#but i am still a cartographer | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

queers-gambit · 4 months

Text

The Battle Above the God’s Eye

part one: Sands of Time

prompt: decades after the Stepstones, it's his turn to be rescued.

pairing: Daemon Targaryen x female!reader

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

word count: 6.3k+

note: i'm not the happiest with this piece, so i'll most definitely (probably) write an alternative when the time comes and the show does the Battle. y'all know me by now, you know i love me a good ol' reader-insert and i didn't want to wait years to publish some kind of sequel so here we are.

warnings: reader isn't explicitly a Targaryen but we had to make this work and i'm burnt the fuck out. so fuck it, dragon rider reader. cursing, books spoilers, violence, imagination required, maybe Red Priestess reader, mention of more Little Birds (let author live), toxic family (duh), heavily encouraged imagination, depictions of death, angst, some hurt and comfort i think ? missing warnings 'cause wonky brain goin' wonky.

"There's rumor, Mistress, of a dragon the color of night," the hooded figure informed. "It nests in the Ruins of Ancient Valyria, seen by farmers and countryfolk; they say his wings beat like thunder. It's a colossal shadow they fear to engage, but after hearing your ransom, they reported it."

You hummed as you took a sip of scalding tea, finding comfort in the heat, musing, "I've been to the Ruins myself on two seperate excursions, I promise you, friend, there is no dragon that nests there."

"It's come from the East, a new beast in the sky."

"I require proof if I am to pay the ransom."

The man with a hood over his head reached for his rucksack and rummaged, a moment later, placing two items on the polished mahogany table between you both. One was unmistakably a dragon's tooth, and when you examined it, there was still clotted blood on the root - assuring it was a fresh pull. The second was a large black scale that weighed at least a dagger's worth.

You smirked, "This is promising. Where in the Ruins has it been seen? Who procured these artifacts?"

You discussed specifics with the man for an hour, offering him a hefty finder's fee after getting the name of the village the man had gathered his own information from. It was a messy journey from there; leaving the home you had made in the decades since the Stepstones to head for what was probably another dead end in Ancient Valyria. You were something akin to a magistrate, the people saw you as a figurehead, a leader; their person of authority who they were all too happy to follow.

Your village flourished, growing in size, number, popularity, and strength by the passing day. The people seemed happy, wealth flowing from exports and trade, and apparently, a few cartographers have begun the process of updating a few maps to add your village's name to history.

Much had changed in your time away from your Rogue Dragon Prince, but you knew that was all coming to an end soon. Your Lord of Light had shown you much in your flames, one of which was a repeating image of you, mounted atop a dragon all your own, soaring over the Narrow Sea with distinct purpose. You weren't a Targaryen, but your religious devotion seemingly gave you the ability to walk amongst beasts and their flames.

Exploring Ancient Valyria took over a year on foot.

You had plenty of encounters with the Stone Men, but all met their merciful demise - those left after that steered clear of you and your Valyrian Steel sword. Around the ruins of the ancient volcano that hadn't erupted since The Doom, you found a graveyard of goat, sheep, and cattle bones. There were bigger skeletons of aquatic creatures, something you found incredibly fascinating - what fully grown dragon went deep diving?

Soon, you found scat. For those who don't spend time in the wilderness or who are simply unfamiliar with the term, "scat" refers to waste produced by wild animals. Yeah, you're reading correctly, after you found the plethora of skeletons, you found dragon shit.

So, you knew you were closer than before. But the fucker still alluded you to the point you felt insane circling the Ruins.

You located about three different potential caverns, investigating them all with caution, but finding them all empty. Feeling exhausted from the months of searching, you claimed one of the caves as your own; hunting for a meal after gathering adequate fire wood. You listened to the untamed wilds of Valyria as you ate whatever you roasted, trying to distinguish familiar sounds of an approaching dragon.

Or perhaps even a distant one!

You'd take any sign!

It'd been weeks since you found the dragon droppings, no other signs appearing. You would search new areas for days, then return to your cave for rest; feeling disconnected from reality the longer you lingered in the ruined empire. You wondering what your village was doing, you were curious if the young woman, Ferona, had a baby boy or girl, if they had erected the new buildings you left blueprints for in an effort to create opportunist housing and houses of worship - as your people had requested.

How did the krill and shrimp season fair? What weddings happened this past spring? How was the irrigation system holding up?

Weeks drug by slowly. Weeks turned to longer months. Two years, you spent in that Gods forsaken ruin of a city - but couldn't find it in you to abandon your search.

Your Lord of Light had yet to send word, yet set your heart ablaze every time you "decided" to go home. You stared into the flames every night, desperate for any indication you were on the right path, but nothing was seen - nothing was said - nothing was shown to you. Until one night, during a torrential downpour and thunderous storm, you were shivering, drenched to your core, fighting the wind to let you keep your flames alive.

And there, in the dying, flickering warmth, you saw it. With wide, unblinking eyes, you stared into the flames harder; unsure how long you remained in the tranquil state before a particularly strong gust of wind nearly pushed you face-first into the embers. You gasped, looking around as the smoke nearly choked you as it filled the cave; stumbling out into the rain as you coughed and patted your chest. Stumbling slightly from malnourishment and delirium, you leaned on the outer shell of your "home", panting with relief before there came a screech so fearsome, you were then cowering into the wall with fear.

You dropped to your knees, huddled into the rock formation; the ground trembling as something enormous touched down. You gasped when through the haze of sideways rain, two nostrils flared and heaved thick plumes of smoke; reddened from the ignited flames deep within an invisible chest. You flattened against the wall, four taloned paws striking the ground and causing it to crack, quake, and tremble. With the fleeting clouds, you used the moon's light to distinguish the beast that loomed closer to you; over you; and then, in your face.

A long, blackened snout nearly pressed into your chest; fabric of your tunic caught in the razor sharp teeth. You had faced death, you had faced beasts, you had faced hacking axes and swinging swords. You had faced the wrath of the Queen Alysanne's court, the rumors of the common folk, and judgment from both man and God. But nothing was like this moment: a wild dragon staring you down, sniffing your chest and stomach, debating if it should just open it's mouth and eat you whole yet or not.

Thankfully, it chose an alternative route.

You're not fully sure how it happened, but you dedicated two years to finding this terrible beasty, and yet, it only took about 6 weeks to bond with the (obviously) young thing. Time with your Dragon Prince proved most useful, creating a bond so secure, you were beginning to wonder if someone deep in your bloodline had mated with a Targaryen. It was natural, the way you both became accustomed to one another; living together on a carbon-dated land long doomed.

The lessons from Daemon came flying back to you. You practiced your High Valyrian, laughing when you obviously got a word or two wrong because the dragon would snort at you. In the light, she was still the color of the night, but her scales were dusted the same gold as her eyes. She was impressive, she was huge in size but nowhere near Vhagar. In fact, you'd wager she had outgrew Caraxes - the only dragon you had true experience with.

Speaking of Caraxes, you were on the shores of Old Valyria, debating how you were going to convince your new companion to join you back "home" in the village, when suddenly, your beast gave a defensive growl.

Looking to the skyline, you spotted the distant dragon and frowned. This dragon wasn't the color of flames like Caraxes was, no, instead, it was a murky blob in the sky with two wings. You offered calming words to your dragon in her native language, not sensing danger, but your beast was unhappy leaving you in the open. Her tail curled around you to corral you back into her body as the muddy brown dragon landed with a thunderous shake a respectable distance away.

Your name was begged by the rider descending from who you recognized as a wild dragon by the name of Sheepstealer.

"Nettles? That you, love?" You asked in skepticism, managing out of your dragon's grasp. "What're you doing here? You all right?"

"I needed to find you," she panted. "I-I need you help - it's all - it's all gone wrong! Please!"

"What's wrong? The fuck's happened?"

"Do you know nothing, Auntie!? Do you know nothing of the war!?"

Your eyes rolled, "Watch that tone with me, girl. The Dance of Dragons is of no concern of mine, it had barely started when I came here."

"Well - it's your concern now," she insisted. "You took me under your wing - you helped raise me in a village you built from the ground, despite not ever needing to - "

"Your mother was a dear friend of mine," you cut her off sharply. "She was kind to me when I came back to Essos, let me stay with her and your father. When I set out on my own, she was always a friendly face, and when my settlement was established..."

"She came to you for help after getting pregnant with me," Nettles nodded. "You've told me this before."

"Then you should know better by now that I owed your mother more than my life, so, raising you was the least I could've done. A life for a life."

"And as such, you let me go into the world with stories filling my head of a handsome Dragon Prince that saved you from the Crabfeeder!" You scoffed at her words, ready to argue, but she rushed, "He's in trouble, Auntie."

You paused, finding no lie in the girl's eye. Slowly, you asked, "Come again?"

"I found him, Mistress," she nodded. "After I got back to Westeros, I found your Prince Daemon - the ones from the stories! He's... He's brutish and harsh, they call him Rogue, but he was kind to me when I told him I knew you. When he heard your name, Lady, he just - he insisted on keeping me close. He protected me, even against his wife - Princess Rhaenyra."

Your head cocked, "Hmm... He usually did have a taste for younger flesh. I'm not surprised he took to you - "

"No, no, no, Mistress, not like that," she insisted desperately. "He was kind, educational - similar to a mentor."

"I see."

"He needs your help."

"Prince Daemon does not need rescuing, he is no damsel."

