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aprilsrant · 5 years ago

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Be brave, little wizard.

PAIRING: Neville Longbottom x Aunt!Reader (platonic, of course) | Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader.

SUMMARY: (Y/N) and Alice have been best friends since they were kids, way before Hogwarts. After everythin that happened to her and Frank, (Y/N) is the one that takes care of Neville.

WORD COUNT: 2,9k

WARNINGS: pretty sad, angst, character death, change of canon (big detail but i think it was necessary), mentions of Neville’s parents being tortured, reader kills someone, ups. If there are more and there aren’t here, please tell me.

A/N: This took me ages to even start and I’m really sorry, but now that’s here I feel so proud of it. This has to be the fic of my own that I love the most even if I broke my own heart while writing it. The end is kind of rush because it was almost 3am, sorry.

English is not my first language.

MASTERLIST | WORK IN PROGRESS.

Gif below is not mine.

One could never find Alice Fortescue and (Y/N) (Y/L/N) far away from one another, one of them would always follow the other. Both girls became joined by the hip after a particularly hot day in July when (Y/N) and her family visited the Ice Cream Parlour on Diagon Alley, owned by Alice’s uncle, Florean.

After that, Alice and (Y/N) did everything together meaning it wasn’t a surprise to anyone that their friendship only grew stronger on their days at Hogwarts. They had their fair share of fights of course, people always do, whether the matter is relevant or silly, but they knew better: arguments happen and proving your point might be important, but friendships hold more value than being right.

Although the Wizarding World was turning more dark and dangerous with every passing second because of Voldemort’s hunger for power and his ruthless Death Eaters hunting down muggleborns and what they liked to call blood traitors, Alice and (Y/N) still tried to find joy and happiness in the littlest of things, exciting over Alice and Frank’s wedding, daydreaming about the day they could get a proper and big ceremony, instead of a small gathering with the closest of friends and family members.

On July, 30th of 1980, (Y/N) understood what Alice was to her. The girl with the plump, always happy looking face was, not only her closest confidant, but her sister as well. They may not have been related by blood, yet they loved each other like family. Thick as thieves, as the muggles would say.

(Y/N) had barely sat in the brown, ugly chair beside her best friend’s hospital bed, with her newborn boy asleep and unaware of the silent tears running through both of the girl’s cheeks, when Alice confided.

“We want you to be Neville’s Godmother.”

Her eyes stopped looking at the baby boy tucked in her arms to glance towards Alice’s direction, who was now being hugged from behind by Frank, both of them with large grins on their faces and reassuring expressions.

“M-Me?”

“Well, of course you, (Y/N)!,” exclaimed Frank before letting go of Alice for a second and getting shushed by both of them to keep him from disturbing Neville, “you are practically Alice’s sister after so many years of friendship,” he continued, now in a more quiet voice.

“He’s right, you are my sister and I can’t think of anyone else being better than you as his godmother.”

Several hours later, Harry Potter, son of Lily Evans and James Potter, was born. (Y/N) had gone to their room a day after to deliver her congratulations along with the ones from Alice and Frank, encountering Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew hunched down over the crib in which Harry was sleeping peacefully, staring at his small frame and his tiny chest barely rising with every breath.

None of them imagined how fast things could change for the worse.

(Y/N) knew Alice’s choice of career was dangerous, being an Auror was never an easy task but with Death Eaters and Voldemort bringing chaos and destruction to their world, the job was even harder. Still, she never thought she would be escorted to St. Mungo’s after receiving the news that her best friend, her sister, and her husband had been tortured by a group of blood supremacists seeking for their Master, not after also learning about the Potter’s deaths and how they’d been betrayed.

A healer explained to her what had happened to them, but she didn’t care, she didn’t want to listen; she didn’t have the strength for it. She could only sit beside Alice and grab her hand, and cry and beg someone, anyone, to bring her back.

“Alice, please, I need you, please,” (Y/N) repeated between sobs, almost like a mantra, ”Neville needs you, he is your son and- and he needs his mother, please, Alice. You can’t leave us.”

During her fourth day in the hospital, which she would only leave to eat and shower because of Augusta Longbottom’s insistence, a diveleshed Remus Lupin walked through the doors of the Janus Thickey Ward. He sat down beside (Y/N) and neither of them talked for a long time, until Remus decided he needed to say something.

“I don’t have much to say, (Y/N), but I know how close you were and I’m so sorry,” the boy whispered while reaching to grab her hand in an attempt to comfort her.

“I’m sorry too, Remus,” she whispered back, biting her lip and trying to not cry again,” neither of them deserved this.”

Neither did us, the pair thought.

“Where is Harry?,” (Y/N) asked him, suddenly remembering that the Potters had left a child too, “is he staying with you?”

“N-No, no. He is with Lily’s sister,” Remus answered after swallowing harshly, “what about Neville?”

“Augusta, Frank’s mum, will take care of him.” (Y/N) glanced over the old woman sitting beside her son while her grandchild rested on his crib. “I’ve been thinking about asking her if I can move in with them, I- I don’t feel like being alone right now.”

“You are always welcomed to visit me,” he assured in a low voice, as if he wasn’t sure of how she would react, “I know we weren’t the closest of friends back in Hogwarts, but- but you can count with me, we can count with each other.”

The sixteen year old (Y/N) would have been a stuttering mess if Remus Lupin had said that to her back in their sixth year at Hogwarts. Alice would have laughed at her embarrassed expression, joked about her sweaty hands and insisted that the Gryffindor returned her feelings, to which she would refuse to accept.

Now her best friend was in the hospital, a place she could never leave, her husband in the same condition and their son would have to grow up without his parents. She would have the chance to watch Neville first steps, to hear his first words, to celebrate the arrival of his Hogwarts letter at the age of eleven, to compliment his achievements, to just be there for him every time he’ll need it. It wasn’t fair and she would give her soul in an instant to anyone that claimed they could bring Alice and Frank back, even if it meant not seeing them again.

Taking care of Neville was easier than (Y/N) had expected. He’d only cry if he was hungry or if his diapers needed change, and for moments the woman wished for him to be more like the kind of babies who won’t let you sit down and relax, so then she wouldn’t have to force herself to block the blinding rage, the never ending desire for vengeance and, the worst of all, the guilt sinking down in her stomach and numbing her mind every single time Neville would look at her and smile, or whenever a giggle would escape his mouth after watching (Y/N) conjure tiny, golden lights with her wand.

The first time Neville properly talked, which meant he didn’t just babble like he usually did, (Y/N) swallowed all of her tears in front of Augusta and only let them out behind her room’s closed door after dinner. That same night, she sent a message through her Patronus to Remus, asking if she could Apparate in his flat right away. When she received an affirmative answer, she didn’t waste any time, quickly informing Augusta where she was going in case of an emergency.

The minute she was in front of his door, she’d started to regret her decision. What was she thinking? They weren’t particularly close, they would see each other from time to time since he would visit Neville once or twice every two weeks and he would go with her to see Alice and Frank, but never really talked about the important things, just making light conversation and asking each other how they were doing, both of them knowing that neither would answer the question truthfully.

After coming to the conclusion that she needed to do this, needed someone to confide in, (Y/N) raised her fist and knocked on the door two times, waited, and knocked again —his idea so they could know it was the other behind the door—.

On the other side of the threshold was Remus Lupin with his wand pointed towards her.

“Bowtruckle,” she said confidently, although her hand was clutching tightly around her wand.

“Thunderbird.”

She loathed the idea of having safe words, but he had insisted on it because of the few Death Eaters still on the run and causing havoc. Even if she’ll never mention it to him, the second the word she had picked up for him to say left his mouth, tranquility invaded her system, calming down most of her fears.

“We could have chosen better words,” (Y/N) commented while she entered his apartment, which looked like he had tried to tidy everything up before her arrival but had failed miserably. The space was small, not a problem since he lived alone, but that meant you could see all of the rooms. There were mugs on every surface, clothes thrown over the sofa and a bin filled to the top with chocolate wrappers.

“The whole place is a mess, I’m sorry,” he rushed to say while flicking his wand and enchanted the cups to clean themselves, different items of clothes, mostly sweaters, flew across the flat and ended up in the laundry basket, “I-I wasn’t expecting you to come today.”

“It’s good, Remus, I don’t mind,” (Y/N) assured, following him and sitting down on the maroon sofa that occupied pretty much all of the living room, “I should be the one apologising for showing up with such short notice and at this hour, but I… I guess I needed someone to talk to.”

“Oh, okay. Did something happen? Is Neville alright?”

“Yes, yes, he’s fine, brilliant actually,” she answered quickly to not worry him,” the thing is, he said his first word today and, and, well, he called me mum.”

“And now you feel guilty,” Remus assumed. (Y/N) had filled with tears once more, blurring her sight and dripping down her cheeks. When she started to sob, shaking her shoulders while her hands tried to muffle the sounds, Remus understood it wasn’t just guilt, but the grief she hadn’t let herself experience. Pulling her closer to him, Remus rested his chin on top of her head while his arms embraced her figure.

“I- I don’t know what to do, Remus,” she whimpered, “I’m not, I’m not trying to replace her, I swear.” Her hands found his old, forest green sweater, fingers clutching desperately to the fabric while her cries increased. “I could never replace her.”

“You are not replacing Alice, (Y/N),” he denied. His fingertips rubbing her arm tenderly, knowing nothing would be enough to comfort but still trying, just for her to know he was there. “You’re doing your best and there’s nothing wrong with Neville seeing you as a mother figure.”

“I don’t want him to,” the words left her mouth in a whisper, as if she was scared of what Remus would think of her for saying them out loud, for crossing her mind, “I shouldn’t be his mother figure because she should be here. She should be the one to feed him, to play with him, to get to know him and- and she is not, she is not here, Remus.”

Neville is four years old when he asks his Auntie (Y/N), because yes, he understands that she is not her mother, about the middle size portrait hung in the living room. The little boy doesn’t recognise the man nor the woman carrying a baby painted in it, for they don’t like his aunt, or granny or Remus, (Y/N)’s friend who always gives him chocolate when Augusta is not in the room.

(Y/N)’s heart beats loudly after hearing her godson’s question, the tightness in her chest making her feel trapped. Sitting down Neville beside her on the sofa, she glanced down to the boy, who was the spitting image of Alice.

“The people in the picture are your parents, Nev,” (Y/N) began in a soft tone, her fingers playing tenderly with the curls of his brown hair, “and the baby the woman, your mother, is carrying is you of course.”

“Why aren’t they here?,” he asked after climbing and settling on her lap, his head raised to look at his aunt.

“Because they- they need to be in another place.”

“Will they- will they come back, auntie?”

“I don’t know, Nev,” she lied while hugging him and planting a delicate kiss on one of his round cheeks, the lump on her throat growing.

She’d hoped he didn’t ask more questions or else she’ll have to explain the tears. He didn’t.

(Y/N) wouldn’t dare to say that the pain and the guilt abandoned her completely, but with each passing year things got just a little bit easier and her heart less heavy.

The first time Neville visited his parents wasn’t so terrible as she had imagined. (Y/N) had put him aside before entering the doors leading to the Janus Thickey Ward and explained, one more time, the situation to him, making sure he was ready.

“You need to be brave, little wizard. I’ll be by your side every step of the way.”

Neville was nine years old when Alice gave him a gum wrapper, something that quickly became a “tradition” between the two of them, mother and son. She would never recover and she would never watch Neville grow up and become a man, but such simple gesture showed him consistency and, most importantly, that Alice’s love for him could never be taken away from her.

People would pity the death most of the time, (Y/N) had been guilty of it, but after everything that had happened she realized it was so much worse for those left behind. You are expected to overcome your grief and move on with your life, but the void and the mark someone is capable of leaving in you never goes away and it’s the reason why it hurts so much to lose them.

Although (Y/N) hadn’t been alone, Augusta and Neville would never understand her pain and she’d never understand theirs for they were very different. Therefore, Remus Lupin became her rock in the darkest times and she became his, confiding in each other during their most vulnerable moments.

They would spend entire days together, playing with Neville and telling him stories of their years at Hogwarts; drinking tea near the fireplace during winter while discussing books, politics, muggle movies or whatever topic they could think of; celebrating birthdays just for the sake of Neville, who loved the cake and giving presents. It was clear that falling in love with Remus hadn’t been much difficult for her, it was, instead, getting him to open up and let her in his life in a whole new way.

(Y/N) respected his decision, it was better to have Remus as a close friend and companion than not have him at all. She would stay with him on the days near the full moon —he told her after quite a few shots of Firewhisky and she admitted she’d been suspecting for a long time now—, look after his wounds and sleep on his sofa, because she could never take his bed in those nights (especially the rough ones).

On May 2nd, he left her behind.

However, she had barely escaped the claws of death, her only thought being Neville and how she needed to stay alive for him.

Bellatrix Lestrange was the last Death Eater standing, the mad woman fighting Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger in the middle of the Great Hall, while Harry Potter faced Voldemort all by himself.

(Y/N) didn’t know how or from where she had gathered the strength to send all of the three girls behind her with a swift motion of her wand, but seeing Lestrange, one of the Death Eaters responsible for her best friend’s fate, shouting the Killing Curse to the Weasley girl had ignited the fire she’d tried so long to extinguish. Perhaps because Ginny reminded her of Lily for a second, or because she was tired of watching innocent people die around her.

She was now standing a couple of metres away from Bellatrix, the one that’d tortured her sister into insanity, taking away all of her life. But (Y/N) wouldn’t become one of her victims, she wouldn’t be a name on a list and she wouldn’t let Bellatrix take another person from Neville’s life.

It hadn’t been easy and she should have felt sick of it, but the lifeless body of Bellatrix Lestrange and the roars of people all over the place, brought her a bittersweet feeling of satisfaction.

Sitting down beside Neville after the final battle finished, she threw one of her arms around his shoulders and kissed his forehead, silently thanking whoever had watched over him.

“Earlier, I saw you on the Courtyard defending a group of students from the Dementors,” he began, “and your Patronus was so, so extraordinary. What did you think of, aunt?”

(Y/N) allowed herself to smile softly.

“I thought of the day you were born, of course.”

TAGLIST: @vivianweasley @feetoffthetablee @gcdric @shadowsinger11 @thisismynerdyself @cappsikle @idont-knowrn @theweasleysredhair @aesthetically-hailey @slytherinsunrise @bannerbubble @lilac-wrists @storyisnotover @minty-malfoy

If you want me to add you to the taglist, let me know by sending and ask, a dm, or leaving a comment!

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hitbythunder · 4 years ago

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Chandrilan Moons - 2

A Kylo Ren x Reader story with much angst, possessiveness and dark themes (warnings will be updated as the story progresses) –> Read also on AO3

Summary: Growing up under the loving care of your foster-mother, Leia Organa, there had been nothing for you and Rey to want for. Though not of kin, you loved Rey as your sister and spent a happy childhood with her on Chandrila. But when the boiling galactic politics demanded for Leia to take action, for the Resistance to rise and fight, the girls could no longer evade the cruelty of the world. Kylo Ren sought a map as a key to revenge, to freedom, and had no use for a force-unsensitive young girl like you. You were simply a means to an end. Until his darkness latched onto you, drawn in by your light as you were by the demon that is Kylo Ren - inevitably gravitating towards each other, bound to be one. Like the Chandrilan moons.

****

____________________________xXx____________________________ 2- Prologue II

It was the following afternoon, when we had lunch with our friends Poe and Rose, as well as two other pilots of Poe's unit.

Dean and Jared? Jack? - I really should pay more attention to such things, if I want to get better at socializing.

Most of the time I felt somewhat uncomfortable even among friends, while Rey seemed to be just in her element, conversing in a charming and slightly flirting manner with ease.

"So what's this about you super-secret mission Poe?" Rose inquired over desert.

"Well it is terribly dangerous and absolutely top-secret, I can assure you." the curly-haired pilot replied, smirking sassy as he leaned with one arm on the table, body twisted casually to the side. He hadn't touched his chocolate-pudding, which he never did actually, and because Rey was too proud to ask for it they would engage in cunning banter before he would eventually give it to her. I had watched the process far too many times by now and thus had begun to bring my holopad to lunch, zoning out in between to read the latest news across the galaxy.

"Oh come on, Dameron!" one of the unnamed pilots groaned, obviously envious of Poe's status as most proficient pilot and commander of the starfighter-fleet.

"Yeah, Poe, give us at least a hint. I know you're dying to boast about it!" Rey grinned from ear to ear, far too much enjoying teasing her friend, while Rose snickered like a little girl with giddiness. In her opinion, Rey and Poe were the perfect couple and the way they stared at teach other with moony eyes was just so romantic - or so Rose had described it to me a few weeks back.

They surely are a handful together, I mused as I watched the exchange, soon choosing to return my attention to the holopad in my lap, browsing through some news.

"Sorry, ladies. My lips-" Poe closed his mouth, index-finger brushing languidly across his full lips in an almost sensual manner. "-are sealed." Pilot #2 whistled indecently, Rose blushing even harder, while Rey remained cool and just glared at Poe. "Fine. I won't tell you of our super-important mission either." she leaned back in her chair and gestured between me and herself.

"You're allowed to go on a mission?" Rose almost jumped out of her seat at the news and the guys too looked rather surprised. Rey's proud smile widened, sitting up straighter in her chair. It was common knowledge around the base that the General stubbornly refused to let her girls go off-planet despite our persistent pleading.

"No way you got the General around on this one." Poe shook his head incredulously, fluffing up his curly brown locks by doing so. Stars, no wonder half of the base's population (aka the female part) fell for the rhoughish pilot.

"You bet we did." Rey scoffed beside her, folding her arms across her chest. "She can't keep us on the ground forever, anyways. In two days we're off and finally get to see someplace else!"

"But you're not in for something too dangerous, are you?" Rose, to the other side of Rey, brought genuine concern to the discussion, the worried expression on her round face most endearing.

"Of course not. Just an easy one, in and out. We'll be back before you know it." came Rey's reply that seemed to put poor Rose at least a little at ease, but pilot #1 apparently didn't bother as he said:

"In and out like on Felucia, you mean?" meant as a joke, his words hung like a dark cloud above the small group, no-body laughing. Rose sat motionless, eyes big and watery. Reflexively, I put my hand on Rey's forearm, sensing her anger as she glared at the pilot from across the table.

"Kriff, Joel!" his comrade hissed at the same time as Poe hit him at the back of his head, not too hard but enough to make him shut up.

