#sweet treasure goblin

[kikker-oma]

FIYAAAHHH

#sweet treasure goblin #happy fire day to you too hahaha

[underdark-dreams]

I just binged all your Rolan x Tav fics on here (about to go to A03 and give kudos ❤️) and just wanted to say 😩😩 Perfect! AND! I saw you wanted suggestions! i would love to see the first interact/first meeting of Rolan and Tav from his POV if you felt inclined! No pressure! Thank you, keep up the good work! ❤️

I've grown so fond of this vague fem Tav I keep pairing with Rolan...so I hope these pronouns are ok for this request! Tav gets her name finally. (Cal and Lia also barged their way into this one in a big way)

Blades and Spells

A sanctimonious soldier isn't Rolan's idea of a good person to know, but is seems Tav is doing her damnedest to prove him wrong. The day of their first meeting at the Grove.

Tags: Fem Tav, Fluff, First Meetings, Sibling Bonding

Word Count: 4,322 [Read on AO3]

"We don't even know these people—"

"They're the closest thing we've got to kin, and you know it!"

The bright and promising midday had been punctured by a bloody ambush at the gate. Kanon was dead—a goblin booyagh's arrow and a nasty fall behind the front wall. No doubt his body was still cooling just a short walk from where the three siblings stood inside the shaded mouth of the Grove.

Their caravan's brief respite was shaken by the attack. Zevlor had retreated to strategize; the other Tieflings were on edge, a few downright panicked, the fresh tension around them only fueling the siblings’ words. 

It had been weeks since he and Lia had a proper fight—Rolan felt all the pent-up anger rolling out now.

Lia stood with fists braced on her hips. "And what about the goblins? I know you're handy with a spell, Rolan, but I seriously don't fancy our chances alone on the Risen Road."

"Did you not see what just happened?" Rolan said, casting an arm behind his sister toward the gate. "That treasure-hunting idiot just led them right down on our heads. There’s bound to be more, and I don’t want us sticking around to find out how many."

"That’s all the more reason to stay!” Lia’s voice rose to match his. “These people aren't fighters, Rolan. We’d be cowards to leave. We can protect them—we should—"

“Or keep making a scene,” Cal said from the sidelines, to no one in particular. The other Tieflings had grown used to their bickering many miles ago.

Lia was undeterred. "Is this about your precious Lorroakan? Because I promise you, Rolan, he'll still be there when we finally get to Baldur's Gate."

Rolan's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh of course not, why would I want to achieve my lifelong dream, see my family finally be safe and provided for along the way—"

"Don't put this on me and Cal," his sister warned. "It's all the same excuse, you'd have left these people yesterday—"

"Because they're not my kin!" Rolan practically shouted, not caring how far his voice carried. "No matter how many times you say it! I'm not going to risk all three of our lives, our futures, on people who can't seem to keep themselves alive. How do you think I'd feel if I let anything happen to you? Either of you?"

"We know, Rolan," Cal interjected, trying to bring a little understanding.

"If you care about me and my future—" Lia jabbed a sharp nail at Rolan's chest—"you won't ask me to turn my back on these people when they need our help."

As Rolan opened his mouth to respond, he caught motion in his periphery. He turned to see an unfamiliar face standing at the edge of their conversation. The stranger rested a hand on her sword pommel, looking on quietly curious at the scene.

"Yes?" Rolan snapped at her. Sticking your nose into a private conversation hardly deserved politeness.

“Wait," Cal piped up beside him. “I saw you at the gate after the goblins."

Lia was quick to follow, disagreement all but forgotten. “You fought out there just now?” She sounded practically jealous. “Sweet hells, that must have been a rush. We owe you.”

"Good timing, that’s all," the stranger replied, shifting her weight a little. From real or false modesty Rolan couldn't tell.

He finally recognized her then—the one he saw speaking with Zevlor for quite a while immediately after the attack. Judging by the flecks of wet blood on her equipment, and on that of her companions behind her, these were the surprise reinforcements he'd already heard other refugees chatting about in energetic tones.

They weren't so impressive in person. Scrappy, in Rolan's private judgment. His eyes passed over the pouting cleric, the murderous-looking Githyanki with a massive sword on her back, the elf who was glancing around himself as though trying to decide which element of his current surroundings he disliked most. 

The other wizard looked sane enough, Rolan allowed. He could practically feel the ripples in the Weave all around the man's shoulders. Perhaps Rolan would have a chance at an intelligent conversation in this place after all.

As for the one in front—she smiled pleasantly at Rolan despite having just walked from a goblin ambush. That, to his mind, marked her as the most eccentric of all.

"Tav," she said, extending her sword hand. Rolan glanced down at the dark stains on her fingers.

Wasn't this hovel filthy enough? His clothes already smelled of smoke and grease from days in close quarters; he drew the line at smearing them with goblin blood.

Tav tracked his eyes, letting out an awkward laugh as she moved to wipe her palm on her pants. From beside him, Lia firmly intercepted the handshake.

"Lia. Forgive my brother, you know how wizards are about their robes." His sister's tone was light, but she shot him a look from the corner of her eye. 

As if Rolan cared what some passing stranger thought of him. If he’d had his way, they wouldn't be here to have this conversation at all. But Cal introduced himself as well, looking a bit starstruck.

“Well met,” Tav told them, Rolan included. “Sorry, I know I’m interrupting.”

Perhaps sensing Rolan was about to agree, Lia jumped in. “Please. It’s a pleasure to meet people willing to risk their necks for a bunch of strangers, especially Tieflings. You all heading to Baldur’s Gate?”

“Aye. Same as you, I imagine—”

The inanity was enough to drive Rolan mad; it was like their first days on the road from Elturel all over again. He crossed his arms and zoned out as she and his sister made their meaningless smalltalk. He'd rather get his tail stepped on than do this painful getting-to-know with one more person they’d never see again. 

Then he heard Lorroakan's name, and his ears perked up.

“He’s taken Rolan as an apprentice,” Cal was telling Tav proudly.

"Have you met Archmage Lorroakan?" Rolan asked her, suddenly interested in the conversation again. Tav looked at him with hesitation.

"Not personally. Gale said—" She glanced down the slope deeper into the Grove, and Rolan realized that the companions behind her had all trickled away in the short moment he hadn’t been paying attention. Seeking rest and recuperation, no doubt. "Gale was saying he's heard of him."

The human wizard, Rolan gathered. Hearing a stranger speak the archwizard’s name somehow rekindled the fire in Rolan’s chest, one he hadn’t realized had grown so low on fuel. He clenched his fist beside his robes and felt the crinkle of Lorroakan’s letter there in his pocket.

Tav was regarding him with a quizzical expression. "I mean, if an archmage that famous has an apprenticeship waiting for you…I guess I can’t blame you for wanting to move on sooner than later."

"Naturally," Rolan said, a bit stiff. It annoyed him that this newcomer could see more sense than his own siblings.

Then she continued. "But Lia's right. You three seem like you can handle yourselves, and I'm not sure the same could be said for everyone here. We'll need every fighting soul to defend against that goblin nest. Especially you—" Tav directed the comment to Rolan. "Having another Weave caster could make all the difference."

Well, so much for sense. Speaking of we and us as if they all had the same goals. A transparent tactic. Rolan wasn't sure what altruistic world Tav had waltzed out of, but he'd heard enough rousing speeches on kinship and unity from people like Zevlor to last him a lifetime. He wasn't about to listen to one from a stranger.

She was correct, however, to acknowledge the value of his skills. No one on the road here had displayed anything close to what Rolan knew he was capable of.

He glanced one more time between his siblings. The set of Lia's jaw told him her mind was well made up. Cal just looked hopeful for a resolution.

Rolan swore. "Fine. We've only taken our damn time getting here, what’s a few more days lost? If we’re lucky, we’ll reach the city with a good story, at least."

"Thank you, Rolan." Lia was meek now that she'd gotten her way.

“You must be quite skilled,” added Tav, sizing him up a bit. "To catch the eye of the Archwizard of Baldur's Gate."

Rolan didn’t miss a beat. "I am.” Cal rolled his eyes over Tav’s shoulder, but Rolan ignored him. “I’ve been manipulating the Weave since I was a child.”

“It’s true,” Lia confirmed. Still feeling guilty about winning the fight, perhaps.

“Really?” Tav broke into a grin, clearly impressed. Rolan drank in the admiration. "Good thing you're staying, then."

Behind his pride, Rolan couldn't help but feel a bit manipulated. Perhaps Tav wasn't the unsophisticated sellsword that she’d appeared at first.

"Well, I should go find the crew before they make too much trouble.” Tav was turning to leave before she paused, sheepish. “Say—don’t suppose druids keep a blacksmith around? One of those worgs’ teeth put a big scratch in my baby here.” As she spoke she looked down at the sword belted to her hip, almost like an indulgent parent.

“Dammon can fix you up,” Lia told her at once. “He’s one of us, a Tiefling. And he’s damn good. Take a left down the hill and you can’t miss him. Follow the loud noises,” she added, with a grin to match.

“Cheers,” Tav told her. “See you all later?”

The three of them watched her figure disappear deeper into the Grove. 

"She stabbed a warg right up close,” Lia murmured, sounding morbidly inspired. “That’s incredible.”

Rolan scoffed at her. “Better to kill it from a distance and not damage your most valuable piece of equipment in the process.”

“Hey.” Cal glanced over to his older brother. “Did you even tell her your name?”

Rolan wasn’t concerned. “I’ll tell her later, if she’s still around.” She and her companions would remember his name soon enough—them and all of Baldur's Gate.

—

In these cramped quarters, it didn’t take long before they encountered Tav again. Her hands swung a bit awkwardly at her sides, as if she didn’t know what to do with them. Her scabbard clanked empty against her greaves; presumably, Dammon was hard at work repairing her blade. 

Cal and Lia practically swooped down beside her as she approached. Rolan tried to hide his scowl at their eagerness.

"Have you been around the place yet? Cal and I can show you around, if you’ve got time.”

“I’d like that,” she told them both with a genuine smile. “Perhaps later, if you’re willing? Zevlor told me about your…druid problem. I promised him I’d have a talk with Kagha.”

Who had elected her emissary? Rolan glowered. "I assure you, the druids will tell you it's a foulblood problem."

It wiped the smile from her face, and Rolan found it difficult to feel bad. She wanted to dig through other people's problems? She could get used to uncovering ugly things.

"Yes…well. I'd prefer to keep an open mind," she told him evenly. With another small comment to his brother and sister, she continued on toward the deep clearing where the druids were gathering in preparation for their rite. A place strictly off-limits for Tieflings.

Lia rounded on him. "I swear, you embarrass me worse than Cal sometimes."

Cal frowned. "Hey—"

"Because you care too much about what people think," Rolan answered his sister. "Believe me, she and her people don't care about us. Didn't you hear her little speech before? She only wants more bodies for the fight."

Internally, Rolan was still bristling at the idea that Tav had complimented and cajoled him into staying at the Grove. He didn’t truly believe that was the reason for his decision, but the fact that she’d gotten to him at all unsettled him.

“Come on.” Lia knocked her arm against his playfully, an effort at reconciliation. “I’m just saying, Rolan. It costs nothing to be a bit nicer to people around here.”

Rolan heaved a sigh. Even he was growing weary from all the bickering they’d done today, though he’d never admit that to his sister. “All right. I’ll try, if it makes you happy. But believe me—people like her look after themselves. And I intend to look after us.”

—

Tav hadn’t been in the heart of the Grove for more than ten minutes before she reappeared, practically stomping up the path from the Kagha’s inner sanctum. Apparently the emissary work wasn’t going so well. Without her sword, her hands were clenched at her sides in empty fists. Her expression was thunderous.

“Have you seen Zevlor?” She asked the three of them as she approached, bypassing the smalltalk Rolan was beginning to expect from her. He directed her back toward the carved door in the corner of the cave. 

“Everything all right?” Rolan asked, curious in spite of himself.

Tav exhaled sharp through her nose. “Kagha was having a grand time interrogating a hostage. That little girl, Arabella.”

“What?” Cal’s voice rang with alarm.

“I guess she tried to steal the druids’ carving of Silvanus,” Tav told him. “The one they need for their ceremony. Her mother was nearly out of her mind…the child’s all right,” she added in haste. “Back safe with her parents now, but shaken up.”

Lia quivered with outrage at Rolan’s side. “Thank the hells you intervened.”

“Of course,” Tav replied at once, as if the situation called for nothing less. “I understand it’s the idol of their deity, but by all the gods…Kagha was ready to call her asp down on a terrified child.”

“That fucking viper." 

Cal wasn’t referring to the snake; his siblings both glanced at him in surprise. He was a gentle soul, but if Cal cared about anything, it was protecting the young ones.

Tav seemed of the same mind. “There’s something about her,” she agreed with a dark look. Abruptly, she wheeled on Rolan. “What do you think?”

She sought his opinion as a wizard, he realized. All three of them were watching him, in fact, hanging on for his answer.

“Ritual magic is quite different from the Weave,” Rolan replied carefully. “Especially druidic magic. I don’t have the same feel for it. But Kagha…” 

He cast his mind back to the first day their bedraggled caravan arrived in the Grove. The lot of them exhausted and bloodied after fighting off goblins and gnolls just up the road. Halsin, the massive elf who was then First Druid, squaring his shoulders above the smaller woman who somehow seemed to tower to his same height.

“She’s powerful,” Rolan decided. “Quite. Where it comes from, I couldn’t say.”

Tav was staring at him with an intensity Rolan hadn’t seen on her face yet. She looked far more intimidating than she had to him before. 

