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b0ther · 7 months

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i can still see it all (in my head)

lisa has always liked a challenge. this time, though, she just wants you to be easy.

pairing : lisa minci x reader (masculine pronouns. amab) rating : explicit, not safe for work (sexual content) type : one-shot tags : royalty-sorta!au. age-gap age-gap age-gap (older man and younger woman), reader is a general and a divorcee AND a dad (he also has a big dick),description of the length of reader's hair, porn with feelings, semi-public sex, cowgirl position, mating press, breeding kink, lisa gets manhandled by reader, there is an emotional scene at the end word count : 2208

author's note : title from 'daylight' by taylor swift. in my head, lisa just looks so good with an older guy,,, also this is a chance for you all to be the dilf you've always aspired to be. also note that i don't know at all about military hierarchies 💀 i really do be writing whatever

( masterlist │ ask/request │ ao3 )

Lisa doesn’t know what to think of the new scout assigned to the library.

After bringing home a glistening victory for the crown, there was a couple of months where he was not seen until he once again reemerged in a ball celebrating the Crown Prince’s 17th birthday. Lisa did not see him fresh off battle, but she heard stories. Of his shagged face, hair overgrown to his chest.

She did, however, see him on the ball. And he was full of glory: dukes and duchesses scramble to part the sea of royalty for a man to whom they owe their lavish life to. His hair was trimmed at the appropriate length—just above his ears—and his face clean shaven.

Lisa finds it odd, though, how after that day, he lounges around her library—a gift from his King, she heard, to be dismissed of all duties relating to waging wars and protecting the city. It would be inane for the King to award him with less than whatever he wanted after the almost-decade-long battle cost him his handsome face and his obnoxious wife. It’s good for the King that he didn’t want much. Just for a quiet life of defending the palace instead of the city.

Lisa personally thinks that he should have asked for more; tranquillity does not erase the profound scar down across his left eye, after all. Even if it added to his allure. Even if Lisa spends her day daydreaming about running her fingers along its length.

So, instead of being the ravenous, cruel war general that he is rumoured to be on the battlefield, he sits with his leg crossed on top of a knee and reads thick volumes of exhausting diction and verities between the shelves of her library,

The first few weeks, Lisa greets him with a warm smile as she would do to everyone. She does not indulge herself in calling him sugary-sweet pet names—he was far older, after all, and way above her ranks. Dear lord, what would he think of her?—and instead, calls him General, not even daring to mutter the sound of his surname following it.

He is helpful to her. With his swords clanking against the stony floor, he would walk after her and grab the mountaining pile of books from her arms. Wordless. He then would place them on the higher shelves, ones that she could not possibly reach without the help of some wooden steps. He looks like he has the filing of the books and reports memorised like the back of his own hand—Lisa thought that she knows this library most, but he looks like he melts right into the scenery, like he is a part of the breathing, living room.

Once, he came into the library just in time to catch her wobbling body from crashing against the cold ground. Her careless feet had misstepped, and Lisa is certain that if he wasn’t there to catch her falling body, she would have died. And maybe it was her racing heart, or maybe it was the way his wide palms grabbed her skin, fingers digging into the flesh of her thigh and almost circling her waist, but on that day, Lisa decided that she must have him.

She knows what to call him, now, when it’s just the two of them. A series of provoking “General” or “Baby”—even his given name, when she gets bold enough or if the night gets dark enough.

She would ride his cock, never really getting used to his size, as she pressed her palms against his stomach, mouth hanging open, drool spilling free, and her knees bruising from the friction against the stone underneath them. He’d call her all sorts of pretty names, cooing at how good his little librarian is milking his dick dry, thumb grazing over her perky nipples, jugs glistening with sweat.

Just as he would shoot his thick seeds up her womb, filling her hot cunt with strings of white juice, he would push himself to press their lips against each other, cursing at god at how perfect her pussy is for him.

She knows that he likes being on top—folding her in half with her scarred knees pressed against her tits. She has seen the way he licks his lower lips, watching the way sweat sticks her champagne hair to her face and chest, drilling into her tight hole with his thick length. He loves the way she rolls her eyes back whenever he hits her spot just right—loves feeling her warm walls wrapping around his dick, seeing her clenched cunt stuffed with his cream.

But he is too nice. He knows she chases that feeling of control whenever she pushes him back against the chair—or the floor—and rolls her hips. He lets her take control at times, just sitting there with his thumb rubbing against her sensitive bud, watching her body shudder at every wave of orgasm she gets just by him toying her clit. This isn’t what he is used to, she supposes, but Lisa can tell that he also enjoys the view of seeing her tits bouncing at every squeeze of his cock.

Lisa thinks that she would make a fine wife.

She isn’t rowdy like his once-wife. She is quiet, sweet, charming. Her opinions are never uttered with such strength like the Marchioness, and she imagines that he would prefer keeping her close and showing her off.

But she is just a scholar, nothing more. She cannot give him the title that he must want, or the child that he already has.

The boy is a few years younger than the Crown Prince, and Lisa can see him in his son’s eyes. They are civil with each other, just as a father and a child of royalty would be. There are habits and quirks that she observes in his son when she tutors him—little patterns that are never engraved to someone like her.

If the Marchioness had been patient and not divorced the General, he would not have been holding Lisa the way he does now. And no matter how many times Lisa has ended the night with his cum up in her cunt, there are just some skeletons that she cannot resolve.

Lisa often dreams about his tongue on her nipples. Her hard, hard nipples.

Just the feeling of his wet tongue rubbing, tugging, sucking on her teats. His low growl, his hungry looks. Just the thought of him catching her in his mouth is enough to make her cum most times. She starves for him, for his touch.

And she knows that he loves reaching over to knead on her tits, fascinated with her nipples as his cock is buried deep inside of her.

In his chamber, he would let her sit herself down his length, with her back pressed against his chest. He would rest his chin on her shoulder, and she would bury her nose amongst his greying hair, moaning at how he tugs at her nipples, rolling them between his calloused and thick fingers. His other hand would begin with caressing her other tit before making his way down to her belly, pressing down against her flesh. Then continuously trailing down, pressing his palm flat against her sopping pussy lips.

The friction of his palm against her clit would make her jolt. Lisa would claw at his big arms, silently begging for him to let her ride him, but he was too strong. She can’t fight his strength when he is holding her down.

“I’m getting older, Baby,” he mutters in her ear—his voice almost enough to send Lisa yipping through another orgasm. He sighs, pressing his nose and lips against her neck. “I’m tired. Be a good girl for me and sit still.”

And Lisa whimpers. Because she wants to be a good girl for him. She wants to be the best.

Lisa doesn’t mind getting dicked down in her library. As long as it was his cock puncturing her little hole.

Though she complained that the library is the least comfortable place where they can fuck, it seems that he is interested in the notion of pounding mercilessly into her tiny cunt against her work desk, watching their cum mix and spill against the expensive mahogany.

“I’m gonna fuck a kid into you, Lisa,” he mutters, pressing his nails down her hips to the point where it hurts. Lisa whines, hands busy trying to grab the edge of her desk as her core pulsates even more with his threat. “Fill you up— shit,” he breathes as she clenches around his cock. He lifts her ass up, positioning her so that it’s easier to fuck into her hole. “Stuff you up with my hot cum. You’d like that won’t you?”

“Yes,” Lisa gasps in between her moans, her cries, her heaves. “Yesyesyes, please—”

Her cunt burns at his words, squeezing as he drags his length out, then piercing down her walls yet again. She can feel every girth, every veins of his cock. She can feel him opening her up, urging her to accommodate every single inch of him.

“Oh, Baby,” he grabs one of her arms, forcing her off her hands and against his chest. “You’re making me feel so good,” his voice trails the same time his hand goes to take hold of one of her tits.

Her throat dries. She lays her head on his shoulder as he kneads her ample jug, blabbering on and on about how she loves him and his big, big cock.

Lisa thinks that she would make a fine mother.

She is smart, and her mother used to say that being smart is the one quality that is most important in a woman when she bears a child.

When she gets dressed, Lisa would more often than not hum before her mirror, rubbing her belly as though one of these days, he would really impregnate her with his seeds. She dreams of swinging, little baby feet; she dreams of propping her child on her chest with their chin against her shoulder. She would teach them how to read and write and count, and how to chart the countless stars in the night sky.

But her reverie would dissolve like smoke from her hot morning coffee, and she is dragged back into the world where in the eyes of everyone else, they are nothing more than colleagues.

He isn’t mean. Lisa understands absolutely where he is coming from.

Even when he kisses her knuckles, lays with his head on her stomach, twirls her strands of hair around his fingers—she understands him. She absolutely does.

If she were in his position—in his mid 40s, tired from a long battle, is the father of a son he can barely see anymore—she would also feel his amount of shame in indulging in a younger woman. It’s not her—it is absolutely him. She senses that he wants to break free of his self-imposed chain and peck her cheeks in the royal garden instead of the strange, unseen nook of the castles, but an unseen rope tugs him back over and over again to his shame any moment he deems adequate to leave.

“Lisa,” he mutters one night when they are laying together, his head on her lap. She has a book on one hand as the other gently caresses his strands.

Lisa sets the book down, “Hmm?”

He has been staring at the ceiling, and Lisa waits until he feels as if he is ready to crank his neck. Their eyes meet—she marvels silently at the way moonlight reflects on his gaze. “I’m sorry.”

She titters, pretending to be dumb. “For what?”

He smiles at her laughter, his fingers escaping each other on his stomach before reaching out to find hers. He kisses the back of her hand. “I don’t know.”

Lisa shakes her head and feels the heat returning to her chest, throat, and ears. “You’re being silly again, General.”

“I am,” he sighs, shutting his eyes. “I’m getting old, aren’t I?”

“So am I.”

Lisa sits straight and looks down at him, fingers finding their way in between the spaces of his. She brings his hand closer to her lips to kiss. “You’re overthinking.”

“I am.” He pensively agrees, as though embarrassed.

“Everything is fine,” she tries soothing him with her head tilted. “Or am I not enough?” She gently teases.

“No,” he chuckles almost immediately. “You’re perfectly enough. You are more than enough. I am content with us, just like this.”

“Uh-huh,” Lisa nods. “Then why worry about something that is not even real?”

“I don’t know,” he turns to bury his face on her stomach, nuzzling his nose against her flesh. “Sorry.”

Lisa breathes in hard—a gust of wind from the open window suddenly reveals the perfect atmosphere for her to start crying. But she doesn’t. “It’s fine.”

He remains quiet with their hands tangled with each other. Lisa bites her lips, her other hand reaching to stroke his hair. She glances outside the window—the moon shines bright that night.

She will get through this. She breathes in deeply yet again, bending to press her lips to the side of his head. She has to.

#genshin impact #genshin #lisa #lisa minci #lisa x reader #lisa minci x reader #lisa smut #lisa minci smut #genshin smut #genshin impact smut #genshin x reader #lisa x you #genshin lisa smut #one-shot #lisa x reader smut #smut

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elentiyawhitethorn · 7 months

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Older but Never Wiser

CW: a bit of language

AN: Happy (almost belated) birthday @leiawritesstories my love!! This took way longer than it should have but depending on your time zone this might not be late yet lol, I’m dusting off the cobwebs to give you a little present :)

Based on this prompt: “you’re at the high school reunion and everyone’s talking about how you and [insert jerk here] were prom queen and king, unaware you dumped them years ago, and you’re moping… until you run into your nemesis from high school and you’re thoroughly distracted” (I can’t remember where this came from, it was just in my prompts folder, maybe I came up with it? Maybe not? Idk)

1458 words

Aelin could feel her shoulders begin to hunch as she drew in on herself. She’d known Chaol would be here, of course, but she hadn’t known the subject of prom queen and king would come up so soon, nor their joint senior superlative of “most likely to get married.”

She also hadn’t known Chaol would show up with a gorgeous woman taller than her, hotter than her, certainly classier than her, and wearing a giant diamond on her finger.

“I really thought you two were going to last,” Essar said, voice dripping with pity and sorrow as if she’d truly been invested in the relationship of two high school classmates she’d hardly ever interacted with ten years ago, let alone following graduation.

Aelin smiled tightly. “Well, it was for the best. I’m much happier now with my new boyfriend.” A lie, and an obvious one at that, if Essar bothered to notice. As it was, she was clearly more interested in the piece of gossip than its verity, even a decade after high school.

