#i want the book on magic and the one on taverns as well!!

[palatial-monstrosity]

sexiest thing about Pentiment is the full bibliography in the credits!!

[j4gm]

SPOILERS!!! REFERENCES AND EASTER EGGS IN F&C ep. 2: SIMON PETRIKOV

Let me know if I missed anything!

First of all the title sequence is fucking cool. I don't want to speculate about the various things we see in it, like the apartment getting blown up or the Fern tree growing into its 1000+ version, because I'm sure the show will get round to all that!

The first scene was an awesome reintroduction to the post-apocalypse, showing us the dynamic between Simon and Marcy. The button popping off Marcy's dungarees was a reference to young Marcy's first appearance, Memory of a Memory, when she removed one of the buttons herself to fix Hambo's eye.

Simon was show playing a live set at Dirt Beer Guy's tavern in Obsidian. It seems they've gotten to know each other quite well over the past twelve years. Dirt Beer Guy asks Simon if he's read his new book draft, about a character called Joe Milkshake who was first mentioned in the episode Root Beer Guy.

Despite the fact we saw Jake in the trailers, Finn and T.V. pretty much confirm in this scene that Jake is dead, and has presumably been dead since before Obsidian. I guess Bronwyn wasn't the only Jake descendant who Finn took on as an apprentice, but T.V. doesn't seem all that into it. The Finn and Jake we saw in the trailer are likely from an alternate universe that we have yet to see.

Finn uses his weed whacker to cut through these bushes. A nice way of showing he's fully recovered from his Fern guilt. The focus here is very much on Simon's problems instead of Finn's.

Finn parts with Simon to go and visit Huntress Wizard. The nature of their relationship remains ambiguous and I expect it to stay that way.

Simon has the Island Lady from The Party's Over Isla de Señorita in his phone. I guess they reconnected after he became Simon again. He also has Abracadaniel. I always liked Ice King's friendship with Abracadaniel and the rest of the Order of Giuseppe so I hope they're still friends!

Cute Bubbline scene. Back in the episode Bonnibel Bubblegum, Mr. Creampuff suggested he and PB get matching tattoos. Now she's (trying to) do the same with the girl she's chosen rather than some guy who was chosen for her! Also Marceline is using the same phone she's been seen with in a few previous episodes, including Go With Me and Be Sweet.

I think the flying human city is called Up-Ton.

Choose Goose! He keeps coming back! And he's evil now! People were joking about him being the antagonist of Fionna and Cake after that weird post-credits scene in Wizard City and the fact he was in hell in Together Again. I wasn't expecting that to actually come true. Glob knows why he's hanging out in a cage in Simon's house.

The pattern of GOLB's eyes is reflected in Simon's glasses during the ritual. He is doing the same dance that Betty was doing to summon GOLB in the finale.

Among the objects in Simon's GOLB shrine are the Farmworld Enchiridion, the flying carpet that Simon stole from Ash and was later frequently used by Betty, the crocodile clips that Betty used for her magic rituals, two effigies of GOLB, and what looks to be the shell of the snail who was seen throughout the original series.

In this credits sequence, Fionna and cake are dreaming about the mask being worn by the bear than Finn slew, and a butterfly with a smiley face on it. Perhaps symbolising Finn?

Tune in next week for episodes 3 and 4!

[stars-and-inkpots]

Reverence | Gale x Reader | (18+)

You take the opportunity to show Gale just how beautiful he is, and you have the perfect way to make sure he understands it.

Pairing: Gale/Reader

Tags: Mild sexual content, mostly implied sexual content, praise kink, touch-starved, body worship, fluff (at the begining), kissing (lots)

Notes: I am determined to help provide more Gale content because I don't think there is enough. This might get a part 2 if people are interested.

Part 2

Ao3 Link: Reverence

Word Count: 1,338

The city is a welcome respite from the harsh wilderness you’ve been travelling through for the past several weeks. Well, perhaps a welcome change for some of you; Halsin was far less excited to be within the city walls, but complained only once. While the city was stifling to him, he understood the appeal for the rest of you. Lae’zel, on the other hand, despised the crowds and made this more than clear on multiple occasions. 

But everyone was content with the decision to rent some real rooms at the Elfsong Tavern- the entire upper floor, in fact. Gale was particularly pleased with this; and while everyone had their own rooms, he was very content to remain in yours. 

Being in camp with everyone always there all the time did not give the two of you many opportunities to spend time together uninterrupted. Now, as you lay on the bed beside him while he reads through one of the many new books he picked up today, you can almost pretend that everything is normal and the world is safe. At least for the moment. 

Gale’s fingers card through your hair. Occasionally, he leans forward and presses a kiss to the top of your head. You wrap your arms a little tighter around him. Everything feels so domestic that your face flushes and your heart aches. Given the circumstances of… well, everything that's happened to you so far, you hadn’t devoted much time to thinking about the future. But as you feel Gale’s chest rise and fall with each breath, hear him chuckle to himself while he scans the book with rapt attention, you can’t think of any other way you would want to spend the rest of your life. The realisation is both daunting and a comfort. 

You find yourself staring at Gale. He’s too busy with the book to notice, so you have time to really take in the beauty of this man, and there really is so much of it. 

His hair, still slightly damp from his earlier bath, has grown slightly since you met him. You notice that the small braid you had put in his hair one night still remains, still miraculously perfect. When you reach out to hold it between your fingers, you can feel traces of magic within the strands and realise that Gale had enchanted it somehow, ensuring it would stay. It’s such a fond gesture: that he would go through the effort if only to maintain it- to keep a reminder of you with him all the time. 

The only indication that he’s noticed your discovery is the slight smile on his face and the pink that dusts his cheeks; he almost looks embarrassed. Gods, you love him. 

“You’re so beautiful,” you whisper. His blush deepens and his eyes finally part from the book to find yours. 

“Thank you,” Gale answers, but his voice is soft and you wonder if he really believes you. 

“I mean it, Gale. You are the most incredible person I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting; and not only in looks. You are intelligent beyond words, your skill with magic is unbelievable.” He looks away from you, the book almost entirely forgotten in his hand. 

“Alright, now you’re only flattering me.” 

“Calling it flattery implies I mean none of it. Gale, and I mean every word.” You take his face between your palms, turning him to look at you again. There’s a sadness in his eyes, one that makes your chest tighten. You need him to understand how much he means to you. “And surely you are not one to call me a liar, are you?” 

“Of course not, my love. I would never dream of it,” he answers, and kisses you. 

“So, you believe me then,” you ask, like you’re testing him. 

Gale gives you a look, a strained, conflicted sort of look. This man is stubborn to a fault, but this is not something you are going to let up on just yet. 

“Your eyes are the prettiest I’ve ever seen, like the forest in autumn.” You pepper kisses across his face, moving to straddle his hips. You run your fingers through his hair, smiling fondly at the grey hairs that are present throughout. “Your jaw, your cheekbones, your nose, it’s like the gods sculpted them themselves.” With each new thing you list, you press several kisses to it. You can feel the warmth of his face when your lips brush over his cheeks. 

Your hands move to hold his hips while you move yourself further down, kissing his neck as you do so. You only barely hear him suck in a sharp breath, but he doesn’t stop you- Gods, he doesn’t want to stop you. When you leave a final kiss at the top of his chest, your hand moves to the edge of his shirt, giving it a small tug. “May I?” You ask, and Gale doesn’t trust himself to answer so he nods. You pull the fabric up, and he helps you take it off of him completely. Your hands find his hips again while your lips return to now exposed skin. 

“I will never get enough of your hips, love,” you say, tightening your grip on them ever slightly. “All of you, so soft, yet so strong.” His stomach is soft, but you can feel the muscles tense under your palm when you drag your hand across. You keep kissing him; his chest, his stomach, his hips. You can hear how his breaths are becoming shorter- can hear him sigh so softly. He’s always so responsive to you: a trait you absolutely love. 

Your fingers tease the waistline of his pants, and you finally hear him speak for the first time in minutes. His voice is unsteady, already wrecked from just this alone. 

“Please,” he begs breathlessly. You don’t hesitate. 

You leave his underwear for now; you still have a point to prove. 

You continue to kiss down his chest, and then across his thighs. You indulge him, leaving a collection of blossoming purples across his inner thighs. The last is rewarded with a whimper, and his fingers curl through your hair. He’s almost shaking, his pupils blown wide when he looks down at you.  

“Please,” he repeats. You smile, and if Gale knows you, which he does very well, he knows it means you’re going to drag this out and tease him for as long as you can. 

“Soon, my dear, I just need you to do something for me first.” You move yourself back up so you’re straddling his hips again. “Say you’re beautiful.” You’re back to kissing just below his jaw. Gale lets out a shaky breath, but hesitates. “All you have to do is admit it, then I’ll give you what you want.” 

“This is hardly fair.” Gale does his best to sound annoyed, but you can feel him beneath you. You know how much of a hold you have on this man. 

You kiss him; a deep and passionate kiss that promises more, but you pull away before he can deepen it. 

“Say it,” you ask again. “I’ll wait as long as it takes, love.” 

Your hands are all over him: his shoulders, his face, brushing his hair back, tracing the curve of his jaw. It’s overwhelming in the best way. Gale can barely focus enough to string a single thought together. All he can think about is you. You and your hands and lips all over him, kissing each and every part of him. He’s never really considered himself beautiful, though many might think him vain. But the way you’re touching him, holding him, telling him how perfect he is in hushed whispers against the side of his neck, it’s enough to convince him that maybe you’re right. 

“I’m beautiful,” he relents, voice soft but still needy. He feels you smile against him. 

“Good boy,” you answer, and he moans at the praise. “Now to make sure you don’t forget that anytime soon.”

[solara-bean]

Death x Halloween Costume Red Riding Hood! Reader

( Reader is an artist/writer with extreme burnout )

( I really tried not to write this oneshot but goddammit he's got me intrigued 😫)

Halloween in Far Far Away was always a blast. Townsfolk filling the streets in their best tailored costumes, kids running about with candy and on the hunt for more. The weather was always the perfect temperature, too, with just enough chill in the air to wear heavily layered costumes without too much of a sweat. Which is why Y/n had adorned a long, beautiful, bright red hooded cloak over a simple, yet regal outfit. Unfortunately, their perfect look couldn't mask how shitty they felt.

For the past decade or so, they'd been one of the kingdom's most renowned creatives. Their works ranged from colorful illustrations, kids books, paintings, murals, YA novels and a few spicier adult novels that got much popularity to their embarrassment.

Needless to say they were a jack of many trades, and yet they've been able to create nothing for the past year and a half. Everyone had figured that the great artist was just taking a well needed break. Which was true for five months until they tried to make something and nothing happened. No spark. No idea. Nothing happened no matter what they tried or what medium they attempted to mold into something new and exciting.

It eventually lead to a depression that left them barley leaving the house, vowing not to do anything fun until they got an idea. Well until their entire friend group dragged them to this tavern's Halloween party in a costume that one of them conveniently had in their size. Yeah this was definitely a premeditated scheme to get their groove back. And as much as Y/n appreciated that they couldn't find the energy to leave the bar and join everyone else drunkenly dancing and singing on the dance floor.

Y/n sat in a big heap of silken red on the barstool looking down into their glass of Victorian Orphan Tears, a fruity drink made specifically for the holiday. They kept pondering on where their magic had gone. Had they used themselves up? Was this the end of their career? Would they have nothing else to show the world before they died?!

A few of their own tears were about to join the orphan's when they heard a soft whistle amongst the tavern band's melodies. Confused, they blearily glanced at their side to see a large, darkly hooded figure. They would've flinched if they had the energy to. No one had sat next to them all night due to the gloomy aura they'd been emitting. Yet here sat a mysterious stranger, who soon turned upon sensing their gaze, whistling halted. Y/n was met with the face of a white wolf. Wolves weren't uncommon in their society but something about those eyes jarred them. Those rich, blood red eyes. So bright that their costume couldn't dare be called red ever again. Y/n wasn't aware that they'd been locked in long moments of eye contact until the wolf leaned close enough that their noses almost touched. He made a soft but audible sniff.

" Mmm that smell..."

Y/n shivered at hearing the wolf's deep, gravely voice. It was all they could hear as if they weren't in a large room full of party-goers.

"...So sweet..."

"I..uh..what???" Y/n managed to mutter, slowly but surely pulling themselves back to the present reality, but the world aside from the wolf still remained blurry.

" Your drink."

They blinked. " Huh?"

" Your drink." He pointed at their glass. " It smells amazing. What is it?"

" Oh...Oh! My drink. Yeah uh this is Victorian Orphan Tears. It's a Halloween special drink."

" Hm, I'd better get one now before the night's over."

They nodded and looked back into their glass. Surely the wolf would would want to leave their gloomy presence and this was were the interaction would end. But no he stayed after his drink was served, enjoying three long sips.

" Mmm, that is as tasty as it smells. Glad I found an autumn drink without pumpkin spice in it. No offense if you're a pumpkin lover yourself, Little Red."

