#I like to think Alfred is like...a mythological creature

[shinobicyrus]

I've seen a lot of posts about Batman using his Bruce Wayne alter ego for the good of Gotham: job programs for felons released from prison, orphanages, charities, high wages for his employees, ethical business practices...the legendary post where Bruce Wayne goes to Wal-Mart.

Thus far I've never personally seen anybody really dig into the persona of Bruce Wayne the Billionaire Playboy. A handsome, rich, powerful man who always is seen at fancy galas, art openings, charity dinners, and wild parties with at least one beautiful woman on his arm.

We know Bruce Wayne is the mask, and its Batman who has a...complex love life, depending on the iteration we're talking about. Talia, Catwoman, sometimes Wonder Woman.

Bruce Wayne's dates, on the other hand, are all "normal" people. Maybe they're an aspiring actress, a supermodel, a prima ballerina, the occasional reporter...and every time there's that bit of nervousness at the start.

Sure everyone knows Bruce Wayne. Everyone knows the story with him. Sometimes his wilder parties make the news, but there's never really been anything nasty reported about him. Never...allegations. But he's a billionaire. He's one of the most powerful people in the whole city, nevermind the country. If he did have some skeletons in his closet. Well. Men with power have a way of making those kinds of stories go away, don't they?

As time goes on the Date's fears dissipate pretty quickly. Bruce Wayne is nothing but polite, kind, and at times charmingly awkward in an 'raised by his butler in a mansion' kind of way with his dates. Some of them can tell he's holding back, of course. Maybe the more perceptive Dates notice he's smarter than he lets on - playing the himbo or hamming up the "know-nothing rich boy" act to the cameras or some of his wealthy peers.

He also listens, is the thing. He's always listening to what they're saying, is interested in hearing about their careers, their hobbies, their lives. Really listens, too. Might refer to something a Date said weeks later off-hand. Buy out the whole museum for a private dinner date with a famous painting from an obscure artist they like, or a private performance with another's favorite band.

He has anecdotes and funny stories for days that somehow says very little about his personal life. The Dates know he has kids (it's practically a running gag in the news that Bruce Wayne has adopted yet another orphan) and maybe she might spot one of them at the mansion, but Bruce seems very keen to shelter them from any intense spotlight and scrutiny, and they all seem happy if a bit weird like him.

Eventually, there's drifting. He's a very busy man, with a very busy schedule. On more than on occasion his nice old butler will call and extend apologies that Mr. Wayne will not be able to make it this evening. Sometimes it's virtually impossible to get a hold of him over the phone. After a while they stop trying. None of them feel quite surprised by that. In the end, it just doesn't work. Sure, he's a little distant and doesn't make himself emotionally available...but he's not a bad person.

Especially when the so-called "exes" of Bruce Wayne start networking. Gotham isn't a small city, but the social circles Bruce Wayne travels in aren't as big. They don't quite gossip or complain about him. More like...who else would get it?

(I touched his side once and he winced...like he'd been hurt real bad there. He laughed and said it was tackle polo. How does that even-?)

(Somehow, after two dates, he saw right through me and listened while I told him what that casting director tried to do. He nodded, gave me the contact details of a law firm, and said not to worry about the legal fees.)

(I don't know for sure it was him, but it can't be a coincidence that my building got bought out from under my shitty landlord and we were all able to buy our apartments under market value.)

(He got my brother in the best rehab program in the city after his relapse. It probably saved his life. We'd stopped dating months ago, I still don't know how he found out.)

(He gave me a card with a phone number and told me that if I was ever in trouble to call it. Said one of his cars would come to pick me up, any time, any place, no questions asked. The one time I did have to use it after a bad party, it was Alfred.)

I think any tabloid reporter digging around for salacious stories or dirt about Bruce Wayne's love life would be completely and politely stonewalled when they try asking his former Dates. Even when money is offered. Every single one of them.

[ghost-bxrd]

Thoughts on selkie jason todd?

SELKIE

Look I’m a sucker for mythological creatures and selkies hold a soft spot in my heart (although I get anger issues reading the og myths most of the time because literally the number of people that considered it okay to steal the selkie’s seal skin and then had the audacity to be sad when the selkie found it and LEFT is frankly astounding, like, bro).

But Selkie!Jason is such a sweet concept I’m just gonna list some headcanons below 💚

Remember Jason’s red hoodie? That’s his seal skin. Living on the streets, the only truly secure place for him to keep it was on him. And the first time Alfred took it to wash it (not realizing what it is) he went downright feral thinking Bruce was trying to trap him. The hoodie was returned to Jason posthaste, but Bruce and Alfred simply assumed that Jason was so protective of it because his mom gave it to him or something.

Once Jason gets used to the manor he takes to safely stashing his seal skin in his room. Bruce and Alfred held to their promise of never going inside without their permission, so he finally relaxed after a couple tense months.

Bruce finds out about Jason’s Selkie heritage by accident when Jason sneaks out of his room at night to take a dip in the pools deep inside the cave system running below the manor. Bruce panics when Jason goes inside and doesn’t come back up for air for several minutes and dives in after him. Only to come face to face with a wide eyed baby seal.

It takes forever for Bruce, Dick, and Alfred to find Jason in the cave systems afterwards. Dick manages to coax him out by pretending to drown until there’s suddenly a little seal pup nudging him back towards the surface.

All the cuddles. Have you seen baby seals? They are ADORABLE.

Jason ends up feeling safe enough to just— leave his seal skin lying around the manor. At first it’s a test, to see what the others will do now that they know. But everyone either pointedly ignores it or picks it up to hand it back to him if they need the space. Eventually Jason even allows it maintain its natural form of actual seal skin instead of a disguised hoodie or jacket.

When Jason dies, his seal skin is still lying on the armchair in Bruce’s study where left it. Nobody dares to touch or move after Jason’s death. Bruce cannot bear to bury it with his son.

(When Jason comes back he thinks Bruce stole his skin)

[hetaologist]

APH America "Ethnography" and Headcanons (SFW)

The United States of America, Alfred F. Jones, Mr. Stars and Stripes, 'Merica, Pretty Boy, um... or just simply America.

Here is a list of data I have gathered from this country and oh boy, what an interesting specimen we have here....

Ethnography

You will find this find this mythological creature at your local Walmart superstore during the evening hours on a weekday, sporting flannel loungewear pants (The plaid kind), a cotton t-shirt that definitely has been worn no less than two (2) times, Old Navy $1 flip flops, and a gray jacket.

When asked about his late night runs to the popular supermarket chain, his answer is just simply:

"There's nothing else to do and no where to go."

America's Cart Inventory for March 22nd:

One (1) package of "Mega Stuf Chocolate Oreos" for $5.97, One (1) 6-Pack of "Starbucks Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drinks" in Caramel Flavor for $7.98, One (1) Family Sized Bag of "Flaming Hot Cheetos" for $5.94, One (1) "Furby Interactive Toy" for $39.19, and One (1) Stick of " Axe Apollo Men's Deodorant Stick" for $4.97. Total of purchase was $64.05 before tax.

When questioned about the "Furby Interactive Toy", he replies:

"Yeah dude, there's this thing I wanna make that's called a "Long Furby". Wanna come by my place and check it out?"

I agreed to the invination as it would give me a better look into his living space and lifestyle. He's very friendly person.

Living Space (Home):

Oh dear god, why did I agree to come here?

House is a what you would expect from a typical American college student such as:

"Saturdays Are For The Boys" banner flag, Marvel and DC posters, a very unsettling looking blue leather couch that looks like it has been through hell and back, random dumbbells and untouched exercise equipment, every game console from the 1972 "The Magnavox Odyssey" to the PS5, action figures from various popular TV shows and comics, an old KFC bucket with half eaten chicken on the coffee table and a shelf with a huge vinyl record and CD collection.

Conclusion: What a fucking gross nerd.

America offers a cold can of Coca-Cola, I accept it.

He shows me a very long light blue "Long Furby" from his collection, further proving how much of a dork he was.

When asked what kind of music he liked (in regards to his music collection), he replies:

"That's hard to answer, it changes every week. Because of my diverse music, I pretty much like everything. One week I could be listening to 1980's classic rock, 2000's techno-pop, Bluegrass Country, 1990's Hip Hop or anything. But, if I had to give you this week's favorite artist, it would have to be Taylor Swift and Doja Cat."

"Interesting..." I replied.

I have recorded enough data for today (the smell was bothering me) and left his home to do further extensive research.

Headcanons:

America has a deep love for cars and trucks, he can be seen working on his vintage 1968 Dodge Charger R/T called 'Thunderbird' (an absolute speed demon that can reach at top speeds of muthafuckin' 156 mph), and his enormous 2019 Ford F-150 'Big John' that he loves to drive to world meetings because he is a total stud muffin showoff.

Oh yeah, he defiantly modded 'Big John' horns with airblasters. So when he parks his car and he sees other nations come out of their vehicles, he pounds on that horn and scares the living shit out of them.

He totally does 2 am donuts in the Thunderbird the front of Walmart parking lots with his brother Canada to freak him out.

Other than seeing him work on his cars while listening to "Waking Up in Vegas by Katy Perry" on the radio, he's in his room sorting out his action figure and comic book collection.

Damn, what what a geek.

He has an eBay account where he buys, trades and auctions his collection as his interests constantly change.

If you think him being a geek, dork and a nerd is gonna save him from getting a basic ass Stanley cup, you're wrong.

He has a navy blue one that he takes to meetings and he would get dirty looks from the other nations.

"Goddamn it America, you do not need that much coffee."

"Fuck you, you scone sucking twink. It's not coffee, it's the Panera Super Charged Lemonade mixed with Redbull."

"I beg your fucking pardon..."

He gave Canada a red one for his birthday that he also takes with him to meetings.

"Canada, mon ami~. That better not be that merde American drinks that makes your heart explode."

"No, it's Tim Hortons iced coffee."

"Well.. that's better than what America drinks..."

[jupiterisnastar]

Anxious!Damian Wayne headcanons;

^᪲᪲᪲ I have the headcanon that all of the Batfamily have some mental disorder or that they are neurodivergent, but for me, Damian truly have anxiety, even if he hides it well;

^᪲᪲᪲ I think that he developed this while still on the League of Assassins, moments before he started living with the Batfamily, and as a true Al Ghul, Damian soon became a master at hiding his anxiety;

^᪲᪲᪲ But as all anxious people, he too had some little tics while being anxious;

^᪲᪲᪲ Damian has the habit of biting his lips too much to the point of bleeding a little, and after one of his half-brothers caught him biting his lip, Damian started to carry some gums with him, it helped a little having something on his mouth that prevented him from biting his lips or the inside of his cheeks;

^᪲᪲᪲ One of the things that make Damian realize that he's on the verge of having a panic attack, is the fact that he begans pinching his own wrist, using his nails to hurt it even more and keep himself grounded. It's not healthy, and Damian doesn't do it often, only when he's too anxious and almost losing his own damn mind;

^᪲᪲᪲ Damian once saw that lavender is a calming essence, so he bought some lavender essential oils along with essential candles. He always carried one tiny bottle on his backpack and one with on the pockets of his Robin suit;

^᪲᪲᪲ Sometimes, Damian fears that he would get killed in one of the patrols. What if he's not strong enough? What if he fails? What if he dies like Jason, but unlike his older brother, the Lazarus pit doesn't work on him and Damian would stay dead and his mother would lose his only child and and and—

^᪲᪲᪲ After having his panic attacks, Damian always put his headphones and draw silly characters for hours, he locks himself on his room and just draws until his hand hurts. Because at least Damian can still make art, at least he has the little dogs and cats that he names under his favorite flowers and mythological creatures;

^᪲᪲᪲ Beinf an anxious person also makes Damian have a lot of nightmares about what will happen in the future, so he needs to have either Titus or Alfred Pennyworth (the cat) on the bed with him. Because then he will have some comfort;

^᪲᪲᪲ Damian have a whole playlist with calming music and other with ASMR audios to keep him grounded when he's anxious;

^᪲᪲᪲ After months contemplating, Damian asked Bruce to have appointments with a therapist, he didn't elaborate why he wanted. And after some reassurance that he wouldn't talk about his Bat-duties, Bruce helped Damian choose a trusted therapist;

^᪲᪲᪲ Things are never easy for Damian Wayne, but at least he’s still alive, even with the voices on his head telling him to just end everything. But Damian Wayne was nothing but a force of nature 🗡

[fumblingmusings]

So I am thinking of doing stuff for Cardverse week. Would people be interested if I focused on the following characters these days?

