#or i can just keep gambling with the surprise trades

[sudoscience]

Update: I have all of them now. Happy to help if you need any Scarlet exclusives, though. (Or if, for some reason, you don't want your Miraidon. I'm not willing to part with my Koraidon, but maybe we can work something else out.)

Not saying you have to—I'm happy to help for free—but I do have a Ko-Fi ;)

Will trade for the following Pokémon. DM if interested.

Misdreavus or Mismagius

Palafin*

Passimian

Eiscue

Slowking

Clauncher or Clawitzer

Iron Treads

Iron Bundle

Iron Hands

Iron Jungulis

Iron Moth

Iron Thorns

Iron Valiant

Miraidon**

*Or you can just join me in the Union Circle. I already have a Finizen. I just don't have friends.

**I will trade it right back to you if you want. I know I don't want to part with my Koraidon, so I'll understand if you feel the same about your Miraidon. Unless for some reason you want a different Pokémon in exchange.

[caffeineinducedbeing]

Ranger Gathering 2024: Mentor

TW: Drunkeness, gambling, unconventional use of alcohol, mention of vomiting

---

The knock on the door came loud and uneven, shattering the moment of rare silence that Halt was just settling into. Startled, the older ranger rose from his chair, a book slipping from his lap. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips as he made his way toward the entry hall, he had been moments away from calling it a night, it had been a long day of endless negotiations with a stubborn ambassador, negotiations which probably would've been settled within hours if his wife had been here, but Pauline was away on a mission in Greenfield.

So who in Gorlog's name could possibly be bothering him at this hour...

As he opened the door, his eyes widened only slightly in surprise. Will Treaty, in all his disastrous glory, stood there, leaning heavily on the doorframe, his clothes disheveled and his eyes glassy.

"Will?" Halt began, his voice a mix of concern and confusion. "What--"

"Tadaa!" Will slurred, clearly intoxicated, but holding up a document like a trophy.

Halt stared for a moment longer, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized his former apprentice, "You're drunk," he finally stated, eyebrows knitting together, and his jaw clenching.

"Drunk and successful," Will replied, swaying slightly as he tried to keep his balance. "I got the trades."

Halt's eyes flicked to the document Will was waving around, and his eyebrow flew up. "And how, may I ask, did you accomplish that?"

Will grinned, a lopsided, almost childlike smile. "People are willing to give you anything after a few shots of whiskey."

Halt sighed deeply, stepping aside to let Will in. "Come in before you fall over."

Will released the doorframe and probably would've fallen over had Halt's strong arms not been there to guide him inside, his feet stumbled underneath him and he plopped down on a chair with a heavy thud.

Halt sighed, "so much for an early night." he mumbled, closing the door and turning to his former apprentice, shaking his head in disbelief, in all his years...

"Alright, let's see this so-called success," Halt said, reaching for the document.

Will handed it over, his movements sluggish. Halt unfolded the parchment and scanned the contents. To his astonishment, it was indeed the trade agreement they had been trying to secure for weeks.

"I can't believe this," Halt muttered, reading through the details. "You actually got it."

Will grinned, his head lolling back against the chair. "Told you... successful."

Halt set the document on the table and looked back at Will, who was now struggling to keep his eyes open.

"Have you had water?"

"Uhhh..."

"I'll take that as a no, stay here"

Halt returned quickly with a glass filled with ice water, "drink." he said sharply.

"So demanding..." Will mumbled into the glass

"So lemme get this straight, you just went out for drinks with the ambassador who, just a few hours ago, had refused to even attempt a bargain with us 'pesky rangers' because we 'always had a knack for cutting others short for our own gain...'"

He trailed off as he watched Will nod heavily a few times, eyes still fixed on the water glass in his hand.

"But after a few shots with him--"

"--and a game of dice" Will blanched slightly as if he were about to be sick, and Halt involuntarily took a step back.

"You gambled..."

Will shrugged as the older ranger released a deep sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

"Ugh, Will...."

"Whaat? It did the job, I got the trades!"

"And you lost your head doing it"

"I knew you would be mad at me..."

"Will I'm not--" He sighed in frustration, "I'm not mad at you. You're a grown man, you can get drunk if you very well feel like it, I'm just concerned because you compromised not just your reputation, but the very state of our mission here. What if you hadn't secured those agreements...?"

Will didn't say anything, his eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes filled with tears.

Halt's stern expression immediately melted. "Will..."

"You didn't stick up for me. He had me backed into a corner today, and you didn't say anything. And when I tried giving you my opinion after the meeting, you didn't listen! You never listen!"

"Will--"

"you don't care about me..." Will mumbled.

"I think you're in no state to assess that right now, more water." Halt brought the glass back up to his former apprentice's lips.

