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fantasyescapes17 · 10 months

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Closed Doors (Part 2)

Soonyoung had made peace with his station in life. A younger son of a little-known family, he was not set to inherit a fortune and had nothing to recommend him but his bright personality. Nobody expected Soonyoung to make the match of the season. But when you- a woman with ties to the royal family and riches beyond his imagination, a Duchess in your own right- seeks Soonyoung's hand in marriage, his life begins to spiral entirely out of his control.

Genre: Hoshi x female!reader. Regency!AU. Your title is the Duchess of Graham but your first name is not mentioned.

Warnings: Wedding night so mentions of sex but nothing explicit is described, it fades to black. Not even remotely historically accurate. Much like Bridgerton, this is all about the aesthetic.

Word Count: 7.5k+

Part 1 Part 3

Series Masterlist [This is not the first installment in this series- it is strongly recommended to visit the Masterlist and read the installments in order as they are all interlinked and the timeline can be confusing.]

"I've known the Duchess for most of my life," Viscount Hong explained as the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets. "Our late fathers were close friends. My sister and I spent a few summers at the Graham's duchy in our childhood; although my sister was probably too young to remember much of that."

Soonyoung tried to focus on the Viscount's words, but it was difficult to hear them over the sound of his own pounding heartbeat. The two gentlemen were on their way to your manor now. Soonyoung had asked to speak with you himself, though as the manor looked closer, he was beginning to regret his decision.

What was he going to say to you? What did one even say to a Duchess who had proposed marriage after a single conversation? Thank you?

Soonyoung cleared his throat and tried to focus on the conversation. He needed to understand as much as he could from the Viscount before he faced you.

"Did you never think of marrying her yourself?" Soonyoung asked.

Viscount Hong looked surprised. "Oh- erm… not with any real seriousness. I will admit our late fathers may have preferred it. The Duchess is a good person, but I am not sure we were ever compatible in that way."

"So you were not compatible with her," Soonyoung replied in mild disbelief as he looked at the handsome, rich and otherwise impeccable Viscount in front of him, "but somehow you think I am compatible with the Duchess? Me? The second son of the Kwon family who doesn't have a single useful talent or penny to his name, me?"

The Viscount Hong sighed.

"Soonyoung, think about this rationally. The Duchess is a young woman who has no surviving family and has been burdened with a title, fortune, and dukedom that nobody in the ton thinks she should have. She did not even have a chance to properly mourn her father; the moment he died, there were petitions submitted to the Queen by noblemen protesting her title and seeking to take her lands from her. She is fighting a battle against some of the most powerful men in the country, all alone. What do you think she wants in a husband?"

Soonyoung stared at the Viscount blankly.

"I haven't the slightest idea," he admitted.

The Viscount pressed his fingers to his temples. "She wants someone she can trust, Soonyoung. She came to me for help. I will not lie to you. I did introduce her to other eligible gentlemen. For some reason, she turned them all down. The Duchess only expressed an interest in you."

Soonyoung felt nauseous. "But we only talked about cakes."

"What?"

"At the ball. During our dance. I was nervous and she asked me why her ball exceeded the usual London ones, so I told her she had a better selection of cakes. That is all we talked about during the dance, Viscount Hong. Cakes," Soonyoung admitted worriedly. "I just can't understand why she would…"

The Viscount smiled.

"You had better ask her yourself, then. We have arrived."

—----------------------------------------------

The Duchess' manor was as intimidating and magnificent as Soonyoung remembered it. He still felt unworthy to walk these grand halls. He followed Viscount Hong anxiously as a servant led the two gentlemen towards one of the many drawing rooms that Soonyoung had never set foot in before.

"Viscount Hong and Mr. Kwon are here, Your Grace," the servant announced their arrival.

You were seated near the window, but rose gracefully to greet the gentlemen. Soonyoung was struck once again by your beauty. In the absence of the sparkling lights of the ball and the heavy jewellery, even in the simple pale morning sunlight, you were still the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on.

"Thank you for coming," you said to them both in your soft, lilting voice. Your smile- the beautiful one that Soonyoung noticed still did not quite reach your sad eyes- made him almost forget to greet you with the proper decorum.

"Your Grace," he choked out quickly, bowing his head.

The Viscount glanced between the two of you with an amused smile. "Well, far be it from me to intrude upon your conversation any longer than necessary. I have brought a book that I am quite keen to read. I will employ myself accordingly. I only ask that if your conversation takes too long, I might be served some tea."

"I have sent for some tea already," you promised the Viscount, who retreated to the far corner of the room. He made a show of seating himself as far away as possible, facing in the opposite direction from you both and burying his head in his book.

You turned to Soonyoung.

"Mr. Kwon; please, have a seat."

Soonyoung walked with shaky legs towards the small table near the window. There were two ornate chairs on either side- he sat across from you and took a deep breath. His hands felt clammy.

"Thank you for coming," you repeated to him softly. Your hands were folded politely on your lap. "I must apologise for not approaching you directly on this matter, Mr. Kwon. Considering how brief our acquaintance has been, I thought that if you were not inclined to matrimony or wished to reject my proposition, you may have been more comfortable expressing your response to Viscount Hong. I am very glad you asked to meet me.”

Soonyoung stared up at you with wide eyes.

“That is… very considerate of you, Your Grace,” he said politely. The mere thought of hearing your proposal directly from you instead of from Viscount Hong made his palms sweat. Soonyong was certain that his current position was far preferable.

You smiled at him gently. “You must be… surprised.”

“I will not pretend that I anticipated any of this.”

“Allow me to explain,” you began carefully. “I am sure the Viscount has given you an indication of my situation. I lost my father- the late Duke, a few months ago and have inherited his title. I have no surviving family and the reception from the ton and other titled noblemen to inheritance of the lands and title has not been… entirely positive,” you explained. Soonyoung watched you, captivated. You spoke calmly, and a faint strain in your voice towards the end of your sentence was the only indication of any loss of composure.

Soonyoung cleared his throat. “I-I am sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you,” you replied simply. “While I am relieved that my family’s legacy is not lost, I must admit that the role of a Duchess is not one which was designed to be played by a lady alone, particularly not an unmarried one. In addition to the friction from the other noblemen, my position makes it difficult for me to do justice to my duchy. It is also important that I secure the future lineage of my family so that my father’s efforts are not in vain. I am explaining these things to you, Mr. Kwon, so that you are better able to understand my reasons for needing to marry soon.”

Soonyoung nodded. “Yes-yes, of course, Your Grace, I understand.”

A servant entered the room with some tea and biscuits. You paused and waited for her to pour you each a cup, and directed the servant to send one over to Viscount Hong in the corner of the room. Then you turned back to Soonyoung and watched him put two sugars in his cup.

“I see you have a sweet tooth,” you remarked with a small smile.

Soonyoung’s ears turned pink and he froze halfway through stirring his tea. “I-I, erm. Yes, yes, I am partial to a little more sugar than most,” he admitted self-consciously. “I apologise. I should perhaps try not to consume so much of it…”

Your expression was gentle as you looked up at him. “I do not think a habit of excessively sweetening one’s tea is the worst vice a gentleman can have, Mr. Kwon. Viscount Hong speaks very highly of you.”

Soonyoung’s ears reddened further and he coughed. “I-I did not realise you spoke to Viscount Hong about me, Your Grace.”

Your eyes dropped down to your tea and Soonyoung saw a flash of that familiar sadness in them for a moment before you spoke. “I have been finding it… difficult to trust people of late. Some of my father’s closest allies signed a petition to have my title revoked. Others have made underhanded attempts to orchestrate a match with their sons and usurp my duchy. Viscount Hong is the only nobleman I can still trust. That is why I sought his aid to find a suitable husband. I considered his judgement to be more impartial and reliable than anyone else I knew.”

Soonyoung nodded in understanding. It was becoming increasingly clear to him now- this was a very delicate situation that extended beyond frivolous gossip and societal opinions. This was about politics and land and power. The Viscount had been doing you a favour by being vague at the ball a few nights ago. It would not be appropriate for the entire ton to know that the Duchess of Graham had turned down most of the offers made to her by noblemen and was seeking a husband elsewhere.

Soonyoung bit your lip. “I am sorry that you are in this position, Your Grace,” he said carefully. “But I must commend you for placing your faith in Viscount Hong. I doubt I could name anyone with more integrity or honesty than the Viscount.”

You bit back a smile. “I am glad you think so. Because the Viscount led me to you.”

Soonyoung cleared his throat. “Yes. Yes, he led me to you. I…”

You set your tea down and took a deep breath before lifting your eyes to meet Soonyoung. He was stunned into silence by the power of their gaze. There was a deep, deep sadness in your eyes but he also saw strength and gentleness.

“I apologise for putting you in this situation,” you told him honestly. There was a hint of regret in your soft words. “This is hardly the most romantic way in which to propose marriage and I am sure it cannot be flattering to you to be put in this position. I assure you, Mr. Kwon, I will not blame you if you cannot find it in yourself to enter into this… marriage of convenience.”

There was a long silence.

It only occurred to Soonyoung much later that there were other things he should have carefully considered about the match- the possibility of gaining a fortune, a title, and lands, of going from a penniless second son to a Duke in one move. There were so many reasons to accept your proposal. None of the other gentlemen of the ton (least of all Mr, Kim and Mr. Lee) would believe Soonyoung when he said that none of those things had been on his mind at that moment.

Instead, he had only one thought on his mind.

You needed help. And while Soonyoung could not pretend that he fully understood you (there was still so much hidden behind that beautiful smile and deep eyes of yours), there was one thing that he was fairly confident about.

He wanted to be the one to help you.

“It would be an honour, Your Grace,” Soonyoung said slowly and carefully, “to be your husband.”

-----------------------------------------------------------

Soonyoung felt like he was in a dream as he exited your manor that afternoon with Viscount Hong. His mind and body seemed to be floating in the clouds, and it was difficult to concentrate on what the Viscount was saying to him.

“... cannot tell anybody about the engagement, yet, you understand, not until the Queen has granted her approval for the marriage. Perhaps in two days the announcement can be made in the papers. I assume the Duchess will handle making an appointment with the Queen, but-”

Soonyoung was suddenly and violently jerked out of his reverie.

“Sorry- did you just say the Queen?” he demanded.

Viscount Hong gestured for the carriage driver to begin and then turned back to his companion. “Yes, the Queen. The Duchess is one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting. She is part of her court. Naturally you will both need to approach the Queen for her blessing before you can announce the engagement publicly. You risk offending Her Majesty if you do not approach her before a public announcement.”

Soonyoung swallowed. He suddenly felt faint. “Yes, but surely the Duchess will handle that…”

“The Queen will naturally want to see you in order to grant you her blessing to the couple.”

“O-oh.”

Viscount Hong bit his lip as he looked at the startled young man sitting across from him in the carriage. He took a deep breath and sighed. “Soonyoung.”

“Yes?”

“Have you fully thought about this? Really thought about it? Being a Duke is not easy and there is an incredible amount of responsibility involved. The Duchess is entangled in the middle of a political tussle and I am sorry to say that she is on the weaker side. She needs someone who can be strong and support her through this ordeal. I know you are capable of doing so, I would not have recommended you otherwise. But I need you to step up to the task. The Duchess needs you to step up to the task.”

Soonyoung looked up at the Viscount sharply. There was a newfound determination in his eyes.

“I will do whatever is necessary,” he said firmly.

The Viscount relaxed. “Good. I will let you know once an appointment has been made to meet the Queen.”

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mr. Lee Seokmin was quite drunk.

“I cannot go to the navy alone!” he cried, his glass of whisky sloshing all over the expensive carpet. Fortunately for Seokmin, Mingyu was far too entertained by the scene before him to be concerned by the damage Seokmin was doing to his drawing room rug. “We were supposed to go together! We were going to capture pirates together, Soonyoung!”

Mr. Lee Jihoon raised an eyebrow at his younger brother. “It is quite unlikely that you would both have been stationed on the same ship.”

Seokmin paused. “We could have met at the naval base.”

“Yes, because the royal naval base is simply full of pirates ripe for your picking.”

Soonyoung was currently on his fourth glass of whisky and Kim Mingyu’s drawing room was beginning to appear hazy to his intoxicated gaze. The gentleman’s club was the preferred haunt for the group of bachelors gathered, but it was too public for the present celebration. Since the announcement would not be made in the papers for a few days, it was important to keep the news of Soonyoung’s engagement under wraps. They had gathered in Mingyu’s drawing room instead.

Jihoon, the most sober gentleman in the room by far, leaned closer to Soonyoung.

“Seokmin is merely inebriated,” Jihoon told him gently, misreading the worried expression on his friend’s face. “I hope you do not blame yourself for destroying his dreams of capturing pirates- my sister and I would never have consented to him joining the Navy in any case.”

Soonyoung blinked. “Oh.”

“Congratulations on your engagement, Soonyoung.”

“Thank you.”

Someone passed Soonyoung a cigar and he lifted it to his lips, taking a deep drag before leaning his head back against the armchair. He did not smoke often- he did not even drink often but the consequences and ramifications of the decision he had made earlier today were rapidly descending upon him. In order to distract himself from the sinking thought that he had perhaps made a rash decision that would impact the rest of his life and your life, he allowed Jihoon to refill his glass.

“I would like to raise a toast,” Mingyu announced loudly, rising to his feet and lifting his glass. “To Kwon Soonyoung, the man who refused to chase the dowry so the dowry came chasing him!”

Everyone chuckled. Soonyoung clumsily tossed back the whisky. He was beginning to feel nauseous.

“For heaven's sake, that painting is an eyesore,” Jihoon complained loudly as he gestured to one of the obnoxiously large paintings of a tastefully nude woman that Mingyu had displayed above the fireplace. “Is there nowhere else to hang that? What do you do when there are ladies present?”

Mingyu chuckled. “Do not fret, Mr. Lee, I will be shifting that painting to my art gallery once it is opened. As for the ladies, I entertain them in the breakfast parlour. It has paintings of kittens.”

Jihoon was still unimpressed. “I pity the women you court.”

“May I remind you that you are the one who cannot seem to stop staring at the painting?”

“You little-”

“I need some fresh air,” Soonyoung announced. He was barely audible over the sound of Mingyu and Jihoon debating the inappropriateness of nude paintings in a drawing room. Setting his glass down and finding his unsteady legs, Soonyoung walked towards one of the large balconies and stepped out into the night air. The cool summer breeze swept through his hair. He leaned against the railing for a few minutes- eyes closed, and thinking about the whirlwind of events that had led to him being engaged to a Duchess in a few days.

“Soonyoung?”

Seokmin had followed him onto the balcony. The younger Lee rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly as he joined Soonyoung near the balcony railing.

“Seokmin.”

“Jihoon thought I might be upsetting you by going on about the Navy. You know that I don’t actually resent you for backing out? I was merely joking. You’re about to be married, I couldn’t be happier for you,” Seokmin said honestly. He had a smile on his face. “You’re about to become a Duke.”

Soonyoung swallowed. “A Duke. Yes.”

“Why do you look worried?”

“Because I am worried,” Soonyoung confessed. His knuckles were white as he clasped the railing of the balcony and the words spilled out of his mouth rapidly. “The Viscount is right. I don’t have the faintest idea what the responsibilities of a Duke are. Having a title like that and a duchy is no joke, it is about politics; something I have no knowledge of. It is not merely my own life on the line. Everything I say and do will impact the Duchess. She is… she is not merely asking to marry me, she is trusting me with her property and family legacy and reputation. I-I don’t know if I am capable of this.”

