felledbymortals

[felledbymortals]

Gale had an imagination that stretched across realms, able to see any possibility and anything after but he was coming to realize he fell short in understanding the things regular people endured. It was not a cosmic ascension or divine act; it was the struggles the ordinary, but extraordinary to him, people around him went through. They were real and they were happening right now. He couldn’t fathom all that his beloved Karma had been through. An entire life ripped out from beneath you, a family you hadn’t known you lost in the first place, and add on their current predicament. He hadn’t prayed to any Gods in quite some time but if any were to listen, he’d beg that they give her a break.

She was good. There was an inherent goodness in her chest that blazed brighter than the fires of her namesake. And for the world to do nothing but hurt that kind heart; it seemed more unjust than anything. The famed Gale of Waterdeep, wizarding prodigy, felt powerless to help the woman he loved. They would confront the cyricists when she made the call to, he could help with that. But for now? He was lost. His only thought was to hold her close, remind her that she’s the architect of her own fate and try to bring back that smile that brought him to his knees.

Any other thoughts had vanished as soon as she excused herself. Rare was it that it was a good thing when one of their party wandered off on their own. He stood, watching her go and only following after she’d have a little bit of space. He did not wish to smother her rather let her know he was there. She didn’t have to call his name, he was there. He would always be there. As soon as she was within reach, Gale brought her into his arms and held on tight. He wouldn’t let go until she did.

“It is normal to be scared.” He gently brushed stray fiery locks behind her ear and cradled the back of her head. As she pulled back to look at him, his hand found her cheek gently. He found the whole meaning of life in those eyes of hers. His imagination could run wild with that image; just seeing those beautiful eyes staring back at him for so long. “I would be more concerned if you weren’t scared.” He admitted.

“What do you need of me?” He asked, she could have it all. He would find a way. The wizard sighed and leaned down, giving her a soft kiss to the forehead.

༓☼༓ @felledbymortals said: "you called." - gale

karma lingered at the edge of the shore, just alongside baldur’s gate. knees drawn tight to her chest, arms wrapped around them like armor. the sun was high, the sky too blue, the day far too beautiful. and all she could think was... the temple was right there. the temple of cyric. her entire childhood, she’d been yards away from the sun, from the city, and never knew it. and now? now she was yards away from finally uncovering the truth of her time there.

rage simmered beneath her skin like magma beneath stone. it was not yet time to confront the cyricist, not yet. but the anxiety clung to her like smoke. she’d walked off alone, trying to steady her breath, trying to cool the fire that built behind her ribs. but . . . how do you stop a volcano from erupting? how do you stop a meteor from falling? you don’t. that was the truth she feared most — this anger of hers felt just as inevitable.

karma closed her eyes. she didn’t know what she needed — not really. not until she heard it. his voice. his presence, quiet but sure, stepping through the storm of her thoughts. him. gale.

rage simmered beneath her skin like magma beneath stone. it was not yet time to confront the cyricists, not yet. and yet, the anxiety clung to her like the smell of smoke. she’d walked off alone, trying to steady her breath, trying to cool the fire that built behind her ribs. but . . . how do you stop a volcano from erupting? how do you stop a meteor from falling?you don’t. that was the truth she feared most — this anger of hers felt just as inevitable.

her golden eyes opened. she looked back — and there he was. you called. she rose to her feet. she moved to him like a spark drawn to kindling. her forehead found his chest. almost immediately, her breath grew heavier, yet slower.

gale was the spell that stilled the rage inside of her. the cool touch on overheated skin. he didn’t stop the volcano, he kept her from turning to ash. he didn’t stop the meteor, he rewrote its path.

karma hadn’t called him. not aloud. but he came anyway. like he always did. her hands curled around the curve of his arms, anchoring herself to something real. ❝ gale, ❞ she whispered, voice breaking at the seams. ❝ i’m… i'm really scared. ❞ golden eyes stared up to him with softness. her stare alone said it all. now matter how wild the flames tried to consume her, her love for him will always pull her through.

🔥 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐄? 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 . . .

[felledbymortals]

Tieflings Family - bg3 comic Rolan, Cal, Lia

I hope you enjoyed!

