#i like that the lady to the side seems to be cheering for the horse too

[achaoticeternal]

Yes please write a part 2. If you don’t mind could something happen there that endangers strongreaders life and Aemond prevents.

check out part one here

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Favor of All

AEMOND TARGARYEN X STRONG(VELARYON)!READER

summary: once returning to king's landing, you and your mother watch aemond win a tourney and a favor word count: 942 warnings: tarcest? dangerous situation?

“His first tourney!” You look between Aegon and Helaena in shock at what they’ve told you. 

“We can hardly believe it either,” Aegon rolled his eyes when he noticed how overly excited you and the princess were, “Is my eldest sister joining us?”

Shaking your head at Aegon’s lack of enthusiasm, you scoffed at him before taking a glimpse out the window of the carriage, “My mother is in the same carriage as the King and his wife.”

Aegon didn’t acknowledge your reply, but it didn’t matter. The carriage had come to the halt for the royal arrival at one of the great amphitheaters of the city. Aegon stepped out before either you or Helaena, and did not even offer a hand to assist. Instead, two eager boys (most likely the third or fourth son of some lord ) came to help the young ladies out of their carriage. 

Immediately, you were all ushered toward your setting today. Instead of sitting in the typical noble box, the Hand had made a request for the King to be seated toward the center so that he may watch Aemond from a better vantage point. 

You currently sat to the left of your mother, Rhaenyra, as she was on the left hand of her King father. Helaena’s lady-in-waiting sat on your other side, and you began to make polite conversation with her.

Together, you laughed and giggled until a caller came approaching.

“My Princess!”

You turned to see who beckoned you and met the gaze of a violet eye and long hair neatly braided away from his face.

“Uncle!”

Aemond stopped before the gate where you were eye-to-eye with his horse. You pet the soft hair of the creature and you glanced up at him.

“So now you'll compete in tourneys?”

“You know I don’t really give a shit about this,” Aemond chuckled with a playful smirk, “But it is my duty to perform such tasks.”

“Mmhmm… I’m sure you can’t stand the attention of all the ladies wishing for your affection,” You teased the prince while biting your lip.

“There is only one who has my affections,” Aemond wistfully produced a red and white rose, presenting it for you to take, “my princess…”

You sniffed the flower gently, looking bashfully up to the man, “You have my favor… May the Warrior guild your blade, and may the Mother watch over you.”

Aemond nodded and turned back toward the starting end of the joust. In place of the King, Alicent and Rhaenyra stood together and gave the welcome of the tourney. Soon enough, it all began with men and horses colliding, fighting each other with a determined grit. 

Soon, the Prince started his first joust. While you cheered loudly for him, he simply won with ease. Many champions and fools were bested by Aemond, and all you could do was cheer wildly for him. In the final event for the day, Aemond came to your on his horse once more. 

“My dear niece, you and your prayer have been quite the good luck charm for me to day,” His eye flickered from Rhaenyra, back to you. He scanned over your face, and offered a smirk, “Might I have your favor, princess?”

With a great grin, you turned to the side table and grabbed your braided favor. You pressed a soft kiss to one of the flowers before placing it onto his baton. With ease, you guided the favor down the shaft, eyes never leaving his. 

“My favor is yours,” Your heart beat had picked up rapidly as you felt the eyes of the public upon you. Yet you didn’t care, too entranced by Aemond. 

Your hand eagerly gripped your mothers as you watched the joust begin between the finalists. Aemond looked as if he was charging into battle, while the other lad seemed to have an ego for getting thus far in the competition. The trumpet sounded and both men charged at the other. It was a swift motion, but Aemond easily knocked his competitor off his horse. He continued to turn his horse backed around, as the other man equipped himself with a bow and arrow. The man fired three shots at Aemond, yet none of them came close to striking the prince. He fired another arrow, however it refocused on course of the booth. 

Your eyes went wide, and you felt the hands of your mother go to grab and tug you out of the path. Before you could move, the arrow struck with a great thud. Aemond had stopped the speeding arrow with a piece of his shattered shield. He looked from the man, who yielded, and then back to you with great concern in his eye. 

“Are you well, my lady? Unharmed?”

“Thank you, my prince. Your speed and agility have done the great service of protection,” Your hand clutched over your heart as you spoke with a nervous laugh. 

“I am simply glad that you are well,”Aemond gently grabbed your hand and brought it to his lips to press a soft kiss to your knuckles.

A warm blush came to your cheeks at his actions. You felt the eyes of your mother look over the scene before her with a great itensity. Something had suddenly shifted in how she saw Aemond and his behavior toward’s her daughter. Rhaenyra finally saw just how Aenond was with her daughter as Daemon was with her. It warmed her heart, knowing that someone cared for her daughter as much as she did. 

Later, she would speak to Alicent about a betrothal, but now she simply allowed you to seek the affections of your prince.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

hope you enjoyed!

#mattie writes #ask mattie #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen #hotd #house of the dragon aemond #house of the dragon #prince aemond targaryen #ch: aemond targaryen #sub: hotd #aemond x fem!reader #hotd imagine #hotd x reader #hotd aemond #ewan mitchell

[daenysthedreamer101]

Daughter of Steel and Bronze ~ HOTD

Ch 1 - To King's Landing

Targaryen!OC x Harwin Strong (eventually lol)

Warnings: none

Prologue

Masterlist

"In 107 AC, the King held a seven-day celebration in honor of Princess Rhaenyra's tenth name day. The young Princess was named 'the Realm's Delight' by the minstrels at court. Rhaenyra was a precocious child, bright, bold and beautiful. She became a dragon rider at only seven years old, riding her yellow she-dragon, Syrax. The tourney would also mark the return of Prince Daemon to King's Landing. He spent most of his time away in the Vale, with his lady wife, Rhea Royce, and their young daughter, Princess Daena.

Princess Daena was a lively, cheerful girl only a year younger than her cousin, Rhaenyra. She became a proficient huntress in thanks to her lady mother. Some at court frowned, saying it was inappropriate for a lady to hunt down animals and cover herself in dirt and blood, but Rhea and Daemon paid them no mind, letting their daughter do what she liked. 'She's not just a lady...she's a Princess of House Targaryen. Dragons don't fear blood' Prince Daemon was heard saying in defense of his daughter."

(Fire & Blood, Being a History of the Targaryen Kings of Westeros, by Archmaester Gyldayn)

~

107 AC, King's Landing

This was Daena's second time visiting King's Landing. Well third, if you count the time her parents brought her when she was a baby so that her great-grandparents, King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne could meet their newest great-granddaughter. It was said the Good Queen wept tears of joy when she held Daena in her hands for the first time. The Queen was old and frail, having to walk with a cane. Nonetheless, the Queen gave her blessing and proclaimed that Daena would be a great beauty one day.

Now, Daena and her father, Prince Daemon, were visiting King's Landing once again. This time because of her cousin Rhaenyra. Her uncle, King Viserys I, was holding a great tourney in honor of Rhaenyra's 10th name day. Even after 14 years of marriage, Viserys and his wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, only had one living child - Rhaenyra. The King was known for spoiling his only child with many things, and "seven days of celebration for her name day seemed only appropriate", according to His Grace.

Daena spent much of her childhood at Runestone. She was taught how to ride a horse and hunt with a bow and arrow by her lady mother, Rhea Royce. Her mother was a strong, intelligent woman and was the ruling Lady of Runestone. Daena was very proud to be her daughter and always strived to make her mother proud. Daena didn't look much like her mother. She looked more like her father's side of the family. With fair skin, long silver hair, and lilac eyes, she looked nothing short of a true Targaryen Princess. Nonetheless, she knew she had many other things in common with her dear mother. 

Her mother didn't join them. She said she needed to look after Runestone, that it was her duty. But even as a child, Daena knew it was because her mother never liked her father and she simply didn't want to spend time with him. It made Daena sad, that her parents disliked each other, but they tried to be cordial with one another for her sake. She once asked her parents if she would ever get a sibling. Her mother choked on her wine while her father frowned and told her not to be silly and ask stupid questions. She never asked again.

~

"Are we there yet?" Daena asked Amanda, one of her mother's nieces who went South with them. Lady Amanda was from the cadet branch of House Royce - House Royce of the Gates of the Moon. Amanda was a pretty maid of 16 summers. Nearly a woman grown, Lady Rhea sent her young niece to King's Landing to look after her daughter and also for a potential marriage.

 Amanda had long dark brown hair and round brown eyes. Daena liked her very much. She was fun and kind and taught Daena how to sew. "We'll be there in a short while, Princess," Amanda answered while looking out from the small carriage window. 

Daena didn't like that she was in a carriage. She wanted to fly with her father on Caraxes but he refused her, saying she was too young. So, she would travel by carriage. She looked out the window and saw a giant castle made of red stone. 

"The Red Keep..." Daena whispered under her breath. She has never seen King's Landing. She did visit in 101 AC, when her great-grandfather, Jaehaerys passed away. But she didn't remember much from that whole ordeal. She only remembered that everyone was sad and quiet. 

Daena was 9 years old and slightly taller than most girls her age. She was thin and slender and had long silver hair she liked to keep in a single long braid. Father said it made her look like Queen Visenya. Daena would love nothing more than to be like the legendary Visenya. 

"Do you think Rhaenyra will let me see Syrax?" Daena quietly asked Amanda. She would never admit it, but she was a bit jealous that Rhaenyra had a dragon. Daena's dark purple egg never hatched. She still had it, it was held back at Runestone, but she didn't like looking at it.

It made her sad and angry. Some kids back at Runestone would mock her and call her Daena the Dragonless. The words of her mother's House were 'We remember' and in keeping with that, she never forgot or forgave the people who mocked her. She hoped that since she was in King's Landing, she could claim an already hatched dragon. 

"I'm not sure...Perhaps a bit later." Amanda said cautiously. She knew how important dragons were to the Targaryens and it hurt her to see Daena so sad. 

"Open the gates!" A guard shouted. They were already there. They were about to enter the Red Keep! Daena sat up straight and smoothed her red and black silk dress. Her silver hair was braided at the top to look like a crown. Small ruby earrings dangled like blood droplets from her ears. The gates were opened and the carriage entered the courtyard. 

The doors of the carriage opened and Daena could see her father dismounting his horse. A page boy helped her get out. Once her feet hit the ground, a guard announced them. 

"Prince Daemon Targaryen and his daughter, Princess Daena!" Her father beckoned her over and so she quickly walked over to him. He put his arm around her little shoulders.

"Prince Daemon...Welcome..."A voice said. She finally focused on the person standing in front of the castle doors. It was Ser Otto Hightower - the Hand of the King. 

"Princess..." He greeted her as well, though he sounded and looked like he didn't want to be there. She didn't curtsy to the lord, she didn't have to as a Princess. She felt her father protectively pulling her closer to him. 

"Ser Otto...", her father managed to say through gritted teeth. Even as a child, she could tell the two men heavily disliked each other. 

"Amanda, take Daena inside. Visit the Queen if you can. I'm sure Her Grace would like that" Daemon told Amanda. The young Royce girl nodded and took Daena's hand and they walked inside. Once they reached the Queen's chambers, they entered the spacious room. 

"Princess Daena, Your Grace", a maid announced Daena. The Queen was heavily pregnant and was sitting on a chaise lounge in front of a big window and was propped up by lots of pillows. Her silver hair was down and fell freely. She wore only a nightdress and a pretty, pink, embroidered silk robe. The Queen turned her head and smiled lightly at her young niece. 

"Daena, my dear...How you've grown. I haven't seen you in ages." Aemma said softly as she looked over Daena. The young princess curtsied to Aemma. The Queen beckoned her and gave her a warm hug. 

"Your Grace," Daena said politely. 

"Come, sit here." Aemma gestured to a nearby chair. Daena sat. Aemma looked over Daena's shoulder and saw a pretty brunette in the corner. Daena noticed. 

"Your Grace, this is Lady Amanda Royce of the Gates of the Moon. She's my cousin. She came here with me, I hope you don't mind." Daena introduces Amanda to the Queen. 

