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cami-stuffs · 2 years ago

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Pushing Towards You

Chapter 13: All Out

Summary: Calista and Gaia talk about Larissa. Later, Larissa proposes something new to Calista.

knock knock knock

Calista just came back from work when someone knocked at the door. She was halfway to the bathroom to take a deserved shower but had to postpone for a few minutes more. A man was standing at the door with a box in his hand.

"I have a delivery for Ms Calista Cos'Asanto." He said monotonely.

"That's me. Thank you." Calista received the pack. "Have a nice day." and slammed the door.

The package was wrapped with red paper and a black ribbon. There was a card pinned in it. Calista opened it and recognized Larissa's handwriting.

"This, my love, is for our next experiences together. I ask you to use it only with me but feel free to know more about how they function if you must.

Keeping you in my thoughts.

Yours, Larissa."

Calita tore off the wrapping and opened the box. Inside, there were tons of sex toys. She felt her face burn, although she was alone at home. Calista had used toys with Gaia before, but only the basics. Larissa sent her strap-on harness, suction toys, anal plugs, double-ended dildo, vibrators, blindfolds and so on. It was a huge acquisition in an adult toy store.

After showering, Calista texted Larissa a photo of the opened packed with the caption, "Just received your gift. I can't decide which one I would like to try first. Xx"

Calista didn't know if Larissa would answer her right away. Knowing her lover, Larissa would still be working by that time. Nevertheless, Larissa texted her.

L: Hello, my love. I'm glad you liked it. Can I make a suggestion?

C: Of course, my dear. Tell what is in your mind.

L: I've been fantasizing about you using the harness in me lately. And if you were into it, I would love to have you inside me.

C: Larissa Weems, my beloved, I wouldn't like anything else than to fuck you into oblivion.

L: I look forward to it, my dearest. I love you.

C: I love you too, Riss. Are you still working?

L: I am. We'll hold The Poe's Cup on the weekend. So, I have to make some arrangements.

C: I'll let you work, then. Try not to go to bed too late. Love you. Xx

L: I'll do my best, love. Have a pleasant night. I'll be thinking about you. Love you. Xx

Calista looked at the box and thought about googling the items individually and learning how to use them properly, aiming to give Larissa the most pleasurable night she ever had.

-------------------- The Poe's Cup allowed Calista to have the wanted conversation with Gaia, as Ártemis wished to hang out with her friends no matter what the race result was. Calista took advantage of that and invited her ex-wife to have lunch with her.

"Heeey you!" Gaia was standing by the door, beaming and carrying two plastic bags. "I brought beer for me and wine for you!" She entered the room, slammed the door after her, and went for the glasses. "We have to celebrate! Our baby girl team won the Poe's Cup."

"Shut up! 'Temis won the cup?" Calista was amazed. "Oh my god! She must be thrilled!"

"You should have seen her, Lista. She was beyond happiness." Gaia passed Calista a glass of her favorite white wine, and they made a toast before sipping. "It wasn't easy, tough. It was a tight victory. But it doesn't matter, she won!"

"Cheering for Ophelia's?" Calista teased. Gaia wasn't from Ophelia's Hall back at school.

"Hmmm... Correction: cheering for our daughter!" Gaia pointed her index up. "Unfortunately, she is from Ophelia's." She gave a soft smile after that.

"All right, then. Let's eat!" Calista tried to hide a smirk.

They had a wonderful lunch discussing their jobs and how well Ártemis fit in. Gaia knew Calista too well to just accept that this was a normal lunch day. She knew something was up.

"So, tell me. You hate cooking, and suddenly, you call and invite me to have a meal with you. What's up?" She stared at Calista, waiting for an answer while observing how uncomfortable her ex-wife became. "What? Are you sick?" Now, she was concerned.

"No... I'm fine. I invited you here to tell you something... " Calista was fidgeting her fingers and playing with the shirt hem. "I...hum... I am seeing someone." She finally said.

Gaia frowned upon that. "Good for you? I'm in the dark here. Why are you telling me this?" She looked puzzled. "I mean... I'm not complaining, you know. And I'm happy for you. But why call me here to say you are living your life? Is it for the other day when we slept together? Because I'm fine with it..." She anticipated.

"No... It's not for that." Calista paused. Regaining courage again. "I called you here because the person I'm seeing is Larissa." She waited for a reaction that never came. Gaia looked almost amused.

"Larissa Weems? My boss?" Gaia covered her mouth up, hiding a bright smile. "Well... Well... Who would say Larissa was into women? I always thought that she was in love with Gomez, you know? Well... It could be Morticia, then." Gaia said thoughtfully and caught a frown face from Calista. "What? She fancied Morticia?"

"No... Well, yes... Maybe a little." Calista said in annoyance. "The fact is... I'm telling you this because she is your boss, and I thought you deserved to know."

"Oh... Thank you. How long have you been together?" Gaia asked, drinking her beer.

"That's a long story." Calista wondered if it was time to tell the whole of it.

"I'm not in a hurry. There is a lot of beer in your fridge." She made herself comfortable and waited.

And there she went. Calista told her everything about her relationship with Larissa. In the beginning, she felt odd about Gaia being her ex-wife. But, after digging the whole of it, she felt relieved to have someone to talk about it. They always had a good relationship based on a lot of dialogue and sincerity. On her behalf, Gaia made some sassiest comments during the speech, ripping laughs and rolling eyes out of Calista.

"So... That day we met after the school reunion, you were dumping Larissa? Were you nuts?" Gaia was incredulous. "I mean... That was the very beginning of our relationship and all that came after that, but...you left Larissa naked on the bed and just flew away?"

"Hey... You should thank me for that!" Calista defended herself.

"I thank you hard for that! Don't get me wrong. But... Larissa is not my type, and we had a life together, you and me... Still, you left her. That was harsh. Again, thank you for that." Gaia hushed to say it.

"Yeaahh... Well, that is it. After the reunion, we had never spoken until that day at her office." Calista took a deep breath and relaxed. "So... Is it okay for you? Me and Larissa, being together?" Calista knew there was something more she had to tell, but first, she wanted to be sure Gaia was good with all of it.

"I am... Of course, it is a little bit funny, you know? Share you with her. I mean... Not share strictly speaking, but it is like sharing a secret." Gaia explained. "Again... I am honored that you trusted me with this information. You didn't have to, you know? But I know you, Lista. And feel that there is something more you wanna tell me."

"Larissa is a shapeshifter!" Calista spitted it out. "And I think she and Ártemis must be related to each other."

Now, Gaia was deeply confused. "What? Larissa and Ártemis? How?"

Calista was about to tell her something intimate, and she blushed hard. "Well... Larissa, as a shapeshifter, she can shift..." There was a pause where she stared at Gaia, but nothing responded. "She can shift certain parts of her body." Calista signed near her lower core.

Gaia widened her eyes in enlightenment. "Oh my God! Does Larissa have a penis?!"

"No... She doesn't have one, like permanently... She can shift so she can hang one on some occasions." Now Calista's cheekbones were flushed.

"Wow... This is... Like a dream. Now I'm envying you. No more need for silicon cocks? Cool!" Gaia had a silly smile on her face. But then, she came back to reality. "Is she Ártemis' mother? Is that what you were saying about them being related?"

Calista told her about her and Larissa's conversation with the geneticist at the funding party. "I assure you that you are Ártemis' mother, G. You don't have to worry or feel jeopardized by Larissa's presence." She took Gaia's hand in hers.

Gaia tilted her head. "Is it all what that fuss about? You telling me that my daughter is still my daughter?!" Gaia was beaming. "I know that you were expecting me to make a scene. But don't worry. I was there, Lista. I was there when we chose a donor. I was there during your pregnancy, including the bad times of it. I was there when she was born, when she took her first steps, and when she shifted for the first time." Gaia had a sweet smile. "She is my daughter no matter what genes say. And, yes, I can see Artemis and Larissa's resemblance now that you mentioned. But she is my baby girl."

Calista had tears in her eyes. Tears of happiness, tears of relief, tears of gratitude. "Thank you, G. To understand all this. I was nervous about this conversation. I didn't want you to think that I mischiefed you."

"How could I? For everything you say, the dates make it impossible for Larissa to be Ártemis' mother. So, what are they? Sisters, clones?" Gaia speculated.

"No idea. But that doctor is willing to discover. And I confess that I am, too." Calista said.

"Let's find out, then." Gaia resumed drinking her beer. "Oh... If it makes you feel better, I make a scene, knock at Larissa's door, and accuse her of stilling my daughter and girl. And so on. But, I'm not sure it will benefit my job." Gaia taunted.

"Please, don't!" Calista smiled. "We should keep behaving as the mature people we are."

"Alright, then. But someday, you have to tell me about the shifted cock. Or I'll ask Larissa about it." Gaia smirked and glared at Calista from the top of her glass.

Calista closed her mouth in a thin smile. "Someday." She said. "First, we have to talk with Ártemis about all this. She is the main interested person."

"Yeah... Well, we'll come up with something. For now, let her celebrate the race victory." Gaia said, sipping her drink and smiling at Calista.

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

When Gaia left, just before dinner, Calista was feeling lighter. Keeping that secret from her was killing Calista from the inside. She knew she didn't owe Gaia an explanation, but she felt it would be the right thing to do, most of it because of Ártemis. Obviously, she was waiting for a choleric reaction from her ex-wife, but Gaia never got tired of surprising Calista.

Before bed, Calista caught up with her two favorite girls: Ártemis and Larissa. The girl was excited about the Poe's Cup and described in detail the obstacles, the movements, and how well her team performed. She didn't know that Gaia had lunch with Calista, so there was no question about it. Ártemis was all about her friends and how Nevermore was the coolest place ever.

For Calista, nothing was more heartwarming than hearing Ártemis talking about her new life. None of that was new for her; Calista had been there before. She was aware of the cup's nuances. But listened to it patiently with a sweet smile on her face. Ártemis was squeaking from the excitement on the phone and didn't stop until the end when they celebrated with lunch by the river on the school grounds.

The girl finally asked Calista how her day was. And before hanging out, she promised to pay a visit the next day for lunch. Cooking again was out of the question for Calista, so they decided to go to The Weathervane. Sunday was usually dedicated to Larissa, but they both agreed on a date night in a fine restaurant, so lunch with Ártemis was settled.

The phone rang twice before Larissa answered it.

L: Hello, my darling. How are you doing?

C: Hey, Riss. I'm fine. What about you, babe? How was your day?

L: I'm better now. The day was busy. The Poe's Cup has been my favorite event since school, but it can be quite a job to make it happen. I guess you heard the news about the winner.

There was an amused tone in her voice.

C: Yes. Gaia told me as soon as she passed through the doorframe. And Ártemis, herself, just told me a whole novel about it by the phone.

They chuckled at this.

L: It's not a secret that I cheer for Ophelia. I try my best to be impartial on it, but I confess that this year was a hard task.

C: You got too fond of Ártemis.

L: And of her mother as well.

C: Which of them?

Calista smirked at this and listened to a giggle from the other side of the line.

L: Hmm... Let's see. I don't recall saying to Gaia that I love her, and I certainly didn't send her a box with sex toys. That would be highly unprofessional of me. So, correct me if I'm wrong, but I guess I'm talking about you.

C: Good to know I'm the one. I am, right?

Larissa couldn't suppress a smile.

L: You are, my darling—the only one. So, everything was good with Gaia. I stumbled with her earlier, and she was in a good mood.

C: Surprisingly good. I'll fill you in tomorrow at dinner.

L: Can't wait to hear it. And what are your plans for tomorrow?

C: I'll have lunch with Ártemis, and then, I'll be spending my night with you. What about you?

L: Hmm... Work, as always, and wait until I can kiss you.

Calista blushed at this. She wasn't used to the praise yet.

C: Let's just hope the time flies. I miss you.

L: I miss you too, my dear. I'll let you sleep now. I'll be thinking about you. I love you. Good night, my love.

C: I love you too, Riss. Sleep tight.

Calista lay in bed thinking about her date with Larissa the next day. She wondered if Larissa was up to play with some of the toys. Calista has learned more about some of them and felt like using them. Larissa mentioned the strap, and Calista was willing to satisfy her lover's desire.

-------------------- Larissa called Calista that morning and suggested they spend the night at Nevermore. Larissa would take Calista back to her apartment on Monday morning to prepare for work. In addition to that, Larissa asked Calista to bring the toy box with her that night.

The idea of sleeping at Nevermore wasn't that pleasant to Calista. Gaia and Ártemis lived there, and she didn't want to have an encounter with them moments before heading to Larissa's quarters. Nevertheless, thinking about them on Larissa's bed turned Calista on. She had never been in Larissa's room before and was now curious about it.

Larissa didn't share her plans for that night with Calista. But the request for the box with the sex toys made it clear the blonde was working on something. The last time they spoke, Larissa mentioned the desire of Calista to use the harness in her. But Larissa's tone told Calista that she had other ideas on her mind.

