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itbmojojoejo · 2 months

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Fractured Moonlight / Pt 2 / Finan x OFC

Pairing: Vamp!Finan x Vamp!OFC

Summary: A prince forced to relinquish his title so that he may have a home, a princess begrudgingly doing her duty to ensure her lands survival, a king trying his best to keep their world from unravelling as war begins and a brush with death that reveals a secret threatening to destroy it all.

Wordcount: 5.2k | Part 1 | Other works.

Warnings: MDNI18+ NSFW Sexual Content. Mentions of death, violence, blood, alcohol, and arranged marriage.

Authors Note: Just me popping in for a note on the pronunciation of oc's name. It's 'Mar-LEH-nuh' so if you see it shortened 'LEH-nuh' not 'Mar-LEE-na'/'Lee-na'. Not beta read so you'll have to make do with my awful punctuation :) Thank you to @bhxrdy for helping me figure out what to chop off and push back to part 3 xox

Thrashing waves beat against the cliff edges with a howling wind under a glowing moon fighting to shine through darkening storm clouds. Marlena watched as the dim lunar white light skipped and shimmered over the choppy waves from her window high up in the keep’s western tower.

It had been six days since Finan left with fifty of his best fighters. Four days of downplaying growing tense uncertainty and concern had Marlena taking an evening away from sitting in the council chamber, unable to swallow any more of the fears being spoken by Yannic and be near the grim mood that clung to her father.

That grim mood had now found her as King Helier stood in her chambers, his hand leaning against the warm stone of the fireplace with eyes the shade of cornflowers staring into the low embers, his voice unsure as he spoke. “I sent a messenger to the north, to King Aelfric, he’ll be here before the turn of the next moon.”

“You shouldn’t feel guilty for requesting aid Father, they’d do the same if the roles were reversed,” She sighed, pulling her eyes from the window to him.

“That may be true, but for what we need I had to make him an offer he couldn’t refuse,” His posture straightened as he turned to meet Marlena’s growing frown.

Aelfric’s lands were strongly fortified, his forces much larger than theirs, and he was unmarried. Marlena quickly pieced this together and her stomach dropped, acidic bile threatening to creep up into her throat, “You didn’t…”

“I can put it off no longer Marlena, I get letters every year asking for your hand, I have since the day you came of age.”

She scoffed, throwing her hands up, “So you are giving me to Aelfric?”

“His son, Wihtgar.”

Sour anger weaved into her words as Marlena’s steps carried her closer, “Out of all the nobles on this earth to choose from you would send me to the north? Their coven is rife with everything I am against, this is madness! Others could assist without requiring marriage and if me being wed is what you so desperately want we have a royal right here in our court I would be better suited to-”

“It cannot be Finan.” He calmly interjected, hands wringing together, “I am aware of your fondness for one another and turned a blind eye to it for far too long, but I cannot allow it.”

“And why not? He is a prince-”

“Of a land long forgotten and his title relinquished.”

“A prince all the same,” She persisted, disregarding the consequences.

“It cannot be!” Helier roared, making Marlena shrink away at the sudden burst of anger. She wasn’t on the receiving end of his temper often, not many were. He was one of words, not raised voices and nonsensical ramblings guided by emotions.

With a deep breath Helier composed himself by smoothing a hand over his crownless curls and walked towards the door, “It is done, we need their army. You will marry Wihtgar.”

As the door closed a singular choked sob escaped Marlena’s trembling lips, a hand clutching the fabric of her dress, the other leaning on the tall post of her bed, fingernails biting into the wood.

Nestled in a corner surrounded by tall dark oak shelves filled with scrolls organised by monarch, year, and month, Osferth sat hunched over a pile of weighted-down papers threatening to coil closed.

He was the only being inside the archive room, the burning torch above him bouncing shades of orange and yellow across the walls with the winds of a spring storm leaking through old windows.

For days he’d read all there was regarding Queen Isobel coming to the throne, how her clever politics and kind nature quickly brokered treaties with every neighbouring kingdom and that her suit of armour was never worn. Not a single word about shadow walkers was written until she fell ill.

Osferth had studied what vampyres called ‘the maddening sickness’ when he was in the brotherhood. No one could ever be sure what caused it to occur, some speculated that it was their mind breaking due to their unnatural longevity and if it was a younger vampyre it was put down to a weaker, watered-down bloodline. Others speculated that their minds simply snapped worse than a mortal's would when subjected to high levels of stress or witnessing intense violence.

Isobel never rode into battle, there was no mention of her being attacked or an incident of violence occurring in court, the land was at peace and she was the daughter of a king and queen. How did this happen? Osferth thought to himself as he put the scrolls away and fetched another bundle.

The next went on to detail how Isobel’s law changes allowing mortals and others to take up protected residency inside the walled city had caused unrest with the northern covens and to resolve the situation she put a blood tax in place and arranged the marriage of her younger brother Prince Helier to Lady Lilias, the only daughter of a nobleman from the northern isles.

As his deft fingers unfurled the next scroll a torn piece of loose parchment fell into Osferth’s lap. His brows pulled together as he squinted in an attempt to make out the faded writing.

“Peace has been agreed by Her Majesty The Queen Isobel and The Honourable Lord…” He slid his thumb and index finger down the tear, half the document was missing including the name of the mystery noble, “Where is the rest of you?”

As the bell tower chimed signalling the return of troops Marlena perched on the cushioned stool at the end of her bed. She kept her raven gaze on the steaming water being poured into a large ceramic tub, peony petals and lavender sprigs swirling across the rising surface, avoiding the nervous look her handmaid Adalyn shot her way.

Marlena’s impatience grew while she remained seated in her simple chemise to ease a much shorter Adalyn’s task of removing pearls, untying braids and untwisting hip-length ebony hair, bringing a needed release of tension.

“Leave me, I can do the rest,” Marlena took a comb from Adalyn’s hand before she could begin to brush through the locks.

“Shall I return later, Your Highness?”

“I will send for you, thank you Adalyn.”

Once alone, hair brushed and loosely secured atop her head with an ivory stick and a chalice of wine in hand, Marlena sunk into the hot water with a hiss at the stinging heat.

She hadn’t been reclining in the bronze gilded tub, mindlessly swirling the petals around, for long before she heard his footfalls stop at her door, his hand gripping the iron handle, then slipping away. She waited a moment, wondering if he’d leave but he didn’t, he was just lingering outside her door.

With a sigh Marlena spoke, keeping her tone at a volume he’d hear, “Stop lurking and come in.”

“What gave me away?” Finan asked as he entered; An unnecessary question, they both knew her hearing was better than his.

“I can smell the sea spray, you’re there so often now it’s becoming a part of you. How bad was it?”

He rounded the bath with his eyes set on the tall jug of infused wine sitting on the vanity. His clean dark green tunic hung loose, clearly tied in haste, as were his trousers and boots. Finan’s burnt umber gaze only settled on Marlena after he took a large gulp from his cup, “Worse than we thought, twenty-three lost, and the fight took us to the sands.”

“So there could be truth to the rumours of an alliance?”

“I don’t know, the only ships down there are ones abandoned by traders,” He came to kneel beside the tub, lightly smoothing his thumb across Marlena’s cheek close to her eye, “Why have you not rested?”

Another unnecessary question, they both knew she found it hard to rest when he was away from the keep without ever having to say it. Marlena pulled back from his touch with a groan, took a mouthful of wine and rolled her eyes.

“Hal told me what happened,” Finan conceded, placing his cup down on the stone floor and tugging at the tie of his tunic to let it fall open.

“That I’ve been sold for an army?”

Marlena’s bitter tone fell away as she watched him remove his shirt completely before he lifted her ankle and pressed a gentle kiss to the damp skin, his beard tickling. He spoke low as he slowly dragged his lips up her shin, “The prince could always fall in battle, leave you a widow.”

“Or he could survive.”

Finan hummed as he placed her leg back into the warm water, his fingers skimming over her knee and down her thigh under the surface, “War is messy, soldiers get confused and turn on their own. I’ve seen it happen.”

“Ever done it yourself?” She lightly bit her lower lip, gliding fingers up Finan’s arm over the prominent scars and across his shoulder, tangling them into his hair at the nape of his neck to draw him closer.

“No, but there’s a first for everything…” He traced patterns along the inside of her thigh, inching closer towards the apex of her thighs, ghosting his lips over hers.

“What you speak of is treason,” Marlena smiled, her gaze drifting from his eyes to his hand under the water as he teasingly stroked at her folds.

“I wouldn’t dream of it, princess.”

A gentle moan slipped from her mouth to his with the first languid circle of her sensitive bundle of nerves, sparking a fire in her core. Her toes curled and flexed with his ministrations, her fingers flexing to keep their grip on her wine, slowly melting into the water with his tantalising touch.

“It should be me taking care of you,” She breathed, trying to capture his lips but he pulled back every so slightly with a smirk.

“Later. Don’t drop that chalice.”

Finan found himself spending more time in Marlena’s chambers than he had before over the next fortnight, trying his best to soothe the anger that was growing in her. He, along with the entire council, witnessed her leave mid-session after being informed she was no longer permitted to lead patrols and that her men were to be divided between his and Hal’s forces to prevent them from growing restless.

It was difficult for him to balance the sympathy with his relief. While he understood the princess's frustration at losing a large part of her duty it meant she would be safe inside the high walls of the keep, and that both forces had an equal number of day and night fighters, bolstering their chances.

As he was just returning to his chambers he found Osferth sitting outside his door, clutching a thin leather pouch, leg bouncing with his brow furrowed.

“I could find no record of any lords who held lands that fell outside of a kingdom to need their own treaty,” Osferth concluded after his long rant about what he had found in the archives, quickly taking back the torn parchment Finan held out to him.

“Are you sure it’s not anything to do with the East? Isobel was before Alfred’s time, they’ve easily seen ten kings since she died, who knows how many they went through when she was alive.”

“What if it was the south?” Osferth stressed; His suggestion garnered a stern look from Finan for even thinking it, let alone saying it out loud.

“Why would it be the south? Not even your brotherhood really knows what’s out there.”

It was well known to all who occupied the continent that anyone who travelled south was unlikely to be seen again. There were rumours that if you survived the land of shadow walkers you’d likely meet your demise in the thick forests to fae, or be called to your doom by sirens the further along the coast you travelled, but no one had ever returned to confirm the stories.

The only people brave enough to sail out there were the sea barons, and they spoke to no one of their experiences. All they cared for was trade, swapping pelts and metals for precious herbs known to cause hallucinations; To them, it was no hallucination, but the gods communicating and helping them win their battles.

Osferth sighed in growing frustration; what he thought would be a simple task was becoming complicated, “Did any brothers remain here? They don’t all return to the brotherhood after their travels.”

“You’re the only one who’s been let in since Pyrlig, and all I know is that he was tasked with healing Princess Marlena as a child.”

“So the prince would remember him…” Osferth mused, bringing a hand to his chin deep in thought.

Finan laughed, “Good luck getting him to talk to you about it, none of them do.”

The young mage rolled his eyes and made for the door.

“Osferth wait,” Finan softened his tone, feeling guilty for not being as helpful as he wanted to be but a smile still played on his lips, “Before you upset Hal and get yourself banished, did you look at anything from the start of the king's reign?”

“You know where I’ll be then, should you need me.” And with that, Osferth left Finan for the archives.

A day later Finan was summoned to Helier’s chambers as the sun began to rise, the calls of gulls gliding through the air as he made his way from the lower corridors of the west tower to the high levels of the south, windows barred by shutters to keep daylight out.

This was the oldest part of the keep and an area he rarely ventured to. The shorter walls were decorated with paintings of older clan families who once reigned here, and the painting opposite the king’s door was of Isobel. Finan remembered the first time he had seen it, and how much of Marlena he recognised in her.

A gold diadem decorated with delicate pearls dripping into her long dark curls worn loose, elegant ivory gown and shawl adorning her frame, vibrant blue eyes and a subtle smile that radiated a welcoming warmth.

Helier's voice pulled Finan away from the gaze of the queen trapped in a gilded frame, “Forgive me for the late summons, but there is a matter I wish to discuss.”

“Your Grace,” Finan bowed, then followed him inside to the plainer living quarters.

Helier busied himself shuffling strewn letters on his desk, keeping his gaze down.

“The official announcement of the betrothal will happen after Aelfric’s arrival tomorrow. There are a few elements of the wedding contract that need figuring out first, including that he sees Marlena’s dedication to being wed,” With a glance to make sure he had Finan’s attention he continued, “We knew this day would come eventually. So, it’s time you now broke it off. Before or after the announcement, I do not care, but it must end soon.”

Finan cleared his throat, his mouth drying up and clasped a hand over the other before managing a steady, “I understand, Lord King.”

“Good. That will be all.”

The ice-cold dread that spread from the scalp of Finan’s head down to his spine as he walked to Marlena’s chamber was the same fear he’d experienced the day the king had revealed he knew of their relationship.

It was no longer a fear of being found out, but that he’d be losing another part of himself to retain the life he’d managed to salvage for himself.

As he pushed through the door he found Marlena slowly pacing barefoot, a book held delicately in her hand, a simple bedrobe hiding her figure as her head snapped up to see him.

Barely giving her a moment to register his presence Finan’s hands cradled her jaw, lips crashing to hers with such a force it knocked the air from her lungs. Marlena’s book slipped from her grasp to the floor, easily forgotten, pulling him close to her body by the waist.

Marlena managed to speak as his lips trailed down to her neck, her breathing ragged, “Is everything alright?”

Mumbling against her skin, his hands slid through the opening of her robe, the aching want that brought him there quickly turning into a ravenous hunger for her, “I just need you.”

“You have me,” She whispered, pulling him back to her lips as her hands made quick work of loosening the laces of his tunic and trousers.

Stripped bare Finan hoisted her into his lap, seating them in the centre of the bed, a mess of tongues and teeth savouring the taste of each other. He teased her slick entrance with the rough pads of his fingers, working her until she was grinding down on them with ease and whining when he pulled away to capture a pebbled nipple with his canines.

His arm wound around her waist, the hand tightly gripping at her ribs dimpled the skin and threatened to crack the bones as he helped lift her. Marlena was quick to drag his hand away from her cunt, slowly sinking onto his throbbing cock with wet walls begging for more.

As their hips began to roll in tandem her tongue skimmed over the juices coating Finan’s fingers, a low grumble emitting from his throat as he grabbed at her jaw, licking into her mouth.

Breaking away with a moaned curse Marlena knotted a hand into his hair, the other gripping at his shoulder, her nails biting into the skin. Finan buried his face into the crook of her neck, fighting the soft florals and sweet silvery ichor flowing through her veins overwhelming his senses, tempting him to sink his teeth in for a taste.

His grip became bruising as she started to grind deeper, chasing her release. Feeling the pressure suddenly build and unexpectedly snap in his core he muttered a panicked, “Fuck,” as his thighs tremored beneath her, flooding her cunt as her walls tightened and fluttered around him with her soft broken gasps.

“I’m sorry, I-” Finan started to apologise but Marlena cut him off with a gentle hush. They’d always been so careful to avoid him spilling his seed into her, and with recent events, Finan couldn’t help but feel this was an omen of sorts.

“It’s alright,” She soothed, pressing gentle kisses to his temple and stroking her fingers through his hair.

In the aftermath, they lay face to face, legs tangled together, their fingers laced and unlaced gliding across one another. Finan brought her hand to his lips, planting light kisses on each fingertip, repeating the process across her knuckles.

