whiteknighthedin

[whiteknighthedin]

"It's imperative to not push Hogni's buttons, even as a joke or for amusement purposes. He's not someone you should take lightly." In short, Hedin wasn't stepping in and knew Hogni can handle himself.

[whiteknighthedin]

Hedin didn't miss a chance to take Hogni's hand and place a kiss on Hogni's palm, his lips lingered for a second before letting it go. They were able to do affectionate things like this when they were alone. Now, it felt comfortable to do so in a new setting. It felt right.

"I will stand by your side as well, Hogni." He promised.

Finally, his hold on Hedin loosened and he took one small step back, but his hands remained rested on the blond elf's arms. A gentle touch, a small show of affection...while they were alone. Hogni lifted a hand to brush some of that long hair back to provide himself space to kiss his pale cheek, very near his ear.

"I will stand beside you through whatever may become of us."

[whiteknighthedin]

"I'm aware. It's completely different from where we were. We have to earn their trust here." Hedin noted, glancing at the door once more then focused on Hogni. "We will be fine."

Hedin could handle himself and so can Hogni, but he will go scorched earth if he found a single scratch on his mate. At least he won't have to worry about that here. It still felt odd being away from goddess Freya. At least they can relax a little under Lady Hestia.

"The little Prum girl is outside. Our current assigned guard." While she wouldn't be able to fight them if she needed to, she was good for reporting anything out of place.

...Hardly any of them would be able to fight them and stand a chance, actually. Only Bell did...and that was because he was in training with them.

[whiteknighthedin]

"You're welcome. I'm glad you're safe here." Well, Hedin couldn't deny he did chase down his mate, but it wasn't out of malice. He was relieved Hogni didn't find anything wrong about that because they were reunited again. The future did seem blurred, but Hedin knows they will adapt and flourish together.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him improve as well. I'll lend my assistance if needed." he said as he glanced at the closed door. Hedin was sure their conversation was being listened in on. "The rest of the Familia will understand if you wish to check on the rabbit. It will take a little longer for them to trust me."

"...Thank you, for chasing after me," he still decided to keep his voice low, unsure of who would be listening in. Though he probably wouldn't be attacked for dating Hedin in this Familia, he was still shy about it.

Maybe a little anxious.

Very much worried about judgement.

"...I...am also glad I am allowed to watch his further progress and growth. And, if he was anything like me, I have my doubts that he slept last night. I would like to check on him, before I sleep..."

And--have the rest of the house tour put off for tomorrow.

[whiteknighthedin]

"It will be alright." Hedin also lowered his voice to where only Hogni could hear. "The rabbit vouched for you, yes? And the small Goddess' blessing has been bestowed upon you and myself. While it may be too early to tell, she isn't one to get rid of her own children so easily..."

It stung to come to the realization that Lady Freya would have done that with either of them if she deemed them unworthy. Hedin didn't want to think about that. He just focused on comforting his partner...and himself by holding onto him.

"I don't plan to use the rabbit as leverage. Like you, I do want the best for him."

There was a quiet whine from him, his head fully rested upon Hedin's shoulder again. He still hasn't let go of his partner, quite enjoying the warmth he was providing.

"The small Goddess..." He quieted, just in case there were any eavesdroppers. But he could whisper directly into Hedin's ear this way.

"She still thinks we have leverage over her. My presence is only being tolerated...because she thinks if I'm turned away, then Bell will leave, too. I am not condoning any threat against the Goddess, but...it is a thought."

[whiteknighthedin]

"I have a feeling she may allow us to be together. We hid our relationship from Goddess Freya and the entire Familia because neither would allow it." Hedin let out a sigh, feeling himself calm down more. Hogni's presence helped ease whatever turmoil he had. He loved him so much. "But, I will ask her for us. You don't have to be in the room when I inquire her about our relationship."

"I'm unsure..." Hestia was a virgin goddess. She valued chastity over all else. Freya was a goddess of beauty and love...two polar opposites. The way Hedin's fingers threaded so carefully though his hair felt so soothing...calming. He always knew what he was doing.

"Perhaps...it would not hurt to inquire Lady Hestia..."

[whiteknighthedin]

The slight height difference between them didn't bother Hedin as he reached up to run his hand through the soft white strands of Hogni's hair. It was his way of apologizing to Hogni for scolding him. He never stopped loving his partner despite the circumstances. Hogni had his heart too much and Hedin didn't mind this.