Larissa was never late. Especially if her appointment was with Calista at that exact time, Calista received a text from Larissa just to acknowledge her arrival. When Calista arrived, Larissa was leaning against the passenger door, scrolling through her phone. Larissa opened up her arms to hold Calista in a tight embrace.

Larissa kissed Calista's lips and smiled at her. "Hello, my darling. I missed you." Her voice was almost a whisper.

"I missed you too, my love." Calista held Larissa's neck with one of her hands and leaned for another kiss while the other hand was carrying the box. "How are you tonight?"

"Better now." Larissa then spotted the box and retrieved it from Calista's hand. "Let me help you with that, my dear. Come on, we have a reservation." Larissa opened the door to Calista and placed the box in the trunk.

Larissa booked a table at a fine Seafood Restaurant. As they parked, Larissa opened the door for Calista to exit the car. That was not something Calista cared about; she didn't need anyone to open the door for her, but it seemed important to Larissa, so Calista had her lover's way.

As they headed to the restaurant, Larissa touched Calista's lower back and guided her through the saloon to their table. Larissa had a dominant attitude that night, and Calista anticipated what awaited her later that night. She was eager to know which toys Larissa would pick but didn't ask anything. She decided to just the night flow through them.

They had oysters and salmon for dinner. Larissa chose a wine that could pair with both plates, and they talked about their week. Calista told Larissa about her conversation with Gaia. Larissa was as surprised as glad Gaia's reaction was positive.

During their conversation, Larissa never took her eyes off Calista. Larissa paid close attention to Calista's gestures; her mouth turned to a smile as she touched Larissa's hand between speeches. Her eyes passed through Calista's face as if it wanted to record every detail. Calista took notice of that.

"You scanned me all night, Riss." Calista said with a smirk. "I'm flattered. But I know you too well to think that you are just staring. Tell me, babe, what is it?"

"I was wondering... Better, I was imagining... " She leaned on the table to get closer to Calista and lower her voice. "if you would like to be my sub tonight."

Calista's face flushed, and it was not for the alcohol. Submission. So this is what Larissa had in mind. Suddenly, she pictured all the possibilities inside the box. She was so into that thought that she forgot to answer Larissa.

"We don't have to do it if it is something you are uncomfortable with." Larissa backed off with a worried expression.

"No..." Calista almost cried out. She looked around, and no one was paying attention to them. She lowered her voice. "No... It's not that. I was just picturing that in my mind. Sorry."

"So is it a 'yes'?" Larissa seemed relieved and aroused now. Calista nodded to her. "So, what would you say to start with a verbal answer to me, darling?" She commanded with a lustful tone.

"Yes, I would like that..." Calista knew it was etiquette for this dynamic type, but Larissa never said how to address it, so she waited and bowed her head a little.

"Mistress." Larissa completed the sentence, tilting her head to look Calista in her eyes. Putting her index above Calista's chin, Larissa lifted her head so they could meet each other eyes. "Say it again, darling."

"Yes, I would like that, mistress." Calista blushed harder this time.

Larissa grinned. "There you go. I think it's time for us to go home."

Chapter 12 | Chapter 14

#wlw #lesbian #larissa weems x ofc #sapphic #f/f fanfic #larissa weems #lesbian fic #original character #wedneday #lgbtqia #larissa weems fanfic #principal larissa weems #today on tumblr #ao3 #ao3 fanfic #calista cosanto #thursday

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enchantinglyjade · 1 year ago

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Rise of the Titans

Chapter I

Goddess!OC x Loki

Masterlist Previous | Next Warnings: None

Arali jumps out of bed, eager to start the day, not that she had been able to sleep anyways. You see, every few years, the Asgardian Royal Family would come to Olympus to visit and today happened to be one of those times. Honestly, she had grown a bit tired of her older brothers and sisters, seeing as she was the youngest by a few thousand years, so she was excited to play with someone her own age once more.

She dresses in her finest white chiton with a blush colored cloth pinned above her right shoulder and draped over her body. She twirls in the mirror, then zips out of her room, speeding down the hallways of the large castle to find her mother. Turns out, the Asgardians had arrived early, as they were already standing in the throne room. They were being greeted by her mother and big brother, Cronus, both in front of the throne with a smile.

Her mother was always very welcoming, treating everyone she met with kindness, as if they were her own children. Cronus however, let’s just say Arali tried to avoid him at all costs. She loved her brother, but felt there was something off about him. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

She sneaks in unnoticed and hides herself behind one of the giant, white columns in the room. She peeks out to look at the two young children standing beside the guests, both seeming to grow impatient as their parents converse politics and such.

The Asgardian monarch, Queen Frigga, glances towards Arali. She smiles warmly, and raises her hand to wave at the child. Her presence was always so dear to Arali, seeing her almost as a second mother. She waves back, shy that she had been seen. Frigga’s movement is noticed by Gaia. The two of them share a glance, before Frigga excuses her two boys, whispering something to them. They look around confused before making eye contact with the young goddess behind the pillar. Their eyes light up, and the three run enthusiastically towards the exit of the throne room together.

It isn’t long before the news of the Asgardians’ arrival travels throughout the kingdom, which in turn, brings a handful of the other children among the royal court to the halls in search of the new princes. The three of them were found quickly, not that Thor ever minds the extra attention. Eventually, they all made their way outside to the gardens, hoping to play many rounds of games.

Thor began to show the group his strength and sporty tricks, all seemed to gawk at the boy’s power and charisma. Arali watches Loki roll his eyes and sit on a nearby tree stump. She looks back at Thor, before deciding she would rather join his younger brother. She may have been of a higher status than the other kids, but she was still the youngest, and therefore, always left out, just as Loki was. She sits next to him on the stump, swinging her legs with a nearly annoying amount of enthusiasm. Hoping that he would start the conversation for her, she turns to face him with a smile, staring into his face.

Loki pretends not to notice at first, adjusting awkwardly in his seat as he grows uncomfortable under her intense stare. However, soon he slumps his shoulders when he notices her eyesight failing to gaze anywhere else. Surrendering to her attention, he greets her timidly with a sigh in his voice, “Hello, Arali.” His eyes filled deep with boredom.

She waves at him with great keenness.

“How about a game of Kubb?” The blond Asgardian boy suggests loudly to everyone.

Arali leans over to Loki, “I prefer beating you at Ephedrismos.”

He rolls his eyes at her comment. “That is a game for girls. I am not playing that.”

She shrugs her shoulders with a short laugh. “Then it is no wonder you can never win.” They stick out their tongue to one another as she pokes fun at the young prince.

“Kubb it is! The tallest team gets to go first!” Thor yells running to take his place with great pride, knowing very well that he is the tallest of the children.

Arali stands from the tree stump and raises her hand up to her head, measuring her height. She then reaches out her hand, smiling at how it hovers mere inches above Loki's head. “I’m taller than you~” She says with a snicker. He rolls his eyes and crosses his arms with a huff.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

“Mama, I want powers too! I’m just as strong as Loki and Thor, but they don’t believe me!”

The goddess mother kneels to take her daughter's tiny hand within her own. “Calm, little princess. You will get your powers when you are ready.”

“But I want them now!”

Another calm voice chimes in, “Perhaps with patience, they will come to you naturally.” Frigga walks through the frame of the door and enters the room, causing the child’s face to brighten with excitement at her presence.

Arali wiggles her toes impatiently, “I cannot wait to get my powers! I don’t want to be like the mortals anymore.” She grimaces.

The goddess mother scoops up her child, placing her in her lap on the bed. “You see Arali, over 10,000 years ago, I was born on a planet called Gaia. That is where I got my name. The people there did not like me very much. They thought I was… odd for being born with powers, but eventually I came to make friends. Every 5,000 years the planets align with one another, creating portals between the worlds. This is called the Convergence. My husband, Ouranos, and I, and a number of our friends, accidentally stepped through one of these portals, getting lost on this planet. As we settled on Olympia, we began changing. We discovered a fruit; whose juices slowed our aging, until one day we ceased to age at all. You may be a goddess and a Titan, little one, but never forget deep down you are of Gaia. You may be powerful and strong, but you are as much a human as the mortals. Use your strength to protect them, but do not put yourself above them.”

Arali lowers her head, ashamed she has upset her mother. Gaia tucks an orange strand of her child’s hair behind her ear. “It is quite alright, Arali. Just remember to speak kindly of the mortals.”

She nods, her smile returning to her face. “Okay. Can I go now?” Gaia nods with a laugh, letting her jump off of her lap.

The child follows Frigga through the castle and out into the courtyard where the other children play.

“Mama tells me one day I am going to be Queen,” Arali gloats to the older woman.

The Allmother laughs at her confidence. “That is the day Loki will become King, as well.” As if on cue, the boy slows his jog as he approaches his mother. Confused upon hearing his name, he joins their conversation, intending to find out what the two are talking about.

“What do you mean?” Arali questions.

Frigga bends down, extending her arms for the two children to come closer to her. “It means the two of you are promised to each other.”

Confused on how he got brought into the conversation, Loki asks, “What does that mean?”

“Once you have become adults, you will be married to each other, officially uniting your kingdoms.”

The children look to each other in disgust “Ew!” They shout.

“I am not marrying her!” “I am not marrying him either!” The children dispute.

“You will become king and queen if you do.” The current Queen suggests to them.

Loki and Arali look at each other, then back at Frigga with smiles before he adds, “Well, maybe you’re not so bad.” Aralia glares and crosses her arms at this.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

“Can you read to me, mama?” Her mother nods, already knowing which book to bring with her to her daughter’s bed. She sits, allowing the ball of orange curls to snuggle into her abdomen. She opens the book to the marked page, but before she can open her mouth to read she is interrupted.

“Who is Aphrodite?” Arali whispers from beneath her blankets.

Gaia sets the book down into her lap, keeping a thumb in between the pages as the cover closes on its own. “Now, where did you hear this name from?”

Arali’s eyes quickly shift down to look at the quilt she was covered with. “I heard Hyperion talking about her with the others”

Her mother lets out a breath. “Aphrodite is The Goddess of Love. She is the daughter of my late husband, Ouranos.” She explains.

“Are you her mom too?” Arali looks up at her mother with her big round eyes.

Gaia shifts uncomfortably, wondering how to explain the situation, “No, she is like you; She only has one parent, created through very powerful magic. But, you could see her as your sister in a way.” Luckily, Arali does not ponder any further than that. Instead, she shrugs curling even further into her wool blankets. Gaia re-opens the book to read, just like she does every night.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

There were a few special occasions when Gaia would bring her daughter to visit the kingdom of Asgard. While she and Frigga discussed future plans, Arali would run off with her two princely friends.

Thor was ecstatic to introduce her to his friends back at home. Sif, Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogun, were happy to meet her, but once introductions were through, she was stuck behind with Loki, as usual. Not that she minded.

“Let’s go on an adventure!” Arali whispers to Loki.

As Loki slowly begins to accept her company, it becomes routine for the two to go adventuring while the rest of the children are busy with his older brother. They adored making quests for themselves and setting out to discover all that nature has to offer to them.

He smiles before taking her hand, dragging her behind him and away from the group. The two race through the golden castle, footsteps echoing on the gemmed flooring. Arali giggles behind the boy, taking in the grand rooms. Their small bodies sneak past the many guards, something that became even easily through practice, until the two of them find themselves on the streets of the outside village. Chatter and clutter fills the air as the humble Asgardians busy themselves with work and children, the many small businesses filled with customers on this particular day.

Loki huffs as he stops to catch his breath, crossing his arms at the idea of wallowing around the village once more with her. After the ump-teenth time of doing so, he had grown quite bored of the activity. However, Arali only skips ahead after letting go of his hand, happily taking in the scene of the villagers going about their day, unknowing of the prince and princess that graze their presence only a few feet away.

"Mother does not let me leave the castle often." Arali calls out quietly to the boy behind her.

The boy tilts his head in curiosity, part of him not wanting to care, but the other not able to help but question. "Why not?"

Arali feels her heart quicken at the question, but knows not as to why. "I heard my older brother talk about something bad happening outside." She says with a lack of her usual enthusiasm.

His brows furrow at her words. "What sort of bad thing?"

She keeps her back turned towards him, shrugging her shoulders at his question. "I don't know, but I think it is dangerous."

Loki sighs at her vague words, but feels a sinking within his gut. He realizes he may have a deeper understanding of what could be happening in her home, something he overheard his own family speak of. "Maybe we should go back inside." He suggests reluctantly.

But Arali quickly turns to face him and shakes her head. "No!" She objects. "I want to be out here. I want to see something new."

Loki crosses his arms at her determination and knows better than to try and change her mind. "Fine. I think I know somewhere you may like."