"He searches for Prince Aemond," she informed, making you lift your chin slightly. Though lost in the wild of Valyria the past two years, you were still well versed in the affairs of King's Landing; staying updated, curtesy of your Lord, the Lord of Light: R'hllor. In your village, you were known to pay for any accurate information - eventually hiring your own spies to relay trustworthy information from around surrounding cities and villages. Nettles was one of your Little Birds.

You sighed, "And? What of it - Aemond killed Lucerys, did he not? Since he married his niece, her children are now his step-children, right? Daemon is within his rights to want some form of vengeance - it's war, Nettie, it's never fair to anybody.

"He will not survive this, you don't understand! It's horrible, Mistress, please, he-he-he's deranged. Mad with grief, lost to his wife's useless fucking war. It'll be the death of him, Auntie, please!" She paused, seeing you just stare back at her; so she begged again, "Please!"

You nodded, "What do you want me to do, Nettie? Hmm?"

"You've told me those stories! I remember them well! You always said he came back for you, saved you from The Crabfeeder," she reminded, making you stiffen. "Does he not deserve the same? Or at least a chance? Rhaenyra will not help, she'll kill him herself I fear, but you can - you can help!"

You nodded, "I will consult the flames - "

"I am telling you - "

"I have heard you, girl!" You snapped, glaring at your Little Bird. "But there are greater forces at work than what you know, I cannot just so willfully trust the word of a child before flying off across the Narrow Sea. Allow me my time with my Lord, I will have an answer for you." Turning from her, you gathered whatever materials you could; setting it up in a small teepee before stepping back.

In High Valyrian, you gave your command. From over your shoulder, your beasty opened her mouth and shot a single flame at the structure.

On your knees, you muttered repeatedly; chanting, summoning your Lord of Light to come to you now in a great hour of need. And He did. Through the flames, you saw what R'hllor wanted to show you: the two Princes engaged in a brutally epic fight that would claim them both in the end...

Unless you left right that moment, as your Lord commanded.

"Make yourself safe, Nettles, go back home," you told her in a rush, catching the pouch of Gold Dragons she tossed you when you sprung into action - and for the first time, mounted your dragon. Like your minds were connected, the Great Shadow took to the sky - leaving Nettles and Sheepstealer behind, and you'd never see either again.

You remained high in the sky, being a blob to the naked eye should any dare to stare at the sun.

You only paused to let the Great Shadow dive into the Narrow Sea for a meal; surfacing with creatures in her jaws as you swam an exhausting broad stroke. Was it terrifying to swim in the open water? Absolutely, but your dragon seemingly kept any threats at bay. When she was satisfied with her meal, the Great Shadow scooped you onto her back and relaunched into the air again to continue your flight for Westeros. You both dried in the air.

The trip was draining.

It was grueling on you both.

Yet when you saw the distant shore, you couldn't help the spike of relief in your heart and veins.

Once in Westeros, you were forced to ground yourselves in the open area of the Stormlands because you needed to know where to go since Nettles hadn't been sure where to send you specifically. Using the usual thunderstorm as cover, you had to separate from the Great Shadow; leaving her in the dark as you ventured to the closest village.

With the pouch of Gold Dragons Nettles gave you, you paid for information that you needed. You were told all the nitty gritty details about the Dance of the Dragons that you've missed, understanding what (Nettles and) the Lord of Light had been trying to tell you for years: the Black Queen would be Prince Daemon's death.

The time had come for you to return his favor from the Stepstones. If this worked the way you wanted it to, you wouldn't be his first, second, nor third wife, but his fourth and final. You knew what you had to do.

"What do you know of their whereabouts?" You asked the innkeeper who wiped down the bar you leaned on.

"The Princes?" She asked, tisking right after. "The One Eyed Prince has been burning the Riverlands for almost two weeks now. The Rogue Prince was in Maidenpool but he's called his nephew to meet him at, uh, oh... Oh, bullocks, what's that haunted castle? The one that was torched?"

"Harrenhal?"

She snapped her fingers at you, "That's the one!"

"Fuckin' Hell," you muttered, wiping your eyes. "What's your thinking, love? 'Bout this war?"

She scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Stupidest thing I've endured so far. How silly, the House of the Dragon does not know who rules it, or so says our liege lord. So we must all pay their price in Fire and Blood."

You nodded slowly, "Who do you think holds the better claim t'the Throne?"

"Depends on your views," she muttered, "but in truth, it doesn't matter to me - so long as this all comes to an end. But between us?" She leaned in, glancing around before muttering, "The Bitch Queen would burn us all. Can't say if King Aegon would be much better, but at least we'd know what we were dealing with."

"And if he was another Maegor?"

"Can't be worse than the Black Queen. Hear they call her Maegor with Tits."

You smirked, chuckling lightly, "Thank you, ma'am, for your words." You offered her a few Gold Dragons, repeating, "Harrenhal?"

"Harrenhal," she nodded, accepting the payment. "I do not know if the One Eyed Prince will answer the Rogue Prince's challenge, but that is where he lures Prince Aemond - Harrenhal. Now, how's about a nice bowl of stew? You look drenched, love, and a bit skinny - you been eatin'?"

"Your kindness is refreshing in this shit-for-a-kingdom."

You winked at her and tapped the bar in parting before turning for the door, and into the rain you ventured once more. You didn't notice the cold, your Lord kept you warm and moving; finding the Great Shadow, mounting, and shooting off into the unknown sky again.

It wasn't easy directing a dragon without a saddle nor any stabilizing reins, yet your beast was something of a decently smooth fly. You minimally directed her as you went, but in truth, her instincts directed you both more than anything. When the storm broke, you were soon flying over charred scores of land; homes smoldering and burning, the wind spreading the embers and never letting the fire fully die out.

"The fuck..." You muttered, sitting up straight as you flew through the carnage. "Seven Hells, he burnt it all, didn't he?" You whispered, needing to hold onto the spinal ridges of your dragon to keep balanced. "Gods be good," you gaped at the damage beneath you.

The sun moved into position, getting ready to set when you heard the horrible screams of feuding dragons. You couldn't see Harrenhal yet, but you heard the fight, and then, as the sun began to set, there came flashes of bright firelight that lit the sky to a new level.

It was nearly the shade of daylight with the way the flames danced against the setting sun. You were desperate to get closer, and after directing the Great Shadow over a set of charred rolling hills, you finally had Harrenhal in sight. "Go! Go, please! That's them - we need t'get there!" You begged through a small sob of panic, and if possible, your dragon flew all the faster.

You were so close, yet felt so far.

The air trembled when the pair of dragons, Vhagar and Caraxes, collided in the sky once more. They grappled and snarled and shrieked and blew flames and gnashed their teeth and slashed their talons. You paid no mind to the pregnant woman standing on the shoreline of the lake they fought over, and instead, focused on your task; feeling as if you were moving on pure instinct and adrenaline.

The Great Shadow dove low to the lake's surface as Caraxes and Vhagar came barreling to the ground. It all happened too fast. As the two dragons fell, you saw one man - in black armor - leap from his crimson beast with his Valyrian sword winking in the dying light. Just as his arm extended to pierce Dark Sister into Aemond's blind eye, the dragons were tussling enough to turn over and forced Daemon off their hide.

You gasped as you reacted - no fucking thought to your actions.

As the Great Shadow glided over the surface of the Gods Eye lake, you were leaping off her back to launch into the air; tackling the Rogue Prince hard enough to disrupt his impact on the water's surface. You hit the water all the same, but instead of it being like hitting fresh pavement, it was a softer landing due to the Great Shadow's expert and quick maneuvering.

Two dragons hit the water, three human bodies; sending a wave of water higher than the towers of Harrenhal's fortress. It was a shock to land in something so wet and cold, but your adrenaline was stronger than any feeling of freezing water. Your arms kept an iron-clad lock around Daemon's unconscious waist, surfacing as the lake rippled and churned from impact; turning a seeping red from the open wounds on the dragon sinking into the depths.

Prince Aemond never surfaced, and years from now, he'd be found still chained to Vhagar's saddle with Dark Sister still stabbed through his skull. His Red Witch standing on shore couldn't save him, it appearing that your Lord preferred the Rogue Prince to the One Eyed.

Keeping Daemon afloat was difficult, but to your shock, you were being gently propelled forward to the shore by a fatally injured Caraxes. You encouraged him best you could, trying not to choke on the water splashing around your frantic forms. When you were able, you started heaving and dragging Daemon up the lake's embankment; the crimson dragon crawling out of the lake behind you, slowly, heading towards Harrenhal. You wanted to offer the loyal beast aid or comfort, but you were much too preoccupied with his master that was dead weight in the water's surf.

You trembled as you swiftly hoisted his dragon winged helmet off to leave bobbing in the surf; unhooked his armor, shucking it off him and compressing his chest rapidly - just like a fisherman taught you to do.

"C'mon," you grunted. "C'mon, Daemon, breathe - fucking breathe, damnit! Please, come back to me - don't do this. I just found you again, c'mon, my Prince, breathe. Breathe, Daemon, don't give up - not now, not on us! Don't give up on us, c'mon, my Prince, breathe, w-we finally have our time." Sobs wracked your form. "Breathe, Daemon, please! Please! I'm back - I finally found you, please, my love, breathe!"

