#ghost may or may not have to be his personal knight because the knight commander price who he's loyal to told him to

[saucywendeee]

👻🧼 - Fantasy AU Dark Mage/Prince

[ihatechosingnames]

HSR Analysis about the Xianzhou Arc

With 1.3 Hoyo give us the official end of the Xianzhou Arc and I don't think everyone is satified with the last Trailblaze Quest. I think if they gave this mission with 1.2, it will have been a bit better. Not the best, but seriously, it was just a quest on going around places. But the final cutscene… was worth it the wait.

Let's go in order. 1.2 Starts with the unlikely quartet composed by Stelle, March, Welt and Tingyun managed to go to the Alchemy Commission where we see the fruits of Fu Xuan's commanding power as an acting general.

Let's skip fast and go to the moment when Fu Xuan tasked the trio to go and help by diving into the mist and turn off the Elixir Crucibles.

A precision, she asked the "unexpected guests" cit Jing Yuan because

Never once she says that Tingyun was to help them, Tingyun's job was to bring them to places, like the Artisanship Commission or the Alchemy Commission. If you paid attention, while we walked to the crucibles there was a piece of conversation

Here she sounds actually excited, while at the beginning Tingyun wasn't that happy to be in our company, she was nervous because the situation was unstable. So, here, I suppose, is Phantylia already talking. Or let more of her own personality shine.

Now, after the battle with Dan Shu, she said two things:

So, at first, it seems like Phantylia gave the Stellaron to the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus (DoSM for short) and made a promise with them. And it wouldn't be wrong to think this way, Phantylia is a Lord Ravager, a follower of Nanook, she should be able to have a Stellaron at ready. Actually, I read a very interesting post here on Tumblr about language, and I think that while the English translation is good, it may lose some context in between the translation. Like about the subjects of a phrase. The exact content of the promise between the DoSM and Phantylia is still missing, but we know one objective: fuse the power of the Abundance with the power of the Destruction.

And it's terrifying if you think about it: Destruction has a huge attack, Abundance can cure itself... and we already saw a character who has both: Blade, a character on the path of Destruction who is also struck with Immortality. In gameplay he sacrifices a part of his HP to do more damage, only to regain later.

Let's go back to Tingyun and Phantylia. Like Welt says, mostly to reassure both March and Stelle, there is no certain hint to say that Tingyun was working willingly with Phantylia, but without the body, we don't know.

Which is a good question. But, for me, no body, no death. It basically is a rule in writing a story: if you don't find the body, that character can always appear later. So, the fact that Phantylia didn't leave a body will lead only to one thing: the body was fake. If she left the body, Fu Xuan would have realized immediately that Tingyun's body wasn't the real deed. Which it will bring us, by doing a jump, directly to the last quest, the "funeral". We met a lot of people who knew Tingyun, but the entire thing about Tingyun left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Even Yukong says some things that contradict herself

But, after some reconsideration, it has some strategy to that. Phantylia says "It would've been nice to observe a little longer" before revealing herself in her ghost-flame-like appearance. Possibly, Phantylia didn't want to reveal herself at all, let the DoSM and the Cloud Knights kill each other while she stays in the background and sees how the Xianzhou Loufu destroys itself from the inside. By declaring officially that Tingyun is dead, doing the all funeral and letting the Trio gives the news, it would destroy every other chances for Phantylia to use that face again. Meanwhile, Yukong would search for her but not in an official way. Strange that we didn't find any letter like the voiceline says, or maybe they didn't search her shop.

My considerations: they did everything to say that Tingyun is dead without saying explicitly, but I stand my ground and say Tingyun is not dead, not yet anyway.

But let's go back to the past, after this Trailblazer quest, the narrative switches its main character and we are back to Dan Heng! Like I said, he is the second main character on this arc and it was done perfectly.

Seriously, the switches between our characters, Dan Heng's parallel but different journey to his past... well done, HOYO.

Our more unlikely TRIO, Dan Heng, Sushang and Luocha, arrive in the same place, probably a few moments later our other trio left.

Sushang went back to the Cloud Knights, Luocha has one more deal to see and Dan Heng needs to leave before they ask who he is.

The past haunts Dan Heng, literally, the ghost of the past lives of the Vidyadhara appear to talk to him and Blade, the man he usually he runs from is waiting for him.

that woman, perhaps Jingliu?

The one thing I can't explain is the transformation in Imbibitor Lunae, why the change in clothes? Dan Heng wasn't fashionably enough with his regular clothes and needed a change? Anime Logic, I know.

And poor Yanqing, that tries to fight literally legends, first Jingliu and now Dan Heng and Blade together.

Luckily, to babysit everyone there is Kafka. Look at Blade! He looks like someone who is regretting his choices.

Before reuniting with his friends, Dan Heng says a few words to Jing Yuan

which is something really important. Dan Feng and Dan Heng are two different persons, even if Dan Feng didn't go through the hatching cycle. Right now, he is Dan Heng of the Astral Express and I was almost in tears in reading it, since there were many red flags about Dan Heng leaving the Astral Express Family. Even the scene that is a call back to the beginning, with March and Stelle's hands stretched out to Dan Heng was touching

DO NOT SEPARATE! My babies çç

From here, everything seems to go fast. The cutscene with the music and the CGI that was the waves was so well done (basically all the money went to the waves), they went to fight Phantylia and what a fight it was. But unfortunately, our MC didn't get the power of the Hunt. Looking at how the story went, it was kind of assumed but not granted. The Xianzhou didn't lose faith in the Aeon of the Hunt, not like Cocolia did with Qlipoth. And in this Arc the moral protagonist was Dan Heng, with his past and his quest to accept but also move on with his future, it was not a time for our MC to get a power up. Maybe in the next world, unlike Genshin who has a fixed number of places (7 Archons, 7 Elements, 7 Nations etc), Honkai Star Rail is bigger, it has a lot more of Aeons and we have seen the powers of Aeon whose Path is not playable, who says that HOYO won't introduce more playable Paths?

Phantylia is merely playing with us, she is barely amused with our performance. In terms of boss fights, Cocolia is more emotionally charged and the best for music. Phantylia is part of a bigger story, the same story that Elio scripted and Kafka is directing and, as Kafka said, we gained a powerful ally in the Xianzhou Luofu

And I'm gonna bet that during the final fight with Nanook, the Xianzhou Loufu will appear as the cavalry, just like Jing Yuan did in the Dan Heng Companion Quest.

In the end, the Xianzhou Arc was different from Belobog Arc, the ending was unsatisfying because there were still a few things missing, and it didn't feel like an ending, like it did with Belobog with the nice pictures, it was more of a "see you later", so if I can guess, there will be another arc in the Xianzhou and it will be about the post cutscene.

I'm still a firm believer that Luocha is not Void Archives, but he played a part in this. He likely brought the Stellaron to the Xianzhou, possibly smuggled Jingliu to Xianzhou, all for destroying the Abundance.

It was an incredible cliffhanger that leads to more questions than answers. We now assume that Luocha smuggled the Stellaron to the Xianzhou, Jingliu wasn't on the ship only to search for Blade, Jing Yuan needs a vacation and never comes back to his place as General.

So, final consideration: we are not over with the Xianzhou, even with our jade abacus, we will need to go back and in that time the MC will get the power of the Hunt. This arc is like a chapter 1, a chapter where we met most of its characters, it explained the conflict between Lan and Yaoshi, the problems that Yaoshi's gift left, it gave us the first glance to the bigger story with Elio and his Stellaron Hunters and their objective to kill Nanook. While Herta Space Station was a tutorial and Jarilo-VI was an opening act for the ways of trailblazing (a story that have a conclusion and we are only witness to their efforts to move on), Xianzhou is the very first big world where there wasn't a real ending. Yes, we stopped the Stellaron, but the conflict is still happening. We have more information about us, about one of our friends, we have met the Stellaron Hunters, talked to them (Silver Wolf is the more social of the group and has visiting rights!), but it's like we have gained nothing because there is still so much to do in the Xianzhou.

I'm sorry if this is too long, but for me it's important to say that the last quest we did in v1.3 wasn't the final quest for the Xianzhou, we just put a stop to Trailblaze more, but we will be back for a second chapter on that ship, after all "there is still more to explore".

[thefirstknife]

I have multiple questions, of which may be already known to people who've played the gamr recently (I personally came back for Lightfall, left after the raid). Don't feel pressured to answer all of them.

Has there ever been an instance where a known Exo Guardian undergoes a reset but still have to do their duties as a Guardian?

What has Eris and Drifter been up to since Beyond Light? Have they continued to communicate with the Nine?

On resurrection, does a Ghost become aware of everything that their Chosen knows about? Do they share a mental bond that ties them together? Can one hear ones thoughts? And on that line of thought, would that stop a Ghost from resurrecting a known Ghostless Guardian like Osiris?

Hi!

First question: seems like the answer is no. Exo Guardians that went through a reset are extremely rare and so far it seems none of them really resumed doing the same. From Lakshmi-2's search:

Historical Basis for Spontaneous Reset Syndrome —Heyka-3/4: Notorious Dark Ages Warlord. Post-reset, became a lone raider. —Vander-2/3: Rescued from the Great Disaster because reset incapacitated him. Served as City guard post-reset. Ghost destroyed on Luna. (Pre- or post-reset? Do Ghosts protect Exo Guardians from spontaneous reset?) —Lilakee-5/6/7: Curious case. Known sufferer of severe DER-related nightmares and outbursts. Commandeered a jumpship and vanished. —Selass-7/8: Technician sent to data mine Titan settlements. Reset occurred in return transit. Post-reset, remained research technician assisting Cryptarchs.

It's unclear for Heyka-3/4 what "lone raider" means, but given they were a Warlord first and then stopped, it probably means that simply resuming the same duties is unlikely. Vander-2/3 is also curious since we know for a fact they were a Guardian, but they lost their Ghost in the Great Disaster. Being a City guard is not the same as being a Guardian, but that could also be because they lost their Ghost, and not because of the reset. For the last two, it's not clear if they were Guardians. But given that they all changed their jobs, it's very likely that a Guardian that underwent the reset would no longer act the same and would probably not take up the same duties as a Guardian after the reset. They'd most certainly be excused in some way.

Second: Eris and Drifter did not resume speaking to the Nine, so far and that we know of! Drifter is always kinda tangled up with them due to the nature of Gambit, but he hasn't done much with them since Prophecy. I definitely expect the Nine to pop up again some time, maybe this year? I'd expect Drifter to be a part of any storyline with them.

Instead, Eris and Drifter worked together on some egregore research back in Haunted and they also worked together on Nezarec's relics in Plunder for a bit. They both have ties to this sort of Darkness stuff, Drifter especially since he both had a relic himself and he also has egregore in his ship. We've not had much updates on Eris since Plunder, though we do know that she's friendly with Eido and shares tea with her. Drifter on the other hand is still shown as actively helping the Eliksni in the City.

Third: Ghosts definitely share a bond with their Guardians, though I'm not sure if it's mental. There's definitely something more and metaphysical going on when a Ghost and a Guardian bond. For example, Fynch claims that he can hear his dead Hive Knight, both before he was chosen at all and now that he's dead.

I know. I know you don't want to be dead. I know that! You think I don't know that?!

I watched you shoot a Guardian. And her GHOST. Dead. All because I could hear you, in the back of my mind, needing me to bring you back. And I listened. I listened to the others… then to you… to everyone except myself.

I didn't expect miracles, but… I expected something!

Yes, you're dead now. And I can hear you—but I can't. Don't you get it? I just. Can't!

It's impossible to say if this is standard; Fynch having a Hive Lightbearer might have something to do with it, but maybe it's something that all Ghosts feel. However, beyond this very strange effect that death in general has on Ghosts and Guardians, it's unclear if this bond manifests as Ghosts being aware and able to hear their Guardian's thoughts at all time.

I'd say it's not applied broadly to the relationship between them, as Ghosts and Guardians still have to talk to properly communicate. For example, Ikora had a bad relationship with her Ghost Ophiuchus and stopped talking to him for 61 years (!). When she spoke to him for the first time after that, he was shocked. He spent all of that time just observing her. If a Ghost could simply mentally connect with their Guardian, then this communication issue between them wouldn't have impacted him that much.

Speaking of Ophiuchus, and related to the question, he and Sagira had an interesting conversation once about the reason for Ghosts having only one Guardian.

Anyway, O said he had a theory why there was one Ghost for one Guardian. He thought that each of us had strengths that complemented weaknesses in our Guardian, and vice versa. That we needed to be together, or neither of us would be whole.

"Like soul mates?" I asked. "Because I'm not in love with Osiris or anything. Not only would that be really weird, he kinda gets on my nerves a lot of the time."

"It is not a romantic attachment," O said. If he had eyes, he would have rolled them at me. "It is my belief that the Traveler understood that normal people would not be enough to protect humanity. That it would take those who are extraordinary in both body and spirit. And that only by the merging of Ghost and Guardian into a single unit could this be accomplished."

Interesting! Ghosts don't really agree on matters like this and they tend to have a lot of different opinions on their own nature and the nature of the bond between a Ghost and a Guardian. But a bond definitely exists and is probably a reason why a Ghost will not pick another Guardian or why a Guardian that lost their Ghost won't pick another Ghost.

The relationship between a Ghost and a Guardian is unique and emotional and very deep so the idea of just getting another Ghost, like they're a tool, is deeply unsettling to most. It's technically possible, but most (both Ghosts and Guardans) will simply choose not to try due to the emotional toll. Similarly, an unpartnered Ghost will most likely never choose to pick a Guardian that already had a Ghost but lost it, because that unpartnered Ghost must have their own Guardian somewhere.

