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theladyofbloodshed · 2 months

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Chapter 3 - Ruhn: Nesta's 25? she should be at the club

The phone vibrating on the bedside table told Ruhn Danaan three things. One – he was late. Two – the mirthroot that Flynn had bought was more potent than first thought. Three – there was a snoring faun next to him.

Ruhn leaned over her bare body to reach his cell. He’d missed the call. And six others. Plus a couple of texts.

Hunt Athalar.

‘Stalked by the Umbra Mortis,’ he groaned, flopping back against the pillows. Micah’s insistence that heads of the city’s departments should exchange contact information was proving more of a ball ache than anything.

The faun beside him – Ruhn couldn’t remember her name – stirred then blinked at him with bleary eyes. They’d had fun last night. Well, as much as Ruhn could remember.

He hit the shower, hoping she might find her way out to avoid the awkward exchange, but when he came to his room with a towel around his hips, the faun was still perched on the edge of the bed.

‘I have some, er, aux work to do. I’ll pay for your cab home.’

Her mouth twisted. ‘You can’t remember my name, can you?’

Ruhn flicked his tongue against his lip ring, stalling for time.

The doorbell rang. Over and over, somebody was buzzing at the door and Ruhn had a good idea who.

‘Official aux business,’ he said, ushering her down the stairs despite her muttering under her breath about him being an asshole.

A storm by the name of Hunt Athalar loomed on the stoop. He took a step back before the faun barrelled into him.

‘Seriously?’

It wasn’t Athalar who spoke but the pretty blonde that Ruhn had met a couple of days earlier. Her arms were folded across her chest. The fae look of you’re-a-worthless-piece-of-shit had been perfected on her features.

‘I need to work,’ said Hunt, turning to her and grazing his knuckles down her arm.

‘I am not a child, Hunt. I will manage a day without your company.’

He winced. ‘Nesta, you can’t cross a road without help.’

Her expression stiffened into stone.

Hunt’s wings spread out, veiling them, but not muffling the sound.

‘Hey. I care about what happens to you. Danaan won’t let anything bad happen. I’ll swing by when I’m done. Buy more cookie dough. Watch a movie.’

Ruhn couldn’t stop himself from frowning. This fallen angel was better known for gutting his enemies, not getting cosy with females and watching movies.

‘Answer your cell when I call,’ said Hunt, turning to look at him. Lightning wreathed his hands in warning. ‘Put some clothes on too. Ruhn – no shit today.’

In answer, he gave a lazy salute. The angel clenched his jaw, but didn’t pass comment. He turned to leave, touching Nesta on the shoulder as he departed, before bolting into the sky.

‘Welcome to my humble abode, Nesta Archeron.’

The place was usually a mess, but under her scrutiny, it seemed worse than usual. Ruhn was painfully aware of the peeling, graffitied wallpaper, the scrunched-up beer cans littering the stained carpet and the stench of smoke and alcohol clinging to the walls. The ashtrays were overflowing. A photo of a naked female was tacked to the dartboard with a dart piercing her head. Nesta peered over his shoulder to look into the living room where Flynn was naked and unconscious on the couch then her lip curled with disgust.

Ruhn guided her through the house, picking up discarded beer bottles along the way. Well, even if she wasn’t from Midgard, Nesta maintained the same stuck-up aura as other fae. He could imagine her and Sathia Flynn looking down their noses at one of the lace doily infested tea-houses the fae liked to frequent.

‘Do you engage in such activities every day?’

‘Not every day,’ he replied. Most nights though. And most nights Ruhn would wake up with a gorgeous female beside him with no memory of her name – but he usually sent them home happy. He had a reputation in the city, but it wasn’t a bad one.

‘Hello.’ Dec sat on a stool in the kitchen, already clicking away on his laptop. ‘You’re the fae who fell from space.’

‘Nesta,’ she replied tightly.

Dec held out a hand for her which she tentatively took to shake.

The three of them sipped at coffee in a painful silence once Ruhn had dressed. Dec kept throwing glances his way to encourage him to say something but Nesta had already made her opinion of him – and his home – clear from the pinched expression.

‘Do you need sugar for your coffee, Nesta?’

At Dec’s question, Nesta’s lips parted. ‘It can have sugar?’

‘Sure. And milk.’ Dec pulled open the fridge to sniff the milk. He retched. ‘We don’t have milk.’

Nesta frowned again. ‘How old are you?’

‘We’re only seventy-five.’

Her brows raised again. ‘Only.’

For an unknown reason, Hunt Athalar had taken a liking to this female who had a stick up her ass so Ruhn didn’t want a target on his back for cutting her loose in the city. It would be long fucking day babysitting her. Ruhn glanced down at his cell. A message from his father flashed on the screen. As if the day couldn’t get any worse.

‘What do you like to do, Nesta?’

She glanced around the kitchen at the piles of dishes in the sink and the overflowing bin. ‘To read.’

Thank Luna.

‘How would you like to see Lunathion’s library?’

She jumped off the stool as if sitting on it had been a punishment. Dec had probably cleaned them once or twice. He hadn’t. Flynn didn’t know what a sponge was.

Just as Ruhn thought of his friend, Tristan Flynn staggered into the kitchen. To all of their relief, he’d pulled on a pair of grey boxers. His chestnut-brown hair was flat on one side from his sleep. At the sight of Nesta in their kitchen, he pointed to himself then Ruhn, trying to remember which one of them had spent the night with her.

Ruhn cleared his throat. ‘This is Nesta Archeron. And this is Flynn.’

‘Oh. The female with the magic sword. Nesta. Hello,’ he said, winking. ‘I’m Lord Tristan Flynn.’

Her eyes went from his head to his toes then back up again, entirely unimpressed. ‘You need to bathe.’

***

The reek of sex and alcohol lingered even when they were far away from Ruhn Danaan’s pleasure house. The male was patient with her at the roads – no doubt in response to Hunt’s reprimand that she didn’t know how to cross. It wasn’t Nesta’s fault that those metal vehicles moved so quickly. But it was her fault that she forgot to look each time. On the whole, Ruhn Danaan seemed… fine. Not cruel. Not overwhelmingly arrogant even for a prince. He yawned his way along the walk, stopping to greet people he knew. But Nesta could not shake her prejudice because he looked so much like Rhysand. Even the low timbre of his voice was reminiscent of Rhysand’s despite the differing accent.

‘I have to meet my father,’ he explained. ‘I’ll save you from that. He’ll be panting if he finds out about the sword and he’ll want you wedded and bedded to… somebody.’ Ruhn cleared his throat again. ‘At the library, you can read books for free.’

‘I know what a library is.’

‘Alright,’ he said. Ruhn clung onto her hood at the approach to a busy crossing to stop her from walking into the road.

‘I can do the ones with the lights,’ she insisted.

‘Yeah, wait for the green male, good girl.’

‘Don’t call me that.’

His violet eyes alighted with mischief. ‘What should I call you?’

‘My name,’ she snapped.

The idea of Ruhn – Rhysand’s facial double – trying to flirt had Nesta wanting to shrivel up and die. No, it was bad enough having to listen to her sister and her mate’s toe-curling conversations. Nesta did not want fake-Rhysand to turn the charm on her.

‘You, er, you’re really not from Avallen, are you?’

‘I am from Prythian.’

‘You know of Fionn though.’

Nesta shrugged a shoulder as they continued down a quiet street dotted with trees as a warm, summer’s breeze swept through it. ‘It’s a story that I heard.’

‘I like stories.’

‘I’m not a good story teller,’ she insisted.

They stopped outside an elaborate building of white stone, made to look ancient even if it was new. A row of pillars lined the front, holding the overhanging roof up. Many stairs led to the entrance doors which were propped open. Ruhn led the way and dropped his voice as he pointed out places she could visit within the vast library. There were sections for artefacts, an archive, ancient books which were kept in glass cases, and rows and rows of books that were free for anybody to browse. From his wallet, Ruhn pulled out a faded card. The handwritten numbers were almost illegible.

‘This should still work,’ he said, taking to Nesta to one of the screens with portraits.

‘A television?’

‘Computer.’ He gave her a queer look. ‘You don’t have computers in Prythian?’

‘Obviously not.’

His tattooed fingers glided across the keyboard too fast for Nesta to make out what he’d done – so she pressed him on it.

‘I’ve used my library card to log you in. Still works after all these years. Good old public funding. You get three hours browsing then it will boot you out. You’ll have access to news journals, the internet, videos, whatever you want. Alright.’

Nesta nodded, not understanding most of what the prince had said.

‘Keep this,’ he said, pressing the small card into her hand. ‘If you want any books or whatever.’

‘When will you return?’

Ruhn shrugged. ‘I’ll send Flynn along to keep you company.’

‘Not him,’ Nesta said quickly. ‘Why can’t the other one come?’

‘Dec has a job. Flynn also has a job but he never shows up anyway.’

Once Ruhn Danaan’s steps faded from the library, Nesta was left in peace. The tranquil environment created by a library seemed a universal thing. She watched workers returning books to their rightful place and thought of her brilliant friend likely hard at work in Velaris’ library. Had news of her disappearance reached Gwyn and Emerie or would they hush it up?

Out of curiosity, Nesta searched her own name. It took an agonisingly long amount of time to find each letter but it yielded no results anyway. Then she searched Ruhn Danaan’s name and found pages upon pages of results about him. There was a birth announcement then subsequent ones about major milestones in his life. The portraits – photographs, she reminded herself – of him showed his glossy, black hair lengthening in each one with more and more tattoos added to his skin. His father, the king of the fae, reminded Nesta of Eris Vanserra. Both shared shining, wine-red hair and a long, thin nose but there tended to be amusement on Eris’ face like he knew a joke that nobody else did. Ruhn’s father appeared cruel and unwelcoming.

Nesta couldn’t help but think of Gwyn again and how this process would streamline her research. Rather than finding obscure references in books, a simple search could be entered and the hard work had already been done. It was magnificent.

Her fingers hovered over the keys, wondering what to search next.

H-U-N-T A-T-H-A-L-A-R.

Hunt had just as many entries as Ruhn did. Perhaps he was a prince of angels.

There were news reports that featured his name as one of the malakim who’d worked on a case in the city. He’d caught many demons from Hel, but also prevented a lot of crime in Lunathion. There was the odd photograph of him – where he looked entirely unimpressed to be photographed. Nesta laughed at that. He’d endured her experiments with his cell phone in good enough humour.

THE UMBRA MORTIS PURCHASED BY ARCHANGEL MICAH DOMITUS

Nesta sat close to the screen, scanning the lines of text to ensure she understood it fully. Hunt was a slave, as he’d told her. But he’d had many owners. The latest, Micah Domitus, was his fourth owner and the governor of the city. She hated the way those words were thrown around. Slave. Master. Bought. It made him sound like cattle.

She should have stopped delving into this. It wasn’t Nesta’s business to know – but she had pulled a loose thread and could not let it go until it was unravelled.

Hunt had fought in a battle against other angels. The general he had served had been his leader and his lover. And he’d watched her die at the hands of her sister. He had been prepared to die for his beliefs, but instead a slave brand was inked to his forehead. What had he endured for two hundred years? When would he be free?

‘Hello, gorgeous.’

Nesta scrambled to close down her search history as the irritating fae male slid into the chair beside her.

‘The Umbra Mortis? I can tell you what you need to know,’ said Tristan Flynn with an easy grin.

‘Shh. This is a library.’

‘Then lets get out of here so we can talk,’ he suggested.

Nesta couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him. He reminded her of Helion. No amount of charm would work on her.

‘Ruhn said you know about Fionn. I can tell you our version of the story.’ He dropped his voice to a whisper, ‘The fae one that’s not in any book or article.’

