#you can’t conquer age and you can’t conquer time and you can’t conquer death and you can’t conquer the ghosts that haunt the peninsula

[my-chemical-rot]

Florida!!! by Florence + the Machine and Taylor Swift, Daytona Sand by Orville Peck, Spanish Moss by Against Me!, White Crosses by Against Me! //Pictures: map, surfers, post card, fountain of youth; plus my own photography // The Truman Show (1998) // Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm // Wikipedia

[kiss-me-muchoo]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭 || 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐮𝐬

part one: here || part two: something real

summary_ having an affair with General Acacius overseas while conquering lands turned into a problem after coming back to Rome, when you fell for a gladiator that turned out to be a missing prince.

warnings_ CRINGE, girthy age gap (legal) (I’m 20, sorry) historical inaccuracy, angst, violence, gore, animal death, sexism and misogyny, fluff but angst, a lot of canon divergence bc I said so. NO PROOFREAD, BEWARE!

note_ I can’t remember which year the movie is set in, I can’t remember many things but let me know if I fucked up too much. And listen to fallen fruit from Lorde while reading.

♪ ♫ Pedro playlist

♫ ♪ Paul playlist

✰ Index (+ fics here)

𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆ 𓆇𓆸⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆ 𓆇𓆸⋆｡𖦹°⭒˚｡⋆ 𓆇𓆸

The sea was a free land. Nobody could conquer it because there wasn’t anything valuable floating around. Perhaps at the bottom of the ocean, a treasure may lay, but no man had shown the desire to dive into the deep.

The screams of the innocents are loud enough to make you feel empathy for them. But Acacius had trained you to put a mask of neutrality when leading war.

Loving the most effective soldier of Rome was your little secret. He married the daughter of an old emperor and he fought to get her privileges and prevent her from danger.

Always the insane little girl running around the palace, rambling about plants, the stars, a dream of Rome in flames. It was enough to be secretly sent to a scribe's university in Egypt for some time.

Upon your return, not much had changed, only that your father, once lead of the council, then the wise of Rome had died. Consequently, your evil stepbrothers were crowned emperors. They named you a soldier and made sure you were at every battlefront, hoping for your death.

But your general trained you well, and with months of practice, you ended up tangled up with him on his sheets in Greece.

Adultery was considered a crime in Rome and you’d give the perfect reason to your brothers to burn you like a witch. Or worse, to send you to fight at the arena of the Colosseum.

But the people who accompanied you and Acacius overseas were loyal and couldn’t care less if you had an older man fucking you each night. They only cared about you being a good soldier on the battlefront and being a good princess in Rome.

With a couple of hours left to be home again, you had your wounds checked. Conquering Numidia was one of the last African cities to be marked by the Romans and your brothers desperately wanted to own it. Only a few burns scattered across your leg and your shoulder needed stitches were the price to pay.

The wooden floor creaked and the general turned around alert but as soon as he saw you, he seemed to calm down.

Your arms wrapped around him and he immediately had to lean and kiss you. His lips tasted like devotion, peace, and lust. Acacius always grabbed your hips first. Then he moved to your waist, only to end up caressing your cheeks as his lips kept marking you his.

“What did the doctor say?” asked Acacius as he gasped for air.

“Nothing to worry about…” You nodded at him and he turned his back to you again, looking at his open windows, to the sea.

“What about yours? How is the scar on your nose?”

“It’s fine. Could’ve been worse” You walked towards him, sensing he had bathed like you as well, his hair looked perfectly curly and you couldn’t help but smile.

You could stay looking at the horizon forever, just because he was by your side. The sound of the waves calmed your mind after another day of calamities brought by war.

“For those who chose the sea, greatness waits at the end of the rainbow,” you said smiley. But the general remained stood silent.

“Those are ludicrous tells, the truth is that even war has infected the sea as well.”

“Because we chose to fight, then yes, the sea is also an arena. But if we chose not to, the way will not depict war” his eyes kept looking at you, completely fixated and even threatening, like Acacius was trying to understand how much you were judging him.

“We do this because we don’t have any other choice, princess y/n,” Acacius said, finally turning to look at you.

“We could run away, to the south, the islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea are empty, nobody wants to live there” your voice trembling, nervous and waiting for his response. He stared at nothing, probably thinking. And that made you uneasy.

“I can’t leave Rome, I have to go back to…” he said coldly.

“Your wife….Right”

Silence. Even the sea seized the sound of the waves.

“Haven’t you told her?”

“What’s there to be told? I said this was only a thing of passion and lust” You bit your tongue at his harsh words.

“Was it? Would you say that all those nights you shared your past with me meant nothing, Marcus?”

There it was. His most personal name, that one nobody used. The general got closer to you, paying attention to your face. Princesses did not have scars, but you did. He wanted to say so much, but he couldn’t. You noticed how his fingers were about to trace the pink scar on your chin but he moved away.

“I was drunk most of the nights, doping the pain” Finally your eyes crystallized.

“Do you love Lucilla, General?” His steps stopped then turned around to face you one last time.

His eyes looked doubtful but soon landed on his feet.

“… I do love her” you nodded, holding the tears and bursting out of his room in anger.

“Of course you do”

Your disappointment was so evident that Acacius was able to look at your face reddening and tears falling freely. He could only sigh and go back to pack his things and get ready to arrive in Rome again.

If only you knew…

…

The crowds of Rome couldn’t stop screaming your name. It was “PRINCESS Y/N!” and “ACACIUS!” everywhere.

You were no hero, you just wanted a peaceful life in a free Rome with the man you loved. And you can feel his hand brushing yours while his left salutes the parade of people chanting both of your names. The truth is you have no purpose but to serve your brothers and pretend that is your life.

The twins always hated you. Their mother was a wealthy woman but yours was the emperor’s true love. The twins used to pull your hair and always picked poisonous berries to give you as a meal while being toddlers. It got worse as everyone noticed you were your father’s favorite. And with him gone, you were utterly alone in the world.

Your clumsy steps made you arrive later. There was no crown for you waiting like it had been for Acacius. Geta and Caracalla were talking to him. And when you noticed the sword in the general’s neck, your face went serious.

“Do not forget the privileges we’ve made for your wife” you heard Geta saying.

“Same benefits we’re making for your whores, frater” The twins turned to look at you, quickly releasing Acacius and going straight to you. Their golden armors were a mere matter of display. They could barely wield a sword. They were bad with the bow and arrow and their reflections were poor too. They were good with numbers and shapes, but that wasn’t much in the city they shaped. One full of segregation and violence.

“Dear, soror… you’re back…” you think Geta gets closer to hug you, but his hand has raised and he gives you a sharp slap across the cheek.

“Dazzling and with such a big mouth as always” he added while you looked down, your cold hand against the reddening skin and sending him the worst look you had.

“Leave the princess alone, emperor. We should be focusing on the games ahead. We brought many slaves that some of them could fit as gladiators” Acacius said, looking affectionately at you, with disguise.

Caracalla only laughs in your face and his monkey reaches you for some seconds, but your brother pulls him away quickly. You wonder how far his disease has spread. Before leaving Rome, he was completely against seeing a doctor.

“Acacius is right, Geta. Let’s focus on the games” the twins agreed but sure, they had to humiliate you one last time.

“Alright then. But the next time I see you, dear y/n… I don’t want to see your hair down freely. You look like a whore and not the princess of Rome” he whispered loud enough to make everyone hear. But finally, the twins were gone.

“Are you alright?” The general asked but you rolled your eyes.

“I don’t need your help, Acacius. I’ve dealt with Geta and Caracalla since the day I was born. Which was before we met you” he sighed, understanding you were still mad from your last conversation. He appreciated your free hair, long and healthy despite the fires you went through while in combat.

“I just don’t want to see you hurt. It’s enough they sent you to serve in the war when you should be here, safe from the horrors”

“Go home to your wife, Acacius. Your dinner will be cold…” you spit out with a bitter tone before walking away, disappearing through the walls of the palace.

…

Standing naked, dripping, and waiting for servants to dry you up, you stare at the dress hanging in your room. It had been months since you wore a dress, used to armor and tight braids, and the sensation of the fabric felt odd.

As a kid, you wished to befriend your servants, but they remained professional and apologetically brushed away your questions. Which made you feel even more lonely while they dressed you up; placing gold jewelry and rings with quartz, spraying perfume, and cleaning your teeth. Geta and Caracalla always stole the sweets from you as kids, you thanked them because instead, it was Caracalla who ended up with a decayed tooth and a gold one as a replacement.

“You’re ready, princess,” said one of the servants and you smiled at her as a thank you.

The whole time while you and your brothers awaited to arrive at the Colosseum, you ignored them. You sneaked away as soon as you arrived. Knowing the place like the palm of your hand, you took a secret passage, in hopes to go and tend your horse to delay the entertainment as long as you could.

Gladiator fights were of no interest to you. But the people loved it. Their ignorance made you understand why they hadn’t tried to throw your brothers from the thrones.

But being months away made you forgetful of the architecture of the Colosseum, forgetful enough to end up in the cells of gladiators. Looking perplexed, you gulped nervously. There were indeed many slaves brought.

Being the only woman there made you the center of attention. Even worse when you looked exactly like a princess would do.

“Princess y/n, What are you doing here?” Asked one of the high-rank soldiers, running towards you.

“I wanted to tend my horse. It was brought here by accident” you replied, eyes wandering through the cells, noticing the people inside them were full of new people, probably from Numidia. You wonder if they recognized you.

Your eyes met the ocean-blue ones of a man, he certainly recognized you as he looked at you with anger. You gulped once again, looking away from him. But his gaze had been so strong that you didn’t hear a servant come running from the end of the hallway.

“A TIGER ESCAPED! A TIGER ESCAPED! CLOSE THE DOORS!” he screamed and soon everyone went into panic mode. You didn’t have enough time to process what he said and do anything. You stood there confused for some seconds. The violent roars of the animal could be heard closer. You looked around trying to find a weapon.

“Stay behind me, princess,” said the same soldier but you didn’t trust him so you went to grab a bow and arrow. The prisoners yelled and quickly you understood they were having a private show. They hated you for being Roman, and they thought they would see you dying.

But you wouldn’t give them that satisfaction as much as you sympathized with them.

The tiger appeared, big and imposing. The animal was angry, visibly distressed, and ready to attack.

You had killed men, but an animal was different. There was no exact description of what to do. Just pure instinct. So you try to calm yourself before the tiger spots you and the soldier, who are the only ones that remain vulnerable. The guards closed the entrances as protocol, unbeknownst that you were there. And it had been too late to use the secret passage.

You felt the same man’s eyes on you and indeed, he looked carefully at you, probably wondering what would be your next move.

“PRINCESS, STAY AWAY!” The soldier screamed when the tiger came running towards you two.

The tiger jumped and threw the soldier, roaring as it tried to kill him. So you ran away in hopes of aiming at the eye of the animal to gain time. Your hands shaking and you could feel your legs get tangled up in the fabric of your dress. But your nervousness isn’t visible as your hands work on getting ready for the arrow. You don’t have time to calculate, the tiger has already bitten the soldier’s fingers.

You hit it very near the eye and the animal roared even louder, in pain. That’s when you spotted the sword the soldier had left behind, where you threw yourself to, as the tiger had tried to attack you again. The man with blue eyes pushed the sword towards you from inside the cell and you didn’t even look to thank him, you only grabbed the weapon and rolled to the right before the animal could scratch your face and kill you.

You heard the soldier cry out in pain but you couldn’t help him. Thinking you could end the beast chasing you, you failed, sinking the sword in the ribs of the animal. You felt a deep scratch in your arm and you cried out. Anger quickly builds up as you know you had to get out of there before everyone at the coliseum found out. The tiger roared one last time and before it could throw you to the sandy ground you grabbed another arrow and directly pierced the eye of the animal. Blood starts pouring and before the tiger can try to bite and break your neck, your hands end up in its mouth.

The fangs were dangerously digging into your hands and more blood started coming. Scarlet droplets fell all over your face and you didn’t care. You screamed in pain and pulled all the strength in your body to put the pressure on your arms and hands. The men inside the cells cheered and made you even more angered. Until you had torn open the tiger’s mouth, breaking its jaw and killing the animal.

Breathe….

Pushing the dead animal aside, you sighed, resting on the dirty floor for a couple of seconds before taking a long breath and standing up.

Every man inside each cell looked at you quietly. What’s there to say?

Five guards open the main entrance and look confused at the mess, then at you tending the heavily injured soldier.

“Bring a doctor,” you tell them and they nod without asking more questions. Only one comes to your side.

“The games are about to begin, princess. I must escort you back to where you should be” Trying to catch your breath, you nodded.

“Do not say a word about this mess” The guard only bowed his head in agreement.

The least you could do was to put some bandages around the bloody hand of the soldier. Then you cleaned yourself and noticed you were a mess.

Giving that soon-to-be gladiator one last look, you tried to thank him with your eyes for what he had done to help you. He understood, giving you a cold nod.

And as you walked towards the royal platea, you wondered if that was the slave your brothers mentioned. A poet…

“Oh heavens! What happened to you?” Asked Lucilla as soon as you tried to take a seat beside Geta. Then everyone turned to look at you in horror. You noticed Acacius looked worried and he couldn’t keep his eyes away from the blood in your dress and bandaged arm.

“An accident” you replied politely at the woman, not in the mood to face the wife of your ex-lover.

“You look horrible,” said Caracalla.

“It won’t; happen again, frater” you tiredly answered, sinking onto the chair, ignoring Acacius’ eyes on you.

Soon you are surprised to see the gladiator who helped you in the arena. You don’t face him when he ends up winning and he looks at you. But you do notice Lucilla’s behavior and quickly you have connected the dots.

What an odd coincidence…

…

This time, you checked the animals first, then you made sure nobody had seen you entering the cells, but you went where the mysterious gladiator of blue eyes rested.

“Barbarian, monkey eater, slave, gladiator…. Prince of Rome, How may I call you? Hanno or Lucius?” Soon you had him inches away from your face. At that moment, you had time to appreciate his features. He was handsome and looked pretty much like he belonged to Roman royalty. But his gaze was fueled by anger and pain.

“What do you want?”

“I know Lucilla came before me. She had been waiting for you ever since I can remember” he looked at you with cold eyes and unbothered. But you knew he was curious about you too.

“What do you care? You’re the princess, you support all of this” his anger was palpable, it was part of his way of fighting you had noticed.

“Who did you lose?” You asked.

“My wife” he replied after a little silence, you nodded apologetically. He didn’t believe you.

“My father was a friend of your grandfather, part of the council. Now I realize that when he was elected emperor, he started hunting you down. I’m sorry”

“You don’t. You joined their cause and you fight proudly on the battlefront. I saw you…” you chuckle sarcastically.

“The twins you met the other day are my half-brothers. And they have tried to kill me since I was born. They sent me to war as punishment, but Acacius trained me well enough to survive each battle”

“So what? Should I pity you?”

“No, please don’t. But I don’t support any of this. I want to be a free woman and be with the man I love but I don’t think I’ll live enough to make it happen” he seemed interested in your words but pretended he wasn’t. Either way, you kept talking.

“You can’t kill Acacius. He’s leading a rebellion against my brothers” he stood quiet, trying to taste the lies in your words. But you seemed very truthful.

“Interesting that you want his head when all I’ve wanted is his heart” Through the cell his eyes sparkled and looked tentatively at you, for some seconds you got too attached to them.

“What about Macrinus?” The old man had been trying to gain your brother’s trust and you thought that was suspicious.

“Don’t trust him. Stop sharing any detail that could tell him what you want or fear”

“I don’t trust you either”

“You shouldn’t,” you said, a little smile unconsciously appearing on your face. And to your surprise, Lucius smiled too. There was something about you that he found lovely. You seemed honest, but he couldn’t trust you yet. So he cursed once you had left, you had him looking forward to meet you again.

…

Across the room runs a large table filled with food. A variety of fruits, bread, lamb, duck, pork, and lots of wine. Your hands float around the punch though, reminding you of the first time you tried Egyptian beer. You ended up drunk with Marcus Acacius, laughing on the sand and soon both ended up naked. You frown, trying to forget that messy night.

“You’ve been oddly quiet these past days,” said Lucilla appearing by your side, grabbing more fruits and placing them on her plate.

“I’ve been busy”

“Have you met Macrinus?” She said pointing in disguise at the man who laughs with some senators and your brothers.

“He’s been around for some time. But I don’t like him” you confessed.

“I’ve also met his poet gladiator” you added, opting to not look at her eyes because she responded very shocked.

“What?”

“He wants to kill Acacius for the death of his late wife, avenge his homeland, etcétera etcétera. I told him not to because we plan to free the city. You can’t proceed with the nonsense of taking him out of the Colosseum. Your son can’t be the alibi to start a revolution, Lucilla” you said whispering. She gasped in shock, wondering how you knew already. All while you carefully watched if any of your brothers or that nosy man were looking. Not even Acacius was looking.

You sigh, shrugging and looking at the woman.

“As soon as he came out wielding that sword in the arena, your face said everything. Then just by hearing his mysterious backstory. It was obvious, Lucilla” She didn’t say anything else, so you continued.

“I shall repeat myself once again. You won’t encourage Acacius to get your boy out of the Colosseum.”

“Why not?” you chuckled at the woman.

She was very pretty, sweet and caring. No wonder why the general loved her.

“You and your husband were lucky that I found out one of your maids heard everything and was about to spill it”

“What did you do, y/n?” She asked tired, thinking destiny was so meticulous and how you had ended up in such a position to hear and stop the maid before chaos unleashed.

“Let’s say I granted her eternal silence,” you said, Lucilla sighed, understanding. And before she could thank you, you spoke again.

“Wait till Lucius is in the arena to save him. And stop looping Acacius into this madness, you’ll make him get killed” She understood everything by the way your eyes looked at her. It shocked her, but she remained calm as you left to sit at the table. Only a woman in love spoke with a mix of venom and sweetness like that.

Taking a seat beside the General, he turned to look at you.

“What were you talking about there with Lucilla?” He asked in a very low but deep tone.

“Just gossiping about Senator Brutus and his new wife…” he knew you were lying but tried to act normal.

“Princess y/n… How true are those rumors about you breaking the jaw of a tiger?” asked a scribe, making you look away from Acacius, Lucilla returned to the table and your brother was already laughing at you for something you couldn’t hear.

“Well… it’s true, domine.” The table burst into laughter. Only the general and his wife remained silent.

“You did what?” Asked Acacius looking at you in horror.

“A princess shouldn’t be in combat” added Macrinus, making you set your eyes on him.

“Oh I am a princess but I’m also a soldier, domine. And I have to thank my brothers because they made me a woman capable of wielding more than one weapon by sending me to war” The twins stopped laughing. Geta sipped from his wine and returned to you.

“That’s true. While you were there getting battle scars, Caracalla and I focused on diplomacy, ensuring we gained more land” You want to laugh at his face. The council did that, not the twins.

“Did you ensure the poor were stable by cutting from the rich? Did you do the math to financially cover each branch Rome rules, Geta? Or did you and Caracalla just point at lands on a map to get like prizes?”

“y/n…” Acacius whispered your name, trying to make you stop. The tension has risen very quickly.

“You have one task, soror. To give us India. A woman shouldn’t even be speaking on the table” Caracalla said when you were about to stand up and burst out. Marcus grabbed your hand under the table.

And immediately calmed you down.

“I’m only saying you should wisely rule this great empire. Do not let it fall…”

Soon the chatting turned into drinking after the awkward moment. When most of the men were getting drunk you returned to the table, cautiously grabbing food again. When you looked up, you encountered the image of Acacius kissing Lucilla. And it made your blood boil.

In a thick piece of fabric, you placed bread, some fruits, cheeses, and a small piece of lamb.

“What are you doing?” you nearly screamed when you noticed Acacius standing by your side.

“I’m grabbing food”

“Isn’t it a little late to eat again?” He wasn’t judging you, he never would, but he was very curious.

You would start up a little fire after seeing the painful image of him kissing his wife.

“It’s not for me…” before he could ask you you sprinted away. His blood boiled too, his hand firmly grabbed your wrist to stop you.

“What are you playing?” He asked.

“Playing? I’m definitely not”

“Is this some kind of punishment for what I told you days ago?” You sighed.

“I didn’t mean to say it was nothing. But… you have to wait, y/n” Acacius whispered and you chuckled.

“I’ve waited long enough to realize you will always be trapped in a marriage with two different kinds of love. And Lucilla will never love you like you want because her heart will always beat for that gladiator whose name was carved from the Colosseum”

You had raised your voice, Lucilla was looking at you two, and everyone else was drunk. So you violently flinched away from the man, who looked at you with a mix of pain and rage.

You leave and he immediately sends a guard to follow you in disguise.

“We must talk,” Lucilla said to Acacius, taking his hand.

He nodded.

…

What did that man have that made you feel safe? He didn’t protest when you walked inside his cell. He didn’t demand you to go away. He quietly lets you inside, talk, and explain yourself.

Two visits filled with food from your dinners were enough to let him know you had no intention of killing him. Your curiosity must’ve been too big, his eyes too attractive, and an odd vibration that warmed your chest.

To be honest, you had no idea why you came back to him. You just felt something. And you hated to admit it.

“If the emperors have made your life so difficult, Why didn’t you leave?” Lucius asked. He had eaten everything you gave him and was sitting beside you on the dirty floor.

“Every time I tried to escape, I couldn’t make it far enough. So I stayed and accepted my fate. To serve them will keep me alive ” he nodded, finally understanding why you hadn’t revealed yourself against the evil emperors.

“You didn’t come down here just to talk”

“I didn’t. I- I guess I just want to believe you’ll do something greater than I have always tried. Everyone talks about your rage but I think you quite act like a prospect hero… with honor” you revealed and wanted to cut your thong like you did with that old maid. You hated oversharing. But instead, Lucius chuckled and you frowned confused, expecting him to talk.

“You reminded me of my wife…”

“How so?”

“She said similar things to you” Most unexpectedly, you blushed. Thankfully the darkness of the cell made it unnoticeable.

“I’m trying to find a way to get you out of here before your mother does something rushed”

“I was very harsh with her”

“How couldn’t you? I would have behaved the same way. But she loves you and she doesn’t want to let you go just when she found you” Lucius smiled once again, making you remain still, unsure of what to do next. Soon you realized the sun was very close to coming up again.

How many hours had you spent talking with the rightful Prince of Rome?

“I must go, Geta and Caracalla will know I spent the night away,” you said standing up, trying to clean the mess your dress had become.

“Will I see you again before that revolution happens?” You smiled, walking back near him.

He was tall, you had to completely raise your head to face him.

“The final day of the games is closer. I’ll bring you more food and I’ll try to see what will the next encounters look like”

“Thank you. I judged you too fast…” he said and you chuckled.

“You still have time to change your mind”

You didn’t notice when he closed the distance. Just when his face had been inches away from yours, you gasped.

But neither of you two protested, your lips touched his at the same time.

Tasting the wine you brought him made you feel intoxicated. No intrusive thoughts appeared while you kissed him.

You could only taste his passion, his need to take control. But all his hidden softness too. One of his hand caressed with softness your cheek and the other grasped your neck.

“Stay safe, Lucius,” you said as you moved away from him.

…

The whole day was lost because you spent it sleeping. Only when you woke up for dinner, did you learn you had missed the games of the day. But Lucius was alive at least. You dreamt of his kiss but when you woke up you had an odd sensation in your stomach. Confusion filled you and then… ache.

As you brushed your hair, you got lost looking at a red candle. It had been a present from your father some years ago. A red candle to be lit whenever you felt like you needed to feel love, he had said.

The wise emperor had wished to see his daughter with her true love. Just like had always wanted but couldn’t.

There was a broad shadow that you spotted through the mirror. It made you pull out a silver knife and point a the figure.

Soon the cape was removed and you sighed but also gasped shocked to see Acacius standing in the middle of your room.

“What are you doing here?” You asked worriedly, standing up and hurrying to close your windows.

“You had spent all these past nights in the Colosseum,” he said, sounding a little angered.

“Now you’re spying on me, Acacius?” He sighed exasperated.

“What are you doing with that gladiator?”

“What do you care?” You asked with defiance.

“He’s going to get you in trouble, princess y/n” Your eyes pierced his, but you decided to move away, leaning against the towers of your bed.

“He deserves more. And not only him, but every slave we brought and all those we left in ruins” you admitted, looking at the fire of the candle.

“They do, but it’s not our duty, at least not yet. We need to focus on the plan we have…” you wanted to roll your eyes and yell at him, his wife could’ve ruined everything and he was only paying attention to you.

Only paying attention to you?

“Stop going to see that man”

“His name is Hanno and I’ll visit whenever I desire” you spit out with bitterness and you knew he was angry. Acacius clenched his jaw and sighed once again. Under his cape rested his armor, his hair messy, and his scars fading.

“Why? Because he makes you feel things?”

You remained quiet. As simple as it was, his question took you by surprise.

“I-… I don’t know. I had no reason to go back to him, but I did it anyway”

“Oh heavens, y/n. Don’t you see that I’ve always told you to wait? Because I’m counting every golden coin I have to give you that house on the island you always point at. To leave Rome with you…”

It took you on a curve. You didn’t know what to say, only the tears wanted to be present.

His hands found your hips and his lips seek yours. Sometimes, while being overseas, you two would argue. And the only cure was to be silent and kiss after a day of ignoring each other.

