#what would be a forest spirit that would be protective of strangers?

[ukiyowi]

Mini PAC IV

If you were a character in a fantasy novel, what would your quest or adventure look like?

Piles read 1 -> 4

Note: This is a bit different, more intuitive and wrote this in the train back home, hope you enjoyyy

Book a reading! || Ko-fi

🪽 Pile 1

In your fantasy novel adventure, you are an aspiring mage with a unique ability to communicate with ancient spirits. Your quest is to find a codex, a legendary book said to contain the secrets of controlling the elements. With this power, you hope to prevent a catastrophic war between rival mage factions.

Your journey takes you through enchanted forests, treacherous mountains, and forgotten ruins, where you encounter magical creatures and uncover cryptic clues. Along the way, you must make choices that balance the ethical use of your newfound powers with the greater good of your realm.

As you get closer to your goal, you discover that the Codex is protected by a guardian spirit, and you must undergo a series of trials to prove your worthiness. These trials test your wisdom, empathy, and resolve. Ultimately, you succeed but must decide whether to keep the Codex's power for yourself or use it to broker peace among the warring factions, knowing that doing so may come at a great personal cost. Your adventure is a tale of magic, self-discovery, and the enduring struggle between power and responsibility.

🪽 Pile 2

In your fantasy novel adventure, you are a skilled rogue known for your exceptional agility and wit. Your quest is to track down a notorious group of thieves known as the "Shadowed Serpents" who have stolen a powerful, cursed gemstone that can control minds.

To catch the Shadowed Serpents, you'll navigate a sprawling, ancient city filled with hidden passages, secret societies, and corrupt officials. Alongside your trusty band of misfit companions, each with their unique skills, you'll decode cryptic clues, outsmart traps, and engage in thrilling rooftop chases.

As you close in on the thieves, you'll discover their leader possesses a dark secret connected to the gemstone's curse. Your journey becomes a moral dilemma, as you must decide whether to break the curse, which might endanger the city, or use the gemstone to expose corruption and free the minds of its victims. Your adventure is a thrilling blend of espionage, cunning heists, and the complexities of right and wrong in a shadowy world.

🪽 Pile 3

Your adventure takes a darker turn as you become the leader of a formidable group of supervillains. Your quest is to unleash chaos and establish dominance over a sprawling metropolis known for its vigilant superheroes.

As the cunning mastermind behind the Syndicate, you'll recruit a diverse array of superpowered individuals, each with their own unique abilities and motivations. Together, you'll concoct ingenious schemes to disrupt the city's peace and challenge the superheroes who stand in your way.

Your journey will involve heists on a grand scale, unleashing destructive powers, and psychological manipulation to exploit the heroes' weaknesses. Along the way, you'll delve into your own character's complex backstory, exploring the motivations that drove you to become a villain and your desire for ultimate power.

As your plans escalate, you'll face increasingly powerful heroes, leading to epic showdowns and thrilling battles that could determine the fate of the city. Your adventure is a morally ambiguous tale that delves into the depths of villainy, exploring the complex motivations and personal struggles of those who choose to walk the path of darkness.

🪽 Pile 4

In your story, you are a talented, yet reclusive, artist living in a picturesque coastal village. Your quiet life takes an unexpected turn when a charismatic and mysterious stranger arrives in town. This stranger, exudes an aura of intrigue and possesses a passion for restoring antique books.

Your adventure begins when the stranger discovers a hidden chamber in the village's ancient library, rumored to contain a love letter written centuries ago by a long-lost soul. They enlist your artistic skills to bring the letter's sentiments to life through illustrations.

As you both work together on this project, you unravel the story of a profound, forbidden love between two people from different eras. The more you delve into the past, the closer you grow to the strabger. Sparks fly as the line between the story and reality blurs, and a deep connection forms between you two.

Yet, secrets from their past threaten to tear you apart. The quest for the truth behind their enigmatic identity becomes as important as preserving the love story from the past. Along this romantic journey, you'll confront your own fears, past heartaches, and find the courage to embrace a love that transcends time.

All rights reserved - Ukiyowi©

#pac #pac reading #pick a pile #intuition #tarot daily #pick a card reading #pick a card #tarot readings #daily tarot #tarotblr #tarot #free readings #witchblr #🩵 pac 🩵

[whereserpentswalk]

There were once dwarves below the earth. When humanity wasn't so much more powerful then them, when the elves still came to the lands of men, and when the dragons still left their lairs, and the vampires and ghouls could still parade through the night without having to hide.

And in that age there was an alliance between the humans above and the dwarves and goblins below. The humans sent the dwarves food and wood, and in turn it was the dwarves who were the first to teach humans the art of the forge. And in that time, humanity could protect them, and it was an age before a rivalry could exist between the two.

But as time past the humans saw them less and less. The humans cut down the forests until the giants had nowhere to live, and shunk smaller and smaller until they died. And great hunters and trappers killed the last of the great unicorns and salamanders. And finally, the shrines of the gods and the spirits of the land fell. And as the humans conquered more and more of their own kinds, the king of the dwarves and the queen of the goblins made and agreement, and closed the underground to all of humanity, and their kinds would never see the light of the air again.

Underground, they were trapped for the first time, cut off from a world they knew would hurt them. Growing pale and sick without sunlight they sought strange magic for medicine, and without food they needed even stranger cruel magics to feed themselves. Though they had escaped the Conquistador's and the Crusader's blades, they had done so at the sacrifice of so much, to the point where after a few hundred years, most of them did not even resemble to whimsical creatures they once were. When they started digging their way out again, nobody knew who they were.

So if you're ever walking over lonely a mountain pass late at night, or in the strangely lit school or office after its closed, or through a half empty subway station when few others and waiting for the train, and you see something crawling twords you, something distorted and broken, something that seems to remember you. Remember what it is, nomatter how strange or disturbing it is, remember that's it used to be your freind, it's just been awhile. Though you should probably steer clear, there's a lot of bad memories such creatures still have of our kind.

#196 #my thougts #worldbuilding #writing #fantasy #my worldbuilding #my writing #urban fantasy #horror #monsters #cryptids #cryptid #dwarves #dwarf #goblin #goblins #short fiction #short story #flash fiction

[animatorweirdo]

Imagine being the first one to wield a ring from Sauron

(Just gonna leave this here, enjoy. I thank my friend for the edits and proof reading, enjoy)

Warnings: Mentions of violence, killing, injuries, slight description of depression, magical manipulation and falling into Sauron’s control. 

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-You were traveling in the woods on your horse. Your horse’s hooves clapped against the ground as you navigated through the misty forest. You could not hear much in the air, only the cawing and flapping of the crows and hoots of the owl. 

-You didn’t have a clear destination in mind. You rode where the wind took you and hoped you would face something good since there was nothing that would keep you in high spirits anymore. 

-Everything just felt empty and cold. You couldn't find any value in the world anymore, so it felt like nothing mattered.

-Your eyes have lost the glimmer of hope, and your hands were rough with callouses after years of wielding a sword. You had been a ranger and helped many people, but none of it mattered. 

-You have always been easy to fool and taken for granted whenever you tried to be kind to others. 

-You don’t even know what the word even meant anymore. Was it something good or something others could use to control and harm others? 

-Does it matter? No. 

-Nothing mattered to you anymore. 

-A dark, unknown part of you secretly wished something terrible happened to you and someone would finally end your miserable life as you were simply tired of living it. 

-You stopped your horse when you heard voices. It sounded like the yelling of men chasing something. The only thing you could think of were bandits. They weren’t uncommon, and at the moment, you would rather not deal with them right now. 

-However, fate decided to make your life a living joke as you encountered what the bandits were chasing. 

-It was on accident since, the person in the hood unexpectedly dumped you on your horse and fell on the ground. It was like he appeared out of nothing. 

-You looked down on him to see if he was hurt as he looked at you. He was beautiful in an ethereal way. His eyes held an odd glow, and you soon realized that he was no human man but an Eldar. Only an elf would possess sharp ears. 

-He looked frightened and tried to cover his ears from your eyes. His hands were bruised and bloody, and you noticed a deep gash bleeding through the fabric of his arm. You concluded it must have been the bandits that injured him during the robbery. 

-The bandits were not far behind as they caught up to you and demanded that you hand the elf over since you had no dealings with them or him, so you should go and mind your business. 

-You would have agreed and continued your way as you didn’t care much about the affairs of others, but something about this elf changed your mind. His eyes looked deep into your soul, full of fear and pleading for help.  

-You then heard a voice – begging you to save him, and you obliged. 

-You took out your sword and killed the man who tried to touch the elf. The bandits tried to fight you after witnessing the death of their friend, but as you had the advantage of horseback and a longsword, you took them out effortlessly.

-The bandits might have the numbers, but their skills were nothing to you, who had years of experience in sword fights and battles. 

-So – the bandits were outmatched by you. 

-They ran away in fear – leaving you alone with their former target. They realized they were not able to defeat you, so they finally chose the option to run away. 

-When they left your sight, you sheathed your sword and turned your focus on the elf you rescued from the bandits to check on his well-being. 

-He thanked you for the help, and when you noticed he had no weapons on him, you handed him one of your blades for protection and told him to take care before continuing your way through the woods.

-It was supposed to be a one-time encounter and moving on with your life, but the stranger decided to follow you instead, asking for your help to reach a safe settlement. 

-You almost refused because you would rather not meddle with people, but you also didn’t have anything better to do now, so you agreed and allowed him to travel with you. 

-You gave him your name, and he called himself Annatar. 

-He was an odd travel company and talkative, asking stuff about you, which felt a bit suspicious that he seemed to want to get to know you, but you answered, not wanting to be rude. You asked things about him back, so it wouldn't all be about you. 

-He spoke about his kin and how he got lost from his family, and the one he held dear recently passed away. 

-You felt pity because you understood what it was like losing someone dear, so you paid your condolences to him. 

-You helped him to recover from the injuries he suffered from bandits since you had a basic knowledge of healing, and he was grateful. He complimented you, but you didn’t take his praise to heart since it was useless. People often used that to catch you off guard and hurt you. They never mean it. 

-Annatar seemed to catch on to your behavior and questioned if something was bothering you. You said you just simply didn’t care about things anymore. You lost your ambitions a long time ago, and things didn’t hold any importance to you anymore. 

-Everything just feels cold and empty. 

-He seemed to emphasize this with you and questioned if there was something you suffered from in the past. 

-You do not like talking about your past, so you refused to elaborate further.

- However, after some time traveling together and getting comfortable in each other’s company. Annatar managed to get way into your comfort zone, and you slowly revealed what happened that caused you to feel about the world like you did now. 

-People have used you, lied to you, and even betrayed you, and all those you helped out of kindness took you for granted, and you had forgotten times when people you once trusted left you to die alone. The world has been nothing but cruel to you, so you often wandered alone. 

-You lost touch with the world. You don’t feel the warmth of the sun or the gentle breeze of the wind. Everything feels cold, and things that once brought you joy caused nothing but emptiness and dread. It was like you had fallen into an endless hole and couldn't find your way back to the light. 

-Annatar showed empathy and pity, claiming he knew what it was like being rejected by people and betrayed. You did not want to believe him because all you knew – he could be trying to use you like anyone else. 

-Anyone can use false words to earn sympathy and mutual understanding. 

-You did not want to open your heart anymore. You couldn't even if you wanted to because why would you? 

-Annatar was kind to you, helping you during travel and tending to your wounds when you got injured during violent confrontations — he said it was a repayment for your protection. 

-Annatar sometimes hummed songs to help you sleep. It was oddly effective because Annatar’s voice was soft and somewhat hypnotizing. You got lost in it many times and fell asleep with no problem. 

-You thought he had something sinister in his mind because there was no way he would do this out of his goodwill. He was just using you like everyone else, but you couldn't help but admit that you were slowly getting used to his company. 

-He had been better than most people, making you feel conflicted because you were not sure anymore if you were being slightly paranoid and unfairly misjudging him. He has not done anything to harm you and has been very helpful and kind. 

-It got you concerned. 

-You thanked the gods for letting you encounter a settlement. It meant you could finally go on your way. You did not want to think Annatar was a problem, but for your own sake, it was only for the best that you separated sooner or later. 

-You bid Annatar goodbye and said this would most likely be the last time you would see each other again. 

-He showed sadness and then wished to give you a gift before you departed. 

-He found work in a forge after you helped him settle in, so he made you a little departing gift, a ring. 

-He put it on your finger and thanked you for helping him and giving him companionship. 

-It was an odd gesture and a gift to give away. 

-“You know, if people were watching – they would think you’re trying to propose to me,” You said as you looked at the ring. It was made from bronze and carved with a lovely design and elvish scriptures. It might not be the most luxurious ring you have ever seen, but it was still quite charming. Annatar said he made it out of scraps, so you felt impressed and slightly touched. You have not received a gift like this one from anyone in your life.

-Annatar chuckled at your remark and said fate might allow you two to meet again because you never know what the future might have planned for you. 

-You found it odd because you were not planning to come back or visit. You might have traveled together and become familiar, but it did not mean you were close friends. 

-Things never last. They never do. 

-You bid him goodbye and continued your way, leaving the settlement and him behind and hoping to find something else. 

-After some time traveling alone. You began to feel something strange. You felt lonely when Annatar was not around, but that could have been because you got used to him. It will wear off eventually, and everything will return to normal. You will continue living on your own. 

-You often gaze at the bronze band around your finger, moving it around and feeling the cold metal under your fingertips. The memories of Annatar played in your mind, and you sometimes found the reddish steel glow in the light of the fire. 

-You heard things and would feel a deep sense of longing, longing to return to his side. 

-It felt lonely, and you hated that feeling. 

-You would sometimes even hear his soft humming in your dreams like he was there, and the thing he said about fate allowing you to meet again started to bother you. 

-You wanted to go back, needed to go back to that place. It was like a ravenous wolf trying to make you go back. 

-You tried to resist the urge, telling yourself you had no reason to return. 

-Nothing helped, and the more you looked at the ring around your finger, the stronger the sensation. It was like the ring itself with his voice was telling you to go back. 

-After a month or two, you found your way back to the village you left Annatar. You did not know why and it frightened you. You took a job and did not realize it led you right back. 

-Your elven friend seemed delighted to see you again and welcomed you. 

-You stayed for a while, not because you had a job, but so you could figure out what was pulling you to this place, to him. 

-Nothing seemed strange. Annatar was himself, and you spent some time — catching up on the latest events and happenings. You began to doubt that you might have just missed the elf because nothing seemed out of unordinary, or were you simply losing your mind. 

-It started to dawn on you what was wrong when you heard him sing again. 

-You did not know what it was. It was like the more you listened to him – the less you wanted to leave and do more as he said. Just like a doll. 

-It was like you had lost sense of time and touch with reality as all you wanted to do was what Annatar wished to make him happy. It felt wrong if you didn’t.  

-He was oddly warm, and his voice was addicting. 

-It was hard to snap out of it till you noticed you had brutally killed a man that was rude to you and Annatar.

-You do not remember how it happened, but you remember Annatar saying something like the man was an enemy and that he should die, and you obliged like a mindless soldier. 

-You finally decided to confront what Annatar was doing with you because it was now clear that he was doing something to you, something sinister and evil. 

-When you were alone, you finally confronted him about it. 

-He denied it and then said you must have been tired, offering to sing to you to help with the fatigue that often bothered you. You refused the offer — feeling anxious about what would happen if you did, but you didn’t say it out loud. 

-He was good with words, so you began to doubt that maybe it was the fatigue that had been getting into you, but you took action to prevent yourself from trusting him so lightly. 

-You should have been more careful that night. 

-That night at the bonfire, you two talked, then he began to hum a new type of tune. It was sweet and soft. You tried to focus on the fire, poking the ambers with a stick while listening to his voice. You didn’t realize you had forgotten the fear you had earlier, the fear of hearing his song. 

-You felt relaxed, but soon your mind began to wander as you stared at the campfire flames, feeling its warmth and embrace from the cold world around you. It felt pleasant. 

-You soon forgot the world around you as the warmth kept you away, letting your troubles and internal turmoil vanish from the depth of your mind. All the sadness, pain, and doubt vanished like the embers that flew away from the fire. 

-Something was keeping you there, not letting you go, but you didn’t mind. Honestly, you didn’t care to get out. You began to waver and hum along with the song. 

-You didn’t feel like you needed to get out. It was warm and safe, unlike the real world. 

-You had not realized someone pulled you down. Letting your head rest on their lap and gently stroking your head. You let them because you felt no need to resist the gentle act. It felt nice. No one had been this nice to you before. 

-Annatar chuckled as you had now fallen deep into his control. His hands gently graced your hair with a gentle touch as he continued humming the song for you. 

-You were now his little puppet, a puppet with a blade. 

-Since the day you two first met and you acted upon the plea of his mind, he knew he needed to have you. 

-He did not know the first time how he managed to make you fulfill his wish as it was usual for someone to counter the invasion of mind, but you did no such thing. You obliged without a thought. 

-He needed that kind of obedience. 

-He glanced at the ring wrapped around your finger with a smile. You were so sure something was wrong and did not realize the little parting gift had the most part in your fall into his control. It silently filled your mind with thoughts and soon broke away your defenses, letting him claim your mind to his will. Your mind, soul, and very being now belonged to him. 

-The ring was a success, and soon he will craft more of them to bind the people of Middle Earth under his will and control. 

-The world had already broken you, left you hollow in heart and without ambitions, so it was relatively easy to claim you. It was a surprise you managed to resist the ring and last months before coming back.

-He was worried the ring might not have worked, but it did – to his delight. 

-Annatar looked down at you, his eyes glimmering with gold as he gazed at your peaceful expression. He needed you for the future, but he couldn't help but admit he had become attached to you in a way. 

-Maybe he had found companionship with you and did not want to let go of you, not just because you could help him in the future.

-And now you had nowhere to go as you were now his. 

- ”My dear (Name), you don’t need to worry about the world or the cold anymore. It shall be embraced by the fire and taken under control. There shall be no more pain, and you and I will do it together — now rest — my little puppet,” Annatar whispered before darkness took you to sleep.

#sauron x reader #mairon x reader #annatar #sauron #mairon #sauron headcanon #angst #mairon headcanon #silmarillion headcanon #lotr headcanon #silmarillion x reader #lotr x reader #middle earth #middle earth x reader #middle earth headcanon #silm fic #tolkien stuff

[sylasthegrim]

Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen OC - Chapter 21

Rating: Explicit

Tags: canon divergence, arranged marriage, slow burn, smut

In a last, desperate attempt to unite his family and strengthen his bloodline, King Viserys decided that Visenya Targaryen, daughter of Rhaenyra and Daemon, would be betrothed to Aemond Targaryen.

Previous chapter - Masterlist

Love is a Downfall

CHAPTER 21 - THE MEANING OF LOYALTY

Later that night, Visenya couldn't find sleep.

