#elland the unicorn

[diana-bluewolf]

For @lil-grem-draws ↓↓↓

Chris and Misha sat on a carpet of fallen leaves at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. It was a perfect autumn day, warm and sunny. Chris’s mood wasn’t so bright, though. He looked down to a piece of parchment in his hands, then leaned back on Misha.

“Today is Elland’s birthday,” he said gloomily.

Misha perked up his ears. 

“What’s a birthday? To be honest, I don’t fully understand it, but it’s the day when a person was born. Humans often celebrate it. Some kind of tradition, people love those meaningless things.”

Misha yawned.

"Exactly! Anyway, they give that person presents. Don't ask why - I don't know. Maybe so that they don't feel depressed about being a year closer to death," Chris shrugged and looked at the parchment again. 

"I hope he never knows how many attempts it took me, but I sketched something. I don't even know what for; he doesn't look like the kind of person who enjoys staring at themselves," Chris paused, absentmindedly scratching behind Misha's ear, his gaze fixed on the dance of shadows cast by the leaves on the ground.

Then he suddenly flipped the parchment over and scribbled something on the back. "There, I fixed it. But there's another problem I can't solve."

He wrinkled his nose.

“The last time we talked… I think I might have offended him. You see, he had always been so,” Chris waved his hand as if shooing away an annoying fly, “kind. So generous and always ready to help. Of course, I thought he needed something from me. So I finally asked him about it directly.”

Misha rested his head on his paws and didn’t look intrigued.

“All normal people would have already told me what’s the deal, but he…Well, I know, it’s stupid, but what if he…What if there was really nothing hidden behind his kindness? What if he is just like that? Just recently, I thought unicorns were a fairytale, so what if he is, you know, a unicorn?” 

Misha snorted.

"Look, I know it's hard to believe, but I have no more theories left; he's just that weird," Chris tiredly rubbed his forehead. "There's that new book about that clever bloke in a hat. He said, "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." 

They kept silent for a while, listening to the forest’s soothing sounds. 

"He once met me drunk at Hogsmeade," Chris finally continued. "Don't look at me like this! I had never tried alcohol before, and I had no idea that even a small amount of it would impact me that much, alright? Still can't forgive myself for being that vulnerable in public. Anyway, my point is, even though I don't remember much, he looked…worried? Besides, wouldn't you try to use this opportunity to your advantage if you need something from someone?” 

Misha sneezed.

"Yes! I would for sure, too! But he didn't."

Chris held the parchment out in front of Misha's nose. 

“So what do you think? Should I give it to him?” 

Misha looked at the parchment, tilting his head as if pondering about a wise response to the situation, and then slapped his paw on it, leaving a big dirty footprint. 

“Oh, thank you very much,” Chris mumbled sarcastically, pulling the parchment out from under the paw, “I guess it’s a no since it's spoiled anyway. Fine, that makes things easier.” He sighed, crumpled the parchment and carelessly shoved it into his pocket. 

They had sat in silence for several minutes before Chris attempted to stand up, but Misha hastily grabbed the boy’s sleeve with his teeth. 

"Sorry buddy, I don't want to come back, too,” Chris gently petted Misha's ear, smiling guiltily, “but people think I'm one of them, so I have to follow their rules and school schedule. Well, sometimes. I'll visit you as soon as I can, deal?"

***

Elland was sitting in the Great Hall during dinner when a crumpled piece of parchment hit the back of his head. He looked around, but there weren't any signs of someone who could throw it.

[diana-bluewolf]

HJGKEUYWTEO*&YWHGUL I’M SO NOT NORMAL ABOUT THIS. 

I didn’t realise I needed to see all three of them together 😍 Thank you so much!!!

It has been about a year since Chris and Elland’s first interaction (it’s so funny to think about it now btw🤣), and it looks like Chris’s hair grew exactly a year longer. It’s hard to notice things like this when you see a person often, so I LOVE this idea of realisation.  

Also, as I told you, Chris would look up to Elland even more after finding out that Elland is into long philosophical discussions, and he would also start to change his opinion for the better about The Tangerine in Charge Will after those discussions. I’m sure he and Will would still often have, ahem, let’s call it disagreements as a prefect and a troublemaker (and because they are just too different, and Chris wouldn’t miss a chance to tease Will 😅). Still, emotional intelligence is definitely something he can learn from both Elland and Will, and Chris would really respect them both for it. 

