#Moon Dragon Summer

[which-qsmp-egg-would]

Poll's Origin Story (kind of)

Stardust wanders. That's their whole thing. They are a spirit, or more accurately an... entity? Minor deity? It's a little complicated, but what is important is that they wander, and they wander wherever they want. One day, they ended up in just the right place at the right time.

That little egg that Stardust found ended up being Poll, Of course.

It's a little hard to glean how long Poll was in the Federation labs and why they were made. Like many of the other eggs, Poll doesn't talk about what happened (if they remember at all) and generally pretends like it never happened. As far as they could figure out though, Poll had gone through all the testing and was in storage until the right set of islanders arrived.

Having spent their entire life surrounded by Federation employees, Poll's dragon form was *very* different from what it is today, to say the least.

After spending a little while around Stardust, their form changed to the one we know and love! Although since their papa is a shapeshifter too, their form resembles the dragons their genetics are from instead of their papa.

[mumblelard]

frogs from a hidden pond and a bunny in the graveyard

in this last week i have seen a dozen blue-tailed skinks sunning on a wall, a softshell turtle laying eggs on the side of the lake, a great blue heron feeding screeching nestlings high up in the trees

written on a picture of the moon with the last ink from a dying pen, lit by the twelve hour glow stick saved years in my pack for an emergency, hung at sunset

[alexiethymia]

On Blooming Under a Cold Moon

I love the title, especially because aside from the reference to the fireworks, it references the main players in this side-story and calls forward to Soul Society where again it’s the same people who are entangled in this complicate web. Cold Moon sometimes gets translated to Wintry Moon and this is the volume where Hitsugaya first unleashes his bankai (which is some translations, include ‘cold moon’ as part of the title), but again there’s also how blooming evokes the image of flowers (Momo, Rangiku), and even how fireworks or hanabi in japanese literally refers to ‘fire flowers’ (as one post puts it). I do like the imagery of Rangiku and Momo in relation to Toshiro (blooming under his protection for example) because of this, BUT this title can also reference Aizen since Kyouka Suigetsu literally means “Mirror Flower, Water Moon”, and I don’t know if the nuance is the same, in that Aizen could also definitely be considered a cold moon, cold-blooded in this case instead of references to temperature.

This is one of those Momo>Hitsugaya things I love, in that Momo has probably consistently celebrated Hitsugaya’s birthday. That’s maybe over twenty years of birthday celebrations, not even counting when they were in Rukongai. Knowing that, there’s absolutely no way Hitsugaya doesn’t celebrate her birthday as well.

With the conversation with Rangiku, there are two interpretations for me. One, if even Rangiku didn’t know that it was Hitsugaya’s birthday on that day, then it’s possible that he never told anyone in the 10th about his birthday which is keeping in with his character, and his initial views about birthdays and celebrations (not wanting to make it a big deal etc., keeping things to himself). This makes sense considering what we do know of Toshiro but it does make me a bit sad if it means that he never got to celebrate with Isshin and Rangiku and the rest of the Squad before the former disappeared. The second interpretation is that Rangiku does know when his birthday is but just forgot it was that day already. (I lean more toward the second one.)

On the subject of birthdays, it makes me sad in relation to Rangiku and Gin, because it was Gin who asked when her birthday was! As if he wanted to celebrate it with her. In the same way Rangiku said her life had no meaning till she met Gin, Gin probably had no one to ask or no one he cared enough about to ask about their birthday until he met Rangiku. Which is a sucker-punch because Momo says they celebrated Rangiku’s birthday together which maybe implies that she celebrated it with the SWA or Momo and Toshiro, but not with Gin. And since her memory reverts back to when they were kids, it’s probably been a while since Rangiku and Gin spent their birthdays together.

And again I hate Aizen, and I hate that panel of him with Toshiro and Rangiku because it’s his words that reassure to them and reaffirm to them the importance of defining your own happiness (‘It doesn’t matter even if it isn’t the truth’ - the best lies have semblances of truth after all) which means this memory in relation to their birthdays will always have that taint. Remember, when I said he gaslit the academy trio (and Gin and Tousen), well he gaslit Toshiro and Rangiku too. (Seriously, f Aizen).

I love Toshiro’s monologue because it’s very him, the cynical and idealistic part of him both. He acknowledges that separations and endings are inevitable, but he still expresses the hope that we’ll continue to shine until that inevitable end.

The fact that this story is the opener for Volume 20, and paired with that poem is also great because it’s ambiguous enough that you can’t tell from which pov each statement is.

“Those who do not know what love is, liken it to beauty,” could definitely apply to Momo, but perhaps also Toshiro because of their youth and idealism. But the line, “Those who claim to know what love is, liken it to ugliness”, while I think is directly in reference to Aizen considering the events of this volume, I believe it actually pertains to Gin, and also Rangiku to an extent. See, this is why despite the gap between Soul Society and Deicide, no one was really surprised when Gin ‘betrayed’ Aizen for Rangiku. Kubo always likes to focus on the banter and the friendships and comedic moments, but when it comes to any deep and usually romantic connection he usually offscreens it, only planting subtle references. He’s said before that he doesn’t focus on romance, but perhaps also because too much focus lessens the gravity of these relationships. In a way, it’s also more intimate, because the deeper nuances and history is usually kept in view away from the readers such that it’s only for both parties of the relationship (besides hitsuhina, ginran, there’s also kaien and miyako).

[kaerinio]

Thinking about how ethereal Dany looks, particularly in the moonlight. The moonglow appearing as if it's being both absorbed by and reflected in her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes. The way the moon kisses her skin. The way the stars seem to dance in her eyes.

[whats-in-a-sentence]

Canticle of the Dragon

Hear the sage as his song descends

like heaven's rain or tears,

and washes the years, the dust of the many stories

from the High Tale of the Dragonlance.

