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#laori cethlion
cathcacen · 6 years
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Anarei, healer             |     Ora, huntress Laori, scout                 |     Ithaera, restaurateur Deiadra, apothecary   |     Ailey, midwife
My bby girls + unglam fantasy-realm jobs
Make your own (x)
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phylophe · 8 years
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Warm Sunset
@cathcacen‘s Laori Cethlion. 
Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m glad that we’ve reconciled somewhat over the past few months... here’s hoping for a rebuilt friendship in a more proper place. :’)
~1.5 hours.
See more of my palette challenge! 
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larscethlion-blog · 9 years
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Yesterday’s DA session was very emotionally taxing for Laori.
I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to do it. They’re dead, so many dead. The villagers, the blacksmith, the ambush - the monsters, after. The pitch black, the howling, laughing, terrifying whispers in the night.
She burrowed deeper into her cloak, curling in on herself. The tent she’d pitched was small, but large enough for another. She wished Celandine or Iliev were there.
Or Mae. Or Ceth. Or papa and mama. Or Auntie Chryse.
Anyone but them. Anywhere but here.
She took a deep, steadying breath, forcing herself to take in long, even gulps of air. The night was still cool, and though the fire was burning bright once more, the light visible through the thin lining of her tent, she was chilled to the bone.
Thank the stars we survived that. Two ambushes in a day. Two close shaves. First men, then demons. Those things, with their claws and bites - and Nic came so close, so damn close to dying.
Again.
Her backpack was dirtied with muck and grit, but it felt good to cover her face. She pressed it into her cheek, shutting out the world,
They almost died, they almost died, we almost died. The blacksmith is dead, some of his lackeys are dead. He’s dead, and the Warden already hates us.
She tried to hold back the fresh wave of panic that threatened to take hold, but it was hard.
It’s my fault. It’s my fault; I lied and he caught us. And now he hates us, and now he’s going to hate us even more for killing people under his charge.
Somewhere within her mind, defensive cries rang out: they attacked first.
But we could’ve fought to incapacitate. Why did we kill? Why did Don and Eos aim to kill? They were human. Living, breathing, frightened. Merely standing up for themselves and what they believed was right.
She clutched her pack, grunting. I want Cel. Ceth would probably get mad at us. They’re human, he’d say. They deserve mercy, same as everyone else.
She fisted her hands. I tried. I didn’t aim to kill, I really tried. But so many of them died, anyway.
Alone in the night, she whispered to herself. “How’re we going to explain this when we get back?”
Her consciousness bit, and bit hard.
“What do we do, what do we do? What did we do? What did we do, what have we done?”
She repeated it to herself, again and again, but nothing made sense any more. And when at last she slept, she dreamt only of death, blood, and red eyes that glowed in the night, unblinking, close, and watching - always watching.
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cathcacen · 6 years
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Heart beneath my skin
“Look into my eyes. What do you see?” for Maelars, requested by @phylophe.
It’s twilight when she opens her eyes, the world a flurry of colour both warm and cool – soft yellows and pinks fade to grey in the darkening sky above, and drifting snowflakes swirl in a lazy dance. Did I fall asleep?
Her sketchbooks lie discarded by her side. In the wake of her father’s passing, she’s filled it with additional notes to supplement the previous work of her fellow scouts – maps annotated with things only a druid would need to know, and red ink crosses to mark demonic hotbeds. She flips through the pages, and stops at a sketch of the newly-minted General – her best friend and the man that she loves. Within the page, his amber eyes gleam. She’d filled them in with some paint, but like so many of her sketches, they lack the warmth of the real thing.
She hears the soft flutter of wings before the little robin lands on her knee. “Hello, Averard.” The little bird allows her to pat his silky head. She shakes some sunflower seeds from her little bag of nuts, and he rubs affectionately at her fingertips with his beak before pecking them up.
“I thought I heard someone talking.”
There’s a smile in the General’s voice, and sure enough, Mae is there in the flesh when she turns around, grinning that wolfish grin, his face framed by his windblown red-rust hair. “Just saying hello to Averard.” She grabs her sketchbook, slaps it shut, and shoves it down the inner breast pocket of her coat. Beside her, the robin chirps – almost knowingly – then flits to the barren branch of a nearby tree. “What in the world are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be back in Virkove doing General things?”
“I’m done for the day, so I thought I’d come and do General things up here.” Mae crosses the rocky pathway in a few short steps, grunting beneath the weight of a long, teardrop-shaped shield, wrapped in fabric and strapped to his back. He unties it and lets it drop, then flops down onto her side with a heavy sigh. “Looking up my best scout and taking some time to greet old friends.”
She chuckles as he reaches forward to brush the snowflakes from the tip of her nose. “And how’re you going with that?”
“I’ve just done both.” He settles in as Averard flits over to roost on his shoulder. “How long have you been up here?”
“A few hours. I just needed to double check the terrain.” She gestures ahead; from where they’re sitting on the edge of a snow-capped rockface, and even with the slow-setting blanket of mist, the jagged silhouette of the Northern range is just visible. “I’m seeing some signs that point to an impending avalanche, so we’ll want to avoid this area for the next long while.”
Mae makes a soft ‘hmm’ under his breath, and she glances aside at him as he studies the terrain. “I guess that’s a no to our planned training exercises up here, then.”
She quirks a smile. “It’s not forever. And anyway, I think the troops have more than enough on their plates right now, General.”
“Don’t call me that.” Mae makes a face, and she laughs as he shoves her lightly. “Come on, we should be heading back. Mom wants you to come over for dinner tonight.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah,” Mae hops to his feet, brushing off some of the snow on his clothes. His smile softens a little as he reaches out for her. “You haven’t been over lately, and I think everybody’s worried you aren’t eating or sleeping enough.”
It’s her turn to pull a face – while it’s true that she hasn’t been over at the Naveau house for weeks now, the why of it seems to have escaped her best friend. The thought tugs at heartstrings she’s put away, feelings she’s fought to suppress in recent days. Ugh, Mae. You can be so dense sometimes.
“Don’t worry,” She tells him, hopping to her feet. “I’m eating just fine.”
Mae squeezes her hand lightly as he pulls her up and to the edge of their rock. She barely makes out the mischievious gleam in his eyes before he releases her hand to unwrap his shield. “So I had an idea…”
“The last time you said that, we had to hightail it out of Sescheron with an army of yeti after us,” She reminds him.
“No, it’s nothing like that!” Mae points down with his free hand, tracing the slope of snow even as a grin spreads over his face. “But this is a quicker way to get down than that hour-long hike, wouldn’t you say?”
She peers over the edge. “It’s also a quicker way to die. We don’t even know how that shield’s gonna hold up - and how’s Averard going to get down?”
“He’ll fly, of course. Anyway, don’t you trust me?” Mae squeezes her hand again, his voice straining with excitement. She hates it when he gets like this – even moreso because she knows she’ll never be able to resist him. That’s how you ended up jumping off a bloody cliffside into that river last time.
They’d both ended up with colds and scraped knees. It was the best day of her life.
“I trust you,” She tells him. “But this may be a bit too extreme, even for us, don’t you think?”
He grins; the wind is picking up now, and that ever-familiar feeling of excitement that nips at her heels whenever she’s with him resurfaces, coaxed from gently-simmering coals to burn within. “We’ll be fine. Look into my eyes. What do you see?”
“Someone who’s probably going to get me killed someday.”
“Oh, come on.” Mae brushes back his hair, the messy tendrils nonetheless escaping to whip against his cold-pinked cheeks. “You know I’d never let you get hurt.”
She manages a smile. “But if I break a leg or something, I get to stay home tomorrow?”
Mae lets out a laugh that’s almost immediately lost in the wind, then sets down the shield before motioning for her to get on. She takes a deep breath, then lays down and tucks in her arms and legs before shifting to get comfortable. Her breath stalls as Mae lays down over her, squishing her into the fur-lined surface. His arms come around her sides, gripping the handles to effectively lock her in. She braces herself as his breath warms her cheek. “I’ll protect you. Ready?”
“We’re being very irresponsible right now, I hope you know this,” She snuggles in deeper. “Remember to steer.”
His laugh pierces the air. “Remember to open your eyes.”
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cathcacen · 6 years
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Put a ring on it
“Would you mind pretending to be my date?” for MaeLars, requested by @phylophe hurhurhur.
I love these two bakas okay.
Only a few weeks have passed since Urzael’s defeat, but already, the rebuilding has begun in the ruins of Westmarch. Bit by bit, colour returns to the gloomy city. She sees it in fresh wildflowers, re-planted and growing in the windowsills of her neighbours. She sees it in the bright, pink faces of the survivors, smiling women and their laughing men. She sees it in Mae’s eyes, the vibrant gold brightening each time he takes her arm to drag her out exploring in the surrounding woods and swamps.
The invitation arrives at the manor one rainy morning. She’s been working in the front courtyard all morning, putting together a new table for the dining room and polishing rocks to rebuild the collapsed oven.
“Miss Cethlion?” The messenger bears General Haile’s coat of arms, the sigil etched into his deep blue robes. “An invitation from Master Haile, for the young lady’s wedding next weekend.”
“Oh.” She shakes the sawdust off her hands before reaching to take the card. Careful cursive within denotes the date, time, and location. “Thanks.”
She spends the rest of the day finishing off the table. On impulse, she cracks open one of her master’s precious paint jars, and uses the soft sky-blue pigment to colour the table. She’s just finishing drawing bluebells and daisies onto the legs when Mae arrives home, fresh from a day’s work with the Horadrim in the half-restored library.
“That’s pretty,” He tells her, sitting down on the stairs by her side and handing her a bun. It’s from the bakery down the street; the father had been killed in the sacking of Westmarch, but last she’d heard, the son had been looking to continue in the family business in honour of the man. “Oh, did you hear? Haile’s youngest daughter’s getting married.”
She’s just taken a bite of the bun – it’s delicious, a fluffy flower bun filled with honey cream that makes her think of happier days. “I got the invitation earlier, too. Did General Haile invite you in person?”
Mae chuckles lightly, rubbing at the back of his head and toussling his hair. He looks a little sheepish, half embarrassed. “He asked if Niall and I would both be bringing dates, and mentioned there would be dancing.”
“Oh, wow. I guess they’re really going all out, huh?” She licks a bit of cream off her lip, then reaches into her pocket for the invitation, flipping it open to look it over. “Remember when Cel and Ceth got married? It was a good time, wasn’t it?”
It had been a good time, in a time before the war. They’d spent the day getting Cel ready, preparing food for the reception, and entertaining the Valdels’ family from Scosglen. The sight of his sister walking down the aisle to Ceth had brought Mae to near-tears at the altar. She’d teased him for it afterwards, and they’d danced long into the night, laughing with, and at one another.
Part of her thinks it’s fitting that it’s still Mae at her side after all this time. The other part – the part prone to melancholy wonders if this is all they’ll ever be. Just friends. Best friends.
“It was a much better time than Lut Gholein.”
She snorts. The would-be prince of Lut Gholein had suffered quite a bit at the hands of the city’s elders in their attempt to find him a suitable bride. “Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I don’t think General Haile is looking to find you a royal wife.”
Mae mutters something under his breath, bumping his shoulder into hers. “Remember that Westmarch princess? She’s going to be at the wedding, too.”
The memory of a pretty blonde girl in flowing silk surfaces in her mind. An elegant dancer, tall and slender, with a broad, bright smile and a sharp nose. “That’s nice. She pretty and blonde, and she seemed to like you.”
Mae frowns at her. “You’re pretty and blonde, and I like you. So would you mind pretending to be my date? I don’t want to give anyone any ideas, and this way, we can have fun together like we always do.”
She raises a brow. “What makes you think I don’t already have a date?”
His jaw drops, preceding a pregnant pause. She’s just biting back a laugh when he reaches out to her, half-horrified and half-anxious. “Do you? You’re just messing with me, aren’t you, Lars?”
“I am,” She admits, shaking her head. Her cheeks feel warm, but then again, she’s grown used to it. “As it is, I was actually going to ask you the same thing.” She finishes off the bun, then brushes the crumbs off her lap. “Lady Haile keeps asking me to have tea with her last unmarried son, and I know for a fact that he prefers… not me, so it’d be good to put that to rest.” And it’d be good for Serrah to see that I’m not stealing her master away, too.
Mae sits up, and his eyes brighten in the way that turns her heart to warm, mushy oatmeal. She looks down as he grabs her hands – because personal space with Amaethon Valdel has never existed between them – and sighs, half exasperated and half-resigned, as he squeezes her fingers. “I’ll do you one better, Lars. Let’s actually go as each other’s dates! After all, we’re best friends, and best friends can date, right?”
He laughs when she shoves him off the stairs, and they spend the rest of the day rebuilding the stone oven, eating meat pies, and working on their detailed map of the swamplands. The days go on, and they don’t discuss the wedding again; by the time the day arrives, she’s certain he’s forgotten about their plans, so she’s more than surprised to find him at the front door, dressed in rust-coloured robes and holding up a woven corsage of brilliant-purple heather.
“Ceth used to make Cel corsages like this, and I know you liked the heather crown I made you back in Scosglen.” He pushes the floral band up her wrist, grinning, and she has to remind herself that it’s just Mae, and Mae is an unwitting romantic who likely has no idea that she can barely breathe at present.
Still, she can’t help herself – and so she unwinds the ribbons from her hair, bright blue and soft pinks and pale purples – and ties them about his wrist. And when he looks up at her and meets her eyes, the bright smile on his face tells her that he remembers; ribbons on his wrist in lieu of gold bracelets, a night on their own, far from prying eyes and enriched by one another’s company.
That had been enough, she thinks. And as Mae takes her hand to lead her to the street, she thinks that maybe this would be enough, too.  
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cathcacen · 6 years
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Shatter the myth
Ailey shares her thoughts on what death might mean for a Northerner.
Dawn brings with it the fresh, cool breath of a late spring day, the sun a gentle master in the wake of harsh reality. Despite the hour, she’s had about enough of trying to sleep; Sankett’s been gone a month, so her bed feels too empty and too cold. To add to that, a deathly chill has settled overnight upon the house once occupied by the vivacious lifeforce of her brother.
Sleep has become impossible. More than once she’s walked into the kitchen to find Deiadra sitting on the floor by the fire, pale eyes glazed over as the light flickers in and out. Lars sneaks out night after night, occasionally returning only after mid-day with circles beneath her eyes and leaves in her hair. Sometimes, she finds the girl asleep in the guest hall, curled up on the hearth with Mae’s little robin friend roosting by her cheek.
She runs her fingers through her hair, raking down the matted orange curls. There’s a letter from Sankett at her desk, most likely a continuation of stories from his retreat in the Isle of Mists in the Sea of Light. A flash of irritation brings with it an underlying sense of loneliness and jealousy – that he’s away in her time of need further drives in the point that she’s never really been able to depend on him after all.
Two thick sheets of paper fall out of the envelope, loosely tied together and lazily folded – but Sankett’s writing is careful and beautiful as always. A small leaf rustles free of the pages, its blue-green hue unfaded despite its crisp and brittle nature. She sets the leaf aside on the bedside table.
She skims through the words and pages, barely making sense of the sentences. A part of her wonders at the change within herself – just two weeks ago, she’d have given anything to have news of her sometimes-lover and friend.
Now, she just wants her brother back.
She lets out a sigh, then sets to work with her response.
 J – glad to hear you’re alive. Treat the villagers well and try not to get tangled up in another dangerous excavation – some truths are better left to the past. You might have heard. We came under attack recently. My brother gave his life to fight them back, and Mae has taken his place.
 Her hand stops of its own accord. The words linger in her consciousness. I miss you.
Instead, she signs off with her customary farewell. Then she pats the ink dry, folds up the sheet of paper, and begins to dress
-
It’s midday by the time she’s done running her errands, but with no pregnant woman to see to at present, the midwife has more than enough time on her hands. She meanders leisurely across the village, and finally finds herself at the hill where her brother is buried alongside so many others she’s loved and lost.