[felledbymortals]

FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC: THE ORIGIN (2022)

[felledbymortals]

"Then again, the sky in a storm is dark and ominous. I always liked a stormy sky. Like nature needs to scream too. And the sea can be bright, shimmering even. My friends adore the ocean, saltwater is practically in their veins.” Willa remarked with a smile. Maybe she did like blue more than she thought. “You haven’t thought about your favorite color? That’s one of the first things I like to know about a person. Says a lot about them.” She shrugged. “So you like a tranquil blue. Not ominous or full of secrets, but not so blinding.”

Willa couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. “We are kind of loud aren’t we?” It was a given for her and the Embers, they liked the attention. Their talents lay in performance and deception, not stealth. “We just keep picking up strays,” her eyes fell over him pointedly and she smirked, “can’t help ourselves.” They were all bonded together for better or worse until this worm was out of their heads and the three lunatics were all snuffed out. “If it’s the green of your eyes, sure.” She scrunched her nose at him teasingly. “There’s plenty more, but you’ll also just find more layers of literal pink.” She said honestly. “I also happen to like yellow.”

ragnar raised an eyebrow, giving her a sideways glance with a smirk playing on his lips. "aye, you're right. sky's a lighter blue, more peaceful, while th' sea's deep and full o' secrets," he said with a touch of playful mystery. he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "haven't really thought much on it... maybe a blue that lands somewhere in the middle, 'tween th' sea and th' sky. depends on th' day. preferences change with the wind, love."

he flashed her a smirk and raised his hand in mock surrender, still holding the book in his other hand. "well, well, my mistake. feels like there’s about fifty of ya, what with all the noise." he glanced her way, sizing her up with an observant look, but his expression was more curious than anything else. putting the book down on the shelf, he leaned his forearm against the wall, the playful energy still there. he tilted his head, his sea green eyes studying her for a moment before he spoke again. "if i had t' guess, i'd say... green," he said with a grin. "or maybe pink. ye've got th' look o' it, aye?" he chuckled lightly, stepping to another shelf, keeping his search going at a leisurely pace. "but who am i t' say there could be more t' ye under all that pink."

[felledbymortals]

Arachne could confidently say she’s never attended a ball like this before. She’s been to some before, as guest and entertainment but the Embers only fit into that scene when it was necessary. They found more comfort in festivals and other parties as such. This was a Lathandeian ball. There was no such event for Umberlants, the Tides did not call for dancing and gowns and ballyhoo.

Regardless of all of that, the Tiefling was excited. She was excited for her dear friend Karma to learn more about her past: in hopes she’d feel some comfort about it and be able to forge the path she truly wanted for herself. And she was excited for her beloved, Aurelius. This was his world. She’d known of his devotion since the first time they spoke, and he did speak of his parents - now it was time to see it all firsthand. And who didn’t enjoy a beautiful gown and dancing? Especially if she finished the evening in the arms of a beautiful paladin.

It would be part of their happy ending. She had meant all that she said back in the Shadow-cursed lands. Arachne wanted to build a future with Aurelius, no matter what it looked like. The stakes were higher and the world a lot scarier even if they were free of the shadows, she just had to say a silent prayer that their futures still aligned after this. “And yet again you find me.” She smiled. He said he always would. The laugh was endearing and now in the light she could see fully how beautiful he looked blushing. She made it down to him and she reached up gently to adjust his attire, “I’d rather look at you.” The bard hummed, “we’ve got time for you to get used to it.” Her own cheeks were flushed now. “Do I really look okay?” She asked, her hand still nervously fiddling with a part of his coat. “I will admit I am a bit nervous- feeling a lot less braver than I was..”

@felledbymortals said: "You came." - Arachne

the event was deeply personal. karma, once thought lost to the world, was alive, and tonight, she was being welcomed home. no longer just a memory. karma was home. there was so much to celebrate. this ball, hosted by his mother and the temple, was a reflection of that joy. his mother, a high-standing cleric of lathander, had made sure the occasion was radiant. her daughter, lathander’s lost chosen, had returned.

aurelius had joked about skipping it. formalities were rarely his joy but he would never miss it. not for anything. not for the world. nor would his parents have let him. karma deserved this. and gods, he had never been more grateful to see his sister. smiling, being treated and welcomed home after everything she lived through. but beneath the pride and joy lingered something quieter. a tension. a sliver of unease he hadn’t yet shaken.