She follows behind him, somewhat excited, though her still furrowed brows would not let him know that. That is until her eyes can't help but widen as her face eases its tension in amazement at the scenery before her. Loki guides her to a beautiful spring. The crystal clear water cascades down large, black rocks that rise just below the surface of the forest, falling into the small lake below with a soft showering, a sound that can relax anyone's mind of their pains and worries.

Arali stands in awe at the view in front of her, giggling as she continues to hold the boy’s hand. But they freeze as they soon hear a noise in the near distance. They quickly come to realize it is Frigga calling out as she paces around the castle in search of them, no doubt.

“Race you!” She exclaims, and the two quickly run back out of the forest to meet with the rest of the little group, who hover around the Allmother.

“Could you tell us a story, mother?”

“Oh! Tell the one about the Dark Elves!”

“Or the Frost Giants!”

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Arali, Thor, Loki, and a handful of the children of the court are out exploring once more. Thor, the group’s designated leader, decided it would be fun to explore one of the vast forests of Olympia. As they push through the many trees and grasses, they come to a clearing. In the open area sits a collection of boulders, which the children rush to rest upon, all surrounding the blonde Asgardian with joy.

Arali, of course, shares a boulder with the other Asgardian. Giggles suddenly escape Loki’s throat as they watch the group of friends play around. Confused, Arali turns to examine her friend, insisting to discover what is so funny.

Loki leans to whisper to her, “Watch this.”

And with that, he disappears. She twists in her spot, looking for the boy, but he is nowhere to be found. That is, until she hears the others screaming. Wide eyed, she quickly turns back to discover what had caused such a reaction, the others backing away from Thor in fear.

“No need to be afraid, my friends. It is just a little snake. See? Aren’t they amazing?” He crouches down, grabbing the snake, holding it out to admire it. One of the children steps closer, feeling more brave now that they see Thor handling the creature unharmed. But, soon more screeches follow as a green shimmer of light wraps around the snake, and in the blink of an eye, Loki stands in its place.

“Ha! It’s me!” the boy yells, jabbing Thor with a twig.

Thor yelps falling to the ground in surprise and anger. “Loki!”

But the boy only laughs at his clever prank, and his smile only grows seeing his red headed companion holding her sides with laughter.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

“You like my brother? Haha! Loki! Come here! I have news!” The blond jumps in excitement, waving his hands to catch his brother’s attention from across the field.

Arali runs to Thor, jumping to catch his arms and cover his mouth. “Quiet, Thor!” But it does her no good, the raven haired boy is already running over to examine the situation. She then pushes the blonde to the ground, raising a fist above his head. “You promised you would not say anything!”

Thor fakely screams at her threat of violence, knowing that his strength would outmatch hers, but raises his hands to shield himself no less, seeing the sheer wrath in the young girl’s eyes as she tries to push and shove his hands away.

Loki approaches the scene with laughter and a wide smile on his face, none the wiser to Arali’s anger, but amused by it regardless. “Hit him again! Haha! ”

She spins to Loki, embarrassment coursing through her and reddening her cheeks. “And you are next!” She threatens.

The boy is caught off guard by her sudden hostility towards him, but that is soon replaced with smugness as he thinks back to a trick his mother has spent her time teaching him, a trick he had been meaning to use on anyone recently. “Oh really? Is that so?” He smirks at her challenge. “Then try and find me!” And with that, the boy uses his power of magic to duplicate himself, surrounding the two with identical Loki’s.

“Brother, not this again.” Thor grumbles, as Arali climbs off of him, determined to see through Loki’s illusions. She would finally prove that she was just as smart and powerful as the two other gods. She looks around her, looking for any small glitch in his magic. Some illusions are transparent, others have delayed reactions. Then she finds the one. The one different from them all.

She runs to him, preparing an attack, to which he responds with wide eyes, dispelling the rest of the illusions quickly. As she approaches, she loses her footing, sending both of them crashing down onto the grass with a yelp.

Despite her previous embarrassment, she can’t help but look down at the boy with giggles. “Found you.”

#loki fanfic #loki marvel #loki god of mischief #loki odinson #loki #black fanfiction #black reader #oc fanfiction #black writers #poc #marvel #loki laufeyson #loki series #thor #rise of the titans

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imaginefinneganswake · 9 months ago

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She has the gift of seek on site and she allcausually ansars helpers, the dreamydeary. | Finnegan’s Wake - James Joyce

ChatGPT40 literary report

This line from Finnegans Wake—"She has the gift of seek on site and she allcausually ansars helpers, the dreamydeary"—is rich in Joyce’s layered wordplay, which makes it open to multiple interpretations. It likely refers to the figure of Anna Livia Plurabelle, the mother figure in the Wake who is often associated with water and the river Liffey, but also with the archetypal "everywoman" who embodies femininity, nurturing, and connection.

Let’s break down the key elements and consider possible interpretations:

"She has the gift of seek on site"

This phrase plays on multiple levels:

"Seek on site" suggests both seeing and seeking. Anna Livia, as a maternal and riverine figure, has a kind of mystical ability to understand, find, or intuit things. Her "gift" of sight and insight positions her as a knower of hidden or submerged truths. This reflects her role as a life-giver and sustainer, always searching out what is needed.

There's also a pun on "site" (location) and "sight" (vision). Anna Livia can be understood as someone with the ability to perceive things deeply, or to "see" truths that others might overlook—whether they are physical (related to a place or "site") or metaphorical (insightful understanding).

It could also refer to her omnipresence as a river, flowing through and encompassing the landscape, always seeing as she flows.

"And she allcausually ansars helpers"

This line is packed with Joyce's signature portmanteaus and puns:

"Allcausually" seems to blend "all casually" with "all causally," hinting at a dual meaning: she answers both in a casual way (almost effortlessly), but also in a way that suggests she is part of a grand, causal, cosmic system. In the latter sense, her responses are part of the underlying forces that move the universe—causal but disguised as casual. She interacts with and aids those around her (her helpers), embodying the nurturing and guiding aspect of the eternal feminine.

"Ansars" plays on "answers" and "ancestors." Anna Livia could be seen as a figure who provides answers but also channels the wisdom of the past, acting as a bridge between the living and the dead, the conscious and unconscious. She "ansars" her helpers by giving them both direct guidance and the inherited wisdom from the past (ancestral knowledge).

"Helpers" likely refers to those who rely on her wisdom or support—perhaps the people of Dublin, her children, or even the broader human community, who seek the life-giving waters of the river (or the nurturing of a mother figure).

"The dreamydeary"

This closing description further characterizes Anna Livia:

"Dreamydeary" combines "dreamy" and "deary," reinforcing her as both ethereal (part of the dream-like quality of the Wake's narrative) and dear, beloved. As a river, she flows through the "dream" of Dublin’s consciousness, embodying both the literal and the imaginative forces at work in the story.

The "dreamy" aspect also underscores Anna Livia’s connection to the fluid, dream-like state of the novel itself, where reality and imagination are constantly intertwined. She is both a comforting mother ("deary") and a figure of the unconscious, elusive and shifting, as dreams are.

Critical Interpretations:

Feminine Archetype: Critics frequently interpret Anna Livia as a representation of the universal mother, drawing on Jungian archetypes or mythological figures such as Gaia, Isis, or the Earth Mother. This passage reinforces her role as both a nurturer and a guide who helps those around her, not only through active participation but by virtue of her inherent qualities (such as her “gift of seek on site”).

The Fluidity of Language and Identity: The language here reflects Anna Livia’s fluidity—both in terms of her identity (as a mother, river, and symbol of Dublin itself) and the shifting nature of language in Finnegans Wake. The words constantly blend, shift, and reconfigure themselves, mimicking the flow of the river and the protean nature of identity. Critics who focus on Joyce's linguistic experimentation might point out that this passage demonstrates how language itself flows, how meaning is never fixed, much like the characters of the novel.

Casual versus Causal: The interplay of "allcausually" highlights the tension between the everyday (casual) and the profound (causal). Anna Livia’s answers to the world’s problems may seem casual, like the natural flow of water or time, but in the deeper currents, her actions are deeply meaningful and rooted in the larger patterns of existence. Critics might explore how Joyce balances these opposing forces—the surface simplicity of the text versus the profound complexity beneath.

Myth and History: The suggestion of "ansars" as a play on "answers" and "ancestors" ties Anna Livia to the deep historical and mythological roots of Ireland. She is both present and past, flowing through time as rivers do through landscapes, linking the modern city with its ancient heritage. Her responses to the present ("helpers") come from this deep well of ancestral memory.

Conclusion:

This passage encapsulates much of Anna Livia’s role in Finnegans Wake: she is both an agent of connection and nurturing, and a symbol of continuity and fluidity. Her "gift" reflects both wisdom and insight, but also the natural, effortless flow of life. At the same time, Joyce’s wordplay offers multiple layers of meaning, where casualness belies deeper, causal significance. Through this, Joyce captures the mystery and complexity of life itself, mediated by language and symbolized through the figure of Anna Livia.

Each reader or scholar might bring out different nuances from the passage, but the essential themes of feminine power, fluid identity, and the tension between surface and depth are ever-present.

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gaiastarion · 1 year ago

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Dear journal,

Well, apparently the guide to Moonrise was a f'ing SPIDER so that's that. Fricking weird land...

So of course we took the first chance we got to eliminate it, which appeared to be an ambush on our way to the tours. I hate spiders... ew....

And the ambushers were actually Harpers! Yes, the legendary secret spies! They managed to survive in a protected inn, the Last Light. We are heading there right now, to talk with the High Harper and plan our trip to Moonrise.

Astarion judiciously pointed out that a face well presented could open many doors, and suggested that we change our outfits to match our True Soul status and show strenght. He is not wrong, this could probably help us navigate Moonrise when we get there. I am a bit jealous of the one he picked, a light grey and silver armor revealing his perfect muscles and matching the color of his curls. He is definitely making many heads turn, including mine. I need to find a more flamboyant outfit for myself...

But it is nice to be able to witness such devastating beauty, a rare and welcomed luxury in these dark lands...

Gaia

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #astarion #baldurs gate astarion

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altocat · 2 years ago

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Dear Genesis,

Besides loveless, what is some other literature you are a fan of? What's your favorite genre. I like a lot of the classic horror such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and a lot of Edgar Allan Poe's stuff.

-Curious literature fan

P.S. Do you know what Sephiroth's favorite genre of books is?

Dear Anon,

While I rarely partake in whatever swill is NOT designated as being associated with Loveless, I admittedly have an interest in sonnets. Shakespeare was a hack and likely multiple people...but his works are rather compelling in their own little way.

And NO I do NOT read pulp romances. Whoever is putting that rumor out there, I would suggest that you readily ignore them.

Cheers,

Genesis Rhapsodos, Soldier First-Class

PS: Imagine a vast ocean of the most boring books in all of Gaia. Imagine a PANTHEON of complete and abject tedium. That's him. He reads those dusty old textbooks for hours and hours. Never sure on what, exactly. Old fables, perhaps. Research notes. History. Old lab data. Snore. It always seems like he's looking for something. I couldn't tell you. I'll never understand him.

#asks #ff7 #ffvii #crisis core #final fantasy 7 #sephcanons #genesis rhapsodos #sephiroth

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kindheart525 · 2 years ago

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Where in Gaia’s name was that mare!?

The dignitary dinner was well underway and Sahar was nowhere to be found. Nobody had any clue of the whereabouts of her or her mare-in-waiting, but they surely weren’t where they were supposed to be.

Heavenly Glow was absolutely humiliated. Sahar had always been defiant, rejecting everything Heavenly held dear, rejecting her faith, home, and culture. Even going so far as to suggest SHE was the problem!

But this? This was a new low. Her defiance had never gone this far, where she would outright refuse to show up to an important event. The most important dignitary dinner of the year, no less! Heavenly and Sahar were meant to present themselves as a royal couple on the world stage for the very first time. But only half of the couple had showed up.

Heavenly was doing her best to stall and distract the dignitaries, but at this point they were starting to gossip. They knew something was awry.

“In Equestria I did think something was wrong. From their daughter, the King and Queen have not received any letters. They gave to me a job, to tell them how she is.”

A Saddle Arabian dignitary spoke first.

“The Grand Matriarch Princess is a rather cold one, I wouldn’t blame her bride if she ran away. Who knows what’s going on behind closed doors...”

A Kirin dignitary responded, leaning in to whisper in her fellow dignitary’s ear so Heavenly wouldn’t hear her.

But Heavenly heard both of them. Loud and clear.

Is this what the world thought of her? As somepony who couldn’t uphold her duties? As somepony who caused harm? She hadn’t laid a single hoof on Sahar nor did she ever curse at her, yet the world was acting like she was holding her hostage.

Blasphemy!

How dare the King and Queen of Saddle Arabia, among everyone else, accuse her of being cruel to their daughter? If Sahar had upheld her duties like she was supposed to, they wouldn’t be accusing Heavenly of such sin!

“Excuse me for a moment, I will return shortly.”