Not wanting to break their peaceful embrace with the subject of his upset he kept his tone light, glancing at the gown hanging by the mirror, “New dress for the prince?”

“I picked it out of Isobel’s collection, do you like it?”

“It’s red…” His brows raised, a small smile playing on his lips.

“A lot of her gowns are, I think the council angered her on more than one occasion.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Red is the colour of rage,” Her gaze slipped to his hand still holding hers.

“I always thought it was the colour of love.”

“Two things can be true at once.”

The distant memory of his mother's words crept into his mind, “A woman’s wardrobe can be her armour, it’s often our only form of expression in court.” how fitting he found it that Marlena would be wearing the colour of war to welcome her betrothed.

The entire royal household was gathered in the bailey awaiting the arrival of King Aelfric and Prince Wihtgar. Standing in order of rank Marlena found herself third in line, Finan being Lord Commander of the king's forces was on her left, and the only outlier was Yannic to the right of Helier as lead councilman charged with introductions.

Introductions, how ridiculous. Aelfric had travelled to this court many times, as they had to his, but Wihtgar had been absent for the past forty years choosing to travel.

“A bold choice of gown, sister,” Hal whispered beside her with a smirk, the bailey was so quiet under burning torches and bright moonlight that multiple heads angled towards the pair, including their father at his statement.

Vibrant carmine material clung to her chest and waist, the airy tulle underskirt her usual shade of ivory to match the overly large string of pearls crowning her head, twisting around her hair keeping it away from her face and spiralling down her back.

The thick dark wine Osferth had prepared for Marlena before sunset now sat heavy in her stomach, he’d warned her that the small dose of bitter poison would likely do the opposite of settling her nerves but it was necessary for what she required.

Her unease grew hearing the curious whispers of the city’s onlookers flutter through the streets, lighter footfalls of vampyre accompanied by heavier giants, their armour and chainmail clinking, horses snorting, hooves clipping against cobblestones bringing them closer and closer to the gatehouse.

Marlena willed herself to stay rooted firmly in place as the gate creaked open allowing Aelfric’s party to filter in, eyes focused on the pale stone pillars carrying the weight of the sheltered curtain walls. She could feel the subtle roll of Finan’s shoulders beside her, likely a fickle attempt at ridding the tension in his body.

“All welcome, His Majesty The King Aelfric Uhtredson and His Royal Highness Prince Wihtgar,” Yannic’s clear voice rang out as bodies dismounted horses with stableboys quick to tend them.

“Helier,” Aelfric extended a hand for a polite shake; the pair had known each other since boyhood, and a formal introduction felt misplaced.

“You are most welcome, friend.”

Marlena sank into a low curtsey beside bowed men, her eyes cast to the floor. A pair of highly polished boots came to stand in front of her, gloved hand held out palm up. Her velvety ink eyes flickering up over a dark fur cloak, light armour, and an abundance of ornate pendants hanging from thick chains of various metals found the misty sea gaze of Wihtgar.

Gingerly slipping a hand into his she straightened as he bowed, the scar marring his left cheek had not been present at their last meeting, nor the cinnamon beard matching the straight hair of his head.

Marlena couldn’t help but notice he stood more than an inch shorter than her, even in her simple silk slippers. What Wihtgar lacked in height he made up for with a visible air of grandiose around him as he regarded her.

“Would you like a tour, Your Grace?” Yannic chimed at Aelfric.

“Hardly necessary Yannic, a comfortable chair and a discussion of the wedding contract are needed.”

“To business then,” Helier gestured towards the steps of the keep.

Yannic ordered the other council members to congregate in the official chamber before joining the family along with Finan, Sihtric, Aelfric, Wihtgar and his guard Yahya in the king's office.

“We can increase the size of the dowry so that the princess can take her handmaid and guard?” Prince Hal suggested, reclining comfortably in his chair.

Aelfric gave him a tight-lipped smile as he turned to Helier with his response, “That won’t be required, we have already prepped Lady Sigunn to take on the role, and there are plenty of those loyal to us who are more than happy to take up a position of protection for Princess Marlena.”

“Lady Adalyn has been by my side for many years-” Marlena started, quickly cut off by her father.

“And I will have a suitable role for her in my staff to step into.”

“What of Sihtric?”

“The lord commander can find a place for him in the army, I’m sure he’d much prefer that than escorting you north.”

Finan silently nodded, throwing a look at an amused Sihtric who stood by the door opposite Yahya, their sights locked on each other.

“It’s for the best, our lands aren’t as welcoming as yours for his kind,” Wihtgar’s smile attempted to be warm; it did little to conceal the contempt he held for changelings.

Aelfric pursed his lips, placing a hand on his knee, “I propose the ceremony take place sooner rather than later, we have less than a month before summer is upon us and the journey home is long.”

Helier’s counter came politely, “I would prefer we wait until autumn. Marlena is a valuable asset, not just for strategising, the soldiers respect her and will follow her into battle.”

“We agreed she is not to patrol any longer.”

“And she won’t, but should the fight come to the castle gates I will need her. My people will need her.”

A tense atmosphere rolled into the room as Helier and Aelfric continued to discuss how Wihtgar was not brought along to fight but to be wed and sent home with his new bride, and it was explained that Marlena had always held her duty as a protector of the people highly and was not expected to leave until the survival of the realm was certain.

After agreeing to the terms and signing the freshly written contract, talk soon turned to Aelfric’s troops setting up battlements in a recently abandoned town close to the southern border, and once the men he left waiting for instruction on the northern border arrive they will work on additional fortification of the city walls.

Finan took his place in the council chamber filled with excited chatter, ice dripping down his spine in stark contrast to the resentment simmering to a boil in his stomach.

Three knocks on the cold stone floor ushered in silence, the two kings entered with Prince Hal behind them, followed closely by Marlena and Wihtgar.

The passage of time usually felt quick to him, but as he watched her walk through the room and stop in front of the small steps leading to her throne, facing the onlookers, a perfect painting of grace and calm to everyone but him, it slowed. She currently wore the same stoic expression he’d seen before she faced battle, he only hoped her courage would endure.

Helier stood proud, his voice loud and clear, “I am pleased to announce the betrothal of my beloved daughter, Her Royal Highness Princess Marlena to His Royal Highness Prince Wihtgar, son of King Aelfric.”

As the room erupted into applause Finan bit his tongue, reluctantly joining in as Wihtgar took Marlena’s hand in a show of joy, his smile smug, lapping up the attention.

He tore away from the scene as soon as it was respectable to do so, busying himself assigning quarters to Aelfric’s men in the smaller bailey. His chest grew tighter the lighter the sky became, knowing he had to act on Helier’s wishes.

Climbing the stairs of the west tower he saw members of Marlena’s guard spaced out, a precaution put in place with all the new faces in the keep, and a bored Sihtric outside her door.

The changeling raised his brows at the commander's approach and went to quietly walk away, but Finan silently signalled for him to stay in his place.

Upon entering Marlena stared at the floor, her maps laid out once more with markers placed on positions of higher ground, eyes softening as she looked at him, rushing forward to envelop him in her arms.

He resisted turning into the kisses she pressed to his cheek and jaw, reaching for her arms and pulling them away, “That’s not why I’m here,” stepping back entirely as she leaned back in with a coy smile that quickly fell at his actions.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He sighed.

Marlena scoffed at the unexpected rejection, wetting her lips, shifting uncomfortably where she stood.

“What did we say when this,” Finan gestured with his hands between them, “started? That it couldn’t last.”

“And if I’ve become attached to this?” She quickly countered, mimicking his hands.

“Marlena we can’t. You have a duty and I made a vow that when the time came to give you up I would.”

With a small groan, she held one of his hands in hers, “You can break a vow made to yourself.”

“Not to me, to your father.”

“Oh, so you’re the one who told him?”

“I didn’t have to, the bastard just knew, right from the start.”

“Then we’ve been hiding for no good reason!” Marlena dropped his hand, turning away from him, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Trying his best to soothe he placed a hand on her shoulder, turning her back to pull the hand away from her face.

“Not for no good reason, you are an heir to the throne ‘Lena, you have always been meant for someone else. I know you don’t want to do this, I don’t want you to do it either but it has to be done. So you’re going to put on the performance of a lifetime and show not only this realm but his too that you are invested in this union and how lucky he is to have you for a future wife, a future queen.”

“What happened to the sentiment of ‘accidents happen’? What’s changed?” Her voice cracked on the last word.

“You don’t know what I saw out there. We won’t survive what’s coming our way without Aelfric’s numbers and he only travelled with a third of his fighters. You heard him yourself, he wanted to see your devotion to duty before sending for the rest to cross the border.”

Finan hated the way her lip quivered, eyes beginning to shimmer like the sea on a moonless night, how she took a sharp inhale of breath before speaking.

“So that’s it? I have to sacrifice all that I love for an army, I am to give up the few joys I possess before going to wither and decay in a dank desolate land, trapped in an unwanted marriage that may last centuries for that?”

Love. The one word and emotion they had always skirted around spoke out loud for the very first time, dripping in despair and not happiness as he’d always wanted it to be.

“You’re not a selfish creature, this anger you feel will pass ‘Lena,” He spoke softly, his hands clasping around her arms.

Shoving him away a tear spilt down her cheek with venom lacing her voice, “Princess.”

He hadn’t prepared for the ending of what they had to result in complete rejection, but he should have known that in hurting her she would not tolerate him remaining in her space with their usual pleasantries intact.

Finan ran his tongue along his bottom lip before setting his jaw, taking a breath he bowed low offering a curt, “Your Highness,” and quickly slipped away from the room.

“Keep an eye on her?” He asked a concerned looking Sihtric, not bothering to stop just wanting to leave.

“Always.”

The shattering of glass off the other side of the thick wooden door sounded out, prompting Finan to suggest Sihtric should send for Adalyn as he carried on making his way to the stairs.

Taglist: @deandoesthingstome @arcielee @bhxrdy @gemini-mama @persephones-journey (if you don't wanna be here just give me shout xo)

#the last kingdom fanfic #finan x oc #finan fanfic #tlk fanfiction #tlk fanfic #tlk au

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celebiii · 2 years

Note

L, Q, A, and Z for the alphabet game >:3c

>:3

I’ll talk about one for each just because I’m unhinged and have a fair amount for all except Q and Z who only have one JFKSKFK

Now L my first choice is always Lane but I talk about her 1949394949929 times any chance I get so THIS time L is going to be Lucin

^^^This is she. You’ve drawn her before but I changed her design a bit recently

Anyway Lucin is a Necromite with psychic magic so immense that it causes direct damage to her health, this is because she was born mutated, and what that is in Necromite standards is essentially a defect in genetics but it’s like more complicated.

Necromite mutations are varied and generally manifest in the form of extra or lack of limbs or damaging magic types to the person that don’t match up to the parents they come from. In Lucin’s case, she was born with an insulator which is the large eye directly on her forehead, generally a Necromite picks an item as an insulator at a young age that they store their magic and souls in but Lucin’s just all attached itself to this eye and so she is considered very vulnerable and fragile in the species standards because she cannot regenerate properly like most others can.

This also means she is prone to nasty effects of her magic, since it’s all stored in her head essentially she can be afflicted with varying things that range from migraines to full-blown seizures if she overextends herself and expends too much energy. She’s got it pretty tough, and there is a lot of pain involved in her condition.

However all of the eyes on her body can store and release this excess energy she has, and she uses them to regulate herself and function properly. That being said, she is not a fighter and uses her magic to look into the future and help make decisions for the village, nobody matches her ability to accurately predict what will happen and she is always asked before doing much of anything. She is generally grumpy and quiet because she doesn’t feel good a lot of the time, but she’s a really great and smart person who has saved multiple people’s asses in really bad situations I will be real JFKDKDK She is a very valuable member of the village elders who she considers to be her family and she is just chilling most of the time. She’s also a lesbian and has a very lovely gf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now Q I only have one character and it’s Queen

Anyone who knows me knows Queen is the love of my life like JFKSKDK

She’s the monarch of the Necromite species, and she is very very fucked up. Originally a little gardener girl born into nobility, she took interest in fighting because there were tournaments held by the original king Andronicus, and she wanted to participate but knew she wasn’t cut out for it. However, he took notice of her and took her under his wing, training her up and teaching her how to improve her fighting and her magic. She became very bonded to him, but sadly she was manipulated and the true intentions of him doing this were to get her to take his place on the throne, and he had to die for that to happen.

It’s much more complicated than this plot-wise but basically he lashed out at her one day and forced her to kill him in self-defense. She was injured badly both mentally and physically in the process, and afterwards she was pumped full of his magic as it left his body and latched onto her instead. She was driven mad by all of these things, and when she woke up she was never the same. Nowadays she is a strict tyrant who only seeks power and does not care who has to die for that to happen. She’s dangerous as hell and my most favorite villain I have ever made <3 There’s a lot more to her but she has years of development and I will spare everyone reading my rambling JFKDKFKD

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Now A is Andronicus ! I did just talk about him up there so why not delve a bit more into him.

Now this man is still being developed but he is a fun weird little dude. He was the first Necromite ever made (in terms of the story, not the first one I ever made JFKSKDK), and therefore he is the most powerful one by far, not a single other Necromite would be able to take him down in any regard, and that is scary!

He has many attributes that are considered mutations in more current day Necromites, but these do not negatively impact him; in fact he can freely shift his body to do things others never would be able to with no ill side effects. Necromites have changed biologically since his time due to evolution and the older the Necromite is the more similar to him they are, but many speculate that mutations in modern Necromites stem from Andronicus’ biological makeup because he was the root of all Necromites essentially! This is why mutated Necromites have such insanely strong magic, but sadly they cannot control it like he can so it causes more bad than good.

But anyway Andronicus was very much loved by all of his people. He was a gentle ruler and just a kind person, he made sure everything also flowed smoothly and that all Necromites always had a safe place to be. He was more powerful than anyone but he used this power for solely good, and he constantly interacted with his subjects and participated in fun activities with them. He seemed to genuinely care about everyone, and when he died everything fell apart VERY quickly. Some of the older Necromites still alive remember Andronicus quite well, and there isn’t anybody that doesn’t miss him. Queen’s still agonized about the fact he betrayed her because she considered him a close friend to her, she never wanted to kill him but he quite literally forced her to or else she herself would die.

There are strange things about him though…. I can in fact tell you he was not in physical control when he attacked Queen. Someone else was pulling the strings on that one for sure, and alsooooo he may not be as dead as everyone thinks he is. But that’s all I can say for now :) (at least in this tumblr post JFKDKDK)

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Andddd finally Z is for Zekial

Zekial is a species known as NULL, who are born from the souls of those who were deleted from this plane of existence. Usually when somebody is deleted, it is because they’re considered a hinderance upon the world and generally broke certain universal rules, it’s a fate much worse than death. Usually what happens is that the soul is sent to the Void and fades away, consumed by a very destructive magic that will ensure they never come back, but this is not always the case. If someone has enough fight in them, they will not disappear and they will morph into this monstrous species that only seeks to destroy. Usually those that survive and become NULL do not retain sentience and become more akin to feral animals who do not remember their past lives, but Zekial here is a very rare instance of retaining both human levels of sentience and even potentially some of his memories…. but if he does he certainly plays dumb about it. There’s more to him than meets the eye, I don’t even think that’s his real name rather than an alias but …. 🤫

He is a pretty boisterous and obnoxious person despite the situation he’s in, his personality can be pretty disarming if it weren’t for his terrifying appearance. He is still incredibly dangerous though, he is immune to most damage because of the state of his body, and while he is still trapped within the Void along with others of his kind, he has been planning to escape for quite a long time and get revenge for being tossed away….he just needs one more person smart and strong enough to help him…. so he waits patiently. (And this does happen in one of the arcs, the Void’s gates are opened up and a massive attack on every universe breaks out basically but I won’t go into that here)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND THAT’S ALL THANKS FOR COMING TO MY OC TED TALK

#ask #oc time #shut up alli #i’m sorry this is so long THANK YOU FOR ASKING SKFKSKSK #long post #it’s under the read more but just in case #also not all of this art is mine btw i drew lucin and andronicus but the other two are bought arts

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crazy-grrrl-on-the-computer · 5 months

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It has been 84 years since I last played The Sims Medieval, but I recently dug up the screenshots I took to document the Sims I created for my first kingdom (which I unfortunately do not remember the name of) and since I keep rambling about them in my OC tags I figured it was about time I shared them.

