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tessa-liam · 27 days

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Isle of Misfits

Chapter 9 – Inconvenient Truths

Fandom: TRR x Platinum x OH x CoP x TNA x ?

Series: Isle of Misfits, Round Robin 24, hosted by @choicesprompts

Word Count: 1405

Characters: TRR – Liam Rys, Leo Rys, Olivia Nevrakis, Madeleine Amaranth

RoE – Katie Rys

TNA – Sam Dalton

CoP – Trystan Thorne

Warnings: M *(swearing, references to depression, alcohol abuse, suicide, infidelity)

“Something’s burning…”

Leo stopped short. The scent was subtle, but unmistakable.

Smoke.

Olivia and Leo exchanged worried glances, before darting down the corridor, following the faint acrid scent to its source.

It didn't take them long to track down the fire, the smoke was now billowing out from beneath the door at the end of the hallway.

Olivia pushed Leo back. "Get back! I'm calling the fire department!"

"But—"

"Just do as you're told, for once in your life!" the fiery redhead ordered, already stabbing at the numbers on her mobile phone.

Leo's shoulders raised in defiance. But no sooner had he complied, than the door to the suite burst open, and a large plume of dark grey smoke billowed out.

Coughing and spluttering, Sam Dalton, was waving the acrid haze out of his face.

"Sam?" Leo exclaimed concernedly, stepping forward. "What the fuck, man.!?"

"I'm okay!" Sam assured him, trying to clear his throat.

Olivia put her phone on hold, her eyes darting over the wayward billionaire, looking for any injuries. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure..." Sam said, taking a few shaky steps into the corridor.

Olivia's sharp eyes narrowed. "Are you drunk?"

"No," Sam scoffed, before reconsidering his statement. "Well, a little. I may have had one or two shots."

"Or a whole bottle," Olivia murmured, rolling her eyes.

"I don't know about that..." Sam muttered, looking around himself in bemusement. "I was just trying to put together some food, and... well, next thing I know, there's a fire. Must have forgotten to turn off the hot plate."

"Are you kidding me?" Leo exploded. "You nearly set the building on fire, just because you couldn't be bothered to make a sandwich?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know..." Sam mumbled. "It was stupid."

"I'll say!" there is a Michelin star chef here on the island, why are you even trying to cook?"

"It wasn't like I was trying to kill myself or anything," Sam grumbled, as he staggered off in the direction of his room. "I just couldn't remember if it was gas or electric. It's a common mistake."

"No, it's a common sign of early dementia," Olivia retorted.

"Nah," Sam scoffed, raising his middle finger and slammed his door shut.

The sound of an elevator sounded down the hall. Countess Madeleine Amaranth, a member of Liam's council and Leo's former betrothed, strode towards Leo and Olivia.

Madeleine's cold green eyes took in the smoke damage to the door. "What's going on here? The building is still standing, I see."

Liam had enlisted Madeleine to help reform Leo as a role model for royal decorum since she was a stickler for etiquette and was the queen of spin. True to his promise.

"It's called karma, you idiot," Olivia muttered back, folding her arms and smirking.

"Oh, what fresh hell is this?" Leo growled.

"Ah, Madeleine," Leo greeted her, turning on the charm.

"Leo," Madeleine acknowledged coolly.

"What brings you here, on this fine evening?" Leo asked.

"Liam has requested my assistance. Apparently, you need remedial lessons in proper manners."

"Remedial...?"

"Yes. We have already seen that you cannot handle an engagement," she says, glancing at Olivia, who glared back, "or a marriage, or a mistress, or even a simple friendship..."

"You're not seriously still mad about that, are you?" Leo exclaimed.

"About being publicly embarrassed, or humiliated? Oh, no. That is water under the bridge," she mocked. "However, Liam has asked me to tutor you in proper decorum. So, if you are finished with your tantrum, perhaps we can begin?"

Leo's jaw tightened.

"Well, I think we've got things sorted here," Olivia said, laying a hand on Leo's arm. "If you'll excuse me, Maddy."

Madeleine's eyes narrowed. "You're not going anywhere. You are to meet with Trystan Thorne. I'm sure he'll find that your presence will be beneficial during his sessions."

"What? You're not my superior." Olivia objected, glaring at the tall blonde.

"I am if Liam says so," Madeleine shot back.

Leo's shoulders raised as Olivia's grip tightened painfully.

"Now, if you don't mind," Madeleine continued imperiously. "I need to have a chat with my wayward student."

"Your wayward—!"

"Ow!" cried Leo, wincing. "You're going to leave a bruise, Livvie..."

"That's the plan!" Olivia retorted, digging her fingers into his bicep.

"Come on, Olivia," Leo implored, gently prying her fingers loose. "Let's just get this over with."

Olivia looked like she wanted to argue the point, but Leo's pleading gaze eventually softened her resolve.

"Fine," she growled. "But you're on your own next time, your highness."

"Sure," Leo agreed, sighing.

Olivia gave him a warning look, before stomping off down the corridor.

"Shall we?" Madeleine prompted Leo to offer his arm for her to take.

***

"This is pointless," Leo announced, leaning back on the lounge chair and closing his eyes. After many hours of intense etiquette lectures, role plays, quizzes and more, he felt his stomach rumble as they waited for lunch to be prepared by the Michelin chef, sans alcohol.

"What's pointless is the amount of money Liam has spent on trying to make you a decent human being," Madeleine bit back, flipping the cover of her personal binder of court decorum closed.

"I am a decent human being," Leo countered, frowning. "I'm a far better man than you'll ever know."

"Oh, really?" Madeleine challenged, raising her eyebrow. "Then how come your wife is threatening divorce?"

"That is none of your business, or Liam's for that matter," Leo snapped, opening his eyes. "And just for the record, my life is none of yours either. You don't know the first thing about love, or me."

"I know you can't keep it in your pants," she retorts, rolling her eyes.

"So do I," a voice came from the doorway.

Leo turned towards the speaker in shock.

"Katie," Leo breathed shallowly, pushing himself upright.

"Don't get too excited," Katie told him, folding her arms. "I'm not here for you. I'm here for the kids."

"You're... you're..." Leo stammered nervously.

Looking at her husband, she almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

"Why are you here, Katie?" Leo demanded, standing up.

"Your brother sent me to help," she explained, looking everywhere but at him.

Madeleine excused herself and quietly sauntered out with her binder in hand.

"Yes. He thought it might help to have me here. Help you remember what is important. Family, love, loyalty."

Leo shook his head, moving slowly towards her. "You don't get it. I'm not the same man anymore."

"Then maybe it's time to prove it." Katie said.

"That's what I'm trying to do!" Leo shot back, stopping in place. "I'm here, aren't I?"

At that moment, Leo understood why Liam sent him to the island. His epiphany.

"I have to go," Katie said, her eyes softening. "I'll be back later, when you've had time to process this."

Leo watched her walk away, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.

***

Later, Leo found himself sitting on his balcony, staring at a glass of scotch. He had resisted the urge to drink it, but he was still tempted. His phone buzzed on the table, and he reached for it.

"Hello?"

"Hey," came the reply.

"I made a grave mistake ..."

Leo paused, relieved at the sound of his fellow 'in-mate'.

"Thorne."

“How so?”

"Well, remember when we met at the bar with your brother. I should have believed your brother. That he would be true to his word with his threat."

“Oh boy, this sounds painful.” Leo smirked, already knowing where this conversation was heading..

“Who did he partner you with?”

“Olivia Nevrakis! She is terrifying! Put a dagger to my throat when I dissed her. She threatened to go lower if I didn't pay attention.”

"Did she now? Maybe she's the one you need to focus on," Leo mused.

"She's so intense, it's scary. And she has no interest in me. She is only here because Liam asked her to be.”

"And here I thought she was coming here for me," Leo sighed, taking a swig of the scotch.

"Hey, what happened with that countess?"

Leo paused. "I... I... what did you hear?"

"That she's going to stay a couple more days."

"That's just great," Leo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just what I need."

>>next writer @twinkleallnight

#the royal romance #choicesprompts #isle of misfts #round robin #choices fanfic #trr fanfic #round robin 2024

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roxineedstosleep · 2 years

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Yandere peter parker who is heir to the crown with a reader who is his best friend and daughter of one of the servants and grew up with him and their first kiss is together, he always refuses to date anyone else and demands that people treat the reader like royalty. When the time comes for him to marry he refuses another princess and tells the king that he will only marry if she is the bride but the king refuses but offers the reader to be a concubine or a second wife but Peter refuses and decides that the reader will be queen one way or another. Sorry if it's too long and if there are any mistakes, English is not my first language, it's up to you if you want to do a one shot or something else.

Growing up in the palace was by no means a fairy tale.

Power games were always around the corner. From the noble cradle to the bastards in the streets surrounding the palaces.

Peter knew he was better positioned than anyone else. He being a crown prince.

And for that very reason, he knew what he couldn't and what he could do.

And he wanted you.

Daughter of maids, his full-time nanny and playmate. You were no more and no less than four winters younger than he was, but you had been left in charge of his care and welfare. You had known each other for a lifetime, you being your mother's predecessor, his former caretaker, and you took on the role of his care as soon as he could lift a sword without any weight.

Growing up in such an unfriendly environment, having a sincere companionship was nothing but a blessing.

They would run around the palace's vast gardens and breezeways, jumping from pond to pond and sheltering inside the library on extremely cold days.

Whether to read the books or to hide from the kitchen maids who would chase him for stealing the meat pies. All together.

And he was happy to have you by his side. Because you made him happy and you were happy in the process.

And it would have stayed that way if it wasn't for his uncle Ben getting sick after a battle wound… and then fell almost to his death. Which meant only one thing.

His upcoming coronation to King.

The whole process, which would have taken years, was reduced to a matter of months.

His education, his military training, his etiquette classes, his free time was reduced and worst of all… candidates and candidates for queen.

But he wanted none of that. He just wanted things to stay the way they were. He wanted to be able to go out to the village to see the common people dance at the pagan festivals, he wanted to ride with you on his horse for hours to feel the wind in his face.

He wanted those moments of privacy, where he would just be glued to your side, while you read him stories and more documents.

You were clearly better than any servant girl and you were just as ready as any noblewoman. But, unfortunately for him, the lack of noble blood and surname was a stumbling block that prevented him from even considering you a candidate.

Talking didn't help much either. The more he asked for reconsideration, the more his uncles were reluctant to even consider you as a royal concubine.

"You can make her your mistress, she can be anything you want as long as we don't make her official".

And well… if no one would listen to him.

He would just take what was his. What he considers his own.

He didn't want you away, he couldn't bear to be with someone else, thus giving you a free pass to be with another man and start your family.

He wanted that, he wanted to be everything to you as you already were to him.

He wanted to have you, to possess you, to reign by your side and to know that the children who would follow him to the throne would be his as well as yours.

Did no one see it?

You had taken perfect care of him. A sign that you would be a fit mother. At most his heirs would have to have a private tutor or two.

So he took you.

On the day of his uncle's death, he woke the people sitting on the throne, wearing the crown and proclaiming that you were not allowed to leave the court.

He sat you at his side, covered you with one of his aunt's cloaks and gave you a queen's conjugal crown.

He stood in front of you.

He stood in front of several witnesses and just like that, he made you his queen. He gave you a last name and put a ring on your finger.

So you would no longer have to run away, so you would no longer have to worry about not being able to be by his side. And so both could stay together.

Weren't you already a perfect queen? making him happy?

Giving you the crown had only confirmed the obvious.