She finds her niece by her brother’s grave, the young woman wearing a frown and a light coat. Lars glances up with a gasp as she lays a hand upon her shoulder, evidently previously lost in thought. “Oh, Aunt Ailey. I didn’t see you.”
She settles down onto the grass beside the other, wincing as the bones in her knees pop. “I thought you had some scouting to do today.”
Lars looks down, her hands tightening about her legs to pull them closer to her chest. “I fell and rolled down a hill earlier. Uncle Lear told me to take the rest of the day off.” A slightly strained, yet sheepish chuckle follows. “I guess I got careless, eh?”
“I’d be careless too if I’d been up all night doing gods know what in the woods.” She tugs her cloak closer, letting out a sigh. “Can’t sleep? Sankett left some sleeping tincture behind; you can take some if you’d like.”
Lars shakes her head, her voice turning glum. “It’s fine. The mages identified some hotspots. Apparently the day it happened, someone opened up a few demon gates. That’s where they came from.” The girl lets out a breath through clenched teeth, brows furrowed. “We just need to make sure they’re all sealed, in case more come through. Just a few more nights should do it.”
“Well, don’t work yourself too hard.” She ruffles the girl’s hair. “You’re the dependable one in the family, so I need you to wheel me to Rei’s when I’m old and sick. And, y’know – dig my grave when I’m dead.”
Lars lets out a laugh at that, half tinged with sadness. She’s silent just then, her bright blue eyes affixed upon the inscription on the newly-mounted headstone.
Taranis Cethlion. Husband, brother, father, and friend. And just below, in smaller script: I go now to see my friends, with the knowledge that others will follow at their leisure.
“Aunt Ailey,” Lars’ voice breaks the silence. “Where do you think we go when we die?”
She studies the girl’s face, and finds in it a sentiment she recognises. That’s right. You’ve thought about this a lot, haven’t you? The roots of our people run strong after all.
Beyond the hilly peaks to the northwest, and past the boxy grey structure of Bastion’s Keep, she can just make out the sight of Arreat Crater – the remains of their ancestral home and history. The first settlers of Virkove, along with General Naveau had picked this very spot to house the remains of their people for the exact reason – a connection to their past in their new home, a place of hope and the belief that death would bring peace.
“Some would say we’ve been cast out by our gods for failing the charge of our ancestors. When the worldstone was destroyed, your grandfather fell into a state of deep depression.” She lets out a breath. If she closes her eyes, she can still see him – a man in his thirties who had lived to see too much, hunched over by the fire with Taranis by his side, then only a boy who did not understand. She hadn’t understood, then, neither. “That’s not the story you grew up hearing, though. Your parents fought so you and your siblings would never had to suffer the same kind of restlessness. They wanted you to have purpose in life.”
Lars manages a weak smile. “Dad said his purpose was to do good in the world – and to get Uncle Lear back for all the pranks he’s pulled in his lifetime.”
She lets out a laugh at that. “I daresay he’s made good on that. But there you have it. When General Naveau chose Virkove to settle, he did so with the sole intent of giving our people new purpose. And, as cheesy as it sounds, hope. Do you think your father did enough good in his life to warrant a place among our gods, at the end of it all?”
“Yes.” Lars grits her teeth – then her voice hardens, and she looks up, eyes blazing. “Yes. Dad wasn’t perfect, but he did his best.”
“He did.” She looks back to the grave, and can’t help but to chuckle. “It’s funny – his subordinates used to say he’d make the worst father in the world, and yet here we are.”
Lars scowls at that. “They’re wrong.”
She smiles, and wraps an arm around the girl. “They’re wrong.”
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cathcacen · 7 years
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What’s New Pussycat
Lars tries to save her cat from a tree and gets booked for breaking into a baron’s house.
Henri’s just afraid she’ll stop feeding him.
She’s itching for a bath by the time the keys rattle in her door. The guard motions her out with a quick jerk of the head, and she can just make out his smirk in the dim torchlight within the cavernous depths of Westmarch’s prisons. Still, she’s a daughter of Virkove and her father has taught her to bear disgrace and embarrassment with a proud, stern face. She thinks she’s gotten pretty good at it over the years.
Niall is waiting for her by the door, dressed only in light clothes. He must’ve been about ready for bed when she’d sent for him, though she has to admit he’s holding up better than she’d imagined, half a smile and a bright, amused gleam in his eyes. He greets her with a nod, and to her eternal gratitude, holds in his laughter until they’re both clear of the building.
Only then does the crusader deign to laugh – softly, at first, and then louder, his deep baritone voice echoing in the street before them.
“I’m going to kill that stupid cat.”
Niall reaches over to pick at a stuck leaf, his massive, roughened hand nonetheless gentle in her tangle of hair. “Yeah, I checked in on him on the way over here. He’s eating the supper you left out in the back yard.”
She lets out a strangled sound. Henri isn’t a particularly affectionate cat, but she hadn’t expected him to pull a stupid stunt like that. “I’m leaving him the next time he runs off like that.”
The crusader chuckles heartily. “The guard that came to fetch me said something to that effect. You were looking for him and accidentally trespassed?”
“He got trapped in some Baron’s courtyard. I thought I could just scale the outer wall and get him down from that tree, but then I got spotted and it all went downhill from there.” She rubs at the sides of her arms. In the few hours it had taken for her to explain the situation to the gaggle of disapproving and disbelieving officers, the night had grown cold.
Niall drapes a soft, slightly worn blanket over her shoulders. She hadn’t even realised he’d been carrying it. “Baron and Baroness Freschia Quinten. You’ll be pleased to hear they’re only distantly related to the royal family – some cousins of cousins by marriage, so you’re safe.” He pauses, then a slightly guilty smile spreads across his face. “I may have used your Stark name for some leverage there.”
She lets out a sigh. Her estranged grandfather had never been an active part of her life, but his name did afford her with some leeway in the city. And even better, it afforded her with more anonymity than her father’s name – her name – ever could. Cethlions are warriors. Cethlions helped to bring about the end of Diablo himself. To be a Cethlion is to cast away all hope for a normal, quiet life.
She wonders how much harder it’d be to be an Ilvait-Sagen, or a Valdel, or to be the sole surviving Serac.
“It’s okay.” She smiles at her newest friend, the faces of her oldest and dearest flashing in her mind, one by one – each brighter and more vivid than the last. “Sorry they dragged you out of bed.”
“I thought it was a joke at first.” Niall scratches at the back of his head. “Lorath forced me to come on the off-chance it wasn’t. You should buy him a drink tomorrow.”
She sighs, squinting as they round the bend to her mother’s manor. “I’ll be buying you both drinks, if that’s okay. See you tomorrow?”
Niall smiles, then gives her shoulder a light squeeze, the same way he always does when he knows she’s had a rough day. “Sure. Sleep well.”
And, as she trudges up the stairs to bed, Henri’s feather-light footsteps beside her own in what can only be his version of an apology, she thinks of days long past, when it had been – in the stead of Niall – Iliev, Mae, and Ceth who had bailed her out of trouble.
“They’d be pretty mad at you too, Henri.” She says.
His bright amber eyes are incandescent in the night. He lets out a plaintive meow. She knows it’s because he’s worried for tomorrow’s dinner.
“Don’t do it again.”
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cathcacen · 7 years
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On each other’s team
Lars and Theone talk about their ideal partners. Requested by @phylophe​ and happily filled because I have a fluffy butt. Edits to come tomorrow because sleep.
Sharval is warm this time of year. They’re laying in the grass beneath the shroud of stars together, full from a dinner of steak and kidney pie and a berry pudding smothered in jam-rippled cream when Theone, in her ever-casual indifference, throws out the question.
“So what’s going on with you and Kasem, Lars?” The eldest Ilvait-Sagen peers over at her, hazel-and-green eyes keen and curious in the moonlight. “You pretty much sat by his side all day.”
She blinks, confused. “How do you mean? I was helping Ceth drain the pus from his boils. Not exactly romantic, is it?” It’s true she’d found the young Caldeum native an interesting enough companion; he had plenty of stories to share on life in the desert. Bright-eyed, friendly, and eager to laugh despite his unfortunate condition. She liked him well enough.
Theone flops over onto her front to get a better look at her. “Yeah, but he seems like he’d be a good match, right?” She grins knowingly. “Or are you still hung up over Jace?”
“No.” Lars settles into the grass, relishing in the green, lively fragrance with its musky, earthy undertones. The familiarity is comforting. “I’ll be starting training with your dad when we get back to Virkove, anyway.”
“So?” Theone hums cheerfully. “I’m sure papa won’t keep you so busy you can’t date.”
She makes a face. “I don’t really want to date right now.” I’ve got some big shoes to fill. The thought sends shivers down her spine – excitement mingles alongside apprehension. Mae’s going to need a good scout when he’s General.
“Fair enough.” Theone sinks back down into the grass, letting out a contented, happy sigh. “What’s your ideal lover like, though? You didn’t look overly excited over your date when we were in Lut Gholein.”
“That’s because you picked him, you idiot.”
Theone frowns, evidently displeased. “Well, excuse me for trying. You ended up having fun, right?”
That draws forth a smile, and she chuckles, shutting her eyes and folding her hands together over her middle. She remembers the night well – the soft, lapping waves of the beach, soft-blue ribbons wound about a dark wrist, the crisp, clear water of the oasis, and the fresh breath of morning on the ride back to town after. Mae’s face surfaces, his smile bright and warm. “Yeah.”
“You didn’t answer my question.” Theone shuffles closer, then lets out a long sigh. “My ideal lover has to be tall, I think. And he needs to be smart, but not obnoxious. Nice eyes, maybe.”
“Afraid he’ll be smarter than you?” She snickers as Theone elbows her in the side; amber eyes, warm and bright flash across her mind. A soft, careless hum escapes her, and she finds herself remarking in agreement after, “But nice eyes are a plus.”
“What else?”
“We’d have some things in common.” She searches the sky above, the deep-blue expanse framed in her line of sight by the tops of trees. “We’d swim together at night when everyone else is asleep, and go on lots of adventures together. See the world, try new things. Tastes and sights and sounds and smells – all of it.”
Theone chuckles. “That’s kind of a tall order, you know.”
She knows what her friend means. Virkovians are content to stay. Our roots run deep and strong. Her spirit yearns to fly – to see more. “Maybe. I could still travel on my own, though. He’d have to be okay with that too. Parting, and knowing I’d come home at the end of the day.”
“So he can’t be a jealous sort of fellow, then.”
“Ugh, no.” She slips an arm under her head. “I’d feel safe around him. I’d be able to tell him anything – any secret, embarrassing or not, and we’d laugh at it after. He wouldn’t be afraid of my father or my brothers. We’d fight sometimes, because he’d always speak his mind, even when it makes me mad. He’s not necessarily with the militia, but he works hard and doesn’t give up, even when the road forward seems impossible to traverse.” A pause, and she can’t help but to smile. “He’d be friends with my friends, and Averard would like him.”
“Good heavens, Lars, you’ve really thought about this.” Theone eyes her suspiciously.
“You asked.”
“Fine. Go on.”
She snickers, letting out a sigh after. “We’d be comfortable together. Like friends, you know? Like Aunt Ora and Uncle Heulan. We’d always be straight with each other. Life with him would be an adventure. He wouldn’t be the sort of man who’d promise never to hurt me, but when he does, he’d apologise straightaway. He’d love his family and he’d be sweet to his mum. He’d be funny and charming, but not in that obnoxious way that draws too much attention to the fact. It’d be an understated and ridiculous way, that makes you laugh at him. He’d be ready with a smile, and when he isn’t, I’d smile enough for the both of us.”
“What about looks?” Theone scratches at her chin, letting out a thoughtful ‘hmm’. “Jace was pretty good-looking. Pure Northern and full-muscle.”
“If you like him so much, you can date him.”
“I don’t want your leftovers, Cethlion.”
She lets out a laugh. “Well, what’s your ideal mate like, then? You seemed to like your date enough in Lut Gholein.”
Theone nibbles her lip, brows furrowing as she considers the question. “He was actually pretty nice. But really, I don’t know.” She pauses, then lets out a sigh. “Mama used to tell me that she just knew. That she fell in love with papa for his nature, and that she wasn’t expecting to fall the way she did. That it wasn’t really anything profound that drew her to him. She just loved him, and then eventually, he loved her back. Sometimes I wonder if that’s what it’s going to be like for me. I mean, if it’s going to hit me without warning, should I even bother thinking about it?”
“Sometimes, we can’t help but think about it.” A little bird settles upon a branch overhead, and if she squints hard enough, she can just catch a glimpse of orange. She sits up, running her hands through her hair to dislodge bits of broken-up leaf. “But you’re having a good time regardless, right?”
“Yeah.” Theone grins aside at her. “It’s encouraging to hear you think about this stuff sometimes too, though.”
“Apparently too much.”
“My ideal lover, though.” Theone pauses briefly, and she watches as the older girl’s eyes harden. “He’ll love Tychol as much as he loves me. And he won’t be a pushover. He’ll make papa nervous at first, and mama will have to step in, but eventually they’ll grow to love him too.”
“Think you’ll meet him in Virkove?”
“Who knows? And anyway, it’s not as if I’m in a hurry.” Theone perks up as a soft rustling breaks the relative quiet of the night. It’s just Mae, though, messy hair framing his face and teeth showing in a broad smile. “Did the happily-married couple kick you out too?”
“Nah.” Mae flops down onto the grass, and the little bird above flits down to land atop his head. “Ceth’s putting up some new shelves with the twins, and Cel’s baking some buns for tomorrow’s breakfast. What’re you two doing here?”
“Talking about our ideal partners.” She shuffles up to her friend and reaches out to the little bird with her forefinger. The robin rubs his beak gently against its tip, then allows her to scratch his orange crest. “So next time Theone sets me up on a date, she’ll have an idea of what I like.”
Mae makes a face. “What’s the most important criteria?”
“Averard has to like him.” Theone snickers at her cousin, and Mae favours her with a lighthearted chuckle. “Come to think of it, you’d fit that mould too. Right, Lars?”
“Well, Averard likes me enough.” Mae puffs his chest out with pride, the little bird upon his head following suit. “So I guess I’m your date for the next formal event we’re forced to attend, Lars!”
“Sure.” Glimpses of the oasis play in her mind yet again. She meets Mae’s eyes, lips curled in a broad smile to match his own. The amber eyes soften as they focus upon her own blues, and she feels her heart stop, if only for a moment. It’s not a new realisation for her, but it’s certainly one she hopes neither Theone nor Mae are aware of.
Mae isn’t merely ideal. He’s the dream – the adventure. Gods, I want to live it.
2 notes · View notes
cathcacen · 7 years
Note
100 writer's prompts: assign each of the prompts (or most, if you get sick of it) to a pair of our RP kids!
Took a while, but boy has this been fun! A HUNDRED MINI DRABBLES AND JUST AS MANY HEADCANONS.
Some have been replaced from the GDocs file I shared before, to better spread around the character love! And I’m sure there’ll be edits in the morning when I’m awake. XD
Enjoy!
1. “You said it’sus against the world.”Lars and Arlais |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Youkeep saying it’s us against the world, but you’re wrong.” The tempers areflaring, and she knows she’ll regret it in the morning but daddy’s dead and shehas no time for self-serving indignance. Arlais is red in the face, fistsclenched as he bears down upon her, and she straightens to her full height toglare straight back. “You’re wrong, because we are the world. All of usare the world – me, and Mae, and everyone else in that house on the hill. Ifyou want to stand on the opposite end of the world that daddy built, be myguest, but don’t drag me into your shit.”