When I play The Sims, I randomize the default models until I land on a nice base to work with. Then, I play dress up. So, if there's some same face syndrome going on here, it's because I do not have an eye or the patience for more in-depth customization and I'm too scared to try messing with it now. XD

Also, their names are wild because I hit randomize until I saw something that sounded neat and/or amused me greatly. More than a few of them are inside jokes, not all of which will be explained because they probably only make sense to me~ <3

Ericka Aragon - Bard

I admittedly don't remember very much about Ericka other than that she is the fun-loving and chaotic trickster-like bard (who can and will flirt her way through any sticky situation) I think about every time I reblog a post about bards.

Bruce Watson - Monarch

King Brucey in the flesh! I remember being in my Batman era, tickled by a character named Bruce having the Whale Rage trait wherein on occasion he would feel compelled to yell at the ocean or dump his tragic "a whale ate my parents" backstory onto any unsuspecting person nearby.

The highlight of his character journey was when, already under pressure to find a spouse, he got word that there were bandits in the forest, so he very reasonably decided to find and challenge the bandit leader on his own. Except, oh no, she's hot! And she can kick his ass! Logically, someone who is smart enough to become the leader of an organized operation like this and strong enough to hold her own in a fight would be quite an asset to the kingdom. So, naturally he seduces the bandit and marries her.

Good ole Brucey was such a beloved monarch that his people got mad at him for insisting that they use their funds for basic needs instead of letting them build a giant statue in his honor for the town square.

Sindonia Quarles - Wizard

Sindonia teamed up with Ericka once to put on a magic show for the kingdom and somehow, in the process of searching for an assistant, she wound up meeting and hiring the villager she would eventually call her wife. It may or may not have been due to Ericka's influence that the routine was more flirtatious than Sindonia had intended. Let it never be said that Ericka isn't an excellent wingman.

Cyrus MacCloud - Peteran Priest

All I know is that, when confronted with the choice between the fire and brimstone Jacoban and the much more chill Peteran, I preferred to not be worshiped and feared as an angry god. And so Cyrus was born.

Scarlet Vest - Merchant

Scarlet Vest... who wears a scarlet vest... I thought it was funny at the time. Pretty sure she has pointy ears because I was playing around with the idea of her not being human. Perhaps she is some kind of fey, in which case beware her sharp tongue or you may come away from her stall with more than you bargained for.

Dwayne Crow - Knight

Dwayne is a good boy with a big heart of gold. He's gonna be the very best like no one ever was. Boy is he really giving off some serious Peter Pan vibes here though. XD

Katy Everhart - Spy

The Executioner and the Beast in the pit are her friends. Katy has also spent a fair amount of time training with Bruce and Dwayne. Dwayne is probably 80% of her impulse control.

Branwen Browning - Physician

Branwen and her pet leeches are a menace to the population in the best way possible. For science!

Wolfric Cutler - Blacksmith

Probably his most notable escapade was picking up a feral warrior chinchilla from the forest, asking Cyrus to impart upon it the knowledge of a peaceful god, and then releasing it back into the wild so it could preach the good word to its chinchilla friends. Look, when a priest approaches you and says "we need to arm the chinchillas" as part of the plan, you don't ask questions. You say "yes sir" and start forging the enchanted chinchilla-sized armor.

#The Sims #The Sims Medieval #random thought #Just My OCs #Ericka #hm I don't know if I want to make individual character tags for the others yet so I'm just keeping Ericka's tag for now #she gets to hold all of her friends <3 #the more I think about it the more I'm fairly certain I picked this game up from a Best Buy in 2012/13 so it truly has been a while #these screenshots are from 2016... that was the last time I opened the game on my old computer and it was only to get these #I think I planned to draw them? but clearly that hasn't happened yet XD

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west-tokyo-incidents · 1 year

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Okay time for a little treat of the local mad man's rambling, imma talk about the handlers again. Mostly Absinthe. Because Michel is always slowly rotating in my head like a rotisserie chicken.

Absinthe, like a lot of Michel instances, really would rather Not Fucking Be Here. Similarly to Kia instances, Michel instances don't really get with the recruitment program. Like at all. Kindly fuck that shit, thanks. He's already in a military frying pan, he'd rather not jump into the fire.

But Absinthe's timeline was one that pretty much self destructed. He had been injured and some deviance in his Paresse caused him to break the limiters on his programming far too easily and somehow got a hold on noh he shouldn't have feasibly been able to copy. Being so new and immature and having this power flung upon him without the knowledge to use it properly, Paresse absolutely started tearing the timeline apart like paper. He held Absinthe close with a vise grip until an elimination team had been dispatched to kill him and let the timeline decay on its own.

Absinthe was brought into the facility upon discovery following his douji's death due to lingering temporal and spacial effects on him. His wounds were finally properly treated, but he was deemed too 'contaminated' to be wiped and placed into a different timeline.

Absinthe became more and more mute as time went on, hating his confinement and the tests done on him in attempts to cure him of the way his Paresse had messed him up. The elimination team that had been deployed contained none other than Sake, who would visit him regularly. Soon, Sake was the only one who he would talk to, and only if no one else was in the room.

Sake was the one to bring up potential recruitment, but following that conversation, Absinthe stopped talking at all. At least for a while. He would listen to Sake talk about the latest job he'd been on or whatever else was on his mind, but he wouldn't answer any questions that needed more than a nod or a shake of the head.

It wasn't until Sake mentioned that he had a low-risk mission coming up that Absinthe finally dusted off his vocal cords again, and asked if he could see what it was like.

Sake's team was high profile, so taking someone so, so fucking green on one of their missions was a BITCH to get clearance for in the first place, not to mention Absinthe's little... problem. But Sake did it. And the rest of the team, which at the time included Monarch and Echo, were happy to have him along. They explained their gear and told stories in the days leading up to the mission, and Absinthe was content with getting to see more than just the same medical wing all the time.

The mission went bad, though. Even if it was low-risk, it wasn't no-risk and Sake's team was still very high profile. Ultimately, it was Absinthe's very deviation that caused enough of a pause in the anomaly that gave the rest of the team an opening to cut it down.

Soon after, Absinthe chose to keep his codename as his actual name, and was given full recruit status. He was still only allowed on low-risk missions, and still had to make regular trips to the medical wing, but he had a crew now.

Eventually, he was given higher and higher clearance as he learned and adapted to the new lifestyle and Monarch was given full access to his medical files and even the trips to the wing were ended.

Whiskey originally had an entirely different name, Wolfsbane. She was part of a recon team that worked regularly with Sake's team. She was an instance from a timeline which had a werewolf strain in it, and she had been picked and recruited for her specific skills with no explicit world ending anomaly in her timeline. A magnetic device grafted into her body can mimic the same atmospheric parameters a full moon does, giving her a literal on/off switch for her transformations.

She's a fantastic scout, with her wolf form and modifications giving her an advantage, especially in timelines without werewolves where she can be mistaken for as a big dog. She's got a firey personality with a hair trigger temper and flirts like a whore trying to meet a quota. Especially with Absinthe, who is shockingly receptive--though at first only with nervous laughs and a red face.

The two are very much an Ice and Fire couple, opposites in ways that are almost comical. Absinthe silent where Whiskey is talkative. Absinthe has Stalker modifications while Whiskey has Scorcher. The ship dynamics posts with one being a chaotic gremlin and the other is a cold stoic is them to a T.

They Can And Will And Have Killed For Each Other. Just for fun sometimes.

When Annihilation was brought into the fold, the three all had their first official meeting with the Administrator.

Garion, despite appearing in many of the first surrounding the Facility, typically takes more of a back seat to most missions and only steps in when there's something sever occurring. To most members of the Facility, he's very much a distant figure, so it was nerve wracking for the three to say the least. Even more so when they were told what they would be assigned to.

Meeting Annihilation was rough, to put it lightly. Absinthe was the first to click with the trifusion. Even if any romantic attachment with the Paresse in the fusion had long since been replaced for Anaari, there was still a fondness there and the other two in the fusion were neutral about him enough to accept him, as long as he stayed well away from the Kia instance in question. It took longer for the other two, but no major wounds were sustained during the bonding process.

Wolfsbane renamed herself to Whiskey when the three handlers celebrated. For the aesthetic of a unified naming scheme, she'd said. Though she thoroughly enjoyed correcting Absinthe through the night.

It's hoped that one day Annihiltion will let the three become their masters, but it hasn't happened just yet.

#the facility #Alcoholics Anonymous Trio #tag is a working title for them tbh #ress talks #slightly parched post

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rise-of-the-mad-monarch · 4 years

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Me sitting here like a monster rewatching Jeremy play Spyro for the umpteenth time while drinking cinnamon spice tea and eating crystalized ginger. At 6:30 am. Don't @ me.

#spyro reginited #jeremy dooley #tea #ginger #dont judge me #mad monarch rambles

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jasminesilk · 3 years

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playing sims medieval today and I forgot how much I love this silly game!

#unlocked a new goal so I'm making a new empire!#it's called Nimbleton cause I'm playing the speedrun goal/challenge haha #wasn't intentional but my monarch looks like daenerys targaryen😅#I'm not mad about it tho #ramblings #sims medieval #matchacake

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runawayolives · 3 years

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The King; Part II

Introduction Part I Part II

@hellomadamebutterfly @butterflyjames @mschalamet

I don't know why it's not letting me tag you, I'll try in the comments

...

After an hour of cursing Hal in my mind for leaving me here alone, Evelyn found me and told me that the court was waiting for me to start lunch.

“I have to marry stupid Thomas.” She turned and looked at me in confusion.

“Thomas the prince you've spent all your life insulting?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting.” I turned to look at her with a smile.

“Interesting, that's all you have to say?” Evie shrugged.

“I mean, I don't think he’ll live a long time, considering how eager he is to go to war.”

Evie did have a point. Prince Thomas’ obsession was being remembered for his talents in battle, which he lacked.

Entering the hall where the court was waiting for me, I sat to the king’s left, the only vacant spot. Evie stood behind me, pouring wine in my cup.

“Princess, I'm glad you joined us.” I nodded at King Henry. I noticed Percy was at the table, meaning that the fight with Scotland had already ended.

“I understand battle with the rebel scots was hard-fought.” After the king’s statement, Percy’s father replied.

“It was, my liege, we lost about 300 men.”

The monarch started praying in Latin, not showing care about the numbers they were losing in battle.

“Good Hotspur, you led the charge, where any prisoners of note taken?” I looked at Percy, sensing that what he was going to say wasn't going to be the right answer.

Hotspur and I had been friends since I came to the palace. My relationship with Percy grew when Hal left.

“Many.”

“Are they in train?”

“No.” I felt like this had something to do with Percy’s cousin, Mortimer.

The King cleared his throat and said: “Why is that? Why have they not been brought to me immediately?”

“Why will you not pay cousin Mortimer’s ransom?” Percy and I made eye contact, I wasn't sure what he was trying to do.

“You need to speak up, my boy. I'm an old man. My ears are full of hair.”

“Cousin Mortimer is held by the rebels of Wales. Why do you refuse to pay his ransom?” I knew Percy and his cousin were close. I had never met Mortimer personally, he was a few years older than me, and was always busy making battle plans.

“I refuse to pay Mortimer’s ransom because I refuse to believe Mortimer as a prisoner I rather believe him a traitor. He has joined the Welsh rebels. He has betrayed England and is now an enemy of mine and therefore, of yours.”

It's interesting what madness can do to someone. I had never met Mortimer personally, but Hal and Percy had told me enough about him to know that he would never betray England.

“You agree, young Hotspur?”

“No.” Percy's dad muttered something under his breath, but his son didn’t falter. “I believe yours to be the ramblings of a crazy old demon.” I took a bit of my food in case someone noticed my smile.

Lord Hotspur made another small comment to try to make Percy stop but King Henry said otherwise.

“Oh, no, let him speak. I wish to hear him. I am glad the youth at this table is brave enough to speak up. Brave or foolish, I still don't know for sure.” I felt the king’s eyes on me, but I didn't look up from my plate. “Truly a nice change from my sons.”

...

After the interesting lunch, I met Percy in the courtyard. He was fastening the saddle of his horse, fully armored.

“Percy, where are you going?” He turned around and looked at me, anger in his eyes.

“You live under the care of a monarch that doesn't mind who lives or dies as long as he has food on his plate. I thought you were better than that, Margarita. If you are as strong filled as you say you are, you would come with me.”

“Percy, I doubt this is the answer, you will not win against King Henry.”

“Id the answer wait for gal, who, should I remind you, abandoned you the moment he had the chance? Is that the right way to do things?” I looked at the ground while I closed my fists. Percy knew how Hal was a touchy subject for me, this was a low blow. “If you were by any chance smart, you would come with me, marry me and become my queen.”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

“This is suicide, Percy, if you leave, you are going to end up dead. You are the idiot, not me.” Hotspur lifted himself and sat on his horse.

“Goodbye Princess, maybe when I've won against this devil you'll realize what I'm offering.”

#timothee #timothee x you #timothee x reader #timothee chamalet x reader #timothee chamalet #the king fanfiction #the king #netflix the king #robert Pattinson #runawayolives #the king part I #the king part ii

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avelera · 3 years

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your thoughts on comedy being a humanizing factor for non-comedic characters were perfectly on the nose! do you have any tips on how best to do this? sorry to bother, I just think it's very interesting!

So one of the fundamental differences between comedy and drama is that comedy thrives when a character does not have the required tools in order to smoothly succeed at what they want to do. These tools can include social skills.

In a drama, when the lovers are reunited after many trials and stare deeply into each other's eyes, there's an assumption that a lot of invisible tools are at their disposal: like that they smell nice, and look pretty, and know what to do to sweep the other person off their feet and are, in fact, such a good kisser that they don't need to worry about whether or not they're a good kisser.

In a comedy, your character is allowed to not have all those tools. That is also closer to real life. So my breakdown for how to make sure your dramatic character is closer to realism is to use comedy tools to bring them closer to the "normal person" baseline, which means examining the tools you may have unconsciously given to navigate the plot with and asking "What if they didn't have this tool?" Or:

1) In a given scene, ask what you would do, honestly, if you were in the character's shoes.

2) Think about what tools the character has that you don't that would make them act differently than you would (with an eye for making their response more interesting than a normal person's would be, funnier or cooler or tougher, etc).

3) See if you can take any of those tools away to make them more realistic or to add more entertaining obstacles, and if so, how would their response change?