This time feels different. You feel so confused.

His forehead softly bumped yours and you two stayed like that for some time.

“If you had those ideas to fulfill with me. Why do you remain married, Marcus?” He smiled.

“That’s different, satis. I was set to marry when you were very young. I just can’t undo it.”

“Why do I feel like you’re only doing this because you feel pressured?”

“It’s not like that”

“Either way you wouldn’t tell me that you love me. So it’s in vane…”

“BUT I DO LOVE YOU!”

You frowned, biting the inside of your cheek. For a moment you thought you could only hear how your heartbeats slowly thumped. What you wanted to hear for years had been delivered. It felt good, even right to hear it. And when you were about to believe it, something clicked.

“No, Marcus. You just realized you hate the idea of me falling in love with someone else. Even worse when it’s the son of your wife”

Without the strength to say anything else, you moved away. Your feet quickly dragged you out of your room, and then out of the palace.

You walked through the streets of Rome, seeing all the hunger, poverty, the lack of love from the government.

By midnight you arrived at the shore. The warm sand cured your bolting mind.

There was an imminent battle coming up. You had a place in the rebellion. And yet you had to be only thinking in two men. Who had made a mess of you in a matter of days.

You had nothing with any of them. It was just the causality of what they made you feel. Only one had made you feel utterly in love once. A little boy that always carried for you as a kid. No tears, no pain, just that little boy being your other half.

But there was no little boy now.

Lucius made you feel like the woman you would’ve been if you had escaped Rome years ago.

Acacius made you feel adored like the woman you turned into wasn’t as bad as you thought. He believed in you.

But it wasn’t enough. None of them were enough. Your mind was spiraling and you realized you were sobbing in the middle of the dark. You can hear and faintly distinguish the sea. You had cracked, like the fallen fruit every poet and philosopher always mentioned.

And even when you knew you had to only focus on the war, you still didn’t know what to do. You barely knew the men that had you losing it.

_________________________

Taglist: @stargirl-mayaa @willowpains @nicolebarnes

I don’t love the ending but I genuinely don’t know who should reader end up with. PLEASE SEND IDEAS!!

[gremlingottoosilly]

The Horror and The Wild (emperor!Konig x fem!Reader)

A day after you and Konig's wedding. Who knew that evil emperors could be so romantic. Tags and TWs: Dub-con, aphrodisiacs, power imbalance, breeding kink, size difference, loss of virginity, age difference(Konig in his forties, Reader in her twenties), medieval/fantasy AU, Konig is a pervert AND an evil dictator Word count: 3256 AO3

— Lift your hips up, princess. You don’t want to waste my seed. 

You whimper, trying to get your legs down, so he can’t force you to spread them anymore – but you feel the hot seed getting back in the swell of your well-used maidenhood, and it makes you whimper only more. What a woeful sight indeed – a fake princess crying over having to take the seed of the strongest person in the whole continent. You know a thousand of women who would beg for an opportunity to have the Emperor’s hands on their hips, guiding them down to admire the look. You know that the real princess – your princess – would never agree to this ordeal, no matter the begging and the bribery. So, you don’t agree too. — In m…my culture, a bride should wait at least a month after the marriage before the…conception, Your Majesty. 

You lie through gritted teeth like it could change anything. Like it could magically force all the seed from your womb to the ground again, to the silk of the sheets under you. Like the mere tradition that you gave birth to the idea of a minute ago would stop you from being König’s breeding mare. Still, you refuse to lift your hips, a small resistance that puts a small chuckle to his lips. He is amused by you – or your stupidity. Princesses are supposed to be spoiled and bratty, right? Yours certainly was. 

— Does your culture also make the bride lie to her husband? 

You lick your lips, forcing them closed. No another quick witty word from you – your lies already got you on the edge of…something. After König announced he knew who you were this entire time, he got you on your back, on your belly, with your hips up and down, your head silly from lack of air as he choked you until you begged for your life – only for him to kiss you over and over. Feeding your womb with his seed until there was a bump, not giving any chance that the baby wasn’t there yet. If anything, he conquered your body the same way he did your country – and left your bruised hips as a reminder. The handprinted bruises covering your skin like the finest fabrics of the gown he got you. 

— If you wish to order me dead, your majesty. 

— Death doesn’t mean anything here, meine Liebe. 

— Then banish me. For the lies and the betrayal of a royal…

He laughs – it’s a nice sound, still, something in your deprived mind likes the way you make him laugh and chuckle. Something in your head makes you feel as dizzy as you did when he cut off the air in your throat, every time that cold eyes of his look at you with warmth. heated obsession, whatever that is – you refuse to believe it was genuine, as you were borrowing your princess’s identity, but now, when he laughed and spoke about his true intentions, you weren’t sure if a pathetic and lowly lady-in-waiting is as safe in you as you thought.

— If being as stupid as you are is a punishable crime, then I’d finalyl have a good reason to kill off most of my harem. He laughs again, a hand in your hair – getting out all of the fancy pins and bows and dead flowers that were forced to be held in your crown and on your head. You groan in pleasure as the pins scraping your scalp are finally removed – and try to get back at his hand immediately when he comes to squeeze your breasts again. Not for any reason – simply because you happened to have the aspects of your body that he could touch. 

— Would be much safer to get a woman from a harem, sir. Not…not me. 

— And if I wanted just you? 

König looks at you – trembling, loved out completely. Covered in his marks, as many bites as a princess could take. Even being a servant, you’re almost as gentle and reserved as a real deal – but gods, if you weren’t the cutest thing he ever saw in that damned ugly country of yours. Hating nobility as much as he hated speaking to his troops not as their commander, König never particularly enjoyed the idea of having to marry some bitchy royal daughter…you, however, were the loophole in the god’s contract. A gift, just for him. 

— Your council would make me disappear for deceiving you in the first place. 

— No one would dare to leave the empire without heirs. 

— You could have another one. There are plenty of princesses out there, Your Highness. 

— And I don’t have enough patience to entertain you trying to sell me the idea of your freedom. Do you know what relief I felt when you were the one to meet me? 

You don’t answer, instead prompting to just listen. You have good ears for listening – for allowing others to talk, so you wouldn’t be made to fill in awkward silences. König loves that and appreciates that. Finally, someone who can just be silent – even if he also has nothing to say, at least you’re scared and angry enough to dismiss him anyway. At least your unwillingness is making him less awkward at participating in the conversation. 

— You knew who I was all along? 

— Princesses are pampered. Even the poorest kingdom would never have a princess with hands as hard-working as yours, Schatz. 

He takes his hands in yours – no matter the healing creams you rubbed in them, no matter the lack of actual physical labor, even the smallest tasks you performed for the princess, the tiniest exposure to cleaning supplies that would make the toughest skin crack, left a small traces in the skin of your palm. Fingers with clean nails – short, practical, indicating the need to have your hands in working order all of the time. Indicating your lack of a servant who would do everything – opening buttons on clothes, embroidery, and washing oneself’s body. indicating that you were said servant. 

You look embarrassed that he pointed that out. Scared, almost. 

— Are my hands too ugly for you, sir? 

He can see the tremble in your fingers. He traces them with his – large, calloused hands keeping you in place. Rough skin and multiple ridges of scars over the darkened skin made you shiver from the contrast of the sensation – those are the hands of a ruler who isn’t afraid of taking a sword in his hands. Who almost got his arms chopped off for this altogether. 

Then – he kisses them. 

One finger at a time, every ridge and bump in your skin deserves a graze of emperor’s teeth as he tugs on rough skin around your knuckles. Your hands are soft, softer than a normal maid would have – but changed from the work you had to put. Every kiss and lick doesn’t make them gentle, doesn’t remove the experience you had – in braiding hair, in washing clothes, in cleaning up after a royal mess. It doesn’t change who you were, but with every little praise he whispers – crude language, really, but the affection in his words scares you more than any foreign insult could – with every toss of his lips over your palms, he is changing who you are. Who will you become in just a week or two. 

He calls your hands beautiful – in North tongue, with a smile on his face. König loves to explore, and your body is a beautiful place for him to be. Your hands are the best place he could have been in the morning. 

Some historians are already saying he has done more to this country than any other ruler ever could. But oh, the emperor knows that the most important thing he did here was kiss your fingers. Over and over. 

You snap your arms back when he finally breaks down, starting to bite – the softer skin of your palms falling victim to his sharp teeth. Emperors aren’t supposed to have sharp teeth but for all he knows, he was born from a dog and raised by one. A wolf in wolf’s clothing. 

— Your hands belong to an empress. 

— Thought I was a regent. 

— You are, mein Schatz. Can’t trust you with a country, ja? 

You laugh, but there are tears in your eyes. Loss of whatever authority you could have as the princess's personal maid – her friend if he knew anything about royals and their habits. Scheisse, he was the emperor for 10 long years and still didn’t get a hang of it. Might be something he had to be born with – such a shame, really. Should have told his mother to never give birth to a rat that would usurp the throne once out of the crib. 

He loves to see you weak, trembling like this – like a proper bride should. Like a real princess, the one whose manners should be enough to fool the people and the dumbest of his court. The smartest ones could always agree to put their tongues up their behinds – if they don’t want to get their heads chopped off by his blade, without even bothering an executioner to do it. 

— But you can trust me with your children?

— This empire needs an heir. As much as I can rule forever. 

— No one is immortal. 

— Ach. Did Sebastian forget to visit you before the wedding, little princess? 

He is mocking you, again and again – he laughs with death and you hate it, you hate yourself, you loathe him and his laughs and his crooked smile and the scars covering his skin and…he kisses your hands again, then – dips your hands up in that mask of his. Lets you feel the skin, involuntarily trace your fingertips all over everything hidden – you touch his teeth, his fangs, and you gasp in shock. So, the monster has lips. So, the monster has thin lips and wet mouth, and he dips his tongue all over the traces of knuckles and…

König knows you’d never agree to be his in a way that he wants you too – but this is fine. He can work you around. He can break you. He can please you. What a wonderful job would this be. 

— Your court would soon find out I’m not the one. 

— They know how to keep their mouths shut. You would, however, have to deal with my harem personally. 

— Did you intended to add my princess to your harem too? 

— If I knew that you wouldn’t take her place? Of course. I never visited the place for the exact reason I didn’t bother to find your patron. 

— Are you really satisfied with the scraps? 

Oh, his poor, dumb girl – he was feeding off scraps since he was ripped away from his mom’s tit. You were the only fancy meal he ever liked in his life – and gods, if he wouldn’t give up anything to taste you again. 

On the other side, however, he can do just that. 

König dips his head down, the traces of his hood laying on your labia. You whimper. 

— I never ate anything as exquisite as you, little princess. 

— I’m n…why do you keep calling me this? 

— You will be my princess. Forever trapped on my lap, on the floor, chained to my throne like a…

With each word, his tongue laps on the glossiness of your lower lips. He gives your maiden a little kiss all over, he digs down like it’s a fancy meal indeed – the scrawny hairs of his stubble make you whimper every time they graze your clit. König has a fleeting thought of eating his cum out of your poor, sore body – that it wouldn’t be wise, that it would make the process of impregnating you slower. Then, he thinks – he can just fill you up with his seed later. And in the evening. And tomorrow. 

He pushes his tongue down, deep – you gasp, you get your hands on his hood, not trying to tear it apart, but laying there like a scared maiden. You were one – you are one, after all. Gods, he could just keep you here forever if it weren’t for the country needing its empress. 

König kisses you all over – you’re still smelling like rose water, like fragrances that were forcefully rubbed on your skin right before the wedding. A proper lady, you were bathed in salts and oils like a kitchen in poor man’s soup – but weren’t you looking beautiful in that dress of yours. Too bad he had to rip it eventually, stepping on it accidentally quite a few times as he was getting you water. Your little trick with the herb did make you thirsty in all possible ways. 

You don’t know a lot about royal weddings, but you’re pretty sure that the emperor shouldn’t be sprawled on his giant bed like this, eating you out like you were the roasted lamb served at yesterday’s feast. You moan when the material of his mask is getting tricky with your gentle parts when the rough fabric is scrapping your thighs in a way that is far from arousal – and then he leans in, a head laying on your tummy. Your princess parts are swollen from his actions – and lack thereof. You almost think you could buck your hips up like a… König takes off his hood. 

— Wh…what are y… You don’t master enough words before he is forcing his face against yours before his lips finally lay down on yours properly – and gods isn’t this a beautiful sight. The emperor, the vile conqueror, your biggest enemy, and your husband – smiling like a boy when he got free candy, like a cat who got the cream – like a man so in love, it makes him unable to stop smiling while looking at his wife. 

He isn’t pretty in the sense that some of the rulers can be pretty – he isn’t hideous either. A rough face doesn’t look like something that belongs to a royal family – big nose, small lips, chiseled chin and not a sight of inbreeding. You try to see if his ears are wrong, at least, but they are fine – not caring about a bit of chopped-off bits, probably from old battles. He is rugged and handsome and rough and you hate that red stubble on his chin and his gorgeous ginger hair – if you were forced to see this face every day, you might give up and like him. It’s a good thing he wears the mask most of the time, isn’t it? 

— You don’t like how your emperor looks, little princess? He laughs again, then – cups your face in his hands and kisses you all over. Again and again, his lips fell on yours making you feel dumb, making you feel dizzy and just a bit charmed – like the potion you drank yesterday hadn’t fully worn off. You can taste your own pleasure on his lips and it makes you embarrassed – a proper lady should never enjoy a process as dirty as making love – your lower parts should only exist for him to take pleasure in ruining it, and for you – to birth little princes. 

But König bows down before your lower lips, but König presses his tongue against your special spot again and again, and it makes you wonder if he recites the anthem of the empire on the little swollen bud between your legs – for his actions are filled with devotion that should only be reserved for one’s country, not for just a poor, dumb handmaiden whose only job was to lie and to protect. But…is it really all you want to do now? Just lay here and let him take him, without a chance of enjoying him playing with you if only for just a bit longer? — I…I believe you look fine, Your Majesty. 

— Just fine? 

He smiles and kisses you down there again – the aftermath of your pleasure makes his lips feel too hard on your swollen parts, the climax had taken everything from you left only feelings, as naked and trembling as you are right now – and, by god, if you aren’t feeling like sold and set in pieces. You are selling your dignity right now, the loyalty to your kingdom is getting grazed by each new stroke of his tongue. You close your eyes and moan – for you can’t hold off your pleasure anymore. For you don’t see a reason in trying to pretend you don’t enjoy being treated like a princess after a life of servitude. 

— You are fine for an emperor, my…my husband. You struggle to say it – but you do have to say it eventually, at least in front of the servants. If he isn’t intent on keeping you locked away in a tower, pumping out babies like his little servant – maybe he wouldn’t want to keep you open for the world to take. You were a secluded princess kept in shadows before he discovered you, after all. You served the one, at least. 

— Trying to cover the harsh words with honey, ja? I killed for less, mein Schatz. 

— I assume you won’t kill me before the first son, at least? 

— Wouldn’t kill you even if you’d be barren. I’d rather leave the empire to rot without an heir than choose someone else in your place. 

— That is awful news for your empire. 

— Our empire can rot without you, Meine Liebe. Never wanted the damned crown in the first place. 

— But you’re fine with putting it on the head of a commoner? 

— I was a commoner once. Know better than anyone else that a princess would never make a good wife. 

You never studied his rise to power – the latest politics were hidden from you and the princess, the king never wanted to taint his daughter with such silly things as rising stars of the political arena – and he failed to mention the empire that was once rotting from its head getting a ruler who would take half of the continent and a daughter of every kingdom in his harem as the spoils of war. 

He lays down beside you, taking you in his arms again. his hair flows all around you – he smells like blood, still, even after so many hours spent bathing in your shared musk. You wonder if everything he had done with the forbidden rituals made him like this – face torn and stitched back together again, harsh scars that can only be made from a blade or claws of a giant animal – and he pushes you down to press your face against his chest, taking in the feeling of laying beside your husband. 

— Don’t you have something that needs to be done, Your Highness? 

— The most important thing I need to do is lay between your legs, little princess. And you’re too swollen to be doing that. 

You press your forehead against his chest. Taking it him and the light tan of his skin – you wonder where he could get it, if he almost never took off his armor. His face is as pale as it can be, and it makes him look a little silly when naked – but you refuse to smile and make him angry. — I thought you wanted me to meet your harem. 

— They can wait. We need to give them time to prepare the poison for you, right? 

He laughs and you don’t find anything better to do than to press your head against his chest and close your eyes. The royal visits really can wait until tomorrow.

[kedsandtubesocks]

cosmic love

Marcus Acacius x F!Reader x Marcus Pike

summary: a missing statue, a handsome ancient roman general, an equally handsome museum visitor - and you caught in the magical (and wonderful) mess of it all

tags & warnings: 18+ ONLY MDNI, MAJOR GLADIATOR 2 SPOILERS. time travel AU, magic elements, pining & yearning, fluff but with touches of angst, implied age gap (Acacius being older than both reader & Marcus), light use of gendered language, bi!Marcus Acacius & bi!Marcus Pike, brief mention of death & existential questioning, spicy themes, smut (threesome, m!oral, one moment of spitting) M/M/F & M/M dynamics, polyamorous exploration that leads to eventual poly relationship, no use of y/n

word count: 7.5k

a/n: I’m sorry I blame the gladiator statue pics we got & yeah now here we are lmao, this fic literally wouldn’t be here without @pedgito & @perotovar - i can’t thank you two enough for all the help i love y’all tremendously, also a sweet special tag for @morallyinept ily too… And lastly - thank you for reading, you’re what makes this so special and magical ♡

The statue that arrived with the newly updated Roman exhibition at your museum has gained attention.

As a guide you enjoy seeing all the new faces here to check out the freshly opened installation. The heightened foot traffic has kept you and your co-workers busy, but it’s been a nice welcome.

Your eyes drift to the statue now.

General Marcus Acacius stands slightly weathered yet still commanding in his bronze glory, towering among the room with all the grace a powerful Roman Army commander would be.

You learned he conquered countless territories and countries in the name of the Ancient Roman Empire. Eventually though, he was caught in a conspiracy to overthrow the ruling emperors and died within the eyes of the coliseum, the whisper of a gladiator’s death.

Now you readily explain this all to tour groups like the one you currently guide.

“Oh, he’s cute.” One of the elementary school girls currently giggles to her friend. The other school children gasp around her, teasing her.

“It’s okay. He is pretty handsome, isn’t he?” You reassure her. The girl seems bashful but relieved at your agreement.

It wasn’t just you. A local internet influencer stopped by and even made a video about the statue being her dream guy.

Even as a statue, the General is eye-catching.

The bronze figure captured his likeness bewitchingly detailing the soft curls of his hair, a lovely sharp nose, mountainous strong broad shoulders, and a pensive stare looking out to a distant horizon. He’s a man of unwavering beauty.

You constantly want to smack yourself for being wistful over a piece of art.

“He’s definitely the most attractive statue I’ve seen.” A familiar smooth sweet voice melts into the room’s quiet softness making your heart jump.

Approaching you with a molten smile and eyes twinkling in the low museum lights, Marcus doesn’t seem real at times.

A regular visitor, you first met him when he accidentally crashed one of your tours. Wholesomely thoughtful, but also being a charming yet slightly know it all, he was quick to join in on commentary of the paintings. With his Disney prince-like smile and earnest eager energy, you couldn’t dare shoo him away.

Now you happily seek his company.

“He’s become like a hot new celebrity here.” Joking, you nudge towards the General’s striking figure.

“I can see why.” Marcus whistles low. “Like look at those shoulders.”

You snicker as a bubbling fondness swells in you.

“He unfortunately died a tragic death.” Marcus comments, cloudy and mournful.

“Yeah, I heard. That means this guy is a bad boy.” You nod.

Marcus snickers at your comment then playfully nudges you with his elbow.

Later, all your co-workers beg you to ask him out to coffee.

“He’s totally got the hots for you!” Your favorite co worker often tells you, but you wave her off.

Marcus is just sweet. He’s kind and considerate, engaging to all the workers here. Besides, you don’t want to assume he possibly likes you and maybe ruin the precious friendship you have with him.

However, your favorite coworker shows up a few days later with a solution for your stale love life.

With a cheeky bright grin, she hands you the cutest pink velvet pouch in the break room.

“It’s called a love wish tea.” She declares.

She grabbed a pack of them at the local occult shop after the lovely witch who owned the place swore it worked.

“It calls in your heart’s desires and hey, it worked for me! That’s why I still have a pack left over!” She proudly recommends.

You roll your eyes but appreciate the gift.

Shoving it into your bag, you don’t give it much thought.

Then the cooler cozier weather settles in, the perfect time for museum dates. Strolling along the floors keeping a watch on everyone it’s hard not to notice the intake of couples. Some are intertwined beside each other staring fondly at a painting together, while others happily take photos of the other being silly.

A taste of loneliness fills you, but gently you sweep it away focusing back on work. Especially since tonight you’ll be locking up.

Already craving some extra caffeine, you glare seeing the break room depleted of any sweet salvation.

The small velvet pink bag in your bag immediately comes to mind. And at this point you think, why not. it will at least keep you awake.

Immediately out of the pouch the tea bag releases a soothing smell, a rich floral blending with delicate touches of a fruit scent, possibly pomegranate. You’re now excited just to taste it, love wish or not.

The tea steeps in your tumbler cup allowing a faint rose color to float into your water. Of course the tea is pretty too.

And the taste? Rich, lovely and warm, like a romantic valentine-like themed drink. It doesn’t reward you with a sensation of being in love, but instead you feel at peace.

After a few sips, you return to the floor.

There, Marcus sits on one of the benches in the Roman exhibition.

Curled over a leather sketchbook, he’s every bit the personification of a scholarly beautiful artist straight out of a romance novel. His face glanced up then back down to his sketch. Diligent concentration paints over his gorgeous face.

Cautious, yet eager, you approach.

He’s sketching a portrait of the General. The sharp edges of the charcoal, the smudges meant to mimic shadows, along with capturing the striking slopes of the General’s features - it’s fantastic.

“You’re amazing!”

Your compliment causes him to jolt slightly spooked, and you rapidly apologize. Once he catches sight of you, Marcus sighs with a dreamy relieved sleepy grin.

“Just sketching, nothing too crazy.”

You take a seat besides him on the bench.

“You captured his likeness so well already.” You’re in awe at the sketch.

Marcus laughs a bit nervously. It’s hard trying not to swoon at the light rose blush coloring his cheeks. He’s stunning.

“I bet General Acacius would be flattered.” You grin then glance back to the statue.

Marcus turns to follow your sight.

“Nah, he strikes me as a big relief fan.” Marcus comments thoughtfully.

The bad art joke isn’t lost on you, and you snicker beside him. Among the giggles you catch Marcus staring at you, the softest boyish grin tugging his lips.

The world melts into a splendid focus all on him.

This isn’t good. You can’t be thinking about possibly leaning in to kiss cute visitors while you’re still on the clock.

“Hey… so I’ve been meaning to ask if maybe we could-”

His phone ringing cuts Marcus off causing you to shoot up from the bench. Jumping on the call, Marcus seems apologetic and almost sad as you wave him bye to him.

Closing time approaches. You and your co-workers do one final look around the rooms. Marcus is nowhere to be found.

The Roman exhibition now sits sleepily still.

The dim glow coats the general’s statue, a glistening chopper. Even with the chips and weathering of time, he stands glorious as you stroll closer.

He really must have been something fierce for the empire to immortalize him in such grand fashion.

“You must’ve been a pretty amazing man.” You mutter mainly to yourself, gently touching the base of the elevated display platform he rests upon.

You wish him a good night and head home. You try not to think of stunning statues or cute museum visitors.

Next morning you’re woken up by a call from work, a frantic one.

“The fucking hot ass statue is missing.” Your co-worker hisses.

You don’t believe it till you see it.

But you’re knocked breathless at the sight.

General Marcus Acacius is missing. The once grand presence he added to the room is absent, vanished, as if plucked from the air itself.

It’s almost unnerving to see the once elevated space now hauntingly vacant.

Chaos brews humming all around. Copes scurry around everywhere, and plenty of people stand outside curious to what’s going on. A controlled whirlwind fills your museum. Various officers keep the scene roped off.

The museum decides to close for the rest of the week to let the police handle as much as they can. You adore the museum truly, but there’s one spot you love the most. Right by the break room leading from various different doors is an outdoor courtyard. It’s become a place of solace.

The bubbling dread has you stepping out here one more time. The sky above looms with a cold front approaching and casts a somber shadow over the space even more.

The shrubs rustle off the side among the thick greenery, and you figure it’s a bird.

“It’s you.” Until a new voice speaks to you. Rich, heavily accented and smooth, it startles you.

You wonder if you’re imagining things.

The man is dressed in Roman attire, elaborate white armor adorned with ornate gold pieces. Glorious graying curls frame his ethereal aged face.

How did a cosplayer manage to sneak in?

He stares so directly at you it frightens you a bit.

“You’re the one who’s voice I heard…” he continues to speak. “It was like I was asleep, drifting away. Then you woke me.”

“Sir, how did you manage to get in here?” You ask, trying to stay as calm as you can.

“I do not know. I simply woke and found myself in this strange place.” He explains with a furrowed brow.

You wonder…is this a strange bit the museum is maybe trying to pull off, and they didn’t tell you.