Whether it was from the cold or the anxiety she couldn't tell. She could feel Aemma's absence like a throbbing wound. The sheets felt cold and the pillow wasn't welcoming her weary head. Beside her, she could feel Aemond could not find sleep either without needing to look at him. He was holding himself straight and stiff, as if deep in thought. They had nestled under the covers and furs, hoping to keep each other warm, but neither of them had any to share. They laid side by side like strangers, unable to reach out and touch each other. 

The shock of the first day had faded, replaced by a great void that neither of them knew how to breach. They had clung to each other and to Aemma in the first hours following the loss of Naerys, but there in the cold and unforgiving atmosphere of the North, they didn't have that luxury. They couldn't be the fated lovers they knew themselves to be, they could only be a prince and a princess of the realm bound by duty and a conflict they hadn't started but were determined to finish. The fated part of their union mattered more than their love now, and they had to make sure their duty to the Gods and to the loved ones they had lost and that were now resting at the Gods' sides were fulfilled. The realm was at the tipping point between one side of destiny and the other, and only Aemond and Visenya had the daunting task to stop it from collapsing into war and destruction.

Without a word, Visenya slid out of bed and went to sit on the windowsill, the room they had been given facing the adjoining forest. Beyond the great walls protecting Winterfell, the great shadows of Vhagar and Vermithor could be seen and their presence was reassuring to her. She found comfort in Vermithor when her pain was too sharp, as there was something fierce and vicious to the winged beast, something she could resonate with. She found in him a kindred spirit, an outlet to the great pit of darkness inside her where her child should be. She knew her dragon had felt her loss in his own flesh, just as she had, and it only had tightened their bond. 

"Do you think we're making the right decision?" she suddenly asked, knowing full well she wouldn't wake or startle her husband.

Aemond hummed. "Betrothing Aemma to Rickon Stark is the smartest choice. He will be Lord of Winterfell one day."

"And Aemma will be queen," Visenya said, voicing out loud what Aemond hadn't dared say first. "This is the strongest alliance we could have made."

"We have more leverage than anyone else right now," she continued when he didn't answer, as if she was trying to convince herself. She couldn't reconcile the idea of marriage with the image of her daughter, a baby so young she was still nursing in the night. 

"You have that leverage," Aemond admitted, but he didn't sound envious. She heard him rise almost silently, barely a shift of fabric and a deepened breath.

"You have more power than you seem to realize," he said, coming up beside her. She could see his chest through the opening of his cotton shirt, and she felt compelled to press a kiss to his sternum. He shivered, her lips warm against his cold skin. He usually ran colder than her, but at this moment it was more obvious than ever. He wondered how she could still retain some warmth to her, as he felt utterly emptied of it. His rage was a cold one, brutal and cutting. Hers was a fire, scalding and beautiful in its intensity. So were their respective pain and heartbreak, freezing and scalding, so opposite yet so complementary. Her warmth was reigning his temper in and his coldness was soothing her burns. Yet when the time would come, both their dragons would set the realm aflame if they commanded them so. Perhaps they needn't even voice it, and their emotions would suffice. 

"I'm just a woman in a world of men, and the order of things is that men have the advantage," Visenya said bitterly.

"Right now you have the advantage. You will be queen," he murmured, "and so will Aemma."

"The lords of Westeros might not like that."

Aemond glanced outside the window. "Why should we care what they think or like? They will obey, for they will be given no choice."

Visenya shivered, the forced calm of Aemond's voice pulling at something fierce deep from inside her chest. "Besides, you're about to lead armies south on the back of a dragon," he continued. "Whether you're a man or a woman won't matter in war."

"I suppose not. Besides, in some regions of the North, women often fight alongside the men," Visenya remarked. "We'll have women in our ranks."

"Exactly," he replied, kissing her forehead, near the hairline where a crown would sit if she wore one. "You will gain their respect and their allegiance."

"Just like I gained yours?"

Aemond smiled darkly. "Yes. And you will-"

She pressed two fingers to his lips. "Don't say I will inspire fear."

"Don't you want to be feared?" he asked behind her fingers.

Visenya swallowed, trailing them to the angles of his face, his sharp cheekbones, his jaws. Fleetingly, she wondered whether Naerys would have inherited those features. "I want to be respected. Obeyed."

"You can't command armies and lead a realm without some degree of fear," Aemond remarked. 

"Fear without respect only leads to rebellion, one way or another," Visenya countered. "I want to inspire fear and respect in equal measure."

"You will," he promised, "once they see what you're capable of."

"And where do you fit in all this? Where do you stand?"

"Where I've always been," Aemond said bitterly. "At my designated place, slightly to the side, in the shadows."

"There won't be any shadows by my side," Visenya said, grabbing his hands, tracing the lines of his long fingers with the tip of hers. "I need you to stand with me, on equal footing."

Aemond was determined to have her authority recognized. The lords and common men alike would need an inspiration, an example of what Visenya expected. A living example of the respect and reverence she deserved. There would have been a time when he would have thought it would require putting his pride aside, but now he realized the utmost pride could be found in serving her, and the highest honor as well. 

"I know you dislike the prospect of my mother being queen of the Seven Kingdom," Visenya said, tracing the back of his knuckles lightly. "But she will set a precedent. She will change the order of things, and me and Aemma will come after her."

"A dynasty of queens."

"And you, will be my King Consort," Visenya murmured. 

"Father would have approved. This is what we were meant to do," Aemond admitted.

Visenya's hands followed the lines of his bones from his thumbs to his wrists, and soon they were holding each other's forearms. Aemond traced a circle around a mole she had on the inside of hers, and the empty space in their linked arms was made even more jarring. "I miss her too," Visenya whispered. "There is a void in my arms, just as there is one in my belly."

"Are you in pain?" Aemond asked, his jaw tightening, leaving the interpretation of his question to Visenya. 

"My chest is sore from not nursing her," she answered, taking the easiest path. "It accentuates the pain in my belly, for some reason. It will stop soon as my milk stops coming in, and I will dry up like an old well. I guess this is one more thing this war has taken from me," she explained, as she had hoped to nurse her daughter at her own breast for as long as the babe wanted it. "But I know she is safe. There is no one I would trust more to take care of her than Rhaena, and Driftmark is probably one of the safest places in the realm right now."

Visenya wanted to tell him about her agony, about how Naerys was with her at every second yet absent at the same time. But she couldn't find the words, and she was afraid she never would. What were words, in the face of her pain, of her rage? Incoherent and meaningless sounds that would do nothing to convey the way her body had been ripped apart and nothing to soothe Aemond's loss.

And so they remained face to face with their pain, alone in their grief and together in all the rest. 

"I will give you other children, as many as you desire," Aemond said, his voice sounding slightly strangled, and Visenya kept her gaze on their hands. "And you will swell with life and milk again."

The memory of Naerys hung heavily around them, almost suffocating. "Tell me about her," he finally whispered.

"I couldn't," Visenya said, her eyes flooding with tears.

"Why not?" he asked, an edge of anger to his tone, and the both of them retracted their hands. 

"I'm afraid that in my pain, I would only hurt you," Visenya explained, wrapping her arms around herself. For a long minute Aemond said nothing, clenching and unclenching his hands.

"I would take it. I would take anything you would give me, if only I could unburden you for a second. If only I could feel something else than this," he confessed in a hissing breath and as Visenya lifted her gaze he turned his face away, hiding behind the shine of the sapphire. "I would rather feel pain at your hands and words."

"So would I," Visenya said as consolation, raising a hand and silently wiping the one tear she could see pearling at the edge of his jaw. "I would take any pain you would give me. There is nothing you could say and do to me that would be worse than this."

"I could never bear to hurt you," Aemond whispered as her lips joined her finger, tasting salt at his skin. 

"I feel like I could burn the whole world, and it would not be enough to materialize the horror and agony of it," she said against his jaw, their breaths mingling and rising in the cold air like clouds of smoke. 

"I would burn the whole world, if it would rid you of this pain," he replied, his cold lips seeking hers, sharing the salt and the bitter taste of their pain.

—

The next morning at dawn, Aemond waited patiently as Visenya pressed the milk from her breasts, painful and swollen after a day and a night without nursing their child. She bit the inside of her cheek as she watched the white liquid come out of her body and fall in rivulets into a copper basin instead of being the source of life to Aemma. Each press of her hand to each of her breasts brought a cramp to her lower stomach, ever reminding her of her own emptiness. Her belly was empty, and soon her breasts would be as well, and all that would remain would be the shell of her flesh, dried and scarred. 

When she was done, Aemond and her dressed back to back, the leather of their clothing making the same noises, their breathing keeping the same pattern.

Visenya wanted nothing more than to fly south again, to escape the unforgiving cold of the North. The air was crisp and dry and she missed the humidity of Dragonstone. Her skin felt dry as well, cracked in places she couldn't pinpoint and it made her miss the butter softness of Aemma's skin. These thoughts were only summoning horrific images and feelings, and Naerys' red-tainted and paper-thin skin supplanted that of Aemma in her mind and she had to chase both babies out of her thoughts. Naerys would never be part of their world, and Visenya had to be careful not to follow her down the path the Gods had taken her. She felt she already had a foot on this path, and only being reunited with Aemma would pull her out of it. She knew not even Aemond could reach her, she was slipping through his fingers involuntarily.

The memory of her unborn daughter was a siren call -and as her soul had never made it out of Visenya's womb, she would remain unborn forever, like a flower cut before it could bloom.

When Visenya and Aemond made their way down the corridor, Sara was waiting for them at the top of the stone stairs. She greeted them with a sad smile, probably guessing they hadn't slept much if at all. They followed her down to another hall than the one they had been to the day before, and where the Lord of Winterfell was waiting for them. It was a smaller hall, decorated less sparsely and warmer, and Visenya guessed it was meant to be a family room. Cregan stood proud in front of the fire, his hands at his waist, thumbs tucked in his belt. His dark hair was falling in waves around his angular face and the gray wolf pelt on his shoulders made him look older than he was, more serious and also more weary. 

"We've received answers from most of the main northern Houses," Cregan said before turning to look at them. There was a small smile on his face, barely visible, and a glint in his eyes, something akin to pride. "The North stands behind you, Princess Visenya. We will march on King's Landing at your orders."

"Thank you, Lord Cregan," Visenya answered and she smiled when Sara put a hand on her arm as she passed her to come stand at her brother's side. She was also looking at Aemond with a frank look in her eyes, an honest one, and Visenya had an inclination the four of them had the potential to forge more than a political alliance. She knew how very sheltered she had been all her childhood, and King's Landing was the last place to form honest friendships. She knew no one outside of her own blood, not personally. Here in the North, blood didn't seem to matter, and all northerners stood together. 

Without a word, with only their honor and integrity, and with the warm gleam in their dark eyes, Cregan and Sara were offering friendship.

They invited Aemond and Visenya to share their table and talk of plans while they broke their fast. Visenya forced herself to eat, hoping in the secrecy of her mind that sustenance would maintain her milk and she wouldn't dry up completely before they came back to Aemma. She was more scared of this war taking her milk rather than her blood but she knew she would certainly have to sacrifice both to war, to history. She wondered what mark she would make, what legacy she would pass on to Aemma. 

And so a few days later in the early morning, armies marched from Winterfell, heading for Harrenhal. Along the King's Road, other houses joined the growing army and marched south. Lady Sara stayed behind, commanding Winterfell and holding the fort -both literally and metaphorically until her brother's return. If she succeeded, her name would surely be granted. 

Vhagar and Vermithor ran in the frost for a hundred yard or two before they had picked up enough momentum, the cold slowing them down, and propelled themselves into flight. Visenya looked back once or twice, the armies of men growing smaller and smaller until they appeared as small as ants crawling the snowy grounds. The valleys were vast and empty save for a few clusters of villages and small towns. The region was so vast yet so sparse, and overall hard to control. But right now they had all its fighting men behind them, following the two great dragons at their own pace. 

The flight was not pleasant, cold wind and a thin but harsh rain whipping their faces. They landed the next day in the valley north of Riverrun, the ground was wet but thankfully the rain had stopped. As they had circled the area they were supposed to meet Daemon, they quickly noticed that a red shadow was waiting for them behind a hill, and the sight of Caraxes filled Visenya's heart with a bit of comfort. The wyrm shrilled excitedly as Visenya dismounted, Vermithor answering with a high-pitched noise of his own. 

"Father," Visenya called as she spotted her father, leaning against Caraxes' leg. 

"Daughter, Nephew," Daemon greeted amicably. He looked triumphant and Visenya suspected she must have looked the same, at least partially. She did feel proud to have accomplished what had been expected of her, and she was all the more proud to have Aemond at her side. 

"The North is marching south, rallying behind the Stark banner," Visenya announced. "They should arrive in Harrenhal in a week."

"Well done, Daughter. Harrenhal is ours. Simon Strong bent the knee," Daemon announced with a strange emphasis on the word bent. "I've been patrolling the valley for a day. It's mostly quiet for now, we're right on time." He turned to Aemond and regarded him with open challenge, his crossed hands resting at his side, on the pommel of Dark Sister. "It is time for you to prove yourself," he stated.

"What do you know of House Tully?" he asked before Aemond could answer.

"Lord Grover is old and mercurial," Aemond answered after a few seconds of thinking. "He won't be so easily persuaded."

"What of his heirs?"

"His son is dead, but he has a grandson, I believe."

"Yes, one about your age," Daemon confirmed. "He should be easier to reason with than the old bat."

Daemon turned to glance at the castle, which was built by the river. In the morning light, it looked like it was floating above it, mist enveloping it. "You have until the sun fully rises."

"I'll come with you," Visenya announced, leaving no room for discussion. 

The men standing guard at the drawbridge scrambled back as Vermithor landed first, agile but in a frightening stance. His shrilling roar echoed in the valley, quickly followed by Vhagar's bellow. The walls shook as she landed at the Fury's side. Both Visenya and Aemond dismounted, but they agreed without a word that he would prove himself alone. With a parting kiss to Visenya's temple, Aemond set for the castle and none of the guards stopped him.

He made his way inside confidently, as if the grounds belonged to him even though he had never set foot in Riverrun before. As he was led to a dining hall, he felt as though he was reliving the moment of a few days ago, except Elmo Tully looked nothing like Cregan Stark. He looked common and frail. He was lanky and of moderate height, no striking feature or intimidating presence to make him recognizable. From his short brown hair to his brown eyes, the way he stood and carried his sword, everything about him screamed ordinary. It felt as though the cloak and sword didn't belong to him, but had been put on him to make him pass for someone he was not. Yet he bore a close resemblance to his kin and there was no doubt he was a Tully. 

"Prince Aemond of House Targaryen," a guard announced, sounding anxious.

"We are here on behalf of my wife's mother, Rhaenyra," Aemond said, mild and already bored with the conversation.

"My Lord Grandsire is currently unable to receive you. I have been entrusted to inform you that House Tully has already declared for King Aegon," Elmo Tully recited.

"My brother has been declared king, bypassing the line of succession. We intend to restore the proper order of things and we request your support in this endeavor," he said politely, only half-curious what Elmo Tully's line of conduct would be.

"And what if we don't comply?" the young man asked, out of stupidity or weakness, Aemond couldn't guess, but it didn't fail to amuse him and annoy him at the same time.

He smirked. "I'm sure you noticed the dragons in your courtyard, my Lord?"

"Is that a threat?" Elmo Tully asked, frowning. 

"Merely a warning, Lord Tully," he said, as condescending as he could get away with. He stepped up toward him, watching with pleasure as the man flinched slightly, looking aside at his guards. "Aren't you tired of following the orders of old men?" he asked. "Why don't you take what you are owed?"

"I cannot betray my grandfather. He is the Lord of Riverrun."

"Not for long. He's old and useless, has been bedridden for months. It's time for you to step up," Aemond pushed. "Or, if you are so preoccupied with the order of succession, you could convince him to look out his window. The sight of Vhagar and Vermithor might tip him over."

"It's time for the sick and old men to die and for the younger generation to take their place. The realm has belonged to them for too long, and what is the result? A war fought over a succession that should have been settled decades ago. Cregan Stark is Lord of Winterfell, and along with him Princess Visenya and I will lead his men to battle. Don't you think some of that glory belongs to you?"

The expression on Elmo's face was worth any words.

"I need to confer with other members of my House," he replied, and Aemond knew he had won. 

"No, you will inform the other members of your House. After all, you are the new Lord of Riverrun."

"I have your word you will uphold us if it comes to war?" the young man asked.

"You have my word. Vhagar should be upholding enough, wouldn't she?" Aemond asked with unconcealed pride and elation.

"I suppose she would. She is," Elmo Tully stammered. He took a deep breath and nodded, "You have my word, Prince Aemond. Riverrun will join Queen Rhaenyra."

"Gather your bannermen, Lord Tully," Aemond ordered, turning on his heels to exit the castle. "We shall meet the Starks and the Arryns in Harrenhal in a week."

As he stepped outside, Caraxes was waiting for him in the courtyard, Daemon and Visenya at his side. "House Tully has declared against Aegon. Riverrun is ours," Aemond announced. 

— 

In a matter of a couple of days the courtyard transformed into a training field and a military encampment. Ravens had been sent throughout the Riverlands, choosing carefully which houses to target and which to ignore, knowing their allegiance to the Lannisters. Out there in the valley, they could not afford to lose men to the lions, and would need to wait until they were all gathered into one, solid army.

As Daemon was laying his plans to the men, putting his strategy into place, Elmo came to stand next to Aemond on the stone balcony overseeing the main yard.

"Your own brother is currently king, and it is known their is no love lost between you and your half-sister," Elmo said tentatively. "What is your interest in supporting her, may I ask?"

"Prince Jacaerys has been killed and his bastard brother Lucerys, for all intents and purposes, has been ousted. It means my wife is now in line for the throne, as heir to her mother."

"And you along with her," Elmo concluded. Aemond didn't answer, Daemon was climbing the stone steps toward them. Behind him the courtyard was busy, the sounds of gear being prepared and orders being given echoing along the walls. "How fares your grandfather, Lord Tully?" Daemon snickered.

"He's locked in his chambers, protesting. But it is of no consequence, Riverrun is mine," Elmo said, sounding far less confident than he should have had, and Daemon laughed at that. "Prince Aemond made compelling arguments," Elmo quickly added, as if it would justify his holding of Riverrun. 

"I'm sure my nephew was persuasive."

"A dragon or two in one's courtyard does wonder to resolve one's doubts," the man said, making Daemon laugh again. 

As Elmo Tully nodded to them and walked back inside, he grew serious again. "Think me no fool, boy, I know where your loyalties are," he warned.

"As long as my loyalties are clear," Aemond answered.

"Uncle," he called before the man could follow Tully inside. "I need a favor."

Daemon raised a brow but didn't say a word. Swallowing the bile rising in his throat, Aemond put aside his pride and asked. "Many men among the City Watch are still loyal to you, are they not?"

