stoneward-princess

[stoneward-princess]

keevathescaledshadow​:

~

Keeva’s expression softened at Josefin’s words. She wasn’t used to being allowed space and time to work things through. Certainly not in front of anyone else. But even upon their first meeting Josefin had given Keeva the kind of space she needed. The space to breathe and the space to calm down to where she could talk again. And even though she struggled with words, Josefin was still so patient. Gently asking questions, trying to understand, to help Keeva understand. It was a foreign kindness and the dragoness appreciated it wholeheartedly. Especially after everything Josefin had done for her. She nodded, a soft grateful smile echoing Josefin’s patient one. 

“Oh, right, he mentioned you knew one another. We’re siblings. Well, half-siblings I suppose…from what I heard some humans treat that differently.” She still was hazy about the intricacies of human family dynamics so she gave a small shrug and continued. “Regardless, we share a father. I never met our father- my mother wouldn’t talk about him. She told me I had no siblings on that side either. But that was a lie too. Cai tried to come see me, several times over the years, but because he had been among humans and elves my mother told him no.” She shook her head anger welling up again but she was worn out to the point now where it had little energy to fuel it. “I never knew about him until he recognized me at the refugee camp.” She smiled, spirits lifting slightly at the memory. 

“That uh- parchment I write on- the gold one, it sends letters to him.” She glanced to the side a bit embarrassed. The letters hadn’t been something she had tried to actively hide but she often would be writing a response when Josefin or Kirian would come across her and she would quickly tuck the parchment away, hoping they wouldn’t ask. Keeva was still self conscious about her writing. “I’m rather awful at it though. Images are so much easier than words.” 

Josefin’s silence in response to Keeva’s insistence sent a pain through her. She knew there was a possibility that they would fail. That whatever ritual the magi were helping them with here wouldn’t work but Keeva still clung to that determination. She had to. She wouldn’t give up. Neither would Kirian, a fact that became more apparent the more time the dragoness spent around the two humans. 

She sighed and scooted so she could lean against the tree as well. Not releasing Josefin’s hand she rested her chin on her knees as she tucked them to her chest again. Pale gaze looking at the cottage they had been staying in. It was strange, to find herself somewhere so far from home. But at the same time there was something very comfortable about spending quiet days on this warm island with Josefin and Kirian. 

“I like staying here.” The dragoness still looked at their temporary home base. “It sounds stupid but it’s almost peaceful in a way.” She glanced at the woman next to her so she could judge her facial expression as she continued. “I think Kirian almost likes it too.” She joked, though she meant it for the most part and she gave the Princess a bit of a knowing smile. Keeva had noticed the amount of time Kirian spent around Josefin and the amount of times she had seen him truly smile had a directly positive correlation. Even without that, the way he had cared for her after the attack, the way they spoke to one another, even the way they would look at one another sometimes. Keeva wasn’t very worldly but she also wasn’t blind. The way they cared for one another was clear to the dragoness. 

-

Perhaps in more ways than they realized, they were similar. Josefin had grown up learning how to manage her emotions around different types of people. It was politically necessary and ensured her survival at the worst of times and her accomplishments in the best case scenarios. After all, no one wanted to listen to an emotionally compromised princess. Well… few wanted to listen to a princess in general but she’d forced her way into some situations by maintaining that control and her ideas. But Keeva, she had grown up thinking it was better to push it all down. She’d grown up learning to ignore and regret her emotions and even her thoughts and in many ways, she’d grown up being invalidated by her mother and then likely herself.

“Mmm…” Josefin nodded, listening as Keeva explained her relation to the dragon.  Her own family might have been compromised with the rebellion but they hadn’t always been so distant. Growing up, she and her siblings had always stuck together. Their parents were too busy and it was difficult leaning on anyone else or letting anyone else in. She couldn’t even imagine if any of them had been bastards. Her parents had always been notoriously in love and faithful to each other. “I suppose… we’re lucky in that way. All my siblings and I were born in wedlock to the same parents. They have always been the picture of a happily married couple too… I never would have though…” She sighed, I never would have thought Beric could be a traitor. Though in truth, she wasn’t convinced he was. “The things I do know of him are mostly through Adaline… they’re… uh… Rather close…” Josefin wasn’t exactly sure how close but she knew her sister and her affections.

Josefin smiled warmly, shaking her head at Keeva. “That’s alright, penmanship isn’t that important. It’s the content that is.” She chuckled lightly, a memory with Améla brandishing itself. “When I was little… I broke my arm and leg in an accident… I had to learn to write with my other hand. For years, no one could read what I was writing. My tutors would have me dictate my notes or letters to a staff member if they needed to read them…” It didn’t help that she was a child anyway at that point and had all of the motor skills of a roughly eight year old. “Generally… I prefer reading to writing or drawing or anything anyway and I’m sure your handwriting is more than adequate. But if you’d like, I can help you practice.”

“So do I…” She breathed, turning her face upward, as if searching for the sun under the shade of the palm tree. “It is… It’s quiet… there are so many rare books and tomes in the magaesterium… more than I could read in a lifetime… this is what I’d always dreamed, I supposed…” She peeked out from beneath her lashes when Keeva mentioned Kirian and simply shook her head. “Kirian loves Loqoala, he mostly grew up here… he got to be the most… free from his parents here. I don’t know how much that helped though.”

“Don’t you start though…” She laughed, though a faint blush had colored her cheeks. Her relationship with Kirian was simple but their situation was complicated. They loved each other but it looked like fate and the fate Kirian was choosing would keep them apart. “I wouldn’t say he’s a lost cause… but he’s absolutely made up his mind. So I might not like his decision or agree with it… but it’s his… it’s his version of justice. And I’ll support him until the end…” Whichever of their ends came first, at least.

