writingsbymish

[writingsbymish]

WIP Wednesday

Thank you so much @p0lkadotdotdot for the tag. I unfortunately don't know who to tag for this one so if you see this, consider yourself tagged.

Made some progress on some Halsin/Nolee smut that I promised last year, so I'll be posting the bit of progress I have made. +18 because these two are literally going to be having sex in the full version and they make that fact evidently clear

----

“I can…” Nolee spoke again, clearing her throat. “What if for a moment, you can take your mind off of it? And what if I helped with that?”

Halsin raised an eyebrow, a little intrigued, a little… excited.

“What did you have in mind?”

Nolee bit her lip, before she took her blouse and brought it over her head, setting it aside, her chest and abdomen completely exposed.

“Does this give any hints?” Nolee asked with a blush on her face.

Like a dam bursting, Halsin pulled Nolee to him, kissing her like the air he needed to breath. Nolee let out a startled gasp, and Halsin feared for the worst before he felt her relaxing, hands reaching into his hair. Her bare skin was everything he imagined it to be- soft, save for her hands rough from her monk training.

When the two parted for air, Halsin gave her a gentle smile.

“Are you sure this is what you desire, my heart?” He strokes her cheek with his fingers. “Do not feel pressured to give consent simply for my sake.”

“I might have noticed how you look at me in my new robes,” Nolee responded, stroking his bicep. “And after some consideration, I think I'm ready.”

The smile on Halsin’s face grew even wider, but he had to keep his excitement in. He didn't want to hurt Nolee, and he wanted to keep the beast in. At least for her first time.

“Then let us undress,” Halsin said once he had managed to calm himself down.

[writingsbymish]

We Get to Decide

Fandom: Dragon Age

Pairing: Leliana/Fem!Tabris

Warnings: Nothing explicit, just a minor Makeout sesh and overall non-sexual intimacy

Mara is tired of hearing stories with sad endings, so Leliana tells her own story, based on past experiences.

Happy Pride y'all! This is my contribution not only to Pride Month, but also to #pridebiana by @lelianazine . Just a Bi Bard and her Lesbian Warden GF being gals

“Come on, Lilypad! Too many of your stories have sad endings!”

Laying next to each other in the bed of the room of the inn, Leliana could not help but giggle at Mara's exasperation of her most recent story.

“What about the knight Aveline?” Leliana responded, resting on her side to face het beloved. “She helped to change the laws of Orlais to allow women to become knighted, yes?”

Laying on her side, Mara gave Leliana a look. The same look she had given Leliana when she told Mara about her vision. Back when Mara was hesitant to trust her.

“She got killed because one of her opponents felt emasculated. And don't get me started on the two lovers! The story with the bridge of stars between them!” Mara groaned, turning so that she was laying on her back. “Couldn’t they just have been happy? In life? Together?”

Leliana knew the stories that Mara would hear often had bad endings. From Andrastian tales to Ferelden folklore. Mara had grown in an environment where happy endings were not as simple as many of Leliana's favourite stories growing up had.

An idea then came to her.

“Alright, I have another story to tell that may not have as sad of an ending,” “It’s the story of a Grey Warden.”

Mara turned her head, Curiosity in her eyes, brown as the earth that gives life to bushes of beautiful flowers.

“You know Grey Warden stories?” Mara asked as she laid back on her side, scooting closer to Leliana.

“A strong, brave and beautiful young woman who joined the Wardens because of her tenacious sense of survival,” Leliana began, scooting closer so that the two were face to face. “She was kind where it mattered, and always stood up for those who have been wronged. Because she herself knows the emotional scars it leaves behind.”

Mara smiled that oh-so beautiful smile. “Oh, I like her already.”

“I do too.” Leliana giggled, before continuing her story. “During her travels, a great evil threatens her world, and she could not sit idly by when everything she loves is in danger. So she sets off on a quest to vanquish this evil.”

Seeing the child-like wonder on Mara's face made Leliana's heart melt. The elven woman had a hard shell, but there was still the sweet gentleness underneath it, like a child that did not know the horrors the current Mara had faced.

“Along the way, another woman joins her,” Leliana strokes Mara's face, causing her eyes to flutter closed as Leliana paid special attention to the tattoos on her face. “Due to the Grey Warden’s scars, she hesitant to trust this woman. But eventually learns that she too has her own scars from the past.”

Mara began to relax that Leliana had thought that Mara had fallen asleep, until she spoke, opening her eyes.

“Well, go on!” Mara said with a slight pout.

“The two bonded, and eventually found comfort in each other’s presence.” As Leliana spoke, she wrapped her arms around Mara. “In each arms. In each other’s love.”

Leliana planted a flurry of kisses onto Mara's face, causing the warden to giggle, until the elf paused, looking at Leliana with furrowed eyes of confusion.

“You’re talking about us, aren't you?"

“Maybe, but please, amour, let me finished,” Leliana pleaded, smiling at how Mara's face became flushed at the term of endearment.

“Fine,” She said with a smile.

“Together, with other allies, they successfully vanquished the foes that threatened their home, and found they could be happy together. Unfortunately, duty forces them apart sometimes, but they always return to each other’s embrace."

There was a moment of silence between the two. For now, they could travel together since Divine Justinia had allowed for Mara to accompany Leliana. But who knows how long it could last until duty forces them apart again?

“And how does this story end? If you say something sad-”

Leliana interrupted Mara with a kiss, bringing a hand to stroke her black hair ad Mara pulled Leliana closer, calloused hands on the bard's face. She tasted of hearty stew that she enjoyed from the tavern below the inn. The kiss was slow, but loving and passionate as the two women took comfort in each other's love for the other, giggling and sighing in between.

Eventually, the two were forced to part for air. Leliana laid on her back, pulling Mara to her side as Mara laid her head on Leliana's chest.

“That’s the best part, my love," Leliana answered in a whisper, resting her forehead against Mara's. “We get to decide.”

[writingsbymish]

Rumours and remarks

Fandom: Warhammer 40k Pairing: Ultramarine Original Character/Chapter Serf Original Character Warnings: Mentions of medical stuff, but not in too much detail

A worried Tari finds herself helpless as she waits for her wounded Lord by the Surgery Bay, the Lieutenant offers her advice that she may want to keep in mind. Same drill as the last fic, had the base ready and simply rewrote it to fit. Plus, a mention of a certain battle sister comes along @hatsubara-8chan 👀 I might be able to get in at least one more oneshot of Odiniad and Tari before I get a little extra busy, so keep an eye out. Remember to let me know if you would like me to add you on

“Can’t you at the very least let me see him?”

Tari stood at the door of the Surgery Bay, as a nervous Medica stuck his upper half of his body outside the door. Behind her stood Allegra, a taller Scribellum with maroon tips in her otherwise black hair and hazel eyes, and Yonah, a medica just as Tari was with beads hanging from their braids and a patch of white over one of their black eyes which contrasts their otherwise dark skin.

“Apothecary Fergus has specifically requested that I let no one in.” The serf stuttered. “Not without his authorization.”

Allegra had forced herself in front of Tari, peering down at the medica and using her height to make the already frightened medica practically shiver.

“Listen you whimpering dog,” Allegra said with a sneer in her voice “You do realise you’re speaking to his personal serf, right? She has a right to-”

“Allegra, please don’t.” Tari had her hand in front of her friend, moving her back. “I’m not any more important than the rest of us just because of who I was assigned to. I’m just a serf, nothing more.”

Allegra looked back at Tari, and back at the serf, before she raised her hands up.

“Alright, we can play the waiting game if that is what you want, Tari.” She moved sideways to lean her back against the wall. “For now, at least.”

Tari shrugged. “That’s the most I can expect from you.”

The medica nervously nodded and shut the door as the sound of shuffling feet could be heard from the other side.

“Ass.” Allegra crossed her arms.

“Allegra! He might hear you!” Yonah scolded.

“What? Fergus has always been an ass to us, Yonah. Especially to Tari.”

That part was certainly true. Fergus had never liked Tari. Even when she tried to act courteous to him, he always looked down upon her with a glare that could strike down a Carnifex in one blow. She found the best way to get on his good side was to focus on her duties. Under her uncle or under Lord Odiniad.

“Antagonizing him or anyone of his team will not get us anywhere.” Tari crossed her arms. “It will always be like this. He despised my family the moment they arrived on the Battle Barge. And by extension, that contempt will latch on to me. As long as we all are on the Barge, he will despise us.”

Tari could only pray to the God-Emperor for Lord Titus’ well-being. She had not received word of what his injuries were, let alone how severe they were. She only saw two of Lord Odiniad’s battle brothers helping him to the Surgery Bay, and Apothecary Fergus and his preferred team of serfs and servitors to help him.