" Hm? Oh no offense at all. I've got nothing against the flavor but I can see how it can get overwhelming this time of year. There are other spooky flavors out there."

The wolf let out a light chuckle, pearly white fangs twinkling as bright as his fur.

" Yes exactly. I for one would love to see more cherries next halloween."

" Cherries?" Y/n snickered almost into a chuckle of their own, a rare reaction for them these days. " What's scary about cherries?"

The wolf grinned slyly.

" Well, there's nothing seemingly scary about them. So they usually get overlooked as a cute little fruit. But then you squeeze 'em just right into a glaze and they look just like blood. Even so you can't help but want to take a bite. Then you realize how good it is and can't get enough. By then your mouth's already stained red as if you did actually consume blood." he finishes, taking another sip of his drink.

" Wow, I guess cherries are a good fruit for Halloween." they say, taking sips from their drink as well.

" I'm surprised you hadn't considered it. You know with your costume and all. It's the perfect shade of cherry red just like the actual Little Red Riding Hood." he leans in a bit and whispers. " Though I'd steer clear of her tonight, I hear she's trying to copyright her likeness like Fairy Godmother did."

Y/n chokes a nearly spits out half their drink.

" Wait really?!" they panic looking around the room for a similar red hooded figure.

The wolf throws his head back in a guffaw.

" Oh man." he catches his breath. " I'm sorry. I just wanted to see how you'd react.

Y/n catches on and playfully punches his shoulder.

"You jerk, I thought I was in legal trouble for a second." they finally manage a full laugh.

" I know I know, but you seemed so down. Thought a good laugh might help. "

" Yeah. It did actually. Thanks."

They get caught once again into prolonged eye contact, now with something softer between them. The wolf is the first to break.

" Oh forgive me. I've been rude."

" What? No you haven't." they almost said ' you've been lovely ' but stopped themself in time before coming on too strong to a guy who was probably just making friendly small talk. They hadn't been looking their best lately and worried tonight wasn't an exception. Their friends' makeover only barely made their dark circles disappear.

" No but I have. I've been rambling on with you as if you're not here with someone."

Their brows shot up.

" U-uh. I'm not here with anyone. I mean! I am technically with my friends. So yeah in a way yeah." ' smooth real smooth Y/n.'

The wolf raised a brow, intrigued.

" I see. But you're not here with someone as a couples costume kinda thing?"

" No. Who would my partner come dressed as anyway?" they asked genuinely confused. ' What kind of pair would that be? Little Red & Granny? Cute and funny but not romantic partner material.'

The wolf stared intently, amused grin spreading.

" The Big Bad Wolf." he said in a low tone.

Y/n eyes widened with embarrassment. ' Oh God! I'm so stupid of course that would be it!!! ' Apparently self induced seclusion plus whatever magic charisma this guy had was enough to turn their mind to mush within a few minutes. Luckily the Tavern band's leader got everyone's attention on the mic.

" Hey hey how's everyone feeling tonight?!" a loud drunken applause came in response from the crowd. " Great cuz we're nearing the end of the night." a not so pleased ' aww' responded with one ' boo ' that Y/n hoped wasn't one of her friends. " Alright settle down, let's end the evening off with a slow but sensual number."

Soon enough the band filled the room with a tune that got the crowd coupling onto the dance floor. Some more sober than others but all having a good time. Y/n couldn't help the tinge of envy at seeing all of them so happy. But they were pleasantly surprised when they noticed the wolf extending a hand ( paw?? ) to them.

" I know it's a bit on the nose. But would you mind if I played the part of your wolf tonight?" he asked. His hood was off now, revealing cute slightly lowered ears that looked soft to the touch and ruby eyes filled a hint of vulnerability. How could Y/n say no to such an adorable face.

They smiled and took his hand. It was much colder than expected but still a little warm. His obsidian claws gently clutched the back of their hand, careful not to scratch.

" I wouldn't mind at all."

They joined the rest on the dance floor. His other hand pulled them in by their waist just enough to leave some space in-between them as they swayed to and fro. From the outside perspective they made quite the pair. Their cloaks flowed into a wonderful shade of red and black with every spin. Onlookers thought that the two were apart of a couples costume and hadn't just met. Y/n didn't notice any of them, even her friends who caught sight of them after not finding them at their stool. No Y/n didn't notice at all because they got lost in the wolf's red eyes again. Would any paint be vibrant enough to replicate its color?

" You know. You seem really familiar. Have we met before?" he asked, looking down at them while still taking the lead with ease.

" I would've remembered if we met before." those eyes were unforgettable, unless they were contacts, but his voice surely was real and no way in hell they'd forget it. " I've been in the newspaper a few times though." they said sheepishly.

" Wait...are you Y/n L/n?"

They nodded, kind of surprised that he guessed correctly that fast.

" Oh man I knew it! I love your work by the way. It's mesmerizing."

Y/n's pride and joy began to rise.

" Really?"

" Of course. You capture the radiance of life that most people overlook."

" Huh. I've never though of it that way. Thank you."

" No thanks needed. I'm merely speaking the truth. I'm glad that you're taking a break. You've done so much over the years."

Y/n's mood immediately dropped and they looked away, going back to the dark place they had been in not too long ago. The wolf caught on.

" Are you alright, Y/n?" he asked. They could clearly hear his concern. He deserved an honest explanation.

" I'm not taking a break," they admitted. " I'm stuck."

" Isn't that the same thing?"

" No. Breaks are by choice. This is different. I can't get out of this rut no matter how hard I try."

" Then don't try. Just don't make anything and let it come naturally."

" What? I can't do that."

" Why?"

They were starting to get really upset now. Why didn't he get it.

" Because I'd be letting everyone down." they met his gaze. Despite how much he seemed to not understand, his stare was serious and knowing.

" Wouldn't letting yourself down be more important?"

Y/n felt everything stop, realizations and questions coming in at once. It took them a while to notice that the music had stopped, everyone was getting ready to leave, yet the wolf held onto them until their thoughts settled.

" I think your friends are coming to get you." they followed his gaze behind them and sure enough, the gang was approaching. " If you're not busy later tonight. Come meet me by the woods. There's something I want to show you."

He kissed the top of their hand before letting them go and departing swiftly from the tavern like a shadow.

Y/n's group wanted all the details on the mystery wolf but were a bit too tipsy and tired to keep up. Y/n wanted to get everyone home safely, but the responsible parent friend of the group took charge. They heard the wolf's proposition and sent Y/n on their way to finally getting some action. But not before a stern talk about strangers, and safety and giving them a pocket dagger. Honestly Y/n could ask for better friends.

As promised. The wolf was waiting by the woods, cloak flowing in the wind. He smiled when saw them. He offered them a hand and they took it once again.

" I have a confession to make." he said as the two strolled through the forest.

" Yeah?" they couldn't help but stare at how the moonlight perfectly illuminated his fur. It was as if he was made for the night.

" I wasn't smelling your drink..."

Y/n stared at him confused and thought for a minute. It hit them once they saw the mischevious look in his eyes. Heat began to rise to their face. He chuckled at their dumbfounded look.

" The words slipped out before I could stop them so I tried to cover myself. To my luck the drink was sweet too."

" I can't believe you'd sniff a total stranger." they palmed their face with their free hand that had been chilled by the night air.

" Well technically I didn't have to try. My nose is pretty strong. Though I will admit there was some conscious effort. People with scents of life like yours due tend to catch my attention."

" Scents of life?" they asked as the wolf took the lead in front to guide them through a narrow path of trees.

" Yes. It's a bit complex but I'd describe it as a mix of sunflowers, lilies and tulips but," he glanced back at them," yours has an extra hint of vanilla, very soft and sweet."

The heat that had started to fade came back with full force to Y/n's face. They weren't wearing anything that smelled like that. There's no way they'd have a natural scent like it either.

" That's nice but I doubt I smell like that."

The wolf let go of their hand to jump down a sizable dip in the path.

" Trust me you do." he held out his arms to them. Although unsure at first if he could support their weight, they soon jumped down. Once caught, the wolf held them close to his chest, gaze deep and grin wide. " You possess the sweetness of life that I adore dearly."

There was no doubting his truthfulness with the look in his eyes and softness of his voice. Y/n was content enough in the moment that they wished it lasted longer but he put them down and lead the way again.

" Unfortunately it's starting to fade away. Which is why I've brought you here."

Before they could ask they saw the answer in front of them. They were on a small cliff and beyond it was the expanse of the forest with a valley in the center. Y/n was already entranced by the breathtaking view before they noticed light begin to peek over the horizon.

" Ah we're just in time." said the wolf at their side, leaning against a tree arms folded.

The sun slowly rose, chasing away the dark. The valley began to wake with a new life, colors coming forth as flowers bloomed. With the sun came warmth as well, getting rid of the chill that Y/n had gotten use to. They weren't sure how long they stood there, but birds started to sing as the night turned to morning. It was all so beautiful that they wanted to find the words, write the words and maybe even paint them, but as usual nothing came.

" You see Y/n. I think I know what's got you stuck," the wolf began, Y/n had almost forgot he was there. " You began creating things for the enjoyment of yourself. Those creations then became joy for others. But as time went by, you started to only create to make others happy. To fit their expectations. You used up more of yourself than most people do in their lifetimes. Am I making sense for far."

They nodded, still unable speak.

" It's a frustrating dilemma. Frightening even. But take the sun for example," he gestured to the light that was now brighter than before," It's a creator too. It's light gives way for all sorts of life to prosper. Yet at times it can be too much for some to handle. Or perhaps a few clouds get in the way and it's light can't shine through. And in moments like this, it creates little things that most wouldn't know to appreciate. Even so, the sun doesn't care. It travels across the sky shining endlessly."

He walks up to them, places a hand on their face and wipes away tears they hadn't noticed were falling.

" You need to create for yourself. Whether you feel its good enough or not I'm sure people will love it. And if not, you'll have more than enough love for it. Just go easy on yourself and take your time."

" But...what if I'm running out of time?" their voice came out quiet and shaky.

The wolf continued to hold their face. He held a gaze so caring that they wanted to melt into him.

" Don't worry. You're not going anywhere any time soon."

While Y/n almost took that assurance as normal, wanting to remain in the bliss of the moment, something was different about it. In fact everything felt different about him. Wait who the hell was he anyway?!

" Who are you?"

His smile dropped into a frown, as if he wanted to stay in the bliss of the moment as well. But this was reality and they deserved the truth.

" I'm Death."

There was a long moment of silence, both remained still. As if reading their mind he continued.

" Yes seriously. And no I'm not messing with you this time."

Y/n managed to find their composure.

" Wow uh...nice to meet you."

" Hah, you're taking this well."

" Not sure how else I'm supposed to take it. Might freak out later though."

He laughed again. His hands had traveled down to theirs without them knowing. They didn't mind. They found comfort in them despite now knowing why they were so cold for someone with fur.

" That's very kind of you. It's always nice having some be calm around me. Though I'm sure you know that I mean you no harm."

" Yeah," they smiled up at him, " You've helped me a lot actually. I think my spark's returning."

" Good," he let them go, going back a few steps, " Then my work here is done."

" Wait!" they grab his hands. " You're leaving?"

Death's shock of their suddenness then turned to a saddened look.

" Yes. I've already interfered more than I should. It would be best if I go now. I'm sorry. I was really having a lot of fun with you."

" Then stay a little longer." they pulled him in closer. " Please?"

" I..." he hesitated, pondering over something he knew he shouldn't. " I'll always be around so I could come visit when I can."

Y/n beamed with joy.

" That would be great. I look forward to it." though they couldn't help but push further. " But are you sure you can't stay a little longer right now?"

Death thought on it. He knew he should say no. He'd already been taking too long of a break. But their eyes were pleading to him and their hands were so warm. The souls of the dead weren't going anywhere he supposed, but it'd be a lot of overtime.

" I guess, but on one condition."

" Anything."

He regained his signature sly grin and leaned in closer.

" I want to be the first one to see what you create next."

They gave him a warm smile in return.

" I'd love to. I think I'm writing mood right now."

" Oh?," Death's ears perked up and his tail wagged a bit. " I hope it's another novel then."

" Huh, I didn't peg you for the YA type."

" Yes I like those too but I was thinking of your other ones."

" What other o-" then it hit them. " No..."

Death grinned, fangs and all.

" Yes."

" No. Oh no! You read those?!" they put their flaming face in their palms, silently cursing their friends for convincing them to publish those spicy books. " Oh god I could die right now."

Death laughed and pulled them into his chest, giving comforting pats on the back.

" Sorry that won't be happening anytime soon. And I'm having too much fun with you anyway."