Eight months ago, a Resistance unit had been sent to negotiate with possible new allies on Felucia, an insignificant jungle planet with few inhabitants and little natural resources. Thus making for an ideal meeting point if one was to avoid unwanted attention. But after years of (partially open) war, which only marginally impeded the growing influence and military power of the First Oder, the few parties that had maintained their neutrality so far weren't all too eager to change that. It had taken all of Leia's disarming charm, experience and then some convincing to even agree on that meeting on Felucia. And it had ended in a disaster.

Through a well-placed spy, as confirmed later, the First Order had been aware of the meeting and seized this opportunity to remind the rest of the galaxy of the consequences should one merely even consider to side with the Resistance. The knights of Ren, rumored creatures of legend and vile descent, the First Order's most effective and feared unit had been sent there, led by none other than Kylo Ren, rumored heir of Darth Vader. In their wake they had brought destruction and death upon Felucia, hunting and slaughtering every living soul in a blood frenzy. Rose had lost a brother that day, the Resistance yet another straw of hope to turn the tides of the war.

"It will be nothing like that." said I and leaned towards Rose, who nodded in reply and forced her tears away. Hopefully, though, fate wouldn't prove me wrong.

On my way to the private quarters of the base, I walked past the canteen, stopped there as I could make out cheerful voices from within. A moment later, as I was about to peek further into the small hall, Poe appeared in front of me.

"Sorry for Joel's behavior yesterday. He's just a tactless idiot and I know how close you are with Rose." Poe began with a rueful tone, rubbing the back of his head which caused his locks to fluff up even more. It was an unexpected exchange and although he was wrong about me and Rose being besties - that was more Rey to be honest - I felt somewhat flattered by his concern for my opinion about him or his comrades.

"Thanks, Poe. Though he should be apologizing to Rose but that's not your responsibility." I replied and when his face lit up more, I quickly averted my gaze. An odd silence fell between us, which the pilot didn't hesitate to fill in his charming manner.

"Anyways, we're just hanging out before the mission tomorrow." he gestured towards the occupied table at the back of the otherwise empty hall, paused, then turned fully towards me. "Wanna join us?"

As if on cue, when our gazes met, my heart quickened and I felt heat rising to my cheeks. Now he was indeed flattering me, because so far I had only been invited along with Rey to such gatherings and never personally. Since I hadn't had that much experience with guys in my young life, this sudden attention of the handsome pilot surely felt exciting. But as tempting as it was, I had to decline.

"I'd love to, really, but I have meditation-lessons with Rey... and Leia will know if I skip them."

Not that I'm improving that much recently... Still no force-connection in sight...

"Oh, don't bother." how easily Poe waved of a rebuff, so sure of himself, and added without an ounce of doubt: "Then we'll grab a drink together when I'm back."

With a disarming smile and a wave of his hand, Poe made his leave to return to his comrades, while I remained standing at the doorway as if in a stupor, my mind still turning over his words.

Does he mean 'we' as in 'you and I', like the two of us? Have I just been asked out by Poe Dameron?!

"Yeah, great! I-" I stumbled most awkwardly and was probably red as a tomato by now, whispered all to myself as I proceeded down the corridor with a smile. "I'd love that."

+++

+Present day - on board the Finalizer, orbiting Jakku+

Deadly silence hung over the command center of the ship, officers in grey and black uniforms tapping very quietly at their workstations, while General Hux and Kylo Ren had a small stand-off in the middle of the bridge. Although everyone was curious about their conversation, eaves-dropping wasn't a feasible option because the Commander would know immediately if someone's mind was not occupied with their work.

Kylo sensed the staff's unease at his presence, their distrust bordering on superstition regarding his powers, but by now he didn't care much about it. In fact, to have his subordinates tremble at his name gave him a distinct kind of satisfaction as well as affirmation that he was becoming a major entity within the galaxy, a person not to be meddled with. With that in mind, he let his gaze sweep over the sheep beneath him and felt the Force rippling with their fear. If not for his helmet, one could have spied the tiny smirk tugging at his lips then.

"The Supreme Leader will be most displeased if we don't acquire the map soon." Hux's voice brought Kylo back to the task at hand, his helmeted head snapping back towards the ginger-haired man.

"Then why did it slip your grasp twice now?" his voice a hiss, barely concealing his contempt for the man as well as his methods. But before Hux could even think of a snippy reply, an officer to their left announced that the droid containing the sought-after map had been sighted on Takodana.

"Excellent!" Hux beamed and barked a few commands to get a squadron of troopers on-site immediately, a sudden agitation filling the room as everyone was eager to comply.

"Prepare my ship!" Kylo ordered a nearby officer, then said to Hux in a no less commanding voice: "I'll go in myself and get that map."

"How gracious of you to join the efforts." the General sneered, but could not hide his wounded-pride at the repeated failure of his men regarding that blasted map. As reserved and in control Hux might think himself to be, his beetle-eyes betrayed his every emotion so that Kylo didn't even need the Force to have a good guess at the man's thoughts.

"It's not my head that rolls first if this gets fucked up again." he stated boldly and loud enough for everyone to hear, leaving behind a fuming Hux as he marched out of the command center. Truth as it may be that Snoke wouldn't punish Kylo for the loss of the map - not severely and perhaps not even directly - Kylo couldn't let that chance go wasted. If he wanted to shed his former life and become stronger in the Dark Side he needed to best his old master, his cursed uncle, once and for all.

First Luke Skywalker, then Snoke himself, so that there would be no one left to challenge him.

#kylo ren x reader #kylo ren #star wars fanfic #drama and angst #slow burn #possessive!Kylo

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teralia-originalseries · 5 years ago

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Teralia- Main Characters Summary

Some characters will be left out due to spoilers.

Foxglove-(Main Character)

Foxglove is a little hyperactive ball of mysteries. For one, no one, not even herself, knows what type of monster or human she is. Furthermore, she is rather small in size compared to her Teralian neighbors, only around 5��2. Despite these setbacks, Foxglove is one of the best hunters in Midir’s area. In personality she’s hyper, a little destructive, but well meaning. She can be loud and sarcastic at times but generally very friendly. She does tend to gloss over the fact that savages were once people with lives and families, so that tends to drive people away.

Adrian-

Adrian is a himbo. He’s not dumb, he’s just not aware of his own size. A ten foot tall cyclops with muscle and a long tail, he certainly looks intimidating, but if Foxglove can push him around, anyone can. Adrian is a goofy sweetheart who is much softer and more of a pushover than Foxglove, but he definitely can hit a lot harder when pushed to it. Certain topics can set him off easily, such as the Ember Army or the disease itself. But he doesn’t ever physically harm someone unless absolutely necessary. Hes also got the case of mega gay

Tobias-

Tobias is, in reality, around 60 years old. But due to the nature of Teralian life, he stopped physically and mentally aging around 36-39. He used to work for a biology company unrelated to the Ember Cities, but due to an incident, he migrated to Midir's settlement and began working for the Hunters. His job is to examine wildlife and try to find a cure or a cause for the savage disease. Despite his job being rather passive by itself, he is not afraid to take matters into his own hands and kill savages himself. His job aside, he is a rather humble and quiet man who has tasked himself with raising Foxglove. He's dedicated to his work, his daughter, and his cause, and won't let anything get in the way of progression.

Midir-

Midir...is a complicated soul. A seven foot tall vampire, he has a lot of issues with his dysphoria, his trauma, and his complicated past with The Ember Army and some of its members. Midir is a rather silent yet brash leader who never allows any bullshit in his premises. He’s rigid, tough, intimidating, and sometimes comes off as aggressive or cold because of this. But he does all of this for reasons, and does have a soft side with Adrian and his boyfriend, Tobias.

Briar-

Briar, like Foxglove, is a creature wrapped in mystery. But unlike Fox, they actually know what she is. A twenty five foot tall beast with a canine skull-like face, two powerful arms and a millipede like body, one would think that she would be a full-grown animal. But no, she is actually a puppy. A playful, mischievous but protective pup, Briar has bonded with Foxglove and Adrian and follows them around most of the time. Her young status means nothing- when called for it, she can be an utterly terrifying destructive beast.

Aren-

A young Matuppian man who has ran away from an abusive situation at home, Aren strives to find a new place to stay in a neutral settlement. He feels as if both sides of the war are dangerous and he would rather just stay out of it. Aren has a lot of problems, one being that he sleeps around with people just to feel some sort of feeling of control and equality in his life. A person rather than an object to be ridiculed and looked down upon. Aren is shy at first, but he reveals his true colors only to his friends. He’s a humorous, accepting and caring person who can be a little too passive sometimes, but he tries his best. He’s also an amazing cook.

#Aren #Foxglove #Midir #Toby #Briar #post #lore #important

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lacecannon5 · 4 years ago

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Popularized Anxiety Condition In Adults.

Just How To Raise Depression Promptly And Securely.

Content

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Might I Be Used Social Care Support?

Other Forms Of Therapy.

Chatting Treatments For Stress And Anxiety.

You may be assuming 'what a charming day' and also you could rejoice. Additionally, you could be assuming 'I want my partner was right here' and also feel depressing as a consequence. If you are rejoicing you may take a walk around the lake with a close friend as well as treat yourself to an ice-cream. If you are really feeling depressing and low you might leave the park and also go residence feeling upset with yourself. To find an exclusive, qualified as well as totally certified CBT therapist, browse through British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies. For lots of people it has actually been located to be a lot more handy than any various other kind of treatment, consisting of antidepressants. As soon as we approve that, we can learn to find these adverse ideas as they develop and after that obstacle as well as rethink them.

The Vicious Cycle type will aid you practice - document at the very least one circumstance everyday for the following few days. se the Self Assistance mp3 downloads to enhance treatment or as a stand-alone strategy. Generally, better degrees of cognitive impairment may make it harder to involve with CBT, nevertheless, it might be feasible to tailor CBT according to an individual's degree of functioning. Among the important things that I have actually been working with is establishing surveys that will certainly help us to comprehend which kind of CBT a specific individual living with mental deterioration may be most able to involve with. Like the remainder of the population, CBT is likely to benefit some individuals with mental deterioration and also not for others. Discover the signs as well as root causes of stress and anxiety, as well as possible methods to treat it for a person who is living with dementia. Envision that you are resting on a. bench in a park, you can listen to ducks quacking as well as water lapping in a nearby lake.

Assistance Links.

Effective conclusion of the training should gear up people to accomplish the abilities called for when checking out coming to be an independent CBT professionals. Our centers include a mock ambulance, which pupils can use as part of their studies, to aid replicate the person journey. This offers pupils the chance to discover in situations that mirror real life situations. An acclaimed college, we are committed to offering our students with the very best feasible experience. We remain to buy both our centers and also our cutting-edge technique to education and learning. Our trainees benefit from industry-relevant mentor, and also resources and support made to assist them be successful.

CBT can be delivered in correctional as well as area setups and is made use of for both adults and also young people. Admission to this course goes through satisfying wellness clearance, Disclosure and Preventing Solution checks and an effective meeting.

Might I Be Used Social Treatment Support?

Training visit are calculated on the basis of what it sets you back to educate each training course and also we go for complete economic openness. According to the National Wellness Service constitution we utilize a values-based recruitment approach in seeking candidates with the suitable worths to sustain efficient team working in delivering superb patient treatment. Demonstrate a capability to adapt CBT sensitively, and also to guarantee equitable gain access to for individuals from diverse societies as well as with different values. Practise as a 'scientist expert', progressing your understanding as well as understanding and creating new skills to a high degree. Take individual duty for professional choice making in uncomplicated and a lot more complex circumstances. The PgDip program is modular, supplied on a full time basis, as well as is supplied via a mix of college attendance, professional positioning activity, scientific guidance, and also access to on the internet discovering products.

Can you do CBT on yourself?

Many studies have found that self-directed CBT can be very effective. Two reviews that each included over 30 studies (see references below) found that self-help treatment significantly reduced both anxiety and depression, especially when the treatments used CBT techniques.

EU nationals need to have stayed in the UK and Islands for the 5 years before the beginning of their program. The function of that five year residency must not have actually been mainly for the function of getting full time education. EU nationals have to have lived in the European Economic Location or Switzerland for the 3 years prior to the beginning of their program. The purpose of that 3 year residency should not have been primarily for the purpose of getting full-time education and learning. EU nationals and also their relative beginning in the 2019/20 school year continue to be eligible for the exact same fees as house trainees and the exact same financial backing. Financial backing originates from Student Money England, as well as covers undergrad as well as postgraduate study for the duration of their program, providing they fulfill the residency demand. We satisfaction ourselves on offering affordable tuition charges which we evaluate on a yearly basis and provide a variety of scholarships to support students with their researches.

Various Other Types Of Therapy.

By approving your offer of an area and signing up with us, a Student Contract will be created in between you as well as the University.A duplicate of the 19/20 Agreement can be discovered below. The Agreement details your rights and the responsibilities you will be bound by during your time as a student and also consists of the obligations that the College will owe to you. You must check out the Contract before you accept a deal of a location as well as prior to you enlist at the University.

youtube

These array from our contemporary library and also computing centers to dedicated professions suggestions and also our remarkable Trainees' Union tasks. If you want a basic intro, without coursework or official analysis, consider our 8-day 'Intro to CBT' course (usually run 2-3 times each year). A brand-new openly offered video on how to deliver CBT for OCD utilizing remote working consisting of an introduction of formulation, theory AB as well as behavioural experiments. Postgraduate Certification in Cognitive Behavioural StudiesThis program aims to furnish researchers as well as professionals with knowledge of the versions as well as theories made use of in CBT therapy and also guidance. In training sessions, emphasis is placed on monitoring of CBT at work as well as on experiential discovering with participation in role-play and also various other useful workouts.

Several of our previous grads from our program have achieved success in gaining posts as CBT specialists in both primary and also second treatment services in the NHS, as well as third industry organisations. Some previous grads of this training course have actually also efficiently advanced to tackling managerial functions, monitoring posts and also teaching/training duties. On effective conclusion of this course this honor ought to give trainees with a strong foundation in cognitive-behavioural psychiatric therapy, as well as a chance to attempt and get a duty within the feld of mental.

CTB looks for to identify and afterwards change these adverse thought patterns for the better.

She has actually collaborated with clients throughout the life-span and also from a series of backgrounds, collaborating with common mental health problems such as anxiety and anxiousness.

CBT changed completely free of charge took a look at it and aided me approve what had actually occurred, not feel that it was my fault or anything like that-- that I wasn't as poor as I believed I was."

During CBT sessions, clients are taught to exercise alternative thought patterns that reduce adverse emotional consequences as well as their going along with self-destructive behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be as reliable as drug in dealing with some mental health and wellness problemsand it can certainly work for a large range of individuals with a wide variety of different problems.

Regrettably, much of these individuals are not fully aware of these believed patterns and also beliefs that fuel their harmful behaviors and bad psychological standing.

The course begins with a four-day training block adhered to by one full day per week over 2 terms. Professor Tom Buchanan bears in mind Professor Angus Hawkins, a historian of modern-day British national politics, the Victorian celebration system and also constitutional modification.

#cognitive behavioral therapy online #cognitive behavioral therapy techniques #cognitive behavioral therapy near me #cognitive behavioral therapy examples #cognitive behavioral therapy definition #cognitive behavioral therapy nhs #cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety

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homestuck-kinstuff · 5 years ago

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Could i get a tarot reading for my Daveraneasprite (Davesprite, aranea Serket, bec) timeline? (Did you get my art req? Im not sure, but i dont wanna annoy anybody,)

Hello Davearaneasprite, (@o0starlight0o)

Sorry for the delay, things had started to catch up to us a little bit. You can absolutely have a reading. 💜

I have the details for you below the cut:

Beginning

The Hierophant, Upright:

For clarity's sake, this card will represent Davearaneasprite's beginning, when they were first formed. It will tell nothing about Davesprite's, Bequeral's or Aranea's timelines.

The Hierophant embodies the bounds of tradition. What is tried and true is valued: now is not the time to strike out to uncharted waters. He can also represent the pursuit of knowledge, or a spiritual guide.

When you were first formed, you were likely very good at what sprites are supposed to do: guide their players through the complexities of the game. Between Davesprite's inherent savvy-ness, Aranea's gift of gab, and Bequeral's godhood, you had the potential to be an incredibly helpful player aid.

It's likely you were created to help players solve a game-centric problem, whether through direct player interference, or through an indirect mostly-happenstance-but-also-on-purpose kind of bullshit that so often found within the confines of S'Grub and S'Burb.

It's likely you advised the players to stick by the rules of the game at all costs.

Middle

10 of Wands, Upright:

You've been working extremely hard in order to bring something to fruition. Just before reaching your goal, however, you're finding yourself overburdened with the responsibility you created for yourself.

When reaching the final stages of the plan (whatever issue you were called into existence to help resolve, whether that be a major conflict on the timeline, or many nuanced issues scattered about) you suddenly found yourself overwhelmed.

You took on too much, and the strain is beginning to show. Why weren't you delegating tasks to the other players?

Did you not trust the other players to competently do what needed done? Did it seem easier for you to just do everything yourself? Or did your players have too much faith in you, pushing too much on your plate because of your seeming omnipotence?

Regardless, things were quite difficult for you during this time.

Towards the End

4 of Cups, Upright:

The 4 of Cups describes the experience of being so wrapped up in your own thoughts, you are blind to the goodness the world is laying at your feet. Even though your intentions are noble, you run the risk of treating the world with apathy.

It's uncertain whether or not you succeeded, or even if the final stages of your plan have begun. But it's very likely that you were extremely preoccupied with the machinations of it, the planning, the worrying, all the little metaphorical moving parts.

This preoccupation caused you to withdraw, think things through again and again. You likely withdrew emotionally from those around you, finding it harder and harder to see and hear outside of the chatter in your own head.

There were likely good things happening around you, trivial-seeming silliness that brings folks together. You likely found it difficult to participate, if even you were there at all.

Challenges

2 of Swords, Upright:

The 2 of Swords represents a very difficult choice. There is no clear "right" answer, as both options are almost exactly equally beneficial and detrimental in different ways. But one thing is obvious, to progress, a clear stance needs to be taken.

The near-omnipotence that came with your particular brand of spritehood was likely both a blessing and a curse. It's very possible that having access to so much knowledge likely created very many stalemates when decisions had to be made. It's also possible you'd have to fight the game's influence if what needed to be done went outside of the game's rules.

Another possibility is that is card represents a more specific difficulty. One impossible choice you had to make that was so hard, it took precedence as the greatest challenge you had to face in your timeline.

How you Faced it

The Tower, Reversed:

The Tower represents disaster. Absolute upheaval of everything you hold dear. Reversed as it is, it speaks to a desperate avoidance of that destruction.

An incredibly painful event is on the horizon, and you are avoiding it with all your strength, at all costs. It paralyzes you to think about.