You shoved harder into his breast bone with increased ferocity until water came suddenly spewing from his lungs. You heard the Great Shadow land in the near distance, turning Daemon on his side to help him breathe better; choking the water out. You spoke in relief, "There, there you go, c'mon, love, breathe! Thank fucking Gods, you're all right, you're okay, get it out - you're okay, just breathe, my love."

Daemon choked your name in pure disbelief, holding one of your wrists in a vice grip that only briefly concerned you. He panted and relaxed into the embankment, loosening his grip as he turned over to look up at you in shock and wonder. "How is this possible?" He wheezed.

"It's a bit of a long story," you teased softly, caressing his cheek. "Bit of a boring tale, 'M afraid."

"How? How is - how can this be?"

"You needed me," you explained, "thought I'd return the favor since you saved me all those years ago, huh? You got me out of the sea, I got you out of the lake - we're even, yeah?"

He still panted, only staring at you as if he couldn't believe himself. "You've not aged a day," he whispered.

You smiled, petting his cheekbone with your thumb daintly. "You need rest, reprieve, aid," you whispered.

"No, no," he gulped, "not when I just got you back. T-Tell me 's done. Tell me we're done being apart."

"You have a wife still, Daemon. She won't let you go, she wouldn't let us be together."

"Tell me what your flames say."

"Now you trust my flames?"

"When they bring you back to me, yes - oh, fuck yes, I'll believe whatever those fucking flames say. Please, love, for us - consult your flames, tell me what they've said."

You frowned, petting a soaking wet lock of hair from his forehead. Quietly, you whispered, "My Lord showed me what was to pass if I did not come for you... This war, this Dance of Dragons, would claim your life, Daemon. Your wife, your niece... She'll be the end of you, my Prince. You will not survive if you go back to her. Neither of you will survive this... My Lord has shown me that Rhaenyra will meet her end in flames, but following her will cost you your life in water," you glanced at the lake. "Not a death befitting of a Targaryen Prince."

"And now?"

"Now, she will fight her own battles for the first time," you whispered, "and I will return home, and you will make a choice."

He smirked, "We've gone lifetimes apart, like you said before."

"We have."

"I would not go another day," he coughed, wincing in pain. "I do not think I can fight anymore anyways, love. Please... Please."

Daemon never begged. You swallowed harshly, asking him, "No? No more fighting?"

"No," he agreed. "'M so tired, my sweet. I-I can't do this forever," he half-slurred, making you perk up slightly in attention. "Retirement sounds all too appealing now. Rumor will spread that neither Aemond or I lived, it'll be the perfect escape."

You nodded in agreement, flinching when a new voice screeched, "YOU BITCH!"

The pregnant woman you saw on shore stormed towards you, making you chuckle dryly as you had already foreseen this Alys Rivers - pregnant concubine of the One Eyed Prince Aemond and fellow Follower of R'hllor. Alys was unique in the sense that her training was decent enough to ensnare Aemond (it seemed), but not so decent that the Lord yet favored her.

She wasn't more than ten feet from you when the Great Shadow opened her mouth and showered the Red Witch in holy flames; an end she surely did not see coming - not that R'hllor would've showed her. This all caught Daemon's attention, who flinched slightly when he had to turn and look; not expecting the flames nor the beast.

Then his eyes drifted over the land, breathing hitching, and he sat up with a painful groan. "Daemon," you worried, but instead of trying to get him down, you helped him up.

You knew what he saw.

When at Caraxes' side, you helped Daemon lower to his knees at his dragon's head. He whimpered and moaned, belly slashed open, wing torn apart; bleeding out into the cold soil he rested on. The Great Shadow moaned gently in sympathy, lowering herself around you three to let you grieve in peaceful, protective privacy and ease Caraxes to his next life.

The moon was fully in the sky when the crimson bloodwyrm took his final breath with the ebony giant's flames to warm you all. You weren't sure what could be done, but Daemon was pressing a tender kiss to his dragon's head before turning to face you - a lost, confused, vulnerable look coating his features. "Come on, love," you eased gently, helping him to his feet; knowing a few ribs were shattered and probably his clavicle, too.

"Where will we go now?"

"Well, I have somewhere safe for us t'live," you grunted in assurance, wobbling a little under his weight. "But we need rest for tonight. Any ideas?"

"I doubt anyone will venture to Harrenhal this night, should be safe..."

You agreed, and together, you and Daemon settled in the empty castle with the Great Shadow resting on the outskirts of the Keep. She was too big for the interior of the courtyard, so, she was left outside with Caraxes' corpse as you and Daemon settled in the room he had commandeered.

"How is this possible? How can you be here?" He asked, holding your hips as you worked between his spread legs. Daemon had minimal supplies at the ready; hopping up on a work bench to let you care for his injuries and wounds. He watched your every move with a softening look. "I thought I wouldn't ever see you again, that I'd be cursed to only remember you in my dreams. Rhaenyra said I say your name a lot at night, when I sleep."

"I'm really here, Daemon, ease yourself," you offered an assuring grin, tending to the head wounds he obtained from the fight.

"How?"

"Nettles."

"What?"

"Nettles," you repeated with a smirk. "She's one of my Little Birds, Daemon. It was not entirely coincidence she found you..."

"So she said," he frowned. "But how - "

"She told me you needed me," you smiled softly. "And when I consulted the flames, I was shown what could be. I made a decision, I just wanted you safe, no matter what that meant."

"I just want you. Fuck," he seethed, squeezing your hips, "'s been fucking decades since I've even touched you."

"You're delirious," you teased. "Sleep deprived, maybe concussed."

"Perhaps all at once, but I finally have all I've dreamt of. Please," he whispered, "do not deny us longer. I've endured lifetimes - "

"Daemon, being here and now, you know I can't walk away. But we've time t'talk it all out, I need you to let me help your wounds - so sit still."

He nodded, "One thing I do not understand, though - the dragon? How did you...?"

"Spent two years in Valyria, looking for her."

"Why were you there?"

"Searching for a dragon, of course," you smirked. "She's impressive, isn't she? And from her size, I wager she can easily support us both back across the Narrow Sea."

He grit his teeth when you cleaned his open cuts and wounds, wrapping whatever clean cloth you had around the larger wounds; easing him out of his tunic to have better access to the blackened ribs he sported. "Would you tell me?" Daemon whispered some time later.

"Of what?"

"Your life since the Stepstones?"

"Oh," you chuckled, "sweet love, you know it was dreadfully boring without you."

"Doesn't seem it, you being in Valyria two years? That's not heard of, what was it like? How'd you survive? Why go looking for a dragon?"

This lead to you both laying in bed, hands held together, resting, but not sleeping. You just spoke quietly, fingertips tracing idly over each other's faces; sharing in each others lives that the other missed, reminiscing together in fond memories.

When morning broke, you had to move swiftly. Caraxes was left where he laid and after a final parting to the loyal beast and commandeering his saddle, together, you and Daemon mounted the Great Shadow. She wasn't a fan of the restraints, but once you and Daemon were mounted, she did not fuss as it was evident you humans had an easier time with the leather contraption.

"I must confess," Daemon whispered in your ear, using you as an anchor and leaning into your back, "I fear I might feel something akin to guilt for fleeing home."

"That's natural," you assured, "you're leaving family behind, 's never easy."

"There was no winning this war," he admitted, sighing. "I lead so many to their death... Destroyed my family - "

"From what I have heard, this is not your doing," you argued sharply. "That night, when Aemond attacked Lucerys, what were you to do? Leave that kind of atrocity without consequence? No, that is not in the Targaryen's nature. You did not start this war, Daemon."

"But I knew..."

"You knew what?"

"I knew Jace, Luke, and Joffrey were Harwin Strong's, not Laenor Velaryon's. We thought if we married her sons to my daughters, nobody would care much else about lineage - but we were wrong."

"It's okay to be wrong," you promised, leaning your head back to let your forehead rest against his temple. "It's okay to make mistakes or have regret. Tell me, do you wish to return to your wife? I will take you now, no quest - "

"No. No, I do not wish to leave you. This is... This is Rhaenyra's war, I've done my part. I'm free and finally with whom I belong."

"Now it's time to heal," you told him.

"Time to rest," he agreed, squeezing your waist and placing a few kisses to your neck. "This is where I should've been all this time... After the Stepstones, I should've stayed with you, none of this would've come to pass. I regret leaving you everyday - "

"I told you, for us to get here, to this point, now, we had to separate. But look where we are," you smiled back at him, the Great Shadow soaring higher in the sky to keep Westeros at a distance, "we will not be apart again. 'S you and me, love... Until our end, which we will greet together."

Daemon's lips found yours at long last, whispering, "Together," against them before sweeping his tongue against yours.

The port was lovely this time of day, sun high in the sky to give light to the fishermen and vendors hard at work. Sailors made port, calms were being shucked, different Aristocats trying to barter and trade on their journeys abroad. You smiled at the people you passed, grateful to be home after a prolonged absence; arm looped tight with Daemon's as you both strolled the pier.

"It's hard to imagine you've done all this in a lifetime or less," he mused, a hand folded over yours, dressed in the best clothes you could find. "It's s marvel, my sweet," his compliment was sincere.

"Thank you," you whispered, hugging his arm as your skirts swished around your ankles, just tickling your bare feet. "This season's expected to be bountiful," you told him, pointing to the various teams bringing crustaceans, fish, and other sea life in different crates and traps. "I expect there won't be much of an off-season."