The one exception is, as usual, Shin Malphur who inherited Jaren Ward's Ghost. This has somewhat more sense when you know that Jaren and Shin were basically father and son so Jaren's Ghost was already deeply familiar with Shin and had a bond with him as well. We're still unclear if Jaren's Ghost can have full functionality with Shin though. Shin already had a Ghost prior, as a baby, but it died. Shin's situation is very complicated overall so it's not entirely useful as an example, but it's worth mentioning in this case.

[vilonnie]

in contrast to claude who fittingly is a very contemporary protagonist in a couple of ways, dimitri and edelgard can both be seen as interpretations of classic hero king protagonists. dimitri is pretty obvious, but I think edelgard is actually an interesting twist - she's a literal knight in shining armor, she's this game's "chosen one" who bears the fire emblem, she's the self-sacrificial crown of adrestria, and she's even a genuine dragonslayer. so it's curious to think that her desire to act as a savior is what leads her to impose on the other countries' wills and be treated as an antagonist in all but her own route, resulting in a tragic end on the eagle's wings of her very own hamartia. I wonder if she might've reminded dimitri of some of faerghus' stories of martyr kings and knights - I wonder how she would have felt about that?

I also like to think about dimitri's chemistry with marianne and edelgard's chemistry with claude in the context of her role in verdant wind

specifically I think that marianne becomes a very important golden deer particularly in regards to the way claude contrasts against the other two lord's lack of value for their own lives. dimitri won't think twice about dying of rage or grief at the command of his ghosts, edelgard speaks consistently about her willingness to die for her cause and her greater good and will even discard the peaceful life she explicitly wants for herself at her core, and marianne just wants to die, but claude is famously the lord who can survive in every route - he is the only lord that demands that his soldiers not lay their lives on the line, he plans for a tactical retreat in all scenarios, and it never even occurs to him that the dream he loves so much could ever be worth more than his life or those around him. this, of course, is because his life has been regarded as forfeit and unnatural since the moment he was born, so it only makes sense that he is defensive (in general and) about the idea that a person's ability to live a full and fulfilling life is something precious to protect (also why lysithea is a golden deer, part of why ignatz is a golden deer, and may contribute to verdant wind as the route where byleth gets the most spotlight). for this reason I think mari and claude's dynamic is especially fascinating to me as a central contrast between the temptation of death versus the stubborn insistence on the value of living, and the same can be said for what their relationships with dimitri and edelgard highlight :)

[goodqueenaly]

You think the brother that Bloodraven loved was actually Daemon and not Daeron?! Could you tell me why? Is it because he referred to him as one of his ghosts?

For one, I'm not sure that Brynden would have considered himself a "brother" to Daeron II, or at least not to the extent he could with Daemon. Not only was the age difference significant between Daeron and Brynden - 22 years, compared to the mere seven between Daemon and Brynden - but Daeron was unlike Brynden in socio-political standing too. Where Daeron was Prince of Dragonstone from the age of 19, a trueborn member of the royal family descended from the Targaryens on both sides, Brynden was a royal bastard; his mother might have been a particularly well-liked royal mistress, but he was still an extramarital child, whose existence could only be explained by Aegon IV's pointed cruelty toward Queen Naerys in flaunting his infidelities. Likewise, while Brynden could be accepted at court (thanks to that well-liked mother) and even serve as a commander in the king's army by the time of the First Blackfyre Rebellion, he would always bear that surname of "Rivers", denoting him as bastard-born (if subsequently legitimated). (Perhaps this was why Brynden used the more general familial term "cousin" for young Egg in "The Mystery Knight".)

By contrast, Daemon was much closer to Brynden in terms of background and position. Daemon may have had double Targaryen parentage as Daeron did, but he was, like Brynden, unquestionably a bastard; indeed, unlike Brynden, Daemon had not even been officially recognized by their mutual father for the first 12 years of his life (even if his parentage might have seemed an open secret). If they had both been benefactors of the late king's blanket legitimization, both were nevertheless surely aware that their livelihoods depended in no small part on the new king; again, Daemon knew this perhaps even more so than Brynden, given that it was Daeron II who made sure Daemon could wed Rohanne of Tyrosh and Daeron II who gifted Daemon a tract of land on which to raise a keep after his marriage. Daemon and Brynden were both, in other words, in the same, somewhat awkward liminal position: bastard sons of the late king, nominally of the same dynastic rank as the new king (thanks to that legitimization decree) but subject to the new king's goodwill for their daily living, with nothing to call their own inheritance.

For another, Daemon himself may have made it easy for Brynden to love him. GRRM described Daemon, after all, as a “man of considerable charm”, with a “warm smile”, who “made friends easily” (and who had “women … drawn to him”, which would not matter for Brynden's purposes but is further evidence of his, Daemon's, personal charisma). I could easily imagine not only Brynden looking up to and admiring his half-brother - as Daemon had all the personal handsomeness and chivalric ability which Brynden himself lacked (as an albino and as the "the scrawny one of the lot" of the male Great Bastards, per GRRM again) - but also Daemon being kind and considerate to his younger half-brother out of both his general personal good nature and, perhaps, his sympathy for another of Aegon IV's bastards, stuck in the same position he himself was. It's not that I think Daeron II was cruel or mean to Brynden, to be clear, but the gulf of rank and what we might call born legitimacy between them (especially given the questions that likely had already been raised as to the succession rights of the late king's bastards, specifically Daemon) may have made it difficult for the king to be as convivial with his half-brother as Daemon, similarly bastard born and "only" a landed knight, could be.

For another, what is arguably GRRM's favorite theme of ASOIAF but the human heart in conflict with itself? What, indeed, is another expression of that theme but the question of love versus duty? In that sense, I think it is so much more narratively rich for Daemon to have been the brother Brynden loved, rather than Daeron II. Brynden had no apparent conflict in serving Daeron II, and indeed seems to have been a pretty close advisor to the king: after all, "Merion's unfinished The Red Dragon and the Black suggests that ... Brynden Rivers was involved" in telling Daeron II about Daemon's rebellion, he fought for the crown during that same rebellion, and he was on Daeron II's small council by the time Egg was serving it. But with Daemon, there would have been a pretty significant, indeed devastating conflict of love versus duty for Brynden. When presented with the news that Daemon had risen in rebellion, what might Brynden have thought to do - obey his duty to Daeron II and tell him immediately, or wait and let his charming, kindly half-brother get away? Even if that were a relatively simple test - Brynden may have supposed, in informing Daeron, that Daemon would simply be arrested and not necessarily subject to the death penalty - what would Brynden have thought as he stood on the Weeping Ridge and saw Daemon and his twin sons below him? The security and stability of the realm, so Brynden may have thought, depended on ending this rebellion, and here was the golden opportunity to do so ... by killing the brother Brynden, so I think, loved. We know the choice Brynden did make, but what GRRM has the power to do, as he so often likes to do with his characters, is have Brynden debate, even agonize over this question. This choice, perhaps, drove him to such a hardline attitude against rebels generally and the Blackfyres specifically - he had to believe he had made the right call, that stopping the Blackfyre threat really was worth the life of Daemon; this choice haunts him now, even as he has almost completely merged into the weirwoods.

And as a very minor point, I think Brynden's phrasing to this subject might suggest Daemon in this role. Brynden refers to "[a] brother that I loved, a brother that I hated, a woman I desired"; if the first is Daemon (and as the other two are almost certainly Aegor Rivers and Shiera Seastar), then the identities of these people are the four Great Bastards of Aegon IV, which provides some neat narrative cohesion to Brynden's memories (and not to mention listing them in birth order - oldest of the three Daemon, then Aegor, then Shiera as the baby of the group).

[lya-dustin]

Someone will remember us

Chapter 73

Cw:mentions of death, violence, lactation

Taglist: @stargaryenx @mercedesdecorazon

Gif by @gameofthronesdaily

“Send me.” Addam said and Aemma dropped the quill she was holding as she reviewed Lord Celtigar’s new taxes.

They were costly, and while no amount of torture would get Lannister to bring back the gold in Casterly Rock, unfortunately necessary.

But the poverty the crown found itself in even with the Iron Bank’s promise of more, was little when she sees Addam die as he brings down Tessarion, Vermithor and Grey Ghost. Only the bronze fury flies away from the flight, killing its rider as it shouts commands to stop him, but what bastard can tell a king what to do.

“You will die, brother.” Aemma’s voice comes out pained. She couldn’t lose more people, no, she just couldn’t.

“Then I will die loyal to the rightful queen.” He said and mother barely bothered hiding her joy at taking care of three birds with one stone.

She had grown paranoid, her mother. Every night that Mysaria came to her, more heads appeared on the spikes and more cuts appeared on her person.

Won’t be long until the Throne kills her like Maegor, one had said.

Long live Queen Aemma, the other had said before his head was taken by a knight inquisitor.

It hadn't mattered that Ser Harry Harte, Hazel's brother, was part of their household.

“No, there must be another way to deal with this threat.” Grandfather seconded her.

“But there isn’t, Lord Corlys.” Mother hid her smirk, she distrusted everyone, but most especially them. “Had you let me wed Lady Stokeworth and Lady Rosby to the Betrayers, they would not have gone to him.”

Yes, marry two young heiresses to the brutes who killed a whore and several gutter knights for a poke.

“Stokeworth and Rosby had turncloaks for lords. Who is to say they would not have betrayed you had you given them lands and men?” Aemma comes to grandfather’s defense, but only after he agreed to give the firstborn daughters of said lords the rights of an heir on account of neither lord leaving a current will including their infant sons. “Hugh was overly fond of saying he should be king because he rode the bronze fury and Ulf was found of stealing even before Prince Daemon offered him a place in your garrison, mama.”

Mother does not take it well; more and more people were calling her unfit and Aemma’s popularity had become a threat even after Alicent’s murder.

A begging brother had begun to preach against House Targaryen and called them heretics, degenerates and monsters.

Aemma he called a witch and demanded that she and Aemon be burned for it. It only became worse when they came to learn who killed Alicent the Pious and why.

“If you say so, daughter.” Mother says with a tight smile and wary eyes. Mother no longer liked Aemma expressing her opinions, no longer liked Aemma’s popularity with the smallfolk nor closeness to the Velaryons. "But, I should not need to remind you, that I am Queen and you do not rule the realm. I do."

With this, Aemma knows if she doesn’t leave tonight, she will find her head adorning the spike reserved for Aemond.

“Take what you need, take the babe as well, she may use him as a hostage.” Alarra counseled as they have all of Aemma’s and Aemond’s things carried into a Celtigar ship bound to a Rosby port.

Riverrrun was an ally, Harte, Stokeworth and Rosby as well, mother had been the Realm’s Delight until the paranoia and loss had turned her into something almost as awful as Maegor.

She killed several lords and ladies, as if they hadn't been on the fence about supporting her already.

There were rumors she had put a reward on Nettles because supposedly Daemon was bedding his own daughter.

Nettles was not even interested in men, she had a shepherdess back in Hull waiting for her named Marcella.

And yet, mother believed Mysaria who came with very circumstantial evidence.

Daemon had never bathed with Nettles; Netty had been caught with the handmaiden in the tub by Daemon who was relieved it was not the guard.

Daemon was a fucking monster, but somehow a good father to his children.

Aemma almost defended him against such slander until mother accused her of dishonesty after she secretly resumed breastfeeding Aemon in case she needed to escape.

As far as mother was supposed to know, Aemon was not thriving on a different woman’s milk, and Aemma really enjoyed having him all to herself.

Not that she believed the lie anyways.

“Thank you, auntie, if the gods are good, we will see each other soon.” Aemma hugged her goodbye and prayed mother did not punish them for helping her.

“Go, if you do not leave now, they will know something is amiss.”

“She has run to him.” Mysaria said with a voice soft as silk. “She has betrayed you just as I said she would, your grace.”

Lies, Aemma was loyal to her, Aemma would never betray her. Aemma did not have it in her to do such a thing.

But she killed Alicent, a voice said.

She warned Aemond, worse, she forgave him for killing your Lucerys, the voice added.

“Ser Darklyn, arrest Lord Corlys Velaryon and every Velaryon in Kingslanding.”  The queen finds herself ordering.

If they called her Maegor, then she will give them Maegor.

“A raven, your grace.” Cole hands him a letter with the seal of Corlys himself.

There had been a letter from Daeron, one from Larys Strong and then this one.

“The White Worm has dripped her poison into the Queen’s ears and turned her against her own daughter. Rhaenyra intends to name Joffrey as her heir and arrest your wife for this supposed treason.

She has flown to you and has taken the child as well, House Velaryon pledges its support to you on the condition that you and my granddaughter rule as equals as King Viserys intended.

Your humble vassal,

Corlys Velaryon, the Seasnake and Lord of the Tides.”

Aemond reads it out loud just to make sure he has read it right.

His wife, his Aemee, was coming to him.

“She killed your mother.” Cole reminds him as if he could forget.

But Aemond killed her brother and so far, somehow that made them equal. “I killed her brother, Cole, if she can forgive me for that I can forgive her for killing my mother.”

Gods, the mummers and the bards will have a great time with such tragedies.

“Hold the castle, I will take Vhagar and meet her halfway. Tell our men their queen comes tonight.” If the gods were good, Aemma will come with reinforcements and allies.

And yet he will gladly die tomorrow if it means he will kiss his wife and hold his son tonight.

[alyjojo]

September 🐿️ 2023 Monthly - Capricorn

Whole of your energy: Knight of Swords

This Knight is fearless, blunt, taking fast action on some noble quest and strikes right to the heart of a matter in order to communicate his truth to others…even if that truth hurts the people he’s communicating with. This is your energy (for most) in regards to an unstable relationship or family situation in your life that’s caused you heartbreak and pain. It’s possible some of you are on the receiving end of this as well, and what’s said may hurt.

