ravenwrought

[ravenwrought]

He barely had time to react before she was in his arms, half-falling, half-flying into him like the wind itself had shoved her forward. Vax caught her without hesitation, arms instinctively wrapping around her middle as if they’d been waiting for this exact moment. Her staff clattered softly to the ground beside them, forgotten. The suddenness of her movement didn’t shake him. If anything, it steadied him. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing for the first time since the fighting had stopped. His hand came up to the back of her head, fingers threading gently through wind-tossed strands of red as he held her close. He didn’t need her to explain the words that had come before. He understood too well what it meant to doubt yourself, to wonder if you were simply stumbling forward because others refused to let you fall.

“Caring too much?” he repeated softly, lips near her temple. “Maybe. But if that’s your weakness, Keyleth… then it’s the kind of weakness the rest of us would follow into the dark without hesitation.” He leaned his head slightly, resting it against hers. The scent of blood and ash was still in the air, but fainter now, muted beneath the crisp scent of grass and the gentle rustle of leaves stirred by her magic.

“You say you couldn’t do this without me,” he murmured. “But you’ve carried more than any of us, and you still haven’t given up. You don’t see it, but I do. Every damn day. You are exactly who you’re meant to be. And if the world hasn’t figured that out yet… well, then it’s not as smart as I gave it credit for.” The moonlight caught the curve of his jaw as he smiled faintly into her hair. “You’re allowed to lean on me, you know. Even when you feel strong.”

The feeling of the breeze and calm of the moon settled her uneasiness somewhat and Keyleth at least could now breathe in a little deeper as she right herself, standing up a little taller but still keeping one hand firmly fixed to her staff. Vax was the steady counterbalance to her, listening to her fears, worries and insecurities as they fell out of her mouth one faster than the last like a spew of verbal vomit. He never rushed her, never showed signs of impatience where she was concerned and she was grateful when he rose to his feet and moved in closer toward her. He didn’t reach out, not yet and she wasn’t entirely she wouldn’t have pulled free from him if he’d tried. She needed some semblance of space, to sort her thoughts and feelings and think more clearly and objectively but he seemed to register and recognize exactly what she needed when he challenged her words right back. “Isn’t it?” There was so much doubt threaded through her words, desperate to understand a different definition of what strength was when she felt like she’d been falling short her whole life. “Maybe it isn’t supposed to be me. Maybe I’ve just gotten further than I was meant to because of you and everyone else. What if I’m not the leader I’m supposed to be?” She questioned him, eyes wide with wistful hope that she could understand what anyone else saw in her or in the aptitude of her power and what she was capable of. “I don’t think I could do any of this without you.” She admitted, shaking her head, knowing he understood these words were intended for him and him alone though it didn’t entirely exclude the rest of their party. Vax’s words hit her squarely, bringing up the festering emotions she’d been trying so hard to swallow down and suppress. Her hand tightened around her staff, knuckles going white as he tried to remind her that there was strength also in vulnerability and it was in her empathy and care for others that she excelled the most. “Don’t you think that caring so much, caring too much, can be a weakness?” She asked seriously, letting her head fall forward and strands of hair falling in place to conceal and cover her face. She froze when he continued, not expecting such a confession and declaration but it was enough to force her to look up and back to him again as she surged forward to half-throw herself against him and wrap her arms around his neck. “Thanks. I think I just needed that reminder.” She whispered, letting herself nestle in closer against him as she laid her head against his shoulder.

[ravenwrought]

@bloodofthefates || Cont.

“Maybe I wouldn't have tried the cliff diving thing again..Erm, but I feel like you mean something more serious than that? I mean, dying is kind of serious but that was kind of just my bad. If I could go back with some of the clarity I’ve gained now, in a talk to my past self kind of way I would’ve explained better why no one should’ve trusted Raishan. I would’ve bottled up more of my vengeance to try and keep a more level head, to see all the moving pieces to keep the rest of my family safe. Maybe they would’ve listened and believed me sooner if it wasn’t just for the sake of revenge. There’s a lot of moments in battle. Maybe I second guess myself, I wish I could’ve acted with more confidence and sureness, trusted more what everyone else trusted in me and maybe it could’ve helped end things sooner or keep others from getting hurt. I’m always trying to do better now…”

Vax’ildan’s breath caught at the mention of Raishan. He didn’t flinch but something in his eyes shifted, went darker, quieter. Keyleth’s voice was unguarded, full of the guilt she still carried, but it was that one moment, that soft admission about warning them, about trying, that struck him like a blade between the ribs. He remembered the tension in her voice when she’d questioned Raishan’s intentions. The way she had looked at him, at all of them, practically begging them to see the danger she saw. And he’d trusted her, gods, he always trusted her —but not enough, not then. Not when it mattered most. He should have listened. Should have stood at her side instead of second-guessing the wariness in her eyes.

