#mythrae writes

[mythrae]

On the Lowest

Summary: Sworn to secrecy, you and Gale relieve a bit of stress during a midnight tryst. (aka Gale Dekarios fucks)

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: 18+ (minors do NOT interact), smut without plot

Author's Notes:

Thank u all for voting in my tumblr poll I hope this is to your liking

Tav is described as having female genitalia

This might be a little OOC for Gale but I definitely see him as a switch kind of guy, he's just a little more of a top in this bc ya girl is a bottom

I haven't written smut in a LONG time and this isn't beta'd so please be kind

Click here to read on AO3 :)

Usually, you never mixed your business with pleasure.

It was a dangerous game, one you knew all too well. You found yourself often thinking with what’s between your legs rather than between your ears, and in an environment where you’re working closely with others, it can lead to many awkward situations with your companions. So awkward, in fact, you feared that someone could potentially leave your party over it.

But there was something about the Wizard of Waterdeep that made you want to risk it all.

You had taking a liking to Gale ever since he joined your party. Kind, intelligent, powerful, he was a formidable ally, and a good companion to keep around.

But he first intrigued you in that way while fighting through the Shadow Cursed lands, after a particularly tough battle. Gale had made a comment to you about how he read that a brush with danger may have an effect on one’s desire for… other forms of stimulation.

He understood when you told him that you weren’t looking for a long-term partner, especially with the dubious task of removing the tadpole in the forefront of your mind. But, as long as the two of you kept it a secret, you supposed there was nothing wrong with having a little fun and releasing some of your stress.

***

While the rest of the camp slept soundly at the Last Light Inn, you you found yourself tip toeing out into the night. Placing the pixies bell in your pocket, just in case, you walked on the outskirts of the safe haven, until you found the make-shift bridge made from rocks. You leaped across, being cautious to not slip and fall into the rushing water below. 

As you entered the Shadow Cursed lands, you cautiously made your way up the stairs, hand on your weapon just in case. You approached the abandoned house, the perfect size for 

“Hello?” You called out, hoping and praying no one else was there.

You approach the bedroom, pulling back the heavy curtain that took the place of the door. Gale was already lying on the bed in his camp clothes, a small candle burning on the nightstand next to him.

“Ah, there you are.” He said, sitting up on the mattress and standing to greet you. “I was starting to worry the Shadow Curse had gotten you.”

You reach in your pocket and show off the pixie’s bell as you stand in front of him. Your heart beats a little faster in your chest — it’s been a while since you’ve done anything like this. Would tonight make you feel satiated? Or regretful?

“A wise choice.” He commended as you stuffed it away. “You never know what dastardly creatures could be out here, you know.”

“What, like you?”

“Precisely.”

He wasted absolutely no time, leaning in to press his lips against yours. He kissed you feverishly, like a starving dog lunging for a piece of raw meat. You could taste the fine wine from dinner left on his lips, and you felt yourself slowly getting drunk off him. Your knees grew weak as you feel his hands rest at your hips, your desire slowly starting to build between your legs.

You rested your hands at the nape of his neck, a shaky sigh escaping his mouth as your fingertips trailed down his spine. Hells, you knew the man was touch-starved, but you didn’t realize how badly…

You nibbled at his lower lip, enticing a soft moan from the wizard, his fingers digging into the soft flesh of your hips. He pulls you closer to him, and you can feel his arousal straining through his trousers, begging to be freed.

He broke the kiss, panting heavily. “Lie back.”

You followed his command, falling back on the soft mattress as you gazed upon his face in the candlelight. 

Dare you say, he looked very handsome kneeling in between your legs.

His fingers made light work of your trousers, untying the laces and pulling them off swiftly to reveal your underclothes. He placed a soft kiss on the thin fabric, playfully nudging at your clit with his nose, sending a dull wave of pleasure rolling through your body. You heard him breathe in deeply, taking you for a bit of a surprise as you propped up on your elbows to watch him.

“Getting a whiff of my natural musk, are you?” 

Gale let out a light chuckle, tugging off your underwear with his teeth to expose your fragrant heat to him. “Darling, there’s nothing I need more.”

Lifting your legs to rest on top of his shoulders, his mouth is on you in an instant. He couldn’t wait another moment, he had to taste you now.

You feel his wet tongue delving between your folds, lapping hungrily at your essence. Your fingers snake through his locks and grip tightly, the coils already tightening in your lower belly. Gods, how long had it been since anyone had touched you like this, let alone tasted you? You weren’t sure, getting lost in the divine sensation of Gale burying his face in you.

Whatever he was doing with his tongue must be enchanted, the way he’s making you feel right now.

Your breath hitched as you sensed two of his fingers toying at your entrance, his brown eyes looking to yours for permission. You nodded, biting your lip, as he gently pushed them inside you. A moan slipped from your lips, enticing him to move his fingers faster, more rapidly, as your eyes rolled back in your head.

Gods, this is too fucking good, you thought, tightening your grip in his hair and almost pulling Gale out from between your legs.

But the wizard was much stronger, the fingers of his free hand wrapped around your hip and keeping you in place. His ministrations continued as you felt him suckle at your clit, your hips bucking his face in response.

“Gale…” you moan softly, afraid that even though you were out of earshot, the others would still hear you.

His mouth moved away from your folds, “Yes, dear? What is it?”

The ache in between your legs intensified. His two fingers thrusting inside your sex weren’t enough to satisfy you. 

No, you needed all of him.

“I need you. Inside me.” You stammered, embarrassed to beg for him out loud.

“Ah ah, use your words,” he demanded, his fingers slipping out of you. “Tell me, what do you want?”

“You…your cock.” You confessed, bashfully.

“Mmm,” he hummed, kissing your sex one final time. “Eager, aren’t we?”

His hands move to both your thighs, lifting them from his shoulders and pushing them back onto your chest. He stood over you, quickly stripping himself of his camp clothes. You watched him intently, your eyes gazing upon his form. He was lean, but fit, almost as if you were looking at the body of a God. With the sigil in his chest glowing bright, it would be easy to mistake him for one.

