#ch: lyssa

[dxsole]

i'm not a bloody mind reader. rudy lyssa

🦋 LET YOUR MIND GO | Not Accpeting

"You can't hear it?" Lyssa whines, ears covered, looking up at the newcomer (they're always, always new and they don't stay long) with wide eyes. He may not hear it, but she knows it all too well.

When you follow a deity with faith, them speaking to you is rarely so forward, so direct.

Tienach was real. So, so real. And she could hear his wings fluttering, buzzing already. He was not cruel to the congregation, he never, ever was cruel to his people.

But she has brought back at least a dozen people from her missions. And not one had been spared. Not yet. She still held on hope but it's hard. It's so hard when your failures are punctuated with you waking up, momentarily disoriented, momentarily lost, with blood and gristle on your face, the taste of a new friend on your lips.

"You m—must hear it." Her voice cracks, mouth feeling wet and useless as it hangs open, shaking. "Tell me you're going to live. Tell me you're going to live. Tell me—"

[lena-rambles]

eris <3

yoo i'm really bad at making wip intros so i'ma just do this lol

eris!! my happy indulgent wip!! i'm excited so here's an aesthetic and let's gooooo

what is it?

i wanted to write an unapologetically evil character, in a be very gay do much crimes sort of way, so behold-

what if someone like azula was a cousin of a noble family, grew up in a big city... and was sent to live in a small town when she was 12?

lyssa is that person, and her goal is to grow into her true potential as a leader by taking over tallia and ruling it. lol. there’s an amalgamation of reasons: seeking status, bad habits, a superiority complex, and boredom. also feeling like she's unworthy if she fails... there's a lotta shit going on in her head ngl

where is it?

so for meta reasons (i want tallia to be in the same world as my other medieval fantasy love) tallia happens to be nestled in a south american climate. not my expertise (i'm canadian baby) but i'm looking forward to it! lyssa's hometown is in a savanna near the rainforest, and she moves to the edge of the desert. big change, she ain't happy.

who is it?

lyssa ; the pov character, the source of everyone's troubles. the driving force of the tragedy. she could almost be good: she’s efficient, determined, hardworking, honest, reliable... except for the teeny tiny little fact that she very much craves power above all. azula, macbeth, or tigerclawstar coded, if you will. specifically tiger in his goldenflower era bc he did love his family but chose his ambitions over them with really terrible rationalizations

rieka ; the runaway girlfriend who could be "good" but a life without lyssa is not worth living. her devotion and love dooms her to remain at lyssa's side even as the flames consume them. has a werewolf-flavoured arc of eldest sisterdom, à la caterina algren.

jesper ; the if-oxford-existed cousin, who may have been too hasty in dogging lyssa's heels. perhaps his grandmother was right when she said his soft heart would be his greatest curse. now, his only option is to fight and lie and hurt and lie until he no longers haunts himself. songs are "bad people" (lauren aquilina) and "gold" (imagine dragons).

final words

surprise surprise i made a pinterest board

uhh yeah that's it! currently have reblogs queued up that had been on @lena-otherwips + i will try to just have casual posts as i feel like sharing stuff so yeee

if you'd like to know more feel free to ask! and if you want to be tagged and whatever let me know

tschüss ^^

taglist ; @inseasofgreen

[turnips-dont-grow-on-trees]

This morning I watched one of my dogs invite the other to play with a slow, deliberate swipe to the shoulder, and my second thought 'shoving shoulder to be friendly' is my new Jack headcanon, and then I remembered that Ted does shove Jack's shoulder, this is absolutely A Thing with Jack (and Ted as well), playful shoving to show affection!!!!

(my first thought was 'aww, you guys')

[ellesbellswrites]

The Hollow Crown

Ch. 1

A/N: So sorry for the delay in posting! Work has been crazy, but I hope this long-ish chapter makes up for it. You should read the prologue for this to make sense! Also! Thank you to everyone who enjoyed the prologue! I love to share this with you guys, and feel a little burst of energy with every like and reblog<3

Warnings: Mention of minor character death, descriptions of grief, brief mention of battle

Word Count: 4.4k

Prologue

Chapter 1.

Your bedroom has been busy since the first rays of dawn splashed across the castle. Maids and your mother all but forced you into a large bath filled with oils and perfumes, and then scrubbed your scalp until the soap ran out. You had been in bed and left alone for the last three days. Almost everyone in the castle seemingly gave you a break before the start of the festivities. The only person who didn’t follow the implicit directions was your brother, Tony. 

He burst into your room with food on the third day, opened the curtains to let the light in, and then refused to stop poking your cheeks and closed eyelids until he saw you eat something. He grinned back at your glare when you finally gave him the attention he wanted and bit into an apple, “I know you want to help everyone, but you can’t do that if you hurt yourself before you get there,” he softly knocked your bicep as he passed you an apple. 

“How wise, you sound almost like a king,” you said under your breath, picking at the loose thread of a quilt. 

“Almost. For now, I’ll settle being your brother,” he laid back eating the blueberries he said were for you. He only spent a few hours with you that morning, but managed to get you out of your bed and onto your reading nook. “Progress,” he called it.   

“My lady, does it sit well? Or is it too loose?” Clara, your lady’s maid now asks you as she tightens a thin tiara into your hair. You wince at the next pull she makes not letting out a complaint, but she catches your reflection in the mirror.

“Just like your mother, you are. If you need a gentler hand, tell me,” the plump woman loosens some of the braid and fixes a pin. She has worked with you since you were ten. She’d sit and twist your hair around silk ribbons every evening, while you spoke on and on about your day’s activities and adventures. One story cutting to another, and never ending either. 

“It was just that braid that hurt. Otherwise, my scalp feels fine,” you lie only a little. She doesn’t believe you, but before she can prod further, another voice interrupts. 

“Clara! I need your help!” Lyssa, another maid, shouts out of view and with a gasp, “Please hurry!” 

“She’s new,” Clara grumbles. Once she’s out of the room, you loosen some of the braids without messing up the work they’ve put in. Brushing out some of your hair you hear their quiet bickering in the dressing room behind you. 

“Look at what happened to the sleeve! Maybe a seamstress can come? I know how to sew too,” Lyssa rushes her whispered words.  

“Lyssa, that’s not the sleeve. It’s the neckhole,” Clara whispers back. 

“Oh thank the gods. I thought I ripped it,” you can hear the relief in her voice and it does get a chuckle out of you. After a few minutes, the young maid pops out of your dressing room with her hair a frizzy blonde mess.

“We are ready for you to get dressed!”

“How are you supposed to address her?” Clara shouts after her.  

“Oh! We are ready for you, my lady,” Lyssa says loud enough for Clara to hear. You give her an approving wink. 

“But, it’s alright, Lyssa,” you follow her, “you don’t have to call me that.”  

“She is in training, my lady,” Clara holds your clothes open for you and guides Lyssa as they help you into all of your garments. Another maid joins them with a needle and thread in hand. You feel them pulling and sewing spots of the dress your mother designed for tonight. With a few last minute adjustments and touching up your rouge, they finally let you look in a mirror. 

You’re surprised by their final product. Your eyes don’t look puffy, cheeks are rosy, and the dress hugs you perfectly. It’s the usual style of ladies in your court, loose skirts with a structured bodice. The fabric is blue like an early night sky, with accents of gold trimmings and designs. Its neckline is low, and a family necklace hangs around your neck. 

“Thank you! You’ve outdone yourselves!” you give them a small spin to show the whole outfit. Satisfied with your reaction, the young maids file out together, but Clara hesitates at the door. She watches as you fiddle with the skirt. 

It really is a gorgeous dress. The fabric is weightless and catches the air as you move. It reminds you of the waters on the beach below the castle, of your late night adventures with Tony and Theo. Your brother always found his way to the nearest tavern, but Theo? He’d show you the tide pools. The pale moon lighting up the water, with little fish and crabs darting from one rock to another. Theo always pushed his dark auburn hair back so he could identify the animals for you, but you only paid attention to the way his dimples deepened when he got to see his favorites. You want to remember the things he’d tell you, but even in your memories the waves are deafening. You suck in a breath. You seem lost, but before you tumble further down your many thoughts, Clara calls you.  

“Come now, Sweetheart, your family should be waiting,” she holds out her hand, and for the first time this week, you feel grateful to escape your room.

The halls are decorated with ropes of greenery and floral arrangements made of your country’s native flowers and fruit. The varied colors of berries and roses pop against the pale tan stones of the castle walls. The candles hardly add a glow in the evening sun, but your mother said they would be romantic. 