And Hedin didn't mention Hestia may already know he and Hogni are together, yet she said nothing. Maybe they could be together in front of everyone in this Familia.

"Maybe she will... Lady Hestia is rather kind after all." He finished Hogni's thought as he held him in his arms.

He would've thought that to be Hedin's original intent, actually. Drag him back. But, if he'd heard from Freya that she revoked his Falna, then there'd be no reason to.

He nuzzled his cheek against Hedin's shoulder now, needing to lean his head forward a little more. He was just slightly taller than the blond.

"...Maybe...Lady Hestia would be generous enough, to let us..."

[whiteknighthedin]

"You think I don't have those same reservations? I've debated finding you and bringing you back here, but knowing how you feel now, I have mixed feelings on whether I made the right choice." He admitted as he returned his partner's embrace. Hedin felt comforted as he could have Hogni in his arms again, his usually cold heart feeling whole and warm again. Only with Hogni.

"It did hurt to leave Lady Freya. I would have done anything for her. I cannot deny that a part of me still feels the same. However, my nights were restless once I knew you weren't there despite not sharing a room."

His first instinct was to lean into the touch. Hedin's warm hand against his cheek...always a comfort for him. "Do not say that. I still have my reservations about deserting our G--...Lady Freya." He couldn't call her that. She wasn't his anymore.

He stepped forward slightly, slipping his arms around Hedin and nestled his nose into his neck.

"Every part of me has been screaming to run back into her warm embrace, despite no longer bearing her Falna. I could not find solace in slumber last night, with the knowledge I would be without her...and without you..."

[whiteknighthedin]

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Hogni. You're not dense." Hedin released Hogni's hand then cupped his cheek with it. He didn't force his partner to look in his eyes. "What I feel for you is much greater than my devotion to Lady Freya. It sounds blasphemous to say out loud, but it's true. An elven bond is that intense as I have realized. I'm sure you realize that as well with me seeking you out and finding you."

...The atmosphere was calming, now. Ever so slightly. He knew Hedin never wanted Freya to let herself fall to kidnapping, that it would disgrace her and twist her into something ugly and obscene...as jealousy often did. Everything Hedin did was for her, and it showed. Not in the way people expected, though.

He felt horrible, forcing Hedin's hand like that.

"I tried to convince myself that you were gone for good...I consistently found himself looking out the window though, like I was going to see you."

"Yet, it was still a shock to see your arrival, but...not unwelcome."

[whiteknighthedin]

i know some fuckers reupload my art without a care in the world, im fighting w this for years now and it was a major reason why i deleted my previous art blog and stopped posting art for a long time. i dont hunt the internet to catch everyone tho, even if it pisses me off greatly.

BUT if anyone ever sees my oc art reuploaded, let me know so i can deal with this. one of my biggest fears is people stealing my ocs/worlds or claiming them, i saw that happen to someone once and its scary as hell. i wont tolerate that w my ocs. literally fuck you.

and regarding the AI ask just now; please dont use my OCs for things such as roleplay or anything.

also i rb sm abt it and thoughts its obvious - especially as an artist - what my stance on AI is and what a deep hatred i have for it. do NOT use my things for ANY of that shit.

and, in general while were on the topic of AI bc i see this SO OFTEN: you cant be anti AI and then turn around and use AI writing programs, its all scraped and based on stolen shit. please protect writers as much as artists and VAs.

[whiteknighthedin]

"I understand that, Hogni. It took a while to free myself from her. It proved to be fairly difficult. She didn't want to let me go. So, I imagine it was the same for you as you were devoted to her too." Hedin wanted to reiterate he wanted Hogni to tell him the moment the thought of leaving crossed his mind, but it seemed like his partner understood his words.

"And as for the rabbit, it wasn't fair to keep the ruse up. Goddess Freya wanted him and I complied without complaint. At least here, he can flourish again. Lady Hestia is where he should be."

He was prepared(as much as he could be) for more lectures, probably mostly pertaining to betraying Freya's trust and the like--Hedin had ALWAYS been the most loyal and devout, right behind Ottarl.

But he didn't expect the other elf to focus on the last thing he was going to say. His face burned, and he could feel it in his ears as well...Ohh, there would be no hiding that from Hedin now.