#yandere and reader #yandere marvel #yandere mcu #yandere male #yandere peter parker #yandere peter parker x reader #yandere spiderman x reader #yandere spiderman #peter parker x reader #royalty au

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wttcsms · 3 months

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💖 second couple syndrome! one shot event;

˗ˏˋ second couple syndrome ´ˎ˗ when you find yourself rooting for/being more invested in the secondary couple as opposed to the main pairing

˗ˏˋ about this event ´ˎ˗ just like how secondary couples don't get much screen time to develop their story, this event is accepting requests only for characters that are underloved, underappreciated, and/or undervalued. whether it's because they're forgotten by the fandom in general, the fandom itself is underrated, or their canon screen time totals up to six minutes and five lines of dialogue, it doesn't matter. this event is their shot at being the main character and getting the happy ending for once!

˗ˏˋ more about this event ´ˎ˗ going with the secondary couple theme & playing on the fact that this is for the more "forgotten" characters, the prompt requests are going to be based on pairings that would most likely be the usual secondary couple's trope!

˗ˏˋ rules ´ˎ˗ -> this is for underrated characters only. while there's no hard min/max, if i look up your requested little guy and he has more than 4 pages worth of fics on ao3 or his tumblr x reader tag is very much still active, i don't want to see that request!! for ex: don't ask for oikawa or gojo. be so for real with me rn -> please specify whether you want nsfw or sfw. -> the prompts to pick from aren't hardcoded, meaning it doesn't have to be that specific au!! if you want, i can tailor it to canon, or if you kinda get the gist of what i was getting at, you can follow that pattern & create your own 'second couple pairing trope' <;3 -> fandoms i write for: haikyuu, bnha, blue lock, cod, jujutsu kaisen, aot, genshin impact, honkai star rail

˗ˏˋ prompts to pick from ´ˎ˗ -> instead of the ceo x secretary, it's the ceo's right hand man x the secretary's bestie -> instead of the troubled pop star x heart of gold bf, it's the pop star's stressed out manager x pop star's equally stressed out publicist -> instead of the high ranking employee x lower ranked employee, it's the two interns who are both competing for the one full-time offer -> instead of the good girl x mysterious bad boy, it's the good girl's boy best friend (who's been hopelessly in love with her for a while) x the new girl in town who's her complete opposite -> instead of the college tutor x the athlete, it's the athlete's coach x the athlete's professor whose class they're failing -> instead of the dilf x babysitter, it's the newly divorced woman x her new hot neighbor that's always willing to lend a hand -> instead of the down on her luck stripper x rich ceo (who just happens to be at a strip club??), it's the sarcastic nightclub bouncer x babyfaced reader whose real ID he just broke -> instead of the barista x her future sugar daddy, it's the owner of the cafe x the owner of the cafe's biggest competitor -> instead of the lawyer x down on their luck client, it's the police officer x the district attorney -> instead of the mortal x the god, it's the two immortal gods who've had a bone to pick with each other for eons -> instead of the journalist x the celeb, it's the up and coming podcaster/social media star x their number one hater -> instead of the normal girl x the ceo getting into a marriage of convenience, it's the ceo's shopaholic sister x the normal girl's brother who happens to be the deliveryman -> instead of the hot, rich older man x the poor naive girl, it's the hot, rich older man x the spoiled heiress who's not so easy to impress or get -> instead of the maneater x womanizer, it's the happy go lucky lover girl x cute lovable idiot with zero game & has never had a girlfriend ever -> instead of the soldier x the civilian, it's the mercenary-for-hire x spy on the run -> instead of the knight x the princess, it's the king's royal advisor x the princess's lady-in-waiting

˗ˏˋ requests ´ˎ˗

#wttcsms writing event: second couple syndrome

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psychospore · 1 year

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Hello, amazing people - thank you for your love and support

I would greatly appreciate it if you could like/reblog the ones you like and leave comments.

Masterlist Part 2

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Masterlist

Personal Faves - 💗 | Baby Fever AU - 🍼

Smut Loki - One Shots

Loki's Tinker Belle - 18+ 💗

Mischief Unleashed - 18+

The Relic: Thor and Loki's Misadventures - 💗

Loki's Pet - 100 years after - 18+

The Last Pocky - 18+

A Welcomed Distraction - 18+ 💗

Secret in the Royal Library - 18+ 💗

Unconventional Pain Reliever - 18+ 💗

Sneaky Session - 18+

Popsicle - 18+

Challenging a god - 18+

A Visit to the Healer - 18+ 💗

Long Ride - 18+

Worshipping his Goddess - 18+

Favor - 18+

Private Tutor - 18+

Midnight Ministrations - 18+

More Loki One-shots

A Fateful Encounter

Rescuing Thor: Loki and Y/N's Misadventures - 💗

Asgardian Yuletide Ball - 💗

Loki's New Pet

An Exquisite Treat

Fated to Meet Again

Little Miss Mischief - 🍼

A Beacon of Light

In a Different Light

Speak Now - 💗

Curling up and... Dying??? - 🍼

In Another Life

Bestfriends to Lovers

Mischievous Plan

A Second Chance

Tale Weaver

Mothers Know Best

Someone Special

Parallel Lines - 💗

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ladystarksneedle · 6 months

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I want you more than I need to

Laena's pov

A/N: Based on the events of episode 5 of House of the Dragon, with a bit of canon divergence. All phrases in italics are meant to be spoken in High Valyrian.

Summary: A dragon in red catches the eye of the seahorse of Driftmark.

Word count: 2.4k

She looks at him drumming his fingers restlessly across the table, a smirk adorning his face. His gaze has been trained on Rhaenyra since the moment he's arrived, unmoving and relentless. She'd seen her shy away, blush and return a few, only to abruptly turn to greet yet another lord or lady conveying their regards. She thinks she's rather splendid at dancing, for someone who's never been interested in the art, circling around her betrothed, much like their dragons, now resting in the pit together. On the outside, to everyone else, they make a good match, if not for each of their covert pursuits, though with the glances Ser Joffrey seems to be throwing Laenor's way, their dalliance is hard to miss by an observant spectator. She cannot say the same for Rhaenyra. There have been rumors of an affair, of her virtue being tainted, but she hadn't given them much thought. If the act had indeed taken place and she now had a paramour, she was good at hiding it and had donned the role of the blushing bride quite well. Perhaps King's Landing did have a way with their mummers.

The dragon in front of her stirred as he caught her staring, his eyes narrowing in suspicion and a glint of appreciation. She bit her lip in response, refusing to cower under his gaze.

"I am as much a match for you, as you are for me", she thought, stroking the rim of her chalice. He cocked his head in delight, seemingly toying with her boldness before his attention was drawn to the crescendo of drums signaling the end of the dance below. He clapped reluctantly as her own family erupted in thunderous applause.

"We stand here today to witness the union of two great houses, the last symbols of the might of Old Valyria. May the sky and the sea meet in harmony and rule as one for a thousand years to come."

It was a good speech given by the King and from what she knew about the man, hardly one written by his own hand. His newest companion sat brooding at his side, observing the gathering with a pointed yet sullen look. Most called him slow and more of a brute, but appearances were deceiving, more often than not. Her father had long coveted the chains he wore, for as far as she could remember, ambition and pride being as much of their blood as the salt was of the seas. He'd only turned his attention to newer horizons when presented with a sweeter opportunity, his own blood on the throne. She'd been chosen years ago for the task, meticulously groomed to perfection.

"You shall be the new Queen, Laena and our blood shall rule the seven kingdoms. You shall bring much glory to our house daughter, the likes it has never seen before."

She however had been rejected soon after, all her tutoring in vain. She'd lamented for a while, burdened by the incompetence thrust upon her young shoulders only to find solace amongst a new companion. She'd finally brought glory to their house again, just not in the way her father may have wanted.

That was Laenor's mantle to carry now and judging by the look of it, not a smooth one. She watched him embrace his companion and whisper delightedly in his ear while his bride danced obliviously with other eager lords. The royal couple, though amicable, were somehow already poles apart. Father shot them a reproachful look, whispering angrily with Mother who tried to placate him yet again.

Her attention was soon drawn back to the red dragon infront of her who had finally decided to strike. He moved smoothly through the crowds whether to join in on the festivities or wreak his own havoc she did not know, except that her blood surged to follow him.

Daemon Targaryen was an enigma to her. The Rogue Prince, rider of Caraxes, lord Fleabottom, he went by many monikers, each thrilling and foreboding alike. He was much like his mount at the moment, slithering through the crowds, alert and ready.

"Has anyone ever told you, you're nearly as pretty as your brother?"he remarked finally regarding her.

"You flatter me, my prince, you're not so bad yourself," she replied, moving gracefully around him. "A Targaryen prince, a dashing dragon rider, it seems you are every young maiden's dream"

"Only those you don't know me yet"

"Perhaps we may remedy that" she whispered, twirling around him.

He smirked in response as he took her in fully, his eyes slowly raking over her.

"Perhaps indeed, my lady"

As the dance continued she let herself be pulled in the direction of the current, enjoying their little game of chase. She'd catch his eye over the crowd of heads, gazing at him slightly longer than was appropriate only to be graced by his infamous smirk, etched onto his face as he moved skillfully from one lady to another. Her attention however was soon caught by another flash of silver, materialising infront of her.

"Cousin, did I tell you how lovely you look today"

"I am afraid not, Daeron" she replied distractedly.

"Allow me to remedy that," he remarked quickly pulling her in for a dance "It seems you are in need of a much more attentive partner"

"Do not start"

"There is nothing to, Laena, just consider it a friendly reminder of your position"

"I would hardly call it friendly then"

"The Sealord and his support is important to us. I'm sure you needn't be reminded."

"And yet he's neither here nor is my intended. I'm afraid I don't understand the harm in enjoying myself at my own brother's wedding festivities"

"Stay away from him, cousin. He brings nothing but harm"

"You are too quick to judge"

"And you are naive enough not to. I've fought with him and lived near him for years to know enough. Consider this as me looking out for you, yet again."

"I do not need saving, cousin"

"I never said you did. But even dragons need warnings. You need a horn of danger blown in your direction, for you're far to oblivious to know otherwise."

"Perhaps it is not obliviosness you as you, yourself, mistake it. Perhaps it is courage"

"Then you are a fool and a fool's courage is naught but waste."

She recoiled in response, as their circling came to an end.

"Heed my warning little seahorse, I only mean the best for you," he shot back bowing as he took his leave.

She watched his head disappear, perplexed as he approached another one of their many cousins to dance. Somewhere in the commotion she'd lost sight of him. It was not hard to spot a head full of silver but the crowd suddenly seemed to obscure everything in its path. She had never minded these parts of the dance, the haphazardness in between, before the next ones commenced, but the mass around her felt ominous and stifling. Something was wrong. A cold sweat broke out at the nape of her neck, as she craned her head to look up at the dias. Her father and uncle sat perched and engrossed in conversation, only her mother looked aghast, ashen like she'd seen a ghost. Before she could move towards her, a shrill scream broke through the chatter nearby. It all happened too fast. The screaming, crying and shoving. Masses of people being thrown together, some to the floor, some at each other. It seemed as if a drunken brawl had erupted with the Great hall transformed into a bawdy tavern. Her instincts soon caught up with her, as she pushed through the throng of people trying to find Laenor. Where was he? She had a feeling something was amiss, which she soon saw with her own eyes. Laenor was thrown to the floor a few feet ahead, almost at the center of the brawl, his nose covered in blood. She screamed his name frantically as she tried to push through, only to be hauled back by a pair of strong arms instead.

"It is no use cousin, run up instead."

"Laenor!"

