Tumgik
#the dog can: hunt or pull or work or be a companion or show in a show ring
darkwood-sleddog · 1 year
Text
Asking for breeders to health test is not too much work. (Ensures dog is free of genetic health issues as much as possible)
Asking for breeders to breed temperamentally stable dogs is not too much work. (Ensures puppies will also be temperamentally stable as much as possible).
Asking for breeders to breed structurally healthy dogs is not too much work. (Ensures dog can function as a dog).
Asking for proof of correct temperament from an outside source like an evaluator, working/sporting test, or real world application such as actual work is not too much work (ensures dog can do what breeder claims they can do as much as possible).
These are like bottom of the barrel expectations for a “responsible” dog breeder. Asking for less is ridiculous. We are responsible for ensuring future dogs are healthy and stable and lowering such expectations below this point is like asking a bar on the floor if it can possibly go lower.
881 notes · View notes
cy-cyborg-draws · 5 months
Text
Pets in Sauvias: Velociraptors
When you don't have animals like wolves to domesticate into dogs, who becomes man's best friend? Well Velociraptors of course!
Tumblr media
In my pathfinder 2e setting, Sauvias, Velociraptors (or "velos" for short) were domesticated a few thousand years ago to serve as both companions and working animals. They have been bread to aid their people with a number of tasks, from hunting in packs and helping farmers direct their hadrosaurus herds, to pulling devices known as basket-sleds, a type of carrage-like device used by the smaller people of Sauvias to navigate through the dense jungles in the centre of the continent.
Wild velos are typically between 30-40cm tall with sandy brown coats, but through domestication, dozens of different breeds have been created that range in both colour and size, with the biggest reaching a little over 60cm tall.
Tumblr media
And of course, the people of sauvias have found a number of ways to show that their feathery friends are a part of the family. Some choose a classic leather collar or ankle band. Others choose decorative fabrics adorned with their family crests and patterns to tie around their necks like a bandana or waists.
Tumblr media
Others use intricately designed harnesses with the family crest engraved into the clip and decorative beads, and those who live in regions with dangerous aerial threats often put capes with eye-like markings and armour on their pet velos in a hope to deter predators.
Tumblr media
Mechanics
Of course, Velociraptors already exsist in the base Pathfinder 2e game, and the velos of Sauvias use the same stat-blocks as them, with smaller breads of velo using the weak variant stats and larger breeds typically using the elite stat variant. Players can also have a Velo as an animal companion using the existing Dromaeosaur stats.
Image Descriptions:
[ID 1: An image of a feathered velociraptor with a sandy-brown coat, pale brown underbelly and a darker brown stripe running down it's back. Above it is the Sauvias Logo and in the background is a height chart, showing this velociraptor is about 35cm tall. /End ID 1] [ID 2: 6 images of Velociraptors in the same pose as the original on a brown background. The top left dinosaur is the one from the first image, labelled "wyld", to it's left is a raptor with light brown fur and dark white and brown spots, labelled "Spotted". Below those two are more brightly coloured velociraptors. The one on the left is a rusty red with a yellow stripe starting at it's eyes and running down it's body, all the way to it's tail, labelled "Drakari Red". The one on the right is mossy green in colour with yellow-ish green speckles on it's back labelled "Herali Green". The final row shows two black velociraptors, the one on the left is entirely black, labelled "Night-feather", while the one on the right has white spots on it's snout, around it's eyes and down it's back, labelled "dotted". /end ID 2] [ID 3: An image of two more velociraptors facing one another. The one one the left is black with a leather collar around it's neck and on it's right back leg. On the left is the pale velociraptor with spots, wearing a light-blue bandanna and a large piece of fabric held to the raptor's waist with a leather belt. /end ID 3] [ID 4: two more Velociraptors facing eachother, wearing accessories. The one on the left is the green velociraptor and is wearing a leather harness adorned with gold and turquoise beads. The one on the right is the original brown velociraptor wearing grey, stone-like plated armour over it's neck and a turquoise cape shaped like moth wings with false-eyes on them. /end ID 4]
20 notes · View notes
macgyvertape · 7 months
Text
BG3 Act 1 thoughts and liveblog part 1
With super long games like this (finished in about 110 hours) I like to take notes to 1) remind me of stuff I did at the beginning of the game and 2) to enjoy looking back on because I'm not doing another playthrough for a few years.
Going to suffer through the spider and half spider people since the mods don’t fully work yet and they disable achievements
Going for dark urge first playthough along the lines of Durge is guard dog to those they imprint on and I knew I was rolling a bard, so I watched clips of Felix RedvsBlue as a good starting point for my character roleplay. Starting character quote “At the end of the day, if I'm stronger than you and if I'm faster than you, then I can kill you! And that's better than anything money can buy”
Trying Not to be a “charismatic mercenary with gruff exterior and a heart of gold” 
I killed Commander Zhalk in the beginning area with viscous mockery. True bard experience
Passed the perception check of Astarion pulling a knife, some fun dialgoue options with him, and its a delight to hear his tone of voice really change
I can’t tell if Gale is just flirty/horny or really just dedicated to the facade of being surface deep and a braggart to mask his secrets. Seems both and though he seems full of himself I enjoy this kind of companion who lies about things
I think I like the inspiration mechanic, I got a point for killing the mindflayer “leaving it to burn”
I’m really having to force myself to be “that asshole” and ask people to pay me for helping them
Got another inspirational event for killing the cultists lol. The game gives me a lot of options to talk about my dark urge but I really want to play that close to the chest
I don’t really know about pre-rewrite version of Wyll but he really seems a good alignment nice dude, and unfortunately I want to be almost evil/neutral Dark Urge.
Had to reload to save Nadira, I’m struggling with interrupting actions outside of turn by turn combat
Rapheal sure makes an entrance, my character turned him down but didn’t attack since he seemed so powerful. Keep my options open but it seems like there are a lot of options there
Gale is fucking lucky I had a extra piece of enchanted gear so I didn’t lose my very nice sword. I also feel like I’m throwing away some approval points by my character questioning him but I’m trying to play someone who isn’t altruistic or too trusting.
Ok I failed several perception checks for a kid stealing my stuff then I caught the last one, but then the kid ran off and everyone in the hideout ran out. I’m not sure if anything was still stolen from me or if this is a a bug 
RIP Alfira, was not expecting that from the dark urge. I chose to confess to the others, if my character is murdering people in my sleep only fair to explain and not hide
My character told Karlach to tear the place apart as catharsis for being hunted, and it was fun to see that scripted sequence play out
Gale is telling me his unstable magic backstory, but he’s doing it at camp so there is no reaction for anyone else during the conversation despite him saying he wanted to tell everyone. (edit: Not sure if a bug considering he also referenced being mind whammied by the Almighty before that had occurred in the goblin camp). Also deeply ironic he talks about understanding if my character wants him to leave since he’s a literal timebomb, but this is happening a day after D!urge pc killed someone brutally
Also incredibly funny Lae’zel is now interested in my character, and will sleep with me considering her dialogue post D!urge murder
Wyll gets turned by his patron demon into a semi horned being, ok so I guess just seeing what he looks like shows the obvious decision you made with Karlach
Wtf is up with Wyll, that he’s so proud he made his pact when it was just made obvious he was sent on basically an assassination mission. All his talk of “saving innocents” wonder how many innocents he’s killed from bad intel
The trifling child gang hideout is very bugged
Perception check for the swamp reveal was really cool
I haven’t been taking many long rests so I just now got the Astarion vampire one. Fun to see all the options if you let him kill you, but I save scummed to let him really go for then stop for roleplaying purposes 
I actually realized I was right by the vampire hunter so I loaded a save where Astarion hadn’t revealed himself yet and fun how different it goes, he will kill the vampire hunter out of combat to keep his secret if you don’t intervene and that’s very fun. It also gets brought up when he tries to feed on you for the first time at camp, but I haven't found a dialogue option where you can say “weird coincidence the guy called you by the same name”
Got the scene at the goblin area where the party would get mind whammied if not for the mysterious artifact. I’m really trying to pick a moment when my character would go from “more people is better odds” to “ride or die for certain characters” and I think this is a good point along the line of “oh if these people aren’t with me then they’ll immediately be soldiers against me”
I really enjoy how Astarion treats you like a fool if you say he’ll be safe because you would protect him from Cazador, in the cliche all power player character here to fix the companion’s problems. I mean my character still said it of course because that was my favorite of the 3 options at that point. Interesting I only now can ask about what offer Raphael made, like that was hours and hours ago but guess it needed specific dialogue flags 
No other game has given me an S&M scene like this for a stat buff where its fun and horny. I love Gale’s “well whatever you’re into”. The first time I did the scene (pun intended) Astarion was standing a little too far away, so I only got Shadowhearts dialogue, but its much better with them talking back and forth
My character told Shadowheart she doesn't care that she worships Shar but more along the lines of not that she likes Shar its just she don’t really care about religion 
I am majorly arachnophobic so I just covered up the screen and freed the spiders so the goblins would kill them
My character asked the priestess to meet alone then assassinated her with Astarian cloaked to get an extra out of combat turn. I expect to do this setup a lot more
I found a Selunite outpost and went down there, then reloaded since that seems way too big an area to explore right now
Setting up Minthara to be doublecrossed was a great tactical way to clear out the goblin camp, especially since I’m out of short rests
Killed Dror Ragzlin with barrelmancy, aka stole a bunch of explosive barrels and put them around him and the crowd and then exploded them from the rafters above
Note to self in however many hours when I get to Baldur’s Gate, see how Ronan’s apprenticeship faired (I bet not well)
Astarion calling my character darling and saying he’s going to like me and it's clear I like him too, definitely feels like he’s rolling to seduce and being a bit manipulative so she will like him (tangent: Margaery Tyrell was one of my favorite GoT characters kinda similar vibes) 
My character was upfront about enjoying it but very funny to say that a less trusting person would be suspicious and have him vouch that the only thing on his mind was carnal lust. I tried the immediate agreement then reloaded and I love that his response feels very different like he’s succeeded in a seduction check. 
I made my dream visitor a hot masc teifling and there is big horny energy with his scenes
Got the “morally acceptable massacre” for defending the grove. I created some barricades out of crates, blew up the sappers with fire arrows and then the enemies were just trapped at the bottom as I killed them with archery. Took a few tries for barricade positioning but then was easy and none of the tieflings died
I’d like to think my D!urge character would love massacring the goblins, in the same way she enjoyed getting the Knoll leader to kill the others then kill themselves brutally. Sort of a “I just love killin’” character approach, but my D!urge character dislikes that the Dark Urge takes away her control. 
My character absorbed Minthara’s tadpole at the prompting, I figured my character would be all about gaining power she could control. Astarion certainly had a very camp approval option. 
I then used 4 Ithilid powers across Astarion, Gale, and myself really just to get rid of the menu icon being bright red and distracting
Oh wow I completely missed doing Kagha’s secrets until now, so I could tell Halsin but not much else happens 
Didn’t expect my character could talk Lae’zel into using the tadpole powers and make a good persuasion attempt with Kalrach, and then persuaded everyone else. Playing a charismatic character is fun, she is manipulative af
7 notes · View notes
mynameis-a · 8 months
Note
hiiiii ^^ can u tell me abt dogs n dog breeds?? im rllllyyyy curious
I WILL GLADLY TALK ABOUT DOGS!!! :D :D :D
every dog was bred for a specific job or purpose! and although most dogs only serve as companions nowadays, those work-related behaviors are still prevalent!
golden and labrador retrievers were used in duck hunting! they would run over to where the bird landed and carry it back over to their owner! they have whats called a “soft jaw” basically meaning that they can grab fragile things (for example: a duck) and not grab it hard enough to damage it in any way! this makes them great service dogs, because they can go and grab things for their owner if the person isn’t capable of getting it themselves!
its pretty obvious that most white, fluffy, double coated winter dogs were used to pull sleds around. but samoyeds actually had a different purpose! and that purpose being to keep people warm when its cold! because of how fluffy and warm they are, it was pretty common to just hold onto one for a but of warmth! combine that with how affectionate samoyeds are, and you’ve got yourself a very easy to cuddle dog! i personally think they would be good emotional support dogs for this exact reason, i would certainly feel better after hugging one of those guys!
most small dogs were initially bred for companionship. but did you know that weiner dogs were actually used for hunting? the dachshund was originally used for hunting badgers! (its actually in the name! dachs is german for badger and hund means dog!) their long body was actually useful for getting through the dens!
a lot of dogs that were hunting dogs are probably very surprising. you probably wouldnt expect frou-frou show dogs like standard poodles or afghan hounds to be hunters, but they were! (pretty much any dog that has the word hound, spaniel, or terrier in its name was bred for hunting.)
and you know borzois? those silly dogs with the long noses that can stick in a pringles can and those dorky eyes? hunters again! but its even more ridiculous than the high matinence dogs because these guys weren’t going after ducks or deer or badgers, no. they were killing WOLVES. eventually the wolf hunting stopped and their prior name “the russian wolfhound” went into a bit of retirement, but still! WOLVES!!
also i feel like, with the people this dog is often associated with, peoples perception of this breeds purpose might be a bit warped. the great pyrenees is a guard dog through and through! but because they kinda look like a sheepdog (specifically the marema sheepdog) and are commonly on farms, some people think that they’re herding dogs. but if you’ve heard about that one pyrenees that killed an entire pack of coyotes, i think its pretty obvious.
on the flip side, the german shepherd is not a guard dog! people always think its a dog thats gonna protect them with their life but nope! they’re sheepdogs just as much as a border collie is! if you want a good family dog to protect you (that wont get profiled as a “dangerous” breed) go with the pyrenees!
the vast majority of tiny dogs were meant to be companions and nothing more. which is a bit sad that those are the ones that so often get written off as mean or aggressive. as long as you treat them right, those “yappy anklebiters” will be the sweetest little things! chihuahuas are actually very affectionate dogs! you can carry them around and dress them up in little outfits! just make sure they’re comfortable like you would with any dog!
thats all i can think of right now, and i hope this was what you wanted! :D
8 notes · View notes
sarilolla · 1 year
Text
The scientist's best friend
This one-shot was requested by Crazy_artists on Ao3. They wanted some wholesome moments between Riley and Rosco :) I am not the best one at pure fluff, so there's some angst, but I hope it's still enjoyable ^^ This one-shot is canon adjacent/compliant
Request - 1174 words
TW: Mentioned anxiety, insinuated self-hate
Summary:
Rosco was made to be Riley's best friend, and that's the only decision she could be happy Owen made for her.
----
“Hey, Owen? Have you thought more about that animal companion idea?” Claire, one of the writers asked.
He had thought about it. Having an animal companion was a classic after all, and even if he wanted his show to be unique, it didn't hurt to bring in some good and common tropes.
“I have. Not sure who would have an animal though. I don't want the animal to belong to the entire group though, if that makes sense?”
