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I will be writing a whole post on near-future global crisis books and how the genre is just rough and everyone should stop trying to write it and promote some nonfiction instead (once I actually finish this damn book) but I will say, shout out to the one chapter with the kayaker in SGV. LA does suck and we should rip it out and try all over again, so true.
#i don't understand why the fuck they describe sierra madre as 'between Pasadena and Azusa ' tho#like. no one fucking knows where those are in relation to the mountains anyway#ALSO i do take offense to calling the San Gabriel mountains ugly! they are NOT#I'm a bit biased cuz they were the literal only snow i saw as a child BUT I'm still right#the thing with having grown up around socal is like yes LA as a whole is brown and butt ugly#BUT the mountains are pretty and don't insult them they're all we have#ESPECIALLY in LA. the beaches are trashed and packed and impossible to reach#but the mountains can be seen from anywhere and they are my guiding stars#ALSO there is a big telescope up there! and i love it.#i should go to bed now but ugh#megs is reading
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( a collection of starters. adjust phrasing as necessary.) feel free to make edits to better suit your muse, but please don’t edit or add on to the original post ♡ if you like, please consider supporting me through tips
"Every time she sings, it starts to rain. It's like her voice is connected to the weather."
"He says he can paint portals to other worlds. Do you think it's true, or just a clever illusion?"
"The bookstore at the corner seems to change its layout every time you visit. Yesterday, I found a room full of floating books."
"There's a garden in the heart of the city that never wilts, no matter the season. It's like a piece of eternal spring."
"I saw a cat with eyes that glowed like stars last night. It seemed to be watching over the neighborhood."
"They say a white deer appears in the forest during the winter solstice, granting wishes to those who are pure of heart."
"Every year on the same day, the town is covered in a mist that makes everyone forget their worries. Have you felt its magic?"
"At dusk, the lake glows with an ethereal light, and sometimes, you can see figures dancing on the water."
"The clock tower chimes thirteen times every full moon. No one knows why, but it feels like a call to something."
"Sometimes, the wind carries the scent of flowers that don't grow anywhere nearby. It's like a breath from another world."
"The old man at the pier claims he can talk to fish. Yesterday, he told me about a conversation he had with a whale."
"She has a way of making flowers bloom with just a touch. I wonder what other secrets she holds."
"I found an old pocket watch that, when wound backward, shows moments from the past. What should we look for?"
"There's a room in the old mansion where time stands still. People say those who enter never age."
"Legend has it that the mountain holds a sleeping giant. During thunderstorms, you can hear its heart beating."
"There's a story about a hidden city beneath the waves, visible only during the lunar eclipse. Shall we go searching?"
"I bought this music box at a flea market, and every time it plays, I see glimpses of a different life."
"This old key doesn’t seem to fit any lock I've tried. I wonder if it’s meant to open something magical."
"Whenever she draws something, it comes to life for a brief moment. I've seen it with my own eyes."
"He claims to dream of future events. Last night, he dreamed of you."
"I found a trail in the woods that wasn't there before. It led me to a place that felt like a dream."
"There's a bridge in the village that, when crossed at twilight, takes you to another realm."
"She whispered to me that the stars are actually spirits watching over us. I believe her."
"The old lighthouse keeper says the light guides lost souls home. What if he's right?"
#prompts#uservolkova#dialogue prompts#romance prompts#writing prompts#dialogue prompt#rp prompts#drama prompts#fanfic prompts#magical realism#writing dialogue#character dialogue#random dialogue#dialogue rp#otp dialogue#story prompts
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I know normally I'm not really one to talk about personal stuff always on here but there's something I want to talk about.
I've struggled with mental health stuff in the past and I always thought those positivity things were full of bs.
But the thing is, with time I keep seeing that those little things really do add up.
It's the warm showers where you savor the moment, the nice pen that you love writing with, the little notes that you write your friends and the gifts that you see that they carry.
It's making things and seeing directly "Hey look at myself, I did that! I made this!" It's the learning to play my favorite songs on a multitude of instruments, it's the taste of a new reed when you get a new box of vandoreans.
It's those moments where you realize after, that you were truly in the moment.
The arguing in a way where your passionate, when your eyes lighting up and you feel something that hasn't been there in a long time.
It's seeing the shift in the songs you listen to, from the I need a good cry plsylist to the power Jams and relaxing tunes.
It's the being a different person than you were yesterday.
I looked in the mirror earlier today and I didn't see that young girl who just wanted to sleep all day, and who's top word was sorry. She who had the eyes a million miles away.
Instead,
I saw a young man who looked like himself, not any magazine cover or anything, not bad, not perfect. But, I saw something I thought I lost years ago, I saw the spark in his eyes. The brain got a million miles a minute. The one who cares a little less about what people will think and about what he can achieve, and how to he a better person than I was last year.
There's no magical cure for anything, I'll never be "fixed." I'll probably always have some of the issues I deal with, but that's okay. For each constant ache and pain in my ankle and back there is a piece of toast with strawberry jelly and new song to listen to.
I still have bad days, days where I barely talk or ones where I go back in time it feels, but on those heavy days, all we can do is try. If sleeping on my bathroom floor means I get an extra 3 hours sleep because it works better for me, i guess that tile is a good nap spot.
I know it's a bit of a silly thing, but I'm proud of a few things mainly.
My knitting,
My confidence,
My ability to play saxophones, and guitars,
And that I'm able to get out of bed in the mornings excited a little bit for what's out there, whether it be so small, or such a mountainous thing.
I feel like I do in the forest, when alone and surrounded by trees, the animals, and the lichen that guides my hike with its old ideas and it's beard showing the path to some of the most wonderous things I've seen.
I've never been one who's had the most poetic voice, but I genuinely feel this,
I feel as light as the stars in the sky and like I can go anywhere as long as the trees stretch on.
Nothing is perfect, but I always have my collection of bits and bobs, the jigsaw puzzle pieces of my life, the future that I'm building up with the Legos that me and my brother made spaceships and castles with when we were little.
I might not feel like this forever, but I'm honestly proud of how far I've come.
I guess I can finally say I've continued my new years resolution for over a month.
I wanted to try to be more confident in my skin. To unapologetically be me. To not hide it to fit in.
And I still have anxiety, I always have and always will, but I can try to stop letting it hold me in its chokehold, I'm fucking done letting others people live my life.
So what if I get judged, that memory I made will bring me happiness for longer than they will remember it.
I have only a few words for little me of the past,
Ones that I wish I told her.
I know shutting down is easy, but the freedom of living everything you enjoy with happiness and relish is unparalleled to anything else. Dance badly, lay down in the grass when it rains, listen to your favorite songs no matter the genre, watch the shows you like, don't assume the worst in yourself. If someone doesn't want to be around you, they'll say, you don't need to distance yourself out of fear, okay. Draw bad art and drink your coffee that doesn't taste like coffee, do the things you enjoy, buy that spiderman watch. Play that pokemon game. Be unabashedly joyful and don't give a fuck if someone thinks you're childish, and don't everywhere yourself.
What seems like the end of the world can be solved with a good cry, some Taylor swift, and a hug. (And possibly some lactaid ice cream, or hot cocoa)
Just know I'm proud of you, and that we've got this. We can go anywhere and be anyone.
You deserve good things okay, I know it's hard but you're allowed too.
Treat yourself the way you would treat your best friends if they were in the same boat.
Enjoy the fresh strawberries and the chocolate milk straws of life.
Go get under a warm blanket and please get a good nap in, you deserve it.
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Three - Family in the Inn
Zhongli witnesses the love Xiao deserves.
Two
A bit heavy at the end- i teared up at some point ksks ill add the cut thingy when get my laptop
Starting from the earliest memory your mind can remember, you've already heard stories of the god that ruled over your home land. From your mother, your father, from the merchants and adventurers resting within the inn. You often heard how the Geo Archon would always fly above the lands, overseeing the safety of Liyue- in the form of a great and majestic serpentine dragon. To protect the land, the Archon will not hesitate to strike down his foes with his spears made of stone! Spears that were huge as mountains and can shake the very core of the earth! A fierce god he is, but to his people, the Archon is just and kind. For he has guided Liyue for a thousand years even before Liyue was founded.
Those stories always left you in awe, your mind conjuring up imaginations of a mighty dragon soaring up high in the sky!
~
"Bai, I can't sleep…" You whined loudly to your black cat with gold eyes and a white diamond spot on its forehead. But alas, the cat can't understand you, simply giving you a somewhat dismissive meow. You puted at its direction. It was always like this if your brother wasn't able to tuck you to bed. Without his voice lulling you to sleep, right now you're vibrating energy.
"I wanna play…" You mumbled but then an idea popped up. With some effort, you hopped off your bed and went to the door. A bit of a struggle because of your height, but you manage to reach the doorknob and get out of your bedroom to the lobby. Bai was following close by.
With quiet footsteps, you went to the balcony and called in a whisper of excited glee-
"Thousand Winds?"
Just by those two words alone, the breeze picked up and your ears were then filled by the joyful voices of the wind. To emphasize that happiness, you were carefully lifted up from the ground and twirled you a bit, leaving you in a fit of giggles.
When the wind calmed down, they asked, The Little Wind calls! What is it do you want little kin?
"I wanna play!"
And play they did without a care for the world. Usually these wind spirits were careful when their brother Demon Wind is around- but with him gone for now, these spirits have different ideas. Little Wind do you want to fly like us?
You didn't even miss a second to say yes. After all, you've always dreamed of flying! Just like the stories you heard about your Archon flying up high in the sky!
!!!
"If I can fly, I might get to see Rex Lapis! Please please pleaaaase Thousand Winds, I wanna fly!"
The wind spirits cheered in delight, their whispers growing louder by the second. The breeze grew stronger and stronger around you and soon enough you were lifted off the ground as anemogranas surrounded you. You'll get to fly! How exciting!
At that age, you were unaware of the dangers that lie ahead- all too buried in that naivety and innocence that children possess.
Rather than flying- it was more like gliding. Of course the wind spirits had some sense not to put you in harm's way! Flying requires some force to make you go higher- as for gliding, a gentle breeze simply does the trick.
It was a slow descent and you were amazed all throughout! You could see the entire Dihua Marsh along the ruins that littered around! You were amazed how the stars and the moon seemed brighter and closer now that you're up in the sky! The feeling of the rushing wind on your skin! It was cold but you didn't care!
Every now and then, the spirits would suddenly nudge you up higher, rewarding them with your joyous scream and laughter.
You landed softly at the concrete ground, near a statue. Curious, you noted that the statue was of a man sitting on a throne. This was the first time you've seen this statue but you could feel something from it. Geo? And the statue's hooded eyes, you felt like you were being watched through them.
This, Little Wind, is the statue of the Geo Archon.
The wind whispered with respect but you- you were puzzled.
"I thought the Geo Archon is a dragon? Can he turn into a human, like me?"
You could hear the wind laugh gently, the breeze ruffling your hair. Suddenly, the wind sounded older, wiser. A story for another time, little one. It's about time you went back home.
Again you whined, but the spirits promised you flight and that's all what you needed to be convinced. The spirits and the anemogranas alike were about to lift you- but a voice stopped your tracks.
"Yo kid! You seem lost!" The voice was heavy and gruff.
You turned around to the voice's direction and you were greeted by a burly man who wore a staw hat and some kind of black cloth wrapped around his neck.
"I'm not lost, sir." You replied politely, slowly taking a step back. You noticed how the air stilled. Tense. But of course, the man is not convinced. Seeing how he kept walking to you, you were starting to become scared, but you remembered the words from your brother, Always keep calm-
"Are ya sure, kid? We're kinda in the middle of nowhere. No houses and all that. How 'bout I help you get home?" The man offered cheerily. The forced kind with another sure step towards you. But that was what doomed him, the winds were quick to blow him away and you were surprised!
It wasn't a big distance, and the man was quick to recover. Instead of a cheery smile on his face, it was of anger and that was when you became really scared. "You!" He barked as he walked to you again with equally angry steps. "You're coming with me brat!"
If you find yourself in danger- don't hesitate to call my na-
"That's enough." A man's voice spoke- clear and commanding. The man stood next to you as he landed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. It was brief moment, but he also made sure to give you a quick gentle smile your way. You… you trusted this man with amber eyes.
"Who the hell are you?! I've got no business with you!"
"And you also have no business with this child for I am her guardian." The man replied smoothly as he simply stood his ground with you, despite the other now seemingly ready for a fight. Feeling the anger, you tightly clung onto the newcomer's coat and hid behind him. On his back, you were met by a Geo Vision.
"Like I'd believe you! Just swooping in and play hero huh rich guy!"
The Geo user sighed, and the next thing you knew, the man summoned a spear out of thin air! "I have no intentions of fighting you. But I promise you- You will suffer the wrath of the rock should you choose to continue this behavior."
His voice was light, but you noticed the silent message under his tone. The would-be kidnapper shivered at the amber gaze and decided, that it was wise to back off- Not without leaving a few curses that is.
"He's gone now." The man spoke gently as hebturned around to look at you. Oh how his heart softened, seeing your frightened look and teary eyes.
"You're safe, I promise you. My name is Zhongli."
Zhongli? You heard this name somehwere, but you couldn't pin point where or when… still a bit shaken up from whay happened. Remember, Little Wind. Zhongli was mentioned in passing a few times by your brother. Perhaps this is the very same Zhongli your brother speak of…
"Umm…" Your voice squeaked, "Do you.. do you know my brother?"
At that question, Zhongli confirmed that you are the rumored little sibling of Xiao. It would have been delightful to meet you on different circumstances, but he was glad nonetheless to save you from the previous situation.
"May I know the name of your brother, little miss/sir?"
"His name is Xiao." You replied and Zhongli noticed a bit of happiness in your voice.
"I do know you brother, quite the stern one, too. And he will be stern with you if he learns what happened here and you going out during the night. Does he know that you're out right now?"
With that question, you finally realized the gravity of the situation. You left during the dead of the night- without permission whatsoever! Oh no, I'm in big trouble… What if you made them worry? You were so far away from home! All these thoughts made you start tearing up again and Zhongli was quick to notice. He was about to speak up and console the little one when a gush of air stopped him. And that very same gush of air made you tear up some more and clutched on Zhongli's coat.
"Name, where have you been?" Xiao's voice was calm- but he's not the perfect brother nor human. There was something in his tone that suggested he was clearly not pleased about the situation. You could feel his gaze boring onto your back.
With a bit of coaxing from Zhongli, you faced you brother. "I-I'm s-sorry, gēgē…" Your voice cracked as tears started to blur your eyes. But your brother was not yet done.
"Name, do you have any idea how worried our mother was when she found out you were out of bed and could not find you anywhere in the inn?"
The thought of your mother searching all over you made you tears form more. "I- I do."
"Do you really?"
It was a sharp question without even missing a bit, and that was the starting point for you and for him. Even Xiao winced at his own words, he swore he'll have to make it up to you later- but for now you had to understand. He remembered the panicked face your mother wore with tears threatening to fall. He remembered her panicked voice when she called for him. He remembered the worry he felt and the dip in his stomach when she said you were missing.
"I-I'm so sorry, gēgē. I-I was just p-playing. I d-didn't want you and mama t-to worry…" You couldn't meet his eyes.
Worry?
"Just. Playing? Name, you left home in the middle of the night- when dangers are high- just to play! Name, you could have gotten hurt! We were not just worried, Name- we were scared that something might have happened to you!"
Every word he spoke- his voice rose higher- not being able to contain the pits of his negative thoughts. Every word- it was like a stab to his heart. But he had to be firm.
"I will ask you again, Name. Do you really understand what you did and their consequences?"
And thay was the breaking point and the night was filled by you whimpers, your wales, and your aplogies. Your shoulders began to shake and tears flowed freely and lungs struggling for breath. "I-I'm sorry, gēgē- I-I shouldn't h-have left h-home! Pleas-se d-dont stay m-mad at me… I p-promise i-it-t won't happen aga-ain- I-I'm s-sorry p-please don't h-hat-te m-me.
You kept going with your rambles and your tears. And for every whimper you released, Xiao was close to breaking too. The brother lost count many times you've repeated your mantras- but he decided- I can't do this anymore. Not with you crying breathless. He'll talk to you about this when everything's calm- his emotions and yours.
With swift steps and sure movements, Xiao pulled you into a hug and your cries grew louder. "Just don't do that ever again, okay.." He said gently but voice cracking, leaving a kiss on your forehead as you nodded readily. Once your cries have calmed down, Xiao carried you to his arms followed hy him wiping away your tears.
"Name."
"Y-yes?"
Your eyes met, and the anger was no longer there, but instead worry and love.
"I love you."
You could feel his genuinity. The words brought a smile to your face, albeit small. "I love you, too, gēgē."
Xiao smiled and left another kiss on your nose. "Sleep now. You had a long night and way past your bed time."
You didn't even protest, you were out like a light bulb as you comfortably laid you head on his shoulder and closed your eyes- not missing the golden dragon floating behind the man who saved you.
~
The walk home was silent. A teleport would be quicker, but Xiao didn't want to disturb your sleep. It was an awkward walk to say the least. Him carrying his sibling, along with the last of his tears stinging his red eyes, all while his master accompanied them home.
But Zhongli- Zhongli was amused. Amused with the blooming dynamic siblinghood between you and Xiao. But he decided to hold his tongue. He knew Xiao was still wrapping his head around what had transpired. Still he does leave a praise to reassure Xiao that everything will be fine.
"You're the best brother your little sibling could ever ask for, Xiao. Remember that."
A/N: Welp ksks lots of loose ends if you squint ksks- like example the tone of the wind spirits, the cat and such
Taglist: @hanniejji @suckerforgenshinboys @arson-frog-art @anime-read-write-repeat @kryzi @riiasekai @sweetstrawberrybabe
#Family in the Inn#genshin impact#genshin impact x reader#genshin x reader#xiao#genshin xiao#xiao genshin#zhongli#zhongli genshin#genshin zhongli#xiao x reader
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Little bit smutty! Part 2ish of hellish Reader x cassian
You stared at him. He stared back. And the rest of them stared at both of you. His eyes did not leave yours for an instant. Even when the door slammed shut from a cold wind. Shapes moved in the corner of your vision, but you stayed locked with Cassian. Your shared link was currently a courting battle. A dance of thoughts and feelings, mixed emotions and fear. The fear mainly from your side. And he was trying to comfort you.
"What's going on?" Someone whispered. A small voice, but concerned. A huff of breath, and they were shuffling out of the room. Leaving you and the war lord alone. You could still hear them from the kitchen, but you let it fade. You let yourself be drawn back on that platform where his presence waited for you. You closed your eyes.
"Where are you from?" He asked, too casual to be normal. His mind was protected, but he had opened that connection just enough to be able to ask you questions. "You think I'm going to answer that after your friend nearly killing me?" You said, dancing your essence around him in a tickling way.
He rumbled, that earthy tone of his presence was warm. Welcoming, as if he was made just for you to come home to. "If I had known-" He began, but you cut him off with a sharp shove of force. "You would have what? Not almost killed him?"