"I shall get to him. Go! As fast as you can, run to the dias."

"I cannot leave him!"

"This is not the time to be stubborn, Laena. Our uncle shall have my head if I don't get you up there" he said, lifting her up and pushing her backwards. "Go"

Her feet moved back, of their own accord, stumbling to get away or near she did not know. An elbow came crashing towards her head, bumping it severely in the process. The dias seemed like a good idea at the moment but too far away to reach with the crowd closing in.

"Open the gates! Open the gates!"

"Guards to the front"

She heard the clamoring of armor as the screams increased forcing her towards the pillars. Leaning against one as she caught her breath, she managed to make her way to the side of the hall, near the gallery of guests as she felt for the unevenness of a familiar knob. It was still there, she heaved in relief as she pushed against the wall which gave way to a dim passage. If it was any other situation, she'd have laughed at herself for thinking so in the first place. The secret passages of the Keep had remained in place since the time of Maegor the cruel, partly because no one knew how many there were and how to precisely find them and mostly because he himself had made sure of it. She'd never been more thankful to his cruelty than before. As she made her way through the dim corridor opening into one of the lesser hallways she breathed a sigh of relief, contemplating her next move. Should she run back to the hall? Did Daeron manage to get to Laenor? Was he alright?

A soft rumble behind her alerted her instead. She wasn't alone.

"You should not be out here."

"Neither should you" she whispered, hugging herself. "What happened there?"

"A drunken brawl by the likes of it. You needn't worry yourself."

"That hardly seems like a mere brawl to me. Laenor has been injured, I must go to him"

"You'll not make it past the gates. There's guards everywhere with the crowd in shambles. It would be folly to attempt otherwise" he responded tersely. "Didn't you just manage to find your way to safety, admirably so. It'd be a shame to let it go to waste "

"I cannot leave him"

"And yet you have", he said finally turning towards her.

He seemed to regard her fully now, bathed under the moonlight as he walked closer to where she stood halfway between the danger behind and the one that lay ahead.

"Where did you go", she whispered as he drew near.

"To tie up loose ends"

"Was it to your satisfaction?"

He grunted in dissent as he tucked an errant lock of curls behind her ear.

"Why are you here, Daemon?"

"It is my niece's wedding. Can a man not join in on his family's festivities"

"Only if he isn't you"

"You seem to know a lot about me, for someone who hardly claims to, my lady"

"Perhaps I am merely observant"

"And tell me, what have these observations of yours led to? What is it you think you now know"

"You came back for her, didn't you? You haven't stopped staring at her since you've arrived, perhaps thinking you'd win her back, escape on dragonback across the sea. It is too late though, isn't it, which comes as a shock, for how can the Rogue Prince be denied"

He clenched his teeth in disapproval, closing the distance between them, eyebrows arched in distaste, before smirking at her discomfort over their sudden proximity.

"I did not know I was being so closely observed. " he whispered, leaning in. "Do you know what I think, I think you are far too perceptive to be involved in matters like these. Do not play a game you cannot win."

"You call me perceptive, yet you contradict yourself all the same. I do not say this to mock you, just as plainly as I see and I wouldn't dare go against you, not that I wouldn't win, I only fear you may not like it when I do," she responded, moving away as his eyes widened momentarily.

"You like playing with fire, don't you"

"As all dragons do"

"I can see what she sees in you, Vhagar"

"Much like her previous rider then?" She retorted cheekily

"Much and more it may seem" he responded softly. She found his softness enticing with an edge to it, exciting her further.

"Was I right then? Did you plan to take her to Dragonstone?"

"No" he retorted turning his head away.

"You plan to leave instead, like you always do" she whispered in realization.

He merely regarded her in silence, cocking his head in observation.

"And how long will this self imposed exile last for? I thought dragons don't run from danger"

"Yet we seek out solitude, I would assume you'd know that well too, with your mount"

"Much too well"

"It hardly comes as a surprise then"

"It does. I had assumed you were better than this."

"You assume far too much for not having known me at all, brave one"

"Then allow me the chance to do so."

She felt her heart thrumming wildly in her chest as she approached him, hands extended in a gesture meant to calm.

"Give me a chance to do so" she whispered as she drew closer.

He looked at her curiously, eyes clouded with a myriad of emotions

"You do not know what you ask"

"Perhaps I do. Perhaps I don't. Perhaps this is me staking my claim"

"I do not share Laena."

"I am well aware, my prince."

He merely smirked in response "Then you know where I'm headed, or is your bravery lost to the sea"

She looked at him with suspicion contemplating what she wanted. Somewhere in the distance the screams had abated. She could still hear the crowds and their lively chatter as they moved away. Laenor would be married soon, if not by the week's end and she'd be forced into her own bubble by the end of the moon, shipped across the narrow sea to a fate not of her own choosing.

"Well?" he asked, extending his hand, which she took just as quickly, her own burning in delight.

"Lead the way"

Taglist: @witheredoffherwitch @arcielee @chompchompluke @barbieaemond

#house of the dragon #hotd imagine #zae's fics #laena fics #lady laena #laena velaryon #daemon x laena #laena imagine #laena x daemon

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kuroneko1815 · 1 year

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Random fic idea: Cedric Porter remembers the time loops or some of them

Ok but um… what if, instead of the capture targets remembering… it’s our number one, overworked, highly capable, best aide that remembers the time loops. Like he remembers at least 2. One where Penelope and Callisto are a thing and she dies with Callisto following after going off the rails with a murderous rampage, and one where they don’t get together and Leila happens.

- He remembers at the end of the war just as they’re making the preparations to return to Eorka

- He’s older than Callisto by a few years and was actually his tutor while he was on the battlefield. Like, he was young when he went in, who the F finished his royal instructions. Cedric is a genius and nothing anyone says can change that.

- He goes into planning mode, first he plans dates for Callisto and Penelope. And also starts trying to teach him on romance and normal human interactions. Callisto goes along with it to humour him

Cedric: Your highness, women are like chocolates

Callisto: I hate super sweet things. You’re saying I should crush them under my boots?

Cedric: Alright, let’s try that again… women are like dark chocolates

Callisto: So I should devour every one of them?

Cedric panics and says no: Alright, so think of them as rabbits…

Callisto: Hunt them?

Cedric: Your highness! Please stop being so obtuse!

Callisto just smirks and motions for him to go on.

- He deliberately makes Callisto pass through the corridor where he knows Penelope was being harassed by a drunk nobleman during the Victory Banquet. Callisto basically saves Penelope and she thanks him, looking him in the eyes without stuttering, blushing, or cowering in fear and he becomes interested since that’s a first when it came to women or any civilians actually.

- Callisto and Penelope become friends with Penelope seeing him as her hero and they write back and forth. He becomes incredibly protective of her and unknowingly becomes smitten which is what Cedric had planned

- Cedric dropping hints for outings (dates) and arranging things for Callisto before he even says anything. Also pushes for the Leila hunt and has his own plans for her

- Cedric and Callisto’s efficiency quadruples for a short while since Cedric already has some foresight into what happens for the next few months which frees up a lot of their time

- Cedric makes some contingencies for the hunting festival but otherwise leaves it alone. He knows Callisto needs some alone time with Penelope and he already knows the man will pull through from the poison

- He realizes he miscalculated just a smidge when he sees hickeys on Callisto after the assassination attempt while he was unconscious

- Cedric helps him take care of the Delman uprising easily and is already anticipating the movements of the second prince and the Leila so the Emperor survives while the Second Prince, the Queen, and the entirety of the Allen family is put to the sword along with a few other noble families that had participated in the coup

- He isn’t surprised that Callisto and Penelope are planning to get married immediately because he already had a feeling that she had gotten pregnant during the hunting festival

- He eventually confesses the time loops to Callisto who is only angry that he let Penelope be in danger during the hunt but otherwise lets it pass and admits that Penelope does remember the time loops as well, but there were more than just two, there were dozens if not hundreds to which Cedric shuddered

- Cedric also realized he had shot himself in the foot when Callisto tells him that he won’t be able to retire now and this is proven true when his children eventually become aides to the Imperial children and their descendants follow along

#death is the only ending for a villainess #vadd #villains are destined to die #callisto regulus #fic ideas #death is the only ending for the villainess #penelope eckart x callisto regulus #penelope eckart #Cedric porter #Cedric deserves some love and appreciation #he’s overworked #also he’s the most capable one #he will never retire #he’s cursed his descendants #he’s the wingman and matchmaker

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jjkeremika · 8 months

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My Tutor

Description: eren is struggling with math so mikasa offers to help him. eren asks to feel her boob if he gets a 100 on his final. mikasa figured he’ll never get a perfect score, so it couldn’t hurt to give him something to work for.

alternative universe: college/university

gets a little smutty

*************

“I really don’t get why I need to know calculus and series and linear algebra. How this is relevant to me as a person— beyond me! And it’s not like I don’t do the homework, Armin, I’ve fucking tried and still fail.”

Eren crossed his arms and huffed. He was pacing, barely. Two steps then turning around. Another two steps and turning around.

“I’m not built for this crap. Oh, it’s dumb I have to fucking memorize shit!”

Armin rolled his eyes, returning his attention to the laptop in his lap. Eren was complaining about his maths class again.

Yeah, he did the homework, as in he had an answer for every question. Whether he derived that answer the right way is a completely different question; and whether he studied was another.

He let Eren yammer on as he stared around the campus. They were sat underneath their favorite tree in their favorite spot on campus. It was a stunning day, sunny and not too hot, a nice breeze. Armin couldn’t not work outside today. There was a lot of background chatter. The leaves made a lovely noise as the breeze swept through.

Though he could barely hear it over Eren’s loud mouth.

“Armin, are you even listening to me?” Eren was waving his hand in front of Armin’s face, desperately trying to get his attention. “Stop spacing out, I’m having problems.”

“When aren’t you having problems?” He intended for it to be more playful, but it came out as a sigh. Eren paid no attention to it.

“Dude. I could fail this fucking class, okay? I need your help.”

“I’ve never taken that class. Ask Jean or Reiner or Floch or someone.” Armin paused. “Just not Connie. Oh. Hey, Mikasa. How are you?”

Armin watched her approach from behind Eren, who was completely oblivious to anyone’s presence besides his own and Armin’s. Her natural gait was so quiet though that he wouldn’t noticed her presence if he weren’t staring at her.

She had ditched her usual trousers and long sleeve for a long skirt and short sleeves. She had waved to Armin.

“You look nice today,” Armin added. Mikasa smiled from the compliment. Eren quickly turned to face her.

“Thank you,” she responded, stopping next to Eren, who’s eyes were fixated on her. She turned her head to face Eren and greeted him: “Eren, hi.”

Eren wasted no time. “Mikasa, you’ve taken Math Methods, right?” he asked.

“Why do you ask? Do you need help? I can tutor you.” Armin rolled his eyes - Mikasa to the rescue.

Eren’s eyes lit up. “Really? Could we make it a regular thing? I’m royally fucked if I fail my final.”

Armin could practically smell the desperation. Armin let out a mix of a scoff and a laugh. Eren shot him a glare.

“What’s so funny?” Eren demanded. The argumentative tone was clear to Armin that his needing help was something he was embarrassed about. He knew him too well.

“Nothing,” Armin sighed. The conversation was now over. It was hard to talk to Eren when he started getting defensive.

Eren glared slightly at Armin while Armin shifted his gaze back to Mikasa, who still stood in front of them, arms crossed firmly under her chest.

“Yeah, we can do that,” she suddenly replied to Eren, returning to their conversation. He moved his eyes from Armin to Mikasa and wait— did he glance at her chest? “We can start tonight.”