Allegra scoffed. “I think this is a lot of bull-”

“There’s not much we can do on that front. He had been with the company before my return.”

A voice interrupted Allegra, and a shadow covered over them. Tari had recognized the voice and soon looked up.

"Lord Titus," She bowed. "It is a pleasure."

Allegra stood up and looked at Tari, confused. “Wait, you know him?”

Yonah chimed in. “When you’re in the Medicae, you get acquainted with everyone on the ship, Astartes or no. It is good to see you again, my Lord.” Yonah finished off with a bow for both the Marines

“What about me?”

“What about you?” Yonah looked at Allegra confused. “You’re part of the Scribellum.”

“And you do not share their dirty secrets with me? There’s already a rumour that he is involved with an Adepta Sororita, is it true or not?”

Yonah whacked at Allegra’s shoulder with their hand. “Allegra!”

“What?”

“Not in front of the Lieutenant!”

As the two bickered, Tari turned her attention back to Lieutenant Titus.

“Excuse them, My Lord,” She apologized with an embarrassed smile.

“You certainly keep interesting company,” Lord Chairon said with a raised eyebrow. “Including the Lord you serve. I’ve overseen the recent operation.”

“That indeed.” Tari blushed a little. “Speaking off.”

She looked back at the Surgery Bay with a concerned expression.

“You worry for him, healer?” Lieutenant Titus asked.

“No one was telling me anything about him,” Tari answered. “It might just be the former medica who speaks, but no one has even told me about the severity of his injuries.”

“Reports from one of his battle brothers informed me he was attacked by a Trygon,” The Lieutenant stated. “There is a wound on his side, and on his forehead, but I was informed neither are severe.”

Tari sighed. “Thank the Emperor.”

“Your Lord will be fine,” Lieutenant Titus reassured her with a small smile. “It just appears the reaction of the Apothecary treating him is … What is the word?” Lieutenant Titus thought for a bit. “Out of proportion?”

Tari had assisted with the Lieutenant’s wounds the year he returned to the Medicae. At first, he was withdrawn, cold even. It intimidated her more than when she first started working with Odiniad. Over time, however, he seemed to have been a little more relaxed with everyone, battle brother or humble serfs. First, it was after he earned the Laurels of Victory and was treated after his mission with Calgar that Tari noticed it. He was still reserved, but not entirely withdrawn. Over time, the 2nd Company started working alongside the Adepta Sororitas, and he seemed even less withdrawn…

Suddenly Allegra’s rumour did not seem so implausible.

“You see? He is more lighthearted than usual,” Allegra pointed out. “This is the first time I’ve seen the Lieutenant smile!”

“You are impossible, Allegra!”

“You want to know what’s impossible? Your ass!”

Tari turned to her friends, who were still arguing and smiled apologetically at the Lieutenant.

“Allow me,” Lieutenant Titus offered. Tari stepped back, and watched as the Lieutenant returned to his usual, serious self, picking up both Allegra and Yonah in each hand by the hem of their robes and pulling them apart. Allegra was about to protest when she saw the look on Titus’ face. She was taller than the average serf, but even he towered over her. She went quiet afterwards.

Yonah, on the other hand, already knew it was time to stop. “Leaving with haste would be my suggestion.”

Allegra nodded frantically. “I agree.”

Seeming to be satisfied with the outcome, Lieutenant Titus let them both go, and the two began walking past Tari, but before they could say anything she spoke.

“I will be with you in a moment,” Tari informed them. “I would just like a word with the Lieutenant, if he would not mind. It’s about Lord Odiniad.” She looked over at the Lieutenant expectantly, who gave a nod. 

“We’ll be with your uncle when you come find us,” Allegra said, before she and Yonah walked in the same direction with some distance in between them. Once the two were gone, the Lieutenant spoke.

“I have worked with Brother Odiniad before, and will be fine answering your questions. Should I confirm his current status?”

Before Lieutenant Titus could enter the Surgery Bay, Tari stood in between him and the door.

“That will not be necessary, My Lord,” Tari affirmed. As much as she wanted to know that her Lord was okay, having the Lieutenant check on her behalf might raise suspicion to her, and her Lord Odiniad would be dragged into Apothecary Fergus’ list of people to despise.

“But you brought up the point I wanted to ask,” Tari continued. “I’ve only worked with him for a few weeks now, but you have been supervising his operations over the past year. I was wondering if you had any insights on how to work with him. I think he is becoming more amicable towards me, but he still seems to shut himself away. As if he was hiding something.”

Lieutenant Titus thought for a moment before he had an answer ready. “Lord Odiniad is not the type to open up even with his own Battle Brothers. The fact that you believe he has been amicable towards you already tells me a lot about how you two have been fairing together.”

Tari blinked in surprise, but did not say anything and let the Lieutenant continue.

“He does however exhibit a desire, from my understanding, of wanting to keep his fellow Battle Brothers safe, even if they view him as an outsider. The operation ended with him getting wounded because he sensed the Trygon and pushed one of his brothers out of the way before it could strike.”

It started to make sense why Lord Odiniad was insistent on her remaining on the Barge. He seemed to display this behaviour towards everyone. But where did it come from?

“Do you know why he acts that way?” Tari asked. “Everyone always looked at him as if he does the opposite?”

“I’ve only known him for a year, so I’m afraid not,” The Lieutenant frowned. “But I’ve heard him being referred to as the Wanderer of Karrik. My suspicions tell me wherever he earned that title is the cause of his behaviour.”

The Wanderer of Karrik. She had heard of that title before when people referred to Lord Odiniad. It was supposed to be a title of honour, according to some of the older Astartes on the Barge, for heroic duties that saved countless of lives from heretics.

“Forgive me for being unable to answer your questions, healer,” the Lieutenant apologized. “My only advice would be to approach him with patience. He seems to be fond of you already, so I would advise you to continue to interact with him as you have done, and he will be more willing to open up.”

“Thank you, My Lord,” Tari said with a bow. “I should meet up with my friends and with Apothecary Jacobus.”

Lieutenant Titus nodded. “As you were, healer.”

—---

Tari walked towards her- Lord Odiniad's quarters later when the Night Cycle had begun. After the loitering with her friends, it may be a good idea to finish some of her duties- make the quarters as neat as possible for when her Lord returns, finalize some additional paperwork. 

She recalled her conversation with Titus, and the mention of the title. Tari did not know much about the mission, and when she asked her uncle about it, he said it happened when he was a child, thus he knew little of it as well. Was it where he achieved his stud from? She couldn’t ask one of the older Marines- they look at him with glares that would leave a dreadnought feeling ashamed. The only way she would find out about his title would be to ask him directly, and that would take time before she could get him to that level of comfort.

Tari had reached the quarters and opened the door to see Lord Odiniad, sitting on his bed in his robe. Tari heaved a sigh of relief.

“I am relieved to see you are recovering from your injuries, My Lord,” Tari said as she approached Lord Odiniad. “When were you released from the Surgery Bay.”

“Recently,” Lord Odiniad responded. “The Apothecary wanted to keep me in the Bay overnight. But he can honestly kiss my ass about that.”

Of course he did.

Tari took a closer look at the cut on his forehead. She could see the shoddy suturing work on his forehead, and she had to try her best to quell the anger inside her.

“The sutures are too loose, the wound is practically still open,” She muttered out loud, before she looked at her Lord. “Who did the suturing?”

“Two serfs were focused on my wounds,” Lord Odiniad responded once more. “No one really oversaw them.”

“May I see the other one?”

Tari realised that she had practically asked her Lord to remove part of his robe, and she blushed.

“Only if you wish, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable My Lord.”

Lord Odiniad did not seem to react in any obvious manner and simply lifted his robe on his side to allow her to inspect. She took a closer look at the wound. The serf that did the suturing on his side seemed to have done a good job at least.

“You can lower your robe now, this is very awkward.”

“Why do you say that?” Lord Odiniad lowered his robe.

“Well, it’s just…” Tari tried to think of an answer. She had seen him without his clothing before during his Rubicon surgery, but to think of 

“You were a medica,” Lord Titus responded. “You should not have to feel uncomfortable about wanting to see my wounds. Every mission I go on, you seem to insist the check up on me in case I receive any wounds. Why do you feel ashamed now?”

Tari remained silent for a moment, not sure how to answer. It was true, as his serf who served in the medica, she shouldn’t have to feel awkward about wanting to check his wounds, no matter where they were located.

Why was she feeling so hot? Was she developing a fever?

No matter, she had to tend to the wound on his forehead.