As you watched him slip off his trousers, you were a little shocked at how... well endowed Gale was. You had a feeling he would be, but to see it with your own two eyes was quite the treat.

He held on to the base of his cock, stroking it as he lined himself up to your slick entrance. He looked to you, searching for your consent to sink himself in you.

You don't hesitate, nodding quickly, nearly pleading with him to fuck you already.

His slowly slides himself in your wetness, both of you letting out a delighted sigh as the two of you became one. His hands grabbed your hips, digging into the flesh as he sheathes himself in you. He didn't break his gaze with you for a single moment, his eyes growing darker the deeper he went.

"Don't be gentle," you whisper as he fills you entirely for the first time.

He lets out a groan, his breath hot with desire.

You hear him mutter something under his breath, but before you can make out what he said, he leans down, pressing a kiss on your forehead before he thrusts himself back out, only to snap his hips into yours with full force.

Nine Hells, he's like an animal.

You cry out as he pounds you relentlessly, skin slapping on your sensitive nub over and over again. The same magic that enchanted his mouth and fingers must have been at work again, the way he nearly had you at your climax so quickly. He knew it too, a small smile forming at his open lips as he reached for a clothed breast, wrinkling your shirt even further as he kneads it in his hand.

Your eyes closed tight as you turned your head away, the pleasure taking you to a different realm entirely. Sweat rolled down his brow as he continued to rock into you, his hands moved to cradle your face and spinning it back to face him.

"Look at me," he ordered, "I want to see you fall apart."

You locked eyes with him as the coils in your lower belly continued to tighten, your body beginning to shake as the hot white feeling welled up, begging to explode. He kept on hitting that sweet spot deep within you, over and over again...

You took his thumb in your teeth as he rubbed it against your lips, sucking on the digit as your eyes still focused on him. You felt his hips began to stutter, he was close to his own release. Your teeth scraped against the pad of his thumb, inciting a gasp from his lips as he bucked in response.

Oh, hells, you were done for.

You felt your walls quiver around him as you finally gave in to your climax, hot waves of pleasure coursing through your body as your vision went blurry. Gale's thumb slipped out of your mouth as he felt you around him, pulling himself out of you as you felt his hot seed pooling on your lower stomach.

The two of you panted loudly as you came down from your conjoined release, holding each other's gaze. His eyes were no longer darkened by lust, but looked rather... warm. As if he was looking upon a long lost lover.

The thought made your cheeks flush for a moment, but you quickly shook the feeling away. You didn't have time for romance, for relationships, not with the fear of ceremorphosis at the front of your mind. Removing the mind flayer tadpole was your only priority.

And yet... the thought of Gale holding you close at night didn't seem like the worst possible outcome.

"Are you all right, dear?" He asked, brushing a stray hair behind your ear.

"I'm fine," you replied, leaning your head in the palm of his hand. "That was... wonderful."

He smiled, rubbing your cheekbone with his thumb reverently.

"But don't forget, this stays between us, all right? Keep it on the down low."

"On the lowest, darling." He smiled, moving his hand to create an X over the orb in his chest. "You have my word."

***

“Thou hast now a bosom companion.” The voice of Withers wakes you from your slumber with a jolt. “Take care that thou art not distracted on thy quest, seeking the comforts of the flesh.”

A moment passes between the two of you. You’re wondering as to why Withers was standing right above your tent, let alone why he would seek you out in the first place.

Then, the words of his message become clear in your mind.

“… excuse me?” You ask, bewildered as to how he would know what happened between you and Gale the night before, especially when they weren't even at camp when it happened.

“Recall that in time, all becomes dust and bone.”

Without another cryptic word, Withers turns and stalks away, leaving you alone to your very confused thoughts. There was only one response you could give to him:

“… okay, Bone Man.”

[mythrae-writes]

Killing Me Softly

Rugan/Darcy (Tav) | 3.6k words | 18+/mdni

thank you to @my-favourite-zhent for beta-reading and also laughing at the funny parts I wrote hehe

chapter title is a reference to the Fugee’s song “Ready Or Not,” released on their 1996 album The Score (linked below)

read previous chapter here!

Chapter Two: Ready Or Not, Here I Come

When Darcy and her party go to visit the Zhentarim hideout, it isn’t the happy reunion that she hoped for.

“That’s far enough.”

Darcy stopped, distracted by the unfamiliar voice echoing through the cavern. She planted her feet firmly in the ground and turned her head to see a woman standing on the other side of the ravine, crossbow aimed and ready to fire.

“What’s your business down here? Answer honestly, and maybe we’ll kill you clean.” 

Doesn’t seem that the Zhentarim like visitors , she thought.

She wasn’t about to take no for an answer, though. It was not easy getting to the hideout.

When Darcy and her party arrived at Waukeen’s Rest, the entire inn was in utter chaos. Absolutists had ransacked the place, setting it ablaze in their wake. Their arrival had also quickly become a rescue mission, saving Councilor Florick of Baldur’s Gate from burning alive. Then, she charged her party with finding Duke Ravengard, Wyll’s own father, no matter how far they had to go to save him. On top of that, the Zhentarim lookout had nearly set them ablaze as they approached the secret entrance. Luckily, Darcy was able to remember the passcode: “little serpent, long shadow.”

It had already been quite the day, and they hadn't even taken their first short rest.

Before she could think of a way to reply, the mysterious woman spoke again.

“Woah, hold your arrows.” She waved her hand up, signaling the other members around her to stand down. 

“This is Rugan’s saviour, I’ll bet. He told us all about you. Come on in, then.”

A wave of relief washed over Darcy’s body, but the feeling quickly subsided as she saw the wicked smile curling at the woman’s mouth.

“Any friend of Rugan’s is a friend of the family.”

Click .

Click here to read the rest on AO3!

