#chapter 3: winter's gem

[lostwysteria]

Part 3 of the E-Soul arc. A bit late today, sorry. It's a little short, more of a set up chapter than anything.

Masterlist

“So how are your boyfriends?” Moon asked over the video call as Ling chopped some veggies for the chicken stirfry he was making for dinner.

“I think they're fine? Miss. J said there was something going on and I needed to stay away for a week. Wreck is handling it. Nothing feels off. So it should be fine?”

Moon choked and dropped her phone.

…

“I can't believe it! Our Ling Ling has come back to us!” Xia Qing gushed over her own video call with two of her four boys. Pomelo and Lin Ling were the other two. 

“Yup! And we get to keep him. Though, we have to share him with that shady Nice and bad boy Wreck. Get this, they’re dating Ling!”

“No!” Qing gasped in pure outrage. “Not our sweet Ling Ling. He’s too pure for that!” 

“He still is. He’s even more powerful. He is reaching peak momness.” Yang Cheng complained. “I almost called him that earlier when he scolded me about muddy shoes on the freshly mopped floor.”

“Oh my god. That's amazing.” She laughed.

“This is amazing. He's staying with us for the week. Home cooked meals made with love are the best.” Shang Chao sighed in bliss. “He's making chicken stir fry for dinner tonight.”

“I am so jealous.” Qing pouted at them.

“Why are you jealous? Don't you have a hot date later?” Cheng asked as he curled around Chao.

“I do. You’ll never guess who it is!”

“Who?” The two asked their platonic soulmate.

“Moon! I got a date with Moon!”

The two choked and Shang Chao dropped the phone.

…

X yawned as another stream ended. That day had been a good one. He’d been seen taking care of some thugs and he got to talk with his favorite anomaly. Homemaker, Lin Ling, was truly interesting. 

The reality warper hadn't been this entertained in such a long time. Already so much has changed from his previous predictions. X had no idea where things were going now. He was all for this new, unknown reality.

Maybe X needed to make his own entrance as his hero self?

…

Homemaker felt uneasy in the old boba shop. Yang Cheng was doing a thing for the kids at his old workplace. 

Uncle Rock was still behind the counter, running things as business boomed that day. 

Everything was normal, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

“You okay?” Shang Chao asked as he brought over some drinks. 

“Yeah.” He waved his concern away. “You seem to know the owner well.” Homemaker observed.

“Yeah.” Shang Chao waved off, focusing on his boyfriend. 

The performance was amazing as always and Homemaker couldn't focus one bit. The uneasy feeling never went away at all.

…

Homemaker could feel the sweat roll down the back of his neck. For some reason all of the top ten (besides Nice) were getting home at the same time. His hook sped up as he waited alone in the lobby for his two charges. They had to take a call from Shang Chao’s dad. He finished the hat he was working on and immediately switched yarns to make a new one. 

He was making winter wear for all of his charges. Nice’s was white and gold to go with his colors. Wreck’s was going to be black and red to match the suit and the gem he wore. Little yellow arrows would be on the bottom. He planned on doing silver and magenta for Moon, electric blue for Yang Cheng, simple green for Xia Qing, and simple yellow for Shang Chao.

He could feel the eyes on him. All curious. He knew what he looked like. Too soft to be a hero. All soft features and fabrics. Domesticity incarnate. 

Mei-jie left her post to come over to where he was sitting. She had a bag in her hand.

“My daughter heard that you crochet. She’s a huge fan of yours, so she wanted you to have this. She has nerve issues in her hands and can't craft anymore and thought you would put it to good use.” She handed him the bag. Inside were several skeins of alpaca wool yarn ranging in colors from white to dark brown.

He was stunned and moved nearly to tears. “I know just what I want to make with this. Tell her I said thank you.”

“I will. She’ll be thrilled.”

E-Soul (he had to remember to call him by his hero name while working) walked in with Shang Chao. Homemaker stood up and joined them in going to the elevators. 

“Sorry to make you wait. Come on. Let's get home already.” Chao said tiredly.

They did just that, not knowing how much curiosity in seven (8) other powerful heroes had been piqued.

“That was Homemaker. Look him up.” Mei told them, nonplussed at the almost pleading looks they gave her. She had been there for too long as a receptionist, really.

No one saw X’s smirk.

[iceprincehoonpark]

₊˚-ˏˋ 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒏 ˊˎ-༘ ₊ Happy birthday to our ice prince, visual center and multitalented, hoonie 💙. We’re very proud of you, achieving your dream, sacrificing your 10 years career of being a figure skater. We hope that your smile never fades and lost because it is the source of our strength to support you forever. Neol Saranghae, Sunghoonie ❤️ happiest birthday, my precious sunghoon 🫶🏻 hope you have the most amazing birthday today 🥹 i love you with my whole heart and i wish for nothing but happiness and good health for you 🫶🏻 love you so much, my ice prince ❄️To our brightest December star and Ultimate Serotonin Booster, as we celebrate an important day for the universe giving us our Park Sunghoon 🩵

Just like a flower blooming in the heart of winter, you bring warmth, brightness, and joy to everyone around you. Your grace, talent, and unwavering passion inspire us every single day, and we’re so proud to be in this journey with you alongside.

As the stars align for your special day, we hope you feel all the love and admiration sent your way from every part of this universe. May this year bring you endless happiness, good health, and countless moments of success, joy and happiness. You truly deserve the world, our warmest greeting for our Ice Prince Happy Birthday Park Sunghoon 🤗🎂🎉Happy Birthday, Sunghoon! 🎂💙

To our incredible figure skater-turned-idol and the epitome of grace and charm, today we celebrate your day! Thank you for always inspiring us with your hard work, endless talent, and kind heart.

From your stunning performances on stage to your hilarious and sweet moments off stage, you always make us smile and feel loved. You’ve given us so many reasons to be proud of you, and we’ll continue to cheer for you every step of the way.

Let’s keep shining together, side by side, as we chase our dreams! Enjoy your day to the fullest—you deserve nothing less.✨happiest birthday, my precious sunghoon; my love, my best boy, my favorite person. may your special day be filled with lots of happiness and love. i love you so much... ♡💌Happiest birthday to the most understanding and passionate person that I know, Park Sunghoon!

I will not get tired of telling you how much I'm proud of you. You really captured everyone's heart by your behaviour and character. You proved everyone that with your passion and dedication, you can surpassed and reach your dreams.

As you've always said, you always wanted to create music that connects each and everyone, so for this next chapter of your life, I hope that you will connect not just us, ENGENEs, but also all the people's hearts with your music. We wish you all the best because you deserves everything.

We love you hoonie. Thank you for being Sunghoon that melts our hearts. Let's always be together with ENHYPEN and ENGENEs forever. Many people may misunderstand you, but we all know how kind and pure-hearted you are. You bring so much happiness into our lives, lighting up our world. I hope you always remember how loved you are and how immensely proud we are of you. Happiest birthday, our Sunghoon 🤍i hope you know how many people do and always will look up to you. you’re a special gem & i’m so glad i have the opportunity to watch you grow and be the most amazing version of yourself <3 i love you more than words could ever explain🤍⭐️

HAPPY SUNGHOON DAY 🥳

#열아홉_성훈_첫날의태양

#HAPPY_SUNGHOON_DAY

Enhypen

SUNGHOON BLOOMS IN WINTER

#1208StarsAlignedForHOON

#성훈이_생일1208번_꽉꼭안아

#엔하이픈_성훈 #성훈 #ENHYPEN_SUNGHOON

@ENHYPEN_members

#21stWinterWithSUNGHOON

[delicatebarness]

i cant read your mind | chapter eight

Summary: Flashback to Wakanda.

Warnings: MCU Spoilers. Major The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Spoilers. Smut. Fluffy Smut. A hint of Angst at the end. Sergeant kink.

Word Count: 927

Series Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

A/N: Onto episode 4 now, most likely gonna be 3 parts for this one. I've had the idea of this chapter in my head forever and was so excited to finally write it. But, I am also excited to go back to annoyed Bucky next chapter when John's back in the picture.

Tags: @blackhawkfanatic | @cjand10 | @wintrsoldrluvr | @missvelvetsstuff | @buckys-metal-arm | @matchat3a | @shadowzena43 | @torntaltos | @honeydew3064 | @scott-loki-barnes

Wakanda. Six Years Ago.

The Wakandan sun had set hours ago, around the same time Bucky left to meet with Ayo for another session. You stood by the window of his hut, staring out into the evening waiting for his return. Ayo had contacted you when they had finished for the night, explaining to you that he was free. Finally free from the brainwashing that had haunted him for so long. You immediately left the room that the Wakandans had prepared for you and made your way to Bucky’s hut. 

As Bucky approached the hut, he saw you waiting for him. He entered without a word, closing the space between you in a few quick strides. He cupped your face, kissing you deeply, passionately. It was filled with a mix of relief, gratitude, a raw desire. 

You responded immediately, your arms wrapping around his neck, trying to pull him closer. Your bodies pressed together as Bucky's hand dropped from your face, roaming your back. 

Bucky broke the kiss for less than a second, his lips finding your body again as he trailed down your neck. His breath was hot against your skin, as your fingers tangled in his hair. A soft moan escaped your lips as he placed a soft kiss against a sensitive spot below your ear. His hand found its way to the gem of your shift, lifting it effortlessly over your head and tossing it aside before finding your lips with his again. 

Undressing each other in haste, your clothes were discarded carelessly onto the hut floor. His eyes filled with hunger as his gaze met yours for a moment, taking in the image of you standing bare before him. 

His voice was husky as he murmured, “You’re amazing, Baby Girl,” 

You smiled, sliding your hand up and down his chest, tracing the lines of his muscles and the scars on his shoulder. “And, you’re finally free, Sergeant,” you replied, your voice breathless with anticipation. 

Without another word, he lifted you and carried you to the makeshift bed. Laying you down, his eyes danced over your body, taking in every inch of you. His lips captured yours in a hungry kiss and he positioned himself above you. You arched into his touch as his hand explored your body, your nails digging into him. 

Your kisses grew more desperate as his fingers found their way to your inner thigh, teasing his way up to your entrance with gentle strokes. The stokes continued as he reached it. You moaned into his mouth, hips moving in rhythm with his touch. 

Unable to wait any longer, he positioned himself where his fingers previously were, his gaze stayed locked with yours. And, with a single thrust, he buried himself deep inside you. You gasped at the sensation. 

Once he began to move, his hips rocked against yours in a slow steady rhythm. Your back arched off the bed as the pleasure consumed you. His name fell from your lips, driving him to push harder. 

Each movement was deliberate, every touch ignited the desire and longing for one another that neither of your minds let you admit. His thrusts were measured, driving deeper into your core. A chorus of moans and sighs from both your lips filled the hut. 

The sensation of him filling you caused you to wrap your legs around his waist as a wave of pleasure coursed through you. 

The tension within you grew, the pleasure building, it was almost unbearable. You were teetering on the edge, Bucky’s movement grew more urgent as your mumbled begs strained from your voice. “Please, Sergeant, please.” 

“Please what, baby?” his voice whispered against your ear, his lips finding your neck again. 

“Please can I finish, Sergeant?” you pleaded, your voice thick with need and desperation. 

You felt his lips curl into a smirk against your skin, and he continued with his steady, hard thrusts. Each one pushed you closer and closer. He knew exactly what you needed, he could feel the tension within you reaching its breaking point. 

“Let go for me,” he murmured as his grip on your hips tightened. “Let me feel you come apart, baby.” 

His permission pushed you over the edge, and with a ragged cry, you shattered beneath him. Wave after wave of pleasure rushed through you as he continued his rhythm. 

He buried his face in the crook of your neck, his teeth bored into your skin as his high followed closely behind yours. His body began to tremble with the aftershock of his climax. 

~

Bucky collapsed beside you, and then for a long while, neither of you spoke. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and sex and the only sound was your ragged breaths. 

A realization washed over you like a wave crashing. For the first time, he had been gentle and tender. It was filled with emotion and connection. Something that was a stark contrast to the aggressive, rough encounters that would normally leave your body looking like you just came back from an intense mission. 

The weight became too much to bear, you began to gather your clothes from the floor. The simple act of dressing provided you with a sense of normalcy. 

You felt his intense gaze watching you silently.

“I… I think I should go,” you murmured, unable to turn to face him. 

Without a word from him, you slipped out of the hut, leaving behind the warmth and intimacy. Instead, enveloping yourself with cool night air as tears stung at the corners of your eyes. 

---

Series Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[tragedybunny]

Bunny's Bi-Weekly Fic Recs 04/13/2025 -

Rare characters and pairs

Hello hello - here are the recs for this for this topic!

We have a few recs from @vixstarria

Non-companion characters:

DOLL PARTS by @des-no9

Author's description: A 30k fic spanning 8 chapters set in my cyberpunk universe that follows a snapshot of the tumultuous winter, lives and relationships of Vanquish, Voss and Orpheus in a world the githyanki were forced to make home, wiith no way back to the Astral Sea.

One of the most unique fics I've read. Dystopian and reminiscent of Blade Runner. Tav x Kith'rak Voss (mostly). Also comes with a bunch of really cool art!

Rare pairs:

I slit the throat of your confidence by @kittenintheden

Astarion x Lae'zel - what happens at the Act 1 party if Astarion and Lae'zel hook up.

Also on the topic of rare pairs, I should point you in the direction of this collection of rare pairing and crackships by @tavyliasin

It features gems such as The Emperor x Volo (Volo x just about anyone, in fact, he really gets around), Halsin x Yurgir, Wulbren Bongle x Barcus Wroot, Wulbren Bongle x Gortash, Orin x Dribbles the Clown, and many more - 64 works in all!

And from @ghostcouncil

I'm sliding over my longfic that I'm most proud of :3

It's my Tav x Emperor 92K slowburn featuring bickering and a Unstoppable CHA vs Immovable INT situationship

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53626396/chapters/135749476

Thanks again for the recs!

[taruchisguide]

Outing Event: With love to you All Lesson and Event Missions

[OUTING EVENT: WITH LOVE TO YOU ALL]

A simple guide for the lesson and event missions with color coded words and names so you can glance at it quickly. Don't be afraid to tell me if something is incorrect!

Twitter Version Here Bluesky Version Here

↓↓↓ Text versions below!  ↓↓↓

Outing Event: With love to you All Lesson Missions

Destination A Summer Troupe: 2 Winter and 1 Autumn, Complete 5 Lessons Spring Troupe: 2 Autumn and 1 Summer, Complete 5 Lessons

Destination B Autumn Troupe: 2 Spring and 1 Winter, Complete 5 Lessons Winter Troupe: 2 Summer and 1 Spring, Complete 5 Lessons

△△△△△△△△

Outing Event: With love to you All Event Missions

Complete 5 Lessons: 1 Limited Onigiri Complete 15 Lessons: 30,000 Coins Complete 30 Lessons: 1 Limited Onigiri Complete 50 Lessons: 5 Lead Actor Trophies Complete 75 Lessons: 1 Limited Bento Complete 120 Lessons: 3 Gems

Complete 10 ACTs: 3 Limited Kame Buns Complete 30 ACTs: 3,000 Friend Points Complete 55 ACTs: 3 Limited Kame Buns Complete 85 ACTs: 5 Lead Actor Trophies Complete 120 ACTs: 1 Limited Kame Box Complete 180 ACTs: 3 Gems

Read All Event Story Chapters: 2 Limited Kame Boxes Complete 33 Expert ACTs: 5 Gems*

* The 33 Expert ACTs reward is only available after March 10th 0:00 JST.