6th Aug Day 1: Royalty - arranged marriage | coronation | tradition

Francis and Lili (Not Romantic)

7th Aug Day 2: Jokers - curse | spirits/hauntings | escape

Arthur and Peter (Not Romantic)

8th Aug Day 3: Conflict - forbidden love | espionage | duel

Arthur and Alfred (Romantic)

9th Aug Day 4: Free day!

A day in the life of Yao. (Not Romantic, just one man's day herding papers and people like cats. He is quite stressed)

10th Aug Day 5: Nature - garden | inheritance | fairies

Erzi and Roderich (Romantic)

11th Aug Day 6: Celebrations - constellations | gods and monsters | family

Feli and Ludwig (Romantic)

12th Aug Day 7: Folklore and Mythology - fairy tales | magical creatures | fortune-telling

Arthur and Alfred (Romantic)

If you're like no Abbie these suck I wanna see X instead do let me know. Do we want a fruk in there somewhere? Maybe day one?

[r-a-b-talks]

Dæmons' names :

Lucie's name come from latin. Lux, lucis means, among other things, "light". I used the French spelling because A) I like it better and B) I have a childhood friend with this name

Skye is probably self explanatory but I'll add that I loved The Penderwicks' series as a kid.

Auberon represents Jason. It's the name of the King of fairies in medieval legends and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The "Au" spelling is from old French. I like the idea of a literary name for Jason's inner-self and I also liked the theater connection with Alfred (see Algernon)

For Cass and Barnabas, her Southern tiger car, the first thing I liked was how their names sounded together. There's a dog character with this name in The Sandman that I really like and since it's a talking dog, I thought it would make a good dæmon's name.

Brunhild, Tim's Labrador, is named after a Germanic/Scandinavian legendary warrior queen. Nice, um ?

Silas means "of the forest", which matched Babs' dæmon ape form. It's also the name of a vampire in The Graveyard Book and making bats' references is nice.

I picked Amaranth ("Mara") because of the red variety of the plant. African greys have red tails.

I picked Algernon for Alfred for two reasons. One of them is memories of crying my heart out over a fictional lab mouse in high school. The second is The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy written by Oscar Wilde where one of the characters is named Algernon. Alfred has a theatrical background and it sounded nice.

I could tell you that Guinevere the Guinea pig didn't get her name because it sounded very satisfying but I would be lying. I picked Gwin as a nickname because of Dustfinger's marten in the Inkheart trilogy.

I could have just snatched Hero's name away from Shakespeare's hands but I'm borrowing it from the Greek myth of Hero and Leander, star-crossed lovers.

I didn't pick Titus. This good boy was gifted to Damian by Bruce in the comics.

I got the name for Saltan, Martha's honeybee, from a fairy tale written in verse by Alexander Pushkin. I misremembered seeing a honeybee there (it was a bumblebee, actually).

Apollonia, the name of Thomas' sable comes from Apollo, Greek God of beauty, music and others. I like to think of Martha has an accomplished musician (harpist ?) of great beauty.

Frankie, Barry's insect dæmon's name, comes from a bunch of associations my brain made. I wanted a masculine name for her and my thought process looked like this : green < Frankenstein's creature as sometimes portrayed < Frankie.

Samson the Golden Retriever got his name because of his hair. Samson, in the Old Testament, was a guy who got his strength from his hair. I imagine Samson the dog as a big hairy thing.

Jessica Jordan has a golden eagle named Prometheus. Hal jokes about it because, in Greek Mythology, Prometheus is condemned to have his liver eaten by an eagle every day as it reforms for having (allegedly) defied Gods (and Zeus in peculiar).

Martin Jordan's Scarlett is named as such because of Gone with the Wind, Jessica's falcon is named after the titular character of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Isadora "Isa", Oliver's canary, is named that way because I like the name (that I borrowed from dancer Isadora Duncan) but there's no more meaning behind those names.

I think you can guess why a jewel thief's magpie would be named Tiffany.

Oh and sweet Billie, Clark's non existent dæmon, probably got her name because I was thinking about rewatching New Who's first season.

[strawberryhierophant]

Dr. Cadmon's University of Changes

Inspired by a writing prompt

*****

Paul's eyes blinked behind his spectacles. They narrowed, taking in the contents of the letter.

Was it real? It certainly looked real.

For what must have been the fifth time, his eyes traveled over the gorgeous cursive script:

We think you would make a fine addition to our university. I have included my card along with this letter.

Paul glanced down at the envelope lying opened on his desk. From inside, the corner of a small business card peeked out at him. He considered the stack of ungraded papers at the head of his desk. With a sigh, he plucked the card from the envelope:

Dr. Alfred Cadmon Mithra University of Changes

The card was a rectangle of what felt like parchment, smoke-white and thick like a credit card. Its gilt edges flashed gold in the fading sunlight.

Paul looked out the window. He could see the vacant parking spaces awash in the soft sunset, like a quiet field of burning wheat. Most of his colleagues had left long ago in anticipation for the faculty party tonight. The university was deserted.

Leaning an elbow on the desk, Paul read the phone number printed in bold on the business card.

"This is crazy..."

His hand reached for his phone. A dim suspicion began to take form in his mind. The antique clock struck its rhythm on the wall. Paul's fingers tapped along, striking the screen of his phone like a mini piano.

"A prank," he murmured at last. "A clever prank."

One of his colleagues — someone in the literature department, maybe. Someone who knew of Paul's interest in the University of Changes.

By the door, degrees in mythology, anthropology, and literature stared back at him behind glass cases. In all of these fields, Dr. Paul Sutherland was an acknowledged expert. So of course he had heard of the mythical University of Changes. He had long wondered if there wasn't some truth to it.

But it was a legend. Nothing more.

Paul couldn't help but smile. To think, he'd almost been fooled! He dropped the letter and the card into the wastebasket by the desk.

"We'll have a good laugh about this at the party tonight," he thought.

Just then, another envelope slipped under his door. Paul froze. He had heard nobody approach, nor did he now notice the sound of footsteps departing.

He listened. In his fingers, the business card seemed to grow warm.

Without rising from his chair, Paul leaned over and opened his door. He poked his head out, craning his neck left and right, scanning the silent university hall.

Empty. Not a soul in sight.

"Hm. Strange."

From his position, Paul could see straight down into the wastebasket.

Also empty. The letter and business card were gone.

His eyes moved to the letter on the tile. Paul's glasses slipped down the bridge of his nose as he stared at it. He was sweating.

Slowly, he leaned down and picked up the envelope, lifting it between his index finger and thumb, as though he were removing a stray hair from a bowl of soup.

When he opened it (carefully), he found a second letter, written in the same cursive script as before:

I guessed that you might not believe me. Nevertheless, I have taken the liberty of sending a coach for you.

A sound outside his window startled Paul. He looked up and his eyes went wide at the strange sight.

An old-fashioned carriage, dusty grey in color, with a rider up front holding the reigns of two large, grey horses. The sight of such an ancient-looking vehicle in the newly-paved parking lot felt dream-like. The sun was slipping fast into the horizon, casting long shadows around the carriage.

This whole thing was beginning to feel less and less like a prank.

Paul recalled what he'd read about The University of Changes — where strange beings dabbled in dark arts. A house of learning for mythical creatures. A temple, where half-man half-beasts were instructed in the ways of Gods.

"And in the ways of Men," Paul thought, glancing at his degrees.

A fine addition to our university.

This was too strange. Something in him told Paul to forget the letter. To forget the carriage. To not even look at it.

The same thing reminded him about an inbox full of emails which demanded his attention. And the faculty party this evening, and the article he needed to prepare for publication, and the countless meetings, and the sleepy-eyed students who could scarcely stay awake during his lectures...

Well, but wasn't this his life? Maybe not what he'd planned. But the one he knew. And the one which might bring him some profound sense of satisfaction... in time.

Paul looked over his life. It was all contained here in this office. The books and degrees and a stack of ungraded papers.

His fingers dropped the letter into the wastebasket. He pulled his coat from the back of his chair and flicked off the office lights. Locking the door behind him, he slipped out of his office and strode down the empty halls towards the exit.

The university doors slammed shut behind him as he bounded down the steps to the empty parking lot. The automatic lamps had not yet come on, which was strange. The parking lot was disappearing in the darkness. Paul couldn't even see his car from here.

But he could make out the outline of the carriage up ahead. In the growing shadows, it was almost like a small boat on the black water of a vast lake. He heard the horses kick the pavement with a gentle flick of their hooves.

As he approached, Paul nodded at the driver. The man was swaddled in a black cape. His head hung low under a tall black hat, obscuring his face. He did not move. Was he asleep?

Paul lifted a foot up to the coach step and hoisted himself into the passenger seat. The thick velvet seats nearly swallowed him. Immediately, the driver gave a shake of the reigns, and the horses moved forward. Paul found himself feeling quite comfortable, despite how strange it all seemed.

The automatic lamps had still not come on. The world was a black sea. When the carriage turned out of the parking lot, Paul was surprised to see no the road he normally took home, but a narrow country lane. The carriage wheels kicked up the dust, clouding the world in a soft, grey haze.

Another shake of the reigns, and Paul leaned back into his seat. He should have been alarmed, but in truth, he felt quite giddy. The sort of feeling a man gets when he is deep in the comfort of his own bed. The world is far away, and he gives a stretch and a delicious yawn.

Paul sank into the deep velvet and felt his eyes closing. The trot of the horses reminded him of his antique clock, ticking away the hours.

Tick-tick-tick

The driver gave a third shake of the reigns, and a smile spread over Paul's lips. Before he knew it, he was asleep.

[kazbatman]

ASSORTED BATMAN FACTS LIGHTNING ROUND

Okay so a lot of people want to know more about Batman/Bruce Wayne in this au, so here’s a bunch of random tidbits about him to satiate that need

Batman in this au isn’t so much of a superhero as he is Gotham’s own ‘resident cryptid’. He’s not even perceived as a superhero to the citizens, they moreso view him as this strange benevolent humanoid bat creature who for some reason protects them. and they love him for it, and he’s highly mythologized by the population and everyone loves to theorize about why this big bat is on their side

In FACT Bruce Wayne specifically tailored his Batman persona to fit the ‘beast of urban legend’ theme to a T. None of the bat suits he owns have ANY face openings so no one can catch on to the fact that he’s a guy in a suit, let alone that he’s human. He was inspired to create this persona in lieu of a regular superhero alter ego because to him, a creature of urban legend that’d been flipped on its head to inspire hope instead of fear as other cryptid narratives usually go is exactly what Gotham needed and what represented the city best as sort of a parallel to how Gotham itself is also shrouded in darkness and despite it the city continues to inspire hope in itself . or something

And even if people did know that Batman had a secret human identity, the reality is that none of them would immediately know it was Bruce Wayne because a lot of Gotham residents have downright forgotten that Bruce Wayne even exists. He had some brief time in the headlines when his parents died all those years back but relatively since then he’s lived in an incredibly private life, even into his adulthood. And this is entirely by choice, he just doesn’t like to go outside if it’s not for something important like charity work, but even then his time spent in the public eye is slim to nonexistent. So as a result not many people have insight on what he’s up to these days or even if he lives in Gotham anymore. He’s incredibly reclusive, most of the time when he’s in his house he’s just working on refining his Batman stuff or taking care of the kids

And speaking of Bruce Wayne and kids he’s SUPER good with them. Whenever he’s obligated to be in a social setting with any other type of person he typically struggles to maintain a sense of back and forth but with kids it just comes naturally to him. Being a survivor of intense childhood trauma himself, Bruce feels an inherent need to protect children at all costs and make sure their individual needs are met and so forth and he can’t bare to see a kid going through any kind of hurt, so as a result whenever he’s put in a caretaker position he’s like amazing at it. It’s very sweet <3

I’ve had a lot of people ask what Harvey and Bruce’s dynamic is here and in the current time the au takes place, they’re actually friends Sort of! When they were kids both of their families were extremely close so as a result so were Bruce and Harvey, they went to the same expensive private school and hung out every day - until Bruce’s parents were killed and he was transferred to homeschool by Alfred in order to prevent any further stress. From there their relationship sort of petered out but they still stayed in touch every now and then but only became friend friends again after The Incident happened to Harvey, and Bruce realized he really wanted to be there to help him after not really being his friend for all those years. So even though their friendship can be a bit rocky since Harvey technically still is a villain, most of the time they just hang out with each other. I think it’s fair to say Harvey is the villain that Bruce is the most personally closest to in this au if that means anything to you

[therealvikingstrash]

Masterlist

-New and improved-

As you can see, I decided to give those fics some new order! 