2. “You’re myperson.”Mae and Lars |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’sdown at the creek on her favourite rock, lying on her back with her fingers inthe water when he finds her. He wades across and flicks some water in her face,and she laughs, wriggling over to make room for him. “You okay?” He nudges herelbow once he settles by her side. The others are still laughing and chattingat his farewell dinner. “You ran out of there pretty fast.”
“Yeah.”She turns her head to face him, curls brushing her temple. “Just needed someair. You should be packing – you’re leaving in three days.”
“Iknow.” He shuts his eyes and lets out a breath. It’s nice by the river, withthe cool water and the crisp air and leaves flicking lazily overhead. “I justwanted to make sure you’re okay.”
���Hm?”Her voice lilts a bit.
Hesmiles broadly. “You’re my person. Gotta make sure I leave you laughing andsmiling, right? It’s the last I’ll see of you for a year after all.”
3. “I’m flirtingwith you.”Kaunis and Lear |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He’sso damn unattainable, but she’s had him on her mind for weeks now. They’d had acommunal sparring session that day, and the way he’d moved had gotten her allhot and bothered. Eala had laughed at her for it afterwards, but she knows thatbitch has tried before. I’ll succeedwhere she failed.
Shewaits until he’s alone before sidling up to him. He looks a little wary, butshe carries on the conversation, content with his awkward, mulish responses.Eventually, she gives up and goes on the offensive. “Four, you really aredense, aren’t you? I’m flirting with you.”
Heraises a brow at her, and she rolls her eyes. Then she kisses him, and tries togrope for gold – and it isn’t until he throws her off with a yell and stalksaway that she realises he must prefer men after all.
4. “I can protectmyself!”Taranis and Lear |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Theyelling permeates the halls and corridors of the keep, waking half theinfirmary and sending the soldiers into an amused frenzy. “FOR GODS’ SAKELIEUTENANT, I CAN LACE UP MY OWN BRACERS AND I CAN DAMN WELL PROTECT MYSELFTOO.”
5. “You own me.”Lochi and Kyri |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Don’t ask myopinion when you’re just going to do what you want.The vixen’s voice is sharp in his head – his familiar is clearly angry at him.He chuckles softly, reaching out, and is glad to find she isn’t too proud topress her head into his palm. “Of course I’d listen. After all, you practicallyown me.”
6. “What the hellare you doing?”Rei and Ora | RaindropPendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP |OT3 | FamTP |
She doesn’t expect tofind anyone home, but a few soft clinks from Lear’s study alerts her to hispresence. They share a wall, so when he doesn’t respond to her tap with their predeterminedknock, her suspicion is aroused. It’s Ora she finds seated at his desk, wide-eyedand panicked at being caught. “DON’T COME IN HERE.”
“What the hell are youdoing?” The two have been feuding for weeks. Lear had spent days hunting actualdemons, terrorising the huntress with rubbery bits of skin after, and Ora hadretaliated by replacing all his pants with tight, bright-red leggings. “Youaren’t going to set his study on fire, are you? Because we kind of need a roofover our heads, and if it spreads…”
“Not his study.” Orashakes a small leather bag, grinning. “Just his ass. I’ll buy you a new chairafter this, I promise.”
She stares at the huntressfor several short seconds before deciding it isn’t worth the trouble talkingher out of this. “Be careful you don’t touch your face after you dust his seat.”
7.“Just look at me!”Taranis and Lear | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP|
He’shad a big fall and the world is swimming, but when the nearby footsteps giveway to the shape of a person he recognises, he can’t help but be relieved. Learsteps into his line of vision, and he’s just about to call out to the man whena flash of colour causes him to flinch.
“Justlook at me.” Lear tugs off his eyepatch, fully revealing the bright red orbthat gleams where his left eye should be. He watches, horrified, as theLieutenant digs around in the socket, and struggles to scrabble away when thething is offered to him. “Come on, drink up, Captain.”
Hecan’t help it. He screams.
8.“Why did you do this?”Taranis and Lear | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP|
He’sread and re-read the note so many times, and it’s been passed around just asmuch, so the little scrap of paper is well crumpled by now. His hand tremblesas he throws it at Lear where he currently lies – wounded, exhausted, andcovered in stings from Cydaea herself. “You piece of shit.” He’s trying very hard,but knows the shouting is inevitable. “WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!”
9. “How could you? I trusted you.”Taranis and Heulan | Raindrop Pendants| OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He can’t quitebelieve Heulan has this kind of violence in him, but there they are anyway, themonk a force of righteous fury. He grunts as Heulan shoves him up against thewall, and struggles to shake him off - the monk is stronger than he looks. Whatthe hell?
“How could you?”Heulan’s voice is raised - just enough to be heard, but nowhere near full-blownyelling. Somehow, the alternative is less scary. “I TRUSTED YOU!”
10. “I’m done withyou.”Ora and Lear | Raindrop Pendants | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“DAMN IT, LEAR!” She’sshouting too loudly and it’s rude, she knows, but one way or another, this isthe last time Lear pulls a fast one on her. “I thought the damned poison spikeswere bad enough but this is downright juvenile! I’m done with you and yourArreat War tapestries. You’re so disrespectful!”
He smirks at fromwhere he sits at the breakfast table, sipping tea. She wants to slap his face. “You’rethe one who keeps calling them demon skins. Who’s disrespectful now?”
11. “Stop pushingme away.”Theron and Ora | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP|
He’s never seen hiswife as despondent, nor his daughter as petulant. It hurts him in ways he’dnever expected to be hurt. A few months following her move across the countrywith her new husband fresh out of high school, he takes the car and drives toher. When she opens the door, eyes wide and startled, he reaches out to grabhis daughter and relishes in her warmth as he wraps both arms about her. “Youhave to stop pushing me away.” His voice is hard, but he needs her tounderstand. “Baby, we just want the best for you.”
12. “I can’t dothis without you.”Lars and Mae | RaindropPendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Thewind is turbulent about them, tugging strands of hair from the thick bun atopher head. Where they stand, high upon the edge of the waterfall, she can seethe edges of the forest, and the silhouette of Westmarch further to the South.In stark contrast to her own uncertainty, Mae is standing right at the edge,laughing, arms thrown up as he greets his friends. When he turns to her, hiseyes are bright, and he stretches out a hand, willing her to follow. “Come on,Lars! I can’t do this without you.” He pauses, then shakes his head quickly.“Okay, I can, but it won’t feel the same, so trust me? Take the leap with me?”
13. “This ‘lifething’ is meaningless without you.”Mae and The Great Natural Wonder that is Sanctuary| Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hecan feel the salt of the sea on his face, the wind in his hair and the firewithin. The earth beneath his feet pulses, and he can feel it all, the vibranceand life of the world around him. A little bird sings a song in a branchoverhead. He takes a deep breath and lets out a contented sigh. What kind of life would we live without youall? He knows the answer well. It wouldn’tbe life at all.
14. “Please smile.I need you to smile.”Lars and Mae | RaindropPendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Shehadn’t meant to start crying. In retrospect, it was somewhat embarrassing, butonce she’d started she couldn’t stop. She’d fallen down chasing after anelusive white hare with Mae, torn her dress, and scraped her knee. Mommy’s going to shout at me.
There’sblood and sand clinging off the broken skin of her knee, and Mae is flailing infront of her in a frenzy, eyes wide in panic. “Don’t cry, Lars!”
Sheshakes her head at him, covering her face with her hands. Part of her wonderswhy Mae isn’t laughing at her – most of the bigger children laugh when thebabies cry, but Mae is all kindness and warmth. She lets out a shocked breath whenhe kneels, grabs both her hands, and presses gentle kisses to her bruised,bloodied knee. “Please smile? I need you to smile.”
Shegulps down some air. It still stings, but she smiles for him, and he holds herhand the entire walk home.
15. “You know thatyou don’t own me , right?” Strahan and Sehrai |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Youdon’t get to make decisions for me. I’m not your wife. I’m not even your girlfriendanymore.” Sehrai brushes past him, and he watches her disappear into theSouthbound ferry. He waits until the ferry has departed, saying the goodbyes inhis mind. Did I love her? He doesn’tknow – but it doesn’t hurt as much as he thought it would.
16. “Let me go!”Ora and Ceth | RaindropPendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP|
Thelittle boy laughs as she tackles him into the grass. His legs are shorter, soit isn’t hard to catch up to him. Still, she knows he likes when she at leastpretends to have a hard time chasing, so she gives him a head start. Shepretends to gnaw at his shoulder as her hands tickle his side. “I’m gonna eatyou!”
Cethwriggles, breaking out into fits of laughter as he struggles, and fails tothrow her off. “Let me go! Ma!”
After,when she’s done tickling him into submission, they lay together, his head uponher chest. He snuggles closer, stifling a yawn, and she holds him closer. “Ilove you, baby.” She smiles into his soft hair. “I love you so much, you know?”
He’shalf asleep, but manages to respond. “I know. I love you too, ma.”
17. “I didn’t knowyou were a stalker.”Strahan and Silene |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hefinds her out in the open in a tree, legs swinging off a high branch. There’sbeen too much fighting as of late – among the soldiers and among the people athome, so he’s eager to get this weight off his chest, at the very least. Hestrides right up to her tree. She ignores him, and he leans back against thetree trunk, sighing tiredly.
“Ididn’t know you were a stalker.” Thankfully, she doesn’t sound irritated. Giventhe way their last conversation had gone, he’s grateful for it. “I thought I did all the stalking.”
“Youstalk things to kill, though.” He shuts his eyes and pinches the bridge of hisnose – the headache isn’t helping. “So I’d rather you didn’t stalk me.”
18. “I’m nevergoing to do this again!”Ora and Heulan | RaindropPendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Thenurses and obstetrician swim in and out of focus as she braces herself to push.Everything hurts, and even though Heulan’s stuck to his promise, to wear thatstupid-ass T-Shirt she’d printed for him weeks ago, she finds no relief inhumour. He’s there, though, laughing through his tears as he holds her hand andkisses her forehead. By now, her mother and father will be on the way, ready towelcome their first grandchild into the world.
Onlygrandchild, if she has her way. “I’M NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN!” The shriek echoesin the room, drawing a nervous laugh from her husband even while the doctorsettles in between her legs. “FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!”
19. “What’s wrongwith you?”Rei and Ora |Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
“Holyshit, Ora.” She finds the redhead crouched in a corner, whimpering like a baby.It happens once in a while – Ora frequently gets into unsavoury situations,with the worst of them requiring actual medical attention. “What’s wrong withyou this time?”
Oralets out a shrill, pained cry. “We were hiking and I took a pee, and I think Ihave poison oak where nobody should have poison oak. HELP ME!”
20. “I wanted to makesure you were okay.”Ora and Erika | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She hadn’t expectedto find their young housekeeper crying in her bathroom, but she’s fond of thegirl, so the sight is more than troubling. “Erika, what’s wrong?” Ora kneels bythe edge of the bathtub, where the pretty, dark-haired woman is currentlysitting, wiping at her running eyeliner. “Hey, talk to me. What’s wrong?”
Erika sniffles, herface blotchy and pink - a mixture of embarrassment and shame. “Nothing.”
She hands the youngwoman her soda, patting her lightly on the back. “Either your boss is givingyou hell, or your boyfriend is. And I know I’m an amazing boss, so if you needme to go beat up your boyfriend, just say the word.”
“N-no, Miss Ora. I’mokay.” Erika holds the soda glumly, looking down at her feet. She manages afaint smile after -  it’s a little odd, but she shrugs it off. It’s a personalsubject after all.
“I just want to makesure you’ll be okay, so… call me anytime, okay?” She pats the young woman’shand lightly, then straightens. “Go home. I’ll finish cleaning up for the day.”
21. “Can I stay?”Heulan and Delessa |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Itwouldn’t be proper, but the judgment of men is nothing to the truth presentedbefore the gods. The woman before him is crying, and clearly in need of afriend. He rights his robes and sits down on a chair, and waits it out. Whenshe stops, clearly embarrassed, he beams at her. “Can I stay? I’ll cook us somedinner, and we can talk.”
22. “It’s you. It’salways been you.”Ethan and Lear | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hedoesn’t know why it hasn’t occurred to him in their three months of therapy,but it’s all suddenly clear to him. His brother-in-law sets down afreshly-brewed cup of tea, and his mind is instantly pulled back to that day inRei’s apartment – artisanal spiced tea, individually bagged with whole cinnamonshards, star anise, cloves, and other spices he can’t recall. Lear’s made itclear enough to him, that his relationship with Rei had begun before the Dzisnaincident. The wheels turn in his head, and it finally clicks.
“Ohmy god.” He points at Lear, who simply raises a brow. “Shit, it’s you. It’salways been you. You’re the affair!”
23. “After allthese years, I still love you.”Rei and Lear |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Iknow a stupid, naïve, self-important seventeen-year-old can’t possibly knowlove – not without some measure of uncertainty, anyway. But I’m not seventeenany more, and I still love you.” She’s tired of holding it in. If it ends here, it ends.
Hestares at her like he has no answer, and she’s certain it’s because he doesn’t.He tries for a light, courteous smile. “You’re just mixed up and unhappy,Anarei. The loneliness will pass.”
Shelets out a weak, incredulous laugh. “No. I’m not lonely. I’m just dumb enoughto love you, even after all these years. So now it’s your turn to decide. If youwant me, say the words. If I don’t hear anything from you, I’ll know to moveon.”
24. “Have you toldhim?”Ora and Renia ft. Ceth |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Oraknows she’ll have to tell Ceth someday – tell him why there are days it hurtsso much she can’t get out of bed, and why she sometimes screams in the middleof the night and can’t sleep until Gramma climbs into bed and strokes her hair.But it’s difficult, and she doesn’t know how to say it. So she goes another daywithout spitting out the words.
Renialevels her with a look that’s at once pitying and understanding. The questionin her eyes says it all: Have you told him?
Shegoes to the older woman and lays her head upon her shoulder. “Just one moreday, mommy. Let him be happy one more day.”
25. “How are yougonna name her?”Rei and Ora ft. Heulan |Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
“Soa girl this time, huh? Have you all decided on a name?” She grins as shereclines in her seat at the Seracs’ home.
Beforeher, Ora’s belly is large and round, and she’s rubbing it with one hand as theother brings a chocolate éclair to her mouth. She takes a bite, sighing incontentment, then chews and swallows before answering. “Cake.”
Somewhereinside the kitchen, Heulan corrects her, his voice exasperated amidst theclattering of pots and pans. “CATE.”
Oragiggles, then winks at her, mouthing: It’sso fun to piss him off. “CAKE.” She says, louder.
26. “I’m tired ofrunning away.”Niall and Lars | RaindropPendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Inall the time he’s known Laori, he’s never seen her this worried. She paces theinfirmary while the newcomer sleeps, then at times, he wonders at the way sheglances to the exit, to where the city’s gates stand, her legs just a breathaway from breaking into a run. Once or twice, he sees her actually taking a fewsteps beyond their barricades, but the pull of her recovering friend isevidently too strong, and she always comes back.
Threenights into the newcomer’s arrival, he catches Laori sitting by herself on thesteps of the enclave. It’s a clear night, so the gulf is visible from wherethey are. Further north lies her home. She glances up with a smile when hesettles by her side, and he squeezes her shoulder lightly. “Homesick?”
“Alittle.” She rubs at her arms, then slumps forward. “I didn’t think home wouldcatch up with me all the way down here, though.” Her voice lowers, and shemutters. “Should’ve gone straight up to Xiansai instead.”
“Andmiss the chance to partake in all this?” He gestures around the burningbuildings in the commons below, giving her a wry smile. “Surely not.”
Shelets out a laugh, and for a moment, he wonders what had happened to make her soeager to leave home in the first place. “And we wouldn’t have met then.”
“Yeah.”He catches her eye. “Are you okay though?”
“Mmhmm.”She turns away, glancing back towards the infirmary building down the street.“I guess I’m just tired of running away.”