Some things really didn’t change.

The subject of Chaol was a bitter one—they had lasted several years following high school, and while Aelin had had plenty of time to move on, and multiple relationships following Chaol, seeing him now brought up old insecurities. Being interrogated about the end of their relationship by some random classmate at a high school reunion wasn’t making matters better.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Aelin cut in, “I should make some more rounds. It was nice to catch up with you.” There wasn’t an ounce of sincerity in Aelin’s tone and she couldn’t quite bring herself to care.

She and Essar exchanged goodbyes and Aelin fled, hurrying over to her friend Elide. Elide had been the class valedictorian and was now head of some tech company in Rifthold.

After catching up with her and a few others, Aelin headed for the refreshment table. She wasn’t one for social events, and after the tedious process of listening to the reunion’s organizers give speeches, followed by a solid half hour of unstructured mingling, Aelin was drained.

She poured herself a cup of punch. Staring into the reddish liquid at a distorted reflection of herself, Aelin sighed.

“I can’t believe Aelin Galathynius, socialite, gossip, prom queen extraordinaire, is moping at the snack table at a social event. Hell really has frozen over.”

Aelin started at the voice, looking up to see a man with stark white hair towering over her. He had certainly changed over the past decade, but the sharp pine green eyes clued her in on his identity instantly.

“Rowan Whitethorn,” Aelin drawled, grinning. “You…” She looked him over, taking in the size of his crossed arms, the deep tan, and the hard features. A tattoo snaked up his neck from somewhere underneath his shirt. Aelin whistled. “Time has served you well.”

Rowan chuckled, the sound all too familiar. “You think so?” He paused, and gave her a once-over of his own. “I could say the same.”

Aelin leaned against the table, smiling. “Do tell me what it is you do for a living. Wait—let me guess. Sly business man. Lawyer? Oh, tax collector!”

Another, louder laugh left Rowan’s lips. “I’m a child psychologist.”

Aelin’s jaw dropped. “Damn, okay.”

He grinned. “You’re what, a fashion designer? A housewife?”

Aelin rolled her eyes. “I work at a pharmacy.”

Rowan shook his head in disbelief, smiling widely. Silence settled over the pair, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable pause—merely a moment to take in each other after so long. Aelin remembered arguing with the boy this man had once been over schoolwork, over sports, over absolutely nothing.

“Gods, tell me you’re not with that asshole anymore,” Rowan said, breaking the quiet.

Aelin blinked, then felt her lips unconsciously stretch into a another smile. “No, I’m not.”

Rowan hmmed noncommittalaly. “You two were never a good match.”

He was the first person who hadn’t offered her condolences like it was some kind of recent tragedy, and for that Aelin felt her smile turn soft. “Remind me why we hated each other again?”

A breathy laugh. “I believe that was thanks to the time you scraped up the side of my car trying to park on the very first day of junior year.”

“We were sixteen! No one could drive well at that age.” Aelin was grinning.

Rowan crossed his arms. “Or perhaps the time you literally tased me? With a fucking taser?”

Aelin let out a startled laugh. She’d completely forgotten about that. One of the football boys had hosted a party while his parents were out of town, and his mom was a cop so he brought out her taser for a game of whoever can hold onto this $20 while being tased in the hand gets to keep it. Gods, high school had been quite the experience.

“That was part of the game! You took the risk, and you lost; I can’t be blamed for that. Besides, I happen to remember you making out with my boyfriend on one occasion.”

Rowan groaned in faux embarrassment, a hand running though his short locks. “Lorcan dared us to. Besides, you’d already broken up with Dorian at that point, so it didn’t really count.”

Aelin’s face started to ache as she realized just how widely her smile was stretched. “That definitely still counts, but fine, let me think of some other instance you were an asshole to me. I’m sure there were plenty.”

Rowan shook his head, eyes dancing with mirth, and opened his mouth to make a retort—but someone else beat him to it.

“Aelin! I was so happy to spot you here. How have you been?”

Of course, it was Chaol, leering over at her in a suit far too sophisticated for the occasion.

Aelin felt a wave of calm wash over her as she realized that as much as she didn’t want to have a civil conversation with Chaol, she wanted him to have the upper hand even less.

“Chaol, my gods! I’ve been great; I take it you have been as well judging by the beautiful woman on your arm?”

The woman in question blushed, and Aelin wondered what exactly she knew about her.

Chaol grinned and held up the woman’s hand—and the ring perched on her fourth finger—like some kind of prize. “This is Yrene, my fiancée. Yrene, meet Aelin and… Ronan?”

“Rowan,” Rowan correctly coolly, then glanced at Yrene. “It’s a pleasure.”

Chaol nodded dismissively and turned back to Aelin. “Is that a new haircut?”

It had been a solid six years since she’d dated the man, and at least three since they’d crossed paths. “Yes, it is.”

“And how are you getting on with that Fenrys fellow? Still happy?”

The last time Aelin had seen Chaol had been at the grocery story—fucking small towns—with her boyfriend at the time. He hadn’t lasted more than a month.

“No.”

A flicker of glee crossed Chaol’s features, and Aelin writhed internally.

“Much to my benefit, that is,” Rowan interjected. Aelin had nearly forgotten he was still standing with them. “For now I have her all to myself.”

What?

Chaol blinked, dumbfounded. “You two are together?”

Rowan shrugged. “We reconnected a couple years ago and hit it off—better than we ever had in high school,” he added.

Aelin had just enough self-control to paste a smile on her lips. Now understanding what Rowan was doing for, she took his hand casually.

Rowan’s hand envoloped Aelin’s, and his rough calluses scraped against her palm. It took restraint not to shudder, and Chaol be damned, Aelin was no longer paying attention to the conversation. Her world focused in on the warm hand interlaced with her own.

Less interested, probably now that he’d realized he didn’t have much to hang over her head, Chaol said a farewell and retreated with the fiancée who hadn’t spoken a single word. Aelin watched them leave gratefully.

Rowan slipped his hand out of Aelin’s and she almost objected before realizing herself.

“Thank you, Rowan,” Aelin said softly.

Her gaze drifted over to him and snagged on his piercing green eyes.

Rowan stared back at her for a moment. “No problem.”

Aelin shook her head. “It wasn’t no problem. That was very kind of you.”

Rowan shook his head, but said nothing more about the endeavor. “How long are you in town?”

“A whole week. I wanted to stay with my parents for a bit.”

“And I don’t suppose while you’re here you want to grab coffee together? I still need an example of the atrocities you claim I put you through, after all.”

Aelin’s expression turned fiendish. “Does tomorrow work?”

———

Tag List (this is so outdated so lmk if you want to be removed/added!):

@aelin-bitch-queen

@autumnbabylon

@charlizeed

@evolving-dreamer

@feysand-loml

@flora-shadowshine

@gracie-rosee

@infernoqueen19

@julemmaes

@leiawritesstories

@lemonade-coolattas

@live-the-fangirl-life

@midsizewitch

@morganofthewildfire

@mybloodrunsblue

@nehemikkele

@realbookloverproblems

@rhysandswingspan

@rowaelinismyotp

@rowanaelinn

@sexy-dumpster-fire

@sleeping-and-books

@story-scribbler

@swankii-art-teacher

@thegreyj

@the-lonelybarricade

@thenerdandfandoms

@yesdreamblog

#rowaelin #tog #older but never wiser #my writing

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catwyk · 10 days

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ok im listening to tsv 40 at the gym here are my immediate thoughts

carpenter having literally NO hesitation when she tells hayward she trusts him.........

charity calling herself verity is so funny to me. girl you are SO full of shit

adjudicator cross is kind of growing on me i cant lie "this one has bears on it' spit your shit king

i hc derek the camera saint to look just like cameaheads from that creepypasta you know the one

chuck harm's prayer including something like "though i walk through the depths of the low income housing" rlly makes me feel less bad for him

"nothing specifically about val just yet since we're almost certainly going to need to kill her still" CARSON IS SUCH A SLIMEBALL i love how he's written so much omfg

something something val trying to convince chuck and herself that she's beyond pain meanwhile it's so obvious that she's not something something mirror of her power something something remaining humanity something chuck agreeing to help her.......

HAYWARD SAYING EVERYTHING WORKED OUT WELL FOR HIM (BECAUSE HE GOT TO BE WITH CARPENTER HERE AND NOW) I LOVE FRIENDSHIP

#the silt verses #tsv #the silt verses.txt #the silt verses season 3 #tsv 40 #catwyk.txt

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sunshinescribes · 1 year

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So Be It - 3

Part 3 of Continuum

Part 1 | Part 2

Pairing: Namor x Black Fem!Reader

Rating: MATURE (for mentioned cunnilingus)

There is something bittersweet about being caught in a lie.

There’s the sensation of a tremendous weight being lifted from hunched shoulders. The sigh of relief from no longer having to constantly hold your breath.

Then comes the creeping dread that suffocates. The realization that your sins lay bare for anyone to see—to judge—so that they may weigh your new worth.

You could feel that dread making its home in your heart. You kept your eyes downcast; they were fixed on the glass floor of the throne room. Your eyes caught your miserable reflection, and it did little to ease the rapid beat of your heart. You couldn’t force yourself to look up at M’Baku as he stood silently before the throne.

"Tell me I’m wrong," M’Baku finally spoke after what felt like an eternity of silence. "Tell me I didn’t hear what I think I did."

His voice was nearly a whisper, but you could make out the hint of a plea. He wanted to be wrong; he wanted to believe that fatigue and stress were slowly beginning to steal his sense.

You could give him that—the lie he so desperately craved. You could spin a beautiful tale about how you had been nothing but cordial and that Namor’s interest lay only in the information you had to offer—but you just didn’t have it in you. You had been caught, and you would not dishonor yourself further by sinking deeper into falsehoods.

"You are not wrong."

M’Baku sighed deeply. You could feel his disappointment wash over you in waves, but you held firm, even as your heart continued to leap in your chest.

He turned to face you, but you still could not meet his gaze. You could hardly handle the dread in his voice, the soft-spoken disbelief. You doubted you would survive seeing it mirrored in his eyes.

"How long?"

Your mind flashed back to the first time—the soothing ebb and flow of the Wakandan beach. The distant glow of the pale full moon that hung overhead was the only witness to the sin you were committing. You were laid out in the sand, chest bare and panties discarded, as Namor tasted you for the first time with the desperate enthusiasm of a ravenous man.

You had been foolish enough to believe that would be the only time.

"Several months." You pulled at the sleeve of your dress, attempting to bring yourself back into this moment. To the king who stood before you, demanding your verity. "Nearly a year."

M’Baku cursed in Xhosa. You stood still under the scrutiny of his gaze, even as your heart continued to race, desperately seeking refuge.

Despite it, you continued to find your voice.

"I know I have disappointed you. Shamed myself, and for that I accept any punishment you deem appropriate, but know that I love Wakanda. I would lay down my life a thousand times over for my homeland." Your eyes began to sting as the confession poured out of you.

You needed him to hear you. He could dismiss you, question your loyalty—but not your love. Never your love.

You looked up finally, meeting his brown eyes that watched you analytically, but you did not falter under the scrutiny of his gaze. His ruling would be final, and you swore to Bast to take it with grace, but you would not go without speaking your heart.

"I know you do. I know," M’Baku sighed, "but what of him?"

You swallowed; the question was laid out plainly.

And do you love him as much as you love Wakanda?

Do you love him more?

Your answer would seal your fate. Your actions had planted the seeds of doubt in your king, but this would be the killing blow. The final confession.

Wakanda came first, always. The love you had for Wakanda was meant to be absolute, and you imagined that to M’Baku it was not a love that could be shared.

Once you had believed so too.

"My heart calls to him." Your voice was steady, and a sudden ease washed over you—as if another weight had finally been lifted.

You have spent so long trying to find every reason not to love Namor. You could no longer deny your heart, nor did you want to. If you were to lay your soul bare—the exhibition of your soul—then you would speak your truth at last. You would find no benefit in hiding. Not anymore.

"And loving him doesn’t mean I excuse his actions…of the pain that he once caused, but I can choose to forgive. I have chosen to forgive him, just as he chooses to make amends."

