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A short Vaxleth ficlet. When in canon does it take place, you ask? 🤷🏻‍♀️ Listen. I don’t know. That’s above my pay grade, I don’t control the muse. 😂 Part II to follow!

Warnings for language and violence. I don’t care for language much myself, but I genuinely don’t know that it’s possible to write a Vax POV fic without it. 😂

Trauma Bonding

Vax looked wildly around, holding his daggers at the ready. He didn’t think he could get away. He certainly couldn’t win, surrounded as he was. There were too many of them. He only hoped they didn’t find Keyleth.

They’d gotten separated from the rest of the party in a landslide the other day. It was unfortunate, but the two of them could make it to the city they’d all been heading for on their own. Probably.

He’d been looking for firewood just now, trying to let Keyleth sleep longer. She was exhausted from using most of her spells yesterday when they ran into a pack of wolves. She needed it.

They’d camped in a cave for the night, and she’d used her magic to hide the entrance. As long as she didn’t come looking for him, these mercenaries shouldn’t be able to find her.

He grit his teeth. Just because he couldn’t get away didn’t mean he had to make it easy for them. He threw one of his daggers, allowing himself a smile when it struck a particularly buff dwarf in the shoulder, causing him to drop his axe. The dagger reappeared in his hand and he pivoted, aiming for a goliath that was getting too close for comfort.

It stopped in midair, suspended in a green glow. Vax lost precious moments to his surprise, watching as a woman (her hair covered her ears, so he wasn’t sure if she was human or elf) snatched it from the air and deposited it inside an intricately carved chest.

It didn’t come back to his hand.

“Shit.”

He was already reaching for another dagger to take the missing one’s place, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t feel the loss of the first. It’d been so long since he had to ration his blades.

They were pressing closer to him again. He backed up, though he knew it would only take him closer to the mercenaries circling behind him. He wanted a nice, solid tree at his back.

He threw another dagger. This one at least hit its mark before the green glow came, and the goliath pulled it out of her own shoulder before putting it in the chest.

This time, though, he saw an elf holding his arm up towards it. He must be the one stopping it in mid air. Best to aim for him if Vax was to try to put a stop to it.

Vax threw the next three knives in quick succession, hoping to catch the man by surprise. All three, however, stopped inches from the sorcerer. The man only grinned in response. He knew he had Vax right where he wanted him. “Fire!”

Vax cried out, his shoulder erupting in pain, and fell against the tree behind him. Once his vision cleared, he turned his head to see a crossbow bolt sticking out of his shoulder. Unlike most, this thing was metal and at least an inch thick. He reached up a shakey hand to pull it out, only for the blinding pain to return and nothing to show for his troubles. It wouldn’t budge. He started to shift his body and found that not only was it stuck in him, it was stuck in the tree as well.

Meaning, he was stuck to the tree.

Shit.

He had one more knife. Well. He had three more, but one was where he could only reach it with his injured arm and one was in his boot. So, one more knife. He drew it as his enemies tightened around him, but his hand was shaking.

This could be the end. At least Keyleth wasn’t here. One person, even her, wouldn’t make a difference against this many. Especially with him wounded like this. But, Vex would want him to try. He took a shakey breath, forcing himself to focus. To find a way to get back to her. And to Keyleth.

The elf was approaching him, a cruel smile playing on his face. “What a pity, finding you out here alone. Tell me, young Vax’ildan: where is the rest of Vox Machina?”

Vax’s blood ran cold. They knew his name. They were looking for his family. “Far from here,” he managed to pant. “We parted ways days ago.”

The elf raised an eyebrow. He didn’t believe the half-truth. “And you, all on your own?”

Vax started to shrug before the pain in his shoulder stopped him. He grimaced. “Had a falling out.”

“I find it difficult to believe even your sister would not care about your fate,”

“She would,” he agreed. “But I don’t know where she is. I left before they chose a new destination.”