He glanced around, "And you don't collect taxes?"

"Why would I?" You scoffed. "We're more dynamic than that. Everyone works for their place, if you wanted to think of it that way. They are not expected to contribute, but the village seems happier that way. Being close knit, helping one another, sharing wealth. No one person has complained, so, I figure it's working so far. Even if it didn't work, I still wouldn't charge them taxes - it'd be like charging them to live. Always seemed silly t'me."

"Morning, Mistress!"

"Morning, Don," you beamed, leading Daemon towards the dock. "How are you, kind sir? Looks as if you've been working all day already."

"Aye, up before the sun," he nodded, wiping his forehead with his sleeve. "Wanted t'thank yah, actually."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, yeah, with that dragon? We're hauling in more ships," he chuckled, and just overhead, the Great Shadow glided over them all to head out to sea to fetch another round of ships. "Gets us out there quick, brings us back when done, 's like a wee bit of an assembly line, ain't it?"

You chuckled, "Sounds like it, friend. Uh, Don, have I introduced you to my husband?"

"Husband?" Don grinned, cocking his head, "No, Mistress, I wasn't aware you even had a suitor. Mariam don't tell me much gossip these days," he snickered, referring to his wife. "It's nice t'meet you," he told Daemon, "name's Don, just Don - no, it ain't short for nothin'."

Daemon smirked some, shaking the man's fishy hand boldly, "A pleasure, Don, Just Don."

"Oh, this one's got a bit uh humor, don't he?" Don laughed lightly. "What's your name, lad?"

"Daemon?" A voice answered for you all, and just above you, a little further on the pier, stood an aged Laenor Velaryon.

"Excuse us, Don," you spoke swiftly, confusion marring your features. He understood or sensed the slight tension, backing off to let you approach the "dead" knight.

"Oh, my - Y/N," Laenor breathed, another aged man at his side with what you assume to be his children. No question could be asked yet as your old friend launched himself into your arms, laughing merrily, giving you a tight squeeze with his still-toned arms. "Oh, the Gods are good for this!" He laughed, rocking you slightly, "Oh, how the Seven bless us."

"You're so dramatic," you laughed back, patting him happily until he pulled back. "But I must confess, I am so fucking confused - what is this? How are you here? I thought you died, Laenor, that's what ever spy reported."

"They should've," he nodded, glancing at Daemon, "but perhaps, the explanation will be better received after some wine?" He caressed your cheek in affection before looking at your husband, nodding, "It's good to see you again, my Prince. Or is it King Consort?"

"Neither, just Daemon," he corrected, your heart soaring a little at the idea that he would abandon his title so easily. Yet you knew, there was nothing to go back to for him.

"Well, how about I introduce my family?"

"Family?" You grinned, seeing him present the others.

"My husband," he gestured, giving his name. "And our kids," he introduced the other three.

"How?" You asked simply.

"We found a Red Priest who was willing to officiate the ceremony," Laenor explained, "and the kids were sired by different mothers, too."

"Whores," the husband smiled.

"Huh," you nodded in impression. "Well, perhaps wine is best to hear that tale, as well?"

"Perhaps," Laenor grinned. "Uh, but first, we should find accommodations - "

"Oh, come off it, you're staying with us," you waved. "Your belongings?"

"This is it," he half-shrugged, you eyeing the few rucksacks around their feet, neck, shoulders... "We heard of the prosperity here, thought it was worth the move."

"How right you are," Daemon answered. "Come, old friend." He picked up a few sacks for the kids and you looped your arm with Laenor's to lead the way. How good it was to have your friend back, your husband at your side, and a functioning, happy village with your placement amongst them most important... Everything you could've wished for, it seemed, came true.

And in your womb, a Dragon Seed was planted; soon to make its announcement known. Truly, a happier ending than you thought deserved - but R'hollr worked mysteriously, blessing those deemed worthy to spread his flames.

requesting rules and masterlist

HOTD masterlist

#daemon #prince daemon #daemon targaryen x reader #daemon targaryen x fem!reader #daemon targaryen x f!reader #daemon targaryen x female!reader #daemon targaryen imagine #daemon targaryen fanfiction #daemon targaryen angst #prince daemon targaryen x fem!reader #prince daemon targaryen x f!reader #prince daemon targaryen x female!reader #prince daemon targaryen imagine #prince daemon targaryen fanfiction #prince daemon targaryen angst

358 notes · View notes

aphroditelovesu · 9 months

Note

I'm so glad you write for shadow and bone now! can i request yandere the darkling/ Alexander Morozova with a reader who is not grisha? it can be platonic or romantic..your choice 🌷

''You are my salvation.'' - Darkling.

❝ ✟ — lady l: I just wanted to say that I am completely hungry for content from this man and I hope you guys like how I wrote this headcanon ❤️❤️.

❝tw: obsessive and possessive behavior, mention of death and torture, mildly suggestive, unhealthy romantic relationship.

❝✟pairing: yandere!darkling/aleksander morozova x otkazat’sya!reader.

Aleksander didn't like that at first. He didn't hate you, he hated the fact that you were mortal, an otkazat'sya, but not you, never you. Perhaps he resents the fact that you're human, but he didn't hate you. He could never hate you no matter what you did.

He met you by pure coincidence for you, but for him it was fate. Destiny, maybe the Saints, brought you to him. You were the newest cartographer in the Second Army and you were still getting used to it all, being in the army and with the grishas. You didn't hate them, but you couldn't say you loved them, you were neutral towards them.

There was nothing special about you. Just another mortal serving the military like most did. You didn't hate being a cartographer, but you couldn't say you loved it. It was your duty and that was it. Aleksander has paid attention to you since your first day, but you haven't noticed General Kirigan's curious and terrifying gazes on you.

He was content to just watch you from the shadows for a while. Learning everything he could about you that he could later use to get closer to you. You totally missed his looks, the way he seemed to devour you. He was the General and you were a simple cartographer, there would hardly be any interaction between the two of you. But there was, and he was hungry for more.

The first real interaction the two of you had was during a cold night at the military camp. You couldn't sleep and decided to take a walk, late at night and when most soldiers and grishas were asleep. Except you and him. You sat in a secluded spot and shivered in the cold. When a blanket was draped over your shoulders, you looked up to the one who gave it to you to thank them and found Aleksander's mesmerizing eyes watching you intently.

Aleksander never forgot your shy look and lowered head, as if you were too scared to speak to him. He never forgot your calm, low voice when you thanked him for the blanket, as if it was the only act of kindness you had ever received in your whole life. And he found himself wanting more, desperately wanting to hear your voice and the sweet sounds you could make. He didn't understand why he was so attracted to you, he hated the otkazat'sya, so why did he see himself wanting your attention and love?

He didn't understand his feelings for you, how desperately he wanted to protect and care for you. He's never felt this way before about anyone but himself. Aleksander just knew that he wanted you, that he needed you with him one way or another. He desperately needed you and he didn't know why, but that only you had to be his. And you would be his.

He's extremely overprotective of you, but how could he not be? You were so young, so helpless and so human. It was his duty to look after you to make sure you were well cared for and fed. Needless to say that you would get the best rooms, the best clothes and the best food. No one can even think of inflicting any harm on you, whether human or grisha, they all know you are off limits and must be protected or they will suffer the Darkling's wrath. And his wrath is not taken lightly, especially when you're involved.

Aleksander adores you, he loves you, or so he believes, but he hated your humanity. He hated that he was deeply involved with an otkazat'sya, but eventually he came to see the advantage in it. You weren't grisha, you couldn't defend yourself against him or run away if those were yours wishes, you were at his mercy and he grew to like that very much. You were in his hands as much as he was in yours, and he loved that. You belonged to him and he could do what he wanted with you, shape you any way he wanted and he wouldn't have to worry about you rebelling against him. At least that's how he thinks.

He'll manipulate you with no qualms, whispering sweet words in your ear as he worships your body and the next moment he's pouring venom into your ear, saying things like how perfect you are, how you should never leave his side. How he is the only one who loves you and who will take care of you for your whole life. How you were made for each other and no one deserves you more than him. You must always remain loyal to him and he will give you the world if you ask him to.

You became everything to him as you grew closer and closer. Aleksander will become more and more obsessive and possessive of you. He won't like it one bit if someone flirts with you, otkazat'sya or grisha, you're his and he won't let anyone steal you from him. He will show no mercy to anyone, destroying them in horrible ways, to set an example to anyone who has bad intentions towards you. You are his and he is his.

This isn't how you planned your love story with General Kirigan to go, but you're too wrapped up in his clutches, in his promises of love, to realize how wrong it is. You were so in love with him that you never noticed or cared about anything but him and the manipulations and horrors he will commit in the name of love. None of that will matter because you're together. An otkazat'sya and a grisha together forever. It would be you against the world and Aleksander will be your only company, the only one you will ever need.

423 notes · View notes

vintagerpg · 3 months

Text

This is Question of Gravity (1982). So, Role Aids is sort of cynical in a lot of ways. Its kind of a calculated cash-in, aimed at capitalizing on the popularity of D&D and, because of that, a lot of the material is sub-par. But there are modules like this one, which is so wild and unlike anything in the land of official D&D that it justifies the entire line, even the schlockiest stuff.