Namor wasn’t perfect, and you could not stand before your king and try to pretend that he was, but you knew the circumstances that had occurred a year prior were complicated, just as everything always seemed to be.

Your brethren may never know it, but regret lingered in Namor’s heart. A desire that things could have been different in the moments before he sieged war on your homeland, but he had done what he felt was necessary—retribution, and a means of protecting his home from the only people capable of destroying it.

You knew better than anyone that Wakanda would have done the same, and under the rule of a king before T’Challa, Wakanda would have done worse.

M’Baku stared at you wordlessly before his eyes drifted towards the floor, and he let out another tired sigh. He hesitated, as if battling with himself, before he finally lifted his gaze back towards you.

"I want you to know that you gave me more than council…to me, you are a friend. Even before the Jabari tribe was welcome again in the Golden City, you came to us," he chuckled lightly as the memory came back to him. You, with frost caught in your eyelashes, wrapped in a cloak that was not meant for the mountains. What a sight you had been then, a young peacemaker compelled by nothing but your heart.

M'Baku’s eyes softened as he continued, "I thought you were very foolish for seeking us out, but then you spoke your intentions. Of how you wished for the Jabari tribe to sit on the council once more…. that it would forever be fractured with just a single tribe missing."

"We are stronger together than we are apart," you said, recalling the words you had told your king years before.

Your attempt yielded little results besides M’Baku’s hospitality, but perhaps what you said back then resonated with him—maybe even more so now that he ruled Wakanda in Shuri’s stead.

"I now see that that is your nature. Peacemaker, but there are times when it won’t be possible to bridge such gaps. Maybe even a time when this alliance fails, and we are at war with Talokan again." The softness that the memory had brought was now gone, replaced with cold reality. "What will you choose then?"

You weren’t sure if M’Baku expected an answer from you, and you were even less certain if you could give him one.

"Do you think your love for this god-king will stop him from washing Wakanda off the face of the earth if given the chance? That this has not been a ploy to benefit him?"

You blinked at M’Baku, brows furrowing as you considered his questions. Valid concerns, every single one of them, but M’Baku had not seen the look in Namor’s eyes as he asked you to be his. That rare vulnerability—the tenderness and love you once didn’t believe he possessed. If he believed Wakanda to be his ally, he would defend her just as fiercely as his homeland—just as Wakanda promised to defend Namor’s waters. The CIA and UN had proven that both nations were in danger. Both alone.

"He is many things my king, but not unjust."

"Time will tell."

You could hear the uncertainty in his voice, and although you wished you could make him see Namor as you did, you knew it was impossible. The events of the previous year had solidified his opinion, and all that he did now was in service of protecting Wakanda from eternal war.

"I am willing to set this aside. To make it as if it never happened." M’Baku turned towards the windows, taking in the warm rays of the blinding sun—how it cast the Golden City in a hazy glow.

He sighed, long and heavy, "but you must end this…relationship. It can go on no longer."

M’Baku finally turned, his dark eyes cool and indifferent. He tipped his head in a silent dismissal.

You nodded, feeling tears sting in your eyes. You wanted to say something—anything—but no words could verbalize the turmoil that twisted inside of you.

You turned, making your way of the throne room and down the winding halls of the palace. You didn’t allow yourself the comfort of tears until you finally made your way back home.

Nights were always serene in Wakanda. The sky littered with twinkling stars, the comforting midnight breeze seemed to put everything at ease as the insects sang to the lonely moon—if there was ever a moment when the worries of your life slipped away, it was in moments like these, yet you found no such comfort tonight.

You cried the moment you returned home, barely making it through the door before you slid to the floor. M’Baku had been generous, his kindness only matched by your king before him. You still had your home. Your life in Wakanda—but Namor’s offer also lingered. The offer of his hand, his love.

Both had offered you the same ultimatum, and still your heart warred with itself.

Your home, or your heart. Which one are you willing to sacrifice?

You wrapped yourself in your favorite mudcloth shawl before you made your way to the shore. Your steps were slow, tentative. You could feel your heart beating in your chest, hear it in your ears as your feet nearly touched the rippling waves.

You stood there for only a moment when you saw Namor emerge, his dark hair sticking to his forehead as water rippled down his body. He ran his fingers through his hair, pushing back wet strands, and you could see the hint of a smile on his lips as his eyes fell on you.

It fell quickly as he took in the puffiness of your eyes, the tremble of your lip.

He stopped short, concern clear in his expression as his eyes searched your face.

"I can’t," you whispered.

The words were simple, and yet they seemed to hit Namor like a punch. His brows furrowed slightly, a mix of frustration and anguish swimming in his dark eyes.

"Why?" His voice was low, almost impossible to hear with the crash of a sudden wave.

"I can’t live a fantasy," you scoffed, trying to keep yourself from crying. Your vision blurred despite yourself. "My life is here. My real life, and I can’t throw it all away. You can’t ask that of me."

Namor blinked. You caught a flicker of pain in his expression, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"I asked you to be mine. To share a life with me," he countered, "If being in Wakanda makes you happy I would never deny you of that. But as you said, it would not be my choice.”

His eyes lifted from you toward the distant Golden City. His lips twisted into a frown as he took it in, as if he were staring at an adversary.

“It is not me who is asking you to throw everything away,” he murmured as his wistful gaze turned back to you.

Namor’s words chipped away at your defenses, and it took everything in you not to scream that you knew. Bast, you knew he wasn’t in the wrong…not here, but you needed him to be. It was the only way to keep yourself from rushing into his arms and begging him to whisk you away to Talokan.

It was easier to make him the villain than to do the scary thing and follow your heart.

"You told me I had to make a choice.”

Namor held your gaze, searching for the truth that you refused to speak. You lifted your chin and tried to make your expression as impassive as you could manage.

Namor nodded, his expression grim, "and so you have."

Namor turned, not gracing you with a farewell or a chance to respond as he returned to the dark waves that stirred with new fervor as if compelled by his emotions.

You continued to watch the waves as tears rolled down your cheek and your heart ached painfully in your chest.

You had done the right thing—stood by your homeland, refused to be selfish—and yet you had never felt worse in your entire life.

NOTE: This was supposed to be a three-part series but I was having trouble writing a satisfying conclusion, so this has turned into a four part series. Next chapter should be the last one, but I'm as much of a victim to my whims as y'all are. Also, some folks on AO3 asked for a chapter exploring how this all started, so that is also in the works! It will be posted after the final chapter (I've already started writing it!)

TAGLIST (adding people who explicitly ask to be tagged): @daddyslittlevillain

#namor x black reader #namor x reader #namor x you #namor x y/n #namor x fem!reader #kukulkan x reader #kukulkan x you #black!fem!reader #namor fanfiction #namor imagine

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secretagentspydetectiveninja · 1 year

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since i’d already played the original trilogy approximately seven million times in french, i finally got round to playing french apollo justice instead. just finished it and hoooo boy was this localisation just as interesting

just like in the og trilogy, the entire thing now takes place in france (presumably paris, though they didn’t specify in this one). at least there aren’t earthquakes this time so it doesn’t feel quite as surreal.

apollo’s “i’m fine!” catchphrase is now “tout va bien !” which means “everything’s fine!”

some of the names have been translated again. for example, trucy is now called “Vérité” which not only is the french form of the english name “Verity”, but it also is the literal french word for “truth”, which gives some dialogues a double meaning whenever they’re discussing the truth. “Vous dites... la vérité... Apollo Justice... ?”

they did not change lamiroir’s name. they did however change machi tobaye to “Tomas Kashkash”, make of that what you will

in the first case, phoenix and kristoph use formal pronouns when addressing each other in court, and informal pronouns outside of court, which is fun. by the final case they’re exclusively using formal pronouns since their friendship has pretty much ended. (it’s a similar case with klavier and daryan, who switch to formal pronouns when they’re trying to be serious/professional and when their friendship starts to splinter.) (apollo and trucy use informal pronouns on each other pretty much the whole way through.)

trucy says “Mééééééé !” a lot

she also calls apollo “Pollo”

wocky kitaki (”Willy” in french) is my fricking favourite oh my god. he speaks in such verlan-ified slang i had to painstakingly decipher every single thing he said. i love him. when he said “sakom” i felt that 😔✊ he’s nigh-incomprehensible just like he was in the english version. absolute king.

in order to make wocky so iconic they apparently had to sacrifice klavier though, because in this version he is english. ENGLISH. AS IN, FROM ENGLAND. usually the french localisation takes its cues from the english version so i thought they’d keep him german, and then when he started calling people “miss” instead of “Fräulein” i thought maybe they’d made him american, like he was in the original japanese version, but NO IT TURNS OUT HE’S JUST ENGLISH??? LIKE FROM ENGLAND????? U WOT M8 JOLLY GOOD OLD CHAP CHEWSDAY INNIT????? I’M FROM ENGLAND, THIS IS THROWING ME OFF TOO MUCH

and they didn’t even commit to the englishification!! he barely says any english stuff at all! he sometimes says “miss” or “mister” and that’s... about it? he doesn’t even have any “Achtung, baby!” equivalent!! he calls apollo “M. Grand Front” which yeah means basically the same thing as herr forehead but it’s entirely in french so what’s the point?? god if you were gonna curse him by making him from freaking england then at least go all the way?? at least his “Objection !” sounds cool i guess...

and his name is “Konrad” in this version. that’s fine because “clavier” means “keyboard” in french (like the thing you type on) so i get that it would have sounded silly. but imo they should have gone in the opposite direction and picked a random english word to name him then. they should have named him Stapler or something. why’d they give him a normal name. he is Stapler Gavin in my heart

ema calls him “minet pailleté” btw which yeah pretty much just means glimmerous fop. (she studied in england too in this version WHY THE FRICK IS EVERYONE ENGLISH)

there were some fun french puns, such as calling phoenix apollo’s “mentor” (french for “mentor”, if you couldn’t guess) and then calling him “menteur” which means liar and sounds very similar

“I killed a man named “Smith” with a bottle because I am an evil human being.”

#ace attorney #apollo justice #aa4 spoilers #or however the heck people tag their spoilers idk #random stuff #i know i wrote like three entire paragraphs just about klavier but it completely blindsided me okay #oh sorry i meant ~Stapler~#also his vibes in this french version are like slightly... sluttier. idk how to put it #maybe it's just a quirk of the french language who knows #the only example i can think of off the top of my head is #he said he almost had to do a strip-tease to get through borginian customs #that was his literal wording. he literally said that. he said strip-tease #i mean i know he said something similar in the english version but IT WASN'T QUITE THAT #oh yeah and he called his guitars his conquests instead of his lovers #for an ace attorney he sure is a guitarfucker huh #there were other things but i can't remember right now #anyway that's a little treat for you if you took the time to read my nonsense tags

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decepti-thots · 3 months

Note

for character ask: minimus

First impression: I legitimately don't remember super clearly! I liked him first readthrough, but was really focused on Rodimus so it wasn't til the second or third time I reread the series I was super paying attention to his arc ngl.

Impression now: favourite boy. favouritest boy. picks him up and holds him up like that one lion king shot. Look At My Boy. Okay, but for real, he is now tied for joint favourite character and I love him sooo much.

Favorite moment: I mean. Has to be "fully deserved" right. It's so good. But I think a close second is actually from the prose stories, the bit where he just neatly eviscerates Rodimus' failings to Rung in that matter-of-fact way. Absolutely BRUTAL.

Idea for a story: god I really need to write something with that glaring massive gap of him and Verity working together on his ship some time. Like we do not poke at that incredibly huge hole in canon enough. It's such a WILD thing to be canon the longer you think about it.

Unpopular opinion: Minimus is kind of an asshole and this is really important to his character. Any discussion of him which smol-bean-dad-ifies him is just complete fanon, tbh. He takes his issues out on the people around him extensively in series one, he is distrustful and judgemental of basically all his peers, and he refuses to be straightforward with people- his arc requires he start from this point so it can be an arc.

Favorite relationship: him and Rodimus. Like I ship it but it doesn't even HAVE to be a ship to be clear; their canon dynamic is just really interesting and fruitful. There's just so much more tension there which pushes the story forward than there is when it largely gets replaced with the Rodimus-Megatron dynamic later on, IMO.

Favorite headcanon: I have no idea if the timeline actually fits, but I like to think that Rewind got his official combat exemption, at least, around the time Minimus got the role as Magnus, what a funny coincidence.

