#〉precious jewels in the vault〈 — ✭ ⌜saved⌟

[queensconquest]

@elxsticlxve​ said: Portrayal: I would just like you to know that your Chrollo is scary good. When he speaks I can easily hear Mozarts Requiem in D Minor  playing in my head to accompany it like a theme song. His presence is absolutely chilling just like it's supposed to be and it makes my hisoka muse go BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.  

( HOW IS MY MUSE PORTRAYAL / GENERAL WRITING )

   I  am  so  flattered  to  earn  the  title  of  scary  good.  Thank  you  for  it  and  I’m  glad  that  you’re  enjoying  my  portrayal  !  I  definitely  work  hard  to  make  sure  that  his  dialogue  ‘  sounds  ‘  right  if  that  makes  sense.  To  know  I  can  evoke  at  least  some  semblance  to  his  presence  in  canon  is  truly  a  writer’s  delight.  Especially  that  particular  selection  of  music.  I  like  to  play  with  the  complexity  that  he  is  and  the  multitude  of  themes  he  carries  ;  so  thank  you  so  much  for  these  sweet  words  and  feedback  !  I’m  absolutely  loving  writing  with  you  and  your  Hisoka  too  !

   Chrollo  is  having  a  blast  knowing  he’s  evoking  such  a  reaction  from  Hisoka  muse.  A  dangerous  game  ?  Absolutely.  But  we  all  know  he’s  a  fan  of  danger  so  a  win.

#elxsticlxve #im ;-; hid my face in a pillow #this was so sweet and kind thank you #plus playing the music i've been pulling for his muse has helped #ah im just ghjdfg so happy people like my portrayal #〉the angst empress〈 — ✭ ⌜ooc⌟ #〉precious jewels in the vault〈 — ✭ ⌜saved⌟

[m1male2]

Sainte-Chapelle, the jewel of the Gothic.

Louis IX of France nicknamed the Saint, son of Blanca de Castilla (in turn daughter of Alfonso VIII and Eleanor de Plantagenet) and Louis VIII, has been considered the ideal of the medieval Christian monarch, a very devout king who dedicated his life to prayer, charity and asceticism... in addition to being the last European king to participate in the last two crusades: the Seventh between 1248 and 1254 and the Eighth in 1270, he took Saint Louis to Tunis and there he would die of the plague at the age of 56 and 40 of reign. In 1297 he will be canonized by Pope Boniface VIII.

His devotion and religiosity led him to acquire numerous relics and among them the coveted crown of thorns of Christ. Brought to France from Constantinople, Louis IX decided to organize a sacred place to keep and protect the holy collection. Thus in 1242 the construction of the Sainte-Chapelle would begin, which was consecrated in 1248. Little is known about the authorship of the chapel, it has been attributed to Pierre de Montreuil, master of the radiant Gothic and main architect of the reign of Saint Louis.

The enclosure was conceived as a reliquary or jewelry box where to deposit the precious and holy relics of the Passion of Christ. The chapel is 36 m long, 17 m wide and over 42 m high.

Its walls covered with precious stained glass windows, 15 in total, have representations, among other themes, of the Old Testament as well as the transfer of the crown of thorns to Paris.

These large openings filter the light, causing it to break down into different colors, symbolizing divine power and turning the place into a sacred and spiritual space. It is a large glass urn whose slender ribbed vaults, 20 m high, rise as if bringing us closer to God. In 1630 it went up in flames, a great fire destroyed it to a large extent and during the French Revolution its relics were stolen and many destroyed by the revolutionaries. Some were saved and are now kept in the treasury of Notre Dame Cathedral. In the S. XIX was the object of an extraordinary restoration, but preserving the spirit, fidelity and medieval beauty that it had in its origin.

#photography #art #culture #sainte chapelle #museum #france

[love4heejayke]

SYNOPSIS: Born from the full moon's light, Y/N is sent by her witch aunt on a secret mission to Decilis Academy, the purpose of which is to investigate the source of the obscure energy that hovers under the Silver Millennium. However, when she saves her roomate Sooha from the attack of dark creatures with the power to fortify themselves from the energy of nightmares and discovers her secret identity, she promises not to tell her friends, but everything changes once she falls for Lee Heli, one of Decelis' star students and posibily, her past life's lover.

TAGLIST #1: (closed) @enhacolor @amarillyis @ckline35 @fairycheol @jeanbobean @heejakegf @axartia @ineedcoffeeandtherapy @rosie-is-everywhere @prdxinvade @heedeungieluvbot @jungwonnnnnnnnnnnn @bambisgirl @yebin14 @m4r1eluvs

TAGLIST #2: (open) [comment or send ask] @bluemanifesto @ineedaherosavemeenow @ahnneyong @jiawji @aki1e @yjjungwon @captivq @jaxavance @rikiluvly @dimplewonie @talia02 @cherriegyu @enhastolemyheart

previous • masterlist • next

2 - the new student who wants to learn (2)

Located in the Silver Palace's center is the Crystal Tower, accessible only to the royal family and allies. Erected during the reign of Queen Artemis in the 14th year post-Fall of the Moon reign. This tower was built by its allied architects with elements inspired by the Gothic and Greco-Roman architecture of humans, with its sky blue vaulted ceiling, silver arches on the ceiling, with a silver crescent moon on top, as well as white marble Ionic pillars on the sides. lower corners, with symmetrical curved ornaments on the capital, to symbolize the divine perfection which the royal matriarchy rules over its subjects. To protect the Silver Millennium from Solari invasions and attacks by beings carrying dark magic and their subjects worship the Silver Sister - celestial entity that sustains the official religion of the kingdom and veiled protector of the night, Lunari matriarchs erected 3 blocks of the Legendary Silver Crystal in the center, thus forming the Chamber of Prayers, the sacred place for the royalty and followers of the Lunari religion to perform rituals and prayers of prayers for the protection of the kingdom, and with 3 generations of Silver Millennial royalty now assembled, everyone was ready to to start.

With the white and blue magic dusts, taken from small white bags on their waists, Hecate and Selene drew a circle on the ground and a half moon facing upwards, symbolizing the 2 strongest tribes of the lunar matriarchy and the pillars that support them: The blue half moon at the top designed by Selene, symbolizes os Coronas Plateadas and its Force, which its followers swear to use its abilities in favor of the defense of the individual and the collective, and the white circle in the center that Hecate drew, the Lunarosa and the Spirit, inviting those who chose to shelter in this tribe, directed it their visions beyond the material plane and enjoy only good virtues in life, so that the individual may be worthy of reincarnation. Finally, the mother poured a silvery dust into her daughter's hands to sprinkle over Avys. Dalia bit her bottom lip and hesitated for a while, causing Selene to shoot her a sneer. She had just been reborn in the body of a stranger, who had no bonds to the Lunar Realm, so she feared that if she tried, the ritual would fail, and the thread of life force that still keeps him alive might snap due to guilt. aware of this, Selene used her daughter's internal conflict and mentally warned:

I hope you know what you're doing, my precious jewel, or else you'll have to say farewell to your little friend long before his time.

Although she felt scared by the psychological pressure that her mother put on her, she was sure that behind that divine body and soul, she keeps a human heart, which beats strongly for the appreciation of having him as her friend, and a mind that is proud of the good and bad memories she built with him and how each one of them was crucial for her to reach this moment, so she sighed and threw the silver powder on the top of her head, her mother with her magic summoned light currents of wind to spread it around. it all over your body. With almost everything prepared, the druid puts his friend on his knees in the middle of the circle and with a little of his greenish mana, he makes a cut in the fabric of his feathered blouse on the back, leaving the scars of his wounded wings exposed.  Even unconscious, his hands were still trembling slightly, so he laced his fingers through theirs, not just as part of the rite, but to convey a little calm through his touch, and that was working decently well, as that was enough for Avys stood completely still, but with her shoulders relaxed. Hand in hand and eyes closed, the quartet began the sacred healing rite with the Silver Sister's Healing Chant.

"Viken, Daughter, repeat after us." asked the Corona Plateadas' Mother-Moon

Heil, Silver Sister, Veiled Protector of the Supernatural, Noble Righteous of your life forces.

Heal this heart hurt by darkness and by its light be guided.

Bless it with your glorious radiance and embrace it with your merciful heart.

With the first verses of the prayer, the magic powders that were sprinkled on Avys, began to glow on his skin and slowly evaporate, causing him to float with his legs, arms and knees outstretched and slowly twirl in the air like a ballerina in a music box. The flow of green, light and dark blue and silver manas that came out of the hands of her summoners, completely enveloped her body in a spiral from bottom to top, allowing her to awaken from Hecate's euthanasia. The ornite opened its eyes and mouth wide open, surprising itself with the spectrum of mana involving it from bottom to top and transforming itself into a colorful rosebud shape. A remnant of that specter penetrated his body and destroyed the fragment of darkness trapped in it and accelerated the healing of the wound, at the end of the rite, the bud opened like a rose, along with its restored wings, causing petals of different colors to fall. donate. With a light flap of his wings, he controlled the speed of his fall and landed safely, bending his left knee forward and placing both hands on the ground.

Surprised to see him completely healed, the platinum princess runs to him to hug him, her angelic face flooded with tears of concern. Avys's heart lost its rhythm for a moment, but he wrapped his arms around her back, closing his eyes and letting the warmth of her embrace comfort him, but he disappeared after the princess left his arms and noticed the downcast look. from Hecate to them. They both sighed, but he nodded, allowing the newly reincarnated Moon's daughter to comfort her witch aunt.

"Aunt Hécate, are you alright?"

"So-so. Watching you alive, doing our rituals, reminded me of our old times."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, we had a third moon in our cort, our little sister." the priestess smiled in a corner

"Priestess, do you know where she is now?"

"I have no idea." Hecate sighed deeply "All I know is that she lost her way home and never returned. Every night I pray that our beloved Silver Sister would guide her back to us, that we will be a family together again.  Our grandmother Diana, Selene, you and her."

Like the Spirited Moon, Lunarosians always seek Hecate's blessing in their routine, so she feels obligated not to show herself vulnerable in front of her subjects, but not with Nyx. Even with the rules of etiquette and the rigorous training enforced by the Mockery of the Moon, Nyx was the only faerie with whom Hecate brought her comfort. From her youthful attitude, the games the three sisters played together in the kingdom, to the tricks she invited her to play on the guards with her illusory magic, the two entertained each other and never tired of their company. But when the Psychic Moon sneaked out of the palace on a New Moon night, she was almost lost to find her, but the moment she embraced her, Hecate felt that her dear sister had not returned as the youngest she used to love.  She returned cold, reserved and violent, abusing the subjects of the kingdom and despising the legacy of the old Moon Mothers, so in order not to scare away the new subjects and ensure their safety, Selene and she agreed to never speak about her renegade sister again and erase all records of her and her deeds from the Royal Archives, a decision Spirit Moon regrets to this day.

Impatient with her daughter's delay, the Righteous Moon interrupted their conversation with a clearing of her throat.

"May I interrupt, sister? My daughter and I have a lot to talk about." 

"Yes, Selene" the half sister sighed.

"So that was it?" Avys questioned

"Yes, but Selene and I have a really bad fight. Somehow she doesn't wants me to talk about…" Y/N gulped "her."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know Avys!' she sighed. "If she was such an important Lunari at court, and most importantly, related to my past life, I have the right to know about her. That's the only way I can prevent anything from my world from tormenting them in yours."

The young fairy got up and started to walk in search of more shelves in that cubicle, but was stopped by the ornite, who caught her by the wrist.

"Y/N wait!" Avys fixed her with a passionate gaze. "You belong to that world too! I can't live in it without you!"

"Then learn to live in it from now on, because I don't belong there anymore."

A/N: theory hours are now open, kids, feel free to comment them!

#enhypen #enhypen imagines #enhypen smau #enhypen social media au #dark moon: obsidian #dark moon #decelisacademy #decelis academy #heeseung fanfic #enhypen heeseung #heeseung fluff #heeseung smau #heeseung social media au #fantasy #heeseung au #enhypen fluff

[17-noodlebird]

🧿 Lapis Lazuli 🧿

🧿🧿🧿🧿

The Lapis Lazuli, harnessing the elemental power of Metal, is the first of the initial twenty-six jewels collected by the members of The Amazing Digital Circus, upon completing their objective at The Ace Of Clubs.

🧿🧿🧿🧿

Emitting a cobalt blue hue, the Lapis Lazuli, an opaque semi-precious metamorphic rock, has the ability to shape and bend metallic materials, as well as magnetize precious metals together, ranging from gold, silver, iron, and titanium.

🧿🧿🧿🧿

It is one of the twenty-six designated crystals that were scattered all over the digital world, and serves as a reward for a job well done by The Amazing Digital Circus members after completing an objective, mission, or just in general saving the day in certain locations.

