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blackopals-world · 4 months

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The Prince and the Dragon (part 1)

M/M

Masc!Noble!Yuu x Malleus Draconia

In celebration of the new year's smut raffle winner!

Malleus meets the Prince of the Black North. After failing to impress he gains the ire of the man. The words of the king burn in his ear " Once my son set his mind to a task there is very little one can do to dissuade him."

Malleus had once again missed the year's annual royal summit. Just as he had in previous years. But not all was lost as the queen of the Black North had extended an invitation to the castle after hearing about the mix up from his grandmother.

The Black North or the Demonic Kingdom was known for its reclusive nature. They had never gone to war with other Kingdoms nor had allies. They had never even formed a marriage pact with another royal family. For these reasons no one pays them much attention. Make no mistake everyone fears and respects them for the obvious reason.

The Black North gets its name for its frigid climate but also its monsters. The people of the north stand at a barrier where monsters live and thrive and naturally the people of the land are built to fight and tame them. The kingdom prevents the monsters from leaving except for small ones deemed acceptable enough to be tamed and kept as pets.

All that said it was good to remain on their good side because if something were to happen to the kingdom then the world would be flooded with monsters that even mages would struggle to kill. And it's better that they had no interest in the other nations.

Malleus had heard many things about the North, mostly that they were savage and barbarians. That they drank blood, and ate raw flesh. But imagine his shock when he arrived with his entourage that it was all true.

The king stood above even Malleus in height along with his men. Malleus also had also no idea what he was seeing. The king was fair like the snow that fell outside the palace walls. His hair was silvery white that fell to the height of his calfs. He wore no armor that day but had monster teeth strung on his waist as trophies. And his eyes were like fresh blood dripping on snow.

Malleus felt the hair on his neck stand on end as Lilia approached the king like an old friend.

"Roth! It's been forever!" Lilia said approaching the king.

Like a cat the king squared his shoulders ready to put distance between himself and the fey.

"General Vanrouge. I haven't seen you since the war." King Roth said coldly without an ounce of emotion.

" Yes, we were younger then. You were still just a prince who left his kingdom just to fight in war. I learned firsthand just how bloodthirsty you lot are. I can't believe anyone believed you were fey, you so bad at lying too." Lilia despite his small size seemed to perturb the king.

"I'd rather you kept quiet general." The tips of the king's pointed ears turned red despite his stoic appearance.

The two new continued their banter as Malleus, Silver and Sebek watched bewildered as Lilia managed to cow the imposing royal with teasing.

When Roth turned his attention to the boy's his ruby eyes had a glint in them, as if he had seen a ghost or several.

"I see familiar faces." Roth walked over to the group. "Malleus. You look just like your mother."

Roth's lip curled in a subtle smile.

Then his eyes moved to Silver and low growl erupted from his throat. The rumble could be felt physically radiating from him.

"Roth, calm down. This is my son Silver. You know he shares a resemblance to you, you even have the same hair." Lilia stood between the two before the demon let out a huff or was it a sigh.

"Hmmm, force of habit. Let's go to the banquet hall. Introductions have gone too long and dinner is waiting." He said taking the lead.

Then group settled as the queen arrived.

She was quite energetic and bubbly. Her long black hair rivaled her husband's reaching her ankles. Long hair was apparently a symbol of authority here. Her deep sapphire eyes held warmth and mischief and the red ring that framed her pupils spelled danger. Her claws looked delicate compared to her husband but the tips were clearly dyed red and not with paint.

"My my, what a group of young strapping lads we have. I've wanted to meet you since I heard of your escapades from Her Majesty. She said you were such lovely children. I hope you enjoy your time here." She said sweetly as she clapped her hands twice.

The servants arrived with a feast of local and foreign foods.

"I had the cooks prepare everything to your liking. My dear Roth told me that your kind don't eat like we do. I understand perfectly though, I was the same when I was human." The queen smiled when the group gave her puzzled looks.

As the dinner continued Malleus observed the royal couple as the queen talked the king gave one-word answers. The king always let his beloved take the lead and the queen showered her stiff husband in affection. They were rather harmonious. Malleus found himself being a bit jealous perhaps because he wished he had parents like that or to have that kind of relationship.

The doors of the banquet hall opened as a new person arrived. A young man dressed in royal red and gold strolled into the room. This would not be out of the norm if not for his appearance. The man was spattered this blood, in one hand he held a dagger and in the other, a huge monstrous black boar was being dragged by the split neck.

Malleus and the other let out a gasp as the royal couple only smiled.

"Father." The young man said dropping the boar on the table. "I wanted to bring something more fitting for a proper feast home. Fresh ashen boar."

"Very good Yuu. You've hunted well." The king smiled as he praised the bloody prince.

"Let me introduce our son. Prince Yuu. He's a bit headstrong but I hope you boys will get along. Fostering relations between our Kingdoms is important after all and I wish for the future kings to be friends." The queen said, he smile begging everyone to bare with her.

The prince didn't acknowledge the guest or his mother's request. He immediately began cutting up the boar on the table in a gory display. Sebek immediately reached as Silver gasped.

"HOW DARE YOU TAINT HIS HIGHNESS'S EYES WITH SUCH A VALGUR DISPLAY!" Sebek yelled standing up.

A knife flew across the room just as Silver dragged the fey back to his seat. The knife embedded where Sebek's head would have been in the wall.

"You are in the court of Ars Goetia. You will pay respect to our customs. What is a feast without fresh meat from a powerful beast? Do you shun such delicacies in your land?" The prince said crossing his arms.

Lilia elbowed Malleus and gave him a look.

Malleus knew he had to say something.

"My apologies for my guard's harsh words. He is unused to foreign customs. He means no hard. Still, I am quite shocked, I was told your kind eat fresh meat but I hardly thought it was true. You are quite bold." Malleus said praising the prince.

The prince hummed and simply went back to carving the boar.

Malleus took this as acceptance as the response mimicked the king's. The table breathed a sigh of relief as Yuu calmed down.

The prince placed the cuts of red meat on plates as he respectfully served the king and queen and then to Malleus and Lilia. He didn't bother giving any to Silver and Sebek until everyone else had been served.

The king and queen cut into the raw meat with their claws as they gave up the pretense that they were more civilized than what the stories told.

The guests were more than hesitant to eat the meat.

Lilia smiled wildly was he cut into his slab of meat. The others watched him for what he did next.

"This reminds me of when you would leave dead animals around camp, Roth. You were trying so hard to be helpful. You were like a lost puppy when I told you to stop." Lilia said teasingly the king again.

Queen Ula giggled placing a hand on her husband's as his ears turned red.

"Ehm...Yuu. Our guests can't eat raw meat either. It's best you try not to feed them thing like that. They see it as a threat, not a gift." The king said scolding the boy lightly.

The prince gasped in shock before letting the servants take the boar away to be cooked this time.

As the group returned to eating with more varied appetites now Malleus tried the meat. It's texture was foreign but the taste was quite good. Thankfully he knew it was safe from Lilia eating it without a problem. However, Silver and Sebek weren't permitted to do the same. Half-fae and humans just can't eat raw boar.

As he ate he noticed the prince eating cooked meat. He found it strange until he realized.

"I had no idea. You don't share the same aura as your parents. I had assumed you were a demon. I had no idea you were human." Malleus said as he gestured to the prince's less sharp features.

Ula's eyes widened as she heard this.

Yuu immediately stood slamming his hands on the table. A growl erupted from his throat, one far less threatening than his father's.

"How insightful your highness? Anymore observations?" Yuu said low and dangerous.

Malleus wasn't aware if he had said something wrong and continued.

"Oh, no. I just think it's an impressive feat to take down a wild boar for a human." Malleus said taking another bite of the boar.

The prince didn't spare Malleus another glance.

"Father, mother may I be excused? He asked politely.

They nodded and that would be the last Malleus would see of the prince for the night.

In the coming days, the prince made himself scarce. He was often out hunting monsters or tending to his tamed monster Grim.

All the while Malleus learned of the demon's culture. They prided strength above all and they didn't hide the doubt they had in their heir. They didn't despise humans but they found their weakness appalling. They however adored their queen who in her own words was once human but she also claimed not to be a demon herself. She was supposedly something else entirely, not completely demon but not human.

The next time Malleus met the prince was out in the stables. He had heard they house a unique mount only found here. Silver had apparently wanted to see as well.

Standing next to a mount-sized wolf creature with a saddle was the prince and Silver.

The prince smiled wryly tilting the other man's chin up to look at him as he sat on the wolf's back.

Malleus heard the prince's gentle remarks.

"Are you sure? I would treat you very well here." He said charmingly.

"I'm quite fine. I serve his highness and only him." Silver said pushing the hand away.

The prince sighed.

"Come on, you heard him right. He doesn't really think much of humans." Yuu said smugly.

Silver shook his head.

"You don't know him. He may how said something insensitive but your insecurities aren't his fault. He's the person I choose to serve not you." Silver said firmly.

The prince huffed.

"That's a shame. You would benefit greatly from training here with me. I'm not asking you to serve me. I have plenty of servants. I want you because you and I are alike. It's unfortunate, though. I hate to feel like I'm losing." The prince laughed as he rode off.

Malleus was puzzled by the prince more than ever. He was hot and cold.

The king and queen warned him "Once my son set his mind to a task there is very little one can do to dissuade him."

What the prince wanted was the question. He had a fondness for Silver that couldn't be ignored, something Sebek wasn't happy about.

Malleus was also on the receiving end of this attention except it was a challenge. The prince seemed to size the dragon up and judge his every move. He hoped the prince had seen something he liked because he received an invitation to a night hunt from the demonic prince.

"Show me your true strength Draconia. One future king to another. Come hungry." The note read.

Malleus felt a shiver go up his spine. He had never seen someone so bold, so forward. He even felt a bit weak imagining Yuu whispering that in his ear.

(Sorry, smut in part 2)

#yuuniverse #noble!yuu #twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #malleus x reader #malleus draconia #malleus draconia x reader #twst malleus #twisted wonderland malleus #malyuu #mallyuu

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thefiery-phoenix · 27 days

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YANDERE CHEONLIANG FAMILY HEADCANONS

After reading the latest lookism chapter, my heart hurts for Seongji 😭 However I'll still continue to be delusional and pretend he's still okay. That's better than the bitter reality

You got down from the bus as you sighed and fidgeted with your bagpack over your shoulder before you started walking towards your grandparents house. You were supposed to spend some time at your grandparents place in the Cheonliang village since your parents thought you were getting a tad bit spoiled and felt like you were getting too sheltered in life. You need to understand how life worked and how things were different at a village from the city so your parents and grandparents agreed for you to spend your summer vacation with your grandparents. As embarrassing as it was, it was your first time stepping foot in a village, you had no idea what to even expect. But you weren't too fond of the wet sticky mud beneath your feet when you walked. However you had no choice but to suck it up and deal with it as you made your way to your grandparents house

While you walked, you spotted a few men dressed in sleek white suits and carried a few weapons with them and had menacing looks on their faces as they passed by you. You couldn't help but wonder who they were but you felt that you could probably satisfy your curiosity later after you've had something to eat. You headed to your grandparents house where they greeted you with a warm smile and open arms. Your grandmother patted your head and kept piling more and more food on your plate ready to spoil with her cooking and your grandfather started going off on a rant on how city folk wouldn't understand the ways of the Cheonliang village as you slightly smiled at your grandfather's rant and continued to eat your food. Little did you know what lay in store for you in the evening

Cheonliang was a small village and word traveled fast that there was a newcomer in their village, you. A city girl. People stopped to stare at you when you went out for a walk in the evening and you were unaware of a little girl with Raven black hair watching you with her curious eyes as she followed you around secretly. You eventually realized someone was following you and you spotted the little girl as her messy unkempt raven hair flowed down her shoulders. You gave her a soft smile and waved at her as she shyly waved back towards you and blushed slightly. However before you were about to say anything else she ended up rushing off in the opposite direction like her life depended on it as you felt slightly confused at the interaction

As the sun went down, you started getting familiar with the skeletons and dark secrets the village had to hide. You walked past the Shaman's residence as you spotted a crowd of people gathered there and there surrounded around something. Your curiosity got the better of you and you went closer to the crowd to see what was going on and you were shocked to see a guy who looked maybe one or two years older than you, with polycoria tied and bound by ropes to his wrists and ankles as he knelt down on the ground. The Shaman who was a slightly old man and had a cunning smile on his face with malice glinting in his eyes danced around like a madman to the sound of drums beating in the background, as he called out to an Infant God to get rid of the 'curse' upon the monster that was present before the people as your heart almost stopped beating. The villagers regarded the guy as a monster because of his polycoria? What disgusted you even more was the fact that people started throwing stones and rocks and whatever they could find at the guy while the guy just endured it with a stoic look on his face, his head bent down. A stone hit his head and he didn't even react as your heart wrenched at the sight. You were sure you might not be able to sleep if you didn't try helping out the poor guy

You immediately interrupted the proceedings and yelled for the Shaman to stop and tried to stop the people from throwing and hurling the stones at the guy. What surprised you even more was seeing your grandparents there and they were actually supporting this madness, you couldn't believe your eyes. "Y/N, don't be silly...this is a tradition that happens all the time in the village, you're new here. Quiet down child and let the Shaman do his duty of getting rid of the monster's curse" said your grandmother as she bowed down before the Shaman and requested for him to excuse you since you were new to the village and you weren't familiar with the customs. The Shaman surveyed you with a calculating piercing gaze as the guy next to him with blonde hair and a muscular frame stared at you. The Shaman finally smirked at you and requested for you to have a little chat with him later so he could get to know you better while his eyes roamed around your body and drank in your features with a lecherous perverse grin on his face which you weren't aware of

A while later, you didn't spot the guy who was being subjected to the torture and you hoped he was doing better as you went to see the Shaman as he requested. You sat down in front of him and he handed you some tea as you took a few sips to be polite. For a while he kept the conversation flowing and made light hearted conversation with you while you were still unaware of his perverted dark intentions towards you. He introduced his son to you as well who was Taejin and you could feel the atmosphere get awkward when it was just you and the Shaman. The Shaman started edging closer to you little by little and got closer to you for your liking. His hand started touching your thigh and finally when he grabbed it and tried to pin you down that's when you realized you had to get the hell away from the residence

You ran as fast as your legs could take you, trying to ignore the men in the white suits chasing after you. You started panicking after you realized that they were Yakuza members from the Yamazaki clan and one of them ripped your shirt in half as he tried to grab you but you screeched and continued to run for your life. You reached a mountain and you felt slight relief as you realized they stopped chasing after you and tried your best to blend in the darkness of the night. You knelt down on the ground after you ensured you were alone and hugged yourself as you sobbed softly, shaken up from the events that occurred till now as tears flowed down your cheeks and your quiet soft sobs resonated through the area. You were lost in your own little world to realize a large looming figure coming out of the cave. You looked up to see a man with a strong and a broad muscular frame with Raven hair and a wolf cut as he had a slightly annoyed expression on his face and glared at you

However a few seconds later, his glare softened when he saw the tears streaming down your cheeks and your almost half torn shirt as he strode over to you and silently surveyed you for a few seconds before his thumb slightly brushed against your cheeks to dry your tears. He sighed softly as he removed his jacket and draped it over your shoulders and zipped it for you as you looked at him confused. As you asked him who he was, his lips curved upwards into a slight amused smirk. "You're obviously not from around here are you...you would have run away by now if you were" he said. The man then bought you to a small gathering of other people where there were five guys in the similar jacket red, white and black jackets with sunglasses. You recognized one of the guys who was being tortured by the Shaman a while ago, a chubby blonde haired girl with glasses in a white judo uniform and the girl you spotted earlier when you first arrived into the village as the man offered you to join them for dinner. When you politely refused, his eyes narrowed at you. "Don't be stupid...You're tired and I can see the exhaustion on your face. Sit" he said in a stern manner as you obeyed and sat down with the others

"You know... I didn't need your help back there" said the guy who you were familiar with as he huffed slightly and his voice dripped with sarcasm and mockery as he continued to stuff himself with Tanghulu. Before you could answer him, the blonde haired girl in the judo uniform smacked his head. "Zip it, she stood up for you. Don't be a whiny man child" said the girl. "I didn't ask her to, elephant, mind your damn business" retorted the guy as they both started bickering with each other. One of the guys leaned close to you with a friendly smile on his face

"Sorry about them they're always like that. That's Vinjin and Mary Kim. I'm Jaewoo, that's Woosuk, Taebong and Hyungjae. Our teacher is there, the one who's stirring the Tanghulu syrup, he's Seongji. The girl next to Vinjin is Kim Sujin" said Jaewoo to you as the others waved at you in greeting and smiled except for Vinjin who looked like he was scrutinizing your every movement underneath his shades. "Again with the disciple teacher introduction...I'm not a teacher you know" said Seongji as he sighed softly and continued to stir the mixture in front of him. "We respect you sir" said Taebong as the chatter around you continued

You told them about you being from the city and how this was your first time visiting the village and what happened to you so far since you've arrived. "That Shaman bastard...he's going too far, someone needs to beat that loser to a pulp and make him puke blood" said Vinjin as his jaw clenched in anger and his fists tightened. Seongji might have looked calm and collected from the outside but inside he was actually seething, he was a raging volcano ready to erupt and beat those people to a pulp for doing something that horrendous to you

He handed you a plate of food and you spent the night with your new friends. When you and Vinjin were alone, he looked at you for a few seconds. "Thanks for you know...your help...but don't help me next time" said Vinjin with a huff as he awkwardly coughed and a slight blush on his face as he looked away. You could see a scrape on his cheek dripping with blood slightly as you patched him with a bandaid. Despite him whining and complaining about how he didn't need sympathy from you, he leaned towards your touch and felt comforted and glad that someone at least cared for him though he'd rather take it to the grave than admit it out loud

You decided to stay with the Cheonliang family and you grew close to all of them quite fast. Seongji might be stoic and aloof at times but he cared for his students. He cared for you too. He soon realized he couldn't bear to see you getting hurt. The other day while you were chopping some vegetables, you accidentally cut your finger and he frowned slightly as he caressed your finger gently. You were now not allowed to touch sharp objects and don't even think about cutting anything else. The only reason he hasn't gone to beat that moron Shaman till now was because he was worried something would happen to you and his other students. He still remembers the day you softly cried and everytime he recalls that moment, it stings his heart more than he'd like to admit. You were a sheltered naive city girl, supposed to enjoy your vacation at your grandparents. Instead they were brainwashed like everyone else in the village by that conman of a Shaman and made your experience miserable. He finds your naivety endearing and your innocence adorable actually. It amuses him. However he has to ensure you're always with someone since he doesn't want you picking off some berry or a mushroom that you don't know the properties of just for the sake of it. He grew attached and fond of you and would hold you in his arms and comfort you whenever you have a bad dream, silently seething and waiting for the right day to arrive to attack and finish off that pest once and for all

Jaewoo, Wooseok, Taebong and Hyungjae were silly at times but they loved being with you. They'd sometimes tease you for your sheltered lifestyle but it gives them a sense of satisfaction that they're protecting you and they're proud that you could rely on them. Mary likes spending time with you too and would teach you a few judo moves too if you were up for it. She won't hesitate to smack Vinjin across the head if it's needed at times whenever he says something about you. Sujin used to be a bit shy around you but she's slowly warmed up towards you. You got to know her history with the Shaman and hugged her which she felt quite thankful for. She likes receiving hugs from you now and basks in the moment

They start getting possessive and obsessive when they feel like you're leaving them or if you're in danger. A few days later a few men from the Yamazaki clan found you and dragged you by your hair since you were now supposed to be the 'bride' of the Shaman's son Taejin. Seongji saw red and seethed in rage as he immediately dealt with them. How? By literally stabbing them in the arm or chest with his Tanghulu rod and beating them mercilessly to a pulp. He'll caress your head softly and run his fingers through your hair and pat your head to ease your worries. Then he'll ask the other students to get to safety, however they refuse since they're itching for a fight now. They were all equally mad and pissed off that the Shaman tried to resort to dirty tricks again

Vinjin was a ruthless monster as he pummeled and thrashed the men with his bare hands and went completely feral. He might be an egoistic jerk at times but deep down he does care for you. Even if he'd rather die to admit it. No way in hell would he ever allow something to happen to you. Mary was busy kicking them and using her judo skills against the members as the others were fighting too. Before someone else is about to grab you, Seongji stabs his hand with his Tanghulu rod and breaks his hand as he glared at him coldly. "Tell that conman of a Shaman to face me directly instead of sending his lapdogs" he said as he kicked the Yakuza guy in the chest while Vinjin started breaking their ribs and bones

After this incident you won't have a moment of privacy to yourself. Rightfully so, you're a naive sheltered innocent person. You need to be protected. Seongji will always assign someone to be keeping an eye out for you. They're all equally possessive and obsessive of you so don't even think of running from them. Seongji will just hoist you over his shoulders like a sack of flour and carry you back where Vinjin will yell at you for being a dumbass for leaving but he's just glad you didn't get too far. The others are quite concerned for you as well and are glad you didn't make it quite far and they'll just scold you and treat you like you're some kind of baby. You won't even be alone in the night because they'll all be keeping an eye on you even when you sleep. You don't need to go back your real family when you have them. The Cheonliang family is now your REAL family...