***

For a slave, Hunt rarely had interest in his day’s work. It could be made bearable by the company in the 33rd, but today, Hunt’s heart wasn’t in it at all.

He’d fired off a couple of texts to Danaan asking about Nesta. He didn’t trust the fae not to dump her or piss her off – and he’d learnt that Nesta wasn’t shy or retiring when it came to letting her mood be known. There had been no replies so far.

‘Hunt, you’re in daydream land,’ said Isaiah, waving a hand through the air.

Hunt spread out the papers in front of him at the table. ‘Because you’ve given me the driest task imaginable.’

There’d been an influx of demonic activity in the last four years so Isaiah had him searching for patterns – the time, the location, the type – through old reports. It could not have been more boring. Hunt wasn’t made for paperwork. Hell, nobody was.

‘You’ve been keeping tabs on our friend from the sky?’

Hunt raised a brow. ‘Is that what we’re calling her?’

Isaiah shrugged. ‘Micah will be away for another week. I’ve not let the word out yet. We’ve not found anything on the sword except that it’s magic and hated Ruhn Danaan anywhere near it.’

That did make him laugh. ‘He’s on guard duty today. I wonder if she’ll feel the same way as her weapon.’

***

‘This is what we call a liquid lunch,’ explained Flynn, as he insisted on being called.

The pair of them had tall glasses filled with crushed ice, brightly coloured juice and strong alcohol.

‘And it is acceptable here?’

‘Oh yeah,’ he said, sipping through a straw. ‘You’re on holiday from Prythian. Enjoy the delights that Lunathion has to offer.’

It was difficult not to enjoy his company. Nesta knew he was trying very hard to be liked, but also had an aura that he wouldn’t have cared if she didn’t like him either. It was different to be with the males from this land. Nesta felt safe with them. She could not imagine being left in Illyria or the Hewn City without harm befouling her. Flynn was a flirt, but his handsome smile was offered to every female with a pulse.

Money seemed no object to him either, so she had to wonder what he did or what he was a lord of. When her eyes had snagged on a dress, Tristan Flynn had wasted no time in purchasing it. A pastry pumped with cream had also been bought for her to snack on as they walked along the Istros counting the otters. He’d introduced her to one of the Mer who basked on the bank, enjoying the sun streaming upon his glistening muscles, but Nesta had been reluctant to get too close to the edge after Hunt had mentioned creatures called Sobeks. It brought up too many memories of being dragged to the bottom with the kelpie.

‘I can’t pay you for any of this,’ she replied.

Nesta took a tentative sip of her drink – and found it to taste delightful.

‘Wire me it back from Prythian,’ said Flynn, winking.

‘I have no money there either.’

‘A kept female?’

How right he was, Nesta thought. Everything in Prythian came with a condition. Look for these items or we’ll dump you in the mortal lands. Train or we won’t let you out. Her food, her lodging, her clothing, her everything was benevolently provided by Rhysand as long as she toed the line and did as she was told.

A female pulled up a chair at their table. Flynn’s demeanour changed at once.

‘What are you doing to this poor female, Tristan? She looks positively morose in your company.’

‘Haven’t you got a rich male to sink your claws into in The Five Roses?’

The female was as petite as she was, with light green eyes that were at odds with her dark hair. ‘I was actually on my way to have my hair done then I saw you tormenting a female and thought I might offer her a lifeline out of your abysmal company.’

Nesta had been about to offer that Flynn was not that bad – a shameless flirt perhaps who thought money could buy her affections – when he announced that their guest was his sister, Sathia.

‘I’ve not seen you before,’ she said, in a tone that suggested Sathia knew all of the fae worth knowing.

‘Nesta is visiting from Avallen.’

‘Father will be overjoyed to hear that you’re courting her.’

A blush stole across Flynn’s cheeks. ‘I’m not. Ruhn is.’

‘He most certainly is not,’ Nesta shot back.

Sathia took hold of Nesta’s hand to examine it. ‘Your nails are ghastly. Have you ever had a manicure?’

Nesta did not know the word. She glanced to Flynn who was staring daggers at his sister. ‘No.’

‘Then we must remedy it at once. Tristan, go and find another female to pant over. We’re busy.’

‘Can’t. Ruhn’s tasked me with looking after her.’

Sathia smiled sweetly to her brother. ‘Then I suppose you can come for a manicure too.’

***

A visit with Einear Danaan always left Ruhn bitter and broken inside. No matter what he did, he was always reduced to a boy who could never match his father’s demands. Ruhn could shake it off, pretend he didn’t care, but he always left his father’s villa with another splintering crack running through him.

He hadn’t planned to spend so long there, but his father had kept him, demanding information about the wolves and vamps. They’d gone over reports then his father had insisted on showing him his working model of the universe. That had kept Ruhn longer as he tried to wheedle out information about Fionn and the northern rift from his father without exposing Nesta.

It was dark when Ruhn finally left the Five Roses. There’d been a couple of messages from Athalar. One asking how Nesta was and another saying he would be later than planned but to stay with her until he arrived.

Ruhn groaned. If she hadn’t killed Flynn in all the time that they’d been together, it would be a miracle.

‘Dec, where’s Flynn?’ Ruhn asked into his cell. ‘He’s not picking up.’

Music thumped in the background of wherever Dec was. Through the cacophony, Ruhn made out, ‘We’re all in the White Raven.’

Hunt Athalar was going to kill him.

***

Sathia Flynn was going to kill her.

They had managed to lose her brother in a nail salon when his patience frayed. He’d given Nesta a card and said it was for emergencies only. It was not like the library card that Ruhn had given her. This one allowed Sathia to purchase anything.

Both her fingernail and toenails had been trimmed and buffed then painted. They’d gone to another shop where Nesta’s hair had been cut an inch or two shorter, but Sathia had her hair painted too and complained keeping it dark was so much upkeep – whatever that meant. They had gone shopping for heeled shoes and clothes that Sathia used her brother’s card to pay for. Then they’d gone to another place where Nesta had experienced pain like no other. Hot wax had been put on her body to rip out her hair.

‘Is it supposed to be this painful?’

They were in the bathroom of a club. She imagined Rita’s to look similar, but music played so loudly that it made the walls vibrate. They had drunk lots of cocktails. Her favourite – and the most difficult to ask for – was sex on the beach. Sathia and her friends had dusted glitter on to her face – and their own. One, Alice, was applying more make up in the mirror. Nesta barely recognised herself with her hair unbound and cosmetics on her skin too.

‘You can go commando,’ offered Sathia.

Nesta narrowed her eyes. She knew what that meant thanks to Hunt. ‘Do males do the same? The waxing down there?’

One of Sathia’s friends, Prunella, swigged at a bottle of wine where she sat on the sink. ‘You’re lucky if they trim.’

‘That’s why you get a vibrator,’ chimed in Alice.

‘What’s a vibrator?’

Sathia squealed. ‘I just love her.’ She ran her hand against Nesta’s hair. ‘Right. Shots and dancing. Let’s go.’

***

Hunt felt his age when he left the Comitium. A day spent at a desk had left his neck and back aching from holding up his wings. When he landed at Ruhn Danaan’s home, none of the lights were on. He bit back his irritation and dialled his number.

‘Where are you?’

Hunt had no doubt that Nesta would be able to hold her own. The issue was she was naïve in their world and he knew what fae pricks were like.

‘We’re out,’ said Ruhn.

‘Where?’

There was a slight intake of breath. ‘The White Raven.’

Fae assholes.

It was a short flight to the Old Square. The owner of the club was a butterfly shifter who was still on the door greeting patrons. At the sight of Hunt landing, with lightning crackling in the air, his jovial expression changed to one of concern.

‘Not trouble here, I hope?’

‘Off the clock,’ he replied tightly. ‘Come to visit a friend.’

‘There won’t be trouble?’

Hunt threw him a bland smile. ‘Let’s hope not.’

He spotted the three fae pricks drinking amongst other females at a booth near the door with Nesta not amongst them. Hunt worked his jaw as he marched over. One day, Ruhn Danaan would learn to grow up.

‘Where is she?’

‘In my defence,’ slurred Tristan Flynn, ‘it was my sister who brought her here. We’re just on guard duty, doing as we're told, Umbra Mortis.’

Declan Emmett, the most amenable of the three, pointed towards the throbbing dance floor. ‘She’s just enjoying the music.’

The others began peeling away from her at the sight of the Umbra Mortis striding through the crowd, a scowl on his face. Loose and free, Nesta was dancing amongst a group of fae females with her gorgeous hair tumbling behind her, without a care.

Gone was the female in leathers with a sword strapped to her spine. Gone was the female who found jeans uncomfortable. She was lost in the music, utterly free. One of the fae had shelled out on a new wardrobe for her, by the looks of the sparkly, black dress that skimmed her thighs and clung to her narrow waist. A shimmer of pink glitter dusted her cheeks.

When Nesta finally noticed the ebb of the crowd as he approached, she finally snapped her attention towards him.

‘Orion!’

Before Hunt could react, Nesta had moved at preternatural speed – faster than fae in Midgard could move – to throw her arms around his neck and lean all of her weight on him. Hunt lifted her off the floor to steady both of them and Nesta pressed deeper into his body.

Nobody had called him Orion for a long time – and never with such warmth.

She kissed his cheek. ‘Have you come to dance?’

‘No,’ he replied over the thump of the music. ‘To see you safely home. I was worried. Do you want to go with me?’

'I will go wherever you lead me, Orion.'

There was little resistance from Nesta who seemed happy to be led through the crowd towards the exit. From the giddy expression, she’d had a lot of drinks under Ruhn Danaan’s care. Hunt pulled off his jacket to protect her from the chill of the night on the way out.

‘Did you have fun with Ruhn?’

Nesta gave him a funny sort of smile with bleary eyes. ‘The Prince of Pricks.’

‘Shh,’ he reminded her as they passed a group of fae also staggering along the path. ‘You’ll get me into trouble.’

Hunt held out a hand for Nesta to take to steady her clumsy steps. Instead, she fell against him, knocking the air from his ribs as her arms came around his body.

‘Thank the Mother that he isn’t like Rhys even if they have the same face,’ she said.

On the walk home, Hunt hoped the fresh air might sober her up but it only emphasised just how drunk she was. Twice, he’d had to grab her before she planted her face into the concrete then she insisted she wanted to walk along a wall so Hunt had held her hand tightly while Nesta stepped across the crumbling brick in perilously high heels like a wobbling toddler. At the end, she leapt into his arms – before he was ready, so the pair had nearly gone down together.

‘I missed you today,’ she said with colour high in her cheeks.

It was just drunken talk, but Hunt would play that on a loop in his mind until he was dust.

It was too far to her hotel. If they walked, they might be there by sunrise with the pace Nesta was setting and Hunt didn’t want to risk her throwing up on him if they flew. The Comitium loomed on the horizon, still a hub of activity despite the late hour. He’d take her to the barracks. It wouldn’t be the first time somebody had been snuck in, although never by him.

‘Are you going to lock me up, Hunt Athalar?’

He grinned at that. ‘Have you committed an offence?’

Nesta gave him another inebriated smile as she clambered up another low wall to walk along. ‘I used to be a very bad girl. So they locked me in the House of Wind and destroyed my home and made me train until I was very good girl,’ she slurred.

Hunt lifted her off the wall before she fell and broke her neck.

‘Who locked you up?’

‘My family. My sisters. Cassian. Rhysand. All of them.’ She threw out her hands like it should have been obvious. ‘They all sat and told me how useless I am. You have become a pathetic waste of life.’ Nesta gave a low laugh then jabbed him in the chest. ‘Not eating won’t bring your father back, Hunt. And – my personal favourite – we did this because we love you. We ruined your life, ruined your future, but it’s because we love you.’