Heavenly said this in her usual matter-of-fact tone but inside she was absolutely furious. She was going to find Sahar no matter what it took and give her a piece of her mind after she’d humiliated her like this.

She was disgusted. She was revolted. She dedicated her entire life to her savior, the God Mother, and this was the thanks she got!?

~~~~~~~~~~

Previous: MIW-BFF Next: Seeing Red

Background by Darkfire036

#KindsArt #auraverse #arabian dawn #heavenly glow #story piece #next generation #my little pony #mlp fim #mlp g4

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nectaric · 1 year ago

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I know full well that this post is in good fun, and I am by no means trying to do anything more than share my thoughts which aren't necessarily just at you, OP! But this is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, and so I really just want to point out that this is a very common but inaccurate interpretation of Zeus. I've provided a few examples, taken right from Theoi.com, that highlight why Zeus is not the figure to use for this example you're talking about!

Homeric Hymn 23 to Cronides (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th to 4th B.C.) : "To [Zeus] Kronides (Cronides) (Son of Kronos), Most High (hypatos). I will sing of Zeus, chiefest among the gods and greatest, all-seeing, the lord of all, the fulfiller who whispers words of wisdom to Themis as she sits leaning towards him. Be gracious, all-seeing Kronides, most excellent and great!" Orphic Hymn 15 to Zeus (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "O Zeus, much-honoured, Zeus supremely great, to thee our holy rites we consecrate, our prayers and expiations, king divine, for all things to produce with ease through mind is thine. Hence mother earth (gaia) and mountains swelling high proceed from thee, the deep and all within the sky. Kronion (Cronion) king, descending from above, magnanimous, commanding, sceptred Zeus; all-parent, principle and end of all, whose power almighty shakes this earthly ball; even nature trembles at thy mighty nod, loud-sounding, armed with lightning, thundering god. Source of abundance, purifying king, O various-formed, from whom all natures spring; propitious hear my prayer, give blameless health, with peace divine, and necessary wealth." Epithets of Zeus: Σημαλεος - Sêmaleos - Giver of Signs Αμβουλιος - Amboulios - Counsellor Κοσμητης - Kosmêtês - Orderer Επιδωτης - Epidôtês - Giver of Good Σωτηρ - Sôtêr - Saviour, Deliverer

I think its quite common to see Zeus misinterpreted as foolish or short-sighted because of modern conceptions about his misdeeds. This often includes taking his affairs with other women as false proof of his inability to see consequences because "Zeus should know that cheating will make Hera mad!!" I won't get in to why that is so much more complicated than it is often made out to be because that's a whole other can of worms.

But it does highlight something that is often overlooked. Zeus is notoriously known as all-seeing and wise. Worshippers turned to him for wisdom, guidance, and signs of whether or not their choices were right. He was known to be just and fair, and can often be seen guiding others or reprimanding them for not seeing the bigger picture. Zeus is very connected to foresight, he is very wise, and I would wager that he understands better than most the consequences of his actions.

If you're looking for someone from the Greek pantheon to replace him in this role, I might honestly suggest Poseidon instead! Though not a perfect fit, he is far more well known for his harsh / short temper and (poor) decisions in a far more all-encompassing way that could be viewed as lacking a bit of foresight. But even still, I'm not sure if anyone in this pantheon meets that criteria, because nearly all gods are known for their wisdom, which I believe is the concept you're trying to challenge so I understand the difficulty.

I would love to talk more if anyone is interested!

The omniscient god trope is played out. I want an omnipotent god with absolutely no common sense or foresight. I mean just absurdly powerful, but cannot predict even a whisper of the consequences to their actions whatsoev— ohh whoops, hang on, that's just Zeus

#i love zeus very much and no one defends his reputation harder than me haha #i hope this reads alright and doesn't come across mean or anything i'm not trying to be i swear!#ask to tag /

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quicksilverdrabbles · 2 years ago

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Riften 'Guard': Before I let you into Riften, you need to pay the visitor's tax.

Gaia: Hm? A tax?

Riften 'Guard': For the privilege of entering the city.

Gaia: *looking up at the stone walls of Riften* ... I hardly think Riften is worth a visitor's tax.

Riften 'Guard': Are you insulting my city, lass?

Gaia: I would never, sir. It's just that, of all the cities I have been to, which amounts to a total of four so far, I would say the only one actually worth a tax would be the likes of Whiterun.

Riften 'Guard': Sounds like an insult to me. Either way, no tax, no entry.

Inigo: How exactly did you get into Riften last time, my friend?

Kaidan: She, er.. Found another 'entry point'. Charged through Black Briar Meadery.

Riften 'Guard': You what-

Gaia: I see no issue. I was not trespassing, I visited during their opening hours.

Lucien: And got us banned.

Kaidan: The mead isn't that good anyways.

Gaia: There is no reason for Riften to enforce a tax on its visitors. I am convinced this is what humans call a 'shakedown'.

Riften 'Guard': Call it what you want. Give me the gold or leave.

Gaia: ... No, I don't think I will. Goodbye. *turns and walks away, the others following*

Taliesin: Wow. That was pathetic.

Gaia: I am not skilled in Speechcraft. I am told my voice is very monotonous, so it is hard for me to persuade people.

Kaidan: I've heard you change the pitch of your voice to convey other emotions, though.

Gaia: That is not supposed to happen.

Taliesin: Do you at least have another plan to get in? You said we have business here.

Gaia: ... How fast is your running speed?

Taliesin: ... That depends.

Team Dragonborn: *thrown out of Black Briar Meadery by Indaryn*

Indaryn: AND STAY OUT!

Kaidan: Well that didn't work.

Lucien: Lady Black-Briar is going to have us on her hit list at this point.

Gaia: You said you can run fast.

Taliesin: Not when I'm being chased by Riften guards in an enclosed space!

Inigo: We need another plan. I do not want to give even a rusty Septim to that arrogant gate guard. He did not even smell like a guard.

Lucien: Guards have a smell?

Gaia: Rerouting... The only way I can see forward is to give him the money. None of us passed his Speech check.

Kaidan: Still lost on what that means.

Taliesin: Oh shut up, you tried to scare the rat into submission and made him angry.

Xelzaz: *walking across the Riften docks, writing in a journal, not noticing the team sitting on the floor yet*

Kaidan: At least I didn't scream like a wee lass when a guard grabbed me.

Taliesin: I did NOT scream like a little girl, you brute!

Gaia: Your vocal pitch came very close to that of a child.

Inigo: Indeed. I thought someone had accidentally kidnapped a child.

Lucien: Do you think we could scale the walls without anyone noticing?

Gaia: No. Regular patrols are routed along the top every hour.

Inigo: Damn.

Xelzaz: *trips over Inigo's tail and falls over* Ow!

Inigo: Ouch! Hey, watch the tail!

Xelzaz: Oh dear, I am so sorry! I'm afraid I was rather lost in thought, I didn't see your... er.. *frowns, looking at everyone on the ground* You.. What are you all doing down here anyways?

Gaia: We were forcibly removed from the premises.

Xelzaz: Why?

Lucien: We tried to bypass the visitor's tax at the gates and enter through the Meadery.

Xelzaz: Ah, you must mean that rather irritable guard. Yes, I encountered him too.

Kaidan: Yeah, well, we don't want to have to give money to someone like him, so we're trying to find a different way.

Xelzaz: That seems like a horrible hassle to go through to save a few Septims.

Lucien: Ahaaa, well, to put it bluntly..

Gaia: Our combined funds are approximately 86 Septims. We would be broke if we gave him his tax.

Xelzaz: I see... Might I offer a suggestion?

Taliesin: I think at this point they would do anything but pay him. Go on.

Xelzaz: I recently brewed a fresh batch of Telvanni Bug Musk. I would be glad to offer it for your use to enter the city.

Inigo: Telvanni what-

Lucien: Telvanni??? Like House Telvanni of Morrowind??

Xelzaz: Ah yes, I suppose I neglected to introduce myself. I am Xelzaz, a Lawman of House Telvanni.

Taliesin: ?? But you are an Argonian. I didn't realize they allowed non-natives to ascend the ranks of House.

Xelzaz: It is a bit uncommon, but not unheard of. I happen to be rather competent in my selected fields of study.

Kaidan: Those being?

Xelzaz: Alchemy and magic study.

Kaidan: Ah, of course.

Gaia: Kaidan does not like magic.

Xelzaz: Hmph. Like all Nords, it seems.

Kaidan: I'm not a Nord.

Lucien: It is rather ironic, though. Taliesin and I both use magic as a primary combat resource.

Xelzaz: I'm rather partial to fire magic myself.

Kaidan: Egh, even worse.

Gaia: I believe we were talking about this 'Bug Musk'?

Xelzaz: Ah, yes. It will make you more attractive to other people. In turn, they become more agreeable and are more willing to do things for you. Such as, say, overlook a visitor's tax?

Lucien: Oh, brilliant! We'll take it!

Xelzaz: *pulls the bottle away from Lucien* Ah, forgive me, but I'm afraid this comes with a bit of a favor on my end. Call it bargaining, if you will.

Gaia: Yes, I assumed there would be a catch to this. What is it you require, then?

Xelzaz: See, I am actually on my way to High Rock to meet with a superior of mine. I could have travelled by boat, but this is my first time leaving Morrowind in quite some time, so I am looking to travel before I arrive at High Rock. Therefore, I am looking for a 'guide', of sorts. Someone who may know the land better than I.

Taliesin: All that for some bug musk?

Xelzaz: The musk is not all I would offer. As I said, I am a very competent alchemist, as well as a chef. I can cook and make potions, and I am also an avid fighter.

Kaidan: Well, it wouldn't be the first time we were hired as tour guides.

Gaia: Correct.

Lucien: Ahaa..

Taliesin: It seems like the best choice, right now.

Gaia: A new path has been revealed. Probability of Success: 92%. We accept.

Xelzaz: Excellent. Here is the Telvanni Bug Musk. *hands the bottle over to Gaia* All you have to do is apply some to your wrists and neck. The effects will last for an hour.

Gaia: Thank you, Xelzaz.

Xelzaz: My pleasure. If I may, what was it a moment ago when you spoke the probability of success? Your voice changed.

Gaia: I am a Dwemer Gynoid. Not human, or elf. A machine. My name is Gaia.

Kaidan: Oh, you've finally ditched that Greeting Protocol thing?

Gaia: I felt it caused some discourse to onlookers.

Taliesin: I think Calcelmo just about fainted when you told him you were a machine.

Xelzaz: A Dwemer Gynoid? How interesting. Your appearance is uncanny to that of the recorded appearance of Snow Elves.

Gaia: They were the model for my design, yes.

Inigo: Does this mean we can get off of the floor now?

Kaidan: Yep, up and at 'em. Time to go and get that guard to let us in this damn city.

#skyrim #tes #the elder scrolls #modded skyrim #dragonborn #ldb oc #skyrim oc #kaidan skyrim #lucien flavius #inigo skyrim #xelzaz skyrim #skyrim taliesin #taliesin skyrim #Gaia oc

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lulupen2023 · 2 years ago

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My very first BellDom Fic 21/23

Hope you're still having fun with this super crazy fic :)

Summary:

Do you want to meet a Matthew who sees conspiracy everywhere (oh wait, this is not big news!) and is so fond of his trolley that he treats it like a sort of puppy? Do you want to meet a Dominic in love with… himself (and with Matt, too, of course!)? And do you want to meet a Chris who wants to prove to the world he's the most masculine guy ever… but is unavoidably attracted by every… female hobby? This is what you'll find in this story, among lots of BellDom and… craziness!

Summary of the chapter: The charade begins, but how long will it last? Chapter XX: Just Like The Most Predictable Ending

Without being seen, Matthew tries to pinch himself hard, as Dominic closes and squeezes his eyes, blinking, more than once, but both of those methods are just utterly useless, since the two girls are still standing in front of them and they don't seem to intend to disappear with the touch of a magic wand.

So the two guys just have to make the best of a bad thing.

"Gaia, dear! What a nice surprise!" Matt smiles, as he hugs her, but she's faster than him and steals a kiss that he's forced to answer to.

"Well, honey, you kept saying 'I wish you were here, I wish you were here', so now your wish came true!" she smiles at him as she plays with his hair-gelled locks.

<' Nightmare' would be the proper word! > Matt ponders, but he disguises everything with a nod, of course.

"Instead, since I haven't heard from you for more than three days... well, I just had to check out that you didn't forget me due to another girl, my dear philanderer!" Jessica exclaims, punching Dom's shoulder playfully and patting him on the cheek, right before she follows her best friend's example and claims what it's hers... or at least she still thinks so.

"Honey, that's impossible." Dominic murmurs, at the end of their kiss.

< It's because of *a boy* that I forgot you! > he adds, but only in his mind, of course.

Chris stares at the two couples so matched and has the strong feeling that if he doesn't intervene with something, anything, to say, soon there will be a tension without precedent.

"Hey, girls, Kelly says hi!" he informs them, as he wonders dreadfully with what courage he will inform his beloved wife that what he had made her believe it was true when it was fake actually became true for real.

"What? Oh, right, I tend to forget she's not here." Gaia replies absently.

"What do you mean? Kelly loves me and it's not just due to the fact that she likes having babies with me! So, end of the bloody speech!" Chris snaps, remembering what the fans told him.

"Gee, Chris, calm down!" Gaia snaps. "Honey, what did I say wrong?" she goes on, calmer, looking at Matthew.

"Don't mind him. Sometimes this guy is a total mystery for us all..." Matt states.

"Hey, speaking of mystery, why the hell Dom's room is empty and all his things are stuffed in Matt's room?" Jessica wonders.

"Hell yeah, this is a very damn good question!" Gaia agrees as both of the girls stares inquisitively at their boyfriends with puzzled expressions.

Dom and Matt look at each other, looking for a believable explanation that doesn't seem to pop out from their minds. As they got panic-stricken and are about to surrender, declaring that the games are over, someone else comes promptly to the rescue.