#c.keeva #~fire and freedom is all you need

[stoneward-princess]

rebelliousrizareyes​:

-

When Riza had endeavored inside Josefin’s mind, she’d thought there would be something more insightful, or opportunity for manipulations at first, yet between her own issues and emotions and seeing all that the young princess had been through, manipulation had soon become non-existent on her agenda. While she might have told Phelix that she her motivations were still the same, that she was befriending Josefin. It had little to do with the rebellion and more to do with actually and actively wanting to help her and wanting her to find her spark of magic.

This was where the teacher in her took over. Riza showed little interest in the girl’s personal life, or the attempts to boot her from her mind. Truth be told, it was exhausting being linked and not only having to pretend when she was out and about, she had to pretend to be a different version of herself in her own mind. There had been times when she did not open the lines of communication at all. For the need to simply be in her own mind and alone dealing with her own inner turmoil. But she had been away too long. She knew that she needed to help the young woman.

When she called out to her this time, Riza appeared, looking around their surroundings with a smile. “I am,” she said, walking toward her. “How are you tonight, Josefin?” she asked, “Are we to continue attempting to unlock your magic or is there something else you need?”

-

For whatever it was worth, Josefin still didn’t trust Riza but the woman had made no move to actually harm or deceive her. Sure, there had been moments when her story didn’t add up or some details were foggy but overall, she hadn’t shown herself to be there for any malicious purpose. It was a shaky situation, not quite trusting the person who had full access to your mind, but also knowing you couldn’t do anything to remove them and even more… needing their help. There had been a few days where Josefin had simply stared at that glowing box for hours, watching as it seemed to shift, take different shapes, turn into orbs or spikey blobs, but always in the same place, always reacting to her presence, glowing brighter as if it knew she was watching, finally acknowledging it.

“Well, I haven’t fainted in a week or so… so maybe I won’t die?” She chuckled quietly, though she knew it was a futile wish. The more time she spent on that island, the less she felt like she would find a cure. If the magi there hadn’t found anything yet… She sighed and shook her head. “I served in the military… so I’m not unaccustomed to being away from my home and my people… and my work too… but I will admit… I miss home.” She smiled a bit woefully. “I kind of wonder if the bill I had been working on is still on my desk. I doubt Theo’s gotten around to it, I’m sure he’s incredibly busy…”

She glanced around, nodding at Riza before she began walking. They’d taken that route a few times, starting in the library or the gardens as she remembered them before the blasé, before going to the core of who she was. “What do you think it would be like? I’m sure it’s different for everyone to… claim it. Is it painful?”

#c.riza #~more than you seem and less than I need

[stoneward-princess]

adalinestoneward​:

     Adaline was tired, she had been in the Glasswater for most of the time – fighting for her city, for her people, helping them and keeping a watchful eye on her family and especially Alaric. There was no time to sleep or rest. And she was constantly feeling uneasy about Josefin. Where the hell was she?! Finally seeing Jo with her own eyes, being able to hug her, was such a relief. It felt like she had been running around non-stop this whole time and now, being in Jo’s arms, she could finally rest. Adaline hugged her sister tighter feeling Jo’s shoulders shaking. “I’m here, you’re here, everything’s good now,” she whispered, her hand rubbing soft, soothing circles on Jo’s back. But her last words took her by surprise. She almost missed them between her sobs.

     “You what?“ Adaline pulled back, her face was paler than before. She was close to losing not only one sibling, but two, and she didn’t even know it. “What happened, are you alright, are you hurt?“ in one breath Adaline bombarded her with questions as she took a good look at Jo. She seemed pale, weak and tired, but— Something, that she had missed with the immense relief seeing her alive, finally caught her eye. Her veins, that poked from under her clothes, were much darker than they normally were. In fact, usually her veins weren’t even visible. But now…

     She took her wrist and pulled her sleeve up, uncovering even darker veins. She was left speechless for a good moment. “What… Who did that?”

-

With Adaline in her arms, Josefin felt her heart soar, though it was still breaking over the possibility that their family was falling apart. But at least she had her, her twin. At least Adaline was safe. They had often felt like they could take on the world together and no one could stop them growing up but it also seemed that maybe just taking on tomorrow might be enough for now. “Adaline… Beric is…” She choked on her words, burying her face in Ada’s shoulder. It felt like it had been months, years, since she’d seen any of them, since she’d seen their home. And while she wanted to get back there and to her people, it wasn’t a wise decision to try to travel. Not in her state, not compromised. “Did they… did they burn his body?”

“Ada, I got hurt… really badly.” She breathed, she didn’t want to hide this from her. Not when there was a very real possibility she might not make it through her injuries. She pulled back from Adaline, pulling her hands into her own instead. “I got stabbed and… and I don’t know what’s happening to me but whatever this is, whatever happens… I need you to keep our people safe…” She brushed her fingers through Adaline’s hair, “It’s bad, Ada…”

#c.adaline #~the heart of a sister is steel and gold

[stoneward-princess]

keevathescaledshadow​:

~

Keeva frowned slightly at the word vulnerable. She had been taught it was one of the worse things she could be. That trusting others was allowing them an opportunity to hurt her, an opportunity that they would certainly take. But despite that, she understood what Josefin meant. That trust was something she wanted to give just by her nature, but it was hard to overcome years of learning not to.