For in ages deep, past memory and word,

in the first blush of the world

when the three moons rose from the lap of the forest,

dragons, terrible and great,

made war on this world of Krynn.

Yet out of the darkness of dragons,

out of our cries for light

in the blank face of the black moon soaring,

a banked light flared in Solamnia,

a knight of truth and of power

who called down the gods themselves

and forged the mighty Dragonlance, piercing the soul

of dragonkind, driving the shade of their wings

from the brightening shores of Krynn.

Thus Huma, Knight of Solamnia,

Lightbringer, First Lancer,

followed his light to the foot of the Khalkist Mountains,

to the stone feet of the gods,

to the crouched silence of their temple.

He called down the Lancemakers, he took on

their unspeakable power to crush the unspeakable evil,

to thrust the coiling darkness

back down the tunnel of the dragon's throat.

Paladine, the Great God of Good,

shone at the side of Huma,

strengthening the lance of his strong right arm,

and Huma, ablaze in a thousand moons,

banished the Queen of Darkness,

banished the swarm of her shrieking hosts

back to the senseless kingdom of death, where their curses

swooped upon nothing and nothing

deep below the brightening land.

Thus ended in thunder the Age of Dreams

and began the Age of Might,

When Istar, kingdom of light and truth, arose in the east,

where minarets of white and gold

spired to the sun and to the sun's glory,

announcing the passing of evil,

and Istar, who mothered and cradled the long summers of good,

shone like a meteor

in the white skies of the just.

Yet in the fullness of sunlight

the Kingpriest of Istar saw shadows:

At night he saw the trees as things with daggers, the streams

blackened and thickened under the silent moon.

He searched books for the paths of Huma,

for scrolls, signs, and spells

so that he, too, might summon the gods, might find

their aid in his holy aims,

might purge the world of sin.

Then came the time of dark and death

as the gods turned from the world.

A mountain of fire crashed like a comet through Istar,

the city split like a skull in the flames,

mountains burst from once-fertile valleys,

seas poured into the graves of mountains,

the deserts sighed on abandoned floors of the seas,

the highways of Krynn erupted

and became the paths of the dead.

Thus began the Age of Despair.

The roads were tangled.

The winds and the sandstorms dwelt in the husks of cities,

The plains and mountains became our home.

As the old gods lost their power,

we called to the blank sky

into the cold, dividing gray to the ears of new gods.

The sky is calm, silent, unmoving.

We have yet to hear their answer.

"DragonLance Chronicles: Dragons of Autumn Twilight" - Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

[morgandria]

Full Moon, July 2023

Between storms and smoke this summer, so far. The soft early greens of June have given way to harsh white sun and searing heat with frequent thunder. I have retreated to the shadows of our hobbit hole where it is dim and cool, but you can still hear the dragons rumbling as they pass.

[laughterfixs]

Heatwave

Howdy giggle sprites! Inspiration has hit me and I’ve been writing! Got a little something to share with you!  Summers getting hot in the pizzaplex and celestial jester bros gotta find a way to cool down their adoptive floof covered dragon momma!  Contains: Mentions of tickles (no actual t scenes this go round sorry lol), fluff, sweetness, familial love, helpful friends and some of my own original characters! Enjoy~

