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thatnightlamp · 2 months ago

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WEDDING WITH KONRAD CURZE. part 2 of Konrad courting gifts

a little husbandry AU if you squint. Thank you for 50 followers hehehehehee

You didn’t have the heart to do anything that day, or the day after. Of course you didn’t. Would you do something knowing you were about to be married off to what looked like a corpse that look like a serial killer and had all the charm of a wet dishrag dragged through a slaughterhouse?

No. You paced. You bit your nails. You Googled “how to break off a wedding with a cryptid.” (No helpful results, by the way.)

And when the sun began its slow crawl toward the horizon, you did what any reasonable, terrified person would do.

You locked every single door and window. You barricaded the porch with your entire living room set. You made a crude weapon out of a broomstick and a steak knife. You were ready.

At least, you thought you were.

It started with the bat. Hundreds of them, shrieking, wheeling in the sky above your house like a omen. Then came the fog, thick and unnatural, slithering in like a living thing. The air got cold. Unreasonably cold. Every breath was a cloud.

And then, he arrived.

Konrad Curze.

Because of course it was Konrad Curze.

Tall as a nightmare, draped in his grotesque leathers and armor that seemed to drink in the light. His eyes, glowing in a face like a skull stretched too tightly over something far worse. You hadn't noticed before, but now - now you did. He wasn’t alone.

Figures emerged from the fog. Towering giants, each one cloaked in darkness and etched with runes of terror, their armor decorated with skin, bone, and the symbols of the Night Lords Legion.

You watched, slack-jawed, as the entire warband of actual, for-real Astartes gathered on your lawn. Your poor neighbor, Mrs. Maurine, peeked out her window, saw many seven-foot-tall murder cryptids polishing a flensing blade, and promptly fainted, her Slamander carefully watching from her window. You couldn’t blame her.

You did the only thing left to do.

You ran.

You launched yourself out the back window like a startled raccoon, hit the ground, and sprinted for the woods. Heart hammering. Blood thundering. You didn’t care where you ended up, Canada, Alaska, anywhere but here.

Behind you, you heard a sound. A low chuckle. A voice that could make bones shiver.

“Ah… the chase. Nostramo's traditional rite.”

No. Nope. NOPE.

Branches whipped your face, thorns tore your clothes, but you didn’t stop. Not until the ground was ripped out from under your feet and you were hoisted into the air like a sack of potatoes.

He’d caught you.

Because of course he had.

You dangled helplessly over his armored shoulder as Konrad trudged back through the forest like this was all perfectly normal. You beat your fists against his back, which, you quickly realized, was about as productive as trying to punch a cement wall covered in knives.

“LET ME GO!”

“You are excitable,” he observed, his tone almost... pleased? “It will make the ceremony lively.”

You screamed something very rude in response.

“Many attempt to flee,” he continued as though you hadn’t just cursed out his ancestors. “It is the way. The bonding hunt. You honored tradition.”

“Oh my god, it wasn’t a ritual, I was just trying to survive!”

He paused, then turned his head slightly, letting you see the faintest flicker of what might have been amusement behind the horror.

“That too.”

By the time you were brought back, someone had fashioned a crude arch out of bones, chains, flowers and stolen church candles. The choir? Screaming servo-skulls and a very off-key Vox recording of the Imperial Hymn, sung backwards.

It was, in short, the worst wedding ever. Or the most metal. Hard to say.

You were dropped in front of the arch. Konrad stood beside you, radiating death and weird possessive pride. The other Night Lords loomed in a loose circle, watching with impassive curiosity, like this was the strangest tea party they’d ever attended.

A servo-skull floated forward, holding a rusted book and a jagged, ceremonial knife.

Konrad turned to you.

“Speak your vow.”

You opened your mouth to protest-

He tilted his head. “Say it, or we begin the bonding scarification in silence.”

You said it.

You absolutely said it.

Because you’d rather be fake-married to a corpse-goth warlord than find out what “bonding scarification” meant.

Konrad smiled.

It was awful.

And thus began your new life: married to a Primarch, hunted for sport by his sons when they got bored, and forced to sit through meetings that usually ended with someone losing a limb. Possibly you someday.