He sighed, exasperated. Shame roiled in his gut, but he knew what had to be said. He pushed down the feelings of guilt for what he had done to his brother. "Brother?" You inquired, surprised. "You look nothing alike." Which was neither a good or bad thing. They were both some of the most gorgeous males you'd ever seen. Much better looking than the warriors at home who only worked on the muscles visible. You could tell he was built, a lithe warrior through and through. You tried not to imagine him shirtless. A booming heat raced down the line, and you tried your best to get away from those thoughts. He shifted on the couch.
"Metaphor. Tell me how we can help you." He was upfront, straight to the point and you appreciated it. However, you weren't going to give up your assignment just because you'd met a male that happened to be your mate. The Witches would burn you alive. Or turn you into a wicked monster for the rest of eternity. You shivered at the ideas that they could draw to life.
You scowled, "You mean how I can help your court, right?"
"You tell me. You seem pretty freaked out about whoever you're doing this for." He said with a sly tone. You felt yourself burn, rage and embarrassment lurching forward. A quiver of humor ran down the line that connected you. You tried to shut it out, to somehow cut off that connection.
"Sorry honey, we're stuck with this now." He said aloud, breaking you away from that dark bridge. You cracked your eyes slowly, wishing it was all a dream. His cocky expression made your heart soar, and your muscles burn with the urge to hit him.
+
It was a struggle for Cassian to leave you. Especially to leave you with Amren. He warned her that if anything happened there would be helll to pay. She merely waved a hand and told him to piss off. He was fighting himself and everyone else, it seemed.
"We cannot have them here with so little knowledge of-" Azriel stopped when Cassian entered, his boots thudding against the familiar wooden floor. He looked away, ashamed. Rhys was trying his best to keep himself under control and consider the mating bond. Tried to make himself think back to the first weeks of his and Feyre's taking place. The possessiveness, the hunger. He looked at his brother in a new light, being able to control his urges was a battle even Rhys hand't won. "Az, I'm sorry." Cassian said through his teeth. He was tired of the guilt, of the way Azriel dared not speak around him. "Can you please just-"
"Not until we have your bond...figured out." Rhys interrupted. He looked Cassian up and down in a way that made Cas feel dirty.
"Theres nothing to figure out, Rhys. My mate is just an assassin sent to kill my own brother, and now we dont know if there's a scouting party out for us or not." "I know Cassian, it's not about the threat. It's about you." Rhys met his brothers eyes, saw the smoldering there. Azriel only glanced to Rhys, then wrapped those shadows around himself and left. He ascended the stairs slowly, not daring a glance in your direction. You could see the shadows crawling after him like a loyal pet.
It gave you goosebumps to watch. You stared at the small female that was assigned to watch over you. She sipped from a paper cup like it was salvation. "Good wine?" You asked, nodding to her hand.
She glanced between it and you, then trilled a long laugh.
+ Cassian knocked on your window that night. Rhys had refused to allow you to sleep in the same house together, especially since you were locked up. He feared Cassian would break down the entire house trying to get to you if he had any...urges.
Your heart raced when your eyes met his through the glass. His smile was bright against the dark sky. "What do you want?" You hissed, trying to make sure he heard the quiet rage in your voice.
"Come on, I wont tell." He gripped the windowsill, and held a hand out for you. He reached down that bond and caressed your spirit with a warm, golden light. Hope, and joy. Your stomach flipped. And without thinking, you let him take you into the night. You found flying with him exhilitarting, and relaxing. The soft sway that carried you nearly put you to sleep. The mind bridge was silent, as if it was waiting for something. His siphons glowed a happy amber that lit up the water when he coasted over a small lake. Then he landed, the rocks on the bank making nearly zero noise.
And the breath was knocked from you. The tall mountain eclipsing the stars themselves was reflected in the lake in perfect clarity. The stars shimmered around it, framing the snow capped peaks. There was a brush of cold wind that made you wrap your arms around yourself. Then, Cassian was there. "May I?" He asked, holding a long sleeved tunic up. You hadn't noticed the bag he packed before. You nodded, and let him guide the sleeves over your arms.
He brushed your hair off of your neck and you felt it then. The hot rush that snapped in your core. He stilled completely, that bridge alight with heat that was never there before. Your neck tingled, practically begging for him to touch you again. Your skin was too hot.
His words began tumbling out before he could think. "I'm sorry I-" Nerves pricked at his stomach, making him nearly nauseous with disgust at himself. Stupid. Stupid male taken over by instinct and nothing else. He was risking his entire court for one person. His mate, though. He tried to shake the reasoning away, but it was undeniable.
"Touch me." You managed to whisper. Your eyes wide, you dared not look at him. If you did you feared you would be the one taking him instead of the other way around. You stared out toward the icy peaks.
He hesitated long enough for your eyes to dart to his, to see the full blown pupils there. His siphons flared, and you couldn't hold back the flare of desire any longer. He met you half way, lips crashing into yours. It was a competition, who could get the other to moan first. You were determined to win.
He flicked his tongue over your lip. You growled and ripped his tunic off, exposing the muscled torso underneath. You pulled away, wanting to taste him everywhere, anywhere. He kept you at bay, watching you for only a second before a wicked grin appeared. "My turn." He growled, his voice deep and husky.
He pulled off your shirt and traced a long line down your side, earning a hiss from you. Then, he stopped. Suddenly, coldly. "You're-" His mouth fell open at the tattoo on your sternum. The sigil that marked you with what you were. You had forgotten completely. You rushed a hand to his hair, pulling back sharply. "Shut up and fuck me." You demanded. Despite his unease, he obliged with a cocky grin.
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Tenth Doctor x Reader
(Y/N)'s POV
I sat on my bed waiting for my bad connection to just magically get better. The google meeting popped up and popped up with the, "Contact your system administrator for more information" screen again. I swear the hardest thing so far has been not getting a good enough internet connection. I groaned in frustration for the hundredth time this morning. The sounds of London's busy street sounded in the distance, the sound of cabbies being hauled coming from outside my window was less than distant though. My neighbor shot bullets at the wall earlier this morning causing me to wake up, but I think he went out on a case a while ago as it's too quiet in his flat. Ahh, the sounds of Baker Street never get old.
I live in a flat with my mother and brother, who are some of the hardest people to talk to I swear. I slammed my computer shut. I gripped locks of my hair and pulled, not too hard but just enough to let my stress out. My breath caught in my throat as I heard a noise. A noise that only a few words can describe. The first one to pop into my head is, 'whooping' but maybe 'mysterious' could work too. I looked to where the noise was coming from. My hands still tangled in my hair.
In the corner of my room, through my fingers, I saw a blue box that said 'police public call box'. It was one that I only saw in a television show I watched as a kid. TARDIS I think it was called. A time machine that could also take you anywhere in the universe. And, if im correct, this box comes with a man inside. Upon remembering my fascinations with this man and box, I leaped into the air and off my bed, causing me to hit the floor with a thud.
My feet captured within my covers. I Quickly untangle myself and stumbled across the floorboards. I stood up straight and dusted myself off as I stood in front of the tardis blue doors. I pushed on them, I was half expecting them to be locked. Once opened, I looked inside with amazement, It looked different than what I remember. I saw a man in the center, at the control panel. I stepped in, and as soon as I did the TARDIS started to shake. I fell to the ground, and I fell hard.
"Finally!" a shout from the man came. I shakingly pushed myself up. I stood up leaning against the railing.
"Huh, so it is real." the astonishment got more and more prominent toward the end of the sentence. The man quickly turned around. I let go of the railing and continued looking at the scenery.
"What are you doing in here?!"
"What were you doing in my room?" I questioned and started walking to the middle, where the man of my fantasies stood.
"It was an accident."
"Then me being here is also an accident," I stated. My hand guiding on the rail around the console.
"Don't touch anything!" he shouted as he ran up to me and moved me to sit on the companion seat.
"I'm tacking you back home."
"No!" I shouted, "There's still so many things I need to see, doctor!" I pleaded while I landed on the holey ground. This has been my dream from when I was a kid, and there was no way an 800-year-old alien was gonna take that away from me.
"How do you know my name?" he asked, getting his screwdriver out from the inside pocket in his suit coat.
"Oh please, it's not your name it's your title. And I know that because you're on the telly sometimes. Though I don't know which generation you are." I spoke knowingly yet curious.
"Tenth, im taking you home." "But-"
"Now." his stern voice roared (RAWR X3 nuzzles pounces on you UwU you're so warm) and his stern face glared in my direction. I slumped back into the companion's seat with a torn look sketched onto my face. I hear him click and bang a couple of things before resting one hand on the panel and the other lost within his locks.
"So does that mean I can stay?" I asked hopefully.
"Absolutely not. once I get her fixed, you're going back where you came from," he said while grabbing a red toolbox from the ground and walking to the other side of the shining teal pillar, and hopping through the rails. I bounced up off the chair and to the doors. "Don't you open those doors!" he shouted.
of course, I didn't listen, I mean why would I? this is a once in a lifetime experience. I swung the doors open and saw a scene that I couldn't put into words. but I'll try. the ground was a reddish-orange colour and the sky a bright green with a red sun-like object resting over the horizon. the terrain was mountainous. in the distance, I saw something that looked like a village. I closed the doors behind me and ran. it was a good minute or two before I reached where the village was.
the streets were decorated in star-designed banners and were crowded with aliens of different species buying things that went along with the star/space theme. I continued to squeeze my way through the people. I saw a line leading to a stadium. wanting to know what was in there I quickly joined. the wait wasn't nearly as long as the line so I got in pretty quick.
I took a seat and saw the sky had changed into a dark purple. I saw billions of stars, hundreds of galaxies, and so many nebulas I couldn't count them. my jaw dropped at the most beautiful sight.
"There you are, I told you-" I looked at the voice and saw the doctor. I knew that he was going to be mad at me but I was too happy to care. "Why are you crying?" he asked, taking a seat next to me. my head tilted as I moved my hand up to my face, and sure enough, I felt tears.
"I'm just so happy I guess," I said with a closed-eyed smile. I looked back up to the stars, ever since I was a kid all I wanted to do was travel the stars before my dad died whenever there was a meteor shower or the milky way could be seen or even when you could see the planets in the night sky, we would always go to the middle of nowhere and camp to see the stars in all of there glory.
"They're just stars." I heard the doctor say, in the corner of my eye I could see him staring up at them too.
"They may be stars to you but to me, this is my childhood dream come true." I said with a large smile. " you know how I said you would be on a show in the telly? I would stay awake all night dreaming of the day that you would pop up in my room and id run away from my life and see the stars with you. that's why I didn't want to go back home." I looked at him through teary eyes, "I just wanted to see the stars and galaxies and all of the nebulas up close. to travel the stars just like my dad wanted." I smiled so wide while tears streamed down my face fast and into my mouth. he looked at me and gave me a one-armed hug, pulling me close to him.
we stayed like that for hours, watching the stars. he pointed at them and told me the name and stories of each one, along with the planets beyond them. I fell asleep on his shoulder and woke up in one of the rooms in the TARDIS. I was surprised that I was even there still. I was sure that he would have brought me home by now.
I got up from the bed and quickly put on my shoes, and walked out to the console room.
"Oh! Good you're up!" he jumped up and down, "So where to now! I heard that the planet Hat-P-7b is in rain season this time of year, oh or we could even go to J1407b, they have amazing crapes, though they don't call it crapes..." he went on and on about the planets we could go to. to say the least, I was happy. too happy that I was scared it was a dream. "So, where to?" he asked, leaning forward waiting for my answer.
"Somewhere amazing," I said with a smile, excited for the adventures that I was going to have with this man.
#doctor who#10th doctor#tenth doctor#stars#tenth doctor x reader#tenth doctor x you#david tennant#x reader#xreader#reader insert#fanfiction#fanfic#doctor who fanfic#tenth doctor fanfiction
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Cold
Chapter 2, 2083 words
Summary: Loki and Asmund meet once again (fic under the cut)
Loki paced the Bifrost, nervously fiddling with the hem of his cloak. Was he dressed right? Would Asmund have made plans for them? What if the prince had no interest in him? He paused in his tracks. A swarm of butterflies coursed through his stomach. The mortal had easily been the most handsome person in all of Midgard, and Loki had had few thoughts outside of the man’s smile since they’d met. His chest heaved with a heavy sigh.
“What troubles you, my prince?” Heimdall asked, making Loki jolt. He’d completely forgotten that, predictably, the gatekeeper to the Bifrost was very often found at the Bifrost.
He hesitated a moment before answering quietly, his green eyes darting about. His hands twisted together nervously. “I have… met someone, whose opinion I care about greatly. A mortal prince. We have plans to meet again today.”
“I’m aware.”
Loki groaned, tugging once more on the pine green silk of his cloak. “Sometimes I forget you can see all the Nine Realms.” He paused his fidgeting, looking up at Heimdall. “Can you tell me… is he excited to see me again?”
The other god nodded, giving Loki a reassuring smile. “You have nothing to worry about, Your Grace. The prince appears to be in a state identical to yours.” Loki inhaled sharply. Asmund was looking forward to meeting again. “Are you ready to leave, Your Grace?”
At his nod, he was engulfed by glowing rainbow light, and an instant standing in the forest before Asmund’s castle. The building looked vastly different in the light, birds fluttering around the towering granite turrets on the cool breeze. He took a deep breath before approaching the gate. The dirt of the road crunched softly under the leather of his boots. Two guards dressed in shining silver armor and poppy-red tunics stood at attention as he approached. One of them procured a cream scroll from a pocket on his belt next to his sword.
“Are you Loki, sir?” he asked, glancing from the paper to Loki’s face. He nodded silently, his cloak billowing behind him in the breeze. The guard nodded to his partner who quickly opened the gates. “The prince is waiting for you at the stables, to the left, sir.” Loki gave his thanks as he made his way through the massive mahogany doors that faintly shone in the mid-morning sun.
He nervously checked his reflection in a rippling puddle in the courtyard. The Bifrost and the wind had ruffled his hair into a curly black mess; he'd spent what was probably far too much time brushing it this morning. A dark strand fluttered in the breeze before he nervously brushed it back. With a deep breath, he walked into the stables.
About ten stalls down, Asmund stood in front of a chestnut horse, holding a sugar cube out to it. He petted its forehead sweetly with one hand as the horse accepted the treat. As Loki got closer, he heard the prince cooing to the animal. Sweet Norns, Asmund had the most adorable voice.
“Such a sweet boy! You excited to go out for a ride, huh?” The horse huffed, ruffling Asmund’s golden curls. Loki stepped beside the prince with a mischievous smile on his face.
“I most certainly am, dear.”
Asmund yelped, dropping his remaining sugar cubes on the stable floor. He spun around, tilting his chin up to glare at Loki. It wasn’t by much, but he was ever so slightly shorter than Loki, something he hadn’t noticed at the party. The butterflies came back en masse as he looked down at the prince’s deep brown eyes. He was beautiful.
“Don’t you dare sneak up on me like that again-'' he gasped, holding a hand against his chest. Without thinking it through, Loki reached out a hand and held it over Asmund’s. The mortal’s heart pounded under his fingertips. He smiled confidently to mask the twisting tornado of butterflies making him dizzy.
“Promise I won’t.”
“Your hands are cold,” Asmund mumbled. Loki raised an eyebrow, moving to pull his hand away before the prince wrapped his fingers around Loki’s. “A good cold. I like it,” he offered with a glowing smile. Loki blushed at the touch, his mind buzzing as Asmund led him around the stables.
He introduced the god to a tall roan with a star on her forehead. Asmund let go of Loki’s hand to guide the horse out of the stables. An empty hum traveled through his hand at the loss of contact. His eyes silently followed the prince as he coaxed the two horses into place and motioned to him with a wave and another smile that made him feel as if he were melting into a puddle.
The two princes mounted their horses and trotted out of the open gates. Asmund called back to Loki to follow him, that he knew a beautiful path that wound through the hills. He’d only known the mortal for a little over a day, but he had no doubt he’d follow Asmund anywhere if he should ask. The sounds of the forest surrounded him as he rode after the prince, his head both infinitely full and painfully empty. Dangling pine needles brushed against his arms, little kusymre like the one he’d magicked for Asmund sprinkled like snow along the side of the path. A wind tugged at his hair.
“Loki, come here!” Asmund called. He walked his horse next to the mortal’s, his eyes taking in the beautiful view, or rather, both of them. In front of him, just over the edge of the path sprawled a shimmering lake so clear he could see the current swirling under the surface. It was framed perfectly by rolling snow-capped mountains and perfectly green trees gently swaying in the wind. Next to him, Asmund’s face practically glowed, lit by the pastel sun. His eyes shone almost gold, glowing in the light like the most desirable treasure in all the Realms.
Loki couldn’t decide which was more breathtaking. Asmund looked over at him, his face flushed from the cool weather.
“Do you like the view?” Asmund asked. Loki smiled at him, taking in the sight of the mortal’s wind-kissed face gazing at him with something indecipherably sweet glittering in his chocolate eyes. A warmth Loki had never felt before raced through his chest.
“It’s beautiful,” he replied, looking away self-consciously as his face went warm. A moment later, he realized Asmund had been referring to the lake.
“I come up here to think,” Asmund added softly, a soft breeze whistling over the water. “When there’s too much, you know? It is just so silent and calm, like the world can’t reach me here. I wanted to share it with you.”
Oh, Norns, he’s perfect, Loki thought, his smile growing as he stared at his hands. He glanced up at Asmund for a moment. “Thank you, dearest. It’s positively lovely here.”
The two sat in silence, thought far from an awkward one. The sound of the water and whispering tree limbs filled the comfortable gap. Asmund inhaled sharply.
“Would you, um, care to go back, Loki? I would love to show you around my castle, er, the castle,” he asked so quickly the god barely caught his words. “It’s so cold out, yes? Wouldn’t want to catch a chill out here,” Asmund laughed nervously, fiddling with his reins. Loki tilted his head to gaze at the prince. Without a word, he guided his horse next to Asmund’s. Over the prince’s shoulders, Loki draped his deep green cloak and fixed its clasp closed before he started back for the woods. His hands lingered just over Asmund’s chest before moving.
“Can’t have that, now can we, dearest?” Loki called back over his shoulder. If he’d turned around, he would have seen Asmund staring after him with wide eyes. His fingertips lightly ran over the intricate golden clasp with his face pink from something besides the cold.
Moments later, his horse caught up with Loki’s. Their comfortable silence resumed as they made their way back, though this time Loki caught Asmund glancing at him with soft eyes. The prince caught his gaze and turned an even rosier shade of pink.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to stare,” Asmund softly said over the gentle sound of branches
bending in the wind. He slowed his horse to a halt, Loki stopping right next to him. “I’ve been… nervous about today.” Loki turned his head, green eyes carefully studying the mortal’s face. Speckled shadows danced across his skin; the brown of his eyes flashing between a beautiful deep brown and a shimmering gold in the changing light.
“Why is that?” Were these butterflies twisting in his stomach ever planning to stop?
“Well, we met at that big party, and I was worried you didn’t truly want to be around me away from all that excitement. I-”
“You are very much worth being around,” Loki assured him, his voice taking on a tender note he’d never heard from himself before and barely recognized, once again placing a hand delicately over Asmund’s. Another thing he’d missed the night before was that he had faint little freckles sprinkled across his knuckles like stars. He traced a line across the back of the prince’s hand. “I do hope I’ve put your fears to rest.” Before he could talk himself out of it, he pressed a chaste kiss to the soft skin. Up close, Asmund smelled sweet, like cinnamon and cloves. Loki was certain the butterflies in his stomach just exploded.