That morning Y/n went from someone who feared Death to someone who welcomed him. They learned surprising things about him as well. Like how his fur was so soft, he liked to be scratched behind the ears and he tasted oddly of cherries.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | forest // forty-nine

| @thesimperiuscurse | @poisonedsimmer

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THERION: Hey, hey, look who’s up and out of bed. TAIYO: Ah, Therion… THERION: What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you’re giving me the cold shoulder, too. The girls already get to you? TAIYO: The… what? What do you mean? THERION: Heh. Right. Guess you don’t hear a lot of gossip when you’re in a coma. TAIYO: What happened while we were asleep? THERION: Ah, that’s not really… here nor there. Where you headed, anyhow? TAIYO: To see Indryr. He has a certain… um… remedy. Helps with… vigor. THERION: Vigor? Heh. Yeah, right. TAIYO: Well, he has a potion that hides my… mark. THERION: But it’ll go away soon enough, won’t it? I thought this curse thing was supposed to be broken? TAIYO: Yes… and no… THERION: Just come out with it already, you’re a piss poor liar. TAIYO: It’s complicated. I mean… maybe it isn’t. I just don’t want you to see me as… different. THERION: Different how? THERION: I’m sorry, you did what? TAIYO: I wanted to use the curse as an opportunity. How many chances am I going to get to be something… else. THERION: Well, you think you could find something that isn’t trying to actively murder you! TAIYO: You don’t understand. TAIYO: All my life I’ve spent mulling over books and scrolls, tucked away in libraries living life through someone else’s words. People more talented, more interesting, and more exciting than me. The only expectations I’ve ever had were to keep watch over relics of a time I’ll never see myself, belonging to people who did extraordinary things. And that’s as close as I’ll ever get. TAIYO: I came to Eveyda to see true magic with my own eyes, but one day I’ll have to go home and remember how much different my world is. How much smaller and less enchanted. I’m no elf, no faerie, I’m not even a particularly good librarian. I could spend my entire life gazing at the sky, mapping the stars, but just once I’d like to hold their light in my own two hands. TAIYO: Lord Tev’us was right. A life of mundanity, even if safe, isn’t a life I want to live. This was my choice. If I regret it down the line, so be it. At least I gave myself a chance. THERION: Well… shit. TAIYO: Oh… that was… I’m sorry— THERION: Don’t be. I get it. If this is what you truly want then… You should do it. TAIYO: You really think so? THERION: It’s not my life. What I think doesn’t matter. But maybe forgo the potion. TAIYO: The potion? THERION: If this is going to be a forever thing, then why try and hide your truth? You’ll have to admit it, eventually. Own it, then. Honestly. TAIYO: You’re… right. It’s a part of me now. I was just afraid of… THERION: What other people are going to think? Listen, there’s assholes everywhere. But as long as you’re still you in there, and all that blood magic doesn’t go to your head or whatever, then tell them to kick rocks, yeah? No one’s perfect. But your abilities don’t make you a bad person. Your actions will. TAIYO: Thank you, Therion. THERION: Anytime. I’ll stand by you. Long as you don’t give me reason to go. Besides, I gotta hold onto the few friends I have left around here. TAIYO: So… you want to talk about what happened in the forest? THERION: Meh. Maybe after a few pints. Why don’t you come to the tavern? Nothing says “Curse Free, New Me” like breaking out of your comfort zone! TAIYO: Aha… one step at a time, Ther.

[tavyliasin]

BG3 FicFeb NSFW - Day 8

This one was a little fun, more suggestive than full action smut but I spoiled you with a longer piece yesterday and still have my Baldur's Date piece to write~ As Tav has tried a great many things, and keeps none of them secret from Astarion as she shares her diary with him as they agreed, there's little he doesn't know about what she wants. But there is one thing she has been loathe to admit out loud... CWs and Tags here are pretty tame~ Voice kink, blindfold use, and a slight hint of power play, praise kink, and a lot of teasing.

Smut below the cut! ----- -----

Day 8 - Tav/Durge Explores A Secret Kink With Their LI

Tav was laying back against Astarion’s chest, his legs either side of her hips and his arms draped loosely around her shoulders, as comfortable as a familiar blanket, a deep feeling of warmth and safety in the embrace. In his hands he held a book they had borrowed from Gale, his head resting against hers. She was the faster reader of the two, so it was little need for him to ask when to turn the pages and continue. The moment of peace was well earned, claiming the room in the Elfsong Tavern for nothing more than a chance to rest while the others sought their own entertainment. Or at least, that was their plan.

“This is ridiculous,” Astarion complained, a hint of amusement in his voice, “a sword like hers would not be able to cut through the thick hide of a fully grown owlbear in one swing. My darling, I am getting the distinct impression the author has not been in a single real fight in his life.” 

Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice, much as she tried to ignore it. “Well, you can’t expect everyone to have the kinds of adventures we’ve had, can you?” A little thought occurred to her in that moment, born of the blush creeping unbidden up her neck at the sound of his quiet laugh close beside her ear. “Maybe you should change the story a little. Read it to me, won’t you? My eyes grow so weary of staring at the pages~”

“Such theatrics, my love,” he kissed her quickly warming cheek as he relented, “very well, now where were we?” 

“The brave heroine took down the foul beast-”

“Of course… So, the body of the creature fell at her feet as her breasts heaved from the effort.” He hummed quietly in thought, the feeling vibrating from his chest to her back. “Do they really heave? Well. Moving on.”  

—

Astarion continued reading, his voice soft by Tav’s ear, noticing with a hidden smile how her body was growing warmer without a single touch, her head leaning back more onto his shoulder and her eyes fluttering closed. 

Perfect, he thought to himself with a devious idea, now she will have no idea when I change the story…

He was subtle at first, changing a few lines to a slightly more seductive context, taking note of how she reacted. Then he began to lower the book, freeing his hand to caress her soft skin, almost surprised to note just how hot and flush she felt. 

“Should I stop reading now, darling?” He kissed her ear softly, a pleased shudder through her back palpable against his chest.

“Please don’t,” she whispered, “I…like hearing your voice.” 

“Next time I will have to ask for one of his more lewd novels then, if you enjoy those stories more~” The last words came with a slight growl, earning a small gasp from her parted lips.

“It isn’t that,” even her breathing was quickened, “you could be reading the most boring treatise on the proper use of illusion magic and I would feel the same…”

“You have some very strange taste in erotic literature, love~” He continued to speak soft and low, putting more playfulness into the tone, relishing how her body would subtly move of its own accord.

“I…” She paused, as if embarrassed to go on.

“Tell me, my love,” he kissed along the edge of her ear again, a few teasing bites with sharp yet gentle teeth. “What is it you desire? I have read all of your exploits in the diary we share, and played my part in many. Nothing you could reveal would make me think less of you.” 

“Your voice…” She moaned as he continued to tease her with the slightest touch. “I…really love the sound of your voice.” 

“Why didn’t you say so sooner, darling? That is an easy wish to grant you…” He stroked her hair softly before bringing his hand over her eyes. “Shall I take your vision from you, so you can hear me more clearly?”

—

Tav couldn’t stop the moan from slipping out into the quiet room. “Please, Astarion-” 

“Then hold still, love, I will give you everything you want.” He reached over to grab a small dagger he kept in easy reach even now - old habits die hard after all - and cut away the silken cover of a nearby cushion. 

The fabric strip easily covered her eyes, blocking out the remaining light. The removal of one sense had the tendency to heighten the others temporarily, and she felt the truth in that with every word. 

“Now, not a word from you, but there is no need to stay silent…let me hear how I make you feel~” Astarion’s voice melted through her, soft as velvet, long practised seduction this time without any false promises. 

She nodded, just a small sound with it not finding a full syllable on her tongue.

“Good, darling, just like that.” He purred, wrapping his arms around her waist and caressing the line of her hip. “Your body is astonishing, how just a few words can have you squirming against me without so much as a kiss upon your soft lips.”

As he spoke, Tav’s body responded again, without any input from her will. His fingertips found her wrist, trailing up to her elbow.

“Such strength and skill, and yet all it takes is a little talk and you’re already melting into me.” His teasing was infuriating. “Should I continue telling you everything I love about your body, how you moan so sweetly for me, how I want nothing more than to rip off your clothes right now and taste every part of you…”

Tav nearly stopped breathing, already feeling the depth of her lust pooling deep in her stomach, every muscle in her body coiled tense like a spring…

“Or shall I make good on that promise, and keep talking while I do it?” His hands drifted away from their soft caressing, depriving her of any touch but his body against her back and his lips on her neck.

“Please…anything, just so long as I can hear you.” She begged, forgetting the one instruction that she had been given.

“Naughty little darling,” he purred with an edge of seductive threat, “but I will forgive you this once.”

Tav felt him press a line of kisses from her neck to her ear, directing the power of his voice to the very centre of her desire.

“Truth be told, love, your own voice can have a similar effect on me when I hear you beg so very beautifully for my affections~”

[roguishcat]

Conversations with a vampire - part 3/10

A/N: I'm still getting used to how Tumblr works, but if you want to be added to the tag list, feel free to send me a message or leave a comment. :)

Summary: A story told through a series of conversations between Astarion and child Tav, tracing the slow and steady progress of trust and friendship.

Humor/Friendship/Angst

Rating: Teen. Mild language, mentions of abuse in later chapters, some violence.

Setting: Set before the events of the game.

When Astarion opened the door to the upstairs room of the tavern, the child was already there. Tav beamed as she saw him walk in and waved him over. Astarion walked to one of the beds, making a point of ignoring her enthusiasm.

How did she even know that he would be here?

Astarion sat down on the bed and opened the book he found on the counter earlier that evening, making it clear that he was not here to entertain her. Surprisingly, Tav did not try to speak to him, although she seemed itching to say something.  couldn’t possibly be anything interesting, probably just typical chatter about nothing and everything. And he did not feel like making small talk in general and now in particular.

Cazador would most certainly be displeased that he did not return to the palace, so Astarion was determined to enjoy whatever fragile semblance of normality he could find. That is, indulging in some reading. Astarion did not look up, allowing time to pass leisurely, not at all bothered by silence that seemed strenuous for Tav.

Tav huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn’t sure what she did to deserve the silent treatment, but he definitely wasn’t speaking to her first. And Tav wasn’t really sure how to start their conversation today.

Astarion reminded her a bit of the stray cats she would sometimes try to befriend. And just like the cats, who hissed and spat no matter how much she cooed and offered them treats, Astarion made a point to show that he would rather be left alone.

She was always a complete delight, if she said so herself, and she gave Astarion the potions each time they ran into each other, but his eyes would narrow in suspicion as a frown would tug at his lips. Each time, he would stare at her and her offerings in skepticism. It was very obvious that he did not trust her. Although maybe he did not trust anyone at all. She did not care much about his reasons, it just she was so bored, and he seemed so interesting.

Today was the first time she saw him in daylight. Or dim tavern light, as they were indoors. Both were reading books, Astarion lounging on a bed whilst Tav propped herself up against a wall opposite him. Tav wasn’t really reading, which was quite obvious as the last time she turned a page was about 30 pages ago for him. She was looking at him discretely under long, light lashes. Well, in a way that Tav thought was discrete, to Astarion her admiration could not be more obvious. But it kept her quiet for now, so he decided to allow it. In a way, her artless childish curiosity did not bother him, unlike the usual leering stares he was on the receiving end of.

Tav’s blue eyes traced the contours of his face, the way he moved his hand across the pages of the book, the way his eyes would widen or narrow just a fraction from time to time. It was the first time she saw him so relaxed. Usually, he would be out working the crowd and flirting in a tavern or glaring at her in annoyance.

He could stay so still, almost as if he wasn’t breathing at all, at least she could not make out the rise and fall of his chest. Maybe this was a rogue skill? She tried imitating him, holding her breath until it was painful, then taking a few greedy, gasping breaths.

Astarion was still reading.

“You know, I really hate my lessons,” she finally gave up trying to be quiet and shut the book she was meant to be reading – ‘Grand Estates. The fifty nifty tricks to effortless magnificence’. “Especially learning spells. It’s so boring and tiring. I’m terrible at magic and my teacher could definitely be in the running for the dullest award. Why can’t I just use something enthused with magic?”

“And what happens if someone takes all your things and rings and finery?” Astarion replied without looking up. “You would be dead in seconds.”

“I just feel so dumb! The wizard that comes in to teach me just drones on and on, so I just say I get it to make him shut up,” she whined. “I like knives and daggers. I’m not too bad at picking locks too.”

“Well, I doubt that whatever your family has in mind for you is remotely related to petty theft.”

“I’ve never met my family.”

Astarion said nothing to that revelation, looking at her from the corner of his eye.

Today Tav was dressed in a light lilac coat and trousers set with delicate flowers embroidered along the hems. Another fine set of clothes that she did not mind getting dirty by sitting on the less-than-clean floor. Her hair was carefully combed and arranged with silver clips. For a child who claimed to be abandoned, she looked incredibly well-looked-after.

“Let’s say that I believe you,” he drawled, for once interested in what she had to say, but not wanting it to show. “Am I to understand that you are supposed to be a poor orphan without a place to stay?”

“Well obviously I have a place to live, don’t be silly.”

Tav paused, her fingers playing with the hem of her coat as she bit her bottom lip nervously.

“I live in Sharess’ Caress.”

“Ha! Well, at least now I understand where those comments about prostitutes came from!” he laughed, remembering how scandalized he was to hear that coming from one so young. “Although,” Astarion frowned, “I didn’t think that they would have a child in such an establishment.”