[templeofbhalls]

On the Lowest

Gale x Female Tav | 2k words | 18+/mdni

content warnings: oral sex/cunnilingus, penetrative sex, vaginal sex

originally posted by @mythrae 10/07/23

Sworn to secrecy, you and Gale relieve a bit of stress during a midnight tryst. (aka Gale Dekarios fucks)

Usually, you never mixed your business with pleasure.

It was a dangerous game, one you knew all too well. You found yourself often thinking with what’s between your legs rather than between your ears, and in an environment where you’re working closely with others, it can lead to many awkward situations with your companions. So awkward, in fact, you feared that someone could potentially leave your party over it.

But there was something about the Wizard of Waterdeep that made you want to risk it all.

You had taking a liking to Gale ever since he joined your party. Kind, intelligent, powerful, he was a formidable ally, and a good companion to keep around.

But he first intrigued you in that way while fighting through the Shadow Cursed lands, after a particularly tough battle. Gale had made a comment to you about how he read that a brush with danger may have an effect on one’s desire for… other forms of stimulation.

He understood when you told him that you weren’t looking for a long-term partner, especially with the dubious task of removing the tadpole in the forefront of your mind. But, as long as the two of you kept it a secret, you supposed there was nothing wrong with having a little fun and releasing some of your stress.

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

Click here to read the rest on ao3!

[sturthepotofmadness]

I got a random idea for a Xenoblade Chronicles 2 au I want to throw out into the world, since I'm not too sure if I'm going to write it or not. There's technically two, but one is more of a Xenoblade 3 au and even then it's even more canon diverge-y than this one, so only the xc2 au for now.

The divergence point is a bit weird, since it would take place before Rex gets pulled into the mission to find Pyra and I'm assuming story salvager ranks works differently compared to gameplay salvager ranks (mainly that story salvager ranks go from E-D-C-B-A-S-SS in order from lowest to highest and the weird extra titles don't exist, just rank letters). Other than that, the only spoilers are the events of chapter 1, the very beginning of chapter 2, and a boss and group from chapter 3. You've been warned if you care about early game spoilers.

Anyways, time to actually talk about the au idea. Also cut after the second paragraph cuz this is long.

So let's say Rex is 14, maybe a few months out from 15 here, he's known within the Argentum salvager community, and being salvager rank C is impressive for someone so young. He's having trouble reaching a higher rank, if only because his only way to protect himself is an old sword he scraped together and getting higher ranks means salvaging at risker points, which means dealing with stronger monsters and needing a better weapon, but he doesn't want to spend what money he has on getting a better weapon.

For some reason, Vandham's Merc Group has an influx of kids that don't want to become mercenaries, so they send a group out to gather people to explain jobs to this group of kids they're taking care of. One of the groups was led by Yew since the Argentum Trade Guild can be a hot mess if you talk to the wrong person by accident and Yew is good at sorting through people. Yew sees the salvager community here and is impressed by how supportive they are of each other.

When Yew talks to one of the salvagers there and he brings up the idea of teaching some kids about salvaging. The salvager asks, "We talking Rex's age, or we talking younger?" Yew asks who Rex is and that just so happens to be the time when Rex pulls into the docks and the salvager points him out. Yew (and the mercs with him) have to process that as the salvager comments that Rex is really damn good to salvaging and probably would have a higher rank if would use his gold on getting a better weapon instead of sending it back to his home town or repairing damage to his hut on Azurda.

Yew's crew decides to speak to Rex once he's free and before he leaves, so continue talking around Argentum. They're... really unimpressed with 97% of the Nopon, with the only ones they aren't unimpressed by being Zuzu (makes those noodles all by himself) and Falala (is a chef wanting to be something greater). However, they can't really ask either of them if they want to speak to said kids because Zuzu can't leave his job due to the popularity and Falala has a full time job.

They see Rex finishing up with the stuff he wanted to do at Argentum and Yew goes over to him. Rex sees him and asks what he's up to and Yew explains he's looking for people to explain to some kids about some jobs they could do and how unimpressed he's been with everyone from Argentum except the salvager and exactly two Nopon too attached to their job. Rex comments "yea that's Nopon for you" and asks if they found what they're looking for. Yew says that one of the other salvagers suggested Rex because Rex is closer to the kid's age and might have their attention more than some random adult. Rex thinks about it, then says that he's willing to do it, but only if it's fine if he brings Gramps along. Yew doesn't know who Gramps is, assumes it's someone important to Rex, and asks if he can speak to this Gramps. Rex drags him off to Azurda, who is Gramps, which Yew has to accept that of course the kid calls this titan something else.

Gramps and Yew talk for a bit before Gramps gives his go ahead and they head off to Uraya.

One travel later and all the merc groups have the people they managed to convince to speak to the kids and meet at Uraya's capital before they all start heading down to Garfont Village. There's 6 people (including Rex) they convinced, but it's better than nothing.

Once they get close to Garfont village, Rex notices a massive spider thing with a golden glow further up the cliff, with the road splitting off there to up there and to Garfont Village. Rex asks about the giant spider thing, some of the mercs look over and promptly go "why the hell is there a giant Elder Arachno with a blade". They get to Garfont Village, throw the volunteers at the kids, then tell Vandham about the spider Rex spotted (and also admitting that they wouldn't have gave a second glance at it if Rex didn't mention it).

Vandham takes some mercs to go demolish the Elder Arachno while the six visitors talk to the kids, though they're clearly only interested in the talks given by Rex and some Driver from either Mor Ardian or Gormott.

Vandham and who he took with him return with the meat, shell, and drops of the Elder Arachno as the last lecture ends. It took so long to kill the spider since it called friends and they wanted all of that meat for rations. The visitors are free to stay for the night before heading back home or just head back now without any help from the mercs. They all decide to stick around and Vandham asks one of the mercs to pull aside who pointed out the spider.