"No, not at all. It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady" Aemma greets the Royce girl. 

"The pleasure is mine, Your Grace. Thank you for having me" Amanda says and bows to Aemma. The Queen and Daena talk for a while, about the Vale, about Runestone, and how much Daena has grown.

"If I may ask...where is my dear cousin Rhaenyra? I haven't seen her yet." Daena asks after a while. Aemma sighs and fans herself with a fan.

"I believe she's having her lesson with Septa Marlow" Aemma explained. Daena hums in acknowledgment. 

"Princess Rhaenyra", a maid announces after a while. In came Daena's older cousin. She was fair-skinned with pretty purple eyes. She was a bit shorter than Daena, but they both had long silver hair.

"Cousin! It's been so long!" Rhaenyra greeted Daena with a warm smile and a tight hug. 

"Nyra!" Daena exclaimed in joy. Rhaenyra greeted her mother and they talked for a few minutes.

 "Come, dear cousin. Let's go for a walk." Rhaenyra suggests and takes Daena by the hand. 

"Your Grace, I hope you have a nice day." Daena bid the Queen politely. Aemma smiled sadly at the two girls.

Daena and Rhaenyra were walking in the Royal Gardens in the afternoon sun. They sat under the weirwood and talked for hours. In the distance Ser Harrold Westerling, Rhaenyra's sworn shield, was keeping guard. At sundown, Amanda came around and told them they were summoned for supper with the King.

"Will you show me Syrax one day?" Daena asks. 

"Of course, I would love to, " Rhaenyra answers. 

"We can even fly together once she gets big enough" Nyra adds. 

Once they were ready, Ser Harrold escorted them to the dining chamber where they were to have supper. As they entered, Daena could see her uncle, the King, sitting at the head of the table. To his right was his wife, Queen Aemma, who looked tired. To his left was her father, Prince Daemon. To Aemma's right was Princess Rhaenys and her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon - the Sea Snake. Daena was surprised to see them there. Shaking her head, she sat next to her father. Nyra sat next to her. 

"Girls, we've been waiting for you for some time," King Viserys says lightly scolding the girls.

 "Forgive us, father. We were talking and we got distracted." Nyra says sheepishly. Viserys smiles and looks over to his niece.

 "Ah, Daena...I haven't seen you since you were a toddler. How you've grown..." Viserys says to Daena. She smiled awkwardly and the food was served. The adults talked amongst themselves. Daena and Rhaenyra quietly traded gossip with one other. Daena tried her best not to look at the Sea Snake and his wife. Rhaenys was her aunt, but she always found the woman kind of scary, though she would never admit it. 

After supper, Daena bid her cousin goodbye and left with her father to their chambers. 

"I'll see you in the morning Nyra" Daena says and hugs Nyra. She and her father enter her chambers. 

~

"Wow..." Daena gasps as she sees her room. Her chambers back at Runestone weren't nearly as big. 

"I already told the maids to fix you up a bath," Daemon says to her. He walks over to her and pets her head, caressing her silver hair. She hugs his waist and looks up at him with tired eyes. He smiles at her. 

"Issi ao ēdrugī, riñītsos?" (Are you tired, little girl?) He asks her. She nods her head. 

"Come here..." He says and picks her up easily and puts her down on the bed. He starts unbraiding her hair. He knew most men wouldn't even consider doing something like this. He didn't think he had it in him to be like this. So soft, and gentle...and caring. But the second he held her when she was born...he knew he would do anything for her. He would burn the entire world if it meant she was safe and sound. 

Once he was done unbraiding her hair, he turned her head toward him. He studied her face. She looked just like him. Silver hair, lilac eyes, it was all him. But she had her mother's oval face. He didn't like his wife, whatsoever. But she helped him create Daena. His precious Princess. His little girl. His little dragon. 

"I'll call Amanda. She'll help you bathe." He told her and got up to leave. Before he was able to leave, she caught him and pulled him by the sleeve of his shirt. He bent down to her level. 

"What is it, sweet girl?" He asked her. 

"Sȳz bantis kepa. Avy jorrāelan" (Good night Father. I love you) she told him sleepily and planted a kiss on his cheek. He smiled once again and kissed her silver hair.

"Avy jorrāelan tolī, dōna riña" (I love you too, sweet girl). He told her and left her chamber.

---

High Valyrian:

Issi ao ēdrugī, riñītsos? - Are you tired, little girl?

Sȳz bantis Kepa. Avy jorrāelan - Good night Father. I love you.

Avy jorrāelan tolī, dōna riña - I love you too, sweet girl.

***

Omg, the first chapter is finally here! It's mostly an introduction to Daena and it establishes many relationships that will develop/deteriorate over time.

Hope you liked it, and thanks for reading! ❤❤❤

If you have any opinions feel free to comment!

#game of thrones #asoiaf #a song of ice and fire #house of the dragon #hotd #house targaryen #prince daemon targaryen #targaryen #targaryen oc #hotd oc #asoiaf oc #hotd aesthetic #hotd fanfic #hotd season 1 #aemma arryn #my original characters #my oc stuff #princess oc #westeros #seven kingdoms #valyrianscrolls #rhaenyra targaryen #young rhaenyra

[asongofstarkandtargaryen]

While re reading AGOT JON II I realized how the various sounds play a sutle role in this chapter.

The chapter’s opening paragraph is Jon feeling discomfort to the silence within Winterfell’s castle:

Jon climbed the steps slowly, trying not to think that this might be the last time ever. Ghost padded silently beside him. Outside, snow swirled through the castle gates, and the yard was all noise and chaos, but inside the thick stone walls it was still warm and quiet. Too quiet for Jon's liking.

He’s about to visit Bran for the first - and last - time after the fall and he feels frightened because he has to face Lady Stark in order to do so.

Once he enters Bran’s room - a child who was once bright, cheerful and full of life - the silence continues interrupted only by Catelyn’s unwelcoming words and the howling of Summer.

When he hesitates to enter the door of Bran’s room is like his little brother via Summer is welcoming him to do so:

He stood in the door for a moment, afraid to speak, afraid to come closer. The window was open. Below, a wolf howled. Ghost heard and lifted his head.

When Jon tells Bran that he’s rooting for him to wake up, Summer howls once again:

"Bran," he said, "I'm sorry I didn't come before. I was afraid." He could feel the tears rolling down his cheeks. Jon no longer cared. "Don't die, Bran. Please. We're all waiting for you to wake up. Me and Robb and the girls, everyone …"

Lady Stark was watching. She had not raised a cry. Jon took that for acceptance. Outside the window, the direwolf howled again. The wolf that Bran had not had time to name.

During that scene the silence between Jon and Catelyn is descripted as awkward, which is understanble considering that the grim circumstances their meeting takes place and also the fact that despite living on the same castle usually Jon avoids the places Lady Stark is. 

The unkind, unjustified words Catelyn says to Jon in the end break the uncomfortable silence into something else : the weeping of a mother who is losing her son. And that combined with Catelyn’s horrible words haunts Jon.

"It should have been you," she told him. Then she turned back to Bran and began to weep, her whole body shaking with the sobs. Jon had never seen her cry before.

Right after, as he meets Robb in the middle of Winterfell’s yard, loud sounds are interrupting their goodbye scene. Which is again understantable, as not only Jon but also Lord Stark are about to leave Winterfell so lots of preparations needs to be done. However, it is interesting that given Jon’s current state the noise is linked to his confusion:

Outside, everything was noise and confusion. Wagons were being loaded, men were shouting, horses were being harnessed and saddled and led from the stables. A light snow had begun to fall, and everyone was in an uproar to be off.

Robb was in the middle of it, shouting commands with the best of them. He seemed to have grown of late, as if Bran's fall and his mother's collapse had somehow made him stronger. Grey Wind was at his side.

Robb being part of the noise indicates that while their goodbye scene is sweet that he can’t really connect with Jon at that moment.

Unlike the person who is the third one to receive a goodbye from Jon: his beloved little sister, Arya. In order to say goodbye to Arya, Jon enters the castle once more and goes to an isolated room again but this time the place isn’t linked with awkward silence. How could it be when he’s visiting the person he feels the most comfortable with?

This time the visit is accompanied with happy sounds. Arya laughing with Jon’s joke and later on even Jon - who was half an hour ago terrified- is having a laugh:

"Maybe they should. Have you ever seen the septa's legs?"

She giggled at him.

Arya ran to him for a last hug. "Put down the sword first," Jon warned her, laughing. She set it aside almost shyly and showered him with kisses.

Finally, the chapter ends with Jon remembering Arya’s laughter. This fond image and sound of his little sister is making him feel better and he departs from the place he had lived his whole life to join the Night’s Watch.

The memory of her laughter warmed him on the long ride north.

#canonjonsnow #jon snow #valyrianscrolls #house stark meta #asoiaf meta #my meta #arya stark #robb stark #bran stark #Catelyn stark

[daitranscripts]

Blackwall Cutscene: What Pride Had Wrought

Are You Ready (High approval)

Blackwall Masterpost Related Quest: What Pride Had Wrought

The PC approaches Blackwall in the barn, where he is looking over the rocking horse he built.

PC: So it’s done?

Blackwall: Just about. The little ones in the camps don’t have much. I thought this might cheer them up. Even in the midst of war, they deserve to be children.

PC: It’s almost time. Are you ready?

Choice dependent dialogue:

Free to atone [1]

Free to atone (romance) [2]

Sent to the Wardens [3]

Sent to the Wardens (romance) [4]

1 - Free to atone

Blackwall: I am. I’ve been ready for a long time. Things become clear on the battlefield. It’s where I truly know myself. Everything else fades.

Dialogue options:

General: You seem happy. [5]

General: No fear? [6]

General: I agree. [7]

5 - General: You seem happy. PC: You’re content. I’m glad. Blackwall: I am. [8]

6 - General: No fear? PC: Shouldn’t you at least pretend to be afraid of Corypheus? He is an ancient magister darkspawn with untold power. Blackwall: There is fear, but also exhilaration. [8]

7 - General: I agree. PC: It’s simpler in a fight. Enemy? Kill. Blackwall: I, too, am a soldier. [8]

8 - Scene continues

Blackwall: There has always been one constant. I am a soldier. I am trained to kill, to follow orders, and to ask no questions. But this time, I’m fighting for something I believe in, for people I care about. I chose to stay with the Inquisition. I chose this fight, and the difference is profound. I have only you to thank. Scene ends.

2 - Free to atone (romance)

Blackwall: No. Not at all. I already lost you once. Now I might lose you again.

Dialogue options:

General: Have faith in me. [9]

General: Would hard liquor help? [10]

General: It won’t happen. [11]

9 - General: Have faith in me. PC: I won’t let us be torn apart a second time. Blackwall: You have some power, my lady, but not even you can thwart death. [12]

10 - General: Would hard liquor help? PC: Maybe a drink is in order. Blackwall: Yes, we’ll approach Corypheus in a stupor. Won’t feel a thing when death hits us. As much as I like the idea, I might have to decline. [12]

11 - General: It won’t happen. PC: Corypheus can’t stand against us. Blackwall: I will draw strength from your conviction. [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Blackwall: One thing’s certain–I’ll fight harder than any man out there. I’ll fight harder than I ever have. There’s always something to die for. But something worth living for? That doesn’t come every day. Scene ends.

3 - Sent to the Wardens

Blackwall: You know I am. I welcome the battle and what comes after. I will end up in Warden custody. It was what Blackwall wanted, more or less.

Dialogue options:

General: They will be merciful. [13]

General: More or less. [14]

General: Focus on the battle. [15]

13 - General: They will be merciful. PC: I’m confident they won’t overlook the work you’ve done for the Inquisition. Blackwall: That remains to be seen. Best not to presume.

14 - General: More or less. PC: Blackwall wanted you to be a Warden. Who knows if the surviving Wardens will agree… They may not appreciate you impersonating one of their number.

15 - General: Focus on the battle. PC: Corypheus is our priority. Keep your attention on him. Blackwall: I won’t be distracted from our enemy.