Josefin’s question caught her off guard though it had been one that had weighed on her mind ever since she spent the evening drinking with Avi. She had told him in drunken honesty that she felt she was far too angry to listen. “I don’t know what I want. I don’t think I… I can’t forgive her for some of what she did.” She felt that anger swell inside her again but Josefin was already turning over her hands. She took a deep breath and continued. 

“Cailean tried to see me, multiple times, and each time she turned him away. And Valarr, a dragon that was practically my brother, was forced to leave the clan because he was curious about humans. I want to understand but I don’t know if I can’t move past that.” She fell silent as Josefin wiped away the blood on her palms. The new scratches overlaid the faint lines of many old ones. “Thank you, I forget I shouldn’t do that sometimes.” 

The dragoness left one of her hands in Josefin’s, careful to not get any blood on her. The contact was a comfort, and she gave a light squeeze as the Princess finished speaking. “We will.” There was an absolute certainty in Keeva’s voice. “We’ll find a way to fix this.” She was uncertain about a lot of things but she was determined to find a way to help Josefin.

-

“It’s okay…” Josefin said again, trying to soothe Keeva’s concerns. She didn’t know what was going on in Keeva’s mind, or how big of a heartbreak her mother had actually caused her but it seemed to be giving her a lot of undue stress and she felt for her. Being kept away from the world, being told you didn’t fit in, that the world wasn’t good enough for you, or that it was outright evil, it wasn’t something Josefin had experienced but she could relate her own experiences to that. She might not have been kept away from the world by any active choice on the part of her family, but there was always a divide between her station and others. There was always a gap between her and the people she served. “You can take your time with this, we’re not going anywhere for a while.” She smiled softly, “You can work through it at your own pace, in your own ways. Whatever those may be.”

Perhaps because she had met so few dragons personally, and had only observed them from afar while they trained, Josefin hadn’t considered that they had extensive families and lineages as well. They seemed like such solitary people, only forced out of their natural homes by the rebellion, or choosing to go live with their bonded. She wondered if any of them would dare risk coming into human cities if they didn’t have bonded riders to follow or lead. “Cailean? I know him… barely… spent time in the military with him, he’s spent more time with my sister from what I gather since she’s… bonded now.”

Josefin’s expression turned to one of schooled softness. She wasn’t sure if they would find a way to fix her, or if it would work if they did. But Keeva had to believe that, so did Kirian. She needed them to keep faith and hope in their hearts, if their rituals and tests failed. She needed them to move on, to whatever end, whenever her end came. If it came. She hadn’t given up yet, but she wasn’t blind to the possibility of failure.

#c.keeva #~fire and freedom is all you need

[stoneward-princess]

keevathescaledshadow​:

~

The grass was cool beneath her fingers and Keeva was grateful for the sense of focus it brought. She felt so out of place, not even for the fact they were somewhere new and foreign- she had always kept her sense of belonging close to her chest- but because so many things seemed to no longer make sense. She didn’t want to cry or scream even though she probably needed to. She just wanted to understand. 

Josefin was right, her world had changed, but she wanted it to. It was the whole reason she had convinced Clio to let her leave. She just hadn’t expected it to change like this. Part of her wanted to believe Josefin’s words, that her mother and clan had only known the harsher side of humans and Vae. But her mother had been around for millennia. Keeva didn’t know if it was possible for her to live so long and not experience something redeemable in humanity. 

~“You were trying to clear your head but sometimes talking’s the easiest way to do that.”

Keeva huffed a laugh without any real humor behind it. “I’ve never been the best at that.” But she settled back into a sitting position, pulling her knees to her chest as she often did when speaking of difficult things. It took a moment before words found her again.

“I was kept from humans and elves so fiercely that I can’t help but feel that she knew. Was afraid that I would find out and wouldn’t want to stay? Maybe? I don’t know why, but she did everything she could to make sure I thought I couldn’t be around them.” As she continued, she felt a grim recognition settle within her. The words poured, bitterness now tinting them alongside the hurt. 

“Hell, she even kept me away from my family. Anyone who would risk me finding out. That isn’t something I can justify.” Even if her mother had only known cruelty from all but dragonkin before, sending Valarr away and barring Cai from seeing her just because of their interest or involvement with humans and elves- was something she didn’t think she would be able to forgive. Regardless of the reasoning. The dragoness shook her head again, her hands were tight fists, claws pressing into her palms. She hadn’t realized how angry she was until the dull pain managed to reach her. After a deep breath to steady herself, the anger ebbed. “I just want to understand. She never even gave me that option.” 

Now that the rolling anxiety in her head had settled into a simmer, Keeva’s eyes focused back on the woman across from her. The last thing she wanted to do was distract her friend from the reason they were here. Whatever magic drained Josefin’s life was still a major threat, one they had been working hard to find a way to rid her of. Keeva was keenly aware of how the Princess seemed to never stop moving. Keeping busy whether at the magaesterium or at the cottage. The dragon couldn’t help but fear she wasn’t allowing herself enough time to rest. Was there enough time left for her to rest? “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to take you away from what you were doing or make you worry…how are you feeling?”

-

It was hard, watching someone you cared about go through painful situations without being able to help them sort through it. And Josefin was admittedly no therapist, nor was she a doctor, or anything of the sort. She didn’t have healing magic or telempathy or telepathy, she didn’t have anything that would help her understand what Keeva needed. At least, beyond her own experiences with trauma and hardships. The first time she’d used her weapon against an enemy while she was in the military, she hadn’t slept for at least four… maybe five days? By the end of it, she’d asked for a mage to help her fall asleep because every time she tried, she’d just seen their face as they fell. She’d been sick with the guilt and even grief for them, not knowing if they had a family to take care of, though she was certain they did. And while it had been to save her fellow soldiers and herself, it didn’t feel like it was justified.

