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mrsarnasdelicious · 3 months

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Restful Respite - V

We’re not getting a Season 2, so I’ll make it up myself.

This is unbeta’d and I commit my wordcrimes without apologies.

Ch 1: The Council Ch 2: Puncture Wounds Ch 3: Expeditions Ch 4: The Stripping of Ha'rar

Ch 5: Blurring Lines

Brea tenses. Her nails dig into Rek’yr’s muscles, even through the fabric of his tunic. Rek’yr gently rubs the pads of his fingers on her hip in an attempt to calm her down. Brea pulls back, falling back down onto her feet. “I .. I’m sorry.” She mumbles. “No need to be.” Rek’yr says sweetly. He leans down to close the distance again. The kiss they share is firmer this time around. Brea feels like her heart is going to give out. But she kisses back all the same. Rek’yr pulls her a little bit closer against his body.

Brea back off again. She leans her head against his chest. She heaves a happy sigh. “That was very nice.” She mumbles. “Was that your first kiss?” Rek’yr asks. Brea flusters and nods. “That was very bold of you to do.” Rek’yr says gently. “I wanted it to be special for you too.” Brea mumbles. “It would have been special either way Brea, because it is with you. But I must say that you continue to impress me, in your own little ways.” The Dousan murrs.

Brea begins to jawn again. “It is time for you to go to bed, my love.” Rek’yr says. Brea nods. “I believe you are right.” She mutters. Rek’yr nods. “Good night, my love.” He says. He presses another soft kiss to Brea’s lips. “Best of dreams.” Brea whispers. “You too.” Rek’yr walks to the door. “Wait!” Brea calls out. Rek’yr turns back to her. She flies over and flings herself into his arms. The kiss they share is fierce and a little desperate. Brea is slightly out of breath, when she parts form her suitor. “Sleep well.” She cooes. “You too.”Rek’yr chuckles. He leaves Brea’s chamber, but only with reluctance. Brea stares at the door, even a long while after it shut behind Rek’yr. Her lips still tingle from his kisses and she has no idea what to do with the warmth that has settled into the pit of her stomach. She is rather unfamiliar with these type of feelings. She wishes Tavra were here, to advise her. She changed into her nightshift and crawls under the sheets. She doesn’t fall asleep right away. Thoughts of the Sandmaster keep her awake. The smooth warmth of his lips and his spicy scent. Something inside her becomes ready, although Brea doesn’t quite understand how to address this readiness. It is warm and slippery and raises gooseflesh on her arms and spine. She tosses and turns, unable to adequately address this readiness, or do something about it.

Once she finally falls asleep, she lands into a nightmare. Her mother lays dying, while SkekMal feasts on her flesh. The Scrollkeeper holds poor Brea by the shoulders, so she cannot escape. The other Skeksis stand by and laugh, in their cruel and evil ways. Brea screams and struggles to go free.

She wakes up, bathing in cold sweat. It relieves her to find she is in her own bed, but she against startles. For at her bedside she finds Rek’yr. He is dressed in naught but a nightblue kimono. “Brea, are you alright?” He asks. Brea shakes her head. “I had a nightmare…” She whispers. “You are safe now. I will not leave your side.” The Dousan cooes. The Dousan extends his hand to stroke Brea’s cheek. She desperately leans into his touch. He is the only thing making her feel safe at this moment. “Will you really stay?” She mumbles. “Yes, of course I will.” Rek’yr cooes.

Brea scoots over. “I don’t want you to be seated all night.” She says softly. “You should not ask this of me, princess.” The Sandmaster objects, but it is without much conviction. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” Brea protests. Rek’yr chuckles softly. “Very well, I give in.” He ties the sash of his robe tighter around his waist.

Brea’s eyes venture from the Dousan’s yellow eyes to the pronounced plates of his chest. Rek’yr’s skin is hues of blue and green. Lower Brea looks, to her suitor’s abdominal muscles and the wicked bone of his hip. Only his crotch his truly obscured by the robe’s nightblue cloth. Rek’yr clears his throat. Brea startles and looks back up at his eyes. The bright yellow shines playfully at her. Rek’yr rises from the bedside chair. Brea now notices his robes reach all the way to the floor. She gets little chance to marvel at it, though. Rek’yr blows out the lantern on her nightstand and the only light remaining is that of the sisters, peeking in from a slit between the curtains.

The covers lift up and Rek’yr climbs in bed with her. His body radiates warmth, which Brea instantly gravitates towards. She lays her head on his chest. The beating of his heart puts her at ease. Rek’yr noses at her hair. “Sleep now, my sweet. In my arms you are safe.” He murrs. Slowly Brea nods off. She knows herself warm and secure in her Sandmaster’s arms. She sinks into dreams of nightblue silk and hot wet sensations. They have no true story or shape, but them seem to all smell like Rek’yr.

Brea wakes when Rek’yr slips out of her bed. Two of the three brothers have already risen. “Hmm… where are you going?” Already she feels the loss of his warmth. “Make my water and get dressed.” Rek’yr replies. Brea huffs. “Can’t you come back to bed?” She asks. “We have already overslept, the third brother is about to rise.” Rek’yr makes his way to the door. Brea hides her face in the pillows. “Time to get up my love.” Rek’yr says. “Alright, alright.” Brea groans. But she wraps herself in the sheets, basking in Rek’yr’s scent. But without him, her bed grows too cold, too quickly. She gets up and heads to her bathroom. She makes her water and washes up. She puts on a clean dress, one that fits a bit tighter around her hips and chest. She hopes to impress her suitor, in the same way he impresses her. She rebraids a few of her smaller plaids and heads out. Rek’yr is waiting outside her door. He is dressed in his usual garb, but most of his braids are undone and pulled out of the high ponytail. His hair, in shades of blue and purple, falls over his shoulders, a river of waves. Brea finds it breathtaking. “Good morrow, dearest.” Rek’yr purrs. Brea presses herself against him. “Good morrow, my love.” She cooes. Rek’yr gently takes her by the waist. He leans in to press his lips on hers. It seems that, now that they have breached this barrier, the Sandmaster won’t hesitate to be straight forward with it. At first, mostly on instinct, Brea’s body stiffens a little. But it is only a second, before she melts into the kiss.

Rek’yr leads Brea to the library. But not before nipping past the kitchen for something to break their fast on. Soon they are seated. They eat what the Spriton have given them. Once they are done, they start back up with selecting which books to take.

Out on the fields, the Drenchen are already singing as they work. A farmer and his wife oversee four of them. Three gellings and a gelf. The gelf is slightly taller than the gelling’s. The shortest and broadest of the gelling’s leads the singing. His voice is a deep baritone, but sounds very joyful. They sing about three lovers chasing each other around the Great Smerth. The farmer and his wife are a bit abashed by the song at first. But quick enough they warm to the harmony of the four voices. The farmer even starts to sing along. The Drenchen send him warm smiles. They load turnips and tubers onto the wagon, as the farmer has indicated.

After a good while, the farmer’s wife comes to the field with a kettle of tea and a tray of sandwiches. “Come take a break for a while.” She says. The Drenchen gather around her. “That looks wonderful, missy.” Says the tallest of the gellings. “Oh, please call me Elvyra.” The Farmer’s wife says. “Elvyra it is.” The Drenchen gelf affirms. “What of your names?” Asks the Farmer. “My name is Koora.” The gelf offers both her hands, palms up to the Farmer. “I am Allonys, it is good to meet you, Koora of the Drenchen.” The Farmer knows this greeting. He touches the tips of his fingers to Koora’s palms. “And you, Allonys of the Vapra.” Koora replies. “These are Meho,” Koora gestures to the shortest gelling, who has the baritone singing voice. “Ola,” She indicates the gelling with the wide hips and nicked ears. “And Tirzan.” Tirzan is the tallest of the four, wide in the shoulders, but narrow in the waist and hips. He has pierced lips and feathers hanging on rings in his ears. The Farmer gives the last gelling a bit of suspicious look. Meho, Ola and Tirzan offer their hands to the Farmer and his wife as well, palms up, just like Koora. Allonys touches his fingertips to their palms. Koora takes the tray and kettle from Elvyra and she repeats her husbands gesture. “Well met.” She says softly. “Well met.” The three Drenchen gelling chorus.

The farmer’s wife spreads a blanket by the wagon and the small group sits down. Elvyra pours everyone a cup of tea and hands out sandwiches. The Drenchen dig in right away. They talk happily while they eat. This puzzles both Allonys and Elvyra. Vapran gelfling are used to eating in silence, whereas Drenchen barely even sleep in silence. The Drenchen tell the Farmer and his Wife about the Great Smerth and the Swamp of Sog. Especially Elvyra is very interested in the Drenchen’s tales. She asks about their customs and their songs. Which of course prompt Meho and Ola to start singing again.

After lunch, the Drenchen set to work again, overseen by Allonys. Elvyra returns to the homestead to gather some things she wants to bring to Stone-in-the-Wood.