#yandere lookism characters #yandere lookism characters x reader #yandere lookism x reader #yandere lookism #yandere Cheonliang family #yandere Cheonliang family x reader #yandere Cheonliang family headcanons #yandere Cheonliang family oneshots #yandere Cheonliang family imagines #yandere Seongji yuk #yandere Seongji x reader #yandere vinjin #yandere vinjin x reader #yandere mary kim x reader #yandere Cheonliang family scenarios #dark lookism characters #dark lookism characters x reader #dark lookism x reader #dark lookism

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sireditsalot4 · 4 months

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A cry for help

Summary: After witch hunters attack you, you find your way into the Spellman family.

Relationships: Zelda Spellman x Fem!Reader

You don't know how long you've been running but you know you've gotten far from your attackers. "You're a witch! Witches should be burned!" The male hunter takes a swipe at you with his knife, and you duck out of the way. The female attacker joined and pretty soon both hunters have you cornered against a tree. You only had a second to think or it's all over-

without thinking, you kicked the guy in the family jewels. Bending over in pain, holding himself he yelled out loudly. "You stupid bitch! We'll find you. You won't get far!"

That must've been hours ago now.

You hug yourself trying to warm up from the cold but to no use. The sounds of wolves howling fill the woods and you jump, tears stain your cheeks. You know your mascara is smeared and look a hot mess. Laughing to yourself, you spot a good looking area to hang out for tonight and run to it. Making a hole not too deep in the ground, you gather little wood shards and place them in and rub your fingers together, “Incendio.” You say. The wood shards alight with fire and you let out a sigh of relief immediately putting your cold fingers over the fire. Over time the fire grew and your heart slowed. Fatigue and exhaustion taking over.

Tickle tickle.

You go to brush off the leaf that’s on your face and go back to sleep but immediately feel it again.

“What the-” you fully open your eyes and see a man there with his finger close to you.

“What the fuck! Who are you?” You start to back up.

“Wait-wait-hi! My name is Ambrose, I’m not going to hurt you,” Ambrose looks you over and you see sympathy in his eyes. “come with me. I’ll take you somewhere safe, away from them.”

Them? There is another question at hand.

“If you’re wondering, I am too a witch. Everyone is.” Ambrose gets closer and you flinch. He assures you he won’t hurt you and you let him grab you and bring you close to him. The both of you reach a road and across you see a giant mansion with what seems to have a cemetery. I’m going to die for sure.

“We’re almost there. You’re doing fine.” Making it to the house, he guides you up the stairs and grabs his keys from his pocket. Opening the door he lets you in and take a look around the giant house. “This is huge,” you look at the wallpaper and art on the walls and can tell an elderly woman lives here. Maybe a grandmother. “Thank you, my aunts have an eye don’t they?” Ambrose goes over to the stairs that open up into two. “Aunties! Sabrina!” You jump from his shouting and try to regain yourself. “Shit.”

Footsteps come from upstairs and seconds you see two older women, you assume to be the aunts and a young girl, maybe the girlfriend come down. “Aunts, Sabrina this is…what’s your name again?”

“Y/N.”

“Y/N, and she needs our help. She was attacked yesterday by witch hunters-”

“Oh! You poor thing. Are you okay?” The shorter woman came from behind the taller one and grabs your hands keeping eye contact. “Do you have family around here?” You shake your head. “She can stay here for as long as she needs,” You look at the older woman and was mesmerized. Her ginger hair was curled over her shoulders and the outfit she was wearing, a green blouse tucked inside a black ankle length skirt had you in a gaze.

“Oh shoot- we didn’t tell you our names! I’m Sabrina, his cousin, and these are our aunts. Aunt Zelda and aunt Hilda.” Hilda waved joyfully and Zelda gave you a pleasing look. You nervously wave.

“You poor thing. Come-let me show you to your room.”

#chaos #chillingadventuresofsabrina #zelda spellman #hilda spellman #ambrose spellman #sabrina spellman #zelda spellman x reader

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ultralightpoe · 2 months

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Pinky Promises - Chapter One

Authors Note: Yeahhhhh baby. Chapter one is out.

Word Count: 8,316 Main Masterlist

Series Masterlist

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Song of the Chapter : Hungry Like The Wolf

September 17th, 1983 - Saturday

“When I marry rich the first thing I’m doing is buying Eddie better taste in music.” Cece Miller mutters angrily whilst following her best friend through an over packed house 30 minutes outside of Hawkins, keeping a freshly manicured hand wrapped around the blondes wrist to keep her close as both their feet stumble across the floors. Via’s heavy boots thud against the linoleum of the kitchen while Cece’s heels click. The complete opposites.

When Via stumbles under the harsh new light of the kitchen her hand pulls Cece who stumbles as well, the former trying not to laugh when Cece’s face smushed into her back quickly with a disgruntled gasp.

“Slow down, Via.” She grounds out, her nails digging into the flesh of Via’s arm which makes her gasp out in pain.

“Easy on the flesh, I’m going as slow as I can. Unless you want to be stuck between a bunch of people grinding?” She teases, reaching her free hand behind her to release some of the tension of Cece’s hold. Both of them back up with a simple step as a random jock in a letterman jacket dashes past to the bathrooms. “And so the mighty are already falling.”

“Jesus.” Cece grimaces as they both watch him shove past others. “I can never tell if I love these types of parties or hate them.”

“A bit of both as I’ve come to realize. You know, from all my years attending them.” A shit eating grin spreads across her face as she turns to look at her friend, biting back a laugh when the brunette merely rolls her eyes as she smooths out her hair.

“How could I forget? Show me your partying ways ‘oh wise one’.” She mocks a little bow as she says it. The both of them already knew that their only experience of parties came from this past summer and this school year, and even then it’s whenever they can trick their parents.

“Well we’ve already had a couple drinks-”

“Whoope.”

“And Eddie is still playing this trash metal music-”

“Are you shocked?”

“So another round of drinks and then we go on a hunt for the damn speakers and switch out the music for something worth a damn.” Via offers, wiggling her eyebrows as Cece cracks out into a fit of laughter.

“Mission accepted. Let’s get moving.” With that she takes the lead, Via having to grab onto her wrist to stay connected as they once again make their way through the hectic floor. Bumping shoulders with partygoer after partygoer.

Cecelia Miller was a force of nature in settings like this. She was one of the few girls that knew how beautiful she was and flaunted it well. She wore short skirts, that had once been longer skirts her mother thrifted but the girl had a knack of turning anything into her fashion. 10 minutes on a sewing machine and she was wearing the type of clothes that could have been in one of those lame fashion magazines Via had seen her obsess over day after day.

It was a shame her fashion sense and beauty had earned her the label of ‘School Slut’ at Hawkins when anyone that knew the girl knew she was a virgin. But that didn’t matter to any of the assholes at school, they didn’t truly care about anyone else but themselves.

Tonight she wore a skintight black skirt that had once been a pair of pleather pants, and a pink off the shoulder top that had once been a long sleeve floral shirt that Cece’s grandmother would wear to their church.

Via’s own outfit had been one of Cece’s creations. A tight purple and black checkered dress hemmed from one of her sister's old ankle length skirts with a pair of pantyhose and an overly large gray blazer. When Via had thrown the blazer on she felt the same nervous bubbling she used to get whenever she tried on Nana's homemade dresses.

Cece’s face always held the same amount of excitement her Nana’s once held whenever she looked at her creations. It always made something churn in her gut as she remembered the worn lines of her Nana’s face and the happiness laid in her eyes. But that was gone. Her Nana was gone.

And Harrington had laughed.

But she couldn’t think about that memory right now, not when her friend had led them both to the kitchens and had snatched two cups. As she inspected the insides of the cups to make sure they are clean, Via moves to find the last unopened bottle of vodka and turns to pour them out.

Her father once said something about ‘yin and yang’ the first time Cece had spent the night at the old house. He laughed about how well they worked with each other, smooth and unbreakable. Working in tandem as they did the dishes or homework. Each others exact opposites and still never missing a beat.

That carried to this day, and Via truly had no clue what she would do without her friend.

“Do you want coke or lemonade?” Cece asks, still holding both the cups as she looks over to where the chasers were.

“The cap to the coke is lost. Better safe than sorry.” Via hums out and grabs the lemonade to pour into the cups while Cece keeps an eye around them. Once both of them are filled enough the lemonade is set half haphazardly on the table again and Cece passes a cup to Vias outstretched hand easily, scoffing a bit when the bleach blonde tries drinking before cheers. “Sorry sorry.”

“Cheers to us, bitch.” Cece giggles, wiggling side to side in excitement before she gestures for Via to cheers her back.

“Cheers to…” Surviving another year at Hawkins, not killing anyone and passing grades. “Being here?”

“Terrible toast. You’re never speaking at my wedding.”

“You mean when you marry a rich man?”

“Don’t laugh. I’ll buy you all the nice art supplies you want when I’m making the money.” She huffs once more, glaring at the boy that tries to come up and talk to them with his shirt off. “A little busy here? Find someone else to bother.”

He grumbles something under his breath before storming off and she merely rolls her eyes. “Ugh. Everyone here is disgusting.”

“How shocking that you think people are disgusting.” Via mocks, giggling at her friends' annoyed expression before they tap their cups together and pinch their noses to chug the drinks quickly.

They move to pour one last round before they abandon the kitchen and stagger their way across the floor in search for where the music was being played from. Their hands stay entwined tight, always keeping close no matter what. It was one of the rules they made at the first party they had ever been to after a risky interaction with one of the freaks Eddie had invited from that bar he always went to.

Now, no matter what party they went to, one of them had to keep their hands on the other. Like the buddy system in kindergarten.

“Okay so get into Eddie’s mindset.” Cece giggles, leading them into a hallway that has a little room to loiter. “I’m some sort of evil genius that throws random ragers which are just ruses to torture a crowd with my shit music. Where do I hide the radio?”

“Up his ass probably.” Via laughs, fanning her hand out to cool herself down a bit. Sweat began to cling to the back of her neck. “Do you have a hair tie?”

“Shhhhh I am thinking.” Cece snaps, putting her hand up to the blonde's face as she looks around.

“Or we can follow a chord from one of the speakers?” Via offers, snatching her friend's hand and stealing a hair tie from the slender wrist and putting her hair up while the other girls gasps in excitement.

“You are a genius. And not the evil kind like your cousin.” She exclaims before moving to find a speaker and before they know it they are following the chord to the radio and hijacking it to a different station. The crowd is a mix of boos and excited chants as dancing begins downstairs.

They escape the scene of the crime, giggling the entire time, especially when Via trips on the bottom step of the staircase leading back down to the living room area where most of the dancing was beginning.

Hungry Like The Wolf begins blasting through the speakers and Cece yells in excitement, dragging Via the last couple steps towards the dance floor and throwing them both in without a second thought.

1 song turned to 3 more. Which turned to 5 more songs and by the time Via managed to drag Cece away from the crowd and out the door, the sweat that had covered most of her skin sent chills down her spine as it soaks up the cold night air.

Cece leans against the railing close to the door, leaning back and fixing her hair so the air can hit her face a little better while Via staggers to the opposite railing with her eyes closed as every muscle in her body relaxes, wrapping the oversized blazer around herself to preserve some warmth.

“It’s not warm looking cool is it?” A voice from below the porch snaps her out of the calm daze, scaring her a bit before she blinks away the blurriness and finds her cousin sitting in the grass of the lawn smiling from ear to ear. “You the little shit that switched my music?”

The scent of caramel and sweat fill Via’s senses as Cece joins her side with an overdramatic huff. “The music you were playing sucked. So you can’t pull your better than thou attitude with us.”

“Hello, Cecelia.” Eddie grins, leaning against the wall of the house as he stares up at her. “You both would be a lot warmer if you dressed like me, you see I have a leather jacket and a flannel because unlike you I-”

“Look like a dweeb?” Cece scoffs, using her fingers to swiper under her eyes in an attempt to clean the makeup that had pooled there.

There is a slam of a car door not far off that pulls Via’s attention as the two around her continue their small argument, but the people getting out of the car have fully grabbed all of her attention. The three boys in the Hawkins jerseys all shoving each other drunkenly and laughing like maniacs as they stagger across the lawn to get to the front door.

Via watches for a moment, waiting to see if another figure would emerge, one that she knew like the back of her hand. When he doesn’t she takes a deep breath in and turns back to where her cousin was still sitting and hauls herself up onto the railing to throw her body over. The only problem was she had a little too much to drink so it’s not as smooth as she would like it to be and she ends up just falling forward.

Cece gasps out and it’s like a slow motion horror story as Via watches the ground come at her quickly, or well maybe she was coming at the ground too quickly but who's to say? Before she can really crash her cousin is there, laughing as he takes most of the hit and they both sprawl across the dirt and grass.

It takes her a moment to catch her breath since the fall knocked the wind out of her lungs, and by the time she finally does she has to pick herself up off the ground to spot Cece climbing through the rails rather than over them.

Eddie groans in pain as he dashes to help her before the jocks hit the porch, all three of them ducking down so the clowns in jock jackets don’t see them.

“Is there a reason you are hiding in the bushes?” Via taunts, still a little out of breath from her fall and her back shooting with pain.

“Party got a little boring.” He shrugs, leaning against the wall again as his hand pats down his jacket before he pulls a sandwich baggie with a joint and a lighter tossed into it. “Needed a break.”

“You fell down here after leaning on the railing.” Via guesses which makes her cousin lean to punch her shoulder harshly. She grunts in pain once more before slapping his arm back and before he can hit back Cece leans to snatch the joint from him while he is distracted.

“Of course. You two follow me out here just to team up on me as usual. This will not stand, you hear me?” Eddie rants, shaking his head. “I’m putting my foot down, Cecelia.”

“Don’t say my name like that, Edward.” She snaps, lighting the rolled up joint and taking in a deep inhale before passing it to Via. Eddie whines in the background as Via follows her friend's lead before handing it to Eddie finally.

“Do you ladies like…. My humble abode?” He squints, gesturing to the big house behind him before smoking as well, watching both of the girls look at the house fully now.

“How do you even find these houses?” Via questions, closing her eyes and laying down as the dizziness threatens to consume her.

Eddie had made a habit of throwing parties in houses for sell, empty and out of town bounds. An idea Cece gave him the last time Hopper caught him with weed, he had gotten into a lot of trouble and she was upset. So now the parties are in houses where Hopper couldn’t find them, and Eddie could sell to people from other towns.

“Oh it’s so easy. I simply read a newspaper and look for open houses then I go to the open house and look up what time they close and once I’m sure they are closed up for the night I break in - which isn’t a crime if I don’t get caught so do not make that face at me Cecelia-”

“Hate when you call me that Edward.” She grunts.

“-And then I call a random number to a different school from a telephone that cannot be traced-”

“A payphone.”

“Olivia, please I am trying to lay out my master scheme here. Anyways I call from a phone that cannot be traced to a random student from different schools and tell them the address for the night so I can never be tracked. It’s so simple.”

“I think you need help, Edward.” Via hisses, sitting up to flick his nose before Cece lays down to put her head in Via’s lap and close her eyes. They sit in silence for a moment, just taking a deep breath in as the party is still loud and booming within the house. Hungry Like The Wolf begins to play through the speakers again.

“I hate you guys for changing the music.” Eddie groans.

“This party blew before we did that so lose the tone Edward.” Cece mumbles with her eyes still closed.

“How are things going with you two? It’s been forever since I have seen you both.” He is quick to change the subject.

“We saw you yesterday.” Via reminds him, leaning back on her palms to relax as he relights his joint and Cece hums out while still using her friend as a pillow. No matter how many parties they went to somehow they always ended up sitting alone and gossiping about the dumbest things possible. Did that make them lame?

Via didn’t think so but Steven Harrington would probably disagree. Just the thought of his stupid face has her clenching her jaw and imagining ways to hit him with a car. But the thoughts betray her, just as they always do. It goes from hitting him with a car to remembering his face that night.

When she had heard the news about Nana, when she panicked and ran to the one person she thought would make her feel better. But she should have known better, she should have known that he wasn’t who she thought he always was.

Eddie had warned her long before that and her freshman year had proven as much. But she was still a fool, and she was upset and he had been so drunk .

The glassiness of his eyes made her stomach sink, the wet of the grass digging into her socks as she tries to process her next words.

“My Nana is gone…” She sobs, and he only blinks.

“Are you crying?” He slurs and she can’t tell if he can hear her or not. When she does go to respond she is interrupted by the sound of Tommy Hagan cackling behind Steve.

He turns to stare at Tommy and Ollie watches in slow time as his chest begins to rise and fall with… laughter. Steve was laughing. At her.

“Via? Helloooo?” Eddie calls, snapping his fingers in front of her face.

“Sorry? What?” She balks, trying to act calm as both of her friends peer at her as if she were crazy.

“We thought you were like…. Dying or something. We have been trying to get your attention for hours.” Cece huffs, tears in her eyes. “Don’t die.”

“Okay, don’t get too dramatic Cecelia.” Eddie huffs, though his face still holds a small but of panic. “She is right though. You went pale and just zoned out for a minute.”

“Sorry. Got caught in my head.” Via answers, tension coiling in her chest as they both watch her with fear. When neither of them seemed to relax she lets out a fake laugh, doing her very best to make them believe it. “I’m fine mom and dad. Take a breath.”

“Fine. Just tell me if I need to go grab water.” Eddie huffs, finally sitting back which makes Cece relax as well, though she doesn’t lay her head back in her friends lap and rather sits against the wood hold of the porch with a skeptical look. One Via notes immediately.

“What were we talking about before I zoned out?”

“We were just catching up.” Eddie mumbles and Via doesn’t miss the way he smears out the rest of the joint, throwing it back in the bag and shoving it in his jacket with shaky hands. “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m good.” Steve’s laughing face is still deeply engraved in the center of her thoughts but that’s where he stayed whether she liked it or not.

“I was telling Eds about my essay, the one you helped me with? I got an A on it.” Cece mutters, reaching up to smooth out her hair. “Who knew Cleopatra was so interesting?”

“I did…. And Wiley. He gave me the books for the research, you know?” Via smiles as both their faces melt at the mention of her little brother.

“Oh I love Wiley!” Cece blurts, her voice filled with the same tone in which you talk to a tiny kitten. “He’s just so sweet!”

“I don’t understand how Wiley doesn’t have friends!” Eddie snaps aggressively, his face pinched up in annoyance. “That kid is so metal. He rocks and I’ll pummel those kids that made fun of him. I promise you that.”

“That’s a crime, Eds.” Cece reminds.

“Only if you get caught.” He snaps back. “I seriously don’t know what that Wheeler kids problem is.”

“We don’t know it was Wheeler.” Via rushes out, palms outstretched in an attempt to get them both to calm down like they were wild animals. “But the stutter has gotten better around the house. I have no clue what he sounds like at school.”

It was a partial truth. Wiley had developed a really bad stutter due to some bullying at school and over the years he started to avoid talking all together. His stutter had gotten better around their family lately but that was due to the fact that he avoided talking any chance he could. No matter how much their dad pried for conversation.

“We should dress up as middle school boys and sneak in to see.”

“Hate to break it to you Cecelia but you have a very large pair of knockers.”

“EDWARD!” She snaps, sitting up to slap his forehead quickly which makes him gasp out in fake shock.

“That was so rude Cecelia. You truly just hurt my feelings.” He whines, and she rolls her eyes when he smiles at her.

“Grow up, Munson.”

“You first, Miller.”

“Get a room, Mutts.” Via scoffs, moving to stand on shaky legs.

“Get a life, Ollie.” Eddie scoffs back, eyes widening when Via picks up a tiny rock to throw at him, and within seconds he’s scrambling to run away as both girls move to attack him.

20 minutes later Via stands before the side of the house, two cans of spray paint within her hands as she sticks out her tongue from the corner of her mouth in an attempt to better concentrate. Steve used to say it was ‘frog mentality’ and that she would pass all her classes if she kept doing it. But that was back when Steve wasn’t the devil incarnate.

Cece and Eddie lean against the tree facing the house, both watching my work and critiquing it any chance they get to bother her.

“I would like to remind the group one more time that I am still working on the project. And you shouldn’t judge it until it’s done.” Via snaps out, tossing the red spray paint into the duffel bag and snatching up a different color, shaking it quickly as Eddie tilts his head to admire the work.

“It looks uneven.” He smirks and Cece gasps dramatically. “Eds I was literally about to say that.”

“I hate you both.” Via mumbles under her breath which makes them laugh as she continues on. They begin talking amongst themselves, Cece reminding Eddie about homework to which he argues that he did it and they begin a whisper debate, and at some point Via begins to zone them out and focus on the project at hand. Their words fade out, and the colors become the only thing that matters. They blend together and soon enough a face comes into view, the brick all turning into a portrait of despair.

