#go and adventure and see the world. leave whatever his old life was behind and just let himself be led by whatever paths happen

[lucalicatteart]

Poll adventure (paventure? lol) Day 5: read the small story tidbit below the poll for more details, OR just vote based on initial impression

(✦ see past poll results + further information HERE (link) ✦)

The winning option of yesterday's poll was that the adventurer should choose a suspicious egg as his gift ….

"He carefully plucks the egg from the gift pile, wrapping it in spare fabric and tucking it away inside a small wooden box within his backpack for safety. Not really wanting to stick around and get accidentally pulled into scary underground tunnels or something, he shakily bids the Well Creature farewell, and continues on through the forest, just following whatever he can find that looks vaguely like a path.. He makes an occasional stop to pick up a cool rock, harvest berries, or let the cat play in the grass, but mostly just wanders aimlessly, lost in daydreams and contemplations of how his New Fun Life Of Spontaneous Adventure is going so far......

Eventually, the forest tapers off into a more open area of land, hosting what seems like a humble little village. By this point, it's nearly nightfall, which reminds him that he's actually quite afraid of the dark, so he scrambles about town for a moment until finally finding the local Inn. After nervously stumbling inside, he rents the cheapest room available, then sits alone, snacking on some free leftover food scraps and plain water. It's been a tiring day, but in the spirit of becoming an adventurer and pushing himself to have as many experiences as possible, he figures he could hang around downstairs a little longer, perhaps get one more thing done before bed -- What should he do?"

[meshlasolus]

What One Was Mine

Chapter 10

Summary: Locked away in a house her entire life, she always dreamed of exploring the nearby kingdom for just a day, believing it could make the rest of her days in solitude bearable. What she was unaware of, was the real reason she’d been hidden away for so long. Changes comes swift like a flying dagger when a thieving bounty hunter seeks solace in the old home.

Din Djarin Royalty!AU / Tangled!AU

Pairing: Din Djarin x Princess Kryze!Reader

A/n: it’s been a hot minute but guys pedro is trending again and I’m legit so happy over it (i had one or two bad experiences with new fans trying to gatekeep or whatever) i’m just so happy he’s getting more recognition tho bc THATS OUR PRECIOUS DAD

Warnings: oh boy kinda a lot… mentions of death, having beatings take place, several scenes with blood… there’s a flogging in the courtyard?? References to sexual themes. Uncomfortable situations fr… imprisonment and degradation. I think that’s it but remind me if i’m wrong.

The way you parted from your new fiancé was bittersweet. Bitter, because it was all too early, but sweet, knowing you would see him again every day after for as long as you should live. You snuck back to your room together, but went separate ways after you entered your doorframe. It hadn’t been for your lack of trying, though.

“Stay with me tonight,” you pleaded with those glazed brown eyes, his stare was always intense, but there was a softness to it when directed upon you. “I know the time when my handmaiden comes, I can wake you before then.”

He pondered it, of course he did. Grogu was in the royal nursery for the time being, and you were standing with your hands against his chest in a dim hallway while asking him to remain by your side through the night. The look in your eyes told him you wanted something more from him, something not so innocent as you were. He couldn’t in good consciousness give you what you desired until you were married. Though he’d never cared before, or even heeded the tradition of waiting for intimacy till marriage, he knew that the terms had now changed. You were a princess, and he was undeserving of you anyways. To steal away your virtue and risk a scandal that could ruin your name in the large and well known kingdom was not likely on his to-do list. He was going to do everything he possibly could to make sure that this was done right, starting now.

“Not tonight, Mesh’la,” he pulled you closer to his chest, kissing the top of your head as a sweet ending to the night. He knew his refusal might make you sad, but his use of an endearment spared your heart and only made it flutter in response. “I will see you tomorrow, as long a you save me a dance.”

“I can’t even think of dancing with someone else.”

He gently brought you away from his chest, using his finger and thumb to raise your chin, eyes meeting once more. You were tired, but your sleepy gaze fell on his and did not want to leave. He understood the feeling, but decided on being the one to bring it to an end. He thought it responsible, though it felt wrong to leave you this way.

“Until then,” he gathered your hand in his, noting the comparable size difference before kissing your knuckles. He never looked away from you, and that was your detriment. His magic would not soon wear off, for even in many years to come, as long as he looked at you like that, like you hung stars, moon, and sun in the sky, you’d always be putty in his hands.

“Goodnight, Din.”

He backed away, fading into the hallway, as you went into your room and shut the door behind you. You slid down the wooden blockade, arms wrapped around yourself and a lovestruck smile adorning your face. You were to be married to the love of your life, and spend an eternity together, going on adventures, doing good in the kingdom, and raising baby Grogu. Already you had a family that you cherished above anything in the worlds, surely nothing could ever go wrong.

Din was elated as well, but keeping light of foot to avoid any attention as he snuck through the halls and back to his assigned suite. It was best to keep all of this quiet until after your coronation ball, because hopefully things would be settled more firmly into stone then, and a consort marriage could be announced.

He was turning the corner to his door when all of a sudden he was ripped away by several pairs of arms. He struggled in their grasp, trying to break free, unsure of why this was happening, but the men who were clearly meant to detain him came prepared, giving a sharp hit to the side of his head, knocking him completely unconscious for them to drag down the hall and out of the palace, heading straight for the dungeons.

-

The morning awoke you with a shivering chill, but you relaxed into it, pulling the comforter closer to you as you waited for the hand maiden to come and bring you out of the big and luxurious bed. You’d never tire of the sleeping accommodations, although you you would admit, if you could give it up to spend another night on the forest floor wrapped in your hunter’s arms, you most definitely would.

You waited several more minutes, unsure of why the girl named Elise did not come on time like she normally did. You were beginning to be concerned, had something happened to her? Was she alright?

You threw off the sheets, throwing your feet over the side of the bed and standing, trying to find the dressing gown you usually wore in the morning while your hair and face were being attended to. It was a long and dull process and often you hated sitting through it, but you would have rather endured it this morning than be running around the room frantically, nerves on high end that someone you know may be hurt or something.

You had just found your dressing gown when suddenly the doors opened and in came the girl that usually helped attend to you. You heaved a deep sigh, greeting her with a smile.

“Elise, you hadn’t come at the normal time, I was worried something happened to you,” you chuckled over your words, shaking your head and realizing you had been ridiculous to jump to such conclusions so quickly.

“My apologies, your highness… the entire staff has been distracted this morning,” she paused, immediately resuming her work of helping you pull on the dressing gown. “There was a flogging in the castle courtyard, a new prisoner.”

You hated hearing about the mistreatment of the men and women in this kingdom. You’d heard much about the so called ‘prisoners’ they kept. Poor and hungry people who may only had stolen a roll of bread to survive, now to be tortured and held against their will for it. This was what you had wanted to change, and so far you were disappointed, because right now you were powerless to do anything. The king was harsh and unforgiving, and you wanted to stay on his good side in order to achieve your goals, but it was taking so long.

“Poor soul,” you mumbled softly, but she heard it, and as she ushered you to the vanity chair that you were used to by now, she explained further.

“Poor indeed. The staff say he was a guest in the castle, you may even know him,” she rambled on, and you shot up to a straight stance only just as you were taking a seat. You turned to her and gave wide eyes. “I didn’t mean to upset you, your highness. I speak too plainly.”

You were upset, but her speaking plainly was not the reason. You began breathing quickly, and tried to have a single coherent thought.

“What did this man look like?” Your expression made her believe you were angry, and partly you were, but also completely mortified and worried for another.

“He was quite tall, had darkish features. I didn’t get a good look at him,” she tried her best to respond to your question, but in all honestly she couldn’t understand why you were so concerned. Even if you knew this man, shouldn’t you know that the castle laws come first? That if a rule is broken against the king that it is punishable?

“No,” you shook your head, racing for the doors. Elise cried out for you to come back, to calm yourself and not get worked into a frenzy because it was bad for your complexion.

You were half dressed, not even, and considered wildly inappropriate to be walking the halls of the castle, much less leaving it and rushing out to the courtyard, where the king and a few advisors stood, accompanied by some guards who had just carried out a horrible act.

It seems they were all ready to leave, and the prisoner had already been taken away. It was very clear, however, there was still his blood that dripped down and covered the cobblestones of the area, leading up to the whipping post. The sight made you sick, but you persisted, lacking all sense of decorum as you stood straight behind the king, tugging on his cape and making him face you.

“What did you do?” Your question was nothing short of venomous as it dripped from your mouth, and king Gideon was genuinely terrified, if only for a moment. He knew that he had the numbers, and the manly bravado to overpower you if needed, but it didn’t stop him from having a second of fear.

“I have found an enemy of the kingdom and brought him to justice. I’m afraid your… companion is a very notorious thief, my dear. Not to worry, I will dispose of him for you. He shall hang at first light tomorrow.”

His smug smile, and the play of his words. You knew he was taunting you. He must have known about yours and Din’s secret relationship, otherwise this behavior was completely out of the blue and unlikely to occur. It was him, after all, who agreed to the presence of said thief in the castle along with Grogu. The child was well liked by everyone, and Gideon could not deny he found the little green fellow charming… but the hunter. The one who’d stolen your heart and bent down on one knee to enact what the king could only view as a proposal. He was no longer welcome in the home of royalty.

“Let him go,” your eyes were turning dark, and your fists were clenched so tight they almost shook from the pressure. What would you do if he should not concede? Your power had nearly fully restored itself to you, though not as strong as before, it certainly still had enough power to drop him where he stood. You hated the thought of killing someone, of taking a life and becoming something you always swore you were not, but if it meant your hunter’s life was spared, then so be it.

“I’m afraid I can’t. Though I only wish to make you happy, my princess, the law still stands, and he has broken it one too many times to be left alive.”

It was hypocrisy, all of it. He made it sound like a righteous deed, to lock away someone who has done many wrongs, but he was the one who pushed so many to commit acts of crime every day, just by keeping them starving in the streets. He bred crime then persecuted it to become a hero. He was a wolf stalking his prey, the innocent people of Mandalore, who never did anything to deserve his reign of tyranny.

“If you don’t do as I ask, I will-“

“You’ll what?” He stopped you mid sentence, only making your anger to grow. He kept that horrid and demeaning smile on his face at all times, never letting it dwindle, for his pride held strong. “You forget who’s kingdom this is, you forget your place.”

What could you even do to respond to that? How could you keep your dignity in challenging him without it ending so poorly that his blood may be spilt onto the courtyard stones? You would never use your powers to hurt anyone, you swore from your childhood that you may never allow yourself to fall that low, and yet, you were so angry, fuming and red in the face as you glared to the man in front of you. He was no king, he did not govern his people his respect and care, he ruled over them as if they were mud under his boots. He made them to fear him, his only attribute as a king was intimidation. He wasn’t a king, he was a prison keeper.

Your silence had dragged on far too long, and for that he assumed he had put you in your place, made you see things from the right perspective.

“That’s what I thought,” he spoke, beginning to walk past you, curving around your body and smirking as you stood firm on your feet, bare to the ground like they had almost always been before. “Mayfeld, see to it that she is readied for tonight, the ball is in her honor, after all.”

You winced at the mere mention of the occasion. Sickness spread through your stomach at only the thought that you could be made to attend such an event, and with a smile on your face, while the love of your life is in pain, and rotting away his last night on this forsaken earth in a prison cell. Your anger was still red hot, and flaming to the touch. Anyone who neared you need beware, but also, they may need to prepare for the oncoming stream of tears that was fast approaching. You forced yourself to hold them in until the king had re-entered the castle. There was no point in giving him the satisfaction.

The king’s advisor, Miggs Mayfeld, had spoken to you on a few occasions. He was a yes-man in anyone’s book, but you saw people differently than they were, and you could tell that there was a certain kindness in his eyes, hidden beneath hardened layers that no one could see straight away unless they were willing to take the time to peel said layers away. Even now, as he came to your side, he seemed conflicted. He stood a few feet away, not wanting to upset you further than you had been already. He seemed, for lack of a better word, afraid. But you had no intention of hurting him, nay anyone else.

“You should come with me,” he said it with his eyes to the ground, his head parallel to his feet. He sounded very empathetic, as if he’d grown used to the way the king had treated people, and was now just a bystander to anyone he dealt to, feeling their pain the same way he had all those year ago.

“No,” you stood firm, and though you understood he was just doing his job, he now seemed like the enemy. Doing the king’s bidding made him an extension of your foe, in spite of the fact that he seemed to dislike the king as much as you do, now. “Take me to the hunter.”

Your demand was left into the air, and Mayfeld nearly choked on his saliva at how boldly you delivered it. You clearly weren’t playing games, but he couldn’t afford to surpass his own orders for ones given by you. Even if you did outrank him, you had not been crowned a member of the royal family as of yet, making your commands null and void.

“I can’t, and I think you know that,” he didn’t beat around this bush anymore. He wasn’t going to waste his pleasantries on you, knowing you understood the maniacal situation at hand. “But I can take you to someone who can help. By no means are you to mention this to anyone. If you do, my head is on the line.”

He was speaking quite literally. A traitor to the king would be instantly dealt with, and would probably not make it till sunrise to see the thief and hunter hung at the gallows. You couldn’t tell why he was doing this, if maybe he’d just had enough of the mistreatment, or maybe he simply wanted someone to stand up to the king, either way, you knew his help would be vital.

You followed him in the direction of the far off east wing of the castle, which had been completely separated by a wall of pillars and turrets. If you remember correctly, this wing was home to a few lords and ladies of the kingdom, and sat right between the gates and the castle gardens. As you walked passed, you remembered the hour of the night before, the moonlit white roses, and sparkling daisies that sprung up from the earth. Beauty turned to anger and suffering since then, and you shook off the nasty feeling you had as you finally entered a doorway of the luxurious homestead.

The walls were ornate like the interior of the castle, though the ceilings were lower, and the decor was not as precise and detailed. It looked like some of the things you saw in the village, the building structures that have probably been standing for ages. This looked like true mandalorian culture, and you wondered if the king had changed the castle to look a certain way from perhaps being like this before he began his rule.

Mayfeld whispered to the guard in the hallway, whom looked at you suspiciously before returning his eyes to the man before him. He seemed like he was trying to make a decision, and waited a second or two before letting out a sigh and a nod. He rounded the corner to another room, and returned with a woman you were quite familiar with. She had been at every afternoon tea you were made to attend. She was the one with fiery red hair, and eyes that almost reminded you of your own, though hers were worn with years of sights she did not wish to see.

“Lady Bo Katan,” Mayfeld bowed shortly before closely approaching her and speaking lowly at a volume you could not hear. You waited patiently, and eventually, they both came forward. “She knows the hunter.”

Bo Katan, as formal as she may be, only took a once over of your attire, deeming it unnecessary to call any attention to the fact that you were only covered by a silk nightgown and a sheer dressing robe. You must have been in a hurry.

“If you wish to see him, you will have to wait till nightfall, after the celebration os over,” she told you, and you were about to protest, opening your mouth to argue before she held her hand up. “I’m not finished. You must also attend the party to seem as though you have forgotten the matter.”

“I can’t put on that dress and walk those floors knowing how he’s being kept. I don’t just want to see him, I want him to be free. I refuse to watch him die tomorrow.”

“I understand your haste, but may I offer you some wisdom?” The tilt of her head and slight narrowing of her eyes gave you a view into her mind for only a second, and you could tell she knew what she was saying. You nodded for her to continue. “The king has eyes and ears everywhere. If you ever want to see the hunter again, it will need to be done with discretion and planning. I have been in this court since King Gideon took over, and I plan to see him taken from his throne, but I cannot do so by rushing through and wreaking havoc. You understand?”

Something didn’t add up, something about her seemed off… in a familiar way.

“Why would you be willing to wait so long for something that may never happen?” Your question gave her a look of sheer confusion. Were you missing something? Had you somehow dozed off in one of the days before when they were explaining anything about everything to you?

“You really don’t know…” her voice seemed to pity you, but only for your lack of information. She turned to Mayfeld, who was partially listening by now, then back to you, still stunned. “I am Bo Katan Kryze. I’m your sister.”

No…

You weren’t eager to quickly accept this fact, as you had certainly forgotten you even had a remaining sister left alive. Satine Kryze, and the younger, Bo Katan Kryze. Your flesh and blood, never known to you until this very moment.

“You…” the words were short from your mouth, as you failed to gather them as you started to speak. You couldn’t gather a single coherent thought, and though it made sense as to why, you tried to reason with your own mind and say something. “You’re the rightful heir.”