The brother’s have mostly sunken when the entire field is emptied. Allonys mops the sweat from his brow. “All done, and so quick too. I am so grateful for you four.” He wheezes. “Our pleasure.” Ola says. “Let’s go home and see if the wife has dinner done.” Allonys says. Tirzan and Koora grab the cart and the five of them head to the homestead. There, Elvyra has indeed already made dinner. “Right on time too.” She says. “Wash your hand and your face and sit down.” She motions to the large basin of water. The Drenchen and Allonys wash their hands and sit down as instructed. Elvyra serves dinner. “That smells amazing, my dear.” Allonys says. “Yes, ma’am, it does.” Meho agrees. “Well, dig in.” Elvyra cooes. Tirzan and Meho make to grab food with their bare hands. But before they can get to it, Koora swats at their hands. “Naia said not to make our hosts uncomfortable.” She hisses. The gelling hang their ears. “Now grab your utensils, we are in a Vapran home.” Koora says. The gelling oblige.

After dinner, Koora grabs a small bongo and hands Ola a lute. While Elvyra and Allonys do the dishes, the Drenchen provide a good show. They try to sing some of the least bawdy songs they know. Allonys even tries to sing along.

In the meanwhile, in the center of Ha’rar, another Drenchen is almost nodding off. He startles as he feels something hit the back of his head. “Who goes there?!?” He shouts. There is a soft sniggering from a nearby tree. “Show yourself!” Djesid all but yells. “Only if you leave the watch to me and go the heck to bed.” He recognises Eeryn’s voice. “But they are still in there!” He protests. Just that moment, Rek’yr and Brea exit the library. “My Thra, I am hungry.” Brea says. “We will see if the Spriton have some leftovers.” Rek’yr replies. The two lovebirds head back to the citadel. Djesid scampers after them. Eeryn jumps out of her tree and follows them. Brea turns around. “You two are excused for the night, find yourself a nice inn and relax.” She tells them. “Are you sure, Princess?” Eeryn asks stiffly. Brea nods. “There are plenty of warriors and paladins in the Citadel around this time.” She replies. “Very well.” Eeryn leaps into the nearest tree. “Alright, have a good night.” Djesid sends Rek’yr a wink. The Dousan shakes his head, but also chuckles. He and Brea head into the Citadel. Djesid heads off in the same direction as Eeryn. “Oi, ye sprite, wait a sec.” He calls out. “I have a name.” Eeryn calls from somewhere above. “Where the fuck are you even going?” Djesid asks. “Heh, I’ll see.” Eeryn is ahead of him by a good ten paces. Djesid runs to catch up. “Come on, wait up, we can go together.” He says. “Well, hurry up, then slowpoke.” By the sound of it, Eeryn is even further ahead of him. Djesid groans. It seems like catching up with her is an impossible task.

In the end, though, Eeryn finds an abandoned inn, swinging into the still open second story window. Djesid opens the front door, which is not locked. Eeryn is already waiting for him, sitting on the bar counter. “That is about time, Drenchen.” She hops down and starts rummaging around the kitchen. Djesid walks over to the bar and spots a small barrel of wine. “Can’t you have a bit of patience, Spriton.” He says, good natured.

He starts looking for cups. He quickly find them under the counter and grabs two. He pulls the stopper out of the barrel of wine. He fills two cups and stoppers the wine again. He saunters lazily into the kitchen. Eeryn is inspecting a haunch of salted meat. “Here.” Djesid says, extending the cup of wine to her. She looks up and frowns at him. “What is that?” She asks. “Wine.” He replies. “Did you check if it has no gone bad?” She asks sharply. “It’s wine, it won’t go back from just sitting in a barrel on a bar counter.” Djesid grumbles. He takes a bit swing from his cup and smacks his lips. “Perfectly fine, if a little sweet.” He says. “ ut suit yourself, I suppose. I’ll have that Nebrie chop and be out of your hair.” He puts down the second cup and strides of to inspect a large piece of what looks like smoked Nerbie. He draws it from the hook and retrieves it to the taproom.

Djesid is surprised when Eeryn sits beside him at the bar counter. She puts down a bowl of salted nuts and peppered dried fruits. “Here, have some.” She says. She drinks deeply of her wine. Djesid draws his dirks and cuts her a slice of the Nerbie. Eeryn gives him a wain smile. “Thanks.” She mutters, even though it is a little reluctant. They sip their wine and eat their nuts, fruits and Nebrie. They are silent to each other. Djesid starts growing a little uncomfortable. As a Drenchen he is not used to silences like this. It is not a silence in which he stalks his prey through the swamp. It is not a silence in which he enjoys the song of Thra’s creatures. It is oppressive and awkward. The only thing Djesid knows to do is to take another cup of wine. Eeryn holds out her own as well. Djesid fills it back up. They drink and the silence stretches on. They finish the nuts and the fruits and over half of the Nebrie.

They get very drunk. The both of them. Djesid begins a long story of his coming of age ceremony. Eeryn listens in fascination.

She climbs into his lap. Djesid grins widely, baring his tusks and fangs. “Howdy there, pretty one.” He speaks without slurring. “Shit, your voice is so sexy.” Eeryn says and her ears turn bright red. Djesid leans over and nips at one almond shaped ear. Eeryn does her best to suppress a moan, but does not manage. “That sounds fucking amazing.” Djesid purrs. He repeats the ministration. Eeryn squirms in his lap. Soon enough they are kissing. Eeryn’s fingers tangle in Djesid’s dreads-and-braids hair. Djesid grabs her firmly by the hips. Their tongues battle for dominance. Eeryn wins. Djesid groans into her mouth. Eeryn grinds down on him. Djesid has to break the kiss to groan.

He lifts Eeryn up and slips from his barstool. He carries her to the second story, to a room with a large bed. He tosses her down and crawls over her. He kisses her breath away.

At the citadel, everyone has already retired to their beds, save for Brea. Rek’yr is the only one still by her side. She sits in front of her mother’s vanity. Rek’yr places her hand on her shoulder. “Brea, you need sleep. Tis time to go to bed.” He cooes. She looks up at him. She is not crying, but looks close to tears. “Come.” Rek’yr says gently. Brea heaves a sigh and gets up. She twines her fingers with Rek’yr’s and allows the Dousan gelling to lead her to her own chambers.

“Please stay.” She asks, opening the door to her chambers. “Brea, I …” Rek’yr begins. “No, just stay.” Brea says, loudly. Rek’yr perks his ears up, a little startled. “I feel safer when you are with me. I could have another nightmare.” Brea says. “Very well, very well.” Rek’yr puts his hands up in surrender. Brea keeps a close eye on him as he enters her chambers. She closes and locks her doors. It is the first time in her whole life she uses the key. Her mother had always forbade her from using it. She puts the key on her vanity and can’t help the gnawing guilty feeling in her gut. But that feeling quickly subsides when she turns to Rek’yr and finds him taking off his doublet. She remains silent as she watches him undress without hurry. Every motion is, to Brea, the very epitome of grace. Rek’yr seems not to notice he is being observed and calmly continues with his deep purple jerkin. Brea has to bite back a gasp. Rek’yr is simply so handsome. He undoes the lacing of his breeches. Brea quickly flees behind her dressing screen. She isn’t sure if she is quite prepared for seeing Rek’yr in his small clothes just yet. If he wears small clothes at all, that is! It did not seem so the previous day.

She changes her dress for her nightshift. She peeks around the screen and finds Rek’yr already abed. “Are you coming, dearest?” He calls out to her. Brea shyly erupts from behind the screen. Rek’yr sits up to look at her. Brea covers her chest with her arms. She isn’t exactly shy, but Rek’yr’s gaze is rather intense.

She hurries over to the bed and practically dives under the covers. Rek’yr chuckles gently at her antics. “Are you cold, Brea.” He teases. “Yep.” Brea says and snuggles against him, giggling to herself. Rek’yr puts an arm around her. He extinguishes the bedside lantern and pulls Brea as close as he can manage. Brea noses into him and stifles a yawn. “Sweet dreams, dearest.” Rek’yr purrs. “Sweet dreams.” Brea mumbles.

Sleep won’t come to either of them, though. Brea is too sharply aware of Rek’yr proximity. Every breath she takes brings more of his scent into her sensitive nose. And the more of it she breathes in, the better he smells. That unaddressed and newfound readiness rears it’s head again. Brea grits her back teeth together in order not to let out a soft whimper. Rek’yr is not at all ignorant to what Brea feels. He can smell her. “Sweetling, why do you lay awake?” He murmurs warmly. Brea can feel her ears heat up and is thankful Rek’yr can’t see her. “I .. I don’t know.” She mumbles. Because she truly doesn’t. Her mother never bothered to instruct her on the precise intricacies of sexuality. Sure, Brea knows where the babies come from, but she never got told the juice details. “I think I might.” Rek’yr cooes. There is something husky and very sexy in his voice. Brea feels fluster draw from her ears onto her cheeks. “H-how can you know what it is?” She sputters. “I can smell it.” The Dousan answers. Brea feels shame rise to her cheek now as well. She hides her face in his chest.

“It strikes me, Brea, that you are very innocent in the practical ways of intimacy.” Rek’yr says gently. “I .. I just never met anyone like you… Mother said I would wed someone of the Vapran aristocracy… But I never cared for any of them, especially not those of my own age.” Brea mumbles. She feels some of the heat leave her face, now that she is talking about something more mundane. “So, our kisses yesterday?” Rek’yr asks coyly. “My very first,” Brea confirms. “I am very honoured.” Rek’yr murrs.