But then she let out a thoughtful hum, and her features were back to their usual lightness. “I guess that’s one more reason to find this Halsin sooner rather than later.”

They all watched her take her leave toward Zevlor’s makeshift war room, the stone door sliding shut again behind her.

—

As the sun dipped below the horizon and a stiff evening breeze picked up at the cave’s entrance, Rolan and his siblings settled toward the insulated back wall of the Grove where Okta was tending hearth. Whatever the old woman had simmering in her massive cauldron smelled a bit like damp wool, but the warmth of the coals underneath was toasty and wonderful against the skin on Rolan’s face and hands.

Cal and Lia were in wistful discussion on either side of him—something about which landmarks of the city they wanted to visit first. Rolan let the feel of the conversation wash over him without hearing the words. His eyes were on the glowing coals, but his mind was also on Baldur's Gate—that and its great archwizard. 

You are fortunate, young Rolan. The flourish with which Lorroakan had written his name floated through his mind's eye. Even the parchment itself was heavy and fine, almost promising of better things. Rolan’s fingers brushed the hip pocket of his robes again as if to assure himself. He still carried the letter with him everywhere, though he’d long since memorized its contents.

From behind him Rolan heard the sounds of a friendly disagreement and turned to look. Tav again. He shouldn’t be surprised; the woman seemed to be everywhere today. 

Across the path, she was engaged in a polite argument with Dammon at his tent. The smith held a hand up as if refusing something. Rolan caught sight of the polished sword pommel back in her scabbard once more, and surmised that Dammon must be turning down payment for the repair job after her help at the gate today. That seemed like his chivalrous style. 

Indeed, Rolan watched her tuck her leather coin purse away and offer a hand instead. Dammon accepted and shook it with a warm smile.

As he continued watching, the two struck up a friendly conversation. Rolan supposed a soldier would find much more to talk about with a smith than with an apprentice wizard. Her hand was draped at rest over her sword hilt again; that seemed to be an idle habit of hers. 

He remembered the city guard back in Elturel displaying the same gesture while posted at watch, and wondered whether she might be in a similar line of work. Back in…wherever it was she hailed from.

Insipid questions that Rolan nevertheless filed away in his mind to ask her at some point. If nothing else, it would make Lia happy to see him making an effort. Being nice.

Rolan glanced again at the dark stains on her fingers. She hadn't taken time to wash and rest yet since the fight. It was all over her, goblin blood and human, small flecks of it visible on her clothing and chestplate and even on the side of her face. Didn't she find it unpleasant? It would drive him mad. But it didn't seem to concern her, and Dammon certainly didn't look bothered.

The smith said something that made her laugh then, and a dimple appeared in Tav's blood-spattered cheek.

Dammon had an easy way about him that always seemed to earn him fast friends. Right now, Rolan found he was a bit envious of the trait. He didn't intend to come off as such a prickly ass, as Lia so affectionately liked to call him—though time and again he seemed to manage it. 

The constant setbacks between them and Baldur's Gate had just soured Rolan's mood in recent weeks, he told himself. His apprenticeship was all his mind could dwell on at rest, and each delay was harder to bear than the last.

But none of that was really Tav's fault. Inwardly, he could admit that Lia would have talked him into staying on her own anyway. Rolan found himself hoping that he'd made a non-terrible impression on the newcomer.

An elbow in his ribs broke his line of thought. "What?" Rolan looked around, rubbing the spot with a hand.

"I said, you're staring," Cal repeated. He and Lia were both looking at him—Rolan didn't like the expression on either face.

"Shut up," he said, though neither of them had spoken. "She's got blood all over her, who wouldn't?"

"I'm just saying." Cal put up both palms, his eyebrows raised. "From your face, you didn't seem that put off."

"Maybe she’d like to see your Thunderwave, Rolan," his sister suggested.

"You're both idiots." Rolan turned around with arms crossed, watching Okta pluck a dead chicken as though it might be interesting. The idiots on either side were not so easily deterred.

"There’s something about a woman in armor, isn't there, Cal?"

"I've always thought so." Cal leaned a forearm on Rolan's shoulder, sounding quite sincere. "Hey, you could offer to magic the bloodstains off her stuff for her. Use that presto—presti—"

"Prestidigitation," Rolan supplied, eyes still on Okta's cooking. A shockingly good idea from Cal. But it would be strange to offer that to a person he'd just met; Rolan dismissed the thought.

"She should've just taken the time to clean it herself before it all dried," Rolan said aloud. "The way her companions did, no doubt. Instead of running back and forth back here all day."

"Yeah," Lia drawled. "Saving little girls from pit vipers. What a waste of time."

“Well, only one way to find out if she’s interested.” Cal turned around and cupped a hand to his mouth. “Hey, Tav—”

Rolan would have smacked the back of his brother’s head had the woman not already turned toward the sound of her name. She approached their spot near the hearth looking politely curious.

“Lia was just wondering,” Cal started in—leaving Rolan’s name out of it, a smart choice for his skull— “won’t it take a long time to get all the stains out of your armor?” 

“Oh.” Tav sounded taken aback, but glanced down at herself as if just now noticing the state of her equipment. “Oh yeah, this’ll cost me a good half hour at least. And probably both my elbows,” she added with chagrin. “Damn. Got distracted by everything, I guess.”

“Because Rolan can magic it off in a second,” Lia said in a rush.

"Really?" Far from averse, she was looking at Rolan with sudden enthusiasm. "I didn’t know magic could—I mean, of course it can. I guess. Why, are you offering…?” She glanced between him and his siblings then, as if finally picking up on the strange energy between them.

Rolan felt all three pairs of eyes come to rest on him. He could hardly back out now. “If you’re interested,” he told her.

“Hells yes,” Tav laughed. “Are you kidding?”

Lia clapped her hands together softly. “Excellent. Well, since Tav’s interested—” She placed a strange emphasis on the word, one Rolan hoped only he noticed— “Cal and I should get going to set up camp. See you both later?”

“Right,” Cal agreed at once. With that, the pair of them slipped off in a few flicks of the tail. 

What a couple of damned children. Rolan let out a heavy sigh; they seemed determined to try every last slip of patience he had.

Tav followed him to a spot closer to the back corner of the Grove, a bit removed from the sounds and smells. A stream of cool air seeped in from somewhere outside the walls, and Rolan breathed in gratefully. He had found it hard to concentrate in the stale surroundings of this place.

“Right.” She stood opposite him, looking a bit unsure. “How does this work, exactly?”

“Just keep still,” Rolan advised her. This would be easier if she took off the pieces of her half-plate first, but asking her to do that seemed unthinkably familiar.

She did as he directed. “Sure you’re not going to transform me into a pigeon or something? Give me wings?”

“This is the simplest spell there is, I’m not an idiot.” Rolan’s tone was irritable, but it only made her laugh. He realized that she was teasing him.

Regardless, Rolan steadied his stance and reached out to the Weave. Whether or not it was technically correct, it was the way he’d taught himself. 

Breathe in—quiet each thought—feel the air above and the ground below—

Like a warm embrace from the oldest friend, the Weave flowed as a golden light into his cupped hand. Rolan formed the clear intention in his mind and guided the magic toward her. 

“It tickles,” Tav said in surprise, but he could tell she was doing her best to keep still. Her eyes were squeezed shut for some reason.

Rolan blinked at her, not sure how long she had expected this to take. “You can—it’s done.”

“Really?” Tav looked across her chest and shoulders and the greaves on her legs, admiring their new shine. “Wow…neat trick, that. So you’re saying Gale’s been watching us polish our armor and weapons every night when he could just use the Weave for two seconds?”

“The manipulation does take energy,” Rolan told her, not wanting to discredit a fellow wizard while he wasn’t here to defend himself.

Her expression changed a bit. Then she reached a hand to his shoulder. “Thanks for this, Rolan. It might be simple to you, but—” She dropped her arm and cast around with a tired laugh. “Life has honestly been…kind of terrible lately. Thank you for making it better.”

Rolan felt he could stand to hear more of that story, but he doubted she'd want to tell it. “You’re welcome,” he told her instead.

It was a bit awkward traveling back through the winding Grove together toward the entrance, but it could hardly be avoided. Their camps were both in the same direction.

The night patrol were watching vigilantly from the wall; the massive carved gate raised before them as if in anticipation. Rolan stepped out into the dark, cool evening with another grateful breath.

Beside him, Tav sighed wearily. "Well, 'night. Off to enjoy my extra sleep," she said with another smile to him before she turned away.

No such easy goodnight for him, Rolan knew. He imagined Cal and Lia perching awake on their bedrolls, eager to hear what chaos or embarrassment or both their meddling had caused for him this time. 

More concerning to him right now was the way his shoulder seemed to radiate where she'd placed a grateful hand before. Rolan rolled his arm a little, trying to shake the tingling warmth near his collar bone. It didn't quite work.

But perhaps he'd think about that tomorrow.

#rolan x tav #fluff #tav x rolan #rolan bg3 #bg3 rolan #bg3 cal #bg3 lia #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #bg3 spoilers #bg3 fic #bg3 fanfiction #underdark-dreams #thegoblinwitchqueen

[andisupreme]

One funny thing about my little lady, Tidbit, is that she looks so sweet in photos. So angelic.

And yet the two facts you need to know about her are

The moment a piece of trash appears, she's stealing it. The moment I'm done with something and it becomes "trash", she has teleported onto the desk or my lap and it belongs to her now. She's stolen flosser picks out of my goddamn mouth. I can't have open garbage cans because that's just a new spawn point for Tidbit Treasures. I keep finding hoards of wrappers and pens and trinkets she's stolen. She stole a mini pride flag. I woke up to a scuffing noise once and turned on my phone light to see her dragging my sneaker away like the NYC subway pizza rat. Goblin behavior. Prize-motivated. Is just intelligent enough to have a sense of right and wrong and deliberately make the choice to do crime when the option presents itself.

It's difficult to know when she's actually seriously mad because she only has one urgency level when it comes to complaining. Which is an 11 on a 10 point scale. Any wrong against Tidbit receives the exact same level of screaming. She'll reach the same decibel level when I drag her into the shower for a flea bath as when I gently nudge her closer to pet for a few seconds. (And it's only the initial relocation she loathes, of course. After a moment when the relocation is over she's purring over getting pet but how DARE I move her somewhere without her say so.) From the gravest injustice to a minor momentary inconvenience, all is met with a righteous AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!

And yet because of my living circumstances, I haven't had anyone around to socialize her with so the moment a stranger walks in the door, this noisy, annoying (<3) opinionated little Creechur completely disappears. Goes ghost. My dad swears he wouldn't know I have a second cat if he didn't see her in my window from time to time. It feels like she's purposefully acting like a shy little baby around others just to undermine me and my stories about her. She's doing this on PURPOSE. IT'S ALL YET MORE CRIMES.

#I love her <3 #don't get me wrong she's a criminal mastermind but she also hops up to snuggle me the moment she hears me moving around in bed in the morni #and she loves Buster so much #salt and pepper the two of them #but also godDAMMIT TIDBIT WHERE IS MY STUFF #she stole an actual $20 from me once which for a cat is grand larceny #oh and that's Her Blankie by the way #it was MY softest blanket--a gift from my aunt--and THIS TOO SHE STOLE #anywhere this blanket gets set out she's on it

[writingforstraykids]

Whispers of the Moon - Birthday Special

Pairing: Minchan (short mention of Felix / very short mention of the other boys)

Word Count: 6325

Summary: In the heart of Seoul, beneath the gleaming skyscrapers and ancient palaces, lies a hidden world of magic and mystery. Chan, a gifted healer, and Minho, a shapeshifter hiding as a sleek black cat, find their destinies intertwined in this enchanting underworld...

Warnings/Tags: magical!au, shapeshifter!minho, healer!chan, angst, fluff, strangers to lovers

A/N: The happiest birthday to my dear unnie @zehina. I actually went all nerdy and wrote loads about the world as well since I know you love it (and included the rest of the boys that way hehe). I hope you like it, love🖤

Seoul, South Korea's bustling capital, is known for its towering skyscrapers, historic palaces, and vibrant street markets. It is a city where ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology coexist in harmony. However, beneath its well-lit streets and modern facades lies a hidden realm—a magical underworld known only to a selected few. This subterranean world, rich with history and mystery, operates parallel to the everyday life of Seoul's residents, governed by its own rules and inhabited by beings from myth and legend.

The gateway to Seoul's magical underworld is not a grand archway or a secret door; it is a modest, unassuming teahouse in the bustling district of Insadong. The teahouse, known as "Moonlit Haven," has been in operation for centuries and has been passed down through generations of the same family. Its wooden exterior and traditional hanok architecture blend seamlessly with the area's historic atmosphere.

To the ungifted human, Moonlit Haven appears to be an ordinary teahouse serving fragrant teas and traditional Korean sweets. However, those who know the secret can access the portal to the underworld by ordering a special tea called "Moon's Whisper." Upon drinking this tea, a shimmering door appears at the back of the teahouse, leading to a stone staircase that descends deep into the earth.

The staircase spirals downward, lit by glowing blue lanterns that float in mid-air. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes with magical creatures: the nine-tailed fox, the dragon king, and the heavenly warriors. As one descends, the air grows cooler and tinged with a faint scent of jasmine and pine.

At the bottom of the staircase, a grand archway looms, its surface covered in glowing runes. This is the true entrance to Seoul's magical underworld, a threshold between the mundane and the extraordinary. Stepping through the archway, one is immediately enveloped in a world unlike any other.