“I was once, but I squandered my chances. I was too young to understand the consequences of my actions, and I lost the throne in a foolish match with a stranger to Mandalore. My decisions were my own, and it is because of them that Gideon is King,” she explained it to you, and you began to understand the weight and severity of this rule’s history. It was… won? How can you win the throne? “I cannot challenge him again on terms of a deal I made in my surrender.”

The air in the room was thick as her words came to an end, and she turned to the King’s advisor to make sure he knew his place, and would not spill any of this to the King to earn favor. Of course, the history of the battle was to remain a hushed topic, and everyone new this, but the one person who could oversee any punishment in the rules being broken was not present, so speak of it they would, right in front of you no doubt. You thought about it for a minute. Surely you were powerful enough to defeat Gideon in a battle. Your powers could possibly end him on sight if it was necessary. The only obstacle would be the challenge itself.

“I could challenge the King,” you spoke assuredly of yourself, earning two heads snapped with immediate haste upon hearing something they deemed so halfwitted.

“You are no warrior, believe me, the King is more spry and capable than he looks.”

You should not blame either of them for seeing you as a stupid girl, only an innocent child of which knew nothing she spoke of, and shook off their complete and utter disapproval of your idea at first.

“I am capable as well,” you told them, and with the audacity and nerve that he had, Advisor Mayfeld scoffed at you, shaking his head and placing his hands on his hips. He was not having any of your foolish notions. “I can prove it.”

You rose your hand from your side, eyes finding the perfect subject for your demonstration. There was quite an ugly looking vase that caught your vision when you were walking in. It did not match the rest of the authentic Mandalorian decor surrounding, it looked like something that would probably be kept in the main castle, along with all the other gaudy and dramatic looking objects. You lifted it high into the air, bringing it towards you while their backs were still turned, but they spun around quickly when sensing some sort of energy passing between them from you and something behind.

You didn’t get to see their looks of astonishment when they realized just exactly what you were doing, but the gasps followed by long silence was enough for you to know that they had been captivated by your show of power. You flung your wrist, sending the vase into the opposite wall across the room, the shattering sound of the glass echoed, and Mayfeld jumped slightly on impact.

“I know it’s not going to be a conventional fight, but I believe that-“ the wind was swiftly knocked out of you as you were pushed harshly against the wall by Mayfeld, a dagger to your throat as your stared at him with wide eyes.

“She’s a witch!” Mayfeld was not letting up, and though the powers bestowed upon her little sister were momentarily frightening, Bo Katan saw this act as madness, pulling him from you as fast as she could.

“You will do well to keep your hands off of her,” she demanded, and you realized now that this had been yet your second encounter with someone claiming you were a witch.

“Her powers are like that of the shadow keepers, she doesn’t belong here, in a castle,” he glared back at you, but the effect didn’t travel as far as it should have since you were still gasping for your breath. “She must be from the dark forrest.”

“That’s enough,” Bo was sick of hearing the miscreant speak any further. “You are still under my authority, or do you forget?”

His stern eyeline had finally shifted away from you and onto her, but you still felt the adrenaline of his stare weighing from when it had been firmly on your being.

“You will not speak a word of any of this to the King, or anyone else for that matter. What you have seen stays inside these walls, do you understand?”

He didn’t like the king, hated him even. He never had a problem with going behind his back before, but now? Well, this had gone farther than what he had known. The girl who claimed to be the rightful heir, but does not overtake the king for his throne, shown up after being missing and assumed dead for eighteen years, now suddenly reveals the power she has been hiding all along. It was something out of a fairytale and he could hardly believe it. Surely, the king would praise him, reward him even, for letting him in on the little secret that could pose a threat to him remaining the ruler of this kingdom…. But he didn’t care about the rewards, and he didn’t care about being praised, not by Gideon at least. You were the first real contender to dethrone him in years, and he would not pass up the opportunity to see that two-faced dictator get what he deserved, not even if it meant siding with a witch.

“I do.”

His nod and heave of a long, deep sigh meant he was not only in agreement with her commands, but he was approving of the plan to let you challenge the king.

“It’s settled, then,” Bo turned back to you, looking you up and down once again, now seeing something far different from that of when you entered her home. “Gideon will be challenged at the ball tonight, but we have to make sure nothing is out of place or suspected until then.”

You looked at your apparel, and knew instantly that it was not in your best interest to remain in this dressing gown until tonight’s event.

“I suppose I should start getting ready.”

-

You put on a brave face, though it was hard, and your mind kept traveling back to the plan. The very reason it was being enacted still held against his will in a prison cell amongst the other poor thieves and said ‘criminals’ in the dungeon. He was not innocent, perse, but he was not a bad man, and did not deserve to be killed at morning light like everyone was planning. You wanted so badly to sit with him, to hold him close to you and let him know that you weren’t going to stand for this, that you would save him at any cost. You wanted to take his hands in your own and convey to him all the love you held that would not so easily be diminished by simple threats.

The ball had already begun, and your ladies in waiting were surrounding you, putting the final touches onto your dress and hair, lacing your feet with the most glorious shoes that you’d rather do without. You watched out of the window, looking down at all the people arriving to the grand hall of the castle, seeming like Lords and Ladies and Dukes and Duchesses. Only those of high importance and stature, you could imagine.

“It will be time, soon,” Bo Katan was dressed very elegantly, in the classic Kryze family colors of blue and white. She came around your seat to stand in front of you, hoping to see a face of determination, but instead she found one of worry and nerve. “You won’t back out?”

You couldn’t lie, it scared you to think that in front of all these people, pouring into the ballroom right this minute, you would humiliate the King by offering a duel that could dethrone him. It was a bad move, but he was a coward, and if done in secrecy, he would decline, and have you and your hunter killed. If done in front of a multitude, with many eyes to not only hear of the duel, but to possibly see it with their own eyes? He may have been a coward, but he was far more prideful than he was filled with fear. It was risky, it was practically insane, but you would go through with it.

“I won’t, I swear it. I can’t leave him there,” you had revealed your motivation to her quite early, of course you had… and she understood. She once had a love that she would do anything for, but unfortunately death was an untimely thing, and it happened to like picking and choosing it’s victims. You though? You had the ability to play a hand against death, and you would take the opportunity every single time.

“This hunter of yours, what has he done to be imprisoned?”

“Other than being caught with me?” You spewed that part with annoyance, sure that she understood the weight of responsibility you felt for part of this. “He was the thief who stole the darksaber. I’ve heard some strange stories circulate around since I’ve lived here, but the truth of the matter is that it was in his possession for the entire duration of it being missing, or rather… mine. I would know, that’s how I met him.”

“You were his accomplice?” Her eyebrows furrowed, and she tried to stop from cracking a smile, because the sound of it was utter nonsense. You were a little ray of sunshine, a rainbow in the dark, and a silver moon amongst dark skies. You who giggled like a sweet child in the halls after tea with the king and advisors, and read fantasy books with happy endings that were unreal to life… There was no way you were in on a job with a notorious thief and hunter.

“Not precisely, no. He stumbled into my home after stealing it, and I hid it from him to make a trade. I didn’t know what it was, though it felt oddly familiar.”

“It’s apart of your bloodline, it belongs to you.” She placed a hand on your shoulder, turning you away from the window to look into the mirror. You wouldn’t deny you looked rather beautiful. You fit the role of a princess, and now you could play the part with confidence. The emerald green was adorning you so well, and you doubted there was a spot on you that was out of place. It came together so well, but there was only one person you wished to see you looking like this. Perhaps he would, by the end of the night when this all was over.

“It will be mine again, whatever the cost.”

-

The ball was so elegant, the decorations were stunning and the aura around the halls was nearly perfect, with lit candles near every sconce and nook there was. The beautiful dark green drapes and vines around the scene matched your dress perfectly, and though you hadn’t yet made your first appearance, everyone was having a wonderful time. All except you it would seem.

Your small band of secret alliances was hidden in the upstairs sitting room nearest to the grand staircase, which would have to be ascended any moment.

“Can you see him?” You were sat on a chair, looking to Mayfeld who had been overseeing the actions of the King as he strutted around, greeting his guests and the nobility as they entered the elaborate ballroom.

“He’s still moving, he hasn’t stopped.”

Lady Bo Katan was already in the shuffle, as she was trying to make sure there were no other intercepting forces on the ground that could possibly interfere with the plan. It would be madly simple as long as everything went correctly, and it had thus far.

You were to enter the ball, being welcomed as the Lost Princess of Mandalore. After any greetings with surrounding comers you would be expected to dance with the King as per his request. Once the King felt secure in your actions, then the switch would flip, and you would command the attention of everyone in the hall to your announcement. The challenge to the throne would be set in stone, and there would be too many witnesses for him to deny it. If all went well, the duel would take place at first light, and the hanging of your hunter would be postponed until the battle was over. You would win against the King, of that you were sure. He may have known about your powers, but not to the extent of what they are really capable of. The people who’d hidden you away as a baby were right to fear your power, but not because of the harm it may bring. Instead they should have ben more aware of your will to save whom you love through that power.

“When is he going to call me down?” You wondered, muttering it halfway under your breath as a thought spoken aloud.

“Now,” he said, taking two steps towards you to give you a hand up from your seat. What a contrast to his earlier behavior of slamming you against a wall in accusation. “He’s just signaled for you.”

“Now?”

Though you’d waited almost an hour, it felt too fast all of a sudden. If only you’d been focussing on calming your nerves rather than thinking about the plan, for it had been completely engraved into your mind by now, and there was no chance you would forget it.

“C’mon, your highness,” he guided you to the top of the stairs, and immediately every head was turned and gasps could be heard from below. The whispers were rowdy, yet still discrete, and the soft string music playing gave a small sense of safety when you looked out over the crowd. “Knock em’ dead.”

You pulled your shoulders back, pasting a fake smile to your face that spread across your cheeks and made you look happy to anyone who couldn’t see the pain in your eyes, for having to act this way under the circumstances being what they were. Ascending the steps was the least of your worries, and yet your heart raced over the possibility of falling. R

“The Princess Kryze has returned!” And the moment it was announced, you reached the bottom, bowing nearly to the floor in order to impress the many guests. Given the eruption of applause when you stood, you deemed your performance rather well done.

King Gideon met you in the center of the room, where a circle had formed to surround you both. His smug smile made you want to hurl out whatever contents were left in your stomach. It wouldn’t be much, considering you nearly refused to eat while thinking about the conditions Din was probably having to survive under.

“You are absolutely ravishing, my dear princess.”

“It took a while to achieve, but I’m glad my appearance is to your liking,” though it was said with as much enthusiasm as you could muster, the words held much disdain in your mind. You were truly only a trophy to him, a prize to look upon and enjoy when he means to. Had anything else never occurred, you’d still hate his being more than anything. He held nothing but darkness in his heart, and would never have been a partner worth even settling for. You’d rather spend the rest of your days as a poor town’s maiden with Din, as opposed to living a life full of luxury and riches with Gideon.

“Since you look so angelic in this splendid work of a dress, it would be a shame if the guests were unable to see it move how it was designed to,” a horrid way of asking you to dance, but you supposed you weren’t expecting anything from him at this point. You only smiled wide when he stuck his hand out to you. “Shall we?”

“Of course,” you responded, taking the outstretched appendage and allowing him to pull you closer. The discomfort ran through your veins, it was so thick and made your heart race and stomach turn. The second his hand fell to your mid back, you nearly felt ill, but kept on in knowing who all of this was for.

The music got louder, and other instruments joined in to form the smooth melody of a waltz. A dance you were expected to fail at by many of the King’s friends. He was the one who had told them so, but he knew better, now. He’d seen you dance with your thief, and you were quite the artist of movement. You flowed like a river through a forrest in the spring. Every movement was well done and meticulously thought out. You’d been practicing with Mayfeld earlier under the scrutiny of Bo Katan, and though it was helpful to rehearse some actual steps, it was much more premeditated than your midnight waltz with Din. With him it was so natural, it was so easy.

Your form was impeccable, even the onlookers thought so. You looked heavenly, quite like a dream. All an act, and it was moving along perfectly.

You had expected to finish the dance without another interaction, however, the King Gideon had other plans.

“You seem to be in a far better mood than this morning,” he said in a mocking tone. He must have felt you tense up for a moment, as his grip on you tightened.

“I suppose I was delirious from the early hours,” your lie was told poorly, and though he might have been swayed by your earlier attempts to make him believe you were in fact happy, your tone drove him to think you were only acting a part. “But you mustn’t mind my behavior.”

He chuckled, looking back at you and spinning you around once before continuing his antics.

“If we’re done playing pretend, I have a deal to offer you.”

Your eyes widened momentarily, and you had to compose yourself as to not give anything else away. This wasn’t part of the plan. He wasn’t supposed to offer you anything… but what if this deal is the difference between winning and losing a battle?

“I’m listening,” you encouraged, keeping up with the rhythm of the steady music that droned on still. You looked out to the crowd and caught Bo Katan’s face, staring on in hope that whatever you spoke of would not hinder anything.

“I believe it comes as no surprise to you that I wish to seek your hand in marriage, for both the good of the Kingdom and myself,” he spoke so assuredly. Whatever he had in mind for this so called deal wasn’t looking to be the better option so far. “But knowing what I do about yourself and the thief, I understand you would always resent me and perhaps look for ways to sabotage my rule if I simply took you as my bride.”

“Get to the point,” you spoke with no aggression, nor any emotion, as you couldn’t let it show on your face what you were feeling.

“If you shall agree to be my Queen, and unite all of Mandalore… I shall set free the prisoner Din Djarin and allow him an exile from the kingdom.”

You froze, your entire body refusing to finish the dance as it backed away from him. He in turn did the same, making it look as though the dance was over, and bowing to you. You thought quickly on your feet and did the same. The crowd again erupted into a fit of clapping and cheering, not rambunctiously, but just as the sort who have been entertained well. Unneeded to say they were well on their way to adoring the Princess Kryze, just as they always have while you were missing.

“Think about it. You have until midnight to decide,” he finished, grabbing your hand once more and placing a kiss to your knuckles before disappearing back into the crowd among his invited guests. They had all taken the dance floor by now, and you had to take several deep breaths before emerging from the scene to find your accomplices.

You spotted the lovely mane of firey hair, going straight to her and getting her attention. She turned around and saw your fearsome expression and spoke no words before pulling you by the hand to a crevice that no one could find you.

“What happened?” She rushed out. Looking over you, every limb shaking like a leaf yet nearly sweating profusely, it wasn’t hard to tell something went wrong.

“He offered me a deal.”

“No, whatever it is, you cannot accept,” she cut off any other words you may have about the matter, as apparently the contents of said deal were of no priority. “Anything he has to offer you will soon be yours anyway.”

“He offered Din’s freedom in exchange for my hand,” you told her, and she felt she needed to slow down and assess more of this interaction before making anymore rash decisions on your behalf. “If I challenge him tonight, he still has the authority to kill Din by sunrise. If I take the deal, I can challenge him once I know my hunter is safe.”

It was risky. The plan as it were had no flaws in Bo Katan’s eyes. All she wanted to see was the King Gideon slain and his rule to end… but she knew how love could complicate things. To you, the life of a thief was more important than the details of overthrowing the King. She once knew love like that, and it had been lost. Though bitter in her feelings over the subject, she couldn’t stop you from saving the one you love, because she wishes she could have done the same if she had been given that chance.

“You’re sure you want to do this? You know what it will cost you if anything goes wrong?”

“I want him safe, I don’t care what it costs me,” you assured her. With a heavy sigh, she nodded, understanding your fervor for protecting that which is close to you.

“Alright,” she agreed, but stopped you from turning and leaving just yet. “Do not let the King know of your decision until we’ve made new plans. Find a way to meet me out in the gardens, make sure no one sees you leave.”

“Are you going to tell Mayfeld?”

“I will, but for now, just do as I’ve said.”

And with that she was off, vanishing into the pool of bodies that was the dance floor. She was not one or dancing, or anything romantic like that, but she would admit it often gave a good distraction to those she did not want aware of her schemes.

You had found a way to sneak through a hall, and around to a hidden staircase that was usually only used for staff. There, you made your way to your room, and once you felt you could let your guard down, you finally let go of the deep breath you’d been holding. You wrapped a thick black cloak oar your shoulders, making sure the hood was flipped up before you left the room. There was no one in the upper rooms right now as it were, for the entirety of the castle’s population could be found in the ballroom.