27. “You’re myhome.”Lars and Mae | RaindropPendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Noneof them sleep particularly well in the days after Malthael’s death. She joltsawake near midnight, Niall and Lios flashing in her mind. It’s a struggle toget comfortable, and she can’t seem to find the right posture. Eventually, Maestarts to notice when she wakes, and it’s on one of those cold, terrifyingnights that he finally rolls over onto his back and pulls her up into his arms.
Shelays her head on his chest, letting out a breath. He’s warm, and just beneaththe hard muscle, she can hear his heart beating. We’re still alive. She snuggles closer. “Do you ever miss home,Mae?”
Hesqueezes her before answering, half asleep, “You’re my home. Now go to sleep.”
28. “I have nowhereto go.”Ora and Renia | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
It’s raining. Shemarvels at just how cliché the scenario is as she stares out the window of herbus; it’s cold, Dolly Parton is singing a sad song of heartbreak on the radio,and she’s surrounded by complete strangers who pointedly turn the other waywhen they catch glimpses of her red-rimmed, teary eyes. Not two hours ago,she’d caught Dillon in bed with their eighteen-year-old maid. She’s pretty, Orasupposes, in a buxom, exotic sort of way, with dark skin and pretty olive eyes.She’s everything I’m not.
The lights in herparents’ home are on when she finally gets back. By then, she’s soaked through.But it’s when she sees her mom’s face, filled with surprise, concern, andheartbreak that she finally breaks down again. With her face against hermother’s chest, she sobs, “I have nowhere to go, mommy. I’m so sorry.”
29. “I didn’timagine our first date like this.”Ora and Heulan | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP|
It’sa nice, sunny day, and she’s enjoying the warmth of the sun upon her face andshoulders. They’ve been bicycling around the park all morning, and she’s eagerfor the packed lunch he’s made them that’s sitting in the back seat of his car.He hands her a slice of quiche packed in a box. “Carrot, zucchini, onion, andsundried tomato. And don’t you dare pick anything out.”
Shegiggles at him, but digs in without complaint. They eat in silence for a fewminutes, and when she flops down onto her back, he smiles softly and tucks hersunglasses properly into place. She meets his eyes and beams. That’s when theverbal diarrhoea strikes.
“Ididn’t imagine our first date like this.”
Heraises a brow, and she’s suddenly aware that she’s said too much. Mortified,she turns away to hide her face, shrieking in embarrassment as she does. “IMEAN, A DATE AS FRIENDS, BECAUSE FRIENDS CAN DATE TOO.”
30. “You’rejealous.”Lars and Ceth |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Shecan’t bring herself to look at Ceth the entire week he and Cel pack, and by thetime the day arrives, her friend is close to breaking point. He’s pesteredIliev about it and she can’t help but feel bad for it. So when he shows up atthe stable where she’s brushing Siggy down for the day, she doesn’t excuseherself hurriedly.
“Wantto tell me what’s wrong?” It’s not often that Ceth looks annoyed, but today hedoes, and he has every right to. It’s not his fault he fell in love, and it’snot his fault he lives so damn far away. “Or are you going to avoid me now thatI’m married? What is it?”
Shepresses her forehead against Siggy’s neck, frowning. “It’s not that.”
“What,then? Are you jealous?” He folds his arms, then immediately lets out a soft‘oh!’ as realisation sinks in. He’s inherited his mother’s intuition. “Oh gods.You are jealous, but not of Cel.You’re upset at me.”
“I’mnot upset. I’m just pre-emptively missing my best friend now she’s moving awayto live with you.” She tries not to sound petulant, but thinks she fails. “Iknow it’s dumb.”
“Lars,no.” Ceth reaches out to grab and hug her, and she slumps against him. “That’sthe most important friendship in your life, of course it isn’t dumb. Things aregonna change, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. And for what it’s worth, you’realways welcome at the farm.”
31. “I can’tbelieve you talked me into this.”Heulan and Ora |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Northernersare a rowdy bunch – he’s met a few on his travels, and the Druids of Scosglenare every bit as loud and raucous as their Western Barbarian brethren. Ora’slaughing, flowers and leaves bouncing off the huge autumn wreath on her head ashe tosses his robes at her. She treats his yellow sash with reverence, gentlyand carefully tucking it around her neck, then slings the rest of his robesover her shoulder where they sag against her small frame. Opposite themud-filled ring, his first opponent is cracking his knuckles, a good-naturedsmile upon his face. “I can’t believe you talked me into this.”
32.“I fall for the worst ones.”Ora and Huei ft.Renia | RaindropPendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’ssitting on the steps of Heulan’s house on the phone with her mom, watching theclumsy little puppy waddle about the curb. It’s been a long day, but the sightof the cute little boy makes her grin in a giddy, silly sort of way. Already,three people passing by have glanced her way, all looking vaguely amused at thesight of her giggling at the puppy’s antics. “I’m glad you and daddy had a goodValentine’s day! You should come up soon and meet our new baby.”
Hueisniffs at some plants – then, before she can stop him, he squats, and lets outa dump right on the steps. “Oh, shit!”
“Whathappened?” Mom sounds amused on the other end. “Did the baby do somethinggross?”
“I’llcall you back.” She sighs heavily as she gets to her feet. “I fall for theworst ones.”
“Youknow you love him.”
“Ido, and I love you too.” She hangs up, digs in her jacket for some napkins, thenuses them to clean up the hot mess. Huei wags his tail at her as she bends toscoop him up after, and she can’t help but giggle as the little black puppylicks her nose. “Damn it. You have me wrapped around your silly little paws.”
33. “You don’t haveto do this.”Rei and Ora |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
It’sbeen weeks since Ora had returned from Entsteig, but she’s still too skinny tobe allowed. Heulan doesn’t let on much, but she knows he’s concerned, so shesummons Ora to her study one day and asks her outright if she knows what’sgoing on. The answer isn’t exactly pleasant, but she’s grateful for Ora’shonesty. Blood sickness.
Overthe course of the next month, she digs up every single tome that mentions thesubject. She consults with Deiadra to see about developing a potion for thesickness – one with less devastating effects. Once that’s set in motion, shecalls Ora back into her study and lays out the plan. Treat the symptoms as theyarise. Keep faith. Hope Deiadra works her magic.
“Youdon’t have to do this.” Ora grips the edge of her desk, her knuckles pale. “Butthank you.”
34. “What if I’m notgood enough?”Ora and Renia | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Her mother’s voicehas the magical effect of calming her down, so she dials the number, biting hernails while she waits. It’s just a little bit past ten, so her parents willlikely be awake, winding down for the night. Her mother answers soon enough,sounding confused and concerned. “Ora? Why’re you calling so late?”
“We kissed.” She’sstruggling to breathe. It wasn’t that it had been unexpected, but Heulan is sogood to her - so good as a person, and she’s terrified at the prospect ofruining this relationship too. “Mommy, I kissed a boy and I really like him.”
“Heulan?” Her momsounds amused. “Sweetie, that train was coming at you whether you realised itor not. He’s good for you.”
“I know!” She wails,throwing her hands in the air. “But what if I’m not good enough for him?”
35. “I don’t needto prove anything to you.”Theone and Lorath |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’sso very tired, and she wishes papa were there. But he’s not and she feels sodamn alone. Mae spends all his time locked up with General Haile, planning forthe coming battles. When she isn’t trying to make sure her boyfriend is atleast eating, Lars goes on long scouting missions on her own. Niall trains withSerrah every single day, and she joins them from time to time, but it’sdifferent somehow and she needs her family. But most of them have retreated toSharval by now, and she has no one to talk to.
It’snot Lorath’s fault, but she’s in a foul mood when he shows up to share theHoradrim’s latest plans. He probably means well, but when he points out herrecent lack of focus and her tired eyes, she doesn’t hold back. “You think Ishould go back to Sharval too, don’t you? Little Miss Theone, too pampered andtoo precious to fight? I don’t need to prove anything to you; I’ve lost lovedones to this war too, and if you think I’m going to abandon my cousin to faceMalthael on his own, you’re wrong.”
36. “You still loveher?”Taranis and Ceth | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hefinds the young boy at the foot of his parents’ graves long after the guestshave gone. A small bunch of yellow flowers rest before the new gravestone, thefirst offering, the most important offering. He steps up to the boy, placing anarm around him. The scene is almost too familiar. He recognises it, andsomething flares inside – something bitter and sorrowful.
“I’mangry at her.” Ceth still has a child’s voice, but he already sounds older.“I’m so angry at her for leaving me behind.”
Hebites his lip; he recognises this sentiment, also. “But do you still love her?”Ceth doesn’t answer straightaway, so he gives the young boy a light squeeze. “Ofcourse you do. You’re mad because you love her. I promise you, though – Ceth, Ipromise you, your mother will never be far from your side. As long as you keepher in your heart and mind, she’ll never leave you.”
37. “Stop thinkingabout them.”Rei and Ailey | RaindropPendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP |OT3 | FamTP |
Herstudy feels so damn cold. The shelves are too empty, filled with vials that havebeen washed, sterilised, and then sterilised again. Despite the new batch oftest potions bubbling away on her work table, she knows there’s no replacingwhat she’s lost. She’s still sulking when Ailey pops in, freckled nosewrinkling at the sight of her so grouchy. “Seriously, are you still upset?”
“Hekilled Beagan.” The words come out more petulant than she’d intended, but godsshe’s mad.
“Rei,the fact that you kept a mutated potion worm around for years is disturbingenough, but to name it too…”
Shescowls, hating the way Ailey actually sounds a little bit relieved. “You’re supposed to be on my side!”
“Iam!” Ailey laughs lightly. “But maybe it’ll help if you stop thinking about it.”
38. “You make mewanna die.”Lars and Henri | RaindropPendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Thestupid cat’s got out again, and she’s been looking for him without success fortwo hours now. It’s hard to track when all she has are stone steps, so it’spast midnight by the time she finds the tabby. He’s up in a tree on the edge ofa nobleman’s courtyard; at the sight of her, he lets out a plaintive meow,calling out to be rescued.
Sheswears under her breath, then glances furtively about. This late at night, thestreets of Westmarch are usually deserted. She’s all alone, so she starts toscale the wall without a second thought. “Come here. Gods, you make me wannadie.”
Itisn’t until screams pierce the night that she realises she’s not alone, afterall. The cat lets out a yowl and darts away, using her as a stepladder; hedisappears into the night, and she’s left to stare at the master and mistressof the house. The guards descend upon her quickly enough, and she barely hastime to curse the damn cat for his betrayal before they drag her to theauthorities for attempted break-and-enter.
39. “Make me.”Strahan and Haekel | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He knows he’s takingtoo damn long looking through the new designs, and that Parts has somewhereelse to be, but he’s having so much fun. Three hours pass before he realises,and by the time he glances up, Parts is glaring at him, equal measures excitedand agitated. “For fuck’s sake, Bones, will you just tell me what you thinkalready?”
“I’m not done yet. Irefuse to give you an incomplete assessment.” He holds the part - a new,fully-mechanised design for elbow joint replacements, to his chest. “You can’tmake me.”
40.“This isn’t the guy I fell in love with.”Lorcan and Ora | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hehates when she tries to make excuses for Dillon. For someone so smart, Ora canbe so damn dim where her husband is concerned. They’re sitting at a gelato café,but Ora’s has already melted into a gooey, chocolate-strawberry puddle. It’sunlike her to be put off by dessert, but she’s been a little distracted thesepast few months. She’s lost far too much weight and it shows in a bad way. Itdrives him up the wall.
“He’snot a bad person.” She swirls her ruined gelato around her cup, dark-lined eyeslowered. “This Dillon you know now, he isn’t the same guy I fell in love with.”
Helets out a sigh and pulls away her cup. “Ora, I don’t think that guy is comingback. Maybe it’s time to face facts.”
Shelooks up at him, eyes teeming with tears. It’s a hard truth, but someone has tosay it. The only thing he regrets is her broken heart. Wordlessly, he reachesout to take her hand under the table. He lets her sob, pointedly staring down acouple of curious passers-by. And when she’s done, he hands her a napkin,bundles her up in his jacket and takes her home.
41. “You’re hurtingme.”Rauen and Lear | RaindropPendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP |OT3 | FamTP |
“What’sthe matter, Four?” He digs his boot into the prisoner’s fingers, squashing theminto the ground; he won’t remain tied up like this for much longer. The tormentorsare on their way with their snazzy contraptions, but he’ll be damned if hedoesn’t get in his own dose of torture first. “Aren’t you happy to see me? Aww,you’re hurting my feelings.”
42. “I just wannaforget about this.”Niall and Lorath |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
It’sbeen hours since he’d gotten back from scouting the nearby woods, but theimagery of the two Virkovians bathing in the little pond is still fresh in hismind. He has his face in his hands, hating Lorath for even daring to suggestthat he should’ve joined them after all. “I can’t believe you’re making fun ofme, you bastard.”
Lorathhad needled the story out of him without much trouble. He’s evidently stillamused, and the grin upon his face is broad and bright. Despite the airs heputs on, the Horadrim has a mean streak when it comes to humour. “I’m notmaking fun of you. I’m merely insinuating that swimming nude with two attractivepeople can’t be that bad. Especially when it’s this obvious you like the blondeone.”
Hegroans aloud. “I just wanna forget about this, so please shut your mouth,Horadrim.”
43. “I’m glad youcame.”Rei and Karalir |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hethrows her flat onto her back, and the pain sears through her all at once –bones from the earth pierce her thigh and calf, and she can just see the onethrough her abdomen if she strains hard enough. Strahan is probably dead, and I’m going to die here too.
Karalirleans over her, his aqua-blue eyes gleaming at his prize. “I’m glad you came.”His voice is honey smooth as a spear forms in his hand, off-white, veined withred. “Goodnight, sweet girl.”
44. “You can sing?”Niall and Lars ft.Mae | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP| NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
They’veonly just made their way into the manor’s courtyard when soft singing catcheshis attention. The two women are singing at each other, laughing and testingtheir voices as Amaethon’s robin flits between their shoulders. Lars’ voice islower and stronger, but she can hold a tune and it works well alongside Theone’ssweeter tones. He quirks a lopsided smile.
Later,Mae tells him all about the time he and Lars had sung together in a tree.
45. “You’re alwayshaunting my dreams.”Estarra and Saul | Raindrop Pendants | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
They haven’t met inyears, but the man is much changed. The lines beneath his eyes have deepened,and his shoulders are slumped. He’s spent the years wandering - she’s seen itall. “I still think of her, you know. Every day.” He tells her. A bitter smilecurls his lips, not quite reaching his dark, weary eyes.
She manages a smileof her own. “You’re always haunting my dreams.” She takes his hand. “The bothof you.”
46. “I don’t trustyou.”Arlais and Theone | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP| NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
They’ve been friendsfor years - the eldest of the pack have to stick together after all, and he’shappy to have someone of equal fervour where it comes to keeping the littleones in line. It’s fun, and he especially enjoys when Theone starts to yell.
He doesn’t want to besurprised, but he is when Theone takes her cousin’s side in the first of theirsquabbles. She finds him hours later, angrily chopping up firewood behind hishouse. But he’s too pissed off to talk and Theone’s temper rivals his own. “Idon’t trust you anymore,” He growls.
“That’s just bloodyperfect.” Her voice and face are both hard. “Because I don’t trust you any moreeither.”
47. “Kiss me.”Rei and Lear | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP| NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’s never hurt himbefore. They’ve always been rough, jostling against walls and trees,heavy-handed pressure, nails and teeth and vice-like grips included, but thisis a first. He yelps and cries out in pain, bucking against her so hard shefalls off the edge of the couch. He looks slightly sheepish as he leans over tolook down at her, and she’s just about to apologise when she realises he’s gotblood blooming down the side of his shirt.