“Yeah, I can see that. I wanted to suggest that Riley has the pet. You mentioned how you wanted her to have a form of anxiety, so maybe she has a therapy dog? A friend of mine has one, we can ask for references.”
“That's it! Thank you, Claire.”
He sat down, scribbling down a few ideas. The network would probably not like a full-on therapy dog, no matter how good of an idea it was, but perhaps a stupid but loveable pet to one of his smartest characters would work?
Rosco joined the show quickly after that to big success. But by gods was Owen glad Riley hadn't managed to wake him yet as he ran for his life in the now godforsaken studio.
— “Rosco? Rosco? How are you, my pet?”
They hadn't been alive that long, but Riley already knew that if something happened to her darling dog, she would kill everyone in this studio and then herself.
He greeted her with slobbery licks and kisses, and she let herself giggle, pulling him into a deep hug. His fur was still so soft, even after she had stuffed multiple hosts inside him, and she combed her fingers gently through it.
“Oh, you're such a good boy. Just the best boy. You're my best boy. I love you so much.”
The dog let out a couple of happy barks, trying to lick his owner again.
“Please, Rosco-”
He managed to lick her, causing her to laugh again, looking up as another person entered the room. She relaxed, seeing it was just Daisy, who was probably here so they could continue to experiment with her Danger mode.
“Hello, Daisy.”
“Hello, Riley,” she smiled, closing the lab door behind her, grinning as Rosco came up to her to sniff her hand, “Hello to you too, Rosco. What a delight it is to see you.”
Rosco gave Daisy a couple of friendly licks as well, before going back to Riley.
“It's wonderful how he is alive as well. I can't imagine you without him.”
“I'm just glad it worked. It took so many tests, but it worked,” she leaned her forehead on the massive dog, saving the feeling for later as she and Daisy started their experiments.
— Riley entered her lab, practically fuming. How could someone manage to fail her test that badly? The felt puppet hadn't even managed to show up, just sat there in the basement watching the old tv.
Placing the now unconscious felt puppet on her workbench, she massaged her forehead, trying to think of how this could even happen. Letting out a heavy sigh, she felt her mood lighten as she heard the shuffling of her dog.
“Oh hello, Rosco.” She cupped his massive head as he came up to her, leaning their foreheads together.
“Today has been a tiresome day, my dear. Can you believe it? Somehow this felt puppet managed to start the tv, watch it for hours, and didn't even show up to my tests. It's quite rude, don't you agree? I told her to show up then and there, and then I had to hunt her down when she didn't show.”
She looked over at the felt puppet. Riley knew she hadn't failed all her tests, but the first one is more of a checking question. “Do you have a name?”
She started asking this question as Daisy and her made new felt puppets, and she couldn't always keep track of who was made by them, or who was from before they were brought to life. If the puppet had a name, usually that meant they were made by someone on the crew back then.
The felt puppet's name was Scout, and she had said it so confidently that Riley had almost halted with her next question. “Do you have any memories of before you were alive?”
She knew this was the first time Scout was brought to life, but the fact Scout apparently didn't have any memories from the show or crew, yet had such a distinct personality, worried Riley, which she expressed to the one listening.
“She is such an anomaly, Rosco,” she brushed her fingers through his no longer soft fur, as he listened to her vent and ramble, “No memories, but a name. Managed to defy our orders. Within reason, she should be removed from all future tests, and yet…”
Picking Scout up again, and letting Rosco sniff her, she was surprised as the giant dog gave the tiny puppet a tiny lick.
“You like her?”
A bark in reply, as Rosco kept staring at the felt puppet.
“Well, good thing that she will get another chance. Even Mortimer found her intriguing enough for another test.”
— It was dark outside, and fairly cold. The stars were out, and since no one cared enough to fix anything around the studio, more than half of the street lamps were out.
Walking alongside the road was a giant dog, who stopped at a lonely bench. Popping out of the stomach was a wooden puppet, who leaned on the back of the bench.
“I'm so sorry, Rosco, I just needed some fresh air.”
Riley looked at her dog who had hunched over awkwardly but still looked at her with love in his eyes.
“It just, it's so much, and I'm not sure how much more I can take. I'm sorry you have to put up with me.”
Rosco leaned forward, bumping their foreheads together. Riley exhaled slowly, leaning into the touch as well.
“What did I do to deserve you? You're too good. Mortimer might want you to be a scary monster, but you aren't.”
She sighed, patting along the small bits of his original fur that was now matted and worn out.
“And I'm just here, being useless.”
Rosco whined at that, licking at her face.
“At least you still love me unconditionally. And I love you unconditionally too. I'm so sorry for all this hurt.”
He leaned down more, resting his head where the scientist's lap would have been if she had legs.
“We should head back soon, the others are going to wonder where we went.”
She scratched his head, “But it won't hurt too much to take some more time together out here. No one checks out this place anyway. This is our time.”
The stars reflected in Rosco's eyes, and Riley looked up as well, seeing a shooting star.
“I'm not one for making wishes, but I wish every moment we had together were as calm as these. I love you, Rosco.”
---
Second request done ^^ I have two more writing requests now, which both have Riley as a main character, so yall like Riley huh (I don't blame you, I adore her myself)
I am still open for requests as of now
19 notes · View notes
nessandaus · 1 year
Text
I reappear from the abyss to drop more F2U AU Ideas upon you! Today we have a FMA: Pokemon au! 
In this AU, State Alchemists are Gym leaders (some sample teams below) but they all have various classifications other than typing. Sure, you have Ed, Full-Metal, and he runs a full steel type team, and Mustang with his fire type team, and Alex Louis with his fighting team. But then you have Tucker with his horrible chimera team, Kimblee who G-maxes his team, and Marcoh whose team is all pokemon tied to healing (and he used to mega evolve them but he no longer does so unless necessary). They also still do alchemy and can boost their pokemon attacks using alchemy (I.E. Mustang can do his flame alchemy with fire from his pokemon, and Ed could use alchemy to change his Scarmory’s feathers into a big sword.) 
As a trainer in the region, most of your time is actually spent hunting down the wandering gym leaders to ask them to battle. Alex Louis is typically the one trainers look to face first, because despite his high rank, rumors are out that he is the nicest gym leader. 
Alphonse is travelling with Ed, but isn’t a gym leader, rather counting himself as a trainer and happily showing off his collection of gym badges. Those who challenge him thinking he’s the Fullmetal are always shocked and terrified when instead Al pulls out one of several cat pokemon. Ed is the worst gym leader to face because he just tries to bite you and punch you himself half the time, and then his party is weirdly overpowered for no reason.
Winry is still an automail tech, but she’s also skilled in apricorn crafting, and can whip up pokeballs easily in a pinch. Olivier isn’t a gym leader but you better be prepared before coming across her team because her ice types are the kind that will FUCK YOU UP.
Scar is trying to eliminate the gym leaders and is also collecting badges to gain the right to challenge the Champion as well. 
The champion is Father. And the elite four are Pride, Wrath, Sloth, and Envy. (Greed was originally going to be an E4 member but he defected and is now on the side of defeating the champion.) 
----
Some Team Ideas: 
Edward Elric:  -Skarmory (of course). Angry bird is constantly smug that it is taller than Ed. Angry bird and Ed fight constantly -Lucario: Ed’s starter, Ed hatched the Riolu egg when he was very young.  -Metagross: Ed caught it at full hp with a pokeball, on the first ball he threw. Ed loves him very much. -Bisharp. This pokemon joined Ed because theve bad taste in knife hands. They are sparring partners.
Alphonse Elric: -Galarian Meowth/Perrserker: Al’s starter. Ed got him a steel type cat egg because he has a bias, but knew Al would also have his own bias. Likes to ride on Al’s shoulder. -Torracat: Soon to be an incineroar, this one is what really throws people off when they mistake Al for the Fullmetal.  -Sylveon: I said the Eeveelutions are cats, and Al is full of LOVE at all hours! -Purrugly: Al’s handsome boy, his name is probably Blorbo. Has 6 contest ribbons just because. Wears cute sweaters when the weather is cold. is perfect in every way.
Winry Rockbell:  -Houndoom: This smart dog is the AU version of Den, down to the automail leg. Is winry’s companion, and he’s better at identifying what tools Winry needs than Ed is. -Happiny: Still not evolved, this little creature was found by Winry and taken in in memory of the Chansey that worked with her parents. Happiny keeps a wrench in her pouch instead of a rock. 
Alex Louis Armstrong: -Buzzwole: Should the first gym leader have an Ultra Beast? Probably not. But Alex does anyway, because Buzzwole just showed up one day for a flexing contest. Don’t worry, he’s only like level 15 when you challenge the gym.  -Machoke: I’m going for an aesthetic don’t stop me -Makuhita: This little girl is working to get muscles like her fellow pokemon and her dad. Alex showers her with love daily. Can often be found tucked under Buzzwole’s arm like a football.
Oliver Mira Armstrong (The Ice Queen): -Beartic: The first out of the gate. This Bear is always at least 10 levels higher than your ace. And it’s the lowest level on the team. Why did you piss off Oliver so much she’s fighting you? You’re gonna die. -Lapras: Look, your fire type strategy isn’t gonna work here. Oliver may have all ice types but she’s good at what she does -White Kyruem. It’s not a surprise she has a legendary, is it? It shouldn’t be. She’s the ice queen.  -Abomasnow: sure it’s easy to beat, but it has snow warning and can set up blizzard again if need be. Plus it’s holding that item that makes blizzards last 8 turns. That means you know what’s up next, don’t you? -Froslass: The other ice queen. It can and will ruin your day. 
Riza Hawkeye:  -Intelleon -Intelleon -Octillery -Intelleon -Magmortar: her dad’s old pokemon. 
Roy Mustang: -Typhlosion - Roy’s cyndaquil starter, all grown up. A normal Typhlosion. Hates the rain and will not come out of the pokeball when it is raining. -Heatmor: Roy loves his stupid baby anteater his scrunglywungly, his precious angel. Mustang hatched the egg himself.  -Salazzle. She’s a bad bitch. She’ll also fuck your shit up. -Combusken: Has an eviolite, is affectionately called the better Fullmetal. Very squawky.  -Talonflame: The ace of the party, a very good bird.
Shou Tucker:  -Oranguru: The first pokemon that appears able to talk? Shou “adopted” it three years ago, around when his wife disappeared. -Houndstone: Wait....why does it sound like Nina?
6 notes · View notes
thewatchau · 2 years
Text
Fae Hunt Chapter 2
Morgana, Eamon and Ceara are all @shamrockace's characters
Bard's Note: Biggest preesh to @theshapeshifter100 as always!
___***___***___
Up in the residential part of the garrison, Morgana had barely noticed her sister enter, speak, and then leave the room, nor paid much attention to the message that Róisín had handed her. It took Eamon barrelling her out of her chair before she realised what had happened.
She blinked owlishly and read the message on autopilot, being crushed to death by Eamon on the floor.
“Eamon! Up! It’s a message from Ivy.”
Eamon barked as he rolled off of her, freeing her. Morgana pulled herself up to a standing position.
“Róisín said something about meeting at the forge didn’t she?” Morgana grabbed her cloak and bag, disturbing Ceara in the process, and near bolted out of the room; both her animal companions hot on her heels.
Back in the courtyard, Ivy was about three quarters of the way done with the shaft when Otto flew off his perch behind her.  The wind from his wings ruffled her hair, and she looked up in time to see him try to land on Eamon’s head. The dog dodged beautifully, and Otto skidded onto the ground, kicking up dust.
“That’s what you get,” Ivy spoke smugly before looking over at the entourage. “Hello there, Morgana.”
Ivy was suddenly very aware that she probably looked like she just walked out of an old legend, cast as the unlikely dispenser of advice and wisdom as they sat carving wood. 
It took Morgana a few seconds to recognise Ivy, which could be blamed on sleep deprivation. She then immediately fixated on what happened the first (and last) time they met.
“Oh uh… hey Ivy? I got your message.”
“I can see that,” Ivy rested the shaft against the wall behind her while Otto flew back to his perch, embarrassed.
Ivy began to list off her progress. “So, I’ve sent flyers out to catch Green’s attention. I’ve got the honey and my mother’s old hagstone. Some quartz and amethyst that Jen gave me is still in my chest in my room. Green’s got Paultin’s cloak, which we can use as a bargaining chip, she thinks. Gus and Jon have been pestering me to come along. I’ve told them both no, although I can’t tell Jon’s reaction because that was in a letter and not face to face,” Ivy realised she was rambling with her recap and paused for air. “Did you find what you wanted to find?”
Morgana tensed and chewed her lip anxiously. “Yeah, I, uh, found what I wanted to find. I’ve also restocked all my Fae protection supplies and any other supplies we might need in the Western Forest,” she shifted from foot to foot, fiddling with her bag clasps.
“Okay, so, I guess we wait for Green to show up… Are you okay?” Ivy didn’t want to say it, but Morgana reminded her of a small child desperate for the toilet.
Morgana froze, “Hmm? Oh uh, I’m fine I guess. And we’re just waiting for Green to get here and then we’ll be going right? On the quest to save your friend…” she didn’t realise that she basically repeated what Ivy had said but with more words. She was too tired and chagrined to really focus.
“Um, yes?” Ivy tilted her head slightly before letting it go. “It’ll probably be a few days, which is why I’m working on this,” Ivy tapped the shaft to make her point. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look tired.”
“Right, right,” Morgana closed her eyes and scrunched up her face for a split second before putting on a blank façade. “Yeah, no, I’m fine. I’m fine. Just a long night last night, y’know.”
Eamon huffed and nudged her leg, clearly disagreeing with her.
Ivy raised her eyebrows and jokingly grabbed her knife. “Don’t make me threaten you with this!” she put it back down. “Eamon seems pretty concerned… Is that the whole truth?”
Morgana smiled tersely but ignored the knife threat. “’Course. He’s just a big ol’ worrywart. I’m fine,” she was lying through her teeth, but Ivy didn’t need to know that. Eamon growled at her and pawed at the ground by her shoes.
“Uh uh. Eamon doesn’t seem convinced, and since he’s basically your caretaker, I’m inclined to believe him,” Ivy sighed through her nose and leaned back. “But you don’t want to talk about it, fine. Just get some decent sleep for the next couple of days. If not, you’ll have both me and Green mothering you!”
“Don’t worry, I plan on getting some decent sleep,” Morgana shrugged, whether or not she would be able to actually get any decent sleep was a different question.
“Good, good,” Ivy nodded. “Well, we’re here, we’re waiting, uuuuuhm, yeah,” Ivy didn’t have much to say in the end. “We see where this goes I suppose. Unless you want to help me make a spear?”
Morgana hesitated before answering. “I’ve never made a spear before, so I wouldn’t know how to make one.”
“That’s alright, I know how to do it!” Ivy was out of practice to say the least, but that’s why she was doing something simple. “I have to finish stripping the bark off this first, then move onto the metal work,” she squinted at Morgana. “Unless of course, the heat of the forge makes you drowsy and you fall asleep?”