The magical underworld of Seoul, known as Secret City, is a sprawling subterranean metropolis that mirrors the city above but with its own unique twist. The sky here is an eternal twilight, illuminated by floating orbs that mimic the phases of the moon. Streets are paved with luminescent stones, and buildings are constructed from materials that shimmer with an inner light.

Secret City is divided into several districts, each with its own distinct character. There is the Enchanted Market, where vendors sell potions, enchanted artifacts, and rare ingredients. The Celestial District is home to beings of great power, including dragons and celestial foxes. The Whispering Woods, a dense forest of silver trees, is said to be haunted by spirits and home to elusive forest guardians.

The residents of Secret City are as diverse as the city itself. Humans with magical abilities live alongside mythical creatures. Among them are the Gumiho, nine-tailed foxes who can shapeshift and possess immense magical power. There are also Dokkaebi, goblins, mischievous but generally benign beings who love to play tricks on humans. Dragons, both Eastern and Western varieties, make their homes in the Celestial District, guarding ancient secrets and treasures.

The city's governance is overseen by a council of elders, composed of representatives from each major group. The council ensures harmony between the various inhabitants and that the secrets of Secret City are kept from the surface world, which is why any sort of magic is forbidden in the mundane world. 

The Enchanted Market is the heart of Secret City, a bustling bazaar where the air is filled with the scent of exotic spices and the sound of lively discussions. Stalls line the streets, their wares illuminated by lanterns that float overhead. Vendors shout out their goods, from enchanted scrolls and rare herbs to mystical artifacts and talismans.

One of the most renowned vendors in the market is Master Hyun, a potions master whose shop, "Elixirs of Eternity," is a treasure trove of magical concoctions. Shelves upon shelves are filled with bottles of all shapes and sizes, each containing liquids that shimmer with otherworldly light. Master Hyun is a man of twinkling eyes and ethereal beauty, always ready with a story about the origins of his potions.

One of his most sought-after potions is the "Dream Weaver," which allows the drinker to enter the dreams of others. Another popular item is the "Phoenix Tear," a potion that can heal any wound or ailment. Master Hyun's potions are known for their potency and reliability, making his shop a favorite among both the magical and non-magical residents of Secret City.

Another notable figure in the Enchanted Market is Ji-Sung, an artifact dealer whose collection is the envy of many. His shop, "Treasures of Time," is filled with rare and powerful artifacts from across the ages. Among his prized possessions are a mirror that shows the true nature of any being, a fan that can summon the wind and a sword that can cut through any material.

Ji-Sung is a mysterious figure, always dressed in elaborate silk robes and adorned with jewelry that seems to pulse with magic. He is known for his keen eye and sharp wit, and it is said that he never forgets a face. His shop is a place of wonder and danger, for while many seek his artifacts for their power, they often come with a price that is not measured in gold.

The Celestial District is home to some of the most powerful beings in Secret City. Dragons, with their majestic forms and ancient wisdom, reside here in grand palaces that float above the ground. These palaces, constructed from crystal and gold, radiate a light that can be seen from anywhere in the city.

Each dragon in the Celestial District guards a specific aspect of magic or nature. There is Aran, the dragon of water, whose palace is surrounded by a moat of liquid silver. There is Seraphine, the dragon of fire, whose abode is perpetually surrounded by a ring of flames. These dragons are both protectors and advisors, and their counsel is sought by the council of elders and other residents of Secret City.

Sharing the Celestial District with the dragons are the Gumiho, or nine-tailed foxes. These beings are both feared and respected for their immense magical power and their ability to shape-shift into beautiful women or men. The Gumiho live in harmony with the dragons, their abilities complementing the dragons' strength and wisdom.

The leader of the Gumiho is Jeongin, a fox spirit with silver fur and piercing dark eyes. Jeongin is known for his grace and intelligence, often acting as a mediator in disputes and a strategist in times of conflict. His palace, the Silver Moon Pavilion, is a place of beauty and tranquility, where the moonlight dances on the surface of a crystal-clear lake.

The Whispering Woods is a dense forest of silver trees, their leaves shimmering like moonlight. The woods are said to be haunted, with whispers echoing through the trees that speak of forgotten secrets and ancient magic. The path through the forest is winding and treacherous, known only to a few who dare to venture into its depths.

The Whispering Woods are guarded by forest spirits, ethereal beings who protect the ancient magic within the trees. These spirits, known as the Guardians, are invisible to most and reveal themselves only to those they deem worthy. They are led by Elder Bin, a spirit of great wisdom and power who has watched over the woods for centuries.

The Guardians are both protectors and guides, aiding those who seek knowledge or refuge in the woods. They are also the keepers of the Sacred Grove, a hidden sanctuary where the most potent magical energies converge. The Sacred Grove is a place of healing and renewal, its waters said to grant visions and its flowers capable of curing any illness.

Among the trees dwell the Spirits of the Lost, souls who have wandered into the woods and never found their way out. These spirits are not dangerous but rather sorrowful, seeking closure or redemption. They often appear as faint, glowing figures, their presence marked by a sudden chill in the air.

The Spirits of the Lost are guided by Lix, a gentle and compassionate spirit who helps them find peace. Lix is a beacon of light in the darkness of the woods, his soothing voice and kind heart offering comfort to those who have lost their way. Under his guidance, many spirits have found the closure they seek and moved on to the afterlife.

Scattered throughout Secret City are hidden temples dedicated to various deities and elemental forces. These temples are places of worship and power where the faithful come to seek blessings and guidance. Each temple is unique, reflecting the nature of the deity or force it honors.

One of the most revered temples in Secret City is the Temple of the Moon, a place of serene beauty and quiet reflection. The temple is built from white marble, its domed roof adorned with silver filigree that glows softly in the moonlight. Inside, a large pool of water reflects the light of the floating orbs above, creating an ethereal ambiance.

The Temple of the Moon is dedicated to the moon goddess, Haneul, who is believed to watch over Secret City from the skies. The temple is tended by a group of priests known as the Moon Brothers, who perform rituals and offer prayers on behalf of the city's residents. The head priest, Brother Seungmin, is a wise and gentle leader, his presence bringing a sense of peace and tranquility to all who visit the temple.

Another secret society is the Shadow Blades, a group of elite warriors and assassins who protect Secret City. They are skilled in martial arts and magic, and their training is rigorous and demanding. The Shadow Blades operate from the Shadowsong Keep, a hidden fortress deep within the Whispering Woods.

Commander Ji-Won is the leader of the Shadow Blades, a formidable warrior known for being both ruthless and just. Under his command, the Shadow Blades carry out missions to protect Secret City from external threats and internal strife. They are the unseen guardians of the city, their presence felt but rarely seen. Minho is one of them, slowly working his way up the ranks but facing struggles with his colleagues. He’s not as powerful with magic as most of them but has the ability to shapeshift into a cat, making him perfect for secret missions. Which pissed a lot of people off. 

Throughout its history, Secret City has been protected by heroes who have risen to defend the city against threats, both internal and external. These heroes, known as the Chosen Ones, are individuals of great courage and power, often possessing unique abilities that set them apart from others.

No hero is complete without a healer, and in Secret City, that role is filled by Chan, a gifted healer whose touch can mend even the gravest of wounds. Chan is a member of the Temple of the Moon, his gentle nature and healing magic bringing comfort and hope to those in need. He carries a staff, the Moon's Grace, which enhances his healing abilities and allows him to channel the power of the moon goddess.

Seoul's magical underworld, Secret City, is a place of wonder, danger, and beauty. It is a city where the mundane and the extraordinary coexist, where ancient myths come to life, and where the balance between light and dark is constantly maintained. The residents of Secret City, both human and mythical, live in harmony, their lives intertwined by the magic that permeates their world.

As the gateway between the two realms, Moonlit Haven reminds visitors that there is more to Seoul than meets the eye. For those who dare to seek it, a world of magic and mystery awaits, hidden beneath the bustling streets and modern skyscrapers of South Korea's capital. In Secret City, the impossible becomes possible, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary—a true testament to the enduring power of magic.

-

Minho had always been different. As a member of the Shadow Blades, the elite warriors and protectors of Secret City, his abilities made him a target of both admiration and envy. Unlike many of his comrades, he lacked powerful magic but possessed a unique talent: the ability to shapeshift into a sleek, agile cat. This ability made him invaluable for espionage, slipping unnoticed through shadows and tight spaces. However, his success and the recognition it brought only fueled the resentment of his peers.

The tension reached its peak after a particularly challenging mission. Minho had been instrumental in retrieving a stolen artifact from a rogue mage, but his success was met with scorn rather than praise. Whispers of jealousy and accusations of favoritism swirled among his colleagues, resulting in an unjust decision by his superior officers. They accused him of withholding information and acting independently, charges that were untrue but impossible for Minho to refute without pushing himself even further away.

"You think you're special because of your abilities," spat one of his fellow warriors. "But you're just a liability. We don't need someone who can't follow orders."

The decision was swift and brutal. Minho was stripped of his rank and cast out from the Shadowsong Keep. The sense of betrayal cut deeper than any blade. He was alone, exiled from the only family he had known, forced to fend for himself in the vast, mystical underworld of Secret City.

With nowhere else to turn, Minho fled through the Whispering Woods, a dense forest known for its haunting beauty and perilous magic. The silver leaves of the trees shimmered in the eternal twilight, casting an eerie glow on the winding paths. Here, the whispers of ancient secrets and lost souls filled the air, a symphony of sorrow and mystery.

Exhausted and wounded from his escape, Minho made a desperate decision. He transformed into his cat form, hoping the change would allow him to navigate the forest more easily and evade any pursuers. The transformation was both a relief and a curse, offering him agility and stealth but stripping him of his human voice and hands.

As a cat, Minho's senses were heightened. He could hear the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, and the soft murmurs of the forest spirits. His fur provided some protection against the chill, but the pain of his injuries persisted. Despite his resilience, the journey through the Whispering Woods was grueling, each step a struggle against fatigue and despair.

Lix found him curled up beneath a tree and noticing his injuries he knew there was only one way to save him. He scooped him up from the ground and soothingly caressed his head, able to tell there was more to him than just an innocent, hurt cat.

After days of wandering, they finally reached the Temple of the Moon, a place of serene beauty and powerful magic. The temple, constructed from white marble and adorned with silver filigree, stood as a beacon of hope amidst the dark woods. Its domed roof glowed softly, reflecting the light of the floating orbs above. Lix set him down on the ground and gently shoved him forward. “I’m not allowed to enter, but you are, little friend. Go and accept the refuge they have to provide.”

Minho hesitated at the entrance, his feline instincts wary of the unknown. He had heard of the temple's head healer, Chan, a gifted young man whose touch could mend even the gravest of wounds. Desperation outweighed caution, and Minho limped into the courtyard, collapsing near the temple steps.

Moments later, a figure emerged from the temple. Chan, carrying a staff that radiated a gentle light, approached the injured cat. His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the wounded animal, but his expression quickly softened into one of compassion.

"Poor thing," Chan murmured, kneeling beside Minho. "Let's get you inside."

Chan carefully lifted Minho and carried him into the temple. The interior was as serene as the exterior, with moonlight streaming through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the marble floor. Chan placed Minho on a soft cushion and gently examined his injuries.

"You're in bad shape, but we'll get you fixed up," Chan said soothingly. He placed his hands over Minho's wounds, and a warm, healing light emanated from his palms. The pain began to fade, replaced by a soothing sensation that spread through Minho's body.

As the healing progressed, Minho watched Chan with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity. Chan's touch was gentle, his expression focused yet kind. There was something inherently calming about him, a presence that put Minho at ease despite his recent ordeal.

When Chan finished, he sat back and smiled. "There you go, little one. You should feel better soon."

Minho meowed softly in response, his eyes conveying the gratitude he couldn't express in words. Chan chuckled and scratched behind Minho's ears. "You can stay here as long as you need to. I'll take care of you."

Days turned into weeks as Minho recovered under Chan's care. He adapted to his new life at the Temple of the Moon, observing the daily routines and rituals from the shadows. In his cat form, Minho found a strange sense of peace. He was safe from his past and had a chance to start anew.

Chan grew fond of the cat he had rescued, naming him "Moonshadow" for his sleek, dark fur and the way he seemed to blend into the twilight. Minho, in turn, became Chan's silent guardian, following him around the temple and offering companionship.

Whenever Chan was away, Minho would revert to his human form, cleaning the temple and performing small tasks to help ease his guilt for deceiving him. He hoped that his actions would repay some of the kindness Chan had shown him, even if Chan never knew the truth.

Chan, however, began to notice the small changes around the temple. Rooms were tidier, supplies were replenished, and the garden seemed to flourish under an unseen hand. He attributed these miracles to the blessings of the moon goddess, unaware of the true source.

Five months later

In the eternal twilight of Secret City, the Temple of the Moon was a sanctuary of tranquility and magic. Within its serene confines, Chan sat cross-legged on a plush cushion, his gentle eyes scanning the pages of an ancient tome. The moonlight streaming through the stained glass windows cast a colorful, ethereal glow around him, creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

Beside him, Minho, in his cat form, stretched lazily, his sleek black fur shimmering in the soft light. As he yawned and settled into a more comfortable position, his eyes never left Chan. There was a bond between them that went beyond mere companionship—a connection forged through trials and a deep mutual understanding.

Chan noticed Minho’s gaze and smiled warmly. “Hey there, Moonshadow,” he said softly. “Come here.”

Minho’s ears perked up at the sound of Chan’s voice. With a graceful leap, he landed beside Chan and began to nuzzle his head against Chan’s outstretched hand. Chan’s fingers moved instinctively to scratch behind Minho’s ears, a spot that always made the cat purr contentedly.