You really should’ve just ignored the dead rats.

#primarch x reader #konrad curze x reader #warhammer 40k x reader

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pagan-stitches · 4 months ago

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Hromnice/Candlemas Eve

I rearranged my main altar to showcase my thunder candle. I experimented this year and made a mullein torch sprinkled with botanical incense (wisteria). And, of course, in the background is the piece I embroidered specifically in celebration of Hromnice and St. Brigid’s Day.

———

“I remember the beginning of the seventies of the last century, when I was still a little boy, how my then more than 60-year-old grandmother lit a tall candle called a hromnikka, which she placed on a kosten - a chest with costumes, in front of the thunder and lightning accompanying a violent summer storm – next to the cross with the rosary.”

“The candle was not only used during the already mentioned storms, but also played an important role when a priest visited a sick person or a coffin with a deceased person. It was widely believed to ward off evil powers. The burning threshing floor was used for magical actions connected with securing the harvest. Farmers would put a burning candle in a heap of grain and pray for a bountiful harvest, elsewhere with a burning candle the farmer would go around the beehives three times to ensure an abundance of honey and to protect the hives from thieves and fire. Also, the wax from the candlesticks had magical power and it was possible to cast spells with its help. Embedded in millstones, he was able to influence the quantity and quality of flour. When it was glued to the shooting target, the opponent was sure not to hit. However, it was necessary to peel it off before its own wound, because it affected all shooters without distinction. Finally, the wax and the burning candles of the hromnička were also used in various ways in folk medicine.”

Source

I also included the my beautiful matryoshka dolls from Sitka Island in Alaska (alas, somewhat damaged by my then toddler niece) to represent the Virgin Mary as the holiday is very much associated with her—one of its names is the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

To the left of the dolls are symbols of St. Dorothea (the framed postage stamp) whose day is the 6th of this month, and St. Agatha (the basket with bread, water, and salt) whose day is the 5th of the month.

To the right is a cow horn and cow figurines to represent St. Blaise, whose day is the 3rd of the month.

#hromnice #thunder candle #Candlemas #st blaise #st agatha #st Dorothea #cross stitch #needlework #devotional embroidery #folk embroidery #matryoshka #hromnička #gromnica

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multifandom--mess · 1 year ago

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hannigram x villaneve crossover fics bc hell yes!

mlm/wlw solidarity if you know what i mean 🤭

《☆☆☆》

》 Summertime in Marseille - (12k)(Mature)

Murder wives across the pond? The London area manhunt for pay to play assassin Oksana Astankova continues tonight after the gruesome discovery of the bodies of two M16 agents and the unsettling disappearance of a third. The missing agent Eve Polastri’s checkered history with the femme fatale stirs up a sense of deja-vu to a case stateside involving the (still unsolved) disappearance of a certain disgraced psychiatrist turned psychopath and his companion Will Graham. Both pairs vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a couple of corpses in the hands of, debatetly inept, law enforcement. Longtime readers will remember the debacle on the rumors of the relationship between Lecter and Graham. Fresh faces should expect much of the same insight when it comes to Astankova and Polastri. -Freddie Lounds [Tattlecrime.com] Or: Villanelle takes Eve to visit an old friend.

》 Wintertime in the Atlantic - (10k)(Mature)

Dear Hannibal and Will, [Eve warned me I really shouldn’t write Hannibal and Will but I don’t think you two are stupid enough to let other people read your mail and the consequences are on you if you are.] A recent client has gifted me four first class tickets for a cruise to Australia on the 11th of December! The ship leaves from Lisbon which is a wonderful coincidence since Eve tells me that’s where you’re currently living. We never got the opportunity to repay you two for helping us during our time of need back in Marseille. My fiancé and I would be delighted if you would accompany us. The tickets are attached! -xoxo Villanelle Or: Eve and Villanelle meet up with the Lecter-Graham’s once again.