Morgana hummed in response. “I doubt the heat of the forge will make me fall asleep,” especially not after all of her fire related experiments going wrong; if anything the heat would make her more antsy.
“Well then, if you’re willing to wait for me to finish, I can show you how to make a spear,” Ivy reached for the wood and began peeling off the bark again. She then began to second guess her offer, remembering how long it would take.
“I mean, it will take a few days, so you don’t have to stay for all of it. Just, you might find it a bit interesting.”
“It would be useful to know how to make a spear.”
“Well then, give me about… half an hour?” Ivy estimated, looking up and down the wood. “Then I should be done.”
Morgana nodded and sat down next to Ivy, avoiding the pile of shavings. She left enough space for Eamon to sit in her lap, but not crush Ivy in the process. The dog lay on top of Morgana’s feet instead.
Ivy smiled and went back to stripping the bark. Otto came down from his perch to grab the bits of bark and brought them back up to play with them as she worked.
After a short while, she was done and stood up. She lifted the shaft, feeling its weight.
“Okay! Time for metal working!” she motioned for Morgana and Eamon to follow her into the forge. Morgana forgot that Eamon was sitting on her feet, so when she tried to jump up, she fell back down again on her bum.
Eamon made a sound that was suspiciously similar to a laugh, or the canine equivalent of, before getting up and following Ivy, acting all innocent. Morgana sighed and stood up successfully this time before following them, not even startling when Ceara landed on her shoulder.
It took all of them a moment to adjust their eyes inside the forge. The only natural light came in from the door, and all other light came from the only lit forge at the back, the rest dark. Not to mention it was stifling hot inside, feeling many degrees hotter in there than it was outside.
Ivy took some deep breaths, trying to get used to it all again. She had been in here before, so knew where to find the metal she needed to start with. She went into the store and brought out four pieces of metal, three soft iron and one hard. She put one of the soft bars to one side for now, and made an iron sandwich with the other three.
“Now, basically I’m going to heat this up, smash it with a hammer, and repeat,” she explained to Morgana, who watched curiously and nodded along. The heat was distracting her, but not quite enough to pull away her focus completely.
“Once I’ve got it thinner, I add another bit of soft iron to the bottom, make the socket,” Ivy suddenly realised something, and felt rather stupid. “That will take me most of today, if I’m lucky. You probably have better things to do. Although smashing metal with a hammer is cathartic if you want to try,” Ivy wanted to make up for potentially wasting Morgana’s time.
“Ah,” Morgana mentally went over her original plans for the day. “I don’t think I’ve got anything really pressing for today. And I’ve always been curious to try smithing because I know some of my ancestors were smiths, so it’d be cool to try the trade…” she trailed off her ramble, unsure what else to say.
“Alright then! I’ll get this heated up, and show you the technique, and you try!”
Ivy gripped the iron sandwich with a pair of tongs and shoved them into the fire. It began to glow dark red, then orange, then a little yellow before she pulled it out. She then placed it on the anvil, holding it in place with the tongs before striking it with a hammer.
There was a certain rhythm to winding up and slamming it down, although given the heat of the forge and lack of practice, Ivy was still sweating, her hands already starting to ache. Morgana watched intently, trying to memorise the pattern and rhythm.
“Your go next?” Ivy asked as she placed the iron back into the fire.
“Ah ok,” Morgana moved forwards and tried to copy what Ivy had done once the iron was out of the fire and being held on the anvil. While Morgana wasn’t weak, she had no idea how to properly hammer and wasn’t quite able to get the same rhythm.
“That’s good!” Ivy noticed the rhythm was a little off, but Morgana was new to this. It took time to find. The metal had cooled now, so she moved it back into the fire. “Another go?”
Morgana shook her head and smiled wryly. “No thank you, I don’t quite think I’m cut out for metalworking…”
“I thought that when I started,” Ivy pulled the metal out again and began to hammer it, the sound of metal striking metal ringing, mingling with the only other smith in the room. “It’s so hot and the hammer’s so heavy and you think you’re not getting anywhere. It takes time and practice, and knowing your limits.”
Morgana nodded, the heat was starting to get to her. She focused on keeping her breathing even, but the sweltering heat was making it difficult.
Eamon whined and nudged Morgana, acutely recognizing her distress. Ivy, in turn, noticed Eamon and looked over, seeing that Morgana had gone a bit pale.
“Go outside, get some air, and some water,” she instructed.
Morgana nodded mutely, not trusting herself to speak. She skedaddled outside to find some water, and Eamon followed to make sure she didn’t get a panic attack on the way. Ceara meanwhile flew off Morgana’s shoulder and stayed in the forge to watch Ivy.
“Really too hot in here for you too,” Ivy noticed, “but I can’t make you leave.”
Ceara only chattered in response -she was far too used to Morgana’s tendency to set things on fire to be bothered by the heat in here.
Ivy shrugged and did a few more cycles of working the iron, before her conscience finally got her to check on Morgana.
--
Morgana had found a tree outside and was sitting underneath it, taking gentle sips from her waterskin and deep breaths in the cooler air. Well, at least in comparison to the forge it was cooler - it was still warm and sunny out after all. Eamon was sitting on her lap to help ground her.
Ivy spotted her after a quick scan and walked over.
“How are you feeling?”
Morgana glanced up, feeling fairly chagrined. “Fi-” she began with a croak before coughing. “Fine. Just fine.”
Eamon huffed at her response, flicking an ear in Ivy’s direction.
“You don’t have to act all tough,” Ivy half smiled. “It’s easy to get dehydrated and dizzy in there. Believe me, I’ve been there. Acting tough just makes it worse for you. Really, how are you feeling?”
Morgana bit her lip. The dehydration and dizziness from the forge hadn’t been her issue but she wasn’t going to dispute that.
She levelled a flat look at Ivy. “I’m fine. Or, well, I’m fine now.”
Eamon grumbled and whacked her arm with his tail.
Ivy frowned, and realisation hit. “Oh! Is this about the whole, accidental pyromaniac thing? My point still stands by the way. Sounded like taking a breather was a good idea anyway.”
Morgana pressed her lips together with a slight frown. She was mildly surprised that Ivy had remembered the whole accidental pyromaniac confession she had given when they first met, although she was also somewhat peeved with how close Ivy had gotten. She wasn’t wrong, but she wasn’t quite exactly correct either.
Morgana shrugged half-heartedly. “Yeah…”
“Okay, okay,” Ivy wasn’t aware that she wasn’t quite on the mark. “I’m going to head back into the forge. I’m sure either Eamon or Otto will let me know if you faint.”
Otto hadn’t entered the forge at all, and upon hearing his name he flew up into the tree above Morgana.
The young Mage nodded. “Okay.”
Eamon grunted and tipped his head towards Ivy in a half nod.
“Alright then. I will leave you in capable paws,” Ivy smirked at her joke, and Morgana smiled at it as well.
Eamon barked at Ivy as she walked away back to the forge, making Morgana chuckle slightly.
I didn't know this while we were rping, but according to @autumnleafauthor, the only one of us I think who has done some forging, your hands start to hurt pretty quick. Although that was not Morgana's reason for stopping.
___***___***___
On a related note, this is the video I used to reference Ivy making the spear. I thought he said it took him 3 days but watching it again he doesn't say that. Now I have no idea where I got that from.
Bard's Note: I love how Ivy has this innate skill of somehow accidentally parenting all these dumbass Watchers who try to internalize all their crap. Pot meet kettle, I guess. Or just practice at dealing with Gus maybe. No wonder she managed to talk him down from the Guard.
1 note · View note
noelisbored · 1 year
Photo
Tumblr media
I really have no words for how I feel right now, but I’m going to try to get something down here, if for no other reason than the fact that I know you all have been supporting Izzy and me through all of this and you’ll want to know… She’s gone. She crossed the rainbow bridge this morning, by my side, where she loved to be. I don’t how exactly how it came to this, but in the end, it doesn’t matter. Izzy has been my constant companion since 2009, when she meowed and reached her paw out to me that day at a PetSmart adoption event for Forgotten Cats. Though she didn’t love being held, she was a social butterfly and always a snuggler. I always said that she wanted to be a dog, loyally following me around the house. She tolerated costumes, having her nails clipped at home, being “worn” in Andrew’s shirt and just wanted to be the center of my universe. And she was. She wasn’t into catnip or treats, but sure loved to eat her food! When COVID hit, she was my constant lockdown buddy, joining me for sit-ups and push-ups during virtual fitness classes. She’d watch me sing online karaoke, and she showed her trust in me by crawling under me when I planked, and forced me to stay strong a little bit longer. I can plank for a really long time now! She was an indoor cat, so she used her hunting instincts to catch bugs around the house. I would option think she was a bit senile, chasing nothing… and then I’d find a big, dead camel cricket, left as a trophy in the middle of the living room. Good job, Izzy! Every night until she grew ill this past week, she went upstairs and snuggled with me before I fell asleep, and even when she grew very weak, she found a way to pull herself part way up to the landing so she could hear when I woke up. She was in pain this morning, and I didn’t know what to do. I took the morning off work and sat with her and told her if she needed to go it was OK. I was with her when she breathed her last breath, which is how we both wanted it - I know that. She was the best kitty and I’ll love her forever. My heart is broken, but I’m so so grateful for all of the wonderful years we had together. Rest easy, boo boo. https://www.instagram.com/p/CmXCirfumcc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
0 notes
kainscape · 3 years
Note
Really enjoyed the Morning fic you made for Bo! If possible, can I please request one just like this for Asa or Jesse? I just could use all the possible fluff right now~ Thank you!!
A/n: I can’t tell if this one is as good as the morning fic because I kinda just had a random idea in the middle of writing it, but I really like writing for Asa so here you go!
Death do you part ~ Asa Emory
Happiness wasn’t in Asas vocabulary or main emotions. It was drained from him at such an incomprehensible age he never mentioned it to himself. No whispers of joy or happy warmth, just exultation or sinister excitement. Asa wasn’t one to ponder or to think about what lies ahead in the future besides his traps and plans of new specimen to find.
Just like how he didn’t think anything of you when you were still asleep in your shared bed he never came too. Of course it was to be expected hence his return being quite early in the morning. He would’ve guessed around 7:30 to 8:00. The university needed to be stayed at, him finalizing the place to sleep at from his exhaustion. It was the best choice not to drive home in his state, and it made it easier to more access of his work.
You must’ve guessed he wouldn’t be returning home again, which seemed to be more common in the latest month. It annoyed you to no ends, but when it came to Asa and his work force, there was almost no convincing him to take a break. So you settled on heading bed early to meet him at dawn.
The professer walked through the front door, his case full of papers to grade and fix filling it whole in his hand. He kicked the door shut behind him, hearing it settle back in place as he laid down his keys on the end table. It was quiet except the air flow of the AC from the vents.
He travelled over to kitchen table, laying down the case on its side as he slid off his jacket. The temperature from inside to outside was perfect, it was cold and gave him freeway to wear layers in his house while it was humid and unforgiven on the outside.
He signed, a hand running down his face as he tried to rub away the tired feeling that buried within him. It was something he would never try to fix, like he could even attempt to do so. He made his way to the stair case, trudging up each step with a small hold on the railing.
Asa walked down the hall with a small click of his shoes. There wasn’t many creaks in the floor besides the two by the guest room and bathroom, so he wasn’t concerned about waking you.
Even if he did make a loud sound, it seemed there would be no one to wake from the empty bed that laid within the room. He kept his weak grip on the door handle, eyebrows furrowed as he looked around the room. It was dark besides the slight shine from the curtains, and the door to the bathroom was wide open and collecting darkness. Where the hell were you?
His hand slipped from the metal knob, his steps slow as he fully entered the room. He couldn’t have missed you on the second floor, you could be quiet at times but not that quiet. He analyzed your personal items, taking count to see if there were any gone. You were the only person to ever gain Asas full trust, he thought you realized the great importance of just that as he formed conclusions.
He didn’t even want to move from the room, his mind blank as the scenery before him was bare. Maybe he did miss your presence on the first floor, the realization that he was so tired coming into mind. With first ever hesitance, he headed for the stairs, slowly making his way to the living room and kitchen. It’s like he was almost begging you to be down there, wanting you to be curled up on the couch almost half asleep or in the kitchen one your phone at the table.
But you weren’t. Still reaching for that unacceptable feeling that you left him, he traveled to the bathrooms, the pantry, the closet. He ripped open the doors, unhinged more than he’s ever felt. He was desperate to see you, even if it was in the fucking basement. His breath picked up the pace, somewhere in between fast walking down the hallways.
He returned to the kitchen, running a hand through his hair. He was sure that you were here, you were just hiding from him. He ran a hand through his hair, closing his eyes with a deep sigh. He pushed down the nagging feeling pulling at his heart, instead focusing on the primal feeling of hunting you down.
He’d rather not feel hurt like this compared to other emotions. The light from the window above the sink showered him, his eyes traveling with the few dust particles in the air. That was until he was forced to focus on the figure in his backyard. He walked up the counter, his hips leaning against it as he squinted his eyes to see closer.
It was you, sticking your hand through a metal wire fence to pet a dog. You were on your knees, resting back on your heels as you smiled. The clothes you must’ve slept in last night were still on, gathering water on the fabrics knees. He couldn’t stop staring, his hands resting on the edge.
You could say it was relief, but he didn’t care as he exited through the back porch door he never used. The sound of the door shutting closed caught your attention as you looked over your shoulder. Asa headed toward you with determination, you calmly petting the dog once more as you rise to your feet.
It was tension that stretched between you two, his hand cradling the back of your head as he observed you. You raised your eyebrows with a smile, happy for him to be this close at such early mornings. You had been sitting on the back porch, taking in the scenery of his beautiful back yard before a simple dog showed up, practically begging you to pet him.
You most likely didn’t hear the car pull up, the modern vehicle quiet. But, here Asa was. Quiet besides the quickened breaths and intensely loud stare. Your hands tested the water, running up his forearm and bicep while the other reached around his waist. It was quite odd, no words spoken from him, actions far from the collector in this moment.
You weren’t complaing, finally deciding to pull him closer. He obliged, pushing you into his chest as he looked across to the dog that resided in the same place. He could almost say he was pissed at this dog for taking away his companion like that. But he insisted on holding you, his chin gently resting on your head.
He couldn’t say what possessed him to hold you in such a random place at an early morning of the day, but he liked it. You hadn’t left him, you didn’t break that trust he never let free. Instead you were simply out of sight, subconsciously hiding from him like he had told himself.
You guys had returned inside the house, you explaining why you were out there as he sat at the kitchen table, cracking open his case to destroy his chance of sleep once more. He would usually travel to his work room, not to be bothered by you or anyone. He wanted to keep you in sight for the time being, wanting his senses to interact with you in anyway.
As he listened to your plans that would probably change throughout the day, he relaxed his face and body, looking up to you. You were rambling as usual, one thing that he grew to seek out when you would converse with him. Maybe it was a smile forming, maybe it was just his lips resting. But either way, he was satisfied for the time being.