What’s going on in September:

3 Cups:

This row has amazing energy. 3 Cups is a group of friends, loved ones, gathering to celebrate happy occasions, reuniting with a group of people you haven’t seen in awhile. Because…life, work, etc. Someone could be celebrating good news, a promotion, a wedding, birth, graduation, and they want you to celebrate this beautiful new beginning with them. They also want a new start, these are people that want you around, or ones you want to be around, you could also be the one with the great news.

9 Swords:

There is someone in particular, a King of Wands, that gives you massive anxiety, fear, worry, upset feelings and sleepless nights in this situation. They could be anyone, likely a fire sign or has that commanding, charming, personable and social, very confident energy. You’re not confident about this person. You could be worried they’ll be there, maybe they have something to say to you or there’s a painful history there you’d rather not discuss or deal with right now. You could be afraid that if you show up, this person will slam the door in your face, put you on the spot, and you’ll hear information or something they say or do that could break your heart. Most of this reading is regarding the fear surrounding something, that may not actually be true, you’re just worried it is.

6 Pentacles:

This row is something like…possibly sending a gift or package to someone in the mail, but overall ghosting/avoiding them. You’re over here breaking your own heart with these powerful worries and fears, that The Moon can show aren’t even true. You’re healing real wounds made from assumptions and jumping to the worst conclusion first - in regards to your family, 10 Cups. 6 Pentacles shows balance being needed, give and take, communication would help a lot in regards to this. Knight of Swords is rough but he’s almost necessary when he’s battling The illusory Moon. Some kind of Swords are…9 and 10 aren’t that helpful though, that’s what’s out here so far. Giving yourself gray hairs from anxiety.

2 Pentacles:

Constant back and forth, weighing the pros and cons, this is your own energy, clarified by your own energy. Queen of Pentacles. You’re not someone that usually gets caught up in these worries and fears, allowing swords to keep you trapped or emotions to take over your mind. Some of you could have dominant water/Gem placements. Moreso, you��re someone that’s reliable, dependable, managing 10 Pentacles and everything else too, you’re more than capable of handling any situation, but for some reason in this case, your emotions and fears are taking over. It’s like you want to follow through, but you can’t, because you’re keeping yourself trapped. 8 Swords. She’s loosely bound, she could free herself, or at least take off the blindfold and see the reality of her situation. But she doesn’t, she stays pinned to a tree, and that’s how you’re being described here. Wheel of Fortune and 6 Wands show you will overcome this with time, this may be a karmic situation of some kind. Or things out of your control have you feeling paralyzed.

10 Swords:

Betrayal, and a very painful ending. Another Queen pops out showing a possible 3rd party situation. Perhaps you have friends in common with an ex, that’s why you’re avoiding them or so up in your head about this, you’re hurt or have been hurt by this person. In this card, Queen of Cups is very pregnant, 3 Cups can show a celebration of family or within one. Doesn’t have to be a lover. Or a baby. You’re angry and/or hurt at someone’s new beginning. I assume this is an ex’s new person, that’s the strongest vibe I’m getting, but apply it however. This can also show these people/or a particular person feeling stabbed in the back by you. If you’re mad at one, the other is mad at you, no one is winning in this situation. Knight of Swords is needing to show up and provide some clarity, for or from you. If you’re worried about someone being there, ask! Get clearer on what you’re dealing with here, don’t just assume things without communicating because that leads to all sorts of disasters…this reading being one of them. Will you hear something you don’t want to hear? Maybe. Isn’t that better than locking yourself in a mental prison though? If you’re the one that’s upset, about something “happy”, it makes more sense why you’re being quiet about it. You have to tell someone, vent to someone, get it out.

9999 is here showing wish fulfillment and what you really want, but freaking yourself out or talking yourself out of it with 9 Swords, because of a fear of being hurt 9 Wands and assuming the worst of the situation - The Moon. Curiosity is the advice. Find out.

Several 10’s are here, which show endings of all kinds. Judgement showing a renewal of a happy family or relationship being karmic or destined - Wheel of Fortune. You either feel betrayed by this happiness or others are feeling betrayed by you, because they’re happy. But where is Capricorn?

Signs you may be dealing with:

Heavy Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus & Sagittarius

Oracles: ✨

9 - Curiosity

Be spontaneous, wonder, move forward, and stretch above your present circumstances.

79 - Success

Enjoying your life and the unfolding of your creative abilities as much as possible is real success.

53 - Let Go

What, if anything, can be done to let go of what is standing in your way?

5 Psychic Development 🔮

The energy and healing work you are doing now will enable you to heighten your sensitivity to the energy around yourself and others. This will assist you in developing discernment. Discernment is the feeling you get in your body that signals to you whether something feels right or wrong: your sixth sense, or gut feeling.

The situation you are inquiring about is asking you to use your discernment; you do not want to take on others’ energy, yet you do not want to close yourself off out of fear. Envision energy - flowing through you like water. Take on too much and you can sink. Closing yourself off offers a very different energetic experience. When you let the water/energy flow as it will, and neither embrace it or fight it, you are truly in the flow. Remaining at this elevated energetic vibration will allow you to tap into the realms of psyche. Alternately, this card can signify needing to take classes, watch videos, or read books about your own psychic/spiritual development.

We enter into September as:

Pistachio 🎩

“I’ve got all I could ever need, right here.”

Excuses. Excuses. Excuses. They can begin to snowball. Pistachio wants you to live the life that he can’t seem to participate in. He is saying “Stop waiting for the right time to live your life!” This isn’t the dress rehearsal, it’s the real thing. You could be on the verge of something big, and if you don’t participate, you’re going to watch it pass you by. Don’t let anything prevent you from taking a chance. It is important to do what you love to do, but are you letting new experiences in? Or are you in a comfort zone that’s leading nowhere? Doing the same thing and expecting something different is not likely. The time is now to take a risk, talk to people, show up for life! Live now! Don’t wait another day.

What is to be learned in September: You have two

A Woman Named Aubergine 🧙🏻‍♀️:

“You are not to know.”

A situation is perhaps not as you think. It would be wise to be an observer and not speak out just yet, for there is not enough information to act upon, and you must not respond until you are certain. You will know what you need to know when it’s time, and do not worry. Do not think about confrontation at this time, even if you’re right, it will not serve you. The unknown is not an easy place to be, but it is indeed where you are meant to be, for now. It is no longer necessary to fear, just watch & observe.

Shrinking Violet 😥

“I don’t trust my intuition.”

Are you retreating from a situation that could bring you success? We all abandon projects that seemingly lack merit. However, Shrinking Violet indicates you may not be trusting your intuition, which is mostly likely on target. Choose three people to ask advice from, then take their advice, throw it out the window and go with your gut. There is every indication you should complete the task at hand. Block yourself off from thoughts of what will happen at the completion stage. Stay the process, don’t worry about the ending, or results, don’t be frightened. Just continue on.

Purple may be a lucky color 💜

[asongofstarkandtargaryen]

Jon Snow Month: Favourite Chapter (1/3)

I’m going to cheat here and not just pick one favourite Jon chapter but three. So, this post is about the first of them (in order of appearance).

A STORM OF SWORDS JON XII (aka the one he finally becomes Lord Commander)

The chapter opens up with the practice fight between Iron Emmett and Jon. The latter finds it difficult to concetrate on the fight as Stannis’ offer (letting Jon become the Lord of Winterfell) stays in his mind. 

This is went Jon’s pov give us a very significant flashback on his childhood:

[...] They were not little boys when they fought, but knights and mighty heroes. "I'm Prince Aemon the Dragonknight," Jon would call out, and Robb would shout back, "Well, I'm Florian the Fool." Or Robb would say, "I'm the Young Dragon," and Jon would reply, "I'm Ser Ryam Redwyne."

That morning he called it first. "I'm Lord of Winterfell!" he cried, as he had a hundred times before. Only this time, this time, Robb had answered, "You can't be Lord of Winterfell, you're bastard-born. My lady mother says you can't ever be the Lord of Winterfell."

Something we need to remember about Jon is that he always wanted Winterfell, he wanted to be given Ice after he would have accomplished some heroic deed and be his father’s heir. Make no mistake, he never wanted something bad to happen to any of his siblings - who all came before him in line of succession- but that didn’t mean he wanted it any less. And on this chapter he is finally given the opportunity to grasp his dream and become Lord of Winterfell like his father and role model was once.

I love that Martin doesn’t shy away from showing Jon’s greatest desire but he also he shows us Jon’s fear of not being worthy of Winterfell in the face of the person who always made him feel unwelcomed there:

[...]. Why am I so angry? he asked himself, but it was a stupid question. Lord of Winterfell. I could be the Lord of Winterfell. My father's heir.

It was not Lord Eddard's face he saw floating before him, though; it was Lady Catelyn's. With her deep blue eyes and hard cold mouth, she looked a bit like Stannis. Iron, he thought, but brittle. She was looking at him the way she used to look at him at Winterfell, whenever he had bested Robb at swords or sums or most anything. Who are you? that look had always seemed to say. This is not your place. Why are you here?

Later on he actually admit that Winterfell is his deepest desire:

He wanted it, Jon knew then. He wanted it as much as he had ever wanted anything. I have always wanted it, he thought, guiltily. May the gods forgive me.[...]

While he still thinks whether he should accept Stannis’ offer or not, Ghost appears . This is a very important moment because Jon and Ghost were separated for most of ASOS. Being reunited with the other half of his soul, his direwolf, he finally has his answer:

Red eyes, Jon realized, but not like Melisandre's. He had a weirwood's eyes. Red eyes, red mouth, white fur. Blood and bone, like a heart tree. He belongs to the old gods, this one. And he alone of all the direwolves was white. Six pups they'd found in the late summer snows, him and Robb; five that were grey and black and brown, for the five Starks, and one white, as white as Snow.

He had his answer then.

And his answer is that he won’t accept becoming Lord of Winterfell. Stannis’ offer came with huge strings attached, had Jon accept it he would have to burn the heart tree and abandon the Old Gods his family believed for centuries in order to accept Stannis’ Red God and new customs. Jon doesn’t want to turn his back to the Old Gods, the ones he  also sworn his oath as a black brother,  and therefore declines to become something he always wanted since he can’t have it on his own terms. Besides, he has sworn to the Old Gods that he will guard the Wall until his death.

The last part of the chapter focuses on the new Lord Commander election and Jon finds out he’s one of the candidates. 

Here Martin gives us another beautiful and symbolic scene when the late Lord Commander’s raven appears and shouts Jon’s name. It’s like Jeor Mormont is passing the torch of commanding to Jon via his pet:

With a raucous scream and a clap of wings, a huge raven burst out of the kettle. It flapped upward, seeking the rafters perhaps, or a window to make its escape, but there were no rafters in the vault, nor windows either. The raven was trapped. Cawing loudly, it circled the hall, once, twice, three times. And Jon heard Samwell Tarly shout, "I know that bird! That's Lord Mormont's raven!"

The raven landed on the table nearest Jon. "Snow," it cawed. It was an old bird, dirty and bedraggled. "Snow," it said again, "Snow, snow, snow." It walked to the end of the table, spread its wings again, and flew to Jon's shoulder.

The chapter which started with Jon thinking about Stannis’ offer and ultimately declined becoming Lord of Winterfell ended up with his becoming Lord Commander of the Night Watch. 

A much more significant post even if most lords who “play the game” would probably disagree. After all, the real war isn’t the music chairs the lordings play but the war against the Others. And with his new position Jon is able to help the realm and people more than he would have as Stannis Baratheon´s pawn Lord of Winterfell.

[dilucids]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤSacrificial duties, Mondstadt ver.

would they sacrifice you or mondstadt?

includes: jean, lisa, kaeya, diluc, amber, albedo and venti.

( i'm too socially inept to request for someone to do this so i took matters into my own hands. )

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 JEAN GUNNHILDR ━━ DANDELION KNIGHT 〕

━━ is this even a debate? jean would sacrifice you to save mondstadt.

━━ the question would tear her apart though, she'd spend so much time trying to find another way to save both her city and you that she'd neglect her health ( basic needs, like eating, sleeping )

━━ if it were a person or god who was demanding these terms, she'd try to negotiate anything to save both, even her own life, though if you were willing, she'd hesitantly ( literally beg you to not go through it and reassure she'll find another way ) let you go.

━━ no matter what she chooses, she'll still feel incompetent in the end, as if she isn't good enough to be the acting grandmaster and would probably overwork herself to try and focus on something.

"I'll do it," Jean looks back at you, horror flashing through her eyes though you didn't falter, still staring the entity in her eyes. The wind picks up as if feeling the ameno swordswoman's vivid emotions, she shakes her head, taking small steps towards you as she reaches out for your hand. You cringe when she fell to her knees, "no no no, please, you don't have to do this."

You don't look at her, knowing it would only make things worse for the both of you, you didn't want her to be the last thing you saw nor did you want your face to plague her dreams like a ghost. "I care about Mondstadt too, Jean." You hope she understands that you were also doing this for your city and doesn't blame herself, "it's my duty."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 LISA MINCI ━━ WITCH OF PURPLE ROSE 〕

━━ lisa is a bit more of a wild card.

━━ lisa only oversees the library of mondstadt but it's really unclear the extent of her care for the city itself.

━━ it's impossible for one to say if she would hold a lover priority over a city due to lack of background so that's why she's more of a wild card right now, because i could see her potentially doing either.

━━ though i'm leaning a little towards sacrificing you because of her closeness with jean and her involvement in the knights of farvonius, she knows it would be morally wrong to sacrifice an entire city for one person, lover or not.

"It's okay," you reassure her, smile still gracing your face albeit the heavyweight pressure of death for your city digging it's claws into your shoulders. "I'm sorry," she apologises for the nth time and you can do no more than squeeze her hand in affirmation, knowing a hug would be too much for the both of you right now.