Brea feels how Rek’yr turns to his side. His hand finds her cheek. Gently his fingers play with a stray strand of hair and slide upwards to trace the shell of her ear. Brea closes her eyes to enjoy the ministrations. Rek’yr closes the distance between them. Their lips mold together in a sensual fashion. Brea can’t suppress a little moan.

She tangels her fingers into Rek’yr’s braids. Rek’yr pulls her close by her hip. Brea is too occupied with the kiss to be very surprised with the fact that Rek’yr wears nothing but a loincloth. She even presses against him a bit firmer. Although she does freeze up for a brief moment when Rek’yr’s tongue trails over her lips. It’s brief though, she is swift to recover and part her lips a little bit. Rek’yr’s tongue ventures into her mouth. She lets slip another soft moan. Rek’yr groans back at her.

His hand ventures to the back of her thigh. Brea freezes up when he brings her leg up to wrap around his own hip. She puts her hand on his chest to halt him. Their kiss slowly breaks. “Too fast?” Rek’yr asks. “Just a little.” Brea mumbles softly. Rek’yr gently let’s go of her thigh. “I am sorry.” He cooes. “No need to be, you couldn’t have known.” Brea murrs.

She resumes the kiss, but keeps her leg to herself. Rek’yr does not even seem to mind. He settles for cupping her cheek instead. Brea is perfectly fine with that.

After a good while they break apart. Brea cuddles up against Rek’yr. “Sweet dreams.” She mutters. “Sleep well, love.” Rek’yr murmurs. He kisses her on her forehead. Brea is quick to nod off, feeling safe in Rek’yr’s arms. After a while she turns to her other side, so Rek’yr is spooning her back. Rek’yr noses his face into her hair and dozes off too. Both dream peaceful dreams and rest well. Together they are at peace.

The following morrow, Djesid awakes with a slight start. Beside him he finds Eeryn still asleep. He really wants to cuddle back up to her, but nature calls. He slips out of bed and runs to the privy. Once he has made his water, he goes back to bed. But upon arrival, he finds the bed empty. Eeryn has already left. She’s taken her clothes and bag with her, a firm indicator she is not coming back. Djesid groans and dresses himself. He figures he could as well starts the day. He heads back to the center of Ha’rar. He finds the Princess and her Sandmaster in the library. And Eeryn in a nearby tree. “Good morrow.” He yells to her. The Spriton gelf does not reply. Djesid crinkles his nose. “Ryn, what is the matter?” The Drenchen calls out to her. Eeryn makes no reply, she only climbs a few branches higher. “Oh come on!” Djesid calls out. Eeryn blows something hard through her pipe, hitting Djesid square on the forehead. “Ouch, fuck!” Djesid yells, rubbing his forehead. Eeryn can be heard laughing and muttering something of which Djesid can only understand ‘Drenchen’.

The harvest proceeds swiftly. The Drenchen are hard workers if there were ever any and the Spriton are exceedingly pleased with the crops growth. The Vapran farmers couldn’t wish for better help. Rek’yr and Brea select an array of books to take back to Stone-in-the-Wood. Brea even chooses some dresses of Seladon and herself to take back. And all the non perishables the Spritons has no yet used for supper is loaded onto the wagons as well.

Rek’yr finds Brea talming at the door of her mother’s chambers. “It is time.” He says. “I know.” She mutters. “I am just saying goodbye. I don’t expect I will return here, ever again.” She looks at Rek’yr over her shoulder. He gently takes her by the hand. “I know it is not easy, but we should not wait with accepting the journey ahead for too long.” He tells her softly. Brea heaves a big sigh. “Come.” Rek’yr murrs. Brea closes the door of her mother’s chambers and allows Rek’yr to draw her gently away. They make their way to the throne room, where everyone is waiting. “This is where I found Lore.” Brea whispers. Her eyes seek out the stone guardian, who has been as vigilant as the Drenchen and Spriton assigned to her.

Everyone looks to Brea. She takes a deep breath and tries to puff out her chest. Instead she only ruffles her gossamer wings. “Farmers, Spriton, Drenchen, I want to thank you for your effort and your hard work these past days.” She says. She does her best to emulate her mother. “Today we will leave Ha’rar for the last time.” Just saying it brings her close to tears. “Tis time to go.” She turns her back to the crowd, stretching her wings like she has seen her mother done a great many times, making sure she keeps them straight. Rek’yr smiles at her and offers her his arm. Brea gladly takes it, finding comfort in his warmth.

Rek’yr escorts Brea to the carriage. Djesid and Eeryn follow close behind. She looks back at the citadel one last time. “Goodbye mother.” She whispers. She allows Rek’yr to give her a leg up into the carriage. He joins her inside at once. Eeryn, unnoticed by the couple within, hops onto the back of the carriage.

It takes a few minutes for the carriage driver to hook up the landstriders and get up on his seat on the front of the carriage. “Off we go, hya!” He calls. The landstriders gurgle and begin their way out of Ha’rar.

The journey back to Stone-in-the-Wood takes longer than the journey to Ha’rar. This is only a small wonder, because the carts are now piled full with the harvest and other things taken from Ha’rar.

The first night the group stays at a small Vapran village. Brea and Rek’yr meet with the village elders. Eeryn comes up to replace Djesid for guard duty. She does not even look at him. Djesid tries to say hello, but the way she turns her back on him makes his words die on his tongue.

Brea sits down with the town elders, two gelfs and one gelling. Rek’yr stands behind her chair, his hands on her shoulders. “You can join our column to Stone-in-the-Wood, so you are safe.” Brea says. The two elder women cluck and the man looks absolutely flummoxed. “We will weather this storm.” The elder gelling says. “No, you won’t. The Skeksis will leave no gelfling alive. Come with use to Stone-in-the-Wood, from there you can be given a safe new home.” Brea pleades. But the elder shake their heads.

“Listen to your princess, for she speaks with the All Maudra’s voice.” Rek’yr thunders. The elders give the Dousan a slightly frightened look. “You will be given a good home at Sami Thickett or the Stonewood’s hidden villages.” He says, his tone gentler. “The All Maudra wants all of you out of danger.” Brea adds. She reaches up to touch Rek’yr’s hand with her own. The Elders agree.

Rek’yr catches a swoothu and Brea writes a note to Rian and Seladon. They need to know that there are more people on their way to Stone-in-the-Wood. With Dousan vliyaya, Rek’yr tells the swoothu where it needs to deliver the note.

Vacating the village takes three days. The march after that goes even slower. Now there are elder gelfling and childlings in their ranks.

Night has already fallen when they arrive at Stone-in-the-Wood. The twins are waiting, torches in their hand. The Drenchen in the column whistle a secret signal and they whistle back. Naia approaches the Spriton and motions them to help with the landstriders that draw the carriage. Even though the Spriton are all but exhausted, they diligently find a spot to safely tuck away the carriage so it is not in anyone’s way and unharness the Landstriders. Gurjin goes over to the carriage to see if he can assist Rek’yr or Brea. The Dousan wobbles on his way out and Gurjin grabs him by the shoulder to steady him. “Long ride?” He asks. “I am more accustomed to Sand Skimmers than carriages.” Rek’yr says. He sends Gurjin a small smile in gratitude. He turns to the carriage to help Brea out, but his legs are still unsteady. “Let me.” Gurjin gently butts him aside and holds his hands out to Brea. “Thank you Gurjin.” Brea titters, allowing him to help her down. Her legs are unsteady too. Gurjin turns to Naia. “I am getting these two to their cottages, you make sure all the childlings gets a comfy bed.” He says. Naia nods. Gurjin gestures to Brea and Rek’yr. “You good to walk?” He asks. “I don’t think so.” Brea mumbles, her legs feel more than just a little numb. Gurjin sweeps her off her feet with a bit of a flourish. Brea yelps, but puts her arm around Gurjin’s neck to stay stable. “What are you doing?” Rek’yr all but yells. “Don’t you think you would topple over, with the way you are walking.” Gurjin replies, not at all bothered.

The Drenchen first makes sure Rek’yr is safe and sound inside his own cottage. “Good night, my love.” The Dousan says to Brea. He leans in to kiss her, but Gurjin takes a step back. “All due respect, but the only one I want to see snog with a woman in my arms is Rian.” Gurjin says. “She’ll make it up to you tomorrow.” He winks at Rek’yr. He turns on his heels and heads to the All Maudra’s cottage. He knocks by ramming his knee against the door. There is a rusting inside. The door opens after a moment of waiting. Seladon looks a bit angered with the disturbance at first, but her expression changes when she sees Brea. “Oh thank Thra you’re back!” She propells herself forward with her wings to hug Brea. But because Gurjin is holding Brea, he gets in on the embrace as well. “Seladon, I’m fine.” Brea mumbles. “I was worried sick.” Seladon all but sobs, one arm around Brea’s shoulder and one around Gurjin’s neck. “How about I leave you two alone.” Gurjin says. He stoops down and Brea gets the hint. Nimbly she jumps from his arms. “Good night.” He says. “Good night, Gurjin.” The sisters chorus. They watch as the Drenchen turns on his heels and towards his clansmen. “They probably have a lot to tell him.” Brea says. “As you will have to me, but you ought to go to sleep first, you look exhausted.” Seladon replies.