△△△△△△△△

Outing/Odakeke Event Stamp Guide

You can only collect 3 stamps per outing (AKA odakeke) event. However, stamps are cumulative throughout all outing events. This means if you earn 3 stamps this event, they will be available in the next outing event.

Upon earning 6 stamps, you are rewarded an Ultimate Curry, and your stamp count resets back to 0.

Stamp 1: Unlock the full event story. (Reading not required.)

Stamp 2: Obtain the reward SSR at 1,150,000 points.

Stamp 3: Complete an ACT with all 3 event gacha cards. (Guest support cards DO NOT count. You must own all the cards yourself.)

[jillsandwhichs]

Our Future Days

Joel Miller x Reader series, Chapter 3, A first for many

Masterlist

Pairing: Joel Miller x F!reader

Summary: You come home from your first day as an official doctor. within the evening, you order yourself some food and whilst eating, you hear a knock at your door. it's him, it's Joel. you two talk and well, he asks you to dinner

WC: 3.8k

Type: Sfw

A/n: Hi! Hope you all enjoy. Please check out my masterlist, there's a lot of stuff there. You can get to know me, you can see the rules of my blog and then you can see all of my fanfictions. You'll be able to find the previous chapters to this fic and upcoming ones. You'll also be able to find my Wattpad & AO3. Comments, reblogs & likes are appreciated. Thank you

You opened up the front door to your home, letting out a big sigh as you walked into your house. It's around 5:30ish, you just got home from your first day at work. The most you can say was, well, it was eventful. Not fully what you were expecting either. You thought there'd be training of sorts, or it'd be a chill day considering it was your very first but no, you instantly got thrown around to different sections of the hospital to do all sorts of labor. It wasn't the worst though, just very stressful.

Looking over at your couch, you chuckled quietly to yourself, spotting Becker as he was fast asleep on it. He must've wore himself out today, running around the house and what not. He's too energetic for his own good sometimes. "Such a dork." You whispered to yourself, placing your car keys onto the kitchen's island counter. You were also very hungry, you didn't even get a lunch break at work, you definitely needed to make some dinner, you just had no clue what you'd make yet.

Yesterday, on Sunday, you went grocery shopping. You spent a whopping 300$, you got a whole lotta food, but Becker also came into the picture. You bought him his very own dog bed, a leash, some treats and some food for him, he was all set! He already loves the new toy you bought for him too, it's a chew toy shaped as a cucumber, he finds joy in the oddest of things. You slid off your jacket, setting it on the back of one of your kitchen chairs.

Your hair was also probably a mess too, all that running around in this September humidity was no joke, it was hot out today. Winter time can't come any sooner. You had it all pulled back into a loose ponytail, you had to, work procedure. You tried to remain quiet, not wanting to awaken Becker, you just weren't in the mood to take him outside so he can go potty, you'd prefer to make yourself something to eat first.

Opening up your fridge and your freezer, you took a gander at both, scanning all the products you had on the inside. You did have some frozen carbonara that looked good, came with the noodles, chicken and the peas, it was gonna be yummy but you weren't necessarily craving that. There was also a lot of fruit but you weren't craving a fruit salad either. Ever since you were a young child, you were picky. Not only with food either, with practically everything.

You turned your head around, looking at the house phone connected to the wall. You also currently have your card on you. It wouldn't hurt to possibly order some food, would it? You strolled over and picked up your phone, going on Safari and typing in "Local restaurant's near me?", Wanting to see what would pop up and unsurprisingly, a lot did. Dallas is a big place, so many restaurants, delis, cafés, etc.. Although, you were specifically craving one time of food - Chinese food.

The idea of that tangy orange chicken was ideal. Some sesame seeds on top of it, broccoli on the side, gosh it sounded perfect. You were also craving the noodles they serve, lo mein. Seeping soy sauce all over them was also always a gem. Not just those items either, egg rolls sound amazing too. You hope their sweet n sour is good, because that's a win or lose situation. Bad sweet n sour? Bad egg rolls. You needed to find a spot in town ASAP and search for their menu.

Scrolling through your phone, you saw a 4.7 starred restaurant on the Safari page. It seemed good enough. All of the reviews were positive and any that weren't only really complained about customer service but to you, that won't really be an issue. You hopped up off of the barstool and walked over to your house phone ; You would totally use your personal device but it's currently out of minutes.

You dialed the numbers, clicking each button firmly to not mess it up. You turned your phone off and held the main one up to your ear, hearing that classic, deep ringing noise until shortly after, you heard a man's voice on the other line. He stated the name of the restaurant then asked you what you'd like to order. "Hi, thank you! I would just like to order a ten piece count of orange chicken, two pints of lo mein and a six piece count of egg rolls with two sweet n sour containers, and that'll be all." You established with the worker.

After exchanging your personal info to have a delivery worker come by, you stuck the phone back up on the wall and let out a soft sigh. You hadn't even noticed but Becker had woken up, his tounge was out as he stared at you. "Hey baby." You whispered to him, kneeling down and giggling as he began to lick all over your face. "Oh Mama missed you too!" You shrieked, your fingers running through his fur. He'll always be your fur baby. Although, you assumed he was hungry and that's why he wanted your attention.

Standing back up, you glanced over at his sliver dog bowl, seeing only a little bit left. Yep, you were right. "You're just a hungry boy." You said playfully to Becker, opening one of the cabinets connected to the island counter. You pulled out his food, opening it and pouring a decent amount in his bowl and immediately, he went absolutely ham. Food is the key to a dog's heart, isn't it? He'd most likely have to go outside soon but you were dreading that. After the long day you've had, chilling out is all you wanna do.

Yesterday, you took the time to set up your living room, now it has an entire couch and TV in it, you even got Netflix to treat yourself! Last night, you started rewatching Friend's, it was always a goodie, an oldie, but a goodie. "Eat your food up boy, mama will take you out later." You stated to Becker, but he was too indulged in his meal. "Of course." You scoffed, a slight smile playing on your cute face.

You looked back up and through your kitchen window, Joel's home straight in front of it. You hadn't even acknowledged him today, that's a record. His car was in the driveway, he may have just recently gotten home because no way did that workaholic stay home. Only way he'd do that is if his little girl is sick or something. Other than that, you highly doubt it. Joel was so helpful on Saturday, you seriously put him to work and not a single complaint was heard. He was such a man.

At work, for some reason, you hoped he'd pop in. He did tell you he gets checkups there, along with his daughter, so you prayed but obviously that wasn't going to happen. As you keep thinking to yourself, you truly don't know what it is about that man that causes you to crave him. Would crave even be the right word...? You just want him, you want to be around him. He's such a genuine person and anytime he's in your presence, it feels different ; You feel awfully different. He just seems like a great man to have around and you'd love to keep it that way.

You wonder if he ever thinks about you throughout the day. You catch yourself doing it often, like right now for example. He simply draws you in like a lure then doesn't let you go, he just gets you closer and closer with no stopping. You doubt he's attempting to do that, he doesn't even know how he makes you feel. Even you don't know! He literally has your mind all over the place, bouncing off of the walls in your head like your brain drank 15 energy drinks. Or a gazillion beers which at this rate, you probably need.

You shook the thoughts of Joel from your head, heaving deeply and taking one last good look at his house, thinking about what he could be doing inside. You turnt your head, checking on Becker whom was still eating, he must've been starving, you'd leave him alone. You picked up your phone and slipped it into your pocket as you sat down on the couch, your legs stretching felt amazing, you needed this. You decided to watch your show to pass the time until your Chinese food arrives.

The remote was tucked into the couch cushion, Becker's chunky self must've caused that. You used it to switch the TV on, the Vizio logo appearing smack dab on screen. You wanted to buy a Roku but for you, that was out of your price range. This was a used Vizio but it worked greatly, you were happy you found it at a good price. On the TV, you only had Netflix and YouTube but you weren't much of a television watcher anyways, only really when you eat or if you want noise on in the background, even then, half of the time you play music instead.

On Netflix, you went to your 'continue watching' section and turned on Friend's, you'd probably only be able to finish an episode or two before your food comes. Man, you were very excited, food was what you needed right now. As you focused on the show, you patted the couch a couple times, wanting Becker to come cuddle up with you, which he did. The dog hopped up onto the couch, setting himself in a comfy position, his tail wagging on your lap as he layed there. "Good boy." You cooed to the doggo, now just relaxing and watching your show til your meal arrives...

-

Midway through the second episode you were on, you heard a knock at your front door, specifically five knocks. You felt giddy, gosh you couldn't wait to get your hands on the food. Hopefully it looked even better than it did in the images, because it looked yummy. You snatched your wallet off of the table, then stepping right on over to the door, opening it up. A man was standing there, two seperate bags in his hands that smelt so fucking amazing.

"Hello, you ordered this?" "Yes, you have the right house." You tittered, taking both bags and setting them on the floor beside you. "How much do I owe you?" "21$ to be exact." The man answered you. Nodding, you opened your wallet and pulled out a twenty with a one dollar bill, passing it to the man. "Thanks." "No, thank you, have a good evening and drive safe." You spoke kindly before deliberately shutting the door. You looked down, a teeny squeal releasing from you as you grabbed both bags.

You set them down on the island counter, undoing the knot the worker had put on the thin, plastic straps. All of the food was in reusable containers, which was beneficial to you. Growing up, your family would reuse butter containers, cups from Happy Meals at McDonald's and even deli meat containers. Hey, it's one way to not let it go to waste!

You grabbed out your orange chicken, then your lo mein and lastly, your egg rolls. Even Becker was curious but he need not worry, you'll share with him... Sort of... You ambled towards your strainer, pulling out a white, glass plate and setting it down. Attached to the orange chicken box was some chop sticks, it was super convenient. Who eats Chinese food with regular silverware? Definitely not you. You've adapted to chop sticks, main reason being you also often eating Sushi.

You set up your plate, it was a feast and you were ready to devour it. You sat down on the barstool, unpacking the chop sticks and briskly picking a piece of orange chicken up, moaning as you took a bite. It was very tasty, but definitely not better than back home but then again, you're just biased. But this was honestly great, it tastes so tangy yet salty but also sweet all at once. It really hit all the boxes on what a perfect piece of orange chicken should taste like.

You ate another piece, absolutely hounding it down. Going an entire day without eating, especially in a hospital, was hell. You ate literally nothing today, there's no doubt in your mind you'll eat this entire plate in one sitting. Your dog was lucky, he gets an entire bowl of his food numerous times a day, he'll never go hungry. He's more taken care of than you are but that's only thanks to you being such a great dog mama.

Eyeing down the lo mein, you used the chop sticks to twirl a few noodles onto them, the dark sauce dripped from them as you brought the delicious food up to your mouth, engulfing it. Even the noodles were fantastic, you forgot to ask for soy sauce but some of that on these would be heavenly. "Thank you Lord." You joked, garfing down more of the lo mein, it was definitely the highlight of this dinner.

Although, you were most excited for the egg rolls, now those looked crispy and chunky, the fatter, the better. You got the chicken kind, it's always been superior. You took the lid off of the medium sized sweet n sour container. The liquid looked thick, it looked just as the sauce always should. You dipped the egg roll deep into it, until it couldn't go down anymore, then you pulled it out and took a hefty bite. Chewing it, the flavor bursted in your mouth. It just keeps getting better & better.

As you were eating, you heard a knock at your door again. Was it the delivery man? What could he possibly need, you were trying to eat. You quickly shoved another piece of chicken into your mouth, chomping it up and swallowing it with haste as you opened your front door. It wasn't the delivery man. In fact, it was someone much different. It was Joel. He was wearing a tight black shirt with jeans and he was holding a small see through container full of no bake cookies.

"Joel? Hey." You said casually, trying to seem as normal as possible. "Hey darlin', ion mean to intrude or anything but my daughter, Sarah, had a bake sale at school today and she brought home all these cookies. I'm afraid I don't personally like em but I wanted to see if you did? Don't wanna let her cookies go to waste." Joel explained, his accent making you melt. The gesture was so kind, so sweet. Your heart was skipping beats as you looked down at his veiny hands, the way they held that box was attractive. Full on grip and everything.

"Oh, of course, any kind of cookies are great, here, bring them in." You stood to the side, allowing Joel to come inside. You gave you a small smirk before stepping in. He whistled briefly, analyzing your house. "Been only a damn day and you already got your house finished, atta girl." Joel praised you, setting the cookies down on the counter. He took notice of your food, even he could agree it smelt lovely. "My bad, I really didn't mean to intrude while you was eatin' your dinner." "Joel, truly, no problem at all, it's actually nice to see you after such a day." You slipped out, your tone a little too soft.

Joel chuckled, crossing his arms, causing his muscles to flex, "Why? What's been so bad about your day?" "First day of work, no training, it was just straight to the gist of it." You sighed deeply, sitting back down on the barstool. Joel continued to stand. "Ah, I imagine being a doctor ain't easy, you got lives to save n all." He replied, he made it clear he didn't see an issue with getting straight to work but for you, it was, you were extremely nervous, it was your first ever day.

"Well, yeah but thing is, I was just thrown in there, no clue of where I was or where to go and I had like at least thirty patients today... One of them had a broken ankle, it was so swollen, I felt horrible and I felt like I didn't do the best I could've done if I was more prepared." You went on, venting helped. Joel listened carefully, understanding where you were coming from. "Guess I can understand that but you're a special one, you are a damn doctor, don't freak yourself out." He said calmly. "You went to medical school, you're a smart girl, you don't need no damn training." He snickered, shaking his head slightly.

You sat there and heard out what he was saying. His voice was so deep yet you could tell his words were meaningful. You felt your cheeks go pink, the heat of them radiating throughout your body. You don't think he realizes the things he's even saying. "You're sweet." You giggled, looking down, it was hard to proceed with eye contact. "No, I ain't sweet, I'm just truthful." Joel grumbled, clearly he doesn't take all that well to being complimented.

"How about you though? How was work as a contractor?" You questioned, your voice getting all 'valley girl' when saying contractor. Joel laughed lightly, liking your comedic side. "Very uneventful aside from the fact my damn brother fell from a ladder, nearly broke his ass." Joel shrugged. You cackled, finding his way of saying thing's amusing. "Nearly broke his ass? Hmm, maybe I'll see him in the ER soon." You teased. "I wouldn't be surprised." Joel agreed.

"Are you reckless?" "No, I'm smart, I get called reckless, yet I rarely get hurt." "Well, get hurt on purpose so you can come see me at work." You joked. "Maybe I oughta, it'd be like seeing sunshine during a rainstorm." He chortled. Him saying that literally made your stomach do flips. Does he realize what that even means? Maybe he has a different perception of it. To you, it means his job sucks and seeing you would make it all the more better. Are you some sort of light in his darkness?

You giggled, attempting to play off what he had said as if you didn't understand it or something. You stood up from the other side of the counter, wanting to walk back over to where he was but as you did, you felt something beneath your feet and right as you realized, you were slipping. You closed your eyes and went to hold onto the counter but was ultimately unsuccessful. You were fully ready to now "break your ass" but you never even fell.