This decision you had to make, regardless of what you chose, likely paved the way for this disaster. So, in your infinite wisdom, you never let yourself make that choice, delaying a terribly inevitable end.

You

3 of Cups, Upright:

A lovely card, representative of a warm and lively gathering of friends. You're blessed with loving relationships and camaraderie, investing time in the people you love.

You are, at your core, someone who thrives in the midst of many friendships. You're a people person, (whether or not this is in a very extroverted way,) and you love getting to know new folks.

You likely craved attention from the people around you, and began to wilt (whether you realized it or not) if you went too long without it. People are your passion, your strength, and your greatest weakness.

The End

6 of Wands, Upright:

This is a lovely card that represents a very public, very loud and joyful celebration of success after a period of hard work.

It's possible you succeeded in your mission, the game was beaten and successfully won. You lived out a happy, peaceful life after the end of everything, enjoying the reward with your new friends, before a peaceful death at an old age.

However, it's also very possible when your teammates went to collect the ultimate reward, as a game construct you were not allowed to collect the reward alongside your peers. You would stay inside the game as it ended. Therefore, the success itself would have brought about your demise.

Advice

Temperance, Upright:

Temperance is all about balance, about finding it in yourself, and the world around you.

Now is the time to find balance- to reap inner peace through cultivation of that balance.

Take an honest look at yourself, at your life. Where are you spread too thin? Where are you not giving the attention that is needed?

Take a step back and breathe. Let yourself settle.

9 of Pentacles, Upright:

After much hard work, this card indicates a time of luxury and satisfaction and peace. It's implied by this card that everything gained is due to one's intelligence and self-control, and that the fruits of this labor are those that can be enjoyed over a lifetime.

Take a load off, my dear. You've already put the work in, and your satisfaction is well deserved. Now you can relax and enjoy what your hard work has grown- a time of peace for you and your loved ones.

2 of Pentacles, Upright:

This card represents the need for balance in the midst of rapid continuous change, and the sense that this sort of change has become "the norm" for you. It also implies that you've been extremely resilient and flexible with it.

The nature of spritehood is unexpected, and often comes with rapid unavoidable change. It would be good for you to remember that you have been, are, and will be incredibly talented at handling change as it comes for you.

You are well equipped to handle whatever life throws at you, darling. Keep that in mind when things seem scary. 💜

As always dear, you would know your timeline better than I. These are your memories, not mine. If something doesn't feel right, it likely isn't.

If any part of this reading doesn't strike a chord with you, I'd heartily recommend looking into the meaning of the card in question yourself. Tarot cards have many meanings, and another interpretation may make more sense to you. 💜

Kind Regards,

🌹Mod Rose🌹

#homestuck kin #homestuck #hs kin #o0starlight0o #hskin #hs kin blog #mod rose #homestuck kinstuff #tarot reading #tarot card readings #tarot #davesprite kin #davesprite #aranea kin #aranea serket kin #aranea serket #davearaneasprite kin #davearaneasprite

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mrwinterr · 6 years ago

Text

Follow You

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

Summary: A song fic inspired by the song “Follow You” - Night Riots

Warnings: Fluff. Stalking? Mentions of sex and maybe masturbation (but only if that’s how you judge the actions in this story, nothing graphic). Reader is also not related to anyone in this story, just in case that question should arise in one’s mind.

A/N: This is a repost as I’m getting settled on this new blog. This was and still stands as of right now, my only Bucky Barnes fanfic. I swear the song isn’t as creepy as it sounds. It’s nonetheless a jam, so if you need music recommendation, check the band out!

It’s not usual for the common area to be empty, especially in the morning as almost everyone in the building is an early riser. Bucky’s eyes gloss over the span of the room, not seeing any sign of his teammates, until they caught onto an image printed on the front page of today’s newspaper.

He recognizes your face on the print as part of the medical team within the building. He’s seen you a few times in passing or attending to any injuries and the occasional company events, but nothing more. He didn’t even know your name. He studied your features carefully. Your hair was all over the place, you had a small cut on your cheek, and you were clutching your left hand, which was visibly wounded. What kind of tussle did you get yourself into?

The full story revealed you helping fight off an assailant targeting his teammate Sam Wilson, who’s slowly being recognized as the new Captain America. This would explain where everyone might be. Taking place at night, you weren’t too far from the compound with Sam, but the person was clearly on a mission. It was a surprise attack. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The appeal of the story was how a civilian was able to hold her weight against someone who was trained to and purposely cause harm. Much like the paper, Bucky was enamored by the act of bravery. He read the story over and over, stared at every photo you were in, but he wanted to know so much more. He was captivated.

I saw your face inside the newspaper You saved your brother but your hand got burned

The training room was usually empty when he visited it, except that day he found Sam sparing with you. Unfortunately, your courageous story created unwanted attention. Secret intel revealed there was a threat by the previous attacker’s organization. It changed your life. You were forced to take extra steps in precaution, so he was helping you strengthen your defensive skills. The moment Bucky stepped in and looked at you, his breath got caught in his throat.

You turned your head in his direction as Sam called out his name. Bucky stood there unmoved, eyes only trained on you, and Sam took this as an opportunity to crack a joke. Bucky slightly shook his head and mouthed a quick comeback to which earned him a laugh from you. His body loosened up at the sound of your voice and he managed to give you a small smile. He found that laugh to be one of the sweetest things he’s ever heard, and it led his mind to wonder what else he could do to be able to find out how other noises would sound like coming out of your mouth.

Your hair was wild just like a lion’s fur I wanna laugh with you and make you purr

Your image never left his mind. He finally learned your name and your role on the medical team. He saw firsthand and already had a general sense that you could take care of yourself, but the attacks opened a can of worms. It could only get worse. In fact, within a few months, the next several attempts at your own life and anyone that seemed suspicious, Bucky would be there to divert danger away from you. He took them all out. He discovered you lived alone a couple of miles away from the compound. He felt a need to keep you safe, so using his stealth techniques he commits to your routine and remembering the route to your home. He was following you.

I will follow you home Cause I know where you live You’ll never be alone Cause I know where you live

It becomes more than that for Bucky. He takes a new course in the compound ensuring that he passes by the big glass window that separates him and the medical team just to see if you’ve made it to work alright. Sometimes he lingers a little longer than usual and catches your gaze through and between every staff member walking about doing their respective jobs, each time causing him to almost lose his composure and knocking the wind out of him, like a head-on-collision. He was wrecked.

I drive by your work almost every day That big old window shows me everything I saw you look at me through the glass Your eagle vision almost made me crash

He’s almost sure you don’t notice his close eye. If you did, you don’t act any different from the first encounter with him. For all you knew, no one was threatening your life anymore and they’d forgotten all about your story. He finds you just as friendly and caring, and it all just digs deeper into him. He had progressively initiated conversation with you given the opportunity. You’ve taken on to attending any discomfort Bucky has brought by missions or his arm and in return he helps you train when you have the time or keep you company during breaks. You were perfect to him. Everything you said or did, never elicited a painful memory caused by his past.

By now he’s discovered the perfect spot across your apartment to continue his watch. One night he slipped. You had returned from a night out with friends. He could tell you were slightly intoxicated as you carelessly slipped out of your dress with the curtains still drawn open, a bad habit of yours. Bucky couldn’t bring himself to look away. He knew it was wrong and extremely invasive. His bottom lip trapped itself between his teeth as his eyes scanned your mostly naked body. You casually stretched and he could sense you letting out a sound of pleasurable relief. His gaze never tore from your figure until you finally had the sense to close your curtains. He should’ve felt great shame. He tried to hold back but he was far too gone and could only imagine how you would look and sound like reacting to him worshiping you. He was weak.

No shame, I will follow you home No shame, you’ll never be alone

Things almost fall back into routine for Bucky even with the added task of ensuring your safety. He’s suddenly frantic as you weren’t where he expects you to always be. You’re not standing at your usual post in the medical lab, your curtains don’t open again, and you’re barely seen throughout the compound. He double checks his research and doesn’t see any sign of suspicious activity or you resigning and departing from the city. The attacks have actually lessened since they’ve become futile with him in the way and you never once mentioned leaving. He inquiries about you from your colleagues, who insist they don’t know of your whereabouts. He was scared.

He thought about how he wouldn’t see you flash him that smile, the way one side of your lips slanted upwards and eyes shined, just for him. He thought about the sound of your voice, especially your laugh. It made him melt. He thought about things he wished he could have made you feel. He thought about how he wouldn’t be able to do any of that if you weren’t around. You really had a huge affect and it dawned on him. He was in love.

No shame, I believe I’m in love with you, I’m in love with you

You weren’t in danger at all. You recently took up following Bucky, observing him as he tried to observe you even in your absence. You couldn’t believe it. You didn’t when Sam told you what Bucky had been up to. He noticed his new behavior before anyone else and took it upon himself to figure out what or who changed him. He was actually relieved to find out that he wasn’t doing something self-destructive but instead he was harboring a crush and was protecting you this whole time. Granted what he was doing involved an invasion of privacy, but surprisingly you weren’t angry, and you didn’t understand why you weren’t. Any normal person would feel some sort of animosity, but you didn’t. You liked Bucky and his company. You knew of him before working in the compound but you were enthralled by Bucky since you officially met him in the training room and continued to be the more you interacted. You were hooked.

You felt bad watching Bucky pull at his hair, frustrated as he thought you were in any kind of crisis, but you couldn’t wrap your mind around how he would want to willingly go through all this trouble to keep you safe. What made you special? You were just like every other person in the world that needed to be protected by Earth’s heroes. Yet you were still here, and it was because of him. You had to make sure it wasn’t just a phase. Why did he feel the need to protect you? If he had no one to look after, would he still care? You found out a lot about Bucky by observing him. Bucky’s watch was no joke, that much you learned. It took a real toll on your body and mind. It was harder on your end because you were making sure your absence was solid, full-proof, and at first you thought who were you to believe you could successfully spy on a former assassin? Luckily, Sam aided you on that one for a while. He just didn’t know you were still following Bucky and you didn’t either the longer it played out. You were falling.

Following you home, I’ll follow you home

It was time. You couldn’t stand to watch the look of defeat on Bucky any longer. He continued to stop by your apartment, cameras revealed he was still walking through the medical floor at the compound and asking if you’d return. You knew Bucky’s routine now and when you found the right moment, you set it up. You opened your curtains, left the lights on, and the door open just in time for his next stakeout.

As expected, Bucky walks right into it. He didn’t even think much about it but the last few weeks had him on edge and he almost immediately sprang into action when he saw any sign of life. He entered your apartment and looked around to find it seemingly empty, until you closed the door behind initiating confrontation. He turns around and he looks almost paralyzed. You knew he could tell that this was it. You caught him. You knew and you let him know. You cried because no one’s ever gone through that much for you. You told him you weren’t angry and he didn’t have to worry anymore because you weren’t ever in harm’s way. Not now and not then because of him. Bucky’s not much for words but he knows, unlike any normal person, he felt no shame for what he did. He knows you weren’t ashamed of what you did either. What he was doing couldn’t have gone as long as it had, but he’d try. He did and would do everything to protect you. He knows he’s in love with you and you knew you were in love with him too.

No shame, I believe I’m in love with you, I’m in love with you

A couple of nights after the revelation, the relationship has definitely progressed, he’s no longer watching you from across your apartment building, instead he’s inside watching you. He stands frozen, eyes locked as if he’s hypnotized by you. You’re shedding your clothing one by one and slowly walking up to him, almost with a predatory gaze. Bucky doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath as you lean up and kiss him. The both of you have grown increasingly close and the idea of taking things slow fly right out of the window. Bucky knew that idea was pointless the moment he first laid eyes on you.

I like to sneak around and hold my breath I lie awake just to watch you undress

The contact breaks the hypnotic spell bound on Bucky as he quickly reacts by applying more pressure to the kiss, losing control. He helps you rid of the remainder of your clothes, running his hands up your arms, collarbone and neck until they cup your face, making sure you don’t pull away soon, afraid this will just be all a dream, and you don’t. Not even when your back hits your mattress and more skin is revealed. When his shirt came off, he didn’t feel ashamed of you seeing his scars, he never felt any shame with you.

Your bodies seemingly both on autopilot as you lose yourselves in the throes of passion. You were giving him everything he wanted. He reveled in the sounds he used to imagine would come out of you. He took pride in watching as your body moved against his and your grabby hands because it let him know you wanted him just as much and that he was the one to make you feel that good. You only ever made him feel immense and genuine happiness. He was committed to making you only feel the same and more, a lot more. He wanted to make sure you knew how much he loved you. The emotion that radiated throughout the room was something he knew he wanted to keep with him for the rest of his life. He was devoted to you.

Tip-toe to our bed like an animal You let me kiss you till I lose control

It’s late one night and he’s just outside the compound staring at the open field thinking about you. He’s hesitant at first but he’s starting to feel better about letting you go home alone. The both of you have been taking the relationship at your own pace, learning more about each other and trust. He’s about to get up and head inside when he doesn’t catch an attack on him, but it’s soon thwarted off when he notices a second movement from a few feet away. It’s you. You saved him this time. He looked at you mesmerized because at that moment you resembled the same look you wore when he first saw you in the newspaper.

The scene around you both became nothing but background noise as the rest of the team and your other colleagues gathered around. You caught up to Bucky and he welcomed you with sore but open arms. He asks why you’re out this late and you, without any shame, tell him you wanted to make sure he was ok. You followed him here, unannounced and unashamed. If he ever had any doubts to if you really loved him in return, you always reminded him how much you did. You were both prepared to follow each other forever. The look of admiration never fades from his eyes. He was always in love with you.

No shame well I believe I’m in love with you, I’m in love with you

A/N: I kind of cringe at this now, but I still want to share and keep it. Let me know what y’all think! Thank you for reading!

#follow you #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes song fic #marvel fic #marvel fanfic #song fic #bucky barnes #bucky imagine #mrwinterr writes #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes fan fiction

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simplysoriya · 5 years ago

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The Water Blade of Weishu, Pt.1

“When the world was young and Pandaria was far less peaceful, when legends walked the earth, there were smiths who forged powerful weapons able to harness great strength. Before the days when monks knew how to harness the power of the elements, these forgemasters would create these weapons that would help them channel that power using sacred resources found here in Pandaria itself.”

“Over the years these masters of their craft became rarer and rarer as the need for elemental weapons began to dwindle. An unprecedented era of peace made them obsolete. Their craft no more sought after then for collectors. Their weapons lining display rooms rather than fulfilling their purpose.”

“Eras passed as the practice quietly ended. Only a few today still know the old ways of folding primal powers into steel in such a way to strengthen it’s user. Embolden the wielder to reach new heights. It has been far too long since I’ve seen such.”

“There’s an old Jinyu who lives in the western reaches of Kun-lai, up in the mountains. Weishu is his name. I must warn you that the trek is dangerous and the list of materials not easy to acquire… but if you wish to do this I will give you direction.”

“First you will need Elementium and Ghost Iron ore.”

The first task was easy enough. It wasn’t that she knew many who dug down into mine shafts all day, or even that she knew many who peddled it. Rather it was all about knowing the person who did.

“Hey dad?” Soriya piped up as the pair idled about the Jade temple.

“Yes muffin?”

She made a face as she reprimanded, “Don’t call me that.”

“Buttercup?”

“No.”

“Sunshine?”

“Okay, but you’re on thin ice.”

With a bright smirk that seemed exclusive to his kid Kirollis dipped his head down to hide it. Unable to deny the little interactions between them that made him happy as they played out on his face.

“What’s up?” asked Kirollis with no small amount of interest.

“Weeeeell… I need a favor.”

“I kind of figured.”

“Can you get me Ghost Iron and Elementium?” she posed with a bright, toothy smile. Knowing full well his weaknesses and how to work them.

Knitting his brows together in confusion, the rogue gave his daughter a questioning look. Soon, though, his thoughts caught up to him as he mouthed out an ‘ooooooh’. “Is this for your sword?”

“Yeah.”

“You will need a saya to hold the blade, a handle can be fashioned from the same material. Reinforced wood from the Jade Forest will suffice. You will find an old sycamore tree on the northmost mountains with branches plentiful for your needs.”

There was never any coaxing required once someone posed a trip to the Jade Forest. Never a complaint, nor a face made other than a smiling one. Even if there was a task, as a reason for her being there, Soriya never failed to drink in the sights of that ancient emerald forest, or take for granted the beauty of such a place.

The Tideview Thicket up in the northern most part of the forest was known for it’s thick and sturdy trees that stood near the cliffs. Their trunks and branches sturdy enough to stand the coastal wind that whipped up trying to unroot them. Another eternal fight of nature that had been a stalemate save for in hurricane season.

Walking down the beaten dirt path into the clearing, Soriya was instantly drawn to the pandarian well situated into the cliff face. It’s flat stones were carefully placed one after another until the enclosure was made, spouting water from a koi fish statue atop. Covered in trinkets from travellers, whether it was the paper lanterns with the soft orange glow, or the small bonsai trees carefully curated, or the thoughtful scrolls left for whoever would later find them. Littering the peaceful area and added some local personality.

Pulling a silver coin from her pocket, she tossed it haphazardly into the water with a ploop. Tightly squeezing her eyes shut, “I wish this was an easy task.” said Soriya under her breath.

Tipping her head back as she smiled on the simple wish, she was only greeted with the exact opposite as she reopened her eyes. Greeted with only the sight of a great sycamore tree perched up atop one of the mountain's pillars.

A laughing sigh pushed past her lips, “It’s never easy.” a jokingly defeated tone was laced in her words as she hung her head dejectedly.

Squaring up against the rock wall with her head directed up the near ten feet it would take to reach the clearing. Palms first she grasped onto a jutting rock, planting herself before her foot hiked up to find it’s own placement. Teal eyes scanned and searched for the next hold as she hoisted herself up step by step until she reached the plateau in question.

“Pure water from the Spring Eternal in the Terrace is an important ingredient.”

The Terrace of Endless Spring was a sanctuary in Pandaria. It was one of the few sacred locales. It was here that the Pandaran Emperor summoned the fabled mists that coated all of Pandaria, leaving it obscured to legend as far as the outside world was concerned. The very same staff he used to achieve such a feat had been stored there for generations.

It was one of the more ornate structures the land had to offer. With large spanning terraces over a sparkling lake like stages. Running water flanking the walls that encircled, endlessly running down like sheets.

She hadn’t been to the Terrace since the Sha had infested the countryside. Only those usually with official business could walk the grounds, especially after the destruction and recovery efforts that were still in place years later. But with everything happening in the Vale of Eternal Blossom? The guards were left woefully understaffed.