🧿🧿🧿🧿

It is hidden in The Ace Of Clubs, a Las Vegas-esque city filled to the brim with casinos, luxury resorts, and game show studios, specifically behind the vault for where the grand prize for the game show Trivia Torrent is supposed to be in.

~~~~

I know it's only 1 week until episode 2 comes out, but I thought I'd get it out now. Plus, I had already finished writing episodes 2 and 3 for The Amazing Digital Road Trip and currently busy jotting down episode 4.

That means you should be able to see TADRT Episode 2 sometime before or after the canon episode 2 comes out. Kinda ironic, innit? Anyways, be fed!

#the amazing digital circus #tadc #tadc caine #tadrt au #tadc road trip #tadc pomni #the amazing digital road trip #tadc au #tadc jax #tadc ragatha #tadc kinger #tadc zooble #tadc bubble #tadc gangle #road trip jewels

[natalminerals]

We connect gold buyers and sellers and making it easier than ever to find the perfect match

Gold. The timeless symbol of wealth, power, and enduring beauty. A precious metal that has captivated humanity for millennia, its allure continues to shine bright. But navigating the world of buying and selling gold can be daunting, shrouded in a veil of mystery and potential pitfalls. That’s where we come in – your trusted mineral logistics company in the shimmering realm of gold.

Here’s what we do:

Bridging the Gap: We connect buyers and sellers of gold, making it easier than ever to find the perfect match. Whether you’re an investor seeking to diversify your portfolio, a jeweler on the hunt for exquisite materials, or someone simply looking to turn your unwanted gold into cash, we’re your bridge to success.

Transparency Reigns: We believe in fair and transparent transactions. Forget the murky waters of private deals; our platform operates with complete transparency, ensuring both buyers and sellers understand and agree upon every aspect of the transaction.

Safety First: Security is paramount. We employ robust security measures and verification processes to safeguard your gold and personal information. Rest assured, your precious asset is in safe hands.

Expertise at Your Fingertips: Our team boasts extensive knowledge and experience in the gold market. We’re here to guide you through every step, answer your questions, and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions.

Beyond the Barter: We offer more than just a platform. We provide value-added services such as market analysis, valuation assistance, and insurance options, ensuring you get the most out of your gold transaction.

Why Choose Us?

In a world of uncertainties, we offer certainty. We understand the complexities of the gold market and translate them into a seamless and secure experience for you.

Convenience: Skip the legwork and endless searches. Our platform brings gold buyers and sellers together under one roof, saving you time and effort.

Competitive Prices: We strive to offer the most competitive prices for both gold buyers and sellers, ensuring everyone gets a fair deal.

Peace of Mind: We take the stress out of buying and selling gold. Relax knowing your transaction is safe, secure, and handled by professionals.

Ready to Make the Golden Connection?

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran in the gold market or a curious newcomer, we welcome you with open arms (and secure vaults!). Browse our listings, connect with potential gold buyers or sellers, and experience the difference that transparency, expertise, and genuine matchmaking can make.

So, step into the world of gold with confidence. With us by your side, you’ll find the perfect match, unlock its radiant potential, and experience the true value of your golden treasure.

Let’s get started! Visit our website at https://www.natalmineralslogistics.com and discover the golden opportunities that await.

Remember, gold doesn’t just shimmer – it connects. And we’re here to spark the connection.

#We link buyers of Gold to the sellers and Vise-versa #Gold Logistics Service Provider #Minerals Logistics #Logistics for Minerals #Link Buyers of Gold with Sellers in Africa #Looking for Gold Logistics Services #Minerals Logistic Company #Gold buyers and reputable gold sellers #Gold Nuggets Logistics Services #Gold Bars Logistics

[fashionacess-blog]

Unveiling Hidden Gems in Our Closeout Wedding Band Collection

Planning a wedding is often a whirlwind of emotions, and finding the perfect pair of wedding bands can feel like searching for a diamond in the rough. But fear not lovebirds! In this enchanting treasure trove, nestled amidst our regular collection, lie glittering jewels waiting to be unveiled: our closeout wedding bands. These aren't just leftovers – they're hidden gems, sparkling stories of quality and craftsmanship waiting to grace your fingers and adorn your love story.

Embrace the Adventure: Gone are the days of monotonous closeouts. Today, our selections brim with diversity, each band a unique expression of style and personality. Imagine unearthing a vintage-inspired masterpiece with intricate details, a testament to timeless elegance. Or perhaps your treasure hunt leads you to a contemporary stunner, ablaze with geometric patterns and bold gemstones, whispering tales of modern romance. Maybe even a delicate whisper of nature awaits, captured in the swirling hues of an opal or the serene emerald green of a peridot. The adventure is yours to choose.

Savings That Sing: But it's not just the variety that makes our closeout collection extraordinary. It's the symphony of savings that resonates with every beat of your budget. Picture this: finding a band crafted with genuine platinum or shimmering with ethically sourced diamonds, all at a fraction of their usual price. It's like discovering a secret vault of love, overflowing with treasures just waiting to be unlocked. Suddenly, "happily ever after" doesn't just rhyme with love, it chimes with affordability too.

Quality Whispers Your Story: While savings whisper sweet nothings to your wallet, rest assured, quality never takes a backseat. Each closeout band is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, meticulously inspected and curated to meet our exacting standards. From the polished gleam of precious metals to the flawless facets of each gem, these rings carry the whispers of love and dedication poured into their creation. They deserve to adorn your commitment, a silent promise of enduring quality alongside everlasting love.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Navigating the treasure trove of closeout bands might seem daunting, but fret not! Here's your map to love-struck success:

Know your style: Do you crave vintage charm, modern edge, or perhaps a touch of whimsy? Define your aesthetic before embarking on your quest.

Seek expert guidance: Our jewelers are your treasure map experts, ready to answer questions, point you towards hidden gems, and ensure the perfect fit.

Embrace serendipity: Let the hunt guide you! Be open to unexpected finds, for some of the most beautiful stories unfold when we let fate take the lead.

Remember, this is about you: Choose a band that whispers to your soul, one that reflects your unique love story in every sparkle and shimmer.

A Commitment that Sparkles: Finally, remember, a closeout wedding band is more than just a pretty ring. It's a symbol of a commitment not just to each other, but to conscious consumerism and responsible choices. By choosing a closeout band, you're giving a new life to a beautifully crafted piece, extending its legacy of love and joy. So, step into our treasure trove, dear lovebirds. Let the hidden gems of our closeout collection weave their magic, and witness the moment where love meets savings, where quality whispers promise, and where your perfect rings, bathed in the thrill of the hunt, await. May your happily ever after sparkle brighter than ever before.

#wedding bands #diamond nexus. #clearance wedding bands #wedding band clearance #lab grown diamonds #jewels #diamond #emerald

[themisadventuresofem]

Two. Two years it’s been, and each time this day rolls around, I hope and pray with all of my might, that this will be the year that I forget you. That I forget this date and everything it represents. But no. Not yet. It’s still engraved in my brain, the way the ghost of your engagement ring is still engraved on my left hand. Like a phantom. Mocking me. Two. Two words, the words that couples around the globe are using, vowing, declaring to each other. I do. Two words that I never got to say, and I thank my lucky stars every day that I’m still saving them, like precious jewels in a vault deep within my heart. For one day, maybe. Two. Two rings, sacred circles of devotion. A sense of completion, like an extra level in a video game that you didn’t know you were supposed to finish in order to win. You have ours, and I hope they’re burning a hole in your sock drawer, mocking you and all that you have lost. Two. Two people, clinging to each other like a buoy on the ocean, both in desperate need of something, someone to believe in, to hold onto, for fear of drowning. I thought you were my life line, my saving grace, my salvation. You were nothing more than my destruction, and I, just an object of affection, too easily tossed away when you were through with me. One. Now I am one. And I am still terrified of drowning.

#it would’ve been my two year wedding anniversary today #so i wrote this to encompass how i feel about it #personal

[woodlandhillslock]

Locksmith Services Vary - Do You Require Auto Locksmiths, Safe Specialists, Or Commercial Lock Installers?

Have you misplaced the keys to your lakeside cabin or forgotten the combination to the workplace safe? Did you just snap your vehicle key off in the ignition? Maybe your handbag was stolen, and you're worried about having to change the locks on your house. Stop being concerned. You can acquire immediate assistance from a skilled locksmith.

Vehicle Locksmith Services

Can't get your auto doors open? Are you stuck in the middle of nowhere? Don't be concerned; help is only a phone call away. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call a local 24-hour vehicle locksmith service. But if you believe locksmiths just assist you to open your car door, think again.

Locksmiths arrive on-site well prepared to tackle any situation. They can open the most basic locks and decipher the most complex computerised lock systems.

Many current automobiles feature keyless entry or automated locks. These locks are as simple to fix or modify as an old-fashioned keyed lock. Having the locksmith Calabasas perform this for you will save you a lot of money over having your vehicle hauled to the dealership.

Professional automotive locksmiths are prepared to tackle whatever crazy thing you, your kid, or the neighbourhood car thief may do to your vehicle and its key systems. They have the necessary tools and equipment to suit any request. Other services provided by automotive locksmiths include:

·         In an emergency, open your car doors or trunk without destroying the lock.

·         Finding keys that have been broken off in the lock.

·         Replacing and fixing ignition locks on a variety of vehicles.

·         Rekeying the locks on the doors, trunk, and ignition

·         Remove old keys from locks

Most locksmiths provide car security services, not just 24 hours a day, but also on weekends and holidays. Keep the number in your phone; you never know when you'll need it. Choose your automotive locksmith with caution. It's a decision that will assist maintain your automobile in good condition and safe.

Locksmiths for Homes

Modern technology has made stronger security systems for your home possible, and such systems begin with solid locks. A residential locksmith will assist you in determining what sorts of locks you require for all of your home's windows and doors.

Locksmiths may install a wide range of locks in your house, depending on your security requirements. For example, if you live in a calm suburban community, your locksmith can install a basic single-side deadbolt. A locksmith, on the other hand, may supply high-tech locks with biometric capabilities if you are protecting a precious art collection in your house. Locksmiths may also set up safes and vaults for your jewels, coin collection, family silver, furs, and other valuables.

#calabasas locksmith

[siremasterlawrence]

Nightwing Unleashed

Part 1

“Now Dick, I want you to meet your new person forever the one you have been yearning for a lifetime of change to no longer be his. You are mg property as of now Dick Grayson.” I says calmly even though everything I tell him is believable at this point. He cannot wait to hear all that I have to say to him in regard to his life, future and total existence. “It time to show the world who you really are” I say in to his nice.

Nightwing stares down at the ex city of a place he use to call him Gotham the most self destructive city in the world thanks to Batman. Nightwing takes a dive off the roof too his head down first as he spreads his arms wide line a bird, and he places his right arms doing acrobatic movement he flips forward landing a perfect ten. “Yes fuck Batman, Gotham City is yours forever my king.” Nightwing reports.

Part 2

A familiar face makes himself known it is in total excitement the face of the devil, but as we know Deathstroke is no hero removing his swords from its guard ready to attack. Dick smiles his electrical stigma sticks unattached from his suit he juggles them with two hands. The two at odds go at it one punch, kick, and weapon at a time this is superb television.

Dick diggs his feet in to the ground leaping up kicking Slade in his face a hard kick is sending him flying, and Nightwing hits the ground. “Once again you lose kid I told you that no one will defeat me least not you my friend. You will fall apart at my hand you messily useless poor excuse of a man Grayson, I would have no more pleasure greater in this world then ending you for good Grayson The Bats right hand.” I hear him say.

Part 3

“End me? The disrespect I have face in this life has been minimal compared to your ranting. So sucks balls as far as I am concerned with that rancid spree you spew lies man. My Master Lawrence claim me saving me from being a member of Bat incorporated, first I will eviscerate you to the core, then the league of shadows shall meet my merciless hand, and Batman will finally meet his equal.” Deathstroke crawls back in shock.

Nightwing plops back up ready for a brawl except Deathstroke the man who we all are assuming has no fear is awestruck in the change. “Nightwing indeed Robin the boy wonder is no more, but still does not save you from the wound I am about to inflict a lifetime of bruises on you. Physical and psychological bitch get ready I will not be kind” Deathstroke is hardly ever the evil monologue type always giving away their plan before actually setting forth.

Part 4