Brotherly-feels:

The Gods will show you - G - Ubbe x Hvitserk - 3,350 Words

Drawing was made by me

Salvation in Gold - M - Ubbe x Hvitserk - 5,600 Words

Drawing by yours truly

Missing Family - M - Hvitserk x Ivar - 1,750 Words

Dream a little Dream - G - Ubbe x Hvitserk x Ivar - 2,670 Words

Chasing away Ghosts - T - Ubbe x Hvitserk - 6,640 Words 

Honeyed Truth - M - Ubbe x Hvitserk - 4,018 Words 

Ragnarsdottir - T - Aslaug, Ubbe, Trans!Hvitserk - 2,243 Words

Our Promise - G -  Æthelred x Alfred - 683 Words 

My entry for @doctorwhoandfairytaillover Short and Sweet Challenge

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Sad fics:

No one’s Father - G - Hvitserk x Ivar - 1,160 Words

Brokenhearted - M - Ubbe x Hvitserk - 976 Words

My Fate lies with You - M - Ubbe x Hvitserk - 3,074 Words

Ones Mercy is another's Death Sentence - T - Bjorn x Ubbe x Hvitserk - 1,470 Words

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Follower Celebration:

69 Follower Celebration - E - Hvitserk/Reader 

333 Follower Challenge Masterpost

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Mythological Creature AU:

Of Sharp Teeth and Hunger - E - all Ragnarssons - 7,733 Words

inspired by this post from @serasvictoria

Jörmungandr would be Jealous -  E - Sigurd - 1,380 Words 

@quantumlocked310 made this awesome Moodboard for this story 😍 check it out 💕

Sated Hunger and Regret - E - Hvitserk x Ubbe centric

Moodboard by our talented @quantumlocked310

A Mother's Love - E - Aslaug & Ivar - 3,660 Words 

Children of the Night - M - Ubbe, Hvitserk, Ivar, Sigurd - 5,226 Words 

This isn’t related to the Lovely Monsters Series, they’re all Vampires here

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Smut (F/M, M/M, F/F):

In and Out - I - II - III(1/2) - III(2/2) - IV - Hvitserk/Reader/Ubbe, Ivar/Heahmund - 17,000 Words

Inspired by really awesome moodboards from @flowers-in-your-hayr ! 

Gifts and Jewelry - E - Ubbe/Aud - 5,149 Words 

Kings of Kattegat - E - Ubbe/Amma/Hvitserk - 39,862 Words 

This was my entry for the @vikingsbigbang2022

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Requests:

Spilled Wine - E - Alfred the Great/Ubbe Lothbrok -  1,490 Words

Moodboard and Gifs made by me

Love is a Battlefield - E - Alfred/Ubbe - 3030 Words  

Moodboard is my abomination  

 A Painful Smile & Love Confessions - G - Ubbe/Eydis(OFC) - 1,710 Words 

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Prompts:

I don’t break easily - E - Ivar/Reader - 1,180 Words

Worth the Injury - E - Ivar/Heahmund - 757 Words 

You Better Not Come - E - Hvitserk/OFC - 1,528 Words

The Night Sky - E - Ubbe/Eydis(OFC) - 3,272 Words 

Ribbon - E - Hvitserk/Master - 2,248 Words

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Gen, Fluff & Humor:

The Sound of Jealousy - G - Sigurd centric - 450 Words

Lessons Learned with Lothbrok & Sons - Hvitserk/Reader -  4,700 Words

This story exists because of this post and the discussion going on there.

Flat Violins and Football Tricots - M - Alfred King/Ubbe Lothbrok - 2,900 Words

@flowers-in-your-hayr is apparently my muse now 💕 her moodboard just ignited something in me again. Check it out!

Icy Winters and Soulmates - Gen - Gunnhild & Amma - 1,120 words

Entry to @doctorwhoandfairytaillover 600 Followers Challenge

Apple Traditions - Gen - Yidu/Þorunn

Entry for @ deans-ch-ch-cherrypie Winter Birthday Challenge

Like Father, Like Son - Gen - Ubbe & Ragnar jr - 728 words 

Death Awaits The Rude - M (for Violence) - Aslaug & Ubbe - 1,480 Words 

Irritating Shine - T - Yidu/Þorunn - 2,391 Words

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Incest-y:

Humiliation - E - Ubbe/Hvitserk - 1,413 Words 

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My Edits, Art, Moodboards and stuff:

How did we end up like this? Ubbe & Hvitserk Edit

Ubbe thinking of having lost Hvitserk Edit

Hvitserk & Ubbe Edit 

Dragonfly - Hvitserk/Ubbe digital art 

I set Fire to the World Edit - Ubbe, Hvitserk & Ivar

Growing Ego - Ubbe & Ivar edit

Hvitserk realizing he lost his back up, safety net and partner in crime Edit

A different kind of reunion - Ubbe & Hvitserk digital art 

Sleeping In, digital art - Hvitserk

Long Live The King Edit - Alfred & Æthelred

Mythological Creature AU Edit for Of Sharp Teeth and Hunger

Mythological Creatures AU Edit: Ubbe | Hvitserk | Bjorn | Ivar | Sigurd

Berserker Ubbe digital art

Berserker Hvitserk digital art

Merman Hvitserk digital art

Merman Lothbrok boys digital art

Cari the Mermaid digital fanart for Captainkilly's fic homeland, heartland

The Mirror Pool digital fanart of Ubbe and Cari for Captainkilly's fic homeland, heartland 

Æthelred & Hvitserk - digital art for issadoragreen

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Some of my works are also on AO3! 💕

[internalsealpanic]

Love Through the Ages (Jason Todd)

Summary:  Love like baggage needs to be declared.

a/n: This is part three of a series that is a fic rec list disguised as a fic. For these fics, most of the characters will be speaking different languages, so unless specified otherwise assume that the characters are speaking in the first language I mention. They’re all vampires with centuries under their belt. Why wouldn’t I make them all polyglots.  Also, thank you to the proof reading gang for putting up with my shenanigans.  I will have links to the fics I recommend in the fic itself. ALSO, y'all can thank @littleredwing89 for the poem that comes up.

Warnings: Everyone is dramatic.

Masterlist

Series Masterlist.

You tap at your phone screen, planting seeds in a satisfyingly hypnotic rhythm, the sounds of the train vacillating in and out of your periphery. It was soothing having your own compartment, a little world you can isolate yourself in while you anxiously await for the inevitable. 

It wasn’t a secret that you found Gotham stressful. It was about as much a secret as Tony Stark’s civilian identity. You pulled your knees up to your chest at the thought. Big cities were stressful but Gotham was a different beast entirely. It was a writhing monster of steel and smoke. You wrinkle your nose deciding to sweep the thought away. 

Instead, you concentrate on your plants and your farm. You wince looking at your journal. It looks like you’d forgotten another quest. Pursing your lips, you decide to turn your phone off for a bit and pretend the NPCs can sort it out on their own as you look out the window. 

You lean against the wall, pressing your cheek to the cool window. You can’t help but smile to yourself thinking of a sea of black curly hair interrupted by a shock of white, sea green eye perpetually alight with mischief or intelligence (9 times out of 10, you really couldn’t tell which it was.), freckles like star map, and a mouth permanently set in a cocky grin. It’s hard not to smile like an idiot when thinking of Jason Todd.  

   Your skirt flutters in the wind as you dance your way through the crowd, bobbing up and down on your tiptoes over the sea of humans. Sometimes the smell of them still makes your mouth water but not now, not when the smell of Gotham is so pungent in the air. 

You see a gloved hand wave at you on the other side of the crowd. You pin your sunhat against your head as you rush through the crowd, your luggage dragging behind you.

Jason waves a two fingered salute at  you in front of a motorcycle, his foot clearly stomping a cigarette. You toss your hat to him. It flutters over the crowd. Jason catches it easily, putting it on his own head. 

"Hey Princess, welcome back." Jason greets, the syllables of your native French gliding off of his tongue so easily. Fighting down a blush, you swallow your own greeting. Jason would have been a great ambassador in a different life were he not inclined to murder someone with a desert spoon for being a jackass.

He offers his hat back to you, but you shake your head. "You might freckle too much in Gotham's sunny weather." He gives you a hearty chuckle keeping the hat on. 

"Missed you too, princess."

You roll your eyes. Pinching your nose, you look around. "You forgot to tell me to bring a gas mask."

"Every city smells like this."

"Darling, you've been in Gotham for too long."

"And you've been in your French villa for too long." Jason says, putting his sunglasses on you. You glare at him through them.

"First of all, it's a cottage."

Jason snorts, "As if that makes a difference. It's still in the idyllic French countryside, isn't it?"

"I-" 

"I rest my case."

You cross your arms. "You're welcome to visit, you know?" It was a hopeful suggestion at best. 

"We both know the quiet will drive me crazy."

"I said visit," you say, "besides, I think the train ride alone would drive you up the wall." You remember how Jason is with tight spaces.

"Not with you there." Jason winks.

Your heart presses a bruise into your throat and you hate Jason Peter Todd all over again. 

"Ah yes, you plan on driving me mad. Evil. Truly evil of you." You say, grinning back at him. 

"Here's a wild idea, how bout we just not listen to Roy? How does that sound?" Jason gently suggests, handing you your offensively pink cup of caffeinated goop. Jason can smell the sickening amount of sweeteners added. He might gag. 

"Nope," you say, smiling at him as you slurp your ooze. Jason's stomach rolls. Alfred would have an aneurysm. "He was even nice enough to get us both tickets." You hand him one, fingers brushing against his. They felt calloused as they always did. Jason suppresses any oncoming reaction.

He instead turns his attention to the ticket in his hands. Love Through the Ages: Gotham Museum Exhibition on expressions of love. Jason runs through the numbers. "These are $59 each."

"So sweet of him, isn't it?" You chirp adorably.

Jason makes a mental note to kill both of you. "You're only going along with this cus you want to watch me suffer." Jason says, slumping his chair. His foot kicks out to tap your foot. 

"I'm doing it affectionately," you say, tapping his foot with yours. "Besides, it's a universal pass time at this point." You swirl your drink and grin at him. It was your real grin, all bright and eager and stupidly sweet. Something in Jason's chest twists. It's always hard to breathe when you smile at him but really Jason would rather all the oxygen in the atmosphere be burned up than see your smile disappear. 

He sounds dramatic and he knows that but still he knows it's true.

"C'mon Jay, it'll be fun."

Shoulders slouched, Jason smiles at you indulgently. "Fun for who?"

"Mainly me but you can have fun too."

"You are so lucky you're adorable when you're being evil."

Your smile brightens and with a tap of his foot against yours, he thinks he'll survive whatever Roy has in store for him.

You and Jason have been walking around the museum for quite a bit with Jason's arm wrapped tightly around your shoulders and homicide radiating off of him every time someone even looks at you funny. He'd said that the arm slung around your shoulder was so that you wouldn't get lost. As for the homicide,  he elected to ignore the question entirely. 

You flush as Jason quotes another line from 'Master Valentine' back to you. You definitely regret letting him house sit. You regret even more not hiding your books. You squirm as Jason whispers the quote in your ear in a husky drawl. The erotica in the book is amazing and you're normally comfortable with talking to Jason about everything, but this- this was just cruel and unusual punishment. It's what you get for trying to make him suffer.

All the pet names he murmured in your ear crawled up your spine. You shove his face away hiding your own in your sleeve. He laughs into your hand enjoying your sudden bout of shyness.

Jason mumbles a half-hearted apology into your hand, pressing a soft kiss into your palm. You lower your head. You're still clearly avoiding his gaze but you let him press you to his side. Jason Todd is an asshole.

You point to a pair of ice skates so well worn and well loved that you almost miss the little penguins stitched on the side. "Love on the ice? That's so cute!"

Jason glances at them with mild interest. "Sounds like hypothermia." He says, shrugging. 