Vax’s fingers curled at his sides, slow and tight. Guilt wasn’t new to him, it followed him like a second shadow, but this guilt had Keyleth’s face. This guilt had cost them time, cost them safety. Cost lives.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low, rough with remorse. “You were right. About her.” He met her eyes, and there was no deflection there. No armor. Just the truth laid bare. “I didn’t listen the way I should have. Not then. I —I thought I was making the calls that needed to be made, but I shouldn't have doubted what you already saw so clearly.”

[ravenwrought]

Vax watched how the moonlight caught in her hair, and he admired how wild and restless and heartbreakingly brave she was. He could see the exhaustion in her shoulders, the way she leaned on her staff from weariness and the weight of everything she refused to drop. Duty. Fear. Hope. All of it knotted behind her eyes. He stood then, slow, unhurried, and stepped forward, not close enough to crowd her, just enough to meet her eyes without the distance between them.

“You think strength means never bending?” His voice was quiet, rough at the edges. “That the only way to lead is to pretend you’re unbreakable?” He shook his head, once. “Maybe you’re the only one who sees it coming. That weight… what’s waiting for us ahead. But you don’t have to carry it alone, Kiki. You’re not the only one holding this together.” The wind shifted, gentle now, brushing between them. “I don’t think we make it out of this because any one of us is stronger than what’s coming,” he said, softer now, gaze not leaving hers. “I think we make it because we refuse to let each other fall.”

His hand twitched at his side, like he might reach for her. But he didn’t. “You’re allowed to be scared. You’re allowed to feel. That doesn’t make you weak. You're the strongest person I know, Kiki. Not because you charge into battle or stand tall when things go to hell, though you do. But no matter what we’ve faced, you’ve never stopped caring. You’ve never let the world make you cold.” His voice grew quieter, reverent in a way that left no room for doubt.

“It’s your heart. Your empathy. That’s what makes you strong. That’s what I—” He hesitated, just for a moment. “That’s what I love most about you, and if you forget that… I’ll remind you. As many times as it takes.”

The dust on had settled and all the members of Vox Machina breathed a little easier, everyone except Keyleth. What they'd encountered so far on their journey was nothing more than a skirmish or two, evenly or outmatched against their opponents but merely a taste of what was still in store for them ahead. Nothing but death and danger like the bitter taste of ash on her tongue. The battles they'd faced so far together were child's play compared to the war ahead and no amount of inspiring speeches by Percy or uplifting jigs from Scanlan would change the course of their fate. She knew it, and she knew that Vax knew it through a deeper connection that even she could understand through the threads of her magic tethered to the earth around them. Keyleth stood at the edge of the outcropping, closing her eyes as she breathed the fresh air in deeply to reorient and center herself. She gained strength from the comfort of nature around her, but also the silent company of Vax lingering behind her and giving her the time and space she required to decompress and process. "Are any of us really okay?" She asked suddenly, the winds twisting the strands of her red hair all around her beginning to settle as she uncrossed her arms and reached for her staff where she'd dug it deep into the ground. Slowly turning to face him, she took in the sight of him with the moonlight glinting off the sleek black armor marred by his cost of the battle. Instantly she softened, wide eyes unreadable as she leaned heavily against her staff physically in need of the support. "Don't I? Have to be okay... I mean, we're barely holding it together. And for the sake of my people. Don't I have to be stronger than what we're facing no matter what?"

[ravenwrought]

Vax'ildan had heard her, of course. He always did. It didn’t matter how quiet the words or how casual the tone. He had a talent for catching the things people didn’t mean to say aloud. And Katara… she was a storm dressed in calm, just waiting for a reason to surge.

He lingered a beat longer than he should’ve as she whirled, taking in the sharp motion, the heat behind her eyes, the precise adjustment of her wrist guards like a warrior dressing for war or mischief. When her gaze flicked to him, he didn’t flinch. She smiled, tossed that wicked little line his way, and followed it with a title that made something in his chest lurch like a blade pulled free of its sheath.