Her guardians, whoever they were, must have had a very twisted sense of humour or complete disregard for the girl. Because he couldn’t imagine what her parents would have to be like to choose to insert a child into that kind of environment.

Tav scoffed and rolled her eyes, a gesture that she seemed to be using more and more. Must be reaching that annoying age that everyone complains about. Yet another reason why children were the worst.

“Well, obviously I don’t just go into the main building where everyone is entertained.  I have a separate entrance protected by a magic barrier, no one would be able to find or go into my room unless Mamzell Amira actually brought them inside. And I have something on me that transports me directly to the room, so… it’s pretty safe, I guess?”

She pulled her trouser leg up slightly, revealing a shimmering silvery band around her right ankle. “This also means I can’t wander far; I will just be transported straight to my room.”

So she was tethered to the place, which explained why he would never see her in the Lower City.

“I don’t know where all the money, clothes and books come from. Or whom I belong to. I’m not even allowed to know my name.”

Call me Tav, she said.

“I can’t complain,” she went on, looking down at her shoes. “I’m treated very well. Better than I deserve to be treated. I am not easy to have around. But.. I don’t have anything or anyone I can call my own.”

“Oh, come now,” Astarion felt an uncharacteristic urge to say something in reply, “It could be worse. You have all these lovely things, all those magic trinkets you like, the money to buy more with.”

“Yes. But I don’t even know what I look like!” she protested, the book in her lap falling onto the floor. She wasn’t speaking particularly loudly, but what she lacked in volume she made up in intensity. “This isn’t what I really look like. I don’t know what is my real eye colour, or if I am really a half-elf, anything really,” her voice cracked, and she took a deep, steadying breath.

Astarion gave her his full undivided attention. Family, heritage, they were building blocks of a person. She was like a castle built on sand. Such unreliable, fickle foundation. How peculiar. A child who seems to want for nothing wants nothing more than to know herself. She wasn’t simply careless, as he previously thought. Her recklessness, wildness even, made so much more sense now.

“I’m sorry,” he said because this was probably what needed to be said at a moment like this.

“No, you are not. But that’s okay,” she looked down at her hands. “I know that sometimes you just have to wait. Wait till the day that they will be sorry. Sorry for doing this to me,” she looked straight at him, as if daring him to say otherwise.

The look in her eyes changed. Her whole demeanor changed. The tilt of her chin, the straightening of her back. This was a child walking the thin line between good and evil, precariously balancing between what she wanted to be and what the world would mould her into. Even a gentle gust could push her off the precipice. He wondered what would that moment be, the life-changing event that would forever wipe the sweetness from her eyes. Because if he knew this cruel world, and he definitely knew the full extent of its wickedness, this sweetness would not last.

A moment passed, then another. Tav took a deep breath and gave a little smile. “Wanna hear a joke?”

“What did a tailor say when he ran out of thread? It’s sew over. Get it?”

“What?” Astarion blinked.

Apparently that meant that he agreed, because she seemed to forget all about her melancholy mood in favour of telling him the most awful, tired and aggravating jokes.

“This is terrible,” Astarion said sincerely. Child or not, puns and dad jokes were inexcusable.

“But I-”

“Wait, I’ve got another one! This one is good.”

“I sincerely doubt it.”

“No,” he said in a voice that brooked no argument.

Tav pouted playfully and stood up on slightly shaking legs. “Ouch, pins and needles. Ouch, ouch,” she muttered under her breath. “I think I’m gonna go, here is your potion. I still have dance and can’t remember what else today. Probably going to get an earful for playing hooky.”

*****

After she left, it was suddenly too quiet. Which is exactly what he wanted, of course. To be left alone in peace and quiet to enjoy a rare moment of respite. But not having someone talking his ear off gave him space to let his mind wander. Astarion thought about what his own childhood was like. He could hardly remember anything after the night he was turned. Just bare bones of his life, no emotions, no faces from the past. He had been a magistrate. His ruling against a Gur had been his undoing. Cazador was his salvation turned nightmare.

Sometimes he wondered what happened to his family, colleagues, lovers. Were any of them still alive? Did they search for him once he disappeared? Did they think of him? And if they did, what emotions did those thoughts inspire? Tenderness, want, hatred?

The air was changing as nighttime approached, he could sense the shadows envelop the city in their embrace. It was almost time for his hunt. Perhaps in a different part of the city today, it’s been a while since he visited the Blushing Mermaid.

As he rose from the bed, Astarion noticed that Tav left her book behind, her handkerchief bookmarking the place she was supposedly reading. He lifted the cloth square. It was of fine quality, but quite bare, surprisingly without any embellishments.

He pocketed it.

Perhaps he would give it back next time he saw her.  Because judging by how stubbornly she sought him out, there would be a next time.

@ayselluna

[thesimfulbuilder]

Hoorah! It is finally complete! I am super excited to share with everyone this new build that replaces that wierd bar lot in Glimmerbook. It is now a much larger full English tavern and has a small kitchen in the basement. The kitchen is kind of important to me simply because it makes the lot much more useful for hosting catered events and such. Also included is a full bookstore next door, the lot is marked as a bar so your sim can't actually buy books, but it makes for a cute little library for sims to stop in at. I figured it would make a nice edition considering how small the neighborhood is! This bookstore even includes a few secret rooms for the magically inclined to hypothetically restock on things they may need.

This build uses two of my absolute favorite CC sets: Chateau and Orjanic by Felixandre and Harrie (thank you so much guys!) Those sets became instant repeat uses in almost all my builds. I also needed a bit of a challenge and wanted to make it simpler and easier for anyone to use this build as well. I'm very proud of it at the moment and I hope you all love it as much as I do. I really wanted to make it a comfortable and realistic addition to pretty much anyone's game and EA really needs to work on their public lot skills lol.

One thing I noticed though in one of the secret rooms the wands disappeared when I play tested it, I'm assuming because the wands don't have an owner and the game doesn't quite know what to do with them. If anyone has a suggestion or solution let me know! But for now I'm loading it into the gallery with the wands in place but that may not be how it ports in. If you have any CC decorative wands, you may be able to snap those in but I honestly don't know.

You can find this lot on my gallery at TheSimfulBuilder, just make sure you have downloaded and installed both the Orjanic and Chateau CC sets from Felixandre and Harrie first.

[craybii]

So many new things in the newest trailer to go through, so many good and crazy shots. V2 is gonna be amazing.

But anyways, I wanted to go through some of them and write them down for myself, so SPOILERS BELOW FOR S3/V2 since there’s a bunch of new shots from the trailer included.

These two shots are linked - originally I thought the eyes below were Yennefer's but this is Francesca 100%. In the shot above, we see Fringilla's head (her hair from the tavern) + Francesca's iconic braided hair - both of them are looking up at the fire circle that's crashing right down below on top of them - and then they both fall back if you watch the trailer. So the shot below is certainly Francesca watching as the fire collapses down on them. And those are her blue eyes, not purple like Yennefer's.

The shot above is continuation of that - Francesca seems knocked out or something and lands on Fringilla who protects them against the fire with magic in the very last second - this seems to be why the entire hall is completely destroyed in the following shots.

Here, we can clearly see Artorius Vigo (Fringilla's uncle) very much dead with Tissaia trying to desperately heal him - Margarita pulls her away in the very last second as fire explodes all around them (the firecircle that crashes on Francesca and Fringilla???) and puts up a shield to protect herself and Tissaia. So Artorius is a goner for sure. Tissaia and Rita save themselves in the last sec.

This one is interesting - for anyone who knows the books, all of the mages depicted here are part of the neutral faction of mages who were neither on Philippa's side or on Vilgefortz's, with some new tossed in as well.

There's Artorius Vigo, Bianca d'Este, Gerhart of Aelle (the oldest living sorcerer), Margarita Laux-Antille and Tissaia, plus more male mages - just extras but these should be Carduin, Marquard and Dorregaray. They seem to be defending against the arrows of the Scoia'tael who're standing across from them - since Artorius is alive here and the room looks fine here, this is before the fire circle crashes down. Also, since the elves are there, it would stand to reason Francesca is present as well - Fringilla and Cahir should be too. This could very well be the coup but it begs the question - where are Philippa, Sabrina, Keira and Triss, the northern sorceresses?

Sabrina being a badass Kaedweni HBIC in a new dress. The woman behind her in the first shot is Keira Metz, so they're definitely there after the ballroom has been destroyed. Knowing how she hates the elves, this rock is probs heading for one of them. There's more shots that seem to be in this same sequence from other promo material - Cahir swordfighting someone in this room, Francesca blocking a lightning bolt from Tissaia (she fires it from above), Istredd killing an elf, Stregobor staring in anger at the destruction.

I have no idea what's happening here but it looks terrifying - the ocean is completely dried up and Aretuza is burning down. The lightning probably means the portal in Tol Lara is going haywire and we know how that ends.

Perhaps the most devastating shot of this trailer for me. Margarita, Keira, Tissaia, Yennefer and Marti Sodergren staring at what is no doubt Aretuza falling down in flames once the coup has ended. Notice how Tissaia is completely grey - no doubt caused by the huge tragedy that has just destroyed everything she's ever worked for.

[anathemafiction]

Inflation prices

Hosted Games is going to raise the price of all of their games on January 19th — it's been years, but it seems inflation has caught up with them. This won't affect newer releases much, like the Rose, but it may have a pretty substantial price increase in some of the older titles. 

The Golden Rose will go up 15% percent — so if you want to buy it, now's the time to do it! Outside of Steam sales, it'll never be this low price again.

However, some old gems will have bigger price changes, and I wanted to take this opportunity to shine some light on a few of my old favorite HG games. If the summaries interest you, give the free demos a try!

(I'll be linking the COG page, where you can find the links to Steam, Google Play, the App Store, and Amazon at the bottom of the screen).

Tin Star (50% price increase) — Step into the shoes of a US marshal in the old, wild west. It's a very big game, full of hard decisions and a great cast of characters (Preston, you cocky bastard, I love you). You can be a terrible person, a saint, or anything in between. 

Zombie Exodus (60% increase) — Try to survive a zombie apocalypse. There are dangerous missions to navigate, complicated power dynamics between survivors, and, of course, friends and lovers to remind you what it is you're fighting for. This is an old game, but it was one of the first IFs I read, and to this day the story and characters hold a special place in my heart. 

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven (40%) — This one isn't really an old game, but I want to include it since the price increase is still substantial and, if you enjoy the first ZE, you will LOVE this. The author took everything from the first game and made it better. You can see how much he has improved. From customization (it's mind-blowing), to relationships, to writing atmospheres - I was legitimately scared in some parts! Plus, the different prologues are so good and... just try it! I adore this game so much. 

Way Walkers: University (40%) — Play as a student in a prestigious magic school. The magic system is super interesting, as is the world at large. But, by far, the best thing about this game and its sequel are the characters. It has one of my favorite ROs in any IF games, Semryu, and the way your friendship develops into a tentative romance is so well done. There's also mystery and tension, and I cannot wait for Book 3! 

Double/Cross (60%) — Okay, I'll admit: I don't remember a lot about this game. It's been years since I read it, but I do remember, however, really liking it! You work as a bodyguard for the richest man in England, and not everything is as it seems. I like it because it subverts your expectations, and when I got my "happy ending" I... did not feel happy at all. It's really interesting and not very long, so I encourage everyone to give it a try!

So, You're Possessed! (50%) — Oh, how to explain this game? You start as a pizza delivery person, and then you meet a demon and your life is thrown upside down. It's been years since I've played it but it has always remained a special little gem. I don't want to spoil the story too much, so just give it a try!

Evertree Inn (40%) — Again, not exactly old, but I think the price increase warrants it on the list. I also think most of you are familiar with the game and its sequels, but I want to mention it anyway. Solve a mystery in a secluded tavern and watch out for the murderer! You can play as a number of fantasy races — dwarf, elf, etc— and interact with a cast of colorful characters. It's just such a fun game, and it leads to a great adventure in the sequel. 

Fallen Hero: Rebirth (40%) — Okay, okay, I know. You all have the game already plus, it isn't technically "old". Well, may this serve as an announcement that Fallen Hero is about to get 40% more expensive, and if by some chance some of you haven't played it yet, you should absolutely do so now. The sequel is coming, and it's held as one of the best IFs ever published. A reputation that, in my opinion, is more than deserved. 

Happy reading! I hope you find at least one game that'll bring you joy.♡

[valewright67]

HELLO, ITS BEEN A LONG ACCIDENTAL HIATUS, BUT I RETURN TO YOU WITH A NEW MELIZABETH HEADCANON

I have just realized that my boyfriend can tell apart the Itty bitty differences between my blinks, and what they means.

"I'm processing, give me a second."

"What the fuck are you on about?"

"Keep talking, I'm listening."

"The fuck are they on about?"

"Woah, no shit?"

"Fuck, that's awful."

"I'm losing my patience, stfu."

He can TELL now. And it is honestly probably the most romantic thing I find about him right now, that he pays enough attention to know them all.

Now with that stated, I'd like to give a headcanon.