Seokmin stared at his friend for a long moment.

“Soonyoung. You underestimate yourself.”

Soonyoung bit his lip, hard. “Do I?”

“Do you know what any other young man in your position would do?” Seokmin asked knowingly. “He would celebrate that some woman had handed him a fortune and a title on a golden platter. The fact that you are seriously considering the responsibilities involved with the dukedom proves that the Duchess was not wrong to choose you.”

“I don’t know why she chose me,” Soonyoung admitted with a sigh.

“Did you not ask her?”

“I should have asked, perhaps- it just… I did not get the opportunity and she called it a marriage of convenience, so clearly the answer cannot have been anything very flattering,” Soonyoung mumbled. He took a deep breath and looked up at the moonlight sky. “I wish I could celebrate with you, but all I can think of is how I am suddenly deeply terrified of disappointing the young lady that has misplaced her trust in me.”

“Soonyoung,” Seokmin said firmly. He placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You are overthinking this.”

“Do you really think so?”

“You were prepared to go out into the open sea and fight pirates and enemy ships. I never once saw you show fear at the thought of joining the Navy. Why do you suddenly think you will not be able to handle the simple task of being a good husband?”

Soonyoung sighed. “I trained to be a sailor. I attended the Royal Naval Academy for years. Nobody has ever prepared me to be a Duke, Seokmin.”

“Then start preparing now. It is not too late.”

Soonyoung took a deep breath. Yes, Seokmin was right, He did not need to blindly blunder into this situation. He could prepare. He would prepare and would prove to you that you had not made a mistake by choosing him.

Kwon Soonyoung would learn to become a Duke.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Soonyoung fidgeted in his brand new coat as he waited for your carriage to arrive. The coat was not uncomfortable in the least. On the contrary, it was perfectly tailored to fit Soonyoung, as opposed to the hastily mended hand-me-downs from his brother that he often wore. The Viscountess Hong was an angel; upon hearing of Soonyoung's engagement, she had promptly sent for a tailor to customise a new suit for Soonyoung to wear to his meeting with the Queen.

His meeting with the Queen.

A phrase that Soonyoung had never imagined he would say with any seriousness, and yet here he was. Standing near the entrance of the royal palace and waiting for the Duchess of Graham to meet him for a private audience with the Queen.

Your carriage approached and Soonyoung took a deep breath as he hurried forward. The footman was mildly surprised when Soonyoung stepped up to the carriage door himself and offered you a hand to help you descend.

You gave him one of your soft smiles and accepted his hand.

“Thank you, Mr. Kwon,” you told him. Your deep eyes glanced at him in an almost approving manner. “Is that a new suit? You look very handsome.”

Soonyoung could not prevent his ears from turning red at the compliment and he struggled with what to say in return. You looked radiant in a beautiful green dress that emphasised your glowing skin, and he opened his mouth to return the compliment… but nothing seemed sufficient to encapsulate how beautiful he thought you were. He waited too long; the moment passed.

“The Queen was pleased to grant us an audience even at such short notice,” you informed Soonyoung in a hushed tone as you both entered the royal palace and followed a pair of servants to the audience chambers. Soonyoung tried to focus on your words and not on the gentle pressure of your hand resting near the crook of his elbow. “I am sure she will be perfectly pleased to grant us her permission to marry, but I must warn you- Her Majesty is under the impression that this is a love match.”

Soonyoung cleared his throat nervously. “A love match?”

You blinked up at him apologetically. “I have already rejected offers from the sons of a few other Dukes that attempted to have my title revoked. The politics here are complicated; I found the easiest way to justify marrying someone outside of the commonly expected options, was to tell the Queen I was in love.”

“I see,” Soonyoung swallowed. “In love-yes, yes, I suppose we may say that.”

You seemed worried. “I apologise if this is sudden-”

“Not at all, Your Grace,” Soonyoung told you firmly. He took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. This was his first test and he was not about to let himself be thrown by a small change in circumstances. He could handle this. He would not disappoint you. “It is not an issue at all. I will be sure to confirm the Queen’s understanding that this is a love match.”

You seemed relieved. “Thank you, Mr. Kwon.”

You both arrived at the audience chambers and waited in the hallway for a few moments until the Queen was ready to see you. Soonyoung’s heart was beating at an unnatural rate and he resisted the urge to fidget with his sleeves and cough. Your gloved hand resting lightly near his elbow somehow worked to keep him grounded. He focused on your gentle touch and kept his composure as the doors to the audience chamber opened and a guard came out.

“Her Highness has granted you an audience. Please enter.”

The Queen was seated at the head of the room. Soonyoung did not dare lift his head to look her in the eye. He did not even dare to look properly around the audience chamber for fear that the grandness and magnificence of the royal palace would cause him to lose composure. He simply allowed your gentle hand to guide him where he needed to go and followed you into a deep bow before the Queen.

“Ah, the Duchess of Graham,” the Queen greeted you loftily. “I must say that I was pleasantly surprised when you requested an audience, The word among the ton is that you have rejected so many eligible suitors that I had quite despaired of your ever marrying. I am relieved to see that is not the case.”

You responded quickly- your voice was soft and deferential. “Your Majesty. You have bestowed my family with the most precious gift of all by allowing my lineage to continue to hold the dukedom. We are forever indebted to you for your kindness and naturally, the decision of who should be the next Duke of Graham was not one that I could take lightly.”

This seemed to please the Queen.

“And you have finally made your choice? Mr. Kwon, I hear?”

Soonyoung bowed his head. "Yes, your Majesty."

The Queen observed him slowly and critically. "You are a handsome young man; I can certainly see why the Duchess prefers you. But the question remains- can you be a Duke?"

Soonyoung swallowed. "I will do my best, your Majesty."

The Queen huffed. "I suppose that is all one can ask for, really- my dear Duchess, have you quite set your heart on this man?"

You bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Then far be it from me to stand in the way of your love. You have my blessing. You may marry- and Mr. Kwon may be granted the title of a Duke," the Queen said dismissively.

"Thank you, Your Majesty-"

"Yes, yes. Be on your way and prepare for your wedding. And my dear Duchess- now that you shall have a husband to handle the matters of your estate, I expect you to attend to the royal court far more often. You will need to join me and the other court ladies for tea at least once a fortnight."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

Your grasp on Soonyoung's arm relaxed noticeably and Soonyoung was relieved when you began to leave the room and he could follow you. The moment you both left the audience chambers, he released the breath he had been holding and looked up at you with a sheepish smile.

"That was… not as difficult as I expected," he admitted with a grin.

You smiled back at him softly. "Did you think it was going to be difficult? I did tell you that Her Majesty would be pleased to grant her permission."

Soonyoung flushed. "Yes, but- I mean… I have never met the Queen, so…"

"Of course. I can understand. I thought, perhaps we should discuss, before we part… when we might have the wedding?" you began. There was a sudden shyness in your gaze that Soonyoung was surprised to note.

He blinked. "Whenever you see fit, Your Grace."

"Our engagement will be announced in the papers tomorrow," you told him as you both walked back to your carriage. "Since we have the Queen's permission to marry, I do not believe a lengthy betrothal is necessary. Unless you had any objection- perhaps next Monday?"

Soonyoung froze in his path. "For the wedding?"

You noticed his hesitancy. "Was there any reason you wished to wait longer?"

Soonyoung opened his mouth to speak. It was all happening so quickly. He almost wanted more time to prepare, to comprehend the life he was getting into. But he saw the anxiety in your eyes. You wanted to be married soon and he could understand- the pressures you were facing were not light.

It was not the time for Soonyoung to be selfish.

"No. No, next Monday is perfect, Your Grace," Soonyoung said quickly. Your carriage was waiting outside the palace and your footman rushed to open the door for you.

"Then I will have the arrangements made," you told him gently.

"E-excellent."

Soonyoung held out his hand to help you into the carriage but he was interrupted by your butler, who suddenly approached with an armful of books. "Mr. Kwon!" the butler greeted him politely. "I had these brought over from the Graham library, as per your request. Was this what you were looking for?"

You paused and frowned at the books. "What are these?"

Soonyoung's ears turned pink. He had expected the butler to give them to him privately- not in front of you. He took the books and smiled at you awkwardly.

"I-I realised that I knew very little about the Graham duchy so I asked your butler if he could find some books that would teach me about your family lineage and the history of your lands," Soonyoung admitted shyly. He noticed the shock in your deep eyes which slowly melted into something much, much softer and affectionate as your eyes dropped to the heavy genealogy book at the top of the pile.

"Mr. Kwon…" you said softly. "You really don't need to do that."

Soonyoung cleared his throat. "I would like to."

You stared at him for a long moment. Soonyoung felt almost exposed under your lingering gaze. He could not read what was behind your piercing eyes and he was about to apologise for overstepping when you finally spoke again, a small but noticeable crack in your voice.

“Thank you,” you said quietly. “We will see each other soon, Mr. Kwon.”

“Of course. Goodbye, Your Grace.”

—---------------------------------------------------------

The week before the wedding went by in a flash. The announcement of the Duchess of Graham's engagement in the papers had predictably thrown the entire ton into an uproar. Kwon Soonyoung went from being an obscure, little-known gentleman to the name on everyone's lips in the span of a single morning.

He was overwhelmed with invitations; to tea at the Baron's house, to dine with the Carter family and many more. It seemed that every single noble family suddenly wished to make Soonyoung's acquaintance and pretend that they had been very familiar with him all along. Soonyoung honestly thought that he may have gone mad if it had not been for Seokmin and Mingyu by his side.

"This happened to my family as soon as my sister's engagement to the Viscount was published in the papers," Seokmin said as he rifled through the invitations. "The entire month was spent having dinner with different families."

Soonyoung's head was buried in a weighty tome about the genealogy of the Graham dukedom and he looked up with a sigh. "I barely have time with wedding preparations to attend half of these invitations. Not to mention the reading I hoped to do. What should I do?"

Mingyu, sitting in the corner of the room with a pipe in his mouth, chuckled. "Ignore them."

Soonyoung frowned. "What if some of them are from important families of the ton, they may take offence-"

Mingyu laughed as he took the stack of invitations from Seokmin's hands and smoothly tore them in half. "Important families? Oh my poor dear Soonyoung. I am not sure you understand what is happening to you. You are about to be a Duke. You are now the important family that everyone fears offending. You don’t need to worry about them!"

Soonyoung blinked. "Was it necessary to tear them?"

"I would tear that book in your hands as well, if I thought I could manage it. What are you doing, Mr. Kwon? These are your last few days as a bachelor- are you really going to spend them reading? Something you never even did in your short time at Oxford?"

Soonyoung bit his lip. "This book is rather dry."

"That's the spirit-"

"Do you have any books on agriculture I might borrow? The duchy consists largely of agricultural land and I was hoping to understand more about how the agrarian community pays its taxes."

Mingyu looked aghast.

"None of that. Stop that immediately and come have a drink."

While it was difficult to get the notorious rake to discuss anything seriously, Soonyoung did manage to extract some advice from Mingyu on managing an estate once he was sufficiently drunk, and Seokmin was a welcome presence that served to keep Soonyoung's spirits high.

The day of the wedding finally arrived. It was a smaller celebration than customary for a Duke's wedding and there were many members of the ton that openly lamented not receiving an invitation. Despite the short guest list, Soonyoung was still anxious as he stood up at the altar and stared at the sea of people watching from the pews.

"I still don't understand how you seduced the Duchess," Soonyoung's elder brother grumbled from behind him as he adjusted his cuffs. It had taken no small effort to keep the elder Kwon sober and presentable for the wedding; Soonyoung would forever owe Jihoon a debt of gratitude for undertaking that unpleasant responsibility and executing it without complaint.

But he did not have the opportunity to respond to his brother. You suddenly appeared at the end of the aisle and Soonyoung felt as though the entire room had fallen away and you were the only person standing before him.

You looked exquisite, in a simple white dress and with a gentle smile on your face. Soonyoung watched, almost in a trance, as you walked gracefully down the aisle in a slow, practised gait. You looked divine and Soonyoung was suddenly reminded of how in over his head he felt, how he was marrying a woman so far, far above his station that this had to be some sort of a dream or joke, it could not possibly be real that you were about to become his wife.

You reached the altar and looked up at him quietly through your eyelashes with a small smile.

Soonyoung's heart pounded as you both turned to face the minister. The man read out some pre-written drivel about holy matrimony and Soonyoung tried to concentrate but all he could focus on was the sound of your soft breathing beside him and his own pounding heartbeat. He barely remembered saying his own vows.

"Mr. Kwon," you said softly. "The ring."

Your voice snapped Soonyoung out of his reverie. Somebody was presenting him with a ring and he swallowed nervously before reaching for it. It was a delicate little thing; Soonyoung fumbled with the ring for a moment, but to his relief it did not fall from his grasp. He reached for your hand- your soft, gentle hand- and placed the ring on your finger.

It was done.

You were married.

The rest of the morning felt like a blur. Soonyoung received congratulations from dozens of people he had never met in his entire life. He found himself thrown from conversation to conversation like a child's ball until finally your hand on his elbow tightened and you whispered softly in his ear.

"Our carriage is waiting outside," you said. "We can leave."

"Yes, let's."

It was a number of goodbyes before Soonyoung could finally reach the carriage and help you inside. Soonyoung climbed in as well and once the door was closed behind him, he took a deep breath and looked across the carriage at you.

"I think that went rather well, Your Grace," he said to you lightly.

You smiled back at him. "I thought having fewer guests would make the ceremony quicker but I am afraid we were still detained much longer than expected. Would you object if we went directly to the estate for the night? It is not very far- a few hours' ride."

Soonyoung nodded. "Of course."

—----------------------------------------------------------

You fell asleep during the carriage ride to the Graham estate. Soonyoung was torn between watching the magnificent views of the countryside and the sight of your head drowsily leaning against the carriage wall as you tried to fight sleep. Soonyoung couldn't help but smile at the sight of your eyelashes repeatedly fluttering closed and then fluttering back open in protest.

It appeared even the Duchess of Graham got sleepy during carriage rides.

It was late evening when you both arrived at the Graham estate and although Soonyoung was now much more prepared than before, he was still struck with awe at the sheer size and grandeur of the estate. There were vast gardens at the entrance and the manor itself loomed over the carriage. He could hear the sound of a creek nearby.

"Welcome to the Graham manor, Your Grace," you told him.

Soonyoung descended the carriage slowly, taking it all in. Was this to be his home? Was he really going to live here? Did all this really belong to him now?

"I am afraid we don't have enough time for a tour of the estate this evening," you told him as the servants hurried to open the front doors for you. "I sent word ahead to have supper ready. Perhaps tomorrow, I can show you around the manor and the gardens?"

Soonyoung swallowed and nodded silently.

"Shall we dine?"

"Y-yes."

The dining room was magnificent and there was a lavish spread for supper. Soonyoung decided that he was too far gone to exhibit any shame; he had not eaten all day due to the anxiety from the wedding, and was in no position to refuse the delicacies served at the table. Even the knowledge that you were watching him eat quietly with a small smile on your face did not deter him from filling his cheeks with food.

"Mr. Jones, will you show the Duke upstairs?" you asked once supper had been cleared away. Soonyoung was surprised when one of the butlers quickly ushered him upstairs through various lengthy hallways and foyers to an enormous bedchamber before he could ask any further questions.

A warm bath had been prepared for him in an adjoining bathroom and Soonyoung was surprised to see that all his belongings had already been brought and neatly unpacked in the bedchamber. He undressed and relaxed in the bath for a few moments before the fog from the excellent supper cleared from his mind and he remembered.

