers at you, “I’m pretty your shift is up, (Y/N).”

You falter at her statement before swallowing and nodding. You weren’t going to fight over something that wasn’t worth fighting over.

You’re glad at your friend’s dismissal, as it means that you can get away from that man’s burning gaze asap. You make quick work of gathering your belongings and making your way to the exit, to freedom.

All the while, your heart beats quick for an entirely different reason

Because for the first time you feel fear on behalf of your friend’s safety, as the distance between you and the pair grow larger and larger.

-

You’re were right to feel worried over the protection of your friend, because two weeks later under the same frigid weather, you are staring down her coffin.

It’s eerily similar to how her funeral likens to the one of your parents. If you shut your eyes really tightly and pretend for a moment that you are fourteen, it is exactly the same funeral.

Life goes on.

Except the biggest difference between this time is that this was no accident.

You’re good at observations, spending more of your life alone and isolated left you with the only thing to pass the time; watching people.

Putting two and two, you know now that this a murder caused by no one other than that man in the shop. You don’t know how but you know for sure that he possesses some sort of ability. After all, you don’t what sort of weapon could make that kind of wound in her head.

Currently, you’re the only one left in the graveyard. The sun is setting soon but you pay no mind to that fact and instead tilt your head upwards, watching the snow lightly fall around you and, on the coffin, -Ann’s coffin.

You hear the familiar sound of shoes treading on snow, but you don’t bother looking to see and instead focuses on the number of snowflakes covert he lid of the coffin.

“What a miserable affair,” a voice sighs, the smooth Russian accent unforgettable to you, “Wouldn’t you agree?”

You turn your head to see the devil himself, you should be vengeful and raging right now. A small part of you wants to jump at him, tearing his pretty face apart with your nails and to just watch the blood draw and spill. But as quick as that thought appeared, it disappears for at the moment you just don’t care.

You have nothing left. The logical part of you know that’s it will not bring her back; the only family you had left. You have nothing anymore.

But this time your anxiety is non-existent, you don’t feel afraid. In fact, you don’t feel much of anything at the moment.

From your apathy or the cold, you’re not quite so sure which. You close your mouth before opening it once more.

“It wasn’t sad,” you simply say, relishing in the slightest sign of surprise that registers on his handsome face. You look deeply into those purple hues of his, admiring for a moment before you continue, “It was boring.”

You turn your head back to the coffin and blankly blink at the slight buildup that you have missed.

“Boring,” he repeats, “Such is the debility of human existence, such things take the liberty of latching onto my heart from time to time”

You let his words sink for a moment.

“No, it doesn’t,” you softly deny, “Not to you” “May I perhaps ask why?”

You turn your head to him, the first sign of emotion crossing your visage as you stare hard, “Because you’re not human.”

You say this statement with so much confidence and let it ring in the air. The man takes this fact in before smirking, “Then what could I possibly be?”

You don’t hesitate to answer, “A devil.” If he is offended, he doesn’t show it and instead chuckles lightly, purple eyes dancing with joy. At what, you have no clue, but you feel yourself recoil at this.

“No little bird,” he smirks drops into a soft smile, “I think you will find that I am more of a god than anything.”

Your eyebrows furrow for a moment as you study him. He breaks your eye contact to look at the coffin in front of both of you. He then answers your unasked question.

“The sinful nature of humans demands to be cleansed.” He utters into the empty space, and you raise both brows in interest at this statement. You follow his gaze to the coffin before tracing it back to his eyes.

Sinful. How could a young girl commit a sin so grave she had to answer with it for her life? Who was this man to judge her for that?

“And what of my human nature?” you quietly ask. He turns back to you, “Oh but little bird,” corners of his mouth tilt upwards and his eyes flash as if he knows something you don’t. Your heart rate raises as you wait for him to finish his sentence.

“You’re not much of a human anymore, are you?”

Your mouth falls agape slightly and your blood turns into ice easily.

“In fact,” he continues, suddenly taking a step forward, reaching forward to caress your cheek, “You’re not much of anything anymore” he whispers.