When Meliodas first joins STIGMA, he's not exactly expressive or conversational beyond the bare minimum to convey information.

But Elizabeth can read him like a book. Which means that she'll translate for him in conversations, glancing at him, and then conveying his opinion

"He thinks that's fucking adorable"

"He knows what you're feeling, and he's sorry."

"Meliodas believes that's a terrible strategy."

He learns to be more expressive as time goes on, but sometimes when he's upset or stressed, he still goes blank to the average eye.

Her ability to read him carries on into her reincarnations. Meliodas is caught off guard by this at first, and takes very careful measures to conceal his inner thoughts, sometimes suppressing them altogether, so she doesn't catch that little twitch of his brows and figure out some little thing she's done caused him grief. (Usually, a little habit of hers that carries over as well, like that tendency to nibble her lip when she's thinking that goes back to the very first.)

It triggered her memories once. Never again.

But the sins are having a conversation, and Princess Elizabeth glances out of the corner of her eye at Meliodas, and frowns. Trying to be as polite as possible, she requests that King "please stop using your daggers as darts so close to the taverns main door, as it's making Sir Meliodas a bit anxious." And he stills, giving her a startled look, then glancing at his captain who - shockingly - gains a slight flush of pink to the tops of his cheeks. He clears his throat. "I'm just concerned someone might walk in at the wrong time is all. Wouldn't want you scaring away my customers!" He brushes off with a joke.

It becomes a habit, Elizabeth glancing at their Captain and - completely unaware of the fact she's telling the sins his carefully concealed thoughts - makes his opinions knowledge to the team.

They eventually get over their startled reactions, brushing it off as human royalty being trained to read their court and nobles or... something, and just start to look to her to translate him when he's being stubbornly silent. The only one who can read him half as well when he's like that is Merlin, who they all know has a lengthy past with him, though not what that past is.

The one time she'd been asked if she knew how Elizabeth could do that - maybe she had a dormant empathy or telepathy magic? - she just got this secret little smile, put a finger against her lips, and teleportated away.

[lunaredgrave]

Legacy of Cressidia Part 7 - A Choice

Read previous chapters first:

Part 1 - A Day of Normalcy

Part 2 - Whispers of the Past

Part 3 - The Exile

Part 4 - The Past Unfolds

Part 5 - Request

Part 6 - Dilemma

Summary: Tav rejects her aunts request and has made her choice. But something interesting happens...

Themes and Warnings: Fluff, angst, romance, adventure, mentions of abuse, trauma and loss

Tags: @divineknightmare

************************************

“I… I don't understand.” Ellira said. Her face went through every emotion that included sadness and disappointment. “Why? After all of this, you just turn your back? Just like that?” Ellira asked.

“I’m sorry.” you said while slightly bowing. “Thing is, I want to leave this far behind me. I may have started my life as a Cressidia, but now I’m so much more.” You slightly glanced at Astarion who was sitting next to you. “I don’t care what Rianna does. Don’t even start with the ‘this is your right! thing. Nothing good comes out of tales like these. Believe me, I’ve written a lot of those.”

Silence took over while everyone sat with sorrowful faces. Ellira started packing her stuff up, without saying a word or looking at you. 

“Auntie?” you asked.

Ellira sighed, still without looking at you she started rummaging through her things.

“I guess I saw Isidora in you a bit too much. But it seems like you're more like my brother.” she said. 

You didn’t know what to make of what she said. But it was obvious that she was mad at you. She finally lifted her head while pulling a crystal out of her backpack. The crystal had a red hue and a subtle glow to it, blinking ever so gently.

“I won’t force you. But still, take this.” she handed the crystal to you. “I always wanted to give this to you. I just didn’t think it would be under these circumstances.” she said seriously.

You took the crystal but as soon as you touched it, you didn’t expect it to be so warm. A strange feeling coursed through you as you looked at the crystal. A magical sensation caressed through your palm as you held it. It was obvious that this thing was more than a simple, pretty crystal. Ellira finally got up and gave you a smile.

“Well kitten, even if we’re not moving forward, I’m glad to have seen you once again. And I’m proud of what you’ve become.” she opened her arms, inviting you for a hug.

You got up and answered her invitation. After giving a gentle kiss on your forehead, Ellira smiled and touched your shoulder, “Good luck, kitten.”

“You too, auntie.” you said in turn.

She started heading towards the door while carrying her backpack. When she reached the door, she put her hood back up, and turned to look at you one last time. She bowed her head and left the tavern.

As you watched her leave, you felt your chest tighten. You were happy with the choice you made. Then why in the hells did you feel so… Guilty?

You kept looking at the door, even if Ellira was long gone. Silence kept lingering, when finally Astarion wrapped your waist with his arm.

“Hmm, I suppose it’s gotten a bit late to continue our journey, hasn’t it? Such a shame.” he said. He could probably read the sadness in your face. He could always read you like an open book, one of the reasons why it was so easy for him to manipulate you when you first met. Even if he did this for his own survival back in the day, now that he was more open with his feelings, he would also try to read your feelings more often.

This half-joking was his way to distract you.

You nodded and played along, “I suppose we need to send a raven to the Ravengards.”

Astarion immediately removed his hand from your waist, giving you a very unimpressed look. “Wait-”

You added, “Let’s find a post house before it gets crow-ded.” with a forced mischievous smile. 

Astarion rolled his eyes, “This is what I get for being in a relationship with a bard. Stupid puns.”

You gave him a kiss on the cheek and his deadpan face suddenly changed into a smiling one. “Let’s go and be done with it. I’d like to investigate this thing when we return.” You shook the crystal.

You both left the tavern to search for a Post House or a single courier. Since it was getting late, finding an open post house was going to be a challenge. Thankfully you found one near the tavern, to your luck, still open.

You grabbed a pen and parchment immediately when you entered.

“Dear Wyll and Karlach,” you wrote on the parchment and stopped. It was about closing time, and the human behind the counter was waiting impatiently for you to write your letter and be done with his shift already.

But you had no idea what to write. You never even talked about yourself in the past. Now to tell them that your grandmother was after Wyll and his father was kind of weird to write about. You fidgeted with the quills' feathers here and there, thinking what you should write.

Eventually, you decided to just mention that they planned an assassination on them keeping the family details to yourself. As you finished writing, you kept hearing the human groaning in the back, so you hurried up, which made your handwriting even worse. You eventually closed your letter and quickly sealed it with wax. 

You put your letter and the gold on the counter and the human seemed relieved to finally go home.

“What did you write?” Astarion asked curiously as you both left the Post House and walked back to the tavern.

“I said to watch out for any Cressidia crest bearing soldiers. Drew how it looks like, though I think Wyll probably already knows it. Told them about their whole plan and noted that I can’t explain it any further.” you said. 

“So you’re going to keep the rest yourself.” Astarion asked, although his voice sounded a bit worried.

You sighed while shaking your head, “I wish to leave it behind me, if it's all the same to you.”

Astarion suddenly walked a bit faster then stopped in front of you, preventing you from walking any further. He held both of your shoulders and squeezed them.

“Darling- Tav. Listen… I know I said the choice is yours and I'll do whatever you want. But, I'd like to…. Give you some advice, if it's alright.”

“What is it?” you asked while raising a brow.

“Sometimes… You have to turn back and face the tiger that's been chasing you. If this ever comes back to affect you in any other way, don't be afraid to face it, my love. I know that better than anyone.”

You smiled. “Well, if it comes to that, I won't have much choice, will I?”

“You might have a choice.” Astarion removed his hands from your shoulders, “But still, choose to go after it.” he said while forming a fist with his right hand. Then he shook his head thoughtfully. “Running and hiding in fear isn't really worth it, my dear. Trust me.”

You agreed with a silent gesture and he gave you a gentle smile.

You kept walking towards the tavern quietly.

When you finally reached the tavern, Astarion stood back to buy a bottle of wine and rent the room for another day while you went straight back to your room.

You immediately sat down and took the crystal out. The crystal glowed red with your touch, still feeling warm on your palm. You might have been raised as a bard, but your mothers inner magic still flowed through you. You weren't as powerful as her, surely, but your sense in arcana was still very strong. Your talents as a sorcerer guided your musical talent for the longest time.

You raised the crystal near your face to investigate it. You remembered seeing something similar to this in the Underdark many years ago: A memory shard. But unlike that memory shard, this didn't seem to keep a memory. This looked like it was holding something different within…

You summoned the magic in you and whispered, “Revelare.”

The crystal trembled in turn. Suddenly you felt the crystal getting hotter in your hand. So hot that you threw the crystal as a reflex. The crystal kept glowing and trembling brightly until a silhouette of a woman slowly became visible through the magical flames.

A magical projection eventually appeared in front of you.

Her echo-y voice started to fill the room.

“Ellira. How may I help you, my dear friend?” 

This was a voice you haven't heard for 26 years. It felt uncanney, scary, dreamlike…

Looking at the woman felt like looking in a mirror. You looked so similar, but she was way prettier than you could ever be.

You felt your knees give away as you looked at the projection.

“No way…” you whispered.

The projection suddenly looked at you angrily.

“Wait… You're not Ellira! Who am I speaking to?!” The magical projection yelled.

You started to breathe faster as you kept staring at the projection.

“M-mother?”

[aviradasa]

The sight of two stars

Aaravos x Startouched elf! Reader

(art from Pinterest if you know the original artist let me know so I can give proper credit!!)

REQUESTS ARE OPEN

{Fluff}

warning: none

I had this idea for a while about Aaravos with a reader who likes to find constellations on his skin and I started this oneshot expecting it to take a completely different path but I love how it turned out and I'm low key proud with the idea. The execution is not my best work but we have fun here!😂. Anywho, I hope y'all enjoy! I hope this will be able to hold you over for a few more days as I have 3 more one shots/images in the making that should come out shortly! Anyway, it's almost 3 am and I have to drive for 5 hours back home tomorrow 😭.

(ps:I had to make up a constellation for this that sounded more magical so I did! But all the other constellations are either from the show or a real constellation!)

Don't forget you can leave a request! I will link my master list here make sure you read before requesting! Love you all my little goblins 🖤

I have always loved the night sky And everything that belongs to it. I've especially always been drawn to constellations. The way the stars are set just perfectly to make a work of art when in reality they are so far from one another that they are not aware that their portrait is beautiful in a way.

It's been so long since I was able to gaze upon them. Being imprisoned for centuries with no windows or fresh air is a burden in itself, But losing my Night sky, it almost felt like I had lost myself. Well, I didn't lose all of myself. My lovely husband keeps me Sane (When he's not driving me Insane).

He's the reason I’m here in the first place. What is it with dragons anyway, It was just a couple of war crimes and whatnot, And I wasn't even involved. With the crimes that is. yes, I may have given my lovely starman some ideas every once in a while, But I never got my hands dirty. I was just a performer, Singing and dancing in town squares, Taverns, inns you name it. But alas here we are. Here I am. Stuck in this hell, with no sky, just that Damned mirror. I hate that mirror, Well I hate being in range of that mirror. To know someone could be watching me from the other side unnerves me and I avoid it at all cost.

I hear the door open to the room I have placed myself in, another room in this prison. It's a little library with books on all sorts of things. it's my favorite spot in this wretched place. My little slice of heaven.

I glance up from my book watching Aaravos enter the room with that cloak on, I can’t help but love the way he looks in it, and with the way I look at him, I’m worse than any man.

“My love, Why do you gaze at me in such a way? I can feel your eyes from here” He teases, taking his cloak off and hanging in on a small hook by the tall doors before looking over at me with that Smirk he gives. I love this elf but by the Divines why must he do this?

I shake my head with a chuckle, placing my bookmark in the spot I left off before closing my book. Setting it down gently on the table beside the little sofa I've curled up on. “ Am I not allowed to admire you?.’ I jokingly ask with a small grin as I allow him to take a seat beside me.“So how was your dramatic entrance? Did that Dark mage see you this time like you wanted?” I ask turning to face him resting my arm on the back of the sofa and using my hand to prop up my head.

“Everything went according to plan. His candle went out. I went in, confused him, and left. Just as Intended.” He tells me with a cocky smile.

“Now everything should fall into place, he’s a curious desperate, power-hungry human. That is just the combination we are looking for if we wish to get out of here.” I say with some excitement,

“but my love do not get cocky yet because if one little piece is lost, broken, or forgotten, we will be stuck here. And If we are stuck in here for another century I will skin you alive.” I warn with a stern expression before I chuckle a bit.

He laughs a bit “ No you wouldn’t, 'cause then you would be all alone in this place and we both know you couldn't take that.” He says pulling me closer to his side.

“What are you talking about? Some peace and quiet would be lovely. Maybe then I could finish my book.” I joke as I adjust to get a bit more comfortable. “Ah yes, what book are you reading currently again? It was something to do with the differences between human interpretations of constellations and Elven interpretations correct?” he asks genuinely curious about my interest,

He remembers my love of the night like no other, for he loved it as well. but now it's hard to remember what it's like. Of course, there are illustrations in the books but those illustrations can only capture so much, yes some books do better than others but the true beauty of the night sky can only truly be appreciated in person. Well, maybe something can come close.