It was much easier to get to the courtyard in the disguise you donned, as the black fabric made you near invisible to the guards watching from the towers. You crossed the rough gravel into the gardens, hidden now by the large trees and voluminous plant life around you. You only waited for about two minutes before Bo Katan and Mayfeld snuck into the shadows along with you. All the under cover activity should have felt exciting to you, as it was new and daring… but there was too much on the line. A life you could not afford to lose hung in the balance.

“What’s the plan?” You whispered to Bo, but she held her hand out. Your eagerness was sometimes your downfall, but it was a lucky thing you didn’t have to depend on yourself in this mess.

“Come with us,” she said in a hushed tone, but still commanding enough for you not to question where you were about to follow them to.

Mayfeld held a set of keys upon his belt that you didn’t recognize from earlier, and since you were still on the subject of accepting Gideon’s proposal, your mind did not put the pieces together as to what your mystery destination might be.

When you entered the cavernous looking establishment, the smell of old moss and water build up were rather strong, and you wondered what kind of place this might be that it could be infested with the things it was scented with.

Mayfeld lit a lantern on the wall once you were far enough inside not to be seen. It was only now that you saw your surroundings. You were in the castle dungeon. The other inmates looked to be fast asleep by now, some lounging on top of one another is a haze of exhaustion. You passed by a cell that held two familiar faces, though they were also unconscious in the corner of the area. Ran and Xi’an, Din’s old partners, the ones who tried to betray him and take you. Serves them right for ending up where they were.

You followed Mayfeld to the end of the row, where a rough wooden blockading door stood closed. Mayfeld took the keys from his belt and unlocked the door, entering first and holding his hand out for you both to wait. You understood who was inside, and you wanted nothing more than to go in, but for the sake of any plans that would be hatched, you remained standing as you were.

Mayfeld emerged from the room with a solemn look on his face, but he nodded to you anyways, and stepped aside.

You wasted no time in trampling over your skirt layers to get through the doorway. You could barely see by the lantern light from the hallway, but you felt around until you collided with a familiar body.

“Din?” You reached out and placed a hand on his chest, feeling the tattered shirt beneath your fingertips. He took you in his arms in a moment, hugging you close to his body and tucking himself around your form like a sheet to a mattress.

“It’s me, mesh’la.”

You nearly cried, just feeling him around you gave you an overwhelming sense of peace that you hadn’t possessed for the entirety of the day until now.

You tried snaking your arms around to his back, but his harsh wince along with a jolt of his body away made you uneasy again. You barely found his face in the dark, seeing those dark brown irises staring you down under the soft orange glow.

“What have they done to you?” Your tear filled eyes were about to overflow. What horrible treatment had he endured while you were embraced with luxuries the whole day through?

“Nothing I can’t handle,” he tried to calm your worries over him, for they were trivial in comparison to his worries over you. The king could break every bone in his body, make him writhe in pain and peel the skin from his bones and he would endure it all with a sly look upon his face… but if anyone dared touch you or the child, he became a danger to all forces opposed.

“I can help,” you pleaded with furrowed brows and teary eyes. You hand’t yet tested this aspect of your powers since the incident, but you’d like to bet the need for his healing would be enough motivation to instantly muster your strength again.

You reached for the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off with his help, feeling the torn edges from when he’d been tossed around and likely beaten senseless. It was the first time you’d seen his bare skin like this before, and given that the light continued to get brighter the longer your eyes adjusted, you could see the expanse of his broad chest and torso in it’s entirety. You blinked twice to refocus and snap back to reality, seeing over his shoulder the red lines of broken skin.

Coming closer to him again, you wrapped your arms around his body gently, placing your palms on his back. His wince was the last bit of incentive you needed to concentrate your energy on healing him. He sunk into your hold, reciprocating it while he felt the warm spread of your powers beginning to take his pain away. This was perhaps the worst wound you had ever healed, and it was going to take a toll on you physically, but you pushed that thought to the back of your mind. You would do whatever it took to bear his pain for him, especially since he carried it because of you in the first place. Your knees grew weak, and he had to catch you before you fell to the ground. He held you steady, whispering his thanks in your ear until you were able to stand on your own.

“I hate to interrupt, but we’re running out of time,” Mayfeld came through the doorway again, a full lit torch in his hand to shine more light on the scene. Once Bo entered the cell, all were now congregated, and the planning could commence. “I suspect the King has already noticed your absence, it won’t be long before he’s unable to find us as well.”

“She’s come to tell you something, hunter,” Bo gestured to you and him, barely broken apart since they both came into the room. She wanted the plan to resume as they originally hoped it would, and she had a feeling it might, if the man they came to see had anything to say about it.

“Come to tell me what?” He looked to you with confusion, surely you hadn’t found him a way out so fast. Tonight was the night of the grand ball, and if your appearance was any indication, you’d been attending until now.

You didn’t want to tell him, because it would be too hard to actually say goodbye. You’d much rather had just accepted the deal and let him go knowing you saved him. Now, he stood before you, looking so deeply into your eyes you could cry. How were you supposed to send him away knowing you’d never get to see those eyes again.

“The king has offered me a deal,” you tried to avoid his stare as you prepared to let him in on the contents. “The terms being that, if I marry him, you go free.”

His expression dropped, and he shook his head rapidly a took another step closer to you.

“No, you can’t do this,” he protested, and you wanted to interject, but he was far from done speaking. He took your face in his hands, ensuring that you were truly listening to every word. “I would rather die tomorrow knowing you had the freedom to leave than live, and always know you’d have signed yourself away for my sake.”

Bo Katan wanted you to listen to him, to understand that he hated the terms and wouldn’t want you to go through with it. She needed you to know there were no other options.

“Din, you’d be safe. I can’t let you die.”

His heart broke when your voice did, the last of your words falling off into a sad whisper that matched the tears in your eyes.

“I love you,” he said, touching his forehead to yours for a moment and then looking to Bo Katan, whom stood behind you in waiting for the interaction to close. “And I can’t let you do this.”

“What do you suggest she does?” Bo hoped that his answer could coincide with the plan, but even if it didn’t, she was happy to know that his reaction to the news had been what she was anticipating.

He took a deep breath in and focused again on your features, the way they were softly lit by the fire light. They had painted your face like they’d been doing for weeks, but with the softer elements and colors to match your aura for the evening, he couldn’t help but admit you were enchanting. His beautiful girl, the one he’d done all of this for in the first place. No doubt about it, you were the cause for the mess… but he’d do it over and again, one hundred times.

“Run.” It was said with a lonesome sadness, but he meant it. “Take the kid, and get far away from here.”

You shook your head, but he wasn’t going to stop. He only wanted you to be free, after all your years of being kept prisoner, you deserved to be uncaged. Marrying the King would only make you his slave.

“We’re out of time,” Mayfeld said, he and Bo Katan trying to usher you away from the cell. You let yourself be pulled away, seeing Din stand still in the middle of the stone floor. He didn’t want you to go, but if the King found out you were gone with his biggest conspirators, you would be in more trouble than he currently was.

Once the door was closed and locked, the three of you began to book it through the long cell block. You dropped your head to hide from them your tears, knowing that they were probably far stronger with hiding their emotions, and might think you to be weak should you expose them.

Din wouldn’t leave you even if they forced him to. There was only one other option that prevented him from being hanged. You froze in your tracks and closed your eyes, feeling the energy around you, making you gain a courage that you wouldn’t have had before. Seeing Din, in the position he was in, under the roof of the castle dungeon and skin split by violence… it angered you, it lit a flame in your spirit, a passion to do right by him whatever means necessary. More than anything, you wanted him to be free, and free by your side. He’d asked you to marry him, and you intended to keep to your word of doing so.

“Are you alright?” Bo asked, upon noticing you fell behind a few steps.

“I’m fine,” you spoke with a newfound tone, one that was straight forward and firm. It was so different from the unsure voice you’d held only moments ago.

You marched on past them and into the staff entrance of the castle. You used a window reflection to remake your appearance, to hide the fact you’d been crying and to fix the disheveled hair that had sat under your cloak, which was the next thing you ride yourself of.

You gathered your skirt, running through the marble halls and finding the ballroom to be completely full of people dancing, laughing, and having a ball. You spotted him in the crowd, King Gideon. He was talking amongst some allies until he caught your gaze from across the floor. He quickly excused himself and made a beeline to where you stood, straight and tall like a firmly planted tree.

“I had wondered where you disappeared to,” he spoke everything with a smile, whether it was genuine or fake, you didn’t care enough to know, but it was spread across his smug face nonetheless.

“I took some time to think about your offer… and I know what I have to do,” you said sincerely. He smirked, feeling as though he had won. His nod of approval meant you had him where you wanted him. “If you’d allow me to, I’d like to make the announcement myself.”

The dark chuckle he responded with sent chills down your spine, and the shiver that glided over your skin was another unwelcome reaction to the man’s devilish grin. He held his hand to the small of your back, seemingly guiding you towards the elevated platform by the stairs.

“I would love nothing more, my queen,” he raised your hand to his lips and did as he had done earlier, pressing a sloppy kiss to your knuckles. It felt dirty, to let him keep doing that.

Now standing where everyone could see, Gideon commanded the attention of the room, allowing them to face you for your announcement of what he presumed to be your engagement to him. The man was too prideful for his own good, which is why this plan would work so perfectly.

“As the princess of Mandalore, I’d like to thank you all for celebrating with me this evening,” a few glasses were raised as if this were to be a toast in someone’s honor. You heaved a breath before continuing. “This Kingdom has known division for too long, and I believe it is up to me to change the way things have been.” Even King Gideon was pleased with your choice of words. He was almost happy to be standing beside you while making this announcement, but he was about to turn a one eighty in only a moment. “The time has come for Mandalore to begin a new chapter, under a new rule.”

The applause was loud, and the King was impressed, but the final words had not yet been spoken…

“I hereby challenge the faux King Gideon to a duel,” and right then, the gasps of the crowd were all around. The audience had been involved. There were too many witnesses for him to refuse, too many to simply kill you behind closed doors. He froze in place beside you, unsure what to do or where to go. “As per tradition of this nation, the battle will be to the death, and the victor will claim the throne of Mandalore once and for all.”

Your speech was spoken at a volume you’d never dared to speak before. This confidence running through your veins was not yet done, and with it you turned to face Gideon, a smirk on your face now, and a fearsome look on his. Oh, how the tables have turned.

“I shall see you at dawn, my king.”

The mockery was lear in your voice, but he had nothing to say in response. As a last stitch effort to make a fool out of him, you bowed low to the ground in his honor. You turned and left up the stairway, and that was the last he’d seen of you for the night.

-

Tags: @i-ameri-cant @littlemisspascal @fanfics-toread @icanbeyourjedi@castleallherown @mysticalgalaxysalad @princess-prettyy @67impalagirl13 @agingerindenial @childrenofthewatch@insomniac-nerd-posts-things @marjoherbo @juletheghoul-main@tiredbuthappy @themand0lorian @janebby @goldielocks2004@yuiopiklmn ​ @oh-no-who-am-i ​ @appleejuice ​ @luxmundee @belovedadam @seninjakitey ​@harriedandharassed

[argetcross]

if zagreus from wasting beats was born as a mortal man into BG3's Faerun instead of ancient Greece what would his story be??? What would be different/the same??

HNRGHHHHH Robin, this question is like catnip for me.

Oh man, if we're following wasting beats logic (he was once a god but is now just a mortal human man who doesn't have memories of being a god), then I think he'd be a prime target for tadpoling.

The cult of the Absolute would probably want to capture him alive and see if they could "release" his latent divine potential, as an asset to their cause. Zagreus starts investigating them because he wants answers about his life, damnit, and quickly finds out that, actually, he wants to stop this cult more than anything.

Given Zagreus in general can accept all sorts of punishment, a small thing let getting his brain chewed open wouldn't necessarily stop him, but I think he'd have a super rough time of it! He'd have to grow very quickly into the DND adventurer hardiness, perhaps specializing in necromantic magic and every melee weapon known to man. Thanatos could even be his patron and he could go hard down the warlock route, wielding blood magic and blade alike.

Zagreus' quest would probably still center around the unspoken questions of his parentage and also the missing divine goddess of nature. It's almost an easy fit, because so much of BG3's Faerun is based off wild hunches and adventurers galloping about the world. He'd make friends with the druid Callisto and the light cleric Iapyx and help mediate the local orcs and their failing marriage.

Thanatos would show up in the camp and leave without warning, but no one other than Zagreus could see him. The god seems to want to leave some sort of warning, but Zagreus keeps trying to get him to play drinking games with him instead. :'D

But as he journeys through Faerun and explores old temples and starts to get hints of what, exactly, his origins might be, there's this growing fear that he might be reclaimed by whatever plane his father resides in. He might not be able to stay at all. The god of death, his FATHER, wants him back, mortality be damned, and he might have to make the ultimate choice:

Embrace the tadpole and allow himself to be forever changed, casting aside who he once might have been-

or

Finally understand who he was born to be, take the power of his bloodline, but forever leave behind everything he cares about to fulfill that destiny.

[dropout-if]

hiiii! If youre still answering for the asks; ❤️🌟 🎵 📸 for everyone? have a nice day/night! 🫶

Hi!! Hope you have a nice day/night too^^

❤️ RED HEART - their love language(s)?

Jade/Jean- Receiving: Physical touch. Giving: Quality time. Organizing their partner's schedule in their stead, leaving behind little notes (very ooc messages they would never dare to say out loud). Taking their partner out. Anywhere.

Uma- Receiving: Quality time. Giving: Physical touch. Holding hands, hugging, stolen kisses. Drawing their partner and for their partner

Statler- Receiving: Words of affirmation. Giving: Acts of service. Remembering each and every appointment, going out of their way to ease whatever burden their partner has.

Wanda- Receiving: Quality time. Giving: Words of affirmation. The most shameless declarations of love and affection. Late night confessions, sharing secrets with her partner. Impromptu dates.

Kai- Receiving: Physical touch. Giving: Gifts. Very casual and poorly thought tokens of affection, small trinkets: t-shirts, bracelets, etc. Photographs themselves and their s/o together.

Travis- Receiving: Acts of service. Giving: Quality time. Seeing his partner after hours, walking them home, making as much time as possible to text his s/o, taking them to secret and private places.

🌟 GLOWING STAR - what do they think about when they look at the night sky? is there someone they want to star gaze with?

Jade/Jean- thinks about the future, and the path ahead. When that eventually turns into a repetition, J contemplates their past decisions and whether they've made the right choices. The beauty of it would go over their head, so they'd want to watch it with someone who could appreciate it for them. Or just MC.

Uma- loves stargazing and getting lost in the beauty of the night sky. They'd like to value the moment for what it is, and would be very inspired. Uma likes stargazing by themself, but they also like having a friend with them, especially MC and Travis after rekindling their relationship.

Statler- their mind is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. Statler reflects on everything and anything, they tend to overthink so they prefer to avoid quiet moments. They'd love to share the moment with someone who could keep their mind occupied, atm Noir and later on MC.

Wanda- loves nature and stars and sees the night sky as a canvas for adventure and excitement. She may think about new experiences and opportunities. It's a moment Wanda would like to share with Gabi.

Kai- Liv has dragged then once or twice to stargaze. When in idleness, Kai tends to get swallowed by their own mind. They like thinking of the world, of themself and the people around them. It doesn't mix well with Liv, who can't shut up lol. Kai would want to share the moment with someone silently.

Travis- often dislikes idle moments, so Travis would try very hard to make the moment purposeful. He'd contemplate strategies, plans, and ways to overcome challenges. He'd like the moment to be his, or otherwise with someone who could appreciate the quietness.

🎵 MUSIC NOTE - what is their playlist like? their favourite artists? do you associate a particular song with them?

Jade/Jean- they have a few playlists: one for writing (movie ost), one for the gym (basically very 80s and very motivational) and one with their favorite songs. J leans to relaxing music, especially old classics. Their favorites are Frank Sinatra and Elvis Costello.

I mostly associate them with any Taylor Swift breakup song lol (The Story of Us and Back to December mostly).

Uma- has a few playlists with hours and hours of music, though they always end up listening to the same one regardless of the situation. Uma loves alternative and indie music. Their favorites are Garbage and The Cure.

I associate with Billy Idol's Dancing with Myself idk why. Vibes^^

Statler- has many playlists that remind them of people and important moments in their life. They rotate depending on their mood. They're mostly pop and pop rock. Statler loves Taylor Swift and Mitski.

I'll Cover You (Reprise) from Rent often makes me think of them.

Wanda- has a single playlist filled with all kinds of music. It's honestly a big mess. Wanda can't really commit to a favorite artist, she likes almost all kinds of music.