“I shall have the wound on your forehead immediately tended to,” Tari bowed, before she ran to her belongings. She took her medica kit from under her Aunt’s old bow and placed it on her cot, rummaging through the bag for what she needed. Some rubbing alcohol, suturing supplies, a cloth. Once she had everything, she took the supplies and placed them on the ground near her. She first took the rubbing alcohol and cloth, pouring some of the alcohol onto the cloth.

“This may sting a little,” She stated, but it seemed to have elicited a low chuckle from her Lord.

“That is the least of my troubles,” Lord Odiniad said.

“I just like to say it in case,” Tari said, as she started cleaning the wound to prevent further infections. Lord Odiniad did not even wince in pain, and Tari’s mouth went agape at his apparently high pain tolerance.

Once she was done, Tari put away the cloth and picked up the needle and suture. She carefully arranged everything before she got to work stitching the wound. On occasion, she would look down at Odiniad, and her cheeks would feel warm. His features were rugged on his tanned skin. His hair was longer, and he was not clean-shaven compared to the rest of his battle brothers. He looked as if he had seen so much suffering, but she could see the kindness in his eyes. At least, the one dark brown eye that could still see, and didn’t have scars running through it.

Now was not the time to stare.

Tari sutured the wound as quickly and efficiently as possible. If Lord Fergus saw the work she had done, he would certainly throw a fit. But at least the wound was now on the right path towards healing.

“Thank you,” Lord Odiniad nodded. “To be fair, the Lord Apothecary was rather… unpleasant to have been treated under.”

Tari was no stranger to that story. A lot of Astartes who had been treated by Apothecary Fergus complained about his… unsavoury attitude. But he had been with the 2nd Company for almost a century. Even though her uncle had earned his place as Apothecary, Fergus was still his superior.

“You are not the first to complain about him.” Tari packed away her medica kit, chuckling a bit. “And I doubt you will be the last.”

“Your uncle is much more pleasant to work with.”

Tari smiled. “I’ll be sure to let him know you said that.”

“As are you.” 

Before Tari could respond, Lord Titus sputtered a bit.

“As a healer and a serf. Your superiors respect you a lot.”

Tari tried to distract herself from the butterflies in her stomach before she shook her head, smiling.

“That is very kind to say, My Lord,” Tari responded. “Now you need to rest. Your wounds will take a few days to heal.”

Lord Odiniad laid back in his bed, his usually tense demeanour surprisingly relaxed.

“Understood.”

[writingsbymish]

About You As Yourself

Fandom: Warhammer 40k Pairing: Ultramarine Original Character/Chapter Serf Original Character Warnings: Mentions of death and injury, age gap (Though it is like 150 year old Astartes and 25 year old serf)

Silvanus Odiniad was considered an outcast by the Ultramarines Second Company ever since the mission that was supposed to bring him acclaim. But his new personal serf, a former Medica who he had seen on the ship before, did not seem to care of the rumours and whispers of his name on the ship. While he was hesitant having a personal serf, she may prove to be more of a pleasure to have around than a hinderance. Well, it's time for Odiniad's introduction in fanfic. This is basically just a rewrite of my first Warhammer fic when it was still with Titus. But don't you worry, Titus will play a bit of an important role in the story, even if as a side character. Plus, some original characters from other creators may make a cameo (wink wink) Let me know if you would like to be added to a taglist!

When an intimidated Chapter serf called Silvanus Odiniad to report to Captain Acharan in the command centre, he was certain he was in for another disciplinary hearing. Letting out a subtle yet visibly annoyed sighed he complied with the serf’s instruction and followed him to the Command Centre. Already serfs and tech priests were whispering amongst themselves over what the Marine had done.

What had he done, exactly? He couldn’t recall what he had done the past year since his last disciplinary hearing, where he entered an altercation with another Astartes. One thing was for certain was that Odiniad was not going to tolerate jokes about how he witnessed the death of tens of battle brothers.

Odiniad continued to question what he had done until he reached the Command Centre, where the Captain was waiting with three other individuals. Lieutenant Titus, busy communicating with Talasa on a current mission, Jacobus Hirsch, the Apothecary that he frequented for check-ups and to treat injuries. 

And a medica under his command, a young cheerful girl who had begun her duties around a year ago. This wasn’t the first time he had seen her- he saw her grow up on the Battle Barge, and last year she assisted Jacobus in treating him over the past year or so.

Odiniad had begun to question for what purpose he was summoned, and then it was revealed to him.

The girl was going to be serving under Odiniad as his personal serf.

There was nothing wrong with the serf herself- Jacobus praised her for her work ethic, politeness, and optimistic attitude. But Odiniad felt it was unnecessary for him to have a serf working for him. He didn’t need someone to do all his tasks for him. He was capable of doing them on his own. But Captain Acheran insisted that having a serf would be good for him- allow him to focus more on his missions, instead of moping around. Odiniad would have argued that it would leave him with nothing to focus on, but Acheran was still insistent. 

Odiniad relented eventually.

Odiniad walked through the hallways of the Battle Barge, power armour off and in his robes, making his way to his quarters. He already felt perverted at having to share his quarters with her, but she served the Medicae prior to becoming a personal serf, so she is possibly more than familiar with both male and female anatomy, Astartes or no. 

He had reached his quarters, and upon the doors being opened, he had found the serf, Katarina, working through some paperwork on her cot on the opposite side of his bed.

Katarina looked up at him, and already her face seemed so striking. Freckles, albeit a bit faint, were scattered across her face, her long red hair tied loosely into two braids that hung over her shoulders. And her eyes. Her vibrant eyes, blue as a summer sky. He had encountered few people with eyes as intense as hers- Lieutenant Titus’ blue eyes were already intimidating. But her eyes were the only ones that seemed… inviting, for whatever odd reason.

She gave a polite smile. “Welcome back, Lord Odiniad. It relieves me to see your mission on Kadaku has gone successfully.”

Odiniad nodded in acknowledgement and went to sit on his bed. Most personal serfs attended their masters during missions, but Odiniad was insistent that she remained on the ship during his last mission. She initially questioned his decision, but he would not be persuaded.

“Trust me when I say it is better this way.”

Katarina could only nod as she accepted his decision, stating she would offer her services to the Medicae again as usual. Odiniad felt a wave of relief wash over him as she proved her willingness to cooperate. 

She was safer on the Battle Barge.

“You seemed to have been busy,” Odiniad noted. He cringed slightly. Of course she would have been busy while he was gone. That was what she said she would do.

If she was bothered by the comment, she was doing a good job of not expressing it. “I was just attending to your paperwork, but I did do some of my old duties while you were gone. I believe I’d be of more use to you while you are here.” Katarina set down the paperwork next to her and stood up, inspecting Odiniad up and down. “Do you have any injuries that need attending to?”

Odiniad shook his head. “None that need immediate attention. Only bruises.”

As if on cue, Katarina took one of his arms in her hands, pushed the sleeve of his robe up his arm and inspected it. Just as he said, there were a few minor bruises. She did the same to his other arm.

“These bruises appears mild at worst,” She muttered, as she pulled his sleeves down. “They should heal on their own, but do inform me if you need ice for them, or if they get worse.”

Silence fell between the two of them, as Katarina sat down back on her bed, reading through his paperwork once again. Titus was never good at conversation, especially at any that was casual in nature. While the Ultramarines generally treated their serfs as vital assets to their Chapter, he had only ever acknowledged their presence in as polite a manner as he could. Though they usually responded by walking faster away from him. Was it even heretical to know personal details about a serf? Throne, he wished he could remember the Codex better.

But the feeling of her hands on his arm. Her hands were soft, her touch was gentle, and it seemed to linger even as her hand pulled away. A part of him almost missed the sensation. 

“What is it like only having vision in one eye.?”

Odiniad blinked, taken aback by the sudden question. He remained silent, as memories of Karrik came back to him. The casualties, both civilians and of his battle brothers, the Ork forces that almost literally clawed at him. He was lucky to have even survived, let alone still have vision in his left eye.

Katarina’s eyes widened and she panicked. “Forgive the intrusive question, My Lord. I was curious because not all Space Marines with injuries as severe as yours stayed with the Ultramarines for long.”

Odiniad had shook his head. He remembered her being one of the Medicae assisting in treating his wounds after Karrik. It was clear she had asked a question out of curiosity, not out of malice.

“The greatest challenge was learning to become accustomed to losing part of my vision,” Odiniad answered. “My aim, my perception of depth, my balance- all had to be adapted to ensure I was still efficient in battle. I spent as much time as possible training to get accustomed to my surroundings.”

Katarina let out a heavy breath. A sigh of relief? She seemed to be a perfectionist. She then smiled.

“Uncle Jacobus told me you came to him for injuries because you had a tendency to train harder than you should, even if you already had injuries from previous training sessions or missions and were supposed to be resting.”

Odiniad raised an eyebrow. “The Apothecary is your uncle?”