"That--it..." he knew it wouldn't be possible under Freya. The Goddess herself might not mind it, but it was her Children, her followers that would.

"I...wished...not to leave, but I could no longer let myself be blind to the injustices." He was trying to bring the conversation back on its main track. "A-any outcome that I imagined...concluded the same. Wi...with my excommunication."

[whiteknighthedin]

Hedin had to reel his emotions back after noticing Hogni's rising anxiety. He calmed himself again and took in Hogni's words. He took one of his partner's hands into his own. While he was angry with Hogni, he wanted him to know he loved him more than anything. He left Freya for him and he felt it was worth it.

"I can understand if you had to do that on a whim. Not that it didn't make the situation less difficult." He paused. "And you know if it were any other time, I would have eloped with you too. Was that what you wanted to say?

"--There was no time," he repeated, rephrased. His feet were rooted to the spot, trembling purely from his tone alone. He could stand toe-to-toe with Hedin, but that didn't matter when it came to arguments. Differing opinions. Hedin's will was so much stronger and unbendable. "The cover of night only lasts so long, we had to take our leave immediately."

He kept his hands where they were under his cloak, gripping onto it would give away his anxiety. But Hedin deserved to be heard.

"If we were to run away together..." Ah--nope, no, don't imagine it. "I...wished not to leave my partner behind..."

[whiteknighthedin]

Hedin knew Hogni had a little attachment to Bell Cranel like himself. Though going this far was risky and it could lead to the end of their lives. He knew this and when he came to the immediate decision to leave as well. There was some guilt from when he contributed to the obvious manipulation, or the divine curse on the Rabbit. It was wrong and Hedin realized that now. It was clear Hogni realized it sooner...

Hedin just wished his mate talked to him.

"You should have came to me about it, Hogni! We could have helped him together." He sighed, an attempt to calm himself despite his emotions swirling inside him like a storm. It wasn't just anger now. He felt like he went through several different stages of grief in a handful of days. "...It did feel like you abandoned me, like you tried to sever the bond between us. I thought something had happened when I couldn't find you."

There was a flinch from Hogni, despite Hedin's voice remaining relatively the same volume. He remained completely still--he wanted to hear him out, first...and everything he was hearing only made him feel worse.

He could feel slight trembling begin first in his forearms, then his ribs, then spread out from those points.

Ah. His composure was crumbling.

"--For the Rabbit," he responded, his voice a little shaky. "To release him from a divine grasp, to...set him free." He could normally handle Hedin, but he knew this was his fault. "I meant not to abandon you...But time eluded us. An escape had to be carried through before sunrise...before the Goddess realized I stole her treasure."

[whiteknighthedin]

Hedin fixed his clothes quickly as he walked with Hogni and noticed eyes were on them. Hopefully the prum girl and everyone else knew to steer clear of the room and not listen in. Hestia already knew Hogni and Hedin needed to talk and graciously allowed them to do so. She didn't pry. His respect for the goddess grew due to that.

"That is an understatement. I am furious, Hogni." Hedin clarified, almost forgetting how his mate had severe issues being stared at. He was sure his piercing gaze was deeply unsettling for Hogni when he focused on his mate.

"Did you assume I wouldn't know when you had left?! Why did you do it? Why attempt to sever what we had?" he asked, his aura alone spoke many volumes if the hurt he felt hadn't leaked into his voice already.

His room was probably the best. Away from prying eyes, evading questions. He didn't say anything as they walked down the hall, having left the Goddess behind. He already knew Lili was tailing them, keeping an eye on them as much as she could.

A dedicated Prum.

When they entered his room, he closed the door behind himself. He'd only just arrived yesterday, so his room wasn't decorated at all.

Alright...

"You're angry."

[whiteknighthedin]

It was expected and Hedin didn't put up a fight about his weapon. He handed it over to Hestia. He noticed Hestia caught onto something between them, yet said nothing. Hedin appreciated her for not prying. Not now while his own emotions were high. He turned his attention to Hogni then followed him to wherever, so they could talk in private. He had a lot of things to say and needed answers from his mate.

"Let's talk in your room." Hedin knew they had likely accommodated Hogni by now.

Hogni watched quietly and couldn't help but notice the look on Hestia's face after she was done, looking between the two elves. There was something there, in her eyes. But under those scrutinizing blue hues, he turned back toward the door.