“There we go,” Chan murmured, his voice soothing and gentle. He could feel the vibrations of Minho’s purrs under his fingertips, a rhythmic reminder of the trust and affection between them.

Minho closed his eyes, leaning into Chan’s touch. The sensation of Chan’s fingers running through his fur was blissful, and his purring grew louder, filling the quiet room with its soothing sound. It was moments like these that made all the hardships and uncertainties of their lives seem distant and unimportant.

Chan chuckled softly. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

In response, Minho rubbed his head against Chan’s cheek, a gesture of affection that made Chan’s heart swell with warmth. The simple act of being close to Chan brought Minho a sense of security and happiness he had never thought possible before meeting him.

“You’re such a sweet kitty,” Chan whispered, continuing to scratch Minho’s head and under his chin. Minho’s purrs grew even louder, and he started to knead Chan’s chest with his paws, his claws retracting just enough to avoid scratching the fabric of Chan’s robe.

Chan shifted slightly, leaning back against the cushions and creating a more comfortable space for both of them. Minho took this as an invitation and climbed onto Chan’s chest, circling a few times before curling up in a tight ball. His tail wrapped around his body, and he rested his head on his paws, looking up at Chan with half-closed eyes.

“You look so peaceful,” Chan said, his voice barely above a whisper. He rested one hand gently on Minho’s back, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”

Minho’s eyes closed fully, and he let out a contented sigh. The warmth of Chan’s body, combined with the rhythmic motion of his hand on his back, lulled him into a state of deep relaxation. His purring continued, a soft, steady sound that seemed to resonate with the very essence of the temple.

For Chan, having Minho close was a source of immense comfort. The bond they shared went beyond that of a healer and his pet; it was a connection of souls, a partnership forged over time. Chan found solace in Minho’s presence, a sense of completeness that he had never experienced before.

As the minutes passed, the tranquility of the moment deepened. Chan’s thoughts drifted, the worries of the day fading into the background. All that mattered was the gentle weight of Minho on his chest, the soothing sound of his purrs, and the warmth of their shared affection.

Minho, on the verge of sleep, shifted slightly and nuzzled his head against Chan’s chest. He felt safe, cherished, and loved—a stark contrast to the loneliness and betrayal he had once known. In this sacred space, with Chan’s heartbeat as his lullaby, Minho found a peace that transcended the physical realm.

Chan continued to stroke Minho’s fur, his touch light and tender. He could feel the trust dripping from the small creature in his arms, a trust that was both humbling and empowering. Chan knew that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, their bond unbreakable.

“I promise to always take care of you,” Chan whispered, his voice filled with emotion. 

Minho’s purring intensified for a moment, as if acknowledging Chan’s words. Then, gradually, it began to fade as sleep overtook him. His body relaxed completely, his breathing slow and steady. Chan watched him with a soft smile, his own heart filled with a profound sense of gratitude and love.

The Temple of the Moon, with its timeless beauty and serene atmosphere, bore witness to the deep connection between Chan and Minho. In this sacred place, under the watchful gaze of the moon goddess, they found a moment of perfect harmony—a testament to the enduring power of love and trust in a world filled with magic and mystery.

As Chan closed his eyes, his hand resting gently on Minho’s sleeping form, he knew that their journey together was far from over. But in this moment, they had everything they needed: each other. And that was enough.

-

One evening, as Chan prepared for his nightly prayers, he looked at Moonshadow, who was curled up on a cushion nearby. "You know, sometimes I feel like there's more to you than meets the eye," Chan mused aloud. "You're special, aren't you?"

Minho's ears perked up, and he watched Chan with wide, curious eyes. Chan smiled and continued, "I think the goddess sent you to me for a reason. Maybe you're my familiar, a guardian spirit to protect and guide me."

The words struck a chord in Minho's heart. He had always felt a deep connection to Chan, a sense of duty and protectiveness that went beyond mere gratitude. Perhaps there was truth in Chan's words, a destiny that had brought them together.

That night, Chan performed a ritual to bind Moonshadow as his familiar. He drew intricate symbols on the ground, lit candles, and recited ancient incantations. As the ritual reached its climax, a surge of magical energy enveloped Minho, strengthening the bond between them.

Minho felt a profound shift within him, a merging of their spirits that filled him with newfound purpose. He was now bound to Chan, his protector and companion, their fates intertwined by the magic of the moon.

-

As Chan's familiar, Minho took his duties seriously. He remained vigilant, always on the lookout for potential threats. His heightened senses allowed him to detect dangers before they could reach Chan, and his presence provided comfort and reassurance.

One day, trouble arrived in the form of dark mages seeking to disrupt the balance of magic in Secret City. These mages, practitioners of forbidden magic, targeted the Temple of the Moon, believing its powerful magic could be harnessed for their nefarious purposes.

Chan was in the garden when the attack began. Dark figures emerged from the shadows, casting spells that warped the air and sent tremors through the ground. Chan's staff glowed as he raised a protective barrier, but the dark mages' assault was relentless.

Minho, sensing the danger, leapt into action. He transformed into his human form, his body a blur of motion as he intercepted the attackers. With a combination of agility and ferocity, Minho fought off the dark mages, his cat-like reflexes and strength giving him an edge.

Chan, focused on maintaining the barrier, was unaware of the true identity of his savior. He glanced over in shock as he saw a young man fighting with the grace and power of a guardian beast.

Despite his best efforts to hide his true nature, Minho's ears were visible, a telltale sign of his shapeshifter abilities. As the last of the dark mages fled, Chan lowered the barrier and approached Minho cautiously.

"Who are you?" Chan asked, his voice a mix of awe and confusion. Their eyes met and Chan’s eyes widened recognizing those soft brown orbs he’d come to love so much. His eyes wandered up where Minho’s dark cat ears peaked from his messy brown hair. "Are you... Moonshadow?"

Minho hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Yes, I am. My name is Minho. I'm a shapeshifter, exiled from the Shadowsong Keep. I've been living here in my cat form, afraid you would kick me out if you knew the truth. I know we aren’t very welcomed around here.”

Chan's expression softened, and he reached out to touch Minho's shoulder. "You protected me, Minho. You've been by my side all this time, helping and watching over me. I don't care about your past or your abilities. You are my familiar, and I am grateful for everything you've done."

Tears welled up in Minho's eyes, a mix of relief and gratitude flooding his heart. "Thank you, Chan. I promise to always protect you, no matter what."

-

Minho’s revelation had lifted a weight off his chest, but it also left him feeling vulnerable. Living as a shapeshifter meant hiding his true self, something he’d grown accustomed to. Yet, in front of Chan, he was completely exposed. For Chan, the revelation was a mix of shock and intrigue. The gentle healer had always felt a special bond with Moonshadow, but knowing that the affectionate cat was also a brave young man named Minho deepened that connection.

Their daily routines continued, but with a newfound understanding. Minho still shifted into his cat form, now more out of comfort than necessity. He still enjoyed curling up on Chan’s chest, feeling his rhythmic breathing and the warmth of his body. Chan, on his part, welcomed Minho’s human presence when he transformed, appreciating the help around the temple and the companionship Minho offered.

The first night after Minho’s revelation, Chan found it hard to sleep. He kept glancing at Minho, now in his human form, tidying up the temple’s main hall. The moonlight filtered through the stained glass windows, casting a soft glow on Minho’s face. He moved gracefully, his actions efficient and almost mesmerizing to watch. Chan felt a strange flutter in his chest, a mix of admiration and affection.

“Minho,” Chan called softly, his voice breaking the comfortable silence.

Minho turned, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. “Yes, Chan?”

Chan hesitated, then smiled. “You don’t have to push yourself so hard. Come sit with me.”

Minho’s expression softened, and he abandoned the broom he was holding, walking over to where Chan sat. He settled down beside him, their shoulders almost touching. There was a quiet intimacy in the moment, a shared silence that spoke volumes.

“I never thought I’d find someone like you,” Chan admitted quietly. “Someone who understands and accepts me for who I am.”

Minho looked at him, his eyes sincere. “I feel the same way. You’ve given me a place to belong, Chan. For that, I’m grateful.”

They sat in silence for a while, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment. Chan’s hand moved almost instinctively, reaching out to hold Minho’s. Minho’s fingers intertwined with his, the simple touch sending a warm feeling through both of them.

-

As days turned into weeks, the relationship between Chan and Minho deepened. They developed a rhythm, a balance of shared tasks and quiet moments of companionship. Minho’s presence brought a sense of stability to Chan’s life, while Chan’s gentle nature provided Minho with a sense of peace he had never known before.

Chan’s duties as a healer often took him to various parts of Secret City. Minho, always in his cat form, accompanied him, providing silent support. He became Chan’s shadow, always alert and ready to protect him if necessary. Their bond as familiar and master was strong, but it was the bond of friendship and growing affection that truly defined their relationship.

One afternoon, while Chan was tending to a patient in the Celestial District, Minho, in his cat form, explored the area. The dragons and celestial foxes were impressive, their majestic forms and ancient wisdom evident in every interaction. Minho’s keen senses picked up the subtle undercurrents of power and respect that flowed through the district.

As Chan finished his work, he called out for Minho. The sleek black cat appeared almost instantly, weaving through the crowd with ease. Chan smiled as he picked Minho up, cradling him gently.

“You always know where to find me,” Chan said, scratching behind Minho’s ears. Minho purred in response, nuzzling against Chan’s cheek.

Their return to the temple was peaceful, the twilight sky casting a serene glow over Secret City. Minho transformed back into his human form once they were inside, stretching his limbs as he did so.

“Another successful day,” Chan remarked, setting down his staff.

Minho nodded. “You’re an amazing healer, Chan. The way you help people… it’s inspiring.”

Chan’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. “Thank you, Minho. But I couldn’t do it without your support.”

Minho’s heart swelled at the words. He was finding it harder to keep his feelings for Chan hidden. The healer’s kindness, dedication, and the way he made Minho feel valued and appreciated—it was all becoming too much to ignore.

Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, but so did Minho’s feelings for Chan. He found himself drawn to the healer in ways he hadn’t expected. Chan’s smile, his laughter, the way he cared for others—it all made Minho’s heart race.

One evening, as they sat together under the soft glow of the moonlight, Chan turned to Minho with a thoughtful expression. “Minho, can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” Minho replied, curious.

“Why do you stay in your cat form most of the time?” Chan asked gently. “I mean, I understand it became your natural state by now, but you can be human whenever you want. Why do you choose to be a cat?”

Minho looked down, his ears twitching slightly. “It’s… complicated. When I’m in my cat form, I feel safe. I can protect you without drawing too much attention. And it’s easier to hide my true feelings.”

“Your true feelings?” Chan echoed, his curiosity piqued.

Minho hesitated, then took a deep breath. “Chan, there’s something I need to tell you. Ever since you took me in, I’ve felt this… connection. It’s more than just being your familiar. I care about you deeply, more than I’ve ever cared about anyone. But I’ve been afraid to show it, afraid that you might not feel the same way.”

Chan’s eyes softened, and he reached out to take Minho’s hand. “Minho, I care about you too. You’ve become an important part of my life, and I can’t imagine it without you. I think… I think I’ve been feeling the same way.”

Minho’s heart skipped a beat. “Really?”

Chan nodded. “Yes. I’ve been trying to understand these feelings, and now I realize that I’ve fallen for you, Minho. Not just as my familiar, but as someone I want to be with.”

Minho’s eyes filled with tears of relief and happiness. “Chan, I’ve loved you for so long. I just didn’t know how to tell you.”

Chan pulled Minho into a gentle embrace. “You don’t have to hide your feelings anymore. We’ll face this together.”

Minho clung to Chan, the warmth of his embrace filling him with a sense of belonging. They stayed like that for a while, holding each other under the moonlight, their hearts beating in sync.

-

With their feelings out in the open, Minho and Chan’s relationship took on a new dimension. They were no longer just healer and familiar; they were partners, united by love and a deep sense of understanding. Their bond grew stronger, their affection for each other evident in every touch, every glance, every shared moment.

Chan continued his work as a healer, and Minho remained by his side, providing support and protection. They faced challenges together, their love giving them strength and resilience. Secret City, with its magic and mystery, became a backdrop for their blossoming relationship.

One day, as they walked through the Enchanted Market, Minho in his human form, Chan took his hand. “I have a surprise for you.”

Minho looked at him curiously. “What is it?”

Chan led him to a small shop filled with beautiful artifacts and magical items. The shopkeeper, a kind young man, greeted them with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Chan. I see you’ve brought a special friend today,” he said.

Chan smiled and nodded. “Yes, Minho is very special to me. And I want to give him something to show how much he means to me.”

Jisung’s eyes twinkled. “Ah, I have just the thing.”

He led them to a display case and pulled out a delicate silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon. “This pendant is filled with protective magic. It will keep the wearer safe and strengthen the bond between two hearts.”

Chan took the pendant and turned to Minho. “I want you to have this. It’s a symbol of our bond and my promise to always be there for you.”

Minho’s lip quivered slightly as he took the pendant. “Thank you, Chan. I’ll cherish it always.”

Chan fastened the pendant around Minho’s neck, and they shared a tender kiss, sealing their love with a magical promise.

-

Their love continued to grow, but so did the challenges they faced. Dark forces still threatened Secret City, and Minho and Chan found themselves in the midst of several battles. Their bond was tested, but their love gave them the strength to overcome every obstacle.

One evening, as they returned to the temple after a particularly difficult mission, Chan collapsed from exhaustion. Minho caught him, his heart pounding with fear. “Channie, are you okay?”