By the time she steps back all she can do is blink at the creation, smiling from ear to ear as her cousin whistles slowly and walks up to where she stands. “Is that Marilyn Monroe?”

“Oh my god Eddie. It is obviously Marilyn Monroe.” Cece sighs, coming up to huddle next to them both for warmth as each of them fight off shivers. “I cannot believe you did that with spray paint.”

“Is she crying or smiling?” Eddie asks, tilting his head to further admire the portrait.

“Both? I don’t know. I kind of just let the paint take control.” Via admits, face heating as both of them immediately groan out.

“I’m Via and I speak to the paint.” Eddie mocks, pretending to flip his hair over his shoulder before his face goes dead serious. “You’re not….huffing the paint are you?”

“Shut up Edward!” Cece snaps which makes Via smile, laughing a bit until the defense turns against her. “She only does that every now and then. She mostly huffs the bleach for her hair.”

“YOU do my hair!” Via groans, shoving Cece away as she packs up the duffel of spray paint and snatches the polaroid camera from the bag before stepping back and taking a picture of her latest mural.

The second the picture is formed she can do nothing but smile at it.

“Alright, go pose.” Cece giggles, snatching the camera and shoving Via in the direction of the mural. The blonde doesn’t argue, and immediately dashes to pose in front of the brick wall with a wide smile, both her middle fingers pointed to the camera as Cece takes the picture.

She shakes the picture with excitement as Eddie shuffles closer to see it. Once it’s developed they both show their excitement, Eddie with a ‘hell yeah’ and Cece with a loud squeal.

“You look so good!” The brunette laughs.

“Badass.” Eddie confirms and Via snatches the photo to look at it herself.

Sometimes seeing her reflection or photo these days still kind of shocked her, like a stranger she had never had the chance to properly meet.

After Nana had passed she had gone through many changes.

It had started the day she chopped her long hair down to her collarbone, sobbing violently until she rushed to Cece’s house before her parents could see it. Cece’s mother had evened out the chop and helped the girls bleach her hair, since she was a hair stylist.

The pink came from a night at Cece’s house while her mom slept over at her nasty boyfriend's place. Cece had been upset and Via had of course rushed over, they read in one of her lame magazines that color in the hair was the new thing so they started with Via. But by the time the pink had been dyed Cece lost her nerve and had never added any blue to her own.

This led to a fight, one of their biggest, and they went a whole 20 minutes of not talking to each other. It was intense. (Eddie says they are both too codependent. They both tell him to shove it)

Gone were the days of the handmade dresses her Nana used to spend hours making, gone were the days of being bullied over them. Not that Via ever hated the dresses, they were all gifts from her Nana, but she liked that she could grow into her style some more. There were still a couple dresses kept safe in the back of her closet though. Kept safe and hidden.

Cece had taught her makeup…. Well she tried to teach her makeup but the two had very different thoughts on how makeup should look. Cece went for a glam look, foundation and glitter. Via went for a…. She liked eyeliner.

And Via loved her new look, she loved everything about it. She just wishes she had more time to grow into it rather than changing it in one summer.

But it was time things moved forward. Freshman year from hell had proved as much. Harrington and his friends had made it dreadful. And her one best friend…..

“Okay, we need to get out of here before the cops show up. That party is only getting louder.” Eddie reminds. He makes sure everything is picked up and gives them both one more protective look. “I’m gonna go find my sophomores. You two good to get home?”

“Tell Gareth and Jeff I say hello.” Cece smiles, fluttering her eyes which makes Eddie roll his eyes once more. Everyone knew both of them had huge crushes on her, the kind that left them speechless whenever she was near.

“I already told you not to bully my youth, Cecelia.”

“Blah blah blah.” She snaps, leaning to kiss his cheek before moving to walk away leaving Via behind for a moment.

“You okay?” He blurts after a moment, both of them watching Cece walk across the lawn in her heels, yelling in disgust when they keep sinking in the mud.

“Oh my god I’m fine. It was just a zoned out moment. I’ll drive her home and walk.” she sighs in aggravation, twisting the bracelet on her arm nervously. “You can even come knock on our door when you get home to make sure I made it.”

“I meant about the day.” Eddie mumbles, finally turning to her with that knowing look that normally sets her on edge. “I know how…..close you were .”

“I’m fine. It’s just a day.” She laughs, not enjoying the queasy feeling coiling in her stomach or the way her palms seem to itch with sweat. Memories lunging for her, all around that stupid boy with the stupid smile. “Are you okay to get home?”

Best way to handle Eddie is to change the subject to himself, it’s something she had learned pretty quickly. He gets as defensive about being okay as she does. Fight fire with fire.

“How about you call the trailer later and make sure I am alive?” He teases, punching her shoulder. Situation diffused.

“COME ON!” Cece calls, finally having made it to her car. “I WANT DONUTS!”

“CAN YOU YELL ANY LOUDER?!” Eddie calls back, flipping her the bird before turning back to the house. “Go get the princess her donuts. I gotta find the boys.”

“Bye Edward.” She mumbles back, using his full name to piss him off.

“Bye Ollie.” He mutters back in the same tone and the grunt of shock that passes his lips when she punches his shoulders makes her smile. “Fine. Via.”

“And don’t you forget it.”

September 17th, 1975

“I officially hate 2nd grade.” Ollie mutters, trying to pull away from her mom as the older blonde fixes the pigtails she had sent her daughter to school in.

“I just don’t understand how a crayon melted in your hair Ollie.” She grunts, frustration flashing in her eyes as she picks the comb up from the table to once again try tugging some of the wax out. “Stevie? Did you see her?” “No.” He lies, watching from his spot at the kitchen table with his legs swinging back and forth. ��She was on her own for this one.”

That part was true at least.

“Why would you do this Olivia?” Charlotte groans right as Flip comes down the stairs.

“What did Olivia do?”

“Dad! Mom is pulling my hair!” Ollie snitches which makes Steve snort in amusement until she sends a glare his way, promptly shutting him up.

“Don’t pull my baby's hair.” Her father mumbles, coming up to kiss his wife’s cheek before he stops short. “Olivia Diane Fraser. What the hell did you do?”

Steve sits up straight, eyes widening as he begins to panic. His friend was in deep trouble if her dad was using her full name. There is an urge to defend her, to tell her parents that it wasn’t her fault even if he knew it was. And apart of him knew her dad would never raise a hand to her, but there was still that fear, deep in his stomach that made him want to throw up.

“I was making Stevie a gift!” She yells back, her face going red with frustration. “It’s his birthday!”

“Oh you don’t say.” Charlotte laughs, turning to give Steve a wide smile. “Have I said Happy birthday yet Stevie?”

“This morning.” Steve nods, watching Ollie stick her head in the sink to try and get the crayon out again. “You want to see what Ollie made me?”

“Sure.” Flip sighs, dragging his eyes away from his daughter to see Steve hold out a piece of construction paper with melted crayons all over them. He blinks for a moment as Steve smiles like it’s the best art he’s ever seen.

Flip however cannot figure out what it is. He just stares, hoping if he blinks enough the image will come to him.

“It’s flowers!” Steve supplies. “See the wax of the green crayon is the stem and then she was making red and pink flowers with the other crayons and-“

“How the hell were you meltin these?” Flip laughs, turning back to his daughter.

“The sun….. and by pressing them into a lightbulb from a lamp.” Ollie explains, somehow managing to escape her mothers hold and dashing to where Steve sits. “Do you really like it?”

“It’s the coolest thing ever. I’m keeping it.” He smiles, pulling it closer to him.

“Alright. We’ll worry about Ollie’s hair later. For right now the big question is upon us.” Flip laughs, sitting at the table and turning to Steve. “What does the birthday boy want for dinner?”

September 17th, 1983 Saturday

The mini mart that sat right on the edge of town was probably the worst place to be so late in the night, and this only became apparent to Via when she walked in to find it empty.

Well, not empty. The lights were on and the radio by the register was playing music but there wasn’t another human in sight. It had an unsettling feel to it and for a second she is glad she had the mind to lock the doors to Cece’s car since the other girl was passed out in the backseat with a ‘car blanket’ strewn over her. Via wouldn’t have even stopped for the donuts if she didn’t want a snack herself.

The weed and the liquor both claimed hunger in her stomach.

So, even though it gave her a bad feeling, Via smiled as she used the emptiness of the mini mart to her advantage. Unzipping her purse as she passed through the aisles and shoved some things in it quickly. A small bottle of liquor, a pack of donuts, band-aids, chocolate, matches.

She is debating if she should shove some gum in when the bell of the door sounds out and her attention drags to it, only to find the one person she never wanted to talk to again.

Steve Harrington blinks in shock, eyes wide as he looks torn between holding his ground or running away, his hand still on the door. His mouth opens and shuts a couple times before he clears his throat which snaps her back to attention.

She turns quickly, willing her spine to relax as she lamely stares at the gum choices before her, blinking and waiting.

Finally after a moment the door finally shuts completely and she lets out a breath, hoping that meant he left. She wasn’t so lucky because a moment later his footsteps can be heard as he passes her until he is an aisle away and looking at the selection of chips they had.

The only problem was the aisles barely reached their shoulders so they could still see each other. She was just fine ignoring him, but it seemed he would not let this moment pass.

“Is anyone working?”

“Do I look like I work here, Harrington?” She snarks, snatching up a pack of gum and moving to leave before she realizes that he would probably snitch which meant she would have to pay. Shit.

Turning to make it look like she wasn’t about to leave she waltzes to the counter and rings the bell, ignoring the feeling of his eyes on her back.

“Did you walk here? Or is that your car out there?” He asks again, and though she can’t see him she can hear him moving to another aisle to grab what he needed.

“It’s not my car.”

“So you walked? I can give you a ride to-”

“It’s my friends. I’m fine.” The answer is more of a disgruntled sigh, one that she wishes held more of a bite. She wishes she knew what would hurt him just as he hurt her, wanting nothing more than to make him bleed the very same way he made her bleed. “Besides. Mormon girls aren’t supposed to be with guys without an escort.”

His grunt of shock makes a small amount of pride bloom in her chest as she hits the bell again, a couple times to see if anyone would bother to hear her.

“How’s Wiley? Haven’t seen that kid in ag-”

“HELLO?!” She calls, frustration claiming her as he walks a little closer now, hands filled with items. She takes one moment to see what he’s got. Packs of pudding, a bag of chips, and a slim jim.

“Dinner.” He answers at her look, shrugging a bit. “Fancy isn’t it?”

She doesn’t answer, shaking her head as she turns back to the counter. She would not admit to remembering what day it was, she would never admit anything to him.

Reaching for the bell once more before she is cut short by the lights in the mini mart flickering before going out for a moment, then when the lights come back on Via finds herself blinking at Steve in shock.

He blinks back before a thunk is heard from the bathrooms to the left.

“Has the worker been in the bathroom this whole time?” Steve asks, setting his items down before heading to the door and knocking lightly.

“Seriously?” Via scoffs. “You’re gonna bother their bathroom break?”

“I… well- What am I supposed to do Ollie?”

“Don’t call me that-” A loud thunk from the back of the store catches their attention before a couple cans of coke fall off one of the shelves.

“Nope.” Via grunts, snatching her gum and moving to the door. “I am not dying here.”

Steve is quick to follow her lead, only stopping to grab a box of matches before dashing out the door.

She, like a fool, waits for him to escape before shutting the door behind him and moving to dash to the safety of Cece’s car before he is calling out quickly. “Hey Ollie…via!”

“It’s late. I have to go.” She snaps, rushing to unlock the driver side door. “If my parents find out I’m this close to Hawkins Lab after dark I’m dead.”

“I… I was just going to say I like the….. Hair?” He mumbles, and she risks one look at him, blinking slowly. The nervous look on his face reminded her of the way things used to be, when they dressed up as pirates and detectives. But before she knows it his laughing face is flashing through her memory.

She doesn’t bother responding, giving him a glare before getting in the car and starting it up, leaving Harrington at that stupid mini mart.

It’s not long before they reach Cece’s house, and Via helps her friend stagger inside while doing her best not to wake her little sister that shared the room. She helps get her into bed, tucking her in before leaving the pack of donuts on the nightstand and sneaking out the window.

The walk to her house was filled with memories and anger, her arms wrapped around herself in a lame attempt to keep warm as her boots crunched on the gravel beneath her. For 10 minutes she combed over that entire interaction with Steve, thinking about all the things she could have said.

She could have told him to shove it, or that she hopes he loses all his hair. There were so many options and when her home came into view she had to stop from kicking herself at all the lame responses she had given.

Wiley called this house ‘Grimoire’ since he claims it’s the kind of house you would find in an old warlock's grimoire. And looking at it now, under the little light the moon could offer with the forest behind it, there was no better description. It looked… old and depressing.

The last few years with Nana all their extra money had gone to her chemo and treatments. When she passed they had been a bit…. Panicky to find somewhere new to live. They had no money.

This house had been a lucky find. Eddie’s Uncle Wayne had helped them fix it up a bit when they began renting it and over the summer they tried to make it their new home.

It wasn’t.

Nothing was these days because they were missing someone.

But Via couldn’t think about that right now, not as she climbed onto the stack of milk cartons she set up to help her climb through her window in the one story home, doing her best to keep quiet so she didn’t wake anyone up.

It didn’t matter in the end since the second she closes her window the sound of her door creaking fills the air as Wiley comes into view.

“Hi, Wye.” She greets, smiling softly as she sits on the edge of her bed to unlace her boots. “What are you doing up?”

“C…couldn’t… couldn’t-t sleep.” He shrugs coming a bit closer and sitting at the chair of her desk where all her art supplies were currently strewn about. Her spray painting gear is hidden in Cece’s trunk of course. “W-were y-y-y-you at…”

She watches him take a deep breath in, choosing to focus his attention on one of her drawings to ease himself and not make eye contact so this was less stressful to him. “Were y-you at Stev-ve’s birthday party?”

“No. I was with Eddie and Cece. They say hi and that they love you by the way.” She smiles, throwing her bag on the bed before pulling out the two chocolate bars. “Look what I got you.”

This pulls a smile from his face as he eagerly snatches one from her hand and tears it open.

“Did you talk to that Sinclair kid?” Via asks, watching him closely, watching as his face falls a bit and his cheeks redden.

“T-they were t-talking ab-bout a new c-c-c..”

“Comic? They are reading a new comic? You don’t have it?”

“N-no.” He shakes his head. “Goodnight.”

He gets up and walks out without another word, but he does send her a small smile and she hears the sound of his own door shutting soon after before she gets up herself.

Wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed she heads down the hall and sets the box of matches in the kitchen drawer where her mom complained about being out before she left, and then she goes into the bathroom to switch out the empty box of bandaids with the ones she got tonight, smiling a bit to herself when she shuffles back to her room.

The panel in the bottom of her tiny closet lifts easily, and she reaches in to hide the bottle of liquor she stole earlier, her hand grazing something familiar as she pulls it out. The broken half of a canvas she had made herself years ago.

She remembered the day her dad helped her staple it so she could paint it for her friend, the bob ross picture staring right back at her with a painted figure. It was messy and her work was choppy at best. An ugly painting by an untalented freak.

But it still pulled all the wrong strings to her heart, drawing tears to her eyes. “Happy birthday Steve Harrington.”

With that she shoves the canvas back in the hole and covers it back up before crawling into bed.

September 17th, 1975

Steve and Ollie sat together at the table, faces covered in Nana’s famous pudding as they giggled over the wax painting she had made.

The wax was out of her hair thanks to Nana pouring half a bottle of lotion in it, now she smelled of lavender and lotion which Steve thought hilarious.

They shared the last helping of Nana’s pudding right now, Ollie letting Steve have most of it since it is his birthday.

“Thank you for the gift. I can’t wait to hang it up.” He mumbles through a mouthful of pudding.

“Happy birthday, Stevie.” Ollie giggles. “You’re my best friend ever.”

September 19th, 1983 - Monday

“That damn tagger did it again Lottie!” Flip Fraser huffs, slamming the newspaper against the table as both his kids shuffle around him to get ready for their day. If he looked up at this moment he might have seen his oldest daughter's humored smile or the way his youngest son gives a fake glare at his sister.

“They did?” Lottie Fraser asks, dashing into the room with her blonde hair flowing behind her. “Show me.”

It was safe to say her parents were both a little too invested in this tagger situation, since ‘the tagger’ first appeared in the paper for tagging the grocery store with a portrait of JFK three months ago. Not Via’s best work but that one was a dare given by Gareth. Ever since they both always waited for the news to reveal more.

“A house outside of town. Closer to Hawkins Lab.” Her dad grunts, shaking his head in annoyance. “And no one saw a damned thing.”

“Oh my…” Her mother mumbles, sitting at the empty chair of the table as she reads the article with her husband. “It is a nice mural though. I can’t tell if Marilyn is crying or smiling.”

Via snorts as she remembers her conversation with Eddie. This draws her fathers attention as he looks at her with a smile, dropping the paper on the table and moving to stand and finish brushing his wife’s hair. “How was work yesterday, Olli….via. Olivia. I said Olivia and everyone heard it.”

“Work was fine, nothing really to note.” Via had applied to the town's movie theater the second she found out they were hiring, saving up money to help her parents and maybe get herself a car. It had mostly been the former whether they knew it or not, her parents never wanted her to ‘waste her money on them’. “It was our senior citizen discount night so not much business. Barely had to sweep up popcorn.”

“Good good.” He smiles, leaning to kiss her forehead as she passes to wash her bowl from breakfast.

“Wye? You ready for today?”

“Y-yes.” Wiley smiles, cheeks red as his dad watches him.

It’s silent for a moment before Lottie leans forward to kiss his cheek. “How has it been going with making friends, baby? You talk to anyone?”

Flip begins braiding her hair, as she continues staring at Wiley with such hope in her eyes.

“Th-they w-were all talking ab-b-b-”

“Deep breaths, bud.” Flip says gently, smiling when Wiley takes a deep breath in before starting again.

“They were all talking about a n-new comic book.” He goes slow, not that anyone in the room minds.

“Do you have the book?” Flip asks, watching Wiley shake his head.

“But it’s f-fine.”

“No bud, you did all your chores this week.” Flip grunts, finishing off Lottie’s hair and grabbing his wallet. Her fathers cheeks redden as he hands Wiley a dollar. “Is this enough?”

Wiley nods, jumping to hug him before running to grab his school stuff.

The rest of the morning falls into one of a rushed panic as everyone races around to grab everything they need. Her mom kisses her cheek and does her best to smooth out her daughter's hair before dashing to the blue car Nana left behind and nodding for Wiley to get in.

Her dad hops into the truck and waits patiently for her to hop in before zooming off to drop his daughter off.

He stops down the street, telling her to have a good day before driving off to let her walk the rest of the way, just as she requested at the beginning of the year.

She passes the familiar car that Steve and all his friends usually hang out around, noting that today he was by himself before walking past him to go into the building.

September 17th, 1983 - Saturday

Steve Harrington didn’t believe in fate, his mother had spent her days pouring wine and complaining about her horoscope. She claimed fate led her to his father and if that was fate then Steve wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.

But seeing Ollie tonight had to have been fate. There was no other reasoning behind it. What are the chances he would see her on the night of his birthday? It. Was. Fate.

But that hateful, despising look she gave him before leaving? That was gut-wrenching.

It clung to him on the rest of the way home from his trip. He hadn’t wanted to go to the party in the first place, he would’ve rather wallowed in self pity all night like an idiot. But he knew if he didn’t make an appearance then Tommy would have said something, but by the time Steve’s car pulled up he saw the lights of police cars and figured he would just go home.

So he stopped on the way home, where he saw her.

She looked so different, seeing her on the first day of school this year had been a shock to the system already. But that punching feeling he got in his gut every time she made eye contact? That was a mix between guilt and amazement.

Walking into the empty house, that had just finished getting redone, he throws his keys on the fresh counter before dropping his junk on it and slamming his finger in the answering machine.

He already knows there wasn’t going to be any messages, not from either of his parents, yet he still feels disappointed when it’s confirmed. So he reaches into the cabinet and pulls out a candle, throwing one of the pudding cups open aggressively and shoving the candle into the cheap pudding.

“Happy Birthday Stevie.” He whispers, blowing out the candle and eating the pudding before heading up to his room and digging in his closet. There is a box of things he keeps hidden for when his friends come over and dig through his stuff, so they won’t see all the memories he keeps stored away.

The broken half of a beautifully painted canvas is the first thing that catches his attention, the colors blending in his sight as he grabs the sweater knitted for him and tosses it on quickly.

The painting had looked so good, he wondered what Ollie’s paintings looked like now. But before he can think about it too much he slams the lid shut and shuts the light off before heading to bed.