》 Rhapsody in Brashness - (4k)(Mature)

“We understand,” says Hannibal. The vibrations of his voice rumble against her the way that thunder does through storm clouds. “You are unique, as I am. And she insinuated herself into you, as Will insinuated himself into me. The blind, pearly rootlets of human connection have burrowed themselves too deeply into the fertile soil of your soul to be killed, now, no matter how many times you hack away at the verdant growth which springs anew into the air, again and again. The intricate underground web of them merely spreads implacably further and deeper and will continue to do so until they smother you, or until you allow the leaves to fully unfurl into the light.” “But she stabbed me,” Villanelle exclaims petulantly.

》 A Cannibal, A Dog Lover, and an Assassin Walk Into A Bar - (1.7k)(G)

Hannibal and Will wanted a quick getaway to Rome, but end up with a little more adventure than they anticipated.

》 Murder Pals in Alaska - (1.5k)(Mature)

Eve and Villanelle make their home in Alaska and befriend Will and Hannibal.

》 Cannibal vs. Assassin: The Showdown - (5k)(Mature)

“Obviously, they do kill people based on those dance moves alone,” Hannibal tittered, but quietly enough as to not attract attention. Will stifled a laugh. “That is not a reason to ruin their night though,” Hannibal decided, following Will through the crowd.

》 Taste and Temptation - (18k)(G)

Eve and Villanelle have gone off on their own, traveling and getting to know each other better. Hannibal and Will have too. Both couples happen to have dark pasts and trouble with the law, but that hasn't really put a damper on their vacations. The four of them happen to meet at an opera in Florence but when they keep running into each other, they have to wonder if their meetings are coincidence or something that could put their travels in danger. Villaneve meets Hannigram on the run.

(NOTE: unfinished but still worth the read!)

》 The Professionals Series - (12k)(T)

A Hannibal/Killing Eve crossover AU where Hannibal and Villanelle are best buds. Theoretically set after "The Wrath of the Lamb" and "God, I'm Tired" for parts I and II and after "You're Mine" for part III.

#been missing my faves a whole lot recently #so i decided to provide these recs for you all to devour #also they put killing eve on netflix !!!#hannibal #nbc hannibal #hannigram #will graham #hannibal lecter #murder husbands #hannibal fanfiction #hannigram fanfiction #killing eve #villaneve #eve polastri #villanelle #murder wives #killing eve fanfiction #ao3 #fic rec

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blessed-catchild · 5 months ago

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DID SOMEBODY SAY PART FOUR (no)

Lord Pan

Lord Hypnos:

Lord Beelzebub:

Lord Hapi:

Archangel Gabriel:

Lord Hermes:

Lady Skadi:

Lord Beelzebub:

Lord Anubis:

Kimg Zeus:

Today’s Pagan Chats Prompt

What’s your deity/spirit guides personality summed up in one meme?

#dorkdog #bugdad #i am the lorax i speak for the bees #if youre hapi and you know it #but first a nap #alaska: frost ranger #feathery pain in the butt #thunder and lignting very very frightning #pull up to the party lik what up hoes

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fyeahstormandwolvie · 2 months ago

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How are you finding the Storm solo?

I’ve been enjoying it more than any xmen comic for a looooooong time. It’s very character driven which is a nice change from all the usual drama in the comics over the last few years which I’ve found quite repetitive and almost… fanfic in nature of the writing. This story for Storm is new and exciting with some old school elements (Rolo 🥺🥰) that I’ve enjoyed but hasn’t taken away from Storm or who she is, nor has it made the plot flat or sloppy. I think my only nitpicking is the beginning but I feel a little petty about it since we got Rolo and that’s a win but I’d have liked to see Storm interacting with Remy and Kurt more. Like the gossiping between Rogue and Storm was a nice girl moment but I feel like that’s actually what she would have done with Remy? Y’know?… they’re a lot closer than writers credit them and I’ve been missing their sibling/besties interactions. And Kurt has always been her ride or die but I suppose at least they were there and in her circle so a win is a win.

Hi anon! (This was a mistake to ask lol this got very long...)

I'm fully biased because as most long-time followers of this blog might know by now, this is a rolo blog run by an ororo fan so technically this is just an ororo-blog in disguise lol. Storm's my favorite comic character, and I have been enjoying the spotlight she's been getting in the last five or so years. I really really enjoy and regularly re-read Al Ewing's take on her in X-Men Red (Ewing's Version) and Resurrection of Magneto, but I also hated that she was also so removed from the rest of the X-Men (by design, I think!)