“Oh my god, you’rehurt?” She pulls her bra back into place as she leaps to her feet. “Shit - whydidn’t you tell me?”
“I’m okay, Naveau.Kiss me and it’ll all go away.” He grunts tiredly as she props him up and ripsoff his undershirt. There’s a cut on his side, taped up beneath a layer ofgauze and cream. “Knife fight went bad. Don’t worry.”
“Shut up.” She runsfor the first-aid box in their rental and gets to work. The cut is not toodeep, but it’s crystal clear to her now, why he’d winced so hard when she’draked her fingers down to his navel. “Damn it, if you’re too injured for thehanky panky stuff, just say so next time.”
“I’m never tooinjured for the hanky panky stuff.”
She throws him adirty look and he shuts it. Minutes later, she finds him watching her, grinningin that winning manner. “Stop staring at me.”
“It’s not often I getmedical attention from a half-naked doctor. Let a man live.”
She wraps the injuryup, then pulls on his discarded business shirt, too lazy to shimmy into herdress again. “Well, tonight, we’re going to live the Netflix and No Chillexperience.”
He taps his lips. “Iget kisses and snuggles, right?”
She rolls her eyes.“Yes, you big baby. Now find the remote while I go make us some tea.”
48. “You’ll eatthat?”Strahan and Isobel | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
The little girl laboursso damn hard, but it’s only a few sad sprouts that grow from her garden, acouple of thin carrots and a straggly stalk of celery. Still, she’d tried hardand had even made a fuss of cooking them up in a watery soup.
Mother, father, andRei are late coming home that night, so it’s left to him to try out the oily,lumpy, and slightly mushy stuff. He drinks it all down, eager to protect thelittle girl’s feelings.
Later, in need ofsome food, he sneaks down to the kitchen. Izzy pokes her head out of her roomas he passes, grinning sheepishly. “I know dinner was terrible, but thanks foreating it anyway.”
49. “Can I borrowyour shirt?”Fischer and Hayes | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
There’s been way toomuch tequila. One too many martinis. A couple of bad decisions. She hadn’texpected to end up in the manwhore’s bed, but here she is anyway, tucked intothe crook beneath his jaw, his arms wrapped firmly about her middle. Fuck.
He grunts groggily asshe wriggles away. “Leaving already?”
“Shut up.” She rollsout of bed, digging around for her clothes. The party dress she’d put on forthe hospital’s gala from the night before lies crumpled by the door. She’s notabout to do the two-day walk of shame into work. “Can I borrow your shirt?”
50. “Can I keep it?”Lochi and Flynn | Raindrop Pendants | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He hasn’t visited inyears, but the twins are surprisingly civil when he does with his new family.When she isn’t busy knitting warm clothing for Chryse - to keep you and thelittle one inside warm - she spends time with Mae. That leaves him withplenty of time to dig deep, returning to his roots and heritage. In time, Flynnjoins him in the woods, and they tread the underbrush together. He feels alivein these moments, his other senses heightened by the magic of his people.
He’s just returningto himself one day when he feels something soft brush his leg. Flynn’s voice issoft beside him; the man kneels, then straightens with a flourish, letting outa wry chuckle. “You caught a feather.”
Soft chirping fromabove alerts him as to the feather’s origins. A meadowlark nearby rustles hisfeathers. He chuckles softly, then nods at his half-brother. “So I see.”
“Can I keep it?”Flynn sounds surprisingly genuine. “It’s nice to have a memento of our timetogether. I’ve enjoyed your company.”
He blinks, a littletaken aback and a little touched. “Of course.”
51. “You weren’tsupposed to love me.”Ora and Heulan | Raindrop Pendants | OTP| NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’s terrified.Azmodan’s forces had been so close to winning the day after all. Heulan hadalmost died from that mana injury, and she’s at once furious, touched, andsaddened. He’s sleeping now, paler than usual, his skin clammy to the touch. Atsome point in the day, he’d woken up just long enough to tell her not to worry- as if that would help matters any. She can’t sleep, so she makes her way overto his room, clambering into his bed and curling up by his side. “You weren’tsupposed to love me,” She whispers.
But he did, and does- and because of that, he’s hurt. I can’t let that happen again.
52. “I hate you.”Mel and Mia | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Mia has every rightto be happy, she knows, but something in her gut stirs at the sight of hersister, at first human flesh and bone, and then fur and tail. She watches asthey run together - Mia, Mae, and their father, wolves in a pack she has nobusiness longing to join. And when Mia comes home one day, Ikaika fresh on herheels, she can’t help but feel her heart snap in half.
It’s inevitable, butthe day comes when Mel finally snaps at her sister. It’s over something stupid- they’d been arguing over whose turn it had been to do the dishes, and she’dblown up, all the pent-up jealousy of the past few years erupting in one shortminute. By the time she’s done, Mia is staring at her, glassy-eyed through hertears. She immediately regrets her decision, but when she reaches out, her twinbacks away, angrily wiping away her tears.
Mia’s words are coldas ice. “I hate you.”
53. “Can’t you see?I’m broken.”Lars and Lear |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Shewakes feeling groggy and her head hurts. There’s a throbbing in her temple thatcorresponds with the vague memory of a falling brick. They’d been walking alongthe main street, deep in discussion about the new maps requested by ScoutmasterYleris. She hadn’t seen it coming.
That bloodybricklayer better have a grand apology planned out.
“How’reyou feeling, Lars?” Uncle Lear’s voice is mild, but if he’s sitting with her inthe infirmary, he’s definitely worried.
“LikeI want to throw up.” She doesn’t want to worry him further, but a day off wouldbe welcome. “Can’t you see? I got hit by a brick. I’m broken up.”
Helets out a laugh. “Clearly not broken up enough if you’re trying to weasel yourway out of work tomorrow.” He lays his hand on her forehead, and she catcheshis smile. “Fine. Take tomorrow off, then. But you’re to stay in bed andrecuperate. I’d better not find you outside chasing birds with Mae. Understood?”
Sheshuts her eyes and tries for her best obedient smile. “Sure. Thanks, UncleLear.”
54. “Someday?Someday.”Lochi and Chryse |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Thehorses are all set and he’s ready to go. It’s not a short journey by anystretch, but he’s been away from home too long and he misses his mom. They’vemapped out the journey – a boat to the edge of the dreadlands, and then a fewdays’ ride to the water before sailing northwards once more.
Chryseisn’t pleased at being left behind, but he has a very good reason. He needs tofocus, and he can’t do that when she’s there. Still, she deserves some closure– at least for now, so he takes her hands. “I’ll be back soon. It’s notforever.”
“Dowe still have a chance?” She’s never been afraid to speak her mind. He knowswhat she means. “I know you have to do this and I’m so proud of you – but couldwe? Someday?”
Hesmiles and kisses her knuckles. “Someday. Six months.”
55. “Don’t stopnow.”Lars, Cel, and Mae |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Cel’shair is full of life; the soft waves are lustrous and silky soft, like AuntieChryse’s. Lars tries to not be envious, but Cel is always happy to let her playwith it. The braids are full-bodied; she’s halfway through when Mae darts inthrough the door, flailing. “Averard says the crater is doing something cool!Let’s go, Lars!”
Shebrightens up, almost running off before Cel yells, exasperated, “Don’t stopnow!” The exasperation is soon replaced by genuine laughter as Mae takes up theother half of her hair. “Oh my god, you two are hopeless.”
Theyfinish the braids at the same time – quickly and perfectly, then drag Cel withthem to go see the sights of nature together.
56. “Shut up. Yourvoice makes me want to kiss you.”Tychol and Ahnja |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Inall the months they’d spent together, he’s really only heard Ahnja angry acouple of times. The first time, he’d been newly wheelchair-bound and depressed,and in fit of panic had lashed out at his mother. He’d apologised immediatelyafter, but Ahnja had told him off for it. He can’t remember what had caused thesecond incident, but one thing remains clear – Ahnja tolerates attacks againstherself, but it’s when others are unjustly berated that her temper flares. I’m paid to take your shit, she’d yelledthat one time. So if you’ve got anytantrums to throw, throw them at me.
Lookingback, he doesn’t really know how he got so used to having her around. He findshimself inevitably irritated when she’s not around these days. In starkcontrast, the world feels better somehow. Brighter and kinder when she’saround, humming as she fetches and returns his books.
They’veonly just finished arguing about something ridiculous. He can’t even rememberwhat had set them off, but by the time they’re finished, he’s gripping the armsof his wheelchair so hard that his knuckles are pale, and he’s panting. “Do youpiss off all your charges like this or am I just especially fun?”
Shefixes him with a hard look. “Shut up. Your voice makes me want to kiss you, andfailing that, it makes me want to smack you with the heaviest book I can findin here.”
Theystare at each other for a moment. Then, before he knows it, he’s laughing sohard tears are streaming down his face – and she’s laughing too. Seconds later,she’s kneeling on the floor by his chair, and he’s reaching for her, lipscrashing together as they laugh and cry in turn. They embrace. The world brightensagain.
57. “I want you.”Lochi and Chryse |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
It’sprimal instinct – it has to be, because how else can he explain the way hisheart is beating so fast he can hardly breathe? She has a pull about her, andhe both loves and hates the way she can twist him into knots. All it takes is atouch of the hand, feather-light upon his skin, fingertips tracing thesensitive areas behind his ears. She straddles him, both knees digging deepinto their mattress. His mother is just next door, and further down thecorridor in their Scosglen home, both his brothers will have retired for thenight.
Heflips his new wife over onto her back, and grins as she lets out a yelp ofsurprise. “I want you.” He growls into her ear, and feels her shiver beneathhim. “But let’s try to keep the screaming to a minimum tonight.”
58. “You wanna dothis here?”Rei and Lear |Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Areyou ready for Peru?” Sagen jogs up to their designated meeting spot – a smallclearing in the woods some kilometres from her base. It’s past dinner time andthe sky has long darkened. They’re on civilian territory. No one will thinkanything of their presence.
Shegreets him with a light kiss, then holds up a syringe. “Just about. But I needa booster, and if I ask the boys back at base they’ll wonder why.”
Heraises a brow, then laughs. “You sure you wanna do this here?”
“Sure.”She hands him the syringe before dropping her pants, relishing in the way hiseyes shift, his lips curled in an amused sort of smile. “It’s not like youhaven’t poked me with pointy things in the woods before.”
Sagengets down on his knees, and she inhales sharply as his breath warms against hernavel. He grabs her hip, holding her steady, then lands several soft kissesupon her skin, down the front of her thigh. “Don’t tense up now.” His voice isteasing, and as she reaches out to slip her hands in his hair, he sinks theneedle in.
59. “I’ve been inlove with you for centuries.”Lochi and Chryse |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Despiteall your shouting tendencies.” He plucks the strings of his harp, the melodyflowing easily off his tongue. “I’ve been in love with you for centuries.”
It’smeant to be a fun little song. A play on words. But when Chryse throws herselfat him, laughing, he knows he’s done something right. “That’s terrible.” Shegiggles softly, arms wrapped about his shoulders. A pause, then he feels herlips on his cheek. “But I love you too.”
60. “Shut the hellup.”Haekel and Lear ft. Marclai |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hehas to give it to the bastard – Four is resilient. The piece of shit is brokenup on all fronts, physically, emotionally, and mentally, but he still has thegall to glare at them as they enter the tent where he is being held. He mouthsoff – of course he does, and it takes everything in his power to hold back hisfist and not just punch his other eye out.
“Shutthe hell up,” He growls. Marclai hands him a water skin and he takes pleasurein watching Four fail to resist as he forces the liquid down his throat. “Andjust drink the goddamn water.”
61. “Are youashamed of me?”Tychol and Theone |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He’snot clever like papa, and he isn’t strong like mama. He’s afraid for his lifeand the life of his family. Grandmam helps him through the darkest hours, butwhen she’s teaching with Auntie Chryse and he’s home with only Theone and hiscousins for company, he’s terrified. When he closes his eyes, he sees thedemons. The monsters who’ve threatened them all – the monsters to come. He seesDeath.
Oneday, he wakes screaming and there Theone is, wide-eyed, shocked, but holdingonto him, fingers clutching his shoulders as if her life depended on it. “I’msorry!” He gasps, because tears are a sign of weakness, and Theone is thestrongest person he knows. “I’m sorry, I had a nightmare.”
Shesqueezes him tightly, pressing a fierce kiss to his head. “Don’t be afraid,baby brother. I’ll protect you.”
Hesniffles against her chest, his voice coming out shaky. “Are you ashamed ofme?”
Theonegrowls. “Never.”
62. “Let’s runaway.”Mae and Lars |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hefinds her sitting up in bed, blonde curls piled atop her head with a fewstraggly strands framing her face. In stark contrast to the other times before,she’s silent, her face an impenetrable mask. They’d taken the bloody mess fromthe room earlier, and he’d seen to it that the remains had been taken care of,gently wrapped and placed in a little wooden box. Tomorrow, they will returntheir baby to the earth, to rest alongside the girl and boy from before.
She’sstill staring into blank space when he sits and takes her into his arms,pressing his face into the side of her head. “Lars?”
Hiswife doesn’t say anything. He knows what she’s thinking – he’s always known.Guilt. Desperation. Helplessness. An ache as old as time itself. The fire inthe hearth offers its condolences, and he can feel Averard’s presence justoutside the window. The wind howls. Howalone she must feel, he thinks, even as his friends whisper outside. But she isn’t really alone, is she?
“Let’srun away.” He kisses her shoulder gently. “We’ll have one another. We’ll haveAverard. And Sanctuary.” Let me show you– let us show you that the road doesn’t end here.
63.“We all cry sometimes.”Rei and Lear | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’s all alone whenshe opens her eyes. Everything hurts, and she flinches when she opens her eyesto find sunlight streaming in through the cracks in the window. A soft whimperescapes her – she manages to turn, and is immediately greeted by the sight of acasket on the opposite end of the room.Oh, gods. Is that Strahan, or is that Lear? Or are the both of them dead?
She starts tohyperventilate. Vials and cups crash to the ground as she stumbles out of bed,sweeping through the things on her bedside table. She lands on the wooden floorwith a loud thump, tangled up in sheets, trembling. When she presses a hand toher side, her palm comes away bloody. She crawls towards the casket, and getshalfway through before the door opens and Lear rushes in. “Anarei, what—”
Somehow, she managesto hold back the tears. His words from long ago resound in her head. I don’t want to see that face on you,alright? He helps her back into bed, and she clutches the bloodstainedsheets to her chest, too afraid to even look at him. It’s Strahan in there. My brother’s dead. She shuts her eyes andbites back a sob, and that’s when Lear pulls her in, laying a hand upon hercheek. “It’s okay. We all cry sometimes.”
64. “Can I hug you?”Niall and Serrah | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He’s exhausted. Hehasn’t slept in days, but there’s so much work to be done. They’d lit the pyresnot two hours ago, when the sun had started to sink into the horizon. In allthe time he’s known Amaethon, he’s never seen the man this distraught. Thatwas his baby sister, after all.
The manor is deathlyquiet. Laori is curled up on the steps with Celandine, whose other side isflanked by her husband. Inside the house, he knows Amaethon will be holed away,too busy blaming himself for what had happened. Miharah will most likely bewrapped up in the embrace of her parents, along with the rest of her family.It’s Serrah who needs his attention now.
He finds his youngapprentice in her room. She glances up as he sits by her side on the bed. Heknows she’s expecting to be sent away - and if he’s honest with himself, it’swhat he’d want, too. But that’s not the promise he had made, and it’s not theway to protect the young girl. He’s grappled with the decision, and though hedoesn’t like the conclusion he’s arrived at, he knows it’s necessary. “Are youokay?”
“Sure.” It’s a suddensort of greeting. She probably thinks I’m sending her away.