You opened your eyes, Joel's arm wrapped around your back, his other arm wrapped around your front. Your hands rested on each of his forearms, he was so strong, it was so appealing & alluring, his body type. You couldn't help but stare into his siren brown eyes, they pierced through yours like a blade, so dark yet there was something behind them you couldn't quite make out. You felt his fingers dig into your hip, it felt good, it made your stomach drop though, in the best way it could.

Beginning to giggle, you stood back up on your feet now, slightly embarrassed by what just happened. "My bad, I'm so clumsy." You vocalized, your hands still on his arms. Joel was silent for a few more seconds but let out a faint chuckle, "Gotta be more careful." His fingers lingered on your waist as he said that, but they eventually left as you also let go of him. "Sorry..." You soughed, fixing your hair that had flew as you almost fell.

You didn't realize at first until moments later but Joel was staring at you, his eyes fixated on you and didn't leave til you made eye contact. "Is everything alright?" You questioned the man. Joel breathed out heavily before speaking, "Listen, I know we just met on Friday, hell, it's only been three and a half day's but I'd really enjoy getting to know you better, so I'm just wondering and don't feel pressured, but I'm just wondering if you'd like to have dinner at my place Wednesday evening, I would totally do it for tomorrow but I'll be workin late." He let it all out, all at once.

Utterly shocked, you stood there, overall trying to process his words. Joel... Wanted dinner... With you? Was this real? Are you dreaming? Has God truly gifted you this? You couldn't believe your hears. He wanted to have dinner with you, homemade dinner at that, you were intrigued. "Dinner? At your place?" You wondered, gazing at him, your eyes going back and forth from his eyes to his lips. "Yeah, yeah, I plan on making a mighty fine dinner on Wednesday and it would be a pleasure if you joined."

What did he think you were going to say? No?

"I would be honored." You blushed, giving him a quick soft smile. Joel nodded, he seem relieved. "Well, that's an answer for the books." He chuckled, sighing deeply. "Yeah, just swing by Wednesday evening, round 7:30 PM, I'd say." Joel kindly said, his arms crossed again. "Sounds like a plan, should I bring any food or...?" "Nah Darlin', it'll be me cooking. Sarah would also like to meet ya so it'll be a nice dinner, don't sweat it." "Your daughter wants to meet me?" "Yeah, my loud mouthed brother decided to bring you up and now Sarah is all curious, she's an inquisitive one." Joel laughed.

"Well, tell Sarah I would love to meet her too, and that I'll see her Wednesday." You glimmered at him, tilting your head slightly. Joel nodded, unfolding his arm's. "Great, good, it'll be nice." Joel added on, slowing stepping backwards, "I'll let you finish your dinner and get settled for the night but uh, I'll see you soon, yeah?" "Yes." You smiled, also stepping back towards your food. Joel smirked, giving you a quick wink before exiting through the front door, leaving those cookies for you.

You were insanely nervous. Was this... Like a date? You couldn't tell. Probably not since his daughter will be there but the way he worded it, it seemed like it was going to be a date. Either way, your heart was beating like drum in your chest. This was a big step for you, you'd actually see his home now, meet his daughter, it was going to be pleasant. You imagine she's a sweetheart with how Joel talks about her. You hope she'll like you.

Sitting back down, you picked your chopsticks back up with a hum, ready to finish your dinner.

But boy, were you excited for your upcoming dinner with Joel.

[gwen-ever]

Chapter 2: The Traitor

Hey there, fabulous readers! 🖤 This is not your usual Chapter 1—it’s the remastered, deluxe edition! 🎉 I’ve sprinkled in extra details, hidden gems, and juicy insights that I think you’ll absolutely love. Think of it as the director’s cut of this fic! While you’re diving into this revamped chapter, know that I’m also hard at work crafting brand-new, never-before-seen chapters (exciting, right?!). These will hit your screens on either Saturdays or Sundays—so mark your calendars and keep an eye out! ⏳ A little extra fun: I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think is going to happen between Thorin and Geira? 🤔 Do you have any spicy theories or suspicions about where the story is headed? Drop your predictions—I’m dying to know! 🔮 Thank you so much for your incredible support—it means the world to me. If you enjoyed this chapter, consider leaving a review or reblogging it on Tumblr. Seriously, every little bit helps this story grow! 💖 Now, let’s jump back into the action and explore all the new twists and turns. Enjoy! Huge thank you to @lathalea to being my beta reader and tell me when I am messing up! <3 Mashkil: Dirt 'Angûna: Filth

Summary: When Smaug arrived, he not only killed the dwarves of Erebor, but he also destroyed the lives of the few who survived… whether he did it on purpose or not.After a hundred years, a part of Thorin’s past will come back to haunt him in the form of a dwarf who last knocks on the door of Bilbo Baggins’ house, resurrecting old grudges and the pain of a life no one wants to talk about. Geira, daughter of Geiri, is anything but an open book, an exiled who no one wants around, a warrior who has no one to fight for, but only an oath she must fulfil.

Relationships: Thorin x FemaleOC Rating: M Warnings: none. AO3 LINK: HERE

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“What is she doing here?” roared Thorin Oakenshield, pointing an accusatory finger at the newcomer, who had just set her wooden bow down in a corner and removed her heavy black travelling cloak.

She felt the king's gaze burn into her like fire but avoided looking at him, even as he stepped closer, like an animal poised to attack. Instead, she raised her eyes towards the tall figure of the wizard, who smiled at her faintly from the corner of his mouth.

“My dear Geira, allow me to introduce our host, Bilbo Baggins,” Gandalf announced in a composed tone, ignoring, like her, the dwarven king’s question.

With small steps, Gandalf moved to one side, gesturing towards the small hobbit standing in the centre of the hallway.

“Good evening.” The hobbit tilted his head slightly to get a better look at her.

She guessed that he probably didn’t like being surrounded by so many intruders. Now that another one had arrived, he was likely in complete panic. She understood, as she could imagine how bewildering the scene must be for him.

For a brief moment, she felt sincere sympathy for him. But she herself was not in the best of moods, and maintaining that façade of indifference was becoming increasingly difficult.

Maintaining her composure, she offered him a small smile, inclined her head slightly, and touched her chest while clutching the edge of her red tunic. “Geira, daughter of Geiri, at your service,” she introduced herself.

“Traitor to her people!” Dwalin added scornfully, shouting at the top of his lungs.

She tried to ignore the dwarf’s words and continued smiling faintly at the hobbit before her. But then another voice, one she could never forget even in a thousand years, spoke.

“What are you doing here, filthy mashkil ?” Thorin growled, his voice reverberating through the house.

Her resolve to stay calm shattered like a crystal glass thrown to the ground.

Geira lifted her eyes, finally meeting Thorin’s. His icy blue gaze bore into hers, cold as a winter’s night during a snowstorm. Yet what she felt was... nothing.

She felt nothing. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

“No one asked for you to speak, King Under the Mountain,” she spat.

The moment she finished speaking, several elderly dwarves around the table erupted with exclamations. In an instant, some of them stood up, shouting at her.

One dwarf in particular kicked over his stool and slammed his two iron fists onto the wooden table, making it groan under the force.

“Filthy traitor, say that again!” Dwalin roared. “I dare you to say it again!”

Her eyes were drawn to the muscles of his arms, rippling with anger, and to the scars on his forearms, which seemed to take on a life of their own. She needed to extract herself from the situation—for the sake of the promise she had made to herself.

“Sit down, Dwalin...” Geira murmured.

“Don’t you dare tell me what to do, angûna . Just breathing your air disgusts me. You should die for daring to show your face here!”

“This is not dwarven territory...”

“As long as I am under this roof, everything around me is dwarven territory!”

At this, however, Geira couldn’t suppress a sneer. “It’s ironic that you’re so preoccupied with noticing and acknowledging my presence instead of thinking about how to reclaim your territory,” she shot back, staring him down.

The dwarf roared, stepping away from the table with a swift movement.

“One word from you, Thorin, and I’ll make her regret it bitterly! Damned traitor!” he bellowed, consumed by rage.

Geira turned her gaze to the Dwarven king, who remained standing. She locked eyes with him, waiting silently for his response to the warrior dwarf’s demand. And she got it.

The frown on Thorin’s brow deepened, but his gaze remained cold—icy and terrifying, like the last look he had given her long ago.

Thorin opened his mouth to issue a command, but both were interrupted by the most unexpected voice, which, to her surprise, came to her defence.

“Excuse me, but I don’t believe that’s the proper way to speak to a lady.” All eyes turned to the side of the corridor—to Bilbo.

The hobbit stammered under their scrutiny, adjusting his stance with his feet planted together.

“Although, I mean... If she’s what you’re saying... or what you think you’re saying,” he added, glancing at Thorin. “But not in my home. No, sir!” He tugged on the straps of his trousers, more out of irritation than anything else.

Geira released her grip on the sword hilt at her side, startled by the hobbit’s boldness towards Thorin. That small gesture of courage piqued her interest, a rarity for her these days.

She noticed Gandalf’s amused glance at the hobbit, who rocked on his heels, likely expecting Dwalin and Thorin to return to their seats—but they didn’t.

Instead, the clatter of dishes and a few chuckles from the adjoining sitting room broke the icy silence that had descended upon them, dispelling the tension that had thickened like frost.

“Uh-oh! Someone’s angered Master Dwalin! Take this pint, brother, and tread carefully.”

“Watch it yourself, you’re the one stepping on my foot, Kili!”

“Well, then move over! We’re missing all the fun because of you!”

The entire room quickly turned towards the source of the noise—all except for one dwarf: Thorin, who kept his eyes fixed on the dwarf woman without a moment’s distraction.

Before Geira could wonder what was happening, two young dwarves appeared from the kitchen, each carrying two pints. One had hair as golden as molten gold, and the other sported dark and curly locks that were painfully familiar.

Geira held her breath for a few seconds.

“Oh, shut it, Fili! You’re always in the way. If you’d just step aside, I might figure out why they’ve all stopped shouting too,” said the younger dwarf, lifting the pints to take a seat.

“Surely Uncle has finished,” the other replied, mimicking his brother’s movements. “Or the other... burg... lady... has arrived…”

The blonde dwarf didn’t finish his sentence as his blue eyes landed on Geira.

His jaw dropped, causing the twin braids of his moustache to sway.

The hazel-haired dwarf tilted his head to the side as he observed his brother in confusion, slowly lowering himself into a seat.

“What’s a burg... lady?”

Finally, his gaze also fell upon her. But unlike his brother’s stunned expression, his open mouth soon curved into a warm smile.

“SO YOU’RE THE NEW MEMBER! WELCOME!” he shouted, throwing his arms in the air, pints still in hand.

Geira said nothing, remaining impassive, all while feeling the other brother’s gaze still upon her.

“WELL, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? SIT DOWN! I EVEN HAVE AN EXTRA PINT FOR YOU IF YOU WANT IT!”

“Kili...” Thorin growled a warning.

“Why were you all shouting like that? And why are you still standing? We were about to explain to Mister Baggins how...”

“Kili,” the elder of the two brothers interrupted, motioning with a glance towards Geira’s sword hilt.

Geira noticed Fili’s eyes and quickly covered the visible seal on the pommel of her sword with her hand. Yet his blue eyes widened in surprise.

“You’re a...”

“Fili, Kili, silence!” Thorin stopped them, but Kili persisted, seemingly unaware that they were only making matters worse.

“Oh, come on, Uncle, it’s wonderful! It will be all...”

“Silence, I said!” Thorin’s roar shook the room, his fist slamming against the table.

Both brothers froze, mouths agape, stunned by their uncle’s sudden outburst. Yet they obeyed, remaining silent as instructed, although their eyes cast accusatory glances of the room. They instinctively knew something wasn’t right.

Geira’s hand slipped away from her sword hilt, her fingers falling as if pulled by an invisible force. Though she avoided meeting the two brothers’ gazes, she felt the weight of their silent scrutiny. They sat back down quietly, their eyes fixed on her.

The dwarven king, however, narrowed his eyes, his expression hardening as he shifted his focus back to Gandalf.

A heavy silence once again filled the room, laden with unspoken words.

“I want her gone,” Thorin declared emotionlessly.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Gandalf replied calmly as he returned to his seat.

“I won’t allow her to stay here. I won’t permit her to remain near my company and endanger it simply with her presence,” Thorin growled lowly. “I don’t trust her, and I don’t trust anything she says!” he snapped, refusing to look at her.

Geira clenched her fists, struggling to remain calm, though it was becoming increasingly difficult.

How dare he speak of trust? Him, of all people—he who had betrayed her.

How dare he!

She gritted her teeth as a blind fury clouded her vision.

“You’ll have to, for I have done what I thought was right, and recalling her from exile is the right choice,” Gandalf interjected.

“The right choice?” Thorin’s voice rose, his piercing blue eyes glinting dangerously. “And how would we know that?”

Gandalf gestured towards Geira, encouraging her to speak with a slight nod of his head. Thirteen heads turned towards her, and even Thorin finally rested his cold gaze upon her.

For a moment, his mere glance made her falter, causing her to choke on the words she had not yet uttered. Yet she had to say them—for herself, for her father, for her 120 years of exile, and for all the pain she had endured because of the cursed dwarf staring at her.

Swallowing her anger, her vision slowly cleared.

“I am here to fulfil my oath,” she said, looking the dwarven king straight in the eyes.

A subtle shiver swept through the room, penetrating to the bones of those present.

A dull thud echoed through the room—the sound of a cup slamming onto the wooden table.

“This is too much!” Dwalin roared, rising to his feet again. “Thorin, just say a word and I’ll take her head off her shoulders, as I should have done years ago!”

Thorin didn’t respond to Dwalin, keeping his attention fixed on her.

“Your oath?” he asked, his tone unnervingly calm.

With a few strides, he closed the distance between them, his fists clenched, his jaw tight. “Your oath holds no value anymore. It was broken long ago. Your words, your oath, are nothing but a heap of cold ash!”

She almost dug her nails into her palm. “An oath is for life. You were there when I swore it.”

Thorin’s jaw clenched again, his breathing unsteady.

“And I was there when you broke it,” he growled lowly. “Right in front of my eyes...”

A pang of pain tore through her chest, memories of that day rushing back to her. She could see his look again, feel the tears streaking her face, feel her heart being torn from her chest. She could see her world burning before her eyes, her life reduced to ashes—and then... exile.

The exile he had condemned her to.

“I have no intention of fulfilling my oath for you , if that’s what concerns you, King Under the Mountain,” she spat.

“I don’t care why you want to keep it. I don’t need you to keep it!” Thorin roared, enraged. “Your words mean nothing to me, a'lâju Mahal !”

His words were followed by the screech of a chair being pushed back.

“Thorin...” Balin whispered, but Thorin was unstoppable, like a raging fire.

“You have no place among us, no honour, no name, no clan! You are nothing! Your oaths were broken the moment you turned your back on us. Your blood is tainted, just like your father’s!”

For Geira, this was the final straw.

She approached him with a few steps, glaring down at him, her words pouring out like an unstoppable torrent.

“Then let Dwalin take my head now, this instant, for I assure you, Thorin, son of Thrain, that I would rather be buried in the ground than keep the words I once swore to your family!” she retorted mercilessly. “If I could, I would take them back one by one!”

“Silence, traitor!” he shouted at her, slamming his fist against the wall beside him.

“ENOUGH!”