Yew grabs Rex, mentioning the boss wants to speak to him since Rex was the one to point out the spider. Rex is confused but follows as they go over to Vandham. Vandham makes sure Rex is the one who pointed out the spider and Rex is like "yea, i saw something glowing in the distance and i saw it was coming from some sort of spider". Vandham pats his shoulder, thanks Rex for pointing it out before it could become a problem, and drops the Beastly Core Crystal in Rex's hand. Rex is confused but Vandham explained the glow was from a Blade and that's the crystal the Blade went back into and Rex is free to keep it. Rex does decide to hold onto it and Vandham shooes him off after telling him to "awaken it when it glows or do smth with it".

One night and travel time later, Rex is back in Argentum and one of the salvagers ask how the trip was. Rex says all he had to do was explain the basics of salvaging to a group of 6-10 year old kids and he got a core crystal because he pointed out some spider that ended up being dangerous kinda close to the village. The salvager is surprised Rex got gifted a core crystal and asks what he'll do it with. After a moment, Rex says he's going to hold onto it until "it glows", since the village leader mentioned awakening it once it starts glowing. The salvager says that if it does start glowing to do it in Argentum so the other salvagers can see. Rex agrees and they head their ways.

About a week or two later, the core crystal starts glowing again after Rex had to smack some crabs back into the Cloud Sea. He goes back to Argentum to turn in his haul for payment (and paying the dock person) before going over to where the salvagers are meeting up. The salvagers greet Rex and ask if anything interesting happened. He takes out the now glowing core crystal and someone asks if he's gonna try and awaken a blade. Rex thinks for a moment, then says yea. Some Nopon nearby hear that and ask to see Rexrex attempt to awaken blade. Azurda moves to get a better look at the happenings as a group starts forming to watch.

Rex holds the Beastly Core Crystal out and begins to focus on it and attempting to resonate with it. They watch as the crystal begins to glow and, after a burst of light, Rex is holding a special Megalance and Wulfric has appeared in front of him. The crowd is silent as Rex says hi to his blade and Wulfric introduces himself, causing a few members of the crowd to recoil.

Congrats, Rex, you're now a salvager driver before the main plot begins. Rex starts bonding with Wulfric so they can be stronger together and learning how to use the Megalance. He finds it come weirdly naturally to him, but whoever he's sparring with just says that weapons created by a Blade you trust feels more natural than some random wepaon. Wulfric also learns to be "softer" for the lack of a better term so he can calm people if they find him scary. Rex also starts salvaging in more dangerous locations once he feels ready with Wulfric's weapon and he begins getting higher ranks, managing to get to rank A before the main plot finally shows itself.

The only real ideas of how the main story would go once it gets kicked started are:

-the Torna crew being surprised by Wulfric not returning to his core crystal and promptly rampaging on them because Pyra yoinked Rex before he could die,

-Malos and Jin failing miserably to stop Wulfric from wrecking the shipwreck while Nia, Dromarch and Sever try and make sure none of the other people on the shipwreck aren't harmed and get off the wreck,

-Rex and Pyra have a bit of an easier time against Malos thanks to Wulfric wrecking shit but still needing to be saved by Nia and Azurda,

-and Pyra not being able to wake Rex up herself after they crash on Gormott because Wulfric is very protective of his driver that nearly died but is somehow alive thanks to this new blade that randomly decided Rex is now her driver.

Not too sure how much else the story would change, other than they would probably have to come up with something to hide both pieces of green core crystal on Rex and Pyra when they have to disguise Pyra since their original excuse in canon wouldn't work because of Wulfric (... and also Rex being more well known because of the whole salvager driver thing with a high rank).

[jaredxenoengage]

Three Plus Two: Xenoblade 2

Spoilers for Xenoblade Chronicles 2:

Every JRPG is going to have its stories, some anime tropes, FANSERVICE, a crap ton of flaws (but when is anything perfect to begin with) and their ragtag bunch of misfits. And that is ok. We’re all going to like different things. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about concerning Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (one of my favorite JRPG games of all time).

And no, it’s not talking about the “problems” Xenoblade 2 “suffers” from, we could be here FOREVER discussing that. No, I want to talk about the party of Xenoblade 2. If you remember my post regarding the Five Man Band and how Fire Emblem Engage uses the trope https://www.tumblr.com/jaredxenoengage/753270910703828992/the-five-man-band-is-among-one-my-favorite-tropes

While Xenoblade 2 does follow the Five Man Band trope, as their are 5 party members (Rex, Nia, Tora, Mòrag and Zeke, with Vandham and ironically, Jin and Malos as guess party members). For most of the game, up until the end of Chapter 4, the team sticks with the Power Trio Rex, Nia, and Tora. This is the Three Plus Two trope (best seen in Power Rangers Dino Thunder, its predecessor Ninja Storm, Jungle Fury, and Power Rangers RPM (for the most part). It’s where a power trio in a team evolves in the typical Five Man Band.

The team would expand later with two main party members (both of whom served as Rex’s rivals throughout his journey). Mòrag, Special Inquisitor for the Empire of Mor Ardain. While Mòrag was never evil, Mòrag (like most Sixth Rangers) opposed Rex because she did what she felt was right (because she saw the Aegis, Pyra as a threat to the world, and an Artifical Blade who looked like Poppi was causing trouble). But eventually, Mòrag settles her differences with Rex and eventually becomes fully devoted to Rex’s cause.

Zeke Von Genbu. Yeah. Zeke Von Genbu. The same guy that Rex fought and became his own undoing. Zeke is very much like Mòrag. As he is also royalty of one of the Kingdoms of Alrest, as the prince of Tantal. Zeke fought Rex to test his strength and intended to join him so that he could eventually meet Amalthus, who the party were going to meet anyways at Mythra’s (Pyra’s sister/original) behest.

Mòrag and Zeke are both far more experienced than Rex is both as Drivers and as citizens of the world of Alrest. Both fought against Rex before eventually joining his party. And most of all, they both, in a way, serves as mentors to Rex. After seeing his potential and his character, they both eventually choose to trust him.

Now what dynamic do each of the party members serves?