Asa hated to admit it, but he actually cared for you, absentmindedly searching for you in simple things. Like how a certain color on an item would remind him of you entirely. It just goes in depth to how.. attached? Connected? He was to your relationship. It made him feel better about himself honestly, the way you loved him unconditionally even after everything you’ve seen him do.
It was the way his first thoughts were to look for you, rather than hunt you down which came later. It showed him how important you were, that you weren’t another common specimen. As he scribbled on the papers, he realized that even if you had left, he would find you. You were his. Thinking that made him, what you could say, happy. It would be like that until death do you part.
156 notes · View notes
Text
Caught Recommendations
Tumblr media
Author’s Note: I’m trying to keep track of the amazing BTS-themed series and fics that I’m reading on Tumblr, so I decided to create this post with some short reviews (so I can have them all in one place). These writers are amazing and they keep me coming back for more. They are all smutty as hell and full of amazing characters and conflicts.  This is by no means a comprehensive list, and I will be adding them as more catch my eye. Check them out if you get a chance!
Mafia AUs
The Birdcage  & the sequel The Lion’s Den by @untaemedqueen
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Mafia AU; Jimin x Reader
What You Need to Know: Jimin-heavy series (and sequel) that dives into Seoul and Busan mafia underground, violence, guns, knives, bombs, pregnancies, and OH so much drama - the writer creates some fascinating characters that we root for and fall in love with over and over again.   
Thou Shall Not Steal by @xherxx
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Mafia AU, OT7
What You Need to Know:  The richest mafia lord in the industry throws a huge yet twisted deal before he retires and every gang out there wants to get their hands on his riches. - The drama is real in this one and there is plenty of hot, steamy scenes that will make you tingle. 
Don’t Care If It Hurts by @hollyhomburg
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Mafia AU, Jimin x Reader
What You Need to Know: After a rival gang makes an attempt on your life, Your older brother, the infamous leader of Seoul’s largest gang; Kim Namjoon, gets you a guard hybrid; Park Jimin, The reigning champion of Seoul’s underground hybrid fighting ring. - Yeah, this is also a hybrid series, but the mafia background is much more prominent. The OC is also smart as a whip and Namjoon as the angry leader and older brother is something to behold. The other members feature as well skilled companions and are very good at their jobs.
Omertà by @lamourche
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Mafia AU, Namjoon x Reader
What You Need to Know: A story about an unlikely mob boss and his mafia princess wife. This is a love story set in a brutal world. - Namjoon and his crew are tight knit and set to take over the mafia underground. In a true Romeo and Juliet twist, you are from an opposing family and are desperate to get away from their oppressive clutches. As an added bonus, you and Namjoon fall in love and build up his empire together. 
Blackjack by @kpopfanfictrash
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Mafia AU, Jungkook x Reader
What You Need to Know: Bangtan is one of the most vicious mafias on the west coast. Only six members are known by name though, with a mysterious seventh member dubbed only as 'the shadow.' When you become indebted to the worst of the worst - how, exactly can you find a way out? - Jungkook is such a gem in this fic and the action is amped up to 11 throughout the series. 
College/Business AUs
Thesis-It (and the sequel) Prove It by @xherxx
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, College/Career AU, OT7
What You Need to Know:  “When life gives you lemons, make cocktails! It doesn’t solve any problems, but then again neither do lemonades. Besides, it has the word cock in it, just like what the Bangtan boys have on them. So, why don’t you just suit yourself?” - This series was a ROLLERCOASTER of emotion, even when it hurts, you keep going back for more. The sequel takes place AFTER college, but the characters still act like college idiots. LOVE THEM!
Fear & Dumplings by @softyoongiionly
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, College AU, Yoongi x reader
What You Need to Know: You’re in your final semester at University when your Abnormal Psychology professor assigns you a partnered project surrounding your greatest fears. Lucky for you, your partner just so happens to be a cute boy named Min Yoongi. - The build up to this relationship is just wonderful and you will be completely enamored by Yoongi in this fic. He’s such a soft precious bean and I want to ruin him. 
The Gentlemen by @honeymoonjin
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Reality Show AU, OT7
What You Need to Know:  Sick of unsatisfying hookups, boring relationships or the company of your own hand? Apply today for the chance to be on bangasm.com’s very first reality show! Seven attractive young gentlemen will be vying for your choice of who is best in bed. All from different backgrounds, these men claim they’ll be able to rock your world, so don’t hesitate! Apply now! - BEST REALITY SHOW EVER! The characters are vivid and entertaining and the smut scenes are on point. I dare you not to fall in love with every single one of these eligible bachelors. 
Tease by @adonis-koo
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Stripper AU, Jungkook x reader
What You Need to Know:  You came with the intentions of your best friend landing a job as a stripper. You never meant to catch the eyes of the king stripper of the establishment- Jeon Jungkook, yourself. With what was supposed to be a harmless way of paying off college debt faster you find yourself falling into a very odd and passionate relationship with your new mentor. Between infidelity, passion and jealousy there’s never a dull moment at Cherry Bomb. - Jungkook starts off arrogant and difficult, but as the relationship progresses, he starts embracing his softness for his new trainee. There is also some hot Big-Little action going on here. 
No Strings by @kpopfanfictrash
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, College AU, Jimin x reader
What You Need to Know:  You voice your concern that you are bad in bed and Jimin offers to test that theory. What ensues is an angsty friends with benefits situation that threatens to tear your friend group apart. You may want to smack Jimin around a bit, but I promise you will not be disappointed in the end. 
The Holi-Date by @kpopfanfictrash
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Career AU, Taehyung x reader
What You Need to Know:  When your ex-boyfriend becomes engaged to his new girlfriend at your annual Holiday party, you admittedly are not in the best place. Which explains why you down six shots of alcohol, enthusiastically drop it low on the dance floor and - oh, yeah - tell everyone you are also dating someone. The only problem? You are obviously not. Good thing your neighbor happens to be cute and in need of a ride to work every morning. - I absolutely LOVE Taehyung in this fic; he’s playful, sweet, passionate, and funny. 
Hybrid AUs
The Mark of Yun-Ki by @ladyartemesia
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Historical Hybrid AU; Yoongi x Reader
What You Need to Know: This story was wonderfully crafted and if a Tiger-hybrid Yoongi full of ferocity and passion and admiration doesn’t do it for you, I don’t know what will. 
Reasons Wretched & Divine by @hollyhomburg
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Hybrid AU; Namjoon x Reader x Jimin x Yoongi
What You Need to Know: You live on an isolated but sprawling farm with your abusive husband, but things start to change for the better when your husband adopts a retired police dog hybrid named Namjoon. - There are definitely some trigger warnings you should read at the top, but the series is full of mental and physical healing that endears the characters to the reader. The other members are also present as side characters and are hella sweet. 
Abundance by @angelicyoongie
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Hybrid AU; OT7
What You Need to Know:  You never expected that you would end up adopting a hybrid, and if someone had told you that you would end up with seven? Well, you would have thought they were crazy. But here you are, with three different packs of hybrids that don’t get along – but all want to stay with you. Yeah, turns out crazy is an understatement. - This is a sweet complicated hybrid situation where three different groups have to find a way to live together. It takes some time, but they all eventual pull together as a family. 
Jackrabbit by @jamaisjoons
Genre: Pure Smut; Hybrid AU; Jungkook x reader
What You Need to Know: On a university-wide Easter egg hunt, Jungkook decides to educate you on just how wrong you are about him. - this one shot will have your thighs rubbing together vigorously wishing that you could get a few minutes alone with this domineering bun (just don’t call him that unless you want to get punished).
Strawberry Cream & BBQ by @thatmultifandomhoe
Genre: Angst, Fluff, Smut; Hybrid AU; Hoseok x reader
What You Need to Know: Your best friend knows she can count on you for anything, so when she asks you to watch her hybrid while she’s gone for a study abroad trip for four months, you can’t say no. But when these four months are over, things have changed in a way no one expected. - The relationship between Hoseok and the OC is so sweet and the drama that erupts after they get together pulls on the heartstrings. 
Sci-Fi AUs
Void by @btssavedmylifeblr
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Space AU, OT7
What You Need to Know:  You are the only female crew member on a 12 year space mission with seven handsome men. - The sexual tension is real, y’all. The OC is sassy and hilarious, the other crew members provide colorful commentary and conflicts that keep the reading salivating for more. 
The Turing Test by @fortunexkookie
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, Android AU, Jungkook x reader
What You Need to Know: You are an engineer who created an advanced form of Artificial Intelligence named Jungkook, but with every technological advance, there are always some bugs to work out (and not all of them deal with the creator or the creation). 
Parenting AUs
Gingerbread Man by @btsracket
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Jungkook x Reader
What You Need to Know: Jungkook (a recent widower) is a fantastic baker who owns his own shop. The reader bounces in to place an emergency order and fate takes over from there. Jungkook’s son, Jude, is absolutely adorable and all of the angst and drama derived from moving on from an unexpected spousal death makes for one incredible recipe for success. 
The Stand-In by @yoonia
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Namjoon x Reader
What You Need to Know:  Gaining the courage to leave a loveless marriage was hard enough, but is it really a good idea to run to your best friend for help? And would you refuse him when he offers you another kind of ‘help’? - The themes revolving around infertility and then a sudden pregnancy catapult these characters into a wonderful relationship full of love and possibilities. Plus, Daddy Joon is always a yes on my list. 
Intro: Her by @jamaisjoons
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Namjoon x Reader
What You Need to Know: You enter Namjoon’s life in the most unexpected of ways, but will you be able to stay, especially when he comes with three adorable but chaotic children, even more chaotic best friends and a bitch of an ex-wife? not to mention your own emotional baggage. - Namjoon is raising his three boys Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook as you enter his life as a marine biologist. The kids are sweet and sassy, Namjoon is a total mess, but a sweetheart. I never wanted to be a mother to children more than these tots, and the bonus would be snuggling into Daddy Joon’s arms. 
Idol AUs
Let Me Hold Them by @jjungkookislife
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; OT7
What You Need to Know: An OT7 series that includes mxm, threesomes, open relationships, polyamory, and angst.  Please read at your own discretion & the warnings on each chapter. - It starts off small, and then it escalates quickly. I promise, you will not be disappointed. Read on!
Slight Changes by @jiminimoon
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Taehyung x reader; Jimin x reader
What You Need to Know: Your relationship with Taehyung takes a nose dive when his infidelity is exposed. Luckily, the other members (especially Jimin) step in to make sure you don’t suffer alone. Prepare for angsty chapters and a lot of soul searching in this fic. 
The Studio Sessions by @getitinbusan
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Yoongi x reader; OT7 x reader
What You Need to Know: It’s Min Yoongi’s birthday and you’re ready to give him whatever he wants. When he makes a sarcastic wish while blowing out the candles he didn’t think you’d take it seriously. But he’s glad you did. When word spreads about these special “Studio Sessions” everyone wants to collaborate. - You start with one and work your way through the rest without blinking an eye. It’s a smutty paradise. 
Love Well Done by @oraclemarie
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Yoongi x reader
What You Need to Know: You are the executive chef of your very own fine dining restaurant. A big company makes you the offer of a lifetime, setting you on a path straight to Min Yoongi-your drunken hook up. - once these two start admitting their love for one another, it ups the drama; people can let jealousy turn them into monsters. 
Soulmate AUs
A Thousand Springs by @whitesparrows97
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, OT7
What You Need to Know: Life is short. Eternity is long. Why you in particular are approached by a super attractive man in a club, you did not understand. You understood even less why he wanted to kill you. Fortunately, seven young, also incredibly handsome men show up to help you with this little problem. Purely by coincidence, of course. Or do you really believe in fate? - This fic is action packed with crazy conflicts, special powers, and spicy smut scenes. 
The Immortals by @bang-tan-bitches
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff, OT7
What You Need to Know: Sometimes, you find your destiny. And sometimes, your destiny does whatever it takes to keep you. - There are some amazing things happening in this fic and I just want to crawl onto that giant bed with all of them and their mysterious golden powers.
Fantasy AUs
Blood Moon Rising by @yoonia
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Vampire/Werewolf AU; Jimin x Reader
What You Need to Know: As beings from ancient times, the Vampire Clan has undergone numerous changes to thrive in the Modern Age after surviving the Ancient Blood War. As a part of the traveller family in his clan, Jimin has parted ways from the coven until the day his Lords warned him of the lurking danger from inside the clan. And all so suddenly, he was pulled out of his solitary, only to have given the responsibility he had never wished to have, along with the threats that come as a part of the deal. 
Born as youngest yet having lost so much, you have given your family your loyalty, your protection, and had been given their love and support that had become the only thing that keeps you going. But what happens when the only people you have put your trust in only repay you with betrayal?
This series expands beyond this world and into a whole universe of shifter characters. This storyline also includes characters from her other Shifter Series. The storylines are rich and beautifully crafted, and you will love the way the characters stick together on this magnificent adventure.
Of Fire and Love by @hollyhomburg
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Dragon-Hybrid AU; Yoongi x Reader
What You Need to Know:  When Dragon Yoongi finds baby Jungkook in the wreckage of a house he burned down, he can’t bring himself to kill the child. Months after someone drops off a baby at your door, you start to notice something- or someone, lurking at the edge of the woods. - This fantasy world just keeps growing in each chapter and you also get to enjoy a baby Jungkook and a baby dragon Hobi. Beware of fairy Jimin - they’re a sneaky one. 
Faerie Realm by @ddaengyoonmin
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Fairy Video Game AU; Jungkook x Reader
What You Need to Know: Your mother gifts you a video game set that allows you to fully enter the brand new virtual world of Faerie Realm on the first day of its launch. You lack any of the skills or knowledge of playing video games, but you end up having fun thanks to skilled player you meet named Kookie! You are lucky to have met him, because this deadly game is not what it seems.- Based on Sword Art Online, but I think it’s better. The other members become a part of the group and drama ensues. 
Sweeter than Sweet by @gimmesumsuga
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Vampire AU; Jimin x reader; OT7, eventually
What You Need to Know: You never would have expected someone like Park Jimin to notice you. As handsome and beguiling as he is deadly, you’re enthralled from the very moment you meet. Addicted to his kiss and his bite, Jimin opens up your eyes to a whole new world of love, lust and seduction. - this is a LONG series, but it is TOTALLY WORTH IT. Once you dive into the story, there is no resurfacing until you finish. 
A Court of Curses & A Court of Moonlight by @readyplayerhobi
Genre: Angst, Smut, Fluff; Vampire/Witch/Werewolf AU; Hoseok x reader; Yoongi x reader
What You Need to Know: (ACOC) For millennia, the vampires and witches have hated one another and war has raged between the two. When tensions flare up once more and spill into neutral land, peace is forced upon the two by the faeries. The price of peace sees the Witch Queen married to the Vampire Prince. One hundred years later, how have things changed? (ACOM)  As Prince Hoseok’s personal attendant, you travel with him on a diplomatic visit to Lunatis, home of the werewolves. There, you meet the enigmatic and intriguing werewolf prince, Min Yoongi, and discover more than you expected as a mere attendant. - this world is so full of magical wonder and I am so invested in seeing how everything comes together. It also makes me soft when I see how loving Prince Hoseok is toward his family. 