‘Stop,’ Hunt commanded, holding her still. ‘What are you talking about?’

Then it all came out, as if Nesta couldn’t stop herself. How she’d witnessed her father’s neck snap and retreated into herself because she couldn’t cope with the grief. How she drank every single night and took men to her bed to hate herself more. That her family had staged an intervention and forced her to become a warrior even if she had never wanted it. That her sister’s child would kill her but when Nesta revealed the truth, the male she was entwined with forced her to march until she collapsed. If Hunt ever met him, he’d kill him.

Nesta crawled onto the path then flopped onto her back. ‘The whole world is spinning.’

Despite Hunt’s attempts at trying to lift her up, she’d become a deadweight and patted the ground so he’d be beside her.

‘Nesta, we can’t lay in the middle of the path.’

‘Please,’ she begged, voice full of pleading so desperate that it twisted his heart.

What the hell was he doing? Hunt eventually lay next to Nesta on the concrete. The bright lights of the streetlamps blocked out most of the stars so he had the mad urge to fly her all the way to Mount Hermon for a better view. The night before that final battle, he and Shahar had fucked like animals – but Hunt had gone out to look at the stars one last time before the dawn took them. The stars had been stunning. And he had naively took it as a good omen because they’d made him hope of a better future.

‘I ruin everything, Hunt.’

He laced his fingers into hers. ‘That makes two of us then.’

Nesta closed her eyes, her other hand pressing against her forehead.

‘What did you drink today?’

‘Cocktails. Shots. Liquid lunch.’

Oh, she would need a medwitch in the morning to stop the hangover from hell.

‘They didn’t give you any mirthroot? No lightseeker?’

‘I don’t know what they are.’

When Nesta was ready, she pushed off from the ground and scrambled upright again. In the morning, he’d call Ruhn Danaan to give him an earful about getting a female who was lost in their world blind drunk.

From the bare shoulders that her dress exposed, Hunt could see the tattoo on Nesta’s back again.

‘The male who made a deal with you and made you hike - is he your mate?’

Nesta threw up her hands then flopped onto a wooden bench on the sidewalk. ‘He trapped me in a house and laughed at me when I fell down the stairs. He fucking better not be.’

Hunt crouched down in front of her, touching a length of her hair. ‘Let’s get you to sleep. We will talk about it all tomorrow and see if I can help.’

Although, he doubted he’d get this much truth from her in a sober state.

Her mood was swinging to a different emotion every minute so Hunt wasn’t sure which Nesta he’d see next.

‘I don’t think you’d make me carry a heavy bag and make me walk until I collapsed.’

‘Never.’

Her hand touched his face, stroking it gently. Tears welled in her eyes. ‘I did something stupid.’

Hunt caught her hand and kept it cradled to his face.

‘I went to the library and I searched your name. I know why you’re slave. I know what happened.’

It meant Nesta knew about Shahar. Sandriel. The war. The slaughter. Who he was. What he did.

She freed her fingers to touch the witch-ink on his brow.

‘Orion,’ murmured Nesta.

There would come the inevitable revulsion. Some still believed in their cause even if they’d never act on it, but most found it laughable. Each person had a place in life, a standing which would never change. If you were at the bottom, then it was tough luck. Those at the top would always be there. Hunt had been a fool to hope he could change the world. And he’d lost everything as a result.

Tears spilt down her cheeks. ‘I wish there was a Hunt Athalar in my world fighting for people like me.’

‘Nobody wants that,’ he replied, standing and deflecting from the tenderness in Nesta’s voice. ‘Let’s get you to bed.’

The bubble of emotion that Nesta had shown to him was replaced for a strange sort of anger where everything irritated her on the final portion of the walk. When she walked into the hedge, despite his best efforts in tugging her out of its path, Nesta kicked it – then told it off for hurting her leg. At the Comitium, Hunt took her in the elevator but forgot how curious it would make her. When he showed her how to press a button for their floor, she pressed every single one then complained that it was a ridiculous invention for stopping at every floor.

There were some battles that Hunt knew not to engage in.

He steered Nesta into one of the kitchens. It was a small, rudimentary thing for snacks with most meals provided in a mess hall. The toaster worked, so two slices of toast were shovelled into her mouth to try and sober her a little before sleep. Her lips glistened from the butter and she ate with her eyes closed.

‘Shall we watch Bangs and Fangs?’ Nesta asked as she tried to throw an arm around his neck, but managed to collide with the wall instead.

‘Fangs and Bangs. You need to sleep. We can catch a Sunball game tomorrow, if you like. I’m not working.’

‘I don’t know what that is.’

‘You’re in for a treat then.’ He unlocked the door and pushed it open. ‘In you go.’

Hunt made a noise at the back of his throat. Nesta had barely even stepped into the room before she whipped her dress off over her head, tossed it on the bed, then staggered towards the bathroom. Half-way there, she bent over – glorious ass on full display in a lacy green thong – to take off one shoe which she threw across the room then stumbled the final distance.

This was going to be a long night.

#hunt x nesta #hutn athalar #ruhn danaan #tristan flynn #nesta archeron #sathia flynn #declan emmett

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cosettepontmercys · 8 months

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hi friends!! i've gotten a few asks / messages about book recommendations for the new septembers readathon so i figured i'd list some here! i tried to do a range of genres & mix up YA/adult + tried to fit the autumny september vibes where i could! if anyone wants more specific recs, feel free to send me a message 🤍

a book about witches: the very secret society of irregular witches by sangu mandanna, the witch haven by sasha peyton smith, the nature of witches by rachel griffin

a murder mystery: tita rosie's kitchen mystery series by mia p. manansala, queen of the tiles by hanna alkaf, miss aldridge regrets by louise hare

a book that takes place at a private school/boarding school: every heart a doorway by seanan mcguire, if you could see the sun by ann liang, a lesson in vengeance by victoria lee

a creepy or horror book: house of hollow by krystal sutherland, the gathering dark: an anthology of folk horror, our wives under the sea by julia armfield

a book that takes place in september: answered here!

a short story collection: eternally yours, toil & trouble: 15 tales of women & witchcraft, in these hallowed halls: a dark academia anthology

a gothic novel (classic or contemporary): a dowry of blood by s.t. gibson, all the dead lie down by kyrie mccauley, wuthering heights by emily brontë

an autumnal romance: the dead romantics by ashley poston, the ex hex by erin sterling, the night circus by erin morgenstern

a book about a haunted house: mexican gothic by silvia moreno-garcia, the haunting of hill house by shirley jackson

a book about vampires: court of the undying seasons by a.m. strickland, house of hunger by alexis henderson

a cozy fantasy: legends and lattes by travis baldree, the undertaking of hart and mercy by megan bannen, half a soul by olivia atwater, emily wilde's encyclopaedia of faeries by heather fawcett

a classic / retelling: little thieves by margaret owen, a wish in the dark by christina soontornvat, enter the body by joy mccullough

a new release (published this september): you again by kate goldbeck, the wake-up call by beth o'leary, cleat cute by meryl wilsner, a study in drowning by ava reid, if i have to be haunted by miranda sun

an autumnal classic: anne of green gables by l.m. montgomery, rebecca by daphne du maurier, northanger abbey by jane austen

a dark academia book: babel by r.f. kuang, these violent delights by micah nemerever, ace of spades by faridah àbíké-íyímídé

a graphic novel: the tea dragon society by kay o'neill, the witch boy by molly ostertag, check please by ngozi ukazu, heavy vinyl by nina vakueva & carly usdin, cheer up: love and pompoms by crystal frasier & val wise, displacement by kiku hughes

#new septembers readathon #i didn't include any classics for classics but if anyone wants my classic recs lmk!

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heyfarfallina · 2 years

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get to know you better (tag game)

tagged by: @jmflowers merci beaucoup, mon ami 🌻

rules: tag 9 people you want to get to know better.

favourite time of year: summer, spring and autumn. i’m allergic to winter 🤦🏻‍♀️ i enjoy summer mostly just because we travel a lot this time of year.

comfort food: sour candies, gummies. cashew, almond nuts. pizza and pasta 🤍

do you collect something?: in 2010 used to collect kpop merch. but now, i collect pins, flowers i’ve seen the first time, and miniature food/stuffs

favourite drink: i have so many! i make my own tea with plant-based oat/almost/soya milk. i do the same with matcha. the beeeeest! last but not the least, coffee. sometimes i try new things and add it to my drink. lol

favourite song: Le Festin by Camille i actually listen to this song whenever i’m in the kitchen. So This Is Love by Emily Watts The Winter Takes It All acoustic ver by Jae Hall Heavenly by Cigarette After Sex Sleeping Beauty by Night Things Take Care by Beach House When We Were Young and Make You Feel My Love by Adele

you can’t trust me to answer one song!

current favourite song: Japanese Denim by Daniel Caesar Moments by Micah Edwards Bad Day by Daniel Powter On My Way by Alan Walker, Sabrina C & Farruko 1,2,3 by Sofia Reyes Peaches & Cream by Noah David

favourite fic: my all time fav. Unlearned Lesson, Stray by Nopejune my dear friend @anthrobae If Only I Have Been The One To Meet You First by @dscully2019 and everything that witchgirl1234 @withgirl-sq writes (LoT - avalance)

Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t by ladstars Da Sola by @bellalinguista Hygge by @jmflowers bc Bea is a mood and Sick Of Losing Soulmates by @herewegobacktomoon (S19 marina)

Collision by azureInk (lwgq - gini)

i’m tagging: @herewegobacktomoon @capitano-marina @cuteasducks9 @drlaurenb @amaclucky13 @spampisavrex @agronmadness @captain-mayabishop @bellalinguista @caribbean-ace @anthrobae @lacallemojada @withgirl-sq @mylittletmbworld @heywhereisperry

#rules be damned #also there’s no such thing as one favourite. just no #this is such a fun thing to do #tag game

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susiequaz12 · 1 year

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Carrot Top 58- Worth It

Ahhh! It’s been so long since I’ve updated a chapter for this story. We last left off with Andrew starting his recovery from the second captivity with Splice. There’ll probably be only a few more chapters of the main story before I post just drabbles and snippets. Chapter 57. Masterlist.

CW: Recovery whump, talk about past injuries/torture, fever, hallucinations, blood tw, manhandling, some superpower whump, angst/fluff.

- - -

Micah woke and rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he heard the stirrings and whimpering of the boy. He sat up from the chair he had slouched in in the guest room of Tusik’s house. It was his turn to stay through the night, they were all rotating, but to be honest, nobody was getting much sleep.

It had been two days since the surgery, and Andrew had barely woken up for no longer than to try and get some solid food down, and to have his bandages changed.

He couldn’t walk, couldn’t speak. Dr. Tusik had explained that his body had gone into a state of shock and recovery. Every unnecessary function was put on hold as he tried to get back to a better state of being.

Andrew was whimpering now.

Those were sometimes the only sounds he’d make- when he was too asleep to feel the pain in his throat from making the noise.

Micah stepped near the bed, Andrew was squirming, his hands clenched in tight fists by his sides. He brushed the hair away from his face, and instantly knew what was wrong.

His skin was drenched in sweat, and burning hot to the touch. Micah pulled one of the blankets away, and got a cold wet rag, and a thermometer. He cleaned the boy’s face gently before draping it across his forehead.

Andrew’s lips parted easily and Micah was able to read the temperature on the little display screen. 101.3F.

Yeah, it was a fever.

In the dim light he could see Andrew’s eyes fluttering open and darting around.

“Hey- hey handsome.” Micah smiled.