[Whenever Chris, Elland, and Will end up having a philosophical discussion, they get so deep into the topics that the world comes back to them only when they are done for the day. In this instance — this is the first time they realized that Chris ties his hair 🤭

@diana-bluewolf A little thank you for Elland's birthday present!]

[444namesplus]

locales from the Witcher franchise

Acorn Aedd Aldersberg Amarillo An Anchor Ard Armeria Aspra Assengard Attre Baldhorn Ban Barefield Bay Beauclair Belhaven Blaviken Bodrog Bremervoord Brenna Breza Bridge Brugge Burdorff Caelf Canell Caravista Carcano Carraigh Carreras Castel castle Cidaris Cintra Claremont Craag Creigiau Creyden Crinfrid Daevon Darn Dillingen Dorian Dorndal Drakenborg Druigh Dudno Dun Duén Dyffra Dâre Ellander Est Exeter Eysenlaan Fano Fen Foam Forge Forgeham Fox Ghelibol Glevitzingen Gleán Glyswen Gors Grim Gulet Gwendeith Gynvael Haemlet Hagge Hengfors Hochebuz Hollow Houtborg Jealousy Kaczan Kaer Kagen Kerack Kernow Klucz Knotgrass Lan Leyda Little Loc Lower Lyria Maecht Malhoun Malleore Maribor Marsh Mayena Meadow Metinna Mirt Montecalvo Montsalvat Morhen Muinne Murivel Nastrog Neunreuth New Nilfgaard Novigrad Ortagor Oxenfurt Palace Pont Porog Port Posada Rakverelin Ravello Razwan Red Rhys-Rhun Riedbrune Rinde Rissberg Rivia Rocayne Roggeveen Rowan Rozrog Ruach Sarda Scala Schwemmland Shaerrawedd Spalla Stygga Tegamo Thurn Tigg Tretogor Tridam Trolde Tyffi Unicorn Upper Vanis Vartburg Vattweir Vedette Velen Vengerberg Vidort Vizima Vole White Winneburg Zavada Zurbarran

[ehay]

My Top Five Art Pieces 2022

This is becoming tradition. And it’s nice looking back at what I’ve done and how I’ve improved.

A paired portrait of Tissaia, which I prefer to the Yennefer one simply because Tissaia has the best nightgown in the known universe. @clydethistles launched these into an amazing shortish post-Sodden fic which is worth the read. 

This piece from a fic (’the hour of hush and wonder’) by @thegirl20: it was the fourth of a series of comic pages that I did. Fireflies and unicorns are a weakness of mine. Out of all the art this year, I think this piece got the most time spent on it. 

@troiings​ gets two mentions of her fic here: this scene from her Stone chaptered fic - a moment in the gardens outside Ellander. You’ll need an AO3 account to read since her work is private. Go make an account and read it. 

And this moment from her Florist modern AU fic. Ongoing! The colours and ‘where do plants go’ were tricky, and Tissaia’s position changed a bunch of times. 

And not fic related, but more because I liked how it turned out: a quick drawing of Tissaia’s excellent cloak from the first season. Let’s hope that season 3 provides similar inspiration.

[dailygeraltyennefer]

Dear friend!!! 🥰 I only hope that doesn't mean that Geralt and yen don't meet till episode 6😭 I want more of them, not less! Let's hope the surprises Henry mentions about Geralt and Yen include a unicorn.

DEAR FRIEND!!!! I'm still recovering I can't believe they dared to name an episode like that. I think it makes sense for them to meet that late (that's probably the episode where Ciri goes to Ellander with Yen) but let's hope for flashbacks of their relationship (and the unicorn) before that point.

[sarah-lance]

Things I want in the Witcher s2

*Geralt and Yen angst.

*Geralt to be unable to deal with Yen’s death,to blame himself and to vent his rage on every monster on his way in order to protect Ciri and...

* Yen to believe Geralt moved on and be furious with him until she hears that he died in Cintra trying to save Princess Cirilla and that to shake her up.

* I want them to both have regrets with how things ended between them and re-examine their feelings.

* Geralt and Ciri’s relationship to have a proper build up until they reach to the point where they accept each other as father and daughter (and maybe say the famous words “am I your destiny?” “you’re something more”).

* Geralt and Ciri as a real father and daughter duo, training together on Kaer Morhen and slaying monsters ⚔️.

* The other Witchers, Geralt's relationship with them, especially with Vesemir and Ciri's relationship with them.

*Flashbacks from Geralt's trial of the grasses.

* Yen trying to copy with the aftermath of her sacrifice in the battle of Sodden Hill and her realizing that she has so much more to give.