“Happy birthday indeed.” He sighs.

x Next Chapter x

#steve harrington smut #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington stranger things #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington #steve harrington x oc #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fanfiction #steve harrington fandom #steve harrington fic #stranger things fanart #stranger things fan #stranger things imagine #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things

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worldswithoutendings · 5 months

Text

Eye for an eye [Michael Langdon] pt.4

Pairing: Michael langdon x female!reader

warnings: mentions of death

words: 1540

summary: your first date with michael and your first workday at Kineros (filler chapter)

AN: I'm still trying to figure out what format works best for me so bear with me, any feedback is highly appreciated <3

When the clock hit 7 you got ready for the dinner you had with Michael, all he said before he left after abusing your closet was to wear the dress and let your hair loose. But nothing more. So you added some black heels and a silver necklace. You did your makeup a tiny bit heavier than usual and for once you didn’t put on perfume in the hope that he would linger more around you like his coat did. Because damn he smells good it should be illegal.

I’m here.

you curse as you run down the stairs, almost breaking your ankle as you grab the door handle to reveal Michael. Clad in an all-black outfit, smelling absolutely divine and his short curls framing his face “Hi” you breathe out and Michael smiles at you “Look at you, you look stunning” he smiles as he holds out his arm “Shall we?” you say nothing, just taking his arm as you follow him to his car, which, of course, is also expensive “you’re picking me up in a Bugatti?!” you gasp out “what, it’s a nice car” “it is! But, so expensive” you breathe out and Michael laughs as he opens the door for you “my lady” “oh, thank you sir” you act with him as you sit down on the seat. Feeling the expensive seat as Michael sits in the driver seat.

Satan watches the two of them spend the day together from his throne “Good, everything is all going to plan” he says as he stretches his fingers out over the armchairs “Now we need to get rid of that Rosalie figure, I hope Michael hurries up with that girl”

Arm in arm you walk with Michael to the restaurant he picked out. And of course, it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant making you huff “What is it?” “I just feel out of place, I’m so used to visiting a McDonald's or a Five Guys as a date. Never set foot in a Michelin-starred restaurant” you mumble and Michael smiles “Good, I can show you how a real man is supposed to treat you” He walks inside with you and a guy comes scurrying towards you both “Mr. Langdon. Such an honor to have you here again. Shall we go to your booth?” the guy stumbles over his words and Michael gives a short nod

“do you come here often?” your mouth speaks before you can think “Yeah, not a lot. just for business” “Did you come here with Rosalie?” you ask self-conscious and Michael smirks “She is on your mind a lot isn’t she? The answer is no” he says as the guy mentions to the booth in the far back of the restaurant where the mood is actually kind of romantic “that’s a shame, it’s beautiful here” you say as you sit down in the booth, realizing both your knees are touching you scrape you throat “well, I only want to bring important people here. So, mostly Ms. Mead. But not since a few months ago” his voice dies down a bit and you can’t help but feel sorry for him even though you don’t know who Ms. Mead is and what happened a few months ago.

The food that was served was divine, just like the wine that was served. You talked about anything and nothing that your minds could think of, Michael even told you what happened to Ms. Mead. How she was set on fire and now, at Kineros they’re trying to make a robot version of her. Michael held her dear and close to his heart like he expected his grandmother to do ‘what happened to your grandmother?” you say as you put a piece of gnocchi in your mouth “She killed herself when she realized that I was aging to quick and murdering people instead of animals” his voice became flat and his knuckles were starting to turn white with how hard he was holding his utensils.

You couldn’t help yourself but touch his hand “I’m so sorry Michael” you whispered but you tried to sound neutral, knowing how much you hated it when your parents died and how everybody started to talk to you like a baby “You, you lost both your parents right?’ Michael asks questionably and you nod as you take a sip of your wine “my dad passed away of a cardiac arrest, my mother died shortly after due to a drug overdose, I was.. 16? Yeah, so, after the deal” your voice becomes quieter and quieter

“do you think that, you know, satan may be behind it? Seeing if I would get deranged?” “I don’t know, y/n, you have to ask him that” “I did actually, multiple times, but he waved it away, saying I was delusional” You play with a single piece of gnocchi and feel a hand on your kneecap. You sigh softly “he probably didn’t mean it like that, he also left me in the dark for years I didn’t know what I was supposed to do until I got to Kineros”

After dinner, Michael took you for a walk through the park. Deciding to sit on a bench with the hot coffee you bought from the stand even though Michael wanted to go to a coffee shop you shook your head “No this is actually good coffee!” you exclaimed so Michael wanted to believe you. And indeed, it was damn good coffee “So, tomorrow you can just come to Kineros, I’ll show you around and get you settled, you don’t have to worry about anything, well, maybe, your clothing but just, wear a button-up shirt or something. We’ll go shopping for it” Michael says before he takes a sip “damn, this is good coffee”

Nervously you arrived at Kineros the following morning. Especially because you just left your old job and your wrist still hurts. The clicking of your heels on the marble floor echoes off the walls as you see two guys with bowl cuts they must go to the same hairdresser because it looks awful. Michael is in a conversation with them but you see that all of a sudden he has trouble with his laughter

“Are you making fun of us?!” the brown-haired one exclaims and Michael immediately stops “No, no! I wouldn’t dare. You do look ridiculous” Michael exclaims and now you really have to hold in your laughter, they both turn around to look at you “Ah our new secretary! Miss y/n. right? We’d appreciate it if you respected our wishes,” the blonde one says immediately “actually, she only respects my wishes” Michael chimes in, yeah you wish.

You learned that their names are Jeff and Mutt, but you would mostly be working for Michael. Ruling over his agenda and keeping him up to date with meetings and calls. Further, you are the one responding to email, which mostly consists of rich dudes who are aching for their new sex doll.

A girl with a familiar face walks, well, storms in. looking like a drug dealer with her hair all matted, and clothes she had probably worn the last 2 weeks and never heard of the word shower or bath. She composes herself the moment she is at your desk and scrapes her throat “Yes?” you reply while you're typing an email to a client “I’m here to see my boyfriend, Michael” Oh shit it’s Rosalie “Are you scheduled?” “no?! I don’t need to schedule anything” she bursts out and you bite your lower lip “One second please,” you say as you reach for the phone. The foul stench of Rosalie makes its way to your nostrils Michael you’re kidding me. You only type in the number 1. Knowing it will connect to his office he immediately picks up “yes?” “Michael, you’re… girlfriend is here” he hangs up with a loud groan. Not much later his door opens and you hear him curse under his breath “Rosalie, what are you doing here. You can’t just barge in at my work” he says as he leans against the doorpost.

Rosalie immediately runs to him which means you can catch a breath we need to buy air fresheners and perfume and incense to get rid of this smell did she fall in a well or something?! You open up a website for fragrances to check out what can be delivered today as you try to hear the conversation as Michael doesn’t want her in his office “I have a meeting in 5 minutes” No you don’t “so you really need to leave” yes you absolutely do “but Michael! You promised!” she screams out “we were supposed to go on a date this week and you declined me! Twice! I can’t do this anymore!” Michael sighs deeply “Just, go. Rosalie. I’ll call you after the meeting okay” “Can I get a kiss?” “did you brush your teeth?” he blurts out and she gasps “Yes?!” she sounds incredibly shocked and you hear him audibly gulp. You reach for your bag as Michael cautiously gives her the tiniest peck on earth and she walks away confidently “Here” you wave around a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste you always keep in your bag.

#american horror story #michael langdon #michael langdon imagine #michael langdon scenario #michael langdon x reader #michael langdon x female!reader

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redrydersrequiem · 3 months

Text

The Raven and the vampire

Chapter 1

This is a twilight and marvel mashup, the daughter of loki finds her soulmate in jasper Cullen and the twists and turns it will take them both

Note this is my first fanfic ever please be nice. I’m trying I constantly reread and change/fix these. As of 1/25/24 i've redone this story it is no longer a reader insert. I want to thank everyone who liked the original and hope you like the updated version more, this was my first ever fic and i've slowly grown as a writer so everyone enjoy

It begins like every other day on Asgard, sunny and golden, gilded with light, as the sounds of a baby’s wails break the silence of the healing wing. Loki paces back and forth, waiting to be with his wife and newborn. The doors swing open and an attendant comes forward.

“You may enter your highness, your wife and child are all cleaned up and waiting for you”. Brushing past the attendant, Loki heads straight for the figure sitting up against the backboard of the green silk bed.

“My darling, how are you? How do you feel? Do you need anything? Are you hung/…’..

“/Loki, calm down. I'm perfectly fine. A little tired but it was all worth it to finally meet our daughter.”

“it’s a girl”

“Yes ,my son , she is a beautiful baby princess and here she is ready to meet her parents .”

Walking to the new parents with a bundle of green and gold cloth in her hands, Frigga handed the new princess to her mother. The baby was a light blue theraise markings prominent on her body, tuffs of deep black hair crowned her head Asher scarlet eyes opened to take in her parents. Lady Sigyn didn't even pause at the baby’s coloring, long since having broken Loki of thinking himself a monster due to his heritage

“She is half Jotun like we expected but her body should adjust to the environment soon just as her father did” queen Frigga states noticing her son had yet to say anything. Loki just stared at his daughter's small form resting in his beloved's arms, slowly offering his finger to the babygirl. Skin turning blue as the bay gripped it in her small hands

“She’s beautiful”,

“Yes, she is! oh Loki look,”

The new parents watched as scarlet eyes gave way to white with beautiful amethyst irises, skin turning a beautiful pale like her fathers with a dashing of freckles like her mother

“She looks just like you, my prince, beautiful dark hair and all.”

“She looks. Like the both of us, a perfect blend. My little Raven, Elara frigga Lokidottir Princess of Asgard.”

800 years have passed and the young princess has grown into a young woman of grace and beauty. A mage like her father and grandmother before her, and warrior in her own right. I mean, how could she not? With private training form an actual Valkyrie, and the literal goddess of war and god of thunder (god of sparkles lol) as her aunt and uncle. In all her time though, she has grown up around love,seeing it in her parents' faces as they look at one another. In her baby brother's eyes as they babble up at her, Her grandparents and uncle and so many others, that she was ready to find it herself.

“Mother, father, I've done it.” Elara omimites as she bursts into her parents sitting room. Sigyn was sitting on the floor with the twins as they had tummy time while Loki was next to her legs crossed at the ankle reading a book to the two of them.

`What is that my little raven?”

“ Father, I've completed the spell to find my soulmate.”

“Soulmate? Spell? Darling what are you talking about, you're still so young you shouldn’t have to be so worried about that.”

“Mother you and father were only 200 years older than me when you both finally married and much younger than that the first time you met and started cavorting with each other. Besides, I'm ready. I want to have what all of you have, especially before I'm used as a pawn to help diplomatic affairs, I want to find my other half.”

“My little raven, we would never allow the allfather or anyone else to use you as a pawn. Besides i second your thoughts”.

“Loki why am i not surprised you are some howenvloved with our daughter trying to leave

“Dear, it will all be fine trust me I would do nothing that would harm our little raven” he kisses his wife soothing her while gesturing to elara to carry on with her proclamation ,

“go ahead love tell us what you’ve discovered”

“ Mother?” Sigyn pinches her mouth looking between her mischievous husband and equally energetic eldest

“Fine, I will go along with you and your fathers plans but i wish to be there when the spell is cast and part of the travel discussions”

“Absolutely mother, I can do the spell now, i just need the maps of the realms”

Loki summons all the maps he's collected over the years including a globe of earth and sets them up for his daughter, when a thought finally occurs to him.

“Odin forbid this adventure, send you to Midgard.”

“Loki we will be supportive of whoever it ends up being and wherever it ends up taking her. Besides, if you didn’t want her to go away, you shouldn’t have helped her make the spell to begin with.”

“Your words cut deep my love. I simply hoped for her future match to be here in Asgard.”

“Of course you did, dear. Now sweetie, let's proceed with this event.”

The maps of the realms litter the giant green carpet. In front of you, setting the small golden bowl of which to concoct the spell in the middle of th wide green rugs.”

“So I modified a spell to find a lost item and a spell to show your hearts desire, combining the two with a very complicated magic circle I should be able to find my soulmate”,

“Very impressive little raven”

“Thank you father ok lets start. The purple magic flows from your fingers towards the bowl containing the two simple spells ingredients while your power spreads out forming the magic circle. As soon as it's complete a bright pulsing light shoots up. Dancing around Elara several times before shooting over to the maps.

“It's working!” Sigyn happily. Awes watching her daughter work.

Pulsing around the realms maps the light simply hoovers before shooting for the Midgardian globe encasing it insistently

“Oh joy of course my daughters soulmate is a Midgardian”

“Honestly, I think it serves you right Loki”, Sigyn states picking at her husband and his distaste for midgardians “but you don’t even know who or what this midgarden is. Who knows, they could be gifted like our dear Wanda”

“Yes my darling” Loki says as he collapses on the nearest couch.

“Well go on my little raven, let's see where in Midgard you will be visiting”

Walking over to the globe, Elara peers over to what small words have now been illuminated.

“It’s a place called….. Forks, Washington.”

#twilight fanfiction #jasper hale x y/n #twilight masterlist #the twilight saga #twilight x reader #last twlight the series #twilight x y/n #twilight #jasper cullen x you #jasper hale x you #jasper cullen #jasper hale x reader #lokis daughter #Loki x sigyn #uncle Thor

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mariaxxxxx · 2 months

Text

Chapter 2: Love me, Love What i am

Summary: On summer holidays you find a mysterious shell among the waves. Then an unlikely friendship arises with a sea creature with wings on its ankles and ears pointed towards the sky.

Warnings: 18+ ONLY/ Minors DNI, Angust, Hurt comfort, Sex, Apologies, Crying, Creampie, Passionate sex, virgin!reader, size difference, smut, soft!dom!, HEA, somnophille, slight degradation, duvious consent, pregnancy, arranged marriage, inexperienced reader, abortion commented, unprotected sex (don't do that wrap this thing), kidnapping, aftercare, curse words.

A/N: English is not my mother tongue. I apologize for any errors.

A/N: Reader is heavily implied to be Mexican but i tried to keep it as free to the imagination as possible

Work count: 1.879

serie materialist.

🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊

Some years later...

"So what do you think?" You asked as you spun around on your own axis.

"You look beautiful." Namor exclaimed.

"I'm glad you liked it." You said, sitting down next to her on the sand. “He was even more handsome at the prom. You know, with the hair done, the makeup impeccable and the very expensive shoes.”

A smile formed on those beautiful dark lips clearly amused by his youthful enthusiasm. You had finally graduated from high school with the right to prom, an escort and a beautiful expensive dress provided by your mother and stepfather. The year was crazy for You surrounded by college preparations, dances, extracurricular activities and teenage parties; You went through it all with flying colors and when it was all over the summer finally arrived, You decided to stay with your grandmother until the end of the summer like she was used to doing all these years.

The early days You always spent with your lovely grandmother; where she spoiled you with kisses and treats. Afterwards, you closed yourself in your little room on the beach in the company of your friend Namor. When You saw him, shining on the edge of the sea with his golden skin, you ran to him and wrapped him in a tight hug that was returned with sloppiness – Namor was never good at hugging. You and him caught up.

You prattled on about how exciting and stressful the year had been with all the preparations for college. He told him about the problems his father was causing by revealing he wouldn't pay for his college and how his stepfather was a hero when he offered to pay. When You told him about your date to a dance, a cute boy from your biology class who tried to kiss you after the first dance Namor rolled his eyes and muttered how disrespectful little surface boys were.

The conversation went on until You mentioned how You would like him to see you in the ball gown as green as the jades that adorned your nose and ears; So, he asked You to bring the dress the next day so he could see it and so You did. You changed behind the black rocks and did your best to make the dress accentuate your curves. His intense gaze on his body resulted in small waves of heat running through his veins to disguise it. You twirled in a childish attitude, causing laughter from that beautiful man.

“You look beautiful like this.”

“I bet there are girls in Atlantis prettier than me.” You exclaimed with a fake air of outrage. Namor found his words funny.

��My home is not called Atlantis.” He said with his eyes fixed on the horizon.

“You never told me the real name of your house.”

It was a painful truth; Namor never trusted You to tell you anything about him or where he came from. The years of friendship consisted of you telling him your daily nonsense and him teaching you how to swim. You, with your wit, tried to extract any information, but he never let anything slip.

“Stop this nonsense.” He turned his head and looked at You. “It’s for your safety.”

He always said that damn phrase like a damn broken record. Damn mysterious seaman, You thought.

“If I know too much will you kill me?” You asked with a playful tone, but his hard gaze made your joke seem dull.

“Yes, if You know too much I will have to kill You…” He stopped suddenly thinking about the words he would say next “… or take You with me forever. You would never see your family again.”

You felt nervousness begin to penetrate your senses. In all these years it was the first time he had said this to You. Namor had always been reserved about who he was and where he came from reluctantly You accepted the condition of not being too curious for the friendship to last, but now your head was spinning. filled with doubts and demanded an answer. Cum! That man knew absolutely everything about You; he knew your favorite foods and colors, how you were sad every time your father promised something and didn't deliver, how your stepfather became an exceptional person in your life, your ambitions and insecurities for the future, the little pet peeves between you and your mother caused by her teenage stubbornness. You always told him everything, it was only fair that he did the same.

"Is not fair." You whisper as you play with the hem of your sandy dress.

“Ah” He suddenly smiles, looking more sharp than friendly. “I never said it would be fair, girl.” He looks at You from his place on the sand, and suddenly You realize how one-sided this relationship has always been.

“You’re right, you never said.” You respond without looking at him. You look at the waves crashing against the rocks as if you've never been to the beach before. Even when You try to turn your attention elsewhere, You can still feel his gaze on You.

“I won’t be able to be by your side as much as I would like.” Namor’s voice is soft and you resist the urge to look at him. “I will be away for three days and when I return I will bring a gift for You, a symbol of our friendship.”

The word present makes a muscle in his forehead twitch. He had never given you gifts before until the damn shell he took from You and never gave it back.

"I thank." Finally You turn your gaze to him after inspecting each wave that hit the rocks. You discover that you were too close to him to the point that your knees were touching each other. You look into his eyes and find so much weight behind him that it takes a long moment to speak. "I need to go. It’s getting late and soon my grandmother will come looking for me.”

You pushed your body to get up, grabbed his backpack and tried to brush the sand off your dress.

If you weren't so upset you would have stayed a little longer to change – you hadn't gone out in that outfit, it would have been very difficult to explain to your grandmother why you had to leave the house so formally. You counted on your grandmother's biological clock, by this time she was already asleep, so it would be easy to enter the house in that outfit.

“See you in three days, girl.” He said watching You get up and walk away.

The way home was short, as expected You found the house dark with your old grandmother sleeping like a bear in her bed. You walked towards the bathroom and turned on the shower, removing your dress. You made a mental reminder to wash it before your grandmother saw it. You got into the shower and closed your eyes as you felt the hot water run down your body, washing away the traces of water and sand, relaxing your muscles. The water hit her hair, cleaning out the small sand molecules that had been trapped in her locks. He opened his eyes, seeing the water a little dirty, a yellowish-green mixture entering the drain. He made another mental note, clean the bathroom and remove any remaining sand and algae stuck in the drain.

Leaving the Box, you wrapped a dry towel around your body and another around your head, picked up your clothes from the floor and left the bathroom. He walked quickly to the bedroom, closed the door and threw the clothes in a corner. He walked towards the closet and grabbed some clothes to sleep in. You used the hairdryer to try and dry your hair, but it was too big and full to tame so easily.

You did the best you could with your hair, after drying it you tried to untangle it without much success, finally deciding to put it in a braid. You lay down on the bed enjoying the feeling of lightness; your muscles became even more relaxed.

You turned your body, lying on your side, and stared at the dresser. His thoughts wandered to Namor; You felt like you had been lost for a while now, ever since you allowed yourself to think of him differently. The anguish in his chest was too much to bear, adding to the empty space that the seaman filled with his brilliance. It wasn't feelings of friendship, it was love. You were well aware of your madness in harboring feelings for him, metaphorically he was a being opposite to your world, but You never had time to think about the complications, until now.

The only memorable thing in her life was Namor. You thought it was funny how you couldn't remember what day of the week it was, but you remembered every detail of beach dates over the years. You think how beautiful he is and how hard it was not to look; Dark eyes, full lips, black hair, clean shave, jade piercings in his ears and nose. You could tell the exact number of pearls that adorned his neck; You could tell how many crochet stitches it took to build those green shorts that really suited him, the color that You adopted as your favorite in honor of him.

That man seemed to be warm and sweet, but fierce and arrogant, very powerful and passionate, but a bit idiotic and ambitious. Everything about that man exuded power and attraction, it was as if he unconsciously attracted You. You tried to ignore the new feelings for this man claiming that You had nothing more than friendship, this often left you frustrated. The feeling only grew when you found him at the edge of the sea, shining in the golden light of the sunset.

His presence was a breath of fresh air and his mysterious personality filled her heart. The feelings soon intensified. You had no idea this was possible and eventually seeing him made your heart jump out of your chest. With the good feeling also came frustrations because he never shared anything. It broke your heart every time he refused to answer any question about himself or the place he came from, yet the trust you felt in Namor was strange, but you didn't question it, especially when you swam beside him among the reefs. .

