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guhamun · 10 months

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@caemthe said (inbox):

[ nobu, for nagayoshi ] "Oi, Katsuzou, mind me asking a couple things?" Chacha had left the room to steal search for snacks, which gave the daimyō the perfect chance to say something that had crossed their mind that day. "Why are you so stupid?" Each word would've been accentuated by a smack to the head if they hadn't been lying down. "I mean, you ever stopped to think why I approved for the Ikeda and Mori clan to tie the knot? Come on, your wife was one of a kind so... the hell was that with your daughter not becoming an onna-bugeisha and not marrying a samurai?" Because, seriously, such wasted potential. The children of terrifying warriors should become even more terrifying warriors themselves. Ugh, it didn't take a genius to figure that out. "If I had known, I would've sent her to be fostered by another family." A yawn. "Actually, the hell were you doing instead of making more brats? Being a couple years away from the battlefield wouldn't have killed Sen-chan." Tch, just thinking about it pissed them off but it wasn't like it could be helped now.

AS IF HE COULD refuse Nobunaga. What was he supposed to say? No? To them? Seemed ridiculous. However, sometimes they liked giving the illusion of choice, so he would go along with it. ❝Sure. What’dya want?❞ Considering they purposely waited until Chacha left, no doubt whatever he was going to be asked would be annoying. Even so, one did not refuse Nobunaga, and so he’d have to answer it – whatever it was. The question that came was one that earned a raised brow, his head giving a slight tilt to the side. ❝Huh?❞ Nagayoshi couldn’t recall doing anything that was too…outside…of his usual habits. He tried to dig through his thoughts to find something, although in the end, there was no reason to do even that. Nobunaga continued on, stating what they had meant by him being ‘stupid’. Teeth clenched, his expression darkening, but he didn’t say anything. At least, not at first. For as loud and quick to state his mind as he always was, there was switch between his usual boorish and brash habits to something far more cunning and cautious – the very things that one would assume that Nagayoshi was not. ❝Well, you can’t trust a rabid dog to do everything you want it to do. You know that much, Boss.❞

He was obedient, though also not quite. Nagayoshi did what Nagayoshi wanted to do, and they were very much aware of that fact since the beginning. Was that not why they wrote off his behavior at times, as him just being him? Why they did not punish him for killing each and every guard that had attempted to block his way and make him get off his horse back in the past? Why they hadn’t punished him for things said or done when others would have been slain on spot after a good laugh from Nobunaga? ❝Anyway, why would I want to have more kids when I could be out there killing? My daughter would have been a terrible onna-bugeisha. A good wife, yeah, but warrior? Not so much.❞ He waved his hand, brushing aside the very thought of it. ❝She didn’t have the disposition for it and would have been more liability than anything else…and I know how you hate those you can’t properly use. ‘Sides, the time I spent lounging about the estate would have been put to better use taking enemies heads.❞ He leaned back, his hand lifting to cup his chin as he glanced up at the ceiling. ❝Nah, that other stuff never really came to mind when war was a lot more interesting than setting up a marriage.❞

#caemthe #[THIS IS 5 MONTHS OLD FORGIVE ME LIRI -slowly goes through all #the things I owe u KFHSFSFS-]#;m: nagayoshi #;v: chaldea days #;;f.go #answered #;post: beta #;caemthe : nobunaga

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musingsofmyown · 2 years

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i hope you know you're one of my favourite people on this site

I-

🥺

You is one of my favourites too 🥺🥺

Omg- I love you bestie- I always see you in my notifs and hyping me up in my posts and I love you so much

Fun fact: you're one of my oldest and most consistent mutuals along with @bisexual-confusion (before fluffsmut and Liri actually, so literally my oldest mutuals) You guys came from my old account and like- 🥺 aaaa I love you guys