“Don’t worry Slade your time will come to a end I promise you on my mighty Master Lawrence instructions will bring this so called crusade of yours to a end. Why will you even bother to fight me again on my new level you fool?” Dick taunts him with a renewed sense of faith in his place in the world, and he turns his back towards him.

“I laugh so hard at myself taunting him as if I was the true villain in that situation of course that is the worst scenario I could ever imagine. I can’t believe I even feared that maniac only a psycho justifies killing in to categories to ascertain some form logic it’s shameful.” Nightwing says in to the communication device as he checks out of the area to do his nightly Gotham surveillance.

Part 5

“Nightwing it’s official we are family now as I deem so you should yourself at your very best tonight. You stood against forces that normally will crack any lesser human being you rose to the top a true champion for our times. Your first assignment is up ready should be uploading in to your mini face goggles within your mask excellent work.” Master Lawrence says signing off.

The googles give him a map of Gotham City first premier bank siding on to the roof Nightwing is all smiles using a tool attach to his suit. “I am ready to serve Master all fo happy to serve you.” He locks a small device on the roof detonating it to shake enclosing the area a hole rips through as he slips down. “Sir Sire Lawrence I am in the vault my love Sir.” Nightwing replies aiding himself by sliding under the ray alert system. He blows a hole in the door entering the vault he unloads all the money and precious jewels in to special Nightwing pack.

The end.

Part 1

[disneymiraculousefandomsblog]

Hey Everyone! so this is my second time writing a Varian story i’m not an excellent writer but i have been really wanting to make a fic about Varian and his friends meeting Mexicans and kinda introducing Mexican heritage to Corona. I have done a lot of brainstorming and with the help of my friend @dangara2610  helping me with ideas and plots for the story. we worked really hard on this and we would greatly appreciate your feedback and if you liked it? This whole story happens after they defeated  Zahn Tiri.   remember this is my second time writing a fic and i am not the best lol:) but i really do hope you like it guys. Anyways Enjoy. 

A Royal Visit

Varian woke up exited because Rapunzel had invited him and Rudigger to the castle to meet these new people who come from a very far city to visit Corona for the first time. This was the first gathering with people from a different city since Zahn Tiri tried to take over Corona so it was a big deal to Rapunzel to make sure their new friends were welcomed and that they would have a great time. Once Varian was done drinking his morning Hot Coco that Rudigger made him he was off to the castle to meet Rapunzel. Varian Finally made it to the castle “Hey Rapunzel” Varian said to the Princess, “Hey Varian!” Rapunzel said while pulling him into a tight hug “I’m so glad you could make it” Rapunzel said “how could i miss this opportunity to meet new people after all this is the first big gathering since well.... Varain paused “since Zahn Tiri tried to take over corona” he said sheepishly putting his hand behind his head. “I know but shes gone for good” Rapunzel assured Varian with a smile. Varian just smiled back at her.

The time had arrived for the guests to arrive at the palace to meet Rapunzel and her friends, the chariot arrived with 3 Royal people. “Hello welcome to Corona my name is princess Rapunzel and these are my parents Queen Arianna and King Fredric” Rapunzel introduced. and this is my royal advisor Nigel” Rapunzel said to the queen of Agamex. “pleasure to meet you” Nigel said “this is my royal engineer Varian and his pet Rudigger” Rapunzel announced “Pleased to meet you all” Varian greeted them. “This is my Fiance/ Captin of the guard’s Eugene” Rapunzel announced “Welcome to Corona your Highness's” Eugene greeted.  “Its a pleasure to meet you all my name is Queen Luisa and this is my Husband Antonio and my Daughter Selena we are from the kingdom of Agamex” Luisa Said to Rapunzel. “please come in and Join us for dinner” Rapunzel said to the guests “Thank you princess Rapunzel” Luisa said. They all sat the table and waited for their dinner, “So what brings you all to Corona?” Rapunzel asked “well we heard what you did and how you defended and saved Corona from Zahn Tiri we just had to meet you in person and my daughter Selena is a very big fan of you” Luisa said Rapunzel blushed as she said “Thank you that is very sweet of you to say”. Their dinner was served and they all started eating “This is delicious” Selena Said to Rapunzel “Thank you Selena” Rapunzel answered.

Meanwhile outside of corona a plan was brewing thieves more like Lady Cain and her crew they were back and wanted to finish what they started and steal   all the valuables and Jewels and anything that was precious to The royal Family. “Guys its time to get our revenge on corona and steal everything that the royal family has” Lady Cain said. 

Back in the palace ‘Thank you Princess Rapunzel everything was Delicious” Luisa said Varian was happy to meet these new people but they were so different than everybody else he met but then again he never explored anywhere other than Old Corona. “ May i ask what kingdom you are from” Varian asked “We are from the kingdom of Agamex we live in a town with lots of people we don’t have much fancy stuff like you guys do here in corona” Selena answered Varian. “But we do have really good food in my opinion” Selena said ‘What kind of food do you eat” Varian asked Selena. “Well we eat Tamales i like them spicy we also have Rice, Beans,Epazote which is just a herb we use to make tea  and for our dessert we usually have Pan de Dulce or we have cocadas which is just coconut candy or and we usually drink them with Hot Chocolate I LOVE!! Hot chocolate” Selena said. “wow I love hot chocolate too my pal Rudigger here makes the best hot coco well to me anyways” Varian said “ I’ll have to try it sometime then” Selena smiled at Varian and Rudigger. “We brought some sweet bread for you guys to try if you like?” Selena asked “We love to try some” Rapunzel said. They pulled out a basket that had a variety of sweet bread like Conchitas,Gorditas, and Garibialdi, they passed it around so that everyone could have one, Varian grabbed a concha which is a bread that was round and really soft and had some crunch yet sweet candy on top when he took a bite it was like nothing he ever tasted it was soft sweet and the candy just melted in his mouth.”This is Delicious” Varian said “Thank you we are so happy you like it” Selena said. “ Would you like a tour of the castle” Rapunzel asked “We would love that Thank you Princess” Luisa Said. 

outside of corona Lady Cain and her gang were on their  way to the palace, once they got inside corona they saw that the princess had royal guests and that gave Lady Cain an idea so they sneaked themselves inside the castle by entering trough a window when the guards were not looking. They waited for the perfect time to steel the Valuables. “ I think you have seen most of the castle except the royal vault” Rapunzel said “ Would you like to see it?” Rapunzel asked Selena “If its not to much to ask” Selena answered back “ Its no problem at all” Rapunzel said “Your Highness are you sure you want to show them the royal vault we don’t know if we can trust them” Nigel whispered to the Princess “Nigel you worry to much look at them they look like honest people they wouldn’t steal anything plus we have the captin of the guards with us” Rapunzel assured Nigel. 

“Here is the royal vault” Rapunzel said they opened the vault and there were so many Jewels and Jems it was beautiful. Selena could not believe her eyes “ I wish we had this many pretty Jewels in out town” Selena said “You mean you don’t have gold where you come from?” Varian asked “No not really we don’t have much money where we come from but we are still thankful that we have each other Family matters and is worth more than gold and Jewels” Selena told Varian. Varian was in shock he never though that someone would choose Family over money and gold it Reminded him of his Father and him they didn’t really have a big bond like Selena did with her family but he would give anything to just be able to spend time and be with his dad and make up the lost time from when his father was encased in the amber. “Shall we head back to the Hall” Rapunzel asked ‘Yes thank you Princess” Luisa said. Selena took one last look at the vault and followed her mother and Varian back to the hall. 

Once they had left Lady Cain saw her chance and disguised herself as one of the royal family from Agamex she went towards one of the guards “Miss you can’t be here without the Princess Present” Stan said to the women .”I’m Sorry i got lost can you point me to the right direction” The women Said “ Just head straight and make a left turn” Pete said. Once the guards turned around she grabbed her sword and hit them on the head really hard and knocked them out cold. The vault wasn’t completely closed so she went in. “Come to mama” Lady Cain said as she grabbed the bags and stuffed them with jewels and Jems. Once she got what she wanted she grabbed a rope and she tossed it outside the window she came in and climes down. 

Back at the hall  Your Highness the Royal Vault has been robbed” Stan the guard said “WHAT??” Nigel said “Most of the Jewels are gone” Pete the guard said “we saw one of the royal family from Agamex come to the vault after you left saying she was lost and when we turned our backs we were out cold” Stan said  * Everyone Gasps* “There must be a mistake?” Eugene said “we saw it with our eyes once we turned around they ambushed us” Stan said. “What NO we didn’t steal anything” Selena stated.    “I’m sure there’s a logical explanation” Rapunzel said. Varian looked over to Selena and saw that she was uneasy and a bit frustrated he knew how she felt because he had gone through those same feelings when he had turned good again no one trusted or believed him other than Rapunzel and he was grateful that she forgave him and gave him a new start.  “Stan and Pete your sure it was the family of Agamex?” Eugene stated “ Yes well... we’re not sure captain” Stan and Pete said in unison  “No their Innocent we just have to prove it wasn’t them” Varian said “What makes you so sure their innocent?” Nigel asked Varian “ Because they care and value each other as a family more than Jewels and Gold why would they come all this way to steal?” Varian replied. Selena just looked at Varian in surprise “I’ll prove that she and her family are innocent” Varian claimed. Nigel and everyone else stayed quiet.“ We will get to the bottom of this I promise” Rapunzel assured Varian and the Royal Family of Agamex.

And that concludes Chapter 1 It was longer than I wanted it but I was trying to get all my ideas in lol 😂 please leave your feedback I’d love to hear if you all enjoyed? but let me know what you guys think and if you want to read the second chapter 💕

#tangled the series #rapunzels tangled adventure #varian #tts fandom #tts varian #rta varian #q tangled the series #varian the alchemist #tangled varian #repunzel #varian tts #tts season 3 #varian tangled the series #variantology #tts lady cain #tts edit #varian edit #disney edit #disney #tangled edit #mexican #mexican heritage #tts ruddiger #ruddiger #my first story #tts fic #tts fanfic

[monstersandmaw]

Winter Solstice - Fae Prince, Part Three

Here’s Part Three of Winter Solstice for you! Patreon folks have had access to it for a little while, and now it’s time to share it here. Hope you enjoy! If you do, don’t forget to reblog or let me know with a comment etc. It really is fuel for us writers!!

There’s also artwork of our boy Círdan now too, which you can find over on the Shadows tier ($1) on Patreon!

Finally, Trope Tuesdays are starting over on Patreon (only), with the poll for the first trope going up on 31st January. Both the poll and the resulting story will be available for all patrons from $1 upwards.

Part One (sfw), Part Two (sfw)

Content: exploration of the castle, some time with Mirana, a creepy Librarian, and a bit of our one winged angel uh, I mean, Fae...! Wordcount: 3361

After waking up in the Fae Realm after her ordeal with the tainted creature, in the frozen Court of Winter no less, our human met the prince and the closest members of his court, and learns that she has to remain there for a while. This time, we see a bit of the palace, and get to know a couple more of those closest advisors a tiny bit better... 

As one lovely patreon commenter said, ‘our human really knows how to make friends’... or... uh... not.

“Shall I at least give you a little tour?” Mirana said politely as the throne room doors closed with a surprisingly soft whisper behind them, shutting Prince Círdan in and them out with barely a sound.

Narrowing her eyes, she nodded and said tartly, “Show me the places I’m permitted to explore?”

“And the ones you’re not, if you’d like to see them,” Mirana said with a glint in her eyes.

“Yeah, how about I don’t piss off my captor on my first day?” she snorted and Mirana laughed openly, a sound like tinkling glass.

The castle - the House of Winter - was larger than any keep she’d ever even imagined. The only building she had for reference was the king’s palace in Caer Grauth, which, although ancient, had nothing on this place. The walls, as they walked down corridors with lace-like plasterwork, were white as the fresh-fallen snow blanketing the mountainside beyond the crystal windows, and the pale floors were polished to a high sheen and patterned with forking fronds of frost like rare plant fossils.

“Let’s begin with the ballroom,” she crooned, seeming almost to float down a winding staircase with a gently curved banister. The halls and rooms seemed oddly empty as they walked in silence, and when she brought this up, Mirana sighed. “Most of our High Fae in the court live in their own holds,” she explained. “It’s tough living up here.”

She looked around at the opulence as they stepped into the ballroom and snorted sarcastically, “I can see that.”

Mirana rolled her eyes and turned to face her. “Nothing lives here save for brambles inland and seals on the coast. Almost everything we eat we have to trade for.”

That was interesting. “Can’t your magic grow things?”

“Not on a large enough scale to feed an entire nation, which is what the Court of Winter amounts to. The gardens here have the crystal houses, of course, but that is only for the high table and the royal family to enjoy.”

“So what’s your export then?”

The Fae’s eyes brightened at her question and she jutted one hip out as she stood surveying her new human companion thoughtfully. With pretty lips just revealing the hint of a smile at one corner, she said, “These mountains have some of the richest veins of gold, silver, and gemstones. Not to mention that we are the only place that stellarite has been uncovered.”