You feel her fingers slip through yours and your hand is embraced by the winds of Mondstadt, a sudden change from the electricity that plagued her fingertips and passed onto yours. You take a shaky breath and leave her behind you, her eyes watching your back along the way until you were nothing more than a dot in the horizon━━ ready to become a star in the sky.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 KAEYA ALBERICH ━━ FROSTWIND SWORDSMAN 〕

━━ another wildcard!

━━ unlike lisa, however, i'm leaning towards sacrificing monstadt.

━━ even with all his background knowledge, kaeya is still a character that holds a lot of secrets and it's canon that he's a mysterious figure, cavalry captain or not.

━━ don't get your hopes up though, because he still may sacrifice you ( after a talk with jean or diluc/j )

━━ kaeya lets anything happen as long as it falls into place of how he has expected to end, he really doesn't know what to do when an unknown entity shows up and demands the price of you for his city or vice versa.

━━ really hard to get a grasp on him.

━━ i could see him spending one last day with you after deciding he was going to give you up ( you obviously knew of this ) but after 24 hours with you, away from mondstadt, he might realise that, even if he regrets it for the rest of his life, he'll never be able to give you up.

━━ alternatively, if he didn't open up to you about this or went to jean or diluc, they would convince him to "do what's right" and give you up.

"No. I'm not doing it," his tone differed from the norm━━ he was never like this, not even on official knights' business. His eyes unnervingly determined, tone you were unable to refute, and words that scared you. "Kaeya, you have to," your fingers place themselves over his, which were barely touching your cheeks.

"I'm not doing it," he reaffirms, sounding as if he were trying to convince himself out of all people. "I'm━━ I'm not losing you to some city. I can rebuild a city, we can find a city elsewhere," he states, eyebrows furrowed and not taking a single breath between his words. You pry his fingers away from your cheek, holding them over your lap. "Kaeya, this isn't just 'some city', it's the city you love. The city we love." You coax, finally getting him to look into your eyes. "You're the person I love." He says, exasperated.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 DILUC RAGNVINDR ━━ DARKNIGHT HERO 〕

━━ hate to be the bearer of bad news,, and as biased as i am to this man, he would give you up.

━━ wouldn't open up to anyone about it, he'll just drive himself insane pondering both options.

━━ and although it would literally make him insane even thinking about losing someone precious to him ( again ) but his loyalty lies within the city of freedom and the city alone.

━━ even after the dispute with the knights of farvonius ( in the webtoon ), he still remains as the protector of mondstadt and i don't think nor am i able to see it will ever change.

━━ unlike kaeya though, i don't think he'll be able to see you at all once he decides to sacrifice you, he'll just be reminded that he'll never be able to see you again and the terrible decision that he's going to go through with.

━━ will also throw himself into extensive work to get you off his mind afterwards.

"You okay there?" Your eyebrows furrow, leaning against the open door of Diluc's office, seeing his hair tied back into a bun, hands in his face as he gazed deeply at his wooden desk. His head flies up at the sound of your voice, clearing his throat, "when did you get here?"

You shrug, taking steps towards him as he leans back into his chair, "being a hero taking a toll on you?" You tease him, taking a seat on his desk next to him and placing your feet on the chair, leaning forward to cup his cheek. He turns away. You're no stranger to his austere ways so you merely lean back, balancing yourself with your hands against his desk, telling him about your day.

"━━and then he wrapped it up and sent it to me, which was awfully disturbing might I add."

"I'm sorry," your eyebrow quirks when he suddenly cuts into your storytelling. You push yourself forward, reaching out for him and redirecting his gaze ( which hadn't looked in your direction even once ) onto you. "What's wrong my dear?" He only grimaces at the nickname━━ wincing almost and still refused to look at you, gaze cast upon the floor behind his bangs. You couldn't even see his eyes.

"Your guilty act is making me ponder if you've had previous relations with someone else, Master Diluc," you frown a little, using your other hand to force him to peer at you. He leans forward, placing his forehead on yours and whispers, "never."

"I just wanted to apologise for the future," you smile a little and place a kiss on his forehead. "I will always forgive you."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 ALBEDO ━━ THE CHALK PRINCE 〕

━━ albedo's original creator hails from khaeri'ah and venti, archon of mondstadt, was one of the original seven who aided in the destruction of khaeri'ah; is that enough reason to destroy it for a lover? no.

━━ would he still do it? yes, yes, yes.

━━ we all know he considers himself a threat to mondstadt but i don't think he would've ever thought this was why he was a threat, to hold an entire city in his palms and be able to destroy it with a single word was quite a terrifying thought.

━━ it wouldn't stop him though, i really don't think albedo holds any sentimental attachment to mondstadt, he only works and lives there as of right now but he's currently heeding his creater's words and pursuing the truth of the world.

━━ he might grimace over losing a few people that he holds dear and end up rethinking his decision but in the end, will choose you.

━━ another reason i think he would destroy mondstadt is that, once albedo discovers something or the feeling of enlightenment that comes with studying something new disperses, he is quick to stop studying that and abandon it due to the "bittersweet truth" hitting him so if he grew tired of mondstadt,,,,,, rip to jean 🙏

Your eyes flicker from the sight of his back to the unknown entity, hovering just above the floor, her eyes uninterested in you as she gazed into Albedo's eyes, maybe trying to read his expressionless face. "Have you made a choice, Kreideprinz?"

Nothing is said. Nothing from Albedo nor you, you didn't seem to have a part in this private conversation but you also seemed to be an integral part of it due to the way Albedo kept looking back at you, squeezing your hand as if to remind himself that you existed. "I'm choosing them."

She peers at you now, her eyes boring into yours as she scans you for something, "are you sure about this decision?"

For some odd reason, you're not offended by her words, maybe because she didn't sound like she meant it in a rude way ( it also seemed out of her standoffish character ) but was genuine in her curiosity if Albedo would go back on his words. He squeezes your hand again, rubbing circles on the back of your hand━━ something he did to calm you but it seemed that this action was to ground him instead.

"Yes, I am."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 AMBER ━━ OUTRIDER 〕

━━ YOU.

━━ in the most heart breaking – heart warming way ever, she'd give you up.

━━ notice how more than half of these mondstadt fuckers would give you up? yeah 🙄

━━ on a serious note, a lot of them have devoted themselves fully to protecting the city and i don't see any one of them being able to give the command to destory the city, even if their s/o was being held with a knife to their throat right infront of them and amber is the very same.

━━ even though we don't know to much about her, she is seen as a perfect example of justice by kaeya, and is extremely devoted to her work, she's just below diluc and jean in the most to least likely to sacrifice you in my opinion. it's simply overlooked due to her lack of presence in the game.

━━ i think her compassionate and kind side will make it harder for her to come to a decision because she doesn't want to have to lose one thing to keep another but in the end, she will give you up.

Amber seemed extremely distressed, immediately running into Jean's office once arriving back at the Knight's base after finishing her usual trek of Mondstadt's surroundings. You had attempted to call out her as she ran through the halls but she didn't even look your way, which was peculiar to you but you could only guess something dangerous must've happened due to her eagerness of reaching Jean's office, slamming the door wide open.

You quirk an eyebrow and Kaeya, stood beside you, whistled briskly, hands on his hip. "Someone's in a hurry," you roll your eyes at his comment and simply grab his arm, dragging him over to Jean's office, "just shut up and come."

The minute you knock and open the door however, the room is quiet. Jean sat on her chair, elbows placed on the table and concern burrowed deeply within her furrowed eyebrows and Amber, who was shaking her leg up and down in anxiety, fiddling with her nails.

Kaeya seems a little amused by the situation, unlike you, who was extremely concerned by the little actions of anxieties Amber was exhibiting, striding over to her side in an instant. Placing your hand on her shoulder, she leans into you almost instantly and begins quietly sniffling into your shirt.

You mouth to Jean that you're taking her out and Jean nods, thanking you with a small smile on her face. You guide Amber into a quiet room in the headquarters, letting her silently cry as you attempt to soothe her. "Hey, hey, what's wrong?"

She shakes her head, only repeating a small, "I'm sorry."

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ〔 VENTI ━━ WINDBORNE BARD 〕

━━ venti is characterised as a free spirit, like the freedom that the city of mondstadt represents, he carries that within him but at the end of the day, he is still mondstadt's archon.

━━ so we all saw this coming but you 👫

━━ i don't really think there's a lot to explain, he's their archon and even if he loses everyone he's ever loved, his priority is mondstadt.

━━ he'll probably take you on that ride on dvalin he's been promising you for the past year with no explanation.

━━ you'll ask him why he's dragged you from work and he'll just say he's feeling nice or that the winds are good for a ride right now.

━━ you'll stare at him with that, 'don't–you–control–the–winds?' look and he'll wink at you, telling you to stop staring at him or he'll blush.

━━ will completely come undone when he seed you happily laughing on dvalin's back, arms spread open as your laugh echoes into the wind.

Your excited whooping is all he hears, previous nervousness abandoned with his hands placed on your waist as Dvalin pierced up above the clouds; the ground nothing more than a fleeting dream to you both. It's such a shame that young, immature Dendro Archon got his hands on you first, gifting you his gift of Earth's nature━━ if not for the God of Wisdom, Venti would've gifted you heaven's winds if he knew how simply being in the sky made you so ecstatic.

The adrenaline finally dies down when Dvalin arrives just above the clouds, wings creating new and dispersing the old. You lean into Venti who takes this as an invitation to push himself further into your side and begin playing with your fingers, allowing you time to simply relish in the situation. "You're awfully quiet today," you muse, staring at Venti with a small smile.

He hums, "it's quiet up here," in nothing less of a whisper. You nod along with his words, fighting the urge to jump into the clouds, knowing you'll pass right through them. Venti sinks into you further somehow, like you were a passing cloud; his shoulder pressed into the crack of your arm and torso, head leaning on your shoulder. "You'll be okay Venti," and you embrace him.

[boltwrites]

Misfits - Chapter 1

Fandom: Star Wars - Clone Wars / The Bad Batch Pairing: The Bad Batch / Reader (Polyamorous)  Rating: M (Rating May Change) Tags: Polyamorous Relationship, Force-Sensitive Reader, Slow Burn

Work Summary: After a year working with the 501st, you've been assigned a new post - Clone Force 99, aka the Bad Batch. You're concerned about the transition - you found it hard enough to fit in with the 501st, and now you had to acclimate to an entirely new squad. As it turns out, the Bad Batch is very accommodating.

read it on ao3 | or read more below

If you were being completely honest with yourself, you were nervous about your new assignment.

“Nervous” wasn’t a trait most people used to describe you. No, your former lifestyle dictated that you weren’t really allowed the luxury of nervousness – force sensitives left to fend for themselves, especially those expelled from the Order, had to grow a thick skin in order to survive. Force sensitives were valuable and much sought after, and not just by the Sith. From the day you had left the Order, it had been up to you to survive, to take care of yourself, and to make your own way in the universe.

But you were still a person – a sentient being that craved some sense of normalcy and security. And you had found that, for a fleeting moment, with the 501st. You hadn’t been thrilled with the arrangement – getting roped into a war that you wanted nothing to do with wasn’t exactly on your agenda the night you were approached by ghosts from your past and led to the Temple you had left behind so many years ago.

The Jedi had created a new program, meant to bolster their numbers in the face of the growing Sith. To create an alliance with unaligned force sensitives: the Jedi would provide protection and a generous stipend for the work provided, and the force sensitives would fight alongside the present Jedi. You hadn’t really been a huge fan of the idea, for multiple reasons… but you had been presented an offer that which you could not refuse. So you didn’t.

And it had been stable, for a bit. You hated to admit that you had grown to enjoy the company of the 501st, but you had. Your General, Anakin, was understanding, and not so uptight. He was so unlike the Knights you knew when you had been present at the Temple – he was reckless, and fearless, and he followed his own heart instead of the code. Perhaps that’s why you didn’t mind his command; you knew that he wasn’t so swayed by Council politics and related trivialities, and that he cared about his men first and foremost. You had grown fond of him, even discussing your personal philosophy regarding the force with him on a few occasions, and even sparring with his padawan, Ahsoka, on several occasions. A teenager holding a higher title than you was alien, but in the relaxed nature of the 501st, you had hardly noticed it.

But, as much as you enjoyed the company of the Jedi, perhaps the person you would miss the most was Rex. Holding the same rank didn’t seem to phase the clone Captain, as Rex had been more than happy to show you the ropes and introduce you to the men. He accepted you as his equal immediately, and you had been fast friends, bonding over your similar roles in the battle and joking about the most trivial shit that left you on the floor in stitches, Rex hunched over wheezing at perhaps the worst pun you had ever constructed. He had introduced you to the other members of the 501st, saved your ass on multiple occasions, and in turn, you had confided in him about how out of place you felt within the military structure afforded you.

“I don’t fit in,” you had rambled, waving your hands emphatically after one too many drinks at 79’s. “I mean – I’m a Captain, right? Like you. But I’m not a clone, obviously.” You laughed, feeling stupid for even pointing it out. “I mean, I know there must be more out there like me – force sensitives the Jedi picked out of thin air, coerced into joining this war…”

You had rolled your eyes, and Rex had raised an eyebrow. In turn, you had waved him off, nowhere near finished your speech.

“But – the point I’m trying to make – is that it’s not like I’m fighting alongside people that are like me. Even when we work alongside the 212th or some other battalion, I think I’ve only seen one other non-Jedi force sensitive.”

“And it’s worse, you know? You guys – the men – they all call me Jedi. Because honestly, what else do you know? What do you know besides Jedi and Sith? There’s nothing really to call a person like me – but calling me Jedi isn’t right, because then I go up to Anakin or Ahsoka, and yeah, they’re nice to me, but they don’t treat me the same as other Jedi. I’m not one of them. And I’m not one of you. So where the hell do I fit in this?”

Rex hadn’t had an answer for you, and you sure as fuck didn’t know.