Caught-in-a-seesaw-stigma’s MASTERLIST
476 notes · View notes
darkwood-sleddog · 5 months
Note
Hello, do you know something about the temperament of the Greenland dogs comparated for example to other nordic/primitive breeds like Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute? I can't find much about them online. They are so extreme and work-driven as many told and cannot be only pets?
Well it would highly depend on what your definition of "pet" is. If your idea of a pet dog is a dog you can take on occasional walks and relax easily inside with, trainable and friendly, easy to take places, than the Greenland is likely not the best choice, if not a very bad one. If your definition of pet includes working the dog in harness on a regular basis, allowing them to live outside if they desire and have multiple dogs, then they could be a good pet.
For me personally, I could probably handle one after having a dog like Slash, but do I want to? Absolutely not. I enjoy the easier going, more chill nature of the Malamute for me personally and that's saying something considering that while Slash is a good house dog, he is only a good house dog because he is given work year round in some capacity.
I have only met a few Greenland Dogs in person, one was at the time young and ran with my dog's parents in a sled team, very tireless, but affectionate. And the other was a retired elder dog who could not retire to being a house pet her entire life and often found it stressful being away from the working team, even if she herself was not working.
Remember, these are primitive sled dogs and are less removed from their origins than many other sledding breeds. The modern Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed and even the Alaskan Husky have their origins in the 20th century and have their temperaments highly selected for. A Greenland dog is the same as it has been for centuries and centuries, vastly unchanged due to its isolation from westernized dog breeds and kennel clubs until very recently. A majority of Greenland dogs still live in Greenland (the country has very strict import and export laws for domestic animals and dogs in particular to protect the breed) where they are working dogs. A majority of Greenland dogs outside of Greenland are also working dogs.
As far as temperament goes the Greenland Dog FCI standard states:
The predominant temperamental qualities of the Greenland Dog are energy, mental strength and boldness. He is a passionate and tireless sledge dog. To people - also strangers - he is friendly, and while acting as sledge dog not closely attached to any particular person and therefore not suitable as a guard dog. On hunting seal and polar bear he will show a strong hunting instinct."
The Nordisk Kennel Union says this:
The Greenland Dog is a true unaffected natural dog with all that this entail. Therefore, this breed is only suitable as a family dog for people, who have great canine experience and who understand the special needs and distinctive character of this dog. In the right environment, this dog is energetic, mentally robust, vigilant and generally kind towards adults and children. It is an overall curious dog with a distinct pack mentality. This breed greatly demands allowance to use its immense power on running and pulling heavy loads. It needs a good social life and the pack is of great value to these dogs. This breed enjoys living outdoors. 
They are often said to be amongst the most intense of the sled breeds, more driven to work than Malamutes, more energetic, more prey driven, more more more and more.
The Alaskan Malamute Illustrated Standard says this about temperament for Malamutes (so imagine this + MORE ENERGY):
The Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, friendly dog, not a “one man” dog. He is a loyal, devoted companion, playful upon invitation, but generally impressive by his dignity after maturity. The Malamute is a true pack animal with the natural instinct to “lead or be led.” This results in an independent, self-confident and strong willed personality, and explains why Malamutes can sometimes be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. While historically guardians of campsites and Eskimo children, the Malamute is not the type of guard dog that sees a threat in eye contact or the approach of strangers. Dogs who react negatively towards people do not typify correct Malamute temperament and any sign of aggression towards humans is unacceptable.
There are many great Greenland dog mushers (both in Greenland, Scandinavia and even the UK) that are present on Instagram if you have an account and want to learn a bit more about these dogs (note that some of them outside of Greenland also mush Alaskan Malamutes, this is pretty common as the breeds work well together). Here are some ones that I like:
Dodgesled Taxi (Sisimiut, Greenland)
Arctic Living Ilulissat (Ilulissat, Greenland)
Siku Tours (Uummannaq, Greenland)
Ukioq Soul (Åre, Sweden)
Suna-Sanik Kennel (Norway)
Kennel Tasermiut (Norway)
Ikihallan Greenland Dogs (Rovaniemi, Finland)
Infury Sled Dogs (UK)
Greenland Dog Adventures (Sisimiut, Greenland)
And here are some videos I like about Greenland Dogs:
Greenland Way of Life: Raising Dogs
The Insiders Guide: Dogsledding in Greenland
And finally, an article about how these dogs and Inuit are at the forefront of being affected by climate change (even my half house pet/half working pet malamutes are uncomfortable when my house is heated in winter btw...):
In Greenland village, shorter winters cast doubts over dog sledding
32 notes · View notes
odddogblog · 3 years
Text
August 23, 2021
Dog for adoption in South/Central Texas. Can transport to AUSTIN TX or San Antonio.
2months ago, a sweet, timid dog showed up at my house. She was thin, but clean, recently had some puppies. Our local shelter has a euthanasia rate of 75%, so instead of taking her to the shelter, I decided to foster her while searching for her owners. A well-behaved houstrained dog like this was so easy to foster. After two months searching, no owners have been located. I named her Sombra (which is Spanish for "shadow") bc she's is always right behind me like a shadow. She has this fantastic personality that is discreet & low-key but also happy-go-lucky. She's up for anything.
A 50lb bully mutt is not easy to re-home here in the Rio Grande Valley, so I'm very open to meeting an adopter in the Austin area. Please share to help find Sombra a companion home where she can flourish.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
More About Sombra:
Walks fabulously on the leash with a flat collar, she doesn't pull towards people or other dogs. Sombra will pull towards ducks and is learning to ignore them.
She doesn't bark at people or animals, Sombra is a very quiet dog. I've only heard her boof once to wake me up when someone walked through the backyard in the middle of the night. Sombra is not destructive in the home and has never had any accidents, she only goes potty outdoors.
She adapts to the activity level you want. Sombra happily lounges at home alone during my busy days. Sombra is equally happy hiking for miles. I have trained her to rollerblade with me, she runs next to me easily and has no problem passing other people and dogs on crowded trails. With conditioning, she would be great for distance jogging or rollerjoring.
Sombra is gentle and playful with dogs and cats. She's neutral upon introduction, once she familiarizes she is easygoing and happy to play or chill, she respects thier body language. Sombra is most at-ease & confident when there's another dog around who can set an example.
We are working on obedience and recall, so outdoors she does need to be on a leash unless in fenced area. If there's critters around, she chases but doesn't hyperfocus/hunt critters. Because she is so great with my housecats, I think she could be habituated to other small housepets.
Did I mention she’s fantastic with cats and dogs? It’s especially fun to watch her play with kitties, very cute.
Sombra is neutral with new people, she gives them space and happily observes them from a distance. If you let her observe you giving attention to another dog, she quickly understands you're a friend, and if you give her some treats, instantly she's your best friend. Sombra is very food motivated.
Sombra has been introduced to kids and babies with no issues, but she hasn't spent extended time with them.
57 notes · View notes
liloelsagranger · 3 years
Text
Night shift - finally a new Rocketshipping-fanfiction
My dear friends,
it’s been a while since I last posted an entry. Let me tell you why and what, besides Covid-19, made me pause from publishing fanfictions over the last couple of months. Of course, Switzerland was very affected by the pandemic and still is today. We had numerous lock-downs or as Swiss people call it “slow downs”. My mother got very sick last year, I almost lost her. The doctors said she would only live two or three more days, but my mom is a fighter. She had to stay at the hospital for months, she endured countless medical examinations, had to take meds and slowly learned to live again. I’m so proud of my mother that she was strong and determined to get better. When she turned back home, I started to take care of her and I hate to leave her on her own, even if we’re talking about half an hour or less. Right now, she’s doing quite good, actually, we’re on vacation and she makes a great effort to participate in life in Italy. She’s my role-model! She will never be the same as before, but she won’t give up, she wakes up every morning to make progress. I prayed for her and her well-being, I prayed every single night she might get another chance and now we’re here at the beach and dining in fancy restaurants. It’s been a horrible year for everyone, a year full of sorrow, tears and desperation, a year where I was constantly afraid, the hospital would call me with some bad news, but she did it! She survived and she fights for her life! So proud! Good news is: I passed my doctoral exams and I’m officially allowed to call myself Dr. phil. des. Melanie C. but that won’t ever stop me from loving Team Rocket so here it is - a brand new Rocketshipping-fanfiction for you guys. LOVE YOU! Night shift
Chapter 1:
It was past ten o’clock when that miserable looking guy entered the diner. He inconspicuously sat down in the farthest corner of the café and immediately hid his face behind the menu card. Nevertheless, Jessie the waitress could make out the pathetic expression on his face, how he was cowering like a whipped dog. She had seen quite a bit in this diner. Drunks, thugs, addicts and other needy people who asked for a sympathetic ear, compassion and understanding, but that guy was different. He suffered terribly, but did not dare to communicate, instead he hid from the world so as not to attract attention and quietly endure his fate. Jessie had to do something about it. Of course, she didn’t want to play the Good Samaritan. She knew the tricks of the men who entered this diner. Most of the time, they told the waitress tall tales, hoping to be comforted, whatever they meant by that. But this young man did not make a shady impressionHe was well dressed, looked well-groomed, and Jessie was especially struck by his bright emerald green eyes, the only thing in his face that had not yet been veiled by grief and sorrow. She decided to do something about his displeasure.
“Did you have a rough day?” she asked while disinfecting the table.
He looked briefly into her eyes and nodded. “That’s one way to put it,” he answered, the gaze immediately lowered again.
This would be a taciturn conversation, but Jessie didn’t give up easily, she was a natural at making even rocks talk.
“Listen! No matter what happened, I’ve seen or heard some things. If I can help you in any way, my name is Jessie and I’m in charge of this table today. Let me just get the gum out from under your seat and get you a cold drink. What would you like?” She pulled a spatula from her apron and rubbed away the remains of the spoiled brats that marred her diner.
‘Wow,’ the young man thought to himself. ‘A strong, self-confident woman who lends a hand herself and who’s not above cleaning up dirt.’ Their eyes met briefly, and he forced a wry smile.
“You know, kid. You can’t rely on anyone. If you want to get everything done, do it yourself and don’t trust anyone. This world doesn’t give you anything for granted!” She briefly wiped the back of his chair before disappearing behind the counter and pouring the young man an ice-cold Coke.
“I have rarely seen you so concerned about a customer. Normally you show yourself aloof and only take the order, so as not to get involved in embarrassing conversations. Must be a really great pike, this pathetic creature in the far corner. Could it be that you’ve got a tiny crush on this guy?” For Eddy, teasing his best friend was the greatest pleasure. He didn’t know her like that. Jessie usually resisted any kind of small talk. This was due to her dark past, when she had repeatedly fallen for advances from men who were never looking for a steady relationship, but for a quick fix. Eddy had witnessed this bad time of his friend, how her heart was broken, how she was badly played with, and how she was simply dropped like a hot potato. Jack was the worst example of them all. While Jessie was already hearing the wedding bells ringing, he was making love to the women of the Strip and deceiving Jessie night after night with other broads. Jessie was devastated when she found out Jack was cheating on her. She was furious, not even at her lying boyfriend, but at herself for having been so stupid as to trust a man.
Jessie gave Eddy a light pat on the head. “Don’t be silly! That time is over. I can take care of myself, I don’t need male support for that. I’m a big girl, I make my own dough, and I keep my head above water pretty well. No, not a chance, I’ve sworn off flirting.” Nevertheless, she caught herself as her gaze wandered to the young man in the corner. “Oh yes, this time is definitely over,” Eddy smirked.
“Jessie, could you bring us a side of fries, please?” Misty’s order echoed throughout the hall. The twenty-year old waved her hands. She was used to speaking loudly, almost shouting, to attract guests to her daily water Pokémon show. Sometimes she walked up and down the streets of the Strip all day in the blazing hot sun, trying to win people for her underwater attraction. As an excellent student, she could have taught at any college, but she had decided early on to get into show business and make her living doing what she really loved, joined by Dewgong and Starmie. Her parents had not agreed with this decision at all, it was wasted talent, they had claimed, and had summarily turned Misty out the door. Since then, she had been struggling through life on her own, but could always count on Jess, the diner and her two best friends, Ash and Brock, young people who were also not favoured by fate.
“Temper your voice, twerp!” Jessie couldn’t help but grin. She spread the ketchup bottles around the table, hoping Ash wouldn’t spill on himself and the diner again. His constant companion Pikachu immediately hopped on his shoulder, grabbed a fry and popped it in his mouth. Ash and his Pokémon were carnies. He had trained his friend well and attracted many spectators with his performance. Most of them felt sorry for the guy and tipped generously. That’s why Ash was able to invite his friends to the diner every night, a place that gave them hope where they could experience security. They were convinced that nothing would ever disturb this idyll and that fate, for better or worse, had taken its course.
“Who’s that guy over there?” Brock wanted to know. He had barely sold chocolate and roses tonight. The others held back, but they were certain that their friend was just too pushy with women and that’s why he only collected rejections instead of green bills.
“I’ve never seen him here before. Must be from another area. I can’t tell you for the life of me why he’s wearing a suit at theses temperatures, he looks pretty pathetic to me anyways,” Jessie replied.
“Maybe his car has stalled,” Ash suggested, “and now he was forced to wander through the desert until the tasty aromas from your diner brought him back from his delirium.”
“Or,” Brock interfered, “he had to flee his own wedding because his wife is a real pain in the ass, unlike our sweet Misty,” Brock oohed at his friend. “Forget it, Brock! You and me, this will never happen!” She gave him a gentle poke.
“Enough now with your naïve speculations! Just let him enjoy his drink. We’re closing soon, so get going,” Jessie dismissed their absurd ideas with a wave of her hand, but at this point no one knew how right Brock was.
Dark thoughts hunted the young man. He knew what he would face at home if he was late. Beatings, torture, rebuke, harassment, were just a few words to describe his failed relationship. Unconsciously, he stroked his scarred arms.
“Can I get you something to eat?” Jessie pulled him out of the maelstrom of bad thoughts, of course she had noticed the wounds, but maybe he had gotten those injuries at work. The young man rummaged some coins out of his pants and let them jingle on the table. “Is that enough for a cheese sandwich?” Jessie hated small change, but she would make an exception for him. A friendly smile, a quick nod, and she passed on the order.
“Something’s wrong with this guy,” she whispered to Eddy. “He’s scarred, bruised and pays with penny coins. Possibly a vagrant.” Eddy couldn’t help but grin. “That guy’s been keeping you busy all night, Jess. What’s the matter with you? Are you getting weak?”
The young man could not overhear the conversation between the waiters, but he was sure they were talking about him. He sure made a rather frightening impression, but that was a private matter and not something you shared with a waitress in a diner.