She frowned, unfamiliar with the word, and Mirana giggled, filling the room with a playful noise that was completely at odds with the solemn, empty ballroom. Mirrors lined each wall, framed by white arboreal columns, slender as saplings, with branches reaching up and over the glass to become the vaults of the ceiling so that it felt like standing in a silver birch forest at dusk, the crystal chandeliers unlit but still sparkling like frozen leaves above.

“Stellarite is the metal from which we make our crowns and jewellery,” she purred, raising her hand and rippling her fingers to show off the three delicate rings she wore on each hand. The metal looked like white gold, but it had a speckled quality to it, like starlight. “A single gram of it costs more than most Fae here earn in a year, and Círdan’s mask is made of an even rarer alloy of stellarite and inlustrium.”

Her lip curled. “What’s wrong with a plain old wooden one?” she muttered, turning on her heel and pacing from the ballroom.

Growing up on the edge of the small village, they’d not been precisely poor, but they’d certainly struggled at times. She remembered vividly in that moment the winter when her mother had hurt her back, having been kicked by a crazy, savage horse that should have been put down years earlier, and she’d not been able to work for months. They’d tried their best, with their father making the journey into the city to sell his turned wooden bowls and carved spoons, but it hadn’t been enough. The boys had only been eight and six at the time, so it had fallen to her to hunt in the forest with arrows that she and her mother had made. They’d got by, and her mother had gone back to work once her mother’s back had healed, but it had been one of the harshest winters she’d ever experienced. And here these creatures were, gloating about some useless precious metal that cost more than most people would see in a lifetime. Her stomach churned.

Mirana had adopted her frosty veneer again when she followed her out of the ballroom, and she marched her down corridors, waving her elegant, jewelled hand briefly to indicate one state room or other, until finally she paused at the top of a staircase. “This is the East Wing,” she said. “The prince, Ahrin, Raeth and I all have our rooms in that part of the castle. I suspect you would not be welcome wandering here, human…”

“What on earth makes you think I’d willingly go looking for any of your bedrooms?” she said and Mirana pouted slightly, as if affronted and trying not to show it.

“Fine,” she said. “Since none of this has been to your liking, perhaps you could tell me what you would actually like to see?”

“Does any of you read?” she asked acerbically. “Do you have a library I can lose myself in while I’m stuck here as your prisoner?”

Returning the venom in the human’s gaze, Mirana crooned, “Oh, I assumed a simple peasant like you couldn’t read. Now that I know that’s not the case, let’s go.”

‘Bitch’, she thought but wisely kept that to herself.

The library was beyond what she’d expected. Like the rest of the palace, it was sculpted from smooth stone, the colour of bleached bones, and it was as cold as everywhere else in the castle, but the three-storey high room was lined with books and scrolls. The light was muted; the enormous windows on the left hand side of the room that stretched from floor to ceiling had had their white shutters drawn halfway, and each panel had, like a child’s cut-out snowflake, twisting voids in the woodwork which let in a pale, muted shafts of light.

A yelp escaped her, however, when someone emerged through a slender, pointed archway in the wall opposite the windows, and she took an involuntary step back in alarm as the strange, inhuman figure approached.

Stoop-shouldered, with iron grey skin and opalescent wings like a dragonfly’s folded neatly behind them, the creature had a gaunt, skull-like face with its leathery skin stretched tightly over harsh cheekbones and deep eye sockets. They were slender in the extreme, walking on legs like a bird’s with deadly jet black talons, their body swathed in a piece of fabric reminiscent of a toga, and, she noted with a swirl of fearful unease, they had four arms. Their head was bald, and their two huge eyes were a startling, blood red.

She had never seen anything like this creature, but, despite the fact that the sight of them brought back memories of the tainted horror that had attacked her, she refused to look away or to be intimidated by them.

When they saw Mirana standing there, they bowed low, wings buzzing a quick, terse salute, and straightened, asking, “Your Highness, what can I do for you today?”

“Nothing, Librarian,” she smiled. “I am just showing our new guest around. Apparently the human can read.”

“Human…” the Librarian hissed, drawing themselves up defensively, lips peeling back to reveal a maw full of needle-sharp teeth. It brought to mind the curiosities which sometimes appeared at the marketplace when a fisherman dredged up something unspeakable from the deep, and she staved off the urge to reach for a belt knife.

Mirana only laughed again, the steel-hard edge creeping back into it that set goosebumps shivering along her skin to hear it. “I know!” she purred in feigned shock. “My dear brother has said she’s not to be harmed though. I’ve grown bored with her inane company, and thought I might just leave her here for a while, if you don’t object.”

There was clearly no way that the Librarian could have objected, even if they’d really rather not have had a human wandering the hallowed halls of their collection. They simply bobbed their head, red eyes blinking softly, and backed away. “The human will make sure its hands are clean before touching anything,” they spat as their parting shot.

“Well, how does that sound then?” Mirana said in that brassy, overly-bright tone that made her want to punch the Fae in the face. Obviously sensing her intentions, said princess’ face morphed into an unmasked expression of deep loathing and she snarled, “I don’t like you being here any more than the next of my kin do, human. I’m not sure what possessed my brother to leave you alive, but do not think for a single heartbeat that I will not do whatever I deem necessary to protect this Court and this family. If you try anything…”

“I have no doubt,” she interrupted softly, trying to keep the fear from her voice. The only salvation she felt, like an anchor on a tiny craft, was the cold iron pendant she still wore under her shirt. It had clearly not been touched when she’d been divested on arrival, and she wondered why they’d left it with her. Perhaps they’d feared to touch it. Fighting the urge to clutch it in her fingers - or, even better, to ram it straight into Mirana’s forehead - she stood tall and stared the princess down.

A soft knock on the wood of the open door behind them drew their attention away from one another, and she watched a servant approach on deferential feet, head bowed low. This one looked almost human, save for the pointed ears and unnatural grace. His hair was black, long - as seemed to be the fashion in the Winter Court if the male Fae she’d encountered so far were anything to go by - plaited back off his face, and his skin was a warm, rich brown. When he rose from his bow, she saw that he had freckles all over his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, and bright green eyes.

“Forgive the intrusion, Highness,” he said in a soft, heavily accented voice. “The Prince has asked for your presence. He is in his private study.”

Message delivered, the Fae waited for a dismissal, which came in the form of a flicked wrist, before he bowed once more, shooting the human a quick, nervous glance before backing away a few paces and then turning to leave.

“Well,” Mirana sighed dramatically. “I suppose I’ll leave you here. You know how to get back to your rooms? Good.” The princess didn’t wait to find out the answer, and in fact, she didn’t know how to get back at all; their route had been so winding and circuitous that she had lost all sense of direction, but she was damned if she was going to let on that she was disorientated.

Mirana swept from the library and left her alone with the creepy looking Fae Librarian, who buzzed their wings menacingly from the shadows nearby, a stack of books now in their lower set of arms. There was something insectoid and unsettling about those emaciated limbs that made her think of a patient mantis, with the tightly stretched, grey-brown skin, that made her shiver. Still, not one to let herself be outfaced by a situation, she chirped, “So, what’s the system here?”

“Excuse me?” the Fae asked, half turning back to look at her.

“The system. This is a huge collection - it must be ordered, so I’m just wondering how I find out what’s where, without… how to put it…? Putting my ‘grubby little hands all over everything’ until I find something that attracts my attention…”

Those teeth flashed momentarily before the Fae reined themselves in. They set their small pile of books reverently down on a nearby table and turned back to face her. “History,” they began, pointing a three-fingered, clawed hand at the nearest section and then gesturing along a huge swathe of bookshelves. “Magic,” they added, pointing through another elegant, pointed archway into a separate section of the library. “Fiction,” they sneered, pointing upwards at a shadowy gallery that honestly didn’t look like it got much foot traffic, and finally they indicated, “Music, Nature, Travel Journals and -” here they buzzed their wings again, “- The Mortal Realm.”

She bowed her head and smiled, knowing somewhere in the back of her mind that it was insulting for a human to ‘thank’ a Fae explicitly, given that it implied that they had offered the human some kind of favour. The Fae were a prideful lot, if legend was to be believed, and none would willingly offer anything without thought of something in return. Whether it was impolite for another Fae to offer their thanks was a different quandary for another day.

“I’ll head up there then,” she said, nodding at the dusty fiction section. “Nice and out of the way…”

“You do that,” the Fae rasped and a cold shiver thrummed down her spine as they bared all those needle-sharp teeth again in a grimace.

With a false smile of her own plastered to her face, she scampered up to one of the polished wooden ladders and climbed nimbly, almost daring to pretend she was back in the hay loft at their little smallholding and not in the enormous library of a Fae Prince, held there until goodness knew when, completely at the mercy of their every petty whim… Blinking back the prickling in her eyes as panic welled in her chest, she licked her lips and looked around at this part of the library, pacing along the catwalk as if it were a minstrel’s gallery in a lord’s hall.

She’d been right about the fiction section not getting much attention. Leather bound books with brittle, crumbled spines beckoned her closer and, curling up on the floor of a gallery and leaning her weight against the end wall, she drew out one called, ‘The Lay of The Ember Knight’. It was a ballad, written in verse and hand-scribed onto the pale, pristine velum of the book, and as she carefully turned each folio, she lost herself in the lilting rhythm of the lines. Someone had loved this book once, she realised, seeing that the spine was worn and the velum bore the marks of fingers in the corners of each folio.

Swept up in the action as the Ember Knight - actually one of the Unseelie Royal Princesses in disguise - did furious battle with a raging fire drake on the ruined, volcanic landscape of some distant mountain range, the voice calling her from below didn’t rouse her from the story. When someone materialised directly in front of her with a soft ‘whoosh’ and a theatrical rush of odourless smoke, however, she screamed in surprise and dropped the book into her lap.

The six foot six figure in front of her was that of Ahrin, his one remaining wing hanging behind him like a darker shadow in the already dim gallery. And he was laughing softly at her.

“Fuck, you scared me,” she growled, gripping the end-boards of the book in her fingers until her knuckles went white, and staring up at him without standing. “What do you want?”

Still chuckling, he reached his rough-palmed hand out to her and held it there, clearly expecting her to take it and help herself to her feet. When she didn’t, he rolled his amber eyes and withdrew the offer, folding his muscular arms again. “Thought you might want some food… You’ve been in here for hours.”

“You expect me to eat Fae Realm food? Do you think I’m that stupid?”

Again, the hulking Fae showed his amusement freely, shrugging too as he laughed. The sound was rich and warm, with no artifice or pretence to it. He seemed as open as the book in her lap, and even easier to read. “We have access to human food too,” he said. “In fact, Círdan sent me off to the Mortal Realm to get something for you so that you didn’t have to eat our food.”

“I don’t believe you for a second,” she blurted before she recalled that Fae were supposedly not able to lie. Then again, he hadn’t explicitly said that the food she would be offered would be from the Mortal Realm. ‘Tricksy fucking Fae’, she thought darkly.

“Well, that’s up to you,” he said, turning around and shifting into black mist that swirled like a drop of ink in a glass of water. The darkness shot away like smoke pulled by a draft, and he reappeared heartbeat later on the main floor of the library.

“Guess ladders are too mundane for you lot,” she grumbled, easing herself to her feet, stretching her spine until each vertebra had popped satisfyingly, and sliding the book back into the case.

As she descended the ladder, she heard Ahrin say, “You try squeezing through that small gap in the railings with one big wing and broad shoulders.”

“Oh what a terrible burden it must be to be so muscular,” she sarcastically, and he tipped his head back and crowed another laugh.

“I like you,” he said, eyes flashing gold. “Come on. I’ll escort you back to your rooms if you’d like to eat there.”

Deciding not to look that particular gift horse in the mouth since she didn’t actually know the way herself, she accepted, deciding that she could always refuse the food when they got there, and the two of them left the library together. As Ahrin stood politely back at the doorway to usher her through first, she glanced back over her shoulder and caught the creepy Librarian staring after them.

Once outside, with the doors closed, Ahrin leaned down and hissed in a conspiratorial stage whisper, “Don’t worry; they give me the creeps too. I think Círdan only hired them so that no one would dare walk off with one of his precious books…”

“He likes to read?” she asked, astonished.

“Sure,” he said. “But only the really boring stuff…”

“Figures,” she retorted, unable to forgive herself for warming to the enormous brute of a Fae. He carried a straight sword at each hip, their pommels a simple half-moon of what looked like silver but she couldn’t be sure, and he had another smaller knife hanging just in front of those on a frog from the belt. Frankly, he looked a bit rough around the edges compared to the other pristine Fae she’d encountered, with stubble on his anvil of a jaw, and rough, practical leathers instead of fancy silk tunics; Ahrin was definitely a warrior, and she wondered if he was the prince’s personal bodyguard or something. The two had certainly seemed close back in the great hall.