*******************************************************************************************   “...Thankfully, it seemed no one was harmed in the collapse and everyone managed to get out of the building safely. In other news, it seems we’re getting quite the heatwave this summer!”  “You’d be correct, Jane! High temperatures are coming in as we are quickly climbing into the low and mid 90s, the high today being 95 degrees, but what’s even worse is that humidity which will be bringing us a toasty feel of 101 degrees. I suggest staying indoors during peak hours or at the very least layer that sunscreen. Thunderstorms will come later in the week–” “Since when do you watch the news?” Sundrop asked as he carried an armful of toys back to their spot. Moondrop turned to his brother and gave a shrug before turning it off. “Just curious what was going on today. Humans are so depressing with their news though…” He stood and stretched his joints. The day was over thankfully and it was a long one too…they couldn’t even take the little ones outside. Nor could they even have a proper naptime. The air conditioning in the daycare was…not working to say the least. While it didn’t affect the animatronics much with their inner cooling systems, it was uncomfortably warm in that section of the plaza and all day the poor kids were cranky and miserable. The celestial jesters did their best but unfortunately there was only so much animatronics could do during a heatwave.  They spent most of the day braiding young girls' hair to help them stay cool, Sunny would spin his rays like a fan and let the kids feel the air blowing. Moon tried to keep them distracted with puppet shows and stories since trying naptime was a complete failure. The kids couldn’t stay asleep, being too uncomfortable with their bodies sticking to the matts.  Moon fixed his hat and straightened his bowtie as he turned his attention to his humming brother. “Done then?”  “Hmmmm….” Sun straightened out a little Freddy plush and gave a giggly hum of victory now that his OCD was satisfied. “Yup!!” “Good, let’s go see how mom’s doing. I haven’t even seen a whisker of her peeking out today..” Moon hooked his wire to his back and held an arm out to Sun. Once his counterpart was holding on tightly, they flew up into the air and to the rafters where their mother was usually hiding out. When they got there however, the sight before them worried them. Their draconic canine mother was panting heavily, ears flat out, wings lifted slightly above her as if trying to let air pass through them. Her fur was disheveled and falling off in a few places. In short…she was a mess. Sunny squeaked and rushed over to sit in front of her muzzle. “M-mom?! Mama!! Are you okay?!” Ana pulled in her black and pink spotted forked tongue, lifting her head weakly. “Oh hey boys…I’m fine it’s just…a little hot. Fur and heat don’t necessarily work well together…” Her eyes went wide for a moment and she immediately lifted a hind leg in order to try to scratch a spot behind her head. “Grr…and if that ain’t enough, I shed so much and my skin gets so dry and itchy in the summer!” She huffed, laying her head back down as the itch was relieved…for now. “It leaves yer momma a bit…well…cranky…” The boys frowned before looking at each other and nodding. Sun laid in front of her and spun his rays to blow air into her face. Moon climbed up on her back and activated his claws that normally went along with his security system. He then started to scratch around her shoulders and the back of her neck. “Look mom, I’m your biggest fan…!” Sunny tried to joke, with a weak smile. He knew his mother wasn’t really in the best of moods, but he wanted to help! It made his smile grow when Ana gave a small chuckle, her muscles relaxing underneath the scratching. “You’re much too good to me, babies.” She lifted her head to give her lil firefly a lick on the nose, getting a giggle from him in the process.  “We’re sorry it’s so hot mom…” Moon apologized despite knowing it wasn’t his or Sun’s fault. Ana shook her head. “You don’t control the weather, sugarstars. I’m used to dealing with my fur in the summer heat…I just need to find other ways to stay cool is all…” “How do you normally cool off?” Sun asked, his rays blowing back small strands of his momma’s hair and her whiskers. “I’d go for a swim…but unfortunately can’t do that much here without bringing too much attention to myself…and who knows how clean the nearest lake is if it’s so close to humanity…” The dragon shook her head. Her boys knew she wasn’t fond of humans…She had her reasons but, it wasn’t something she talked about often.  “Well…What about Monty Golf! There’s water in there!” Sun offered with a grin. Moon looked over his mothers head. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea Sunny...” His calmer half shot down gently. “Lot of people like to throw their trash in that water and then there’s the machinery that keeps things flowing in there.” “Oh…right…” “It’s alright boys…I’ll make do. Summer doesn’t last forever.” Sun sighed, dejected. Moon played with his mothers hair absentmindedly…it was so long…so was all her fur. He got an idea. “How about a haircut?” “What?” Both Ana and Sun asked, looking back at him. “I know some humans cut their hair in the summer to keep cool, we can do the same for mom!” Ana seemed a bit…uncertain at that notion. “I don’t know, Moonlight…I don’t even remember the last time I cut my hair…and I rather not end up looking like a poodle.” “Well…we could ask Regina, Chica and Roxanne? They know things about styling.” Moon offered.  “But they don’t know about mom, Moon…what if they panic? And-and she gets taken away!” Sun hugged Ana’s snout with a scared whimper, hating the mere thought of losing the only mother figure they’ve ever had. Ana licked and nuzzled her anxious pup to calm him down again. “I don’t think any of them would do that Sunny.” Moon assured, though deep down he was worried about their mother being taken away…humans didn’t react well to things like dragons, especially not a dragon dog. Ana sighed a bit. “Well…maybe introduce them slowly and gently. Get them prepared for what’s coming. I won’t lie, as fishy as I am about this I wouldn’t mind feeling a bit cooler this summer.” Moon gave a nod. “Sun, why don’t you go get the girls? Tell them to meet us in the employee showers.” He slid down off of his mothers back and looked up at her. “Are you able to transform mom?” Ana shook her head. Usually with her magic she was able to turn into a cat or a ferret to appear a little more inconspicuous around the Pizzaplex. Always being claimed as Sun and Moon’s emotional support animal. But magic took energy. “No…sorry honey. The heat has drained me.” Moon gave a sigh. “It’s okay…That’ll make it harder but…I know the security cameras’ blind spots. Just stay close and we’ll move as quickly and quietly as possible.” Their plan was set into action. Moon led Ana through backways to avoid cameras to the employee showers, where some of the human staff would freshen up should they so need to. With the plaza being closed, it was free and empty. Ana lowered her head walk through the just barely tall enough twisting hall into the showers and waited. Moon stood outside it, waiting for Sun to come back with the girls. He was nervous of course…His arms held to his body as he walked instead of his usual skipping. There was no telling how they would react… Regina Lioness smiled at the brothers, Roxanne Wolf had a hand on her hip, squinting at the boys. Chica however just seemed to sway to the music playing through the plex. “Hello Moon, sweetie.” Regina greeted. “Sun said you boys needed our help with something?” “Y-yes we just…need you three to keep an open mind?” Roxy raised a brow at her little brothers. “About?” “Yea what’s got you so scared?” Chica asked with slight worry to her tone. The boys looked at each other and nodded. “We uh…been keeping something from everyone but…she needs help now…” Sun gulped, tapping his two index fingers together. “...She?” The trio questioned. “Our mother…” Moon answered as he gestured to the bathroom. “Our…dragon mother…” ……..Roxy and Chica laughed, though Regina stayed quiet. “Pfft! C-cmahan you two, quit playing around! We’re not your daycare kids.” “Heehee! But if you really wanted to play pretend, all you had to do was ask!” “Ladies.” Regina stated firmly, showing all the command of a queen. She gave the boys a soft look. “This isn’t pretend clearly…Sun and Moon wouldn’t be so distraught if this was just a game.” “Come on, Regi! A dragon? There’s no such thing!” Roxanne huffed. She loved Sun and Moon, they were her little brothers after all. But she stayed out of their pretend games. “There’s more to the world than what you see at the end of your nose, dear.” The lioness stated. She looked toward the brothers and smiled before she made her way into the showers. Seeing Ana in there still caused Regina to stop and stare. Ana stared back. Sea Green eyes staring back at violet eyes. Ana shifted her eyes, the situation only got more awkward when Roxy and Chica entered. Ana pinned her ears as Chica let out a squawk. “BAKAWK!” “Holy shi-” “Language!” Sun reprimanded. “Uh..ladies…this is our mother. Ana.” Moon introduced awkwardly. More silence. Even Ana didn’t seem too sure what to say. “My…” Regina spoke finally. Her voice was laced with awe. “I’ve never in my days thought I’d see a dragon up close…or even outside a story book! You are quite beautiful, sweetie.” Ana blushed at that. She was never good at accepting compliments or praise. “Uhm…thank you…” “Your boys mentioned you needing help? It must be serious if they were so worried about showing you to us.” Ana looked at her pups and let out a sigh. “It’s not…that serious. I’ve just been too hot and my fur doesn’t help.” The lioness nodded, scanning the dragon's pelt. She noticed some fur just resting in clumps. Regina hummed. “Well it seems quite serious to me dear! After all, you could get a bad case of heat stroke or dehydration! And then no one but a vet would be able to help you. I highly doubt the three of you would want that.” Ana blinked, even Sun and Moon looked a bit surprised, clearly none of them thought of that… Regina turned around suddenly. “Girls, I need two pairs of scissors, one smaller than the other, a comb, a brush, and an electric razor!” “For what?” Roxy asked, squinting at the African lioness. “This dragon is in desperate need of a haircut. Come on, it wouldn’t be wise to waste time.” Sun and Moon breathed a sigh of relief, glad Regina was so willing to help and ready to take charge. They watched Regina shoo the two out of the room. She then took off a shower head and brought it as far as it could go. “Now dear, let’s dampen up this beautiful fur of yours.” She lowered her voice with a smirk. “I promise I won’t cut it too short…” Ana stared at her…and smiled. Something that shocked her boys, Ana never trusted easily. So to see her so much as smile at someone new was a good thing, if not a great thing! “Thank you.” Regina went to work. She sprayed Ana down with the hose, being as respectful of the dragon's boundaries as possible. She was a heavy mass by the time she was fully drenched. And the surprises kept coming, Ana let Regina scrub her fur and mane, which took care of the itching. Though Ana didn’t allow the lion to go near her belly…the boys knew their mother was ticklish and never let anyone she didn’t fully trust near her stomach. The fact Regina could touch her at all was enough. Ana was rinsed again. Roxy had brought a hair dryer and did what she could with it. Then the cutting began. First Regina began shaving fur along Ana’s body, shortening it up. Reluctantly, Ana let her shave around her stomach and did her best to stay still, focusing her energy into her breathing and flicking her ears around to avoid twitching. Her tail tip was shortened and her mane was trimmed up and cut to be much shorter, Chica even tied it up in a bun with a pretty little ribbon.  And by the time it was all said and done, Ana was a clean new dragon. The most fur she had was on her chest, a bit of poof for her boys to still cuddle up to. “How do you feel dear?” Ana looked over herself, doing a little spin and looking at her hair in the mirror. She hummed. “Lighter. Definitely cooler…I think I like this.” Sun bounced on his toes and clapped his hands, running up and hugging his momma. “You look so pretty!!” “Is it better?” Moon asked with a smile. Ana chuckled, hugging her Sunbun and leaning down to lick her Moonpie. “Much better…Thank you boys. And you girls too.” “Don’t mention it.” Roxy dismissed, carrying the supplies off. “Happy to help miss dragon~! Hope your summer is much cooler!” Regina gave a bow. “You three don’t be afraid to come to us now. I will certainly be more than glad to lend a paw.” Ana gave a nod and a smile. “Uh..about the amount of fur?” “The staff bots will clean it. They don’t question anything.” That relaxed the misfit family. Good. “You…won’t tell anyone?” Moon swallowed nervously. Regina smiled, drawing her fingers over her lips. “Your secret is safe with us dears. Have a good rest of your night.” Regina left then. Sun and Moon sighed, all the anxieties melting away. Ana licked both her boys. “Well…I’m not sure about you two, but I could use some sleep.” Sun squished his mom’s face with a bunny kiss while Moon hugged around her neck. They headed back to the daycare back the way they came to avoid cameras and to get some rest after the long hot day. Hopefully now the summer won't be as bad.