***

Mikasa went to Eren’s apartment every night until the midterm to help him study. She would show up around 8:00pm, then would quickly greet Armin before Eren whooshed her off to his room to study.

The two sat side by side at his desk with the textbook, two notebooks, and lots of erasers. They sat close together; their legs and arms almost touching to the point where one’s body heat radiated immediately onto the other. Eren appreciated that she tutored him, but man was she fucking distracting.

It was the way she sat so close to him; the way she leaned closer when he was working on a problem; the way she smelled like a cross of pink roses and champagne; the way she’d glance at him after asking him a question; the way she’d lean in so close when explaining the answer— no, the way her arm would push against her breast when she’d write the solution for him…

“So, because the equation follows this pattern, this is the differential you’d use…”

He knew this would happen. If he weren’t doing that poorly, he wouldn’t have accepted her help. But she’s one of those lucky few people who just understands everything and usually it’s so damn annoying and so fucking attractive and he’s so desperate for help.

He hasn’t been this close to her since they were teenagers, fighting all the time because he was desperate to beat her.

He did: once. Sparring on the flats near his backyard. He had demanded a rematch after she knocked him on the ground for the fourth time. She relented and quickly tackled him; Eren landed on his front while Mikasa had pressed her knee to his back. He managed to swipe her weight-supporting leg out from under her and he flipped to his front. Her knees had separated on either side of him, sitting directly on top of him, hands placed near his head as support. Her face had turned red and she froze, and Eren took the opportunity to roll them over. He grabbed her wrists, tightened his thighs around her calves, and flipped so he was on top. She was still frozen, mouth agape, her entire face even more red, breathing a little more heavy. He was so happy about finally winning and jumped up immediately, exclaiming victory cries. She stood up and ran inside. He heard her talking to his mum later that night. He assumed she was embarrassed from losing and neither ever brought it up again. They never sparred again either.

It wasn’t until the memory resurfaced a year later that he realized he was completely oblivious to a different opportunity— one that he now thought frequently about.

“Do you see why this is a power series?”

Her lips seemed so soft and pink, and he’d watched the tiny red mark form on her bottom right lip as she bit it while thinking. And her skin seemed so soft too. Eren wanted to reach out and just caress her cheek sometimes and he had to shake himself out of it.

“Eren?”

Her voice was soft on his ears too. He couldn’t help but wonder just how someone who was so strong and intelligent seemed so soft and delicate. The thought of how she needed no one and he needed her in more ways than one didn’t seem so aggravating right now.

He returned her stare. “Hm?”

“Do you see why that’s the right equation to use?”

She was looking directly into his eyes. Grey meeting green. He wondered how just one look could make him feel so warm.

Now would be a great time to kiss her, he thought. Just kiss her.

“Eren? Helloo.” She tapped his shoulder and Eren shook his head to whisk his thoughts away.

“Yeah, I was just trying to work out the next one.” He leaned back in his chair. Fuck.

“When is your final? What grade do you need to pass?”

He rolled his eyes again— the way he always did when she was hounding him with questions. She was his tutor, so she had a right to know technically, but it’s not like he cared so why did she have to.

“Uh, in three weeks and don’t worry about it.”

She sighed. “Well, alright. I think you’ll earn a passing exam grade.”

He was slightly surprised and disappointed she didn’t ask further and started packing up her things. He checked the time: it was pretty late.

“I’ll walk you home.”

***

“Thank you for tutoring me,” Eren expressed at her door.

“You’re welcome. What should we do for a celebration when you pass?”

The outside lights illuminated her face. She was standing so close— so, so close. He could feel the heat radiating from her.

“Hm.” What he wanted he couldn’t just blatantly ask for, could he? “I’m not sure.”

“Well, if you think of anything, let me know. Good luck studying on your own. You should pick something to focus on for motivation.”

The words escaped his mouth before he heard them in his brain. He saw the blush and shock on her face before he even heard the question.

“If I get a 100, can I touch your boob?”

He felt warm again, but the bad kind. The weight in his stomach felt unnaturally heavy and his face was burning— but he took silent breaths and held his stance, she didn’t need to know he was freaking out.

After a brief pause, she laughed to break the tension. She watched him study for multiple months now with little improvement. If it helped to motivate him, fine by her. “Yeah, alright.”

***

Armin wasn’t home when Eren asked Mikasa to come over— he made certain. Whether or not anything actually happened, he didn’t want anyone besides them to know.

They were sitting on the couch when Eren told her the result. The tension thickened instantly and both of them blushed, both felt unbelievably warm.

“So, obviously nothing has to happen,” Eren rambled. “I’m pretty sure neither of us thought this would happen. I mean, I’m psyched either way because I got a 100, so don’t feel like an obligation or anything, because you have this weird thing about making me happy. Don’t worry about that. Seriously.”

She didn’t say anything.

“It was a dumb thing to say anyway. At the time and now. I really don’t know why I said that. It was way over the line. And I—”

His eyes flicked to her hands, which were unbuttoning her tight shirt. He couldn’t pry his eyes off of the exposed skin popping out of the shirt, desperately peeking out to breathe. Her skin looked paler there, constantly confined.

His mouth was open and his eyes were glued to her now exposed cleavage. Her top was on the couch now. The blood was roaring in his ears, pounding through his body. The way she was looking up at him, the way there’s even less fabric between him and her chest.

This was all too much. It was too real. He wasn’t ready for this— not with her of all people. What if he made a mistake? What if he took it too far? This wasn’t like last time. There was more intent— it was solely attraction.

Her hands were moving again. His brain was short-circuiting. He was frozen, only his chest was moving rapidly. It felt like all the air in the world wasn’t enough.

Before he could process it, the black bra he’d seen through her tight white shirt for two years now was on the floor.

Eren couldn’t breathe. The noise he let out was uncharacteristic, animalistic. He eyes roamed her face, he felt like he couldn’t look anymore. He wasn’t expecting any of this to actually happen, and he definitely wasn’t expecting this when it started to happen.

There she was, topless, looking at Eren in such a way that he’s never seen on her before. The way he knew he looked when he thought of her.

His arm started reaching up, pausing just above her skin. He didn’t broke eye contact with her. His hand hovered right over her breast.

She placed her hand over his and closed the gap. He stepped forward and rested his forehead against hers, eyes closed. He couldn’t believe this was happening.

He felt her push his hand closer and up. He felt her heartbeat, somehow beating even faster than his. He felt her nipple against the palm of his hand— and it was all real.

His fingers started to curl as he squeezed lightly, letting out another uncharacteristic whimper. Wait, that wasn’t me. That was all her.

He opened his eyes and saw hers were closed, lips barely parted, breathing rapidly and pushing his hand infinitely closer to her.

The feeling wasn’t enough. Both of them wanted to feel even closer to each other.

Eren used his other hand to lift her head and he kissed her desperately. All of the blood was draining from his head. She made him feel lightheaded and he fell to the couch.

She sat on top of him, still kissing him, pawing at his shoulders. This was it, the opportunity he’d lost.

He kissed from her lips to her ear, her ear to her neck, then to her chest. He wanted to memorize every bit of her.

She tilted her head back as he pawed at her bum with one hand and her boob with the other. Mikasa tilted her head back as Eren continued to kiss her chest and neck, mindlessly letting whatever noises her body made slip out.

This made it impossible for them to hear the door open. Armin sighed as he quietly closed the door and said nothing as he hid them from his view with his hand and ran quickly to his room, catching a quick glance at the exam on the counter.

#aot fanfiction #snk fanfic #eremika #eremika fanfic #eren jaeger #mikasa ackerman #eren x mikasa #college universe #i see them in like 20s #armin arlert #even tho i wrote mikasa you could just replace it all with yn #eremika smut #jjkeremika #i have to tag myself bc i wrote it lmao

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grailfinders · 7 months

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Grailfinders #325: Zenobia

today on Grailfinders we’re building the proud queen of Palmyra, Zenobia! she’s a Psi Warrior Fighter to keep a couple ballistae on your shoulders at all times, as well as a Zealot Barbarian to make them shoot lasers! and also so you can fight in literally almost nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all…

check out her build breakdown below the cut, or her character sheet over here!

next up: Cinderella, ella, ella! ay! ay! ay!

Ancestry & Background

Zenobia’s a human, specifically a Palmyrene (yes I did have to look that up), but it seems the only thing FGO really knows or cares about her history is the siege and the sadomasochism, so we’re going to make her a little Stensian to help toughen her up. she’s under siege by romans, they’re under siege by vampires, it’s practically the same thing tbh. she gets +1 Strength and Charisma, as well as a Daunting presence for free proficiency in Intimidation. yes… that’s why she’s dressed like that. of course. she’s also Tough, so she gets a free +2 bonus HP per level!

you’re also a noble, so that’s some proficiency in history and persuasion! history’s always a freebie for servants, and good golly can you be persuasive! or maybe just distracting?

ability scores

your highest score is gonna be constitution, you got a guts, your whole schtick is how ya like not quittin, it just makes sense. after that is dexterity- you can wear heavy armor, but your whole thing is not doing that. also, even though you use a sword most of the time people might want a lil archery in their archer build. third up is strength, bc we need it for multiclassig and also bc you smack people around with a sword most of the time. your charisma is also pr good, bc again, distracting. that means your intelligence is a lil low, i know royals probably had tutors and all that, but it’s not needed for the build. that means we’re dumping wisdom! do I really need to explain why fighting people while chained up is an unwise decision? (also you straight up slept through a combat encounter? wild.)

class levels

1. Fighter 1: okay, we know zenny doesn’t use her heavy armor that often, but it’s still something she can do, so we need to start as a fighter to make it happen. speaking of stuff we can do, unarmed fighting! it’s a fighting style that’ll make your punches and kicks do up to a d8 of damage! you actually don’t use your sword all that often, it’s kind of weird…

you can also spend a bonus action to heal with a second wind once a short rest! healing helps you not die, and not dying helps you win a siege! basic maths.

you get proficiency with Strength and Constitution saves, plus Acrobatics and Insight to tell whether or not this weird princess idol can be trusted.

2. Barbarian 1: okay, enough of that nonsense, we need to get naked, now. thankfully, with Unarmored Defense you can do that without turning it into a death sentence by adding your constitution to your AC. furthermore, you can Rage once you’ve psyched yourself up enough to deal extra damage with strength-based attacks, have advantage on strength saves and checks, and you resist physical damage for up to a minute as long as you aren’t wearing heavy armor and keep fighting.

3. Fighter 2: okay, now that we’re nakie, let’s get back to getting those shoulder-mounted guns! at second level, a fighter can action surge for a second action in a single turn once a short rest! that’s like, twice as many attacks as before!

4. fighter 3: a level three you finally become a psi warrior, so now you can float up some crossbows to keep on hand! these shots are represented by psionic dice- you get two times your proficiency bonus in psi dice per day, and you can also recharge one die per short rest. you can use these in three ways- you can spend them on a protective field to further reduce damage, or you can float an object with telekinetic movement. for the latter, the first time is free, so just don’t let your crossbows fall and you’re good! mechanically it’s a lot less of a headache to just say they’re there, and add extra damage with psionic strikes, dealing a psionic die of damage to someone you’ve attacked this turn. it says this has to be immediately after you attack, but I’d let you walk away first, really get that “samurai slices up an enemy and sheathes her sword” vibe goin.

5. barbarian 2: at level two a barbarian can make reckless attacks, giving yourself advantage on all melee attacks for a round, at the cost of everyone else having advantage on attacks against you. thank goodness u also have danger sense, giving yourself advantage on dex saves against stuff you can see! wait, those two don’t cancel out at all! at least you have a ton of health!