He steps forward now, and instinctively you walk back cautious. The man must take in your reaction because his face, his handsome face that now looks vaguely familiar, frowns. He holds his hands up defensively.

“I mean no harm. I just need to know what happened to me.”

Someone calls out your name, sounds like your boss. “Come on let’s head out.”

The stranger repeats it and how smooth his voice is, your name rolls off his tongue.

“I am General Marcus Acacius, and I am in need of your assistance.”

That makes your brain scratch.

“Wait, what?” You turn to him confused. “What did you say your name was again?”

He repeats it firmer.

Marcus Acacius.

As in… General Marcus Acacius.

There’s no way.

“Oh, so you’re an actor.” You deadpan.

“I…am confused? I’m no performer. I promise you that.” He almost sounds huffy.

You gotta give him credit. The guy stays in character pretty well.

“You shouldn’t be here, actor or not.” You tell him, heading back inside. Of course this man follows you in.

At the sight of the glass door and the movement of it, he pauses stunned, like he can’t process it. You almost want to laugh.

“You’re pretty good, even though you say you’re not an actor.” You tease.

He frowns hard not enjoying that.

“Either tell me what is going on or I will find a man who will.” He snaps loud and your eyes go wide.

His memorizing face scrunches up in frustration. Dark amber eyes are coated in fierce anger.

“I wake up in a strange place filled with artifacts and see people dressed strange. What is going on?” His voice rises confused, panicking.

Either he’s the most amazing actor ever or…

No.

It can’t be.

Too many thoughts swirl in your head like angry bees trying to make your brain explode.

You need a minute. So you grab the mystery man’s arm, practically dragging him to follow you.

“Excuse you? Where are you taking me?” He demands.

“Somewhere safe.” You half lie.

Unfortunately your boss stops you. His worried eyes catch sight of the man in the armor. You’re quick to explain he’s an actor, upset about the missing statue.

“I am not a-”

You shush the strange man harshly. Your boss, hesitant and worried, surveys him.

“He shouldn’t be here.” Your boss says firm.

“Yup, and I was just showing him the way out.” You happily explain.

Thankfully your boss gets called away, and you make your escape.

“Are you abducting me?” He demands harder.

“Look, I’m the only one here who might be able to help you.” You hiss back.

“I am the commanding General of the Roman armies.” His voice blooms stronger when you reach the lobby. “I will find my way around.”

You swallow hard. A small but chaotic idea quickly jumps into your mind, and you decide to put it into action.

So, you hold the exit door open for him. The man nods to you, then strolls out. You follow him.

The towering skyscrapers, the rush of the cars, the stretching concrete roads, it becomes an overwhelming sight while the man whips his face around eyes wide and in shock. His face falls, aghast and disoriented.

That unrealistic conclusion you thought of - you think it might not be so realistic. Because the man turns to you wearing petrified horror, terrified confusion of a man in an unknown world that no actor could truly capture.

Reality smacks into you like a bag of nails.

This man is truly the great General Marcus Acacius.

The missing statue now full man summoned to life.

Someone yells your name.

Your heart drops. Of course Marcus arrives at the worst time. He jogs up to you dressed in what looks like a gym outfit.

“I heard about the statue.” He says worried then his eyes immediately grow cloudy and confused as he catches sight of the strange Roman dressed man.

“Is he… a friend of yours?” Marcus asks hesitantly.

“It’s complicated.” You blurt, panicked.

General Acacius stands still very stunned trying to take this new modern world in. Stumbling, he returns to your side, clutching your arm like you’re the only one who can steady him.

“I…” Acacius begins then stops mid word, still trying to process a reply. Until he catches sight of Marcus.

“You,” The man surveys Marcus with narrowing eyes. “You seem familiar as well.”

This is getting out of hand.

“Okay time to go.” You rapidly try diffusing the situation, moving General Acacius away from Marcus.

“Wait, what’s going on?” Marcus questions, persistently following behind while you head to the parking lot.

You scramble out a lie that the strange man is an old friend you ran into who just came back from a play.

“I told you, I’m no performer.” Acacius insists still. You also discover he’s built like a wall and trying to wrangle him into the car proves to be Herculean.

Swiftly, Marcus firmly snaps out your name. His tone is different, urgent and enforcing. It turns you into a statue yourself.

Comedically, you’re practically halfway shoving Acacius into the car but now stand frozen. He notices the shift in tension quickly.

“Are you frightened of him?” Acacius mutters concern, surprisingly concerned. “Because I can dispose of this man.”

You shake your head no.

Swallowing hard, you finally look Marcus dead in the eyes.

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.” You admit.

“Try me.” Marcus rebuffs, serious as steel.

So you sigh, what more do you have to lose now?

“General, can you please tell him who you are.” You then allow Acacius to speak for himself.

The ancient Roman clears his throat and announces his full title and name. The younger and modern Marcus’s face twists confused with a hint of concern.

Suddenly his eyes go wide. He catches on fast, figures it out quicker than you did that’s for sure.

This cute casual museum visitor you have a slight crush on is now your accomplice and partner in crime.

At least…now you don't have to deal with an ancient Roman General being brought back to life from stone alone.

— °˖➴ —

Marcus’s apartment is lush and cozy, filled with so many books and records. The warm walls, sleek modern design, make your place feel like a hole in the wall. Having a roommate, you couldn’t just bring home a very confused man out of time. So thankfully Marcus offered his home.

Now you’ve practically been living here with General Acacius trying to figure out what happened.

Acacius takes things rather well, almost in stride. Fitting for a general that explored new territories and had to face the unknown chaos of war.

The fridge fascinates him the most. You had to stop yourself from laughing seeing him open and close the refrigerator door like a child wondering if the food inside would disappear.

Marcus has a vice for candy, specifically sour ones. Seeing General Acacius try one and the disgusted face of twisted torture is a memory you’ve replayed over multiple times.

But unfortunately no one can figure out what brought the statue to life and him here.

“I’m a man. Not a statue.” The roman general clarifies.

“You are now, but we gotta figure out why.” You sigh exhausted while Marcus readies breakfast for everyone.

He’s been an incredible host. It’s been hard not lingering on how domestic and warm he is within his own space.

Especially when there’s also an archaic man looking just as handsome walking around in a tight white t shirt Marcus lent him.

Surrounded by two unbelievably gorgeous men has been a double edged sword, a blessing and curse.

General Acacius reminds you of a mountain, ever powerful, sturdy and unwavering with the change of seasons. Yet there’s still an open vulnerability to him. You’ve seen it in how grateful he’s been and how eagerly he’s tried absorbing all about this new world.

Whereas Marcus reminds you of a river, beautifully flowing, always adaptable. But he surprises you with how direct and firm he’s been, almost protective in keeping you and Acacius safe.

You also don’t miss the way Marcus’s eyes sometimes flicker to sneak a glance at the older General. You can’t blame him.

Acacius fills out modern clothes sinfully. Watching him navigate everything with a certain poised grace is attractive. While Marcus has become endearing and patient, incredibly welcoming to this new hiccup in his life. You haven't felt this comfortable with someone in so long.

Truly a river and mountain now exist in your life, and you want to stay in their atmosphere more and more.

But you can’t get tangled in the budding emotions growing for these men.

You need to figure out how to help Acacius.

“Once I get back to the office, I’m hoping I can try to find something that could maybe help.” Marcus clarifies while grabbing his work bag.

You’ve learned much about him these past few days. Like he enjoys a good run, used to be a swimmer, has a soft spot for strays, surprisingly loves football -

Also that he’s a well known FBI agent.

You realized you never once asked what he did for work, and you’ve known him for months.

“You have feelings for that man.” Acacius announces once it’s you and him alone in the apartment. You almost spit out your drink.

“We’re friends, that’s all.” You huff.

This Marcus doesn’t seem to believe you, and gives you a very modern dry eyed side glare that makes you roll your eyes.

“I’ve seen the way he watches you, the look of a man in love.” Acacius continues.

“Well I see the way he stares at you too, pal.” You reply back before you can even realize what you said.

Your words do their job stunning the general.

“He is too young for an old man like me.” Acacius rapidly fires back.

“You’re not that old.” You clarify. “If anything you’re distinguished, mature.”

“You are too kind, dear lady.” He chuckles.

You ignore how fast warmth spreads through you a dangerous wildfire just hearing him.

Your phone ringing makes poor Acacius jump. Though, it’s progress from the confused shout he used to yell whenever the phones rang.

Your boss explains that unfortunately the museum will have to stay closed the rest of the month for further investigations, and everyone’s information has been sent in to check for any suspicious activities.

It sounded serious.

Dead serious because after that phone call, you get called by the police department to head in for a few questions.

You have nothing to hide, except you did.

Because in theory you technically did and didn’t steal the statue. You just know the cops wouldn’t take your explanation.

The interrogation room you sit in is coated in a bleak serious air making you fidget worried. This is also the first time you left General Acacius alone at the apartment and that worry picks at you.

Then two officers walk in. One an older distinguished woman who gives you a nod then the other… a rather striking man.

Hawkish nose, clean shaven face, kind eyes, he smiles soft at you.

Marcus.

The agent that walked in is Marcus.

You try not to stare, but it’s hard. Dressed in an official suit and tie, the badge he wears, he sits across for you a striking professional handsome agent.

The woman introduces herself as one of the head local detectives of the case and the man accompanying her is from the FBI, specifically the head of the art crimes division.

Marcus wasn’t just an agent but someone that important.

You can’t deny how extra attractive it makes him.

“Agent Marcus Pike.” Polite and sweet he outstretches his arm to shake your hand like you’ve never met him before.

The questions are very basic.

Where were you the last time you saw the statue? Do you remember any recent guest that stopped by that maybe seemed suspicious?

You answer as truthfully and as best as you can, while also hiding the ancient Roman sized man truth away.

“Funny enough,” Agent Pike comments. “It does seem like this statue just seems to have…I don’t know, grown legs and walked out itself.”

You weakly laugh at his joke. You don’t miss the tug of his lips trying not to grin.

You leave the room as if you stepped out of a strange pocket dimension. Then again these past few days have felt strange and disorienting.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were the head of some FBI art division?!” You let Marcus have it when you both return back to his apartment.

“Is that dangerous?” Acacius asks curiously.

“I don’t know.” You sigh.

“No…This is good.” Marcus clarifies. He even picked up apology pastries. General Acacius greedily snags a cheese danish and moans in pure delight once he takes a bite.

It’s hard to ignore how incredibly sexy he sounded.

“It means I can keep looking in my records for any previous instances of situations like this, or if there’s any leads on the case I’ll know.” Marcus patiently explains.

That calms you enough.

Days pass, and Acacius grows restless.

He doesn’t sleep well, snapping at you and Marcus often more. He mourns the loss of a world that’s passed, of a wife he lost. The grief comes in waves. You and Marcus try comforting him, but Acacius reminds you of a caged tiger, restless and fanged. You understand. Being cooped up in a strange home in a strange world must be exhausting.

So Marcus and you agree to have a nice weekend out with him.

General Acacius fidgets in the cozy cream knit sweater that stretches over his broad body, but damn does he look incredible. So does Marcus in his scholarly sleek coat.

This trip also works as another opportunity to do more investigating. The nearby bookstore is the first stop. Acacius gasps seeing the stretch of books.

“Pretty impressive, yeah?” Marcus smirks, and you grin agreeing. He decides to take a look at the art history books here for any information he might have missed.

You unfortunately get side tracked with the many books in front of you and slightly wander away from Acacius when one catches your eyes.

But you quickly find your way back to him.

The elder Marcus stands stunned like a ghost among the classical literature holding a thick encyclopedia.

“I knew of what happened to Rome after you and Pike told me. But seeing the grand colosseum like this… it’s a specter of ruins now.” He mutters while taking in the photo of the ancient landmark.

“I am glad. There should be no need for more death matches.” His voice weighs with the heaviness of centuries past.

You agree, happy he shuts the book and returns it back. You’re about to dive into the Ancient Rome section yourself now until he speaks again.

“What if I am not the same man these books speak of?” The older Marcus questions hollowed.

That stuns you.

“What if the man who died many years ago… is not me?” His voice wavers.

Existential dread looms off him a dark storm growing stronger.

Marcus turns the corner smiling bright. But quickly he immediately notices the shift in atmosphere, and his face falls as he mouths asking what’s wrong.

You let General Acacius speak from the heart.

“What if… I am not me? What if I am not the real Marcus Acacius?”

His face is weighted with fear, raw and open making him appear lost and so small for someone powerful as him.

“I believe it’s you.” You reassure him gentle. “I’m sure Marcus does too. Besides… who says you can’t be the same man?”

There are pieces of yourself that you’ve left with people, even some bits of you have gotten snagged in certain places or tied to certain objects. Who says a piece of Marcus Acacius truly resided in the statue and simply woke up. And if that’s the case, then that means he’s as real as ever.

You explain all of this best as you can to Acacius. Those deep steady eyes of his waver transforming into molten earth. Your hand moves down to squeeze his stronger large warm hand.

He squeezes back tight.

“Besides the man that died is still you too. You’re allowed to be both.” Marcus jumps in with the most tender voice

“That does not sound true.” Acacius mutters.

As modern has he’s slowly become, you think it still might be too hard to explain dimensional or reality theory.

“This philosopher I read about once said something along the lines of, if you think, therefore you are.” Marcus clarifies. “You exist here and now. And sometimes that’s all that matters.”

You realize both you and Marcus slowly have huddled around General Acacius. You on one side and Marcus on the other, barricade to support your General as much as you or Marcus can.

Acacius sighs, watery, taking it all in.

Your heart aches for him. It overwhelms you, causing you to gently rest your head against his shoulder and letting your hand rest on his back.

Marcus also moves closer, placing his hand right besides yours, gingerly touching your hand.

Among the books you and these two rest simply in the stillness of the moment. You feel something hook deep in your chest, a feeling you can’t fully express.

After, Marcus treats everyone to his favorite taco truck. It's infectious seeing Acacius’s spirits brighten again. He again moans delicious when he takes his first bite. You don’t miss the awkward cough Marcus makes.

But the tacos are amazing and the cooler weather covers everything in a comforting dreamy cloud.

“I want to explore this world as much as I can.” Acacius declares with resolution and shining gilded hope.

So you start bringing the Roman general out with you more.

The museum is still being investigated, so you take the chance to enjoy the days, especially now with Marcus Acacius by your side. He enjoys your smaller apartment, becomes a fan of cooking shows fast.

Marcus and you discovered he isn’t big on sushi but has a notorious sweet tooth. Acacius embraces everything now with more gusto, a vibrant curiosity about many things, especially food. It’s endearing.

General Acacius also proves to be a lovely companion when you go grocery shopping.

“So many spices.” He says in awe in the aisle.

More people arrive and you try maneuvering your cart through the traffic. General Acacius catches on quick. Staying close to you, he places a comforting hand at your lower back and the other against yours in the cart. Shifting his body against yours, he’s a protective shield until you’re out of the thicket.

It sends the wildest hum of sparks throughout your body that persistently stays. Acacius stays firmly beside the rest of the trip.

For a man out of time, he’s open for conversation. The check out worker seems to blatantly ignore you while she happily and very openly flirts with him.

You don’t say much, ignoring the possessive emerald eyed sense of jealousy threatening to rise. He bids the flirty cashier a good day along with an elegant head nod. You keep quiet heading back to the car.

“That woman, she gave me a strange note with numbers on it.” General Acacius comments cautious, almost worried about what they could be.

You almost trip on the way out.

“Her number, she gave you her phone number.” You explain simply.

Of course you have to elaborate what that means and how it’s a modern way of signaling someone is attracted to you.

“Truly?” His handsome aged face scrunches up confused.

“What can I say? In any year you’re a catch.” You try not to sound wistful.

“I’m an old man not from this time. I have nothing worth for anyone to desire me.” Now he sounds dejected, somber and serious.

“Okay, besides being absolutely one of the most gorgeous men ever, you’re kind. Incredibly loyal and brave. Anyone would be lucky to have you.” Earnesty floats off you.

His face drops, your words finally settling within him. The soft streams of grays in his luscious curled hair and rustic beard, the beautiful scars he wears that tell of his victories…

The statue truly was not able to capture the magnetic pull of this man.

Acacius’s eyes flicker across your face. You swear something shimmers in his deep earth eyes. His gaze flickers down for a split moment, as if he’s glancing at your lips.

Then your phone rings with a text, and you sigh.

This precious bubble you’ve been in, this newly woven existence with these two gorgeous men, is one you want to stay in forever. It’s warm, easy, and feels too nice to leave.

But work eventually crashes in.

The museum finally reopens but with the Roman exhibit closed still. The missing art has brought in more foot traffic to the museum. But what surprises you is seeing Marcus at work now while he works. You and him share sweet secret smiles to each other.

Even with work getting busy for you and him, you’ve been texting with Marcus frequently. It’s even been amusing being on the phone with him and Acacius cries out surprised hearing your voice.

Your mind drifts to them again as you daze off a bit at work.

“So, did you ever drink that tea I gave you?” Your favorite coworker asks, interrupting your daydream.

The confusion must be evident on your face.

“Ya know… the sweet love wish tea?” She grins like a pleased cat that’s about to catch a canary.

An abrupt realization barrels right into you, a fierce horned bull almost knocking you out at the knees. You can’t believe a possible magical tea maybe brought a statue to life. But with that statue now a very real ancient Roman man you’ve been harboring - anything is possible now.

“Can you tell me where the shop is that you got it?” You rapidly ask her.

Your next day off you head down there immediately, not even taking either of your Marcus boys.

The sweetest shop owner greets you warm and welcoming. You compliment her lovely silvery lavender hair.

“Oh it’s to hide the grays.” She winks, and you grin.

But the nervousness rises because you don’t even know how to approach the question you have.

“Something seems to be bothering you.” Of course she notices but speaks with a gentle tone.

Your heavy sigh must say it all. Very sweetly she pulls out a stool by the register and settles in waiting to hear your story.

Even with her welcoming smile, the hesitation pulls at you. But you manage to gently explain what happened without revealing the dizzying truth.

“So I drank the love wish tea. And something… someone I never imagined would come into my life did. So now I don’t know if there’s a way I could probably send him back to what, to where, he was.” You tell her.

The shop owner hums in deep thought, crossing her hands over her chest nodding.

“Is it a ghost? Did you call in a spirit? Are you in love with a ghost?” She asks flat out without hesitation, and you almost laugh.

She’s half right in a way.

“I’m thinking…possibly the one thing that came to mind that I would do first is to do an unbinding spell. Whatever is keeping this man here, the separation of that would be what sends him back.” She says jumping off her chair, waving at you to follow her through the shop.

You quickly scurry behind her.

Grabbing a pack of two candles, the ritual she describes is simple enough. Tying a string around the two candles, lighting them until they burn, which in the process would burn the thread, theoretically severing the tie of Acacius to this world.

“And you said it was the love wish tea you drank, yes?”

You nod, and she nods back in understanding.

“What that tea is meant to do is call in your heart’s desires, simply allow the universe to bring whatever magic it seems fit to your life…But it also isn’t doing it forcefully.” She explains.

The tea is known to work because it calls in someone who desires the same thing you do, almost like a little nudge in the matchmaking department, a magic magnet.

“It works because someone else is also receptive. But of course, there is no need to stay with whoever is brought to you.”

Her words sink into a deep corner of your heart. You wonder if that meant Marcus Acacius longed for a better future, and it’s why the tea worked on him.

Thanking her graciously, you take the candles and a few cute stickers she has by the counter.

“I hope everything works out for you, gorgeous.” Her warm smile becomes a comforting hug.

You hope so too.

But the way your stomach twists, a part of you realizes… what if you don’t want Marcus Acacius to leave?

It’s selfish - but you want this trio of you, him and Marcus Pike, to last as long as it possibly can.

Driving to Marcus’s apartment, guilt and selfishness fight each other tooth and nail. You don’t know if this unbinding spell would work, but it would be a start.

With the spare key Marcus gave you, you let yourself in.

There on the couch you catch the quickest glimpse of both men heavily making out with the elder Marcus greedily holding onto Agent Pike’s sharp jaw. You wonder if maybe you’re seeing things, but the image knocks you breathless.

The younger and modern Marcus, who halfway was on the elder General’s lap immediately, bolts away as if electrocuted.

On the table, you spot two glasses of wine.

They both stare at you, caught red handed. Immediately though, you scramble out apologies.

“I should have called and-”

Marcus says your name. “It’s.. it’s okay.”

You feel so foolish right now. You didn’t even think that they had a thing, and that you were possibly the third wheel.

“I can leave. I totally understand.” You really do.

“No.” Acacius orders, saying your name, firmly shaking his head as he rises. His eyes rusted steel swords that pin you to where you stand.

“This started because of you.” He adds.

Wait.

Because of you?

“Wait, are you guys drunk?” You even voice your confusion.

Both Marcus men shake their heads no.

“We were just talking about you, about us.” The younger Marcus explains.

“And it took us some time but we both desire each other. And we both desire you.” General Acacius simply interjects, and Marcus coughs stunned.

You wonder if you’re the one who’s been brought to life in another time.

“Honey, please don’t feel pressured if you don’t feel the same.” Marcus, wonderful Marcus Pike, ever understanding and eternally good.

“I’ve liked you for so long. Even tried to ask you out a couple of times, just got a bit of cold feet. It just unfortunately took an ancient Roman to get me to finally say something.” He laughs weakly, boyishly nervous.

He’s liked you all this time.

You don’t say anything, don’t think there’s any words you can say just yet. Simply the emotions overtake you.

You head first to the younger Marcus and kiss him with a fierce tug at his shirt. He happily pulls you into him and sighs into your lips.

A soft but large hand runs up your back, and the sensation makes your body bloom.

“You both are so beautiful.” The older Marcus mutters dripping with adoration.

With a squeeze to Marcus’s shoulder and one final soft kiss, you pull away then melt into the general’s waiting arms. His mustache tickles you as his lips kiss yours, but it’s divine.

Their hands all over you touch every inch they can. You’ve never felt this desired, never been the epicenter of affection and passion like this before. You just as eagerly try grabbing at either man with as much clawed possession as you can.

They’re both yours now after all.

Tumbling into the bedroom it’s like something out of a dream, blissful and deliciously decadent, but so real with how heated your body feels.

Both men start kissing your exposed skin, with one licking at your neck from behind and the other readily nipping at your exposed chest. Your mind melts in bliss.

“Marcus,” you sigh.

You’re rewarded with two beautiful groans, different in tones it becomes a symphony you want to hear forever.

In the blurry of haze, the sticky syrupy desire, you and the younger Marcus follow each other peppering multiple kisses on Acacius’s chest as he falls onto the bed.

You and the modern Marcus work together, conquering the beautiful golden exposed landscape of Marcus Acacius’s chest. You tenderly press your lips against the various scars then happily move to kiss the younger Marcus.

The delicious sighs from General Acacius fill the room, a hypnotic soundtrack.

Soon your lips start traveling further down across his body. Your fellow lover follows your trail, kissing and kicking every inch of Acacius. You and Marcus reach his cock twitching in the loose sweatpants Acacius has grown fond of.

“Fuck.” Marcus groans as he drags the older man’s cock out.

Fuck is right. Thick, girthy and dripping already, you already ache to have him inside in any way.

“Both of you are little fiends.” The elder Marcus croaks breathless. Confidence surges in you as you lick across his length, relishing in the taste of his skin.

Marcus’s tongue also licks with you along your other lover’s cock, even moving across your tongue. The louder groans coming from General Acacius only spur you and Marcus on.

Greedily your eyes flicker up towards the towering force of a warrior. The beautiful older man’s eyes blown black, desired drenched galaxies looking down at you and Marcus like prizes he wants to conquer himself.

It makes you dizzy, completely possessed, and you kiss your way down to one of his thick large heavy balls. You tentatively lick. Acacius initially hisses until his voice melts into the loudest primal groan when you start sucking.

Your sweet Marcus immediately follows your lead, dragging his mouth down as well. You and him simply devour Acacius, licking back and forth across your lover’s balls and each other’s mouths.

Marcus quickly starts stroking your lover’s thick cock. It’s heaven being among these two, allowing yourself to get lost in the golden ecstasy.

When Acacius reaches his release you greedily lick up his cum that spilled against his skin, and he groans. Once you sit up, you reach for Marcus’s cum covered hand and begin to lick and suck his fingers clean. It’s then your sweet Marcus that suddenly grabs your mouth with the same hand, pulling your face towards his.

“Don’t swallow baby, I wanna taste.” He mutters with blazed out eyes.

Hearing that you almost come on the spot.

You sit up and slowly allow your spit and the milky cum into Marcus’s waiting mouth.

“Gods above.” The elder Marcus moans carnal.

The rest of the night consumes you in a wanton haze.

Sweaty, exhausted, but floating on a cloud, you sink into the bed with two men barricading you in their arms.

“I’m surprised you were…open to this.” You say to Acacius who chuckles a bit.

“I have loved others before, some included men. One was even a fellow General who died tragically among the same coliseum walls as I once did.” He explains gently.

You kiss his chest softly in understanding.

As you and these two lie curled into one another on Marcus’s lush bed, it’s like a new door has opened.

You and Marcus eagerly ask your General about his days in ancient Rome and his travels across the old world, about the true story of how he got his scar. Ever the steady man, Acacius answers all questions he can.