This was his wedding night.

You would have to consummate the marriage.

Soonyoung jerked upright and the water sloshed out of the side of his bath. He finished the bath quickly and dressed in a fresh night-suit that had been placed on the bed for him. Then he paced the room and regretted not asking someone about this sooner.

How did this work? Would you come to him? Did he go to you- but no, the manor was enormous and he did not have the slightest idea where you had gone after dinner. He could not wander the hallways searching for your. Should he ask a servant? The sheer mortification from the thought of doing so made Soonyoung shiver.

Would you even want to consummate the marriage? You had said in your own words that this was a marriage of convenience and not a love match. But even marriages of convenience were consummated! You had mentioned carrying on the lineage and to have children it would be necessary to consummate, so surely it would be done?

But perhaps you did not intend to do it tonight. You had fallen asleep in the carriage and you were probably tired from the journey. Perhaps the assumption was that you would consummate at a later time?

There was a soft knock on the door to the bedchamber.

"Come in!" Soonyoung called.

You peeked your head around the door and Soonyoung jumped to his feet. "Your Grace!"he greeted you.

"May I come in?"

"O-of course!"

You entered the bedchamber slowly; you were wearing a soft satin nightgown that revealed your silhouette and Soonyoung felt his blood rush to all the wrong places. Your cheeks were flushed and you were biting your soft lips nervously.

Soonyoung took a deep breath.

Well. It appeared that this would be happening tonight after all.

"I thought- we never got a chance to taste our own wedding cake, so I had them bring a few slices back for us," you explained softly. Soonyoung noticed that there was a covered tray in your hands. He rushed forward to take it from you, and placed it on the bedside table.

"Our wedding cake?" Soonyoung repeated anxiously.

You nodded and lifted the cover off the tray. There were two small slices of a pink strawberry cake covered in white frosting on the tray, as well as a bottle of wine and a pair of wine glasses. Soonyoung stared at the tray and then looked back at you.

"Oh," he said. "Cake. I see."

"The wine was a gift from Viscountess Hong," you continued to explain. Your voice was growing quieter, and Soonyoung noticed that you looked rather flushed. "She thought it might.. help. I must admit that I already had a glass earlier. But perhaps we could share another one?"

That explained why you looked flushed and the way your deep eyes boldly darted up to his and then turned away shyly. Soonyoung took a deep breath to calm himself and sat on the bed.

"Wine and cake," Soonyoung said with a smile. "Two of my favourite things."

"I thought you would regret missing the wedding cake. It's strawberry- made from fresh berries from the strawberry fields on the estate and the cook says she improved the recipe since the ball," you said. You were speaking more quickly than you normally did and Soonyoung noticed the slight tremble in your hand as you poured out two glasses of wine.

"Have you already tasted the cake as well?"

You shook your head.

Soonyoung was not sure where his sudden burst of confidence came from. He certainly never imagined that he would ever have the strength to make a move on any woman, much less a Duchess. But you were nervous. He could see it in your anxious eyes, in the soft lips that you kept biting, and the way your hands trembled slightly as you grasped your wine glass.

He took a small piece of cake on the spoon and held it out to you.

"Taste it first."

You stared at him for a long moment before leaning forward and taking the bite that he offered. You swallowed it and nodded.

"I think it's rather well made," you said softly.

Soonyoung chuckled- he had no doubt that it was well-made, it even smelled delicious. He took a huge bite out of the cake and delighted in the sweet strawberry taste that exploded in his mouth.

"That," he said firmly, "is the most delicious strawberry cake I have ever tasted."

You giggled. "Soonyoung, the cream is all over your face. Here…"

You leaned closer to him and used a napkin to wipe away the cream that had stuck to the corner of his lips. Soonyoung was suddenly flooded with your scent; the familiar fragrance of lilacs and an intoxicating scent that was you, so uniquely you. His dark eyes darted up and met your heavy, lidded gaze.

You kissed him first.

It was not a surprise- Soonyoung had been leaning forward but your lips found him much sooner than he expected, and he had to grasp the edge of the bed to steady himself. You were clumsy in your movements- perhaps it was the wine- and Soonyoung soon found himself wrapping his arms around you to steady you both in a deep, passionate kiss. Soonyoung's fingers grasped fistfuls of your satin nightgown and pulled you closer to him.

You gasped when his lips met your neck. Soonyoung was gentle but his touch was firm and your warm bodies melted together as you both explored each other with your hands and lips. Your hands grasped fistfuls of Soonyoung's dark hair, and you let out a squeal when Soonyoung grasped your waist tightly and turned so that you were lying underneath him on the bed.

He looked down at you for a moment. Your hair splayed out on the pillow and your lidded eyes looked up at him nervously. He could see the excitement and the anticipation, but also a hint of fear in your eyes.

"Soonyoung…" you whispered his name hesitantly. "I… I've never…."

Soonyoung decided that he would never give you a reason to look at him with fear again. He leaned down and pressed a soft, gentle kiss to your lips and waited until he felt you relax against his lips.

"Tell me if it hurts," he whispered gently, "and we can stop."

You looked up at him and nodded.

"A-allright."

—-------------------------------------------------------

#seventeen scenarios #hoshi scenarios #seventeen fluff #hoshi x reader #soonyoung x reader #soonyoung fluff #soonyoung scenarios #seventeen x reader #seventeen imagines #regency!au #seventeen fanfiction

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nexility-sims · 4 months

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𝐍𝐎. 𝟏 ❛ 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 ❜ | VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND YEARS

❧ 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 / 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭.

❛ The queen’s voice broke as she talked. Staring into the camera, she willed the tears to stay. Her eyes grew glassy, and the small audience before her—palace staffers and journalists, a mixed array of stone faces and quivering lips—blurred into a white haze. The decision to speak had come early in the morning as she sat alone in bed. The windows and doors were thrown open, and she stared at the moon until she could see the rabbits dancing upon its surface. Her hair was gone by then, wrapped in a bundle to accompany her daughter into the first of her graves. With one hand, Beatriz felt her scalp, with its hair shorter now than even on the day she was born. Mothering had never come easy to her. Neither her children nor her subjects received her love in full, or the way they desired it, or when they needed it. She had tried her hardest for Sayfa, of which she made no secret. Still, because she could not trust herself to have shown it, she also could not trust that her daughter had known.

𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭 ↓

❧ woo, finally ! mixed feelings, but the important part is that it's done. my favorite part is the rowena guest appearance, personally :^)

TRANSCRIPT:

[RV] Good morning. I’m Inti Rivera. Today, the nation prepares for the funeral of Princess Safya. This daytime in memoriam edition of UBC Nightly News will be followed by live coverage of the procession.

[RV V.O.] Princess Safya was born in 1950 to the recently crowned Queen Beatriz and her second husband, Matias Villar. With the preference for male heirs ended, the princess was presumed to be a future queen.

[RV V.O.] The Queen elected to reveal her daughter’s name at the annual naming festival in Yaas. She was the first royal infant in two generations to participate. Princess Safya would later do the same with all three of her own children.

[RV V.O.] Although she was her mother’s heir and began accompanying the queen on business early, the princess was also close with her father. Commentators regularly noted their similar personalities and interests, as did Queen Beatriz herself.

[RV V.O.] Mother Rowena, formerly queen, returned to public life following Princess Safya’s birth. The princess shared her first patronage with her grandmother, and the pair became the most popular royals. [I] Can you tell us where you were today, my princess? [S] We visited an orphanage. The children are less fortunate, so we take care of them. I’m happy to say that is my responsibility now.

[I] How did the princess do today, Mother Rowena? [R] I don’t know how she can stand upright with a heart of gold! She’s full of empathy, this little girl, for others. She’ll be a servant her whole life, just like her grandfather. I envy everyone who’ll live to see it. [S] {Gasps.}

[RV V.O.] In the eyes of many, Princess Safya ceased to be a little girl when she announced her engagement in 1968 to Rodrigo Dardarich. The news excited the public but was not without controversy. [S] Some will say this is quick. We accept that. It is. However, it’s also true what they say: when you know, you know.

[RV V.O.] The Princess married in 1969. In a first, the family shared behind-the-scenes photographs of preparation for the ceremonies. Her new husband, in another break from tradition, would not share Safya’s titles. The princess penned a letter to the public for the occasion, calling her marriage, quote, “the first true act of my own, my first real decision.”

[RV V.O.] Critics who expressed suspicion of the relationship were vindicated soon enough. The princess and Lord Rodrigo became a favorite subject of photographers. The most skilled captured public arguments on multiple occasions throughout the years. These photos proved lucrative as interest in the couple and their life together continued to grow.

[RV V.O.] In 1975, the Office of the Crown Princess issued a formal statement refuting an “investigation” published by Concordia that year. The paper alleged impending divorce, with lurid but unsubstantiated details of infidelity and financial strain. The Crown declined to support privacy legislation proposed by the Assembly of Uspana in 1976, 1977, and 1980.

[RV V.O.] Princess Safya and Lord Rodrigo gave a joint interview on the state of their marriage in 1985. The unprecedented, polarizing broadcast broke daytime viewership records. The interviewer, Isabel Eannes, was widely panned by most viewers and commentators. [S] I don’t think that’s a fair question. [I] So, you disagree, then? You haven’t been unhappy?

[R] She’s unhappy right now—she hates combative journalists. [S] {Laughs.} No! I don’t hate anyone. We asked for this. We begged.

[I] Let’s talk about the ring, then. It’s new. Smaller. Why? [S] People like us don’t get do-overs. But, we’re trying anyway. [R] The alternative is being apart. That’s impossible. It can’t happen. We must try, even if it isn’t easy. [S] It’s hard, but that’s love. ‘To love someone is to suffer for them.’ [I] {Scoffs.} That is Tecuani maxim, isn’t it?

[RV V.O.] The princess gave birth to her first child, Leonor, in 1970. To the nation’s delight, Princess Safya and her new baby were inseparable. [R] Let us see her! Can you talk a minute? Share something! [S] We’re late for a meeting, I’m sorry!

[RV V.O.] In 1974, Princess Safya and Lord Rodrigo welcomed their second child, Mateo. Her office announced two years later, on the heels of former Queen Rowena’s death, that Princess Safya would be scaling back to, quote, “refocus on her growing family.” She would regain her place as Uspana’s “hardest working royal” by 1981.

[RV V.O.] Princess Safya’s final child, Gil, was born in 1979. The princess had declared a decade prior that she hoped for a trio of children.

[RV V.O.] When asked in 1985 if she wanted more children, Princess Safya remarked that she was, quote, “retired” and “content” to await her future grandchildren instead of “competing” with her mother. Queen Beatriz has six children, all born between 1950 and 1962.

[RV V.O.] Princess Safya, like heirs before her, formally began her career as a working royal at the age of ten. Commentators described her that year as, quote, “articulate,” “cautious,” and “soft-spoken.”

[RV V.O.] The princess and her younger brother, Prince Arnaut, became regular members of their mother’s retinue. The Queen described her feelings on the matter in passing during a press conference: [B V.O.] “Teenager” is a weak term. Once, Safya would have governed a province in her own right as a teenager. No longer. We coddle and undertrain our heirs just like everyone else now. The assembly tells me that’s a “parenting” problem. Well, what I say is it certainly won’t be my problem when I’m dead, and you’re stuck with them! {Laughs.}

[RV V.O.] Queen Beatriz and Princess Safya were proactive concerning Leonor’s training as well. The pair remained inseparable in public, gaining valuable experience together. Before her death, the princess announced her daughter would join the team she intended to task with passing a new education initiative through the Assembly.

[RV V.O.] Princess Safya began crafting policy proposals in 1988 to encourage and improve access to higher education. In addition to boosting funding for Uspana’s institutions, the princess was in talks with lawmakers to make attending schools abroad a feasible, affordable option.

[RV V.O.] Princess Safya’s last official public appearance was during a tour of elementary schools in southern Uspana. The fatal yachting trip capped a month of nonstop travel. Having allegedly, quote, “hit a wall” with legislators, the princess was focusing on what she did best. Commentators as well as school administrators, teachers, parents, and students described her in warm terms. The princess was enthusiastic and always connected on a human level with her future subjects.

[RV] That concludes this morning’s in memoriam special. Now, we go to Bernardo Rea for live coverage at Nakawe Palace.

[RE] Good morning. The mood is somber at Nakawe Palace as the family and silent gathered crowds prepare for the procession. Moments ago, Queen Beatriz unexpectedly announced she intends to give televised remarks. We are waiting to be invited inside.

[B] My firstborn will be interred today. I doubt that requires prefacing. How can it? It’s reality. The burden is immense. I’ve done what I can to lift it from my family. After funeral rites, the most sacred ritual we have is to shear our hair. This is surrendering power—spirituality vulnerability. It says, “Give me the pain of mourning. I can carry it for us all.” Not just anyone can be so burdened. You must be ready. You have to be empty.

[B] My request for all of you, the hundreds of thousands who I suspect will gather across Uspana, is this: empty yourself for her. Cry for my daughter. Weep as profusely as you can. Fill the streets with water so it will carry her home—to the mountains that chose her, that chose to take her away from us all, from me. We will let her go together, as one People.

#;long post #ts4 story #sims story #sims 4 story #ts4 royalty #sims 4 royalty #ts4 royal legacy #ts4 royal family #royal sims #simblr #ts4 legacy #1992.story.post #1992.a1 #1992.e02

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the-cat-and-the-birdie · 8 months

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Inca-Spider - Moche Huapaya - Earth-802

Pronounced 'Mo-Chae HWA-Pa-ya' (Also goes by Mochi) - 24 - She/Her - 4'11 - Yes, I ship her with Miguel. - From Incan Year 802 (or our 1992) ______________________________________________

Bitten and blessed by The Fanged Spider-God - Aia Paec, Moche is the wall-crawling protector of Cusco. Along with the likes of Pavitr and Spider-man Noir, she's a part of a small class of Spider-people blessed and empowered of Gods.

Moche Huapaya:

Moche is best described as warm and independent. She's autistic, and spent most of her childhood weaving alone, or roaming the mountainous plains around her village with her family's pack of llamas. But Moche loves people, and has always found much community in her village's temples, her Aunt Mayu a great curandera (healer). Moche takes after her aunt, always eager to help. And she was raised by her aunt and Uncle Huacan to always serve the community, but always find strength within herself. Advice that'd become very useful the night her village was attacked. At 15, after centuries of peace, the Spanish army invaded her country, armed with new vibranium-made weaponry. Chased into the wilderness by Spanish soldiers, and stranded - Moche unknowingly came across Huachuma* [Hwa-chu-ma], a sacred psychedelic cactus, and ate it to avoid starvation. As she began to consume the plant, a spider crawled from the root and bit her - And as she fell under a spell of Huachuma and venom, she was faced with Aia Paec, The Fanged Spider-God. She returned to her village as The Inca-Spider, the Avatar and vessel of Aia Paec. And she has the fangs to prove it. For 9 years, Inca-Spider has served as the nation's protector, defending them through the intensive and ongoing war with the Spanish. The summer after her college graduation, Moche returned from Lima to her family home Cusco. The day before returning to the city, Moche's village is faced with a strange man - almost 7 foot tall, and speaking Spanish. And to her, Miguel is the strangest person she's ever met. But above all else - Moche's still just a 24 year old in 1992 and she acts like it. Sarcastic but lighthearted, she likes Quechuan soap operas, Q-Pop (Quechua Pop), riding her motorcycle and surfing off the coast of Lima.

