#Sarra Manning

[theforbiddentower]

"This is Paul," Dean said. "He wants to manage us."

And with those eight words everything changed. I didn't realise that something monumental had happened. You never recognise those big moments when they happen, its only afterwards when you look back and wonder at the weirdness that you realise. Right then, I sipped a Diet Coke that someone had thrust into my hand and nodded and smiled as Paul talked at me and Dean about how he was going to make us famous.

-Guitar Girl, Sarra Manning

[readyforbooks]

'Happy Christmas,' he replied, and his skin was cold against hers and, as ever, his scent reminded Margot of sea salt and fresh air, like a long, invigorating walk on a windy day.

—Sarra Manning, Rescue Me

Part of the he smelled like series

[mcudc616]

Spider-Man 2099 #1 (1992)

Writer(s): Peter David Penciler(s): Rick Leonardi Inker(s): Al Williamson Colorist(s): Steve Buccellato Letterer(s): Rick Parker

Editor(s):

Joey Cavalieri Sarra Mossoff

[ilreleonewikiart]

TDIOBCB challenge - day 20: drunk confession

Cregan Stark and Ilka Harclay (OCs)

I see this illustration as a fevered confession rather than a drunken one. I hadn't initially planned to draw this couple, as they are recent creations and their significant moment happens off-screen at the end of the story. However, I became attached to Cregan and his third wife, Ilka, whose backstory I found fun and interesting to develop. Given the heavy inbreeding in the story, I wanted to introduce a character who marries outside the family. 

Plus @kiraliaart beautiful portrait of Ilka inspired me to include them in this challenge last minute.

Lady Ilka Harclay is the only daughter of Lord Rickard Harclay and Lady Dalla Harclay, a woman of the Free Folk. She has three older brothers: Roger, Cley, and Robard. Unlike most women of the North, Ilka has pale blonde hair and light blue eyes, traits common in her mother's tribe. She eventually becomes the third and final wife of Cregan Stark. Near the end of TDIOBCB she rescues Cregan from a snowstorm that separates him from his men. With the help of her brothers, she brings him to her father's castle, where he is nursed back to health. Encouraged by her father, who sees this as an opportunity to elevate their family's status, Ilka takes care of Cregan with the intent of seducing him and convincing him to make her his lover. Cregan, immediately captivated by her beauty, begins to fall in love with her. Ilka, too, starts developing feelings for him, and one night, aided by wine and the heat of the moment, they share a kiss and something more. Being a man of honor, Cregan decides to marry her. A week later, he returns to Winterfell with Ilka by his side, and on the same day, he takes her as his wife. They go on to have five children together: three daughters (Lynara, Lysara, and Sarra) and two sons (Jonnel and Rickon). Although Ilka doesn't appear in the main storyline of TDIOBCB, her presence is felt in the aftermath.

[tragedycoded]

character profile tag!

@the-golden-comet how did you know I needed to repopulate my characters tags <3 Thank you for the tag!

I know everyone here knows him, but let's do this for the protagonist of Doom Metal Love Story anyway.

Name: Cole Francis Sullivan

Nickname: First Sergeant (his rank), variations on his rank ("Top" is pretty funny); Kentucky (Hofer); angel/dear-heart/whatever the current hyperfixation is (Royston)

Kind of Being: Human

Age: variable (born 1835; story takes place 1872-74)

Sex: Male

Appearance: Average height and sturdily built, wearing the field uniform and calf-length boots he only took off to change into his parade dress every evening, Hofer knew who he was looking at before he saw the man's face. (Prologue, Hofer POV)

Until Sullivan sat up, unfurling as he prepared to ride into battle again. Glowing with life, invigorated, half-mad with knowing what he wanted, finally. Ambitious in the way of warrior-kings of old, invulnerable and ageless, lamplight catching the gold and the silver in his brown hair, his red beard aflame. That bayonet scar on his shoulder marking him as human. That bullet scar on the back of his calf. Royston could adore the man and not put him up among idols. Why make him an angel, or a god, or a star. There were so many already, hundreds and thousands and countless of all. There was only one him. (February 1873, Royston POV)

Occupation: First Sergeant in the United States Army Cavalry Division; fort sheriff of Fort Sarras, Kansas

Family members: William (father, deceased); Aileen O'Hare (mother.) Only child.

Pets: Molly, a 12-year-old Morgan horse

Best friend: Major Erik Hofer, Surgeon of Fort Sarras, Kansas; Royston will annoy the shit out of me if I don't acknowledge that he is Sullivan's lover.

Describe his/her room: In the Golden Ending, he sleeps in a barrack with the rest of the NCOs. Based on photographs I've found, it would appear he does not have a roommate. He has a bed, a bureau, a nightstand to put a lamp on, and a peg over his bed for his weapons (rifle, revolver, saber.) This is a fucking hotel compared to the Bad Ending, where he's in a barrack with three other people (Quartermaster Sergeant Harrelson, Hofer, and possibly Sergeant Miller? or else it was the sergeant who dies in the bombardment the weekend before Royston Kool-Aid Mans into Fort Cano.)

Way of speaking: No indoor voice. Direct -> firm -> blunt if you're really not listening to him. Polite, until you give him a reason not to be. Hiding an accent.

Physical characteristics (posture, gestures, attitude): Always at attention. Observant. Ready to react. Always carrying at least two weapons; is a weapon.

Royston wants everyone to know he "fills out that damned uniform."

Items in his/her back pocket/ purse:

HERE I'LL SHOW YOU

(This guy's a private, don't even worry about it. He'd be carrying the same equipment and hey he has the same facial hair right on.)

Hobbies: Reading, playing chess, throwing darts.

Favorite sports: Bat-and-ball.

Abilities/Talents/Powers: Marksmanship mastery, horseback riding expertise, melee combat (saber specialization), leadership. Is the 10th Cavalry Regiment's filthy joke repository (he has a strong memory when it comes to dick jokes.)

He acquires additional, uh, "abilities" in Book 2 but that's a massive spoiler.

Relationships (how he/she is with other people): Preoccupied. Easy to lose touch with. Will go HAM on anything/anyone threatening someone he loves.