In the middle of this warm incredible double Marcus sandwich makes you giddy. But Acacius’s deep comforting lull of a voice, Marcus’s soft hands stroking your skin, create a cocoon drawing you to sleep faster than you realize.

A soft kiss comes to the top of your head.

“Rest. We will be here when you wake.”

Nodding through a yawn, you happily kiss them both goodnight. But just before you fall into the depths of sleep, you catch the two talking.

“What… will happen if I do not return to stone?” Acacius speaks first, so low and cautious you wonder if you’re dreaming already.

“I… I guess the statue will remain incomplete, stolen.” Marcus answers truthful but gentle.

A moment passes.

“What if I do not wish to return to stone?” Acacius clarifies.

You hear Marcus inhale sharp.

“I’ve longed for peaceful days away from the brutality of the frontline. And now… it’s here.”

A thick hope shines through the older Marcus’s voice, slipping past your ribs to piece your heart.

Movement shifts the bed, arms reach across for each other and seem to cage around you more.

“You’ll always have the final say. You get to make that choice. Neither of us would ever want to force you or take that away from you.” Marcus’s molten words are coated in pure understanding.

“I wish to stay here… with you and her.” Confidence, solidified resolution, radiate from the General’s voice.

The bed shifts again, and you hear them exchange the softest kiss.

“We’ll have to make sure to tell her in the morning.” The modern Marcus sighs dreamily. His hands again start rubbing your arm soothing, as if he can sense you’re fighting sleep.

“Of course. We must never forget our lady.” The older Marcus agrees.

His words along with a soft kiss to your forehead become the final push that allows sleep to settle.

— °˖➴ —

“So you’re telling me mister head of the art crimes department will be okay with a statue staying stolen and missing forever?” You smirk amused while Marcus drives down the familiar roads.

“Hey it’s no Vemeer’s Concert, but I’ll live with it.” Marcus playfully smirks and shrugs.

The investigation on General Acacius’s missing statue had run cold. There was no indication of a break in or forced exit. From the surveillance tapes, the video recordings simply shimmer, distorted for one moment, and then the statue is gone. As if it vanished into thin air.

Or is simply currently sitting in the back seat of the car taking in the world and power of a motor vehicle.

“You hear that, General? Our boy said you’re not valuable.” You tease.

“I don’t mind and I can agree.” Acacius replies bored, making you laugh. The green sweater he wears compliments him and brings out the streams of grays in his hair. You and Marcus have loved seeing him embrace modern clothing more than ever.

“That’s not what I meant.” Marcus rolls his eyes.

You snicker even more.

The occult shop arrives, and the candles feel lighter than ever in your bag, especially knowing you’re here to return them.

“Seems like you didn’t need these after all.” Your favorite lavender haired shop owner says with a coy smirk. Her eyes stay locked on your men exploring the aisles.

“A two for one deal? I'm definitely advertising that for the tea.” She adds eagerly, and you hide a laugh behind your hand.

If only you could tell her the full truth.

You return to your boys, enjoying the way Acacius seems to be a bit petrified among all of the occult objects.

“Are you sure this witchcraft is safe?” He asks worried, snd Marcus smooths by rubbing his back.

You grin.

Love, affection, might be the strangest but most beautiful magic after all.

[smakonca]

Hi, i hope you be fine and having a good day.

I wanted ask You something, i like your Nightmare version and how You make the relationship between him and Killer. And i wanted know how would react with or how would be his relation with the Killer version from @signanothername .

And your art style looks great!. ❤️

Thank you very much!

Before I answer this, I need to describe my version of Nightmare more thoroughly.

I have touched on that subject in this post, but it was mainly about my interpretation of Dreamtale as a whole.

My Nightmare is a manipulator, a devil in sweet disguise. He knows how to persuade people in order to get what he wants. Instead of direct action he relies on strategy and deceit. He also does not have anger issues as his canon version. He controls himself, allowing to show only a glimpse of his true feelings. He won’t show his anger, sadness, envy, despair, happiness, vulnerability to you if he doesn’t trust you.

The fandom I think is missing out on the fact that he is 500 years old. Yes, none of us could say how exactly a long living person like him would act. But I doubt all Nightmare was doing for such a long time of living was sitting in his castle or randomly attacking Aus even after Dream got out of stone.

I am sure the Multiverse is full of creatures who are much more powerful than Dream and can break Nightmare in half. He just had to be careful and had to learn to be more rational.

I also believe he had some sort of character growth during this time. People can turn into complete strangers in just a couple of years. Imagine living for eons. You would change your values, worldview, philosophy, everything multiple times. Nightmare have witnessed and experienced many things. He embraced the power and curse of an endless life.

Of course at the beginning of his new life (that is after the apple incident) he conquered/destroyed worlds, because at that time he didn't know how to cope with the loss of his brother, nor how to control his new powers.

But with years to come, Nightmare started to become more calm, more calculating and provident. He formed a library, began to study numerous Aus, formed alliances, including Ink and Error, in order to keep track of positive and negative worlds.

Why attack positive worlds and destroy the balance in Multiverse if you can take the negative worlds under your wing, find Aus which don't have a particular positive/negative side and destroy them from within? With civil wars or a cruel ruler that actually is loyal to you, for example. After all, how would anyone know Nightmare was the one to pull the strings if he didn't attack the Au directly? Especially it is hard to figure this out if Au has resets and is heavily dependent on the decisions of the player.

Why try to conquer positive worlds if you can nurture the ones that are doomed from the start? Why chase the unattainable goal of becoming the god of Multiverse if you can safely provide yourself with a stockpile of negative energy and thrive on it?

Nightmare is actually pretty much scared of death, so he uses all his knowledge to provide a safe future for himself.

He is visionary, but with that comes his main weakness. He stagnates. He is afraid of sudden changes that break his plans and destroy the usual order. That's why he doesn't bother learning new things if he thinks they are useless to him. You know, like the grumpy old man who complains about the youth and can’t learn how to use a cellphone. He can't cook, for example, because he doesn’t need normal mortal food. And sometimes he is oblivious to normal things. He holds a great knowledge and wisdom, but lacks intuition and ability to adapt.

I would say with years softened a little. You know, how people use to soften with age? That's exactly what happened. Nightmare won't admit it out loud, but he hates loneliness. He always hated it, even we he was little. He hates being left alone with himself. His thoughts, his hatred towards himself and the whole world. Also my version is much more sympathetic because he can understand what the other person is feeling due to his powers. He can relate to other's problems and fears sometimes. Doesn't mean he would help to get rid of them though.

That's why in my version, Nightmare got Killer as his subordinate partly because he felt a bit of sympathy for him. He knows what it feels like to be left alone. Alone after a massacre you've just committed.

I’m sure Multiverse was full of much more useful, more naive, more powerful puppets for him, yet Nightmare chose the one he could actually relate to. Because, let's be honest, Killer is a total menace as a subordinate. His behavior changes with stages and Nightmare can't properly control him, he talks back sometimes, refusing to obey. He asks too many questions and is too smart for a perfect murder machine.

So, yes. My Nightmare has much more personal reasons to take Killer with himself. Their relationship developed with years. At first it was just a game to Nightmare of how he could corrupt Killer. It wasn't simply: "I would beat the shit out of you and call you useless", but more "I will make you trust me and fall for my lies".

But Killer turned out to be a much more complicated person, who Nightmare heavily underestimated. Somehow he managed to see through Nightmare's masks and find his weak sides. And then he went like "I see what you're plan is, I'll play along to betray you later"

But... Both their plans broke when they actually developed a relationship beyond just the boss/his subordinate. Killer being as equally smart as Nightmare, if not smarter, made him realize many things, opened new sights for the world Nightmare got so fed up with. Their worldviews are extremely different, but somehow they managed to find something to bond over. And Nightmare allowed himself to be tamed by that. Even if he knows how dangerous it is to get attached to someone.

They both create a very interesting dynamic, where Nightmare craves respect and validation and Killer being used to receive orders from the player, can't help but please Nightmare's ego. Doesn't stop him from being brutally honest and strong-willed from time to time. Being a person who wears masks all the time, Killer notices Nightmare's disguise almost immediately and wants to crack them open to see what they are hiding.

Sorry, if it sounds like a fairytale, but I am a sucker for happy endings, when despite all the suffering, characters manage to find peace with themselves.

That is Nightmare's relationship with how I view Killer. He wanders somewhere between his canon and fanon version. You know, being a loud annoying ass, but actually hiding the pain inside. He does that mainly to entertain himself or to get any kind of reaction from people around him to escape the loneliness and emptiness in his soul. He may act impulsive, but in the end it's his slyness and adaptivity that win the game in the long run.

I love to explore Nightmare’s and Killer’s relationship in various types of ways but I never like to depict abuse between them. I know, it's how they should behave themselves according to their canon versions, but I just can’t bring myself to draw it. The entire thing just makes me super uncomfortable and I don’t receive pleasure from drawing it (which is my main goal when I doodle, mind you). That doesn't mean their relationship is entirely healthy. Hell, it's far from that. And yet I would rather show their emotional insecurities and cruelty in a different way.

Now to your main question.

@signanothername version of Killer(the closest one to the canon I've seen so far) is extremely interesting and always gets me inspired to create more art. And I eat up every one of her long posts.

In terms of relationship with her Killer, I think my Nightmare would find him extremely intriguing, after all, he loves to outsmart witty people, it feeds his insatiable ego.

My Nightmare values cunning people who can crawl under your bones and find every weakness you possess. It's what he does himself. So he would maybe even respect Anó’s Killer in his own way.

He definitely would try to persuade Killer to form a sort of partnership, tempting him with a sweet offer of finding peace with his emotions. But wouldn't take him as his subordinate even if he agreed, at least not forever. Nightmare doesn't like when someone questions his authority and Killer could be a potential threat to expose his weaknesses and wreck his plans.

That is, if Nightmare already knew what kind of fella Ano’s Killer is. If he didn't and actually managed to persuade Killer, he would have eventually got rid of him because he would be a menace to his status. Or maybe he would have genuinely tried to help, but only if they build up the bridge of trust, which I doubt would even happen in the first place. And besides, as I mentioned earlier, Nightmare values things in terms of how they are useful to him, so I don't think he would see any use in helping Killer if he didn't get something in return. Though their whole dynamic really depends in the perspective and how much time they have spent together.

And also I don't think my Nightmare would try to abduct Killer as he did in canon, as far as I remember. It ruins their relationship for Nightmare from the start, and closes the potential ways for him to manipulate and get Killer to trust him. Trust is an important thing when it comes to subordination and obedience and Nightmare wouldn't destroy it for as long as possible. Or as long as he is entertained enough.

So I don’t think my Nightmare being a cunning brat would treat Killer as a slave or a pet. At least not directly. A silly mortal or a useful tool? Very likely. But beating the shit out of him and then expecting him to negotiate? I doubt that. It won’t make Killer more obedient and in the end will only cut off the branch Nightmare’s sitting on. (Haha get it?)

Even though Nightmare may be oblivious to general relationships between people (for example he still refuses to accept that people can be kind and merciful to you just because they can), still, he understands the very basics. If he didn't, he wouldn't have become a good deceiver and would not have survived for centuries.

P. S. I apologize for any mistakes. This was a long post to write hzhzz.

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Hello! I really like your Twisted Wonderland work!

I was hoping if you can do House Wardens/Vice Wardens/First Years (pick which one is easier for you) react to a Fem! MC that's like Nanami Kento from Jujutsu Kaisen?

It's ok if you don't feel like doing this! I hope you have a lovely day 💕

Nanami Kento Reader | Yandere Twisted Wonderland

You’re well dressed, unemotional, and fairly powerful. Facts are everything to you as well as convenience. You’ve been told you don’t act your age but you don’t care, being as strict as you are surely you're better off than most. Your future lovers friends don’t think the same and they can’t help but try to stoke the flames of your heart with their own:

Epel Felmier

“C’mon (Y/n), please don’t tell! I want to stay with you!”

“I don’t want to entertain your antics at my expense. Vil will be informed, shortly.”

“Noooo!”

That’s the greatest challenge when he’s pursuing you

Even with Rook and Vil policing his time and behavior 

you are the apple of his eye

Always out of reach, it gets tiring really quick 

Eventually he can’t help but use his training with Vil to bulldoze over his obstacles

All so he can focus on you

And solely you 

By the time he’s done he’s only focused on conquering you

Granted you’ll surely fight him but facts are your jam, right?

So its a given you two will be eternally bound together

Ace Trappola

“Whoa whoa why are you getting all bent out of shape?!”

“I doubt that’s all I should be doing. Considering I’ve found you stealing from my laundry.”

“But (Y/n)--Ahh! Now the butcher’s knife!” You both clash far too often

But man, does he love it 

The small side-eye when he’s annoyed you enough

The way you so cooly take down any body who dares bother you in NRC

The way you perfectly attack whatever you slice at

It all leaves him swooning

You have a tough shell but he’s going to break it

But in the mean time he’ll break the greedy nuisances in your favor

It bothers to emote to them all 

So consider their deaths it a gift

Sebek Zigvolt

“HOW DARE YOU–”

“Quiet. Lower your voice–”

“WHY SHOULD I–”

“Or I will make it so you cannot raise it again.”

He’s floored by your audacity

But you look beautiful doing that

Always dressed to the ‘T’

He only wishes to be graced by your praise

You don’t do that often

Which is why when he’s assured his Malleus -Sama is well protected

He darts to follow your every move 

Waiting for that acknowledgement silent vow to an eternity together

Steam-rolling puny humans is of second nature to him 

Especially if they’re also on the path to you

Deuce Spade

“P-please don’t talk to him anymore, he’s dangerous!”

“Is he? So now you are the expert?”

“N-n-no! I’m just looking out for you!”

“Than don’t.”

He wishes to reach your level one day

So beautiful, so strong, so irresistible

He’s not bad if he goes to defend your honor 

Even if those offenders want to idolize you too

Jack Howl

“How is your training?”

“It is…fair.”

“As expected it’d be foolish to learn the power of cursed energy in such a short time.”

“Give me time,  (Y/n)! I’ll take you on oneday!”

With a mate as desirable as you he knew he’d have to fight

Just not you

And on top of that the same is for his rivals

But he’s determined to have you 

So dispel your stubborn rationality and let him protect you

[nebulaafterdark]

Can you write something about Aegon x Velaryon(Strong) reader. The war has over and blacks are defeated. Sunfyre kills Rhaenyra at Dragonstone and Aegon takes his little niece and her only remain brother to King’s Landing with him. He marry his niece and imprison young Aegon to prevent any attack come from black supporters. I always read this plot with Aemond but I haven’t read anything with Aegon yet. I know you will write something amazing with this plot. I love your Aegon x niece!reader serie, I hope you’ll expand it with different plots.

Listen, as long as there is a demand for Aegon x Velaryon(Strong) Reader I will provide 😂 I’m not sure how yet, but these two have slowly taken over my current WIPs.

Dracarys

Aegon x Velaryon(Strong)!Reader

Warning: Targcest, major character death, angst, mentions of sex, dubcon/noncon.

“Aegon,” Y/N chases after her uncle. The usurper who had conquered and killed so much of her family. Who has surely come to Dragon Stone to finish what he started. “Please, Aegon.” Her mother and young brother, Aegon III, are all she has left.

He grabs her forcefully, hands trembling with sheer adrenaline and rage as they squeeze the sides of her skull. “Your family hath slain my brother, my sister jumped to her death after assassins were sent to kill their child and then the towns people tore apart the other. I feel no remorse for what is about to transpire.

In fact, I take pleasure in it. No amount of your begging and sniveling can stop me. I’ve no heart strings left but for the one you hold and I will sooner remove your hands than allow you to tug at it.”

Y/N heaves in a breath, head light and spinning, “you’re hurting me.”

Aegon tears himself away. “Take the Princess to her rooms, confine her there until I return.”

“Please, Aegon! She’s my mother, Aegon is her only living child.” Y/N continues to scream for him, struggling against the guards. Then slamming her fists against the door, trying to tear it down. It makes no difference, the room does not open again until Aegon marches inside.

He takes in the Princess, her chest heaving wildly, dark hair astray, eyes wide and wet. Sodden from tears and her clenched fists painted in her own blood. “It is done.”

Y/N wraps both arms around herself, a feeble attempt to keep some semblance of composure, howling with the extent of her grief as she crumples to her knees.

“There will be time to cry about it later.” Aegon says cooly, forcing her to stand. Holding her upper arms taut, supporting her weight. “I need you to listen very carefully.”

Y/N can’t seem to catch her breath, forcing her eyes to focus on him.

“You are in quite a state, the Maester will bring milk of the poppy. You will take it and you will rest on our voyage home.”

Home. Y/N is home. Dragon Stone is her home.

“Once we arrive, we will be wed before the eyes of the seven. It is your great honor and you cannot wait to serve as my Queen. In exchange for your undying devotion, I will spare your brother’s life. He will be kept under lock and key at the Red Keep and when he comes of age he will wed my niece, Jaehaera. This will quell any and all of your mother’s supporters.”

“Aegon, let us discuss this.”

“My dearest love,” he clicks his tongue at her. “We can do this the easy way.” He pulls her close, inhaling the sweet scent of her dark hair. “Or we can do it the hard way. Either way, my will be done.”

“Is my mother truly dead?” Y/N asks, the words muffled against his collar.

Sunfyre sent her out in a blaze of glory. “It was an honorable death.”

“Why spare me?”

“You dare question it? After all I’ve done for you!” His patience is growing thin. How could she not see it is her who he dreams about. That she is the image conjured up when his cock is aching for release, she who was promised to him and then cruelly snatched away. He grips her upper arm forcefully, “you ungrateful little cunt.”

“I am grateful, I am.” Y/N bites back.

“You should be on your knees thanking me.” Aegon uses his hold to draw her in again, close enough that their noses nearly brush. “Your great and merciful King; yet you toy with me.”

“I’m sorry.” She feels the sting of unbidden tears at the back of her eyes. “Please, forgive me, your grace. That was not my intent.”

Aegon’s eyes soften a bit. “You will earn forgiveness.” He presses his lips to hers harshly, a clash of lips and tongue. “You will give me everything I want, or you will die trying.”

“What is it you want, Aegon?” Y/N wonders.

“When my mother forced me to take the crown, I wept down to the dragon pit. Everyone cheered…while I was dying inside. There was a time I would have given anything to be standing here with you. I used to fantasize about up and leaving in the night to warn Rhaenyra of my mother’s plan to put me on the throne. That was before. Before I had suffered horrors and lost my family to death or madness. I suppose all I want now is someone to suffer alongside me. Who better than you?”

“I am sorry, Aegon, for all you have lost.”

“As I am sorry for your losses.” Though it changes nothing.

————————————————————————

Y/N is crowned in the dragon pit, they are sure to milk her claim as Rhaenyra’s daughter. To squash any hopes of the black’s supporters. There would be no rebellion. No undoing what has been done.

Aegon allows his bride to visit her brother often. It’s painful to think that they had been in love once, the life they might have had…if only.

He requests an audience with her in his chambers nearly every night. She tastes as sweet as he hoped she would and Aegon can’t seem to get his fill of her. His Queen is so pretty when she cries.

Y/N lowers her gaze as he comes to stand before her. Perhaps in fear, perhaps she cannot bear to look upon him. Y/N flinches when he pulls her close.

“Do you love me?”

“I did,” Y/N admits. “I don’t think I’m capable of loving anymore.” It is far too intense a feeling to live inside of the cold, dead, abyss of her shattered heart.

Part 2

[crazyaboutto]

The pain of being a book reader that’s been made into a show

The writers and directors literally have completed series in their hands. They have the writer’s feedback as well or at least they initially said so in season 1.

Why the fuck are they deviating from canon so much? I’m trying to think HOTD as high budgeted fan fiction but damn it’s so hard. You’re getting paid a lot and working on one of the most well known series and you just fuck up

I was already pissed with Aegon’s dream nonsense as well as Rhaenys bursting out of coronation just for shock value but it’s going downhill fast. That dream leads to absolutely nothing. We don’t even have NK like the GOT version in the books. Also, still prefer book version of Alicent both age and character wise.

It was so fast paced in season 1 and now they’re dragging the story. They’re also deviating from the canon a lot

Why does Alicent actually believe “that’s what Viserys wanted”? She wants the throne for her bloodline and that’s it. It’s her wish for power, not for actually believing in whatever Viserys was saying.

It also feels like Rhaenyra would be fine with Aegon’s usurping if Luke didn’t die. She is the throne. The war started when the greens hid the death of the king.

Why is Daemon tripping for so long? He took harrenhall and that’s it. He raised the armies 3 times before the Dance. He’s a fearsome and competent general but he’s basically just a random dude who took acid trips. Ryan saying Daemon doesn’t have the skill set to raise an army lmao give me a break

Perhaps, they do not want to show cruel side of Rhaenyra by ordering the death of Nettles and not harming Daemon after Mysaria told Rhaenyra? on one hand, Daemon might have cheated with Nettles, or it was father-daughter relationship like Mushroom thinks. It feels like they’re wasting our time with Daemon’s trips like him fucking his mother nonsense to erase Nettles.

Why are they trying to erase the connection between Valyrian and dragons? No normal person can bond with a dragon. Be it Valeryon or Targaryen, you need Valyrian blood. And the whole stupid “illusion” thing in the show.

They also wasted Laena so badly in season 1. If they’re all for sapphic representation instead of just creating buzz on internet, they could have gone for Laena x Rhaenyra moments. I’m not even sure if the adult versions were on screen together. Soon after we got older Laena, she died. It’s literally book canon that Rhaenyra was “very fond” of Laena. It’s also pretty much implied that there were things between them and ot3 with Daemon

Not to mention they erased the lesbian fighter character who loves killing men and kissing women. I’m talking about Sabitha (Frey) and her lover Alysanne Blackwood. Would rather (want to) see them acting like they’re “very close friends” than a Alicole sex scene

We don’t even have Daeron lol

We haven’t seen Haelena’s mourning well instead we saw random things. Blood and Cheese wasn’t even done properly. If you’re slowing down the pace and will end the Dance in season 3, at least show more of Haelena’s mourning. Show the sibling interactions between the greens.

Another thing, who the hell is Aeriana? Her?

I’m just reminded of how after the books ended, D&D took liberties with characters and we got the clusterfuck of season 7-8. Now I feel like they’ll do the same thing in season 3

And I fear what they’ll do with Aegon the conqueror. Like maybe he tricked Visenya and Rhaenys into marrying him and conquering the 7 kingdoms? Maybe the sisters didn’t want to kill but were forced to because they’re such angels? Or Visenya can’t fight well

Why does HBO keep making shows about the house it abhors?

[eirakairos]

Rendezvous Chapter 3

Chapter summary: The girl hears her mother cry many times because of this man who is supposed to be his father. She doesn’t have much information, she just hears a lot that she looks like him. She heard stories of the ships belonging to a bad man, so she thinks her father is bad. But why would her Mama go to a man like him? Why didn't he search for them? Did he forget about them?

A/N: Apologies for the late update, I had a hectic week lol

I was thinking the child would be similar to Anya from SpyxFam in terms of being a bit mature at her age

Words: 3,334

Chapter 4

Tags: Hurt/comfort, character death implied!, MC and Sylus' child, don't worry this is angst but with happy ending, Sylus is a girl dad hands down

You are so thankful to the wisdom of the mothers and the healers in the tribe in raising a baby girl. She is now five years old and is a rambunctious child. You are amused sometimes as she looks like a little Sylus running around and playing with other kids. But it is also a reminder that she is Sylus and your child. For five years, you didn’t hear any news about him. You had accepted that he probably moved on to his ambitions, or maybe to another woman. It hurts you deeply, but you can’t bring chaos to your life anymore, especially such violence and desolation, to your daughter’s life.

“Maybe it's a good time for you and your daughter if it is still in your consideration to return, dear,” the old woman said. “But rest assured that if you do intend to stay longer, it is alright as well,”

“Thank you,” you said. “I have heard news from the warriors that the nearby cities in the far end had been seeing large ships similar to the one you arrived in,” she said. Your eyes widened. Why is Onychinus in the far cities other than in the N109 Zone? “The warriors heard terrible stories about those ships, so we are planning to move to a farther place,” she said. “So this is the right time to decide, so the journey back won’t be much further,” Your mind is swirling in thoughts if Sylus is still the leader of Onychinus or if there is a new management. “They heard stories of the ship conquering city by city, making them do allegiance to their favor,” You know Onychinus, everything it touches will go to chaos, intentional or not. You can’t bring such things to the tribe.

“Mama, can I go with the warriors please?” her daughter approached her. You sighed, your little girl has the rebellious and mischievous trait from her father. She wanted to be a fighter and often hung out around and amazed at the trained men in the tribe. She wanted to go with them and watch them hunt food. “They are hunting and going farther today, so I can’t allow you,” you reasoned out. Your daughter pouted in response. “And no usage of Evol, you promised,” you followed. This is the dangerous part of handling her, she retaliates by using it in any form, especially when she gets hurt. Both of you discovered it when she was being teased for having a different hair color. Next thing you knew, the kid was crying because she broke his toy in a dark red mist. ‘Ugh, I carried her for nine months after a literal explosion and deserted in a field, squeezed her out of my body and looked like a spitting image of her father,’ you thought whenever you remember it.