The Inca-Spider:

The Provider of Water and Protection - Aia Paec has protected the Quechua people for centuries. Considered the Decapitator, his fanged mask sits in every Inti temple. Victorious against the first Spanish invasion, Aia Paec fell dormant - relegated to a bringer of rain. And so did the Inca-Spider. But when there is a need, Aia Paec is of service. Compassionate but not merciful, Aia Paec submits to no one - but his community. And he considers all Quechua people as his children. The newest living incarnation - Moche is no different. She's the village Curandera (a indigenous healer), responsible for spiritual brews, divination, and ceremony - a tradition taught to her by Aunt Mayu. After her aunt's passing, she also went on to become a Mamacona (Sun-god Inti's temple attendant) As a Mamacona she now lives at the Inti temple with the other 'nuns', and despite her loss, she considers her sisters as her found family. And they ALL have an opinion on Miguel. (They call him AncaApu or 'Blue Mountain' for how tall he is.)

[WARNING: This post is LONG. VERY LONG. Like..my longest so far. And very detailed. Below are more details about Moche's Style & Design, Origin, Powers, & Other Quechua cultural details.

Plus her relationship with Miguel, her role in ATSV and her friendship with Hobie. [There are mentions of colonization in this post - as well as how joining the Society and learning about Spanish colonization affected her. * - There are also mentions of the ceremonial psychedelic Huachuma Cactus, which is a real and practiced Andean ceremony to this day. I personally have sat in ceremony and would love to share my experience/knowledge - for more information on these medicines - check the very bottom. Thanks!]

Style:

When Moche is in her home city of Cusco, she will often wear the traditional Quechuan style of dress - a red sweater, a black and decorated skirt, and a wide brim hat. One of the only remnants of the Spanish's attempt at colonization - Quechuans in Tawanti instead see their dress as something completely reclaimed, a reflection of their resilience and art.

And because she spends most of her time between there and Spider Society - it's almost everyday that you can find Moche in a petticoat and red sweater, made from the wool of village's llamas. She's worn a hat and black skirt from childhood to college, and when she's back home, she has no plans of stopping. Because of this Moche prefers skirts, and never wears pants if she can help it. Thought that became a problem walking upside down at HQ. So now she sews her own harem pants with tiered lace around them, to give the same fluffy illusion. But when it comes to skirts, she likes them any length, any fluffiness. Even black jean skirts. She's from 1992 after all. However while on HQ, Moche likes to wear her hair out of her braids, knowing the older women at the Inti Temple would have a heart attack over it. As gold is sacred to her people, it's VERY fashionable back home, and Moche tries to wear it as much as she can. Just the same, when not in her everyday-Quechua clothing, she'll usually be caught wearing a red-top/black-skirt combo and a hat of some sort. She feels naked without them or a little gold.

Her Suit:

Not being able to wear a skirt while swinging was one of the main thoughts Moche kept in her mind during the designing process, and the solution - lace bloomers and a waist-cape! But unlike most Spider-people, Moche didn't make her suit at all. Aia did. Much like Miguel's, Moche's suit is a layer that manifests over her body when her web-gauntlets are on. Aia Paec manifested the suit based on what he perceived to be Moche's needs and tastes. The foot straps were her idea though. Moche's head-dress is directly inspired by the traditional headdress of Warrior Priests - When Moche hangs upside down, her headdress and cape forms her home flag. And although Moche is ace - that's not a LGBTQ+ flag! It's the actual Flag of Cusco, Peru -

[Sometimes the Cusco flag is also shown without the gold emblem! And the original (Gilbert Baker) pride flag has extra colors - so how do you tell them apart? LGBTQ+ flags usually have an even number of stripes. Cusco is always odd. Good rule of thumb: LGBTQ+ = queer, but Cusco = odd.] Though she gets questions about it on campus A LOT. Moche also grew up wearing sandals all the time, so running around in her suit barefoot felt a little wrong to her. Instead she ties leather straps at her ankles - to help her grip when clinging to mountainsides or cliff faces.

Face Claim(s): Quechua-rapper Renata Flores

History & Origin:

Living in the Andean year 802 (1992 for us), Moche was raised in the mountains outside of Cusco, a historical, bustling city teeming with Inca culture and religion. Tawantinsuyu (the indigenous name for Peru, Chile, Boliva, Ecuador etc) - or just Tawanti has known peace for 400 years. But when Moche is 15, her village is attacked, thrown into chaos as the Spanish unleash another war, backed with new vibranium weaponry. Moche's Auntie Mayu urged her to flee to the mountains, taking her families herd of llamas with her. Chased into the wilderness by Spanish soldiers, Moche - once a clever navigator - found herself disoriented and stranded among the deserted hills and plains. Facing starvation, Moche collapsed at the foot of a Huachuma Cactus - unknowing of the sacred plant teacher inside. Begging for mercy and to live, Moche ate the cactus to survive - unknowing of the plant's ceremonial and psychedelic nature - or the spider inside. Moche was faced with 'Aia Paec - The Decapitator' - a fanged spider-god in her religion. The protector of The Inca, Aia Paec presented Moche with her first premonition: the potential destruction of her people. Aia then presented Moche with a choice: become the Avatar of the Spider-God - or refuse, having no recollection of the event afterwards. Either way, she'd live another day. Moche accepted the role of Avatar, earning her fangs and web gauntlets. And she returned to her village as the Inca-Spider. Although her Uncle Huacan died in the fight, Moche arrived in time to fend off the first of many Spanish attacks. With fangs of her own to prove her title of Avatar, she was accepted by her community with open arms, her identity as Inca-Spider open and known. However, they do not revere her, instead seeing Moche more as a public servant than an idol. Moche lived in her village outside of historic and sacred Cusco until she was 18, before attending college in the futuristic city of Lima - near the pacific coast. - During the 16 century, a mine of gold near the city was found laced with Vibranium, catapulting the nation into a Wakanda-like surge of advancement. There Moche attended the University of Lima on a musical scholarship, for her cultural flute playing. At 24, she graduated Cum Laude with a dual degree in Cultural Studies and Computer Science (she's technically still from 1992). During this time, she learned English and Spanish. [However she does not speak Spanish natively at all, and speaks it like any other person who learned it in college. Considering this, the history of her nation, and confusion around Spanish gendered nouns (as Quechua has none) she prefers to speak English]

Powers and Abilities:

Moche has all the usual Spider-Powers - including a pair of fangs to prove her title of avatar. However, unlike Miguel, Moche's are purely ornamental, and she'll only really flash them to other Quechua people to prove her status. They're unretractable and noticeably shorter than his.

The niece of a textile weaver, Moche is a Weaver spider - like Pavitr, she focuses on maneuvers and flips that allow her to create webs and tangles. Her web-shooters easily cocoon opponents, and Moche often uses webs as wings and gliders instead of swinging, which is more convenient in the Andean mountains. Up-keep: To maintain her abilities, Moche must follow a thorough moral code and spiritual regimen - including things such as divination, meditation, formal ceremony, and occasionally fasting. One time throughout the year, Moche loses her powers. During this time she enters a period of isolation, fasting, meditation, and spiritual rest. All the while, she can only access her powers if she or her community is in direct danger, in which she has to call upon Aia. Otherwise, during this time she reverts to an average human, and focuses on self-reflection, devotion, and mindfulness. Once she's recharged and proves to Aia her duty to her great responsibility, she regains her great powers. This cycle usually takes 3 weeks out of the year. Web-shooters: Moche's Web-shooters are not mechanical or organic, but something in between. The second mark of the Avatar is her gauntlets, two relics given to her by Aia Paec. They're magical, spawning unlimited golden webs. However, they act like organic webs - because they spawn whenever she needs them. Moche's gauntlets can't be stolen or lost. When legitimate danger strikes, her cuffs will appear within her reach or bag immediately. Once they are on, however, they can't be taken off until the threat is dealt with or gone. Aia Paec sees fleeing as dishonorable, and so for Moche it's not an option. The Machu Blade: A real-life blade found at Machu Pichu, Moche weilds a golden ceremonial blade used like the one below. Used to farm Huachuma in Tawanti, she mainly uses it for farm work. The blade spawning from her gauntlet, Moche often uses it like a machete in battle - but the white of her suit will never stain with blood and the blade itself cannot pierce her. She usually combines it with her webs, throwing it over her head or swinging it at opponents before lassoing it back. Ever seen the use of the tomahawk in the movie 'Prey'? She's doing that.

[POV: You're dishonorable and with be dealt with swiftly] Eye of the Spider - Every battle is made equal and honorable with this ability. Moche will get visions that help her even the field in battle. She can't see hits coming, but if the enemy is planning on doing something that is considered dishonorable in battle, Moche will get a vision in warning. Example: If Moche gets into a fight she believes is one-on-one, but the person has a third party in hiding to ambush her, Aia will give her a vision in warning. - If instead, the other person discloses the third party before the fight, Aia Paec would consider that an honorable move, and Moche wouldn't get a vision. This extends to things such as concealed weapons, hidden doors/rooms, acts of cheating/slight - and if you're bluffing at Poker, she can see your cards. She can't help it, and it's technically NOT cheating. According to her. Aia took some convincing. Still that trick got her through college. Intentional lies always go noticed by her as well. The Big Guy Upstairs Aia Paec is considered both a provider and warrior for the Andean people. Ruthless in battle, Aia Paec is the creator god responsible for all food, water, and triumph in war. He is about balance, honor, and respect above of things. Fortunately for Moche, he's more agreeable than say - Venom or Khonsu - and he doesn't care much for Moche's personal life or interests. Sure, he cares about her well-being. But not her soap-ops. However when it comes to The Inca-Spider, Aia Paec can be demanding, and he'll never let Moche walk away from a 'worthy' or justified battle. He cares little about things like pride, but if he feels like someones basic respect or rights are being encroached on, or someone is being threatened by another stronger than them, he WILL make Moche step in. Either by pestering her, or if necessary, assuming control and getting her into a fight before leaving Moche to get out of it. ('That wasn't me, I swear. God made me smack you.') After witnessing Miguel attack Miles and assault both Gwen and Diane (while sending Gwen home), Aia Paec declares Miguel as dishonorable and compels Moche to battle him. Despite her deep care for Miguel, Moche chose to follow her oath to Aia Paec and oblige.

Moche & The Spider Society: And the trauma of joining -

Recruitment:

The summer after her graduation, Moche returned home to her family home Cusco. The day before returning to the city, Moche's village is faced with a strange man - almost 7 foot tall, and speaking Spanish. Moche is immediately skeptical and very suspicious of the man named Miguel - and she almost doesn't believe his story, concerned he may be a Spanish spy. That is, until she realizes that he's marked with fangs, the same way she is. Still, he has to earn her trust. And getting her to join is no easy feat. First, she must test his honor. The test took three days, a trek to the mountains and a meeting with Huachuma cactus and Ayahuasca brew that changed Miguel's life. Miguel passed Aia Paec's test in the Astral Plain, and so - as she'd promised - Moche joined the Spider Society, with him as her mentor.

"Integration":

To be honest, Moche's first few weeks on campus could be considered outright traumatic. However, it wasn't the Society or technology she found jarring - but the loss of her culture. During her induction process, it had been Miguel's job to tell her about the colonization of her people - in almost all other universes. Until this point, Moche had no understanding of Latin America, because to her - America had never become latin. Up until this point, she had only a vague idea of why Miguel spoke Spanish and not Yucatec, but it was only then that she was explained the full extent of the damage. Quechua culture, people, and language are still VERY much alive today, with 8 million native speakers (it's actually the indigenous language in the Americas with the most speakers) - but that does not understate the massive destruction and slaughter they endured at the hands of the Spanish - even down to the murder of their last emperor - nearly 600 years before 2099. In the multiverse, much of the culture and history Moche has been taught over her lifetime doesn't exist - the massive developments made in the last half century completely lost. To her, the country of Peru was foreign, despite her being 'from there'. It was a very sharp shock to the senses, and Moche went through a deep period of mourning. Even moreso, she became terrified of collapsing her universe - and the only trace of her culture. Induction periods are usually spent in the dorms, and Moche spent most of her time there alone. During that time she between talking to the Lyla in her watch, and the two became close friends. To Miguel this hardship was completely unexpected - and unintentional. A majority of his time went to rectifying this and trying to comfort Moche. Determined to avoid the trauma towards recruits in the future, Moche and Miguel directly developed The Spider Society Adjustment Course together (- in which vulnerable recruits live in a separate wing and receive services like therapy and a mix of mental health and multiversal culture courses) It took Moche a long while to adjust - and she still is, mostly working at Society HQs in administrative roles rather than active missions. Those she is great in the field. But she still has a LOT of problems with people constantly misrepresenting her because of her indigenous ancestry and unique universe. "Oh! A Peruvian Spider! We love a latina queen!" "No. I'm not Latin." "Sorry, 'Hispanic', then?" "No, I learned Spanish in college." "So, then what are you? Not to be rude." "Inca." "Those still exist?? Or are you from like 1500 or something like Webslinger? OMG Are you from El Dorado or something?" "El Dorado is Spanish. Also, it doesn't exist. Also no. I'm from 1992." "That doesn't make much sense cause the Spanish-" *Moche looking at a nearby Lyla like she's on The Office*

['There's a talking piece of fucking plastic and a sentient car here what is so mystical about an indigenous person to these people???????'] -Moche ranting to Lyla later

Moche & Her Job @ The Society:

Overall, Moche is clearheaded but a total 'Type A' personality. She loves to stay busy, consistently the only person on campus who gets up before Miguel. She is known as a 'Class A - Weaver' Spider under Society Specifications, and is usually called for missions that include large crowds of civilians - as she's great at making cocoons and hammocks to catch people. Recruited and mentored by Miguel, she's a graduate of the Spider Society Educational Program - with a concentration in a Multiversal Sociology and Data Input - basically learning and tracking the cultures of the incoming recruits. After revolutionizing the Societies' computer systems with a computerized version of Quechua Quipus (an ancient information system made of strings), Moche was promoted to Third-in-command, after Miguel and Jessica.

[A Quipu for reference. Imagine the base canon event of being bit as the central string, and all other canon events/canonical paths being the outward strings. She did that but in Lyla if that makes sense.]

She also works as Miguel's '2nd assistant' - the person who does all the things Lyla can't. Like getting Miguel coffee. Or making sure he eats, reminding him to drink water. Fetching parts and physical files for him, and reminding him the details of every recruit before a meeting. If something is going down on campus - If it involves talking to people, It's her Miguel's sending.

Moche & Miguel:

Yes. I ship them. (Also I'll write more in another post but)

Moche and Miguel aren't necessarily boyfriend and girlfriend. If you ask, they'll say they're 'seeing one another'. And then they'll quickly change the conversation because talking about relationships in the workplace in unprofessional and they're professionals (and shy).

In fact, their relationship could even be described as Non-conventional because they're extremely conventional.

As in, Moche and Miguel operate like a pair of 1950's teenagers that are 'going steady'. If anything, their relationship is a lot closer to 'courting' than dating. Whereas Diane and Hobie hardly ever go on dates, Miguel and Moche go on dinner dates a LOT. Usually accompanied by flowers and Miguel having to drop her off at the temple after. (He has to bring something gentlemanly or else the older Mamaconas are NOT letting her out). The two of them had to build up to holding hands before they ever kissed - if that gives you a better idea of what I mean. Before she fully joined the society, Miguel was almost embarrassed when he walked in on her and for the first time she wasn't wearing her braids - as if that were an intimate thing to see. He apologized profusely. She apologized profusely, telling him it was okay. Aia Paec was annoyed with the both of them.