4) Write out what your character is thinking now that they don't have those tools, in their voice.

Now for an example: The hero is going to meet the king. In draft 1, he sweeps into the room, bows, and proudly announces that he has slain the dragon the king wanted dead. The king is impressed, the plot moves forward.

Step 1: What would you do? Probably be a bit nervous, if you were meeting the king for the first time. You might ask a guard if you have anything in your teeth or on your shirt. Double-check the proper way to address a king (or not, if you're anti-monarchy which is already a more complex and interesting baseline for the scene). Worry about how long you're supposed to talk. Maybe get annoyed if the line is long and you're standing around waiting and now your feet hurt. If you have an injury or any chronic pain (already a more complex/realistic situation) you might start getting irritable as time drags on. Perhaps you'd get more irritated if the king isn't all that interested in what you have to say, or dismisses you immediately after the introduction, even after you waited for hours because the dragon was just one of his many problems, or he has a party he wants to go to after this. Even if you are the hero he's been waiting to meet, and you do get his undivided attention, you can ask yourself if you would be all that impressed by this king or think he's shorter than you expected, or wonder why the heck he's in charge if you just killed a dragon and maybe unless he's a warrior king with a lot of accomplishments, you're not terribly impressed by a hereditary monarch who just sits around all day.

All the above ramblings are going on the assumption of absent tools. You lack social graces, or bodily comfort, or knowledge of protocol, or patience. These are normal tools not to have. Maybe your character doesn't have them too.

Step 2: Adjust for your character, with an eye for making sure their response is more interesting than the average person. Maybe your character isn't worried about how to address the king because the king is his uncle. He knows all the protocols, he just chooses to ignore them, waltzes in and says, "Hey Uncle William, I killed that dragon for you, pay up." That adds the tool of knowledge or familiarity.

Step 3: Take some tools away. Your hero may be a skilled dragon slayer and be the nephew of the king, but he may still lack the tool of total mastery of the room. There might be people who are mad at him for being so casual, or for showing up unannounced, rather than charmed. We like characters who fail, in general, more than we like characters who effortlessly accomplish everything they set out to do and then some.

Paradoxically, we prefer characters who are competent in a skill set, not just bumbling incompetents who fail at everything. Where's the line there? I have no idea, it's a balancing act, but a character with no skills is much more frustrating to watch than a character with a few highly trained skills who nevertheless fails in situations where a normal person would also fail, and who knows they failed. See: the highly competent dragon slayer, nephew of the king, who tries to be cool and debonair when announcing his victory, only to piss off the whole room by showing up unannounced and realizing he fucked up in what should have been a moment of triumph. He still gets his reward but socially, he's now in the doghouse, which mitigates his victory and is already a more interesting, complex story.

Step 4: Write out the character's inner monologue in their voice for your own reference. Maybe it's just a few lines of "Hey, why did everyone go quiet, I thought there'd be cheering... oh shit." Maybe it makes it into the body of the story. Maybe it just helps you. But already, I hope, this is a useful example for how to bring an otherwise boring scene of a successful hero being successful at a cliche thing and makes it into a more complex one that shows us what the character is made of through his failures in a way that makes the story more fun and interesting.

#maggie rambles #writing #writing advice

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latte-fairytaekwoon · 3 years

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❥𝓔𝓻𝓸𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓟𝓼𝔂𝓬𝓱𝓮

𝑃𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔: 𝐸𝑟𝑜𝑠! 𝐾𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑌𝑒𝑜𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑔 × 𝑃𝑠𝑦𝑐ℎ𝑒! 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 (𝐹𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑒)

𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑟𝑒: 𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑓𝑓, 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑠𝑡, 𝐿𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑆𝑚𝑢𝑡, 𝐹𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑦/𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑘 𝑀𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝐴𝑈.

𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡: 11.8𝐾

𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠: 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑦 𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝, 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠, 𝑚𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠/ 𝑑𝑒𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠, 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑑𝑒, 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘, 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡.

~"𝑀𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑡.

𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝐼 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢, 𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑔𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢.

𝑌𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠." - 𝐴𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑎 𝐾𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑧𝑎𝑛.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

"Eros, my darling son.......come here for a minute."

The golden haired goddess gently stroke the dove that was nestled in her embrace, her eyes fixated on the ray of light that shone through the crystal windows of her palace.

She heard the footsteps of her beloved child stop right in front of her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him bend down in obeisance to her, his arm rested across his chest.

"Yes mother?" The snowy white haired deity awaited her instructions.

"I've been rather uneasy lately my love. Very uneasy." She waved her hand and he slowly rose up, eyes meeting hers.

"Why is that?"

The Olympian got up from her seat, sending the little dove flying away to perch itself on one of the trees that decorated the room. Gracefully, she paced around the room, her hands folded in front of her abdomen, fingers tapping against each other as she mused about the current situation.

"There's been....some unsettling rumors being spread in the mortal world and it has reached Olympus..."

Eros waited for her to continue. It must have been something very grievous for her to be so out of sorts, and this was the same goddess who didn't fear the consequences when her long life affair with his father, Ares, was discovered.

She peered down the window, sneering at the city below that was barely visible with all the clouds covering a vast majority of it.

"Apparently one of the daughter's of the King of Athens is said to be remarkably beautiful....."

She paused as she took a deep breath, jaw clenching as she sputtered out the next words.

"So enchanting that they dare compare her to me....Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty itself....

They've even begun to bring gifts and worship her on the day they're supposed to pay respect and praise to me!"

Eros flinched slightly when she hastily turned around and marched past him, tipping over a table that held a tray with a golden tea set. But he didn't stop her, so used to his mother's infantile tantrums, although he was pretty shocked to hear the severity of the issue. To worship a mere mortal, one who was so far below one of the gods, and not just any god, but one of the 12 Olympians themselves, was inconceivable.

Aphrodite clenched and unclenched her fist, trying to control her fury threatening to seek vengeance.

"I need you to go down there and find out who she is. And when you find her.....shoot her." She commanded him.

Eros nodded, understanding what she was asking of him.

"Who would you like me to have her fall for?"

Aphrodite groaned in annoyance.

"Oh! I don't know! Anyone or anything! An old haggard beggar, a toad, have her go mad over a tree stump for all I care! Just make her go insane!" She threw a cluster of grapes across the room, scaring the flock of doves who flew away to different parts of the room.

"As you wish my goddess."

Eros bowed to his mother one last time before retreating out of the hall, and going to his own chambers to prepare his necessary equipment for the journey. He too was curious to find out just how captivating this woman really was.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

The young girl sighed softly as she looked at all the smoke coming out from the temple, the light scent of incense could be made out from her bedroom window. She was well aware and against what was going on in there. It was utterly disrespectful of her father to allow them and even encourage his citizens to offer sacrifices to her in Aphrodite's sacred temple, and on her very own yearly celebration. Had they no fear of a wrath from the gods?

She simply looked away and went to her own little corner where she made a small shrine dedicated to the goddess of beauty, love and fertility. She admired the small marble figurine of the goddess herself, and straightened out the roses and pearls surrounding it. She lit fire to a few myrtles and let them burn in a small ash tray as she murmured one of the many hymns in devotion to the deity. If she wasn't so soft hearted, she would have finished it off with sacrificing one of the best doves that were kept in the stables, but she could never bring herself to do that. She hoped the goddess would understand and forgive her, or at least, try to appease her for all the foolishness her father was causing.

She straightened her nightgown and crawled under the blankets of her grand bed. She was exhausted from the day's festivities and from the guilt and fear eating her alive. She shut her eyes, secretly hoping it was nothing but a bad dream and when she awoke, everything would be fine and back to the ways it was meant to be. She soon was fast asleep, only movements coming out of her body were the rising of her chest, signaling her breathing.

A soft thud landed on her balcony. The being looked behind him, making sure nobody had seen him. Not that it mattered, even if they did, they would tremble away in fear. Pushing the window open, he let himself inside the girl's bedroom, the one they reverenced as Psyche. His eyes scanned the room, landing on the bed which he cautiously approached. His hand reached out to pull away at the drapes covering the sleeping figure.

"Let's see who is it that is said to rival Aphrodite."

Eros pulled the drape away, letting the moonlight behind him shine on the face of the occupant on the bed. His arm fell to his side, slapping slightly against his thigh as he took in the beautiful countenance of the woman sleeping peacefully in front of him. He blinked slowly, trying to decipher if what he was seeing was indeed real. She was absolutely breathtaking, almost ethereal, never had his sight been blessed by such radiant and magnificent beauty, and he'd spent some time around Poseidon's Nereids.

Without realizing it, his hand reached out to caress her face or simply push back a lock of her hair, he himself didn't know what he was doing. But a small shifting of position on her part made him retract his hand, elbow grazing on the leather of the pouch on his back.

That's right. He still had a mission to carry out.

His arm reached back and grabbed an arrow from the pouch. He then proceeded to hover his hand above the tip, humming the soft incantation that would allow him to pierce the girl's heart and render her insane for the first object she saw. As he chanted, she began to stir in her sleep, putting Eros on guard, hoping she wouldn't wake up. He took in how her once peaceful expression, showed now sorrow and pain. It somehow pained him to see such a beautiful girl seem so troubled. He was so lost in her gaze that he didn't realise it until it was too late...

Until he felt the sharp tip of the arrow prick into his palm, even piercing the skin. Eros widened his eyes as he quickly yanked the arrow out, flinging it across the room. He looked at his hand, no blood coming out because he was an immortal, but he still clutched it as he felt an overwhelming pain and flutter course through his entire body. His heart started to pump at a faster pace, and his breathing became heavier. He tried to look away, but his mind forced him to look back at the unsuspecting girl on the bed.

"Oh no......what have I done?" He whispered softly.

Feeling dizzy, he scurried out the window, not caring anymore about being seeing in the dark of night, he just knew he wanted to back in Olympus as soon as possible. He flew back into the heavens, discarding only a few white feathers on his desperate flight back.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Psyche stood in front of the mirror, trying not to gaze at her own reflection, which she thought of as more of a curse than a blessing. She simply let her maids comb and adorn her hair as they wished and wrap a golden belt around her lilac colored tunic.

"My lady would you like breakfast brought to you or would you prefer to go down to the dining room?" One of them inquired.

She shook her head.

"I won't be taking breakfast today thank you."

The maids exchanged a puzzled look between each other but decided not to pry any longer. They simple allowed their mistress to wander off to the castle's pavilion located in the center of the gardens.

She preferred being alone these days, avoiding as many people as possible, but especially her father. Lately he had been rambling and complaining non stop at the lack of suitors coming to propose marriage to her. It'd been almost a year since he put out the announcement that she was of age and ready to be betrothed to any suitable prince or monarch, he had even raised the dowry triple what it was originally worth, but still, no one had come to claim her or propose.

"Perhaps it's just as well." She thought to herself. It wouldn't surprise her if this was how Aphrodite was showing her anger, by making her face the humiliation of being unwedded and childless.

Perhaps the biggest thing bothering her was the fact men just came to admire her beauty, but seemed to never really fall in love with her, and she herself couldn't fall in love either. Was she just a pretty face for people to gawk and fawn over? Was she destined to feel lonely and empty for the rest of her life?

"Little Psyche out here all alone?"

She stiffened when she heard the voice of her eldest sister, Amara, from behind her. Small steps let her know she was entering the pavilion and soon enough, she felt her presence stand right next to her.

"I wanted to be alone. That's all." She explained, although she really didn't feel the need to.

Her sister hummed softly.

"Would one really think that to be such a good idea? Father would be concerned if anything happened to his precious and beautiful Psyche, especially after that incident of the arrow in your room."

She was getting irritated at this point, her hand gripping harshly at the side of her tunic, creasing it slightly.

"That was many months ago Amara.....and I've said before that I don't like the title given to me by my father and the people....."

She took a deep breath before stating firmly:

"My name is Y/N and I shall be referred as such."

Her sister was taken aback by her sharp tone, but paid no attention to it. She opted for plucking some of the little violets that surrounded one of the pillars.

"As you wish....after all, anything you say is practically law. Anything you desire, you'll get." Her voice was laced with envy.

Y/N shook her head.

"Not everything."

Although she was referring to the fact her father refused to listen to her in the matter of Aphrodite's temple, her sister wrongly thought she meant the matter of matrimony.

"Oh don't worry little sister. Father is to go visit the Oracle of Delphi to seek help from Apollo in regards to your.......shameful circumstances."

Y/N couldn't stand it anymore. It's not that she hated her sister, but lately she seemed to enjoy in taking delight of her misery and pain, hurting her with her mock pity and double sided remarks.

"If you'll excuse me Amara, I shall go back inside."

Y/N was barely 4 feet away when her sister dismissed her.

"See you later......Psyche."

Y/N refused to eat during the entire day, worrying her loyal and trustworthy maids.

"But Miss....you must eat at least a little. Whatever shall you do if your beauty fades away?"

'Then I shall be content.'

She only thought those words but didn't say them out loud. She felt bad about her maids attending to her with such tenderness that she forced herself to at least eat some of the grapes in front of her. It seemed to put her maids more at ease and Y/N was happy about it.

"Anything in particular you wish for us to do Miss?"

There was one thing she really wanted. Something everyone around her never seemed to do anymore.

"Could you......could you please call me Y/N?"

The two women looked back and forth at each other, unsure of whether to refer to the princess in such an informal way.

"Please?"

Y/N was just craving to be reminded of who she truly was, be assured about her existence and her true person. Both women smiled fondly at her before curtsying to her.

"Lady Y/N."

She felt her heart full with warmth and felt happier in that moment than she had felt in the last 8 months that had gone by. But that happiness was short lived when her door swung open, her other sister, Melia rushing in, looking out of sorts and with fear in her eyes.

"Melia? What's wrong?"

Y/N stood up, but it was her sister who clutched onto her and sobbed on her neck.

"Oh poor Psyche! Why must this have happened to you? To my dear little sister?"

Y/N didn't know what to make of this, but it must be something dreadful if her usually composed and quiet sibling was hysteric. She pulled her back to take in her countenance.

"Tell me. What is it?" Y/N pleaded.

Melia pursed her lips before recounting what she heard and witnessed.

"Father came back from meeting with Apollo's Oracle......and Psyche, it's dreadful!"

Y/N gulped slightly. Although she was expecting the answer to not be a favorable one, she was not expecting this outburst.

"Tell me Mel.......am I not to get married ever?"

Y/N braced herself for the negative response.

Melia shook her head though.

"No Psyche.....it's much much worse than that."

Y/N felt her heart drop at that. What could there possibly be that was worse than not getting married?

"The Oracle told father that your husband has already been chosen for you. He gave us instructions that we are to deliver you to the top of Mount Lycabettus, dressed in black and to leave you there...."

She sniffled and held her handkerchief to her mouth.

"Will my husband meet us there?" She questioned.

Melia shook her head no.

"Well- then how can we be married?" She was beyond puzzled at this point.

"We don't know Psyche, the Oracle only said to deliver you. One thing is sure Psyche. Your husband is not mortal."

Y/N would have rejoiced at the information would it not have been for the terror in her sister's eyes.

"Melia tell me.....who exactly is my husband?"

Melia seemed troubled to reveal more information to her, but she knew she had to say it.

"We don't know. He refused to tell father. All he mentioned was that he flies through the skies and even the gods are terrified of him.....

"Psyche....I fear you're destined to marry a monster..."