“So Mirana tells me we’re still calling you ‘human’…?” Ahrin ventured.

“You think I’m just going to give you my name?”

“You could at least give us another name,” he said a bit sheepishly. “Seems better than ‘human’…”

“We’ll see about that,” she hedged and he tossed her a roguish, lopsided grin.

A second later, she shot his ruined wings a cautiously curious glance, and all the mirth drained out of his handsome face when he saw where her eyes had landed. He didn’t utter another word to her, even when they reached the vaguely familiar corridor which led to her rooms. He simply stopped outside the door, nodded tersely, and stalked off, shadows roiling around his leather boots until he vanished in a rush of darkness, leaving her alone in the pale hallway with only her pounding heartbeat for company.

Blowing the air out of puffed cheeks, she set her fingers to the door handle and pushed it open to find that she had company waiting inside.

To be continued…

Other Fae Realm Stories on Tumblr...

Prince of the Court of Night x female reader *commission* (nsfw) Part Two (nsfw)

Male winged shadowborne fae (Shaer) x female reader (nsfw) *commission* (long!)

Male reptilian fae (Adan) x female reader (nsfw) *commission*

Male triton Fae (Kaerio) x female character (sfw) *commission*

—

I really hope you folks enjoyed this one! Don’t forget to let me know if you did enjoy it by leaving a like and/or reblogging it!

For all early releases, character art and bios, upcoming story info, and much, much more, join me over on Patreon!

You’ll have access to stories before anyone else, and you’ll get instant access Patreon-only content as well, including polls and an exclusive monthly story for those on the Pixies and Goblins tier or higher!

__

| Masterlist | Patreon | Ko-fi | Writing Commissions |

#fae realm #winter solstice #fae boyfriend #fae lover #fae prince #fae #exophilia #fantasy #i really hope you're enjoying this one #you never know with non-reader inserts though

[queensconquest]

@electricea​ said: I don't know your muses so I feel like it would be unfair of me to speak about the actual portrayal but I always find your writing to be really captivating, to the point where I find myself stopping to read whatever you put on the dash.  Your muses definitely feel very fleshed out and very interesting and reading your stuff makes me excited and intrigued to know more about them!

( HOW IS MY MUSE PORTRAYAL / GENERAL WRITING )

   Even  though  you  don’t  know  my  muses  ,  the  fact  that  my  writing  can  be  captivating  despite  that  is  such  a  huge  compliment  to  me.  It’s  easy  to  just  scroll  past  things  we  don’t  know.  So  thank  you  both  for  such  flattering  words  and  for  the  time  you’ve  ever  taken  to  read  what  I’ve  written.  I  try  to  use  a  lot  of  symbolism  &  imagery  or  atmosphere  in  my  writing  ,  and  I  take  this  as  a  sign  at  least  something  I’m  doing  is  working.  😂

   I  do  try  to  work  really  hard  on  fleshing  out  my  characters.  Some  of  them  are  pretty  small  side  characters  (  all  my  Owari  No  Seraph  muses  for  example  )  and  even  those  that  ARE  bigger  often  have  a  lot  left  unknown  (  like  Chrollo  ,  He  Xuan  ,  etc.  )  about  them.  So  I  try  to  expand  and  give  them  life  or  explain  more  on  their  behaviors.  I’m  really  glad  it  comes  across.  Thank  you  again  for  sending  this  !

#electricea #this was so sweet and i was ;-; over it #the fact you read it even not knowing it #just made me smile so much #〉the angst empress〈 — ✭ ⌜ooc⌟ #〉precious jewels in the vault〈 — ✭ ⌜saved⌟

[flowerflamestars]

Tempest and Fealty

PART ONE  PART TWO PART THREE  PART FOUR  PART FIVE  PART SIX  PART SEVEN  PART EIGHT  PART NINE

Nesta did not actually hide from her baby sister in her office.   After storming a floor higher to her bedroom and ripping the sleeves back off her dress, she went down staircase after staircase, through the kitchen and deeper still into the subterranean wine cellar. They were a common enough feature in noble houses, once this very one had been famous at the height of her great-great grandfathers empire.   In her father’s time, it had been stripped, like everything of what had once been the ancient Archeron estate.   Elain and Nesta had rebuilt. Before Feyre had come back the first time, they’d walked the wreckage of the foundations- the very roof beams and tiles, marble and garden pavers sold in the face of their father’s debt- and tried to remember.   It took an entire day. But the end of which they’d ended up here; the cellar only intact because some particularly ostentatious ancestor of their’s decided to embed great unruly boulders of semi- precious stone to make the walls and floor, too big to be ripped apart without causing a collapse.   A lantern between them and a sheath of paper holding their futures, they’d sat together on a slab of lapis with the absurdly fine bottle of red Elain had somehow found buried.   Half a bottle passed between them to discuss the house, the debts, the future.   The second half to worry if Feyre was alright, if this was really happening, what they could do.   Half hysteric with relief, half mourning, an accidentally flailed hand- and they’d found this place: a second cellar, another flight of stairs down, a room of blue stone walls and hidden treasure. Archeron heirlooms, their father’s seal secreted away.   They’d starved and froze and been cast out- Lord Archeron had protected his inheritance all the while.   Nesta could have killed him with her bare hands.   Now, organized and cleaned, Elain and Nesta had spent the last year adding to the trove of family secrets. Every book on magic they could find that Lucien could vaguely verify made sense. A vault of ash wood and faebane imported from the continent, safely locked away. Treasure that they had yet to liquidate or couldn’t because of it’s magical properties.   Her first step on the cool floor and magic kindled in lamps, golden fire born of Lucien’s hands blooming overhead to light her way. Wrapped one of the coats by the door around her, skirting past the tables of Elain’s hand-distilled floral poisons and Lucien’s weapons, to stop before her war map.   Seven generations of Archeron’s had traded with the continent. Twelve with the Night Court’s secret city and the rest of Prythian’s ports.   Nesta had the blood of explorers and shrewd men and in women in her veins. As far back as their history could stretch recorded, not one Archeron had ever lost a ship, before her father.   That was what happened, after all, when innocent faery blood was spilled by hands bound to magic: ruin.   Ruin that just kept chasing them.   None of the sister’s ships had gone down in this magic-teeming seas that could sense a promise broken. A loophole, that they were their dead mother’s daughters? Or was the legend Nesta had been told only half the story? It had made sense, a merchant’s promise bound immortal in singing steel and fresh seethed gold, protection of the exchange.   Or was the curse bigger?   She so damned tired. 

Her sleep made nightmares by a life impossible, northern peaks that lived behind her eyes. Elain had the crown of Autumn in a hatbox, ready to wage war. Feyre believed so wholly in the man she loved- who’d kidnapped her, lied to her, was lying to her right now, a crown on her head- that she’d bet on all their lives and those of everyone they knew.   Vassals. Children. Farmer’s who’d wept when Elain and Nesta returned and tried to right the poverty their father had left them in.   Feyre and Rhysand could burn in hell, as far as Nesta was currently concerned. She had twenty orphans and an entire estate to save.  She’d work until she couldn’t breathe. Meet Elain and Lucien for a meal under six layers of warding to meld information and plans until the three of them were cataclysm enough to survive.   She wouldn’t live a thousand years- wouldn’t fall through those haunting mountain skies- but Nesta Archeron would be damned if she died now, with the world just in reach.

*** “Cassian.”   His first thought was that he was dying. Blinking in the dark and coming awake all at once as a hundred years of training had taught him, Cassian’s brain moved straight on to the certainty he was dead, seeing Nesta Archeron leaning over his bed.   Maybe she was here to slit his throat for daring infringe upon her honor.   Cassian rolled to land on his feet, knife in hand in less than a one frantic beat of his heart. “We’re under attack?”   “No,” Nesta hissed, before swearing softly. In the moment it took his body to catch up with his brain and lower the dagger, Cassian realized she was fully dressed- the same heart-rending dress as in the garden- a coat around her shoulders, and staring pointedly somewhere in the region of his right shoulder. “Why aren’t you wearing anything?”   The only positive in the humiliation was that for some reason Azriel wasn’t here in the room they were sharing to witness it.   Scrambling into a shirt and pants to the background noise of her gritted teeth, Cassian sent a silent prayer to whatever god was listening. Wind and sky, moon and mother. “Well, you see, sometimes even faeries sleep.” He turned in time to see her scoff, faint color high on her cheeks. “Something you should try.”   Nesta only scowled. “I sleep. Now come on, I need you.”   Because Cassian was insane, because those exact words in any tone from Nesta Archeron could have brought him to his knees, Cassian followed her out of the room and into the dreaming house.   They made it three flights and across a ballroom before he found himself trying again, stupidly softened by the late hour and unable to stop himself. It didn’t matter that Nesta’s straight spine gave nothing away, every taut muscle in her neck and down those graceful shoulders screamed the kind of fatigue that a mortal couldn’t just shake off. “You’re exhausted. We”-   She stopped so suddenly he almost ran into her. “I have things to do. Are you going to help me or not?”  Would Cassian somehow find himself alone in the dark with her every night he spent in this house? Her beautiful, furious face haunting him? Bright moon knew he was defenseless against her, fire and flame burning his throat.   “Or course I am,” Cassian heard himself say, tone too rough and true to meet her frustration unwounded.   It took a her full second to nod, staring up at him like she could see through the dark.   She led him down and down, out of view of the starry sky, through kitchens and storage, long servants halls and winding steps. Down and down into the growing cold, her determined steps echoing over stone.   Quieter, a knife slid between ribs instead of a battlecry, she asked in a wine cellar, the scent of bottled summer all around them, “How can you tell?” Because your eyes are the sky and your voice the wind. “I can smell how weary you are.”   She didn’t respond.   Like it was nothing at all, making precise movements in the near cave darkness Nesta pressed on the rock wall and then like magic, like a mystery that Cassian wanted to know every single detail of, stairs appeared down into the bedrock bellow.   Nesta stepped into the yawning blackness without a backwards glance.   Cassian followed.   “Not that good,” She was grumbling, voice echoing in the narrow space, “Lucien would never stop if”-   “I’m not high fae,” Cassian interrupted. Look at me, he thought, heart beating a bruise in his chest. He wanted to know if he’d dreamt the shape of his name in her mouth, how her voice would sound now that he was awake.   He wanted her to grumble his name with that same unspeakable familiarity that said knowing, belonging.   Which was insane. Two sunrises, and Cassian was desperate to know her.   The moment she reached the bottom of the stairs, light flared around them, revealing a large room and more of Nesta Archeron’s secrets.   They assaulted him on all sides: faebane and ash wood, foxglove and monkshood, enough faery-smithed swords for a small invasion. Cassian ran a hand over the smooth wood of a table covered in poisons, their stinging scent a refuge from the sheer intoxication of Nesta’s presence.   A menace with an armory.   Cassian was going to send for better weapons the moment the sun actually rose. Too many jewels- too much weak Spring make to be reliable- Illyrian steel could cut the very air. He wondered if this room would open for him, to leave them for her.   The space wasn’t big enough to obscure what Nesta had hung on the far wall, but the sheer detail took a moment to resolve itself in Cassian’s eyes. A map twice as long as she was tall depicting their corner of the world: Prythian, the far islands, the continent, in loving, perfect aspect.   A hundred colored pins grouped or linked with ribbon.   Silent, Nesta watched him with hooded eyes as Cassian followed her steps to stand before the map, heart in his throat. Troops- so many more armies gathered than just Hybern, motions echoing to the far reaches of faerykind.   “How many legions do you muster?”   Mechanically, watching her pale hand straighten a long string she’d tied between the armies of the Great Desert, Cassian answered truthfully. “Four.” What was the point of lying to her? They were in this together, all in the same danger. “If war is declared, more than half the steppes will fight- four thousand Illyrians.”   Who Cassian would be responsible for. How many had he trained himself over the years? Cassian could hear the bone drums in his head, the battle cries that would echo from peak to peak when he made the call. To protect his court- to protect this land- Illyria would rise.   Precisely, Nesta sank eight red pins into the blank northernmost corner of the map.   Cassian counted them twice, heart rising to his throat as his eyes raced over the map again, approximating. Hybern, Hesperia, the Blooming Country, the Desert nomads, the Queen’s Countries, Shallavar, the distant Black Land- Cassian swore.   “Nesta,” Her eyebrows rose immediately, and he wouldn’t do her the insult of asking if the numbers were right. Of course the numbers were right- that was why he was here, why her beautiful face gave no quarter despite her impending collapse. “How do you know all this?”   He could practically see her bristle- had to swallow the thought that she must be used to being written off; this painfully vital, clearly brilliant woman, how stupid could mortal men be?- and rein it in. Like exhaustion wore her sharp edges, like maybe, the ridiculous late night early morning hour softened her too, Nesta Archeron only huffed out a breath.   “Bribery, mostly,” She sniffed, looking at the map and not him. “And news from the trade routes.” News- the bowl she’d plucked up the pins from sat on the ruin of an old writing desk, every surface piled so high with paper and books the whole thing looked liable to buckle.  