His gaze drifted to the daily paper, which had two faces emblazoned on it: Butch and Cassidy. He had never heard of this odd couple, but according to the news, theses two were causing quite a stir and were terrifying the Strip.
“Oh, so you’ve already spotted them, those two knuckleheads! They keep the Strip in suspense, and heads roll when the taxes don’t add up,” Jessie served him the cheese sandwich and gave him a slight smile.
“Can I get you anything else?” He thanked her and took a hearty bite of his dinner.
The last half hour flew by and the remaining guests left the diner to spend the night on the Strip, as very few had a roof over their heads. Jessie set about cleaning up and Eddy checked the register.
The young man stood up and made his way towards the door. But before he left the diner, he glanced back at Jessie for a moment. A sigh escaped him. What if…?
Jessie returned his gaze and watched him go until the young man disappeared. She walked right up to his table and found a little note on the receipt.
“Thanks for treating me like a human being, James.” 
46 notes · View notes
alwaysachorusgirl · 3 years
Text
Blackout Blues
Pairing: ADA Sonny Carisi x Fem Reader
Word Count: 1,258
Prompt: The One With the Blackout for @thatesqcrush Friends Bingo
TW: none
A/N: So, this is my first time writing for Sonny. It's just a whole lot of fluff with a teensy bit of hurt/comfort. The only thing it really has in common with the episode is that there's a blackout. As always, if anyone wants to be tagged in a future fic post, please let me know!
Tags: @thatesqcrush, @madamsnape921, @itsjustmyfantasyroom, @prurientpuddlejumper, @welcometothemxdhouse, @teamsladsandgents
“Doll, do you really think we’re going to need all that? Come on, sit down, snuggle with me, please?” Sonny gave you his best puppy dog eyes and pouty face. He was already settled on the couch in a t-shirt and pajama pants, a soft fleece blanket draped over his lanky legs. You placed another battery powered lantern and two more flashlights on the coffee table next to all the other ones you had dug out of various drawers and closets. You tested the lantern and flashlights to make sure they worked and looked at your husband. It was Friday night and he had been in court all week. He’d won his case and been home early for dinner, and now you wanted nothing more than to cuddle up in his arms and fall asleep bingeing old episodes of “Beachfront Bargain Hunt.” But you heard the pounding of the rain intensify against the window, followed by a rumble of thunder, and sighed. Mother Nature clearly had other plans.
“They said on the news that this storm might be a bad one, Sonny. They even interviewed that guy from the power grid, and he said to be prepared for possible blackouts. Even the Super called everyone in building to make sure we all had emergency supplies.”
“Hey, I’m not knocking you for being prepared, but you know,” he sat up, taking your hand, and pulling you closer, “you look really good in those pajamas…and you love watching other people buying beautiful, yet ridiculously overpriced waterfront property…”
You giggled at that, cupping his face in your hands, and placing a sweet kiss on his lips.
“Mmm… yes, I do, and I would certainly hope that I look good in these pajamas, you bought them for me.” The pajamas in question had been an impulse buy on a family outing to Target. You had gone in to get bedding for your daughter’s new bed. You had walked out with that, new pajamas for everyone, and a bunch of snacks that you really didn’t need, but Sonny had insisted otherwise.
“Well, I know how much you like soft, comfortable things. Come on, Doll, sit down, relax. You can use me as your pillow, you know I’m your favorite pillow…”
“Oh, I will definitely be doing just that, after I check on Lucy. Then I’m all yours, I promise.”
“Babe, she’s asleep. I read her three stories just to make sure.”
“I know, Sonny, but she’s two, and she’s just as scared of thunderstorms as I was when I was that little. And considering how it’s been since we moved her into a “Big Girl Bed” …”
“Babe, it’s only been a few weeks. She’s had some good nights, and some not-so-good nights. She’ll adjust, just give it time.”
You leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I know, Sonny, I know. How about, you start the show, and I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”
“Okay, love you, Doll”
“Love you, too, Son-shine bear.”
You crept down the hall to the door of your daughter’s room and opened it as quietly as you could. The glow from the nightlight illuminated Lucy’s face and you smiled. She was, indeed, fast asleep, her little arms hugging her favorite Care Bear. Her faithful canine companion, Winnie, was curled up next to her, snoring her adorable Bulldog snore. Satisfied that she was okay, you softly shut the door and went back to the living room.
Sonny grinned mischievously as he saw you approach the couch. You lifted the blanket and made yourself comfortable next to him. Your back was to the TV, but you didn’t care as you placed your head on his chest and yawned. He wrapped his arms around you and placed soft kisses along your face. Your body relaxed and melted into his.
“So, she still asleep?” he asked.
“Mmm hmm, “you murmured. “Like an angel.”
“Good. I love you, Y/N.”
“I love you, too, Sonny.” You felt him place a hand on your stomach, and you covered his with yours. “I’m okay, Son-shine Bear, we both are, just tired.”
“I know, Doll, I just worry about you. Any ideas on how we tell Lucy that she’s going to be a big sister?”
You opened your eyes and gazed up into his. “Not yet, let me get through this first trimester. Hopefully, I’ll have some ideas by then.”
Sonny chuckled at that and kissed your forehead. “Okay, Doll.”
There was an obnoxiously loud rumble of thunder and the lights flicked. You sat up like a shot, hand instinctively reaching towards the coffee table. It immediately connected with one of the flashlights, which you grabbed and switched on. You turned on a few more of the emergency lights, just in case.
“Doll, what are you—” Sonny was cut off by a clap of thunder so booming it shook the whole building. The lights flickered again, and this time, the living room went dark.
“MAMA! DADDY!”
“Lucy!” You and Sonny said in unison.
“Hang on, baby girl! We’re coming!” Sonny called back to her. You both jumped off the couch, grabbing as many lights as you could carry, and ran to your daughter’s room.
Sonny got there first. Lucy was sitting up in bed, terrified and bawling her eyes out. Winnie was trying to comfort her little human by licking the tears off her face, to no avail. Sonny dumped his lights on her bedside table and scooped up his daughter into arms while simultaneously plopping down on her bed.
“Daddy! Big boom! No like!” She wailed, holding onto him for dear life.
“I know, sweetie, I know. It’s okay, Mommy and Daddy are here. You’re okay we got you,” he desperately tried to reassure her, gently rocking her back and forth, and rubbing circles into her back.
You sat down next to them and embraced both of them. “We’re right here, baby, everything’s going to be okay. The thunder can’t hurt you; we won’t let it.”
Lucy sniffed and hiccuped. “Paw-mise?”
You smoothed her hair and placed a kiss on her head. “Promise; now, how about you sleep in the big bed with me and Daddy tonight? That sound good?” Lucy nodded, and you kissed her again. “Okay.” You looked down at Winnie, who was resting her head in your lap. “You too, Winnie, everyone in the big bed tonight.”
Winnie didn’t need to be told twice, getting up and jumping down to the floor. You grabbed Lucy’s security blanket and wrapped it around her tiny shoulders, then handed her her Care Bear. Lucy hugged it to her chest as Sonny kissed her forehead and stood up. You grabbed the flashlights and lanterns and led the way to the master bedroom.
You set up the lights around the room and Sonny got Lucy settled in your bed. Winnie made herself comfortable at the foot of the bed.
“Staw-ee Daddy?”
“Sure thing, baby girl.”
Sonny began reciting one of several Sesame Street books that he had committed to memory. You snuggled next to your husband, Lucy between you, hanging on her dad’s every word. As he neared the end she yawned, and her eyes fluttered shut.
“Wuv you, Daddy.”
Sonny kissed her cheek. “Love you, too, Baby Girl.”
“Wuv you, Mama.”
“I love you, too, sweetie.” You kissed her one more time, and then met your husband’s eyes and smiled. “I love you, Son-shine Bear.”
“I love you, too, Doll. Now get some sleep because I’m taking my favorite girls out to breakfast in the morning.”
108 notes · View notes
jaskierswolf · 3 years
Text
The White Wolf (pt. 1/3)
Ship: Geraskier - Established. Rating: T Word Count: 6k in total (this chapter is 2k)
Summary: Following an unfortunate encounter with a mage, Geralt gets cursed into a wolf. Jaskier and Geralt must travel the Continent in search of someone that can help them. (AO3)
Warnings: Canon-typical violence, mentions of blood, nudity (Jaskier’s clothes don’t change with him).
Part 7: Shifter!Jaskier Verse (Tumblr) - Can be read as a stand alone. 
_________
The cloud of sparkling dust settled on the floor and Geralt was nowhere to be seen. The last Jaskier had seen of his boyfriend, he’d been thrown against the wall, barely able to move his fingers to form Quen in time before his head knocked against the stone. There was no witcher in the room now. Just a pile of bloodstained white fur in the corner of the room.
Jaskier snarled and sniffed the air. He could smell Geralt but something was wrong. Geralt reeked of wet dog. Jaskier growled, low and menacing, at the sorcerer in front of them. The man had been luring children away from their homes in the dead of night using all sorts of sweet treats. Then at night he was pulling their dreams from their minds and using them for fuck knows what. The children were returning to their homes as lifeless ghosts of their former selves, and thus a witcher and his trusted companion had been hired.
“I’m no fool, bard.” The sorcerer spat. “I can sense your magic.
Jaskier let his sharp teeth show as he snarled again. He let his magic loose and there was a sickening crunch of bones. Jaskier’s thick russet fur melted away into long red feathers. He spread his wings as a thick black mane grew along he neck. He roared at the sorcerer and struck both talons across his chest, balancing on the large lion paws of his hind legs. The sorcerer was thrown backwards as dark blood seeped through his clothing. The attack had caught him off guard. Jaskier stalked forward, his front talons clacking on the wooden floor. This human had stolen Jaskier’s mate and they had to pay.
The scent of blood was thick in the air and all he knew was the hunt.
The prey was wounded. It was an easy kill.
He screeched as he prepared to land the final blow but a large snowy white wolf with glowing amber eyes suddenly stood between him and the prey.
Amber eyes.
Jaskier knew those eyes.
Geralt.
He let his magic loose and shifted back into a wolf. There was just something about Geralt being in wolf form that ignited all his pack instincts. He didn’t know whether Geralt was stuck as a wolf or could shift between animals, but Jaskier knew he would match Geralt no matter what.
The thought gave him pause. He wondered whether it was an instinct of his people, lost and long forgotten. Were there ever groups of shifters? Were they still alive? Or was he alone… He’d always felt so alone. Jaskier nudged his head under Geralt’s snout and whined. Geralt huffed and butted Jaskier’s head. Jaskier did his best wolfy grin and then mouthed at Geralt’s nose before rolling over onto his back with a wag of his tail.
Geralt gave a quick bark and then looked pointedly between Jaskier and mage. Jaskier tilted his head, wondering how Geralt still managed to look unimpressed even as a wolf. Jaskier snorted and rolled back onto his paws. He glanced around the room, his clothes were still at the inn. Geralt’s clothes appeared to have disappeared when he was changed into a wolf; lucky bastard. He spotted a long cloak hanging up on the wall and wagged his tail. He leapt up on his hind legs and pulled at the cloak with his teeth. When he was covered nicely by the heavy material he shifted back into his human form with a crack of his bones.
The cloak was thick, grey and woollen. It had a large hood, reminiscent of the cloaks the elves used. He wrapped it round his shoulders and then grinned at Geralt.
“Hello, dearest. I know you’re the White Wolf and all, but isn’t this taking it a bit too far?” He reached out with his hand and Geralt bumped it with his snout. He gave Geralt a quick scratch behind the ears. “Can you shift?”
Geralt tilted his head.
Jaskier frowned and stuck his tongue out as he tried to figure out a way to explain it. It was like trying to explain how to blink or breathe or… just exist. “Umm, ah, think of Roach? Try and feel her hooves, her mane?”
Geralt’s snout scrunch up and he let out a snarl.
“No?”
Geralt shook his head, one ear twitched and Jaskier couldn’t help but coo. Geralt growled at that.
“I’m sorry!” He said, not really sorry at all. “But, my love, you look so cute!”
Another growl.
“Oh stop it. You’re trying to be all scary witcher and it’s not working. You are adorable and I can turn into a dragon so shush.” He bopped Geralt on the nose and gave him another scratch behind the ears. Geralt’s tail began to wag. Geralt looked behind him and snarled, clearly not enjoying the way his body was betraying his feelings. He also looked as if he was about to start chasing his tail. He was baring his teeth, snarling as the tail flicked on the stone floor. Jaskier took pity on him and knelt down so he could cup his wolf’s face in his hands. “Geralt, darling?”
Geralt blinked and looked up at him.
“There you go. The instincts might feel a bit strong at first but we’ll work it out alright?” Jaskier buried in face in Geralt’s fur, his own instincts to shift back into a wolf were almost overwhelming him, but Geralt needed him human. It was easier to explain things to his newly wolf companion when he could use words. It was also nice to be able to snuggle in Geralt’s fur for a change.  “Do you know how to fix this?”
Geralt shook his head.
“I shouldn’t have killed the mage, should I?” Jaskier asked with a sigh.
Another head shake and a whine.
Jaskier kissed Geralt’s head. “In my defence, witcher. I thought he’d killed you!” Geralt licked his face and he grimaced. “Geralt! Oh gods, that went up my nose!”
Geralt wagged his tail and pounced. Jaskier was knocked back onto the ground and Geralt’s tongue was drooling all over his face, which would have been fine if Geralt’s tongue didn’t feel so coarse against his skin. “Oi, no! Get off you big lump!”
Geralt nipped at his ear and sat back down, his tail thumped noisily against the stone floor.
Jaskier sighed and grabbed Geralt’s swords from where they’d clattered on the floor. Jaskier hummed. Geralt’s clothes and medallion had changed with him but his swords had not. At least his magic was consistent. Geralt head-butted his leg and they finally fled the tower together. It felt strange being the one on two feet instead of four but they’d faced worse things in their two years travelling together.
Two years…
Had it really been so long? He’d been with Geralt for two whole years… not mentioning the little blip of his mother’s horrendous return into his life. He shuddered at the memory. Yeah, they’d definitely been through worse together. ___________
As they approached the town Geralt snorted and laid down on the ground, resting his head on his big white paws. Jaskier glanced over his shoulder at the wolf with a scowl before he realised why Geralt had stopped. He grinned and walked back to pet Geralt’s head. Geralt’s tail thumped heavily against the ground as Jaskier gave him a scratch behind the ear. Geralt still looked put out by his tail’s reaction to affection but now seemed resigned to the fact he could no longer mask his happier feelings.
“Well isn’t this a turn of events. I’m normally the one that has to wait outside!” Jaskier announced with a laugh.
Geralt let out a low growl and mouthed at Jaskier’s fingers.
“Ouch! Sharp teeth, Geralt. You’re not exactly a pup, dear heart,” Jaskier chided.
Geralt’s ears flicked and Jaskier was pretty sure the strange snuffling noise was Geralt trying to laugh at him.