“No alcohol until the mingling. Prince Odinson is in attendance and he can be…boisterous,” Your mother hands off final directions to her secretaries at the large wooden entry doors.

“Remember when he tried to lift a bench with four ladies on it?” you interrupt her. She jumps and holds her hand to her chest.  

“Honey!” Her brown hair is pulled up into an elegant twist, showing off her long neck draped with a necklace of rubies. Her eyes have subtle crinkles as she smiles at you, “Clara, fantastic job again, really.”

“Did I look that horrible?” you ask in mock offense.

“Well, darling, you hadn’t seen the sun for a few days… or soap, or food, and probably a change of clothes. Oh! and—” your mother starts to rattle off a list but you stop her. 

“Okay! I get it,” you nod, “I am okay though. I promise,” you confirm even though she didn’t ask. 

“You are,”she gives you a tight hug, “I promise this evening will go quickly. You just greet and move on. Talk for a bit. Then dinner. Then bed. Nothing heavy,” she leads you into the grand room.

The large stained glass windows of the throne room project a rainbow of colors across the long and wide walkway. A burgundy carpet leads to where your father sits on a golden seat talking to your brother. An iron crown twisted and sealed in gold is welded to the top of it. For many years you’d sit on the marble steps at his feet and listen to the public bring complaints or requests. People thought it was cute when you listened intently and tried to help solve issues, some even brought you treats and trinkets.   

“You look ethereal, my love,” your father gives your mother a kiss on her forehead. “You can relax now. Everything looks impeccable. Even our children. ” 

“I think Princess could use a few more dunks in the tub, but that may just be me,” your brother makes a sour face at you. His royal uniform matches your father’s. A red coat with gold leafy embroidery on the collar. Shockingly, there aren’t wrinkles in his outfit from sitting at his desk or lounging about the castle. You really can’t find a snarky response because he looks so pristine. You’re about to let him have the win because even his hair is perfectly styled. But that’s where you notice it. One chunk of hair looks rougher than the rest. Almost as if it were singed. 

“Aww, Tony,” you tilt your head, and touch the rough patch on his head, “did you blow something up again?”

“What?” your mother snaps.

“Tattle”, he pats his hair to keep it hidden. You laugh at him, but he grabs your arm and tickles your side, turning your laughs into involuntary gasps for help. You try to push him away, but he only tickles harder.

“Calm you two! Take your places,” your mother pushes you forward and takes her seat next to your father. 

“She started it,” Tony grumbles as he stands beside her. 

“I did not!” You stick your tongue out at him and stand at your father’s side.

“Enough! You’re both adults,” your father holds his hand up at you two. Your mother gives instructions about how to greet the guests, as if you haven’t had to do this your whole life. You’ll paint a smile on your lips, fake a light blush, and sound ever-so grateful to have their company here. You won’t let a tear slip down your cheek. And under no circumstances are you allowed to ask them to leave your sight so you can lay in your bed and melt into your grief. No. You’re the Princess of Eldoria, and that means something bigger than you. 

“Your highness, the son of King Rupert has arrived!” An usher rushes in breathless, and takes his place at a podium. He will announce every entry. The band setting themselves up on the balcony 0ver the room will play music to fill the space between arrivals. A few servants enter with trays of hors d’oeuvres ready to help keep the crowd patient. Some members of your court find their way in ahead of the first royal arrival. They stand quietly talking among themselves with their straightened stiff postures. You think a single strong wind gust could knock them over like dominoes.

“So we begin,” your father mumbles and sits a little straighter. You take a deep breath, ignore the racing of your heart and set a gentle smile. 

Guards open the doors wide, and an older man with raven black hair enters the  hall. He meets your father in a handshake, bows to your mother and brother. It’s all very formal and boring and you can feel yourself mentally slipping away already. 

The prince turns to greet you and Tony’s jaw drops. He’s bowing so low you’re afraid he might try to kiss your foot instead of your hand. But that’s when you notice the large bald spot at the back of his head. Somehow it’s a perfect circle, totally invisible if you see him from the front. You bow your head in return, biting your cheek to keep from laughing, and don’t dare to look at Tony, who you know is enjoying this too much. 

With that opening, the many entrances proceed with princes, royal families, and even more members of your local court joining the evening affairs. The sidelines are filled with beautiful dresses, quiet rumors of newcomers, and servants passing wine and food. Your mother went rigid when they brought the wine trays out too soon but couldn’t stop them as guests took the glasses off trays. You feel your feet growing tired and glance at your brother. He’s winking at a princess from a distant kingdom and you stop yourself from audibly scoffing. The slender blonde giggles among her friends, and your brother keeps up his silent flirting by raising his eyebrows at her. You want to gag. You know he’s young, but he could stand to be a bit less obvious in front of everyone. Your father coughs, your mother whispers something to a maid, and Prince Bald Spot almost gags on the big bite of cheese he got from a servant. 

Your father coughs again. 

A group of young royals laugh as one tosses a grape into the mouth of another.

Your father coughs, yet again, drawing your attention. You give him a side glance. 

“Watch the door,” his hand covers his mouth as he whispers and tilts his head forward. The band quiets down as the announcer clears his throat. 

“His Royal Highness, Prince James Buchanan Barnes of Brooklandra, accompanied by Duke Steven Grant Rogers of York and his wife Duchess Margaret.” 

It’s respectful to quiet down when a new house enters the room, but this time, not even the rustling of women’s skirts or clanking of metal from your guards can be heard. You know why. Unlike the royals in this room, relatively little is known about the heir of Brooklandra. Most know Prince James because of his father’s reputation on the battlefield. Relentless, bloody, and willing to face whole units of enemies by himself, the King of Brooklandra earned the moniker “The Lone Wolf.” 

Much of what you know of Prince James comes from what your father told you after a few visits many years ago. The Prince James of that time was an adventurous and crafty boy who could be found either reading, listening to kingdom meetings, or exploring the nearby forests. You wonder if he’s still as charming as your father found him. A few more moments pass, but no amount of time could prepare you for the man that now walks into your family’s throne room. 

If anyone is gasping, the sound of violins hide it. Every person is watching the tall man with broad cloaked shoulders taking heavy steps towards your father. His hair is half tied back but the loose strands fall to his shoulders. The deep brown, almost black,  color is sharp against his light skin. His face is unshaven but it only highlights his strong jaw. He keeps his gaze set forward with his furrowed brows adding a layer of gloom to the frown on his plush pink lips. You imagine they’d feel like velvet. Your heart rushes knowing that he will kiss the back of your hand in a moment.   

“Prince James, it is good to see you again,” your father stands and shakes his hand. 

“Thank you for welcoming me and my companions into your home, King Leonardo. This is Duke Steven and his wife, Duchess Margaret,” Prince James’s frown perks up to a flat line, and you suppose that is a good sign. Despite your very thorough review of his face, you only now notice that he does not wear the formal royal uniform of Brooklandra. His tunic is more constructed, and his sword sits at the ready on his waist. It’s a real blade, made for war and not the ones for show you see in this room. He still wears his house colors of blue and silver. It’s his own take on the royal attire; honoring his house but ready for any sudden burst of violence or attack. 

“Please, my family is happy to have you. This is my son Prince Anthony, and my wife Queen Anorra,” your father gestures to each. Prince James shakes their hands and then your father continues, “And this is my daughter, Princess Y/N.” 

Prince James finally meets your eyes and your mouth involuntarily parts.  His eyes are the clearest blue you’ve ever seen. They remind you of summers spent under cloudless skies and the pale sapphires in your family’s jewelry collection. Glowing. 

You blush and curtsy before people catch onto your shock and you hold out your hand. You feel his, rough and calloused, take yours. You stand but after a moment, and two more pass, he still doesn’t kiss your knuckles. It’s the proper greeting for a woman of your station, yet, he only shakes your hand like you’re another man at dinner. In your peripheral, Tony straightens his posture.

“Princess Y/N,” Prince James bows his head. 

“Prince James,” you bow your head too, trying not to let the awkward moment become a spectacle, but it may be too late for that. The blonde man who joins Prince James tightens his lips, and the brunette standing with him flares her nostrils. 

“Your,” James pauses, “hands are soft.” He remarks. What is that? Is that supposed to be a compliment? 

“Thank you?” You don’t mean for it to be a question, but you are questioning. You can hear some of the women giggling, no doubt starting a rumor based on the short interaction. His companions also greet your family and you, properly this time, and Duchess Margaret bows in deep apologies. The room goes back to normal volumes, but you can feel more eyes on you than ever. 