Chan smiled weakly. “I’m just tired, Minho. I’ll be fine.”

Minho carried Chan inside and laid him down on a soft cushion. He tended to Chan’s wounds, his hands trembling with worry. “You’ve pushed yourself too hard, Chan. You need to rest.”

Chan reached up to touch Minho’s face. “I’ll be okay, Minho. I have you by my side.”

Minho’s eyes filled with tears as he leaned down to kiss Chan’s forehead. “I love you, Chan. Please take care of yourself like you do with everyone else.”

“I love you too, Minho,” Chan whispered, closing his eyes. “Thank you for being here with me.”

Minho stayed by Chan’s side, holding his hand and watching over him as he slept. The trials they faced only strengthened their bond, their love a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of darkness.

-

As time passed, Minho and Chan’s love continued to flourish. They built a life together, their bond unbreakable and their hearts intertwined. Secret City, with its magic and mystery, became their home, a place where their love could grow and thrive.

One evening, as they sat together under the moonlight, Chan turned to Minho with a smile. “Do you remember the day we first met?”

Minho nodded, his eyes filled with affection. “How could I forget? You saved me, Chan. You gave me a place to belong.”

Chan took Minho’s hand, their fingers intertwining. “And you gave me a reason to believe in love. You’ve made my life complete, Minho.”

Minho leaned in to kiss Chan, their lips meeting in a tender, loving embrace. “I promise to always be by your side, Chan. Forever.”

Chan smiled, his heart filled with joy. “Forever.”

As they held each other under the soft glow of the moonlight, Minho and Chan knew that their love was eternal. In the magical underworld of Secret City, their hearts had found a home in each other, a love that would endure through any challenge, a bond that would never be broken.

Together, they faced the world, their love a guiding light in the darkness. And in each other’s arms, they found a love that was truly magical, a love that would last forever.

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[yeehawbvby]

Hmmm some steamy Arven prompts: in a tent whilst titan hunting, dorm rooms at the academy, I think I liked the vibe of “oh shit we could get caught in the act” in in too deep so thanks for unlocking something within me 😮‍💨🤠

*kisses u on the mouth!!!!!* The fact that you gave me multiple prompts has been SO NICE. It’s filled my little rotted goblin brain with ideas >:3 So tysm for that! Idk if you saw it yet, but I borrowed the dorm room one for a previous request! 

Gonna go with the “we can get caught” concept here, just because I’m a sucker for that too tbh (see below: that word count, that I actually cut from already LMAO). I accidentally wrote a Dom!Arven, so I’m sorry for that :’D Hope you enjoy!! x 

Light My Beacon | (Arven x F!Reader)

Note: In case anyone is new here, please note that I headcanon Arven as an adult! Please consider this aged up if I’m proven wrong in the future.

Rating: Mature/Explicit | WC: 1,848

“This is such a bad ideahh!~”

Below you, you can hear the chatter of tourists and Paldean natives sightseeing near Porto Marinada. The chirps of their accompanying Pokémon. The deep blue waves and white foam that crash against the shore like clockwork. The occasional Kilowattrel flies overhead, leaving the flaps of their wings echoing in your eardrums.

You feel the warm Spring sun beating down on your pinkened cheeks. The cold metal of the railing – covered in sharp, deep orange flecks of paint that are chipping away, thanks to the elements – pressed against your back. A chilly sea breeze blows by, sending Gooserene bumps down your skin. More bumps are sent upward from your lower half as you feel a particularly delicious jolt within you, paired by a harsh nip at your neck. 

You swallow back a whimper. A short squeak makes its way past your vocal cords anyway. “Arven, shit, t-this is so stupid.”

Ignoring your half-assed protests, your partner continues to pulse into your sweet spot with his middle and ring fingers. Working you with more vigor than he beats eggs smooth, or kneads dough to the perfect pliability for molding. It’s taking every ounce of air in your lungs not to cry out Arven’s name, so you whisper-yell your concerns while clinging onto his shirt for dear life. 

“What if– mmn, w-what if someone comes up here?!”

He ceases the war he’d been waging on your neck to chuckle against the freshly-bruised skin, placing a soft, open-mouthed kiss before responding. “Guess we’ll just have to listen for visitors…” He kisses up your jawline, and just as he presses the edge of his thumb to your clit, he murmurs against your ear, “Which means you’re gonna have to shut the fuck up.”

You hate to admit it to yourself, but you love when Arven gets like this. Makes you feel like the most valuable treasure in the region. The most beautiful girl in the world. When he’s so ravenous that he’ll do whatever it takes to make a mess of you, even if it entails being just a little mean, it lights a fire in you that nobody but him can extinguish.

Arven’s harsh words wring out another needy whine. Your lower belly feels as warm as the coppery beige slabs of stone that rest beneath your shoes. 

He chuckles, then teases, “You’re so into this, aren’t you?” 

He lightly nips at your earlobe, kisses just underneath where your ear meets your neck, then hovers an inch back up to continue. “You’re getting off on the fact that anyone can hear your pretty little moans, yeah?”

Arven’s free hand, which was caging you against the banister, reaches up and tangles into your hair as he pulls away from your profile to get a better look at you. He grins at the sight, hungrily drinking in the way your hips wantonly rock against his thick digits, and how subtly your legs quiver, weakened with adrenaline and pleasure.

Quietly, he mutters, “Anyone can climb that ladder, or simply…” He lightly tugs your tresses, forcing another whimper out of you as your face greets the clouds. “...Look up, and they’ll have the perfect view of me destroying this tight little pussy of yours.” 

Your stomach does a flip – both at the mental-image, and at your boyfriend’s wording. His face creeps closer to yours. He licks a small strip against the center of your throat before closing his lips against it; before loosening his grip in your hair, allowing your head back to its natural forward-facing position. Through hazy vision, you can see that Arven’s pupils are blown wide, rendering his visible eye more blackened than aquatic. 

Leaning in towards your mouth, but not quite closing the gap, he whispers the end of his thoughts. “And you love it.”

He hovers there, then pulls back slightly when you lean in to steal a kiss. Responding to the frustrated mewl that escapes you, his smug grin widens. “Admit it, lil’ cutie.”

“F-fuck,” you sigh, “Yes, Arven, I love it so much.”

A quiet, cocky laugh emits from your lover as he leans into your lips. “Good girl.” 

He closes the gap, and you pull away shortly after to gasp, “N-need more, please.”

“Oh, so it’s not that you don’t mind someone catching us… you want someone to catch us.”

“Don’t care, god, please fuck me.” You swallow a moan, then continue your pleas. “Need you so bad, please Arven~”

Arven silences you with another kiss, this one much more forceful. He untangles your locks from his fingers and flattens a supportive palm on the back of your head, just above your nape. Leaves you breathless. When Arven opens a new gap, you peer below you as he slowly pulls his fingers from your pussy, then your pants, and lifts them up to your mouth. Your lips part, and gazing up at your boyfriend with Deerling-like eyes, you let him slip his slickened digits inside. Twirling your tongue around his fingers like you would his cock, sucking yourself off of him. Sucking him clean. Driving yourself insane with want.

You notice a proud glint in Arven’s eye as he cups your face in both hands and dips back down. His chapped lips touching your smoother ones, he murmurs, “Such a good girl for me,” before rewarding you with more kisses. “Y’taste so fucking good,” Arven groans into another. His approval sends a shiver down your spine as you practically melt into his touch.

Your grip moves from Arven’s broad shoulders, down his clothed torso, and onto the front of his pants. Before you can unbutton them for him, he swats you away, taking matters into his own hands. Once his cock springs free, he undoes your bottoms as well. He only brings them below your hips, but for ease of access, you promptly let them fall to your ankles.

Without pulling away from your kiss, Arven lifts one of your legs with his fingertips – as if it weighs nothing – and curls it around his side. He adjusts the angle of his hips slightly to line up with your center… but opts to toy with you a bit. Arven slowly slides his length against your folds; softly thrusting his head against your clit, painting your labia with a mixture of your arousal and his pre-cum, creating the lewdest little sounds between your bodies. 

“Mnn,” you whine into your partner’s lips, pulling away slightly to use your words. “Fuck, stop that,” you urge. 

You’re practically about to snap just from being fingered and teased, meanwhile Arven’s having a great time milking every last drop of your patience. Smiling as he gnaws his bottom lip. Basking in how eagerly you squirm against him. If he weren’t so goddamn beautiful, you’d want to punch that cocky, knowing look off of his face.

“Pleas– oh, fuck!” 

Arven plunges into you without warning, his face contorting into a cheeky, cat-like grin as he watches yours morph from frustrated to fucked up. You suppose it makes sense. There was no need to pause and use spit as lube when you’ve already concocted an excess of your own.

Dragging your hands up to Arven’s blonde and brown tresses, you tangle your fingers between the strands, desperate for something to hang onto. You bite your lip so as to stop yourself from practically announcing to all of Paldea that you’re being fucked on top of the Porto Marinada lighthouse in broad daylight. Just as a heady cry begins to evade your defenses, Arven plants his lips on yours. 

He growls into your mouth as you mewl into his, echoing one another back and forth. Wrestling your tongues together, then sucking his before he harshly tugs your bottom lip between his teeth. All the while his hips snap into yours, his thick cock reaching so, so deep. Arven is strategic in his thrusts, making sure no skin-on-skin smacks reverberate into the midday air. You wish with all your heart that he would just forget that and pound into your cunt without mercy. 

Arven’s got you sweating beneath his touch, his free, calloused, large hand cupping your chest, your cheek, your neck, your hip. Has you panting like a fucking Growlithe with each firm tap his dick makes against your g-spot. Humming like an Altaria with each moan he breathes against your lips. Making your core tingle as he leans his forehead against yours, drowning you in hushed praise and insults in tandem; softly telling you that you’re his perfect slut, his good little whore, his desperate princess.

You wrap your arms around Arven, biting his shoulder to keep yourself from letting the screams that reside in the back of your throat come out to play. Needing to gain his own composure, your lover digs his fingers into your hooked leg, with a vice grip on the handrail beneath his other fist. Like a fraying thread, you feel yourself come undone as his cock begins to harden and twitch inside of you.

“F-fuh– I’m cumming,” you whine into Arven’s collar, just before you’re slain by a little death. “Please don’t stop, Arven!”

He pulls you from his shoulder, forcing you to look him in the eye. “Mm, go ‘head and cum for me.” He hisses your name, followed by, “God, you feel so fucking good.”

Right when stars begin coating your vision, Arven mirrors you. You bask in how good he feels, pulsating inside your tightening cunt, coating it in thick ribbons of cum. As he pulls out, his release drips slowly down his shaft and your leg. 

Unfortunately, you don’t have time to clean up the mess: before either of you can so little as catch your breath, you hear the soft patters of rubber and skin against metal. 

An indication that you’re about to have company. 

Both sets of eyes lock and widen as you simultaneously curse under your breath. Each of you pull your pants up, then hurry to help fix each other’s messy hair. Just before the group of… Unovan, you think? tourists show themselves, Arven and you lean on the handrail, pretending to gaze out at the land below you.

“Wow, a lovely views from here!” one girl prompts. Her Paldean is broken, but it’s cute that she tried, and you appreciate the effort.

“Definitely,” you agree, pulling away from the railing and inconspicuously tugging at Arven’s sleeve. You turn and give him a look that silently says, ‘Let’s go,’ and he responds with a subtle nod. “Enjoy your stay!” you offer, as you and your boyfriend scurry away. 

As you clamber onto the ladder, you both fall into a fit of giggles. “I can’t believe we did that,” you mutter.

“Right?!” Arven responds from above you. “Look at us go!” 

Once you’re both on solid ground again, you make way to the nearest Pokémon Center, crossing your fingers in hope that its restrooms won’t be too crowded. There’s no way either of you are trekking back home to Mesagoza like this.

#arven pokemon #arven x reader #pokemon arven #pokemon x reader #pokemon sv #pokemon scarvi #pokemon scarlet #pokemon violet #pokemon scvi #trainer arven #rival arven #pokémon arven x reader #pokemon arven x reader #no use of y/n #pokemon fanfiction #pokemon fanfic #arven x f!reader #arven x female reader #arven x female trainer #established relationship #slightly ooc #ooc arven #anon

[artist-issues]

What are the best stories you've seen that have a theme of forgiveness? If not strictly about forgiveness, then any themes along the lines of retribution, redemption arcs, or even "seeing through another's eyes" (I may or may not have rewatched Brother Bear recently lol)

Well, we’ve got all my old standbys. Cinderella, of course, is a story that really has forgiveness in it, because Cinderella wholeheartedly forgives her stepfamily for mistreating her. (Actually, she might be “forbearance,” not forgiveness.) But they’re completely off her hook. I think there’s a really great moment of forgiveness between Nick and Judy in Zootopia that gets overlooked. Frozen, with Anna and Elsa. Brother Bear is a really great example, truly! I love that movie.

I think some of my other favorites include the original A Star is Born, or even the Judy Garland remake. (Those also might be more “forbearance.”) I think one of the best examples I ever saw of forgiveness was in Avatar: the Last Airbender, which everybody knows:

And of course, ‘Til We Have Faces and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis have some of the best-distilled forgiveness moments in any stories, ever. There are sweet ones in The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, too, though they’re not as dramatic. In Anne’s House of Dreams, by L.M. Montgomery, Anne’s repeated forgiveness of Leslie’s coldheartedness or rudeness is a really simple but awesome example of day-to-day forgiveness.