[bryqe]

yay

[redsnerdden]

This Week In The Nerd Fandom: June 11, 2024

We're making a comeback! This Week In The Nerd Fandom is finally here! #anime #videogames #SummerGameFest #SailorMoon #Comics #DCComics #Marvel #LoserRanger

It’s time to get back in the swing of things, and we’re starting it off with This Week In The Nerd Fandom. Several big announcements happened recently, whether it was Netflix confirming the two-part Sailor Moon Cosmos Films to be added to their service, or Marvel debuting a new Avengers Spin-off title, we’ll be looking at the newest Game announcements from this weekend as well! Also, Creator…

[susanhannifordcrowley]

Not Yet Halloween Paranormal-Scope

[magicgirlcamp-hc]

[k-star-holic]

Cha Tae-hyun mom Choi Soo-min confirmed to appear in Moon Kyung-eun'

Source: k-star-holic.blogspot.com

[sourcherryandsprinkles]

Jace and betrothed unable to wait until their wedding night to have sex??

Request: Jacaerys and his future wife fooling around because they are horny and scared they will die before getting married. I don’t want my boy to die without tasting the greatness of sex

How did this smut piece get to 2.2k words? 😳

Warnings: 18+, smut, masturbating, fingering, p + v, 

my taglists are here + you can send requests here at any time

—

‘’I’m scared, Jace,’’ you confessed as you stood by the banister of Dragonstone castle, watching as Vermax and Silverwing flew together over the bay. Hopefully Silverwing will lay eggs when you and Jacaerys have children. ‘’The war is getting closer to us. Soon, we’ll have to get on our dragons and battle against the enemy. We…we might die.’’

Death was inevitable during a war. Especially one with dragons, as Rhaenys once said. Team Black had already suffered a couple of losses — Lucerys, Rhaenys, Ser Erryk —, but more would come. 

‘’The thought of what’s coming is terrifying, but we can’t let ourself be paralyzed by the possibility of dying,’’ Jacaerys said, his hand securely on the handle of his sword. He had taken the habit from Daemon, whom he looked up to in certain aspects. 