Prince James was, unfortunately for you, the last entrance, and now you’re forced to mingle with the room of royals. Despite the hiccup, many of your suitors vye for your attention. You can’t help but notice Prince James sticks to his companions—far away from you. You wouldn’t usually care about such disinterest, but his lackluster and frankly rude greeting leaves you confused. As a man dramatically retells a hunting story to your group, you instead watch Prince James. He grimaces and rolls his eyes at Steven who then walks away to the table full of treats. The woman, Duchess Margaret, crosses her arms and speaks to the brooding prince. Without a hint, she looks up at you, and you have to snap your focus to a tapestry on one of the walls. You know she caught you, and you decide that is enough snooping. If Prince James doesn’t care to show you manners, you won’t care to know why. Easy. You lift your goblet of wine to your lips and join the others around you in laughing at the story you have not paid attention to. 

“Princess Y/N, that shade of blue compliments you so well,” one of the men in your circle, Prince Henry, points out your dress.

“Thank you," you hope your short response will make him move on. It doesn't.

“The pleasure is mine. See, I have an affinity for painting so I like to observe beautiful things,” his delivery is clunky and the smirk on his face makes you want to sink into the wall. You choose to ignore him and try to move attention to someone or something else.  

“Speaking of beautiful things, has anyone had the chance to see the public gardens on your way in? My great grandmother designed and cultivated them herself.” 

“Your great grandmother! She was originally from the Kingdom of Asgard! Have you ever gone there?” One of the other dukes obviously did his research.

“In truth, I’ve never had the chance to leave Eldoria, but it’s warm and full of adventure here so I don’t mind.” It’s true. Eldoria is self-sustaining with flourishing wildlife, varied agriculture, and other natural resources that seem to grow easily on the large island country. Religious leaders say it is blessed by the old gods and share legends of great heroes bringing good luck to the land and its people. 

“Yes it is, in my home country we…,” the nervous but well studied duke continues. Over time, more people join the circle, leave, and join again. You absently laugh and make small talk back with the people who approach you. Some men pass their charms and compliments to you. You fake a blush and look down and then to the side. You hadn’t had to flirt with anyone in awhile, but Theo did used to say you were alluring. 

Tony slips you a slice of  bread as you entertain the fourth story about sailing and boat racing you’ve heard this evening. All from the same prince. You mentioned you liked watching the boats at the docks and he ran with that idea. 

 “I saw that,” a light whisper floats past your ear, and your immediate reaction is to drop the bread from your palm. You turn to the redhead next to you, and immediately smile in relief. Now she is a warm welcome. 

“Oh! Prince Gerholt, this is Princess Wanda, my absolute best friend and I haven’t seen her in months. You wouldn’t mind if we stepped away and caught up would you?” You gesture to Wanda and before he can answer, you pull her away from the thicker parts of the crowd and embrace her.

“I missed you so much,” she squeezes you just as tightly. 

“How have you been?” You can’t hide the break in your voice, but Wanda takes a deep breath. 

“Better, I hope you know my family still supports you and loves you,” she sounds rehearsed but you know it’s only because she needed to say it without crying. 

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. That I couldn’t go,” a couple of tears break past your lashes, but Wanda catches them and turns you away from facing the room. 

“Theo wanted you to be safe. You can’t blame yourself,” she speaks to you like your mother and Clara do as of late, a firm voice trying to get their words past your stubborn mind, “I did bring you some things though. Things he left for you, and things I thought you’d like,” she hopes it gives you something to look forward to. You sniffle and accept a handkerchief from a servant who blocks you from view with a tray. You thank them as they return to strolling the room of hungry guests. Wanda is focused on something over your shoulder. 

A cohort of ladies now surround Prince James a few feet away from you. They don’t speak to him, it’s more like speaking around him. They have to make the conversation as he doesn’t give more than four words per answer. One of the ladies touches his shoulder and laughs at something he says. He looks like he is ready to run. You wonder if it’s not just you he hates. Maybe.  

“He’s handsome,” Wanda wiggles her brows and loops your arms together as you pass around the room.

“And rude,” you mumble. 

“I did see a bit of that, entered right as he dropped the handshake,” she chuckles. 

“I was so embarrassed!” you hiss.

“Why? Kissing the hand of a princess is a bit traditional. Maybe he’s more?  Forward thinking?” she tries.

“Which I’m fine with, but the general air of annoyance and boredom would tell me otherwise.”

“Ah, so you’re upset he doesn’t like you?”

“No! I just. Did he have to do that in front of everyone? They’re already saying so much that something so little makes me look even more,” you feel your chest constrict, “rejectable.” 

“Theo did not reject you.”

“No, but I never gave anyone else a chance. Which I don’t regret!” you confirm to his sister, “It just makes me easier to forget and I’m not in a position to be forgotten,” the words lay between you. Wanda remembers you and young Theo. The way he’d follow you along the hedge mazes, or when he was home would ask her if girls liked this or that. She knew what he was actually asking  and told him things you did like. 

“I don’t know if you’ve looked in a mirror this evening, but I need you to realize that my best friend here? She isn’t forgettable,” she soothes you. You’re about to thank her when the announcer returns to his post. 

“Queen Anorra requests your attention,” he shouts over the room.

Your mother stands at the dais and waits for the room to settle, “Hello everyone, we are grateful so many of you have travelled to join us as we hold games, tournaments, and balls on Eldoria,” your mother gives a warm welcome to everyone. Inviting them to also spend time in the nearby towns, enjoy the local natural wonders, or simply relax by the beach, “It has been a long time since our last invitational, and we are ready to provide a wonderful time. So before we start with the whirlwind of exciting events, please enjoy a fantastic dinner,” she points to the walkway that leads to the large dining hall. 

A number of  large tables are set. Names are scribed on small placards marking the seats for specific people. Ushers act as guides, and you spot Lyssa near one of the head tables. 

“Hello, my lady, this is your seat,” she pulls the chair out for you and you thank her. She scurries off, likely searching for Clara to report she helped you find your seat and addressed you correctly. 

While alone you review the names on either side of you. Wanda will be on your right, she’s speaking to your parents before she joins you. On your other side, in perfectly curled cursive, Prince James’ full name mocks you.  Your mother promised this would be an easy evening and now this? You do not want to have to spend the rest of your evening dealing with a brooding prince who chose to embarrass you in front of everyone. An idea takes form before you can stop yourself. You push your seat back to stand and switch the card with quite literally anyone else at the table. No one will be the wiser if you move quickly. When your heavy chair juts out behind you, someone groans.

It’s an usher, with Prince James and his companions right behind him, wide-eyed. 

“Oh my! I’m so sorry, Thomas! I didn’t look before I stood. Are you alright?” you panic and hold out a hand to support him. 

“It’s truly alright my lady. I’m going to move. Over there,” Thomas gasps as holds his ribs. He excuses himself as the others find their name cards without looking up at you. Thomas’s hunched figure moves through the crowd as he reaches a door to the kitchens. You feel a heat grow across your neck and face. You pray your father eats fast because you can’t escape this table or night until he gives closing remarks.  

“Is that my name?” Prince James’ deep voice asks. You might just burst in your spot.

You nod, and without a word, open your hand and place the crumpled card back in its spot. Next to you.

[dxsole]

It's a fine line, isn't it? Religious zeal and the more obvious signs of outside manipulation. It would be hard to prove in most cases; had Lyssa been instructed on how she was supposed to frame the congregation to outsiders? Of course.

Because no one would come if they knew the actual chances of them leaving. It was not her nor the congregations fault, however. Had it been Lyssa's decision, she would have been saddened by those that did not follow their ways, but perhaps cast them out of their land rather than...what really happened. But who was she to argue? Who was she to deny Tienach? They had the final say. They made the choice, not her.

Lyssa, with her ominous black robe and too wide eyes follows after Esther. "We farm. Sustain ourselves. I don't usually farm because I have other tasks, but I help out on occasion. One of the boys taught me." Actias. He's a year older and she may be a little smitten. "We don't have cars though. Everything is within walking distance in our community— we only really go out for missionary work."

Lyssa was not allowed to explain the full extent of cast out, but the phrase alone dictated that it certainly wasn't a good thing. But the beauty was the choice given; Lyssa's one role as a missionary was the spread the word and, according to the Elders, bring people back to be judged.

As Lyssa saw it, being cast out while detrimental to the individual, was necessary for the congregation. It gave life. It fueled them. And she did not want anyone to think she was hindering the church.