Vivir Así Es Morir de Amor (Nathy Peluso's version) I've been holding back from mentioning songs in Spanish but I can't resist with Wanda.

Kai- doesn't bother with a playlist, they just like tons of songs and listen to that. It's not as messy as Wanda's because Kai tends to be very picky when it comes to basically everything. They love punk, punk rock and grunge. Their favorites include The Clash and The Gits.

I've always associated Doja Cat with Kai fsr (especially Streets).

Travis- prefers saving playlists instead of creating his own. Travis is really into dad rock😭 it's what he mostly listens to. Also has a lofi playlist for work. Travis'favorites are Pink Floyd and The Velvet Underground.

Mitski's Working for The Knife is pretty Travis-coded.

📸 CAMERA - do they enjoy having their picture taken? what's their go-to pose? do they like taking photos? what do they take photos of?

Jade/Jean- isn't the most enthusiastic about having their picture taken, but they'd likely prefer a confident and composed pose (a coy smile and a relaxed posture). J isn't really into taking photos, though they sometimes like photographing Downtown Heights. They also appreciate capturing meaningful moments, like family gatherings or achievements.

Uma- is quite comfortable in front of the camera. Uma is a bit awkward when it comes to posing, they prefer to be photographed painting or tattooing. They enjoy taking photos of nature, their artwork/work, or candid shots of friends.

Statler- is very photogenic and doesn't mind having their picture taken. They would choose a warm and inviting pose, possibly with an arm around a friend or loved one. Statler likes taking photos of friends, their partner, and family to preserve memories.

Wanda- loves being the center of attention in photos. Her go-to pose is something fun, spontaneous, and flirtatious. Wanda enjoys photography and frequently takes selfies and candid shots with friends.

Kai- isn't particularly interested in having their picture taken, but when they do, their pose could be casual and nonchalant. Kai loves loves loves photography no matter the subject. They are especially fond of artsy and experimental pics.

Travis- hates having his picture taken. If he does pose, it's be something composed and serious. Travis enjoys taking photos as a way to document information or for practical purposes rather than for personal enjoyment.

[savvythepirate]

Did you miss me?

Pairing: Jack Sparrow x reader

Warnings: None

Requested by: Anonymous

A/N: A Jack Sparrow request with number 8 from my prompt list!

***

“Well, well…. do my eyes deceive me or do I see (Y/n) (L/n) standing before me?”

A smile makes its way to your face, recognizing the voice as none other Jack Sparrow. He was an old friend of yours after a chance encounter with Will and Elizabeth.

It was no secret that Jack Sparrow had taking a liking to you after finding you share a lot of the same interests. Needless to say, Will and Elizabeth wasn’t too happy about your friendship with the pirate, but whatever made you happy was fine with them. Just as long as you were extremely careful and avoid giving the ones who hold the most respect to become suspicious of you having anything to do with pirates.

The worst case scenario would be of you having to face the gallows. Jack Sparrow didn’t want that for you and you both agreed to meet every three years in secret and today was the day of another year you both could meet. You always looked forward to seeing each other again, even if it is just for a little while. As you turn to face him, your smile turns into a smirk as you make a little joke out of this as for your response.

“Well, well… I didn’t think I’d see you again, Jack Sparrow. What are you in for this time?”

One of the things you liked about Jack Sparrow was his laugh, you especially loved it when he fails attempting to holding it back. Seeing that happen is contagious and had you laugh along with him before he gives a verbal response.

“Missed you.”

“I missed you, too.”

Nothing else was said as Jack opened his arms up to get a hug from you, his old friend. You granted his request and gave him the well known hugs from his favorite person in the world. The actions you’re taking are the words that one would speak about this moment or a moment like this. Sure it sucked having to wait a while to see each other, but it was certainly better then to not seeing each other at all. Pulling away was tough for you, you felt that if you pulled away, you were going to lose him to the seas. With the remaining time you had, you did the usual things that were kept as traditional between the the both of you.

You walked in a bar you both favored, picking up a few drinks before Jack Sparrow shared stories of his great adventures. Some of the stories were happy as well as sad. His favorite one to tell you was when he got involved in war for the heart of Davy Jones. You always listen intently with sincere interest, laughing at some small parts of what he tells you. In exchange, you offer your own stories of what’s happened in your life in the time of his absence. Although your stories didn’t seem as exciting as his, Jack Sparrow still loved to hear what you had to say, then at the end, he would give you his own thoughts. As he did so this time, what he said surprised you.

“You should join my crew, I know you desire to see more of the world. Come with me and I promise you won’t be disappointed or ever regret it.”

It was a sudden decision you’d have take into consideration that was sort of thrown at you and at first, you weren’t quite sure about accepting the invitation.

Thoughts had come to mind of what you’d leave behind as well as what all could be waiting for you to explore. However, it didn’t take you all that long to agree and accept it. It’s true, you wanted to seem more of the world and meet new people throughout the journey. Later on, you find yourself stepping onboard your new home with Jack Sparrow, a little bit nervous about meeting the crew who would soon become your family. The meeting was awkward at first, but it take long for you to feel comfortable of your new surroundings. Unlike most, you’ve received a warm welcome from everyone and that helped you to feel more at home.

After a while, you’ve seen more then you could possibly ask for, and upon realizing that many weren’t as lucky as you for an opportunity like this, made the experience all the more special and meaningful. Jack Sparrow later reveals to you that the reason he offered you a spot in the crew was because he didn’t want to miss you so much anymore. That being said, him saying that only made you adore him even more then you already had.

Since then, you’ve never regretted choosing to go with him. It had you truly knowing that you’ve made the correct choice and nothing ever said or done could never change that.

You loved every minute of it, being sort of Jack Sparrow’s adventures.

***

Requests: OPEN

[whyitfucks]

Why it Fucks: City of Mist's Themebooks

lateral character progression rules!

For those who don't know:

City of Mist is a 2017 Powered by the Apocalypse game from Son of Oak Games. Described as "set in a modern city where legends are real people. Heroes, tricksters, and monsters are reborn inside ordinary people, regular Joes and Janes, who gain supernatural powers connected to their legendary alter-egos."

The game focuses on telling stories that merge the fantastical with the grounded. Okay, if not grounded "lower altitude". It's the structure that you'd find any on detective/police/superhero procedural on TV. A detective game, even if those detectives are also embodiments of legends like Red Riding Hood or the Goddess Artemis.

One of the delightful things about it, and the reason behind this post. Is its use of what it calls themebooks. Every character at any given time is host to 4 themebooks. These can be powers tied to the myth you represent (Mythos) or some part of your mundane life (Logos). A Thor based character could have a "Relic" mythos for his hammer, and a "Defining Relationship" Logos with his old dad he cares for. They provide benefits to rolls when needed, have unique weaknesses and so on. Most importantly they have a mystery (for the mythos) and identity (for the logos) that tell us why we care or give little hooks. These themes get discarded and picked up throughout the game as you use them. Letting characters change without worrying about balancing difficulty.

As an example, let's look at one of the characters from the quick start, Salamander, tied to the myth of, well, the Salamander

One of his 4 playbooks is based on his job as a city water worker. We can see it has the identity "I need my job to survive" this tells us why it's important to him. I won't go in to much of the rest about power tags and such, instead looking back up to Attention and Crack.

Attention is like an XP track for that aspect of your character. There are a couple ways of gaining it like invoking your weakness tag for a penalty for example. You evolve it, expanding out the power/importance of the theme.

Whenever you take an action that goes against or would cause conflict with one of your themes it takes on a crack. Maybe Salamander has to leave his shift to go fight some bad guys, angering his boss. When the crack track is full, Salamander will lose that theme and trade it for another. Broadly, the themebook creation rules are written very generously. You can come in with a loose concept and they'll help you solidify it into something usable

Why It Fucks:

SO. What we have here are characters with 4 individual aspects that serve as side plots, mysteries or recurring beats that each have two directions they can go to (focus or conflict) that are, for the most part, entirely player directed as to which way they're going. Some MCs might twist arms for hard choices but at the right table that's just good drama baby.

This is a game that frequently references television procedurals or detective stories as big touch stones. What they've done here is empower not only the MC but the players to thread together their episodic adventures in a way that can also reflect consequence without making that player less "powerful" in game terms. Facilitating really dramatic change.

City of Mist is a game I'm quite fond of, it has it's issues but design like this is why I want to start writing these posts. Whatever I think about the game, this single little bit is SO! juicy to me.

[mrsnancywheeler]

the day before you came (part one) - kisses of fire

f!reader x steve harrington, f!reader x eddie munson, f!reader x billy hargrove

summary: during your final year of high school, final summer before college you allow yourself to finally break the facade and run "wild." finding every adventure possible in the shapes of eddie munson, billy hargrove, and steve harrington to enjoy yourself before the looming future. however, your dreams come to a screeching halt when you find yourself pregnant with no idea who the father is. a mamma mia au.

warnings: smut (minors DNI, all characters 18+), morally questionable reader, sweet in love eddie, one sided romantic feelings, unprotected sex (be safe, guys), creampie, mentions of birth control, nicknames : princess, baby, mentions of weed and other drugs implied, gross picnic tables, a little angsty

not edited, feedback appreciated

One month left until graduation, three until you were packed up and out of this town for good. You'd worked your whole life for this and now being able reap the benefits, have time to mess around, it was all paying off. At least that's what you told yourself as you walked behind the school to obtain your favorite destresser. The moment you could see that lovely hair and crappy, old lunch box you were already feeling less anxious.

"You're early, Munson." You said, walking out of the treeline. Laughing when he gave a slight jump at the sudden noise.

"Wouldn't want to leave you hanging, princess." Eddie turned towards you, gesturing to the table he was at. The first time you'd been here you'd refused to sit down, the table being so dirty and unkempt, before you'd realized all the shit you put in your body was just as gross.

"I'm crying at the thought." Imitating the crocodile tears you sat down on the tabletop, knees level to his chest. "How much are you charging me this time, Munson?" You took off your backpack, getting ready to go on the desperate wallet search.

"Less, if you keep giving me that gorgeous view." He smiled, over dramatically miming looking up your skirt.

"You're such a pervert, Eds, last time it was the bending over, now the skirt, will I never be free from the peeping tom?"

"Nope, actually gonna graduate with you this year and forever haunt you."

"Oh not whatever will a poor girl like me do?" You rolled your eyes at him, when you'd been told about him your freshman year all of his unconventionalism had unnerved you, but when you'd later been pointed his way to "take the edge off" you'd come to have a giant soft spot for the boy. You'd miss the banter and of course him always giving you somewhat of an ego boost.

When your mocking glaring and laughter had both died down, his aura changed. The sudden, serious energy made you want to tense up, "So Stanford?" He asked, "Pretty far away from here, know most of us want to leave, but didn't imagine you'd go that far."

"Not as far as I'm planning actually, want to go abroad at some point, see the world, or at least part of it, you know?" You didn't know why he seemed to care so much anyways, all you'd really every done was these exchanges, followed by long winding conversations. Once in a blue moon it could turn into smoking the blunt together and forge itself into odd touches or lips brushing past each other.

Eddie's eyes wondered around the familiar environment, not looking directly at you, these interactions had become such a normal part of his life regardless of whether or not he did actually graduate it would be a shock to the routine once you were gone.

"You're breaking my heart here, princess, gonna have to save every cent for long distance calls if you do that."

"I'm sure when you're still here, next year, there will be some other pretty, young girl to use her feminine wiles on you and flatter down your prices."

He dramatically hits his chest, "Your lack of confidence in me, wounds me! I don't think I'll ever recover." His hands landed on either side of you, "There's still the silver lining that I might pass these last few tests and walk out of here with a diploma, just like you."

You chuckled, "I'll believe it when I see it, Munson." His grades hadn't been great and you'd listened to him vent about it enough when he was high to know a few weeks couldn't save him. "Class of '86 baby, I'll come back to see that one."

"So little faith, y/n." Eddie shook his head, lifting his eyes to meet yours. You stared back, the awkwardness ensuing as he continued gazing and you didn't want to make it worse by glancing away.

'Why should I feel nervous anyways? I'm leaving soon, it would be fun to just do what we've been dancing around for so long.' You debated internally as the silence continued, it was when you watched him glance at your lips and back you thought, fuck it. Finally leaning in you went for it, hungrily pressing your lips against his as he brought his hands to your face kissing you with just as much vigor. Your hands trailed down his shirt as you slid off the table and onto his lap, grinding against his lap.

"Wait, y/n." Eddie pulled away from you, who gazed at him confused. Over the years you'd caught him checking you out on more than on occasion, even gotten handsy with him occasionally, so why didn't he want this now? "I just don't want my first time with you to be here, you know? On a grimy picnic table behind the school where I sell people drugs, isn't good enough for you, princess." He said it reassuringly, fingers gripping around your waist. Those fingers. But, the way he talked about his first time with you sent a pang to your heart. Of course you wouldn't mind doing it more than once with him, but you didn't want him to worry about whether or not it was good enough for you. It wasn't like that and part of your heart told you it was in fact like that for him. If you were a better person you'd tell him now, how you wanted to be with him, but not the way he seemingly wanted to be with you. You weren't a better person though and you finally felt confident enough to get what you wanted from him, it didn't matter what people said, you were leaving after all.

"I don't care about that Eddie," You gave your best puppy dog eyes, shaking off any doubts about your actions, "I need you." You whined as you began grinding your pussy over where you felt him getting hard.

He let a groan out as he shut his eyes, "You're gonna be the death of me, princess." You nodded as you pressed a kiss into his neck as you continued your relentless pursuit on his crotch. "Fuck, baby, can I take this off?" His fingers moved to the hem of your skirt fiddling with it, you nodded, feeling your own wetness more and more as you humped his jeans. "Words, princess, need to here them."

"Yes, Eddie, please, just need you to fuck me." You his your face in his neck, hands gripping the back of his hellfire shirt.

"So desperate," He slowly lifted up your skirt, pushing it up above your waist, "Already soaking though your panties onto my jeans, princess, making such a mess. How long have you wanted me to touch you?" Eddie's fingers began pulling them down, exposing you to the open air. You were so vunerable and exposed, but couldn't care less.

Your hands went to his belt, anxiously trying to remove it so you could get rid of the throbbing feeling urging you on. "So long, Eds, dreamt about when you would finally take me." You lifted your legs so he could pull your underwear down more and he stopped everything to help you as you struggled with his belt.

"Me too, got off thinking about when we'd finally do something, when I could make you mine for the first time." There it was again, first, not the greatest time to be clear with him, but better late than never would be something. You were so close though and had waited for so long you told yourself you were just overthinking when you freed him from his pants and climbed back up onto the table. He stood up, also freeing himself from his underwear. The wind hit your bear cunt as you whined, aching for contact. "I know you're dripping, princess, but are you sure you want all of me right away?" Looking at the size of his cock made you groan, but you were determined.

"Yes, need your cock so bad, Eddie, please." Your hips trusted up into the air, begging for him to hurry up.

He smirked, spitting on his hand and smothering his dick with it. Lining up with your entrance and rubbing his head and precum along your clit causing you to moan. "Wait-" You loudly whined once again, "Just need to look for a condom, sorry, should have thought of it earlier."

"Don't need one Eddie, on birth control, just want your cock tearing me apart now, please." You insisted before he could pull away as you rubbed yourself against him for friction. Every action, every kiss you shared felt like fire, made you burn and ache for more. You couldn't help yourself as you grabbed his neck, pushing his lips against yours.

You whined when he pulled away, "Gonna bring me to the point of no returning, princess." Eddie grunted as he finally pushed into you, causing you to mewl from the somewhat painful pleasure. "So fucking tight for me."

"Don't need you to worry, Eds, need you to be rough with me." He was by no means your first rendezvous, but how long you had waited, how set he was with you, nothing could compare. Eddie began pounding into you, grabbing your face with his hands and pulling your lips back together.

Moaning into each others mouths as he continued pounding into you, bringing one thumb down to rub your clit. The sudden euphoric feeling caused you to bite down on his lip. "Sorry." You managed to whisper out as he continued his assault on your mouth and clit. "Feels so good."

"Don't worry about it, princess." Eddie stopped kissing you, staring at your face as you whined with every thrust and each bit of pressure. It was gorgeous, you were angelic, and all he could think about was doing this to you over and over again. Taking care of you, that landslide of emotions made his hips stutter.

"Need to come, Eddie, so bad." Your eyes were screwed shut as you clawed his back.

