#consider lucien avenged

[acourtofthought]

So, apparently, Elriel has "peak mate behavior" because Azriel displayed rage and wrath in regards to Elain. Such as when he said, " I'm getting her back."

If peak mate behavior was bringing out aggressive emotions in a person, wouldn't Azriel actually be Mor's mate? I mean, he wanted to demand a Blood Duel of Eris after Mor was left on the Autumn border and just look at what he did during the high lord's meeting.

Tamlin should also be mates with Feyre too then, right? I would consider low-key starting an entire war over one woman a pretty rage/wrath fueled decision.

I feel like some Elriels miss the point of a mating bond. It's not just about wanting to avenge the other person. It's also about wanting the very best for them in every situation and putting their own desires above yours no matter the cost to you. Hence, why Rhys was going to let Feyre marry Tamlin, or why Lucien is keeping his distance from Elain.

Azriel has shown aggressive behavior in regards to Elain, yes, but he hasn't necessarily shown concern, at least not as we've seen from mates already, and it's the fact that he's missing that key component that I don't currently think Elriel will be endgame.

"Wanting the best for them in every situation and putting their desires before yours" is so spot on. Az does not care what is best for Elain over what is best for him.

Also, it's not mate behavior when wrath is kind of Az's default setting, when Rhys tells us Az's icy rage has always scared the shit out of him. When that rage comes out for Mor, for Feyre, when it's directed at Jurian, the King, Amarantha, his brothers, etc. I've included the excerpts below, that show Az is typically a full of rage, wrathful kind of character.

How is Az going after Elain any different than Az being ready to disobey Rhys to head into the battle shortly after his return while severely wounded "you'll have to chain me to a tree"? Shouldn't he want to be by Elain's side after her kidnapping? He was willing to sit out for Mor but didn't think to sit out for Elain?

It's not mate behavior when Elain was being violated during the Cauldron scene and Azriel only cared for Mor.

It's not mate behavior when Az had an "unspoken debate" with himself then decided to go after her.

It's not mate behavior when Az drew straws to avoid guarding Elain during the worst of her depression.

It's not mate behavior when Az showed zero interest in visiting Elain during the worst of her depression.

It's not mate behavior to look at another female with heat and yearning while the girl you're supposedly "true mates" with is in the room with you.

It's not mate behavior to regift the necklace you gave your "true mate" to another female.

It's not mate behavior to feel a spark in your chest over another females happiness.

It's not mate behavior to not show admiration for the girl you supposedly want.

It's not mate behavior to give her zero credit for her bravery.

It's not mate behavior to believe she shouldn't be exposed to the darkness of the Trove while thinking her sister can.

It's not mate behavior when Feyre ordered Az to get Elain to safety and he ignored the orders of his High Lady to stay behind to also save Feyre.

It's not mate behavior when Cassian was the first to want Elain armed during the war.

It's not mate behavior when Az didn't even check on Elain after the battle.

It's not mate behavior when he used the exact same voice on Elain that he uses on enemies and to charm allies into getting his information:

"The sixth queen is alive?" Azriel asked, calm and steady, the voice of the High Lord's spymaster, who had broken enemies and charmed allies."

Az treated Elain exactly as he treats others when he collects intel versus Lucien who Feyre notes she'd never heard her friends voice so soft or tentative when talking to Elain.

Mate behavior brings out a side to a character that we don't typically witness from them. Like Lucien's struggle with controlling his anger whenever Graysen is mentioned or when Nesta said "we'll decide what she needs" when he was telling them Elain needed to get outside, Lucien tapping into a brand new power to get to Elain's side, Lucien being at a loss for the right words whenever he's near Elain because she leaves him a bit tongue tied and awkward in his own skin (something that is noteworthy considering he's very good at talking to people).

Mate behavior is instinctual, like Lucien losing his shit when the bond first snapped and he couldn't stop himself from snarling and roaring. Does Lucien typically snarl and roar? Or was he struggling to control his actions because of the mating bond?

Mate behavior is not Az saying to Nesta, "what about Elain?" and NESTA being the one to run in terror to Elain's tent. Mate behavior would have been Az himself running to Elain's tent for fear of what he'd find. Mate behavior is not sitting there watching Nesta and Cassian discuss trying to get Elain back then him only declaring he'd get her back once Nesta said it was impossible. Mate behavior is not staying away from Elain for a year because he couldn't stand her bond even though she could have used the emotional support from someone she considered a maybe friend during that time (mate behavior is Rhys and Lucien staying away from Feyre and Elain because they believed they were happiest without them, Az stayed away due to his own selfish reasons).

All in all, nothing in Az's actions is mate behavior when it comes to Elain. It is canon that Az is often the first to throw himself into danger, that he is competitive to an extreme, that he is typically full of wrath and aggression, and the scars from his mother's past make him act a certain way towards females at times. These are not things special to Elain.

Lucien showing devastation at Elain's depression, sitting in his room thinking of ways to help her, offering condolences for the loss of her father, supporting her vision by heading off on a mission alone that Az claimed was too dangerous for even Rhys at a certain point, a vision Az didn't even think was all that important to follow since Mor was the one arguing for it, leaving his mates side to risk his life when it's clear he was longing for her but knew she wanted Graysen? That's mate behavior.

Az hiding in Feyre's shadows during Elain's rescue while Feyre did the most dangerous part, Az not caring about Elain's trauma or mental health at any point in the series? That is not.

[crazy-ache]

I'm not sure if you're still doing those, butttt

Bathtub Fic x Sick/Injured or Scars Fic for Elucien 😁

For you…YES!!

Bathtub Fic & Sick/Injured or Scars

For the scene, I am going to take us to the Winter Court. Perhaps it is a part of their journey to Koschei or to explore her Seer powers—early in the relationship, with the barest shreds of trust between them—and somewhere along the travels, they encounter the infamous hot springs of Winter.

Picture mountains and snow and nuzzled deep within the white, icy forests lay natural hot springs. Lucien has been here of course from his emissary days. He explains the benefits and urges Elain that she simply must try out this particular hidden gem—that there is none like it in all of Pythian. She agrees nervously. And her eyes go wide as she watches Lucien begin to strip off all his clothes.

Elain blushed, turning around instantly. “What are you doing?” She squeaked. “Well, I’m certainly not going to get my clothes wet in this cold and the hot springs are best enjoyed naturally.” Lucien laughed and she could hear him kick off his shoes and pants behind her. Then the sound of water splashing as he entered, quickly followed by a near moan from Lucien’s lips. “Come on, Elain. It’s incredible. I promise I won’t look, lady. On my honor.”

It’s enough to make Elain bite her lip and consider. It did seem incredible. And she had dreamed of traveling the world her entire life. She couldn’t be a coward now that she was here. “Turn around!” She barked her command, and only once her mate confirmed he was indeed facing the other direction with his eyes closed did she begin to undo her dress, stockings, and boots. Without a single article of clothing, she raced into the water before the shivers overtook her body. And indeed it was amazing. A similar relaxed moan tumbled out of her mouth as she sank into the warm, steamy waters.

They were back to back, because Elain didn’t have the courage to do it any different. To bare herself to him. Not with the amount of desire she secretly harbored inside. Even if the water came up right to the swell of her breasts. But even like this, she could sense his smile. His comfort. They talked leisurely and at length. Now that they were finally spending time together, she was caught off guard by how easily he could make her laugh. It was at one particularly wicked joke that her body curved and her skin made contact with his back.

Immediately she felt the scars. Ridges upon ridges of marks across his back. They both flinched instantly. Elain from the surprise and Lucien no doubt from the sorrow and pain embedded deep with every scar.

There’s no other thought except concern surging through her veins as she whips around, breaking her own rules, to face his back. He is frozen, as if he’s been caught. Shame? Elain can’t stop the gasp as she takes in his whipped back. “Who—how—” She is shaking even if the water is so unnaturally hot, leaving her pale skin red with the heat.

“Punishment when I was Under the Mountain.” He answers. Elain reaches for his back, running her fingers across every single mark. He does not move. There’s so much she can see now. The history like a constellation across his shoulder blades and spine. The pain etched in his skin, one of loyalty and bravery and suffering, so much like the matching one on his eye. She can see the corded muscles taut with restraint. The curve of his ass just below the water’s surface. His long molten, red hair curtained over his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispers. And she means it. She’s sorry for what happened. The primal, visceral part of the mating bond wants to avenge him. Wants to make it as if it never happened. And she’s sorry for all the distance she had once kept between them, when all he had were these scars to keep him company all this time.

Elain wraps her arms around his middle, fingers gliding over the defined abs of his stomach, one hand grazing against the strong, tone muscle of his chest. She kisses his shoulder, right at one of the scars. The another and another and another.

And maybe, just maybe, she’s working up the courage to spin him around and kiss him elsewhere.

[missacidburn928s-heathenhideaway]

Madness in a smile. Won't you stay a while?

Mafia AU

Mafia!Avengers x POC Reader “Jinx”

Summary:

Trauma molds us all in different ways.

Warnings:

Angst and Fluff and Smut, Smut, Gratuitous Smut, Angst, Blood and Violence, Past Rape/Non-con, Past Abuse. Past Sexual Abuse, Past Relationship(s)Past Violence, Mafia Avengers, Mafia AU, Reader-Insert, Threesome - F/M/M, Vaginal Fingering, Oral Sex, Vaginal Sex, Woman on Top, Just a lot of dirty smut ok.

Notes:

Hello Heathens! This is a music heavy, fun, smutty, but still angsty chapter. I was in my feelings for sure. Happy Reading!

Banner by @cafekitsune Divder by @firefly-graphics

"Haaaaadeees! I'm home." Your beloved Doberman comes trotting over from the living-room. He stops in his tracks when he notices the large men behind you, letting out a low growl. "Oh bubba you're gonna have to learn to play nice. We're taking a little vacay to their compound for the time being. So please get it together. Now be a good boy and grab mama's favorite .45 for me." The doberman gives one last look at the men before turning on his heel and scampering off on his way to your study.

The super soldiers just stare at you with quirked brows over the exchange with your four-legged companion. 

"Don't just stand there clutching your pearls. Get a move on. The quicker we get back, the quicker we can strategize." You clap your hands and head down the hall.

"Did you just ask your dog to fetch you a gun?" Steve inquires. 

"Sure did. Had it specially designed just to put a bullet between Lucien’s eyes."

“Good enough for me.” Bucky shrugs.

They follow you down the hall to your locked weapons room. Tossing them each a duffle bag, you tell them to fill it with what they deem essentials. You leave them to it and head off to your room to grab your go bag and some extra clothes.

You’ve always been ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The joys of being a mafia princess and woman on the run. Of course you sometimes wish your life was simpler. Less dangerous and chaotic. That will never happen though. You came to terms with that a long time ago.

“Need a hand?” You’re whisked from your thoughts by a smooth baritone.

“I’ve got it. Not much to gather when your always ready to flee.”

“That’s kind of dark and a bit tragic.” Bucky notes with a contemplative tone.

"Don’t you know darling. All I am is dark and tragic. Lucien got one thing right. I was born in blood. Something like that leaves a mark on your soul."

“I find that the tarnished souls have the purest hearts. It just takes you a while to get there.” He nonchalantly states.

“Such a sweet talker Mr. Barnes.” You tease. “Now enough of this mushiness. Let me see what goodies you two grabbed. And yes, I will be judging you on your choices.”

You saunter out of the room. Bucky and Hades hot on your tail as you make your way to Steve and gather the rest of your necessities.

“Meet me out front. I’ll follow you on my bike. So Wolfie I’m going to need you to take good care of my boy. Don’t let him get sick in the Captain’s precious Rover.”

“He better not.” Steve growls. Bucky just laughs as he secures a leash to Hades.

Tony gave you the room between Steve and Thor’s. With Bucky and Nat Across the hall. Salt-n-Pepa’s “None Of Your Business” is blasting from the hidden speakers thanks to Jarvis, while you unpack.

The loud bass seems to have summoned a certain Vikings attention. You can feel the air shift as he enters your quarters. You pay him no mind as you continue to dance to the beat. Making yourself comfortable in your temporary home.

The song ends and rolls right into the next. As the reggaeton beat hits your ears your hips follow suit. As if they have a mind of their own. Uncaring of the eyes following every dip and swivel.

“You know, most people would consider waltzing into someone’s space without introducing yourself and staring so intently at them as rude. Now I know you’re a brute, but are all your brains located in your muscles?”

“Ha. Good one. I fully intended to introduce myself properly. But upon entering your domicile I became entrance by your siren like movements. I’d apologize but that would mean I’m sorry for enjoying the show and I am anything but sorry about that.”

You spare a look over your shoulder and note the smirk displayed on his ruggedly handsome face.

“It’s safe to assume you already know who I am. But for brevities sake I’ll go ahead with an introduction. I am Thor Odinson. Your new neighbor and resident muscle.”

You finally turn around. Taking the time to let your eyes roam and take in the golden god like giant before you. He really does paint such a magnificent picture of brute strength.

“Thor. God of Thunder and Fertility. Such a chaotic combination. To sunder life in one instant and to breathe life into existence in the next is quite the gift. I’m sure my true name proceeds me at this point, but you can call me Jinx.”

“Pleasure to formally meet you fair Jinx. And you are correct. Your name does proceed you. But they seem to have left out how your looks are just as deadly as your knives.”

You smile at the compliment as you make your way to close the door. Lightly checking Thor with your shoulder as you pass by. “Silver tongued as well. What a treat.”

He chuckles. “You have no idea little fox.”

You can feel the body heat radiating off him at your back as you close the door. Crowding around you he reaches forward to turn the lock.

You turn to face him. Having to lift your chin to look in his eyes as you only reach chest height. “You sure you want to be locked in here with little ole me?”

His eyes are full of intrigue and lust. Like a predator stalking its prey. “Should I be afraid? I am the brute, as you say, after all.”

“Do your worst Demigod, for I have already felt the flames of Hel lick across my flesh.” You lift your shirt so that he can see your scar.

He reaches out to touch your ruined skin, pausing to look you in the eye and get your consent. You nod your head, and he closes the gap. His battle roughened fingers caress the raised flesh. A reminder of your near death at the hands of someone sworn to love and protect you.

“Is this why you have your very own Garmr?” He asks. Fingers still tracing across your flesh.

“You noticed that did you? Hades is my protector, yes. I would never dream of chaining him up though. The only destruction he seeks is to destroy the one who harmed me. There is no need to fear him.”

“Fear is the farthest thing from my mind. More like respect and gratitude. To earn his favor would be to earn yours as well.”

“The fact that you made it into this room without so much as a growl from him speaks volumes. He growls whenever the Captain is around.” You laugh.

“He is rarely without Barnes though. Does he not growl at the White Wolf?”

“They’re kindred spirits I suspect. Devoted and loyal. He quite enjoys the White Wolf. But don’t tell him that.”

“You have my word little fox. May we seal the deal with a kiss?”