16 - Scene continues.

Blackwall: I don’t fear the Wardens’ judgment. It will be no worse than what Orlais had in store. And I’ve made my peace with that. Redemption doesn’t come easy, but perhaps killing Corypheus will be a start. You’ve been a true friend when I haven’t deserve it. I am honored to fight by your side. Scene ends.

4 - Sent to the Wardens (romance)

Blackwall: You know I am. I welcome the battle and what comes after. My only regret is that I have to leave your side.

Dialogue options:

General: It’s not an end. [17]

General: Not for long. [18]

General: We still have some time. [19]

17 - General: It’s not an end. PC: The Wardens will be a new beginning for you. But we could still use your sword here, if it’s allowed and you wish to return. Blackwall: You know I do. I will always return to you. Scene ends.

18 - General: Not for long. PC: I’m not letting you go that easy. Once you’re a Grey Warden, you get right back here. I need my Warden advisor. Blackwall: Advisor? PC: Let’s just call it that. Scene ends.

19 - General: We still have some time. PC: It’s not over yet. We still have time together. Blackwall: And I will cherish it. Scene ends.

#dragon age inquisition #dai transcripts #dragon age #dragon age transcripts #dragon age dialogue #dai #long post #what pride had wrought #wphw #blackwall #thom rainier

[neuroprincess]

Lady's Lover: The Origin of the Dimitrescu Sisters - Alcina Dimitrescu/OC (reader)

Prologue

Alcina Dimitrescu/Original Character (reader)

Fanfic Chapter List

Summary: Melina Mayer has always lived within the confines of the farm and her family, unaware of the atrocities of the village until she reaches age 22, when, by a stroke of luck, is sold to the Dimitrescu family. The girl immediately wins over the Lady, but discovers the dark side of life, her past, carnal pleasures and all that this can provide.

Warnings: OC (original character), swearing, period misogyny, implied human trafficking, medium violence

Word count: +2200

Unrevised

December, 1972  

Melina sighs and rubs the cloth hard against the wooden floor, diluting the dirt from the shoes of the other residents in house. The boot prints have slowly disappeared as the cloth becomes increasingly muddy and sticky, the girl sighs again, because this was one of the last cleaning cloths cleaned and there is still much to be done. Her mother, a stubby lady with red hair and a serious expression, runs back and forth in the kitchen, alternating between preparing lunch and supervising her youngest daughter's chores. She gives an approving look when seeing the impeccably clean surface, the girl gives the work as finished and stands up, feeling her legs tingling from being in the same position for so long, and gathers the bucket of water to throw it away.  

"Should I tidy the rooms or clean the stable?" asks Melina after getting rid of the dirty water.  

"The stable first, feed the horse. Then tidy the rooms, Mihai and Lucian's rooms too, they are coming back from the village."  

"But so early? They usually spend at least a week there." she thinks too loudly, finding strange that their trip was so quick, their return so sudden "Could they have done something?"  

"Get back to work and stop questioning things that don't involve you." replies Tatiana snidely, showing irritation and discomfort with the situation, wanting to avoid the conversation that was coming "And don't forget to prepare Nadja's dress."  

"Yes, Mother." murmurs Melina, a little resentful that she is being excluded from family matters again.  

But she soon forgets that feeling and euphoria takes over, curious to know what her twin sister, non-identical and a few minutes older, would do, living completely isolated from the village and being a travelers' inn on a rough stretch they don't have many special events or visitors. So new or festive clothes are rarely used, just when something important happens. Like the marriage of the oldest brother, firstborn George II, with one of the village girls. A union that is a constant object of reproach for Constantin, the second son of the family, who swears to everyone that he saw her in some brothel years before. After them, there are Mihai and Lucian, two strong and flirtatious men, born only 11 months apart, that have become very close and are each other's best friends. Then Nicolae, considered the cultured brother, who prefers books and studies to the manual work on the farm. And one year after him came the twins Nadja and Melina, the first girls in six generations of Mayer's family. The patriarch was very proud and in love with his little daughters until the day he died. 

"Watch where you're going, slut!" shouts one of the travelers at her, while accidentally bumping into each other on the way to the stable, the girl too distracted by her own thoughts and trying not to freeze in the snow.  

"Sorry." she simply replies, ignoring the insults, used to this kind of behavior.  

The man continues to curse, but Melina is too excited to give a care about him, besides, there are more important things than a man with bruised ego. She enters the stable, relieved that it has been barely used in the last few days, the blizzard seems to have scared off any fool who would have thought of venturing into the mountains. The idea of finishing the most difficult task of the day quickly cheers her up even more, so that there is time to talk to sister and gather information from brothers. Even though she has lived in the region since birth, the girl has never been allowed out of house, except for the trips to the neighboring farm with her father as she did in childhood, her life has been limited to the inn where she was born and the siblings and travelers, who have filled her with ideas about the world beyond the fences and the forest. She wants to experience everything about what she has heard, go to a ball, visit the fair, have a best friend, fall in love, kiss someone, make babies (as one traveler's wife shyly named sex for her) and, not the least, have a place where she feels at home. Of course the girl loves her family, all the siblings and mother, but since the sudden death of her father nothing has been the same. The house has become lifeless, Tatiana never again gave a smile that reached her eyes, George had to mature early to help his family, the other children resented fate, Melina barely remembers the happy and prosperous times.  

"How are you today, my sweet Thunder?" she hums to their pet horse, a five-year-old dark brown chestnut. The animal howls in return, excited at smelling food coming from the girl's bag "You are such a gluttonous boy." she wastes no time in taking the corn and carrots, leftover crops from last season, and giving them to Thunder "Winter is almost over, soon you will be able to run around the meadows again. Maybe Consty will let me ride you this year and we can go to the waterfalls together to cool off. Just you and me." 

Melina's favorite season is spring, when it isn't too hot and she isn't punished by the intense cold, daily chores become easier, illnesses strike less often and there is that pleasant feeling of the sun beating against her pale face, even the farm animals seem happier with the mild weather. During winter and autumn the farm suffers losses with the thick snow obstructing movement, nothing survives on the ground and the foxes wander silently behind the smaller animals, so the extra rooms in the family house are rented out to passing travelers, the farm being well on the way to the village, so they make a subsistence living in the cold season. Summer and spring are dedicated to cultivating and harvesting the large crops that the fertile land provides with the summer rains, so part of the food is carefully stored, the other part sold to the villagers and the duke. The money is not much, but enough to maintain the place and feed them for the next few months. The girl would be lying if she said she enjoys working in the fields, luckily Tatiana leaves her with all the housework and once the family is out the doors she sneaks out into the expanse of the farmland, climbing trees, running after the animals, napping on the grass and swimming in the pond. These are her moments of peace, the soft memories that she recalls every night to help her sleep during the cold. And also to distract herself during the work, in half an hour she finishes cleaning the place, a little disheartened by the fact that soon her brothers will be back with their own horses dirty with mud and pebbles in their hooves, making everything dirty again. She is putting the rake away when hears screams and a stirring movement coming from the main house, Melina immediately puts the chore aside, running towards the noise. She imagines the worst, like that brute who attacked her touching her mother or Nadja, drunken George making a jealous scene again, she even imagined Nadja getting naughty with one of the travelers and the more conservative brother teaching her some lesson. She knows how he can be, has experienced it in the skin in a literal way and there is a scar on her shoulder to prove it, the narrow mark of the whip etched into the fragile skin. Constantin can become violent. But nothing prepared her for finding a half-naked young woman running toward her, the two of them meeting in a crash that knocks both down in the fluffy snow. Behind them, Tatiana is red in an angry expression, George and Ingrid, his wife, struggle to control the woman as she tries to walk up to the girl with the intention of assaulting her. Nicolae, who is also half-naked, watches the whole scene unfold with a look of guilt and concern. The brute laughs and walks towards them, lifting the other girl in the air, only to throw her in front of the Mayer matriarch, Melina stares at him, trying to guess his next move. He doesn't look very smart, but he's not dumb, she would say, just not one of the best outlaws.  

 "Mrs. Mayer, your son just ruined my merchandise, we have to do something about it."

The woman tenses and pulls herself together, her son and daughter-in-law finally letting her go, knowing that she would do nothing against that traveler. He, known only as Thobias, uses the inns at least six times a year and usually brings with him about ten youths, in the hot weather even more, always more women than men. Of course they, except the girl, know the fate of those poor frightened creatures and shudder to think what is waiting for them when reaching the village.  

"She doesn't have a mark on the skin or a strand of hair out of place, she's in perfect condition," Tatiana replies, trying to negotiate.  

"This woman is no longer a virgin, making her useless in the eyes of the buyer, she is no longer pure since she has been contaminated by your wild offspring. No wonder you have so many children."  

"Maria is not an object for you to talk about her like that!" Nicolae speaks for the first time in the confusion, actually yells at the man at the top of his lungs, defending the slave girl.  

"Control your boy if you don't want one of my men to break his leg, Mrs. Mayer!" he warns, using a low and creepy tone.  

Melina gets up from the ground, wiping the snow off her knees, and stands behind the man's back, not having the courage to follow, afraid to pass him after ignoring him in the stable and her brother acting like this. She takes two steps back, trying to get as far away from the scene as possible and be swept out of Thobias' field of vision. But the movement drags the dress against some branches, catching his attention, the girl feels a shiver as their eyes meet and he smiles. 

"You know, she was one of the only untouched women in the batch, the purest, irreplaceable... except for another pure woman. I'm sure your youngest will do very well as a merchandise exchange. How old is she, 18?"  

"She turned 22 last spring."  

"She'll be 23 soon, a little older than expected, but I can't waste a natural and pristine beauty when I see one." he walks towards Melina and pulls her by the arm to reunite with Nicolae's mistress "I have an offer you can't refuse. One girl for another."  

"And why on earth do you think we would accept such barbarity?" it is George's turn to intervene, overcome with indignation, disgust in his voice.  

"It's that or I'm going to burn this whole farm to the ground with you locked in the stable, with Mother Miranda's permission." the young Mayer is confused and looks at her family, all startled at the mention of the woman "What's it going to be?" the matriarch swallows the lump in her throat and nods, turning her face away to avoid facing the daughter "Good! And I imagine young Nico will turn the whore into a Mayer, everybody wins, from what I've seen you may have grandchildren running around soon." he laughs dryly and grabs Melina by the wrist, she soon realizes what is happening and tries to kick him desperately, only to be slapped in the face, knocking her unconscious.  

The back and forth motion makes the girl nauseous, maybe it's the hit to the head, or the throbbing pain on the left side of her face, but she knows she'll throw up soon. Melina wakes up slowly, feeling pain and fear, the transport runs over a rock and she falls off balance as everything shakes. The brute just laughs and writes something in his notebook. She watches where they are, realizing to be inside one of the carriages, just the two in this and the rest of the youths probably piled in the other carriage following them.  

"Melina Celeste Mayer, 22 years old, 5'1 height? I'm guessing. You were born in March, right?"  

"Why do you want to know?" she mutters, starting to get annoyed, he just writes something ignoring her "I didn't know men like you can write."  

"And the bumpkin shows her claws. I'm more educated than you, slut!" he retorts and puts the notebook aside, analyzing her thoroughly, head to toe "If you talk to your Lady like that, I guarantee your head will be ripped off this beautiful body in seconds. Believe me, I have seen it happen... a lot. Would be a shame such a waste so soon, it's more fun when they endure."  

"You are...you are taking me to die?"  

"Accept that will be your fate, I've never seen anyone spend more than six months in that place. But it's no big deal, we're all going to die one day, you're going to die too young and I'm going to die fucking rich."  

"And where are you taking me?" Melina questions, with explicit fear in her voice and body.  

"Dimitrescu Castle." 

Join my taglist here ^^ now there is addition of Alcina Dimitrescu

#alcina dimitrescu x reader #alcina dimitrescu x oc #resident evil village #re8 fanfiction #mother miranda #lady dimitrescu #dimitrescu sisters #donna beneviento

[thosepeakyboysimagines]

*not my gif*

Arranged (Part 3)

Pairing: Finn Shelby x Y/N

Summary: You were the youngest child of you fathers, being part of a mob family in the heart of New York, your family had many enemies in the city, and even further away, and your life was about to change after a Peaky Boy barged into your life.