"Me too, baby, let go for me." You let out a guttural groan, pushing your head into his chest as you felt your pussy convulse around him. He too couldn't keep his mouth shut as he released into you, your walls tightening around him. For what felt like yours you sat there, both coming down from the high of it all. "Fuck," Eddie exclaimed, pulling himself out of your warmth. You whined at the sudden emptiness, walls clenching around nothing. "Should have pulled out, y/n, I'm so sorry." He looked so genuinely upset with himself that you couldn't help, but feel a tug at your heartstrings. He cared so much and given you exactly what you wanted, but that's all you wanted.

"Don't worry about it, Eds, I'm on the pill. Remember?" You reassured him as you went to pull your underwear back up.

"Doesn't always work, y/n, better safe than sorry." Eddie was mostly reprimanding himself as he also began pulling his bottoms back on.

"A little to late for that and come on, don't worry about it, most guys don't." You smiled at him as you readjusted your skirt, going to stand up and realizing your legs weren't exactly steady enough without the table.

"Woah there, princess." He instantly reached out to help steady you, and your eyes met his once again. Hoping he could say everything he wanted to without opening his mouth he tried to get his eyes to convey it all. Sadly for you it did which is the last thing you wanted. 'Exactly, I'm not like them. I care, y/n, let me care.' So you pulled away from the prolonged eye contact.

"Thanks, um, I should probably go. Mom's gonna get worried, you know." You shakily pulled yourself away from him steadying arms. Grabbing your bag from off the table.

"Oh, of course. Wouldn't want to ignite the dragon, princess. Not exactly a knight in shining armour." Eddie joked, trying to ignore the hurt from this abrupt end you were dishing to him.

"I don't agree, you know you can scale into my tower anytime with that gorgeous steed of yours. You can bring the devil's grass with you as well." Motioning to his little lunch box of drugs as you slowly walked backwards. Of course it might calm you more now, but the guilt was suddenly eating away at you. Couldn't he stop looking at you like he cared? Stop making you feel like you were stringing him along?

"Anytime you need, y/n, I've got you." Eddie smiled and it was so comforting, so sweet, you had to leave then. 'No, don't have me. Please me more offputting, more callous, care less.' You wanted to scream as you gave him a curt nod and walked off. Feeling the storm of self hatred brew as you began pushing down the guilt. If he made you feel so good, like fire, and was willing to continue that what was the problem with not being clear about where you stood? You were leaving after all.

[sheltershock]

Children. 

We were all once one. And one of the biggest questions people ask when you start maturing as an adult is whether or not you’re going to have them. Oddly enough we ask the same question for ships. And usually that answer is yes?

But Sasha and Milla? Honestly I could see both of them going either way on kids. 

Milla already was a mother, and might want to leave that part of her life behind and transition to the next. But then again, she loves being a mother and caring for others. Meanwhile, Sasha probably doesn’t like children all that much. They’re living petri dishes for germs and disease, they’re uncontrollable and the point of their existence is to not be smart. But then again, he seems to have an affinity for Lili and Raz, and probably can pull from past experiences as a runaway that children can be supremely capable of adaptation in extreme circumstances. 

When they both started dating/or got married everyone wanted to know if they planned on having kids. Firstly, because of office drama. And secondly, people at the Motherlobe have observed that both of them are extremely strong psychics, so their child would probably be extra gifted. So at every party or get together, they get asked, “do you plan on having kids?” And everytime it gets asked, Milla gets emotional. And people prompting that nobody is getting any younger isn’t helping. 

Milla had been avoiding the issue for a while now. After the orphanage accident, she’s been getting more confident in the idea of being a mother again…until she hears a baby cry in public and it sets off a trauma response. She doesn’t want to give a definitive answer to anything, partly so she doesn’t have to commit or be accused of lying, so she gives the cop-out answer of “whatever Sasha wants to do.” And she’s extremely aware of the fact that Sasha doesn’t seem to like the concept nor existence of children. 

But then Sasha met Lili and Raz. And Milla got the dreaded update that Sasha is now neutral to the concept of children, and if Milla wanted to be a mother, he’d support her. Which is the best and worst news she’s ever received. She was on the brink of having a full on breakdown from stress when Sasha brought up that he had some conditions. That being if they were to have kids, he’d want the both of them to quit their jobs. Milla was too flabbergasted to have an emotional response. The only thing she could say was “explain.” 

Basically, since they both have dangerous careers, going on missions to fight villains and prevent terrorism, there’s a high chance every time they do so of dying. Sasha grew up without his mother, and having gone through that experience, is not comfortable potentially creating that scenario by choice. It wouldn’t be two consenting adults prepared with the fact that they are putting themselves at risk anymore. It would be two adults actively choosing that there’s a chance that one or both of them would leave a child motherless, fatherless, or an orphan in a matter of hours. And while some people in emergency professions think the benefits outweighs that potential cost, Sasha wouldn’t want any child of his to grow up in a similar situation to him. Accidents and sudden illnesses happen, but this was a choice. Sasha argued that it would be tremendously unfair for the kid, so that’s why they’d have to quit going on missions. 

Milla thought about his argument, and she wholeheartedly agreed with it. But both of them love their jobs. Life has been great as a Psychonaut, being able to travel the world and go on so many adventures… but at some point the both of them would be too old to go on missions and would get a safer position. The only issue is that neither of them know when that point is. 

So if they have to wait an unclear amount of time, Milla can’t handle the sound of a baby crying, and they want to be parents….then there’s really only one option. Adoption. 

Milla already has ties to the foster system, and she probably carries handmade pamphlets she’s always ready to give out to encourage people to adopt. Even if she’s no longer working in that system, her heart still goes out to all those orphans, and she’s doing her damndest to help those children even now. I wouldn’t be surprised if she also volunteers at local orphanages or does fundraising events whenever she has the time. So adopting is a natural move for her, she just didn’t know if Sasha was on board with that. 

He is. He said he’d support her. He doesn’t really care if things are difficult, or about carrying on both the blood and the name, or pressure to carry on his legacy. He jokingly told Milla that if his father couldn’t influence him to be a professional cobbler, then he didn’t have any expectations for any kid to carry on his research when he was gone. 

I do think adoption would be the best option for them. But also consider the hilarity that would ensue at the Motherlobe. Coworkers are gossiping about the couple as usual, and then one day neither one of them shows up to work for like three weeks. Someone approaches Hollis about it and she just absentmindedly shares the news that they’re both on maternity/paternity leave. And the other agents are freaking out because “aw!!” but also having debates about their memories because they swore Milla didn’t look pregnant. I mean she’s been talking about “having a baby” for a few months but the math doesn’t add up, or does it? 

Meanwhile the agents that know Milla and Sasha super well are internally laughing their asses off. They knew the entire time that adoption was the plan. And even before they joked about how Milla was referring to her future child as her “baby” regardless of what age the child was. 

Milla has an album of photos of her kid, her and occasionally Sasha when she can both steal the camera away and catch a cute moment of him and their kid. He took her request of being a cameraman very seriously, and he’s pretty good at it! One of her favorite photos is one of him and their child dozing off on their couch, captioned “my darlings!”

[bluiex]

Okay AU idea:

When he was a child, Grian found a portal to a fantasy world with you know. Magic and stuff.

He had his saving the world adventure.

And then his portal back to the mundane world broke. He spent his teenage years up to his ears in fantasy stories trying to find a clue how to get back to the place he felt more at home in than his 'real home'.

And now he's an adult. He's very dissatisfied with life.

He's about given up hope of actually finding a way back but he hasn't stopped looking.

And it works. It works! And he goes through the portal and he's in this magical world again.

He travels from city to city for a while. He actually managed to find several of the people he was adventuring with and make a life for himself here. He's... it's awful mundane actually, now that he's an adult, but this world and these people still feel like home. He didn't expect it to be the same as when he was a child, really.

He hasn't found one person in particular he missed.

When he asks his old friends they all have the same story, that Scar disappeared for good pretty soon after Grian himself did. (He wonders if he was responsible. They had an argument about Grian going back that last time)

There is However, new political drama going on. Not the same as when they were children, but the crown prince is a stubborn man apparently.

So Grian and his friends manage to finagle their way into invites to a royal event (because come on, they've got to find out more, Grian is so curious about the royal family that replaced the evil whatever he vanquished all those years ago)

.... the crown prince is Scar.

Grian points this out to the others who are all like "nah, I don't see it. That can't be Scar."

Grian gets to dance with Scar - Scar is beautiful now, what the hell - and they have a very civil conversation all the way up until Scar figures out that Grian is, well, Grian.

He's a little miffed to see Grian, in all honesty.

--

"I thought you were going home."

"I did." Grian said, "I don't even know where to start."

Scar said nothing, waiting for Grian to speak.

"I wanted both. This world and the one I come from. I thought that portal would be open forever." Grian said.

"And then you left."

"It closed. Behind me. I couldn't come back. I wanted to. God - I wanted to. I missed you so much."

Scar pulled them to a quiet corner, out the way, but still didn't respond to Grian.

"I searched. I kept searching, even when I stopped... even when I stopped believing I could, when I thought I would never get back."

"... I missed you too."

(Insert politics and court plot and stuff and Grian and Scar growing closer)

One quiet night they sat together on a balcony.

"I think I'm in love with you." Grian said.

"I know I'm in love with you. I have been since we were children."

"I never should have left. I'm sorry."

"You're home now." Scar laced his fingers with Grian's. "And you're never leaving." He phrased it like a question. Doubt seeping in.

And part of Grian thinks that it wasn't the world he was so desperate to get back to. His home was always Scar. "I'm home. There's nowhere I'd rather be."

--

-@scitties-enjoyer

His home was Scar *sobbing into my pillow* I LOVE THIS SO MUUUUCH

I can only just imagine the stuff Scar has to deal with- like imagine the court trying to kill him because they all firmly believe Scar will not be a good king. Grian manages to catch a whiff of this at a ball Scar invited him and their friends too. As Scar was about to take a sip of the wine, Grian sprints over to him and smacks it out of his hand, saying they were goin to poison him. (this is when a lot of things go south and tensions become high) But we do tget that happy ending quq

[thecoffeelorian]

Kiss Me, Captain (1)

Title:  Kiss Me, Captain

Chapter Title:  The Challenge

Word Count:  1,550 words

Brief Description: Captain Howzer x Female Reader, Captain Howzer x Chandrilan Reader (Singular Love Interest)

Synopsis:  When your father declares there will be no marriages for your younger sister until you yourself are wedded first, you assume that’s his way of keeping her single forever.  Little do you know, you just might be about to go on the first real adventure of your life...and, more curiously, you might not be going alone.  (Slightly inspired by W. Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”.)

AO3:  Click Here

Tags:  @angrypaperearthquake-tbbb-main @afuckinnerfpuncher​ @anxiouspineapple99 @burningfieldof-clover @freesia-writes 

They're at it again. The same two young men who have been coming here for the past three rotations, and all because they want nothing more than a moment alone with your baby sister, if not she also with one of them.  That's the vibe you get as you slip past them and their entreaties, through the long corridor, and up the somewhat longer staircase leading to the upper floor of your home for some much-needed privacy.  Thankfully, they've decided to ignore your presence so far, because otherwise, you would be stuck down there having to deal with their whining and their begging about Briana.

Not that they're really all that interested in "Brainy Bri" in the first place, but of course, that's the last thing on your mind now. You've got bigger plans to deal with, or so you keep telling yourself before you get spotted by someone else within.  In fact, at twenty years of age, you thought you might have finally found your way off of a planet that holds no more warmth for you.  

Your mother had finally left this world after three months in an end-of-life facility, but only close behind five years of dealing with the terminal illness that came with creating and testing ion cannons. Sometimes you can still see her face in your memory from time to time, provided you close your eyes and concentrate first.  Sometimes you also fear becoming just like her if you end up staying on this planet rather than leaving.  In any case, though, if you were to suddenly disappear, she wouldn't be around to try and convince you to return.

Your father, subsequently, had ceased to be able to look you in the face, no doubt because you reminded him of the woman he had so recently lost, as well as the responsibilities that came with being a widower.  The least of which, seemingly, had been paying off a few key debts in order to guarantee none of you would have to beg for your next meal...or so he told you.  He would probably not pay your disappearance much attention, either, all thanks to his current...'projects'.

And as for your younger sister, she certainly could have cared less about you even if a Sarlacc swallowed you tomorrow.  Thanks to the usual tenets of your shared Chalindran culture, Briana's upbringing and quiet demeanor has all but handed her a gleaming marriage proposal on a silver serving tray.  Your mother's funeral was the very first place you had spotted her future suitors, the first being the only son of an Admiral; the second, the firstborn son of a Senator from the Mid Rim.  Either one would be more than acceptable in the girl's eyes as well as Father's, for not only had she grown past the minimum age of fifteen cycles, she was also just so eager to please whatever young fellow crossed her path.

(How disgusting.)

She was quite the opposite of you, perhaps, considering you had begun turning away from your lone surviving parent and eligible bachelors in general at almost the exact same time, as well as letting them know exactly what was on your mind the moment they began pushing for a 'meeting'. Maybe even a little too strongly at times, like...the time a few of your old crystal figurines had just happened to be let loose against your bedroom wall after that young doctor from Coruscant tried to offer you a drink at lunch.

(At least one Chandrilan doctor had thought themselves smart enough to eradicate your mother's cancer.  Turns out, the cancer begged to differ.)

The second time, the silk collector from Naboo had found himself introduced to your carved wooden bench the moment he had offered to buy your late mother's gowns at half the price she had originally paid for them.  Needless to say, he ended up with nothing in either sense.

(Probably a good thing, considering she had promised some of them to you before she'd gone.)

The third time, however, had been the one that got every Chandrilan within hearing range looking at you sideways from that rotation forward, if not also leaving you a wide berth whenever you left the safety of your house and surrounding green.  That had been the same day your father let it slip that he'd applied you to the University of Coruscant without your knowledge or, for that matter, your consent.  That had also been the same day that your grief and resentment of the past few months finally bubbled out of you, leading you to reveal not only your own applications to the universities of Naboo, Alderaan, and Pantora in that precise order, but also the long-awaited acceptance letter from Naboo with the Queen's own stamp of approval attached.  

And so, after that great argument in which you accused your father of keeping you on too tight a leash, you yourself were accused of the worst ingratitude ever befitting a daughter, and half of your best crystal service ended up shattered upon the ground...you had spent the following three weeks planning your escape.

This will be the same escape where, as long as you gather up all the credits left over from your weekly allowances and sneak out unnoticed, you'll eventually make it out of Chandrila's space ports and get yourself on your way to Theed.

Lucky for you, you've already made a skill out of sneaking off the grounds, so one more trip beyond your father's fences should be the easiest thing ever.

This is what brings you tiptoeing back down the stairs just as the boys are arguing with Father himself, no doubt ready to interrogate him on just why he's decided to keep Briana on the same short leash as you are.  Heh.  The poor little lost puppies, begging for a treat from their master. Their sad eyes certainly match those of hungry baby mastiffs, all right,  or so you think as you draw nearer to the gate.

It's here that Father decides to liven up the competition between these two, or so it sounds to you as you slip past the three of them.

"...Yes, gentlemen, I do insist.  There will be no meetings, betrothals, or anything of the sort with Briana until a husband is found for Y/N!"

A husband.  Ha. Small chance of that happening, if not at all, you think, barely registering the groans and protests of the younger boys in the distance.  You've managed to scare most of your prospects off with your brilliant disposition alone, give or take a few damaged articles of furniture.  Not that you're complaining, of course.  If anything, it just makes leaving home a lot easier.

"So, since both of you can't get engaged to Briana, perhaps one of you would be willing to introduce yourself to Y/N instead...?"

That's not going to happen any time soon, either, if the blatant denials you hear right before you slip outside tell you anything.  

Apparently, at least one of them has already claimed that you're far too dangerous to even say hello to, let alone attempt to flirt with or even court.  That's perfectly fine with you, though, because neither one of them ever showed enough kriffing intellect to pique your interest, let alone any noticeable kindness, or courage, or willingness to try and deal with the social ills evident in your part of the galaxy.  And even if they did, it would take a lot more than a pretty face, a large bank account, and just the right amount of moral teachings to convince you to give any of them a second look.  

So, as you lift the hood of your poncho into place and throw the strap of your traveling bag over one shoulder, you can't help but observe that any quick fix your father hoped to arrange today will evaporate the moment he, Briana, or either one of those suitors end up finding you missing...but only if they catch you first.

Which, of course, you don't plan on allowing to happen.  