"If it makes you feel any better," There's probably very little that could comfort Esther at this point, "we do not allow strangers so easily into the sacred services...like you, you may roam our fields and meet our people, but you can only be invited into a more intimate gathering if you are truly willing to join us." Lyssa says it seriously, but her girlish face makes it sound a bit ridiculous. Naive even. Like a little girl at her communion repeating what her dear pastor has said.

"You can stay and learn. Just not attend services— until you feel ready. It is a big step." Or so it's been explained to her. Lyssa's been at service every Sunday morning and Wednesday night since she was a girl.

"It's a, um, three hour walk." Lyssa was used to it by now. She walked everywhere. It was the most reliable mode of transportation even if it was longer. "But the bus is quicker. A car even more so— I don't...I don't drive though." Shoulders shrug, head ducks. "I mean, I can drive a tractor but that's all. Dunno if it's the same thing."

[let-me-love-you-loki]

Days Gone--Ch. 6

Chapter 6

           Reid watched the second hand tick as the gears in his mind ground against one another. He suddenly felt overwhelmed with the crippling sense of helplessness. His dark eyes skipped over Lyssa’s face each time his gaze circled the evidence boards.

           “Damn it,” he swore under his breath. “What am I missing?”

***

           “We have to be missing something, Hotch,” JJ said as she glanced over at Reid. “There’s some piece of the profile that’s off.”

           “It’s not wrong,” Hotch replied, crossing his arms over his chest. “But there has to be something that we’ve missed. Or overlooked.”

           Morgan drew out his cellphone and pressed speed dial. It rang twice before it connected.

           “Garcia. Go for your girl.”

           “Tell me you have something, baby girl,” Morgan sighed. He rubbed his forehead with his fingertips. “Anything come up in your search?”

           He heard the deep intake of breath. For the first time since Lyssa’s picture showed up on the evidence board, he started to have some hope. “So,” Garcia began, “I did a deep dive into everything I could find about the financials of the bookstore and our four victims. Now, we know that the bookstore is the only thing they have in common. But! It actually isn’t. A deeper spelunking showed that all four of them are or have previously used the same bank. It didn’t show up before because two of them recently switched banks and practically scrubbed their old accounts—which by the way is like super weird because the average person doesn’t do that. It takes someone crazy good to do that. And, you know, it’s insanely expensive.”

           “That’s it?” Morgan felt his sense of hope slipping away. “C’mon, Garcia. You gotta give me more than that.”

           “Hold your horses, handsome,” she teased. “When I was able to compare the remaining open accounts, something fuzzy showed up. In the days leading up to their disappearance, both of them made some fishy withdrawals of exactly $223. Now, you can’t get that specific amount from an ATM. You have to go inside. So, I figure a teller would notice if a woman came into the bank twice a day for a week to do a cash withdrawal that specific.”

           “That’s good, baby girl. Give me the account information and the teller names as soon as you can.”

           Garcia chuckled. “Already on the way, sweet cheeks. And the bank is waiting for you.”

***

           Prentiss stepped into the air-conditioned lobby of the bank, tucking her sunglasses into the collar of her shirt. It was surprisingly hot and humid for the mountains of North Carolina. She flashed her ID to the security guard, who nodded and slipped away to the manager’s office.

           While she waited, Prentiss looked around. Her eyes landed on the tellers. Cameras watched each of them from over their shoulders. Still more cameras recorded the front doors and the entrance to the vault. It was entirely likely—or actually certain—that Garcia had already pulled the security footage. With or without permission from the bank.

           “Agent Prentiss?”

           “Yes,” she said, holding out her hand toward the woman who’d just appeared. The bank manager was a striking figure with pale blonde hair and dark black eyes. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

           “Of course,” the manager said calmly. “Let’s go to my office.”

           Prentiss followed the manager across the lobby and into a glass fronted office. She sank into an uncomfortable chair as the manager swept around and settled in behind the desk. A nameplate identified her as Veronica Addams.

           The moment Ms. Addams took her place across the desk, Prentiss spoke up. “I believe Agent Garcia told you why I’m here.”

           “She said it had something to do with some unusual activity in a few of our accounts. I’m surprised the FBI personally came down to deal with something like this.”

           “It’s actually a bit more than that, Ms. Addams. The accounts in question belong to three murder victims and a missing woman.” She watched the bank manager as she explained the reasons for her visit. “Two of them made a series of unusual cash withdrawals in the weeks leading up to their disappearance. Two others had accounts with this bank that were closed and almost completely digitally erased.”

           The manager’s brow furrowed as she leaned forward. “That’s unlikely. We keep complete digital records of all of our accounts, even those that are closed.”

           “Still. I’d like to speak with your tellers. To see if they can provide any additional information.”

           “Feel free, Agent Prentiss. But hundreds of people come in every day. I can’t guarantee that they’ll even know these women.” Addams kept her voice low, as if she feared someone might hear through the glass. “People here are just account numbers. Not names and faces.”

           For a moment, Prentiss wanted to reach across the table and slap the woman in disgust.

***

           “Okay, kid,” Morgan said as he stepped up beside Reid, who was still staring at the evidence board. “Garcia found something in the victims’ financials.”

           Reid turned toward him with a scowl that Morgan had never seen before. “Don’t call her a victim. Lyssa isn’t a victim.”

           There was a rage boiling through Reid’s veins. Beneath all of it was an overwhelming sense of helplessness and loss. His mind skidded to a halt; the blood poured from his brain straight to his toes. Reid stumbled. Slipped. Linoleum rushed up toward him.

           He caught himself on the edge of a nearby desk. His head swam as he sank down into the chair. Morgan watched him carefully. The color slowly came back to Reid’s face. Still, he scooted a trash can into place between the younger man’s knees.

***

           An alarm blared on the screen behind Garcia. She whipped around, fingers going to the keyboard with practiced ease. She reached out with her left hand for a pen and pad.

           “Oh,” she gasped. “Oh. Oh no. No, no, no, no.”

           Garcia’s heart galloped in her chest. Her stomach twisted into a tight knot. She dialed the phone with shaking fingers.

           “What is it, baby girl?” Morgan’s eyes raked over Reid in worry.

           “Derek, they’ve found another body.”

           Morgan’s brow furrowed as he looked around. “What?” His voice dropped into a whisper. “There’s nothing coming through here. How do you already know that?”

           Garcia’s fingers trembled harder. “Because it’s not there! It’s on the Blue Ridge Parkway across the state line in Tennessee.”

           “Don’t tell me…” He turned and walked away from Reid. His eyes squeezed shut. He thought he was going to be sick. “How do they know it’s connected?”

           “I set up an alert with the parameters of the M.O. for this unsub. Anything that even resembled the previous bodies would come through.” Garcia took a deep breath. “There’s no ID on the body yet.”

           Morgan stalked across the room toward where Rossi and Hotch sat at the conference table, files spread out in front of them as they discussed the case. He sat his phone on the table between them. “Garcia, you’re on speaker. I’m with Hotch and Rossi. Tell them exactly what you just told me.”

           The moment Garcia finished explaining what she’d found, Rossi stood up. “Send me the details right now. I’m on my way.”

_____________

Tag List

@firefoxkairan​

@spaghetti-hoop​

[shadowglens]

lyssa on the brain once again (x)

[dxsole]

She can see it. She knows they can too.

It's quiet in the sanctuary, nothing but the slight wooden creak caused by her shifting from one foot to the other. "—I needed something real to hold on to." Lyssa murmurs like that could forgive the blood she stood in. Like that explained what the hell happens in this church.

Like that could possibly console her when they inevitably run. They probably should run, seeing as she knows what Tienach would do to them if they didn't, and how she'd be a participant in the Communion.

[serasvictoria]

Kwenthrith as Lyssa, goddess of mad rage and crazed frenzy.

All images from Pinterest

Tagging @deans-ch-ch-cherrypie @ritual-unions-gotme @vikingstrash @pomegranates-and-blood @quantumlocked310

[shadowglens]

ok ok ok yeah I love all of this!!! Lyssa’s timeline is very [waves hand] at the moment so I think this will fit in pretty well! (i was gonna put this in the replies but fuck it got way too long asfdfgh)

the only real concrete timeline stuff that I have (before we get to thor 2) is her being born, her parents being killed by Malekith, and malekith then raising her as his own daughter before the first convergence. She was a couple of hundred years old when the convergence happened and Malekith wiped out most of the dark elves to destroy asgard’s army, and lyssa was one of a few hundred elves that he allowed to come with him to safety (cause she was his heir but also cause she had a lot of power from her unusual heritage and all the experiments he did on her when she was young). Then, the next 5000 years or so for lyssa are kinda vague in my head, since Malekith kept most of his people in stasis on the ark waiting for the next convergence.