“Now, you seemed rather anxious to get out of the cold. Shall we race back to the castle?” Loki said with a playful grin, trying to force down the nervous lump in his throat. Asmund smiled back, looking somewhat dazed.
“I j-just need- need a second.”
Loki winked at him before urging his horse to a gallop. “See you at the castle then, dear prince!” he shouted over the wind.
“No fair!” he heard Asmund’s laugh behind him and almost steered face-first into a branch. If anything wasn’t fair, it was how everything else in the world seemed to disappear when the prince laughed.
The two raced through the woods. The wind spun through Loki’s hair, his dark curls flying behind him like a cloud of ink. At some point, Asmund caught up to him, his laugh echoing through the forest. He looked over at the god, smiling wide as they ran side-by-side. It was more beautiful than anything else in the Nine Realms could hope to be.
Their horses thundered into the courtyard, Asmund’s just barely before Loki’s. He laughed victoriously, giving Loki a smile that felt like a wave of warm sunshine sweeping him off his feet and making him lightheaded. He dismounted and rushed over to Loki’s side.
“Allow me,” Asmund offered, holding a hand up to the god. He felt his face flush as he took the prince’s hand and got down from his horse. Two servants led the horses away as another led the regal pair inside. Asmund seemed to have forgotten to let go of Loki’s hand, not that he minded.
A majestic pair of mahogany doors stained the same maroon as the gates swung open inside the palace, revealing a library full to its vaulted ceiling with elegantly bound books. The shelves were lit under the rainbow glow of a floral stained glass window that took up nearly a whole wall of the room. In the very center sat a carved table set for tea. Loki glanced at Asmund inquisitively, his face illuminated by the bright colors.
“I suppose this was what you were so anxious to return to the castle for, dear?”
Asmund smiled, leading him just before the table. His eyes sparkled in the colored light. “I wanted to surprise you.” The prince leaned in closer to Loki, their noses centimeters apart. Loki’s breath caught in his throat, barely moving as Asmund’s hand delicately brushed a wind-blown curl from the god’s face. “Though I did have a lovely time going out to the forest with you.” Before he could formulate a reply, the prince’s lips met his. Loki’s mind went completely blank and buzzing with happiness. Asmund pulled away after a second, smiling nervously.
“Do you, um…” His voice went quiet as Loki brushed a hand over his cheek, resting on the nape of his neck. Their foreheads pressed together, the light of the stained glass glowing all around them.
“Yes, I do.”
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Chapter 3
Despite his knowledge of the future, Stoneheart still couldn’t help but feel a lump in his throat as he beheld ShadowClan’s camp for the first time in nearly two whole moons. He hadn’t realized just how much he’d miss it when he left for the journey to the lake – as he followed Pansytail towards the Clanrock, his heart felt dizzyingly light.
Everything was still where it should be – dens nestled deep within prickly sedge-and-gorse walls, the Clanrock still standing tall near the back, the surrounding pines shading the camp from the sunlight. On his way to the fresh-kill pile, he spotted Russetstar and Blackfoot chatting quietly in the shade of the twin pines that grew as one at the back of camp, between which Russetstar made her den. Pansytail quickly joined them, pulling ShadowClan’s leader aside while Talonstripe and Redpaw went about their other duties.
Stoneheart was eager to set the dove down, finally, and speak with Russetstar. She has to know what we’re facing already, but I can give her hope. He poked his head into the shadows behind the Clanrock, noting just how little fresh-kill was piled beneath the thick slab of pine bark ShadowClan used to shelter its food.
His stomach growled, and he quieted it. I won’t be eating as well as before...
“Stoneheart? Is that really you?”
Stoneheart nearly slammed his head against the pine bark roof of the fresh-kill pile as he lifted his head. “Finchsong!” he purred, ignoring the gentle ache in his jaws from holding that dove for what felt like ages. “It’s so good to see you again!”
The pale gray tabby queen’s eyes sparkled, and she rushed forward to press her muzzle into Stoneheart’s fur. “I was so worried about you!” she breathed. “Where in StarClan’s name have you been?!”
Stoneheart swallowed. Over Finchsong’s head, he could see several of his Clanmates finally taking notice of his presence, stepping forward cautiously with curious eyes. Cedarheart, Finchsong’s mate, whispered something into Oakfur’s ear. Redpaw was chatting with Smokepaw, looking proud to have discovered ShadowClan’s lost warrior. Nightwing looked between Orre and Pinewhisker, concern flashing in her eyes.
What’s wrong? He wondered, looking at them all. They all had that same cautious look in their eye that Pansytail had when she found him at the star flower grove. Are they not happy to see me home?
One face, though, was not among the crowd – the one face that Stoneheart had wanted to see above all others. Where is Rowanclaw? Is he out on patrol? He noticed that Wolftooth and a few other cats weren’t here. That must be it.
Stoneheart blinked as the crowd parted. Russetstar had come around the Clanrock, her gaze resting evenly on Stoneheart. Blackfoot and Pansytail were with her. “Finchsong, step aside,” Russetstar ordered. “I need to speak with Stoneheart.”
“O-Of course.” Finchsong moved away, ears flicking with embarrassment. She trotted back into the crowd on nervous paws, settling back down beside her mate. Cedarheart licked her between the ears as she looked down at her paws, her eyes suddenly troubled.
Stoneheart blinked at his Clanmates. What in StarClan’s name was going on with them? Why would none of them look him in the eyes?
“Stoneheart,” Russetstar meowed. “Come.”
Swallowing his worries, Stoneheart got to his paws. It doesn't matter right now, he thought as he followed Russetstar towards her den, Blackfoot taking up the rear behind them. All that matters is delivering our message. Everything else can come later.
Before they slipped into the dark cleft between the roots of the two twisting pines, Russetstar flicked her tail at Pansytail. “Fetch Littlecloud,” she ordered. “I’m sure he’ll want to hear this as well.”
As Pansytail trotted past, heading for the medicine cat’s den, Stoneheart couldn’t help but wonder just what kind of scolding he was in for that would require a medicine cat’s presence. Russetstar had been his mentor when he joined ShadowClan, and she certainly hadn’t been an easy teacher.
The inside of Russetstar’s den was dark and warm, smelling of fresh pine sap and moss. Russetstar tucked herself into her nest, kneading out a comfortable place to sit. Blackfoot settled himself beside her, tucking his paws beneath him. Stoneheart, feeling awkward and singled out, sat on his haunches, curling his tail over his paws.
There was silence while they waited for Littlecloud – the way Russetstar stared at Stoneheart made his heart thump so hard he was sure his leader could hear it. Blackfoot busied himself with washing his tail, pulling out a stubborn pine needle that had lodged itself near the base.
“I’m here, I’m here!” Littlecloud pushed his way into the den, his eyes glittering apologetically. He took his spot on Russetstar’s other side quickly, wrapping his tail around his short legs. He smiled at Stoneheart. “Welcome home!”
Stoneheart only nodded back to the medicine cat, too nervous about Russetstar’s gaze to find an appropriate reply.
“The most obvious questions are where we ought to start, I suppose,” Russetstar decided. “Where have you been?”
“And why did you leave your Clan?” Blackfoot demanded, his voice a low growl.
Stoneheart swallowed. Here goes... “I want to say that I am sorry for leaving – however, it was something I had to do, for the good of ShadowClan.”
Blackfoot’s eyes flashed skeptically. Russetstar lifted her chin. “Is that so?” she wondered.
Stoneheart nodded. “Around a half moon or so before I left, I received a dream. In that dream, I saw my sister, Mosspaw. She told me to meet with cats from the other Clans and that together we would help save the Clans from a coming darkness.”
“You say StarClan asked you to abandon your Clan?!” Blackfoot was bristling. “What mouse-dung!”
“Let him finish,” Littlecloud meowed sharply. He turned to Stoneheart with curious eyes. “Go on.”
Adjusting his paws, Stoneheart went on: “I met with the cats from the other Clans – Mistyfoot from ThunderClan, Feathertail from RiverClan, and Crowpaw from WindClan. We had all been visited by our ancestors in some way, but we weren’t sure what to do with what we had seen. We parted, deciding to wait and see if we would be granted another sign.”
“And you were, I presume,” Russetstar concluded, her tail-tip twitching, “considering that each cat you named went missing from their respective Clans.”
Stoneheart nodded. “Mistyfoot received another sign, and we took that as a signal of where to go – so we set off as soon as possible. Stormfur of RiverClan and Nightpaw and Shadepaw of ThunderClan joined us as well.”
Littlecloud sighed, looking relieved. “So that’s where they went... Brackenfur was so worried about Shadepaw!”
“Tinystar as well,” Blackfoot added.
“Where did StarClan send you?” Russetstar asked, her tone frustratingly skeptical.
“To a lake, far off beyond Highstones,” Stoneheart answered simply. “We crossed Thunderpaths and through a big Twolegplace to get there, guided by StarClan all the way. We made it there, together, and there, at the lake, is where we learned of our purpose.”
Stoneheart paused, deliberately. He wanted to give them some time to process this before he dropped the boulder atop their heads: “StarClan was guiding us to this lake to meet Midnight, a wise badger who speaks with the stars. She told us that the Twolegs were destroying our homes, and that this lake we had found, and the land around it, was to be our new home.”
Silence greeted his words. Stonheart braced himself, unsure of what to expect from his Clan's leadership.
“That is... certainly a story,” Russetstar mused, finally, frowning. She glanced at Littlecloud, who seemed deep in thought.
“Mouse-dung!” Blackfoot spat. “Lakes? Talking badgers? I don’t know where you went, Stoneheart, but it certainly wasn’t anywhere within reality.”
His words pricked at Stoneheart’s pelt like claws. “This was all real!” he spat back, bristling. “Stormfur died for this!”
“Stormfur died?” Russetstar’s ears pricked, her eyes going round.
Stoneheart looked his leader in the eyes. “On our way home we passed through some mountains. We met a Tribe of cats, a group like us Clans. Stormfur died saving them from the beast that was threatening their lives.” He turned his gaze to glare at Blackfoot. “Whatever you might think of our journey, that was real enough.”
More silence. Stoneheart forced himself to settle down, flattening his fur. To his satisfaction Blackfoot kept his mouth shut. I don’t care if it looks disloyal to ShadowClan, he thought stubbornly. Stormfur was my friend, and I’ll not have his death mocked!
“This... this is all very hard to believe, Stoneheart,” Russetstar meowed carefully. “You must understand that. If you were having visions from StarClan, why did you not tell anyone?”
“Would you have believed me?” Stoneheart wondered, his tone sharp.
Russetstar frowned. “Fair enough,” she decided.
“I think he’s right, at least,” Littlecloud chimed in. He gestured to Stoneheart with his tail. “The message he received from this Midnight is true enough – Twolegs are destroying our lands. The Black Fens are gone, ThunderClan has moved to Sunningrocks, and WindClan’s territory has nearly been swallowed whole.”
Stoneheart swallowed, taking in this new information. “What!?” he breathed, worry curdling in his belly. He’d known about WindClan, but the rest? The Black Fens are gone?!
Russetstar nodded solemnly. “All of the Clans have suffered – at least those on this side of the river,” she meowed. “We’ve had no word on what’s going on with RiverClan.”
“The Twolegs destroyed Fourtrees, too,” Blackfoot growled. “Tore it apart right in front of us, and during a full moon! As if StarClan wasn’t even watching! We haven’t met with the other Clans beyond border patrols since.”
Stoneheart dug his claws into the earth, reeling.
“There’s more, Russetstar,” Littlecloud meowed. “Remember my vision from the last half-moon meeting? How none of the medicine cats could understand it? Now I think I know what we saw – it was all of us, journeying away from the forest.”
An ominous silence greeted his words.
“I see,” Russetstar decided, after a long moment. She raised her head, and sighed. “I have wondered these past moons whether or not this Twoleg situation was salvageable, but I can see that it is not. It seems our destiny is laid before us.”
She lowered her muzzle, her eyes bright with sorrow. “We must leave the forest.”
“Russetstar!” Blackfoot bristled. He got to his paws, his tail lashing to and fro. “You can’t mean that!”
“The signs are all around us,” Russetstar told him gently. “We were already discussing what we might do if the Twolegs took more of our territory – we have our answer now. We must leave.”
“But...” Blackfoot sputtered, sheathing and unsheathing his claws as he grappled with the idea. “This is our home.”
Stoneheart felt a pang of sorrow for the Clan deputy – for all his Clanmates. Even if they hadn’t all been born in the forest, this place was still home. They thought it was theirs, and that made Midnight’s words come back to him: “Land no belong to you,” the badger had said, simple as the sunrise. “The land belong to no one.”
“We thought a meeting between all four Clans would be best,” Stoneheart told them, “so that we can discuss where to go next. Tomorrow night, at Fourtrees.”
Russetstar nodded. “That will do,” she decided. “The Twolegs should not be there to disrupt us.” Littlecloud looked uncomfortable at the thought of heading back to Fourtrees. Blackfoot was staring into space, as if his world was unraveling – and, Stoneheart supposed, it was.
Stoneheart swallowed. “I... I’m sorry,” he meowed quietly. “I’m sorry that this was bad news.”
Russetstar padded over to him, and touched her nose to his forehead. “You were following the path of our ancestors,” she reassured. “It does not always take us down pleasant trails, Stoneheart.”
“We must tell the Clan,” Blackfoot meowed, his voice cracking.
“Go,” Russetstar told him. She flicked her tail at Littlecloud. “You, too. Reassure the Clan that we are handling this. I will be out shortly.”
Blackfoot got to his paws and padded slowly out of the den. Littlecloud followed, his tail dragging in the dust until he reached the sunshine, where he lifted it in a show of hope for the Clan. Stoneheart’s paws itched, but when he shifted his weight to move, Russetstar’s tail touched his shoulder. A signal to stay.
“I should go with them,” he meowed to Russetstar. “The others might take it better from me, if I can explain...”
“They might,” Russetstar agreed, “and you can speak with them when I am through with you.”
Stoneheart swallowed. “What else is there?” he asked. He searched his leader’s expression for a hint, but found that she was being frustratingly stoic. What more could she have to say?
Russetstar did not meet his eye. “You and your group were not the only cats to go missing, Stoneheart. Cats from every Clan have disappeared lately, it seems – Wolftooth thinks they’ve been taken by Twolegs, for getting in their way.”
Stoneheart’s heart beat in his ears. “W-We can find them!” he insisted. “Before we leave!”
“That may be difficult,” Russetstar told him. “We have no idea where they are, and we may not have time.”
A strange feeling of dread was creeping over Stoneheart. Why was she telling him this, and so privately, if everyone else knew, too? “We’ll make the time,” he insisted. “We are all going to make it to our new home!”
“Stoneheart...” Russetstar finally met his gaze. “Oh, Stoneheart...”
“What?” Stoneheart demanded. “What is it you’re all hiding from me?!”
Russetstar swallowed. She paused, considering her words. There was a tiny shake of her muzzle, as if the approach she had thought of wouldn’t work.
Finally, she meowed, simply and plainly: “Rowanclaw has been taken by Twolegs.”
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Ash Pt 14
“The line of Luthien shall wither to wrath and ruin and burn within my clutch.” The words had burned through the ages and one by one a line of Kings had joined the ever growing names on plaques etched in tombs of the fallen. Tombs of the claimed and slain. Slain in means of a similar goal, annihilation of everything a certain now formless Maiar had built with his own blood soaked hands. King by King, brother by brother, son by son those of the attainable mortal line sired by the mighty Lord Elros now long since lost a single hidden Prince had just been taken into notice of the Maiar bent on destroying him. Not a decade yet he imagined his task succeeded, but not now.
Two days prior the link to his former self tumbled into his path. Right where he hoped to now have a means to return. When there are so many and much to corrupt fingers and feet could do a great deal more than any whisper in the ear of a mutilated servant who knew no life else than the blind wandering path to pass on his proclamations to those too deaf to hear it. However that creature did more for him than a corrupted thief had ever done that once coveted his portal to the physical form for the past five centuries. Hidden away, forgotten, mocked by the name that creature had given it, my Precious.
.
Stumbled aside from avoidance of an angry mountain goat that knocked the blonde Prince into the hot springs Estel dropped to the ground and in a means to help himself up picked up what he had curiously discovered. A single solitary rather ordinary looking gold ring. Far too large for himself he tucked it away in his pocket and stood to giggle at a second goat that bumped the King in after his son in a means to help him out of the water that issued a group of Elves to shoo the animals out of one of the spring baths at least to grant turns for those willing to bathe.
It started at first with an echo, an echo of a name the boy had yet to hear, “Aragorn,” faint as the wind in a vast dessert. And now within his dreams there was a figure in each doorway, formless, faceless and tall rasping that name again and again. At least until a large growling dog that by the size of the boy seemed to be ten feet tall, nails clicking in each step across the stone or wood floors of whatever room his slumbering self was in to cross the room and charge at the specter who fled the gnashing jaws bent on tearing it limb from limb.
Each day to awaken more tired than the day before and clinging to the stuffed dog doll that he continued to borrow each night from the same woman that in each glance his way washed a sense of calm over him that these dreams and haunting voice had dared to threaten in his formerly carefree youth.
.
“Es-,” Thranduil chuckled in the clutch of small arms around his leg from the boy who had darted from the wagon that bore similar scratches in the back corner that he had seen in his dream the night before. Down the King bent and lifted the child up in one arm to climb in an easy one handed fashion onto his Elk’s back, “Now you may ride with us in these enclosed fields.”
Miles of green surrounded you in the rank widening stretch of fields towards the distant drop of a pathway that would guide you further into the cavern where the kingdom could be seen. Smiles and giggled floated between jokes and tales until again you slowed to a gasp worthy sight. Down another woven pathway you rode and ended in an open courtyard where once you were helped down the small boy latched his hand onto yours and began to tug you away. Too fast for the ruling Lord who turned to sigh out, “Welcome, to Imladris.”
It didn’t take long however for the twins and Princes to discover where you had been taken to guide you back for a chance to bathe and dress for dinner. Free again to ease into one of your blouses and foldaway skirts in the favored yellow and black you smiled ready to explore the halls a bit more only to spot Thranduil in a towel on the other side of the door to your bedroom that you closed again. Lowly in both shock and amusement he chuckled and said, “I apologize, I assumed you were still bathing.”
“You are doing this on purpose,” you said that made him fight not to chuckle again.
“I swear to you I am not.” You heard another door close and he stated, “I am in my room.” After a moment he paused and to the sound of your handle turning and door open he stated, “Should you find sharing an apartment with me uncomfortable other arrangements can be made. I merely wished for you to have the best.”
“This was all planned. I will not up-heave things now and trouble others. We do however require a warning system for when you have an inclination to strut your bare self around.”
That had him laugh loudly and reply, “I was not strutting.”