6. barbarian 3: at level three you gain primal knowledge, making you proficient with perception! you gotta be able to see stuff to shoot it, after all. also you’re a zealot now.

thanks to your subclass, you have some divine fury you can toss on your attacks, dealing an extra bit of radiant damage on the first hit you land each turn. boom, laser crossbows.

you’re also a warrior of the gods, so you can be revived for free. we’ll get a guts later, but if you need a revive you need a revive.

7. barbarian 4: first asi! bump up your strength to punch stuff deader.

8. barbarian 5: at fifth level barbarians get an extra attack each action for up to four attacks in one turn with your action surge. some times you just gotta beat people into the ground, i get it.

you also have fast movement, increasing your speed by 10’ while not wearing heavy armor. yeah your np looks cool, but you’d probably have a much harder time doing spinkicks while wearing it.

9. barbarian 6; sixth level zealots have a fanatical foucus that lets you reroll failed saves while raging once per rage. roman emperors are known for trying wisdom save bullshit, so don’t let them get all buddy-buddy with you.

10. barbarian 7: seventh level barbarians have a regal/ feral instinct for danger, giving you advantage on initiative rolls, plus you can ignore being surprised by going full queen mode turn one. you got ambushed by like 40 guys that one time and still got to go first, remember?

11. barbarian 8: another asi, so bump up your strength again to hit more gooder.

12. barbarian 9: at level nine you have some brutal criticals, adding another die of damage to your critical hits! so now on a critical punch you can get 3d8+7 bludgeoning + 2d6+4 radiant + 2d6 force damage in one critical combo, between your fist, your laser crossbow, and your regular one. turns out shoving like three different attacks into one blow is good for damage!

13. barbarian 10: now that we have your combo game down pat, let’s get a skill- with fanatical focus you finally have yourself a charisma, using your bonus action to give up to ten other creatures advantage on all attacks and save for a round once a day. the cooldown’s rough but with the right army behind you, you can end a day’s combat right then and there.

you also get more primal knowledge for some athletics proficiency. obviously zenny’s proud of her abs, just look at her outfits!

14. barbarian 11: eleventh level barbers get their first guts in relentless rage- if you’d drop to 0 hp while raging, you can make a constitution save to try and stay up instead. the first time’s a dc 10, and then it goes up by five every time after until you finish a short rest. it’s not quite siege material, but it’ll definitely help in a battle!

15. barbarian 12: another asi means another chance to- surprise tough feat! that’s right, the thing from the start of the build wasn’t a feat! it was just something stensians can do! with the tough feat added that’s another +2 hp each level, and it’s retroactive, so you get 30 bonus HP right now!!!!

16. barbarian 13: this level’s easy, just another bit of brutal critical-ing for a second extra die.

17. barbarian 14: as a fourteenth level zealot you can now siege like nobody’s ever sieged before, since you can rage beyond death! with this, dropping to 0 hp won’t knock you out while you’re raging. you still have to make death saves like usual, but that won’t take effect until you finish raging- and even then, getting any kind of heal will keep you alive!

of course you still need to stay raging, so this won’t be much good after a fight.

18. barbarian 15: just kidding! with persistent rage you can keep your rage going right up to the minute mark through sheer force of will! now you’ve five minutes a day where you literally cannot die unless you will it.

19. barbarian 16: you get one last asi, and we’re putting it in charisma. tbh it’s been kind of low this whole build, but we didn’t really have a chance to punch it up until now since we had to get your other stuff.

20. barbarian 17: another brutal critical die! it’s a bit anti-climactic, but you also get a sixth rage each day, that’s cool!

Pros & Cons

Pros:

you basically cannot die. you’ve got just shy of 300 HP, rage resistances, six minutes of “I literally cannot die” time, and you’ve got a proficiency on your save to avoid death a couple times even before that. you are 100% equipped to deal with a siege, no bones about it.

you only attack a few times a turn, but you’re built to deal big damage in single attacks, really banking on that increased chance to crit from reckless attacks. barbarians don’t usually put big damage numbers on the board, but you can defy stereotypes.

while you’re definitely not built for it, you can make ranged attacks if you need to. you know how so many of our builds list flying as a big pro? its because people don’t do this.

Cons:

your AC is bad even before we start giving people free advantage, and your rage doesn’t cover anything other than physical damage, so you could burn through that health faster than you’d like in magic-heavy encounters.

you’re also bad with your soft stats, which is mostly just awkward but it does also hamper your damage from psionic crossbow.

you don’t have much to do aside from hit stuff in a fight. don’t get me wrong hitting stuff is like 90% of a fight, but other builds have more options on how to deliver it. your two extra features are “everyone else hits stuff better”, and “I hit stuff a little bit more this turn”. not exactly Zhuge Liang here.

#fgo #fate grand order #D&D 5e #Zenobia

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bonesandthebees · 3 months

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Okay, I finally have time to rip chapter 6 to shreds (and I’ll pretend I’m not physically vibrating about chapter 7 based on implications).

Anyway, let’s start with something I realised like 2 days ago and have been losing my mind about since: Wilbur isn’t wearing his ferronnière. His reasons make sense. He only wears it to symbolise his status and everyone who will be going with him, will know who he is. We also know from the semi canon prequel one shot that he is terrified of loosing it. (And I don’t know if he still has that Pearl thingy on his head, but I feel like getting thrown of a cliff in the dark and the snow might have made him lose it if he did have it.)

Which brings me to the thing I’m losing my mind about. Wilbur is stuck and trapped somewhere outside of the palace without his ferronnière! Meaning that if they get found by random people, they are obviously wealthy, but have no way to prove their exact status. Tommy hasn’t really been announced as heir, he’s not wearing anything to mark him as more than a duke’s son. And Wilbur does not have his one symbol on him.

Also, did you have to give him confirmation that he doesn’t get recognised without it. You had one of the bandits brush the hair out of his face! They would have seen it and known who he was if he was wearing it! But no! And they don’t know who he is! [“Who’s the other one?” The man questioned. /“Tutor?” The woman paused. / “Hm, he seems a bit young for that.”]

Also, [“A brother, maybe?”] way to subcontiously put the idea in their heads. This is a pattern btw. At least the same happened in Glass (I think) someone else brings up the bond first. It’ll be interesting to see if that mention sticks around. Depends on how much they’ll bond. I can’t really say how close they will or won’t get until I know how big of a traumatising adventure it will be.

P.s. Did Phil see his son off or was he out that early, because Wilbur is not wearing the ferronnière and we’ve seen Phil’s reaction to that before but I’m interested to see how different this would be.

(1/?)

-🌲

while you're very right about the boys having no way to prove their status to outsiders, there's also the question of if anyone outside the palace even knows the significance of the ferronnière period. all the nobility in Arestes know it's meaning, but common people who don't even know what their king looks like outside of other's descriptions of him? yeah, the ferronnière wouldn't do much in this situation. at least not this far from Castle Pandora

however, they are very clearly members of the nobility. meaning it's obvious the boys do hold some power. so there's that at least..

but yeah the bandits wouldn't really have given a shit if he was wearing it. I only meant for the ferronnière to be a symbol of recognition within the court/nobility/palace that whole scene. common folk like those bandits would just see it as more impractical rich people jewelry. though they would probably take note of the Royal Sigil and recognize that it means something. they just wouldn't know what it means.

as you can tell I have a fondness for making other people mistake wilbur and tommy for brothers before the two form that bond themselves

I don't think phil saw them off (I haven't actually decided yet so this is subject to change) but he wouldn't care about wilbur not wearing the ferronnière. tbh if he were to see them off and wilbur had been wearing it he probably would've told him to take it off because he wouldn't want wilbur to lose it

#ask #spruce anon #rose ch 6

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dramioneasks · 7 months

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HP FESTS: Dramione Month (Part 2)

Dramione Month 2023:

Three Weeks and Five Days by AutumnWeen - M, 5 chapters - “We need to talk,” he said pointedly, not for the first time. Hermione tried to free her hand from his, but he just tightened his grip. She pursed her lips and said, “There’s nothing to talk about,” risking sounding like an arrogant brat. “Yes, there fucking is, Hermione.” Draco sneered as he pushed himself closer to her. She parted her lips and felt a rush of blood to her centre at the mention of her name. All the memories from their night together flooded her mind. Occlumency had never been in the cards for Hermione; she just could not clear her bloody head. Regardless, she had tried her hardest to lock away everything that happened between them a week ago in someone else’s room. The sounds, the smells, the taste of him on her, how she tasted on him, the feel of their bodies pressed together… And here was Draco Malfoy ruining it all, performing wandless magic with the touch of his hand on hers and her name on his lips, casting a Bombarda on her mental wards, fucking everything up. Or An unlikely friendship, a car ride, a half-baked plan, and a last-minute decision that will change everything.

The Artist's Daughter by MarinaJune - G, one-shot - She was here again. Draco Lucius Malfoy, First and Only Prince to the kingdom, stayed hidden in the stacks next to a row of tomes dictating the genealogies of the royal families dating back hundreds of years. He had his private tutor to thank for the tiresome task of locating the volume listing the exact ancestor Draco had failed to name correctly in his latest exam. The other day, he’d been here searching for a text that would answer which crops their kingdom specialized in for exports. Ridiculous, really. As if he wouldn’t some day have advisors to do all this research for him. Then, just like today, he’d seen a girl wandering through the shelves. She hadn’t noticed him, of course. Draco was far too sneaky to be detected by some muggle, which she had to be given her unaware musings as she walked around with her nose buried in a book.

a promise to the moon by riddikulus_puff - T, one-shot - The Death of Queen Narcissa Malfoy forced Prince Draco Malfoy onto the thrown at a time when he had never expected the news to arrive. His father, the passed King Lucius Malfoy, who had married into the family had been passionate about his wife’s love for their country. She had a duty and she performed. She had worked tirelessly for her country even to the day she died. Now, it was up to Draco and his wife, Hermione, to work religiously for their country.

The Wrong Side of the Aisle by violently_verbose - M, one-shot - “You know exactly what I’m talking about Granger.” Resting his hand on the entrance, he turns towards her, trapping her against the doorframe. Her breath hitches, and she curses her body for giving her away. “I thought my silence was pretty clear,” she replies. “We’re done. We never should have started in the first place.” His eyes flicker with something foreign as his pupils shrink, gray irises dominating his cold gaze. “Right." He nods and snatches away the cigarette dangling from her lips, before marching past her. He’s almost out the door when- “They’re gone!” Pansy bursts into the lavatory. Makeup mingling with her tears, her voice is raw and close to collapse. “The groomsmen. Neville. They’re all gone!” OR: a chaotic panville wedding in which a wronged witch, the very man who wronged her, and an unhinged remembrall save the day.

Incendio by art_emissss - T, one-shot - If there ever was a time to believe in what his parents taught him, that people like her were nothing but thieves, nothing more than filth under his shoes, it was now, because his world was shifting and he desperately, frantically clung to the only familiar thing in it. It wasn’t his fault that his hold began slipping. Or: the one where Draco spends Hermione's birthdays with her—without her knowledge.

Starting Over by MarinaJune - G, one-shot - A re-imagining for DHR Month of the end of the Battle of Hogwarts where Draco and Hermione reunite.

Nott, My Problem by shheart - T, WIP - Draco doesn’t date because the only one he wants would never want him. But what happens when Theo Nott—his supposed best friend—starts dating her? “Her” being Hermione Granger, because of course it is.