I love you so so much, I dont get to express that a lot 💛💛💛💛💛

ps: I love you

pps: I love you- did you know that? I dont think I mentioned that enough-

#Im being dead serious with this btw-#there's a few other old mutuals that I have on here but they dont interact as much as you guys do #and I-#it warms my heart knowing that I was likeable and funny enough that you guys would follow my chaos #I hope I become a mutual like that to my newer ones #I also hope that the new mutuals I've made enjoy my content/company as much as I enjoy theirs and yours #well wishes and good fortune my dear #aspen answers asks #thanks for the ask!#thesunandherflannelcurtains #FLUFFSMUT AND LIRI I LOVE YOU GUYS TOO ITS JUST THAT YOU GUYS ARE TECHNICALLY 'NEWER' THAN THEM #I LOVE YOU ALL #MY MUTUALS HAVE EQUAL AMOUNTS OF LOVE FROM ME #AND THAT AMOUNT IS INFINITE #I LOVE YOU ALL BABES #DONT DOUBT THAT OR IMMA DONDE-ESTAS-YOLANDA YOUR ASSES

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himedachi · 4 days

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[ cú, for h.sr killian ] Once all the monsters were defeated, Cú Chulainn swung his spear once to clean the blood off it, his posture finally relaxing. A wide grin adorned his features when he turned to glance at his ally in the fight, thrilled to see that they were uninjured as well. He forgot to count how many enemies he took down, but he’ll make sure to count so they can compare and decide who ‘wins’ next time. “You were able to keep up with me! I can’t remember the last time that happened,” the young man laughed, excitement as clear as water in his ruby-like eyes. In a way, it made sense. Determination and the path of the Hunt aren’t the only things that make a Galaxy Ranger, after all.

The pair of warriors were in no state to enter a bar or restaurant, but Cú still said: “Let me buy you something to drink once we return to the city. I bet you’ve as many interesting stories to share as I.” It was the first time he crossed paths with another Galaxy Ranger, so could anyone blame him for getting excited?

“Really? …It wasn’t all that difficult for me.”

The former knight replied at his comrade’s remarks with cool detachment as remnants of levin sparks crackle over the tip of his weapon. It was an aftereffect of the fatal hit directed at one of the monsters who attempted to maul him from close distance. Fortunately, his well-trained reflexes allowed him to counter the movement almost effortlessly — blast of lightning-aspected mana cartridge fired from the gunblade shocked && burned ‘til its corpse blackened. Likewise, he was lost enough in the thrill of the battle to count how many enemies that he had personally defeated. Being somewhat distracted over splats of a monster’s blood that he had caught on his newly acquired expensive leather boots may had factored into it too — as he simply stomped with enough force over his victim's poor body to pulverize it to death, but sullied his brand new shoes with blood in return.

Similarly his now disordered appearance made him in no state to properly enter any bars for a celebratory drink, yet the blue-haired youth who fought alongside him was cordial enough to make an offer; one that he couldn’t find any reason to refuse. “Hm. I don’t mind.” In a rather fascinating twist of fate, this man was also one of the many Galaxy Rangers spread across the cosmos. How curious.

Sitting the blunt edge of his gunblade across his shoulder, he made his steps forward first to head back over the nearest settlement area. Looking back briefly, he gestured towards the youth with a flick of his head to follow his lead. “Come along then if you wish to keep up with my pace, or do you rather wish to race me to the town?” With his ever-enduring stamina still robust enough to perform a consistent sprint, he'd accept any speed endurance challenge with his own knightly pride at stake.

@caemthe

#caemthe #caemthe; cu chulainn #▶┊ sealed & signed & delivered. ( answered )#♞‧₊˚ killian. ( ic text )#UEEEE TY LIRI FOR PREFACING THIS o/#this gives me a little insight to hsr!killy hehehe #feel free to cont. this to a thread if u want!

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tessa-liam · 8 months

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Smoke and Mirrors

9-Hidden in Plain Sight

Book: The Royal Romance Finale, AU

Series Premise: Hidden in the shadows, poised to challenge the status quo are enemies of the state. The loyalties and honesty of family and friends will be tested. ‘Keep your friends close, your enemies closer’.

Smoke and Mirrors Masterlist

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi’

2nd Pairings: Leo Rys x Amalas, Drake Walker x F!OC Delaney Leigh, Olivia Nevrakis x M!OC Alex Cossoy

*Most characters belong to Pixelberry.