"That is true," Daemon said, a musical tone to his voice. It was obvious he had guessed Aemond's intention as soon as he had mentioned the City Watch. "What do you want with the Gold Cloaks?"

"My sister and her children's safety. I know you are aware of all the secret passageways in the castle. Your men could escort them out of the Keep and out of King's Landing."

"And why would they do that?"

"Because you ordered them to," Aemond said, keeping his voice calm and steady. The last thing he wanted was to sound pleading.

"And pray tell me, dear nephew, why I would order them to do it. Why wouldn't I order them to do exactly the opposite?" his uncle asked and Aemond had to swallow again. He imagined the haunting look he had seen on Visenya's face onto Helaena's, the blood of the twins tainting her dress. The idea made him nauseous, his stomach twisting painfully. 

"Because I am asking you to spare them, Uncle."

"What would you give me in return?"

"Haven't I proved my loyalty already?" Aemond asked, looking down in the courtyard where Visenya was overseeing some preparations.

"I suppose you have," Daemon smiled manically. "Oh the things love makes us do."

—

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—

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[thedeathofduty]

Talisman II

@abrielleholland

Summary: Several long days have passed since news of your broken betrothal with Prince Aemond has passed through court. While you have managed to be strong in ignoring the pitying, mocking, or even envious stares thrown your way, your father has seemingly grown tired of dealing with the gossip and of your wounded heart. He goes away on some unnamed errand and leaves you behind to answer a frantic knock on the door to your apartments at an indecent hour.

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x UnspecifiedHouse!F!Reader

Warning(s): N/A

A/N: I have no words. I didn't think anyone would even reblog the original Talisman, much less leave comments or ask for a part two. Thank you to everyone who asked for this. My heart feels very full. We are coming in hot at 4,486 words, so have fun :) Here's part three!

Word traveled fast, spreading through court like a forest fire. You poor little dove, Lady Y/N, daughter and only child to a widower, to a man who's dared to reach too high, had been cast aside by your betrothed Prince Aemond and by extension, by the whole royal family. You knew them to be salacious falsehoods, a more interesting story perhaps than the simple truth of it: that your father had brought you to King's Landing so you would not be lonesome at home without him and that your betrothed had not cast you aside, but had instead been called to answer a more pressing duty. Though, in truth, you did often feel cast aside.

Before, you would have breakfast with your father or the royal family or even in the gardens with Prince Aemond, but you were never alone early in the morning. Since your conversation with the Queen Dowager, however, you were now alone more often than not. The royal family was occupied with the coming war, whether there was to be bloodshed or not, and your own father seemingly did not even know how to look you in the eye anymore. Perhaps he could feel your heavy heart beating sluggishly in your chest and simply did not know how to reach you. It would have meant the world to you if he had only tried, but he never did.

You awoke one morning to a bottle of scented oil next to your bed with a note saying 'From Father', but it did not smell right and those were dahlia petals floating in the amber glass, not rose. You loved your father often enough, as he did you, but sometimes you felt you lived with a well-meaning stranger.

"I will be going away for a little while, Y/N," he announced one night at supper, carefully cutting the lamb on his plate.

"Whatever for?"

"Do not worry yourself with that." When he looked at you across the table, he looked impotent and inept and it made your cheeks flush in anger. Could he not even try to be a real father to you? "Focus on feeling better. When the Queen Dowager is ready to help you find a husband, you will want to be charming and in good spirits."

"I actually find myself quite charming like this," you said bitterly, taking a sip of your strongwine.

"No man likes for his Lady Wife to be bitter or contemptuous, Y/N. Let us hope that when I return, I will find the daughter I came here with instead of a phantom who mournfully haunts the halls of the Red Keep."

"Am I not even allowed to be brokenhearted?" You glared at him, holding the stem of your goblet in a tight, unyielding grip.

"Of course you are, my dear, so long as you do it quietly. You must know how people are looking at you, at me, now that the Prince is no longer your betrothed and yet we still occupy these apartments." He turned back to his meal, assuming the matter finished. Of course that was what mattered most to him. Never mind the yearning or beating of your own heart.

"How can you be so cruel to me?" Your voice nearly cracked, but you managed to control at least that. "I am your only child and yet you leave me to suffer this broken betrothal and those terrible people around court all by myself. You should be protecting me!"

"You are nearly a woman grown, Y/N!" His voice boomed and you swore it was so deep and powerful, it nearly moved your hair. "What am I to do for you in a time like this? He is just a boy and you are just a girl and in ten year's time, neither of you will remember the other at all! You will have your own life with which to busy yourself and none of this nonsense will hold any sway over you."

You could find no words for him, only a cold wind sweeping through your chest as your eyes watered. "Is that what you think you will feel for my Lady Mother in ten year's time? Indifference? And even if that is so, does that ease any of your present pain, father?"

Without a word or even a sound, he threw his napkin on his plate and calmly strolled into his chambers, leaving you to finish your meal by yourself. When you awoke on the morrow, he was predictably gone. Your father was ever a man of his word when it pleased him, and it seemed that being away from you when you were like this pleased him greatly.

Without Aemond at King's Landing, you felt like a ship with no star to guide it. You had only used to spend so much time in the training yard because you'd enjoyed watching him fight. The library was too quiet and stuffy and you felt that if you breathed even a touch too loudly in there, all the scholars would set you aflame with their hateful glares, but even that was preferable to wandering the gardens by yourself or trying to find peace in the Godswood where anybody could approach you and say a few barbed words disguised as kindness. You found that you could smile and wave away most comments, but one stayed with you like bile in your throat.

Just two days ago, you had been sitting at the base of the weirwood tree in the Godswood, a thick tome of Westerosi fairy tales in your lap. Foolishly, you had thought nobody would disturb someone who so clearly did not want to be disturbed. "Are you to be the Prince's mistress now?" The question was simple, direct, and offensive. You had never spoken a word to Lady Redwyne, but it seemed the fact that you had not even been acquainted was not enough of a reason for her to be well-mannered. All at once, your blood rushed into your ears and you looked up at her. The sun in your eyes partially blinded you, but you could clearly see the smile on her face.

"Are you asking to know if the position is still available, Lady Redwyne?" The pleasure that overcame you at the sight of her smile falling was immeasurable. What you desired was the time to salve your wounds in peace, but you were not so meek as to suffer an attack like that. "The Baratheons have a unique comeliness to them, so I am sure whatever Lady our Prince brings home will be able to please him as his bride." Now you were the one smiling even as your heart clenched at the reality of what you were saying. "You are still free to ask him, though, My Lady. Perhaps you will be lucky and he will honor you."

If any of the other Lords and Ladies at court had anything more to say about your predicament, they graciously kept it to themselves and that, at least, pleased you. After you had arrived in King's Landing, you had become taken with the Prince so quickly and he with you that you had become swept up by him. Nobody had pushed to become acquainted with you and so now you were without friends or allies. You did not want to be alone. You wanted things to be as they had been before.

You wanted breakfast with your new family and supper with your old one and days spent cheering in the training yard with a boring book you could care less for forgotten in the grass next to you as you watched Aemond, your Aemond, spin his sword and shatter Ser Criston's shields. Once or twice, you had even managed to convince Princess Helaena, now Queen Helaena, to come out with you, though she so abhorred the violence. You had always found it quite thrilling. Your Prince had known this about you and compared you to a Valyrian dagger wrapped in silk, to danger disguised by beauty. When he and Ser Criston would spar with real steel, your betrothed would bring you his sword so that you may kiss the blade to wish him good fortune. He always won and, though you were certain it was because of his years of practice, he said it was because of you. That was why he had started calling you his little talisman.

You reminded yourself that could not have any of that. So alone you would be.

You picked up the book of fairytales from the library again that evening, holding it close to your heart as you took the long walk back to your chambers to read it in bed. Childish though it may be, you had always found tales of love and chivalry to be quite moving. The idea of love being able to win over impossible circumstance sounded so beautiful to you. A shame that was not to be your story, but maybe your father was right. After all, as a small girl, you remember fancying a young stableboy back at home. It was nothing, just the pure-hearted love between children, but it had been nearly ten years and, as your father had said, you barely remembered him now. The only thing that remained of that young boy you had been so enamored with was a silhouette, an impression, nothing more. Still, you curled up in your bed and read as many stories as you could before sleep overtook you and pulled you into its embrace.

You awoke to a sharp pain in your wrist and the back of your neck from where you had been hunched over your book with your chin in your hand. With a grimace and a sigh, you stood and stretched. You'd no notion of the time, but it must have been very late. The fire in your chamber had almost completely died out where it had been a small yet powerful flame before. On your way out of your chambers, you tossed a small pine log into the fireplace. You felt the pangs of hunger and approached the table where you always had supper with your father, plucking an apple from the copper bowl at the center.

It was a little cold for your taste, not enough to make your skin break out in gooseflesh but enough that you did not like it and while you could have called for a servant to come and start the fire for you, you had never been very patient with menial tasks such as those. And after all, the hour felt very late. By the time you rang the bell and a servant arrived, you would have already frozen half to death. In a few long moments, you were sitting on the couch facing the balcony and finishing your apple with sooty hands and a crackling flame behind you. The sky before you was clear and beautiful, an ominous full moon watching you from a high point in the heavens above.

You found you missed your father now. He would often be awake at an hour like this, either drinking wine on the balcony or taking notes on the stars in his study. If you could not find sleep, you would pad barefoot over to him and he would bore you senseless with whatever bureaucracy had him up with the moon. Sleep would pull you in whether you were curled in a chair in his study or draped across the couch you sat in now. There was peace in the memory of it, a peace that was disrupted by a loud, desperate knock at the door to your apartments.

You were unsure if to answer the door at such an hour, but then again came another flurry of knocks, these even stronger than the ones before. Without thinking, you ran to the door, only to stop again.

"Who is it?" You would not open this door for any man on Planetos. It was surely well known at court by now that your father had gone and left you behind and you, without friends, without allies...

"My love," you heard Aemond's voice call from the other side of the door and you yanked it open so quickly, you nearly struck yourself in the face. So quickly in fact, that you immediately cursed yourself for being so eager and foolish. This man was meant to be nothing to you now but an unwanted visitor demanding entrance at an indecent hour, but you could not help the longing in your heart as you took him in for the first time in over a sennight.

His silver hair, usually so neat and straight, was knotted around his head and even looked a bit damp in some places. His lips were pulled down in a sharp frown, his nostrils flared as he breathed harshly. His cheeks were flushed and his blue eye bloodshot, wild, and wide.

"Y/N," he said your name quietly like a prayer, reaching towards you then pulling his hand back like you had burned him when you took a step away from him. "I apologize if I disturbed your rest."

"The hour is quite late, My Prince." He nodded and though you felt the warmth inside your chest returning, with it came the anger over your being abandoned. "Perhaps we can talk on the morrow." With that, you were ready to leave him for the night, but his hand flew to the door and stopped you. "My Prince-"

"Please," he whispered through gritted teeth, his frown deepening even further as you noted his hand trembling on the door. "I wish to speak with you, I need to speak with you."

Against every lesson you had been taught your entire life, you sighed and asked him, "is there anyone in the hall?"

"I would never put you in such a position, my-My Lady," he said quietly as he shook in your doorway, looking like he would crumble into ruins at any moment.

"Come in, quickly." Like your words were a spell, he all but collapsed through the door and you clutched at him as he breathed you in harshly with a fist in your hair and another in your nightdress. His clothes were damp and you wondered if he was shaking simply because he was cold. "Aemond, what is-"

"I had to see you. Something's happened."

Thinking he was referring to your broken engagement and his new Lady Wife, you tensed and started to pull away. "Yes, I know. Release me." A beat later, he did just that, swaying before you once more as he closed the door behind him. You felt horribly exposed before him, choosing to grab a sheet from a nearby chair to wrap around yourself and looking away when he gazed at you with more warmth and affection than you could tolerate from him at the moment. "Your mother told me about your new betrothal. So, when am I to have the fortune of meeting your Lady Wife? Does she know where you are?"

"I've no wife, Y/N, nor any betrothed to speak of." Your head snapped up to stare at him. He looked honest, yet you could not allow yourself to believe him. Surely, he was telling you these things to trick you somehow, but even as the thought entered your mind, you knew Aemond was incapable of such treachery.

"Impossible. Your mother sent you to Storm's End to secure a marriage pact. She told me so herself, and now you lie?"

"I do not lie," he hissed.

"Then what has happened, My Prince?"

"Please do not call me that, I cannot bear it," he grimaced, covering his face with one hand and turning from you. "I came here tonight to speak with you, only you, not behind the veil of titles and artifice, but with the only person who would-" He stopped himself as his voice broke, his breathing growing deep and even as if he was trying to control something feral and wretched inside himself. You found yourself reaching for his arm before you could stop yourself, pulling him towards the couch and sitting on his right so he could see you clearly. You gently ran a hand through his hair, trying to restore it to the sort of order you knew he liked to keep it in, but it proved futile. In time, he uncovered his face and your heart clenched at the sight of his eyelashes clumped together with tears. "Yes, it is true, my mother sent me to Storm's End to marry one of Lord Borros' daughters, but it was not my choice, Y/N. I could not say no."

"And neither could you tell me yourself?" Your vision was swimming with tears now as you gripped Aemond's arm with as much force as you could muster.

"How could I tell you such a thing?" His face twisted.

"Is that really your excuse? Weakness? I should have heard it from you, not your mother." You stood abruptly, leaving the sheet you had wrapped around yourself behind to pace in front of him and wring your hands together. "I thought-you and I-" You gasped, holding your own hair with both hands. "Do you not feel for me what I feel for you?"

He shot up, pulling your hands out of your hair and holding them in his own. "Yes. Please, my love, believe me. The gods brought you to me by chance, by some mistake, you are the stroke of fortune I have in my life, and I am..." He sneered in unbridled disgust and pulled away from you. "I am cursed."

"Cursed?" Though you tried to meet his gaze, he refused to look back at you. "Aemond, you have to tell me. What's happened?"

"Vhagar, she... gods, she was meant to listen." You shook your head, trying and failing to understand. "When I went, that... Lucerys was there, the Princess' son, and he was not meant to be there, Y/N. If she had just accepted the terms my brother gave her, then the boy would still..." His breathing was harsh and shallow, matching your own.

"He would still what, Aemond?" Your voice was only just above a whisper. There was a pit of horrible dread blooming in your stomach like a shard of dragonglass starting to press its way out of your body.

"He would still be alive."

You stepped back from him, shaking your head as a single word echoed in your head: Kinslayer. "No," you murmured, "no, Aemond, no. Do not tell me..."

He was no longer shaking, seemingly responding to the horror coming of your body in waves of heat and panic. Now his hands were up, palms exposed as he approached you as though you were a frightened bird who had accidently flown in during a storm. How could this man in front of you, one who was always so tender with you, be a killer? The gods curse kinslayers most of all and for good reason. They are all wicked and deceitful.

But you would never use those words to describe Aemond. Surely, it must be some mistake. He appeared before you now weak and repentant, not drunk off power and cruelty. If he had really done it, would he not be happy in his sickness? But if he had not, why was he here?

You let him touch you for only a moment before you sobbed and he let you go. "That is why, isn't it? Lord Borros would not have his daughter be wed to you because you killed your own nephew."

The words hung heavy between the both of you, making the air in the room feel heavy and oppressive. You felt that if you did not find some way to free yourself, you would die in here with him and it would be all your fault because you let him in and you would never force him to leave. Whatever curse befell him, it would be on you soon enough because you knew what he was and yet you could not bring yourself to condemn him for it.

"It was Vhagar." The words were strained coming past his lips like he had to push each one out with great effort. "Y/N, she roared when I lost my eye, she has been with me every day since. When I ride her, we are as one and I feel her even now." His hand struck his chest right over his heart and gripped the fabric of his shirt there. "I believed us to be of one mind and will. I never imagined she would betray me." He inhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Disobey me," he corrected.

You had never ridden Vhagar, despite Aemond trying to convince you on more than one occasion. Even just seeing her flying high over the Red Keep was enough to strangle your heart with fear and wonder. Swords and knives were one thing, but those weapons had no will of their own. You had read once that dragon eyes could pierce flesh and bone to see into the soul of a person. The risk of the Prince's dragon deeming you unworthy was too big a risk to take. She was the largest living dragon, battle hardened. What would you be to her? Just a grain of sand or a stray bone stuck between her stalagmite teeth.

"What happened?"

"She would not heel. I begged her to serve me and she tore the boy and his dragon out of the sky. In pieces." His nostrils flared again, his lips pressed into a hard line. Aemond was a dangerous swordsman to be sure, but he had never known real battle. He had never taken a life and it showed in the horror and fatigue on his sickened face. "There was no saving him."

Silence stretched taut between the two of you before you broke it, your mind working to patch together the pieces of the story Aemond was trying to tell you. "She disobeyed you without cause or reason? What happened before?" His lips were pressed in a hard line and he turned his good eye away, not bearing to look at you. "Tell me."

"I wanted what the boy owed me," he said gravely.

"His life?"

"His eye!" He met your gaze again and you could see everything in him: the rage, the shame, the fear. "He stole mine all those years ago, but he never paid a price for it."

You swallowed thickly, not trusting yourself to speak. Was it truly worth a curse on his entire bloodline to settle a single feud? Was it worth starting a war? What little you knew of Prince Daemon Targaryen was terrible, and that man was the Princess' husband. What would he do when he found out? But then again, what could you know of the pain your Aemond had suffered that night? You were not there, you were at home and when you learned the news of what had happened, the Prince was not a person to you yet but a story. The only comparable pain you had was the loss of your mother, but you knew that to be an entirely different sort of grief.

"Do you hate me very much?" His voice was so small, it seemed to belong to a child. Your lip quivered as you shook your head and he sighed in relief, approaching you once more and holding back until you melted into his chest like a piece of wax next to a roaring flame. He held you close with one hand cupped behind your head. "Nobody can know," he whispered, "that it was a mistake."

"You would have them imagine you to be a kinslayer?" He flinched at the word. "Even your mother?"

"I will tell my mother in the morning, but only you and her are allowed to know the truth of it." You nodded, pressing your face further into his chest. "Swear it to me. Swear that you will guard my secret, Y/N."

"I will guard all your secrets," you said and the weight of it settled on your tongue, the reality of your vow to him.

He breathed you in deeply, leaning down to kiss the top of your head. "I missed you so dearly, my little talisman. My days are long without you."

Your heart fluttered in your chest. "As are mine, my love."

Reluctantly, you let him pull away from you, your protest dying on your lips as he stroked over them with his thumb and that same affection from earlier shining out of his eye. "Can you forgive me for leaving you behind?"

"If you would fix the injustice of our broken betrothal, you can consider the matter laid to rest forever." Your lips moved against his finger and he smiled, leaning down to press a chaste kiss against them. There was something inside you pulling you up, higher and higher, until you were above the clouds with him once more. You never believed the Targaryens to be closer to gods than men, but wherever Aemond is, that is where your heart is destined to reside. If you could be lucky enough to be with a man you truly love, what curse of the gods could possibly touch either of you? Your fortune was strong enough that it could shelter the both of you from any unhappy chance.