You sat down beside her. Despite her age, your daughter has the trait of being mature and understanding, again, just like Sylus. “I want to ask you something, dear,” you said. The girl looked up to you. “Do you want to go to another place? It is much better there,” you asked. “We going now?” she asked back. As young as she is, you did tell her the general situation of things, but her appearance made her realize that she is different from the tribe. “Yes, sadly. They are going further for safety,” you said. “We would be much safer and have more access to the city,” The daughter hummed and looked at the fields, probably thinking about what to decide. “It’s okay, I’ll give you more time-” you stopped when she hugged your waist. “Okay, Mama,” she answered. You were surprised at how fast she responded and you are always grateful for having a good daughter as you hugged her in return.

“I heard the city people while trading goods… Someone important arrived in the city,” the warrior said. Your daughter is hearing their conversations as she is huddled in a basket attached to a horse. Before the warriors depart for a hunt, she sneaks in the basket while you are sleeping. “There is one ship that landed near our hunting spot, but it looked harmless. There is only one camp there but there is not much activity around it… There it is,” Your daughter peeked and saw a huge ship. It only has one illuminated bonfire beside it.

The warriors did make a camp to rest. The girl remained inside the basket, hearing the conversations. “That ship… I only saw one man going out there,” one of the warriors said. “He has the same color as hers… White-haired and has red eyes,”

“Do you think they are from the same place?” one asked. “We did find her in the same type of ship.” The little girl’s eyes widened as she knew it was her mother. Despite being very young, she was hearing a lot of things from adults that she knew she wasn’t supposed to hear.

The warriors are sleeping when she is able to get out of the basket, put her hood on her cloak on and went to the direction of the ship. The little girl is curious about the stories she has been hearing, but it all started when she accidentally eavesdropped on you and the healer talking.

“I assumed that your daughter looked more like her father,” the old woman said. You chuckled. “Yes, she is so much like her father,” you answered. “We saw a ship that looked like when you arrived here but it was going towards the city,” You were surprised by this information. “The warriors said they didn’t see any white-haired man with red eyes,” You were saddened, it's been many years but you are still longing for Sylus. “I feel you are missing him,” she said. “Oh dear, we can arrange your travel if you decide to go back,”

“I am aware of that but… She is still young,” you said. “I’m just making sure she is well for the journey,” The old woman chuckled. “Well, she has been going with the warriors a lot, so I think she would be one,” You chuckled as well in response. “Don’t underestimate children, my dear. They have huge potential despite their innocence in the world,” the old woman said.

“I just thought that… He would find us sooner or later,” you said, opening up your long-time anxieties.

“Dear, even if it takes long if he indeed loves you, he will search for you till the end of the world. Though I understand your longing,” she said. “The tribe is in a remote place, yet I’m still hoping you three would meet again,”

The girl hears her mother cry many times because of this man who is supposed to be his father. She pouted remembering it again. She doesn’t have much information, she just hears a lot that she looks like him. She heard stories of the ships belonging to a bad man, so she thinks her father is bad. But why would her Mama go to a man like him? He didn’t search for them, she heard he didn’t even know her Mama had a baby, who was her. Her mother got into the tribe because she was taken away by a ship that looked in front of her at that moment.

Why didn't he search for them? Did he forget about them?

As she hides from the distance, she can see a man being illuminated by the bonfire. She was wondering why the man was alone. Upon looking closer, the man is looking at a small item but it was too far for her to see. The man is tall, wears a cloak, has… White hair and red eyes.

In reaction, she accidentally sat down in shock, making the leaves rustle. Before she could go elsewhere, a force enveloped her, and was dragged from her hiding to the bonfire area.

Red eyes stared at her. She was enveloped in fear more. Whoever his man is, he looks mean. “Someone was being sneaky,” he said in a deep voice. Black and red mists enveloped her more, his right eye turning red. “Stop!” she yelled, mists appearing around her. The mists from the man quickly disappeared, making her fall down and instinctively scooting away from him. The man looked shocked and looked at his hand for a second before going back at her. He tried it one more time and the mist could grab her arm. She yelled and glared at him, her eyes emitting a red glow from the covered hood, black and red mists swirling around her, disabling his hold on her. Her eyes gazed at the man intently, suddenly she was hearing something while gazing into his eyes. She is hearing a familiar name and the desire to see her and their child again. Both are shocked as her powers reach the limit and quickly dissipate, stopping the voice and the mists. The man halts his either, being surprised that she can do that.

Sylus was not surprised that the mysterious little girl in front of him had the same Evol as his, he was surprised that she was fast and strong enough to use her Evol against him at her age. Sylus took reigns and used his Evol to grab her, as she seemed to have reached her limit already. “Let me go, you’re the mean man!” she exclaimed. “You are a kid sneaking up in a vast field in the middle of the night. I’m assuming you have business with me,” he spoke. “I would be the mean man if you continue to thrash… Like a hissing kitten,” he followed. Calling this kid like a kitten reminded him of you, especially when you first met him.

The girl quickly stopped but crossed her arms while being levitated. “This ship scares my tribe! Leave us alone!” she said. His eyebrow was raised before he hummed as he gently set her down. “I guess our business aligns then. Why don’t we have a deal?” Sylus said. The hooded girl looked at him. “I’m looking for someone,” he continued. “If you help me find that person I was looking for, I will leave your tribe alone, even offer protection, if you fancy,”

“No, you will just double-cross me or something, we don’t need you to protect, you bad man,” she answered. Well, smart little girl, Sylus thought. “I uphold my deals, sweetie,” Sylus said. “I might be a bad man, but I do the end of my bargain, don’t worry,”

The girl squints her eyes as if she is thinking hard. She doesn’t have much leverage in this matter. “Okay, but you have to tell me who are you looking for,” Sylus looked in the distance, he held the small item he was holding earlier. The crow brooch. “A woman,” he said. “She was in a ship that crashed here many years ago,” he then proceeded to describe that woman. Her eyes widened when he mentioned the crash but covered because of the hood. The girl thought the description he said, there is a certain longing to that and is very similar to what you look like. She snapped her thoughts as she thought she would protect you. “I might know someone,” she answered. Sylus glared. “‘Might’ is not a good retort,” he said. “I am not here to waste time,” he said as the sound of flapping wings and cawing was heard. A black bird landed on his shoulder. It cawed softly beside him and Sylus listened as if he understood him.

“Mephisto is telling me that there is a group of warriors nearby,” he said. “They are the warriors from my tribe,” the little girl said. “Okay, we will leave them be,” Sylus said. The girl was relieved somewhat to hear that. He looked at her slyly. “Let me guess, you sneaked in by them?” The little girl was surprised and looked away, making him chuckle. “They will leave in the dawn but if we follow them, they will notice,” she followed. Sylus hummed. “Don’t worry, he will fly again to see where we will be heading,” Sylus said. “Okay, but I do know how to navigate back,” the little girl said. “I’ll help to find that person you want. The elders might know that crash,” Sylus glared at her but let her be.

“So his name is Mephisto?” she asked, looking at the bird preening beside him. “Yes, I made him,” he replied. The girl was confused and looked closer, he was indeed mechanical. “Whoa… I thought he was a real bird,” Sylus smirked, basking in the compliment. He lets Mephisto roam the skies again as he flies in his order. “The winds will get stronger tonight, he shouldn't roam long,” the little girl said. Sylus looked above and felt the wind, thinking she did have a sense of survival skills. “You better rest, we have a long day of travel back. It’s not that far,” she followed and lay down, her head resting on the log. Out of nowhere, a bag was thrown at her. “What-” she said, realizing it was a sleeping bag. She looked at Sylus, who was already lying down from a distance. Her eyes squinted, making her wonder how her mother fell in love with such a man. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep from the long travel and anxious thoughts.

Sylus wakes up early and looks at the girl, who is still sleeping in the sleeping bag. He has a hunch of why she sneaked up on him last night, far deeper reasons than the tribe. As he packed up his things, he looked at the small trinket attached to his bag, it was the pouch you gave him when you were stuck with him in the grasslands. He always remembered you wherever he went, bringing something that reminded him of you. He wanted to get to the tribe fast to learn if his intel was true. He stood up and reached out to the little girl to wake up. She gasped before doing so and used her Evol to stop his hand.

The girl looked at him angrily. “Sweetie, it is only me,” he said. “I… Okay,” the girl releases his hand. “Please don’t do that. I don’t like people sneaking up on me,” she said. She doesn’t want her hood to be lowered down. “Oh, but you sneaking up on me last night was alright?” he crossed his arms but smirked. She blushed in embarrassment. “I was going to talk to you! I just don’t know the timing!” she defended. “It’s just… I don’t like someone pulling my hood down. My hair is weird,” she said. “How so?” Sylus said. “Other kids tease me of how weird it looks, so I often wear a hood,” she replied, making a half lie. She does get teased but she doesn’t care, she retaliates even. She doesn’t want him to give other ideas as they look alike. “Hmm, don’t listen to them, as far as I’m concerned, you can confront and defend yourself,” he said as he brought his bag. His statement has a hint of truth, she often does it as she wants to show them she isn’t backing down but something stops her thoughts. “That’s…” she trailed off. Sylus stopped as she pointed at the pouch. “Did… Did the person you’re looking for give that to you?” The little girl asked. Sylus didn’t respond, but the girl knew the answer. “I… I’m familiar with that pouch,” she said. “... My tribe does that,” Sylus responded with a hum. “Well, adds more reason to visit your tribe then,”

Despite the windy weather in the grasslands, Sylus and the little girl continued to travel. The two had been walking for a while now and all they could see was seemingly endless grass. The little girl looked at Sylus while they were staying for a break. He was looking a bit uncomfortable, probably due to the heat. “I didn’t know you had encountered my tribe before, they often are remote,” she said. “It was… An accidental event,” he answered. “And that person you were looking for, she gave that pouch, right?” she said. “You said it was many years ago… Do you think she is still-” she stopped as she felt the intense glare from the man. “She is important to me, far more than you imagined,” he said with a rough, pained voice as he returned his gaze to the food he was cooking. “What if somehow you meet her again?” the little girl asked, anticipating his answer. “Then, the world will be much better again,” She felt the yearning in his answer. “I will make sure she will be mine this time and… Not lose her and our child again,” he continued. The little girl internally gasped, she was surprised but masked it quickly. She felt his gaze again. “I believed they survived. It was… A challenge to find her this time,” he spoke. She felt the pain in his voice as if he had been searching for that long.

There were a lot of thoughts in the little girl’s head, especially him saying “Our child”. “You know, I was curious what the city looks like,” the little girl said. “I’ve been hearing stories, I heard it was scary,” she followed. “A bad man was going around, no one knows him but many people are scared of him,” Sylus didn’t answer but listened to her. “My mother was considering visiting and maybe staying there for good,” she said. “Maybe if you hold your end of the bargain, I can show you and your mother around,” Sylus said. “Why only your mother? Where is your father?” he casually asked. The little girl looked sad in response. “I don’t know, he probably had left us. My mother is still waiting for him to return,” He remained silent, remembering luck was not on his side since, he was still searching for the love of his life and his little one.

They continued to walk as the winds were getting stronger. The little girl looked up and saw Mephisto struggling to fly. “He should be getting down, the winds are howling but it would be temporary!” She yelled as the winds were noisy. “He would be fine, I would just repair him,” he said. She sees Sylus started to struggle in walking. The girl looked above again and saw Mephisto losing control to fly and was thrown back and falling. She ran while looking at the trajectory where the mechanical bird might fall. Sylus was surprised that she would still run for the bird. Despite struggling, she jumped to catch Mephisto, bracing for the rough fall on the grass. She opened her eyes and saw herself floating, with an energy holding around her. Looking back, she sees Sylus with his hand out, using his Evol while holding onto the grass. Mephisto cawed weakly on her hold, she fixed herself, making sure she was still hooded as Sylus brought them back to him.

They continued walking when the winds calmed down. She held Mephisto, who had his wing broken. Despite being mechanical, the little girl is still worried. “I told you, I can fix him later. He is fine,” Sylus reassured. Mephisto cawed in response and was calm under the girl’s hold as if he were grateful for catching him.

Sylus looked at the girl again, remembering the time she was running towards the bird. Her hair was white, and her eyes were red, just like his. But she looks so much like you. Her face, her powers, her personality, her past… He remembered his dreams of holding his little girl. He had the intense urge to protect her in realization, using his Evol to make sure she was safe.

“Look!” she yelled as she pointed at the distance, seeing huts and goats roaming. “We have arrived!”

[the-martyrfication-of-the-matron]

I know the post was mostly focusing on Gilf Garroth but I also just love the idea of an older Aph, one I'm her 40's or 50's because it makes the plot make sense and can be used to explain so much.

1. If an older woman lord adopts a bunch of children no one would bat an eye, as she is ensuring an heir. Also makes Alinas birth entirely more surprising as the likelihood of pregnancy can dimish as one hits their 40's.

2. Makes her entire identity of being a lord a whole lot more plausible. Simply put, if a random woman in her 20's became the lord of my village I would be deeply confused and mistrustful but if a woman in her 40's came in and took over I wouldn't think twice.

3. MILF JOKES

4. Realistically, all of the cast would be older than their early 20s, given the amount of experience each person has, and it can expand the timeline to actually make sense.

5. She is literally the Matron! There is no reason she should be a 20-year old but absolutely should be a middle aged woman who has a loving aura.

I am all for it, and even more for it if Garroth is also older because it could make Garte searching for his son be a lot more desperate. Garte is on his death bed and he knows that while Zane is amazing at politics, he cannot be trusted to lead a country. Garte is a senile old man searching for power fueled by his son who is giving very much evil brother to the dead king vibes. Giving Hamlet.

Seriously, I would love more information or ideas about it if you have them

Literally rambling about the implications of an older cast on the disc. lol. Crazy in my corner about this.

We were conversing on the concept of like if Garroth and Nicole were older. Because they would preferably both be older… considering the marriage thing.

And it could either go: they both ran away in recent years, the marriage was one done because neither agreed to marriage pacts on their own and the families had to intervene and decided this was for the best.

Or,: they’ve been gone this whole time, the marriage was decided when they were young, and they’ve both been away from their respective cities for so long that Garroth not really understanding much about Zane or his motivations makes sense, since it’s been probably a few decades since they last saw eachother. They’ve both grown into people separate from their pasts, but they can never be truly free of it. The reason they can hide so well so many years later is simply because people have just stopped looking. Until recently.

Like this whole idea of Garte being old and one sneeze from an embalming and yet without any viable heirs is a big deal. Because Zane is his only choice anymore. He’s too old to create new heirs. And it can’t be Zane. Even Garte can see that. Garte, who in his final years wants to conquer the region because it’s the last grapple he has of power before his bloodline inevitably dies out, can see in Zane something that not even he would risk giving that power. Zane cannot be his legacy. His legacy needs to be the other one.

And I’m just repeating what you’re saying but RAHH

As for older Aph. Oh my god. I love her.

I keep thinking of the Maiden/Mother/Crone thing in relation to her for some reason? Idk. I might do something with that. But either way, I’m kissing her on the mouth. You’re telling me some hot 40 year old woman comes to your village yapping on about ‘swag’ and being honestly probably clinically insane and you’re not going to ask for her hand in marriage? Bro.

I think some characters do benefit from the idea of being younger in relation to the rest of the cast. Like Dante. Just because he is meant to be very much the over-eager, super-skilled, but lacking experience type of character. Like he has the motivation and the ability, but he just doesn’t know enough. He’s gotta get knocked around by the other characters a bit before he gets his footing. He’s a blabber mouth who has technical ability but against someone like Garroth will always fail because he hasn’t really learned what real fights are like.

But again that’s just in relation to the cast. And he does end up older later on and it suits him later on. When he has that experience and has grown. And he’s wonderful.

I have more ideas I just keep thinking of older Zane in his little catholic priest fit and I can’t concentrate. I’ll say more stuff later if you have any ideas or want to know my thoughts on aging other characters particularly older or younger (in relation to the rest of the cast)

[mielwriting]

Natlan Archon Quest Act 1, 2 Reaction

Had to split it into multiple parts cause it's so long...

That empty expanse between Sumeru and Natlan that doesn’t have any people or wildlife is jarring. I only realized AFTER I got there that there was a teleport waypoint past all that that had automatically unlocked, but I couldn’t see it cause it was hidden by the archon quest symbol. 

Can’t believe the Traveler and Paimon didn’t wanna ask how the Echoes’ Chief suddenly recognized us. 

Love the cutscene of the Traveler switching between elements. 

Kachina reminds me of Bennett. I expect us to learn about his origins in 5.X

There are fantasy giraffes?!

Nice to see them calling him Dvalin, not Stormterror

*running away from the researcher guy cause I don’t want to be forced into a conversation and he literally starts chasing when you get too close*

Oooooooh so when Neuvi said “Natlan is plagued by wars” waaay too many of us assumed wars between the humans, not wars vs the abyss. 

So if someone who isn’t an Ancient Name Bearer makes it to the Night Warden Wars, does their name become an Ancient Name for future generations to potentially receive?

“Danger is the nature of war” Mualani says. But Kachina told us all ancient name bearers are required to compete - even kids like her. I can see how this mentality might have been manipulated by others to force Vennessa’s tribe into oppression. 

Also what the fuck? Not sure I’m buying the whole “not a single Natlan person wants to leave” after hearing they force people to fight like this. Mondstadt (& Liyue to a lesser extent) continues to be the only nation I’d feel safe in. What the hell. 

And yeah sure the archon can resurrect them. But like. That doesn’t fix the trauma. It’s still fucked up. 

THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE REVIVING

Citlali was introduced in the trailer by her strong insistence on not participating in the Pilgrimage. I can see why. I already like her. 

This whole situation sounds like the recipe for burn out (literally too. Death). 

Kinich cannot be older than 25. And he’s just casually stating he’s died before… 

You people need therapy

Also what’s up with Ajaw? He’s such a bully. What the hell man. 

I say that now but I assume his situation of “I am mighty and I will conquer the world!” (and everyone treating them like a kid) is like King from Owl House. 

Though of course, I only started sympathizing with King from Owl House because of character development. Something that Genshin Impact rarely gives its playable characters. 

Anyway, this whole “ancient names are forgotten if the bearers fail”. Is that a conscious effort to erase these people from records, or is it more like an Irminsul erasure?

“Feast until the bill gives the Archon a heart attack” finally, an archon with mora!

Kachina “I can’t keep using my age as an excuse”. If only Lisa or Alhaitham or Venti were here to teach her the importance of giving yourself grace and letting yourself rest. 

“I have to prove I’m not trying to avoid the wars” babygirl you are 9 years old

Kachina you have a 7 or 8 Pilgrimage losing streak?! Do these things happen once a year? How young were you when you first participated…

Kachina always prepared with her backpack… she’s like Dora but with gifted kid issues…

All these other playable characters with their “trauma” from “near-death” experiences”. Try actually dying a few times; then you can cry PTSD!

But of course, being raised in the US, I recognize this is partly the influence of a very individualistic culture. 

And about the whole revival thing. That’s Chekov’s Consequence-Free Traumatic Death Scene! Place your bets now; who’s gonna die in the archon quest, and then be revived?

So, what if someone with a (not pyro) vision wins the competition? Do they become pyro archon, overriding their previous elemental vision? 

Does this mean Mavuika has 3 names: her regular name, her Goetic name, and her Ancient Name? 

Is it possible for people without a vision to be gifted an Ancient Name? 

Oh my god you send a team of FIVE to fight the entire abyss?!

So you CAN have a vision that doesn’t match your tribe’s element. Atea, of the Peoples of the Springs, has a pyro vision.

[somethingclevermahogony]

Happy WBW! What might your setting's civilizations look like in the future? As far in the future as you'd like :)

Thank you for this question!

Oh jeez, this is gonna be the longest post on my blog. You can’t just drop these sorts of questions on me!  My partner and I have done quite a bit of plotting out the centuries after Narul. I'm going to try to condense things down to just the most important events and trends. This will be specifically the stretch of time between 1 A.N. (After Narul) to ~2500 A.N., which roughly marks the start of the Revelations Series.

This, double-spaced, is 33 pages aka 11460 words. Please ignore the weird spacing, I had to mess with stuff in order for Tumblr to let me make a post this big.

Feel free to skim, but don’t feel like you need to read the entire thing. If there is anything you want defined or want me to expand on, please ask! I love world/lorebuilding and I do way too much of it.

Minor spoilers I suppose since this is after Narul’s death?

To be truly accurate this list would need to be far far bigger. These are very simple descriptions most lacking perspective and nuance. Someday I might do expanded timelines on the different eras and regions.

 

Timeline

The Age of the First Scribes

1 A.N.- 97 A.N. Narul Ninefingers passes away on the Island of Euphoi, Korithia. His remains are entombed there. The villagers living there, most of whom are Rechiru immigrants, tell their children stories and legends of his exploits. Many of these come from the so-called “Testaments'', a series of stories recounting the life of Narul and his companions. Over time these stories are distorted as they are rewritten and reorganized, resulting in the creation of different Narolian Traditions (Narul is rendered as Narolos in the Korithian). One of these traditions combines stories of Narul/Narolos, with the religion and mytho-history of the Rechiru. This group followed a monotheistic tradition, one which interpreted the varied deities of their neighbors as multiple aspects of the Creator Deity, Joyuth. Among this small community of the Rechiru, Narul becomes increasingly seen as a servant, herald, or in some cases, child of Joyuth, and the “Testaments' ' adopts a religious aspect. 

3 A.N.- 29 A.N. Matrus, King of the Baalkic City-State of Etrusia, in the aftermath of the Ninamtic War, successfully subjugates all of the Baalkic City-States, and then turns his attention to Korithia, kicking off a vicious rivalry between the new Etrusian Empire and the Korithian City-States.

This continues below

4 A.N. The Last High Chieftain of the Western Makurian Federation, Sodati, is killed at the Battle of the Reeds by the leader of a band of Ukaric people, in the aftermath she reinstates Ukaric power in the eastern Palluyadic Peninsula. This new unified Ukaric state is eventually named for this queen (Khorsemis), The Khorsemians.

5 A.N. - 34 A.N. Following the defeat of the Makurians in the south, the rest of the federation is subjected to a number of battles and disasters, ultimately leading to the collapse of the empire. The lands of Kishetal gain independence and develop into two states, Chishetal in the south (including parts of Jezaan) and Ninamalthit in the north (including most of Shabala). On a similar note, The Kingdom of Baban is able to reform though it is quickly conquered by the growing Khorsemian Empire.

14 A.N. Fapacha Remesh, successfully captures the Namutian city of Usuwt, officially marking the greatest extent of the Apunian Empire in 600 years

29 A.N. Bansa the 3rd of the Zumusahati Empire sends out the first expedition of ships across the Niwalian Ocean in 400 years, hoping to rebuild the Musahatic and Zabudic Colonies on the Ulanian Coast. 26 ships set out from the port of Labakatu. The fleet is caught in a tropical storm. It is assumed, after several months, that no one survives, until a single ship returns. On board is a representative of the Goara People, the descendants of the colonists and the Yupu people. While Bansa was unable to see the rebirth of an intercontinental empire, this does mark the return of contact between the Western and Eastern Worlds.

46 A.N. Emperor Huli of Mu adopts the philosophy of the Xianti Sages, Xiatism. The following decades see the construction of hundreds of temples and an increasingly complicated bureaucracy. In time, Xiatism is integrated into the courts of surrounding lands including Kumtai and Runashu.

88 A.N. The Dragon, Telipni, awakens and destroys the city of Duru in the lands of Orudishi. The Dragon is defeated by the Spiritblood, Gutatu. 

162 A.N. The sage, Maklar of Euphoi, creates the Jalpat, a unified version of the Testaments. This version, which becomes the dominant version, describes Narul/Narolos as the son of Joyuth. Maklar is later known as The Scribe of Joyuth/Joth.

171 A.N.- 189 A.N. Ku’lara of the Ru, unites the sea nomads of the southern ocean, forming the largest forestfolk dominated civilization in Kobani’s history.

225 A.N. The Ruins of a Pre-Calamity city are discovered in southern Sinria. Nobility of the southern Sinrian kingdoms dress in imitation of the carvings and images found in the ruins. This trend lasts 200 years.

245 A.N. An earthquake shakes the Chishic city of Labisa, killing thousands, the largest earthquake in the region’s history.

257 A.N. The Volcanic Eruption of Mt. Jukaruti, the largest since the Age of Calamity, causes widespread climatic chaos. The Cholyasi Thalassocracy is destroyed almost instantly. Ash falls as far as Takala and Namut. Tsunamis and earthquakes hammer Eastern Sinria, Kai, and Du. The planet of Kobani as a whole becomes colder and drier for a short period. Tarinia is struck by a drought, which in turn leads to the collapse of the Missishikoa people. In the following centuries, the ruins of the cities became the subject of local legends. Gutatu the Spiritblood is killed in a landslide caused by falling ash.

257 A.N. - 289 A.N. In Baalkes, now the Etrusian Empire, the Etrusian King, Tarquan, uses the dark clouds produced by the eruption as an omen, and starts his invasion of Korithia. The last Korithian city, Minosa, is captured 289 A.N. by Tarquan’s son, Baat.

The Age of the Etrusian and Chishic Empires

289 A.N. Baat declares himself the first Etrusian Emperor. 

289 A.N. Teth, a follower of Joyuth, arrives in Nashawey, bringing with him stories of the Divine Narolos and the Jalpat. Shortly after he founds a temple. In the Apunian, Narolos is rendered Naru.