Brea is steered to her bed alcove and helped out of her dress. The moment her head touches the pillow, she is asleep. Seladon sits beside her bed for a small while before retiring to her own.

Brea dreams of Deet. She is wearing pure white clothes that don’t seem typical to any clan. There are purple flowers, seemingly sprouting from her hair. She is dancing with her eyes closed, like she has not a worry in the world. But that is all Brea dreams. She dreams of it for what seems a long time. It is a good dream and Brea, in the back of her slumbering brain, hopes it can come true.

She wakes when Seladon gently pats her on the shoulder. “Time for a bath, you are dirty from the road.” Seladon says. Brea groans and rolls herself in her sheets. “Five more minutes.” She grumbles. “No, you are coming out of bed.” Seladon uses the tone of voice she remembers her mother using with Brea when she was willfull. “Ugh fine.” Brea sits up. She keeps her sheets around her though. “Come.” Seladon says, a bit more forceful than their mother used to. It does rouse Brea from her bed. The two women head to the bath house, which has been cleared out by Paladin to make sure the All Maudra and the Princess have perfect privacy. Two Paladin are stationed by the entrance. One of them is the Paladin with strawberry red tresses. “Good morning, my lady.” The Paladin says. “Good morning Maurix.” Seladon replies, sending him a smile. She and Brea enter the bathhouse

The sisters luxuriate in the water before washing each other’s hair. Brea braids Seladon’s hair and then Seladon plaids Brea’s. While they bathe, the sisters gossip. Seladon tells Brea all the small things that happened in Stone-in-the-Wood. About Naia and Onica sneaking off together a lot. About Gurjin being the go to babysit. And of course about her Paladin. And Brea tells Seladon small things about her visit to Ha’rar. But she does not tell her sister that Rek’yr spend a few nights in her bed.

They dry off and get dressed. “It is time for the council.” Seladon says. “Can we first have breakfast?” Brea asks. Her belly growls. Seladon chuckles softly in response. “We will find something to eat, we can break out fast at the council table.” She says. She sweeps out of the bathhouse with all the grace she lays claim to, as the All Maudra. Brea follows her, feeling only half as graceful.

“Brea! You’re back!” Kylan hurries to catch up with both Silverlings. “Kylan, how good to see you!” Brea stops in her tracks and opens her arms to receive Kylan in a hug. Kylan hugs her happily. “It is good to see you too Brea. We all have missed you.” He replies. They part and smile at each other. Brea’s stomach growls again. Kylan giggles behind his hand. “How about I find you two some breakfast and meet you in the council chambers?” He asks. “Yes, thank you.” Seladon says. Kylan turges off.

Brea and Seladon go to the council chambers. They are the first there. But soon enough Betram and Asgret come in together, talking gently. Gurjin and Naia follow a minute later, bickering about something or the other. Kylan comes in, steaming hot bums in his hands. Onica comes in right after him. “Breakfast.” He says, taking his seat beside Brea. He hands her and Seladon the buns. Rek’yr comes in, leading Maudra Agrot to her seat. Brea looks up at him. “Good morning.” She says. “Good Morning, dearest.” Rek’yr purrs. He sits down opposite Brea. The table is too wide for her to be able to touch him, which causes her ears to droop a little. Rian is the last to enter. “Council is in session.” He says, before taking his seat. Everyone turns to face him. “Brea and Rek’yr are back and I am sure they have a lot to tell us.” Rian says. Heads now turn to Brea and Rek’yr. “How was Ha’rar?” Seladon asks. “Calm.” Rek’yr replies. “Nothing happened, safe for what we set out to do.” Brea adds. “All the crop has been harvested, all the non perishables have been taken and Rek’yr and I too all the books we thought useful.” She says. “I made a list of everything we took from Ha’rar, I can get it for you.” She turns to Rian. The Stonewood shakes his head. “We will go over that later.” He says. “We have something else to discuss.” Seladon says. “The Stonewood villagers, who will need to be housed. Especially the elders and those with small children.” Rian adds. “We could send for the Great Smerth, but I doubt the Stonewoods like Sog as much as us Drenchen.” Naia says. “I will send a Swoothu to the Wellspring, I am sure Maudra Seethi wants to help.” Rek’yr replies. “And what if she doesn’t?” Seladon asks sharply. “She does.” Rek’yr answers firmly. “But just in case she doesn’t, they can move on to Sami Thickett for the time being.” Kylan says. “See, that is something I can work with.” Seladon looks at Rek’yr like she doesn’t hold the Dousan in very high esteem.

“Both Kylan and Rek’yr will send a swoothu, the more safe places we have, the better.” Rian says, trying to sound firm. Gurjin gives him an encouraging nod. “I think that concludes the council for now. Let’s get prepping for the feast.” Says Naia. “Oh we should, I was going to bake special sweet bread.” Kylan agrees. They both look to Rian. “All Maudra?” Rian looks to Seladon. She nods. “Work hard. Brea, you go get your list. Rian and I will go over it with you.” She says.

Everyone rises, safe for Rian. Brea leaves the council chambers with Rek’yr. Seladon sends them a vexed look. “What does she see in him?” She asks. Rian’s ears droop. He isn’t overtly fond of Rek’yr either, but the Dousan has proven himself an astute and keen council member. “I am not quite sure, but I also consider it none of my business.” He replies. Seladon huffs, not satisfied with the answer. Brea returns with her list, but without her Dousan. Rian can see the relief on Seladon’s face. “Now show us the harvest.” Seladon motions her sister to sit down opposite her. Brea takes the seat. She passes the list to Rian rather than Seladon. Rian scans the lists of vegetables and wheats. He hemms and hawws over it for a little and then hands it over to Seladon.

“This is quite the good harvest, despite the crops being affected by the blight.” Says the All Maudra. “Yes, we were very glad.” Brea agrees. “I will have to check to see how to store this.” Rian mutters. “Do it quickly, before the harvest perishes.” Says Seladon. “I will, right away.” Rian rises. Seladon crinkles her nose, but does not argue. She just watches Rian leave. Brea gets up as well. “I am going to help him.” She says. And out she rushes.

Brea quickly catches up with Rian. She giggles and grabs him by the arm. “It is so good to be back.” She says. “When I was in Ha’rar I thought leaving it behind was going to be hard, but now that I am here again, I know this is where my home is. With all of you.” She eagerly rattles on. Rian’s ears perk up. “Good to hear.” He says happily. Rian pulls a few Stonewoods aside and asks them to take stock of the stores. They immediately dash off to do as he asks. They understand the importance of getting the harvest stashed away as quick as they can. Brea leads Rian to the carts. Rian noses through them, looking at each sort of crop and food item brought from Ha’rar. “Do you want to see the books too?” Brea asks. Rian really wants to say no, but he just can’t do that to his friend. “Oh sure.” He nods. Brea drags him over to the cart she and Rek’yr filled with everything she insisted they take to Stone-in-the-Wood. Rian leafs iddly through a few books before he spots the pile of dresses. “Are these yours?” He abandons the books for the dresses. Brea shakes her head. “Those on top are Seladon’s, I figures she would like some of her own clothes.” She says. “And this one was Tavra’s.” She tugs at a sleeve sticking out of the pile. “I wish I could have known your sister better.” Rian offers. Brea hugs him tightly. “Thank you.” She mutters. She burries her face into his chest and begins to cry. Rian embraces her and humms gently and soothingly to her.

Rian sets everyone who is not occupied with preparing for the festivities on unpacking the wagons. Rek’yr an Brea busy themselves with the cart of books. Most of the books they store in Rek’yr’s cottage. The dresses Brea brings to the cottage she shares with Seladon. She finds her sister there. Seladon is pouring over stacks of papers. “Do you have a moment?” Brea asks. Seladon looks up, spotting her sister with a lot of dresses in her arms. “Brea, what are you doing?” She asks. “I brought you some of your dresses, from Ha’rar.” Brea says cheerfully. “You shouldn’t have.” Seladon says. “Yes I should, they make you happy.” Brea giggles. She puts the dresses down on Seladon’s divan. “I also brought my own dresses, a few, not all. And Tavra’s least favourite. The one she looked so good in, for Onica.” She cooes. Seladon can’t help a smile. Brea hands Seladon Tavra’s dress. It is silver and Mother of Pearl pink. “Oh….” Seladon gasps. Tears roll down her cheeks. “Tavra looked so wonderful in this dress.” She whispers. “She did.” Brea agrees. She hugs Seladon tightly. The two sisters pour over Seladon’s dresses for a while. Seladon fingers at a night blue dress for so long, Brea insists she puts it on. “I remember this one, you got it for your last nameday.” She says. Seladon spins in a circle. “Do you think Maurix will like this dress?” She asks. “One way to find out.” Brea cooes. “Are you saying what I think you are saying?” Seladon asks. “Wear it at the feast tonight.” Brea grins broadly at her sister.