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

The girl watched as her parents, sisters and their husbands disappeared from sight, not even leaving behind their footprints to keep her company. Crouching down, she settled herself onto the ground, her arms wrapping around to hug her knees. She sighed in despair as she thought about what was going to happen to her now. Was her new husband really a monster? It seemed to be the only logical explanation if even gods were afraid of him. The only thing she could think of was....

A titan?

'No it can't be.'

She quickly discarded that thought. All of the titans were locked away in Tartarus. And the world would have definitely known if a titan had gotten out.

She anxiously waited for a sign, a movement of some kind, but nothing ever came. All she had to accompany her besides her solitude was the light breeze that blew some of her hair in front of her face. She shivered slightly, her arms crossing over her chest as she rubbed them with her hands. She faintly noticed that the wind seemed to be getting a little more heavier, and it seemed as though fog started to appear around her. But Y/N couldn't really pay attention to it as she felt herself getting drowsy and tired. She struggled to keep her eyes open, but the feeling was overtaking her. Her eyes ended up closing as she fell back onto the moss underneath her, falling fast asleep without even knowing why.

While asleep, she felt a strange sensation of being lifted up and carried up into the sky, almost as if though she were flying.....but that was surely impossible? But it felt so real. She had a fantastical dream of flying above the peak of mountains, drift through the clouds in the sky and somehow even be close to the stars. She felt as if she were being carried in the arms of some strong entity. And at the end, she could faintly hear a voice assure her:

"Have no fear little one, for you are truly loved."

Awakening hours later, when it was even darker and more deep into the night than before, she sat up and looked around at her surroundings. The green moss from before was no longer accompanying her. Instead, she awoke to find herself placed on an ivory marble resting bench. Beautiful varieties of roses surrounded what she guessed to be a very beautiful and luxurious garden. Her hand reached out to caress one of them, its petals being one of the most soft things she'd ever felt.

Standing up, she followed the stone path that was right in front of her. A tiny river flowed through the garden, a slight trickling sound was the only noise that was heard. She stopped when a grand and extravagant mansion stood before her. It was 10 times more beautiful and seemed more expensive than the very castle she grew up in. Cautiously, she over to the front door, which seemed to be made out of pure gold, pearls adorning the edges of them.

Y/N was about to knock on it, but to her surprise, the doors opened by themselves. She slowly stepped inside, her eyes bulging out as her eyes took in the hall in front of her. Clean and neatly polished marble floor, crimson red silk drapes covering large and vast windows, the furniture looked unlike anything she had ever seen before. Her hand was gliding over the ottoman in the center of it when a voice called out:

"Welcome mistress! We have been expecting you!"

She whipped her head around, then looked at all directions, but found no one standing anywhere near her.

"Who...who are you?" Y/N fearfully looked at the ceiling then at every corner, wondering where the voice was.

"We're your servants mistress." A chorus of at least 5 women rang out, puzzling her even more.

"Where....are you?"

The invisible women giggled amongst themselves.

"We are right here next to you mistress. I'm afraid you just can't see us."

Y/N watched as a silver pitcher was lifted up in the air, pouring what seemed to be wine in a glass cup, which was then hovered right in front of her.

"Wine mistress?"

Y/N hesitantly took the cup, indeed feeling someone's weight let go of it. She took a small sip of the wine, its rich and crisp flavor enticing her to drink more of it.

"Would you care for any fruits?" A platter holding strawberries, grapes, cherries and blueberries were held up in front of her. They looked so fresh and ripe, Y/N couldn't help but reach for one of the grapes, her tastebuds becoming completely engaged at how delicious and juicy they were.

She no longer felt disturbed by the faceless voices talking to her, nor about the objects floating around, carrying articles that were being offered to her, and she did not get startled when she heard music filling the room, playing the most sweet and beautiful melody her ears were blessed to hear. She just let her invisible attendants feed her some exotic foods that she never even knew existed. She also didn't mind them guiding her to a lavatory, where there was a bathtub, the size of a large pond already waiting for her. She nearly slipped into another deep sleep when she stepped inside, the warm water relaxing her muscles while the scent of lavender calmed and eased her mind. After washing her body, her maids oiled and scented her body with vanilla and jasmine while they dried her. She saw as a periwinkle blue robe was extended towards her and Y/N slipped into it, her hands caressing the soft, velvet material, smoothing the folds on her waist and hips.

"Oh mistress! You look so beautiful!" One of them cheerfully exclaimed.

"You're the most beautiful creature we've been honored to serve." Another piped in.

"We're so happy to have you here with us. It shall be a lot more livelier now." She heard someone chuckle.

"I think our job for tonight is done. My lady, please step into the room behind the other door. The master will join you shortly."

Y/N was so filled with bliss and contentment, that she had completely forgotten why she was here in the first place. Recalling her sister words, she begged her maids not to leave her, but they apologized and retreated to who knows where, leaving her by herself once again. Her hand reached for the doorknob, turning it slowly before she stepped into the next room.

Y/N tried to move around in the space, but it was extremely difficult because the room was pitch black. She could barely make out the outlines of the chairs, the bed draped with curtains or the dressers. On the corner, she saw a single window, but the curtains were drawn, and even if it was open, the dark night would hardly help her see any better. Y/N out stretched her arms, grabbing onto the empty void around her to maneuver herself to the bed, where she settled down into, hugging her knees like she did back when her family left her on top of the mountain.

She rocked herself back and forth as many thoughts ran over her mind:

'When will he arrive? Will he be kind or not? What will he look like....

And who was he?'

Y/N rested her hands on her arms that were hugging her knees, her eyes closing, but she wasn't tired at all. She just wished time would speed up faster and someone could explain to her what was going on. She felt a light breeze suddenly pass through the room. Looking up, she saw that the curtains by the window had been moved, pushed slightly open, letting just the dimmest sliver of light pour in, but she still couldn't see anything.

She felt something .....someone else in the room with her. On edge, she quickly sat up from the bed and tried to make way back to the other room.

"You have nothing to fear my dearest Y/N."

She halted at the sound of her name. She was expecting to be called that odious title she was often referred to, but instead, she heard her very own name.

"How....how do you know my name?"

The deep, baritone voice spoke again.

"It wouldn't be fitting for a husband to not know his own wife's name, don't you think?"

Y/N eased slightly at his words but still felt nervous.

"Where...are you?" She took small steps, eyes squinting to see something, anything.

She felt a rush of warmth fill up her body when a gentle hand placed itself on her shoulder.

"I'm right here beside you, where I shall always be."

She didn't tremble at his touch, on the contrary, she relaxed and her fear was suddenly gone. Whoever the stranger was, he slowly turned her around to face him. She could make out a bit of his outline, but still couldn't define any of his features or details.

"Why aren't there any lamps? I can't see you."

Lifting her hand, he placed it on his cheek, his skin feeling as soft as a petal.

"See me with your touch my love."

Her hand delicately traced his features, trying to imagine what he looked like. He had a very sharp jawline, a well defined nose and delicately carved lips that tempted her to reach up and kiss them. She was still confused as to why she couldn't see him though. As if on cue, he spoke:

"I know it must be difficult for you to understand this Y/N. But please don't be afraid of me. I would never hurt you."

Y/N retracted her hand.

"My...my sister said you're a monster."

He chuckled heartedly, his voice full of music and splendor.

"Do I feel like a monster or sound like one?"

Y/N giggled softly, realizing it did seem silly.

"If you're not a monster though......why can't I see you?"

She could feel the man in front of her think about how to answer her. Sighing softly, he took her hand again, holding it with his two hands and running a thumb on the top of it.

"I'm afraid I can't give you the answer to that question yet...."

She felt her heart sink at his words. She lowered her head in disappointment. Not wanting to upset her more, he kissed the palm of her hand and swore:

"Just please trust me Y/N, and I'll promise to love you forever......can you trust me?"

Maybe she was mad or delusional, but in spite of all the mystery surrounding him, she sincerely felt the veracity of his promise and had no doubt in her mind about trusting him. She moved closer to him, accidentally stepping too far and colliding with his firm chest.

"Umph!" Y/N groaned slightly.

He giggled softly at her cute action. He saw as she tried to reach out again to feel him, but instead pulled her hand away.

"You can touch me love."

Her hands once again traced his smooth face, traveling down his neck before resting on his broad shoulders. Although he felt somewhat slim, his body seemed very toned and vigorous. Y/N wanted to drop her hands further but she felt to shy to do it. Once again, he read her mind.

"Y/N....it's ok. We're married." He drew out that last word, more to himself than to her.

Her hands pressed down across his chest. She could tell his tunic was made out of fine linen, even if she couldn't see it. His chest felt strong and sturdy, she bit her lip slightly as she pictured what it would look like in the light, without his garment.

She gasped when she felt him pull her against him, his breath against her lips, just wanting to close the space between them and kiss her. His finger traced the curve of her luscious and plump lips. Although she was content with everything he'd said so far, there was just one more question she had:

"I....... I don't know what to call you."

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean....you know my name....but you never told me yours." She pulled away slightly.

He realized she was right. She felt him smile at her as he brought her face close to his again.

"Please call me Yeosang." Her heart fluttered when she heard his name.

Yeosang brushed his lips against hers.

"Trust me my dear. I love you with all my heart."

Y/N melted at his words and before she knew it, she whispered back:

"I love you too....Yeosang."

As soon as she spoke out those words, Yeosang could no longer control himself as he enclosed his lips over hers in a passionate and loving kiss. Y/N blushed at being kissed for the first time in her life, but happily returned the gesture, surprised that she easily could. Even though she couldn't see him, she knew Yeosang was beautiful, ethereal and very kind...

And she was already falling in love with him.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

It had been roughly 4 months into their marriage and Y/N was extremely happy. He'd visit her in the dead of night everyday, as usual, in the pitch black so she couldn't see him, but she had grown accustomed to that. He'd usually leave before she was even awake and before the sun would even start coming out. He'd always leave a red rose by her dresser everyday, attached with a small note filled with terms of endearment and vows of love and adoration for her, always succeeding in making her blush.

Y/N was more than content. Now, whenever she looked in the mirror, she wouldn't turn away nor hate the face she saw. She came to love her appearance now, because there was light and love in it. She was in love, she was loved and there was no greater feeling than that.

During the day, she would either spend time outside in the garden or inside, her maids, or rather, their presence, always keeping her company. She loved listening to their stories about the world she was now a part of, finding them extremely fascinating. They were all so gentle and caring towards her, attending to her every needs and overall staying by her side so she wouldn't get lonely.

"Won't you tell us something about where you are from for once Mistress?"

Y/N was elated, happily telling them all about her home, her family, how she grew up and various other aspects of her life.

"You seem very close to your family Misstress." One of them observed.

"I am. I love them very much, and I have such fondness for my sisters...."

She stopped at the moment. It hit her how she hadn't heard from her family since she got there, nor did they have any idea of her whereabouts or her fate. Her heart suddenly felt sad as she began missing them terribly.

"Mistress is something wrong?"

Y/N quickly plastered a smile back on her face, not wanting them to be concerned at all. Instead suggesting they all play a game together so she wouldn't think about it. But it was futile. Her mind kept thinking back to her family. She missed them more and more. She hardly ate anything else for the rest of the day, instead opting to go to her room rather early, even though it'd be hours before Yeosang got there. She wept silently, her tears staining the pillow underneath her face. She tried to keep a positive and cheerful attitude when he did finally got there, but he could sense that something was troubling his beloved wife.

"What's bothering you my love?"

Y/N sighed softly.

"I miss my family...."

Yeosang tightened his embrace around her, his lips kissing her temple. Y/N nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, drinking in his scent that always calmed and soothed her mind.

"They must be so worried about me. They probably don't even know if I'm alive or not." She continued to pour out her distress.

Yeosang was pensive for a moment, wondering what he could do to help his sweetheart.

"Would you like to write to them? I can have someone give it to them." He offered.

Although Y/N found it kind of him to offer it, more than anything, she wanted to see them.

"I was actually wondering......if maybe they could come see me?" She reluctantly asked.

She very well noticed how Yeosang tensed up. Even in the darkness, she had learned to read his body language and knew he was hesitating about what to respond.

"I......I'm not sure that's a good idea love..."

Yeosang's heart felt when he heard a disappointed sigh escape her lips. It hurt her to see her in such a state. All he wanted was to make her happy. So although there were going to be risks, he agreed.

"They can't meet me. But if you wish, I can have Zephyr bring them here just like he brought you."

Y/N became so happy at the thought of seeing them again. Cupping Yeosang's face, she kissed him fervently, her reaction making Yeosang chuckle.

"Does it really make you that happy?" He questioned as he caressed her face.

Y/N nodded happily.

"So I take it you won't need anything else tonight?"

Well....there was actually one more thing. Y/N bit her lip as she stared up at Yeosang with a sparkle in her eyes.

"Oh.....I see."

Y/N could hear the smugness in his voice, but she didn't care. Not when he lips made her melt, when his hands caressed and fondled her tenderly and especially not when he slid in and out of her in such a passionate and loving way, bringing her into such a euphoric state. Another thing she discovered about Yeosang: he was an amazing lover, she almost felt drunk in his love whenever his body became one with hers.

Yeosang let out a grunt when he spilled himself inside of her, enjoying the feeling of her walls tightening around him as she also reached her own high. Without pulling out, Yeosang bent down to kiss her again, his hand reaching down to press against her stomach.

"I can't wait until you become pregnant with my child. I bet you'll look even more lovely than what you already are."

Y/N felt her face flush at his words. Suddenly feeling confident, she teased him.

"How about we try again? Just in case."

Yeosang sucked in a breath, his hands gripping at her hips.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Y/N's hands clutched at the sheets underneath her, moans slipping out of her lips as Yeosang moved inside of her once again, this time at a more fast and rough pace than before.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Y/N offered more pastries to her sisters. Melia excitedly accepted them, loving how rich and exquisite the foods at her little sister's place were. Amara however refused, her eyes still looking around at the place. She was very put off by how strange Y/N's circumstances were. The weird wind that transported them there, the invisible servants, the fact they could not meet her husband? It was extremely confusing. But most of all, she was insanely jealous of how Y/N was living. Her mansion was 10 times better than hers, the food was of better quality than what was served at her castle and everything was just so much more expensive.

"You seem to be...very happy here." Amara pointed out, her lips pursed tightly.

Y/N couldn't help but smile.

"I'm more than happy. I love it here. And I love my husband."

"Such a shame we couldn't meet him. Do you know when we will get the opportunity?" Melia asked.

"Oh...umm.....the thing is...you can't meet him..." Y/N fumbled with the sash across her dress.

Her two older sisters looked at her incredulously, then they looked at each other with a suspicious look.

"So is it true then? That he's a monster with scaly skin, serpent tongue and sharp teeth?" Melia looked frightened.

Y/N slammed her fist on the table, outraged that they'd dare think such things of Yeosang like that.

"He's not a monster! He's beautiful, absolutely handsome and the most kind being I have ever met!"

Her outburst made them even more curious.

"Then tell me Psyche, what does he look like?" Amara raised an eyebrow.

"It's Y/N! My name is Y/N. And.....I......I don't know! But I just know he's beautiful!"

Melia seemed puzzled.

"You don't know? What does that mean?"

Feeling cornered, Y/N had no choice but to tell them how her husband would only visit her at night, shrouded in darkness and whisper loving words in her ear. That only served to sprout out more questions from her siblings.

"How can you possibly be in love with him if you've never seen him?"

"I just am!" Y/N exclaimed.

"If he doesn't see you during the day, where does he go to?" Amara pressed on.

"I don't know." Y/N answered.