#ask meme

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cyberphuck · 1 year

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Assassin’s Apprentice Abridged: Part One

EDIT: Tumblr randomly swallowed like 500 words in the middle of this, so I've added that back in.

I am finally embarking on my long-threatened project to summarize all of the Farseer Trilogy for my friend Razz so they can understand my shitposts about it but don’t actually have to read it. I started with this post about the cast of characters in the first book.

This is being broken up into sections because the trilogy and AA in particular (as well as Royal Assassin... whew, that one’s gonna be hard) is so insanely long and complex.

And now, Ladies and Gentlequeers, AA Abridged: Part One.

We open on the narrator musing both about writing a history of the Six Duchies (but being unable to because every time he tries it turns into a salty rant about everything bad that's ever happened to him) and also about how very old and decrepit he is. He is hunched over his writing desk, his fingers gnarled and knuckly, literally crumbling away like a Thanos-snapped MCU character as he sorrowfully attempts to make some record of the long and storied life he's lived before he lapses into the sweet void of death.

Fitz is 35.

"I bet you're wondering how I got here," Fitz writes. "It all began when I was born. Neither of my parents bothered to show up."

Actually, the curtain opens on Fitz as a six year old, being hauled up to the front doors of a fort by a cranky older man. "Surely you must have memories of your childhood before six," someone in the audience asks, but Fitz replies "No, I definitely don't, I never did and I'm tired of you asking me that." It never really becomes super important what he was doing before he was six, unless you count the time where he was traveling from the King-In-Waiting's ballsack to the sweet hot vagina of Some Lady He Never Spoke To Again.

Fitz is scooped up and brought inside the fort, and presented to Prince Verity. You'd think Verity would be at least a little upset that his older brother has muddied the line of succession with his long-ago nut, but Verity acts as if Fitz's existence is the funniest thing he's ever seen. "Yep, looks just like him," Verity confirms, then instructs a soldier to bring Fitz to Burrich.

That's right, the cranky old man hammers on the front door, waits for someone to open it, says "this is Prince Chivalry's kid and I'm tired of dealing with him," and then walks off. Despite this, Fitz never develops any abandonment issues and only has healthy and honest relationships with people for the rest of his life.

"Those are all the memories I have of that fort," Fitz writes, "except for that one night that Prince Verity, Burrich, and Prince Regal stood and looked in on me in the stall and Regal complained that I was muddying the line of succession."

Burrich does not think this situation is as funny as Verity did.

But he's honest and loyal, so he sighs and says "C'mon, Lil Accident, I'll find a place for you to sleep." That place is in a horse stall with Vixen, the hound dog, and Nosy, her pup. Burrich looks down at all of them, mutters "Patience is gonna have a fucking aneurysm" and then walks off.

After a couple of weeks, Burrich puts Lil Accident on a horse behind him and they ride away from Moonseye and towards Buckkeep. During this time, offstage, Fitz's father Chivalry gets word of his appearance and does the only sensible and logical thing, which is to ollie out the window while flipping everyone off and yelling "GOOD LUCK FIGURING THIS ONE OUT, LOSERS!" He abdicates and retires to a farm with his weirdo wife, which pisses off basically everyone.

Burrich and Fitz arrive at Buckkeep, the capital of the Six Duchies, a tall castle on a hill overlooking the ocean. Burrich is the stablemaster, in charge of all the critters large and small at the keep. He'd also been Chivalry's right hand man until he'd jumped in front of a boar to keep it from killing the Prince and fucked up his leg. Burrich comes home to Buckkeep with a bad leg and a six year old bastard to find that his bestie has just fucking peaced out without saying anything to him. He's kind of having a bad day. He hands Fitz off to stableboy Cobb, who leads him and pup Nosy to the kitchens to get something to eat.

Cobb sits FItz-and-Nosy just outside the kitchens and goes inside for delicious pie. A burly man walks by Fitz, does a double-take, then points and yells, "Hey everyone! It's Chivalry's Bastard!"

Fitz shrinks down.

"I heard you don't even have a name!" Burly man hollers, then gets right up in Fitz's face. "Is that true, tiny and defenseless six year old boy that I'm accosting? You don't have a name?"

Fitz yells "NOOOOOO" and, like a tiny, dirty Jedi master, force-shoves the man onto his ass. The crowd, assuming that the dude was just a coward who couldn't handle being yelled at by a toddler, has a laugh and carries on with their tasks. Fitz gets up and he and Nosy run away and spend all day hiding in a hole.

Burrich does eventually find him, and with a hearty "what the fuck you can't just burrow underneath the shed, get out of there," returns him to the stables, where his new home is Burrich's little bachelor pad above the stalls. In the days and weeks that follow, Fitz wakes up, eats breakfast, and immediately escapes the keep to go down to the town and run around with a bunch of street kids.

Fitz doesn't say much but he's game for anything and he has a dog, so he's accepted into the gang as "Newboy." He and his new friends generally just run around making trouble, stealing food, and bothering people. One of the notables in the bunch is Molly Nosebleed, called that because she always looks like someone just got done beating the shit out of her. Wholesome!

One sunny day, Fitz, Molly and Nosy are on the rocks near the beach looking for sheel to eat. I have no idea what sheel is and neither does Google. Then Molly's dad shows up to hit her with a stick to teach her a lesson about having a drunk, violent dad.

Alarmed, Fitz force-shoves Molly's dad into the sand. Molly immediately freaks out and struggles to get dad back on his feet to stagger back to their candle-making shop (or chandlery if you're feeling fancy). Fitz is confused at the intricacies of abusive relationships, but relieved that no one yet knows that he has force-shoving powers.

Aside from his brief encounter with childhood trauma, everything is going great for Fitz. Then one day, while he and his fellow urchins (and Nosy) are running from a dude whose sausages they just stole, Fitz runs right the fuck into Burrich.

"You get your butt right back up to the castle, young man," Burrich says, dragging Fitz along by his ear. "And if I EVER find out you've been down in town hanging out with someone again, I will personally have sex with them a bunch of times," he added foreshadowingly.

"I don't have to do what you say," Fitz barks.

"Bark," says Nosy.

Burrich's eyes narrow. "How many fingers am I holding up?" he asks.

"I don't really know numbers," says Fitz.

"Bark," says Nosy.

"Nosy says that's three," Fitz translates.

"Alrighty then, no more puppy for you, the puppy is going to live on a farm upstate," Burrich says. He drags the puppy outside.

Presumably something cool happens to it.

So now instead of slumming around Buckkeep Town, Fitz spends his days following Burrich around and being taught how to manage horses and dogs but not birds because birds apparently hate bastards. Fitz is careful not to let Burrich see him being friendly with any animals.

One day, Fitz is sitting underneath a table in the Great Hall, being friendly with a bunch of puppies. It's the morning after a party and there's plenty of leftover food to be had, and he's happily stuffing pies down his shirt and sharing pieces with the pups. Then he hears footsteps and who should show up but KING SHREWD!

Shrewd is technically Fitz's grandfather but has never really spoken to him. He's walking along with Prince Regal (*crowd boos*) and the king's new fool, a weirdo albino child who's just cartwheeling along behind them.

Fitz goes "hmm, time to bounce" and crawls out from under the table. Shrewd stops to look at him. "Ah, the Little Accident," he says. "If you leave weapons laying around, someone will eventually pick them up and stab you with them."

"What?" says Regal.

"What?" says Fitz.

"I am not going to leave you laying around for someone else to kill me with," Shrewd says. "Lil Accident, take this pin. I am going to to feed you, train you, house you and clothe you. If anyone's got shit to say about it, show them this pin. It means you belong to me."

"...Okay, sure," Fitz shrugs. He puts the pin into the collar of his shirt. Shrewd nods magnanimously and walks on. Regal flips him off. The Fool cartwheels out the door as they leave.

That night, Fitz goes home to Burrich's bachelor pad, but Burrich turns him right back around. "You done gone and did it now," he says. "King Shrewd noticed you and now you're gonna have to go live inside the castle like a fancy lad. Go on."

"But despite my fear and resentment of you, I see you as a protector and father figure," Fitz says.

"Oh little boy who blew up my life, I love and resent you too," Burrich assures him. "If you get lonely, you can come back down here and I'll murder another puppy for you."

Fitz trudges up to the castle. He has a room of his own. There's a fucking weird tapestry on the wall of the ancient King Wisdom consorting with... what is that thing? Slenderman? It's creepy.

Weeks go by. Fitz is kept busy with new lessons in reading and writing and 'rithmetic, as well as swordery. Once in a very long while, he makes the trip back down to the town to visit his buddies, but those trips become fewer and farther between.

It's the middle of the night.

Fitz wakes up to a draft and a light in his face. There's an old man at the foot of his bed, holding up a lantern. "Come with me," the old man says.

"Oh," Fitz yawns, getting out of bed. "It's the call to adventure."

The old man leads Fitz to a doorway in the wall that hadn't been there before. This is where the draft was coming from-- a steep staircase leading up between walls. Old man leads Fitz up a maze of passageways and then finally to a huge hidden room with all the amenities a crazy old wall-man could want, like a fireplace and comfy chairs and a big bed and a library and a science lab.

Also, the old looks like he took a hot frying pan to the face. Like he really looks like hell.

"Wrow," Fitz says.

"Wrow indeed, boy," the old man agrees. "My name is Chade. I bet I look familiar to you. Well it's because I'm King Shrewd's brother and I blah blah blah I have a weasel named Slink. Next you're going to ask what the fuck happened to my face. I can tell everything you're thinking, because I'm a master spy and assassin and-- now this part you should take to heart-- I am always right about everything. Never doubt me."

"Okay," Fitz says.

"Good. That out of the way, let's train you to kill people."

#rote #robin hobb #farseer trilogy #fitzchivalry farseer #aa abridged #farseer trilogy abridged

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veryimportantsparkles · 16 days

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It's only been a few days but I felt comfortable enough to hunch over my desk to do some drawing! I can't properly bend down or lift things but I can draw for a few hours. I honestly thought I'd be bedridden for a while.

Well anyways! This Mweor is named Verity. When I started sketching her out I started getting Lion King vibes from her, I think from the horns, like she's some kind of graceful antelope but no she's a cat. She loses all that grace as a mushroom but that's her fate!!!

#doodles #mweor #cat #mushroom

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annot8 · 15 days

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Realm of the elderlings ask meme thing

There's nothing I love more than ranking my favourite things! (I have not finished Assassin's Fate yet so things could maybe change)

Favourite Rote book: Royal Assassin

Why: This is the one that took me the longest to read. It paints Buckkeep so vividly, I felt like I was walking down its corridors alongside Fitz. Assassin's Apprentice serves to set up the story, and then by Assassin's Quest, everything has changed. And then, even when we get back to Buckkeep in Tawny Man, nothing is the same. Royal Assassin feels the most like home.

You've got Fitz bonding with Nighteyes, you've got Kettricken as Queen-in-Waiting alongside Verity, you've got an ailing King Shrewd, you've got peak sneaky old man Chade, you've got Patience and Lacey, you've got Fitz and the Fool becoming friends, you've got Burrich being a questionable but earnest parental figure, you've got the messiest teenage relationships, you've got political intrigue, and fun witted shenanigans, and all the things I love most about this series.

And the backdrop of the RedShip War is so compelling. It does what Piebalds don't do quite as well in Tawny Man. The threat lingers so heavily and is intertwined in everything that happens.

And it has one of the most well written endings I've ever read. The way everything comes together is insane. From Shrewd dying to Fitz being resurrected. His time in nighteyes' body is a masterpiece and an achievement of writing.

Top three favourite characters: Fitz, Beloved, Nighteyes (It feels wrong to not also mention Kettricken and Burrich here because I love them SO MUCH)

Top three least favourite characters: Dwalia, Ellik, Greft

Favourite ship of the floating kind: Paragon or Vivacia - I can't decide! You can't make me!

Top 3 ships of the people kind: Fitzloved, Alise x Leftrin, and Burrich x Chivalry x Patience - though also have a soft spot for Molly and Burrich.

Would you rather be witted or skilled: Being Skilled would probably be so much more practical, but Witted.