Fears: He just told me he doesn't much care for broccoli. When I asked him why he said the fact that it's shaped like a tree is disconcerting.

I understand.

Faults: He's stubborn. His refusal to follow orders that are counter to his own code of honor has cost him promotions. "HE ONLY EATS LIKE FIVE FOODS," Royston says.

Good points:

He may flinch, but he is brave.

He's a leader.

He's loyal (possibly to fault.)

He's physically and mentally strong.

"HIS ASS," Royston says. (Translation: He has a healthy sense of humor.)

What he/she wants more than anything else: To go to sleep at night knowing he did the best he could to protect his country and the people he loves; and, if is his time to die, for his death to not be in furtherance of an unjust cause.

Wait--

"Since he's wandered off and appears to no longer be listening... I want Arthur safe, and alive, and with me. Which I recognize is both a far more difficult condition to satisfy and antithetical to the previous answer."

HAPPY FRIDAY TAG LIST LET'S GO BAP BAP BAP

@lychhiker-writes @cowboybrunch @saturnine-saturneight @ashfordlabs @autism-purgatory

@noblebs @aintgonnatakethis @the-golden-comet @asablehart @mauvecatfic

@leahnardo-da-veggie @sableglass @gioiaalbanoart @words-after-midnight

@lavender-bloom @jev-urisk @wyked-ao3

[workersolidarity]

🇮🇱⚔️🇵🇸 🪖💥🚑 🚨

ISRAELI OCCUPATION FORCES SHOOT PALESTINIAN YOUTH IN HIS HEAD AS ISRAELI VIOLENCE ESCALATES IN THE WEST BANK

📹 A Palestinian youth is in critical condition on Sunday after the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) fired live bullets towards the youth, at least one of which hit the youth in the head.

According to the Quds News Network, the youth is in critical condition at a nearby hospital following being shot in his head by IOF soldiers during their raid of the town of Al-Mazra'a Al-Sharqiya, east of Ramallah, in the central occupied West Bank territories.

Similarly, another Palestinian man was shot and wounded as a result of bullets fired by Israeli occupation forces in the town of Hableh, south of Qalqilya, in the northwestern occupied West Bank.

According to local sources, a 29-year-old Palestinian man from the village of Sarra, west of Nablus, was shot in the hand and foot by IOF soldiers while present near the separation apartheid wall that runs through the village of Hableh.

The man was taken to Darwish Naval Government Hospital in the city of Qalqilya where he remains in stable condition at the time of publishing.

Since the events of October 7th, 2023, at least 464 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank territories by the Israeli occupation army, while another 4'800 others have been wounded over the previous 6-months.

#source1

#source2

#videosource

@WorkerSolidarityNews

[honeybeefae]

Valentine's Mini Fic // Rhysand

Please idk why these fics have started off with angst but I guess im just a sucker for a little hurt and comfort. Either that or I enjoy the drama lol! Enjoy the second mini-fic featuring our favorite High Lord! < 3 

WARNINGS: None

Trope: Fling Turns Into Something More

Sneaking around with a High Lord’s son was thrilling and dangerous, never knowing what exactly you would get led into but always willing to jump head first. Rhysand and you had met during a night out in Velaris, with both of you being almost too drunk to remember going home with each other. 

However that next weekend you both ended up in the same bar, with the same people, and for the last two months you’ve been seeing each other almost every other day. He had made it clear that it was a fling, never staying the night and never crossing the line from casual to something more.

And you couldn’t lie…the longer you saw him, the harder it got. You knew, you knew, you couldn’t have him. He was the next ruler of the Night Court, destined for greatness, and you were just one of his subjects. Your family wasn’t affluent in the political world, you held no real power.

It was doomed from the start but you couldn’t resist him. He had you from the moment he called you “Darling” in that deep, smooth tone. You were head over heels for a man who would forget you as soon as he ascended to his full potential. Reality was a hard pill to swallow but you’d rather have small moments than nothing.

Tonight was no different as you waited at the bar, swirling a cocktail around and around as your eyes kept glancing to the entrance. He was late but you didn’t stress, finishing the rest of your glass while making small conversation with the bartender.

But after your third drink and still no signs of him, you got worried. Had something happened? Was he in trouble? The questions were swirling around in your tipsy mind as you slid out of the barstool and manuevered through the crowd to get outside.

The cold air wrapped around you like a caress, sobering you up some as you started to look around for Rhys. There were small groups scattered across the road and alleyway but none of them had him lurking within them. You frowned and continued down the street, trying to convince yourself that everything was okay.

“Oh come on Rhys, you wouldn’t have entertained me this long if you weren’t interested.”

You stopped in your tracks when you heard the sultry voice say his name, a terrible feeling growing in your stomach as you continued to listen.

“Sarra, darling-” Rhysand grunted, trying to get around her as you got closer. You could make out two figures, one much smaller than the other, pressed against a brick wall. The lamplight above your head provided just enough light to watch as her long, red nails ran down his chest.

“Don’t give me that look, darling. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you…I know you’ve missed me.” Sarra purred, molding her body against his. It made you physically sick.

Rhysand wasn’t yours, he never was, you told yourself that every single night…so why did it feel like your heart was bleeding out onto the wet cobblestone? 

A sob was trying to work its way out of your throat as you stepped back, scuffing your shoe and drawing the attention of the male who, for the first time since meeting, you did not want to see.

“Y/N?” Rhys called, furrowing his brows. You drew in a shaky breath and shook your head, cursing as a tear fell while you started making your way back home. 

“Damn it, Y/N! Y/N!” He shouted, pushing off the woman without a care and following after you. The people in the streets were watching, whispering to each other, but he didn’t care. “Y/N, stop!”

You ignored him, the image of the two of them burned into your eyes as you picked up the pace. It was only a few more steps to your door and luckily the streets were becoming more crowded, making losing him easier. 

But just as you unlocked your door and slipped inside, you felt a cool breeze wisp past you at the same time the smell of citrus hit your nose. A loud sigh blew past your lips as you shut the door, turning to glare at the next High Lord with all the contempt you could muster. 