"I should've listened, Will, and that was my mistake. I was wrong, and I should've stuck up for you in that meeting. I'm sorry."

the apology was blunt, but it was to the point, and precisely how Halt usually delivered things like this. And precisely the method that usually works on his former apprentice.

Halt finished, "Although just a note for next time, this is not the best way to get my attention, nor to prove me wrong."

"Ok, I'm sorry Halt."

"Don't apologize" Halt said, purposely trying to be as gentle as possible, Will seemed incredibly fragile right now, as if his drunken state had only heightened his sensitivity to any harsh spoken word.

"You also do realize this isn't exactly the method we usually employ for negotiations, right?"

Will chuckled, his voice slurred. "Worked, didn't it?"

Halt couldn't help but smile wryly at the young man. "Yes, it appears that it did. This time. But next time, let's try to get the job done without the whiskey, and without the gambling, alright?"

Will nodded, his eyelids drooping. "Sure thing, Halt."

Halt shook his head again, running his hand through the young man's hair, and checking his forehead for any possible signs of fever, alcohol poisoning was no joke, and something that Halt definitely did not want to deal with tonight.

But although Will was flushed, he was fever-free.

So Halt stood and made his way over to the couch, grabbing the wool blanket that was always hung over the top. He crouched by the chair which Will had flung himself in and draped the quilt over him.

"Sleep it off," Halt said softly. "We'll talk more in the morning."

Will, who was already half asleep, mumbled something incoherent, as Halt stood and walked toward his own bedroom, turning back around at the last second to say, "And don't be sick on the chair please, Pauline will kill me."

But the young ranger was already out.

Halt continued to watch him for a moment, a mixture of fondness and exasperation in his expression.

"Drunk and successful, what am I gonna do with you?" Halt muttered to himself, shaking his head with a wry smile.

He picked up his book from the floor, glancing once more at Will before he snuffed out the candles and picked his way in the dark toward his room, the wry smile still on his face as he listened to the soft snores of his former apprentice filling the room.

[vatofsulfuricacid]

SENORITA - (G)I-DLE

CHAPTER 1.

“No. Our casino doesn’t allow that, Miss.”

Tags: SONADOW, fluff, sfw, gambling au (sonic is the gambler shadow is the dealer but theyre playing blackjack so they kinda play against eachother), amy is there! Not for long tho, implied angst A/N: trade with @houdinicalvini, HE MADE ART FOR MY SHITTY SONADOW FIC WHO CHEERED!! i fully allow criticism, including MEAN criticism, under my stuff. but be specific don't just say "sucked shit" like WHY did it suck shit specifically.

“Are you serious…?” Amy tried to appear unaffected. “I can’t surrender? You gluttons won’t be fine with half my bet?”

“No.” Shadow eyed her with indifference.

Amy slammed her hands against the table, everything on the table rattling as she stormed off.

Shadow rolled his eyes before turning to Sonic, who was waiting to sit down. “She’s not normally like that. She’s… pretty good, too.” He returned his eyes to the deck before resting his chin on his hands.

“It’s alright.” Sonic sat down in the now-vacant chair, holding his briefcase on his shoulder. He then pulled his bills out and handed them to Shadow, smiling.

“I wanna buy in for 1,000.”

A look of shock fell across Shadow’s face. “Are you… an experienced gambler?”

“That’s one way to look at it!” Sonic smiled.

“I legally have to kick you out if you’re drunk.”

“I’m as sober as you are.” Sonic leaned into the table, grinning and mimicking Shadow’s pose. Shadow didn’t match the grin, looking suspicious of Sonic’s antics.

“What’s your name?” His eyes narrowed. 

“Can I buy in or not?” Sonic interrupted, crossing his arms on the table.

Shadow’s eyes narrowed in annoyance before he took the money, passing over a hefty stack of chips.  “You didn’t answer my question.” 

Sonic took the chips, still smiling as he replied. “You won’t have to know it anytime soon.”

Shadow chuckled under his breath. He leaned back in his chair, unconsciously mirroring Sonic’s position. “What’s your bet?”

“All of them.”

Shadow’s eyes widened. “All of them?”

“Yes.”

“I—Fine. It’s your money. I’ll match your bet.”

Sonic’s childish grin grew as he pushed his chips into the center of the table.

Shadow shuffled the cards, eyes still fervently locked on Sonic. “This is called a dovetail shuffle.”

To his surprise, Sonic didn’t reply, deciding rather to keep smiling as he shuffled the cards. 

“The Jokers are already gone. I removed them last round.” Shadow pushed a card towards Sonic facedown, and took himself one from the stack. He then repeated the process, giving another to Sonic and one to himself.

“Hmm… what a tough one!” Sonic proclaimed, eyes panning over Shadow’s cards. 4 of Hearts, and one facedown. Sonic, having an 8 of Spades and 9 of Hearts, had 17 points total. Sonic tapped the game table, indicating that he wanted another card. 