Swatting at his chest, you pout at him. He rolls his eyes nudging your shoulder with his. You scowl at him and stick your tongue out. Jason leans down, unable to stop the urge to press a kiss to your brow. You scowl even harder. 

"Admit it, doll. The whole exhibition is just Dickie's favorite fanfiction tropes."

"Professor Todd, be a dear and enlighten my troglodyte ass."

He snorts, "Princess, if I was a professor we both know I'd have the highest attendance rate."

"And the highest failure rate." You say cocking a brow. 

"Probably."

"You're terribly humble today."

"I just know I look good."

No, you don't, you think. You shake your head. "That explains the leather jacket."

"You love my leather jacket."

"Well, Biscuit certainly loved your previous one."

Jason wrinkled his nose thinking of the yellow disaster. "That dog was a menace."

"She is the sweetest creature on earth."

"She destroyed my jacket and ate my wallet AND phone."

"I never said she was smart... wait, we're getting off topic."

Jason narrows his eyes at you then points to a crown. It was an intricate lattice of silvers and golds with diamonds that glittered like starlight. "Royal AU," he says simply, "go on read the description."

"A prince and a princess from rival nations are bound by a marriage of convenience. Through a series of missteps. They fell for each other.... that one was pretty easy. Do it again."

He points to a blue feather. "Mythology AU."

You arch a brow at him. He waves at it, urging you to read. "A god descended to earth to be with his mortal lover only for him to lose his memories of her." The feather's glow is incandescent. You can feel the power radiating off of it, a sure sign of divinity.

Once, you would have brushed it off as mere story. You've spent more than twice your lifetime now dipped into the world of myths. You glance at Jason.  Simple divinity no longer fazes you.

"See?"

"I- Nope."

"You're just being stubborn."

"Would you have been my friend if I wasn't?" Would you have saved me if I wasn't?

You think Jason hears your unspoken question when he frowns. Instead, he turns on his heel to face the other direction. He points to a bouquet of wilted roses tied together by a green ribbon. They still smell of blood and something you couldn't identify.  Your eyes drift down curious. Your eyes trace over the words feeling your stomach tumble.

"Gruesome." Jason vocalizes inanely. He hooks his head on the crown of your head, neatly slotting your body under his. You're safe, surrounded by walls of muscle. The crease in your brow softens. You would think that Jason would be less protective after you'd turned but now that you were a vampire, he was somehow even more protective. Roy always joked you only got Biscuit and your other dogs as lap dogs because you already had Jason. He may not have been too off on his guess.

"This should be in a horror exhibit," you say leaning into Jason's chest, "kind of reminds me of you though." You tilt your head up grinning at him. 

"If you make a joke about me being jack the ripper again, I swear I'll-"

"-Bury me alive 6 feet under concrete with a recording of Roy singing Auld Lang Syne in a terrible British accent. Got it. What I meant was... you're just as protective as the man in the story." You say, smiling at him. 

For good reason, Jason thinks. 

Jason buries half of his face in your hair, hiding his answering smile. You smell like sugar and cinnamon. It's a familiar combination of smells that puts him at ease despite the atrocious amount of people in the museum.

You point to another artifact, afraid that you'd accidentally picked at an old wound. 

"Star-crossed lovers." He mumbles into your hair. 

"Bullshit!"

"Read it and weep, doll."

You read the plaque and the words 'meet' and 'different world' assault your eyes. You scowl at him. "Fuck you."

The grin on Jason's face is genuine. It makes something in your veins sing knowing how much fun he's having. 

Your face softens. "You really love this romance stuff, huh?"

Jason narrows his eyes at you.

"You were the one bawling your eyes out when we binged Spaces Between Us. Who the hell cries during erotica?"

"IT'S TRUE LOVE AND YOU KNOW IT IN YOUR SOUL," you protest, pounding your fist against his chest,"besides, you're the one who was crying nonstop when we watched the IDHY duology."

"I was crying because they were accurate book adaptations."

You blink at him confused. "There's a book?"

"Yes, you illiterate heathen."

"You sound like a conquistador."

“....”

"At least they got their happy ending." You say, changing the subject.  

"That's true."

"Still better than Titanic."

He furrows his brow at you. "What's wrong with the Titanic?"

"First of all," You pitch your shoulders like you're about to give him a lecture, "That was 3 hours of my life wasted on a shitty movie. It wasn't even that accurate."

"Princess, not everyone can survive the Arctic."

"And second, the most romantic scene in that romantic movie was the old couple staying together as they sank."

Jason laughs, a deep rumbling sound. It scrambles your brain, almost dissolving your annoyance until he opens his mouth again. "You sound like Damian."

"Jason Peter Todd, take that back." You screech, swiping at him. 

He jumps back, his laughter still echoing. "Stop sounding like the demon brat first."

You run after him, telegraphing your murderous intent. Jason walks away faster, sticking his tongue out at you. Your growl and claw at the air. You screech obscenities as Jason continues to evade you. He is having way too much fun with this. 

You chase Jason around the exhibition for a solid half hour before you come to a skittering halt.

Your eyes land on a vermillion book, leather bound and carefully crafted by skilled hands. You step closer to admire the swirling, arabesque patterns lining the leather. No title is embossed on the front.  It's thick. You would wager it was at least 400 pages.

Your eyes drift down even further, finding a  familiar scrawl. Below the book were photocopies of some of the pages. Pablo Neruda's 'If You Forget me', Beethoven's 'Immortal beloved', Ibn Hazm's 'My Heart', and a bunch of other poets you didn't know but recognized as ...

"Jason these are your favorites."

"What?" He says, walking over to you cautiously.

You look back down at the pages and your eyes catch on the one in the middle. From the numbering, it was the last.

Love is such a hard thing to define,

I don’t know if I could ever find,

The words to truly express the complexity of such an emotion.

It is an emotion felt in the heart,

Long before it makes sense to the mind,

illusive and uncertain until suddenly it just clicks.

Like so many things in this world,

we tend to know it when we see it in others,

even if we can’t be sure of it ourselves.

I think I’ve always known how much I love you,

When I look at you, 

I see everything I’ve ever wanted.

When I look at you,

I see nothing else but your perfect beauty.

Inside and out.

I'm not a poet, (Y/n), but I will tell you anyway I can how much I love you.

-Jason Peter Todd

Jason is a stone next to you.

His mouth is filled with sand as he looks at the far too familiar handwriting. He knew. He knew the moment he saw the red book what it was. Hell, the moment you told Jason it was Roy who told you to go to the museum, he knew what it was. God, why can't he just turn to ash. 

Jason can't make himself turn to you. He can't bear to see what ever disgusted expression you make. He just can't. 

He feels a tug on his sleeve. He doesn't move. He  feels another tug, this time harder. When he doesn't respond the second time, you lace your fingers in his and spin him around. 

You squish his cheeks in your hands. "Jason, you actual sap." You say. You look like you're glowing. You beam at him, all toothy and scrunched faced. Jason's lungs stop working again. His mind can't process what you're saying. All Jason knows is that something warm is crowding his chest, pushing everything else out.

"Wha?"

"Jason, you absolute dork!" You repeat, unfazed by his temporary bout of insanity.

Jason is blushing, looking like a strawberry with his freckles. Jason is more adorable than anyone has any right to be. But that's ok. That's perfectly ok cus he's yours.

In a moment of uncontained affection, you pull Jason to you, pressing a kiss against his lips. It's soft and earnest and exciting. It was a kiss Jason spent lifetimes dreaming about. It was you and completely you.

"Jay, they're beautiful." You say in a breathless laugh. 

Jason looked down at his feet. "I-" was never planning on giving it to you, he thinks. Because, why would you ever love someone like Jason? Especially, after what he'd done to you. 

As if reading his mind, you press your forehead against his. "I love you too, Jay, and you can't argue me out of it. Sorry bud, you're stuck with me."

Jason can't help the smile as it curls on his lips.

He's happy. He's so stupidly happy and he blames you.

"Plus, I already knew."

"Why didn't you say it first?" He asks, his fingers brushing against his tingling lips. 

"Cus," you say, pirouetting away from him, "you wouldn't believe me if I did."

"How-"

You put your hand up. "Trust me, Jay. I've tried before." You tilt your head back looking up at the sky light. The curtain of light fell on you like a spotlight highlighting everything ethereal about you. "Remember in Milan? When I told you I cared about you and you told me I didn't."

Jason remembered that. He was angrier back then. He snarled that to you like some wild animal and threatened to throw you out on your ass if you ever so much as spoke a word of that nonsense again. It was the first time he'd seen you look hurt. You face was wide open with shock.  Jason felt something in his chest tear at that look. He stormed off, leaving you in that room. 

When he came back, you offered him warm tea and a smile. You were quiet, inconsolably quiet.

It didn't…

He didn't…

It didn't occur to him that look in your eyes was heartbreak.

Jason curses under his breath.

You chortle at him, the mirth in your eyes incandescent.

"Yeah. Exactly." You say, clasping your hands behind your back. Jason would like to be buried six feet under with the only words carved into his gravestone 'I am so sorry (Y/n)'.

You snick seeing the look in his eyes. "Or that time in Paris. The one in the little patisserie when I told you in perfect Catalan that you meant more to me than anything else and do you remember what you told me?"

"I told you you were possessed." Jason's shoulders slump. "Please tell me you don't have a third example."

You smile at him pityingly. "I don't-"

"OH THANK FU-"

"I have 50. Well, 51 but the last one didn't count since I was joking that time."

In Jason's mind, his jaw hits the obsidian floor with an audible 'plop'. It would be loud enough that the entire museum would hear it were it real. He blinks at you. "You tried more than 10 times?"

"I was encouraged." You say shrugging.

"Of course, you were," he grumbles and you laugh. Jason's heart skips a beat but he pushes past the feeling in favor of pleading with you. "Please don't list them."

"Oh, I'm not." You hum. 

Jason sighs with relief. 

"I'm gonna leave that to Roy."

"Son of a- He knows?"

You look over your shoulder. "Yeah. Who do you think I complain to?"

"Who else knows?" He asks, trailing behind you as you walk to .... Jason doesn't know at this point and he doubts you do too. 

"Oh just your family."

"I'm surprised they haven't given me shit about it."

"Oh I bullied them into not doing it."

"Impressive." He whistles and you preen. 

"Always," you say smugly. You begin to walk a bit faster, craning your neck. "Now, let's go find out if Dickie installed that bakery I asked for." 

"That's what you're after?" Jason laughs.

"It's a noble goal." You protest. 

"You don't even need to feed."

"I need to feed my inner sweets monster. She's very fussy and is demanding crepes specifically."

Jason smiles softly at you, amused that of all the human traits you could have retained after being turned was a sweet tooth.

"Sorry to tell you doll face, Dickie still hasn't done it."

You look aghast like he'd slapped you in the face with a large baguette. 

"What?!"

"He hasn't put in your suggestion from 10 years ago."

"Where am I supposed to get my fix?"

"Are we still talking about sweets or have you moved on to cocaine?"

"Dunno, have you tried snorting sugar?"

"No. Why- Have you?"

"...my lawyer advised against answering this question."

Jason cackles. "How am I the stupid one?"

"I-" Your scowl turns sickeningly sweet. "Yanno, the third time I tried was when-"

"OK. Stop." Jason's face lights up again. "I give." 

"Pfff." You smile, looking far too pleased with yourself.

Jason straightens up, something sly passing through his eyes. You stop. The look in his eyes makes you nervous. 

"I think I know where you can get something sweet."

You swallow nervously.

Jason leans in. He’s so close to you. You can feel his breath brush against your lips. Nothing else around you seems to exist at the moment. 

You lean in to kiss him but you freeze when you register his voice. 

“I’m taking you downtown. There’s a new bakery there and I heard the crepes were to die for.” He chuckles, turning to walk towards the exit. 

“What the hell?!” You call out falling into step with him. 

He grins down at you, arms folded behind his head. “Something wrong, princess?”

Heat rises in your cheeks and elbow him in the side. 

“I want to take you on a proper date and I sure as hell am not starting here.” He says, rubbing his side and conspicuously not looking at you.  There’s a dust of peach on his face. Your anger fades away. It gives way to a fluttering in your chest. 

“Where?”

He looks at you then, brow furrowed. 