However, when you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror on the back wall, you looked pitiful instead. 

“What you saw out there-” Rhysand began but you held up your hand, closing your eyes briefly to take a deep breath.

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Rhys.” You whispered, removing your shoes and coat. “I mean, you said from the start that this was casual. It’s silly of me to expect loyalty for a casual fling, right? We were always both free to do, to see whoever we wanted.”

His jaw was clenched as you brushed past him to your kitchen, grabbing a glass of water to calm down your racing heart. This was probably the last time you were going to see him and despite your true feelings, you didn’t want to end this on a bad note.

“Y/N…” He tried again, frowning as your hand shakily brought the glass of water to your lips. “That woman was someone I used to see, I was on my way to you when she stopped me.”

“Rhys, please,” You asserted, staring down at the counter. “I told you I understood. You can go back to her, it’s fine. I’m fine.”

“Are you?” 

The question, the sincerity in his voice, it broke what little resolve you had left. Why did he care? What did it matter anymore? You should’ve told him to leave, should’ve never gotten so involved with him.

Your heartbeat pounded in your ears as wave after wave of emotions washed over you. Rhys knew, his concern growing as the silence stretched and you didn’t so much as blink. He cautiously walked over to you and gently grazed your shoulder, calling out to you, and the dam holding everything back cracked.

“Why do you care?” You snapped, whirling around with hot tears stinging your eyes.  “This entire relationship you made it clear it was never more, that it could never be more. What do my feelings matter to you?”

“They have always mattered to me. How could you think they didn’t?” He insisted, pinning you between the counter and his body so that you couldn’t escape. “Do you think me that cruel?”

“I think of you as a High Lords' son, the future ruler of the Night Court. I think of us, of all the nights where you’ve left me alone after we’ve had our fun, and I think of how naive I am to wish for more.” You replied, the truth heavy on your tongue as you made eye contact with him for the first time that night. “My feelings shouldn’t matter to you. I knew what this was when I got into it. I knew one day it would come crashing down, that it might destroy me, and I thought I could handle it.”

Rhysand’s eyes filled with pain, his thumb brushing away a tear that was rolling down your cheek. You wanted to push him away, not wanting to fall any deeper in love but your heart knew you were already at rock bottom. 

“I wish I could say this was a mistake but despite how much I’m hurting…I know I will never regret knowing you, Rhysand. If this is how our story ends, if this is goodbye, please end it happily.”

You steeled yourself for the goodbye, biting down on the inside of your lip to try to keep yourself from breaking until he was gone, but were taken off guard when he bent down and claimed your lips in a soft, passionate kiss.

His hands landed on your waist, his chest warm against yours as your lips molded perfectly against his own. You couldn’t stop your arms from wrapping around his neck, savoring his unique taste and the comfort his embrace brought you.

The two of you stayed locked together for several moments, time seeming to stop around you until he pulled back just enough to rest his forehead against yours. 

“Do you think I could kiss someone like that if I didn’t harbor feelings for them as well, Y/N Darling?” Rhys breathed into your ear, drawing small circles into your hips. “What we have between us…it has grown into something that has consumed my every waking moment. I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you but I was afraid…”

“Afraid?” You questioned, your heart soaring at his words. It felt like this was all a dream but if it was, you didn’t want to wake up. You would gladly stay in this dream world with him forever. “Afraid of what?”

“What being mine would entail, the danger of my world.” His breath was warm against your cheek, those violet eyes staring into your soul. “I had half convinced myself you were better off without me…until I realized that I have been falling for you since the night we first met.”

Your hand came up and cupped his cheek, a small laugh bubbling out of your chest at the absurdity of his statement. Rhysand, the next ruler of the Night Court, was in love with you? You were truly going to have to pinch yourself all over.

“You cruel thing, do not laugh at me.” He smirked, tilting your chin up so he could look at you. 

“I’m not laughing at you, my lord.” You teased, gazing up at him through your lashes. “I’m laughing at this situation, I feel like I’m in a dream.”

“Well, I can promise you that you are not. Perhaps we can go upstairs and I can show you just how awake you are?” 

You grinned, rolling your eyes at his antics. The rollercoaster of emotions you had just been on had you feeling fatigued but you couldn’t resist his offer. There was just one thing you needed to hear again.

“Perhaps…but I want to hear you say it again.” You asked softly, playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck. 

Rhysand smiled lovingly, lifting you onto the counter so you were eye to eye. “Y/N Darling…I love you.”

Your heart was on its way to bursting out of your chest as you captured this memory in your brain, knowing you would replay it for the rest of your life. You kissed him fiercely, mumbling the same words back to him between kisses, as he carried you up the stairs and into bed.

[dabiconcordia]

“I guess they're called moments because they don't last very long.” ― Sarra Manning

[countrymusiclover]

18 - Dealing with House Frey

Part 19

The Last Velaryon

Tag list @rise-my-angel @cdragons @kmc1989 @starkleila

Leaning my back against a tree I stood guard outside the maesters tent set up in our camp while Chezney went in searching for the ingredients needed for a tea that could abort a baby.  I didn’t wish to do anything to the babe in my belly if I was wrong in thinking it was Jaime’s.  So we needed this to be our last stitch backup plan just in case.  “Are all the ingredients there?  I’m not sure how much longer we have before the maester returns.” 

“I’m doing my best, Hael.  There’s far more different teas in here than I thought they’d be.  If I give you the wrong one it could possibly kill you.” She shouted as quietly as she could but enough where I could hear her. 

Wrapping my arms around myself tightly I spoke back to my best friend. “I know you’re not a maester but I still have faith in you.” 

“I appreciate it.  Now keep watch so we’re not caught.” Chezney warned me from inside the tent. 

Hearing footsteps approaching me from behind I saw hands cover my eyes before I could get a glance at whoever was behind me. “Who do you think it is?” 

“Tyrion?” I joked recognizing the thick northern accent so easily the second he spoke. 

Robb lowered his hands, spinning me around where my hands landed on the chest plates of his armor. “He only wishes, Hael.  What are you doing out here?” 

“Chezney wasn’t feeling good so I told her the Maester might have something to help her.  I’m simply waiting for her to find what she needs.” 