“Neither have I…” Josefin sighed, shaking her head and looking up at Keeva. “We grow up learning that to be a good woman… we can’t let our emotions show. To be a good politician we have to deceive and bend the truth to our will… but I think…” She pursed her lips and held Keeva’s hand lightly. “To be a good friend we have to let ourselves be vulnerable. We have to trust… and I know that isn’t easy. You grew up thinking the world was full of people who want to hurt you but… you have to learn who you can let your guard down with and who you can’t. Because that will save your life… and your sanity.”

Josefin listened to Keeva as she tried to come up with some reason why her mother might have hidden her away. It did sound to her like an overprotective, overzealous mother who didn’t want her daughter exposed to truth and reason. But she didn’t want to assume, simply because Keeva was hurting. She didn’t want to confirm that she very well might be right, in the event it might hurt Keeva more. “Do you… want to reconcile with your mother?” She asked instead, tentatively. If Keeva wanted to see her again, then they might need to understand her motives. If not, the woman was as good as a ghost.

“I won’t say what she did was right… but if you want a chance at having a relationship with her in the future… even if it’s on your own terms… don’t jump to conclusions. It’ll only make you more anxious.” Jo pulled on Keeva’s hands, trying to get the dragoness to unclench her fists. When Keeva finally released the tension in her hands, Jo turned her hands over, dabbing with a towel she’d looped through her apron at the small scratches from her claws. She would heal quickly, perks of being a dragon, but Jo still took care to wipe the blood away.

Josefin smiled softly and just nodded, “I was just cleaning up in the cottage, you and Kirian seem to eat a militia’s worth of food…” She tried to joke, though the humor didn’t truly reach her eyes. Not with things so uncertain, her own health and life included. “I’ll be fine… we’ll figure out a way to deal with… all of this…” She gestured quickly to her face, turning to look at the little cottage and the few homes and buildings beyond. It was a quaint little village, and they’d rented the only place that didn’t have an occupant, in exchange for helping at the magaesterium when she could. It gave her access to other tomes and things that might help them as well so it wasn’t a waste at all. And Josefin had to admit, it was nice being able to spend time with Kirian and Keeva, she only wished it was under better circumstances.

#c.keeva #~fire and freedom is all you need

[stoneward-princess]

ladyamela​:

Relief started to spread throughout Améla’s body upon hearing that most of her friends and family. That relief stopped the moment Améla realized Josefin said most, not all. “Most? Jo, who’s not safe?” She asked, fearful of who’s name Jo would speak. Améla tried not to blame herself for what happened. However, that was hard to do when she knew that if she had not been hurt she could have been able to help people, to stop at least some of the damage done by the explosion. Instead, she allowed herself to become confused, then injured by falling debris, and lastly, trapped in a closet for hours. The Lady knew she should not focus on what could not be changed but be glad for those that did make it out.

Améla tried to let Josefin’s words smooth over her worries, but it was no use. She could not help blaming herself just as she knew Jo would not stop blaming herself for what happened. Lady Ashcraft knew her friend all too well. She knew that no matter what people told her or what the truth might be, Jo would still holds guilt for what happened. “I might not have been able to stop the attack, but I could have saved more lives. Rather than stuck in a closet unable to do anything,” she remarked, still not willing to let go of her guilt. She also could not get rid of her need to see for herself that everyone was safe. If only her head would stop pounding. “If I cannot blame myself, then neither can you. What happens is the fault of the rebels. If we want to make this right, we need to find out who did this. We need to stop the rebels, Jo,” she told her friend, her sister. “Other than your guilt, how are you? You’re not hurt, are you?”

-

Josefin shook her head. She didn’t want Améla to have to worry about who was or wasn’t injured, who was safe, who was there with them, who was on their way to the After. “Hey… we’ll talk about that when you’re healed up, ok?” Jo brushed her hair back again, tucking it neatly behind her ear and smiled as reassuringly as she could. She would tell her what happened to Beric, and Alaric, and Améla’s uncle, and even herself, but that was a conversation for a healthy body. And she needed rest. “We lost people and we learned that our inaction and ill-preparedness has weakened us but we can’t change it. We should focus on moving forward, honoring the dead, and rebuilding.” She also would not tell her dearest friend that Beric was to be blamed for the attack. Not yet. She was sure she would hear the rumors soon enough but even Josefin didn’t want to believe them. Beric was always so sweet and earnest. He wanted to do what was right by the people just as she did. Not… this.

Josefin sighed, shaking her head. She knew the Ashcraft duchess would blame herself, it’s what bleeding hearts like her own did. But they couldn’t fall victim to that. They had to stay vigilant and even more progressive at how to deal with the rebels. Jo knew she had to figure out what their main motivations actually were. If they truly wanted to improve the lives of their people, it would be best to work with them to do so. But if their methods were to simply sow chaos and destroy like they had in Glasswater… well… she had no empathy for that. Josefin moved to the empty side of the bed, sliding into it beside Améla. “I’ll be fine…” She murmured as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I’m just glad you made it out too.”

#c.amela #~sister friend piece of my heart

[stoneward-princess]

[[A week or so prior to the eclipse]]

@alekashcraft​

The magaesterium had an abundance of little trinkets and toys and accoutrement to help with spells or absorb energies or enchanted with different things to make life easier. One such object was a mirror in a tucked away study. The magi that had shown it to Josefin had told her other magaesteriums had similar things, or they had pools of water, or shiny clear crystal balls, and they used them to communicate and speak with the other mage towers. And every magaesterium worth their salt had one.