Not wanting to miss the chance to hurt her younger sister, Amara smirked wickedly at her.

"I bet I know where."

It took Y/N a few seconds to comprehend what her sister was implying, but when she did, it only served to further anger her.

" You're wrong. I know What you're thinking and you're wrong. Yeosang loves me!" She was fuming at this point.

Amara however rolled her eyes at her foolishness.

"All right. Let's say he really is as handsome as you say he is. Why must he be so stubborn about not letting you see him nor know where he goes off to?"

Y/ N crossed her arms.

"I don't know. He asked me to trust him and I do".

Melia now seemed concerned for her.

"Psyche... do you not realize that maybe ...... he could be seeing other women while he's away?"

Y/N now froze at what her sister said. Her brain kept telling her not to listen to them, that Yeosang was faithful to her and would never lie to her. But then she remembered how her own sister's husbands behaved and she couldn't help but think if perhaps Yeosang would do anything similar like them.

"No..... it can't be true...."

Amara suspiciously came up behind Y/N, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"If he really did love you.....why would he force you to live with such doubts?"

That was the final drop that made the glass tip over. Y/N had to find out who exactly it was that was sleeping with her every night.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Y/N waited until Yeosang was fast asleep, his breathing calm and serene. Carefully, she peeled herself from his grasp and crept out of the bed and to one of the dressers. She silently took out a candle and match that she had secretly hid inside. Walking as cautiously as she could, she stood by the edge of the bed where Yeosang was. Taking a deep breath, she striked the match and lit up the candle, holding it up so she could finally see him for the very first time.

Her eyes grew wide as she stared into the most beautiful face she had ever seen. He was absolutely glorious. His hair was white like the snow in winter, skin fair like marble ivory, his jawline was chiseled to perfection with a nose that seemed to have been carved to perfection. And he layed there, sleeping soundly with absolutely no clue that she had just betrayed his trust.

"Oh no.....what have I done?"

Y/N was so horrified with herself that she unconsciously tumbled backwards, hitting herself on a piece of furniture. Suddenly Yeosang awoke, his eyes painted with agony once he realized what was happening.

"I.....I can explain!"

But Yeosang simply sat up without a word, already reaching for his tunic. He sighed as he stood up and walked towards the window.

"Please forgive me Yeosang! I beg you!"

Y/N dropped to her knees, tears pouring out her eyes. Yeosang pinched the bridge of his nose, head full of turbulent thoughts that he couldn't place in order.

"Please just say something!" She cried out, desperate to hear his voice.

"I knew it would be a bad idea to let you see your sisters. I knew they'd turn you against me and actually betray me...."

If they were still in the dark, Y/N would have still been able to recognize the hurt and pain in his words.

"I'm sorry Yeosang! I'm sorry for not trusting you! But I kept thinking about their words, they said you were probably visiting other-"

"You could have chosen to not listen to them! No one forced you to believe them! You chose to act on your own accord!".

It was the first time he had ever raised his voice at her, and it boomed all over the room, making her tremble in fear. Yeosang opened the window and stepped out into the balcony.

"No no! Please!"

Y/N ran after him, her hands wrapping around his neck in an attempt to keep him there. Gently, he pried her hands off him, looking somberly at her.

"My mother told me not to trust you. That you were a mortal woman and would never understand me or us, and break my trust. I could never believe that she was right....."

Y/N saw as tears filled on the brim of his eyes.

"But I was too madly in love to listen to her..... I guess I truly did get a taste of my own medicine."

Yeosang made way to leave again, but Y/N held onto him.

"Please don't leave me! I'll die without you! I love you Yeosang!"

Not able to contain his feelings anymore, Yeosang pushed her off him and turned sternly to her.

"Don't.....ever say such lies again...and don't address me so informally you lowly mortal. I am not your equal and I am no longer Yeosang to you..."

Y/N covered her mouth in terror and astonishment when ethereal and shiny wings sprouted from his back, making him look even more heavenly than he already was.

"I am Eros, son of Aphrodite and Ares, the god of love ......... and you......."

He sniffled as tears streamed down his face.

"I can't stay here knowing that I want to hold you..."

Without any other word, speedily flew out of there, disappearing from her sight. Y/N shouted for him, going mad at the thought that she had just lost the love of her life. She was so erratic that she didn't think twice before she flung herself down the balcony, not wanting to live without her love. Unfortunately for her, a large gust of wind stopped her fall, placing her gently on the ground, thwarting her plan.

"Let me die!" Y/N pounded the ground.

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that Psyche. Aside from being tasked to bring you here, Eros appointed me to make sure no harm should ever come to you."

Although it was supposed to be calming, Zephyr's voice only angered her.

"So I can't even die?!"

Zephyr sent a small breeze, the only physical way of comfort he could bring her since he was invisible.

"Psyche, we both know you don't actually want to die."

"Yes I do! My heart is broken. My love is gone and it's because of my foolishness. I have nothing else to live for!" She declared.

Zephyr sighed.

"My lady....all hope is not lost. I may perhaps.....know a way of helping you."

Y/N perked her ears at his words.

"But first, allow me to tell you a little story, one you don't know about but in which you were the main protagonist."

Y/N watched as a swirl of clouds formed above her, Zephyr trying to make his presence manifested as he began recounting a story:

"Now...it all began when the people began to worship you instead of Aphrodite. I know, we all do you tried to stop them. We weren't blind to it. But Aphrodite is a jealous goddess. She could not stand someone being compared to her. So she sent Eros to you with the task of making you fall in love with a toad or something similar."

Y/N didn't seem too surprised by that. She knew fully well who Eros was and why he was feared even among gods, because no one was immune to his arrows that made them fall in love.

"He came to you one night while you were sleeping. He was so distracted by your beauty that he ended up pricking himself with his own arrow."

Now it made sense to her what he meant when he said he had gotten a dose of his own medicine. She was shocked that this actually happened.

"Eros had fallen in love with you. Curious isn't it, that while you were the most admired woman in the country, no one proposed. Wanna know why? Because Eros stepped in every time, making any suitor fall in love with someone else so they wouldn't take you away from him."

Y/N remembered all those months where no one approached her. Now it all made sense.

"Poor Eros was also begging his mother to let him marry you. But of course, being as stubborn as she is, Aphrodite refused. It became such a quarrel between them that Eros refused to obey her anymore if she didn't agree. Of course, she couldn't have that, so she allowed him to marry you on one condition: your love had to be put to a test....which....I think you know what it was."

Y/N nodded. He asked her to trust him even if she couldn't see him, but she betrayed him.

"Aphrodite probably isn't surprised. She expected it all along. But Eros......he was so in love with you that he put all his faith and trust in your love. And now.....he's probably back home again, moaning and crying just like when he came back that night he met you."

Now the guilt began to eat her up.

"I don't deserve him. I never did. I deserve to die."

Zephyr sighed once again.

"Now now child. As I said. Not all hope is lost. Listen very carefully to me Psyche. Here's what you're going to do."

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Y/N waited for the goddess to arrive. Her fingers fidgeted nervously, playing with the belt on her tunic. She suddenly felt a gush of wind pass by her. Light started to emanate from the ground. Y/N stared in wonder as a powerful entity appeared before her, looking so radiant and angelic that Y/N froze in place before remembering who was standing in front of her. She fell to the ground in honor and respect for the goddess in front of her.

"My goddess Aphrodite. I am your humble servant who has offered sacrifices at your temple and-"

"Oh stop groveling like a little bitch and get up." The goddess sneered at her.

Y/N slowly got up. Aphrodite stepped closer to her, one of her slender fingers tilting her chin up as she closely scanned her rival's face. Bewilderment took over her features, a scoff coming out of her mouth.

"Impressive. Very extraordinary. ..."

She let go of her and backed away.

"Pity though that your eyes are still red and puffy from weeping like a child. It really does not suit you....nevertheless, even I acknowledge you're beautiful and pleasing...."

She crossed her arms.

"No wonder my son is so smitten with you."

Y/N glanced up at the mention of Yeosang.

"Tell me, how is Yeosang? How is my husband."

Aphrodite lifted a hand.

"First of all, you have no right to call him by his birth name. You shall only address him by his godly name you mortals know. And second, he isn't your husband anymore, not after you broke your end of the marriage."

Being reminded of her acts, Y/N once again felt remorseful and ashamed. But she was not about to give up.

"If there's anything I can do to mend things, I'm prepared to do it."

Aphrodite rolled her eyes.

"Yes yes I know very well you are willing to. Zephyr didn't bring you here just for giggles or a cup of tea. And either way, sooner or later Zeus and Hera would have been on my ass about intervening, not to mention that his father wouldn't leave me alone if he saw the state his son was in."

Y/N beamed with joy at the thought of being able to mend things with her love.

"Thank you oh most merciful goddess!" Y/N resisted the urge to throw her hands around the goddess and hug her.

Aphrodite, however, dismissed her thanks.

"Don't get so happy yet foolish girl. I haven't even told you what the tasks are yet."

Beckoning her to follow, Aphrodite lead her through a meadow and deep into a forest. There, she approached a tall laurel tree and pointed at something on the floor.

"Before your eyes, you see a pile of different types of grains. Your job is simple: separate them all and arrange them into piles."

Y/N's jaw dropped at the task.

"That's impossible! It's not simple!"

Aphrodite merely shrugged. "If you truly love Eros, you'll find a way."

She turned away and began walking back to where she came from, but not before telling her:

"Oh and Psyche? You have until sundown to finish."

Y/N knew the goddess was probably laughing by now, already gloating in her failure and inability to finish such a task. She slumped down on the ground and began picking at the grains. They all looked too similar, there was no way to tell them apart. Y/N flung the grains back in the pile.

"It's hopeless..."

She wasn't offered a second chance, she was merely being humiliated for the own amusement of Aphrodite. Y/N couldn't help but wonder if she deserved this....

Suddenly she felt something crawl up on her hand. Looking down, she saw a tiny ant perched on one of her fingers.

"Hello most beautiful mortal. Please don't cry. Let me assure you that this grain will be sorted before Aphrodite comes back."

If Y/N hadn't already seen so miracles and fantasy sightings since she arrived, she would have seriously thought she was insane for thinking an ant was actually talking to her. She watched as thousands of other ants crawled up and began carrying the grains out of the pile, effectively assorting them into neat and tidy piles.

"How are you..?"

The tiny ant let out a squeaky laugh. "This is our specialty my lady. We do this every year."

"But...why are you helping me?" She couldn't understand why they would help her.

"Don't fret about that right now. Leave this all to us and just worry about being reunited with your loved one."

Y/N was touched by their tremendous kindness, thanking them incessantly as they eagerly finished what seemed to not an impossible task for her. True to their word, before the sun set, it was already finished. 5 piles stood in front of her. The ants bid her farewell and good luck for any upcoming tests Aphrodite was going to put on her.

When the goddess came to inspect the work, her eyes nearly bulged out when she saw it was accomplished. Scoffing, she crossed her arms.

"I see you finished it....very well. Tomorrow I shall take you to do the second task. But trust me, you won't get very far."

The goddess was so sure Y/N would never be able to finish them, but she didn't count on the fact someone was pulling strings behind the scenes to make sure Y/N would be successful. When Y/N was tasked to collect the gold fleece from the magical sun rams, the mystery person asked the reeds growing on the riverbank near her, to tell Y/N to wait until the rams left the pasture to fall asleep in a meadow, then she'd be able to collect fleece that would usually get caught on the brambles where they often played or fought in. On her third task, she had to collect water from a pit that was guarded by a fearsome dragon. Y/N dared not approach the beast, but once again, the hidden figure sent an enormous eagle to help her by flying her down the pit while the dragon slept so she could fill up the bottle Aphrodite gave her. Y/N asked the eagle, like she did the reeds and ants, why were they helping her, but all of them remained silent, not answering her question. They only wished her luck and encouraged her to stay determined to win back her husband.

Aphrodite took the bottle in her hands, fury in her eyes as she flung it across the room in pure outrage.

"I don't know what kind of tricks you've pulled to accomplish these tasks so easily, but I will not stand for it any longer!"

Determined to make sure Y/N would never see her son no matter the cost, she declared her last mission:

"You must go into the Underworld and bring me Queen Persephone's beauty cream, the one she makes herself. I was going to go there myself....but you can do it for me."

Aphrodite's eyes did not hide her malice or her hatred towards the poor girl.

"But....no human can descend into the Underworld and return!" Y/N exclaimed.

"Then I guess you shall have to be the first."

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Y/N touched the ground softly as Zephyr dropped her down.

"Psyche listen to me very carefully. There is a way for mortals to go into the Underworld and return alive. But pay very close attention or you'll never see the light of day."

Out of thing air, Zephyr made 2 coins and a loaf of bread apart before her.

"The coins are for Charon. He's the boatman that will take you to the Underworld and will also bring you back. The bread is for Cerberus."

Y/N gulped at the mention of the dog that guarded the gates of the Underworld.

"You mean.....the one with 50 heads?"

Zephyr laughed.

"You humans sure do like to add charm to stories. No Psyche. Cerberus only has 3 heads. He won't do anything to you while going in, it's when you're getting out that'll be the problem. You see, he's not guarding souls from going in, he guards them from leaving."

Y/N nodded, drinking up all the information he was feeding to her.

"When you're leaving, give a piece to each of the heads, it'll put him to sleep long enough for you to get out of there as fast as you can."

"Got it."

Y/N began walking into the foggy mist, trembling slightly as she realized she was about to be in front of the gates of hell very soon.

"Another thing! Accept no food or drink and do not rest at all! Just go in, take the cream and get out. I'll be waiting here for you."

"Thank you Zephyr."

Y/N wandered through the dense and humid mist that blurred most of her vision. She spotted a light looming out of the water and headed towards it. She stopped when she reached the end of the dock and stood face to face with a dark cloaked figure. Its face was completely hidden by the hood, the only thing she could see were its hands that were holding a staff that was no doubt used to row out boat.

"Are you.....are you Charon?"

The cloaked figure simply nodded very slowly.

"Can you take me to see Queen Persephone?"

Charon did not respond either that time, instead he held his hand out. Y/N now could clearly see that his hand was only bone, absolutely no flesh or skin surrounding it. Although startled, she handed one of the coins to him, which he put into a small purse that he kept tied to his waist. He signalled for her to get in. Y/N had some difficulty getting into the boat, slamming down on it, her bum hardly hitting the wood floor. She was sure if Charon was able to, he'd probably be laughing at her. He waited until she was settled into the boat before he began rowing down the Styx river.

Y/N hugged her knees as her eyes scanned everything. So far only the splashing of water and the silent boatman kept her company. And then a foul and putrid stench filled her nostrils, making her want to gag. As she kept looking around, she noticed what seemed to be people standing by another dock, looking pitiful and some even crying.

"They're the souls of people whose families didn't pay the fee or didn't have a burial upon death." Charon spoke up for the first time, his voice sounded hollow and had somewhat of an echo in it.

She understood what he meant. All people usually put a coin under their deceased loved ones tongue as payment for a ride to the Underworld.

"Will they stay there forever?"

Charon let out a raspy breathe.

"They'll stay there for a hundred years before they're allowed to cross over. Our master is not that cruel as you mortals depict him."

Mention of his master sent Y/N into panic. She was about to meet the actual god of the Underworld and his wife. She shivered as she remembered all she was ever taught about him: her teachers often painted him as a cruel, evil and wrathful god that loved tormenting the souls that were sent to him. The only reason he had a wife was because he kidnapped her, only allowing her to spend time in Olympus for half of the year. Y/N feared seeing him.