His thumb presses slightly against your bottom lip and your eyes flicker downwards before meeting his again. Your mouth dries.

“Correct?” he asks venomlike.

You’re ensnared into his trap as you nod, but you barely register the movement.

“Good.” He steps back and his smile is back as he holds his hand out.

“Seeing as you no longer have a place in this world little bird,” he says calmly, “Come with me and let me seat you among the stars.”

You don’t hesitate in taking his hand, somewhere in the back of your head a part of you is screaming, saying you are walking into the exact same trap that your friend has walked into.

But you don’t care, because you are sick of seeing the white of the snow and the black of your soul.

If that means walking into the lion’s den of the man named Fyodor Dostoevsky, then so be it.

At least it’ll mean a small part of you will have meaning again.

[captain-kingliamsqueen]

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree

Your feedback means everything to me honestly! so please don’t hesitate to leave a wee note!

Pairing: Liam x Riley, Riley x Maxwell

Summary: … Riley and Liam spend some time together whilst Liam's away.

Word Count: 1,777

Tagged : @starstruckzonkoperatorbat  @drakelover78  @queencatherynerhys @devineinterventions2 @jayjay879  @kawairinrin  @hopefulmoonobject @flyawayblue56  @gardeningourmet  @blackcatkita  @syltti78  @diamond-dreamland  @theroyalweisme  @hhiggs  @mfackenthal  @bruteforcebears @pens-girl-87 @barbaravalentino @umccall71 @darley1101 @crookedslimecreatorpasta @jamjar84 @starstruckpixelberryhistoryvoid @speedyoperarascalparty @katurrade @scarlettedragon @zeniamiii 

 ASK IF YOU WANT TAGGED!  OR UNTAGGED! 

I SINCERELLY APPOLOGISE IF I MISSED ANYONE, IM TRYING TO KEEP TRACK OF WHO WANTS TAGGED AND STUFF!

I always notice every single spelling mistake or issue after I’ve posted…so apologies in advance! 

 Riley let out a sigh as she watched all the nobles around her dancing away, twirling and turning. She was normally a huge lover of the festive season, she looked forward to the Christmas ball that she and Liam had decided to make a recurring event, it was Riley and Liam's first Christmas together, like really together, this time last year the two were in the midst of trying to find out who was behind the scandal that stopped their engagement, they didn’t have time to think about Christmas. This year, Riley had ensured they both have a few days off from royal duties over Christmas, the two were supposed to start their days off today, but there she was sitting alone watching the goings on around her, Liam had one last meeting he had to attend in London yesterday at three, British time, then he was going to fly straight home, he was meant to arrive back in Cordonia for eleven last night, Riley was missing him dearly, he had been away for a solid three weeks, flying from country to country, attending meeting after meeting, leaving Riley to deal with Cordonian matters, she didn’t mind looking after her country…it was her job…her life, it was late last night she had gotten the phone call…

Riley had been watching the clock all day counting down the hours and minutes before her husband returned to her. She had decided to pack up the papers she was looking through early, she wanted to welcome her husband home properly. Riley left her office at about seven, she headed straight up to the royal apartment, with a hop in her step and smirk on her face, she made her to the bathroom, where she started running the bath, filling it with bubble bath. Whilst she waited on the bath filling she went to the walk in closet where she opened the top drawer and pulled out her favourite piece of lingerie, she lay the baby doll outfit  on bed then started undressing, wrapping herself in her silk robe then headed for the bathroom, once the bath was ready she slipped her robe off then climbed in, lowering herself into the water. Instantly feeling the stress of the day disappear, it was the first time Riley had been left to deal with the needs of Cordonia on her own, Liam told her many times how proud of her he was that she was dealing with everything so well. Little did he know, it was all piling up, Riley had been so stressed, trying to make sure everything was perfect, she didn’t want to worry Liam with her worries that she wasn’t doing what she should, or her unsure mind.  On top of that Riley had not been sleeping well, with Liam being gone, after everything that happened with the scandal threw Riley off, she hated being alone, she tried to surround herself with people at all times but at night, she was alone. Her mind ran marathons, she felt unsafe, but when Liam was there…it was a whole different story, she knew she was safe, she wasn’t alone, he was there when she fell asleep, he was there when she woke up, but since he left, she would sit up until stupid o’clock, she would read, watch tv, try and get some extra files worked through to make the workload easier for the following day, she was lucky if she was getting two three hours sleep a night, and those hours where the only reason she was still going. Liam was aware of Riley's sleeping issues, but what could he do from miles away. He would call her at the same time every night, he would ask her about her day, how she was feeling, how she had slept the night before.