*Not Beta’d, please excuse all errors

Rating: M🔞*Series Warnings: NSFW material, sexual innuendo, adult language/swearing/drinking/gun violence. Not recommended for anyone under 18 years of age.

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff

Words: 2394

Chapter Summary: It’s the evening of the Celebration Ball and the big reveal of the Royal twins. Lena is interrogated by Interpol. Liam and Leo discuss a potential threat to the kingdom.

Smoke and Mirrors

9- Hidden in Plain Sight

Music Inspiration: Sway, Michael Buble; Claire De Lune, London Symphony Orchestra; Late Night Talking, Harry Styles

A/N2: My submission for @choicesseptemberchallenge2023, @midnightmelodiz , Day 6 – Dreams, Day dream, “I’m in love with you?”

A/N1: My submission for @choicesflashfics @jerzwriter Week #49, Prompt 1- “You take my breath away every time I see you.”

The King’s chamber was illuminated only by the soft light of the full moon where the King and Queen lay together. Riley was fast asleep, her head resting on Liam’s chest, her very pregnant belly snuggled safely against his side. Liam looked over at his sleeping wife, his heart swelling with love for her and their sons. In three short weeks, his family will grow to five; that time coming very quickly now.

Cordonian Royal Palace

He lay awake; sleep eluding him again for another night. Mentally organizing his schedule for the upcoming month, his thoughts eventually returned to that conversation with Drake that they had on the beach the day before. His confession...

‘Watching you with Brooks, all these years... I want that too.’

‘Pretending to be happy is pretty damn exhausting.’

Sighing, Liam was pleasantly surprised when he heard a soft voice.

No one else would have caught it, but Liam did. He ‘read between the lines’ of what Drake had said, like he was remembering a bad dream. Did Drake just admit that he still had feelings for his wife? Were those feelings that he had years ago still present and relevant to him?

“How long have you been awake?” Riley whispered.

He kissed her forehead and placed his hand on her baby bump. Stroking her belly, he could feel the soft kicks under his palm.

“Not long, love” he murmerred.

“What are you thinking about?” Liam hesitated before answering.

Riley turning her head to look up at him, “you think too much sometimes.”

“A conversation that I had. I am not quite sure if it was real or if it was a daydream.” Liam kept his answer opaque on purpose, not wanting to divulge too much detail to her.

Liam chuckled, “Are you complaining?”

“Never,” she replied, yawning. “I love you,” she added sleepily.

His body relaxed, as he closed his eyes, “I love you more.” he murmured, tightening his arm around her protectively.

Cordonian Palace Ballroom

The Ballroom was filled with guests awaiting the King’s announcement scheduled for later in the evening.

Royalty from neighboring kingdoms, nobility, politicians, and ambassadors from allied countries came from long and short distances to partake in the black-tie festivities. Music filled the air as waitstaff circulated amongst the crowd with glasses of wine and flutes of champagne.

“I’m glad you decided to attend this event with me,” Olivia said smiling at Alex.

“I must be honest with you, Livvie. I usually attend these functions as the enforcer. I am not used to wearing a ‘monkey suit’,” Alex smirked. He seemed to be comfortable among all the guests, nonetheless.

Olivia grinned back at her partner, but her smile quickly faded when she spotted Amalas and Leo huddled together on the other side of the dance floor. They appeared to be deep in conversation and were not paying any attention to their surroundings.

Alex noticed Olivia’s expression change. “Everything okay?” he asked with concern. She nodded, trying to force the smile back onto her lips.

“I thought that Leo was coming on his own tonight.”

“Liv, that doesn’t mean that he can't talk to anyone once he gets here,” Alex rebutted. Olivia sighed loudly and continued to watch the couple from afar.

A waiter approached, carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres. Alex accepted a small sampling as Olivia continued to study the couple without saying another word. Alex shook his head; he knew what was bothering her. He also wished, he was mistaken.

As the orchestra began to play the first few notes of the Cordonian national anthem, the press began to gather around the dais waiting for the King to enter the ballroom.

The King’s guard fell into strategic positions when the herald announced the arrival of the Royal family.