She had sent a letter a few days prior, addressed to Alek Ashcraft. She hadn’t the slightest clue if it would reach him but she had to try. She couldn’t risk contacting her family, for fear of information or secrets falling into the wrong hands. But if things went well with Alek, she would try to contact Adaline or her parents, or even Theo. And if the ritual went well… she might not have to worry about those secrets getting out for much longer.

She was escorted in by the magi who performed the spell to open a channel to East Reach. Thanking her, Jo watched as she left the room, telling the princess to call for her when she needed to close it. The mirror itself was cloudy, as if it hadn’t been used in an age. And as she peered through it, she could make out vague robed figures, tutting off in the distance, going about their day. It seemed none of them were paying much mind to the princess on the other side. “Alek?” She asked quietly, hoping he had indeed gotten her letter and would respond. Perhaps it was a foolish hope, he had responsibilities and he’d promised her he’d look after their people. She stood in front of the mirror for longer than she’d care to admit. At least it worked, so she had some way to contact her family. But she had turned to leave when she heard a voice call her name through the other side. She turned back quickly, bracing her hands on the side of the mirror. It shook slightly and the image shifted for a moment but as it settled, she smiled. “Alek… you got my note.”

#c.alek #~separated by ruin and disaster

[stoneward-princess]

@rebelliousrizareyes​

It was strange, to be seeking help from someone who had invaded her mind. But the past few weeks had led Josefin to try and seek Riza out more and more. Any time she slept, she wanted to train. It still seemed that the only time she could communicate from her end with the woman, was when she was sleeping. But she had started to make slow progress. She was certain Riza had seen the ritual with Kirian too but she’d said nothing of it so far. And Josefin had still not brought herself to tap into that spark of magic, to let it loose. She was still too afraid of what would happen, even if she’d traded some of hers and shared some of Kirian’s. She had boxed it all up, both of theirs. And now they were both linked too, but at least Kirian wasn’t in her mind like Riza was.

Stepping into the room was like coming back home, only the house had been sold and there were new tenants bustling about. Josefin wanted to believe that Riza wasn’t changing things drastically and leaving her with holes in her memories or digging too deeply but in all honesty, she couldn’t be sure. And she needed her to teach her how to block others. The magi at the magaesterium hadn’t been able to find any solutions yet, although there were a few telepaths looking into the situation, but they’d yet to really make headway.

She was standing in the middle of what was the center of Glasswater, at least how she remembered it. It was intact, the fountain bubbling, though there were no people about, only Josefin. The libraries above them were intact as well and the dome and occulus had not been damaged. It was possibly the most magical looking and feeling part of Glasswater, and it was one of Josefin’s favorites. But it was still all in her mind. “Riza?” She called out, not knowing if she’d be there or not. There had been a few restless nights where the woman hadn’t bothered to communicate with her, she likely had far more important things to do. “Are you there tonight?”

#c.riza #~more than you seem and less than I need

[stoneward-princess]

10. creaky boat

There had been another attack at an outpost. And for all the bad luck in the world there had been an emissary party stopping through that outpost to regroup and gather supplies before sailing on. It was her second year with the military and she was leading the scouting mission this time. The captain ranking above her wanted her to get leadership experience or some nonsense. “Is everyone aboard?” Josefin asked the small group of emissaries as well as her squad who’d been scouting. They had lost two soldiers, but they had thwarted the rebels from causing any damage to the emissaries. But now, sitting in the small rickety boat, she realized they needed a plan quickly. Vailen was a few hours away with stronger sails and it might not be safe to turn back to the outpost. And that was when she spotted the elf. “Xi’Mia!”

#c.ximia #under-the-elvish-sun

[stoneward-princess]

All my char’s ask boxes: Josefin Catlina Gwen Priya

suggestive starters meme ( nsfw )

why don’t you make me?

i like you better on your knees.

i can think of a few ways to shut you up.

i wonder if you’re as loud in bed as your are everywhere else.

try and stop me.

is that a complaint i hear?

i hope you’re not too fond of that shirt.

why are you siting over there? there’s a perfectly good lap right here.

i thought you liked it when i was bossy.

are you saying this doesn’t turn you on?

i can tell you’re hot and bothered from all the way over here.

i hope you don’t plan on walking much tomorrow.

you’re not the boss of me.

you’re hot when you’re angry.

don’t make me come over there.

i’m this close to taking you over my knee.

you’re being an awfully bad boy/girl.

you know you want it.

you sure talk a big game… but can you live up to it?

i’m not sure you could handle me.

is that a challenge?

[stoneward-princess]

All my char’s ask boxes: Josefin Catlina Gwen Priya

𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐄 𝐀 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐋 …     (     NSFW EDITION.     )

          FOR YOUR MUSE TO REACT TO SOMETHING MY MUSE IS DOING.           ↳     alternatively add     + reverse     for my muse doing it to yours.

♡     :     kissing them passionately     ,     without any explanation.

♔     :     kiss a part of their body   (   specify which one   ).

✧      :     push them up against a wall     &     kiss them.

✩      :     wake them up in the morning with oral sex.

➳     :     mark them on any part of their body     (     specify which one     ).

→     :     whisper dirty things in their ear     (     BONUS POINTS IF YOU SPECIFY WHAT.     ).

✿     :     rip an article of clothing from their body.

ϟ      :     tease a body part with ice cubes.

↷     :     spank them out of the blue.

[stoneward-princess]

All my char’s ask boxes: Josefin Catlina Gwen Priya

Send me “Date?” and i'll answer...