was karma truly at peace in this new world that continued on without her? and then there was his own journey. the shadowlands were behind him. his mission completed, his small lathanderian force returned, the undead driven back. but... what now? what came after victory? what did lathander want next? what did he want? would choosing a quieter life, one that included arachne, disappoint his god? he had spoken of these doubts to karma, and to arachne. mo chridhe, as he called her now—his heart.

as guests mingled during cocktail hour, aurelius accepted their congratulations. their praises of karma’s return, blessings to lathander for bringing kayleth back, were met with his polite acknowledgment. in this polite acknowledgment, he would humbly remind them to respect her name karma and that it was karma herself who had found her way back. they spoke of his leadership, of the strength he’d shown in the battle, but his mind wasn’t fully on their words. it was on arachne. he wouldn’t step into that ballroom without her. arachne had become an irreplaceable part of him. and, gods, she gave him a peace that even the most sacred of hymns couldn’t provide.

he stood waiting at the foot of the stairs, framed by a grand stained-glass window, its hues dulled under the moonlight. his hair was neatly combed, the curls still defiant but better tamed. for once, he wasn’t wearing armor. he’d chosen a formal ensemble. tailored, dark with golden accents, the collar subtly embossed with symbols of the dawn. he had his masquerade mask in hand. he wanted to honor this moment not as a paladin, but as a brother... and he wanted to look good for her. his arachne. every piece had been approved by arachne, after all. then came the voice behind him. you came.

he turned slowly, his gaze lifting toward the top of the staircase, and stopped. his breath hitched, faintly catching in his chest. she was... radiant. ethereal. like the very sunset herself, the gold and yellow of her dress glowing with the warmth of dawn. the gods themselves could never have created such beauty, though even they would’ve fallen short in capturing it. a vision that seemed to halt time itself. his usual composure faltered as he drank in the sight of her; the soft glow of her dress catching the low light, perfectly complementing her fuchsia eyes. her presence was like a quieting spell, stilling the very air around them.

a slow smile curved his lips. for a moment, he nearly forgot to speak, too captivated by the beauty before him. "oh—uh, aye," he murmured, clearing his throat, his voice laced with quiet admiration. "was startin’ to think i’d wandered into the wrong place," he joked gently, as he'd known these halls like the back of his hand. a nervous laugh slipped out, and a soft blush rose to his cheeks. "by the dawn, look at ye… i mean, truly—look at ye. walkin’ in like that, puttin’ the sunset itself to shame." his voice softened even more. "don’t think i’ll ever get used tae how beautiful ye are, arachne."

[felledbymortals]

「   RP MEME :  RANDOM DIALOGUE 2.0   」     * change pronouns as needed. based on this generator. 

‘ how about i take you home? ’

‘ who do you fight for? ’

‘ you can relax. we’re safe here.’ 

‘ are you threatening me? ’

‘ i told you to leave me out of this. ’

‘ i guess it runs in the family, huh? ’

‘ you’re leaving already? ’

‘ that sounds dangerous. i’m in!’ 

‘ what do you wish for? ’

‘ you look like you just saw a ghost.’ 

‘ don’t look at me like that. ’

‘ we can just sit here. we don’t have to talk.’ 

‘ you can’t get rid of me that easy. ’

‘ do you want something for the pain? ’

‘ can i have some cash? ’

‘ i know you’re dangerous, but i also know you won’t hurt me.’ 

‘ that’s quite a scratch you’ve got there.’ 

‘ when was the last time you slept? ’

‘ i know who you are. i know what you’ve done. ’

‘ you’re being followed. pretend you know me.’ 

‘ you never should’ve left. ’

‘ i think i’m getting sick. ’

‘ snap out of it! ’

‘ yes i killed them, but i did it for you.’ 