Darkness suddenly descended over everyone present, enveloping the room in a dense, almost tangible shadow. Before Geira could respond, a profound silence fell around them, broken only by the power Gandalf had just unleashed.

Gandalf looked down with an intensity that seemed to shrink them, as if the darkness itself sought to break their determination.

Almost. For as sure as the sunrise, dwarves were not easily intimidated—even when the shadow’s power belonged to a wizard.

“You dwarves and your stubbornness! You’ll ruin us all before we even begin our journey! Geira will come with us. If I say her presence is essential, then it is essential! Her reasons do not matter to me, nor should they to any of you!”

“It does matter,” Thorin’s deep voice rose from the silence that had gripped his companions. “You cannot ask us to trust her, Gandalf. What she did is...”

“I know, but I ask you, for the sake of this mission, to set aside old grievances. Otherwise, we won’t get far if you keep quarrelling. When we reach the Lonely Mountain...” Gandalf paused briefly, taking a deep breath. “Geira will accompany us there and help us reclaim it, and then...”

“Then I’ll leave, if that’s what you wish, Thorin Oakenshield,” Geira interrupted, glancing at Thorin’s hand still resting against the wall beside her.

Thorin raised an eyebrow and slowly stepped back, returning to his seat. “That is what I wish for now—that you leave—and that will not change,” he stated, casting a glance at her hair, so short that it revealed her neck, shoulders, and part of her ears.

The same length it had been when he last saw her.

“I don’t want it to change...” she replied, ashamed of those short locks once more after so long.

The cut he had given her.

And with one last disgusted glance from Thorin at her head, the discussion came to an end. Geira bit her tongue, lowering her gaze. After that long exchange, she accepted the chair that the hobbit kindly offered her with a smile. Meanwhile, the company resumed the conversations they had been having before her arrival.

But the grave atmosphere continued to permeate the room, even as everyone’s focus shifted back to the hobbit.

Geira observed him as Gandalf began explaining the mission to him. It seemed suicidal, at best. The hobbit’s brow furrowed with each new detail, each wrinkle reflecting a small, desperate question. He glanced back and forth between Thorin and Gandalf, his wide eyes almost pleading, as though hoping one of them would reveal that it was all just a cruel joke.

It wasn’t hard to imagine the storm of thoughts swirling in his head. She felt an odd kinship with him. She knew the instinct to flee, to turn around, and slip out through the round door, pretending none of it had happened.

But she remained rooted in place, her feet practically sinking into the floorboards.

She had given her word to Gandalf and, more importantly, to herself. This time, she wouldn’t run. Her father’s voice echoed faintly in her memory, reminding her that she was more than the whispered stories people told about her. Enough hiding , she thought, steadying her heart.

It was time to face whatever was thrown at her.

A long scroll, resembling a contract, appeared in Gandalf’s hands, drawing her attention back to the room. She watched as the hobbit examined it, his brow tightening, his shoulders slumping with every line, his fingers twitching faintly. Every word seemed to weigh him down, dragging him deeper into the journey that awaited them.

“Incineration?” he asked incredulously, unfurling the parchment further. “...I’m going to faint...” he whispered.

“Think of a furnace with wings: a flash of light, searing pain, and puff! You’re nothing more than a pile of ash!” quipped Bofur, peering out from the doorway where he sat.

Bilbo lost all colour in his face, becoming alarmingly pale. To Geira, it looked like an alarm bell; she held her breath until he fainted, collapsing onto the green carpet like a sack of potatoes.

So his courage in speaking to Thorin earlier had been a fleeting spark of bravery?

Chaos erupted in that moment. Everyone leapt to their feet, the floorboards creaking under the sudden commotion. Hands reached out, voices shouted over one another, a frenzied attempt to help—but all they managed to do was create more disorder. The room seemed to come alive with confusion.

“Out. All of you. Now,” Gandalf’s voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding. With a wave of his hand, he ushered them outside, sending them stumbling into the open air.

Dwalin and Nori stayed behind, carefully lifting Bilbo with their strong hands and helping him sit upright. They murmured soft, reassuring words to him, though Geira, already heading to the kitchen, barely noticed. 

It had been years since she had worked in a proper kitchen, and the delicate dishes felt foreign to her now.

Her fingers brushed the edge of a blue-and-yellow cup, its smooth surface almost startling her. She picked it up carefully. After what felt like an eternity, she finally brought a steaming cup back into the parlour, her hands trembling slightly from the effort.

Bilbo was seated in a deep armchair, his gaze distant and unfocused, his posture rigid. The moment he heard her steps, his eyes darted to her, following her every movement with quiet intensity.

As soon as she approached, his eyes remained fixed on her, watching each of her gestures until she broke the silence, offering him the cup of aromatic tea.

“Your eyes haven’t stopped following me since I stepped through your door, Bilbo Baggins. I get the feeling you have many questions to ask me,” she said, forcing a smile and trying to appear as friendly as possible.

It was so difficult.

“Well, I... uh...” he stammered, unsure how to continue, perhaps embarrassed to have been caught staring.

He watched her silently as she found a spot near the lit fireplace, leaning her back against its side. “Well, you... you’re like them, aren’t you?”

“A dwarf?”

He nodded, shifting the warm cup between his hands. “But, well, I’d heard that dwarf women... had long...” The hobbit trailed off abruptly, glancing quickly at her hair.

She sighed, deciding to tell him a half-truth.

“I cut them a long time ago,” she explained hurriedly, though she tried not to offend him. “As a sign of... mourning,” she murmured.

It wasn’t the whole truth.

Bilbo’s eyes lingered on her, as though trying to read the story hidden in the dark, tormented depths of her gaze. For a moment, his curiosity took root, growing like a vine left undisturbed for too long. When was the last time anyone had intrigued him like this?

The silence between them grew, filled only by the crackling of the fire, until at last, he spoke, unable to resist.

“May I ask another question?” he ventured, watching her eyes gradually lose themselves in the flames. “Is it true, what they said about you earlier? Those names they called you—are they true?”

“Are you afraid I’ll stab you in your sleep?” she retorted sharply, raising an eyebrow.

Bilbo cursed himself—cursed his Tookish curiosity.

“N-no... no...”

“I am exiled, yes. But a traitor... that...” She hesitated, staring again into the fire that crackled silently before them. “That I am not. Never...” she said softly, her voice trailing off. “I am here for one purpose only: to fulfil a promise I made long ago, too long ago...” she murmured, turning towards him. Grey, curious but respectful eyes met dark, deep, tormented ones.

“All of you have a purpose, a mission in all this. I... I’m just a hobbit. I’m not what you all think I am...”

Geira watched the hobbit’s fingers tighten around the cup, and her gaze clouded momentarily.

They were good questions he was asking. Yet Gandalf believed in him, and the dwarves in the other room trusted him far more than they trusted her, someone of their own kind.

For a moment, he reminded her of a young dwarven lady in a grand, luxurious room in a distant mountain, years and years ago, questioning what she wanted to do with her life.

Slowly, she moved closer to him, kneeling beside his green armchair and resting her hands on the armrest.

“I believe you’ll only find out if you come with us. There’s much more to you than meets the eye, Bilbo. I saw it before, and... even if you can’t see it, it’s there. It always is,” she said gently, surprised at her own words.

Why was she speaking to him like this, in that tone, as though she knew him? As though she cared about his opinion? Perhaps it was because she hadn’t spoken to anyone this way in years.

“The journey would be fraught with danger—both from outside and within the Company. It would require courage, but also a deep fear of the unknown, to achieve what we need to do. Because what awaits us on the other side of the known world could be everything—or nothing. I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to come with us.”

“Danger... within the Company?” Bilbo repeated.

Geira was about to respond when the moment was interrupted by approaching footsteps. The wizard entered, his gaze immediately falling on Bilbo as he checked on the hobbit’s condition.

“Excuse me,” Geira murmured, stepping back and preparing to leave, understanding that it might be better to leave the hobbit with the wizard.

She adjusted her cloak, her fingers brushing the fabric as she approached the door. Just as her hand closed around the handle, Bilbo’s voice called after her.

“Thank you, Lady Geira.”

She paused, glancing back over her shoulder with a faint smile. “You may call me Geira,” she replied, her voice soft and unexpectedly warm.

Bilbo’s gaze lingered on her, wide-eyed, before quickly shifting back to the cup in his hands. He gave a small nod, his expression a mixture of surprise and gratitude.

Geira caught the subtle smile that curled at the corners of his lips—hesitant, but present. She returned the gesture with a slight smile of her own. With one final look at the hobbit, she opened the door.

The cool night air brushed her face as she stepped out into the darkness, the gentle rustle of leaves accompanying the soft creak of the door closing behind her.

She needed to calm her nerves, to regain the composure and cold detachment that the evening’s events had so thoroughly shaken. From an inner pocket of her cloak, she retrieved her long white wooden pipe. From another, she pulled out her pipe weed pouch.

Before long, she was peacefully smoking, seated on the bench just outside the door. Each long puff released small clouds that dissipated into the air; she watched them with her eyes until they disappeared, her mind wandering into the labyrinth of her tangled thoughts.

From the moment Gandalf had appeared before her in that human village, she had known this would be anything but a stroll in the woods. She knew how the others would see her, how they would treat her for the entirety of the journey. What she had experienced earlier was merely a taste of it.

She shook her head, taking another long drag from her pipe to clear her thoughts. She was here for a good reason—she had explained it to Bilbo. She just needed to focus on that and nothing else. It didn’t matter if they ignored her, refused to speak to her along the leagues they would travel, or treated her with suspicion and indifference. She would let them. Their stares would have to slide off her like water on stone.

What Gandalf had told her had haunted her for weeks. The possibility of hope—that if she fulfilled her oath, perhaps, if she survived, she could reclaim her name and return... home.

But did she truly want to go home? Why was she still clinging to a broken oath?

“Are we interrupting?”

A young voice pulled her from her thoughts. Turning, she found herself facing not one, but two young dwarves. They were the same two who had tried to persuade Thorin to include her in the group—Fili and Kili, if she recalled correctly. They had recognised what she was and who she was. 

Thorin’s nephews.

Two princes.

Removing the pipe from her mouth, a mix of emotions swirled in her chest—the desire to send them away battling against the impulse to ask them to stay.

“That depends on what you want,” she replied cautiously.

Kili sat beside her without waiting for an invitation. Despite sensing Geira’s wary gaze on him, he paid it no mind.

He pulled out his own pipe and, after lighting it, leaned back on the bench, exhaling small clouds of smoke.

“We just wanted to share some tobacco with you, that’s all,” he insisted, offering a brief smile.

“But perhaps I don’t want to share.”

The younger dwarf widened his eyes and looked at her, almost apologetically.

Geira reproached herself—perhaps that wasn’t the right way to proceed. They were her companions now, and she should at least try not to quarrel with them. Yet the situation was proving so complicated, and the blue eyes of the other brother weren’t making it any easier.

“You should, if you don’t want to isolate yourself before we even set off...” Fili interjected.

Even in the moonlight, his piercing blue eyes gleamed—so familiar it hurt.

She forced herself not to let the sting in his words seep into her voice. “I thought I was already an outcast before we set off, Master Dwarf. And forgive me, but I don’t yet officially know your names, which seems unfair given that you already know mine.”

The dark-haired dwarf sitting next to her laughed, throwing his head back. “You’re right, forgive us. But the earlier circumstances didn’t allow for introductions. I’m Kili, and this is my brother Fili. We’re the sons of Vili.”

Sons of Vili, this mean that they were also Dís’s sons.

A pang in her stomach made her grip her pipe tightly, and suddenly her chest felt incredibly heavy.

The sons of Dís, Princess Dís.

How many years had passed? Had it truly been so long? Had time around her slowed so much that she didn’t even know how many years she had lived this life?

They had been children, but they were older now—older than she had been when everything had changed.

Geira remained silent, trying to calm her racing heart after the revelation. She took another puff of smoke only to realise she was out of tobacco. She cursed silently, cleaned her pipe, and placed it back in her pocket.

Wrapping her cloak more tightly around herself, she braced against a gust of wind that cut through her heavy travelling clothes.

“You’re not very talkative, are you? Yet you spoke to the hobbit. I heard you!” Kili teased, sitting far too close.

“You’re talkative enough for the both of us, young prince,” she replied.

His eyes widened for a moment before narrowing suspiciously.

Geira explained herself before the situation could escalate. “You called Thorin ‘uncle’ earlier. I don’t possess magical powers, if that’s what you fear.”

“That wasn’t what I was thinking. But I am surprised you called me young. You don’t seem as old as Balin, or Dori, or Master Óin...”

This time, it was Geira who smiled. She barely lifted the corner of her lips, but it was enough for Kili—even if he didn’t know it.

“Appearances can be deceiving. To me, you are certainly quite young—mere boys.”

“How old...”

His brother Fili interrupted him sharply, his glacial eyes again fixating on Geira’s sword, just as they had before.“The sword. Where did you..?” “Lads, come back inside, please. The hobbit has decided,” Balin’s voice interrupted Fili’s question as he appeared in the doorway.

This allowed Geira to avoid answering a rather uncomfortable query.

The old dwarf cast her a brief but penetrating glance before retreating indoors with the two brothers, not bothering to check if she followed. Geira chose to remain outside a little longer, alone.

Balin left Bag End’s door slightly ajar, and from the ensuing murmurs and heavy sighs, Geira deduced that Bilbo had refused to join them on their quest.

A part of her felt a deep sadness and regret. She had resigned herself to embarking on this journey with dwarves who despised her, but the burden seemed less heavy knowing that a face less hostile than the others would have been at her side.

She let out a deep sigh, straining to catch snippets of arguments, angry exclamations, or stubborn remonstrances from inside, but her ears were met with an unsettling silence.

Then, softly, a melody hummed through the quiet; Thorin’s voice, deep and warm, filled the air like an intoxicating scent.

Far over the misty mountains cold To dungeons deep and caverns old, We must away, ere break of day, To find our long-forgotten gold.

Geira froze as the melody swelled. The words were different from what she remembered, but the song struck her deeply.

A powerful grip seemed to seize her chest, as though an invisible hand had wrapped around her heart. The words carried a bitter flavour, nostalgia for something lost long ago—a longing for home, for family.

Soon, Thorin was no longer the only one singing; the others joined in.

The pines were roaring on the height, The winds were moaning in the night. The fire was red, it flaming spread, The trees like torches blazed with light.

The song ended, but the sorrow lingered.

Geira quickly retreated further into the shadows of the night, her old and familiar companion, to hide the sadness gripping her chest.

She blinked rapidly to stop the tears from falling and took a deep breath, forcing herself to listen as Thorin gave instructions for the next morning’s departure.

“Get as much rest as possible. Gandalf will guide us to our lodgings...”

The room stirred with movement, signs that everyone was gathering their belongings. Not wanting to be seen in such a pitiful state, Geira decided to wait outside. Perhaps, under the cover of darkness, no one would notice her.

As she expected, the others emerged, their faces grim. They cast her fleeting glances before disappearing down a path leading to a small inn. Once the last of them—Ori—had vanished from view, Geira entered the hobbit’s home, looking for her bow. She found it where she had left it, leaning against the small kitchen wall. She cast a quick glance around, noting how clean and orderly everything was once again, as though nothing had happened.

It was a beautiful home, one that belonged to someone who loved their life and wouldn’t change it for all the gold in the world.