He lets out a sigh.“I’ve asked Laori and Theone to join our training sessions. They’re going to begiving you a taste of brute force and destructive magic. We’re going to startat dawn tomorrow, and we’ll continue to do so until you’ve learnt everythingyou can from them. Then I’ll find someone new to join us, and we’ll startagain. When we aren’t training, we’ll be going on missions with the Horadrim -real missions, so I need you to visit the armoury tomorrow evening and see whatthey can do about getting you a better set of armour. Do you understand?”
The young girlfinally looks up at him, and he smiles at the sight of her wide eyes, surprisein her gaze. When she speaks, her voice is oddly affected. “Can I hug you?”
65. “Seriously,again?”Bryn and Taranis |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Seriously,again?” Mother wipes the blood from his hands – a boy’s hands, no bigger. Hervoice is strained as she checks for deeper wounds that might require stitches.He’s been at it all day, trying to repair the closest Horadrim waypoint. Itlies in the ruins of Harrogath. He’d snuck there before dawn. Aislinn had toldhim that the waypoints had once been magic – magic enough to transport manthrough time and space. “Taranis, father’s dead. You have to accept that,okay?”
66. “Is there areason you’re naked in my bed?”Rei and Lear |Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Youbroke into my house?” She stares aghast at the shirtless man lying in her bed.It’s been a couple of weeks since they’d last met, and she hadn’t beenexpecting him. Not that it isn’t a pleasant surprise. “You wanna tell me whyyou’re naked in my bed?”
“I’mnot naked, but I can be.” He winks ather. “Come on, tell me you aren’t pleased to see me.”
Sheis, and he damn well knows it, the cocky bastard. Still, he hasn’t just turnedup in her apartment like this before, and there’s an edge of desperation in hisface that’s foreign to her, so she kicks off her shoes, strips down to herunderwear, and climbs into bed. She holds him close, and they lay together – atpeace, content to simply be.
67. “What do youwant?”Strahan and Taranis | Raindrop Pendants | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
The ginger-haired boyis standing guard below the apothecary’s tower - for what reason, Strahandoesn’t really know. He’s seen the boy around the Naveau house - he’s friendswith the girls. You should get to know them, Madam had said, one cool,but gentle hand upon his head. They’re going to be your family too.
He makes his way overto the ginger-haired boy; he’s older and much bigger, and glowers as Strahanapproaches. “What do you want?”
“I’m here to see theapothecary.” He tries for nonchalance, but the ginger-haired boy is a littlescary. “Madam Lisanne.”
The ginger-haired boyrelaxes slightly. “Madam Lisanne isn’t home. It’s only her daughter up there,so you can come back later.”
“I heard Miss Deiadraknows her way around her mother’s work also.” He perks up, but is instantlysilenced as the ginger-haired boy glowers again. “…I’ll come back later.”
68. “I love your sardonicsarcasm.”Rei and Lear |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Thenight is winding down, but the newlyweds are still dancing at the centre of thetown hall. Tonight, it is decked in beautiful fabrics, fresh flowers and plentyof candles that have burnt low – to celebrate the couple, and to spite the war.Heulan and Ora have disappeared into one of the balconies facing the east, nodoubt to cuddle, laugh, and sway together to the soft, sweet music.
It’sbeen weeks since she’d confessed her feelings. Things have gone on as before –casual bantering, the occasional private lunch and library visit taking up theafternoons they’re both free from work. He hasn’t brought up their talk again,so she assumes the worst and decides he isn’t interested.
Sheputs on a pretty dress – a flowing silver gown that shows off her shoulders andwaist. She laughs with the bride and dances with her friends. A Keep Lieutenantkisses her knuckles, and she agrees to meet up with him for dinner later in theweek. It’s war, but we’ve got to findtime for the little pleasures after all.
Threehours later, she’s about ready to go home; there are potions to be experimentedwith and notes to make. But the sight of Lochi and Chryse swaying togetherstops her, and she stays, if only for a few minutes, to watch them, hugging hercloak to her chest. Lochi’s unseeing eyes are wide open in wonder, and Chryseis smiling, her own golden gaze affixed upon them.
“Theylook happy, don’t they?” Lear sidles up beside her, and she feels her hearttwitch. She thinks she’s gotten better at it over the weeks, but she’d be lyingif she said it didn’t sting to be beside him, surrounded by other happy twos.
Still,she’s trying, so she slants a smile at him and nods. “Yeah. They all do.”
“Areyou heading back? Need me to walk you?” He glances at the cloak currentlydraped over her arm.
“No.”She jerks her head towards the bride. “It’s your sister’s wedding, you shouldstay.”
“Dancewith me, then. Just one dance.” He smiles at her, his singular eye softening.“Come on, you’ve danced with everyone else.”
Exasperationmingles with mild amusement. She rolls her eyes, quirking a smile, but allowshim to take her cloak and drape it over a nearby chair. “Are you using me toavoid having to dance with the other girls?”
“No.”He leads her out to an unoccupied corner, laying her hand over his shoulder andtaking the other. He pauses as he looks at her, his smile deepening a bit. “Youlook really nice tonight.”
“Thanks.”She forces herself to look at his face. Everything’sfine. I’m fine, he’s fine, we’re all fine. “So do you.”
Theysway a little to the music, and she allows herself to relax. She’s had somewine, so her feet feel just a little lighter. Her pulse steadies after a while,and she lets out a contented sigh.
“Istill don’t really understand.” His voice is soft, and jerks her from thecomfortable silence. She meets his eye, tilting her head a bit. “What you saidthe other day, about how you feel. I haven’t forgotten, I’m just trying tofigure it out. Why you feel that way.”
Shefrowns, then looks down, the sudden revival of the topic taking her bysurprise. It takes a while, but she manages an answer. “It’s a lot of things.”
“Tryme.”
Partof her wants to run. She’s spoken up first so many times now. In contrast, hehasn’t given her much to go on – and she’d been doing well, too. Opening thecan of worms again doesn’t feel like a good idea. Still, she reasons, it isn’tlike she has anything else to lose.
Shelooks down at the floor, careful to keep their steps in sync. “I love yoursardonic sarcasm.” The words flow easily. “I love the way you take your tea,and how pedantic you are about steeping – exactly five minutes with boilingwater. I hate the way you roll your eyes when you think someone is being stupid– even more so when it’s directed at me. I hate when you run off by yourself,but I love that you stick to your plans and principles. I hate that you can’tsee what I see in you – a man who’s always trying his best. And I hate that Idon’t know how you feel about me, and that despite that, I’m here, again,telling you I love you.”
Shedoesn’t expect him to say anything in return, so it takes her by surprise whenhe does. Her breath catches, and she almost misses her step, but he’s a goodleader, and she manages to keep up. “I love the way you wrinkle your nose whenyou’re irritated.” He lets out a thoughtful hmm before continuing. “I love theway your eyes light up when you’re surprised – like they’re lighting up rightnow. I love the way you get excited when something bubbles the right way, orwhen you get a good patient that teaches you something. I hate that you’re sostubbornly blind to people’s faults sometimes, and that you care so much evenwhen it hurts you. I hate that you’re impatient and demanding, but I love thatyou know exactly what you want.”
“Oh.”She glances aside. Chryse is watching them from the centre of the room, a smilecurling deviously upon her lips.
“That’sall I have for you right now.” Lear shifts the hand upon her waist, placing itupon her shoulder, his finger barely brushing the raised scar on her neck. “Iknow it’s not what you wanted to hear, but I hope it’s enough.”
Themusic fades. She swallows, then wets her lips before looking up. His meaningcannot be any more clear. I need moretime. She lets out a sigh; inside, her resolve crumbles. “I hate that youhave this effect on me.” It’s not a difficult thing to admit; he more thanlikely already realises.
Hissmile is soft and a little grateful as he pulls her close to press a kiss toher forehead. It’s gentle, and it makes her tremble. “One step at a time. We’llfigure us out together, okay?”
And what if youdecide you don’t want this after all? She shuts hereyes, leaning into his chest. Shit. “Cometest some potions with me tomorrow.”
Hechuckles lightly. “Just don’t paralyse me this time.”
69. “You can’t beserious.”Deiadra and Rei |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
“Youdid what now?” It’s not uncommon for them to test their potions on themselves,but this one was dangerous. The wrong dose could’ve led to her sleepingforever, with no hope for reversal. That’s part of why she hates developingsleeping potions and their antidotes – the lack of willing test subjects. “Youcan’t be serious.”
Naveaushrugs a shoulder. “It worked. I had Ailey administer the antidote for reversalsix hours later. I’m alive, so it obviously works with no side effects exceptinitial grogginess and a bit of mild disorientation. Could be good forsurgery.”
“Youonly know it puts you to sleep, Naveau. You’ve no idea if it will keep apatient pain-free throughout potentially traumatic surgeries.”
Theyoung woman smiles, part sheepish and part smug. “I actually do know. But I’mnot opposed to a little more experimentation.”
70. “Opposites doattract, I guess.”Ethan and Lear | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Fore.” He sighs.“You really are a piece of shit.”
It had started outinnocently enough. He’d made an offhand comment over Family Dinner, about Learenjoying chicken a little bit too much - it was a running gag, after all. Thathad launched a series of questions about Lear’s obsession with the bird, andhe’d been obliged to apologise to the grouchy man-child later. He hadn’texpected to come home to this.
His kitchencountertops are filled with raw chickens, plucked, cleaned, marinated, andpropped up on roasting trays. He counts at least twenty. When he opens up hisfridge, another bird falls out - this one bagged. The shelves within tell thesame fowl story.
The bastard answershis phone with a smirk in his voice. “What’s up?”
“When the fuck didyou have time to marinate fifty chickens and break into my house?”
“Oh, come on. We justdidn’t want you to go hungry, and Vanessa will thank you for doing all thecooking.”
He scowls.“Sometimes, I really wonder why my sister fell for you.”
Lear lets out a barkof a laugh on the other end. “I guess opposites really do attract.”
71. “Go on. Tell meyou hate me.”Estarra and Ananke |Footsteps of Glory | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Shefinds Ananke sitting by the steps of Harrogath’s ruins, face covered in soot, asmall bag packed for the journey back to Kehjistan. They’ve become fast friendsover the past months, two pregnant women with tragedy on their heels. And yetonly one of them has become a mother.
It’snot love she sees in the woman’s eyes – it’s guilt and terror, tinged almostwith madness. “I’ve failed you,” Ananke whispers. “You deserve to hate me. Goon – say it. Tell me you hate me.”
“No.”Estarra frowns, settling on the steps by her friend. She’s seen their future. My last words to you cannot be words ofhate. “I love you, Ananke. I love you like a sister.” She holds the womanclose, shutting her eyes. “Keep your little one safe.”
72. “I dare you tokill me. Do it!”Fischer and Hayes | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP| NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She has to admit he’snot too bad. They’d gone on a good few dates - quick, casual breakfasts beforework, packed lunches at the park beside the hospital, and the occasional dressydinner at her favourite restaurant when they’re both off and able to enjoy abottle of red.
They’re at his place,toes tucked into a woollen throw under his coffee table, screaming at oneanother with remotes in their hands. His hero lands an attack and she lets outan irritated scream, kicking him in the shin. “Damn it, Hayes!”
“I dare you to killme.” He sneaks a kiss, and she laughs as his breath warms her neck. “Go on, doit. If you beat me, I’ll do anything you want later.”
73. “I just want to be alone.”Rei and Chryse | Raindrop Pendants | OTP| NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He’s gone off on hisown again. This time, leaving word only for Taranis – a three-sentence note:Gone to fight Cydaea. Stay clear of the crater. Back in three days.
She doesn’t reactwhen the news breaks. She stands there beside Chryse and listens as Taranis explainswhy Lear’s left her – again. Then she nods, thanks the man, and goes back toher work, stony expression and stiff upper lip barely detracting from the factthat her hands are shaking. She can hardly breathe, but she has to focus. Focus,damn it.
“He’ll be back, don’tworry.” Chryse looks like she wants to punch something.
“Please.” She barelygets the words out as she turns away. “I just want to be alone.”
74. “Don’t waste yoursecond chance.”Aelwen and Heulan | Raindrop Pendants | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She thinks of themoften - the little boy and girl from her old life, her young master andmistress. It’s been years and years, and she hopes they have grown well in herabsence. In her dreams, they cry while their Lord Father shouts. She tries toopen her mouth - to speak up for them, but it never happens, and she wakesknowing she’s failed them both. I’m only a housekeeper, she’d said then.But the words are always bitter in her mouth.
It’d never occurredto her that she would be back in this place of uncertainty. How am I goingto do this? She doesn’t know, but the Matriarch hands her the squirmingtoddler, all pudgy and cheeky smiles, and she feels her heart melt.
“You will care forhim. Naled will help you. Don’t waste your second chance.”
75. “I wanted herto be my wife.”Roethlis and Asha |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Allthis time, I wanted her for my wife. But a sixteen-year-old can’t possibly knowwhat that means, right?” He’s never talked back to his mother before. The yearshave changed his mind, however, and he’s grateful for it. His mother isobviously taken aback by the sudden outburst. But he doesn’t care – he’sthrough being her puppet. “I’m grateful for what you’ve done for me, mother, Ireally am. I do love you. But I’m not a dog you can pick up to fulfil somegrand destiny; I’m not even Medjai. All this time, I thought I wanted her, butit was you. You wanted her for me.And I will never let you play with my mind like that again.”
76. “I can kickyour ass, you know that, right?”Theone and Tychol ft. Lars | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He’sbeen in a bad mood all day, scribbling furiously into a large tome and crossingout whole segments in sheets of paper, so it’s no surprise he’s grouchy atdinner. “Ugh, Tychol, you must really be deprived if an almanac can get you soworked up.”
“It’sall your boyfriend’s fault!” Her little brother scowls across the table at her,evidently still agitated over the writing. Tyrael had tasked him to work withLorath to compile everything they knew about the angelic host currentlyoccupying Westmarch and Khanduras – it isn’t going too well. “Can you pick asmarter one next time?”
“He’snot my boyfriend.” She flips her hair airily, reaching for the potatoes whileLars snickers into her soup. “Shut up, Lars.”
Tycholrolls his eyes. “Sure, Theone.”
Shepicks her fork out of her bowl and points it at him, hoping she isn’t blushing.“I can kick your ass, you know that? I can kick ALL your asses!”
77. “Those thingsyou said yesterday.. Did you mean them?”Deiadra and Arlais | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Shedidn’t think it would hurt this much, but it felt about as good as a slapacross the face. The night before, in the midst of an argument with Taranis,their eldest son had stood to proclaim that they weren’t even blood. You’re not my real parents, he’d yelled.I don’t have to listen to you.
Arlaisis sitting at the breakfast table on his own, face in his hands, when shedescends. Taranis had left before dawn, mumbling something about smashing someboulders. Laori and Iliev were most likely hiding in the Naveau house, and Ioanhad never been one to actively participate in family feuds. It’s just her andher eldest now, and she wants him to know what she thinks of his words.
“Thosethings you said yesterday.” She sits down beside him, folding her hands overher lap. It’s hard to keep her voice level. “Did you mean them?”
Helooks up at her, and his eyes are filled with tears. There are no words. Shelets out a sigh, understanding. He doesn’t resist, so she reaches out to hughim. It isn’t until minutes later that he finally speaks, his voice a faintpeep – not unlike the little boy she had once known. “You are my mother.”
78. “I’m notpromise. I drunk.”Fischer and Hayes |Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Thelast thing she’d expected when she’d paged Hayes was for him to show up half inthe bottle. “What the fuck, Jamie?” She doesn’t get pissed off often, but whena mom loses her shit and attacks her husband and one-year-old with boilingwater, it helps to have a sober Plastics attending on hand.
“I’mnot promise, I drunk. And ‘m not on call.” He slurs as he struggles with theties of his plastic pullover. “Who’s the doctor?”
Sheshoves him into a room and imagines herself stabbing him with the IV drip. “Getyour shit together. I’m calling Lewis.”