"Actually, it's my fault. I asked Dom to do that!" Chris admits.

"You did... what?" Gaia wonders in astonishment.

"For what wicked reason did you ask them to share the same room?" Jessica frowns.

"Please, don't get me wrong. There's a damn good reason why I did. Since Dom's room is next to mine and I didn't want him to wake me up when he would be back... I suggested Dom to move to Matt's room that it's far away from mine. Well, this was pretty useless, since I'm still awake and it's almost dawn!" Chris makes them notice, with a yawn.

"Okay, but... why did Dom take all his stuff there?" Gaia asks them in disbelief.

"That's simple, my dear. I can be very doubtful about what to wear the day after, it's never something I plan before; quite the contrary, it's something that comes out after hours and hours of changing clothes." Dom rushes to explain.

"Yeah, I can say for sure that Dom's trials takes much longer than the band's ones!" Matt agrees.

"I can confirm that, too. Whenever we date, although I'm always late, well, he's always later than me!" Jessica assures, pretending to glare at Dominic, as Gaia stares at Matthew with renewed trust.

Matthew is annoyed by hearing about the dates between Jessica and *his* Dominic, but he tries his best not to show that.

"Sorry, but I'd like to point out the fact that it's almost dawn and it's almost a miracle that half hotel hasn't gone downstairs to kick us out! In a word... does it really disappoint you the eventuality of going to bed?" Chris makes them notice.

"You have some points, after all. The flight has been kinda stressful, maybe it's the jet-lag that kept us awake so far!" Jessica admits as Gaia confines herself to nod.

"That's right. Let's do things this way: you stay here as Dom, Chris and I go to fix the rooms!" Matthew announces, walking towards the elevator, followed by Chris and Dominic.

"Thank you so much, Chris, you've been phenomenal, buddy, you really saved our asses!" Dominic exclaims as he hugs his friend, as soon as the closed sliding doors of the elevator give them the proper privacy.

"Yeah, I just wonder... how did such a genial explanation pop out from your mind?" Matt gets curious, before hugging him as well.

"I don't know, guys, probably when I'm falling asleep on my feet I have skills that astonish even myself! Anyway, now you two owe me a favour!" Chris states as the elevator keeps going on, floor after floor, until they reach their floor.

"Sure, mate, even more than one!" Matt and Dom assure, almost in unison.

"Fine. Then, the first one is... try not to be too noisy, goodnight!" Chris greets them, getting in his room like a sleepwalker.

The other two walk towards Matthew's room, the only place that at that time of day (or night) seems to allow them to have a sort of dialogue, but in a low voice.

"'If I keep writing to her 'I wish you were here, I wish you were here' she will be calm'... well, congratulations, Matt, we saw how calm she is!" Dominic snaps as he gathers his stuff at random.

"Well, well, words from Mr. 'If -she- doesn't –hear- from- me -she'll –understand', we saw the brilliant results of that!" Matt strikes back as he helps him.

"Ok, we are even, we're both dick-heads! Anyway, now we'll have to play the perfect boyfriends part with the girls..." the brunette points out.

"So, dick-heads and bloody, shameful liars, too!" Dominic comments, kinda upset.

"Dommy, I already explained that to you, it's not an evil lie, it's just a truth we have to delay but for a good reason, until we have the necessary calm to face everything pwoperly..." Matt clarifies, comforting him.

"Right!" Dominic recognizes with a sigh, as he carries his bags beyond the threshold.

"Except for sharing the same room and kissing, there shouldn't be anything else compromising for us, right?" Matt makes sure of it.

"Nope, whatever else could there be? Maybe a video of what we've done on the beach tonight, but it's not possible, we haven't shot any video... which is a pity. Damn, it could be such a good idea!" the blond regrets.

"Well, let's keep it in mind for our next month anniversary! Anyway, Dom... I don't know... I have the strange feeling that we did something tonight, but I really can't recall what it is." Matt confesses, as he scratches his chin with a finger.

"This is one of main consequences of getting dead drunk as we did! You know what? I have this strange feeling, too, but I'm sure it's nothing, just a joke of our imagination." Dominic shrugs.

"Coming back to the important stuff, what about a little kiss before we start the charade?" he adds, leaning to his listener who backs off and gently places a finger on his already parted lips.

"No, Dom, we'd better not. If I kissed you... I'm afraid I couldn't stop anymore!" Matthew sighs as he leaves the room with him, before each one goes to take the respective girlfriend.

Twenty minutes later, everything is settled up, every couple is in the respective bed of the respective room, ready to throw themselves in the arms of Morpheus.

When all the lights are turned off, Gaia rolls towards Matthew, getting on the top of him and placing her lips on his for a chaste goodnight kiss.

Too bad that Matt is already half sleepy.

"Dom..." he murmurs contently, but he immediately recognizes the taste of Gaia's lips, her long, waved hair almost whipping his chest in a fit of anger and mostly her body becoming tense in annoyance.

He immediately battens down the hatches.

"What's wrong, dear? I said 'home'. You make me feel at home!" he moans languidly as he caresses both her face and hair.

"Aaawwwww, Matthew!!!" the girl squeals softened, hugging him tight and then she goes back to her side of the bed, cursing herself for jumping to the wrong conclusions.

Matthew congratulates himself for his clever and prompt answer.

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

It's not due to the sunshine typical of 11:00 in the morning.

Dominic wakes up due to a daring and impudent hand that is making its own way through his boxers, crossing the fabric and getting in touch with what there's inside.

Although he's awake, his eyes are still closed, but the worst thing is that his mind is still blurry, so he ends up associating that gesture to the wrong person.

"Mm... Matt... " he groans happily, almost purring, and then he pops his eyes open, coming face-to-face with Jessica's shocked, puzzled and pissed-off expression. "..ers. I said that you are all that really matters!" he's in a tight spot, realizing in record time what situation he is into and smiling at her, sweetly.

Dominic realizes he's avoided the crisis and went even further, because Jessica grins at him, before kissing him hard, making him clearly understand that she won't stop just there.

< C'mon, my dear, pretend that it's Matt. Oh, yeah, sure. Long, silky hair, prosperous boobies, that certain thing between her legs, yeah... definitely it's Matt! > Dominic thinks disheartened, already knowing that he can't make any resistance.

************************ (In the meantime)

They aren't the only couple who is getting down. Remembering what he told her before sleeping, once she woke up, Gaia has decided she has to thank Matthew, her way. It's almost comic: there are hundreds time when Matt craved that but Gaia found thousands of excuses not to give herself to him; and just when he doesn't want it anymore, Matthew is forced to satisfy a very horny Gaia.

<C'mon, boy, it's just like a song from 'My Terrible Lost Chance': sooner or later it has to end. Probably it has the same duration...> Matt thinks listlessly, as he tries his best to welcome Gaia's movements and when they end, surprisingly, she seems to be rather pleased.

Matthew gets up from the bed, in order to have a shower. Gaia lets him do as he pleases, but then she's enlightened by the idea of following him there, to get a juicy encore. Too bad that she notices something that makes her stop in front of the shower, something that she immediately sees as soon as she gets a full view of her boyfriend's naked body, something that she hadn't a chance to get before.

"Please, tell me that it's just a joke!" she summons him, icily.

Matthew jolts both due to the surprise and what she has said, but as soon as he looks better at himself, he sees something that suddenly makes him recall everything of the previous night.

<Dom and I, dead drunk, late night, that tattoo shop still open, that insane idea of getting a tattoo on our butts, me choosing his and him choosing mine, oh, my god! So, it wasn't just a sick idea... we've done that for real! Thanking our lucky stars, we weren't so drunk to decide to have a permanent tattoo, it's just a henna tattoo. Well, permanent or not, now I'm in big, big trouble!> Matthew realizes, panic-stricken.

"That's it. It's taking you way too fucking long to answer. So, it's not a joke." the girl figures out, shocked.

"I can explain..." Matthew attempts to justifies, as he manages to get off the shower and wear a bathrobe in record time.

"There's a fucking nothing to explain! You're a pervert. You both are perverts! And to think that sometimes Jess and I joked about the fact that you were always together but... I'd never thought that... Ggrrr! For God's sake, Matt, how did you do this to me?" Gaia screams hysterically, starting to throw against him every tool she finds on the shelf near the mirror, even a very expensive after-shave that crashes on the floor, shattering in a thousand pieces, but the bottle of shampoo, the hairbrush, the jar of hair-gel and the hairdryer don't miss their target.

"Ouch! Gaia, we haven't planned that... it just happened!" Matthew barely explains, as he improves his own quickness record also in putting on his clothes and coming back to the bedroom.

"What fucking kind of justification is this? Anyway, tell me, how long has this story been going on? How long have you been fooling Jessica and me?" Gaia asks, angrier and angrier, following him.

"Oh. Well, not for long. Just for a month." he replies, realizing too late his terrible mistake: in that room there's plenty of tons of objects that can turn into dangerous weapons.

"DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT THIS IS SUPPOSED TO CONFORT ME?" she growls, furiously, grabbing the table lamp to throw it against him, but thanks to his quickness of reflex, Matt dodges the blow.

"Gaia, I know, it wasn't fair towards you, but everything happened so quickly that..." he keeps explaining, as he uses the bed as a sort of blockhouse.

"When the hell did you plan to tell us?" she goes on, grabbing the alarm clock, turning around the bed and throwing it at him before he can escape, hitting his right leg.

"Ouch! We were waiting for the end of the tour, in order to face better the whole situation."

< And mostly to avoid destroying hotel rooms and... ouch... their owners, too ! > he thinks as he approaches to her, limping a little bit.

"Anyway, Gaia, let's be honest. Dom or not, truth is that things weren't already working well anymore between us, we just carried on the aftermath of a story that was almost over." he warns her, snatching the phone from her hands, before she throws at him even that.

"Almost. That's the magic word. And you did nothing to try and save our story!" she accuses him.

"What? I've tried to involve you in everything I did, but you always seem to do me a favour every time I take you to my shows or at award ceremonies!" he accuses her.

"Matt, do you have the slightest idea of how many concerts you perform in a year? I'm already fed-up after ten shows! They are always the same... okay, maybe sometimes you change the playlist a little bit, but it doesn't make any difference!" the girl snaps as Matthew looks at her stunned.

"You had never told me that."

"What about the award ceremonies? It's always you and your damn musicians fellows, you never take me to any other social event. Look at our neighbour, he went to Tom Cruise and Kate Holmes' wedding, we didn't!" Gaia goes on with her rant.

"Damn! Don't name that jerk of George. So, are you really saying that you wanted to be at the wedding of that arrogant, stand-offish midget?" he strikes back, annoyed.

"Words from the basketball player!" she hisses, acidly.

"Hey! That's hitting below the belt!" Matt grumbles, since he has always been very touchy about the height.

"Well, it's not my fault, shorty!" she puts the boot in, enjoying his humiliated expression.

The guy becomes more serious and stares at her, deeply in her eyes.

"See? Lately we've been doing nothing but fighting and telling each other mean things, trying to make up with sentences that once were true and sincere, but now they aren't anymore. Not only now, things haven't been working well for a long while, you understand this, don't you?" he makes her think.

Gaia doesn't say a word, lowering her gaze.

"I guess it's really over. Goodbye, Matthew, you were the most special boyfriend I have ever had." she states after some minutes, approaching to him, to give him a chaste kiss that seals their goodbye.

"I'm sure you'll find a guy who is even more special than me." he comforts her.

"Anyway, forget to have back all the gifts you bought to me, especially the ring! Plus, I want another memory of our story..." she warns him, getting off the fragile and tender phase she had fallen into, as she takes a look around, until her eyes find the perfect object.

"I decided. I'll keep the trolley!" she informs him.

"NOOOOO! NEVER!!! Hands off my Pinkie!" Matthew gets alarmed. "I mean, I need him for my travels!" he justifies as he draws his wallet out from the pocket of his jeans.

"Keep this as a memory." he goes on, giving her one of his credit cards. "It's practically new, so you can buy all the trolleys you want. And much more!"

"Okay, keep your stupid trolley, I prefer the credit card. It has more value... I mean, sentimental value!" the girl states as she puts the card in her pocket, eagerly, as her eyes shine at the thought of using it for filling her 'empty, broken heart' with tons of mad shopping.

"Fine. I'll leave the house before you return from the tour, be sure of that. I'll go back to my parents, or, no, wait, that's even better. I'll stay at Jessica's and..." she announces, but then she stops. " Oh, my God, Jessica! I wonder if she has also found the truth out..." she goes on, rushing outside, at the other side of the corridor, as Matthew follows her.

From Dominic's door, the noises and the screams they can hear give them the confirmation that also Jessica has already made that bitter discovery.

Suddenly, the door slams open and a very terrified Dominic runs away, with a showy black-eye.

"Come here, you, dirty, bloody, fucking, pervert, wicked betrayer! I'm not done with you, yet!" Jessica roars, profoundly mad.

"Matthew, please, save what still remains of myself!" the blondie implores as he uses him as a shield.

"Why does she scare me even more than Chris does?" the brunette grumbles disquietly, ready to protect his beloved anyway.