No, you've planned everything down to the last detail, beginning with your silent ascent into your room to gather up your supplies and then ending the moment you make use of the nearest garren tree to climb successfully over the fence, finally landing quietly upon the ground outside. Neither your family nor any of your household staff have suspected a thing, and even if one of them managed to catch a glimpse of you, you've already sworn them to secrecy from your father and sister alike.

This brings a smug grin to your face as you begin your walk down to the space port, your credits and passport safe inside your bag as you go along.  He's not going to decide your future any more, and she can flirt with her suitors as much as she wants without flaunting it in your face.  

You, on the other hand, will be enjoying your first breath of Naboo air long before they ever manage to locate you, and probably enjoying the grand tour of the university campus besides.

Or, at least...that's the last thought on your mind, right before a pair of dark, probing eyes suddenly find their way to yours.

[thisrabbitiskindofdumb]

Samurai Rabbit - Chronicles of Usagi

A03 link here

Chapter 2 / ?

Words: 3349

chp. 1

Neo Edo

Yuichi cheers as he races down the old beaten path, the wind through his face, the speed he gains as he rushes down a steep hill.

This is great! He can do whatever he wants! He doesn't have to worry about Auntie, he doesn’t have to worry about the farm! All he has to worry about is himself and Spot! 

And Spot was leaning out of his basket trying to catch bugs as they rushed past the motorbike so super easy, “I don't know how well that will work out for you buddy,” Yuichi chuckles a bit as Spot fails to catch another bug, pouts a bit, and lays down in his basket, making a big show of how upset he is. Yuichi sighs and pulls a small treat out of his pocket, putting it into Spot's basket, laughing at how quickly the tokage lights up again.

He drives for a few hours, making stops periodically to stretch his legs and to let Spot run around a bit. During these breaks he pulls out his journal; It’s a nice way to pass the time, writing about the adventure he's been on or drawing what he’s seen so far. ( Spot is actually making a good drawing right now, sitting peacefully next to a small patch of flowers, the last of the sun making it through the trees and shining down onto him. )

But other than that, there isn't a lot to do yet, just drive, follow the path, look at the forest around him, wonder if this is actually the right thing to do, think about what auntie is going to do without him, about the friends and family he’s leaving behind in the country-

Yuichi shakes his head, no use thinking of that now, he's too far into this to leave. Not to mention the shame he would feel if he turned back now, having to look at his aunt's angry face. He shakes his head ( again ) and loads up Spot one more time and puts his bag back into the back compartment and starts the bike back up, and drives along the path once more.

The sun is fully set when he comes to a cliff face. 

And it is beautiful .

The city was bright- bright enough for Yuichi to cast a shadow behind him, spotlights rocking back and forth into the air, trying to attract as many patrons into their establishment. Buildings on buildings, skywalks, air ships, blimps, cars zooming and zipping from place to place, the colors of a grand entryway just calling out to Yuichi, begging him to go through and enter this beautiful city.

“Neo Edo…”

He jumped in place a bit, his excitement clear as he raced the rest of the way down the path. He was only about, what? 20? 30 minutes away from his new life? His new friends? His new world!

And watching that path slowly turn into a road and the buildings of the city grow and grow, it only pushed him to go faster.

( Maayyybe that 20 or 30 minute estimate turned into more of a 10-15 minutes because he got so fast but who's to say for sure? )

He drove through the gate, marveling at the city around him. People are walking through town, buying things from vendors along the street, walking into restaurants, busy people looking very busy as they sped to their next busy thing to do.

“We made it Spot, Neo Edo!”

He keeps rolling down the street, taking in everything around him.  The buildings are so tall here, it made him dizzy looking at the top of some of them. Not the ideal when driving a bike.

When he looks back down, he sees some people give Yuichi odd looks but he chalks it up to him being new in town. How many new people can a big city like this actually get?

The steam cycle flares up a bit, he gets rushed forward and Yuichi has to lift the front tire so that he doesn't lose control of the whole bike, “haha, looks like the bike is excited to be here too, huh buddy?”

He continues to drive forward, passing a small shop. He wants to stop and look around but the lights above the door start flickering a bit and the people in front of it give him a dirty look. Yuichi quickly looks away and drives past. That shop doesn't look like the best place to make a first stop.

“Oookay well, let’s find-”

“BREAKING NEWS. DANGEROUS CRIMINAL WARIMASHI ESCAPED PRISON 42 HOURS AGO. A REWARD FOR 50,000 GEMS IS BEING OFFERED UPON HIS CAPTURE.” 

Yuichi stared in awe, “Look spot! A Newsbotto! These things would show up at the farmers markets on the weekends!”

“WARIMASHI IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS! PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE! CALL THE AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY UPON SIGHTING! PLEASE DO NOT ENGAGE! CALL THE AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY UPON SIGHTING!”

“Hey, I bet that would be a good way to make a name for myself! First day in town and I take down a bad guy?”

Yuichi walks up to a group of thugs. The leader, a large tank of a pig, looks up at him.

“Well, well, well, what do we have here? It's that faaaaamous samurai everyones been talking about.”

“Your days of terrorizing the people of Neo Edo are over, Warimashi. And I will be the one to take. you. down.”

“Oh please! Like you could do anything. You're nothing but some farm boy.”

“D0 not underestimate me, criminal, I am very strong.”

“Well see how strong you are when we cut you down like a farmbotto harvesting broccoli!”

“Your farm metaphors mean nothing to me! It is time to fight!”

Yuichi kicks the pig, knocking him out instantly. He then punches the dog running at him and makes them go flying. 

He punches, he kicks, he flips and spins and fights until all of the thugs are in a pile beneath him.

“I am victorious. And now I will become a Kaikishi warrior!” 

The ki-stone is shown before him, the yellow stone, intricate with its carvings, floats before him and just about Yuichi touches the stone he-

“Hey kid! Watch the road!” Yuichi blinks back into Neo Edo, not being granted the power of the Ki-Stone, but at a stoplight and someone yelling behind him and he rushes forward.

“Why don't we go ask around about this Warimashi guy?”

Spot looks at him and tilts his head, he makes a noise and yawns, shaking his head out before hopping out of his basket.

“See that’s the spirit! But uh, we can’t just leave the steam bike lying around. Maybe there's a place to park it for the night?”

Yuichi Goes up to one of the stands on the corner of the street, the man running it sits on a stool, reading a book with someone dressed in very fancy clothing and a funny looking hat on the cover, and is selling a small assortment of vegetables on raised platforms.

“Hello! I'm new in town and looking for-”

“Follow the street for three more blocks, take a left, two blocks and then you’ll see a big  set of stairs. go up there and you'll find the Kaikishi Temple. Do you want any vegetables for the trip or are you going to keep bothering me?”

“I've barely said any-

“Look kid, I don't have time to..” the vendor finally looks up from his book, and takes a long hard look at Yuichi. “to… uh. What did you say your name was again?”

“Oh, I didn't get a chance to say my name, sorry. But I am Usagi Yuichi. I just got to Neo Edo and-”

“right right right, alright. uh. thanks kid but you might want to get going. I don't need any trouble.”

Trouble? Why would there be any trouble? He just needed to park his bike somewhere for the night. “I’m not looking for any trouble I’m just-”

“Look kid, I don't care what you're looking for, just get outta here. Don't need anything happening to my shop.”

“Uuh alright. Well, have a good night? And thank you?”

As he turned around and made his way back to the bike, Spot jumped onto his shoulders, settling down and glaring at the vendor.

“Come on spot, I doubt everyone in neo edo is that rude. We just found a bad egg, that’s all. Let's go find this temple he was talking about.”

--

This first night was not going as planned. 

He had gotten lost, that on its own was no big deal; He figured he could ask for some directions and get back on track. No problems!

But apparently the vendor was not “just one bad egg.” So far everyone has been either ignoring him, assuming he’s mugging them, or trying to pick a fight with him.  The worst of it was when he tried to ask an older lady for directions and she hit him over the head with her purse. 

However, after many circles and trying to read many maps, Yuichi was able to make it to a big gate leading to a huge set of stairs, at the top is whrer the temple sat, huge even when looking at it from the bottom of the hill.“Wooahh.. Maybe there's someone in there who can help me! And they won't hit me over the head!”

Yuichi parks his bike off to the side and walks up to the plaque at the bottom of the stairs, he reads ‘The Kaikishi Temple, home and shelter to the Ki-stone and its worriers for many generations. The Ki-stone provides energy to the city of Neo Edo. Please be respectful when walking through these ancient halls.’

“Woah, wait, this is the place where the Kaikishi warriors lived? How did I not know they lived in the temple? Awesome!” Yuichi runs up the many, many, many stairs and once he is finally at the top ( really who needs that many stairs? ), he falls and rests in the courtyard- the couple benches placed at the top of the stairs were very convenient for that. He looked around, the stone path had intricate designs layed out, flowing together to make a path following straight to the temple stairs. Soft plush moss grows throughout the whole courtyard, making the reds and golds on the temple seem grand and important.

The temple itself was beautiful. The intricate decorations on the walls, looking like different crystals spinning and shining, all surrounded by butterflies, clouds and animals. The mountain behind it creates natural walls, providing a sense of protection around an important and sacred place. Yuichi feels intimidated by the building, but he doesn't have other options at the moment so he walks up the stairs.

Walking into the ancient building, he feels.. energized? The walls inside are just as grand and intricate, the lights on the walls giving an orange glow to everything making the old wood seem soft and inviting, welcoming to anyone who walks through the door.

..But then why does he have goosebumps?

“Uh. Hello? My name is Usagi Yuichi. I'm looking for a place to stay tonight? Anyone?”

Spot is looking around from place to place, but keeping close to Yuichi. He’s thankful for that, he doesn't want Spot knocking something over. 

This place feels.. Really important.

Wandering around the halls, he comes across a big shiny, and slightly ajar, door down a hallway. The mountain and what used to be the surrounding area carved into it, taking great care to show even the tiniest detail of the scenery. The walls leading up to it are decorated with candles and paintings, what looks like to be the warriors that had protected the ki-stone.

“woooaaahh.. can you believe this spot? These must have been important worriers.” and as he comes closer to the door, Yuichi hears a soft humming coming from the big and fancy door. 

So he creeps closer, Yuichi makes sure to be extra quiet, not wanting to startle whoever is inside. He sees a purple light coming from the door, he puts his hand up to it and peers in-

“Who are you and what do you think you are doing here?”

Yuichi jumps back and toootally doesn't scream, no that would be silly. He's a big tough soon-to-be-samurai who doesn't get scared so easily. He spins around and is met with a blade almost hitting his face.

“Woah! hello! hi! Yes, I am! I mean uh- Hello! I am Usagi Yuichi, this is my tokage, Spot, and I was trying to look into the big fancy door you've got here.” he put his hands up, trying to put on his best ‘i promise i'm not doing anything bad i'm just here’ face.

He looks at the rest of the weapon, the blade coming out of the pole and realizes that he knows what this is, “Woah wait! Is this a naginata? These things are so cool! You have a fancy one too, wow. Love the color, looks like you have a red theme going on, personally I like blue more. Hey, who trained you how to use this? I only know so much, I was more trained on a sword but I know a little bit- anyways, I’m looking for a sensei right now because I want to be a great samurai one day but I don't really know where or how to find one but maybe-”

“ENOUGH. Wow you talk a lot.” she looks dumbfounded for a moment, shocked that someone can talk that long without pausing to take a breath. “What are you doing here-''  Yuichi was about to answer but before he could she interrupted him, “-In the Kaikishi Temple. I don't care about your whole life story.”

“OH. well, I first drove into town I-” 

“TEN. words or less please. I don’t have all night.”

Yuichi frowned and paused, using his hands to count his words as he said, “I. need. to. find. some. where. for. me. and. Spot. to. sleep. Shoot, that's more than ten words. Can- can I try again? I can think of a better sentence. Here, I-”

“NO. no I get what you are saying, but if that's true then why did you come here and not to one of the Inns in town?” she brought the blade closer to his throat, “why are you really here?”

He was about to answer (an answer that shows he's totally not scared or anything), but a voice cuts her off, “Chizu, who is our guest here?”

“Tetsujin!” She spins around and stands up quickly, she has an odd mixture of worry and relife on her face, “I was just trying to see who this was. He just walked into the temple and almost just waltzed right into the ki-stone’s chambers and-”

“Wait, your name is Chizu?! That's the same name as a former leader of the neko ninja! A pretty infamous one too, she did a lot of things for the clan.”

At this, Chizu's shoulders raise and the grip on her naginata becomes tighter. “Haha.. who? I don't think I’ve ever heard that before. Besides, I'm nothing like the neko ninja; They are cold and heartless people.”

“Ooo. touchy subject. My bad..” The hallway became a bit awkward after this. Usagi suddenly realized that he was in a room with strangers, one holding a weapon and he still had his bike parked outside. “Oookay. Well, um. My name is Usagi Yuichi. I came to Neo Edo to learn to be a great samurai, but I kinda forgot that I needed a place to sleep. Is there anywhere I can do that? You mentioned that there are some Inns around here?”

With that, the old bear- Tetsujin- spoke up, “you might have some trouble finding anywhere to stay looking the way you do, Chizu, will you set up a place for him to sleep for the night?”

“Here? At the temple? Sir, are you sure? I mean.. you know the old stories, is this really a good idea?”

“Sure, I know you protect these halls well. You can take care of him if anything happens."He puts a caring hand on her shoulder and gives her a smile, a bit odd when they are talking about “taking care” of Usagi but..

 Chizu is hesitant, but eventually gives in. She only nods and starts walking back down the hall. “Fine. Let's go rabbit.”

Yuichi was confused - and a little offended for a second - on why they thought he would cause trouble, buuutt, he just kind of walked in after dark and looked into the biggest fanciest door without even knowing if anyone was hooommee.. So. he doesn't mention anything and just thanks Tetsujin before following Chizu.

They walked for a while, going down different halls and passing more and more cool things. There are paintings and pottery, murals stained into the wood, tapestries hung from the ceiling. Yuichi tried starting conversations with Chizu, asking what this and that and the other thing is- what they are showing, talking about the yokai he saw and knew about - but he didn't find much luck; she was cold and closed off, and after a few minutes he finally just gave up.

They eventually get to a hallway with many doors and she stops in front of one near the back, Chizu suddenly turning around and getting close to Usagi and jabbing a finger to his chest. “Listen here, I don't know what you're really here for, but if I find anything- and I mean anything - outside of this room out of place in the morning, I will tear your ears off your head. Don't test me rabbit.” and with that, she opened a door and gestured to him to get inside.

“Sound good, hear you loud and clear. Nothing outside this room will be touched! Won't even look into the hall!” he inched his way into the room and gave a big, nervous smile.

“Good. I will bring your belongings up shortly and park your bike with the others. See to it that your tokage doesn't make a mess either.” and she borderline slams the door closed.

And true to her word, about an hour later she delivered the things in his bike to his room, along with some food and water for him and spot. He thanked Chizu and wished her a good night's rest.

Yuichi gave Spot his portion and started eating his own, “Well spot, this isn't how I thought my first night in Neo Edo would go but.. I don't know, I'm still excited, maybe we can finally start looking for that Warimashi guy? Actually start getting this samurai thing started yeah?”

Spot looked up at him, making a small noise, and went back to eating. Yuichi laughed, started journaling and went to bed for the night.

[dragonologist-phd]

Owlcatober Day 5 - Family

The Primm sisters say goodbye. Years later, they say hello again.

also on ao3

Rosemary dangles her feet off the edge of her bed, arms crossed, pouting up a storm. At fourteen years of age, she’s faintly aware that she’s too old to be pouting, but she can’t help it. Not when her older sister sits on the floor of their shared room, happily packing for her big adventure.

“It’s gonna be so boring without you here,” Rosemary grumbles as she picks at the frayed threads on her sleeve. She can’t even look at Myrcelle right now, the traitor.

“No, it won’t,” the traitor replies.

“Yes, it will. You’re leaving me with Callum.”

Myrcelle laughs, which just makes Rosemary feel worse. With her sister gone, who’s going to help her make fun of their stick-in-the-mud older brother?

“It won’t be long. You’ll be off to the temple in Daggermark by spring.”

“If they accept me. They only take a few new acolytes each year.”

“Of course they’ll accept you,” Myrcelle says with firm conviction. She leaves her packing behind for a moment and sits beside Rosemary on the bed, mussing her hair until the younger sister swats her hand away. “When has anyone met you and not loved you? You’ll see. You’ll be living it up in Daggermark in no time, and it’ll be great.”