290 A.N.- 295 A.N. The Giants of Jonluria,, migrate north, leaving their former land, to be claimed by the Nenshit. This allowed for the creation of the Nenshitian Empire, the first of the Polar Empires.

292 A.N. After two decades of civil war and strife, Enlapa is crowned Queen of Namutarbi (Formerly Namut), the first ruler of a unified Namutian people.

295 A.N. The City-States of Pijano are struck by a mysterious illness, possibly of a supernatural nature. Fear of the disease causes a mass migration to the east, allowing for the proliferation of the Rathalaro Forestfolk in the areas once controlled by Pijano.

321 A.N. - 335 A.N. Through marriage, conquest, and diplomacy, Chishetal and Ninamalthit are united into a single empire, its first ruler is Tamul the First. Tamul successfully conquered Ikopesh, bringing the new empire into contact with the Etrusians.

335 A.N. - 379 A.N. Badavarta is born in the village of Apin Ma, in the Kingdom of Hopanyu. Badavarta is raised as a practitioner of Xiatism, but as he grows, creates his own branch, Batara. Over time Batara will replace Xiatism as the dominant faith in most of Southern Macia. Badavarta is killed by a bandit while traveling between cities.

338 A.N. A Serpent attacks the island of Knosh and subsequently Apuna. While the beast is eventually killed by the efforts of more than 30 Sages, the destruction that it leaves behind severely weakens Apuna. Subsequently much of Southern Apuna is reclaimed by the Namutians.

362 A.N. - 369 A.N. Emperor Hutab of Chishetal, invades Apuna, adding it to the Chishic Empire. It is here that the Chishic Empire is introduced to their own folk hero, Narul, as the saintly figure, Naru/Narolos. The Church of Joyuth is incredibly popular among the Chishic soldiers, though they refer to Joyuth as Jutha, and Naru as his original name, Narul.

364 A.N. The Compass is invented in Runashi and quickly spreads from there.

369 A.N. - 394 A.N. In response to the Imperial actions of the Chishic Empire, The Etrusian Emperor, Patoram, funds the creation of a massive navy, the largest in the Green Sea. With this navy, Etrusia begins a campaign of expansion, this period known simply as “The Rise”, saw the conquest of Makora, Knosh, the Clay Women of Kulayu, and Dirsia.

394 A.N. - 441 A.N. Patoram is assassinated while in Dirsia, while it is likely that the actual culprit was one of his own soldiers, blame is placed on the neighboring Elusians. Thus, Patoram’s successor, Tatam, leads an invasion of their territory. Over the next decades and under the leadership of several Etrusian Emperors, much of western Kallistera would be conquered, including Ikenii, Elusia, Jani, Konlunia, and Nislia.

398 A.N. Cement is invented in Etrusian controlled Korithia.

401 A.N. The Acaniruana Mountain Kingdoms develop the Acani Script. This script will become the primary script for economic and historical records across most of Ulania for the next 1300 years. In later legends the development of the scripts is credited to the legendary king, Xalanhuemkultem.

436 A.N. The Historian, Sula, originating from a small city in Khoresmian Empire, decides to trace the journey of Narul, starting in Labisa and traveling around the Green Sea. On the island of Kosheklayu he reports finding strange underground ruins. He returns to Khoresmian, traveling to the capital in order to record his works.

438 A.N. - 510 A.N. The First Instance of the Euphoric Plague appears in the Ubalunan, the capital of the Khoresmian Empire. It will quickly spread, beyond the borders of first the city, and then the country. Between the years 438 and 510, the Euphoric Plague will claim the lives of 1/30th of all mortals(Humans, Hillfolk, Giants, and Forestfolk) living on the planet. The plague and the chaos and instability in its wake will be responsible for the collapse for multiple kingdoms and empires, most notably Khoresmia. 

452 A.N. - 461 A.N. Rumors spread that the Euphoric Plague is the result of magical activities, and are thus blamed on the actions of sages. In Ubalunan, the city’s sages and their families, as well as many hillfolk and forestfolk are gathered and burned alive in the temple of the god Enkankil, approximately 640 people. Similar massacres are carried out in Chishetal, Chishic Apuna, and the Sinrian Kingdoms. In Nashawey, the Patriarch of the Joyuth Church, Teth the Fifth, uses the sudden power vacuum caused by the Execution of the Sages, to supplant rival temples, placing the Church of Joyuth at the head of the religious hierarchy. Not long after, Nashawey has its first Joyuthist ruler.

466 A.N. The First complete circumnavigation of the planet (Since the Calamity) is completed by the Ru navigator, Uk’apapuha. 

476 A.N. The Bon Confederacy invades several neighboring tribes, its warriors armed with weapons of steel, the first time that the metal is used extensively in combat. In time the art of steel making will spread throughout Pyritia and into Macia and Kallistera.

513 A.N. The Matriarchs of the Gungwari, Ninkuduri, Uruninj, Waardugoi, Gumwarnugoi, and Amanwonguri gather for a meeting in response to drought and the rampage of the monstrous, Yotowie. This is the first meeting of its kind in nearly 4,000 years. Each family elects a champion to face the beast. These Six Champions, slay the beast, though only one of the original six champions survive the encounter. Iwagi’dang, the Great Hunter, becomes a cultural hero, her exploits the topic of thousands of stories. It is possible that Iwagi’dang was spirit-blooded.  

521 A.N. The lens is invented in Chishetal.

528 A.N. The Etrusian Emperor, Elzad, invites cultic and religious representatives from various parts of the empire to his palace. Among the representatives are several Joyuthist scholars. Along with several other temples, Elzad permits the creation of a Joyuthist Temple in the capital of Etrusia, the first of its kind in the Etrusian Homeland. Among the Etrusians Narul is called Narulus and Joyuth is Joth.

529 A.N. - 534 A.N. The Chishic King, Akart the 4th of his Line, leads an expedition east, capturing the former lands of the Khoresmian Empire and subjugating many tribes and minor kingdoms. The Chishic Empire reaches its greatest extent. He is stopped at the Sinrian City of Gulapatan by the Spiritblood Balarshata, and is forced to abandon his efforts to conquer the Sinrian Peninsula. Gulapatan will go on to unify much of northern Sinria into the Gulpatic Kingdom, ruling for approximately 135 years before being assassinated by her own son, Mahabajan. 

547 A.N. The Kingdom of Ruk collapses and is broken up amongst its neighboring civilizations.

549 A.N. Haryukato is crowned the first Emperor of both the isles of Jamun and Runashu. Haryukato is the first Jamunese emperor to practice Xiatism. He decrees that all who work within the Palace or in any Imperial Holding, should also be Xiatist.

Approx. 550 A.N. The Xhosi Tribes are partially unified into the Nak and Xhonda Nations

571 A.N. The Etrusian Theologian, Timot, creates his own version of the Jalpat in the Etrusian Language, he calls it, Moknapabum, The Great Word. Along with this, Timot also produces a companion text, Megripabum, The Lesser Word. These are Timot’s own interpretations of the text, included within it is the identification of the 5 Virtues and the 6 Detractions, and the concept of Divine Favor for the Faithful. Though initially separate, these two texts in time are combined, and are jointly referred to as, Moknapabum or more simply, Mopam. 

585 A.N. The descendants of the Balijivuri Empire unite with the remains of the Ship-builders to form the Jatu Kingdom. They build the largest floating structure in the world, the city and temple of Hutanupaakang.

593 A.N. The Last Tree-Tender Dies.

599 A.N. Motium Mokna is the first Etrusian Emperor not born in the Baalkic Islands, He is Makoran. 

609 A.N. The Order of the Hammer is Created in Chishic City of Fifa. It is composed of 45 Joyuthist Warriors, and quickly gains fame for its military prowess. Over the next few centuries the Order will grow substantially, and other organizations made up of those who worship the figure of the Divine Hammer (Narul) form around the Chishic Empire and its periphery.

612 A.N. The first Ru ship reaches the northern ices. There they meet with the giants. On their return journey to the southern hemisphere, 25 giants accompany them. 9 die during the journey, another 3 die shortly after arriving from disease. The remainder successfully establish a small southern colony of giants, the first in 40,000 years.

615 A.N. - 625 A.N. Motium Mokna is Assassinated, the next decade sees the War of Six Emperors. Internal strife within the empire allows for rebellion to grow and several tribes manage to liberate their lands. One of these groups is a particularly war-like group from Western Kallistera, the Janur.

629 A.N. The Huanwa Dynasty of Mu, the oldest and most successful in its history, comes to an end with the Battle of Petals and the Death of the last Huanwa Emperor. Mu is split into Southern and Northern Mu, each with their own Imperial Court.

648 A.N. The Arkodetika, the first Great Epic Poem, of the Post-Narulic era is written in the Korithian City of Kalamanti, by the mysterious author, Kalia. The Poem depicts a Mythologized version of the founding of the Arkodian Empire and later of the Korithian People. This leads to a swelling of Korithian Pride in opposition to Etrusian control. This will build and build until its eventual eruption during the Korithian Rebellion

662 A.N. The Batricids, a group of Kallisterian Warlords claiming descendancy from the Spiritblood Queen, Batricca, attack the Northern Etrusian Colonies. Among the cultures that participate in this are the Jonur. The confederacy of tribes that form in this part of Northern Kallistera are known as Batrochit.

678 A.N. The last Pearl Lord dies, the surviving members of the court flee south to Zudia, where they form a new colony, Sinapalu.

694 A.N. The Second Hall of Oaths in the Chishic city of Chibal is burnt down along with much of the upper city. The exact cause is a mystery but some suspect Forestfolk. Forestfolk suffer under increased scrutiny and discrimination for the next several decades.

700 A.N. The Palace of the Sun is completed in Bhurka, it is the largest man-made stone structure in the world, sometimes called the Mountain Born of Man.

713 A.N. The Hillfolk kingdom of Kyris is founded on the Macurian steppe. It is the largest Hillfolk population since the Calamity. Its capital, also called Kyris, becomes a haven for hillfolk, forestfolk, and humans. At its peak around 821 A.N. the city is home to 84,000 people, the largest in Macuria.

724 A.N. The Spiritblood, Vainmaren, leads his people, including a small population of giants and forestfolk, south from the ice fields into the lands of the Pauri and Quina. These people and their culture are known as Ice People, Shumimi.

731 A.N. The Sage and Scholar Dunh Koy of Kumtai writes The Tree of Spirits which combines elements of sagecraft and Xiatism together. 

754 A.N. The Du Forestfolk of Southern Macia abandon their homeland, adopting a sea-nomad lifestyle. The exact reason for this has been lost to history.

769 A.N. - 1188 A.N. Construction begins on the Satlugulish Canal, the largest single construction project in the history of Tarinia since before the Calamity. The Canal is the result of collaboration between 6 distinct tribal groups, it takes 193 years to complete and the main branch stretches inland from the sea 841 miles, including the various off-shoots and branches, the canal(s) eventually cover an area of approximately 2026 miles. This allows for a boom in trade and connectivity among the Tribes and Nations of Western Tarinia. This marks the Golden Age of Tarinia, and saw the creation of new alphabets, the smelting of iron, and the creation of great desert and forest cities. This era of prosperity was only ended by several catastrophes and the rise of the Mezutal Empire in the South.

788 A.N. Azure Fever kills hundreds of thousands in South-Eastern Macia.

800 A.N. The Maboli Empire is the first Trans-Oceanic Empire since succeeding where its predecessor, the Zumusahati Empire, had failed. Maboli has two capitals, one in Pyritia and one in Ulania.

806 A.N. In reaction to the destruction of a Korithian Temple, the Korithian Rebellion erupts. The entire Etrusian garrison of the city of Bokolis is killed. Similar rebellions breakout among the Korithian Islands. In response the Etrusian Emperor, Nalicam, sends several Etrusian Armies to put down the rebels. In an act of desperation the rebels send an envoy to the court of the Chishic King, Gabru. Gabru agrees to come to the aid of the Korithians and sends several warships and many men to Korithia, sparking the First Etru-Chishic War.

821 A.N. The Battle of Kalmanati sees the largest sea battle in Kobani history up until that point, 722 Warships, 321,000 sailors and warriors. The battle is ultimately a Chishic victory, however the losses were significant enough to force stop the Chishic advance, and ultimately led to their defeat.

845 A.N. The First Etru-Chishic War ends with Victory for Etrusia, though it comes at the cost of weakening influence in other parts of the Empire and Kalmanati is burnt to the ground, whether by the Etrusians or the Chishics is not entirely clear. Ikenii and Dirsia are all but abandoned. The Chishic King Faru is forced to abdicate and is replaced by his brother, Hutbari.

884 A.N. The Kingdom of Akagulu is formed with the crowning of King Chat the First.

914 A.N. The Etrusian Colony of Lembrisia, is invaded by Konic Barbarians, and temporarily lost, most Etrusian inhabitants of the colony flee south to Carsisia.

932 A.N. Lembrisia is recaptured by Emperor Nikalam. Further he conquers new lands from the Konic Tribes, this region is named Nikalasia in his honor.

The Second Etru-Chishic War aka The First Narulian War

955 A.N. The Second Etru-Chishic War breaks out after an Etrusian Diplomat is arrested and executed, accused of the assault and murder of a Joyuthist Priestess. Compared to the first war, this war is massive and widespread, and will ultimately claim the lives of 3.6 million people.

957 A.N. The Kai, a Forestfolk Kingdom in southern Macia, discover gunpowder. This technology is initially limited to artistic endeavors and construction products.

959 A.N. At the Battle of Ikoteska, The Chishic and Etrusian Armies clash, the Battle of Ikoteska bears witness to several firsts. It is at Ikoteska that the Etrusian mounted soldiers, the Rekikitas, are first used in battle against the Chishic, Jalekikun. In addition the battle sees the use of Serpent’s Fire, perhaps the first instance of widespread chemical warfare since the Pre-Calamity Era. While initially developed by Chishic, the technology was quickly adopted by both sides. The weapon is primarily used to break formations and in the siege of fortresses and walled cities. The introduction of the Etrusian Bowgun is also a notable feature of this battle. Sages and their magic play a heavy role in these battles, far greater than in earlier conflicts. Ikoteska is a Chishic Victory, though to the north the Etrusians successfully capture the Chishic city of Umina, and much of its Hinterland. Much of the war will center in this region, while smaller conflicts in Makora, Ikopesh, Knosh, Apuna, and Korithia are also waged. 

963 A.N. The Atahcutec Empire falls to corruption and disease

967 A.N. Batara spreads to Sinria and the Southern Macian Islands and parts of the Pyritian Coast.

971 A.N. The heads of both the Etrusian Jothist Church and the Chishic/Apunian Joyuthist Churches declare the war to be holy, interested in both the defense of both Churches but also in the capture (or defense) of the Island of Euphoi, the resting place of Narul. The Order of the Hammer led by Unma the Galent, leads an attack on the island, successfully capturing it for Chishetal along with much of southern Korithia. At approximately the same time the city of Umina is successfully recaptured by the Chishic King, though not before much of the city is destroyed and most of its population killed. 

981 A.N. Construction of the Temple of the Six Winds is completed in Akagulu.

984 A.N. A Group of Larsian, Janic, Ikopeshi, and Konic mercenaries, alongside a small Chishic Army, lead by the Chishic War-Hero, Haman the Ordained, successfully land in and attack the Etrusian Mainland, even breaching the walls of Etrusia itself. Though this band of attackers is ultimately defeated, this marks the first time that the Great City has been directly attacked since the birth of the Empire. Riots break out in the streets, temples and granaries are raided. The Imperial Guard successfully regains order but only after enacting great violence on the citizenry. 

993 A.N. The Alkugana Confederacy of central Tarinia forms the first democratic government in the Tarinia

995 A.N. The First School of Plantbrewery is opened in Nashawey. It produces the most complete catalog of potions and magical plants in history up to that point.

997 A.N. Repeated defeats and increasing unrest among the Empire force the Etrusians to sue for peace. Chishetal agrees, and in exchange claims ownership over much of the southern Korithian Isles, including Euphoi. The part of Korithia still controlled by Etrusia is renamed Argentia. Chishic Soldiers bring Etrusian religious philosophies back to the east.

The Lessening of Empires

Approx. 1000 A.N. Rebellions and barbarian incursions in multiple parts of the Etrusian Empire ultimately prove too much for the stability of the Etrusian throne. The last Etrusian Emperor is assassinated and replaced with a representative elected body called the Hatakisas.

1014 A.N. Vainmaren is killed while fighting the Sea-Serpent, Hiisto.

1023 A.N. -1067 A.N. A branch of the Janic people migrate to the island of Ikenii, in conflict with the native Docic and Pryenic peoples and the remnants of the Etrusian colony. These people come to be known as Yanes. They settle primarily in the lands once controlled by Etrusia, repopulating abandoned urban centers. In time this region comes to be known as Yanlun.

1035 A.N. The monster, Djikat, emerges from the Babaan mountains and terrorizes much of southern Chishetal, including Jezaan. The monster eventually leaves Chishetal and instead moves northeast into the Macurian Steppe, driving several of the nomadic groups there west and east. The Monster rampages through Kyris, ultimately destroying the city. Centuries of knowledge and art are lost in the destruction.

1036 A.N. The Western Whale-Eaters Mysteriously vanish, this fact is discovered by their Eastern kin, who discover their villages empty. No bodies are ever found. The lands are left barren, a land of superstition and mystery, never to be inhabited again.

1078 A.N. The Hatakisas declares the official religion of the Etrusian Empire is Jothism. In response, the Chishic throne does the same with Joyuthism.

1101 A.N. The Saterai of Macuria, driven west by the monster Djikat, enter Kallistera and battle against native tribes and Etrusians. Still weakened by the war against Chishetal, and several poor harvests, Etrusia struggles to hold back the onslaught. Several tribal groups align themselves with the Saterai, most notably the Batrichit. At the Battle of Teuono, the Northern armies of Etrusia are crushed, this triggers a mass panic among the northern colonies, tens of thousands of Etrusians and Etrusianized northerners flee south to the homeland and coastal areas.

1104 A.N. The Kingdom of Akagulu becomes the Republic of Akagulu.

1106 A.N. The Xiku Tribes, similarly displaced by Djikat, flood into eastern Macia. There they clash with Northern Mu, Tum-Xi, and other regions. The Xiku become the dominate culture in Eastern Macuria.

1121 A.N. Kamyris of the Saterai and the Seven Warlords of the Batrichit unite to form the kingdom of Bochritia, the Kingdom claims to be the successor to the now ancient empire of Batricca. 

1122 A.N. Euphoric Plague re-appears in Apuna, straining Chishic grain production. The Namutarbian King, Akasm, taking advantage of the perceived weakness, leads a campaign against southern Apuna. The successfully capture several cities but in turn bring Euphoric Plague back to their homeland and from there across Pyritia, causing massive casualties

1124 A.N. - 1167 The escaped slave Nalud, escapes from Chishetal and returns to his homeland in Palluyad. He brings Joyuthism with him, there it is combined with several desert traditions, eventually becoming Naludism. In this tradition Narul is seen not as the progeny of Joth (Djosh), but rather as his greatest servant, he is called Narush. Over the course of his life Nalud successfully unites many of the desert nomads and tribes. Over the latter decades of Nalud’s life these tribes are engaged in a multitude of wars with the Chishic Empire, and are successful in breaking Chishic power in the east, successfully capturing much of the empire's former Eastern extent.

1126 A.N. -1287 A.N. Inspired by Bochritia, tribes declare their independence and engage in active rebellion against Etrusia. The most successful are Lembricarsia (Lembris and Carsis), Nichleria( Nichlern), and Larslontia (Larslont). All of these form kingdoms, all at least partially modeled after the old Etrusian Imperial Court.

1138 A.N. More Arctic groups, The Gaedish and the Luduric, mysteriously vanish, leading to yet another mass migration down south into the Forestland. There these groups will intermingle with native tribes and kingdoms, in time forming the Hrotic and Vordic peoples.

1147 A.N. The Yannish King, Hanrud, declares himself king of all of Ikenii and Dirsia. This is met by heavy resistance.

1149 A.N.  Despite pressure from the Xiku, Northern and Southern Mu are reunited under Emperor Guzhi, this marks the beginning of a Munic Golden Age, marked by art and literature and an increased interest and acceptance in sagecraft and forestfolk. Guzhi adopts the forestfolk, Fohu. Fohu in time will become the first non-human, Munic Emperor.

1176 A.N. Argentia rebels, the Etru-Argentian War mark the end of Etrusian dominance in the Green Sea. Kulayu follows suit. The rebel Hastidia becomes famed for painting her skin with the island's red clay, in tribute to the extinct Clay-Women. Chishetal sends ships and soldiers to assist the rebellion, however this proves to be a mistake as Chishetal’s eastern and southern provinces themselves became subject to an increasing number of rebellions and revolutions. 

1188 A.N. Mount Iri erupts, covering much of western Tarinia in toxic ash, clogging the Satlugulish Canal. Entire fields are rendered inedible, herds of domesticated and wild animals die. As a result famine abounds. To make matters worse the eruption disturbs a number of monsters, most notably the serpent, Nuh-Kwa-Tak. The toxin spewing beast is ultimately killed by three hunters, all Forestfolk, though not before causing untold destruction. 

1201 A.N. -1209 A.N. The Etrusian General, Aduatium, attempts a coup, hoping to re-establish the Etrusian Throne. He and his followers storm Etrusia and slaughter much of the Hatakasis. He names himself the Emperor of Etrusia and upon his crowning declares his intention to reconquer Lembrisia. That very same night he is assassinated by the sage, Favaron. What followed was a period of rampant corruption and murder, three attempts to re-establish the Hatakasis and 5 to crown a new Emperor all end in bloody failure. The remaining provinces are abandoned, leading to yet more refugees flooding into the Etrusian Homeland.

1216 A.N. Makora, the last loyal province of the Etrusian Empire, is conquered by a tribe, originating from the northeast called the Uberians.

1224 A.N. Hunaris, King of Nichleria leads an invasion of the Etrusian mainland. He successfully captures Etrusia, burning the palace and much of the city, while sparing the Jothist Church. Henceforth Hunaris calls himself champion of Joth, and even carries a hammer in imitation of Narolos (Narul).The Etrusian Empire Falls.

1245 A.N. The First Palluyadic Empire forms in the East, marked by the creation of the city of Halubad, inspired by the cities of Etrusia, Labisa, and Kyris. The city becomes a center of learning and in particular is known for the quality of its sages. The Empire becomes the first in the world to extend citizenship to all sentient races, humanoid and otherwise, including Kiriki and certain dragons and spirits.

1264 A.N. The Chishic Empire is forced west of the Red Cedar mountains by a coalition of Macurian tribes and the Palluyads.

1271 A.N. The Warrior, Mezumezu founds the city of Nudutichal, capital of the Mezutal empire, in the ruins of the Atahcutec Empire.

The Kallisterian Dark Ages, The Mezutal Golden Age, the Polar Age

1286 A.N. Nichleria is renamed the Holy Kingdom of Nichlern, it claims to be the heir of Etrusia. The King of Nichlern is named protector of Jothism.

1291 A.N. A resurgence of the Euphoric Plague in addition to famine and drought leads to increasing unrest and religious zealotism. The Jothist scholar, Yesonam, blames strife on the actions of sages and forestfolk. While initially unpopular, particularly in the south, this doctrine is readily adopted by northern kingdoms like Nichlern, Bochrit, Yanlun, and Lembris. Many of these lands declare spiritual war against sages and forestfolk.

1297 A.N. Etrusia is named the center of Jothism, and the church of Joth ceded control of the Baalkic islands. All Jothist courts swear an oath to protect the city.

1305 A.N. Sagecraft powered is achieved for the first time by the sage and scholar Januma in the city of Halubad, she successfully flies 700 feet before crashing to her death.

1308 A.N. The Chishic King, Enaki, names himself the voice of Narul on Kobani, in opposition to the Jothist Church. He travels to Euphoi, and according to legend sleeps in the tomb of Narul.

1312 A.N.  The Mezutal Empire builds a fleet of 50 ships, the first such navy in Ulanian History. Using this fleet they settle in southern Tarinia, eventually coming into contact with the remnants of the Canal people. 

1321 A.N. Uberia is united under the Oaken Crown. The King of Uberia, Naruluz, travels to Etrusia and joins in the oath of the Jothist Crowns.

1325 A.N. Vjordic Fishermen land in Tarinia and begin to settle there. They are soon followed by their Hrotic counterparts. They trade with the local population and lead a mostly peaceful existence.

1333 A.N. The 4 Kingdoms of Goguke are invaded by Jamun. The Gogukian Royal family is massacred, and the Gogukian Hall of Names is burnt.

1367 A.N. The Lembrian noble, Renanold, slays the dragon, Taras, supposedly with a spear made from a shard of the hammer of Narul. His legend forms the basis for Kallisterian Knighthood.

1385 A.N. The first Hrotic Raiders land in Ikenii and Larslont and destroy several villages. This marks the beginning of 150 years of such raids.

1405 A.N. Muntatamcuz, Ruler of the Mezutal decrees the construction of a massive bridge crossing the strait which separates Tarinia and Ulania. The project, while ultimately unsuccessful, will facilitate the creation of thirty new cities on the coasts of Tarinia and Ulania. For this reason Muntatamcuz is called The Builder of Cities.