Seladon wears her midnight blue dress that night. Maurix is waiting for her by the door of her cottage. “My Lady.” He gives a curt bow and offers her his arm. Seladon takes it and smiles at him. “You look stunning, Seladon.” Maurix whispers, leaning in to press his lips close against Seladon’s ear. The Vapra flusters. Rek’yr approaches. He is garbed in breezy storm cloud purple and sheer cloths so blue it is almost black. Only his leggings, which can be seen through his robe, are jet black. “Oh my Thra, you look…” Brea can’t find the right words. “As do you, my love.” Rek’yr says. Brea is wearing a splendid silvery blue dress with long drooping sleeves. She flusters a little. Rek’yr offers her his arm. “Shall we?” He cooes. Brea happily takes the Dousan by the arm. “We shall.” She says. Rek’yr leads Brea towards the festivities. Seladon sends him a sour look, which he of course misses, because they are walking away from her. “What is the issue?” Maurix asks. “He is a Dousan.” Seladon huffs. “And I am a Sifan.” Maurix retrotts. “That is different.” Seladon says pointedly. Maurix keeps his tongue. Now is not the time to discuss this.

The Spritons are making fires and the Drenchen are setting up the large tressle tables. They are already singing. The Spriton sing upbeat songs about the harvest and the Drenchen their songs of Sog. The festive tone is already set. More and more gelfling come to the town square. Everyone is chattering to everyone. Rian smiles when he sees how well the clans intermingle. He goes over to Kylan, to give him a hand with putting big bowls of lavish dishes on the tables. Kylan smiles gently at him. “The harvest is bountiful, despite the blight.” He says. Rian nods. More hands help with the setting of the table. Fragrant roasts and scrumptious arrangements of vegetables, alongside steaming hot bread and pitchers of juices, ale, wine and tea are brought out. Everyone finds themselves a place to sit, talking happily to each other. Childlings run to and fro, laughing loudly. The mood is really setting in now.

“Gelfling!” Rian stands at the head of the largest table. Everyone falls silent and looks at him. “Today we celebrate the harvest of Ha’rar.” Rian calls out. Everyone cheers loudly. “Feast, sing and dance, in honour of what Thra gave us in this harvest!” Rian yells. All the gathered gelfling cheer even louder. “Hurray for the harvest!” Rian raises his glass of mead. Seladon rises, raising her glass fo wine. “Hurray.” She says in a loud and clear voice. “Hurray, Hurray, hurray!” Everyone raises their cups and glasses. Soon everyone is eating and chattering and drinking. The Drenchen who went to Ha’rar are loudly discussing the stark differences between their home and the abandones capitol. Especially the Vapra listen keenly. The Spriton that have seen Ha’rar seem much keener to discuss the harvest. For that the Stonewood are more than willing to lend their ear. The farmer Allonys is talking with a couple of other farmers, who stayed behind in Stone-in-the-Wood. He speaks highly of the Drenchen that helped him with the harvest. The other farmers listen with some slightly disbelieve. They look to Tirzan with his pierced ears and dark purple flowers braided into his sog coloured locks. They find it hard to believe that such a Drenchen can take orders so easily.

After dinner, the dishes are gathered in tubs and set aside, that is a chore for tomorrow. The tables are moved to the side to make room for the dancing. The bonfires are build and lit and gelfling dash off to retrieve instruments and toys.

The entire hustle and bustle is over before Gurjin has been able to round up all the childlings. The musicians are forming teams and so do the songtellers. Kylan is at the helm of the largest team. He is beaming with pride. He decides he will sing the song of Jara-Jen and The Hunter. A clever victory if there ever was one. Gurjin has managed to wrangle all the childlings by the time the music and songs have started. He stations them in a circle around Kylan and the team of junior songtellers. Kylan begins the song. The childlings are captivated right away. Even Gurjin, who sits in the midst of the children, listens in awe. Dell’M sits on his shoulders and three little Stonewoods have squeezed themselves in his lap. Bobb’N leans into his side.

And of course with the childlings occupied, the adults have time to themselves. Some sit by the bonfires to talk, while others dance. The talk is mostly about shared or differing cultural aspects and is very amicable. Gelfling learn from each other. Rian and Brea are both very gladdened to see that there is no longer any animosity between the clans.

Tirzan stands a little to the side. The dances are mostly Spriton and Sifan, dances he doesn’t know. He is a little uncomfortable with the frolicking so unlike the Drenchen dances he is used to. But he’s spotted a gelf he does want to dance with. She is a tall Vapra, with a slight pink hue to her silver hair. Tirzan startles when someone places a hand on his shoulder. “Ask her to dance. The worst she can do is say no.” It is Koora. “Oh please.” Tirzan rolls his eyes. “A little bit of rejection never hurt anyone, don’t be such a chum.” Koora slaps him on the shoulder and saunters off. Tirzan groans to himself. And then he takes heart.

The Vapra looks at him when he stands text to him. “Wana dance?” He asks. “I don’t dance.” She replies. “Nonsense.” Tirzan chuckles. “I have seen how you Drenchen dance.” She scoffs. “Where have you seen a Drenchen dance?” Trizan frowns at her. “At the castle, we had a few in the guard.” Is her reply. “Then show me how the Vapra dance.” Tirzan is not budging. The gelf looks at him, her eyes narrowed. “My mother taught me to dance before my father taught me how to wield sword and spear. I hated every minute of it.” She says. “We can dance another way, not Drenchen or Vapra. We could dance our own way.” Tirzan smirks, barking his tusks. The gelf bares hers. The Vapra tusks are smaller and smoother than the Drenchen.

Tirzan recognises the expression as not that much of a smile. “How about you tell me your name first?” He says gently. The gelf swallows a lump in her throat and heaves a sigh. “My name is Zefir.” She replies. Tirzan smiles at her. “Nice to meet you Zefir, I am Tirzan.” He says. Zefir’s ears droop a little.

Tirzan reaches for Zefir’s hand. She does not draw away. He tangles his fingers with her own. There is a dreamfast teasing the palm of his hand, but he does not sink in to it. He only glimpses Zefir running through vast empty halls from a great shadowy figure. Suddenly he feels very sorry for her. He rubs his thumb over her knuckles. “You are safe here, you know that right?” He murrs. Zefir gives him a wide eyed look. “I glimpsed something when our palms touched.” Tirzan admits. Zefir looks away from him. “Let’s just say it would have been wiser for me to wear the dresses my mother sown me rather than the swordbelt my father made.” She says. “But you don’t like dresses.” Tirzan concludes. Zefir shakes her head. “Never did.” She whispers. “You don’t need a dress to dance though.” Tirzan winks. Zefir gives him a look. “I’ll make it worth your while.” Tirzan pulls her to the other dancers. “I might never forgive you this. “ Zefir says. “I don’t need you to.” Tirzan replies gently. That earns him a smile from Zefir. Tirzan smiles back encouragingly.

They dance, or at least by Grottan terms they do. Close together they sway on the music, holding on to each other. Zefir leans her chin on Tirzan’s shoulder. She inhales his earthy scent, finding he sort of smells like Thra. It puts her at ease for the first time since she found out Tolyn had ratted the revolting guards out to the Skeksis.

#the dark crystal #the dark crystal age of resistance #brea x rek'yr #maurix = freckles the paladin #seladon x freckles

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ladystormcrow · 6 months

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Ten First Lines Game

Rules: Share the first line of ten of your most recent fanfics and then tag ten people. Don't have ten? Not to worry, just share what you have.

Oh wow, thank you for the tag, @les-gnossiennes-fantomatiques! And @a-partofthenarrative too!

In The Lonesome October

(POTO, rated G. Erik recruits a grieving Madame Giry to help him with some Halloween mischief.)

The skies over Père Lachaise were ashen and sober as Antoinette Giry made her way down the cobbled path.

Trio Sonata

(POTO, rated M. Post-canon AU: instead of leaving Erik behind after she returns the ring, Christine asks him to leave the lair with her and Raoul in order to save him from the mob, and all of their lives take an unexpected turn. Starts out mostly Raoul/Christine, but the endgame is Erik/Christine/Raoul, with some Daroga/Madame Giry on the side.)

Christine Daaé knew she must not look back.

Imprints In Time

(POTO, rated T. Prequel to my other two POTO fics, exploring an origin story for Madame Giry: her childhood in a Romani caravan, her rise through the ballet corps, how she met and lost her husband Jules, and most of all, her long and complicated relationship with Erik.)

Anna Reinhardt was admiring her earrings for the third time that day.

Katabasis

(The Dark Crystal, rated T. Seven years after the Great Conjunction, the surviving urSkeks discover a new threat to both their world and Thra. They must return to Thra in the hope of seeking answers from their dead comrades, which also means once again facing Jen, Kira, Aughra, and all the peoples of Thra they harmed in their former lives. Features a lot of Jen/Kira, who are expecting their first child.)

The light was every bit as bright as they remembered.

I'll Keep You

(The Dark Crystal, rated T. Silly, fluffy oneshot involving skekLach reluctantly getting a makeover in Ha'rar after her clothes are ruined on the tithing journey. SkekLach/skekOk, and also features some of my headcanons about Gelfling wedding customs.)