Robb tilted his head. “You could’ve told me.  I just saw the Maester tending to some wounds from the battle the other day.” 

“I didn’t wish to bother you.  You have far enough on your plate as is.” I sent him a sympathetic smile. 

He raised his right hand placing it on the side of my face.  “Never worry about asking me for anything.  You’re my Queen.  I’ll give you whatever you want, just say the word.” 

“Thank you.” I leaned up on my toes bringing my lips up onto his.  Robb deepened the kiss tilting the side of my face upward in his palm. 

Chezney suddenly poked her head out into the area not seeing Robb standing there at first. “Haelesa, I found the moon te - medicine I needed for my stomach ache.  Hi Robb.” 

“Chezney, I hope the medicine ails your pain.” He nodded at her. 

“Your grace.” A stark guard bowed to the wolf. 

The three of us turned our attention to the guard who handed him a sealed piece of paper quickly leaving us alone.  He unfolded the scroll reading it out loud. “House Frey, requests your presence at his castle Lord Stark.  You and your foreign wife.  If you refuse you will no longer have my permission to use my crossing.” 

“Then we must go otherwise we’ll never get closer to my family home or Kings Landing.” I touched his forearm and he nodded in agreement. 

By the time we had reached Frey castle the sun was nearing sunset over the crossing waters.  We were escorted into a large open throne room where Walder Frey sat at the center.  He was an elderly man glaring at me and Robb until we stopped walking. “My honored guests... be welcome within my walls and at my table.  I extend to you my hospitality and protection in the light of the Seven.” 

“We thank you for your hospitality, my lord.  I have come to make my apologies, my lord, and to beg your forgiveness.” Robb responded to the man of the House. 

Lord Frey turned his head with many young girls entering the room, groups standing on separate corners of the room. “Don't beg my forgiveness, Your Grace.  It wasn't me you spurned. It was my girls.” 

Muttering under my breath I heard Chezney gasp counting off the number quietly. “That makes eleven girls.  Four different mothers and the newest one being the fifth.” 

“One of them was supposed to be queen.  Now none of them are.  This is Arwyen my daughter.  My daughter Walda, my daughter Derwa, my daughter Waldra.  My eldest granddaughters Ginia and Neila. Serra and Sarra, granddaughters, twins. You could have had either.  Could have had both for all I care.  My granddaughter Marianne.  My granddaughter Freya.” The old man listed off his many daughters and apparently granddaughters until he reached the second to last one. “My granddaughter...Wertha.  Waldra.  Waldina.” 

The young blonde girl corrected her grandfather, meeting my gaze. “I'm Merry.”

“Fine.  And here's my youngest daughter Shirei, though she hasn't bled yet.  Clearly you don't have the patience for all that.” The lord rolled his eyes at her, glancing back at the young wolf. 

Chezney leaned closer to me whispering. “Would he really have wed Shirei off to him so young?” 

“I wouldn’t put it past him.  Considering he’s gone through four different girls that fast.” I whispered back in response. 

“My ladies.  All men should keep their word, kings most of all.  I was pledged to marry one of you and I broke that vow.  The fault is not with you.  Any man would be lucky to have any one of you.  I did what I did not to slight you, but because I loved another.” Robb began giving an apology to the room of noble ladies and their lord, sparing me a glance over his shoulder when he declared his love for me.  “I know these words cannot set right the wrong I have done to you and your house.  I beg your forgiveness and pledge to do all I can to make amends so the Freys of the Crossing and the Starks of Winterfell may once again be friends.” 

Walder nodded simply. “Very good.”  

“My lord, may I say something before you?” Playing with the clasp of my northern cloak with the Velaryon sigil stitched into the back of it when he didn’t refuse me.  Stepping up around Robb who had taken some steps backwards I didn’t move my gaze from the elderly lord. “I know that the position any of you young women are in is not of your choosing.  I have taken the opportunity away from you to marry a great man and for that I do apologize.  In return I’d like to offer something else.  I’d like to offer some of you the chance to marry a young noble lord among eight bannermen of house Stark or of House Velaryon.” 

“Haelesa.” Robb gasped in a warning tone but didn’t move to interrupt me. 

Clasping my hands together in front of my gown I sighed seeing some of the girls' faces light up when I spoke my next words. “Lord Frey,  I’d like to propose a way to bring the Stark’s and Freys back together as friends.  With your permission I’d like to offer your daughters and granddaughters the opportunity for them to get to choose the men they marry.” 

“Lady Stark, I wish to speak with you privately now!” Robb strided forward grabbing my wrist dragging me out of the room causing everyone to stare and watch silently.  I didn’t know what to say as he dragged me into the nearest empty room of the castle slamming the door behind me where I knew I was somehow in trouble with the wolf of the North. 

[misguidedasgardian]

The White Dragon (36)

36. The man of Gold

MASTERLIST

Summary: You were looking for the treasures, your children, and Steffon was looking for the Realms’ 

Pairings: main Harwin Strong x Fem!Targaryen reader

Warnings: cursing, medieval and A song of ice and Fire AU customs, injury, burns, dragon fire, death, violence, armies, death of a small character, war and all that comes with it. Might miss some warnings but you know what this is about :) 

+18, MINORS DNI

Wordcount: 3.2k

Notes:  I met a guy in High school in the US (I was an exchange student), his last name was Mangold, and when he introduced himself to me, he said, “you know… Mangold, like Man of gold” HAHAAAAA so Steffon, his last name at least, is inspired by him! the coldest introduction someone has given me! hahaha, well… enjoy!

“look at me!”, demanded Cregan, cradling your face with his big hands, making you look at him, “they are with Sarra, they are going to be alright, she knows the Wolf’s woods better than anyone, better than me”, he assured you, but nothing could make you feel better

“Maybe he’s got them, maybe Aegon…”, he shook his head

“He doesn’t, people saw him flying away, alone, your kids, and my daughter, are going to be alright”, he said firmly and you believed him, you had to.

The North was huge, where to begin to search for them? 