Rex is the Leader and main protagonist of Xenoblade 2. As a Driver and someone who lives in Alrest, Rex is very inexperienced in comparison to all of his other friends (Tora included despite not being a Driver yet, cause he couldn’t be without Poppi). So Rex in a bit of a in a pickle in his leadership spot.

But what he lacks (initially) is skill, he makes up for it with his heart and strength of character. Rex serves as inspiration to others. Despite their initial backlash, during the brief time Torna was using Rex to retrieve Pyra, Nia does show a little bit kinship with him. So Rex (initially) dying at Jin’s hands and Malos threatening to dispose the Argentum Trade Guild’s Salvagers as “thanks” for helping them causes Nia to defect Torna. It’s also at Rex’s behest that convinces Nia to stay with him (and Tora) on the Journey to Elysium.

And all of this is WITHOUT talking about how much of an impact he has on Pyra and Mythra. Speaking of whom, as the Aegis of the team, Pyra (mainly Mythra) is the driving force behind the journey to Elysium. It was Mythra’s idea to take Fan La Norme (Haze)‘s invitation to meet Amalthus (they were already going to meet him anyways). And as the Aegis, Pyra and Mythra are one Alrest’s most powerful Blades.

And later in the game, Rex gets Roc (Vandham’s former blade), exclusive access to Nia as a Blade, as well as Pneuma and the Master Driver abilities (that gives Rex the ability to use the Blades of his fellow Drivers, save for Poppi). Despite Rex’s initial inexperience, by the end of the game, he has the most blades locked to him, and the ability to use every non Poppi blade).

Nia is the Lancer of the team. The Lancer the one who serves as the Leader/Hero’s second in command and/or foil. Nia is more of the pessimist compared to Rex’s optimist. Nia is the first to question Pyra’s quest to reach Elysium (which she was right about, for the most part). And (ironically) when Rex was going to give up the journey after Pyra and Mythra are kidnapped at the end of Chapter 6, at the start of Chapter 7, Nia is the very first person to give Rex a piece of her mind.

As far as being foils in their powers, Nia’s Blade is Dromarch, a Water Blade that serves as a parental substitute for Nia. Dromarch is more of the Advisor, and is one of (if not) the most knowledgeable party member. Making him more of the smart guy in terms of his role when talking about the Blades.

Not many Lancer type characters are healers (which would be more of The Heart’s role), but where Nia shines in being the Lancer to Rex AND the Aegis girls is that she is a Flesh Eater. Making their dynamic similar to Jin and Malos, a fellow Flesh Eater and Aegis Blade respectively.

Tora is more of a “smart guy” than what most make think. Say what you will about his perverse behavior towards Poppi, but Tora would have to be intelligent enough about Drivers and the tools need to make Poppi to be able to make her at all. In fact, Poppi’s role in Team Aegis as a whole is very crucial to success of Rex’s team.

For example, Tora teaches Rex about the elemental powers of the Blades. Helped him and Pyra escape from Brighid and form a plan to save Nia after she was captured in the aforementioned battle. Tora (albeit with Mòrag’s advice) was able to use Poppi to escape from a prison in Tantal that negates Blade arts in Chapter 6. In the trip down Spirit Crucible Elpys, Poppi being an Artificial Blade allows her to use Arts perfectly fine. And finally, Poppi is a key player in stopping Amalthus’s control over the Titans.

Poppi’s gameplay as a whole serves similarly to the smart guy because she is more customizable than any other Blade in the game. Her versatility gives her a use in battle no one else has. This is especially true in Chapter 7.

Poppi’s overall character is that of the Heart though. It’s Poppi who manages to succeed in reaching out to Rex when he was going to quit his journey to Elysium after the Aegis is taken away from him. Nia and Brighid were unable to cut deep into him, but Poppi succeeded. Poppi also convinces Jin to hear out Brighid’s request to learn about herself in Chapter 8, and she has the most emotional moments on the whole.

Now normally, Vandham’s role would be the Big Guy. His seize notwithstanding, Vandham is very much a Mighty Glacier that hits hard with his Wind Blade Roc. All of Vandham’s stats (save for agility) are really good in the brief time he’s at your side. Unfortunately, the Big Guy suffers from a Fatality Syndrome. And in the case of Vandham, it couldn’t be cured.

Vandham’s role in chapter 3 is to be the mentor. Vandham teaches Rex how to Topple with his Anchor Shot. Vandham teaches Rex about the world of Alrest through the harsh realities of the Blade System. And Vandham, above all else, taught Rex to fight his own war. A lesson that would stick with Rex for a long time.

The reason why this JRPG team is a Three plus two dynamic is because of Vandham’s death. Once he died, it was back to the Power Trio of Rex, Nia and Tora.

This is where Mòrag would fill the role Vandham left behind. Mòrag is every bit of the experience Driver as Vandham was despite being a mercenary in the grand scheme of things. If you don’t consider Tora to be the smart guy of the team, then consider Mòrag in chapter 6. Her knowledge over the events in Alrest leads her to be the one to question Amalthus’s role in the plot. In the same chapter, she was the first to realize that the King of Tantal may had different plans for them (her fears were proven right).

Mòrag’s experience and battle prowess makes her a Genius Bruiser. As the Flamebringer and with one of the twin jewels of Mor Ardain: Brighid, her prowess as a Driver and experience as Special Inquisitor of the Empire makes her an invaluable member of the team once she finally accepts her role as Rex’s ally.

In fact, Mòrag is the only Driver of the team (Vandham excluded) to not have some unique aspect about her as a Driver. Rex is the Driver the Aegis, Nia is a Flesh Eater, Tora is a Driver with an Artificial Blade, and Zeke is a Blade Eater. And even if Mòrag gains access to Aegaeon later on, awakening him is optional. So Mòrag is simply a powerful and effective Driver all on her own.

And then there is Zeke. While I say he is the heart overall as far as the Drivers are concerned (which is best exemplified late game), Zeke also has some Big Guy traits, as well as Sixth Ranger traits.