Andrew’s face lightened at the sound of his voice and Micah relaxed for a little bit. He was always worried that mentally, Andrew wouldn’t be alright sometimes. There were times he’d wake up screaming, tearing at his throat, unable to understand where he was, or that he was safe. Or when he’d go back into that mindset Micah had found- of being obedient, submissive, trying to- to keep anyone from getting angry.

Micah had always noticed when Andrew kind of ‘went off’, into his own little space. It had happened a few times before when they were first getting to know each other, but now it all made a lot more sense.

He brushed a hand over Andrew’s, it was clenched into a tight fist.

“You’ve got a fever. I’ve got you though, it’ll be alright. Do you want to try and drink some water?”

Andrew’s eyes glanced to the cup and straw sitting on the nightstand and after a second he nodded.

Micah moved the cup to Andrew, pulling his hand up to support it with his own and helped navigate the straw into his mouth.

It took a moment, and Andrew winced as he swallowed, but eventually was able to keep down some of the liquid.

“Tusik says if you’re feeling up to it, tomorrow we might be able to try some tea, or some broth. That’ll probably help your throat a little too.”

Andrew nodded, his eyes darting off again for a moment before a shiver wracked through his body.

“Do you want the blanket back? You were burning up a second ago, I didn’t want you to overheat.”

He nodded, and Micah set the cup back down on the nightstand, pulling the blanket back over Andrew’s body. He leaned back into the pillows and Micah wiped the cool rag over his face once more.

“Don’t worry, we won’t let this fever get any worse. I’ve got you.”

Over the next two days, the fever did nothing but get worse.

It had tried to stay at 101.3, but eventually crawled his way between 102.9, and 103.4.

Tusik had been giving him plenty of fluids and medicine, they were monitoring him steadily, trying to keep him cool, keep him company and comfortable, but the fever would only slow for a little bit before starting to climb again.

Day five of the fever Andrew had woken up screaming.

His throat was so hoarse barely any sound came out, but you could hear the terror in his voice.

Justin had been the one to take watch that day.

He burst into the room to find Andrew huddled in the blankets on the bed, pointing to the side of the door Justin had just opened.

He glanced to the side- expecting to see, something- but there was just the empty wall.

“Andrew you’re- you’re okay. There’s nothing there.” He took a step further into the room but Andrew flinched, jolting back into the headboard.

His eyes followed some unknown shape until Andrew was filled with absolute terror.

Splice had been shot. Five times, apparently.

But Andrew hadn’t seen the gunshots. He hadn’t seen the man die- there was just a body lying on the floor.

So it made sense why the man would be standing in front of him at the foot of his bed. It was perfectly reasonable for him to be back here with another method of torment.

The man was bleeding. There were holes in his shoulder, his hip, chest, one in his leg and one in his arm.

Blood was pooling from him down to the floor, it spread to a clone as he let one separate from his body.

Andrew’s eyes played ping pong between the original Splice, and the clone.

They had matching bullet wounds- but only that evil glint shone behind one pair of eyes.

The two moved in tandem as Andrew’s heart began to race, he pulled himself further away, pressed tight against the headboard.

A third- and then a fourth clone appeared slowly, and they began surrounding the bed.

“Go away- please- I’m sorry-” his words were barely above a whisper- but they were there nonetheless.

The clones began to multiply- more and more until he couldn’t see the walls. There was just a swarm.

Blood was getting everywhere. It soaked into the sheets and stained the carpets.

The original Splice laughed, standing at the foot of the bed. He stalked closer before pulling Andrew away from the headboard and pinning his wrists together. He squirmed and wiggled to try and get away but there was nowhere he could move as Splice straddled his hips, holding him in place.

Blood from the bullet wounds dripped down onto Andrew’s face, and he sputtered and coughed.

“Get off of me!” He tried to scream. He tried to kick, but he was stuck. Trapped. “Don’t! Leave me alone- please! Please, I’m sorry! I’m sorry- don’t hurt me please-”

Only a few of the words were audible above the rasp in his voice but he muttered the pleas nonetheless.

More clones made their way onto the bed. They gripped his throat- pulled at his hair, held him down, as their blood pooled around him.

Andrew was drowning.

Andrew was thrashing around on the bed- yanking at his iv, throwing around the blankets, so Justin did what he thought was best.

He didn’t care if there might have been a better approach, in his instinct, the priority was keeping Andrew from hurting himself.

Justin climbed on top of the bed, and grabbed Andrew’s wrists as gently as he could. Though he was struggling and fighting, there wasn’t much strength behind any of it. He placed a knee on either side of Andrew’s chest, keeping his legs from thrashing about too much to protect his healing ankle.

Holding both of his wrists in one hand, Justin brought them to the front of Andrew’s chest. His free hand brushed his hair away, tilting his face gently to look in his own.

“Andrew you have to calm down or you will hurt yourself.”

“Get off of me!” Andrew whined. It was an attempt at a scream- a pathetic try that made Justin’s heart hurt. “Don’t! Leave me alone, please- please-”

“Andrew you’re hallucinating. The fever is making you see things.”

“Don’t hurt me- please- please- I-”

Justin flinched back a little, trying not to let the words get to him.

“I’m not going to hurt you. No one is going to hurt you. Can you- Andrew- can you look at me?”

He released the grip on his wrists once Andrew had calmed down, moving to cup his face in his hands instead, pulling his gaze away from his hallucinations.

The two boy’s met eyes, Andrew’s hands falling onto Justin’s wrists.

“Are you with me? You’re perfectly safe Andrew.”

Andrew’s gaze was finally present. Eyes were red and filled with tears, but the hallucinations were gone. He nodded and Justin smiled, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.

“Fever can do some weird shit to you, huh?” Justin stated. “Sorry about uh- about grabbing you like that. I- I didn’t want you to accidentally hurt yourself.”

Andrew let out a small shrug, and glanced to the nightstand, motioning to his water.

Justin helped him position the cup and drink through the straw before Andrew fell back on the pillow. He grabbed the cool rag that had fallen off and drew some water from around him- re-dampening it before draping it back across Andrew’s forehead.

Justin moved to leave back out to the living room, but a small brush to his wrist turned him back.

Andrew’s eyes darted to the chair at the side of the room, gesturing for Justin to stay.

He nodded, and plopped himself into the armchair as Andrew drifted into another fever-induced sleep.

At day 8 his temperature had subsided slightly, dropping back to 102, but he had started vomiting blood.

It had happened after Micah had fed him some chicken broth. His stomach started churning, there were stabbing pains, and then it had splattered all over the bucket Micah had given him.

Dr. Tusik hoped it would have just been from the strain and damage to his throat. But after seeing it he knew there was something bigger going on.

Two hours later Andrew had a nosebleed. And then three more throughout the rest of the day.

They did everything they could for the next twenty-four hours to try and discover the reasoning behind all the bleeding.

Andrew’s fever had subsided in the days prior, but now he was looking weaker than ever. If they didn’t figure out what was going on soon, things didn’t look like they’d turn out very well.

“Do you think he could tell us?” Micah asked the doctor. “I know he’s on vocal rest, but he might be able to write it, or something. Couldn’t we get Ali here to, to read his mind?”

Tusik chuckled. “You kids always want to use your powers for the simplest of things. Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the best solution.” Tusik held up a pad of paper and a pencil.

Micah knelt next to Andrew’s bed. He looked almost as pale as when they had rescued him, and his hair hadn’t darkened at all, still staying at a pale blonde. He was more skin and bones then usual, and his eyes were red from tears.

“Hey, how you doing handsome?” Micah asked. Andrew glanced away avoiding his eyes. “We might be able to figure out what’s going on. Tusik has a couple ideas.” Andrew’s face seemed to light up a little at the thought of getting better. “We’d just need a little more info on exactly what happened. You don’t have to go into detail, but whatever you say will be able to help us figure out what’s wrong.”

Andrew thought for a moment- his eyes going off to that place he’d retreat to- before coming back, and giving Micah a slight nod.

“Alright, do you think you can write some of it down?” Micah helped Andrew sit up a bit more, placing the pad of paper in his lap and helping him grip the pencil.

Andrew’s hand shook as he held the pencil in front of the paper. He tried writing down the first word- but his grip wasn’t steady, and he couldn’t get a legible line down on the paper. He let the pencil fall with frustration and gently nudged it away.

“That’s alright, we can try something else. If you’re up for it.”

Micah grabbed his laptop from his bag in the armchair and opened up an empty word document.

“This might be better. You just have to hit the buttons. You willing to try?”

Andrew nodded. Micah retrieved the boy’s glasses from the nightstand, helping to adjust them on his face. Andrew blinked a few times, squinting to adjust to the brightness of the screen.

“You can start from the beginning if that helps. Or, just tell the important bits.”

Andrew nodded. The beginning. He’d just start from the beginning.

Came here, beat me

Micah nodded- he had seen the welts and the bruises along his legs. He watched as Andrew carefully found each letter one at a time, his hand shaking, but focus etched onto his face as he planned the next thing to say.

Heli- he began to type.

“Helicopter?” Micah asked. Andrew nodded, finding the next letter in order to continue. His free hand subconsciously floated to his neck, a thin band of discoloration resting above a handful of smaller scars.

Collar. Angry

“He got angry with you?” Micah asked for clarification. Andrew shook his head, mouthing a no, trying to figure out the best way to rephrase it. “Oh, he got you angry?” A nod. Micah glanced back at the screen, waiting for him to continue.

Fight. fall ankle he typed.

“You guys got into a fight, you fell and that’s how you hurt your ankle. What about- about the other one?”

Micah watched as Andrew’s eyes got lost again.

“Did he break it? You fell and hurt one and he- he broke the- broke the other one?”

After a moment Andrew nodded, moving his gaze quickly back to the computer.

system- chains

“System.” Micah whispered. “That’s the thing he had you all hooked up to when we got there? That was his system.” Micah clearly remembered the image of Andrew- strung up in all the chains and the metal cuffs- like some sort of medeival torture device. It seemed unnecessarily cruel. “What was it- what was it for?”

Dependence was the answer.

Micah nodded, letting Andrew continue as much as he wanted to. He saw the shake in his hand rise as he tried to type out the next word.

Hair- his hand fell against the keyboard. His eyes drooped.

Micah’s hand reached up towards the side of Andrew’s head, hesitating for a moment to initiate the touch. Andrew sighed and leaned in, placing his head in the boy’s palm. He closed his eyes.

Micah let his fingers comb through what remained of Andrew’s hair, rubbing gentle circles along his scalp. They hadn’t had a chance to cut it, or barely even wash it since he’d been home. What had once been a mop of gorgeous curls, falling around his shoulders- was now jagged and uneven, huge chunks missing and longer strands curling by his ears. It was a mess.

Micah continued to softly play with the boy’s hair as he continued to type.

Tube, lungs hurt, drugs

Andrew glanced at the other boy, watching the concern etch on his face, and when he didn’t ask any further questions, he continued.

Cut open. Left to bleed

Micah was staring at the computer screen- but Andrew was staring at Micah.

He had given this boy nothing. And yet here he was doing his best to help him, when he had no good reason to. He couldn’t tell this boy everything he had thought- how the idea of him made him grieve so much while he was in that place, that it put a fiercer ache in his chest than that machine had.

He couldn’t say how he loved him. They had never even kissed. And yet Andrew knew how he felt- he knew what he had imagined and longed for and wished while he was locked away- begging for death.

Micah didn’t deserve to deal with all that.

Micah didn’t deserve to deal with Andrew.

Andrew sniffled away a tear, and Micah moved his thumb across the boy’s cheek, wiping it away before anymore could fall. There had been too many already shed.

Andrew began to type again. The more they knew, the more they’d be able to help.

Took my blood- infused

Micah’s eyes grew wide. “An infusion- with what, Andrew? Do you know?”