“Not by blood. My uncle raised me on the Battle Barge along with his sister, my aunt Annike. Both of them were good friends with my parents before they passed away.”

Odiniad frowned. “My condolences, healer.”

Katarina shook her head. “I hardly remember them. It is not a sore subject for me. My earliest memories were me walking around the Barge with both my uncle and aunt trying to keep me away from all of the hazardous machinery. They said that it would displease the Omnissiah.” 

She let out a giggle, and a warm feeling began to bubble inside of Odiniad. He quickly dismissed it.

“Where is your aunt? It has been a while since I last saw her.”

Katarina’s face dropped, and she went silent. Odiniad would have sworn to the emperor he saw tears well up in her eyes; he could smell the scent of the salty water. Her bringing a hand to wipe her eyes did little to disprove it. 

The face of grief. He knew it all too well, especially as an Astartes. He had outlived his blood family, mentors, too many of his battle brothers to count. And civilians. So many civilians.

He hadn’t realised one of his hands had been outstretched until it appeared into view. He did not know what he was attempting to do. Console her? This was inappropriate, Odiniad thought as he lowered his hand.

Eventually, Katarina blinked, and smiled once more. “Enough about me. I would like to know of some of your accomplishments sometime, if you would not mind telling me. I notice you have a stud on your forehead. I know what the people on the Barge whisper about you, but I want to know about you from yourself.”

A smile so small you would have to look closely to see it tugged at Odiniad’s lips. Katarina’s superiors seem to be justified in their acclaim of her.

“I shall, healer.”

Katarina’s eyes widened, her mouth forming into an O shape.

“Before I forget, My Lord, you may address me as Tari, if you’d like. That is what my friends among the Chapter Serfs refer to me as. Katarina is merely for formalities sake.”

Perhaps he would enjoy having her around after all.

“As you wish, Tari.”

[writingsbymish]

About You As Yourself

Fandom: Warhammer 40k Pairing: Ultramarine Original Character/Chapter Serf Original Character Warnings: Mentions of death and injury, age gap (Though it is like 150 year old Astartes and 25 year old serf)

Silvanus Odiniad was considered an outcast by the Ultramarines Second Company ever since the mission that was supposed to bring him acclaim. But his new personal serf, a former Medica who he had seen on the ship before, did not seem to care of the rumours and whispers of his name on the ship. While he was hesitant having a personal serf, she may prove to be more of a pleasure to have around than a hinderance. Well, it's time for Odiniad's introduction in fanfic. This is basically just a rewrite of my first Warhammer fic when it was still with Titus. But don't you worry, Titus will play a bit of an important role in the story, even if as a side character. Plus, some original characters from other creators may make a cameo (wink wink) Let me know if you would like to be added to a taglist!

When an intimidated Chapter serf called Silvanus Odiniad to report to Captain Acharan in the command centre, he was certain he was in for another disciplinary hearing. Letting out a subtle yet visibly annoyed sighed he complied with the serf’s instruction and followed him to the Command Centre. Already serfs and tech priests were whispering amongst themselves over what the Marine had done.

What had he done, exactly? He couldn’t recall what he had done the past year since his last disciplinary hearing, where he entered an altercation with another Astartes. One thing was for certain was that Odiniad was not going to tolerate jokes about how he witnessed the death of tens of battle brothers.

Odiniad continued to question what he had done until he reached the Command Centre, where the Captain was waiting with three other individuals. Lieutenant Titus, busy communicating with Talasa on a current mission, Jacobus Hirsch, the Apothecary that he frequented for check-ups and to treat injuries. 

And a medica under his command, a young cheerful girl who had begun her duties around a year ago. This wasn’t the first time he had seen her- he saw her grow up on the Battle Barge, and last year she assisted Jacobus in treating him over the past year or so.

Odiniad had begun to question for what purpose he was summoned, and then it was revealed to him.

The girl was going to be serving under Odiniad as his personal serf.

There was nothing wrong with the serf herself- Jacobus praised her for her work ethic, politeness, and optimistic attitude. But Odiniad felt it was unnecessary for him to have a serf working for him. He didn’t need someone to do all his tasks for him. He was capable of doing them on his own. But Captain Acheran insisted that having a serf would be good for him- allow him to focus more on his missions, instead of moping around. Odiniad would have argued that it would leave him with nothing to focus on, but Acheran was still insistent. 

Odiniad relented eventually.

Odiniad walked through the hallways of the Battle Barge, power armour off and in his robes, making his way to his quarters. He already felt perverted at having to share his quarters with her, but she served the Medicae prior to becoming a personal serf, so she is possibly more than familiar with both male and female anatomy, Astartes or no. 

He had reached his quarters, and upon the doors being opened, he had found the serf, Katarina, working through some paperwork on her cot on the opposite side of his bed.

Katarina looked up at him, and already her face seemed so striking. Freckles, albeit a bit faint, were scattered across her face, her long red hair tied loosely into two braids that hung over her shoulders. And her eyes. Her vibrant eyes, blue as a summer sky. He had encountered few people with eyes as intense as hers- Lieutenant Titus’ blue eyes were already intimidating. But her eyes were the only ones that seemed… inviting, for whatever odd reason.

She gave a polite smile. “Welcome back, Lord Odiniad. It relieves me to see your mission on Kadaku has gone successfully.”

Odiniad nodded in acknowledgement and went to sit on his bed. Most personal serfs attended their masters during missions, but Odiniad was insistent that she remained on the ship during his last mission. She initially questioned his decision, but he would not be persuaded.

“Trust me when I say it is better this way.”

Katarina could only nod as she accepted his decision, stating she would offer her services to the Medicae again as usual. Odiniad felt a wave of relief wash over him as she proved her willingness to cooperate. 

She was safer on the Battle Barge.

“You seemed to have been busy,” Odiniad noted. He cringed slightly. Of course she would have been busy while he was gone. That was what she said she would do.

If she was bothered by the comment, she was doing a good job of not expressing it. “I was just attending to your paperwork, but I did do some of my old duties while you were gone. I believe I’d be of more use to you while you are here.” Katarina set down the paperwork next to her and stood up, inspecting Odiniad up and down. “Do you have any injuries that need attending to?”

Odiniad shook his head. “None that need immediate attention. Only bruises.”

As if on cue, Katarina took one of his arms in her hands, pushed the sleeve of his robe up his arm and inspected it. Just as he said, there were a few minor bruises. She did the same to his other arm.

“These bruises appears mild at worst,” She muttered, as she pulled his sleeves down. “They should heal on their own, but do inform me if you need ice for them, or if they get worse.”

Silence fell between the two of them, as Katarina sat down back on her bed, reading through his paperwork once again. Titus was never good at conversation, especially at any that was casual in nature. While the Ultramarines generally treated their serfs as vital assets to their Chapter, he had only ever acknowledged their presence in as polite a manner as he could. Though they usually responded by walking faster away from him. Was it even heretical to know personal details about a serf? Throne, he wished he could remember the Codex better.

But the feeling of her hands on his arm. Her hands were soft, her touch was gentle, and it seemed to linger even as her hand pulled away. A part of him almost missed the sensation. 

“What is it like only having vision in one eye.?”

Odiniad blinked, taken aback by the sudden question. He remained silent, as memories of Karrik came back to him. The casualties, both civilians and of his battle brothers, the Ork forces that almost literally clawed at him. He was lucky to have even survived, let alone still have vision in his left eye.

Katarina’s eyes widened and she panicked. “Forgive the intrusive question, My Lord. I was curious because not all Space Marines with injuries as severe as yours stayed with the Ultramarines for long.”

Odiniad had shook his head. Karrik happened 50 years ago, long before she was born. It was clear she had asked a question out of curiosity, not out of malice.

“The greatest challenge was learning to become accustomed to losing part of my vision,” Odiniad answered. “My aim, my perception of depth, my balance- all had to be adapted to ensure I was still efficient in battle. I spent as much time as possible training to get accustomed to my surroundings.”

Katarina let out a heavy breath. A sigh of relief? She seemed to be a perfectionist. She then smiled.

“Uncle Jacobus told me you came to him for injuries because you had a tendency to train harder than you should, even if you already had injuries from previous training sessions or missions and were supposed to be resting.”

Odiniad raised an eyebrow. “The Apothecary is your uncle?”

“Not by blood. My uncle raised me on the Battle Barge along with his sister, my aunt Annike. Both of them were good friends with my parents before they passed away.”

Odiniad frowned. “My condolences, healer.”

Katarina shook her head. “I hardly remember them. It is not a sore subject for me. My earliest memories were me walking around the Barge with both my uncle and aunt trying to keep me away from all of the hazardous machinery. They said that it would displease the Omnissiah.” 