Zeke is undoubtedly the tallest member of Rex’s team. Zeke is also the most boisterous in terms of personality. And if it’s not Rex getting hit the butt monkey moments, or Tora and Nia in some cases, then it’s definitely Zeke. Unlike Vandham, some of the other tropes you find in the muscle characters (besides the fatality syndrome) are found in Zeke.

Now where does Zeke fit in terms of being the heart? IMO, Zeke has some of the most heartfelt moments and scenes in the game when he isn’t just being played for comedy. Zeke willing opening up about his Blade Eater status and backstory serves as the moment Nia finally comes clean with Rex about her own backstory (and her Flesh Eater form later). Zeke is one of the most caring members of the team and his relationship with Pandoria is really heartwarming and tragic with his backstory in mind.

And as for the Sixth Ranger trope, he would have played this straighter if Vandham was still alive. Even if his Eye of Shining Justice ability is NG+ only, Sixth Rangers often get some the cooler powers and abilities if the Red Ranger doesn’t have them, and this is no exception.

Now when we look at the Organization of Torna, they follow a similar team structure to Rex and his party members. Once it all comes together, you begin to see who serves as a counterpart to who. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThePsychoRangers

Jin to Rex: True, Malos is the Aegis, thus making him the evil counterpart to Pyra and Mythra. But in terms of roles in the team and their story, Jin is meant to be the foil to Rex. Jin represents the person Rex could have become if he was driven to despair.

Jin’s former Driver and love interest Lora died at the hands of Amalthus. On top of losing some of other friends in the Aegis war, and problems with the Blade system leads him to hate the world and wish to see it burn.

Because Jin is a Flesh Eater, he has some foils towards Nia as well. But again, Jin is more meant to be Rex’s counterpart. And their interactions throughout the story makes this clear.

Nia to Malos: Nia inadvertently became Rex’s second in command after their meeting and her eventually break up with Torna. Much like, or not, how Malos follows Jin’s lead, Nia is the one who always questions Rex’s every move. Whereas Malos tainted Jin with his despairing influence that also consumed Amalthus, Rex’s influence was slowly changing Nia for the better.

In chapter 7, Nia’s Flesh Eater healing powers serve as a direct counter Malos’s destructive capabilities when his Aegis powers are restored. She can act as Rex’s Blade together with Pyra and Mythra as well.

Malos is an Aegis who follows the lead of the Flesh Eater Jin, while the Flesh Eater Nia has to back the Driver of the Aegis: Rex up.

Akhos to Tora: Akhos and Tora don’t any interaction, but I’d say their roles are similar enough to warrant the comparison. Tora isn’t a master strategist guy like Akhos is,but he’s knowledgeable enough to allow Poppi to even exist and be a key player in Rex’s journey. Akhos serves as the eye in the sky for Torna and does it effectively.

Patroka to Mòrag: Both Patroka and Mòrag are both the female powerhouses. But Mòrag is more levelheaded and skilled, while Patroka is more brash and quick to lose her temper.

And Mikhail to Zeke: finally, both Mikhail and Zeke are the regular butt Monkeys of their respective groups. The two of them have more depth than their silly butt of jokes give them credit for. Lastly, but by far the most important part, they are both Blade Eaters with conflicts towards Amalthus. This becomes apparent in Chapter 9.

And that is my take on the team dynamic of Xenoblade 2.

[voloslobotomyservice]

wip whenever

tagged by @commander-krios @my-favourite-zhent@rolansrighthorn

tagging @dustdeepsea and @wanderingisobel bc I know they're cooking something good

this is actually from chapter 2 of an upcoming fic featuring Geraldus x Named Tav, where Estrelle, a Cleric of Selune, meets Geraldus before the events of the game.

(yes I'm still working on Killing Me Softly don't worry! hoping to get the next chapter out next week)

this is very much a work in progress so pls be kind

Estrelle sighed deeply into her empty wine glass. Her sponsor, Faelynn, had convinced her to celebrate her induction at the Elfsong, her treat. She was more than happy to drink to her success, but after finishing her first glass, her mind filled with clouds of doubt.  The thoughts trickled in like rain, contrasting the late summer sun shining through the windows: Did she make the right choice? Was it worth it to risk her life to keep the city she loved safe? Would she make the citizens of Baldur’s Gate proud? In fact, would she make her parents proud? “Done already?” A half-elf asked, pulling Estrelle out of her thoughts. She sat across her in the booth, tankard freshly filled. “It usually takes you years to finish a glass.” “And you’re on your third drink, Faelynn.” She chuckled, lifting her empty glass and tapping the rim against the tankard. “Try not to go too wild tonight, hm?” “But we’re celebrating!” Faelynn exclaimed before taking a large swig of her ale. “If anyone should be getting drunk, it should be the new Harper Elle!” “I think I’ll pace myself tonight, thank you.” The last thing she wanted was for more intrusive thoughts to fill up her mind. Or to be sloppy drunk in the streets of the city she swore to protect.  “Suit yourself,” Faelynn shrugged, “but I hope you know how proud I am. You’re gonna do great work in the Harpers, kiddo.” “Likewise.” she smiled before bringing her glass to her lips, forgetting it was empty. The half-elf’s eyebrows raised in amusement. “Aye, looks like you need that second drink, eh?” She laughed before taking a few more sips of her own drink. “I’ll get you another once mine is done” “Thank you, Fae. You’re too good to me.” Estrelle let her eyes wander around the Elfsong, glancing over from one person to the next. It was always interesting to spy on the different patrons and predict why they were there. For example, the couple at the table next to hers was most certainly a man with his elven mistress. The elderly man was trying to hide his face from most of the other patrons, and the woman looked much, much younger than him.  Though elves do live much longer than humans, she thought, so maybe it’s not as taboo as it seems.  Then, on the other side of the tavern, a blonde man looked to be crying tears into his drink, his face rather forlorn. Perhaps he was dumped by his lover, or maybe his mother had passed away. Either way, probably not the healthiest way to handle his emotions. And at the bar sat a young, handsome half-elf, with raven hair that settled just above his shoulders… Wait a minute… is that… She squinted, trying to make out the details of his side profile. Sure enough, she saw his big, hazel eyes, shimmering in the dim tavern lighting. Geraldus?!