1425 A.N. The Kingdom of Akagalu splits into four kingdoms, each claiming to be the true heir to the original. At the Battle of Four, the three kingdoms met, ultimately leading to a four way stalemate. 

1454 A.N. The Palluyadic Explorer, Nalud, lands in Zudia. He brings back exotic fruit and animals. He returns several years later to create the trading colony of Jalutis.

1477 A.N. The Azuian Nomads of Pyritia unify to form the Azu Kingdom.

1496 A.N. With the blessing of the Patriarch of the Jothist Church, the King’s of Bochrit, Larslont, and Nichlern declare war on the Hrotic and Vjordic Tribes. The War of Bloody Snow will be waged for the next century. It will result in the formation of the kingdoms of Vjordag and Hrotland, both of which adopt Jothism. 

1507 A.N. Gunpowder is used in warfare for the first time during the Fire War, between the Kai and Mu. Ultimately the Mu were repelled from southern Macia, though not before successfully recreating the technology.

1513 A.N. Further Palluyadic colonies are formed throughout the isles of the Sinrian and Lautian Oceans. Palluyadic traders become the primary source of exotic materials and spices to the western world.

1524 A.N. After several years of rebellion, the Kingdom of Caris successfully declares its independence from Lembris.

1538 A.N. The Nomadic Hillfolk of the far northern Macurian Steppe successfully domesticate the huar. 

1541 AN. The Rebel Queen, Bankawe, leads a revolt against the Jamunese occupation of Goguke. Though she died before the realization of her mission, her daughter, also named Bankawe, would be successful in driving the last Jamunese ship from the Peninsula. The Land of Bankuke is thus born.

1565 A.N. The Chishic Joyuthist scholar, Jani, writes a treatise on the nature of Arkodian Bronze. This writing is essential in the development of Chishic Steel, which while lacking in the incredible sharpness and resilience of Arkodian Bronze, is capable of holding and capturing magical energies. The first Chishic Steel weapon is the sword Flame-Eater, gifted to the Chishic King.

1587 A.N. Ricar, brother to King Sebas of Lembris successfully invades Yanlun and declares himself king of the island, though he initially remains subservient to Lembris. Lembrian becomes the language of the court, and many customs, including knighthood, are adopted by Yannish lords.

1590 A.N. The Six Golden Kingdoms of Congasa, a small but ancient collection of Forestfolk, are conquered by the Xianti Theocracy. The Congasian brand of meditation based Xiatism becomes popular in much of eastern Macia. 

1592 A.N. Namut collapses into 23 competing micro-kingdoms. 

1603 A.N. Religious and Philosophical tensions lead to a civil war in the Palluyadic Empire, this leads to the split of the Empire into western and eastern kingdoms, Palluyad and Aruda. Halubad becomes the capital of Palluyad, while Urahun becomes the capital of Aruda. 

1611 A.N. The City-States of Yorungo are conquered and subjugated by the Maboli Empire. Maboli becomes the largest and richest empire in Pyritia. In its Ulanian territories the empire comes into contact with Mezutal.

1614 A.N. Vjordag attempts to invade Shumimi, partially with the aim of introducing Jothism.

1626 A.N. The Ice-Walkers of the Polar Regions join into an alliance with the giants. Together they successfully repel a Hrotish invasion.

1632 A.N. The Ru land on the Southern continent, where they find not only inhospitable conditions but also a race of monstrous beasts, the Uj. The Ru abandon the land, though they will continue to fish the frigid waters. A small group of giants does successfully settle the southern continent, farming penguins and eating large marine mammals.

1647 A.N. Akatotec of the Mezutal, funds the creation of a massive city carved into the side of Mount Lema. This in turn brought the Mezutal into conflict with the traditional owners of the mountain, the Daokipaqa, a particularly powerful Forestfolk population.

1658 A.N. The Lord of Chishic Korithia willingly surrenders to the Kingdom of Argentia, thus reuniting the Korithian Islands.

1661 A.N. The Island of Knosh is invaded by the Argentian King, Erkalos, he builds the city of Erkalo, in time the island will  come to be known as Erkalia.

1679 A.N. King Barnad of Yanlun alongside his knights and lords, and his Dochainain and Prynaean allies leads a rebellion against Lembris, kicking off the 90 Year War.

1685 A.N. The Kingdom of Ngonda, founded by Queen Anifuba, forms from the unification of the Kwi and Hasa peoples. The Kingdom becomes famed for the quality of its plantbrews and physicians. Ngondian physicians are invited as far away as Mu and Ulania.

1699 A.N. In response to Vjordic and Hrotic aggression, the Pact of Blue Waters is formed by the Inkul Tribes (Forestfolk), Chukakic Tribes, Ice-Walkers, Yevnuk, and Giants. Among the Jothist kingdoms of the south, this new polar alliance is known as the Heathen Empire. Sometimes this is referred to as the Second Alliance in reference to the first such alliance between the Giants and the Ice-Walkers.

1702 A.N. The Kimersian Princes successfully conquer the Unartic Tribes. They are the dominant force in the Kimersian Sea.

1711 A.N. The Battle of Doren between the Yannish and Lembrian ends in victory for the Yanes. 

1719 A.N. - 1724 A.N. Driven by the stories of wealth from the Pyritian and Ulanian Connection,The Uberian explorer, Penetoz Tarano sails west to establish colonies with 4 ships. One of Tarano’s ships is sunk during the storm, another is consumed by a serpent. The last two ships land in the territory of the Inawari Tribes. By chance they had arrived at the same time as a Metuzalan delegation. Enamored by the opulence and beauty of the Metuzalan’s Tarano broke the rules of hospitality by attempting to kidnap one of these strangers to be brought back to Uberia. The response from the Metuzalan’s and their Inawari hosts was immediate. Tarano himself was killed, alongside most of his crew. One ship was destroyed entirely while the other barely escaped. Low on supplies, the surviving crew resorted to cannibalism. Of the 356 men who had left Uberia, 27 returned. 

1722 A.N. -1788 The Jothist Church of Etrusia constructs the Academy of Nima, which functions as both a University and Church, the largest in all of Jothdom. The construction inspires the popularity of new art styles and architectural traditions. The Academy becomes renowned as a creator and depository of the written word. Etrusia becomes known as the City of Priests and Poets. The completion of the Academy is traditionally considered to be the end of the Kallisterian Dark Ages.

The Makurian/Xiku Golden Age and the Age of Poets

1724 A.N. The Kingdom of Palluyad receives its first loss in battle against the Chishic Empire at the Battle of Flaming Cedars. Chishic officers use magical weapons on mass for the first time in place of sages.

1735 A.N. Behtuge is born in a small Xiku village.

1760 - 1763 Behtuge at just the age of 25, unites the tribes of the Xiku, through war, marriage, and diplomacy. 

1764 A.N. - 1782 A.N. The Jushi City-States, parts of Northern Mu, Xir, and other parts of Eastern and Central Macia are conquered by the Xiku.

1767 A.N. The Nichlernian Theologian Balo, condemns the Etrusian Church, citing an inability to address perceived heathenism and heretics. Balic Jothism gains increasing popularity among parts of Nichlern and Bochrit.

1770 A.N. The Pale, a race of monstrous forestfolk emerge in abandoned lands of the Whale-Eaters. They descend on nearby villages and even Vjordic cities. They are eventually driven back to wastes but only after causing widespread destruction. 

1772 A.N. The King of Lembris, Janes the Third, signs a peace-treaty with Yannish King, Rodin. The Kingdom of Yanlun is officially founded as an independent entity

1775 A.N. The Mechanized Printing Press is invented in Bochrit. The first printed texts are almost exclusively Jothist religious texts, including the works of Balo.

1779 A.N. Rodin of Yanlun declares himself and his kingdom as followers of Balic Jothism, severing ties with the Etrusian Church.

1787 Behtuge dies, his throne is split between his two eldest daughters, Khochen (West) and Tumalhai (East). 

1789 A.N. Balic Jothist Peasants, with the tacit permission of the local nobility, massacre forestfolk in the Nichlern city of Tomalin.Some of these Forestfolk were themselves Etrusian Jothists. In response the Etrusian Church calls a Holy War against the Balic Heretics. Thousands of warriors and knights from Lembris, Uberia, Carsis, Argentia, and Etrusia travel to Nichlern. Nichlern is joined by its allies Bochrit, Larslont, and Yanlun. The War of Heretics will divide Jothism and will be waged for 50 years.

1793 A.N. 

1800 A.N. Khochen conquers Aruda, while large parts of the city of Urahun are burned, the House of Song, the City’s archives, are spared. Knowledge and art from all parts of both Xiku kingdoms are concentrated in the city. Naludism alongside Macurian Paganism, and Xiantism becomes a dominant faith in much of central Macia.

1804 A.N. The Republic of the Indosi Isles is founded

1808 A.N. Gunpowder weapons are introduced to Kallistera and Pyritia via trade with the Xiku.

1811 A.N. Zudia suffers its worst drought in 800 years, many of the tribes and families are greatly weakened.

1812 A.N. The Etrusian Poet, Rodibat, pens his 1000 Songs. His work is performed across much of the world and is massively influential in the creation of new literature.

1814 A.N. At the Battle of Haraford, the Etrusian and Balic forces clash. The Balic’s use newly constructed gunpowder weapons while the Etrusians come with sages and Chishic made magical weapons. While the Etrusians are ultimately the victors, the casualties are massive. This is the last battle in Kallistera in which magic takes a major role.

1817 A.N. The Mezutal Empire has its civil war. Tarinian Mezutal successful splits from its southern half, becoming the Kingdom of Uzatal.

1823 A.N. The Dragon, Nkad, terrorizes Western Pyritia, temporarily severing contact between Ulania and Pyritia. 

1826 A.N. The Balic Church is officially founded, it forbids the use of sagecraft and explicitly believes spirits and by extension spiritbloods to be demonic in nature. Narul is explicitly depicted as being not a spiritblood. Forestfolk and sages are expelled from these territories, many flooding into Lembris and Uberia.

1833 A.N. Vjordag, Hrotland, and the Pact of Blue Water reach an uneasy peace. Trade begins between them. The Hrotic and Vjordic settlements in Tarinia grow larger.

1839 A.N. The War of Heretics comes to an end with a stalemate. The Balic Church is allowed to exist as a branch of the Etrusian Church, together they are called Western Jothism, in opposition to Eastern Jothism or Joyuthism, practiced in places like Chishetal. Balic clergy join the Etrusian hierarchy and soon are able to implement Balic doctrine, including a complete ban on sagecraft in Western Jothist states, and the expulsion of Forestfolk and most Hillfolk.

1841 A.N. Occupied regions of Mu and the far-eastern Xiku are liberated by the Munic warlord, Fukwazhi. The State of Great Mu is instrumental in the eventual collapse of eastern Xiku.

1852 A.N. Quata, King of Mezutal sails around the southern tip of Ulania, along the journey he meets with the Acaniruanian court and with the Pyritians. His son, Olamechutal accompanies a voyage across the ocean, becoming the first Mezutalite to visit first Pyritia and then Kallistera. Olamechutal never returned to Ulania as he died of fever, however an account of his journey and observations, The Voyage of A Thousand Wings, is among the first widely published non-religious books in Kallisteran history. 

1854 A.N. A cache of Arkodian Bronze  weapons is uncovered in Goguke, it is unclear how they got there. One sword, named Skysplitter, is gifted to the King of Goguke to be passed down as an heir. The rest is melted down and made into shields to be carried by the five most trusted members of the Royal Guard.

1857 A.N. The Road of Gold is completed connecting all the way from Apuna to Mu, allowing for trade across the entire continent of Macia

1861 A.N. Yanlun invades Pryneu, which they refer to as Montlun. The series of battles and invasions called the Montish Wars, are waged for next 200 years, until the eventual subjugation of the last Montish Kingdom. The last king of the Montish is Llawar, said to wield an ax of Arkodian Bronze, seated atop a giant stag; he is slain in battle, though he remains a symbol of Montish and later Duckish resistance.

1865 A.N. The Telescope is independently invented in Etrusia and Chishetal.

1873 A.N. The Sinrian Peninsula is united for the first time since before Narul. The Land of Sinru is ruled by Five Great Queens. The Sinrians successfully repel a Xikic invasion of the north, and to prevent future incursions a massive wall is built south of the mountains, in order to add another barrier to any invading force.

1881 A.N. The first (semi) accurate model of the Kobanic Solar System is produced in the city of Erkalo.

1885 A.N. The Master of Palluyad seeks assistance from their old rivals, Chishetal, in driving away the Xiku. Chishetal agrees, driven by a historic distrust of Macurian populations. The Chishic army, led by Queen Darutma the Magnificent, marches over the Red Cedar Mountains. Together the Chishic and Palluyadic armies defeated the Xiku at Ankula and Urahun. The Chishic army pillaged the city, to the great displeasure of Palluyad, and returned to Chishetal with thousands of works of art and cultural treasures.

1898 A.N.The Last Great Leader of the Xiku is tracked down and killed by rivals, the empire falls apart due to in-fighting and aggression from outside forces.

1901 A.N. A group of the On People of Zudia, land in Mu. They are welcomed into the Munic court, eventually forming the bulk of the Emperor's personal guard.

1924 A.N. The first steam engine, no larger than a small dog, and initially a curiosity, is created in the Namutian city of Oswa by the inventor, Naimina. The technology eventually is spread north to Apuna and from there to the wider world.

1926 A.N. 133 Busira, Daoku, Malu, Jini, Jagi, The Great Cities of the Viat Sea-Kings, Phangui, and Mekan are all united into the Republic of Khwamer. 

The Age of Ships

1927 A.N. - 1935 A.N. Lost for over a century, the accounts of Tarano resurface in Uberia. King Migrab, orders and funds a second expedition, this one is considerably larger than the last and heavily armed with guns and modern weaponry. Four Jothist Theologians accompany them. A fleet of 18 ships sail from Uberia. They eventually land in the home of Okalokee and Yupa peoples. The Colony of Maberia is founded, initially with the tacit approval of the Yupa people. Three ships are sent back to inform Uberia of the formation of the new colony.

1936 A.N. The successful colony by Uberia causes “Exploration Fever” as Yanlun, Lembris, and Larslont all create expeditions of their own with the intention of creating colonies. Seeing this as a threat to their own interests, Vjordag and Hrotland, working together, send supplies to their own settlements.

1937 A.N. Guided by Ru navigators, a Munic ship lands on the western shores of Ulania. They are quickly apprehended by Mezutal officials, but are later released, and sent back to Mu.

1945 A.N. The Mezu-Uberian War is triggered by the burning of a Mezutal temple and murder of its attends by the Jothist fanatic, Heraduz Ta Odilia. The Uberians align themselves with several of Mezutal’s rivals in the region including the Daokipaqa and Uzatal. The Daokipaqa are promised the return of their homeland occupied by the Mezutal. Attacked on nearly all sides, and weakened by corruption and unused to fighting against guns, the Mezutal driven back to capital. Their last line of defense is the Spiritblood, Akalapotchil.

The Age of Colonies

1946 A.N. The First Lembrian Colony is founded in Tarinia, in the lands of the Sepochee, it is called simply, New Lembris. Later that same year the Yanes land to the North in the lands inhabited by the Chanta and create New Yanlun. The Larslontian expedition is stopped and killed by the Vjordic Navy.

1957 A.N. The Hammer War is started when a Bochrit lord kills a Nichlernian lord while bickering over a supposed piece of the Hammer of Narolos. Despite the best efforts of the Etrusian Church to mediate the dispute, the two kingdoms come to blows. Ultimately 13,000 die. It is later revealed that the fragment was a fake. 

1958 A.N. Akalapotchil is killed by the Daokipaqani Sage, Huruqa. The Mezu-Uberian war comes to an end with the destruction of the Mezutal Empire. Horrified witnesses report the heinous crimes committed by the Uberians during the subsequent period of subjugation.

1965 A.N. The Second Yannish Colony on Tarinia, New Montlun, is founded. 

1979 A.N. A new strain of Euphoric Plague rages through Kallistera and Pyritia. The disease eventually reaches the Yannish and Lembrian Colonies where it is particularly damaging.

1984 A.N. The Chishic explorer, Haman, leads an expedition from Labisa to the North Pole. He dies shortly before reaching the actual pole. All but five of his party die of the cold or are consumed.

1992 A.N. The Yannish king, Lammick the Second, leads an invasion of Dochain, though they are repelled.

1996 A.N. The Mabolian Hillfolk inventor and cartographer, Banaja creates the first semi-complete map of the world, The Banajian Model, based on the accounts of Pallyudic, Yannish, Uberian, Munic, and even Ru’ic accounts of the shape of the world.

1998 A.N. The Yannish author, Karul of Harptun, writes The Voyages of the Noble Narolos an entirely fictionalized account of Narolos (Narul) and his journey to Ikenii and Dirsia. While initially quite popular among the layfolk, Karul is later arrested by Jothist authorities and dies of malnutrition in prison.

2001 A.N. - 2021  A faction of Chishic lords lead a coup against the emperor. The Rebels are armed with Kallisterian guns, the loyalists carry weapons of Chishic steel. Vastly outnumbered, the loyalists barricaded themselves in the city of Labisa. The siege lasts almost 20 years, ending ultimately with a victory by the rebellious lords, after the Chishic King was assassinated by a turncoat. The leader of the lords, Akurd, takes the throne as the new Chishic throne. The first 10 years of his reign will be consumed by putting down loyalist factions in Shabala and Ikopesh.

2002 A.N. The Uberian King, with the support of the Jothist Patriarch, bans the enslavement of any person born in a Jothist nation; this does not include Naludist and Joyuthist peoples. It also did not include Forestfolk. Uberian soldiers begin a campaign of enslaving Ulanian peoples, including the former occupants of Mezutal. To the outrage of the Daokipaqa, not only were they not returned to their homeland, but they are targeted for enslavement. The Daokipaqa join an alliance of several peoples against the Uberians. The conflict between the two sides will continue on for over five centuries.

2012 A.N. The Nichlernian Jothist preacher, Kalen of Daruparg, predicts the coming of a second Calamity. Widespread panic proves in vain, though not before several buildings, including the Church of Daruparg are burnt to the ground. 

2014 A.N. The Kingdom of Palluyad is dissolved into the Three New Kingdoms; Palluya, Baban, and Inad. 

2021 A.N. The 13 Year War is waged between Yanlun and the Alliance of Hrotland, Vjordag, and Larslont. The War is fought both in Kallistera and Tarinia, including against the Tarinian allies of Hrotland and Vjordag.

2024 A.N. The Argentian Scholar, Alanos, creates the first complete history of Kobani, starting with the creation of Arkodai and ending with the Hammer War.

2034 A.N. Pressured by the Jothist Church, Hrotland and Vjordag sue for peace with Yanlun. As part of the Treaty, much of the southern Vjordic/Hrotic territory in Tarinia is handed over to Yanlun. The Yannish holding in Tarinia grows by 320%. Tens of thousands of settlers, traders, and slavers travel to the Yannish colonies to make a new life. Larslont continues to wage war against Yanlun in Kallistera. 

2038 A.N. Yanlun and Lembris adopt the enslavement policy of Uberia. Owning a Tarinian slave and Tarinian antiquities becomes a symbol of status in Yanlun. The Dirsians and the Dochic people become famed for their abolitionist actions, acting as pirates, stopping slave ships heading for Yanlun, Uberia, and Lembris and taking the people aboard back to Dirsia. Similar pirate movements arise closer to Tarinia and Ulania, largely composed of Mabolian’s many under the pay of the throne.

2045 A.N. The First Jothist Jamunese Emperor rules over the Kingdom. The first assassination attempt occurs within days of his coronation.

2057 A.N. Economy bolstered by new acquisitions and the slave trade, the Yannish throne initiates an invasion of Dirsia and Dochain.

2062 A.N. The Republic of Akagulu dissolves. It is replaced by a number of smaller nations, most important of all is the Hillfolk dominated kingdom of Batuna.

2072 A.N. - 2098 A.N. Kimersia expands, The Kimersian Empire now borders Shumimi in the north and Chishetal in the west.

2091 A.N. The first microscope is invented in Chishetal, it allows for the magnification of items by 15x.

2104 A.N. The last king of Dochain surrenders at the Battle of Four Forks. Dochain becomes a Yannish territory, called Duclan, its people are referred to as Duckish or simply Ducks.

2115 A.N. Dirsia is defeated and colonized. The Dirsians are treated harsher than their Duckish cousins. Dirsian “Prisoners” are brought to Yanlun and to the Yannish colonies to work as laborers. 

2129 A.N. Chishetal and Kimersia fight over parts of eastern Shabala, resulting in the Chish-Kimersian War. Many Western Kingdoms send their support to Kimersia, as Chishetal’s control of East-West Trade in the Green Sea is seen as a threat to the economic interests of Jothist countries. 

2140 A.N. The Munic Sage, Nao Tza attempts to reach space using explosives and sagecraft. He builds an iron pod with himself inside of it and launches himself skyward. While ultimately he didn’t survive the attempt, nor did he reach space, his research is influential in the creation of rocket technology, mostly for military purposes.

2151 A.N. The Chish-Kimersian War comes to an end as a stalemate. 

2169 A.N. Nearly a third of Uberian Army in Tarinia is destroyed by the Serpent, Koalipak, temporarily stopping the Uberian Imperial effort in the region. 

2185 A.N. The Pact of the Blue Waters officially dissolves. Giants settle in Yanlun, Vjordag, and Nichlern where they face discrimination.

2194 A.N. - 2231 The Hammer of Joth is invented in Etrusia, a revolving gun capable of firing bullets of Jothic Steel, a variation of Chishic Steel with the added benefit of being capable of harming spirits. Thousands of the guns are purchased by Yanlun, Lembris, and Uberia, and it is used in Tarinia against native peoples and spirits. 

2203 A.N. An Ikopeshi Revolt is violently suppressed by the Chishic Throne. 

2211 A.N. The first functional steam-powered ship is invented in Apuna.

2222 A.N. Khwamer falls and is partially annexed by Mu alongside the Xianti Theocracy. The Munic Empress sends messengers to the Daokipaqa promising aid in exchange for land controlled by the Uberians. The Daokipaqa refuse the offer, still suspicious after their last agreement with a foreign power.

2231 The Hammer of Joth is streamlined, made cheaper and more easily carried. Jothic Guns become the primary weapons of colonizing forces. The slaughter of Forestfolk and Spirits leads to the unification of several Tarinian nations. They follow the mysterious Sister Goddesses. It is not clear if these “Goddesses' ' are human leaders, spiritbloods, or spirits. 

The Age of Rebellion and Tarinian Wars

2245 A.N. The Yannish explorer, Conor Malark, successfully crosses Tarinia and reaches the Tanjian Ocean. Many others follow in his steps, starting small settlements.

2251 A.N. The Jamunese Emperor Shirado, willingly abdicates without an heir, dying shortly after, possibly poisoned. A civil war, The War of the Frogs, between opposing applicants for the throne ensues.

2275 A.N. The Pirate Republic of Indosi forms in opposition to Munic, Palluyic, and Kallisteran Dominance in the region. For a short period (2275 - 2345) 73% of all commerce and trade through the Sinrian and Lautian Oceans go through the hands of or are taxed by Indosi Pirates. Indosi Ships raid as far west as the Pyritian Coast and as far east as the coast of Tarinia. In many cases they are joined by the Ru.

2280 A.N. The Knights of Narolos are founded. Armed with guns and weapons of Jothic Steel, their described purpose is to kill monsters. However, in practice what is included under the moniker of “monster” is rather broad. The Knights stalk the Tarinian frontiers, Pyritia, and the Polar North, killing monsters, spirits, Spiritbloods, and forestfolk. They are particularly hostile towards Spiritbloods. Of the 23 Spiritbloods living on the planet before 2280, only 9 will still be alive by 2330.

2292 A.N. The Munic General, Daori, Lands in Zudia and almost immediately clashes with several local groups, marking the beginning of Munic imperialism in the region. The Zudian groups in the south unite into the Uruninjic Confederation, to oppose Munic efforts to expand further.

2293 A.N. The War of the Frogs comes to an end

2300 A.N. Followers of the Dirsian Independence Movement attack the Yannish capital, successfully killing the Yannish Crown Prince. The response by Yanlun is cruel and long lasting, thousands of Dirsians or “Dirsh '' are killed, starved, or kidnapped. Rather than stopping revolutionary thoughts however, it fans them. The revolutionaries continue to work in the shadows, attacking and undermining Yannish efforts on the island. Similar rebel groups form in Duclun and Montlun.

2311 A.N. The Museum of Magic and Heathenism is opened in Yanlun alongside the Yannish Academy of Sciences in celebration of the Treaty of Salisbud signed between Yanlun and Larslont.

2324 A.N. Electrical wiring and the first battery is invented by the Erkalian Inventor, Khasmus.

2337 A.N. The Kingdom of Ngonda adopts a democratic government, the Monarch maintains a symbolic function. Several other Pyritian kingdoms follow. Universities in Ngonda, Namut, Chishic-Apuna, and Maboli grow substantially.