Birthday Breakfast by MarinaJune - T, one-shot - “I suspect she’ll wake up soon, my star. The food will keep until then.” Humor laced his words. Hermione could just imagine Scorpius’ lip jutting out in response. “But—” “But,” Draco emphasized, “We could try a spell to help her wake.”

The Wounds of Time by MarinaJune - T, one-shot - Someone once said, “Time heals all wounds.” Draco wanted to find this unknown, probably a muggle who’d died long ago, and kill them again for good measure. Well, maybe not kill. Hermione wouldn’t like that and it would look bad, a former Death Eater murdering some idiot muggle, no matter how justified the reasons.

Hermione Granger: Auntie of the Year by MsPolaPotter - M, one-shot - A slice of life story in which Hermione throws herself a birthday party for her niblings.

Gorgeous by arielle_reads - M, one-shot - It's Hermione's 30th birthday and instead of happily celebrating with her boyfriend, Roger Davies, he's too busy shagging some other witch in the loo. There's only one thing left to do. Take Malfoy up on his offer to make the wanker jealous and spend the rest of the night dancing with the most gorgeous man there.

Empty Halls by Serpent_Sortia - T, one-shot - Hermione wanders the halls alone on her birthday, and just who should she run into?

Incandescent Celebrations by Biirdiee_Rose - E, one-shot - Draco may hate going out (especially with Gryffindor's), but there wasn't much he wouldn't do for Hermione Granger. An exceptional witch deserves exceptional celebrations. And he'll do just about anything to ensure that she's happy and satisfied.

Pledged Desires by writes_and_wrongs - E, one-shot - “What if you don’t want the man behind the notes?” he asked. “What if you want someone safer?” Her heart fluttered. Safer? “I’m no saint,” he confessed. There was a lethal seriousness to his voice. The hair rose on the back of her neck. “I would ruin anyone for you,” he said. “I’d do anything to keep you safe and happy.” The moisture left her mouth. “If you choose me, I will completely possess you. And I won’t be able to stop.”

Seven by nyle_bd - G, one-shot - Draco Malfoy recalls seven moments over seven years that lead to a fateful meeting, seven years later.

Inside Out and All Tied Up by MarinaJune - M, one-shot - Harry’s mouth hung open, one foot still in the bathroom behind him, as he watched his best friend barrel down the hall. He would’ve been tempted to consider Ron’s scream some kind of Samhain prank to help set the mood for the party currently raging on downstairs, but there was nothing fake about the way his freckles stood out even more than usual in his pale skin or the visible white of his wide eyes. Harry couldn’t recall seeing this kind of naked fear on him since their school days. Ron’s escape was partially impeded by his own costume of what appeared to be a blast-ended skrewt, if the sparks coming out his butt were any indication. If he’d worn a mask at some point, it was long gone, now replaced with the perfect picture of a Ron Weasley completely terrified out of his mind. So, Harry did what Harry did best—he charged towards the threat.

A New Year's Eve to Enjoy by MarinaJune - T, one-shot - The start of this new year marked Hermione’s first as the British Minister of Magic. The role was 20 years in the making, after one marriage and one divorce, strategic promotions up the government ladder, and several landmark cases won in the Wizengamot. As the youngest Minister in history, a woman, and a muggle-born, Hermione was a household name. She had never felt lonelier.

A Calendar for Firsts by MarinaJune - T, one-shot - Somewhere along the way, her calendar had lost its function as a means to plan ahead. Draco was delightfully unpredictable, and she found herself retroactively marking the dates and events she never wanted to forget. There was one date he allowed her the chance to set.

The First Time Draco Malfoy Crashed a Weasley Wedding by Sparkly_Bee - E, 2 chapters - Draco Malfoy meets Hermione Granger in a pub to apologize only to end up falling in love with her just days before she is to marry Ron Weasley.

The Burning Ache of Firsts by Wanderingfair - T, one-shot - “Hermione Jean Granger, you’re the first thing I’ve ever really wanted. I want to be the first thing you wake up with and the first kiss to start your day. I want to have all your firsts from here on out..." OR The one where Draco surprises Hermione inside the Restricted Section.

Blissful Comfort by yoursdraco - E, one-shot - Hermione Granger-Malfoy’s pregnancy had been a rollercoaster of emotions and struggles. As she entered her third trimester, her nights became increasingly restless. The discomfort, the anticipation, and the worry about becoming a mother weighed heavily on her mind. Thankfully, she has her husband, Draco Malfoy, by her side, providing comfort and support when she needed it most.

In a World of Our Own by MsPolaPotter - T, one-shot - The road to redemption was long and grueling, but Draco didn't expect to have her by his side.

#dramione month #fests/exchanges/challengers

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best-underrated-anime · 4 months

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Best Underrated Anime Group G Round 2: #G5 vs #G8

#G5: Sheltered city boy meets outlaw and learns dark truth about the city

#G8: A tutor tries to teach eccentric princes for the throne

Details and poll under the cut!

#G5: No.6

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Summary:

Many years ago, after the end of a bloody world war, mankind took shelter in six city-states that were peaceful and perfect… at least on the surface. However, Shion—an elite resident of the city-state No. 6—gained a new perspective on the world he lives in, thanks to a chance encounter with a mysterious boy, Nezumi. Nezumi turned out to be just one of many who lived in the desolate wasteland beyond the walls of the supposed utopia. But despite knowing that the other boy was a fugitive, Shion decided to take him in for the night and protect him, which resulted in drastic consequences: because of his actions, Shion and his mother lost their status as elites and were relocated elsewhere, and the darker side of the city began to make itself known.

Now, a long time after their life-altering first meeting, Shion and Nezumi are finally brought together once again—the former elite and the boy on the run are about to embark on an adventure that will, in time, reveal the shattering secrets of No. 6.

Propaganda 1:

Ever watched a show that was obviously adapted from something, and you feel like there must be more to it? Such shows are often obvious to spot—My Happy Marriage, Pandora Hearts, Mekakucity Actors, etc. They present to us a unique plot with great worldbuilding, yet while watching, it always feels like it falls short somewhere. The characters aren’t that developed, plot points don’t seem to connect, side characters aren’t given much attention, etc. So much missed potential, and you can’t help but lament it.

No.6 is another one of such shows. I haven’t read the original novel, but as an avid web novel reader, I could just feel that there is so much more to it than the anime lets on. The mystery is intriguing, the world is complex, and the budding relationship between the two main characters felt natural and relevant (No.6 has a shounen ai subplot, by the way).

Overall, the anime managed a coherent plot, and I still like it. But after watching, you’ll be left unsatisfied. It keeps you wanting for more. Keeps you searching for answers. But despite this, I believe it’s worth a shot. Whether you vote for it or not, try watching it anyway.

Propaganda 2:

It's a suspenseful science fiction that has a unique take on class issues using the setting of a world post apocalypse. It crafts a unique world with incredible characters you want to succeed. The relationship that develops between the two mains is a heartwarming respite in the cold world they inhabit. The mystery of the show keeps the audience entertained and on the edge of their seat.

Trigger Warnings: Body Horror, Genocide, Graphic Depictions of Cruelty/Violence/Gore, Implied Child Abuse, Guns, Humans being treated like objects, Sexual assault on a supporting character, Mentions of prostitution

#G8: The Royal Tutor (Oushitsu Kyoushi Heine)

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Summary:

Equally charming and stern, Heine Wittgenstein is a brilliant man who commands respect, despite his short, childlike stature. Thus, the king of Grannzreich has called upon Heine to undertake a daunting task that has driven away many before him—become the new royal tutor to four princes who are in line for the throne.

The four heirs each have very distinct and troublesome personalities: Licht, the flirtatious youngest prince; his immature older brother Leonhard; Bruno the studious third prince; and Kai, the oldest of the four and the most reserved. Hilarity ensues as Heine attempts to connect with each of the princes in order to groom them for the throne. However, Heine's mysterious past and dark undercurrents in the present may threaten the harmony within the kingdom.

Propaganda:

This is just such a feel good anime, and it teaches important life lessons through the daily struggles each of them princes go through. The princes each go through some kind of development, be it overcoming a weakness or feeling more sympathy for the common people. And despite it being much lighter in tone, it doesn’t shy away from sometimes delving into more serious topics, since of course one of them is supposed to run the country one day. They all have exaggerated personalities, and despite being seen as too posh or selfish at first, it develops so well.

And let’s not forget the glossy art style that’s just eye-candy or the comedy, which is a primary genre of the series. Just the way Heine structures his lesson, starting with more traditional methods and then delving more into each of their passions, makes me want to have him as a teacher. Despite being strict sometimes, tho.

Overall, it doesn’t present many new ideas, but it just makes you feel nice and warm inside, and maybe you can learn a lesson or two, even if you are not royalty.

Trigger Warnings: None.

When reblogging and adding your own propaganda, please tag me @best-underrated-anime so that I’ll be sure to see it.

If you want to criticize one of the shows above to give the one you’re rooting for an advantage, then do so constructively. I do not tolerate groundless hate or slander on this blog. If I catch you doing such a thing in the notes, be it in the tags or reblogs, I will block you.

Know one of the shows above and not satisfied with how they’re presented in this tournament? Just fill up this form, where you can submit revisions for taglines, propaganda, trigger warnings, and/or video.

#anime #best underrated anime #polls #poll tournament #tournament #anime tournament #tournament polls #group g #group stage #group stage round 2 #animation #no.6 #no. 6 anime #no.6 anime #no. 6 #no 6 #no 6 anime #the royal tutor #oushitsu kyoushi haine

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vulpes-fennec · 1 year

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Happy Day 5 (Feelings Realization) of @sjmromanceweek!!!

Pairing’s mentioned: Itharion, Chaorian, Jassa

I couldn’t resist making a couch ad since SJM seems to love using chairs as a vehicle for love 😈

Dearest reader, this author has been fondly keeping up with the latest season of Fangs and Bangs. Especially now that Ithan Holstrom, famed Lunathion sunball player, has made his acting debut as a charming guitarist starring opposite a seductive singer, played by the handsome Tharion Ketos.

The chemistry between the wolf shifter and mer was off the charts during the first three episodes. Indeed, the two sparked dating rumors after being spotted strolling along the Istros riverwalk (well, Tharion was swimming, his coppery tail illustriously flashing in the sun) and eating lunch in the Moonwood district the last few weeks.

Such rumors were confirmed last night at the White Raven, where Ithan (drunkenly) shouted, "if my boyfriend wins this dance battle, next round of drinks are on me!" With the mer being known for their flexibility, it is no surprise that Ithan left the club with Tharion hand-in-hand and a sky high credit card charge.

One might argue that "Itharion" is a fake dating situation used to generate press for the new season. Others, like this author, firmly believe that the feelings developed as a result of long hours on set were simply realized after spending time together off camera.

With Fangs and Bangs being shot and aired on a weekly basis, the finale is not set in stone. But it has come to my attention that producers are planning a romance arc between Tharion and Miss Natalia Paloma, who plays a vampyr songwriter in the show. With Natalia and the general public being staunch Itharion fans, this author hopes the writers may be persuaded to change the season's course before it is too late.

King Dorian Havilliard and Lord Chaol Westfall have been two peas in a pod since the tender ages of 8 and 12—historians will call them close friends. But the chasm that often separates platonic and romantic love can thin to a fine line, and this author has become privy to information that implies such line has been finally crossed.