Warning: swearing, use of alcohol, fluffy, flirting, drunk reader

Arriving finally, at the docks in England. Finn taking your hand to exit the ship. The rest of the family following behind. You looked around as you walked out the door around the docks. It seemed much different here. Darker, colder, lots of smoke.

"Come on, love." Finn spoke from behind you laying his hand on your hip. You walked down as everyone still close behind.

"Welcome to England. Specifically, London. Where we also own most of it, y/n. So no need too worry anywhere you go around here. There is always someone watching." Thomas exclaimed.

"So fucking happy to be back on English soil. The smell of shit in the morning is always the best." Arthur exclaimed walking behind and passed you.

"Lets go. There is a house full of people waiting for our arrival and to celebrate the union of our youngest brother." Tommy said as he held the door of the car that sat in front of the boat open and let you in. Taking his hand as you kept you balance to get into the car. Finn following behind you and sitting. The driver starting the car and began driving.

"Listen my family isn't, ordinary. We are going to Tom's house. There will be a house pretty much full of gypsy's. They have no filter and no manners." Finn spoke starting to get nervous. You placed a hand over his.

"Finn, calm down. I'll be okay. I promise." You said looking into his eyes. He took a deep breathe and settled himself into his seat. As you drove through the city of London you couldn't help but just get lost in the hustle of the people around. Much like New York.

"We are here, love." You heard Finn whisper to you a shook you awake. You must of fallin asleep from the long boat ride. You opened your eyes and looked out the window. The car moved as Finn got out. Seeing the large house sat in the middle of a huge field. Finn opened the door as he rounded the car. Taking your hand he helped you out of it. The driveway was full of cars, carriages, and even just horses. Not something you were used to back in New York. Everyone meeting in the middle of the driveway, Polly coming to your side.

"Just remember love, these are gypsies. They love a good time. I think deep inside you, you have a bit of spunk and fun." She said smiling at you. You and Finn linked arms as you two walked in the house. Getting closer you realized how actually huge it was. Walking through the door you heard people around the house, very loud, maybe even drunk. Finn taking a deep breathe before walking further into the house.

"It'll be alright. I'm not easy to scare away." You told him and placing a kiss on his cheek. You saw him settle a bit and began walking further into it.

"There he is!" You heard a loud short man say as he walked towards the two of you.

"Look at you. Big, strong, with a beautiful lady by your side. Never thought I'd see the day boy." He said slapping Finn on the cheek and taking your hand to place a kiss upon it.

"Y/N This is Johnny Dogs. Don't really know who he is to me, but he's been here." Finn said introducing you to Johnny.

"Pleasure to meet you Johnny." You said with a smile.

"And she has manners boy. Good for you. Come, love. We will introduce you to having no manners around here." Johnny spoke before taking you hand. You smiled and looked back at Finn who looked nervous.

It's alright. Go have fun.

You mouthed to Finn. You followed by Johnny, who grabbed two Champagnes off a tray a server was carrying by. Handing you one and then clanking them for a cheers.

"This here is your now sister-in-law Ada." Johnny said walking to a young women, with curly hair and red lipstick on. She engulfed you into a hug with a smile.

"So happy to meet you finally. I know that the situation with how you and Finn were married wasn't ideal. But we are so happy to welcome you to the family." She spoke pulling away from you.

"Thank you Ada. So happy to be here." You said sipping your champagne.

"Oh here, this is Lizzie, Thomas' wife." She she motioned to the tall, slender women stood next to her.

"very nice to meet you Mrs. Shelby." You said putting your hand out to shake hers.

"Oh please, Lizzie it is. Your family now." She said engulfing you into a hug also. Thrown off by all this love you never experienced it in this way, so soon in a relationship, but you enjoyed it very much.

"Please come, drink. Let's get you loose for the night of partying to come." Lizzie said handing you a whiskey and taking it in one shot with the rest of them.

“There it is. Get her lose Lizzie. We need to learn who she really is!” Polly said coming around you and handing you another glasses of whiskey.

“Sweetheart there no need to be nervous here. We are all family, we are all here to celebrate you and Finn. So let’s have some fun.” Polly said with a smile and clinked glasses together.

About 3 hours passed and you just talked and drank with all the girls of the family you had just met. It was actually really good time. Started understand the business that was ran by the Shelby family. But you hadn’t seen Finn in awhile. You actually like seeing him and having his presence in yours. You heard glasses clinking and then saw Johnny on a table looking like he was pretty drunk.

"Listen up! Listen up. It is time for the newlywed's first dance." He yelled out. Everyone clapped and made way for you to walk to the dance floor. Meeting with Finn in the middle.

"Long time no see, love." He said taking your hand in his. Could tell he was a bit drunk. His face was a bit red, and his eyes were glossy. You smiled at him as he pulled you into him. You rest your head on his chest, and he took you hand in his.

"You having fun?" He asked as the music started.

"I am, your family is a lot of fun." You told him with a smile.

"Well, that's good. I was worried you wouldn't find anything you liked here." He whispered bringing your hand into him as he held it. He seems to get pretty lovely dovey when he was drunk.

"No, I knew I would have found something. Whether it was the land, or the people." You told him. People now slow dancing around you two.

"Good, I'm glad. I hope you come to like me eventually. Honestly, didn't think I'd like an Italian in my life, no offense. But you aren't to bad." He said catching you off guard. He was very truthful when he was drunk too apparently.

"Well, I'm glad I could help change your mind about us." You said with a little giggle.

About 3 hours later, it was now 2 in the morning and you could barley walk with how much alcohol they were feeding you.

"Finn!" You called out slurring his name and stumbling through the house.

"Have you seen Finn?" You asked Ada somewhat falling into her.

"No, love are you okay?" She asked with a worried face.

"Oh, yeah. Im perfect, just missing my husbands face." You said with a giggle and a smile.

"Well I'm happy you are coming around to him." She said with a interesting look.

"FINN!" You yelled turning from Ada and walking into the next room, that was empty.

"Finn." You said once more at pretty much a whisper. You fell into a chair in the the room and listened to the sound of the cracking wood in the fireplace not to far from you.

"Finn. Where the fuck are you?" You asked out loud to yourself.

"Y/N?" You heard a familiar voice say entering the room.

"Finn?" You asked sitting up in the chair.

"Hello, love. I heard you were looking for me." He said coming and kneeling in front of you. Seeing him a little more clear now.

"Gosh your so cute." You said grabbing his cheeks and pushing them together making his lips pucker.

"Where the fuck where you?" You said remembering that you went looking for him and couldn't find him. You mood changing in a literal seconds, and smacking him on his am. It was the Italian in you.

"There's the Italian I was expecting when I met you." He said taking your hand in his.

"Where were you?" You asked again not getting an answer.

"I was out in the stables with Tommy, Arthur and Johnny Dogs. We were racing the horse. Something gypsies do during parties. I'm sorry I wasn't by you. Didn't expect for you to get this angry about it." He said standing back up.

"No, no, no. I'm not angry. I just missed you." You said standing up, but barely being able to balance yourself as you fell into him.

"All right, love. Let's get you to bed." He said as he picked you up bridal style.

"Yeah, bed. That sounds nice." You said as you cuddled your face into his chest.

"Is she alright?" You heard Polly ask.

"Yeah, just super drunk. By the way Pol, she is feisty." Finn said to her.

"Oh you haven't seen feisty yet." You said lifting your head slightly causing a giggle to come from Finn and Polly.

"Good luck Finn." Polly said and you felt yourself being carried away.

"Hey Tom. I'm going to go lay her down. Any room okay?" Finn asked stopping again.

"We set up a room all the way at the end of the hallway." Tommy told Finn and Finn walking again. Going up the stairs, and then down the hall. Hearing the door open, then close. Softly you were set on a very soft, fluffy bed.

"Lord, I feel like I'm laying on a cloud." You spoke.

"Yeah, Tommy never skimps in quality." Finn said.

"Can you help me with my clothes please?" You asked trying to sit up. Finn grabbing ahold of you hand to help you sit up.

"Yeah. Here, raise your arms." He said and you did as told. Feeling the cold air around your hit your now naked skin you shivered a little.

"Come on, love, let's get you under the blankets before you catch a cold." He said helping you stand as he pulled back the blankets.

"Alright here you are love. Just sit and you are back in the bed." He said as you plopped back into the big bed. Finn putting the blankets over you and standing back up.

"Well, goodnight, I will see you in the morning for breakfast. Maybe. If you wake in time." He said with a slight giggle.

"Wait, you aren't sleeping in here?" You asked grabbing his arm before he got too far.

"Uhm, I wasn't planning on it, Didn't think you wanted me to being just married, and just meeting." He said.

"No, I want you to sleep in here with me." You said making a pouty face.

"Okay, love, I will. I'm just going to go downstairs for a bit longer to spend time with everyone." He said kissing the back of your hand.

"Please. Can you come lay with me?" You said not letting him go.

"Okay, love." He said with a soft smile to you. He turned to the chair in front of the fireplace. Unbuttoning his vest, then his shirt and setting them on top of the jacket. Looking at how fit he was. You were actually kind of surprised. You thought he was going to be scrawny like most the guys there were tall like him and his physic.

"Damn." Slipped out of your mouth like word vomit. A light scoff coming from Finn. He unbuttoned his pants and dropped them to the floor along with sliding his shoes off. He rounded the bed to the other side of you. Sinking into the bed seeming as if he was trying not to touch you. As he settled in the bed, you turned and laid your head on his naked chest.

"Finn, its okay to touch me. Remember I'm your wife now." You told him.

"I know, I'm just trying to be polite and not overstep with you." He said.

"Oh darlin, believe me you'll know if you over step with me." You said looking up at him and pecking his lips and laying your head back down. He finally wrapped his arm around your and pulled you closer to him. You threw your leg over his and laid your hand on the other side on his chest, as he laid his head on top of yours.

"I think I like you." You said to him.

"I think I like you too." He said back.

Maybe there was a future for you the Shelby boys life. I guess we'll find out.

#Finn Shelby #finn shelby x you #finn shelby x y/n #imagine #imagines

[rainbowfic]

Today's prompt list is: Avocado

Theme: Music 1. The full moon is calling / The fever is high / And the wicked wind whispers / And moans - The Eagles: One Of These Nights

2. And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune / Then the piper will lead us to reason / And a new day will dawn for those who stand long / And the forests will echo with laughter - Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin

3. All the people we used to know / They're an illusion to me now / Some are mathematicians / Some are carpenter's wives / Don't know how it all got started - Bob Dylan: Tangled Up In Blue

4. There's room at the top they are telling you still / But first you must learn how to smile as you kill / If you want to be like the folks on the hill - John Lennon: Working Class Hero

5. Heard the singers playin', how we cheered for more / The crowd had rushed together tryin' to keep warm / Still the rain kept pourin', fallin' on my ears / And I wonder, still I wonder who'll stop the rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival: Who'll Stop The Rain

6. The exodus is here / The happy ones are near / Let's get together / Before we get much older - The Who: Baba O'Riley

7. Keep me in a daydream / keep me goin' strong / You don't wanna save me / sad is my song - Stevie Wonder: Superstition

8. But oh how it feels so real / Lying here with no one near / Only you and you can hear me / When I say softly, slowly - Elton John: Tiny Dancer

9. What'll you do when you get lonely / And nobody's waiting by your side? / You've been running and hiding much too long / You know it's just your foolish pride - Derek and the Dominos: Layla

10. Now she walks / through her sunken dream / To the seat with the clearest view / And she's hooked to the silver screen / But the film is a saddening bore / For she's lived it ten times or more / She could spit in the eyes of fools - David Bowie: Life On Mars

11. Then the door was open and the wind appeared / The candles blew then disappeared The curtains flew then he appeared / saying don't be afraid /Come on baby... and she had no fear - Blue Oyster Cult: (Don't Fear) The Reaper

12. Seeing her skin feeling silky smooth / Colour of cafe au lait / Made the savage beast inside / Roaring till it cried More, More, More / Now he's at home doing 9 to 5 /Living his brave life of lies - Patti Labelle: Lady Marmalade

13. This city desert makes you feel so cold / It's got so many people but it's got no soul / And it's taken you so long to find out you were wrong / When you thought it held everything - Gerry Rafferty: Baker Street

14. Now here I go again, I see the crystal visions / I keep my visions to myself / It's only me / Who wants to wrap around your dreams and... /Have you any dreams you'd like to sell? - Fleetwood Mac: Dreams

15. Too hot, too greedy / How could you leave me / When I needed to possess you? / I hated you. I loved you, too. - Kate Bush: Wuthering Heights

16. There is no pain, you are receding /A distant ship smoke on the horizon / You are only coming through in waves / Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying - Pink Floyd: Comfortably Numb

17. Love is an angel disguised as lust / Here in our bed until the morning comes / Come on now try and understand / The way I feel under your command - Pattie Smith: Because the Night

18. But there are times that you feel you're part of the scenery / All the greenery is comin' down, boy / And then your wife seems to think you're part of the / furniture oh, it's peculiar, she used to be so nice - Supertramp: Take The Long Way Home

19. But what a fool believes he sees / No wise man has the power to reason away/ What seems to be / Is always better than nothing - The Doobie Brothers: What A Fool Believes

20. You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name / It felt good to be out of the rain / In the desert you can remember your name / 'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain - America: Horse With No Name

--

RainbowFic is an original fiction (and more) community on Dreamwidth. The pinned post has more information.