“Is that so?” he murmured, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, slow and appreciative. “Master Katara.” He tasted the words like they were something rare and forbidden, then gave a soft chuckle, rich and dark. “Gods, you make tyranny look good.”

She turned, curls brushing against his chest as she passed, and he didn’t step back. He let the touch linger and stir something restless as he followed without hesitation, like a shadow drawn to the moonlight. “Lead the way, then. I’ll try to keep up —though I should warn you,” his voice dipped, low and near her ear, “I’m rather good at getting into trouble with dangerous women.”

● — || @ravenwrought continued from HERE .

● — || She didn't expect anyone to be [ [ l i s t e n i n g ] ] to her proclamation that she would drift from the [ [ n o r m ] ] today . Her brother got to be reckless , being wild and DIFFERENT but Katara had to fit into a box . Even as an ambassador , that box remained . It wasn't fair , really . So , she decided for [ [ h e r s e l f ] ] that she would do something fun and a little UNEXPECTED .

Just as she finished adjusting her wrist guards of her [ [ s i g n a t u r e ] ] outfit , Katara's head [ [ w h i r l e d ] ] around , her brown hair whipping behind her in a blaze . He was close , he always seemed to be . Was she complaining ? That , would go unsaid either way . Ocean blues [ [ f l i c k e r e d ] ] over his features once , then she looked at her other wrist .

❝ I might be . Wouldn't you like to know ? ❞

She smiled to herself before those sweet , baby blues met his dark ones once more with a [ [ g l i m m e r ] ] of something EXCITING.

❝ And , that's [ [ M a s t e r ] ] Katara to you . ❞

Her smile twisted into a playful [ [ s m i r k ] ] as she turned over her shoulder , [ [ n e a r l y ] ] hitting him with her ocean of curls .

[ravenwrought]

Since I don't have a rules page yet... I don't interact with characters from HH or HB. Nothing personal. It's not content I want to have around me and it is drastically different than the cursing and gore in TLOVM.

[ravenwrought]

“   I’m going to let myself be a little unhinged today, as a treat. ”

Vax'ildan tilted his head, the corner of his mouth quirking upward in a way that could’ve meant trouble or amusement, but usually it meant both. “Oh, are you now?” he said, voice edged with mischief. He leaned a little closer, as if catching her intent like a scent on the wind. “Just how unhinged are we talking, Katara?”

[ravenwrought]

ABSOLUTELY UNHINGED COMEDIC RELIEF

ASSORTED QUOTES FROM TUMBLR TEXTPOSTS, X (formerly known as twitter) POSTS, TIKTOK, MEMES, AND OTHER SOURCES AROUND THE INTERNET

CHANGE gendered words and in-universe phrases as needed.

SPECIFY muse for multimuses.

“   Currently considering becoming a bother and a nuisance, maybe even a menace or a rascal. ”

“   Hungry? Eat the government. ”

“   Yes, I wanna fuck after every argument. ”

“   Silence, you uneducated peanut! ”

“  They should invent a being alive that isn’t so difficult. ”

“   Women have to think I’m hot or none of this matters. ”

“   Due to personal reasons I will be named an enemy of the state. ”

“   Being overdressed is a myth made up by people who didn’t want you to have fun and be sexy. ”

“   What even are daddy issues? Just traumatize your father back. ”

“   I LOVE complaining! You can’t take that away from me! ”

“   I went to the silly goose convention and they all knew you. ”

“   I’m simultaneously ‘I’m tired of this grandpa’ and ‘that’s too damn bad!’ ”

“   The word ew coming out of a pretty girl’s mouth holds so much power … I think that it can tear apart nations. ”

“   Someone made fun of my shoes and the whole time I just thought of ways to push them out the window. ”

“   If you’re short, simply get taller. ”

“   I better think twice? Buddy I don’t even think once. ”

“   My off putting looks, awkward demeanor, and strange behavior have captivated you. ”

“   There’s something deeply, fundamentally wrong with you. Can we kiss? ”

“   You are a fool. When you walk, clown music plays. ”

“   I mean yeah he’s evil and all but what if I were his favorite? ”

“   I really do hate thinking. ”

“   In my defense, I simply do not vibe with the law. ”

“   I’ve done nothing wrong. Except all the atrocities. Besides that, I’m innocent. ”

“   Sorry I couldn’t hear you over my internal monologue. ”

“   Of course you have white hair and trauma. ”