* Geralt and Ciri traveling to Ellander and meeting with old friends, Yarpen and his boys and Geralt’s speech of what neutrality means to Ciri.

*Yen and Geralt reunion. Sad, happy, hot, full of tears. I need this so bad. Perhaps as Geralt and Ciri are on their way to Ellander they make a stop in a  village near by (and it's Belleteyn) and a certain sorceress shows up ❤️

* Yen and Geralt realizing that Ciri needs their protection.

* Geralt and Yen as caring parents.

*Geralt and Yennefer discussing their feelings over taking care of Ciri.

* Yen training Ciri in Ellander and bonding with her as mother and daughter  and sharing stories of Geralt.

*Geralt trying to locate Rience and to have a brutal fight with the Michelet brothers.

Also:

Philippa.

The scoia'tael.

Nilfgaard attacking Geralt, Yen and Ciri.

Yennefer saving Jaskier from Rience.

Monsters.

p. s. sorry if I'm forgeting something

But most importantly: Geralt and Yen and more original scenes like the tent scene in s1, unicorn sex, cuddling, kisses, and did I say Geralt and Yennefer?

[multiplefandomfics]

The First

chapter 5

Pairing: Geralt of Rivia x OFC!Jemima

Warnings: angst, fighting, implied smut

Words: 1793

Last time: “Fine! If you want to throw your life away I don’t care anymore. Maybe I should be more like the picture people have of witchers and not feel at all.”

“Good. If that’s what you want! I’ll sleep in my own room.” She grabbed her clothes and stormed out the door in her nightgown. 

Needless to say that the night was spent tossing and turning without much sleep on either side.

 The next morning Jemima got dressed and skipped breakfast in favor of catching up on the last decades in the library. 

She knew the books by heart except for the few about history from the past years. 

She grabbed a book and started reading but her thoughts always moved back to the fight she had had with Geralt the evening before. 

She imagined all the ways the conversation could have gone different. 

Until the heavy double door opened and Ciri poked her badly cut, ashen haired head inside.

“Jemima? Did you forget that you wanted to help me with the obstacle course with me?” her voice came out hesitant.

“Oh Ciri, I am sorry. I was just… thinking.” she excused herself.

“About your argument last night with Geralt?” she asked worriedly.

“You heard?” Jemima blushed embarrassed.

“Everyone in the castle heard. You were pretty loud. I know I am just a child but with more experience than most my age and I am sure that he loves you very much but is incapable of showing it.”

“Why do you think so? He seemed to hate me last night.” Jemima looked sad.

“For one, since you came back he is in such a good mood almost all the time and he has a springy step.” After receiving a doubtful glance from Jemima she continued “Seriously. Look at him. He doesn’t carry himself with this broodingly negative energy surrounding him anymore. Even I noticed that. He also talks more often instead of grunting all the time.” she finished.

“Hmm I haven’t noticed that yet.”

“But all of the others have. Plus I overheard him talking to Roach in the stables this morning.”

Jem and I had a fight last night. You probably heard it too. It was bad although I just want to keep her safe. When we were kids we behaved like siblings. I remember the night before my mutation. Jem and I used the day to run through the woods, getting as far away as possible. Just for that day. It was a beautiful day. The sun was warm on our faces. We climbed stone walls and played hide and seek. It was wonderful. After hours of playing the day away we found a little clearing in the deepest woods. We laid down on the sun warmed grass, looking up to the sky. Observing Squirrels jumping from tree branch to tree branch and imagining to be able to fly free with the birds high up above.

It was all unicorns and rainbows until the moment we were crushed by reality. There was no escape from our destiny. damn how I hate that word. I tried not to believe in it for the biggest part of my life. Until the girl came along. 

When it turned dark on the clearing Jemima and I finally accepted what we couldn’t change and went back here. The next day I underwent the Trial and became what I am now. 

I never thought I could love someone the way I do love her. She means everything to me and I am an idiot who can’t even admit that to her. Instead I pushed her away. 

After that sentence Ciri had snuck out of the stables. She didn’t want to get caught.

“And he really said that? I didn’t think he remembers that day still. Indeed it was a very nice day. After that it was all fighting and watching him turn colder everyday. I didn’t undergo the Trial until I was 13 so there were a few years where we didn’t have too much contact. Although after I was mutated successfully we became closer again. I think because we felt the same afterwards and could understand each other better. But we didn’t feel like siblings anymore. We fell in love but had to hide it from the others. Vesemir would have had our heads had he known that we were sneaking kisses and touches here and there.” she smiled fondly at the memory.