#prompt list #prompts #writing prompts #rainbowfic original #color list

[the-fiction-witch]

Outlaw

Media Godless

Character Whitey Winn

Couple Whitey X Reader

Rating Flirty

Concept Outlaw

I wandered my horse into this small mining town, I quickly noticed something odd however the town was nothing but women certainly a rare sight indeed. I pulled my horse up and tied her reins heading inside the local saloon finding it almost utterly empty, one old man at the bar cleaning glasses, one man at the bar nursing a drink and some young boy in the booth across the other side it was him I took notice off in his dirty brown boots, tight brown textured pants, two fun belts sat on his hips each with a spruce handled 45., The collar of a pale shirt visible at his neck with then a greenish almost denim-like shirt with the cuffs done tight and half buttons down the chest, a loose hanging pocket on the shirt which I immediately took note of as it has a soft bronze glint of a deputy badge, his skin dirty and we'll tanned from the new Mexico sun his hair looked like it has been washed two years ago dirty and greasy in well need of a good trim, he even had a small excuse for facial hair consisting of a few hairs on his chin and on either side of his top lip and little else, a hat on the table beside his bottled drink.

"Miss?' The keeper asked

"I'll take a whiskey make it double" I smiled hanging my coat on the hook

"Not from town are ya?" He asked pouring my drink

"No, on my way elsewhere" I smirked paying and taking the drink I headed across the saloon to the deputy boy looming over his table and he seemed utterly shocked by me "You think you can find the space for a little lady?"

"Uhh yeah sure," he says moving over a little so I smirked and climbed over him Sitting in the other side I held my drink and he smiled taking his own and we cheered before each taking a sip and returning our drinks to the table

"Y/n" I smiled offering my hand

"Pleasure to meet ya, whitey- deputy whitey Winn," he says taking my hand and giving it a soft kiss

"Ohh law boy" I smirked "you can't be your far too young"

"Age ain't nothin' when ya got skills"

"Humm you're a sweetheart" I smiled

"Sorry y/n was it?"

"Ummm"

"Sorry, I keep thinkin' I've seen ya before ya ever been to Labelle before?"

"Never"

"Hu… sorry can't help thinkin' I've Seen ya somewhere'

"It's fine I have that effect on people" I smirked

We chatted and admittedly mildly flirted for a good while

"Ya gonna be spendin' the night in town?"

"No no I have my camp a few clicks east"

"Really, you sure? The hotels empty and I'm sure I could help ya get comfy for the night"

"I bet you could whitey" I smiled fixing his hair "but I really best be off" I finished my drink and bidded sweet whitey goodnight with a kiss on the cheek which turned him bright red,  I headed out climbed on my horse and headed out of Labelle and back to my little camp the fire dying down my caravan locked up tight soup almost ready for dinner when I noticed a horse on the horizon. I got my gun and prepared for a fight until I saw it was whitey

"Ohh evening Mr Winn, I had a feeling you might follow me" I smirked

"You little -" he began jumping from his horse and drawing his gun but I quickly drew my own and we stood across the fire at a stalemate

"I take it you're not here socially"

"No"

"Go on then"

"You lied to me"

"When?"

"You're a goddamn criminal. a outlaw. Wanted in six states" he says "I knew I'd seen your name before and I was right on the bottom of a bloody wanted poster"

"I didn't lie"

"Yes, ya did!"

"No, I didn't. You never asked you'd think as deputy you'd be doing your work"

"I forgot! I see a lot of wanted posters Okay sometimes a name escapes my head" he explained "Plus that picture looks nothing like ya"

"Yeah it's not great but that's kinda helpful"

"How about ya come back to Labelle I'll make sure ya get a new poster. One that really looks like ya"

"Humm you think I'm that stupid whitey?"

"I was tryin' to be reasonable with ya"

"Did you really think that would work?"

"Not really but I had to give it a try" he says "I… I thought ya liked me" he says lowering his gun a little

"Awww whitey, I do. Trust me if you didn't have that little silver badge I'd have happily stayed in labelle and rid your cock tonight" I smirked lowering my own "but you had to go and be a killjoy" I sighed

He brought his gun back up so I did too

"You know I can't just let ya go. I have to take ya back to Labelle. I have to lock ya up until the sheriff gets back"

"Or you could let me go, never mention me. It'll be like I was never here"

"...I can't do that. You know I can't"

"Why not?"

"Because that's not how it works! I'm the deputy. Word gets out you were here. Bill will kill me, I'm on thin ice with him right now anyway"

"Bill?"

"The sheriff"

"Look, I'm not asking you to do anything too bad. Just keep your mouth shut, like you never saw me"

"I have to bring ya to Labelle. Now ya can come the easy way or the hard way little lady" 

#whitey #whitey win fanfiction #godless whitey #whitey imagine #whitey winn #whitey winn imagines #whitey winn smut #whitey winn imagine #whiteywinn #netflix godless #godless netflix #godless #thomas sangster #thomas brodie sangster #tbs smut #tbs #thomasbrodiesangster #tbs imagine #thomas brodie sangster smut #thomas brodie sangster imagine #thomas sangster imagine #tbs imagines

[mercurygray]

30. — countdown

Decided yesterday I really wanted to do some House of the Dragon - and I still need to get caught up on your fic! Here's Elin Florent.

It would be quite a treat, sitting in the royal box.

That was what Elin's mother had said, practically flying with pleasure after they'd gotten the summons. The new Queen would need ladies in waiting, and Otto Hightower was adamant she would have girls from the Reach with good names around her. Hightower cousins, of course, no surprises there, but Oldflowers and Redwynes and Tyrells - and a Florent, too, since the gods were good. I am certain she will be a good influence on the Queen, the Hand had written, being of more mature years and graces.

Just how could he manage to make a compliment sound like a threat?

Well, she was here now, for better or for worse - and at the Queen's right hand, too. Cecyly Hightower might have been named their chief, but Elin had the honor of the chair next to the queen; Alicent would not have it otherwise and had dragged Elin there herself, wedding pearls still sparkling in her hair.

It was a wonderful vantage point - no one could deny that. Yet even from here Elin could still hear her cousin Lysa's voice, speaking all of those years ago at the tournament at Goldengrove. Best be careful, my girl - when you sit where they can see, everyone watches you.

Yes, indeed they do, Elin thought to herself. Even the people you think are your friends. This was Alicent's seat, once, when she sat here with Rhaenyra. People will mark that.

But the Princess was on her father's other side today, and would not meet her friend's eye. People would mark that, too. They were waiting now for the games to start - the King had already made his remarks and the heralds were working out some small shuffle of the matches. "Shame of the prince to miss his own brother's wedding," someone was saying behind them as the heralds re-arranged the wooden markers with the house colors. "If Daemon were here we'd have some real sport."

"We're better off without turncloaks and traitors," someone else replied. "We'll have a good show without him - Corbray and Errol are here, and Whent, and Criston Cole will ride for the King."

There was a brief noise at the front of the box - Sir Gwayne Hightower with his castle-headed helm, standing at the front of the box on his destrier and in very merry spirits indeed. He might stand to win today, if Daemon isn't in the lists, Elin thought to herself. "I've come for the honor of your favor, sister! Let me win this tournament for our new queen."

But Viserys, it seemed, had other plans. "You'll forgive me for not wanting to share my wife today, Sir Gwayne," he interjected, one hand resting on his new wife's while he tapped the circle of red and black ribbons already pinned to his surcoat. "I've already claimed the honor of wearing her colors - I do not want to see them come to harm."

"Here, brother," Alicent offered, gesturing with her free hand. "Take Lady Elin's. She is as good as my right hand here - and she was a queen once, too."

Oh, Alicent, why must you say such things? Your father will want to wring my neck. Even from here she could feel Otto Hightower's eyes on the back of her head. "Not half so high as you, your grace," Elin said adroitly, rising from her chair with the circlet of blue and spotted white in her hand - flowers and ermine, the Florent banner. "A queen only for play. You wore them well at Highgarden, Sir Gwayne, I pray you do so again - for your sister and for me." She slipped the favor down his lance, its pointed tip glinting in the sunlight, beautiful and dangerous.

Just like wearing a crown, then.

If Gwayne was disappointed, he hid it well, and smiled up to the balcony with practiced ease. "With two such pretty ladies cheering me, I cannot help but win."

He spurred his horse away and the crowd cheered. None of them had heard the conversation, only seen the action, a maiden's favor for a lance. Sir Gwayne was a good rider, and had won wearing those colors before; Elin Florent was pretty, and a favorite of the queen. That was all the story they needed. Idle minds would fill in the rest as they liked. By the end of the day, she was sure, there would be another poem on the streets about how Gwayne was in love with her. That was the way it always went.

Alicent was in raptures when Elin sat back down, capturing her hand with excitement. (Her nails were ragged again, poor thing. They'd have to salve them later.) "That would be a fine match for you, Elin - I will speak to my father. We would be sisters, then."

Elin held her smile. Me, wed to Gwayne? The gods would laugh. House Florent hasn't got enough to offer to make it worth Otto's while, not after his daughter just became Queen.

"I mean to see all my ladies well-settled," Alicent said aloud, as if reminding herself of her responsibilities in the world, getting a series of smiles from Viserys and the older ladies around them.

She's still such a child, Elin realized. Is that all that being queen is to her? To look pretty and say pretty things? It's a heavy crown - she'll have to learn it'll take more than that to wear it. I doubt her father taught her that. The Hand of the King was still standing behind them, watching his daughter, watching his son. And that's just the problem, isn't it, she thought grimly. I doubt her father taught her anything. He bid her marry, and she did; he'll bid her bear a child and she will, not really knowing why. He means to use her like a puppet. She'll grasp for things she thinks have meaning because she has no mother, either, who might show her what soft power looks like, how to coax and wheedle for what you want. And she'll have to learn it all alone.

The heralds were drumming down to the start of the first pass, and Elin glanced for a moment at Alicent, her smile fixed, one hand resting underneath her husband's again, the perfect picture of married grace. The other was in her lap, her thumb skating restlessly over the edge of her nails, clawing at the skin for a moment until she remembered she should not, counting down the lances until she might look away.

Counting down to what? What is there for her after this? A lifetime spent in Viserys' bed? No one can look away from that.

No, I don't envy Alicent at all, Elin thought to herself, letting the roar of the crowd fill her ears, smiling along with the rest as the drummer stopped and the horses surged forward. The only thing I have is pity.