As Riley bathed for about forty-five minutes, then she climbed out of the tub, wrapping a towel around her, she pulled the plug from the bath, then started drying herself off. once she was dried she wrapped her robe around her, then made her way into the bedroom, she perched herself on the end of the queen-sized bed, before getting dressed she started applying her moisturiser, Liam's favourite, the reason being it smelled like chocolate, every time she used it Liam would mention it, he would inform her how good she smelled and how much he loved it. Once Riley was dressed she lay back on the bed, leaning against the pillows ready to greet Liam when he got home. Whilst waiting for his return she entertained herself by watching some tv. It was about ten when she was startled by her mobile ringing. She quickly clicked answer seeing it was Liam.

“Riley! Ive been trying to get through for hours, the weather is crazy, there's a huge blizzard so my phone might cut out”

“are you at the airport?” Riley played with the hem of her babydoll lingerie

She heard Liam sigh sadly “riley” he whispered

“you’re not coming back tonight…are you?” she replied in the same tone.

“I’m so sorry sweetie, I waited at the airport for hours to see if they would let me fly home…but its too dangerous, they’re going to let me know as soon as I can fly home”

“I take it you won’t make it back for the Christmas ball tomorrow?”

“it doesn’t look like it honey, I’m sorry”

“don’t apologise Liam, it’s not your fault”

“I miss you”

“I miss you too”

“what are you doing?” Liam asked

“nothing…just watching tv” she lied as she looked down at her outfit.

“what are you watching?”

“reign”

“Riley!” He groaned “we were watching it together!”

“hey mister don’t you take that tone with me…you left me all by myself…I’m entertaining myself…you’ll just have to catch up!” riley smirked

“betrayed…by my own wife!” he chuckled

“what are you doing?”

“I am just about to climb into bed” Liam replied as Riley heard ruffling

“but it’s not night time there” she stated confused

“I know but I’m want to try and get back on cordonian time”

“Liam…”

“yeah?”

“…I love you”

“I love you too”

The couples conversation carried on for a further hour and a half, just catching up on each other’s day.

Back in the ballroom, Riley was startled by a gentle hand on her back, then a man sitting beside her.

“hey…why does my best friend look so down?” Maxwell’s voice filled her ears, she gently leaned her head on his shoulder.

“hey, I’m sorry am I ruining the mood?” she whispered

“the queen…no!” he smirked “he’ll be home soon Riley”

“I know…these things just aren’t the same without him y’know?”

“I know you wanted to spend the ball with Liam…but why don’t you come with me and I’ll keep you entertained for a while, come on…come dance with me?” he smiled that goofy Maxwell smile that she could never resist

“I’m sorry max, I just, don’t feel like dancing right now”

“Riley Rhys…if you don’t get that be-hind on that dancefloor…I am going to have to go to extremes…”

“and what are those” a giggle left Riley's lips

“I…I will…Tickle you…” Maxwell responded over exaggeratedly

“max” she laughed

“Riley…come on…ill make you one of my famous pineapple drinks!”

“just for me?” she smirked

“just for you” he smiled

“alright…come on, come with me” Maxwell smiled as he stood from his seat, extending his hand out for Riley to take, she smiled as she took his hand, allowing him to pull her from her seat. He reached his arm out as she placed her hand gently on his arm.

Once they reached the bar, Riley sat on one of the stools whilst she watched Maxwell concoct his famous drink. Once it was finished the two clinked pineapples then began to drink.