His hands were visibly shaking even more. He shook his head at first, leaning into Micah’s touch. The smaller boy reached up, placing both hands along Andrew’s temples, rubbing gentle circles.

“Please Andrew- can you remember? Did he tell you anything?”

A headache began to form as Andrew focused- trying desperately to remember the bits and pieces of jumbled dialogue he had heard while he was floating in and out of unconsciousness.

The bags of blood- the numbers- the hours in between.

“You’re looking so beautiful for me. We’re halfway there.”

“Three more left, you’re doing wonderful.”

“Splice blood sample- 1/12”

Andrew’s eyes fluttered open in remembrance. The bits and pieces were floating all together like a puzzle/

His blood. 9/12 he typed.

Micah glanced up in realization. “Nine of twelve. We- we interrupted the procedure.” He whispered. “How long were- were you in the- in his system?”

Andrew shrugged, all the waiting and all the pain always warped his sense of time. All he knew is he arrived, got more beaten and bruised, and then he’d been in the contraption until they arrived.

Almost whole time he typed.

Micah nodded. He quickly grabbed a rag as Andrew’s chest started heaving, and Andrew held it to his mouth.

Stains of red quickly leaked through as Andrew coughed, his whole body shaking with the effort. Micah rubbed a gentle hand across his back until he was finished, offering him some water as well.

Andrew glanced off as he sipped, looking more exhausted and worn-out than usual.

“Thank you for- for telling me. It’ll help Tusik figure everything out.”

Andrew gave the cup of water back, leaning into the pillows as he tried to find a steady rhythm of breaths.

“We’ll figure this out. We’ll find out what’s wrong and get you better. I promise.”

Andrew shrugged. He was tired of all those promises. I promise I’ll keep you safe. I promise I won’t let you get hurt. I promise it’s all okay now.

But despite the good intent, they were never kept. He would never be safe. He was in constant pain, and it was just one battle after another after another. It was never okay. At this point, he couldn’t imagine everything ever being okay.

He let Micah grab his hand, he was too tired to pull away, but he couldn’t look at his face. That face filled with so much concern, and hope, and belief, that like he said, he’d get better.

“What’s going on?” Micah asked. “We will get you better.”

Damn it. Andrew hated that the other boy knew him so well already. He knew it’d be a shame if they’d used all this energy, and effort to get him back, to keep him safe, and have it all be for nothing in the end.

With his free hand he slowly reached the keyboard once more.

Tired.

Micah nodded. “I know. This is- this is progress though. Tusik can use it to help us figure out what’s wrong. He can use it to help you get better.”

Andrew’s fingers shook as they hovered above the keys. He didn’t dare type it. But he knew it was all over his mind. It was all he could believe.

Not worth it

Micah read those three small words and paused for a moment. Trying to find the best way to phrase his next moments. He grabbed the laptop and set it back in his bag.

“Listen.” He squeezed Andrew’s hand, the other coming to rest against the side of his face. Andrew couldn’t help but lean into the touch. “Listen please, I need you to believe me. You don’t need to now, but eventually.”

Andrew made eye contact when he heard the shake and the tremor in Micah’s voice. Their faces inches apart- eye-to-eye.

“You are worth it. You are worth the effort, and the time, and the energy it takes to get you better. You are twenty one for god’s sake. You have the whole rest of your life ahead of you. Do not let this define it, please. Do not let this end you.”

Micah leaned his head down- pressing his forehead against Andrew’s. Micah was nearly begging- his tears falling into the crest of Andrew’s hair.

“Don’t let this be it. There’s so much left in you- please.”

- - -

Tag List: @imagination1reality0, @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi, @thehopelessopus, @burtlederp, @whump-me-all-night-long @laves-here @yesthisiswhump @myfriendcallsmeasickwoman19 @brutal-nemesis @lunaabsentee @morning-star-whump @beatenbruisedandbloody @sowhumpful

#whump #whump writing #carrot top #Andrew and Micah #recovery whump #fever #hallucinations #blood #superpower whump #angst #fluff #it feels so good to be writing the story again #I have a few more chapters planned out for now #we're almost done bb les goooo

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art-of-manliness · 1 year

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Podcast #856: Befriending Winter

Some people dread winter with its cold weather, long dark nights, and the downcast mood these elements often induce. But my guest would say it’s possible to befriend winter, and truly enjoy the rhythms and opportunities that are unique to this season. Micah Mortali is the founder of the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and an instructor and retreat leader who uses the teaching of ancestral skills to help people develop greater mindfulness and connection with nature. Today on the show, Micah explains why we should consider winter “the night of the year” and how befriending the season involves aligning yourself with its call toward rest and reflection. We first discuss exploring the outdoor world during winter and how learning survival skills like shelter building and animal tracking can help you spend more time in nature, restore your sense of well-being, and simply feel more alive. In the second half of our conversation, we talk about how to improve your interior life during winter, both in the literal sense of making your house more cozy and in the metaphorical sense of turning inward. Micah explains why you should spend one night a week pretending you live off the grid, embrace the power of firelight, and may want to wait until March to make your New Year’s resolutions. We end our conversation with why you might want to read The Road this winter. Resources Related to the Episode * Micah’s previous appearance on the AoM podcast: Episode #739: Rewild Your Life * Rewilding: Meditations, Practices, and Skills for Awakening in Nature by Micah Mortali * AoM Podcast #157: Primitive Pursuits & Winter Survival * AoM Article: How to Make Pine Needle Tea * AoM Article: How to Track Animals — A Primer on Identifying Footprints * Tracking and the Art of Seeing by Paul Rezendes * Tom Brown’s Science and Art of Tracking by Tom Brown Jr. * AoM Podcast #566: How to Have a Hyggely Christmas and a More Memorable New Year * AoM Article: 8 Things That Can Help You Get More Hygge This Winter * “The Forgotten Medieval Habit of ‘Two Sleeps'” * “Can’t Get to Sleep? A Wilderness Weekend Can Help” (Write-up on CU sleep study) * WoodWick Candles that crackle when lit * AoM Article: Carry the Fire * The Road by Cormac McCarthy * AoM Podcast #760: Cormac McCarthy, The Road, and Carrying the Fire Connect with Micah Mortali * Micah’s Website * Micah on IG * Micah’s Kripalu Faculty Page Listen to the Podcast! (And don’t forget to leave us a review!) Listen to the episode on a separate page. Download this episode. Subscribe to the podcast in the media player of your choice. Listen ad-free on Stitcher Premium; get a free month when you use code “manliness” at checkout. Podcast Sponsors Click here to see a full list of our podcast sponsors Transcript Coming Soon The post Podcast #856: Befriending Winter appeared first on The Art of Manliness. http://dlvr.it/SfFQZt

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amethystamanda · 8 months

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Winterfest

Trees, presents, Father Winter...

The day begins with Barbie up early to cook

Then holiday crackers

And the grand meal

Some singing, including Charles's friend Alfonso Alto who showed up on Winterfest. (Are things okay for him at home?)

Then presents!

Later, Lola's the one to find Father Winter bringing them more presents

and gets the first gift from him. She got a soccer ball!

The total haul from Winterfest under the cut (some house upgrades are coming)

Lola:

2 Banana Bank Heist Model Vans

2 BooBoo Billy Doctor Playsets

1 Blarffy (blue)

1 Citrine

1 GnomeSports Soccer Ball (black and white)

2 Lumps of Clay

1 Mr. Floppy the Gnome

1 Orange Topaz

2 PenguinVision Children’s Television Sets

2 Prehistoric Birds

1 Sapphire

2 The “Lots of Love” Bears (red & pink)

2 Wisps

1 Wolf Eel (foul)

Barbie II:

2 Banana Bank Heist Model Vans

1 Blarffy (blue)

1 Carrot

2 Chaz McFreelys

1 Creative Art Thou Activity Table

1 Hilariously Tiny T-Rex Arms

3 Let There Be Light! Laser Shows

1 Lump of Clay

2 Mr. Floppy the Gnomes

1 The “Lots of Love” Bear (pink)

1 Tiny Teacher Nesting Blocks

3 True Prodigy Child’s Violins (brown)

1 Turquoise

1 Wisp

Charles:

1 “Wood You Believe” Bunny

1 “Wood You Believe” Dragon

2 All-In-One Powerful PCs

1 Bridgeport: Postcard

1 Chaz McFreely

2 Common Upgrade Parts

1 Crystal Clear Digital Camera

2 Electronic Upgrade Parts

1 Fire Opal

2 Future Cubes by Paltry Predictions, Inc.

1 GeniusVision Wall-Mount TV

1 Hopper

2 Kitchen Upgrade Parts

1 Life Under a Microscope

2 Plumbing Upgrade Parts

1 RAW Antique Teapot

1 Scholarly Stack

1 The “Lots of Love” Bear (red)

1 The Lyrical Amplifier Karaoke Machine

1 Train Set – Cargo Car

1 Upright Classic Headstone

Barbie I:

1 Barely Better Digital Camera

1 Candle’s Crib

1 Caress Scented Candles (red)

1 Crystal Clear Digital Camera

1 Florist’s Dream Gardening Tools

1 Future Cube by Paltry Predictions, Inc.

1 Jazz Cats: Whiskers of a Forgotten Past

1 London’s Choice

1 Pro-Quality Knife Block Set

1 Robot Vacuum Dock

1 Selium

1 Sole Star Athletic Poster

1 Starter Flowers

2 The “Lots of Love” Bears (pink & red)

1 The Schmapple Coffee

1 The Slablet

1 Train Set – Caboose

1 Train Set – Engine Car

1 Two Thousand Ounces of Gold Under the Sea

1 Yuki

Micah:

1 Barely Better Digital Camera

1 Common Upgrade Part

1 Duffel o’Cash

1 Electronic Upgrade Part

1 Kitchen Upgrade Part

1 Land-Coral Garden

1 Life Under a Microscope

1 London’s Choice

1 Mega Couple Of Books

1 Mr. Floppy the Gnome

1 Plathium

1 Plumbing Upgrade Part

1 Sapphire

1 Shelly’s Shells Towel Ring (red)

1 Tea Magic Personal Brewer

1 The Lyrical Amplifier Karaoke Machine

1 The MotionMonitor Gaming Mat

1 The Schmapple Micro

1 There’s No Place Like Gnome

1 Train Set – Cargo Car

1 Wick-er Whims Candle Bowl

*Not counting the crackers, I deleted the notifications

#sims barbie legacy #generation 1: housewife barbie #gameplay #27

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babyjoysdiary · 1 year

Text

Today I learned some people are really committed to not understanding you…they will hide behind fake apologies and weird ass phrasing and victim mentality.

Like Sign

Like Saman

Like KV

And I’m not gonna say it’s done white shit…but they all do got white momma’s.

Light skins twist your words like no other.

Like KV my housemate was being fucking anti-black in this goddamn house hold. But they making it solely about me calling out their fear… and saying “irreparable harm” and that there is no room for their harm.

Like playing victim like imma leave this house since I can’t not be anti-black.

What. The. Fuck.

Saying they won’t even cook in the kitchen and will just stay in their room or not come home.

And I know I said that too…and I was also in that victim role…but this feels manipulative

Like they are aware of what they are doing

I can feel it in their phrasing and not actually listening to me.

I say hey just work on this abs they say they can’t hear the pressure or the reality of causing me more harm since “there is no room for their fear and it’s inherently anti-black”.

I’m just done. I can’t do the mental gymnastics. Like they were using the words “compromise” and “expectations” when I said I was frustrated. And yea if you can’t give me rides, I’m not gonna do all the dishes. And I don’t care that one caused the other.

I don’t have the capacity to put in more than others. And the fact that they are centering on this idea that it’s their fear and not their actions and mentality?!?!