Maybe that’s why you were assigned to Clone Force 99.

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

“Have you worked with these guys before?” you asked, fiddling with your bag as you waited in the hangar on Coruscant. Rex stood beside you, hand on his hip as he surveyed the sky above you, no doubt waiting for your transport.

“Once. You remember when you were off on that stealth mission with Hondo?”

“Ugh, I wish I could forget.”

Rex chuckled, shaking his head at your sarcasm. “I first met them then. Don’t worry. You’ll fit right in.”

You raised an eyebrow at him, and he raised both back at you, a little smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Care to elaborate as to why, you bastard?”

Rex grinned wider, shaking his head and turning his eyes to the sky once more.

“They look at the world differently. Like you do.”

You hadn’t expected that, and you stood in shock, watching Rex as he searched for the ship that would take you from him. You thought, for just a moment, you saw a tinge of sadness in his eyes, that a sliver of grief passed over you both in the force at the thought of your parting. You opened your mouth to speak, but before you could, a ship started to descend, the roar deafening anything you might have wanted to say.

The ship landed, powering down its thrusters, and your heart flipped involuntarily. You didn’t want to be nervous – you really didn’t. You had come to know clones over the time you had spent in the GAR – close to a standard year, at this point. You knew that in order to earn their trust, you couldn’t appear afraid, or out of place. You had to act as if you belonged, as if you were already their friend, in order to actually become their friend. It was surprisingly similar to working with scoundrels in the Outer Rim – faking it until you made it.

So, you squared your shoulders and tried to seem confident, and Rex’s subtle smile and firm nod only spurred you on as he stepped to your side, prepared to introduce you to the men you would be working with for at least the new few missions.

The hatch hissed at the airlock released, the ramp lowering so that the crew could disembark.

You knew little about Clone Force 99. Your reassignment had been swift, ordered straight from the top – above even the Jedi, from the Senate itself. According to your official order, Clone Force 99, a special operations unit, was in need of a force sensitive for several missions. They didn’t operate under a Jedi General, and seeing as they were a spec ops unit, the Jedi couldn’t waste any of their precious men on such a small squad. You, however, as an unassociated force-sensitive, were ripe for the picking, and considering that you had previously been assigned to the 501st, a battalion that already operated under a Jedi Knight and Padawan, you had been the obvious choice for the job.

So, you knew that they were a special unit and that they didn’t work with Jedi on the regular. Great. That was such a detailed summary of how they operated. You were so prepared.

Well, you considered. You had gone into battle previously with even less information. It had been even worse when you were operating in the Outer Rim. It could be worse.

You tried to remain optimistic as the steam cleared from the change in pressure and temperature, the hatch hissing as the troopers disembarked. You stood transfixed as they did, and as each appeared, your eyebrows scrunched further together.

You had been told this was a clone force. As in, a clone-based unit. No Jedi, and obviously no nat borns, as beside the Jedi and force sensitives, they were restricted to the Navy, not the GAR. But these men…

It was strange. They looked so different – one large, one tall and slender, another with long hair and broad shoulders. But their biorhythms in the Force were all so similar. The force sang around them like it did with other clones – there was a distinct taste of battle to them, of shared battles, countless. Their signatures sang together, like the rest of the clones’ did, as they had grown and battled together, as they had trusted one another from the day they all met on Kamino. It spoke of a deep camaraderie that was never present among nat borns, that was specific to clones and them alone, and it dazzled you.

“Captain Rex. Good to see you.”

You blinked, snapping yourself out of your analysis of the force, only to see the clone with the longer hair greet Rex with a firm grip to the forearm. As he drew closer, you started to notice the resemblance – the same skin tone, the curve of his nose, the color of his eyes – and it was confirmed through your eyes as well that this man was, indeed, a clone.

“Good to see you too, Sergeant,” Rex replied with a nod, stepping back to gesture to you. You straightened up, standing formally to address the man you would be working with from now on. You weren’t one for formalities, but you did want to make a good impression with him. Some clones were not as openminded as Rex, and they tended to be sticklers for rules and orders, offended by the slightest deviation. Until you knew the Sergeant’s preferences, it would pay to be formal.

“This is Captain Andar. She’s the force-sensitive that’s been assigned to your unit.”

You offered Rex a small smile – he knew how much you valued the term “force sensitive” and how you wished to remain distinct from the Jedi, so you were grateful that he remembered your preference.

The Sergeant frowned, looking from you to Rex and back again, and you felt anxiety coil in your stomach. The downward tilt of his lip and his disappointment in the force compounded, leaving you feeling uneasy.

“We requested General Skywalker.”

Oh, there it was. They had expected a Jedi. Not you, some half-baked, half-trained force sensitive who wasn’t even allowed to hold a title higher than Captain. You should be used to it, at this point, the disdain and the dismissal. But it still hurt you a bit more than it should have, when you were reminded that you were only second best.

“Hunter, we’re stretched thin as it is,” Rex sighed, shaking his head a little. “I did submit your request, but this came from the top. The Senate has disallowed the allocation of the Jedi anywhere other than the front lines. We have a severe shortage of Generals – Commanders, even – but I assure you, Captain Andar is more than capable. She’s one of the best men I know.”

You smiled at Rex, a soft thanks for his kind words, even as Sergeant – Hunter, was it? – looked you up and down.

“So, you’re a force sensitive,” he addressed you. You nodded, trying to get a read on him. His large skull tattoo, which took up the majority of the left side of his face, drew your attention. Most clones turned to tattoos in order to assert their individuality – you had actually seen a few of your comrades getting their tattoos, as it was a communal activity among them. You laughed along with Rex as you watched shinies cringe at their first ink, and you even has a few pieces yourself, hidden below your clothing.

But somehow, Hunter’s skull seemed different. There was a lot about clone culture you still didn’t fully understand, and this may just be a part of it. His tattoo, however, wasn’t quite as intriguing as his hair – long and free-flowing, not tied back besides his headband. There were a few long-haired clones in the 501st, but they always kept their hair tied up neatly, either in a tight bun or a ponytail. Hunter’s was clearly too short for either of those options, and it made him look rugged. You wondered what he was trying to convey with this combination of identifying markers. Clones used everything they had to assert their individuality – to designate themselves as them, to emphasize their personality, role in the military, and who they wanted to be. What did Hunter’s want to present to you with his appearance, you wondered.

But, you couldn’t just stare at the man all day – for fuck’s sake, he had just asked you a question and you’d already spent a good half a second staring at him instead of answering.

“Yes – I possess the same abilities in the force as a Jedi such as General Skywalker or Commander Tano –“ you frowned a little. You were probably closer in skill to Ahsoka, despite being far older. That tends to happen when you’re expelled from the order at fifteen and spend more time trying to simply stay alive rather than train. “- I am more than capable of completing missions where force-related skill is necessary. And, I don’t have to answer to the Council.”

You added the last part on the end with a little chuckle, because Anakin had often asked for your assistance specifically because of that fact – the Jedi Council knew that it was a risk allowing you and the other unaffiliated force sensitives into the GAR, and it was for this exact reason. You had made it work with the 501st, though, and you wondered if this new unit would find that loophole as useful as Anakin had.

Judging by the raised eyebrow, Hunter was mildly impressed by at least something you said.

“Oh, she’ll fit right in, then,” Hunter seemed to soften, just a touch? As if understanding something you weren’t yet privy to as he flashed Rex a grin. Rex smirked back, patting you on the shoulder.

“Told you,” he mumbled to you, and you rolled your eyes at him. Well, at the very least, the Bad Batch didn’t hate you.

Yet.

[bluwails]

Ive been real inspired by @chipper-smol 's au. I find myself snickering at Ghost/feral's antic mainly because I have young siblings and in my home there is never a dull moment. Child antics are literally my life rn and I cant help but relate.

So while on a nostalgic trip i was struck with this poorly written fic. And I hope you enjoy.

No edits because we die like men!

The time for rest had asserted its hold over Hallownest again as bugs wound down from the days toils. The servants and knights had quietly excused themselves to their personal quarters and the kingsmoulds that marched dutifully down each hall had slowed to a silent pace.

The white Lady had taken in the idea to walk the palace before retiring to her personal quarters for the evening. Dryya, her most respected and loyal guard, walked quietly behind her as she stiffled a yawn much to the white lady's amusement. She had dismissed her hours ago to rest but she stubbornly stuck to her and insisted on being around to protect her on her leisurely stroll.

" Your majesty, you need not worry for me. I will-" Dryya gaped stiffling another sign of encroaching sleepiness," -be with you until you retire to your bedroom."

She still felt fascination bubble under the surface as she observed her; a warm aura seeping off of her.

As a higher being they will never need these things like rest or daily meals. But they merely adopted the actions to blend more with the society around them. Just like her dear wyrm, Things like sleep were never on the forefront of their mind. They could spend decades awake and unbothered by the need. But they made resting a habit to demonstrate that one should rest after work.

Shuffling down the halls toward her favorite veranda befor she heard an unfamiliar scuffling. It was hurried but small. Most likely a small bug.

"Behind me your majesty." Dryya hissed pulling her nail from her side her alert instantly raised. As late as it was not many would be awake, much less in the halls working so fervently.

As they turned the corner they spotted two familiar horns working quickly with a brush and bottles of ink.

It was the feral vessel.

" You cheeky Sqwib! " she screamed shocking the little vessel. Their small hand dropping the brush they'd use to vandalize the walls. "You are at it again!" Dryya huffed indignant at the vessel as she marched over, sheathing her nail, and quickly bonking them between the horns.

" Do you know how you terrified the Queen?" She growled seizing their ink colored hands. " and to top that, you dare vandalize the white palace yet again!"

"Dear knight, there is no reason to be so harsh. " the white Lady softly appealed. "The walls can be cleaned and the ink replaced but the trust from a child cannot." She calmly lectured using a branch to pet the vessel.

"You are to lenient with them my lady." She huffed releasing them. Dryya was no fan of the feral vessel. Time and time again they'd watch and suffer their pranks. Many a time her nail was stolen only for it to be returned muddy or, miraculously, bent at the tip.

She was not the only one of the five knights to have their belongings weaseled from them and returned in less then favorable conditions.

"They are just being a child Dryya." WL cooed as she slowly squatted in front of them. "Soften your heart towards them. If only for me."

The knight reluctantly huffed again as she faced away. "Praise the Queen's endless patience, you little tyrant, you are saved for now. "

The white Lady smiled warmly as she looked the small vessel over. At this time they were meant to be tucked away in bed. The schedule their father made, though strict was optimize for their healthy growth. She suspected in full that the pure vessel had curled themselves into bed without a second thought, while their sibling ran through the halls causing their daily commotion.

In all honesty, she found their outbursts charming. Each trick, prank and shenanigan they pulled continuously showed her how lively they truly were. When they'd arrived from the abyss with their sibling, she lamented at their sight. Seeing them as nothing more than walking corpses until she heard of what would honestly sound like a farce. They'd barely stepped foot into the white palace before they entered a meeting between the dreamers, with no command or reason, and unleashed the most ungodly revolting smell. Shocking and disgusting the entire gathering forcing them to vacate the room entirely.

When her wyrm ranted about them that evening on how they indignantly, stomping their tiny grub feet and blantly ignoring him, forced them to clean the entire room alongside the retainers as punishment she could not help but laugh in an odd mix of relief and joy releasing a knot in her chest she did not know she held.

Looking again to the picture on the wall it was of clearly her dear wyrm. Her giggle chimming like bells as she observed it further. It was simple and childish as but it was an accurate representation of her wyrm. His elegant crown like horns now simple zigzags, their fangs drawn large and silly, with their tongue poked out in a not very gentlemen manner. (She suspects this is how they saw their father when they ranted at them.) It was crude, hurriedly painted, and was encompassed by tiny hand marks and had all the makings of a goofy Caricature and she wished she could save it.

"I see the throws of art beckoned you from your deep sleep small one." knowing full well they did it to mess with the king again. "maybe we should have Lurien tutor you to bring out your talents?" She questioned aloud watching the vessel furiously shake their head from the corner of their eye.

"Then what brings you from bed?"

The child twisted at their fingers looking down as they snuck peeks at her face.

They signed quickly keeping their ink covered hands slightly in sight. But It obvious it was something else. It was no news to her that they held many things back from them. And the curiosity of what it could be danced in the back of her mind, but she refused to force them anymore than they'd allow.

"You know you require rest in order to grow." She purred gently as she angled her small one's mask toward her.

Their mask tilted in a way that mimicked a pouty huff. Her heart swelling at how cute they were. She could not help but poke a small amount of fun.

"So you do not wish to grow anymore?" She questioned exaggeratedly tilting her head and placing a branch to her cheek.

They seemed to freeze at the and mull the thought around in their head. To her, this was the sweetest gesture. She'd remembered when the two vessels first molted and got their bearings. Though they thought no one was watching, she caught them do a small jig in celebration of their new body. Wiggling their newly formed fingers, touching their more angled faces and observing their budding wings.

" I'd say you'd want to." She whispered calmly retrieving her handkerchief to clean them.

"How can one so small hold such large secrets?" She hummed wiping the pink ink from them.

The vessel signed, a cheeky air to them as they flexed their arms nearly rupturing her heart from cuteness alone.

"Dryya please get someone to assist in cleaning up. " with a bow Dryya reluctantly left grumbling to herself.

"Now as much as I would love for you and to stay up and get into all kinds of mischief. I would say its time for bed. " She cooed admiring their clean face.

The vessel gestured again with more emphasis.

"I see." She hmmed making a show of thinking of what to do. In reality she had an idea of what to do. Somewhere deep in her memory was a song that. She could not remember the face that sang it to her but she remembers it working nearly every time. Ushering her to sleep. "Then would you care to accompany me on the veranda?" She asked pointing to the large glass door not far behind them.