“You’re really jonesing for a taste aren’t ya Odinson? Did the super soldiers blab about our little playtime before our meeting?”

“I may have overheard them speaking about you in the gym. But I was curious and bewildered by you long before that. I must admit I am a little jealous that they got a taste first. Guess its what I get for only being the muscle. Don’t have the finesse required to bring a challenge like you in without violence.”

“Oh I would have loved that.” Your face lights up. “Taking you down would have been amazing.”

His eyes darken as he takes a step closer. His large body pinning you to door as he runs his hand up your chest to rest against your throat. “Sly little fox you don’t need to goad me to get what you want.”

“Maybe I just like hearing you speak. The words flow off your silver tongue so easily.”

“Is that what you want? To verbally spar?”

“This is just foreplay. I’m sure you can show me what else that mouth can do.”

His hand tightens around the base of your throat for a moment before he slides it down to your waistband where it is met with his other. Giving your hips a squeeze he looks to you for permission before going any further. You lick your lips and nod your head.

He removes your leggings and panties together, with care and reverence. Teasing your flesh as he divests you of your garments but leaving your beloved thigh sheath in place. Resting his hands on your waist he begins to raise you up the door.

Thinking that he would stop when you’re high enough to kiss his lips without stretching; he surprises you by lifting higher still. He continues on until your glistening pussy is level with his mouth and he has moved your thighs onto his broad shoulders. Smirking up at your slightly shocked face, he gives you a wink as he presses you firmly against the door for balance. He runs his tongue from your slit to clit. Groaning in appreciation of the taste of you that floods his experienced tastebuds.

Apparently that taste was enough to turn him ravenous. He takes to eating your dripping pussy like a man possessed. Worshipping your cunt like a barrel of Meade he would happily drown in.

It is not long before you are coming on his talented silver tongue. Your muscles feel loose and like putty. Keeping you in place atop his shoulders with his left hand, you watch with rapt attention as he pushes down his sweats with his right. Letting the fabric fall to his ankles. Noticeably he is without underwear.

He returns his hands to your waist and slides you down the door to where you’re perched right over his leaking uncut cock.

“If you don’t want to take this any further, speak now. For if your cunt feels as amazing as you taste. my control will be on a thin leash.” He practically growls.

You smile deviously. “As I said before.” You lean up to where you lips graze his as you speak. “Do your worst.” You run your tongue along the bottom of his lip and then bite down.

That is the go ahead he needs to squeeze your hips and slowly impale you on his god like girth. He watches your eyes roll back and your mouth opens on a silent gasp as you adjust to the stretch.

He gives you only a moment before he pins you to the door with his body. His frame spreading your thighs wider as he wraps your ankles around his waist.

“This cunt is practically magical how it fits me so well. Men could start wars over the silkiness of these walls.” He grinds against you making you moan out once more.

“I intend to leave my mark so that I may be fortunate enough to be inside you once again.”

“For all that talk of control; you seem pretty at ease right now.”

“The calm before the storm little fox. Now take a deep breath for me.”

He pulls out until only his tip remains as you inhale. When you begin to exhale, he slams his hips forward helping kick the air from lungs.

From then on it was as if you were lost in the clouds of a thunderstorm. Your body being slammed over and over against the door as your pussy took a delicious beating. The bass of his groans and growls resonating through your bones like thunder.

You feel the stirrings of your orgasm on the edge of your consciousness. The room beginning to turn to a hazy dreamlike state before you eyes. As Thor’s thumb circles you engorged pearl with a practiced skill; that need to explode continues to build.

With a well placed attack to that sweet spongy spot inside you and a pinch to your clit; you’re a goner. Your orgasm rips through you like lighting striking through the sky. Scattering you into a million pieces before your gathered back together. Still swallowed in the midst of the storm.

You squeeze tightly to Thor’s giant like frame as you ride the storm together. You could swear you saw his eyes change color. As quickly as that thought occurs it is interrupted by the grip of his hands on your hips. With a thunderous roar, that no doubt was heard throughout the entire wing, he buries himself as deep as your bodies will allow. Pressing his forehead against yours as he fills you up. Your tight walls feeling every twitch as you milk him dry.

You've had plenty experiences after you healed and got away from Lucien. All to drown out the trauma and try and replace it with the pleasure you deserve. In all those times and all those experiences no one has every made you feel so treasured and present in your body as Thor has.

You look up at him with awe and a softness in your eyes rarely shown nowadays. “I see why women throw themselves at you. For such a brute you’re as sweet as a cinnamon roll inside. And clearly have a deep love and respect for women.”

“Women are truly the strong ones. They should be treasured whenever possible. Especially you little fox. I could happily become addicted to you. Whenever you need to ride the storm. To feel just how precious you are. Come find me.”

“You’re most certainly too sweet for me.”

“Nonsense.” He kisses your forehead and allow yourself to sink into his warmth. Like the sun after the most devasting of rains.

“Now let me show you all the perks your shower has to offer.”

“Yeah, that’s going to be tricky. My legs feel like Jello still.”

“I never said I was putting you down.”

Later that evening…

You’ve found your way to the dance studio you spotted during your tour of the compound. After the events of the last 24 hours you felt the need to work out all these pesky emotions. What better way to set your head right than putting your body through vigorous movement.

Connecting your phone to Jarvis you hit repeat on the perfect track to help you with your much needed emotional release. You take a breath, centering yourself as you begin to move. Your body synchronizes to the beat like a starving apparition. Forever entranced in the symphony of notes overtaking your muscles.

As the world falls away around you, you’re inundated with a series of flashbacks and snippets of Lucien’s secret abuse. From verbal attacks to acts of violence. The visions of his sexual abuse make your skin crawl, as hot anger fuels you. His poison, sunk deep into your marrow, still lingers.

The sounds of your body ping ponging off walls. Plates of perfectly cooked food being thrown. Books being ripped in half. Let’s not forget the discreet pinching of your sides in public if he felt disrespected.

The nights he would barge in drunk from the strip club. Smelling like another woman’s perfume. Shirt and hair a mess. “Her pussy wasn’t tight enough for me. No one’s pussy compares to yours Sunshine. It’s the best thing about you.” He spreads your legs, rips your panties off and spits on his cock and fingers to lube you up. Then he just thrusts his way inside, splitting you open, uncaring of your pain as you scream out.

Two minutes and it’s over. Leaving you with his mess to clean up as he rolls over. You make for the bathroom on wobbly legs, ridding yourself of his cum and secretly taking a plan B you have stashed away.

Those nights happened far too much. And it wasn’t always in the bedroom. If he wanted you, he’d have you. You were his.

When did the raging fire inside me settle into smoldering ash? Was it when I could tell his mood by the sound of his steps coming down the hall? Or did he slowly beat it out of me with every hand he raised in anger? I never thought I would be in that situation. Swore I would never be that girl. But I was blinded by his façade of the perfect gentleman. The mask he hid behind in our day-to-day life. Like a true sociopath he mirrored emotions with practiced perfection. A practically flawless performance. Hell, he had me fooled and under his spell. So much so, that I thought I deserved every unkind act he did to me. Every bruise, every fatigued muscle. And I begged for any crumb of affection he would bestow on me. His good girl. His perfect little whore. That stupid pretty face that hid such depravity. And I protected him! Only to be stabbed and left for dead. Never again!

Your exposed skin is covered in a sheen of perspiration, as you continue to lose yourself to the music. Uncaring of your scar on display in your sports bra and boy shorts as you sense a presence in the studio with you.

“Are you going to join me or just observe with your keen eyes?”

"Where'd you learn to dance like that?" Nat speaks up, walking into the room.

"I'm told it was my mother's favorite thing to do."

“You know you're really good?”

“At what exactly?”

“Wearing a mask. Putting on a brave face. Creating a stony exterior.”

“Thanks, I guess.”

“I can see through the cracks though. However tiny they may be. That soft sweet center you try so hard to protect.”

“It’s worth protecting.” You stare her straight in the eye. “It’s the piece of me I never want to lose. It’s all the humanity I have left that wasn't beaten out of me. And one day, when Lucien lays dead at my feet and I can truly breathe again, I’ll be able to allow her softness to bleed back into my system. For the safety of my remaining sanity, I’ll keep that piece of me under lock and key for now.”

“I get it.” She nods. “Would you mind a partner while you work out whatever it is that haunting you? I could use a session myself.”

“By all means. I’d never pass up a free show from the Black Widow.”

Your phone vibrating against the smooth surface of your nightstand has you reaching over. There is only one person who would call you at this hour and expect you to pick up.

“Well hello there Da. Are you calling to check up on me once again or are you calling to assuage your curiosity of whether I still draw breath as we both know Luci is here.” 

"A bit of both. I just received a call from the aforementioned bane of our existence. Which is surprising, as I was under the assumption that he was trying to hide his little venture from me."

“He made an appearance at the Avengers Compound. Tried to make a big deal over my existence like somehow Stark would just turn me over. His mistake. Unfortunately, now he knows for sure that I am still very much alive. I’m not going to tell you to be careful because we both know you wont listen to that. So just keep your eyes open and I’ll take care of business over here.”

“Aye. That’s my girl. Keep me updated and let those Avengers have some fun with him as well. My treat.”

“You have my word. Night Old Man.”

“Night Petal.”

[andreal831]

What do you think the Mikaelsons would be like if the Aurora fallout didn't happen?

TW: Mental Health/Mental Illness, bipolar disorder

I'm assuming you mean the Aurora fallout when she was human and not when she took the serum. I personally don't think it would be the fairytale a lot of Klaurora shippers want it to be. Don't get me wrong, I like Aurora's character and she did not deserve being compelled to be Rebekah for a hundred years and I also think she is one of Klaus' better ships. I also think we need more (and better than TVDU gives us) representation of mental illness in media. But I personally think people romanticize their relationship a lot. I do think Aurora is Klaus' first love and he loved her deeply, as she did him. But they were both in very bad mental places when they were together. This was only exacerbated by the vampirism. They likely would have led each other down a dark path rather than help each other out of it.

When Aurora is first turned, the vampirism makes her slightly out of control, which is not good considering the Mikaelsons had not mastered their control yet. This meant that shortly after she turns, Mikael tracks them down because of the carnage they were causing. If Elijah hadn't compelled Aurora, she would have run with them. She likely also would have wedged herself between Klaus and his siblings. This is especially true because Elijah would have likely still remembered that Klaus killed their mother and lied to them about it all of that time. The memory was behind the red door because of what Elijah did to Aurora, not because of what he discovered.

This would have created a huge rift between Finn and Klaus, likely causing Finn to do what he claimed to want to do and leave his siblings behind, potentially even seeking Mikael out to help avenge his mother. With Finn leaving, Kol would also part ways shortly after. We know this happens anyway as Kol is already on his own when the Mikaelsons encounter the Hunters.

Tristan would also have sent an army after the Mikaelsons to retrieve his sister, likely with the help of Lucien as I think he partly always believed Klaus manipulated Aurora. I personally was never a fan of how Lucien interacted with Aurora. He always acted like she was unable to think for herself so it would be easy for him to believe Klaus had manipulated Aurora and not that she rejected him. It also would give him an excuse to go after the Mikaelsons and make Klaus pay for "stealing" Aurora.

It would have been Mikael and whatever army he mustered up and Tristan/Lucien and their army chasing after the trio and Aurora. I think it would be a fascinating story and if anyone wants to write it, I would definitely read it. However, it wouldn't be positive for either Klaus or Aurora's mental health. We are told Aurora battles bipolar disorder. This mental illness, unfortunately, for the vast majority of the time cannot be handled effectively without medication. Bipolar disorder was not even diagnosed until the 1800s and it wasn't effectively treated until the mid-1900s. Because vampirism already exaggerates emotions, Aurora's battle with bipolar disorder was extreme. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are also exacerbated by stressful life events, like being on the run from your brother and your homicidal father-in-law.

Stans, and even Klaus himself, changed their tune after finding out about Klaus' first heartbreak and, instead of blaming his parents, shifted blame to Elijah for why Klaus behaves the way he does. But we have to realize that Klaus is Klaus. Vampirism and his werewolf side only heighten who he is. We see Klaus as a human get in angry, heated fights, he is still fairly self-centered (kissing Tatia without even considering her feelings), he kills his mother for lying to him before his heartbreak, he goes on a killing spree before this heartbreak. He wasn't some innocent, good-tempered person before all of the heartbreak and betrayal. He was also in a fragile mental state and it would have been easy for Aurora to convince him to leave Rebekah and Elijah behind. Klaus was clearly suffering some level of depression and likely PTSD from his childhood trauma. Aurora already thought Elijah was too obsessed with family and didn't have a positive association with family in general. To me, she would have wanted her and Klaus to be a family on their own. She even seemed to cast Rebekah aside as her friend when Klaus showed her romantic interest. She was so quick to tell Elijah she knew something about Klaus that even he didn't know. Whether intentionally or not, she would have caused a separation between the siblings. I personally think this would have been for the best for Elijah and Rebekah. They could have gone off and lived a happy life, finding love.

But Klaus and Aurora likely would have gone down a dark path. We already see them begin to right after she is turned. She, like Klaus, reveled in the gore of vampirism early on. Without Elijah or Rebekah there to even him out, Klaus may have gone off the deep end, making it easy for Mikael to find him. If Mikael had an army, it likely would not have ended well for Aurora and Klaus.

I've seen two people who were struggling with their mental illness try to make it work in real life and it unfortunately usually does not work. When you are struggling, you need someone who can support you, but if your partner is also struggling, that is too much pressure. They created a beautiful relationship in the comfort and safety of the castle but they would have struggled to support each other once life got hard on their own.

It is really sad because so many people in history suffered unnecessarily because of mental illnesses before treatments or understanding was available. Aurora's conversation with Cami gives us just a small insight on what people in her position were often forced to undergo in an attempt to "fix" them. If Aurora and Klaus had met in modern setting where treatment was available for both of them, I think they would have a beautiful relationship. It just was unfortunately the right person, wrong time.

Thanks for the ask! This was really interesting to think about. Sorry, it took so long to respond, but I wanted to make sure I really thought this one through. I try to be delicate any time I discuss mental illness.

As always, if you disagree or have a different perspective, feel free to share. All I ask, is that you keep it respectful, especially when discussing mental health.

**EDITED: To correct the improper use of BPD for bipolar disorder.***

[grayintogreen]

WIP WEDNESDAY

Hello, hello. Since there won't be an update for a bit, I COME BEARING GIFTS. A little snippet from the unfortunately massive Chapter Seventeen, featuring the Tether Twins.

“I don’t like him,” Molly snapped as he stalked side by side with Lucien through the Firmaments. The perpetual night meant always being in Catha’s glow no matter what the time and it should have made every trip out bliss for him, but Essek’s shadow seemed to hang over everything, leaving him constantly vigilant, like the Shadowhand fully intended to pick them all off to isolate them from Caleb, whom he seemed to have the most interest in.