[newnevermind-sanity]

Some more shitposting from my smash brothers fic.

I may have struggled to write the latest chapter but my meme game is definitely here

[troomphets]

Want something nice to read?

MMD render slots opening soon!

[vanillahina]

Xenoblade Modern AU: La Science du Coeur

I can't believe that I forgot to share my 1st fic in 8 years, also the first one in English.

Modern AU with the Trinity Processor. They're attending University.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/48001567/chapters/121030735

[eaglefairy]

Oh the zelda/xc2 fusion au just got so much angstier, I love it

[10moonymhrivertam]

“Rex, Architect help me, if you don’t give me a name right now, we’re calling him Adam.”

“Would that be such a bad thing?” Rex wheedled. Mythra had been least shy in her appetites, but she was an easy leader to follow. She was more than aware she was about to set a tone.

“I don’t know, would it be bad to name him after Zeke?” Which Mythra clearly meant to be rhetorical in a particular direction, but -

Rex scratched at his chin. “I mean, d’you want me to be honest with you?”

Mythra grabbed blindly at the bedside table, coming away with an empty baby’s bottle. She reeled back. Rex threw his hands up.

“He’s taught me a lot, love! C’mon, I’m not an idea guy, I’m the brawn-and-smiles guy!”

Mythra continued to glare, but she also continued to hold onto the bottle. Rex kept smiling and holding his hands in the air. Slowly, she lowered the bottle, looking back at the bundle in her other arm.

“So it’s either Adam, or we rip off one of Zeke’s names?”

“Seems so.” Rex dared to come up alongside the bed and look with her. “You got a preference?”

“Could be funny to see Zeke’s face.” Mythra’s face was doing a complicated thing - the face of ‘I wish I could hide behind Pyra right now’ with a smile slapped on top. Rex squeezed her shoulder.

“Yeah, he probably thought his other options sounded lame, huh? Ozzie von Genbu, bringer of boredom?”

Mythra snorted, and he soared inside. She tilted her head, her eyes flickering as she presumably mulled over the rest of his name.

“I’m thinking…Bruno.”

“Ah, the middle bit, that’s nice! I was still stuck on Ozychlyrus. Was gonna suggest Clyde.”

“Nope. Too late. You snooze, you lose. I’m attached, now. Bruno.” She said the last part soft and certain, like it was more for the baby’s sake than Rex’s. He melted, curling in close around them. It was easy to forget, for a moment, that he’d lined himself up for two more rounds of this within the month.

[mythrae]

Request -> something brief and sweet on braiding Dammon’s hair? ♥️

🫡 🫡 🫡 roger that!!!

and thank you so much for the request! <3

this is set in post-game world where Tavs can romance Dammon because it's truly what he deserves (also I put this pic here bc you can really see the red in his hair and I think it looks hot)

“Why do you never wear your hair down?”

The question fell from Tav’s lips before realizing they said it out loud. They were sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Dammon brushing out his long, blonde hair that reached just past his shoulders. Every morning, he always took great care to make sure each knot was detangled before tying it up in his usual bun. His swift, easy motions show that he's been doing it for many years, keeping his method the same each time.

And every morning, Tav watched, paying close attention to their lover’s routine.

“Just don’t want it to get in my face while I’m working,” he replied, placing his hair brush on the vanity in front of him. “Plus, I'm not really a fan of the smell of burnt hair. Rather unpleasant, if you ask me.” He chuckled lightly.

Tav tried to imagine the tiefling’s hair in any other style, but nothing specific came to mind. It was either up in a bun or let down, which they only had the privilege of seeing right before they go to bed.

“Is that bun the only style you know how to do?” 

“‘Fraid so.” He lifted his hands to the crown of his head, tying his hair tightly in a ponytail. “Never really had anyone tell me how to take care of it, other than to wash and brush it out.” 

“Have you ever worn it in a braid?”

He chuckled lightly, “Can’t say I have. Though I think my fingers might not be able to move like that anymore.” He looks down at his hands, rough and calloused from years in the forge. They definitely weren’t as nimble as they were when he was younger.

“Well, can I do it for you?” They asked eagerly, “I think. you'd look rather handsome with one.”

“Go ahead.” He said with a smile.

Tav scooted backwards and spread their legs, inviting Dammon to sit in front of them with a pat on their thighs. He obliged, leaning forward a bit to give them some room to work with his ponytail.

They have felt his hair between their fingers countless times before – fine, straight, golden locks with hints of auburn, always soft to the touch. Tav took his ponytail in their hands, sectioning the hair into three strands before crossing them over each other. They tried their best to keep their motions tight and precise, pulling on the strands ever so gently, so none of them would fall out during Dammon’s day at the forge.

Facing away from Tav, the tiefling’s eyes were closed shut, his shoulders relaxing as he felt his partner’s hands in his hair. It was no secret to them that he enjoyed having his hair played with, especially when the two of them were between his sheets. But the way they were touching his hair now felt like something completely new to him. The intimacy of someone he cares for so deeply helping him with his morning routine, one he’s done for years and years, one he’s done all by himself.

It made him fall in love with them even more than he already was.

“Aaaaand done!” Tav smiled, securing the end of their lover’s hair. “What do you think?”

Dammon stared at himself in the mirror as he reached for his hair, holding it out so he could see what Tav had done. He could see them in the mirror's reflection, eagerly waiting for his response.

He smiled as he looked upon their work, his hair perfectly entwined in a beautiful braid. He’d never seen his hair like this, and he was surprised with how much he liked seeing it in this style. In fact, he almost preferred his hair pulled back like this.

But he mostly liked it because it was his lover that created it.

“I love it, Tav.” He turns his head, planting a kiss on their cheek. “Thank you.”

From that moment on, every time Tav would spend the night with him, Dammon would always ask them to braid his hair in the morning.