“   So apparently the bad vibes I’ve been feeling are actually ‘severe psychological distress’. ”

“   Stop calling me a bad person just because I’m orchestrating your downfall! ”

“   The more lip gloss I collect the longer I live. ”

“   Sorry that I am obsessed with you in the unhealthiest way possible. As if it's my fault ”

“   The multiple failed assassination attempts against me have helped build both character and self esteem. ”

“   I could be your loser boyfriend. Do you ever think about that? ”

“   Accidentally went and got myself killed yesterday, but god wont let me die so I’m back ”

“   What do you mean napping isn't a good coping mechanism? What do you mean my problems are still here? ”

“   Academic validation is required for my sanity. ”

“   RIP to everyone killed by the gods for hubris but I’m different and better. Maybe even better than the gods. ”

“   Researching the stages of grief to see if I can get them finished in ten minutes tops. ”

“   My parents were like I’m gonna make a child that is so beyond help. ”

“   It’s not easy to admit when you’re wrong, and that’s why I won’t do it. ”

“   Why can’t this family ever have a funky good time? ”

“   How do I show people that I’m more than my unethical career choice? ”

“   I fucked my way into this mess, and I’ll fuck my way out. ”

“   You look so biteable today. ”

“   Why am I suffering? I have so many correct opinions and takes. ”

“   I AM HAUNTED BY A PAST THAT I CANNOT GO BACK TO! anyways ”

“   Challenging authority, angering gods. The family business. ”

“   Third base is me telling you about my father. ”

“   Hey girl. Plagued by terrifying visions? ”

“   Got caught giving a fuck. Embarrassing. ”

“   I didn’t ‘miss’ the red flags; I saw them and thought that they looked sexy. ”

“   Do my dark circles and deteriorating health make me look hot? ”

“   I get my news from the only reliable source, cryptic symbolism in my dreams. ”

“   Another day of being a bisexual disaster. ”

“   I’m going to let myself be a little unhinged today, as a treat. ”

“   Some of you act like murder is such a big deal. ”

“   You wanna hunt me for sport so bad that it makes you look stupid. ”

“   You’re not a girlboss unless you’ve killed someone. ”

“   It’s so weird how no one ever has correct opinions about things except for me. ”

“   Hello, my love — I mean, my rival ”

“   No one is calling me baby and it’s outrageous I can’t believe it. ”

“   No talking stage. Mutual obsession and you see god in my eyes or nothing. ”

“   I DON’T UNDERSTAND HOOKUP CULTURE DIE IN MY ARMS ”

“   Yes baby your emotional walls are high and impenetrable can we kiss now? ”

“   Affection is disgusting. Drown me in it. ”

“   I am gatekeeping my respect from you. ”

“   Well, well, well, if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions. ”

“   I am equal parts fuck around and find out and please don’t yell at me I’ll cry. ”

“   Short legs, big butt. I’m a corgi. ”

“   Fuck being the bigger person; I’m going to start biting people. ”

“   Well that wasn’t very slay of you! ”

“   May I please get a crumb of affection? ”

“   I crave power! Please don’t yell, though; I’m sensitive. ”

“   You call it a near death experience; I call it a vibe check from God. ”

“   Here are some scissors. Now cut it out. ”

“   Might commit a little tomfoolery, maybe even some shenanigans. ”

“   All these flavors, and you choose to be salty. ”

“   How can I live, laugh, love in these conditions? ”

“   What if I said ‘to be honest’ but then lied? ”

“   I'm financially at a stage where I understand why people do fraud. ”

“   Yes I may be evil and morally corrupt, but I’m also incredibly beautiful and I think that makes up for it honestly. ”

“   Debates are stupid. Why would I want to sit down and argue with someone blatantly dumber than me? ”

“   I forget but I do NOT forgive.. I'm just walking around hating bitches can't remember why ”

“   Ding dong your opinion is wrong! ”

“   I’m coming for your kneecaps. ”

“   You dropped your nose you fucking clown. ”

“   Are you a fire alarm? ‘Cause you are really fucking loud and annoying. ”

“   Call me an escalator, because I let people down. ”

“   I love me a good lesbian scandal! ”

“   If you can’t run away from your problems, you’re not running fast enough. ”

“   Everything I want to do is illegal. ”

“   Don’t make me hit your ankle with my Barbie scooter! ”

“   I tell gay jokes because I am a gay joke. ”

“   Fuck! I dropped my mental stability! ”

[ravenwrought]

I'll never be that far away 🖤

[ravenwrought]

Vax’s head tilted just slightly, drawn by the sound of her voice, her thanks, her smile softening in a way that made the whole tavern feel quieter. Quieter than it had a right to be in the middle of Ba Sing Se. His hand still held hers, not tightly, just… steadily. Like he knew how to hold something precious. The corner of his mouth lifted, not quite a smirk but a sincere expression that didn’t get used often. “You could have,” he agreed, “But I wanted to. You said you rarely get a moment to yourself. I figured you could use one where someone else does the fussing.”