“Careful,” Lucien said, biting into a sweet plum he’d managed to talk a fruit vendor into giving up for less than it was worth for how rare it was. Molly hadn’t even gotten irritated about it. “You’re starting to sound like me.”

He was poking him in the ribs. He had to be. But when Molly looked over at Lucien, juice on the corner of his lips that he licked off with an unforked tongue, he wasn’t teasing. “I don’t want you to be me. I’m me. You’re… The cast off bits I didn’t want.”

“Why Lucien, that’s as close as you’ve come to reconciling me as a person out loud.” The anger didn’t stop Molly’s sarcasm from coming out like melodrama. He clasped his heart. “I’m gonna get the vapors.”

Lucien rolled his eyes. “There you are. Now stop pouting just because your sweetheart is having his intellect tickled by a pretty wizard.”

“I’m not jealous.” He wasn’t. He didn’t get jealous. He and Caleb didn’t have that kind of possessive relationship because neither would thrive in it. Molly would run as fast as he could if Caleb tried to make a cage of his arms around him, even after Molly swore up and down that he’d given himself over to him when they shared blood during the ritual. The fact that he knew Caleb would never take advantage of him was why he could do it.

Conversely, Molly knew that Caleb had methods of dealing with problems that might lead him to… well, whatever he was doing with Essek. If it led him to Essek’s bed, that would be fine if Essek weren’t a fucking wizard, whom they had notoriously bad luck with, or one of the most powerful figures in the Bright Queen’s court and Yeza’s jailer, and he was both.

He knew why Caleb was doing it. He knew he could trust Caleb. He didn’t know anything about Essek and no way of learning more since the bastard kept refusing to meet anywhere but at the Quavein Estate when the rest of the Nein were out save for Molly. It was an obvious ploy, but Caleb was certain his was better, and all that left Molly with was an impotent fury that he could do nothing but wait and watch and hope.

“You know, there’s a simple solution.” Lucien paused to finish off his plum. “Think of what I could do with a body like his.”

Molly almost choked. “I thought you wanted to keep this one.”

“Yellow’s not my color,” Lucien shrugged, throwing his own words back at him. “Might be nice to be the one with all the power at my fingertips again.”

The worst part was Molly was deeply considering it, which meant it was a bad idea. Lucien could do a lot of damage with that kind of power and that was with Molly trusting him not to go completely evil on them. Calling him the cast off bits of his soul he didn’t want might as well have been a flat admittance that he didn’t want him anymore and therefore had no reason to turn on the Nein unless his dignity was worth avenging. It also meant that he was rejecting all the good he could have had in him, which was sort of a step backwards. “We would have to kidnap a political figurehead who knows Dynasty secrets. What d’you think happens in that scenario?”

Lucien sighed in mock-whimsy. “I set everyone on fire and it’s wonderful.”

“I think you dream so much it fucks up how you see reality.” Molly shook his head. “You have to keep your feet on the ground sometimes.”

“That’s a laugh. Advice on staying on the ground for the whimsical, untethered circus clown.” Lucien’s cackle alarmed a couple of small drow children playing ball on the cobblestones and they darted away lest the scary yellow tiefling eat their hearts the same way he ate that plum.

“There’s a difference between knowing what’s real is shite and making it better and dreaming it away, Lucien. When you wake up, it’s still shite. D’you ever think that was what your problem was the whole time?”

“We’re not talking about me. We always talk about me and what my problems are.” He scoffed, bitterly. “You think you don’t have any worth talking about and I know that’s a lie. Maybe you’re not jealous, but you want to break that wizard’s neck because he’s fucking up your plans and holding you all hostage. You like having control over things just as much as I do.”

“Not just as much.”

Lucien made a noncommittal hmph noise and licked the clinging plum juice from his fingers where they stained the yellow skin purple. He drew them back a bit, studying the hue, his tail swishing a bit in clear agitation. This body wasn’t right either and every now and then it seemed to hit him- a glance in a mirror, the horns not responding right, the tail having the wrong shape.

Stain from a juicy plum on his fingers turning the topaz flesh to lavender.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and changed the subject, lest they both banter analysis of each others’ mental states back and forth like a shuttlecock. The worst part of the tether wasn’t the risk of bleedover or influence or unwanted shared memories but the mortification of having every single bit of emotional turmoil being right there for perusal through the tether to be thrown out as a smokescreen to avoid difficult conversations. “I’ve done some research into this consecution business.”

Molly whipped his head towards him, so shocked that he forgot he still had plenty to be annoyed by. “Why?”

“Well for starters, everyone forgets I haven’t been here for all of your little adventures.” Molly wanted to say, flat out, that of course everyone remembered that Lucien wasn’t there and those times were better, but found he couldn’t for a reason he didn’t want to examine. He was fine with badgering Lucien, but somehow actively hurting his feelings was where his line hit now. He deserved to be pestered, not bullied. “And if I want an explanation that isn’t inane, I have to find it myself.”

“For starters,” Molly repeated, just in case Lucien had designs on keeping the other reasons secret.

Lucien went silent for a moment, his stained fingers flexing like he wished he had something to do with them. “If DeRogna was doing studies on this Luxon Beacon, then maybe she used that knowledge to botch the ritual.”

Molly stopped walking abruptly. “Lucien, why would you want to know that?”

Lucien stopped too and eyed him. He could see it in his head, a series of thoughts that weren’t performative the way his words always were. Unschooled, unpracticed, and left to roam, they were explosions of sharp indignation and little pinpricks of fear and revulsion. Without that little insight into his motivations, Molly wouldn’t have believed him when he said, very seriously, “I want to know what was done to me, so it won’t happen again.”

What could Molly say to that? He was well within his rights to want to know. Even if he wanted to recreate it to inflict it upon someone else, he would have still had a right to figure it out for his own peace of mind. The Nein weren’t his masters. He was free to do what he wanted so long as it didn’t hurt anyone in the group or put them in danger and every time Molly believed that Lucien might be thinking of putting them in danger, he felt that sharp explosion behind his eyes of Lucien’s indignation, like he was trying to stab him with it.

He can’t change if we don’t let him.

Molly just shook his head and sighed in defeat. Some days it was easier to remember Lucien wasn’t the monster he’d made of him in his head, just someone disillusioned enough to cause harm while trying to do good and jaded enough to believe good alone would never be efficient enough to fix a broken age. He was still that person, hiding behind an armored shell of necessary evils and slowly peeling back the layers and every single time Molly or anyone else saw an opportunity he might latch onto to pull himself out of his bad situation and braced themselves for it, he slipped further and further from grace. Eventually, he might not even think about it happening at all and just stay there, rather than begrudgingly pull himself back.

“No one’s gonna let it happen to you again, Lucien,” Molly blurted out before he could stop himself from getting too schmaltzy with his intent. “Nothing like that is gonna happen to you or anyone else. If you want to understand it, fine. But we’re not going to let anyone hurt you like that again, so you don’t have to worry about it..”

The filigreed cleaver-end of Lucien’s tail flicked back and forth. There was shock behind his eyes before he closed it all off and started walking again. “I’ve heard that before.”

And just like that, Molly’s irritation was back, as if it had never left. A cloud passed over Catha as if to reflect it. He yelled after him, “You make it really difficult to do right by you, you arsehole.”

[callioope]

Bard, goblin and sorcerer for CR asks? ☺️

Hello!! Ooh these are good.

Spoilers ahead for both TLOVM (and I guess technically campaign 1) and campaign 2, for anyone who's not caught up (and there are spoilers for what could happen eventually in TLOVM).

bard: what is your favorite “how do you want to do this?”

Ahh I know I sent you this one, too, but this is HARD for me! The first two that popped into my head were Vax's against Thordak and Jester's against Lucien/Cognouza, but after some thinking I also loved the HDYWTDT against Kevdak and Obann.

For Thordak, the drama and desperation of Vax flying after him, the natural 20, the fact that he was alone a;kdsjf;kasdfj (how many people killed dragons with no witnesses lol? is this the 'if i had two nickels' meme? anyways) Most importantly the vengeance this meant for the twins, for avenging their mother, the way Vex flies in after him and hugs him, I get teary-eyed just writing about it.

For Lucien/Cognouza, again, Jester was just tearing up my heart during that battle every time she appealed to Molly (how she blamed herself for his death because she wasn't there </3 ahhh). And so the fact that she got the last hit with that final appeal to Molly just felt so right.

Honorable mentions for Grog's HDYWTDT against Kevdak because of the epic way it happened (pokeball delivery from above yess) and recency bias since I recently watched that episode in TLOVM, SO GOOD. And Yasha's HDYWTDT against Obann.

Apparently I have a running theme with 3 out of 4 of these being very personal and appropriate for character backstories.

goblin: who is your favorite non-main campaign character?

Nydas!!! I just loved his arc throughout EXU: Calamity, his initial skepticism and creeping apprehension as he started to suspect what was happening, and just everything he did in part four. He had so many great speeches. And I loved his friendship with Zerxus, too. AHH NYDAS.

I mean everyone in Calamity was fantastic but Nydas popped into my head first so I'm going with my gut here.

I do also want to give an honorable mention Hazel Copperpot because I adore her and her gramophone and I do wish we could have seen more of her! Darrington Brigade Part 2 when? Considering it takes place in Wildemount, Mighty Nein tie in eh? eh? Deastok is not that far from Kamordah after all. I bet Taryon drinks Lionett wine.

sorcerer: what is your favorite sam commercial skit?

LOL OMG. I mean. The Nordverse is pretty enveloping (although I haven't watched the oneshot yet). I do love the D&D Beyond ad song and often get it stuck in my head when using D&D Beyond. "You click open the webpage yaheardaboutonCriticalRole..."

Critical Role Ask Game

[velidewrites]

Just for fun who's your favorite in acotar and what would you do if they died?

Bestie how is this fun?????

I mean of course Lucien. My blog was meant to be writing advice and the occasional acotar fics and look what happened. If I don’t post at least one Lucien thirst trap a day I will literally stop existing.

What would I do if Lucien died? Welcome to my villain origin story. I would become the most unhinged menace Prythian has ever seen. Amarantha who?

[utilitycaster]

Wizard Breakdown Tracker, #135

Each week I think “man it would have been cool if I had thought of this idea, in which I make jokes about how stressed out the wizard NPCs are, during, you know, the Vergesson heist or something when we were interacting with more than one wizard NPC instead of during a dungeon crawl with only one wizard NPC, emphasis on crawl” but you know what, I persevere, because where else am I going to put song parodies about the death of Vess Derogna that are literally only funny to me? Twitter?

Anyway while I am personally team Jester, in that the faster Lucien is simultaneously disintegrated, run through in the chest with both a vestige and a holy avenger, shot through the heart (and Veth’s to blame), beheaded with a hand axe, banished, punched in the face, and sent into a black hole the better, the party has other plans. Thanks to the long rest though it has been about 12 hours, plus the 4-ish from last week, so I guess we’ll check in with a few of our other wizard friends as well.

As a reminder Caleb Widogast is a PC and thus excluded from this list.

Currently sidelined

Presumably having a good day: Pumat Sol (blissfully unaware of all of this); Allura Vyesoren (saint-like patience and a wealth of experience with disaster adventuring parties; at least this one has a cleric at more than 0.33 FTE, a wizard, and some lesbians), Ludinus Da’leth (this miserable pile of power plays wakes up every morning and is like Isn’t it Grand to be head of the evil wizard council and no one realizes I probably destroyed the first non-drow elven civilization on the continent to arise after the calamity! Fetch me more pastries!).

No idea but here’s hoping he found the cat portion of ScryTube: Oremid Hass

Lady DeRogna, taken off the scene, sorry that your murder happened while off-screen.

Trent Ikithon: I’ve established that I think the only real things that can damage Trent emotionally are Caleb paying too much attention to him so as to destroy his standing within the empire, or else Caleb ignoring him. Honestly if Trent would not continue to torture students and spread propaganda if left unchecked I think he could be slowly murdered solely through Caleb expressing apathy. So despite the amulets of nondetection I like to imagine that somehow, somewhere, Trent felt Caleb reaffirm to Essek that his top priority is still stopping the city from returning, not Trent, and it necrotized just a little bit more of his liver.

Conclusion: 7/10. I went to the OG evil mageocracy and no one knew who you were.

Essek Thelyss: Well on the one hand he’s still flirting but on the other imagine spending a literal century being like “what if we’re wrong about how we approach the fundamental basis for our society” and he just got proved right. I have to imagine he’s got that kind of stress where suddenly everything becomes dead calm and also this explains why he unnecessarily cast a 3rd level spell, which he knows could in theory cause him to lose all his hair, to impress a boy. I didn’t even get into the conversations he had with Caleb, the bad dreams and eyeballs, Fjord teasing him, Yasha being like “ALRIGHT ALREADY”, the horrible Aeorian creatures, the fact that robots might be back(?) or his ongoing terror that the Assembly is after him!

Conclusion: 8/10 but he’s like, kind of having a good time. Essek is in all ways but physical in a Hawaiian shirt right now drinking a Mai Tai and going Nothing Matters; I presume he will have a full breakdown following the boss battle and honestly he deserves it.

Astrid Beck: Others have already established the parallels between Essek and Astrid but honestly I want to highlight it because really, on the one hand we have Essek, whose world is crashing around him because he was right all along and is in terrible immediate danger but surrounded by friends, and on the other we have Astrid, whose world is crashing around her because she was wrong all along and she’s probably not in immediate danger but Eadwulf is the only person she can trust and we don’t know all the details about that either.

Conclusion: 8/10 but in the bad way, not Essek’s kind of fun way.

Wulfpupy:

Conclusion: 3/10. You know that tiktok with the blonde woman with glasses who has a lot of highlighter on her nose who talks about how sometimes if you have guy friends they will say something deeply fucked up and you’ll be like “oh my god do we unpack this right now” and then you look over at them and the only thing in their mind are the lyrics to Kokomo? That’s Wulf. He will activate the second Caleb comes back in town or Astrid actually falls apart but until then he is on Island Time.

Yussa Errenis: I wonder if there’s a small part of Yussa that is part of the city’s awareness and, moreover, can see what Beau and Caleb at least are doing, and he’s like “I’m so simultaneously proud and impatient, also we live in a world that does not have IV fluids so like, hopefully my body still exists in some kind of functioning state when I am rescued” (note: did I google “how were coma patients kept alive in olden times” for this? Perhaps.) Anyway if he is aware he’s also just like, watching all this like “I WILL GET YOU SO MUCH PAPER OH MY GOD CAN YOU JUST KISS THE OTHER WIZARD SAVE ME FROM THE EVIL HIVEMIND CITY.”

Conclusion: I mean still infinity/10, he is still trapped in the city of madness and also if he does have a small part of his mind that is sane and able to observe the material plane he also is aware that Trent and the Volstruckers broke into his tower.