You looked down at your bare hands on the top of the banister. ‘’I’m not scared of death, I’m scared of dying without ever calling you husband.’’ 

A few weeks before the petition of Driftmark, you and Jacaerys had announced your betrothal. Rhaenyra had a feast in celebration, proud and happy that her eldest son would marry without any politics involved. The wedding should have happened in the summer, but the King fell to his illness and from there unraveled a series of unfortunate events that postponed the wedding.  

‘’When the war ends and I sit on my throne, we’ll have a large celebration in the Red Keep,’’ the Queen had promised.

But you were tired of waiting. 

‘’Every night, as I lay in bed, I think of you and our life if there hadn’t been a war of succession. I would call you husband, my prince husband, and we would not be sleeping in separate beds across the castle. No one would be chaperoning us from afar and we would not get scolded for sharing ‘too long’ kisses.’’

Jacaerys put his hand over yours on the bannister, sharing the same feelings. He wanted to call you his wife and glare at whoever dared speaking wrong to you. He wanted to spend the evening alone in your shared chambers, eating cakes and talking about your day until one of you fell asleep first. He wanted…he wanted to take you to his bed and have a family with you. Not whilst the war was going. He could not deal with the stress of his pregnant wife going to battle on her dragon. 

A few days later, you were sitting in your settee, reading in your nightgown when you heard a light knock on the door. You raised your head from your book, and saw that a piece of parchment had been slipped beneath your door.  

Meet me when the moon is bright. Careful when you take the stairs, Ser Godric is keeping guard.

The message was not signed, but you recognized the handwriting. 

When you judged the moon was bright enough, you slipped a robe over your nightgown and quietly walked down the corridor to take the stairs to Jacaerys’ chambers. You listened carefully for any guards, not wishing to get caught sneaking to you betrothed’s chambers at the hour of the owl. It would make quite the scandal amongst the servants and the staff. 

You knocked delicately on the door and bit your lip as you waited, your stomach bubbling with excitement. Within a few seconds, the door opened and Jacaerys pulled you inside. 

The room was quite dark as the sun was asleep, only the fire of the hearth and a few candles on a table as sources of light. You noticed the small crumpled balls of parchment on the study, assumingly drafts of his message to you. It had to be not too suggestive, but also not too plain that you would not want to come.

‘’I didn't know if you were going to come,’’ Jacaerys said, his lips curved into a shy smile. 

He was wearing just a tunic and wool trousers. It felt strange to see him without his doublet and riding gear. His dark brown hair was messy and his cheeks flushed from what you could make from the light. He looked so different from the usual picture-perfect prince. 

‘’You asked to see me.’’ 

Jacaerys stepped closer. He raised his hand to stroke your cheek, then your hair, which he seemed taken by. ‘’I didn’t know your hair was so long. You always have them up in braids or pins,’’ he said, his tone soft with wonder.

A slight smile tugged at your lips. ‘’What is it that you wanted, Jace? I doubt you summoned me her to talk about my hair.’’ 

‘’I’ve been thinking. About us.’’ He paused for a moment, looking into your eyes. ‘’The Gods have been unfair to us. So let’s not wait for them to bless and unite us.’’

Your brows drew into a light frown. ‘’Jace, what do you—’’ you began, but he stepped closer, his forehead resting against yours. 

He stepped closer, the fire in the hearth reflecting in his eyes. ‘’Do you love me?’’ 

‘’With all my heart,’’ you replied without hesitation, your eyes filled with sincerity. 

‘’Let’s not wait, then. I…I don’t want to waste our time together waiting for this damn war to be over to take you to bed.’’ 

Jacaerys placed his hands on your hips and pulled you flush against him, his grip loose, giving you time to pull from his grasp if you wanted it. But you didn't. 

Instead, you looked up at him and kissed him, closing the remaining space between you. You kissed him like you've done many times before, only this time you didn't have to pull away every twenty seconds to check if a maester, guard or the Queen was around. You’ll never forget the embarrassment you felt that day…

Jacaerys whimpered as you pulled his bottom lip with your teeth, and pressed you against him, desire spreading through his veins, hot like dragonfire. With less layers between your bodies, you could feel the warmth of his chest through your nightgown, and his...little friend stiffening in his trousers.

‘’Someone is excited,’’ you murmured with a giggle as you broke the kiss to plant a trail of kisses down his neck instead. 

He let out a low moan, tightening his grip on your hips. ‘’I cannot control it when you’re around. Especially when you kiss me.’’ Jacaerys captured your lips into another kiss, and tingles caressed your spine and tickled your lower stomach. 

His hands grabbed and pulled at the material of your robe and nightgown, and you rolled your hips, igniting more of his dragonfire. Jacaerys moaned at the contact, louder than he intended. Your own cheeks turned red, realizing you were starting to reach an intimacy you had never breached before.

‘’I’m nervous,’’ you whispered, biting your lip as you thought of getting intimate. 

You placed your hands on Jacaerys’ chest, distracting yourself from your mind. His heart was beating fast, probably just as nervous. 

‘’We don't have to do anything if you don’t feel ready to.’’

You shushed him with a finger to his lips. ‘’I want to.’’ 

To prove yourself, you untied your robe and placed it on the back of the settee, right next to Jacaerys’ sword. The prince's breathing quickened, his dark eyes fixated on your fingers as you unlaced the ties of your nightgown, slowly unraveling the knot. You sucked in a breath as you pulled it down your shoulders, letting it slip down your body until it reached the floor.

Silence greeted your naked body, and you felt shy suddenly. You almost reached for your robe to cover yourself, but your betrothed sensed your uneasiness and stroked your cheek before taking off his tunic and trousers. He found it unfair for you to be naked while he was still clothed.

Once you were even, he guided you backwards towards his bed. The headboard had a large dragon engraved in the stone and seemed a little bigger than yours. The sheets were pale, and over top was a deep red blanket made of velvet to keep warm from the winds coming from the bay.