Gentle reader, you may recall how the flirtatious prince attended his fair share of courtly revels with the young Captain of the Guard in tow. Perhaps watching Dorian seduce all sorts of ladies had Chaol broodily wishing Dorian was flirting with him instead. Well, last month, the Hand of the King was in for a treat when he offered to organize his King's old paperwork, finding "Dorian Westfall" scribbled across several margins of palace tutoring notes. These precious records were dated to a decade prior, when Dorian was but 15 years old.

This author surmises that the court ladies were not the only ones ogling at a shirtless 18-year old Chaol Westfall as he trained with Theodus Brullo, Adarlan's Weapons Master. But whatever the cause for Dorian's affections, one cannot deny the prince has continuously prioritized Lord Westfall above himself over the years. Whether it be backing off Aelin Galathynius (nee Celaena Sardothien) or repeatedly saving his friend's life using magic, Dorian's love for Chaol is steadfastly unquestionable.

There is only one thing that comes to mind when mutual feelings are realized: "Now what?" The sensation is akin to reaching the crest of a hill, stomach tight with nerves and anticipation. It has come to my attention that the two will announce their engagement tomorrow at noon. King Dorian has been reviewing potential candidates to succeed Chaol in his role as the King's Hand, and Chaol has been busy settling into the royal chambers. Take that, historians!

Adarlan is not the only kingdom with citizens eager to see their ruler wed. This author does not consider itself impatient, but it certainly has had enough of Queen Vassa and General Jurian beating around the bush. I am sure their bickering is equally grating on their foxy roommate's poor nerves. My condolences to him, but what does one expect by throwing a mad general into the cauldron and adding a firebird queen to the mix? Passion, dear readers, passion. Well-mannered folk may believe the best relationships are maintained with agreeable manners, but this pair will have them considering otherwise. After all, we need partners who can keep our egos in check!

It is well known that the young queen has rejected multiple proposals from fair noblemen across the lands. After all, why settle for a pasty duke when you have a seasoned general always at your side? Before you accuse this author of being a hopeless romantic, consider: what is affection, if it is not scouring the markets for the queen's favorite birdseed and scratching all the hard-to-reach itches while she is stuck in her bird form (even if it is all done under a guise of teasing)? What is desire, if it is not peeping at the bathing general while perched on a tree branch, or nesting in his clothes (and thusly rolling around in his scent)?

Stubborn hearts may deny their feelings all they want, but this author wagers that forcing Queen Vassa and General Jurian in even closer proximity (a locked bedroom, perhaps?) will have them at each other's throats in a more sensual manner.

Dear Suriel, it has been centuries since the Valkyries have passed, so of course I had to drop in on the Valkyrie revival in my own court. My good friends roped me into the training session by pairing me with an Illyrian Valkyrie for a round of sparring. With her earthy brown eyes assessing me, her glossy hair fluttering in the wind, her full lips set with curiosity and determination...my heart was positively pounding! You can imagine that I tried to prolong the sparring session to the best of my ability.

To my surprise, the fierce Valkyrie became a blushing lady once we started conversing normally! I'll admit I was flustered, too. After learning how she enjoys drinking tea and reading smutty books, I plan to "drop in" again next week with a special edition novel. And maybe an invitation to high tea the following week, if all goes well. Oh, did you know that she also runs her own business? And it's a clothing store?!? Can this female get any more perfect? I think her wings are the loveliest out of all Illyrians. Actually, I think I may be in love. Help! All my love, Wine o'Clock

Dear Wine o'Clock, this is an advice column, not your personal diary! Help? It seems you are doing fine, when it comes to your courtship plan. But if you are in a tizzy over your newfound feelings...alas, there is no remedy to love sickness! But I am certain a delightful future is in store for both of you, if you catch my meaning. Cauldron bless you both, Suriel

Nolan’s Furnishings: couch BLOWOUT sale! Blow your back out on the hottest deals in Prythian! Pink couches, golden couches, red velvet fainting couches…you name it, we have it! Hear what our customers have to say about our couches: “plush enough for hours of lounging,” “sturdy enough to withstand sexual activities”

#sjmromanceweek2023 #itharion #chaorian #jassa #acotar #crescent city #throne of glass

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rosie-b · 3 months

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you know how i feel about fantasy royal fairy etc etc etc bull shit so tell me about the prince who is also a cat or cat prince or whatever exactly that title was i would like some deets svp <3

Absolutely! 💕

In this fic, everyone has a magical power of some kind that they 'unlock' when they turn 18. Adrien, as the crown prince, is expected to have some very powerful, flashy, and suitably royal power, like his ancestors, like his father expects him to. Unfortunately, his only power seems to be shapeshifting, not into anything, but only into a little housecat. His father is not happy.

Meanwhile, Marinette is a commoner and recently discovered witch, who's learning how to do a summoning spell for her familiar. There's no way this could go wrong, right?

You got lucky and picked a fic I have a lot written for, so here's a snippet:

They hadn’t told the country what his power was yet. According to the magazines, it was going to be a “big surprise” that would be revealed for the 120th anniversary of the capital city’s founding.

Adrien wondered what his father was plotting to disguise the disgraceful reality of his son’s power with. False telepathy, perhaps. That would be easy to fake, until the first meeting with anyone he didn’t know from the palace. Which was, of course, a lot of people; most of them, in fact.

For now, his father’s plan remained a secret, and Adrien resigned himself to another afternoon of boredom as he sat down with Lady Bourgeois for another lesson in royal fashion.

As she began to ramble on about the key differences between mauve and indigo, Adrien closed his eyes and held back a sigh, taking care not to let his perfect posture slip. Forty more minutes and he would be free from this lesson… and then he’d be delivered into the hands of yet another boring tutor.

I wish I was anywhere but here, he thought, silently bemoaning the fact that he hadn’t been given the gift of teleportation, after all. That would’ve impressed his father and been useful for evading redundant lessons.

Suddenly, the sounds of Lady Bourgeois’ voice faded away, replaced by a thoughtful hum, several awed-sounding murmurs, and a high-pitched squeal.

“A black cat! See, Marinette, I told you you could do it!

Adrien’s eyes shot open. He looked around, taking in the bland-colored room, full of desks and perhaps fifteen people his age.

Had his wish somehow worked? Had he switched powers and been granted one his father could finally accept?

He took a hesitant step forward, but then Adrien froze.

The tile floor hadn’t vanished when he touched it, so this wasn’t a dream, but he could’ve sworn he hadn’t had paws just a few seconds ago! If he had the power of teleportation now, then how could he still be able to turn into a cat? And why had he done so without even noticing?

“A black cat for your familiar, how lucky!” a redheaded woman said, stepping forward to examine Adrien, who suddenly felt more on display than he had at his birthday party earlier that year, when everyone had been watching to see what his power was.

Beside the woman who seemed to be the class’s teacher, a girl with dark hair pulled back in pigtails scratched her cheek.

“Er, do you really think so?” she asked, looking nervous as she glanced back and forth from Adrien to the teacher.

“I knew it, girl!” Adrien recognized that voice from before. He watched as a girl with ombre-colored hair elbowed the nervous one and offered her a grin. “You’re going to be the best witch this country’s ever seen! Only the best witches ever summon a black cat to be their familiar.”

Adrien’s heart momentarily stopped.

“Meow?” he asked, forgetting that no one could understand him in this form.

The girls and boys in the class let out a chorus of awwwws. He was so flustered that he sat down and flattened his ears while he tried to figure out what had happened.

He’d been summoned as a familiar? A witch’s familiar? Despite being not only human, but magic on his own, and the prince, to top it off?

How on earth was this possible?

Thanks for the ask @aidanchaser!

#tag game #wip game #the prince is a cat :3

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lizzybeth1986 · 2 years

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A Blossoming Friendship

Book: The Royal Romance, Book 1

Characters: Hana Lee & Kiara Theron (platonic for now)

Rating: G

Word Count: 2,864 words approx

Summary: Rivals and suitors for the Prince's social season, are never really expected to become friends. All that changes - for Lady Hana and Lady Kiara - with one conversation.

A/N: Takes place after the apple-tasting task at the Apple Blossom Festival (TRR1 Ch 11) Plum blossoms are China's national flower, and orange blossoms are used often in Moroccan cuisine (and Kiara is part-Moroccan from her father's side).

This story is a prequel one-shot to a Hana x Kiara series I'm planning, Petals and Thornes. Let me know if you'd like to be tagged.

Tagging @choicesficwriterscreations for FotW.

The first crop of the season has a particular bite to it.

As Hana Lee walks away from the trio of chosen frontrunners - the bitter aftertaste of Cordonian Rubies still ringing on her alarmed tongue - Hana finds herself feeling something vaguely approaching anger towards her mother.

All that time, all those lessons. The best tutors, the best academies, the best books. Etiquette embroidery dressage dancing music ice-skating tea-serving. Only for her downfall to be brought about by an apple.

She is sure Mother must be sitting at home right now, watching the live feed, scowling at Hana's face as she blurts out - barely masking her disgust - "I wasn't expecting such a sour taste!" She has no doubt Mother must be hissing the rare expletive at the TV screen.

As if you had nothing to do with that, Mother!

Her brain is such a deluge of words and smart phrases, things she could absolutely say if she picked up the phone right now. How could you? You sent me here thinking they tasted like honey! She can just imagine Mother on the other end of the line, opening and closing her mouth like a goldfish. How the hell do you expect me to be Queen of Cordonia if you can't even let me know what their apples taste like! It would be so simple: she could outshout Mother, interrupt her the way she's been interrupted half her life, leave her speechless with quick, short, harsh catchphrases and ironclad logic.

Except she knows that won't happen. The moment she picks up that phone, every single word - no matter how well-rehearsed - will crumble into ashes in her mouth. Yes, Mother. I'll try, Mother. I'm so sorry, Mother. I'll work harder, Mother.

But she knows one thing now, in a way that her mother still refuses to. All the effort in the world won't be enough. She could have stood there stone-faced and waxed lyrical later, and still not stood a chance. It's a realisation that dawned on her over the past few weeks - she is not Cordonian enough, not white enough, to be worthy...no matter how perfect her dressage moves are or how skilled she is at everything a noblewoman is expected to do.

Broken engagements are small change for the likes of a Countess Madeleine - they're only reputation-ending scandals when the woman in question is a brown-skinned foreigner.

"Vous voulez de l'eau?" a familiar and rather musical voice calls from behind.

Lady Kiara Thorne is one of those women who doesn't even need to try to look gorgeous. Even on her worst days, Hana doesn't doubt that her hair will be the glossy black of a raven's wing, her skin smooth and dewy, her stride sinuous and confident. Among fellow Cordonian nobles who smile sweetly to her face, and engage in mindless whispered gossip about her skills as a polyglot (or lack thereof, they would insist - she only ever speaks two languages!) behind her back...Hana envies Kiara's ability to remain so supremely unruffled, so self-assured. She is sure that getting to that point can't have been an easy journey.

Today Lady Kiara is holding out a small bottle of water - likely taken from the stands kept for the apple-pickers. Hana's eyes search her face, warily, suspiciously, for signs of disdain, and finds none.

"Take it, I don't have all day," Kiara taps her foot in impatience. She clarifies as the doubt in Hana's face changes into pure confusion. "It'll take the edge off of the taste."

Kiara is right. The moment the water touches her tongue, the sour taste instantly dissolves into a mellowed sweetness, lingering in her mouth.

Satisfied, Hana settles down on a stone seat a little away from the press and the three women. Kiara takes a sear beside her. It's the first time they've ever sat together like this, out of choice rather than necessity or seating arrangements. Hana regards the other woman with wariness and more than a little admiration.