“god that tastes amazing” she smiled “thank you Maxwell”

“no need” he replied with a light shake of the head. Just a short ten minutes later Riley started to feel the buzz from the drink, Maxwell took her hand in his then pulled her to the dancefloor

“I LOVE THIS SONG!!” Maxwell shouted laughing as rockin’ around the Christmas tree started playing. He and Riley, twirled and danced, laughing as they went.

After the song finished Riley held her hand on her side “ive got a stitch” she laughed “I’ve gotta sit down”

“booo!!!!” Maxwell's loud laugh filled the room. following her to the table she had been sitting at he took a seat beside her.

“so…are you feeling better?”

“yes, thank you Maxwell” she gently placed her hand on his on the table “thank you for cheering me up, I really needed it, you’ve always been such a good friend to me max, a lot of people underestimate you, but your one of the most kind, selfless people ive ever met and I hope you know how much you mean to all of us, I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.” she smiled as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.  

“your going to make me cry” he pretended to wipe his eyes causing Riley to giggle

“I love you Maxwell, you’re the best friend anyone could ever have”

“I love you too Riley!” he smiled as he pulled her into a hug

Riley spent the night laughing and dancing with her friends. When it eventually reached two am, she decided to make her way to bed. She was well and truly done in, she was on her way to bed she removed her dress and shoes, leaving her in her underwear. After washing her face and brushing her teeth she turned the light off pulling the duvet around her like a cocoon she lay her head on Liam's pillow slowly falling into a deep slumber.

It was about four am when Riley awoke to a hand on her side and gentle kisses on her shoulder, if it were anyone else and she would have leaped from the bed, but she knew…she knew exactly who it was.

“I missed you” he whispered between kisses, Riley smiled with a gentle sigh

“it’s so good to feel your touch” she whispered as she placed her hand gently on top of his, linking her fingers with his.

“your freezing!” He exclaimed

“well…warm me up then” Riley smirked as she scooted back feeling his body against her.

“I’m sorry I missed the ball” he held her close placing kisses on her shoulder.

“it’s okay…” she smirked “your home now that’s all that matters” she whispered as she turned to face him, cuddling into his chest, the two quickly fell into a deep slumber.

[yoonqified]

I know it's a bit late to ask, but how was the concert?!!!

Omg!! No no, it’s not too late hehe but honestly where do I start???

I was completely stressed about trying to figure out how to get there because I live like 3 hours away from LA and because I did have GA, I was scared of getting there and not being able to get a good spot T.T I had planned to go with my coworker, but because she had p5, she was going to arrive a little later into the day. But I had luckily found the sweetest girl on twitter who was going to camp out Wednesday and was willing to save me a spot because as much as I wanted to camp out with her, I had classes on Wednesday that I just couldn’t miss because of midterms. 

Thursday comes and my stomach is just twisting and turning! I arrive to LA around 7 in the morning (yes I left my house hella early lol) and met up the sweet girl and we stood in line for another 4 hours while the whole number thing was situated. When we were finally given our wristbands, I was fan number 303 out 1,800??1,900??? almost 2,000 fans I think, I don’t remember hehe at 4:30 we were suppose to line up in our numbers and at 5:30 we were going to be let into the venue. so from 11am to 4pm we put the girls’ tent and chairs into my car’s trunk and she went to buy merch while I was with her other friends, who had camped out with her, sitting in starbucks doing our make up and what not lol 

Once my coworker got there we went to the bts studio booths because we had won that contest thingy, took my picture, and went straight to the GA line since it was already like 4 something when I was done taking my picture with my baby Yoongs (yes, we were in starbucks for hours leave us alone we were sleepy afff) When entering the venue, you could FEEL like vibe and tension in there as every anticipated to see our boys. I had a VERY good spot and was only two people away from the rail, so you could just imagine HOW CLOSE I WAS LIKE GIRRRLLLL. 

We were in there for like 2 or 3 hours while everyone was situated into the venue and when it started….. girl let me tell you when it started….. Keep in mind this is my first bts concert EVER, and once those holy men walked out on stage, I completely freaked out! It was such a weird feeling knowing that they were right in front of me, alive in the flesh, and not on a tv screen. I honestly didn’t know if I was looking at actual people our animatronics because god damn they looked so fucking perfect. LIKE THEIR SKIN IS ACTUAL PORCELAIN.