When it comes to pet names, neither use Spanish terms. Just cause. The first time he called her 'mi amor' Moche was probably caught off guard a little.

Instead, they may call each other 'Chata', 'Muna', and 'Wayllu' or any other number of shortened Quechua terms. They also usually say I love you in Quechua, which is simply 'Kuyayki.' [Chata -> Chatashka - Lover / Muna -> Munashka - Darling / Wayllu -> Wayllushka - Beloved] Miguel's most common name for her is 'Cuy' or Guinea, which Moche HATES. In Quechua, 'Cuy' means Guinea pig. The Spanish were known for bringing over beef and cattle, and as a result for her, beef is hardly eaten in Tawanti. Instead, eating and raising Guinea Pig is more common (as is common in Peru). Moche was raised eating cuy. Miguel has never eaten it in his life. Considering cuy LOOKS like a fried guinea pig, he can't really take the thought. But back at her village, Moche was raised breeding and taking care of the cuy. Miguel finds them kind of adorable, and what's even more adorable is Moche looking after them. And since she's fairly small compared to him - he calls her Cuy. To many people - on campus - this is cute. To Miguel it's like calling her bunny or mouse. But to the people in her village, and probably the whole country, it's hilarious. To them cuy are not pets - It's like calling your girlfriend a chicken or turkey and expecting it to be romantic. Which he does. Her telling him to stop usually results in him kissing the side of the head (and doing it again). She'll usually call him AncuApu in return.

With Miguel's past loss and Moche's traditional upbringing, the two enjoy taking it slow. Like really slow. And since both of them are A-spec (Moche ace and Miguel demi) their relationship is mostly to completely romantic and emotional.

Moche's only interest in sex is starting a family one day. And Miguel is fine with that. It wasn't something they really talked or thought about. UNTIL Mayday. Having her around campus, has given Moche baby fever. And even if she's not running to jump in bed, she can't stop saying how much she LOVES Mayday's chunky cheeks and little arms and curly hair and- So when Jess got pregnant - It's like, okay - when's the other baby shoe dropping? Jess is like 'We twinning? Just kidding..We twinning though???' Instead they spend their time eating in downtown Lima (they're foodies), watching Quechua soaps (she got him hooked), or organizing things for the Society. Although those sound like old people married couple stuff, they LOVE it. The two of them see each other as rocks in the other's lives, but more than that, the two of them are most focused on feeling each other out, learning each other, and hopefully starting a future together.

[Lol just wait till you get to the ATSV section - PAIN]

Oh - and while Miguel's test Moche met Gabby face to face while the two of them were in Ayahuasca ceremony - and she was able to deliver a message from her to Miguel. But that's a long story.

Schedule:

Moche still lives back home in her village in Tawantinsuyu, taking over a lot of the spiritual and mundane needs of the village. She wakes up at dawn, tending to the llamas and spiritual herbs in the morning before heading to campus. After, she'll spend her 8-10 hours on Society Campus before returning home to bring in the animals and watchover the community during the night. It's usual for the other Mamaconas (temple assistants) to wait for her portal in the yard, and start talking her ear off right away. But by now, it's normalized. So long as she's not late or anything.

Moche & ATSV:

Moche does not join in on the chase - being physically unable to. Aia Paec declares the act as dishonorable, restricting her movement and 'forcing' her to hang back. She instead heads to the control room to aid Margo and update her on the situation.

When the Go-Home Machine began to go 'haywire', her 'Eye of the Spider' ability allows her to see Miles as soon as he steps in the room. However, Moche chooses not to acknowledge him at Aia Paec's order. Aia Paec also restricts her vocal chords at the time, making it impossible for her to rat Miles out - though she wouldn't either way.

Watching as Miguel assaults Gwen - and then Diane, who comes to her defense - Moche is completely shocked. And although she tries to calm him down - Miguel refuses to hear it.

So Aia compelled her, and she agreed. But terrified of fighting Miguel, Moche made the decision to let Aia Paec assume complete control for the first time - total possession. As Miguel ordered the rest of the Society to scour the multiverse - Aia Paec openly challenged him, citing him as no longer honorable and worthy of the fanged title. And although he is in Moche's body, he will not allow Miguel to go unchecked.

However as the fight stretched on, Moche's emotional state - mixed with the fear of seeing Miguel aggressive beyond her understanding - renders her unable to maintain the connection, weakening Aia's efforts. And the fight ends with Miguel almost badly wounding Moche after Aia refuses to relent.

Aia releases Moche just in time, so she can see Miguel's abuse and dishonorable behavior for herself. Terrified, she comes to with Miguel standing over her, and for the first time Moche finds herself frozen in fear - and she begged him not to wound her further.

Finally coming to the weight of his actions, Miguel however, is horrified. But before he can attempt an apology, Aia Paec resumed control, using the chance to escape through a portal.

However, understanding that her watch would be disabled from this point on - instead of her home universe, a wounded Moche finds herself of the bow of a boat she's never seen.

Hobie's boathouse. Moche may not know him, or Diane, or even Gwen that well. But Aia Paec knows she'll be of use to them. So here she is.

RANDOM HEADCANONS about Moche: [We're almost done I PROMISE - not really lol]

When needed her suit can spawn a manta (called a Lliklla in Quechua).

It's a woven cloth worn over the shoulders to carry babies or literally anything else you need to. That's her 'suit purse'.

She will also carry children she rescued in her manta. Or just give them rides around Cusco.

Moche's best friend is Lyla - and she feels a little embarrassed by this. She has to keep telling herself that Lyla is real, she's just not human. Still, kinda weird being from 1992.

But they are very close and have discussed things about if Lyla is real or can feel and stuff - and to Moche it's very clear she can.

Moche is very hard to upset. She's rather calm, and usually expresses sadness more than anger. But for Spider-people that say Lyla isn't real or that she's not sentient -

Moche gets VERY upset very quickly. The both of them find it hurtful and Moche will not talk to you after if you say that. She will immediately leave the room to go be alone.

Being autistic, it can be daunting to make friends though Moche is friendly. She finds talking to Lyla a lot easier, plus Lyla is always in her watch.

Some of the chillest memories Moche has is hanging out with Miguel and Lyla in his office, listening to Spanish music and Q-pop and cracking jokes.

(Miguel can take a joke I promise and he's funny as hell. He tells the jokes that have you like 'damn he got my ass'.)

It usually turns into her and Miguel roasting each other playfully as Lyla keeps score.

Miguel doesn't understand how an AI HE MADE could like Moche MORE.

Because of this, losing access to her watch (and thus Lyla) after ATSV - combined with barely knowing anyone on the houseboat besides maybe Peter, Moche finds herself a bit lonely.

Mentioned by Miguel, Moche became a mentor herself.

She's Pavitr's mentor. When he joined, her and Aia were a large part of redesigning his suit to what it is today.

Since they share a swinging style, she trains him and he's her star pupil.

Pavitr can get really competitive though, and she often has to reel him in when he gets REALLY into it -

Like screaming at the top of his lungs during 4wallFootball or wanting to race people EVERYWHERE.

Pavi is also taller than her. She didn't notice until he brought it up because he's SO PROUD he's found 'someone to be short with'.

She prefers she/her when it's about her specifically - and they/them when referencing IncaSpider, as she considers her and Aia as two people, not one.

Another subtle mark of the Avatar, Moche's eyes glows gold/yellow in the darkness, similar to a cat's - a sign of her Spider-eyes and Aia's presence.

This feature also reduces the amount of glare Moche sees, a very needed thing in the sunny Andes mountains.

Because it can get so sunny and bright during the day, it's hell on earth for Miguel. Sunglasses all day.

But it's the altitude sickness that gets him. He's superhuman but still feels out of breath. And NO amount of chewing coca leaves is enough to help.

So now 4'11 Moche has to baby and look after this nauseous GIANT because she said 'I know a place' then started walking them up a mountain

Moche is a very talented musician and musician - exceptionally so - with a focus on indigenous music

She is a master pan-flute player - and currently one of the only women to reach such status.

Traditionally considered a 'man's instrument' - Moche was taught by her Uncle Huacan for her to aid in traditional ceremony.

As a Mamacona and Curandera she also knows traditional dance, and loves all other kinds of dancing too.

Moche was the first female flute player to be accepted into her universities Musical Program.

She also plays acoustic guitar (and the first time she saw Hobie swinging his she was like 'What's wrong with you??') and occasionally sings.

And she makes her own music - though it's not what most people expect.

Moche writes mainly Inca-rap and 'Runagae' - a blend of Runasimi (literally 'The people's language') and Reggae.

She's is from 1992 after all.

Runagae takes large influence from Reggae drums and rhythm, mixing it with traditional Andean instruments like flutes and percussion.

Like an indigenous version of Reggaeton and Rap.

Runagae is often in many languages, primarily Quechua, Aymara, and Yucatec - as well a indigenous languages from the Caribbean.

Miguel is a sleeper fan.

Don't ask what they're listening to - cause Miguel is gonna tell you some obscure ass Runagae rapper from Lake Titicaca

That's because Tawantisuyu is extremely multilingual.

Many because of the half dozen indigenous ethnic groups in the country.

Quechua and Aymara are the two primary languages - with Yucatec being a secondary language, and English an 'international' language.

Yucatec is usually taught in the place of what people usually take as Spanish. This is largely because of Tawanti's close ties to the Aztec Nation of Maya to the north.

Most people know in the cities know their local indigenous languages, as well as secondary Yucatec or English.

In fact less than 1% of people in Tawanti speak any kind of Spanish

Without colonization, Spanish lacks much of it's global influence and many people are surprised to hear Miguel speak it.

He gets questions about both parts of his name there.

Many Tawantins say his Spanish accent in Quechua is hard to understand, or 'unique'.

Miguel Quechua is good enough that he can probably get around without much help, but if he has to talk to someone more than five minutes he's gonna need Moche there.

'Excuse me, he said no pickles.'

One thing she loves just as much as music is her motorcycle.

You're not getting to the highlands with a sedan. Sorry. If you wanna make your way out of Cusco and to her village, you're better off with a bike.

And she rides hers from Lima back to Cusco every chance she gets - the ride shortened to only 6 hours.

The only thing-

Miguel looks ridiculous on the back of her bike. He's HUGE. Everytime he gets on the bike dips down.

And she goes "MI, YOU'RE HUGE."

The first time Miguel really thought she was gonna let him drive.

That might've been the first time in her life she's laughed in ANYONE'S face.

And considering their drastic height difference, she was looking UP and laughing in his face.

Though, as a motorcycle owner himself back in Neuva York, they just got Jess to teach them how to ride through portals.

The other Manaconas LOVE it when Miguel rides through on his bike. He gets a lot of squeals.

But not from Moche.

The two of love racing each other, or just riding together, and that's the biggest way they relieve stress. Just riding through the mountains and streets.

Their first kiss happened after a night of riding their cycles in Nueva York.

Moche kissed him (they were sitting next to each other - otherwise he's too tall)

And she immediately was like 'UH I HAVE TO GO. RIGHT NOW. I HAVE TO GO HOME.'

Considering she kissed a guy 8 years older than her AND HER BOSS

And of course Lyla was easedropping on all this.

To shocked to tell her it's alright, Moche takes off back to 802 before he can say anything.

As soon as she gets through the portal, Lyla is like 'OOOOOOHH, you've really done it now!' - 'Don't tell Jess.' - 'I already told Jess.' - 'Lyla, It JUST happened.' - 'She has her notifications on~'

MEANWHILE Lyla is talking to Miguel back at HQ and they're like 'Lyla, Did you se-' - 'I did.' - 'She-' - 'Uh-huh.' - '...' - 'Do you want me to play your 'too-many-emotions' playlist? - '...Yes.'

Miguel was the first to say I love you - story for another time

Prior to appearing on his boat, Moche had barely spoken to Hobie or Diane - though she knew who they were.

She honestly thought the two of them were literally crazy. She understands VERY little of what they do or how they act.

On one hand, Moche needs things to be very blunt, and is more fact minded. That's why her and Miguel get along.

On the other, Hobie is very cryptic and good at concealing things - everything he does having an extra layer of context.

Moche can't read that context AT ALL - and because Hobie isn't being dishonorable, only a weirdo, her power doesn't help.

But that combined with Hobie's accent, Moche can barely follow a conversation with him without saying "Elaborate." ten thousand times.

Or just flat out saying "What are you talking about?" - "Hobie, You're not making any sense." - or - "You're speaking gibberish right now."

His elaborations never help.

There's been many times in the past that Miguel and her have had conversations about his mysterious ways after he leaves the room.

'I swear, I'll never understand him.' - 'I've stopped trying.' - 'I don't think he wants to be understood.' - 'That's usually called being a pain in the ass.'

Though Hobie respects her on the whole 'Indigenous God Vessel' thing - but he's even more interested in Aia Paec.

He LOVES annoying him, knowing that Aia can't directly reply and that Moche is caught in between.

Sometimes though it gets to the point of Aia Paec consuming control to tell him some choice words.

Hobie loves this.

Though it isn't until Moche sees the workshop of his boathouse that her purpose with the team is revealed

Because of her work at The Society, her and Hobie work closely together on things like new watches and other multiverse technology.

After he realized that Moche had lost her best friend in Lyla, Hobie made it his mission to become her friend no matter what

And he finds they really grow through their love of music and composing. You might find it surprising, but Hobie doens't just play music - he KNOWS it

Scales, Majors & Minors, Tempo, the history behind classic composers, blues artists, everything

So even if they don't really listen to the same music, they talk about music like it's a science, how a key change can really give a song emotion, different kinds of singing the singer uses - etc

He's successful - and although they're basically opposites in every way, somehow Moche thinks he's an absolute goofball - plus he helps her get out of her shell more.

He's without a doubt her second best friend - after Lyla (Mayday is her third.)

Hobie completely understands why she may not get his jokes all the time and never looks him in the eye, he's super chill about it.

Eventually the two of them learn how to reactive her watch, and using the old parts, Hobie made Moche a new one with her own separate Lyla, with her old memories and all.

Their reunion was REALLY EMOTIONAL. They're literal bffs4ever.

Tawantins (citizens of Tawanti) don't call Moche Spider-woman

Instead, she's is usually called the AwaqMasi or simply Masi - Quechua for 'Weaver's Assistant'

In this case, Aia Paec is the Weaver - and Moche is considered the assistant.

Because of this, she's usually treated like a public servant - someone spiritual hired to do a job - rather than a 'chosen one'.

This extends to Miguel as well - if his fangs are showing. Which sucks, considering he's fairly clueless in her world.

Often, Tawantins who see his fangs will almost start ordering him around, expecting him to help. Like telling him to take the animals out, though he's never touched a llama in his life and doesn't know the difference from an alpaca.

Good thing his can retract and he can get out of it. Moche is very jealous.

Often for them to get in somewhere, like needing a place to sleep during travel, they'll be lengthy conversation in Quechua with someone before she turns to him and goes "Show the fangs."

Usually, that's enough.

People know Moche and Aia. They're not novel.

But when people see MIGUEL, a huge new fanged being, they treat him like he's a newborn on his first day home.

Moche often has to tell them he's 'empty-headed', as in he lacks a patron God.

Miguel always has to ask if she has to say it that way (she doesn't lol)

[LMAO I had to add a break here so tumblr wouldn't mess up the post formatting]

Now however, Tawantins know about Miguel, and 'Spider-man'.

Although the same way her people don't call her 'Spider-woman', they don't call Miguel 'Spider-man' either. In fact, they don't associate him with spiders at all.