Jacaerys sat on the edge and, with an expression of fascination, he reached for your breasts. He made sure to be gentle, sliding his thumbs gently over your rapidly hardening nipples. ‘’By the Sevens, you’re beautiful,’’ he marveled, stars in his eyes. 

‘’I can say the same, my prince.’’ You pressed your palm over his chest, smooth and warm.

Jacaerys smiled, that one soft and genuine smile he reserved for you. ‘’I love you,’’ he said, his hands caressing your side in small, gentle circles. 

‘’I love you to— Aah,’’ you whimpered as his hand reached between your legs, stroking your slit clumsily. He didn't know what he was doing, and lacked finesse as he bumped against your clit at random moments, but it still felt amazing. 

He checked on you, wanting to please. ‘’Does that feel good?’’

‘’Yes.’’ 

His fingers were getting slippery from your arousal, making it easier to slide against your cunny. You’ve done it to yourself a few times, alone in your bed. 

‘’Can you put one inside?’’ 

Jacaerys’ fingers were a bit thicker than yours, and longer. 

He nodded. 

A breathy moan left your lips instantly, pleasure sparkling as your walls clenched around his middle finger. 

‘’Like that?’’ Jacaerys slid his finger out, then back in, repeating the motion as you grabbed his shoulder. 

‘’Yes. Again.’’ 

He listened to your needs, almost forgetting his own as his cock remained untouched against his stomach. It was engorged and painful. While one hand was busy pleasuring you, he wrapped his second around his cock and jerked himself. 

 You noticed and thought of helping him, but Jacaerys added a second finger and your knees almost gave out. The feeling was overwhelming, but you craved more. 

You pushed Jacaerys away, and clambered over his lap. His gaze met yours, equally filled with lust. With a nod from your lover, you reached down to grab his cock and lined it at your entrance, sinking down slowly, inch by inch. 

The intensity of the sensation had you gripping at each other, needing to anchor yourself to something. It was unpleasant at first, feeling a pressure and a stinging inside your intimate tunnel. You felt full in a way that was impossible to describe.

Feeling your fingers dig into his skin, Jacaerys kissed your shoulders and neck to sooth you, trying his hardest not to move by fear to blow too soon or hurt you. It was overwhelming for him too — the feeling of your tight walls squeezing him.

You rose up slightly, and then sank back on with tenderness. Jacaerys moaned deeply with you, his head dropping against your collarbone. He closed his eyes, his hands squeezing your hips as you moved up and down again, the pressure around his cock heavenly.  

Your bodies moved together in a rhythm, becoming one. 

When your legs fatigued, you let Jacaerys know and he moved you on the bed and laid you down on the rich velvet. He adjusted himself to the new position, his dark curls falling like curtains around his face as he thrusted into you with long deep strokes.

‘’Kiss me,’’ he demanded.

You complied, winding your arms around his neck and rocking your hips to meet his thrusts until you reached your high with a broken cry. 

Seconds later, Jacaerys pulled out and spilled onto your thighs, not wanting to deal with the consequences of having sex out of wedlock. 

The bed creaked as he collapsed beside you, breathing heavy. As if an invisible string was pulling you to him, you rolled on your side and clung to him, needing to be close after sex. You stayed that way for a long time, relaxing with your head on Jacaerys' bare chest. Your legs felt like jelly, still dizzy from the intense emotions and the overwhelming pleasure. 

You wished you could suspend time and stay there with him forever. But a soft yawn brought you back to reality.

‘’I must leave,’’ you said, feeling the tiredness catching you. It was difficult not to be lured to sleep when you were cuddling under the covers and Jacaerys’s hand was stroking your back gently.

His arms caged around you, protesting. ‘’Stay.’’ He nuzzled into your neck, his voice muffled. ‘’It’s a command from your prince.’’ 

His tone was unserious, but it still made you guilty and sad to leave him. 

‘’I do not wish to leave and sleep in my bed alone, but I must be found in my own chamber when the maids come in the morn.’’ 

Jacaerys sighed, rubbing his face into your hair. ‘’I know,’’ he said, his voice a mixture of resignation and frustration. 

Reluctantly, his arms slowly unwound from around you and you peeled yourself from him, releasing a small hiss when you sat up. The septa had warned you about the pain after breaking your maidenhead. It wasn’t unbearable, only sensitive when you moved. 

‘’I didn't hurt you, didn't I?’’ Jacaerys immediately asked, his eyes filled with concern as he checked on you.

You shook your head and smiled, washing his guilt away. ‘’No. You were perfect, Jace.’’ 

He knew it was untrue. No one was perfect the first time. 

You struggled dressing back into your nightgown and robe, having to fight with Jacaerys’ lips trying to kiss you and his arms pulling you against him. You gave him a last longing kiss before slipping out of his chambers, promising to see him to break fast. 

—

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[kaerinio]

smth smth . . . dany is very specifically the moon with all the dreams and wishes and watchfulness and wonder and brightness, but she is also the sun at dawn . . . its rays cracking over the land in shades of pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows. she is the delicious warmth of the dawn that shines upon your body, filling you with the hope of a new day and a path forward, ever-lighting your way. she is that moment when the moon and the sun kiss in the sky.

[targaryen-dynasty]

SERENITY.

Part 2

Dad!Aemond Targaryen x wife!niece!Reader

With Aemond’s arm around you, and his lips pressing against your temple, the fatigue you were feeling could wait for a little while, if it meant you got to indulge in those rare moments of serenity for just a little bit longer.

WARNINGS: Canon typical incest/Targcest, fluff, female Reader (no mentions of appearance besides color of her eyes), mentions of difficult pregnancy and birth, soft dad!Aemond

WORDS: 1.1 K

“Hae mērot gierūli. Se hāros bartossi.” As one we gather. And with three heads.