Malekith was pretty obsessed with the infinity stones though, especially after having had the aether for so long and then it being stolen by asgard, so every few hundred years or so he would wake from stasis with some of his most trusted allies (lyssa being one of them) to essentially get a statis report on the universe and maybe try and track down some infinity stones. Lyssa was one of his top agents (and his most trusted one too), so he trusted her with investigating infinity stone activity whenever they woke – this would be the perfect opportunity to bring in lyssa finding about the soul stone thing on alfeim, since Malekith wouldn’t risk going after the aether again since he knew asgard had it hidden, and also lets be honest, he probably has some beef with the light elves cause he’s a dark elf (tbh, Malekith probably has beef with like Everyone in the galaxy cause he’s kinda a huge, arrogant asshole who just takes whatever he wants afhdfsd).

Im sure lyssa knew of thanos, since Malekith liked to keep up-to-date with powerful people around the universe, but I don’t think lyssa would ever willingly work for a guy like that since she’s loyal to Malekith and his mission to turn the universe into absolute darkness – but I can definitely see her and his lackeys crossing paths when she’s hunting livia and her family for info.

And ngl, the angst gremlin in me absolutely LOVES the idea of her having a hand in livia’s mums death (maybe lyssa turned up all stealthy about to try and kidnap and interrogate livia and then BANG thanos and his guys show up and lyssa's like "well fuck im not gonna let this huge purple dick take My information" and then whoops 😬 livia's mum is dead – and also the idea of livia teleporting them around as they fight to the death and them having a big epic space magic battle is SO GOOD i’m thriving on it!! (also, this gives lyssa a juicy “I knew who thanos was centuries ago and knew he was searching for the stones and all I did was help him” crisis for when infinity war starts dajfsfgj)

this also works well too cause they would've probably just missed meeting each other in thor 2, since lyssa went with thor back to asgard for like A Week before she essentially begged him to send her literally anywhere but asgard (cause he was initially gonna dump her there so she wasn't his responsibility). and then thor's like "fuck ok i know a guy who might be able to help you with all this trauma better than my asshole dad loki" and essentially drops her on steve's doorstep on earth like a stray dog lol

Also im cackling at the image of lyssa meeting livia again during infinity war and just being like “fucking hell not this woman again” because she was definitely one of the most annoying people she’s ever fought ahjdfgsdfsd, and then they try to kill each other again because livia’s still, like, Pissed about lyssa being involved in her mums death afgsdfhgsd

saskia i’ve been thinking about lyssa and livia knowing each other all day and I 😍! i absolutely love the idea of them having had an epic battle or two before eventually becoming friends - i think they could’ve fought either sometime in the past when lyssa was working as an agent for malekith looking for the aether and other infinity stones or during thor 2 (but i’m not sure how livia was involved in thor 2)? also thor intervening and being like “ladies please can we stop trying to kill each other for two whole seconds” when they meet again later has been making me laugh for hours 😂

omg girl same i'm so excited about this

AAAAAAAAAAH ok ok ok i THINK a battle because Lyssa was searching for Infinity Stones sounds perfect, especially because Livia and her mothers family line have a history of being the protectors of the Soul Stone!!

(Making them fight in Thor 2 is tricky because if I remember right Thor 2 is Lyssas turning point, right? (PLEASE correct me if I’m wrong!!!) and Livia only reunites with Thor etc. at the end/after Thor 2, because before that Alfheim was lost from people’s memories and vice versa. For timeline purposes I’ll explain a little bit because I don’t think I ever have: a couple years before Thor 1, when Livias mother Amaryë finally revealed to her that hers and now Livias whole purpose in life is to protect the Soul Stone, she did so because Thanos was on her heel and she needed to teach Livia everything she knew before it was too late. Long story short her mother is killed by him and Livia, cornered, invoked an old ritual to get him off her track. Which worked: Thanos and the rest of the Universe forgot Alfheim and anything that existed on it (like the Soul Stone), but Livia and everyone on Alfheim ended up with a kind of amnesia, too, never leaving Alfheim because nothing else existed for them. So Livia is pretty secluded from the rest of the MCU around those years. Only around the end of Thor 2 the curse gets broken and everything gets back to normal, because news of Lokis death were spread all over Yggdrasill, it even (accidentally) reached Alheim. And he was her safe guard/her anchor.)

WHAT IF………. Lyssa is actually hunting them first? 👀 What if she, maybe found out that they know of the Stones location and planned to interrogate them, etc.? Because she was instructed to get the Soul Stone at all costs before Thanos and his lackeys could? omg what if she indirectly helped Thanos henchmen murder Livias mum and Livia has a hard time forgiving her for that…., oh! What if she actually ends up taking Livia as a hostage and they get to spend some terrible time together. OR they fight until they almost kill each other, teleporting themselves to different locations and wreaking havoc along their way? Or both? What if they could have killed each other but didnt? .....OR... SOMETHING LIKE THAT? 😂 Be assured Livia loves to shit talk and laugh and chat during fights I’m sure she might have potential to end up on a (hypothetical) “Most annoying people Lyssa has ever fought” list or something.

And then later during Infinity War etc. when the others actually get them to calm down, because they got bigger problems to worry about, Livia is just like. So you’re not evil anymore? Sus.

[stinastar]

rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. send me an ask with the title that most intrigues you and i’ll post a little snippet of it or tell you something about it. and then tag as many people as you have WIPs

shamed tagged by @julek 😘

Non fandom/original (files names start w/ WIP)

Ghost story

hero/villain

Holdom

Red

werewolf idea

Witcher fics (files names start w/ Witcher WIP)

a cat in KM

Eskel OC elf memory loss

Lyssa prompt

Nix

Nix ch 7

Peacock

stay or leave

xnotes ace lamb pt 2

xnotes Eskel Aidrie fight

xnotes geraskier Flea 3?

xnotes geraskier It’s Alright

xnotes geraskier soulmates

xnotes geraskier the swimmer

xnotes Jly lambden prompt

xnotes lambden x oc a/b/o nonsense

xnotes Pepper prompt

xnotes whump the bard

xnotes yenfri thot

Good Omens fics (files names start w/ GO WIP)

Lyssa prompt

overwhelm

askdlahsdjha Ok I feel fully, properly ashamed lol. I might even be missing something. FML. A good number of these are just a prompt or idea, with maybe a handful of shitty notes attached. You CANNOT make me tag that many people, it’s too many 😂🙈

Show me what you got? @hailhailsatan @bounce-a-coin-off-your-witcher @elliestormfound @veritasrose @lohrendrell @ahh-fxck @contemplativepancakes @westmoor @theamazingbard @a-kind-of-merry-war @glittering-git @mamamichine @moonysrz @owillofthewisps @holycatsandrabbits Honestly if you follow me and see this please tag on if you like & tag me! 💗

[berryandrandal]

Page 44 of the pilot episode!

You can also see my comic on deviantart: https://www.deviantart.com/dagnytheartist/art/p44-episode-First-Day-ch-3-Heroes-vs-Villains-895007221

I swear I came up with this character's nickname before the word "Minion" was associated with the yellow corn kernels XD. These characters have been in my head a long time, guys. Funny enough, back when I first came up with Lyssa and Minion they had their own comic and weren't in the same universe as Berry and Randal. When I decided to make Berry and Randal superheroes and figured they needed more bad guys to fight, I threw Lyssa and Minion into their universe, and it worked.  Also, the return of walkie-talkies, but this time they're real ones and not baby monitors.

[jacnaylor]

romance book recs!!

romance is my feel good genre, and it’s also usually somewhat easier to read during stressful times, so here’s a list of some books that are either romance or have a romance element i feel like mentioning.

(EDIT: I STAYED UP TILL 2 AM DOING THIS HELP. this is why some of the comments. don’t make any fucking sense.)

romance books and authors:

CONTEMPORARY:

1. The Bromance bookclub series by Lyssa Kay Adams (A group of men form a bookclub dedicated to romance books in order to understand women, improve their relationships and become better men. It’s funny, cute, and all about dismantling toxic masculinity one romance book at a time)

2. Mariana Zapata books (The queen of slowburn romance. The only book I’ve read by her is ‘Under Locke’, but ‘From Lukov with love’ and ‘Kulti’ have rave reviews. There is so much build up and SO much sexual tension with a great pay off)

3. Milly Johnson books (A uk author whose books are primarily set in the north, these are total feel good books. Not so much graphic and more romantic, but her characters are great and her plot lines really hook you in.)

4. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (Super cute, quick enemies-to-lovers story about a bridesmaid who has to go on a honeymoon with the best man when the bride and groom get food poisoning. Obviously this means the holy of holies: fake relationship!)

5. Well met by Jen De Luca (Oh my gosh! Super fun, the characters are just wonderful especially our heroine. A hate-to-love romance set at a renaissance fair! All about overcoming the limits you set on yourself and rethinking your first impressions.)

6. Katherine Center books (My personal favourites are ‘How to walk away’ about a woman who falls for her PT after a near fatal plane crash. And ‘Happiness for beginners’ about a woman taking part in a wilderness trail with her brothers annoying best friend. She writes such great plots and you really feel all the emotions!)

7. Mhairi Mcfarlane books (my personal favourites are ‘Here’s looking at you’ about a woman who comes face to face with her high school bully years later - only he doesn’t recognize her. And he’s not awful? Don’t worry. I know how that synopsis sounds. He’s not excused his actions, but you also understand how he’s grown and changed. It definitely gets you in the feels though. As does ‘You had me at hello’ Which is about a couple from university meeting again years later. God this woman can write angst and yearning!!)

8. A part of me by Anouska Knight (On the same day she and her husband have been accepted into the adoption process, their marriage implodes. This has such a cute romance which follows hate-to friends- to love and it’s v funny)

9. Southern Eclectic series by Molly harper (Just as it sounds. Southern small town romance with a great, quirky cast of characters)

10. Maggie’s man by Lisa Gardner (writing as Alicia Scott) (An escaped convict kidnaps a woman from the courthouse to act as his hostage whilst he tries to prove his innocence. Surprisingly funny and warm. Maggie as a heroine is an absolute joy. They’re sort of chaotic together and it’s a wild ride.)

11. The Mister by E.L James (LISTEN OK - SIT BACK DOWN - It’s not winning awards but it’s actually decent! I was skeptical, but I will admit I was won over. I mean parts are cheesy but it’s so addictive. Basically a rich man falls for his cleaning lady - but it’s also about the yearning. It’s also quite action packed as there’s danger, drama and a chase across europe to get the girl.)

12. RECENT Colleen Hoover (Now, you may enjoy older CH books. Personally I find them very problematic. Now I’ve really enjoyed her recent books though. Especially ‘Without Merit’ and ‘It ends with us’ and ‘Regretting you’. High angst, high drama, dark topics for all of her books. But you can tell she’s matured with her writing. She isn’t for everyone but they’re addictive, fast paced reads.

13. The Austenland duology by Shannon Hale (You might have seen the Austenland movie - The cutest, cheesiest, sweetest, campiest movie ever. Well there’s a book! It’s about women who go on a holiday and live their own Jane Austen story with actors. The first book leans towards Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield park. The second book is more Northanger abbey and Emma.

14. Brigid Kemmerer contemporaries (She is an auto-buy author for me, especially her contemporaries. She writes the best teenage characters, the best teenage boys I’ve ever read about. Her characters are real, she writes about kids trying their best, struggling, and being good, and kind, and the world not being kind to them. Usually the books have a pov from both the female and male love interest. I would rec any of them tbh. ‘Letters to the lost’ comes before it’s companion novel ‘More than we can tell’. I loved ‘Call it what you want’ with has modern Robin Hood elements!!!! seriously she is my favourite YA contemporary author.

15. Sophie Kinsella books (If you haven’t picked up her stand alone novels then what are you doing???? she is the queen!!!! Personal favourites are ‘Can you keep a secret’ and ‘I’ve got your number)

16. A quiet kind of thunder by Sara Barnard (I love her ok. Her books are short and sweet but she packs a punch. TBH these aren’t primarily romance, they’re more just about teenage girls but this one has a good romance element so I’m putting it on here. It’s about Steffi, a selective mute who sometimes communicates with basic sign language who is assigned to look after the new boy at school Rhys, who is deaf.)

17. Meet me at the museum by Anne Youngson (GORGEOUS! moving, tender. A lonely housewifes strikes up a correspondence with a widowed museum curator in Denmark. Oh gosh. I just love this one. It’s about friendship, love, grief, second chances, the choices we make. Seriously love this one and it’s not that long.)

FANTASY:

1. Sorcery of thorns by Margaret Rogerson (Elisabeth has grown up in the great library, protecting grimoires with powers and fearing sorcerers. When a dangerous grimoire is released, she’s forced to team up with an enigmatic sorcerer and his demonic servant in order to save the world.)

2. Sky in the deep duology by Adrienne Young (A viking inspired story about a warrior who is captured by the tribe she is at war with. Such good tension and it’s also got a lot of action. Battle couple romance! Mutual respect! Hate to love!)

3. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley (I’ve reread this book once but will end up reading it again. It’s a time travel romance about a woman staying in cornwall dealing with the death of her sister who is transported back and forth to the 17th century. It’s a favourite. The romance is wonderful but the stakes are really high too. I also love ‘Belleweather’ by the same author)

4. An ember in the ashes series by Sabaa Tahir (Oh god, the romance. THE ROMANCE! it’s so much. The angst, the pining, the longing. The first book follows Laia, part of a slave class in a roman inspired world. She begins spying in the top military academy and meets Elias, a reluctant soldier. This is a proper fantasy series with only the first three books out, but it’s so great.)

5. Alias Hook by Lisa Jensen (Let me just copy the blurb ok: “Meet Captain James Benjamin Hook, a witty, educated Restoration-era privateer cursed to play villain to a pack of malicious little boys in a pointless war that never ends. But everything changes when Stella Parrish, a forbidden grown woman, dreams her way to the Neverland in defiance of Pan's rules.” I MEAN COME ON. a gorgeous adult fairytale with love and redemption at the center.

6. The Mediator series by Meg Cabot (Obviously Meg Cabot is the most iconic and we stan. But this series is my absolute favourite by her. About Suze Simon, a kickass, no nonsense mediator - Someone who helps ghosts move on to the other side. Sometimes by force. She has to move house and ends up sharing her room with a 100 year old hot ghost named Jesse. The tension. The angst. THE BANTER!!!!)

7. House of Earth and Blood by Sara J Maas (a half fae half mortal girl tries to solve a murder with the help of a fallen angel. It’s a LONG book, but for me personally it flew by. It’s a big new fantasy world but the romance has a great build. Overcoming grief! Being normal together! Being in danger together! THE UST! the characters are so good. I ahven’t been this impressed by a new series for a while)

8. Cursebreakers series by Brigid Kemmerer (yep, she gets another mention. This one is a beauty and the best retelling about a man forced to relive the same season over and over, becoming a literal beat, until a girl from our world can break the curse. The second book, following secondary characters, is my fave so far. But both feature kickass ladies and those small romantic moments BK is so good at)

9. A court of thorns and roses series by Sara J Maas (a fae inspired beauty and the beast retelling. The only time you support a ship switch. Also the secondary ships are getting their own books and oh my god. I’m so excited.)

HISTORICAL/CLASSICS/MILLS AND BOON

1. Jane Austen (The original rom com queen, obviously. Pride and prejudice and Emma are faves. Also I have a major soft spot for the alwayc chaotic and underrated Northanger Abbey)

2. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (Actually might be my favourite classic ever. Often described at an industrial p&p. Margaret, from the south, comes face to face with the harsh reality of the world when she moves up north and comes face to face with a brooding millowner. There’s obviously a lot more nuance than that but. THE PINING!!!!!! THE MISCOMMUNICATION! THE DRAMA!)

3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer (You might have seen the film. Please also read the book. Told entirely in letters. The sharp witted author Juliet Ashton falls in love with Guernsey and it’s characters whilst researching what happened there during the war. Funny, moving and romantic.)

4. The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn (A butterfly hunter foils her own kidnap and is paired together with a reclusive natural historian. They solve mysteries together. They can’t admit they wanna sleep together. The tension.......unbearable. See also the Julia Grey mysteries by the same author)

5. The warrior knight and the widow by Ella Matthews (So last year I discovered Mills and Boon and I have no shame about it whatsoever. This is a medieval beauty and the beast retelling about a woman being escorted to her fathers estate by an enigmatic and scarred knight. She’s hoping to convince her father to let her steward her own lands, and of course trying not to fall for her escort.)