Yea, the praying with Micah worked.

I’m not mad or even sad. Well I’m both.

But I have control. I’m not gonna go upstairs and yell that I know what their manipulative ass , white ass, insidious ass more sly and a bigger threat than white people motherfucking ass is doing

Nor am I gonna keep messaging them explaining myself. It’s not just their fear painting me out to be aggressive, nor was it ever. It was and is their mentality and approach. The whose is me, I guess I’m just a racist and should call it quits

That “since there id no room for my fear and it’s inherently anti-black” that is so reductive and not what I was tryna say.

And I know that. And that’s all that tucking matters.

Bro I really get gaslit everyday.

Just listen cause people in the group chat for the protest that’s happening tomorrow really forgot it was Remus, and she wanted to honor the trans woman who was almost beaten to death not but two week ago. And why queers over took it and then had the audacity to talk shit about President Andrew Jenkins… I wish you fucking wrong for Voting the way she did yes and his part of this bullshit her karma yes but at the same time I don’t think that gives people the right to not see to not see her humanity. I also just think is not fucking conclusion or logical to be like this black person in this trans person this other marginalized person has harmed me and votes against our collective wishes. Therefore, she doesn’t deserve space therefore, she shouldn’t be able to speak like she’s in a position of fucking power and she’s hurting us and she’s hurting her self like casting her out and yelling at her Soli not yelling at her and also giving her tea not yelling at her and also cooking her meal just yelling at her and not holding space where it doesn’t fucking work like that it doesn’t it doesn’t and I should know that better than anybody… Anyway … in this fucking group chat they were ripping her to shreds and saying she had no right to be there… Forgetting that she was in the group chat and people act as if they didn’t know she was in a group chat when they were called out for it as well as try to backpedal and say that it’s not that they were trying to control where she was or when she spoke but it was a concern for her safety and it wasn’t. That’s a lie. They think that she should be punished for the way that she votes and it’s not that I disagree. It’s more the fact that if we say we are organizing for trans, joy and rage and collective power. It’s a pussy ass move to tell people who are canceled or politically spicy. They can’t come. How dare you call yourself an activist willing to do the tough work and then ban somebody from coming to to the protest or saying, that fuck her leader ship since she is a bad leader, she doesn’t deserve to speak at one point in my youth I would’ve agreed, but it’s like times are too fucking dire, there’s too many trans fucking bills trying to kill us and police trying to kill us and I know she aided in the police shit we get this she still in power so being nasty and mean to her that’s not gonna get her to change the way she votes and you know why I know that because today Daddy-O in the group chat was very sincere and vulnerable and nice when talking about how the group chat was anti-black and they didn’t care. They didn’t respond well and pushed back and then when I came in with that heat and got into their asses and was mean they again lied and said it was just about worrying for Andrea’s safety know they want her punished they want her punished and well I can see invalidate that point of you I don’t know how you can call yourself a radical if that’s the stance you take because she still is a black trans woman not… Excuses her and she shouldn’t be held accountable. It just means that we can’t treat her like a criminal will you can’t say you’re for abolition and then treat people as if they’re criminals even when they commit a crime I know it sucks it’s bullshit. It doesn’t feel good it’s not sexy there’s no movies written about it barely any books written about it. I just know that if I have the where fall and the talent and the skills I would want to be able to talk to someone who is like a Candace Owens as with much grace as I talk to anyone in my family when I’m not activated. All bets are off when I’m activated and maybe it’s because, I have been activated in the past with Andrea. I am currently able to come at it with a little bit of a clear head, a little bit of a more equitable point of you at the end of the day, though these folks were called out for their anti-blackness, and they resisted it avoided. It said that it was merely about safety, and the wishes of their comrades of others, and yeah they’re a whole bunch of black and brown people. Don’t fuck with Andrea and that’s cool

#diary

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kazariloveandhavok · 1 year

Text

Chapter 6- The New Best Friend Squad Part 2- Sick Day

A few days later…

The dummy thicc wind princess that was Spinnerella felt like she was just gonna melt into a pile of mucus, and her head kept spinning as she curled up in a chair. Her wife, Netossa, was not doing much better, in fact, she had already puked multiple times and she had a sore neck and short breathing.

“Oh Gods, Spinny. Everything hurts! One of us is to blame and it’s not me!” said Netossa.

Spinnerella raised an eyebrow . “Netossa, let’s vote on it!” she droned.

“Spinny, you must be sicker and both of us if you think voting will actually change anything. There are only two of us! What the hell would voting achieve?!” Netossa tried to yell, only to cough up a lung.

Meanwhile, their son, Riley, was leaning against the wall with Kazari, Finn, Iyexi and Archer.

“You see what I mean?” Riley said, keeping his distance.

“Spinny, Nets. You two look horrible!” Kazari said, flatly.

“DUDE!” Riley shot a glare at Kazari before looking at his mothers. “Uh…mommy? Are you two okay?”

Netossa tried to sit up, but to no avail. “Welp, my chest feels like it’s being crushed and my head is pounding like crazy, what do you think?” she asked with a pout?

Spinny gave a harsh cough. “Riley, please kill me!” she said, clearly delirious.

Iyexi grimaced as she activated her visor to scan Spinny and Netossa’s temperature. Jebuss Krist, you two are burning up!” the half-spacebat remarked. “Are you two okay?”

Spinny sighed and said, “I dunno, something bit us yesterday and now we both feel like death!

Archer rubbed the back of his head, saying, “So, Riley. What exactly do you need us for?”

“Right, so…we need to gather some stuff to make a broth, or something, before these my moms kill over or something,” said Riley.

Netossa was a bit more successful at sitting up this time as she told Riley, “It’s okay, son. We’ll be okay, we just need a little bit of rest and relaxa-BLEEEEEEHHHHH!!” The net-tossing princess’ stomach convulsed and spewed out a massive stream of bile and half digested food and rubbish.

Riley leaped back and watched in horror. “Oh geez, mom!”

Spinnerella desperately tried to shield herself from the stream of chunky bile.

The squad looked at each other with concern, with Finn remarking, “Fucking yikes!”

Spinnerella tried to make a shield of wind to block the stream, but she simply did not have the energy to do so, all she could do is block with her arms. “EWEWEWEWEWEEEEW!” she cried out.

Netossa stream finally ceased, and the net tossing princess collapsed onto the floor.

Spinnerella whimpered, using what little strength she had to wipe off the vomit. “Riley, please hurry!”

Elberon

Upon arrival, Kazari’s first thought was the memory of her first time coming here with Micah to help grab stuff for a special tea for Angella. It was actually quite nice.

“Okay, guys. Here are lists of items for the brew,” Riley said, passing around small slips of paper. As everyone took the paper, everyone seemed to break off into separate cliques; Kazari and Finn rushed off , while Iyexi and Archer remained with Riley.

“I swear, those two have been inseparable since Kazari first got here,” Riley remarked.

Iyexi placed her hands behind the back of her head, saying, “Well, me and Archer have a bet going on. I’m fairly certain that Kazari and Finn are gonna fuck, one of these days!”

Riley grimaced. “Oh, Jebuss Krist… you shouldn’t make bets on that kind of stuff,” he said, face flushed red with embarrassment.

Archer cleared his throat as he tried to “Right….so…let’s just get the items…we need some noodles?”

Meanwhile, Kazari and Finn wandered through the town and immediately noticed something was off!

“Kaz, is it me, or does everyone seem…on edge?” asked Finn.

Sure enough, people around the two magicats seemed to be looking over there collective shoulders. A woman was frantically trying to get back her house, and a little girl was desperately clinging on to her father like Golem holding on to that ring.

That’s when the mayor, Elena walked up to the two. “Finn, son of Sir Adora and Lady Catra. Kazari, student of Micah. It’s good to see you two, but you should be careful!”

“Mayor Elena, hey, how’s it going?” Finn asked.

Elena looked tired, but gave as warm a smile as she could manage. She was a lanky woman with olive complexion and a pixie haircut.

“Honestly, I’ve been better. We’ve been better!”

Kazari raised an eyebrow and asked, “So, what exactly is going on?”

With a sigh, Elena explained, “There have been rumors that have been turning pretty credible, of a monster in the form of a spider!

Kazari decided to gain more info, as her interest was now thoroughly piqued. “I see, so why not contact one of the princesses? the magicat asked.

“Well,” Elena explained, Spinnerella and Netossa tried to help out yesterday, but now they’re sick, which is why everyone is on edge! Perfuma is preparing for the festival later, and frankly, we don’t think we should be relying on the princesses to solve all of our problems…”

Finn smirked. “Now that is an idea I can get behind!” they said.

Kazari stepped forward and told the mayor, “If they are sightings of some kind of monster, then the Best Friend Squad has gotcha covered. Consider it our new side quest!”

Some time later, everyone met up at a cafe, with Kazari ordering milk for everyone. “Okay, new plan,” she said. “Apparently, there half been rumors of a monster running around deep in the woods, I’m willing to bet that THAT is the cause of Spinny and Netossa’s illness!”

Finn raised an eyebrow and asked, “Kaz, are you suggesting that we become monster hunters?”

Kaz nodded. “That is EXACTLY what I am suggesting!”

“But…what about moms?!” Riley stammered.

Kazari simply flash her million dollar smile, assuring him, “Don’t worry, Riley. Your moms are Spinnerella and Netossa! They fought in the war, I’m sure they can wait just a little while longer, I’m sure they’re handling it with grace and finesse.

Meanwhile, Spinnerella and Netossa were handling being sick with about as much grace and finesse as a big bull seal. Scorpia had arrived to help out, and was met with the sight of Netossa curled up in a fetal position and Spinnerella whimpering, face down on the floor, Netossa’s dried vomit caked on the side of her face.

“Jebuss Krist, what the hell happened?!” said Scorpia.

Spinny struggled into a seating position, saying, “Well, Netossa puked all over me, I tried to get up and wipe it off, but *sniff* I collapsed and landed on my bad ankle. It hurts so much…WAAHH!”

Scorpia kneeled down and gave the dummy thicc wind princess and pulled her into an embrace.

“Shh…it’s okay…Mama Scorps is here. Imma take such good care of you guys!”

Netossa threw her head back incredulously. “RILEY!!! PLEASE HURRY!!!”

Back in Elberon, Kazari led everyone towards to edge of the Whispering Woods. “Everyone, keep your eyes peeled. According to Elena, the monster looks like a spider, so if we come across it we need to….” Kazari suddenly zoned out, staring at a tree that seemed to distort in her vision. The distortions started to take on a shape that Kazari couldn’t quite make out. Iyexi waved a hand in front of Kazari’s face, causing the magicat to blink rapidly, snapping back to reality. “Woah, that was weird!”

“Kaz, are you okay? You kinda just zoned out for a second?” said Archer.

“I don’t know….I thought I saw something. C’mon!”

“Oh Jeez, Kazari. I don’t know about this! You’re apparently hallucinating now, what if you caught moms’ sickness,” said Riley.

Kazari simply hand waved that away, saying, “Nah, I think I’ve just saw something, but I’ll deal with that later. For now, we’ve got a spider to squish.

Iyexi placed a hand on Archer’s shoulder, saying, “Don’t worry, this is Kazari, she has her ways!”

“Oh…I sure hope so!”

Kazari walked forward, cutting through some tall bushes and shrubbery, soon coming across, “Guys, looks, a spider web!”

The web was glowing with kinda luminescence, slowly shifting between thalo blue and crime scene red. Riley and Kazari kneeled down to study it. “Riley, you’re half-Netossa, do you recognize the makeup of this web?” the magicat asked.

Riley nodded his head. “Nah, this strange webbing seems almost…not entirely organic!”