Shadow bit the inside of his mouth, forking over another card from the deck to Sonic. 

4 of Hearts. 21 exactly. Sonic’s grin grew as he leaned into the table again. “Alright, your turn.”

Shadow, not saying a word, flipped over his last card. 9 of hearts. 13 points total.

“You know, 13’s an unlucky number!” Sonic replied, taking the chips for himself. “You wanna play again? I love this game.”

A look flashed upon Shadow’s face.

“No. Not with you.” Shadow slammed his cards against the table, using the other hand to fix his quills.

“What, afraid you’ll lose? You seem terrified right now. It’s all in good fun.”

“Not with you.”

[kvetchinglyneurotic]

For the word of the week: team, friend, Dad and/or Mum

Thank you!

Team (and also Dad) from Through the Desert Repenting

He shook his head. “I can’t just fuck off, the team needs me.” Only they didn’t, really. He might be spending less time on the bench than he had before Richmond, but he wasn’t a regular starter, still had the 51 plastered on his back. Probably get traded keeping on the way he was, dad had taken to saying; Richmond had made him lazy, wanted to be on top somewhere it was easy instead of working for it, was that it?

Friend from Wrong Answers Only

“Yes, sir indeed,” Ted said. “Hey, maybe I should text him. Good food makes everyone feel better.”

He picked up his phone, idly — he hadn’t seen Travis since university and was relatively certain he didn’t have a current number — and did a double-take, blinking down at the screen in surprise like the letters would transmute themselves into a different shape. But nope, there it was plain as day: a message from Jamie Tartt. Short and sweet: can we meet up? Ted had made a point, back when he started coaching, never to delete any of his players’ numbers, no matter the havoc it wreaked on his address book. Had more than a few take him up on it over the years, whether for a friendly drink or a minor emergency, and he’d never regretted making the offer — but if he were a gambling man he wouldn’t’ve put any money on this one, no sir.

Mum/Dad from Through the Desert Repenting

Mummy’d never had much taste for dating shows after all the shit she went through with dad, but he and Keeley had watched three seasons back-to-back not long after they started dating, when one of ‘em had caught the flu off the other and they spent a week in bed all fucking gross and drippy and sweaty. It was one of his favourite memories, just sitting there with her feeling fucking miserable, debating over who’d win between sips of tea.

[cittielinks]

VILLAIN KDJ

Joongdok

Where Kim Dokja transmigrated into the main antagonist in the novel. The son of the most richest and powerful Duke of the Northern Kingdom.

Before, the previous Kim Dokja was timid, shy, and a pushover. He had always liked Yoo Joonghyuk the Crowned Prince. Because he was so obsessed with the Prince, Kim Dokja tried to make friends with all that supported Yoo Joonghyuk’s ally but every ally Yoo Joonghyuk exploited Kim Dokja. Poor Kim Dokja asked Yoo Joonghyuk for help but he did nothing and to add pain and insult to the injury, Yoo Joonghyuk married Lee Seolhwa, the kind saintess who helped him ascend to the throne. It had ruined the name of his parents and was banished from the Kingdom. Hades, the great ruler was no more.

When he transmigrated, Kim Dokja vows to change.

He refused to tarnish the name his kind father created for them, he hates how his mother worries for him and he loathes how he ruined the North Kingdom’s life all because he liked a boy who never even took his time to look at him.

So he began to change, fuck Yoo Joonghyuk and the plot! He’s gonna be a better son and a better heir for his land!

The very first thing he did was walk into the Academy of Neutral side and where an all-powerful figure studied, with confidence. He ignored the snickers and forced those weaklings to move away.

“Pfft. the scardey cat, Kim Dokja suddenly became confident? Ha! As if!.” snickered a nobody who has a lower rank than Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja stood up and walked towards the laughing group of boys.

He slapped the man who bad-mouthed him and kicked his shin.

This took everyone by surprise, even Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the scene.

“Shut up, you lowly bastard. You are seriously ruining the air with your lousy mouth. Shut up will you?”

“You?!”

“Yes me.”

“Just wait! I will get you!”

“Why don’t you shut up, Son of Baroness Sung. As if you can get me. I heard you are a son out of wedlock. Poor you. Your bastard of a father gambled all your fortune and you don’t even know if you will ever get a chance to sit at the table as the Prince’s aid? I heard your mother has been soliciting around the nobles. Embarrassing. Just what power do you have to insult me? You’re nothing but a cloud of dust. I can crush all of you without batting an eye, even that Prince you all like. Your lucky we don’t care about politics here in this crusty almost falling Kingdom, because if I were my Dad I would burn everything to dust. So back off before I crush you, okay?” Kim Dokja smiled.