“They are children with a dragon, they couldn’t have gone far, I will send riders in every direction”, he assured you, looking at the maester that nodded and ran to fulfill the order. “we will get them back, the entire North is their ally, you understand?”, and you nodded, “someone, soon, will send word of their location, I have no doubts”

“I need to go look for them”, Vhaelar roared, and as you turned towards her again, she breathed fire over her dragonling’s body, giving him a true Valyrian funeral. 

When Vhagar bit her arm, you felt it, when Vhaelar saw Vhagar chasing Aerion, another of her dragonlings, you felt it even stronger

But now?, you felt a burning rage intensifying from your own insides, near your chest, it was her, your dragon, she wanted to crush Sunfyre’s skull amongst her jaws, she wanted to avenge Greywind, of only 6 years old. He hasn't even bonded with Vaegor yet.

She arranged herself to let you climb up, and you did, you needed to find them. From the air it was your best bet. 

You flew over the Wolf’s wood towards the west, looking carefully down, and Vhaelar field slowly, letting the cold air lead her through the skies, close to the treetops. Still you couldn’t see them.

You flew for hours on end, and you were growing desperate.

When you returned to Winterfell at night, there was no news, as as the cold night freezed you to your bones… you were even more scared for them

Yes, they might be with Sarra, but what if they weren’t?

They were out there, cold and scared, far from you

Saera bonded with Rapuaa, she will keep them warm, right? but they were just children, small children

Cregan’s worried gaze was everything you needed to know, before you could escape the hall again he grabbed you

“Stop”

“My children are out there Cregan I need to go look for them!”, you whined, “it’s night, perhaps they lit a bonfire or something, and I will be able to see them!”, you reasoned

“The only thing you are going to accomplish is getting sick and dying of frostbite”, he reasoned, and you whined but you nodded. “You are freezing, come by the fire”, he guided you to a long chair by the fire of his hearth, then he covered you with a thick cloak of black fur.

“We have not yet received words from the houses of the North but that is because the ravens haven’t even arrived yet, tomorrow, it will get better”, you noticed the command in his voice, he was the Lord of Winterfell now, in a mission, in command, not your friends

You nodded, but took your gaze to the flames.

You placed your children here, and put the entire North in harm’s way

“I’m sorry Cregan, this all happened because of me”

“It didn’t princess”, Alysanne Blackwood said, “I was here, he was looking for our submissions, and found the children here by a dark coincidence, if they weren’t here, Aegon wouldn’t have been distracted, and worse damage could have been done”, she explained, and you looked into her beautiful dark eyes and you believed her, and nodded

“I’m sorry”, you repeated either way

“We are sorry, for not being able to protect your children, but Cregan is right, they are with Sarra, and she knows this woods better than anybody”, she assured you, “she knows every house in the North, she will know where to seek shelter”. You nodded again, you needed to hold hope, you did.

But Aegon and Viserys, little babies, had been taken away, why yours would be spared? this world was cruel, war was cruel.

But they were your children, you had to hold onto hope.

three days had passed since then, each one you searched for hours and hours, and as you came back to Winterfell, more letters and letters from the Lords of different houses all over the North denying to have seen your babies

The fourth morning you were up even before the sun. Putting your riding gear on. But as you stepped into the courtyard you heard a commotion

“Dragon coming”, oh you prayed it would be aegon, you were going to tear him apart and then…

“Karnax!”, chanted one just for you and you nodded. five minutes later they opened the gates and Rhaegar walked in through them, he was already familiar with Winterfell and their people, when he saw you he was relieved, but still, in his face was worry

You hugged him tightly against you

“There hasn’t been any snow”, you told him gently, “it will be easier to spot them, and we almost covered the entire North”, he nodded

“Good”, he said, Sarra was his betrothed, finding her is equally important as finding your children for your family. “We will find them mother”

“What has happened in Harrenhal?”, you asked

“The greens are regrouping, taking people from towns all over the Kingdoms, but anyways… Steffon solicited air support to escort part of the treasury back, so Maekar went to the Tyrells, who will keep the treasure in their bolts, it’s all been counted by Steffon…”

“Where is he?”

“The Tyrells confirm he is on his way to Casterly Rock”, he said

“What?”

“He needs to see if the treasury is there, but half of the Lannister army is heading back home”

“Who is going to go to him?”

“We don’t know yet”, he muttered. You sighed deeply. Your son, already taller than you by a head, just like Harwin, looked down at you, and grabbed you by your upper arms.

“We have all the time in the world, both of us, we will dedicate our efforts here, father, Aemma and Aemond will protect Harrenhal, everything is taken care of, alright?”, you nodded, “we can be focused here”, he repeated. And you nodded

“Very well, we will look for them more, and everyone else can take care of everything else”, you confirmed

“Yes”, he said. Cregan found you both and hugged Rhaegar as a greeting

“I will go with my mother, covered more ground, but together”, he said looking at both of you, and you nodded

“Let’s find Sarra and my babies”, you said firmly.

He did not have a plan, he did not know what to do, he…

Needed some help, soon and fast.

He remembered what that Tyrell captain had said, so, he went to the docks at sunset, over in Lannisport. And without shame, he started asking about the men the Tyrell captain had told him about, finally, in a small stand, he asked once again

“Mitchar Kell?”, he asked, a middle age man, with thick gray beard and piercing green eyes raised his head

“Who's asking?”, he asked gruffly

“Steffon, Mangold”, he chuckled, like he has just told him some sick joke

“That is some fancy name”

“Yeah sure”, he muttered, Steffon already disliking the men, even though he looked decent enough

“What do you want pretty boy?”, he mocked

“Someone from Highgarden has told me you like fucking over Lannisters”, he muttered, and the face of the man lighten up like the beacon of the Hightower

The plan was simple, it was true, MItchar knew everyone around Casterly Rock, and Lannisport, and they all hated the Lannisters. Once a week the castle receives a carriage full of goods for the kitchens, it only took a couple of coins for the men who drove it to let him sneak inside. He did not know what he was going to do next.

He could not trust the men he just met with the treasury, but what he could do was get his help to enter the castle, once inside, it could be easier getting inside their vaults, he knew it. Once he makes sure the treasury is there, he would send word to Harrenhal, and get reinforcements.