“When I was young men who could not hold a candle to you strut like foxes, if you aren’t strutting you should.” Again that had him laugh in shock for the clear compliment on his physical form that by the sound of your abrupt departure he might have to find you hiding later from what other meanings your words could be taken as. Taken still as a child and now as an adult clearly time to come to realization towards the appeal of a possible husband had been creeping into your life upon freedom outside of mere daydreams while imprisoned. Although you had no reason to be embarrassed since you were as good as courting and therefore eventually to be engaged and wed afterwards. Already you had compared him to the tastiest of pumpkins that could tempt any to choose him, amongst ample compliments upon his taste in attire and other things so there were hints that on a purely physical level you could find him attractive.
.
“I have heard a great many things about you, Queen Jaqiearae.” Upon entrance into a courtyard overlooking a waterfall you froze and turned to the common tongue speaking stern voice of a white robe clad long bearded elderly man with white staff in hand topped with what looked to be a pointed tower. Long hair slicked back in solid white to match the beard that bore a streak of black in the center of his lower lip downwards. His steely blue eyes locked on you as you faced him fully and felt the shift of his gaze over your loose gem and feather accented star speckled raven curls loose around you down to your waist that shifted on a gentle breeze.
On said breeze however a second tall elderly figure came into view. This one with salt and pepper hair and beard more wiry than the first in a long courser grey robe with a matching pointed hat he removed in sight of you and to the tap of his brown staff topped in a swirl of branches similar to a folded flower. His bright blue eyes however locked upon your silver flecked purple eyes that shone brighter in the warm sunlight and after his moment of awe his head bowed to you, “Queen Jaqiearae, I am Gandalf the Grey.”
The white Wizard spoke again, “And I am Saruman the White.”
In a nod of your head you stated, “Hello. Radagast mentioned you both, so have others too.”
Saruman, “Radagast however shared nothing of how you found yourself here. There was no mention of another Wizard being assigned to aid in our task and then suddenly whispers of a Loote-Viirin washed upon the shores of Dale are passed upon wind feather and leaf to every corner of the lingering greens of these lands.”
“Well, it’s, sort of complicated.”
Gandalf stepped forward post huff at his friend’s tone that clearly had you take a step back and fold your fingers together across your belly as if a child scolded and lured your eyes to him, “Radagast has shared of the bewitchment that man used to barter for and trap you. Merely, are you aware of any calling that brought you here?”
You shook your head, “I backed into a bookshelf, I couldn’t get myself up when I saw the wave.”
Saruman cut in, “A face then, surely within the waters or flames?” His brows tightening in his try to gain an answer.
You shook your head, “I tucked up, something hit my head.”
Saruman, “Something or someone?”
“My eyes were closed.”
Gandalf, “Were you reciting an escape charm?”
“No, I just asked for, someone to save me.”
To your words and gaze shifted between the two Gandalf spoke again, “And saved you were.”
Celeborn from a walkway if his own stated, “I do hope the Wizards of the White Council do not intend to spend this entire festival interrogating our newest arrival.”
Saruman at that stated, “No, however we shall allow our young Queen to enjoy her festivities. Now that I have seen her for myself there are questions to be asked and council to be taken amongst the Valar as towards her purpose. I shall consult the oracles.” To the side he turned and muttered to Gandalf in a tongue the others could not understand. “Both eyes Gandalf, spare no attentions to this young spectacle.”
He moved to leave only to hear you retort, “If I am a spectacle to you then I can state you are a territorial gopher of an old man.” That turned his head with eyes on you in fiery shock for how this stranger had known the tongue of their kin. “And if anyone should be keeping both eyes open it’s me. I’m new here for all I know you’ll try to lock me away like that dead pompous captor of mine! I was 15 when he took me! Over a thousand years I spent locked away and the first thing you ask me is ‘who sent me’ and ‘what I apparently was sent here to do’? Well why don’t you go and share what you were sent to do?! Why don’t you try to show something other than arrogance and suspicion, but no, it’ll rain fire before that happens I bet! Don’t you worry Saruman the White! I won’t be stepping in anyone’s toes so you don’t have to watch me! Where do you think I would go I don’t even barely know anywhere but Dale, Greenwood and I’ve been to Erebor once, Once!” You stopped with a finger raised between you to accent your point to the confusion of the Elf watching.
Abruptly you turned and continued muttering to yourself to Celeborn’s amusement, “But no, must be sent to come and conquer the planet by how you’re muttering on about,” your voice dropped mockingly, “‘Both eyes Gandalf,’” even Gandalf had to chuckle at that. “Both eyes on what?! I can barely cross my room without smashing into a trunk. Ooh, careful mr tree,” you said in a turn avoiding a small flowering sapling, “I might overthrow ownership of your pot. And don’t you dare think I’m innocent little daisy I might just trample you too on my way to razing this kingdom to the ground.” Loudly you groaned and finished in another turn past Elrond who was on his way to follow the raised voices.
When you passed him you said in Quenya this time, “Careful there Elrond apparently I’m to be watched. I’m the most sinister thing around apparently according to the leader of the staff brigade.” To himself he held back a chuckle and simply strolled to the courtyard where he found the Wizards and Celeborn and sighed on his way to remind the Wizards that they had agreed to be kind to the young Queen they had now irritated into a storming path to who knows where in this kingdom she’d yet to be toured properly.
Right into your path however Thranduil, Legolas and Tauriel came into your path and the King said with a kind smile, “There you are,” his smile shifted in notice of your agitation, “What has happened, my Darling Starlight?”
“Apparently I’m, dangerous,” the final word you accented with a lift of both hands to wiggle your fingers on either side of your head.
More humerous than intimidating Legolas chortled to Tauriel’s glance away to remain silent and simply Thranduil sighed and stepped forward and took claim of your right hand he folded around his bent elbow and stated. “Perhaps then a proper tour is best to allow you time to simmer down in danger while Elrond and Celeborn speak to those doubtful Wizards. Hmm? We have a picnic prepared at the end of it for you. I know you will be pecking by then.”
Every scenic inch of the kingdom all the way to a waterfall view of a wildflower painted clearing where the picnic was waiting for you had you in awe of the different feel of this place. Most turns with glimpses of the Wizards, both still here, and deep in conversation amongst one another until they had seen you when the food was gone. Inside the ring of pillows stacked like a wall you made good use of the unsettling King who wouldn’t stop staring at you between adoring smiles to the sight of the dozens of butterflies and hummingbirds and bumblebees that came to inspect the new arrival with bright flower decorated beads in her hair. That even in being proven to be fake was still brilliant enough to still encourage lingering stares in circling flights around the group.
To his side you moved and leaned into his chest to peer out at the view and settled in more to his arm that draped around your middle and chin that rested on top of your head fully pleased in this new position even if it cost him a diminished view without all of you in it. Fully aware of the intrigued band of artists who had taken the new face in the kingdom as their muse for ample sketches since you had arrived later to be displayed or gifted to you and the clearly enamored King.
It was this bond that had the speculation pause. Together Saruman and Gandalf took notice of the lace of your fingers between his on the hand rested on your side through a content sigh in the warm afternoon. It was then in the bright sunlight the antler and bitten gemstone necklace that slipped from the fold in the collar of your blouse that they knew why you were called here. Wizard yes. Queen unlike one they had encountered in a good age or longer by their reckoning. Radagast had named your kin in connection to those who once tended the Two Trees. And in the gentle flowering of the gardens around where you had passed and stretch of the trees that seemed to draw breath to ready a song deep down. Underneath all of the questions and unknown they could feel that danger might be drawn to you but you were no harbinger of doom as many who seemed too pure in ages past had revealed themselves to be.
“So how long does this flower festival last?” You asked to Thranduil’s free hand gliding along your free hand on the blanket beside your outstretched legs.
“It would appear the rains have delayed the openings of many a blossom, so it should be near to a week yet and then the weeklong parade of adoration for all that thrives here shall begin.”
“Just a week?” You teased and he chuckled lowly and pressed a chaste kiss to the side of your temple.
Murmuring sweetly by your ear in a low velvety hum, “That, my Darling Starlight, is precisely why our kingdom is far superior when it comes to celebrations.”
“Now who is telling lies?” Elrond said in his cross of the garden. Determined to come and welcome you to a games display where you struggled to learn the intricate rules to the card game on tournament for this night. Until you had to call it a night to the loss of your pretend purse you tried to master it. Then headed to your apartment to continue on the pair of stuffed sock dolls you were cutting patterns out for Estel since he had taken so much to yours.
Not half an hour later Thranduil found you inside the sitting room and smiled in his plop down beside you, “Here you are. I have won back your purse and reined victorious and won you this,” atop his plan he presented you a rather impossibly shiny looking green apple that had you giggle and accept it in a shift of fabric from one hand to the other.
“Thank you.”
“They are very tasty. No expensive prizes for three days yet, but it is a start.”
“I will stick with the apple, thank you.”
You giggled to his determined gaze and settled it at your side to continue pinning strips of the pattern together and he asked, “Another garment?”
“No, I was going to make Estel a set of stuffies of his since he’s taken to mine so much.”
“Brilliant, he will be eternally grateful,” he said in a lean in to kiss your cheek and shifted back, “Can I help?” You nodded and showed him where to pin pieces together so you could get started on stitching the first group with a pre-strung needle.
...
The bed was lovely and the room was so neatly put together. It did however lack a broad wall of a body to lie on the space beside your lounge bed and so cat naps were a must as it was hard to sleep the night through alone again. The sight was quite commonplace and the assumed final week and nerves from the Stone Giant portion of the trip had others assuming you were merely working that tension from your body. As people would randomly find you curled up on lounges or armchairs. And each time you would wake to blankets draped across you that you had no clue where they belonged. So you would simply fold them and slip away to find another activity or meal that would fill your days. Thranduil had taken to his own discussions with the mighty Wizards whilst you were asleep to share more of what he knew to drive them from ever daring to interrogate you again along with still keeping your confidence to not share anything too personal that might upset you should it be passed around.
Awoken by the muffled sound of someone calling for Estel your pre-breakfast nap on a swinging bench underneath a tree came with a face to the blanket culprit. Tauriel who had been tasked to keeping an eye out for where you might be hiding tucked the folded woven blanket behind her back and flashed you a quick grin to your hand rising to pinch the back of your sore neck from the awkward slump you had been in to recline on the deep seated bench. “Morning, Your Highness. This is a lovely garden for a nap.”
“Yes it is, though I might suggest a sideways slump for yourself by the knot my tactic gave me.” To the end of the bench you slid and up you rose in a roll of your head and shoulders that sounded with several pops that later would relieve the tension lingering in your shoulders. In a glance around you asked to the next call for Estel, “They still can’t find him? I didn’t even see him after breakfast in his usual meal with the other kids.”
Tauriel, “No, the Lords Ellohrir and Elladan presumed he might have gone to one of his hidden coves.”
You nodded and said, “Well maybe I can whip out my compass and help find him. Must be hungry.”
“That would be most helpful Lord Elrond does panic when he cannot be found, last time it took hours to find him Lord Elrond found him asleep near the orchards and refused to sleep for near to a week to watch him around the clock.”
“Makes me wonder how he survived his own three children.”
Tauriel chuckled and said, “Lady Celebrian often sent him to visit her father and mother to get him some rest from the stress by what I have been told.” You giggled and walked with her towards your room to grab your bag and she added, “I also know several tales of how King Thranduil tolerated Prince Legolas’ youth for when you wish to know them.” That had you grin with her and hop up the first of the steps onto the open walkway for the shortest distance to your shared apartment.
The calls didn’t cease and had you pick up your pace and unbuckle the securing strap of your removable skirt that once you walked through the front door was in hand and once you were in your room flew to the closet to put itself up so you could not be hindered in searching for the lost boy. Locked in place your foot stopped you at the sight of your bed where you eyed the covers torn away and bunched along the wall and just the crouched goat alone on your bed.
“NoNo,” you murmured only to turn your head to a panicked shriek muffling the growl that stirred it. A loud howl split the air and you gasped, “NoNo!” Open handed you sprinted out the door with the bag that flew to your grip from the bedside table. Behind you Tauriel drew her blade on her thigh having thrown the blanket in hand to your bed. The both of you skidding and racing as fast as you could into an open field where the herds of steeds had once been grazing until the trouble, steadying your breath as best you could until you spotted the foe everyone seemed to be panicked by.
“Huan! It’s me! You know me!” Celebrimbor shouted with hands raised open and empty to show he wasn’t a threat to the peach mist surrounded twelve foot dog snarling and snapping at the Elf who was trying to calm down the creature he assumed to be his reborn and confused friend from his youth. Around them guards lined up ready to act if need be and the great dog couldn’t be calmed or reasoned with as none in the crowds that had fled the area could say just where or how he had come to be here.
Hard and heavy from the search for the boy all the armor coated and armed Elf Lords between the Wizards came into view assessing the situation only to watch you break through the guards’ line to shout, “NoNo!” Jaws dropped to the dog’s turn to face you in the fall of your curls half into your face and over your chest and back in the sudden stop and all at once when you asked in your tongue none else knew, “Where is TikTik?” The great dog gave a concerned whimper and your lips parted.
Celebrimbor asked you, “This dog is familiar to you?”
“She’s my sleep guardian, oh this is not good.”
You said dropping to your knees to set your bag on the ground to the dog’s loud howl and Thranduil asked, “What does she want? Your guardian?”
In a strill tone from panic you answered sharper than you meant, “She wants TikTik! Her mate, they’re a pair, Estel had him last!”
Celeborn, “That stuffed dog he borrowed? How could it be paired with this creature?” He asked in her panicked sniff around another ring of bushes nearby Estel liked to hide in often laced with his scent still from the day before.
“They’re a pair, she’s a protection charm you give them to your children when they sleep, they keep away omens and specters. They only come alive when separated by more than ten miles,” you paused with a pant and locked your ready gaze on his to say, “She’s awake, that means, if we don’t find TikTik she’ll destroy anyone and anything in her path and I can’t stop her.”
Elrond rasped in a failure to catch his breath, “Ten miles…Estel could not have traveled ten miles alone.”
“And no one has seen him all morning, perhaps even through the night.” You said again lowering to dig your arms into the bag that you continued to sink into at impossible reach for the size of the bag.
When your head dipped inside Thranduil eased past the dog that circled you to sniff a trio of woven trees the boy had climbed with you. The empty tree had her whimper again and howl loudly in hopes of hearing an answer of her mate that sent a chill through every heart around her in the sink of the shared panic as for who had taken the child and set off this beast as their only warning. “What are you searching for?”
Out again with hold of something you grunted in answer, “We need The Duke.”
“Duke?” Thranduil asked, “Which Duke?”
He glanced to the other Lords and then back to you when he saw a glowing chain your hands were fixed on in the sudden lift of the bag that to an impossible degree began to widen for what the crowd saw to be a silver beak on what was moments later revealed to be a ten foot across and high swan’s head with the start of a neck to follow. “Come on Duke,” you muttered and continued to pull for the rest of the thirty foot neck. Mouths dropped open in what would be revealed to be a swan ship that stretched to 156 feet long not counting the neck that in its full reveal eased upwards to an elegant curve. Hearts once slumped now soared from those of the Teliri Elves who stood in the presence of a ship like those that the Feanoreans razed to cinders they imagined the crafting of which to never be seen again since having left those scorched shores for these lands.
In your sprint down the side Elrond shouted to Celeborn’s teary eyed gawk at the marvelous albeit roughly polished sides on the ship, “READY TO ARMS!” Guards in the distance and those who were near gathered their armor and weapons with other Elleths who had seen the ship went to fetch the armor and weapons of the unarmed Lords who they knew would not abandon this chase for the child who all rushed to put on. Halfway down the side of the ship in a leap up your hand fixed upon a disguised foot rest. And you pulled yourself up to the built in ladder to a hidden door that once pushed inwards NoNo raced to dive over your head to join in on the ship knowing you were on the way to find her mate and the child with him.
Thranduil was first to dart and follow you up the ladder with his own already armed guards after Legolas who impatiently waited for his own chance to get into the impossible ship both Wizards were still gawking at in the soar of your bag up onto the deck for you to grab. Right behind you once on the deck Thranduil stepped aside eyeing the sanded and sealed wood deck that showed patchwork breeds of wood used as if chosen from scrap piles out of shortages of wood.
The main level consisting of rooms on his left underneath a balcony edged by open archways surrounded by staircases on either side that led to a second set of rooms under another balcony where the sideways mounted wheel was bolted the wrong way around. Above that area was another level of a sealed room behind where a mast should go with a set of steps to take you higher to another open floor that gave an open path to the highest crows nest just fifteen feet from the rear level of flooring with just another spot where the tail mast should go with secures for the sails now empty of rigging. On his right however towards the literal head of the swan ship he followed you. Past the open circular staircase that led down into the ship into the covered dome of a metal comprised room ended with a balcony on the front of the ship to peer out the front. Curious of where you had gone a panted breath had him look up and find your feet in the tunnel up the open neck to the head. With aid of the mirror like walls his hand stroked across the rough to the touch patch on the otherwise smooth metal walls underneath the built in ladder you wiggled into the head.
Right onto the seat there in Legolas’ reach of his side they saw you settle and plant your feet on the pedals behind a series of overlapping rings around what even them in their novice knowledge of the ships of old to be the power core of a crystal encased star. Hard and steady you pedaled hoping to spark up the star engine panting to yourself, “Come on Duke. Spark up handsome. I’m so sorry I left you so long. Please, I know you want to soar.”
All across the deck amazed soldiers filled the space and made room for more on what would have been even larger than the largest of their former fleets they had memory of being crafted. Small bits for those amongst former ship crews who could feel every inch of their bodies throbbing with memory of what their former roles had been before they had been grounded showed that this was obviously yet to be finished entirely to perfection. Perfect enough though to merely exist while they circled the tower in the center of the circular drop for the lower levels. The sides of the tower above their heads was topped with a glass dome above open archways that clearly led to what they knew as one sunlight access point to the greenhouse, around which they saw the larger glass dome near to the head of the ship for the larger portion of the greenhouse below.
“YES!” you were heard to squeak to the telling glow and hum of the now pulsing light of the star core between the spinning rings of the engine to channel that power lower. The spread of which rippled across the scaled outer layer of the neck and head that over the back and inside gave the illusion to be see through allowing sight to the wheel. Again post wiggle back down the tunnel you were spotted and held back a flinch to the hands that helped you down to the ground safely again. Once there a moment you paused to peer up at Thranduil who was smiling at you in awe, “Told you I had a swan ship.”
“Yes you did,” he chuckled and followed you in your reluctant turn to ready the rest of the ship for flight above the spot it hovered just a few inches off the ground.
Back down the deck you passed through the parting guards who bowed their heads to you and the King past the other Elf Lords who trailed after Celeborn who practically raced to see how he could help to get this beauty off the ground. Eyes all fell to the sideways wheel that each wondered how that would steer this properly, however on either side of it with a squeeze of the levered handles on the metal posts that you eased down to a 45 degree angle and let go their eyes shifted over the deck to the sound of mechanics moving underfoot. Knowing what this was Celeborn raised his foot to the raise of yours and the both of you pushed down the levers to the ground, hands fixed on separate grips on the wheel that together when the levers touched the ground gave way for a hard won turn. Up again you let the levers rise to the same degree then pushed down again for those on the outer walls from the now visible open doorways to the level of flooring they were housed in to see the extension of wing like layered sails that were tied up to the securing chains that held the shape. Twelve good cranks and fully extended the wings rested in their proper extended wrapped position to begin the flight process.