#i have written a thing #mercurygraypresents #elin florent #flowers for the lion's bed #asked and answered #emilykaldwen #house of the dragon oc

[snailsway101]

Drarry medieval AU, featuring silly Draco and powerful Harry

Part 2 (Previous: 1)

Malfoy faced Potter on a fine day, all sun and no gale, just the right amount of crisp in the air. The ladies at court streamed into the arena in droves, coloring the benches with red velvets and green silks. A few readied themselves to fall into dead swoon, only to be reprimanded by Lady Parkinson.

"How droll. Draco will win, of course. This country boy is no match for his prowess," she declared breezily, staring down her pug nose at the contestants.

But the intelligent Lady Granger murmured a quiet dissent. "I wouldn't be so sure."

That said, Malfoy did appear to have the advantage. Sitting tall and straight atop his expensive destrier, his hair a golden halo around his fair, ivory face, 15-year-old Draco Malfoy looked the very image of a regal aristocrat in the first blush of youth. He surveyed the field with a confident smirk, his stormy grey eyes lit with arrogance.

Potter, on the other hand, was more weatherbeaten, that could not be denied. Sir Lupin had found him in a border town, living among peasants. And yet, that somehow did not seem to detract from his charm. There was an enticing wildness about him hitherto unseen at court--from the tumbling mess of his black curls, to the laser focus of his gem-like eyes, to the coiled wiry, muscles beneath his second rate armor. Sitting atop a common stable horse, he was nonetheless regal in his own way, with the frenetic air of an untamed beast.

Standing to one side of Malfoy, Zabini asked, "You ready?"

"Am I ready? Pff." Draco sneered in the direction of Potter. "I'm sure he's never jousted before, just look at his hold on the lance. I'll destroy him."

Nott, on his other side, smiled enigmatically and said nothing.

The contestants put on their helmets and raised their lances, Zabini and Nott stepped away, the crowds began chanting Mal-foy Mal-foy. . . And they charged! Aha! Malfoy's destrier ran with power and speed; Malfoy himself held his lance with elegance and skill! Malfoy was the very spirit and vision of grace, he will kill Potter in a moment (Lady Lavender Brown fell into a dead swoon). And--

Oh goodness! But Draco Malfoy was knocked clean off his horse! Victory to Potter!

The arena experienced one second of hushed silence, then erupted into wild, defeaning cheers. Pot-ter! Pot-ter! (Lady Parkinson swooned.)

Draco sat on his bum, dazed and confused. What just happened? Could it be that . . . he had lost? To Potter? He removed his helmet slowly, eyes wide with disbelief.

His opponent trotted over just then and dismounted. Potter reached out a hand and said, "Didn't mean to knock you off. You're not badly hurt, are you?"

Draco stared at him a moment before harshly swatting the offensive hand away.

"I won't forget this, Potter! I won't!" he cried, hopping up with a grunt of pain. "Just you wait!" And with that, he stormed off in a huff to his group of friends and admirers (dramatic effect somewhat curtailed, though, by the way he hobbled).

Harry Potter remained in place, staring after Malfoy with cold green eyes and an air of bemused exasperation.

#drarry #hpdm #medieval historical au #harry potter fanfiction #draco malfoy #silly sassy draco #powerful strong harry

[agilneanrose]

The carriage ride from Southwatch to Lily Pier seemed endless. Hers was just one of a collection of carriages and wagons making the trip across the duchy via a gayful caravan. Any other time it would be amusing - wagons snaking through the farmland and countryside, singing and playing games to not only keep themselves occupied on the long trip but encouraged to do so in an effort to spread cheer.  Spout stops or two house towns along the road would be overwhelmed with children, treats, and excitement before the caravan was off again, leaving behind coin and cheer for their tolerance of the visit. The month of Winter Veil was upon them and the holiday itself was fast approaching. 

Lyric, the all knowing, made sure Rosemarri was riding alone. Her windows curtained with only one part drawn enough so that she could watch the endless gold of the fields and perhaps spot a wild horse or three but it was not a time for reflection. She couldn’t. Heartbreak was a soul-crushing feeling and if she dared to give herself the moment she wasn’t sure she would be able to drag herself out. 

“Melek..” She spoke out loud, though no one was in the space with her, the earring that she wore connected the pair and soon enough the carriage lurched to one side, the door opening and in dropped in the wiley rogue. 

“... are you thinking of him?”  He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees.

“When we get to the pier, will you take me to the gravestone before we leave?”  

“Aye..- it will have to be a short visit.”

“I know, I would not dare to stall winter veil.” She attempted a smile and the effort alone summoned a frown from the pirate-knight.

“What else..”

“He left.”

When he said nothing she finally turned her head so that talasite could find him. Confusion flickered across his scar-laden features, a wry twist of his mouth tattled that he was not sure what that meant. Alanden? He did leave, in a sense. But it was more like he was stolen from them by death itself.

“He left.” She repeated. “.. me.” It welled, a sickening feeling of anguish that crawled up her throat and stalled behind the porcelain mask she had sewn to her face. “Burrich decided this was not the life he needed to dedicate himself to, Kul Tiras called for him and it will keep him.” “Shit..” He whispered. “The girls keep asking for him, everyone keeps expecting him to be in this carriage with me.”  One delicate hand tapped glove-covered fingers against the seat beside her. “What do I say? I say.. I was not important enough, I was not solid enough to keep the huntsman satisfied with this life? What do I say? He did not trust me to help him with his legacy? Was my river too wide for him to cross, I had thought he had made it successfully and did not drown in my legacy..” She inhaled sharply pulling her attention from the rogue and returning it to the countryside. Her lips parted to say more but she was choking on her list of failures and heartbreak and so closed her mouth and fixed her stare on the distant dim of Duskwood’s curse.  After a moment she wordlessly removed the com that bound her to the huntsman and passed it to him. 

“Please.”

“Of course, my lady.”

#rp #dun dun dun

[phoenix-flamed]

She had the fastest horse, and it was no wonder that she could easily loose her escort. She knew her guards, or rather their horses, were not able to keep up with her mare. But that was exactly the purpose of her galloping. The princess wanted to be alone and unattended. Especially that Nunnally had always felt safe around the castle. She enjoyed the speed, the wind, the risk, sitting on the back of her mare. She was free. At least as much as a daughter of and a sister to the Emperor might have been. Soon she’d have to play a role of a perfect lady. Fake smiles, superficial chats, ridiculous attires. She knew there would be visitors from Rosaria and she knew there were plans for her. Were they as unavoidable as she thought? She steadied her horse as they reached the clearing.

“Good girl…” – Nunnally patted her mare’s neck. She was happy and cheerful for a few moments, but then her good mood disappeared. She was not alone. A dark-haired man. She didn't know him. She straightened her back looking at him. It was too late to withdraw. He had probably seen her. Nunnally could not see the emblems if he was carrying any. What was he doing so close to the castle? Was he from Rosaria? But they were to arrive much later. In a few days.

Her escort was not far away, but probably not close enough if the man was to attack her. But he did not look as if he were to. Nunnally held the reins tighter. In case she opted for an escape.

“Greetings, My Lord...” – she said in a perfectly calm voice despite the anxiety building inside her – “Have you lost your way? They say it’s dangerous to wander alone close to the imperial castle...Especially if not really invited…” – was it enough of a suggestion that she was not alone? But hopefully it did not sound like a thread. Unwarranted thread to be precise. Nunnally sent the stranger a smile; perhaps to soothe her words – “I might be able to assist, if you tell me your destination…”

“And stating your name would be…appreciated.”

The clearing had seemed a suitable enough place to -- literally -- clear his head. The Archduke, himself, and their small entourage had arrived days earlier than intended to the heart of Sanbreque, and as always when he and his father paid a visit to Oriflamme, Elwin found it to be incredibly overwhelming. The air teemed and buzzed with the aether from the Mothercrystal overlooking the holy capital, and even the size of the city and the imperial palace were... staggeringly massive compared to Rosalith.

In fact, compared to Oriflamme, Rosalith seemed so incredibly... humble, even primitive.

And so, with his father's approval, the young Marquess had taken his chocobo out for a ride, with no particular destination in mind -- in part because he didn't know his way around, but. Staying in the general area of the imperial palace was a given; his only real criteria had been somewhere away from people, for nerves were a terrible thing and he found the best way to ease them was a moment or two of peace.

What he hadn't been expecting was someone else to be of a like mind.

The sound of dull hoofprints did not escape his notice, however it was Eleftherios who took notice of their company first, head lifting and sharp gaze fixating upon the young woman and her steed. Elwin offered a soothing pat to the large bird's side, murmuring a soft word of praise for his protectiveness. When his attention shifted to the young woman and the mare she sat astride, there was a hint of curiosity and awe to his expression, namely in those steely blue eyes of his. It wasn't often that he saw a horse in person, after all -- Rosaria primarily used chocobos for transportation.

There was also a sense of anxiety welling within him, which he kept carefully hidden behind a friendly smile. Dealing with other nobility at social or political gatherings and events was one thing, but his comfort had and likely always would lie with the commoners -- and she was very clearly not a commoner.

"Forgive me, I --" A pause, brow furrowing. A quick breath was sucked in, and his gaze averted to one side as he sought where to start in trying again to reply to her. "... Elwin Rosfield, my lady," he finally settled on introductions first. Taking a step away from his mount, he swept forward in a polite bow towards her. "May I know the name of whom it is I have the pleasure of meeting? Both of you, that is?" It seemed only proper to greet her companion as well.

#Audiences #Verse: Firebird's Song #lured-into-wonderland #I hope this reply is okay for you! ;w; If you need anything changed or tweaked just let me know!

[itsalwayswellattheworldsend]

Chapter 11 - Now Must Ralph Ride For It 

Text Audio

Synopsis:

Ralph meets a new friend and actually continues on his journey finally. They encounter some trouble and are forced to hurry to the Burg.

Summary:

"This is my tale, and thine, I say, I ask not; but I deem that thou shalt do ill if thou go not to the Burg either with me or by thyself alone; either as a guest, or as a good knight to take service in their host."

When he awoke again the sun was shining through the hazel leaves, though it was still early. He got up and looked after his horse, then led him out of the hazels and stood, looking around. Then he saw a man coming slowly through the woods on the right, seemingly coming to the crossroads. He saw Ralph and stopped, drawing a bow he was carrying, and came forward carefully, an arrow ready. But Ralph went to meet him with his sword still sheathed, and leading Falcon by the rein, and the man stopped and took the arrow off the string: he had no armor, but there was a small axe and a wood-knife in his belt; he was dressed in quaint, simple clothes and looked like a man from the country-side. Now he greeted Ralph and Ralph greeted him abc, and saw that the new-comer was both tall and strong, dark of skin and black-haired, but with a cheerful face. Spoke frankly with Ralph and said, “Which way are you going, lord, out of your woodland hall and into the dwelling of deer and thieves? I wish that the deer would pick a captain for themselves and come together to get rid of the thieves—and some other people with them, too.”

Said Ralph: “I can’t tell you until I know, myself. Earlier I was planning to go to the Burg of the Four Friths, but now I think I’m going to Hampton under Scaur.”

“Really?” said the man. “Well, when the Devil has the reins, you’ve got to go to hell.”

“What do you mean by that, good fellow?” said Ralph, “is Hampton really such a bad place?” And indeed he thought that the situation of the captive lady had some evil to it.

Said the man: “If you were from around here, I wouldn’t have to answer that question; but I’ll answer it shortly, though not until we’ve eaten. I’m hungry, and I have some bread and cheese and you’re welcome to have some of it, if you are hungry, too. And I think that’s likely, given your youth.

“It is,” said Ralph, laughing, “and I can also provide some food for this wilderness picnic, since I still have some crumbs in my pack. Let’s sit and eat at once.”

“I think, Sir Gentleman, that we should go a little further on where there is a brook which we can drink from when my bottle runs out.”

“I can do better than that,” said Ralph, “since I’ve come prepared.”