He lowered himself until he was on his knees before you. "Would you be with me still, even cursed as I am now? People at court will say I forced this on you and your father would be furious."

You thought about your father and the indifference he preached, about how he had left you behind and Aemond was here kneeling for you, praying at your altar for your love and forgiveness. You wanted to give him every single piece of yourself. If there was anything these past few days had taught you, it was that you could weather any storm of gossip so long as you had a port to call home and that was what Aemond was to you most of all.

"They are of no consequence."

He smiled at you then, kissing each hand in turn. "You honor me with your graciousness, My Lady Y/N."

"With my love, Prince Aemond."

His smile was a bashful one and it made you laugh. "Love it is, then."

You wound your fingers into his messy, silver hair, marveling at the fact that he let you have this sort of sway over him as you tilted his head just a little farther back. His lips were parted and you longed to claim them, to claim him. "So you are all mine again?" you asked, already knowing his answer.

"Completely," he whispered.

#mine #aemond targaryen #aemond targaryen x reader #hotd #aemond fic

[adrift-in-thyme]

Ooh, you’re taking drabble requests? :D Could I get something with Legend and Warriors maybe? Angst or fluff or whatever (though you know I love hurt/comfort XD) Love your writing!

-Sky Floor

Thanks so much for the request!! 💖 I went with hurt/comfort ;)

Sorry it took me so long to write this! Hopefully it proves to be worth the wait

Warning: an animal is trapped and injured in this fic. It’s not graphic but keep yourselves safe!

Fic beneath the cut

————————

Legend has been gone for two days.

Hard as he tries, Warriors can’t stop the worry from seeping in, spreading past his careful defenses. The vet can handle himself, that much is for certain. But to disappear the way he did, so soon after they had been separated from the others and during an intense monster fight, it’s more than a little concerning.

When a day of searching ends with no sign of the veteran, it becomes even harder to keep his spirits up. The guilt certainly doesn’t help either. It drags at his heels, eating at him as he trudges onward.

How could he possibly have lost track of him? He’s usually so attentive to his surroundings. But Legend had been there one moment and gone the next, and he has no one to blame except himself.

The veteran has to still be alive, though. Warriors won’t entertain the alternative.

And then, on the morning of the third day, while searching a new part of the woods, he hears it.

The sound emanates from behind a nearby bush, an incessant banging and thrashing that echoes throughout the clearing. Warriors comes to an abrupt stop, frowning in its direction.

He’s no stranger to the many noises of the creatures that scamper throughout the forest. They frequently keep him company when it’s his turn to scout out the area, sometimes even playing about his feet as he walks. The rustling of their romps through the underbrush, the excited squeaking and chittering as they burst forth from it—these are familiar to his ears.

But this is different.

There is no playfulness here, no light-hearted mischief. These movements are panicked and violent, a terrible, unmistakable rhythm of flesh colliding with metal.

Something—or perhaps even someone—must be trapped.

Drawing his sword, Warriors steps forward. It’s a precaution that will likely be unnecessary. Still, one can never be too careful, especially considering the current situation. For all he knows a monster could be lying in wait, ready to pounce.

But when he pushes aside the delicate leaves, it isn’t a monster he sees. Though, Warriors is inclined to think a monster might make a bit more sense.

Caged in a small trap before him is a very angry, very pink rabbit.

The creature is in the middle of driving its shoulder into its enclosure, pure murder spelled out in its gaze. But then it catches sight of Warriors and stops short. Its body goes rigid.

It stares at Warriors and Warriors stares back. He blinks, trying to make sense of what he’s seeing.

Out of all the things he expected to find this is definitely not one of them. A caged animal is normal enough. No doubt a nearby villager set this trap in hopes of garnering a meal or protecting their crops. The appearance of said animal, however, that’s decidedly not normal.

He may be a city boy, but he has enough experience to know rabbits aren’t usually pink-furred and blue-eyed. Nor is their gaze usually this sharp, this…human.

Warriors tilts his head, chewing the inside of his cheek. If he’s being honest, this is all a bit disconcerting. Still, he can see the damage from here, the unnatural bend of its left leg, the blood trickling down from its forehead. And it makes his heart clench.

He can’t very well just leave it here…can he?

With a sigh, he sheaths his sword. At this point, it would likely be better to just let the inevitable happen. With these wounds, the rabbit is unlikely to survive in the wild. But the very thought of leaving it to its fate sends a fresh streak of guilt shooting through him.

Besides, some small part of him has begun to wonder if maybe, just maybe this strange event has something to do with Legend’s disappearance. So, he bends down and reaches for the cage door.

“Hey, little guy,” he murmurs, with a small smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you out of here.”

He hasn’t even managed to unlock it, however, when the rabbit levels him with a blistering scowl, opens its tiny mouth, and speaks.

“Congratulations, you found me. Now, drop the act.”

Warriors freezes, eyes going wide. He must have finally lost it because he’s almost certain that animal just talked.

…and sounded an awful lot like Legend too. And while finding their missing veteran in this manner wouldn’t be the strangest thing that's ever happened to him, it definitely makes the top ten.

He leans forward as though a better look will clear up things.

“Vet?! Is it really you?”

The rabbit’s—no Legend’s—expression doesn’t change. He can see it though, the utter terror peeking out from behind the anger. And is it just him or are there slight tremors running through his tiny body?

“Don’t you dare feign stupidity.” The vet jabs a paw in his direction. “I know who you are and you’ve got no right taking his form.”

Taking his…Oh.

The pieces are beginning to come together in his mind. The picture they paint isn’t a pretty one.

“If you’re gonna kill me, just get it over with,” Legend continues, voice brittle and bitter. “But don’t you do it looking like Warriors.”

Warriors reaches for the door again. It’s not a complex trap—though it’s certainly an effective one—and he manages to get it open quickly.

“I’m not here to kill you,” he assures, motioning for his friend to exit. “And I’m not the Shadow.”

Legend gives him a look of pure hatred and doesn’t budge. Warriors waits there, holding up the door for a few moments more, then sighs. He offers the vet his hand.

“Here. I must at least smell different than he does.”

Tentatively, Legend drags himself forward, tiny nose twitching. When the blow he is undoubtedly expecting doesn’t come, he gives Warriors a couple of good sniffs. And finally, his body relaxes.

“See?” Warriors grins. Relief washes over him in dizzying waves. “I told you it was me.”

Legend shudders, looking ready to either collapse or begin crying. Warriors can’t be certain which.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” he snaps, but there is no venom in his shaky tone. He bats away Warriors’ hand and drags himself from the cage. “And that’s just my luck. Now, I’m never gonna live this down.”

Warriors looks back down at the trap, inwardly cringing. If the vet thinks he’s going to tease him about this, he’s sorely mistaken.

“I’ve been looking for you for days. Is this where you’ve been the whole time?”

Legend slumps, not meeting his eyes.

“Not the whole time.”

There’s a story behind that statement. One that is likely long, and unpleasant, and, unfortunately, necessary for him to hear. But before Warriors can press, a familiar screech shatters the relative silence.

He has never known animals to pale, yet in that moment Warriors is certain Legend does.

“Monsters,” he breathes. “The Shadow must’ve sent them after me.” He turns to Warriors, eyes wide, and terrified, and almost pleading. “I can’t fight in this form! I’m helpless!”

There’s an edge of barely concealed hysteria to his tone now. Warriors steps forward and scoops the rabbit off the ground. Legend lets out an indignant squeak, which he ignores.

“You won’t have to fight,” he says, quickly scanning the area. There’s a small cave nearby, and he heads toward it. “We’ll conceal ourselves here, let them pass by. If they still spot us, I’ll take them on.”

Legend has gone rigid in his grasp, but at that he slumps, looking defeated. And when Warriors tucks himself away in the darkness of the cave, his friend still held to his chest, the veteran doesn’t protest.

They sit in silence, as the monsters thunder past. Warriors half expects one of them to catch sight of the cave and take interest. But not one of them dares to break from the stampede, save to peek behind bushes and trees. And it isn’t long before their squeals and shrieks fade into the distance.

Warriors blows out the breath he had been holding.

“Looks like we got lucky, vet,” he says, a relieved grin pulling at his lips.

They’re safe, at least, for the moment. There are other things to worry about now…such as the tiny rabbit currently shivering in his lap.

He looks down at him, just barely resisting the urge to run a hand through his fur. “You okay?”

Legend shudders, ears drooping, eyes averted.

“I’m fine.”

He’s most definitely not, but Warriors lets it slide for now.

“Can you drink potion in that form?” He asks, already rifling about in his pouch for one. The veteran’s wounds look rather painful.

But Legend shakes his head. “It won’t work the same. I’ve gotta change back so it can actually heal me.”

“And how do we change you back?”

“With a moon pearl…or the Master Sword. Neither of which we have access to at the moment.”

Warriors sighs. “I’m sorry, vet.”

“It’s not your fault this form is useless.”

Legend’s body gives another little shiver. Though he glances at the entrance to the cave, he doesn’t move.

“It is my fault for losing track of you, though.”

Now, Legend looks at him, eyebrow raised in an unimpressed expression.

“What’re you, my babysitter? I can take care of myself, you know. I’m the veteran of hero business.”

Warriors lets out a dry chuckle. “Touché.”

He brings the veteran a bit closer, finally giving in to the urge to pet his silky fur. Though Legend hardly looks thrilled with it, he doesn’t pull away. He even begins to relax a bit after a few moments have passed, leaning into Warriors’ touch unconsciously. And when Warriors smooths a hand over one of his ears, he lets out a tiny sigh.

“This form isn’t all bad, you know,” the captain says, and Legend gives him a knowing grin.

“Why, because I’m soft and fluffy?”

A grin of his own lifts Warriors’ lips. “Maybe.”

The veteran hums. He shifts, settling in a bit more cozily on Warriors’ lap. Already, he is beginning to drift, exhaustion dragging at him. Warriors isn’t surprised. Though he doesn’t know the specifics of his unfortunate ordeal, he is certain it was anything but pleasant.

And if Legend feels safe with him, even while in this vulnerable (and frankly, adorable) form, he is glad of it.

“We’ll find the others,” he assures him, quietly. “Sky will be more than happy to help you out. You’ll be back in your Hylian form before you know it.”

And then we can get these injuries healed, he thinks as his fingers bump against a cut.

Legend gives another hum of acknowledgment.

“Hey, pretty boy?” He murmurs after a pause. “Thanks.”

Warriors smiles.

The sooner they reunite with the others, the better. For now, though, it won’t hurt to spend a few more moments here, watching the moon rise behind the hills and feeling his friend’s soft fur beneath his fingertips.

#took some inspiration from ‘turbulent waters’ #I love the idea of warriors seeing legend in the forms he hates the most #especially when those forms put him in a vulnerable and dangerous situation #sky floor my beloved #asks #trin writes #linkeduniverse #lu legend #lu warriors #bunny legend #angst #hurt/comfort #blood and injury #tw animal injury

[apomaro-mellow]

Dimension hopping 2

Honestly, Eddie was taking to this whole 'waking up in a fantasy world' like a fish took to water. They started on the road to the dragon's keep and Eddie saw every plot point for what it was for. He knew which glowing mushrooms were friends and which would kill them. He knew which cave NOT to sleep in. He even knew when they had time for a break so that he could suck Steve's dick in the woods.

All in all, while the journey was strange, it wasn't as arduous as Steve had been expecting. They came to a new town and decided to make a stop at a tavern. At this point, Eddie was feeling pretty high on life and love and it took almost nothing for him to take grab a lute from some stranger and start playing.

Eddie moved across the floor, enthralling his audience with the tale of a man that always stood between danger and the ones he loved. Who would stand up against a horde of beasts if it meant protecting the innocent.

Steve watched, never taking his eyes off of him. Eddie's theatrics got them a free meal, which they took in a dark corner of the tavern.

"That was risky", Steve said, murmuring into his ear.

"How? I didn't use your name", Eddie said. "And I only looked right at you like two times."

Steve rolled his eyes. Eddie had held his gaze for so long during the song at some moments it was nearly intoxicating. Eddie played it off, sure that no one could tell the man he was traveling with was the prince.

"You know, this little corner is usually reserved for someone dark and mysterious", Eddie said while Steve took advantage of the free food. "I'm surprised we got it."

What they didn't know was that a different dark spot was being taken up by a mysterious group.

--------------------------

Eddie and Steve were continuing their trek through the forest. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, the horses were in good spirits, and according the their map, the dragon's keep wasn't too far off. If their hunches were right, winning this climactic battle would take them back home.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here", a woman said, suddenly walking out from the bushes ahead of them.

Steve narrowed his eyes. Her hair was different and of course her clothes were, but still the resemblance was uncanny.

"Carol?"

"Wow Carol, he knows your name", another voice that Steve knew said from behind them. Tommy. And just when Steve had gotten used to the general strangeness of this place.

Before they knew it, they were surrounded by five people. Apparently Steve being gone had sparked a panic. And someone had convinced his parents that Eddie had kidnapped him.

"The king and queen are paying an incredibly generous bounty for your safe return. Or for your thief's head", Carol said.

"And to think that not that long ago, I was the kingdom's hero", Eddie said, annoyance thick in his voice.

"Let's not do anything hasty", Steve said.

Famous last words (or close to them).

When the dust settled and they got away, they were down to one horse and Eddie was bleeding heavily from his torso. Steve's hands shook as he bandaged him up in a cave, fire providing light as the sun was nearly gone. This was too close to their actual lives.

Eddie's injuries weren't nearly so bad as what the bats had done, but it was too close for comfort. Eddie groaned through it, but was cracking jokes to lighten the mood as always.

"Everyone wants a taste of my midsection. What, are my legs not good enough?"

"Your legs are fine", Steve said, hands smoothing over the bandages.

"Mmm, not as fine as yours", Eddie grinned as he tried to rise up for a kiss, only to flinch back as he pulled on something.

"Stop trying to be suave on your death bed", Steve admonished.

"If not now, when?"

Steve made sure he was still laid flat out before leaning down and kissing him. And then kissed him again.

"You know", Eddie said between kisses. "Normally this would be *kiss* our first kiss *kiss* but since we sorta skipped some steps *kiss* we're way ahead *kiss* relationship wise."

"You're point?", Steve asked.

"That maybe we should have another first instead?", Eddie waggled his brows.

"We've already done that. And I don't want you bleeding again." Steve moved to straddle his hips anyway.

The sun had set completely now and in addition to the firelight, the ceiling glowed with crystals of orange and pink. Eddie put his hands on Steve's thighs, looking up at him with adoration.

"We haven't done it on screen yet. And if you're up there, you can do all the work. This invalid will just lie still."

When Steve looked just on the other side of the fence, Eddie tried to get him to cross over by rolling his hips, ignoring the discomfort in his side where a blade had pierced him deep. But apparently it still showed in his face.

"I thought you were going to stay still?"

"Forgive me, Your Highness. For this fool is weak to his love for you."

"If you're a fool, then so am I. For all the jewels I may own, you are my greatest treasure."

Eddie moaned as Steve started to grind against him. Never in a million years did he think he'd get to live this dream. God, he needed to get Steve a costume when they got back home. The man was born to roleplay.

Steve leaned in close to his ear, brushing some of his hair out of the way. "Now obey your prince and stay still."

Eddie nodded frantically. "Yes m'lord."

---------------------------

The dragon's keep was in the ruins of a castle upon a mountain top. It was like the beast had destroyed whatever ruler had been there and took it for themselves.

"Steve...whatever happens-"

"Don't start that", Steve cut him off right away.

"Let me finish. There's more than one way these movies can end. One of us may need to-"

"I told you to stop!", Steve kept his volume to a hiss, not wanting to alert the dragon to their presence.

"Steve, come on. It's just a movie. And we, the actors. If one of us dies, it isn't real."

"You don't know that. We don't know anything about this place."

"Well if we both DO survive? Are we going back to your castle? Kind of feeling not welcome back there."

Steve thought about it as he drew his sword. "I've heard the south is beautiful this time of year."

"Me on a beach? Are you trying to kill me?", Eddie teased.

"We'll get you a hat."

A shadow flew overhead and they both looked up. A silhouette was visible in the clouds, moving like the wind. Then it landed right before them, a behemoth of an animal when it was this close. Steve swore he could feel the fire it was stoking in its belly.

"Watch out!", Steve shouted, jumping out of the way as it blew, splitting them up.

Eddie hopped around the ruins, avoiding the flames. "Who needs the beach with heat like this?", he quipped.

Steve tried to think of a way to defeat the dragon but he didn't see how Eddie beat it the first time. He knew the scales were impenetrable. That it could breath fire with a moment's notice. That it's claws and teeth were sharper and more durable than his sword.

"How did you beat this thing before?!", Steve demanded while dodging the onslaught of fire-breath.

"Ha, well, funny thing about that..."

"Not in the mood for jokes, Eddie. If you've got a trick up your sleeve-"

"Not a trick! Just a um, secret."

Steve was about to shoot his boyfriend an incredulous look when he saw that he was right in front of the dragon's muzzle. His weapon was sheathed and he had a look of resignation. The dragon opened its mouth and Steve didn't think he'd ever let out a scream so loud as he watched Eddie get burned alive.

He was ready to turn all of his rage onto the dragon. But as the smoke cleared, he didn't see the charred remains of his love. Eddie was still there, just different. His clothes had been burned away and Steve could see that scattered across his skin were shiny black scales. Atop his head were craggly horns and his canines were so big and sharp that they poked out of his mouth.

"What...?", Steve breathed out.

"Surprise", Eddie said weakly.

"You're...a dragon?"

Eddie nodded.

"That's how you got this one to stop attacking us."

The dragon rumbled and Eddie held a hand up. "Don't be mad, he didn't mean it this way. Um, Steve, this is my mom. Mom, this is Steve. And I love him."

The dragon, Eddie's mother, rumbled again, looking at Steve like she'd rather roast him than extend a clawed hand to shake.

"Wait, you've been a dragon this whole time. This whole time you've known we were coming to...Eddie what exactly was your plan here?!"

"Um, pretty much just blind hope and prayer. I'm not much of a plan guy."

Steve rolled his eyes. "You know I don't buy that shit. You literally spend some of our date nights planning."

"A campaign is diff-"

"It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am", Steve turned to Lady Munson. "Your son means the world to me."

She looked unconvinced.

"Even if I'm like this?", Eddie asked, pointing to his horns.

"I'm just surprised you kept it from me for this long. The Eddie I know would have told me he was part dragon the moment he saw me."

"Heh, yeah, I know. It just felt like, well, ya know."

Steve shook his head. "No I don't. Why didn't you tell me?"

"It was like a weird thing on top of another weird thing and I wasn't sure how much more you could take. If you could take it?"