The elf hummed in thought. “I’m sure you won’t mind if we test that theory.” Quick as lighting, he slashed a knife Vax hadn’t seen across the rogue’s abdomen. Vax might’ve managed to hold back his cry if he hadn’t bent over reflexively, jerking his shoulder wound against the bolt still in it.

Vax couldn’t control his cry, and it echoed out from him, far louder than it should have. The sorcerer must have magically augmented it, hoping Vox Machina would hear and come running.

Vax prayed, clutching his new wound, that Keyleth had somehow slept through that. The cut was long, but shallow. Probably not life threatening.

The elf grinned, toying with his now-bloody knife. “Now. We can keep up this method, or you can tell me where your friends are.”

Vax spat at the man’s feet, earning a sharp slap across the face. The grunt that did manage to escape was nearly as loud as a normal yell. How could he stop the spell before Keyleth heard? Hells, she could have already heard and be heading for him now.

“What rudeness. But then, what do I expect from a mutt.”

Vax glared. He knew, knew the man was goading him, but damn him, it was working. He was going to do something stupid.

But then- “Vax??” Keyleth’s worried voice. “Vax, where are you?”

No. No no no no no.

“Keyleth, run!” He forced the air from his lungs, desperation in his voice. She had to know, had to listen. She had to stay far away. “Run, plea-“ The elf released the amplification spell from Vax, but that didn’t stop him. “There’s too many of them! Get out!” The mercenaries chuckled around him, amused by his fear.

His captor’s voice now boomed through the forest instead. “Ah, Keyleth of the Air Ashari. I look forward to meeting you. If you want to help your friend, follow the sound of my voice.”

Vax didn’t care that he was practically begging now as he clutched weakly at his gut wound. Who cared what these people thought of him, as long as Keyleth lived? “No! Please, Keyleth, run!”

“Don’t touch him!”

Vax’s face fell. No.

There was fear in Keyleth’s beautiful eyes as she emerged from the trees. There must be a lot of blood on him. But her typical anxiety was replaced with a cold determination. “What do you want?”

“Drop your weapons.”

“No! Keyleth, don’t!”

“Done.”

[acwriting]

Stop, I love this response 😂 And thank you! Glad you enjoyed the unhinged ride :)

A piece I did for the Narnia Fic Exchange last year! It was a pairing I’d honestly never have thought of but it was in the request (buried deep lol, they were not expecting this and only this from me!) and I thought. “Huh. That would be fun!” Such a fun thing to try.

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And here, we have a blurb I will never finish as I have no inkling as to the larger plot. 😂 This was originally written as an audition piece, and to get some romance practice.

For context: MC’s kingdom is an oligarchy with several ruling families, all of whom’s children have the title Prince/princess. They have been taken over by another kingdom with plans to force MC into political marriage with their crown prince. Her friend from another ruling house is the only other survivor of the battle).

“I told my father I’d win you over. Apparently a willing bride is better politics than an unwilling one,” Phillip shrugged, as though he couldn’t care less.

Charlotte seethed. Milan’s prince was just what rumors had always suggested: a waste of a handsome face.

“You could win me over by leaving me alone,” she suggested.

He grinned, which unfortunately only improved his looks. “That wasn’t quite what I had in mind. Instead, you might tell me what our dear guest is doing in the prison wing? Don’t tell me you’ve tired of our hospitality already,”

“I’m simply stretching my legs,” she tilted her chin defiantly. “If I’m not a prisoner, can’t I go wherever I please?”

“I think we both know what you are.” Before she could respond, he continued: “Tell you what. If you’re determined, how about a deal?”

She frowned. “A deal?”

“I let you in, you accompany me on a walk in the gardens.”

Charlotte scoffed. “No.”

“Alright,” he shrugged, walking past her. “Good luck then,” he called over his shoulder.

“Wait!” It was out of her mouth before she could stop it. She squeezed her eyes shut, listening to his footsteps stop before making their way back towards her.