“Hey, so, I need to get in there.” Soriya said with a bright smile as she approached the lone Pandarian left to watch over the place. Sending her pointer finger to inchworm toward the large gated door.

Gruffly the guard replied, “Nobody may enter without proper clearance.”

Disappointed by the straight denial given, Soriya tugged her lips to one side, “Grandmaster Zheng sent me to go get some water for a project he’s working on.” Tipping her head to the side in faux consideration she pondered aloud, “I mean I guess I could tell him I couldn’t get in. Maybe he would give me a written letter or something.”

“Zheng?” The guard repeated with the hitch of worry in his voice. “Oh, no no. That wont be necessary. Make it quick though, please.”

With a confident smile that her ruse had worked, Soriya skipped right past the guard, through the archways, and started down the massive steps that led to the first level of the spring.

It didn’t take her long to collect a small vial of the clearest water she had ever seen. Hanging herself from the edges of the stage as she plunged the container beneath the surface.

“Finally you will need a Koi fish.”

“A Koi?” Soriya repeated with her auburn brows knit.

“Yes.”

“What component of a sword does that make?” She questioned.

“It is not for me to say. Only Weishu can tell you what the Koi is for. But I must warn you that it will not be an easy task. Travelling with a live fish up a frozen mountain will bring with it many challenges.”

He was right to warn her, of course, as she felt the biting mountain air found nowhere to break once the summit was reached. Draining all the warmth from her cheeks until that cold seeped into her bones, despite bundling against this very thing.

A wicker basket was strapped to her back as she trudged through the snow covered mountain peaks. The hardest part was finding a way to keep the Koi inside warm. With smooth stones enchanted for heating and insulation between the wicker and the lining within was enough to keep the fish alive. But it was a progressive challenge where several times she had to rearrange the stones, adding or subtracting depending on the weather and conditions of her hike.

Though she wouldn’t let the challenge stop her, if anything it made her push harder into the frozen tundra of Pandaria where few ventured.

As much as she wanted to dwell on the events of the Vale, the journey through Pandaria evoked emotions within her that she hadn’t felt since her first time wandering the island. Slowly she began to realize that this task may not have been about a weapon, entirely, but instead a tour to remind her what she was fighting for.

Abruptly a collection of harrowing howls rumbled and echoed from the mountain, shaking the monk from her abstract thoughts.

Teal eyes scanned over the hills nearest to her, finding nothing there. Even if she knew exactly what it was. It wasn’t the first time Soriya had tangled with aggressive local wildlife. She knew the howl of wolves, even if she couldn’t see them.

Slowly and deliberately Soriya reached her hand back to remove the bo-staff she had brought with her as the first of the pack emerged from behind a snow bank.

Black fur and a drooling snarl to display it’s teeth toward the perceived prey. Lanky and gangling the scrawny wolf hadn’t looked like it had eaten in months. Muscles and sinew clung to the bone as if it would fall off if not. The winter must have been tough for the out of place pack.

Stepping forward to charge the wolf, Soriya was halted only by the sound of sloshing water from behind her. Stupid, she thought, quickly realizing that the normal acrobatics of her fighting style wouldn’t save the Koi from flying out of it’s new found home. She would have to be slow, let them come to her.

A second wolf appeared from behind her, snarling a growl that caused the monk to look over her shoulder.

With her attention shifted, the first wolf began to gallop toward her.

Focus… she thought to herself. Her eyes snapping back to the charging beast.

Firmly she planted the pole-arm into the soft snow. Waiting for her opportunity… and when the wolf was close enough, a foot shot out to kick the bottom of the bar. Sending it’s blunt but weighted edge timed perfectly to crop up right under the wolves jaw, forcing that snarling maw closed as the creature flipped backward with the weight behind the strike.

The second wolf joined the fray, rushing to come at her from behind. This time Soriya was ready, her staff already flowing around in circular patterns- the momentum never seeming to cease.

With her hand gripped firmly at one edge of the staff, Soriya used the ball of her foot to pivot in a circle as the staff followed along in her arc, extended out a safe distance from her only to catch that second wolf right in the side of the head and forcing it to abandon it’s charge.

“We can’t like talk this over right? I might have some jerky in my pack. I promise I don’t taste all that good.” Her joking pleas fell on deaf ears as the wolves both recovered to all fours with a rolling growl.

“I’ll take that as a no.”

Once more the wolves sought to make a meal of the monk as they leapt at her in opposite directions. Soriya proved to be too quick as she ducked beneath the rabid leaps, using her staff as a lever to knock both animals in the snout and away from landing on her. Producing a pained cry from either.

Sloshing of fresh water against the snow once more reminded her of her task, and how close she was to completing it. How she would have to go all the way back down the mountain just to retrieve another Koi, only to come right back up with it. An outcome she would avoid if she could. She knew she had to end this quickly.

Rearing back to a standing position she once more twirled her staff. This time using the butted ends of them to send a piercing strike between the closest wolves eyes. Sending the creature reeling as it shrunk back away from it’s target.

The second wolf, however, was far more cunning as it slipped in quietly to sink it’s fangs into her shin.

Soriya yelped out in pain, “Gah! FUuuuuu…-” biting her lip to prevent the pain as the wolf squeezed tighter on it’s latch.

“Let go!” She shouted as she hiked her staff above her head to slam down onto the wolf. Yet it still didn’t release it’s grasp on her.

Meanwhile the second wolf, recovered now from the harrowing hit to face, receded back to it’s haunches before leaping at the monk. Razor sharp claws drawing blood in four distinct lines of her shoulder blade.

Soriya was pushed forward. Feeling wet on her back it didn’t take long for her to figure that the basket she carried once more spilled from the crease between the lid and container. The moisture was already growing cold as it seeped into her armor uncomfortably.

She knew she had to do something. There was no way she could keep this up while keeping the Koi safe. She had to end the encounter, and end it quickly. Stabbing her staff into the ground the monk took on a fighting stance.

One wolf mimic’d her as it bore it’s fangs in her direction. Leaping soon after to try and tackle down the monk and leave her at the mercy of it’s biting fangs.

This time, however, Soriya saw it coming. A new look of focus on her face as she sidestepped the wolf. Hands as fast as lightening as she grappled the nape of it’s neck before sending a punch charged with the white outline of chi into it’s side with a bone cracking sound.

It lurched backward, wounded and without interest in the far too difficult food. Stumbling and limping away from the area. The second wolf, watching as the undoubted alpha whimpered away seemed to follow in suit. Luckily for her, it released her shin right then and there.

Her guard was still up, waiting, watching as the pair of wolves scampered with their tails between their legs.

An exasperated breath was blown through her lips with an uncaring raspberry that was far from intentional. Letting her hands drop back down to her sides the monk caught her breath before checking on the Koi, two hands reaching backward to find the bottom of the basket before she gave it a weight check.

“Do you see what I do for you Icabob? Do you see this hard work I’m putting in just so you can see the top of a mountain? You better appreciate this.” She spoke directly to the fish itself, which, apparently she had named Icabob in their travels together.

#canon #stories #soriya #vale of eternal nightmare #plotline

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eldritchrisingarchive · 5 years ago

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ON THIS EPISODE OF THINGS NO ONE ASKED FOR : A CATEGORICAL SORTING OF ALLOF MY MUSES INTO THEIR POTENTIAL ROLES IN A GENERALIZED RPG SETTING PART ONE. aka what role would they play in a video game setting.

#1- 5 lex foster, col. amanda schaffer, charlotte mitchell, claudia york, deb murphy

no one asked for this but this but here we are. will i make this into a hatchetfield rpg type thing ? only time will tell. probably at least a timeline

storylines : tgwdlm * post canon dlc / black friday player type : tank / dps / healer grey touched : yes / no

ALEXANDRA ‘ LEX ’ FOSTER

class : shaman locations : lakeside mall, lakeview trailer park, hatchetfield high first encounter ( black friday ) : an employee at toy zone, lex can be found lingering outside of toy zone prior to her shift. she cannot be recruited during the first encounter. she has a job to do. when the riots begin, lex can be saved from wiggly’s devotees and becomes a companion if the player agrees to search for hannah and ethan. if the player refuses after saving her, they will cross paths with her at later points in the game in which she is pursuing her own storyline where she is the protagonist, searching both for her sister and ethan, and a way to stop wiggly and his followers. the first of these remains her top priority. roles : potential protagonist, companion ( dps ) brief description : lex foster is primarily driven during the game by her drive to find her sister, she is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to surviving the game, and if not recruited, the game becomes significantly harder but not impossible to win. as dps goes, she is not the most effective in the game, but is often one of the most perceptive members of the party, and upon accessing her connection to the black and white, becomes invaluable as a guiding force for the party. strengths : strong sense of survival instinct and loyalty, hand to hand combat experience, aware of a number of routes unknown to the player if she isn’t in the party. weaknesses : driven almost entirely by her pursuit of finding hannah and ethan, is not an experienced killer and is at times hesitant to make the final blow, in the event of ethan’s death if the player chooses to tell her she will be temporarily incapacitated by the news. interesting facts : if lex is rescued during the beginning of the riots, she retains the box cutter, meaning linda does not have it later on. this does not save frank’s life, but it does result in linda using different threats if hannah is eventually caught by wiggly’s followers. if ethan dies and the protagonist keeps this information from her and she finds out lex will immediately leave the party and will be openly antagonistic to the player, to the point of impeding their progress whenever it does not impede her own.

COL. AMANDA SCHAFFER

class : paladin ( oath of the watchers ) location : downtown first encounter ( tgwdlm dlc ) : amanda is the woman in charge of the clivesdale civilian base, and has been immunized to the apotheosis by the government. she is not available as a constant companion, only for specific side missions. she takes her position quite seriously and is the deciding factor on whether someone is admitted into the civilian base, requiring at least three clean blood tests during a 48 hour isolation period. first encounter ( black friday ) : amanda is boots on the ground reinforcements against wiggly’s followers during the hatchetfield riots. rather than being in the mall, she is roaming the downtown district, destroying dolls whenever possible and taking down violent rioters with lethal force as necessary, and restraining those able to be restrained. the current makeshift prison is the local animal shelter. they have been disarmed and are incapacitated. amanda can be found in near the animal shelter or hardware store if not recruited as a companion. roles : npc or companion ( primary dps / secondary tank ) brief description : amanda is loyal first and foremost to peip and the well being of the united states of america, receiving her orders directly from general john mcnamara and acting under his authority as he pursues a separate but equally important task regarding the leader of the free world. she can be recruited by the player if amanda truly believes the player capable of helping to defeat wiggly at the source. proving this requires the collection of five destroyed wiggly dolls to show devotion to the cause. strengths : impervious to wiggly ( peip training ), dislikes musicals, extensive military training, emergency medical training, immunized to the apotheosis weaknesses : prioritization of her assigned task over the player, can be demanding, will not stray from her training, used to being in charge interesting facts : amanda’s radio is one of the most useful tools for retaining up to date information in both tgwdlm and black friday’s storylines, following the death of general john mcnamara late in the black friday storyline amanda is forcibly removed from the party as she is the de facto leader of peip and must return to headquarters but will authorize the player to use her firearm the most powerful gun in the game.

CHARLOTTE MITCHELL

class : feral druid location : ccrp technical, lakeside mall, willow park apartments first encounter ( tgwdlm ) : charlotte can be found hiding not far from the ccrp technical building, having lost the group she was with, and speaking with her triggers an escort mission automatically. she knows where the other survivors were heading and will take the most direct path to get there, and while this escort mission leads to a safehouse with a number of supplies, it is a notoriously difficult mission as it runs directly through downtown. first encounter ( black friday ) : charlotte is one of the first wiggly followers to be encountered, but is not the most devout. her minor fight is able to be averted with the pre-fight conversation. if averted, charlotte will flee the mall and may be found by the entrance of the willow park apartments. if not averted, when defeated, all potential benefits of her escort missions and fetch quests are lost. role : npc with escort missions and fetch quests, potential minor antagonist. brief description : strengths : provides solid bonuses upon completion of quests, can turn into a large feral cat during escort missions to assist in fighting. weaknesses : not the most intelligent, will run headfirst into danger, easily distracted by cats and love interesting facts : items can be found in charlotte and sam’s apartment during her tgwdlm fetch quests that can be beneficial in interactions with sam and ted later in the game. they are not necessary to complete the game. if you agree to collect charlotte’s cats but instead choose to let them loose, you will later have to face charlotte in her druid form. it’s not an exceptionally difficult boss fight but can be annoying as it tends to occur at inconvenient times.

CLAUDIA YORK

class : seer location : varies first encounter : claudia is only found by those who read the graffiti and notes scattered through the game. interactions can be unlocked approximately one-third of the way into the game in both storylines. roles : npc with lore heavy quest line brief description : claudia can be a significant wealth of cryptic information on events both past and present, and if approached at different points throughout the game will provide answers and clues as to the strengths and weaknesses of enemies as well as clues of where to go next to continue the story. strengths : visionary abilities, directly in tune with the black and white weaknesses : incredibly cryptic, susceptible to sneak attacks interesting facts : if amanda has been recruited in the black friday storyline and is in the player’s party when speaking with claudia she can be gifted a radio that allows for communication with the player until amanda’s departure from the party, similarly an escort mission opens in tgwdlm dlc in which if you speak to amanda at the civilian base she will offer to join your party to escort claudia to the civilian base. if this mission is completed then claudia will supply messages to the party over schaffer’s radio from the base.

DEBORAH ‘ DEB ’ MURPHY

class : monk ( way of mercy ) location : hatchetfield high, lakeside mall, downtown, the bus station first encounter ( tgwdlm ) : deb can be found on their way to the bus station, checking their phone regularly for texts from their girlfriend. they cannot be recruited as a companion until meeting them for the second time, but they can give interesting first-hand information about the destruction of the starlight theatre the night before. first encounter ( black friday ) : deb is in the downtown area, attempting to help those injured in the riots. they’ve managed to stockpile a small amount of medical supplies, and can be recruited through a fetch quest for supplies to help someone with more extensive wounds. roles : npc, potential minor antagonist, potential companion ( healer ) brief description : an artist and passionate person, deb is a somewhat unlikely survivor of both wiggly and the apotheosis, but there is hope for them yet if they are restrained rather than executed following the infected!alice boss fight. an option that is always presented to the player, but at times has dire consequences. if restrained, and not executed by peip, deb will revert to her human self within 36 hours provided that infected!alice was also restrained and not killed. strengths : skilled healer, creative thinking, first-hand knowledge of the apotheosis from the night before. witness to early infections. weaknesses : susceptible to the apotheosis, wants to help as many as they can even when it’s impractical, sometimes a bit too creative with their solutions interesting facts : if recruited before infected, deb can be a useful ally in the fight against infected!alice, when paired with bill despite their bickering they can help the real alice break through the infection proving for the first time in the game that someone can survive infection, when paired with elaine further backstory about both deb and elaine can be discovered but productivity decreases immensely as they distract each other and others with their constant bickering.

#LEX.GEN ✂︎ ━━ there are things that have to be forgotten if you want to go on living ¸#SCHAFFER.GEN ✂︎ ━━ you must make that choice yourself ¸ and live with it for the rest of your days ¸ as i have ¸#CHARLOTTE.GEN ✂︎ ━━ i am pulling myself from your hands and digging my roots back in ¸#CLAUDIA.GEN ✂︎ ━━ to hope for someone’s freedom and not have to be the angry bitch to demand it ¸#DEB.GEN ✂︎ ━━ orange red of evening ¸ of clouds as tall as palm trees ¸ whorled around like hair down a drain ¸#i have spent too much goddamn time on this

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gem-quest · 5 years ago

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[ B A L E S T R A . . . ]

“A great battle is a terrible thing,“ the old knight said, "but in the midst of blood and carnage, there is sometimes also beauty, beauty that could break your heart.” – George R R Martin

Real Name: Esther Meier (Nicknamed Essie at school, but she hates it)

Age: 19

FC: Alexia Giordano

Species & Class: Celestial Knight

Guild: Moonstone

Description of In-Game Powers: (Sorry this is super long. This is largely based off of DnD Aasimar and Paladins, but without trying to bring in actual divine powers. Instead I tried to make it more centered around a player’s perception of themselves and their actions. If this doesn’t fit with other species or the world, let me know!)

Celestials are what could arguably be defined as a light-based typically Moonstone-aligned species similar to sylphs or fae but without the connection to the environment around them. Instead, they seem to draw power from their own actions and convictions, making them a lot more internal than elemental species. Their path and their thoughts about their path define their progression. This makes their dialogue options, interactions with other PCs, and their approaches to passing certain levels very important in how they develop and the skills they gain. But it also makes their own assessment of their actions pivotal in their direction, unlike many other species. They don’t gain skills just by completing tasks, but based on how they perceive how they completed these tasks. Usually Celestial players tend to go for high Psyche/Charisma stats to boost their mental fortitude and balance. But Balestra doesn’t really understand balance beyond proper footwork. She makes up for this with a high willpower that shot even higher after her return to level 1. Willpower is a double-edged sword for Celestials since it enhances however a Celestial feels about their own actions regardless of whether this has a positive or negative effect, whereas other stats merely increase the potential for a Celestial to regard their action as good or heroic.

The interaction between player actions, player perspective, and leveling opportunities makes them a relatively unpopular species choice except for those gamers who like to save before every major NPC interaction and religiously google the different effects of game routes and encyclopedic lore entries before making any choices. In other words, most people find them tedious with a slow ramp and unpredictable leveling. Now that players can’t exit the game or return to save points, they’ve become pretty rare as they tend to die off quicker. But if they survive long enough and can find a good balance between mental stats, goals, and their class, they can become power houses. If not, they tend to be ineffective or even self-detrimental. An unstable Celestial can be equally powerful, but usually just as destructive to themselves as those around them…whether intended or not.

While they have the ability to learn flight, like sylphs, they have large feathered wings instead of diaphanous insect wings. Unlike fae, some classes of Celestials can even use these as melee weapons or shields, especially with specialized armor. Celestials also tend to have a strong affinity to light and some classes can practice light magic. The power of this is also connected to their perception of their actions, along with stats like psyche and charisma.

Regardless of other stats, Celestials’ main buff is in their luck, which extends to the rest of their party when in close proximity. In truth, Balestra didn’t even want to be a Celestial (or a Moonstone player, for that matter). But her school friends wanted that luck buff, and as always she played along. There was some fault with her copy of the game though, and when facing an attack against her party where she should have died, she ended up using up all of her luck buff (and even her luck stat) to reset to the beginning level while her friends died. In turn, her luck stat points randomly shifted to other traits. She can’t decide if she’s one of the luckiest or unluckiest Gem Quest players. In effect she died. All her items are gone, which happens to dead players. And all of her level progress disappeared. But something happened when she was reset. Not only does she have a luck of zero while still retaining all the negatives of the Celestial species; she lost the wings, flight abilities, and light affinity that are the only other Celestial perks. And moreover (and much more pressing), she can’t seem to use potions or magic on herself. Who knows if she can even get out of the game now if she can’t use Relinquium on herself.