Securing her bow across her back, she picked up her quiver and slung it over her shoulder. She moved briskly through the hallway but stopped when her eyes fell on the long contract Thorin had signed, countersigned by Balin, resting on a stool in front of the chair.

Bilbo’s signature was missing—untouched, blank.

She sighed again, brushing her fingers lightly across the parchment.

When Bilbo had thanked her, had he already decided in his heart not to take part? Running a hand through her short hair, she touched each lock from her forehead to her nape.

“You’ll see. He’ll come,” Gandalf’s voice echoed as he approached, his hands clasped behind his back and his usual sardonic smile playing on his lips. He regarded her for a long moment, those piercing blue eyes seeming to delve into her very soul.

Geira, deep down, feared them.

“The contract will be signed very soon,” he insisted.

“You’re so sure? That young hobbit wasn’t convinced. I’ve seen that look far too often—in young soldiers, recruits, even captains of the guard.”

“Oh, I have hope! But, as usual, my hopes tend to be correct!”

“Like the hope that I would come?” she retorted sharply, raising her gaze to meet his.

Gandalf took a deep breath, tilting his head slightly to avoid hitting the ceiling. “That is the uncertainty that, whether you believe me or not, has tormented me for weeks,” he explained softly. “I won’t hide that I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“I didn’t want to,” Geira admitted. “I waited in Aldburg as long as I could,” she added, smoothing her travelling bag with a swipe of her hand.

The wizard nodded before speaking again. “I understand. What changed your mind?”

At that unexpected question, Geira stiffened. She had spent weeks in a small inn room in the village of Aldburg in Rohan, mulling over the wizard’s proposal. Until a fortnight ago, she had been more than certain that she would not participate in the expedition.

Why should she? Why should she believe what Gandalf had told her outside that inn? She had known nothing of what lay ahead, yet the future he had painted for her had been too much even for a hardened soul like hers.

He could revoke your exile, Geira. You could return home, fulfil your oath, and be free. Isn’t that what you want? To be free again?

“ I don’t want to die like this—in the filth of a human village, with an invisible chain wrapped around my chest... I don’t want to be bound to him any longer,” she replied hastily, reciting the words as though they were a well-rehearsed chant.

“And it’s not about him?”

She raised her eyes to Gandalf. “Would you ask that of a victim at the executioner’s block? Or the wife of a soldier killed in battle?”

“That depends on how much the victim cared for the executioner—and vice versa,” he answered quietly.

For Geira, it felt like a punch to the chest. A surge of frustration and anger overwhelmed her, and she fought the urge to shout, to release the fury she had held inside all evening.

She trembled, furious, and finally asked the question that had been gnawing at her for months.

“Why did you want me to come? You have warriors, smart and capable dwarves. Why did you come to me? And don’t tell me it was for me !” she nearly growled.

As he had done throughout the evening, Gandalf remained silent for several seconds. He didn’t show anger or displeasure, but the way he looked at her made the world around her feel cold and heavy. For a moment, she felt the same.

“Because you must fulfil your oath,” he finally said.

"I never intended to honour it! That oath was broken long ago, just like the one he made to me! You know i just want to get this thing away from me and the only way to do it is to cut any connection with him. Stop lying to me!" she insisted, pleading with her eyes.

She was owed an answer, a simple answer, nothing more. She just wanted to know why Gandalf wanted her to suffer, why he wanted her so badly in that Company, why he cared so much that he forced Thorin to accept her as a member of his Company.

Gandalf sighed gently, smiling sadly at the corner of his mouth. "I didn’t do it for you, I did it for the executioner, the warrior, the king..."

Geira unexpectedly smiled, a sad smile, without the slightest hint of joy on her face. "You know Gandalf, now I understand why you lied to me, because if those had been the true reasons, you know, I’m sure I would have rejected your invitation."

And without saying another word, she turned and exited through the rounded green door.

She left the hobbit’s house behind, following the same path the others had taken, passing more green mounds— the hobbits' homes— and finally stopping at the inn where the entire company was already lodging, though still awake. And she knew that tonight, like many others, she would find no rest.

Was she really doing this just for herself? Yes, that was the answer, because if it had been otherwise, she would rather have died at his hands than relive all this. To feel it again. To be betrayed again.

—————-

"I told you coming here would be a waste of time!"

"Hiring a hobbit, where did he get such an idea?!"

"I didn’t think such a small body could possess so much..."

"Stubbornness, Oin?"

"Well, why would he help us if he doesn’t even know us?" Bofur observed, relighting his pipe with a flint and sitting more comfortably on the windowsill."Gandalf promised us the hobbit would come with us; an’ if he said so, we must trust him."

"How about a bet then? Come on, Nori! What do ya say?"

A long conversation began, involving everyone, and bets were placed on whether Bilbo would arrive by the next morning.

The hustle and bustle filling the small inn room, where they were to sleep, allowed two dwarves to slip into the corridor, out of sight and earshot.

"What do you think, lad?" Balin asked, smoothing his long white beard.

The other dwarf sighed wearily, the inevitable frown between his brows speaking louder than words; even after removing his heavy cloak to reveal the long blue tunic covering his trousers, his figure was imposing and commanded awe and respect.

No matter how hard Balin tried, he still struggled to believe that this dwarf, once a child, then a young man, would become king so soon, facing two great battles that had taken everything from him and with which he had to reckon every day, every night.

The old dwarf knew with certainty: even in his dreams, Thorin Oakenshield had never been free, safe from resentment and regret.

"I think this mission began under the worst of omens: I wonder if..." Thorin paused, not quite sure how to continue.

"If we should continuewith the quest?"

The king nodded, but his gaze was far from convinced, lost in thoughts unknown to most, but perceptible to Balin; or, at least, for most of the time. But, for safety's sake, he decided to approach the subject calmly, one step at a time.

"Don’t trouble yourself about the hobbit: if you hadn’t given me a sign and brought me here, I would have placed a bet in his favour, you know?" he gave a half-smile.

Thorin made a dismissive sound, somewhere between scepticism and despair.

"Dwalin was right: coming here was a waste of time. It was madness to believe in his help; but even without him, we must go on. No, it’s not his presence that concerns me... no... not him."

There it was, the exposed nerve, the sore point. Just as Balin had imagined: it wasn’t the thought of the failed thief that troubled him.

"Thorin..." Balin began, placing a hand on Thorin’s forearm. But as soon as he did, the muscles beneath the shirt tensed, and the old dwarf was stopped by a raised hand and a fierce look.

"No, Balin. I don’t want to talk about it," came his abrupt reply; and no matter how much the older dwarf insisted, he would not be listened to. The pride of his king was stronger than reason, which struggled to prevail: if he had even tried to think, Thorin would have understood; but stubbornness and rage blinded him.

Balin sighed deeply and shook his head, but in his heart, he hoped this journey would bring victories beyond the dwarves' lost pride.

———————-

Dawn came too soon, and the continuous yawns surprised Geira as she splashed her face with cold water and then fastened her sword to her side, but first, she drew it from its scabbard, inspecting the blade for new scratches. The daylight broke across it, sending blinding glimmers along the walls: her hand caressed the finely crafted hilt.

That sword was her past, her present, perhaps her future. Everything she still possessed was that sword, all that tied her to who she had been was that sword.

She had allowed the two princes to know who she was and what she had been.

She had managed to avoid their questions, but she was sure, having seen the two princes, they would ask Balin, Dwalin... or Thorin for confirmation. And what would they hear?

She returned the sword to its place and stopped losing herself in pointless thoughts; she took one last quick look around the room, tracing the outlines of the simple wooden bed, the chest against the wall, and the windowsill, where a vase of fragrant lilac and yellow flowers stood: perfect, she hadn’t forgotten anything.

She adjusted her travel pack on her shoulder and closed the door, descending to the ground floor; she nodded to the innkeeper and handed him a coin, then stepped out into the warm morning air. Outside, a riot of colours and scents overwhelmed her, leaving her stunned: everything was so wonderfully green, and as the previous evening, she wondered what life could be like there.

"Good morning!"

Kili’s sunny, mischievous smile interrupted her thoughts, just as it had the evening before. He was standing in front of her, chewing a piece of dried meat with his usual nonchalance, while Fili joined him at his side, wearing the same roguish grin.

"Come on, we’ll show you your pony."

"My pony?" she asked, incredulous.

With a nod, Fili invited her to follow them, or rather, to follow his younger brother, who had already begun walking with his hands crossed behind his neck. They took her to the back of the inn, where three animals stood in a large pen. Kili opened the wooden gate and pointed to the pony, a female with an entirely white coat, calm and gentle: Geira approached her, gently stroking her; the pony neighed, appreciating the gesture and making her new mistress smile.

Yes, she liked her, she admitted: she would be a good travelling companion.

"Thank you, lads," she said, offering a grateful smile to the two brothers.

They lowered their heads in response, still focusing on the straps of their bags before leading their horses outside, where the others waited in silence.

Geira followed them without receiving a single greeting from the other members of the company: only a deep and penetrating silence that reminded her of everything they thought of her.

Even her smile slipped from her lips like a shadow chased away by the light.

Silently, she mounted her pony, preparing for the long road ahead. When they were all ready, Thorin looked at each of them, including Gandalf and Geira, with a solemn and distant look, as though he was searching for an ancient strength or perhaps a hint of fear in their faces.

He did not say a word; there was no need. Each of them knew the task that awaited them, the risks and dangers that accompanied it. Yet, nothing would dissuade them: their hearts belonged to Erebor, their promised land, and nothing would deter or stop them from claiming what was theirs.

Thorin led his mount along the paths of Hobbiton, and the others followed in silence. Geira did not look back, keeping her gaze forward while her heart balanced between the weight of memories and an unexpected relief.

They left the town and entered a clearing bordered by ancient trees, whose branches bent under the weight of past ages.

"Wait!"

"Wait!"

"Wait!"

A familiar voice stopped them, and Geira turned in the saddle, almost incredulous.

Bilbo Baggins, the little hobbit, was now to their left, panting after the long run that brought him there. With an awkward smile, he handed the contract to Balin, claiming his decision with the pride of one who has crossed a threshold. When the old dwarf confirmed the signature, Geira smiled at Bilbo warmly and sincerely, a look that erased any doubt from the hobbit’s face.

[deeplyridiculouslyinlove]

My favorite Moiraine moments in The Eye of the World

EOTW only spoilers below the cut

1. “[The mist] follows the river as if drawn with a pen,” Moiraine was saying in satisfied tones. “There are not ten women in Tar Valon who could do that unaided. Not to mention from the back of a galloping horse.” (Chapter 12)

This is "Siuan Sanche waits for only one woman" energy right here.

2. “I suffered more injury to my pride than anything else,” the Aes Sedai said irritably, plucking at her cloak blanket. She looked as if she had been a long time ill or hard-used, but despite the dark circles under them, her eyes were sharp and full of power. “Aginor was surprised and angry that I held him as long as I did, but fortunately he had no time to spare for me. I am surprised myself that I held him so long. In the Age of Legends, Aginor was close behind the Kinslayer and Ishamael in power." (Chapter 51)

Not babygirl being surprised (and a bit self-satisfied) that she held off a powerful Forsaken for so long BUT ALSO her pride being wounded that she couldn’t do it for longer.

3. Even Aginor seemed stunned. Then his head lifted, cavernous eyes burning with hate. “Enough. It is past time to end this.” “Yes, Forsaken,” Moiraine said, her voice as cold as deep winter ice. “Past time.” The Aes Sedai’s hand rose and the ground fell away beneath Aginor’s feet. Flame roared from the chasm, whipped to a frenzy by wind howling in from every direction, sucking a maelstrom of leaves into the fire which seemed to solidify into a red-streaked yellow jelly of pure heat. In the middle of it, Aginor stood, his feet supported only by air. The Forsaken looked startled but then he smiled and took a step forward. It was a slow step, as if the fire tried to root him to the spot, but he took it. And then another. “Run!” Moiraine commanded. Her face was white with strain. “All of you, run!" (Chapter 50)

"I'm as strong as I have to be" 😭

4. In Algomar’s private garden, under a thick bower dotted with white blossoms, Moiraine shifted on her bed chair. The fragments of the seal lay on her lap and the small gem she sometimes wore in her hair spun and glittered on its gold chain from the ends of her fingers. The faint blue glow faded from the stone and a smile touched her lips. It had no power in itself, the stone, but the first use she had ever learned of the One Power as a girl in her royal palace of Cairhien was using the stone to listen to people when they thought they were too far off to be overheard. (Chapter 53)

Obsessed that her version of the all-knowing Merlin character is an affinity for eavesdropping--maybe it's mystical wisdom, maybe it's being a nosy bitch (affectionate)!

5. Her eyes fell on Mat as she stepped through the doorway and she hissed as if she had touched a hot stove. "Get away from him!" Nynaeve did not move, except for turning to stare at the Aes Sedai in surprise. In two quick steps Moiraine seized the Wisdom by the shoulders, hauling her across the floor like a sack of grain. Nynaeve struggled and protested, but Moiraine did not release her until she was well away from the bed. The Wisdom continued her protests as she got to her feet angrily straightening her clothes, but Moiraine ignored her completely. The Aes Sedai watched Mat to the exclusion of everything else, eyeing him the way she would a viper. (Chapter 41)

Sorry I didn’t hear you I was distracted thinking of canonically tiny Moiraine dragging Nynaeve across the room like one of those mothers who finds super strength and lifts the car off her kids.

6. Moiraine climbed down from Aldieb's back. Calmly she removed something from her pouch, unwrapped it. Rand glimpsed dark ivory. The angreal. With angreal in one hand and staff in the other, the Aes Sedai set her feet, facing the onrushing trollocs and the fade's black swords, raised her staff high, and stabbed it down into the earth. The ground rang like an iron kettle struck by a mallet. The hollow clang dwindled, faded away. For an instant then, it was silent. Everything was silent. The wind died. The trolloc cries stilled. Even their charge forward slowed and stopped. For a heartbeat, everything waited. Slowly the dull ringing returned, changing to a low rumble, growing until the earth moaned. The ground trembled beneath Cloud's hooves. This was Aes Sedai work like the stories told about.... Abruptly Moiraine wavered, and would have fallen had Lan not leaped from his horse to catch her. "Go on," he told the others. The harshness of his voice was at odds with the gentle way he lifted the Aes Sedai to her saddle. "That fire won't burn forever. Hurry! Every minute counts." The wall of flame roared as if it would indeed burn forever, but Rand did not argue. They galloped northward as fast as they could make their horses go. The horns in the distance shrilled out disappointment, as if they already knew what had happened, then fell silent. Lan and Moiraine soon caught up with the others, though Lan led Aldieb by the reins while the Aes Sedai swayed and held the pommel of her saddle with both hands. "I will be alright soon," she said to their worried looks. She sounded tired, yet confident, and her gaze was as compelling as ever. "I am not at my strongest when working with earth and fire. A small thing." (Chapter 18)

She's ridiculously proud of her fog along the river and then just a few chapters later channels EARTHQUAKES and WALLS OF FIRE like she's not one of the last Aes Sedai of a dying age and SHRUGS IT OFF.

7. "The The Wisdom won't help. She says she can't. But the stories--" She raised an eyebrow and he stopped and swallowed hard. Light, is there a story with an Aes Sedai where she isn't a villain? ...