So! Not only do I enjoy the deep-dive into her character throughout the current book by Murewa Ayodele, I was especially happy to see her with Frenzy in #1, then with her closest friends in #3 :) I don't think it'll be soon, but I hope that eventually we get more of the X-Men again. Maybe Gail can get her team to visit the sanctuary this time, or Eve Ewing can give Ororo business in Chicago with Kate and Emma, or Mackay can write her needling Scott and Max in Alaska all over again...

I also like the exploration of her vulnerabilities and the bad decisions she makes (Doom lol.) I *do* miss the thought bubbles and grand, sweeping internal monologues inside thought boxes so I miss that interiority from Ororo. But I also think that that's just Murewa's style, and I'm not averse to making my own interpretations of the story haha.

I admittedly find most comic crossovers tedious so I didn't enjoy the tie-in to X-Manhunt (I liked her talk with Charles, but the plot in general is just like.. let him retiiiire let the X-Men story move on without him lol) - so I was pleased to jump back into things with last week's issue!! I'm very excited to read about these other Thunder Gods from different cultures, and I kinda hope they adopt Ororo as like... a youngest, babiest sibling lmao. She can be their annoying little sister.

#asks

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usafphantom2 · 1 year ago

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Sliding in! An AV-8B from VMA-214 "Black Sheeps" taking off from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, #Alaska, during Arctic Thunder Open House (June 28, 2018). The Black Sheeps flew Harriers from 1989 until 2022, when they transitioned to F-35Bs.

@RealAirPower1 via X

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facesofdropout · 3 months ago

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Back off, motherfuckers!

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mooshie-blue · 10 months ago

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🛏🕷 and 📚 for your OCs.

Bed 🛏️- Where do they sleep on the Octopod?

Ferris sleeps in his own room near the launch bay. Wicket used to sleep in Barnacles’ room, and since a new room was made near the library, he sleep there

Uh-Oh 🕷 - What do they fear? Why?

Ferris is afraid of making mistakes, he panics especially when the radar he uses doesn’t predict a heavy storm, he fears the day the Octonauts loose faith in him, or that they already have.

Wicket is afraid of more trivial things like the dark or thunder, but as he gets older he’s afraid of losing his friends or family

Pages 📚 - Backstory! How did they meet the octonauts?

Ferris met thr Octonauts when they had a mission to bring a bat back to a cave after an earthquake, the bats family in repayments offered to help them find anyone that was stuck in the cave, and lo and behold they met Ferris.

When the Octonauts were up near Alaska there was a very bad blizzard so they had a search and rescue mission, they heard little cries and found 3 year old Wicket, freezing and alone. Barnacles and Ferris took him in and searched everywhere, months long to find his parents, even after the storm passed they couldn’t find them, so they took Wicket in and raised them on their own

#octonauts #oc #ask

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perry-fics · 16 days ago

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Neal and beyond the thunder.

He was sure Steve was gonna like it (and he did). Also some things about one of his wives being an angel that saved him. An idea I think is also present in Steve's relationships with women.

Beyond the Thunder is the second solo album by American guitarist Neal Schon released in 1995. This is his first album in six years on Higher Octave.

In the liner notes Schon recalls the background on some of the songs including "Send Me an Angel" which is about his wife Dina. The unique wolf howl sound effects on "Call of the Wild" were created by Schon on guitar after listening to a tape Michael Carabello had recorded on a trip in Alaska. "Big Moon" contains Journey-esque melodies, as Cain and Schon used the original guitar from the Journey song "I'll Be Alright Without You" for the track's sound.

As a footnote, the album's liner notes contained a shout-out to Journey's former lead singer Steve Perry when Schon commented "I think Steve Perry is going to like this record." The comment may have been a response to words in Perry's song "Anyway" from his 1994 album For the Love of Strange Medicine, which recalled his time together with his "brothers" in Journey. Within one year, Schon and Perry would reunite Journey to release Trial by Fire in 1996.