“I’m sorry Ciri, that was inappropriate. I just feel very comfortable talking to you.” 

“It’s fine. I like it that at least you treat me like an equal and not like some petulant child.” she actually looked happy.

“Yes, I think you understand more than the others give you credit for. But you know what? I was treated the same way when I was a child. Even after I was mutated I had to work at least double as hard as the male witchers my age to get approval and praise. So I understand you better than anyone. And now we will go outside and start on that obstacle course, what do you say?” Jemima got up from her chair and they walked down the stairs.

While Ciri was jumping over tree trunks or ducking under branches Jemima had a lot of time to think about Triss’s offer. Although she knew Geralt would get really angry when he heard that she decided to go for it, she knew he was just worried because he loved her. 

“Triss? I thought about it and I want you to do it if you are still up for it.” Jemima finalized.

“Of course. Let me make some preparations and meet me in the basement in an hour. You know the room.” she turned on her heel and walked away.

Indeed Jemima knew exactly which room Triss meant. The mutation room. She did not have the best memories concerning her experiences in that stone walled room. But that was probably the best chamber to do this in, should something go wrong.

The next hour Jemima tried her best to stay out of Geralt’s way and did not succeed. 

“Jem, I just saw Triss and she told me you are going through with it?” Jemima just nodded, mentally preparing for an outburst. Which didn’t come.

“I just want you to know that I respect your decision and if you want to have me there I would love to be by your side. Maybe I can ground you and help you stay in focus.” he seemed almost ashamed of his recent behavior.

Jemima was a bit startled “Yes, sure you can be there. I don’t know what will happen but I would be much calmer to know you by my side. Thank you Geralt. That means so much to me.”

“Ah there you finally are.” Triss said. “Jemima I need you to lay down on the bank. Geralt you may hold her hand if you like. I have to tell you again that I don’t exactly know what is going to happen and that there are risks. Are you aware of that?”

“You sound exactly like the old witchers back when I was about to undergo mutation. But yes I am aware of the risks and I am willing to take them.” Jemima remained with a stoic face. The room gave her the creeps but she settled down nonetheless. Geralt holding on to her right hand as if her life depended on it, which it probably did.

“Alright then we will start. Close your eyes and focus on your inner self. Feel your heart beating and pumping the blood through your veins. Your neurons working and your synapses receiving stimuli. Now I will immerse myself into your aura. Hold on to life here and now. Go to your happy place and remain there.” Triss gritted out through her teeth. She had to use a lot of energy to penetrate the witcher's mind. 

The room filled with a blinding red light again. Streaked through with lightning. Geralt had to close his sensitive eyes to not lose his sight. Only this time it did not pulverize everyone around them. 

Triss was able to hold the power confined to the room.

All while Jemima was laying on the grass in the clearing in the woods next to Geralt. Smiling and laughing and imagining being a bird. She held onto him inside her mind and outside. 

Then everything changed. The light turned white still lighting zapped through the room but Triss felt the power shift. From angry toward determined and light hearted. Triss felt freedom. 

And then Jemima woke up. Sat up abruptly. The whole color vanished out of the room only the light from the candles remained. 

“Jem, are you alright? How do you feel?” Geralt looked even more worried. “Triss what was that?” 

“I feel… like I am floating. Free.” Jemima smiled.

“I think her energy and aura just changed. Because of you Geralt. You anchored her and it changed the power from angry red to relaxed white. Her aura must have been there her whole life. It strengthened her and that is what made her strong enough to withstand the Trial. But I assume she is even stronger now that she is not ruled by darkness but by light.”

“And where did that darkness come from? I never felt angrier neither was I more cruel than others.” Jemima asked curiously.

“I have never seen a case as strong as yours. I assume when you were a child it didn’t affect you much yet and after your mutation you pushed your feelings down so the aura had time to grow in silence. But all that matters is that we figured you out now. That’s what we wanted right?” Triss asked exhausted, sitting down. 

“Yes Triss, thank you. You look tired and should rest.” Jemima laid a hand on the sorceress's shoulder. 

“Geralt? Now that my issues are out of the way do you want to talk about Ciri? She is developing greatly. Physically and mentally. You still want to bring her to Ellander?” Jemima asked him.

“Yes, when spring hits we will leave. You are joining us right?” he looked at her hopeful.

“Of course. I like her and I want to help, both of you.” Jemima assured him.