There is a lot of unnecessary material in this one, too. There’s all this plot that frames out how the central macguffin was made, reasons for investigating it, a nearby village, blah blah blah. None of that stuff interests me much, nor does it really matter. What matters is that there is a mysterious cube, 1,000 feet long on each side, surrounded by patrols of monsters and demons. A tunnel leads inside, where gravity is relative to position, so, Escher-like, players can walk along all the interior walls and ceiling as if they are the ground. And they are, I guess.

The whole thing is a nest of stairs, ledges, ramps and platforms of varying heights and distances. Look at those maps! How on earth did the cartographer, Jim Clouse, drawn them? How am I supposed to parse them?! Frankly, the scenario doesn’t even come close to living up to the potential of the space. I am not sure any scenario really could, honestly, but this mélange of evil humanoids and demons herding visitors to the cube into a central temple for sacrifice to the dark powers seems particularly flat for such a bizarre venue. The resolution is a simple battle — kill the sorcerer, seize his evil staff, problem solved.

Still, holy wow, this dungeon. Someone make an adventure worth of it, please!

Cover is by Janny Wurts, the interiors are by Gerald O’Malley. The package feels charmingly old school.

#roleplaying game #tabletop rpg #dungeons & dragons #rpg #d&d #ttrpg #Role Aids #Question of Gravity

87 notes · View notes

beesmygod · 17 hours

Note

do the forbidden woods have any connection to the beasts or great ones, aside from being geographically adjacent to byrgenwerth? Are the snake infested fellows just "normal" as far as yharnam is concerned? Like before yharnam got all bloodborney, was the Yharnam Cartographer's Guild map of the woods still just a big circle with SNAKES written?

this is a really good question because, as a lore psycho, i think the understated lore implications of the woods are genuinely fascinating. i think there's a lot to unpeel, even if we take into account that it was one of the places in the game that was chopped up at the 11th hour and scrambled before release.

as always for these lore posts, important nouns are bolded and speculation is in italics. we are going to discuss the woods in three parts: from the gatekeeper to the windmill is "the village". from the windmill to byrgenwerth is "the woods". the subterranean cave shortcut back to yharnam will just be called "shortcut." i'll expand on this shit GREATLY when we reach this part in "you hunted" (I HAVENT STOPPED WORKING ON IT I PROMISE IM JUST SWAMPED) so considered this a light overview. feel free to ask for more details on things and ill do my best to fill in the blanks.

THE VILLAGE:

-from the jump, the village gatekeeper is a fucking weird little blip in bloodborne's narrative. i haven't thought about him enough to figure out if he's more than just a spooky, unexplained element but he has some cut dialog that sheds some mindboggling information about yharnam: he seems very confused about WHEN it is and will cite the last time he had a visitor as anything from a year to a century.

-the lamps in this area lighting the way to the village are little burning fetal beasts of some sort.

i'm starting to understand more and more about how fire operates in the world of bloodborne, since most of the time it appears in the game, it's seemingly impossible. the thing that confused me the most was how old yharnam was still burning if it happened a long time ago. i think it's time to start thinking of the old blood as impossibly combustible and a great source of light/fire. this isn't the first in-universe example of creatures being used as fuel: the lamps in the fishing village are slugs (also infants? they strongly resemble the hunter's appearance as a baby great one in the "childhood's beginning" ending). this is a whole fucking like, thing. it's its own post.

next, the huntsmen enemies here are dressed funny. you probably noticed it but couldn't pin down how. they're dressed in white church clothes! the first model here is used only in the forbidden woods. the two on the left are from central yharnam. note the gloves on the first two; these are church doctors!

(this post goes on like this for some time)

the white church doctors are the ones that were doing "experimentally backed blood ministration". the butcher's garb further defines it as "forbidden research". these white church doctors are the citizens of this "village". in the clustered buildings where the majority of the huntsmen are, you can find blue elixir and beast blood pellets in abundance. both of these items can only be purchased from the store after obtaining the choir's badge, drawing a firm connection between the white church doctor's research and the goals of the choir.

although, this probably isn't too much of a surprise; it's almost certain that this is where fauxsekfa came from. she took the same shortcut we did, right? i'm not really sure i understand the shortcut too much. but let's talk about it.

THE SHORTCUT:

although not explicitly stated, i am strongly convinced that this cave is the entrance to the hintertomb. at the very least, it is absolutely an entrance to the labyrinth. the presence of tomb mold, blood gems, parasite larva, and pthumerian giants/corpses makes this very clear. the root chalice for the hintertomb describes it as "a cesspool of noxious snakes and insects"; i think it's likely that the snakes came from the hintertomb given they can be found in the swamps there.

the giant graves here and further into the woods are referred to as "tombstone[s] of a great one".

the hunter's mark i think would suggest these are pthumerian made. its possible that the hintertomb is spilling out into the world above but frankly all of the graves here are baffling. grave placement and appearance needs more research. the graves in the woods only are developing a strange sort of honeycomb rot pattern not unlike the head of an amygdala. this pattern shows up enough that it warrants more investigation.

the slow poison-inducing "water" here has similar properties to the slow poison pool in the research hall. they are different colors, but have similar origins: the poison pool in the research hall is from the decomposing bodies of the patients, who were exposed to bizarre blood ministration and parasitism. the pool here is likely from decomposing great ones. with this in mind, perhaps the silvery liquid is mercury.

the ladder leading out of this area is fucking insane and i have a hard time understanding what occurred there. like what in the hell is up with that grave you exit into in yharnam. who popped it open. why is it so cavernous. what happened to the contents.

anyway, let's just go back to the woods.

THE VILLAGE (again)

there's really only two more things to mention here before we move on: first, beast roar can be picked up here. it's the undead, still twitching hand of a darkbeast. nothing touched by the old blood can truly die, and these severed limbs are no exception.

second are the butchers. these are the people who collect specimens, hack them apart, and present them to the church doctors for research. they show up in three different ways: the surviving madaras twin wears the butcher's set (the hunter picks up the set from the other twin's corpse), the "executioner" enemies (REMINDER: a better translation would have been "butchers" [or, literally, "dismantling men"], i have no idea why they went with "executioner" outside of their superficial appearance) wear the cape with the popped collar, and there are huntmen enemies skulking the streets below the grand cathedral hunting for victims dressed in the garb. they literally only appear there.

ah, one more thing. this is the place where you can find the suspicious beggar and interrupt him while he's in the middle of chowing down on one of the biggest families i've ever seen in my life. at first i thought the devs hysterically fucked up the sizes of the corpses, but they're dressed like the citizens of yahar'gul. while not outright stated, evidence strongly suggests that the beggar is irreverent izzy or one of his followers such as the close proximity of one of izzy's inventions and the beggar's clothing reflecting his past as both a veteran tomb prospector gone mad and former church agent. there's a lot of meat on that bone, but for another time.

OKAY. LAST PART NOW.

THE WOODS:

this is the part you probably remember the most bc it's snake hell. the first thing we absolutely need to keep in mind is that the snake-infested guys you meet are a reference to doobie from jojo. the snakes are parasites to people, but the snakes themselves are also being parasitized? they are covered in ticks, those are the huge bloated blobs all over them. given that the augurs of the great ones are invertebrates...what does that imply about the inclusion of the ticks narratively?

there's something absolutely fascinating happening to the flora and fauna in this section of the woods but it's hard to know what it all means. some notes:

-when enemies in bloodborne die, the game handles their corpse in different ways. some of this is lore related, some of it is to reduce hardware strain. some corpses turn into ragdolls, some explode into blood, some explode into white particles (sometimes with blood but not always). snakes explode into white particles. i got way too into the fucking weeds with this, but (outside of the slime scholars....kind of) all of these enemies either appear or were intended to appear in the chalice dungeons, the nightmare frontier, or the nightmare of mensis (the lecture hall containing the scholars connects the waking world to the nightmare). all of these locations are, arguably, the nightmare.

-there are statues of amygdala and a presumed evolution of the celestial child sprouting out of the ground. i am almost certain these are original versions of the statues in the grand cathedral and yahar'gul, respectively.

-remember that strange pond with the fireflies? the only place in the game where there's fireflies? what the hell is up with that lol. i kind of have an answer:

most concrete is this: back when the original boss of the woods was snakeball, you would have faced a rematch in this pond.

insane theory crafting moment: look, this is stupid complicated and a reach so if i have to get into really defending it it, ill do it in another post. but in bloodborne people can be teleported around via "communion". communion is the means of entering the chalice dungeons and requires three things: ritual blood (or perhaps just liquid, if rom's arena is anything to go by), something to hold the blood (typically a chalice, but sometimes the "chalice" is a skull), and light (this is almost always achieved with candles). this pond is probably full of blood, if the rotten bodies nearby are any indication, and the fireflies offer light. but, look, this shit was cut so don't think too hard about it.