While he watched, apparently done and satisfied with his answer, Nesta turned away and started sorting ribbon bound letters, adding to two towered piles.   Cassian waited for the familiar sting of dismissal, but felt nothing but horrible, out of place hope instead. She’d come looking for him, no matter that they’d been fighting, that Cassian was barely in control of himself every second he spent with her. Nesta had asked for his help. It stilled the thrashing thing in his chest, the flame swept feeling that had left his hands shaking when she’d gotten that last, barbed word. Not Lucien, not Azriel, Nesta had trusted at least enough that he’d tell her the truth.   Something was wrong with him. But Cassian wasn’t about to walk away.   “The black,” Cassian heard himself say, voice rough, “They’re hundreds?”   Nesta’s head snapped up. Nothing given- but she answered, smooth as silk, simple as a shining blade. “Hundreds,” She confirmed, “Blue for two score, and”-   “Red for twenty-five,” Cassian interrupted, biting his smile when her gaze shot to his face with a scowl.   Feyre’s sister- not younger. Older and angrier, cut vivid and sharp. Impossible. Not just because she wouldn’t play by the rules of Feyre and Rhys’ plans, because Cassian couldn’t settle in his own skin until he saw her face. Impossible. But he wouldn’t treat her like they were on separate sides- it was too wrong, wrong as her fear, the weariness that seemed to bleed from her pores- even if Rhysand wouldn’t like it, Cassian could do a damned lot more to help than give this woman the honor of telling her the truth.   “We have spies, “ Cassian started carefully, hiding from her eyes by staring at the map, “In five of those countries. Azriel’s been trying to find the chain of command, where Hybern seeded their people into foreign military posts."   Silence.   Cassian waited. If she threw him out, at least he’d given her something. At least, the thought tangled, and he couldn’t help but imagine that if she threw him out, she’d touch him. Nesta Archeron seemed extremely capable of reaching out and dragging an Illyrian by the wings, manners be damned.   Gods only knew, he’d let her.   The cool china lip of a bowl brushed his arm. This time, Cassian couldn’t contain his smile. With equal silence, the feel of her gaze heavy on his face, Cassian sank green-tipped pins into the appropriate clusters, and passed it back.   Green- for the briar and blood flag of Hybern- had she seen it? Banners the color of decay, that single drop of blood in the design so bright you could see it from the skies.   Nesta Archeron, Cassian was nearly sure, did nothing by accident.   Silence had been the right answer, for all that he was biting his lip to keep it as the moment spooled on and on. Four hundred years of learning patience- Cassian who could and had let a snowstorm bury him to hold a mountain, who’d chipped away at a hundred centuries of tradition his whole life, who’d lived fifty years without the freedom of the sky and stayed sane- all undone, with ease, without intention, by this one mortal woman. Impossible.   “Before we resumed trade, I contracted out all of our ships for cargo. More than a year ago, before the armies mustered, so that by now, the auxiliary would know and trust our sailors reliability.”   Cassian turned it over, twice, to make sure he’d heard the full explanation she was offering correctly, before he met her blazing eyes. “Overland trade is too slow,” He breathed, watching her mouth quirk. A smile- gods, he knew he was grinning at her like a giddy child. “So they’re using your ships to transport their supplies?”   Quicksilver, possibly Cassian’s imagination, Nesta smiled back.   “And bribing the guilds and caravans for their numbers.”   Roundabout, fiendishly clever, “You’re working backwards?” Tallying troops from their supplies, inherently capable of error, but still a better estimate than they had.   Her face said yes, said pride, something fierce that echoed back from beneath Cassian’s ribs.   “So make yourself yourself useful,” Nesta purred, an unadulterated heat sweeping his body at her dropped tone, the complete and total confidence. “Tally confirmed numbers.”   Cassian took the pile of paper she shoved into his hands, and laughed.   Five hours of fraught, electric quiet only broken by Cassian saying stupid things he couldn’t contain later, he retreated upstairs. Tactically. Not because with nothing else to do he was getting twitchy in her presence, Nesta’s dawn bright eyes snagging on the motion of his nervous hands- but because she was tired.   An exhaustion so complete it colored the air like fog, her weary tension hitting every one of his instincts.   Cassian wasn’t stupid enough- disrespectful enough- to try to make her stop. It wasn’t his place. Wasn’t- it had never been clearer she wasn’t Feyre, someone whose youth and easy temper made it simple to look out for.   There was nothing easy about Nesta Archeron, and Cassian couldn’t stay away.   He could however, make tea.   It took him just long enough, following his nose through the kitchen stores to find the variety she’d been drinking earlier, that Nesta seemed to have thought he’d left.   Shed her coat, ripped the laced-on sleeves off her dress, and moved from her perch before the map to sit straight-backed atop the weapons table, the least formal he’d ever seen Nesta.   Cassian’s foot missed the last step.   Watching him with those predators eyes, leagues different from Cassian remembered any mortal, Nesta tilted her head at his approach. Instantly, helplessly, Cassian felt his neck heat. Sharp as a faery, dominant as an Illyrian, eyes like the damned sky.   She took the mug out of his hand like it was nothing.   Black tea and violets, lavender on her lips. It should be nothing- Cassian was the only member of the inner circle with any domestic talents. He fed everyone, all the time.    But for Cassian, the Illyrian, watching the steady pulse of her throat, it was the first moment of calm since he’d scented a fire he couldn’t find.   Wordless, swallowing against the dryness of his throat, Cassian held out the plate of cookies he was also carrying.   She picked one up absently, eyes wandering back to the map. Took a single bite that did unspeakable things Cassian. And then, mystifyingly, recoiled, setting it back on the plate.   Humans couldn’t possibly feel the way about food high fae did, Cassian tried to remind his racing pulse. He’d seen Lucien hand her things, seen Elain accept the pass off of platters from Az, surely-   “Don’t eat those,” Nesta instructed over his thoughts.   Cassian had the half horrified, utterly embarrassed thought that he’d managed to bring her something that wasn’t even actually a cookie. He took a deep breath. Buttery almond, sugar, vanilla, and- Cassian picked up the cookie she’d bitten in half, eyeing the delicate crumbs.   “Who are you planning on poisoning?” Cassian blurted.   Ash- the Archerons had burnt faery killing ash wood and baked it into shortbread. Without her reaction, it would have slid right by him, almond burying the scent.   She twisted to look at him.    Even with the high table helping, they weren’t evenly face to face. Too close at breakfast, too angry in the garden; it was the nearest he’d ever been to her without it being an accident. Nesta didn’t move away.   “Not poison,” She said, finally, “But enough to disable high fae.”   “For ten minutes,” Cassian replied, “Maybe twenty.”   “Plenty of time,” Nesta hissed.   He couldn’t help it, Cassian laughed. Not at her- but at the sheer warlike delight she had. Mortal life and human skin, Nesta was Illyrian at heart, something savage and beautiful all the way through.   He wondered if she were afraid of heights.   Wondered if she hated him.   “So how long before you’re done abetting the enemy?” It didn’t come out right, more accusation than joke, but Nesta only raised those damning brows at him.   “Why should I stop?” Nesta asked, razor edges to her beautiful voice. “No one has declared war on my kind.”   More awake, he might have accelerated right into anger her words. But softened by the night, by the glow of her pale skin in the place that was so clearly hers, nearly mad that she was even speaking to him- My kind. Hate didn’t matter, not now, not pared with trust. What Cassian really wanted know: could Nesta ever look at him and not see other? Shame wasn’t a part of him. Cassian had been born for the skies, could and would bleed for his warlike people.   He was the wind of north, vengeance on swift wings, but he didn’t look anything like a human man.   “Merchants are the only people who really win wars,” Cassian said, without any heat. “Will you run blockades?”   The wrong thing- he could see it immediately, furious temper flashing across her face. “Or,” Nesta’s voice sliced the air, echoing to his ears as the word dragged out. “I’ll wait until the fighting starts and starve the bastards when they need it most.” Vengeance- maybe Nesta Archeron had a taste for it.   Close, they were too close, Cassian breathed, “Good.” He might have imagined it- hope and sleep deprivation heady, but her body seemed to sway to the sound, a hairsbreadth closer. It made him reckless, made him savage. “Poison the last shipment.”   Better than a smile, respect flickered over the pale perfection of Nesta’s face. “What did you think the vault of faebane was for?”   He’d clocked it, wondered. So very vicious; faebane ate at magic from the inside out. Cassian was old enough to remember humans during the last war being horrified by the brutality of fae fighting. Different rules bound them. Honor didn’t mean pageantry or parlance- it meant promises kept. Meant surviving, no matter the cost.   Cassian would have done the same thing.   Their eyes met and held. Not a joke or a brush off, steady blue. Nesta absolutely would poison scores of soldiers sent to conquer her land. Insanely, he was thinking he would help her in an instant if she asked.   They remained that way, Cassian pinned in place by her gaze for longer than he could count. Could have been an age, or a minute- Cassian tried to divine the skies of her eyes, Nesta allowed herself to look back, no air left to breathe that wasn’t wild fire, didn’t possess the cold clarity of frost.   Until without warning, bringing the scent of fire that had never seen a mountain forest, Lucien winnowed to the foot of the stairs.   “I have the,” Lucien said and paused, as though he’d begun speaking before he’d fully appeared, stopping himself at the sight of Cassian.   Cassian, alone with Nesta.   A bloody sort of triumph, shocking him with its intensity, burst beneath Cassian’s ribs when Nesta didn’t falter. Remained in his space like it belonged to her, sipping tea as she met Luciens eyes from over the crest of one wing.   He’d worn the fox mask in the Spring menagerie, according to Feyre. Clever, dangerous, Autumn’s lost heir was an unknown element. Cassian wouldn’t forget the infinitely implied intimacy of Nesta grumbling his name.   Different then she said it now, silken. “Lucien.”   He grinned, flashing fangs. “Nes-ta.”   She bared her teeth right back before sliding off the table. Continuing the out of body- out of his mind- experience that was this night Cassian watched her liquid, storming steps across the room, furious grace not what his brain said was human.   But Cassian had been fighting with mortal men last time he’d been in these lands- Nesta Archeron was no man.   Like she leveled Cassian, snarled at Rhysand, Nesta drew close to Lucien like he wasn’t High Fae at all. Casual. Natural.   “Ready?”   Lucien nodded at her, passing over a flat cedar box that Cassian was briefly possessed by the urge to carry for her to next table. Which was- which was absolutely not happening.   “One bloodline curse old as the bone forest,” Lucien went on, following Nesta as she carried the damn box- as she was perfectly capable- to an empty corner next to the sword pile. Over her head, like he’d felt the force of Cassian’s gaze, Lucien caught his eyes. “Fell wind.”   Cassian nodded back, “Seventh son.”   Faery prick was a language he was also fluent in.   Ignoring them both, Nesta pulled out a low bronze bowl and an old fashioned quill, before opening the box. Without the sharp encasement of cedar, the smell would have knocked Cassian flat. As it was, siphon song shuddered to life as Cassian found himself gripping the table.   Blood. Nesta’s blood- copper and pain, a forest fires vitality gone dead.   “What is that?” He didn’t mean to ask, his words unmoored as they had been all night. Nesta didn’t react- thank stars and skies and bleeding dawns- but Lucien looked up again, and smirked.   “A contract,” Nesta replied, pulling out the parchment. Cursed by Lucien, but written by the hand he could now recognize as her’s in her own blood. “That your High Lord will not be able to break.”   Cassian closed his eyes. He wanted to say, Rhys will keep you safe. He would- Cassian had believed that even before he’d decided he’d go down bloody himself to stop any harm from befalling this glorious, nightmare of woman.   Because they were Feyre’s family. Were family now, full stop.   But Cassian also understood the tough calls required to make a war run; this part of Prythian would be a charnel house in year’s time. Protection would be the sisters in Velaris- not Nesta commanding her ships, not Elain doing whatever she intended with enough poison to kill an army of humans and Lucien Vanserra by her side. Safe would be on Feyre’s terms, and it would break Nesta.   Rhys was going to be furious with him.   On silent feet, wings rustling through the quiet, Cassian walked to Nestas’ other side. Didn’t baulk at the tiny, diamond-studded, precisely curved knife in her hand. Lucien let him get close, the temperature of the room rising.   “Freely given,”  Cassian recited.   Surprise, real and unrestrained, broke across Lucien’s face. Prick, Cassian thought. But all he really cared about was Nesta, her face gone faery sharp with interested.   “Will it work?” The question clearly not for Cassian echoed, but Nesta’s gaze didn’t stray from his face.   “Magic enjoys,” Lucien paused, drawn out, “Fidelity. Promises made and kept are just as personal as bleeding yourself, under the right circumstances.”   Enough of an answer, Nesta offered the knife. Instead of taking it, because he was insane, Cassian pushed up his sleeve and gave Nesta Archeron his sword arm to bleed as she would.   She knew where to cut. Gave him the honor of a neat wound.   As purple-red of drying Illyrian blood joined the more earthen stain of hers, Cassian read over Nesta’s shoulder. It wasn’t the blood loss than made him numb as the sun rose, but a growing horror. *** Both Rhys and Azriel were in the room when Cassian managed to climb back up through the sun-drenched house, walls of snow against the windows making every space bright.    