I was in the front part of the second stage, so when they got closer and I was able to get a better look at them, I was in complete awe! They are all so tall and thin! Namjoon is so fucking handsome and to know that I was able to witness his dimples is mind blowing. Seokjin is truly worldwide handsome and his vocals live are just as beautiful than they are on CD. Jungkook really does have the tiniest waist and really long legs, and let me tell you that his thighs were ready to rip out from his jeans like GOD DAMN. 

Taehyung.

Girl, Taehyung….

No video. No picture. Does this man justice. Kim Taehyung is so motherfucking breath taking and his caramel melanin skin radiated with the spotlight and he was just so fucking gorgeous like ommmgggggg

 MY BABY YOONGI IS SO FUCKING CUTE AND HES JUST SO SQUISH LIKE AAAAHHHHHHHHH I SAW MIN YOONGI IN THE FLESH AND JUST FUCCCCCCC HES SO BEAUTIFUL LIKE I MISS HIM SO MUCH TT.TT I WAS ALSO BLESSED TO WITNESS HIS SCRUNCHED UP FACE DURING ANPANMAN AND I KNOW I CAN DIE HAPPY NOW.

Jimin is just…. wow…. That boy…. just….. beauty…. his smile is the sweetest thing and hes just as beautiful in person than pictures. He actually seems really tall hehe and his legendary thighs actually exist. Like he can choke me or whatevaaa. Also, he’s the biggest flirt EVEERRR. Like he flirted with all of us and he knew exactly what he was doing, too! Like that boy can get IT.

And last but not least Hobi is truly the sun itself. Hoseok interacted with my side A LOT and his smile probably blinded all our whipped asses aND LET ME TELL YOU THAT WE MADE EYE CONTACT FOR LIKE 5 SECONDS AND HE SMILED AT ME AND JUST FUCCCC I DONT KNOW HOW IN THE WORLD IM STILL ALIVE. LIKE DEPRESSIONN???? WE DONT KNOW HER???? I WAS CURED BY JUNG HOSEOK, THE SUN, ITSELF. 

BUT ANYWAYS. The concert was amazing and I had so much fun and I know that everyone in that building did as well. The boys give off this amazing vibe and you could feel the power that they all contained during every performance whether it be their solos or when they were together. Namjoon cried when we all cheered for him and the members teased him and you could just see how much they love their leader so much it’s honestly such a beautiful and heart warming sight. I really wish I could experience it one more time because just wow. I miss my boys so much and the post concert depression is REal! I cried when they performed Magic Shop and Answer because their voices were so angelic and beautiful that your emotions just go in a frenzy and I just ended up sobbing. 

Answer itself is such a beautiful song with a beautiful meaning, and as a person who struggles with a lot of mental issues and self love, the song truly speaks to you when you have the angels who created it right in front of you. I’m very grateful knowing that I was able to experience such an amazing event with all of my ARMYs and my favorite seven wonders of the world and I truly wish that every one of you could experience it one day because it really is life changing. 

[the-origin-story]

Origin Story Text Posts Part 15

Kira: When your squad roasts you jokingly, but they make valid points that you'll hate yourself for later on. stop fucking flirting with my crush do you want to die omg. aesthetic: cute as Heck, but will break your neck, each time I say those three words I mean them more and more, 'leave me alone'. i love calling myself a Bitch but if a man calls me a bitch im gonna step on his throat an snap his neck. Me: That was impulsive you probably shouldn't have done that. Also me: -\_(:-))_/-, if punk is dead explain to me why i am right here; can i still be punk if i've been crying for four straight hours; i see you're paying attention to someone who is not me. why is that.; some people say that life is like a roller coaster but my life is more like one of those rides that spin really fast so you're pinned to the wall and can't do anything about it