She let out a giggle, and a warm feeling began to bubble inside of Odiniad. He quickly dismissed it.

“Where is your aunt? It has been a while since I last saw her.”

Katarina’s face dropped, and she went silent. Odiniad would have sworn to the emperor he saw tears well up in her eyes; he could smell the scent of the salty water. Her bringing a hand to wipe her eyes did little to disprove it. 

The face of grief. He knew it all too well, especially as an Astartes. He had outlived his blood family, mentors, too many of his battle brothers to count. And civilians. So many civilians.

He hadn’t realised one of his hands had been outstretched until it appeared into view. He did not know what he was attempting to do. Console her? This was inappropriate, Odiniad thought as he lowered his hand.

Eventually, Katarina blinked, and smiled once more. “Enough about me. I would like to know of some of your accomplishments sometime, if you would not mind telling me. I notice you have a stud on your forehead. I know what the people on the Barge whisper about you, but I want to know about you from yourself.”

A smile so small you would have to look closely to see it tugged at Odiniad’s lips. Katarina’s superiors seem to be justified in their acclaim of her.

“I shall, healer.”

Katarina’s eyes widened, her mouth forming into an O shape.

“Before I forget, My Lord, you may address me as Tari, if you’d like. That is what my friends among the Chapter Serfs refer to me as. Katarina is merely for formalities sake.”

Perhaps he would enjoy having her around after all.

“As you wish, Tari.”

[writingsbymish]

So Demetari isn't really hitting the way I hope. I just feel like their dynamic isn't really hitting different.

So what does this mean for my fics?

I'm going to delete them for now, but I'm going to rewrite

With an upcoming Ultramarine OC!!

He'll still be a closed off grump because I love the grumpy×sunshine trope, but he'll have his own backstory and his own traumas 😈

[writingsbymish]

WIP Whenever

My assessment period for the next semester is starting next week, so I don't know how much I'll be able to post. In the meantime, have a little snippet coming from the next piece in my Demetari series.

Also, I'm planning on adding a taglist so if you would like me to add you to it just let me know in the replies.

“The horde has dwindled down. And their numbers are continuing to dwindle. You did well. Report to the extraction point immediately.”

Trudging through Tyranid corpses that lay splattered across the ground, Titus, Chairon and Gadriel exited the abandoned temple, making their way to a courtyard where a Thunderhawk is expected to escort the three back to the Battle Barge.

Titus smelled something in the air. Not thick like the dust that lingers on in the air, but something faintly sweet. He paused for a moment, taking a moment to try and decipher the smell before something caught his attention among the mix of rock and debris. Something small, but pink, standing out amongst the dull brown and grey. Titus approached it, and knelt on one knee to to see better what he was looking at.

A bulbous flower. Amidst all the ruin.

Flowers were a rare sight. Millions of lightyears away from the Imperium where a wide variety of flowers could be found, flowers were not something anyone on the Battle Barge would have been able to find outside of illustrations in scrolls and books. Enemies of the Empire had laid such waste to this part of the galaxy that even something this small would not have been so easy to find.

Normally Titus would leave the flower alone, simply content with having seen it, but something compelled him to pick up the flower. Even if it would wither and simply decay on the Barge. With two gauntleted fingers he picked the flower by the stem, and took a closer look at it. He was not very familiar with flowers, so he was unsure which type of flower this was. Perhaps someone who had been from the Imperium in recent times would know.

[writingsbymish]

Some old art about Katarina "Tari" Hirsch. This is close to what she would look like if she grew up in the Imperium. (Also, she is plus size, which is an important part of her identity even though I struggle with diverse body types)

For some background context, before Tari became one of my Warhammer OC's, she was my main apprentice for the Arcana Visual Novel and romanced Muriel (she has a type for broody men with a dark past that are actually sweethearts. Their height and body type is optional though), and while I have mostly left my Arcana days behind me due to a problematic staff and an incredibly hostile fandom, I do still miss those days. A lot of my friends and mutuals were from those days (Also I often miss Muriel)

But enjoy some art of her I made when I actually took my time with art and didn't constantly have art block.

[writingsbymish]

In Unconventional Ways

Pairing: Demetrian Titus x Fem!OC Fandom: Warhammer 40k Warnings: Mentions of injury, also contains a non detailed description of stitching up wounds Rating: Teen up As a helpless Tari cannot do anything to assist her Lord, Lieutenant Titus' battle brothers remind her that he is not the conventional Astartes she had been used to all her life. Had to rewrite this chapter after a major inconsistency with lore was pointed out to me. To be honest, I like this version better. It makes the interactions feel more... authentic. And as this is my first time writing Chairon and Gadriel, I hope I did okay with their characterizations No beta, we die like battle brothers! (Just hopefully not as embarrassingly this time)

“Can’t you at the very least let me see him?”

Tari stood at the door of the Surgery Bay, as a nervous Medica stuck his upper half of his body outside the door. Behind her stood Allegra, a taller Scribellum with maroon tips in her otherwise black hair and hazel eyes, and Yonah, a medica just as Tari was with beads hanging from their braids and a patch of white over one of their black eyes which contrasts their otherwise dark skin.

“Apothecary Fergus has specifically requested that I let no one in.” The serf stuttered. “Not without his authorization.”

Allegra had forced herself in front of Tari, peering down at the medica and using her height to make the already frightened medica practically shiver.

“You do realise you’re speaking to his personal serf, right?” Allegra said with a sneer in her voice “She has a right to-”

“Allegra, please don’t.” Tari had her hand in front of her friend, moving her back. “I’m not any more important than the rest of us just because of who I was assigned to. I’m just a serf, nothing more.”

Allegra looked back at Tari, and back at the serf, before she raised her hands up.

“Alright, we can play the waiting game if that is what you want, Tari.” She moved sideways to lean her back against the wall. “For now, at least.”

Tari shrugged. “That’s the most I can expect from you.”

The medica nervously nodded and shut the door as the sound of shuffling feet could be heard from the other side.

“Ass.” Allegra crossed her arms.

“Allegra! He might hear you!” Yonah scolded.

“What? Fergus has always been an ass to us, Yonah. Especially to Tari.”

That part was certainly true. Fergus had never liked Tari. Even when she tried to act courteous to him, he always looked down upon her with a glare that could strike down a Carnifex in one blow. She found the best way to get on his good side was to focus on her duties. Under her uncle or under Lord Titus.

“Antagonizing him or anyone of his team will not get us anywhere.” Tari hugged herself. “It will always be like this. He despised my family the moment they arrived on the Battle Barge. And by extension, that contempt will latch on to me. As long as we all are on the Barge, he will despise us.”

Tari could only pray to the God-Emperor for Lord Titus’ well-being. She had not received word of what his injuries were, let alone how severe they were. She only saw two of Lord Titus’ battle brothers helping him to the Surgery Bay, and Apothecary Fergus and his preferred team of serfs and servitors to help him.

Allegra scoffed. “I think this is a lot of bull-”

“So you are our Lieutenant’s serf.”

Tari saw the shadows at the floor beneath her, before she looked up. The two Marines who helped Titus to the surgery bay were looking down at her. The one who greeted her had an amicable smile, the other seemed more of the silent type. She recognized them. She helped her uncle treat them on occasion.

“Good day, Lord Chairon,” Tari greeted with a bow. She turned to the other Marine and bowed as well. “Good day Lord Gadriel.”

Gadriel nodded, the closest to acknowledgement Tari was going to get from him.

Allegra stood up and looked at Tari, confused. “Wait, you know them?”

Yonah chimed in. “When you’re in the Medicae, you get acquainted with everyone on the ship, Astartes or no. It is good to see you both again, my Lords.” Yonah finished off with a bow for both the Marines

“What about me?”

“What about you?” Yonah looked at Allegra confused. “You’re part of the Scribellum.”

“And you do not share their dirty secrets with me? Your friend?”

Yonah whacked at Allegra’s shoulder with their hand. “Allegra!”

“What?”

“Not in front of the Ultramarines!”

As the two bickered, Tari turned her attention back to Lord Chairon and Lord Gadriel.

“Excuse them, My Lords,” She apologized with an embarrassed smile.

“You certainly keep interesting company,” Lord Chairon said with a chuckle. “And that includes the Lieutenant.”

“That indeed.” Tari blushed a little. “Speaking off.”

She looked back at the Surgery Bay with a concerned expression.

“You worry for him, healer?” Lord Chairon asked.

“No one was telling me anything about him,” Tari answered. “It might just be the former medica who speaks, but no one has even told me about the severity of his injuries.”

This time, it was Lord Gadriel who spoke. “He has faced worse.”