-its in the art book but also in the game (but hard to see): the wall separating byrgenwerth from the rest of the world is melted.

wait wtf there's dudes in it. lol. what da hell!

oh my. the name for this asset is "wall of divine tomb". cool. every day i lean some new insane shit about this game, for real.

anyway the only other point of interest is whatever the fuck valtr and the league are doing. too deep of a topic for now. anyway, those were the points of interest in the forbidden woods. i hope this was....whatever counts for informative when it comes to video game trivia

#bloodborne lore #bloodborne

27 notes · View notes

anarchic-miscellany · 1 month

Text

Reading "One Piece" for the first time, Part 5: So, pretty early on (about the time a murder clown nuked a village) I realised that escalation was basically a crapshoot in this series, and honestly one of its charms thus far. Now the Idiot, the Himbo, the Cartographer with a Brain Cell and Meme in Progress Usopp are chilling at this floating fish restaurant. The Giga Chad Chef they met who kicked an entitled Karen in the face has now given free food to a pirate in need, because he's a pretty stand up guy. Nice touch honestly. But now a man made of guns has arrived and declared war on the restaurant because he wants the logbook of the elderly chef who runs it (and has a pegleg, honestly I am surprised at the restraint in waiting this long for a peg leg on the author's part, though I am surprised also that it doesn't have a shotgun in it or an interdimensional portal to the food dimension, or something) so he can cross "The Grand Line" after a fuck load of his crew got their shit pushed in out there. Naturally the restaurant and old man want him to shove it, so a fight ensues. I like the wholesome army of chefs who cannot work elsewhere and will defend this place until death, it's becoming a theme. This villain is kind of meh, especially after the Cat Guy in the last volume, and he keeps doing that thing of shooting his own dudes in the face which... okay man, great tactic. Still, we get to see the Giga Chad (I think he's going to be my favourite) roundhouse spiral kick a bunch of dudes and that's honestly kind of cool. The Cartographer with a Brain Cell has pissed off with their ship and loot, which I should really have seen coming, but in my defence I was distracted by the chef pirate battle and the arrival of... I'll get to you... I'm looking forward to them confronting her and getting their stuff back, I mean: they literally only just got this thing! Anyway, the fight is fun, kinetic, vast, frantic, it's the first one which really busts free and does its own thing and isn't merely "Dragon Ball Z" showdowns (RIP Toriyama, King) between two guys in fields. But then this fucking guy arrives. "Dracule Mihawk", the man who cuts a ship in half. You can tell this series was started in the 90s, because he is cringe incarnate, he is the edgelord anime stereotype of a badass, spoken of like a whispering nightmare of death upon the wind. And honestly I find him super dull, super cliched and just not worth my time at all. Naturally he ends up stabbing the Himbo with only a small dagger and is going to be his nemesis for the series. I appreciate them bringing in a character who will be a recurring, soon to overcome villain, but for fuck's sake, can it be literally anyone else? I'll take that Morgan guy over him. I'll take the fucking Lion Tamer. But no, we get this towering inferno of cringe. Also, Usopp doesn't really have anything to do here, shame. Anyway, now they're battling a man made of bin lids who calls himself "Pearl". Sure.

#One Piece #monkey d. luffy #Usopp #Meme in Progress #Roronoa Zoro #Nami #Sanji #Vinsmoke Sanji #Himbo #Giga Chad #Manga #Reading One Piece for the First Time

24 notes · View notes

ask-thearchivists · 2 months

Note

the same phase? what do you mean by that?

(Full answer under the cut because this is long.)

The Charmer: Oh, you just had to mention that, did you? You know he'll bring it up anyways, he always does.

The Coordinator: Our faces represent different phases of the moon. In our society, to some people, but not all, certain phases are considered more desirable because they believe Collectors with those phases are collectively similar, with certain shared traits. Curator has a waxing crescent, the earliest phase, which means these people would perceive her to be immature and inexperienced, rude, and impatient. Cartographer has a waxing gibbous, the third phase, this is interpreted as being incomplete and listless, still not mature, and generally dealing with melancholy. I am the last quarter which is considered a disappointment and falling short of true greatness, not as wise and patient, falling short of expectations.

The Charmer: Yes. The most admired phases are the waning crescent and the full moon. Full moons and new moons are both very rare. New moons are the least desired phase because it's interpreted to mean being dull, dim, overshadowed, and blending in, never standing out. Full moons are considered a light in the dark, balanced, bright, cheerful. Waning crescents are desired as they are the oldest phase you can be, signaling wisdom, patience, grace, and other dumb shit like that.

The Curator: These ideals and theories are considered outdated, it's similar to how I mentioned, a long while ago, that some Collectors believe certain positions in the Grand Constellation are superior places to perform the Nova Spell. To get children with better traits or temperaments. This phase belief is related. There are theories that certain spots will guarantee a child with the preferred phase. None of us think any of that is real. It's sort of similar to how some societies believe which constellations are visible in the sky during your birth will influence who you are as a person.

The Cartographer: We think it's a bunch of nonsense. You could meet 100 people born at the same time as you and none of you will be the same. It has more to do with your genetics, and most crucially, your environment as you become an adult.

The Coordinator: Like clay, where you come from determines what you look like, and as you age you are molded and refined. This is an imperfect metaphor because you will continue to change your whole life, unlike clay which can be fired into a permanent unchanging shape. But still, there are no other forces at play making you who you are.

#ask blog #ask the archivists #asks are open #the owl house #toh #id in alt text #toh the archivists #the archivists #toh oc #Ask them what they think about zodiacs it will actually be an interesting conversation