Everyone shivered and made a space for Kim Dokja as he walked back. The crowd of people around the fallen boy who insulted him dispersed and they began to murmur.

Everyone wondered what has changed Kim Dokja but none of them talked to the main subject.

Yoo Joonghyuk only stared at Kim Dokja, thinking that the man only has a tantrum and leave it be.

“Ah! Before I forgot. The Duke of the Northern Kingdom will forfeit their support for the Crown Prince. My father will write the document and have it sent by today. I just want to inform you in advance, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi.”

And then Kim Dokja fell asleep on his desk.

Everyone went into an uproar, Duke Hades was the biggest Support Yoo Joonghyuk has and now that they are forfeiting it will become a great hassle.

Yoo Joonghyuk clenched his fist,

He wanted to shake this madman out but he cannot do so, as he has a reputation to keep up.

Since then no one tried to make fun

The very next day, news around the whole nation talked about how the Northern Kingdom ruled by the Powerful Duke had receded his support and began to close off the trade of some of the most annoying nobles. No one could enter and exit their Kingdom without a permit.

All of the kingdoms has their eyes fearfully staring at the most powerful nation, the Empire was in shambles. The nobles forced their sons and daughter to be friends with their only heir but Kim Dokja became so closed off that no one wanted to be near him as he was surrounded by shadow guards.

And Hades and Persephone are just glad that their son, Kim Dokja has his eyes opened and also helps them rule the land that they created solely for their son.

(( would prolly make a longer fic with alot of drama and a slowburn joongdok but not now sadly))

[daemonwritesstuff]

Ladies, Gentlemen and Non-Binary Pals we interrupt your time on here with a special matchup trade with @fourtyfourcatss !!

A/N: Hello again! I’m very happy to be able to do another trade matchup with you, i hope you cherish these matchups as much as you did the first time because I putted a lot of thought into these to make them perfect ❤️, I also loved all of these characters I put you with, Enjoy my friend !! o(｀ω´ )o

For your Bleach Matchup you have been paired with…

Rangiku Matsumoto!

Let me explain this, she is one of the beloved characters in bleach after all, i can see something going on here, I think with you being levelheaded would be good for her, when you compliment her in outfits (if there skimpy or not) she would be over the moon, and if you would keep complimenting her and helping her not wear skimpy outfits to get attention and figure out something for her to get other peoples attentions then she would be so grateful and start falling for you.

She enjoys having someone who’s realistic, and also optimistic, she’s by your side, supporting you in your hobbies, decisions, and quite literally anything she’ll be with you, cheering for you like the supportive girlfriend she is.

She would enjoy reading with you when it’s night, she’ll be laying on your shoulder in bed while also reading whatever book you may be reading. and wi annoyingly tell you to go back to a page to finish what she was reading.

Oh and she enjoys drinking too, now I have given you a drinking partner LMAO.

Round-Ups: no one rn, I liked this one.

For your Helluva Boss Matchup you have been paired up with…

Verosika Mayday

I can also explain this, it just made a lot of sense in my opinion, with her past relationships (with blitzø too) it wasn’t the best we see, so she’ll probably be mean spirited and manipulative when she meets you, but sense I know that your pretty much a mature person and you can be blunt she’s taken by surprise! when she gets to know you better, she starts getting more comfortable around you, she starts to feel familiar feelings, she isn’t uncomfortable by them though, she’s more accepting and optimistic about them, this last time.

She loves that you can find situations, she’s always in situations and you somehow always get her out of them, she’ll always be grateful for that, and maybe she’ll start trying to not get in trouble, she also likes going on walks with you, somewhere quieter and with less (wayyy less) people around because of paparazzi.

She’s also very fond of your lips, she LOVES kissing them mostly.

Round-ups: Octavia

For your Hazbin Hotel Matchup you have been paired up with…

Husker!

I kinda like this match a lot, I can see this working out with him and you a lot, your very realistic and optimistic and to him your actually very chill and less annoying like Alastor, Charlie, Angel Dust… he also likes that your big on improvement, he feels like he could also use some improvement on himself as well, he doesn’t care that you run your mouth and trip up, her also super ecstatic that your blunt, not really anyone is blunt unlike vaggie.

He supports your hobbies and etc, even if it doesn’t seem like he cares, he really does, but I’m sure you would know anyways, he enjoys that your funny, he’s also happy that your there to find solutions for him when he’s stuck somewhere where he needs help.

He doesn’t seem to have a lot of hobbies other than gambling and just drinking booze but I’d think you would get him into to some of your hobbies! He would enjoy walks with you.

EDIT: I just given you another drinking partner bru😭

Round-ups: Vaggie, Vox (?)

For your Twisted Wonderland Matchup you have been paired up with…

Riddle Rosehearts!