Suddenly Geralt grabbed her by the waist, pressed her against the stone wall behind her and kissed her deeply. 

“Let’s get upstairs. The things I want to do to you, should not be witnessed by others. Especially minors.” she whispered in his ear.

That seemed to have been the last straw and he lost his composure completely. 

[diana-bluewolf]

On one surprisingly sunny November day, a young Merlin lands graciously on a tree not too far from where Chris and Misha are walking. It tilts its head while it observes the wizard and gives a few chattering calls before taking off again, something bright red tied to one of its legs. The presence of the wolf agitates the falcon a little, so it chooses not to land on the ground but instead on a branch of another nearby tree, high enough for the boy to reach but with plenty of distance to take off if the lupus decides to strike.

The object tied to Merlin's leg is an origami piece of an animal that easily comes off when touched, allowing the bird to leave. Upon closer inspection, it is a paper wolf that stirs on Chris' palms, stands on its wobbly paper feet and raises its head high up. Even without the sound it is clear that it is howling. Then, suddenly, the paper unfolds itself, revealing a letter.

Dear Chris, I can't believe we've known each other for so long already. We took a winding path towards becoming friends. It is still a little wild to me that you felt like I ever needed anything in return other than your genuine company. I know, we've talked about it, and I really should've seen it sooner. Will often says that I don't see things right under my nose. But I still want you to know that I'll never require anything from you in return for a chocolate frog or homework or a friendly chat. You are my friend. Anything you need — I'll never say no. I am unsure where to find you as we live in different dorms, but wherever you are right now, I wish you a Happy Birthday, from my whole heart. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to enjoy every day of your life. You deserve companionship (and I mean human, too, not just Misha's!) Perhaps I'll catch you at dinner? I think William got you some yummy goodies earlier today (I probably should not have said that), so don't fill your tummy up all the way! Happy Birthday, dear friend! Your shiny unicorn, Elland 🌙

Aww, it’s such a cute ask! Therefore, ahem…

TW↓: obscene language 🤨😁

"Merlin, why does he have to be so embarrassing?" muttered Chris after running his eyes over the letter. He was sitting on a large mossy rock with his leg tucked under him.  

"Have you ever felt that it's just…ugh… almost painful to read something?" he addressed Misha, who was stretching lazily beside him.

Misha didn't answer. Well, he tended to do that - not bothering to reply. Chris didn't blame him since he often was the same.

"Well, I guess the inability to read can solve this, can't it?" Chris smiled and petted Misha's ear.

"What I mean is all this… "deserving" stuff. Why wouldn't he just insult me? That would be much easier and fun to read. Like, I don't know, happy birthday, you prick? Bring your ass here, or I'll eat all the goodies, and then William? Not that I would care about the latter, but at least it would be fun. And this," Chris waved the letter in the air, "this is pure torture."

Chris sighed and made himself reread the letter, this time trying not to skip everything that started with “you deserve”. He was positively unbearable sometimes. Elland, that is. 

Maybe that’s why Chris was so glad to see his falcon today?

“Look, look,” Chris nudged Misha, pointing at the your shiny unicorn line. “He’s trying to joke here.” 

Misha looked at the parchment. The parchment wasn’t edible and hence wasn’t a feature of interest.

“Oh, don’t worry, mate, I didn’t get it, either,” Chris assured Misha. He then glanced at the letter again. 

“He’s a weirdo. Elland.” Chris smiled warmly. “But…have you ever met wolves that were not as bad as other wolves? Because I have. Quite a few, actually. Well, not wolves, people, and that makes it even stranger. I have only one explanation for this - it’s Hogwarts. And if so,” Chris grabbed his bag and fished out ink and a quill, “I freaking love magic.”

See you at dinner. Bring the goodies. You can leave the prefect where he is.

Chris smirked, aware that Will would probably read it anyway. Well, no one asked him peeking at Elland's correspondence.

Your grumpy dugbog, Chris. P.S. Those guys look peculiar as friends, don't they?

P.P.S. Thank you.

Chris shoved the letter into the bag and jumped to his feet. 

“My shiny unicorn is waiting,” he explained to Misha, who enthusiastically followed him on his way out of the forest. 

“I need to send an owl first and grab those pasties I bought for Will in Honeydukes. You see, Monsieur Tangerine, in addition to all his flaws, is a gourmet, and we often have differences of opinion on the matter of taste. But this time, I’m sure even he will like it!”

It was a surprisingly sunny November day.