“Why don’t I take you to the fair, princess? There’s plenty of sweet treats there that’ll tickle your fancy.”

Your mouth waters when you think about all the cotton candy they have. 

“I heard there’s a kissing booth too, so if you’re lucky,” Jason continues, winking at you. Predictably, you blanch at him. You knock your knuckles against his chest. Jason chuckles, rubbing his chest. “Sorry princess, I mean if I’m lucky enough to get a kiss from you.”

The temerity. 

The gall. 

“As long as you get me something sweet.” You huff, exiting the building. 

Jason stops on the steps, turning to you with a sly smile. Crossing your arms, you pause bracing for whatever trick is up his sleeve. Jason tilts his head. He says something but the little noises of the city make the words hard to discern. You lean closer to hear him better. Jason steps closer to close the distance, his lips warm against yours. You’re stunned. Your entire body divided on how to react, some parts stiffen while others turn to jelly. 

He pulls away, wolfish grin unwavering. "That sweet enough for you sweetheart?"

@batarella​, @anothertimdrakestan​, @lucy-roo​, @multifandomgirl-us​, @bungunz​, @birdy-bat-writes​,  @boosyboo9206​, @americasmarauders​ , @l-inkage​, @arestorationofbalance​ , @cloudie-skay​, @wunderstell​   @hyp-oh-critical​ @glorified-red​

[mrsalwayswrite]

Aes Sídhe (Finan x Reader) Part 1

This is my first time writing for The Last Kingdom fandom! I have adored the show since it came out but have always been too nervous to try and write for it. This idea came to mind though and would not leave me alone...so here it is.

Can be read as reader or OFC since there is no real description given. 

I want to thank @geekandbooknerd​ and @medievalfangirl​ for your own amazing Finan writings. I am slightly embarrassed how many times I have gone back and reread them.  

In regards to the title: from my understanding (granted I could be very wrong), an aes sídhe is an Irish term for a supernatural race in Irish and Scottish mythology, similar to fairies and elves.

Warnings: None

Words:2k

PART 2

Finan rose from his spot near the campfire. The sun had not yet set but Uhtred decided to make camp early. Not that Finan was complaining. They had been riding hard for days, heading back to Wintanceaster with news for King Alfred. 

 "Where are you off to?"

 Finan glanced over at Osferth, who was laying on his side across from the campfire. "I'm going to wash my hands."

 "You'll need to wash more than your hands to not smell like a pig sty." 

 "Oi! What was that, baby monk?" Finan tossed his blanket at the lad, the others around the fire smiling. "Do not lament my absence too much!" He started walking towards the nearby creek, away from their campsite. 

 "What would we miss? Life is quieter without you."

 "I HEARD THAT, SIHTRIC!" 

The sound of laughter followed the Irishman as he carefully made his way down the steep bank to the creek. Only a few paces of rocky sand separated the creek from the steep bank, which surrounded and kept the creek easily hidden. The last of the sunlight peeked through the trees all around. The forest was quiet, the only noises were the bubbling creek and the distant sound of those still around the campfire. 

 They had decided to camp above and some paces from the creek. It would have been impossible to maneuver the horses down the steep banks and being camped above allowed them to stand watch unencumbered. The only downfall was having to carry water up for the horses. Yet having watched Osferth douse himself when he tripped was worth it. The memory still made Finan chuckle. 

 Dropping down the last part of the steep bank, he moved to the edge of the creek. The small rocks and sand gave way under his boots. He splashed the cool water over his face and hands then took a moment to watch the droplets fall from his beard back into the creek. If the water had been deeper, he would have stripped down to fully cleanse himself. Alas, it was too shallow but even just cleaning what he could felt refreshing from the dust and sweat of the road.  

 With a sigh, he allowed the memories he venomously ignored to come forth. This place, the creek bed and the trees, the stillness and the sunlight...it reminded him of a favorite spot from his childhood. Where his brother and himself would sneak away to go looking for faerie mounds or kelpies, much to their mother's dismay. A lighter time. An easier time...before betrayal. 

 Harshly, he shoved the memories back and closed the lid on them. It did no good to think about them. He was here now. He was happy here. Uhtred was a brother he was bonded to and would readily give his life for. Sihtric and even Osferth were like younger brothers he looked out for. Clapa was a good friend. It was better he was here. 

 A soft plop in the water made him look up. He knew it was most likely an animal coming to drink or a rock sliding to cause the sound but long years of being a warrior and always on alert forced him to constantly be aware of his surroundings. 

 What he saw forcibly drew the breath from his lungs in a gasp. 

 A woman knelt on a large stone, several paces away and across the creek from him. With one hand dipped in the water making slow circles, she watched the ripples as if lost in thought. Her hair was draped over one shoulder, a yellow kingcup flower tucked behind her ear. With her face exposed, her ethereal beauty was on full display for him to bare witness to. There was nothing about her that would not cause the darkest envy in other women and the strongest lust in all men. She was beauty incarnate. A creature not of this world. 

 He was unable to remove his eyes, nor move or call out, spellbound to only her. 

 Suddenly she looked up and locked eyes with him. A noose around his neck would have had less of a binding hold on him. Her eyes both pierced and soothed his soul. Her very being a vision that summoned him as a man possessed. Yet he could not move nor break her enchantment. They stared at one another; eyes locked from across the creek. 

 Ever so slowly she stood up and it was only then he took into account what she was wearing. A thin, white shift covered her, but with the fading sunlight behind her, it was almost transparent. Her outline and curves caressed by the fabric, an enticement and illusion. Never had he witnessed a woman more perfect. 

 "Are...are you alright, my lady?" His words broke the spell, his tongue finally recalled how to function. But as soon as the words were released, he would have given anything to return them. 

 After one slow blink of those captivating eyes, she fled. Moving as silently and quickly as a shadow, she jumped off the rock and hurried away on the other side of the creek. Neither rocks nor sticks hindered her bare feet. 

 "Wait!" He cried out, stumbling over himself as he gave chase. He ran opposite of her, trying to keep her in his sights lest she vanish and he awaken from this dream. 

 She followed a bend in the creek, darting between two trees that stood sentry on the edge. Uncaring of his clothing, he darted across the creek, the water only reaching mid-calf.  When he crossed over and rounded the bend, desperate for a glimpse of her, only the tranquil sight of the forest and creek lay before him. His eyes scoured everywhere, trying to catch a glimpse of her. There were no footprints his trained eyes could see, no markings that anyone had passed by. He scratched the back of his neck as he turned around once again, hoping he had missed something. 

 Yet there was nothing. She had vanished. 

 With a reluctant sigh, he turned to head back to camp. He had been gone long enough the others would question him. A bright spot of color amongst the dull colors of the rocks caught his eye. Moving closer he found a small bush of the kingcup flowers. Gently he stroked one of the many flowers' petals, remembering how they looked in her hair. On a whim, he plucked three and walked back to the stone she had knelt on. 

 "For you, aes sídhe." He whispered laying them down reverently. The bright yellow stood out on the gray stone, like the sun shining through on a cloudy day. 

 Looking around him once more, he crossed the creek and headed back towards camp. The further he walked, the more he began to question what he saw. A pinch to the arm proved he was not dreaming. Could it have been some kind of vision? He doubted that. He was not holy enough nor had enough drink to induce one. 

 "There he is!"

 "Thought you had finally drown."

 Finan threw himself on the ground next to his pack, ignoring the teasing of Osferth and Sihtric. He rubbed a hand over his beard and stared at the sky as the first few stars appeared in the sky. He could not get the image of her out of his head. So beautiful and pure. 

 A tickling in his ear brought his attention back to the present. He swatted at his ear and looked over to discover Uhtred next to him, a long blade of grass in hand and hovering over his head. 

 "What is bothering you?"

 Finan sat up, his arms over his knees. "Aes sídhe."

 "What?"

 "Nothin'. Thought I had seen somethin' at the water."

 Uhtred's brows furrowed slightly, trying to decipher his friend's meaning. "Well while you think, you have first watch. We drew straws earlier and you lost." He slapped Finan on the back. 

 "Sihtric rigged it."

 "Lies!" Sihtric threw a clump of dirt at a chuckling Osferth. "It was Fate that chose."

 "Why are you always throwing stuff at me?" Osferth whined, wiping the dirt mark off his robes. 

 "You deserve it."

 Uhtred spoke. "It would seem we need to work on your reflexes."

 "Yes, lord." Osferth sighed, eyes downcast. 

 "Don't worry, baby monk, I know what will help. We will take turns throwing knives at you. Eventually you'll dodge them."

 Osferth groaned. 

 With a clap on Uhtred's shoulder, Finan got up to settle against a tree nearby that offered a better spot for watching the camp and its surroundings. In truth he did not mind being on first watch tonight. With memories of her, clinging to him like summer's heat, he knew sleep would elude him. He tried to push the thoughts of her aside but to no avail. In truth he doubted he would ever be able to forget her. 

 ***

 The next morning, a rough kick to his back woke him. He groaned, attempting to rub the sleep from his eyes as he sat up. 

 "I never thought you one for flowers, Finan." Sihtric said, walking to the other side of the camp. 

 "What?"

 Osferth piped up, head swiveling, looking from Finan to Sihtric. "Or perhaps it is from a special lady?"

 "What lady is around here besides the horses?" Sihtric snorted. 

 "Maybe it is a horse?"

 "What are ya fools talkin' about?" Finan eyed the smirks on the faces of those around him. His mind refused to fully abandon the land of dreams. There had been something... something on the edge of his consciousness but he could not recall it now. 

 "Behind you." Uhtred nodded towards Finan's pack. 

 Unsure, he looked to his pack on his other side…and froze. The kingcup flowers lay next to where his head had just been, but this time, a thin white strip of fabric bound the flowers together. Hesitantly he reached out and touched the flowers then fabric, in awe when he could feel their texture beneath his fingers.

 She was not a dream or vision. 

 Without warning he rose to his feet and scanned around him. He ignored the confused looks of his companions. Only on a second scan did he glimpse something. On further inspection, it was the slightest indent of footprints amongst the grasses. It was too small to be any of Uhtred's men. Plus, the blades were barely bent by whose feet stepped on them, they would have been easy to miss. 

 "Finan?"

 He realized he looked like a madman, first startled by flowers and searching for a sign around them. He stood up, arms crossed when he turned back. "Yes, lord?"

 "Something amiss?"

 He wondered if he should tell them. Their camp had been infiltrated and no one knew it. Yet as he opened his mouth, the words died on his tongue. 

 "No, I just...it must have been a dream."

 "If you say." The Dane-Slayer did not look like he fully believed his friend but would let it go this time. "We leave soon."

 Ignoring those around him, he knelt in front of his pack. Memories of her, still so sharp even after sleep, came forth unaided. He gently touched the white strip of cloth, reminiscent of her thin shift. Had she torn the strip from it?  Before the others could notice, he stuck the flowers in his pack and the cloth up his arm-guard.  

 He looked one last time towards the creek. "Go dtí go mbuailfimid le chéile arís, mo aes sídhe." (Until we meet again, my aes sídhe.)

 "WE RIDE!" Uhtred called then sent his horse into a canter, his men following him loyally. 

 Finan could not help one last glance over his shoulder. If he thought he caught a glimpse of a white shift and a form peeking out from between the trees, he could not prove it. He turned back to following the others. In his mind he prayed that this would not be the last time he saw her. 

[rexcoatlarchive]

Pseudo-servant Rex

I was playing around with the idea of Rex as a pseudo-servant and the various beings he could gain the powers of. I had many ideas so I decided to do potential ones for each of the 7 main classes. I'm not doing all in the same story because that's over kill. Might make it like a path type thing where the story diverges depending on which one.

Saber class- Ares, Greek God of War. The Greek manifestation of War, specifically the messed up bloodshed parts. It's even stated his name directly translates to Bane or Ruin so that's nice I guess

Lancer class- Odin, Norse God of War and wisdom. Another War God but Odin is far more about wisdom in battle and not just bloodshed.

Archer class- Jean Chastel, slayer of Lycans. Jean was the man who shot the silver bullet that put down the Beast of Gévaudan a werewolf like creature. The story might have been a hoax but the legend still stands.

Caster class- Dr. Alfred Nobel, famed inventor. Nobel was the inventor of dynamite and many other military and civilian explosives, which gained him the title the merchant of death. Eventually this morbid legacy led him to leave the majority of his wealth to create the Nobel prizes.