Ok, I really, REALLY like this matchup, I think you didn’t expect this huh, probably no one did, when they found out that riddle and you were together, they were all shocked, literally how did you make him fall for you (what are your tricks bro) anyways, I think he would like someone realistic and blunt, you guys would get along at the hip tbh, it’s something I can’t explain, it’s like a thing that happened so fast, he’s also not easily impressed with anything but you do happen to make him impressed, you made him interested in you.

He also dislikes anyone pestering with him, he would find it HIGHLY annoying, you both are on the same both, you guys would definitely talk about what you like and dislike while having a little private tea party in a little, fancy garden with beautiful flowers, the best green grass and a perfect weather feeling.

All in all, he really loves having you as a partner and he hopes you both will have a long (forever) lasting relationship with each other.

Round-Ups: no one now, this is perfection.

For your Cookie Run Kingdom Matchup you have been paired up with…

Sea Fairy Cookie!

Again, another unexpected matchup probably (In my own POV), i can also see something going on here too, I think with your mystical mix of being a calm, mature bit also optimistic, and levelheaded person, I’d think you’d make a powerful match indeed! She enjoys you being passionate in anything, she loves seeing you also help people find solutions for them when there stuck, it just makes her fall a lot more in love with you.

She would let out satisfied sighs and little giggles whenever you made her happy or just made her feel better about something, or when she was having a bad day, I can see you reading a book to her while she lays in your lap, probably taking a nap and feeling comfortable in your presence.

She would never do anything that you don’t like, and one thing I know is that she doesn’t pester people at all, she’s just so loving and caring for you, such a gentle lover………. \(//∇//)\

Round-Ups: No one.

For your Obey Me Matchup you have been paired up with…

Lucifer

I don’t think you expected this at all, but I did, here’s why, even though it took a little for you both to officially become a couple he would just already be so in love with you because of how opinonated and quite literally everything you are, he thinks your the most mature person out of all his other brothers.

He’s so supportive with you doing your best to make improvement on yourself, have you ever considered how special you seem to be? Well he hopes you know that. Coming from him.

He also enjoys reading, you guys are often seen in the library reading books together in the most comfy chairs while you have been caught not once, but twice by holding his hand in yours. he’s just so soft for you good god.

Round-Ups: Mammon, Simeon

For your Turn To Die Matchup you have been paired with…

Reko Yabusame!

I also enjoy this pairing as much as I’m in love with the others, you seem you would also go well with her here! I had a lot of other options of characters here but this one made more sense to me, he would enjoy a partner that’s also realistic and blunt, she’s glad that there’s someone like you who can be serious in bad situations and help people and her get out of most situations, she’s very fascinated with you…!

She love your creativity, she also loves your writings and she (shyly somehow) asks you if it would be ok to read them, she also likes listening to music, I think she would like a lot of metal, vkei and rock music/IMO and she would share one of her earbuds with you.

She also compliments on your dark academia outfits you put together, she would tell you to spin for her while she admires the outfit(s) on yourself.

Round-Ups: Sara Chidouin, Kai Satou

For your Haikyuu Matchup you have been paired up with…

Kenma Kozume!

I think you guys would get along with each other right away as well with the others too, you guys are just so chill with each other, I think you guys would hang out at one of your guy’s houses and either play video games and eat junk food or just talk about literally anything on your guy’s minds, you both aren’t easily impressed with a lot of stuff either, if you are it would be pretty rare.

He likes watching you draw, he probably asked if you can draw some anime characters or game characters he likes it show him your sketch book if you have one, he would draw little doodles and notes saying how cool your art is.

I can tell that this will be a long-lasting and happy relationship.

Round-Ups: No one rn…

Now lastly, for your Tokyo Revengers Matchup you have been paired up with…

Takashi Mitsuya

I believe this is one of the other bests that I have paired you with, you are passionate while he’s compassionate, you guys are very chill with each other, very gentle, helping, peaceful and so, SO much more, he’s yet another one that’s not easily impressed, but would you be surprised that you both impressed each other at the same time? It’s like you guys are literally made for each other if you are in this anime.

He likes reading with you, as like a date maybe you both would do study dates for an upcoming test, and you both would be relaxing with your favorite beverages and talking about your day and anything you’d think you’d talk about, he also seems like someone who enjoys listening to music, you guys would definitely recommend songs or bands, singers, etc to each other or make each other guess what songs their listening to.

He seems like someone who keeps up with his hygiene by taking daily showers, not forgetting to brush his teeth and take care of himself, etc, honestly I really just adore this last one I just wrote.

Round-Ups: no one, I think I just matched you with your Tokyo revengers soulmate omg

[alicianaidoo1234]

Just keeping this here

Azula stood at the edge of the courtyard, her back ramrod straight, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. A single tear traced its way down her cheek, unnoticed in the harsh sunlight. Yoshie, his heart heavy, approached her.