Nodding they streched their arms up towards her. Obligating the gesture she swept them up in her branches as she walked slowly to the door.

she allowed small blooms to bloom on her creating a pleasant perfume before sitting on her stool already set up outside.

The vessel signed again gesturing at themselves.

Chuckling she squeezed them close to her. "Not essentially. You are of two pale beings and void." She murred quietly; her light warming them as they sunk into her lap. "You don't really need sleep. But its good because it helps you grow." She hummed wrapping her branches around them.

They gestured wildly again wiggling their fingers above their head causing her to erupted in laughter.

"Yes." She snickered "maybe if my wyrm slept and rested more they would grow as well I will be sure to suggest it to them later." Feeling the small ones shoulders shake in signs of laughter she hugged them.

" you remind me much of him in his younger years." She thought aloud as the vessel shook their head furiously. " well the both of you refuse to sleep on time so I imagine you two are similar in that sense." She mused as the small threw a small tantrum.

"Very well, shall I sing you something to assist you to sleep?" They nodded sinking back into her lap, placing their head on her chest.

As they sat, staring out into the lush garden and flickering lumaflies below she hummed a quiet tone shutting her eyes calling upon the memory.

Her branch rubbing small circles into their child's back as her voice trilled lyrics long thought lost to her:

Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby

Back to the years of loo-li lai-lay

And I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow

Bless you with love for the road that you go

May you sail far to the far fields of fortune

With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet

And may you need never to banish misfortune

May you find kindness in all that you meet

May there always be angels to watch over you

To guide you each step of the way

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

May you bring love and may you bring happiness

Be loved in return to the end of your days

Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep you

I'll just sit for a while and sing loo-li, lai-lay

May there always be angels to watch over you

To guide you each step of the way

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay, loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li lai-lay

Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li lai-lay

Loo-li, lai-lay

Only the soft breathing and the feeling their body relax and their shoulders ease indicated they drifted off.

"Sweet dreams my small one."

Thanks so much for reading. In all honesty i have only played hollowknight for about a month and half and im already so invested in the fandom. (I'm still getting my butt handed to me by ogrim. Please dungy boi stop throwing sh!t at me long enough so i can hit you. You broke all my fragile charms alreday!-🥺😢) You guys are so creative and fluffy and have no problem hurting my tender sensibilities.

For those curious the song is called sleepsong by secret garden. I used to listen to it ages ago before bed.

[quillify-tries-to-talk]

Yet Another Rewrite (Part 2)

For the thomstair appreciation week by @youngreckless ik it's over. Sorry I'm late :(

You can read part 1 here then come back and read this one.

Thomas and Alastair working things out part 2. Enjoy!

Tw: mentions of racism, bullying, abuse, colonialism

"Even our angels have mercy, Thomas." His voice was hollow now. 

Despair threatened to pull him under. It wasn't worth it. Anything. He would always be like this. It was a miracle even Cordelia was able to look him in the eye without hate. He did deserve this, he thought, settling back on his bed, all the fight drained. He deserved every blow and every bruise he'd inflicted on others.

Mea culpa. Mea maxima culpa 

Funny that he now remembered his Latin lessons.

The bed dipped under Thomas's heavier weight, and he felt a flash of warmth when hesitant fingers crept over his skin. Too close. He was too close. 

Let go, he wanted to say, but lies seemed to evade him whenever Thomas Lightwood was present. His eyes looked dark brown in the dim lighting. There were  dents on his bottom lip where he must have bitten it. It took everything in him to not let his hands rise and trace the lines of his jaw.

"I remember Paris."

Alastair's eyes widened. He sat frozen, and Thomas took that as his cue to continue. "You were kind to me when I was very alone, and I am grateful." He looked up, face a bit red. "It was the first time I realized you could be kind.”

He tried not to let the last comment needle him. “It is my favorite memory of Paris as well.”

“You don’t have to say that. I know you were there with Charles.”

His jaw went tight. Not that. Anything but that. "Charles Fairchild? What about him?”

Thomas cocked his head to the side, his expression innocent. “Wouldn’t that be your best memory of Paris?”

“Exactly what are you suggesting?”

“I’m not suggesting anything." His tone indicated the exact opposite though. Cheeky little–

"I’ve seen the way you look at Charles, the way he looks at you. I’m not an idiot, Alastair, and I’m asking …” Thomas shook his head, sighing. 

He was going to say it. Right here. Angel help him.

“I suppose I’m asking if you’re like me.”

There it was. 

Perhaps he could salvage this conversation. He gathered his thoughts, straightened out of his slouching position.

“Thomas Lightwood,” he said. “I am nothing like you."

Thomas stared as if he'd been clubbed on the head, eyes dazed in shock again. He was shuffling from side to side, probably preparing to launch himself far, far away from him.

A bit more effort, dâdâsh, Layla said in his head, amused and exasperated.

Right. “I am nothing like you, Thomas." His breathing was faltering again, throat closing up, fighting against the vulnerability he was exposing. “Because you are one of the better people I have ever known. You have a kind nature and a heart like some knight out of legend. Brave and proud and true and strong. All of it.” 

He smiled bitterly. “And all the time you have known me, I have been a terrible person. So, you see. We are nothing at all alike.”

His head snapped up, surprise etched on his features. His eyes started twinkling again. What was he doing to him? Even looking at him made Alastair want to smile. 

He hadn't wanted to smile in a long, long time.

"I'm not—" Thomas broke off. "That's not what I meant."

Don't I know that, eshgham? "I know what you meant." His voice had softened. The words hung in the air for a moment. But he needed some answers of his own now. "How did you know about Charles?"

“You wouldn’t tell me what you were doing in Paris,” Thomas replied. Alastair thought he heard a note of hurt in his voice, but promptly dismissed the notion. “But you mentioned Charles, over and over again, like you got pleasure out of just saying his name. And when you came to London this summer, I saw the way you looked at him. I know what it is to have to hide the—the signs of affection.”

“Then I imagine you may have noticed I don’t look at Charles that way anymore.”

What did you just say, Carstairs? Admitting to your own failures now? Couldn't even hold on to first love?

His jaw tightened again. Get out of my head, baba. Charles. Get out, both of you.

“I suppose I did,” Thomas said. “Though for the past four months, I’ve been trying not to look at you. I told myself I hated you. But I could never really make myself. When Elias died, all I could think about was you. What you must be feeling.”

His father's name reopened the gashes on his heart. Heat sparked behind his eyelids. “I insulted your father and blackened his name. You were under no obligation to care about mine.”

“I know, but sometimes I think that it is much harder to lose someone who we are on bad terms with than it is to lose someone with whom all is well.”

“Bloody hell, Thomas. You should hate me, not be thinking about what I must be feeling—” Alastair passed a hand over his face. It came back wet with tears. He didn’t even know when that happened. He’d never had an audience for his crying before. 

"But I do," said Thomas softly. His fingers ghosted higher along Alastair's wrist, making his heart skip a beat. Once, twice, three times.

Bewildered, he marvelled at the sensation such a small touch could cause. 

"I'm sorry." Thomas's voice was soft, filled with guilt. His head bowed as if in prayer. "I—what you said. What happened at school." His gaze trailed over Alastair's features, and he shook his head. "I always found you beautiful. Then and now. I didn't know people hated how you looked. You're like a poem, but in human form."

"Poem," Alastair repeated numbly. If his brain had short-circuited before, it was blown to bits now. No one had ever called him that.

Charles had called him a beautiful secret. His safe haven. His comfort and best friend.

Never a poem.

"Yes." Thomas's cheeks were slowly flushing rose. Another nice contrast with his skin and hair. "Graceful. Elegant. Confident. You were always so poised and sharp. Like one of Jamie's knives. You were smart, managed to turn people over. They listened to you. Look what you did just now. I didn't know what to do. If I wanted you. Or if I wanted to be you. Remember when I followed you around school?"

Alastair's rusty throat muscles regained a bit of their ability. He wanted me? It wasn’t the best, but it was okay. Charles had wanted him. It hadn’t been too bad. Until the end. Until the horror of his actions had dawned on him. Until he realized that all his time spent with Charles had been wasted in tending to his needs, not Alastair’s. He hadn’t even known a relationship required his own needs to be taken care of. That it was a necessity. 

"I remember,” he managed. “Then I met you in Paris and you’d grown up and turned into Michelangelo’s David. I thought you were beautiful. But I was still caught up with Charles—” He broke off, regret weighting his stomach. “Just another thing I’ve wasted. Your regard for me. I wasted my time and my affection on Charles. I wasted my chance with you.”

Thomas blinked. And blinked. And blinked. A pulse had started in the base of his neck, thudding against the delicate skin. Alastair raised his eyes only to find him already staring. 

"Thomas?" His name tasted strange on his tongue.

"You said angels too have mercy," he said in answer. "I—I must apologize. I'll admit I didn't know how people treated your family. I have been sheltered in that regard."

"You must know where those indigo-dyed silks came from," said Alastair softly. They were from India. Ariadne had mentioned it during their little dance, the news that had trickled in. The brown-skinned, hollow-eyed servants brought in for labour by mundanes and Shadowhunters alike. "Or why England never has a shortage of adamas, but my country does." 

That one was still going on. Britain liked guising their nefarious schemes behind offers of trade. 

He released a sigh, shaking his head in despondence. "They never tell you. Layla and I knew because we saw it happen; we know our histories ever since we could walk and talk. And it still happens. It's more than demons and humans for us. It’s always been that way." He held one brown hand up to the light, and Thomas’s eyes followed. “This isn’t apparently how we were supposed to look. I tried changing that, and it did work for sometime but.. I hated myself even then. I hated my family and my culture and my books. Do you flinch from your own face, Thomas? I always did. Still do, sometimes. 

“I hate that my skin isn’t like yours. If it was, perhaps people wouldn’t have said so many things. Perhaps I wouldn’t have as many bruises.” He leaned his head back against the wall, ignoring the tightness in his chest. “In another life, perhaps we would’ve had our chance, you and I.”

His words ended with a plaintive note; the bone-deep weariness that there was nothing he could do, aside from ripping off his own skin or trying to be like his father. In appearance, at least. They remained silent for a long while, but it was the thoughtful sort. Alastair didn't know how many hours he passed by just counting the cracks in the walls when Thomas's voice pierced the quiet.

"Teach me."

He jerked awake. "What?"

"You said there are things I don't know about you. About where you come from and what you and Cordelia have to face. And… perhaps I'd like to know. I'd like to understand how the world works." A small smile ticked up the corners of his mouth, and Alastair found himself besotted by the expression.

By the Angel. Definitely not coming out in one piece.

"You'd like to… umm…" Words had fled when he'd needed them most. Damn you, Thomas. 

Thomas’s fingers enclosed over his wrists. The warmth was steadying, comforting. His expression was hesitant, at odds with the way his body commandeered space. “I want help. Really, truly. I found myself fascinated in Spain by the difference in language and culture. And then Paris. One-time travel gave me a different perspective, so imagine what more knowledge would do.” He was practically shaking with excitement at the prospect of learning of his ancestor’s atrocities. “You’ll be teaching me, so it won’t feel like a debt to you.”

“Are you sure you want to know, Thomas? People have done some terrible things.”

“I need to know what I’m redeeming myself for before I ask for forgiveness.” His hazel eyes were clear, expression determined. Like a knight readied for battle. A scholar rewriting history on pages. 

Alastair felt his throat tighten at his excitement. He wasn’t used to any of this. Apologies. Forgiveness. Love. Hope. His story was supposed to have died after all his attempts to apologize to The Merry Thieves. He’d failed then to ask for friends, so why would someone give him another chance?

“And maybe you’re wrong,” Thomas added in what was supposed to be a nonchalant tone, but Alastair detected a slight tremor in it. “About me.”

“Speak sense, Lightwood.” His tone sharpened, a defense against his wrecked emotional state. “What do you mean?”

“I mean this.” In answer, Thomas hooked his hands around Alastair’s shoulders, and the sudden onslaught of warmth and gentleness made his body sway with the sheer impossibility of the situation. No glass. No manipulation. Nothing but warmth and truth and compromise. The good sort. 

This had to be a dream. He would wake up any time now, but he couldn’t stop staring at him. Couldn't stop admiring his smile, the brightness of his eyes, the shape of his mouth, that damned pulse at his throat. And more. His strength. His passion for learning. His bravery in venturing after a killer alone. The openness of his heart.

I’m not worth it, Alastair wanted to say, but by then his head had fallen on his shoulder, nestled in the crook of Thomas’s neck. He felt lighter than air. For the first time, his head felt empty of anything: trouble, grief, responsibilities, duties. It was just them. Thomas with his arms around him, holding him in the storm of his life. His heartbeat was a steady clock that Alastair could time his breaths to. 

With Charles it had been all heat and desire, and the furious pounding of his heart in the thrill of being wanted by someone. This felt like coming home, sitting down for a cup of tea with his favourite book. Warm and right and natural. Tears slipped down his cheeks, freed after years and years of being locked away for the sake of his family. 

Thomas set his lips to Alastair’s brow. 

His body seized up at the soft pressure. It felt like someone had poured sunlight into his veins. Another tear slipped down his cheek. Impossible. Wake up, now. Happiness wasn’t a part of your life. But he was still here, feeling Thomas lean his cheek against his hair. Through the swirl of emotions, he heard his voice again.

“We’ll get past this together. I will relearn you, Alastair.” The sound of his name on Thomas’s lips sent his heart careening again. “Negaran nabash.”

Don't worry. Even with the different cadence, it would’ve been hard to miss. Thomas had just spoken in Persian. 

Lifting his head, he raised an eyebrow. “Where did you learn that?”

“Oh. Umm. Just something…” That adorable smile surfaced again. “A little hobby? Like Kit and his test tubes?”