#steve perry #journey #journey band #neal schon #steal #steve x neal

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ultramagicalternate · 4 months ago

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ULTRAMagic Interval Chapter 29

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Master Post - Patreon

I’ll be frank, Bethany; I was never one for a smoke,” Valentin remarked as he lit an expensive-looking cigar. He took a good drag of it and exhaled, feeling his nerves relax a little. “Given recent events, I need something to take the edge off. I wish my dad was here. He’d be proud of me for being a man…”

“My dad would get out his pipe when something troubling was on the horizon. He did so the night before I was accused of being a witch.”

Valentin set the card he had prepared on the table of his work space. The image was still murky, which was not a good sign. “Blast it all…”

“What’s wrong?” Bethany asked as she walked over from her coffin.

“The card, the hex I need isn’t forming like it should,” he replied as he shuffled it back into his deck. “And he’ll be here soon…”

Bethany gave a worried sigh, assumed her manticore form, and hid in the shadows. “Oh boy… Well, I’ve got your back regardless.”

“That’s just how it is sometimes,” he lamented as he got out a coarse, coal-black playing card. “Looks like it’s on to plan B…” Valentin then produced a raven’s quill from nowhere and wrote down his name. The red ink glowed like embers, followed by the card fading into ashes.

“Are you sure that’s going to work?”

“No idea, but at least I’ll get something done.”

“So what’s next then?” Bethany asked.

Valentin stood in front of the coffin, facing the entrance. “An unwelcome guest in 3…2…1…”

On cue, the crypt’s doors were shoved open with great force, slamming loudly against the walls, shaking the room with the sound thundering throughout. “KARPPINEN!!!” Sebastian roared, his rage-filled voice reverberating against the mountain’s stone. His anger was the clearest it had ever been, seeming like it was going to erupt like a volcano at any moment. There was also a sickly, red light shining through his clothes where his heart should have been. “YOU MISERABLE, WORTHLESS FAILURE!” he declared as he marched up, with Anne following behind with the sternest look possible.

Valentin, unfaltering in his resolve, walked right up to Sebastian. “I’m a failure?” he questioned as he blew a cloud of smoke in Sebastian’s face, making him cough a bit. “Bethany, remind me who lost World War II again…”

Sebastian inhaled and flared his nostrils. “You are truly a pathetic subhuman! Not only did you fail to acquire that whelp’s soul despite all the help I gave you, HELP YOU DIDN’T DESERVE, but you also just gave that detestable guild another member to work with!”

“Pitty…”

Anne then had a realization, causing her face to take on a shrewd, yet disapproving look. “Sebastian, my dear, a queer thought crossed my mind just now: notice how our run of bad luck picked up when we employed Mr. Karppinen?”

Sebastian processed that idea, then nodded as a clever smile stretched across his face. “An astute observation, meine Frau…"

Valentin applauded, a look of incredulous glee adorning his face. “WOW! Care to make any other observations, kotzbrocken?”

At first Sebastian was confused, but then it hit him, igniting his anger once again. “I knew it, you insufferable son of a…” he started to say as he went for his walther.

“YES, IT WAS ME! All of it! The sabotage, the subterfuge, the thrills, the chills, the snitching, and the handy dandy blocks of C4. In fact, I believe another round of explosives just went off in Iceland, Alaska, Russia, and your darling Germany!” Valentin's vindictive pride was at an all time high, despite the enraged, bloodthirsty looks he was getting.

Anne was beginning to take on a shadowy, demonic visage while Sebastian’s violent scowl turned to an evil smile. He knew he had Valentin cornered, he just needed to hammer his coffin shut. “Ah, I should’ve expected as much from a dirty rat such as yourself, given your filthy blood that your good-for-nothing family has, especially that nuisance of an uncle of yours…”

“What about my uncle Ensio, saatana perkele?”

“That riot in Berlin was a laughable affair, our enemies trying to protest that they weren’t inferior. I took pleasure in taking the first shot, watching your dearest uncle fall to the ground and get trampled. I can’t even begin to imagine the shame he and your family must feel knowing that Finland was an ally of Germany and that you’ve been working for me…” his voice was like that of a bear about to happily tear into its prey, as he and Anne walked forward. Sebastian was certain he had struck the achilles’ heel…

“Really? That’s all you got?” Valentin then snapped his fingers.