There was a huge age difference between you. Namor was old, not as old as his parents, but still old and You were just a recent high school graduate waiting for her college letters. The years didn't seem to affect him, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by You; You dared to joke with him about it, saying that the lack of sun and salt from the sea preserved him like canned sardines and he just smiled at your nonsense.

You squeezed your eyes shut to push the thoughts out of your head, trying to convince yourself that the feeling was nothing more than a teenage crush; it was easier to convince yourself of that to avoid disappointment. The moment you allowed yourself to relax you fell into unconsciousness without even realizing it.

#black panther #namor x reader #namor x you #namor of talokan #talokan #namor the sub mariner #wakanda forever #namor x y/n #namor smut #namor

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dragons-bones · 7 months

Text

FFXIV Write Entry #15: Wolf's Legacy

Prompt: portentous || Master Post || On AO3

A/N: Very mild spoilers for a few lore bits from the Endwalker Healer role quests.

“Thank you for coming today!” Commander Hext said cheerfully, waving Angharad and Eydis into her office and towards the chairs in front of her desk.

“Of course, Commander Hext,” Angharad said, smoothing her skirts as she settled into her seat with her daughter next to her. “How can we be of service?”

“Call me Lyse, please,” the Commander said, dropping unceremoniously into her own chair. “And, well, today’s business is more what we can do for you.”

“Is this why Synnove isn’t here?” Eydis said, one dark red eyebrow arching up.

Lyse smiled, but this one was grim, rather than the bright effervescence with which she had met them at the Resistance’s headquarters in Ala Mhigo. “Right on the nose,” she said. “As dear a friend as she is, she isn’t head of house and doesn’t have the authority to make decisions about what I’m about to tell you.”

Angharad and Eydis exchanged surprised looks. Eydis’s other eyebrow went up, curiosity sparking in the dark green eyes she had inherited from her grandmother. Angharad shrugged helplessly; she hadn’t the faintest idea on what this could be about.

A knock came at the door, and Lyse immediately bounced to her feet and across the space to open it. She stepped further out of the way. “Ah-hah, now we can begin.”

A young, dark-skinned man with blond hair rolled himself inside, a large stack of papers carefully balanced in his lap. Angharad recognized the stamp of the Garlond Ironworks on the wheelchair, it’s frame and wheels clearly a lightweight metal with how easily the lad maneuvered himself inside.

“Ladies, this is Arenvald Lentinus,” Lyse said, closing her office door behind him. “He works primarily with the Silver Griffins, but he’s been assisting with this project for the Council. Arenvald, this is Angharad and Eydis Greywolfe.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Greywolfe, Mistress Greywolfe,” Arenvald said; his Abanian was faintly accented with a Thanalani lilt, not unusual among the children of the diaspora. He dipped his head in an abbreviated bow as he came to a halt next to Lyse’s desk. As he set the brake on his wheels, he used his free hand to transfer the stack of paperwork to the desk.

Eydis shuddered. “Please call me Eydis,” she said, her face twisted up like a displeased coeurl.

Angharad covered her laugh with a cough. “And please, call me Angharad. A pleasure to meet you, too, Arenvald, you’ve featured in more than one story from Synnove and the girls, and it’s lovely to finally have a face to put with the name.”

Arenvald grinned, and Angharad fought back the urge to pinch his cheeks. Ugh, what was it about Ala Mhigan lads and their disarming smiles? Absolutely precious.

As Lyse once more dropped back into her chair, Arenvald started unstacking the paper into separate piles. “How much do you know about this meeting today?” he asked.

“Not much beyond that it’s something requiring myself and my daughter in our capacities as the Greywolfe matriarch and the heir,” Angharad said, settling back into her seat and crossing her ankles.

Arenvald nodded and met her gaze head. “Right then,” he said. “A bit of background: I’ve been working with the Silver Griffins, an organization dedicated to assisting those Ala Mhigans who worked with the Garleans, willingly or no. Housing, physical and mental therapy, and so on.”

Angharad nodded; she heard of the organization through Synnove. Eydis’s head was cocked to the side—clearly this was the first she had heard of it—though it was curiosity that primarily colored her expression.

“Very recently, part of that has included trying to track down families,” Arenvald said. “The Council’s been working on a similar project, mostly trying to find any living descendants of the old nobility before claiming any of the remaining estates for public use. Lyse has been helping us with going out into the field to find anyone we think might be a relative, either of a Griffin family or the nobility.”

“Gets me out of the office,” Lyse said, some of her cheer back. “And it’s inadvertently helped us reach more of the remote villages in the Spine.”

“Inevitably, the issue of House Wolfe came up,” Arenvald said, a slight grimace on his face.

Angharad couldn’t blame him. House Wolfe had gone extinct during the reign of the Mad King, its matriarch and her children executed on not-so-trumped up charges of sedition; if she had been slightly less outspoken, Liefhun Wolfe might have been leading the rebellion the day they overthrew Theodoric…but might have very well still fallen to the cannonfire of the XIVth Legion’s airships as they razed half the city. In any event, the destruction of House Wolfe, one of the oldest families among Ala Mhigo’s high nobility, and the seizure of its asset by the crown had thrown the houses into disarray, worsened by the occupation.

“By some miracle, we found copies of the original deeds in one of the palace’s lower basements,” Lyse said. “We think probably a sympathetic administrator was making copies of everything in the event of Theodoric’s overthrow.”

“So, we had the full measure of House Wolfe’s holdings,” Arenvald said, “but then we had to figure out who inherited it all.”

“Bloody old inheritance laws,” Lyse muttered under her breath.

…Angharad did not like where this was going. Eydis’s brow was furrowing.

“House Blackwolfe is gone,” Arenvald ticked off on one finger, naming the oldest of House Wolfe’s cadet branches. “Changing the name wouldn’t have affected inheritance, with all of House Wolfe’s cadets following matrilineal succession, there’s always a clear line of precedence, and certainly no one in Ala Mhigo would blame House Blackwolfe’s sons and daughters for abandoning that particular name, but Odeyla and Otelin Blackwolfe are confirmed dead as of three years ago, during an uprising in the southern mountains that the XIIIth put down. Neither had children.

“House Whitewolfe,” he continued, “we can’t find a single trace of. Sewell Whitewolfe may have changed his name entirely, he may have died, no one’s seen hide nor hair of him since the Fall, and the Council’s given the authorization to have him declared legally dead. House Redwolfe is confirmed extinct; apparently their last daughter didn’t escape, and was forcibly conscripted. Records we traced have her killed in Corvos.”

Angharad did not like where this was going.

“Congratulations!” Lyse said with manic cheer. “Eydis, you are the sole living descendent and/or relative of three of the oldest families in Ala Mhigo.” She gestured to the four piles of paper on her desk; they were very tall. “This is a list of all your new stuff!”

“Lyse,” Arenvald sighed.

“There’s no nice way of saying it, Arenvald, better to rip the bandage off entirely.”

There was a moment of stunned quiet as Arenvald put his face in his hands. Slowly, Angharad turned her head to look at her daughter. Eydis stared back with eyes that were as wide and horrified as her own.

Oh, thank Rhalgr, she had indeed raised her girl right.

“Absolutely not,” Eydis said, shaking her head frantically. “Nope. Nope nope nope, not one bit, no.”

“The Republic of Ala Mhigo is more than welcome to the estates of House Wolfe, House Blackwolfe, House Whitewolfe, and House Redwolfe,” Angharad said firmly, “with the caveat the buildings be used for civil purposes or public housing. Certain heirlooms, if they’ve been recovered, I’d like to examine, but likely most I would see donated to a museum or other historical institution.”

“I’ll take anything about any surviving accounts!” Eydis said, starting to calm as she realized she was on the same page as her mother. “Depending on the sums available, we might be able to reopen the Greywolfe weapons school.”

Angharad beamed at her daughter. She and Eydis and Havardr had only discussed such tentatively, but if those assets were still within Ala Mhigo, that would mean they wouldn’t have to deal with the headache of untangling their accounts from the Greene ones controlled by Isolde.

Both Lyse and Arenvald slumped in obvious relief.

“Oh, thank the Twelve,” Lyse said, putting her elbows on her desk and her face in her hands. “That was so much easier than I thought it would be.” She peered through her fingers. “Arenvald?”

The young man was already rummaging through the piles. “I’ve got some paperwork here about signing the properties over,” he said. “They’re copies, so you’re welcome to take them to a solicitor to review before you sign anything.”

“We’re going to turn you into a proper bureaucrat,” Lyse said with a grin.

“Do not speak that into existence, you menace.”

As Lyse and Arenvald settled into a sibling-like good-natured bickering, Angharad and Eydis put their heads together to go over the fine print. Eydis’s leg was bouncing, excitement starting to flood her, and Angharad reached out to grab her hand and squeeze it. Eydis squeezed back.

It was about time the family had a bit of luck go their way.

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#ffxivwrite2023 #final fantasy xiv #ffxiv #lyse hext #arenvald lentinus #oc: angharad greywolfe #oc: eydis greywolfe #dt's writing #another one of those ideas that's been rattling around my brain for a few years

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saintmachina · 9 months

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Would a Red Riding Hood and the Wolf romance be alright to ask for?

He quit society years ago, sequestering himself away in a farm house that had seen better days. The brick walls were choked with ivy and the floorboards creaked terribly, but it was home and, most importantly, it kept the world safe from him.

Every night, he would have his supper of brown bread and tea and slabs of salted meat, sometimes with an egg if the chickens he kept cooperated. The salt burned his tongue, and the meat was tough and joyless in his mouth, but it was safer than anything fresh. No sense in tempting himself with what he could no longer have.

He hadn't scented blood on the air in years, hadn't felt the crunch of bone and snap of sinew in his mouth for even longer. Those days were past.

She arrived during a September downpour, her cries for sanctuary almost drowned out by the torrential the rain on his roof. When he opened the door he found himself staring into the dark eyes of a woman, her brown hair flattened against her forehead, the ties of her blood red cloak trailing down between her pale, slick breasts.

An hour of rest in front of your fire is all I ask, she said, wiping the water from her rosebud lips. Please?

Who was he to deny a woman in need, especially one that smelled as sweetly of lilywater and crushed grass as her?

She draped her cloak on the loveseat and sat down on the wolfskin rug in front of the fireplace, wringing out her impossibly long hair. He watched her from a safe distance, his hands tucked tightly into his pockets.

Every bit of him ached to devour her.

What's your business so far from town, and in weather as miserable as this? He asked stiffly.

I'm going to visit my grandmother, she said, staring into the fire. The flames danced in her eyes. She's very ill.

There's no other houses around for miles.

She looked over her shoulder at him, her smile salacious.

Then perhaps it's you I've come to seek, sir wolf.

His hands turned to fists. She knew him. Had she heard the stories whispered by the townspeople? Or had she been one of those poor serving girls who had discovered the bodies he left behind? So many cows and sheep, and bigger mammals besides, sacrificed to his bottomless bloodlust.

You should leave, he said.

The woman reclined a little further, a delicate ankle peeking out from under her dress as she slipped off her shoes.

And you should draw closer to me. I won't bite.

Against his better judgement, he gave into the hungers that had hounded his kind for millennia. He sank down next to her on the rug, and he let her toy with the shirt button at his throat.

Would you kiss me, if I asked you to? She said quietly. If I told you I had run for miles in the rain for one kiss from the wolf who wears the skin of a man?

If I kiss you, that's not all it will be, he said, his voice very near a growl.

The woman in scarlet made her choice. She kissed him, hot and wet and open mouthed, and so terribly hungry.

The hunger within him replied.

He threaded his fingers through her hair, capturing the base her skull, and kissed her until her lips were bitten red. He kissed her until their bodies were pressed together, until she was unfastening his trousers and he was clawing at the buttons on her bodice, until she was wearing nothing beneath him but her mud-splatted skirt hiked up around her waist.

His mouth watered when he entered her, his lips pressed against the rabbit-beat of her jugular, and she raked her fingers down his back like she meant to mark him for all to see.

It would be so easy to bite down, to disappear into her viscera, but somehow he resisted. She cried out like an arrow-struck animal when she climaxed, and he followed her shortly thereafter, burying his face in her bosom and letting out a groan.

She wasted no time in fastening her blouse and pulling on her cloak.

Come out with me, she said.

He looked up at her from the rug, still half-delirious with pleasure.

Where? He asked.

She took him by the hand, not bothering to tug on his shirt.

Into the world. Into the wild. Where you belong.

As though in a dream, she lead him to the door, and she stepped barefoot onto the flooded earth. With a trumpet of laughter, she slipped off her girl-skin and transformed before his eyes into a lovely russet wolf.

The she-wolf trotted towards the garden gate and looked back at him, waiting for him to make his choice.

He took a deep breath of the early autumn air and closed the door on the domestic scene behind him.

Then, with a howl that had been caged inside him for years, he adorned his claws and teeth and fur and chased after her into the night.

#sorry this turned into sexy horror but it is indeed a romance as well #red riding hood #fairy tales #writing #answered asks #ficlet #crafteroftheforestearth

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stargirlstudio · 1 year

Text

Citrine and Sapphire [Part 2]

☆ Aemond Targaryen x Princess of Leng!Reader

☆ Physical attributes canon to Lengii people, she/her pronouns, no y/n, you only go by a royal title (Princess)

☆ 1st/3rd POV, graphic language use (c*ck, c*nt, wh*re), misogyny, HOTD attitudes towards women

☆ WC: 6.1k

☆ Summary: A chance to further the Princess's education goes awry, but Prince Aemond offers something in place of that. A simple game turns into reality as the new players in the political game reveals their intentions.

☆ Guide:

[ ] - Lengii language

{ } - YiTish language

⇦ Part 1

Princess's POV

A few months ago, the Leng performers and the servants had been dismissed at my mother's request. They were only permitted to accompany me and entertain the Westerosi; now that the celebrations were over, they were to leave. Princess Rhaenys, who had attended me, also went. I still remember how she held me as if she were my own mother.

Right after the servants had been dismissed, I was requested to have clothing made for me by the seamstresses, fitting me in floor-length gowns. Today, over twenty dresses have been delivered. The handmaidens had already placed my old home clothes in a chest. I remembered watching them fold my dresses neatly as the seamstresses had me stand on a ledge. Every poke and prod accompanied by my whole life going away in a dark hide latched trunk. I had worn those dresses when I left, when I walked through the markets of YiTi, when we made a trade deal with the Jogos Nhai, when I spent time in Qarth, and at every stop on my year-long journey. I tried my best to chase after them and get one piece of importance, but when they grabbed my hand to hold me back, I would not see those pieces for a long time.

I brushed my hands against the embroidered red fabric. It felt rough to the skin and was hard to move in. At least the outside was soft, the crushed velvet was fun to play with, and the cream accent was beautiful. There had been word swirling amongst the nobility; they thought my clothing was a little…revealing. The neckline of my dress was much higher than I was used to, and my shoulders were no longer bare. I miss the loose shawls and tightly draped fabric. My ankle-length skirts allowed my mobility. Queen Alicent had some concerns…wanting to protect my dignity, which is why the seamstresses were employed. This was never a problem at Driftmark.

The woman braiding my hair asked, "Princess? Am I pulling too hard?" I shook my head, softly saying "no" - if I spoke any louder, I was afraid I would start quivering. I hadn't noticed the tears streaming down my face until a droplet ran down my hand.

"I'm not used to my hair being pulled on, that's all," I lied. "Do I look fine?"

The servant beamed, "Like a proper lady now," The servant, I think is named Marynn, could be no older than 10 and 8. Only a few years older than me. She picked up the gold hairpin from the table. "Would you like this in your hair?" I nodded. It was a gift from Baela. When I first came to Westeros, I stayed at Driftmark for a while until Princess Rhaenys felt I would be more suited with other princes and princesses. "King Viserys and his family can offer you much more," She said one day. "They have been wanting to meet you for some time, but I'm afraid I cannot take care of you," At that time, I had no regrets about coming to Westeros, and I understood. By the time I came to Driftmark, Lord Corlys, the man my mother and even my late grandmother trusted in his care, was battling at the Step Stones. Now that I'm here in King's Landing, it feels dangerous. Everything has changed. Xhoha had taken a liking to the Small Council, and King Viserys offered to have him sit in on some of their affairs.

A knock on the door caused the servant to poke my head with the pin. I swatted her hand away and stood abruptly, causing the wooden chair to fall. "I'm sorry!" I said. "Are you fine?" I asked her. She nodded, visibly shaking, clutching the fabric on her smock.

"Princess, it's time to go to your lessons with the Septa," Ser Criston called. "Princess-"

"I will be out soon!" I said, annoyed. "You are dismissed," I told her. She bowed and made her way out of the door. She squeaked upon seeing Ser Criston, and I followed behind her. We watched her as she scurried down the hall.

He eyed me, "Is everything alright, Princess?" He paused. "Trouble in the quarters?"

I rolled my eyes, "Just…my hair was not done," I lied. Ser Criston Cole chuckled before we continued our walk. My quarters were in an open part of the castle, with large windows open before I woke. Sunlight beaming in and light breezes; despite this, the stone of the railing felt cold. Not a moment longer, I saw Xhoha and an unfamiliar man conversing, another Lord. Ser Criston bowed.

"Ah, you must be Lady Leng. I have been meaning to meet you," The nobleman said. He had dark blonde hair cutting right below his ears, and his armor shined. He raised an eyebrow at my dress. "My nephew danced with you at your welcoming festival," I remembered him. I felt so clumsy, and my hands must have been shaking. "I was quite jealous," Xhoha gave me a deadly stare. "I understand Jaehaerys and Jaehaera's name day celebration is soon. Will you be in attendance?"

I looked to Xhoha for an answer, his face relaxing, "Yes, Lord Tyland, she will be in attendance. Will Tylen attend as well?" The man nodded.

"That boy is always off doing something," Lord Tyland's eyes shifted to my dress again, his eyes averting to my mouth. "Lady Leng, I must say you look lovely in those colors," He said, exasperated. "I must be off," Lord Tyland bowed; Xhoha and Ser Criston did as well. My advisor nudged me, and I turned too late for him to see. I felt a pit in my stomach as I watched him leave.

"{How do you mean?}" I asked. Xhoha lifted my arm in the air. The stray thread and his nail pinching through the sleeve. His eyebrows furrowed, and his mouth hung open, showing his stained teeth. He was always scary when mad.

"{When a Lord is talking to you, you must address him by that title. You must learn the names of the Lords and Ladies and their houses. You bow to them, treat them with respect, and bow when they leave. Do you understand?}" In the past months, Xhoha had been insistent I learn the ways of Westerosi. He had been the one to adopt their clothing before me. He even trimmed his dark hair and kept his long mustache at a short, respectable length. He went from Pentoshi linens to damask shirts. Gone are the days when the marks of his culture shined on him. "{Show some respect for your- I mean Lord Tyland},"

"{I am just making sure you do not make a fool of yourself,}" He said as he loosened his grip. My arm sank back to my side as we continued to the Septa. Xhoha had always been a man who strayed from no orders, but I cannot remember if costuming as a Westerosi was one of them. Xhoha, while aloof and stern, never the one to crack a joke unless someone tried, was a respectable man. He may have adopted the Westerosi man's attitude as well. They do not treat their women kindly here.

"{Have you asked King Viserys for permission for me to learn with his son's Maester?"} I asked. "{I fear that my education is being hindered},"

"A woman does not learn with the Maester!" He abruptly switched to Common Tongue. "The noble women learn with the Septa. Septa Jayne does not need to be here anymore, but you shall be grateful. It is just as important as whatever the Maesters are teaching the boys," He paused. "I teach you just fine when we are alone {I will not have you around Prince Aemond},"

"If it is just as important, why am I not allowed?" I asked him. {And why not? He is kind to his sister}," Xhoha grabbed me by the shoulders, gripping it until his knuckles turned white. He gritted his teeth as his eyes bore into mine. I had never seen him this way before.

"Because you are a woman! An unwed woman!" He yelled. The guards posted around the hall, far and few, said nothing as he continued his onslaught and humiliation. "In Westeros, it is different here, Princess!" He yelled before demeaning to a whisper. "You should be lucky you are not Queen Alicent's lady-in-waiting. Look at Princess Helaena. Do you want that to be your fate?"

"Do not mock the cards she has been dealt," I said. "{Yes, I am unwed, but why does that mean anything? Can I not have a friend? You were fine when Lady Rhaena and Lady Baela were my friends}," He gripped my wrist, his nail piercing into my skin.

"{They were girls! I know what the men of Westeros are like. The princes especially}," He sneered. "They fuck common whores, beat their women, and spit in the faces of those beneath them. The King may have the power - by the gods, even the older Lords are much safer. Still, it is the Princes who have the vigor to fuck anyone at their will," Abruptly letting go when he saw Prince Aemond in the distance, "We will continue this later," I looked at the harsh crescents in my skin. He had never done that before.

My thumb rubbed at my skin. Prince Aemond, who was coming the opposite way, had his ever-present unwavering stare. We both bowed, and so did he.