“Yes?” he asked innocently.

She hated him. But the thought of Theodore, alone in the dank and dark…

“Fine.”

“That’d be more convincing if you looked at me while you said it, princess.”

Charlotte ground her teeth for a rebellious moment before forcing her eyes open. She glared at him. “Deal.”

“Now was that so hard?”

“Incredibly.”

He only chuckled, extending his hand for her to shake.

The last thing she wanted was to touch his vile skin, but she managed.

“Well,” he tucked her hand into the crook of his arm like they were any noble couple on a stroll. “Let’s not keep Prince Theodore waiting, shall we?”

He led her down the rest of the corridor and into a narrow stairwell lit by torchlight. On the lower level waited a handful of guards. Despite herself, Charlotte drew closer to Phillip, her hand tightening on his arm. It was silly, she knew, to be afraid of these men. They’d only done what Phillip’s father commanded. It was him she should fear. But… she couldn’t help remembering what it was like to see his men overrunning her home. Was it her imagination, or was that man there the soldier who’d slain Captain Smith? The same terror she’d felt seeing their old family friend killed began to rise up.

If Phillip noticed the change in her, he said nothing. If anything, his hand might’ve slid protectively over hers. She was too busy trying to keep her cool to marvel over it. She couldn’t even hear the words he exchanged with the soldiers; the blood rushing in her ears was far too loud.

In moments, they’d moved past the guards. Charlotte found she could breathe easier. She loosened her grip on Phillip’s arm, reminding herself he couldn’t be trusted. They walked down to the second level of the prison, where he dismissed the guard before turning to her.

Phillip held up an iron key. “There’s no way out other than the way we came. Don’t make me regret this.”

Her eyebrows raised. “You’re not coming?”

He shook his head. “You can have your privacy. I have to speak to the captain; I’ll fetch you when I’m done.”

Charlotte was tempted for a moment. What was stopping her from grabbing the dagger at his belt? She could stab him and avenge her city at least that much. But, if she did, she’d never get Theodore past the guards.

Instead, she nodded.

“Third cell on the left.” Then he was gone.

She looked after him in surprise, thinking. Then she turned, hurrying to Theo’s cell.

Theodore was against the wall, looking more defeated than she’d ever seen him. He sat hunched, his shackled wrists propped on his knees and his head bent, as though if he didn’t look past the little bubble he’d created, he couldn’t see the horrible world they’d awoken in.

His head flew up at the sound of the key in the lock. He frowned. “… Char?”

“They said I could see you,” she explained, fumbling with the key. Her hands were shaking. Her body seemed to have decided it could break down now that she’d finally gotten to Theo. Then the lock clicked. She flew into the cell, throwing her arms around him.

Theodore returned the embrace, holding her tightly. They remained still for a few quiet, relieved moments. Then, “are you okay?”

“Me?” She drew back to look at him. “You’re in prison, Theo.”

“And you’re being forced to live with King Stefan,” he returned, matching her tone. She didn’t know how he could joke at a time like this. “At least I’m left alone here. What do they want with you?”

She buried her face in his shoulder. “It doesn’t matter.”

Fortunately, he decided to drop it. His thumbs rubbed reassuring circles on her back. “Alright. But you’re okay? They haven’t hurt you?”

“No,” she shook her head. “No, I’m okay. What about you?”

“They haven’t paid much attention to me since they separated us.”

She pulled back to look in his eyes. “Theo, I’m scared,” she admitted.

He held her frightened gaze with his own. “Me too.”

It wasn’t something her father would have admitted. He’d have insisted he was strong, for morale. Of course, he was gone now. All she had was Theo.

She found herself quite unwilling to give him up.

They’d been waiting, waiting to see if her parents would allow them to be betrothed. What was the point in holding back now?

Before she’d even completed the thought, Charlotte was moving to kiss him. Abruptly, she stopped before she did, eyes wide. She started to pull back, to draw out of his embrace.