Who asks for it:

[ ] Your muse asks mine

[ ] My muse asks yours

Type of date:

[ ] Platonic Date

[ ] Romantic Date

[ ] First Date

[ ] Double date with: ____ & ____

Location for the date:

[ ] Movies   • [ ] Romantic Comedy   • [ ] Adventure Movie   • [ ] Animation (Pixar/Disney)   • [ ] Horror   • [ ] Drama   • [ ] Buddy Movie   • [ ] ___ (other options)

[ ] Restaurant   • [ ] Expensive/High Class   • [ ] Small and familiar   • [ ] Fast Food

[ ] Nature  • [ ] Beach  • [ ] Park  • [ ] Forest      • [ ] …and having a picnic

[ ] Visiting a Museum

[ ] Visiting an amusement park

[ ] Visiting a haunted location

[ ] Staying at home  • [ ] Watching movies  • [ ] Playing Video Games  • [ ] Reading

[ ] ___ (other options)

The date might hopefully end with…

[ ] …holding hands

[ ] …a kiss

[ ] …in bed

[ ] …knowing each other better 

[ ] …sleepover between friends 

[ ] …a marriage proposal

[ ] ___ (other options)

Should you reblog this?:

[ ] Yes. I want to send you one.

[ ] Yes.

[ ] No.

[stoneward-princess]

All my char’s ask boxes: Josefin Catlina Gwen Priya

Send one of these for our muses to meet on/in a:

1. creepy old building

2. graveyard

3. normal-looking town, except for the complete lack of people

4. spooky forest

5. ominous-looking mansion/castle

6. cornfield

7. cabin in the woods

8. abandoned amusement park

9. cave

10. creaky boat

[stoneward-princess]

All my char’s ask boxes: Josefin Catlina Gwen Priya

blood sentence starters.

“ why are you covered in mind? ” “ look at all this blood. ” “ there is a bloodlust in my veins. ” “ i’m craving for something. something like blood. ” “ i have a weak stomach for blood. ” “ i’m studying hematology. ” “ is that blood? ” “ who’s blood is that? ” “ we’re standing in a puddle of blood. ” “ do you really drink blood? ” “ how does my blood taste? ” “ you’re bleeding! ” “ i have to stop the bleeding. ” “ clean up this blood before someone sees. ” “ what is good for cleaning blood stains? ” “ why is there blood stains on my sheets? ” “ that’s a whole lot of blood. ” “ oh yes, there will be blood. ” “ now we’re blood brothers/sisters for life. ” “ don’t pick the scab, it’ll start bleeding. ” “ i’m bleeding. ” “ i think there is blood on your shirt. ” “ my favorite color is red, reminds me of blood. ” “ should i paint my nails red? like the color of my victims blood? ” “ blood has such a lovely color, doesn’t it? ” “ are you bleeding? ” “ what does blood taste like? ” “ there was a lot of bleeding. ” “ i think i need a blood transfusion. ” “ knives cause too much blood spill. ” “ i donated my blood today. ” “ can you believe how much blood there was? ” “ i’m sick to stomach just talking about blood. ” “ tell me that is not blood. ” “ why are you so obsessed with blood? ” “ that’s enough for now. clean up this blood. ”

[stoneward-princess]

randydrengot​:

In the Hazy Aftermath

Closed Starter for: Princess Josefin Stoneward || @stoneward-princess

Location: Former Refugee Camp

None of this should have happened.

Someone in the rebellion had corrupted its message, its people, its purpose. They’d soaked all the good progress made over the years in bloodshed and death. Tainted the movement with a massacre that left carnage in its wake.

Randulf could not get the horror out of his head. Bodies were still being cleared from the rubble of Glasswater Palace; the rubble a hazardous mess for those working on clearing the debris. There would be rebuilding as if nothing happened, but nothing would erase the real damage done. The refugee camp had been cleared — though in truth it hadn’t been used long in the first place — with the thought in mind that converging in one place might bring more danger. The person responsible for such quick action had a good head on their shoulders.

He had helped escort various groups to the transportation awaiting them, but had come back upon hearing that not everyone had cleared out. Randulf didn’t like the idea of anyone staying in this place especially alone. Though he knew with it being someone in the royal family that they wouldn’t be totally alone, it was still unacceptable to him. This was not a place to heal; it was a reminder of death and destruction.

Coming upon a wandering servant woman whose hands held what looked like clean linen and a wash bowl, Randulf gave a polite smile and made sure to keep his distance so as not to frighten her.

“Excuse me, I’m looking for Princess Josefin Stoneward. Would you happen to know which tent is hers?”

His voice was gruffer than normal from breathing smoke as a result of clearing rubble, and he could desperately use a drink, but what he noted was the exhausted state of the servant woman before him.

“Might I carry that for you?”

He motioned to the bowl full of water and took it when she nodded. After a moment the woman started walking and he followed her to a tent where she made him wait outside while she spoke to its occupant.

-

When the woman reappeared, she pushed the tent flap open and stepped out alongside one of Josefin’s staff, the woman who had led Randulf toward the tent took the bowl and carried it inside the tent. “You’re looking for the princess?” The handmaid asked, “Follow me.” She led him down toward to the stream that ran alongside the manor house the Stonewards always spent their summers in. There were wash basins lined up with an array of dirty linens and towels and lines hanging overhead. And beneath them, a golden haired princess sat scrubbing blood and dirt from the white cloths.