6. The bareknuckle bastards series by Sarah Maclean (A badass, brooding trio of siblings who rule the underbelly of Covent Garden fall for smart, beautiful women. Opposites attract, Good girl/bad boy, strong women, banter. Super fun historical romance)

7. Redeeming the reclusive earl by Virginia Heath (I just read this and it was seriously cute!!!! And book where the hero blushes even once is a good book in my opinion. Basically aspiring antiquarian named Effie barrels into the life of a new earl - who really just wants to be left alone to be grumpy and sad and disfigured. ALONE. But Effie wants to dig on his land. And she won’t take no for an answer. She also talks A LOT.

8. A family for the widowed governess by Ann Lethbridge (Technically this is part of a series but you don’t need to read them in order and this is the best one. A widow who is being blackmailed accepts a governess post. She can’t tell her employer about the blackmail especially when she starts falling for him.)

9. The bedlam stacks by Natasha Pulley (I read watchmaker and didn’t like it but you might like it. This one also FEAUTRES A M/M ROMANCE. I know this list was super straight im sorry. Anyway this is about a botanist falling in love with a priest in the jungle.

10. The wilderness series by Sara Donati (Think outlander without the time travel and also not set in scotland. Basically Last of the Mohicans fanfiction about Hawkeye’s grown up son. An english woman moves to america when her father promises she can be a school teacher there. Little does she know he actually has plans to marry her off. Things get more complicated when she falls for Nathaniel Bonner, a white man raised native american and who’s daughter and extended family is Native American. Like outlander there’s romance, adventure, history. But unlike the outlander books the love interest is a decent guy (i say as if i don’t love the tv show)

STUFF THAT REALLY ISN’T ROMANCE AT ALL. BUT I SHIP A SHIP.

1. The Lacey Flint series by Sharon Bolton (Lacey Flint is a police officer who becomes involved in the hunt to catch a Jack the ripper copycat. There actually is a strong romantic element with the other lead police officer.)

2. The last hours duology by Minette Walters. A novel about the black death and a closed estate lead by a woman who’s trying to protect her people. There’s also a kind of murder mystery. But she also has a close relationship to one of the surfs that I got super invested in.

3. The Strike series by J.k Rowling (I know we don’t stan anymore but. This series about  PI and his assistant slowly growing closer? Becoming best friends and partners? Not acknowledging any feelings for each other?

[shadowglens]

I & L for the initial meme :3

send me a letter and i will tell you about an oc i have with the initial

ISABELLE FAULKNER is my tlou oc! isy was a model in LA before the outbreak, and although she loved the work she struggled to find connection in the cut-throat industry. she is saved during the beginning of the outbreak by her makeup artist, camille, who had received warning from her sister in seoul - the duo managed to flee the city a day before all hell truly broke lose. isy wandered for a long time, but eventually began craving community and fell in with the fireflies. after the distaster at the university of eastern colorado, isy is alone and hopeless before she stumbles upon darcy (@risingsh0t's girl 🥺) and the pair begin travelling east together.

LYSSA is my mcu oc! she's a halfblooded dark elf who was adopted by malekith the accursed as a child after he killed her parents for their forbidden union. malekith quickly realised she had great potential from her mixed heritage and raised her as his heir, while also experimenting on her with the aether. lyssa temporarily functioned as a vessel for the aether's power and was able to manipulate dark matter to almost rival malekith. over thousands of years between stasis on the arc, lyssa's resentment only grew towards malekith, although she continued to harbour complicated feelings for her abuser and father. after she betrayed malekith and helped defeat him with thor and loki, lyssa was deeply conflicted and in pain; thor, seeing this and feeling out of his depth, dumped her on steve's doorstep at avengers hq in the hope that he would know what to do. months later, she assists steve when the winter soldier resurfaces.

[cruesixxlover1991]

Slice Of Your Pie

Ch. 2 Red Hot

A/N: Hey you guys! Sorry it’s been awhile since I posted a new chapter. It was a super crazy busy week at work and by the time I got home I had no energy left to post. I also realize I forgot to put a summary of the story for chapter 1 as well, my bad you guys. If anyone wants to be added to the taglist for this story, please send me an ask. Now, enough of me babbling, let’s get on with this crazy love story.

Word Count: 3k

Triggers: Mentions of drug use and drug overdose, and language.

Summary: Veronica “Ronnie” Halliwel is a 22 year old rhythm guitarist who has been lookg for a new band ever since her last band ended after the tragic heroin overdose of their lead singer, Marie Dawson. She returned to work at her local Denny’s to make ends for her and her daughter, Alannah. Her luck changes when her uncle, Mick Mars, infamous guitarist for Motley Crue, comes to Ronnie with the offer of a lifetime: To become Motley Crue’s new rhythm guitarist. Ronnie jumps at the opportunity and also happens to catch the eyes of a certain bass player, who instantly falls for her insane beauty and absolute I don’t give a fuck attitude. Ronnie finds herself drawn to Nikki as well, but what she doesn’t know is the crazy road of decadence, chaos, and sex, drugs, and rock and roll that Nikki takes her on? Join Ronnie on this crazy journey as she finds true love amidst the chaos of her rock and roll lifestyle. Even if that love may very well end up being the death of her.

Taglist:   @beachystars @putbloghere @riverhaim1980 @nikkisixxwiththebass

@kat-976

1983

I was barely able to sleep that night due to my mind racing with excitement at the thought of meeting with Uncle Mick and the rest of the Crue the next afternoon. What if the rest of them didn't like my playing? Finally after awhile, i pushed the covers aside and got out of bed, knowing that sleep just wasn't going to happen. I grabbed my guitar and made my way to the living room. I quietly started to strum the chords to one my old songs, Misery Business(I'll be using Paramore songs for the She-Wolves). I close my eyes and let the music take me over. I start remembering performing this song for the first time and let myself smile at the memory.

Flashback, Whisky A Go-Go 1978

My heart was beating crazily in my chest as I sat in front of the vanity in my dressing room at the Whisky, getting ready for our first performance ever as a band.We had played at parties and smaller venues but nothing to this extent before. We had been putting up fliers all over the sunset strip all week, hoping to build a decent crowd for tonight. I looked over at Lyssa, watching her twirl her drumsticks in her hand and bounce up and down excitedly in her chair as she grinned at herself in the mirror. I always loved Lyssa's high energy, it was the first thing the drew us towards when looking for a drummer. A little bit further down our lead guitarist, Samantha, sitting there with a serious expression on her face as she plucked some chords on her guitar. Marie, our lead singer and my best friend, was sat right next to me, putting the finishing touches on her winged eye-liner and smirking at her reflection. We heard a knock on the door and turned our heads and told them to enter. Our manager, Beth Greene,(Did y'all see what I did there? Lolz) poked her head in the door and smiled at all of us, "Girls! Five minutes to show time!!!" We all stood up, Samantha and myself grabbing our guitars, Lyssa still twirling her drumsticks, and Marie smirking at herself one last time in the mirror before we all walked out of the dressing room and towards the stage. We all walked to our respective spots on the stage, taking in a deep breath as Marie tapped our set list to the side of the amp, walking back to her microphone, "Hey LA!!! Are you ready to rock and roll??? We are The She-Wolves and this song right here is called Misery Business!!!" The crowd went crazy as the lights come on and Samantha went into the beginning riff of Misery Business and Marie began to sing the lyrics:I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top

She's got a body like an hourglass that's ticking like a clock

It's a matter of time before we all run out

When I thought he was mine, she caught him by the mouth

I waited eight long months

She finally set him free

I told him I couldn't lie, he was the only one for me

Two weeks and we had caught on fire

She's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I've gotten what I wanted now

Whoa, it was never my intention to brag

To steal it all away from you now

But God does it feel so good

'Cause I got him where I want him now

And if you could then you know you would

'Cause God it just feels so

It just feels so good

Second chances they don't ever matter, people never change

Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry that'll never change

And about forgiveness, we're both supposed to have exchanged

I'm sorry honey, I passed out, now look this way

Well there's a million other girls who do it just like you

Looking as innocent as possible to get to who

They want and what they like, it's easy if you do it right

Well I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I've gotten what I wanted now

Whoa, it was never my intention to brag

To steal it all away from you now

But God does it feel so good

'Cause I got him where I want him now

And if you could then you know you would

'Cause God it just feels so

It just feels so good

I watched his wildest dreams come true

Not one of them involving you

Just watch my wildest dreams come true

Not one of them involving

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I got him where I want him now

Whoa, well I never meant to brag

But I've gotten what I wanted now

Whoa, it was never my intention to brag

To steal it all away from you now

But God does it feel so good

'Cause I got him where I want him now

And if you could then you know you would

'Cause God it just feels so

It just feels so good

Marie belts out the final note and the crowd goes even wilder and begins to chant out our name. I couldn't believe how amazing this felt. I had never felt anything close to this performing before and it was absolutely addicting. It was from that moment forward that I knew that this would be my true calling, what I was meant to do for the rest of my life. I knew that nothing would ever come close to the absolute thrill and rush of performing in front of a crowd, the vibe and energy were absolutely unreal. We all looked at each other and smiled as we began our next song, Crushcrushcrush........