21 notes · View notes

cuppajj · 2 years

Note

🌻

Sentient!Lost Light x Liaison!Human!Reader (Gender Neutral) by cuppityjuppity (art by cuppajj)

~~~

“Have you not been sleeping well?”

You hear the the ship’s voice hum from the speakers on your bedroom wall, as you lay awake on your bed. It’s past lights out, and everyone else on board was recharging. They already knew that the human liaison would be… irregular, when it came to customs, but all were certain that you slept at the same time they did.

All including the Lost Light themself, who you had just learned was alive a week or so ago. It had been an accident, so you thought; with your ties to Ultra Magnus, you had been given the ins and outs of liaison life aboard the ship; standard by the books fare that you’d already been briefed to by the EDC. However, it was one unlucky meeting when you announced your presence, and someone else was already in the room; or at least, you could hear someone else was. As Magnus had whipped his helm down to you, flustered as if he’d been caught breaking integrity, a short silence between all three of you was soon ended by the voice that emanated from the room’s speakers. “It’s alright, Ultra Magnus,” they had chuckled, the sound rumbling through the floor. “I knew they were coming. You needn’t worry about one more soul in on the secret.”

The Lost Light had been interested in you for quite some time, in fact. Of the millions of years of their life, not one little organic has boarded their ship; certainly not a human, like you. You’re a new species, only a couple hundred thousand or so years old, and had just been introduced to the greater intergalactic community. You’re as curious about everything as they are about you: your odd little movements, the way you speak with your silly human accent, even the way you walk in itty bitty strides with legs and feet half the size of an average cybertronian digit. And you’re so… tiny! As a massive starship, even a minibot would be hard to see with their two optics, which made it nigh impossible for them to watch a human. Only through their intricate camera systems and holomatter technology could you, like the rest of the crew, be up close. You seemed sweet, when they introduced their holoform persona, Lightlost, at the Swerve’s “new-squishy-welcome-party” thrown for you when you first joined. You’d happily conversed with the cartographer longer than you had anyone else. Something about their warm and humble personality made you feel welcomed, like you had come home to someone you could trust. By the end of it, you were comfortable enough to trust them with picking you up and perching you on their shoulder. You remembered noticing how similar their frame looked to the starship itself, but you thought nothing of it. Not at the time.

Now you know the secret—but even still, the two of you are close. Closer than before, even. With the knowledge of the Lost Light having a spark of their own, you couldn’t feel any safer. There were mishaps all the time, and you know the Lost Light isn’t there every waking moment to fix whatever has been broken, but the feeling of someone watching over you gives you a sense of protection, as a tiny organic aboard a ship full of giant robots.

The Lost Light steps out of their way to ensure you are safe and happy.

Even as you hear their concerned ask, and roll over in bed groggily as a response. Your hazy eyes catch the clock on the wall: 2:30 AM, converted from Cybertronian time just for your convenience.

“…How long have you… been here?” You murmur into the side of your pillow.

“Only a minute,” they answer. “I just finished convincing the Captain to put down his work. I felt you moving around in a disturbance, and thus wished to check in.”

You emit another rumble from your throat. The Lost Light finds it adorable, despite your predicament, but speaks again with concern still present. “Has anything been bothering you, little one?”

You remain silent, motionless in the bed. Your mind sifts through thoughts as you begin to formulate a sentence that can explain yourself as best you can, in this state. Finally, you slowly push yourself up into a sitting position, head and back slouched over.

“It’s… stupid,” you admit softly, sadly, “but I miss home.”

The ship hums in acknowledgment.

“This place isn’t Earth, and everyone is so huge,” you continue. “It’s big and metallic, and nothing feels familiar. I know I wanted to come here, but I didn’t know how homesick I’d get…”

As you speak, the ventilation in the room quiets so your voice stands out. A slight gust of comfortable warm air brushes through your sheets.

“I understand…” the Lost Light whispers. “You’re so far from where you’ve been your whole life. The sudden change in setting is never one that you can so easily adjust to.”

You nod, sinking further into your seat.

“…However,” you hear them continue, “I believe that homesickness is a sign of love, and it is expressed by all of us. Even myself, for the world I called my own. To be in a place where we are safe, comfortable, happy, familiar… that is what we miss.”

“Mm…”

“In that case, little liaison,” you hear the soft smile in their voice, “while I may not be your home, nothing would please me more than to serve as your home away from it.”

Your head perks up at the dark room in front of you, their surrounding presence, with tired yet brightening eyes. You wish you can say more, ask more, but in your state, all you can muster is “huh?”

Moments later, you hear the sound of static and distortion as a blue light appears before you, glitching and flicking as the Lost Light’s holoform manifests in the room. Lightlost, significantly smaller than usual, approaches you. The two of you exchange looks; and as you stare into their eyes, you remember why they made you feel comforted in the first place.

“This place… I, my crew, we might all be… hectic, at times,” they whisper, meeting you at your bedside. “However, there is nothing I would rather do than ensure that you, little one, feel as close to home as you can. Whatever I can do, I will do it if you so ask.”

They reach out and lightly rest their warm hand on your shoulder, smiling fondly. “If homesickness is a sign of love, then I wish for you to love where you are now, someday. Not just what I provide, but what everyone provides.”

You think about the others you’ve befriended, and the experiences you’ve shared, wild as they are. Your adventures off world, with Rodimus, with Drift, with even Brainstorm, though you’d never do it again. They all liked you, and were interested in your uniqueness, and you remembered fondly of how you’d share moments with them during the highs and lulls of excitement, all before returning to the ship for a drink and a party. You think of days that aren’t as exciting; lazy afternoons in your room as you indulge yourself in your human interests that only you understand, atop your bed or couch, with nothing in that moment feeling out of place from your room back on earth. One of your robot friends would poke their holoform’s head in and join you, and while you clearly knew they weren’t, it felt nice to talk to a human face to face. You think about moments like this, with the Lost Light. Though even if they may be elsewhere, they always know where you are and how to keep you safe.

A smile graces your features, and you relax your head on your pillow once more. Lightlost gently pulls the covers over you with a grin, pleased that their words touched your heart.

You hum, “thank you.”

“Thank you,” they croon, “for joining me. But most importantly, for deciding to stay.”

They reach their hand down and stroke your head, and you close your eyes. You hear the faint sound of static again, the touch fading from your skin. A draft of warm air flows through the room, purified and smooth, and you breathe in.

Over the speaker, you hear their voice once more, shortly before you slip into your subconscious.

“Sleep well, little one.”

#hi I’m fuvking chaotic #you didn’t ask for this. i gave it to you.#cjj askbox #ask game #lost light #the things I do for yall #maccadam #x reader #mtmte #disclaimer: I am not a writing blog #sentient lost light au

419 notes · View notes

sleepdepravity · 8 months

Text

in celebration of one of my sister's friends admiring my "gamer swag" (all the games i've played that are apparently obscure) i've decided arbitrarily to try to dredge up some obscure games to share with you all in case people are interested in that sort of thing. in terms of determining the obscurity of the game, i think i'm gonna go with less than 1000 reviews, and/or looking at all-time peak concurrent player stats in steam charts. whatever i feel like maybe. Also, if there are absolutely no guides on steam or the internet, then i guess that's for sure obscure.

also these are all games that i've finished. some of them i finished a long time ago so i may not remember much about like. quality. or how good they are. shrug. they're interesting though.

Mysteries

Aviary Attorney

Chicken Police

Blacksad: Under the Skin

A Case of Distrust

The Flower Collectors

The Forgotten City

Hitchhiker - A Mystery Game

I hope she's ok

Legal Dungeon

Lucifer Within Us

Paradise Killer

The Occupation

Observation

Root Letter

Sagebrush

The Shapeshifting Detective

Silicon Dreams

The Sinking City

Song of Farca

Visual/Sound Novel types (minimal gameplay)

Alone With You

428: Shibuya Scramble

Booth: A Dystopian Adventure

Divination

Elsinore

Necrobarista

Neo Cab

Overboard!

Signs of the Sojourner

Sorcery!

Unmemory

Adventure/Puzzle or whatever

A House of Many Doors

Battle Chef Brigade

Falcon Age

Genesis Noir

A Golden Wake

I Am Dead

Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective

Lemon Cake

looK INside

The Low Road

Maquette

Mind Scanners

Minute of Islands

Mu Complex

Nobodies

Omensight

Pilgrims

Roadwarden

Robot Island

Rumu

Senna and the Forest

Sizeable

Small Radios Big Televisions

The Solitaire Conspiracy

Song of the Deep

The Spirit and the Mouse

Still There

Summer Paws

Teacup

Tick Tock Isle

Vane

The Wake: Mourning Father, Mourning Mother

Windbound

Windowsill

Yono and the Celestial Elephants

Four Last Things

FixFox

Walk around a cool place and pick stuff up

Heaven's Vault

Deliver Us the Moon

An Airport for Aliens Currently Run by Dogs

Beasts of Maravilla Island

Draugen

Eastshade

event[0]

Ghost on the Shore

Haven Park

In Other Waters

The Magic Circle

Mail Time

Mu Cartographer

Paper Beast

Paradise Marsh

Penko Park

Here Comes Niko!

Sea of Solitude

Summer in Mara

Time on Frog Island

TIMEframe

Train Station Renovation

Horror

The Horror of Salazar House

Moons of Madness

Subway Midnight

#malky plays games #there's a lot more than i thought...uh...anyways...#maybe i'll write more about like. the individual games later. i'm just tossing these out there for now #basically these are games that i remember standing out to me maybe??#i dunno.#obscure game recs

47 notes · View notes

naiche-of-pride · 6 months

Text

Mika x Freminet

A/N: My second work to be posted on here ever. Constructive criticism is welcome, I hope you enjoy the story.

The geography of Fontaine is one that many cartographers would consider "impossible". Even the most renowned cartographer would have no choice but to concede to the watery terrain that overtakes the country.

After all, how could one possibly create a map when majority contains bodies of water, and barely any land to take mark of?

That is where our surveyor, Mika Schmidt comes to play.

He, as a front-line surveyor to the Knights of Favonius, has a long term dream to be an expert cartographer.

And what better way to prove his skills than to map a country considered impossible?

Sitting by the Marcotte Station, he lightly presses his graph onto the parchment, another piece underneath incase he makes a big enough to warrant a replacement.

He was tasked to create a map, one underwater and another above water. Whilst he had no clue what they would be used for, he had no qualms against it.

He did quite enjoy cartography after all.

"Hm… Marcotte Station's trail takes a 26° curve that leads over to the Fountain of Lucine… and then the Fountain of Lucine has 2 parallel 90° turns, one destroyed and another leading to…"

He pauses, looking up from his map to check around once he realized he was mumbling. Fortunately, only an old man was nearby, and he seemed to be quite amused.

"Oh- I- I'm sorry Sir. I hope I didn't disturb you." Mika stutters out, feeling flustered at possibly disturbing this man, who seemed to enjoy his time by the pond.

The old man huffed. "Please! It's no bother young man. Say, you're making a map, yes?"

He perks up. "Yes, indeed I am! I was tasked to map out the area and survey Fontaine for a while."

The old man sighs, before chuckling in amusement. "You're quite bold, young man. Fontaine is quite hard to map out after all, with the large bodies of water that takes up majority of your map."

Mika only grins shakily, eyebrows furrowed as a shaky breathe escapes his lungs. "Well… I do think that venturing deep into the water would be- terrible if trying to sketch out a map. But it's necessary. No matter how hard it is, just putting a bit of effort would allow you to at the very least get the general locations that may be of import." Mika explains.