“Stay here. I’ll go and get our stuff,” he sighed and looked down at himself. The cloak wasn’t exactly modest and whilst he had very little shame over his body, most humans wouldn’t appreciate him walking around town with his dick out. “Next time we are keeping my clothes in a pack and not back at the inn.”
Geralt barked and his tongue hung out of his mouth as he wagged his tail.
“Yeah yeah, go on, laugh at your poor suffering boyfriend.”
Geralt barked again and jumped up to lick Jaskier’s face, placing both paws on Jaskier’s shoulders. Jaskier just ruffled Geralt’s fur and kissed his snout.
“I’ll be back soon, love.”
He wrapped the cloak around him in a feeble attempt to cover himself up and trudged back to the inn. He did get some bizarre looks from the villagers but he did his best to ignore them. Had they never seen a bard wearing just a cloak and witcher’s swords before? He scoffed. They were amateurs. He tried to sneak up to their room at the inn but the bloody innkeeper spotted him.
“Oi, where do you think you’re going?”
Jaskier spun around, only just remembering to keep his hands gripped on the cloak to stop it from flying open. He still had Geralt’s swords in their holder in his hand and he held them up for the innkeeper to see. “I’m a friend of the witcher’s. Jaskier? The bard? You might have heard of me?”
“Toss a Coin?” The innkeeper asked and Jaskier let out a sigh of relief.
“Ah, yes. That’s the one,” He sang a couple of lines just to prove his point. “And umm, well. Geralt… Geralt was looking after my lute for me whilst I was… away?”
“Away?”
“Yeah,” Jaskier winced. It was a terrible story and he was ashamed. “But you see, I really need to get it back.”
“Did the witcher take your clothes too?” The innkeeper asked with a smirk, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Jaskier felt his cheeks heat up and it took all his control not to shift back into a mouse. He laughed nervously and tugged the cloak tighter around his chest. “Well, funny you should say that.”
“Those his swords?”
“Yes! Yes they are. I ran into him on the path just outside of town. He’s dealt with your mage problem, but ah. Umm. Spells! He was hit by a spell and it’s really not very pretty so he asked me to collect our… his.. belongings. So I’m just…” He pointed to the stairs and the innkeeper waved his hand. “Thank you ever so much, kind sir. May all the gods praise you!”
“Just go, bard.”
Jaskier gave a quick bow and then flew up the stairs, two steps at at time. Once inside the room he got dressed and quickly gathered up their belongings before heading back out to fetch Roach. The conversation with the stable girl went just as well as the one with the innkeeper and Jaskier barely remembered the story he’d woven only a few minutes before, but he was gone and heading back towards the forest before anyone else could question him.
He didn’t ride Roach but it was easier with her carrying the bags and his lute. Once he was out of sight from the townsfolk he considered shifting back into a wolf. Whatever the mage had hit Geralt with was driving him crazy, but they still needed to find a solution to Geralt’s wolf problem so regretfully he remained on two feet. He huffed and dragged his feet as they headed back to where he’d left Geralt. How did people cope with being in one form all the time? It was so boring!
___________
Next
155 notes · View notes
abbysfrenchbraid · 3 years
Text
Kissed by a Wolf - Chapter 4
Tumblr media
Masterlist 🌿 (check for previous chapters) / Playlist
In this chapter, the reader fully joins Eivor’s clan and takes part in the celebrations before the raid. Talking with Eda does not go as planned.
Content Warnings for food & alcohol, mentions of physical abuse, lesbophobia, light smut and vomit.
Inspo Picture by @anaakeart​
The Sting of Rejection
You had already slept for a few hours when Eivor returned from her council meeting late at night. Even though she tried to be quiet and not to wake you, you were awake as soon as you heard her steps on the path outside.
Birna had curled up in your arms and raised her head when the warrior entered, not moving from her warm and comfortable spot. You remained still, your eyes closed as you listened to the woman’s movements. Her fur coat fell to the ground almost inaudibly, the wood of her trunk creaked quietly as she sat down to take off her boots, her leather pants rustled when she pulled them off and threw them in a corner.
Then you finally felt her motions, too as she lifted a corner of the quilt covering you and slipped in the bed, immediately scooting close to you. She gave Birna a few gentle strokes until the cat started to purr softly and Eivor lowered her head next to yours with a satisfied sigh. She smelled like beer and smoked meat, accompanied by that faint, wonderful scent of tree bark.
You must have stirred because Eivor lifted her head again, whispering: “Little bird… there are good news for you.”
Careful not to disturb Birna, you turned slightly and looked at her with raised eyebrows. She smiled.
“You are now one of us. Mine.” She watched your face attentively for a reaction. You closed your eyes and swallowed. So it was decided.
“Are you happy?” Eivor asked, drawing her fingertips over your healthy cheek.
“Yes, I am,” you answered, turning back around and scooting back against her.
“Mmhh. We’ll talk in the morn.” She wrapped her arms around you and pulled you close, then you both drifted off to sleep.
-
You were woken by Birna's demanding meows at the door. She had not left the hut since yesterday and was probably hungry and in need of a quiet corner. Eivor grunted, then she untangled herself from your limbs and cursed in her mother tongue when she stumbled over her clothes on her way to let the cat out.
“You won’t like it outside, little lady. The snow has stayed,” she grumbled as she opened the door. Indeed, Birna was not amused at the prospect of stepping into the cold, wet powder that painted the village in beautiful white and whirled into the room as soon as the door stood ajar. You pulled the blanket over your head to escape the stinging cold air, listening to Eivor and Birna bicker about the cat’s options for the day.
It really sounded like they were having a conversation, one that ended with Birna leaving with a last, angry cry and Eivor shutting the door with a thankful sigh. She let herself fall back on the bed and crawled under the covers. You stuck your head out.
“So, I’m one of you now?”
Eivor needed a moment to process your question, then she sat up and nodded.
“The council was thankful for your offer to help us prepare the raid and accepted your proposal. You’re going to come with me later so you can have another look at the map and tell us everything you know. In return, you will receive a wooden bangle declaring you part of this clan and my personal servant as soon as we return.”
You sat up as well and leaned against the headboard, fidgeting with the edge of the blanket as you tried to find the right words.
“I am very grateful for your trust. I know it normally does not come easy,” you said. “May I ask something else of you?”
The blonde raised her eyebrows with a questioning look.
“My- the people who came with me. How are they?”
“Oh, they are all well.” Eivor got up and started putting on her clothes. “Three of them have decided to stay with us freely and work in the stables and the longhouse. Two have yet to decide and your lady friend is refusing to speak to us. I hear she is eating, at least.”
A wave of relief washed over you. You were not the only one to change sides. You were fairly sure you knew who had taken up work in the village; the two remaining prisoners were probably the squires to Lord William. They had endured harsh treatment at his hands, but he had promised them a future as knights and held them in higher regard than his own daughters. It made sense that Eda was not willing to speak or change her mind. She blamed Eivor for the death of her entire family.
“Eivor?”
“Yes, little bird?”
“Do you think I could have a word with Eda? Maybe I can reason with her,” you suggested, holding your breath as you waited for her reaction. She considered it for a moment, then she shrugged and put on her coat.
“I guess it would do no harm. You can speak with her before we meet the others in the map room, maybe she will tell you something helpful.” She turned around. “Do you want to join me in the longhouse for breakfast?”
The question surprised you, but she was right. You were healing fast, and there was no reason for you to stay in bed any longer. You agreed and swung your legs out of bed, slipped into your wooden clogs and put on your new coat over the linen tunic. Hopefully, you would be able to acquire some more fitting and functional clothes soon, but now was not the time to worry about looks. Your face was still swollen and blue anyway, your bruises now starting to fade to green at the edges.
You quickly rubbed the salve Valka had given you on your tender cheek, then Eivor held the door open for you and you stepped outside into the snow. The air was hard and cold, but clear and when it filled your lungs, you could feel it chase out the last remains of smoke and illness. Walking down to the longhouse, two dogs ran toward you and circled you with excited barks and wagging tails, apparently delighted to see Eivor. She laughed and chased them around for a bit, then she told them she had other things to do and they let her be and ran off towards the stables.
When you entered the longhouse, Eivor was immediately greeted by cheers and excited comments regarding the coming raid. She smiled and acknowledged everyone’s words before leading you to a side part of the house. There was a fireplace in the center of the area, a hole in the roof directing the smoke outside. A kettle and a metal grid were hung over the fire and an old woman was stirring porridge with a gigantic wooden spoon. You both stepped closer.
“Sfáva, dette er Y/N,” Eivor introduced you, gently placing a hand between your shoulder blades. “She is from Williamsburg and has decided to join us. She is a cook, too."
The old woman slowly came closer, squinting her eyes at you until her face was almost directly beneath yours. Then she suddenly gave you a warm, almost toothless smile, deepening the crows’ feet around her eyes and stretching the leathery, weatherbeaten skin on her cheeks.
“Velkommen, Y/N,” she croaked and took your hand, patting it lightly. She chattered something in Eivor’s direction and the warrior translated: “She’s glad to have you here and hopes you can show her some English cooking. She does not speak your language, but she understands a few words and can grasp your meaning if you speak slowly. Our tongues are not too different.”
You smiled back at Sfáva, gently squeezing her hand.
“I’m honored to work by your side, Sfavá.”
The old cook let out a delighted laugh at your proper pronunciation of her name and gestured for you to take a wooden bowl. You and Eivor both took bowls and spoons from a table and Sfavá filled them with porridge. Eivor loaded up her meal with several sausages from the grill, to which you passed.
“I’m afraid we can’t eat together. My place is up there” - she mentioned to the table at the back of the room, standing orthogonal to the rest of the tables - “with my brother. I see your old companions have found themselves over there, maybe you would like to join them?” She motioned over to where the three men that had been released as well sat and ate their breakfast.
You nodded and wished the warrior a good morning, then you walked over and sat down with the others. Aelfric and Hal had been the stable masters back at Williamsburg and were excited about the variety of horses and possibilities here. Eivor had apparently put a lot of money and work into the stables, making them a much more enjoyable place than the dark, moldy ramshackle hut William’s old mares had spent their days in. Lewin was also content with his situation; he had joined the butcher and his son in preparing meat for winter.
They were all happy to see you, thanking you for your quick thinking and cautious behavior during and after the attack. Lewin was even convinced they owed you their lives. While they went on discussing the possibilities of hunting at this time of the year, you stared into your porridge and tried to find the words and the courage for a conversation with Eda.
What could you say that would explain to her your disloyalty to her name, your treachery to England, your betrayal against her after everything you had gone through together? How could you ever change her mind or her situation, what were your possibilities in this? Would she stay locked into a cell for the rest of her life? What would the Vikings do with her if she was nothing but a nuisance?
The others took their leave and you were still none the wiser. Absorbed in your thoughts, you let your gaze wander through the long hall. Your eyes finally got caught on the she-wolf at the elevated warriors’ table. She was deep in conversation with Sigmund and tapping her finger on the table as she made her point to him. He seemed to agree with everything she was saying, consistently nodding his head as he devoured his sausages.
Suddenly, Eivor caught your gaze and while she kept talking, her finger stayed pressed to the wooden tabletop. You could have sworn there was a hint of a smile on her face as she turned back to her brother to ask him something. Shaking your head, you got up and brought your empty bowl back to Sfáva’s side table.
Even though her eyesight seemed to be terrible, she immediately recognized you and repeated your name with a joyful fondness in her voice that made your heart swell in your chest. What a wonderful woman.
As you wandered around the hall to collect the dirty bowls people had left on the tables, you felt someone’s eyes on you. Smiling to yourself, you relished at the feeling a little bit longer before turning around to return Eivor’s look. To your surprise, she had stood up and turned her back to you, speaking with someone behind the table.
Slightly bewildered, you finished your round and carried the stash of bowls and spoons back to the cooking area. Just as you turned to ask Sfáva where you should wash the dishes, you saw something blue in the corner of your eye. You looked up and had to force yourself to keep your composure as you saw Randvi leaning against a wooden pillar across the hall and watching you from afar, her arms crossed and her face smooth and expressionless.
She did not move or look away when you saw her, standing perfectly still and continuing to look at you as you finally lowered your gaze and asked Sfáva about your tasks for the day. The old Viking explained her wishes to you with a mix of slow Norwegian and sign language, making it clear you should wash the bowls outside in a big trough and bring her another few sacks of flour. You felt uneasy as you left the longhouse to do your washing up, still followed by Randvi’s piercing gaze.
Eivor caught you outside, glad you had already settled in with your new work and thrilled for the raid. She was practically buzzing with excitement and her restlessness made you laugh, taking your mind off the strange moment with Randvi.
“What are you laughing at, eh? You are looking at a proud drengr, not a jester!” she exclaimed, furrowing her brows in feigned outrage and making you laugh even harder.
“You remind me of Eda and Delia on the eve before Christmas. They were so excited for the next morning, they could barely sleep.” Your gaze lost itself in the dirty water in the trough before you. You had some good memories with the two girls. They had been so innocent and happy. A hand on the small of your back drew you back to the present. Eivor had stepped closer.
“I will sleep like a bear in winter so long as you lie by my side,” she said quietly.
Her words and touch sent chills up your spine. Before you could reply, Eivor stepped back.
“But first, we will plan our glorious raid. And then we will celebrate. Oh Y/N, you will love it. Mead and food and great songs - we will be in good spirits tonight. And tomorrow will be even better!” Her eyes lit up at the thought of the joy and glory to come. “I need to look at a few things in the stables. Take this time to speak with your friend. I will come and get you when it is time to meet over the map.”
You watched her as she walked away, a spring in her step as she headed for the wooden building at the far end of the village. The dishes were clean, so you took them back inside and left them on the table for Sfáva. She was deep in conversation with two other Norse women when you filled another bowl with porridge and two sausages and quietly made your way to the cell in the back of the longhouse.
Eda sat on the floor where you had left her last. Her dress was dusty and stained, her hair was matted and her face looked grey and old. Dag, who was keeping watch again, let you in with a grumble and sat back down on his chair. Eda refused to look at you as you knelt down before her and offered her the food.
“Eda, please. You must eat. You look like death itself.”
“I don’t fear death,” she mumbled, still staring at her hands, “I fear traitors and backstabbing snakes.”
Her words knocked the air out of your lungs. You had not expected her to be this hostile. What now?
“I do not claim to know the pain you feel and the losses you are bearing. I am simply trying to live with dignity instead of wasting away,” you explained, tears welling up in your eyes. “Do you not see my face? Were you not there when I learned I was worth nothing at Williamsburg, nothing but dirt on your father’s shoe? Eivor has offered me a place in this world. She-”
“You and your precious Eivor!” Eda snapped, her gaze now burning right through your head and her face screwed up into a hateful grimace. “You fell to your knees the second you saw her, begging for her to take you. I will not be lulled into submission by a filthy little sapphic whore!”
This blow hurt worse than William’s fist. There was nothing left to say. You put the bowl down next to her, then you stood up and left the cell. Dag gave you a strange look when he locked the door again.