Lady Kiara was the first to drop out of the running, around the time of the Lythikos Ball. Hana remembers, even now, how when the spare of Castelserraillan claimed the Prince would fall for her, her smile never reached her eyes. This woman knew from the beginning she wouldn't stand a chance - not with half of the press, not with the royal family (and once Esther blazed into their lives like a rogue comet, not even with the Prince himself).

But what most people would view as a failure she'd transformed into opportunities; she has never stopped hustling from one contact to another, one prospect to another, patiently laying the foundations for the next step in her career, whatever that may be.

The two women watch now in silence as the frontrunners of the season vie for press attention, their blindingly white faces turning a little pink in the sun. Duchess Olivia stands a little back, surprisingly. She looks tired, bitterly aware that she's lost most of her footing with the public since her infamous public kiss with the Prince. Countess Madeleine exudes confidence from every pore, except when she steals glances at the woman she'd never expected to last a week. Her eyes blaze in a naked need to possess what she considers her territory. And Esther...

"This is your first time?"

"Hm?" Hana murmurs distractedly, her eyes still focused on the dark-haired woman whose striking sapphire eyes caught all of Cordonia's attention from the moment she blazed into the social season, and into Prince Liam's life. Unbidden, she lets out of soft sigh.

Kiara rolls her eyes, and tries harder than ever not to scan the area for her very own special...also-dark-haired...person.

There are a great many things Lady Lee may be good at; hiding her feelings isn't one of them.

"Eating a Cordonian Ruby," she repeats, slower and more deliberate this time. "Is it your first time?"

"My mother used to bring only a few from trips she took to Bethulia," Hana says, curling within herself and cupping her chin, almost defensively. What kind of Cordonian are you? she can almost hear Kiara thinking. "Mostly for pies. Or to be more accurate...to make me learn how to make pies. I've never actually tasted one on its own."

"How did she describe the taste?" Kiara asks, the corner of her mouth tugging upwards very slightly.

"You know...the usual," Hana says tiredly, "Pleasantly crisp. Intense flavour. Notes of caramel." Hana lets out a harsh laugh at the last description.

"To be fair, it's the first pickings of the harvest that have the harshest bite." Kiara concedes, "they mellow down a little after that."

Hana bites back a smile. "Only a little?"

Kiara grins back. "You must understand...Cordonians - especially here and among the descendants of the Fire Tribes - tend to have more of a taste for the astringent. You should try their glazed duck with garlic potatoes once - you'll understand."

Hana nods. Above her and Kiara, the petals of some apple blossoms fall, leaving the remaining to release their own bouquet of scents: some delicate and mellow, some spicy, some like mulled wine - warming your limbs and your soul.

"Perhaps that's why I might never be fully into this kind of apple. I was brought up in Shanghai. Sugar was always seen as a sign of prosperity. Most of our foods are at least a little sweet."

"That makes sense," Kiara says, "What is your favourite fruit then, if it isn't an apple?"

Hana allows herself a tiny smirk, anticipating the horror on Kiara's face when she whispers, "Durian."

"You're not serious!"

"You only think so because you haven't eaten one yet," Hana points out, laughing slightly louder now, "even if it smells like turpentine and onions wrapped up in a sock..."

"...or as Anthony Bourdain once put it so elegantly, 'as if you'd french-kissed your dead grandmother -'"

"Hah! That's a new one," Hana says, feeling a little bolder and less polite, in the face of Kiara's teasing demeanor, "But the taste is divine. Smooth like custard, pillowy like the softest cheesecake. A...slightly strange mix of flavours, like garlic or cheese or caramel, but it works."

Kiara raises her eyebrows.

"Really!" Hana says, laughing again, "but the funniest part is you can never truly know how ripe it is, except by smelling it."

Kiara wrinkles her nose. "One small sacrifice isn't much for something that delicious, oui?"

"Oui," Hana echoes. "What's yours?"

Kiara grimaces. Her answer is uttered so softly Hana isn't sure it can even qualify for a whisper.

"...oranges."

Hana lets out a rather audible gasp. "The national fruit of Auvernal?"

"Keep your voice down!" Kiara hisses, then laughs at her own brief panic, embarrassed. Hana presses her lips together to stem any more laughter, but her eyes glimmer with mirth.

Sheepishly, she whispers: "You won't tell anyone, will you?"

Hana playfully performs a zipping motion with her fingers, over her mouth. "My lips are sealed. We can't possibly have the daughter of diplomats creating an international incident at Cordonia's biggest social season yet, can we?"

Kiara's eyes widen in surprise at Hana's own audacity, before she chuckles herself and joins in the fun, pretending to jokingly punch Hana's arm.

"You're teasing!" She shakes her head, "though to be quite honest with you, the fruit is just alright. It's the flowers I'm crazy about."

Creamy-white, with honey-hued orange tips at the center of the flower...Hana has never tasted orange blossoms before, but she's aware of their scent - fresh, like new soap...now if only she could remember the words from her old copy of the Language of Flowers...

"Your purity equals your loveliness," Hana whispers suddenly, a slow smile gracing her lips.

"What?" Kiara responds, confused.

Hana laughs, lifting a small petal of apple blossom from the ground. It is velvet at the tip of her fingers. "That's what orange blossoms are meant to signify... according to the Victorians, anyway."

Kiara shakes her head, gazing at Hana with something approaching fondness. "The next time I need to send someone a bouquet, I'm calling you. I gave up trying to remember flower symbolism before I turned 15."

Hana strokes the petal lovingly, smiling as it bends a little at her touch. "Why orange blossoms?"

"My father's father came from Morocco," Kiara tells her, stretching as she makes herself comfortable and staring into the distance, as if she were there in Morocco with her father's family. "A traveling musician who married my grandmother - the Duchess of our province. Along with my Jiddah, he is considered one of Castelserraillan's best Dukes."

Hana lets the petal fall, looking downwards. "That's a very sweet story."

Kiara doesn't seem to hear her. "Orange blossom water is everywhere...our perfumes, our mint tea, our couscous...and dessert without at least a drop of it never tastes quite right to me."

"How does it taste?" Hana asks, her eyes softening. She knows, already, that her companion's mind is not even in Cordonia right now, but far away, in Morocco, exploring the streets and sinking her teeth into a sinfully honeyed almond baklava. She knows, because even though she grew up in a whole different continent Hana has felt in her bones what it feels like to belong to many places at once.

It's a rare moment, indeed, to see a pragmatic Lady Kiara wax...poetic...over practically anything, so orange blossom water must be something pretty damn special.

"You have to be careful with it," Kiara says, smiling slightly, "it's clean and bright, floral and citrusy all at once....but it's that tiny kiss of bitterness that makes it truly special. Too much and you'd let that same bitterness overpower a dish."

Hana smiles brightly, wrapping her arms around herself. "That's beautiful," she says, "I hope to taste something like that one day. My favourite blossom doesn't really get used in food that much."

Kiara regards her curiously. "Which one is it? Foxgloves? Daffodils?"

Hana shakes her head, laughing. "Plum blossoms."

"Ah, I should've guessed. China's national flower, yes?"

"Yes...and people like to see it as symbolic of our spirit as a people. A sign of persistence and grit. It looks delicate but you'll find it blooming in the harshest winters. We even have a saying somewhere about how its fragrance comes from the bitterness and the cold."

"A defiant little flower," Kiara says softly, then smiles, "It sounds like exactly the kind of flower Lady Olivia would like. She'd probably nick a shrub and try to grow it in Lythikos."

Hana fakes a cough. "Listening to her you'd think Lythikos is the only place that knows what resilience means." she mumbles under her breath.

"You only have to drop a pebble for Olivia to rant about how good Lythikan pebbles are and how no other pebble compares," Kiara whispers back, winking. Even in a voice so low Hana has to strain to hear her, Kiara manages to capture Olivia's way of speaking perfectly.

Hana and Kiara look at each other, gauging the other's reactions. Then they burst into peals of laughter.

"Are there any foods you can use them for? The plum blossoms?"

Hana pauses. In her minds eye she can see those pale pink blossoms, can almost get a whiff of their distinctive scent. No one here knows what that flower means to her...and perhaps they never will. Her Nǎinai and aunt had named her after it. Her aunt had read her poems on it. Our love is like the plum blossom/The freezing snow won’t be able to bury it/It blooms on the branch at the coldest time. When Nǎinai died, Hana placed a plum blossom from Nǎinai's favourite tree, next to the urn that held her ashes.

No one, not even Esther, knows this. And Hana is not ready yet to tell.

"Sometimes," Hana runs a fingertip over her chin, pretending to be in deep thought. "Usually as garnish for desserts. But you can also use it to make some wonderful tea."

"Really?" Kiara has always wanted to try more teas from China and Japan, but has never really ventured beyond some of the more popular varieties.

"It's lovely. It smells like peaches but the taste is absolutely like plums or stonefruit, and sometimes it'll have the nuttiness of almonds. Very sweet, very fruity, very floral. Layer upon layer upon layer of flavours."

Kiara grins. "You sound like you're describing a vintage wine!"

"We should take you to a proper tea ceremony!" Hana says, already excited by the prospect. She knows there is a chance the court may visit her city after the Coronation - maybe she could ask her parents to include that teahouse in Hangzhou in the itinerary. "Many of the tea leaves go through an ageing process - much like wine - and the drinks have their own aromas and flavour profiles."

"Only difference is you won't get drunk," Kiara teases.

"You'd be surprised!" Hana responds, with an airy playfulness. "If we ever get a chance to visit China on the next tour as a court...I'll show you."

Kiara tilts her head slightly, a smile still on her lips. Hana shifts nervously in her seat, wondering if she has overstepped.

They're not yet friends, after all. Just two people who happened to have a lovely conversation.

"Is that a promise, Lady Lee?"

Silently, eyes wide, Hana nods yes.

"Good," Kiara says, her smile a little wider. She looks down on her watch, and gasps when she sees the time. "I'd better leave. Penelope has been begging me to come join her for cocktails a little away from here. She'll be very upset if we're late."

Hana stands up, brushing away the dust and fallen petals from her dress. "Have fun, both of you."

Kiara doesn't take more than ten steps away when she suddenly turns back towards Hana.

"...Lady Hana."

"Yes?"

Kiara stares at her for more than just a few seconds, and Hana fights the urge to shuffle her feet nervously at the scrutiny.

"Would you like to join us? It's not too far, and we won't be there too long. I can always get our driver to drop you back if you want to return early."

Hana knows exactly why Kiara is asking. She'd seen the writing on the wall herself weeks ago, ever since her embarassingly desolate yacht party, but today's show of honesty has sounded the death knell on any hopes that she'd get any further in this competition. If you'd told her this weeks ago Hana would have been a wreck, dreading the next phone call from her parents.

But right now she feels surprisingly...light.

She knows why Kiara is giving her a hand in friendship. A show of solidarity. A recognition of Hana's own position, now.

And in all honesty, it doesn't actually feel all that bad.

Hana closes the wide gap between herself and Kiara, coming over to her side.

"Lady Kiara," she says, offering her new friend her most charming smile, "I'd be delighted."

Notes:

Vous voulez de l'eau? - Do you want some water?

Jiddah - Darija for grandmother.

The poem Hana's aunt taught her is a Song-dynasty verse called "One Plum Blossom"

In the P&T-verse, Hana has a name that only her relatives from her father's side use to call her - Méihuā (plum blossom).

While Kiara's surname/House name is Theron in canon, I've changed it to Thorne in the P&T-verse

#hana lee #hanaleeappreciationweek #HLAW #the royal romance #the royal heir #the royal finale #HLAW Day 6 #HLAW Day 6: Flowers #lizzybeth1986 #content: fanfic #kiara theron

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