"And- quite honestly I'm terrified of the ocean. I don't think I could continue swimming and diving for hours without going back up to the surface no matter how easy it may be for me to breathe underwater. But I'm also the surveyor so I should at the very least understand the locations we deal with as a team."

"It would be terrible of me to just- neglect my duty due to my fear of the deep and possibly put others in danger. They don't have my experience after all, and I know that they too wouldn't be able to handle the deep. Mondstadt never had such deep waters before so it's still new, but I'm sure I'll adapt!" he paused, before shrinking, catching himself.

"Sorry, was I rambling?"

The old man didn't stop his laugh, hand to his stomach as he wiped his tears. "You're a funny boy, but also a worry wart."

Mika smiles hesitantly, unsure if he were talking down to him or merely praising him.

"Well, you should get on with your map then, and be careful around the water." The old man warned.

"You can go ask one of the divers to join you underwater, though you should seal your parchment before diving anywhere. Wouldn't want your map to be ruined, do you?" The old man jested, to which Mika smiled in shyness and appreciation.

"Yes, thank you Sir! I'll do my best!"

(((♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡)))

Well.

He didn't… really do his best.

He had been taking a Fontaine Aircraft, finding it convenient when sketching out the general terrain shape before he adds any details…

When the aircraft suddenly started turning.

At first, he hadn't noticed, much too busy sketching the Beryl Region to notice the slow tipping of the ship.

Soon enough, he started to realize the tilted flooring.

"What the-?" He muttered in confusion, pulling away from the edge of the aircraft to look around the floor. He felt himself slowly slip, and so he unconsciously held onto a pole.

A large gust of wind suddenly came.

And the aircraft tipped over.

"Oh gosh-!" He yelped, hand gripping onto his items as he held onto one of the poles on the aircraft.

"No no no no no no no no no not now-!"

He tried his best to grip onto the metal pole, hoping that the aircraft would tilt back and this was just some false alarm.

Unfortunately, it didn't seem to be the case.

He slipped.

His eyes widened as he felt his body turn weightless, knowing that the height of the fall making the impact all the more painful.

He gasps right before he hits the water, map in hand as he feels himself submerged. His back ached, his ears popped, his eyes shut tightly as he threatened to get out.

Once in the water, his eyes opened, and his body was heavy. He couldn't help the panic that arose in his system when he felt himself sink deeper.

No no this can't be happening-! He thought, tears emitting his eyes as he tried to move his body.

But he was shocked and frozen due to the impact, not a single muscle cooperating with his body.

The fall had punched all the air out of his lungs, making him wheeze as he tries to breathe in.

To think that he would die, all because he dared to map a country of water.

He felt his vision start to blot, black dots fading in and our of his peripheral vision as his eyelids grew heavy.

"No- wait-!"

He couldn't do anything, body fully out of commission.

Before he fell unconscious, he caught sight of a person with a helmet. A diving helmet.

He couldn't help but reach out.

The person swam at him quickly, hand touching theirs right when he finally falls unconscious.

He couldn't help but wonder, ever so slightly.

Perhaps they wouldn't mind helping him map the underwater part of Fontaine?

♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤♡♤

He chokes, coughing as his body lurches. Now sitting upright, he spits out and coughs out water, body shaking as he greedily breathes in the air he used to take for granted.

After an experience like that, no person would take breathing for granted again. He thought bitterly, tears running down his cheeks as he wipes his mouth clean.

His eyes turn back to the person who had saved him, seeing them in the helmet and casual clothes.

Do all Fontainian's wear such casual clothing while diving? He wondered, but quickly shoved this thought aside.

"I… I thank you." He stammers, voice wispy and hoarse as he shakily smiles at the other. "I… I didn't think anyone would be able to help me-"

The other only nods, awkwardly standing up as they fiddled with their hands.

Mika guessed they didn't quite like speaking, so he didn't bother, checking his messenger bag. He couldn't help but groan, regretful and disappointed. "I lost my graphite… and the map." He mutters.

"The map." He shook when he heard the voice, turning to helmet wearing person, who awkwardly fiddled with their pockets, before pulling out parchment covered in… is that slime condensate?

"I… I wrapped it in slime condesate. To keep it... dry-ish before it got thoroughly soaked." The person spoke, coughing before offering it over to Mika. He hesitantly takes it, opening the rather slimy parchment, only to see the writings intact and- barely wet.

He couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face, turning to the helmet person with a smile. "Thank you-! I had- I thought I'd have to remake it, all this progress… Gosh, i-" he stumbled, standing up really quickly.

"Thank you, truly! I- I'm Mika Schmidt. A front-line surveyor for the Knights of Favonius!" He puts out his hand, eagerly waiting for a handshake.

The other freezes but hesitantly shakes his hand. "I… I'm Freminet. Professional diver."

While Mika was quite a shy person… well, Freminet did save him after all. I'm sure he had all the rights to try and befriend his savior.

"If you weren't there, I would've passed on! Please, allow me to treat you or something. I owe you my life." Mika pleaded, much to thankful that this random person had not only saved his life, but had saved his hard work.

Freminet awkwardly waves his hand. "Its fine, really. You don't- need to treat me to anything." He awkwardly stutters out.

Mika hums, eyebrows furrowed before sighing. "Ok, but-! If… if its no bother. If you don't mind…" he hesitated.

He wished to ask Freminet questions about the sea terrain of Fontaine, since the other was a diver after all.

But then again, the other had already saved his life.

It seems Freminet noticed his hesitation and cleared his throat. "You… you can ask me questions." He awkwardly allowed, to which Mika beamed, a hint of embarrassment on his face as he grabbed his surprisingly-dry notepad from his not-so-dry bag.

"Thank you…! I promise I won't take much of your time."

(((♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡)))

Mika seemed to be going back on his word often today, as he had somehow roped Freminet into a conversation for about 3-4 hours. The previously bright and cloudy now dim and dreary.

"So you're saying there are waterproof mechs that currently circulate around Fontaine's water terrain?" Mika asked in astonishment, as Freminet nodded energetically.

"Indeed. It was placed there to survey and patrol the waters. Specifically to search out, repel, and exterminate any life forms that may threaten any of the underwater equipment."

Freminet shrugs. "Fortunately, there are quite few of them, usually only hanging around underwater sites and underwater shipwrecks. So there is no need to worry about accidentally encountering them."

Only now did Mika notice that Freminet hadn't taken off his helmet throughout the 3-4 hours they had conversed. But it was… quite far into the conversation already, it'd be rude to ask for him to take it off.

Instead, he writes the information down, a smile on his face as he thinks of what he's learnt.

"Fascinating. Its absolutely admirable that Fontaine deploys such helpful mechanisms. Yet then again, it's Fontaine. The country is quite known for its innovation after all. Though, it makes me wonder if the mechas run on any type of energy that's particular only to Fontaine? It'd be quite useful if Inazuma would be able to harness it, able to warn ships if they are to head into electro-infused waters-"

He continued rambling on, thoughts pacing through several opportunities that underwater mechanisms could possibly help in achieving.

All the while Freminet watches Mika with amusement and fondness in his eyes. He fiddled with his helmet, not even noticing the small smile that had appeared on his face since he was interrogated by this… curious surveyor.

He's quite a chatty one, isn't he? He thought to himself, chuckling quietly.

He had actually been quite panicked earlier, when he had noticed Mika fall from the aircraft and sink down into the water. He never even thought he could swim that fast, until the adrenaline kicked in.

Although, he felt guilty.

What would've happened if he hadn't gotten there in time?

What if he was just a few seconds too late?

What would've happened to Mika?

He shook his head, rattling the helmet as he did. It was no use to dwell on what could've happened. For now, he was… just glad he was able to save the surveyor.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I ramble too much again?" Mika's regretful voice rung, snapping him out of his thought as he nervously laughed.

"Oh! No, sorry I was just surprised by how much you've considered." Freminet answered softly, as Mika smiles hesitantly. "I mean… I'm a surveyor, so I kinda need to take everything into account, especially if I want to make sure everyone in the team is safe…"

Mika pauses, eyes flickering to the sky before he stood up, shocked. "Oh goodness, I'm sorry, I must've taken up so much of your time."

Freminet clears his throat, hiding his involuntary giggle as he stood up as well, dusting off the sand that might've stuck onto his clothes.

"It's fine, really." Freminet says gently. "I didn't really have anything else to be doing anyway. And I quite enjoyed the conversation." Mika flustered, smiling with a chuckle.

"Then I hope it'll be alright if I were to seek you out again?" Mika asked, hope in his voice. Freminet paused, feeling his heart start to beat.

His palms turned sweaty, and he felt himself hesitant.

He… didn't find Mika's company terrible… but for someone to seek him out…

It was just…

He snapped out of his stupor, awkwardly answering. "Sure! I mean- sure. I don't- I don't mind. If- if you have any questions. I don't mind answering them."

Mika couldn't help the quiet laugh that bubbled out of his chest due to how Freminet reacted, but nodded.

"Then, thank you again for saving me and the map I had worked so hard on. I hope you get home safe."

Fremient nods stiffly. "You too. Uh… hope the- aircraft doesn't get tipped like before." He tried to jest, but the awkward delivery only made Mika giggle.

"I could only hope. It'd be a shame if I fell like that again." Mika sighed in helplessness.

On a sudden whim, Freminet spoke. "I… I'll try to catch you the next time you fall."

Silence overtook them, both parties equally shocked by the sudden comment.

Before Mika laughed, and Freminet placed a hand on his helmets screen.

"...forget I said anything please." Freminet pleaded, whilst Mika tried to silence himself.

"I'm sorry I just- pfft"

Mika's laugh was contagious, and Freminet found himself laughing along. His voice and laugh being just as distorted as his voice, which only made Mika laugh even harder.

"I- I'm sorry. That was rude." Mika finally found his composure, covering his mouth as he turns pink in shame.

"Its- its fine. I mean, it was kinda funny." Freminet rubs the back of his neck.

"Well… I don't mind if you catch me next time I fall." Mika replied, a soft smile on his face. "I mean, you've saved me once. I think I could at least guarantee that you'd save me again. Then, I'd owe you my life twice."

Freminet grunts in slight embarrassment. "I would save you regardless of you owing me."

Mika huffs in helplessness, shaking his head before waving. "Well, I'll be actually going now, Freminet. I'll see you when I see you."

Freminet waves hesitantly, watching as Mika turns his back and starts walking away.

And while usually Freminet wouldn't mind others not knowing his face…

He quickly took off the helmet, wiping his cheeks to hide his blush as he called out.

"Mika-!"

The surveyor paused, turning around in curiosity before his eyes widened in shock. He had accepted early into the conversation that Freminet was more comfortable with his helmet than without it.

But…

He didn't think Freminet was this handsome.

Mika felt his face turn red as Freminet smiled at him wonkily.

"Uh- don't hesitate to call me if you see me around the Court!" He said, voice raspy and shaking.

The Mondstadtian couldn't help the endeared smile that appeared on his own face. "Sure! I'll show you my maps once I'm done. You deserve to see what you've saved, after all."

And with that, Mika left.

With a semi red face and his bag clutched tight around him.

Whilst the entire Fontaine Aircraft was traumatizing…

"I'm sure Sir Varka wouldn't mind me asking for more parchment if a few more of them get wet.." He muttered, lips in a giddy smile as he ventured towards the large fossilized skull in the distance.

He got a friend out of it.

Perhaps water wasn't that bad after all.

#genshin impact #mika x freminet #mika genshin impact #freminet #freminet genshin #genshin #fontaine #fremika

29 notes · View notes