Jean: "you'll understand when you're older" i am older and i understand absolutely nothing. I love calling other people nerds even though I'm the actual fucking nerd. actually all of my systems are nervous. talent: overthinking. "stop thinking about it" wow thank u I am cured u should write a book, lmao (laughing my anxiety off), Anxiety is panicking about being late and then sitting in the parking lot for 20 minutes because you are so early. :)I'm :)trying :)to :)be :)a :)better :)person :)but :)some :)people :)are :)testing :)me

Cypress: Guys, I got this *ruins everything*...Whoops; let's start wearing cloaks and swords again. it's time; Anyone else here gay and loves pasta; good news, everyone: dogs; mankind? No. man mean; me: constantly afraid of being abandoned and replaced? hell yes; be the cryptid you wish to see in the woods

Becket: If you're an underappreciated strong background character clap your hands. seven days without a pun makes one weak. me not understanding a movie: wow...the cinnamon tography. "!!!" has a sound in my head. me when i don't got this: i got this; why are there so many days?? i feel like we just had a whole day yesterday...they don't stop; i can't believe what walkie talkies are called

Liam: TALL BOYS WITH PRETTY EYES AND DEEP VOICES AND MESSY HAIR WHO SMIRK A LOT ARE THE ABSOLUTE WORST AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS 0/10 WOULD NOT RECOMMEND, i think it's important to shut the fuck up sometimes, my mom likes to tell me "you have to pick your battles" well im full of rage and im picking all of them, favorite character: *dies* me: nah get up bitch ur fine

Cyra: hope this isn't too nsfw for you guys, but i'd really like to hold a hand; do you ever need a ten minute hug but only from a specific person; pickup line: hey girl, do you want to make a fragile human connection in the vast and unfeeling infinity of a chaotic universe

Bean: boys are cute but at what cost

[wraithpups-blog]