“Azula,” he began, his voice gentle, “I… I have to leave.”

She didn’t turn, her shoulders stiffening further. “I knew this was coming,” she said, her voice tight.

“I’ll miss you,” Yoshie confessed, his gaze filled with a tenderness she hadn’t expected. “More than words can say.”

Azula finally turned, her eyes flickering with a strange emotion. “You’ve been… tolerable, Yoshie.”

He chuckled softly. “It’s been… an experience. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

A moment of silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken feelings. Then, Azula did something unexpected. She took a step towards him, her voice barely a whisper. “Yoshie, I… I have a proposition.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “A proposition?”

She took another step, her gaze unwavering. “We could leave, you and I. Run away, start something new. Somewhere far, far away from here.”

Yoshie’s breath hitched. “Azula, are you serious?”

“More than you know,” she whispered, her hand reaching out to touch his. “I don't want to be here anymore. I don't want to be who I am anymore. But with you, I could… I could be someone else.”

The world seemed to spin around Yoshie. He felt a surge of emotions, fear, excitement, and a longing he hadn’t dared to acknowledge. “This is… this is a lot to take in,” he confessed, his voice shaking.

Azula’s hand tightened on his. “I understand. But I don’t want to lose you. I can’t. Not now.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy and charged. Yoshie looked into her eyes, seeing a vulnerability he’d never witnessed before. He knew this was a gamble, a leap into the unknown. But for the first time in his life, he found himself yearning for something more, something beyond duty and orders.

“What do you say, Yoshie?” Azula asked, her voice barely a breath. “Will you take a chance with me?”

Yoshie stared at her, his heart pounding in his chest. He could see a future with Azula, a future far away from the Fire Nation, a future where they could finally be free. He took a deep breath, and then, with a smile that felt like a promise, he answered, 'Let's run.'

[heartstcel]

⸺ ✧˖° Introducing the noble MARQUESS AHN YEJUN, an effervescent INCUBUS with a fondness of gambling and painting. Their admirers endlessly praise them for their skills as a perceptive ROGUE & their work as the court of flame's AMBASSADOR OF TRADE. On the contrary; their rivals will warn you of their tendency to be hedonistic and reckless. ⦁ faceclaim: jung wooyung, ateez.

hello everyone ! my name is jae and i go by she/they pronouns. i'm excited to get to write with you all in this dnd inspired roleplay. discord is definitely my preferred way of communication but if need be we can talk on tumblr as well but i may not be as fast as i am on discord. my muses to be honest start out as a small idea and then develop over time so please bear with me as we both learn more about my muse overtime. thank you !

full name: ahn yejun

age: unknown / estimated at least several centuries old

race: fiend / incubus

gender: cis man

pronouns: he/him

sexuality: bisexual

class: rogue / arcane trickster

court alliance: the court of flames

occupation: ambassador of trade

faceclaim: jung wooyung / ateez

height: 5'8" / 172 cm

eye color: near black in color

hair color: raven black, on the longer side in the back, face framing bangs

build: lean and lithe with a bit of muscle in arms

piercings / tattoos: several in each ear / no tattoos

SYNOPSIS OF YEJUN

many centuries ago, yejun was simply an incubus, working for a devil of the blood war in the corruption of mortals. many times throughout those early few hundred years, yejun would travel from plane to plane, leaving the bodies of mortals in his wake. it kept him busy and to be busy meant that he had no room for boredom or thoughts than the carnal pleasure of draining the life from mortals.

at some point the joys in tempting mortals and taking from them everything began to wane and yejun found himself entirely bored of the same old duties to that of high ranked devil in a war that seemed never would cease.

yejun leaves the lower planes entirely behind one day deciding never to return again. after near a century of wanderlust that takes him over the land, eventually he comes to koryo and the city of jeosung where he decides to settle surprising not just himself but any who might call him friend.

with a perceptive and observant mind of an incubus along with his outgoing and natural charm, yejun rises from a simple fiend in the city to a station of nobility. yejun becomes the ambassador of trade for the duke/duchess of the court of flames, a title he has held for quite a while.

early on, he took his duties seriously, securing trade with the other courts of jeosung to benefit the court and himself in many ways. with his previous wanderlust of many years, it also means that yejun has connections across the land that aid in the distribution of trade into the city from various other areas that might have goods and such that the court would be interested in.

but after so much success, yejun becomes complacent and simply desires to keep his status in life with the minimal amount of work needed. as such he has several assistants that work for him to keep the tides of trades flowing and apprise him of any complications or situations that might need his attention, but such situations should be extreme indeed or he'll think it a waste of his time.