79. “Stay in bed.”Theron and Renia |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hewakes to her sniffling in bed, and realises she’s caught the chill he’s beenbattling the entire week. She insists on getting up to do some work, but hestops her and rolls out of bed himself, groggy and exhausted, but determined.Over the next few hours, he labours in the kitchen, making a huge pot ofchicken soup and stepping out just long enough to pick up some hearty, crustydark bread. Then he goes home, sets up a tray on her side of the bed, and curlsback up against his wife. “Stay in bed with me,” He mumbles.
80. “Go home.”Ora and Lorcan |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Goback to base, will you?” Lorcan’s voice is steely as he pulls her from herfather’s body. The battle is coming to a close around them, with the last oftoday’s demon force charged down by the hunters’ horseback unit. She doesn’tsee any of it – all she sees is the cold, dead face of the man who’d raisedher. Lorcan is shouting again, this time loudly enough to snap her back intothe present. Hot tears streak down her face. “Ethinacae! You’re done here. GOHOME.”
81. “I don’t have ahome.”Ora and Dillon |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’srunning out of money and wondering what to do to earn more when he pops up inher peripheral again. When he approaches, she tilts her head back and does herbest to look threatening. She doesn’t know if she can take him – he’s muchstronger and older, and she’s only a skinny fourteen-year-old.
“Youshould go home, girl.” His voice is gruff, but not unkind.
“Idon’t have a home.” She looks at her feet. “Please leave me alone.”
82. “I’m terrified oflosing you.”Strahan and Sileneft. Maika | RaindropPendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
It’s been hours sinceMaika had fallen asleep on Silene’s chest, the little girl curled up againsthis girlfriend. Silene strokes the girl’s soft dark hair gently, and he watchesthe pair of them for a moment, wondering how he could possibly live withouteither one of them.
The scans aren’tencouraging. He’d read and re-read them, then he’d sent Parts a copy with aspecial request - a cry for help. He knows his old friend will not refuse him,and he has faith in medicine and in science. He has faith in Parts.
What he lacks isfaith in himself. When Silene looks up at him, he goes to her and lays down onthe other side of her bed, taking her into his arms. She lets out a soft,relieved sigh. He knows it hurts her. He knows that’s why she’d signed the DNR- she’s tired. He can’t blame her, but he wants to keep fighting for her. Heneeds to.
She takes his hand.He squeezes it lightly. “I’m terrified of losing you.”
SIlene turns her faceinto his chest. “I know.”
83. “I can’t give youforever.”Flynn and Ingrid | Raindrop Pendants | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’s beautiful. Longblonde hair flows to her waist, flowers and vines braided in amidst ribbons.His bride is radiant - how could she be anything else but the sun, aftereverything she’s done for him?
She takes his handsand they stand before the priest, tall among friends and family. “I can’t giveyou forever,” She says. “But all my days on this Sanctuary are yours.”
84. “What’s goingon inside that head of yours?”Lars and Cel |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Celis busy icing a cake in the kitchen when she makes her way in and flops down ona chair. Training is going nowhere, and she’s both exhausted and frustrated.But Cel is patient and sweet as always, and hands her a slice of warm bananabread still fresh from the oven. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
Sheslumps over the plate, poking at the cake with her fork. It doesn’t happenoften, but she doesn’t have much of an appetite right now. “I don’t know how tobe useful to my father in his old age, and I think I’m going to commitfratricide at some point.”
85. “I can’t saythat.”Iliev and Lars | Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
He’s been working ona speech for Ceth’s wedding for weeks now, and yet all the words seem soinsufficient. Lars drags him out to the river and meditates while he struggleswith paper and ink. By the time she’s done, it’s an hour later and he’ssurrounded by crumpled-up scraps. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say you lovehim, but he’s officially dragged away Virkove’s best pastry maker and should beashamed of himself.” Lars flops down beside him and stretches out.
“I can’t say that!”He cries, horrified. “He’d feel so bad for it!”
She grins, a littleslyly. “On the flipside, that means they’d come back here more often to makesure we get all the pastries we need.”
86. “How can I notmiss you?”Strahan and Maika | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Hehasn’t even planned out the entirety of his trip, but his heart already hurtsat the thought of leaving his daughter behind. She runs into his arms, and heholds her close, laughing as she prattles on about ginger buds and basilflowers. How can I not miss you,sweetheart?
87. “I thought youwere dead.”Ora and Heulan |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP |BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
There’sa veil, barely there, like water or air – she doesn’t know, but Heulan isbehind there, and it’s all she can do to hold back from throwing herself athim. The gods are merciful. Surely they can raise the dead. They’ve brought him back. She pushesaway the thought of his body, lying inert in the crystal arch. Cold. Unmoving.“I thought you were dead. Thank the gods you’re safe.”
Hisface crumples, and she realises then that the veil is there to stay. Auriellands gently beside her, and parts the veil – if only for a brief moment. WhenHeulan holds his hand out to her, her fingers sweep right through his. “I’msorry, Ora.”
88. “Did you enjoyyourself last night?”Roethlis and Roman | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
“Didyou enjoy yourself last night?” Roethlis glances up as his brother walks in.Roman is uncharacteristically chirpy for breakfast-time. He knows it’s becausehe’s been in the dungeons – it’s hard to miss the conceited strut of a goodfucking.
Romanlaughs heartily, clapping him on the shoulder. “You should go for a roundsometime. That frigid bitch – I’ll warm her up yet.” The man actually sounds proud, he realises with disgust. “Ican’t wait to hear her beg for that deadbeat boyfriend again.”
89. “You’re mine.”Lear and Cydaea | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Theadrenaline surges. He’s exhausted and hasn’t slept in hours, but he’s so damnexcited. Azmodan’s consort leers at him just below the steps. The plan is infull swing. She ends today. You’re mine.
90. “Just kissalready.”Rei and Lear ft.Taranis | RaindropPendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
It’s been a weeksince the Virkovian forces had started mobilising and moving to the Keep to theEast. Most of the soldiers have settled in by now, and by the end of the day,the stragglers will have brought up the rear. Down at the docks, crates ofmedical supplies are being loaded into the ferry. She’s checking through themand ticking off her list when Taranis and Lear approach, packed and armoured,apparently ready to go.
Taranis gives her aquick hug before disappearing to help with the loading. She hands off her listto her assistant, then turns towards Lear, managing a faint smile. It’s notforever - it’s not even a separation. He’s just two hours away, and she’ll seehim often enough on her weekly visits with the Keep apothecary. Maybe when the war ends, we can be together.Maybe when this is all over, we can love one another in peace.
Still, she’s gottenused to sharing spaces with him, and it’s not a parting she’s looking forwardto. But there’s more work to be done, and she knows he’s in full-focus mode, soshe tries to be brief. “For good luck.” She straightens, and finding noresistance, presses a light kiss to his scarred cheek. She keeps it friendly.Unaffected and casual. Somewhere in the ferry, she hears Taranis bellow,evidently exasperated, “Just kiss already. We have to go.”
Lear spares theCaptain a look, but smiles when he turns back to her. His arms envelop hereasily as he kisses her on the forehead. “Stay out of trouble.”
91. “You left me.”Taranis and Lars | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
It’sdark out and she’s terrified. Everywhere she turns, branches and twigs snap,and the fluttering of birds taking flight raises hairs on the nape of her neck.She’s not sure how long it’s been since she’d split ways from the party, but ifthey’re looking for her, they’re doing a terrible job. When she’s finallyexhausted herself walking, she sits, and stares at her feet. Somewhere in thetrees are surely wild animals who would want nothing more than little girl fordinner.
Don’t cry,she tells herself. Warriors never cry. She sings softly to herself, and themusic makes her feel a little bit better. But when the little orange-crestedrobin lands on the ground before her, she lets out a gasp, surprised, and backsaway. “Oh, it’s you.” She recognises the sweet little creature – he’s friendswith Mae, she thinks. “Are you lost too?”
Halfa minute later, her father crashes through the bushes, ginger hair in disarrayand eyes wide in panic. “Lars, thank the gods. I was so worried!”
Sheburies her face in his shoulder as he wraps his thick, strong arms around her,and barely gets out the words – “I was afraid you left me.”
Helaughs, sounding a little choked up as he squeezes her and kisses her head. “Don’tbe silly.” His kisses always make her feel better, and she’s happy to curl upagainst his chest. The little robin flits up and settles upon her shoulder.“I’ll never leave you, alright? But try not to wander off like this again.”
92. “I should’vestayed home.”Ora and Nolan |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Shecleans her father’s body and Lorcan helps her change him. When they’re done andshe’s alone at last, she touches the old man’s grey, lined face. Nolan Winthallis not a handsome man, but he’s the father she knows. She struggles to come upwith the words, and not a single one is sufficient to convey the depth of herguilt and regret. “I should’ve stayed with home, with you,” She whispers. “Ishould have spent more time with you.”
93. “It doesn’tmatter anymore.”Taranis and Rei | Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
She’dbeen unconscious for the better part of a week, so he’s pleasantly surprised tofind her awake when he drops in for a visit. Her colour is better and he’s toldshe’s eating now.  She looks up when heenters; he sits down and presses a kiss to her temple. “Good to see you’rebetter.”
“Hm.”She sighs, then slumps back into her pillows. The explosions had taken outseveral other field healers, and he knows she’s still shaken up about losingher assistant in the ensuing aftermath. He has to hand it to Azmodan – thebastard knows exactly what to do to push the fight in his favour. With most ofthe Virkovian militia stationed at the Keep, he’d mounted an assault from theWestern front instead, sending in his demons and catapults on ships under theshroud of the evening fog. Despite the losses, they’d somehow beaten the host, andVirkove continues to stand.
Herhair’s shorter, sheared off at the shoulders. It suits her. He flicks a flyawaycurl lightly, watching as it bounces off her cheek. “What happened here?”
“Toohard to untangle, after.” She shrugs a shoulder, seemingly unconcerned. Once,she might have been troubled, but it’s obvious she understands. The world isdifferent now, and so are her priorities. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
94. “Take yourshirt off!”Niall, Mae, and Lars |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Tyraelhad sent him out to scout the forests surrounding the city; there had been newsof some trouble with the thieves’ guild. With the local militia kept occupiedwith the rebuilding and final scouring of the city, the task had fallen to theHoradrim – or, apparently, the Horadrim’s allies. There’s laughter ringing inthe muggy air, and he frowns for a moment, confused. Amaethon and Laori aresplashing around in a pool; Amaethon spots him first, and stands, greeting himeagerly and throwing both hands in the air. “Niall! Take your shirt off and comejoin us – the water’s nice and cool today!”
He’shaving trouble thinking properly. The two are apparently naked, and completelyat ease. Laori glances back over her bare shoulder, bright-eyed and beaming.“Yeah, Niall! Come on in. The deal is nobody looks and tackling is free game.”
Helets out a chuckle he hopes isn’t too awkward. “Maybe next time.”
95. “We’re gonnadie. We’re so dead!”Lars and Naix |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Thereare demons hot on their tail, and the others in their party have longdisappeared into the trees. Naix has his bow drawn, but she wonders how hewould fare in closer quarters. The winged, horned demons charge in at themthrough the underbrush. She lets out a breath and readies herself. “We’re goingto die.”
“Yeah.”Naix’s voice is clipped and terse. “We’re pretty much fucked.”
96. “Sorry, did Istep on your moment?”Mae and Theone |Raindrop Pendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
Theone’sface says it all – she’s pleased with herself, her smug smile utterlyreminiscent of Uncle Lear’s when he knows he’s won a fight. He doesn’t get it,though – she’d helped him out after all, and they’d disposed of the Evil Treesmuch faster with two as opposed to one. “Thanks for helping me out!”
Shelooks annoyed at that and he can’t figure out why; but there’s more adventuringto be done, and now he has plenty of time to do it.
97. “I thought youhated me.”Ethan and Strahan | Raindrop Pendants AU | OTP |NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
It’s a sunny Summer’sday, and the family comes together again. Innocence and joy abound in thememories they’d shared, untainted by the horrors of the past years. Now thatthe war is over, they’re glad to laugh over barbeques, ice-cold beers on handand wine for the uppity likes of his sister and her new husband. Hans sits byhis side on the lawn, bouncing Maika off his lap.
They’re talking abouttheir first meeting. Hans had only just been adopted, a young, gangly boy - thechild of Mother’s deceased best friend. “I thought you hated me,” He grins.
Strahan snickers,then blows a raspberry into his daughter’s cheek. “I did,” He confesses. “Butif it makes you feel any better, I got over it real quick.”
“Aww.” He ruffles hisbrother’s slick dark hair. “I love you too, Hans.”
98. “I won’t letyou die.”Rei and Azmodan |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | (FUCK)NOTP| BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Thehairs on the base of her neck prickle as they descend, deeper and deeper intothe heart of Arreat. He’s taunted them the entire time; Ora is damned neargreen with terror and Heulan is all focus. Azmodan’s voice echoes in her head.
Ahh, how sweet ofthe little rat, to send a replacement for my murdered consort in the form ofhis own lover. Are you a virgin, sweet creature? How do you like it? I willshow you a better lover, one who will adore you. I won’t abandon you like he’sdone so many times. You will be my queen. And when I have won your heart andbody, you will sit by my side – and we will laugh together as I slay that foulbastard for all he has taken from me. For all the hurt he has caused you.Wouldn’t you like that?
Shegrits her teeth, her fingers tightening about the hilt of her sword. Taranisglances aside at her, and she shakes her head at him. Azmodan’s voice piercesher mind yet again, and she flinches.Don’t fear me, sweet creature. I won’t let you die. You’ll learn to love mycock soon enough. And if you struggle – well. I’m sure I’ll find a way to havefun with that, too.
99. “I wish youcould love me.”Ananke and Karalir |Raindrop Pendants | OTP | NOTP | BROTP | OT3 | FamTP |
Shewill soon be gone from the world – her body is tired and failing, but theregret remains. Karalir sits at the base of her bed, a dutiful son to the end.Still, she knows it’s not her he wants. It’s never been her. He’s his father’sson, after all. She loves him nonetheless. “I wish you could love me.” Thewords are softly whispered. “I know there’s nothing I can say to change yourmind, but I do love you, Karalir.”
100. “Saysomething.”Ceth and Cel | RaindropPendants: WM | OTP | NOTP | BROTP| OT3 | FamTP |
If you love her,you gotta tell her, Grampa had said. He’s afraid ofrejection, but he knows ma and pa are watching from above, cheering him on. Andmore than that, he knows Cel’s been waiting for him – because when love isstaring you in the face, you know. He takes a deep breath, clenching his fists,then pushes through the back door of the Naveau house and strides in.
Celgreets him with a bright smile as always, and shoves a cookie into his mouth.“Hi, Ceth! You got here early.”
Hechews quickly and swallows – the cookie’s made his mouth dry, but he can’t helpit. He has to tell her before he loses his nerve. It’s a terrible confession,all warbling and nervous, and by the time he’s done, he swears it’s the firsttime he wishes he hadn’t had a cookie at all. “S-say something.” He looks atthe girl – the pretty one with auburn hair, the one he’s loved forever, for herkindness and sweet nature, for everything she represents and everything she is.“What do you think, Cel?”
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cathcacen · 7 years
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Mae and Lars - 2/?
Lovebirds
“Let’s run away together.”
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cathcacen · 7 years
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Mae and Lars - 1/?
Journey | Skartara and Scosglen
“Don’t forget me.”
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cathcacen · 7 years
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A twist on the one line prompt - for each prompt, assign an RP pairing. Can be canon or AU, from any generation, romantic or platonic (friendship or familial). : Dc
IF I COULD I WOULD JUST ANSWER ALL LEAREI AND ANGST NONSTOP HAHAHAHAHHAHA
But I will be good and do it properly. And because I am a sucker for headcanons, I will also add short descripts of when the sentences might be appropriate. XD
1. “Come over here and make me” - Dillon and Heulan NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; Dillon has Ora in a deathgrip, and Heulan will break bones to get his forever girl back.