He leaned in, not enough to cross a boundary, but enough to share a space just for them. “And your name,” he added, softer now, “isn’t one I’ll forget. It means something, doesn’t it?” Her question about his name lingered, and Vax looked down for a heartbeat, letting her hand go with a final brush of his thumb over her knuckles before reaching for the tea the barkeep had placed near him.

“My mother told me once,” he murmured, eyes on the cup, not drinking yet. “Something Elvish. She said it meant shield of the light, ironic, considering the life I’ve lived.” Now his eyes met hers again, that flicker of old sorrow hidden behind charisma and charm. He lifted the tea to his lips and finally drank, exhaling afterward, then a beat passed before the grin came again, boyish and dangerous. “I hope you like dumplings. I may have been bold, but I didn’t say I was smart.”

● — || The ocean watched the raven's lips as he spoke her name like it was the name of a goddess . He did so without [ [ p a u s e ] ] , without question or judgement . He repeated her name back to her and , for some reason , it sounded like she had never heard the name before in her [ [ l i f e ] ] . It was spoken softly , tenderly . Did he say all names like that ? Or was her's unique to this experience ?

Her eyes jumped [ [ d o w n ] ] to the warmth of his hand , how it [ [ e n g u l f e d ] ] her cool one with ease . He was bold , she'd give him that . [ [ B r a v e ] ] was also a word that came to mind . She watched their hands as he spoke his name , not sure if she wanted to pull [ [ a w a y ] ] and give distance to him , or if she wanted to remained trapped within his orbit . ❝ I think I'll call you Vax , then . It's easy to remember , but your full name is - ❞ pretty , ❝ - Unique . Do you know what it means ? ❞

He laughed , she watched -- all while her hand remained in his . It was like [ [ b u t t e r ] ] . Melted , sultry butter that made anything it touched turn to gold . ❝ I think hunting the Avatar is the hardest job of all . After all , Aang goes wherever the wind takes him , these days . He's never in one place for too long . ❞ She kept the conversation light , but Katara knew better than [ [ a n y o n e ] ] that the world always seemed to need Aang too . They could rarely catch a break .

Her smile faded to compassion and [ [ k i n d n e s s ] ] as she looked at Vax . He was interesting , she'd give him that . He spoke of the world like it had harmed him many times before . She watched in fascination as the charm [ [ f e l l ] ] in one breath , only to rise and return with another . He moved with the tide , push and pull . [ [ M e s m e r i z i n g ] ] in every possible way . ❝ The thing about the weight of the world is , even when you think it's lifted , it always seems to come back twice as heavy . ❞ Her eyes lingered on his while her tone matched his own , ❝ You can try to run from it , but it's always going to find you . ❞ Katara's eyes fell to their hands , looking at his knuckles quietly , ❝ One of those , ❛ some people have greatness thrust upon them , ❜ things . ❞

His smirk returned in a [ [ f l a s h ] ] drawing Katara's smile out of her with ease . She gave a little shrug at their last topic , ❝ I like to think I know good food . Here , since you mentioned me needing [ [ b a c k u p ] ] , you can pick . Surprise me ! I'm sure you know what you're doing . ❞

He gestured the barkeep with smoothness unlike anyone she'd ever known . Just as her lips parted to speak so that she could order , her voice sounded stranger in her ears . That's because it [ [ w a s n 't ] ] hers . It was [ [ h i s ] ] . He was ordering for her like he'd done so his entire life . She blinked twice in confusion as her eyes lay upon his face , then down at his hands . This was [ [ d i f f e r e n t ] ] . She'd never been in a situation were someone else -- let alone a [ [ s t r a n g e r ] ] ordered for her . It was [ [ d o m i n a t i n g ] ] , protective . . . It was a [ [ b o l d ] ] choice that paid off .