Steve dropped his sword and grabbed Eddie by the waist. "If there's a universe where I'm not in love with you, we haven't found it yet."

"That means we're two for two", Eddie grinned. "So Steve, how does being prince consort in the court of dragons sound?"

"I think if the legends about dragon hordes are true my dowry is about to be insane."

Eddie cradled his face and brought him in for a kiss. He was just about to let his teeth get involved when his mother pushed them over with her snout, trying to lay her own affection on them.

They laughed as the scene faded to black and when it faded back in, Steve and Eddie were riding atop her head, dressed in red and gold wedding regalia, and headed for a beautiful sandy shore.

"Should we have sent warning?", Steve asked as they heard the screams ahead.

"And miss out on a free private beach? Not on your life." Eddie kissed Steve's cheek, then his lips and the credits began to roll.

When Steve next opened his eyes, it was to snazzy jazz and in a tuxedo.

Part 4

Tag Team

@goodolefashionedloverboi @xjessicafaithx @newtstabber

#apo writes #stranger things #fanfiction #steddie #next up is spy genre

[rukia-writes]

If you’re doing any Halloween requests, could you please find it in your heart to do a werewolf Hercules x little Red Riding Hood female reader? Sex please!

Werewolf! Hercules x Little Red Riding Hood! Reader

Plot: a spin on the classic tale. 🐺

Warnings: 18+, no minors 🔞, violence/death , nudity, breeding kink, virginity loss, oral sex, public sex, cussing, I made this long, really long. Please drink and eat while reading.

A/N: Ah, my favorite folk tale. In the spirit of Halloween and my favorite fairy tale, Yes. Also! Portraying Hercules as the wolf was HARD because the man doesn’t have a bad bone in his body, but I had a solution. 😏

Stay on the path and don’t talk to strangers.

The sun was high in the sky on a cool afternoon, and on the path were two teenagers. Brother and sister who had just come from town with a basket of bread, the two had just moved from another village and were new in town.

“Do you think Anne wanted anything else, Jack.”

“If she did, she would have mentioned it.”

Jack, was the eldest and his sister was the youngest. Jack was a calm child who enjoyed reading and wanted to become a writer when he was older. Being the oldest Jack was protective of his younger sister.

“Hey! Wait up!”

The two siblings looked behind them to see another young boy around the same age as Jack run over to them. The sister seemed happy to meet someone new but Jack wanted to keep his promise to Anne and so he quickly and gently grabbed his sister’s wrist and pulling her along.

“Jack! Cut it out!”

“Come on, we are not supposed to talk to strangers.”

Jack was adamant as he once again pulled his sister’s wrist making her walk faster, although the young boy caught up with them.

“Hey! I caught up with you! Are you guys new here?”

“Yes, we just moved from a different village.”

Catching his breath the young boy looked up and smiled at the young girl while her brother was less than pleased.

“Awesome! It’s nice to meet you. My friends call me Hercules, what’s your name?”

“My name is (Name), it’s nice to meet you too.”

The brother found it rude that this stranger named Hercules asked his sister her name while giving her a smile and not paying any attention to him really, and of course his sister innocently told her name.

So much for not talking to strangers.

“Hey, do you want to come play with me and my friends?”

“Sure-“

“We have to be getting home.”

Jack interrupted as he motioned for (Name) to follow him, pouting (Name) followed her brother but that didn’t stop Hercules as he followed them asking questions to which (Name) innocently answered with a smile on her face much to Jack’s dismay and once he heard (Name) laugh from one of Hercules’ jokes Jack sighed. Hercules left on the promise that the two would come play games with him tomorrow.

(Name) promised, Jack had his fingers crossed.

“About time! The sun is setting don’t you know-“

“The wolves come out. Yes, yes.”

Jack and (Name) were hugged tightly by their aunt Anne that had a bit too much to drink. However, both felt like their aunt was more of a mother than their own blood mother. Rushing the two inside as the sun was setting, reminding the two that wolves came out at night and it was time to lock up.

Every night, before bed Jack would read his sister a bedtime story. Rather, the stories he read that day and every time (Name) would fall asleep with Jack following second. Peeking thru the door, Anne always checked on the two and was always happy to see their sleeping faces.

“I’m going to go get water!”

“I’m going with you.”

“Oh, come on! It’s not far off. Plus I can take care of myself. I’m not a child.”

Jack scoffed as he was certain (Name) would get lost and distracted, (Name) told him otherwise. The two argued until Anne told Jack that (Name) was capable of fetching water. Jack sighed and gave up as he returned to his room to read, in his room he heard the door shut followed by leaving the property as Jack watched from the window.

In the forest, (Name) came by a nearby stream to which she filled her bucket. Only to hear “You’re here too?” Looking behind her she saw Hercules with a big grin, to which (Name) happily smiled back. The two talked to each other for awhile, not caring about anything else. Both telling each other where they come from to what they liked.

“Say, why don’t you come play with me and my friends.”

“…Well, I have to take this water back home.”

“Yeah? Well, I’ll carry it for you. I’m sure it’s heavy.”

Hercules picked up the bucket with ease much to (Name)’s joy, finding out that those muscles weren’t just for show. The two walked to (Name)’s house and of course Jack was waiting on the steps. Jack figured Hercules was with his sister and the way the talked to each other Jack had his suspicions.

“Why don’t you come with us, Jack?”

It was an offer Jack couldn’t refuse.

“Got ya!”

While reading underneath a tree Jack looked up from his book to see Hercules carrying his sister over his shoulder, both laughing and having fun time. Jack made a “hmph” sound and went back to reading as Hercules went to find the others. The sun was setting when everyone decided to go home, stretching Jack liked reading underneath the tree and wanted to come back. Once (Name) was by his side, the two talked for a bit until Hercules waved bye to both Jack and (Name) but mainly to (Name).

Rolling his eyes Jack was finding Hercules to be “a little flirt” but while rolling his eyes he didn’t notice Hercules give (Name) a little wink making Castor who was beside Hercules the whole time snicker. (Name) smiled back at Hercules while feeling a bit of excitement in her heart, as she remembered what Hercules told her as they played earlier that day.

It was late at night, the forest seemed dark and absolutely frightening.

However, at the edge of the forest was a campfire by a small lake. Around it were some familiar faces, and some were new. Sitting down on the ground with his chin resting on his right hand looking bored as the others goofed around, all were waiting for the new girl to show up.

“Hercules! Where is this girl you spoke of? Did you tell her to meet us tonight?”

Hercules’ brother which people called Ares teased him seeing as how Hercules wasn’t his cheerful self, adding in another brother of Hercules decided to tease.

“I bet the girl doesn’t exist, and Hercules was just pulling our leg.”

“She’ll be here, Hermes.”

Firing back at his brother Hermes only made the brother smirk while shrugging his shoulders, and deciding not to wait the group decided to play hide and seek in the woods. It was a favorite game they liked to play better than in the daytime. Pouting, Hercules stood up as Castor patted him on the back knowing his friend was disappointed. Only for both to hear “I’m here!” Hercules knew that voice anywhere as he looked behind him to see (Name) running towards them with a wearing a red hood.

“She’s here!”

“…She’s hot.”

“She’s not imaginary.”

Quickly punching both his brothers in the back for their comments, Ares receiving a harsher punch, before running towards (Name) and hugging her innocently. (Name) could tell Hercules wanted to see her by how tight he hugged her, feeling shy (Name) quietly greeted Hercules. Complimenting (Name) on her red hood only made the girl’s heart beat faster, even if Hercules was just giving a compliment only for his brothers to show up.

Both were interested in meeting (Name) as they introduced themselves, Castor walked over wondering if the game was still on. All of them agreed, after explaining the rules of the game which was the same, except in order to be safe was to return to the lake without being caught.

“I’ll hide with you, (Name).”

“Hm, oh. That’s nice of you Ares. Where is your hiding spot?”

Blushing Ares simply told her to follow him as the others scattered as Hermes was the seeker, which meant your chance of being caught was almost guaranteed. Hermes, was too good at the game. On the other hand, Hercules, while going to his hiding spot found Ares and (Name) hiding together displeasing. However, Hercules didn’t say anything and went to his hiding spot. As the night went on, (Name) had fun as Hermes was able to find everyone with ease and so the game continued until late in the night.

“What do you mean you lost her?!”

Hercules and Hermes stopped their game of hide and seek as Ares was freaking out that he couldn’t find (Name). The two were hiding together, still, but when he turned around to her she was no where to be found. Hercules felt all the blood in his system drop, especially when he and everyone heard a wolf howl.

“Well, let’s not stand here.”

Hermes calmly told everyone as he wanted everyone to split up and look for (Name). Rather, (Name) wasn’t far, once again distracted by four sweet baby wolves. Rather playful, they had led (Name) astray from the group and now the pups seem to be enjoying (Name)’s company. (Name) only realized how deep she was in the forest when she heard a wolf howl, and it sounded awfully close. Saying good bye to the pups (Name) tried to leave but the pups wouldn’t let her as they still wanted to play, a minute passed and then few minutes passed (Name) played with the pups until she heard a rustle in the bushes.

The pups hid behind (Name) as she wished she had someone to hide behind, it wasn’t necessary as she was tackled by a strong person sending her to the ground that wrapped her in her arms tightly.

“(Name)! Thank goodness I found you!”

(Name) knew it was Hercules by the tight hug itself, his voice was a confirmation, however she wasn’t expecting Hercules to be worried about her. Even as the two stood up Hercules wouldn’t let go of her, it was only when (Name) asked “what’s the fuss about?” That was when Hercules released (Name) while blushing a bit, embarrassed by his actions only to see the wolf pups wanting to play. Putting the two together Hercules figured it out, repeatedly poking her in the forehead and scolding her for getting distracted and wandering off.

“Everyone was worried about you, you know.”

“Ok-okay, I hear you.”

The two walked back to camp together hand in hand, so (Name) wouldn’t get distracted this time and wander off. However, before they left Hercules found the pups to be adorable and understood why (Name) wandered off. Plus, he was sure the mother wasn’t far off. At camp, the group was over joyed to know Hercules found (Name) and decided to go home as it was late. For the next few days, the group decided to meet at night for games and stories.

Jack had no idea about it.

One night, (Name) had arrived to a sight she was expecting. Everyone was currently taking their clothes off, ready to go skinny dipping. No one told (Name) about this and the surprise was evident on her face. The first one in was Ares followed by Hermes and then Hercules with the others joining in, (Name) was last in the cold water and the most shy.

However, that feeling went away with time as everyone played games such as Marco Polo, but a new game was now being played.

Truth or dare.

(Name) was fairly neutral about the game and as everyone played it was becoming fun knowing her friends secret. When it was finally Ares turn was he wondered what he would ask, well there was a question he did want to ask a certain someone.

“Hercules, truth or dare?”

Surprised Hercules fumbled over his words until he picked truth in a confident manner, thinking to himself he wouldn’t get any “hard” questions if he chose truth, Hermes was quick to point this out as he whispered “he thought he did something.”

“Truth.”

“…Is it true you find (Name) attractive? Hot?”

Everyone was at full attention now as Hercules was a mixture of shock and nervous as he looked at (Name) who was smiling innocently and then back at his brother was smiling confidently now. Hermes was enjoying it all as he wanted to know Hercules answer.

“What kind of question is that?! Why are you asking me this?!”

“Answer the question, brother.”

Hermes added in slyly making Hercules red in the face from embarrassment as everyone chanted “answer the question.” Scratching his head Hercules wanted someone to get him out this situation but there was no way out.

“….I mean..yeah. (Name) is very attractive and sweet and .. I-any would guy would be lucky to have her.”

Twiddling his thumbs while looking them and shyly answering Ares question, everyone was quiet for awhile until they broke out in a song:

Hercules and (NAME)

Sitting in a tree

K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

First comes love

Then comes marriage

Then comes-

“There’s a fucking snake!”

The lake was now in chaos as someone yelled out there was a snake and everyone quickly left the lake in a hurry. Ares, even in his frantic rush out the lake noticed Hercules help (Name) out lake and covering her up with red hood. Hercules did walk (Name) home the whole time his face was still a dark red but when (Name) told him bye with a smile he seemed to have calmed down a bit.

In the morning, Hermes found Hercules putting Ares in a headlock at home. No doubt, Hercules wanted to teach his brother a lesson. Hermes didn’t help as he simply went into the kitchen to make breakfast.

Years went by and now the group of teenagers no longer played games. Now, most of the boys were grown and were in the vanguard protecting the village. The girls had grown into other profession, some worked journalists, some with cooking, and some even did woodworking. (Name) had her own bakery and both siblings were increasingly popular in town, however Jack lived on his own.

Anne cried for three days when Jack left, even though he still lived in town.

It was early in the morning, Jack and (Name) were making their way in town as Jack talked about an idea he had for a book he wanted to publish. Except this time, this village was in chaos as women were doing their best to get their children inside as the men were up in arms.

“What’s going on?”

“Let’s go find out.”

The two made their to the crowd and was informed that a werewolf was on the loose, Jack found this claim to be rather ridiculous but once the two saw the bodies that were stretched out on the ground he considered the possibility. Now the vanguard was on high alert and promised to find this monster.

Monster or no, (Name) just didn’t believe in werewolves.

Years ago, Hercules and the others told of a werewolf that terrorized the village and had an iron grip on them for awhile. While remembering the warnings from years ago, (Name) worked in her bakery and unbeknownst to her someone was already in her workplace and when he saw his opportunity he quickly scooped her up in his arms from hugging her tightly from behind.

“Afternoon! How’s my favorite baker today?!”

(Name) knew that voice anywhere as she happily welcomed Hercules who was taller and muscular than his late teenage years when they met. Once (Name) was placed gently on the ground she turned around to see Hercules giving her his usual bright smile, a smile that always made her heart skip a beat.

“Are you on break?”

“Yes, I heard about what happened in town earlier. We’ve been put on patrol all night.”

Hercules had achieved his goal of being in the town’s vanguard, bringing justice and peace. Hearing a “Here you go.” The handsome guard had a large basket in his face, confused he tilted his head to the side to peek at (Name) who seemed rather shy.

“What’s this for?”

“I made you lunch, I figured you would be hungry-“

Hungry was a good word.

Quickly taking a peek down (Name)’s dress as the top was a square neck line that teased her chest, a quick peek. Grabbing the basket Hercules thanked (Name) for making him lunch and decided to eat at her table. The two talked for a bit until Hercules saw a bunch of customers come up. Hercules noticed most of them were man clients and some flirted with (Name) right in front of him. It was an everyday occurrence and Hercules noticed.

Of course he noticed, (Name) was the prettiest girl in his village.

“(Name), I’ll see you later. Thank you for lunch.”

As to get back at all the flirts Hercules hugged (Name) right infront of them, and even looked at them with a prideful smirk making them frown at Hercules. However, (Name) didn’t seem to mind as she shyly told Hercules to come back any time.

However, once the supposed flirts saw his muscular and tall Hercules was as he exited the bakery they immediately backed off. Later that night Hercules did return to help and just in time as he caught (Name) in his arms as she was trying to get something off the top shelf. In his arms (Name) felt safe as Hercules asked her if she was okay and to which she muttered to herself with “My heart is beating a bit fast.”

The two looked at each other as though they were lovers both leaning into each other until they both heard,

“It’s not gentleman like to have a lady out so late.”

Both quickly looked over their shoulder to see Jack sitting down at the table having a cup of tea with a loaf of bread. (Name) had no idea when Jack made the tea but she admired her brothers dedication.

“My good sir, put my sister down.”

While polite Jack told Hercules to put his sister down as he was still not too fond of Hercules. As a matter of fact, there were a few nights where Jack locked the windows and doors as a precaution. After finding out his sister had been sneaking out, Jack didn’t know where his sister ran off to at night. But he certainly didn’t feel comfortable with her going and he knew Hercules was to blame. Jack and (Name) budded heads a few times but Anne made the two make up.

Once Hercules placed (Name) on the ground gently he asked how Jack was, and Jack simply gave him the minimum. Then Jack proceeded to tell (Name) that he had to talk to her alone. Stressing the alone while looking at Hercules hoping he would get the message, Hercules wasn’t scared of Jack but he didn’t want any conflict and honored Jack’s wishes. Before he left, he whispered to (Name) “…I don’t think your brother likes me.” To which (Name) responded with “I don’t think he likes anyone.” Jack cleared his throat making Hercules sigh as he also told (Name) to lock up and to walk home safely.

Once, Hercules left (Name) told Jack that he was very rude to Hercules only for Jack to tell her that she should be scolding Hercules for coming around her, a lady, so late at night. But of course, he got no response and that was fine with him.

“Anne has fallen ill, we should go to visit her soon.”

“Sure, when would you like to go see her.”

“Tomorrow, at the latest. Pack her up a basket with food and alcohol. She should recover faster that way.”

“What about tea?”

“Yes, that too.”

The two talked for a bit longer as (Name) closed shop, while doing so Jack had the feeling that the two were being watched and once they left the shop Jack was certain that were being watched.

The next morning, Jack told (Name) to hold off on visiting Anne has he received word that people were complaining to the leader of the city Hercules’ father, that their livestock had been ran sacked by the werewolf this time. Jack didn’t like Hercules’ father either as everyone called him Zeus, he was certainly a little arrogant as he only told the townspeople that he was handling it.

Jack was certain that he wasn’t and that he wanted to move to a different town soon.

A week had passed and the townsfolk were getting restless and worried about the situation, however Anne still wasn’t feeling well. Jack told (Name) not to visit just yet but (Name) was worried about Anne and so she went with the basket of goodies while wearing her red cape.

Don’t get lost and don’t talk to strangers, Jack warned.

Of course, Anne’s house was out of town and the journey consisted of walking through the forest. Being there many times before, (Name) felt like it was a simple errand but in the back of her mind there was always a sense of suspense. Telling herself, werewolves are not real and that it was just superstitious.

“(Name)! What are you doing out here?”

Giving a little jump and pulling back her red hood, (Name) knew the man’s voice as it always made her heart skip a beat.

“Good evening, Hercules.”

“Good evening, where are you going? It’s dangerous to be out here.”

“I know I’m just out to give my aunt a basket of goodies, since she’s feeling under the weather.”

Holding the basket for Hercules to look through (Name) innocently telling him where she was going, however (Name) noticed Hercules was a bit different.

“Are you okay? You seem on edge.”

“Yeah, it’s just not safe out and I’m just worried about you. How about I walk you to your house.”

“Ah, not this. Werewolves don’t exist, and I can handle myself. Besides, Anne doesn’t live far away.”

The two went back and forth on the path, Hercules insisted on walking with her and (Name) knew there was no need to worry. Eventually, Hercules blew a heavy sigh and reluctantly agreed. However, before he left he told (Name) to hurry to Anne’s place and that it was still dangerous out.

Even repeating Jack’s warning of not talking to strangers.