For all of the good intentions and work she had put into her country and people, Josefin had still failed them. She had let herself become blind to the actions of the rebels, thinking them extremists who knew how to hide and to pick a fight when it was convenient. She had never considered them quite so organized or daring in their attempts to bring revolution to the masses. If that was even what they wanted. She still couldn’t understand why dragons, of all things, had been targeted.

By that point, very few people remained at the summer house, only a skeleton crew of Josefin’s staff, Keeva and Kirian. And now Randulf Drengot.

Josefin hadn’t wanted to leave them with all of the duties of cleaning and tidying the house by themselves so she’d taken to helping as the three friends who had arrived first were preparing to leave in the coming days. She’d been washing and drying clothes and towels for hours already, several lines hung behind her, full of different fabrics. And her hands were starting to ache and dry out from the soapy water.

Josefin got to her feet, hanging another towel on the line and startled a bit when the handmaid approached, Randulf in tow. “Jos-Your grace, Master Randulf was asking to see you.” She corrected quickly as she informed Josefin of the situation.

Wiping her hands on the apron she wore, Josefin looked to Randy and held out a hand for him. “It’s good to see you, Master Randulf. I assume you’ve come to help or…. Bring us news?”

#c.randy #~a likeminded soul in a world turned dark

[stoneward-princess]

keevathescaledshadow​:

~

Keeva let Josefin lead her to the shade as she sputtered, too wrapped in her turmoil to register the sun burning the pale skin of her face. The short time they had spent on the island had bathed her in more sun than the nocturnal dragon had seen in decades. Even though her aversion to sleep meant she spent almost the day awake anyway, her life with the tribe had been among the shade of thick swamp canopy. 

~ “Tell me, tell me what they said?” 

How could she explain? The other dragon had acted as if it was no big deal. She was sure it wasn’t anything new or shocking to a human either, but to Keeva… To her it had undone the last bit of hope she held for a sign of reason. Hope for something to quell the sense of betrayal she felt.

Thankfully, she didn’t have time to flounder for more words as the princess wrapped her in a hug. The thought of someone holding her tightly as she spiraled had previously sounded like a terrible idea to the dragon, and she had agreed with Avi as much. But it seemed this was another thing in which she was mistaken. She did her best to follow Josefin’s words, slow shaky breaths steadying slightly, letting the other woman’s breathing set a pace for her own. After a few moments, the shaking in her frame eased, her fists unclenched, and her breathing came without difficulty. Pulling back, she realized her cheeks were wet with tears, treacherous signs of the hurt her chest could no longer contain. Wiping them away she couldn’t meet the other woman’s gaze as she spoke.

“They- there is a Senechal at the magaesterium, a dragon who has been among humans for- for ages. For so long. I…. I know that might not seem upsetting, but I… I never thought that was possible.” Without the courage of dragon ale flowing through her, she still found speaking of her upbringing a struggle. But Josefin had been nothing but kind to Keeva. The dragoness could tell she genuinely cared, genuinely wanted to understand. Such earnest friendship was a rare find for Keeva and she treasured it as such. She wanted to try to explain, despite the urge to close herself off. To retreat somewhere to lick her wounds. She took another deep breath. Each word was measured, to avoid those that were too heavy, those that might sink her again. 

“Growing up in my clan, I was taught that dragons were hated by humans and elves. All I knew were whispers of the rebellion. Words from my mother of how we were hated or feared among all but our own kind- and how we should hate them in return. How they weren’t to be trusted, riders and rebels above all else. I just—“ She shut her eyes tightly, shaking her head. As if she could throw the memories out of her mind. When she opened her eyes, she gave Josefin a watery apologetic look.  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to just suddenly put all of this on you. I was trying to…” She gestured to where she had been pacing. “… I don’t know what I was trying to do.”

-

Josefin watched as Keeva struggled with whatever internal conflict she was having. Josefin wouldn’t pry and she wouldn’t egg the dragon on because she wasn’t sure if this was something she needed to work out herself. She wasn’t sure of anything, really. Keeva just needed someone there, and Josefin could do that much. So whatever she needed, if it was someone to talk to, or hold her, or distract her, she would do that much. Even if she wasn’t that great at expressing how she felt to the right people, like Kirian, she’d try to help Keeva however she needed.

And this was the second time she’d seen Keeva almost having a panic attack. She pulled back slightly, rubbing the dragoness’ arms as she talked her through the breathing exercises she knew. She tried to encourage her emotions, while not setting her off again. “It’s okay, hey it’s okay.” She repeated, in between instructions to breathe in, breathe out. Gently, Josefin urged her to the ground, pulling her hands in front of her and facing them palm down against the grass. “Ground yourself.” She said, pressing her hands on top of Keeva’s. “It’s okay to cry or yell or whatever you need to, just breathe.”

Josefin listened, remaining quiet and pensive as Keeva began telling her of her recent interactions. Ones with magi and Senechals here on the island. It was understandable that seeing and experiencing a life outside of that blasted swamp would come as a shock to the woman but Josefin hadn’t quite considered just how much had been thrown at her in such a short time. Jo wrapped her hands around Keeva’s, squeezing them gently and nodding.

“It’s ok… your entire world has changed, it’s understandable that what you know and believe will change with that.” She smiled gently, encouragingly though Keeva wouldn’t meet her gaze. “You’ve left your home, you went to the capital, you lived through an explosion and a rebel attack, you helped refugees at a camp, and you’ve crossed the seas to Loqoala. I think you deserve to have some questions answered and honestly… you deserve a good cry and some down time.” Josefin didn’t have the slightest clue what Keeva’s family and tribe were like, all she knew was the people Keeva had met along the way. And even then, there were wildly different personalities. Hell, she was meant to bond with Kirian. So perhaps… there was some middle ground between what Keeva believed and what she was learning.