I don’t easily think of a lot of good examples of it in stories. Brother Bear definitely has it, because without it, the story doesn’t work—Sitka wouldn’t help Kenai to learn from his wrongs, Kenai would’ve been killed by Denahi, Koda would’ve been left alone—but I don’t think forgiveness is the main focus of the movie. I think it’s a load-bearing component, but not the focus.

You’re making me want to see a movie that really homes in on that!

The thing is, I guess, for forgiveness to be the focus of a movie, there has to be a character that 100% definitely does the complete wrong, inexcusable thing to another character. Something that he deserves to be on the hook for. Then he has to acknowledge that he did the wrong thing and want forgiveness. And then the other character, the one who was wronged, has to willingly acknowledge that wrong and then let the offender off the hook. It’s not just “we’ll pretend this didn’t happen.” It’s both parties acknowledging that wrong was done, and having an exchange that ends in reconciliation. It’s got grace and mercy wrapped up in it.

Not many movies have true moments like this. Usually, one character is super sorry and the other character just seems to brush off whatever they did with like, a callback to an inside joke or something. (I’m thinking if Treasure Planet, to be honest.) Or, the situation necessitates that they put their conflict aside and work together, and then after the day is saved they sort of “get over” all that and swagger off into the sunset together.

As far as “redemption” goes—gee, all the old standbys! All the ones I mentioned above, plus Star Wars, plus East of Eden (the movie, not the book) plus, of course, my all-time favorite movie, Lilo & Stitch.

In Lilo & Stitch, you have the ugly little creature who belongs absolutely nowhere, is by definition a blight on nature and an abomination of existence, who was actively created to ruin everything. And he does it, and he takes delight in it. But there’s this little girl who gets pushed down, gets her doll chewed on, gets rejected when she’s most in need of his companionship—and she just keeps on loving him anyway. Because she’s chosen to, not because he did anything to deserve it. And then that infects him. That idea of family—of someone choosing to love you, no matter how ugly you are inside and out, and by choosing to love you, they create a place where you belong. No matter what. And that changes him. A germ from outside of him changes him from a literal world-destroying, home-shattering selfish monster into something new, something adopted, something loved.

I’d call it a story about committed love and grace, not necessarily redemption—because the focus of the story isn’t really “Stitch does something wrong but then through a process of pain and transformative struggle, redeems that wrong.” That’s not the focus of the story. But it’s still “bad character becomes good.” And I can’t help but talk about Lilo & Stitch once you get me started on it, sorry!

I think the best redemption stories are some of the ones I’ve listed above, plus East of Eden, Beauty & the Beast, and really, truly Sydney Carton from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

And I think Kylo Ren was well on his way to being one of the best redemption stories of all time, if TROS hadn’t fumbled the ending so clumsily—but that’s another post for another time! I don’t know if this satisfactorily answered your question, but it was fun to ramble about and I’ll tag you if I make another post as more come to mind.

#thanks Buddy #asked #answered #Kylo Ren #beauty & the beast #forgiveness #redemption arcs #Zuko #the beast #Lilo & stitch #writing #character development

[harlowtales]

Jack x Reader handing out Halloween candy meet the sweetest thing ever.

18+ sweet/romantic 🎃

“Trick or Treat Jackman” You said giving him a twirl in your nurses outfit which was just some scrubs, crocs, and a stethoscope. Your hair was in a messy ponytail and the scrubs hugged you in all the right places.

“Ah fuck yeah. Think I’m bouta have a heart attack.” Jack said faking cardiac arrest by holding his chest. He pulled you close for a kiss. “Hey baby wanna go get it on in my old room.” Jack used to dream about girls like you liking him back in that old room.

“Ewww no.” You said giggling. “Plus, I don’t like guys with claws.” You hadn’t been over at his parent’s house in a long time. Jack volunteered to hand out the candy this year with Clay and his girlfriend. Jack’s parents were at a company holiday party, but had lived in the neighborhood for decades and handed out some of the best candy on the block like full chocolate bars. All the kids knew you didn’t skip the Harlow house. Now that word got around Jack was handing out the treats, the doorbell would be ringing more than usual.

As the guys were getting everything ready for the kids, you and Clay’s girlfriend were putting the finishing touches on your costumes and making plans for the afterparty. “I feel like your costume needs something” Clay’s girlfriend said who was dressed as a bunny. I know! Blood!” She took some fake blood and smeared it on your scrubs. “There, now you’re a nurse from hell” she giggled.

“I’m going to scare children now!” You exclaimed and you both laughed. You heard the doorbell ring. It was your first kiddo.

“TRICK OR TREAT!!” You heard extra loud through the door.

Jack emerged as Wolverine and Clay as a Vampire. Clay and Jack were confused for each other a lot of the time so the kids thought Clay was Jack. To be polite and avoid confusion they simply said “Thank you Mr. Harlows!” They were happy with their full chocolate bars, juice box and suckers. They were the first but definitely not the last. Word spread that Jack was at the door. Those kids met other kids along their way and bragged about what they got at the Harlows house.

“Look what we got!” They said pulling out their treasure

“What! You gotted full chocolate bars?!!” Kids they were showing said, and all those kids skipped other houses and headed straight there. A mini-mob was growing at the door.

“Do you fucking hear that?” Jack said incredulously as a swarm of excited and screaming kids surrounded the door.

“What’s the plan bro.” Clay said looking afraid to open it.

“Well we have to open the door for starters” You said

“They’re just kids you guys.” Clay’s girlfriend said and pushed past her boyfriend who she thought was being silly to open the door.

“No baby wait! There’s too many kids!” Clay protested but she had opened the door and the screams were deafening. 30 kids were jumping up and down with their buckets out and some older kids had pillow cases. Some parents sat on the perimeter of the chaos to tell them to calm down, but so far they were just watching and recording it on their phones.

Jack looked at Clay and Clay looked at Jack. Fortunately they had enough to give each kid the same thing or it would get ugly. “Ok!” Jack yelled over the commotion. “You push…no treats! Understand?” They all nodded yes. “Form a line and we got something for everyone” goblins, gouls, ghosts, and witches all obeyed and a line formed from the door and halfway down the block because more kids now had come.

“Hunny we’re going to run out!” You said worried.

“I’ll run to the store.” Clay’s girlfriend said grabbing the keys and squeezed her way past little ones to get out the door.

A lot of moms were coming too to see Wolverine. Jack had a tight white tank top on and jeans and they weren’t missing that. Some moms flirted shamelessly as they came to the door with their little ones. “You can just write your number on the back of that chocolate bar for a real chocolate treat.” One mom said and winked. You frowned, but Jack thought it was funny and tried to hide blushing.

“These women are pathetic! In front of their kids?!” You complained

“Baby calm down.” Jack said. It wasn’t like dads that came to the door hadn’t flirted with you. You rolled your eyes and continued to greet kids. To your dismay nobody was the least bit scared by the blood on your outfit.

“My girl better get back soon because we are running real low.” Clay said panicked. The line seemed to just get longer and longer.

“Got more!!” Clay’s girlfriend said as she just pulled up and scooted to the door.

“Finally! We were facing ambush.” Jack said.

After some hours one last little timid girl came to the door. Her dad was carrying her because she was afraid to come to the door on her own. “Hi Jack.” The father said, a big burly guy in a plaid shirt and baseball hat. The little girl was dressed as Ariel from the Little Mermaid. “Can you give my baby something a lil special. This is the first Halloween without her mom.” The dad said sadly.

“Of course, baby?” He said turning to you “Can we get this lil angel something real special from the treats?”

“I’m not an angel I’m Ariel.” The little girl said in a whisper looking down.

“You know imma have to hold you to hear you better.” Jack said. He desperately wanted to hold the little girl as his heart was breaking. Dad nodded it was ok and she actually reached out for Jack to take her into his arms. He took the Wolverine claws off and outstretched his welcoming embrace. You were holding back tears as you gathered extra treats for the little sweetheart.

Jack held her and tilted her chin up. She had the biggest green eyes he had ever seen, but was frowning. “Now what did you say?” He said

“Um….I not…I not an angel. I’m a mermaid. I’m Ariel.” She said a little louder now.

“I’ll tell you what.” Jack said “I want you to tell me your Ariel as loud as you can.”

The little girl looked at her dad who was recording and wiping his eyes from some tears staring to fall. He nodded it was fine to yell. “I am Ariel.” She said a little louder and giggled covering her mouth.

“Ah that’s not loud enough yet.” Jack said shaking his head.

She got a very determined look on her face and geared up to belt it out. She balled up her little fists and said “I…AM…ARIEL!!!!!”

Everyone clapped and she was giggling and kicking her feet in glee. She reached back out for her dad who took her back in his arms.

“How did that feel?” Jack asked her handing her a bag of extra treats.

“I feel good!!” She said with a big smile on her face.

“Listen man.” Jack said to the dad, here’s my girl’s number. Call her and we’ll set something up for her alright? Dance classes or something to boost her confidence. I used to get teased so I know how it is.”

“Thanks Jack.” The dad said giving his little girl a peck on the cheek.

“Byeeeee!!!” The girl said sweetly waving her tiny hand.

After you closed the door everyone was quiet and exhausted. “I don’t want to party now.” You said. “That was a lot.”

“Yeah so sweet.” Clay’s girlfriend said as she wiped her eyes and Clay rubbed her shoulders.

“Baby, can you arrange anything they need as soon as they call?” Jack said his blue eyes glassy

“Yeah of course babe.” You said rubbing his back

“Well bro I think me and the missus are heading home.” Clay said as they said their goodbyes.

You hugged Jack and asked if he was still in a mood to go to the club. “I’m ok babe.” He said “DJ Wolverine has to make an appearance.”

“Ok DJ Wolverine don’t forget your claws.” You said giving him a kiss.

@itsyagirljaz @ride4harlow @jacks-daycare @heavyhitterheaux

#jack harlow #fanfic #jackman thomas harlow #romance #jack harlow fanfic #dramatic #harlowcomehome #clay harlow #wolverine #halloween #candy #trick or treat #little mermaid #princess ariel #jack harlow concepts

[royal-descent]

Plot: Tybalt is on an adventure with a party they are searching some ruins of a dungeon for treasures or magical artifacts. He likes killing things with magic.

Tybalt laughed as he blasted another chunk of stone with a blast o lightning from his hand, the energy crackled and hissed around his fingers. "That really never gets old, it's even funnier when it's on people. Bandits. Goblins. Whatever." Despite his boyish;y sweet looks he was quite a cold person when it came to his liberal use of magic on others. He was a force of nature itself, and dragons always had a bit of a superiority complex anyway.

"When do you think we are going to find what we are looking for? What are we looking for? Can I kill the next thing we find?"

#gay indie rp #indie gay rp #starter

[kikker-oma]

I am going to give you the Whumptober Day 3 poem because it is Valentine's Day, and my fire duck has given me bravery

------

Memories resurface, thoughts from long ago

Trapped within your mind under the blood moons hazy glow

Childlike laughter, the sound of a song

Rewind to a time before it went wrong

Lost in those memories, trapped in your room

All because of the hazy glow of the moon.

------

Hehehe, happy Valentines Day! 💐🍫✨️

Oooohhhh Majoras Mask is always so angst inspiring, this is really good!

I've never had any talent with poetry so I extra appreciate people who write it❤️❤️

Happy (late) Valentines day!

#sweet treasure goblin

[treasure-goblin]

🤍🖤🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤

I shall go to treasure-goblin

I shall open their ask box

I shall type a row of hearts and separate it with new line

I shall pause for a moment, thinking of what to write

I shall think of something funny and/or sweet, hoping to make them smile

I shall begin typ- HEY THAT'S MY INTERNAL MONOLOGUE YOU CANT LISTEN IN

🤍🖤🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤

*drops stethoscope* OH NO, BUSTED!

#asks #ran!!<3 #my random friend <3 #partner in chaos #the birthday saga

[hollowwrites]

Possession and Obsession

Sebastian x MC

This was a wonderful little request that I lost...sorry

Summary - MC and Sebastian are off on another adventure before MC becomes entranced by some bauble

I hope you don’t mind but I went down the trance route similar to Harry and Ron with Voldemorts Horcrux

Warnings - Angst, Mentions of blood, body horror(?) death, all characters aged up 18+

Word Count - 1856

~

“Looks like a transfer to Gringotts or something” MC stated staring at the large pile of goblin bodies and equally large pile of gold.

The cart the goblins had been protecting was upturned and scattered to the wind. In no way, shape or form, would they be using the cart to transport these galleons anywhere. Coin of all sizes were littering the floor, and when MC peered over the cliffs edge to the beach below, she could see the reflection of gold amongst the waves. No doubt the sea would claim all the coin down there. No point wasting their time retrieving it.

“Or an exceptionally wealthy wizard picked a fight on the wrong day.” He kicked the arm of the only human body around, sending the wand he clutched to lifelessly, flying.

“Let’s see what we can find huh?” The sparkle in MCs eye sent a shiver down Sebastian’s spine and he smiled.

He watching lovingly as she ripped apart trinket boxes, safe boxes and satchels on the search for…he didn’t know. But she looked determined. Occasionally, she’d pop her head back up to show off a new piece she has scavenged before returning to the ruined cart. She had donned a jaunty hat and paraded around the site looking for more. Sebastian laughed loudly.

There was no denying he loved her anymore.

He’d come to that conclusion three nights ago when he removed the sickly sweet cream of a pastry from her nose before licking it off his finger.

She looked up at him with faux disgust, pushing him away before jumping up and kissing him on the nose.

Something about that interaction just…clicked.