Most Tawantins would identify him as a jaguar - a sacred animal in Andean culture

This is mainly because of the way Miguel's fangs, claws, the way he runs, and his long leaps.

Because of this, the hero 'Spider-man' is called Runa-utu-runcu, though they usually just say Runarun.

A 'Runa' is an indigenous person, and a 'UtuRuncu' is a jaguar - so the same way Moche & Aia are seen as a spirit and a human -

Most Twantins see Miguel as something akin to a werewolf. Or werecat rather.

They believe he is a man who turns into a spiritual 'panther' of sorts.

Which Moche finds hilarious. The head of Spider-Society getting called a cat? Genius.

When Jess told Moche that Gwen called Miguel 'Garfield' - another orange cat - she laughed until she was in tears.

Because of this, Moche will call him 'Runcu' as a way of calling him 'jaguar' - the same way MJ says 'tiger'.

She also calls him Garfield and makes cat jokes about him.

"His webs are red lasers so he can entertain himself like the housecat he is."

Tawanti is a communist nation - much of the culture based on the traditional Incan 'commune-like' village.

Miguel was astonished to find that if they flash people their fangs, they'll just - invite them in. They're happy to have them.

Because of the vibranium-laced gold found near Lima in the 1800's, the country is a large player in world politics and economy.

And citizens can enjoy things like basic income, rent-controlled housing, free university, and more.

Thanks to the vibranium, Lima is very 'Wakanda-like' in essence and New York in everything else.

The average Quechua woman is 5'0", and Moche is just under that at 4'11. Her and Miguel have a 22 inch height difference - almost 2 feet.

This she is fine with. What she ISN'T fine with us people making it out to be a HER thing.

'Awww you look so short next to him-' No, Moche INSISTS, she's average. He's just fucking gigantic.

He barely fits doorways in Tawanti. The village had to weave him new clothes cause nothing they had fit.

With Diane at 5'11" (6'4'' in skates) and Hobie at 6'5", Diane WISHES they had a height gap. And she hates it if you say they're the same height.

(Hobie always tells her they're the same height. No, we're not, She says while being almost exactly at eye level with him)

Meanwhile, Moche and Miguel are the opposite.

They'll look at you like it's bizarre you noticed, because well... It's not that they get anything out of it. Other than maybe neck pain.

It's not like Miguel finds her 'more cute' because she's 'small'. And if anything it's kinda annoying.

Especially when Moche is mad at him - so she makes him sit down during an argument so it's fair.

If you bring it up or say something like "Awww, he makes you look so tiny!'

She's likely to say "I know, he's a freak of nature isn't he?"

Or going further "He makes everyone look tiny. He's 6'9". Back home, you can see him from a block away. People crowd around him. Honestly it's kinda hard taking him in public-"

This is usually enough to get Miguel chuckling, as he loves a good roasting. Though he's the type to burst out laughing and then clear his throat, immediately try to hold it in.

They love roasting each other.

Just the same, Hobie towers over her as well - with an 18 inch height difference.

Moche speaks Spanish with a noticeable accent, and often drops certain parts of sentences on 'accident'.

Quechua doesn't have separate pronouns for genders - however both English and Spanish do. And in addition, Spanish genders objects as well. Which is very confusing for her.

She often leave out 'el' and 'la' in a sentence - but congregations are terrible for her, so she usually just switchs back to English.

However Miguel has spent enough time with her in Lima for her to mash Spanish and Quechua - usually for his sake and not hers.

Because of this, she prefers speaking English on campus.

Most of the time her and Miguel speak English to each other, or more recently, Quechua. But if they'd like their conversation private or are on a team with other Spanish-speaking Spider-people, then they'll use Spanish.

She still hangs with a lot of Latino community on campus, though she can't relate to a lot of cuisine, culture, or slang. And she's very close with all the Indigenous spiders.

When Aia Paec assumes control of Moche, a gold neon-like mask flashes dimmly over her face - in the emblem of Aia's face.

Because of her circumstance and her role as Avatar of The Decapitator, Moche is apart of the small number is Spider-people known to kill. She sees nothing wrong with this and finds it weird if someone does.

Aia's reasoning? He'd been killing long before the first Spider-man came to the first Earth, and he'll keep doing it after if need be.

Aia will immediately braid Moche's hair if it's unbraided and cover her head with a hat or cloth as soon as he gets the chance to - and this is a good indicator of when he's the one more present in the moment.

After work Miguel would often come to her universe, for Moche to teach him Quechua. He's almost conversational at it - thought they can't get through a lesson without the other Mamaconas whispering and giggling.

Her and Miguels favorite part-time though is slow dancing, which they usually talk during. It's relaxing and REALLY funny, considering Moche has to reach ALL THE WAY UP to even touch his shoulder. (4'11" and 6'9" is a sight to see)

They're the couple that always disappears to hang out together. Homebodies basically.

Miguel genuinely draws crowds in Tawanti. He's often a foot and a half taller than everyone - plus he's jacked. Seeing a mountain of a man who can't speak a lick of Quechua following their Protector around always gets stares.

In her country, people will often be outright shocked he speaks Spanish - often approaching him in Yucatec, the second largest language in Tawanti.

Moche's name comes from a culture that predates The Inca Empire - The Moche

Aia Paec (or Ai Apaec), the Fanged Spider-God is the Creator of The Moche people, so I saw it fit that Aia-Paec created my Moche - and IncaSpider as well

Moche - capital of the Moche people - is also a place in Peru to this day, in the province of Trujillo.

Because Andean art is typically related to pottery and textile, her universe is largely unstylized.

AIA PAEC ALMIGHTY WE MADE IT.

If you genuinely read this far THANK YOU SO MUCH. It genuinely does mean a lot to me. For me, I have never seen Quechua culture represented - anywhere. I've never seen a Quechua - or Incan - or Peruvian hero, so why not make one!

I hope I was able to share some of that culture with you and you found any of it interesting or new.

In this post I mentioned Huachuma Cactus (and Ayahuasca) and their ceremonial uses - and below is more information I'd like to offer for those curious. If not, no sweat!

THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN and as a Quechua-decedent and a follower of indigenous religion - I will always try my best to answer any questions.

Here's a picture of Miguel. You can imagine Moche standing in front of him - in this photo you would be able to see her anyway lol. (I checked)

Bye.

NOW LET'S GET INTO THE NERDY STUFF -

___________________________________

[ I am a Quechua decent as well as a follower of these practices. I personally have gone through ceremonies with plant medicines in the past and hope to dispel some misconceptions ]

DISCLAIMER: Huachuma and Ayahuasca are NOT closed practices - anyone can sit in ceremony regardless of religion or ancestry - as long as they are siting with the intention of spiritual growth or self help. And even today these plants are used in treatment of addiction, abuse, and mental illness.

These plants are NOT drugs. They are medicines are should be treated as such. Trust me. Huachuma and Ayahuasca trips aren't fun and they aren't supposed to be. They are made for healing.

ALSO - I am a practitioner of Andean Spirituality and Ancestor Worship. Although Aia Paec isn't apart of my practice - everything stated below IS. Please treat it with kindness, and do not call it things like a myth or cult or something.

These are sacred practices we are hoping to share with the world to promote mental healing. Please be respectful (ya'll always are) and thank you so much.

Huachuma Cactus / Ayahuasca & Plant Medicine:

[Hwa-Chew-Ma / Eye-ya-hwa-sca]

[Raw Huachuma Cactus and Ayahuasca Root]

Often called San Pedro Cactus - after the Spanish Saint - Huachuma Cactus is a vital part of Andean spirituality.

Huachuma & Ayahuasca are two of the most revered plant medicines - known for inducing extended psychedelic trips. However, these trips are not similar to LSD or Acid.

Used for literal centuries Huachuma Cactus & Ayahuasca Vine have been taken (separately or consecutively) through a bitter brew of medicinal plants.

[Ayahuasca above. Shit tastes GNARLY. Ayahuasca like coffee and licorice - Huachuma like Nickelodeon Slime. Huachuma is thicker and green.]

Huachuma & Ayahusaca is usually reserved for those within the practice - or those facing deep trauma, mental illness, or something to internally heal from. Huachuma and Ayahusaca are specifically used to bring buried emotions and memories to the surface - as well as a feeling of euphoric self-compassion - in a safe and sacred space in order to help the person grow mentally.

Huachuma & Ayahusaca trips are not pretty - and often involve sobbing, vomiting, and painful memories. Diarrhea too. These trips are not meant to be recreational, but psychological treatment.

These ceremonies require a large group of Curanderos - indigenous healers as well as trained mental health professionals. Many Plant Medicine ceremonies have a trained therapist or psychologist throughout the stay - and a long integration process to reflect and heal.

And while this might sound out there, recent science is showing the profound effects of Plant Medicine - and that Ayahuasca directly impacts many parts of the brain extremely positively.

Now, scientists have gleaned deep insights of their own by monitoring the brain on DMT, or dimethyltryptamine, the psychedelic compound found in Psychotria viridis, the flowering shrub that is mashed up and boiled in the Amazonian drink, ayahuasca. The recordings reveal a profound impact across the brain, particularly in areas that are highly evolved in humans and instrumental in planning, language, memory, complex decision-making and imagination. The regions from which we conjure reality become hyperconnected, with communication more chaotic, fluid and flexible.

[Source: The Guardian - also as for the first line in the article, people DO NOT have near-death experiences while in proper Ayahuasca ceremony - just listen to the medical stuff cause wtf]

Spirits & Plant Medicine:

[Left: Raw Huachuma Cactus - Right: A Curandero setting the Mesa (the red tablecloth in this case). You can see the jar of Huachuma (or Ayahuasca it looks like Aya in this case) in his right hand, as well as a cigarette. The smoke is blown into the brew to kinda 'wake up the spirits'. Being from the Andes - tobacco and coca leaves are traditionally used in ceremony a lot.

The table is covered with other offerings to the gods, stones to represent mountain spirits, and a number of other things used in the ceremony.]

I cannot stress this enough - In Andean practice, we believe each plant has a particular spirit associated with it. Like a fully-formed deity. And ceremony is often approached as if you were meeting someone you respected.

Often in ceremony, people may see and speak directly to these spirits. (Which is true in my experience but not everyone.)

Because Huachuma and Ayahuasca often go hand-in-hand, they are often referred to as the Grandfather (Huachuma) and the Grandmother (Ayahuasca - also called Mama Aya for short).

And we genuinely believe that the way you approach ceremony, your intentions, and your willingness to heal directly affects the way the Spirit will treat you or deal with you, but it is never in a malicious way.

The Grandfather - Huachuma is considered tamer, more milder - one of the reasons I chose Huachuma instead of Ayahuasca in this case.

Huachuma is centered on personal peace and emotion. While on it, your emotions are amplified, you feel a deeper connection to the Earth. But you also throw up too usually. The drink is grosss. (Sorry Grandpa)

Trips last 6-8 hours, but affects can linger for 14-18. Unlike Aya, Huachuma induces less visuals or 'trippiness', but a state of thoughtfulness - bordering joyful meditation. (As these do have neurological connections to the effects of long-term meditation.)

Huachuma can be consumed raw, or served as a drink. [I believe I was given a mixture of raw cactus, agave, and water. You're told to CHUG IT because it thickens a lot in like a minute and gets gross.]

That's largely why I chose Huachuma for Moche to experience first instead of Ayahuasca.

The Grandmother or Maya Aya is much more forthcoming and intense, and her work is centered more of personal healing and self reflection - and Ayahuasca is more akin to a 'trip'.

Typically, a trip lasts 8-12 hours and is taken overnight and sundown. Trips include things such as psychedelic visuals, flashbacks (and yeah, if I'm being honest, everyone I have sat in ceremony with regardless of religion reported a feeling of being close with the Source, God, family whathaveyou. So, the sensation of being elsewhere. In a way. I experienced this too and the feeling is very vivid. Of course what you experience is very personal to you.

While on Ayahuasca you may experience nausea, and the visuals, memories, and emotions make it useless to really move around. You're a lot more in it than Huachuma. Essentially you take it, you set your intentions, you sit in the dark, and let Mama Aya 'work on you'.

Which is why I chose to put Miguel through an Ayahuasca ceremony at their meeting. [Mwah haha Miguel You WILL heal]

Ayahuasca vine cannot be consumed raw, and is a lengthy brewing process with a number of plants known to Curanderos.

Plant Medicine & Ancestors:

Both plants are also associated by many with Ancestral (or divine) contact, and/or visuals of past lives. Which is what drove the inspiration to have Moche partake in a ceremony.

MY EXPERIENCE: - in short - just incase someone is curious -

I've personally sat in official ceremony three times, in which I meet with Mama Aya twice, before meeting the Grandfather the day after. (Basically I drank Ayahuasca for two night and Huachuma on the third day as apart of the integration process.)

The traditions were done in a ceremonial space with a Curandera & Curandero of Peruvian tradition - as well as multiple mental health professionals.

Preparation for ceremony often takes days or weeks - and one is expected to focus on mindfulness and self-kindness all that days leading up to it. (As much as possible, as many Non-Andeans who go into ceremony usually do so for addiction, depression, mental illness, or a number of things).

In my ceremonies - The ceremony and the people I connected with there are pivotal to my path and life so far. Despite meeting people from literally anywhere, it was also one of the most trans-affirming spaces I have ever been in - which is saying a lot as a New Yorker.

Each ceremony was hard, with the second night of Ayahuasca being the most emotionally and visually intense. This was amplified be the ceremonial music. Thankfully, however I didn't get too much physical side effects. I don't even think I barfed the second night. Big win!

In all Ayahuasca helped me have a way deeper understanding of myself and my wants and it helped me gain closure on a situation I'd been struggling with for years.

My experience with Huachuma was more milder and calmer, although my emotions were hyper-sensitive as were my senses - which is why it's VERY important to do ceremony in a container (a safe space with professionals on stand-by)

The Huachuma ceremony was conducted outside during the day. Because you are more lucid and emotionally calm while under Huachuma, it was encouraged for us to be present in nature and move and walk around.

In all Huachuma helped me to focus more on compassion and was able to form deep bonds with the people around me in a shorter time. I was more present and rather than psychedelic visions, my surroundings were more vibrant and intense but in a comfortable way.

Overall, Ayahuasca and Huachuma are deeply sacred, deeply interesting plant medicines that have shaped Andean spirituality for centuries.

They are not typical 'drugs'. They are medicines and should be treated as such. (aka As prescribed, while under the watch of someone trained and understanding.)

So uhhhh yeah. That's a lot that's a lot lol

But if you made it this far THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME and giving me a chance to share this culture with others!! 💚

I hope you learned something from this little section here, as I genuinely hold the Grandparents dear and found my ceremonies exceptionally healing.

If you have any questions, let me know! Oh and if you really made it this far - uhhhhhhh QUESTION:

You can choose TWO people from ATSV to protect you - everyone else will try to jump you. Who you picking?

{I just wanna know if anyone got down here also the question is funny as hell - I'm picking Hobie and Miguel. But....they would bicker and probably get me killed. Oops. Maybe Hobie and Pavitr. Pavi has GREAT luck. So far. }

Bye.