Liam strode up to the lectern that was atop the dais wearing his full military regalia. Riley, walking with Eleanor, joined him and stood next to his side. Regina and Leo stood close by next to the dais.

The crowd hushed in anticipation. Clearing his throat once before speaking, Liam began, “Good evening, everyone,” he proclaimed.

“It is my pleasure and honor to welcome you all here tonight. I know many have been waiting patiently for the queen and I to make an official announcement concerning our ‘additions’ to the Royal family.” Liam turned to wink at Riley.

The ballroom attendees erupted in whoops and cheers.

Liam acknowledged his delighted guests with a broad smile and waited a few minutes for the accolades to subside. Continuing with, “thank you, thank you!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to have my princess here to help me....” Liam turned and beamed, chuckling as Ellie clapped her hands with a peal of laughter as her uncle Leo scooped her up and joined his brother.

“Well, Ellie, what do you think?” Leo asked, smirking at Liam.

“Daddy, look.�� Ellie exclaimed and pointed to a bevy of blue balloons filled with helium that were being released behind the crowd overtop the dance floor.

“Everyone, our twin boys, our princes, are expected to arrive at the end of this month.” Liam lifted Riley’s hand tenderly to kiss.

Riley joined Liam as he took her hands and led her to stand beside him at the lectern.

Thrilled at the excitement, Liam continued once the audience returned their attention back to him.

Liam waited for the crowd to settle down after the announcement.

The applause was deafening as everyone celebrated.

After posing for pictures by the press, Liam led Riley to the dance floor as the orchestra began to play the beginning notes of ‘Clair de Lune’. As they danced, it felt like time stood still; as guests formed a circle around them, Liam kissed Riley’s hand and placed it atop his chest over his heart as they swayed together in time to the music.

“It must have something to do with the love of my life in my arms,” Liam simpered.

“How is it, that.... Liam,” as she smoothed down his lapels, “you take my breath away every time I see you.”

“Always the charmer, Your Majesty." Riley whispered, kissing his lips sweetly.

***

Drake held Delaney close to his chest as they watched the King and Queen move together in the center of the dance floor.

“They look so perfect together,” Delaney sighed. Her voice was laced with envy.

“Don’t worry, you’ll find someone special someday.” Drake answered sarcastically.

Delaney laughed. “That’s so easy for you to say.” Slapping his arm.

Drake grinned, “you'are damn straight, Leigh. When I first met you, I had no idea what my future would hold. You showed me things that I had only dreamed of having with someone. … and I have treasured every minute of your love.”

Growling, he leaned over and kissed her fiercely on the lips. Just as Riley and Liam walked past them. Delaney noticed the look on Drake’s face when he locked eyes with Riley. It gave her an uneasy feeling. He seemed to be lost in thought.

Smiling playfully at him, Delaney asked in jest, “I’m in love with you too?"

She frowned. “Something wrong?”

His eyes shifted away from Riley, and he shook his head.

“No, nothing at all.”

But he didn’t fool her. Delaney, now was positive that her concerns were justified, stepped back.

“Good evening, you two.” Riley beamed as she turned towards Delaney and Drake.

“You two are getting married! Congratulations...I am so happy for you both.” Riley put her arm around her shoulder for a side hug.

“Thank you so much,” Delaney replied, hugging Riley in return.

“Yes, congratulations you two,” Liam reached over to kiss Delaney’s cheek.

“I am impressed, Walker.” Riley snickered as she hugged her friend.

“Wow, settling down and saying goodbye to the bachelor life.” Liam smirked, shaking Drake's hand.

“Who would have thought,” Riley chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah, Brooks, get your shots in now.” Drake responded, not making eye contact.

Interrogation Room A, Interpol Headquarters, Lyon, France

Lena sat back on her chair with her hands folded in her lap. She was flanked by two men in dark suits. One of the men was a middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair. His name was detective Lefebvre, and he had been assigned by Inspector Ryerson to investigate her case. The other man was the head of Psychiatrics and was assigned to conduct an evaluation of her psychological state by King Liam Rys of Cordonia.