Known Gem Wizard Hotsauce Lutefisk: I know, I know, weird that I brought him up. However consider: Yussa’s wizard tower now contains two wizards in suspended animation, their consciousnesses trapped in eldritch astral sea-related spaces. This is incredibly funny to me. We’re in a real Old Lady who swallowed a fly scenario except it’s centuries-old wizards getting sucked into traps because of their own hubris. The reason why mageocracies no longer exist isn’t the lack of magical knowledge or even because power corrupts absolutely, it’s because literally just put some lightly fried forbidden knowledge under a box with a stick propping it up, add your parody of Long-Term Nuclear Waste Warnings above it, and a wizard will be like “that sign won’t stop me because I CAN read and what’s more I’m better at reading than you are!” And then they get trapped in a box.

Conclusion: what is a breakdown tracker to a man whose mind has been stuck in a gem for, from his perspective, at minimum about 35 years?

[onceupona-chaos]

Random thoughts about the Blood Duel

(And why it won't be between two males. Check out this post)

The more I think about the possibility of a BD, the more I think Elain will participate in it, possibly against Beron.

When I first saw the idea of Elain participating, I didn't think it could actually happen, but... after rethinking, it is VERY plausible. So here me out.

Elain cut in sharply, “I am not a child to be fought over.”

I will begin with the line that was the start of my thoughts.

We all know SJM'S patterns, so just the ideia of two male characters fighting over a female is ridiculous. I can't see it happening, not when these books are supposed to be about strong females. So yes, when Elain said she wouldn't be "fought over", SJM was telling us that the agency will be Elain's, she won't just sit down like a pretty doll and watch as two males fight for her.

Even when I read the bonus chapter for the very first time, my first thought was "this is not going to happen like this, SJM will somehow make it different".

So that's why the possibility of being between Beron and Helion seemed more likely at first, however it makes no sense from a narrative perspective. None.

First, we need to have in mind that the Blood Duel would be the major conflict. Therefore, it needs to be responsible for two things: 1) the climax of the story (speaking plotwise) and 2) characters' growth.

Not any character, however, but the main characters. Why? Because it's their stories, their journeys, therefore the climax, the most important moment, has to be about them as well. It can't be about any other character, so that's why I don't believe is going to be between Helion and Beron, because neither of the main characters would grow from this experience.

It would be like reading a sports commentator narrating the most important moment of a story that isn't his: this is not the role of a literary narrator, especially considering that SJM uses internal monologues (we can see the line of though of these characters, we are in their heads, so why on earth the climax of their story would be them just casually watching a fight between two people they don't care about?).

If they are main characters, they have to be responsible for moving the plot forward and for the climax of the story. Not to mention: these are standalones were talking about, so the main characters need to be the ones participating in the biggest event, so they can have their growth in their books.

But why Elain? Because it follows SJM's pattern: the female always holds more agency in her books, especially in ACOTAR.

In ACOTAR, Feyre fought her battles and did the three challenges, not Tamlin or Rhysand. In ACOMAF, she was able to steal the Book of Breathings and kill the Attor, not Rhysand. In ACOWAR, she was responsible for fixing the Cauldron, (ok, Rhysand helped a little, but you know what I mean). In ACOSF, Nesta tracked the Trove, fought in the Blood Rite and kill the queen, not Cassian.

You could say: Elain isn't a warrior. I agree, she isn't (and I hope SJM agrees as well). However, SJM never gave us details of how this Duel happens. She didn't say it's a fight with swords, she just said it is brutal, could end in death and it's an Autumn Court tradition. That's it.

We assumed that is a Duel with weapons or physical strength, however SJM never, never told us how it happens. It could very well happen with magic or other abilities could be useful as well, we don't know.

Besides, Elain is a Seer and most likely to find the Fourth Trove, so maybe she could use it. In ACSF, it's said the sisters have powers to match Rhysand's, so we don't know the full extension of her powers.

But why Beron? Because if he's dead, the NC honors their deal with Eris and the possibility of the truth about Lucien's father is still there, since the Lady of Autumn wouldn't have to deal with Beron anymore.

So the villain, Beron, dies without killing the plot, because Koschei is still there, the possibility of Lucien learning who his real father is remains open, we get a climax of the story and Elain's growth.

NOTE: My only intention is to say this is plausible according to Sjm's books. Do I like it? Not necessarily. I would have to see how this plays out (Elain avenging someone for example) and I didn't made this post with ships in mind, so just don't.

[houseofhurricane]

Sorry if this has already been said, but Thurr is Hunt’s dad right? Right?

An image blasted through her mind. She had seen this before, carved in stone in the lobby of the CCB. A Fae male posed like an avenging god, hammer raised to the sky, a channel for his power— Hunt unleashed his lightning at the Shepherd, the Reapers observing with wide eyes. Bryce was too fast, even for him, as she leapt in front of the blow, Starsword extended. A wild theory, only half-formed, but— Hunt’s lightning hit the Starsword, and the world erupted. (Pg349)

And do you think Project Thurr referred to a descendent of Thurr (Hunt) being capable of destroying the Asteri? Or maybe the planet Thurr is important is some way, and that’s what the project is referring to?

HOSAB SPOILERS

First off, I love that you included page numbers on this ask!

In terms of Hunt's ancestry, my opinion is that it's likelier that Hunt is Thurr's descendent and "beloved of Thurr", the way Aelin was related to Mala in Throne of Glass. This would also be similar to the way Bryce's powers are much like Theia's, her ancestor's.

Generally, I think that a lot of these parentage reveals are not worth the hype, the only exception being Lucien in ACOTAR, because that has the potential for a lot of interesting character building and intrigue. The source of Hunt's powers, to me, has been less interesting than how he might use them, and part of me wishes we'd just found this out in HOSAB.

However, the more I think about it, the more I need to eat my words a bit on this, because Thurr may turn out to be more important than simply being the source of Hunt's powers. First, let's consider this conversation with fake!Aidas:

Aidas only asked, "What was this world before the Asteri?" Tharion said, "Ancient humans and their gods dwelled here. I've heard the ruins of their civilization are deep beneath the sea." (177)

We also know that Thurr was an old deity. It comes up in this delightful conversation between Bryce and Jesiba:

Bryce drummed her fingers on her glass desk. "I've got a nine-thousand-year-old Rhodinian bust of Thurr here." Basically a broody male who was supposed to pass for the nearly forgotten minor storm deity. All that remained of him in their culture was the behemoth of a planet named after him. And Thursdays, apparently. Bryce had already sent a photo of it to Hunt, with the comment, Bryce Quinlan Presents: The Original Alphahole Smolder. (96)

We don't get total confirmation that Thurr is one of the old gods who predate the Asteri, but we do know that the Asteri rewrite and suppress history that reveals their weaknesses. I don't think it's an accident that Thurr is "nearly forgotten," especially when he's clearly based on Thor, the most powerful of the Norse gods. This is a purposeful juxtaposition.

I think it's possible that Project Thurr refers to something like Hunt's power and its ability to overthrow the Asteri, but I keep thinking about what Rigelus said about it:

"And Project Thurr? Why was Danika so interested in that?" "Thurr was the last time someone got as far as Danika did in learning about us. It didn't end well for them. I suppose she wanted to learn from their mistakes before acting." (763)

What if Project Thurr is, at least in part, about what came before the Asteri, and how Midgard might return to that more ideal world? If Hunt, in addition to being powerful, is also a symbol of that better world? If that's why it's so important to the Asteri to enslave him rather than kill him -- to show that even this old god made new must bow before them?

After all, as the Autumn King says in HOEAB, "Symbols will always wield power of their own" (162). Hunt is incredibly powerful, and, especially when he combines his powers with Bryce, he may be able to bring down the Asteri. But perhaps even more important: when people look at Hunt Athalar, free and mighty, is it possible they see a way back to Midgard before the Asteri ruled? Could that symbol be even more powerful than Hunt's lightning?

[violet-t-9]

Check in on my (not very realistic) wish list for episode 137

1. Sheepleb interactions, I don’t care with whom - I need sheepleb my beloved to interact with people for reasons. I know the sheep-shifting may only last for 1 minutes but that’s 10 rounds, surely enough to get some sweet RP in.

YES Cad grab the sheep yes YASHA SCRATCH THAT BELLY sheepleb interactions my beloved. Jester yes make sheepleb move his cute little ears I love y’all. YES SHEEPLEB chew on Yasha’s coat. I never knew I would love a sheep but I do now apparently. Yasha continuing to pet sheepleb and continuing to hold Caleb after he shifts back I love her so much-

2. Caleb or Beau accidentally and telepathically speak to people by thinking too loudly. I can’t wait for their reactions, it will be hilarious.

Well, Caleb did so but more deliberately, and it was more enlightening than hilarious lol.

3. Beau and Caleb discover the third function of their eyes (if dark vision is included in true sight, then they are missing one feature).

Nope, the eyes were used against them again to expose their locations, but haven’t ever been used for mind control yet, so I’m okay with that.

4. Beau and Caleb do not gain any new eyes (pretty please, come on).

I mean they have bigger problems but yeah I got what I wanted!

5. Wait no it’s the astral sea there is no wild magic effect anymore :( but can they at least encounter some unique astral sea creatures, features or something as fun as Aeorian wild magic.

Well... That was a lot of astral sea creatures. More precisely creepy meaty enemies. I think it was fun! In a horrifying way, but fun.

6. Someone mentions Yussa and discuss the probability of saving him (honestly though I don’t know how that’s going to work).

Jester mentioned Yussa pretty soon but I think they are a bit... preoccupied to save anyone at the moment, oops.

7. Getting closer to the city and discovering more of its nature/power/how to stop it.

Wow that city description is cool oh boy I got chills from the empty city suddenly bustling with people. Also that Caleb telepathy experiment is so creepy and terrifying. Is the city alive?! With flesh and teeth?! EuughhHHh. Timorei the terrified rebel/Fear they first met (who seemed to be on Lucien’s side), with Elatis and Luctus opposing him? The Aether crux??! Ira/Wrath who acted in a sort of beast-like way and seemed antagonistic towards Mirumus and Gaudius?? It’s good to know the Somnovem are in fact far from one mind - their opinions seem pretty divided. Aether crux might be the way to go, couldn’t they just destroy all the Somnovem, since they want M9 to kill some of them anyways? Does the entire city function like a living body?

8. Beau and Yasha continue to flirt even in the astral sea and travel side-by-side or physically interact.

Twin initiative 21 yeah let’s go- wait when I said physical interaction I didn’t mean it like that come on!! Stop hitting each other. Also Yasha’s small “I love you but” aww. It was still a little bit flirty somehow lol loved it. ALSO the air kiss was so cute I can’t with these two and their awesome PDA. They also searched the building together!

9. Jester really doting on Artagan/Sprinkle like she never did before.

I mean, she paid him way more attention that’s for sure :D

10. Jester and Fjord have a longer one-on-one conversation or fight like a badass battle couple that they are.

Hey they were both great in combat and explored together! 

11. Obligatory wish for Essek’s fancy dunamancy or magical items (Bonus: we get to see one of those high-damage AOE offensive spells that he couldn’t cast).

AYY LIGHTNING BOLT HYPE! It was sort of an AOE too! Loved his flair as always. It’s not dunamancy technically but I’m counting it because cool purple-black spell.

12. Obligatory wish for Caleb’s polymorph spell (sheepleb was perfect, GIVE ME MORE).

Nope, but the sheepleb we got was awesome. 

13. Tiny Veth interactions with party members (Bonus: with Fjord, or sheepleb).

Nope, the effect probably didn’t last long? Or they just forgot about tiny Veth lol.

14. The party members try to reach Molly through Lucien and Lucien reacting more to things that they say.

They didn’t catch up to Lucien at all, but I have a feeling that they will next episode.

15. They catch up to Lucien and Cree somehow and manage to stop them from returning the city to the world (or at least start the combat).

Combat was started at the end of the episode with Cree! They did catch up to Cree! This is going in the right direction at least.

16. Successful divine intervention from Cad or Jester.

At least Cad and Jester both tried! They weren’t successful, but still.

17. Yasha decides to brute force through a problem and succeeds like the true Barbarian that she is.

I mean, all the combat is brute-force and Yasha did eliminate one of the flesh horror monsters with her cool holy avenger swing!

18. Someone pushes the big red button and derails them.

Nope! They’ve been focused and on task and that’s good! 

19. The wizards and their complicated whatever it is being addressed or developed more.

Not Caleb smirking at Essek using fire bolt then proceeding to use one himself and get a natural 20 I- that was so cool?? What?? Have I mentioned that I love those wizards because I love them. They also float the fastest of course.

20. Heroes’ feast/short rest or a long rest that they well deserve (Bonus: they have great rolls on the HP).

Nope, but I mean they probably need one soon.

21. Obligatory wish for Essek’s room in the tower.

Yeah nah this one is just a permanent feature on the wish list don’t mind it.

22. Oblitagory wish for Cad being a MVP in and out of combat.

Cad turned Caleb back (baaaaaaye sheepleb I love you), healed the group and discovered a lot about how the city worked, including using decompose. 

23. Veth being thirsty for Davexian still, or for whatever other Astral sea creature they are going to meet.

“Want to do some apple picking?” LMAO I’m not gonna count that of course but it was funny.

24. Obligatory wish for everyone to remain relatively happy and alive by the end of the episode except Lucien and Cree (they can perish, but now I kinda want Lucien to not die since he had some strange reactions), and the episode ends on a terrifying cliffhanger as always.

Score: 12/24

Welp, that took a turn. I did not expect so much Eldritch horror and expected way more humour (which in hindsight was unwise considering how the story is going lol), but honestly I’m not complaining one bit. Matt’s voice acting and everybody’s performance are top notch and the world-building is just *chef’s kiss*, terrifying or not. 

Bonus:

The subtitles said “bleating” when everybody yelled before the opening theme I’m dead lmao also “some a bit sheepish”, courtesy pun of the DM.

“I mean... *bleats*” hahahah I love sheepleb so much

Poor Essek had to start the combat on low HP, sadness. To be fair, our wonderful DM was busy playing many characters and giving beautiful expositions and the players were busy being captivated by all that! 

“When in Aeor” Fjord lmao making his face into a big red eyeball, as one does.

Torrent of Teeth ughhhhhAHH what an attack name

Caleb casting Widogast’s Web of Fire was the hottest thing I’ve seen, no pun intended - it was hotttt.

[monstrouslyobsessed]

wait i got asks? since when?? bruh.

fuck u tumblr :( my inbox is always open to all your inquires, i swear i am not ignoring you guys on purpose!!

Hopefully you are resting well. What helps you relax?—anonymous

hmmm, it varies? i generally just play games and watches youtube. i am trying to start reading again too, but my attention span is pretty lousy. friends recommended me some monsterfucker books soooo gonna get on that

i’d say writing but...lol sometimes it stresses me out more than it should be.