“Nevertheless,” said the man, “let’s go a little further; it’s too open here for a group as small as ours, since this crossroads has a bad reputation. I’ll lead us where we’ll be out of sight of any murders that come along. So let’s go, if you trust me.”

Ralph agreed and they went a ways away from the crossroads, into a low place through which a stream ran between two alder trees. The man led Ralph to the edge of the water so that the bushes hid them. There they sat down and took out what food they had and started eating, as as they did the man said:

“Fair Knight—I guess you’re a knight—what reason do you have for going to Hampton?”

Said Ralph: “The reason is avoiding the Burg of the Four Friths, since I hear that those people are robbers and murderers.”

“You’d find out better if you went there, lord, but I will tell you that though the people there might kill and steal now and then, compared to Hampton under Scaur it is heaven, and the people there are angels. And I should know, I spent a long time living in Hell—that is, Hampton—and now I have escaped and am going to the Burg, if they think I’m worthy to join their group, so that I can get revenge on those who have hurt me: some of whom I think must have put those thoughts in your head against the Burg. Am I right?”

“Maybe,” said Ralph, “for you seem to be an honest man.” He said nothing else, but part of him wanted to tell the man all of what had happened, but something held him back when he thought of that lady and her beauty. And then again his heart feared what might happen to that other maiden at Hampton, and he was restless, thinking that it would be good to follow her there. The man looked at him curiously and somewhat anxiously, for Ralph’s eyes were looking at something that was not there, or maybe he had looked closely at the man as he spoke of revenge and thought that he did not seem sincere, since there was little anger in his voice.

Then the man said: “You have a story that you don’t want to tell me, and that’s fine. Well, you speak or don’t speak, whichever you want, but you’re a fair young knight and so nice to me that I think going with you would be beneficial. And I’ll tell you something true: first that the Burg is a good town ruled by a good lord who isn’t a tyrant or oppressor of peaceful people, and that one can live there as peacefully as the others who live there, who are good folk. Although, they are not cowards ot be let themselves be frightened by killers. And second, I will tell you that the folk of Hampton are really harmless and innocent as sheep, but that they are ruled by evil lords who are not their rightful leaders, who torment them and work them to the point of death. And lastly, I will tell you that I was one of those poor people, though not as sheepish as most of them. Because of that, the tyrants have robbed me of my land and put another man in my house, and they would have killed me if I had not run and hidden in the woods. And I’m lucky that I had neither a wife, nor chick, nor child, or else they would have killed them like they did when my brother. His wife was too pretty for him since he dwelt at Hampton; so they took her away to give her over to the men of the Dry Tree, who live in the Castle of the Scaur, and who will be your lords if you go there. That’s my story, but I won’t ask yours. But I think that it would go poorly if you were to not go to the Burg, either with me or by yourself, either to be their guest or be a knight and join their group.”

Ralph looked at the man warily and felt that he spoke very calmly for one with so much anger in his heart—and so Ralph doubted what he said. He also thought of what the lady he had rescued said, and how lovely she was, and the kisses she had given him, and he was hesitant to think she was a liar, and he did not like to think that the maiden of Bourton had gone to such an evil place. So he said:

“Friend, I do not think that I have to join in this feud between Hampton and the Burg, or go to either of these places. Is there no other way out of the wood? Or another place nearby where I could rest for a while and then get on with my errands?”

The man said: “There is a village that lies a little west of the Burg, called Apthorp, but it is open and unwalled, and its ownership is debated. Sometimes it is under the control of the Burg, sometimes the Dry Tree, and if you were to stay there and the men of the Dry Tree were to take you, that would be it for your errands. And if the men of the Burg were to take you, then you would go there in worse circumstances than if you were to go by your own free will. So what do you say? Who in the Burg—a good town with good, strong laws—would hurt you, if you’re a good person as you seem to be. And if you’re seeking adventure, which may be the case, you will soon find them there. I advise you to come with me to the Burg, and honestly I think it would be easier for me to get in if I were in your company, you being a knight and a lord.”

Ralph thought about it and decided that there really was not much danger in it if he went to the Burg, since the two men he had fought were not going to be telling anybody what happened. And no one else knew except for the lady, who seemed to be more endangered by the Burg than he was. He also thought that if something bad were to happen, he could rely on old Oliver. But on the other hand, he desired to go Hampton under Scaur, where in truth he thought he’d see the lady again.

Between one thing and another, he was taking a while to respond when suddenly the man said: “Hey, you left your horse outside the bushes and he’s whinnying. We’ve got to go; there are people nearby and they’re probably our enemies.”

Then they both got up and went to where Falcon stood outside the bushes and Ralph leapt into the saddle, and the man jumped up behind him without being told, and he pointed to a clearing that led back to the highway and cried out: “Ride, young lord! That way! The men of the Dry Tree are out this morning!”

Ralph shook the rein and Falcon leapt into motion without more urging, while the man looked over his shoulder and said “They’re coming from over there! There are three of them, and they always ride good horses. Wait, there are four of them,” he said as shouts rose up behind them. “Faster! Your horse is good, we can outrun them!”

Then Ralph heard the sound of horses galloping on the road and he heeled Falcon faster.

“Ah, watch out! THey know they can’t outride you and one of them is readying a composite bow—they like to shoot from horseback. Turn to the side!”

Ralph bent down and made Falcon Swerve, and he heard the twang of a bow and an arrow flew past his head. Falcon galloped on and the man cried out: “There’s the road to the Burg! Watch out again!”

A second arrow was fired from the bow and the sound of their pursuers was loud behind them. Another came, but this one fell short and the man turned back to look at them and shook his fist at them, crying out over the sound of galloping horses: “Hah, you thieves! I am Roger the ropemaker, and I’m going to make a noose for you!”

Then he said to Ralph: “They are turning back; we’ve beaten them and they don’t like the open road, but don’t let up, young knight, unless you love your horse more than your own life; they’ll be following alongside the road to see if we were born stupid and never learned anything afterwards.”

“Yeah,” said Ralph, “and now I guess you’re going to tell me that we’ve got to go to the Burg.”

“Yes, truly,” said the man, “nor will it take long, going as fast as we are going.”

“Or slower,” Ralph said, pulling back on the reins a little, “for I think the chase is done and I don’t want to ride Falcon to death. He is my friend, just as you might become.”

Then they went on at a canter until the woods thinned and there were farmlands on either side of the road. Roger said: “You can let your horse rest now—and ride single—we’re among friends now. Not even twenty of the Dry Tree would come this close to the Burg except under the cover of darkness.

So Ralph halted and he and Roger got down, and Ralph looked around and saw a stone tower built on a little hill in a wheat field, and below it some simple houses with straw roofs. There were people working, coming and going in the fields, who took little notice of the two of them standing quietly beside a horse. But all of these folk—at least that they could see—was carrying a weapon.

Then Ralph said: “My man, is this the Burg of the Four Friths?”

Roger laughed and said: “That’s an easy question, Sir Knight. That is a watchtower of the Burg, which farmers can live by because there are armed men inside. There are twenty seven towers like this all around the Burg. They say that that’s how old the Fair Lady who started building the Burg was when she married the Forest Lord, whose family had lived for generations in thatched houses made in clearings in the wood. But now, knight, we can go slowly to the Gate of the Burg, and if you want I will walk beside you, for as I said our companionship will be beneficial to me.

Ralph Said: “Please do come with me, good fellow, and show me what way is easiest to get in.” So, when Falcon was rested they went on, passing through acres of farmland and wide meadows, here and there dotted with houses. Then they came to a small gathering of houses on a low hill, from the other side of which they could see the walls and towers of the Burg. From there all the way to the walls there were no more houses or cornfields, only open ground with sheep and cows and little stream winding through.

Notes:

And here we meet Roger! I like him because he immediately makes a joke about wishing the deer would rise up and kill the thieves that share their lands (and some non-thieves, too). Also he’s just a dude. I like when there’s a character who’s just a guy. The text repeatedly refers to Roger as “the carle,” a term I explained in a previous note.

Roger says “when the Devil drives, to hell must we,” which I tried to translate in a non-confusing way, but may have failed. “Driving” here almost certainly refers to the guiding of animals to a place (like with a “cattle drive,” also driving horses that pull a cart/wagon). Basically, he’s saying that if the Devil’s in control (i.e. circumstances are bad), you don’t have much of a choice about where you’re going. It seems also that he assumes there’s something bad happening to Ralph, forcing him to go to Hampton.

Another local who’s set against Hampton! Just what’s going on there? Oh also I should have mentioned this before, but “scaur” is a term for a steep slope or cliff. So a modern translation would be “Hampton under [the] Cliff” (I believe “the” is sometimes included in the name, but not always).

Ralph and Roger go a furlong away from the crossroads to eat. A furlong is 1/8th of a mile, which has no convenient term in modern English.

The man of the Dry Tree is specified to have a “Turk bow” (a Turkish bow). This is an old term  for a composite bow, which the Turks popularized (at least, they brought them to the west). This is an important detail because English longbows are too large and unwieldy to fire from horseback, but composite bows provide much more power in a more compact form, making them perfect for mounted combat. The Japanese dealt with the issue of horseback archery by designing asymmetrical longbows, which were held low on the bow and had more length up above (giving the power of a longbow but keeping it out of the way of the horse). I like archery.

Roger calls himself “Roger of the Rope-walk”, which is a long path where the materials for rope are hung up before being twisted together. I don’t know if that title is intended to serve as his surname (which would make him Roger Roper, unfortunately), or even if rope-making was his profession; he may have just been taunting them. Also: someone said their own name! Following my established tradition of just saying whatever something reminds me of, this makes me think of The Divine Comedy, in which Dante’s name is only ever said once (his narrative refers to it being uncouth to talk about oneself like that, but he’s quoting Beatrice, who is addressing him).

It’s been alluded to a couple of times now, but horses really aren’t well-suited for going super fast. Galloping for any real length of time is hazardous and can overstrain them.

Technically after they slow down, they’re going at a hand gallop, which is slightly faster than a canter.

“Fair Lady” and “Forest Lord” are both capitalized in the original text. I mention this so that it won’t be mistaken as an explicit reference to the Lady. And of course, it couldn’t refer to the Lady because if she were around when they started building the Burg of the Four Friths, she’d be super old by now… right?

I’ve been translating “thorp” as “village” because I don’t think the word is well-known nowadays. Actually, though, a thorp is a gathering of houses, so I guess it’d be smaller than a village. Here I just described it because the text says it’s a really small thorp and I didn’t feel like dealing with trying to describe a village that small. Netherton and Bourton Abbas were both thorps.

Map:

#the well at the world's end #william morris #The Well - Book 1 Chapter 11

[skygal-178]

IMOGEN & LAUDNA ORIGINS

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A story of two complete strangers and the strong bond that blossoms between them!

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artwork by @shadydruid characters by laura bailey and marisha ray from @criticalrole

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Four mugs of tea later Imogen had dozed off, falling asleep on the chair she was sitting in.

Waking up the next morning feeling surprisingly warm and cozy. Her eyes flutter open as the scent of fresh coffee hits her nose. “Mmmh, that smells so good.” Imogen states, now noticing the blankets she doesn’t remember having last night. “Oh.. good morning. Yeah, I thought you’d might be cold, so I pulled a blanket over you.” Laudna turns to Imogen as she speaks up. A thankful smile on Imogen’s face. “That’s really sweet thank you.” “The least I could do for saving me yesterday.” There’s a pause, as Laudna looks down at the ground. “No one has ever done anything like that for me.. not in a long time.” Imogen walks over, pouring herself some coffee into the same mug from the night before. “Glad I could help.” “Uhm, here I got some croissants for us.” Laudna hand one to Imogen. “Don’t worry I left some coin in their place.” She quickly adds. Imogen replies with another kind smile, as She does. The ladies sit back down in the chairs, enjoying their small but delicious breakfast.