‘ don’t treat me like a child. ’

‘ how does it feel to be in love? ’

‘ surprised to run into you here. ’

‘ how many people have you killed? ’

‘ i didn’t want to come, but i need your help. ’

‘ i know i’m not the person you want, but i’m here. ’

[felledbymortals]

feat @vowofthesun

[felledbymortals]

(wish you were so-) (wish you were so-) (wish you were sober) i wish you were sober

[felledbymortals]

ive got some grief stuck in my ribs yes

[felledbymortals]

It was certainly an interesting group of people. Some she liked more than others, some she disliked more than the others. She liked Ragnar. He was an ass for sure but he was blunt, she appreciated that amongst all the secrets. She was certain he had plenty of his own but it didn’t seem like his were going to screw them over just yet. And he was funny. That part helped a lot. And he was easy on the eyes even if they were a bit shifty.

“Anything but that Balduran statue. He was not the most attractive adventurer it seems.” The bard saw it nearly every day as she moved about the city. She was grateful for the city and what he made of it, but he wasn’t cute. “There’s still time to get one from the Memphit at the circus. Ellis’ is rather gauche.” Willa chuckled. She watched his wings disappear curiously, “does that hurt?” She asked.

“Besides her, you’re the first aasimar I’ve ever known. Can’t say I know the difference.” There were stories of course, probably a Volo guide map about it but she didn’t seem to know. “You’re saying you betrayed Selune?” She asked. He didn’t seem that reckless. “If you wish to bury your cock along with your sorrows, be my guest so long as it’s a happy ending.” She mused, “I would advise passing on the drow twins by the way.” The bard smirked and came to sit beside him. “I never pictured a happy ending. Not in a pessimistic way, I just wanted to be surprised and not set myself up for disappointment.” She smiled, “I think I’d like to be happy. Somewhere still playing music, somewhere with sweets. I am guilty of a sweet tooth.”

karma had picked herself up quite the bunch. family of bloody bards. ragnar liked bards—they were fun. though karma and some of the others weren’t too thrilled to see him. ragnar understood why karma felt that way about him more than anyone. he’d come along with them to make up for one or more debts with the party. he didn’t enjoy all their company. but he liked willa's.

ragnar shook his head. ❝oh aye. big statue, right next to hers, so folk’ve got somethin’ proper to look at.❞ he smirked faintly and glanced sideways. black leather gloves pulled the chain and sigil back around his neck. with that, the black wings vanished—leaving him like any other mortal in baldur’s gate.

❝aye, well. black wings don’t mean nowt good for an aasimar, do they? ‘specialy when they’re the price o’ betrayin’ her dear mum.❞ he moved to sit on a nearby rock, leaving space beside him. his elbows met his knees as eyes began narrowing in thought. ❝now, happy endin’ that's not at sharess caress?❞ he joked before letting out a breath. ❝survive. get rid o’ this bloody curse, keep the wings if i can.❞ he shrugged, clearly uncertain. ❝truth be told, i don’t even know where i’d end up after all this. might need a bit o’ bardic inspiration meself. go on, then—what’s your happy endin’?❞

[felledbymortals]

1923 1.04 WAR AND THE TURQUOISE TIDE

[felledbymortals]

Rod + looking after Billy and Daisy

[felledbymortals]

STAR WARS Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) Dir. George Lucas

[felledbymortals]

Arachne felt treasured under his gaze; desired and needed. It was a feeling that ran through her entire body, lighting her nerve endings up and sending shivers down her spine. She wanted to cry out for him, fully let him know how she was feeling. That could all wait until she truly had him to herself, and she could elicit some sounds from him too. She had no doubts they’d sound sensational coming from his lips. His voice alone could fluster the Tiefling all the way down to between her legs.

She wanted him. She wanted him badly; almost desperately. The nod relieved her and she all but melted into his gentle kiss, a sigh of content passing her lips. “Please..” She breathed. She didn’t worry that he’d deny her pleasure: he was a man of his word and she trusted his word completely. Even for something like this.

Arachne moved with his grip, parting her legs for him. Hiking her skirt up further to get out of his way, and to not obstruct her view of the gorgeous man ravishing her. She wanted all of it off, to feel every bit of his skin against hers but he wanted to take his time. And this was about both of them. She knew she’d be too tempted to roll him immediately onto his back and shower him with kisses to every inch of his skin if given the chance outright.

Her breath hitched in her throat, lips parted and a small squeak sparked from her lips as his fingers returned to her clit. Fingers gripped the fabric of her skirt tighter and her head fell back against the bedroll. His fingers sliding back in were met with her clenching around him, muffled whimpers and a slightly arched lower back. Her eyes met his again and she bit her lip so hard she nearly drew blood. His kisses against her skin inching closer made her head spin.