“He just has a wound on his side and a cut on his forehead that requires suturing,” Chairon explained. “He has endured worse, as Gadriel has stated, although I suppose you would know. Is it true you assisted him in his Rubicon Surgery?”

Tari nodded. “My uncle, Apothecary Jacobus, was the one leading our team in the surgery. I was tasked with keeping an eye on his vitals.”

“So you of all people understand how much he can endure.”

“Well, that is not to say I know everything,” Tari looked back once more at the doors of the surgery bay, hearing Fergus yelling at the top of his lungs on the other side.

“Is there anything I should know about the Lieutenant?” Tari asked. “No secrets, just information that would help me when working with him.”

Lord Gadriel spoke again. “Quite interesting that you mention secrets. The Lieutenant enjoyed leaving us in the dark.”

Lord Chairon sighed. “Gadriel…”

“He was always cautious about what to share with us,” Lord Gadriel explained himself further, before he frowned, guilt in his eyes. “Though we have made amends on that front.”

“What Gadriel said is true,” Lord Chairon explained “He is not a man so open even with his own brothers. There will be moments where you have to decide whether to pry further or to abandon the subject entirely.”

In the few weeks that Tari has managed to get to know Titus, she was still certain that somewhere inside was a good man. That he maybe forced himself into the hard walls around him.

“And how will I know which one is the right one to do?” Tari asked

“You don’t.” Lord Gadriel responded with a shake of his head. “And that is the most frustrating part.”

“One thing to know is that he does it not out of ill intent,” Lord Chairon chimed in. “He serves the Emperor well. Just not always in the most conventional of ways.” 

“You are impossible, Allegra!”

Tari turned to her friends, who were still arguing and smiled apologetically at the two space marines.

“I suppose we shall leave you three be.” Lord Chairon ushered Lord Gadriel to follow him. “I hope to see more of you. Farewell, healer.”

As the two Space Marines left, Tari went back to her friends to stop the arguing and move them along somewhere else before the three got into trouble with Apothecary Fergus.

—---

Tari walked towards her-well, Lord Titus’, quarters later when the Night Cycle had begun. After the loitering with her friends, it may be a good idea to finish some of her duties- make the quarters as neat as possible for when her Lord returns, finalize some additional paperwork. 

She couldn’t stop thinking about what Lord Chairon told her. The more she spent time with him, the more she learned he did not follow strictly to the Codex as other Marines did. She had heard what her Uncle had discussed with Captain Acheran about the Lieutenant shortly after the surgery about his past. He had certainly achieved what others may consider impossible. Twice, now. To say what he had achieved was unconventional would be an understatement.

Tari had reached the quarters and opened the door to see Lord Titus, sitting on his bed in his robe. Tari heaved a sigh of relief.

“I am relieved to see you are recovering from your injuries, My Lord,” Tari said as she approached Lord Titus. “When were you released from the Surgery Bay.”

“Recently,” Lord Titus responded. “The Apothecary wanted to keep me in the Bay overnight.”

Of course he did.

Tari took a closer look at the cut on his forehead. She could see the shoddy suturing work on his forehead, and she had to try her best to quell the anger inside her.

“The sutures are too loose, the wound is practically still open,” She muttered out loud, before she looked at her Lord. “Who did the suturing?”

“Two serfs were focused on my wounds,” Lord Titus responded once more. “No one really oversaw them.”

“May I see the other one?”

Tari realised that she had practically asked her Lord to remove part of his robe, and she blushed.

“Only if you wish, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable My Lord.”

Lord Titus did not seem to react in any obvious manner and simply lifted his robe on his side to allow her to inspect. She took a closer look at the wound. The serf that did the suturing on his side seemed to have done a good job at least.

“You can lower your robe now, this is very awkward.”

“Why do you say that?” Lord Titus lowered his robe.

“Well, it’s just…” Tari tried to think of an answer. She had seen him without his clothing before during his Rubicon surgery, but to think of 

“You were a medica,” Lord Titus responded. “You should not have to feel uncomfortable about wanting to see my wounds.”

Tari remained silent for a moment. It was true, as his serf who served in the medica, she shouldn’t have to feel awkward about wanting to check his wounds, no matter where they were located.

Why was she feeling so hot? Was she developing a fever?

No matter, she had to tend to the wound on his forehead.

“I shall have the wound on your forehead immediately tended to,” Tari bowed, before she ran to her belongings. She took her medica kit from under her Aunt’s bow and placed it on her cot, rummaging through the bag for what she needed. Some rubbing alcohol, suturing supplies, a cloth. Once she had everything, she took the supplies and placed them on the ground near her. She first took the rubbing alcohol and cloth, pouring some of the alcohol onto the cloth.

“This may sting a little,” She stated, but it seemed to have elicited a low chuckle from her Lord.

“That is the least of my troubles,” Lord Titus said.

“I just like to say it in case,” Tari said, as she started cleaning the wound to prevent further infections. Lord Titus did not even wince in pain, and Tari’s mouth went agape at his apparently high pain tolerance.

Once she was done, Tari put away the cloth and picked up the needle and suture. She carefully arranged everything before she got to work stitching the wound. On occasion, she would look down at Titus, and her cheeks would feel warm. His features were rugged, but clean at the same time. He looked as if he had seen so much suffering, but she could see the kindness in his eyes.

Now was not the time to stare.

Tari sutured the wound as quickly and efficiently as possible. If Lord Fergus saw the work she had done, he would certainly throw a fit. But at least the wound was now on the right path towards healing.

“Thank you,” Lord Titus nodded. “To be fair, the Lord Apothecary was rather… unpleasant to have been treated under.”

Tari was no stranger to that story. A lot of Astartes who had been treated by Apothecary Fergus complained about his… unsavoury attitude. But he had been with the 2nd Company for almost a century. Even though her uncle had earned his place as Apothecary, Fergus was still his superior.

“You are not the first to complain about him.” Tari packed away her medica kit. “And I doubt you will be the last.”

“Your uncle is much more pleasant to work with.”

Tari smiled. “I’ll be sure to let him know you said that.”

“As are you.” 

Before Tari could respond, Lord Titus sputtered a bit.

“As a healer and a serf. Your superiors respect you a lot.”

Tari tried to distract herself from the butterflies in her stomach before she shook her head, smiling.

“That is very kind to say, My Lord,” Tari responded. “Now you need to rest. Your wounds will take a few days to heal.”

Lord Titus laid back in his bed, his usually tense demeanour surprisingly relaxed.

“Understood.”

[writingsbymish]

As a bonus to my most recent oneshot, I have made Tari (She/her) and her friends, Yonah (Top left, they/them) and Allegra (She/her) in djarn's picrew. Just imagine Yonah's beads are more varied in colour and Allegra has a maroon gradient in her hair and hazel eyes.

[writingsbymish]

In Unconventional Ways

Pairing: Demetrian Titus x Fem!OC Fandom: Warhammer 40k Warnings: Mentions of injury, also contains a non detailed description of stitching up wounds Rating: Teen up As a helpless Tari cannot do anything to assist her Lord, Lieutenant Titus' battle brothers remind her that he is not the conventional Astartes she had been used to all her life. Had to rewrite this chapter after a major inconsistency with lore was pointed out to me. To be honest, I like this version better. It makes the interactions feel more... authentic. And as this is my first time writing Chairon and Gadriel, I hope I did okay with their characterizations No beta, we die like battle brothers! (Just hopefully not as embarrassingly this time)

“Can’t you at the very least let me see him?”

Tari stood at the door of the Surgery Bay, as a nervous Medica stuck his upper half of his body outside the door. Behind her stood Allegra, a taller Scribellum with maroon tips in her otherwise black hair and hazel eyes, and Yonah, a medica just as Tari was with beads hanging from their braids and a patch of white over one of their black eyes which contrasts their otherwise dark skin.

“Apothecary Fergus has specifically requested that I let no one in.” The serf stuttered. “Not without his authorization.”

Allegra had forced herself in front of Tari, peering down at the medica and using her height to make the already frightened medica practically shiver.

“You do realise you’re speaking to his personal serf, right?” Allegra said with a sneer in her voice “She has a right to-”

“Allegra, please don’t.” Tari had her hand in front of her friend, moving her back. “I’m not any more important than the rest of us just because of who I was assigned to. I’m just a serf, nothing more.”

Allegra looked back at Tari, and back at the serf, before she raised her hands up.

“Alright, we can play the waiting game if that is what you want, Tari.” She moved sideways to lean her back against the wall. “For now, at least.”

Tari shrugged. “That’s the most I can expect from you.”

The medica nervously nodded and shut the door as the sound of shuffling feet could be heard from the other side.

“Ass.” Allegra crossed her arms.

“Allegra! He might hear you!” Yonah scolded.