If you were witted, what animal would you bond with: a lazy little cat

Would you rather live in the Outislands, the Mountain Kingdom, the Six duchies, Bingtown, the Rain wilds, Kelsingra, Jamailia, the Pirate isles or Mercenia/Fool's homeland?: This feels like the wrong answer, but its the Six Duchies for me. The descriptions of Buck remind me so much of where I grew up in the cold by the sea. it feels familiar.

How were you introduced to the books: My mum!

Share a quote you love:

'Come, hunt with me, the invitation whispers in my heart. Leave the pain behind and let your life be your own again. There is a place where all time is now, and the choices are simple and always your own.

Wolves have no Kings.

-Royal Assassin, Epilogue

I think I've seen most of my mutuals do this. If you haven't, consider this me tagging you! and anyone else who wants to do it! xx

#I love Liveships and this doesn't really reflect that but I am first and foremost always a Farseer Trilogy gal #also get ready for the ranking of your life when I finish this series #I'll be doing my top ten of anything and everything #rote #realm of the elderlings

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12pt-times-new-roman · 2 years

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OK WOW IT'S THE BREAK, THAT WAS A HELL OF A FIRST HALF JESuS FUCK

I have 10 minutes to collect my thoughts so let's fuckin' go

Dusk's name is Yu. They're a hexblade warlock (so the rapier is probably their pact weapon) and an Oath of Conquest paladin.

Birdie is a rogue, and has access to Invisibility (through either the Arcane Trickster subclass, the Magic Initiate feat, or the Fey/Shadow-Touched feat).

Fearne is Ruidus-born, and Ruidus has been appearing in the feywild "where/when it shouldn't be."

Yu mentioned the Keeper of the Moontides by name, and claims that both courts and the Keeper will be hunting the Calloways for the Moontide Crown. This directly connects the Arcana Pansophical and Allura to this campaign, since a Pansophical spy was the first one to report the Keeper and promptly went missing after that

"You don't know what you're doing!" "Elaborate!" Ashton my beloved

The Bead of Imprisonment is broken & unusable

Oh, this party's flaw is going to be that they're too trusting. Got it. (Travis is giving me huuuuge C2E70 vibes right now and I don't know how I feel about it.)

YEAYEAYEA

Ruidus doesn't appear in the Feywild, only Catha does, but it started appearing about seven years ago. Ollie had visions and no one believed them — he saw "something about this red moon tearing through and leaving devastation in its path. And in the center of it, he kept seeing you [Fearne]." That's why they didn't take Fearne with them.

Birdie directly knows the Nightmare King and called him Ira, and she specifically mentioned that she had seen him after he fought the Hells.

The Unseelie were working with "some Exandrian folk" (my bet is on the Paragon's Call) to try and put something together, something arcane that was going to help "further their boons from the red moon." At the center of that construction was the Moontide Crown, so the Calloways took it to stop them. The crown has strong ties to the Moonweaver and Catha, and Birdie is unsure who the Unseelie were working with and what the crown actually does.

The Calloways were working with Ira to try and figure it out. "Corrupted" versions of the Unseelie are contained within a mirror and sent out to assassinate whoever the mirror is pointed at, and Ira constructed it. Sounds a lot like the assassins who attacked the Lumas twins and Zephrah.

The Nightmare King was doing work with Treshi to raise funds for this project.

"Something big is coming... we're trying to build a device to discern the true nature of Ruidus, and why everything's overlapping. We have about a month until [an apogee solstice on Fessuran 21-23]... [Ira] sees in his own weird way the dangers of what might be coming."

Their device is missing a couple things. They're working with Hanvir, who works with the Grim Verity.

"Your ignorance is going to be the end of it all."

Ira reached Morri to get one of these missing pieces. And Morri said that she'd send something along. Like the little gem that Fearne is carrying around.

The gnarlrock is in the Feywild, and "everyone always ends up returning to it, for better or for worse." Yu doesn't know what it does, just that it's a powerful artifact.

Ira's work with the werewolves wasn't actually his "work," he was just working for Treshi to make some money for the machine.

Are they building a spelljammer helm???

FCG casts Identify on the gem from Fearne.

"It looks like a green glass disc. It's rough on the edges, but it's like a deep emerald lens. It has a slight rainbow flash across it... it isn't a known magical item. The best term you can come to is a weave lens. You glance through it, and you look through it at everyone around you— every piece of magical equipment your friends are wearing seems to be giving off a glow. You focus on the glow, you're not sure of the nature of it but there's letters and symbols across each of them. You look at Ashton's hammer, and you see the magical magnetic fields across it, and you look at the patterns for a second and it looks like script."

Laudna has Eyes of the Runekeeper, which allows her to identify the language on Yu's sword as an ancient elven language "used for pressing ideas and philosophies and truths onto weapons as part of an enchantment... it tens to be about creating shadow and banishing shadow in the same stroke." That tracks with it being a pact weapon, so.

Birdie got a couple more arcane batteries from Imahara.

Birdie also took Yu's tracking ring! Fearne takes after her mother :)

Ruidus started acting weird seven years ago, which precisely aligns with when the Mighty Nein freed Cognouza. (we all thought the chains breaking across the city was it being freed. but was Cognouza some kind of lock? was it one of Tharizdun's fanes? was it keeping something at bay like the Tree of Names was??)

An apogee solstice is approaching, about a month from now — so Ruidus' zenith is most likely going to coincide with that, since EXU:C confirmed that both of the moons play a part in producing an apogee solstice.

anyway my take away from this half is that all you fuckers who said Calamity 2: Electric Boogaloo were hit with Apollo's dodgeball. "your ignorance will be the end of everything"? "there'll be nothing left, it'll all burn"? massive bureaucracy trying to take advantage of things far bigger than them that they don't understand just because they think they can? yeah. Exandria had its Calamity eight hundred years ago — so maybe it's the Feywild's turn.

#critical role #critical role spoilers #critical role c3 #critical role campaign 3 #critical role liveblog #critical role c2 #note watches c3 #critical role c2 spoilers

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melodyalanaroster · 2 months

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Under The Stars With You

The results for the Seniors’ final exams were ready and had been posted. It was finally the day the class found out if whether or not they were graduating. However, the majority of the students had something else on their minds. Most of the girls would not stop talking about what they were going to wear to the Senior Prom. “Come on Nath! Let’s go get our scores!” Alana cheered as she pulled his hand towards their homeroom. “Really? We all know you two passed. You don’t need to see your scores.” Sam laughed as she and Kentin walked up behind them. “We need to make sure.” Nathaniel smiled. When Mr. Faraize entered the room, he looked at the four of them cheerily. “Hello students.” He beamed. “Good morning sir! Where are our scores?” Alana asked, curiously. “Patience, Miss Roster. I will hand everyone’s files out as soon as class starts.” Mr. Faraize chuckled.

When everyone had taken their seats, the class was a buzz with talk about the upcoming events. “I’m gonna be Prom Queen!” Amber loudly proclaimed. “Who would vote for a vain drama queen like you?” Sam asked. “I know you and your idiot sister won’t get it!” Amber shot back. “Remember! My sister is dating your brother!” Sam popped off. “Quiet everyone!” Mister Faraize called as he picked up a stack of folders and stood at the front of the classroom. “Your exam results are in these files and will show you if any of you need to retake them to graduate. To those of you who passed on the first go, congratulations! You may spend the rest of the year focusing on Graduation and, of course, Prom. If you need to retake any of the exams, please come see me and we can schedule your retakes.” He announced. Several students looked around, worried. “I hope I passed!” Violette blurted out. “I’m sure you did fine!” Kim assured her. Mister Faraize began walking around the room and handing out folders. “Are you kidding me?! I have to retake my history exam?!” Amber shouted. “At least it’s only one test.” Lin attempted to comfort her. “I passed all mine!” Alana cheered. “I told you so!” Sam laughed. “I got all A’s!” Nathaniel beamed. Kentin looked through his file. “I barely passed Math, but I made it!” He cheered. “I wonder where mom is gonna take us to get our dresses...” Alana pondered out loud. “Probably the more aristocratic side of town... Achille is gonna be out of town this weekend, so Mom will most likely use it as an excuse to hang out with Aunt V.” Sam shrugged. “Yeah, right! Like you’re gonna get designer dresses! I doubt you’ll even get something out of a BARGAIN bin!” Amber scoffed. Sam and Alana looked at her and rolled their eyes. “You’re right Sam... Not to mention, Verity and Agatha know where to get the dresses that will look the best on us!” Alana chuckled.

“Alana! What are you gonna wear to Prom?” Rosalaya asked as they walked towards the Gym. “I bet you’re gonna wear a lovely ball gown! Just like a princess!” Alexy cheered. “Nope! I’m going for something elegant and formal. I’ve already decided that I want a floor length, blue, dress and silver accessories.” Alana explained. “That sounds lovely!” Alexy beamed. When they got to the Gym, Boris was already at work directing the students in preparation for the weekend’s festivities. “Don’t forget! There is plenty of time to nominate and vote for Prom Royalty! We need a King and Queen and runners up!” He announced. “I know who I’m gonna nominate and vote for!” Rosa cooed. “Who?” Alana asked. “It’s a secret!” Rosa smirked as she walked over to the ballot box, wrote two names on a card and dropped it in. Alana looked at her friends and thought for a couple of minutes. “You could write your own name and run for Prom Queen.” The voice in her head suggested. “No. I want it to be someone who truly deserves the title... Someone who is a great friend. And I want Prom King to be someone sweet too.” She thought back. Suddenly, the choices were obvious. “I know the perfect people to have the title.” She sighed as she walked over to the ballot box, wrote her choices down and dropped the card in. “The theme is “Under The Stars” and we are going to make this place fabulous!” Boris cheerfully called. “Don’t forget to purchase your Prom Tickets so you can get your invitations by the end of the week!” Mr. Faraize instructed as he walked into the room and began putting up decorations.

After everyone had given Mr. Faraize their money for their tickets and the Gym’s transformation had begun taking shape, the bell rang for lunch. “Alana, before we go eat, I wanna talk to you.” Nathaniel cooed. “What’s up?” Alana asked, curiously. He took her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I know its already been implied... But... Will you g-go to Prom with me?” He asked. “Of course! I’d love to!” Alana blurted out with tears in her eyes. “Great! I’ll meet you at your apartment that night!” He beamed. Filled with joy, Alana threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. “I can’t wait to dance with you that night!” She cheered. “Come on you two! We saved your seats!” Armin called as he poked his head around a corner. Nathaniel walked a couple of feet forward, turned around and held his hand out to her. “Shall we?”

As the day went on, several students could be heard complaining about their test scores, the loudest of which was Amber. “I still can’t believe I have to focus on my retake! I wanna put more focus on my Prom outfit and becoming queen!” She whined when she entered the classroom. “Amber, calm the frick down! All you have to do is a little bit of studying, and retake the stinking test! Then, once you at least get a somewhat passing grade, you can focus on your little fantasy!” Alana angrily huffed as she and Priya entered the room and grabbed a few items from Mister Faraize’s cupboard. “I don’t wanna hear anything from the little wretch who ruined my family, poisoned my brother against us, and took him from us!” Amber shouted. “I didn’t ruin your family! I did not poison him against you. Your brother is free to be who he wants and associate with you and your mom. He just doesn’t want anything to do with your dad, and you know why! And, I’m his GIRLFRIEND, if he wants to spend time with you, it would be wrong of me to stop that!” Alana shot back.

★

“I am so happy that we get to take you shopping as a family! This will be wonderful!” Verity loudly cheered as Sam and Alana entered their living room. “I wish Rini could be here...” Alana sighed. “I know... But she’s got her studies and Achille won’t let her leave the school until she graduates.” Verity looked down. “I’m sure that, once she graduates, she’ll be able to go shopping for more formal dresses with us another time!” Lynne beamed as she did her best to maintain an upbeat mood. “If Achille ever lets her...” Alana muttered. “Well, let us all pile into the car so we may start this fashion adventure!” Verity cooed as she motioned towards the door. “Yeah, let’s get this party started!” Sam boomed. When the ladies got out of the apartment building, they noticed a limousine parked in front of it. “Come on girls! Let’s go SHOPPING!” Agatha cheered as she stuck the top half of her body out of the sun roof of the vehicle. “Hey girls!” Seraphina smiled as she stepped out and opened one of the doors. “This is definitely going to be an event!” Alana laughed. “Oh god...” Sam chuckled.