Firmly you gripped the levers again and lifted them back into place. Again he looked over the wheel in your crouch to grip a looped handle secured in a notch in the ground that you lifted and pulled firm out and kept hold of to grip one side of the wheel you pulled hard to its rightful position revealing the second pin groove that you lowered to lock the wheel in place. Just the flat looped head of the pin locked in place had the wing sails shiver themselves loose and open to glimmer then glow brightly. Right away they puffed up as if filled with wind to the powerful glow that spread from end to end that began the lift of the ship to the hurried tug of the final guards onto the ship they sealed the door to behind them.
Celeborn asked still in awe, “Where did you obtain this ship?” he asked to your glance at the Wizards in their own browse of the upper deck with sight of the dog who was staring out the front balcony of the ship impatiently for her Mate.
“I built it,” you said and looked him over in the drop of his jaw, “We have a 14 month long race around the world, only sons can compete, but I got to digging in the junkyard of broken ships and managed the Duke together. Only half the size of my Dad’s, his is called The Emperor, nearly 300 feet not counting the neck. It’s a nice starter ship size.” You looked the Lords over and said, “I know it’s rough, but it flies just fine.”
Glorfindel stated, “No, the silence is from awe. This ship resembles those destroyed in Teleri in the middle of the Kinslayings initiated by the Feanoreans.”
“Ah, parallels again.”
Celebrimbor asked, “Aren’t there supposed to be masts?”
“There are,” you said and turned back to the level up behind you where you opened a hatch in the ground revealing another wheel that you cranked the lever beside it to stir up a glow in the floor beside you. Rippled back the metal patch of floor folded revealing rotating rings that to a turn of the wheel in a spike the mast rose up from the middle upwards in growing vine designs on the open metal masts. That to rotations of the wheel timed to cranks to each layer both above and below the crows nest platform complete with railings that grew from the floor of the lookout to full height in its rise. The pattern of how it was done had a pair of former crewmen found the hidden hatch to lift the rear mast that from the sides of the ship out of hidden doorways accepted hold of the enchanted chains that secured to the tip on their own.
From there down again you led the way to the curved stairway down to the metal patch of floor for the tallest mast that two more Elves neared you to help you raise up the incredible mast like the others would have several of the Elves touch it to simply have a feel of the craftsmanship unlike the wooden masts their former ships bore. Celeborn did just that upon your rise to your feet again stating, “Simply magnificent. How did you master this?”
“Well, took me a year to design it. Dad’s has a wooden mast, but I couldn’t go around chopping down trees. My cousin could barely manage the wood for the floors and stairs for me, the wood from the junkyard wouldn’t have worked right. Most of that was bowed or splintered.”
Celeborn, “It is beautiful. My Ada built ships, took nearly a century each, to have done this in less than a decade is a wonder.”
Legolas asked in a check of the ship’s place nearly level with the crevice walls around the city beneath you all filled with those behind who wished you all the best of luck and safety in your search. “How does it fly?”
That had you smirk and head back to the wheel where at the wheel into your bag you reached bringing out the enchanted compass you opened with your thumb and said, “Estel,” that began to spin and aim to where the boy was. Around the center knot of the wheel your hand folded and with your palm you pressed inwards, from the center outwards a change of the color of the wood from mahogany to silver triggered the wing sails to lift up into elegant arches, the end of which had enchanted star ore chains to lock the sails up to the masts. Each and every silver glimmering sail rippled to the wind and from its float upwards now forward at an angle to turn with grip and tug on the wheel to follow the direction of the compass.
Just the motion alone bolstered hope that this could be achieved rather quickly with ease thanks to this enchanted ship that Thranduil now mentally wondered how it could be used in travel between kingdoms to your preference in the future if you desired over the two week long treks from here to there and back again. Saruman however asked in his approach, “I am curious, you mentioned this protection charm, is there any way to tell who has perhaps taken the child?”
“There is a spell the one who casts it can use to see where the child is but my Gran made them, and she’s passed now so that plan is moot. If it’s a person then that’s one thing, but if it’s something dark, then it would have to be powerful to have survived an attack from TikTik to ward it off.”
Elrond, “Like a dragon?”
You shook your head, “No, dragons are no match for this charm. They know better. Something stronger.”
Gandalf, “Another Necromancer perhaps?” he asked with eyes on you already when you looked his way.
“Perhaps, how frequent do they pop up here?”
Saruman looked to you, “Just the one that we know of.”
You nodded and said, “I’ll see if I can work up a net for some hints then.”
A swivel of your head for who to leave charge of the wheel to found an anxious guard who crept closer and bowed his head to you with hands extended upwards in hopeful acceptance of the compass, “May I, Your Highness?”
Thranduil explained, “Kuu here was a Captain amongst the Teleri fleets. We will be in skilled hands.”
You nodded and relented to pass over control of the wheel compass and wheel that had him smile in timid strokes of his fingertips across it. Away from the wheel you began the way to the central curved staircase with the Lords and Wizards behind you. Beyond the tower to let light in lower you followed the steps into the highest of five lower floors, through which behind you curious guards meandered into each of the either empty or sparsely filled rooms that gave hints of purpose.
The sound of a panicked slam of a door back into place in its lean forward had you turn and peer back to the wide eyed guards now holding the door who nodded when you said, “I haven’t exactly gotten around to hinges for some of the doors. So, keep an eye out for falling timber.”
Scattered chortles followed your path onwards again amongst the guards who rippled the warning up to those on the deck should they explore themselves, a pair who on the level below the wheel learned that the hard way as well and nearly screamed out of shock of the heavy door coming loose.
Open rooms without doors yet to be formed had each head swivel to peek inside until you reached a large room that opened through a glass wall packed with pinned up papers, maps and tables with models of locations or oceans in between complete with markups of paths to maneuver to gain shorter times to soar across them.
Thranduil asked, “Are these your plans for the race you were to take part in?”
“Yes,” you said in a glance at Celeborn’s inspection of your travel papers to Elrond’s inspection of one of your models. “Look familiar?”
Elrond said, “This appears to be Beleriand.” Luring the others over while Thanduil came with you to the bookshelf along the wall you opened the glass pane doors to a couple of them to fetch a few books.
“That’s Gorlumbtihg. Where the brilliant minds are invited to study.” You said taking the books to the desk you settled down and splayed out to open each of the clear journals loaded with pasted in notes and diagrams around sketches and excerpts you had written on various topics that over your shoulder Thranduil eyed uselessly but with unflinching curiosity to know each secret of this touch of your home that you yourself had built. A sign that not all of your past was terrible.
Elrond took hold of the folding crystal itinerary that upon opening played a trapped in message in a small cloud of mist above it that showed the kingdom and ruling family and the pathway you were designated to take and which port you were assigned to have taken and the aid there who would play as your host during your stay. When the video was through Glorfindel brought more from a basket over to the group who all watched them all unable to understand the words spoken but caught the basics of what you were expected to do and where to go.
Gandalf in a creep closer to your side asked in a point to the journal on the left of the three asked, “What are you searching for?”
“I know I have something on a radar of sorts to know what we might be facing. The race has you cross territories of various creatures and I had some models, one might be easy to whip up on the way.”
Saruman, “What supplies do you have on board that we might gather?”
To that you sighed and answered, “Not much past my greenhouse. But I can see what I can find around the place.”
Thranduil stated in a rest of his hand on your back, “I know you can muster something up.”
Thranduil shifted his gaze from the journal to the moving portraits in a propped up tri-fold album that his free hand moved to shift to a better view of the mother holding an infant, a second with you and a couple in front of a market and a third with a sideways image of several people. “Are these your relatives?” he asked timidly, halfway afraid that he had hold of the image of the man who strangled your mother and put such fear and doubts into your heart.
“My Gran and me in the first, my parents and me in the second with the shop, the third is the rest of our family. Copied those when I was being packed up to leave.”
Between flips through the journal you answered questions from the others from the itineraries that showed more similarities between your worlds landscape-wise. “Ooh, here’s something,” you said to something that looked to be a stew recipe that had the group shadowing your path to the greenhouse that was full of a row of potato plants opposite varied sturdy plants. One of a few of each you brought out of the dirt and diced in shapes and varied ways you then shook around in a large cauldron then promptly flipped that over to plant it on the ground and planted your ear on top of it.
One of the Lords was about to speak only to have Gandalf lift a finger to his lips and crouch down with you to listen himself and mutter, “Screeches, grunts and, the clash of metal.” He said in his straighten up again. “Estel has been taken by orcs.”
“There’s a whisper,” you added that lowered the heartbroken gazes to you again. Gently you knocked on the cauldron that had NoNo suddenly appear at your side in a cloud of mist who leaned in to listen herself and her feet shifted excitedly to the muffled echo of a howl showing the link between the trick to check on the boy proving TikTik knew you were coming and shared with you through NoNo that Estel was safe but scared. “Estel’s safe but scared, but there’s this whisper around him. Can’t be a ghoul,” you said lifting up from the cauldron that once you lifted revealed a puff of smoke revealing the ingredients had turned to smoke in the expenditure of the trick’s time limit. Thranduil’s hand lowered that yours laid inside of to climb to your feet again and you said, “Ghost wouldn’t be strong enough, something possessed maybe?”
Your eyes landed on Saruman who stated, “There is no shortage of beasts who could be possessed amongst the company of orcs. Many a foul thing has crawled from the murky underbelly of this world to steal an innocent being. How long will your charm last to protect the child?”
“Oh you can’t break it, and even if he was taken TikTik won’t let anything serious happen to him.”
Creaks of the sails and shelves enchanted to remain upright with items inside that shift or slide to the motion when not full around the greenhouse had you all wish to go up again to see just where you were headed before a tour was requested of the rooms at the other end of the ship.
Pt 15
All –
@sherala007, @mariannetora, @jesgisborne, @knitastically, @catthefearless, @theincaprincess, ggbbhehe4455, @lilith15000,
Not nsfw(smut) - @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore
Ash - @devilishminx328, @fandomsstolemylife00, @lilith15000
#Thranduil x OC#Sauron#Estel#Curse#Protection Charm#Welcome to Imladris#Sauruman the White#Gandalf the Grey#Where is the Boy#Cat Naps#The Duke
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My Disney Fab 50 Statues
This is my version of the Disney Fab 50 statues for the WDW 50th Anniversary, and why I picked each one. My list aims much more to park history than the official list does. I'll note which ones are official statues by underlining them. These are in no particular order, but organized by park they'd be in. Magic Kingdom 1) Mickey - Obviously, Mickey, being the park and company mascot, needs to be here, and he's on the official list as well. I chose to put my version in his Philharmagic costume. It's got the hat from Fantasia/Sorcerer's Apprentice, which is well known, but tailored more to the park attraction. 2) Daisy Duck - One of the Fab 6, Daisy is also along for the ride. But unlike the official's "standard" outfit, I'm putting Daisy in a safari outfit to represent Jungle Cruise. Since Jungle Cruise doesn't really have any characters, I'm using outfits, like with Mickey, to represent attractions that otherwise would be left out. 3) Goofy - Another of the Fab 6, Mickey's best friend needs to be represented. Like Daisy, he's also repping a character-less ride. This time he's repping Big Thunder Railroad. As an added bonus, if they put him in a conductor outfit, it could also rep Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, but that's at another park. 4) Pluto - The last of the Fab 6 in this park (the other two I'm placing elsewhere), Mickey's dog Pluto. And since the Park Wishables already put Mickey and Minnie in space suits for Space Mountain, let's give Pluto an astronaut helmet to represent it! And, as an added bonus, it doubles as a take-that at Universal, since Disney can't have Marvel in the WDW parks, and Pluto would be a joke on Cosmo (the space dog in the Collector's museum from Guardians of the Galaxy). 5) Sonny Eclipse - The first statue of mine that's not only unique to my list, but also represents something 100% in the park. I haven't been to Cosmic Rays myself, but from what I hear around WDWNT and WIGScord, it's pretty popular. Or at least Sonny is. So he gets a statue. 6) Merlin and Archmedes - Second statue unique to my list, and the first that's for the history of the park. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was a scavenger hunt-type game that closed down early this year, and Merlin was kinda your guide for it. The game apparently had a lot of problems, but it looked really fun at the same time. 7) Genie - A surprising omition from the official list, and, unlike DLR, WDW actually has an Aladdin ride. The official list does have Abu, but I feel Genie is much more iconic and representitational of the movie. I'm also surprised that Carpet wasn't with Abu. 8) Pirate Dog - The Pirate Dog holding the keys is my representation of Pirates of the Caribbean. The dog might not be the most obvious pick, but as I'm trying to steer away from realistic-looking human characters, the dog was picked. Plus, they also made a Tsum Tsum and a Wishable of him, so... 9) Big Al OR Henry- This one's a toss-up. Either bear would do, and it's surprising to me that Country Bear Jamboree isn't represented. Of course, we know that it's a "less popular" attraction, so... 10) Madame Leota - The hitchhiking ghosts would also work to represent Haunted Mansion, but I think that having a gold statue inside of an ornate glass orb would look cooler. Plus, it only takes up one character slot, rather than 3. 11) Dumbo - One of the original rides from Disneyland, this classic has to be represented, and Disney agreed. Although I cut out Timothy. Didn't wanna take up another slot. 12) Stitch - Another statue to represent a past attraction, Stitch is here to represent Stitch's Great Escape. He's also, like the official statue, in his 626 form, because there's not nearly as much merchandise for him that way. 13) Winnie the Pooh - Piglet is with him on the official statue, but I think Pooh can stand on his own. Or, at least, eat hunny on his own. I mean, the ride is called "Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," not "Pooh and Friends." Also, Tigger is way better than Piglet. 14) Mr. Toad - Another surprising omition from the list. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride might not be in Magic Kingdom anymore, but he's still fondly remembered, and they even made a Wishable of him (from the Disneyland 65th Anniversary set, but whatever). 15) Maleficent (Dragon) - The first of my statues that's not for an attraction, but a show (okay, Philharmagic is kinda a show, but shush). And she's also considered the "leader" of all of the Disney Villains, who are not represented at all in the official list, which I think is a shame. Sure, we all love the heroes, but who would those heroes be without their villains? 16) Face Clock - The only non-character in my list, the Face Clock is iconic enough for the World's Fair-turned-park ride. Because if you picked one of the dolls, which doll would you pick?! 17) Elliot - I've never seen the Main Street Electrical Parade myself (unless it was when I was 5), but I'd recognize the dragon float from Pete's Dragon anywhere. Bonus points if they could do the statue in such a way that it looked like the float, too. 18) Tinkerbell - The last of the revealed statues, Tinkerbell has come to represent Disney magic, both within and outside the parks, just as much as Mickey. Officially representing Peter Pan's Flight, I'd like to think that she also represents the Castle, like in the company card at the start of the movies. 19) Jose, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz - Yes, I know I've been trying to avoid "wasting" slots with multi-character statues, but... How could you pick just one of the Enchanted Tiki Room birds?! 20) Cheshire Cat - Cheshire and Mad Hatter both made the list (as separate statues), but I feel that Alice in Wonderland can be represented by Cheshire on his own. Plus, cat. 21) Boo - Monster's Inc Laugh Floor is an attraction that I wish was at DLR, so I could go on it, but even better than Sulley or Mike is the adorable Boo. 22) Jimminy Cricket - Yet another surprising omition from the list, Jimminy is almost as iconic to Disney Magic as Tinkerbell is. The official list has Pinocchio, but Jimminy is so much more "Disney" in general than Pinocchio. 23) Dopey - Seven Dwarfs Mine Train represent, as well as Disney's first animated feature. EPCOT 24) Donald Duck, Jose, and Panchito - Mickey's other best friend, here represented with the other two of the Three Caballeros, as represented in the Gran Fiesta Tour ride in the Mexico Pavillion. Like with the other members of the Fab 6, I chose to put him in an attraction outfit, and since I did, the other two had to come along for the ride. 25) Figment - Journey to Imagination (or whatever the current name of the attraction is) might be "meh" as a ride, but everyone loves Figment. Even Disney, who included him. 26) Olaf - I love Bruni. Bruni is probably my favorite character from all of Frozen. But Bruni isn't even named in the movie, he doesn't need to be on a statue. Olaf can represent Frozen Ever After by himself. 27) Remy - I'm shocked that Remy's not on the official list, given that his ride [officially] opens on the first day of the 50th Celebration, and represents the future of the parks. 28) Orange Bird - OB is on the official list, though in MK rather than EPCOT. All of the merch and such I've seen for him has been for the EPCOT festivals, so I'm sticking him here. 29) Rocket Racoon and Groot - Another statue to look to the future, for whenever Cosmic Rewind opens. Also, unlike the official statue, we are not using the realistic style from the official statue. The fur on Rocket looks so bad. Nah, instead we'll do him smooth, like the cartoons. 30) Mushu - Mushu was left out of the live action Mulan movie, but he's designed after traditional Chinese dragons, so let's put him over by the China Pavilion. 31) Marie - Did you really think that this list was not going to have my favorite character on it? I mean, really? Plus, we've got THREE mice/rats on the list, AND a dog, so we need another cat. Hollywood Studios 32) Minnie Mouse - And here we have the last of the Fab 6, Mickey's gal Minnie! Why is she in Hollywood Studios? Because she's representing Tower of Terror, wearing a cute outfit, of course! 33) DJ-R3X - Remember all those Fab 6 characters representing multiple characters? Yeah, R3X here is doing the same. Not only is DJ-R3X the DJ at Oga's Cantina in Galaxy's Edge, but he was originally RX-24, the pilot for the original version of Star Tours. Much better representation than BB-8 or R2-D2 from the official list. 34) Kermit the Frog - One of the more offensive omitions from the official list. MuppetVision3D is great fun, and the Muppets don't get nearly enough love, even with the Haunted Mansion special coming. 35) Chuuby - Okay, so sue me, I'm obsessed with the little merchandising bird. He's just too cute. 36) Woody and Buzz Lightyear - I know the official statue is Woody and Bo-Peep. But I haven't seen Toy Story 4 (or 3), so I want Buzz there. Disney's Animal Kingdom 37) Chip and Dale - Ya gotta have the little buddies! And who better to be wearing cute little Wilderness Explorer outfits? 38) The Yeti - So, the real Yeti might not work in Expedition Everest, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be represented as a statue! Just make sure it's not realistic fur like that horrible Rocket statue. Stylized only! 39) Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa - Simba is separate from his friends in the official statue, but the trio (Simba as a child) should stick together. Festival of the Lion King is amazing to watch. You'll note a few things on my list: 1) There are no princesses. This was a specific omition on my part. The princesses have their own line of stuff, and are fairly over-used as it is. I wanted to get away from that. 2) As I mentioned with the Pirate Dog, I wanted to avoid realistic human characters. They either look good, or they don't. And I wanted a bit more of a similar style to everything, hence why I'm noting that Rocket should be done in the cartoon style, and the Yeti should be stylized. 3) Everything is tied into an attraction, land, or Disney Magic. Nothing is there solely from a movie. 4) My list only has 3 statues more than the official list. 5) For reference, here are the characters that are on the official list that are missing from mine: Timothy the Mouse (with Dumbo) Piglet (with Winnie the Pooh) Bruni (with Olaf) Bo-Peep (with Woody) Lumiere and Cogsworth Mad Hatter Pinocchio Gus and Jaq Lady and Tramp Abu Dante Miguel Pua and Hei-Hei Joe Gardener Edna Mode Frozone R2-D2 BB-8 Sebastian and Flounder Nemo and Dory Bambi and Thumper Of these, there are no major parks connections for Lumiere and Cogsworth, Lady and Tramp, Dante, Miguel, Pua and Hei-Hei (yet), Joe Gardener, Edna, and Frozone. Edna and Frozone especially bother me, as they're not even the main characters. Why couldn't we get a Jack-Jack instead? And Mr. Mittens and 22 over Joe Gardener? 6) And, finally, here are my statues that are new to my list: Sonny Eclipse Merlin and Archmedes Genie Pirate Dog Big Al Madame Leota Mr. Toad Maleficent Face Clock Elliot Jose, Michael, Pierre, and Fritz Boo Jimminy Cricket Dopey Remy Mushu Marie DJ-R3X Kermit the Frog Chuuby Buzz Lightyear The Yeti
#Disney#Disney World#Walt Disney World#Magic Kingdom#EPCOT#Hollywood Studios#Animal Kingdom#Fab 50#50th Anniversary
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oh, but you’re good to me
the wench and the witcher
"oh, but you’re good to me”
Fandom: The Witcher (2019)
Paring: Geralt of Rivia x Black!OFC - Zahra Auberel. Platonic!Jaskier x Zahra.