“What? Fergus has always been an ass to us, Yonah. Especially to Tari.”

That part was certainly true. Fergus had never liked Tari. Even when she tried to act courteous to him, he always looked down upon her with a glare that could strike down a Carnifex in one blow. She found the best way to get on his good side was to focus on her duties. Under her uncle or under Lord Titus.

“Antagonizing him or anyone of his team will not get us anywhere.” Tari hugged herself. “It will always be like this. He despised my family the moment they arrived on the Battle Barge. And by extension, that contempt will latch on to me. As long as we all are on the Barge, he will despise us.”

Tari could only pray to the God-Emperor for Lord Titus’ well-being. She had not received word of what his injuries were, let alone how severe they were. She only saw two of Lord Titus’ battle brothers helping him to the Surgery Bay, and Apothecary Fergus and his preferred team of serfs and servitors to help him.

Allegra scoffed. “I think this is a lot of bull-”

“So you are our Lieutenant’s serf.”

Tari saw the shadows at the floor beneath her, before she looked up. The two Marines who helped Titus to the surgery bay were looking down at her. The one who greeted her had an amicable smile, the other seemed more of the silent type. She recognized them. She helped her uncle treat them on occasion.

“Good day, Lord Chairon,” Tari greeted with a bow. She turned to the other Marine and bowed as well. “Good day Lord Gadriel.”

Gadriel nodded, the closest to acknowledgement Tari was going to get from him.

Allegra stood up and looked at Tari, confused. “Wait, you know them?”

Yonah chimed in. “When you’re in the Medicae, you get acquainted with everyone on the ship, Astartes or no. It is good to see you both again, my Lords.” Yonah finished off with a bow for both the Marines

“What about me?”

“What about you?” Yonah looked at Allegra confused. “You’re part of the Scribellum.”

“And you do not share their dirty secrets with me? Your friend?”

Yonah whacked at Allegra’s shoulder with their hand. “Allegra!”

“What?”

“Not in front of the Ultramarines!”

As the two bickered, Tari turned her attention back to Lord Chairon and Lord Gadriel.

“Excuse them, My Lords,” She apologized with an embarrassed smile.

“You certainly keep interesting company,” Lord Chairon said with a chuckle. “And that includes the Lieutenant.”

“That indeed.” Tari blushed a little. “Speaking off.”

She looked back at the Surgery Bay with a concerned expression.

“You worry for him, healer?” Lord Chairon asked.

“No one was telling me anything about him,” Tari answered. “It might just be the former medica who speaks, but no one has even told me about the severity of his injuries.”

This time, it was Lord Gadriel who spoke. “He has faced worse.”

“He just has a wound on his side and a cut on his forehead that requires suturing,” Chairon explained. “He has endured worse, as Gadriel has stated, although I suppose you would know. Is it true you assisted him in his Rubicon Surgery?”

Tari nodded. “My uncle, Apothecary Jacobus, was the one leading our team in the surgery. I was tasked with keeping an eye on his vitals.”

“So you of all people understand how much he can endure.”

“Well, that is not to say I know everything,” Tari looked back once more at the doors of the surgery bay, hearing Fergus yelling at the top of his lungs on the other side.

“Is there anything I should know about the Lieutenant?” Tari asked. “No secrets, just information that would help me when working with him.”

Lord Gadriel spoke again. “Quite interesting that you mention secrets. The Lieutenant enjoyed leaving us in the dark.”

Lord Chairon sighed. “Gadriel…”

“He was always cautious about what to share with us,” Lord Gadriel explained himself further, before he frowned, guilt in his eyes. “Though we have made amends on that front.”

“What Gadriel said is true,” Lord Chairon explained “He is not a man so open even with his own brothers. There will be moments where you have to decide whether to pry further or to abandon the subject entirely.”

In the few weeks that Tari has managed to get to know Titus, she was still certain that somewhere inside was a good man. That he maybe forced himself into the hard walls around him.

“And how will I know which one is the right one to do?” Tari asked

“You don’t.” Lord Gadriel responded with a shake of his head. “And that is the most frustrating part.”

“One thing to know is that he does it not out of ill intent,” Lord Chairon chimed in. “He serves the Emperor well. Just not always in the most conventional of ways.” 

“You are impossible, Allegra!”

Tari turned to her friends, who were still arguing and smiled apologetically at the two space marines.

“I suppose we shall leave you three be.” Lord Chairon ushered Lord Gadriel to follow him. “I hope to see more of you. Farewell, healer.”

As the two Space Marines left, Tari went back to her friends to stop the arguing and move them along somewhere else before the three got into trouble with Apothecary Fergus.

—---

Tari walked towards her-well, Lord Titus’, quarters later when the Night Cycle had begun. After the loitering with her friends, it may be a good idea to finish some of her duties- make the quarters as neat as possible for when her Lord returns, finalize some additional paperwork. 

She couldn’t stop thinking about what Lord Chairon told her. The more she spent time with him, the more she learned he did not follow strictly to the Codex as other Marines did. She had heard what her Uncle had discussed with Captain Acheran about the Lieutenant shortly after the surgery about his past. He had certainly achieved what others may consider impossible. Twice, now. To say what he had achieved was unconventional would be an understatement.

Tari had reached the quarters and opened the door to see Lord Titus, sitting on his bed in his robe. Tari heaved a sigh of relief.

“I am relieved to see you are recovering from your injuries, My Lord,” Tari said as she approached Lord Titus. “When were you released from the Surgery Bay.”

“Recently,” Lord Titus responded. “The Apothecary wanted to keep me in the Bay overnight.”

Of course he did.

Tari took a closer look at the cut on his forehead. She could see the shoddy suturing work on his forehead, and she had to try her best to quell the anger inside her.

“The sutures are too loose, the wound is practically still open,” She muttered out loud, before she looked at her Lord. “Who did the suturing?”

“Two serfs were focused on my wounds,” Lord Titus responded once more. “No one really oversaw them.”

“May I see the other one?”

Tari realised that she had practically asked her Lord to remove part of his robe, and she blushed.

“Only if you wish, I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable My Lord.”

Lord Titus did not seem to react in any obvious manner and simply lifted his robe on his side to allow her to inspect. She took a closer look at the wound. The serf that did the suturing on his side seemed to have done a good job at least.

“You can lower your robe now, this is very awkward.”

“Why do you say that?” Lord Titus lowered his robe.

“Well, it’s just…” Tari tried to think of an answer. She had seen him without his clothing before during his Rubicon surgery, but to think of 

“You were a medica,” Lord Titus responded. “You should not have to feel uncomfortable about wanting to see my wounds.”

Tari remained silent for a moment. It was true, as his serf who served in the medica, she shouldn’t have to feel awkward about wanting to check his wounds, no matter where they were located.

Why was she feeling so hot? Was she developing a fever?

No matter, she had to tend to the wound on his forehead.

“I shall have the wound on your forehead immediately tended to,” Tari bowed, before she ran to her belongings. She took her medica kit from under her Aunt’s bow and placed it on her cot, rummaging through the bag for what she needed. Some rubbing alcohol, suturing supplies, a cloth. Once she had everything, she took the supplies and placed them on the ground near her. She first took the rubbing alcohol and cloth, pouring some of the alcohol onto the cloth.

“This may sting a little,” She stated, but it seemed to have elicited a low chuckle from her Lord.

“That is the least of my troubles,” Lord Titus said.

“I just like to say it in case,” Tari said, as she started cleaning the wound to prevent further infections. Lord Titus did not even wince in pain, and Tari’s mouth went agape at his apparently high pain tolerance.

Once she was done, Tari put away the cloth and picked up the needle and suture. She carefully arranged everything before she got to work stitching the wound. On occasion, she would look down at Titus, and her cheeks would feel warm. His features were rugged, but clean at the same time. He looked as if he had seen so much suffering, but she could see the kindness in his eyes.

Now was not the time to stare.

Tari sutured the wound as quickly and efficiently as possible. If Lord Fergus saw the work she had done, he would certainly throw a fit. But at least the wound was now on the right path towards healing.

“Thank you,” Lord Titus nodded. “To be fair, the Lord Apothecary was rather… unpleasant to have been treated under.”

Tari was no stranger to that story. A lot of Astartes who had been treated by Apothecary Fergus complained about his… unsavoury attitude. But he had been with the 2nd Company for almost a century. Even though her uncle had earned his place as Apothecary, Fergus was still his superior.

“You are not the first to complain about him.” Tari packed away her medica kit. “And I doubt you will be the last.”

“Your uncle is much more pleasant to work with.”

Tari smiled. “I’ll be sure to let him know you said that.”

“As are you.” 

Before Tari could respond, Lord Titus sputtered a bit.

“As a healer and a serf. Your superiors respect you a lot.”