so how does he truly spend his time when not forced to attend his duties and any such that come from court? in pleasures of the flesh of course. several centuries old and yejun is still very much a person of sexual pleasure. commitment has never been his strong suit, but he has had several partners throughout the years, some of which he has spent more time with than others before eventually moving on to the next. to keep his attention must truly be a challenge and not many are up to the task. when it comes to his past and current lovers, consent has been important in taking a small bit of their life energy to further sustain himself and maybe more if he knows they can handle it.

gambling is another favored hobby of his whether it be cards, dice, or any other means of gambling. he enjoys the highs and lows of high risk but possibly high reward. sometimes he wins as much as he loses, though never it is truly a dent in his pocket and he more so cares about the feeling of a good win than excess material wealth that he does not already have. he is particularly interested when his rival party has to gamble away something so entirely important to them and revels in taking away something they never should have bartered in the first place. whatever that might be, the more important the gamble, the more he enjoys taking it away.

painting is perhaps the most normal and surprising of his hobbies, but he takes enjoyment in creating works of art with various colors. his home has several of his own paintings that litter the walls of various rooms. to have one of his paintings is to be considered priceless as very few are allowed to have something that he creates. for the most part it is possible for the duke/duchess or other nobility in the court of flames to have pieces he has created. he does not give to anyone he does not like in some way.

even as centuries have went by, yejun has never been able to shake the enjoyment he gets out of being reckless and sometimes messing with others. he can make just as many friends as enemies and in secret messes with mortals especially such low-ranked commoners that no one would miss. what happens to them? well that is left up to your interpretation but be assured that nothing can be traced back to him that he does not want.

even the simplest of clothes somehow seem extravagant on his frame, but that doesn't stop him from requesting the best of clothing from his personal tailor. he is fond of jewels and stones that litter his jewelry of choice in his ears, around his neck, and on his fingers. in an essence, yejun fits the look that the ambassador of trade should.

the saying, you can take the fiend of the lower planes, but you can't take the lower planes out of the fiend rings true for yejun and he is not ashamed of such.

[dancingwiththefae]

Sweeter Revenge

Filavandrel/Jaskier, 1.9k

hate sex, blowjobs, Jaskier gets rough treatment but he enjoys it

Filavandrel takes the opportunity to confront Jaskier about his song. It doesn’t quite go as planned.

AO3

He sipped his watered-down ale with disdain. He was sat in the back of a tavern, in a tiny village in the middle of nowhere. But he wasn't here for the pleasure of it. As if he ever could be. No, he had to blend in, look the part. Relying on their own community was the goal but, in the way of the world, it was not currently sustainable. Sometimes it was necessary to trade. Or steal, in some cases. It helped to stake the place out first. To see how bigoted the place it towards non-humans. Find who wouldn't ask too many questions or get suspicious. That was why he was here. He watched the humans go about their business with little interest.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” a melodic voice rang out, “I am delighted to provide your entertainment for this evening. Remember to toss a coin if you can, and if anyone needs me afterwards, I'll be at the bar.”

He gave a wink and then immediately burst into song. Filavandrel's eyes narrowed. The bard. He was older, his hair was longer, and he was sporting stubble. But it was unmistakeably him. Seething hatred settled in his gut. That bard had made a mockery of him and his people. Had reduced them to villains, monsters, for that white-haired witcher to vanquish. And it had been sung across the continent for years now. Just when he thought they had moved on from it, it somehow found its way around again. It was disgusting, it was degrading it was... well the music tonight wasn't too bad. But that wasn't the point.

Filavandrel glared at him from under his hood. The bard pranced around the tables, flirting openly with a burly looking man's wife. And when the mad became agitated, he flirted with him, too. Interesting. And, if it were anyone else, he'd have to admire such a bold and enticing display of sexuality. But it wasn't anyone else. It was him.

As the bard pranced, Filavandrel conducted a plan. He was here with a purpose, yes. But that didn't mean he couldn't afford a little detour. He bided his time, watching the performance from the side-lines and absolutely not tapping his foot to the music. When it finished, the bard gave an elaborate bow to claps and cheers. Filavandrel politely clapped along out of courtesy. The bard packed his lute away in its case – the lute that he had given him, no less – mingled for a little while and then left, presumably to the inn down the road. The elf lingered for a moment, and then snuck out via the back door. The bard was easy to spot in that ridiculous red coat of his. He kept a slow pace, keeping enough distance so as to not be spotted. As suspected, he walked straight into the inn. The elf rushed to keep up, walking through the door in time to see the bard head up the stairs. He hurried after him, catching the room that he was occupying when he reached the top of the stairs. He waited, counting in his head. Enough time for it not to be immediately suspicious. When he was satisfied enough time had passed, he strolled up to the door and gave a short, sharp knock. The door creaked open just a little, enough for the bard's head to poke out.

“Forgive me but, who are you? I'm afraid I wasn't expecting anybody.”