Across the table, sat Lena’s legal defense attorney, assigned to represent her by the Royal estate of Vallenheim.

Detective Lefebvre cleared his throat.

“Miss Runarsdottir, I understand you are familiar with the Cordonian Royal family?”

Lena nodded. “Yes, I have met King Constantine Rys, my father. My stepmother, Queen Sigrid, raised me when my mother Eleanor Rys was murdered. I know of but never met my brother Liam or my stepbrother Leo.”

“And what do you know about them?” he asked.

Lena’s mouth went dry. She felt like she was trapped in a nightmare.

“I don’t have any other information about them,” she lied.

“Do you mean to tell me that you knew nothing about your brothers even though you were caught outside the buildings they were in this past summer?”

Lena stared at him unflinching.

“How did you know where to go?” he asked again.

“I’m sorry, I can't help you.”

Lefebvre slammed his fist against the table, making Lena jump in surprise.

“Don't play with me. You’re either lying or delusional.”

Lena bit her lip. She sat stoically and kept her emotions hidden.

“I am not playing around. I have no information.”

Feeling frustrated, Detective Lefebvre changed his strategy.

“Miss Runarsdottir, who is Bastien Lykel?

“Who?”

“Bastien Lykel,” he repeated.

Lena’s face paled. “I don’t know anyone named Bastien.”

“Are you sure?” he pressed.

“We have CCTV evidence of your conversation with him in the holding cells at the Cordonian Palace.”

“I-I-” she stammered.

“You were seen talking to him at least three times before you escaped those holding cells in Cordonia. Is that correct?”

Again, Lena sat in silence.

“Choose wisely, Miss Runarsdottir, and answer my questions. What is the nature of your relationship with Bastien Lykel?”

Lena’s breathing quickened and her hands began to shake. If she told the truth, she was dead.

“Let the records show that Miss Runarsdottir is not cooperative.”

Cordonian Ballroom

Leo was speaking to Rashad at the bar when Liam approached after having a debate with an American ambassador.

“Hey Li, I see you survived your conversation with Smithfield.” Leo smirked as Liam ordered a scotch and shot it back quickly.

“Barkeep, another round for my brother and I’ll take the same.”

“Why, thank you Leo.” Liam clapped his back.

“Where is your beautiful Queen?”

“Riley is upstairs with Ellie. Being so close to her due date, she needs to be off her feet to rest from tonight’s festivities. She is exhausted.”

Leo nodded. “Totally understandable, but Li, why are you still down here?”

“Because I need to talk with you and apologize about the other day.” Liam responded.

“No apologies needed. I was being an asshole and you called me out.” Leo grinned.

“Well, I overreacted. You pressed a nerve when you mentioned father.”

Leo smirked, “good, because I agree with you and I believe you are ‘right on the money’.

Liam chuckled, shaking his head.

“Again, that’s what makes you the better King,” Leo winked

“I do have information for you." Leo continued. "Amalas gave me an update on Interpol’s case on Lena and Bastien.”

‘Liam winces slightly at the mention of Lena, but he does not interrupt.’

“Lena is being uncooperative when questioned by the detectives. Nice touch, by the way, for assigning a psychiatrist to oversee her testimony.”

“Well, it’s the least I could do knowing what father did to her, and her future.”

“’Amalas has uncovered a few suspicious ‘coincidences’, but nothing damning enough’ to help shed light as to what her motives are.”

“So far, the information that he divulged on the estate of Vallenheim has been verified as true. It was uncovered that he has affiliations with members of the Vallenheim royal guard.”

“Has there been any progress on Bastien’s involvement?” Liam inquired.

“Director Ryerson has scheduled an official update for Monday morning with me. Apparently, Interpol has uncovered a black ledger. It was 'hidden in plain sight'."

“Care to join me, Leo?”

Leo responded, “I will be here.”

📌 @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @jared2612 @irisk12 @thesvnsins @walkerdrakewalker 📌

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helloliriels · 21 days

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Pass the happy! ✨ When you get this, reply with 5 things that make you happy and send this to the last 10 people in your notifications!