Whether it was how comfortable they had gotten around each other, the playful fighting they often engaged in or the kiss…

Merlin, to feel her lips upon him again…

He would do anything

Sebastian squinted as his eyes were assaulted by a flash of light under the brush, interrupting his daydream. He kicked at the ground by the offending light, scattering leaves and debris across some of cascading gold.

A dainty chain held the biggest gemstone he had ever seen. He picked it up with the tip of his wand, staring at how the light refracted through the deep red stone.

“MC, come check this out” Sebastian called completely unaware she was already stood next to him. He jumped a little at her proximity. He opened his mouth to jokingly chastise her for scaring him, but she looked…vacant

“Can I have it?” She asked flatly.

“Didn’t think you were a big jewellery girl?” He smirked, but he was beginning to worry. Her eyes had not left the necklace since he had seen her. He tilted his body so the necklace dangled limply, as far from her as possible.

“I am. I want it”

“Okay well-“ his protests were cut short by her casting Accio and the necklace hauling itself at her. Before he could even move, she’d wrapped the long chain around her neck and sighed contently.

“Yes” is all she whispered, a twisted little smile across her features. Rocking back and forth, she closed her eyes, seemingly happy for the moment.

Sebastian had an extensive knowledge of Dark Relics. And this necklace seemed like exactly that.

He had read once about a potent form of dark magic where one could store a part of their soul. He had considered it as a fail safe for Anne, before realising the price she would have to pay in order for it to work. He wanted to keep Anne innocent in all of this. So this ‘Horcrux’ wasn’t an option.

But that is definitely what he was dealing with now. The soul of some treasure crazed lunatic. Perhaps the wizard who now lay dead on the ground? It didn’t matter. Their dark soul now clung to MC like a leech

“I think we’ve had our fun for today. Why don’t you pass me that necklace and I’ll keep it safe for you? I have the bag remember” he patted at his bag keeping his voice calm. His charm had worked on so many others, why not the fractured soul of a dark wizard?

“I think it’s safer with me than with you.” She jeered

“What do you mean by that?” He couldn’t help but bite.

“Well you don’t have a very good reputation for keeping things safe now do you?” MC smirked wickedly “Salazars Spellbook, The Relic…”

“They were-“

“…Your Sister…”

“She-“

“…Your Parents…”

“I was a child!” He snapped

“Tssk tssk, Sebastian. Shouldn’t be an excuse for the things you love” she opened her eyes finally and he gasped. They were black. Not just the iris, her whole eye…

“MC…” he whispered reaching for her

“Yes someone else you failed to save. So glad you can see it now, Sebby” the nickname fell from her lips with venom.

“You…She doesn’t call me that” He spat

“Oh? What would you prefer? ‘Honey’?” She stepped forward “‘Sweetheart’?” Her hands reached out to his chest, running them along his shoulder and up to his neck. “How about ‘Love’?”

This isn’t her, This isn’t her, This isn’t her

He repeated this phrase over and over in his mind, both because he wanted those words to leave her, desperately, but he wanted her to mean them.

And because he wanted to justify what he was about to do.

Squeezing his eyes shut, and pushing images of her from his head, he sent out a flurry of basic casts at his love, ending it with a Bombarda.

Her body slumped against the rock furthest from him, not even attempted once to block his offensive spells.

She twisted back up, arm pulling back at unnatural angles and cracking as they did. Her stuttering movements unnerved Sebastian as she shambled back towards him.

“See? Couldn’t look after me either” Her jaw hung loosely all the while she spoke. The laughter that left her was nothing like her normal singsongy giggle. Not only was she gurgling and choking over the pool of blood running from her mouth, the laugh itself was …evil.

He needed to do something, before he accidentally killed her.

“Stupefy” Sebastian spat, channelling his anger and pain into the cast.

He needed to knock her out.

Thankfully, the wizard, or whatever had took hold of her, cockily took the blast, and her eyes rolled to the back of her head. She fell limply to the floor and Sebastian was on her in a second, ripping the chain from her neck.

I can offer you so much. Put me on and we can use our collective means to achieve anything you wish

A voice invaded his mind the moment he made contact with the necklace. He scoffed.

“You just tried to take away the one thing I do want. So no thank you” he threw the chain as far into the sea as he could, before sending it further with Depulso

Now, to resolve the issue of his dying partner.

When he returned to her side she was spitting and gurgling and writhing on the floor. The weak little squeals that came from her chest indicated how much pain she was in.

Whilst studying to save Anne, he picked up on quite a few healing spells. He muttered the incantations over and over, setting her bones and stopping her bleeding. Amongst these healing chants he softly stroked her hair and spoke:

“I know, I know, shhhh. I’ve got you. I’m so sorry”

She murmured underneath him until she could formulate proper words. Her jaw snapping back into place with a sickening pop.

“What happened?” She asked horrified staring at the blood on her hands and clothes “Are you okay?”

“Hmph you would ask how I am” He smiled “I’m fine it was…this was…you. Just give two more seconds and I’ll be done. I promise” he smoothed her hair down brushing the stray pieces stuck to her face away.

One last Episky to her leg and she was right as rain. Apart from being covered in her own blood. His eyes scanned over her one last time before he scooped her up in his arms, cradling her back and forth. Now strong enough, she propped herself up, a leg either side of his.

“I was so scared, I thought I’d lost you” Sebastian mumbled against her neck, nuzzling further. He wanted ever last inch of himself touching some part of her. “I thought I’d…”

“Seb, what happened I can’t remember a thing. Last thing I know, I’d found a hat” she laughed, the noise escaping her easily due to the grip Sebastian had on her midsection.

“There was this necklace, it did something to you. You were taunting me and and…I-I knew I had to get it off you so I…may have…thrown you against a rock.” He pulled away from her briefly to gauge her reaction.

“What did I say?” She asked her eyes heavy with concern. Concern? For him?! He’d almost killed her and she was worried about him?! Her hands found their way to his hair, brushing it soothingly away from his freckled face.

“You called me Sebby for starters. Did not like that. You also…kind of…maybe blamed me for the death of my parents and the state of Anne” his eyes dropped not wanting to look at her. He’d always believed those things to be true anyway. But hearing her say them…hurt more than he wanted to believe.

“None of that is true.” She cupped his face and tilted it up towards her. “You know that”

“Yeah that’s what I’m afraid of” he muttered under his breath

“What? You want them to be true?” Her eyebrow raised in confusion.

“Not…everything you said was bad…” he admitted thinking of how his skin tingled hearing her call him ‘Love’

“Oh?” She probed

“You…” he sighed “You called me ‘Love’” his cheeks grew hot. A combination of his admittance and the sudden realisation she remained straddling his lap.

“Ah” she giggled tilting his face up to hers “and why would you want me to call you that, Love?”

“Don’t” he captured her wrists and brought them down off his face. He sighed “In for a knut, in for a Galleon aye?”

The brief look of confusion he saw plastered on her was engulfed in darkness as he pressed his lips to hers. He melted against her, pulling her closer, ushering the two years of repressed feelings into every movement of his lips.

He momentarily regretted the whole thing, before he felt her lips push back against his. A single moment that seemed to last an eternity. Her lips parted, drawing him further in, sucking lightly on his bottom lip. Delicate little fingers found their way through his hair and he groaned. The tender way she moved against him made everything he’d done this evening worth it.

Yes, he had broken her completely.

But he fixed her back up and his reward was well worth it.

They broke away by a hair, breathing each other in.

“How long have you been waiting to do that, Sebby?” She teased

“Too long”

Masterlist

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry #hogwarts #slytherin #hogwarts headcanon #hogwarts houses #hogwarts oc #sebastian sallow #harry potter hogwarts game #hogwarts legacy sebastian #sebastian x y/n #hogwarts sebastian #sebastian x mc #sebastian x you #sebastian angst #sebastian x reader #Sebastian fluff #sebastian fanfic #request #hogwarts fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #angst #fluff #hogwarts legacy

[mytemporarycomfort]

Champions partaking in some special herbs (Champions x Reader)

A/N: I really hope this cheers someone up.

Champions x reader

Summary: Imagine getting high off your butt with the champions.

Link

Feral goblin energy or slow sweet cuddling night. No in between.

Imagine, the usual goblin energy, but amp it up by 10. Pranks everyone. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

He wont drag you into it since he can't really focus as usual, but you're not to far back laughing with him and helping him out.

There is no stealth aspect to this pranking time of yours. You guys do what you want and people hope they're not on the list.

When he's all soft, he clings on to you like a koala.

you're the softest things he has his hands on so you're not going anywhere, and you don't mind.

when you run your hands through his hair in this state, he melts like ice cream.

Tickle him. I dare you. (He head butts you in retaliation. BY ACCIDENT!)

neck kisses are his favorite when he's like this

Holds you so close and taps your palm three times, a secret little signal for "I love you"

Urbosa

Bath? Bath but make is sensual.

Are you two gonna start making out? In the bath? Maybe. Who knows.

She will absolutely dance with you. She just holds you close and spin with you.

You have never heard her giggle so much, it was so different. It was refreshing. It was something you will never ever forget, or that's what you tell yourself now.

She smells so good. Has she always smelled like flowers?

Becomes more wild in the best way possible.

Gets both of you up to Naboris somehow to go star gazing. Tis lady can be so extra for you if you'll allow it.

"My most beautiful treasure"

Mipha

She lets herself sink in the water and just vibe.

She becomes like such a blush-y school girl around you.

Wants to make out with you constantly. ope

Please stay in your rooms when you're both high, that's what you learnt.

Cuddles you so much.

nearly cries because she didn't believe you two were a thing at first.

You might accidentally lose her at some point. You wonder around and found her in some shallow water, just vibing.

Stares dreamily up at you.

"Youre the best thing that has happened to me"

Revali

You know that picture of a bird laying on their back, legs up? That.

The smile on his face is of pure giddy-ness. Child-like.

He will snuggle you. No doubt. Can't change my mind. He just sits in his hammock with you and rubs his stupid little face on yours.

He chirps!

He will start taking some of the loose feather off of himself and start braiding it into your hair if you have long enough hair.

If you don't, he'll just start putting it on your clothes.

He looks at you like you're made out of starlight.

He lets a lot of his emotions out with you when you two are like this.

He says the "L" word right in front of you without checking if anyone else is around.

Super sassy bird boyfriend and cute giggly partner.

"Please don't ever leave me"

Daruk

Please be careful!

How did you manage to get him high?

He's not the safest to be around when he's like this, not gonna lie. He's not only strong, but so clumsy now!

He's a hoot to be around now, so much more than before.

He....um... accidentally threw you off a cliff one time. Luckily you were caught. You were also really high so you just laughed it off.

There was a long discussion afterwards when you two came out of it.

He just wants to hold you when he's high as balls.

when he starts to settle down, he just lays on his back staring up as you're cuddled on his chest.

"I'm gonna keep you safe no matter what."

#loz fanfic #botw #loz #loz botw #botw headcanons #botw imagine #loz imagine #botw champions #revali x reader #urbosa x reader #mipha x reader #daruk x reader #link x reader #botw revali #loz headcanons #botw link #botw x reader #botw daruk #botw urbosa #botw mipha #botw urbosa x reader #botw link x reader #botw daruk x reader #botw mipha x reader

[lackadaisy-headcanon-supply-unit]

Hi! I'm having a bit of a rough time right now and would like to ask for some platonic fluff with Freckle? As a Headcanon Homebrew, please.

If being vague leaves you stuck it can be a childhood friends kind of idea. Dealer's choice, though

•Y/N and Freckle have known each other for, well, as long as they can remember, maybe even before that.

•As Nina tells it, they met the L/N family in church one day and being the good, polite and god-fearing people they were, she invited them round to the McMurray abode for a spot of tea.

•Freckle, however, saw right away that Y/N wasn't the same as the rest of the crowd. That first playdate in the garden, Y/N was a force to be reckoned with in both energy and humour.

•Part of them reminded Freckle of Rocky. At the beginning, that was what made him so attached.

•As time went on, however, that image changed for the better.

•Freckle was always the shy one, and Y/N accepted that. They still tried to push him out of his comfort zone on occasion, and oftentimes it worked. They went on many marvellous adventures, often resulting in less than marvellous lectures to follow from Nina.

•Freckle has secretly collected a lot of bugs, interesting leaves, messy drawings and half-eaten sweets that he still keeps under his bed to this day, locked in a shoebox more precious to him than any treasure chest.

•Y/N was the reason he first started playing baseball, too. It was the first time Freckle had ever known what an outlet was, and what kind of raging fire was churning inside him when he swung the bat and accidentally broke his coach's nose on the first day. That realization, although terrifying at first, still egged him to wade a little deeper into the chaotic world outside his home and out from under his mother's paws.

•That probably means that along with Rocky, Y/N was a driving influence behind Freckle joining Lackadaisy's less-than-legal workforce.

•However, his criminal life hasn't pushed their friendship aside, far from it. They still go out together and as they grow older, so has the subject of their conversations.

•Mindless talks about creek goblins and the mischievous leprechauns that stole the odd socks became ones about dream jobs and future lives, love advice and teasing jabs at each other's expense.

•"Aw, Mistah Baby-Face gunning down a car? How adorable!"

"At least I'm doing more than sweeping floors in a dead-end beanery."

"Hey, that's not fair; I also make the coffee. The waiter's cute and sweet on me, so guess who's the real winner here!"

•Just back-and-forth banter that still reminds them both of how far they've come as friends, and how far they still have to go.

•Some things, however, never change. Pancakes are still their favourite shared delicacy.

•When they share a plate, the nostalgia is undeniable.