She released her grip on the bedroom and her fingers wound gently in his red curls. Oh Gods above he was so beautiful. His fingers keeping pace inside of her made it hard to concentrate but he was in perfect focus. His honeyed words were heard loud and clear and the bard nodded quickly. She was up on her elbows, fingers pushing his hair back gently. “Please, Aurelius..” She breathed, “I want you to taste me.” She was certain that’s the last coherent thing she could say but he wanted to hear it. She’d do anything he asked as long as he kept looking at her like that.

aurelius knew the weight of his promise. to always come back. in a world as uncertain as theirs, he wished he could give her more than words. he wished he could show her the future: what they would build, the life they’d live side by side. but he couldn't. all he had was his word, and he intended to keep it. her words made him softly smile. the idea of her cleaning the blood of their enemies off of him wasn’t tragic. it would've meant that he survived. they had both survived. it meant they were both there, alive and well. that every battle, no matter how brutal, would end the same: with the warmth of her presence. they’d have that happy ending. he believed it with everything in him. a place where they could spoil one another without fear of what'll happen next. previously, aurelius thought he had no way of showing her their future. but now, he intended to show a glimpse of it: just how rotten he can spoil her.

the way her hips jerked told him she needed more of him. aurelius intended to give her all of him. aurelius wouldn't egg her on to moan louder for him. but he didn't mind watching her struggle as she attempted to suppress them deep within her. it was just another tease of what the future for them had to hold. those soft suppressed moans and her eyes fluttered up to him was enough for him, and enough to feel himself harden and twitch over the sight of it.

aurelius wouldn't deny her or delay her of pleasure. his heart felt like it'd thump out of his chest feeling the bucks of her hips, the uncontrollable squirms, her pleading words as she softly begged for more. aurelius gave her a reassuring nod that it planned to give her exactly what she needed of him: more. aurelius places a soft kiss on her forehead.❝aye, 'll give ye more.❞

aurelius shifted, his hand trailing from her hair as he adjusted his position. he uses his knee to guide her legs further apart. not just for ease, but to settle himself fully between them. he sank onto his knees between her. his golden eyes darken with devotion for her pleasure as he moved her thigh up against his side to cradle it there.

his fingers returned to her with purpose. two circling her clit with firmer and deliberate pressure. smoothly, they slid inside her again, curling and thrusting upward with a rhythm that had deep intention. each movement more intense than before. he leaned down, lips brushing against her knee, then trailing down. slow reverent kisses pressed to the inside of her thigh, inch by inch. golden eyes never left hers, ready to drink in every reaction or every flutter of her breath.

his mouth hovered just below her navel, fingers keeping their steady rhythm. ❝i said i’d give ye more…❞ he murmured against her skin, voice low and edged with heat. he paused to press a soft and deliberate kiss before lifting his gaze. a soft crooked smirk tugged at his lips. ❝...and i can take care of ye with my mouth. taste ye, lass, if that’s what ye want.❞ his breath was warm where it ghosted just above her skin. his golden eyes and lips waiting with patience but hunger, like he'd be ready to devour her at any given moment. ❝i want to hear ye say it.❞

[felledbymortals]

"I like to watch people, get to know them. It makes this very long life interesting." And according to Ellis it was better to know the company they kept so nobody backstabbed them without them seeing it coming but Willa tried to remain the more positive one if she could help it. “If we do not succeed then the world will definitely stop spinning, just saying. Hopefully there will be a neat bow for us.” She mused. The bard looked at him with a slight frown, when the world thinks it knows you. That was just sad, and thinking he doesn’t get a happy ending written was worse. “Well you’ve befriended a group of Bards, give me something - what kind of happy ending do you want? All kinds of people deserve one, even you, so let’s get you one.” Willa offered a smile. “Do you want a statue next to her? She was kind of prickly earlier.”