“Yes that's right, and honestly humans need to get a bit more creative. I mean they Named Garlath the Annihilator the Big Spoon… Because they thought it looked like a spoon." I say with sarcasm as I roll my eyes. “ and also they call Leolas' last wish the South Star. Talk about imagination.'' I speak with disappointment. Aaravos just simply chuckles “Those names the humans gave them came to be long before this generation, they are simple and easy for their minds to comprehend but I do agree they were quite lazy.” he says in agreement.

I think he gives them too much credit. but what can I say I lost patience with humans during my time performing. Aaravos on the other hand has plenty, but then again he was more respected by them due to the whole giving them magic ordeal which I understand but still, humans are like an annoying younger sibling. you love them and would do what you could to protect them from others, but you would definitely rip their vocal cord out and strangle them with it as soon as they call you ugly.

I sigh “Perhaps I'm a bit harsh on them sometimes, but I can't help it. I feel like I'm losing my mind here, I'm not even sure how much time has passed anymore.” I explain as I absentmindedly trace little patterns on his freckled arm that rests around my waist, as I'm doing this a particularly bright star freckle brings my mind back into focus and I notice something. “Wait a moment…” I say suddenly as Aaravos gives me a confused look “What is it?” he asks simply before I place my thumb over the spot on his arm to not lose it reaching over I grab my book and open it to a certain page leaving him to his confusion as i scan the books page.

“Aha! I thought that looked familiar, darling." I say lifting my thumb off the spot on his arm and placing the book's page next to it. The page has an illustration of a constellation on it, and it just so happens that the little star freckles on his arm connect to make the same one. “Hm well isn't that interesting? I had not noticed that none yet ” he says, grabbing the book from my hand to examine it.

“ Well it says that it's called the eye of Izora, it has 8 stars on top making the upper eyelid, and 5 stars that make up the bottom. The iris is made up of 4 stars in between with the pupil being a completely different constellation (Leola’s last wish). The eye has 7 stars above it making it appear as though the eye has three separate eyelashes with another 7 on the bottom doing the same. In the human kingdoms, it's not known” he reads with a hint of interest. He looks between the book and the spot on his wrist where I found the constellation.

“ isn't that interesting? Oh, I just love finding new ones they are harder to find on you than they are on me for some reason.." I tell you with a grin, snatching the book back. I search through the pages as I scan the rest of his arm looking for more connections. this is one of my favorite things to do, I've found plenty of constellations on myself but with Aaravos they are harder to find because he has a lot more stars on him then I do and they make it harder to connect them,

Minutes pass before I find another new one… It was right in front of us but my eyes couldn't make it out right away. “I see one right there but I can't make out what that one is, It's definitely something though. Can you tell what it is?” I ask Aaravos looks at it for a moment, tilting his head to the side a bit trying to get another angle to look at it but failing.

he seems to think for a moment before he grabs a quill out of the inkpot that sits on the end table next to the sofa, he places the tip of the quill on his skin tracing in between the stars on his arm. As I look through the book I hear him hum “It looks like a scorpion look it up in the book I think we finally found it.” he says, showing me the connected lines.

“I think you're right.” I say glancing at his armbefore turning to the next page and seeing the scorpion-like constellation, it matches the one on his arm and I grin “We found it, I knew it was around here somewhere, we all have our star sign on us, yours just was hiding all these years.” I laugh and he does too “I found it once before I believe but I lost it and didn't find it again until now.” he says holding it up

“ well maybe once we get out of here you should get it tattooed so you don't lose where it is again.” I joke And Aaravos laughs a bit “My love you know I would never do that, it's not my style, besides I am already vastly decorated anyways.’ he says in a kind of sassy tone. As we both laugh some more

As the day? Night? Carried on We both continued our search for more constellations on his skin. It wasn't long before we had mapped out at least a dozen from his wrist to his shoulder connecting the stars with thin lines of writing ink that was smudging in some places but neither of us cared because this was one of the few moments where neither of us are frantically searching or planning. It was just us, then again it's always just us, but moments like this bring us back to reality when we didn't even realize we were drifting away from ourselves, and each other. I know we are gonna make it out of this prison one day, and once we do I know it's going to be just the two of us against all of Xadia. But that's ok I know we will be able to take care of it. And at least I'll have my night sky back.

[wheretheharekissesthefox]

Tav's sex parade – Chapter 4: Where the sun kisses the sea (Gale x Tav)

(Trigger warning (18+): graphic description of sex, smut, gentle slow sex, coitus a tergo, fluff, the feels)

To avoid confusion: In one of my other fanfics Halsin and Tav had named the owlbear cup Naïlo, which means 'night breeze' in the Elven language.

Karlach’s and Wyll’s faith and Tav’s promise to them are based on one of my other fics.

Tav sat in the middle of Gale’s living room, cross-legged, strumming her lute, surrounded by papers and ink. She faced the open double-door window which led onto the small terrace, towards the sea. The evening sun shone right through the window, bathing the room in golden light. Tara, Scratch and Naïlo were resting on the carpet and pillows, listening to Tav's warm voice. She sang uncharacteristically high-pitched and softly.

"Down, down by the river,

where the ancient trees shiver,

are sleepy bears and night orchids in caves.

Ruby-red diamonds and purple waves

swirl farther down into water, deep,

where the winged beasts sleep."

Smiling, Gale lingered in the doorframe, not wanting to disturb his beloved's streak of creativity. He'd read and dabbled enough in poetry to understand the symbolism of her lyrics.

Tav stopped singing, but kept humming the melody that reminded him of a lullaby.

"Fire, fire, desire, hmm... Blade... shade? Hells, bells. Metal heart... part, apart..."

The bard stopped mumbling and frowned at her ink-smeared notes.

"Metal heart, forged in fire, found the blade of her desire?" Gale suggested after a moment of silence.

Tav turned around with a smile.

"Not bad. Maybe I'll use it. Thanks for the input."

She quickly scribbled it down. Gale finally walked closer and remarked: "It's wonderful to see you compose again. I missed watching you weave your own kind of magic."

"Mh, poetic as always, love," Tav smirked. "I thought while you and Astarion work through every single book in Waterdeep, Shadowheart helps your mother with her clients, and Halsin does his part to search for answers, I can make myself useful otherwise. You all keep your noses to the grindstone to find a way to get Karlach and Wyll out of Avernus, meanwhile, I go and make some money. We could use it, to be honest."

"You don't have to do this, if you don't want to," Gale told her.

"That's sweet, but I want to pull my weight. As you know, I taught myself to read and write, and I'm still very slow at reading. 'So slow that the bookworms eat away the paper in front of my eyes', as you've put it so politely."

Ashamed, Gale lowered his gaze.

"I'm sorry, that had been tactless of me. I shouldn't have said it."

"Well," she replied, with a shrug. "It's true at least. Thus, I'll do what I can do best: sing and perform. I miss it, honestly; the crude tavern goers, the passed-out drunkards, the strongly-perfumed working girls, the ill-tempered tavern keepers... I had quite the life before I've met you and got all boring and tame."

At that, Gale barked a laugh.

"You and tame? That fits as well together as oil and water! Don't worry, you definitely didn't lose your spark."

"Good," Tav grinned. She got up to kiss and hug him. Then, she looked at him mischievously. "I might need a reminder of my wild side."

Gale glanced towards the animals and cleared his throat. Tara snickered and herded the dog and the owlbear out of the living room.

"Thank you, Tara. You're a gem."

"I'd prefer if you'd show your gratitude with a big plate of Beholder jerky instead of polite words, Mister Dekarios," the tressym teased.

Gale bit his lip to keep himself from laughing.

"Of course, Tara. I'll remind 'Mister Dekarios' tomorrow morning," Tav filled in for him, amused.

The tressym let out a satisfied purr before pushing the door close, and Tav chuckled.

"Tara's rather handy. I know why you love her so much."

"Hm," smirked the addressed.

He leaned down to kiss the bard again and she wrapped her arms around him.

"I have an idea," Tav all but purred.

"I'm scared," Gale smiled.

She snorted a laugh and kissed him again. Then, she got up on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear.

"I want you to take me on the terrace. I want to do it while the sun goes down and witnesses our act of passion."

The wizard turned crimson, spluttering: "You want to do it out there?! Where everyone can see us?"

"Yes," grinned Tav. "I want to overlook the water while you take me from behind."

"Gods..." Gale wanted to hide somewhere. "That's rather... feral."

The bard grinned devilishly while playing with his hair.

"As I said; I need a reminder that I'm not boring and tame."

"I see why you get along so well with our druid," the wizard muttered. "Holy..."

Tav put on her best show, fluttering her lashes at him with a pout.

"You don't want to? I'm devastated."

"You don't look devastated," Gale retorted amused. "You look like the cat that got the canary."

"Do I get the canary?" Tav smirked and Gale sighed.

"I'm not sure. Doing it from behind... I can't see your face that way and it feels impersonal."

"Are you truly worried about this? We know each other for a year now, and I trust you – in and out of the bedroom. You said it yourself; there are infinite ways to be intimate. So, why not this way too?"

"Alright, let's try this. Anything for my insufferable bard, I guess."

He kissed her again before they moved onto the terrace. Tav leaned her back against the wooden railing, pulled Gale into another kiss, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You stole my lavender soap again," he remarked, no heat behind it.

"I just borrowed it – as always," she replied cheekily.

"Mhm. 'Borrowed'."

"Stop complaining and take your pants off. If we wait any longer, the sun will be gone."

Gale sighed, but took a step back to doff his trousers and underwear. Tav did the same, kicking everything into the living room carelessly.

"Come here."

She pulled him into another kiss. This time, it was much sloppier and less tender. The bard turned around, gripped the railing of the terrace, and spread her legs wider.

"Gods... look at you," Gale muttered, flustered. "Do you have no shame?"

"No. Not when I want something. And what I want now, is you in me. So hurry up. Please."

Gale had mercy on her (and himself, let's be honest here), crowded in on her, kissed her neck, and entered her slowly. Tav arched her back into it, panting. The wizard placed his hands on hers and buried his face in the side of her neck, breathing right into her ear. The bard shuddered, it was perfect. Gale's thrusts were slow but deep and precise. He knew how to make it good for her. Tav moaned and tilted her head more to the side to give him more space to kiss her and pant into her ear, while they watched the glary, red sun vanish behind the sea.

"Where's your infamous verbosity now?" Gale asked lowly. "Tell me what you see, in all your flowery words."

Tav moaned and tried her damn best to articulate the scenery.

"I- ah! I see how the sun kisses the sea. The sun... ngh... sinks into the sea, gently like a mh... lover. I see how... ah... flaming red... makes love... to blue to create... purple. Aah... Gale... please."

The addressed hummed and used his elegant, deftly fingers to massage her clitoris. Moaning, Tav dropped her head between her arms and arched her back more, pushing her buttocks into her partner's lap who's breath hitched.

"F- fuck! Please!" the bard sobbed, desperate for release. Panting, Gale leaned his head against her shoulder, flicked his wrist over her pubic mound, and climaxed with a guttural moan. He didn't stop moving his fingers though and shortly after, Tav followed him over the edge noisily. They stayed where they were, panting into the young night. The sky had turn light-blue and the first stars were visible.

Tav sighed and twisted her torso around to kiss Gale gently. He slowly pulled out so that she was able to face him fully.

"You were never this loud before," Tav remarked.

"I'm not the noisy type," Gale answered.

"But you were today. Why? Was it the semi-public setting that turned you on?"

"No! It just felt... I don't know... more intense? I've never - hm. I've never took anyone from behind before."

"And you liked it that much?"

"I don't know. Maybe," Gale muttered, slightly uncomfortable.

"Well..." Tav sighed and pulled him into a hug. "I liked it too. It was really nice. Something else for once. We can do it again if you wish."

"I'd like that," Gale admitted and blushed.

"Great," Tav smiled and kissed him again.

The cool evening breeze from the sea caressed them while they stood on the terrace and kept kissing each other tenderly.