Summary: Midaëte brings the height of summer, and a reconciliation.
Warnings: Rated Mature due to brief mention of sex. Please don’t interact if you are under the age of 18.
A/N: Well, what started as a simple reader insert character grew into a fully-formed OC through the course of this series. And now we have reached the end! Well, mostly. I have some random outtakes and drabbles that I’m sure will crop up, but my (eventual) multi-chapter will feature Geralt and Zahra as they navigate some... interesting magical developments.
But, for now, I call this the end of The Wench and The Witcher. Thank you guys so much for your kind words, reblogs, likes - this is honestly the most I’ve written in years and knowing that y’all have enjoyed it warms the cockles of my heart. Title and lyrics under the cut from Hozier’s “Would That I” which I think might be my favorite Hozier song full-stop, hands down.
@coconutxraikage - @onyour-right - @ly–canthrope - @kianya-loves - @c-s-stars - @gczanetti1 - @alwaysnatz - @agniavateira - @owillofthewisps - @hina-chans-stuff - @yespolkadotkitty - @wastingmypotential - @inber
With each love I cut loose, I was never the same Watching still-living roots be consumed by the flame I was fixed on your hand of gold Layin' waste to my lovin' long ago
“Contracts from the butcher and the miller,” Lucja rattles off. “And Jaskier returned your message – says he’s very much looking forward to performing for the solstice festival.”
She gives a hum as she thumbs through the stack of papers on the desk. “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you, as well,” she teases.
Lucja’s pretty round face goes pink, making her employer grin. The older woman pauses when she finds an unfamiliar piece of folded parchment among the stack of invoices. Slim brown fingers unfold the sharply folded letter and suddenly her heart is in her throat. “Lucja… where did this come from?”
“Oh… it, ah, came with Jaskier’s reply. Do you want me to get rid of it?”
Though half-tempted to let Lucja burn the letter, she bites her lip and shakes her head. “No,” she murmurs. “Thank you, Lu’ – that will be all.”
Her young barmaid flashes a sympathetic smile and closes the door behind her. The neatly looped scrawl of the letter makes something around her heart ache. She’d always been surprised by how tidy the Witcher’s handwriting was:
I don’t
This isn’t what
I’m not – fucking shit fuck
The first time I saw you, it was like walking into the light of the sun after half a lifetime in the cold. And it was so fucking cold that night.
You were like summer.
It’s cold again now, without you. I don’t know what I’m doing
Two weeks later:
I wanted want wanted to bring you to see Kaer Mohren. I know you said you like the ocean more than the mountains, but I think this place could change your mind. You would get on with Eskel like a house on fire. He’s more of a southerner, like you.
I told him about the time you tried to teach me to cook and he nearly pissed himself laughing.
Lambert’s a shit. Vesemir already likes you.
You’d like it here. The kitchen is nearly as big as the whole front room of the tavern. Library’s bigger.
Garden’s a fucking nightmare, though.
We could go to the ocean, too. Anywhere you want.
The missives don’t come with any real regularity. A few at a time, a week-long gap, but they never stop. She thinks about writing back, at first, but deciphering where the Witcher is would likely be impossible and… gods, she’s still so damned angry. The White Wolf receives no reply.
Regardless, the letters keep coming.
The thing is, I don’t know what else there is besides The Path - this life of slaying monsters and getting paid in coin. I was told that was all I needed and I believed it for a very long time. There was nothing to challenge that, not until I met you.
You were are so fucking beautiful. And warm, and bright, and vulgar, and kind, and a pain in my ass and I should have told you how much you meant to me, but I couldn’t parse it out until just now, and I am an idiot. And a coward. I thought that telling myself you were an amusement would be enough, that I would be content with warming your bed, but I can’t do that anymore. I can’t keep lying about how much I need you.
I need you, Zee. It feels like I’m missing my fucking sword arm.
The words on the page blur together. She brushes them with her fingertips, almost smiling even as the tears catch in her lashes:
I miss the way you laugh at Jaskier’s dirty songs.
I miss the way you used my legs to keep your feet warm at night.
I miss that fucking rabbit stew.
I miss the way you’d look at me when I walked in the door.
I miss the sounds you make when I’m inside of you. The way you taste.
I miss your eyes. And your smile.
Your voice. Your terrible fucking singing.
You are my home. You’re my harbor and my safe haven.
I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.
---
Midaëte approaches. With it, a week’s worth of festivities, and food and drink, leading up to the day of the solstice. It means early mornings in the kitchen and late nights in the tavern. The evenings are balmy, windows and doors thrown open to allow the scent of summer air and night-blooming flowers to drift through.
For a time, she is so busy that she forgets to be heartsore. Geralt’s letters – page after yellowing page – sit tied with a gold ribbon in her desk drawer. Confessions and apologies, promises and rambling stories that she keeps picking up to read again and again. It’s a veritable book, more than he’d ever seen fit to say in person and she’s not sure whether to be infuriated or hopeful, but there’s barely time. Thank the gods.
Business booms, between trades-folk coming in for the market day, then musicians, then families. She drinks a little, dances when there is time; she lets Lucja weave tiny yellow purple flowers into her hair for Midaëte Eve and dresses in white and yellow to enjoy the evening. Or try to, at least. The main room is full almost to bursting, patrons laughing, carousing, and eventually spilling out into the courtyard to dance in the falling dusk.
Zahra watches from the doorway. A few try to tempt her into the circle for a reel and they receive a grateful smile with her refusal. Jaskier, however, will not be deterred.
“You, dear lady,” he croons. “Look too lovely to be hiding in the shadows.”
“Jas…”
“One dance. Just one – you might even have fun by mistake.”
She rolls her eyes, but the bard just grins and lifts her hand for a kiss. He leads her, hand-in-hand out to the courtyard; Jaskier gives a nod to his fellow players and they begin with a sharp beat that eases into a lovely, familiar melody.
“You know this one, ducky?” Jaskier queries with a smile. She nods and he takes the lead.
It’s a simple step, to start with. A sweet back and forth to match the sweet, flowing verse of the song. The touch of Jaskier’s hand on her low back offers guidance, keeps her moving in gentle circles around him until the real movement begins. Swinging, agile steps carry Zahra and her partner around in wide loops. The mingle with other dancers, threading hands to spin back together and then apart.
Jaskier grips her waist across the front, and she follows suit. The dizzying spin turns the world into a wash of summer colors for a moment and she can’t help but laugh. It feels good to be light again.
The bard turns her under his arm and into the hands of the next man. There’s a moment of hesitation, a moment where she considers bowing out and going back to her corner, but the tabor still thrums in her blood and it’s such a beautiful night.
Still smiling, she curtsies, and is lead back through the steps again. Her partner leads easily, light of foot and loose of tongue – from her ale, more like than not – but he’s kind, and sweet, and so funny that she’s nearly in tears when she’s suddenly spun away to her next partner. She catches the fabric of her skirts to add a flourish to the spin; the soft yellow cotton dances with her.
When spins to a stop, she sees black, at first. Matte black buttons, black tunic shirt – worn, but cleaner than it usually is. The silver wolf’s head medallion sparks in the torchlight.
Zahra looks up into the face of Geralt of Rivia and the music goes dull behind the roar of blood in her ears. It feels a bit like standing on a ledge cliff and looking down to gauge the fall. She feels dizzy, and terrified, and wonderfully breathless. Heart in her mouth, she spies Jaskier out of the corner of her eye.
The bard grins. Bastard.
“Zahra…”
The Witcher’s voice rumbles through her like soft summer thunder. Strong fingers grip hers, and he lifts her knuckles to his lips. His honey-gold eyes are more earnest and honest than she’s ever seen them – he asks the question without moving his lips. Zahra nods.
Geralt leads her in the dance and everything falls away.
She hears the music, feels it sing through her, but her focus remains on the white-haired mutant at her side. His hand spans her back, warm through her dress and stays; the lightest pressure of his fingertips, or palm, guides her to turn, or step, or pivot in time with him. It shouldn’t be surprising to her, how well he moves – she’s seen him fight, and his grace with a sword, and how would dancing be any different? He doesn’t look away from her once and the heat of his gaze flushes over her. The Witcher very nearly smiles.
Geralt turns her under his arm, guides her through the last few measures of the song. He steps away, takes his warmth with him, and bows. Zahra curtsies in return.
The crowd, the rest of the world, rushes back over them. The townsfolk whistle, and stomp, for a moment determined to swarm in and start up another country dance, and Geralt grips her hand tight for a moment. She sees him hesitate before he asks, simply, “Can we talk?”
Most of the party has spilled into the streets, leaving the tavern itself practically empty. Lucja still keeps to her spot behind the bar, green eyes going wide when she spies Zahra and her guest in tow. The girl’s pretty face splits into a knowing smile that makes Zahra’s face go hot.
It’s mostly dark in her study. The small hearth fire has gone to smoldering embers, and it gives her the opportunity to light a few candles and collect her utterly scattered thoughts. She flicks out the last taper and finally looks up at Geralt. He stands just inside the closed door, just as he used to. It’s familiar – it feels like it’s been years, or decades, or maybe just a few hours. His honey-colored gaze still holds a heat that sings over her skin. She drops her eyes to the desk.
The last letter sits there, creased and folded from how many times she’s read it. Zahra picks at the parchment. Keeping her focus on Geralt’s neat lettering seems easier than looking at the Witcher himself. “Did Jaskier put you up to this?” she teases half-heartedly.
Geralt exhales on a chuckle. “Something like. Threatened to garrote me with a lute string.”
She smiles, in spite of herself. When she lifts her head and meets his eyes, it takes a moment to catch her breath. For a few heartbeats, she simply stares. Gods, he is still so beautiful. She swallows hard and feels her throat go dry.
“Did you mean what you wrote?” she asks.
“You know I did, Zee.”
Gold eyes go guarded again. He doesn’t go totally cold, but she can see the way he builds up his walls to prepare for the worst. He steps forward. Second-guesses – stops.
“What I do – what I am – I can’t change it,” he rumbles. “I’m still a Witcher, Zahra. A mutant. I can’t… I can’t give you normal, sweetheart – ”
“Gods, Geralt - fuck normal.”
---
“Fuck normal.”
She says it with such passionate certainty that it startles a laugh out of him. The soft yellow of her skirt floats like woven sunlight around her legs. Like the sun, it almost hurts to look at her, but fuck all, that’s all he wants to do. He watches her face, watches her chew her lip; feels his slow pulse try to speed up when she steps closer. His fingers itch to curl around her waist.
“I never asked for normal, Geralt,” she whispers. The way her voice cracks pulls tight around his heart. “I don’t want normal. I want you. That’s it. Can… can you give me that, or no?”
The Witcher’s footfalls carry him to her. He studies her face; re-acquaints himself with the curve of her cheek and the dimple that presses there. She all but melts into his touch when his thumb brushes her cheek. He pulls her into the circle of his arms. She’s still soft, and warm; he closes his eyes, feels his muscles go lax with relief when she holds fast, locking her arms around his back. Geralt presses his face against the smooth curve of her shoulder.
It feels like stepping into the light of the sun after ages in cold and rain. “I love you, Zahra,” he breathes.
Her soft, tearful laugh settles warm into his heart. “I love you, Geralt.”
He gives a pleased murmur, lets the tip of his nose trail lazy circles over her shoulder. When he inhales, the warm, soft smell of her skin eases back into his lungs. From shoulder to neck, the Witcher draws in slow breaths and ghosts his lips over the exposed skin he finds until Zahra shivers. “What are you doing, Witcher?” she whispers, breathless.
“Hmm… taking your scent back,” he mumbles. “I missed this smell.”
His lips ease along the shell of her ear. She still gasps when he nips at the crux of her jaw. “I missed you, love,” he growls.
Geralt takes his time. He savors the smell and the taste of her skin, humming lowly when Zahra’s hands grip at his back. The sweetness of her begins to bloom with heat, with the richness of desire – want – and when he sets his teeth gently against her pulse point, she moans delicately. Insistent fingers tangle in his hair; she whispers his name and pulls him to her lips. She kisses him like a woman starved and it feels like his heart might thunder its way free of his chest. He lifts her onto the edge of the desk and comes to stand between her parted thighs, gathering the soft yellow cotton of her skirts up. Her fingers yank at the buttons on his trousers.
It’s a quick, desperate of coupling. Mingled breath and bitten off sighs – greedy kisses with fingers gripped in the front of his shirt. She flutters hotly around his cock with a whimper and a curse. He groans against her mouth when he comes. Zahra drinks down the noise with a grin on her lips.
Geralt stays put for more than a year. It’s good.
The Path still calls, and he still follows, but she finds she’s able to let go of the fear. It’s no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ in terms of Geralt’s return. And if he knows it’s going to be a long journey, or if the mood simply strikes him, he writes -
I miss you.
I love you.
Sometimes no more than a line, sometimes full paragraphs – even pages – but he always tells her when he plans to return. When he’ll be home.
It’s nearly spring next time he rides back in, market day in full swing as he passes through the township gate with Roach at his side. Vendors call their wares, families and merchants wander the stalls as he peers out from the shadow of his cloak. He finds the trail of Zahra’s scent past the cloying smell of cut flowers and rounds to corner to find her chatting with the butcher’s daughter.
The younger woman catches his gaze. Geralt watches the girl grin and give his woman – his woman – a nudge, nodding in his direction. Zahra is already smiling when she turns, and the Witcher has the pleasure of watching her face flash from surprise to joy in the space of a heartbeat. She moves to him, a walk that becomes a jog, and then a final sprint that launches her into his arms. He curls his free arm tight around her waist. Immediately, he has his face pressed to her hair. Zahra’s laughter rings softly in his ears when she draws back, just enough to look up into his face.
At her throat, the polished wolf’s tooth is bright against her brown skin. “Welcome home, my love,” she murmurs.
The greeting settles warm over him like the sunlight. Geralt pulls her close again, kissing her in full view of half the town. She shivers sweetly in his arms and pulls her fingers through his hair. He hears a wolf-whistle, and a smattering of applause that makes Zahra giggle against his mouth.
“People are staring,” she teases softly.
He smirks. “Let them,” he tells her before kissing her once more. She tastes of clover honey.
She smells of sunshine.
She feels like home.
#geralt of rivia#geralt x oc#geralt of rivia x ofc#geralt x ofc#the witcher#oc: zahra auberel#orignal character#the witcher netflix#fanfic#fanfiction#the wench and the witcher#tutu scribbles
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Fic: Navigate the Stars
Fandom: Roswell New Mexico
Pairing: Malex (Michael Guerin/Alex Manes)
Notes: Still trying to figure out Michael and Alex’s voices, but I’m getting there.
Prompt: Getting lost somewhere
----
“Can’t you like, navigate us home by the stars or some shit?”
“Why? Because I’m part Navajo?” Alex asks, annoyed. “Sure. Let me just do a rain dance, smoke the peace pipe, and build us a tepee while we’re at it.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Michael says with a dramatic sigh and a roll of his eyes. “I just meant, didn’t they train you for this kind of shit in the military?”
Alright, that’s fair. The Air Force did indeed train him for this exact kind of situation. Not that Alex will tell Michael that.
“I cannot believe you got us lost,” is what Alex says instead.
“This is why I don’t do nice things for you,” Michael grumbles and Alex can just feel Michael’s rant coming.
“I’m sorry, nice things?” he scoffs. Were they or were they not lost in the middle of the desert instead of cuddled up on the couch with Netflix?
“Why don’t you ever take me anywhere nice, Michael? Why don’t we do more things together, Michael?”
“Don’t even start with me,” Alex groans. “At what point did I ever give you the impression that this was what I wanted?”
“You literally shoved all of Max and Liz’s camping pictures in my face the other day,” Michael complains. “Kept going on and on about romance. Of course I thought that this was what you wanted.”
“I am about to ship off for six months to a country that has no established base. I am going to be camping for god knows how long until we can get shit set up. Why on Earth would I want to spend my last weekend with my boyfriend in the middle of the desert?”
“Fine, your boyfriend’s a fuck up. What do you want me to say?” Michael says, and the sad look on his face has Alex turning away. He’s not ready to give up his anger just yet.
“Oh my god, this is not getting us anywhere,” Alex grumbles as he looks up at the stars and tries to remember which constellations he’s supposed to be looking for to guide them back to camp. The last time he did this, he was on the other side of the world.
Michael sighs and throws his stuff on the ground, clearly giving up on them ever finding their way back.
“What are you really mad at?” Michael asks him.
“You!” He’d thought that much was obvious.
“No. No. See, you do this every time,” Michael says. “Every damn time you’ve been deployed, you find a reason to be mad at me. A reason to push me away before you leave. I thought we were done with this. When we got back together, you promised me that you were past this shit.”
“When we got back together I didn’t think I was going to get deployed again did I?” he practically yells, annoyed that Michael would even bring that up again. Didn’t they also promise each other to stop bringing up their past mistakes and move forward?
“Why are you yelling at me?” Michael asks, and the sadness in his voice only fuels Alex’s anger.
This is so fucking stupid.
“I’m missing a leg!” he yells, because he can. Because nobody else is around to overhear them. “When I reenlisted to keep you all safe, I was missing a leg. I literally thought I was safe from being deployed to a potential war zone, because I’m disabled. But no, some idiots had to go champion for disabled rights and now I’m apparently the only person with the proper expertise for this deployment. It’s bullshit. I’ve served enough!”
“Okay,” Michael says, too calmly for Alex’s taste.
“Haven’t I already given enough for this fucking country?”
“Okay,” Michael says again, standing up to walk over to him with his arms up in surrender.