In the middle of something, but Az still rustled one wing in Cassian’s direction, a silent are you okay? Cassian hummed an approximation back, tiredness heavy in his bones. Sure, he was okay. And furious, but he hadn’t gotten to where he was in life without the ironclad ability to fight down anger, to not outright choke on unfairness. They both had.   Pulling on more clothing and actual shoes that his panicked brain hadn’t accounted for in the middle of the night, Cassian tuned in to the conversation. Feyre wanted Mor here, Az would switch out with her to shore up the city defenses.   On the tip of his tongue, bitter heat that had nothing to do with Morrigan who he’d be glad to see sat in the shape of words: had Feyre asked, or even mentioned to her sisters housing them someone else was coming?   Another High Fae they’d be at risk for. Another- Cassian dragged a hand through his hair and breathed.   He’d fought coming here already. Az on his side and Amren quizzically unopposed, but Rhys had listened to Feyre. With her simple explanation it had been a risk- trouble, a mistake- but not impossible. Between Cassian and Azriel, they could keep two mortal girls safe, even from Hybern.   They’d been wrong.   Two women, and Lucien Vanserra besides, not an idle player in any of this, who they were irreversibly screwing over. Cassian would have been angry if it was anyone, but the Archerons were family and Nesta was- Nesta.   Maybe he’d thought it too loud, screamed her name even through mental wards, because Rhys was staring at him.   Cassian summoned half a smile at the severity on his face. But in clear warning knell before Rhysand even spoke, Az’s attention snapped to his High Lord with an icy clarity.   “I don’t have to ask you,” Rhys said in that voice like this was joke between brothers, like he was going to reach out and ruffle Cassian’s hair before they threw down in the mud like children, “Not to sleep with Feyre’s sisters, do I?”   Cassian froze.   Quieter than a breath, sharp and clear beyond the muffled haze of the rest of Rhysand’s words,  siphons sang to life, red death in the still air.   “-think if would really upset Feyre. Vanserra is bad enough already.” He was still talking, eyeing Cassian like this was casual. The proceeding shape of Nesta’s name on Rhys’s lips was enough to unlock his joints, to send a rush of fury to drown out all sense of the world.   “A fling, Cas”-   Cassian punched him.   Fluid and faster than even faery eyes could track- one minute sitting, the next crashing a fist into his brothers face hard enough bone splintered.   Not Cassians hand, he knew damn well what he was doing. Rhysand’s jaw, when he was caught too off guard to roll with the hit, to do anything but snarl. Gentle as a shadow, immovable as a wall, Az winnowed between them to grab Rhys by the shirt. “Rhys. You do not want to-“   “What the hell, Cassian?”   He didn’t have words yet. Too busy fighting the blood red haze behind his eyes, the every instinct in his body that said: rend. The need to defend Nesta, even the suggestion, was all consuming; a violent heat shaking every bit of him apart.   Rhysand was being a jackass, but that didn’t normally mean Cassian wanted to break every bone in his body. Az strong-armed Rhys out of the room before Cassian got a hold of himself.   He didn’t lose control. Didn’t loose himself to the keening violence that was his blessing and curse from birth- Cassian was better than that. Had to be, how else could he have ever survived long enough to wield more siphons than any Illyrian in history but for Az?   He didn’t loose control; which made this terrifying.   Slowly, Cassian came down with a cold, scarred hand pressed to his forehead. The shadows said breathe, and Cassian listened, fighting adrenaline until the rise and fall of his chest matched Azriel in front of him.   “He’ll be apologizing in six hours,” Az promised, voice low.   Cassian almost smiled from sheer familiarity. A fight every few decades was normal with Rhys, but this was different. Az, who could hear the air and siphon song that rang with violence, defend, protect, destroy, knew it too. “I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me.” “Cas.”   “I wanted to,” Cassian shook his head, unsteady. Azriel just moved his hand from his face to his shoulder, grounding. “I don’t know”-   “Cassian,” Az sighed, infinite patience and terrible quiet, “You know.”   Huffing a laugh without humor, Cassian rubbed a hand over his face. “I made her tea, Az. We’re about to fight against armies who outnumber us by thousands and the only time I’ve felt sane since crossing the Wall was watching her take a cup out of my hands. Its”-   “Like falling.” Az agreed, knowing black eyes holding an untapped future. “Realizing the wings that’ll save you from crashing aren't attached to your body.”   It was a relief to admit. Unbearable to try to put into words- Cassian was in such deep shit.   Like he’d plucked the thought out of his head, out of the air- maybe he had, Az grinned suddenly. The face that said trouble was not one most people got to see, though Cassian had always had interesting luck.    “Such unrelenting shit,” Azriel promised, squeezing Cassian’s shoulder in a death grip before retreating. “You’ve never liked easy.”   Easy would have seen him dead in the cold ground before his fifth year.   “She’s a fire,” Cassian didn’t want to imagine how he looked, the raw tone of his voice too much to his own ears. “She’s going to burn the world in this war.”   Feyre might have seen herself as a protector of both her other sisters, but Cassian was certain of if only one thing about Nesta. She would not go quietly into the safety of the night. Rage and keep raging, foment chaos and continue making terrifyingly shrewd calls to protect mortal lives.   Nesta Archeron would go down fighting to protect her people, and Cassian couldn’t say he was any different.

@breath-of-sindragosa

@flxwer-petals

@ladyvanserra

@illyrianinterrasen

@missanniewhimsy

@tntwme

@ourbooksuniverse

@pitterpatterpot

@thestarwhowishes

@abillionlittlepieces

@my-fan-side

@the-eightofswords

@wonderland–memories

@ourbooksuniverse

@cohen-theeleven

@donnarosemary

@keshavomit

#effloresce #Nesta fuck you I'll run this war Archeron #Is it news to anyone Cassian is ride or die #immediately?? #The big fuck you to papa Archeron continues throughout the story #Had to split the chapter between ships #because it was SO SO LONG #next up: Lucien's daddy issues #that important elainnestalucien meeting #whats in the contract?? #Lucien giving Nesta ship after the sensuous stabbing #who is Elain poisoning?? #what does the crown of autumn do? #Rhysand's attitude about Cas and sex? #canon bad #note the usage: sisters #ACOMAF AU #nesta archeron #cassian #Lucien #elain archeron #rhysand #azriel #feyre archeron

[ebonetnoir]

The Magic Ring and Other Stories From the Fairy Books Edited by Andrew Lang Illustrated by H. J. Ford

ILLUSTRATED BY H. J. FORD FIRST EDITION

Publisher: Longmans, Green & Co., London Copyright: 1912

BUY ON ETSY

Here’s one of the stranger stories in this book.

THE LANGUAGE OF BEASTS

Once upon a time a man had a shepherd who served him many years faithfully and honestly. One day, whilst herding his flock, this shepherd heard a hissing sound, coming out of a forest near by, which he could not account for. So he went into the wood in the direction of the noise to try to discover the cause. When he approached the place he found that the dry grass and leaves were on fire, and on a tree, surrounded by flames, a snake was coiled, hissing with terror.

The shepherd stood wondering how the poor snake could escape, for the wind was blowing the flames that way, and soon that tree would be burning like the rest. Suddenly the snake cried: 'O shepherd! for the love of heaven save me from this fire!'

THE SHEPHERD COMES TO THE ARCH OF SNAKES

Then the shepherd stretched his staff out over the flames and the snake wound itself round the staff and up to his hand, and from his hand it crept up his arm, and twined itself about his neck. The shepherd trembled with fright, expecting every instant to be stung to death, and said: 'What an unlucky man I am! Did I rescue you only to be destroyed myself?' But the snake answered: 'Have no fear; only carry me home to my father who is the King of the Snakes.' The shepherd, however, was much too frightened to listen, and said that he could not go away and leave his flock alone; but the snake said: 'You need not be afraid to leave your flock, no evil shall befall them; but make all the haste you can.'

So he set off through the wood carrying the snake, and after a time he came to a great gateway, made entirely of snakes intertwined one with another. The shepherd stood still with surprise, but the snake round his neck whistled, and immediately all the arch unwound itself.

'When we are come to my father's house,' said his own snake to him, 'he will reward you with anything you like to ask--silver, gold, jewels, or whatever on this earth is most precious: but take none of all these things, ask rather to understand the language of beasts. He will refuse it to you a long time, but in the end he will grant it to you.'

Soon after that they arrived at the house of the King of the Snakes, who burst into tears of joy at the sight of his daughter, as he had given her up for dead. 'Where have you been all this time?' he asked, directly he could speak, and she told him that she had been caught in a forest fire, and had been rescued from the flames by the shepherd. The King of the Snakes, then turning to the shepherd, said to him: 'What reward will you choose for saving my child?'

'Make me to know the language of beasts,' answered the shepherd, 'that is all I desire.'

The king replied: 'Such knowledge would be of no benefit to you, for if I granted it to you and you told anyone of it, you would immediately die; ask me rather for whatever else you would most like to possess, and it shall be yours.'

But the shepherd answered him: 'Sir, if you wish to reward me for saving your daughter, grant me, I pray you, to know the language of beasts. I desire nothing else'; and he turned as if to depart.

Then the king called him back, saying: 'If nothing else will satisfy you, open your mouth.' The man obeyed, and the king spat into it, and said: 'Now spit into my mouth.' The shepherd did as he was told, then the King of the Snakes spat again into the shepherd's mouth. When they had spat into each other's mouths three times, the king said:

'Now you know the language of beasts, go in peace; but, if you value your life, beware lest you tell anyone of it, else you will immediately die.'

So the shepherd set out for home, and on his way through the wood he heard and understood all that was said by the birds, and by every living creature. When he got back to his sheep he found the flock grazing peacefully, and as he was very tired he laid himself down by them to rest a little. Hardly had he done so when two ravens flew down and perched on a tree near by, and began to talk to each other in their own language: 'If that shepherd only knew that there is a vault full of gold and silver beneath where that lamb is lying, what would he not do?' When the shepherd heard these words he went straight to his master and told him, and the master at once took a waggon, and broke open the door of the vault, and they carried off the treasure. But instead of keeping it for himself, the master, who was an honourable man, gave it all up to the shepherd, saying: 'Take it, it is yours. The gods have given it to you.' So the shepherd took the treasure and built himself a house. He married a wife, and they lived in great peace and happiness, and he was acknowledged to be the richest man, not only of his native village, but of all the country-side. He had flocks of sheep, and cattle, and horses without end, as well as beautiful clothes and jewels.

One day, just before Christmas, he said to his wife: 'Prepare everything for a great feast, to-morrow we will take things with us to the farm that the shepherds there may make merry.' The wife obeyed, and all was prepared as he desired. Next day they both went to the farm, and in the evening the master said to the shepherds: 'Now come, all of you, eat, drink, and make merry. I will watch the flocks myself to-night in your stead.' Then he went out to spend the night with the flocks.

When midnight struck the wolves howled and the dogs barked, and the wolves spoke in their own tongue, saying:

'Shall we come in and work havoc, and you too shall eat flesh?' And the dogs answered in their tongue: 'Come in, and for once we shall have enough to eat.'

Now amongst the dogs there was one so old that he had only two teeth left in his head, and he spoke to the wolves, saying: 'So long as I have my two teeth still in my head, I will let no harm be done to my master.'

All this the master heard and understood, and as soon as morning dawned he ordered all the dogs to be killed excepting the old dog. The farm servants wondered at this order, and exclaimed: 'But surely, sir, that would be a pity.'

The master answered: 'Do as I bid you'; and made ready to return home with his wife, and they mounted their horses, her steed being a mare. As they went on their way, it happened that the husband rode on ahead, while the wife was a little way behind. The husband's horse, seeing this, neighed, and said to the mare: 'Come along, make haste; why are you so slow?' And the mare answered: 'It is very easy for you, you carry only your master, who is a thin man, but I carry my mistress, who is so fat that she weighs as much as three.' When the husband heard that he looked back and laughed, which the wife perceiving, she urged on the mare till she caught up with her husband, and asked him why he laughed. 'For nothing at all,' he answered; 'just because it came into my head.' She would not be satisfied with this answer, and urged him more and more to tell her why he had laughed. But he controlled himself and said: 'Let me be, wife; what ails you? I do not know myself why I laughed.' But the more he put her off, the more she tormented him to tell her the cause of his laughter. At length he said to her: 'Know, then, that if I tell it you I shall immediately and surely die.' But even this did not quiet her; she only besought him the more to tell her. Meanwhile they had reached home, and before getting down from his horse the man called for a coffin to be brought; and when it was there he placed it in front of the house, and said to his wife:

'See, I will lay myself down in this coffin, and will then tell you why I laughed, for as soon as I have told you I shall surely die.' So he lay down in the coffin, and while he took a last look around him, his old dog came out from the farm and sat down by him, and whined. When the master saw this, he called to his wife: 'Bring a piece of bread to give to the dog.' The wife brought some bread and threw it to the dog, but he would not look at it. Then the farm cock came and pecked at the bread; but the dog said to it: 'Wretched glutton, you can eat like that when you see that your master is dying?' The cock answered: 'Let him die, if he is so stupid. I have a hundred wives, which I call together when I find a grain of corn, and as soon as they are there I swallow it myself; should one of them dare to be angry, I would give her a lesson with my beak. He has only one wife, and he cannot keep her in order.'