Adventures of Merry and Baxter

Run by the famed adventurer Edmund Helmsplitter, Triple Carted's three-peaked roof loomed over the dusty frontier town of Mud. Like many Adventurer-founded pubs, Triple Carted was generally inhabited by off-duty mercenaries, slayers and other loiterers that were loose with coin and heavy with the burden of over-sized and exotic weaponry. They held equipment aesthetic contests on Fridays, but as was the case in any place where tall tales met the heroes of verse and saga, the regular crowd of Triple Carted had a series of very peculiar traditions. Newcomers were easily spotted and subsequently softened through the use of alcohol and disarming small talk, before being asked to perform a talent or entertaining routine for the bar-goers. Regulars varied depending on the day and hour, but the judges panel on Fonz Day’s Fonzday consisted of a tiny pair of mustached cavaliers, Master Shrapnel the rodent from the East, Mistress Agatha who ran the Apothecary down the road and the local cryptid: Vern the Viking. But today perhaps they had gotten more than they had bargained for. A thin girl wrapped in a feathery traveling cloak and toting an unreasonably large satchel had walked through the rough-hewn wood door not thirty minutes prior, skittish and off-balanced as a lost fawn. She gratefully accepted the drink Agatha pressed gently yet firmly into her hand and soon introduced herself as Merry. Four rounds later, the veterans had the young alchemist on the table, showing off her talents as she chattered on with barely a pause for breath. The regulars sipped their tankards silently, as a crowd of spellbound passerby began to form around the bar. “-and thats when the Guild sent me out here!” Merry said, placing a small martini atop the teetering tower of colorful mixed drinks. Designed to function as the centerpiece of the display, Merry had taken several creative liberties with the trademark skewered olive. The toothpick was carefully splintered and slid into the olive piece by piece, before she gently rolled it down the hand-carved stairs of an icy senate. It was a tiny piece of art. Fine work, especially on such short notice! Merry thought, fishing around in her handbag for one of her newts: a three-toed red named Waldo. She needed two more tails to brew up red smoke and some lights, which would balance out the composition nicely. The restoration draught, essential for multi-tail harvesting, steamed from the small eyedropper used to administer potions, but it would be useless once it cooled off. She felt around various crawly, slimy, coarsely textured ingredients for some time before she gave. Yet another victory for the Waldoes. She eyed the crowd hopefully, deciding to try her luck with crowdfunding. “Does anyone have some newt tails? The Three-toed red, please.” An elderly witch near the front extended a calm looking iguana with matching headwear, who lay host to a myriad of tails that branched out haphazardly from each other. She winked roguishly at Merry from beneath her hat; it was the witch who had given her the first drink. “Just say the name of the tail you want, slowly and clearly, and Gerty here will sprout off as many as you need, won’t you my dear?” That said, Agatha began poking through the array of tails on the frumpy iguana, displaying the extent of her spellwork on the reptile. The movement released flashes of color from the reflection of vibrant scales, but fur, skin and spike alike draped from the many branches of Gerty’s magnificent rear. So many components in one place, it must have cost a fortune. Merry felt her heart pang with jealousy, but most of the regulars simply looked bored. “Four newt tails, Three-toed reds please!” Said Merry, looking into the beady eyes of the lizard. After a series of thoughtful heartbeats, understanding dawned and a small patch of smooth red tails sprouted off from the root of copper colored tailfeathers. “Alright, hold still now.” Agatha soothed as she slid a pair of clippers into her hand from the depths of a sleeve. She looked that Merry apologetically “This is his least favorite part. Sometimes it helps if you hold his front claws.” Merry needed no further prompting, after staring at the frightened but determined look on the reptile’s face as Gerty pointedly refused to look in the direction of Agatha and the shears, she knew she would do anything for this heroic little lizard. She grabbed hold of Gerty’s front claw, which dug painfully into the flesh between her forefinger and thumb as the clippers drew ever close… Snip “Thanks, Gerty.” Merry said, feeling a little guilty as she took the tails from Agatha. Maybe it was wrong, Merry thought, but she knew that anyone back at the College would sell everything they owned to have a lizard like Gerty, instead the herds of forty-seven different reptiles that roamed in pockets, handbags and pocket dimensions of the frazzled student body. The species of lizards, newts and salamanders varied depending on the School of magic studied, but reptile-amphibians shared several characteristics. Prized for the use of their tail they sported extreme levels of elusiveness as well as the name Waldo, by Academy tradition. Merry slid two of the tails silently into a pocket on her sleeve and dunked the other two in a rusted mug underneath the mixed drink monument. Maybe fortune would favor her on this trip, just like Professor Ottabard had written in his classroom brochure. She was already up two newt tails, and the request wasn’t even posted yet! She dropped a match to light the greasy liquid inside the mug, which immediately released a thick plume of smoke behind the display. Shades of red and white danced through the facets carved into the ice. These were chased by small globes of light floating from a different glass and illuminating the faceplate, a stained coaster with a tattered napkin spiked into the leather. After a few seconds the globes popped themselves on the spike, spilling into an embellished script that glowed in the dim lighting for her audience to admire. “T-h-e I-d-e-s o-f