It’s hard to argue with Myrcelle when she sounds so certain, and Rosemary can’t deny that the temple in the big city sounds interesting. More interesting, at least, than being stuck here in the tiny village she’s called home all her life. She’s been told she can learn art and music and even magic at the temple, and she admits she’s intrigued. She’s never had the head for potions and firebombs like Myrcelle and Papa, but she wants to be good at something.

Still, that’s not the point.

“I won’t know anyone there,” she says, and she lets herself fall against her sister, circling her arms around her as if she could keep them both rooted to their childhood home. “I wish I could go with you.”

Myrcelle returns the hug, and she kisses the top of Rosemary’s head. “I know. I’d sneak you away in my pack if I could, but Mama and Papa would kill me.”

She’s a rotten liar. Myrcelle has been nothing but excited for her departure, and she’s been talking about it for ages to anyone who will listen. It’s her big adventure, and even Rosemary knows she wouldn’t want her baby sister tagging along.

“I’ll send you letters all the time, Rosie. Promise,” Myrcelle says gently. “And you do the same, okay? You need anything and I’ll be back in a flash, no matter how far away I am.”

Rosemary pouts again, hating how childish she sounds when she asks, “Cross your heart?”

“Cross my heart.”

Myrcelle takes her leave of the little village two days later, off to wander and travel the world and find her fortune. It’s nearly a year later that Rosemary leaves, off to the temple to receive a cleric’s education. Promises are half-kept, and letters are sent that are full of half-truths. A few visits are made, but those dwindle in frequency as Myrcelle’s travels take her further away and Rosemary graduates from acolyte to a priestess in her own right. Each sister has her own path to walk, and those paths do not often intersect. By the time Rosemary disappears into an adventure of her own, the sisters have not seen each other for years.

The portal shimmers and flares, fighting to wink out of existence. Mercury prays to whatever gods are listening as she fights back, using every scrap of knowledge she picked up from the House at the Edge of Time.

Magic isn’t her forte, but at the end of the day, it follows the same basic principles as science. Mercury is a good scientist. She’s got plenty of motivation. She’s got firsthand knowledge straight from the planes of the fey.

And if she can’t finesse this portal into working, she’s going to blow it to smithereens until she blasts a hole straight through the planes.

Maegar Varn stands behind her, gripping his sword. A sword won’t do much against the portal, but he’d insisted on being here…and Mercury can begrudgingly admit that he’s earned that right. He’s given everything for this- every resource, every moment of his time for the last three years- and it’s almost enough to make Mercury forgive him for letting this happen in the first place.

Almost. He’s a good man, Mercury knows this, but she can’t even consider actual forgiveness until she knows her sister is safe.

A flash of light explodes from the portal, and cries fill the air as finally, finally, a figure appears and stumbles out.

“Rosie!”

“Rose!”

Mercury darts forward, and Varn has the good sense to stay back as she catches the woman before she hits the ground. Her eyes flutter open, her brow knitting in confusion as she takes in the scene. “Myrcelle? What…?”

Fey can be tricky, but Mercury’s family are the only ones who ever call her ‘Myrcelle’ anymore.

Rosemary is back.

Tears run down Mercury’s face as she clings close to her sister. Varn has fallen to his knees behind her, and Mercury can hear him crying, too.

Rosemary is still faint from shock, but slowly, she returns Mercury’s tight embrace. Her hands are scarred and bloody, Mercury notes, both other than that…she’s okay.

“Are you really here?” Rosemary murmurs, and Mercury hugs her tighter.

“I’m here, and you’re safe. I’ve got you. I promise.”

[dannyphantom-justiceleauge]

Transformation AU: On the matter of vampires, what if the non-ghost half of Vlad actually turned out to be a Lugat? Like, he was originally human, but when the accident happened, he came back to life as a half-Lugat, half-ghost to pursue Maddie. It would also make sense if he had Strigoi ancestry because they are known for draining wealth instead of blood. I imagine that Vlad actually never knew he was vampiric, just chalking it up to ghostliness, so when he dies figure it out, he sets out on learning to use & master whatever powers comes with it.

on the one hand, it fits. especially the bit about trying to lure women and children to him. on the other hand bringing him into the monster genre makes him more tuckers things and they don't really have a relationship outside of danny. and while i can see the potential of vlad getting more powers so he can match the scale that danny is reaching...

i personally prefer him just being a human loser. i feel in part it works better with his character and honestly i don't like writing off his bad qualities, such as his obsession with maddie and danny, as a monster thing. yes we have ghost obsessions, but that has more ground work and in general i see vlad's obsession as a 'i want the things i can't have' more than anything specific. he's a fascinating character. his psychology has a logic behind it, and for all his crime and evil he's presented as a pathetic loser who can't get over a girl and is spending his time fighting a teenager.

giving him lore outside of his 'tragic backstory' gives him a mystique that i don't think he really deserves. while everyone else in the spook squad can claim their involvements in the other worlds have made their lives more complicated, i feel vlad would just use having monster blood as an excuse to be more shitty, and use the extra powers to make things worse for everyone. he wouldn't care about the cultures or lives he's effecting by abusing his powers or interacting with other creatures. he's just continue being a pathetic jerk but with extra powers.

i think it'd be far more interesting for vlad as just a plain old human, (cosplaying a vampire because he's a nerd and thinks they're scary looking) to recognize that danny is leaving him behind power wise. he can't keep up with the king of the ghosts. danny has started to see him as more of a nuisance than a threat, because he's been dealing with bigger and bigger issues and ghosts. he's busy, and on top of that he's seeing theirs a lot more to the world than just his parents and their lame friends. he's going deeper into the ghost zone, he's going further away from amity and meeting creatures from all walks of life. he's growing up and vlad, as someone explicitly someone stuck in the past, hates that.

he hates being left behind. he hates that danny is more powerful than him. he hates that he's no longer a threat. and so rather than provide him power ups by having it be something he's born with, i want him to actively seek out artifacts and ways to become more powerful. and in the process probably step on the toes of a lot of other magical creatures. yes this makes him similar to creepshow in some ways, but that just means there's a potential nasty team up between them. it means he's more motivated to be involved in the various shenanigans the spook squad get up to. it means he continues to be a problem, but it doesn't take away from his character. it runs with it.

there's also just something inherently pathetic and a bit funny about this adult man watching the kids he know go on to greater and more important magical adventures, and saying NO! i want my own magical adventure! i am following these literal children into their magic worlds! like bro get a life- Hestia

[surprisingmarch]

Santa Headcanons

==================================

🎅Every Christmas day after Santa has delivered all the presents to the good girls and boys, he takes some sacks of toys to charities all around the world. He refuses to let children be alone and afraid in this world and even if he can't help them personally, he will bring toys to help soothe them and to give them at least a little bit of comfort. He hopes that it will give them the hope and determination to keep on going and teach them to be kind to others.

🎅If Santa sees a homeless child and can’t take them to a homeless shelter or find a home for them he will either bring them a thick warm blanket, some warm cookies straight from the workshop's bakery, and whatever toy they desire or he may just adopt them and bring them to the North Pole with him.

🎅Santa tends to be quite adventurous as you've probably noticed. He's willing to test any new invention and loves trying new things. Whether the new things are food related or a style of clothing he's up for it.

🎅Speaking of new style of clothing, Santa wore a bullfighter version of his suit one year, the kids that seen him definitely won't forget, it was a sight to see. Just because he's older doesn't mean he’s lost his quirky charm. He likes spicing it up every now and then.

🎅Santa as you know has a huge sweet tooth, his favourite cookies are white chocolate macadamia nut, chocolate chip (a perfect classic in his words), peanut butter, ginger bread shortbread, snicker doodle, and one year a little girl and her parents baked him some s'mores cookies and that made his top 5. Those were the best s'mores cookies he ever had.

🎅Santa likes to take rides around the North Pole to get some fresh air and see if anything has changed. (It probably hasn't as it's basically a giant snow desert but it's worth a shot)

🎅It was Santa's idea to add the Toy Tester job in the shops, it was practical and also gave an idea of what toys will work best. Occasionally you can see Santa sitting in the floor playing with the younger elves, they love it when he plays with them. Sometimes he even races toy cars with them. It's very wholesome. That old crick in his back isn't going to stop him from making others happy and having fun, no siree.

🎅Santa is known for his determination, he never gives up on what he feels is right. And he won't give up on people either. He believes even the most stubborn people can change for the better. he believes if you show them enough kindness and give them hope, it can change a person's life. Of course, he has changed people's lives, he has proof people can change. And even though he is aware some people you should just leave alone, that might not stop him. Santa hates giving up on people. He truly is a caring and generous person, and nothing will ever change that.

🎅☃️The Winter Warlock and Santa still talk regularly, he comes over for tea once a month. They catch up and tell stories, and Winter always wants to look around the shops and look at the new toys. Sometimes Winter will help out a little if he feels like it and he plays with the elves from time to time. They look at him with puppy eyes and beg him to play, puppy eyes are his weakness and they know this.

🎅Santa can sketch very well, most people never even realize that he can sketch but if you look around the toy concept area you can find a few designs with a distinct art style.  Those are some sketches he’s snuck in to be approved. The head elves kept nagging him about him working too hard for his old age so now he just sneakily adds ideas and builds  toys in his office. He’s almost gotten caught a few times but he’s managed to hide the toys under his desk before the elves could catch him. Mrs. Claus knows for a fact that  he's still making toys, she doesn't even need to see it she just knows him that well. Not that she cares, she also still pitches in behind the scenes.

🎅Santa does in fact dress up for Halloween. Usually Him and Mrs. Claus are matching in some way. One year they dressed up as cowboy and cowgirl skeletons and the next they were dressed as a cup of apple sauce and a porkchop. Most costumes are usually random and they just decide they want to wear a specific thing and they go for it.

🎅Santa and Mrs. Claus go out for rides on the sleigh every week some where around Friday or Saturday. Sometimes they ride both days it just depends on how bored they are and what they’re up to.

==================================

[seconds-not-decades]

Time and Oblivion

Pairing: Five Hargreeves x Fem! OC

Author's Note: Hello and welcome. This is my long-awaited season three fic and I will be posting daily.

Warnings: Season 3 spoilers, and cursing.

Previous | Next

Marigold

~ * ~

On the 12th hour of the first day of October 1989, 16 women around the world gave birth. This was unusual only in the fact that none of these women had been pregnant when the day first began. Sir Reginald Hargreeves, eccentric billionaire and adventurer, resolved to locate and adopt as many of the children as possible.

He got seven of them.

~ * ~

Pogo lit a cigarette, observing the couple thoughtfully. "I don't tattoo children."

"Swell, we're not here for the ink. We're here because you, Rina, and I have a mutual friend," Five replied. "Sir Reginald Hargreeves."

Pogo sighed. "Whatever he wants, I'm not interested." He turned away to face his client.

"I don't think you understand," Five remarked. "I'm one of his children and Rina is his daughter-in-law. From another timeline."

That stopped Pogo. He looked up and turned to face them.

"Another timeline?" he laughed in slight disbelief, starting to leave.

"Five?" Karina shifted nervously as some bikers began to descend upon them.

"It's okay, I've got you, love of mine," he quietly assured her, pulling her close to his side. "As crazy as it sounds, you and I have met before," he loudly said to Pogo. "Back in 1963, when you were a diaper-wearing chimp in dire need of a manicure. I don't know if you remember, but I have a scar to prove it." He pulled down his shirt collar to reveal the side of his neck.

"If what you're saying is true, I'd be talking to a man and a woman well into their sixties," Pogo remarked. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I've had a very long day."

"Pogo, you need to listen to me," Five stepped forward but a man grabbed his shoulder.

"Time to go home to Mommy, lil guy," he said as the bikers circled around the two.

"Or what?" Five challenged.

"We'll keep the girl."

Five instantly grabbed Karina and blinked them out. They reappeared outside as he saw Pogo drive off into the night.

"Shit!" Five exclaimed. Then he saw a biker conveniently with two seats and went over to him. "Hey, we need your bike. It's an emergency."

"Think you have me confused with someone who gives a shit," the biker smirked.

"Give me the bike or else-" Five trailed off when the biker drove away. "Okay," he took Karina and blinked them out. Right when they reappeared on the bike, he kicked the other guy off. "Hold on!" he shouted, speeding off as Karina yelped, clinging to him for dear life.

~ * ~

It felt like forever riding down the country road when Five turned off, seeing an old trailer house tucked into the forest. A lady was sitting on a bench in front of it. Five and Karina got off of the bike, slowly going over.

"Can I help you two?" the woman asked.

"Need a word with Pogo," Five replied.

"Ain't no Pogo here, pumpkin."

"Okay," Five continued walking with Karina slowly and uncertainly trailing behind him.

The woman jumped to her feet defensively. "So I suggest you and your girl get your asses off my property before I call a truant officer."

Five shifted, glaring at her thoughtfully.

"It's okay, Tammy. Let them in," Pogo's voice came from inside the trailer.

Tammy reluctantly stepped aside, letting them go in front of her. They went into the trailer. Pogo was sitting at the table. He acknowledged for them to sit. Five let Karina slid in first and he sat down next to her, letting his hand rest on the small of her back comfortingly.

The two heard a pistol cock beneath the table and Five hoped to God it was aimed at him and not Karina.

Pogo glanced at Karina. "Your…husband…is either dumb or desperate. Which is it?"

"You tell me," Five slapped down the slab of skin for him.

Pogo sniffed and slowly picked it up. "That looks like my work, but I never did that tattoo."

"Not yet, you haven't," Five responded. "I cut it off my 100-year-old self."

"Ah, so desperate it is," Pogo glanced at Karina.

"With all due respect, Pogo, you would be too if you knew the entire universe were at stake," she returned.

Pogo sharply inhaled. "So it's happened." He de-cocked his pistol. "Hmm," he rummaged through a box. "Ah, here it is." He pulled out a book and handed it to Five. "Look familiar?"

Five put the tattooed flesh on the page, comparing it to the other drawings. Karina was studying them closely.

"Reggie was obsessed with these symbols. It's a sigil. A symbol thought to have magical powers," Pogo explained.

"Dad believed in science. Facts," Five corrected him. "I didn't respect much about the old man, but I respected that. Hoo-ha was not his thing."

"It's gotta have a rational meaning," Karina frowned, still looking at the drawings thoughtfully.

"I don't know, but he referred to it as Project Oblivion," Pogo returned.

Five looked up at him, remembering his older self saying something about Oblivion.

"Oblivion?" Karina repeated in concern.

Five leaned forward. "This project. We need to know more."

"It was a kamikaze mission," Pogo said. "He was preparing the Sparrow children with the expectation they might never return. That's why I gave the children those pills, to keep them safe from him."

"Well, my drսggie brother just got him sober," Five flatly announced.

"Go figure," Karina deadpanned.

"Then Project Oblivion is starting again, and you are all in danger," Pogo said. On that note, the three downed their glasses of liquor. He looked at Karina once more. "I presume you were not born with powers?"

She shook her head. "Fortunately and unfortunately not."

"Then you, especially, will need to be careful. He'll consider you a weak link if he finds out," he advised.

"Don't worry," Five spoke up protectively. "I won't let anything get to her."

"I surely hope not."

Five slowly got to his feet. "Then I should probably get that ink. Complete the loop."

"Are you sure, my doll?" Karina looked at him in concern.

"Oh, I don't think destiny cares whether I am or not, love of mine," Five slipped his suit jacket off.

"Bitch is cruel, ain't she?" Tammy put in, getting up to give him her seat.

Karina went back to looking at the book thoughtfully, wondering if somehow she could decipher the symbols and their meanings.

"Well then, let’s get started," Pogo said.

~ * ~

[crocwork-clockodile]

The Tale of Sir Gylbard

Another creative writing piece for class that I'm posting here! Unconnected to, but part of the same 'collection' as Don't Look Back and Chosen's Choice.

Dividers by @plum98

Sir Gylbard readjusted his seat in his saddle as he took stock of his supplies. Armour? Check. Sword? Check. Protective stones? Check. It occurred to him that he was not given any food or camping supplies. Knights were usually gone for days, weeks at a time when they went into the Forest on their adventures and quests, but they never seemed to take anything practical with them. They always came back in good enough health, so he guessed they never seemed to need any. Still, it might have been comforting to have a bedroll or a bag of rations, just in case.

“Getting ready for the big sendoff, are you?” The sudden voice startled Gylbard out of his thoughts. He turned around to see his cousin, Sir Parsefal sauntering towards him. He was taller than Gylbard, and a few years older; he had been knighted two years before, and Gylbard had spent nearly every day since fantasizing about becoming a knight and finally being able to adventure and slay beasts with Parsefal for real, like their fathers had before them. They had been attached at the hip for most of their childhoods, but when Parsefal turned old enough to be knighted, suddenly Gylbard saw less and less of him. That was also why today was so important. He would go on an Adventure, he would defeat a Trial, and he would return triumphant, proving to his cousin that he was no longer a childish hanger-on.