“I still don’t see why I have to be there.”

Agony and Ecstasy

(The Dark Crystal, rated M. Oneshot featuring a night of BDSM sex between skekZok and skekSa, in which the Ritual-Master can finally drop his austere image and enjoy being on the receiving end of pain and torture. Established skekZok/skekSa.)

“Ah, some happy news!”

Mine

(The Dark Crystal, rated M. AU oneshot where, instead of declaring war on the Gelfling after Lore's attack, skekSo tries to strengthen his alliance with the new All-Maudra Seladon by proposing marriage. Seladon moves to the Castle, gets in touch with her inner Skeksis, and eventually takes matters into her own hands to get her new husband's attention. SkekSo/Seladon.)

For once in his life, Emperor skekSo listened to moderation.

A Prophecy Reclaimed

(SWAT Kats, rated T. Prequel to the episode "Bride of the Pastmaster", featuring a teenaged Queen Callista, her grandmother Oriana, and how their family's troubles with the Pastmaster first began.)

"The king is dead.”

Tagging @cornistasiathecoblinking @nientedal @undynedevotion @theawkwardarchaeologist @reikiajakoiranruohoja @chaifootsteps @margoteve @apileofpans @garnet-xx-rose

#crow writes a thing #tag game #phantom of the opera #the dark crystal #swat kats #sticking to AO3 and fics that are either done or actively being worked on #I have a few others on FF.net that I need to transfer over

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tdc-incorrect-quotes · 1 year

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Tavra: Do you have any good ideas, Brea? Brea: Well, if we only had more crime here, they wouldn't be able to close down the library. Tavra: Yes, but there's barely any crime here in Ha'rar. Brea: Unless we commit some, I guess. Tavra: Tavra: What? Brea, enthusiastically: Let's go fill Ha'rar with crime! C'mon!

#tavra #brea #clever brea #tdc incorrect quotes #source: moomin #mod quotes #vapra sisters #tdc | aor #q

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sweet-void-princess · 9 months

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Day 2: Vapran

Here's the second day of @the-seven-clans-week , Vapran!

It's a little drabble about how my deaf Vapran-Grottan boy, Ronan, became a Paladin recruit!

Hope you like it!

-------------------☆☾--------☆☽----------------

Life on the streets of Ha'rar was rough, despite how glamorous it was seen as. One example of this was an older teenager, around 18, named Ronan.

He was a kind soul who cared for his mother and younger brother, scraping off from whatever he could.

The snobby ones were the easiest.

Ronan kept his stealing habits from his mother for as long as he could, saying the money was from his job at the tavern..well uh..it was mostly true to say the least.

As much as he had to steal..he kept trying to learn as much as he could. Often going..or technically sneaking into the library.

For instance, he read books about teaching of the Dousan tradition Vojeye and taught himself and his family it so they could communicate better!

There were things he longed to experience…the Sifan ships upon the Silver Sea, the Grottan caves of his father's origin, the Spriton fields and celebrations, the Stonewood town and Endless Forest, traveling with the Dousan and hearing the drumming of the Drenchen.

But..he knew he most likely could never experience those with the All-Maudra's Paladins on his back!

Hearing the subtle foot stomps of the Paladins, the muffled shouting, he ran as fast as he could with the stolen food and money.

He turned a corner and panted heavily, hiding in the shadows and seeing the Paladins keep running.

He grunted and winced in pain, a terrible high pitched ringing in his ears that occasionally erupted ever since the..accident with his late stepfather.

He groaned in pain, and when it died down, he slumped down and sat on the cold ground.

He let the snow fall onto his hair and face, and saw the Citadel, home of the All-Maudra and her three daughters. Ever since he was young, he wanted to be a Paladin..but now..as a wanted criminal and a partially-deaf thief..that future was dim.

Until..the Captain of the Paladins, Princess Tavra, came up to him.

And suddenly..he saw that future brighten before him.

#the seven clans week challenge #writing #oc #gelfling oc #tdc vapra #tdc tavra #deaf oc

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just-an-enby-lemon · 11 months

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Hup, from the dark crystal, age of resistance

When he was still a cook he learned to do food art (the Ha'rar equivalent to cool shaped pancakes and coffe art). He didn't really use this talent as much on his adventure because he didn't want people to see it and use his hobby as a proof he should follow steriotypes, abandon his dreams and be conformed with his life but he actually did enjoy the art (way more than the cooking that's for sure).

#hup dark crystal #dark crystal #dark crystal age of resistance #headcannon

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thraborn-a · 2 years

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okay these are very bare bones but!

aster / vapran / 21 / she, they / bisexual / born and raised on the edges of ha'rar, aster came from a hard-working farmer family. and as much as she loved farming, the gelfling truly came to life during the coldest winter days when the lakes would freeze and she could glide over the surfaces, pretending to be one of the fancy, upper-class vapran that had the free time to skate the day away. aster's passions lead her, over the course of a few years, in learning the art of shoe and ice-skate making before becoming a sought-after ice-skate maker in ha'rar.

during the war efforts, aster joins the gelfling forces by making clothing & armour supplies, working under an experienced and talented craftsman.

.....

tharhys (ta-reece) / spriton-stonewood / 21 / he, they / bisexual / tharhys doesn’t remember everything have a place to call home. he had his fathers, yes, but those things all gelfling loved, community and a house to go back to at the day’s end? they did not exist for the child of two clans, of lovers that their clans denied happiness. as a young teen, tharhys was shocked when the family came to sami thicket. and then angered, when the maudra spoke to them all as if they had done something wrong. the anger lead to a challenge against the maudra - let his fathers stay on spriton land, let them trade and live quietly, and tharhys would never be a problem again. if he lost, they’d leave. the maudra agreed. tharhys won. with a satchel of things and one of his father’s blades to his name, tharhys fled sami thicket and began travelling throughout the continent, committing crimes in the eyes of many gelfling so that he may bring justice to even a few.

#( ooc )

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historias-multorum · 2 years

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Open Starters: Miscellaneous Muses

Here are the open starters for my miscellaneous muses.

PERSONALS DO NOT INTERACT!

L Lawliet

Miles Edgeworth

Sailor Pluto

Sonic the Hedgehog

Mibuchi Reo

Princess Katavra of Ha'rar

Donna Beneviento

Liz Bandicoot

Ami Bandicoot

Pauline

Kaneki Ken

#Your writer is the Ghost(OOC)#Open starters

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thebibliomancer · 3 years

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Tides of the Dark Crystal liveblog pt 20

Tides of the Dark Crystal by J.M. Lee because dang the All-Maudra died. Gotta see what happens next.

Last times on book: Amri and co are on a quest to unite all the Gelfling clans against the Skeksis. They’ve managed with the Sifa by convincing Maudra Ethri to look at some cool flames. They’ve managed with the Dousan by restoring a cool, giant tree. But now they’ve received word that that the All-Maudra has died.

Chapter 20

Team Naia travels to Ha’rar... no, that can’t be right.

Amri felt like he must have misheard. Erimon passed the parchment to Kylan, who read it again. Amri didn’t need to read it. He didn’t want to. It wouldn’t explain how or why or who had done it. Just that it had happened. He reached up to see if Tavra was still on his shoulder. She was where she’d been since they’d leaped into the lake, but she said nothing.

Oof. I hadn’t thought of that but poor Tavra.

Her mom died and she never got a chance to go ‘yo i’m alive but a spider but and also you can’t stop me from dating Onica now because we can’t have lesbian babies like this.’

Amri wonders if the All-Maudra was killed by the Skeksis because she vowed to resist the Skeksis but that sets Kylan off. Also, Kylan shows he’s upset by crossing his arms and twisting his ears back. Like a cat?

But Kylan points out that All-Maudra Mayrin said she was lighting the fire of resistance but nothing happened like what happened with the Sifa and the Dousan where actual rainbow flames burned the story of uniting the Gelfling into something nearby.

“You think she didn’t light the fire after all?” Naia asked.

“Maybe she thought she had,” Onica said solemnly. “Maybe she died trying.”

They had no proof except the feeling in their hearts. Amri didn’t want to believe it, but he couldn’t deny it either: The Vapra fire had never been lit.

But if the fires HADN’T been lit for the Vapra and the All-Maudra was no longer leading them with some lip service about resisting. Then it means there was only one path for Team Naia to take in the seven chapters still left in this book.

They were going to Ha’rar after all.

MY GOD.

I never thought this day would come.

I mean, something is going to sidetrack them, right??

Because the side characters are making sure that nothing gets in their way.

Erimon lends them his Crystal Skimmer Tappa because she’s the fastest in his xeric and even asks Periss to drive it.

Ha, I knew Periss was joining the party.

Erimon has to stay and help organize the resistance with the other sandmasters once they arrive since Maudra Seethi is on her way to Ha’rar.

WHERE I CAN’T BELIEVE THE TEAM IS ACTUALLY GOING. Its been nearly three books of not going to Ha’rar! J.M. Lee, you’re blowing my mind!

“Now that the storm has broken, the xerics will continue to arrive. I will tell them the song of what has happened here. And when the time comes, we will heed the signal of the flames. We will join the fight against the Skeksis.”