Pushing both warnings aside (Name) kept walking until she was close to her destination, thinking to herself along the way Hercules was acting a bit odd. (Name) could only put in the category of “agitation”, not to mention how long his fingernails were becoming. They needed a trim.

“(Name)! Hello!”

Scaring (Name) for a second time she quickly turned around to see a happy Castor, a friend of Hercules. Breathing a sigh of relief smiles and waved back to the gentle and warm Castor. The two talked for a bit before Castor asked if (Name) had seen Hercules and of course (Name) told him that she had just seen him and that he wasn’t far off. Castor seemed relieved at this information and simply asked where (Name) was headed. Innocently enough, (Name) told Castor where she was headed. Castor also warned (Name) to get home safely, and not to stray from the path.

“Where did you get those flowers?”

“Hm? These? Oh, these are for my mother and I got them over there actually.”

Castor pointed to a patch of flowers that weren’t that far off, (Name) smiled as she wanted to give flowers for Anne, who was like a mother to her and Jack. So, that was what she did not paying attention to Castor leaving to go and find Hercules.

Before long, the sun was setting and (Name) had just arrived at Anne’s place. Knocking on the door (Name) heard Anne telling her to come in and that the door was open of course. Walking in and closing the door behind her (Name) noticed Anne was getting up from bed as small curtain separated the two.

“Sorry it took so long. I was a bit distracted, but I got you flowers.”

“How sweet of you, why don’t you join me in here.”

“Sure.”

(Name) found Anne’s voice to be rather off, but simply thought it was Anne’s cold as she walked into the room. The only light were the many candles burning and sitting up in bed was Anne.

“Are those the flowers I smell or is that you that smells amazing.”

“Probably the flowers.”

Sitting the basket down on a nearby table (Name) noticed a musky smell about, however Anne told her to come and sit on the bed. Once (Name) did she noticed Anne didn’t quite look like herself even though Anne told her she was quite tired.

Still.

“Anne, your ears are so big.”

“Big ears? It must be the cold. Well, I suppose I could use them to hear you better with. Now come closer.”

Tension was starting to fill the room as (Name) didn’t quite feel right for some reason, then she looked a bit closer at her beloved mother.

“Anne, what big eyes you have.”

“Big eyes? Why, yes. So I can see you better, now come closer so I can see the pretty flowers you picked for me.”

Noticing the changes so far made (Name) rise up from the bed but Anne quickly pulled her back down with ease by holding down on (Name)’s wrist while smiling a big toothy grin.

“I said, I wanted to see the flowers.”

(Name) felt a sudden rush of fear as she now had really good look at Anne who was truly freighting and not the woman she was raised with.

“But…Anne. Your teeth, their so big.”

“Of course, my sweet (Name). The better to eat you with!”

With that, the house was in chaos as (Name) tried to escape from the intruder as the intruder chased her around the house with quickness as the sun had set and it darkness now ruled the sky. Hiding in the closet and cowering in fear (Name) hoped someone would come and save her. Covering her mouth with her hand to prevent her from screaming (Name) noticed her shirt was ripped and then the sound of heavy footsteps was heard around the house.

“Come out, my sweet (Name). I know you’re here. I can smell you. Don’t you remember…”

The sound of stuff being thrown about was heard as (Name) cowered in fear at the sound and then the sound of whine, as that of a wolf. Now, (Name) believed with certainty as the closet door opened harshly as she looked up at the monster.

A werewolf.

“…I’m the best seeker. Also, didn’t your mother tell you that wolves come out at night.”

The main door opened with a loud crash and in walked in Hercules, and to (Name)’s surprise he too didn’t look like himself. Ears, tail, and eyes like of a wolf, it was made apparent that Castor wasn’t expecting Hercules as he growled at Hercules.

“What are you doing here?! Shouldn’t you be out doing something?”

“I noticed your scent and (Name)’s so I came over. What are you doing here? And why is (Name) scared?”

Hercules already knew what had taken place but was shocked by the actions of his child hood friend, both had been werewolves since birth and both had an attraction with (Name) since they first saw her. But now, both were experiencing their rut and needed relief. Hercules was able to keep his emotions in check whenever (Name) was nearby, Castor could not.

Before long, both were at each other’s throat.

Every passing second the two became more and more wolf like, fur, eyes, movements, sharp teeth and all.

“Werewolves aren’t real.”

As (Name) watched the two werewolves fight, (Name) couldn’t believe her eyes as werewolves were thought to be something out of a fairytale and yet the two beasts were out for blood as they made a hole in the house and continued fighting outside in the backyard. Until, Hercules had Castor by the neck putting him into submission with his mouth.

“You got him! Way to go Hercules!”

(Name) noticed Hercules’ ear twitch when she spoke and found that cute. As the moon was still high in the sky the two werewolves had reverted back to their human forms, Hercules by choice and Castor by submission. Rushing over, (Name) thanked Hercules while hugging his muscular arm. Hercules blushed a bit while asking if (Name) was okay, responding with “Thanks to you.” Hercules smiled down at (Name) who returned his smile with her own.

The two inched closer to one another and didn’t notice castor was about to attack again. Just as Castor was about attack when the sound of gunshot echoed throughout the forest, Hercules had (Name) in a embrace protecting her as Castor fell to the ground.

“Silver bullets. That’ll do it, I see.”

(Name) recognized the voice to be Jack, and it was her brother. Jack walked over to make sure he didn’t miss his target, and to his confirmation Jack did get the “wolf” in his heart. Jack asked what happened to Anne as he didn’t see her around, Hercules and (Name) were silent.

Jack sighed as he knew what that meant, although everyone heard “What happened to my house?!” Everyone looked to see Anne upset that her house was destroyed, (Name) asked where Anne was to everyone’s surprise Anne held up a chicken.

“I went to town to get dinner and got a little sidetracked.”

Jack saw Anne hold up a beer bottle with her other hand, well everyone was just glad she was okay.

A week later, Jack had made a new book.

“I like it, Jack.”

“Excellent, (Name) found it interesting.”

Jack made a story loosely based off the events that happened a few days ago, changing a few events and changing a few titles so that it could be read to children a like. The book was already famous and earned Jack a few awards, more were soon to come. Anne, liked the book herself and told Jack that he was talented. Jack was surprised to see so many red hoods and was pleased that everyone was heeding his warning of stranger danger.

Speaking of which, Jack hoped his sister wasn’t out with anymore wolves and when he and everyone heard a wolf howl Jack hoped (Name) was safe at home.

However, in the meadows Hercules was relaxing at the hiding spot where and (Name) would hide during their teenage years. Kindly mourning the death of his friend and still experiencing his rut, Hercules wanted to be by himself. However, sniffing the air Hercules knew a certain someone was trying to sneak up him, smirking Hercules quickly called her out.

“Let me guess, you smelled me coming?”

“I did, you have a very “sweet” smell.”

Coming out from behind the bushes Hercules saw a playfully sad (Name), sneaking up on Hercules had always been a goal of hers but it never happened and now she knew why. Sitting down beside her hero she noticed how tall and big he was even sitting down. Although, (Name) noticed Hercules scooting away from her.

“What’s wrong? Do I smell too sweet?”

“Hm, no. I just …wanted some distance.”

(Name) could tell when Hercules was lying as he wore his heart on his sleeve, and so she scooted closer to him only for him to scoot away. This repeated for several minutes until (Name) just sat on Hercules lap making the wolf man blush.

“Don’t you know what distance means?!”

“Well, I wanted to be close to you. Besides, you’re the one who always tells me to be safe. What safer place to be that close to the man that saved my life-“

Silence.

While sitting on Hercules lap with her back turned to him, (Name) found out the reason Hercules wanted his space and she herself felt her face become hot as she smiled nervously.

“Is that a really big knife I’m feeling? Or something else?”

“I don’t have any knives on me.”

Looking away Hercules bashfully answered (Name)’s question as his face was red, hearing a faint “oh” Hercules knew that (Name) had to get off him quickly.

“Well, I still feel safe here. I don’t think any big bad wolves will get me.”

“You never know….”

Hercules quickly wrapped his arms around (Name) pulling her closer to him as her back was still turned, while Hercules rested his chin on her left shoulder and with a soft whisper in her ear as his sharp teeth showed.

“…Wolves come out at night and you look delicious.”

Hearing Hercules’ whisper in her ear made a shiver go down her spine and excitement began to flow between her legs. Then feeling Hercules nose nuzzle gently on her neck followed by a little whine, an indication playful with a little neediness. It was (Name)’s first time hearing it, flaming her interest (Name) rubbed the top Hercules head making him smile.

“Say, (Name). Let’s have some fun.”

Calm and quiet Hercules whispered once more in (Name)’s ear, as another shiver went down her spine as her heart was aflame as she innocently agreed. Anything for her hero, her handsome and beloved hero. That now had a complete hold of her as the two kissed each other, a sweet kiss followed by a quick disrobing at their favorite hiding place. Now, the only thing had was her red hood and even Hercules managed to take that off and use that as blanket to devour his sweet (Name) on.

Don’t get distracted.

Don’t talk to strangers.

But what could be sweeter than having Hercules tasting the sweetness of his sweet (Name), and what was sweeter than feeling of Hercules’ tongue pleasuring (Name)’s cunt.

Why, nothing.

This was Hercules first time but he wasn’t scared or fettered, especially the more she moaned and said his name in pure pleasure and the more Hercules licked and tasted the more lustful he became. Every sound (Name) made, he heard. Ears perking up at every moan and groan, movements became scarce as Hercules held down (Name)’s thighs. Squirming when Hercules licked a sensitive spot inside her cunt, that wouldn’t do with Hercules as he didn’t want any unnecessary movements.

While deep inside (Name)’s cunt Hercules began to give in his lust, from licking her clit to inside her. Kissing her clit and licking it, Hercules did enjoy that first as he enjoyed the moans (Name) made but once his tongue was inside her Hercules really enjoyed that, from the taste to her moans.

“I’m going to cum again! Please slow down!”

“..Again?! How many times?!”

It took Hercules a few seconds as he couldn’t stop himself from tasting and licking (Name)’s wet cunt and coming up to his surprise to find out (Name) had came twice and was going for a third. Lust still ran thru his veins but Hercules asked if (Name) was okay as he slowly licked a trail on (Name)’s stomach to her breasts.

Enjoying the feel of Hercules’ tongue on her stomach (Name) eventually answered Hercules question only because she felt something sharp on her nipple and sure enough Hercules’ nails had grown as played with her nipples. Ears were that of a wolf making (Name) want to pet them and once she did she heard a playful chuckle come from Hercules.

“Do you believe in werewolves now?”

Not getting a chance to answer as (Name) felt Hercules’ grip on her thighs tighten as he made her wrap her legs around his waist with his well endowed cock at her entrance wanting nothing more to be inside her cunt.

“Come, let have fun.”

Hercules offered his hands for (Name) take, of course She did as she loved the feel of Hercules hands engulfing her own, and so while kissing each other and holding hands Hercules slyly slid his cock inside (Name)’s cunt. A little scream erupted from the innocent (Name) as she lost her virginity and due to the sheer size of Hercules’ cock made her mind numb as it didn’t leave a single inch and even had a little more outside. While (Name) quickly screamed in pain Hercules moaned a loud in pure bliss at how incredibly tight (Name) was as his face was now red as he felt all restraint leave him and his lust was now ruling his emotions.

“Are you okay? I’m sorry it hurt, don’t worry. You’ll feel better..”

Hercules tried to make sure (Name) was okay but without realizing Hercules had started moving his hips as his lust was driving him at the moment, while it was a lot to take the sight of seeing Hercules in writhing in pleasure was worth it as his face was the most delectable sight that (Name) would never forget and before (Name) knew it she was being fucked in the forest.

The moans that left the two were uncontrolled and the pace Hercules had was a consistently animalistic as his animalistic lust took over and there was no restraint anymore. The lewd face (Name) made only fueled Hercules lust, eyes rolled back and mouth agape. Hercules had a tight grip on her thighs but snaked his hands on her hips now as he now set the tone of the pace truly. Licking his lips the sight of how tight she felt on his thick cock as his teeth was sharp now, especially his canine.

However, his body never changed and (Name) loved that muscular and toned body of his and would sneak glances when she could.

(Name) wouldn’t get much looking as Hercules had her in other positions, many positions. From sideways to behind, (Name) could tell her lover was very energetic as she was essentially in so many positions she would become a little dizzy. However, on her hands and knees with Hercules deep inside her wet cunt seemed to be their favorite position as Hercules stayed there the longest. Of course he did, a tight grip on her ass and would slap her ass with his nails scratching it, sometimes Hercules would bend down simply to kiss her neck and sometimes slowly lick it.

“So sweet, you’re so sweet. I can’t wait to knock you up and see my precious pups.”

Ah, there it was.

(Name) knew he had a breeding kink in there somewhere, and while (Name) was on her hands knees taking Hercules cock the best she could she responded back with, “Nothing would make me happier.” The words seemed like a whisper but Hercules heard loud and clear. A dragged out moan left Hercules’ throat a small whine in the mix as his pace quickened and became harsher to the point (Name) could no longer take it as she was now completely face down and ass up as Hercules kept his pure animalistic pace up that needed relief as he was now in a talkative mood.

“We’ll have our own family, just me and you.”

“I mean it, I’m going to breed you-my hot and sweet (Name).”

Sometimes, Hercules would whisper “I love you.” A few times as he his lust and love intertwined together making the sex between them all the hotter as (Name) loved Hercules just as much he loved her.

Teeth bare and fangs sharp Hercules lifted (Name)’s right leg to for complete control and to penetrate just a bit deeper. When this happened (Name) quickly muttered “you’re hitting my womb.” Still, Hercules heard and responded with “I know I am.” Leaking pre-cum (Name) knew her lover was at his ropes and oddly enough she never wanted the sex to end. However, once the two did reach end the adrenaline and pleasure rushed through them and made them shiver with pleasure. So much so, (Name) didn’t feel the cum run down her legs as Hercules’ had filled her cunt to the brim with his potent cum.

Just like he said.

Catching her breath while now laying flat on her back she was joined by her lover that cuddled with her as he nuzzled his face on her neck, a little chuckle was heard before (Name) fell asleep with her lover. Dreaming of him and only him, her sweet and honest lover.

Giving (Name) a kiss on her forehead and wrapping her up in her red hood and took her to his home.

The night had finally left and morning was here.

In the mountains, Hercules was content from last night. Although, he knew later he would be visiting his sweet (Name) later and couldn’t wait to see her as he made a whine with a little smile.

“None of that, it’s my turn now. Hercules.”

Hercules knew that voice before he turned around to see his friend, Castor. Alongside with him was Hermes and Ares, Smiling nervously, Hercules apologized for Castor being shot by Jack as he didn’t think Jack would show up. Castor growled at his friend while showing him the bullet wounds, Hercules could tell his friend was hurting as he winced in pain for Castor.

“That does look very painful, Castor.”

“Because, it was, Hermes. You got (Name), I want the princess in the next city.”

“…Today?”

“I took two silver bullets for you to get your sweet (Name), Yes. Today.”

Hercules became sad as he whined while wanting to go home and finish the rest of his rut with his sweet (Name). However, a deal was a deal.

“Deal, maybe we can make it back before night fall.”

“Don’t forget, you both owe me. I helped you both with your ruts. I want all the tea in the city you’re visiting.”

Hermes quietly reminded his brother and his friend as he scratched his ear that was wolf like and the color was black. The townspeople lost their livestock because Hermes needed it to make a supplement that would help with their rut.

Simple.

“So, you actually got (Name). Was it everything you wanted, Hercules.”

“It was amazing, she felt so good-“

“Topic! Let’s stay on topic!”

Castor reminded the two as he rubbed his wound that was aching fierce, Ares agreed to go with the two and both agreed as they could use him in whatever they saw fit.

“By the way, who was it that killed those people in town? Was it you, Ares?”

“Damn, no. I was busy..myself.”

Ares cleared his throat as his face a bright red and Hercules knew what he was busy with, rather who. Hermes scoffed as he grimaced with disgust.

“If it was none of you, I hope father hasn’t been fruitful lately. I’ll cut his dick off myself.”

Hercules, Ares, and Castor grimaced at the thought and to change the subject as he was curious Castor asked how he believed Jack would handle (Name) and Hercules being together, as Hercules knew Jack wouldn’t let just anyone have his sister. But a hero, would earn Hercules (Name)’s hand. It wasn’t a matter of (Name)’s heart, Hercules knew he had her heart from the moment she had fallen in love with him and he also had love for her.

Jack was the problem. Jack was a thorn.

Even if Hercules had managed to confess and the two were together without Jack’s blessing it would be futile. Jack was the protective older brother and he would defend his sister from any wolves. So, Hercules had a plan that he devised to get Jack’s blessing and (Name) all at the same time. So long as (Name) wouldn’t tell his secret, and she wouldn’t, she was innocent and would do whatever her lover and hero wanted. Even if she tried to tell Hercules had something that would keep her quiet.

“Well, let’s not stand here. I want to be back before (Name) wakes up.”

With that, Hermes watched as his brothers and castor left in their werewolf form to the next city for their conquest. Smirking, Hermes decided to take walk in town and with the townspeople relaxed once more, the hunt was back on once more.

🎃Rukia-Writes🎃

#hercules x reader #shuumatsu no valkyrie x reader #record of ragnarok x reader #my favorite story 🐺🧺

[rippleclan]

[Image ID: The title of this lore post is "Clan Holidays: Harvest Moon". The image below the title is a pixelated, yellow full moon.]

Ah, so Puddlespeckle's tales about the Harvest Moon stirred your curiousity, huh? Well if you're curious what this holiday is like, I'll happily tell you more.

Clan Calendar: When To Celebrate Harvest Moon

Harvest Moon is much easier to track than Longest Night due to the Clan's reliance on the moon and the seasons to track time. The harvest moon is the first full moon of autumn. The Clans are experts in tracking the patterns of the moon, so it is easy to know when the harvest moon is about to rise over the Clans.

Harvest Moon Origins

It was the first autumnal Gathering to include AshClan as a full Clan. The great fire that decimated the territories meant that there were fewer flax harvests from WheatClan. SlugClan's prized mud was still hard underneath their warriors' paws. LynxClan was growing hungry, and AshClan hoarded what little they had for themselves. The gloom of approaching cold moons hung over their heads and more than a few left entirely for the security of the human settlements. It was slated to be an unpleasant Gathering, but the worst was yet to come.

LynxClan had a new deputy by the name of Fuzzytuft. This relaxed tom felt unprepared for his new position. He lacked leaderly ambitions. While he had great ideas to revitalize LynxClan, he struggled to put them into action. As the Gathering began, he slipped away from the other deputies, who seemed more qualified than he ever would be. As he took a breath away from the crowd, a stranger approached, begging for help. They were sick and bleeding. Fuzzytuft was horrified and brought the stranger to the Leader's Stone so the clerics could help them. But he forgot the old stories and did not realize this cat was a Herald, a Spirit of Shadow who revealed a path for its allies.