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craqueluring · 1 year

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i want to talk about randall tier

hannibal draws a lot of inspiration from manhunter (1986), which was the first film adaptation of the hannibal books, and i want to talk specifically about the scene where randall crashes through will's window, because it derives from a scene in manhunter. i am going to compare these two scenes, and use this to further my discussion of hannibal, which will be the focus of this. (there is a TLDR at the end of this!)

in manhunter, at the end of the movie, will runs and crashes through dolarhyde's window, shattering it and directly jumping into a fight with him. now, there is a copious amount of imagery in manhunter depicting will talking to his reflection in glass, windows, etc as if his reflection is dolarhyde. we get the sense that dolarhyde is inside of will’s head, and they start to blur as will has to relate and empathize more and more with dolarhyde to catch him.

will crashing through the window is him meeting the darkest parts of himself face-to-face – now, he and dolarhyde are on the same side of the glass. will kills dolarhyde, which represents will overcoming (or, at least, suppressing) his violent urges and the turmoil that comes with understanding killers so deeply.

so, will crashing through the glass to meet dolarhyde is him meeting the ‘bad’ part of himself, the part that understands killers and lets them inside of his head, and by killing dolarhyde, he defeats this darker part of himself. will graham, in typical 80s fashion, ends the movie stable in his morality and can return to his heterosexual family life and watch the sunset with his wife and child.

the scene in hannibal is a bit different. instead of the identity parallel being between will and dolarhyde, it is between will and randall tier. randall is (if i am not mistaken) the first patient of hannibal’s we meet that has undergone his “therapy” and is considered a success. this is when we fully start to grasp what it is that hannibal does with his “therapy.” and what will could Become if he accepted hannibal's guidance.

instead of solely will’s violent urges, like dolarhyde represented in manhunter, randall tier represents, in a way, what will could be: a 'balanced' person who embraces his violence and becomes one with it. randall tier has the same violent urges and the dissonance in his identity that will has, but he accepts it, embraces it, and revels in what he is.

so, when randall crashing through will’s window, will not only comes face to face with himself, but the Higher Self that hannibal is guiding him to Become. this is why randall is depicted as the raven stag, and then the stag man: will is forced to come face to face with who hannibal is guiding him to be, hannibal's influence, and has to confront how to handle his violent urges once again by being forced to kill in self defense. however, his fight with randall does not represent him overcoming these violent urges, as was in manhunter. the fight does actually facilitate will’s Becoming. will throws his shotgun away and chooses to use his hands to kill randall, as hannibal suggested. through Will’s fight with and murder of randall tier, he actually becomes closer to his Higher Self and his Becoming.

this is furthered by will's choice to make randall tier into a tableau. will’s first tableau. in will’s pendulum conversation with randall, it is made even clearer: will says “you forced me to kill you” and randall replies “i didn’t force you to enjoy it.” !!!!!

TLDR: in manhunter, will crashes through the window to meet a man who represents the darkest parts of himself. by killing dolarhyde, will defeats this dark part of himself and fortifies his sense of morality. hannibal flips this completely around. in hannibal, randall crashes through will’s window. will comes face to face with him, who, in a sense, represents his Higher Self and who will could be if he accepted hannibal's guidance. his fight with randall marks the start of him beginning to embrace this intimate violence hannibal has been talking about. by killing and displaying randall in a tableau, will revels in his violent urges by killing him with his hands and enjoying it and becomes closer to his Higher Self and his Becoming. instead of will overcoming his violent urges through this fight between a him and a representation of his violence like in manhunter, will killing randall fuels these urges.

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kynrki · 1 year

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MY ONLY LOVE!

pairing: niki x gn!reader, genre: fluff, warnings: a kiss, teasing, wc: 1086

AN — happiest of birthdays to the best boy out there🌟

“come one we gotta keep quiet” jungwon said as he pushed you outside the dorm door. it was your boyfriend, nikis, birthday and the boys wanted to celebrate it with him. but unfortunately niki had been a bit sad lately, as he didn’t have time to see you or even phone you, and you were ignoring his texts.

well, you weren’t ignoring them on purpose, you couldn’t really use your phone on an airplane. plus it was a surprise. since you knew he had been down lately due to his rambles to heeseung who told you, you decided to come out and visit him for the week. they anyways had off because of the world tour that had happened.

“niki!” jungwon knocked on his door. “go away hyung” he said as jungwon heard the bed sheets move. jungwon sighed and rolled his eyes before smiling slightly and opening his door. niki rolled over to look at jungwon, who had the rest of the members behind him, with a cake. “happy birthday to you” they all started singing.

niki smiled slightly at the thought that his members put a bit of effort in for him. they all gave him gifts too, he was forever thankful for his second family. they had managed to put a smile on the boys face after a week of being down. “hope you enjoy it niki bro” jake said as he placed a hand on his shoulder before walking out. the rest of the members followed after him except for jungwon.

“i have one last gift for you” jungwon said as he smiled at niki. niki looked at him in confusion, eyebrows furrowing in the process. jungwon had already gotten him something, something that was expensive might he add. “hyung its really no nee-“ “shush will you, jus take it please” jungwon interrupted him. “okay the gift is here, enjoy niki” he said before he walked out the younger boys room.

niki once again tilted his head in confusion. he saw a box left on the table they ate the cake from. he careful got up from the bed and moved closer to the table. on the box there stood, “to my only love, from yn” niki smiled as he thought about how you still made an effort to give him something. unbeknownst to him, you were standing right outside his door.

once he opened the box, there stood 2 bracelets. one with your name, for him, and one with his name, for you. he laughed as he remembered how he said he wanted a necklace with your initial on it. he picked up the piece of jewellery and held it in his hand. his smile slowly dropped at the thought of you not answering him anymore.

he sighed and put the bracelet back, before he closed the box he caught a glimpse of a note all the way at the bottom. he slowly picked it up and turned it around to read. it stood, “will you put the bracelet on me? - yn, p.s. look up” he furrowed his eyebrows before looking up at the door that was open.

his eyes widened. his jaw fell slack as the note in his hand fell onto the floor, long forgotten. was he seeing this right? there you were, standing in his doorway with his hoodie on. he rubbed his eyes to make sure he was seeing things right. “i promise im not fake” you said as you chuckled slightly, smiling at him.

he was frozen. his lips felt dry and so did his throat. it felt like forever since he saw you. he quickly got up and ran towards you, pulling you into his embrace tightly, placing his face into your neck. he breathed out a breath he didnt know he had. “youre here” he said into your neck. “i am baby” you whispered softly as you moved your hands from his back to his hair, softly playing with it.

niki had you in his embrace for about 5 minutes before you told him to let go of you. to his dismay, he had to. you walked out of nikis room, with a giant baby following you. you tried to grab your suitcase but was quickly denied as niki insisted he took it to his room for you.

after being rushed inti his room, he closed his door and climbed into bed, not before grabbing the bracelet box for you two. he quickly held out his hand and put the bracelet in your palm so that you could put it on for him. after you clicked in on, he grabbed your wrist and put your one on too, jus like you asked him in the note.

he then got comfortable on the bed and patted the spot next to him for you to lay. he sighed in content as he snuggled closer to you and had your hands playing with his hair.

“i hope you said thank you to jungwon for this, he was the one who helped me” you said as you looked down at niki. “i will tomorrow i promise, i jus want to spend my birthday with the person i love right now” he said with his eyes closed.

“was the reason you were ignoring me because you were traveling” niki asked after a while of silence. “yeah” you said. “sorry about that by the way, it was hard i wont lie but im here now” you continued as you looked down at him. “good, i was scared you were gonna break up with me or something” he said as he looked up at you. you frowned. “i doubt i’ll break up with you niki, youre the best” you said as you placed a kiss on his cheek. “good” he said as he laid his head back in your neck.

soon nikis breathing started to slow down indicating he was asleep. “i love you my boy, happy birthday” you whispered as you placed a kiss on his forehead. “i love you too, thank you” he said softly as he looked up at you. you smiled as you leaned down to kiss his lips. he gladly accepted it as he closed his eyes and relaxed in the kiss. he missed the taste of your cherry chapstick. you pulled away and gave him a another peck while smiling.

“lets go sleep now” you said as you pulled the covers over you both. he nodded his head before actually falling asleep this time.

ENHA permanent taglist! @soobin-chois @enhacolor @anotherimaginesaccount @hiqhkey @lil-iva @hearteyes4khloe @sunoo-bby @seung-scrittore @strwberrydinosaur @deeznutsriki @luvhooniez @ahnneyong @love-4-keum @kpoplover718 @nvertheless @02sjy @koufiles @w3bqrl @palajae @cowstiddymilk @bigtoewinwin @wtfhyuck @abdiitcryy @pshchives @kimmchijjajang @todorokiskitten @trsrina @shinsou-rii @jovibaes @yenqa @luveuly @nyfwyeonjun @ox1-lovesick @jwsflower @niktwazny303 @yjjungwon @starcubes @kkquum

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intistone · 2 years

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Honestely- we need more male/gender neutral Kelpies, theres so many Mommas to Eclipse- Lol.

we have a gay emo cousin and a beetle

#the rest are aunts moms grandmas and older sisteres #kelpie au #au of kelpie au #inti answers #fnaf the daycare attendant #salad family #fnaf sb #fnaf au #mermaid au #mermay

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myobsession · 7 months

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I think the most terrifying god is Evernight. Like girl has existed since the 2nd Epoch and literally every single one of her plans has gone by perfectly and she has never once lost out. All her enemies are dead or in a state worse than death.

SPOILERS

_______________

In the 2nd Epoch she was a subsidiary god of Flegrea who was a crazy, violent god of two non-neughboring pathways, Seer and Darkness. The day he died she was right next to him and she definitely got the characteristics and uniqueness she needed when he fell. And in this period of chaos, she managed to ascend as the sequence 0 of the Darkness pathway. Also there were no potion sequences at this time because the ASG hadn’t arrived yet with his Blasphemy Slate so girl was just winging it.

In the 3rd Epoch she managed to get away with being a god with the ASG in power (who killed like every other god at this time) and joined Rose Redemption which ended up actually killing ASG (I dunno if she meant to do that though).

In the 4th Epoch she was constantly embroiled in wars and also eradicates the Nation of Evernight turning Antigonus’ sister into a vessel and eliminates the Antigonus family. Death also dies and she keeps an eye on Azik (meaning she knows he holds Death’s uniqueness). She also manages to become one of the major gods of Loen which is one of the most powerful countries besides Intis.

In the 5th Epoch she manages to gain Death’s uniqueness as well as control over the pathway and Artificial Death. It’s also revealed that she concealed Lilith to become Earth Mother all the way in the 2nd Epoch and just waited until the coming of the apocalypse to have Lilith betray the God of Combat and kill him leading her to gain the Twilight Giant uniqueness and then full control over all her neighboring pathways.

It’s almost certain at this point that Evernight is just waiting for the apocalypse to happen so she attempt to ascend and become a Great Old One. She’s allies with everyone she needs to be and is miraculously on decent terms with Adam as well as all the other orthodox gods. Klein owes her a bunch of favors and Lilith and her clearly have some sort of deal going on. Even Klein admits that he’s extremely grateful that she’s his ally and not enemy since he also realizes she’s never lost (when musing about the war between Loen and Feysac) and how he loses to her in plotting. Literally the worst enemy to have amongst the gods in LOTM.

#lord of the mysteries #lotm #evernight #evernight goddess #spoilers

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nitewrighter · 7 months

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What about Ashe interactions where she’s just having fun, I feel like most of her interactions are so serious lol.

Illari: You don't bother hiding when you're staring, do you?

Ashe: I'm just tryin' to make sense of that outfit. Is it a uniform? Or did you come up with it yourself?

Illari: The raiment of the Inti warriors is designed around optimizing solar threading to its full potential, and for making us identifiable from civilians in combat. So... I suppose it is sort of a uniform.

Ashe: ...bike shorts are optimized.

Illari: Yes.

Ashe: And the cape is for...?

Illari: Oh, it just makes me feel cool.

---

Hanzo: I understand you come from a family of famed gunsmiths and arms dealers.

Ashe: Yeah, but I've tried my hand at archery. Can't lie, there's just something about that feeling of lettin' an arrow loose.

Hanzo: Indeed. Both the sense of accomplishment at one's discipline and the catharsis of release are... indescribable.

Ashe: So. what summer camp did you learn at?

---

Ashe: I'll have you know, I was going easy on you last time.

Ana: Is that so?

Ashe: But I'm willin' to hit up that target range again to show you what I can really do.

Ana: So what you're saying is, you want a rematch.

Ashe: *nervous laugh* I don't need a rematch just because you got lucky!

Ana: I thought you said you were going easy on me. Which is it?

Ashe: It's both! And I don't need a rematch, but we're having a rematch!

Ana: Well, you'd better have something to show me, this time.

#overwatch #fanteractions #elizabeth caledonia ashe #ana amari #illari #hanzo shimada

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armed-with-a-waffle-iron · 6 months

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Bat Family— Star Trek AU💫.

"Captain’s log, Stardate 688 09.9:

4 weeks in the big chair and it still takes me an extra second to remember it’s my final orders the bridge waits on. Today, my chatty science officer even told me “careful, Grayson; even a small leak can sink a great ship”. I told the kid I’d make sure to put it in my log so here it is.

It has been only 6 weeks since the so-called “New Gods” attacked the Federation, and the Long Shadows and its brave, young crew are not just grieving the loss of their captain but one of our world’s finest…;a man whom, despite our rocky history, I saw as a brother. Aboard the Federation’s lead emergency and rescue vessel, our crew is, on a daily, reckoning with the fallout of the final crisis in the Alpha Quadrant and the power vacuum left in its wake. Firefighting aside, our crew is also adapting, rather hurriedly, to the musical chairs in both senior and junior staff.

I began my career on the bridge of this fateful ship and somehow I always find my way back to it. It wasn’t long ago that I was a small, cocky, upstart ensign, masking tragedy with a smile. I was just lucky that my captain saw something he liked in me. “I’ll be head monkey before you know it” I used to tell Bruce and, cruelly, that was closer to the truth than I could have imagined. It’s strange how much of an imposter I feel in his chair— my chair now. Just weeks ago, I was commanding the Big Apple, which gives me more pleasure than I can say but…this— this ship is different; Bruce made it his and to take over as their captain? I should know more than anyone; the show must go on. I’ve spent too much time treating this role as a memorial. It’s time to properly redefine the role as my own. Life’s a carnival and it’s time I take the stage.

My first act as captain was appointing Ens. Wayne as my chief science officer; the very role I served under his father when I was an ensign no older than him. This may raise eyebrows but, while I can’t always excuse the kid’s abrasiveness and pride, I want it on record that I have my full confidence in his abilities. Ens. Wayne is a determined and focused officer whose brilliant thinking has already saved dozens of lives. Any sniff of bigotry regarding his Romulan heritage, on and off this ship, will be dealt with directly by me. And Miss Brown. He’s a diamond in the rough but I expect the rest of my seasoned bridge crew to rub off on him. There’s something written in the stars about a captain and their science officer, and there’s no one on this crew as ready as Damian to begin a new chapter in their story; we’re gonna be a hell of a duo.

I have worked closely with Counselor Brown since she returned to The Shadows from service on the medical vessel Katavi. Miss Brown is inspiringly driven. She’s a practiced medic though an unconventional choice for a counselor but I’m sure she’d take that as a compliment. She has a magnetic charm and a gift for connecting with others, and is a savvy diplomat when she remembers to not to think aloud. She was always prone to the odd risk, especially when lives are on the line in the field, though it’s safe to say that she never runs out of ideas. “If I was gonna play by the book, I’d have never left Earth,” she told me recently. Dr. Pennyworth claims she reminds him of…well, me but I don’t know, I don’t really see it. Perhaps the lines between bravery and recklessness are blurrier than I thought, and maybe every starship needs medics and counselors with Miss Brown’s unyielding dedication to the wellbeing of others.