"So, Jess, you found that out, too!" Gaia distracts her friend from her blind rage.

"Yeah. After all, that tattoo on their butts with their names inside a red heart was too eloquent!" Jessica explains.

"Hey, wait a minute! Their name inside a heart? Well, my dear, you haven't much to complain about, then. Matthew has a tattoo with the written 'Property of Dominic Howard'!" Gaia confesses.

"Oh. Well, you're right. You got the worst of it. Anyway, the main point is that those two worms humiliated us!" Jessica goes on, as she glares frostily both at Dom and Matt.

Drawn by that noisy mess, Chris pops out from his room.

"What the hell is goin.. ?" he slurs, still a little numb with sleep.

Dominic and mostly Matthew see him as their sheet anchor.

"You know, truth is that... it was only his fault!" Matthew explains, pointing at the oblivious bassist.

"Yep. Everything started because of an insane idea of his!" Dominic plays his game.

"Oh, my God! Chris, is that true?" Jessica asks him, puzzled.

"True what?" Chris wonders, even more puzzled.

"Yep. He forced us to kiss, and then he did it again. And he likes watching us!" Matthew says, being heavy on that.

"Bells, what the fuck are you blathering about?" Chris snaps, glaring at him.

"I'm sorry, buddy, but if my ship sinks I'm gonna take you all with me!" Matt states.

"First, what a great friend you are! Second, damn you, you named again your bloody ships... I'm gonna kill you!" Chris loses his usual temper, ready to fling himself on Matt, but Dominic intervenes promptly, holding him by his t-shirt.

"Hey! We had come to different terms. Matty, *you* were supposed to protect *me* !" the blond complains, as he holds Chris still until he cools down.

"You are so pathetic. You aren't worthy not even a minute of our time. Come on, Gaia, let's go find two men who are worthy! Someone with a *real job*!" Jessica exclaims, turning to Dom, as he rolls his eyes in answer.

"Goodbye, Matt, I'll miss your mone... I mean, the moments we spent together!" Gaia comments, victim of a Freudian slip.

< Yeah, right, I bought to you tons of stuff with my... *moments we spent together!* > Matthew ponders, annoyed, confining himself just to nod.

"Anyway, Chris, you're the worst one! You're the sickest, the most pervert, I can't believe that you really forced them to do such a thing!" Gaia accuses him, as Jessica gathers quickly all their stuff.

"But I didn't..." Chris protests. "Hey, you two! Say something!" he exhorts his friends.

"Why should we? After all, you're defending yourself so well on your own..." Matt makes fun of him.

"Plus, we already did our part. And mostly we've been already beaten up enough... ouch!" Dom adds, massaging his still aching black-eye.

"Don't worry, Dom, after I blackened your second eye, the one you have now will seem unharmed!" Chris threatens him.

"See? You're even such a violent person, so brute! Kelly should be informed that she has chosen as husband such a turbid and depraved guy. We're gonna warn her..." Gaia announces as Jessica reaches her with their bags.

"No, wait, wait!! It's just a big, majestic misunderst..." Chris attempts to clarify, but it's too late, since the two girls disappear behind the closed sliding doors of the elevator.

"So, tell me, what should I do to you now?" Chris asks the two lovers, narrowing his eyes at them.

Matthew faces his gaze, bravely.

"Tell us, do you want to stay here wasting time with us... or do you want to save your marriage before it's too late?" he makes him notice.

His only answer, Chris leaves, as he dials the more than usual phone number.

"Kelly, honey? You know how funny Gaia and Jess can be sometimes, don't you? Well, you can't even begin to imagine what they invented this time..." he informs his wife, coming back in his room.

"Oh, my poor, Dommy!" Matt comments, as he gently places his fingertips around the beaten eye.

"I told you that Jessica was aggressive ... and yet I believe I've been even too lucky. It could get much worse, trust me!" the other explains. "So, now we've finally faced them and we are free to stay together." he goes on, as he puts his head on Matt's shoulder, noticing that he's observing the elevator, with a thoughtful expression. "What's wrong?" the blond asks him.

"I don't know... I feel like I'm inside one of those sappy movies and when she leaves him, he realizes the big mistake he has made, realizes that she's the only one he really wants and follows her, running down in the street to reach her, asking her to forgive him and give him a second chance." Matthew admits, very seriously.

"Oh, I understand. So, go, go to her, I won't stop you if you want to run down in the street and win her back, just like the most predictable ending." Dominic states, as seriously as well.

The blond gets upset as he watches Matt run towards the elevator, but just when the sliding doors open, the brunette turns and run back to Dom, his serious expression replaced by a smirk.

"Oh, god! I can't believe, you really fell for it!" he exclaims, chuckling.

"So, it was just a joke! Well, it hurt me much more than the black-eye, you know? You're mean!" Dom confesses, with his classic, tender, irresistible pout.

"My sweet, sweet Dominic, there's something I've never told you..." Matt murmurs, as he captures that pout in a short, but very intense kiss. "I've never liked predictable endings too much!"

TBC

See? No cliff-hanger this time, I'm a good girl, am not I? ;P

Of course, I seriously believe that the real lovely Gaia and Jess are nothing like 'these 'hateful ones! ;)

Uhmm , I don't know, maybe I solved things way too superficially, but, c'mon, I mean... this is the kind of story that can't request too much serious stuff!

I hope you'll have fun reading it and you'll like it, but, pleeeease, let me know whatever you think!

P.S: Hold on, this story is almost over! ;) next chapter will be the last one and then there'll be the epilogue.

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enysguerrero · 5 years ago

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Happy equinox my dear creatures of the night! 🌙

I choose this magical day to present you all 'The High Priestess' My piece for the upcoming @78tarot deck. Using as a model my dear friend and amazingly gorgeous @mahafsoun 🖤

The theme of this 78tarot deck is ‘Ecological’. Quite interesting theme and also necessary.

It is a fact, our disconnection and lack of empathy towards our mother Gaia is the root of an endless number of negative and destructive behaviors that stand out in our society. We tend to see the earth as something that belongs to us, when in fact, we are the ones who belong to the earth.

I have looked for a way to connect the theme of this year and this sad moment for Mother Earth, with the piece of The High Priestess. (One of my favorite Tarot cards)

The High Priestess tells us about the hidden knowledge, I think that much of this sacred wisdom comes precisely from the depths of the earth, from the depths of the being. I have tried to represent in a metaphorical way, how we all remain connected to 'the source' and to this collective consciousness, with the branches that emerge from the center of the drawing. So, we could all have access to this knowledge, we just have to look deeper in ourselves.

The symbols that appear in the arms of the priestess and around her, are small winks that suggest part of the knowledge that she herself possesses. One of her hands is also covering one of her eyes, to remind us that sometimes, we must close our eyes and listen to our intuition.

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes" -- Carl Jung 🍂

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theblindhakune · 4 years ago

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The deep chasm underneath glowed bright green, now much more intense. A rumble, low and powerful, emanated from Gaia's very core. The planet must have sensed the approaching danger that could not be stopped without the Lifestream. The moment had come.

Sephiroth spread his arms, welcoming the tide. "Now, it will all begin anew with me!"

The group of eight warriors, short one, watched in horror. Their leader, so valiant, dashed forth to strike his blade into the one-winged angel, hoping that it could all be prevented.

A burst of green light shot up, reaching towards the blazing calamity in the sky. It swept the warriors off of their feet and swallowed the angel. Yet the saving glow never reached the surface, for the winged vessel filled itself to the brim with it. The world ran dry.

Sephiroth sat under the starry sky, barren and cold earth beneath him. His skin shined like the sun itself as this form struggled to keep everything in. The two eyes gazed up, yet they saw none of the stars' heavenly glory.

He lived every human life within a mere second. All experiences, beautiful, fleeting and full of emotion, condensed into a single tear. Only one wish remained. It escaped as a sigh, making its way towards the endless void of space. He shattered, and light consumed everything.

The silver-haired man jerked awake. He sat up, trembling and covered in cold sweat. Gasping for air, he looked around, confused of his whereabouts.

He had laid on a soft bed, covered in pure white linen. The room was spacious with its floor, walls and ceiling made of shining marble. Woven, colorful tapestries portraying landscapes, heroes and god-like monsters blanketed most of the walls. A fresh breeze of air made the curtains in front of the balcony sway. Next to him was a low, small and round table with water and fruit on it.

Sephiroth himself had lost the black leather clothing he had been used to. Now he wore a multi-layered robe whose hems had been dyed with vibrant green and deep blue. The fabric felt like the finest silk, light and soft.

He heard a sound coming from ahead. With a shaky voice he called out: "Who's there?"

A woman came into view. Her long, silver hair gleamed, framing the pale blue face. Two brilliant, magenta-colored eyes stared at him.

"Oh dear", she said, "Is everything alright, my son? Did you not sleep well?"

"...Sleep?", Sephiroth asked.

"Yes. You said you weren't feeling well and I suggested you sleep for a while." She sat on the edge of the bed. "You look scared."

"I... It all felt so...real." He grasped his arms, not fully convinced that this was reality. "You're...my mother? Jenova?"

The woman gave a smile. "Of course I am, silly! Surely you didn't forget your dear old mother because of a nap!" She observed her son's expression, turning more serious herself. "Did you?"

Thoughts ran through Sephiroth's mind. If this indeed was real, then it could only mean that he had succeeded. After all this time...

He embraced Jenova. "...I just had a terrible dream. It may take me a moment to recover."

The mother wrapped her arms around the son. "Take all the time you need. Fresh air could do you good, and the townspeople would be delighted to see you."

"Townspeople?"

"Yes, of the Nibelheim village that worship you." Jenova had a worrisome look to her. "Dear, how bad was your dream? Have you forgotten everything?"

"I only need a moment." Sephiroth got up now and made his way to the balcony. He had to see it with his own eyes.

The sun's warm rays caressed him from the moment he got outside. The mountain cliffs below were covered in lush greenery, all the way beyond even the most faraway peaks. A soft gust of wind brought in a myriad of flowery scents from the low meadows. The faintest hint of the ocean's salty smell carried over, too, hidden beneath the petals and fruit. Had the sky always been this blue?

Such beauty and sense of freedom brought tears to the man's eyes. The reality of yesterday had been a mere bad dream after all. No more fear or struggling. Sadness, despair, hatred...it was all behind him, now.

#sephiroth #fanfic #maybe i can lay this thought to rest now #at least for a moment #before it starts going any further #i've just been thinking about it a lot ok

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sin1039 · 3 years ago

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A sonic fanfiction

Harmony and Chaos prologue

Long ago there were two hedgehog brothers that ruled, protected and kept balance and order in Möbius. They say that these two brothers are a very last descendants of the old God that now lives in the center of Möbius, Gaia. The brother not only have powers beyond comprehension but they also had wings that are strong enough to carry them and fly off with speed. The elder brother, named Shadow, had the powers to rise the moon, stars and night. Some even say that he can also enter other peoples dreams while they slept. The youngest, named Sonic, had the powers to rise the sun and day. With there powers being opposite from each other, they brought balance and order to Möbius and to each other. But soon the elder brother grew jealouse and angry towards the younger brother for everyone on loved and enjoyed his brothers sunny days and none toward his dark and beautiful nights. Soon the darkness in his heart grew dark and consumed the elder brother that he allowed a nightmare demon to enter his body but not to his heart. One day the elder brother had had enough, his anger and sadness had grown even darker he finally allowed the demon into his heart and took over completely and changed from being Shadow, king of Möbius into a new being called Nightmare Doom. The younger brother did everything in his power to defeat Nightmare Doom but couldn't for in fear of hurting his elder brother in the process. But his duty came first before his heart and used these gems known as the chaos emeralds and had imprisoned Nightmare Doom, sadly along with his brother, on the moon. A prophecy was spoken saying that in a thousand years, four stars will aid Nightmare Doom in his release from his imprisonment from the moon and bring eternal darkness to Möbius once more.

(Amy's POV)

Amy:"wait did it say a thousand years? But tomorrow will make it a thousand years. Which means that the prophecy will come true!!! Tails bring me my microscope please!"

Tails:"Yes Amy."

As my assistant, Tails ran towards me with my scope, that can see into space, I grabbed it and pointed it to the sky and looked at the moon and saw four stars coming closer, slowly but surley, to the moon.

Amy:"Tails write this down for me please."

As tails brought out a paper and a pen, he awaited for me to say something for him to write.

Amy:"Dear prince Sonic, I have done some reading on the old tales of Nightmare Doom and came to my attention that tomorrow night will be a thousand years since his imprisonment which means that the four stars in the sky will aid him in his escape from the moon. I highly suggest that we take action to prevent this from happening. I shall await your orders on this predicament. Sincerely your faithful student, Amy Rose."