Place of Birth: Berkshire, UK

Appearance:

She is most well known for defeating the wyrm Miro in nothing but the default character attire of white tunic and leather pants (mostly because she was on her second playthrough by then, trying frantically to regain all her lost ground, and partly not caring whether she died or not). While she does have a suit of engraved silver armor which she tends to wear in more active levels, and isn’t opposed to trading out her more martial attire for something a bit more flowy and delicate (god knows she needs whatever charisma bonus she can get on the levels that don’t rely on stabbing things), the beginning character outfit has become a bit of a calling card for her, along with her wild halo of curls. No matter what, she prefers to stick to more medieval or renaissance inspired clothing.

“Delicate in every way but one (the swordplay) God knows we like archaic kinds of fun (the old way) Chance is the only game I play with, baby We let our battles choose us” – Glory and Gore, Lorde

Places Most Likely to be Found In-Game: When not clearing levels, she tends to wander the Valley of Monsters since it’s Destrier’s home level. She’s found he’s easiest to deal with in a setting where he belongs, and becomes increasingly harder to control in more incongruous places (Few can forget that disastrous foray into the peaceful Moonstone haunt of the Gardens of Finvarra where Balestra and Destrier learned that no, eating fae NPCs does not count as eating fairy food. Balestra is needless to say not very popular among her guild). Beyond being known as a strange pariah figure people tell stories about having glimpsed speeding through levels in little more than the default character attire, she has gained a reputation as a pretty capable monster hunter for those in the market for parts but unable to handle battling beasties themselves. So she tends to spend more time in the monster-infested areas of levels than most players.

Current Inventory:

Not really inventory, but has somewhat tamed (keyword somewhat) a griffin she calls Destrier. To her that’s basically naming something horse, but she’s killed so many other mounts that she tries not to get attached. The two get along like a house fire. He has all the worst attributes of cats and birds; namely wanting to steal and then eat anything remotely shiny, wanting to kill and then eat anything that moves whether alive or not, not wanting to eat anything actually given to him as food because he didn’t get to kill it himself, being at once stubborn and proud while impressively lazy, and being altogether too smart for his own good and too stupid for Ess’s.

Halberd x 1

Quicksilver Longsword x 1 (This magical sword has the ability to change forms, shifting between rapier, longsword, knife, zweihander, and other bladed weapons which provide different stat bonuses. But it does have the distinct drawback of slowly poisoning its wielder with every use, lowering their hp and psyche dramatically for a period of time. The more its transformation powers are activated, the longer this effect lasts, which can eventually lead to an almost permanent madness. It has also been rumored to be addictive, causing the user to want more and more to shift between its forms.)

Rope x 1

Fire Salamander Gizzard x1 (Rare drop from Fire Salamanders used as a fire starter. Not as fast or reliable as a potion, and a lot more work to acquire. But if you can’t use potions you learn to make due)

Astragali Fortuna x6 (hippogriff knucklebones covered in runes which must be coated in the intended target’s warm blood to be used. They are rolled and then either buff/nerf a stat or induce the effect of a random potion in the game’s database depending on the symbols rolled. The probability of which potion effect is induced depends on the rarity of the potion. This effect does not last as long as a real potion’s. It is about as often detrimental as helpful to its target and is regarded by most players as unreliable for both personal and offensive use. A high luck score increases the chance of a positive outcome, as in part does willpower. But the exact formula for the RNG behind the item is unknown, and most players regard it as a possibly disastrous joke item.)

Venison Jerky x10

Full suit of armor x1 (she usually just wears bits and pieces since it does tend to lower her dexterity)

Beastmaster’s Gorget x1 (Ess actually isn’t a rider, but she needed that speed of a mount to regain her level progress, and she desperately wants to fly again. So she still uses a mount despite not having any of the helpful traits of a Rider player like knowing where your mount is, being able to call it, or being able to control its actions in battle. The gorget helps limit some of those problems. She thinks of it as a “Rogue Griffin GPS” with a bit of a defence buff. It ties him to her by a certain distance though it doesn’t really force him to obey her at all)

Strongest character trait: Stubborn, and she hates that about herself despite how many times it has saved her.

Strengths: creative and determined when she has a goal. She’s had to go about the game very differently her second time around, but she hasn’t succumbed to any of her handicaps yet and in many ways is a stronger player now than she ever was with her original group as her original Celestial Knight self.

Weaknesses: Conflicted, overthinking, and overly controlled when in reality she’s a lot more instinctive than she allows herself to be. She still has a hard time trusting herself

Player Stats: (I’m going based off of an average individual stat score being 5, so the average total should be around 50. But if that doesn’t seemed balanced, please let me know! Also, after Balestra used up all of her luck returning to level 1 instead of dying, her luck stat was redistributed randomly to her other stats –hence her having 2 sets of numbers. She thinks of herself like a paladin pre-glitch and something entirely different afterwards. The closest she can think of is cursed).

STRENGTH: 6 || 7

DEFENCE: 5 || 6

CHARISMA: 2 || 2

PSYCHE: 2 || 2

WILLPOWER: 6 || 9

CAUTIOUSNESS: 2 || 2

AGILITY: 8 || 8

ENDURANCE: 6 || 7

INTELLIGENCE: 7 || 7

LUCK: 6 || 0

Destrier Stats: He was once a fightable monster, right? So that means he has to have stats. I just figure he’d have fewer stat points than a PC, so I arbitrarily gave him 2/3 the total points I gave my PC. Again, let me know if that’s unbalanced. Since Balestra’s not a Rider (despite acting like one a lot of the time), she doesn’t get any stat bonus from him. He just does his own thing, which only sometimes aligns with what she wants him to do. She’s only able to marginally control him based on having a higher willpower and charisma, though only barely.

STRENGTH: 7

DEFENCE: 5

CHARISMA: 0

PSYCHE: 0

WILLPOWER: 7

CAUTIOUSNESS: 1

AGILITY: 6

ENDURANCE: 5

INTELLIGENCE: 3

LUCK: 1

Personality:

tld;dr: She’s goal/cause driven but without a cause, has spent so long being a malleable persona shaped by family and peer expectations and status but has found that without that microcosm she’s just a hollow shell reeling with misplaced anger and stifled independence that’s eating her from the inside out. She is quite intelligent and has taught herself to be disciplined despite actually being much more volatilely reactive than she’d like to admit.

Inscrutable, private, and quiet

Determined (when she has a goal, although she gets frustrated and dangerously unpredictable even to herself when she feels aimless)

So used to carefully crafting her image that she’s lost a lot of her internal sense of self and self-worth. She’s also quite comfortable with blanketing herself in little lies rather than show people the more vulnerable reality underneath. This doesn’t always mean she tries to make herself more appealing, sometimes she tries to push others away with lies instead.

Creative and Resourceful

Does best when faced with a problem. She likes solving things, and tends to pull herself together when faced with an external threat.

Vacillates between a guilt complex and a rigid disregard for the effects of her actions. In reality, she’s somewhere in the middle, but it’s unsettling having to face both what she’s done and how she’s not entirely sorry about it in order to actually come to terms with herself.

Overthinker to the extreme, but more because she’s trained herself to be so. In reality she’s pretty instinctive and reactive. But from family, school, and friends she’s learned to gauge every possible effect of her actions before taking a step. This led her to be paralyzed by indecision and more of a follower in real life, but now that she’s on her own and in charge of an even more instinctive and wild creature she’s had to chip away at that protective calculation and just act. It’s terrifying and freeing all at once.

Has a hard time reconciling her softer side with her sharp and harder tendencies. She tends to come off as biting, rigid, and distant but has a softer and more delicate side she tries to bury.

Quite independent but doesn’t fully trust herself. She’s so used to being part of something and deferring to others that she feels at times lost being on her own. She has cycles of loneliness and defiance where she just wants to push people away and forge her own path.

Has a very dark sense of humor, but she doesn’t let that out for just anyone. She’s gotten most comfortable with Destrier, just by sheer amount of time spent with him and the fact that she has few other people to talk to. Sure, he doesn’t quite talk back, but he has his own brand of snark and the two have a weird back and forth.

“And each man stands with his face in the light. Of his own drawn sword, ready to do what a hero can.” –Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Biography:

Why was she here? Esther asked that often, as she stared down the slathering maw of some fabled beast with nothing but a halberd between them, as she grasped tight to a half-tamed griffin’s feathers and fought it all the way into the sky for some semblance of control, or as she sat alone beside a sputtering fire and stared up at the false constellations of another simulated night which seemed to hulk too low and too heavy above her.

Why was she here, in this chaotic mess of monsters fighting for nothing, in this broken body which couldn’t remember how to heal or shine or fly? Of course, she knew the answer. Every time a blow missed, or a lingering wound ached as she tried to find some substitute for a potion, or a new party passing on a trail gave her the wide berth of a plague ship, she knew. Helena. Everything had always been Helena.

It was Helena who found her when she first started Wellington, when she was just some state school scholarship kid whose father was a jumped-up real estate agent with notions. It was Helena who dragged Esther to her family’s events like some new toy to show off, where Esther would sit still as a statue while Helena left her to talk with old friends, afraid to touch anything, afraid they would know she didn’t belong. It was Helena who had crowned her “Essie” and stared down the boys who threw pencils in her curls to see if they would stick. But it was Helena who would braid her hair into messy pigtails and make sure to tug, just a few times, just to see if she would wince. It was Helena who tasted like candy apple vodka and stifled laughter at a pre-exam party, all the grace and perfect ease of a sun with its planets in orbit. But it was Helena who kissed her full on the lips and left her wide-eyed and speechless, and then told her in that whimsical tone that made it seem like you had a choice through the underlying bite of a command, “I think you and Thom would be cute together. I think I would like that.” It was Helena who threw the two of them together. Thom with his clumsy, grasping hands and his jealous streak. Thom who only had two things in common with her; the fencing team (where he waddled about like a safety hazard with an epee), and Helena, who they would do anything for.

It was Helena who was beautiful and bright, shining and sharp, commanding and fickle and cruel. So of course, after graduation when their group was thrown to the wind and Esther found herself at the Sorbonne for Medieval Studies which Helena had always called “pointless, dull old nonsense,” when Helena had called up “on a whim,” Esther dropped everything. In all honestly, there hadn’t been much to drop. Her father had called the day before. Something about a bad deal and money troubles, how they couldn’t afford her program or apartment anymore. Something about money for the next train from Paris. Something about problems at home, something with his secretary, of course because her father didn’t have the creativity for an affair beyond the cliche. So of course Helena appeared like salvation, something to follow, something to hide in, something to drown herself in so she wouldn’t have to think. Instead of packing up her apartment and buying a ticket home, she spent the last of her money on a VR headset for this new game Helena had heard of.

It was Helena who wanted to be in Moonstone; she heard there was a level just for Moonstone players to throw wild parties, that the simulation was better than any drug on the street. It was Helena who wanted Esther to be a Celestial; it would be more fun for everyone with that luck bonus, and that much easier for them all to get to that party level. And nobody else wanted to play as one, they were “hopelessly dull” after all.

But it was Esther who got them through the levels. It was Esther whose fencing skills saved them from beast after beast, whose studies gave her hints to riddles the rest of the group were too impatient and bored to puzzle through. It was Esther who first heard the announcement, that there was no way out of the game anymore, that relinquium was off the market and chances to bribe Jacqueline were disappearing. And she heard the whispering, how Thom and Helena and the others wondered how much their parents would pay to bribe their way out, how it really wasn’t that much fun here anyways, how they all just wanted to leave. They were all so sure, so confident with their parents’ money behind them that nothing could hurt them, that they could just leave when they were bored. They didn’t even spare a thought for her, they didn’t even stop to wonder what would happen if they left her behind, just like they never stopped to wonder what would happen to them if they didn’t have her there in the first place.

It was Esther who suggested storming the dragon’s lair. She told herself she just wanted to convince them why it was worth staying, why they needed her, why they couldn’t just leave her behind. But she knew it was a lie. Thom was the first to die, and she didn’t have to do anything. He was always rash, thoughtless, always trying to impress and always falling short. Those clumsy hands that had fumbled with her uniform as she disgustedly lay there and thought, ‘this was what Helena wanted,’ never really got the hang of the in-game sword mechanics. Not even Esther’s luck bonus could help him. For a glorious, fire-choked moment somewhere between heaven and hell as the dragon slashed him to pieces and charred the remains, Esther felt right. She felt free. Some tried to fend off the beast, but they were of little use without her there to lead the charge. The others tried to flee, desperately trying to search through inventories for any potions or scrolls to help. But Esther had always been the fastest, and she had luck on her side. Their blows came to nothing. Their magic fizzled in their hands. They were left shocked and frozen as she swung at them in perfect, practiced confidence. Helena didn’t even have time for fear. She just stared with offended disbelief, as if somehow she was more upset Esther had acted without her approval than that Esther was plunging a sword into her chest. And then there was nothing, Esther had killed not just some random NPC, not just some nameless member of another guild or even some unknown from her own guild; she had killed her friends. She had swung the sword with the vicious satisfaction that they would well and truly die. And worse, she didn’t care. For once, it felt right. She didn’t stop to think. She didn’t worry. She just swung her blade.

The last thing Esther remembered was the dragon reaching down for her; the sharp kiss of its claws; the warmth of flames as her hair and face and glorious wings charred away. And then she was back at the beginning, with nothing.

Relationships:

Char 1 -

Balestra Playlist

Heretic Pride || The Mountain Goats

Falling || HAIM

Glory and Gore || Lorde

Horse & I || Bat for Lashes

Arsonist’s Lullaby || Hozier

Torches || The Oh Hellos

Miracle || CHVRCHES

Shrike || Hozier

I of the Storm || Of Monsters and Men

The Yawning Grave || Lord Huron

Fire Rides || MØ

Extras:

Esther Playlist

Oxford Comma || Vampire Weekend

Friends || RAYE

Don’t Save Me || HAIM

Karma || Years & Years

The Hamptons || Transviolet

Academia || Sia

Mirror || IDER

Only if For a Night || Florence + the Machine

Other:

After she glitched out she can’t use any potions. She doesn’t know exactly why, but she simply can’t affect herself with temporary magic without horrible glitchy side effects (this does not make her immune to spells from other players though, much to her general dismay). It’s made regaining levels a bit of a nightmare, but mostly she just misses being able to fly. It’s also meant that she’s had to get creative on some levels, especially those tailored to other guilds where the main strategy for non-guild members is a specific magical item. Also, because of this she doesn’t know if she even can leave the game, since the only method now is the potion Relinquium.

Hasn’t been the member of a party since her original party was wiped out and she reset back to level 1. She also has little to no guild loyalty. In fact, she seems much better suited to Obsidian and enjoys most of their claimed levels more than those of Moonstone, which tend to have more goals and interactions which wreak havoc with her corrupted Celestial nature.

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/euclidice/balestra/

#balestra #esther #moonstone #character info #is this all based around the premise that I really like making knight and armor dolls? Yeah mostly #but there are worse reasons to do something

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gg-astrology · 6 years ago

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How would a retrograde Mars in libra show itself? Its in my 6th house conjunct the descendant. I love the libra💕🍃⚖️ but i get confused about putting all these things together and how they add up. Oh its also opp my jupiter and trine my moon but its oke if you only answer the retr mars libraヾ(๑╹◡╹)ﾉ" thank you in advance you’re the best🍋🥥 byeeeeee

Hey there! ❤️ Ooof thank u so much!! ❤️ This will be a little long ;u; I’m touching on the Libra Mars stuff but I hope this helps you out somehow ❤️❤️

🚫long post 🚫

Mars in Libra (rx) ⬇️

Ooooooooh, same as James Charles!! ( And prince William as well kjnkjkjjdnskjnk) – sorry that was the first thing that came to mind!! ;; Libra mars been coming up on my radar a lot lately?? idk why, but there’s been talks on astro twt about libra mars in bad positions as of late ;; – anyways, I hope you’re doing well hhhHH ❤️

Condition of Mars in Libra

Let’s start off with addressing the base-line of things. The condition of Mars in Libra.

I’m sure you might know this already but the planet’s will (what Mars want/why it’s there) and sign’s conditions misalign somewhat, with Libra being the domicile in Venus whilst Mars is more happily aligned with Aries. This makes the planet’s expression stifled/different from achieving it’s goals (it’s just– y know, working with someone you get along with versus someone you may not understand, it’s normal to have those)

It still– y know, go for it and stuff. But understanding that a detriment planet isn’t the same as a domicile/exalted planet makes assuming that everyone’s expression is the same as yours something to look out for.

A lot of the time, we just think we’re a little different. We don’t tend to notice the flags of our behaviors (until it’s too late) –what others are saying/warning us about or being unnerved by – so it’s good to be aware of that and moving forward in adapting healthier mechanism/working to constantly grow as well ❤️

Mars in Libra

Mars in Libra is kinda like – imagine Mars, bad boy trope stomping into an unexpected ball-room ceremony held by Libra. Mars is unexpectedly stifled, trying to ‘fit’ into the Libra’s atmosphere. Mars– completely out of place, bearing with it for Libra’s sake.

All the while being aware of how-to-be-polite and careful around others, all these Libra richies are judging them and their every word (already judging their demeanor). Trying not to show it’s weakness and feeling more and more paranoid/frustrated as time goes on.

With Mars in Libra – the natives learn how to adapt and use the will of the planet under the guise of the sign. So in this case – Mars learn the strategies and counter-attacks as a vehicle for it’s goals. It doesn’t like war, but it learns to use it in order to achieve it’s peace. Learns to assert while being passive, learn to use pleasantries, deception, persuasion and manipulation for an end-result that matters/meaningful to them. It calculate, judges, weighs the consequences and actions and justify it’s means.

Mars in Libra knows it’s not just fighting for itself– but for others involved as well, the consequences of their action or lack of action weighs down on them– sometimes decisions are harder to make, because they ultimately want to be ‘sure’ of the consequences– what each stages/steps entails before making a move on something.

Hallmark Traits

Mars in Libra can ultimately strive for balance– rather than harmony or peace, it can offend or create chaos in order to achieve it’s goals because of this as well (as a result of it’s goal). This desire for balance which is it’s base instinct – can often blindside the Libra Mars into it’s detrimental position and enhance some of it’s negative forward more often too.