Tari tried to distract herself from the butterflies in her stomach before she shook her head, smiling.

“That is very kind to say, My Lord,” Tari responded. “Now you need to rest. Your wounds will take a few days to heal.”

Lord Titus laid back in his bed, his usually tense demeanour surprisingly relaxed.

“Understood.”

[writingsbymish]

Revival Initiative 🌱

Campaign Objective:

Securing 15 seats for 30 affected university students. Cost of one seat: $100-$150 per month. Providing stationery and notebooks to facilitate the educational process for students.

Don't let their dreams go in vain!

Be part of their story, and give them a chance for a better life. Together, we can turn pain into hope, and tragedy into a success story! Your donation today is an investment in a bright future for Gaza and its future generations.

We need to reach $2000 within two days to pay the rent and start the inflocating students.

Participate on the widest scale

[writingsbymish]

Okay, so Demetari (Demetrian x Tari) may or may not be one of my current hyperfixations rn, and since so many people have interacted with my first fic of them (Which I appreciate so much) I need help deciding.

I have a short multi-chapter fic planned that will focus more on Tari's backstory for later, but until then.

[writingsbymish]

About you from yourself

Pairing: Demetrian Titus x Fem!OC Fandom: Warhammer 40k Warnings: Mentions of death, Poor Titus feeling like a pervert Rating: Teen up Demetrian Titus is unsure how to feel about earning a serf after his services stopping Project Aurora. But as he starts to talk to her, he finds she may be more of a pleasure to have around than a hinderance. My first Warhammer Fanfic, and starting off slow with a bit of a get to know each other type of fic. Also as it is my first time writing Titus, I may not get his character down exactly, so I apologize for that. I wanted to balance him getting to know Tari but still retain his reserved personality.

Titus did not know what to expect when he returned to the Ultramarines 2nd Company. He did not expect redemption, he did not expect Project Aurora, but most of all he did not expect being given a personal serf.

Titus walked through the hallways of the Battle Barge, power armour off and in his robes, making his way to his quarters. He already felt perverted at having to share his quarters with her, but she served the Medica prior to becoming a personal serf, so she is possibly more than familiar with both male and female anatomy, Astartes or no. 

There was nothing wrong with the serf herself- her superiors praised her for her work ethic, politeness, and optimistic attitude. But Titus felt it was unnecessary for him to have a serf working for him. He didn’t need someone to do all his tasks for him. He was capable of doing them on his own. But Captain Acheran insisted that having a serf would be good for him- allow him to focus more on his missions. Titus would have argued that it would leave him with nothing to focus on, but Acheran was still insistent. Titus relented eventually.

He had reached his quarters, and upon the doors being opened, he had found the serf, Katarina, working through some paperwork on her cot on the opposite side of his bed.

Katarina looked up at him, and already her face seemed so striking. Freckles, albeit a bit faint, were scattered across her face, her long red hair tied loosely into two braids that hung over her shoulders. And her eyes. His were a dusty blue, but her blue eyes were much more vibrant in colour. He had encountered few people with eyes as intense as hers, but out of all of them her eyes were the only ones that seemed… inviting, for whatever odd reason.

She gave a polite smile. “Welcome back, Lord Titus. It relieves me to see your mission with Lord Calgar has gone successfully.”

Titus nodded in acknowledgement and went to sit on his bed.

“You seemed to have been busy,” Titus noted. He cringed slightly. Of course she would have been busy while he was gone. If she was bothered by the comment, she was doing a good job of not expressing it. Titus felt relieved.

“I was just attending to your paperwork, but I did do some of my old duties while you were gone. I believe I’d be of more use to you while you are here.” Katarina set down the paperwork next to her and stood up, inspecting Titus up and down. “Do you have any injuries that need attending to?”

Titus shook his head. “None that need immediate attention. Only bruises.”

As if on cue, Katarina took one of his arms in her hands, pushed the sleeve of his robe up his arm and inspected it. Just as he said, there were a few minor bruises. She did the same to his other arm.

“These bruises appears mild at worst,” She muttered, as she pulled his sleeves down. “They should heal on their own, but do inform me if you need ice for them, or if they get worse.”

The two sat in awkward silence for a while afterwards, as Katarina sat down back on her bed, reading through his paperwork once again. Titus was never good at conversation, especially at any that was casual in nature. While the Ultramarines generally treated their serfs as vital assets to their Chapter, he had only ever acknowledged their presence in as polite a manner as he could. Was it even heretical to know personal details about a serf? Throne, he wished he could remember the Codex like his former brother Leandros did.

But the feeling of her hands on his arm. Her hands were soft, her touch was gentle, and it seemed to linger even as her hand pulled away. A part of him almost missed the sensation. 

“You seemed to have accomplished a lot.”

Titus turned his head toward Katarina, who looked at him with a look of curiosity. “Hm?”

“Your studs.” She pointed at his head. “They are awarded when you accomplish a great deed in the Emperor’s name, yes?”

Titus nodded slowly. “They are.”

“I’m curious as to what you achieved those studs from.”

“You…” He paused for a moment, unbelieving of what he was hearing. “You know I am?”

“A little,” Katarina responded. “Aside from what you have accomplished recently, I assisted in your Rubicon surgery when the company brought you here, and overheard the Captain speaking to my uncle about you.”

Titus furrowed his brow in curiosity. “You have family on the Battle Barge?”

“Not biological. My uncle raised me on the Battle Barge along with his sister, my aunt. Both were good friends with my parents before they passed away.”

Titus frowned. “My condolences, healer.”

Katarina shook her head. “I hardly remember them. It is not a sore subject for me. My earliest memories were me walking around the Barge with both my uncle and aunt trying to keep me away from all of the hazardous machinery. Said that it would displease the Omnissiah.” 

She let out a giggle, and a warm feeling began to bubble inside of Titus. He quickly dismissed it.

“My uncle Jacobus is one of the Lord Apothecaries,” Katarina continued. “You should see him occasionally, especially for check ups since your surgery. As for my aunt Annike, well…”

Katarina’s face dropped, and she went silent. Titus would have sworn to the emperor he saw tears well up in her eyes; he could smell the scent of the salty water. Her bringing a hand to wipe her eyes did little to disprove it. 

The face of grief. He knew it all too well, especially as an Astartes. He had outlived his parents, mentors, too many of his battle brothers to count, Mira. It was the price of serving in the Space Marines, of dedicating his life to the Emperor.

He hadn’t realised one of his hands had been outstretched until it appeared into view. He did not know what he was attempting to do. Console her?

This was inappropriate, Titus thought as he lowered his hand.

Eventually, Katarina blinked, and smiled once more. “Enough about me. I would like to know of some of your accomplishments sometime, if you would not mind telling me. I know what the people on the Barge whisper about you, but I want to know about you from yourself.”

A smile so small you would have to look closely to see it tugged at Titus’s lips. Katarina’s superiors seem to be justified in their acclaim of her.

“I shall, healer.”

Katarina’s eyes widened, her mouth forming into an O shape.

“Before I forget, My Lord, you may address me as Tari, if you’d like. That is what my friends among the Chapter Serfs refer to me as. Katarina is merely for formalities sake.”

Perhaps he would enjoy having her around after all.

“As you wish, Tari.”

[writingsbymish]

Hello friend, still there? <3

I am speaking on behalf of the fandom and the fandom says it misses u ^^

That is so sweet, thank you so much 🥺

Things have just been a little busy and difficult on my end, but I'll be fine. I'm currently fallen back into Dragon Age hell because of the upcoming game, but that does not mean I'm giving up on Baldur's Gate 3 anytime soon 😁

[writingsbymish]

After an eternity of this blog being silent I come bringing forth a wip!

And it may or may not be my first smut 🙈

“Halsin?” His thoughts broke by a familiar, soothing voice. Nolee looked up at him, her eye rows furrowed, lips slightly parted.  “What’s wrong?” Halsin blinked for a moment, as if unable to register what she had just said. He shook his head, looking down. “Nothing, my heart,” He eventually replied. “A lot has been plaguing my mind. But it is nothing you need to concern yourself with.” When he looked back, he found Nolee had shifted closer to him, standing on her knees so that she could look him in the eye. “The city is still bothering you, isn’t it?” Baldur’s Gate was a hideous place. There was no natural balance, no justice for the weaker of the society, no care for the less priviledge. But even then, Nolee had been a dandelion growing between the cracks of cobblestone. Halsin’s thoughts had been plagued by her to the point he would sometimes forget how atrocious this place was. She was the one shining light in this place. In the Shadowcurse. In his life. “I can…” Nolee spoke again, clearing her throat. Her cheeks growing ever more dark. “What if for a moment, I let you take your mind off of it?”