"Hello, Princess," He said before glinting his eyes at my advisor. "And…you,"

"Xhoha Bahyrr," He quickened. "I'm taking Lady Leng to Septa Jayne," Aemond's eyebrow twitched slightly while Xhoha's hands wavered. I have a feeling that the Prince finds him…annoying. Which makes me laugh.

"I'm well aware. Where else would she be at this hour?" He said sarcastically. "And I believe her title is Princess, is it not?" Aemond asked. "I am confused as to why people have been calling you Lady Leng?"

"Lady and Princess are not the same?" I asked. Xhoha laughed while Aemond stared at him.

"It seems you have been led astray," He glared at Xhoha. I could feign his slight smile, indeed feeling proud of himself after that comment. "What do they call you in Leng?" Aemond continues, his eyes softening and his arms crossed.

I pause, "Léi dai Leng or Léi Leng, that would be the translation. It means the Divine Princess," I say. He seemed content.

"If I call you Léi Leng, would that be proper?" I nodded. "I seem to be upholding you both. I'll be going in the same direction; perhaps we can walk together," He said. Prince Aemond slowed, matching me as we walked side by side, with Xhoha trailing behind. I glanced over, his lips slightly pursed with his hands behind his back. In these past months, I had small conversations with the young Prince. His brother was always drunk or stumbling while his sister was preoccupied with the children. I see Queen Alicent the most. And King Viserys the least. Aemond turned his head, noting Xhoha was out of earshot, making small talk with a guard. "Are you alright?"

"I am fine," I say, hiding my wrist in my sleeves. Aemond let out a minor "hm," and my body went hot with embarrassment, hoping he had not heard that conversation.

"No one shall do that to you again," He said. "Especially a man with no title," Aemond turned his head to look at me. "Why was he yelling at you?"

I turned back, ensuring he could not hear me — just to find out he was gone. Indeed talking with another lord. "He…well, there had been numerous occasions where I asked to perhaps learn under your Maester. I miss my lessons on history and politics," I said. "It was required for girls and boys of the crown to learn the same subjects. I had simply wanted to learn how…everything is done here," Aemond listened intently, with his hands still behind his back. "He has changed," I said solemnly.

"I was unaware of your wants. I believe Xhoha has not talked to my father at all. I will arrange for you to join me," He said indignantly. "…during lessons,"

My eyes widened. "Oh no, I could not ask you for such a favor," I said.

"I'll make sure of it," He continued as we walked. Aemond held up a hand to shield himself from the sunlight. "What is your favorite subject?"

"History and Literature," I said. "I have become fond of poetry," I pause, gauging his reaction. "My father said that it is attractive to be well educated. He said it would help bring in more suitors, but that reasoning seemed to only work on my older brother Xian,"

"He is right," Aemond said. "I share your love of history as well," He pointed. "I am interested In philosophy," He raised. "How many siblings do you have?"

I clasped my fingers, "I have three others. I am the youngest. My eldest brother Hanh, the second eldest Xian, my twin, and then I," I said softly. "I cannot share my sister's name because she is the crown princess,"

Aemond continued asking me more questions, conversing with me all the way to the courtyard.

—

Aemond's POV

Aemond hid behind one of the walls at the end of the hallway, listening in on a conversation with a woman and the Princess's advisor's conversation. He peaked around, just as the man gripped the lady's arm, his breath rugged and his eyes piercing into hers. Aemond immediately moved out of the way, stalking the man, but when he seemed to calm down, Aemond kept his composure. The man bowed first while the woman turned around to bow second. It was the Princess of Leng. The one-eyed Prince looked at her from head to toe. No longer is she wearing the form-hugging fabrics of pink and purple. Her sets of bangles are still present, her hair in a Crownlands-style braided bun. Her dress is a formidable rouge color. The scent of her perfumes still remains strong. An amber fragrance with a lingering sweetness of vanilla and an induction of jasmine.

"Hello, Princess," He said, his eyes lingering on the Princess. "And you…?"

"Xhoha Bahyrr," The man with the mustache said. After some grating conversations, Aemond joined the pair as they walked to the courtyard. Aemond, after losing an eye, had been attuned to noises at an amplified volume. A flicker of a fire, nobles chewing on dry goose meat, and the advisor's incessant hacking were louder. The smell of his tobacco was sour and unpleasant. How the Princess could handle her advisor was something he could not fathom.

A few times, Aemond eavesdropped on their lessons when they were in the gardens or at a table in the courtyard. From the moment the Prince laid eyes on the Pentoshi man, he could see that he was power-hungry…and…stupid. Indeed a man of such low status could not correctly teach the Princess what she wants to know. And the conversation he had just overheard was no different. A girl clearly exhausted by her own education, even she could tell he was lacking. And while Aemond had taken to watching the Princess from afar, he had little chance to interact with her. Again, her advisor, whose name he had already forgotten, seemed to conveniently whisk her away.

Now that they are alone, with the advisor walking away with another lord, Aemond could be cordial and kind to the guest. Perhaps it was his mother who had suggested he talk to her. "The Princess told me she has not talked to you. She wishes to," Alicent said a few days ago. "Please welcome her; she knows nothing of us," Alicent said. "Poor thing,"

"She has wished to talk to me!" An unexplainable excitement. Now that the moment has arrived, Aemond finds himself talking about the mundane. Schooling. Education. Family. Poetry. She spoke of the poets from Qarth and their legendary love tales, rivaling the storytellers of Westeros. How her fathers gave her poetry books, her one regret was not bringing them along. Aemond admired how she talked of her family so freely. Such admiration in her eyes for her own kin, he had wished he felt the same. The young Prince would watch as not one nor two but three servants rushed past him in the halls, carrying boxes of treasures and piles of letters. It took more than a raven for whatever Léi Leng received. Aemond couldn't even get a loving glance from his father.

"I only wish to be immortalized," She said as they both entered the courtyard. The sun shone on her, illuminating her skin and bringing him back to their conversations of poets. "Not in some book about a war," She paused. "Or violence,"

"It is the ones after us that tell tales," Aemond remarked. Septa Jayne stood in shock at the sight before her. She bowed to the both of them and then circled around the Princess. While a frail woman, her stare was like a hawk's. She began to smile, impressed by the Léi's new clothes. Aemond noticed even more details, now that he stood behind her. The hairpin, a standard style in Driftmark — is a gift. The absence of flowers in her hair. The Princess had taken a few steps, and there was the jingle of tiny bells on her anklets, muffled by the heavy dress. Septa Jayne glanced at the young Prince.

"Prince Aemond, the Princess looks beautiful does she not?" Septa Jayne asked. Aemond had remembered what the advisor said, about men in Westeros. Thoughts pushed against each other in his head, not wanting to raise offense to the Princess. She has always looked beautiful. Well-groomed, clean, and proper. Aemond had no feelings for her, but telling a woman she looked pretty was not a crime. Though the Princess may have some strong feelings about the men here, he would not want the Princess to think that is true for him. He would be more than some lustful man. Much more than the insolentness of his brother. "I am only asking if she is a sight, Prince Aemond. Though I take your silence as a…no?" The old woman pressed again.

"She looks," Aemond pauses, catching her scent once she turns around. "She looks…fine," Septa Jayne blinked numerous times before letting out a soft chuckle. She held onto the Princess's arm, telling her they'd walk. The Princess is to paint in the gardens. They said their goodbyes, and before they took more steps, "Léi Leng!" Aemond started. "I'll see you tomorrow with Maester Dallin," And with that, Aemond walked in the opposite direction he came. His journey to his sister's quarters would have been short had he not walked the Princess to the courtyard, but I'm sure his little niece and nephew can mind the wait.

Aemond sat cross-legged; Jaehaera bounced on his knee, tugging the length of his hair while Jaehaerys napped on his chest. He could feel small strands of drool on the side his nephew was on. Helaena embroidered caterpillars on the round piece of fabric, occasionally looking up to see her brother cooing at her daughter.

"I think we need to call a maid to take them off your shoulders," Helaena teased. Aemond said nothing, shushing his little niece, quieting her constant babbling. He looked up at his sister; her eyes sunken in, and her pallor was gray, no doubt tired from either the children or their brother Aegon. He remembers the harsh words from the Princess' advisor just an hour ago, a cruel fate that he will never understand.

"That is not necessary," He said before little Jaehaera smacked them. "Has mother been taking care of the festivities?" The twin's name day is on the next moon, and Queen Alicent had taken to prepare for their celebration, a most appropriate hunting party in the Kingswoods. Aemond had never quite understood the need for celebration that involved hunting, for the celebration of a toddler's birth no less, but it is always just a gathering for the lords and ladies.

He had remembered his own hunting party for his 7th name day. It was awful. An acute food poisoning, how could he get sick from a freshly hunted deer?

"She has," Helaena said. "The eagle will be your guide," She whispered just before a guard announced Alicent's presence. Their mother walked in, stressed once again. In moments like these, the Prince wonders if Léi Leng's mother is always running around. Or…would it be her father's?

Alicent smiled, picking up Jaehaera and bouncing her up and down. Helaena quickly put down her materials, hovering over the child while their mother insisted on holding them. "Everything is final," Alicent said. "The festivities will be underway…though in your father's condition, it may be hard for him to actually do any hunting,"

"Mother, may I talk to you?" Aemond asks. "To put in a word," She nods. Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are given to the maids. Once they step out, Aemond has difficulty looking at his mother. He can tell when Alicent only focuses on his eye patch, the shakiness of her hand that only quelled as years went on. So Aemond turns his head. "I have…made conversation with Léi Leng,"

"Lay what?" Alicent said.

"Léi Leng. That is what her people call her. It means Divine Princess of Leng," His mother was shocked, knowing of her son's quest for knowledge. "I am glad you spoke to her. How did this come about?" Aemond was silent.

"I caught them. Léi Leng and her advisor are on their way to Septa Jayne. He had some other pressing duties, so I took her to the courtyard," Alicent stood still. "She said she wants to learn under Maester Dallin. To join me during my lessons,"

"Aemond, I do not think that-"

"She has been begging her advisor for months. I've heard them together. That Pentoshi man's teachings are all wrong," He explains.

Alicent sighed. "Women learn with the Septa," Her brows furrowed. "I cannot imagine what word would swirl if they learn that she is being taught under the Maester," She pauses. "I have heard whispers from the handmaidens of her cries for home. There's scratch-"Alicent closes her eyes before opening them again. "Never mind about that. I just want her to partake in practices that can calm her. She has had a long journey, a lonely feeling that I…see myself in. I'm sorry I cannot,"

"I understand, mother. Could it be at least one lesson a week? That is a compromise. The pride of one's home should never dull and a guest in our home should bring no embarrassment," Aemond said. "She told me she learns the same subjects I do; her knowledge could be beneficial. I believe that a young princess who traded 10 of her horses for protection, traveling the Dothraki Sea is no single feat," He treads carefully. "At least let her prove herself,"

Alicent sighed. "I will talk to your father. He will decide. I am glad you spoke to her, Aemond. Though, it seems like it is more than I expected," The young Prince noticed a gleam in her eyes.

—

Princess's POV

Weeks later, I stood at the end of the table, Prince Aemond to my left. Some of the small council members had joined. Xhoha to my right and Maester Dallin at the other end. The King's seat stands empty. A map of an unknown land mass lay on a table, with battalions and banners. I watched Xhoha lick his teeth, getting the last chewing tobacco while Aemond sat still; he seemed familiar with this map. Lord Tyland was the last to join, his eyes met mine, and he displayed a smile.

Maester Dallin, with his bald head and garb, planted his hands on the table. "This is a map modeled after a mixture of lands in the known world. To prove that you can learn the same lessons Prince Aemond learns, I want you to display your knowledge," Maester Dallin started. "Tell me again, how did your ancestor, Khiara, the Great overthrow the YiTish conquerors?"

"She gathered the common people, seven out of 10 of the Lengii clans at the time, YiTish people who were tired of the Emperor's rule, and hired mercenaries. It was an overthrow that took years. She had spies who reported to her. One spy, disguised as a concubine, lured him to a field under the pretenses of… lovemaking," The men gawked. I stopped before continuing. "Khiara threw him a sword. She said that a man only endowed with his…." Aemond smiled. "You know," Maester Dallin agreed. The men in the room seemed to laugh. "She threw him the sword, and they battled in the field. She won,"

"Thank you for the history lesson," Maester Dallin began. "Let us begin," He took out a stick and pointed to the land mass. "Choose a country,"

I looked carefully at the map of six countries, all with their positives and negatives. The Emerald country, with a large land mass and many armies, was hated by its people. A cluster of countries in Onyx with harsh terrain and few allies, but offers the most natural protection. The Diamonds are small but hold the most ports and are wealthy by their small princes. A Sapphire country that is in between the others, utterly landlocked with one large lake and flatlands. Rubies boasting the largest population and honorable men. The final is the Citrines, furthest from the others but offers an incredible coastline with some port entries. "I choose the Citrine,"

Murmurs filled the table; I looked at Aemond, his face still as stone. Lord Tyland smiled. "Interesting choice," Otto Hightower muttered; the Lord Hand held the same stare as his grandson.

"Let us begin. This game is called King of Kings. It is a strategic game of answers used by the Maesters to educate the young lords," The Maester began. "I will represent all five while you represent your country. On your side, you have the same set of dice, the same as I. The four-sided dice represent what you will be advancing for, and the eight-sided dice represent how far you advance. I will ask you questions and based on your numbers and strategy, I will see how knowledgeable you are; King or is it Queen?"

"May I be called Empress instead?" I asked. Laughter erupted again. "If I win, surely you'll rename the game to Empress of Kings," I lowered my voice, "Not sure how a tabletop game is useful," Xhoha raised his eyebrow, glaring in my direction.

Within the hour, my troops had a surprise takeover by the Diamonds. The Onyx had their own fighting which I was not inclined to join, leaving my defenses to Emeralds. The Ruby, allied with the Emeralds, was my first ally, but if I submit to the Ruby, I will advance to the Emeralds. I would have lost. The Sapphire favored the Emeralds while I was left alone and defenseless. I had managed to grab the principal port from the Diamonds, but I only had gold and no army. A fleet, but not a strong one.

"You could surrender," Maester Dallin suggests. The men at the table gave knowing stares. As if to rub in my face. "Or keep going," I rolled my dice and landed a two - political relations. "What do you propose, Empress of Citrine,"

"I also rolled one on the other dice, according to the rules that would pertain to a marriage proposal," Aemond sat up.

The Maester laughed, "A marriage alliance in these trying times. It is most unfortunate, only a political act out of desperation," He continues after the laughter dies down. "Which country would you like to propose that to?"

I look at the map, betrayal, and bloodshed…I am surrounded by beasts. "I offer a marriage alliance to the King of Sapphire," I declare. "In exchange, he will have an equal share of my resources, my riches, my ships, and whatever he may claim. However, he must grant me and my people protection," I watched the Maester roll his dice.

"Should have picked Rubies," Lord Tyland muttered.

"The King of Sapphires accepts your proposal," Maester Dallin rolls again. "But unfortunately, the Diamonds are enacting war over your ports. You can roll again and pursue allyship with anyone else. The Emeralds may be a formidable choice,"

I shook my head, "No. The other conflicts are fighting each other. This is not my battle anymore. I choose to abstain,"

Maester Dallin cleared his throat, "If the other kingdoms take your territory. What will you do?"

Prince Aemond rests his elbows on the table, "If history decides to repeat itself and if Léi Leng goes with Leng history, she will kill them all," Aemond looks to me. "Or am I wrong?"

An uncomfortable silence befalls the room, "I would," The tabletop game or strategic questioning ended with me having to stand down, the King of Sapphire in ruins, and the Onyxs and Emeralds at a standstill. An unhonorable war with unfortunate consequences. While I made the decisions based on what I knew and what actions my dynasty pursued…I still lost.

Maester Dallin waddled over next to me, "Let this be a reminder of what you can do if tragedy were to ever befall your sister," One by one, the Lords and the members of the Council made their exit. Aemond stands beside me, with his hands behind his back, looking at the map. He bends down to place a small dragon figurine in the Sapphire territory.

"When I first played this game, I was the King of Sapphires," Aemond remarked. "Rarely anyone chooses the Citrines; they would rather parallel their own Houses and choose vast lands or high populations," Aemond picked up the Citrine fleet and armies, standing them upright, doing the same for the Sapphires.

I laughed, "It seems you are my Lord Husband in this game, then Aemond," He cleared his throat. "Thank you for arranging this,"

"I'll teach you myself," Aemond said after he fixed the Citrine and Sapphire thrones to sit next to one another. "I am finished with my duties after your evening lessons with the Septa. I spend my time studying or practicing with my blade,"

"I could not thank you enough for your extended gratitude," I told him. "But I lost the game,"

"A simple tabletop game of chance does not reflect your knowledge," He commended. "It was disrespectful of them to make a mockery by doing so," I had not thought of this as a mockery, but as I remembered their faces, clearly this time, it seemed that their snickers were directed towards me. "I will walk you back to your apartments,"

When I walked into my personal quarters, Xhoha sat at the table with the food on his plate. With a letter in hand, he scarfed down the meat pie, picked out the carrots, and chugged more ale. Upon my entrance, he stood quickly, stuffing the letter in his shirt and his tobacco to clatter on the floor. He bowed his head, bringing both hands to his forehead and out, the traditional Lengii greeting towards a royal. Then crouching down, using one finger to scoop in its contents. "I would have escorted you back, Princess, but I had-"

"{Speak YiTish to me when we are alone},"

He glared, "{My apologies. I would have, I would have escorted you out, but the Lord Hand had some pressing matters that needed to be discussed,}."

I said nothing as I sat down, one of the handmaidens coming over to cut the food for me. Another handmaiden handed me a pile of letters from home. I was eager to open them, the first one with the colored ribbon of my Pa's clan, purple.

My little star,

How are you? You have been away for almost two years, and I still wait for you to come to the water gardens. The little frogs you cared for have grown twice as big since you left. I hope the King and his family are kind, please come home when you find trouble.

Pa Kiet

“{Your brother Xian ran off with a stableboy},” Xhoha said plainly. "{Your sister is courting with a YiTish prince since your father needs someone in his stead},"

"{When did this happen?}" I ask as I shuffle through the letters. Xhoha waved his hand to dismiss the maidens.

Xhoha stuffed his mouth again, "{A week ago}," He gulped. "{That's why your pile of letters is light}," has been getting lighter. My fathers and brothers were the only family members consistent with writing. My few friends were from home as well, but rarely my mother and never my sister. Most I receive these days are new jewels and dresses I am prohibited from wearing. "{Xian said he was tired of his duties and wished to live a free life. He took a boat with him too. Sailing their way to who knows where}," He forks the pie crust. "{They are witnessing some troubling times. It is best if you keep to yourself, they will send more letters soon enough},"

“{I will pray for his safety},” I said. I look to Xhoha, who I am still mad at. Part of me wishes to blame him for my humiliation, but I am clouded with the thoughts of my second eldest brother. The only blood child of my Baba and the bravest out of all of us. I knew his antics would get him into trouble; I just did not think I would not be there to witness it.

Xhoha carefully set his fork down, "{You know, Princess, a marriage can be an effortful duty. Riches and protection, it can further your safety. If you choose to stay in Westeros after your 17th birthday, it would be wise to be betrothed to someone. Many powerful Lords have expressed their interest in your hand},"

"{I'm a second-born daughter, I have nothing}," I told him.

"{Your country's resources - spices, striped horses, gold, jewels, by the gods – you were gifted the Manticore Islands. You have much more power than you know, Princess; in all my years, I just do not understand why you would not use that to your advantage}," He spits. "{Sure you have your ailments}-"

"{Oh, my screaming at night? Begging to go home? Scratching myself until I bleed? If I am not given my nightly milk, I scream at a reflection that is not mine? The guilt that eats me alive knowing that my cousin is gone}," My voice shook. "{They said that when her blood dripped on my face, I stood amongst her pool of blood, and my eyes only saw happiness. I have committed a grave crime against my family, and I don't even remember it}," I stood abruptly. "{Tell the Lords this is who I am. Now Leave!}"

Xhoha wiped his mouth, throwing the rag onto the table.

–

A maiden walked from the end of the corridor. He was quick to catch them before they entered the Princess's apartments. "You are responsible for packing the Princess's attire, correct? For the…twins name day celebration," The maiden nodded. "Do be sure to also tell the other maidens, but be sure to pack only her red dresses. On such a momentous occasion, she should only wear the best without outshining the twins. I will have her out for you all to do your duties without intervention,"

"Yes, thank you, Bahyrr," The maiden said. "I will inform them soon as I'm able,"

"Thank you," Xhoha said. "Do not tell the Princess; I would hate for this surprise to be ruined,"

Xhoha had a lightness to his step and as he made his way to his apartment, he pulled out the letter from the Empress.

To Xhoha Bahyrr,

Xhoha Bahyrr, as the royal advisor of the Princess, the Empress of Leng, offers you the full power of the Princess's decisions on foreign soil. If she marries a Lord, you will be granted the Manticore Islands for your efforts. If she marries a Prince or the Empress cannot bear a daughter, those rewards will concede, and her claim to succession to the throne is still in favor.