 As he started ascending the rock, he realized something truly, TRULY scary…

The castle was not those towers you could see on top of the Rock… the castle WAS INSIDE the Rock

The great stone bridge they were traveling through started to ascend off the ground and suspend in the air. The carter did not seem to mind but Steffon was quickly scared to death about it. And as they came close to the Rock itself, huge doors of four stories tall stood in front of them, embedded in the rock. Massive golden gates.

It was breathtaking as it was scary, he thought.

Only one of them opened to let the cart inside, and what laid ahead, made him even more scared.

As he had thought, the entire castle was the Rock itself, mined and conquered, built within, every wall, every hallway, every corridor, every room was carved to perfection. 

They arrived at what he assumed was the courtyard, The main part of the Castle, a huge gallery ten stories tall, several yards wide, from it, buildings and hallways took different directions even more inside the Rock.

Now he understood it

Casterly Rock might be the safest palace in all Westeros, it was impregnable, untouchable, not even by dragons, not by all the dragons. 

How the fuck he was going to rescue the treasury from here? it was impossible

“Here ends my help, pretty boy”, mocked the carter, and he had no choice but to jump out.

Luckily, there were more people around,servants, and squires. There was a lot of movement inside, and he guessed that they were preparing for the return of the army.

Fuckkkkk the army! he whimpered. He was running out of time, he was in the heart of the enemy… he was… royally screwed. He moved swiftly to take cover in a hallway. He took the map Mitcharr had drawn for him, this hallway led to the lowest levels of the castle, that will do. 

He hid in a small room when he heard soldiers coming his way, they were probably only guards as he heard the unmistakable sound of armor. He hid behind the door, looking through a small peephole, and only one man passed by, the echo resounding in the stone hallways makes you believe there are more… but there was only one…

This is his shot

He silently got out of the room, and jumped on the man, grabbed him by the neck and cut his air supply until he was unconscious, then, he dragged him inside the small room that looked like it’s purpose was to store brooms and buckets.  He sighed loudly, he had to kill him. He took the dagger he held in his belt and did it quickly. If he woke up and realized he had been jumped and his uniform stolen… he was going to sound an alarm. 

He left the poor man inside, and Steffon adjusted his new Lannister armor. He returned the way this man was coming from, and looking at the map folded on his sleeve, he walked through the labyrinth these people called hallways

He tried not thinking about the fact that he was literally inside a rock, that he was buried within an impregnable fortress, but it was hard not to.

The Lannister were cocky and rich sons of bitches and now he understood why

This castle was absolutely astonishing.

It was made of rock and yet, it seemed that it had been carved by the best stonemasters Westeros had ever seen. Each wall, carved to the very small detail, every line, perfect, every curve, every edge, everything, was sculpted to perfection. The rock was the color of clear sand, and well lightened by torches that completely eliminates the feeling that you were technically underground. 

And as he was walking through the lowest of tunnels, he could only think about how the ones that went to the rooms of the Lannister would look like…

He did not know where this led, he did not know what was going to happen to him… but Steffon felt alive, he was almost fifty, he was not a young boy anymore, white had started taking over his golden mane, but right now, nothing felt more right that be in the belly of a beast,

He kept walking for the longest tunnel he had ever walked through, to find himself in front of two different passageways in front of him

What would lead them where he needed to be? He checked the map and that led him to the right.

Did they make these hallways all similar for a reason? he felt like he was walking downwards, entering further into the ground 

Suddenly, the wide hallway opened, revealing a long balcony, he leaned in and gasped loudly. The balcony led to a view of a secret port. A huge port in a cave that leads to the sea. He saw more guards down, walking around the dock, and only one ship was anchored in the harbor.

He must have seen the map backwards or something, he quickly returned from where he came from, retracing his steps. And then he took the other hallway.

He almost stopped when he saw guards posted in the hallways, but he paid it no mind and kept going, nobody stopped him, they just stood there as he walked by. He guessed that the man he killed had a change of guards and he replaced him… either way…

He went further down the hallway, to have it widened again just like the the other, but this time, it led to a gallery, and imbedded on the wall on the other side,there was a huge door, locked tightly, a guard posted on each side

“Glad you are here”, said one, and left right by his side, Steffon only played along, he nodded, and stood where the other soldier had been

“Change of guards”, said the other, “you stay here we will move to the port, and the rest of the guards will arrive in an hour”, and then he also left, leaving him alone. And he couldn’t believe his luck.

When the echo of the footsteps of the guards disappeared through the hallway, he dared to open the huge door, he looked inside and…

There it was

Coffers and coffers, filled to the brim with gold coins, with the dragon printed on them.

Now what the fuck he was going to do now?

He was close to the port, but he had to go trough yards of hallway, and when he got there, how the fuck was he supposed to take a ship in the harbor?

He was going to need some help

And as Steffon gazed upon coffers and coffers of gold, Maekar, in Highgarden, did the same. 

He had answered Steffon's call for reinforcements, so he flew towards the caravan that was transporting the gold from the ship to HIghgarden, and he had supervised the whole process of transportation and storage.

“The treasury is safe in Highgarden’s vaults”, the lady of hIghgarden said, “I am certain Steffon counted it, and will tell you the exact amount”, she said, and Maekar knew he could trust her

“I thank you for your service”, Maekar said solemnly, “the roads right now are not safe, not as long the greens have two grown dragons, and full armies still under their command”, he said firmly, “so the best thing to do is wait for the dust to settle, and then we can transport it safely back to King’s landing”

“We will hold it here in the meantime”, she promised. Maekar nodded

“And for this, you will have our protection in case of an attack”, she nodded, thanking him

They walked back to the main Hall of HIghgarden, as they spoke

“Do you know where Steffon Mangold might be?”, he asked. The captain of the Tyrell army took a step forwards

“Ser Steffon is on his way to Casterly Rock”, he said

“Casterly Rock? why?”, he asked

“There is where the greens hold the rest of the treasury”, they informed you, “or that is what he believes”

“Alright, I’ll fly to Casterly Rock, to help him”

“Help him do what my prince?”, asked the Lady of HIghgarden

“Well, burn some towers, make them deliver the treasury”, he said simply, and the people from the reach shared concerned looks between them

“You cannot just burn Casterly Rock”, she said

“It’s just some towers over a hill”, muttered Maekar, “Dragons can fly highger than that…”

“Is not about how high they can fly, can your dragons melt solid rock?”, asked the Captain, and Maekar frowned

“What do you mean?”