As soon as the man understood this, he got up out of the coffin, seized a stick, and called his wife into the room, saying: 'Come, and I will tell you what you so much want to know'; and then he began to beat her with the stick, saying with each blow: 'It is that, wife, it is that!' And in this way he taught her never again to ask why he had laughed.

#fairies #fairy tale #fairytales #fairy tale aesthetic #andrew lang #fairy ring #colored fairy books #h. j. ford #illustrated books #old books #antiquarian books #antiquarian #booklr #bookish #booklover #children's books #Children's #children's literature #books and libraries #Beautiful books #etsy finds #red #Book Illustration #ebon et noir #ebon et noir books #reading #bookseller #antique books

[40sandfabulousaf]

Before sharing the coloured gemstone that's also a neutral, did you know Sara, adorable homecook with her own Youtube channel, Simply Sara Kitchen, has a cute jewellery wall? I've linked her shopping haul showing it below in case you're interested and because we like her.

There's enough negativity out there. Throw in bitchiness - worse, some justify or encourage it - and it just drags others down into a bad mental health spiral. Thus, hubs and I get our dose of good vibes during our leisure from influencers with winning smiles, as well as golden hearts, like this cooking darling. Send love to her as she tries to get well, okay?

Meanwhile, sharing the most precious pieces in my jewellery collection. They were from Grandma and, thus, they're priceless, and kept together with my other fine pieces in the bank vault. It's been over 6 months since her passing and I still miss her badly. When the grief gets too much to bear, I'm grateful for these keepsakes that I can wear to keep her close to me.

They're 18K white gold, 1 a diamond band and the other a Southsea pearl flanked by accent diamonds. White gems and pearls are my choice for easy mixing and matching with apparel, but there's a coloured one that offers nearly the same versatility at more wallet-friendly prices too.

After seeing my jade donut necklace, Grace decided to have a bespoke ring made. Douglas has business in Myanmar and got to know a jeweller, who offered to customise a ring for Grace. Grace wasn't too sure about the coloured gems the jeweller suggested and asked if I had other recommendations 2 weekends back.

After knowing her for years, I know she values mileage and good value as much as I do. Thus, I chose the smoky topaz. Let's just say Grace fell completely in love. She's currently browsing through more designs before narrowing the choices down to a few favourites.

The rich, classy chocolate of this semi-precious sparkler gives owners the same luxury of time-saving flexibility. It goes with almost any other colour of clothing and looks especially expensive set in yellow gold.

We've drooled over these beauties. Now is your turn 😋😋😋

Next jewellery post: scammers and how I avoid them when buying goldfilled jewellery.

#goldenconfidence #itsmyconfidence #fashion #style #shopping #jewelry #seeyourselfseeeachother

[siren-dragon]

Over the Horizon -- FFXV x Sinbad AU (Ch.1)

So a while ago, I saw a post about Eris from the Sinbad cartoon reminding everyone of Ardyn, and had to make a story. And now I have made a new story about it, enjoy! I recommend watching the DreamWorks Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas cartoon, as that is the basis I am using for the AU. ^_^ Tagging: @valkyrieofardyn, @maty-yami, @imaginationisme

Summary: Having left his home to become a pirate, Nyx Ulric one day bargains with a chaotic god that leads him onto an unforgettable adventure.

In ancient times, powerful gods walked amongst mankind. Many brought peace and prosperity to the mortals; who they often viewed as children that needed guidance. Others delighted in tormenting and terrorizing the innocents; enjoying the fear the humans felt when confronted with their power. However, when a god felt neither compassion or hatred for the mortals, they became bored.

And that was more dangerous….

 “Good morning to you, my dear pets!” A jovial voice crowed sweetly.

Within the shadows of the Abyss, monsters of various forms snapped teasingly at the feet of the man who walked soundlessly past them. He seemed unearthly despite the human appearance he currently held. Red-violet hair that was the color of wine moved as if being blown by an invisible breeze while golden eyes stared in delight at the large table that hovered in the air that gave off a faint glow. The man immediately disappeared in an instant, only to materialize closer to the table, gazing at what appeared to be a world map.

“Another peaceful day upon Eos it seems,” the man spoke with an insincere joy. “How…boring. Perhaps a change of pace would be best, must keep them on their toes after all.” He chuckled.

Glancing back at the map he paused, a large grin tugging at his lips as the man looked closer. “Well, well, well; what have we here? A sweet, innocent prince protecting a valuable treasure? Ah- and a selfish thief eager to claim a new prize.” Golden eyes twinkled with sinister delight before turning to the shadows, “my sweet Mindflayer, enjoy the hunt!”

The monster- daemon, roared in delight before vanishing into the darkness and out of the Abyss.

Across the ocean just south of Galdin Quay, a ship of the Lucian Royal Navy sailed the calm waters, with another ship right on it’s tail. Dark purple sails, nearly black, blew the smaller ship forward and to the prize that lingered within its targets hold.

“Alright boys, here is the deal.” A man spoke, this one with dark brown hair that was shaved on the sides. He paced in front of the crew like a general giving orders to soldiers. “The world’s most valuable treasure resides on that ship and is heading toward Insomnia… it’s a shame it’ll never get there.”

The all snickered, well aware of the heist they were about to perform. “After today, we’ll retire to Altissia for fancy food and beautiful women. So then, let’s get rich! Libertus!”

“You got it, Nyx!” The helmsman called back, spinning the wheel and pulling the pirate ship alongside their target.

“Let’s go Pryna!” Nyx called, taking hold of a robe and swinging across to the Lucian ship.

Immediately the siege had begun, with Crownsguard protecting against the pirates that were pillaging their ship. Quickly and efficiently Nyx unsheathed his twin daggers, clashing against several guards before incapacitating them and moving onto the next bunch. The ship fell easily and with minimal resistance, making Nyx rather happy that the heist had gone so smoothly. And to think Libertus thought something would go wrong.

“And onto the treasure….” The pirate captain paused, watching the remaining guard who stood in front of the treasure vault. An elaborate sword with a golden hilt was clutched in his hand as he dodged various attacks and retaliated skillfully against Nyx’s men. “…Noctis.”

Libertus frowned, “how long has it been?”

“…about a lifetime ago.” Nyx replied, walking up to the higher deck. “You know, you still fight like a handicapped moogle.”

“What the- Nyx?” Noctis spoke in confusion, leaving just enough of an opening for Nyx’s crew to apprehend him. “Nyx, what the hell are you doing here?”

“Um, working?” Nyx answered, breaking the lock off of the vault door. “And what about you, your Highness?”

“Just fine,” Noctis said tensely. “what happened to you? And where have you been?”

“I’m sorry Noct, but my livelihood comes first so- if you’ll excuse me.”

Nyx pushed open the door and walked into the darkened room, with Noctis following after. Within the small room stood a rather large geode, glowing a brilliant shade of blue and purple. An ethereal light seemed to linger within, making the large crystal seem more beautiful than any jewel Nyx had ever seen. The brunette pirate let out a long whistle of appreciation and moved to take a step forward, only to be stopped by the prince beside him.

“Nyx, we need to talk.”

“Heard about it, read about it…. never actually seen it.” He murmured before pushing gently past Noctis, “the Stone of the Six.”

“And it is being delayed on it’s way to Insomnia.”

“Now see, I hate to be the cause of that problem; but I’m gonna need the stone.”

Noctis scoffed, “seriously? You disappear for 10 years, show up out of nowhere, and then decide to rob me? Me, Nyx.”

“Noct…listen,” Nyx sighed, “we had fun; loads of it but…we were kids.”

“We were friends, you ass! And you’re not gonna steal the stone, not from me. And besides, the Stone of the Six protects all within Lucis; it has no other purpose.”

“Exactly. So, imagine how much people would pay to get it back.” Nyx replied, reaching for the giant gem.

Noctis immediately grabbed hold of Nyx, twisting him around toward the door while stealing one of Nyx’s daggers. He then stood before the crystal, twirling the blade expertly as he glared at his old friend. Nyx chuckled at the act, genuinely surprised to see Noctis so serious. “Come on now Noct, don’t try to be a hero.”

“Let’s see if you have the guts to go through me, old friend.”

Just before Nyx could draw his own dagger, the ship shook; sending both men sprawling to the floor. Head spinning, the two glanced at each other before rushing out onto the deck and beholding the scene that lay before them. A large Mindflayer had risen from the water, causing looks of terror to appear upon the faces of both crews. “Oh shit,” Noctis muttered in exhaustion.

Nyx glanced to his ship and back at the Mindflayer before sighing, “need a hand?”

“Only if you don’t run off unexpectedly.”

“Not likely at the moment, come on!”

Quickly the two sprung into action, with Nyx whistling loudly to attract the daemon’s attention. The beast turned to face him, screeching loudly before sending several tentacles toward him only for Nyx to dodge at the last moment. Immediately Noctis imbedded a sword into the monster’s appendage, pinning it two the deck of the ship before the two raced off and begun scaling the mast. Once reaching the top-sail, Nyx sliced a few of the supports before tossing the dagger to Noctis.

“You’re gonna need that.”

Noctis caught the blade with ease, “where are you going now?”

“To save the day,” Nyx grinned as he climbed onto the single rope that connected the main mast and the foremast of the ship. The Mindflayer noticed the movement above it and quickly moved to swipe at the pirate captain, only for him to land expertly onto the other sail. Retrieving his second dagger, Nyx swiped at the support ropes and looked to Noctis, showing the two wooden beams that were perfectly placed to attack the giant daemon. Raising each dagger, both men cut the remaining ropes; impaling the Mindflayer to the deck of the ship as it gave a final screech and moved no more.

“Just like old times, huh.” Noctis smiled, giving a friendly pat on Nyx’s shoulder.

“Heh, you could say that again- LOOK OUT!”

Shoving Noctis out of the way, Nyx winced in pain as one of the Mindflayer’s hands smacked into him, dragging him under the waves. “NYX!” Noctis shouted after him, held back by the remaining Crownsguard.

Further into ocean he fell, the water was cold and most of the light from the sun gone. Nyx could feel his lungs burning as they desperately sought for air as he tried to prevent water form filing his mouth. He could feel the pressure begin to crush his body as the dead Mindflayer dragged him closer to a watery grave. His eyes began to close and he took a breath only to discover he was breathing air, not the salt water of the sea. Nyx’s eyes snapped open as he looked around, standing in some sort of air pocket? No…a bubble?

“Oh, it’s just so unfair,” a deep voice spoke dramatically. “Today was meant to be a fine day; and now my precious daemon is dead and I still don’t have the crystal…...All thanks to you, Nyx Ulric.”

Nyx spun about to see a man with wine-red hair that seemed to blow in a non-existent breeze and golden eyes that all but glowed in the shadows that surrounded him. He was tall, even taller than Nyx, and held an aura that sent shivers down his spin. Slowly the man walked forward, making Nyx realize that he was bare-footed, with a smirk gracing his lips; painfully reminding the pirate of a couerl about to pounce on an unsuspecting chocobo.

“And who might you be?”

“Permit me to introduce myself properly, Ardyn: the God of Discord, at your service.” The man bowed in a flamboyant and dramatic fashion before he vanished in an instant, reappearing only a few feet away. “I don’t doubt you’ve seen my mural upon the Citadel walls.”

Nyx blinked in surprise, remembering the daemonic monster that he had seen once before. “Yeah…they don’t do you justice.”

“Indeed. Now then, about my daemon that you slew.”

“Um, I don’t suppose a heartfelt apology would tide things over.” Nyx replied, silently praying he’d manage to make it out of this alive.

Ardyn laughed as if Nyx had said a rather humorous joke. “Surely you jest! Nyx, you don’t have a heart. One of the few things we have in common.” He continued before vanishing once more, making Nyx glance about for the god. “So, I’m going to spare your life. However, there is one thing that you must do in return: get the Stone of the Six and bring it to me.”

“Yes well, I kinda had my own plans for it. Hold it for ransom, get rich; you know, typical stuff- Gah!”

Ardyn smirked, having startled Nyx by appearing right behind him. “Oh Nyx, you’re not very imaginative, are you?” He twirled one of Nyx’s kukri’s in his hands, making the pirate wonder how he got it. “Steal the crystal for ransom, and you’ll be rich enough to lounge on some tropical beach. Steal the book for me….and you can buy the beach, and the island….and the world.”

Nyx frowned, pondering the god’s words. “You let me live, you make me rich. Honestly, I don’t really see a downside; if you keep your word.”

“My dear Ulric, when a deity gives their word; they are bound for all eternity.” Ardyn replied, taking the kukri and slicing the dagger across his chest…right where the heart would be.

“Alright then, it’s a deal.”

“A wise decision. Now then, when you’ve stolen the stone; follow the star beyond the horizon. You’ll find yourself within the Abyss. My realm of chaos….” Ardyn grinned.

Nyx smirked, “the Abyss, see you there.”

“Looking forward to it,” Ardyn answered, suddenly appearing in front of Nyx in an instant. He raised the kukri for Nyx to take, only for the blade to vanish in his hands. “Deep breath now,” he said with a smile.

Water instantly wrapped around Nyx, causing him to gasp in surprise. Looking about the ocean, he then spotted the surface and immediately raced toward it. Ardyn watched from the shadows, smirking at the success of his bargain. “Humans…always so gullible.”

#ffxv #ffxv AU #Sinbad AU #my writing #fanfiction #nyx ulric #noctis lucis caelum #ardyn izunia #so much fun writing ardyn #^_^