Idk why but I'm currently obsessing over the idea of having a vampire s/o who is usually calm and in control and benevolent, but they see you getting hurt by someone one day and then they just lose it and do whatever they can to avenge you, they are out for BLOOD owo— @marigold-bell

i cant seem to ping you :( sorry. for ya question, i actually wrote smth like that a while ago!! it was oddly super close too, here!

my character, lucien, is a vampire—as in, THE lord of vampires (and all that jazz), though you can probably consider him a demon king too since he is ruling over his own territory in hell. he’s...surprisingly benevolent, but id say its bc he’s more tired / too bored to fight—unless its his darling. she was the only one who came close to his power level, but well...yeah, she fell underneath his powers alright. when it comes to her, he will destroy anything without questions. cities, lands, even his own people, he will destroy if you even say a word of your displeasure / hurt. or, heck, even if you say it on a whim. hes among true himbos.

so, you might like lucien’s pieces! 

What are you working on now?—anonymous 2

still hammering it out on this next kinktober piece. its...my spin on amongus, with a bit of john carpeter’s the thing’s twist. well, sorta. i just want to write stomach-mouth monster fucking the reader, man. got about 1k words done

other one is ursula rip-off octopus-merman and i kinda wanna just try and write yandere side of it since i mostly just do noncon stuffs without much of yandere bits. its coming along ok too, got maybe 2k words down?

theres a bunch of other pieces i only touched once though rip, like prequel to my lynel piece, anubis pron piece, those stuffs. yeah im all over the places 😭

thank you all for sending in those asks!! 💕 you can keep sending more in if you wanna, i dont mind :D

[rhysand-vs-fenrys]

Do the same thing for Heaven Official's Blessing (use Maas characters to tell the story)!

Heaven Official’s Blessing // TGCF told using ACOTAR characters (Obviously there will be spoilers, read at your own risk)

TGCF is told in a non-linear form, with Books 1, 3, and 5 taking place in the present, and Books 2 and 4 acting as flashbacks. I will be telling the story in a pure linear format.

** I’m going to have to ask people to ignore shipping stuff for the sake of this. I matched characters based on their personalities, so things became kind of scrambled.

THIS WAS VERY VERY HARD TO WRITE OKAY

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful Crown Princess named Elain. She was completely beloved by her people not only for her looks, but for her kindness, warmth, and incredible talents. Whatever she put her mind to, Princess Elain would easily accomplish, and those who read fortunes often said she was born on an auspicious day and was blessed with unparalleled good fortune. 

Princess Elain’s father was fairly elitest and tended to ignore the common folk, but Princess Elain made it her mission in life to protect them and ease everyone’s burdens.

When Princess Elain was 17, the royal capitol held a parade to the king of the heavens, Helion. In this parade, an elite warrior dressed as the Divine Hero would actually spar with another elite warrior dressed as a Demonic Beast. The parade would circle the capitol as the two warriors fought, only ending when their stamina ran out and they were too tired to carry on. The more laps the procession completed before this happened, the more good fortune it would invite and the more honor to the god Helion. Generally the goal was around 15-20 laps.

On the third lap, as people clamored to see clearly the Hero and Beast battle, there was a horrible accident. A deformed child in the crowd, barely 8 years old at MOST, was knocked from his perch on a high wall and fell to his death.

As he fell, the Divine Hero abandoned their battle and leapt high into the air to  catch the poor child. Picture like wire work when I say “leapt high”, it counts more as minor flight.

In the rescue, the Divine Hero’s mask comes off and it is revealed to be none other than Princess Elain herself! The Divine Beast was Elain’s bodyguard, Cassian.

While the common people go FERAL for this beautiful Princess who saved a wretched orphan’s life, the royal priests are angered. They warn Elain that her actions are an insult to Helion, and she must repent to avoid his wrath.

Elain famously and simply replies that if a god would begrudge her saving a child’s life, then they are not worthy of becoming a god.

And in spite of the priest’s words, the heavens agree with Princess Elain.

The child Elain saved has half his head heavily wrapped in bandages, but Elain is not afraid of him. She cradles him in her arms and he is mesmerized by her face. Still, after someone tries to move the bandage to see his face, the child runs away and vanishes.

This child was Azriel.

Tamlin is Elain’s cousin. His mother was a royal lady who had a baby with an abusive brute, and she ended up dying in disgrace after being abandoned by him. Tamlin was therefore raised by Elain’s mother, and he is disturbingly obsessed with the glory of his Princess Cousin. He is also dangerously unhinged and violent.

Just a few days after the ruined parade, Tamlin is racing through the city streets in his carriage, whipping his horses raw and yelling that if he runs over anyone it is their own fault. He has no cares for anyones lives, and Princess Elain considers him a thorn in her side.

Princess Elain is out with her bodyguard, Cassian, and her personal servant, Lucien. They see Tamlin coming and no only is he driving dangerously, there is a bloody sack tied to the back of the chariot.

Elain and Cassian leap onto the carriage to stop Tamlin, while Lucien breaks the rope on the sack. Elain and Cassian take Tamlin into custody, knocking him out, and Elain is ready for Tamlin to be thrown into prison for his behavior.

She opens the bloody sack, and inside finds Azriel. Tamlin was so incensed that the royal priests were angry with Princess Elain that he decided to kill Azriel to “avenge” his cousin!

Elain brings Azriel to the royal palace to be healed by the physicians within. He has broken bones and cuts all over his body, but again he strikes out if someone tries to move the bandages on his face. For his part- Tamlin is locked in his rooms and his carriage is destroyed, he is banned from leaving the palace.

But once again, Azriel slips out and runs away.

A few months later, black clouds swirl over the Royal Palace, and in a massive thunderclap, Elain ascends to the heavens as a newborn Warrior Goddess. Though by the laws of the heavens she cannot enter her kingdom for one thousand generations (to make sure she doesn’t give favors to the families of old friends), her father and his people build 10,000 temples in her name, several with massive statues of pure gold.

Goddess Elain brings Lucien and Cassian to the heavens with her, to help her in her duties as a god. She must intercede when appropriate (if there are demons or ghosts attacking people) and answer prayers. Despite the ban, she likes to sit on the altars of her temples, invisible, and listen to the prayers of her followers.

Elain doesn’t like the wealth and splendor of her temples, she wishes people would not bow, and just wants things to be simpler. 

After a few years as a goddess, while wandering her city, she notices a crummy old shrine tucked into a forgotten alley. It is roughly made, with only a flower and a bun on the offerings table.

She watches this little but clearly loved shrine for a long time, and notices that it is tended by an 11 year old boy. He is homeless, cold, malnourished, and had bandages wrapped around half his face. Rather than eat what food he manages to get, he puts it on the offerings table to Elain, only taking a few rotten fruits or moldy buns for himself.

Elain hates to see this- the boy is so desperately starving and yet he leaves food for a goddess who has no need for it. Bullies come and destroy the boy’s shrine. He is beaten by them, but when it is over he only fixes her shrine back up, and curls in a ball beneath it to sleep.

Elain feels that this boy is more sincere in his devotion than those who leave gaudy offerings at her temples, so she leaves the boy some food, a blanket, a straw mat, and some food. When he wakes he knows it was the goddess who heard his prayers, and he is delighted.

She does not realize that this boy is Azriel.

Elain’s country becomes embroiled in a civil war. Elain breaks the rules of the heavens outright and tries to end it before it begins by helping refugees of a horrible drought. She is kind to one refugee, taking on mortal form and helping him bury his son’s body, which he brought to the capitol to show the king of how severe the people’s suffering is. Her father didn’t care, and would not see the poor man.

Elain’s attempts to stop the refugee situation from becoming a civil war as the capitol refuses to send aid go nowhere, and in the end the war begins. She feels she has no choice but to openly step out as a Goddess of War and take the side of the capitol, where her parents still rule. Her heart aches at fighting the common folk, and she is still trying to end the drought in their homeland, but war is inevitable.

During the war, Elain meets a young soldier of only around 15. He is brave and good with a sword- though she advises a saber would suit him better. Though he is too young to really fight, she keeps him by her side. Together they witness the desperation of the refugees, whose leader- the man who she helped bury his son- summons a horrible demon.

Amarantha- a monster who always wears a mask that is half crying, half laughing.

Amarantha calls forth a plague that rips through the capitol. Elain realizes that the only ones who aren’t becoming infected with this plague are the soldiers and criminals- anyone who has taken a life. She realizes if others figure it out, the whole world will be consumed in blood as everyone tries to kill one another for immunity.

Elain’s favorite soldier is removed from the army by Lucien’s command, outing the boy as too young. Azriel is once again thrown aside- not that Elain realized it was him.

Meanwhile Elain, heartbroken at the suffering of her people, makes the ultimate decision: she saves her parents, but leaves the capitol to die and fall. If the refugees- now rebel army- kill everyone inside the capitol then the disease won’t spread (since soldiers would do the killing), and no one would ever know what the cure was. One city to save the world.

Helion knows the Goddess Elain’s heart was in the right place, but her intercession not only failed to stop the war, she made it worse. He is forced to put a Cursed Collar on her, stripping her of all her powers as a goddess. However, instead of her becoming mortal again, Helion gives her an immortal body.

Elain, after all, was only seventeen when she ascended and now could be counted in her twenties. Young by any standard. She is a good person, so Helion grants her the immortal body believing that some experience in the world will help her learn. With time and dedication, she can ascend once again to be a goddess, and he will remove the Cursed Collar.

Lucien and Cassian descend with her.

But her confidence has been shattered. To keep the royal family hidden, they are forced to perform tricks on the streets for meager coins, do manual labor (including on monuments insulting and demeaning the Goddess Elain), and are constantly on the run from members of the new government’s army who are hunting the King and Queen mercilessly.

Eventually, Lucien tells Elain and Cassian that it is simply too much, he’s sick the struggles, and leaves to take care of his own mother. Cassian and Lucien always hated one another and bickered nonstop, but this is the ultimate betrayal. If Cassian could kill Lucien with his bare hands, he would.

Elain becomes paranoid and terrified that Cassian will leave her too. She has no possessions of worth- they’ve all been pawned- but she has a single golden belt left. The mark of a heavenly official. A reminder of what she was and what she must work towards becoming again. She gives it to Cassian, for its value is very high, as a way to beg him to stay.

Soon after, Elain finds a shady merchant selling lanterns she realizes are lit not by fire, but by little flame spirits- remnants of souls that should have been allowed to rest in peace. These spirits were taken from the battlefields around the royal capitol, her soldiers. Elain manages to use a few meager coins to buy them, and goes about releasing the spirits.

One small flame spirit will not leave. It tells Elain that it cannot move on, because its beloved is suffering and it must watch over them always so they will not be alone. Idealistic and lovely, but Elain is too disheartened to feel anything by cynicism towards such words. 

She leaves the little spirit- Azriel, who had snuck back onto the battlefields after being removed from the army and was cut down.

And then the king falls ill.

Elain is desperate for coin to help make things easier for Cassian (who is earning most of the money now) and to buy medicine for her father. Everything she tries fails, and, utterly at her wits end, she is forced to try her hand at robbing.

Though Elain is too horrified to actually rob a man, she chases after him and runs afoul of several junior heavenly officials who recognize her. She begs them not to tell anyone, and flees. They swear they won’t say a word. 

Elain returns home, and she’s terrified of what she almost did for money. She decides to leave, going to find a mountain with good spiritual energy to meditate and hopefully make progress back towards gaining the merits to become a goddess again.

As soon as she arrives thirty-three heavenly officials come to train on the mountain, as such a thing can even help gods advance among their own ranks. They bully Elain, and eventually mock her for trying to rob the man (those junior gods were assholes and didn’t keep their word). 

What’s worse- Lucien is among them. He didn’t go back to care for his mother, he abandoned Elain to become a god once again, a junior in the service of another (not a path Elain can take since she was once a full goddess). He helps chase Elain away.

That little flame spirit- Azriel- is there to witness the humiliation.

Elain flees in tears, running down the mountain until she collapses, sobbing. When she is left staring at the ground, a hand appears to help her up- Lucien. Elain slaps his hand away and screams at him, and leaves.

When she arrives home, Lucien is there with sacks of food and medicine for the King. He tries to explain that he only left to return to the heavens- betraying one master to go to a new one- because he knew he could use the position to get food and such for Elain, Cassian, and the King and Queen. 

Elain screams at Lucien to go, throwing the sacks of food at him. Cassian takes Elain’s side, and Lucien lets slip that Elain tried to rob for money. He doesn’t know Cassian didn’t know, and Elain is thrown even further into despair.

More time passes, once again the money and food and medicine run out. Elain starts seeing figures around her where there is nothing- the figure of Amarantha all in white with that horrible mask. Her own robes are sometimes replaced with Amarantha’s, and she is slowly driven mad.

At the absolute edge of sanity, Elain feels a summons drawing her into the woods. She follows it, even when ghostly flames try to block her path and stop her from advancing, and ends up in a ruined temple. A ruined temple that was once hers. The divine statue has been destroyed.

Elain sits on the altar and waits, knowing Amarantha will show up to claim her.

Over hours, people trickle into the temple, and lured by a mysterious summons even they don’t consciously remember following. When there are 100 people inside, wild howls come from around them and crazed figures appear, all infected with the plague that destroyed Elain’s kingdom.

They fall back into the temple and Elain seals the door. She is grabbed by Amarantha, bound, and Amarantha holds her up on the altar by her skull. Amarantha tells the people what Elain was so scared of anyone finding out:: that the plague can be cured if the person is a murderer. Amarantha helpfully explains that Elain cannot die, but if they land a blow on her that would be fatal on another, it counts. To demonstrate, Elain is run through.

The pain is horrible, and when the next person picks up the sword and stabs her, she screams. A white flame spirit enters the building, the one who tried to stop Elain from coming in the first place. Amarantha captures it to play with (torment) as the villagers line up.

No matter how much Elain screams, they stab her. Some slash her throat, so that she can no longer make a sound. She is trapped in her body as it is mutilated and wrecked, staring up at that flame spirit and imagining she can hear it screaming at what is being done to her.

People stab her two or three times, just to be sure they landed a would-be-fatal hit and unable to tell what they are stabbing as she ceases to look even human anymore. Just a pile of ruined flesh spilled across her own altar. Even her face is destroyed.

That flame spirit- Azriel- screams out with every stab, until he can’t take it anymore and loses his sanity. He explodes in a wall of flame that turns all the humans inside the temple- and the infected outside- into ash. Above the skies roil, marking the birth of a particularly dangerous spirit.

Elain lays in agony as her body slowly knits back together. She is dazed as she stumbles away from the ruined temple. Traumatized beyond the brink of insanity. What was done to her horrifies her, and she feels only rage and grief. She was a Goddess, and now not only is she living in squalor and humiliation and degradation, she was attacked by humans for no reason other than personal gain. Not an ounce of kindness shown to her as they hacked at her body.

Elain sees Amarantha, who wants to take her as a disciple and raise her to wreak vengeance against the world. Elain flees.

When she gets home, two weeks (or months, the translation is inconsistent) have passed. Cassian has kept the king alive and the queen has been beside herself. She swears she will never chide Elain again, just please don’t leave.