"You wished to talk, yes? Lady Hestia needn't hear any of it," he said then, walking through into the hallway.

"Oh! Wait!!" Hestia reached out to both of them. "We can't let you have your weapon right now, Hedin! Hogni's was confiscated, too. If you'll leave it here, I'll have Welf keep it safe for you until everyone decided they can trust you both."

Hogni glanced over at her, then Hedin, and gave him a nod. A rule he'd agreed to follow for the time being.

[whiteknighthedin]

As she looked him over, Hedin thought Goddess Hestia was so strange. Completely different from Lady Freya which was refreshing to see. It seemed like she took a liking to him as she did with Hogni, but he was on guard. How long would it be before Lady Hestia grew bored of him as well? He expected it as he wordlessly did as Hestia asked and sat down. He glanced over at Hogni once before he undid his cape and black tunic to reveal his back to the goddess.

Hedin was surprised she was willing to bestow her blessing onto him, but grateful. Most of all, he was relieved she took him in despite his rudeness. He had a roof over his head again and now, he was with Hogni again. He will still have to talk to him after this.

"Thank you, Lady Hestia." That was going to take getting used to.

She only expected someone to come through the door specifically because--she just heard a commotion outside. She didn't expect Hedin, though. At least...not so soon. Out of everyone, she was probably the only one that guessed something like this would happen.

She hopped up from the couch, her long ponytails swaying behind her as she approached him, then even circled around him a little to to get a good look at him all-around.

Before she could even say anything though, the door opened again and Hogni walked in, despite knowing Hedin was angry with him.

"--Hedin, the Goddess should be informed of consultation beforehand."

"It's okay," Hestia smiled, then looked up at Hedin again. "You said you no longer have Freya's Falna? Sit down on the couch and reveal your back, I can bestow mine to you." Both elves...given a blessing without a unanimous decision by all members.

[whiteknighthedin]

Hedin was still angry, but he was going to be on his best behavior with Lady Hestia. He had to if he wanted to join this Familia. No, he wanted to. It was necessary as he wanted to essentially follow his mate's footsteps. While joining this Familia of all things was not expected of him, he felt a bit wounded in his pride once again. He had to endure, wanted to so he could possibly be together with Hogni. And he legitimately had no idea where to go if this fell through. That would be devastating...

His resolve didn't waver as he sought out Lady Hestia. Hedin caught the eye of a couple of members staring at him wearily and one, a foxian girl with long blonde hair becoming flustered and she fled the area. His presence was rather intimidating. He paid them no mind. The white elf needed to collect his thoughts and consider the few possible scenarios on how this could play out. Some which were extreme, but he hoped it would not come to that.

Hedin knocked on the door to the room Hestia resided and was allowed inside. She didn't seem phased by the elf standing before her. Maybe she expected hum. She was a goddess like Lady Freya after all. He bowed to show respect before speaking.

"Lady Hestia. As you are likely aware, I was a part of the Freya Familia. My name is Hedin Selland." Introducing himself to a goddess who knew his name was odd, but it was best to get formalities out of the way. And show a tad respect if he wished to be accepted. "However, I had decided to leave, but not before asking goddess Freya to remove the blessing she had previously bestowed upon me. I hadn't thought of where to go but here. I...humbly ask if you will accept me here. If you will have me in this Familia."

'With Hogni.'

|| Unexpected

@whiteknighthedin//(continuation)

The day after conversion into Hestia Familia. He was correct in thinking Victim Abyss would be confiscated for the time being--taken in by Welf...Crozzo. He wasn't sure how to feel about a Crozzo handling his equipment, but...

At least it'd be in good hands and taken care of.

Liliruca assigned herself as chaperone whenever he was out of his room--which...was NOT going to be very often, it seemed. Especially not now that the other members knew he was there. Not when they were constantly watching him.

Hogni was heading back inside with Bell at his side and Lili following when suddenly--Hedin was there. Surprise was written so distinctly in his one visible eye, which was only exacerbated by what was whispered to him. Oh...He was angry.

Later...

All three stood frozen while Hedin simply passed by them to find Hestia. Later meant after I join this goddamn Familia.

Now that was...the tipping point. He needed to go back to his room, but he first turned to Bell and whispered to him, to tell Hedin where he was after the conversion. He needed to let Hedin be angry, to get it out of his system.

He understood what he did.

He'd take the consequences.