When everyone got settled down in the limousine, Verity looked at Sam and Alana. “So, girls, before we get started... What styles are you aiming for?” She asked. Alana was quick to describe the style that she had mentioned to Rosalaya and Alexy. “Of course you’d go with elegant and classic! I love it!” Verity cooed. “So, Sam? What about you?” Seraphina inquired. “I think I wanna go with something kind of out of my element... Something short and glittery.” Sam smirked. “Oh god, you’re aiming to drive poor Ken insane!” Alana laughed. “And what if I am? I’m not like you. I don’t aim to be a proper lady!” Sam spat. “I’m not a proper lady! I just like classic elegance!” Alana spat. “Just like a proper lady!” Agatha laughed. “Can we just go?!” Alana huffed. “Yes, let’s begin this adventure! I’ve booked the finest shop in town for this day!” Verity cheered.

The Aristocratic district of Amouria was filled to the brim with businesses that catered to the finer side of society. Towering skyscrapers, expensive apartments, high dollar enterprises, designer shops, Michelin Star restaurants, and world renowned patisseries all made the quaint, worldly, non-aristocratic side of the city look like it was an entirely different realm. “We’re going to shop for a couple of hours, then I’ve gotten us a table at Across The Universe for a late lunch or early supper! The top table in the garden of course!” Verity beamed. “This is going to be an absolutely lovely day!” Agatha cooed. “I suppose it will be!” Alana smiled as the limousine pulled up in front of a skyscraper. The group walked into the building and was greeted by a young lady at the front desk. “Mrs. Mekina, Ladies Roster, welcome to Regalia. Mademoiselle Baudelaire is waiting for you upstairs.” She nodded. “Thank you. We’ll take ourselves up there.” Verity smiled as an attendant opened the elevator and they all went upstairs.

Mademoiselle Giselle Baudelaire had become the youngest, most sought after, fashion designer in Astaria. Having gained a reputation amongst the Astarian Aristocracy for her fine details and her fashion forward designs, it was obvious that she was going to be Verity’s choice to design the looks for her goddaughters. “Lady Verity! Welcome back to my humble studio!” The pink haired, porcelain skinned, woman with a pink eye and a yellow eye beamed as she walked up to them. “Mademoiselle Baudelaire! Its always a pleasure!” Verity cheered as the women shared a quick hug and two air kisses on the sides of each other’s heads. Giselle looked at the young ladies standing before her. “Well, well, well! I have never been able to design looks for the legendary Roster Clan! The family who has been essential in our nation’s creation and maintenance, and yet... Refuses to become part of the aristocracy. To what do I owe the pleasure?” She cheered. “Pleasure to meet you Mademoiselle Baudelaire, we are here to create my daughters’ prom looks.” Lynne announced. “Its a pleasure to meet you Miss Baudelaire. I’m Melody.” Alana politely bowed. “And I’m Sam.” Sam smirked. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too ladies. Now... Who would like to go first?” Giselle asked as she motioned for one of the girls to go stand on the platform in the middle of the room. “I will.” Alana announced. “Look at Mels taking charge!” Agatha mused.

After several minutes of Alana explaining her vision for her look, Giselle smiled as she walked around the room. “Your idea is very simplistic... I won’t be able to design and completely make it within this short time period... However... I do already have something made that wouldn’t take much alterations, if any.” She smiled as she walked into a room, rummaged around a bit and walked out carrying a floor length, deep blue, dress. “Here. Go try this on and let’s see what else we need to do to bring your vision to life.” She mused as she held the dress up for Alana to look at. “It looks great!” Alana smiled as she ran off to the dressing room. While Alana changed, Giselle asked Sam about her vision for her prom look. “I want something short, maybe a little sheer, glittery in the chest area... I’m not looking to be Prom Queen. I just wanna drive my date insane.” Sam smirked. “Samantha... You drive that poor boy mad enough as it is.” Lynne snickered. “Well... I think I have exactly what you’re looking for.... Young Miss Lafferty recently wanted a green dress, but when I made this, she threw a fit... I almost banned her from the shop for her actions...” Giselle explained as she pulled a very short green dress off of one of the racks. Just as the dress had made it’s way into Sam’s arms, Alana walked out of the dressing room wearing the blue dress that had been presented to her. “It’s a bit loose... But I love the style!” Alana observed when she made her way to the platform. “Melody! That dress is so you!” Lynne cheered. “Elegant! Absolutely radiant!” Verity cooed. “Our little Pixie Princess looks just like royalty!” Agatha mused. “Not bad, Mels!” Seraphina grinned. “We can take the dress in.... But it needs something...” Giselle stated as she looked Alana over. “I’m thinking a blue choker, a blue bracelet, blue heels, and maybe a blue clutch purse.” Alana replied. “That’s not what I mean... It needs a little... Sparkle.” Giselle observed. After a couple of minutes of thinking, the designer quickly looked up, ran off to a different part of the salon, quickly came back and draped a silver jeweled belt around Alana’s hips. “There! Just what that needed!” She mused. Alana looked in the mirror and smiled. “I love it!” She cheered. “Fantastic! I’ll get your measurements and we can take it in here within the week! Now, miss Sam, please go put on the dress that I handed you.” Giselle instructed. “Got it.” Sam nodded.

Minutes later, Sam walked out of the dressing room wearing a VERY short, green, dress that showcased an emerald, glittery, corset and a sheer, long sleeved top. “You’re wearing tights!” Lynne blurted out. “But, other than that? I think Ken will go insane!” Sam chuckled as a devilish smirk spread it’s way across her face. “I’m thinking, open toed, pumps and a silver bracelet.” Verity suggested. “Ken’s gonna have to go take a cold shower after prom.” Alana laughed. “Who is to say I’m not gonna indulge him?” Sam mischievously asked. “Really Sam? Sex on prom night is a little... American, is it not?” Alana judged. “At least we’ve been together for most of this year! Watch, I predict that, before long, Nathaniel will be whisking you away to his apartment for a night of dirty bad fun!” Sam spat. “Well, you’re both being given extra protection that night!” Lynne huffed. “Relax Lynne! You remember when you were their age! You took that poet and you both got caught doing it in his parent’s bed at the after party!” Agatha laughed. Lynne instantly looked horrified. “The girls did not know that story. Thanks for that.” She gasped. “Lynne, that is not the craziest thing you’ve done.” Seraphina joked. “Oh, yeah! What about that time she ran off with the Black Knight from that Ren Faire?” Agatha asked. “Aren’t you still wondering if he’s Melody’s father?” Verity asked. “Wait, what? Mom, is my biological father the Black Knight?” Alana asked, confused. “Enough! Melody, what does it matter? You are a Roster. You are my daughter, and if you choose to take on the role, you will be the head of the family when I step down.” Lynne boomed. “Geez mom... I was just asking...” Alana blurted out as she looked at her mother, bewildered. “Well... Ladies, I think we have found the perfect dresses for the girls! They’ll need to be fitted one more time a couple of days before the event, so I’ll need them here on this day at this time.” Giselle announced as she tapped on a tablet and showed it to Lynne. “We can do that. How much is this going to cost?” Lynne nodded. “Don’t worry about the cost, Lynne. I’m paying for it.” Verity beamed.

Later that day, the group of women sat at the top garden table at Across The Universe and ate their food. “Did you hear? The Royal Family has ordered that the new Cultural Center that’s being built in Amouria become the tallest building on this side of Europe. And they want it done in record time.” Verity chattered. “Really? Did they throw out the original builders?” Lynne asked. “Yeah. Apparently, they’ve gotten architects, engineers, and designers from Dubai to take over the project with the orders to get it done in five years.” Verity explained. “That’s gonna suck for this place... Across The Universe is known for having the highest restaurant on this side of Europe. What’s gonna happen if another tower blocks the view from up here?” Alana asked. “The tower is only going to block the view of the mountains. We can still see the sea from up here.” Verity clarified. “Well... We’ll have to visit the top observation deck when its finished.” Sam chuckled. “I think so too! It’ll be fun!” Agatha mused. “Another family outing for the future? I’m okay with that.” Seraphina nodded.

★

“Well! My dress is going to be from the best designer in France!” Amber boasted. “Ah... Yes, what crime did your father have to commit to get Antoine Moulin to sell you one of his pieces?” Sam cackled as she and Alana walked past Amber and her crew in the main hallway. “He didn’t commit any crime! Anyway, it’ll be better than anyone who sold you two dresses!” Amber spat. “As if Giselle Baudelaire is a hack...” Alana smirked. “How did YOU get dresses from Regalia?” Li asked, insulted. “Aunt Verity often gets clothes from her shop. She was quite happy to service the Roster Clan.” Alana chuckled. “You keep forgetting something major, sweetheart... By basic societal standards, compared to us, you are vermin. We choose to not be aristocracy... But that doesn’t stop King Julius from hoping that his little son will pick one of the two of us for his bride. That doesn’t stop the Astier Clan from praying to the gods that, one day, we will finally take the titles that they have been trying to give our family ever since the first true Astarian King ascended the throne.” Sam snickered. “That also doesn’t stop the legends of our family being monster hunters from continuing to stand the test of time. And don’t get me started on how the history of the Roster Clan is also the history of the city of Weathering. Amber, we should not be forced to be somewhat classist towards you... Yet, here we are.” Alana remarked. “Oh, by the way, its not just our dresses that are being done by Regalia...” Sam began. “What do you mean?” Amber angrily inquired. “Nathaniel and Kentin are getting their suits from there as well.” Alana smirked.

★

The closer Prom got, the more excited everyone became. Not long after Prom, Graduation would happen and everyone would be off to college. Although, Alana had started taking longer looks at her mother at times, as Lynne had begun coughing more and more with each passing day. “She’s probably just got something in her throat! I wouldn’t worry too much about it!” Rosalaya cheered. “For several days straight?” Alana asked. “You know your mom. I’m sure she’ll go to the doctor and see that she’s right as rain!” Rosalaya reassured her. “I really hope you’re right... She’s been spending an awful lot of time around Carol too...” Alana sadly sighed. “Alana... Your mom is going to be okay! Its not your job to worry about her health and make sure she’s good. Now, focus on the fact that, in just a couple more days, you’ll be dancing the night away with your prince charming!” Rosalaya mused. “You’re right! I should be more focused on looking amazing for when I’m able to be in Nathaniel’s arms as his princess!” Alana cooed.

★

“I can’t believe the girls are off to their Senior Prom!” Lynne coughed as the girls finished prepping for the event. “Lynne, don’t stress yourself too much! The doctors still don’t know what’s wrong!” Verity soothed. “I’m gonna be fine! I’m just excited to see my daughters all dressed up!” Lynne hissed. Sam stepped out of her room as she straightened out the bottom of her dress. “Watch out! This’ll probably be the last time you see me dressed up like this!” Sam confidently snapped. “This will definitely not be the last time you see me dressed like this! I love it too much!” Alana cheered as she stepped out of her room and joined her sister. The girls wore their clothes with pride. Sam’s hair was pulled over to her right side in a simple hair tie and decorated with a shiny green hair ribbon. Alana’s hair was done in a princess like up-do with flowers along the top like a crown. “Look at my girls!” Lynne had begun to sob as she and Agatha instantly jumped into a frenzy of photo taking. Alana looked at Verity with pleading eyes and mouthed “Help us!”. “Come on now ladies! I’m sure the boys are waiting right outside the door, too nervous to knock! Let’s get our princesses to their princes and the young couples to their carriage!” Verity excitedly urged. “But the boys aren’t even here yet!” Agatha whined. “Actually, they’re both outside. Kentin is freaking out over the fact that you guys have a limo waiting for us!” Sam pointed out as she put her phone back in her bag. “Wait, you guys have a limo for us? I thought you guys didn’t like that level of pageantry!” Alana blurted out. “Its your Senior Prom. You only get one! Let us have our fun and make you two the stars of this show!” Lynne mused. “Now, come on you four! Get in front of the limo so we can take pictures!” Agatha cheered. “First all four of you, then we want pics of the girls, then the boys, then each couple!” Lynne demanded.