It’s been a… a pleasure to serve alongside Cmdr. Gordon again, after almost 2 years. Sometimes it is…a lot to share a bridge with someone who’s known you so inti— known you for so long. Especially when tensions are high. Nonetheless, there is no one on this ship I trust more to set me straight if need be. In fact, there may be no one on this ship I trust more. This ship would have never left its dock if we didn’t have Cmdr. Gordon in charge of operations. Barbara’s truly the ship’s 411— if there were two of her, I’d opt to retire the ship’s computer. She’s a born leader; also responsible for the appointment of half of my senior bridge staff and she comfortably takes the big chair when required. We’ve always made a great team, which will mean a few clashes and compromises too. To whoever it may concern, we’ll keep things professional this time, I promise…

Lt. Cmdr. Bertinelli is a stellar security chief and it’s in these uncertain times that her very own Atlas of Organised Crime is consulted significantly, on and off this ship. I’ll admit that the two of us haven’t had the smoothest of working— or personal— relationships in the past but “the past” is all it is. I’m happy to call Helena one of my greatest allies— and friends. It’s been lovely to see someone so solitary find a family on board this ship. I may not always see eye-to-eye with Cmdr. Bertinelli but I have no qualms in saying that she would be a captain by now if Star Fleet tribunal and their rulings against her weren’t riddled with rigid hierarchies and double standards.

My 1st Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Kane, certainly knows how to run a tight ship. She has made it clear that she thinks mine lacks a little discipline and caution. Her security background really shows and we definitely have different styles in leadership but hopefully the Shadows can get the best out of both worlds. In her words; “this ship is facing a different breed of threat and disaster every day, so it needs a different breed of crew”. She’s happy to take the bridge when an away team is needed so she’s probably spent more time in the captain’s chair than I have by now.

Lt. Cmdr. Montoya was an instrumental player in Star Fleet’s response to the final crisis and she is determined to honour the memory of the late Mr. Sage, whose post she has assumed. She’s a veteran investigator who’s quickly learning the ropes to service aboard a starship and she already sets a high bar on scouting and espionage assignments. Cmdr.s Kane, Montoya and Bertinelli, form a simply excellent criminal investigation team, although I won’t pretend to understand their more personal relationships with each other.

Doctor Pennyworth, as he was before, has been my rock. He’s the heart of this ship, and he does a solid job at keeping its crew alive and well. The Shadows just isn’t the Shadows without him.

It’s no secret how hard Lt. Drake is taking Capt. Wayne’s passing— his regular counselling sessions with Miss Brown too often end in a screaming match in the hallway. For the record, I stand by my decision to give Mr. Drake’s bridge posting to Ens. Wayne and put Mr. Drake in charge of engineering. The Ensign is a real prodigy and needs this show of good faith while Mr. Drake, who has been a brilliant science officer to Capt. Wayne for almost 4 years, deserved the chance to step out of his old captain’s shadow. Nonetheless, our relationship has soured since I, in his words, “kicked him off my bridge” but that is not to say I don’t have the utmost faith in his performance as our new chief engineer.

Lt. Cain has been distant…let me rephrase that— Lt. Cain has been taken to self-isolating since the captain’s passing. Counselor Brown says sometimes she’ll go almost an entire counseling session without saying a word. Funny enough, when I suggested joint sessions with Mr. Drake, the counselor told me to get out of her office. Babs— Cmdr. Gordon, sorry, insists Miss Cain will come around in time; she knows she is among dear friends. She continues to be reliable and cool under pressure at the ship’s helm, adept at assignments in zero-G, and a clinical melee fighter when it’s called for. Yesterday, I suggested that she also head combat training down at security and she smiled, so maybe she will take up that offer.

On a ship so aptly named, it’s hard to forget that old sins cast long shadows. We now reckon with both old foes and threats unforeseen, which place the now vulnerable Federation in jeopardy and expose the cracks in its facade. It’s almost as if the ship herself questions how well we learn from history, and how history will remember us."

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whisperofjasper · 2 years

Text

Ser Harwin Strong - Across The Ballroom

pairing: ser harwin strong x targaryen!afab!reader

summary: reader is the second born princess and could not give a fuck about the wedding or the politics of king’s landing. all she wants is to rid herself of her dress and fly off on a dragon. thankfully for her, she comes into acquaintance with a certain knight of the realm as the night delves into chaos.

word count: 2.4k

a/n: first fic on the account! let me know what you thought and feel free to shoot me a request.

warnings: violence, mentions of incest, blood & injury

Y/N wanted nothing more than to leave the ballroom, rip off the ridiculous frock her dear stepmother had picked out for her and take off on her dragon Vaehra. But, alas, as the sister of the bride and princess of the realms, she was duty-bound to remain. She was surprised that her father hadn't thought to marry her off at the same time. However, she supposed it would deprive the kingdoms of Westeros of another week's worth of libations and debauchery.

She was her sister's opposite that night;. At the same time, Rhaenyra was donned in virginal white with rubies in her hair, while she was clothed in the traditional Targaryen black. She couldn't say the dress was ugly; it was woven intricately with threads of crimson and gold. The red of her house takes the form of their famed dragons in flight and mid-battle. And the lines of gold make the images of waves to honour the house Velaryon. It was beautiful, but it had been decided that she had no need for air at the feast.

Sitting at the grand table, she waited with her father, sister and Lyonel Strong. She was seated next to the Hand and Alicent, but the queen had yet to make her appearance. She had tried conversing with Lord Strong though he seemed preoccupied with watching the masses fall into the room. Drinking deeply from her goblet, she shot a disdainful look at Jason Lannister, who, like always, was trying to worm his way into the good graces of the crown. However, his twin was more palatable, Tyland had a seat on the small council, and from what Rhaenyra had shared, he had a good head on those shoulders.

From the corner of her eye, a head of dark hair caught her attention, and her focus was pulled to one of the great tables, where the two sons of Lord Strong. Larys was the younger; she hadn't spoken to him much since his time at The Keep, but she knew he was one of keen intelligence. The eldest son, Ser Harwin, was the captain of the Gold Cloaks. He was considered the strongest man in all six kingdoms and one of the realms' fiercest knights. It was also known that he was one of the finer-looking young lords, many having put too much faith that their titles alone would secure them a wife and the gold in their pockets. She watched him laugh and drink with those seated with him, fighting a smile when he'd get overly invested in some tale and bump into his brother. Eventually, Y/N had to look away, noticing that her father and Lord Strong were giving her looks after laughing at one of his antics and following her line of sight.

"Lord Corlys of House Velaryon!" Ser Westerling's announcement quieted the hall as the Velaryons entered, led by Lord Corlys and her cousin. Behind the couple followed their children, Leanor and Leana, remembering their childhoods together. From what she could remember, Leanor had never been cruel or cowardly, which she hoped he carried into adulthood. Gods knew that Rhaenyra would need a husband to withstand the pressures of the throne. She smiled genuinely as their house made the approach, wanting to foster as much goodwill as possible. As Lord Velaryon and his family took their places at the head table, Y/N's focus stayed on the courtiers and the one who seemed to be solely interested in Laenor. He hesitated to join the rest of his company, making Y/N's eyes narrow.

Everyone had begun to sit when her uncle swaggered in, and the room was silent. In the months leading to the wedding, the rumour that Rhaenyra and Daemon had shared an intimate night in a brothel swept the keep. Y/N didn't know what to make of it; her sister had sworn that they hadn't done anything, and her maidenhood was intact. The fallout had caused both princesses to have increased guards, which had been stifling for her. The only times she was truly left alone were in the evenings or when she flew Vaehra. Her father motioned for a chair to be brought for Daemon; the only option, if he threw her uncle out, it would only further spur on the rumours.

"Be welcome as we join together in celebration. Tonight is only its beginning. We honour the crown's oldest and fiercest ally, House Velaryon. Reaching back to the days of Old Valyria and the Age of Dragons. With House Targaryen and H..." Her father's speech was cut off by the queen finally making her appearance; dressed in green, she had the attention of the hall, more after her house stood as a sign of respect. It was hard to think that Alicent had once been as close to her as Rhaenyra; they were all sisters. They had been raised together and had been each other's closest confidants during the hardships of being a highborn lady in King's Landing. Which she had all but thrown away when she had married their father, less than a year after their mother and infant brother's passing. Rhaenyra and Alicent reconciled for a time, finding some semblance of their old friendship. But Y/N, she couldn't forgive her or her father, no matter how dearly she loved both. So the pair now were distant, and that was at the best of times. It didn't escape Y/N that the dress she was wearing was most likely an attempt at rekindling their relationship.

"Congratulations, Stepdaughter. What a blessing this is for you." Rhaenyra's face and Alicent's removed attitude made Y/N rethink her understanding of their relationship, making a note to question her sister about it once the festivities were over.

"At the end of it all, a royal wedding... between my daughter, my heir... your future Queen... and Ser Laenor Velaryon, the heir to Driftmark."She applauded her father's speech, watching with mild interest as her sister and the groom took the dance floor. They moved across the floor, the steps a traditional valyrian wedding dance. She drank from her goblet, paying little mind to Alicent and Lord Strong, taking a considerable effort to not roll her eyes and the pomp and pageantry. She took in the hall for what felt like the dozenth time, her gaze again drawn to Harwin, but her eyes locked with his. Y/N watched as he continued to converse with those near him, but his gaze remained unflinching. Heat rose to her cheeks under his gaze; it was a rare occurrence that a man would have the balls to look at her. Hiding her smile behind her goblet, his laughter at her sudden shyness made her look away, coincidently timed with the end of the couple's dance.

"I think I'll join Rhaenyra on the floor, Father. Your Grace. Your Lordship." Giving each a curtsey reflecting their station, she rounded the table to find her place in the growing crowd before the musicians began the next song. The smile she had, fell when she was met with the face of Jason Lannister, who was grinning like he had just won a grand prize.

"Your highness, what a coincidence." His tone was thick with sarcasm that she supposed was meant to be charming for the lion.

"Yes, how coincidental we both find ourselves dancing at a celebration, my lord." He laughed at her words, ignoring her disdainful look, flicking his hair over his shoulder, which was unneeded. As the music started, the crowd danced merrily, some fumbling their steps thanks to the freely flowing wine.

"Now that the princess is to be wed, what lies before you?" She was taken aback at his boldness. Her reaction apparently was what he wanted; he looked at her like she was his next hunt. "For so few houses in the realm are worthy of your hand." Y/N was spun out of the view of the Lannister bastard before she had a chance to castrate him. She saw her sister opposite her, Rhaenyra's grin was infectious, Y/N finding her own. The two danced in the middle of the crowd, turning and clapping with the melody, quickly becoming the focus of the celebration. They laughed merrily, and Y/N quickly embraced her sister.

"I'm happy for you sister; let this marriage end any talk of the future of our house." Rhaeynra's eyes were misty, and they hugged for the second time before continuing the dance. She danced with many in the following hour; lords from across the realms had set their sights on her now her sister was unattainable. However, she had her suspicions that many were sour, seeing she was second in line and unlikely to sit on the throne. Y/N was tempted to leave the floor, her feet had grown sore, and the thrill of dancing quickly wore off. But a strong tug pulled her into the embrace of a muscular chest clothed in blue.

"Ser Strong, my apologies." She glanced up at him; a smirk danced on his face.

"You're forgiven," He tugged her back to him as she made to leave again, "as long as you dance with me, as a show of goodwill." Then, in his arms, the ballroom fell away, and the other guests faded into the aether, leaving only them. As they danced, she was acutely aware of his body and when it came close to hers. Crossing the floor, she would feel a rush of heat race through her body when his fingers grazed against her own, pulling her deeper into his thrall.

"I must say Ser Strong, you are quite the dancer, it is most suprising."

"Because I am of the City Watch?"

"No..." She grinned at his confused smile, feeling like she had gained the upper hand on him. They drew closer together as the dance required; out of the corner of her eye, she saw a flash of white and black cloth in the centre of the floor. "...because the moniker 'Breakbones' suggests an entirely different skillset. Makes one question what skills you have with your hands." Her hand dipped down to take his hand, and she pressed the faintest kiss to his wrist while keeping eye contact with him. Then, she smiled, watching his green eyes darken and swallow his words.

"I must take my leave. Thank you for the dance." Y/N walked deeper into the fray, refusing to look back for fear of her composure breaking and dissolving into a puddle of blushing giggles like a child. Heat flushed to her cheeks; she wasn't used to having such an attraction to a man. In the years after Rhaenyra's ascension to the heir, she carried a small torch for a Lord from the Reach. Still, it couldn't compare to the fire that burned in her gut at the thought of the imposing presence of Harwin Strong.

Screams pulled her from her thoughts, and more and more voices of terror filled the large room, echoing and amplifying the cries. Guests began to panic, rushing in every direction to escape the cause of distress. She lost her footing and tumbled to the ground, her head, back and stomach being kicked or tripped over in the chaos. Then, pushing through the pain, she could stand again, seeing the cause of the terror. Ser Christan Cole was beating Ser Joffery Lonmouth, the younger boy clearly losing the battle and most likely his life as Cole refused to yield. Then, in her daze and distraction, she was thrown again by the crowd falling forward into the banquet table. She felt the sting of glass and metal cutting into her skin before falling to the ground, feeling a sharp but intense pain in her left wrist that made her cry out in pain.

"Princess! Princess Rhaenyra!" She heard the gruff but unmistakable voice of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard calling through the crowd, the rest of the Kingsguard descending onto the floor with him. The sound of flesh hitting flesh grew louder; she curled into herself, fearing the fight had come closer. A large, warm hand pressed into her back gently, making her jump in fear, throwing her uninjured hand in the direction of her would-be assailant. Harwin's face was void of the previous snark and flirtation, now set with focus and what she believed to be anger. He caught her wrist as if it were nothing, smoothly pulling her up and over his shoulder before heading for the exit.

Y/N tried to order him to let her down, but with his pace and her position on his shoulder, her injured wrist cried under the weight of her torso. The screams from the banquet became distant echoes before he let her down with far more care than he did for their exit.

"Easy, I've got you Princess." She didn't know if it was his words or the events of the riot that made her knees go weak; regardless, she began to buckle in his arms. His grip tightened as he tried to keep her upright, coincidentally bringing his face closer to hers.

"What happened in there?" Her focus had begun to return to her, a sudden fear for her sister spiking in her chest.

"Cole, he started attacking Ser Joffery. Ser Westerling saw to your sister, I saw to you." Y/N nodded, holding her injured wrist, trying to not jostle it. Harwin took it in his arms, shooting her an apologetic look when she gasped at the pain. "The Maesters will be overworked with the events of tonight, seeing to the more urgent matters. If you'd allow me, I can wrap this until they can see to your care."

"You know how to..." She began to ask with a raised brow.

"I'm a knight and member of the city watch, Your Highness; I wouldn't have survived this long without some knowledge of mending injuries." She blushed at his comment, feeling foolish for thinking otherwise. Then, whilst looking down at her wrist, she felt his hand gently tilt her chin to look at him. "Do not look away from me Princess. I could feel your eyes from across the ballroom, and if I could wish for only one thing, it would be for you to keep looking at me." His eyes had grown dark again, and his words soft.

She knew at that moment that the lord was going to cause her a lot of trouble. And it was a good thing that she loved trouble.

#A Song of Ice and Fire #game of thrones #house of the dragon #ser harwin #harwin breakbones #targaryen!reader #harwin x reader #ser harwin x reader #harwin strong #harwin strong x reader #house of the dragon imagine #game of thrones imagine #a song of ice and fire imagine #whisper of jasper

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