“We still don’t know what that signal will be,” Naia said.

Erimon bowed. “We can never fully predict what form a sign will take. We only know it when we see it, or hear it, or sense it some other way. But I have faith in Thra, and in you. I will se to it the Dousan do not forsake the gifts we have been given. Not as we have in the past, nor ever again.”

You’ve really learned a thing, Erimon.

Erimon says that he thinks Periss can get them to Ha’rar in a day and so and apparently without a storm and without all the supplies, Tappa nyooms.

On the Skimmer trip, the team continues to discuss the All-Maudra’s death. Tavra finally pipes up to suggest that Mayrin failed to light the fires of resistance because the Skeksis found her out. But that there’s no point in speculating.

Because she’s finally getting what she’s wanted all along, to go to Ha’rar but in the way she’d least want it.

Be careful what you wish for?

“We must go to Ha’rar and reach someone who can tell us what happened. No more Far-Dreams or riddles from Thra. I want answers.”

“How are you taking this?” Amri asked. Tried to keep it soft, to let her know he was asking her feelings and not her political opinion. She was hesitant in answering.

“I am worried for my sisters. I am worried for my people.”

Amri tells her that Seladon will take care of Brea to reassure her and if Seladon’s arc is similar to the show then, -laughs in irony-.

Tavra was quiet a long time, unmoving. She curled one leg in.

“I don’t know that she will,” she said. “that is my greatest fear. My mother put her duties first and her daughters second. It was difficult to find ways to earn her love. Because of our station. But we tried. For me, that meant becoming a soldier. For Brea, becoming a scholar. For Seladon, it meant becoming All-Maudra one day... but the pressure was often too much. She is not ready, and I fear the Skeksis know that.”

“You should be All-Maudra,” Naia said suddenly.

Hah. Naia doesn’t even know Seladon and she’s like ‘wow she probably sucks and you’d be better.’ Poor Seladon.

The idea brought a strange fantasy to life. Tavra, in her Gelfing body. Sword in hand, drapedi n the silver cloaks with the living crown on her brow. She had traveled farther than any of them, knew more of the state of the world. Knew the Skeksis all by name, knew how the All-Maudra was expected to behave. Had the respect of her clan as a Vapra princess, but knew firsthand the hardships that had befallen the Gelfling who were so unlucky to find themselves in the Skeksis’ crushing grasp.

If there was ever a leader the Gelfling could look to, Amri realized, it was Tavra. Tavra, who was locked in the body of a spider, whose voice could barely be heard even by those who knew enough to listen.

“That is impossible,” Tavra said. She slipped below the rail and disappeared into Kylan’s traveling pack.

Relatable.

As evening falls they get closer to the snowlands and Periss tells them he’ll have to leave them at the frost line because Tappa is a DESERT CREATURE.

Nooooo Periss, you’re supposed to be the sixth ranger! You can’t leave your new best pals!

He also calls Naia Amri’s girlfriend and he does do the “she’s not my girlfriend” thing but less vehement and more embarrassed.

“Have you dreamfasted together?”

Amri’s ears went flat at the forward question. Of course he’d dreamfasted with Naia, but only to share memories that they’d needed to share, so the truth of the Skeksis and the message they carried would not be forgotten. But there were other memories, ones more secret and intimate. Private hopes and fears. Memories he had all to himself, beautiful things he’d seen when he’d been alone. Dreams he’d had, and nightmares.

Amri had always hoped one day to find someone to share those memories with. Someone he trusted enough and who trusted him to truly dreamfast. To share everything. It had never occurred to him that someone might be Naia. Until now, and only thanks to a wily Dousan thief. Periss grinned ear to ear, as if making Amri blush from embarrassment was his new favorite game.

“No. Not that way,” he mumbled.

“Do you want to?” Periss asked.

“I want to change the subject.”

Oh my god.

Excuse me I need to take a moment.

a moment

You’re adorable, Amri.

Also, based on this, Jen and Kira basically got engaged the first time they met. Just went full info dump on each other. ‘HEY I GUESS THATS ME AS A BABY’ because they never learned to not overshare in dreamfasting and because nobody ever taught Jen about sex.

Also also, this fits well with what we learn in the first book about how its a sign of maturity for Gelfchildren to learn how to not broadcast their entire lifestory the instant someone touches them.

I continue to love the nuances we get about dreamfasting.

After sleeping and starting another day of travel, Amri spends some time practicing sword because he’s changed his tune on that.

Amri practiced his sword stances, parries and thrusts. Imagined striking down Skeksis after Skeksis as he charged into a citadel swarming with darkened beasts. It felt heroic in his mind, that part -- the charge, the thought that he could single-handedly defeat the monsters that might have taken the shining city -- but in the end, even in his fantasies, when they finally reached the throne, the All-Maudra was already dead.

Aw.

Although the first part of this wild fantasy sounds like Amri should have been scenario writing for the Age of Resistance trpg.

But its more about his understanding that even if he becomes a cool, heroic swashbuckling figure with like two whole days of sword practice under his belt and even if they win, that victory will always carry with it the tragedies the Skeksis inflicted on the way. Mira, Mayrin, other Gelfing whose names don’t start with M’s.

They reach the frost line and dangit Periss actually leaves! Just because you’re the sixth ranger you think you can come and go to save the budget??

Although, in a nice bit of growth, he gives the team all the jewelry he stole from the Sifa. Nice, they can give Tae her stuff back if they see her.

Going the rest of the way on foot, Team Naia actually reaches Ha’rar. I’m frankly shocked.

Like the crystals in a broken geode, the city of Ha’rar glittered in the protective shell of the mountains, covered in snow and glowing with moon- and starlight. At the far edge of the city, a majestic building stood with its back to the wide Silver Sea. It looked like an icicle, or one of the many crystal stalagmites in Domrak and the Caves of Grot. Every elaborately sculpted feature refracted the light of the moons and the Waystar, sending night rainbows across the city.

It was beautiful, but eerily silent and ominously dark.

Hmmmm.

None of the lanterns are lit and none of the people are out and about on the streets. Spooky.

Tavra tells them that they absolutely must not be caught by the Skeksis. And then with her hometown knowledge guides them along back paths and side roads.

They have to duck out of view at one point when two Skeksis come down the street.

Skeksis. Two of them, passing by on the street just in front of them. One wore broad-shouldered, black-scaled armor, covering his spiny back like the carapace of an armalig. Gray hair -- or was it fur? grew across his blunt forehead and cheeks, casting a hazy shadow upon his scowling lips and piercing yellow eyes. The other stood straighter in his crimson and black robes, armored and adorned in shining gold chains. He seemed taller yet, thanks to the fleshy spike that protruded from the top of his head like a horn.

“skekUng and skekZok,” Tavra whispered. “The General and the Ritual Master.”

I wonder if skekVar exists in this continuity.

skekUng is the General so Var doesn’t have a lot to be doing.

Also, FLESHY SPIKE? ZOK ARE YOU OKAY?

-google image-

He does have a gold hat thing but in one of the comics he just has a tall head spike so I DUNNO. I’m a little alarmed of him now.

Anyway, skekUng being here is bad because they all remember skekLi gloating that skekUng was making something bad.

Being possessed of ‘only the most relevant conversational snippets’ senses, skekUng complains “This is a waste of time. I say we kill the princess as we killed her mother and let the Vapra bow directly to us. As they should.”

Which confirms that the Skeksis killed the All-Maudra.

AND THEN before they can process that, Amri is grabbed by a hooded Gelfling.

“He’s possessed by a spider,” hissed a female voice, familiar in Amri’s ear. “On his shoulder -- quick, grab it and crush it!”

Onica stops the hooded Gelfling, who turns out to be Tae. Hi Tae!

Tae isn’t convinced because apparently the body-jacking spiders are a known and concerning concern at this point.

Amri tells Tavra that its time to reveal herself to Tae.

Tavra let out a tired sigh.

“Tae, it’s me. Katavra.”

Love that tired sigh. Spiders can’t even sigh. That’s just how tired Tavra is.

Tae wants to know HOW and possibly several repeated incredulous WHATs but Amri points out that its not a great idea to get into that in the middle of a sneaking mission. So Tae leads them off somewhere they can talk.

Geez only six chapters left. And we’ve got Ha’rar, a dead All-Maudra, Tae’s back. Periss took off... dangit did Periss take off because of a party limit? Tae is now the sixth party member?

#dark crystal #the dark crystal #Tides of the Dark Crystal #liveblog #Amri #Naia #Kylan #Tavra #Onica #Periss #Sandmaster Erimon #Tae #Ha'rar??

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fishtail-tavra · 6 months

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my Tavonica drabbles master list (will be updated regularly)

Feb 13, 2021, (originally untitled) Love: Tavra gets tangled in the ship's rigging, she and Onica flirt about it.

July 4, 2021, Hold: Tavra will not stop holding Onica's hand even while they make ta together and Onica is very okay with that.

July 26, 2021, Endearments: Kylan askes about Onica and Tavra's different ways of addressing each other and they are both very mushy about it.