What felt like hours passed before the women would let them into the limo and send them off to the event. “I know that was only a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity!” Sam whined as the car pulled away from the apartment. “I’m not even sure why they got a limo.... The apartment isn’t even that far from the school...” Alana commented. “I think its sweet. Your family adores you two enough to shower you with love and affection, and make a fuss over you when its important.” Nathaniel smiled. “Well... The one thing I’m looking forward to the most is dancing the night away in your arms.” Alana cooed as she looked at him lovingly. “I-I can’t wait to spend the whole evening with you... My princess.” He whispered into her ear. Excitement instantly shot through Alana’s nerves like a bolt of electricity and radiated throughout her body. “Watch it you two... Mom did offer to get us both hotel rooms in case we wanted to have our own little “after parties”...” Sam cackled. “WHAT?!” Nathaniel and Kentin blurted out in unison. “Yeah... Apparently Mom’s Prom was crazy... So she’s got funds set aside for whatever we might need... Including hotel rooms and extra protection...” Sam explained. “Is this true?” Nathaniel asked Alana, bewildered. “Yep.” Alana nodded. “Holy hell...” Kentin gasped. “I d-don’t think w-we’ll need a h-hotel room tonight...” Nathaniel blushed. “I’m not sure if we’re there just yet.” Alana blushed. “The fuck you’re not?! You’ve been wanting to mount him for a while!” The voice in her head boomed. “We haven’t been together long! Its not appropriate!” She thought back. “Suit yourself... We’ll probably have other plans...” Sam smirked. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived.” The driver announced as he pulled the limo to a stop. “You ready for this?” Alana asked Nathaniel. “Of course.” He sweetly smiled.

The driver opened the door and the two couples were hit by a tsunami of clicking cameras, lights, and people rushing to greet them. “GUYS! You look amazing!” Rosalaya cheered. “Thanks you and Leigh look fantastic!” Alana mused as she hugged Rosa. “Thank you!” Rosa beamed. Several members of the Photography Club took their pictures as Rosa walked ahead of the group and lead them into the Gym. “Dance floor?” Sam asked Ken. “Already?” Ken inquired. “Yes.” Sam blushed. “Okay then.” Ken smiled as he began leading her to the center of the dancefloor. The DJ began to play “Clarity” by Zedd featuring Foxes. "Look who it is!” Armin beamed when he saw them. “Hey! You don’t look too shabby!” Alana chuckled. “Hey man!” Nathaniel smiled. “You two look great!” Iris cooed. “Did you not get a date?” Alana asked. “Nah. Decided to come stag with Alexy.” Armin shrugged. “Ah, that’s sweet.” She smiled. “I hope we dance to a really romantic song...” She thought. “Ah... Yes... The DJ will most likely play “A Thousand Years” and Nathaniel will whisk you onto the dancefloor.” The voice in her head snickered. “I actually hope that happens!” She thought back. “A bunch of us girls came as a group! Melody is hanging out with Peggy. Kim is over there dancing with Violette. Priya has already teased Amber for not being asked by anyone. And Lysander and Castiel came stag.” Iris explained as she pointed everyone out. “Kim and Violette look great together! Almost like a couple!” Alana cheered. “I don’t see it.” Nathaniel shrugged. “I do.” Priya chuckled as she walked up to them.

“Nathaniel and Alana look great together.” Lysander pointed out as he and Castiel stood by a secluded set of chairs. “I suppose they do...” Castiel huffed. “Do you really love her?” Lysander quietly asked. “I think I do.” Castiel nodded. “Then you should be happy that she’s happy.” Lysander sighed. “I should have asked her... I should have taken my shot a while ago.” Castiel muttered. “But, you didn’t. You can’t dwell on what you should have done. Focus on what you’re going to do moving forward. Just be happy that you’re her friend.” Lysander reassured. “You’re not wrong... I just... Wish she wasn’t so out of reach.” Castiel sighed. “So, you’re actually pining over her?” Rosalaya asked as she and Leigh walked up to them. “He is.” Lysander nodded. “I mean... Whose to say that she and Nathaniel will be together forever? They’re not as established as Leigh and me. Maybe sometime down the road, you’ll have your chance.” Rosa shrugged as she put her hand on Castiel’s shoulder. The four of them looked at Nathaniel and Alana, who were laughing and making jokes with Sam, Kentin and Armin. The song “Man On A Wire” by The Script had begun to play. “Rosa, don’t give him false hope. The best thing for him would be to just be happy that she’s happy and they’re friends.” Leigh pointed out. “Literally what Lysander just said.” Castiel rolled his eyes.

“Nathaniel, Alana! You guys look amazing!” Peggy beamed as she, Melody and Sharon walked up to them. “Thank you! You three look sublime!” Alana cheered. “Not gonna lie, I kinda hope you two get Prom King and Queen.” Sharon mused. “It’d be nice if Amber doesn’t get it.” Peggy remarked. “I’m kinda hoping that I get it.” Melody muttered. “I don’t think I’ll get it. But I hope that whoever I voted for does.” Alana smiled. “Who did you vote for?” Sharon asked. “Rosalaya.” Alana replied. “She’d be a great Prom Queen.” Peggy nodded. “Nathaniel, who did you vote for?” Melody asked. “I’m not gonna say. I’d rather just see who won.” Nathaniel stated. “A very diplomatic answer from a very diplomatic person.” Sharon grinned. “A good quote for the next issue of the School Newspaper!” Peggy cooed. “It’ll be the final edition with you two running the club, isn’t it?” Alana asked. “Yeah! But our apprentices are gonna handle it well. I have faith in them.” Sharon assured. “Natasha and Nick are good kids.” Peggy agreed. “I kinda hope that you two get the crowns.” Kim grinned as she and Violette approached them. “I think you two would be great.” Violette chirped. “When will they announce the winners?” Alana asked. “Should be soon. They wanna do it before they begin the slow dances.” Sharon explained.

It wasn’t long before the DJ stopped the music and Mr. Faraize took to the stage. “Good evening everyone! I hope you are all having fun on this lovely night!” He greeted. Several students cheered “YEAH!” in response. “Good! Not too much fun I hope!” He chuckled before his face turned a little serious. “Historically, Sweet Amouris High School has never taken part in the tradition of “Prom Royalty”. Unlike most high schools, we’ve never seen the point in this kind of popularity contest. However, this year, we resolved to change that. Other schools throughout our country have adopted this American tradition as a form of pageantry and we’ve decided to join in on the “fun”. You seniors have worked very hard and earned more celebration than just a dance. So, while only four of you will be receiving tiaras and crowns tonight; Just know, you’re all kings and queens to us.” He began. Mr. Faraize motioned for the DJ to begin playing very low music as Boris brought out a rolling table with two sets of tiaras and crowns on it. Boris then handed a very large pink envelope to Mr. Faraize, who then took out and unfolded a large piece of paper. “Your Sweet Amouris High School Prom King and Queen Runners Up are Alana Roster and Nathaniel Jacott!” He announced. “YAY!”, “GO ALANA AND NATHANIEL!”, “YOU GUYS DESERVE IT!” several students cheered. “What?!” Alana gasped. “Mels! Nath! Go! Get crowned!” Sam huffed as she pushed the pair towards the stage. “Go! Leigh and I made the crowns and tiaras for this!” Rosalaya urged as the students made a path for the pair to get to the stage. Nathaniel took Alana’s arm and proudly escorted her to the stage. “Congratulations you two!” Boris cheered as they bowed their heads before them. He placed the silver crown and tiara on their heads with great care. “The tiaras look like something straight out of Barbie: Princess Charm School.” Alana thought. “The crowns look like they’re right out of Disney movies.” The voice in her head piped up. When Nathaniel and Alana took their places by Boris on the stage, Mr. Faraize looked at the paper in his hand. “Your Sweet Amouris High School Prom King and Queen are Castiel Veilmont and Rosalaya de Meilhan!” He announced. “Castiel is Prom King but I’m not Prom Queen! This was rigged!” Amber shouted. “I’m not gonna get that crown.” Castiel huffed. “Come on! You won, fair and square. Now get over yourself and get crowned!” Rosalaya glared daggers into him as she grabbed his hand and dragged him up to the stage. Once the gold crown and tiara were on Castiel’s and Rosalaya’s heads, Boris instructed the four of them to stand on stage and pose long enough for photos to be taken and the balloons to be dropped from the net. The DJ turned the music up and started playing “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons. “So? You and Leigh made the headwear? They look like you took them straight out of Disney and Barbie movies!” Alana laughed. “I was told to make them go with the theme of the school and that if this goes well, Leigh would be commissioned to make them every year for each class!” Rosa resounded. “They look fantastic Rosa!” Nathaniel mused. “I was hoping you two would be King and Queen. But, I’m happy that you guys at least got the Runners Up!” Rosa smiled. “I actually voted for you and Castiel to be King and Queen.” Alana happily shrugged. “You voted for me to be Prom King?” Castiel blushed. “Yeah, I thought it would be nice. The bad boy with the heart of gold getting some recognition for once.” Alana grinned.

The second they were allowed off stage, they took the opportunity to rejoin everyone. Student after student began to walk up to them and congratulate them. “I expect a picture perfect slow dance you two!” Sharon ordered Nathaniel and Alana. “I think we can make that happen!” Nathaniel blushed as he looked at Alana lovingly. “Hey, have any of you seen Amber?” Li asked as she walked up to them. “No. I haven’t even heard her since she got pissed about not winning.” Nathaniel shrugged. “She might be in the girls bathroom. I’ll go look.” Alana sighed as she walked towards the locker room. The sight that greeted her was absolutely horrific. “I THINK I’M GONNA VOMIT!” The voice in her head piped up. Amber was in the locker room. However, she was pressed up against the wall, lip locked with Armin. Alana quickly grabbed her phone, held it up high enough to get the pair into frame, quietly took a picture, slipped her phone back into her pocket and silently left the locker room. “Why did you take a picture of that sin?!” The voice in her head asked. “In case either of them piss me off in the future.” She thought back. “Are you gonna tell Nathaniel?” The voice in her head asked. “No. I’m not gonna tell Nathaniel that his best friend was in the locker room making out with his sister.” She thought back. “Why not?” The voice asked. “Because its not appropriate. If they feel like he needs to know, one of them will tell him.” She thought back. “Did you find her?” Nathaniel asked, almost a little frantic the second he saw her come out of the locker room. “Don’t worry. She’s just in there cleaning herself up and putting herself back together after her little tantrum. She’ll be fine.” Alana reassured him.

Shortly after Amber emerged from the locker room, she ran up to Nathaniel and demanded a dance from her brother. “NATHANIEL! Dance with me!” She whined. “Amber! I was gonna dance with Alana.” Nathaniel called back. “Give your sister a dance, we will have our slow dance before the night is done.” Alana smiled. “Does this mean I get a dance with the Runner Up?” Castiel smirked as he sauntered over to them. “No.” Nathaniel shot. “Nathaniel! He and I are JUST FRIENDS! It’d be like if Armin asked me for a dance! Go be a good brother and dance with your sister!” Alana huffed. Nathaniel gave her a look that said “Are you sure?”. “Yes.” Alana reassured him. “Okay. Amber, let’s go.” Nathaniel looked at his sister and sighed. “Shall we?” Castiel asked as he lead Alana to the dance floor. The DJ began to play “Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon. “Is this really a song to dance to?” Alana pondered. “I would have thought you could dance to anything.” Castiel bantered. He pulled her closer to him and lead her into more of a waltz. “I mean... Its kind of weird for Nathaniel and his sister to dance to this song...” Alana replied. “So, its not weird for us to dance to it?” Castiel inquired. “Its not as if you’re interested in me, right? You’ve made it clear that you and I are just good friends. That the girls you’re actually into have bigger... Assets... And aren’t into pop music at all, like I am. Even if you were into me, you know you wouldn’t be able to be with me. I’m with Nathaniel.” Alana articulated. Castiel did everything in his power to hide the fact that Alana’s words were like a shot to the chest to him. “Yeah... I don’t like girls who sing to Taylor Swift!” He laughed. “Who told you!” Alana blurted out. “You did, just now!” His laughter boomed. “I like her music! Sue me!” Alana huffed. The song turned to “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. “Anyway... Seriously, why did you nominate me for Prom King?” He asked as he looked deep into her eyes. “I wasn’t lying when I said what I said on stage. Cass, don’t get me wrong, you’re a jackass. But, underneath it all, you’re a really great guy with a very kind heart. Despite everything, even your own pride, you end up doing what’s right... Even if you need to be slapped first. Hell, you even put aside your differences with Nathaniel to help him get away from his father. Its obvious that you put the needs of the people you care about above your own. You made that crystal clear when Lysander got hurt. Everyone talks about how Rosa, Lysander, Alexy, Nathaniel, Sam and I all help people and show kindness... But, they never talk about how sweet and selfless you actually are. I thought you deserved some recognition.” She explained. The shot to Castiel’s chest was then worsened by one of Cupid’s arrows going through the hole. He quickly twirled her around so in an effort to keep her from seeing him blush. He looked up and noticed Nathaniel staring daggers into him. As the song came to a close, he stopped their dance and kissed her hand. “I’m really glad you’re my friend.” He muttered barely loud enough for her to hear. “Watch it Cass! You don’t want everyone finding out your secret!” Alana chuckled. She pulled out her phone, wrote up a text and sent it before rejoining Nathaniel’s side. Castiel felt his phone vibrate, pulled it out, read the message smiled and walked back over to Lysander. “I guess, she really will always be just out of reach for me.” He muttered. “I’m really glad you’re my friend, too.” - MR