[cremeriie]

i do not have any more funny osvald art to post right now (or any, like, serious art either.) BUT i have been rotating him and the other 8pathies in my mind for a month now and i must ramble about him + them or i will explode!!!!

so anyways, here are some various osvald being a Dad™ to the travelers headcanons, bc i have. many. (under the cut for your convenience.)

osvald isn't very a "touchy-feely" guy. but, on a particularily anxious day for the group, when agnea asks him so sweetly if she can braid his hair, he can't say anything but yes. how could he deny her, when the earnest joy that lit up her face reminded him so much of his daughter? when evening came and the travelers returned to the inn, it took everyone much internal strength to not mention the flowers woven thoughout his, surprisingly luscious, locks. they knew if they said anything he would pluck them out, and it was rare to see him indulge in something so openly beautiful.

in a similar vein, every one of the travelers has slept on his shoulder at least once, much to temenos' chagrin, who would kill deal with anyone that dared mention the time he drooled all over the only decent coat osvald owned. not like osvald cared, anyways. his clothes were simply a means to an end. temenos felt bad regardless and made sure to scrub extra dutifully when it was his turn to do the laundering.

ochette takes this a step further and jumps into his lap whenever she can. she always wants to hear about the books he's reading, the theories he's thinking up, or just about his day. castti finds them asleep like this, once, with osvald's arms wrapped protectively around ochette and her cheek smushed against his chest. the sight makes her smile warmly, but she cant help but feel sad at how he never looks at peace, even when at rest.

throné is prone to indulging in self-destructive habits. most of the time this manifests as reckless pick-pocketing but sometimes, on worse nights, she takes to the tavern. osvald finds her one night, already three deep, and sits beside her. he leans close and speaks quietly, but intently. the tavern keeper couldn't hear their conversation, but he was glad to see the two order only coffees for the rest of his shift, and the girl with a much more content expression.

hikari, fresh on the run from his kingdom, secretly confides to osvald during a night watch shift together that he doesn't truly believe he is worthy to be king. that anybody else could, should, do it, but not him. osvald is quiet for a moment. he suddenly begins to explain the basics of fire magic. how it's an element that anybody can tap into, but only few who are gifted with its blessing can fully master. since anybody can do it, there should be no need for these masters, and yet, who else do the people trust to warm their homes and light their streets? hikari takes in the information before letting out a small grateful smile. he thanks osvald for the lesson and they lapse into comfortable silence.

one eventful day, in the ever opulent merry hills, partitio and osvald found themselves trouncing (well, parti trounced, osvald stalked) through the town, stopping at any stall they crossed to try and find some rare herb castti had heard of. finally, after an hour of searching, partitio laid eyes on a single bundle of greens for sale, and at the very last stall too. he put on his winningest smile and approached the vendor. osvald watched, disinterested, from a distance. crowds were bothersome, and he was thinking how much he'd like to be back at the inn when he heard a sudden offended spluttering coming from the stall. it seemed like the vendor had offered her, frankly offensive, price and refused to budge on it. osvald was sure partitio could have handled it himself, but the thought of a haggle session exhausted him and he decided to end things before they started, by taking a long stride behind his fellow traveler and looming over them both. all he had to do was raise an eyebrow, before the vendor crumbled and offered the herbs for half off.

[draguta]

.a court of fate and fortune | twenty-four.

pairing: lucien vanserra x fem!reader

summary: | book two | lovers separated, powers that won't be controlled, a doomed wedding. with the threat of war looming over prythian, lucien, Y/N, tamlin, and rhysand's inner circle must scramble to find allies and prepare themselves for what is to come. but Y/N only has one aim; to find her way back to lucien, and protect him at all costs.

chapter warnings: violence

chapter word count: 5019

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Wyvern

Leif was eerily quiet. The usually busy village, sat South-East of the Manor, close to the Wall, was now silent, save for the howling of the wind through empty streets, the rattling of window shutters as that same breeze past them by, left open in the rush as the villagers ran for cover, and the thumping footsteps of the Wyvern.

You’d never seen a Wyvern before. You remembered reading about them once, in the books from Tamlin’s library when you were trying to find out anything you could about your powers. Had found detailed drawings and descriptions of them in that worn copy of ‘Old Magic of Prythian’. You knew enough to know that they had been created by a High Fae centuries ago, during the First War, to use in the battle against the humans and human-sympathisers, but they had been too unruly, too wild, and had been set free to roam and breed in the mountains of the Night Court as they wished, drawn to the cold and the isolation that those mountains provided.

How one had made its way all the way to the Spring Court, you weren’t sure.

Even the amount that you had read about them could never have prepared you for the sight of it before you.

You’d begged Lucien to take you with him, had practically fallen to your knees the second you had all left Tamlin’s study, and left the High Lord behind as well. Yet, he’d been more than willing.

“I wasn’t planning to leave without you,” he’d said, a small glint of pride in his eyes; pride that you would want to help, that you were willing to put yourself in danger to protect the people of this court, even if the High Lord himself would not. Perhaps if circumstances had been different - if Tamlin had agreed to send aid - neither of you would be willing to let you go there to face such a creature. But as the situation stood, they needed all the help they could get. “Just…don't use your powers there. The villages are old-fashioned, and I don't think they'd appreciate...dark magic. And try not to get yourself hurt, and definitely not killed.”

Silas had disappeared whilst you and Lucien had gone to his room, decking yourselves in plenty of weapons; you yourself had two twin swords strapped to your back in a similar fashion to how you had seen Cassian wear his blades, three daggers strapped to your thighs and a sword in your belt, as well as one small blade, no bigger than a letter opener, tucked into your boot as a last resort. Lucien had resorted to his sword, bejewelled dagger, and a bow and quiver of arrows.

When you met Silas outside, he had a handful of recruits, some faces that you didn’t recognise, led by Wren and Rhyder, each of them dressed in their armour, ready for battle. And then you winnowed, Silas gripping Wren’s hand, Rhyder taking the two other sentinels, and Lucien gripping your own hand tightly.

You were sure you saw the figure of Tamlin watching through the window.

Your boots hit slowly and carefully against the dirt-road that led through the village of Leif. Candles were extinguished inside the houses that you passed, the smoke curling and coiling into the air and out through the cracked windows - anything to keep the Wyvern from knowing their location. Lucien paused at the corner of a tavern named, ‘The Smoking Dragon’, much to the irony of the situation, and glanced over his shoulder, glossy locks of hair, tied back in a low braided bun at the nape of his neck, casting orange and auburn hues against the green of his tunic. He raised a hand and lowered it swiftly in a motion that said, ‘stay low’. Neither you nor the sentinels deigned to disobey.

He peered around the corner once, his shoulders stiffening enough that you had to fight the urge to reach forward and squeeze his hand in reassurance. He glanced back, looking over your shoulder to Silas and the other sentinels. One point at Wren and Rhyder and a point to the left, and then at the other two and a point to the right; they were to spread out, surround the area where the Wyvern was, and attack from all sides. From Lucien’s silent command, Silas would take the far side, directly opposite, whilst you and Lucien would attack from your current vantage point.

The sentinels scattered, each staying as low and silent as the mid-morning allowed. Lucien swallowed, hand on the hilt of his sword, as his eyes landed on you.

“This is going to be difficult,” he said slowly. “Wyverns are notoriously tricky to take down. When we’re out there…I never want to stop you, Y/N. If you want to fight, then you can fight. But I can’t protect you out there, not when I’m trying to protect this whole village.”

You nodded, understanding what he was trying to say, even if he was skirting around his point. That he wanted you to be safe, but that you couldn’t be his responsibility once you were both out there, facing down that creature. You couldn’t be a burden to him. “You can trust me to protect myself, Lucien. You won’t need to worry about me out there.”

He drew in a shuddering breath, nodding once, almost as if to reassure himself that was the case. He closed his eyes for a moment, leaning in to place a warming, soft kiss to your forehead; that kiss alone gave you enough strength to know that you’d both make it through this without a problem. You weren’t nervous, not in the slightest, until-

Sliding the two swords from your back, you slipped around the corner, tucked in tight behind Lucien. The great snarling beast was five times the size of a horse - the largest creature you had ever seen. Large yellowed fangs protruded from a grizzling mouth set below slitted nostrils and beady yellow eyes. Claws sharper and longer than Tamlins poked from the ends of its padded feet, the black scales that coated its entire body blanketed the part where snake-like skin met smooth, onyx-like claws. It’s leathery wings reminded you of your friends back in Velaris, but where Rhys, Cass, and Az’s wings were beautiful, like the point where night turned to day when the sun shone through them, hueing them a shade of purplish-red that you wished you could bottle to gift Feyre for her paintings, these were solid black, no light or hope amongst the darkness.

The sight brought a chill up your spine, one that made you shudder despite the warmth of the day.

The two of you trailed the outskirts of the tavern, keeping to the shadows that the buildings provided, out of the eyeline of the Wyvern. It snarled and spread its wings as it canvassed the area - what you presumed was a marketplace of some sort - searching for any poor soul that hadn’t made it to sanctuary in time. But there was no sign of life save for the single solitary candle sat in the front-facing window of the abandoned tavern, with the patrons and landlord no doubt having run to the back seaking cover.

Lucien pulled the bow from where it sat on his back, the string wrapped around his chest. Silas crouched low across from us outside a bakery as you made base in the empty porch doorway of the tavern. Wren and Rhyder appeared on the far left between a set of houses, and their brothers-in-arms from the right down what looked to be a back alley. They were all poised, ready to strike. As were you.

You held one sword in each hand, their weight heavy in your palms as you awaited Lucien’s signal. But he had a different plan.

A nod to Silas on the far side of the marketplace had the commander throwing a hand up to the other two teams, telling them to wait as he pulled his own bow from his back and sheathed an arrow in its string.

In almost perfect sync, he and Lucien raised their bows, one arrow aimed at each of the Wyvern’s eyes; if their aim was precise enough they could bring the creature to its knees in only one blow, making its death easier to conquer for the rest of us.

You couldn’t help but allow your eyes to drift to Lucien, even as the Wyvern’s long, spiked tail slashed and smashed at the buildings nearby Wren and Rhyder. Even as they ducked and rolled out of the way, narrowly missing being hit by falling debris, a shriek sounding from a female somewhere inside. Lucien looked like one of the paintings she had once seen in Tamlin’s gallery, fearsome and heroic. No longer was he the snarky emissary, the proud and caring lover. This was a side of Lucien that you had not seen before.

A thin coat of sweat from the stress and pressure of that bow held tightly in his grip sheened across his forehead, dripping from his brow and marking his golden skin with a glorious sleek shimmer, almost like the drips of water as it melted from the edges of ice. His red-hair seemed even more fiery, the same stark colour as the very centre of that candle flickering in the open window behind you. His face was set in determination, his brow low and lips pulled in between his teeth into a thin line that echoed that curve of the bowstring. And those eyes that you had stated into so many times, that you had seen burn and simmer with the entails of release - of pure pleasure - now showed no signs of that male that you took to your bed each night. Now they only showed the warrior that he had trained to be, had spent so many hours in the Autumn Court during his youth, no doubt, honing to perfection.

He was…glorious.

Every inch of him, in that split second that he sheathed his arrow and raised it before him, pulled back to meet his brow, was godly. He was like one of those male figures cut from Tamlin’s gallery, the strong heroes that saved the damsel and claimed his reward. The ones who had fought alongside the Old Gods, should legends be believed, and moved from memory, to story, to myth, to legend. Perhaps Lucien would go down in legend…

His finger pulled away and the bowstring snapped as it hauled the arrow forward at a pace so fast you almost couldn’t see it as it whooshed through the air, hitting its mark perfectly. The Wyvern screeched in pain, thrashing uncontrollably, those wings flaring in anger to span the entirety of the marketplace, blocking your sight of Silas, Wren, and Rhyder. The sound was almost unbearable, a blood-curdling wail that echoed through the silent village, bounced off the rolling hills to travel further and beyond, likely reaching to even the Wall itself.

Lucien had hit it directly in the eye, that black slit of a pupil in the centre now no more than a bloody cavernous hole where an eye had once been. The yellow of its iris was stained red.

Another screech that sounded like nails against a chalkboard, and you knew without seeing him that Silas’ arrow had been let loose. But when the blow hit and the Wyvern’s head thrust to the side…the arrow hadn’t hit its mark, piercing the Wyvern just below its sharp, lengthy cheekbone. 

“Shit,” Lucien muttered under his breath. The Wyvern had been injured, but not enough that the few swords that your forces carried on you might be able to bring it down alone. The bow was thrown to the side, and Lucien reached for his sword, turning to look at you, face grave. “We don’t have a choice.”

“I know,” was all you said in response, your grip on your swords tightening.

“We go it together,” he said, metal eye whirring as if it were somehow scanning the marketplace - the Wyvern itself - for possible strategies, all whilst he focused his attention on you. “And we make it out together.”

It took all of your strength not to lean up and kiss him right there. Instead, you simply nodded once, a determined grin on your face. “Together,” you confirmed. He smirked, hitting the side of his sword against the one in your right hand, the soft ‘clang’ barely audible over the shrieks of the Wyvern.

And together you went, Lucien leading the charge, you flanking him from behind. The pair of you were like shadows as you approached the creature; its enormity alone was enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand to attention as you peered up at it, its form seemingly growing bigger and bigger the closer you got to it.

“Aim for the wings,” Lucien said over his shoulder as the pair of you neared the creature. “That way it’ll be grounded and can’t fly away and come back to terrorise us another day. And whatever you do, avoid the tail.”

For you realised, as he said that and the great tail of the creature swung high over your heads, that the end was pointed; small barbed spikes trailed along three sides until they reached one great sword-like tip at the very end. And that final point was a different colour to the others that sat in a dark, midnight black; it was tainted a coruscate of deep, shimmering blue. The same colour as the sky above Velaris when the night clouds rolled in over the wards that Rhys had set in place to keep the city safe from attack.

Poison.

Silas mirrored our movements across the marketplace from us, pausing in the same place as we did, right below the point where the clawed tip of the Wyvern’s wing shadowed against the cobblestoned ground. That spiked tail flew over your heads, and you and Lucien ducked, the wind whooshing around you as it shaded you for no more than a second.