“It’s utter bullshit!”
“Okay,” he says, wrapping Alex in a hug.
“Stop saying that!” he argues, refusing to hug him back. He’s not in the mood to be soothed. He wants to yell and scream and break things.
“O— Sorry,” Michael says.
They both fall quiet and Michael continues to hold him while Alex’s anger calms.
“I don’t want to go,” Alex whispers, scared to put that out there. He’s an airman. Airmen accept the deployments handed to them with pride, ready to serve and protect.
“I don’t want you to go,” Michael whispers back.
He wraps his arms around Michael’s hips and lays his head against his shoulder, enjoying the feeling of Michael’s hands rubbing soothing circles on his back. He’s going to miss this. He fought so hard to finally have this, and now he’s terrified of losing it.
“We could run away,” Michael says softly. “They can’t make you do this.”
“And go AWOL?” Alex says, taking a moment to contemplate the idea. He’d never do that. Michael knows he’d never do that. Still, it’s a nice fantasy. “Where would we go?”
“Anywhere. You know I’ve never seen anything outside of New Mexico,” he says. “We could go visit Max and Liz in California.”
“LA?” Alex says with disgust. “Pass.”
“We could get a place up in the mountains. Colorado maybe?” Michael suggests. “You were saying that you missed living in Jim Valenti’s cabin.”
“Is this your way of telling me that you’re finally ready to move in together?” Alex asks.
“Move in together?” Michael scoffs. “I already sleep at your place every night of the week. Just because I haven’t sold my airstream—”
“Doesn’t mean that you’re not committed, I know,” Alex finishes for him.
They’ve already had this discussion numerous times. Alex wants Michael to sell the airstream and put the money towards something for himself. School. Starting his own business. Something. The airstream is just sitting there, not being used. Meanwhile, Michael doesn’t have the finances to do any of the things he claims he wants to do with his life.
At least… that’s Alex’s argument to Michael. Secretly, he’s a lot more selfish in his dislike of the airstream. Alex hates the idea that Michael has such an easy out of their relationship. That at any given time, he could just pack up and leave because he has somewhere else to go.
But he gets it. Michael grew up without a home for so long and he saved up for a long time to have something he could buy outright. Something that nobody would ever be able to take away from him. Alex gets why Michael feels the need to hang onto that. He doesn’t like it, but he gets it.
The two of them fall into silence again, but it’s not uncomfortable. Alex is enjoying just being with Michael.
“Do you really think it’s wrong for disabled men to get deployed?” Michael asks.
“No,” Alex says with a sigh. Now that he’s no longer enraged, he regrets his rant. He’d have cursed out anyone else he’d heard say that. It’s some ableist nonsense. “Disabled soldiers are just as capable as everyone else. If they get cleared by medical, there’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to serve. Some of this country's best men have been injured in battle… If they are willing to go back out there, it’s to our country’s benefit to let them.”
“But you said…”
“I know,” Alex says, pulling away from him enough to be able to look him in the eyes. “But I didn’t mean it.”
“No?” There’s that little bit of old insecurity in Michael’s eyes as he says it.
It’s been a few months since Alex has seen it. Things between them have been so good that Alex had naively hoped that it was gone forever. But it doesn’t surprise him that he’s seeing it now. Alex going off to war has always been a difficult thing for both of them. Their relationship has never survived a deployment. This time, Alex is determined to break that trend.
“Well not the disabled part. I help champion for disabled rights in the military. I can’t very well complain that I’m being treated like everyone else, can I?”
Michael’s eyes go to the ground and refuse to meet his own.
“The only reason you reenlisted was to keep me safe, and now they are sending you to a war you don’t want to fight.”
Alex’s stomach drops as he curses himself for that slip of his tongue. He never should have said that either. He’s 0 for 2 tonight.
“Hey,” Alex says, grabbing onto Michael’s face gently and getting him to look at him. “Keeping you safe was a reason to reenlist but it wasn’t the main reason to reenlist.”
“No?” He looks doubtful.
“Project Shepard is my family’s legacy, and I needed to see it through. I needed to make sure it stayed dismantled. And yes, doing so kept you safe and that’s great, but I needed to do that for me. To be able to heal from all my shit with my dad,” Alex explains, hoping Michael gets it.
“I don’t want to lose you,” Michael says. “Every time you go off to war, it’s my fault.”
“What?” Alex says. He’d thought he’d heard all of Michael’s crazy insecurities by now, but this is a new one.
“Your dad only made you join the Air Force after he caught us together,” Michael says. “And every time your enlistment period was up, I did something to scare you back into it... I don’t want to be the reason that you keep going to war. Because one of these days I’m going to scare you back into it and you’re not going to make it home.”
Michael starts to cry and each tear stabs at his heart.
“Okay, that was a lot.” Alex gives a small laugh as he starts to cry too. He’s been getting better tackling Michael’s emotional dumps and not running away when they happen. It’s still not easy and his first instinct is always to run, or ignore it with the distraction of sex, but he’s trying.
“But… I’ll try to tackle it,” Alex says. “For starters, my dad was always going to push me into the Air Force. Sure, I had plans to make music and go to college, and my dad threatening you is the reason why I didn’t rebel. But he was always going to find a way to get me to enlist. His evil knows no bounds and he would never have been okay with a son not upholding the family legacy. As for the rest… I was stupid and young. And you didn’t scare me back to war. You only ever offered me a home and a family, and I was too broken to accept.”
“And now?”
“And now, I can’t tell you what’s going to happen. The only thing that’s predictable about war is that it’s unpredictable.”
Michael’s eyes go back to the ground, but Alex chases them until Michael meets his gaze again.
“I can promise you that I’m going to fight like hell to get back to you. That I’m no longer young and stupid. I know what I’m doing and while I can’t control what happens, I’m not going to make stupid mistakes out there. Not when I have a wonderful man waiting for me at home.”
“Yeah?” Michael looks doubtful and Alex realizes that he’s never actually assured Michael that they aren’t breaking up during this deployment. He’d just assumed that much was obvious, but perhaps not. Perhaps Michael still needs the actual words.
“Yeah,” Alex says with what he hopes is a reassuring smile. “I’m in this. If you’re in this, I’m in this. We survived ten years apart, we can survive six months.”
Michael nods and attempts to nonchalantly wipe his eyes like Alex could somehow have missed the fact that he’s been crying. Still, Alex has enough tact to ignore it.
“I’ll call as much as I can,” Alex assures him, settling his hands on Michael’s hips and pulling him closer. “Though it might be spotty until we get things established there.”
“I’ll write.”
“You’ll write?” Alex teases him. “You barely send texts.”
“I will write,” Michael promises, wrapping his arms around Alex’s shoulders and leaning his forehead against his own.
“Good.”
Getting letters from home are some of the only things that make war bearable. Alex rarely got any in the past, but the handful of letters he’d received from Maria, Liz, and Greg over the years had certainly brightened his days. Alex has always missed Michael during deployments, but this time he’s positive it’s going to hurt even more. Letters will help.
“I’ve gotta remind you what you’ve got waiting for you at home,” Michael says with a teasing smile that lets him know the serious moment has passed. “Can’t have you shacking up with any sexy airmen all brokeback style.”
Alex laughs at that. “Never.”
“Good.” Michael kisses him before dropping his hands and walking back over to pick up his backpack. “Now let’s find our camp for real. I’m starving and horny, and I’d much rather have sex in a tent than on the ground.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time we’d had sex in the middle of the desert,” Alex reminds him.
Michael looks up in surprise as Alex sends him a knowing look.
“Well sure,” Michael says with a smile, reaching out for his hand. “But that was when I was living in a truck and didn’t have other options. And it was a one time thing. I had dirt and sand places that one never really should.”
“Fair,” Alex says with a laugh as Michael leans in to give him another kiss.
Alex takes a deep breath, assuring himself that things are going to be okay. He then looks up at the sky and, now that he has a clear head, can clearly see which direction they need to head.
“Come on, camp is this way,” Alex says, tugging on his hand.
“Did you just navigate by the stars?”
One glance at Michael’s face tells him that he’s never going to hear the end of this.
“Shut up,” he says with a blush. “It’s part of our training.”
“Oh! Part of your training? You mean you didn’t learn that on the reservation? You aren’t going to do a rain dance for me?” Michael laughs, and god… Alex doesn’t even care that Michael teases him the entire twenty minute walk back to camp, because Alex is really going to miss that smile when he’s gone.
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A Divine Vision
Summary: Gilbert is praying alone in the cathedral when he receives a sudden visit of a mystical being.
Rating: K+ - Suitable for more mature childen, 9 years and older, with minor action violence without serious injury. May contain mild coarse language. Should not contain any adult themes.
Words:1800
Notes: Yes, a Support fic. Very unoriginal. Sue me.
The hour was late. The monastery was quiet, not even the animals in the woods around Garreg Mach were bustling with any sort of noise.
Predictably, the cathedral is empty. Not even Dimitri, who usually hung around the pile of debris, was anywhere to be seen, and this is how Gilbert preferred it, so he could pray to the Goddess in peace. He knows the breath on his lungs was a violation of his holy covenant with Sothis and the Blaiddyd royal dynasty, but he could not help but find his prayers absolutely shameful
If he had done his job properly, there would be little need to pray for the dead, after all.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Goddess, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. May the King and his family rest in peace and amongst their brethren. Amen.”
As soon as he finishes his prayers, he hears a pebble falling from the mountain of rubble. His sensitive ears, honed by years of military service, alert for a presence within the cathedral. His large right hand grips the sword he carries around his waist, ready to draw in defence.
More and more pebbles fall, and anxiety grows exponentially in the heart of the knight. Whatever it is, it is probably big.
Soon, Gilbert turns his eyes toward the source of the noise. He realizes the rubble is not falling down; rather, it is oddly falling up, higher and higher.
As he looks to his left, a strong pulse of force passes through him, and while it is mostly harmless, it does banish the numerous pews away. The broken glass on the windows is quickly restored to its former glory, depicting the twenty-six known patrons of Crests.
Finally, with the nave completely and magically rebuilt, the clouds clear and moonshine bathes the altar. Gilbert remembers it is only the first crescent, and the light should not be strong enough for such clarity in the temple. Alas, the Moon shone as if it was larger than full.
The cathedral is as beautiful as it was five years ago, but with a most important difference. By the altar, sat a large stone throne, which carried the symbol of the Holy Flame. It was the throne of the Goddess at the Blue Sea Star.
There, lounging comfortable on the hard stone as if it was the finest cushions in Adrestia, was a girl. Not too young, about two and twenty, but still much younger than his sixty years on this earth. She donned fine silk and gold, in a short fit on her lithe body. Her hair was green and voluminous, held up by an encrusted band and flowing down the entire length of her back.
“Oh, hello there, sir knight.” She greeted amicably. “How are you faring this evening?”
Gilbert strengthened his grip on the sword and took a step back. Innocent-looking or not, this was a powerful being, and it would not do to lower one’s guard.
“Oh, please, sir Pronislav. This are not the manners your mother instilled you with, and I am sure it has not passed so long for you to forget them.” The girl sneers derisively. “We are amongst friends here. Drop your sword and come closer.”
“I know you not, fiend.” He grumbles, trying to keep his voice steady. “Let me leave and you shall not have anything to fear from me.”
The girl chuckles, as if the notion amuses her. “Whether I release you or not has absolutely no bearing in my fear from the likes of you. I wish you could just recognize me, dear knight, it would make for more efficiency, but if you insist to be so, very well.”
Suddenly, from the yards that separated them, Gilbert was thrust forward, kneeling over the feet of the girl, who looked down with an amused smile on her face, as if waiting for the punch of a very funny joke. It was terrifying.
Though, truth be told, he was not thrust with force or violence, but rather as if the space between them did not exist anymore. It was as soft as a blink.
Gilbert, then, raises his eyes to the figure. From the feet decorated with gold, to the left hand on a lean hip covered in silk and the pale green eyes of a muted Summer. He knows this person.
“Pro-professor!” He stutters. “What is happening?”
The green-haired teacher lets out a melodious and unrestrained laugh. “Not quite, sir knight. You see, the one you call professor and I are, indeed, two faces of the same being. Alas, for now, we are separated. I who stand before you am Sothis, the Goddess of this land. You may address me as you prefer.”
His breath catches on his throat. “It cannot be!”
“It is what it is, sir knight.” She dismisses with a wave. “Or would you prefer I call you Gustave? Your mother has introduced you to me by this name, after all.”
He says nothing, still shell-shocked with the ramifications of what he must be seeing. Is he dead? Mortals are supposed to meet with the Goddess only when they pass. Or is he hallucinating, perhaps?
“It is very rude to call one you have evoked for so many times a hallucination, you know? You are not dead either. This is boring and I have much to do, so believe what you want, I do not care.” The so-called goddess huffed. “Now, you have come to me with a request, one you have brought forward many times. What is it?”
The old man frowned. “Are you not the Goddess? Should you not know?”
“Indulge me, will you?” Sothis rolled her eyes. “If I am the Goddess, then you are my servant and should do what I say, not question me. If I am the professor, she would not know any of it. If I am a hallucination, well, there is no one else for me to talk to other than you, and I would think it preferrable to waste a few moments in redundancies.”
Gilbert sighed. “Very well. I have asked for King Lambert Blaiddyd and his wife to rest in peace.”
“Which one?” She chuckled, as if finding her own joke amusing. “I jest, I jest. You would do well smiling more, you know?”
“Excuse me, your holiness, but I did not find it funny at all.” He responded, with his face in a frown.
“Fine, fine.” She dismisses. “Tell me this, then. You have a goddess before you, one who can grant you any desire you might ever have. Why do you ask for the rest of a long-dead king?”
“Is there anything else I can do?” He counters. “You must know I was in service of the royal family, yes? Of the oaths I have taken in your name? When I was only a young soldier, the king saw fit to make a knight of me. I was given the great honour of guiding and protecting the royal family.”
“Yes, yes, I recall.” Sothis says, as she takes a seat on the throne, as if the subject bores her so. “You have taught both Lambert and Dimitri on the lance, you have offered your candid advice, you have served them faithfully even in face of reservation, which you have certainly had a lot. Until…”
“Until that day.” Gilbert finishes the woman’s phrase. “I was...powerless. When I received word of the attack, it was already too late. His Majesty was dead, along with many knights and soldiers. If only I had made it to Duscur more quickly...”
“This is for me to know and you to wonder.” The green-haired girl smirks. Her teeth were clean white and straight. “Then what happened?”
“After that, I abandoned my wife and child, and fled my homeland. I turned my back on everything I swore to protect.” The warrior finishes the tale with a forlorn look on his aged face. “It is my fault that the King has died, and it is my fault that His Highness, Dimitri, has become... The way he is now. My sins are countless. I will bear the weight of my guilt for as long as I live.”
Sothis avoids his ice-blue eyes, in a solemn expression.
“Perhaps you will, indeed. I have no bearing on the hearts and minds of my children, adopted or otherwise. Only you are the lord of your soul, Gustave, and only you will decide when it is time to let go of the guilt.” The mystical being declared, and then looked at him with a softer look. “However, you must know that praying will not help them.”
“I repeat, what else can I do?” He spats, bitterly. “Apologizing to my daughter and wife. Devoting myself to His Highness. That is the way to atonement, and yet... Even if I am granted the forgiveness of those who still live, praying is all I can do to atone to those who are with us no more...”
“Oh, Gustave…” She says as if he is a naïve child. “I cannot say whether Lambert or Patricia live in my realm or were banished to Ailell, and I cannot say whether you shall end up, either. What I can say, however, is that, wherever they ended up, it was by their own making, not mine or yours. What I can say is that the concerns of the dead are hardly past grievances or the way of their death. What I can say is that, while past actions warrant repent and reflection, there is only one path, and it is forward.”
“Long ago, there was someone who told me something quite similar, and yet, I still find myself unable to follow through with this advice.” The man sighed, worn as if he had returned from a long war. “Forgive me. This will not do. As I grow older, I find myself talking endlessly about the past.”
“Don’t they all?” She smirked. “It seems our time is coming to a close. I cannot tell you what to do, Gustave. I can only hope you make the right choices. Sooner or later, no matter what path you take, you shall arrive at the same place, and then we will know what must have been done.”
A soft breeze blew from nowhere and with that, Gilbert was back to the nave of the Cathedral, alone, as it was before he talked to the girl.
Goddess or not, there was sage advice on her speech. Yet, he is a stubborn man and cannot change so drastically, so quickly.
“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Goddess, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”
*_*_*_*_*
Fire Emblem Masterlist
Three Houses Masterlist
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RobStar Week 2020, Day 7 - Constellations
(Set pre-series, not necessarily following off my other fics about their pre-Tower rooming together days but slots neatly into that headcanon continuity anyway.
Enjoy my lovelies, I really liked doing this year.)
---
"Pass me that crossdriver, would you?" Cybrog called from underneath the panel he was assembling.
Beast Boy eagerly popped up, glad to finally be useful in the process, bouncing over to the toolkit.
"Which one's that one again?" he asked.
"Uh... red handle, top looks like an X," Cyborg explained.
Beast Boy found it and brought it over.
From behind them, Robin wandered in, a scrunched, pensive look on his face. He seemed distracted, nearly tripping over the loose pieces of computer console and the countertops that would eventually become the Tower's kitchen area.
Maneuvering to a relatively clear spot he stopped.
"You guys seen Starfire anywhere?" he asked.
"She was with Raven last I saw her," Cyborg replied, tightening a screw on the underside of the panel.
"Right. Well I was just with Raven and she hadn't seen her," Robin said.
Beast Boy stretched out the kinks in his arms. "I bet she's just gone up to get some fresh air." He tugged at his collar, airing out some body heat. "It's super stuffy in here, when are the air conditioners gonna be online?"
"Not for a while," came Cyborg's voice, slightly muffled.
Beast Boy groaned but Robin just quietly turned around, frowning towards the door.
"I'm going to go look for her," he determined, striding out of the room.
***
He searched all over the half-finished Tower before finally discovering her on the rooftop. She startled a little at the sound of the door opening, glancing up from her position where she sat curled up near the edge.
"Hey," he breathed, relief pinging through him. "We were getting worried." He came towards her, noticing how the rising silver moon threw a soft white light on her skin.
"Apologies," she said, dipping her head formally. "It was uncomfortable inside, and I did not wish to be in the way."
He stopped next to her, easing himself down, legs curling up in front of him. "What are you doing out here anyway?" he asked.
She glanced aside, embarrassed. "It is silly."
"What is?" he pressed.
She turned her head up towards the sky above. Twilight was fast descending, tiny pinpricks of stars cluttering the purple sky, growing brighter as the night grew deeper.
"I was... looking at the stars." She gave a rueful smile, sad and bashful at the same time. "I had hoped, rather irrationally, that I might be able to spot Vega," she told him.
"Vega?" Robin repeated, glancing up himself. "Is that your planet's sun?"
She nodded, and then shook her head. "But I do not recognize any of these patterns," she complained. "None of these stars are familiar to me."