Kazari tapped her chin pensively before grabbing the nearest stick she could find and poked the web, causing it to glitch out and undulate. Kazari and Riley backed up before the web burst into an acidic goop!

“What the fuck?!” Iyexi proclaimed.

“Interesting!” said Kazari.

“Kazari, you scare me!” said Riley.

Finn placed an arm over Kazari’s shoulder saying, “Everyone's a critic these day, huh, Kaz?" they said in jest.

Kazari tapped her chin, the magicat saying, “These webs don’t seem to be built for trapping things, more like causing severe damage. Iyexi, be a dear and collect a sample, because this might provide some useful information!”

With a nod, Iyexi did just that, using a plastic bag and several cotton swabs to take samples of the spider goop. “Fucking gross,” she said.

“That spider shouldn’t be far from here,” said Archer.

“So, Kaz, which way should we go?” Finn asked their fellow magicat.

Kazari opened her mouth, when she suddenly cried out, “Riley, look out!” as she tackled him to the ground, a large needle sailing past the two as they fell!

Finn, Archer and Iyexi reeled back at what shot the needles, and sure enough, it was that damned spider, one that was as big as a large dog!

“Holy fucking shit!” Riley exclaimed.

Kazari sprang to her feet and helped Riley up, saying, “Okay, this must be the fucker that made you mums sick. Let’s take it down!”

Finn, Archer and Iyexi gathered around the redhead, with Archer asking, “Kaz, what’s the plan?!”

Kazari turned to Riley, “Riley, you’re half Netossa! How good are you with tossing nets?” she asked.

Riley gave a shrug, saying, “Welp, I only have half my mother’s potential, so I’ve gotta be smart about!”

With a nod, Kaz whispered into Riley’s ear, before telling him, “Riley, just run! We’ll handle this!”

Riley did not have to be told twice, running off deeper into the woods. The squad lined up as the spider hissed at them. Other than its sheer size, the spider had a dark iridescent body and its back was adorned in a blood red pattern that looked oddly familar.

Kazari clenched her fist as she suddenly spun around on her heels, shouting, “RUN AWAY!!!” with the other following suit, sprinting deeper into the woods, the spider giving chase. Eventually, Kazari and Finn started running on all fours, pulling ahead as the spider continued to gain on the four, its disturbingly stocky legs scuttling and shuffling with the quickness.

“Kazari! Where are we going?!” asked Finn.

Still running, Kazari simply winked at them, saying, “You’re about to find out!”

“What?”

“Just over this incline!”

Kazari and Finn led the charge, bounding over a hill and into the path of a crudely made web, created by an exhausted Riley.

“Damn, nice work, Riley!” Iyexi complemented.

Kazari narrowed her eyes, and ordered, “Finn, you and I will take the top corners, Archer and Iyexi, you two take the bottoms!

The spider was inching closer and closer and closer, its four cerulean orb-like eyes appeared to look like….malice? Rage? How? It didn’t matter as Kazari and Finn leaped across the tree and grabbed the tops of the web while Archer and Iyexi took the bottoms, taking the web and covering the spider, who thrashed around wildly, its legs tearing a ripping at the nets, Kazari knew she had to act quickly, so she tightened her grip on the nets and shouted, “Silky Spider Thread Havok OVERDRIVE!” and send a steady current of havok magic through the nets, electrocuting the spider, causing the monster to spaz out and explode into a rain of smoldering guts and entrails.

Riley grimaced at the sight.

Kazari smirked, shaking the pins and needles out of her hand. “Hmph! Hmph! That takes care of that! C’mon, you guys, let’s go check on the town! ARCHER!”

Everyone linked up as Archer teleported everyone back to Elberon. When they got there however, the town was covered in luminescent spiderwebs, and the people were hiding. “It’s okay, everyone! We’ve got em’!” Kazari shouted.

Suddenly, one guy peaked his head out of a nearby window, saying, “ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?!”

Before anyone could even process that, a large needle flew past the squad, piercing Riley in the shoulder, knocking him to the ground. Archer rushed to his side, asking him, “Are you okay?!”

Riley broke into the cold sweat and turned pale. “Oh Jebuss Krist, everything hurt, my head is spinning, I think I’m gonna vomit!”

Kazari looked for what shot Riley, but she didn’t have for long, with a gasp, she was the first to notice an even bigger spider, one that was the size of a large storage building, looming over Elena’s home.

“Holy fucking shit!” Finn exclaimed.

“That must be the mother, and the cause of Spinny and Netossa’s illness” Iyexi said.

The man in the window cried out, “We’re all about to die!”, but Kazari turned around, saying, “Or, perhaps not! I’ve decided to explore the Valley of the Lost yesterday, and it’s amazing what you’d buried under the sand!”

Archer, who was cradling the downed Riley said, “Kazari, what are you-?” but soon got his answer when Kazari pulled out an old rusty Horde Soldier Blaster!

“What the- THAT’S AN OLD HORDE BLASTER!” Iyexi shouted.

Kazari nodded, saying, “Damn right, and it’s about to get a havok extension!”

With a smirk, Kazari aimed the gun, channeled her havok through the chamber and barrel, and opened fire on the spider mother.

Riley, who has now in a full blown fever, looked at the sight before him, saying, “What the fuck?! I knew that bitch was crazy, but not THAT crazy. In front of the Gods and everybody?! INCREDIBLE! Where did she even get the gun?! WHY SHOOT UP THE WHOLE VILLAGE?!”

Kazari let loose a furious roar, continuing the fire at the super spider, until the limited use of havok proved too much for the rather gun, which suddenly exploded. Kazari staggered back, but smirked as it seemed the damage was enough to knock the spider off its perch! It quickly got up, hissing at the five, hate in its many eyes.

Kazari scooped up Riley in a bridal carry, saying, “Okay, we’ll draw its fire, you guys grab its legs, we’re headed to Spinny and Netossa’s house. Archer, get ready to teleport. I’ve got a plan!”

“Wha- Kazari, what are you-?”

The magicat darted forward, and leaped onto the spider’s back while the other’s grab the spider’s legs!

“Now, Archer!”

Archer tightened his grip and teleported outside of Spinnerella and Netossa’s house before grabbing Riley, gently placing him next to Spinny and Netossa.

“Wha-? Oh no, Riley. Not you too!” said a dying Netossa.

Finn and Iyexi dodged the needles being shot at then while Kazari grabbed Archer and they both teleported onto the top of the roof.

“Archer! Got your arrows?” asked the magicat.

“Do you even have to ask?” Archer, pulled out a retractable folding bow and arrow set.

“Together!” Kazari shouted.

Finn and Iyexi managed to get the spider to turn its back to Kazari and Archer, who’d both drawn back the arrow, crackling with Kazari’s havok magic. “Here we go, Archer! Arrowshot Havok Overdrive. They released the arrow, it flying like a comet, straight into the spider’s back. Bullseye! The spider’s body flashed with electricity as it suddenly burst into another shower and guts and ectoplasm.

Last time, Iyexi was able to miraculously avoid getting dirty. This time, suffice to say, she was not so lucky this time!

Spinnerella, Netossa and Riley, suddenly felt a wave like a fresh spring breeze! It was as if they were never sick at all! “Woah, I suddenly feel better!” Riley remarked.

Spinny and Netossa shot up, went outside, and surveyed the damage. “Okay, this is actually very concerning!” said Netossa.

Kazari and Archer leaped down from the roof and gave the two a thumbs up!

“So, it looks like you’re feelin’ better,’ Kazari remarked.

Spinnerella, however, said nothing, only thinking to herself; “Where did the thing even come from?”

Netossa stepped forward, saying, “Welp, thanks for the help, can you also do us a favor and give our thanks to Scorpia? Thanks!”

The squad fistbumped each other, triumphantly, but then Spinny cut in, saying, “Okay, this is all well and good, but whose gonna clean all this is up?” to which Netossa walked up to her with a broom, dustpan and the sexy maid outfit!

“Yeah, that seems about right!”

#fanfic #fanfiction #she ra spop #she ra and the princesses of power

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artcoffeecats · 1 year

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Heartwood Trilogy Cast

I'm giving it a shot! I wanted to start by doing bios for the leads of The Heartwood Trilogy, Micah and Andrew. And of course, it's me, so I made some doodles of them.

Name: Micah Stillwater (no middle name) Age: 41 - looks 25ish due to Fae blood Species: Half Fae/Half Human (Pakistani) Sexuality: He refuses to say (dates anybody) Family: Abusive faerie queen mother The Redwood Queen (dec.), Julian Stillwater dad, half-sister faerie Ingrid Appearance: Magical green hair (begins turquoise, when his power wakes up, it turns kelly-green), magical purple eyes (change shade based on mood, ofc) Tattoos or body mods: 2 tattoos (his cat, and his bobcat skull crown), gauged ears (1/8g), sunburst scar Personality: ESFJ-A | Bubbly, personable, sensitive, innovative Likes: Cats, plants, bubble tea, K-dramas, People Dislikes: Letting people down, winter, The Redwoods

Micah Stillwater has natural charisma and a magnetic personality. But he hides a lot of his emotions until he starts to figure out the safest way to handle them. He has a history of self-harm. He keeps most people at a safe distance, so he is VERY attached to his chosen safe people. If you mess with his people, prepare to see his terrifying side.

Name: Andrew Phalen Vidasche Age: 32 Species: Human (Druid) Sexuality: Gay Family: Alcoholic father he hasn't seen since he was 12, Druid mum Liath Ryan Appearance: Ginger hair, freckles, pale complexion, dark brown eyes Tattoos or body mods: No thank you Personality: INTJ-T | Introverted, brooding, sarcastic, calculating Likes: Cats, wolves, computers, history, tea Dislikes: Annoying people, loud music, drug use, humidity, leaving the house

Andrew Vidasche is a computer programmer and natural introvert. He is typically depressed to some degree. He likes to watch and to keep his mouth shut, so when he opens it, he has something thoughtful and often biting to say.

#the heartwood trilogy #character profiles #writerblr #artists on tumblr #tumblr artists #queer #gay #writer things

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child-of-the-nights · 2 years

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Hello! I've had this idea stuck in my head forever, but I can't like put it to words, so maybe you could help me out for ✨day dreaming inspo✨ but a Catra x Witch reader? I low-key just imagine her making little protection charms for Catra, and being a super supportive girlfriend, but that's all I got. Lol So, yeah! Whether you feel like doing this request or not, I hope you have a great day wherever you are! <3

Alright! I love this idea! I’ll see what I can do! ^^

A/N: I thought about making this into a modern au but decided against it since you didn’t specify if that’s what you wanted. This takes place after the whole thing with Horde Prime, so like Catra is redeemed.

As we all know, Catra’s experience with magic wasn’t so pleasant so far. Magic was used against her in her childhood and the Horde raised kids to fight against magic. So she mostly thinks that magic isn’t really good. Or well, it’s just a waste of time.

When she first found out about your interest, she wasn’t fond of it. Not because she didn’t like you but mostly because of her previous experiences.

She leaves you alone when you do your “magic things, or whatever” and always tries to not be around your tools. But she knows it’s too obvious she doesn’t like it, so she makes it up to you by buying (or “borrowing”) stuff for your practice. She even goes as far as asking Glimmer for help with buying.

So overall she supports you from afar.

If you like kitchen witchery, she’s kind of excited to help you (because she can eat most of it afterwards). Of course, only after you explain that no, you won’t poison the food, you’re just baking/cooking with good intentions (and some magical herbs).

Catra doesn’t believe in divination, until your tarot cards call her out on something. Next thing you know, she starts arguing with your deck. Afterwards she angrily looks at you and advises you not to tell anyone what just happened.