As Tails finished writing, he pulled out his lantern with green fire, which he put the letter in and the fire burned the letter which will appear to the prince in seconds. As I awaited for his response. Tails looked confused and I knew that he was going to say something.

Tail:"Amy don't you think that your over reacting a little on this? I mean after all its an old story from the old kingdom."

Amy:"Tails this is serious, you know that its not just a story, it holds many truth from the old kingdom and besides, Prince Sonic trusts me highly than anyone else in the kingdom. We just need to wait for his orders on the situation is all.

Soon the green fire in the lantern glowed brightly and soon grew brighter and a letter came out from the flame. As soon as the letter appeared I read what it had to say and I read it out loud so Tails can hear it too.

Amy:"My trusted student, I am glad that you take such high interest with the old kingdom and its tales. But you need to get your head out of those books. I have a more important job for you to do before tomorrow night. Tomorrow night, I'll be rising the sun in a town known as knottinghole this year. I need you to make sure that all preparation for that day is ready. While you are there you shall be staying in their local library and I have one more thing for you to do and that is, make some friends. Sincerely, Prince Sonic."

I couldn't believe it, he wasn't going to take action on what I had discovered in the books. He wanted me to go to some town and mingle with others. I have no time for friends!

Tails:"I'll get our stuff and get us train tickets for today so we can start heading off."

Amy:"I....very well Tails, I just hope I'm wrong on this....

To be continued...

#shadow the hedgehog #sonic oc #sonic fanart #sonic the hedgehog #amy rose #sonic fanfiction

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mxgilray · 4 years ago

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Art Commissions Now Open

Hello dear tumblrites!

So, I have decided to open up art commissions for the first time since Gaiaonline days when I did avatar art for Gaia coins.

I specialize in realistic animal art, anime style fanart, and human portraits. I am skilled with artist's pens, watercolors, colored pencils, sketch pencils, and enjoy doing stippling and cross medium styles. I have dabbled in digital art in the past and could be open to it, though I find I'm better with physical mediums. I will not do NSFW art.

I have no idea how much to charge, or if anyone would even be interested, but I had my final day of work last Friday and won't start my research job until the end of August so I've got time to kill and a need for income.

Here are some examples of art I've done in the past year, each one took between 2 to 10 hours to complete.

And these are pieces I did between 2016 and 2020

I am open to pricing suggestions, and if anyone is currently interested in commissioning a piece from me we can discuss the price and figure out something that works for the both of us!

#art #my art #art commissions #art commission #pet portrait #fanart #taylor swift art #pokemon art #animal art #descendants fanart #nier fanart #pokemon fanart #dnd art

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autumnslance · 4 years ago

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((Shadowbringers 5.3-5.4. I wanted to have this done by the 15th of January but didn’t quite manage it because these two idiots are wordy as heck, and I initially started in the wrong place and POV. I wrote roughly 8000 words total and only ended up using half of them. There are letters and pining and admitting things happening here.

Below the cut as usual for those who prefer Tumblr to Ao3, but the formatting may work better on that site.))

Aeryn stepped through the mirror and into the familiar space of the Ocular, taking a moment to reorient herself after the rush of journeying between worlds. Once the vertigo had passed she left the Tower, the Crystarium guards greeting her as she crossed the Exedra. It took some questioning before she was finally pointed to where Ryne was currently; training with Captain Lyna just outside the city gates.

She simply watched for a time as Lyna tried to keep her distance while Ryne tried to close in. Aeryn did not announce herself, simply noting how Ryne’s bladework had improved, at least one new trick learned since the last time Aeryn had watched her fight.

“That is enough for now,” Lyna said as they reached a breakpoint in their dance. “And the Warrior of Darkness has waited long enough,” she continued with a wry smile in Aeryn’s direction.

Ryne started, then turned with a grin, hurrying over to give Aeryn a hug. “It’s good to see you! Oh sorry, I’m all sweaty…”

Aeryn laughed, brushing damp strands of hair from Ryne’s reddened face. It was still winter in Eorzea, but in Norvrandt spring was on the horizon and the morning was warm. “Not to worry. Hope you don’t mind the interruption.”

Lyna waved them off. “Go on; we can catch up later.”

Aeryn nodded, knowing the captain wanted word of her grandfather, and G’raha had given Aeryn a small package to deliver, but that would wait until Lyna was off duty and had readied herself. There was an order to such things with the stoic woman.

Instead, Aeryn turned back to Ryne and smiled. Had she gotten taller? “I have a question, if you’ll indulge me.”

“Of course!” Ryne answered as they walked across the bridge into the city. “What is it you need?”

“I have a note from Thancred; he and Urianger are currently on a mission, but he left me instructions for tod--well. The day it is back on the Source.”

“I see. What are the instructions?”

“I’m to ask you about the black willow box he kept in his room here.”

Ryne paused, a little sharp breath escaping. “Ryne?” Aeryn asked.

“Sorry! It’s just I was under strict instruction never to open the box, though I have the key now, of course; I still didn’t dare. It’s where he kept,” she hesitated.

“Kept what?”

“I’ll show you; it’s a good thing--I think--that he wants you to see. Come on!” Ryne dashed toward her apartment as if she hadn’t just completed a long practice session with the captain of the guard. Aeryn picked up her own pace to follow along after.

It did not take long for them to reach the apartment Ryne used to share with Thancred. As the girl opened the door, Aeryn realized it was the first time she had returned to these rooms since the Scions’ departure from the First. It was much as she remembered, though lacking Thancred’s continued presence. Evidence of Gaia’s frequent visits were visible instead, from lipstick-stained coffee mugs at the sink to dark ribbons left on an end table to a book that did not seem to be to Ryne’s taste on a sofa cushion.

Ryne paused in front of the door that had led to Thancred’s small room. “I haven’t been in here since,” she trailed off, shaking her head. “Gaia and Taynor sorted most of it, actually, so only a few personal things remain. I should probably move to a smaller suite to let someone else use the space…”

“Maybe you need a roommate,” Aeryn suggested. “Perhaps Gaia could stay with you.”

Ryne reddened. “We’ve considered it, but I’m just…” She gave a helpless little laugh as she shrugged, looking up at Aeryn apologetically. “I’m just not quite ready, I think. It’s silly, but there’s a part of me that keeps hoping they’ll find a way--a safe way--to return. Even just for a little while.”

Aeryn squeezed Ryne’s shoulder. “It’s not silly,” she said quietly. “And I keep hoping that, too. Fairly certain Y’shtola has it at the top of her projects list.”

Ryne laughed, truly this time. “She would!” She looked at the door again. “The box should be on the shelf above the writing desk,” she offered Aeryn a small key. “I’ll let you see for yourself.”

Aeryn nodded, taking the little key and entering the room.

It was familiar, yet unfamiliar. Always small, it had kept from being cramped mainly by virtue of Thancred’s own minimalist tendencies with his added reluctance of accumulating things on the First that he would have to leave behind in the end. Even so, the room felt barren, many necessities and items missing, given away to be used by others in need among the Crystarium’s residents; naught went to waste while still usable.

The bed was neatly made; her eyes lingered for a moment, recalling a handful of pleasant times curled up together in it. They had often met in her own chambers for privacy, especially when feeling the need for more than simple closeness. There was a bench under the shuttered window; he used to clean his gunblade there, storing materials and parts in a chest beneath the bench. Nothing remained but the seat.

The writing desk was really a tall square table, a stool for the chair, in a corner of the room. Two simple shelves hung on the wall above it, some of Thancred’s personal effects that remained neatly placed upon them. The black willow box was a simple but lovely piece of old Nabaath make. It was familiar only in that it was a part of the room, always upon the shelf above the desk, a background decoration.

She had to stretch a little to pull the small box down. She unlocked it, pondering what it could contain for one last moment before opening the lid to find out.

Neatly folded pages, Thancred’s familiar handwriting covering them, five different bundles marked by Vrandtic dates in Eorzean lettering. The earliest one was dated five--no, six years ago now, in the midst of Thancred’s first year in this world, just after the Vrandtic new year. The second bundle was dated a year later. Then the third, then a fourth. The final bundle broke the date pattern, written...She shivered. The dates would have been the time after they assaulted Mt Gulg and before seeking Emet-Selch and the Exarch in the Tempest, when she had lain in a Light-induced fever for days in between.

All of the letters, long and detailed, were addressed to her.

Aeryn carried the box to the window and opened the shutters, letting in the natural light of day. She sat at the bench, picked up the first letter, and began to read, brows already rising at the first line.

My Dear Aeryn,

It’s been roughly half a year, to me, since I arrived in this world. We search for a means to send me back, but given the dangers, it’s difficult to say if we shall ever be successful. I hold onto hope, given we have made the impossible happen more than once—particularly when you are involved.

I know so much less time is passing for you, even as time is difficult to track beneath the eternal Light, but the people still mark the hours and days as best they can--perhaps better than we do in the Source, reliant as we are upon the sun and stars. So as the calendar year turns to a new page, I find myself confronted by reminders of you at every turn, my own mind noting the dates, as if counting down to your nameday in truth.

Violas grown in the Hortorium call to mind your favored hair decoration and your scents carried with it. The heather meadows and clear mountain springs of Il Mheg make me think of the taste of your magic. Treasure hunters in Mord Souq unearth duelist rapiers reminiscent of your combat style. The grey waters of a lake, shifting in color and tone under the burning sky, remind me of your eyes and ever-shifting moods.

I think of our new situation, how fragile it all still seems, our duties as Scions, the distance between Ala Mhigo and Doma keeping us apart more often than I liked. Especially after already having denied my own interests for far longer than I care to admit.

I fear now, not knowing when I may return to your side--in whatever capacity--that I am forgetting important things, and I very much do not want to. So indulge me as I list your various qualities that I admire, to remind myself why I allowed myself to maintain my impossible infatuation for so long, even as you became one of my dearest friends...

Aeryn eyes widened as she turned to the next page, then quickly checked the several pages following; Thancred had indulged his bardic habits, writing in verse and engaging in wordplay. Even the most innocent descriptions and memories of moments together, professional and extremely personal, were laden with puns and innuendo--not entirely unexpected from him.

She was mostly through the verses, trying to parse every dedicated line, when a knock at the door startled her.

“Aeryn?” Gaia called. “Everything all right?”

She cleared her throat. “Fine; I’ve quite a bit of reading to do, though; I may need some water.”

The door opened, Gaia appearing with a tray already in hand. “Ryne thought you might--are you all right? You’re redder than I have ever seen, and that’s saying something.”

Aeryn pressed a hand to her warm cheeks. “I’m fine. Just...wasn’t expecting some of what I found so far.”

“Is that good or bad?” The girl asked, setting the tray on the nearby side table in easy reach. There was a small tea service and also ice water, bless them.

“It’s...Better than good,” Aeryn replied. “I may be awhile, though.”

Gaia shrugged in her nonchalant, pretending-not-to-care way. “Doesn't matter to me, but I was going to drag Ryne out for a while, just so you know. You’ll be fine here by yourself--won’t you?” A little genuine care came through in the last two words, despite her attempts to seem otherwise.

Aeryn nodded.

“All right. Enjoy your reading, and we’ll see you later.” Gaia gave a little wave before leaving, quietly closing the door behind her.

Aeryn cleared her throat again, sipping the cup of minty green tea--bless those girls again--and set the first letter aside for now. She would get back to that later; alone in her own room, where she could bury her face in a pillow and shriek like a schoolgirl when overwhelmed by his words, godsdamn him. For now, the second bundle had her curious.

My Dearest Aeryn,

I almost let the date slip by, I am ashamed to say. So much has happened in recent weeks...

She read through two pages of his recounting Minfilia’s story and the reincarnations that had followed, offering a small hope to Norvrandt; of Urianger and Y’shtola’s arrival, his anger at the spell’s failure and yet relief at seeing Urianger again; and their shift in focus upon learning of the Eighth Umbral Calamity.

...Urianger’s vision of the Calamity, of our deaths, is a sobering thought. The idea of you fallen especially freezes my blood. I cannot bear the thought.

So I redoubled my efforts to rescue the girl bearing Minfilia’s name and appearance. She sleeps now on a cot in this Mord town as I write. She can’t be more than twelve or thirteen summers; a frail little thing with no skills aside from reading books thicker than she is, and asking innumerable questions. They taught her nothing, simply locked her in a windowless cell under the waterline. For at least ten years, that is all the child’s known. If the fate Urianger saw for us makes my blood freeze, her situation makes it boil again. Should I chance to meet Eulmore’s General--the man responsible for her “care”--I will let him know exactly what I think.

Tomorrow Minfilia and I shall attempt to reach Nabaath Areng, the site of the Flood’s halting; the girl says she must go there, as if pulled. I have a hope I dare not voice yet. The Blessing of Light does work in such interesting ways.