M-a-r-c-h” A portly knight read out slowly. “Hold on, what’s March ‘iding from anyway?” “I saw a man once, looked just like that olive,” declared Vern the Viking. “He kept fighting through it all, until one plucky soldier nipped ‘im somewhere with an arrow. Turns out his dear old ma had the whole family slather him in protection charms when he was younger, to make him live longer y'know? Must’ve missed a spot though, ‘cuz I remember he went down like an anchor.” The little witch holding Gerty didn’t say anything, but she smiled and gave Merry a little thumbs up. “Impressive, isn’t it?” Merry said proudly, excitement refusing to be dampened by the lack of culture shown by the Regulars. Emboldened by her success with the tails, she decided to let her sales pitch fly. They’d find out sooner or later anyway, she reasoned through alcohol’s comforting haze, so what was the harm? Merry lit a small jug from the left leg of her monument, releasing a tiny wyvern of vapor spiraling into the air around the bar. She drew her cloak close, then put on her best retailer’s voice. “Now, who among you brave adventurers would join me on my quest? I am off to slay a dragon, in the name of harvesting the materials necessary for Brad N. Ottabard’s First-Year course: Introduction to Musical Theory in Applied Alchemistry! All levels of experience are welcomed in the company, details will be posted on the board!” Her audience blinked as one. “Did she just say ‘dragon’?” ventured an orc in the back. Merry turned to the orc to answer, and caught sight of a pair of well-polished silver crescents, inscribed with a mural of a small figure slaying hordes of dragons, demons and other forces of darkness. The muscular green warrior immediately hid her curved dancing blades behind her back and began to edge away with great speed. “Don’t know anything about dragons, sorry. Lots of work to do, so busy.” “That’s the fifth one this week!” Vern the Viking complained, hefting his broad edged axe over his shoulder in disgust. “What are they even teaching at these schools?” “Dragons? We almost died dragging that warlock to a Moltenfang den just last week, didn’t we John?” A misshapen figure with an octopus beard complained to a beanbag sized sea urchin, who was a needle’s distance away. “Won’t be doing that again in a hurry” The urchin agreed. Mery couldn’t pin where the voice was coming from, but the response to her advertisement thus far was not as she’d hoped. “Not another First-Year!” exclaimed the knight. He had been struggling with the influx of culture into the bar, but was far more at home with this atmosphere of mob mentality. “Yes! I’m posting a complaint. They can’t expect us to give newbies a lift all the time. There’s work to do!” exclaimed a dwarf, holding a pint in each hand. “Now, don’t be making too much trouble for the newcomers everyone,” a new voice said, accompanied by the sound of scales on wood and a slight hiss. “After all, many of you were up on that table not long ago yourselves- and being far less respectable, I might add.” The crowd grumbled in embarrassed compliance with the arrival of a regular figure of authority: the bartender Maisie. Knowing better than to push their luck, the salt of the earth dispersed into their more routine hangouts, leaving Merry alone with the masked gorgon and the self-titled Judges. Vern the Viking saluted the gorgon bashfully. “Sorry Maisie, but you know how it is with the Guilds. Good luck kiddo, but you’ll have a hard time finding someone willing to take on a dragon so late in the season.” “The hatching festival was last month, and the Guilds sent out all their newly registered members… it was fun for a little while, but even we could see the Guilds were just taking advantage of us,” supplied one of the mustached knights, the tiny one in the purple platemail. He mounted his dragonfly with dignity, nodding at Merry as the insect buzzed towards the window. “Fine talent you have there, Miss.” The elderly witch simply pressed a small note into Merry’s hand. It read: Best of luck my dear! The Apothecary is always open, should you want to pop in and see ol’ Gerty again! I remember what the Academy was like, so do your best! Do stop by when you have a party together. Signed, Agatha. Beside it was a small candy, wrapped in red foil. Despite the disappointment settling in her gut, Merry smiled as she watched the old witch make her way to the door, Gerty’s tails spilling out from her bag and swaying as she walked. “I hope you won’t waste all those drinks you’ve made,” said the chilly voice of the bartender, Maisie. Snakes hissed from beneath her dark felt hat, which had a Guild emblem pinned into it. Merry eyed the snakes warily, but it was not her first time meeting a gorgon. Besides, the whiteness of the veil really brought out the blue in her dark scales. “Not a problem,” Merry replied glumly. “Care to share some with me? Halfsies, even? It’s a special offer.” A sharp grin peaked from the sides of the gorgon’s veil. Her snakes seemed to pick up on the gesture, rattling their long scales cheerfully as they crawled amongst their fellow locks. “Oh no, not me. Art it may be, but I don’t have the stomach for drinks mixed by an Alchemist of your talents.” “But how did you know I mixed-?” “You have impressed me with your work on the olive and your sleight of hand was cleverly done, but I saw what happened to the halfling in Davenport.” Maisie said, as she cleared the regulars drinks and slithered into the back room. “Then you already knew what I came here for” Merry said, defeated. “Well, cheers.“ Drinking alone wasn’t so bad, after all she did this every night. And she had come to terms with the risks and experiences that came with some of her more unexpected concoctions. But the company would’ve been nice. _______________________ First post! No rhyme or reason behind this, just playing around with some characters I would like to develop and hitting word count. Hope anyone that reads this enjoys! It's pretty bad right now, but it only gets better from here ((we hope)). Work by Tyler McGowan