Assassin class- Nergal, Mesopotamian god of death. The other death god aside from Eereshkigal, it seems in fate he ruled before her and eventually she replaced him.

Rider class- Barnum Brown, mister bones. Barnum Brown was a famous paleontologist most well known for the discovery of the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex (my fave dino) among many others.

Berserker class- Cipactli, mesoamerican monstrosity. Before the earth existed in mesoamerican myth there was just a vast sea with one sole occupant, Cipatli. A giant monster that was a combination of crocodile fish and even frog. They were eventually slain by the 4 main gods at the time (Quetzalcoatl, Tezcalipoca, Huitzilopochtli, and Xipe Totec) and their flesh was turned into the earth. They still lived somewhat and demanded to be fed, which was one of the main reasons for the sacrifices.

And there ya have it. Tried to have a lot of variation and not repeat sources. The mythological ones can be more interesting I still think the historical ones are still pretty cool.

As a pseudo-servant Rex is still a master of his servants and is in full control, kind of like Waver/Zhuge Liang

Tagging @panyum again because mastersona fun

[fyeahwonderbat]

Keywords: Balance

Rating: T (Series); G (chapter) Word Count: 2,311 words Universe: DCEU, post-BvS (AU)

________________________________________________________________

The Flying Fox felt hollow as it cut through the air at sixty thousand feet. Soaring smoothly over the clouds, Bruce piloted his prized plane with the expertise that he’d honed for years, and the concentration of a man who reveled in being as antisocial as possible. He sped through the night so that he could meet the sunrise just as it rose over Gotham, with roughly four thousand nautical miles to traverse between New York and Moscow that warranted his undivided attention. There was still six hours of airtime and refused to vacate his pilot seat for a single second of the voyage. 

Especially when there was a fuming Diana somewhere on board.

Bruce could hear her infuriated shouts echoing in his head from the argument they’d had before the mission even began. She had been adamant that they didn’t need to visit the desolate village he had considered an international threat. He, being one of the only mortals whose stubbornness rivaled the Amazon’s, refused to see her point of view after learning that the radioactive hub on the outskirts of the town was the epicenter of his investigation into what he referred to as ‘hellions’. 

As a woman who claimed to have killed things from other worlds before, he had assumed she’d be thrilled to join him on this mission.

Instead, Wonder Woman scolded him about his lack of self-preservation and willingness to coordinate with the League properly.

The League that he had compelled her to help him form. 

“How much longer until we arrive?” Asked the very woman who was on his mind. Her voice drifted into his ear and cleared the fog that he was lost in, replacing his mindless thoughts with a swift reply.

He answered her over his shoulder without ever turning to face her, “Six hours, maybe less.”

“Hm.” Was her meager response, punctuating the sound of her dropping into the seat behind him, off to his right. Knowing that Diana was in the cockpit with him now and presumably intending to stay was more unnerving than he’d ever admit to.

Bruce gazed at the weather radar and allowed himself to become hypnotized. He needed to center himself if she was preparing to argue with him after the disappointing results of their trip. In his eyes, the information they gathered was monumental to his study of the hellions. But surely, because she wasn’t given the chance to punch something into the ground or act as a battering name in the name of justice, Wonder Woman would have more to say about her disapproval of the Batman’s methods.

She acted like the governess of not only the League, but of him as well, providing him with unwarranted checks and balances as the criteria for his style of operations. Coddling him at times when he was certain of the action he had to take. No one had ever serviced him while simultaneously challenging him the way that Diana did. Unwilling to be placed under her thumb any longer, Bruce stated a little too pridefully, “Alfred is looking over the information we gathered now and we’re working on locating their real base of operation.”

“That’s possible?” She questioned with a sleep-induced drawl. 

He immediately reined himself in, feeling like a bully for antagonizing her while she was trying to sleep. “We’ll send out a search for their signature. Since they move around while infected with so much radiation, it shouldn’t be difficult to--”

“Bruce,” she called to him.

“What?” The abrupt shift in conversation made his jaw snap closed very aggressively at the end of his retort. 

Unbothered by his ever present antagonism, Diana brushed passed his tone of voice in a way he nearly admired as she asked, “You’re going to need more than the accessories on your belt to defeat those hellions.” 

Now, it seemed as though she was antagonizing him. “They’re clearly monsters of some kind, with an origin in science or possibly mythology. The hellions I’ve seen have taken on an almost chimera-like appearance while looking as though they’re made from stone,” He stated the facts of their situation so that she couldn’t find a single word to dispute. Then, Bruce leaned into his irritation so that he’d motivate himself to turn on autopilot as he spun around and faced her to finish off his explanation. “I’m aware that they can’t be stopped by a tranquiliser or a taser.”

“Then what was your goal here?” inquired Diana. Her legs were tucked underneath her rather informally compared to the statuesque posture he had imagined her in while his eyes had been fixated on the sky. Prim and proper no matter the situation he was in, it was odd to witness Wonder Woman snuggling into her seat at the Flying Fox like she was at a slumber party. The pale white lights that lit up the cockpit managed to highlight the pale complexion on her face and though he couldn’t understand why she looked so worn, Bruce knew she still had some fight in her based on her question.

Confidently, he bit back, “I told you - we needed to determine if this was the place they were originating from.”

Diana sighed, “Did you expect them to originate from a hive mind? Did you think it’d really be so simple?”

“No.” Bruce growled.

“Then what?” her tone grew harsher as she sat up in her seat. “If your technology is so great, why did you and I risk our lives by coming here? We were in Russia for almost two days and all we did was spectate their behaviours at one of their nests and evacuate a village when they started turning on each other and ripping themselves to shreds.”

Bruce thought he was hilarious when he answered her with a great deal of attitude, “I’m sure those villagers said thank you in Russian.”

The fire in her eyes sparked instantaneously and her feet slammed onto the floor with a heavy thud. Furious, unimpressed, Diana scolded him just like he expected her to. “We should have told Barry where we were going, or asked Arthur to join us. We are sitting on this plane right now due to luck and nothing else. Not your skills, or mine! We are lucky they never paid any attention to us or who knows what would have happened.”

“We didn’t need reinforcements if we were only observing their behaviour and studying their base.” Bruce pointed out.

“Victor would have been better suited than either of us!” Diana argued, the volume of her voice rising.

Behaving in a reactionary fashion caused his voice to grow louder as well. “If you don’t like the calls I’m making, then you can decline my invitations for these missions. I’m not twisting your arm to make you come with me, Diana.”

“You’re absolutely maddening!” Now, while shouting at the top of her lungs, she had risen to her feet and glared at him with a ferocity that told him she was prepared to beat the argument out of him. “These creatures we saw rip each other apart without much provocation and you cannot see how unjustified you were to come here without anything but your pride to guide you? Your kevlar suit would only make it more of an exciting challenge for them to do the same to you, had they caught you snooping around their base!”

Though she wasn’t incorrect, his mortality wasn’t what their clash was centered around. Bruce stayed absolutely still when he sought her conclusion, “What’s your point?”

“My point,” she contended, “is that you may be scared of what these hellions are capable of, but throwing yourself at them is not the solution. If there is a plan of action that needs to be made, it must be considered by the entire team.”

“Not everything we do is a League-related matter.” He rebuked her perspective entirely.

Diana was not having it, however. So exhausted with him and his point of view, she looked him dead in the eye and dared him to explain, “Then why did you extend an invitation to me?”

That, he could not address so easily. While concocting his plan for the mission to Russia, it seemed only logical that he bring a metahuman with him in case things did in fact take a turn for the worse. For someone who had such a difficult time relying on the people in his own city, inviting Wonder Woman was the easiest pill to swallow when compared to the other options he had before him. Not only that, but the trust he had in Diana was incomparable to the lukewarm relationship he had with Arthur, or the distance he kept from the skittish Barry unless his presence was absolutely necessary.

Diana also didn’t know that Victor was on standby for Alfred’s call back in Gotham already.

He watched her turn her back on him and return to her seat when he didn’t maintain the speed at which their conversation was flying. He took the chance to observe the way her shoulders had fallen and the way her long black hair outlined her hunched over posture. Something about this entire scenario had stolen away a great deal of her energy for reasons he couldn’t understand. Nevertheless, he knew that arguing with him tended to wear out even the best of people.

Like her.

Bruce decided to throw off his cowl and run a gloved hand over his face in an act of frustration. He knew he needed to answer her, however, it took much longer than he expected to find the words he needed to justify his decision-making process. Finally, just as she tucked those long legs of hers underneath herself once again, he blurted out, “Because no one is as desperate to keep me alive the way you do.” 

It was a sarcastic remark. Despite how the entire temperature of the cockpit had cooled, Bruce had genuinely intended to rile her up even more so with his insensitive words. After all, they weren’t off the mark. Whether she tried to reprimand him before taking off to Russia or she was forced to carry him out of the village in one arm and a panicked Siberian Husky in the other, he could always rely on her should he need it.

Should he.

To his surprise, Diana laughed at his childish teasing. It was only a couple of giggles, but he managed to make her smile. When she finished taking in a rather deep breath, she whispered, “I suppose that’s true. So you’re admitting I was roped into your chaos due to my own sentimentality?”

Bruce was flabbergasted once again by her indirect accusation. He chose to check on the sky for any glimpse of the sunrise as a type of distraction that would have allowed him some time to think. This time, his attempt at humor was more friendly, in a surface level kind of way, “I’m sure you would have complained about me going alone, too, so it was more efficient to let you scold me on the trip there and back.” 

“Hm, I suppose that’s true. But remember one thing, Bruce,” He never heard her voice grow louder in his ear, however, he felt her hand when it landed on his shoulder the instant she said his name. The contact would have made him jump had he not been trained to rid himself of such primitive reactions to shocking moments such as this. Though his skin did indeed crawl beneath his kevlar suit when she finished her warning to him, “I can pilot this aircraft if need be, so you might want to be wary about how much you provoke me.”

“Again,” Bruce smirked up at her, his brows furrowed with a devious intention. “You’re only proving that I was right to bring you along.”

The wry smile she gave him in response lit up her face so completely, it truly felt like she was the yin to his yang when he thought about the meaning behind the type of grin he was showing her. Mockery versus honesty. Snide amusement compared to genuine delight. Whether they were at one another’s throats or in agreement, they always managed to play the roles of day and night - the perspective of optimism challenged by the darkness he seeped into every interaction. 

There was most definitely a delicate balance in their partnership.

If the familiar sounds of his dashboard blaring at him didn’t pull Bruce’s attention away from her in that moment, he had no idea how long they would have been gazing at one another. Tearing himself away from her, he spotted a handful of colors lighting up the right side of his weather radar, warning him of an upcoming storm. He flipped a switch inside of him and commanded her without hesitation, “Sit down, I have to deal with this.”

Diana didn’t answer him with words. He could only assume she obeyed him when she removed her hand from his shoulder and kept quiet. Presumably, she’d try to finally take that nap that their argument interrupted. Once he assumed she was out of his personal space, Bruce got to work and reclaimed control of the Flying Fox. He had flown through many storms in the past, to the point that his hands squeezed the sides of the yoke with mild excitement. 

Bruce wasn’t all too preoccupied with the thunderstorm that he was approaching, if the truth be told. He was more interested in the way that the sunlight that was grazing the darkness of the night that he was sailing through at sixty thousand feet. Considering the height he was at and distance they still had to travel, it wasn’t lost on him how ironic it was to see the daylight meet the night after the conversation they just had. 

[sam-loves-fnaf]

Hetalia The Canadian Demon Family 2

You know, when you hide something like this from other countries you try your best to keep it a secret, meaning that very little should know. Of course, his other North American brothers and sisters know, America especially knows, but, there’s someone who knows because of one situation, a mishap that happened yet the cold country was okay with him knowing. Sealand, a young micronation with a huge desire to be a country, it was an accident, but he couldn’t hide things from the little one, he finds the little boy to be a brother to him and vise verse to him.

-Flashback-

It was a slow but nice walk outside, the meeting had just ended, he was slowly making his way towards the woods as there was, a scary announcement. The little micronation known as Sealand has gone missing, Finland and the other Nordics are losing their minds, taking a glance at his brother the cold country started his walk to the woods, while walking he thought about the creatures, of course, they do go with the legends making them apart of the land, but they have to go. Many people die by these beasts that roam their land, hidden in the shadows and invisible to all, but those who're unfortunate to run into them. On his way Matthew had seen some missing children posters, though, it's very likely it is a person, you can't be too sure, and Matthew was dead set, it was something more.