❝observant, you. know me well already, love.❞ ragnar smirks, shrugs his shoulders, still glancing off like the sky might say something worth hearing. ❝it’s just… is. world keeps turnin’, folk keep goin’. no neat little bow at the end.❞ he fidgets with the wheat between his fingers, then tosses it carelessly. ❝may be pessimistic when the world thinks it knows you. i’m not the type folk write happy endings for, am i?❞ a laugh passes his lips and black wings twitch. the same wings dame alyin steps back at the sight of him today. and she hadn't even known about his curse yet. a part of him didn't care that she flinched, the other wished he put on his sigil so his wings were hidden away. ❝but hey, who knows. maybe 'll be havin' a statue of me up next that bloody nightsong.❞ he gives her a halfhearted smirk.

🗡️ 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: @felledbymortals

[felledbymortals]

If it were possible for a soul to feel sore, Rigby's sure did. Every muscle in his body ached, he was exhausted and even his own family were getting on his nerves. He dreamed of the city. How much he missed it; the people, the food, his home. He was broken from his thoughts by the paladin making his way over.

Rigby didn't share the same hostility towards him that his brother did. To be frank, Rigby thought that someone should just punch Ellis, it would rattle him enough. "Much appreciated." He grinned, taking the stein from him. "I think I will need about four more." He admitted with a laugh before clinking glasses with him. "I see they went on ahead without you. That for any reason?" He asked.

"I cannot wait." Like all his sibling, he wanted to go home. That's why he had set off on his adventure in the first place, to find his family and bring them home. He just had to hope there was a home to return to after all this. "Perhaps. I miss the feeling, using musical spells only curbs the need for performance for so long." He turned to him, "and what of you? Where will you be when this is all over?"

aurelius approached rigby with a full stein in hand. he wore the kind of smile that didn’t quite reach the eyes. it was tired, from traveling miles each day, but sincere. his sleeves were rolled, knuckles scuffed, and there was dirt at the hem of his trousers that suggested he hadn’t sat down since they've made camp here.

❝figured if i was bein’ roped into bar duty, i may as well serve the one who's been carryin' half the gear first,❞ he offered, extending the ale with a slight tilt of his wrist. ❝my paladins dropped off a barrel of it before they vanished. guess they thought we needed it before approaching the city.❞ he lifted up his own stein for a cheers if rigby accepted it.

❝city’s just a walk away now. feels strange. like ye blinked 'n we’re almost at the gates.❞ aurelius pauses, looking off as baldur's gate was merely just an morning away. he knew the embers plans. save their siblings, friends, and then the world. ❝after everythin' is done, ye gonna be performin' at elfsong again?❞

☀️𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐁𝐘: @felledbymortals

[felledbymortals]

A promise that he would try to avoid grave injury and a promise that no matter what, he would come back to her left a feeling in her chest that she couldn't quit place. It felt warm, and light, like the sun peeking through a window. She would patch him up if the blood was his own, that was her promise -- she'd be waiting for his return with the kind of gentleness and care that she gave him earlier. So long as he kept coming back, she would there to welcome him. And if all patch up sessions ended like this, she certainly wouldn't be complaining.

"That is all I ask of you." Arachne hummed. "Ornamental means I could help you wash it all off. How tragic." That little future they started to dream of would definitely have to come with warm baths. For cleanliness of course. His bravery would be rewarded and appreciated at every turn. The world they lived in was scary and getting even more frightening with each passing day, but she would do her best to be his solace. A safe place to be cherished and cared for. "Completely rotten." She smirked.

He looked beautiful like this. Of course he looked beautiful as the heroic paladin of Lathander but this? This was an Aurelius she felt grateful to experience; all kinds of armor laid down to be vulnerable. Someone real, something real, something very good. She swore she could melt under that gaze, the smirk as he looks down at her, all of it sent shivers down her spine and pulled a soft whimper from her lips. Her hips jerked towards his hand, wanting to chase the feeling. She wanted every sense flooded with him.

Her bottom lip tugged between her teeth to suppress her moans. She wasn't her sister -- she didn't feel the need to let the entire camp know that she was deeply satisfied. This was a moment for just the two of them. Perhaps in the future she would be able to let go and let the man above her know just how good he was making her feel. She knew her body was showing everything. Her body worked with him, hip arching off the bed roll, eyes fluttering, breathing becoming more ragged.