“The sendoff was always my least favourite part,” Gylbard said wryly. “It’s the return that’s interesting. Besides, I probably won’t even be gone that long before I return with a strange knight’s helm or a princess rescued, the steward will hardly have time to prepare for the homecoming party.” He hoped that Parsefal couldn’t see on his face that Gylbard’s insides had been twisting anxiously since he awoke at dawn.

“It’s an important part of the ritual,” Parsefal said, looking out to the line of trees beyond the court gates. “They won’t make such a fuss for the Adventures that come after. But this is your first, the one that makes you a full-fledged knight. It’s important, Gyl. Symbolic.”

Right. Symbolic. Gylbard stopped himself from scowling at the trees that made the edge of the Forest, where knights sallied forth to prove their prowess against… whatever lived in the strange half-light of the foliage and the wood. It did ease his mind a little that Parsefal had called him by the familiar nickname of their youth. He hadn’t heard it since his cousin was knighted.

He had looked forward to this his whole life, why did it now feel like the most terrifying thing in the world? Why did it feel worse that he knew it was impossible to delay?

Finally –and all too soon– the bell in the clocktower started tolling. Parsefal shot Gylbard his signature arrogantly sunny smile and clapped him on the forearm before turning away to take his place in the farewell procession. It gave Gylbard little comfort as the knot in his stomach tightened further. This was it. He had to go, leave the safety of the court behind and enter the unknown. He took a breath, steeled his resolve, and urged his horse onward towards the gates.

~*~*~

Sir Gylbard had been riding down a path through the Forest that was barely more than a game trail for a handful of hours that felt like an eternity. Time was hard to judge under the dark canopy of the woods, but he estimated that it must be around midday by now. He had not relaxed at all since sallying forth, and his horse was starting to pick up on it, tossing his head and several times picking up his gait to a trot. Still, no sign of a monster, a witch, or another knight. Not even one of those woodland chapels he had heard about from other knights. Was he doing this wrong? What was he even supposed to be looking for? Was his Adventure supposed to find him? None of the other knights, his father, uncle, cousin, even the old arms master who trained them, had told him how he was actually meant to start his first Adventure. Gylbard had simply assumed that once they entered the Forest, they were immediately beset by some peril or an innocent to rescue. What would happen when the sun went down? He had been travelling in a straight line, hadn’t he? But suddenly everything looked the same, and he wasn’t as sure he could make it home as he’d been when he left this morning.

A sudden rustle in the brush nearly made him jump out of his saddle. He stopped. Listened. It was bigger than a rabbit or most game animals, but quiet for its size. Then he heard the ring of metal slashing through air. A sword! Swords mean warriors, and warriors mean Adventure! At last! Wheeling his horse around and spurring him into a canter, he crashed through the greenery off the path towards the sounds of this new potential opponent. Approaching a small opening in the trees, he burst into a glade, coming upon a knight and great black horse.

“Aha!” Sir Gylbard cried, “Sir Knight! I am Sir Gylbard of Dannamore! I challenge you to a duel, that I might prove my mettle against you and return home with your helm!”

The knight said nothing, but seemed to size him up through his visor. His armor was the strangest Gylbard had ever seen. It was metal, naturally, but somehow the brightest green he had ever seen. The crest on the knight’s shield was one he had also never seen before –a bird surrounded by oak leaves. Nodding once, he swung himself into his horse’s saddle and brought the tip of his sword to point at Gylbard, accepting his challenge.

With a cry, Sir Gylbard charged, brandishing his sword and swinging it down to the green knight’s wrist. Too slow– the knight sidestepped his attack and slashed at Gylbard’s sword-hand. Thinking quickly, he blocked the blow with his own blade and struck again. Again, the knight deflected his attack. Another blow, another block, and the knight danced away from him, his steed delicately picking its way across the glade, never taking its eyes off Gylbard. Calculating, Gylbard looked for any potential points of weakness to attack next. Circling each other in the midday sun, Gylbard had an idea. Angling his shield up, he tried to catch the sunlight on its polished surface to blind his opponent and give himself an opening.

There! He saw the knight flinch as the sunlight caught him through his visor, and in that moment Gylbard struck, aiming for the knight’s neck. But the knight wheeled around suddenly and caught Gylbard’s sword with his own, and with a deft twist, wrenched it from his hand. Now disarmed, Gylbard had to think quickly to regain his weapon before—

But there was a good-natured chuckle coming from the metal helm of the green knight, now holding his sword to Gylbard’s neck.

“Well met, little knight,” the green knight said, not moving to kill Gylbard, but not removing his sword, either. “You fight well for one as green as my plate-mail. You come from Castle Dannamore, do you? It’s been an age since I met a knight on his first Adventure.” Dropping his shield, the knight pulled his visored helm off and shook out his long, dark hair.

Wait a minute.

The knight’s hair was long, and his face was fair, fairer than any man Gylbard had ever seen, though his nose was curved and sharp. And his voice had a certain feminine quality to it—

“You’re a woman!”

“Well spotted, boy.”

“But you can’t be a woman, you’re a knight!”

The knight laughed, a sharp, harsh sound. “The rules are different out here, boy-knight,” she said. Gylbard noticed she still had not removed the edge of her blade from his neck. “But you’re clearly fresh, full of potential. It would be a shame to kill you here. I am Dame Schryke, a knight pledged to the Fairy Queen Sabelina.”

“I am Sir Gylbard, as I said,” he murmured, trying to lean away from Dame Schryke’s blade as inconspicuously as possible. “You’re pledged to a Fairy Queen? Does that make you–”

“Yes, it does,” she said, firmly but gently pushing her blade back into his neck. Her knowing smirk only grew. “I am a fairy, and a knight. It is customary for the noblewomen of our court to take up arms.”

“Really? There are more fairy lady-knights?”

“The word is dames, young Gylbard.”

“Right, but there are more of you? Can I meet them?”

Dame Schryke considered for a moment. “Yes,” she said at length. “I think there may even have a place for you in Queen Sabelina’s court. You would be considered a full knight, and would want for nothing if you come join us. What do you say? Would you trade Dannamore for Sidhe?”

Gylbard hesitated. A full knight? He wouldn’t be able to claim that back in Dannamore without bringing back Dame Schryke’s head, or the body of some defeated beast. Being part of a coterie of women knights would take some getting used to, but they were fairies, so it was different. That would probably be all right. And she was an excellent fighter, maybe he could study with a fairy arms master? The lads back home would never believe this!

“There is but one condition,” Dame Schryke said, her tone turning serious, “you must keep our court a secret. You may never speak to anyone from outside the Forest about us or the home of Queen Sabelina, and if you return to your home, you will never find your way back to us.”

“Done!” Gylbard exclaimed. “I’ll come back with you and be Queen Sabelina’s knight! You don’t have to worry about me!”

Dame Schryke smirked again. “Excellent. Welcome to the Forest, boy-knight Sir Gylbard.” Removing her sword from his neck, she dismounted her black horse to collect his blade. Handing it to him, she put her helmet back on and picked up her shield. So excited about this turn in his first Adventure, Gylbard was fairly buzzing in his saddle. Once she was seated again, Dame Schryke turned away from him and led her newly-pledged knight further into the Forest.

~*~*~

Sir Gylbard held his breath as he knelt before Queen Sabelina. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen before, though her beauty was almost eerie, uncanny in a way he could not quite define. She sat with an air of quiet power upon a throne of woven living trees, bright copper hair cascading down her shoulders and sharp green eyes like a cat pinning him in place.

“Dame Schryke,” she said, keeping her eyes on Gylbard, “you say that this fledgling has fought impressively?”

“Yes, your majesty,” Dame Schryke answered. Gylbard saw her bow (at the waist! Like a man!) as she addressed the fairy queen. “It is my belief that with adequate training, he could be a formidable defender of our court at Sidhe.”

The queen considered this. Then, “And he has agreed to the conditions to keep Sidhe safe from those wandering the Forest?”

Dame Schryke nudged him. “Y-yes, Queen Sabelina,” Gylbard said, voice cracking.

She nodded, and raised a scepter fashioned from an oaken branch. “Then I entrust you to the care and training of Dame Schryke, my dearest knight, and dub you Sir Gylbard of Sidhe. Rise, knight of the fairy court. You will begin training now, and tonight we will feast to celebrate your arrival.”

And that was it. Sir Gylbard rose and approached his new fairy woman mentor. With a smile that was so eager it was almost threatening, Dame Schryke led him through the winding corridors of the castle Sidhe to the fighting salle.

“Take up your sword, fledgling,” she said, “we’ll start on your form immediately.”

~*~*~

Sir Gylbard of Sidhe would say, if asked, that he was truly happy to be pledged in the service of the Fairy Queen Sabelina. He went patrolling with Dame Schryke and other knights, besides; he kept knights from outside the Forest from finding the fairy court of Sidhe; he was respected and treated kindly by his peers and his Queen. Dame Schryke had spoken truthfully: he wanted for nothing. Nothing except…

Parsefal, what are you doing right now? Are you staying safe? Do you wonder about me? Is anyone looking for me back home?

He didn’t miss many things about Dannamore, but he thought of his cousin often. He was the only person Gylbard had ever truly considered a friend. The dames here were personable enough, and kind to him, but even after a year he didn’t feel close to them in the same way he did Parsefal. If only he could see his cousin again, he could be truly happy here.

He had nearly given up hope on seeing his cousin again when he was assigned as a border sentry. This was not in itself unusual, but this position, in a glade that looked all too familiar, was the closest position he had ever been given to the edge of Dannamore. He couldn’t help the small flicker of hope that he might encounter someone familiar, even if only to turn them away peacefully. But it was nearly impossible; he had no reason to think any knights from his old home would pass this way anyway.

After a few quiet minutes, he dismounted his steed and went through his usual routine of working on drills as he waited to be useful as a sentry. Dame Schryke, who had become his mentor during his year in the Forest, had taught him the moves to move through that kept his body and mind sharp. One, two, slash, three, four, high guard… he moved fluidly with his sword in a dance-like sequence of steps. He barely heard the hoofbeats approaching the glade, but he certainly heard an achingly familiar voice calling his name. He smoothly halted his movements and strained his ears to listen.

“Gylbard! Are you out here? Gylbard!”

Parsefal! He wished dearly to go to his cousin, but he was not permitted to leave his post. He wondered if Parsefal would even recognize him in the armor of the knights of Sidhe. So, against his training, he decided to call out instead.

“Over here, Sir Knight! Come to the glade and I may be able to help you!” Best not to be too direct, in case this got him in trouble. And Parsefal always did like rising to a knight’s challenge.

Gratifyingly, he didn’t have to wait long. Sir Parsefal’s horse came crashing through the brush, carrying his cousin with his sword held aloft.

“Hail, good Sir Knight! I am Sir Parsefal of Dannamore, and I’m searching for a youth from my court! He was to be a knight, but he never returned from his first Adventure into the Forest. He entered these woods a year ago today. Do you know anything of him or his whereabouts?”

Oh Lord, when did Parsefal start speaking so theatrically? Well, no matter, his cousin was here, and Gylbard was not going to let this golden opportunity pass him by. He reached up and removed his helmet. Parsefal’s eyes widened in shock, then his expression melted into joy as he took in the face of his knight-errant cousin. Dismounting his steed, he rushed over and engulfed Gylbard in an awkward, metallic hug.

“Gyl? Is that really you? What are you doing out here? Where did you get that armor? Where have you been all year?”

“It’s really me,” Gylbard said laughing, “I’m okay, I was out on my Adventure and—” How much to tell him?— “I came upon a strange knight in this very glade. We fought, and after I proved my potential, I was offered a place in this knight’s court! That’s where I’ve been. I wasn’t able to return to Dannamore, I had too many new duties. And training,” he added with a wince. Schryke was a firm believer in tough love, as she called it. Gylbard perked up then, clasping Parsefal harder around his forearms. “You’re an even better fighter than I am! And you’ve always been more chivalrous, I bet you’d be welcomed as a brilliant addition to this court! You just need to come back with me to talk to my Queen, and she would love to have you in her coterie of knights!”

At this, Parsefal looked slightly apprehensive. “You know I’m pledged to King Brien back home,” he said uneasily, “but I’d be glad to come back and meet your, er, Queen that you’ve pledged yourself to.” After a pause, he said, “I’ve missed you, Gyl. Why did you pledge yourself to someone new instead of coming back home and serving with us? With me?”

Now it was Gylbard’s turn to look uncomfortable. “I’m sorry, Parse,” he said, “trust me, I wanted to. But the knight I fought, I did prove my potential, but I lost the fight. I would’ve lost my head if I had declined. And this way, I’ve also gained full knight status and I’m a better fighter than I’ve ever been. Please, just come with me to the castle, we’ll talk to the Queen there, and maybe she can either let me go, or you can come serve with me! We won’t have to be apart anymore.”

Parsefal slowly smiled his arrogant, sunny smile, and he clapped Gylbard on the arm. “Let’s go then, little cousin. Sir Gylbard.”

Mounting up, Gylbard and Parsefal left the glade, Gylbard leading his cousin further into the Forest. The trees, the half-light of the woods had become so familiar to him that he knew exactly how to return to the court of Sidhe from there. However, as they ventured further, further into the dark, Gylbard started feeling less and less sure of where he was. He knew that gnarled oak, knew that jagged boulder, but the castle was nowhere to be found. There was no evidence of his fairy cohort, of Queen Sabelina’s home that had taken him in, and he could feel Parsefal’s confusion growing.

The Forest felt darker now than it should have –it was only midday. But the shadows felt darker, greater now than they ever had, even a year ago. The air itself felt thick, like a storm was coming, but when he looked up through the canopy, Gylbard saw rays of sunlight feebly making their way through the leaves. Then he noticed something else: the familiar susurration of the Forest was gone. The insects, the birds, the small beasts, all were quiet in the presence of interlopers.

“Where are we going, Gyl?” came Parsefal’s voice from behind him. Though he knew his cousin couldn’t have been more than a horse-length behind him, he still sounded muffled, as though underwater. If Parsefal felt the same oppressive atmosphere around them, he didn’t show it. There was a hint of laughter in his voice, like this was a joke he was trying to understand. But Gylbard couldn’t bring himself to turn around just yet. The trees, the Forest was closing in on him. But he knew the way back to Court! He knew the way home! Why was the court of Sidhe hiding from him now?

Finally, Gylbard found the place that Dame Schryke had brought him to a year ago, but it was empty. Where once there had been a castle of stone and living tree, there stood unremarkable pine and oak trees. Where once there were stables, walls, people, there was nothing. Silence. Not even the sounds of birds or insects. And yet Gylbard could feel that they were being watched.

“Gyl?” Parsefal called to him, confused.

“I –no, Parse, I swear, it was here –”

Above them, a sudden shrill birdcall tore through the air, startling both knights. A small grey bird with a sharp, hooked beak alighted on a branch before Gylbard. Fixing him with its dark eyes that looked too intelligent, the bird shrieked again and flew away. With it, the green colour flowed out of Gylbard’s armor, leaving him with only the crest of a small grey bird on his shield, surrounded by oak leaves.

We told you the rule, came a whisper on the breeze.

“Gyl, what’s going on here? Have you been wandering around here this whole time? There’s no castle here. What, were you away with the fairies?”

“Parse, no, really! It was here, I was at a court! They trained me and knighted me, but they said not to tell but I didn’t tell you who they were!”

There was a pause, as Sir Parsefal searched his strayed cousin’s face. The silence hung heavily in the air for an eternal minute.

“Come on, Gyl, let’s go home,” said Parsefal, but his voice sounded far away.

“Yes.” Gylbard said hollowly. “Home.” Turning his horse around, he urged it to follow after Parsefal’s shining silvery back. What was home now? Could he manage to serve a Court he had not trained for?

Sir Gylbard readjusted his seat in his saddle, wondering if he could be a knight back in Dannamore, having failed his first Adventure, and knighted by a Court no one would ever find again.

Thank you for reading! Please don't repost! Reblogging is okay though :) This one's long, probably the longest piece of fiction I've ever written, and if I had my druthers I'd have made it a novella. But tragically I have neither the time nor the energy to write a medieval romance pastiche/parody that I think would amuse an audience of one (1) (that one being me). But if you like it, please let me know! Maybe I'll write some more stuff like that in the future <3