“Those towers over the Rock is not Casterly Rock, the castle is not over the rock, the castle is the rock”, Maekar’s face paled, “deep embedded into the rock, mined and carved from the rock itself”

“You mean… it can’t be done, it can’t be conquered, or destroyed”

“It can’t my prince”

“And Steffon”

“If he managed to get inside… 

“Not even all the dragons in the world together could take that down, and if Steffon made it inside… he will never come out again”

“He has to”, he said urgently

“He won’t”, he muttered

“And you let him go there? alone?”, he asked

“He knew what he was doing, if he managed to get out he will send word, but you cannot do anything to help him”

“I beg to differ”, he said, “If I fly over, I might be able to find an entrance, or perhaps, even provide a distraction for him to scape”

“Let’s see my prince”, Maekar nodded

“Do you have any map? something?”

“We can arrange it"

Little Vaegor shaked when the strong sea breeze hit him like a slap in his small body. He looked nervously around, his sister was curled up with Sarra in the captain’s cabin, and him, at only six  years of age, thought like the little man in the group, he had to be alert, and besides, his mother always had told him bedtime stories about mermaids, and magical sea creatures that he sure wanted to see. So he looked over the stormy waves, and over the horizon on the edge of the world. 

But as he looked up and saw Rapuaa fly over the huge ship they were in, he whimpered.

His dragon was dead, his friend, his companion.

He whimpered again when he felt a big hand perch on his shoulder and squeeze lightly. He looked up to the big man, with messy red hair and thick beard

“You might not fly again boy, but you can sail!”, he assured him. The boy only nodded, looking at the most fearsome creature of the sea, the red Kraken painted on his breastplate. 

More notes: I truly hope it was worth it because RECENTLY george RR Martin wrote on his blog about Casterly Rock and how INCREDIBLE it is!! I was like... it is some castle in a hill what's the big deal? and he was like No no no my dear you are very mistaken, Casterly Rock is not on top of the rock IT IS THE ROCKKKKKK WTF I found the respect I never had for the Lannisters... they are now mole people... or those mole badgers from Avatar the leyend of Aang anyways HAHA

taglist! ❤️@tearsarcane @integra1127 @aestmilky @thanyatargaryen @tythaitie @lostinworldofdarkness @voodoogoul @wildmindedbeauty32 @lil-pudd @alicattx @electric-bloo @astaaan-lol @stargaryenx @kaitieskidmore1 @bregarc @lilpnd @jcpenneyyy @janelei @fexibau @ladyoakenshield157 @danielle-leah1997 @lady-ragnvindr @cecilyjmorgenstern @omgsuperstarg @bugheadskid @batprincess1013 @her-fandom-sanctum @holb32 @blue1006 @stargaryenx @grippleback-galaxy @mikariell95 @genesisliveson @mendes-bae @caspianobsessed @notmundane3000 @kamisunshine @just-someone11 @ietss @joliettes

[rainwingmarvel7]

Mormont OC! I've been thinking about my Mormont babe, so I must be told about yours

Kiss your forehead I am happy to oblige😌

Sarra Strong née Mormont

Sarra is the daughter of Lord Bennard Mormont and his wife, Mellara Mallister. She is Kaleb’s cousin on his mother’s side, as her father and his mother are siblings.

Quiet and reserved but beautiful, Sarra was well sought after, not just by the lords of the North. One of her suitors was Larys Strong, the crippled heir of Harrenhal. Sarra was not scared away by his condition nor his demeanor, willing to accept him as he was without judgment and treat him like an actual person, and that was enough for him to ask for her hand. Her parents eagerly agreed, and by the age of 15 (?) she had become Lady Strong and was whisked away to King’s Landing.

Sarra wasn’t exactly thrilled with the match but she did her duty and believed that perhaps she could someday grow to truly love her husband. And to some extent, she did. Larys admired her hidden cunning and quiet nature, as Sarra did his. They respected each other, and they did love each other in their own ways. But it was ultimately not enough.

Things only got worse when Sarra lost their first child, a son. The couple was devastated. Twice more, Sarra became pregnant with sons, and twice more, she lost them. Eventually, she did have a child with Larys, a daughter named Elyana. But no sons came from their union. It seemed as if the gods had cursed her to never have an heir.

While her husband was a part of the Small Council, Sarra served as one of Alicent’s ladies. She was a close companion and confidant of the queen, and her close relation to Kaleb certainly helped. If anyone could keep the queen’s secrets, it was Sarra.

During the Dance, Sarra plotted alongside her husband and Alicent. She wanted to keep her daughter, and Helaena’s, who she knew were her cousin’s grandchildren, safe at all costs.

Things changed for Sarra when Gwayne Hightower arrived in King’s Landing. The two were instantly smitten with one another, and Sarra began to meet him in secret (although Larys was well aware of what she was doing). He gave her something her husband could not, excitement and affection. And it certainly helped that he was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on.

At some point, Sarra became pregnant with Gwayne’s children, and she later gave birth to the twins, Arra and Rodrick Waters. Larys knew of their true parentage.

(The part that follows might change)

Sarra witnessed Gwayne being murdered during the Sack of King’s Landing, as she had been running to find him, and was killed shortly afterwards in the chaos.

Larys had her buried at Harrenhal and wore black for weeks after her death. He would not admit it, but he had loved her dearly and felt her loss like an open wound.

[dreamy-love222]

I don’t know what to say other than I am addicted to this man. What I feel is akin to withdrawal…. I am so so sad that we’ll part ways but I can go to Berlin by train from France… I’ll see what I can plan in order for us to meet again. He told me he would love to marry me and that I am the best girl he has ever met. He’s so kind and genuine and truly a good man! He never pressured me to do anything and we cuddled in his room. We even were each other’s first kiss.