Hot Tea ☕🫖🥠

Sherlock x John happily together in any universe 💕

Tchaikovsky 🦢

Video Games 🎮

Hot Baths 🫧🧼🫧

ty @smalltimenerd !

#tag games #liri answers

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liyrical · 11 months

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your icon is such a mood lmao

its a silly little thing . i forgot the source but yeah its just some cat on this site

#liri answers

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ivyblossom · 6 days

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Hi Ivy! Had a silly question, and don't feel obligated to answer ... !!! But I was curious if anyone has ever a printed up a copy of The Quiet Man or made like a bound copy i could talk to? I was hoping to get one as this story means more to me than any other in the fandom and I truly do not want to lose it to the world of digital deletion.

Much love, 💋 liri

Hi there! Not a silly question at all! I don't 100% remember in fairness, but I don't believe that anyone's bound The Quiet Man. If someone knows that I'm wrong about that, please correct me!

Sorry I don't have a lead for you. I'm thrilled to hear that my story is important to you, that's a lovely thing to hear, thank you!

For what it's worth, I have no intention of deleting my fics. There's no reason I'd ever need to, they are in no danger. As long as AO3 exists, all my fics will exist on it.

I decided a while back to divest myself from my connection to the Harry Potter franchise. I didn't like seeing JK Rowling's name on my profile, it gave me the icks. So I orphaned them. I believe the URL for them remains the same. If ever I felt a need to distance myself from Sherlock, I'd probably just do the same. I'm not feeling inclined to orphan my Sherlock fics, though.

If you or anyone else wanted to bind The Quiet Man, you're more than welcome to do so as far as I'm concerned.

#fanfiction #If the tag just said Harry Potter I might not have orphaned those fics #I don't feel any need to divest myself from the fandom #Just from JKR #JKR hates Harry/Draco so shipping it remains satisfying #but I just couldn't stand seeing her damn name

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safedistancefrombeingsmart · 5 months

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#8 ?

Curious how you became gifmaker extraordinaire! 💋

Hey Liri! 👋💋

I kind of answered that question already here, but I think I misunderstood the question a bit, so I will answer it again. 😆

8. Were you inspired for a fellow gifmaker to make a gifset?

Yes, of course. A couple actually. I usually put a little link ( "insp.") to the original gifset / tutorial when I do this. Credit where credit is due. It's a great way of learning new things.

Example 1 (Link):

Example 2 (Link):

Example 3 (Link):

Example 4 (Link):

And example 5 (Link):

Thanks for the ask. 😘

(more questions here)

#ask games #ask #lovely people #gifmakers on tumbler #gifmakers year in review #year in review #2023 in review #my gfx

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ardenssolis · 1 year

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what is holding you back?

the inability to rely on others without feeling like a burden.

you're spending way too much time trying to find an explanation for everything you do and think, aren't you? you feel like all of the answers have to come from inside of you, since that's the role you've grown into. from the outside, people think you have it together. they see your open arms as invitation, and therefore keep leaning on you. at first, it was okay, since you wanted to help. but slowly, you're being dragged further and further down. you need help, too. but you're supposed to be there for everyone else. you're the one they go to when they're struggling. you've put everyone else first, and now you feel like you can't allow others to know that you need help. please, stop telling yourself you're fine. deep down, you know you aren't. things don't have to be this way. you can let those people in. if anything, they will be grateful that you reached out. can you imagine how nice it'd feel to take a break from dealing with this all on your own?

tagged by: @caemthe (THANK U LIRI /////)

tagging: @aceparagon, @nulltune, @deityforged, @darabeatha, @jaakunxkaze, @cantillat, + anyone! Take it!