Bless be granted under the helm of the Old Ones.

– Empress Nita, daughter of the Late Empress Citra, Emperor Consort Kiet, and Emperor Consort Heng

A/N: If you enjoy this series, you can comment and ask to be added to the tag list! Reblogs and comments are most welcome!

#fic: citrine and sapphire #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x oc #aemond targaryen reader insert #aemond targaryen x leng!reader #house of the dragon #hotd #hotd fanfic #aemond targaryen x fem!reader

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insectsinsects · 9 days

Text

I just took the most shy, cold shower of all time. I don't think I was impatient, but it took way too long to heat up. I stepped in after a few minutes and let it turn my calves and feet into icicles, splashing water onto the rest of my body and working my way up. It's 5AM and my body felt kind of gross. No one's meant to be away from home for so long. My routine shouldn't be so abridged and I shouldn't be using unfamiliar soap.

I haven't taken any sort of cold shower in a while, though. Not since I was burning up in a little apartment by the beach about a year ago. Not since I was a young girl in the house my mother grew up in, following the motions. Surviving the heat with a handheld fan, getting sweaty in the arms from that movement. We were showering all the time. Sometimes we'd just get a coldrag to freshen up. My cousins always had that post-shower sheen and shield of soap about them. It felt like way too much, sometimes. They couldn't wear skirts, though, which might've been my saving grace. There was something about the rainy season. I remember my house as mostly dry but sometimes full of water. The river would overflow to the 3rd step of the stairs, past this room I used to be very afraid of, and imprinted in the tile grout long after the deluge washed everything else away. House shoes were absolutely necessary.

I barely remember the front of my grandmother's house. I barely remember my grandfather. I think I just imagine his image moving and towering above my small stature. He's warm and kind, and he's got big glasses, and he was taken too fast from my family for how good he was. These are all guesses. I remember his grave the most, I remember how to get there—a random cemetery in a small town in the Philippines. Only a beautiful soul would have a grave so frequented, fresh flowers at his feet every time we ended up visiting. I have memories of frolicking in the graveyard with my little sister who looked exactly like me that I treated like a dear pet or Pokémon sometimes. We'd happily eat the snack Mom would pack and be on our way shortly thereafter.

The brevity of those three years gives each memory a particular color and magic to them. There were random vines you could swing over small bodies of water, fun mudslides behind the school that you could slide down, ghost stories, urban legends, and a house full of things my mother loved when she was as small as I. I only remember a few things in the first person. For some reason I am disembodied when I tell the story. I can see my little self walking through big halls. I can make it all go in reverse, undoing every class and walking out of the gate backwards and putting all the morning dew back onto the mythical ferns, taking off my little leather shoes, unpolishing them, my ankle-length socks, my black skirt, the shorts underneath, down to the delicate collared shirt. I see myself.

There is a rare moment when I take a shower at an unorthodox time that my skin feels exactly like that, that my body feels the way it used to, though I know I'm just a Thesian clump of new cells. I'm still her, mostly, maybe. What would it look like to have never cut away my hair and nails from this time? Every strand feels like a ghost limb. My hair should always be longer. Could I tell my little self that femininity would never fully accept her? But that it doesn't matter, and that that battle with futility was a rite of passage for us? Could I bear to know that? I think it'd be enough to know that the sensation of being clean would always feel that good. That one in every five thousand showers I am returned to her, that I belong to my young self in a way that I would like to give her a future worth waiting for.

#long!!

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neonpaperlanterns · 1 year

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Should have listened

If Adeline’s grandmother knew what her precious granddaughter was about to do she would probably have a heart attack. Her Oma had filled Adeline’s young mind with tales of Fae and mischief. How she needed to respect them and what they represent. That she should never follow after stray cats and ignore the whispers she heard in the night. Those were simply tricks played by Fae trying to lure young children away from their homes. She had taken this all to heart and followed all of her Oma’s teachings.

Though as time had gone on and she had gotten older she believed less and less in the warnings she had been given. She still respected what she learned. Never went anywhere after dark or wandered too deep into the dense forest that encompassed the majority of her town.

“Ade, get on with it!” a fit of giggling sounded behind her as she glared at her friends. Four sets of grinning faces looked at her from the safety of the car. The headlights illuminated the encroaching gloom. A shiver went up her spine as she looked into the woods. Her friends had made a bet. A bet that only broke idiotic college students would accept.

That was Adeline.

She just needed to go into the forest at midnight alone and make an offering to an ancient statue that resided at the center.

Simple enough.

She had thought so at the time anyway. But now she was second guessing herself. Cold seeped into her bare feet as she stared down the every growing shadows. It might not have been so bad if Emily hadn’t insisted she look the “part”. Everyone had jumped on board with that suggestion and now she stood wearing a simple white dress and colorful flowers adorning her dark hair. She felt more like a sacrifice than someone going to make a simple offering.

“Are you chickening out?” The teasing tone made her shoulders hunch up around her ears. If she didn’t do this she would be out four hundred dollars and she would have to walk home.

“No!” she called back defensively. “I just need to ask for safe passage.” She opened her satchel and pulled out a jar full of glass beads and a freshly baked sweet roll. She could hear her friends start to snicker as she placed the first offerings of the night at the edge of the woods. Clasping her hands together like her Oma taught her she spoke softly but clearly.

“Please accept these gifts in exchange for allowing me through the woods.” She waited for a moment. The small childish part of her wondering if anything would answer.

But nothing did.

Taking that as a sign to go forward she took a shaky step into trees.

“Remember to follow the path! You can’t miss it!” Emily called out, a chorus of cackling erupting after her. Adeline had a feeling that her friends were planning something. They were going to prank her, she was sure of it. But she really did need the money. Determination pushed her forward as she padded along the worn trail. Fireflies danced in the corner of her eyes and the sound of the night filled the air.

It was almost peaceful.

Light flickered ahead of her as the path soon became smooth stone. It was jarring on the soles of her feet as she approached a small statue. A small fire was burning in the mouth of a snarling dragon. The fact that it was actually lit made her firmly believe that her friends were up to something. She had to give them props for creativity. She sighed as she traced the intricate details of the dragon with her eyes. The head was constructed at such an angle that it pointed further along the path. Her gaze followed the dragons as she saw another light flickering in the distance. Adeline sang quietly as she trekked along. She got the feeling she was being watched. It crept along her spine and made the hair on her arms stand on end.

They were very committed it seemed.

Watching every motion in my foolish lover's game.

On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame.

The wind tickled against her exposed ankles and ruffled through her hair. She had the thought that it felt playful as it appeared to be pushing her on. An involuntary laugh fell from her lips. She thinks that all those stories her Oma told her were getting to her. Leaning back she peers up at the night sky. The stars shone brightly and for a moment she swears she saw something block them out. Her eyes only saw a vast expanse of nothing and then the stars were back. Shining like they had never left.

A fleeting memory of Oma telling her a story about her own Oma slunk to the forefront of her mind. She had told Adeline that when her Oma was young she spoke of dragons. How they covered the skies and obstructed the sun. Adeline’s Oma even swore up and down she had seen once. Flying over this very forest.

Shaking her head of the memory she ventured further still.

Turning and returning to some secret place inside.

Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say,

Take my breath away.

Adeline could swear she hears someone singing alongside her. If her friends wanted to scare her then they were doing a good job. It was eerie as she shuffled along the path faster. She just needed to get this over with and then she would be able to buy food for the month.

Watching, I keep waiting, still anticipating love.

Never hesitating to become the fated ones.

Turning and returning to some secret place inside.

Watching in slow motion as you turn to me and say,

My love, take my breath away.

“Through the-” she trailed off as she came to a stop. No more dragon statues to lead her, no more small flames to guide her. Adeline stared at a small pond. It was littered with lanterns that looked like tiny suns in the reflection of the water. And standing proud in the center was an arch way with creeping vines. An altar sat in the middle surrounded by floating flowers. A lone figure with a long since faded face stood behind it all. Their arms spread out as if they were waiting. It was honestly beautiful. Blue eyes turned to saucers as she took in the scene.

Holy shit her friends really went all out.

Making sure her bag was secure she lifted her dress and stepped into the water. Soft sand squished between her toes as the water came up to her mid thigh.

It was surprisingly warm.

Wading up to the archway she almost stumbled over the gentle incline. Carefully so as not to drop her gifts or hurt herself she made it up to the altar. The water now only came up past her ankles. Her gaze darted around, her muscles tense. She was sure her friends would jump out at any moment. Taking a deep breath she fished out the remaining offerings. Her hand wrapped around the neck of a smooth bottle. Szamorodni was a popular sweet wine and she recalls that Fae enjoyed drinks like this. She placed it on the altar. Next was a tiny jar filled with gold jewelry. Nothing was particularly new in there, she had long stopped wearing the heart necklace that resided in the container. She was even sure half the earrings didn’t have a pair anymore. It was a perfect simple offering. She smiled as she placed the last little trinket. A delicate glass orb that fit in the palm of her hand. Adeline had found it randomly at an antique store. Hidden inside were two indistinguishable figures, forever frozen in an intricate dance.

“Please accept these offerings.” she spoke softly as she interlocked her fingers with her head down. Something seemed to shift and the lanterns dimmed. Shadows crept in as she felt the inexplicable tingle that someone was behind her. Breath catching in her throat as she spun around. Eyes widen and she feels herself freeze. She didn't know what to expect when she turned around. Maybe something cheesy from her friends. A stupid costume and flailing limbs but that is not what she got.

Standing right before the incline up to the altar was a man. His frame was large as even though he wasn’t standing on her level he towered over her.

His gaze bore into hers. His eyes gleamed in the somber light, they looked like twinkling rubies. It was startling and she had to avert her gaze. Eyes traveled to his clothing. He was draped in deep purple robes. Opulent glittering gold jewelry was woven through his dress and hung from his neck.

“Hello Mea Carmina.” his voice sounded like right before a storm. Her eyes snapped back up to look at him.

“He.. Hello.” she wanted to look around for her friends, for a sign that this was some very elaborate prank. But she couldn’t look away from this man. She doesn’t think she can or should let him out of her sight. He stepped forward and Adeline almost choked. His gaze slipped from hers as she scuttled to the side. Water splashing up as she put distance between them. She watched fascinated as he approached the altar. Long slender fingers seemed to appraise the offerings she had left. Her heart beat both picked up and slowed down.

This had to be a part of the prank. It had to be.

“Accepted.” Adeline blinked slowly as she watched him turn over the glass orb in his hands.

“It has been many years since I was last offered something. What a kind gesture.” He turned to look at her. A smile that revealed sharp fangs flashed at her. It was frightening but the feeling that he meant her no harm settled over her.

That confused her.

“You’ve been so respectful too. Not like the others I found daring to wander my forest.” the smile turned pointed and his jaw ticked as if in irritation. The lanterns around them brightened, the light turned harsh before calming back down.

“What do you mean by others?” she ventured to ask.

This was a prank.

This was a joke.

Her friends had paid someone to do this. They paid this man to act out this strange strange joke. He looked at her as if she should already knew the answer. And she did, he was talking about her friends. Had they paid this man to pretend as if they were in danger? Swallowing around the growing lump in her throat she forced herself to laugh. “This is part of the joke right? It has to be. I knew they would do something as soon as I accepted this bet.” she tried to keep her tone light as he looked at her with inhuman eyes.

He was not laughing.

But he was smiling.

It was not pleasant.

The sinking feeling that maybe this wasn’t a joke clawed at her. If for some unholy reason she was dealing with something mystical she needed to play carefully.

“You said they were being disrespectful. What did they do?” she positioned the arch way between her and this man. He sighed, it rolled like thunder over Adeline. “No offerings, no asking for safe passage. Nothing. Simply waltzed in here as if they were owed something. So unlike you Mea Carmina.” he cooed at her. Biting at her lip she drummed her fingers against the stone.

“I am sorry for how they have treated your forest. Please allow us to leave and we shall come back with a grand apology.” she wasn’t sure if he would take her offer. But if her friends wanted to play damsels she would save them. His finger tapped languidly against his chin. His lips pursed in contemplation.

“I suppose I could allow exit from my domain..” his eyes flit over Adeline and then back to the altar. “With conditions. Or course.” his tone was teasing as he rounded the arch way. Now on the same side as her. His stride was careful, leisurely even. Matching his pace she circled round, keeping distance. His eyes became hooded as this all felt like a game. Them circling the altar in a strange sort of dance. Her barely within his reach and her knowing he is allowing this distance.

“And what are those conditions?” Their movement was causing ripples to break the surface of the water. The flowers swayed with every step.

“First give me your name?” his head tilted to the side, long hair that looked to reflect the night sky cascading over his shoulder. Her eyes narrowed. If this man was for some reason a Fae or pretending at one then he was being very obvious about it.

“I will not give you my name but I will tell you my name if you tell me yours.” This was not information she would speak for free. He chuckled, it was deep and it felt like the world shook with it.

“I don’t see why not.” He bowed, his hand sweeping out making the gem stones hanging from the lines of gold along his arm clink together.

“I am Megatronus, ruler of this realm and King of Dragons.” he looked at her expectantly. She thinks he wants her to be impressed. She gives her own bow in return.

“It is an honor to make you acquittance King Megatronus. I have no titles for in comparison I am but a humble peasant. I am Adeline.” she glances up and nearly stumbles as Megatronus was looming over her. So close that they were practically breathing the same air.

“Adeline.” he appeared to be rolling her name over his tongue.

“Yes. Now I believe you mentioned conditions as in more than one?” she went to scuttle backwards but he caught her hands in his. Pulling her closer he encompassed her.

“Of course Adeline. I will let those disrespectful little rats go if you simply be mine.” he said it so calmly. Like it didn’t sound absolutely insane.

“What?” she questioned trying not to laugh at the absurd notion.

“I know it sounds bizarre. But others have wed for less.” he simpered over her, a single finger trailing down her cheek. “It’s been so long and time only makes the heart grow softer.” with every word he spoke he got closer. Her vision being consumed by him. “And you Mea Carmina, you my Adeline would make a perfect bride.” he suddenly twirled her around, forcing her up onto the altar. Her previous offerings fell and shattered against the stone.

This had gone too far.

Pushing against Megatronus's chest she kicked her feet out at him.

“Get off me! This isn’t funny and I am done humoring this sick prank!” She shouted as she struggled against him. He simply cooed at her, his face slowly elongating and distorting.

“You still think this is a joke? I suppose I can’t blame you, you are only human after all.” a hand that steadily began to sharpen brushed through her hair, catching on knots and flowers.

A scream caught in her throat.

Oh god this was real.

“Choose Adeline. I will allow you out of the goodness of my heart to exit my domain. Your friends will be damned but you will be safe.” his voice turned gravely and filled with smoke. He tapped a clawed finger against the stone of the altar.

“Or they leave, no harm will befall them I promise. But you stay with me. Forever as my most treasured possession. My dearest Adeline.” he spoke directly into her ear and she could feel shame crawl up her throat. She thought for a moment of leaving her friends here. Technically this was all their fault. They chose this stupid bet. But she had gone along with it. She chose to go through with it. This was as much her fault as theirs.

“Okay.” she spoke barely above a whisper. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes.

“Say it, tell me you give yourself to me. Say that you belong to me.” he demanded, his voice growing in volume. She could feel herself shaking as she tried to force out the words. They felt heavy on her tongue.

Her lower lip trembled as he egged her on. His eyes searing into hers, a frantic joy taking over his features.

“Hurry Adeline.” he urged.

“I’m yours. I belong to you. I, Adeline, give myself to you, Megatronus.” a sudden burning pain enveloped her hand. It was brief but she couldn’t hold in the scream. Megatronus whispered hushed apologies into her ear as he kissed her falling tears away.

“I’m sorry Mea Carmina. I know it hurts but look.” he lifted her left hand showing her an intricate twining of golden rings that wrapped around her ring finger. At the center was shimmering sapphire. The blues so dark that it appeared nearly black in the middle.

He lifted her into his arms and held her close to his chest.

“Now my lovely little bride, let us go home.”

________________

Adeline laid awake as her husband lay sleeping peacefully. Hands that she could barely look at without seeing growing scales and claws rest gently over her waist. She wanted to move away, put a minuscule amount of space between them. But he only pulled her closer, his grip tightening as he muttered lazily in her ear. She tried not to cringe as he placed dry kisses along her neck and cheek.

“Good morning.” his voice was gravely and thick with sleep. “Did you sleep well?” he purred as positioned himself over her.

When he had brought her back to his home he had immediately as he put it wanted to consummate the marriage. Panic had gripped Adeline’s heart so furiously that she almost couldn’t speak. He didn’t seem deterred at her silence or how utterly stiff she had become. He had gone to kiss her when she slapped a hand over her mouth. His red eyes flared as his lips curled over his teeth.

Frantically she tried to think of a way out of this.

“We can’t!” she squeaked. Megatronus did not look amused, his grip on her becoming pointed and she could see scales blooming across his skin.

“And why is that my dear?” he spoke so softly but Adeline was not fooled.

“We… We..” her eyes darted around, breath stalling. “We haven’t had a proper wedding?” she says it slowly and her voice holds a question. This does seem to give him pause though.

“I see no reason for such a thing. We are already bound together.” he lifted up her hand, once again showing off the ring.

“But.. Please?” her lip trembles and she is shaking as he lays a kiss on her palm. “I want this. Please? I want a celebration with you.” Adeline wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned up placing a chaste kiss to the side of his mouth. Her throat felt dry and she wanted to cry.

“Please?” she pleaded. She wasn’t sure if her pleading had gotten him or the moment of willing affection but he let out a deep rumble and dramatically dipped her.

“How can I refuse you?” he mused. “Alright, I will give you a wedding in the morning.” she had wanted to argue that wasn’t enough time. She needed more time to plan. But he was twirling her through rooms, humming softly as they went.

A thumb brushing along her cheek brought her out of her thoughts. He was staring down at her near lovingly.

“Adeline?” right he had asked her a question. She had not slept, not really. Her mind would not calm too full of what was to come when the sun rose.

“I slept well.” she smiled at him, hoping that he would take this discomfort in her expression as just having woken up. It appeared that he had because he was smiling back down at her.

“Wonderful.” he nuzzled his cheek against hers. “Are you ready?” he asked as he lifted her from the bed, carrying her to god knows where. She wanted to tell him no, no she was not ready. That she needed more time. But instead she lied through her teeth.

“Of course I am.”

#Faeformers #transformers prime #transformers #transformers multimedia #original female character #megatron #megatronus #megatron x oc #forced marriage #dragons #faerie #fae

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My 43rd Win A Commission was The Last Unicorn! Coincidentally, the movie turned 40 on November 3rd! Wow. Anyways, if you’d like to see my drawings next to the relevant text, please

The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of seafoam, but rather the color of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea. She did not look anything like a horned horse, as unicorns are often pictured, being smaller and cloven-hoofed, and possessing that oldest, wildest grace that horses have never had, that deer have only in a shy, thin imitation and goats in dancing mockery. Her neck was long and slender, making her head seem smaller than it was, and the mane that fell almost to the middle of her back was as soft as dandelion fluff and as fine as cirrus. She had pointed ears and thin legs, with feathers of white hair at the ankles; and the long horn above her eyes shone and shivered with its own seashell light even in the deepest midnight. She had killed dragons with it, and healed a king whose poisoned wound would not close, and knocked down ripe chestnuts for bear cubs.

Unicorns are immortal. It is their nature to live alone in one place: usually a forest where there is a pool clear enough for them to see themselves for they are a little vain, knowing themselves to be the most beautiful creatures in all the world, and magic besides. They mate very rarely, and no place is more enchanted than one where a unicorn has been born. The last time she had seen another unicorn the young virgins who still came seeking her now and then had called to her in a different tongue; but then, she had no idea of months and years and centuries, or even of seasons. It was always spring in her forest, because she lived there, and she wandered all day among the great beech trees, keeping watch over the animals that lived in the ground and under bushes, in nests and caves, earths and treetops. Generation after generation, wolves and rabbits alike, they hunted and loved and had children and died, and as the unicorn did none of these things, she never grew tired of watching them.

One day it happened that two men with long bows rode through her forest, hunting for deer. The unicorn followed them, moving so warily that not even the horses knew she was near. The sight of men filled her with an old, slow, strange mixture of tenderness and terror. She never let one see her if she could help it, but she liked to watch them ride by and hear them talking.

"I mislike the feel of this forest," the elder of the two hunters grumbled. "Creatures that live in a unicorn's wood learn a little magic of their own in time, mainly concerned with disappearing. We'll find no game here."

"Unicorns are long gone," the second man said. "If, indeed, they ever were. This is a forest like any other."

"Then why do the leaves never fall here, or the snow? I tell you, there is one unicorn left in the world. Good luck to the lonely old thing, I say and as long as it lives in this forest, there won't be a hunter takes so much as a titmouse home at his saddle. Ride on, ride on, you'll see. I know their ways, unicorns."