•It tastes like carefree summer days and cool oak canopy shade, Nina's lemonade and the sound of her scissors snipping at stray leaves while the two kittens tumble around the garden and rush back at sunset, covered in grass stains and mud.

•It tastes like home.

#🦉mod iphiko #lackadaisy #headcanon home brew #headcanon #lackadaisy & reader #lackadaisy reader insert #calvin mcmurray #lackadaisy freckle

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

This is a Gift

5 times Astarion told Octavia "This is a gift, you know. I won't forget it" and 1 time she said it to him. Mildly NSFW in some spots and cw referencing sexual assault

“I only need a taste, I swear.” Just a taste. One little taste. You’re a sweet…not so little…thing. Please. One small taste.

Octavia hesitated for a moment and then sighed. “Fine. But not a drop more than you need.”

Finally. Finally!!! “Really? I-of course. Not one drop more. Let’s make ourselves comfortable, shall we?” He watched as Octavia lay back down on her bedroll, noticing she was as tense as a board. Relax. It shouldn’t hurt too much. I hope. When his fangs plunged into her neck, she gasped. Seven hells, if she does that simply from this, I wonder how she sounds when she comes. All in good time, sweetness. I think I have you wrapped around my finger. More. Must have more…

“Astarion, please—” she said with urgency.

And dinnertime is over! “Ah! That-that was amazing. My mind is finally clear. I feel strong. I feel…happy!” Astarion offered Octavia a hand and helped her to her feet. She is…quite beautiful in the moonlight. It’ll make what I must do easier, I suppose.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you fight.”

“Shouldn’t take long. So many people need killing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, you’re invigorating, but I need something more filling.” As he turned to leave, he stopped. “This is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it.” For the first time in a long time, I will trance with a full stomach. Thank you, Octavia dear.

***

“Astarion, look out!” Octavia screamed as a goblin archer took aim at the elven vampire. Luckily for him, he was able to dodge the arrow. Mostly. It tore the leather on my armor! That little shit! But if she hadn’t warned me, I’m fairly sure that would’ve been a critical hit.

After the battle ended, he walked up to the curvaceous tiefling and grinned. Lay on the charm. She adores it. So easy to please… “Thanks for the heads up, my dear. Now, how should I reward you?”

Her eyes widened. “Um, you’re welcome? I don’t need or want anything, Astarion.”

More charm. “Darling, there must be something.” He flashed his best grin and put a hand on one of his hips. They always want something. Just need to figure out what you want.

To his astonishment, she shrugged in quite possibly the most adorably awkward way ever. She’s such a sweetheart. “I just want you to be safe. That’s all.” Their conversation was interrupted by the Scratch familiar barking. “Looks like he’s found something!” She smiled and walked quickly to the dog.

She…doesn’t want anything. Only for me to be safe. Watching Octavia and Gale cheer Karlach on as she dug to get to whatever treasure Scratch found, he felt tears in his ruby eyes. “This is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it.”

***

“Did you honestly think, boy, that you could evade me forever? Play adventurer with this…thing?” Cazador sneered, telepathically holding Octavia by the throat. I can’t move. Why can’t I move? Her tail thrashed back and forth. Her bright blue eyes were full of terror. “I thought I raised you better than that. No, I won’t use her for the ritual.” He leered at her, undoing the pins in her hair that Astarion had set that morning. “She’ll make a fine meal after I force you to watch me take her.”

No. Gods no. No. No! NO!

Her eyes somehow got wider. Try to break free, my love. You’re so much stronger than you think you are. “Astarion…” she managed to choke out. “Astarion…”

“Astarion? Love?”

It all happened in seconds.

He sat up straight as he woke from the nightmare.

He screamed her name.

He had not realized that while he was thrashing that he hit her.

“Ow! Astarion, calm down! It’s okay! I’m right here, love! It’s okay.” She pinched her nose with one hand and tentatively reached for him with the other.

What…fuck. Fuck. FUCK. I’ve hurt her. Shit. I never want to hurt her, and she’s…fuck. Monster. You’re nothing but a monster. He crawled away from her slowly, holding up his shaking hands. “Forgive me. I-I…”

“Is everything alright in there?”

“Fine, Shadowheart. Just having a bit of a nosebleed, but it’s already slowing down.”

“Just make sure Astarion doesn’t drain you dry.” She snarked as she left. Octavia peered through the tent flaps to make sure she was gone before she turned to Astarion.

“Love—”

Monster. Monster. Monster. Monster. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me, darling. I’m so sorry. I…I’m…” He felt himself uncontrollably trembling and wet, hot tears dripping down his pale cheeks.

Octavia slowly moved towards him, a warm smile on her face. “Hey, it’s okay. The bleeding’s already stopped, so that’s good. Do you want to talk about it?” She sat next to him and put her right hand palm up on her thigh. If I touch her hand, then she has permission to touch me. A nice little idea she had a while back so I could establish boundaries. My darling is so brilliant. One of his pale hands rested in hers, and he gripped it. Hard. She’s here. She’s fine. She’s safe. She’s perfect. She’s safe. She’s safe…

He shook his head. “No. I frankly never wish to think of it again.”

She nodded. “Do you want to sit here for a while? Do you want to feed? What can I do for you?”

“Hold me, my love.” Astarion was not entirely sure the words left his lips because he said them so softly, but she must have heard. Scooching next to him, one long arm went around his shoulders while the other held a hand. They sat in silence for some time before Octavia fell back asleep.

He watched over her, noting the small smile on her face.

“This is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it.”

***

“Sweetness, do you mind if we take a raincheck for tonight?” Astarion asked hesitantly, watching Octavia read a book in their room at the Elfsong Tavern. The original plan had been a date night and lovemaking, but even though I wish to, I simply…I can’t. Not tonight.

She looked up from her book and smiled. “Of course, love. Do you still want to go out?”

He frowned. “No. I think for tonight I need some time to myself.” It’s not you, dear. Please don’t think it. I know how you are. You will and then you’ll feel awful, and I’ll feel awful.

“Fine with me.” She closed her book and set it aside. “Hmmm, maybe I could persuade Gale to teach me lanceboard—”

“Darling, please don’t torture yourself.” Who in their right mind would have Gale teach them anything, let alone lancecboard? He rolled his eyes. “Darling, love yourself.”

She rose from her chair, her expression a mix of amused and peeved. “Oh, hush you! Be nice to Gale. He’s a wonderful man and a lovely friend.” She shifted uneasily. “I just didn’t want to automatically say Halsin lest it make you feel bad…because I never want you to feel that way ever again.”

She truly is the sweetest. How lucky am I? He took one of her hands and brought it to his lips. “My dear, I’m always tickled pink when you’re with Halsin. And you always come back so delightfully,” smirking, his fingers danced over the base of her tail. A guaranteed moan every time! “fuck drunk.”

She moaned uneasily, her cheeks turning a dark pink. “I’ll, um, keep that in mind for later, love.” Quickly giving him a kiss, she maneuvered around him to grab her bag and checked her hair. “You relax tonight, okay? There’s still a lot ahead of us I fear, and I worry.” You always worry. Far, far too much.

“Then follow your own advice and relax, sweetness. Now, shoo! Go relax or rut or whatever filthy things you two do.” And soon, very soon I think, I want to watch. He kissed her and guided her outside their room, a deliriously happy grin on her face. Gods, her smile. Perfect in every way. She waved and then practically skipped to Halsin’s door. Astarion watched as she explained that her plans changed and then Halsin wrapped his thick arms around her and nearly lifted her off the ground. They both laughed and then shuffled into his room, the door closing with a bang.

As he laid back down and opened his book, he smiled. “Octavia, my everything---this is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it.”

***

“A-are you certain, my love?” Astarion asked with uncertainty. “Halsin darling? Is it true?”

Halsin nodded as he poured some tea. “Yes. Our family will be expecting a little one again in the summer, and this time—”

“The cub is yours, Star.” Octavia said dreamily, hands on her belly. “Just like we wanted.”

Five years since Ianfir’s birth. Three since we started trying for another.

Before he knew it, Octavia reached him in three strides and embraced him, her nose in his white curls. “This is a gift, you know. I won’t forget it.” she whispered, tears streaming down her face. How the three of us have wanted another child, but my sweet treat has wanted this so badly. “I think the newest cub is a girl.” She smiled, still holding him. “Wouldn’t that be lovely?

A little girl.

With my eyes and her nose.

Pale ginger curls.

A tail that will wrap around my hand like Ianfir’s did when he was a baby.

She’ll have Octavia’s smile.

He wept into her shoulder. “Yes. Yes, it would. We’ll name her Helestina. It’s such a beautiful name.” Some time ago, Octavia surprised me with records she obtained from Baldur’s Gate---records of my birth, my graduation from law school, my installation as a magistrate, cases I had ruled on, and my obituary.

Helestina…was my mother.

#octavia harrow #astarion #halsin #octavia x halsin x astarion #halsin silverbough #astarion ancunin #astarion bg3 #halsin bg3 #tiefling tav #plus size tav #ianfir silverbough #5 times 1 time #bg3 fanfic #bg3 fan fiction #octavia “fuck drunk” harrow #soft astarion

[you-have-been-frizzled]

Wanted to share this bit of lore I remember with someone who also treasures the Dizznees (and maybe Lovise).

Lovise could’ve lead her own squadron, but instead she chose (and continues to choose) to stay with Dex and his family so she can protect them. I just think it’s sweet.

oooooh i remember that!!! there was also something about her preferring to work alone as well and that she’s actually the oldest Goblin but not the highest ranking because of her preference to work alone

i think the fact that she prefers to work alone, but decided to stay with Dex and his family, when they are incredibly chaotic is amazing!

oh and my personal headcannon for her is that she tosses the triplets into snow drifts when they’re being annoying (Kesler and Juline are fine with it) and i saw someone say that they headcannoned her to have a long black braid and tattoos years ago now and i just think that’s an amazing idea

#thanks for the ask! #kotlc #kotlc headcanons #dex dizznee #kotlc lovise #kotlc bodyguards #keeper of the lost cities #juline dizznee #kotlc fandom

[niuttuc]

New “budget” Commander cards: Lord of the Rings: Red

You know these by now, we'll go color by color, mixing main set and commander set. Reprints can be included if they brought the price down under our bar. All the cards presented here are under $2 at time of writing. Cards will be evaluated as part of the 99, even legendary creatures.

Guttersnipe is a pretty great card for spellslinger decks, making the table's life totals melt very, very fast. This is a second Guttersnipe that's more resilient because it's one of the hardest types to remove instead of the easiest one. Also the ring tempts you. If you're running Guttersnipe, this is basically an auto-include in addition to it.

We have infinite versions of this card and effect. This is a worse Firebrand Archer. Decks that want to ping as much as possible all the time might still want another copy.

This is a sweet card. Insurrection is a pretty boring but effective way to end a game, but getting one that's much less game-ending on five is sweet. You only take one opponent's creatures and you're not killing the entire table... Though you'll have to make sure the newfound "ally" you just volunteered into helping you can't turn around and murder you after you cleaned the rest of the table with their board, which is very real and will happen, particularly if the players you kill spite you by not blocking the stolen creatures to kill them.

So the optimal line most of the time will be calling someone else for aid and making them do all the work with their creatures while your own stand back twiddling their thumbs to be ready to block once they turn on you. This reminds me of so many school group projects.

This is the best Krenko's Command or Dragon Fodder ever printed, making hasty tokens (and sharing the haste with other humans). As long as the goblin creature type doesn't matter for your deck, if you're playing any of those two you'll want to replace it with this one, it's a simple upgrade, or likely run all three. Balmor, Zada,... Many homes for this enabler.

For one more mana on a Fork, you get to copy an entire stack at once. You don't even have to control the spell, so this can do silly stuff. With that said, it's probably more of a fun card than an optimal card, storm decks will prefer going with a Bonus Round early and there isn't that often that many instants and sorceries on the stack. It will create some awesome moments and stories around the commander table though, and that's the important part, I'd play this over a Fork even if the one extra mana is huge on that kind of spell, just for the stories.

This is a Starter Kit card, and it's not all that spicy or efficient at anything. With that said, being a mana sink that generates card draw is pretty great on the back of a subpar removal. If you can generate lots of (or infinite) mana and don't always know what to do with it, including this as a bad removal will randomly help you at points in ways a more efficient or classic removal wouldn't.

Generating two Treasures every turn is pretty good for a 3-drop if you can get it consistently, and double strike is powerful in general if you have buffs around. With that said, Gimli will need a way to be buffed, either through his own ability with other legendary creatures or through equipments or auras, and he'd also really like some evasion. Ultimately, the payoff ain't that great, so I wouldn't warp my deck to play him, but if there's already the pieces for it, he's gonna do work.

Just like Gimli, doubling up on value combat triggers for cheap with double strike, by itself it'll have a hard time getting in, though this one instead of bringing a way to buff itself, it extends the effect to all your Goblins, which makes it a pretty great option for typal Goblin decks, and certainly a tutor option for Matrons and Harbingers. If you're playing goblins, you have one you can cut for this, surely. If you're not playing goblins, consider it like Gimli, if you already have ways to buff it or make it evasive.

Fervor sees play in 30,000 decks according to EDHRec. This is a strictly better Fervor. All commander decks have at least one legend. Haste is good. This is a good card.

If you got enough artifacts or legends to trigger this every turn, it'll be... Alright. A treasure per turn isn't a ton, and you're unlikely to be able to cast them during opposing turns in red, but it's playable. The ability to Goad at instant speed for free is pretty great though, it makes him able to redirect surprise voltron or combo-y attacks.

#mtg #sleeper #edh #lotr #lord of the rings #red #commander