From the corner of your eye you caught sight of Wren and Rhyder approaching the Wyvern’s right foot, swords at the ready, and somehow you saw the entire plan play out before your eyes. Knew, without having to ask, exactly what your strategy was. As, it seemed, the sentinels did too.

In perfect synchronicity the two sentinels poised at the Wyvern’s left foot, and Wren and Rhyder, lowered their swords in a slick blow to the Wyvern’s ankles. The creature howled in pain, its forked tongue slithering from between its fangs in an aggressive hiss; a warning to whomever was brave enough to attempt to take the Wyvern on. Its wings on each side dropped to the ground in a strive to block and protect its two taloned feet; that was your chance.

Your blade slid through the leathery skin of the Wyvern’s wing with such ease, like a knife sliding through parchment, or an Illyrian shooting through the clouds. Such ease that it almost startled you.

Two gaping holes across its right wing. One across its left, courtesy of Silas. The Wyvern was grounded.

But that didn’t mean it wouldn’t still put up a fight.

That tail whooshed again, striking a heavy blow against Wren and Rhyder who had been ducking free of the heavy wings. They flew back, the hit hard enough to have them hitting against the ground a good ten feet away, heavy and harsh. Their grunts and pants of pain echoed around the marketplace.

Even as your eyes fell on Silas rushing to their aid, to that tail swinging directly toward him, to the deathly point delivering a fatal blow to his stomach. His tunic stained red beneath his armour as he dropped to his knees, a tinge of blue poison mingling with his scarlet blood. His face paled in an instant, eyes glassy even from your view on the far side of the marketplace.

Your feet moved instantaneously, urging you to go to him, to help him. But Lucien’s hand gripped around your wrist, pulling you back, and when you turned to look at him with incredulity, his eyes told you exactly what he was thinking. ‘Not now,’ they seemed to say. ‘We’ll go to him after.’

After the Wyvern’s demise.

The tail whooshed again, followed by a thunderous ‘clap’ as the Wyvern’s wing rose toward the skies and slammed back down on the cobblestone, enough to throw you off balance, falling back against the ground with a hard smack to the back of your head. Burning pain rushed to the wound that was no doubt there now, but you brushed it off, ignored it, eyes scanning the marketplace. Lucien was no longer at your side, thrown back himself and hauled back on the other side of the wing, closer to that deadly tail.

The tail swirled in the air again, and it was all Lucien could do to roll out of its way, further away from you. You had to do something, had to move - fast. The Wyvern’s whirled its tail again, lunging for Lucien, who was knocked off kilter to the ground once more; fear flashed in his eyes.

You didn’t stop to think, not as you ran - not toward the Wyvern, but away from it - grabbing an old wooden beam that had been knocked to the ground amongst the debris left from the Wyvern’s attack, racing back toward the tavern. There was a candle there, somehow still lit and flickering in the window, the flame wafting with every whoosh of the Wyvern’s tail and wings. As you ran, you pulled at the hem of your tunic, ripping enough that it would cover the end of the beam, wrapping it around and around until you finally came skidding to a halt at the door of the tavern, right where that window lay open, one shutter blown closed, the other creaking in the breeze.

Holding the wrapped end of the beam in the candle, you watched as the flames caught alight, eating away at the cloth, curling and burning it, the once blue ripped shreds turning black under the heat. You slid your swords back into their holsters on your back - they weren’t needed, not right at this second - and kicked open the door to the tavern with the sole of your boot.

The air inside smelt of stale ale and cooked stew, but it was tainted with something else - fear. There were no people there, you ascertained, eyes scanning the overturned tables, knocked over stools, and abandoned mugs on the tables as you swiftly made your way through to the back, to where you assumed the stairs would be.

You were right, an old, narrow, and rather rickety stairway was tucked behind the bar, leading to the upper levels. The torch lit the way, faelights on the walls long-since dulled to nothing.

The room upstairs that you found yourself in was large, a communal sitting area of some sort that led off to a hallway at the back that no doubt housed the inn’s rooms. A small whimper sounded from the corner, and you whirled around, eyes landing first on a small fae child curled on the floor, and then on the others behind her. Patrons of the tavern downstairs, fae rooming in the inn, landlords of the building, all huddled together in one corner, a mixture of different fae, from winged, to blue-skinned, to High Fae that looked as if they came from different courts. They shook and trembled with fear, each of them watching you wide-eyed and terrified.

“It’s okay,” you whispered. “We’re here to help. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Only that young girl at the front - the child - nodded.

Then you turned with such determination that it almost shocked you. An open window at the far end of the room, one that would look out across the entire marketplace; the perfect spot. You didn’t have a plan, not really, just the outline of an idea, but it was the best you were going to get at this point. You prised open the shutters, and the sight that beheld you almost made your knees buckle.

You were at eye-level with the Wyvern, those bloody gouges where its eyes had once been still holding the two Spring Court arrows in place, each one marked with the green of their court. You could see the drool that snarled from the tips of its fangs, could make out every scale on its body, thick like armour.

You only had one shot; one chance.

Legs trembling, you clambered onto the window ledge, leaning as far out as you could, torch blazing in your hand. Your eyes fell to Lucien, who had staggered his way to the edge of the marketplace, now gazing up at you, face pale white. But you didn’t stop, didn’t let his shock nor the fear that swirled in your stomach stop you.

The torch lingered near the slitted nostrils of the Wyvern, and it paused, its thrashing coming to a momentary stop as it felt the heat upon its skin. It was working.

“That’s it,” you whispered, as if speaking to the creature itself. “Follow the heat.”

The last few senses the Wyvern still had; temperature and smell. It followed both of them, leaning toward the fire as if trying to assess whether it was a comfort or a threat. And then, with one hand on the hilt of one of the swords strapped to your back, you bent your knees and used every ounce of strength you had to throw the torch into the skies.

Seconds. You had mere seconds. One step back. Sword drawn from its sheath. In a run, you leapt from the window, just as the Wyvern’s head turned upward to follow the heat of the blazing torch. Sword stretched above your head, you pierced the creature at the top of its long, scaled neck, your slight run before your jump providing enough momentum to tear through the armoured scales. The creature shrieked, writhing and gyrating beneath you as your sword slid, you along with it, down the length of its neck, blood splattering against the cobblestones, across your face and body, as you went. You closed your eyes, not wanting to see the guts and innards that were escaping through that gaping hole.

You didn’t open them again until you reached the point where neck turned to ribcage, your sword getting stuck on the upper bones. One push with your feet against the creature’s chest had your sword flinging from its body, hauling you back and onto the ground below. You yelped at the sharp pain that flooded though your every bone as you collided with the cobblestones.

The creature shrieked once more, legs collapsing, and it was with great effort that you were able to shuffle out of the way as the creature fell to the ground, unmoving and unbreathing.

The silence that followed was deafening. The Wyvern was dead.

Faces began to peer from the windows and doors, heads poking up here and there, whispering to the others that the coast was clear. That the High Lord’s sister had saved them. That the Queen Killer had saved them.

But your eyes were on the corpse of the Wyvern. Were drifting to the pale form of Silas, hunched against the cobblestones on the far side of the marketplace. On the sentinels that surrounded him.

“Get him back to the manor!” Lucien’s voice called from somewhere, and a moment later he came into view. He was clutching his rib as his other hand came down to rest on your shoulder, eyes scanning your body, trying to find any wounds, trying to discern what was the Wyvern’s blood and what was yours.

“I’m okay,” you whispered, exhaustion already interweaving with the words. Your sword dropped from your hand with a clatter, just as doors began to swing open, and locals began making their way over to you. “I’m okay,” you said again, although it was almost more to reassure yourself of that fact than Lucien. “Silas-”

“Will be fine, if we can get him back to the manor in time,” he said, hand falling to wrap around your own, hauling you to wobbly feet. “We’ll have a healer look over him. He’ll be healed in no time, I’m sure.”

Then a hand clapped your back, and you turned to find faces staring at you - watching you with awe. The villagers cocooned themselves around you, pressing close to you, strings of ‘Thanks yous’ and ‘The Mother bless you’ echoing in your ears. You stepped back, pressing your back to Lucien’s chest, just as the whisperings of ‘Cauldron sent’ and ‘Queen Killer’ began to find their way back to you from the crowd.

It was too much. Too much like…like Under the Mountain. Like that night after you had killed Amarantha, when those that had been trapped there with you looked at you with awe, looked at you as if you had truly been sent by the Cauldron.

“Take me home,” you whispered, words that you had once asked Lucien before, in that aftermath so many months ago, echoed once again. “Please, take me home.”

Lucien’s brows pinched, but he nodded once, hand tightening around your own as you were swallowed by an Autumn swept fog, wrapping around you both, one that smelt like him; like crisp apples and crispy frost-coated leaves.

Tamlin was waiting when Lucien returned to the manor, Y/N still held tightly to his chest. His face was thunder itself.

“Before you start-” Lucien began, but Tamlin cut him off, even as Lucien pushed past him and led Y/N, still shaking in her boots, to the foot of the stairs.

“How could you be so reckless?” Tamlin snapped. Lucien’s eyes narrowed, heart beating so fast that he was sure if he looked down at his chest he would see it poking from his tunic with each beat.

“Reckless?” He bit in return. “We saved those people.”

“And you took her with you!” Tamlin fumed, motioning a throwaway hand toward Y/N. Lucien seethed. “What would have happened if she had been killed?”

“I never would have let that happen,” Lucien argued back. And he wouldn’t have. Never would he allow anything to happen to her - he would have laid his own life down in that battle against the Wyvern if it would have been payment for her heart to remain beating.

“You wouldn’t have been given the option,” Tamlin said through gritted teeth. He opened his mouth to say more, but a door opened behind them, and Lucien’s golden eye whirled to find Alis hovering there awkwardly. He cleared his throat, turning to her.

“Take her upstairs please, Alis,” he said calmly, a small, tight-lipped smile aimed her way. “Tend to any wounds that she has, and make sure she bathes.”

Alis gave a short nod, rushing over to Y/N, dress whispering against the tiled floor as she went, and with one arm wrapped around her shoulders, guided Y/N toward the stairs. Lucien turned back to Tamlin, white knuckled fists at his sides.

“You can’t keep her in this manor forever,” he said, chin raised defiantly. “She is more than capable of looking after herself. I saw that today. It was Y/N who brought that Wyvern down. She showed more strength and bravery than you did - you left those people to die, and it was her, the female that you see as weak, as needing to be protected, that stood there in your stead.”

“And look what it’s done to her!” Tamlin said, enraged. Lucien cast a sideways glance at Y/N who was slowly but surely taking the stairs step-by-step. She did look haggard and exhausted, covered in the blood of the foe she had defeated that day. It clung to her hair, mixing with her own blood seeping from a small but deep gash on the back of her head. Yet…she looked determined, looked strong and content. “She could have been killed! What were you thinking? What is going through your head?”

Lucien took one short but confident stride toward his High Lord. “I’m thinking of how proud of her I am.”

Tamlin scoffed, a haughty laugh that should have intimidated Lucien, should have made him feel foolish. “Pride?” He huffed. “Why in all of Prythian would you feel pride?”

“Because she accomplished something incredible today,” Lucien said firmly. “And it was an honour to witness it.”

Tamlin cocked his head in utter disbelief. “Who made you her spokesman. Why would you care what she does?”

“Because I’m in love with her!” Lucien breathed as if it were obvious. He paused, eyes wide, turning to the stairs where he found Y/N frozen to the spot, staring at him over her shoulder. He had said it, there was no turning back now. “I am so, frightfully in love with her and that terrifies me. I’m not simply sharing my bed with her. I intend to share every single day with her, until my final breath.”

Tamlin looked like a deer caught in the firing-line of an arrow marked for its heart. His eyes were wide in surprise, his mouth parted slightly. It would have been almost comical, and Lucien likely would have laughed at the dumbfounded look on his face, had he not been so unsure about what the High Lord’s next words would be.

Tamlin swallowed, closing his eyes as if to will away whatever anger was rising within him, and he only whispered, “Go. Get out of my sight.”

Lucien didn’t need to be told twice. He sprinted for the stairs, taking Y/N’s hand, Alis clutching the other, and beginning to help her up the stairs. She looked at him in shock.

“Y-You told him,” she whispered. Lucien smiled softly.

“He had to know sometime,” he said with a small shrug. “And I’m tired of hiding. If I’m going to be with you, Y/N, then I don’t want it to be in the shadows. I wish to sing it from the very rooftops.”

She beamed, and Lucien could practically feel his heart glowing at the sight. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Taglist

Complete: | @loveshineslikethesky | @elleclairez | @lostpirateinwonderland | @judig92 | @old-enough-to-know-better73 | @atrashsith | @chanaaaannel |

Lucien Vanserra: | @luna-foxglove | @lumos-barnes | @cumuluscranium | @dreamlandreader | @enrichmenttimeinmyenclosure | @rachelnicolee | @callmelovergirl |