"From books," answered the other. "Only from books and tales and songs. Not in the reign of three kings has there been even a whisper of a unicorn seen in this country or any other. You know no more about unicorns than I do, for I've read the same books and heard the same stories, and I've never seen one either."

The first hunter was silent for a time, and the second whistled sourly to himself. Then the first said, "My great-grandmother saw a unicorn once. She used to tell me about it when I was little."

"Oh, indeed? And did she capture it with a golden bridle?"

"No. She didn't have one. You don't have to have a golden bridle to catch a unicorn; that part's the fairy tale. You need only to be pure of heart."

"Yes, yes." The younger man chuckled. "Did she ride her unicorn, then? Bareback, under the trees, like a nymph in the early days of the world?"

"My great-grandmother was afraid of large animals," said the first hunter. "She didn't ride it, but she sat very still, and the unicorn put its head in her lap and fell asleep. My great-grandmother never moved till it woke."

"What did it look like? Pliny describes the unicorn as being very ferocious, similar in the rest of its body to a horse, with the head of a deer, the feet of an elephant, the tail of a bear; a deep, bellowing voice, and a single black horn, two cubits in length. And the Chinese-"

"My great-grandmother said only that the unicorn had a good smell. She never could abide the smell of any beast, even a cat or a cow, let alone a wild thing. But she loved the smell of the unicorn. She began to cry once, telling me about it. Of course, she was a very old woman then, and cried at anything that reminded her of her youth."

"Let's turn around and hunt somewhere else," the second hunter said abruptly. The unicorn stepped softly into a thicket as they turned their horses, and took up the trail only when they were well ahead of her once more. The men rode in silence until they were nearing the edge of the forest, when the second hunter asked quietly, "Why did they go away, do you think? If there ever were such things."

"Who knows? Times change. Would you call this age a good one for unicorns?"

"No, but I wonder if any man before us ever thought his time a good time for unicorns. And it seems to me now that I have heard stories but I was sleepy with wine, or I was thinking of something else. Well, no matter. There's light enough yet to hunt, if we hurry. Come!"

They broke out of the woods, kicked their horses to a gallop, and dashed away. But before they were out of sight, the first hunter looked back over his shoulder and called, just as though he could see the unicorn standing in shadow, "Stay where you are, poor beast. This is no world for you. Stay in your forest, and keep your trees green and your friends long-lived. Pay no mind to young girls, for they never become anything more than silly old women. And good luck to you."

The unicorn stood still at the edge of the forest and said aloud, "I am the only unicorn there is." They were the first words she had spoken, even to herself, in more than a hundred years.

That can't be, she thought. She had never minded being alone, never seeing another unicorn, because she had always known that there were others like her in the world, and a unicorn needs no more than that for company.

"But I would know if all the others were gone. I'd be gone too. Nothing can happen to them that does not happen to me."

Her own voice frightened her and made her want to be running. She moved along the dark paths of her forest, swift and shining, passing through sudden clearings unbearably brilliant with grass or soft with shadow, aware of everything around her, from the weeds that brushed her ankles to insect-quick flickers of blue and silver as the wind lifted the leaves. "Oh, I could never leave this, I never could, not if I really were the only unicorn in the world. I know how to live here, I know how everything smells, and tastes, and is. What could I ever search for in the world, except this again?"

But when she stopped running at last and stood still, listening to crows and a quarrel of squirrels over her head, she wondered, But suppose they are riding together, somewhere far away? What if they are hiding and waiting for me?

From that first moment of doubt, there was no peace for her; from the time she first imagined leaving her forest, she could not stand in one place without wanting to be somewhere else. She trotted up and down beside her pool, restless and unhappy. Unicorns are not meant to make choices. She said no, and yes, and no Dec again, day and night, and for the first time she began to feel the minutes crawling over her like worms. "I will not go. Because men have seen no unicorns for a while does not mean they have all vanished. Even if it were true, I would not go. I live here."

But at last she woke up in the middle of one warm night and said, "Yes, but now." She hurried through her forest, trying to look at nothing and smell nothing, trying not to feel her earth under her cloven hoofs. The animals who move in the dark, the owls and the foxes and the deer, raised their heads as she passed by, but she would not look at them. I must go quickly, she thought, and come back as soon as I can. Maybe I won't have to go very far. But whether I find the others or not, I will come back very soon, as soon as I can. Under the moon, the road that ran from the edge of her forest gleamed like water, but when she stepped out onto it, away from the trees, she felt how hard it was, and how long. She almost turned back then; but instead she took a deep breath of the woods air that still drifted to her, and held it in her mouth like a flower, as long as she could.

The long road hurried to nowhere and had no end. It ran through villages and small towns, flat country and mountains, stony barrens and meadows springing out of stones, but it belonged to none of these, and it never rested anywhere. It rushed the unicorn along, tugging at her feet like the tide, fretting at her, never letting her be quiet and listen to the air, as she was used to do. Her eyes were always full of dust, and her mane was stiff and heavy with dirt.

Time had always passed her by in her forest, but now it was she who passed through time as she traveled. The colors of the trees changed, and the animals along the way grew heavy coats and lost them again; the clouds crept or hurried before the changing winds, and were pink and gold in the sun or livid with storm. Wherever she went, she searched for her people, but she found no trace of them, and in all the tongues she heard spoken along the road there was not even a word for them any more.

Early one morning, about to turn off the road to sleep, she saw a man hoeing in his garden. Knowing that she should hide, she stood still instead and watched him work, until he straightened and saw her. He was fat, and his cheeks jumped with every step he took. "Oh," he said. "Oh, you're beautiful." When he tugged off his belt, made a loop in it, and moved clumsily toward her, the unicorn was more pleased than frightened. The man knew what she was, and what he himself was for: to hoe turnips and pursue something that shone and could run faster than he could. She sidestepped his first lunge as lightly as though the wind of it had blown her out of his reach.

"I have been hunted with bells and banners in my time," she told him. "Men knew that the only way to hunt me was to make the chase so wondrous that I would come near to see it. And even so I was never once captured." "My foot must have slipped," said the man. "Steady now, you pretty thing."

"I've never really understood," the unicorn mused as the man picked himself up, "what you dream of doing with me, once you've caught me." The man leaped again, and she slipped away from him like rain. "I don't think you know yourselves," she said.

"Ah, steady, steady, easy now." The man's sweating face was striped with dirt, and he could hardly get his breath. "Pretty," he gasped. "You pretty little mare."

"Mare?" The unicorn trumpeted the word so shrilly that the man stopped pursuing her and clapped his hands to his ears. "Mare?" she demanded. "I, a horse? Is that what you take me for? Is that what you see?"

"Good horse," the fat man panted. He leaned on the fence and wiped his face. "Curry you up, clean you off, you'll be the prettiest old mare anywhere." He reached out with the belt again. "Take you to the fair," he said. "Come on, horse."

"A horse," the unicorn said. "That's what you were trying to capture. A white mare with her mane full of burrs." As the man approached her, she hooked her horn through the belt, jerked it out of his grasp, and hurled it across the road into a patch of daisies. "A horse, am I?" she snorted. "A horse, indeed!"

For a moment the man was very close to her, and her great eyes stared into his own, which were small and tired and amazed. Then she turned and fled up the road, running so swiftly that those who saw her exclaimed, "Now there's a horse! There's a real horse!" One old man said quietly to his wife, "That's an Ayrab horse. I was on a ship with an Ayrab horse once."

From that time the unicorn avoided towns, even at night, unless there was no way at all

to go around them. Even so, there were a few men who gave chase, but always to a wandering white mare; never in the gay and reverent manner proper to the pursuit of a unicorn. They came with ropes and nets and baits of sugar lumps, and they whistled and called her Bess and Nellie. Sometimes she would slow down enough to let their horses catch her scent, and then watch as the beasts reared and wheeled and ran away with their terrified riders. The horses always knew her.

"How can it be?" she wondered. "I suppose I could understand it if men had simply forgotten unicorns, or if they had changed so that they hated all unicorns now and tried to kill them when they saw them. But not to see them at all, to look at them and see something else what do they look like to one another, then? What do trees look like to them, or houses, or real horses, or their own children?"

Sometimes she thought, "If men no longer know what they are looking at, there may well be unicorns in the world yet, unknown and glad of it." But she knew beyond both hope and vanity that men had changed, and the world with them, because the unicorns were gone. Yet she went on along the hard road, although each day she wished a little more that she had never left her Forest.

Then one afternoon the butterfly wobbled out of a breeze and lit on the tip of her horn. He was velvet all over, dark and dusty, with golden spots on his wings, and he was as thin as a flower petal. Dancing along her horn, he saluted her with his curling feelers. "I am a roving gambler. How do you do?"

The unicorn laughed for the first time in her travels. "Butterfly, what are you doing out on such a windy day?" she asked him. "You'll take cold and die long before your time."

"Death takes what man would keep," said the butterfly, "and leaves what man would lose. Blow, wind, and crack your cheeks. I warm my hands before the fire of life and get four-way relief." He glimmered like a scrap of owllight on her horn.

"Do you know what I am, butterfly?" the unicorn asked hopefully, and he replied, "Excellent well, you're a fishmonger. You're my everything, you are my sunshine, you are old and gray and full of sleep, you're my pickle-face, consumptive Mary Jane." He paused, fluttering his wings against the wind, and added conversationally, "Your name is a golden bell hung in my heart. I would break my body to pieces to call you once by your name."

"Say my name, then," the unicorn begged him. "If you know my name, tell it to me."

"Rumpelstiltskin," the butterfly answered happily. "Gotcha! You don't get no medal." He jigged and twinkled on her horn, singing, "Won't you come home, Bill Bailey, won't you come home, where once he could not go. Buckle down, Winsocki, go and catch a falling star. Clay lies still, but blood's a rover, so I should be called kill-devil all the parish over." His eyes were gleaming scarlet in the glow of the unicorn's horn.

She sighed and plodded on, both amused and disappointed. It serves you right, she told herself. You know better than to expect a butterfly to know your name. All they know are songs and poetry, and anything else they hear. They mean well, but they can't keep things straight. And why should they? They die so soon.

The butterfly swaggered before her eyes, singing, "One, two, three o'lairy," as he whirled; chanting, "Not, I'll not, carrion comfort, look down that lonesome road. For, oh, what damned minutes tells he o'er who dotes, yet doubts. Hasten, Mirth, and bring with thee a host of furious fancies whereof I am commander, which will be on sale for three days only at bargain summer prices. I love you, I love you, oh, the horror, the horror, and aroint thee, witch, aroint thee, indeed and truly you've chosen a bad place to be lame in, willow, willow, willow." His voice tinkled in the unicorn's head like silver money falling.

He traveled with her for the rest of the waning day, but when the sun went down and the sky was full of rosy fish, he flew off her horn and hovered in the air before her. "I must take the A train," he said politely. Against the clouds she could see that his velvet wings were ribbed with delicate black veins.

"Farewell," she said. "I hope you hear many more songs" which was the best way she could think of to say good-by to a butterfly. But instead of leaving her, he fluttered above her head, looking suddenly less dashing and a little nervous in the blue evening air. "Fly away," she urged him. "It's too cold for you to be out."

But the butterfly still dallied, humming to himself. "They ride that horse you call the Macedonai," he intoned absentmindedly; and then, very clearly, "Unicorn. Old French, unicorne. Latin, unicornis. Literally, one-horned: unus, one, and cornu, a horn. A fabulous animal resembling a horse with one horn. Oh, I am a cook and a captain bold and the mate of the Nancy brig. Has anybody here seen Kelly?" He strutted joyously in the air, and the first fireflies blinked around him in wonder and grave doubt.

The unicorn was so startled and so happy to hear her name spoken at last that she overlooked the remark about the horse. "Oh, you do know me!" she cried, and the breath of her delight blew the butterfly twenty feet away. When he came scrambling back to her, she pleaded, "Butterfly, if you really know who I am, tell me if you have ever seen anyone like me, tell me which way I must go to find them. Where have they gone?"

"Butterfly, butterfly, where shall I hide?" he sang in the fading light. "The sweet and bitter fool will presently appear. Christ, that my love were in my arms, and I in my bed again." He rested on the unicorn's horn once more, and she could feel him trembling.

"Please," she said. "All I want to know is that there are other unicorns somewhere in the world. Butterfly, tell me that there are still others like me, and I will believe you and go home to my forest. I have been away so long, and I said that I would come back soon."

"Over the mountains of the moon," the butterfly began, "down the Valley of the Shadow, ride, boldly ride." Then he stopped suddenly and said in a strange voice, "No, no, listen, don't listen to me, listen. You can find your people if you are brave. They passed down all the roads long ago, and the Red Bull ran close behind them and covered their footprints. Let nothing you dismay, but don't be half-safe." His wings brushed against the unicorn's skin.

"The Red Bull?" she asked. "What is the Red Bull?"

The butterfly started to sing. "Follow me down. Follow me down. Follow me down. Follow me down." But then he shook his head wildly and recited, "His firstling bull has majesty, and his horns are the horns of a wild ox. With them he shall push the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth. Listen, listen, listen quickly."

"I am listening," the unicorn cried. "Where are my people, and what is the Red Bull?"

But the butterfly swooped close to her ear, laughing. "I have nightmares about crawling around on the ground," he sang. "The little dogs, Tray, Blanche, Sue, they bark at me, the little snakes, they hiss at me, the beggars are coming to town. Then at last come the clams."

For a moment more he danced in the dusk before her; then he shivered away into the violet shadows by the roadside, chanting defiantly, "It's you or me, moth! Hand to hand to hand to hand to hand" The last the unicorn saw of him was a tiny skittering between the trees, and her eyes might have deceived her, for the night was full of wings now.

At least he did recognize me, she thought sadly. That means something. But she answered herself, No, that means nothing at all, except that somebody once made up a song about unicorns, or a poem. But the Red Bull. What could he have meant by that? Another song, I suppose. She walked on slowly, and the night drew close about her. The sky was low and almost pure black, save for one spot of yellowing silver where the moon paced behind the thick clouds. The unicorn sang softly to herself, a song she had heard a young girl singing in her forest long ago.

The unicorn plodding along, down-trodden head down, in the moonlight.

"Sparrows and cats will live in my shoe,

Sooner than I will live with you.

Fish will come walking out of the sea,

Sooner than you will come back to me."

She did not understand the words, but the song made her think longingly of her home. It seemed to her that she had heard autumn beginning to shake the beech trees the very moment that she stepped out into the road.

Art Explanation

Okay, so I adore the original animation - I love the character designs and the special effects. But what really got to me were the sets. I adore painted sets in cartoons, especially the aesthetic panorama shots. (And hey, your Mom and Aunt probably saw this in theatres! Ask them.)

Now, as you may have noticed, I’m trying to put my own little style into these drawings. All the characters are inspired by previous media, but are not directly copied from them. However,this has mostly applied to clothing and character’s bodies. I enjoy figure drawing, and dislike drawing objects/a background, so I avoid it most of the time. And so I stuck to those guidelines throughout this story. Except for the last picture.

I hate drawing horses. They’re beautiful animals, but once you truly consider their shape and movement, they look so odd! So, I decided to depart from the whole ‘unicorns look like horses’ mindset. I love that kind, sure, but I enjoyed both the movie animated version, the book’s description and the really old tapestries of unicorns. As a result, my unicorn ended up looking a little feral - and I love it! I really tried to play up unusual features that I’ve rarely/never seen on a unicorn, by giving her overly long ears, visible horizontal pupils (like goats!), and a pony mane. Ponies have funny, fuzzy, overly dense manes, and I love it so much. My neighbors once fostered an almost-mini mare, named Jellybean, and she was full of personality! I say my unicorn does vaguely resemble a horse, but if you got a good look at her (even minus the horn, lion tail and cloven hooves) you can tell she isn’t really a horse.

The first picture, the title, I basically just did word art. My favorite song from the movie (it’s not a musical, it just has a very distinct and well-displayed soundtrack) is Man’s Road, by America. But considering that the title of the book is also the title of the first song (also by America), I chose that instead. The reading order may be a little wonky, but all the lyrics are there! I kept on messing up with the spacing/lyrics, so I kept having to cover up the mistakes with little slips of paper and then erasing the shadows when I took a picture! Lol.

The second picture, with the Unicorn running, was difficult but fun. I just kept telling myself that I was actually drawing a goat, not a horse, and that lowered my anxiety and annoyance about it a little! I drew her running because she’s an upset herbivore, and that’s kind of their thing. Even though I hated the extra time it took, I’m glad I drew the tree and the owl. It makes Unicorn seem a little less lonely. I drew a basic form for each of them, because frankly the book isn’t super consistent about its time and place. It mostly has medieval themes, but then one character makes burritos for dinner later in the story. So, basic owl and tree.

The unicorn rearing as picture number 3 wasn’t as hard as it could’ve been. In one of your cousin’s last stories (The Man From Snowy River), I had also drawn a horse rearing, so I had recent practice. Still, not a fun animal to draw XD. I realize I put myself in this mess but still. I only have tops three horses to draw from this project, so I’m looking forward to being done with it! THe part I enjoyed most about this drawing was the hair on her hooves and her tail. I really want to make it clear that this unicorn is very fluffy, like a dandelion. Although her look of disdain came out pretty well! Also, this is just my personal interpretation but I think the daisies ar ewhite with yellow centers. But if you like the other type, go right ahead!

The fourth picture, with the butterfly on the horn, was fun and easy. It was kind of like my ‘break’ picture. All I had to do was make the line of separation going around the horn spaced smaller and smaller as time went on. Like the other animals in this story, I also made the butterfly relatively unidentifiable; while many have an outline around the edge of their wings and eye-like spots on them, I did not specifically copy any butterfly. It all was supposed to be a thin and easy picture to integrate into the text, but I decided to make things hard on myself lol. But back to the unicorn horn. As I was writing this, I realized that since the line on a unicorn’s horn is a spiral, it ought to match up with the Fibonacci sequence (more on that in the next paragraph). Since unicorn horns were based on the narwhal tusks that wash up on a beach occasionally, just like how dinosaur skeletons inspired dragons, I looked up narwhal tusks. As far as I could find, there is no direct information on whether narwhal tusks match up with the sequence - but apparently elephant tusks and ram horns match up, so I think that’s a good sign. As such, narwhals probably have spirals on their tusks that correspond with the sequence, and so do unicorns. That being said, I, uhhhh, didn’t think of that while drawing it. So don’t use my unicorn horn as a reference lol.

Now, the Fibonacci sequence is a series of proportions found in much of nature - usually only an extremely mutated individual doesn’t match up with the sequence. Anything that has a spiral, or even a curve, often lines up with the numbers. Now, look at this shell cut in half - it has a very pretty spiral, right? Start at zero, and then measure the very innermost section,and call it one unit. The next section will be the same size. But the next would be twice that size. Then three units big. Then five units. Then eight. And so on and on. Each section would be bigger than the other, in that exact sequence. All over the world, you can find this sequence - even in art! A lot of Islamic art, which is often based on geometric patterns, showcases the sequence, as does some Renaissance art later on, and many people even use it today. One of the other fun things about the fibonacci sequence is that its an adding game! Look at the first seven numbers {0,1,1,2,3,5,8 …}, like I mentioned above. If you add two numbers together, they equal the next number. 0+1=1, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8, 5+8=13, an infinity.

Well, back to the less tangential unicorn pictures! Number five, which is the picture of the Red Bull chasing a different (older) unicorn, is also something I decided to only base it partly on the original movie art. The movie’s bull kind of looked like a pig? It was something about the beady eyes, wrinkly face and the comparatively stubby legs. Also, cows don’t have front teeth on the top half of their mouths. So along with making the red bull more fire related (I loved putting the small blaze between his horns) I tried to make him look like a Jersey steer I know, but angry and toothy. I haven’t drawn a cow in a very long time (I used to draw a ton of animals, but I draw mostly people now lol), so while I think he still looks very recognizably like a cattle, he also looks a little … different. Last week my roommate and I were talking about the old Ice Age movies that came out when we were kids (they’re good, just remember to not be a butt about how the CGI has aged.), and upon consideration, I realized he kind of looks like the platybelodons from those movies. They’re no longer accurate representations, and somehow less scary looking than the accurate versions lol. But it’s just a happy (?) coincidence.

Last picture is the Unicorn walking off into the distance. I really wanted to capture the absolutely beautiful backgrounds and painted sets Rankin-Bass used, so I attempted a sketch of a background. I chose a somewhat easy one, and became super-involved with it. I really like how it turned out! Unfortunately, I had forgotten one thing - the Unicorn! So unfortunately, since I had to draw her on a separate paper and then cut her out, I had to draw her somewhat big and she ended up blocking part of the scene. Oh well. So I’ve included the original below :).

I really hope you enjoyed this and decide to check this book out! It’s an oldie but a goodie :D.

Colored in versions of the cool scenery.

#the last unicorn #peter s beagle #Peter s. beagle #rankin bass #American literature #American film #German film #Japanese film #America the band #America #Mia farrow #wac

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