“You and Castiel danced for at least two songs. He must have really wanted to talk! Although, I don’t know WHAT he would have wanted to talk to YOU about!” Amber huffed. “You know what, Amber? Everyone knows that you’ve been wanting to dance with him all night. You threw a fit a few minutes ago over the fact that he got crowned Prom King and you weren’t his Queen! Go and take charge of your life for once and ask him! The worst he can do is say “no”!” Alana blurted out. “YEAH!”, “YOU TELL HER ALANA!” several students cheered. “After he’s danced with you? I could never!” Amber scoffed. “What do you have to lose?! Its the end of the year and after graduation, you don’t know if you’ll ever see him again.” Alana raised an eyebrow. “Fine!” Amber huffed she gathered her confidence and walked over to Castiel. “What did you two talk about?” Nathaniel asked. “He just wanted more of an explanation as to why I nominated him for Prom King.” Alana flatly replied. “Why didn’t you nominate me?” He pushed a little further. “Because it would have been conceited for me to nominate my own boyfriend for it. I nominated Cass and Rosa for King and Queen and then Sam and Ken for the Runners Up.” She clarified. Nathaniel looked down, almost a little embarrassed. “I nominated us for King and Queen and Sam and Ken for the Runners Up.” He muttered. A wave of love crashed into Alana. “Oh my god! Nathaniel! You’re too cute! You know that, right?” She gushed. “Really? You just said that you thought nominating us was conceited.” Nathaniel sputtered. “Yeah, but you still did it! I thought you would have nominated someone else! Its cute!” Alana cooed. The couple looked at the dancefloor and watched Sam melt into Ken’s arms as the DJ played “Never Knew I Needed” by Ne-Yo. “I think they should have gotten some form of recognition.” Nathaniel commented. “Yeah, but at least they’re happy for us getting it.” Alana smiled. “Your sister is such a hard-ass. Even though she’s been with Ken all this time, its still weird to see her vulnerable.” Nathaniel observed. “Sam is only this way because she wants me to be the soft one out of the two of us. But it is good to see her be soft every once in a while.” Alana replied. “Come on Castiel! You danced with Alana!” Amber called as Castiel walked away from her. “Alana’s not a self absorbed, whiny, entitled, brat like you! Find someone else to dance with you!” Castiel shouted back. He continued walking in the direction of the courtyard. “Well... I was wrong. He did say something worse than “No.”... Whoops!” Alana shrugged. “I should go console her.” Nathaniel suggested. “No, Nathaniel. She’s a grown woman, she can handle this rejection. Aside from that, Li is here and can be there for her if need be.” Alana shook her head. “I mean... He’s not wrong.” Armin commented as he joined the pair. “Why don’t you ask her to dance? You’re her brother’s best friend, it might be considered doing him a favor.” Alana suggested. “Me? No.” Armin began. He turned to Nathaniel and put his hand on his shoulder. “No offense, man... But your sister is a beast.” Armin cringed. “That’s not what I saw earlier!” Alana thought. “Send Armin the pic of him kissing Amber!” the voice in her head cheered. “Nope! He hasn’t pissed me off!” Alana thought back. “Yeah... I know.” Nathaniel exhaustedly sighed. Alana rolled her eyes. “I still think it would be nice. Go take one for the team!” She urged. “Nah! But if you wanna dance, let me know! As it is, I think I’m gonna go see if Alexy needs me for anything!” Armin rushed off.

“Alright everyone! I haven’t seen our Runners Up formally take to the dance floor! It’s time to change that!” Boris announced as he took the mic from the DJ. “Mister DJ, we all know that Miss Roster and Mister Jacott are the “Big Couple On Campus”, so play them something extra special!” He requested, his voice sounding more flamboyant than usual. A spotlight was then turned to Nathaniel and Alana and followed them as they made their way to the center of the dancefloor. As the first notes to “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri began to play, Nathaniel stood before her and bowed. “May I have this dance, my queen?” He lovingly asked. Tears instantly came to Alana’s eyes. “You may, my king.” She purred as he took one hand in hers and placed his other hand on the center of the top of her back. She placed her other hand on his right shoulder. “FUCKING FINALLY!” The voice in Alana’s head shouted. “When did you learn how to dance like this?” She asked Nathaniel as he lead her into a very elegant slow dance. “My parents thought it would be proper for Amber and me to learn it.” He did his best to hide the pain of mentioning his parents. “And you?” He asked. “My two best friends are part of the aristocracy. Aunt Verity and Aunt Cosima convinced my mom to put Sam and me in the same classes as Viktor and Rini.” She explained. “I’ll have to thank Verity when I finally get a chance to formally meet her. And, maybe, I can thank your aunt Cosima at her grave one day.” he blushed. “That sounds like a really nice idea.” She admitted. As they continued to dance, the song changed to “A Thousand Years Part Two”, as if the DJ knew their dance needed to be longer. “Alana... I love you.” Nathaniel admitted as they swept across the dancefloor. “What?!” Alana breathed. She looked into his eyes, a combination of love and shock overcoming her facial expression. “Look, I know we’re only seventeen years old. That this is high school romance. That we could grow old and grow apart one day. But, I need to tell you, now. Melody Alana Roster, I love you. I don’t know what the future holds. And I can’t promise that you and I will always be together. But I love you. I’ve loved you almost since the first day you walked through that classroom door. And I love you now.” Nathaniel professed. The song changed to “This I Promise You” by *NSYNC while Alana gathered her thoughts and they prolonged their dance. She wanted to give him this massive speech of how much she’s loved him since her early days at Sweet Amoris. However, the only words that truly fit the moment were short and sweet. “Nathaniel... I love you too. I love you with everything I have.” She almost began weeping as she spoke. Her mind then turned to the idea of walking down the aisle to meet him and become his wife. “Either you become a Jacott, or he becomes a Roster!” The voice in her head piped up. “I have a feeling that, if he and I do get married, he’ll become a Roster.” She quickly thought back. As the songs ended, the two shared a deep, romantic, kiss. “I love you, my sweet Melody.” He purred. “I love you too, my darling Nathaniel.” She cooed.

“Alright, sis! Take your stuff back. Ken and I are getting out of here!” Sam announced as she stormed the dancefloor and handed Alana her purse back to her. “You could have waited for us to get off of the dancefloor?! You didn’t see me ruining YOUR moment!” Alana exasperated. “Yeah, well... I think its high time I go make Ken a man!” Sam announced. “You also didn’t need to announce that to the whole school! You don’t see Rosa and Leigh announcing their “after prom plans” to everyone!” Alana barked. “I know! But I knew it would make you two uncomfortable! Let’s go Ken!” Sam laughed as she started walking out of the gym. “Sorry guys! You two looked amazing and it was a lot of fun!” Ken shrugged before he followed Sam out. Alana looked down for a minute. “What’s wrong?” Nathaniel asked. “You know... We could take the offer to get a hotel room...” Alana suggested as her face became a deep shade of red. “No.” Nathaniel shook his head. “Why not?” Alana nervously inquired. “I don’t want your first time to be in some random hotel room. Alana, I have the chance to make your first time as special as possible... And I’m going to do exactly that. You deserve it.” He sweetly smiled as he caressed the side of her face with his fingertips. “Oh Nathaniel...” Alana breathed. “I love you Alana. When I finally lay you down, I want you to enjoy every second of it. Even if it means I end up doing all the cliché stuff to turn my apartment into the most romantic place in the world.” He purred.

As the night drew to a close, Alana couldn’t keep her mind off of the idea of making love with Nathaniel. She wanted it. She knew she wanted it. And she knew that she wanted her first time to be with him. Out of all of the other boys she’d ever met, and between him and Viktor, she wanted to give herself to Nathaniel completely. “Maybe after graduation?” the voice in her head asked. “I’m not sure. But I hope its soon.” She thought back. Nathaniel took her back to her apartment, only for the two of them to discover a note taped to the front door. “Mom says that she’s sleeping at Agatha’s tonight. She and Seraphina got into a bit of a drinking game and they both basically lost. I’ve got the apartment to myself.” She explained as Nathaniel gave her a questioning look. “Well, that’s almost convenient.” He blushed. “You could stay the night, rather than walk all the way back to your apartment...” She suggested. “I could... But, Blanche is probably missing me... And I would have to sleep in nothing but my underwear...” Nathaniel replied. “You could go home in the morning after I make us breakfast. I’m sure Blanche has enough food and water to get through to tomorrow... And, its not like its the first time we’ve been in bed together with you in nothing but your underwear and me in pajamas... Its just, this time would be under much better circumstances.” Alana urged. “Societal pressure would dictate....” Nathaniel began. “As it is, its also not like we’d be doing anything sexy anyway! I’m too tired to give informed consent! We’d just be sleeping in the same bed and waking up together! At most, we’ll end up spooning or maybe getting in a couple of kisses! And that’s IF Sylvester doesn’t decide to sleep on top of us!” Alana nervously chuckled. Nathaniel thought for a couple of minutes. “Alright. But, next time, you’re sleeping at my place.” He yawned. “Of course!” Alana smiled as she let out a long yawn.

Several memories passed through Alana’s mind as she held her sleeping boyfriend in her arms. The memory of the day they met. The first time he made her heart beat fast. Their argument when she exposed the abuse his father put him through. The day she helped him get Blanche. The hug he gave her when she slipped and fell out of the tree in the park and was caught by Castiel. The party at Iris’ house. The attempt at a double date with Rosa and Leigh. Their first kiss in the Sweet Amoris High School library. The fresh memories of Prom. The memories then shifted into hopeful visions of their future. The first time they make love. Going to college together. Introducing him to all of her family in Scotland and Ireland. Becoming his wife. One vision finally pushed Alana into the realm of dreams and sleep... The vision of herself, one day, holding their newborn.

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This technically covers episode 39. Giselle Baudelaire is a reference to Giselle from Enchanted, and the Baudelaire family from A Series of Unfortunate Events.

I know that Prom King and Queen and the runners up are typically an American thing... But, I wanted to include them in this chapter. I was gonna make Lysander Prom King, but I figured Castiel would be more popular according to High School Hierarchy.

The cultural center tower that’s mentioned in the Dress Shopping section is what ultimately becomes The Black Tower.

Lynne coughing sets up her getting sick and having to leave the country for treatment.

Antoine Moulin is a slight reference to Moulin Rouge and Marie Antoinette.

Natasha and Nick (Peggy’s and Sharon’s apprentices) are also Marvel references. Just as I have Peggy and Sharon referencing Peggy and Sharon Carter, Natasha references Natasha Romanoff and Nick references Nick Fury.

Songs directly mentioned in this chapter: “Clarity” by Zedd ft. Foxes “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri “Man On A Wire” by The Script “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons “Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars “Never Knew I Needed” by Ne-Yo “A Thousand Years Part 2″ by Christina Perry Ft Steve Kazee “This I Promise You” by *NSYNC Honorable Mention: “When The Stars Go Blue” by Tim McGraw I wanted to bring this song up, but couldn’t find the right place for it.

I was honestly considering making that final paragraph more nsfw... But I decided against it and wanted to make it more sweet and romantic. With the way the story goes, every last thing that Alana envisions for their future comes to pass.

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