Bethany emerged from the shadows, roaring with such great force that it sent Sebastian and Anne flying out of the crypt. After tumbling across the dirty stone, they picked themselves up, albeit fairly disoriented. Part of Sebastian’s sleeve had torn off, revealing the hideous, malformed state of the modification he had done to himself. Both he and Anne were ready to fight, but Valentin remained calm as he stepped out into the cold night’s air, hands behind his back like a gentleman. It looked like the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders as Bethany stood next to him.

“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU, BOTH OF YOU!!!” Sebastian screamed, having had enough of this nonsense.

“Sebastian Rainer Friedrich III, our partnership is over, effective immediately,” Valentin said with confidence in his voice.

“Fine, any last words then?” he inquired as he pointed his gun straight at Valentin’s head. Despite being at least 10 feet away and still recovering from Bethany’s magic, he had a clear shot.

“No, because here comes my new employer, and I think you’ll like her. She’ll especially be a real blast from the past for you, Anne…”

Just then, a loud, shrill croak could be heard above them. Sebastian and Anne looked up only to see a truly colossal raven circling in the sky around them. Their blood ran cold as they knew exactly who it was. As the raven perched on the peak of Mt. Steadyrock and called out again, Anne panicked and scrambled for a vial of red liquid in her satchel. Dumping it on the ground, the strange substance quickly formed into a pentagram-like seal and glowed like fire.

A portal of scarlet, chaotic energy appeared and out stepped a gaunt, skeletal knight in crimson armor. He looked tired and unamused. “What is it, my masters?” he said in a deep, dull voice with a bow.

“GET US OUT OF HERE NOW, SANGUINE!” Sebastian shouted in a panic.

“What’s the matter, guys!?!” Valentin taunted. “It’s rude not to say hi to the guest of honor!” The raven let out another call as crows began to fly overhead.

“With all due haste…” Sanguine held out two fires that drew in Sebastian and Anne. He then merged the flames, followed by him collapsing into it and vanishing with a haunting, inhuman scream.

Bethany was incredibly unnerved, reverting back to her human form. She then walked over to where the seal was, watching the liquid evaporate before her eyes. “Did… did we win?” she asked as she looked around nervously.

“No, they’ll be back.”

“Wh-where did they go?”

“Karnage’s tower, I’d imagine,” Valentin answered as he looked to the sky.

“Are we in danger?”

Valentin cleared his throat. “As always, but Sylvia has our backs for now.”

“But what about that Running God Anne kept going on about!?” Bethany looked legitimately frightened, and Valentin’s nonchalant attitude was not helping.

“I wouldn’t worry about it. In my dreams I have beheld truly fearsome entities who hunt down such rogue gods. I’d wager that The Madman of Old would be gunning for The Running God as soon as possible if he came after us…” Valentin shuddered a little, then glanced around, focusing on some sticks. “That doesn’t mean I’m not a little worried though… Say, does that ornamental fireplace actually work?”

“Uh, yeah, I think so at least…”

“Then I’ll go collect some firewood and we’ll have some dinner.”

Bethany took a nervous breath. “But what if M.A.I.G. or Zoltan show up?”

“Relax, Bethany. We’re on their side now.”

“Oh, right. Good point, I guess,” she said as she returned to the crypt and calmly shut the doors.

After gathering a decent amount of sticks, Valentin set them down near the doors and trekked over to the nearby woods. There was a dead tree that was perfect for a toasty fire. He did not have an axe, so he tossed one of his cards at it. The tree creaked and fell with a massive thud. It was a bit aged and would not last long, but that was fine. All he needed was enough for the night. Once it was all cut up, the wood was stored safely in one of Valentin’s cards.

Next Valentin had to sneak down to the city to get some food. Military patrols were everywhere and he did not want to be spotted. Thankfully most of the city was dark, allowing him to slip around undetected. Hoping Milan was not out looking for him on account of earlier, Valentin went into an empty grocery store. After casting a spell that created an orb of light, he got to work. Valentin picked up some meat, vegetables, two bottles of sparkling water, some regular bottled water, and anything else he needed to prepare a meal.