The harvest moon strengthened its powers. As soon as it got close to the heart of the Gathering, it dissolved into a puddle of shadow. From that puddle, all the forces of the Dark Forest and beyond poured into the Gathering. It was only the strength and paranoia of the survivors of the fire that helped the Clans win that monstrous battle, but not without more tragedies. The horror began AshClan's era of isolation and inspired the other Clans to search for protections from this night when the shadows held such power.

Preparation

Harvest Moon is a day to protect the Clans from the Spirits of Shadow that lurk on the edges and threaten innocent lives. There are many types of spirits, but each Clan typically focuses on a specific type for Harvest Moon in any given year. Clerics and artisans prepare special protections against the spirit, including charms, rituals, and a performance detailing a story with the spirit.

The Clans also want to show off the bounties of summer before the cold moons cover the land. Artisans and caretakers coordinate a grand meal. LynxClan typically organizes the meal as they are closest to the Leader's Stone. Each Clan wants to provide the star catch and push hunting patrols to find a particularly juicy piece of prey to cook.

Celebration

The Clans arrive at the Leader's Stone at early dawn. Only kits, those too weak to travel, and a couple guards stay behind. The Clans spend the entire day at the Leader's Stone, only leaving late into the night. It can be considered a day gathering due to the games and challenges that sporatically spring up, but it differs due to a strong focus on ritual, performance, and morality tales warning listeners of signs of the Spirits of Shadow.

Unlike other Gatherings, where cats stay behind for an informal After-Gathering, everyone leaves at the same time. This is to maintain the spiritual protection developed during the celebration. If someone stays behind, they risk weakening the protection and inviting the Spirits of Shadow to hunt them.

#warrior cats #clangen #rippleclan #warriors #rippleclan lore

[iunartear]

Genshin Impact x Baldur's gate 3 headcanons pt.2

...or what if Genshin characters were put into the world of Faerûn and you were the Tav~~

pt.1

A/N: I’m back!! this was so fun to write tbh!! I love it and hope you’ll enjoy it aswell, hope it doesn’t bother anyone that I changed the format and am excluding now the backstory of each character! Maybe I’ll write them down one day? Who knows!! Thank u for reading🫶

Lisa

ੈ✩‧₊˚ STATS Race: High Elf

Class: Wizard [Transmutation School]

Background: Sage

It’s been a long time since you’ve joined this path adventurer, and yet it still seems like your road began only now. What will bring your future, you ask? Oh darling, that is not something you ask a simple witch like me!

And yet again, fortune telling proved to be a scam. Or did it? By chance you met this purple clothed witch, who was saying that she can predict others' futures. You were dumb enough to fall for it, and get charged extra just because she gave you a purple rose that looked absolutely stunning in your hair. Compliments were not your strong suit, so you took it with grace and with a smile on your face followed her to a small shop right around the corner while she was stuffing her pockets with the gold you gave her.

Inside the shop it turned out that she did some fancy visual spells on a crystal sphere, said some very broad stuff and was already hushing you out of the shop. You may not be the smartest after falling for that idiotic scam, but you knew well enough how to fight for your rights. Or so you thought, after all there was no consumer protection in Baldur’s Gate, at best you’ll look like a moron that fights with a door.

And yet you still chose the latter, and screamed at the door while barging on it with a fist for 30 minutes or more. Your group was having mixed feelings at best, because truly, it was your fault yet your determination was very admirable. Out of pity and some type of duty, Beidou joined your chant of screams and curses, so that you’re not alone looking like an idiot! What a lovely friend.

After an hour, the door finally opened, with the same witch that had more of a… nervy expression, an annoyed smile found its way on her face. With a customer service voice, she asked if you need anything from her. Of course you did! Why else would you act like a feral dog under a stranger's door?

You threatened her that she better give you all the money back plus some recompensation for the lost hour that you spend under her door, or else you won’t talk as nice as you do right now. Which you do not, but that’s not important.

She finally lets go and with an eye roll, she turns around and goes into her shop again, only to come back with a bag of gold. She throws it into your hands and with crossed arms said that now she expects to set some conditions.

You get the money bag, if you let her join the squad.

Well you pretty much agreed without any consideration.

But why is the shop named Lisa and Jean?

Congratulations, -10 off of the probability of getting scammed!

Venti

ੈ✩‧₊˚ STATS

Race: Dragonborn [Blue Dragonborn]

Class: Sorcerer [Storm Sorcerer]

Background: ???

Oh that beautiful harp sound that calls out for you, in those deep deep woods. Who could potentially play it so beautifully? Whose spirit you felt, by just entering the forest? Was it possibly a nymph? Did you finally reach that status of an adventurer where you meet those beautiful beings?…

Obviously not, and Nilou made sure to make you quickly go back to reality. Nymphs don’t live in those terrains! Truly a disaster.

After a few long steps, you finally find the source of the music. It was a Dragonborn? Since when were Dragonborn’s bards?

“You need to stop stereotyping.” That voice said, the music stopping as if to shame you into oblivions. But you didn’t mind. The mysterious person finally revealed itself to be named Venti, who turns out to be a sorcerer. The more you know!

He seemed quite confused as to why you’re here, explaining that he hasn’t seen anyone here in years. You shrugged it off and with stars in your eyes you began your monologue about a nearby treasure that was supposed to be lying here. A treasure left by the one and only Oghma, where it’s said that the one who finds it, will get rich and live a luxurious life forever.

Venti only laughed a melodic laugh at this claim, saying later that no such treasure exists, and sadly that you’ll have to continue your life as a poor peasant. Obviously he didn’t choose such words, you just understood it that way, while also taking full offense.

Disappointed and sad, you announced your departure with a sigh. When you were about to leave, the Dragonborn quickly stopped you, and said that he’d be interested in joining your small group.

And during all that banter, Nilou couldn’t let go of that question as to why he’s a sorcerer, not a bard.

You just gained +10 to wisdom, cool you’re getting smart!

Navia

ੈ✩‧₊˚ STATS

Race: Human

Class: Fighter [Champion]

Background: Folk Hero

Oh what sweet time to finally get a good night's rest! You’ve been working your ass off lately, those two additions to your team proved to be really useful, but you still couldn’t get away from running errands from total strangers that don’t even pay you adequately to the job you carry out. Not even with someone like Lisa, who barely did things to help anyway! All that stress built up so now you could only think about sleeping.

If only you could, because apparently even then that rest is not well deserved and has to be interrupted by a whole bombing of the village a few hundred meters away from your camp. Marvelous.

As you finally get up, to check upon the people there, you stumble upon weapons. Dozens of them actually. You look around and your eyes meet two ocean blue ones. A face framed by blonde locks, that seemed to have a life on its own in some places. A model-like figure, sitting in the middle of everything. She gave you an apologetic looking smile, though you were not sure.

She introduced herself as Navia, and explained that she didn’t bomb this village on purpose, it was all an accident. That bomb right next to her, or the remains of it, totally went off on itself.

You heard things like that from various people that were most probably guilty, so you didn’t want to jump to conclusions yet but, she did look guilty.

But putting aside your beliefs, since apparently you were too judgmental, out of courtesy, you asked if she needed anything, since the situation didn’t look particularly comfortable for someone to set up a camp. You hoped she would decline, which she of course didn’t. She quickly packed her things and now you were left with a third addition to your team, sitting now with everyone and cracking weird jokes.

You gained… +10 to bombs? I guess now breaking out of jail will be the easiest thing in the world.

Xiao

ੈ✩‧₊˚ STATS

Race: Githyanki

Class: Warlock [The Archfey]

Background: The Haunted One

You’ve been enjoying your time at camp with others, all happy and a little bit intoxicated. Navia, who at first seemed to be a total chaos and disaster, proved herself to be a great fighter who bitchslapped practically everyone who wanted to fight you. It’s good to have your own little minions that fight for you, isn’t it?

Venti acquainted himself with Nilou, who seemed to really enjoy his company. They both were now often to be seen playing or singing with each other, composing songs or just plucking some strings without any care in the world. Their newest song grew to be a hit. Everyone in camp loved it, and they even thought about going with it a little bit further, maybe they’ll introduce themselves at the circus that will open soon? Nonetheless, they loved to perform every night, right before bed.

This night was no different than others, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, singing and dancing, sometimes even taking a sip from their beers. They actually got it purely by accident, the village that Navia bombed had a lot of beer left in their basements, so they didn’t want to let it go to waste!

But as always, your beautiful night accompanied by joyful singing and laughs, had to be interrupted. By a scream. Perfeeect

You all looked around, searching for the person, or whatever this was, but to no avail. After a few minutes, everyone gathered around the campfire. Deciding that it’s not worth it to pursue it that late at night, everyone bid a goodnight and went to their tent. But not you. And well not Nilou. You both noticed that Venti wasn’t here, so you feared the worst.

You started to search on your own, and after some time passed, you could hear singing. Ventis singing.

Quickly you went after his voice, where you were met with a truly surprising sight. There was a boy, a boy in a mask, lying in ventis lap. And venti was singing him a lullaby, or something similar.

You looked at Nilou confused, but it seemed she too was clueless. Both of you waited for a few minutes, to be finally introduced to a gith named Xiao. Apparently he collapsed in pain out of nowhere, and Venti's voice soothed it.

…+10 to Venti’s usefulness??

#ੈ✩‧₊˚ saqs headcanons #genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact #baldurs gate 3 #astronetwrk #bg3

[niuniente]

I noticed you mentioned in another post that in Finland you celebrate a holiday called Kekri. I was wondering what kind of celebration that is (I’m American, I apologize😅).

Kekri is original Finnish New Year. This is what Taivaannaula organization, which tries to keep old traditions alive, tells about Kekri (translation by me):

Kekri (also known as köyri, köyry, keyri ja keuri) was the biggest celebration of the year. It names comes from Finn-Ugric word kekraj meaning a wheel or a cycle. Kekri was the last day of the harvest season and the first day of the new year. Field work has been completed bt Kekri and cattle had returned in their winter shelters from outdoors. It was time to enjoy the harvest, prepare the good luck and fertility for the nest year, and remember the passed loved ones and ancestors. Many Kekri traditions have moved to Christmas celebrations in modern day Finland.

Kekri was celebrated on 1st of November. Magic was strongly present in form of spells in Kekri. The spells were used to secure good harvest for next year, to protect cattle, sheep and horses. Main part of Kekri celebration was a sacrificial sheep because meat was available very rarely. The sheep was sacrificed at night for the many Guardians of Animals, and the sheep's bones were taken for example to sheep's shed for good luck. On Kekri, all animals were fed with the best possible food and the master of each household fed his own horses instead of servants.

Everyone aimed to finish their daily tasks as early as possible on Kekri day. The household needed to wake up really early to warm up the house which promised that the next year would be lively. The person who woke up the last was called "köyri". In the early morning women prepared flat bread, meat, fish, viili sour thick yogurt, milk and talkkuna (finely milled flour mixture). Later on the day a stew was made from potatoes, meat and sausage. During the day people took small taste sips from booze and beer made just for Kekri. All Kekri food was first taken to haltijas (haltija: a residing spirit of a certain place), to the sacred tree and to the sacred stone. Only after this were people allowed to eat.

During Kekri everyone should be offered food, no matter where they your own family, neighbors or strangers. In some areas, Kekri was a celebration meant only for the household and no outsiders were welcomed. However, being generous blessed the house with good luck. The food has to be eaten 9 times during the day and it had to be left on the table. To make sure the crops would grow well next year, the master of the house had to slowly get drunk during the day. However, the person who would sow the crops was not allowed to get drunk, otherwise the crops wouldn't grow next year because of the bad luck.

During Kekri, children dressed up in Köyrimörkö monsters and went from house to house. The scarier version of this was Köyripukki monsters, grown up men dressed up in animal hides turned upside down. They demanded food and booze from households. If they were denied their requests, the Köyripukki would start to break the house's oven. The peace was usually always found and the visitors would entertain the household with games and dances.

Ancestors were on the move in Kekri. Sauna with warm water, vasta birch branches, soap and towels was warmed and prepared for the spirits (including the spirits living in forests and houses). When the spirit had bathed, the people were allowed to bathe. As the people bathed, a table full of food was left for the spirits so that they could eat in peace while the people were in sauna.

Here are people from Taivaannaula organization enjoying this year's Kekri dinner, a bit early. There's an altar for ancestors with sacrifices for them, too.

#ask niu #kekri #finland #meanwhile in finland #finnish folklore

[sweeteastart]

💫KHOCWEEK 2023💫

Day 2 - New World

@khoc-week

Sika

Who's this but my girl Sika ! A bit about this drawing :

Sika is a very free spirited and adventurous teen. She loves to ran right into the unknown without looking back. With this joyful but impulsive personality of her's, who else than Terra could ground her yet still let her enjoy the experience ?

I can easily picture Sika insisting they land on Lilo's and Stitch world to see the beautiful scenery. Terra obviously would end up folding because he relates to her sheltered childhood and wants her to experience new thing.

This piece was quite a challenge for me as I never ventured to drawing lilo and stitch before ahah

Bunny

The routine of the Vulpes union was all around rather boring for teenagers : taking note of the day's mission, going into some world they already visited hundreds of times before, collecting the bare minimum of lux and going back home black and blue from the fights against various heartless. Bunny couldn't say she hated it.

After all, once in a while, she could team up with her brother or friends. It was always fun to spend time with either even if the whole fighting for her life part wasn't the most relaxing. She felt stuck in a way in this rut, this ever ending circle that never stopped. For years now she has led this existence. The girl wasn't even fifteen and she already felt bored of the responsibilities and expectations everyone had of her.

Walking down a flowery path, she couldn't help but glance at her surroundings. This forest was simply breathtaking. Greenery upon greenery grew out of control, savage yet surreal in its beauty. She wondered when was the last time she came about such a beautiful world before. In the little time she had been exploring, she had seen numerous sceneries. Most were gorgeous… Well, really, all of them were for a child who grew up in a small coastal town.

Her eyes followed the tree seams, the grass paths, the little leaves falling from the sky. She was hypnotized. The nature was calm, birds singing far away. A new and foreign place. That's when she heard it. The splash of water. The slight rustling of someone nearby.

Her instincts kicked in before she even thought about it. Silently, heels barely touching the dirt, she moved towards the sounds. She had nailed the silent walk a while back. It was always a blessing to take vermin by surprise. It also made the job easier when she ran into trouble.

Before she saw her, her voice blessed her ears. The voice of an angel. Loud and clear, a song coming straight from a pure heart.

Jet black hair, as deep as crown feathers. It draped around her fair skin and round face like water. A soft face, smooth like a baby. Long ink coloured lashes stretched out to the infinity just on top of her deep eyes. It was like staring at the night sky during a new moon. The light twinkled in her big, doe eyes as she gazed toward Bunny.

If she didn't know any better, the Keyblade wielder would have thought of her as a goddess who descended straight to earth. Naively, unaware of the danger of a stranger suddenly appearing, the kid smiled largely.

"Hi" she said, a hand still in the river's cold water. "Who might you be ?"

For a moment, Bunny didn't know what to say. So she didn't. She opened then shut her mouth numerous times before words finally came to her. "Bunny"

It was all she could muster yet the girl who looked barely thirteen laughed. Not in a locking way but a loving way. Only with that, this little thing, the wielder knew she wanted to protect this smile.

"Happy to meet you, Bunny. My name's Snow white."

And there's my day 2 ! Soo I decided to do two character per day for this year one with an illustration and one with a little text ! I hope it's now too terrible ahah sorry if the text wonky, it was pretty much a last moment addition and English isn't my first language

#it was a doozy but lets go #rushing a bit here as im LATE #ahah my schedule is a mess but ill make it work somehow #kingdom hearts #kh #sweeteastart #dessin #drawing #dibujo #kh oc #original character #au #khocweek2023

[loremastering]

Luinlalaith

(Disclaimer: Luin is a character belonging to a friend. But she has graciously let me play with her. And in return she and other friends play with some of my characters relations :))

Alias: Luinlalaith Idhrengur

Race/class: Guardian Sindar elf

Sexuality: Straight

Gender: Elleth

Age: 5000+

Residence: Caras Galadhon.

Spouse: Curonthos (played by @elgaladwen)

Children: None (do cats and random forest animals count?) 

Nature

Composed: Luin is a steady force. Her even air can soothe a sparking conflict. Her past has prepared her for the worst possible outcomes, and so she is unfazed by the hardships of everyday life. With the exception of the death of close loved ones. 

Responsible: Never failing to finish what she sets out to accomplish. This is especially evident with her duties, past and present, as a guard . She doesn’t falter too easily when attending to her duties. Then and now. 

Wise: Luin may have been younger when the Second Age drew to a close, but her experiences have left her with a wealth of knowledge of people, the outside world, and knowing how to fight. She possesses decent judgement of others and situations. 

Bold: She will readily offer her voice in a conversation and isn’t afraid to make suggestions that she deems to be the best in a situation. Luin is willing to act out against the majority if the masses disagree. Nothing will stop her when she has her mind set on something, even if that involves a lick of danger, such as visiting her husband while he’s out on scouting duties. 

Maternal: Luin feels very protective of the children around her, and is often the first to take up baby sitting jobs. She dotes on them perhaps too much. Though she respects her husbands wishes to not have children due to personal trauma on his part, she can’t help but yearn for a child of her own someday. In the meantime she also takes in injured wildlife and nurses them back to health, reluctant to let them go when they’ve recovered. 

Nostalgic: The older Luin gets, the more she spends time reflecting on the past. She may lose herself in reverie, whether swimming in memories of joy or bad times. She often speaks of the past as well, though is careful to not bring up the more unpleasant times. 

Solemn: Prefers to keep herself composed, dignified, and formal in the face of strangers or acquaintances. Only really lets herself laugh freely and act playful when around her husband and other close relations. 

History

Born and raised in Lindon during the middle second Age. During her younger centuries she worked as a caravan guard for merchant elves travelling to and from the newer elvish settlement of Imladris. Eventually worked her way up to being stationed permanently in Lindon guarding important ports of entry. Used to be quite loud with a child-like playfulness, though her duties and admonishing looks from those who were stuck in the tragedies of the past quieted and tempered much of that spirit. In her free time she was fond of working with her hands, often taking up the arts of sewing, rope-making, and even going down to the docks to watch the ship builders, where she would help a friend of hers with the more menial tasks. 

Before Numenor’s fall she had often heard the stories about the mighty Mallorn forests that grew near some of it’s shores. And though it would be another millennia until elves were forbidden utterly from the isle, the ban of the elven tongue made her parents worried, and they implored her not to travel there. The fact that mellyrn couldn’t grow in Lindon did not help her desire to see them someday. 