Either for the self or for others– they can sometimes strongly negate or look away from situations that they have caused, justifying their own means and methods– whilst trying to fight for the ‘right’ of something without fully negotiating peace or harmony with others because of it (the will of Mars remember) – in the minds of Libra Mars– they would often push the field into being on the verbal or intellectual side rather than anything else. Lure the enemy into their terrain, or make sure there’s an ‘out’ somehow in order to escape if things go south.

Mars in a position of Libra – often negate out-right warfare unless they can win /achieve something out of it. The Libra waits for the enemies to come– and even then, it’s innocent facade helps it push it’s agenda forward whilst knowing it holds the power in the situation (no matter what the other side thinks/knows/is aware of it or not). It doesn’t have to be as ?? whatever this sounds like – it’s just how it works. Procrastination is also a thing with Libra Mars– as they often would rather lie in wait (again, waiting for the terrain to be in their favour) than actually go out, dominate, and lose the war.

Mars in Libra has strategies, and often time it also translates to obsessive quality to it’s creation, product, conditions. Thrust and parries in fencing is not the same as swinging a sword around in battles. Often, they can be their own worst enemies– as they sabotage themselves, by either waiting too long or not knowing how to confront properly before it’s too late.

With a strong need to come out winning– sometimes they act (or lack of action is) to the detriment of themselves. The obsessive need/desire for balance overwhelms their structure, and thus sometimes– confidence wanes and fails. Insecurity arises, and the Libra chooses to look away from it’s problems in order to wait and rationalize– see it’s options and opportunities to come again.

Mars in rx

With Mars in retrograde comes important lessons that we have to look at and solve within ourselves. Our expression of Mar’s will and power – it’s strength, assertiveness and confrontational abilities becomes valuable lessons we should focus on and learn to incorporate (over and over again).

Competitiveness shakes and wanes under the rx– we self-preserve in order to maintain or build up our ‘confidence’. Trying to mask it’s facade. This also makes the use of deception ( ‘im not competitive or confrontational’ ) to compensate/visage, we struggle to bring our natural (healthy) competitiveness back to it’s level (actually acknowledge ways we can be peaceful and direct at the same time)

The rx can sometimes signify karmic challenges we’ll have to go through – with Mars in rx position, we are tasked with learning how to either 1. not throw diplomacy away and go full out war or 2. be so stagnant, gave up, look away from warfare/trying to advance completely as well (would rather remain passive than ‘waste’ resources, lives, energy, time, others)

The latter point may be more natural– remember that it is about winning, but if the motivation/fear is overwhelming or ‘lost’ – then there’s no ‘reason’ for Libra to feel like it should continue fighting.

Inner self-awareness and motivation to it’s strength, as well as direct, goals, ambitions helps the cardinal air sign progresses (to an extent). If looking out for the self means sacrificing others (expectations/reliance on them) or if sacrificing others means saving the self (at what cost) – the two aspects (self - others) misaligning can cause turmoil, as well as stagnancy if it’s not something the Libra can ‘carry’ going forward ( self pressure + people’s pressure pressing down on them)

The Mars in Libra rx can have really stubborn resolutions, which is the majority of why it’s so hard for them to bounce back from things sometimes. When they are uncompromising, attached and obsessed with a certain idea themselves– it’s near impossible for anyone to change their mind/thoughts without enabling their self-destruction further.

The Libra goes back to their old battles, resisting the idea of it being a lost-cause and trying to find resolutions that would satisfy it’s desire for balance, victory and righteousness. Evading and non-confrontational tactics may become more asserted (once they find a motivation/direction) – deflection and defensive may be pulled up more. The Mars in Libra rx – creates a dynamic where ‘strategies’ become the determining factors in how they handle situations. And the desire to have balance/win it.

Mars in Libra has it’s own ways of handling things– and whilst the position itself is detrimental (just like Taurus or Cancer who falls in Mars) – the best way to help the Libra out is to acknowledge, focus and concentrate on the lessons it has to learn.

It’s like this with other retrograde positions as well, being self-aware and re-working the inner self is something that can help see how/why we’re different from others.

I know it probably sounds like I went a little hard on Libra detriments here – but I hope you can see how it’s strength shines through even when we talk about the challenges we’re supposed to look at.

Libra Mars definitely has it’s own character and traits that are very useful, so I hope this answer shows how it manifests and clears up somethings for you!! ❤️

OH and if you want to hear more about Libra Mars rx - Aries Jupiter opposition (in relation to James Charles)-- this astrologer on yt puts it in a pretty straight-forward way, what’s happening right now ❤️❤️

#astrology asks #libra #libra mars #mars in libra #mars #rx #libra mars in rx #mars in rx #mars rx #libra mars rx #anon #asks #long post

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journeysintowebcomics · 6 years ago

Text

Worm Liveblog #115

UPDATE 115: The Simurgh Shows Off

A bit of a short Worm update today.

Last time the Travelers were introduced as a group of friends who play games together in a professional level. It was all nice and dandy until the Simurgh attacked, even Noelle was okay. This obviously is in the past, and I think it’s before they all got their powers, and I’m kind of expecting them all to get their powers from the trauma of being where the Simurgh attacks. So let’s continue and see if I’m right!

Running on a slippery concrete surface is not easy, and it’s even less easy when you’re running from something that could turn its attention at you at any moment and, I don’t know, vaporize you with her voice. It’s even harder for someone who is carrying somebody else, such as Luke, who is carrying Noelle along. They have to go, avoiding the windows and any other traps the building has. Hm...in theory avoiding the windows doesn’t sound like a difficult thing to do, really, unless this building has the most haphazardly-placed windows in the history of architecture or the ice��s making them slip around like crazy. Run in a straight line, that should be enough most of the time.

It’s when they’re getting to the parts of the building that are already crumbling – the base, I imagine – that dodging the windows is more difficult, due to the crumbling outer walls.

“Fuck!” Luke shouted. “Fuck, fuck me!”

Third time isn’t a charm for you, Krouse thought. Luke had put his leg through a window and his leg was slit open from the base of his foot to his knee.

Oh, damn, that’s nasty, and something to worry about. If you get a nerve of an artery, or even a vein sometimes, sliced, you’re doomed. Thank goodness there’s not much description, although that doesn’t make it any better. I can’t avoid thinking of some rather ugly scenarios.

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot to comment, Scion is here. You know, for someone who is a complete mystery and also the epitome of being a parahuman hero, he sure features much less in the story than I expected. Scion must be doing something right, anyway, since he’s forcing the Simurgh to retreat from the area.

Luke’s injury is a bit of a mystery, they don’t know how bad it is, and he still can move his leg well. In that case, it may not be too deep if the muscle isn’t very compromised. Lucky guy, Lucky Luke. Not in condition to carry Noelle, though, so Francis does it. He also shows why he’s the leader of the Travelers while Noelle is not okay, as he takes the leadership and gets Marissa to lead the way, looking for the safer places.

There are still things to worry about, though. The Simurgh is closer than they thought.

Telekinesis. She’d created a false image of herself out of snow and ice, baiting Scion away. Judging by the sound of Scion’s continued onslaught, she was still controlling it. Controlling it even though there was no way she could see what it was doing by eyesight alone.

The Simurgh’s skin is primarily white, gray and transparent, or she’s able to mimic colors somehow. Or maybe the copy is floating around while using the white and platinum hair to cover the skin. She sure would have enough wing and hair to do that. So while Scion is over there, fighting the copy, that’ll give the Simurgh the freedom to cause havoc over here, too close to the Travelers.

She’s doing something over there...gathering a lot of electronics. Is she trying to make another copy of herself, this time using electronics? She’s even connecting some. It’s odd. No time to worry much about it, though, they still have to run away, somehow get off the building and onto the ground.

Turns out descending the building may be an impossible task, due to the slipperiness of the outside of the building. Their only option is to go inside and search for another way, although it may be dangerous. There could be a fire or a gas leak – reasonable fears in this situation. But out here, there’s the Simurgh, there’s the cold...just because the Simurgh is out here I sure know what I’d pick. If I could, I’d try to ensure I’d be able to get out again if necessary, but such a thing may be impossible to do. There’s nothing on the outside.

This flashbacks must be happening very long ago, because the Endbringers weren’t household names to recoil from. Only Jess seems to know about them, and she explain the circumstances of the Simurgh’s debut.

“The idea was maybe she and Scion met some specific set of conditions. So the whole world watched for something like three days, to see if she would be another Scion, or if she’d be something else. People approached, she even communicated with them some. Not talking, just gestures, I guess. Interacting might be a better word. And when we thought things would be okay, she made a move. The entire population of the city around her, with all the people who had come to talk with her and research her…”

Huh, where does Scion come from, anyway? Maybe he can be classified as an Endbringer, in terms of...what he is. Just that instead of going around destroying everything, he’s a hero. The world back then got pretty lucky the very first parahuman-related person decided to use the powers for good.

The conversation stops when heroes finally come to deal with that enormous problem – the Simurgh must be much stealthier than Leviathan was, if she managed to get here and start destroying before the heroes even got word from it. Just like it happened with the Leviathan fight, the heroes are immediately at a disadvantage, because the Simurgh seems to have sensed them coming, and already prepared to defend herself, killing one of them almost immediately. Perhaps the thing she’s assembling with electronics is part of her defensive strategy? I think so, because the other hero here aims at it.

Time to go inside. Apparently Noelle is quite the catch, as Cody had also tried to woo her and was unsuccessful. Wow, it’s like Francis has triumphed in everything Cody didn’t. No wonder Cody is so goddamn upset.

Getting out of the apartment is easy enough, breaking into another below is harder, as they have to kick the door open.

“It keeps getting worse. The music,” Marissa complained. “It’s like it’s stretching between three notes, and the moment I think there’s a pattern to it, it changes.”

Krouse glanced at Jess. What does she know? To Marissa he said, “It gets worse if you pay attention to it. Focus on what you’re doing. Distract yourself if you have to.”

What’s up with the music? It’s been noted to be changing, adding one note at a time. Is it perhaps a warning to those around? Like, the moment she reaches a certain number of notes, everything will be over? The part about how the song is changing is really making me concerned.

Soon they manage to get inside, ready to keep exploring. At least one person seems to have died in this apartment. Doesn’t matter, because they escape rather easily onto the ground from here. Okay, this went smoothly! Now it’s a matter of running away from where the Simurgh is.

Up there, the Simurgh has progressed, making a circle with her electronics. Like a frisbee? It’s still the heroes’ target, they keep trying and failing to destroy it. During one of the attempts, the hero that uses bubbles of force fields to fight gets struck down and thrown aside, near where the Travelers are, and gets impaled. Ouch.

Wow, for someone who got impaled he sure refuses to accept he’s down. Okay, hopefully this isn’t deadly. He sees the Travelers and tell them to leave or they’re as good as dead. During all that, a device he has tells him it’s too late even if he leaves now.

“I’ll let your wife know you fought bravely. Do you want me to keep a recording for your son, for when he’s older?”

“Dragon! Damn you!”

Oh heeeey, there’s Dragon! How nice to see a familiar hero face. This hero, Grandiose he’s called, isn’t as happy, and I’m sure he’s even less happy when the device starts beeping. Is this...normal? I mean, I’m pretty sure this means the device is going to explode, but it doesn’t seem like normal Endbringer protocol. Maybe the Simurgh does something with the dead bodies, since this one was about to die.

There’s Alexandria! This must be some time after she got her powers from Cauldron, then. The Simurgh fights, throwing her around, and luckily for Alexandria, she’s certain to survive this fight, what with being alive in the present. There’s nothing any of them can do about the Simurgh and her invention, as she finally rises and moves.

“That explosion,” Luke was saying, panting as he ran with a lopsided gait. “They blew up their own person. Why?”

“Because he’d been here too long,” Krouse said.

...I’m not sure what this means. Does it mean that, if you’re in the area where the Simurgh is for too long, you have to die? If the Travelers here are found, will they also be killed? Because I’m pretty sure they have been in the area near the Simurgh for much longer than the hero was. Of course they had to travel around, they had to put as much distance between this city and them, so they don’t die.

Somehow, the Simurgh manages to activate the device she made, a strange donut-shaped thing the heroes are desperate to destroy, so much they forgo the precautions of being near her for too long. The song seems to be the big issue. In that case, yeah, the Travelers are as good as dead if they’re seen. Apparently by now the song they’re hearing has six sounds.

They’re so lucky they already escaped the building, it’s torn apart. If they had still been on it or inside...

The donut the Simurgh made is activated, and its effects soon are seen despite the heroes’ best effort. It’s not a destructive device like I expected, it doesn’t make the city explode or anything. Instead, the Simurgh raises it high, and the device makes things appear. It’s a gate, a portal. And people are falling through it, alongside the debris. Oh, goodness, I didn’t think an Endbringer could do something like building portals.

“How the fuck is she not a tinker!?” Krouse shouted.

“She isn’t!” Jess called back. “She’s never done anything like this before!”

Perhaps it gained this particular skill at some point? As if the Endbringers weren’t scary enough, this one here maybe learned tinker abilities. Nothing like a dangerous thing turning even more dangerous.

Oh, nevermind, those aren’t people, those are monsters, monsters that proceed to roam around and eat each other. Oh hey, what if the Endbringers come from another dimension, and these monsters come from that same dimension? It’s not too farfetched, given what’s going on right now! That there’s ruined architecture is not a good thing, though. It paints quite the grim picture of...whatever place she’s bringing all this from.

Even though Scion breaks the device, the portal doesn’t disappear, it continues pouring so many things. It takes Scion charging and channeling his power to start closing it, but that’s not going to be the end of this. Creatures already passed through and fell everywhere, those will have to be dealt with one by one. Seems to me the heroes are going to do cleanup for quite a while!

The Simurgh’s movement was slowed in the wake of the light, and Scion took the opportunity to land one well placed shot. She was driven into the ground like a nail from a nailgun, somewhere Krouse couldn’t see.

I remember it was said Leviathan was incredibly dense and only got denser after the outer layers. Perhaps the Simurgh is the same? Still, punching an Endbringer is impressive. Way to go, Scion.

More running. They desperately need a hospital, and none of them know where they are right now. Luke suggests the Simurgh threw the building, Jess says that’s not possible because then it’d all have been shattered. I agree with her, I’m still kind of baffled the building just turned ninety degrees in the blink of an eye. If it had been tossed, I’m pretty sure they’d all have noticed something was wrong, and then they’d all have died.

They crossed paths with another monster. A man, pale, with a head twice as large as his torso. His arms and legs were atrophied, and he crawled, dragging his head along the pavement. It looked as though he’d sustained some damage in being flung halfway across the city, his head was nearly caved in at the top, a bloody ruin with fragments of skull sticking out.

“Help me,” the thing pleaded. He reached out with one emaciated hand.

“How?” Marissa asked.

“Mars!” Krouse shouted, “No stalling!”

She ignored him. “How can we help?”

“Give me your memories,” the monster said. Marissa backed away a few steps in alarm. “Give them! I want to dream again! I haven’t dreamed in so long!”

Oh my god. This is no out of nowhere and unfitting with everything, honestly. Suddenly, this that seems to come straight out from a horror tale is here. Okay!

The song they’re hearing in their heads is getting weaker, so either Scion is managing to injure or distract the Simurgh enough to make her stop the song, or they’re almost our of her range. Both would be great! The great news last...like two seconds before they encounter once another obstacle, and one I can’t say I saw coming.

In the distance, on the far side of a park, there were squads of men and women in army fatigues, with jeeps and other army vehicles helping to add presence to the already formidable line of defense. Each of the soldiers was aiming a gun at the fence.

Krouse flinched as a howl sounded, closer than the ones before. Caught between a rock and a hard place. Not to mention Noelle’s condition, or even Luke’s. He winced at the noise in his head. It was quieter, but his stress here, his alarm and confusion, it was making the screaming spike to a brutally high pitch.

“Step away from the fence!” The voice sounded over a loudspeaker, gruff, authoritarian. “This area is under quarantine! Seek shelter and wait for further instructions! If you approach or touch the fence, you will be shot!”

Alright! Everything is quarantined. Hm...the silver lining is that this should mean anything the Simurgh brought will be stopped, and nobody has to worry about those anymore. I hope so, at least. The bad news is that, if there’s a quarantine, then Noelle and Luke won’t get the medical attention they need. Even though they say to await further instructions, this doesn’t seem very good, since...that Grandiose hero from before got killed because he had been in the presence of the Simurgh’s song for too long.

I’m aware the Travelers will survive, so...what if what happens is that they’re all taken away, to be dealt with? And everybody except Cody manage to escape. No signs of any powers yet, and seems to me like the circumstances that can lead to a trigger event are still around. All in all, I keep wondering what’ll happen next. Alright! But that’ll have to be for next time.

Next time: in five updates

#worm #worm liveblog #webserial #liveblog #webserial liveblog

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allyvampirelass29 · 5 years ago

Text

The Monsters that Fear You

A Vampire Diaries Prequel By: Allyssa J. Watkins

<3 <3 <3 SPAIN 1864 <3 <3 <3

"What happened to you...….?"

Elijah's voice broke over the question, his serene eyes now sorrowful. "What could she have done, what slight or sin could lead you to spitefully use her so...….? The way you were with her that first day...…. The care, the devotion, Klaus..... You held her in your arms, cradled her there for hours, you washed the blood from her hair, taking the time to braid it anew, and I saw the Niklaus I admire emerge, the human heart of my brother. You were happy, and I knew this girl had come to answer my most fervent prayer for you. The one thing you have never been able to take by force, try as you might...…. Love."

Klaus bit the corner of his lip as he looked back unflinchingly into Elijah's profound sadness, and his icy blue eyes grew ever colder.

"You know nothing of love."

Elijah's own lip was seized with a tremor, a stab of pain in his heart caused the flash in his eyes, and it was all he could do to keep composed. "Yes, well, you made sure of that now, didn't you...…?" Slain all of my lovers, hunting one still to the ends of the earth, not to mention ripping the heart out of anyone who's ever so much as looked at our sister. But now, even your own promising bloom of love, you snuff beneath your boot, seek to kill it before it can blossom into what you assume is a weakness. You're the worst kind of self destructive, Klaus, because you want to hurt anything that could love you, be it your own family, or a vulnerable feminine heart.

Klaus scoffed ferociously, his features bereft of emotion, his eyes eerily still. "As usual brother you fail to see that I am playing the long game in this pursuit, and that feminine heart must be wrought against the iron anvil into steel, if it's to be anything of use to me. That care, that devotion you praise me for, will do nothing to assuage her pain compared to what I am blessing her with, even if it appears to you savage. That fret and affection you first saw, cannot compare to my generosity of now."