His arms around her tightened, just a little. “No, it’s okay.” Then he hesitated. “Did- did you stop because you don’t want to, or because you’re worried I don’t?”

Charlotte stared at him. “The second,” she finally said.

He was quiet for a moment. “Char, I’m pretty sure you never have to worry about that.”

“You don’t either,”

That was all it took. They crashed back together, clinging as though each was the other’s lifeline in a stormy sea. Somehow, she was finally kissing him. His lips were so soft, so reassuring. Her hands found his jaw, working their way across his face until her fingers tangled in his dark curls. Theo’s hands had tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. She gladly obliged. Why hadn’t she kissed him before?

One of his shackles brushed her back and he tensed, pulling back. “I’m sorry-”

“No-” she grabbed his hands as he slipped them from her. “They’re not bothering me.” She guided him back, and his arms enveloped her again. He kissed her like he’d never stopped. Her hands found his chest, gripping his shirt collar. Carefully, gently, one of his hands wended its way up her back until it was in her hair. She pressed closer.

A door slammed somewhere in the prison. Yells echoed through the halls. The pair stiffened in each other’s arms. There was arguing, but Charlotte only caught snatches. Something about a promise, privacy, a prince… an execution.

She gripped him tighter. They could pry Theo from her cold, dead hands, as far as she was concerned.

Let them try.

[acwriting]

A piece I did for the Narnia Fic Exchange last year! It was a pairing I’d honestly never have thought of but it was in the request (buried deep lol, they were not expecting this and only this from me!) and I thought. “Huh. That would be fun!” Such a fun thing to try.

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Welcome to my page!!

Hi all! Nice to meet you. I’m Abigail, a writer and lover of storytelling. Welcome to my page where I will be writing (shocking, I know)! It’s gonna be a lot of fanfic and some original work. My favorite fandoms include:

- Narnia

- PJO

- The Mummy (I have a masters degree in Egyptology)

- Pride and Prejudice

- Vox Machina

- AtLA

- Marvel, esp Captain America and Spiderman

- Tangled and other assorted Disney IPs (much as I hate the Mouse 🙃)

- Fairytale Retellings!!!

- Star Wars

I’m here looking to build a writing community and make friends, while developing my writing craft further. Though I have done So So SO many smaller fanfic projects, I’ve never finished a whole novel and I would love to. That’s the dream; I’m sure loads of y’all relate.

Now, listen. I am a full adult, pushing 30. This is not my full time job; I work in education. I’m gonna be so for real with you - I’m disabled. I’ve got an autoimmune condition - juvenile idiopathic arthritis - which in the last few months has escalated into insane levels of fatigue, meaning that I keep missing work.

This is not sustainable.

So! I’m wading into freelancing to try and support myself when I can’t work. But I don’t have a lot of past materials for my portfolio.

If you like my writing here, and if you are financially capable and would feel so moved, consider commissioning me on fiverr to help build my reputation! I don’t feel that I can post fanfic on there to build my portfolio, but a sale and a positive review would help me immensely. For anybody on here who wants to commission a short fanfic piece, I’ll charge only $5 per thousand words. Yup. I’m desperate 😂 Or if you need any transcribing or proofreading done, I’ll give you 20% off those services on my fiverr profile. Just message me before you buy saying you’re from tumblr (the secret password will be “I like your shoelaces” 😜).

Check out my fiverr story-writing gig here:

Oooof. Well, now that my shameless self promotion is done (I’m sorry), here’s what I won’t write:

- pedophilia

- SA

- NSFW

- incest

I’m not that desperate. Some things that are important to me is representation, esp of disabled folks or the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am religious, but I believe that God loves all ppl and made them just how he wanted them to be - I believe the Bible does not speak against LGBT+ folks, though some interpret it to be so. If you disagree, I’d love to talk with you about it if you can do so in a respectful way that seeks to listen and learn. If not, kindly keep your mouth shut and be nice or vacate my page.