Near the time of the downfall of Numenor, felt a great, uneasy quiet within herself and the world at large. Asked to be assigned to a group of fellow elves visiting Lorien, which was ruled by Amdir at the time, thinking traveling might help her unease. On the way there, she went on ahead during a rainy night to patrol while the envoy rested. Somewhere there she met a couple silvan scouts of Lorien by the name of Curonthos and his brother. She grew fond of the former during a brief stay there, and would find herself going back and forth between the two elven realms just to visit him. In time she fell in love, and they were wed. She later went to live with him in Lorien. Tried her best to adapt to the ways of the Silvan elves who lived there originally. Put her guard experience to good use in that realm also. 

Was secretly overjoyed that Curonthos would stay in Lorien to guard the realm with her when the War of the Last Alliance broke out. Though was heart broken to learn his brother, who had went instead, was slain, and even moreso knowing how much he meant to her husband and others. 

When the war was over and the world entered the Third age, she tried her best to comfort Curonthos and help him through his grief. Amroth became the ruler of Lorien, as his father was also slain in the war. Though he himself was lost later on. Luinlalaith was hesitant to accept Galadriel and Celeborn as Lord and Lady, hoping they would not disturb the native Silvan elves even further. While she’s not quite satisfied with their sovereignty, she does appreciate that they have seemed to adapt more to their culture more than Amdir and Amroth had, as little as may be thought. Even better is the fact that Galadriel had brought Mallorn seeds, and though they never grew to the greatness of the ones in Numenor, it was enough. Luinlalaith made good friends with their neighbors, Gallorith and Elgaladwen, as the former was the best friend of Curonthos’s brother. 

She now lives in unchanging relative peace in Caras Galadhon in the wake of Sauron’s defeat, still serving as a guard for the main gates of the place. But despite the peace In this day and age she worries for Curonthos during his scouting missions. Being a mother is something she thinks she might want, but her husbands trauma has convinced him that he will die ere a child is born to them, leaving it without a father. Luinlalaith hears the call of the sea, but her will is strong enough still for her to remain in Middle-Earth for many more years to come, until men can prove trustworthy stewards of it. 

#bio #luinlalaith #woe...no readmore upon you #making pasts for old elves is!!!! #i dont have a word its just!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #but its fun too #maeglir was even worse as he's old enough to have seen the two trees

[nuttytani]

Totoro AU with platonic Childe and Zhongli

When childe was just about 5-6 years old, his family move countries. So instead of living in snezhnaya, they're now moving to Liyue. 

The new house they currently live is is okay-ish. A bit old, but full of spirit.

His younger older siblings and him look at every nook and cranny of their house and run around the forests and they see strange creatures. And I mean the last part literally. Strange yet cute

Little birds that would pick up on ginxing flowers, walking in a straight and orderly line. And a strange, scary yet really warm HUGE dragon. Childe found the later once exploring the area around their house. He even fell asleep on it!

When childe told his elder brothers and sisters about it, they all brushed it off

"Ajax, you're just imagining things. There's no such things as dragons!" 

"But you saw those weird dust things that would walk... And the birds" 

"....."

They ended up believing him soon enough.

After a few months of residing in their new house, Childe's mother was admitted in the hospital. She came down with a terrible fever and the doctors had told them to let her stay in the hospital wards for her to recover quick. 

Childe's siblings and him were disheartened to let their mother go, even though it would be temporary they were still sad. But it was for her own health. The faster she recovers, the faster she'd be back home.

Around that time, things started to get stranger. One day, their father called from his workplace, asking his children to bring an umbrella at the bus stand, since it was raining so much and he forgot to bring one. So like any good children, childe and his 3 elder siblings went off to the bus stand with 4 umbrellas in tow. 2 blue, 1 yellow, 1 red and a large black one. 

They waited and waited, yet there was no sign of their father. The rain was getting intense and the children were getting worried

After what felt like hours, they felt a presence of someone. Some being.

They turned around to see

A large brown dragon. With huuuuuuuuge whiskers and a looooooooooong body standing (?) Or trying to stand upright

The dragon had a placed a small sandbearer leaf on top of its snout, hoping to block the rain. But alas, it was too small for the dragon to protect him

The children were shocked

"hey, isn't that the thing Ajax said he saw?" — Anatoli

"Shhh don't be so loud, brother! It might hear you" — Aleksi

"Well, maybe don't call it an it???? What if you hurt errr the being's feelings?" — Tatiana 

"Can we give him an umbrella?" — Ajax

"Fine. I feel bad for.... Him being rained on"

And so, they all handed the dragon the larger, black umbrella. 

The dragon looked at them with amusement. If that was even possible. I mean, how can a supposedly mythical creature have facial expressions? Thankfully the dragon understood their intentions and took the umbrella. Which was also a little too small for it. But nevertheless, the kids had good intentions and the dragon was thankful for the kind gesture. 

The dragon flickered its tail and made a loud rumbling sound. All the living creatures surrounding them hushed down and soared high up in the sky and the rain stopped. The dragon was nowhere to be seen and he also took the umbrella with him. 

Once again, the children were stunned. Was this just a really fun dream? Even if it was reality, no one would believe them. Their father's bus soon arrived and he was delighted to see the kids 

"I'm so sorry my darlings, you have no idea what............" 

While their father was speaking about his work. Little Ajax had found a small pouch made of sandbearer leaves, tucked inside his raincoat. He swore it wasn't there before.

When the kids reached home, they all peered inside the pouch that Ajax had. It had seeds. Of what? They weren't sure of. But they still planted it in their garden, taking care of it night and day.

When the kids reached home, they all peered inside the pouch that Ajax had. It had seeds. Of what? They weren't sure of. But they still planted it in their garden, taking care of it night and day.(okay,ik at this point this is just silly..... but please bear with me until my steam runs out) 

Many weeks passed, yet the seeds wouldn't grow. Ajax was starting to get sad and his siblings felt sorry for him. They could do nothing about it, the plants would grow when they deemed it was the right time to!One night, however, Ajax heard loud rumbling noises coming from outside their house. He shook his siblings awake and pulled them out. And there it was. The same dragon they saw at the bus stand, looking at the planted seeds with furrowed brows- or at least they think it was. The dragon must have felt their presence so it turned around to face them, now looking at them with adoration.... Again, how can a creature have such expressive face? Anyways, they walked closer towards the dragon and copied his actions. Now all of them were staring at the planted seeds with a severe expression. 

"So what are we doing?" 

"I don't know. Ask Mr. Dragon"

"Hey Mr. Dragon, can we call you that?" 

Mr. Dragon let out a soft rumble, it was probably a yes.Mr dragon whips out his handy dandy black umbrella. Which the kids recognised as their father's. Oh. Ok but how did the dragon whip it out from thin air? They chalked it up to the dragon being magical. The dragon started doing some strange motions in front of the seeds. And the kids followed suit.

And slowly.... Something started to wriggle out of the soil! Plants!!! They were small plants! 

The kids got excited and continued copying Mr dragon

The small plant grew large and tall in a blink of an eye

So huge, that it almost touched the clouds

Ajax and his siblings stared up at the tree with awe

Mr dragon rumbled again, to catch the kids' attention. He placed his paw in front of them, waiting. The kids were unsure of what it meant, but Ajax quickly hopped on with excited giggles onto Mr dragon's paw and his siblings shrugged and followed

Mr dragon lets out a loud roar and many birds and different mythical creatures surround them. With a hup, they all fly up and land on top of the tree. All singing and dancing throughout the night

Ajax and his siblings find themselves in their beds, which they don't remember going into. They all run out to the garden to see the tree, which was no more there..... Perhaps it was really just a dream. 

"BIG BROTHER, THE SEED SPROUTED!! LOOK"

Indeed. There were plenty small sprouted seeds.

They all looked eachother with smiles on their faces. 

Days passed with many more adventures with Mr dragon and his friends. 

They saw giant flying deers and stags (they can fly?), weird looking tiger with horns and a huuuuuuuuuuge crane. And so many more. 

Their mother was still hospitalised and away from home. Ajax wasn't really sure what it was about but something something new family member. He was missing his mother and one hour visits to see her every week wasn't cutting it out anymore. Perhaps Mr. Dragon sensed his sadness, because he took Ajax and his siblings to watch their mother over the tree. They got a free ride back home from Mr dragon too!

They also happened to find new neighbours

Apparently they moved in a few weeks ago

Mr Zhongli, who had long dark hair and bright amber eyes. He seemed really nice and would entertain the kids by having them over for tea

Ms. Guizhong who was sweet and kind. She was actually the one who greeted them after her family moved in. She also invited the kids to sometimes come over and play with them, as it gets lonely. Ajax's father was skeptical to let his kids go at some stranger's house but he soon found out that they were good people so yay for the kids.

Ms. Liuyin Jiefeng, who looked really strict but was super fun to play with! She would tell stories about her kids named ganyu, shenhe and xiao. They haven't met with the supposed kids yet. Soon, ms liuyun promises. 

And then there was madam ping who would give them more plants to looks after and would have tea cakes!

Their mother was at last given the clean bill of health and came back home with a new little baby sister, named Tonia!!! 

They shared their fun adventures with Mr dragon and the other creatures to them. Their mother would listen with happiness, relieved that they all had fun while she was away

Needless to say but, Mr. Zhongli's family and Ajax's family became closer than ever, you could even say they were like one big happy family. They'd invite eachother for dinner and the kids would play in the garden. Yes, they were finally able to meet with the mysterious ganyu and xiao. Who were slightly older than Ajax's eldest brother.

"psst ganyu, did you know, there's this kind Mr dragon who keeps playing with us!" 

"Yeah! He even stopped the rain for us and helped the plants grow" 

"Even took us to meet mother!" 

"Oh I see that lord Mor—"

Xiao quickly covered ganyu's mouth with an awkward laugh

"anyways- ummm want to go eat some almond tofu? Ms. Guizhong made some at home today"

#genshin impact #tani writes!! #childe #zhongli #zhongchi #tartali #zhongchili

[wcrstarter]

@truaighe

It had nearly been a full three years now, that she had been in Alagaesia. She still had no answers for exactly how she had come from Hungary to this land, other than she supposed, divine intervention of some sort. Sonja had long since given up on the idea of going back, and made her peace with it and only would pray that Lucian had either escaped and yet lived and hopefully put Viktor into the ground....or had died swiftly. Every year that passed, on the anniversary of her coming to Alagaesia, she held vigil from sunrise to sundown for him, and the child she had lost. She was still grateful that she had been taken in and nursed back to health by Kiran and his mother, that they'd taken a chance on a badly injured stranger. Magic existed in the lands, and it was their magic and teaching her to wield her own that had allowed her injuries to be treated, leaving behind precious few scars. They'd taught her the local languages, the history of the lands, how to greet most of the races that dwelled in her new home so she might avoid causing offence, and how to control the wild horse that was her magic.

The time to heal was precious, she would be forever grateful that they understood how deep her pain ran at the time, and that she had to come to terms to being entirely transformed by the magic of this place. Sonja wasn't a vampire any longer, nor was she human. Something other now, she didn't care much to ponder on it. She still had her fangs, but she had to learn to cook to sustain herself. She'd grown used to her new existence and her new home, but kept to the forests of Ceunon. Far enough away from the town that it was rare for someone to stumble across her homestead, but still within horseback to get to the town if she needed to--only those that knew how to read the marked trails could find their way to her, and so far she had only taught Kiran and his mother where to look for her tracks. If the former vampiress didn't wish to be found, she would not be.

After all, a great war gripped Alagaesia and she wanted no part in it, no part in the political ramifications of joining either side. Keeping herself off the radar of both the Varden and that of the Empire had always been of the highest importance, something that had only grown one day she went out hunting. The townsfolk of Ceunon had come to depend on her visits for fresh game and furs, no trueborn human hunter could spot evidence of game quite like her. Each morning she'd venture out and follow the game trails, and see what quarry she might find. Some she would keep for herself, some she would take back to the market to trade for either goods or crowns she required. One such forest walk she'd found what initially, she had thought to be a large smooth purple gemstone--until she had sensed the life within it and known it was something else entirely. Later, she had learned what it was exactly, a dragons egg. Some spirit that watched over her and had sent her here to start a new life, had seen fit to send her a life partner to her solitary life, who she cherished as dearly as she did her own life. Sonja named the she-dragon after the wind goddess of her homeland, hoping the wind mother might bless her dragon and protect Szélanya where she herself could not.

She'd grown ever the more wary to remain hidden and keep any from learning of Szélanya, a feat made easy by the fact the townsfolk were already accustomed to her weird ways and preferences of keeping to the woods and turning down social calls. It was more difficult, to ensure that they did not stray too close to the Elves territory. She put up wards and various traps, to ensure that none could find their way to her remote homestead without triggering one or the other. A more skilled magician might disable her spells, she knew, but the traps she built were of another matter entirely. They weren't obvious, wouldn't cause harm, but delay and leave obvious marking that someone had visited her glen without her knowledge. And she was ever careful to sweep away tracks left by Szé, making sure that discarded scales were thrown into rivers and lakebeds far enough away that they might be mistaken for belonging to perhaps an odd fish.

Sonja had settled into a comfortable routine, every few days she'd venture to town to visit Ceunon's markets, leaving her remote cottage just before first light. She'd always return in time for the midday meal with whatever she had traded for or outright purchased, and share her meal with Szélanya before attending to domestic needs about the clearing. Hauling fresh water, chopping firewood, preparing skins to trade at the market, whatever she needed. Szé was often sleeping when she left before the sun rose, and would often play while she went out. She would periodically reach out with her mind to that of her partners, and smile to herself looking through the dragon's eyes to see her frolicking in a meadow or testing her flight skills. They rarely closed their minds to each other, there was nothing to hide. She'd noticed nothing amiss when she initially set out, Szélanya was sleeping in her usual spot, so she paused to give her a gentle scratch just beneath the side of her cheek before she went. Her wards were intact and none of her traps had been triggered, so she mounted her hose and rode to town to make her trade for the day.

Sonja had been in the middle of haggling with the tanner over some furs she had brought when she'd felt Szé reach out to her and felt a light flash of pain run down her back--phantom pain of Szé's tail being pinched. Initially she went to dismiss it with naught but a grimace at the passing pain and a promise to carefully check on her bonded, assuming the little she-devil might have wriggled past some rocks and pinched herself; until she found herself suddenly looking through Szélanya's eyes, looking up at a great Red dragon. Panic swiftly took over and she bid the tanner goodbye brusquely, tying the furs back onto her horse and riding the beast as hard as she dared back to the forests, and towards the glen she had seen through her partner's eyes.

She was breathing almost as hard as her horse when she slid from the saddle and to the ground, drawing a knife from a hidden sheath at her waist and putting herself between her dragon and that of the red, baring her fangs and hissing like a wildcat--old habits died hard even if she wasn't a vampire anymore. Szélanya kept behind her, at her insistence, crooning and trying to get Sonja to calm as she faced down the other dragon. She knew, she was hardly a threat to a grown dragon, but she'd sooner die than let anything happen to her own.

"You will not harm me or mine." She growled, her accent coming through to give a rougher edge to her words as she stood her ground. Szélanya was the same size as her horse, but hardly more than a hatchling compared to the other dragon. She didn't know what to do and reached out mentally to her dragon again.

We were just playing, Szélanya's melodic voice filled her head and she narrowed her eyes at her bonded, He is a friend, I'm not hurt...just playing. I thought we all might be friends, you seemed lonely.

Sonja glowered then, having half a mind to scold her dragon as she was shown a memory, the two dragons chasing each other, the red one, nipping Szé's tail. Not unlike two large dogs chasing one another's tails.

You and I will have a talk later, you scared me half to death. Sonja promised her, then looked to the red dragon again, lowering the knife she held but remaining in front of her partner all the same. "How did you find us....and what might I call you?"

#truaighe #--&;in chara #--&;starter #;;pending eragon verse #it is very long sorry lol

[silvcrignis]

Sevina Snape and Bruno

Sevina Snape was a peculiar woman, known for her enigmatic presence and her deep connection to the mystical arts. She resided in a secluded cottage at the edge of a dense forest, where she dedicated her days to studying ancient spells and crafting potions. Sevina was a solitary soul, content in her solitude, until one day, her peaceful existence was disrupted by the arrival of a young man named Bruno.

Bruno was a wanderer who had stumbled upon Sevina's cottage while seeking shelter from a violent storm. Drenched and exhausted, he knocked on her door, hoping for a kind soul to offer him respite. Sevina, hesitant at first, opened the door and peered at the stranger with curiosity.

As Bruno entered, Sevina noticed the weariness in his eyes and the scars etched upon his weathered face. There was something haunting about him, something that stirred a long-buried memory in her heart. Yet, she kept her emotions concealed, for she had learned long ago to guard herself against attachments and the pain they brought.

Sevina provided Bruno with a warm meal and a comfortable bed for the night. Over the following days, he helped her tend to her garden, gathering herbs and plants for her potions. As they worked side by side, a bond began to form between them, one that defied Sevina's efforts to keep her distance.

One evening, as they sat in front of a crackling fireplace, Bruno's eyes filled with a hint of sadness. Sevina, sensing his unease, gently inquired, "What troubles you, Bruno?"

He hesitated for a moment before uttering the words, "We don't talk about Bruno."

The statement struck Sevina like a bolt of lightning, unraveling the secret she had suppressed for years. Bruno was her long-lost brother, the sibling she had once cherished and believed to be lost forever. Memories flooded back, of laughter and mischief, of shared dreams and aspirations.

"Why, Bruno?" she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of pain and disbelief. "Why did you disappear from my life?"

Bruno's eyes welled up with tears, his voice choked with regret. "I was young and foolish, Sevina. I got involved in dangerous endeavors, and I had to make a choice to protect you and our family. I couldn't bear to put you in harm's way."

Sevina's heart swelled with a torrent of emotions, a mixture of anger, grief, and the flickering embers of love. She had spent years suppressing the memories of her brother, trying to shield herself from the pain of his absence. Yet, in that moment, she realized that the pain of separation was far greater than the pain of reconnection.

As the days turned into weeks, Sevina and Bruno shared their stories, piecing together the fragments of their lives that had been torn apart. They laughed, they cried, and they healed together, rediscovering the deep bond that had once defined their relationship.

Sevina taught Bruno the ancient arts she had mastered, guiding him through the intricacies of spellcasting and potion-making. In turn, Bruno shared his knowledge of the world he had traversed, the people he had met, and the experiences that had shaped him.

As time passed, Sevina and Bruno became inseparable, creating a new chapter in their lives, one filled with forgiveness and second chances. Their reunion reminded Sevina of the importance of family, the enduring connections that could withstand the test of time and distance.

Together, they vowed to protect and cherish their newfound bond, their shared experiences etching a new story into the tapestry of their lives. From that day forward, Sevina and Bruno would no longer avoid the mention of Bruno's name, for it represented a journey of redemption, a testament to the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.

#x: Answered #x: Out of Sin #Greyface #re: Bad Comedy Night #If I told you you failed the assignment B E F O R E why would you send another one