"This is the end of your journey."

Y/N saw a colossal black door in front of her. She lifted her hand to knock on it, but wondered if it was even possible for them to hear her. She felt someone or something sneeze by her right side so she turned. First there was only a gigantic dog head that soon turned into three, Y/N almost fainted when it began approaching her. This had to be Cerberus. The hellhound merely scanned her, puzzled as to why an alive human would be there. But he went back to his job and used one of his heads to push open the door for her. Y/N was prepared to see a sea of tormented souls being stirred in fire or some other kind of torture, but instead, she walked in a long and regal corridor, much like the one back home in Athens. Everything was decorated in either black or a deep purple color. At the very end, she saw two thrones side by side, black and made out of hard iron and steel. 2 figures sat by them and when she reached close enough, she was face to face with the rulers of the Underworld.

As per custom, Y/N bowed to them, trembling in the process. The monarchs looked at each other in confusion.

"You are not dead nor dying, what business do you have here?" A male voice inquired.

Y/N swallowed harshly, trying to speak but fear made her paralyzed and unable for recall what she was there to do. Noticing how scared she was, the queen stood up and walked over to her. She gently lifted Y/N up, her hand cupping her chin to look at her. Y/N finally had a glimpse of the Underworld queen and she was mesmerized. She wasn't as beautiful as Aphrodite, but her beauty was so haunting and eerie, unlike anything she'd ever seen before. It made her very unique and therefore more interesting in her eyes. Y/N felt self conscious now. She hadn't properly cleaned up or slept ever since Aphrodite had her do all those tasks, so she probably looked like a mess in front of the beautiful queen.

Persephone merely smiled at her, a genuine and kind smile.

"You're Psyche aren't you?"

Her eyes widened at the mention of her name. The man behind her also became curious at him mention of it.

"How do you know who I am?" But Y/N soon wanted to slap herself for asking that. She was a goddess, of course she'd know.

The lady chuckled. "Not everyday one meets a face that rivals Aphrodite's. I've heard so much about you."

She turned back and Y/N assumed she was going to take her place on the throne, but instead, she shocked her when she opted to sit on her husbands lap, her arms wrapping around his neck. He visibly stiffened, and Y/N was surprised to see him......blush?

"So tell me. Has the mighty goddess of beauty sent you here for another task?"

Persephone looked back to see Y/N with a mouth wide open.

"We know all about your endeavors to win your husband back. News reaches here first before it reaches Olympus. Gives a little entertainment to us and our subjects you know."

She waved her hand and instantly a grey and cloudy figure appeared before her, offering her wine or food from a platter. She didn't want to seem rude, but she remembered what Zephyr said and thus refused any of it. Persephone chuckled softly.

"Very smart." Persephone observed. She above anyone knew what eating food from the Underworld would mean.

"So tell me Psyche. What has she sent you here for?"

Y/N began explaining how the goddess wanted some of her beauty cream. Persephone rolled her eyes, knowing all too well how vain Aphrodite was. Her fingers stroked through her husband's hair, puzzling Y/N more. If she was kidnapped and forced to marry him, how could she be so....in love with him? Persephone only took her attention away from her husband when another grey figure brought out a box to her. Thanking the servant, she held out the box to Y/N.

"Take this to Aphrodite and be reunited with your love."

Y/N thanked the merciful queen and walked back, now more happy at the thought of seeing Yeosang again. Persephone watched her with a motherly gaze, feeling somewhat nostalgic.

"You seem to be very interested in that human." Hades' voice broke her trance.

"She's an extraordinary girl if you ask me. And she's doing everything for love."

She smirked as she cupped her husband's face.

"Reminds me of a certain someone who also went to great lengths to win the person he loved the most."

The Underworld God cleared his throat.

"Love makes us do crazy things sometimes." He justified himself.

Persephone nodded and leaned in.

"I know. That's why am going to vouch for her when Zeus holds the meeting."

Hades looked puzzled. "What meeting?"

The queen let out a hearty laugh before kissing his lips.

"Married life has made you lose some of your sharpness my dear lord." She teased.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Y/N successfully fed the bread to the demon hound and made it back across the Styx with Charon's help.

"Thank you Charon." She handed the other coin to him.

"First time anyone has thanked me to the work I do." Although he tried to be neutral about it, Charon's voice had a lighter and more grateful tone to it.

Y/N crossed the swamp again and came back to the meadow where Zephyr had left her. She called me to him, but he did not answer. Y/N sat on the grass and waited for him, growing tired in the process. It had been 4 very long and tiring days and she was beginning to feel the intensity of them. Her eyes began to flutter, trying to stay awake, but tiredness began to overtake her. Her gaze fell on the box she was holding. Feeling curious, she slowly opened the box to peer into its contents. A sudden burst of light shone right in front of her, the power being too much for her and instantly, she fell unconscious on the floor.

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

Eros sighed softly to himself, the longing for his wife becoming too unbearable.

"Would you please stop that moaning? It's getting on my nerves." His mother said from the doorway.

"I miss her...." He covered his face with the pillow.

Aphrodite scoffed.

"Seriously this lovesick fool."

Eros ignored his mother, all his thoughts were about Y/N and the last time he saw her. He recalled the harsh words he said to her, regretting them so much, each letter feeling like a stab to his heart. Although it hurt him to have her distrust him, it hurt even more to be separated from her. He wanted her back in his arms, he wanted to kiss her, he was going even more insane than the first time when he pricked himself on his arrow.

Suddenly he heard a commotion coming from the living room, with the way a voice roared like thunder, he knew who had just came in. He got up, ready to intervene in case the two individuals in front of him started getting physical. Not noticing him, they just continued their screaming match.

"I've put up with so many of your antics, but this my dear goddess, is low even for you!"

The anger in his father's voice was unmistakable, but it was even more serious than all the other times he'd quarreled with his mother.

"Oh shut up Ares! I did what I had to do for our dear son."

Aphrodite twirled her hair on her finger, batting her eyelashes at her longtime lover, hoping to seduce him and get his mind off the subject, but this time it didn't.

"No, you did this because you're a selfish, conceited and cruel woman! Putting an innocent girl through so many hardships just for your own amusement! Don't you think Psyche and Eros have been through enough already?"

Now it was Eros' turn to make his presence known.

"What about my wife?"

Both of his parents turned to look at him, one in shock at being discovered and one in sad pity for him and his love. Ares crossed his arms.

"Well? Tell him Aphrodite. Tell him all about the tasks you made Psyche do these past days." He challenged her.

Eros looked at his mother, waiting for her to answer, but she kept her lips shut. Getting fed up, Ares spilled everything to him. Eros immediately got worried.

"Where is she now?"

Ares looked to the goddess in front of him as he did not know what the last task was. Gathering some of the rage he inherited from his father, Eros harshly grabbed his mother and shook her.

"Where is my wife?!"

Aphrodite pushed him off her.

"I sent her to the Hades and Persephone."

Eros wasted no time and grabbed his bow and arrow. The Underworld was dangerous even for a God and he knew he had to go get her before anything happened to her.

"Eros! Don't you dare go after her! She isn't your wife anymore!"

Turning back to his mother, he looked at her in defiance.

"She is my wife. She'll always be my wife. I love her.....and I'm going over to her now."

Spreading his wings, he flew as fast as he could to the swampy forest where she had been hours earlier. He asked the boatman if he had seen her, but Charon only said she had completed her voyage and was headed back home. He breathed a sigh of relief, at least she was alive. He flew back to his mansion, bursting the doors open, alarming the servants who were no longer invisible. He didn't spare a glance at them, he simply ran upstairs to his room. Slamming the door open, he saw as Zephyr, now in his physical form was hovering over an unconscious Psyche.

"No..."

Eros ran over to her side, taking her hand in his.

"The power inside the box her majesty gave her is too much for a mortal to bear. I've tried everything, but she still shows no sign of waking up. Her body has also been weak these past days due to exhaustion. ....and heartache." Zephyr said somberly.

Eros spilled tears when finding out all she had been through and how much suffering he had put her through.

"I'm so sorry my darling."

His arms encapsulated her in a tight embrace, almost crushing her from the intensity. Eros sobbed uncontrollably. Zephyr decided to retreat from the room, giving him the space he needed.

Brushing out some of her hair, he pressed his forehead against hers.

"Please don't leave me.." he whispered before pressing his lips against hers.

He heard as she started breathing slowly, pulling away to check on her. Y/N's eyes slowly opened, thinking she was dreaming when she saw her love's handsome face in front of her.

"Yeo- Yeosang?"

His heart started beating faster when he heard her call him by his name.

"Oh Y/N thank Zeus you're all right!"

Y/N held him tightly, not wanting to let go.

"Yeosang I'm so sorry! I should have listened to you but I was so stupid!"

He hushed her, his hands caressing her arms.

"It's ok. I've forgiven you my darling. I don't care anymore. All I want is for us to be together again."

Y/N hesitated.

"Will we be allowed to?"

Clearing his throat, they both turned their attention to Zephyr who came back.

"Even if Aphrodite won't like it, she'll have no choice but to allow you two to be together after a power greater than her allows it."

Yeosang and Y/N looked at him in confusion. Zephyr once again began explaining:

"I'm sure Y/N..." He smiled when he called her by her real name for the first time.

"You've been curious about why so many creatures helped you while you were performing the tasks for Aphrodite."

Y/N nodded, none of them had told her why they'd help her.

"They were all sent by none other than Zeus, who had been watching all this happen and agreed it was unfair of Aphrodite to put you through such hardships."

The couple couldn't believe their ears. The king of the gods himself intervened on their behalf.

"He looks favorably upon your marriage and has even called a meeting to determine if Y/N should be allowed to become an immortal herself."

Y/N's mouth dropped unable to comprehend his words, but Eros was delighted. He could finally be together with his wife for all eternity, not fearing that one day he'd lose her in death because she was human. He felt so grateful to Zeus.

"It shall be put to a vote and needless to say, your mother won't say yes."

Of course they expected that.

"But fear not. There's already many who are willing to vouch for you. Persephone and Hades for example, Ares, Apollo, Demeter and I'm willing to bet that Dionysus will show up drunk and will agree to anything."

They all let out a chuckle at that.

"I'll let you know what the results are. Zeus agreed it'd be better if you two weren't there. He wants a peaceful meeting without Aphrodite throwing a tantrum."

Leaving them alone, the two lovers stared at each other for a while, unable to believe how lucky they were. Y/N reached up to touch Yeosang.

"It's ok Y/N. I'm real and I promise I won't ever leave you again."

His hand cupped the side of her face, thumb drawing circles on her cheek.

"I love you and I promise to love you my heart......

For all eternity."

━━━━━━━༺۵༻━━━━━━━

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astradrifting · 3 years

Text

AGOT - Catelyn I (Chapter 2)

This was a place of deep silence and brooding shadows, and the gods who lived here had no names.

Her gods had names, and their faces were as familiar as the faces of her parents.

…his own gods were the old ones, the nameless, faceless gods of the greenwood they shared with the vanished children of the forest.

A lot of emphasis being placed on the old gods being nameless and faceless. I have no idea why, possibly just to drive in the differences between the North and the South? Setting up something with new gods, whose names and faces are very much known? 🦑🐉

****

A thousand years of humus lay thick upon the godswood floor, swallowing the sound of her feet, but the red eyes of the weirwood seemed to follow her as she came.

She could feel the eyes watching her, but she did her best to ignore them.

Bran looking at the past through the weirwoods maybe? I bet he’d want to see his mother again.

Oh no. I just realised, Bran didn’t hear about the Red Wedding before he went beyond the Wall. He’ll probably only find out when he returns, or if Lady Stoneheart does something really fucked up in front of a weirwood tree. Oh noooooooo 😭

****

“There are darker things beyond the Wall.” She glanced behind her at the heart tree, the pale bark and red eyes, watching, listening, thinking its long slow thoughts.

His smile was gentle. “You listen to too many of Old Nan’s stories. The Others are as dead as the children of the forest, gone eight thousand years. Maester Luwin will tell you they never lived at all. No living man has ever seen one.”

“Until this morning, no living man had ever seen a direwolf either,” Catelyn reminded him.

She’s right Ned!! Maybe if you’d listened to Gared’s mad ramblings a bit more closely you’d have heard just how gone the Others really are. And then how gone the children of the forest must be, following your logic.

****

Catelyn wished she could share his joy. But she had heard the talk in the yards; a direwolf dead in the snow, a broken antler in its throat. Dread coiled within her like a snake, but she forced herself to smile at this man she loved, this man who put no faith in signs.

Given how much the noble families associate themselves with their sigils, the Starks included, you’d think the message would be clearer to Ned. And though Catelyn follows the Seven, her own faith actually makes her a lot more open to signs from the old gods than Ned is.

****

“Prince Tommen is seven,” she told him. “The same age as Bran.”

Not the last time that Bran and Tommen will be linked together.

****

Ned squeezed her hand. “There must be a feast, of course, with singers, and Robert will want to hunt. I shall send Jory south with an honor guard to meet them on the kingsroad and escort them back. Gods, how are we going to feed them all? On his way already, you said? Damn the man. Damn his royal hide.”

Of course feeding them all is a concern, as it always is when a monarch turns up at your door with very little notice, carting along an entire retinue, complete with vicious fire-breathing creatures (in Robert’s case he brought along the Lannisters, which is pretty much the same thing). The amount of hate Sansa got (and still gets!) for asking a very logical question is insane.

****

final thoughts:

Catelyn was right about literally everything in this chapter. The Others stirring beyond the Wall, the direwolf killed by a stag being a sign of what’s to come, probably that the weirwood was watching her too!