But that is on the morrow; tonight, though a day late, I wished to write to you as I did last year. With the date in mind you have also been in my thoughts--when I’ve had a moment to think, at least--and I find myself recalling more and more often the little things. Simple things. Things I fear I may forget, having been here for years now, years without the way you tilt your head when you have a question. It initially annoyed me actually, you were so quiet but now, gods I would give much to be in your silence again, to see that quizzical look. Anything to see the little furrow between your brows when you’re thinking. When you prop your chin on your hands as you stare out a window, tea forgotten in your hand. How you unconsciously wriggle and make faces as you read, reacting to the pages, lips silently moving as you devour each word...

“Oh I do not,” Aeryn muttered--realizing in the same moment that she was doing that now. She sipped her tea and kept reading, noting how he wrote, as much as what; the moments where he had scratched out words, or underlined others. The splots where the pen had sat on the page a moment longer than normal as he thought of what he wanted to admit to. The way the letters slanted in places where he was eager. There was no poetry this time, fewer puns and word play. He had written when tired and possibly injured, given the shakiness of some lettering.

There were places where he couldn’t remember clearly--what perfume had she worn on the day of a particular memory? Was she wearing her red coat, or a blue dress in another? He wasn’t certain.

The letter wrapped up several pages later.

...I must get some sleep, given the long trek across the Amber Hills awaiting. I don’t know what will happen when we arrive, but whatever it is, I’ll keep the girl safe. Taking care of her is the only thing I can do, lacking the skills of the Exarch and our colleagues. Particularly now that we have abandoned the idea of going home--yet. I still don’t know how I feel about that, having struggled to find a way back for so long now, but there must be a home to return to. To save ourselves, we must save this realm. Forgive me; as much as I yearn to see you again, I wish for you to live far more. Despite everything, I still remain

Yours, Thancred.

Aeryn drew in a sharp breath; the previous letter’s signature had been much simpler, after all the floweriness of the verses. This simpler, newsy, reminiscent letter had such a different feel to it, so much changing for him in that year. Her eyes kept drifting to that closing.

It took a few moments before she was able to refold that bundle and open the next.

His next year in the First; this one another detailed description of events he survived, and quite a lot about Ryne, still only known as Minfilia at the time.

...I actually began this letter yesterday, as we rested in a small inn at the edge of the Greatwood. I thought of seeking out Y’shtola, but am unfamiliar with those dark and twisting paths, and was low on ammunition. Minfilia was exhausted, unable to fight or imbue cartridges, and I won’t risk her more than our constant travels already do.

It was she who reminded me that I had been writing, before she made me take my rest as well. I’ve never told her about these letters, but she’s a bright girl and I have told her of you. Sometimes it’s simply because she is curious about you, and the hope that you’ll come here and save yourself, as well as the rest of us. Many times though I don’t mean to say anything, but the stories simply come, like a slumbering spring awoken by new rains, bubbling up and overflowing the riverbanks.

It’s something about her, I suppose, that makes me remember, and so I must speak before the memories fade back into the dustier corridors of my mind. Perhaps an effect of her unique Blessing? Or perhaps simply her childish curiosity drawing it out of me.

There’s a selfish part of me that wants you to meet her. It would mean that you’re here, for one, but also I think you two would get along. She’s a good girl--with her moments of petulance and stubbornness, as many youths are wont, but she’s come such a long way already, has learned so quickly.

I fear influencing her. The choice she must make is so important, and it must be hers. You would be a much better role model; you inspire others to do what’s best simply by your presence. I’ve felt the lack of you more keenly this last year than ever before...

Aeryn read through, noting he wrote it more like a conversation she had yet to answer. Memories of their adventures and companionship were woven through the words more naturally as he spoke to her. She smiled as he spent a good chunk of the letter not even realizing how he had gushed about Ryne and all she had learned and how she had grown in that first year they spent together, as if he were trying to ensure Aeryn would love the child as much as he so obviously did--even if the foolish man hadn’t been able to tell the girl so until it had almost been too late.

But then, that was Thancred; locking his thoughts and feelings behind stoicism, snark, and literally in a box on a shelf.

She traced her nail along the letters of his name--again signed “Yours”--before tucking that bundle away and picking up the fourth.

By this time the twins were somewhere in Norvrandt, though Thancred had no opportunity to see them as Eulmore’s hunters were ever close. He wrote to Aeryn of his frustration with how many Scions had come to the First but she was still so far away and still in so much danger, alongside the rest of the Source and this shard itself. If she couldn’t come to Norvrandt to break the Light’s hold over the realm then the girl would have to make her choice sooner rather than later--and perhaps face the same fate as all of her predecessors.

He admitted that he feared both of those outcomes. He seemed to have begun to cross out that line, but had stopped himself.

...A nasty part of me believes you will never receive these nameday letters. That these are simply my way of remembering yet another important woman in my life I will never see again. I try not to dwell on such thoughts, try to keep busy, but you know me. Perhaps better than anyone since our Minfilia. How I wish I could speak with you again; patrolling through Mor Dhona, lunch at Rowena’s cafe, stargazing on the roofs of Ala Mhigo, reading in the Waking Sands’ dusty library. Simply holding you until we fall asleep, those few, rare moments we had. You always made me say more than I ever meant to; you’ve a way of drawing me out despite myself—and failing that, of simply being there as a brilliant, warm presence.

There are places here I want to show you, things I want to share. Yet I fear your coming, what it will mean. What changes I’ve experienced. What we had was...comfortable, and felt right, after so long, and yet it was still so new and fragile. I used to be confident in my ability to be delicate, but these last few years with this girl have made me feel boorish and clumsy. And I know I have changed, not just because of her, but everything in this hard world. Will you recognize me when we meet? Will you still want me, when you were already so uncertain before?

I suppose I shan’t know until you’re here, or we find a way home. Given the Exarch’s record, the former seems more likely. And it still worries me, much as I know it’s the better course to preserve all we hold dear...

Aeryn stared out the window for a long moment; she had known of his doubts, his fears; when she had arrived and finally found him again, it had been difficult. Yet despite everything, they had gotten past it.

She eyed the final bundle, slimmer than the rest, those dates seeming so heavy though she had no conscious recollection of them, given her state at the time. Having finished the tea, she poured a glass of water and began to read.

Aeryn,

Ryne assures us you will still be Aeryn when you wake; her wards hold for now. I pray long enough to find a cure for what those bastards did to you. What we did to you, unknowing. Will you be pleased to know I have not struck Urianger for his part? I was too tired and injured as we returned, and occupied with carrying you besides. Now I simply am too weary in heart and mind to conjure that initial anger, and he has had time to explain how the Exarch coerced him into his confidence.

I am still not happy about it.

For five years I waited to see you again, thought about you through many days and most nights--such as they are, here. It’s funny what one can become accustomed to in time. Finally seeing you again was a jolt to every one of my senses as the missing you had long since become more real to me, much as I longed for your presence.

And as I feared, you hesitated. I don’t blame you; I know this place changed me. What we had back home was still so new, despite the prior years we had known each other. So I tried to be content to merely be in your company once more. We had rebuilt our friendship once, we could do it again. I had been a fool to think I deserved more.

Then you sought me out in Rak’tika. Do I need to tell you how you intoxicated me that day? I hope I was a comfort, both in words and in the release you needed. The distance still felt too great, but this much, at least, I could give. I thought it would be enough, to simply be what you needed in the moment.

I know now that I was once again fooling myself.

These last few months traveling and fighting and just being together have been a strange mix of stress and relief; our mission had been dangerous and difficult in so many ways, and yet working together, it was hard not to get caught up in the optimism, in the feeling that things would turn out, that we would find a way.

And you were here; your quizzical headtilts, your faces when you read, the white flowers in your hair. Your silences, your laughter, your strength in combat and your helping with every common chore in the vicinity. I thought I could simply be happy to bask in your steady light.

But now, seeing it tear you apart, it is not enough; it never was, and never will be. I can live with it, should that be your wish. My wish, however, is to continue what we had once begun. To hold you close not only occasionally but always.

Aeryn felt a hard lump in her throat; there was a decent space between the lines, the ink thick where he had hesitated, the initial letters shaky. Still he had written them:

I am in love with you, Aeryn.

It’s taken me time to collect myself after rereading what I just wrote and fighting the urge to burn the whole page. A part of me fears that you will scoff, though the greater part of me knows--hopes--better of you.

And the gods know you deserve better than me, but if you’ll have me, I certainly won’t complain.

I know after everything with Ryne I ought to say it to you aloud. That it may already be too late to do so. I pray that isn’t the case. I pray I find the courage and the words both to say what you deserve to hear. Even should you never reciprocate; if that should be the case, you shall never hear another whisper from me on the matter.

But I hold out a small hope, that you will, that you do. That we will have the chance to discuss the matter further. That you survive.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. I only know I’ll be at your side until the end; there’s nowhere else I can be.

Ryne is calling; hold on just a little while longer, darling.

Yours always, Thancred.

She covered her face with her hands, emotions and memories flooding over her. There were words before finally confronting Emet-Selch in his memory of Amaurot. More than words on returning to the Crystarium, bodies twined together in relief and comfort.

Then she had returned to the Source to report their success. She came back to the First as quickly as she could, though; not only was there still much work to do, but he was here, and things were...not exactly different, but not quite the same, either.

As she reread the last page, she noticed a swiftly written addendum on the back. She turned it over.

I carried these letters all the way to the Tempest, thinking if I failed to say anything I might at least give them to you--they are yours, after all. But of course no time seemed right, and with a screwing of my courage (and pointed prodding from Urianger), at the last I was able to say what I wished. Miraculously, you said it too.

And now here we are, you peacefully asleep while the night sky wheels overhead and I still hear the celebrations outside despite the ungodly hour. I’ll rejoin you in a moment, but I needed some time to attempt to process the last few days. What happened in the Tempest. The fact you’re alive, and healthy, and claim to love me in return.

I’m not entirely certain why, but I won’t complain, either.

Rereading these letters, I’m not sure I’m quite ready to hand them over yet. They’ll return to their box for now, and perhaps in a few days I’ll be ready to show you.

Aeryn laughed lightly; of course he had hesitated to share them. The letters showed all his vulnerabilities behind the serious, confident facade he had developed. And with everything in the Empty, and then Elidibus, it was no wonder the letters had fallen to the wayside.

Until her actual nameday on the Source had come around, his note delivered with her breakfast by Tataru per Thancred’s instructions while he was on his latest reconnaissance. It wasn’t as if he could have brought the letters with him, after all--nor given them to her in front of the rest of the Scions in the Ocular, nevermind how public their relationship was now.

She rubbed her face--she had cried more than a few times while reading--and replaced the letters in the box. She locked it, and pocketed the key.

The girls were still out so it was no trouble to take the tea service to the sink and clean it, along with the other dishes, giving her time and activity to settle. She finished by washing her own face, removing some evidence of her emotion.

Since the first year she had joined the Scions, they had given each other gifts; she had discovered his nameday from Minfilia, gifting him the orchestrion roll of a song she knew he liked from a favorite minstrel. Her own first nameday as a Scion had been missed due to Lahabrea and Baelsar’s schemes, but Thancred was certain to make up for it. Sometimes they were late, or even early, but they always managed a little something, even as friends.

Aeryn took the box with her as she left Ryne’s apartment. She still had a few people to see while here on the First--starting with Lyna and the messages from G’raha--but then she would retire to her own suite in the Pendants and do a bit of rereading.

And maybe a bit more once she returned home, too; after all, if she timed it right, it would still be her nameday, and the best time to reread her present.

#Final Fantasy XIV #Lyn Writing #Shadowbringers #Thancred Waters #Thancred x WoL #Shippy Nonsense #Aeryn Striker #Pining

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