2. “I trusted you!” - Ailey Fischer and Jamie Hayes OTP, Modern AU; Hayes gets drunk and cheats. Fischer forgives, eventually.
3. “Let’s go, right now, just You, and I” - Mae and Lars OTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Mae wants to visit the Eastern Jungles so he can discuss philosophy with the Priests of Rathma, and doesn’t want to leave his Girl Friday Lars behind.
4. “How can I hate someone so much, yet love them even more?” - Serrah and Samille BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Introducing two sisters, the misdeeds of the elder, and the effect it has on the younger.
5. “Please, just don’t leave me” - Lear and Rei OTP, Modern AU; Lear has to go back to work, and Rei wants him to stay. Obviously internalised begging here. Also drabble.
6. “I let her/him in, I don’t let people in” - LEAR AND REI OTP, MODERN AU; Lear has to go to work, and Rei wants him to stay. Lear realises all too late he’s allowed Rei to move into a tiny space in his heart, baggage and all.
7. “I almost lost you” - Heulan and Ora OTP, Raindrop Pendants; Ora falls into an ice lake. Despite protests, Heulan jumps in after her and gets her out. Also applicable to That Time Heulan Drained His Lifeforce Healing Ora While Fighting The Lord of Bloody Effing Sin.
8. “I’d wait forever, as long as I could be with you in the end” - Lear and Rei OTP, Modern AU; Lear has to go to work, but this time he promises Rei he’ll come home. Corresponding drabble.
9. “Do not make me break my word” - Leah and Lear NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; in which Lear continues to strain against Leah’s tight leash, and she threatens to oust him and his past misdeeds.
10. “Have you seen this?” - Theron and Renia OTP, Raindrop Pendants; Theron finds ‘adoptive flower child’ Heulan’s name among a list of dead post-war, and has to break the news to his wife.
11. “I always promised that I wouldn’t, but right now I can’t help myself.” - Niall and Serrah familyTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; where Niall realises he can’t help but dad Serrah around. It gets harder to see her as an apprentice when the world gets darker and more dangerous, and all he wants to do is keep her safe.
12. “I’m only going to ask you once more” - Roethlis and Rei NOTP, Modern AU; Roethlis wants to know why Rei let his brother die. Trigger warning drabble.
13. “Just, do one last thing. Kiss me” - Niall and Lars BROTP/NOTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Niall wants to die with a kiss, but asks a friend’s wife to do the honours.
14. “Hey, I’m with you okay? Always” - Estarra and Tychol familyTP, Raindrop Pendants; Star kees her baby grandson safe from the visions that scare him, and teaches him how to make sense of those that have yet come to pass.
15. “We need to talk” - Cleunn and Lear familyTP, Raindrop Pendants; in which Cleunn tells his son in law off for neglecting himself.
16. “Are you jealous” - Lear, Haekel, and Marclai BROTP, Modern AU; where Lear tricks Marclai into doing some work for him, and taunts Haekel about his bff’s excellent help after.
17. “You did this, all for me?” - Haekel and Marclai BROTP, Modern AU; Haekel saved Marclai’s life okay and they will forever be BROTP full of love and fluffy fuzzy feels sobs.
18. “You need me just as much as I need you” - Mel and Mia BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Mel initially begrudges Mia her magic, but eventually comes to realise that nothing is worth losing the love of her twin and other half.
19. “Promise me” - Chryse and Mae familyTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Chryse has lost a daughter, and she needs her son to understand that he cannot come home in a box.
20. “I thought you loved me” - Lear and Rei OTP, Modern AU; Lear doesn’t come for Rei when she’s locked away, and it’s all she can do to keep it together as she whispers the words into the night.
21. “You don’t have any right to say that” - Theone and Mae BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Mae wants everyone to go home following the death of his baby sister, and Theone’s having none of that shit.
22. “No matter where you are, or who you’re with, I will always truly, completely, love you” - Mae and Lars OTP, Modern AU; where lovers separated by circumstances beyond their control will still love one another forever.
23. “Two can play at this game” - Theone and Mae BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; These two are competitive as shit.
24. “You’re the only one I trust to do this” - Lear and Lars FamilyTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Lear trains a younger Lars how to scout, Ilvait-Sagen ‘I’m just a scout’ style. Lars graduates with flying colours.
25. “You think you’re the only one that’s suffering here?” - Lear and Silene NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; There’s a lot of yelling, and Strahan has to come break it up.
26. “Just do it!” - Theone and Lars BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Theone doesn’t understand why Lars doesn’t just tell Mae she’s in love with him. Theone also doesn’t understand why Mae hasn’t done the same.
27. “I’m pregnant” - Rauen and Ora/Heulan and Ora NOTP/OTP, Raindrop Pendants; After a night of pain, pleasure, and abuse with Rauen, Ora finds out she’s pregnant. Rauen’s out of the picture; best friend Heulan is furious and disappointed, but wants to dad the baby anyway.
28. “Marry me?” - Mae and Lars OTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; in dire times, when Mae is busy sending everyone home, one person doggedly refuses to leave his side, where she’s been since the very beginning. He realises the only way to remember it himself is to take a leap of faith.
29. “I thought you were dead” - Renia and Ora familyTP, Raindrop Pendants; Renia welcomes Ora back into her home following Heulan’s untimely death and mothers her with all the determination of Molly Weasley.
30. “There was nothing between us. Just a weird friendship” - Lorcan and Ora BROTP/NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; In which everybody is surprised that Lorcan and Ora never banged or even made out despite having shared beds/cuddles, and have most likely seen each other naked.
31. “Nothing has ever scared me more than being with you” - Strahan and Silene OTP, Modern AU; Strahan doesn’t scare easy, but he finds himself terrified when Silene signs a DNR.
32. “I think I’m in love with you, and I’m terrified” - Strahan and Silene OTP, Raindrop Pendants; At least, that’s what he would’ve said or felt if they had the time to actually fall in love.
33. “I’m never going to leave you” - Heulan and Ora/Ora and Ceth OTP/FamilyTP, Raindrop Pendants; In which Heulan tells Ora he’ll always be with her, if not in person, then in spirit. Nine years later, Ora tells the same thing to her baby boy.
34. “If you keep looking at me like that we won’t make it to bed” - Lear and Rei OTP, Modern AU; Lear likes looking at his wife, and she loves when he touches, too.
35. “I can’t enjoy this bagel while you’re crying, so you better tell me what the matter is.” - Heulan and Ora OTP, Modern AU; Ora is pregnant and doesn’t know why she’s crying into her morning cereal, and Heulan thinks it’s because she’s still thinking about the bittersweet movie ending from last night.
36. “The sun could burn out, and the whole world could die, but I’d still be utterly in love with you” - Lear and Theone familyTP, Raindrop Pendants; Lear’s love for his baby girl knows no bounds.
37. “Just say it, once more” - Jamie Hayes and Rei BROTP, Modern AU; About the time Rei off-handedly mentions to Fischer that Hayes does the best grafting work of all their colleagues and he never lets her forget it.
38. “You fainted…straight into my arms. You know, if you wanted my attention you didn’t have to go  to such extremes…” - Lear and Ora CrackTP/BROTP, Raindrop Pendants; Ora can’t stand the sight of demon skin, but Lear seems to find joy in throwing it at her.
39. “Hey! I was gonna eat that!” - Ora and Ceth FamilyTP, Raindrop Pendants; Ora steals Ceth’s cookie from his plate, and he gets upset. The next day, she buys her baby boy a whole jar of cookies as a peace offering and he shares half with her anyway.
40. “No one has ever made me feel more special than you have” - Lear and Rei OTP, Modern AU; Lear has a habit of being extra, planning exotic dates and weekend getaways when he isn’t working. It hurts all the more because Rei is fully aware she has no monopoly on his time and heart. Corresponding drabble.
41. “Stop complaining, you know you love it” - Rauen and Rei NOTP, Modern AU; in which Rauen likes telling Rei she loves it when he pretends to be the elusive Sagen.
42. “I’m fed up of your stupid games” - Karalir and Rei NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; Rei wants Karalir to know there’ll be hell to pay if he continues to hound her family. Karalir wins the fight, but eventually loses the war.
43. “You don’t have to change for me” - Mae and Lars OTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Weeks into an unconsummated marriage, a nervous and self-conscious Lars asks her new husband if he’s actually attracted to her physique.
44. “Will you just accept that I am hopelessly in love with you, and there’s nothing you can do that will change that” - Cel and Ceth OTP, Modern AU; Ceth is concerned for Cel’s sake, given his job in the military, but she refuses to back off and will love him to death - which comes too soon.
45. “I’ll get you back for that” - Yleris and Lear BROTP/NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; Yleris isn’t over his wife’s passing and takes it out on her work partner.
46. “I can’t believe we’re actually doing this” - Taranis and Deiadra OTP, Raindrop Pendants; On adopting four kids all at once.
47. “There’s something I need to tell you” - Ceth and Lars BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; in which Ceth has to tell Lars for the third time in her life that her baby did not survive the womb.
48. “You think I need you? Because I don’t” - Lorath and Theone OTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; in which Lorath tells Theone he doesn’t need her help, nor the strings her family’s wealth and resources come with. He eventually realises she doesn’t want him to owe her; she just wants a chance to show him who she really is, and if who she really is, is someone he might come to love.
49. “I could never get sick of you.“ - Shan and Chryse BROTP/OTP, Raindrop Pendants; Shan knows he has to say goodbye, but hot damn he’s so into Chryse and her general badassery.
50. “If you really love me, you’ll let me go” - Strahan and Rei FamilyTP, Raindrop Pendants; Strahan is hurting and he needs his baby sister to bring an end to the pain.
51. “Oh my god what happened?” Everybody and Mae BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; in which the entire Westmarch and Sanctuary cumulatively turn to Mae to yell at him for venturing into some dark corner and getting hurt. “I found your cat, Lars!” He says.
52. “Who did this to you?” - Mae and Celandine FamilyTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Mae can take a lot of insults when they’re hurled at him, but when you hurt his baby sister, you die.
53. “Why is it always you?” - Mae and Lars OTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Lars wonders why Mae keeps popping up where she is, especially when he’s proven to be disinterested in any form of romance with her.
54. “You always say that, and you’re always wrong” - Chryse and Lochi OTP, Raindrop Pendants; Lochi doesn’t believe he can do better, and yet somehow always does when Chryse pushes him to the limit.
55. “I did not expect this” - Lear + Haekel and Marclai, Raindrop Pendants; In which Haekel and Marclai help Lear to get away from a life-threatening situation and succeed in keeping him alive.
56. “I told you this would happen” - Lear and Rei OTP, Raindrop Pendants; in which Rei tells Lear she’d known all along Heulan would yell at him for throwing demon skin at Ora and making her cry.
57. “It’s not my fault!” - Roethlis and Rei NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; Roethlis wants his cousin to know that what happened to her sister was a mistake.
58. “I didn’t do it!” - Taranis and Lars familyTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Taranis wants to know why three of his trainees can’t look him in the eye. He has a sneaking suspicion it has to do with why his daughter is nursing a swollen fist.
59. “Why are you looking at me like that?” - Ethan and Lear BROTP, Modern AU; Ethan doesn’t understand Lear’s obsession with chicken. Corresponding drabble.
60. “Give it back!” - Naled and Ceth FamilyTP, Raindrop Pendants; Ora brings baby Ceth to see his father’s father figure, and Ceth runs away with Naled’s string of beads. It’s all very cute, and when Ora leaves, she thinks she sees Naled wiping some tears away.
61. “I made a mistake. A huge mistake.” - Sehrai and Strahan NOTP, Modern AU; in which Sehrai realises all too late she wants her baby after all, but Strahan has had enough of her shit. Corresponding drabble.
62. “Just shut up and kiss me” - Lear with Kaunis, Eala, and Ensis NOTP, Raindrop Pendants; in which Lear has accrued a group of fangirls who want that sweet sweet lovin’. Rei is not impressed, and makes him kiss her if/when they run into these girls.
63. “That’s it, I can’t do this anymore” - Cel and Lars BROTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Cel comforts Lars when she doesn’t know what to do with the Mae situation, and can’t believe her ears when the girl bolts upright on the kitchen table and declares that she’s running away to Westmarch.
64. “I hate you so much” - Taranis and Mae familyTP, Raindrop Pendants: Westmarch Edition; Taranis eventually passes his hammer to Mae. It’s probably a love-hate relationship. The shackles that bind the General to Virkove aren’t exactly a gift.
65. “Because I love you god damn it!” - Chryse and Lochi OTP, Raindrop Pendants; Lochi has no idea why Chryse won’t just let him go home to a life of mundane drudgery.
66. “We shouldn’t be doing this” - Lear and Deiadra BROTP, Raindrop Pendants; Lear engages Deiadra to help him develop flammables to make things to boom. It doesn’t end well.
67. “What could go wrong?” - Taranis + Lear and Ora BROTP, Raindrop Pendants; Taranis makes Lear and Ora work together. Things explode. Cue Lear’s shit-eating grin: “Famous last words, Captain.”
68. “Wow, you’ve…changed.” - Haekel and Ora CrackTP, Raindrop Pendants; Ora runs into Haekel in Kurast some years after their initial flirtations, and he doesn’t recognise her at all. “How rude,” She says.
69. “We’re getting too old for this” - Taranis and Lear BROTP, Raindrop Pendants; Presumably after Lear pulls some shit that causes Taranis to chase him with murderous intent.
70. “i never stopped loving you, i just stopped showing it “ - Mae and Lars OTP, Modern AU; Lars will always love Mae, even if it breaks her heart to let him go. She can’t hold him back and doesn’t want to, after all. Corresponding drabble.
PHEW FINALLY DONE. This was fun! Also open for actual drabbling, if anyone is interested for these ships: Jonsa, Olicity, Zutara, Romanogers, Rumbelle, Philinda, Joanlock, Fitzsimmons, Outlaw Queen, Soueri, Takumegu, Bughead. Feel free to ask!
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cathcacen · 7 years
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Brave little birb boar deserves pats and love.
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cathcacen · 7 years
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It started out with a kid, how did it end up like this.
Make your own.
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cathcacen · 7 years
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Four flower crowns for four very different girls.
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cathcacen · 7 years
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Lars takes a nibble out of Mae. Inspired by my previous doodle. XD
He’s already out like a lamp by the time she’s done washing the grime of the day from her body, sprawled out on his chest in the middle of their bed, snoring softly. She nudges their window open a little, and the cool night air nips at the tip of her nose. It’s only been a week since their return to Virkove, and she’s not sure she’s used to her new lodgings at the Naveau mansion.
She’d stayed over a thousand times growing up, but now, it feels a little foreign somehow, and she wonders if the feeling would pass.
You’re probably just not used to Virkove after spending so much time in Westmarch.
She misses the sound of Westmarch’s incessant rain pattering against her rooftop and rafters, but the Virkove wind kisses her cheeks, and she lets out a soft, contented sigh.
This is home too.
She glances back towards the bed. Mae’s exhausted, she knows – there’s no shortage of work for the returning General, and he’s been pulled in every direction to deal with this and that since they’d ridden back into the city. She pads over to him, dropping her towel, then climbs in and curls into his side, lowering her head onto the small of his back.
He grunts, mumbling something that sounds like ‘welcome home’, and she giggles into the nape of his neck. He smells nice.
He smells like home.
She nibbles gently at his ear, and he lets out a long breath. “Why’re you gnawing at my ear?”
“No reason,” She tells him. “Go back to sleep.”
He does, and she counts his breaths in tandem with the rising and falling of his shoulders until she drifts off herself.
For the first time in a week, she sleeps through the night.
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