"Generosity!?" Elijah stepped back his eyes incredulous. "Klaus, surely you jest in such a dark humour, to profess this unhinged cruelty as anything belonging to kindness? A bruised body, a broken rib, Sir, if this is your kindness, I pray only for your hatred!"

Elijah turned heel, fiddling with his sleeve in a huff, moving to storm out of the stable, when he stopped cold with the eerie sound of Klaus' mocking laughter.

"Ohhh Noble Elijah, ever the strong protector, rushing in to save the day, not yet realizing, the distress is what will free the damsel. Pathetic. I am her Sire, I am the reason she breathes, it was MY blood that gave her life!!! And it will be hers that will make that life worth saving."

Elijah turned around coolly, adjusting his collar, and strode back up to Klaus, who only stared back, unfeeling.

"You listen to me, Niklaus." His breath shuddered as he pointed out toward the door, toward the round pen where Natalia lay fallen, his finger quivering with his anger. You may have sired this girl, saved her, reborne her, but by GOD, YOU DO NOT OWN HER!!!!"

The air trembled with the thunder of Elijah's voice, the lightning striking in his eyes, and Klaus smiled cruelly, walking up to him, with a defiant tilt of his head, the electric blue of his own eyes intensifying, his voice a reveling rasp. "I owned her the second she drew in breath after dying, began her second life, her true life, from my own blood. And I will own her, teach her, remake her, in accordance to MY will, until she takes her last."

"You obstinate, self-obsessed braggart! You are embarrassingly transparent, and I see right through you. This isn't about her...... this has always been about him. Marcel. Marcel, you loved. Marcel, you lost. Your beloved pupil, the first under your ruthless tutelage, who FAILED you. You want your second attempt as Sire to be better, to fight harder, so you deny her even a crumb of the basest civility, even as she starves for your approval. You punish her, even now..... for the sins of your prodigal son."

Klaus felt his ire rise deep inside his chest, the name, Marcel, slicing like a poisoned blade brandished against him, and his unshaven cheeks filled with insulted fume, taking a methodical step forward, the blue fury of his eyes piercing into Elijah's.

"How you pride yourself on being the innately intuitive one. You claim to know my heart better than I, myself, and yet you have proved, you see NOTHING. I don't want her to be better than Marcel, you fool........ I want her....... to be better than ME."

Elijah's eyes widened, the fear spreading through his usually so stoic features, and he stumbled backward, struck with the physical effect of those impossible words, shaking his head.

"That is MADNESS!!!!!" He stammered, his eyes darting back and forth, eying Niklaus like a strange, fearsome malevolence, that held not even a shred of the brother he knew.

"THAT is my method. Such is my fixed course, and you can either aid me in this task, or get the HELL out of my way........"

Klaus growled as he pushed past Elijah, striding out to retrieve the fallen rose he'd left on the ground, and Elijah, still in a horrified stupor, hurried after him, racing into a blur to get to her first.

**********

Natalia coughed, feeling the intense pain in her chest, the broken rib aching with every labored breath, still not healed. Her brown leather pants were covered with dirt, along with her cream peasant blouse, and matching leather vest, and the crumbling, dry dust clung to the sweat in her hair, as well as what little air she could painfully breathe in.

She saw Elijah appear beside her, reaching down for her, and she screamed as the thrown axe buried itself deeply into the curve of his shoulder blade.

"NOOOOO!!!!" Klaus commanded, his hand still raised from hurling the axe. Elijah staggered back, crying out, as he reached for the handle of the embedded blade, the blood dripping down his arm.

"Klaus..... Klaus, please......"

"Get up." He growled, seizing the wooden fencing with both of his hands, his eyes focused intensely on the beautiful woman sprawled before him.

"I c-can't" Natalia insisted, her rib burning with the pain, even of breathing.

Klaus glowered, Elijah hissed, anguished, and there was a sickening pop, as he yanked the axe free from his bleeding shoulder.

"Dear Natalia, you will find that those words have little use to your lips in my presence. You can. You will stand on your own, and you will do it now."

"Niklaus, ENOUGH!!!" Elijah roared, hurling the axe back at him, and Klaus blurred out of the way just in time.

"Natalia. Rise." He hissed, his mouth pursed into a snarl. "I grow impatient."

"She can't! Do you hear anything over the sound of your own stubborn pride? This ends NOW!!!"

"RISE!" Klaus screamed his demand, open-mouthed, drowning out Elijah's voice, his knuckles turning white, gripping the fence, his eyes feral.

Natalia glared murder back at Klaus, resolved to not let Elijah suffer her punishment one second more, and her whole body shook as she slowly rose up from the dirt, her head screaming with pain and protest, feeling like she was breathing in fire, her chest burning, and she stood there, clutching her rib, her vision darkening, as Klaus Mikaelson smiled.

"The hardest part about being beaten is getting back up, forcing yourself, to rise from the ashes of your defeat, when your broken body is screaming for you to stay down. Congratulations. You've earned your rest."

Elijah rushed forth just as Natalia collapsed, the pain too much, and he caught her, his entire body seething.

"Elijah will see you back to your room, maybe even get you a nice hot cup of blood, if you bat those pretty eyelashes at him. I expect to see improvement on both of your parts tomorrow. Everyone must work around here....... You'll do yourself no favours if you hold anything back."

Natalia felt her rib start to heal, going from brutally broken to badly bruised, and it took every bit of strength left in her weary body, but she flung herself at the fence, grasping it to steady her, leaning over it, staring hard into her Sire's ruthless eyes.

"I NEVER asked for any of this." She hissed dangerously, her eyes snapping with dark smoke and fiery embers, and she bristled as Klaus seized her forearm, pulling her closer, the fire catching in his own icy eyes.

"My Dear Girl....... You didn't have to." They locked blazing gazes, and his hold softened, his thumb melting against her skin for just a moment, before he roughly released her, and blurred away in a fury.

"Natalia!" Elijah rushed, panicked, taking her into his arms, seeing that more bruises had formed, one on her clavicle, several down her arm, a slash across her upper arm, and he bit into his own wrist, urging it to her chapped lips. "Drink, Natalia, I'll heal you, I must apologize so profusely, my brother's madness has progressed beyond all conceivable possibility."

Natalia felt the hunger overtake the pain in her chest, her dark eyes crackling, and she moved to drink deeply from Elijah's wrist, when the air around it became as unyielding as an invisible wall. No, no, please..... She tried again to no avail, her lips meeting not with the warm, healing, honeyed earl gray taste of Elijah's blood, but with a coldness akin to stone.

Elijah's eyes widened, trying to force his wrist closer, but was met with the same baffling sensation. "What trickery is this!?"

Natalia watched the dark red blood pool on Elijah's wrist, and breathed heavily, dejected, as it dripped down into the Spanish soil. She let out a groan, finally realizing why she couldn't feed from Elijah.

"He forbade me....... from drinking from any Original except himself. That Sire Bond is a bitch. Excuse my language."

"Damn it, Klaus!" Elijah cursed, and he fell back, defeated, holding his hacked shoulder, as Natalia covered her dirty, streaked face, the angry tears rolling hot down her cheek.

"I don't- I don't understand...... Why does he HATE me? I do EVERYTHING he asks, I push myself for him, I try so hard, Elijah, to please him, and still I incur only his wrath, his disappointment, his obvious disdain! What's wrong with me? Am I supposed to be......" She hesitated, rubbing her sweaty forehead, deeply vexed. "Better..... I mean, at this point? I've been a vampire for two weeks, am I not as strong as others have been? He expects so much. Too much."

She collapsed against Elijah's good shoulder, the heat, the exhaustion, the dull ache of the spreading pain, making her sick, along with another secret shame, and she just didn't care anymore, she finally let her tears fall.

"On the contrary, Natalia, I can say with authority, I have never seen a newborn vampire exhibit more stamina, strength, and unbending resolve. You have quite outperformed every sired I've thus witnessed. You see, there is no more trying time for a vampire, the first step is the hardest, and you have leapt without looking back."

Natalia went to smile, but it faded as quickly as it had sparked. "Tell that to Klaus......." She wiped frustrated at her tears, covering her face. "My GOD, why do I keep crying? I never cry, what the hell?"

Elijah smiled sadly, brushing the hair from her face. "Yes, it is a trying side effect, I remember it well. You see, as a newborn, everything is heightened, especially emotion. Anger, sadness, anything volatile, is increased ten fold. However, I believe it is due to this, influx of emotion, to which you can credit your covetous defiance. No one else could have stood, after the gauntlet Klaus put you through today, Natalia. No one."

"I have a sickening confession," She whispered through her tears, and she didn't want to tell anyone, least of all Elijah, but if she didn't say it, admit it out loud, she swore she'd go mad.

"Please......." Elijah nodded graciously. "If you seek to unburden yourself, your secrets will remain safe with me."

A chill spread across Natalia's skin as she gave breath to her worst, most shameful thought. "It's about Klaus....... That first day..... having just been saved from the violent nightmare that killed me....." She bit her lip, more tears streaming. Don't say it. It's beyond disturbing, he won't understand. "I-I thought I felt something....... As Klaus touched me, ran the water over my hair, read his poetry to me, watched me as I fell asleep, I was....... infatuated."

She brought her knees up and, sobbed, her lip trembling, speaking the unspeakable, and Elijah put a careful arm around her, practically tasting her pain. "Even more horrible....... When he touched me just now, seized me in that horrendous way of his, I felt it again. It lingers still, even through his piercing hatred of me, and I despise him for it, inspiring such soft things, infecting my heart, in the heat of his most cruel acts!!!"

She turned to face Elijah, her eyes red, brimming with guilt and tears. "You think I'm crazy, don't you? Is that one of those trying side effects you spoke of? Craving the hand that hurts you?"

Elijah bowed his head solemnly. "You are not crazy, Natalia, nor should these desires hold for you any shame. If it is madness, it is one of the heart, not the mind. I fear when it comes to you, Niklaus will ever be at war between two selves. The tender, soothing, utterly taken man that rescued you from ruin, and the brutal, calculating, sullen Sire who pushes you too far for his own agenda. It is up to us to decide which is the true Klaus, and which is the deception.

Natalia scoffed, tossing back her hair. "My money's on condescending hard ass."

Elijah cracked a smile, and carefully helped Natalia to her feet. "Sadly, I'd say that is the one we should drink to. My brother's deteriorated sanity would suggest that your gentle, shining knight has long since been buried."

**********

Klaus felt the tremors in his fingers as he replayed the day's events to infuriating madness. Particularly, one, soft, curved arm, taken in his grasp.

No. Stop thinking about that. You lost yourself, you besotted fool, and she saw it, she saw you relent.

I hurt her. I made Elijah hurt her, again and again, and again, and I felt each blow, I felt that rib break as if it were my own, as though...... we were one. She calls to me, even through the bite of her words, the rise of her rage, my Sired, becomes My Siren.

NO!!!! You will not RUIN this, not now, not ever, these thoughts are poison to your heart, poison to her potential. Stay the course. Conceal your affection that proves itself her greatest threat.

Klaus seethed, plucking up the closest thing to him, a leather bound book, and hurled it across the room. It slid against the hardwood floor, meeting loudly with the baseboard of the wall, and he recognized the worn edges, and gold lettering at once, slumping down in his chair. How fitting........ His book of English Poetry. Had she not, herself, thrown this very book at him in a rage, a few days past?

He gritted his teeth as her furious yell cut through his mind, hearing it as real as though she were here now....... with him in this empty room.

Take it BACK!!! I don't want it, I don't want ANYTHING from you!!!!!

He sighed, rubbing the line between his furrowed brows, feeling taxed. "Oh Natalia...... can't you see? I want to give you everything."

He closed his eyes, seeing the bruises, the blood on her lip, hearing her rib break. How can I do this......? Keep up this charade, when it shatters me to see your pain? Why...... Why do I have to break you to create who you were always meant to be? This impossible task falls to me? It's been fourteen days, a mere trifle in the life of a vampire, and I HATE myself, abhor what I have to be to make you a formidable force. How can you survive this..... when I don't know if I can?

He rose from the chair, retrieving the book, running his finger along the spine. I read this to you your first night here, do you remember? We laid on your bed, you were curled up atop the covers, so quiet, so still, the long braid twisting down your back, your head on the pillow as you watched me with such beautiful, sad eyes, and I read to you Keats and Blake until you fell asleep, eased by the rhyme and cadence of the words.

He held the book tighter in his grasp, the single tear falling from his conflicted blue eyes. I would give anything to do that now, Natalia......... Rush into your room, heal you with my blood, ease your sore body beneath the covers, and lay next to you, hold your head against my chest, and read, recite every page, until it all falls away....... But I can't.......

He calmly returned the book to his shelf, trying not to picture how fine she'd looked as she laid next to him, how it felt to run his fingers through her long, silky hair, twist the chaos of curls into an orderly braid, whispering things, soft, gentle things, promising her she'd be safe forever.

As heartless as it appears, My Spanish Rose, everything I have done, all the ways I have hurt you have been keeping that promise....... He sank down onto his bed, fully clothed, staring up at the ceiling, wishing the dark would black out his memory of the day, already dreading tomorrow when he'd have to raise the horror all over again.

You don't understand, Love. I watched you die once....... I held you as the last breath left your body, this strong, beautiful creature, went lifeless in my arms, and I did not breathe until you came back. For the first time I worried that a sired would not rise again, because I knew how it would DESTROY me to never again see those bright brown eyes open. I can't survive it a second time, Darling, I won't, not when I have the means to stop it, to make death itself cower when up against your breathtaking strength. I must clad you in iron, hurt you to help you, break you to make you better. You will curse me, you will hate me, you will fight me, but oh when you have no foe on this earth that can best you....... You will thank me. And I-I will love you like no man has ever loved in a thousand years. I will yield to you, surrender myself, as broken as I am, as tormented and demented as I seem to you, in mind and soul, but I will beg your forgiveness, and prove that your grand, miraculous rescuer, your Niklaus, never could forsake you. He will return, as drunk with love, as the day you met. But it isn't time..... Not yet, as badly as I wish it were. Patience, My Beauty, Patience.........

He tossed and turned, haunted by these achingly tender things he could not say, preparing himself for how many years of wearing the mask of his worst, most cruelhearted self. It will be worth it, all of her fury, her hatred, her anger, her flames, will be worth it, when nothing can touch her........ Even after I, myself, have perished.

"I want you to be better than me........." He whispered out loud, confiding in the calming dark. "Which is why I have turn you against me, challenge you to fight me as though I am the monster that you fear. Because if you can surpass your master....... if you can prove victor over your callous, manipulative, bastard sire....... Then you can vanquish anything, and the monsters, My Darling, oh the monsters, they will fear you."

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

#niklaus mikaelson #klaus mikaelson x oc #tal #elijah mikaelson #spain #vampire diaries

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paladin-andric · 6 years ago

Text

Worthless

We’re back with another short story! This one is a sort of sequel/prequel (mid-quel?) to A Bard’s Tale! Here, we see Sigesar, the black dragon, struggling as his old and new ways of thinking clash. I sort of skipped the training, and how he changed and progressed throughout in the original. This short will show the growing pains Sigesar went through, being taught morals and love when he’d never experienced them before.

“You…after I am through with all the plans I have…you will BEG for death! After these people are exterminated…you will know only pain for the rest of your days!”

Those words ran through Sigesar’s mind, causing him to recoil in disgust. To think he said such things, only a short time ago…

The black dragon had been a terrible beast for his entire life...at no fault of his own. The dragon, like many of his kin, was born without the ability to feel the same way others were.

Black dragons were a special case. They couldn’t comprehend love, compassion, hope and joy the same way humans, or even other dragons could. It was simply the way their minds were formed.

Sigesar had been that way for his entire, admittedly short life. His parents had been anything but loving, raising him using threats, violence and intimidation to keep him in line. He had turned that hatred he felt from his treatment on others, hurting, killing and terrorizing those that didn’t deserve it, because it was the only thing he knew...because it was the only way he could feel.

When he ripped a person to shreds, when blood ran through his claws and he heard cries of pain and wails of terror...there was a rush. A brief feeling of satisfaction, something he couldn’t feel otherwise.

What could he do? He was an emotional being, and if it took cruelty to feel emotions, so be it.

That’s what he had told himself before the bard arrived.

Sieglinde, the wandering bard...she had played him a song, and when she did...everything changed forever.

He...saw. Felt. Understood. All of a sudden, the world was brighter, more beautiful than he ever imagined. His heart fluttered, and his mind exploded into a maelstrom of chaos.

In those moments, the chains locking his emotions away came flying off, and he was free.

Everything was so wonderful, so awe-inspiring. Even the simple grass, the trees he took for granted...life was a miracle, and everything in it was a gift.

And the music. By the heavens, the music.

He never felt this way before...and it shook him to his very core. His life had been wasted in these pathetic displays of wickedness, he had a second chance, things could be different now…

Alas, the bard’s magic had its limits.

After a few hours, the magic affecting his mind began to fade. His ability to feel slipped away, and terror seized his mind. He didn’t want to be hollow again. He didn’t want to be evil once more...but there was nothing he could do.

He slipped back into wickedness, only now it was even more pronounced. Now that he’d been given a taste of life, of true happiness and seen the wonderful majesty of the world that he’d been deprived of...being subject to darkness hurt him in ways he couldn’t understand before the magic.

In a way, it was worse than never having experienced it.

The dragon was reeling from the influence of his own mind, working against itself in a bid to make him give into his base instincts. With every passing moment, it became harder to resist the allure of his old lifestyle.

The bard had make him give up just about everything he knew, besides his cave and sole minion. His plunder from both humans and other dragons had been charitably given away, to improve the lives of those that needed it.

Now however, he was beginning to regret that.

I could just go and take it back...it would be so easy...none could resist…

Sigesar knew that was his wicked side speaking, but he agreed.

I deserve it...I deserve it more than any of those feeble whelps. I am Sigesar! I am the master of this world! All will kneel before me or perish! I will drown the righteous in a sea of despair and-NO!

That wasn’t right. That wasn’t him...at least, not anymore. No, he wouldn’t, he couldn’t! Never again. He wouldn’t let the hatred control him anymore.

That’s what he told himself anyway. In reality, it was getting more and more difficult to cling to his new ideals.

“Sigesar.”

That voice...the voice of his savior. The voice of his teacher. The voice of Sieglinde.

He turned to see the bard standing before him, smiling. He smiled back.

“Ah, bard! You are here!”

“I am.”

There was something about her voice...the dragon couldn’t tell, but he was certain it was a little lower in pitch than he remembered. Still, the pain and temptations pushed that away. He had other concerns right now.