❝ You - . . . You didn't have to do that . I could have ordered for myself . ❞ She spoke as she watched the barkeep vanish to bring their order to life , ❝ But thank you . ❞ Her attention fell back onto him , letting her eyes find his once more with a smile . ❝ That was really nice of you .❞

[ravenwrought]

Vax watched the shift in her subtle posture. The way her spine straightened, the way her attention drew toward him like a tide returning to shore. He noticed those things. Lived by noticing them. What others missed, he catalogued without thinking, the dry trace of humor in her voice, the flicker in her eyes that danced just shy of guarded, the telltale flush on her cheeks that bloomed and faded like moonlight caught in passing. And her name —Katara— landed gently in the quiet space between them, like an offering he would be a fool not to take.

“Katara,” he repeated softly, as though trying it on in his mouth, tasting its weight. “I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but I think it’s more than that.” He took her hand with care, calloused fingers wrapping around hers, not too tight, not too firm. Confident, yes, but not the kind of touch that presumed anything. “Vax’ildan,” he said, “But most people just call me Vax.”

Her comment about the Avatar made him chuckle. Not the mocking kind, but one that rumbled faintly in his chest. “No, not hunting the Avatar,” he mused, eyes glittering faintly beneath dark lashes. “That sounds like an exhausting job and above my pay grade. I stick to the kind of shadows that ruin lives and think they’ll get away with it.” He leaned back slightly, shoulder brushing the wood behind him, his expression softening just enough to break through that quiet wall he wore like armor.

“But you’re right about the weight. Carry it long enough, and it stops feeling heavy. Just… constant. Like a second skin.” His eyes found hers again, less playful now. Honest. Then came the smirk again, lighter this time. “So, Tea and dumplings it is. You’ve got good instincts.” A wink. “Maybe I’ll have to stick close. Never know when you’ll need backup picking between pork or veggie.”

He signaled the barkeep with two fingers and a nod, already ordering for both of them like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like he’d done this a thousand times with her before.

● — || Katara sat up a [ [ t a d ] ] straighter , his words catching her attention like the waves along the shore . She wouldn't question it , not yet . They weren't [ [ c l o s e ] ] for her to question it . At the same time . . .

❝ It sounds like you carry the same weight . Be careful , the world likes to make you crumble beneath too much of it .❞ There's a slight [ [ h i n t ] ] of laughter in her words , but it's dry . It lacks the [ [ w a r m t h ] ] that those who know Katara best are most familiar . Her own words hung between them as her eyes flickered upward slightly to meet his gaze .

❝ You're chasing a shadow ? ❞ She cocked an eyebrow as she looked at him , ❝ Someone who is known to hide within the cracks of Ba Sing Se ? That's funny . ❞ She smiled to herself as she shook her head , ❝ Next you'll tell me you're hunting the Avatar . ❞ His words sounded far too familiar to a certain royal she knew . She seemed to recall [ [ h i m ] ] saying he was chasing an elusive being some time ago . Oh , how times have [ [ c h a n g e d ] ] .

His words were [ [ p o e t i c ] ] . Were they always in that way ? They seemed to capture her oceanic blues and [ [ c a p t i v a t e ] ] her bright smile without any sign of relinquishing them . Soon , the menu lay flat on the counter as she paid it [ [ l e s s ] ] mind than the person sitting beside her . Subtly , her cheeks turned a gentle shade of pink , not missing the [ [ m e a n i n g ] ] behind his words .

❝ Well , I'm glad I could be a pleasant surprise . i have to say , it's not every day someone joins me when I'm just sitting alone . ❞ Her eyes flickered to the menu . Dumplings [ [ d o ] ] sound kind of good . ❝ I think you just gave me the best idea ever to do tea [ [ a n d ] ] dumplings . So , thank you . ❞ She had time , anyway . She might as well enjoy the company while she has it . ❝ I think that can be arranged . ❞ She held her hand out to him , her sunny disposition returning with ease , ❝ I'm Katara . It's nice to meet you .❞

[ravenwrought]

Women with swords. You agree. Reblog.

[ravenwrought]

Vax’ildan wasn’t the sort to believe in fate but when a woman like her walked into a place like this, cloaked in elegance, movement like water, eyes like deep tidepools that could calm or drown depending on the day, it gave him pause. Just long enough for his fingers to still on the rim of his cup, just long enough for instinct to whisper that this evening would not unfold like the others.