Shaking his head, Alastair allowed himself a little smile. Perhaps, it had been worth it to risk his neck. For this. Only for this.

Taglist: @cherilyn-rose @youngreckless @eugeniaslongsword @nott-the-best (2nd part eeeeeeee🥳🥳🥳) @cant-think-of-anything @livingformyself

[wackygoofball]

Moodboard - Jaime x Brienne - Queen Brienne AU

After the death of Aerys Targaryen at the hands of a man of his own Kingsguard, the battle over the Iron Throne ravages across the Seven Kingdoms. The smallfolk suffers for the ambition of the lords and ladies with their eyes set on the crown.

Despite their efforts and the sheer endless bloodshed, no contestant can take the Iron Throne. Instead, the wars continue to not just empty their armies but also their purses. And so, the rivaling alliances come together for parley to discuss what to do with this war-ridden nation.

After the discussions are over, the unexpected surprise is that a new ruler for the Seven Kingdoms is declared by all rivaling parties:

Brienne of Tarth, daughter to the late Evenstar, a plain girl not yet of age and no political ambition or knowledge. Perhaps most surprised about that decision is Brienne herself, when news reach her just what honor was bestowed upon her. She is brought to the capital and is crowned in front of the former contestants for the Iron Throne almost in a rush.

Assigned to her protection is none other than the Kingslayer, Jaime Lannister. A young man turned bitter ever since he slew Aerys Targaryen and since has not just the stigma of dishonor sticking to his white cloak but also the scorns and misgiving of the people who only see in him a man without honor. Brienne, for her part, is little impressed with the man, acting as though she was a fool for ever agreeing to take the crown. As though that was an alternative.

Brienne soon finds herself confronted with the harsh reality her protector lays out in not at all kind words. There is only one reason for her being Queen: The rivaling parties, their resources for war depleted, understood that they could not afford to continue the fight. And so, they settled for a royal candidate they believed could easily be overthrown. An ugly girl from a minor House, without her father’s protection and no good prospects of marriage or an heir, not just for matters of her age but also her looks and character, the Maid of Tarth. The moment the contestants for the Iron Throne have gathered new strengths, of that Jaime is sure, they will usurp her. Brienne is merely there to keep that uncomfortable chair warm until one of them sits down on it in her stead.

The young Queen will not give in without a fight, though. Her father raised her better than that. So long she sits the Iron Throne, she shall rule as justly as she can and protect her people from men and women only ever driven by their own ambition.

But the hardships just carry on without abandon, despite Brienne’s best efforts to grow into the role as the Queen of Westeros. The people don’t much care about her. She hardly knows how to speak in front of a crowd and cannot impress with her sheer beauty or grace. No one is as much as considering alliance with her, which leaves Brienne to run a country massively indebted and with no support to aid her people still suffering from the aftermath of the last war after the death of Aerys Targaryen.

Even her Small Council won’t fill with anyone beside Jaime’s brother Tyrion who is the only one to answer the Queen’s call. After all, why would you side with a Queen you know is not meant to last?

While Jaime finds her efforts admirable, he simply feels done with this whole ordeal, the game of thrones. He killed a man, so half a million could live, and still they scorn and laugh behind his back. His best act is his worst. And the Queen he is now sworn to protect makes it very hard for him to fulfill his solemn duty. Not only does she tend to sneak away in men’s clothes to the tourneys or to walk amongst her people in disguise, but she shows no trust in him as a member of her Queensguard.

On a journey to the Twins to meet with the recently proclaimed King in the North Ned Stark, Jaime lets her know some truths about how he became a member of the Kingsguard, how Aerys just wanted to spite his father with the act, how he did it for an ill love for his sister stuck at Storm’s End now, how people would have burned, had he not acted. And for the first time in his life, he dares to trust someone with his story, with himself. And to his even greater shock, for once, she does not push him away or call him a man without honor.

An attempt on the lives of both the King in the North and the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms is a fortune they barely dodge. Though as a result, a truce is born between the North and the remaining kingdoms, as Brienne wins Ned Stark’s trust by defending his family at the risk of her own life.

Though that solves only few problems. Many lords and ladies disagree with a King in the North staying in power. Thus, not much is gained out of the alliance that may secure Brienne’s throne. Not that the young Queen cares.

Honor compelled her, after all.

In the aftermath, Brienne decrees a change to the old rules and protocols: No man of a Kingsgaurd or now Queensguard should be forced to swear fealty for life. Not all rulers are good, and so, the Queensguard should not be forced to defend a bad King but protect the realm instead. As a result, a man of her Queensguard can choose to resign at any time. Brienne is fully aware that she is thus giving way to Jaime to resign and likely chase the ghosts of old awaiting him in the Stormlands. After all, as he told her, we don’t get to choose who we love. And Brienne cannot, in good conscience, choose to take that choice away from anyone.

To her great shock, however, she finds Jaime training the youths the very next day, with no intention to leave. Instead, he asks her to make him Lord Commander, as Barristan Selmy was gravely injured at the battle at the Twins and cannot continue his service to her. Brienne agrees to his choice and chooses him as her new Lord Commander.

Time seems to fly and moons turn to years that heal some of the wounds of the nation, but the heat of the fires of war is barely crackling beneath the surface of a fragile peace. Jaime is increasingly worried about his Queen. With only one person not against her - and yet no ally ready to ride into battle for her throne - Brienne is exposed to great dangers even a sword can’t protect her from. Jaime, since fully committed to not just her safety but to his Queen, is desperate to keep her safe.

While she is perhaps the most stubborn woman he ever met, Jaime long since harbors romantic feelings for her. Though Jaime knows he couldn’t possibly admit his feelings to her, let alone act upon them. Even if times weren’t as dangerous, Jaime fears that if he were to confess his true feelings and wishes, he would lose what he gained throughout the years: Her trust in him and his honor. Because he’d rather run away with Brienne, to where no one could find them, build a house, have a family, and grow old together. But for that, she’d have to forsake her vow to her country. And Jaime knows he couldn’t possibly ask of her to betray her vows for him without losing her.

As much as it pains him, well aware of Brienne’s own misgiving to such an idea, Jaime advises her to seek alliance through marriage. It is one of the few devices she has left to secure her throne. With a great House to support her, she may stand a chance against the impending war. And if she has an heir, too, all the more.

Brienne shows little care for his suggestion, though, readying herself for a fight instead of wedlock. After all, she is the Knight Queen in the eyes of everyone already. She once had a suitor who only ever sought her father’s riches. And Brienne won’t let herself be reduced to someone keeping the throne warm for a man to serve the duty she has fulfilled ever since the crown was put upon her head. Brienne understands that the people don’t love her, that no lord will ever desire her and choose to be by her side with all of himself, so Brienne will have to do it on her own.

She will fight to keep her vow, or die in the attempt.

Though her decision against an alliance by marriage is not only tied to her suspicion of any suitor’s true intentions. After all, her heart does no longer beat solely for her people, it also beats all the faster for the one man who went through all those hardships with her throughout the years, despite his reputation inspiring little confidence. Even if Brienne wanted to, she couldn’t say the words, take a vow she can only ever mean for her Lord Commander, her best advisor, her friend, her one true love. But she knows it is a futile kind of love, the way it always seems to be for her. And tempting as it may be to envision a life with him by her side, Brienne fears that her love for him may make her forsake her vows to her nation. Because she’d love him more. And Brienne wants to be the Queen he believes in.

After all, isn’t love the death of honor?

And so, while the war parties ready themselves for the next dance of blood and ashes, the Knight Queen and her Lord Commander must not only battle their own feelings but fight together to safeguard that which they swore to protect.

But in the game of thrones, you either live or die playing this most vicious game. So it may well be that their happier times of the past and their small prospects of a merrier future may well turn into faded memories in teh face of a long night...

Additional image sources: The Hollow Crown and The White Queen

[ignisnocturnalia]

Hehehe I lied, but it is here now! Had a crisis about being done with my Band director's bull and wanting a grade on something really bad, did the former and decided to simply disintegrate once Friday hit. Drifter HCs will follow this, also may I say Caiatl. That is all.

Nokris x Reader

“You are a child reaching for a flame; the Taken Queen would not have you burnt.”

You were on point during the Strange Terrain strike, but you had never thought you would run into Nokris again. Granted, you realized, his death was on the physical plain while his Throne World still stood. Considering he never directly addressed you, you assumed that he either didn’t remember you or he chose not to, as oddly disappointing as that would be. The timbre of his voice unsettled you, but it was not as wracking as Xol’s; in fact, it was rather pleasing to hear.

The proposition itself was unexpected, and against Eris’s previous warnings you stopped to listen to what the Hive heretic had to say. Trekking quietly along the broken path of the distorted realm, you stopped occasionally to stare at blights littered over walls and floating in the air to see if you could catch a glimpse of the desecrated prince. The telltale sign of Taken emerging from their portals filled the air, and you genuinely prayed that you’re next decision was a wise one. 

Your ghost was probably screaming on the inside as you placed your guns to the floor, bringing your hands into the air while staring into the gleaming eye of a Knight. Grabbing your arm roughly, it tugged you through a massive doorway leading to a room that was strikingly similar to the Court of Oryx back at the Dreadnaught. The portal at the center of the room shimmered invitingly as the bony bastard himself came out; even in death, he appeared to be in his prime.

“I see you have heeded my advice; come, hope of the Light, see the Darkness.”

His claws are cold as he grasps at your shoulders despite the solar flame surging over his arms. Feeling bold, you let your own solar light extend past your body, lying comfortably across his neck with a warm glow. As a creature who worships the Darkness facing a servant of the Light, he reasonably withdraws with a hiss at your gesture

You won’t say it out loud because he obviously carries himself with extreme pride, but you can’t help but feel bad for him. How can one person be an exiled son, heretic, servant, and now puppet?

“I won’t serve Savathûn. But I think I wouldn't mind spending time with you.” Before he can question you, you are promptly pulled from the realm by Eris.

Cue Vanguard interrogation once you return to the Tower. The talk is so egregiously long you make a move that would make Cayde damn proud: “GuArDiAn, We’Re NoT yEt FiNiShEd WiTh ThIs DiScUsSiOn!” Hopefully your shining reputation will save you from any dire repercussions...

Tracing your steps back to where you first met, you look around suspiciously following the lack of noise inside the Hive breeding grounds. You had cut your comm ages ago, the constant ping of Commander Zavala’s hailing grating your ears. The ground beneath your feet crunched wetly with every step, and distantly you heard the first Hive screech. Turning in a guess to the source of the sound, you set off in a quick pace, gun in your hand.

Upon entering a new chamber, you froze in surprise as you saw Nokris lifting a Knight by the throat. Taken magic pooled in his palm and raced over the armor of the smaller Hive, the bone turning black and a bright white glow shimmering across its legs. Still gripping the soldier, Nokris slowly angled his head to look down at you.

“Little. Light.” Dropping the Knight with no grace, his imposing form closed in on you with haste. Before you could take a step back, his claws came up to close around your jaw and upper neck. The rough of his talons dug into your armor, and for a moment you worried he would pop off your helmet and let your blood boil throughout your body in the harsh atmosphere. Instead, he pulled you closer to his face and brought up his free hand to grasp your forearm.

Nokris easily dwarfed you; even if you stood on your own shoulders you wouldn’t be taller than him. Passively, your thighs rubbed against each other at the realization. A detail he decided he would catch. Teasing mirth danced in his three eyes, hidden malice swimming just behind small organs. Internally, you were probably going to pop your helmet off yourself if you got kink shamed by a Hive prince of all things. 

You squeaked quietly in surprise as he lifted you off the ground, the hand on your lower face readjusting to your hip. His hand, quite literally, engulfed your midsection as he brought you closer to him for inspection. This close, you could see every imperfection on his face. Second hand leaving your arm, you shivered as the prince ran a digit up the side of your leg and continued his way up, stopping thoughtfully at the junction of your jaw.

Staring into the glowing green embers of his eyes, there was no mistaking the murderous glint in them. At the same time, curiosity had made its home among his more dangerous faculties.

"You found me once, you came to me twice. Find me again, at the other side in the field of ash under the dark tower.” Letting you to the floor, Nokris turned his back and departed to Traveler knows where through the portal with the long forgotten Knight. Sinking to your knees in stunned silence, you looked down as a nearly imperceptible squeal broke the quiet. In front of you, was a Hive worm.

“No.” Before you could even speak, your Ghost gave its earful. 

“I can’t not take it! I probably need it to find him. Either way, I told you one of these worms would be coming home eventually, look at its wittle face.” Your Ghost made gagging noises as you fawned over the wriggling creature you held between your hands. Tucking the three eyed larva under your arm, you set out to find the way back out.

____________________________________________

The next week felt like hell. The worm continued to get bigger with every mission you went on and keeping it a secret from the Vanguard was close to impossible. You had been wracking your brain for the answer to his riddle, and to be completely honest, it made you feel inadequate that you couldn’t figure it out. You knew the other side meant the Ascendant Realm, but what was the dark tower? Where was the field of ash? You had initially thought it was at Skywatch, what with the Hive ship jutting out of the ground and the small pile of chitin inside the cave not too far away, but there wasn’t enough ash for it to be a field, nor was it under the ship point.

It wasn’t until a light snow dusted the Tower one evening that it all clicked. He didn’t mean ash ash. He meant snow! 

In a rush to the hangar, you waved a hasty goodbye to Holliday and transmatted into your ship, pulling out a layer of blankets to reveal your now cat sized worm. The grub squeed and reached its head up to your palm, crawling sluggishly into your hands. Holding the worm to your chest, you settled down in the pilot ship and gave your Ghost to plot a course. There was only one place on Earth constantly coated in snow with a structure that could be considered a dark tower.

“Ghost, set course for the Plaguelands. He’s at the Doomed Sea.”