Aug 30, 2021, Scars: Onica has been neglecting physical therapy while away from Tavra, and when Tavra suggests asking Tae for help, Onica admits she'd rather keep the pain of her scars to herself.

Sep 6, 2021, Keepsake: Onica gives Tavra a large pearl she fished out of the ocean and asks Tavra to disguise it as a Vapra pretty and wear it for her- and Tavra vows that she will.

Oct 15, 2021, Watched: Mayrin has her older daughters help her with correspondence and reads out bad news from the Sifa- Tavra hides her terror and relief when Onica is mentioned to be alive, aware that her mother is watching.

Nov 1, 2021, Unchanged: Tavra bickers with the newly re-woken Tae over if a spider could still be All-Maudra while Onica shushes them so she can read their map, secretly happy they are both themselves again.

Mar 21, 2022, Outdoors Part 1: Dialogue of Tavra convincing Onica to give the dangerous and absurd idea of skiing a try, in return for Tavra accepting swimming lessons from her.

Mar 21, 2022, Outdoors Part 2: Tavra is very proud of Onica for surviving the skiing, and Onica agrees to try again later- much later.

May 24, 2022, Homesick: Reuniting in the spring, Onica doesn't mind the lingering cold as long as she's with Tavra, and Tavra gives her a shawl to help keep her warm even when they aren't together.

May 30, 2022, Waiting: During the winter, Tavra worries about Onica and repeatedly pokes herself with a needle while making something to give Onica when (she hopes) they see each other again.

Jun 30, 2022, Truth: Tavra compares soothsaying to reading an opponent during a duel, which Onica teases her about- until Tavra observes that the true power of Onica's reading and dreams comes from the respect people have in her wisdom to interpret them.

Jul 30, 2022, Song: With her wings freshly torn from her, Onica is in pain and in need of distraction- she asks Tavra for a song, and Tavra quietly sings her the ancient song of the imperial unamoth.

Sap 15, 2022, Late: Onica wants to leave Ha'rar since Tavra is not here this time, but Tae was given orders to steal all her ship's sails, and it turns out a late arriving Tavra is behind the sabotage.

Sep 30, 2022, Stretch: Tavra insists on helping Onica do her stretches- no matter what else Onica had planned for their first night together in half a trine.

Oct 21, 2022, Interruption: A tipsy Tae and Ethri make the mistake of visiting Onica's ship to insist she and Tavra name their childlings after them- and Onica answers by tossing them overboard.

Oct 30, 2022, Table: Tavra is falling asleep at breakfast after a long night out again, which Mayrin notices- thankful Seladon and Brea are there to unintentionally make a distraction.

Nov 9, 2022, Guess: Brea and Seladon try to guess which woman Tavra is in love with, and when Seladon dismisses the idea of any sort of interclan relationship Tavra can't help touching her pearl amulet- feeling the weight of the secret she's keeping.

Nov 18, 2022, Impossibilities: Tavra laments to Onica about how her sisters tease her and Onica suggests Tavra let them in on their secret- but Tavra fears Mayrin would never forgive them for knowing.

Jan 12, 2023, Oops: Tae is ecstatic to meet her Silverling and prove Onica's dream true- Tavra is alarmed by this, which makes Onica smile, which makes Tavra gay.

Jan 29, 2023, Reassurance: Onica skips stones on the beach while being very not happy with Mayrin's pressuring Tavra, or with Tavra's self-sacrificing tendencies- Tavra hands her more stones to throw and quietly reaffirms that she won't give up being with Onica.

Feb 3, 2023, Reassurance 2: Tavra gifts Onica a shawl which Onica realizes Tavra made herself- while missing Onica, while wondering if Onica would come back- and they dreamfast in the moonlight about it.

Feb 15, 2023, Picky: Onica roams the docks unable to find a gift for Tavra while an exasperated Tae asks what she even wants to give anyway- the answer is simply, something perfect.

Mar 3, 2023, Dark: Tavra lies awake in the Sog worrying about the choices she makes and wishing aloud that she could speak with Onica, while she plaits her hair into a Sifan braid.

Mar 15, 2023, Picky part 2: Tae hauls Onica back onto their boat, complaining that Onica's done enough pearl diving to have a whole string of pearls if she wasn't so picky- but Onica's newest find shuts her up quick.

Mar 24, 2023, Seer: Elder Cadia uses a bone reading to dig into Tavra's insecurities around only ever earning her mother's pride while acting as a soldier- until Onica 'accidentally' interrupts the reading, and Tavra falls in love with again.

Mar 30, 2023, Repair: Onica wraps herself in the shawl Tavra made and remembers a night when Tavra sat by her fire mending it, just likes she always does, simply out of love.

Apr 6, 2023, Impact: Onica takes Tavra sailing and tries not to laugh when Tavra catches a fish.

Apr 15, 2023, Claim: Ethri wonders if Tavra will understand the meaning of being given a pearl- but Onica only wants to say she loves her, and that much Ethri is sure Tavra will understand.

Apr 30, 2023, Light: Spider Tavra watches as the morning light wakes a grumpy Onica, brooding on everything she cannot be for her now- but Onica smiles to see her brooding, and Tavra finds she can still laugh.

May 6, 2023, Until: Cadia discovers the pearl Onica intends to give Tavra and tells her Tavra will leave her someday- Onica answers she will hold Tavra until then.

May 18, 2013, Pray: In the Sog, Tavra watches Naia set off alone and asks for her to be watched over, to Bellanji's amusement- unaware that far away, Onica has heard Tavra, and prepares to follow Naia in her dreams.

May 27, 2023, Daring: Onica and Tavra compare differences in their clans' cultures and Onica finally gets an idea for what she wants to gift Tavra.

Jun 2, 2023, Waystar: Onica loses hope after finding out how much Ethri has changed, and Tavra reminds her that fear can change people- and people like Onica can help them to change again.

Jun 18, 2023, Pull: Ethri is interrupted by Onica announcing it's time to sail north- Ethri tries to tease her about being so eager, and quickly regrets it.

Jun 30, 2023, Cliff: Ethri and Tae tease Onica as they sail towards Ha'rar, and their bets on if Tavra will be waiting for her doesn't amuse Onica at all, who isn't so sure- until she spots Tavra waiting upon the cliffs.

Jul 12, 2023, Whole: Tavra tackle hugs Onica and a laughing Onica tries to stop her from worrying so much- which will not work, because Tavra is Tavra.

Jul 21, 2013, Pick: Naia is unimpressed with Onica's taste in women and Tavra specifically, which Tavra agrees with, and Onica very much doesn't.

Aug 3, 2023, Reminder: Onica reflexively hides her ruined wings from Tavra, citing that she can manage on her own- Tavra reminders that she doesn't have to and asks to help anyway.

Sep 3, 2023, Storm: Tavra meets a women on a sinking ship who cannot fly but smiles as she hands her friend over to be rescued instead- and even though it's a reckless thing to try, Tavra cannot leave her.

Sep 12, 2023, Fall: Tavra admits it was love at first sight for her as she helps Onica with her scars, and this confession is so ridiculous Onica is pulled out of her own pain to snark about it.

Oct 9, 2023, Stay: Ethri interrupts Onica and Tavra's rare time together with Far-Dreamer's business, but instead of leaving Onica to it, Tavra instead starts helping her prepare for the dreaming- not at all bothered if it should take all night.

Oct 18, 2023, Torn: Onica is annoyed by Tavra's eagerness to leave the Sifa, telling her to at least let Tae help her, but Tavra doesn't want to give Tae the wrong idea, asking Onica instead- and Onica agrees, deciding Tavra's choice matters more than her own dream.

Oct 27, 2023, Mending: Onica realizes Tavra tricked her into doing her exercises even back when Onica didn't like- an embarrassed Tavra insists Onica's dislike was reasonable, and Onica admits that even then, she hadn't wanted Tavra to leave.

Nov 3, 2023, Foretell; Tae pops her head in to let Onica know her girlfriend has arrived with flowers, and playfully asks an ominous question. Onica finishes advising a Sifa captain and laughs, giving an equally carefree answer.

Nov 9, 2023, Petals; Mayrin finds Tavra's bedroom door open to a sea breeze and hears her daughter has slipped away from her duties again. When she finds some flower petals on Tavra's floor, she crushes them.

Nov 18, 2023, Thought; Tavra brings Onica a lot of dead, dried flowers. Onica thinks this is very sweet.

Nov 27, 2023, Morning: Onica does not like mornings. Arguably she still doesn't, but waking up with Tavra almost makes them worthwhile.

Dec 15, 2023, Unseen An injured Tavra thought she could hide being hurt as long as Onica hadn't seen the hurt happen in far dreams, but Onica is perceptive, and patient, and can make Tavra crumble dejectedly with just a look.

Dec 24, 2023, Son Spider Tavra watches Onica teaching Kylan how to sail like a Sifa and thinks maybe they ended up having a child together anyway.

Jan 3, 2024, Lost Onica forgot about her missing wings for a moment, Tavra holds her tight as she remembers.

Jan 27, 2024, Usual Tavra and Onica sharing Sifa gossip in which they both know each other far too well.

#the dark crystal: age of resistance #tdc:aor #tavonica #tavra #onica #fanfic

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