None of them know what happened to her body. None of them can understand. Elain is sick and tired and broken. And she knows the worst will pass sooner or later- Cassian will abandon her just like Lucien did. Leave her in disgust. She can’t bear thinking about his friendship turning to hate, so she attacks him. She rips him apart with the worst words she can muster, until he leaves in disgust.

You can’t fear something that already happened.

Elain locks herself in her rooms and ignores even her mother’s pleading to come out.

When she wakes, she bathes. She has to go and try to find coin again, but cannot find the bandage she uses to cover half her face and hide her identity (since, you know, as a disgraced goddess her face is everywhere). The house is too quiet, and when Elain opens the doors to her parents room, she finds out why:

With the king’s health failing, and the humiliation of being deposed and on the run, living in squalor, he has lost all hope. Her mother won’t be left behind, and she knows her life is a burden on Elain’s as the fallen goddess tries to care for them.

So the king and queen have hung themselves. Elain carefully takes down their bodies and tries to hang too, but of course this immortal body- a gift from Helion himself- cannot die.

The hangman’s noose has absorbed two lives, and was used in incredible grief by a goddess herself. It is imbued with the love Elain’s parents felt for her and their tragic desire to die as a way to help them. The cloth comes to life, sort of like a snake meets a puppy, but when not in use, it wraps around Elain’s wrist as if her arm were injured.

At the king and queen’s deaths, whatever is left of Elain shatters.

She goes to the battlefields outside the dead royal capitol, her home, and wakes the souls of her people. Millions, all killed in battle or in the plague. She screams to them all, demanding to know if they hate. On her face is the white mask of Amarantha- half crying, half smiling.

And thus, the White Clothed Calamity is born. A twin to the White No-Faced demon (Amarantha).

The souls appear as black smoke that floods into Elain’s blade- the one that was used to mutilate her body. All that hatred condensing.

And in front of Elain appears the form of a soldier. Also wearing a mask. A particularly powerful resentful spirit on his way to becoming a demon.

Not that Elain would recognize Azriel even if she could see, so consumed is she by her hatred and wrath.

Elain takes those souls to the new royal capitol to kill the leader of the rebellion- that man whose child she helped bury. The man who rained hell down on all.

But he’s dead. Killed by the plague. She can’t even take her revenge right.

So Elain goes next to the lands ravaged by that drought, the whole reason for the civil war in the first place. The very city she tried to save as a goddess to stop the war from starting. She drops from the sky, impaled by the black sword. She has given herself three days.

Three days for a single soul to show her an ounce of kindness. If none do, she will unleash those souls and the plague will begin again as the hateful spirits infect body after body until the world runs red with blood.

No one helps her. Not until the third day, when a man trips over her body, cusses her out, and then feels bad for losing his temper. Right as the sun sets on the third day, he takes off his bamboo hat and offers it to her, to protect her from the rain.

A single act of kindness.

But it’s too late. The souls trapped in the sword explode into the sky.

Elain tries to tell the gathering crowd to pick up her sword and just stab her. She’s resigned to being hacked to death again and again if it will save even a single person from what she unleashed in her wrath and grief.

But no one is willing to hurt her. Not even to save themselves, and not even when she is begging them to. Unlike the group in the temple, who attacked her for themselves even when she begged them to stop.

So Elain does something painful and horrible- she raises the sword and draws all those hate-filled spirits into herself. It could very well destroy her, and the pain is worse even than being stabbed, but she will do it. If she can even save one person to undo her own mistake, she’ll do it.

But that second soldier appears again, the one who stood across from her on the battlefield.

He takes the souls into himself. Elain absorbs 300. He takes a million. It destroys him utterly- that kind brave man giving his soul, extinguishing himself forever- just to help her right a wrong.

But Azriel didn’t die. He was blown apart by the power, and re-formed bit by bit later on to become a Wrath-level (tier 3) ghost.

Helion descends from the heavens to meet Elain. Yes, she nearly did something unforgivable, but she was willing to destroy herself to right the wrong. For this- and all her suffering- Helion wishes to bring Elain up to the heavens once again as a goddess.

Her wrath extinguished, her spirit broken, Elain refuses his offer. That poor man’s soul was destroyed (seemingly) because of her. Someone suffered for what she did. She wants to atone, and atone for those one million souls she roused rather than helping them lay at rest in peace.

Elain asks Helion to put a new Cursed Shackle on her. This time not one that banishes her spiritual powers. Once upon a time she met a small boy she saved from falling. She was told she had infinite fortune, well above a normal person’s, but that child’s fate was endlessly dark and wretched.

Elain asks for a shackle that destroys her luck. That takes all of her good fortune and shatters it. Fortune is something that ebbs and flows through the world, by removing all of hers, that luck will be redistributed, and could bring good to the lives of others.

But an offer to return to heaven was granted, so Helion and Elain come up with a little show to explain away the new curse shackle without Helion appearing to punish a goddess who has done no wrong:

Elain ascends, as offered, and storms through heaven, hacking at the bodies of gods and challenging Helion himself. It becomes known famously as her Second Ascension, which lasts all of 10 minutes before she is fitted with a new cursed shackle and hurled form the heavens.

Elain’s life will be wretched, luck-less, and full of strife. Nothing she ever tries will go right. it is a life that would shatter the spirit of anyone. But for Elain, every misfortune means someone else has better luck than they should have. Every harm she suffers means someone else is blessed. She is atoning for what she did, and that makes her happy. She still mourns the soul of that boy who was destroyed, still lives in repentance of that, but she is atoning for her crimes.

During this time, that boy- now a Wrath Level Demon- finds he cannot loose. All the good fortune lost by Elain is funneled into him, and it is impossible for him to not get what he wants. He enters the Demonic Kiln and is re-forged as a Supreme (highest level) Demonic King. His weapons are the Silver Wrath Butterflies- a form he grants to those million souls he swallowed to help Elain.

He wears around his finger a red string, one of the ones that had bound him to that ghost lantern as a little flame spirit, a red string of fate that promises he will find his way back to Elain one day.

Azriel walks into the heavens and challenges thirty-five gods-- those who humiliated Elain on the mountaintop plus Cassian and Lucien, her hateful servants who abandoned her.

Cassian and Lucien refuse the challenge, but thirty-three gods take Azriel’s challenge--- 

He kills them all.

Not only does he humiliate them in front of their worshippers, he destroys 10,000 of their temples in a single night. One temple for every one of Elain’s that was destroyed when she fell as a goddess. Without worshippers or temples, the gods fade from existence.

Until, 800 years later, the heavens explode. Godly palaces are destroyed (including those of Cassian and Lucien, who are now full gods), the infrastructure shatters, and when the smoke clears there is Elain. A goddess once again. Except instead of being a goddess of war, she is a goddess of misfortune and junk.

To atone for accidentally ruining so many palaces (though she had no power over the size of the boom when she ascended, it corresponds with power), she goes to the mortal realm to solve a mysterious haunting.

The moment she arrives, she finds a silver butterfly following her and is enchanted by it. The butterfly vanishes, and as soon as she steps into the haunted forest a man in red appears, takes her hand, and gently leads her through a blood-rain, destroys barriers that would have kept her contained, and delivers her safely to the lair of the creature she is hunting.

From then on, Azriel is never far from her side. He has hunted for Elain for 800 years. The beautiful princess he fell in love with as a child, and met time and time again without her realizing it. After their second adventure together, Azriel gives Elain a diamond ring to wear around her neck.

If a ghost’s ashes are destroyed or scattered, they die. Elain doesn’t want this to happen to Azriel, who has made himself an enemy of heaven. Azriel only tells her that his ashes are safe, and if their hiding place is ever destroyed or if they are cast away, he has no will to exist any more anyways.

His ashes are contained within that diamond ring, imbued in the stone itself. 

Elain doesn’t know why the gods hate Azriel so much, he is warm and kind to her (though admittedly cold to others). Azriel accompanies Elain obediently on many adventures, though every mystery they solve they run afoul of one heavenly official after another.

Elain starts to realize there is a rot in the heavens. So many gods with so many horrible secrets. 

Elain and Azriel invade the home of a particularly evil ghost- the Green Demon. Tamlin. After Elain’s fall from grace he went mad, his obsessive feelings towards her turning from admiration to hatred. It was Tamlin who commissioned all those statues of Elain in humiliating and degrading positions. Tamlin is a cannibalistic evil ghost, though lower than Azriel in power.

He quickly takes possession of the body of a man with a small child and refuses to leave, so Azriel cannot even kill him without Elain being angry. 

Realizing something is rotten in the heavens, Elain makes her base a rundown cabin barely standing. She lives there with Tamlin as her prisoner and Azriel as her constant companion. That child becomes a noose around Tamlin’s throat- endlessly obedient and loving towards his “father” (whose body Tamlin cannot leave or else Az will kill him). Bit by bit, Tamlin’s cruelty starts to fade (though he’s never really nice per-se, it’s just that he likes the kid).

On her journey she is joined by Nuala and Cerridwen- two low level gods in the service of Lucien and Cassian, who hate one another as much as their masters do. Their masters also hate Elain with a burning passion, so Nuala and Cerridwen help her in secret.

Out of courtesy, Elain pretends that she doesn’t know Nuala and Cerridwen are only Cassian and Lucien in another form, trying to atone themselves for abandoning her so long ago.

As Elain, Azriel, Cassian, and Lucien go on adventure after adventure the crimes of the heavens are unearthed one after another- from a god who killed humans to hide his own crimes to another who worked black magics to steal the good fortune of a man about to ascend to a god and attached it to his unwitting brother, leaving the man’s family to be raped and murdered while his brother enjoyed the divinity that should never have been his, to another god who tortured a mortal to death just for fun.

They start to realize too that Amarantha- who vanished from the world when Elain refused to release her curse- has been close by all along. 

For the Demonic Kiln that forges Ghost Kings- that imbued Azriel with so much power- was born of a horrific tragedy 2,000 years ago in which Amarantha’s entire kingdom fell around her.

A tragedy which Amarantha turned into an opportunity- she raided the heavens, slaughtered all of her fellow gods and changed her form.

And as new gods rose, she placed herself upon the throne with this new face--

as Helion.

Elain, Azriel, Cassian, Lucien, and all of their new friends must work together to destroy Helion, find the true King of Heaven, and restore balance to the world before Amarantha plunges it all into chaos and destroys everything Elain loves.

The only one powerful enough to stop Amarantha is Elain, but with her luck sealed away and her powers still stifled by the Cursed Collar, it is up to the Demonic Realm to save the Heavens above before the mortal world is destroyed.

Azriel already died for Elain once. To see her smile freely once again, he’d die a million deaths more. No matter the hardships, this boy who has followed his princess for 800 years will follow her to the ends of the earth and beyond.

And their growing love might just be enough to tip the tides of war in their favor. King Azriel will always find a way to his Elain. Not even a two thousand year old Demonic-King of Heaven can stand in their way.

[spoiler1001]

They set up the tower next to Aoer. It was warm, comforting, but the mood was heavy in the room. The cold was eating away at Caleb, his lips turning blue.

"I loved him," Caleb whispered into his hot chocolate. He was in the dining room with the rest of the Nein eating warm meals and hot chocolate. "Mollymauk. He was bright and smart, and I loved him."

Jester looked up. The cold wasn't bothering her, she looked good. Caleb's eyes were wet, so she was a bit blurry, but she looked good.

"I'm sorry. I brought up the card. It must have been hard." Jester hugged him. She was warm and he was shaking.

"I should be honest. When He died, I considered leaving. Beau, you talked me out of it, but I would have left. Gone back to the academy. Things made more sense there." He whispered. "I lead Molly to his death. And now…"

"He said he was after Vess because she put him in the ground." Beau placed a hand over his.

"I put him in the ground. I buried him. I lead the fight that killed him." Caleb put his cup down. "I-"

"You avenged him," Beau whispered.

"Forgive me but I find that hard to reconcile that with everything else." Caleb stood up and left the room, Frumpkin on his heels, watching something just to the side of Caleb's head.

-------------------------------------------------

He moved by the door to his room, right by Veth's, by the shared study, and right in front of the fourth door. He took a deep breath and walked in. The sheets were still torn, but the bath was working. The water was hot and Caleb needed to relax. Frumpkin meowed at Caleb as he took minutes to drop the clothes, too stiff from the cold and there was a pain radiating from his shoulders and his side. Caleb let out a small grunt of exertion. Frumpkin was still looking straight up at something that Caleb couldn't see.

"It looks like we're not the only curious players in the game." Caleb followed the cat's eye line. "You're welcome in. Bring the group if you need." Frumpkin reacted as his fascinating new sight blinked out of existence. He complained to Caleb and walked towards the tub, sitting at the edge. "You are a blessing, my friend; with my companionship, I wouldn't wish that forced on anyone." Caleb reached down to pet him but stopped, red lightly staining the water. He heard metal creaking behind him as a warning.

"Cold isn't very kind to preciousness. Anything or anyone worth value can be damaged quite easily." A thickly accented voice rang throughout the room. Caleb exhaled, the cold making his breath form in front of his face.

Caleb pointedly looked straight ahead, not turning to face his guest. "Is it just you?"

"Things are never just me, but I'm alone with you." The tiefling kneeled behind Caleb, brushing the red hair out of the way. "You look tired."

"Things have been tiring, Lucien." Caleb hummed. "But you look vibrant, healthy-"

"Bright?" Lucien chuckled. "I've heard such a lovely conversation. But there's something I noticed." Lucien pulled something out of a pocket from inside his shirt. It was a written note, the ink faded but the penmanship was familiar. "This was left with me. You did bury me, but not out of hatred. This was compassion. You did this out of respect. I can't fault you for this. Now, about the shoulder, the exposure and magic will wreck the skin and muscles. I can warm my blood so this is not an issue. Might I be allowed to return the favor, I brought balms. I noticed when you were casting in the room, you favored one arm."

"You are being kind." Caleb leaned into the touch. Lucien was quiet but rolled up his sleeves.

"I woke up, I had flashes of some other life, Cree helped me, and now I'm clear-headed." Lucien had a rumble in his chest. "I don't need to remember, it stops me from my responsibilities. I have orders I have to follow." Lucien began cleaning the wounds.

"You mentioned something of interest to me. You looked at me and mentioned fire." Caleb closed his eyes, fighting the images in his mind.

"I can smell the smoke on you, firefly." Lucien smiled sadly.

"Those flames, my spells...they're what I learned from my teachers. The final lesson broke me, isolated me. I don't want to see that happen to you." Caleb whispered. 

"I'm not the man you loved, Mr. Widogast." Lucien began to run the cream and lotions over the dry, cracked skin. "He's gone." 

"You are just like him, but I can see the differences. We can learn a lot from each other." Caleb whispered.

"My magic would break you," Lucien whispered in Caleb's ear. 

"I've been broken, shattered. My lessons broke me down until I was nothing hollow, -" Caleb stood up so that Lucien had access to the wound on his side. 

"Empty. You were empty." Lucien nodded. "You understand me on more than a shallow level."