“I truly require your help right now. The feelings fade once more...will you sing to me?” His large, hopeful smile felt unnatural on his muzzle. He’d never been happy enough to grin in such a way, but now, with hope in his heart…

“No.”

His smile became a frown. “What?”

“No, I won’t.”

His brows furrowed. “Well, why ever not?”

“Why SHOULD I?” she returned, smirking. That worried him greatly.

“Because...you are Sieglinde, the bard that taught me how to feel. Is that not why you are here?”

“What a frivolous task, to make an unlovable creature able to feel such things. Why bother?”

The dragon’s eyes shot wide open, truly taken aback by the insult. “W-what?! Bard, what is the meaning of this?!”

“Why should you want to feel love...something that will never be reciprocated? You’ll only deepen your despair by knowing what you’re missing out on.”

His mind may have been slow to piece it together, but now it was obvious...these were things he’d told himself, that Sieglinde had spoken against. She’d never say things like this...something was very, very wrong.

“T-that is not true...that is not what you have said…”

“I’m done with this,” she snapped, “I’m done wasting my time on you.” She leaned closer to him, eyes burning with rage. “No one loves you. No one has ever loved you. No one ever WILL love you.”

“Wha…what…”

“Give up.”

An alien sensation made itself known to the black dragon. A sensation he’d only felt one other time, when the bard had first sang him a song.

Tears.

He was crying...but for different reasons. That first time, he’d been crying tears of joy, as his eyes were finally open to the beauty of the world.

This time? Sieglinde had torn his new, fragile heart in two.

“W-why...why are you...saying such things?” he blubbered, head lowered to the ground. The darkness was calling, getting closer. Even now, he felt those urges threatening to break him.

“You’re worthless! You’re an animal! I hate you!” she cried, “The world would be better off without you!”

For a moment, fury surged through the dragon. His heart ached, his mind raced. He was experiencing, for the first time in his life, the feeling of betrayal.

He nearly threw himself upon her, ripped her to bloody pieces and tore her limb from limb...and yet…

His new values just barely held him back. Those lofty ideals of no longer being the bringer of misery managed to keep his sanity intact. Somehow, he clung to his morals...despite the woman that gave them to him now turning against him.

“You...are correct,” he admitted.

That didn’t seem to be the reaction she anticipated.

“Huh?”

“Indeed, all I spread is misery. The world would be a brighter one if I were dead.”

“Why...why aren’t you trying to kill me? I brought you happiness, then stole it away! I ruined your life! You must hate me!”

The dragon’s eyes closed. “No...no, I understand. You have a life of your own, you cannot dedicate it to treating me. You must move on...and that leaves only one choice.”

She eyed the beast wearily as his head rose to meet hers.

“What are you after…?”

“If you leave, your magic goes with you,” Sigesar continued, “I will go back to being the wicked beast I once was. That cannot happen. Only one of us can leave this place alive...and it must be you.”

The bard sneered at the dragon. “What the hell are you talking about, brute?! You think I care?!”

“I know you have tried and failed to aid me. I understand. Sieglinde...the world needs one such as you...what use does it have for a worthless beast such as myself? Please, go...I will dash myself upon the crags outside, so that you will be free to leave, I will no longer be a threat…”

The human looked utterly consumed by fury at that. “What’s wrong with you?! Hate me! Kill me! Do it! Do it NOW!” “N-no.”

He barely managed, but still he reigned in his destructive instincts.

“DO IT!”

He very nearly did. Yet again, his resolve felt like it was crumbling, but he clung to it amidst a sea of madness. “No...no more...never again…the darkness cannot take hold...I will not allow it...the people of this land will be free of my tyranny, at any cost…”

“Sigesar…”

“At any cost…”

“Sigesar.”

“Even if it means the end of my own existence, I must follow through…”

“Sigesar!”

“I am without merit, but they are not…”

“SIGESAR!”

In the blink of an eye, everything changed. The dragon found himself curled up on the floor, in the way he liked to slumber and nap. The cave looked...different. More detailed, as if everything from before was a blur.

As he gazed forward, he found her there.

“...Sieglinde?”

“Sigesar…”

Something had changed. He struggled to recall, but...something about her voice, it was unnatural before. Now it was back to normal.

“Are you...alright, Sigesar?”

“No.”

The bard sighed. “I heard you, you know.”

“Hmm? Heard what?”

“You were talking in your sleep.”

The dragon blinked. “S...sleep? I was...asleep?”

“Yeah.”

A nightmare. His own mind conspiring against him. The bard hadn’t said any of those terrible things.

“But it seemed so...real.”

Sieglinde appeared concerned. She looked that way a lot, with how much he floundered in his training.

“Sigesar,” she started, “Do you...want to talk?”

He could feel that hollowness in his soul. Her influence had gone. He was entirely himself. Now, only his own willpower held back the slide into villainy once more.

“I...I…”

“Why did you say you were worthless, Sigesar?”

The dragon felt dread enter him. He wasn’t sure he wanted to answer that.

“Because...I am.”

The bard shook her head. “That isn’t true. You’ve plenty to offer the world.”

“I offer nothing but torment!” he cried suddenly, voice rising in a flash, “All I have ever done is cause pain! All I have done is end lives! I...I even, by my own hand...my own servants...why me? What give me the right to go on?!”

“No one has a right to anything but their own lives!” she countered.

“I have stolen that right from others!” Sigesar roared, “So I have forfeited my own!”

“YOU OWE IT TO THEM!” Sieglinde screamed back. Even the dragon paused from the force of her voice.

“You owe it to them…” she continued. “If you want to make it up to them, if you’re really sorry...atone for it. They’re gone...all you can do now is prove that you’re different. Keep living...and make up for it.”

The dragon rumbled loudly, reverberations shaking the ground as he stewed over his innermost conflict. He gazed at the human before him, his expression changing into a mournful one.

“...I am a fiend. I am loathed by all, and for good reason.”

The bard took a step forward. “Sigesar…”

“Who could love a beast like me, an animal who has ruined lives for his own enjoyment?! I do not DESERVE your teachings!”

“Sigesar!”

“I do not deserve it…”

“I heard you say you were going end your life!”

The dragon paused and turned his gaze to the side. “Perhaps it is the only way to put an end to the urges…”

“No, Sigesar! NO! You know how hard I’ve worked to make this happen? You can’t just throw it away now!” “But I do not deserve-”

“I don’t give a damn!” the bard shouted back, “I know! I know you did terrible things! This isn’t what you deserve! Sometimes though, you get lucky! This is a second chance...don’t throw it away!”

The black dragon closed his eyes again, claws digging into the dirt beneath him. “Sieglinde…”

“Yes?”

“I must confess...I do not truly crave the embrace of death. I say such things...because I am afraid.”

The bard nodded sadly. “What is it you’re afraid of, Sigesar?”

“Myself.”

There was a long, awkward pause before he continued. “I fear I will fail you. I fear my old self will overpower me, that I will go back to being the animal that nearly killed you. Sieglinde...already your song has left me. Already, I cannot feel anything but regret and despair. Already, the darkness beckons me back...bard, I do not trust myself.”

“Then trust me.”

Sigesar blinked. Trust her? That was...such an easy choice. Yes...yes, he could do that. She was the only reason he had made it this far. She was his rock, his bond to the world as it truly was. With her song, he was pulled from the dark reality he lived in, and brought forth into a land whose beauty he couldn’t believe.

He couldn’t do it alone...but together…

“Sieglinde.”

“Yes?”

“I will not cause any more trouble. Please...let us continue these lessons.”

The bard smiled. “That’s all I wanted to hear. You just have to try. I promise we’ll get through this.”

The pair gazed at one another, a sort of wistful joy tugging at their minds as they realized hope wasn’t lost yet.

“My only friend.”

The woman raised a brow. “Sigesar?”

“You are...the only friend I have ever had.”

“Could something worthless ever have a friend?”

The black dragon averted his gaze, embarrassed. “I...suppose not.”

“Exactly.”

He could see something in the distance. In the far end of the cave, someone was hunched over in the darkness, watching them.

His minion, the sole survivor of his rampage. That memory brought with it the pain he was now familiar with.

“Bard...the influence has left me, and it becomes difficult to resist. Please...might I beg another song from you?”

Sieglinde nodded. “Of course. Shall we continue our training?”

“Please.”

With that, the bard took her lute and began strumming. Her voice echoed through the cave as her performance began.

Sigesar still couldn’t believe it, how amazing and wonderful it was. It awakened feelings he didn’t know existed, just as it had the first time. Those dark whispers of hate and temptation faded away as the air pulsed with magic. Relief flooded his mind as he could feel that same joy from the previous sessions.

Soon enough, it happened again. The air tasted sweet, the scents filled the dragon with bliss. The soil, the rocks and walls changed...the world seemed brighter, more beautiful. Worth fighting for...worth dying for.

“Sigesar?”

The voice was distant, but he could hear it. “Mmph...yes?”

“Last time we talked about permanence. Do you remember what that means?”

His mind, charmed and muddied by the magic, struggled to respond. It came to him slowly, but he pieced it together somewhat.

“Mmm...I think...something about lasting long?”

“Right. Emotional permanence is the ultimate goal of our lessons. I hope to have you able to feel emotions without my help eventually...so let’s begin.”

With another strum of the lute, the world warped around them. The rocks and darkness faded away, and with blue wisps of magic flowing around them, the world altered itself.

The dragon and bard suddenly found themselves in a valley. Tall, vibrant grass was beneath their feet. Tall, bushy shrubs and trees were in the distance. Flowers of white, yellow and red were all around them. Petals danced in the flowing winds and the shining sun and bright blue sky hung above them.

Sigesar felt tears in his eyes once again. This time not of heartache...but of joy.

“H-how...how can something be...so beautiful…”

“This is what the world looks like to the rest of us,” Sieglinde explained, “And I want to make sure you can see it as it is, too. Nothing is truly worthless, Sigesar. Not the sky, not the earth, not people or ideas, not creations and items...not you, either.”

“Please...teach me…”

The bard smiled. “Let’s begin.”

Tag list: @thereisnothingwrongwithbeingmad, @lady-redshield-writes, @paper-shield-and-wooden-sword, @sheralynnramsey, @tawnywrites, @writer-on-time, @oceanwriter, @zwergis-spilledink, @fluffpiggy, @elliewritesfantasy, @homesteadhorner, @laurenwastestimewriting, @elaynab-writing, @the-ichor-of-ruination, @candy687, @fierywords, @shewrites-sometimes

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salmonthestoryteller · 6 years ago

Text

Royal Negotiations

A Shadowhunters Fanfic Set between 2x18 & 2x19

Magnus went alone. Despite what his Alexander thought the choice wasn't about him lying about the soul sword. Despite what Lucian and Raphael thought, the choice wasn't about his broken heart. Going to the Seelie Queen was about survival.

Lucian and Raphael balked at the idea of depending on the Seelie Court because they were both painfully young. They had grown up in a time when mundanes no longer played the games the Seelie Queen did. Vampires and Werewolves had their own hierarchy and traditions. Warlocks, though?

Most Warlocks had grown up in times when courting favor with royalty was common. When the wrong game meant life or death or heartbreak. They would be able to teach the younger ones how to play the games. How to court favor and make deals. They would have learned anyway - if they survived long enough. Because among the demons that they all shared blood with was a similar culture. Greater Demons. Princes of Hell. It bled into all aspects of Warlock culture, even in the present day.

He had also known that it would be a harder deal for him than another representative. Maybe he should have sent someone else to the Seelie Queen. Someone with no title of their own - someone who didn't have the power to stop Valentine with… other methods.

"Your Majesty."

"Magnus Banes. I'm most curious who you are approaching me as." The Seelie Queen did not rise from her throne. "The High Warlock of Brooklyn? Or the Crown Prince of Edom?"

He'd known that was coming, and he managed not to flinch at her mocking. "The High Warlock, m'lady. I wish to discuss the terms of protection of my warlocks and I."

"Of course. The rose has not yet wilted, so my offer of protection still stands."

"Indeed. However, should Valentine raise the angel and we are forced to seek refuge in your realm… in what manner will we be welcomed?"

"Whatever do you mean, High Warlock?"

"Will my warlocks be… your subjects?"

"Are you suggesting that would be a bad thing?" The Seelie Queen's voice hardened.

"Not at all, your Majesty. To serve one such as yourself can only be seen as an honor. However, many Downworlders are young. They do not understand the fine details of courtly behavior. I fear some may… misstep should they attempt to learn the ways of your court overnight."

"You make a fair point." She ceded. "The mortal realm has grown so lax. They do not understand proper behavior. They aren't born royalty like the two of us are."

She was certainly twisting that knife today, wasn't she? "Then you see my dilemma."

"Fear not, High Warlock. Downworlders seeking refuge shall be welcomed as loyal guests. Therefore allowing for… some missteps."

"That is most gracious of you."

"Should any wish to join my court at a later time, though, I am sure we will all be amenable."

What a damn loophole that was. The Seelie knew how to coerce a wish better than any. "Should any have such an honest desire in their heart, I would not stop them from seeking it."

The Seelie Queen's smile was predatory. "You are all about following the desires in your heart, are you not, High Warlock?"

Tread carefully now, Magnus. "In most cases, Your Majesty."

"I was saddened by your most recent broken relationship. It promised to be such a romantic story. The Shadow World's own Romeo and Juliet."

"Romeo and Juliet were of the Shadow World." Magnus reminded her.

"Ah, true. But even their story might be said to pale to a romance between a Prince of Edom and a Nephilim. I suppose spending eternity apart is better than death by poison and dagger in the end, though. Is it not?"

Right now, Magnus was wondering if the poison or dagger weren't better, but held his tongue. "If that settles the terms, Your Majesty, perhaps I should speak to my fellow Downworlders."

"A moment, Prince of Edom. The terms are not yet settled."

Magnus felt his heart sink, especially with her mocking use of a demonic title he truly had no claim on. Any claim he might have once had he'd given up when he banished his father centuries ago. Still, he'd suspected that his ties to Asmodeus would cause her to make more demands. "I see. Was there more you required?"

"I must admit to being curious why you of all Downworlders would ask of me this favor."

"For the safety of my fellow warlocks."

"And yet you do not need this court to save them, Prince of Edom. Valentine may be cunning, but in the end he is but one Nephilim. Certainly no match for your father, should you request his aid."

Magnus felt his skin crawl at the mention of his father, and the Seelie Queen's sharp smile did little to aid his growing unease. "It merely seems to me, Your Majesty, that allowing a Greater Demon loose to stop one Nephilim is a tad… excessive."

"More excessive than asking your Warlocks to seek refuge with my people while a madman destroys the rest of the Downworld?"

"In my father's case, we would merely be trading one source of destruction for another."

"I suppose he may still be upset about being banished to Edom by his son." The Seelie Queen seemed to contemplate the idea as if it were a fascinating possibility. "However, you always were your father's favorite child, Magnus Bane. To have you by his side may be worth the death of one Nephilim."

He'd thought about it - of course he had. The possibility of asking his father's aid. Just what he may ask in return. Was saving the entire Downworld not worth his own eternal life spent miserable in Edom? Angry Asmodeus might be, but stopping the angel from rising would be in the bastard's own best interest. Yet, here he was, asking the Seelie Queen's favor instead.

"Oh!" The Seelie Queen clapped her hands. "I see! Even now you are optimistic about your romance with the Nephilim."

"What does Alexander have to do with anything?" Magnus gave a hard smile of his own.

"Your Shadowhunter lover may forgive a deal with me. But not with a Prince of Hell."

"You might be surprised. Alexander is a progressive thinker." Magnus offered, even as his mind whirled.

Was it true? Was that why he was set on this path? Was he so selfish as to place his own life above the entire Downworld? Should he be summoning his father instead?

The Seelie Queen's laugh sounded through the grove, and she stood to approach him. "Do not look so disquiet, Little Prince of Edom. We are royalty. Selfishness becomes us." She circled him, slowly. A predator who smelled blood. "That is why, for me to aid you and yours, I must ask you not interfere with any other games I may have afoot."

"An eternity without games between us? Surely that would be boring." Magnus countered. "Shall we say instead that, during the hunt for Valentine, I shall be far too busy to concern myself with other games?"

"And after?"

"Come now, Your Majesty. We are immortal. What would our lives be without games?"

"Truer words could not be chosen. Very well, I find that an acceptable term." She continued to circle him. "Now, as for these council meetings, being under my protection means I and I alone speak for the Downworld. I have no doubt your jilted lover shall attempt to speak to you directly. You are to hold your tongue on matters involving Shadowhunters and Downworlders. I have full say over what is and is not acceptable between us and the Clave so long as you and yours are under my protection. After all, the only way to protect you all properly is to be in complete control of the situation."

She stopped in front of him, her smile amused and her eyes triumphant. "What say you, Magnus Banes? Are my terms acceptable?"

"You are most thorough, Your Majesty." Oh, how the next meeting would suck. He could practically feel Alexander's eyes on him directly, as if he was to blame for it all. He wouldn't be completely wrong to think so, either. Still, most of the terms affected him more than Lucian or Raphael. She was asking he tie his hands - but she wasn't asking the same of them. He could only hope they would be up to the task of battling whatever other games she had going.

"I am a Queen, Little Prince. I must be thorough."

"I find your terms acceptable."

She reached up a hand to caress his face, and it took a lot of willpower not to yank away. "I do so enjoy negotiating with you. I shall see you at the next council meeting. Be sure to stay close to my side. Dismissed."

"Your Majesty." Magnus bowed, and retreated from the grove. Even as he downed a drink in his apartment a few moments later, the sour taste of defeat remained.

Fini

As always, I tend to be late getting into a show. I couldn't help but think, watching the end of season 2, that Warlock culture in Shadowhunters is closer to Seelie than Werewolf or Vampire. Werewolf and Vampire culture seem to follow survival of the fittest rules, with packs/clans that you can both join and split from, and who settle disagreement through fighting. Whereas Warlock culture, like Seelie, seems more court and intrigue based. It got me thinking that, especially with so many warlocks being old enough to have been raised during times when Monarchies were common, it made sense why Magnus would choose to side with the Seelie Queen. The transition for warlocks into such a culture wouldn't be as difficult, if it came to that.

I also think the Seelie Queen would have definitely made a point of who Magnus's father was and that he could actually ask for his help to stop Valentine. (Azuzel could have easily killed Valentine when he had him, and he wasn't as powerful as Asmodeus.) Which explains to me why he would have gone to her alone to strike a deal. Not only would he not have wanted Lucian and Raphael present while she mocked his demonic parentage, the fact that he had another out (But didn't want to take it) would have given her leverage to make more demands on him. (And I definitely think she did.)

#shadowhunters fic #shadowhunters #magnus bane #the seelie queen #episode coda

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