Just as you rounded the corner, you bumped into Eivor. She knew something was wrong right away, pulling you into her warm embrace and letting you cry into her chest for a long moment until she pulled back and lowered her head to look at you.
“What is it, my little bird? Will your friend neither soften nor think clearly?”
You just nodded and pressed your lips together, trying to swallow the lump in your throat. Eivor turned to look over her shoulder for a moment, then she pulled you into an alcove.
“You stay here and collect yourself. I will tell them you got held up and will be there soon.” She pulled you in for a last, quick hug, then she vanished from sight.
You took a few deep breaths and slapped your chest and torso, trying to fully return to the present, to your body, and to your rational thoughts. If Eda wanted nothing more to do with you, so be it. You had other things to worry about now.
When you entered the map room there were five men waiting for you alongside Eivor and Randvi. One of them was Sigurd, Eivor’s brother and the official chief of her clan, even though you felt like a lot of people cared for Eivor more strongly. You had just found out today that he was also Randvi’s husband. The other four you had seen before but you did not know their names.
Eivor looked up from the map first, smiling widely and rounding the table to introduce you.
“Everyone, this is Y/N. She was the cook at Williamsburg and has visited Fort Winton several times. She will tell us all she knows about the area and the castle.”
“What happened to your face, Y/N?” One of the warriors gave word to what everyone was thinking. You straightened up, trying to brace yourself against Randvi’s icy expression.
“Thank you for this opportunity to make myself useful here. My cheek made acquaintance with Lord William’s fist the day of your attack, but I am healing now and he is not, that is all that matters. And I have you to thank for it.”
Your answer seemed to satisfy everyone and you got to work. You spent the next hours telling them about every path and entrance to the castle you knew of, every person working there when you last visited, and everything about the Stewart that had taken over the shire. You even drew a plan of the order of the buildings and the rooms you knew of.
The Viking warriors warmed up to you quickly when they realized how much valuable knowledge you were giving them and even Randvi seemed to forget her hostility toward you after a while. The group even allowed you to stay for their debates on the right strategy, taking all your comments into consideration and thanking you for your help. Eivor reminded you at some point that you were still injured and told you to go back to the hut, put on the salve, and lay down. She would pick you up later for the feast.
Birna was already waiting for you at the door, mortally offended at having spent the day outside in the snow. She weaseled through the first crack in the door and was even more distraught when the fireplace was dead and the bed cold. You apologized sincerely and lit a fire to make Valka’s wonderful brew while you gently applied her salve to your healing cheek.
While your tea was steeping, you curled up with Birna and poured your heart out to her about Eda. She was a wonderful listener, snuggling up to you when you started crying and supporting your distraught words with agreeing meows. It was heartbreaking - the one friend you still had left did not want to be your friend anymore. You were all alone here. You had to admit that the Norse people were extremely welcoming to you and that Eivor would probably be very offended to hear you call yourself alone after two nights in her arms, but still. You were lonely. After you had drunk a cup of your herb infusion, you laid down, pulled Birna into your arms and cried yourself to sleep while the white cat silently watched over you.
-
A light grasp on your shoulder woke you and you opened your eyes to find Eivor crouching down before you, smiling softly at you. It was already dark outside and you had trouble finding your grasp on reality for a moment. Was it the next day? No. The feast.
Your mouth was dry and your eyelids felt heavy from crying. Eivor softly brushed the hair out of your face with her fingers.
“Good evening, little bird. Can I interest you in some excellent boar meat and warm mead?”
Birna answered in your stead, crying out as she stretched her little body on top of you. Eivor’s expression became even softer.
“For you, little lady, I have something special.” She took a small balled up bundle from her pocket and opened the stained cloth to reveal some fresh innards, probably taken from the boar. She placed the cloth on the ground in front of the fireplace and Birna jumped down from the bed to have her own royal feast.
You got up and followed the cat's example in stretching your limbs, feeling Eivor’s eyes on you as you put on your shoes and cloak and tried to comb your hair with your fingers. The blonde was next to you at once, holding your hands still.
“Wait. Let me.”
She opened her wooden chest and produced a beautiful wide-tooth comb. It was made from some kind of bone or fang. The warrior stood behind you and gently pulled all your hair back towards her. Then she began combing it out, starting at the bottom of each strand and carefully moving upwards, taking out any knots or dirt. Her fingers touched your scalp every time she took a new strand of hair, sending lightning down your spine and making the hair on your neck stand up.
“That’s better. I can braid it for you, too, if you’d like that,” Eivor said behind you. You brushed a hand over your long hair and felt its smoothness. You had never been allowed to wear your hair down at Williamsburg, always having to put it up in a knot and wear a bonnet or at least a cap. Today you had seen so many Viking women proudly wearing their hair down, some with intricate little braids and beads in theirs.
“I’d like that, yes,” you whispered, scared your voice would betray you. Every day, every hour here felt like a step closer to freedom and happiness.
“Sit down on the bed.” The blonde gently guided you to sit at the foot of the mattress so she could stand next to you. Then she began taking hair from your healthy side and braiding it along the hairline around your ear and down the back of your neck. She stepped around you to look at her work from the front.
“I think that is all you need. You’re beautiful.”
Your heart jumped into your throat, almost making its way onto your tongue. Your fingers followed the path of the small braid, admiring the perfect work of the warrior’s calloused hands. How peculiar, that these rough hands that wielded swords and axes bigger than your head could also be so gentle and precise.
A knock on the door tore you out of your reverie. It was Valka who wanted to take a look at your face and pick you both up for the feast. She was satisfied with your healing process and delighted to see Birna, having a little chat with the cat on the bed. You had to keep yourself from laughing when the thought of Birna being the true queen of this clan entered your head. She probably felt that the same way. The white cat was adored by everyone, and her demands were followed without question.
As the three of you made your way down to the longhouse, you could already hear loud singing and laughter. People were stumbling outside to relieve themselves in the bushes and others were just arriving, all being greeted with loud cheers and big jugs of mead. The same happened to you when you entered the great hall. A few warriors rushed to your side, greeting Eivor and paying you compliments and thanks for your help that day. Enthusiasm saturated the air like a humid day, filling everyone with joy and confidence for tomorrow.
Valka was quick to take the jug of ale from your hands and gave it to someone else who swore his love to her in return. She just smiled and pulled you towards the kitchen area. You had already lost Eivor in the mass of warriors jeering and singing praise to Odin. At the hearth fire, you met Sfáva sitting on a bench and enjoying a massive pitcher of mead. She cried out in joy when she saw you and hugged Valka tightly in greeting before squeezing your hands and grinning her almost toothless smile at you.
Valka asked you to stay with the older woman for a while and help her with the food; then you saw her talk to a red-haired woman and vanish in a dark corner with her. Maybe that was the woman she had spoken about with Eivor before? You wished her the best of luck.
There was not too much to do. The boar was on a spit over the great fire in the main hall and the men were responsible for cutting down the meat for everyone. You were grilling sausages and vegetables on the side and helping the boys open new barrels of ale that were consistently emptied within the hour.
Eivor came by soon, asking for more variety on her plate. It was obvious that she had already had enough mead to kill a boar, slightly swaying when she walked and getting extremely close when she tried to talk to you over the noise in the hall. Her face was red and radiating heat, her eyes had a drunk glisten to them and her laugh was rougher and dirtier than during the day. You were glad she was enjoying herself, although you could not help but wonder if this was the best idea considering her plans for tomorrow.
You spent some time outside cleaning plates at the trough and getting fresh air when you suddenly heard a noise around the corner. You debated for a moment whether you should risk a look but your curiosity got the best of you. As you stuck your head around the edge of the house, you weren’t immediately sure what you saw before you.
Two figures were leaning against the wall in close embrace, chuckling and mumbling sweet nothings to each other. As a cloud finally freed the moon and its light shone down on your village, you made out Valka’s golden headdress and the silhouette of the red-haired woman she had talked to earlier. Apparently, she had gotten lucky. You quietly moved back to your plates and smiled to yourself. Valka was a wonderful person, giving and loving and always putting others’ needs above hers. Eivor had spoken very highly of her trusted friend. She deserved to be happy.
When you came back inside and put the plates back on the sideboard in the cooking area, you noticed Eivor sitting at the front table surrounded by her men. And oh - there was Randvi sitting next to her. The two of them were leaning toward each other, their heads almost touching as they laughed about something Sigurd had said. It seemed that they had talked about their difficulties and made up.
You let yourself fall on the bench next to Sfáva and she patted your thigh, holding out her pitcher to signal it was empty. With a sigh, you got up to get her more mead and made yourself a plate of vegetables from the grid, seeing as you had not eaten since breakfast. Sfáva noticed you had not taken any meat and insisted you go get some boar meat. Upon the realization that she would not let you sit down again until you had tried the boar, you slowly went over to the big fire, hoping no one would notice you. The warrior there cut you a generous piece and you were almost back in your dark corner when someone called your name. God, no.
Aelfric, Hal, and Lewin were sitting at a table with some other stable boys and young maids. You gave Sváfa an apologetic wave which she answered with a loud, heartfelt laugh, then you made your way to your old companions. The boar was better than you had expected and you really were terribly hungry, wolfing down your food at an indecent speed and even going back for another portion. The others were talking about the two squires still sat in the cell; they were sure they would come around by the next morning. Who would really prefer the cold ground over these celebrations and the wonderful food that was shared fairly between everyone?
Looking over to the table at the back of the hall you could see Eivor and her friends conversing loudly, laughing and slapping each other's backs. At one point Dag danced on the table, but he soon lost his footing and went down in a wave of plates, jugs, rattling metal, and the yells of his fellow warriors. You stared at Eivor for a while, hoping she would return your gaze, but she was completely immersed in her conversation and never even looked up from her table. You finished your meal quietly, listening to the others talking about a new dice game they had learned and about a filly at the stable that was born in late autumn, a strange and dangerous time for newborns in the animal world. Together, they were sure they would get it through the winter safe.
Later you returned to Sfáva and leaned against the wall opposite her, warming yourself up by the fire and keeping an eye on Eivor, who was apparently in another drinking contest with one of her men. Randvi had her hands on Eivor’s shoulders and was cheering her on. A small figure stepped next to you, crossing her arms and following your gaze. Valka had returned.
You made no attempt to hide your feelings, you knew she had already seen through you. The healer put an arm around your waist and shook you slightly, looking up at you with a sympathetic expression.
“I know you saw us, Y/N.” The words took a moment for you to grasp their meaning, then you turned to Valka in surprise.
“Oh God, I swear I will keep your secret. I am a master at keeping my mouth shut.”
The smaller woman had to smile at your nervous reaction.
“I trust you. I am glad it was you that caught us and not someone else.”
“May I ask…” you hesitated, “what is going on between you?”
Valka turned her head to look at the singing warriors in the hall. There was a pain in her eyes that felt just too familiar.
“She is married. It was not her choice, but her father’s way of forging an alliance. Her husband is one of the hunters and away most of the time. When he beat her badly the first time, she came to me.”
The silence between you was heavy with meaning. When she began to speak again, her words grabbed your feet and pulled on them, getting heavier and heavier until you began to wonder why the earth had not opened underneath you and swallowed you whole.
“I know you wonder what happened between Eivor and Randvi. It is neither my place nor my ability to tell you everything, but I will say this, for fairness’s sake and because I think you already know in your heart. There was once love between them. Whether it still lives on, I cannot tell. But Eivor has told me that she is ready to leave this bond behind her because she feels something new, something far deeper and more intensive is coming. That is why she has pursued you. She felt something deeper the moment she met you.”
Valka turned to you and you fought to at least turn your feet so you could face her. Everything was spinning around you. The dark-haired woman gently placed her hands on either side of your neck and looked deep into your eyes.
“Follow your heart, Y/N. The gods will lead you. They have decided your destiny long before you were born.”
After recommending you should get some sleep, Valka left you frozen in place and dizzy. The noise that filled the room was now nothing but a single loud booming voice threatening to split your head. You needed to get some air. Maybe your bed was really the best idea.
You looked around for Eivor, but she had vanished from sight. It did not matter, you would find your way into her arms later one way or another. You said your goodbyes to Sfáva and the other servants, then you finally exited the longhouse and inhaled the cool night air.
Rounding the corner toward your hut, you were suddenly startled by a noise that sounded like an animal crying out. Maybe a cat? You tiptoed around the dark cottage to your right and suddenly stopped dead in your tracks.
Your heart dropped to your feet and all the blood left your face.
Eivor had pressed her brother's wife to the wooden wall and was kissing her passionately while her hands explored Randvi’s body under her tunic. They were so immersed that they had not heard you coming. You could not move, your feet suddenly weighing you down like boulders again.
The blonde’s knee was between the other woman’s legs and Randvi spread them for her lover, moaning into her mouth. As Eivor started attacking her neck with kisses, the auburn-haired woman opened her eyes and looked directly at you. The surprise in her gaze was almost unnoticeable, fading quickly to be replaced by malicious pleasure as she continued to stare at you while whining Eivor’s name and burying her fingers in the warrior’s hair.
Finally, your muscles started to work again. You turned on the spot and quietly made your way to Eivor’s hut. You felt sick. Closing the door behind you, you kicked your shoes under the bed and threw your coat into the corner. The cat on Eivor's pillow just gave you a questioning look.
“Oh Birna, if only you knew.” You threw yourself on the bed next to her, then you started bawling for the second time today. You cried until there was not a single tear left and you felt completely empty inside. Then you scooted close to the edge of the bed, turning your back to Eivor’s side, and tried to fall asleep.
Even though you fell into a state of absence, sleep would not come. Dread filled you when you heard teps at the door. But before Eivor could enter, you heard her cough and retch, probably throwing up into the thorny bushes a few steps from the door. A slight feeling of righteousness overcame you but it quickly disappeared again, leaving only misery and desperation.
When the warrior finally entered, you could hear her stumble through the room and curse under her breath as she hit her foot on the bed frame. She seemed to only take off her coat and let it fall to the floor before lying down next to you and falling asleep in an instant. A part of you had still hoped for her arms around you, despite everything. Now you could hear her ragged breathing and smell the smoke and alcohol on her hair and breath.
The tears came again and you silently cried into your pillow while the warrior slept soundly next to you, oblivious to your sorrow. Only Birna proved her loyalty to you by getting up from Eivor’s side of the bed and rolling up in the crook of your bent knees.
-
You must have fallen asleep at some point because you were woken the next morning by another salve of mumbled curses. It was still grey outside, dawn had only just begun. You stayed completely still and listened to Eivor dress herself and collect her weapons and shield from her trunk.
To your surprise, the warrior suddenly walked around to your side, crouched down, and lightly stroked your hair.
“Have a good day, my little bird. I will bring you honor and victory today,” she whispered, then she stood up and swiftly left the hut.
-
Let me know what you thought ❤️ (it’s okay if you hate me, I promise I’ll make it up to you in the next chapters)
190 notes · View notes