#[damn this quiz really decided to be a literal knife emoji JKHFKDJFHSFS #some of this is fairly accurate in the fact that he literally does not #know how to rely on others like -- EMOTIONALLY #he can do that in the practical sense since Ozy is not above joining forces #with others if that is the wise and reasonable choice to make #but there's a limit to what he does #a limit to what he allows others to be able to peer into #even Nito doesn't get to see the things buried in his heart #and in canon he has only touched upon this ONCE in his interlude #but he always does these things in a roundabout way that you have to #basically figure out on your own because he's not going to tell you #just drop hints that have to be deciphered by others #we all laugh about his hikikomori habits but that's something done #because he was feeling sad / missing the past #and I think that Gil realized this too / understands #ANYWAY I'M DONE RAMBLING]#;tagged

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whump-cravings · 2 years

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Tortured Prince - Reunion pt 2

Tortured Prince AU Masterlist - TR3 Masterlist

1450 words | Original Work: AU of the Royal Three

Content: sibling whump, breastfeeding, angst, past torture referenced, mention of rape

A knock at the door roused Rohisa from slumber. She sighed while groping for the light on the nightstand, filling it with mana. The white glow illuminated the room as she rubbed her eyes.

"A moment," the princess called, reluctantly pushing herself upright. She swung her left leg off the bed, helped her right one down, before leaning to grab the robe she kept draped nearby for late-night visits like these.

"Come," she said once modest.

The visitor slipped quietly into the room, approaching to take a knee before her. "Your highness," she said.

"Lieutenant Liri," Rohisa greeted, almost reaching for her cane right then and there because if Liri was here, then so was Baltar. But Hakon would already be at their brother's side, and that alone would be enough for Rahi to manage, if his reports were anything to judge by. "Report."

The woman stood. "Prince Baltar and the young princess have been secured. The captain is monitoring them."

"How is he?" Rohisa asked. Though she'd gleaned something of Baltar's new demeanor through Rahi's words, encoded reports didn't leave much room for detail.

"That's a difficult question to answer," Liri said. "Though he's physically fine—or rather, recovered, his mental state—"

"Recovered?" Rohisa interrupted.

"He's covered in scars from neck to toe. He's obviously been—"

"Tortured," the princess hissed through gritted teeth, nails digging into her palms. Of course. How had she ever doubted him? Believed that he might have been part of the plot to kill their parents and destroy their country?

Rohisa passed a hand over her face. What was done was done, and they couldn't have gotten to him earlier. Gods knew they had certainly tried. Even this team had been unlikely to get through. How long had he been subject to someone's knife? He'd been well enough to escape from under the thumb of Queen Ochvlita, so how long had he had to heal?

"So," she said. "He's paranoid, hyper alert, and an emotional mess."

Liri nodded. "That about sums it up, milady."

The princess sighed, closing her eyes. Tortured... "I've been wondering: how has he been feeding the baby?"

"A mix of goat's milk from a rag and the teat."

"The teat? Whose?"

"Ah..." Lili scratched her head. "An herbalist concoction gave him the ability to breastfeed."

Rohisa blinked. Well... that's unexpected. But no matter. "I'll send for the wet nurse." As soon as she'd heard Baltar was on his way with the baby, she had scouted out a woman suitable for the task.

"His highness probably won't—"

"Even if he won't allow her to nurse the babe, she can express milk, and he can become familiar with her." Rohisa reached for her cane, gaining her feet. "I can't have my niece subsisting on goat's milk, after all."

Rohisa walked Amisoran with her child through the halls. After Rohisa's briefing on what to expect, Amisoran was understandably nervous about this meeting, but the generous wage was enough to overlook the Baltar's faults.

Soldiers Tikka and Nilal were standing outside the nursery door, bowing as they approached.

"This is Amisoran," Rohisa said, gesturing to the woman. "Protect her as you would a member of the Nitasi family." The guards took the woman and child in, then bowed to her as well.

"Madam Amisoran," Tikka greeted.

"Oh," the woman said softly, eyes wide. Perhaps she hadn't expected the deference inherent to the position.

"His highness is right inside," Nilal said. "Please refrain from sudden movements and do not approach him."

Amisoran placed a hand on the back of her little boy's head, casting the princess an anxious glance.

For the woman's sake, Rohisa asked, "Do you believe that he might endanger a child?"

Tikka blinked, looking at the sleeping boy, then shook her head. "He handles children much better than adults, in truth."

Not surprising. Adults were the ones who had visited horrors upon him. Rohisa looked towards Amisoran. The woman relaxed, nodding in thanks. Rohisa gave her a small smile and said, "Wait here."