“So when will you be leaving?” Imogen suddenly asks. “I want to find some food for the road and head out today, preferably as soon as possible. I’d like to make some distance before nightfall.” Imogen takes a moment to think. This could be a chance to find out more about herself, her powers, maybe even about her mother. “Could you wait for just a bit longer? I might have things at the farm you could use.” Laudna nods. With that Imogen quickly finishes her coffee and heads off on Flora, back to the farm.

It’s still early, but Samuel is already hard at work in the stables. Luckily for Imogen her father is nowhere in sight so far. “Imogen, where have you been. You’re dad sai-“ “Shh. Please keep it down.” She interrupts him. Imogen hands him Flora’s reins. “Sam, I’m leaving. Will you take care of them for me?” She asks, getting serious and a bit rushed. “Of course, always.” Sam nods, doing his best to hide his smile. He knows Imogen is not living the life she should here, so hearing those words is like the Gods praise. “Be a good girl, I will miss you.” Imogen gives Flora a last kiss between her eyes and a quick scratch on her snout. Sam goes in for a hug wishing Imogen good luck and safe travels.

Rushing to the shack, where Imogen grabs a blanket, a tarp, some rations and a brown leather harness set. Strapping the leg harness around her thigh, peaking out from underneath her ocean blue dress. Putting on the torso harness over her white vest, that she wears over the dress. Attaching a small pouch, with the supplies and rations, on the side and slinging the blanket wrapped in the tarp around her torso resting on her back. She’s ready to go.

Back at the cabin, Laudna has packed up her stuff already and is waiting for Imogen’s return. “I’m back.” Imogen announces herself, making Laudna turn around to face Imogen slightly surprised by the absence of a horse. “Oh hey. Did you find what you wanted to grab?” She asks a cheerfulness to her voice. “I did, yeah. I brought food and some supplies for camping out.” Imogen steps forward holding out a second pouch with rations to Laudna. “Oh thank you, you know you really didn’t have to. I don’t want to get you in any trouble, the people in town don’t seem that forgiving.” She takes the pouch from Imogen and ties it to her belt. “And.. also I brought myself.” Imogen states, waiting and looking for a response. “Yes, I can see that, you’re standing right in front of me.” Laudna chuckles, not really getting what Imogen means. Imogen lets out a quiet laugh herself. “No, I mean I’m coming with you.” She explains. “Oh! Right!” “If that’s alright-“ Before Imogen can finish her sentence Laudna buts in. “Yes! I mean, I’d love a travel companion.” The ladies share a big smile.

Just a couple hours later they’re well on their way. Walking side by side Eastward through the Taloned Highlands and the Gloomed Jungles of Aeshanadoor. Setting up camp for the night as the sun is setting. “I’m gonna scramble some wood for a fire.” Laudna walks getting a nog from Imogen, who continues looking for a big branch to set up a tipi-tent with the tarp she had brought. Laudna returns with a pile of thinner and thicker branches for a campfire. They immediately settle underneath their blankets, with their waterskins and bread with some fruits Imogen had brought from the farm.

There’s a moment of quiet where Imogen is thinking about her decision of leaving home. But there are no regrets there, just a sense of the unknown and even a bit of freedom bubbling within her. Laudna immediately notices, and recognizes, the look on Imogen’s face as she’s just sitting there thinking to herself. “Uhm.. Are you alright?” Laudna suddenly asks, feeling a bit guilty of taking Imogen away from her home and her family. “Mmh.. Oh yeah, I’m fine.” “Are you sure, cause you look a bit.. sad..” Laudna pauses for a moment, glancing down to her side. “Do you want to meet someone?” She looks back up to Imogen, while her hand is untying something from her hip. “Sure, is somebody coming here?” Imogen instinctively looks around for any sign of movement or approaching figure. Giving Laudna the perfect chance to take out her friend. “This is Pâté!” She states excitedly, holding up a puppet made from a dead rat’s body with a raven’s skull affixed to it. Laudna moves it around with a set of magical-looking strings. Taking Imogen completely by surprise. “Oh wow. Uhm, well hello there.. Pâté.” “Hi! Who’s your new fine-looking friend?” ‘Pâté’ speaks, through Laudna, with an almost Cockney-sounding accent. As Laudna moves him a bit closer to Imogen, in an attempted flirty way. “Ah Pâté! I told to behave! This is Imogen, she’s gonna join us on our big adventure. So be nice, please!” Laudna parents him, moving him up and down as he ‘speaks’. The whole ordeal making Imogen chuckle, declaring Laudna’s attempt at cheering her up a success.

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next chapter

#critical role #imogen temult #laudna #pate de rolo #fanfiction #origin story

[abra-ka-dammit]

other misc fair things that have stayed in my mind:

-i checked my phone while a man was taking the money for the pickle my sister was buying and it was 4:20 and by sheer second nature i said "4:20 blaze it" and the guy started slowly shaking his head and sighed as he turned to make change

-very nice middle aged lady at one of the stalls helping my sister find the best set of "butterfly wings" for her height and outfit being really nice and supportive (even if it was just a sales pitch, she was doing a great job at making us feel confident in the purchase without being pushy or pressuring my sister, and we both walked away happy with the results)

-the belly dancers during their segment in the Pleasure Feast's accompaniment show included mostly plus sized girls who were all working it so right, in the same exact garments as the thin girls, and one of the thin girls was in fact a rather old lady (grey hair, saggy arm skin, the works) who was also working it so right that it made me smile like a doofus just out of sheer "hell yeah grandma u show em theres no age limit on belly dancing!" energy

-the fucking cheeseball personality of one of the knights representing our side of the crowd at the joust. hamming it tf up, trotting his horse by slowly and like flexing and smiling and waving as girls literally screamed and I LOVE U!!!!!'d like they were seeing a literal celeb or something

-the two little girls sitting to my left during the joust (i'd place ages ~5 and 7 ish) who got really into cheering and booing along with me and then started getting worried when the joust broke down into a brawl as the other side's main knight started being a huge dick and sore loser and started harassing the coordinating judge and then full on, off horse attacked the others with sword in hand, everyone swordfighting and then like 3 characters dying with cheesy squirts of fake blood. littler girl turns and looks up at me and says, "theyre just pretending, right?" and i was like yep, it's just a show, they're playing pretend, and then her trying to reassure her older sister(?) over and over "theyre not really dead! theyre just pretending!" and the other girl like fidgeting and being like no! theyre dead! and the littler girl just like, looking back up at me for reassurance every once in a while and confirming that theyre not really fighting, nobody is dead, they're gonna stand back up, it's just pretend (to which i made sure to just keep calmly smiling at and saying Yep! You're right! It's just pretend! to, bc i think if i was their age it would super just worry me more if an adult showed any doubt or hesitation in that answer)

--on that note, I don't know why but random little girls have a tendency to like, inherently like and trust me? maybe i give off serious Big Sister vibes or something, idk. on THAT note, the man they came with who was very old and kinda seemed zoned out so im guessing is maybe grandpa rather than dad, didnt even give a glance to the ADULT STRANGER the children he was attending had started talking to. im totally safe, yes, but a lot of people aren't, so you should at least, idk, pay a little attention???

-my sister quietly asking me what "quandary" means after a character employee visited us in line at the entrance and recruited me and then she into his evil minions program and gave us the minion codenames "stink-eye" (me) and "quandary" (her)

-relatedly just seeing how like, paralyzed with uncertainty and shyness my poor cute little sister was when someone in character tried talking to her, lmfao. she's 19 and i 100% guarantee you at her age i would have been reacting the same. but as fortune has it, age and/or anxiety meds have really opened my nerves up to just fucking rolling with it and saying that ive always been more of an evil overlord type than a minion myself

-not exactly fair related but talking to my sister as we walked around about how we both hate the idea of therapy, incidentally for the exact same reason, in that we had both gone to therapists who treated us like we were Just Being Teenagers and told us our mom/parents loved us and/or that we had great relationships with them that we were too hormonal to appreciate; when in fact we both grew up badly verbally and emotionally abused on the reg. like. bitches, do you not understand your parents dont have to be hitting you or locking you in basements to be abusive, right? when we say mom frequently screams at and threatens us we dont mean "she scolded me for a legitimate reason and told me i would be grounded if it happened again". its not emo teen purple prose. take our words and tears fucking seriously. AUGH. i'm so sorry for any abused teens out there rn in therapy with people like that, i really am. it truly sucks they wont listen to you.

#stupid shit #THOUGHTS #nobody actually cares but writing this out was for myself anyways

[watching-pictures-move]

Movie Review | The Thrill Killers (Steckler, 1964)

Ray Dennis Steckler has traipsed in and out of genres of varying reputability, but he’s a director I can’t think of as having a single mean bone in his body. There’s a certain good cheer and affection that fills his better movies. And even his horror pictures, which certainly feature their share of people getting killed, don’t sting quite as much. (That might be a bit of a backhanded compliment, as from my experience he’s not always the most...potent practitioner of the genre.) So it was to my shock that this featured a few murders that felt harrowing and cruel in a way his work never has to me before. There was an implied agreement here, that these movies are fun and games, and we’re just having a good time with Uncle Ray, Aunt Carolyn and their friends and family. In The Thrill Killers, that contract is breached.

The first one is a roadside killing. A character we’d been introduced to as a hardworking family man (we even spend time with his kids, who show up in a few other Steckler movies) makes the mistake of picking up a hitchhiker, and is left for dead on the side of the road. That hitchhiker later picks up a woman and goes to a motel and kills her. Neither of these are the kind of scenes we’d get in a “fun” horror movie. The first murder lingers on the aftermath, the body left beside the road in a stark composition full of negative space. The second builds suspense with a flickering light outside the window, and the room goes black with each plunge of the knife, amplifying the sense of cruelty. And the fact that the killer is played by none other than Uncle Ray himself maybe adds a certain charge. Steck seemed like such a nice man. Why’d he have to go and kill those people. (Steckler is maybe not the most accomplished actor, but he knows that he can get a nice jolt from the audience by turning his glare at the camera. Heck, it’s the image they used for the cover of the box set.) And the fact that the plot proper hasn’t even really begun yet just compounds the senselessness.

Things maybe look up when Carolyn Brandt shows up. I’m ready to declare her the First Lady of Movies because she’s never not brightened up the movie anytime she’s shown up, and fuck you, it’s not a democracy, I can appoint whoever I want. Here, she and her beau visit what you might call a fixer-upper, and take a pleasant stroll through what a decrepit shithole it is, and whaddya know, it even comes with its own noose, and... Uh oh, it looks like three violent psychopaths have escaped and are hiding out here! They’re introduced with a bang (a severed head figures in the scene), and proceed to terrorize Brandt and her beau, and maybe the brightness is dimmed somewhat. Most of this is shot in the usual frantic low budget thriller style, with lots of exciting music blaring on the soundtrack. But then we tune into an eerie radio broadcast, and the camera traps us in canted angles, and a certain coldness and brutality set in.

This is probably the “best made” movie I’ve seen from Steckler. It’s consistently shot with a good amount of style, there is at least something nominally thrilling happening at all times. But it still has that amorphous, anything-goes quality of Steckler’s best movies, throwing plot ideas in on the fly, culminating in a climax where the heroes and villains chase each other on the hills and maybe Uncle Ray kills a cowboy and steals his horse. Which seems like a fun thing to happen in a movie, but the conscious genre bending plays interestingly in light of the movie’s bookends. Before we meet the aforementioned family man, who is unable to escape reality, we spend time with an aspiring actor, who is consciously living in fantasy, both in terms of the movies he’s trying to make and the facade of splendor he must maintain to impress producers by spending beyond his means. Arch Hall Sr. and George J. Morgan of Morgan-Steckler productions play Hollywood fatcats who knock the actor’s latest picture, and maybe this movie is a flip of the bird to the Hollywood ranks Steckler would never break into. Hollywood movies are expensive and safe. Here is a movie that’s lean and dangerous.

But this is not an exercise in pure nihilism, and maybe Steckler is really a big softie deep down. I’d hate to spoil the ending, but let’s say our hero gets a little help from his friend Miss Transylvania.

#film #movie review #the thrill killers #ray dennis steckler