The voice was a distant rumble. It held a familiar edge to it, yet your tiredness made it difficult to make out where it came from. The calmness of it made you want to sink further into the silk sheets, the soft sigh leaving your lips indicating that you were close to falling asleep again – until it settled that you heard voices in your chambers. In the midst of the night.

Reaching to your side to check for the man you had married three summers ago, you couldn't feel his body right where he was supposed to sleep, the vacant spot already cold, which suggested he had been gone for quite some time by now.  

And if you had to guess, you’d say it was late into the Hour of the Owl already.

“Prūmȳsa sōvīli. Gevī dāerī.” We shall fly as we were destined. Beautifully, freely.

When your lilac eyes eventually opened, your marital chambers were only dimly illuminated, forcing them to adjust to the dark. Most candles had gone out, and not more than an ember glowed in the fireplace. The light of the moon, however, shone through the drapes hanging in front of the windows, highlighting their subtle movements in the gentle breeze, and the tall frame of your husband standing behind them. 

A deep sigh escaped your throat, one that gathered the attention of your occupied husband. You hadn’t even been aware that you had held your breath, and quickly placed a hand on your chest to stop yourself from making any more sounds, not wanting to wake your babe.

“Ēdrugon, ābrazȳrys,” he hummed, though his voice was slightly muffled. Sleep, wife. 

Leaning over the edge of the cot standing on your side of the bed, there were no distinct snoring sounds coming from the boy it belonged to, his little blanket missing as well. It merely was the reddish dragon egg sitting neatly in the corner, having yet to hatch. Your boy was nine moons old by now, and it became less and less likely it was going to hatch at all. 

You rose from the bed, quietly, and pulled a thin robe over your shoulders, tying a knot in the front. Sidling toward Aemond, you soon spotted the small head of your son resting on his shoulder with your husband’s lips pressed gently against the side of the boy’s face. A warmth spread through your body at the sight, your heart fluttering. 

“Emā naejot ēdrugon hae sȳrī,” you purred, cautious to not wake the sleeping babe in his arms. You have to sleep as well.

As you came up to him, you brushed your hand over Aemond’s back, resting at his waist, and craned your neck to meet his eye. His sapphire eye was gleaming in the soft light the moon casted upon you three, making him look as if he had been forged and created by the Seven. 

Your lips pressed to his shoulder, and only then did you notice that he was bare-chested, prompting you to raise your eyebrows. Aemond slightly turned and reciprocated the gesture, oblivious to your surprise, though his lips pressed to your temple with him taking a deep breath of your scent. 

He carefully shifted the hold on your son, supporting him with his right arm as he slid his other around your waist to pull you against him and meet your lips for a kiss that robbed you of your ability to breathe. 

“He was not able to find rest,” Aemond rasped, words fanning over your lips. “He sleeps most peacefully in our arms than in the cot, you know.”

You nodded, and allowed your fingers to ghost along the crown of his head, caressing the tuft of silver hair your son possessed. Your eyes crinkled at the corners, your heart swelling at the realization that you two had created the very being Aemond just cradled in his arms.

Turning your head toward the window overlooking King’s Landing, you were in awe that the rawness and vulnerability of the moment even made the filthiest of cities seem peaceful and quiet, yet the true sight to behold was and always would be the prince standing right next to you.

Despite the rift parting your House into two, Aemond had always been a dutiful husband, taking care of you and protecting you just like he had vowed to do on the day you wed in the traditions of the Faith. Duty. It had never been more than that to him. But with your pregnancy taking a woeful turn, and the much more miserable birth following, something in him had changed. 

His training with the sword could wait more often than not, if it meant for him to get the chance to bond with you, and, after the birth, your son. And knowing all too well that he prioritized full nights of sleep, moments like these made you even more aware of how much he had grown into his newfound responsibilities. 

For all that the people of court found the prince to be cold or even cruel at times, he was nothing if not incredibly gentle with you and your son. 

When you looked back at Aemond, you already found him staring at you with the striking lilac eye of his, an expression of deep affection written all over his features. The warm look in his eye made you feel weak in the knees, just like it always did. 

With a soft smile on his lips, his hand trailed from your waist to your stomach, gently rubbing over the small bump that slowly started to blossom. His touch was tender, loving even. 

“You deserve your rest more than ever with the child growing within you,” he noted, “return to bed and get some sleep, my love. I shall watch over him.”

You nodded as you watched Aemond’s head tilt forwards to look at the sleeping boy that was cradled in the crook of his arm. You were exhausted, but at the same time, a part of you wished to spend every moment you could with your little family.  

A cheeky smile grazed your lips. “But what if I want to stay?”

His brows raised slightly as he regarded you, tongue darting out to wet his lips. “I believe that we,” he nodded towards your son, “would not mind your company, provided you are not too tired.”

“Perhaps just for a few moments longer,” you replied softly to which he nodded in return.

With Aemond’s arm around you, and his lips pressing against your temple, the fatigue you were feeling could wait for a little while, if it meant you got to indulge in those rare moments of serenity for just a bit longer. 

[thaoworra]

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association recently released the poems that made it to the finalist stage for consideration for the 2024 Rhysling Awards for Short and Long Speculative Poems of the year. Congratulations to all of the nominees! This will be the 46th year these awards have been conferred!