[mythrae-writes]

Killing Me Softly

Rugan/Darcy (Tav) | 3.1k words | 18+/mdni

huge s/o to @my-favourite-zhent and @fistfuloftarenths for beta reading and just helping me get the words I wanna write out of my mouth!

Chapter One: Stranger To My Eye

After a run-in with the Zhentarim, Darcy realizes that her actions have dire consequences.

Darcy thought making her way through the Risen Road would be easy. Couple of tough creatures here and there, but the loot would be worth it, and her party could head towards Moonrise Towers with ease. 

Boy, was she wrong.

Standing in gnoll and hyena guts, she silently prayed to no particular god that none of the other members of the pack were still alive. She highly doubted it, though. The gnoll leader herself was slaughtering her own kind before she ultimately ended herself, thanks to the tadpoles they had in their brains. Thankfully, the only sounds Darcy heard were from her own companions, recovering from the fight. It wasn’t an easy one, and she knew they’d need to take a short rest soon.

“Astarion, what are you whining about now?” Shadowheart groaned, rolling her eyes as she reached out to the vampire with a healing spell.

“Ugh!” He cried out, “Darcy just got me these boots and now they’re absolutely soaked in gnoll blood.”

“I would’ve thought you’d enjoy that.”

“Not if the blood's old or staining my clothes!”

“The river’s just south from here.” Karlach pointed, “Want to go wash them off real quick?”

“I think we all need a good wash.” Darcy looked at herself, blood splattered all over her clothes. “We’re looking pretty rough.”

But before she could take a step further, she heard a man’s rugged voice calling to her from the cavern.

“By the Gods!” He shouted, a wave of relief lingering in his voice, “You’re a sweet sight.”

Darcy turned around to face him, the gnoll guts squelching under her boots as her hand instinctively grabbed for her bow and pulled it taut, arrow nocked and ready to be released. She feared that another enemy had approached their party, someone who wanted to take advantage of them while they were still licking their wounds.

But as the man fully came into view, she was pleasantly surprised.

Very pleasantly surprised.

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Read Chapter 2 here!

Click here to read the rest on AO3! :)

[templeofbhalls]

Show Me How

Wyll x Divya (OC) | 3.5k words | 18+/mdni

content warnings: oral sex/cunnilingus

originally posted 01/09/24 (reposting bc it got deleted)

Divya shows Wyll how to take care of his horns, while he shows her how good she makes him feel.

After a long day of adventuring, the party finally made it back to camp. 

It had been their hardest day yet – upon arriving at the Risen Road, they did not expect a pack of gnolls to be waiting for them. They slaughtered them all, saving the lives of two Zhentarim smugglers and getting paid rather handsomely for it, too. One of them even suggested for them to check out their hideout in Waukeen’s Rest. They planned to do just that, but first, they needed a well-deserved long rest.

Shadowheart was tending to Lae’zel’s wounds she received in battle, Karlach was handing off some food so Gale could make his classic stew supper, and Astarion? Well, he was already one deep in a goblet of red.

Whether it was wine or blood he was sipping on, the party will truly never know.

Meanwhile, as the sun set over the horizon, Wyll followed Divya to the camp’s riverbank. It had taken some convincing, but she finally got him to agree to teach him how to care for his horns. He figured he might as well, if Mizora herself said she couldn’t undo his transformation.

Besides, he definitely wanted to share another moment alone with her, away from the prying eyes of their colleagues.

“Are you ready to have the best looking horns on this side of the Sword Coast?” Divya grinned as she sat on the ground, already digging into her pack for her supplies.

Wyll chuckled at her excitement, sitting cross-legged by her side. “Of course, especially with you as my teacher.”

The tiefling woman blushed as she pulled a leather pouch from her bag, opening it to reveal two bottles with labels almost too small to read, even with his infernal eyes. He squinted to try to make out the text, but it seemed like she didn’t need to read the labels anyways.

“Do you see these right here?”

Wyll nodded, watching her eagerly.

“These are the only products you’ll need, don’t let anyone try to convince you that you need anything else.” She began to explain, specifically grabbing one with a clear liquid inside. “This one is used to clean your horns. Don’t know what they put in this, but it works a lot better than just plain old water.” She carefully popped the cork off with a skilled claw. “Can you get me one of the rags from my pack, please?”

He handed her a rag, his fingers softly brushing against her own. He pretended like it didn’t have any effect on him, but after the tiefling party, he definitely had let his mind wander, thinking about touching her again, feeling her warm, bare skin underneath his fingers.

In fact, it was something he thought of a lot.

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Click her to continue reading on a03!

[bardic-inspo]

Six(ish) Sentence Sunday

Tagged by the wonderful @totally-not-deacon. Thank you!! 💜💜

Tagging back @elinorbard, @bakuliwrites, @vixstarria, @mythrae-writes, and @thedreamlessnights to share as much or as little as you like of something you're working on (no worries if you'd rather not!)

If you want me to tag you to participate in future WIP memes, feel free to give this post over here a like.

Recently posted the Ascended Astarion x Vampire Bride Tav fic (Blood in the Mortar) which was consuming me so now my brain is free to fixate elsewhere.

Aaaand it settled on some post-game Spawn Astarion x Tav angst I don't have a title for just yet 👀 Here's a rough peek (more than six sentences woops):

Astarion whips his head towards the stirring shadows. In one hand, he white-knuckles his dagger. The other is a vice, clutching Naomi to his rib cage.  She’s safe. She’s free. She’s… She’s never been so cold, so long as Astarion’s known her. He can’t tell if it’s him or her who’s shaking hard enough to hurt his teeth.  It bites him deeper than Godey’s knives ever did. He’d do anything to claw this pain out of his skin like he clawed Naomi from the dirt. To go back and run faster, strike quicker, catch her before she was caught by someone else. But he can’t. And for that abject failure, the first person Astarion ever truly cared for will be a vampire spawn for the rest of her days.

[voloslobotomyservice]

the plot is thiccening