Tall handsome deep voice filthy rich. (Who can afford a 5k watch omg? Or to be in a 5 star hotel alone at age 20?) Perfect body in every possible way. He doesn’t enable my ed and is super respectful. When we were dancing he had full control he could have ground/grinded on me or touch my boobs or something but he didn’t he touched my waist but only after asking and making sure I was okay with that. His friend who is like his brother acted like a wing man all the way! Super supportive and kind as well

His other friend that he isn’t super close with told him to block me after we leave the hotel. He got super angry with him and they were talking in German so it sounded even more aggressive! He was talking while holding my hand fingers intertwined… and holding it hard

He told me “let’s go Sarra.. I’ll explain everything afterwards…” we sat at the pool and him on the chair and me on his lap. I don’t know how I got this close to a man after getting raped a little more than a month ago but I did. There was so much chemistry between us….

Yesterday I had the time of my life I never felt so alive. But he lives in Berlin and I live in France. So I am heartbroken and so sad that we will be away from each other for a long time… but I promised him we will meet again one way or another.

[skele-bunny]

Do you think you could write/ramble about Special getting a wheelchair or elbow crutches? I just got mine today and I'm still trying to find comfort with them. Feels weird haha

I hope your new devices are treating you well! Sorry it took me a bit to get to this! I rambled about this to @cyber1987 who was a big help <3 I'm not a wheelchair or crutch user, but I did my best to look into them and read up from other people's accounts!

So, my interpretation of Special does have an ever so slowly deteriorating health and bodily function. When it gets to the point of needing crutches and an active chair, he's not happy about it. After all, he's the chief medical officer and the accountant for the clergy! He can't just... Be restricted!

Just outright ignores his support devices, pushing himself to the point of pure exhaustion, and it's just the breaking point when his legs finally give out as he's trying to reach a high shelf and being found by Cowbell. Just a sobbing mess, silently whispering. "I need help."

Usually he's the one helping others get accustomed, but now it's Zephyr and Mist helping him get used to it. They're showing him to propel himself gently, how to pop up over stairs if there's any in the way, all the way to Mist simply throwing himself down so she can show Phil how to get back in. He's definitely not perfect, and is still really reluctant, but he listens and does everything they say.

His mates are extremely caring about it, as well. The Doves are giant mfers, but they've lowered everything in their den so it's accessible to their partner. Carefully doing renovations, and even Cowbell gets involved to help Gaia make ramps where they're replacing the stairs. Their den is wide enough already, but they still take caution and rearrange a few things.

When Phil is recovered enough to use his crutches, another appointment with the darling Zephyr and Aether this time! He gots exhausted pretty quick, but is able to become accustomed much more quickly. Being able to have these moments to walk makes him feel a lot more independent, but at the same time more aware of just how much he needs his active chair.

The hospital has been needing an expansion, anyways. It's not uncommon to see Phil simply push by with Sarra following, he most definitely hasn't stopped his work either. He's an arrogant asshole, but he's accepted he can't do everything like he used to. He's just calmly speaking his team through what to do while Sarra is holding him up so he can get a better view of what's happening.

Oh man and when he's paged to the OR? Sarra is RUNNING to chase after this zoomie filled Phil, he even has a stool so he can stay seated if he wants to be higher up but focused on his work, or the table will simply be lowered. Man is a force to be reckoned with.

Although Spec is upset about it all, he gets used to it. He knows his body needs this extra support, and drills it into himself that he's still perfectly capable of being the same person before.

[tieflingkisser]

Israeli occupation forces attack Red Crescent personnel near Nablus

NABLUS, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 (WAFA)  - This evening, Israeli occupation soldiers attacked a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance crew and a young man near the Israeli military checkpoint of Sarra, located west of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Nablus told WAFA that the Israeli occupation army assaulted both a PRCS ambulance crew and a 29-year-old young man at the military checkpoint.  The Red Crescent pointed out that the assault occurred during the ambulance crew's attempt to provide medical treatment to the aforementioned young man, who had been subjected to an attack earlier by the Israeli occupation forces. According to the society, the assault involved physical violence by the occupation army present at the checkpoint.  Despite facing aggression, the ambulance crew managed to transport the injured individual to hospital for further medical attention.

[thelightsandtheroses]

Congrats on your milestone!!!!

❄️ - Books

⛄️ - Javier Peña, Joel Miller, Frankie Morales (Kiss instead of Kill)

Hi Heidi,

Thank you so much for taking part in my follower celebration/sleepover!

❄️ I answered books in general here so I’ve decided to share my top 5 by a genre instead, hope that’s okay. I thought about it and because I always love your fics and the relationships/romance in them, I’ve gone for contemporary romance books so, in no particular order:

Who’s That Girl - Mhairi McFarlane

The Ex Talk - Rachel Lynn Solomon

Red, White and Royal Blue - Casey McQuiston

Beach Read - Emily Henry

It Felt Like A Kiss - Sarra Manning

⛄️ ooooh, this is so hard. Okay so fuck Javi, marry Frankie and kiss (much better option than kill, thank you!) Joel? This was so hard though …

Lolabee’s Winter Sleepover

[tragedycoded]

first line tag!

@wyked-ao3 and @gioiaalbanoart got me here and here. Thank you for the tags :>

If you haven't read Doom Metal Love Story, this is going to be a spoiler. Blacklist #dmls-spoilers if you don't want spoilers.

If you have read DMLS, you've read a version of this sentence already.

Surgeon Hofer and the man assigned to escort him, a weary corporal named Reinhard, rode the three miles from Fort Sarras to the Sarras City train station as if the Devil were real and after them.

Tag! Usual apology for double-tagging; if you like tag games and want me to tag you in them, let me know.

@lychhiker-writes @cowboybrunch @finickyfelix @saturnine-saturneight @ashfordlabs

@autism-purgatory @noblebs @aintgonnatakethis @the-golden-comet @asablehart

@mauvecatfic @leahnardo-da-veggie @sableglass @gioiaalbanoart @words-after-midnight

@lavender-bloom @jev-urisk @wyked-ao3