Short Poems (50 finalists)

Attn: Prime Real Estate Opportunity!, Emily Ruth Verona, Under Her Eye: A Women in Horror Poetry Collection Volume II

The Beauty of Monsters, Angela Liu, Small Wonders 1

The Blight of Kezia, Patricia Gomes, HWA Poetry Showcase X

The Day We All Died, A Little, Lisa Timpf, Radon 5

Deadweight, Jack Cooper, Propel 7

Dear Mars, Susan L. Lin, The Sprawl Mag 1.2

Dispatches from the Dragon's Den, Mary Soon Lee, Star*Line 46.2

Dr. Jekyll, West Ambrose, Thin Veil Press December

First Eclipse: Chang-O and the Jade Hare, Emily Jiang, Uncanny 53

Five of Cups Considers Forgiveness, Ali Trotta, The Deadlands 31

Gods of the Garden, Steven Withrow, Spectral Realms 19

The Goth Girls' Gun Gang, Marisca Pichette, The Dread Machine 3.2

Guiding Star, Tim Jones, Remains to be Told: Dark Tales of Aotearoa, ed. Lee Murray (Clan Destine Press)

Hallucinations Gifted to Me by Heatstroke, Morgan L. Ventura, Banshee 15

hemiplegic migraine as willing human sacrifice, Ennis Rook Bashe, Eternal Haunted Summer Winter Solstice

Hi! I am your Cortical Update!, Mahaila Smith, Star*Line 46.3

How to Make the Animal Perfect?, Linda D. Addison, Weird Tales 100

I Dreamt They Cast a Trans Girl to Give Birth to the Demon, Jennessa Hester, HAD October

Invasive, Marcie Lynn Tentchoff, Polar Starlight 9

kan-da-ka, Nadaa Hussein, Apparition Lit 23

Language as a Form of Breath, Angel Leal, Apparition Lit October

The Lantern of September, Scott Couturier, Spectral Realms 19

Let Us Dream, Myna Chang, Small Wonders 3

The Magician's Foundling, Angel Leal, Heartlines Spec 2

The Man with the Stone Flute, Joshua St. Claire, Abyss & Apex 87

Mass-Market Affair, Casey Aimer, Star*Line 46.4

Mom's Surprise, Francis W. Alexander, Tales from the Moonlit Path June

A Murder of Crows, Alicia Hilton, Ice Queen 11

No One Now Remembers, Geoffrey Landis, Fantasy and Science Fiction Nov./Dec.

orion conquers the sky, Maria Zoccula, On Spec 33.2

Pines in the Wind, Karen Greenbaum-Maya, The Beautiful Leaves (Bamboo Dart Press)

The Poet Responds to an Invitation from the AI on the Moon, T.D. Walker, Radon Journal 5

A Prayer for the Surviving, Marisca Pichette, Haven Speculative 9

Pre-Nuptial, F. J. Bergmann, The Vampiricon (Mind's Eye Publications)

The Problem of Pain, Anna Cates, Eye on the Telescope 49

The Return of the Sauceress, F. J. Bergmann, The Flying Saucer Poetry Review February

Sea Change, David C. Kopaska-Merkel and Ann K. Schwader, Scifaikuest May

Seed of Power, Linda D. Addison, The Book of Witches ed. Jonathan Strahan (Harper Collins)

Sleeping Beauties, Carina Bissett, HWA Poetry Showcase X

Solar Punks, J. D. Harlock, The Dread Machine 3.1

Song of the Last Hour, Samuel A. Betiku, The Deadlands 22

Sphinx, Mary Soon Lee, Asimov's September/October

Storm Watchers (a drabbun), Terrie Leigh Relf, Space & Time

Sunflower Astronaut, Charlie Espinosa, Strange Horizons July

Three Hearts as One, G. O. Clark, Asimov's May/June

Troy, Carolyn Clink, Polar Starlight 12

Twenty-Fifth Wedding Anniversary, John Grey, Medusa's Kitchen September

Under World, Jacqueline West, Carmina Magazine September

Walking in the Starry World, John Philip Johnson, Orion's Belt May

Whispers in Ink, Angela Yuriko Smith, Whispers from Beyond (Crystal Lake Publishing)

Long Poems (25 finalists)

Archivist of a Lost World, Gerri Leen, Eccentric Orbits 4

As the witch burns, Marisca Pichette, Fantasy 87

Brigid the Poet, Adele Gardner, Eternal Haunted Summer Summer Solstice

Coding a Demi-griot (An Olivian Measure), Armoni “Monihymn” Boone, Fiyah 26

Cradling Fish, Laura Ma, Strange Horizons May

Dream Visions, Melissa Ridley Elmes, Eccentric Orbits 4

Eight Dwarfs on Planet X, Avra Margariti, Radon Journal 3

The Giants of Kandahar, Anna Cates, Abyss & Apex 88

How to Haunt a Northern Lake, Lora Gray, Uncanny 55

Impostor Syndrome, Robert Borski, Dreams and Nightmares 124

The Incessant Rain, Rhiannon Owens, Evermore 3

Interrogation About A Monster During Sleep Paralysis, Angela Liu, Strange Horizons November

Little Brown Changeling, Lauren Scharhag, Aphelion 283

A Mere Million Miles from Earth, John C. Mannone, Altered Reality April

Pilot, Akua Lezli Hope, Black Joy Unbound eds. Stephanie Andrea Allen & Lauren Cherelle (BLF Press)

Protocol, Jamie Simpher, Small Wonders 5

Sleep Dragon, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

Slow Dreaming, Herb Kauderer, The Book of Sleep (Written Image Press)

St. Sebastian Goes To Confession, West Ambrose, Mouthfeel 1

Value Measure, Joseph Halden and Rhonda Parrish, Dreams and Nightmares 125

A Weather of My Own Making, Nnadi Samuel, Silver Blade 56

Welcoming the New Girl, Beth Cato, Penumbric October

What You Find at the Center, Elizabeth R McClellan, Haven Spec Magazine 12

The Witch Makes Her To-Do List, Theodora Goss, Uncanny 50

The Year It Changed, David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Star*Line 46.4

Voting for the Rhysling Award begins July 1; a link to the ballot will be sent with the Rhysling Anthology, as well as with the July issue of Star*Line. More information on the Rhysling Award can be found here.