He’d noticed her before she even sat. How could he not? The way she moved fluidly through the room, that ribbon in her hair, that silver moon, there was intention in the details. She didn’t wear power like armor. She wore it like silk. And now she was speaking to him, voice warm and full of a subtle weariness that he recognized all too well.

The world always seems to need me…

Gods, didn’t it just. A flicker of something unreadable passed over his face.

“Well,” Vax said, the tone of his voice soft and smooth, “that sounds like the kind of weight no one should carry alone.” He didn’t lean in this time. He let the words settle in the air between them, calm as the sea before a storm. “I’m here chasing a shadow,” he admitted after a beat, glancing toward the doorway as if it might appear there now. “Someone who’s done terrible things and thinks they can vanish in the cracks of this city. Ba Sing Se has a habit of swallowing people whole. I don’t intend tolet them be one of them.”

His attention returned to her then, “But I didn’t expect to find a moonlit tide sitting in a corner seat. That’s… a better surprise than I usually get on jobs like this.” He gestured vaguely toward her menu with a glint of dry humor. “Let me guess —you’re trying to figure out if the dumplings are actually worth the coin, or if you’re better off ordering the tea and playing it safe.” Vax’ildan paused, then added, quieter, “Either way… I don’t mind the company.”

● — || A dress made of turquoise and silver draped over Katara's form as she effortlessly glided among the streams of people around Ba Sing Se . Her long , dark chocolate waves danced behind her with every [ [ p a s s i n g ] ] motion of her hips . Her hair style of choice or the day was simple , but elegant , as the Water Tribe Ambassador pulled her bangs back with a ribbon , adding a silver moon for decoration . Of course , her [ [ s i g n a t u r e ] ] hair loops were as present as always , bringing out the blue within her eyes like there was no tomorrow .

It was fun to [ [ v i s i t ] ] Ba Sing Se when she wasn't being rushed to various nations for political business . She could just [ [ e n j o y ] ] the city as she had when she was younger . She could explore the shops , [ [ s m e l l ] ] the flowers , and mingle with the locals while she fell in love with Ba Sing Se all over again . After several hours , a day of [ [ r e l a x a t i o n ] ] brought Katara's wandering feet towards a tavern tucked away in the city .

As she pushed open the door , her silver bracelets [ [ r a t t l e d ] ] together against her wrist . She was greeted as anyone else was , with kind smiles and head nods . She made herself at home along the bar counter , taking a seat in the corner to allow more [ [ f r e q u e n t ] ] guests to sit in their unassigned - assigned seats . It was lovely , seeing everyone just enjoying themselves -- like their [ [ h a d n ' t ] ] just been a war beyond the walls of their city . She envied it , truthfully .

Just beneath her seat , Katara's ankles crossed , hands on the counter , mimicking the motion . When she was handed a small menu , she offered a smile in return and a quiet , ❛ thank you . ❜ Her eyes scanned the page for something that looked good , that was until a [ [ s t r a n g e r ' s ] ] voice caused her to lift her head . In the candle's glow , one could see curiosity paint itself across her features with one swipe of a brush . He was a [ [ c h a r m i n g ] ] stranger . It'd been a long time since she'd met one of those .

❝ I've been told that the walls of Ba Sing Se like to hide treasures . I've never really believed it to be true . ❞ She studied him with her eyes as he fully shifted to face her . Shy , nervous fingers fiddled with the menu as a [ [ d i s t r a c t i o n ] ] . She chewed the inside of her lip twice then looked at the menu. ❝ Me ? I finally had a little free time . It's rare , these days . ❞ She smiled , lifting her gaze to watch the bartender skillfully make drinks , ❝ I never seem to have a moment to myself . . .❞ Her gaze softened [ [ s l i g h t l y ] ] , ❝ . . . The world always seems to need me . ❞ In the flicker of the flame , Katara's smile fell back to her lips and her tide pools were back to glistening with warmth , ❝ I suppose I should ask you the same question , ❞ the water droplet [ [ m u s e d ] ] , ❝ I thought I'd met everyone there is to meet in Ba Sing Se , but this city keeps teaching me new things every day . What brings you here ? Anything exciting ? ❞

[ravenwrought]

I love these two cuties so much 🥹💚

[ravenwrought]

I don't want to be alone tonight

[ravenwrought]

Endless TLOVM

[ravenwrought]

Endless TLOVM

[ravenwrought]

Vex, Vax. This world can be cruel. Filled with those who would tear it down. But it is also brimming with hope. Take care of each other. Protect your friends.