“Some are…” Josefin answered. Her voice soft, a bit sad. “There are humans and elves that do hate dragons and for whatever purpose… the rebellion is targeting your kind. I haven’t the slightest clue why but your clan, your mother, they weren’t completely wrong.” She sighed quietly, brushing her thumbs over Keeva’s knuckles. “Perhaps your mother and your tribe only dealt with the worst of humanity and the Vae… perhaps they didn’t have the best experiences, I don’t know what’s in their hearts. But there are good people… truly good people in the world who will want to help you and keep you in their lives.” Josefin crossed her legs, leaning against the trunk of the large palm tree and smiled. “You were trying to clear your head but sometimes talking’s the easiest way to do that.”

#c.keeva #~fire and freedom is all you need

[stoneward-princess]

keevathescaledshadow​:

~

The past few weeks had been a blur of new experiences, none of them with the cause that Keeva had ever expected. But that did not stop them from constantly thrilling, exciting, and frightening her. Even the voyage to the island via ship had been something new. If not all together nerve racking. Before her impromptu journey to East Reach a short while back, she had never even left the mainland she was born on. She quickly decided that being stuck on a wooden vessel in the middle of open water was not to her liking and she would have much preferred flying. But this is where they needed to be, where they could help Josefin.

Keeva still wasn’t quite sure how she was to be helping. The magaesterium and it’s magi seemed so full of knowledge, so incredibly learned. The only magical teaching she had ever undergone was the pieces of low magic she was taught through the tribe and those were of little use here. So she tried to make herself useful in other ways- getting ingredients, finding certain scrolls, translating drakonai. It was this need to help that had sent her into the path of the Senechal’s child. 

The dragonkin she had run into was remarkably kind, if not entirely confused to find Keeva so flustered and wandering the halls of the mage tower. They had even been nice enough to answer most of her questions before leaving to meet up with the Senechal. 

But their seemingly harmless words had left Keeva in that space before a storm set in. Thick grey clouds in her head souring into a sickly sort of green. Knowing more than just rain was possible. She had rushed back to the cottage, unable to go inside and face anyone if they were there. The words Avi had said about her face being so open were true and she knew it all too well. She didn’t want anyone to see her this upset. The turmoil inside of her spiraled into movement. If she kept moving maybe she could keep the anger, the confusion, the hurt from over taking her. 

Nearly jumping out of her skin as Josefin spoke, she whirled to face her. Keeva hadn’t heard her approach, wasn’t even sure how long she had been standing there. Half an hour?! Hadn’t realized how long she had been outside either. 

“I’m fine.” The startled dragoness blurted out, sounding like a lie to even her own ears. Her face scrunched as she shook her head. “I-I mean, I’ll be fine I just- I spoke with a dragon at the magaesterium and they- I didn’t know…” The deep breath she took to try and steady herself was shaky at best. Her hands clenched and unclenched repeatedly as she tried to find some words in the tempest in her head. “They told me some things that are… that I didn’t think were true and I- I’m not- I don’t understand.” Her mouth continued sputtering even as she tried to stop it. She didn’t mean to spill this burden in front of Josefin, not when they were here to make sure she got better. 

-

The past few weeks since the attack had been incredibly hard on Keeva, Josefin knew as much, and for many of the same reasons as it had been hard on her. She’d given her as much space as she might have needed, but Keeva wasn’t one to really talk about her feelings either. Ironic that she and Kirian were bonding as neither seemed to be great communicators. Perhaps there was something in their telepathic connection that would help them… if and when they did choose the bond. But that was also a sore spot Josefin hadn’t brought up again with either of them. Kirian was determined to face justice and… Keeva would have to let him. Their one chance at bonding to each other was slipping through their fingers. All because of actions set in place by people who did not deserve them.

So when she’d seen Keeva pacing, Josefin had given her space, hoping the anxiety the dragoness felt would lessen within a few minutes. But when she’d been pacing for half an hour, Josefin had decided it was no longer productive. She either had to talk to her, or she had to make use of her nervous energy. The princess wasn’t sure which would be more likely but she knew which one she’d rather have happen. So after watching the woman through the window of the little cottage, she’d thrown her cleaning rag on the counter and gone outside to stop her.

The dragon wasn’t used to conversations where people were truly worried over her, Josefin had gathered that much. She didn’t know what the tribe was like in the Feifenbog swamp but she pitied them for not getting to know her better. Josefin didn’t even know her that well but Keeva was curious, willing to throw herself into new experiences, kind, and selfless. In a better world, those would be admirable traits in anyone, but in this one, they were dangerous for a dragon.

“Come on…” Jo said gently, leading her friend to the shade under a wide palm tree with outspread fronds large enough for the hammocks they’d hung to be fully shaded, so that they were at least not in the oppressive sun of Loqoala. Both their cheeks and noses had been tinted pink since they’d arrived because of it, Josefin was spending the bulk of the middle of her days in the magaesterium, only seeking the sun again in the early morning and late afternoons when it wouldn’t burn her.

Keeva continued to talk and Josefin nodded, her expression softening to one of concern. “Tell me, tell me what they said?” She urged, again her voice gentle. Josefin tried to be patient with Keeva always, in so many ways the woman had had so few experiences that she was still learning how to be grown, how to take care of herself not just physically but, through conversation and relationships. Without waiting for Keeva to answer her, Jo pulled the dragon into a hug, whispering quietly as she did, “It’s okay, just breathe. In and out, slowly.”

#c.keeva #~fire and freedom is all you need