#astra re-reads #agot re-read #catelyn stark #catelyn chapters

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aidensm8 · 4 years

Text

Ok so I finally got the motivation to colour the fae intruality. Also, here's part 2 of the Fae AU storyline just cause I can

Ships: Intruality and roceit

[Link to part 1]

Brief summary of part 1: Remus and Patton fell in love after rescuing Patton from bandits. Remus and Patton have secret meetings but this got noticed so they sent bounty hunter Janus to capture Remus, but instead finds and falls for Roman. They continue seeing each other until the human monarch gets impatient and orders another hunter to stalk Janus, resulting in Roman being captured. Remus confesses to the Fae King of his secret meetings with Patton to save Janus so they can go on a rescue mission

Part 2 of the storyline:

Roman has been captured and brought back to the palace as they thought he was Remus

He softly sings songs to himself to comfort himself in his cage

The Emile and the monarch hear Roman’s soft singing and upon approaching Roman, he goes silent

Roman is afraid but Emile tries to be soft, but the human monarch asks Roman why he’s been sneaking into the palace

Roman, wanting to protect Remus, lies that he just wanted to view the garden

Emile, knowing this is false since Patton gushes about Remus to him, pulls the monarch away and secretly asks the monarch to confirm with the seer and Patton if they do have the right fae

The monarch agrees to Emile’s request

Patton sees Roman and accidentally blurts out “I remember you, you’re Remus’s brother”

Now they are aware of Remus and are now expecting him, or at least a trade

Roman tells them to forget it cause Remus is too important, he would never allow that

Lo and behold, Remus and Janus come to the palace to try to save Roman

They can’t find him, but run into the royal court and the monarch is there with an army, ready to fight Remus and Janus

They decide to try to negotiate

Remus offers to take his brother’s place but the monarch remarks how lovely Roman’s singing is, how good Roman would be for Emile and Patton, and they may as well just execute Remus and Janus (knowing the discourse the faes would have if Remus, the heir to the Fae throne, would vanish)

Remus refuses but they’re surrounded

Remus is taken to the dungeon while Janus is forced to be a servant to the prince Emile, but Emile is kind and allows Janus to see Roman, whose cage had been transferred closer to his room in hopes of hearing Roman sing again

Roman, being scared, has been silent, but upon reuniting with Janus, feels relief. Of course, he’s still angry at Janus for not telling him about the shapeshifting ability, but he’s too relieved to think about that at the moment

Emile offers to turn the other way and allow Janus to pick the lock so they can leave

Roman asks about Remus and they tell him about how the monarch wants Remus executed

Roman is shocked and angry, knowing how important his brother is to the faes

They escape and Emile gives them the directions to where Remus may be

Janus tells Roman that he can’t risk being caught again so he tells Roman to wait for him at the forest and hide near their usual meeting spot. He gives a signal so Roman knows to come out when its safe

Roman is hesitant but agrees since Janus is more capable of stealth

Roman gives Janus a kiss for good luck and escapes

Emile smiles softly. Janus asks him why he’s so kind to them and Emile goes “As prince, I wish to rule to passion and kindness, to let the people know to care” they go into the dungeon to free Remus

They find Remus’s cell is empty

They panic, and Emile decides to run to Patton to ask for help but Patton is missing too

Janus connects the dots, realizing Patton must have ran off with Remus first

He is relieved but now he has to go find them. He bids Emile farewell, thanking him for the assistance, and asconds

Janus first goes to Roman to inform him that Remus is safe

But he instead runs into the hunter that called him a traitor

They have a battle, and when the hunter has the upper hand against him, an arrow pierces through the hunter and Janus is saved

Roman has saved Janus

He sees that Roman and Remus have reunited. Patton asks Janus if he’s alright and apologizes for the trouble he and Remus has caused

Janus, fully relieved cause he was just saved and seeing Roman is safe, pulls Roman in for a kiss. They fall over, laughing, and Janus is happy to be able to hold Roman close

Remus interrupts them with “Ok you can fuck my brother later, but first we need to leave”

Remus and Roman return to the Fae court where they find the Fae King hovered over a tactical map. He sees the twins and is very relieved to see his sons are safe, pulling them into a tight hug

Remus is apologetic but the Fae King tells him that what matters is that they’re both safe now. Of course, he’s still mad and asks them how they would like to plot their revenge, suggesting harming Emile

Janus pipes in with “No, Emile has done nothing wrong, he saved us”

Patton reveals himself too in his attempt to stop Janus from intervening in what may get them in trouble

The Fae King is angered that two humans are now in his court, but the twins calm him down, recounting their escape to him. The Fae King is willing to forgive Patton but still holds a grudge against Janus, revealing that he was the one who cursed Janus

Roman now feels betrayed and goes “You did that to him?!” and he storms off, bringing Janus with him

Remus is now also upset cause Roman is upset. He demands the full story

Janus’s parents were thieves that stole from the fae kingdom so the Fae King took revenge by cursing their firstborn child to be half-snake

Remus is shocked and the King is apologetic for his past mistakes but Remus is too worried about Roman so off he goes to find his brother, bringing Patton with him cause “I won’t risk you cursing my lover >:(”

He finds Roman cuddling with Janus, Janus trying to comfort him, assuring Roman that he doesn’t mind being half snake

The twins have a sibling moment, Remus explaining Janus’s curse, offering to lift it (which Janus declines cause he feels it has become part of him now), and then talking about what to do going forward since Remus still has a duty to be Fae King

Before Remus can respond, they hear many footsteps, like an army marching

They hide and it’s the human monarch, deciding to declare war on the faes for Patton’s disappearance

Now the twins have a war to stop and need to find a way to convince them that Patton chose to leave on his own free will

And that concludes another ramble. I’ll consider making a part 3 but hhhhhh I feel like my rambles are getting very long recently, sorry ;u;

#sanders sides #roman sanders #remus sanders #intruality #roceit #fae au #doodlem8 #long post #ts patton #patton sanders #aiden rambling #tw captivity #tw profanity #tw slavery #death mention tw #tw death mention #tw cursing #tw snakes

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ageofevermore · 4 years

Text

The Sun Met The Moon

SUMMARY — and finally the sun and the moon met, and they fell madly in love

WORD COUNT — 2.5k

NOTE — part three to part one + part two

───── ･｡ﾟ☆ﾟ: *. ☽ .* : ☆ﾟ. ─────

alex’s drums:

Sweat clung to his brow and shone in the golden light of midday. She smiled at the sight of him, stripped of all awareness and singled in on the task at hand. He had Alex’s drumsticks between his fingers, and a black ballpoint pen between his teeth. She watched him for a while, tracing the flex of his biceps every time he beat at the mounted toms. A blush of sheer adoration spread across her stomach lining, unleashing that same kaleidoscope of butterflies through her being that she had been introduced to weeks ago. Maybe it was too soon to say she loved him, but she could see the rest of her tomorrows in his arms.

“Hey, Ghostie.” She smiled at him from halfway across the room, advancing with less stealth now that he was aware of her presence. “What’cha working on?” She questioned. When her bare torso brushed against the snare drums, she leaned forward to kiss his lips sweetly. He tilted his chin upwards and pushed his bottom lip out, asking for another just seconds after she pulled away from the first.

“Just some new instrumentals.” He mumbled, setting the drumsticks and ballpoint pen aside on the floor tom. He reached for her hands, mumbling a gentle breathed, “come here”, and pulled her down into his lap when his hands could guide her waist. Luke smiled against her neck when she giggled, turning her head so she could tickle his ear with kisses.

“What are you doing?” She giggled when his hot breath tickled the patch of skin his tongue had just caressed. He was being his usually sweet self, though something else was prompting these touchy motives. “Alex is going to kill us if we mess up his drums.” She pulled away from the lips on her neck when they began to distract her, and instead she leveled her eyes with his.

“Said you wanted to play the drums with me.” Luke smiled, nipping at her lips when she pulled them tight in a sheepish grin. She broke out into a full fledged smile at his silliness, cupping his cheeks with her hands and pulling his lips to hers in a proper kiss. “Put your foot on that pedal.” His arms looped around her waist, holding her tightly against him so she wouldn’t slip away from his touch when they started. “That’s the bass pedal. Push it every four counts and when we get to the pre chorus every eight, yeah?”

Luke had gone through relationships and heartbreaks prior to what he had with Mia, but he had never been with someone who understood music like she did. He hadn’t ever met anyone like Mia.

hair braiding:

She left him with Julie and the boys while the sun was still high, letting the band get a few solid hours of practice in without her distraction. She loved Luke, but he was incapable of getting anything done while she lingered, always wanting a cuddle or a kiss. It was cute, made her feel desirable, but she feared it would get annoying for their friends.

She felt his gentle breath against her neck before she felt his arms snaking around her waist, pulling her back into his chest. She didn’t care that his hands were cold as he wiggled them between the waistband of her shorts and dug them into the flesh of her hips. She was just thankful that she still got to feel him against her.

“How was the rest of rehearsal?” She asked softly, reaching her hand up to gently twist silky strands of his milk chocolate locks. Her nails scratched against his scalp, encouraging his arms fall heavy across her sides for a few blissful seconds. She strained against his hold, but he didn’t seem to notice her writhing, or when she let out a soft whine of discontent.

Luke went on about practice, and the song he and Julie introduced to the boys. His smile was evident against her neck, and this time he noticed when she flexed against his hold and tried to twist in his arms. His retelling of practice seized, a smile cradling his lips as he squeezed her tighter, keeping her still.

“What are you trying to do?” Luke taunted, watching her strain once more before admitting surrender to his tight eskomo embrace. He kissed a path along her neck, but it did nothing to distract her from her ultimate goal.

“Let me hold you.” She managed through smiles and hums when his lips tickled her skin, heating the already dangerously hot exposed skin. Luke broke out into a full fledged grin, biting gently at the hollow of her neck.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders loosely, digging her fingers into his hair, and smiling contently. His head was heavy on her chest, but the weight was welcomed greedily. She loved just getting to hold him like this, considering most days he was pulling her into his lap and showering her with love. Absentmindedly, she had twisted strands of shaggy brown hair into a french braid.

reggie + alex being younger siblings:

Mia and Luke had finally settled down in the basement for a movie night. Julie had been the cover story, though once Mia’s parents were convinced of the girls sleepover, she snuck out of the window and made a mad dash for Flynn’s.

Mia grinned at the blue reflecting off of Luke’s eyes. She had seen Mamma Mia more than a handful of times, in fact it was her favorite modern musical, but Luke had never experienced it, and watching him was better then any scene between Meryl and Amanda.

“Do you like it?” She grinned eagerly, watching Luke’s smile widen when he looked down at her expression of sheer excitement.

She nearly shrieks when Reggie’s voice sounds instead of Luke’s, and her head snaps to the side to find both Alex and Reggie curled up in two spare blankets. Luke looks majorly annoyed, forcing a glare at his bandmates.

“What are you doing here?” He seethed, not lightening up despite the amused smile growing on Mia’s lips.

“You said it was movie night.” Reggie shrugged. “You know, Mia, this isn’t what I expected from you.” He vocalized, not batting an eye when Luke threw his head back in exasperation and threw a handful of popcorn in his direction. The leather clad brunette hummed, picking up a popped kernel and throwing it into his mouth, nodding towards Alex in confirmation of it’s good taste.

“So much for date night.” She whispers into Luke’s chest, though she was just happy to be beside her boyfriend and sharing her favorite film with him.

pre show + post show cuddles:

Luke’s head was buried in the crook of her neck, his anxious fingertips digging into the flesh of her hips. Julie and the Phantoms were playing the Orpheum, again, and his nerves were unrelenting in their assault towards his confidence.

“It’s gonna be great, baby.” She whispered into his ear, fingers twisting at the loose strands of hair that had slipped from the two braids down his scalp. She pulled the elastic tighter, laughing when Luke winced. “You’ll be great.”

“Phantom’s your on in 5!”

Luke squeezed her waist tighter, though whatever nerves had plagued him just seconds ago seemed to dismantle. He was hyping himself up, thrilled by the approaching gig. He got so in his head that he forgot he loved this, it just took a couple braids and kisses to set his confidence back.

“You’ve got your bearings now?” She teased, kissing Luke’s nose and standing from his lap. She held her hands out for him, helping him up and off of the chair. The blue eyed boy nodded, shaking out his hands and forcing a wide grin onto his lips that had her laughing. “Go knock your socks off, Rockstar.”

Luke made a b-line for her after their set wrapped, his sweaty body pinning her in a hug while she squealed and tried to worm away.

“Luke! You’re disgusting. You’re all sweaty.” She whined. Her arms were pinned to her sides and her face was pressed into his chest, filling her with only the scent and feel of his sweaty and smelly body. “Stop it!” She threw her head backwards with a laugh, somehow managing to break away from his embrace.

The braids she had tied into his hair were dripping with sweat so much so that the elastic was falling to the ends of his chocolate locks. She bats at his chest, nodding in the direction of the showers around the corner, “Go take a shower, smelly ellie.”

Luke breaks out into a grin, forcing a ket kiss to her cheek before rushing off in the direction of the communal bathroom and showers, chasing Alex and Reggie who had clearly had the same idea.

guitar lessons:

“These chords right?” She looked up with the same crescent moons in her eyes that Luke had fallen in love with. She had yet to stop trying to impress him, getting better and better at her musical craft by the day.

“Exactly.” Luke smiled, blue eyes glistening releasing the same kaleidoscope of monarchs in her stomach. “Move down to G, baby.” Luke instructed softly, not wanting to break the soft focus she held. He motioned to the neck of his own guitar, smiling widely when she mimicked his actions and strummed the same note.

Seeing her tongue poke out from between her strawberry lemonade lips when she focused and the crinkle of her nose every time she smiled up at him in delight made his half ghostly heart jump.

When she went down to the wrong chord again, and frustratingly looked up at Luke with stars in her waterline, he reached over and adjusted her positioning. His fingers lingered around hers for longer than was needed, but neither party minded as they shared a highly sought after moment.

“You play it.” She whispered, having had enough of her own lessons for the day, wanting to focus instead on her boyfriend's delicate craft.

Luke smiled complying to her demand, nodding her along to sing the softly aged lyrics, “Here comes the sun…”

finger kiss to lips thing:

She’s rambling. She knows that she’s rambling yet she can’t bring herself to stop. Luke had opened a wormhole of thoughts and hadn’t expected the emotional breakdown to follow. Her hands are fisting at his t-shirt, but her eyes are alight with wild emotion that he’s never seen before. She’s dangling over the edge and he’s unsure of how to pull her back to safety.

“Baby.” He tries, pointer finger beneath her chin and directing her attention to himself, “Baby girl. Mia.” Her eyes fall on his but she’s still a mess of hiccups and syllables, shuddering out apologies between every harsh intake of breath her lungs don’t reject. She’s gotten herself so worked up she can’t calm down. She wants him to understand her, but she knows that the more she talks the less he will.

“That’s not what I meant! Of course I want to spend forever with you, I mean, if you want to spend forever with me. I just, I didn’t mean--” She rambles, her eyes pinching tightly when she understands the bending of Luke’s expression.

Luke watches her struggle for a moment more, wishing he could just fill the miniscule amount of time before her next sob and tell her she had nothing to worry about. He wanted to spend forever with her as well; he loved her, but every time he tried to talk she shook her head and looked frantic.

Finally, he pulled his middle and pointer finger together, pressing them to his lips before smothering them against hers. Mia’s eyes drew wide as she tried to comprehend what just happened, but Luke only smiled at the silence at her doe-like expression.

“I love you too.”

forgetting they can feel each other:

They’re working together on a song, surrounded by broken picks and instruments. Julie’s keyboard is on the ground by her thighs and drumsticks are poking out from the tops of Luke’s ears. He’s nearly inverbal, mumbling broken words to her from behind pens and picks, but the sight of him pulls her heart in further.

She plays another melody on the keys, coupling it with the notes Luke had insisted on. It sounds sweet in her ears, and Luke looks up with a smile when it draws him away from his concentration with lyrics. A pick is between his teeth again, so the compliment he tries to throw at her is muffled and close to uninterpretable, but she understands him. She understands everything about him. She understands why he holds her for as long as he can and why he pops into her classes at random. She understands the way he mumbles behind his hands and pens and picks, and why he insists on her making the two of them food even when he’s capable of it. She gets it.

Luke watched Mia bring her lip between her teeth, eyes scanning the workspace before she lands sight on a faded leather notebook. Her path is blocked by his body, but she doesn’t pay it any mind as she pushes onto her hands and makes a start for the lyric book.

Her head collides with Luke’s chest firsts before she falls uncomfortably over the guitar and into his arms, looking bewildered for a moment before she’s brought back to the reality of Luke’s status. She can touch him now, it’s not like three weeks ago when they were condemned to ghostly hovering.

“If you wanted me to hold you, all you had to do was ask.” Luke beamed, moving the guitar aside so he could cuddle her properly. Mia’s cheeks flushed, “Did you forget you could feel me? Well, maybe I have to remind you.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS — the three times mia knew luke was in love with her and the seven she thought he was in love with reggie:

TAGLIST — @r0s3mm @midnightmagicmusings @joshy-obx @parkeret

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