Right now, if it is a native American creature, the best ones he can think of right now is an Ijiraq or Qalupalik, two different creatures, but they do the same thing. The Ijiraq is of the Inuit tribe, this monster goes around and takes children, abandoning them in the forest, letting them try and leave the forest themselves if they ask to leave, which could make the kids get even more lost than they already are. The Qalupalik is another thing of Inuit mythology, this one though kidnaps children who disobeyed their parents and keep them with her underwater forever, it is said that if you hear a distinctive humming sound, it means she's coming. The last one isn't of Inuit mythology or even in Canada, but of Shoshonean, this went with his brother, America, it’s called a Dzoavits. Why would Canada suspect this one as well when it's of the American tribe? Well, at times, his, America, and Mexico's tribe myths cross to each others countries, it doesn't happen a lot but the three can say that it can get annoying and hectic when they encounter a spirit that isn't even in their country, it can get hard like that.

It’s been a while know as he walks, as the time passes the Canadian slowly became more and more serious, as each empty cave he came across, getting to the point of getting in his “spirit animal” form or his “prince” form as Alfred calls it, making the male roll his eyes with a small smile. In this form he gains enhanced senses, he also has polar bear ears and tail, between the ears sat on his head is a crown, made of cool ice crystals, with his now animal instincts he can look for them quicker. 

After a while he found it, it didn’t take him long as you would think, one of those kids could be his little brother and he could be in danger, Canada loves kids, at times you can find him babysitting them from time to time or just watch him with the Provinces and Territories when they have a family’s night/day its loads of fun. Going in carefully and straining his ears to hear he finally came across slight whimpering, going to the sound he found the missing kids along with Sealand, “Peter” the Canadian whispered speed walking to the kids and kneeled “Matt!” the child nation ran and hugged him as he hugged back, he then opens his arms, letting the other children run in giving them all a protective hug reassuring them that he will get them out. Making their way out the cave the violet-eyed male stopped abruptly looking in front of him, it was like what he thought, the thing that makes him and his brother and sister get annoyed at, the Dzoavits, and it wasn’t just one of those ugly things there were two, thinking fast the male knew he had to what he has to, he was already compromised with the tail and ears. He’ll just tell Sealand later and make the kids think that this was all a dream.

Changing, to that of a polar bear, but he is a bit bigger and taller than that of a regular polar bear, only having the distinct features of his curl and eyes, noticing the surprised looks of the children and Sealand, he kept them hidden under him, if any attacks came then he will take them instead of the kids, this will give him the disadvantage of restricted movement, but a little magic won’t fix.

"Get out of this land you disgusting demon" he growled at the two as they screech and run at him, letting out his claws he clawed and even bit them not letting the demons anywhere near the now scared children. Clawing, biting and using magic here and there the once nation now polar bear growled, the three of them were hurt but he can tell he put a number on those two, looking down at the kids and then back at the monsters he whispered for the kids to cover their eyes and, if they can cover their ears. Once the children did that, with a roar the Canadian charged and tackled one of the monsters catch it by surprise making it screech before getting mauled down, once dead, the white with red bear looks at the other and slowly walked towards it, he could tell it was now scared as it started to back up, getting on his hind legs letting out a great roar he pounced on the demon with the intent to kill.

Looking around the now peaceful forest with the filth gone, walking through the forest with the kids on his back, stuck in his thoughts till he was snapped out of it by Sealand calling his name. Seeing as how he changed into a polar bear and used magic, he'll need some type of explanation, and he'll give it to him, but not right now, as its very dark. Back home holding Sealand, getting the other kids to the hospital it was a long day, he thought. "Matt?" He looked at Sealand knowing he what he was asking for, "I'll tell you once you take a bath and get something to eat and I get my wounds cleaned okay?" With a nod from him, he set out to do everything that he said; after dinner, getting cleaned and putting bandages on any wounds, also not forgetting to brush his teeth because he can still taste blood. Sitting on the couch he turned his explanation into some type of story for Sealand, smiling as Sealand talked about how cool he was making the Canadian pat his head, "it's getting late lets get you to bed" he said getting up taking Sealand with him, walking to the guest room he laid him down in the bed, and tucked the kid nation in, "tomorrow we'll get you back to the Nordics" he had to bring Sealand back if any more days go by and they still wouldn't find Sealand, Matthew was sure that they would start to storm other countries houses, Finland was losing his everything, he was scared and just wanted to find his child.

Morning and the male is seen in the kitchen making his famous fluffy pancakes, as he finishes he quickly goes up a few steps yelling that breakfast is ready, though he only got a little out before feeling a huge gust of wind passing by him, laughing and walking in the kitchen to see Sealand sitting at the table. While Sealand gets ready to leave Matthew sits and goes into a focus, zoning in on and finding where the Nordics are, Sealand came downstairs ready. Teleporting to the Nordics but stayed hidden within the trees.

"Here we are"

"Thank you, Matt!"

"No problem you're like a brother to me."

"Me too! Can I call you big brother?"

"Of course you can Sealand, also can you please keep this a secret?"

"Why?"

"Its best not to let more know, I mean most have suspicions but I guess it's more of how the countries will react."

"Oh okay...will I see you again?"

"Of course, you sneak in the meeting almost every time we have one."

With a smile and a hug goodbye, Sealand ran to Finland yelling for him calling him "Mom" making the Finnish man turn around so fast you would think he had gotten whiplash, running to his child, picking him up, and hugging him tightly. Smiling the Matthew turned and left disappearing as a flurry of snowflakes, not knowing that a certain Norwegian and Dutchman noticing him.

-End-

Blinking the arctic nation took noticed that he was in a meeting, he smiles a bit and starts to watch, everything was the same, everyone arguing and yelling at each other, he was pulled out of his thoughts once he felt something, more like someone pull his pants leg, looking under the desk he saw Sealand, he smiled and decided to humor the boy giving him candy which made the child very happy, he talked to Sealand while everyone else was just off their rocker, although some are calm.

----------------------------

Forgot to add Headcanons! Sorry!

Headcanon:As America, Canada, and Mexico are neighboring countries, it wouldn't be surprising to find at least a few of each other's mythical creatures in their land.

Headcanon:The monsters/creatures, I feel, would make wounds that would take longer to close and heal, not too long and not as bad as if another country did it.

Headcanon:Size changing polar bears!! Canada and Nanuq can change sizes, from a huge polar bear to a small cub!

Headcanon:Ice magic, this should be obvious

Headcanon:Matthew for babysitter!! He loves kids and children vice versa, Canada can give this...calm aura or something, its weird man.

Headcanon:Mexico! She's also in here don't worry, so yeah! I need to give her a spirit.

Headcanon:He's stronger than he looks, Matt can tank some hits and keep going, it hurts in the long run but this is for the kids and family then he'll gladly take a bullet...well, claws, for them.

[sublimegentlemanalpaca]

A Current list of Eldritchicians those developed and under developed.