Robin scooted in a bit. "Well, that's something I can actually help you with," he said. He squinted up at the sky. The last glimmers of sunlight made it trickier to pick out the constellations, but at length he spotted the dipper shape that was was the body and tail of Ursa Major and from there he traced along the lines and patterns until... "There!" he said, pointing it out. "That's Vega. It's the brightest star in a constellation we call Lyra."
Starfire gasped, a sound of surprise and delight, her head jerking up. "Truly?" She strained her eyes, shielding her brow with a hand. "Where is it?" she asked.
He first guided her eyes to Polaris. "See that one bright star? That's what we call the North Star. The Earth's north axis kind of points towards it as the planet spins, so it stays basically in the same place all year." He leaned in closer, his shoulder brushing hers, tracing the line of stars that made up Draco. "Then you just follow the body of Draco and look a little bit past..."
He knew from the bright way her eyes lit up that she had spotted it. Her hands drifted up to cover her mouth as her eyes shone tremulously.
Something in his heart stuttered looking at her like that. He glanced down, lowering his hand, looking away with a slight flush.
She turned a happy smile on him. "Thank you," she said. "It is nice to know that I can see home from here. At least, in a way."
He coughed slightly, clearing his throat. "Hey uh... no... no problem," he stammered slightly.
She was looking up at the sky again, more stars appearing before her eyes as the sun disappeared and blue black overtook the heavens. "Are there stories behind the star clusters here as well?" she asked.
Perking up, Robin straightened. "Yeah, uh..." He studied the patterns, recalling to mind his Greek Mythology. "Quite a few. Which ones do you want to know?"
She put a pensive finger to her chin, considering. "Hmm." She pointed towards Vega. "Perhaps start with this... Lyra, did you call it?"
He nodded, a small grin spreading his mouth. "It represents the lyre of Orpheus, a Greek hero. It's a stringed instrument, kind of like a small harp," he explained.
She nodded, listening with rapt attention.
"And... the one you mentioned before... Draco?"
He settled in, turning up towards the night sky.
One by one, he pointed out the constellations he knew, told their stories, paused to give context and answer questions she posed about things. The stars gleamed brighter and brighter, bathing the rooftop with a soft glow, and the ocean breeze was crisp and fresh and sweet, wafting around them in gentle eddies.
It was... pleasant, to be out stargazing with her, he thought, giving a shy glance to the side at her as she made her own shapes with the stars and told him what she thought they looked like, talked about some of the constellations they had on Tamaran.
He listened, fascinated, mesmerized by her voice and the way the starlight sparkled in her eyes. Something in the back of his head nudged him about the lateness of the hour and the mountain of work that still needed to be done to get the Tower ready... but for now all he wanted to do was sit there and talk to her.
So he did, and they stayed up late into the night, lit by the soft glow of a thousand stars.
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Beyond the vale
♥ I wrote this piece several years ago for Erwin week, I found it the other day forgetting completely that i’d written it. I decided to do it up a little and make a few edits before posting it again. When Erwin passes into the afterlife he is certain he knows where his soul is meant to rest, however, Mike finds him in the fog and helps to guide him home. Yes it’s another sad one. ♥
Word count: 1,959 Pairing: Referenced Erwin x Levi & Erwin x Mike
There were colours Erwin wasn’t sure he’d ever seen before as he bore witness to the transcendence of life to death and in living through this saw time and space beyond their wildest dreams.
It felt like flying, not too dissimilar to using ODM Gear but without the restraints or the pressure that came with it. He moved weightless through oceans, clouds, stars and forests great that he imagined existed beyond the wall, all of it was uncharted territory. The overwhelming beauty he beheld in the wakening of such terror was enough to drive anyone mad with confusions or repulsion at being allowed such splendour, yet Erwin felt a calming rain wash over him. Though he knew in his heart that the peace he found wasn’t to last, that was not his fate, it could not be after all he had seen. Erwin Smith’s soul was damned, he was sure of it, for the choices he made in life, the blood on his hands and ever expanding mountain of bodies his eternity was forever tainted.
Though the Universe seemed such a great and inviting expanse his calling was below, he trusted his instinct to guide him home. He felt his body grow warmer and the world spun darker around him, in the distance flames grew brighter and he knew that was where he must go that the smell of brimstone and an infinity of loneliness was where his throne lay.
His skin prickled and fear threatened to take a hold, I am alone, this is my fate, I did this to myself, I chose this. I chose this. Unlike the soldiers who died for me, who had no choice, I did, I acted and regret has no place here. Regret has no place here. Erwin thought if he repeated the statement he might start to believe it, that’s what he had to do, continue to repeat the sentiment until he started to believe it and that belief would become a comfort blanket to him. Beyond the vale there were no doubt demons, their very design to break his tortured soul. Erwin would not run like a coward, in life as in death he promised.
He reached what felt like borderlands, his feet touched the ground for the first time since his passing. The earth was cracked and there steam escaped, hot, burning, the air cloying and heavy. He could see his reflection all around him, endless mirrors that illuminated the fact he would be forever alone, a fate timeless. That was the real hell, not pain or heat, it was memory and never knowing the touch of another’s skin, no voices to comfort, no laughter or joy.
He walked slowly, his hand outstretched waiting for the embrace of darkness and for his fate to be sealed. From this mountain of bodies there cannot be any escape.
Erwin heard a familiar sound, a soft sound like someone smelling the air, “Where are you going?” A voice called out to him, he froze. I know that voice, but it can’t be… He can’t be here.
“Stay back, I’m going where I belong.” Erwin answered without turning to make eye contact with he other.
Mike walked up behind him, placed a hand on Erwin’s shoulder, “Erwin, you don’t belong there.”
Erwin’s breath hitched for a second, terrified to turn around, sure that the man stood behind him couldn’t be his old friend. Tears immediately begun to pool in his eyes, he was afraid to be alone. He was sure the man behind him would be a demon in the guise of Mike, taunting him.
As if reading his thoughts Mike sniffed at Erwin’s hair, “You smell awful,” he gave way to a slight grin, “Must have been your bloodiest battle yet.”
Erwin exhaled, a tear rolling down his cheek, he turned slowly, “Mike?”
Mike pulled him into a tight embrace, holding Erwin against him and in his arms Erwin found a home he didn’t believe he deserved. Mike’s hands rubbed his old friends back then squeezed him once more, his nose buried in the crook of Erwin’s neck, refusing to let go he whispered, “Let me take you home.”
Erwin pulled away, “This is my home now,” he stood firm, defiant, though the lonely smile he wore portrayed his deepest desire.
Mike shook his head, “You’re delusional if you think this is where you belong my friend.”
Erwin gulped and faced his fate, “Of course I belong here, after what I did, all those…”
Mike cut him off and shook his head, “Forgive me Commander, you’re wrong.” He held his hand out to Erwin, “Please.”
Erwin was sure he’d never heard Mike talk so much when he was alive, he took that as a sign that maybe his old friend was right. Maybe it was his hubris and thoughts of grandeur that made him believe he deserved such a fate, there had been some honesty in his actions, they weren’t all selfish or ignoble.
Though he hesitated for a moment, sure this was again a trick he took Mike’s hand regardless of trepidation.
Erwin felt weightless again and greater yet he felt the heavy weights from his shoulders lifted, the hell around him melted and he found himself stood in a green, open field full of wild flowers. He blinked a few times, the sun near blinding him, when his eyes adjusted he saw clouds in the sky and birds riding the breeze. He was trembling, finding himself in a world more beautiful than he’d ever imagined could have existed beyond the wall.
“I can’t believe I nearly lost you again to the darkness,” Mike sighed, still holding Erwin’s hand, his thumb rubbing one of Erwin’s knuckles.
Erwin, still untrusting of his environment took baby steps, afraid the ground would fall from beneath his feet. It didn’t feel real, he had been prepared to die, he had accepted it, grateful of the final gift Levi was able to give him though he felt some selfishness when recalling his actions in death. The thought had him on the floor, awe-struck by the world he found himself in, his knees were weak.
“This is beautiful,” he cried.
Mike knelt beside Erwin and placed an arm round him, “They will all come to know this place.”
Erwin looked up, “Even Levi?” He sounded pained as he spoke the name.
Mike sighed and gave a nonchalant smile, “Yes, even Levi,” he stood up and held out his hands for Erwin, “I missed you so much,” he confessed, helping to pull Erwin to his feet.
“I missed you too, especially your nose.”
Mike laughed, though his gaze fell to the floor unable for a second to make eye contact afraid of the old feelings that may be ignited. When he did look up and saw Erwin staring back at him, a beat passed where they gazed into one another’s eyes, memories from long ago stirred and a lifetime of complications and destruction that had come after. Mike took a small step closer to Erwin and cupped his cheek, he brushed a remaining tear with his thumb. Erwin took Mike’s other hand in his own and rubbed his knuckles. Mike gulped, his hand was shaking as he leant in closer to Erwin, his lips so close to the other mans when Erwin turned his head to the side.
“I loved him,” Erwin spoke sadly as he looked beyond Mike to where the field stopped. He let go of Mike’s hand and he took a few steps, hands clenched, “I love him.”
Mike followed him to the edge of the cliff, “I know you do.”
When Erwin looked down he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, the world he had been a part of was there right before him yet he had no way of touching it.
He looked down on Hanji and Levi sat on a rooftop, Levi’s head in Hanji’s lap, his hand clutched at his breast. Tears fell once again, he felt selfish for leaving them behind.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be okay.”
“How do you know?” Erwin replied as he knelt on the floor.
Mike shrugged, “Trust me okay?”
Erwin nodded, “Promise me?” He looked back up at Mike, eyes wide.
“I promise Erwin, they’ll all be okay, you did good by them and you will see them again.”
“Where is this anyway?” He was still in a daze but the scent of honeysuckle on the breeze made him feel at home.
“Everywhere, anywhere… It’s knowledge,” Mike paused, “Whatever you want it to be really.”
“Is it real?” Erwin asked afraid of the answer.
Mike bent down and kissed his cheek, guilt welled up inside of Erwin, “Of course.”
Erwin continued to watch one of his closest friends and his lover back on earth, emotion washing over him as he noticed the care with which Hanji was brushing Levi’s hair and the way Levi was holding the bolo tie he’d once worn.
Mike ran his hand through Erwin’s hair, “Erwin….trust me, you can get lost forever watching them,” he spoke kindly and Erwin understood. Whilst the afterlife allowed him to glimpse into the world he had once been a part of, he could not dwell on it for long.
But Erwin couldn’t help but ask, “How do you know…”
“Because I lost so much time just watching you,” he answered honestly, his hand still in Erwin’s hair.
Erwin gulped, the tiniest, “Ohhh” escaping his lips, turning back around he noticed a new and strange addition to the field, there was a piano shroud in white light.
“Before you ask, things don’t always make sense here,” Mike paused, “And yet I distinctly remember you were good at playing when we were younger.”
Erwin smiled at the memory and walked across to it, Mike’s hand dropping to his side as the contact was broken. It was only then he noticed that Moblit was sat on the floor next to the piano looking lost, staring at the earth, his knees were up to his chest and he was holding himself in a tight squeeze displaying a vacant expression.
“Hey,” Erwin said softly as he placed a hand on Moblit’s shoulder, “They’re okay,” he grazed Moblit’s cheek with his fingers and then helped the smaller man to his feet.
Erwin sat on one of the stools and patted the one next to him, motioning for Moblit to sit.
Mike bent down and picked up a dandelion from the grass, he held it out to Erwin, “Remember these?”
“Always,” Erwin smiled as he counted down, blowing on the flower, making a wish as he did. When he’d finished making wishes, he turned his attention back to the ivory keys in front of him and started to play one of the songs he’d enjoyed playing often back when they were all cadets. Green and full of hope, Moblit and Mike joined in, singing quietly to accompany Erwin’s tune.
Mike knew Erwin was no longer his, though in time they may be able to rekindle some of what was lost, but not to worry he finally had his dearest friend home, he had finally learnt the truth of it all and knew, with certainty that it would be okay in the end.
Back on earth Levi looked up at the nights sky, Hanji’s hand buried in his hair, the warmth of their body a great comfort. He seemed to freeze for a moment as if seeing a ghost.
“Levi?” Hanji asked worried.
Levi looked up at them, “Do you hear that?”
Hanji smiled, they had no idea what Levi was talking about. Seeds from a dandelion carried on the breeze were carried past them, the world was silent, “Yes.” They replied.
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Love After the Fact Chapter 18: Protostar
Protostar: A young star that is still gathering mass from its parent nebula
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Keith stares at the Galra ship. It’s Imperial, to be sure, with Emperor Zarkon’s sigil glowing on the side. But it’s not his armada ship, a massive, hulking behemoth that somehow has never known a planet. It’s a smaller vessel not even equipped with a komar laser, because everyone’s friends now. Or will be tomorrow.
Keith won’t be on that ship, anyway. He’ll be on a smaller one, just him and his littermate.
Thin, slender hands find his shoulders. “Keith?”
Keith turns, smiling at his mother. “Hi, Mom.”
Krolia’s face is agony as she brushes the longer, lavender fur framing his jaw. “This is not why I agreed to be the emperor’s advisor. Not so I could see my only kit stolen away from me.”
“I’m not being stolen away-”
“No, you’re being sold to an overbred king and his little whore of a son.”
“You didn’t seem to mind when it was Lotor, Allura, and Romelle. Romelle isn't even royalty. She was just a student of Alfor's!”
“Those were not my kits!” Krolia hisses, mother’s instinct running hot and fast. “You are! And still very much a kit, I might add!”
“You, Kolivan, and Shiro trained me. You know that if said little whore wants to touch me-”
“You will do nothing! You’ll bear down and do whatever he asks of you and you know it!” Krolia bares her teeth at him.
Keith swallows a chirp at her words. They're frightening. He glares at the red stone beneath his feet. He doesn’t know how to ease his mother. “I’ll do whatever it takes, not whatever he asks… How do you know he’s a little whore, anyway?”
“Rumor and conjecture from the Alteans has reached us. Alfor should be more careful about who he brings with him on his little trips. That 'Lord Lanval' went on at some length once I showed the slightest interest. He talked all about the escapades he’s been on with the prince. Not something any mother would want for her kit, no matter their age.”
“I’ll be okay. I promise. And if not, you’ll get what you want. The little whore, dead.” Keith embraces his mother. Krolia runs a hand through her son’s long, long hair, draws back to see how it frames his face.
“Altean males wear their hair shorter than this.”
“I’m a Galra. I wear my hair however I want. This is how I want it.”
“Because you find it pretty?”
“Is it not pretty?” Keith’s vanity is something only three people know of, one being his mother.
“It’s beautiful, kitten.” Keith ducks his head at the common endearment, hiding a tiny smile. Krolia turns him, works his hair into a braid, tying a knot into the end. “If they cut it, we’re calling it an act of war.”
She kisses the top of his head and Keith smiles. For much of his childhood, he’s missed his mother dearly. He’s aching inside knowing it’s his turn to tear them apart.
Krolia inhales sharply, hands finding Keith’s shoulders, squeezing them tightly. Keith's smile weakens as Shiro approaches. Shiro smiles back, gray eyes warm. “It’s time to go.”
“Now? I thought we were leaving later.”
“You and I are leaving now. Our ship moves more slowly than the imperial cruiser.”
“Right.” Keith takes a deep breath, throws his arms around his mother, rubbing their cheeks together, blending their scents.
Krolia gently rubs the base of one of his ears, whispering softly. “You’ll make a wonderful prince, kitten, and a magnificent king. Just you wait.”
“I’d like to be a better man than that, I think.”
Krolia pulls back first, probably because she knows it’s the one thing her kit doesn’t have the strength for. “Wouldn’t we all?” Her sharp gaze finds Shiro. “You take care of my kit and see him safe to Altea or so help me you will shovel elk shit until the day you die.”
“I believe you.”
Shiro puts an arm around Keith, guides him into their small ship. Keith's shaking, an anxious chirp passing his lips unbidden. As the ramp lifts closed, he turns back just in time to see his mother looking lost and alone. As the craft lifts off, hovering above the planet, Keith sits at the window and watches his home grow small. The Lone Sea glitters bright blue just off the pole, the Wood, the Red Waste, mountain ranges like teeth, savannahs, the Stone Forest all visible from space. His home, ever shrinking from view, the moons hovering just behind.
And then it's gone. His home is gone, hidden from view and Keith struggles to breathe. Around him, the hum of the ship stops, the violet lights fading to a dull glow.
“Shiro, what-”
“You’re my littermate.”
“Of course I am. How could I be anything else?” What is Shiro talking about?
“Come here. I want you to look at something.”
Keith gets up, comes to the pilot’s chair, gazes out at an infinite nothing dotted with stars. “I don’t really see anything. Just… nothing. It’s beautiful.”
It is. It makes him feel big and small at the same time. Like he could go anywhere, do anything, be anyone he wanted.
“Yeah. Being a soldier, I easily forget a lot how beautiful it can be. Use your third lens, there.” Shiro points, fingertip a mere spot from the glass. There's a bit of a haze, there. A blend of faint red and blue that shouldn't be there. Keith does as he’s told, engaging his third lens, the one that saturates color, lets him see what might otherwise not be seen. His kind once used them to send secret messages to one another, until the method was discovered by the Alteans.
In front of him, spreading as far as he can see, is a mass of blue and red gasses swirl like a vortex, stars living within, both being born and-
“Look.” Keith points, mouth agape, at a noticeably massive star. “That one. It’s dying. Why?”
“It grew too big in the nebula. It can’t sustain its size. The larger a star is, the faster it fades.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“The most hated truth of all: death is beautiful.”
“You’re clearly thinking along the same lines as my mother.”
“You’re a kit. It’s my instinct. You’re also my littermate and my friend. I only want the best for you.”
“I know.”
“This is your last chance, Keith. They will know by now that we have left. They are already trying to make contact... Say the word, and we will never reach Altea. I swear it.”
Keith has never been more scared in his life, as another chirp can attest. He put on a brave face for his mother, but the truth of it is that if he could, he’d fly through that nebula and into the cosmos on the other side. And he can. Shiro will take him in a tick, in a heartbeat, never leave his side as they run their entire lives. But he won’t.
He won’t flee, not because Emperor Zarkon gave him an order, but for all the little people that shrank into nothing as he left his homeworld. He won’t flee, because those people are but three fifths of the people he is saving.
Death may be beautiful, but so is life. Everything in its time.
“We continue on to Altea,” he whispers, another, tinier chirp following.
“As you wish,” Shiro murmurs, rubbing Keith’s ear. Keith purrs, smiles at his adoptive littermate.
“Shiro?”
“Hm?”
“Look after my mom for me?”
“I’ll look after all of Daibazaal for you, especially your mother. You look after Altea. Gods know we all need it.”
“Whatever I can do, I will do it.”
Shiro bows his head, restarts the engines. As the ship's core begins to warm again, Keith notices the closest star, off to the side of the frontal glass. It's a new star, not very young, but not yet finished growing either. Not burning hot blue, the warm red star twinkles as it gathers its strength, dreaming of the day when it can drift freely in the infinite void. Perhaps it will find a star to share orbit with, a solar system to preside over. The possibilities are endless.
#LoveAftertheFact#LAtF#klance#galtean au#galra keith#altean lance#adashi#altean adam#galra shiro#voltron legendary defender#vld
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