End Of Flashback

I smirk as the memory fades and I place the guitar down on the couch next to me. That was without a doubt the greatest night of my life, next to the night Alannah was born of course. . I will never forget the rush adrenaline going through as we performed that night. It was the thing I had missed the most, that rush and feeling like your on the absolute top of the world and nothing could bring you down. There was absolutely nothing that came close to it. I grabbed the blanket from the back of the couch and laid down, finally feeling relaxed enough to sleep. I remember as I was finally slipping to the dark abyss of sleep having a feeling that tomorrow would absolutely change my life forever and I couldn't wait to go on this crazy new adventure and finally fulfill my dreams of becoming a rock star. I expected the journey to be crazy but nothing could prepare me for the absolute insane train-wreck of debauchery and decadence that motley crue would take me on. Especially a particular bassist, who would become not only become my best friend but would eventually worm his way into my heart and become the love of my life as well. And this here, is where our love story truly begins.

The next day couldn't go by fast enough for me. It felt as if time was purposely going by slowly just to screw with me that day. It also didn't help that it was a particularly slow day at the diner for once, which was really unusual for a Friday afternoon. I kept drumming my fingers against the counter top, staring at the clock as it tortuously moved ever so slowly. It had been over thirty minutes since my last customer had left and I was bored out of my mind. I mean, a girl can only clean the same tables so many times before she loses it, right? I jumped up when I heard the bell on the door go off as a customer walked in. It was an elderly gentlemen. I walked over to him, got him sat at his table, handed him a menu, got his drink order, an walked away to give him time to decided what he wanted. I brought over his coffee, put in his lunch order, which was a turkey sandwich and bowl of chili, and waited for our cook, Lauren, to complete his order. Once his meal was ready I brought it to him and offered to refill his coffee. He sat there and read the paper as he ate his lunch. Once he finished, he paid his bill and left me a generous ten dollar type, which totally made my day. Once I cleared off his table and brought his dishes to the back to be washed, I looked up at the clock and it was finally time for me to get off work and go pick up Alannah from school. I smiled to myself as I walked to the back, hung up my apron and walked out the back door to my car. I remember the car ride to pick up Alannah being a blur as all I could think about was how my excitement rose the closer I got to my meeting with the boys. I picked her up from school and rushed home so I could change and start getting ready.

I rushed up to the apartment door to unlock it, rushing inside and to my bedroom to change out of my work uniform. I chose a cheap trick crop top, black skinny jeans with rips in the knees and doc martens as my outfit. I fixed my makeup in my vanity mirror and put my hair in my signature ponytail. I smile at myself in the mirror, loving how my look turned out. I walk out to the living room and check on Alannah, seeing her working on her homework at the coffee table. I grab my keys off the side table by the couch and look at Alannah, letting her know it's time to go to the meeting. She jumps up from the floor and starts following me to the door. We get in the car and head to the studio. My heart started beating wildly in my chest from the excitement I felt. I couldn't stop smiling the entire car ride there. This was an absolutely amazing opportunity and I planned to take full advantage of it. I squealed to myself as we pulled into the parking lot, my excitement overwhelming me for a moment. I couldn't believe the moment was finally here. I grabbed Alannah's hand and walked into the lobby of the studio, going to the front desk to find out where we needed to go. I let the pretty brunette receptionist know my name and she immediately called upstairs to let my Uncle Mick know I was here so he could head down to the lobby to come get us. We waited a few minute until we head the ding of the elevator and looked over to see Uncle Mick making his way towards us. We both got up and ran to him so we could wrap him up in a hug. It had been a couple months since we had last seen him and we had missed him dearly. He chucked and looked down at us "God it's so good to see both of my girls, I have missed you guys so much!!!!" We finally let him and he put his arm around my shoulder as he lead me and Alannah up to the studio. We made idle chat and caught up with one another as we waited for the elevator to take us to the proper floor. The elevator finally stopped and we made our way out as the doors opened.

We followed Uncle Mick as he lead us through the hallways to motley's studio. We kept walking fora few more minutes until we finally got to a door that said: Motley Crue recording in Progress. Uncle Mick opened the door and we walked in the room, the other three band members stopping their conversation and turning around to face us. . I saw smiles appear on all of their faces as they looked me up and down, especially Nikki, bassist and primary songwriter for the band. Uncle Mick introduced me to each member, starting with Vince, who tried to wiggle his eyes suggestively as I shook his hand, than Tommy, who had the biggest smile on his face and exuded the most amazing energy. I instantly loved his vibe, it reminding me of Lyssa's insane energy. God, those two would be perfect for each other if they met. Last but certainly not least, we finally got to Nikki, who had the biggest smirk on his face as we walked his way. I finally took the time to get a good look at him and my god, I couldn't believe how absolutely gorgeous he was. His black hair was teased to absolute perfect, sticking up in every direction, black liner lined his gorgeous emerald green eyes, he wore a black leather jacket with leather pants and a black shirt that Fuck on the front of it. To say that I was awestruck would have been the understatement of the fucking century. I remember him taking my hand in his and bringing it to his plush pink lips so he could place a soft kiss to the back of it and winked at me as Uncle Mick introduce us, making a soft pink blush rush to my cheeks. Looking back at it now, I should've known than and there that he would be trouble but by god I just couldn't bring myself to care. All I knew is that the moment I looked into his eyes, I was absolutely done for and there was no going back. We all talked for awhile getting to know one another a little better, Alannah sitting in the corner coloring in the coloring book Mick had set up for her. After awhile, we all decided to start jamming and grabbed our instruments while Vince walked up to the mic. We had decided to play Red Hot a song of their new album. Uncle Mick took a minute to show me the riffs and we both began to jam together, Tommy joining in on the drums and Nikki following right behind on his bass. Vince began belting the lyrics into the microphone:

Fight for the black shark

See what evil brings

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Love from a shotgun

License to kill

Can't you see we're out for blood?

The kids scream in fright through the night

Loving every bite with delight

And we blow out our minds with your truth

And together we stand for the youth

Red Hot, red hot

To the top, we are

Red hot, shout at the devil

We've laughed at your wars

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Run with the pack, now

Always ask for more

Can't you see we're out for blood?

The kids scream in fright through the night

Loving every bite with delight

And we blow out our minds with your truth

And together we stand for the youth

Red Hot, red hot

To the top, we are

Red hot, shout at the devil

We've laughed at your wars

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Run with the pack, now

Always ask for more

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Red Hot, red hot

To the top, we are

Red hot, shout at the devil

We've laughed at your wars

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Run with the pack, now

Always ask for more

Can't you see we're out for blood?

Uncle Mick wailed out the final guitar riff as Vince belted out the final note. We all looked to each other and smirked. Our frist jam session together had been absolutely insane and we could all fee the chemistry between us. I had never felt anything like it, even when I was with the She-Wolves did I feel this type of magic. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. It was the moment I knew that I had finally found my band after having searched for so long and it was absolutely amazing. I remember looking around at all the guys and locking eyes with Nikki once again and smiling at him. He plastered his signature smirk on his face, put down his bass and began walking over to me. Once he reached me he wrapped his arms around me in a hug and looked down at me and said, "I know I speak for myself and everyone here when I say welcome to the band Ronnie Halliwel." My face broke out in a huge smile and I wrapped my arms around him and just kept shouting "Thank you. Thank you guys so much! I'm so excited to work with you guys!!!" I grabbed Alannah and swung her around in my arms, I hadn't bee this happy in so long. I couldn't believe my luck. I looked around the room one more time and locked eyes with Nikki once again. I smiled to myself and looked away. I couldn't wait to begin this crazy adventure and also to get to know Nikki better as well. Something told me he would be a huge part of my journey. Little did I know how right that would turn out to be.

[lethargiclimerence]

Guess who's finally gonna play Life is Strange for the first time!!