I will list the Currently thought up Eldritchicians. This might be repetitive but ah well. Will have their name, what Eldritch topics they’re familiar with, any particular interesting bits about them like if they’re part of a Splinter group or what have you. Hope you find this interesting, and if you have any questions be they important or otherwise...please ask away! Please? Alyss Violet Eldridge: First Eldritchician. The Arch Overseer, Founder and leader of the FoE. Adopted daughter of Alvis Vadim Eldritch. Raised by Alvis and the rest of his Fellows. Has learned a little of everything from the each Eldritch Fellow (even Alastor) Skilled in the Rapier, Carnwennanian Dagger, excellent persuader and diplomat (when necessary). Always has a book on her person. Has an Awoken Shadow. Is Dark skinned with unnaturally white hair. Wears three Rings. Her Overseer and Arch Overseer Rings on her left (An Iron Ring set with Amethyst and a Silver Ring set with Lapis Lazuli), and a Ring gifted to her by the Eldritch Fellows which is visibly made of Orichalcum with a brilliant blood red stone of some sort (a very philosophical sort). Immediate superior to all Eldritchicians. Will occasionally not wear her Overseer Rings and go about business as a simple Eldritchician, usually teaming up with Tomomi and Charles Williams. Overseer Secundus Sinbad Al-Amin. A Cartographer and Blacksmith from Damascus. Knows how to make Damascus Steel. Has learned from Alvis(Wisdom) Albus(Ghosts and Sea Creatures) , Algimantas (Items and Objects and Allan (Demons and things considered Demons and such). Vice Chancellor of the Academy for Eldritchicians. An avid Cartographer of Strange and unusual Locales. A friend to Alvis. Wears two rings. One is his Overseer Ring, the other is a Agate Ring which to my knowledge is a custom of Muslim men. If this is incorrect, please correct me. Overseer Morgan Maddox. A Scottish (or Welsh? I’m not sure yet) Warrior. Friend of Alyss. Heads the Saint Alyss Academy for Eldritchicians. Skilled in Spear, and Carnwennanian Dagger. The Overseer who ...oversees the paperwork for the occasional necessary extermination and such? Monster hunting and the like. Learned under the Legendary Scàthach before meeting Alyss and the Eldritch Fellows. As an Eldritchician Studied under Alvis, Algimantas, Albus, and Alaire. Her Spear is made by Albus from The bone of a Sea Monster, Silver, Cold Iron, Meteoric Iron, And Orichalcum. Has a Prosthetic Arm of Magic Silver made by Algimantas. Wears her Overseer Ring on her left hand. Overseer Runa. A Norse Elf who along with her sister Huld followed Alvis around for a month or two certain that he was Odin. When the two realized Alvis was in fact not Odin they stuck around all the same. Runa joined the founding Eldritchicians while Huld helps in managing the Archives alongside Sophocles. Runa is basically the Bard (or Skald I suppose) of the Overseers. Has studied under Alvis, Algimantas, Albus, Alaire (for storytelling). Wears her Overseer Ring on his left hand. Overseer Cosmin The Solomonar: as the Title suggests, Cosmin is a (former?) Solomonar. A Wizard (?) From Romanian Folklore (Mythology?). Controls the Weather and rides a Dragon. Runs the Grey School, modeled after his own Education as a Solomonar at the Scholomance. Already knew a whole lot but has studied with Alvis, Algimantas, Albus, Alaire, and studied with Algernon even. Wears his Overseer Ring Overseer Archimedes: A Mothman. Tall black winged thing . Best friend to Alaire. In charge of the Fellows In Grey, a Splinter group in the Fellowship that deals with Cryptids, Aliens, and so on. Does not wear his Overseer Ring nor any of his pins. He leaves all the stuff which denotes him as an Eldritchician with Alaire. Alaire being the only Eldritch Fellow to actually kinda sorta join the FoE. Sophocles of Alexandria: Head Archivist for the Fellowship. He is not really an Overseer....he is imprisoned in the Archives for having tried stealing a book from Alvis...this did not end well for Sophocles place of Employment, The Library of Alexandria (books were sparred, rest was destroyed). Can not leave the Archives. Medusa: Former Priestess of Athena, Gorgon. Studied Alvis’ Wisdom, Algimantas’ stuff (who she hates), Alpheas, and with Albus. In a Trio with Ismene and Prioska. Studied shapeshifters and transformation with Alphaes (spelling?). In a relationship with Ismene. Her serpent locks are Golden. Ismene: Former Priestess of Athena. Also a Former Statue. Still has some Statue characteristics. Studied with Alvis, Algimantas, and Albus. In a relationship with Medusa. Prioska Lakatos: A Vampire from Hungary. Skilled in Clockwork. Has a Coat she stole from Albus. Calls Albus Alucard. Studied under Albus, Alvis, Algimantas, and Alaire. On a Trio with Ismene and Medusa. Also a part of Alyss’ Intelligentsia (keeping track of other secret Societies and Spy things). Loves teasing Quincey. Quincey Johnathan Jack Harker: Eldest son of Johnathan and Mina Harker. Vampire Hunter. Studied with Albus (Ghosts and stuff), Algimantas, Alvis. Duel wields Bowie Knives (one belonging to his Namesake, the other made of Adamant by Albus). Is Bi...not always the brightest...Can see Ghosts. On a Trio with Horatio and Runa. Might be in a relationship with Huld? Lucius Abraham Arthur Harker: Second Harker Son and Younger brother to Quincey. Is not an Eldritchician. He is a ghost though and is haunting his Brother (‘To keep an eye on my dummy of a Brother so he doesn’t get himself killed). Will regularly set up Hauntings so as to set up his brother with Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes and so on. Huld: Norse elf who followed Alvis for months thinking he was Odin with her sister Runa. Might be in a relationship with Quincey? Learned from Alaire, Albus, Algimantus, as well Alewar (Eldritch Horrors In a Extra Planetary Or Lovecraftian sense), and Alwin (Fae and Elves). In a relationship with Quincey? Leader of her Trio? Horatio aka ‘Doctor Faustus’: A Danish Man recognized for dressing in all black. Wields a Rapier. Known as Doctor Faustus since he’s studied Demons with Allan and he studied at Wittenberg. Studied with Alaire and has an Awoken Shadow. It is named but he always says it so quietly, only Horatio and Alaire know the name. Quincey has been able to catch that the name of Horatio’s Shadow starts with an H...followed by an A. Horatio has put all his Eldritch studies into Shadows, Demons and Ghosts. It is rumored he gave his Soul over to Allan V Eldritch. Wields a Carnwennanian Dagger Or a Bespoked Bodkin. Leaving his own Shadow...Lighter for lack of a better phrase . In a Trio with Quincey and Huld. Aeschylus Adams: A Werewolf Ranger, and one of Alyss’ Intelligentsia. Think of a mix of Aragorn and Halt O’Carrick. Excellent Thief and Pick pocket. Studied with Alaire (Cryptids, Shadows, and Folklore), Albus, and Algimantas. Studied Druid craft and stuff with Alfr. In a Trio with Midas Little and Murdann. Dr. Mercury Little: one of Four Little Brothers (three of whom are a part of the FoE), differentiated From his brothers by his Seemingly unnatural Silver hair. Studied Angels and Alchemy with Aldread, Albus, Alvis, and Alaire. Murdann Eldritch: A Finwife From Orkney. First Wife of Albus Viggo Eldritch. Joined after having been with Albus for some years. Knows what Albus has to teach, learned from Alvis, and Alfr. An exceptional Healer. Regularly has Weaving Contests with Ismene and Medusa. In a Trio with Dr Little and Aeschylus. Open relationship with Albus. Dr. Hermes Little: Same as Doctor Mercury Little. Only he has white Hair. Eldest of the Little ‘Brothers’. Studied all the same stuff. In a Trio with Charles Williams and Clarissa Williams. Charles Williams: Once an Editor now an Eldritchician. Tried repeatedly to join the FoE and finally managed it after trying forever. Studied Alchemy and Angels with Aldread, Magical Items with Algimantas (specifically Relics), Ghosts with Albus, and a bunch of others (Alvis, Alwin, and Algernon). The Left hand of the Arch Overseer. Go to diplomat between other Secret Societies. One of Alyss’ Intelligentsia( occasionally answers to the Codename Walsingham). Also, I should mention he’s an ESPer....Telepathy, Telekinesis, and Pyrokinesis for fun ;) . Clarissa Williams: Alternate Charles Williams. ESPER, Can see Ghosts Naturally. Intelligentsia member (Code Name Francis). Dr. Midas Little: same as the other Doctor Littles except that his hair is Golden. In a Trio with Tomomi and Dr. Leeds. Tomomi.: a Kitsune, friend to Alyss since she (Alyss) was young. Expert on Yokai and things. Studied with Alaire, Alvis, Albus, Algimantus and Alpheas (because shapeshifting). Just decided to be the guardian of Alvis’ Bookshop when they were in Japan one time. In a Trio with Dr. Midas Little and Dr. Leeds. when not going on solo missions for Alyss. A part of Alyss’ Intelligentsia (Code Name Dee, because she wasn’t fond of Kit Marlowe as a Codename). Doctor Mary Leeds: 12th Child of the Leeds family and the immediate Elder sibling and Caretaker to John Daniel Leeds...aka...the Jersey Devil. A Medicinal Doctor. Studied with Albus, Alvis, Algimantas, and Alaire. Stood up for her baby Brother when he killed one of the Night Crawlers working for Archimedes. She keeps track of Her Brother to make sure he doesn’t cause trouble (otherwise Archimedes and Alaire will need to deal with him). Learned medicine from the Black Doctor Ghost. One of the Fellows In Grey. Developed the spray they use to wipe memories and things. Mr Erland Ranswell: A Grey Alien in a Grey Suit. One of Archimedes’ Fellows In Grey. A Linguist and Cartographer. Has endeavored to learn the Whooping language of the Fresno Nightcrawlers Employed by Archimedes and Alaire. In a Trio ‘officially’ but not really with Dr. Livesey and Dr. Mercury Little. Dr. Yorick Roger Livesey: Once a Ship’s Surgeon now an animate Skeleton (rather than a Ghost like most who stay at Albus’ Lighthouses). Dressed in Piratey clothes and wears one of Albus’ old Coats when not doing Surgery or what have you. Has studied with Albus, Alaire, and Alvis. As well as Algernon. Can not speak and communicates In two ways. Either sign language or a horrible creaking noise that has an echo of bone saws. The first is interpreted by a Talking Raven Named Apollo Teach, the second by a Talking Snake Named Asclepius Hands. Asclepius’ Voice is supposed to serve as an auditory Balm after hearing Yorick Speak. Dr. Livesey gets along with Murdann and Prioska. He works closely with Albus ( being his First mate in a way?). Teaches medicine at Sinbad’s College for Eldritchicians. When out and about he will wear gloves and a mask to hide the whole...being a Skeleton thing. Dr. Mercury Little: Same as the other Little’s his hair is Silver and he looks younger than Hermes Little. Miss Calista Flatwood: Archimedes Second in command for running the Fellows In Grey. Is the Flatwoods Monster.... Mister Ray Green: A little green Alien. Astro Cartographer. Teleportation technology? I don’t know. Just thought to have a little green man. One of the Fellows In Grey. Let’s see am I forgetting anyone...ah right. Rosemary: A Fairy, once Royal Retainer to King Alberich (who is now Alwin) V Eldritch. Corrupter of Words. A Member of Alyss’ Intelligentsia, Rosemary keeps his eye on the the goings ons of The Fae Courts since his Master has had to abdicate. Is ultimately Loyal to Alwin, but works for Alyss under Alwin’s orders. The expert on Fae among the Eldritchicians. The Nightcrawler Corp: A bunch of Fresno Nightcrawlers that act as Scouts and Recon and things. They are Archimedes’ Eyes and ears for all the goings ons of Cryptids and whatever else they’re asked to look into. They answer to Archimedes only or those who relay things from Archimedes. They communicate in a series of Whoops and Kicking. Only Archimedes and Alaire are fluent in their language. The Hide Behind Network/ Erebus Hyde: A Hide Behind was stalking Alaire once...only to get caught by Aldjoy (Alaire’s living Shadow). Alaire befriended the Creature, and gave it the Name Erebus Hyde. The Hide Behind Network is all Hide Behinds being in a sort of Hive Mind (A Hide Mind?) they are many....They are not Shadows as Alaire originally thought. But they are something...something Old...perhaps only younger then the Eldritch Fellows themselves. Certain Eldritchicians (Dr. Leeds, Horatio, Overseer Morgan and others) know when a Hidebehind is behind them, and they will be sure to make people who they’re giving messages to know they’re there. They all answer to the name Erebus Hyde...all address Alaire as Friend, (and Address all the other Fellows by that title)...others they’ll address by their relation to Alaire. Okay..I think that’s everyone! And in Trios to! Be sure to ask any questions about any of these Fellows you might have. Stuff subject to change. Make of this what you will. Al, the Chronographing Cottager and Prince of Naming

[thedrowningtsarevna]

WIP: Winter’s Daughter

Title: Winter’s Daughter

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Mythopoeia

Word Count: 60,000 words (and growing)

Main Characters: Cait, Skadi, Vestr, Sigfred

Summary:

We start out in a land called Fjarlægur, set in the midst of an endless sea of ice. Fjarlægur is mostly uninhabited until the children of Rán (Rán is a sea goddess in nordic mythology) come to this land, pursued by something unknown and dreadful.

Their names are Vestr, Modir, Malmur, Nordur, and Eldheitur. They can take on the appearance of three forms; beast form, human form, and the form of the wind, which is their true form. They eventually split off from one another and become rulers over the five different regions of Fjarlægur.

All except Vestr. Malmur insists that he stay with her, saying that he is too young and inexperienced to rule over his own kingdom. This causes strife between them, and eventually something so terrible happens that Vestr gnaws Malmur’s right hand off, thus rendering her incapable of taking on her true form, the wind. Vestr flees, and becomes ruler of the realm in the West, Hafland. Embittered, Malmur declares war on her brother, and so all the siblings turn against one another, and are forced to choose sides.

This is when Malmur creates the mortal race. Their sole purpose is to destroy all creations of Vestr. The mortals think of the five winds as gods. Except for Vestr, who they call “The Betrayer” and it is considered blasphemous to worship him. Malmur disappears sometime during the course of mortal history, and she is thought of as little more than a distant and possibly nonexistent god. Still, the mortals continue to war against the Other-Folk.

Other-Folk: inhuman creatures, so elves, dwarves, fae, selkies, golems, etc.

Midland is the only region truly inhabited by mortals. They are surrounded on all sides by foreign realms and Other-Folk. Not only that, but they’re faced by a winter that never seems to end. Summer comes only once in many years. So the land is cold, harsh, and most die before they reach adulthood. (Yes I’m influenced by George Martin, though I created much of this world before I read his books)

Nordur, who is the north wind, is a solitary god, though he does rule over the Dvergr. (Dwarves) While Eldheitur, his sister, rules over the Alfr. (Elves) Nordur becomes lonely in his northern kingdom, so much so that he carves a girl from ice to keep him company. Her name is Skadi, and she is based off the huntress goddess from nordic mythology, originally the daughter of the giant Thiazi.

I plan for there to be many books in the Fjarlægur series, the first one being Winter’s Daughter, which predominately features Skadi and her adventures.

Skadi is captured by a vindictive king, then escapes, aided by a mysterious ally and the king’s son, Sigfred. Later, she meets Cait and Endre in the forest, and at first thinks them bandits. (Which isn’t far off) Together they go to southern Midland, and we get to know Cait, who is a hedgewitch’s daughter and yearns for her lost love who has been stolen away by the West Wind. (Vestr himself)

Eventually, Skadi agrees to aid Cait in rescuing her love from Vestr, and we have all sorts of interesting dynamics between Vestr, Skadi, and Cait when they reach Hafland.

Random facts:

• Skadi would appear androgynous were it not for her long black hair. For she has no curves nor shapliness to her figure. Her chest being flat as a slab of ice.

• Cait is a hedgewitch, though her magic has yet to manifest

• Vestr is very cruel, but he is also very beautiful.

• Fjarlægur is split into five regions: Midland, Summerland, Fryst, Hafland, and Skinandi. Hint: there may be a sixth region, but shh, we don’t know that yet

• The sibling dynamics between the five gods is absolutely delicious and possibly evil

• There will be romance, and it will involve Fairy kings with anger issues

• There is a Wild Hunt and this time, for the sake of originality, it will take place beneath the sea

• We have many fairytale and folktale references within this story, including The Handless Maiden and Tam-Lin.

• I’ve seriously considered Cait and Skadi being an item, and it’s one of the main things in the story I’m still struggling with deciding about. They have chemistry, but they’re also comrades and friends, and Skadi already has an attraction to a certain somebody...

Below is a Moodboard I made for Cait. (Her full name is Caitlín, but she absolutely despises it) I haven’t managed a Moodboard for Skadi because I’ve had difficulty finding an actress that really represents her, except maybe the swedish actress from The Girl King.

Please let me know if you’d like to be tagged in the excerpts I post from this WIP. For now I’m just tagging some writblrs I follow (Just let me know if you’d rather I not!)

@concerningwolves @siarven @kainablue @floralandrogyny @writings-of-a-narwhal @flowercrownwrites @esoteric-eclectic-eccentric @alessia-writes @writingmyassoff @writing-sky-scapes @inkspilledqueen @ofvisitorsthefairest @somuchtowrite @nyxnevin