2342 A.N. The first captive dragon is born at Etrusian Nima Academy.

2359 A.N. Inspired by the Satagulish Canal, The Hrotic and Yannish governments of Tarinia work together to begin work on a massive canal meant to cross the entirety of the continent

2366 A.N. The First Hot Air-Balloon is invented and flown in Larslont.

2371 A.N. At the Battle of Coral Sands the Gumwarnugo family of Zudia is defeated by Munic Colonists. The Matriarchs of the family are sent back to Mu, marking the first instance of Zudian Enslavement.

2389 A.N. - 2402 A.N. The Lembri-Uberian War is started in response to clashing colonial interests. In time this war expands into the First Tarinian War. Yannish colonists attacked the Lembrian colony of New Lembris, hoping to capture fertile valleys. Yanlun signed a Pact of Alliance with Uberia. Ultimately the Lembrians are expelled from Tarinia, Yanlun taking their former holdings. An agreement is made between Uberia and Yanlun; Tarinia for the Yanes, Ulania for the Uberians. The Lembrian King and his family is murdered by his own soldiers shortly after agreeing to surrender.

2391 A.N. The electric telegram is invented by the Lembrian inventor, Arauld Contar.

2396 A.N. The Kiriki called Rak, is named the heir to the throne of Baban. After the Babanian king’s death, Rak is crowned thus becoming the first non-humanoid sentient individual to lead a primarily human country. The Jothist and Joyuthist Churches both condemn this as sacrilegious. The Knights of Narolos along with the Chishic Order of the Hammer both attempt to invade and kill the new king. While they are ultimately unsuccessful, Kiriki become the targets of extreme violence across Kallimacia. Their population is reduced to a third of its former extent.

2401 A.N. The First Train successfully carries passengers about ¼ mile before breaking down. In the following decades hundreds of miles of tracks will be constructed across much of Kallistera and Tarinia. 

2403 A.N. - 2419 The First Yannish expedition around the world is ultimately successful though very costly. The leader of the expedition, Kan Bavmun, reports many new people and beasts, as well as a previously undocumented landmass far to the north, amongst the sea ice. He reports no signs of civilized life, save for strange ruins. He suggests by the complexity of the architecture that these ruins may have pre-dated the Calamity. This region comes to be called the Wastes. Though taken from a distance, his descriptions point to the most intact ruin of its kind in the world. This discovery kicks off a renewed interest in the Age of Glass and Metal amongst scholars. Though he made plans to return, Kan dies of an unknown disease shortly after his trip. Attempted expeditions are met with disaster. A Lembrian expedition is attacked by pirates, the entirety of the crew killed or taken hostage. Three Yannish expeditions fail, one to mutiny and the other two vanish entirely without explanation. An Etrusian expedition is reportedly destroyed by an unidentified sea-beast, according to the one survivor. In order to avoid more needless death, the Yannish Academy of Sciences declares a 100 year ban on any further expeditions, starting 2419. The Jothist church of Etrusia makes a similar ban on any entities which may seek funding from the Academy of Nima.

2425 A.N. The first wired radio and the telephone are invented by the Chishic inventor, Saru.

2427 A.N. The Palluyidic author, Namuni, writes “The Mutations” which reports to record every observed Forestfolk, Monster, and other magically altered being in the world. It has 2,437 entries. 665 of these entries will be rendered extinct by the time a second edition is published by his great great grandson.

2434 A.N. A new outbreak of the Euphoric Plague rocks Kallimacia. Scientific cures prove ineffective. The Etrusian Jothist priest, Kampidan, seemingly through the power of faith alone is successful in curing an afflicted person of the disease, the first case of a cured individual ever.Thousands flock to the priest. A new branch of Jothism forms around him, Zelatorical Jothism, it focuses on evangelism and extreme dogmatism.

2456 A.N. Zelatorical Jothists open the first “Narolic Academy” a school meant to re-educate Tarinian children with Yannish culture and the Zelatorical conception of Narolos (Narul) and Jothism. This first school pays 3 Yannish Kupers per child brought to the school, the equivalent of three days of work for the average factory worker. Hundreds of Tarinian children are captured, so many that more schools are opened across the Yannish Colonies.

2469 A.N. The Trackless Steam Carriage is invented. Battery powered vehicles will follow soon behind.

2476 A.N. The Namutian historian and scientist, Qarud, tracks the origins of the Euphoric Plague to the Island of Kosheklayu, off the coast of Chishetal. Shortly after reporting these findings at a conference in Etrusia, he is found in his room, dead.

2481 A.N. Following years of protests, Yanlun bans slavery, though only in the mainland, the colonies are exempt. There is no such ban on “ indentured servants.”

2484 A.N. The Jamunese inventor, Ikro Mongowa, and his partner, the Nichlernian, Fradruch Hangel, create  the first wireless radio. It is effective over only 4 miles. The second and third models will more than triple this range.

2486 A.N. The Theory of Planes is created by the Etrusian scientist, Eractom. It suggests that the other mortal worlds may not share the same solar system as Kobani, but rather may exist on separate but connected planes. It is theorized that it might be possible to travel across these planes.

2497 A.N. A representative of the Southern Giant Clan makes the journey to the North Pole, marking the first interaction between the two clans in several centuries.

2503 A.N. The Gulinbarg Radio transmitter, invented by Baff Gulinbarg using Chishic steel components, expands the transmission range of radios by 800%, approximately 114 miles.

2508 A.N. The Coast of Mu is struck by the Great Quake of 2508 and subsequently by several tsunamis. Tens of thousands die. Following this, Zudian slaves, using the chaos, rebel, leading to a confrontation at the Red Dam. The Zudian slaves are massacred, however the story of the revolt spreads across Kobani, the Zudian Rebels becoming symbolic of resistance in places like Ulania, Tarinia, and Dirsia.

2519 A.N. The Ban on Expeditions to the Wastes is lifted. The Yannish explorer, Hal Roost volunteers as the first person to take the journey. He and a crew of twenty set off from Yanlun. They stop in Tarinia and sail through the Mezutalian Strait. They are last seen at a Vjordic settlement on the western Tarinian coast. They are not heard from again and are assumed to be dead or otherwise lost.

2524 A.N. A starving and badly injured figure washes up on a piece of driftwood near the Vjordic town of Huelbar. He claims to be a manservant of Hal Roost, and reports that his master is in fact still alive, trapped in the ruins of an ancient city. Reports of this are sent back to the Yannish Academy. They are initially met with skepticism. Later that same year a Jamunese fishing vessel picks up a radio signal coming from the north. The voice claims to be Hal Roost.

2525 A.N. A second Yannish expedition and now a rescue mission, is officially approved.

@patternwelded-quill @flaneurarbiter @skyderman @blackblooms @roach-pizza @illarian-rambling @dezerex @theocticscribe @axl-ul, @persnickety-peahen, @surroundedbypearls ,

@kaylinalexanderbooks , @mk-writes-stuff

Behold, what I have been obsessing over for the last week, now I can get back to other tumblr stuff. I have a character intro I need to do.

[angelkittiezz]

Did someone say Human AU?

yeah 😇 (and assuming you’re talking about my su human au considering i don’t think i’ve made a post about my others in a few years)

Key Points of my SU Human AU:

Gems and Humans are like fused together in this au, so not exactly a human au 🤷‍♀️ but they are essentially just humans with powers and odd characteristics like colored skin/gems (will expand more on this with an illustration later).

The Diamonds are like a sub species and are their leaders like in the real show but they don’t control the entire Earth only a continent and a few colonies.

All of the unique gems are also their own sub species with the same/similar hierarchy as the show, but all of them view the Diamonds as gods.

Gems can reproduce in this au but they are also immortal (or semi-mortal since you can die, just not of old age) but it is against the law for different gems to reproduce. (and even then only a few gems are allowed to reproduce every few years).

Fusion is still a thing in this au and it is still outlawed. To the point of not being mentioned in depth in textbooks and history books.

Gems are taught that the Diamonds can not reproduce/can not die period. As a way to brainwash everyone into believing that the Diamonds are “pure” and like “gods” to them.

Timeline of my SU Human AU:

There used to be more Diamonds but they “died out” so it soon became only White, Yellow, and Blue plus a baby Pink who conquered most kingdoms to create Homeworld (can’t decide on whether or not to change the name).

After creating Homeworld, they brainwash their citizens for full support of them for six thousand years (and kill off or hide any citizens from when they first made Homeworld).

They also reach out to start and finish colonies on the rest of the continents with their goal being the entire planet. (and possibly more but shhhh).

Pink is sheltered to the point that even most high-class people can not see her up-close. As a result she is lonely and has outbursts, so the other Diamonds give her Pink Pearl and the pebbles and later Spinel to keep her company. (Around five thousand years before the present in this au, which is 2020).

Pink “breaks” Pink Pearl’s eye like in the series so she is stored somewhere before Pink is given our Pearl that we know and love/hate. (Around three thousand years before the present in this au).

Due to Pink’s good behavior, she is given her first colony (no idea for a name due to Earth already being taken here) (around 50 years before the present in this au)

Again, similar events to the show with the rebellion and Pink faking her death to be Rose. With the light being a bomb on the strawberry battlefield with the Crystal Gems having gone to an underground tunnel to escape due to a spy they had. (the Homeworld gems also all escape). (I might have an au on a sort of what if scenario where the corrupted gems are mutated from a nuclear bomb but that’s for another time)

Rose has a baby with Garnet and Pearl because I don’t know how to incorporate Greg into this au and I also don’t want to. (Around 16 years before the present of the au)

[a-really-mediocre-writer]

angel of small death - prelude

Welcome to my Daryl Dixon slow burn fan fiction, I hope you enjoy!

Summary for entire work: Piper, a 19 year old girl, alongside her 16 year old sister, Dina, are thrust into a dead-infested wasteland of the world they once knew. Having had a difficult home life before turn, will this new world be a sweet release?

[this is just the prelude to meet the OCs at the beginning of the apocalypse, you do not need to read this if you want to get straight to the story!]

<< P R E L U D E >>

My relationship with my mother had been a complicated one my entire life, but that didn’t make saying goodbye any less heartbreaking. About a day ago she had been bitten by some homeless man in a sort of drug-induced mania- usually this would not be as big of a deal as it is now, however with the strange “Wildfire” virus going around, we thought it would be best to go to the ER to get it checked after about 2 hours as she started to suffer the dreaded fever- a telltale sign of this mysterious plague.

Sitting next to my mom in this chemical scented room made me reflect on life with her; a life with a blended mixture of extremes of enjoyment at one moment, but also the emotional turmoil that comes with having a vain and abusive parent. Although most of the time that I received physical beatings was from a slew of her ex-boyfriends including my own father, the abuse that damaged me the most was her emotional insensitivity- to her I was not to be admired as an ever-blooming piece of her, but rather as a rival garden that needed to be conquered and put in her place with as many chemicals and weeds as possible. I was not a child, never to her and therefore never to anyone, classically “mature for my age” from the moment I was born. I had to grow up fast to protect my sister, Adina.

The goodbye was not intended to be the final one when we had arrived, however when we heard the gunshots begin to echo throughout the hospital hallways we stared each other in the eyes like deer in headlights.

“Go. Before they stop you- Go get Dina. Be Safe. I love you both.”

I froze.

Then I cried. Hard. Slobbering over my mother’s chest as I embraced her. She loves me.

“I have to get you out of here- I can’t leave you here like this!” I frantically shout over the gunfire growing closer by the minute, grasping my mother’s arms trying to get her out of the hospital bed. She stops me, holding my hand and squeezing it tightly, “You need to go, Piper. I love you so much. Go- It’s okay- Just don’t get caught- Go!” shouting the last bit at me I nod quickly and begin to turn towards the door when just then the handle turns and clicks. My eyes go wide as I lunge to hide behind the door as it opens, holding a hand over my mouth to mask my heavy breathing as the soldier in the riot gear inspects my mother, and once he sees the bite mark on her forearm and her pale, sweat soaked sickly skin he shoots without hesitation.

One shot in her brain.

I jump and clasp my hand tighter over my mouth, fearful of what might happen to me if he realises that I am cowering behind the door. My crying however was not as quiet as I thought, as the man turns around to face me and aims his rifle at my face.

“Hands up!”

I oblige, moving both of my now quivering hands away from my face, hyperventilating.

“Please! Please don’t shoot- I’m n-not bit- I just wanted to say g-goodbye to my mom-“

The soldier stares me down and looks me over, not moving his gun out of my face or saying a word. We make eye contact for a few seconds before he silently lowers his gun, looking between me and my mother guiltily and then he leaves without saying a word, jogging down the hallway to the others.

I glance back over to my mother’s now deceased body and flinch as she comes into my eye line. It all happened so fast; it hasn’t settled in my mind that she was murdered in front of me. I grab a white bed sheet and drape it over her lifeless body.

“Goodnight, Mom. I love you.”

Leaving the room and gently closing the door, I glance down the hallway towards the exit and after scanning for danger I make a beeline for the stairwell. As I turn a corner in this desolate maze, I lock eyes with a police officer, barricading a hospital room door with a gurney. For the second time today, I have another gun pulled in my face.

“Who are you? What are you doing here? Everyone was evacuated!”

I put my hands up “They…They killed my mom- I need to go- I need to get my sister!” I shout down the hall as I slowly begin to lower my hands as he lowers his gun. Once we nod at each other that we aren’t going to hurt one another I bolt out of the hospital and into my car in the parking lot. Wasting no time, I speed down the roads to get home and hopefully find my sister alive and well, watching as fully loaded cars of families are packed up and driving in the opposite direction of me and out of town.

As I pull up to the house my sister runs out to greet me with a hug, which is only short lived as we both head inside to pack up things to bring with us to evacuate. I go to my room and grab a backpack, filling it with clothes, hygiene items like deodorant and sunscreen, a mini photo album, some other random bits and pieces, my converse and two books. I grab my granddads over-sized leather jacket, the one given to me when he passed, and put it on, then grab another bag and head to the kitchen to start clearing out the cupboards full of canned goods. As I continue scraping through the cupboards for any food we can take, I holler out to my sister,

“Dina! We gotta go- you got your shit?”

“I’m coming!” She shouts back as she emerges into the kitchen, backpack fastened to her back and ready.

We load our things into the car as Adina asks me about mom. If she is okay. I just freeze and glance up at her briefly, telling her through my eyes that it was in fact not okay. She goes quiet herself and we continue to load up the car with old camping gear and food in silence. Then we hear a car pulling up the driveway. Shit. It’s our mom’s latest boyfriend, and he does not look happy that we are filling up my mom’s car.

“Hey! Whaddaya think yall doin’? Best not have cleared out them cabinets, girl- half that shit’s mine!” He yells as he approaches us aggressively. We continue to pack the car but only faster, getting into the front and slamming the doors behind us. Backing up off the drive and scratching his car as we peel off down the road with me shouting “Fuck you” and flipping the bird out the window, he is now shouting and trying to chase the car only to give up after we turn the corner. We look between each other concerned and we stay silent until we hit the traffic on the highway.

“Shit.” I mutter to myself as I turn off the car engine, “We’re gonna be here a while.”

Silence.

“…Piper? What happened to mom…?”

I avoid her gaze and stare into my lap uncomfortably, “She’s gone.” I say quietly.

Silence.

After a while of the uncomfortably heavy silence, something catches my eye from a few cars behind us.

The man I saw in the hospital.

“Stay here a sec…” I say as I get out of the car and shut the door, making my way over towards the police officer and his family.

“Hey…did I see you earlier?” He turns around at the sound of my voice and is visibly surprised to see me.

“Yeah, you saw me…” He states and sombrely reflects on the events from earlier on in the day.

“I uhm, never introduced myself earlier- I’m Piper, my sister in that car back there is Adina. Thank you for not uhm, you know, firing at me…” I gulp and nervously introduce myself to the muscular man as he takes a step closer to me. “Not a problem darlin’, ‘m Shane. Officer Shane Walsh,” he sticks his hand out for me to shake, which I do, and his hand lingers on mine as he looks me up and down, before gesturing over his shoulder to the people near the car next to his, “That’s Lori and her son, Carl…his dad, my best friend, was the one I was visitin’ today…He passed.” Hearing this I squeeze his hand apologetically, “I’m so sorry for your loss…” His attention is pulled back to me as he scans my face, “Me too, sorry ‘bout your mom.” We both give each other the same devastated look before I speak up again.

“I’d better get goin’ back to my sister, but we’re only a few cars ahead of you if you need anything.”

“Will do, darlin’.”

---

A/N: AAAAHHHHH i havent written properly in so long i hope you guys enjoy it, chapter one will be uploaded today as well <3

also i wasnt sure what to title the general story but was listening the the hoizer song "angel of small death and codeine scene" and thought that would be cool LMAO

[writesaboutdragons]

365 Promises of God

Day 355 – You will be Comforted

Blessed [are] those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. (Mat 5:4 NKJV)

Read: Matthew 5:1-12

Today’s promise is one of those ‘Be Attitudes’ we discussed a short ten days ago, from the Sermon on the Mount. As all of those promises found in Matt 5, this one requires something of you.

Mourning is not something any of us want to do. My wife recently lost her stepfather, and it brought back to me some of the grief I felt over the loss of my own father more than a half-century ago. I bawled like a baby, wailing uncontrollably for a few minutes during the service. At the age of 25, I was shocked later at how much my father’s death hit me. And that pain is still present today, though not as sharp and crushing. I know, right? Why can’t I just ‘get over it already’?

If you’ve lost a parent, or a child, a sibling or a close friend, it’s a traumatic event. You don’t just ‘get over it.’ EVER. You get THROUGH it, by God’s grace, and you are comforted by Him IN it, because you realize there is hope beyond the grave, and our Lord has conquered death and the grave. It is no longer the enemy with ultimate power. Because men can threaten us with death, but if there is life after death, even the shortening of this life by evil men simply ushers us into a better tomorrow.

The Greek word used here, pentheo, is an interesting word found 10 times in the New Testament, each time referring to grieving, mourning, wailing. It was used in the Old Testament Septuagint to translate various Hebrew words for mourning. But it was NOT used in Jer 9:17, when translating the ‘wailing women’ or mekonenet (lit qonen) referred to there. Who were these ‘wailing women’? One of the possible jobs a woman could actually get, a paying job, in OT times, and even in NT times, was to be a professional mourner. That’s right, somebody who DIDN’T know the one who’d died, but wailed and cried over them like they did. It’s expected that if somebody impacted your life, if they made a difference in you, you should attend their funeral, and comfort the family. Get closure to their lives and receive a promise of their promotion to glory.

But some people, obviously, had few family and no friends. Like an Ebenezer Scrooge, there would be no love, no family, no standing-room-only crowd at their funeral. In fact, you might only have people in the procession to their grave if you paid somebody to do it. So there was a lucrative business for the mekonenet. To be a ‘fake mourner’.

But you know, for those of you, like me, who legitimately mourn over the loss of someone you loved dearly, someone who was your rock and represented the immovable in your young life, or perhaps a spouse that was your whole WORLD, let me remind you, gently, that there is a God in heaven who loves them as dearly as He loves you, and that there is a hope beyond the grave for all who will call upon the name of the Lord, even if that is in their final few seconds.

You probably guessed, however, that there is another life application to what Jesus said here in the beatitudes. It may even be the application you’ve heard more about from the pulpit, and perhaps more to the heart of what Jesus was referring to. You see, in the beatitudes, All of the other beatitudes refer to a condition and attitude of the heart – to be meek, to be poor in spirit, to hunger and thirst for righteousness, to be merciful and pure in heart. These qualities are not all common to all men, like mourning for the dead is. So why would this beatitude be any different?

The better application of this promise is when we mourn over our sin. You see, the sin that so easily besets us is the same sin that kills us. It’s the same sin that caused a curse to be laid on all of creation. It’s the entire reason death exists at all, and it’s the thing that killed the holy Son of God.

Our sin may provide pleasure for a short season, but it leads to death, and we should mourn over it. We should wail over our condition. We should not treasure it, but stab it in the heart with a cross. Mourning over our sin, getting alone with God and crying out over whatever we are struggling against, is part of our condition as sinners bought with a price. We must meet with God, not just once, but often, to get clean, to get right, to seek forgiveness and find grace and mercy.

Oh dear precious Christian, He is waiting patiently for you to turn to Him, to meet with him, to confess what you’ve kept locked away in the dark in secret, when He knows about it all already. Mourn over your mistakes, and be comforted. Because, He’s already dealt with it. ALL of it. Sure, we stumble. Don’t you DARE think you are alone in this. I am in this with you. And Sister Bertha Better-Than-You in the Amen Pew is just as guilty, just as stained, and just as in need of mercy and forgiveness as you are. And comfort is offered to you if you will just mourn over it? Isn’t it time?

Prayer:

Lord, I know you are waiting in my closet, to meet with me. May I be desperate for you, and come mourning, in search of comfort, today. Amen

[themculibrary]

What If...? (TV Show) Masterlist 2

part one

All For Rhodey (ao3) - lapsedpacifist T, 1k

Summary: Rhodey’s death tore Tony’s heart apart better than any explosion ever could. Erik’s betrayal and subsequent murder attempt was just the cherry on top.

Good thing Tony had been experimenting with a neat little virus called Extremis, something he got his hands on in a rather… unethical manner. Not anything worth mentioning to Erik at the time.

An Endless War (ao3) - Eustacia Vye (eustaciavye) loki/natasha T, 23k

Summary: The Watcher dropped Natasha Romanoff into a world where she had died. It is very similar to the world she lost, with very significant differences. She's not about to let this world go down the same path that hers did, and will do whatever it takes to save it. Including dealing with a war criminal.

Animals (ao3) - fruitlicense T, 3k

Summary: The zombie apocalypse has arrived. The Avengers have fallen. How is Bucky Barnes processing all of this?

When it first starts, Bucky is numb.

Between the Acres of the Rye (ao3) - doctorhelena steve/peggy T, 5k

Summary: “Hey, Barnes stole a jeep! Come on, Steve, let's go! You, too, Carter.”

don't leave me here (ao3) -buries wanda/vision M, 11k

Summary: "I want to stay with you," Wanda said, cupping the nape of his neck. "Please. Just for a moment."

"You can stay with me for as long as you like, darling," Vision smiled. "Anything you want, anything you desire—I will give it to you."

She smiled and lowered her head toward his. "Good," she murmured against his lips. "You’re not allowed to leave me."

"Then I suppose I shan't," he chuckled.

—

Wanda refuses to accept Vision is dead.

Earth's New Defenders (ao3) - kittyhazelnut T, 5k

Summary: The Earth just lost its mightiest heroes.

Worse than that, though; they lost Thor Odinson, and Loki can’t help but feel like it’s all his fault.

fault line (ao3) - BabaTunji T, 1k

Summary: Erik gets an idea and against all odds, it works.

Have I Told You Lately I'm Grateful You're Mine (ao3) - Spacecadet72 steve/peggy T, 1k

Summary: “Do you ever think about what it would have been like if you had gotten the serum instead of me?”

his crown lit up the way (ao3) - meidui steve/thor T, 1k

Summary: At the soft, bewildered age of eighteen, Steve's mouth is the first thing Thor feels a stirring desire to conquer.

The king-to-be was never meant to fall for a thief, but there, with only wildflowers and the beaming sun to bear witness, he became helplessly and forever enamoured.

Out of Luck and Losing Touch (ao3) - CuteAsAMuntin stephen/christine G, 1k

Summary: The Sorceror Supreme has responsibilities. Stephen Strange doesn’t care anymore.

Realignment (ao3) - terribletressym T, 2k

Summary: Natasha finds that acclimating to an entirely new reality takes some doing.

savage (ao3) - graveltotempo erik/tony T, 23k

Summary: What if... Killmonger rescued Tony Stark?

And what if... it did not go exactly as he expected it to go?

Survivor (ao3) - Melime T, 1k

Summary: The whole universe died, and Natasha remained. She couldn't save anyone, but she could avenge them. The only thing she didn't expect was that she would get to fight Ultron and survive.

taste of the sky (ao3) - brainyisalwayssexy nebula/t'challa T, 1k

Summary: T'Challa and Nebula have a quick catch-up on his first day back on Earth. Oneshot. Fluff.

That World, That Time (ao3) - includewomeninthesequel steve/peggy T, 9k

Summary: After discovering the Hydra Stomper on the Lumerian Star, Peggy searches for answers while trying to figure out who to trust.

The Bite and the Snap (ao3) - Marcus_S_Lazarus T, 8k

Summary: When the last living people on Earth arrive in Wakanda, everything seems lost… until the last of the original Avengers returns to vanquish another foe.

The Morning After (ao3) - Emerald_Seidr (emeraldseidr) darcy/loki, one-sided darcy/howard the duck T, 976

Summary: Darcy's been known to make some really stupid choices in her life. But this? This takes the cake.

Aka, what happened the morning after Darcy married a goddamn duck.

Weaker than Ever (ao3) - brodiew steve/peggy N/R, 1k

Summary: Steve Rogers is frustrated after losing the chance to be a hero. The fledgling romance with Peggy that was sure to flourish as a super soldier now seemed in ruins. Peggy was bigger, faster, and stronger. Steve felt smaller, more sickly, weaker, and damn jealous.

you know me (better than I know myself) (ao3) - svgurl410 T, 2k

Summary: Steve's not sure who he is. But he knows her. Peggy.

You Know They're Bragging About Your Sugar (ao3) - tinkertoysdamn gamora/peter T, 2k

Summary: After freeing Sakaar, Tony sticks around for one last mission to help Gamora then he almost wishes he hadn't.