"I don't want you to fall on the same slope that I did." Caleb stepped out of the tub to dry himself, careful of the lotions and creams. "It- I'm still putting the pieces of myself back together and it feels like I'm missing one." Caleb finally turned to face Lucien, while wrapping bandages over the treated wounds. 

"I can't afford to chase after the ghost of a past life." Lucien sighed. 

"So don't. It won't change much." Caleb slowly got dressed. 

"What the hell are you talking about?" Lucien almost glared. 

"This group clings to each other almost as much as yours. We dig our claws into each other and don't let go. We are bonded, not by blood, but by family, and you are part of it. That's why we're here." Caleb almost smiled. "And you feel it. Why else watch us, you could have killed us after watching us work with your attacker. By all means, we betrayed you, and yet… here you are. You want us here Mr. Nonagon." Caleb gestured for Frumpkin to jump on the bed. "You want us safe."

Lucien laughed. "I've killed for people talking less flippantly at me." 

"Your shadow always appreciated my ability to be rather flippant when the need presented itself." Caleb smiled. "He wanted me to come out of my shell."

"It's truly wonderful to see, but what-"

"Vess DeRogna stripped you of many things but your soul is something attached to your very being. You don't have your memories but we recognized our family." Caleb straightened his shirt. 

"You have a lot of nerve." Lucien took a step forward. Caleb just smiled. 

"You still admire it." Caleb grinned. 

A heartbeat passed between the two of them. Lucien cursed himself and took a step towards him. "This didn't happen." 

"Nothing ever does." 

Lucien pulled Caleb into a kiss. Caleb returned it and hummed.

"Nothing. Right." Lucien mused and pulled Caleb towards him more.

---------------------------------------------------

Caleb woke up to Lucien tapping his shoulder. 

"I got to clean the wounds again. C'mon, up." Lucien jabbed him with his tail. 

"Oh. Are you leaving?" Caleb let Lucien check his wounds. 

"I have to. But before I go. I can make your blood warmer so this doesn't keep happening." Lucien offered. 

"Would I wind up like a Tombtaker? With you able to overtake me on a whim?" Caleb pulled away. 

Lucien reached back towards him. "No. That was willing. I can't do that unless they consent." 

"And what would blood warming entail?" Caleb looked back at him, letting Lucien wrap back against him.

Lucien relaxed. "It's a blessing. It goes to your soul, strengthens it against everything. Cold, hot, attacks, injuries, you name it. But only if you agree." 

"Ok." 

"What?" Lucien looked up. 

"I give you permission." Caleb smiled. Lucien straightened up and placed a kiss on Caleb's forehead, whispering something in Infernal. The cold that set deep in his bones vanished.

"Thank you. But before you go, keep an eye on Cree." Caleb went to get dressed. Lucien stood up and went back to the window to leave. "Please, eat first. I made this tower to be a safe place. You can relax here." 

"I have a specific taste in food." Lucien raised an eyebrow, gently petting Frumpkin. 

"I think we can accommodate." Caleb stepped out of the room.

Lucien followed, carrying the cat.

[devauer]

𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍:  family  dynamics.

*these  dynamics  are  subject  to  change  if/when  i  write  with  Kol’s  family  members  but  in  regards  to  people  outside  of  these  specific  dynamics  this  is  how  I  interpret  their  relationships

𝐌𝐈𝐊𝐀𝐄𝐋:  As  a  child  growing  up  Kol  was  both  terrified  of  Mikael  and  in  awe  of  him.  Mikael  was  strong,  powerful,  respected  among  their  community  and  had  been  victorious  in  various  conflicts  with  neighbors  and  against  Saxons.  He  heard  all  of  the  tales  of  Mikael's  conquests  and  triumphs  and  he  wanted  to  be  just  like  him  in  that  regard.  However,  Mikael  was  also  extremely  abusive,  particularly  towards  Klaus  and  Esther.  He  ruled  their  household  with  an  iron  fist;  Kol  remembers  being  afraid  to  even  breathe  too  loudly  out  of  fear  of  Mikael's  violent  outbursts.  As  Kol  got  older  he  became  spiteful  and  resentful  of  Mikael.  He  hated  how  afraid  Mikael  made  him,  he  hated  how  powerless  and  helpless  he  felt  whenever  Mikael  attacked  Klaus  and  he  hated  how  their  entire  family  cowered  in  the  face  of  Mikael's  anger.  Kol's  spite  and  resentment  of  Mikael  drove  him  to  become  obsessed  with  becoming  strong  and  powerful  so  as  not  to  be  afraid  anymore.  He  turned  himself  into  a  weapon,  with  sword,  shield  and  axe,  with  bow  and  spear,  and  with  his  magic  and  as  he  became  stronger,  faster,  and  more  skillful  with  magic,  Kol  would  often  act  out  in  order  to  prove  to  himself  that  he  was  not  afraid  of  Mikael  anymore.  This  determination  to  be  fearless  carried  through  to  when  Kol  became  a  vampire  as  well.  Even  when  on  the  run  from  Mikael  with  his  siblings,  Kol  was  often  determined  to  confront  Mikael.  Kol  still  has  a  deep  hatred  and  fear  of  Mikael  and  when  he  found  out  about  Mikael's  death,  he  was  relieved.

𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑:  Kol  has  very  few  memories  of  intimacy  with  Esther.  The  majority  of  his  memory  of  her  is  the  way  that  she  favored  Elijah,  Klaus  and  Rebekah,  how  she  would  dote  on  Klaus  and  teach  Rebekah  how  to  hone  her  magic  but  what  he  remembers  the  most  is  how  often  Esther  would  berate,  belittle  and  degrade  him,  how  she  would  constantly  compare  him  to  either  Finn  or  Elijah,  how  she  would  always  make  him  feel  as  if  he  was  not  enough.  Kol  never  felt  particularly  liked  or  loved  by  Esther  growing  up  and  as  he  got  older  he  determined  that  Esther  was  indifferent  to  his  existence  entirely.  As  a  teenager,  Kol  grew  to  despise  Esther  as  well.  He  considered  her  weak,  neglectful  and  cold  and  she  was  largely  removed  from  the  ongoings  of  his  life  thereafter,  he  only  interacted  with  her  when  he  felt  like  he  had  to  or  because  he  felt  pressured  by  his  siblings  to  be  civil.  Despite  these  feelings,  he  was  horrified  when  Klaus  told  them  that  Mikael  had  killed  her.  Over  a  thousand  years  of  being  a  vampire,  living  his  life  free  of  parental  oversight  caused  Kol's  resentment  of  Esther  to  peak  when  she  was  resurrected,  irritated  that  he  was  expected  to  listen  to  her  after  living  his  life  so  long  without  her  involved.  Her  betrayal  only  escalated  Kol's  feelings  of  anger,  severing  whatever  lingering  feelings  of  care  that  he  had  for  her.

𝐃𝐀𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐀:  She  was  a  stranger  to  him  so  he  felt  nothing  but  anger  towards  her  after  she  targeted  his  siblings.

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐀:  Finding  out  that  he  had  an  older  sister  was  a  shock  as  neither  Mikael,  Esther  or  Finn  spoke  about  her.  Kol  has  mixed  feelings  about  Freya,  in  large  part  he  still  considers  her  to  be  a  stranger  and  an  outsider  as  she  hasn't  lived  or  experienced  the  past  thousand  years  alongside  them.  When  she  first  appeared,  Kol  distanced  himself  from  her,  unwilling  to  accept  her  as  family  despite  Freya's  efforts  in  becoming  more  familiar  with  him.  When  Freya  and  Elijah  sacrificed  Davina  to  save  them  from  Lucien,  Kol's  anger  towards  Freya  grew  tenfold.  She  was  a  stranger  to  him,  a  stranger  that  he  had  been  willing  to  trust  with  someone  he  considered  precious  and  she  betrayed  that  trust.  Over  the  years  and  since  Davina's  resurrection,  Kol's  resentment  has  faded  somewhat.  He's  civil,  even  friendly  with  her,  he  appreciates  her  wit,  her  humour  and  her  power  as  a  witch  and  should  she  ever  ask  him  for  help,  Kol  is  willing  to  come  to  her  aid,  but  he  has  not  learned  to  trust  her  again.

𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐍:  As  a  young  child,  it  was  Finn  that  Kol  latched  himself  to.  Mikael  was  frightening  and  abusive,  and  Esther  was  neglectful  and  indifferent,  so  it  was  Finn  that  Kol  would  go  to  for  comfort,  security  and  guidance.  He  followed  Finn  around  wherever  he  went,  he  would  sneak  into  his  bed  at  night  when  the  thunderstorms  raged  or  the  winters  were  fierce,  he  would  mimic  and  mirror  Finn,  trying  and  oftentimes  failing  to  be  just  like  him.  As  Kol  got  older,  he  stopped  doing  this  but  out  of  his  siblings,  he  was  always  closest  with  Finn.  Despite  the  way  that  their  personalities,  views  and  opinions  clashed.  Finn  was  dignified,  obedient  and  calm,  while  Kol  was  boisterous,  rebellious  and  temperamental.  While  they  were  polar  opposites,  they  seemed  to  work  well  together  in  large  part  because  Kol  respected  Finn  above  anyone  else.  When  they  became  vampires,  Kol  relied  heavily  on  Finn's  morality  and  judgement  in  order  to  control  his  own  impulses  and  bloodthirst.  Finn  was  able  to  ground  Kol  in  ways  that  none  of  their  other  siblings  were  able  to  and  while  Kol  might  have  hated  it,  Finn  constantly  reminded  Kol  of  his  humanity.  When  Finn  was  daggered  Kol  made  numerous  attempts  to  find  and  undagger  him,  and  to  convince  Klaus  to  release  him  to  no  avail.  Eventually  as  the  centuries  passed,  Kol  stopped  trying.  Convincing  himself  that  sleeping  was  a  mercy.  When  they  were  both  undaggered  and  Esther  returned,  Kol  made  an  effort  to  reconnect  with  Finn  but  when  Finn  sided  with  their  mother,  that  betrayal  hurt  and  cut  deeply.  After  Finn  was  killed  by  Elena  and  Matt,  Kol  avenged  him  by  killing  Matt  and  mourned  his  death.

𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐉𝐀𝐇:  Kol  feels  most  insecure  around  Elijah.  Growing  up  Elijah  always  appeared  as  the  favored  son  by  both  Mikael  and  Esther  and  by  his  other  siblings  so  he  always  represented  an  impossible  standard  to  Kol  which  led  to  Kol  often  challenging  Elijah  into  petty  games,  competitions  or  dares  in  order  to  beat  him  while  growing  up.  Once  Kol  grew  into  a  young  adult,  these  feelings  subsided  somewhat  and  Kol  was  able  to  see  Elijah  with  more  clarity  than  he  had  as  a  child  and  as  a  teenager,  though  he  still  felt  some  jealousy  and  inadequacy,  he  cared  for  and  respected  Elijah  deeply.  Kol  has  a  desire  to  earn  Elijah's  approval  and  love,  mostly  he  just  wants  Elijah  to  like  him  though  this  usually  causes  Kol  to  lash  out  and  leads  to  self-sabotage  as  Kol  doesn't  like  that  he  wants  these  things  from  Elijah.  Over  the  centuries  Kol  has  however  grown  to  resent  Elijah,  particularly  his  relationship  with  Klaus  and  Rebekah,  as  without  Finn  as  his  support  base,  Kol  has  felt  consistently  isolated,  alienated  and  rejected  from  their  triumvirate,  these  feelings  only  growing  after  the  numerous  times  in  which  Elijah  helped  Klaus  dagger  him.  When  Elijah  helped  Freya  sacrifice  Davina  to  the  New  Orlean's  Ancestors,  Kol's  anger  towards  Elijah  increased  into  aggressive  arguments,  violent  outbursts  and  grudging  silent  treatments.  Despite  this,  Kol  still  cares  for  Elijah  and  will  not  let  anything  happen  to  him.

𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐒:  As  children  and  even  teenagers,  Kol  and  Klaus  didn't  spend  nearly  as  much  time  together  as  they  should  have.  Growing  up  neither  Kol  or  Klaus  shared  in  the  same  interests,  leaving  very  little  for  the  pair  of  them  to  bond  over.  Kol  also  despised  the  way  that  Esther  would  dote  on  Klaus  and  it  wasn't  until  Kol  was  a  young  adolescent  that  he  really  recognized  the  hatred  that  Mikael  felt  towards  Klaus  or  understood  the  abuses  that  Klaus  suffered  at  their  fathers  hand.  As  a  teenager,  Kol  tried  to  connect  with  Klaus  through  combat  training,  joining  Klaus  on  hunts  and  training  in  sword  and  shield,  and  even  spear.  It  wasn't  until  Kol  was  a  young  adult  that  he  grew  to  appreciate  Klaus'  other  interests,  such  as  art,  and  had  Klaus  design  and  pin  one  of  Kol's  very  first  tattoos.  When  they  became  vampires  and  Klaus  began  to  change,  becoming  angrier,  vengeful  and  malicious,  they  developed  a  playful  but  malicious  rivalry.  Competing  against  one  another,  bonding  over  kills,  their  savagery  and  wildness,  especially  in  the  early  years  against  the  Christians.  Despite  their  apparent  closeness,  they  shared  too  many  similarities  after  their  transformations.  When  together,  they  become  incredibly  destructive,  when  they  aren't  fighting  or  hurting  others,  they  are  fighting  and  hurting  each  other.  Kol  and  Klaus  are  able  to  get  along  for  a  short  period  of  time,  but  inevitably  they  end  up  butting  heads  and  few  people  survive  when  it  happens.  Like  Elijah,  Kol  wants  Klaus  to  like  him  and  he  wants  to  feel  connected  to  him,  but  after  centuries  of  resentments,  betrayals,  grudges  and  lost  competitions,  there  is  also  a  deep  and  conflicting  anger  and  resentment  that  Kol  feels  towards  Klaus.  Regardless,  he  still  cares  about  him  and  Kol  will  still  help  him  if  Klaus  asks  him  to.

𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐊𝐀𝐇:  As  his  younger  sister  and  being  six  years  his  junior,  Kol  feels  understandably  protective  over  Rebekah.  Growing  up,  he  tried  to  be  there  for  her  but  was  quite  easily  overshadowed  by  both  Elijah  and  Finn  and  Kol  struggled  to  determine  what  kind  of  relationship  he  wanted  and  could  have  with  Rebekah  as  she  already  had  three  very  protective  and  caring  older  brothers  to  look  out  for  her.  Eventually,  Kol  settled  on  being  Rebekah's  enabler.  Where  their  brothers  would  shelter  and  protect  her,  Kol  was  the  one  who  encouraged  her  to  do  as  she  pleased,  whatever  interests  or  desires  that  Rebekah  had  that  might  have  been  frowned  upon,  Kol  would  help  her  achieve  them.  If  Rebekah  wanted  to  learn  to  hunt,  he  taught  her,  if  she  wished  to  learn  how  to  be  a  shield-maiden,  Kol  helped  her,  if  she  wanted  to  leave  the  village  and  explore,  Kol  would  go  with  her.  Together  they  were  mischief,  daring  and  reckless.  When  they  became  vampires  this  did  not  end,  Kol  encouraged  Rebekah's  playful  maliciousness  and  her  vindictiveness  and  was  something  of  a  bad  influence  on  her  until  Rebekah  came  into  her  own.  After  Finn  was  daggered,  Kol  considered  Rebekah  to  be  the  sibling  he  was  closest  with,  which  made  Rebekah's  betrayal  of  him  that  much  more  painful.  Kol  holds  a  deep-rooted  grudge  over  this  betrayal  as  he  felt  that  Rebekah  chose  Klaus  and  Elijah  over  him,  further  driving  Kol  to  feel  isolated,  alienated  and  rejected  by  his  own  family.  While  he  is  still  somewhat  prickly  towards  Rebekah,  she  will  always  be  his  little  sister  and  he  will  always  love  her.  If  she  calls  on  him,  Kol  is  willing  to  help  her.

𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐈𝐊:  As  the  youngest  of  their  brood,  Henrik  got  all  of  the  attention  from  their  parents  and  siblings  alike  and  while  Kol  did  possess  some  jealousy  because  of  it,  he  loved  his  youngest  brother  dearly.  Kol  was  fiercely  protective  of  Henrik,  whenever  Henrik  did  something  wrong  or  took  a  prank  too  far  or  even  by  accident  did  something  that  he  might  be  punished  or  scolded  for,  Kol  was  always  willing  to  take  responsibility,  even  if  it  meant  that  he  had  to  endure  severe  punishment.  When  Henrik  was  killed,  it  was  one  of  the  last  moments  that  Kol  ever  wept,  devastated  by  the  loss  of  his  brother.  Despite  over  a  thousand  years  having  passed  since  the  day  that  Henrik  was  killed,  Kol  still  remembers  it  vividly  and  still  finds  it  an  extremely  difficult  memory  to  recall  due  to  the  emotion  that  it  elicits.

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐋:  They  do  not  like  each  other  in  the  slightest.  When  Kol  first  met  Marcel  he  perceived  him  as  a  threat  to  his  own  relationships  with  Klaus  and  Elijah.  Kol  felt  as  if  Marcel  was  replacing  him  and  resented  the  amount  of  attention,  care  and  interest  that  Klaus  and  Elijah  showed  to  him  while  simultaneously  being  disturbed  at  how  similar  Marcel  was  to  their  deceased  brother  Henrik.  Kol  lashed  out,  forcing  Klaus  to  choose  between  him  and  Marcel  when  he  threatened  to  transform  Marcel  into  a  vampire  when  Marcel  was  only  fourteen.  Klaus  chose  to  dagger  Kol  and  Kol  has  held  a  grudge  against  both  Klaus  and  Marcel  for  it  ever  since.  As  adults,  they  still  can't  stand  each  other,  while  they  have  a  begrudging  tolerance  of  one  another's  existence  purely  because  of  their  relationships  with  the  people  they're  both  close  to,  such  as  Rebekah  and  Davina,  they  rarely  seek  the  other  out  to  interact  and  only  work  together  when  they  share  a  common  goal.  Otherwise  they  avoid  one  another  as  much  as  possible.

𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐋𝐄𝐘:  Kol  likes  Hayley  well  enough.  She's  strong,  intelligent,  loyal  and  brave,  things  which  Kol  respects.  However,  while  Kol  might  like  her,  they  don't  particularly  enjoy  each  other's  company.  Their  relationship  is  somewhat  tense,  swapping  banter,  insults  and  arguments  that  can  occasionally  go  too  far  as  they  still  don't  quite  know  each  other  well  enough  to  know  where  each  other's  boundaries  or  trigger  points  are.  Kol  at  least  attempts  to  be  civil  with  Hayley  for  the  most  part  but  still  considers  her  to  be  something  of  a  stranger.  Despite  this,  Hayley  is  one  of  the  only  people  who  hasn't  betrayed  him  so  he  is  more  willing  to  agree,  work  with  and  listen  to  Hayley  without  an  attitude  in  comparison  to  his  siblings.

𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄:  Kol  struggled  with  Hope's  existence  for  a  long  time,  uncomfortable  with  having  such  a  helpless,  defenseless  and  innocent  creature  inserted  into  his  life  and  for  a  while  Kol  wasn't  able  to  be  around  Hope  at  all.  Hope  represented  a  life  that  Kol  and  his  siblings  were  no  longer  meant  to  have,  she  was  a  young,  innocent  little  girl  surrounded  by  violent,  aggressive  monsters  and  her  simple  existence  constantly  reminded  Kol  of  his  life  when  he  had  been  human,  of  a  life  that  had  been  stolen  from  him  and  reminded  him  of  the  person  that  he  could  have  been  had  he  never  become  a  vampire.  Kol  slowly  warmed  up  to  Hope  as  she  got  older  and  while  he  does  feel  protective  over  her,  he  distances  himself  from  a  caregiving  role  in  her  life  because  he  does  not  feel  suitable  for  the  role.  He  does  not  treat  her  with  kid-gloves.  He  respects  her  decisions  and  her  choices  even  if  he  might  not  agree  with  them,  he  respects  her  boundaries  and  is  more  willing  to  act  as  support  rather  than  adviser  and  is  there  only  when  she  needs  him.  He  doesn't  question  or  berate  her,  and  he  doesn't  judge  her  and  while  this  means  that  he  is  reliable  if  Hope  ever  calls  on  him  for  help,  it  also  means  that  he  is  not  as  emotionally  close  with  Hope  as  perhaps  he  should  be.

[drunkdaisychains]

Aera the Fair

full story updated regularly  @

https://www.wattpad.com/story/258839356-aera-the-fair

Pairings: OCF/OCM, OC/Brynjolf

Warnings: Smut, killing, theft, fluff

Summery:Between the Butcher murders, lovers spats, and the war going one, it’s a wonder that there is any peace in Windhelm. Valun Stormcloak, son of  Ulfric, has taken an interest in a fair maiden adopted into clan Shattersheild. But she has an incriminating secret. Can she keep her man, avenge her family, and keep her secret or will she be cast out of the city, never able to see her family again.

An excerpt from Chapter 4

"Stop! Assassin!" The Markarth guards chased her towards the city gates. She had successfully planted the incriminating letter on her target but was caught sneaking out of his room in the keep. She dodged and swerved people as she sprinted from the scene. She just needed the shadows of the night to conceal her. As she stepped briskly down the steps and away from the city she tried not to concentrate on the burning building in her legs. Farther and farther they carried her as she dipped and dodged arrows flying from the guards bows. She finally saw it, the shadows along the side of the road that she'd slip into. As quick as she appeared she vanished, not even an invisibility spell needed tho she did have that power. As she controlled her breathing she heard the crunching of dirt as guards flew past her. 

"Damn. We lost her," one said after a moment of looking around. After another bit of sniffing the air they turned to return to their posts. She waited with a hand over her mouth until she couldn't hear them and her shoulders relaxed. She decided it was best to stick to the shadows the rest of her way back to the sanctuary. Forsworn had been attacking travellers for months and she knew they attacked in numbers. She was skilled but not against an army. Her journey was uneventful aside from the occasional wildlife, she made record time back to the sanctuary. Little did she know as she passed through the door, she would be met with aftermath. She was able to piece together the scene in moments and listened anxiously as the family discussed the moments that had just transpired. 

Oh Cicero. You should have waited until I got back. Thought to herself as Astrid had furiously turned to her. Her objective was simple, she wanted her husband home and alive… and avenged. 

"Take Shadowmere. You'll notice he's one of us," she suggested and Aera turned on her heel. She needed to get to her friend before that werewolf did and she needed to fix this. As she approached the black pond outside the sanctuary doors it began to boil. The sounds of galloping could be heard mixed with the bubbling and finally with a grand rear, Shadowmere appeared. 

"That's showy, even for you," she giggled at the horse. Shadowmere was more apart of the brotherhood than Astrid but Aera was not about to let on that she knew it. The Dark steed had been fabled in the Brotherhood as he was Lucien Lachance's ride. Shadowmere was family quite literally and had always wondered why she was not the one to inherit him. For her surname was LaChance, she was always destined to be an assassin like her ancestor. She dropped the last name,in favour of her nickname given to her in Bruma, when she crossed over the border. She didn't know that it was the same as the Jarl in Solitude but to change it after would have been suspicious.

She mounted Shadowmere and kicked him in the direction of Dawnstar. 

Upon arriving she was met with the scene of blood and a clearly injured Arnbjorn. She gave him a healing potion from her satchel and offered him Shadowmere. 

"Oh don't worry about me. I'll make it back, just make sure that bastard regrets it." He muttered before stalking off. 

"What is life's greatest illusion?" The ghostly voice belonging to the door asked. 

"Innocence, my brother," she answered. 

"Welcome home," as it opened toward her. The sanctuary was in rather nice shape for being abandoned. Desolate and home to only spiders but she could find comfort here if she had to. She summoned her ancestor to fight alongside her, greeting him as an old friend. 

"Ah Listener, the Night Mother has told me of your devotion," he growled. She was in awe but had no time to be struck as a spectral assassin materialized from the wall. Cicero's voice could be heard taunting her. She hoped he hadn't turned on her as well. She sliced through spectral assassin after spectral assassin, nearly being run through by traps set or set on fire. The cold ruins of whatever tunneled into the sanctuary made her breathe freeze. She could hear a weird growl before Lucien jumped past her and began fending off the troll. Once she shook off her shock she too joined in the quarrel. Finally after a gruelling tour through the snow and cobwebs, she burst into the door where Cicero's voice was clearest she had heard since she stepped through the door. She sheathed her swords and rushed to his side. Her friend was in a bad way and could use a potion. She dug through her satchel and uncorked the small red vial handing it to him to drink. 

"I won't kill you," she confirmed. Cicero had warned her that Astrid was a traitor and she had more reason to trust him than her. Lucien mumbled about a purification, much like the Cheydinhal she had begun at despite it being considered the Bravil chapter. 

"You must leave Cicero here so Astrid believes I am dead!" He exclaimed. 

"She'll have no choice but to believe me. I just hope she doesn't come check for herself," she said out loud. 

"Go now! Go tell the traitor you killed Cicero," he said scooting closer to the fire. She nodded and turned on her heel to make the journey back. 

While the journey back wasn't as bad now that she was on the best steed for an assassin to be paired with, she was worried about Cicero. When she wasn't worrying about his well being her mind wandered over to Valun. She would reminisce their tumble together and how he gave her what she couldn't find in Brynjolf or the sailors who would always propose to her. She had even considered Thrynn before he showed how belligerent he was on mead. They all had excitement and mystery. They would all be able to give her a fair life, but whether they wanted to or she wanted them to was up for debate. But with Valun she also received a comfort she had never had. It was easy to be with him and forget about her secrets with him. It was just when she would think of them again they would hit her like a ton of bricks and he would be right there kissing away her worries, trying to convince her to be his bride. 

Thankfully Astrid not only believed her, but sent her on the next step for the grand scheme they had planned. She had to find the author of the popular cookbook "uncommon taste" and steal his identity. First she needed to go to Markarth to locate him. She used her travel time on Shadowmere to prepare her alibi and to make her travel decisions. She would prepare for the possibility of an extended time away while they dealt with the final mark. Killing the emperor was no small task and she wanted to ensure there was no way she would be compromised if she had to stay away longer. The chef in Markarth was easy to get the information from, and simply having the kitchens closed off already while he slept made it perfect to stuff a cloth in his mouth when she took his life. This job was far too easy, the cook, innkeeper, and even the bard at the inn almost jumped at the opportunity to tell someone the orc was in their basement room. Foolish of them to not be more discrete. Lugging the large Orsimer into the hiding place was the hardest part. It made her arms burn to pull herself up the ladder after. It was finally time to make history. She rode up to the Solitude gates, Jarrin root in her pocket. She had changed into fine clothes and a chef's hat so to look the part she was playing. 

The writ worked to allow her access and soon she was in the kitchen with the regular castle dour cook stirring away at the base of a potage le magnifique. She took some creative liberties while cooking before placing the Jarrin root into the stew and watching it dissolve quickly. The cook picked up the pot and carried it painstakingly slowly into the dining room where the Emperor sat with nobles from all over Skyrim. She placed herself on the side of the table closest to the door for a quick escape. When his face landed in his bowl she was already turned around and sprinting to the door. Unfortunately that's where she would be stopped by Commander Maro, angry and vengeful. 

"As of right now your sanctuary is being put to the sword," he growled, the words were like fire in her ears. Her last home, destroyed by the Empire. She must have looked as crazy mad as Cicero did because there was an unsure look in Maro's eyes as she ran up to him with her swords drawn. Immediately she used both blades to slice his head off, as if he were softened butter. It rolled down off his neck and to his guards feet as she sheathed the bloody blades and sprinted down the tower steps. She dodged soldiers left and right knowing she had to get to the sanctuary as fast as she could. She used the city walls the same way she had when she killed the Vicci girl at her own wedding. The walls were able to limit her exposure to flying arrows and pursuing guards, her lungs burned as she pushed to keep going as fast as she could. 

She burst through the gate doors before they could lock them and took a running start at Shadowmere, who seemed to know exactly what to do as he began trotting in the other direction before launching into a sprint before she was properly seated. 

"We have to go home Shadowmere, they need us," she said to the steed as she fumbled with a stirrup to give relief from the bouncing. Her eyes watered both from the worry and from the wind. When she made it up to the sanctuary she could see the horses and soldiers waiting. Shadowmere charged them, rearing and attacking them as Aera hopped off. She spun with her blades out, cutting through the skin exposed from where the armour couldn't protect. She whirled around ensuring no one but her and Shadowmere would survive this fight. Finally as the soldiers lay in pools of their own blood she turned to the door and rushed in. 

Fire, oil that was used to cause the fire, and bodies were everywhere. She stabbed the two soldiers who advanced on her almost as if they were an afterthought and rushed deeper into the burning hall to find survivors. Veezara and Festus' bodies were burned and almost unrecognizable. Gabriella and her spider were nowhere to be found and Arnbjorn was a werewolf, attacking a group of soldiers at once before succumbing to his injuries too. She rushed to the dining hall to find Nazir fighting more of the assailants and she immediately joined in. 

"You're alive!" Nazir yelled over slashing and clashing. 

"Can't say the same for everyone else," she yelled back clearly distraught. The last soldier was run through with a final slash of her sword and she was able to turn to the blood splattered Alik'r. They both launched into a search for survivors until she heard the ghostly voice calling to her. She was in the night mother's room and she was requesting her to step into the coffin. Aera was hesitant but obliged as she is the chosen listener.  She closed her eyes trying to block out the heinous trauma that had just occurred. 

  "Sleep…" the voice soothed.