She used the staff to pull herself to her feet. “Take me to your father, Rand. I will help him as much as I am able. Too many here have refused to let me help at all.” “They have heard the stories too,” she added dryly. (Chapter 7)

Rand is lucky he's the Dragon Reborn or he and the Two Rivers folks would have been met with some wasps.

8. Thom Merrilin stepped forward grandly and held up one empty hand, turning it slowly. Suddenly, he gestured with a flourish and a dagger twirled between his fingers. The hilt slapped into his palm and, abruptly nonchalant, he began trimming his fingernails. A low, delighted laugh floated from Moiraine. (Chapter 12)

This peek at the girl who watched court bards at the Sun Palace in Cairhien is so cute it makes me almost willing to ship her and Thom in the books.

9. “The Dark One is after you three. One or all. And if I let you go running off wherever you want to go, he will take you. Whatever the Dark One wants, I oppose. So hear this and know it true. Before I let the Dark One have you I will destroy you myself.” It was her voice, so matter of fact, that convinced Rand. The Aes Sedai would do exactly what she said if she thought it was necessary. He had a hard time sleeping that night, and he was not the only one. Even the Gleeman did not begin snoring until after the last coals died. For once, Moiraine offered no help. (Chapter 13)

This is controversial but I personally adore this speech where she threatens to kill them all and then acts petty about healing them just because she hears Rand talking badly about Aes Sedai.

10. “Do they have sheep in Tar Valon? That's all I know. Herding sheep and growing tabac.” “I believe,” Moiraine said. “That I can find something for you to do in Tar Valon. For all of you. Not herding sheep, perhaps, but something you will find interesting.” (Chapter 48)

I giggled.

11. Rand made ready to put Cloud to a gallop right away, and everyone else settled their reins with the same urgency. Everyone except Lan and Moiraine. The Warder and the Aes Sedai exchanged a long look. “Keep them moving, Moiraine Sedai,” Lan said finally. “I will return as soon as I am able. You will know if I fail.” Putting a hand on Mandarb’s saddle, he vaulted to the back of the black stallion and galloped down the hill heading west. The horns sounded again. “The Light go with you, last Lord of the Seven Towers,” Moiraine said, almost too softly for Rand to hear. Drawing a deep breath, she turned Aldieb to the east. “We must go on,” she said, and started off at a slow, steady trot. (Chapter 18)

11. I can't help but think how much they've grown since New Spring when I read this and it makes me want to cry.

Bonus: Every scene of Moiraine greeting the cats at Basel Gill’s inn. (Chapters 41 & 43)

Bonus Bonus: The way Rosamund delivers Moiraine's "it will be as the wheel wills" in the audiobooks after Loial says he is worried the bridges in the Ways are breaking and they might be trapped in there and die. (Chapter 45)

[clumsiestgiantess]

Writing Master Post!

I’ll continue adding to this as I put out more stuff.

Alexis & Erica’s story, the Other-world Universe.  In the midst of a thunderstorm, Alexis falls into another world entirely too small for herself.  Misconceptions and hijinks ensue:

Chapter 1 - [They were trees]

Chapter 2 - [Walking is difficult when you can't see your own feet]

Chapter 3 - [Two figures, one dark alley]

Chapter 4 - [The power of a pile of free cash]

Chapter 5 - [From everything to nothing]

— — — — — — — —

Erica pov Chapter 5 - [When you think you’re alone, someone’s watching]

— — — — — — — —

Chapter 6 - [The truth comes out]

Chapter 7 - [Progress is progress, I guess]

Chapter 8 - [A little rain never hurt anyone]

Chapter 9 - [Hangover? I hardly know her]

— — — — — — — —

Erica pov Chapter 9 - [Invisible friends and flying cars]

— — — — — — — —

Chapter 10 - [What Could Go Wrong?]

Chapter 11 - [Deer don’t carry phones]

— End of arc one —

Chapter 12 - [Who all this was for]

Chapter 13 - [Is Stealing Still Illegal?]

Chapter 14 - [Is now a bad time to say I told you so?]

Chapter 15 - [Throw caution to the wind]

Chapter 16 - [The Smallest Sensations]

— — — — — — — —

Erica pov Chapter 16 - [A love larger than life]

— — — — — — — —

Chapter 17 - [Round One: Fight!]

Chapter 18 - [Sympathy, Speed, and Safety all start with S]

Chapter 19 - [Inspiration Strikes]

Chapter 20 - [Testing the Waters]

Chapter 21 - [Calm Before the Storm]

Chapter 22 - [Round Two: Knockout]

Chapter 23 - [Welcome to the Real World]

Chapter 24 - [Round Three: Rematch]

— — — — — — — —

Erica kicking ass - A cool animation

— — — — — — — —

Chapter 25 - [The Consequences of Your Actions]

Chapter 26 - [Uncharted Territory]

——————————

Erica pov Chapter 26 - [Unrestrained Exploring]

——————————

Chapter 27 - [Love in all Shapes and Sizes]

Chapter 28 - [Road Trip]

Chapter 29 - [If you can’t find time, make time]

Chapter 30 - [What’s Left to Save]

— AUs —

List of potential AUs

AU masterpost

*bonus stuff*

Size Swap Episode - Takes place in the middle of chapter 28, but barely mentioned.  I wonder why…

THE GIRLS THE GIRLS THE GIRLS - A silly little animation that I love <3

What happened to the people who were abducted? - Bad stuff, that’s why I left it out of the main story.

Stolen Story Lore - Lore taken right off the desk of a character in the story.

The poor soul who fell into the normal-world (aka Alexis’ and our world) - Unfortunately, falling into strange worlds goes both ways.

Refs - The main three + the founders! (I will add more refs later)

Refs ver. 2 - canon heights in the other-world universe (my hand for scale)

A&E’s relationship - A bit about their love languages and how they connect

A&E’s insecurities - Every character has their flaws. (Might add more characters as they’re introduced)

The GEMS - Each holds a different weapon.

(Kaijune Book - A bit suspicious that I’m putting this near the other-world stuff, isn’t it?)

Shrinking Cabin series:

Shrinking Cabin - Daniella inherits a cabin from her late uncle.  Little does she know the cabin has a much smaller connecting counterpart.

Shrinking Cabin pt 2 - Living in a cabin that can be peered into at any moment isn’t very fun. Daniella tries to get her point across, but now things are so much worse.

Shrinking Cabin pt3 - How long will Daniella be stuck here? Things would be so much better with a friend around.

Shrinking Cabin pt4 (finale) - After one problem finally gets solved, Daniella can focus on the several other problems that aren’t.

Disappearing Cabin series:

Disappearing Cabin pt1 - Back to where it all began. Can Daniella reverse the affects of the cabin, or will she be stuck small?

Disappearing Cabin pt2 - From big to small then back again, Daniella can’t seem to keep any one size!

Winter’s Everlasting:

Winter’s Everlasting - A freezing world where wolves can talk, fairies and dragons exist, and- oh! The circus is in town!

Winter’s Everlasting Creature Index

Language barrier g/t:

Takeover Scenario - A dying Earth meets a slightly better (and bigger) version of itself.

Takeover Scenario pt2 - Learning what works between worlds.

little bonus snippet

Takeover Scenario Future - A different story that takes place after Survivors become the norm.

Takeover Scenario Future (part two) - Ritchie decides to take home a survivor, but is the little human willing to stay?

Takeover Scenario Future (part three) - (If you’re here wondering why I didn’t put this on my master post when I made it… that’s because I forgot…)

Takeover Scenario Future (but it’s the past) - Julie and Ronele’s backstory!

DNAliens stories:

List of everything - Covers the heights, mutations, living spaces, and a bit of backstory of the DNAliens that live/have lived on Earth

Short stories masterpost - A list of all the (mostly) short stories I’ve written about the DNAliens so far.

Promptober/Inktober 2023: Month-long list - A conglomerate of DNAliens, Other-world Universe, and free-standing content.

Fantasy/Reality:

Plot Map - A long story I’ll never fully write, so take the bulleted list of plot points.

Promptober short - A snippet of events that happen after the story.

The Walls Won’t Be There Forever:

The Walls Won’t Be There Forever (1st half) - A pet borrower accidentally reveals her sentience to her captor. She expects the human to hurt her, or even send her off to a lab, but they’re.. apologizing?

The Walls Won’t Be There Forever (Part 2) - Wren is finally free! Now the pet across the hall has freed herself too! Surely only good things can come of all this freedom! Surely.

Bonus oneshot - Takes place in the same world as the main story, but has no correlation with it.

What if half the population just.. shrank? (aka Thanos Snap Doomsday Crisis Scenario):

main story - (eventually…)

Bonus Scenario 1 - Tinies don’t tend to last that long when they’re barely big enough to see…

Bonus Scenario 2 - Can the universe postpone the upheaval of everything as we know it until after the first date, please?

Poll story:

Master list of all parts

CREATURE LORE - Some info on Ralyr’s species and its kin.

Creature Concept Pages

Random Prompts:

g/t brainrot - Something short I posted on a whim.

Role reversal - This time giant is scared of tiny.

Dad bros bonding prompt - Pretty much what the prompt says. A human and a borrower finding some common ground.

You Get What You Wish For - It’s not fun being cursed to live as a doll, especially when it’s you who cursed yourself (and your family, but they don’t know that).

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Tall boi gets smol - What if I create a dude who’s 6’4? What if I have him drink something weird once that makes him shrink smaller and smaller in intervals in front of his fiancé? What if little dude finally stops shrinking at 1 & 1/2 centimeters tall? What if I put him into some situations?

pt 2, another situation - Not only has he lost his only way of communication, he HIMSELF got lost. Here’s hoping he makes it back in one piece.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Giant as unlimited resource prompt - Would you like to be an unwilling supplier of a new self-sufficient nutritional meat product for the rest of the world? Trick question, it doesn’t matter! You’ve been selected!

Landfill Apocalypse - Inspired by a post about tinies living isolated from humans.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

Freezing Weather prompt - A borrower ends up stuck in a freezing car. His only way out? The car’s human owner.

Freezing Weather prompt (part 2) - Wow, Alice seems really stressed out. Surely it’s not the tiny man who ran away into her walls that’s causing all that stress, right? It’s exam week, after all; everyone’s stressed.

Freezing Weather prompt (part 3) - Finally, with Alice knowing the truth about him, Fen can rest. Or can he…?

Freezing Weather prompt (part 4) - Time for Alice’s pov! A recap of the first two episodes, but experienced from the ‘giant’s’ perspective.

/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /

“You too” - Something I felt compelled to write after seeing a silly comic strip.

Uncanny Valley - Quick drabble about the idea of an uncanny valley giant.

Alien Abduction horror (but make it g/t) - Two guys chillin in a rental house in the middle of a desert known for ufo sightings. What could possibly go wrong?

A couple g/t dreams - Some dreams that had pretty decent story plots that I quickly wrote down, then expanded on.

Tinies as figurines - The story of a beautiful music box (inspired by the one in this music video)

Tiny stuck outside -> tiny stuck inside - A story inspired by this post.

Consciousness trapped in a video game - What happens when you use a real person’s memories to create a life-like AI

Fatal Vore Horror Story - Pretty much what the title says… Someone’s about to have a bad time.

Celestial Body g/t - My first and only story about my celestial body ocs

[minijenn]

Getting a lot of asks about my apparent plans for UF2 based on the old chapter list, so I went through and wrote out everything I could remember for these chapters based on only their titles and the very sparse handful of notes I still have on hand. Enjoy!

Arc 1: A Wheel in the Woods

Prologue: Welcome to the Universe: Idk, establishing a bunch of behinds the scene shit particularly with Homeworld I guess

Chapter 1: Back to the Falls: Reunion, everyone coming back to Gravity Falls and meeting up again

Chapter 2: Journal 4: Dipper starts writing his own journal (Ford probs gives him a blank one) ala what the end of Journal 3 implies

Chapter 3: Prior Engagement: Soos and Melody get engaged?? I think?

Chapter 4: Gravity Falls Noir: A Noir mystery story idk about what tho, mostly for fun

Chapter 5: Film Festival: Everyone teams up to make short films for a film festival

Chapter 6: Normal Kideon: Gideon (now reformed) asks the MK's help in teaching him how to not be a fucking little meglomaniac

Chapter 7: Techromancy: Something featuring Ford and Fiddleford and Peridot idk what

Chapter 8: Speed Demon: Zoom makes her triumphant return

Chapter 9: Twenty Zodiac Tales (temp): Very short stories featuring all the zodiac characters

Chapter 10: A Wheel in the Woods: The gang fucking discovers that goddamn triangle's statue and they're all fuckin scared

Chapter 10: Trust No One: Idk Bill gets freed somehow but he's not as powerful as he used to be

Arc 2: That Will Be All

Chapter 11: Fusion Foretold: This one was gonna be fun! So a group of magical creatures, pixies I think, saw Stonipbel fighting during Weirdmageddon the previous summer and believe them to be a prophecised hero, without knowing they're just four kids in a tall trenchcoat. Hijinks ensue

Chapter 12: Back Into the Bunker: Return to the bunker, this time with Ford and Fiddleford, basically a flashback on how Rose and the Gems helped them build it

Chapter 13: Summer Snowfall: Fuckin snows in Gravity Falls, its basically just swinter iidk winter hijinks

Chapter 14: Monster Shack: Return of the Monster Falls designs idk how I just wanted to see them again, would have probs featured Monster Stevonnie, Maven, and Stepper bc im obsessed

Chapter 15: Revenge Tour: Stan and Amethyst up to illegal hijinks again, this time roping Wendy and mabel Lapis in?