Knocking on the door, Rohisa opened it softly. "Baltar?"

"Rohisa," came her brother's voice. The sound of it put an ache in her heart.

Since he said nothing further, she took it as permission and stepped inside. The prince sat with his child pressed to his scarred chest. In Beorish script, 'VENJA' had been branded upon his skin, just beneath his clavicle. Beneath the collar wrapped around his neck.

The princess quickly tucked away the rage ignited by the sight, saving it for when she could act upon it. How nice of you to sign your work, Venja. Pray that you don't live long enough to regret laying a hand on my brother. As Captain Rahi bowed to her from against the wall off to the side, she eased into a chair nearby, repressing a grimace as her leg sent an aching pain up through her back to her shoulder.

"You should be using your wheelchair."

Rohisa blinked, refocusing on him. Had she noticeably telegraphed? Or had he become that much better at reading people?

"You're right," she said, laying her cane across her lap. "I don't use it often enough these days."

He didn't smile, but something in his demeanor lifted somewhat. "You never did."

Gaze resting on the suckling babe, the princess allowed herself a little smile. Even if things still weren't remotely okay and might never be again, even if he looked, sounded, and acted different, it was good to hear him. He was home.

Guilt dashed her happiness. We never should have lost him. If we had gone to that party... Never mind that she and Hakon may have suffered the same fate as their parents, there was an equal chance they might have been there for Baltar when he needed them. Instead...

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "We didn't get to you in time."

Her brother stared at her before turning his gaze aside. "It is what it is."

That... hurt. Which, in light of what had been done to Baltar, was ridiculous for her to feel. The one in need of consolation here wasn't her, whatever guilt or blame she carried.

The response did, however, leave one important question unanswered. And regrettably, Rohisa had to be the one to ask it.

"Baltar." His eyes turned to her, the only indication he was listening. "Are you still on our side?"

His brows creased slightly, several long moments passing. When he answered, he was considering the baby girl in his arms. "I'm on her side." He paused. "It just seemed like sh-she would be better off here. To not be raised by someone who would torture and rape her father."

While Rohisa was still reeling from his total detachment, he continued. "They never asked for information. If that's what you were asking."

"No, that's... I wouldn't blame you if you had given them something," Rohisa said. I'll fucking slaughter that bitch. "You answered my question well enough." Beor will burn. "I'm glad you're home, Baltar."

Once again, he went quiet. Rohisa desperately wished she had some insight into what he was thinking.

"Me too," he finally said.

They sat in silence until Rohisa felt like the energy had settled a little. "So..." she started. "I have a wet nurse I'd like you to meet. She's right outside the door with her son."

At this, her brother mused in the door's direction, "So you sent them to retrieve or kill me, after all." Rahi shifted, perhaps surprised that Baltar had surmised his team's purpose, but the prince had always been very sharp. "Send her in."

"Amisoran, please come in," Rohisa called.

The woman was let in by the guards, and bowing as the door closed behind her, she said, "Your highnesses." She paused as she noticed Baltar feeding the child from his own chest, obviously surprised.

Catching Rahi's eye, the princess gestured to a piece of furniture nearby. "There's a rocker there for Kodah," she said as the captain picked up the rocker and moved it to a chair across from Baltar.

"Oh—thank you, highness," she said, bustling over to tuck her child inside.

When she was finishing up with that and about to take a seat, Baltar stood up. Both women stilled, watching him. He took deliberate steps to Amisoran, ignoring her nervousness. Gently, he pulled his daughter from his chest and set the now-discontent child into the woman's arms.

"Y-you'd think she'd be used to it by now," he said, stroking the babe’s head lovingly, "but she fusses each time she has to switch." More directly to Amisoran, he said, "Thank you."

The wet nurse bobbed her head. "Of course, your highness. I'll just—get to work then?"

Baltar nodded, returning to his seat with a hawk-like gaze on the woman.

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#Whump writing #royalty whump #sibling whump #past trauma #past captivity #past non con #Tortured Prince #angst #scars #branded #tortured!Baltar #Spymaster!Rohisa #very little editing #we die like men

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