Valentin was a little on edge as he felt watched and it was a feeling he could not shake. It took a second to get one of the cash registers open, and the ding it made startled him. He wanted to make as little sound as possible and the sight of lights in the distance made him nervous. Fortunately it was driving off a ways away, with what he saw being a reflection. Once he was ready and the groceries were paid for, Valentin got out his teleportation card and returned to the crypt.

Bethany was sitting by the fireplace, mulling over everything that had happened up until that point when Valentin showed up. “Oh, hey. How did it go? I brought the sticks in by the way.”

“Thank you, and things went well. A bit unsettling, but I’m in no position to complain.” Valentin set the groceries down, then tossed out the card that held the firewood, stacking it all neatly beside the fireplace. “I’d dare say M.A.I.G. noticed that little scuffle we had. One of their drones is right outside…” he pointed out as he began readying the firewood.

“Yeah, no surprise there.”

“You’re fairly relaxed after all that…”

“I don’t know if I’d call this ‘relaxed.’ Now what am I going to do? They’re probably going to throw me in jail…” she sounded fairly depressed over that prospect.

“Have you killed anyone?”

“No.”

“Then I wouldn’t worry about it,” Valentin said as he snapped his fingers, shooting a fireball at the wood that got the fire going.

“Oh cool. Pyromancy?”

“I’ve been practicing.”

“So… have you killed anyone?”

Valentin started to get out some pots and bottled water. “Not directly. And anyone who has died because of me has been one of those infuriating Death Knells… hopefully. I mean to be fair, the minute you hear beeping in that line of work, you immediately get out of the building if you’re smart.”

Dinner was a little slow being cooked over a fireplace, but Valentin managed with what he had with a little help from Bethany here and there. By the time they were done, the crypt was nice and warm, with the aroma of fresh food filling the air. It was a stark contrast to the cold, dampness Bethany was used to. Valentin then got out some glasses and filled them with the sparkling water. Their steaming, hot meals were ready to go and looked quite delicious.

Bethany could not help but smile at her food. “This is really nice, not going to lie…”

“Then how about a toast to our newfound good fortune?” Valentin suggested as he held up his glass.

“Sure,” Bethany replied as she followed suit. “Hehe, my dad and his friends loved to do this when they were all over for dinner.”

“To our valor, fortitude, and the grace of God: Long may the sun shine.” They tapped their glasses together, took a sip, and dug into their dinners. Feeling more open to each other, they spent the rest of the night talking about their upbringings.

Back at M.A.I.G. headquarters, Milan, Trumna, and Reynard were having a cup of coffee over at the War Room. It was a quiet, yet tense night as everyone was on edge over the dimensional anomaly that had briefly shown up. The three were waiting for Intelligence to report back while others went about their business, checking consoles and making phone calls. Given that the incident had occurred over near Mt. Steadyrock, Milan was the most worried out of all of them. Trumna’s phone at the big table then went off, starling them.

“Ahem, Trumna speaking…” The call took a minute, with the tension mounting as the director responded to each part of the conversation. “Alright, thank you. Gentlemen, whatever that was is gone now.”

Reynard breathed a sigh of relief. “Send the all clear, Jurgen, but keep the patrols on alert for the rest of the night.”

“Yes, sir,” Jurgen replied as got up.

“Any news on Valentin, Trumna?” Milan inquired.

“He seems to be fine. Apparently he even did a little grocery shopping.”

“What about Sebastian and Anne? Any sign of them?”

“None whatsoever. Not even the reconnaissance squads are picking anything up,” Trumna said as he wrote something down.

Reynard laughed. “Well it sounds like Valentin and Bethany are having a little dinner. If things weren’t so tense, I’d invite them here.”

“Rey, they’re still wanted…” Trumna reminded him.

After thinking about it for a second, Reynard had a crazy idea. “You know what? It’ll cost us a pretty penny, but how about we call up D.C. and get some pardons ready?”

Milan’s eyes lit up. “Wait, you can do that!?”

“Well yeah,” Trumna replied. “But Rey…”

“But nothing. Those two deserve a second chance, especially after what they just went through.”

Next: Chapter 30

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