When she truly starts believing all this stuff is when she has a nightmare and you give her a charm that scares them off. Ever since that was under her pillow, she hasn't had a single nightmare. So she really started to question whether or not this magic you believe in works or not.

Then one day you just come up to her and put a necklace in her hands. She looks at you questioningly and you explain that it’s a protection charm that you made for her. She starts wearing it and when someone asks what it is, she proudly tells them you made it for her.

After the charms actually help her, she’s a little more willing to be close to you while you do your “magic stuff”.

She even asks you questions about it. Like what does that powder do? Why are you lighting so many candles? Do you want to burn the house down? Why does this incense smell like someone just farted?

Okay, she does ask more serious questions though. Mostly when you’re doing a ritual.

When she feels like doing so, she sits down to meditate with you. Since she needs to work on herself, this is a good way to calm herself down when she gets angry. This is Catra we’re talking about, but she does get a little more relaxed after meditating and drinking tea with you.

When you’re learning from a book, she’s usually either in your lap trying to sleep or somewhere near you so she can bother you. Yeah sure, she’s very complex and all, but she’s still a cat. And she loves bothering people. It’s her hobby.

She’s very confused when you come home and start taking out crystals or little stones from your pockets. Catra doesn’t understand why you like them so much but when she takes walks in the forest and goes by a river, she often finds crystals, so she brings them home to you. It’s her way of saying “I care about you and your interests”.

If you’re stuck with a spell or simply just don’t understand what you did wrong, she brings you to Glimmer and Micah so they can help you. It might be overwhelming at first but they’re really kind and help you without question.

If you don’t go to Mystacor to learn magic, she asks if you want to because she can talk to some people to let you in.

If you go to Mystacor, then she’ll visit you often since she has pretty bad abandonment issues and wants to be close to you most of the time.

Melog often stays by your side when you’re doing magic though. It likes seeing how different your planet’s magic is from it’s. Since it’s planet was destroyed because the planet had magic, Melog finds comfort in watching you do magic. If it can help you somehow it tries it’s best.

Even though Catra hates water, she really appreciates when you make her a bath full of herbs that help with all sorts of things. It really calms her down.

I hope this is what you wanted! ^^

#catra #catra spop #catra x reader #catra applesauce meowmeow #she ra spop

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magiannaladdmac · 3 years

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What do u think happens post awtwb?

Hmmm honestly I’m not sure! If I were to guess here are a few bullet points:

- Penny goes on vacation with Shepard for the rest of the summer

- Simon doesn’t tell Penny about how mother for a bit. I think he wants to get used to the idea on his own. I often wonder if Mitali will talk to him and tell him about Lucy.

- Simon goes back to see Lady Salisbury. They go through her attic and talk about Lucy. Sometimes it’s too much but he has Baz to lean on.

- love all the headcannons of Baz and Lady Ruth forming their own friendship. I like to think Simon is at work one day and Baz goes to see her on his own to talk about Mage tea.

- speaking of jobs, I bet Simon gets a job. The book foreshadows him being a builder which makes sense. But I doubt that will work well with his wings. I bet he does something inside (so he isn’t burning up), and maybe he’ll work at an ice rink. He’ll get creative.

- Baz goes back to school. I HOPE he makes friends especially since Penny will be gone for a bit. I bet she comes back for school though. Maybe she brings shep back with her (but legally). She did say she wasn’t planning on moving to America when she was with Micah, but maybe it’s different with Shep. Doubt it though.

- Simon also makes friends. I have personal headcannons that are from my own experiences that make me want him to learn to write. I have difficulty with words and writing helps me figure things out. I would love for Simon to find some sort of outlet.

-Simon goes back to therapy. Then leaves again. Then goes back. He starts to get better.

-Baz gets annoyed when Simon is always talking about how he is a “fallen hero” or whatever. He already is. Simon should write it down.

- Theh spell the couch back to blue. And then to red. And then to purple.

-This is kind of explicit so warning! But I think that they go from having sex being this big deal to it being something fun that they do together. Or as Baz says it becomes something strong enough “to lean on”. In my experience, when you first start sleeping with someone it’s a little more serious. But over time when you get more familiar it becomes less serious. It is nice to think of them being able to be together without so much weight.

- Simon visits Agatha and the goats. I don’t know if she really wants anything to do with him, but I would love them to interact without the fate of the World of Mages pulling them together. Maybe then they can remember that they grew up together and do love each other.

- I think Baz eventually brings Simon to his family’s house. I imagine it will come about when his family realizes he’s moved in with Simon, and progresses from there. Thank you Daphane.

- if you’re thinking far in the future, I bet they get an old house like Simon says he wants. I think Baz wants kids. I hope they have one or two. Baz sings to them.

Is there anything else? What do you think happens post awtwb?

(Also I think this is my first ask and I was SO EXCITED so thank you ❤️)

#ask #simon snow #snowbaz #carry on #baz pitch #wayward son #any way the wind blows #carry on fandom #awtwb spoilers

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ttuesday · 3 years

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Hellooooo, I absolutely adore your blog. I literally check your blog everyday for new stuff, your writing soothes my restless soul.

If you'd want to and have the time, could we get some jealous (and maybe a lil bit possessive) boys (preferrably like dutch, arthur or hosea) when reader has to turn up her charms for a job? xx If it's not your cup of tea I understand <3

Keep being you and have a great day!

ANON I LOVE THAT IDEA

The Mayor of Saint Denis was throwing a party and Angelo Bronte had invited Dutch to go. It was Hosea’s idea for you to come too, knowing that your charm and friendly demeanour would help you get useful information from the other guests. And so you, your sweetheart and some of the other fellers bought some fancy clothes and headed off to the party.

Arthur

Arthur knows the only reason you’re here and being polite is for the sake of the gang. You don’t actually want to be hanging around with all these high society folk, or at least he hopes you don’t.

Whenever Arthur sees you laugh at a joke or smile at another man, he can feel a small knot of jealous grow in his gut. He rolls his eyes and mumbles a few snarky comments. He doesn’t mean to but he can’t help himself.

As ye leave the party, Arthur asks “Y’sure you don’t wanna stay, looks like you’re really enjoying yourself”. That night when you’re both back at camp and inside your tent, Arthur makes sure to please you.

When you think back to this night, Arthur wants you to think of the two of ye in your tent, not the party. Afterwards while you’re both cuddling, he opens up about how he was feeling at the party and apologises for being rude.

Charles

Charles is a very relaxed guy. He understands that this is all part of the job. It's not like you wanted to charm all these people, it's something you were doing for the plan.

That doesn't mean he has to like it though. A part of him feels silly for getting jealous but seeing you smile and make each of the guests feel special gets under his skin.

He stays close to you throughout the night in case you need some back-up. Charles wants to make sure he can be there for you within a second. Half of the time he's there, Charles is hoping neither of ye have to go to another one of these parties ever again.

When ye get back to camp, Charles gives you a big hug. Honestly, he was waiting to punch each and every person you talked to but he's glad he stayed calm and didn't act impulsively.

Dutch

Dutch is convinced he's stuck in a nightmare. What was he thinking making you go off and charm all these irrelevant people?! Looking back on it, he thinks it was a stupid plan but he won't admit that.

A mixture of annoyance and jealous builds in his stomach. He keeps a watchful eye on you as he goes around the party, making sure to know where you are at all times.

Eventually Dutch can't take it anymore and he wraps his arm around your waist. He stays with you for the rest of the party, making sure to give you kisses throughout the night so everyone knows you're with him.

When you enter his tent after the long night, Dutch's hands are immediately on your body. Dutch needs to touch every inch of you so be prepared for a longgg night.

John

John really didn't think he was the jealous type. He knew what your job was at the party but there was a massive difference in hearing that you're going to be charming people versus actually seeing you charm people.

John subtly follows you around the party and whenever an other guest flirts with you, John butts in and tells the guest they have something stuck in their teeth. As they quickly go to find a mirror, John mutters an insult about them before distancing himself for you again.

It's very obvious that John is jealous and on the ride back to camp, Arthur and Dutch make sure to tease him about it. He just huffs and rolls his eyes in response.

As ye settle down for the night, John says he's sorry for how he acted and that he knows he was being stupid. He needs a lot of cuddles and reassurance.

Micah

What kinda bullshit is this? There you are, all dressed up and looking like you should be one of those fancy cigarette cards but you have to talk to other people?

Micah's in a rage. He can't stand seeing you smile and laugh with these snobby jerks. Micah spends the majority of his time sulking around the party and pouting.

They're lucky security took everyone's weapons at the front door, otherwise Micah wouldn't shot every single person who spoke to you... yeah, he's quite possessive.

As the fireworks begin, Micah comes up next to you and tells you that Dutch need ye to go into the mansion to look for something. He leads you through the house until he stops in a quiet corridor. Yeah, Dutch didn't actually ask Micah to go look for anything, Micah just wants to fuck.

Hosea

Hosea’s done plenty of cons in the past. He knows how it goes and he knows that charming is the most efficient way to get information. Hosea's aware that this is a part of the job.

He trusts you too but Hosea's issue is with everyone else at the party. He doesn't trust them in the slightest. At first, Hosea tries to distract himself by talking to other guests and trying to get information on any upcoming stagecoaches or trains but he can't stop thinking about you.

Finally, Hosea thinks that Dutch's plan isn't worth it and decides to join you instead. He links arms with you and joins you in charming people. It's a lot easier that way cause you can both work together.

Deep down Hosea knows he joined you because he was feeling insecure and jealous but luckily it worked out well and he didn't even have to threaten anyone!

Javier

Javier doesn’t get jealous easily. At first he actually thought it was amusing that you had to charm the high class people of Saint Denis. He hoped that after you spent a few minutes charming people, that ye could spend the rest of the night together.

Unfortunately it wasn’t that simple and it was like more and more people wanted to talk to you. That was when Javier stopped seeing the amusing side of it and began to get more and more annoyed as the night dragged on.

Finally Javier snaps at someone after they interrupt him when he tried to talk to you. And now when people try to flirt with you, Javier pulls you in for a deep kiss so they get the hint and fuck off.

Javier tells Dutch that ye won’t be going back to camp and instead he pays for a hotel room for the night *wink wink*. Right now, Javier needs you and he wants to remind you of how great he can make you feel.

Bill

Bill is jealous within the first five minutes. You go up to the first guest and introduce yourself and Bill is already grumpy. He wandered over to Dutch a few times, asking if you need to be charming everyone and if he could alter the plan a little.

The last thing Bill wants to do is put the plan in jeopardy so instead of completely disrupting you, he hovers around where you are and tries to subtly listen to your conversation... or well, as subtly as Bill can be.

Slowly he edges his way into the conversation. The guests you're trying to charm, look over that the man who's awkwardly joined the conversation and who has a big cheesy smile on his face.

Yeah your charm doesn't work great with Bill there too but it's sweet that he wants to stay close.

Sean

Sean acts cool. Yeah you go do your thing, Sean will gladly cheer you on. He was excited to wear a fancy suit and go to some high class party. Sean was convinced it'd be fun...

But then he actually sees you talking to a lot of other people and Sean starts to feel left out.

He tries to distract him by throwing the finger food into the fountain, stealing people's top hats, stacking the wine glasses on top of each other but Sean still looks over at you every few minutes.

When he was passing by you, Sean was convinced he heard someone flirting with you. Sean instantly jumps into action, trying to be intimidating and blurting out a couple of threats. Afterwards you lead Sean away and explain that the man was talking to his wife, not you.

#AHHHH ANON I LOVE YOU #YOURE SO SWEET ;-;#THANK U THANK U THANK U #<333 #headcanons #writings #arthur morgan #dutch van der linde #micah bell #john marston #charles smith #javier escuella #bill williamson #sean macguire #hosea matthews

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