Chapter 16: A Shoulder to Cry On: Steven/Pacifica fusion, Connie and Dipper are jealous little shits

Chapter 17: A Pines Bros Mystery: Flashback chapter adapting the chapter of the same name from Lost Legends focusing on the young Stan Twins

Chapter 18: Steven's Dream: Same as the show, the gang goes to fucking Korea I guess (said gang including all four of the Pines)

Chapter 19: Adventures in Light Distortion: More or less the same as canon

Chapter 20: Gem Heist: Hinjinks in the zoo, the zoomans also think stan and ford are hot along with greg imo deadass they're right

Chapter 20: That Will Be All: same as canon this time featuring Stonemason foreshadowing

Arc 3: Wanted

Chapter 21: The New Crystal Gems (temp): would have had a name change, same as the ep but featuring Pacifica, Wendy, Soos, and Fiddleford filling in for the Pines, hijinks ensue

Chapter 22: Room for Ruby: Fuckin little shit comes to earth, only Stan and Lapis are able to tell she's sus as fuck

Chapter 23: Tie the Knot: I think this was when Soos and Melody were gonna get married???? Yeah UF2 was gonna have 2 weddings lol

Chapter 24: Alternate Ending: Same as the ep, Steven imagining what it would be like if he did have a sister bc he's a lil jealous of Dipper and Mabel's dynamic

Chapter 25: Alone in the Woods: Something Dipper and Lapis related??? idk

Chapter 26: Doug Out: Same as the show more or less, Aquamarine and Topaz fuckiin around

Chapter 27: Brotherly Shove: Stan and Ford focused, probs would have resulted in them both getting captured by Aqua and Topz

Chapter 28: Are You My Dad: Same as the show, more GF characters captured alongside the SU characters

Chapter 29: I Am My Mom: Same as canon, but with Dipper and Mabel getting taken to Homeworld with Steven and Lars, would have also included Stuck Together

Chapter 30: The Trial: Same as canon, more implications of Rose being a Shady Bitch who worked with Bill in the past; ends with Dipper pulling a self sacrifice essentially so Steven and Mabel can escape, thus officially kickstarting the Stonemason arc

Chapter 30: Wanted: Mabel and Steven desperately trying to find a way to save Dipper, Lars fucking dies, Maven maybe shows up? The kiddos go home and break the bad news that they're now one short oop

Arc 4: Stonemason Unmasked

Chapter 31: Within Without: Aftermath of the Wanted arc, Pines family is a fucking mess, not even knowing if Dipper is still fucking alive; Steven is a guilt ridden disaster

Chapter 32: Gemcation: The gems take everyone on a trip to try and both cool down and strategize; Stan and Ford get into a fight bc they're stressed, everything is bad

Chapter 33: Kevin Party: More or less same but Kevin wants Stevonnie, Maven, and Stepper at his party (lol kinda impossible for that last one atm imo); Mabel runs into Gabe Bensen at the party and tells him to fuck off, feeling guilt once again for the events of Sock Opera especially now that Dipper is gone

Chapter 34: Shipping and Handling: I think this was gonna focus on Pacifica's feelings about Dipper being missing? Was probs gonna be sad as fuck tbh this entire arc was

Chapter 35: Lars of the Stars: Same but with Mabel trying to convince Lars and the Off Colors to take them back to Homeworld so they can look for Dipper; they don't get far before Emerald attacks tho

Chapter 36: Jungle Moon: Same as before but this time it has a subplot with Mabel being lost on her own on the Jungle Moon, and her first encounter with Stonemason (she doesn't realize who he is yet)

Chapter 36: Sweater Sewing: Gang is back on earth, more focused on Mabel's huge well of emotions about missing Dipper, writing him letters so she can fill him in on everything once they find him/her doubting if they will

Chapter 37: Mindless Education: All our remaining MK have Angst for days and fusion aint gonna help them work through it this time, basically, the MK aren't complete with Dipper ahahah

Chapter 38: The Assassin: Stonemason officially arrives in Gravity Falls and fights the Gems (they still dont know who he is yet)

Chapter 39: The Mask: Second encounter with Stonemason, ends with the dramatic face reveal ahahaha

Chapter 40: Stonemason Unmasked (p1 and p2): deadass just retelling how Dipper wound up as Stonemason in full, introduces Amber and shows how he lost his arm, was conditioned/brainwashed, etc. Was gonna be told as a series of vingette scenes

Arc 5: Break the Chain

Chapter 41: Show Yourself: Reactions to Stonemason's real identity, failed attempts from the Pines and the Gems to basically break Dipper out of the brainwashing I guess

Chapter 42: Deep Cut: Outright fucking war between the Stans and the Gems basically with the Stans blaming the Gems for what's happened to Dipper and Steven and Mabel trying their best to get them to reconcile and work together

Chapter 42: Lullaby: Probs Stonemason focused, showing that Dipper is still in there and is trying to break free but cant bc of YD's conditioning

Chapter 43: Puppet Strings: Bill fuckin returns after like 40 chapters, absolutely taking advantage of this fucked up situation to try and broker a deal with Steven. it doesn't work. Yet

Chapter 44: Crash and Burn: Stonemason attacks Gravity Falls directly, without the mask which will have huge repercussions later

Chapter 45: Forever Together: Maven focused; they go off on their own to try and track down Stonemason, probably having an emotional breakdown or two along the way

Chapter 46: Don't Let Go: Possibly Lapis focused??? How the whole Stonemason thing is impacting her (not well)

Chapter 47: Burnout: Everyone fucking just hits rock bottom unsure of what the fuck to do

Chapter 48: A Final Farewell: Essentially that oneshot I wrote that one time, Amber sending the Gems and Pines a message from Dipper that encourages them to keep going

Chapter 49: Hide and Seek: The gang finally captures Stonemason and restrains him but they have no fucking idea how to help him

Chapter 50: Find the Key: Potentially calls back to both Dreamscaperers and RMD, with Steven and Mabel going inside Stonemason's mind to save Dipper

Chapter 50: Break the Chain: They fight Stonemason in there, break Dipper free, and he's back yay! but he's a lil fucked up actually lol

Arc 6: Rise and Fall and Rise Again

Chapter 51: Yes, My Diamond: Aftermath of Dipper struggling to fully break out of the conditioning ahaha angst city babyes

Chapter 52: The Golden Rule: I have no fucking clue something Stonemason related I guess, maybe the reveal that he's still runnin around inside of Dipper's mind and isnt actually gone like everyone thinks he is

Chapter 53: Blackout: Also don't know about this one, I guess its like emotional reconcilation from other characters?

Chapter 54: Your Mother and Mine: Finally getting back to SU eps, learning about how Rose started the war

Chapter 55: Pool Hopping: Garnet has even more angst bc boy howdy she did not see any of this Stonemason shit happening and she is hella guilty about it but at least she adopts a cat imo

Chapter 56: Raising the Barn: Lapis wants to leave now that Dipper is back, Dipper begs her to take him with her so YD won't find him and control him again; she says she's going to but doesn't imo fuckin ruins her relationship with her son nice going idiot

Chapter 57: Legend of the Dragowl: Dipper sad about his mom leaving, basically finds a cool dragon/owl hybrid in the woods and its basically HTTYD from there as that becomes his pet (names her Luna, she's cool)

Chapter 58: Save the Light: Adaptation of the SU game, Hessonite (who was involved in the Stonemason process) comes to earth and wooo boy everyone wants to beat her shit in

Chapter 59: Knock, Knock: Something something Bill I think? I have no fucking idea

Chapter 60: Rise and Fall: Imma level with yall i Have no fucking idea what this arc ender was gonna be; probs more Dipper angst? That sounds about right.

Chapter 60: And Rise Again: ^^^ Ditto

Arc 7: Dimensional Duel

Chapter 61: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Stepper, my sweet fusion son, returns after being away for so long as Steven tries helping Dipper recover emotionally but oh boy it doesnt work

Chapter 62: Alone Forever: Something else having to do with Stepper, idk what

Chapter 63: Rifts and Memories: More Stepper bc we can never get enough, probs plenty of RMD callbacks

Chapter 64: Open the Door: Ok yeah this one was def Bill making his full comeback, possibly using Steven as a pawn

Chapter 65: Twinning: This was an AU chapter but I honestly couldnt fucking tell you which one imo

Chapter 66: The Home in Homeworld: This was supposed to be the Crystal Falls AU chapter but then I swapped it over to UF itself and then also never wrote it so this is just redundant

Chapter 67: Mother Knows Best: Water Mom AU! Makes Dipper feel even worse about his Lapis being a fucking negligent runaway!

Chapter 68: The New Mystery Kids: Time travel into the MK2 future, old MK meets new MK its very cute and wholesome

Chapter 69: The One Who Watches: Axolotl introduction, idk what else besides that

Chapter 70: Portholes: AUs collide, basically a bunch of various AU characters from all the AUs we've seen fuckin Interacting

Chapter 70: Dimensional Duel: More of that ^^^ But there's fighting involved??? They all beat the shit out of Bill???

Arc 8: Change Your Mind

Chapter 71: Can't Go Back: They find Lapis on the moon, her and Dipper fight bc what else are they gonna do; Lapis still doesn't go home oop deadbeat mom over here

Chapter 72: A Single Pale Rose: Pink Diamond reveal and also the reveal of the deal Rose made with Bill during the war for her Gem

Chapter 73: Now We're Only Falling Apart: Reactions to the reveal; basically the same as canon as we learn more about Pink becoming Rose

Chapter 74: Reconnect the Chain: Stonemason (who's still in Dipper's head) and Dipper decide to reconcile their differences bc they're mad as fuck that they went through all this bullshit for nothing and decide they're gonna allign to a mutal goal: shatter all the remaining diamonds (except steven for obvious reasons)

Chapter 75: The Question: Rupphire engagement, cutie pies

Chapter 76: Made of Honor: Bismuth angst, fully bringing her back into the CGs (remember she gets unbubbled during Weirdmageddon but she keeps her distance from the CGs out of shame)

Chapter 77: Reunited: Rupphire wedding; Blue and Yellow come to Earth, big fuckin battle and they discover who Steven is

Chapter 78: Legs from Here to Homeworld: Shit awkward as fuck bc the Pines wanna fucking mutally murder Yellow for obvious reasons lol otherwise same as canon

Chapter 78: Familiar: Steven angst with a side of Dipper and Stonemason angst ahaha

Chapter 79: Together Alone: Stonipbel at the party, cute until it isn't; fucking blaze through Escapsim bc that episode sucks

Chapter 80: Battle of Heart and Mind: Dipper/Stonemason try and spectacularly fail to shatter Yellow, the others find out about his plans and are mix of semi supportive (the rest of his family) and not supportive at all (Steven bc he wants to heal the corrupted gems and that cant happen without Yellow) (so basically we get a fight between Dipper and Steven hahaha oh no where have we seen that before)

Chapter 80: Change Your Mind: Confrontation against White, even more dramatic than the actual episode if you can believe it

Arc 9: Ursa Major

Chapter 81: Back Then: Basically adjustment to the post CYM status quo, corrupted Gems are being healed and the MK all finally feel somewhat emotionally OK but there's still an arc left of this shit sooo

Chapter 82: Meet the Pines: Pines parents arrive in Gravity Falls for a surprise visit and are shocked to see what utter hell their kids have gone through; they ultimately decide to let them stay though when they realize just how happy their kids are here despite everything

Chapter 83: The Call: Bill fuckin around one more time, plotting to fuckin just destroy everything out of sheer rage alone; something something Axolotl

Chapter 84: The Unknown: I dont fucking know msot of my plans for UF2's final arc are very hazy

Chapter 85: Without Within: Dipper trying to find a way to make Stonemason his own person bc they've become friends?

Chapter 86: Glow Gem: Something to do with Steven idk what though

Chapter 87: Encore: I dont fucking know

Chapter 88: Sixty Degrees Come in Threes: Was gonna be Bill's backstory until Book of Bill came along and made me look stupid

Chapter 89: The Axolotl's Chosen: So in the Adventures in the Multiverse chapters of UF, the oracle tells Ford that the Axolotl has a "chosen one" that'll take Bill out once and for all and impliies it to be him but it aint lol its Dipper bc this kid hasnt been through enough already fuck

Chapter 90: Ursa Minor: Something something remnant trauma Dipper has not just from the Stonemason thing but shit Bill did to him like RMD and Sock Opera but still deciding to fucking end that motherfucker anyway

Chapter 90: Ursa Major: MK vs. Bill you know how it goes

Chapter 90: Polaris: That stupid motherfucking triangle finally dies for good

Epilogue 1: Mystery and Magic: Cool down from the climax, lots of cute interactions and character moments

Epilogue 2: Of Pines and Gems: Peaceful final resolution, conclusions, foreshadowing to the Movie probs with a scene hinting at Spinel idk

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 1: Harvest Celebration

Narrated by Marina.

Narrator: My brother told me that the climate in Miraland changes with time, making it very different from that in the Ark.

Narrator: It's getting chilly these days and the trees are shedding their leaves. I love stepping on them. So nice and crunchy!

Aeon: Don't step, Marina.

Narrator: But why put them into piles if they don't want people to step on them?

Marina: [Your Name] is stepping on them, too!

Narrator: Besides, those leaves are so large and pretty! And each leaf is different.

Aeon: Don't be mean to Momo, Marina.

Marina: But it looks really cute on Momo's head!

Narrator: Despite the cold weather, the citizens of Cicia are as excited as ever due to the upcoming annual Golden Tassel Music Festival.

Narrator: Bright festival posters adorn every wall and shop window, depicting the dazzling stage and fireworks.

Narrator: My brother told me that, in Ninir, the Golden Tassel originated with bountiful harvests.

Narrator: After the yearly harvests are done, a formal banquet is always held before winter.

Narrator: The Ninir people dance and sing all night and share grand meals with the homeless and passing travelers.

Aeon: That's why, besides the banquets, there's also a charity donation and a music gala in the Golden Tassel nowadays.

Nikki: I see... Aeon is just like an encyclopedia. He really knows everything.

Marina: Of course! He's the best!

Aeon: I simply did some research, that's all.

Lady Long Legs: Look! The list of the performers is here. There's Dodora... and Dorothy. What an impressive line-up!

Man With Afro: Tickets are... 20 thousand Gems? Eh, I'll just catch the livestream at home. Wish they'd invite our band to perform someday.

Lady Long Legs: No way. We aren't even well-known on Tavern Street. You think you can perform on the Golden Tassel?

Marina: I wanna go, too!

Aeon: Sorry, Marina. The tickets are a bit out of our budget.

Narrator: Surprisingly, we come back home to find an invitation from Dodora.

Narrator: Inside it is a pink card that says, "Thanks for your help the other day. -Dodora."

Narrator: There are five tickets in the envelope and a 7-page-long manual on the schedule and outfit requirements for the banquet.

Narrator: The word "formal" has been highlighted especially.

Marina: Yay! We can go to the banquet!

Narrator: Everyone's excited, except for my brother, who's earnestly considering his outfit choices.

Narrator: After all, I haven't actually seen my brother wear anything formal before.

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

[flamieo20]

The Hunter - Chapter 2: Moonlit Dreams

For once, Zoë wasn’t greeted by a nightmare. Instead, when she finally was able to sleep, she found herself standing in an open clearing, with a warm breeze blowing through her hair. Overhead, the sky was clear, allowing the full moon to shine down with all of its glory, providing a soft glow to her surroundings. It was the closest thing she’d had to a peaceful rest for a while, and a part of her wanted to take it all in and enjoy it. But, all too soon, she noticed a pair of figures in the center of the clearing, lit up by the moonlight as if it were shining only for them. And she knew she had to investigate.

A few steps later, and she found that the figures were two women. The taller of the pair wore a long sheer dress, with silver jewelry adorning her arms. Her long black curls cut with silver both from age and from a collection of small silver ribbons woven her hair. Each of the ribbons tracing back to the golden crown that sat on the top of her head, inlaid with blue and silver gems. Zoë recognized her immediately as Selene, goddess of the moon.  The two had met during the war between the titans and the gods Olympus, as both of them had decided to sit out of the conflict. Though, even if she hadn’t, the way her presence cut through the darkness, a veil of moonlight wrapped gently across her form, made it impossible to mistake her for anyone else.

The other woman eluded her though. She looked a bit younger than Zoë herself and was a head shorter. Not that perceived age meant anything in the realm of immortals, but most of the gods Zoë knew preferred to be in their physical primes. Their vanity wouldn’t allow anything less. But this was nearly a girl, one only just on the cusp of marrying age, at most. And her apparent youth wasn’t the only anomaly. Her attire was unlike anything the former Hesperid had ever seen, at least on a woman. Her dress was cut short, hemline stopping well above her knees, with its top being held nearly flush to her skin with a girdle. At a distance, one could almost confuse her for a man off of the attire alone. But up close, with her long auburn braid and supernaturally beautiful face, her femininity could never be in question. Whatever goddess this surely was, it was one Zoë wasn’t personally familiar with.

“Not that I don’t appreciate the company Selene, but you didn’t stop by just to chat.”