You hadn’t been to the ravaged lands since the Siva Crisis; the whole territory gave you heebie jeebies. And yet, you were returning because one of humanity’s imminent threats wanted a chat that, realistically, ended with your head rolling on the floor.

The closer you got to your destination, the more restless the worm in your arms got. In fact, you could swear it was whispering something. Your skin crawled for a moment as you felt the phantom brush of his claw up your leg.

The moment your feet touched the ground, the world around you stuttered as the colors faded into grayscale, giving way to the Ascendant landscape. Below you, there was no mistaking the keen whispers of the worm. Its words were encouraging in a macabre way, praise and blatant lies; speaking of how well you fed it, talents being wasted on a god that heeds you not, urging you towards the ominous building looming over the shoreline.

Dust swept across at a rapid pace, as usual, in the warped realm. Coming up to the alcove, you saw him with his back turned to you. In a smooth turn, he faced you at last. Beautiful, blazing emeralds.

Relationship HCs

His idea of a relationship has wildly different parameters than any normal human would put up with

No matter where you are, or what you're doing, you can feel him at the back of your mind like a fog; it's a bit disconcerting to hear him talk in your head at first, but it becomes normal and he's actually quite helpful when you're out on missions

He expects you to help him study thanatonautics since you can die and be brought back within moments, but that's up to if you have enough charisma to convince your Ghost to let your bone boyfriend crush your skull repeatedly to see what you can learn about death

The relationship feels more like a symbiotic one rather than a romantic one, but you occassionally catch him practicing human gestures you've seen couples perform in public if he's feeling particularly good on a day

You're probably the only person who listens to him talk about all of his schtick and is able to give viable feedback; he is more thankful than he will let on about this fact

He does not like it when you try blocking him off from your thoughts and will demand to know everything you've done in the day when you see him again. In his perspective, he thinks you're trying to leave him behind like everyone else has

Will not handhold, because his hand can literally fit around your torso and because he thinks it's weird. He will, however, carry you places if you're going the same direction

He also thinks kissing is weird, but will (surprisingly!) actually let you give him kisses on his teeth; the sensation of soft flesh on his cold bones is unusual, but something he finds utterly riveting. Not that he'd let you know

Also doesn't like the amount of straight barbarity you inflict on the battlefield, but can appreciate your efficiency with your job; this is him silently worrying about your safety but refusing to acknowledge his crush on the flame throwing ape

His communication regarding affection is terrible, and if you couldn't tell shame on you. His favorite thing about you, that you will never hear from him or anyone else, is your face. He likes the way it changes into different expressions, the life in your eyes, and your lips because Hive physically cannot emote as expressively as humans do; you are an open book he has yet to read, adding new pages everyday

Nsfw 👁👄👁

First off, however you get the size difference to work, congratulations. His height over you is something he enjoys immensely when you two get into it, and it goes without saying he also likes how you "hug" him

He will fuck anywhere, literally anywhere. The floor? Yes. Against the wall? Yes. Hope you're somewhat of an exhibitionist, because he is not ashamed if any of his or Savathûn's troops walk in on you and will keep going

He bites a lot, and is not afraid to make you bleed because your Ghost can just patch you right up

Likewise, he will scratch you everywhere but he does stop to play with the softer spots

He is rough and fast, going after his own release rather than yours; however, he has high stamina so chances are you'll be overstimulated before he finishes

Absolutely a dom, he will not meet in the middle about anything of sexual nature

If you don't actively fight for your life during his build up, he will take that as the go ahead. He may be a Hive heretic, but he has standards

You don't really have the opportunity to find his sensitive spots as he usually restrains your arms, holding them above your head or pinning them down at your sides

He rarely makes actual noises, but he does hiss lowly whenever he makes particularly hard thrusts

He knows that copulation won't result in little Hive/Human hybrids running around with his blood in their veins, so 9 times out of 10 he will hilt himself and come inside you

Fluff

Uhhh, a w k w a r d

Anything that's fluffy is strictly delivered by you, and occasionally returned by Nokris since he doesn't get the point of such pleasantries

If you're fast enough, he will never get upset if you can sneak up on him for a smooch

Whatever he is doing, if you are available he much prefers having you by his side to have an extra set of eyes to help him observe (at least that's what he says)

Since his physical marks are healed quickly, he gifts you odds and ends from old planets his people have pillaged and little items you can wear on noticeable places

Hides it very well, but is extremely thrilled when you come to him when you want to do or learn something new

When you're particularly frustrated by something, he will comb his claws through your hair to his best abilities

Whenever you're with him, his demeanor is typically calmer; Savathûn's presence and influence over him is highly diminished in the face of your Light

The one thing he will willingly do with you that's remotely romantic is stargazing; not because of the romantic element, oh no, but because he wants to catalogue any changes and is very invested in teaching you about space faring

Has nicknames for you like Little Light or >Insert any game seal<

[haledamage]

6, 8, and 16 Alliance asks, please 😉

6) Are there any NPC’s from the class stories you’d like to see/HC join the Alliance? Ex: Master Timmns, Ardun Kothe, Watcher One, etc

Jonas Fucking Balkar. He should be a full romance option for Troopers and I will die on this hill.

Also, Fuse! He should have played a role in later chapters of the Trooper story if you saved him, and he definitely joins Ves's Alliance. I also like to think he helps Havoc out during the years she's in carbonite.

I wish they hadn't killed off Crysta during SoR and that she and her daughter could have joined the Alliance. I headcanon that more Mando'ade than just Torian join up (Clan Ordo, at the very least, since they have an established history with Torian and the BH)

I wish Master Orgus's Force Ghost had stuck around to just annoy the hell out of Valkorian. Just the idea of Valk being constantly Statler-and-Waldorf'd by a dead Jedi Master is hilarious to me.

Trooper and BH are the only classes I've finished all the way through (so far), so I may have more to add to this in the future ;)

Also, I headcanon that both Vette and Torian are saved because I hate Bioware's obsession with "choose which beloved companion will die". Ves saves Torian while Kade saves Vette and Marii helps Arcann and Senya protect the Gravestone and everyone wins.

8) Are any of your other OC’s part of the Alliance? If yes what do they do for the Alliance? Do they get along with your Commander?

My "canon" Commander is Vesiya Hallis Jorgan (Colonel Jorgan, officially, but she doesn't use her rank anymore. f!Trooper, Medic Commando, mostly LS), but I've really enjoyed adding the others to her story in a non-Commander capacity. I like the idea of having a complete set of all of them working together eventually.

Marii Shan (former Jedi Battlemaster Aramarii Wrinn. f!Jedi Knight, Watchman Sentinel, mostly LS) is a really good combat tactician and an equally good spy. During the five years Ves is in carbonite, she gets a reputation as a terrorist among Arcann's forces for saving rebels and dissidents from his wrath. Once she officially joins the Alliance, she is Theron's favorite lead scout, she goes behind enemy lines for recon missions. Briefly, during the Order of Zildrog business, she's promoted to Spymaster, until her then-boyfriend (now husband) comes home.

Kade Mithal of Clan Cadera (f!Bounty Hunter, Bodyguard Mercenary OR Pyrotech Powertech (both, really, because I've never been able to choose), full LS) joins when Torian does. They're a team and she goes where he goes, no matter what. She's a very good bounty hunter. If you need someone found, she's your girl. I'm fairly certain she's the one who found where Ves was being held so Lana could rescue her.

I'm pretty sure Riykas (Jedi Shadow, full LS) and Jayce (Sith Juggernaut, full LS) join Ves's Alliance too, but I haven't decided in what capacity yet.

Ves and Marii become really good friends during the Revan business, and that continues once Marii joins the Alliance. They work well together and balance each other out. Really, the Jorgans and Shans in general get along well. Also, the two of them teaming up has got to be terrifying for Valk personally because they are the two biggest pains in his ass in the whole galaxy.

Ves and Kade have a lot of respect for each other, though they don't spend much time together outside of work until after Ves saves Torian during Vaylin's assault on Odessen. After that, Ves is as good as family as far as Kade is concerned, and she is an unofficial part of their clan.

Marii and Kade get along surprisingly well, considering the animosity between Jedi and Mandalorians. They have a bit of a playful rivalry, but trust each other completely when the shit hits the fan (which it often does). When one of Kade and Torian's daughters ends up Force Sensitive, Marii offers to train her.

16) From our OC’s point of view, SoR -> KotET wasn’t a fun experience, did they develop any fears as a result?

Ves is scared of carbonite stasis, and will absolutely fight to the death before ever being put in it again. She still sometimes wakes up from nightmares with psychosomatic stasis-blindness, and on really bad days has to remind herself that she isn't just having a very detailed coma dream.

Marii would never ever admit it, but she's scared of Valkorian getting in her head again. It's happened twice now (once during the JK story, once on Ziost), and she's not sure she'll be able to break free if it happens a third time. She stays behind when everyone else goes to free Satele from Valk's plague, even though her connection to Kira and Scourge would have probably protected her. Just in case.

I don't think Kade fears anything lmao

[fatesdeepdive]

Entry 37: Shigure the Disney Princess

Paralogue 3: Surprise Duet

While the group is sailing to...somewhere, Azura’s sky knight son Shigure arrives, injured. Shigure explains that he is being hunted by the spooky ghost dudes we keep running into. His entire village was destroyed by the ghosts. Azura, being mysterious, says that the ghosts are hunting him because he’s her son. She doesn’t explain why, because Azura never explains anything in this path. Shigure leaps into battle to avenge his fallen friends.

This is a fun chapter. It’s split between three boats and which ones are connected changes from turn to turn as they move. After the battle, Shigure has a breakdown over the deaths of his friends and sings the only song anyone in his family knows to mourn them. Shigure, not wanting anyone else to die protecting him, joins the group so he may become stronger.

Shigure

I genuinely forgot how cool of a character Shigure is. His mourning of his fallen friends and desire to grow stronger give him a lot more depth than most of the portal babies. All I remembered were a bunch of Supports about art and singing. His design is very reminiscent of his mothers, in concept if not actual pieces of clothing; he also has armored shoulders that look weird but also establish that he’s more combat focussed than Azura. His blue hair covers half of his face, which I’m not sure I like. His personal skill, Perfect Pitch, gives him a custom Rally command that heals nearby allies. I actually think I’ll like this character.

Hey, something I noticed while writing this update: Corrin has two Supports for each portal baby. Or, because Corrin can be a parent for each portal baby, three Supports. The point is, male and female Corrin have different Supports with the kids. For some reason.

Support: Lady Corrin/Shigure

C: Corrin finds Shigure singing the magic song that caused his mom to die. Shigure is singing this song while riding on a pegasus, because he's shy, something that would probably be hard to do.

B: Shigure takes Corrin on a pegasus ride.

A: Shigure takes Corrin to a beautiful waterfall with a rainbow.

S: Shigure takes Corrin back to the waterfall and proposes. Corrin, being a propper, accepts this opportunity to marry a much younger relative.

Review: Fine, but a bit shallow.

Support: Lord Corrin/Shigure

C: Corrin finds Shigure drawing.

B: Shigure shows Corrin his drawings of his destroyed village and slain guardians, which Shigure says helps ease the pain.

A: Shigure shows Corrin drawings of a place he sees in his dreams, a strange world where everything is floating.

Review: My god, a Support conversation that foreshadows plot elements. That alone makes it great. Although, now that I think about it, it is entirely possible for you to get this foreshadowing of a mysterious world of floating islands after actually visiting that place, which is odd.

Support: Azura/Shigure

C: Shigure and Azura sing together. Unfortunately, Shigure, who apparently just hit puberty, can't sing along properly.

B: Azura rewrites the song, you know which one, to be a harmonized duet. Shigure acts really shocked at this obvious solution.

A: Shigure says that he isn't as good of a singer because he doesn't have the same magic. Azura explains that her magic comes from her pendant. When Shigure asks to use it, Azura explains that the pendant kills the user. Shigure freaks out and begs his mother to let him take on the responsibility. Azura tells him no and asks him to throw the pendant into the lake if she ever dies.

Review: This Support line has a fantastic A-Rank that does a lot for Azura and Shigure as characters. The other two conversations are just kinda mediocre, though. Side note, how old is Shigure? Because this Support implies his voice only recently dropped. I was operating under the assumption that he was one of the older portal babies, perhaps even as old as twenty, but that implies he’s very young.

Support: Shigure/Father

C: Shigure's father finds him painting and says that Shigure's unseen art is really good. Shigure's father decides to set up an art exhibit, despite Shigure pointing out that a war is going on.

B: Shigure is anxious over being unable to finish a special painting he's making for the exhibit.

A: Shigure shows up to the exhibit late, having spent the entire night painting a portrait of his parents.

Review: Kinda mediocre, all things considered.

Support: Shigure/Sibling

C: Shigure's sibling finds Shigure singing in the woods, surrounded by wild animals like a goddamn Disney princess. The sibling accidentally scares the animals away. The sibling asks to hang out with Shigure and he says no.

B: Sibling scares off the animals, again. Shigure tells his sibling that the animals aren't comfortable around them because they can sense their negative emotions.

A: The sibling admits that the animals got scared off by their jealousy of Shigure. Shigure helps his sibling pet a rabbit.

Review: The fact that I’m keeping this vague made me write sibling a dozen times. Setting that aside, this one is decent.

I don’t talk about the voice acting in this game very much, mostly because I don’t know too much about the VA industry. The Fire Emblem series recycles VA’s a lot. For example, Matt Mercer, who you know for appearing in everything, voices four different characters in this game.

He voices Chrom, one of the main lords of Awakening who reappears in a DLC chapter. He also voices Ryoma. Now, this makes sense, Chrom and Ryoma are both noble, heroic princes. Mercer also voices Shigure, who is very different than Chrom and Ryoma, but is still a royal and still a heroic warrior.

The last character Mercer voices is Azama.