She couldn't help the profanities, her mind was otherwise occupied. His deliberate strokes rendered the bard speechless. The hand in her hair gave her goosebumps. And the moment he put her more pressure on her core, Arachne whimpered - unable to contain her reaction momentarily. Her cheeks flushed and if it wasn't for his reassurance she might've melted into the ground from embarrassment. His questioning tone was met with a quick nod, the words escaping her in this moment as her head reeled.

The muscles in her thighs started to tremble. Her jaw dropped slightly as his finger slid inside and curled into that perfect spot, a small gasp and a buck of her hips giving way to how she felt. So good that her head was nearly spinning. "Rory-" His name let out in a shaky breath, a good kind of shaky. All of it was wonderful; pleading eyes watching his every expression. Another nod. It wouldn't be too much. "M-more.." She wasn't sure what she needed more of; more fingers? more pressure? All of it. She just needed more of him.

aurelius could promise that he would try...try to avoid grievous injury, to walk away from each battle still standing. but he could not promise there would be no blood. nor that all the blood on him wouldn't be his own. there had been a moment once, brief, cold, terrifying, when death had brushed its fingers against him. when the light had nearly gone out, if not for the swift intervention of a fellow paladin, who called upon divine grace just in time. that moment might have been his last.

in that narrow space between breath and stillness, a thought had pierced the haze: all the things he had not yet seen. all the words he hadn't spoken. the future he hadn’t yet held. was there meaning in pressing forward, if the dawnfather had decided his purpose was fulfilled? yes. yes, because he had not yet made it to arachne yet. because there was still her. not just the mission. not just duty. but arachne. he would survive for her. not for glory, not for righteousness. but for the beat in his chest that occurs only around her.

"i’ll do my best to keep the blood ornamental for ye," he said, a smile lingering on his lips. he would do his best not to get hurt because now, there was a pull deep in his chest. a quiet knowing that he could picture a future with her in it. "we’ll spoil each other rotten then, aye?" he added with a raised brow, voice low and teasing. home. home had once been the temple. his duty. his oaths. but that home had never looked at him the way she did. never held him with warmth, or love, or the ache of something real waiting when the battles ended. this. she was the kind of home he had never dared to hope for.

her touch through his curls was soothing, each soft stroke igniting a warmth deep within him. gods, she had him melted. he was completely undone by her presence. just as warm as those stunning fuchsia eyes that never left his, even as he touched her core. he could feel it, see it, the subtle way her legs parted more and the gentle grip she had on his broad shoulder. his lips curled into a soft, confident smirk, but it was far from smug. he wasn’t here to boast, just to be with her. to make sure she felt every ounce of care he could offer. and from the way her body responded to him, from the absence of hesitation under his touch, he knew it was working.

aurelius could feel the tension in her, every subtle shift in her body language telling him more than words ever could. his touch continued, deliberate and slow, as he watched her, noticing how she tried to hold herself together. if they weren’t surrounded by tents and the rest of the party, he would have encouraged her to let go completely, to make as much noise as she needed. but here, in this moment, he respected her restraint. when she gave him that nod of understanding, he returned it with a soft but reaffirming gesture, silent reassurance in his eyes that he was going to take care of her.

fuck. a word that could’ve sounded vulgar came from her lips. it sounded so sweet that he wanted to taste it. those pleading eyes told him everything he needed to know. his hand slowed in her hair, a comforting rhythm, while his other hand picked up just slightly in pace. a touch more pressure met her core, it was measured and mindful. his gaze never left her, softened with shadows of desire, but full of unwavering care. "aye?" he murmured, the question low and tender, meant only for her. he wanted her to feel wrapped in this moment, nothing else. just him, and her, and the warmth he offered.

his fingers moved with deliberate grace. stroking along her folds, tracing her clit in gentle, thoughtful circles. then, slowly, he eased one finger inside, curling just enough to find that hidden spot he knew would make her tremble. he watched for any shift in her expression, every breath, every sound. his thumb stayed pressed in light circles, matching the controlled strokes within her. not too fast, but not slow enough to leave her wanting. his lips parted slightly, a soft breath escaping as his hand in her hair continued its calming path.

"tell me if it’s too much, aye?" he whispered, checking in without pause in his care. whatever she needed—more pressure, slower pace, more on her clit—he’d give it to her, without question. "i’ve got ye," he murmured again, voice just a breath now. "’d like tae take my time wi’ ye."