Selene smiled, shaking her head with fondness. The jewels in her crown sparking in the moonlight with each move. “Perceptive as always, my dear. I was hoping I could call in a favor.”

She was answered with a shrug. “Depends on the favor. While I’m forever grateful for the moonlight you’ve provided my hunters and I throughout the years, we’re a bit stretched thin at the moment. Last winter was harsher than usual, so the monsters are more desperate than ever to sink their teeth into anything they can find.”

“And if it were only a favor for me, I would not ask at such a time. But a desperate maiden has reached out to me for aid, the kind that I am unable to provide without interfering. There was no one else I could contact on this matter, protector of maidens.”

The invocation of the title brings a pause, as if the other woman was thinking it over. Her expression remained neutral, not giving anything away. “I need more information than that. Who exactly do I need to find? Where do you need me to go?”

“Her name is Zoë. You’ll find her far to the west of here. If you hurry, you should be able to find her in about 3 days.”

The young woman narrowed her eyes. “West…right. And how far west exactly”.

“It is difficult to say, as it is a land far outside of Greece itself. You’ll understand when you get there, I assure you. Just follow the moonlight, and I will guide you. But time is of the essence, I’m afraid.”

She was met with a sigh, and the waving of a hand. In an instant, a large silver bow appeared in the goddess’s grasp and was soon tucked over her shoulder. “I best be off then”

As she turned to go, Selene grabbed her arm, pulling her back just enough to meet her eyes. “Thank you, Artemis, I really do appreciate it. I promise it will be worth the effort.”

The image around Zoë started to fade, as the dream collapsed around in on her. Artemis’s response was the last thing she heard before everything faded to black.

“It better be.”

Zoë awoke immediately, the moonlight from the full moon shining down upon her. As she came to, the details of her dream repeated over and over in her mind. Had Selene really interceded on her behalf, or was that just the wishful dream of a tired and desperate mind? It certainly felt like more than a mere dream, and if there was any truth to it, then she hadn’t been completely forgotten after all. But Selene? This was more than Zoë would ever expect from her. She always had more of a relationship with her brother Helios, after all, as he parked his chariot in the garden at the end of each day to bring night to the mortal world. On the rare occasions Selene would be with him, she would offer precious few comments to the Hesperides, before setting off to carry her own chariot across the sky.

Still, if her dream was true, Selene was performing a great act of kindness on her behalf. Surely the goddess of the moon has better things to do than take pity on a foolish girl who lost her way. And to go so far as to call in a favor with an Olympian, no less. Well, it spoke volumes, and Zoë would forever be in her debt.

Artemis was another matter entirely. The goddess was one of Lady Hera’s favorite topics when visiting the garden and had been a thorn in her side since birth. Her stories painted the picture of a spoiled brat, one who wandered the earth looking for adventure, as she found even found the heavens lacking. The girl had no respect for the perfect family image the queen worked so hard to maintain, or even for her extended family in general, valuing the company of mortals over her own flesh and blood. And on the rare occasions when she didn’t get what she wanted, her rage was legendary, lashing out indiscriminately at everyone around her, whether they deserved her ire or not. And all too often, they didn’t. If Selene sent Artemis to help her, Zoë frankly questioned her judgement.

Still…it was something. Something more than barely surviving on berries and river water out in the middle of nowhere, at the very least. And it’s not like she could expect anyone else to lend her a helping hand any time soon. Or perhaps ever again.

It couldn’t possibly go any worse than her last encounter with one of Zeus’s spawn, could it?

She took a deep breath, letting the thoughts settle. Three days. That’s all I have left of this. And then, come what may, I’ll be ready.

[lightmaren]

land of the lustrous, what if fanfic after the events of vol 12 chapter 107 were all the gems are taken to the moon leaving phos behind

)please do keep in mind that this is just a fan thing so no hate please)

lunar phos

the pain, the visions, what was it all?! even when phos closed their eyes, covered them, and looked away, they could still see it clearly.

phos would walk around the now empty school and regretting what they done they wished to have everyone back regetting everything they have done.

so as they explored the school they found some broken gems most likey from the beach and began to experiment, it took a long time but in the end phos made a new eye it was a light blue gem like eye, not phosphophyllite but something ealse.

and after how the lunarians left them after what phos did for them! why trust them at all?!, phos ripped out the pearl eye and placed the new one in, it took a while phos was able to see and for once able to close it, phos then crushed the pearl eye to dust with their alloy, phos had no idea how long it was gonna be until the lunarians or anyone would arrive again so why not do something

week 1

gem shards apeared on the beaches, phos took them and placed them aside, placing them in in colour, the water was able to wash off bits of cinnabar posions but not enough to get out of the alloy, so when phos crushed some of the smaller brittle gemshards and rubbed it on the alloy that had the posion it came off! along with some others alloy attached

week 2

phos was able to find some gem parts of two arms and legs, kinda similar to their orginal body, was this their body part they lost?, phos broke the pieces down to restore as mutch as their body could and when they did they had a almost complet torso but it's a start.

week 3 day 4

phos was able to go into the sea and encountered a massive shell, some parts of the spike were cut off, might as well take as mutch as possible

day 5

more gem bits arrived on the beach, time to collect to fix themselves, thanks to the pieces and their body being able to welcome other gem parts into their enclosure they were able to fix their face, though they didn't look like lapis but a mix abtween their old self (after winter phos and orginal phos) all there was was the hair and legs, oh! the shell it's the same as their legs!

1 month (yes I know it's long go with it)

phos had finally was able to fix themselves, even replacing their old alloy arms with some new ones during the winter along with their new legs, the alloy dosent feel like a weighted burden now, the eye of kongo had now changed it was more diffrent, it looked the same but felt different, whenever phos lost a tiny piece of themselves their body would heal and replace any part that was missing, not only that phos had learned how to make gem hair (yay no longer bald phos!) they just went for a short hair, it being similar to phos's old hair style the gem being a blue apatite a hardness of 5 but phos took what they could.(they got parts of their memories back after getting their orginal arms and legs)

4 months

phos, no phos doesn't sound right to them anymore, maybe a new name? phos reambered some lunarians talking about an old story called a lunar eclipse.....lunar....that's a nice name..., phos finally exapted that no one was coming for them, and decided to make their own life, changing their name to lunar they will admit they still miss everybody a little.

and as lunar walked over to the Shore of Nascency, the place lunar and many of their freinds were born, and then something started to come out, a gem it looked complete as it fell lunar rushed in using their alloy to catch them.

once the sand settled and lunar took a deep breath they saw it to be a mint coloured gem, with short hair and no eyes, they looked fragile too, so lunar took them back to the school, the school was still damaged lunar tryed their best to fix it as possible, once they got the gem sat down lunar placed in the eyes of spared gem parts they have and glued them in, the new gem looked up at lunar and asked

"who are you?"

"my name....is lunar"

"what's my name?"

"your name" lunar looked down at the gem, a feeling of nostalgia would rush over them, they know what this gem was and their name. "your name is phos, phosphophyllite"

it's kinda funny back then phos was seen as the youngest and now, a new phos was born and would now be the oldest and lunar was gonna make sure noone would hurt or take advantage of them again.....never again

[shadowqueen402]

Balan Wonderworld Outfits: Chapter 8

Finally, I'm doing my favorite Chapter! Since it is winter-themed, almost all of the characters will be wearing winter outfits! Though, Iben will receive an interesting outfit choice since this is her Chapter. I hope you all like these!

Leo Craig

A dark blue winter hat with a white pom-pom on top, a dark blue scarf, a white coat with black accents over a red turtleneck sweater, dark blue mittens, black pants, and tall red boots.

Emma Cole

A pair of pink earmuffs, a red coat dress with six black buttons and white fur trimming on the hood, cuffs, and rim, a pink fringed scarf, matching pink mittens, black leggings, and tall green boots.

Jose Gallard

A red coat with white fur trimming on the hood, a black long-sleeved shirt, dark blue pants, and black shoes.

Fiona Demetria

A white turtleneck sweater underneath a navy blue sleeveless vest, denim blue jeans, and brown boots with white fur trimming around the cuffs. She wears a navy blue hair tie.

Yuri Brand

A red winter hat, an indigo coat, magenta mittens, olive green pants, and purple boots with a pair of white pom poms on each one.

Haoyu Chang

A grey winter hat and matching scarf, an orange coat over a green shirt, brown pants, and white shoes.

Sana Hudson

A brown coat with white fur trimming on the hood and cuffs, a dark green shirt, dark blue denim jeans, and cream colored boots.

Cass Milligan

A fuschia coat over a white shirt, black mittens, black pants, fuschia socks, and black ankle boots. She wears her hair up in a ponytail with a fuschia ribbon.

Cal Suresh

A grey winter hat, a black trenchcoat over a yellow shirt, a white scarf, dark grey pants, and black boots.

Iben Bia

A sleeveless, hooded denim blue vest with white fur trimming on the hood, a black shirt with a purple lining on the collar and lavender long-sleeves, red shorts with two gold buttons, black knee-high socks with light blue lining, and purple high-top shoes with white shoelaces.

Attilio Caccini

A dark magenta coat over a yellow turtleneck sweater, grey pants, and brown boots.

Lucy Wong

A long, black trenchcoat over an emerald green turtleneck sweater, a light green scarf, a black belt with a silver buckle, a long grey skirt with four black buttons, and emerald green boots with white fur trimming and white pom poms.

Eis Glover

A brown coat that reaches down to his knees over a red turtleneck sweater, dark grey pants, and tall black boots.

Bruce Stone

A cream-colored turtleneck sweater, mauve pants, and black shoes. He no longer sports his standard hat.

Act 3 Outfit (Specifically for Iben)

A short, form-fitting purple evening dress with a sweetheart neckline, gold cluster earrings with turquoise gems, a gold oval-shaped locket with a heart-shaped turquoise gem, and lavender stilettos. She wears her hair in a ponytail with a lavender hair tie.

[taruchisguide]

Seasonal Event: Wizards' Angels Lesson and Event Missions

[SEASONAL EVENT: WIZARDS' ANGELS]

A simple guide for the lesson and event missions with color coded words and names so you can glance at it quickly. Don't be afraid to tell me if something is incorrect!

Twitter Version Here Bluesky Version Here

↓↓↓ Text versions below!  ↓↓↓

Seasonal Event: Wizards' Angels Lesson Missions

Muku Sakisaka: 2 Autumn and 1 Winter, Masumi Usui Kumon Hyodo: 2 Spring and 1 Winter, Banri Settsu Taichi Nanao: 2 Summer and 1 Spring, Azuma Yukishiro Azami Izumida: 2 Summer and 1 Spring, Tsumugi Tsukioka Hisoka Mikage: 2 Autumn and 1 Summer, Citron

△△△△△△△

Seasonal Event: Wizards' Angels Event Missions

Complete 5 Lessons: 1 Limited Onigiri Complete 15 Lessons: 30,000 Coins Complete 30 Lessons: 1 Limited Onigiri Complete 50 Lessons: 5 Lead Actor Trophies Complete 75 Lessons: 1 Limited Bento Complete 120 Lessons: 3 Gems

Complete 10 Shows: 3 Limited Kame Buns Complete 30 Shows: 3,000 Friend Points Complete 55 Shows: 3 Limited Kame Buns Complete 85 Shows: 5 Lead Actor Trophies Complete 120 Shows: 1 Limited Kame Box Complete 180 Shows: 3 Gems

Read All Event Story Chapters: 2 Limited Kame Boxes Complete 33 Encores: 5 Gems*

* The 33 Encores reward is only available after May 26th 0:00 JST.

[sunnyrosewritesstuff]

Bagginshield Multi-Chapter WIPs

Ambassador to Madness

AO3 Link

Updated: 5/17/25

Rating: NR

Warnings: Creator Chose Not to Use Warnings

Summary: All Bilbo wanted was to be an ambassador to one of the richest kingdoms in Middle Earth. Upon meeting its prince, his opinion is greatly lessened. However, Bilbo still finds himself agreeing to play the part of his consort to help free Erebor from the gold mad Thror. Turns out, Thror may not be as blind as his grandson thinks, and intends to use Bilbo to get rid of Thorin once and for all.

Just to See You Happy

AO3 Link

Updated: 9/22/24

Rating: T

Warnings: Creator Chose Not to Use Warnings

Summary: Frodo has carried the Ring and deserves as much rest as any mortal can bear. He refuses to see his mission as complete until Bilbo finds his happiness. When Valinor does not hold the answer he needs, he launches himself into the past into an adventure that doesn't belong to him all in the hope of finding Bilbo's happiness.

A Mother's Curse

AO3 Link

Updated: 5/24/25

Rating: M

Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence; Character Death

Summary: A mistake made during the Fell Winter has turned Bilbo into a werewolf. Having always wondered if there was a way to reverse his curse, Gandalf believes he has found the answer. And it will require Bilbo to travel with a company of thirteen dwarves determined to take back their homeland from a dragon.

The Raven Prince

AO3 Link

Updated: 4/5/25

Rating: T

Warnings: N/A

Summary: Thorin thought his life was working perfectly. He had good friends, was the prince to the wealthiest kingdom in Middle Earth, and the love of his life just agreed to marry him. However, that changes when Erebor is approached by a sorcerer who flexes his power and influence on Thorin. Now he’s a raven and he must somehow save Bilbo, save his kingdom, and get his father’s blessing before it’s too late.

Soul Traitor

AO3 Link

Updated: 3/22/25

Rating: M

Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Summary: Betrayal among soulmates is unheard of in all the free races of Arda, yet that’s exactly what Durin VI, King of Khazad-dûm, endures. Heartsick and angry, he damns the Valar for their choice and earns their wrath in return. He and his former love will be reincarnated until the wrong between them is righted. Thorin Oakenshield, Durin’s lastest reincarnation, believes nothing can break that curse but for the Arkenstone that was stolen so many years ago. Gandalf, the meddlesome wizard, offers a hobbit translator for their quest. Yet, this hobbit may be the key to uncovering more than just a gem. An ugly truth that has remained hidden in the misdeeds and lost words of the past, about to be unlocked and free Thorin and Bilbo from this seemingly never ending cycle.

To Spoon Feed You Comfort

AO3 Link

Updated: 3/29/25

Rating: E

Warnings: N/A

Summary: When they reach their majority, every hobbit is encouraged to carve or forge a spoon that would be their Love Spoon. It’s a very sacred process as no talking can be done during the crafting of the spoon. All of their energy must be concentrated on pouring their hopes and dreams for the future into their spoon. Reflecting especially on what type of spouse would compliment them most, what type of marriage they hope to have, and what vows they would make to honor and cherish them. The symbols etched into their spoon would showcase all of this so that way when their future spouse used it for the first time, they knew exactly what they were getting out of this marriage. And that’s it. Once someone has taken a bite from a dish prepared by the spoon’s owner, they are married in the eyes of the Shire. The act is reciprocated, and the lucky couple move in together in marital bliss. Bilbo agonized over his spoon. A spoon no one ever seemed to want, and he had accepted his fate at no one ever eating from. Then a company of dwarves invaded his dining room, and their leader took a bite...

The Twelve Transformations of Bilbo Baggins

AO3 Link

Updated: 5/30/25

Rating: T

Warnings: N/A

Summary: Finding what he deemed as a puzzle box in the trolls' hoard, Bilbo is subjected to twelve magical transformations all of different duration and abilities. Getting the dwarves to Erebor might not be as easy as he thought.