Filavandrel realised the hood made him look suspicious. He tried his best to make himself smaller – which was no easy feat – and less threatening.

“I am terribly sorry, master Jaskier, but I am such a huge fan-” he almost choked on the words”-of your work, and I just had to come and see you. To ask questions about it. If I may.”

It was a gamble. One that paid off when the door opened wider and the bard beamed at him.

“Of course,” he said as he backed up to give the elf room to enter, “don't let me stop you if you want to stroke my ego.”

Filavandrel scoffed internally. He was sure in for a surprise.

As soon as the door clicked shut, he rounded on him, pulling down his hood in one swift motion and backing him against the wall. The bard stared at him with wide eyes.

“Your song is insulting, Dh'oine,” the elf spat.

“F-filadavandrel I-” the bard stammered.

“I spare your life, gift you my lute and this is how you repay me?”

“And-and I am very grateful for that- ah- and I can explain?”

“Go on, then.” He kept a grip on the bard's collar but backed off slightly to give him room to breathe. “I'm waiting.”

“Right. Right. Uh..well I figured...if everyone thought the elves were driven out then maybe they wouldn't come looking?”

It sounded flimsy even to the bard himself, who was losing confidence with every word.

“A pitiful excuse.” He pushed himself back into his space. They were close enough that Filavandrel could smell the alcohol on his breath, the scent of lavender that he probably used to cover it up. He glanced down to find an unmistakable bulge in the bard's pants.

“You're enjoying this,” he hissed.

Jaskier licked his lips and gave a shrug, or as much of a shrug as he could in this position.

“'M only human,” he mumbled in reply.

“So I can see.”

The bard was looking at him with a mix of lust and uncertainty. Filavandrel thought things over in his head, raking his eyes up and down the man before him.

In an instant he surged forward and engulfed him in a kiss. It wasn't sweet, wasn't loving. It was a battle for dominance. He shoved the bard harder against the wall and the bastard moaned. He ground his body against him, feeling himself grow hard in his trousers. They broke apart panting.

“On your knees.”

Jaskier complied without a word, dropping to his knees and fumbling with the laces of his trousers. He wasted no time wrapping his lips around the head of his cock as soon as he pulled it out. The elf had to admit he looked pretty like this. He tangled fingers in his hair and pushed lightly until Jaskier took him all in his mouth. The bard looked up with hazy blue eyes.

“Maybe I should have you choke on my cock.” He kept his voice light and cool, never losing composure even when the deep moan the bard let out sent shivers up his spine. He loosened his grip, giving the bard room to get to work. He was skilled, he'd give him that. He took him again all the way, burying his nose in the thatch of hair before pulling back and giving attention to the head. He wrapped a hand around the rest and jerked him fast. He closed his eyes and tipped his head back. He could easily lose himself to Jaskier's ministrations. He would get a good orgasm out of this, but he would also end up with one very smug bard. And that just wouldn't do at all.

Before he could get too far to the edge, he pulled the bard off of him by his hair. He looked up at the elf, plump wet lips parted beautifully.

“That's enough of that,” Fliavandrel instructed. Jaskier licked his lips, blinked and quickly came to his senses.

“I have an offer,” the bard panted, “to take your frustrations out.”

Filavandrel indicated to say he was listening. Without another word, the bard got up and walked over to the pack lying against the wall. He pulled something small out of it and handed it over to him. A vial of oil. The elf raised a brow at him. If he had time to contemplate the situation, he would have been surprised that it led to this. As it was, he wasn't thinking much at all. Instead he unclipped his cloak and divested himself of his clothing. Jaskier hurried to do the same as soon as he caught on to what the elf was doing and hopped onto the bed. He lay back, spreading himself out seductively.

“How do you want me?” He purred.

“Just shut up and get on your hands and knees, bard,” Filavandrel huffed. He settled behind him and tipped the vial into his hand. Jaskier really was very pretty. For a human. He teased his entrance, not quite pushing in. When he felt the bard push back against him, he backed away.

“Come on,” Jaskier whined.

“Do try and control yourself, Jaskier,” Filavandrel scolded. He frowned in annoyance when the bard laughed in response. It was quickly snuffed out when he slowly breached him with one, and then two fingers. He wasn't gentle with his preparation, but he knew the bard could take it. Even he was aware of his reputation. Not that he had any complaints anyway, pushing back on his fingers as he was, practically begging for more. Oh, he would give him more. Soon he had Jaskier taking three fingers and he still wanted more. He pulled back to slick his cock before lining himself up and pushing inside in one smooth motion. He gave Jaskier barely a moment to get used to the intrusion before he pulled out and slammed into him again. The bard's cry turned into a drawn out moan as he set a rough pace. Jaskier met each thrust with enthusiasm. It made a feeling of rage simmer just beneath the surface. He gripped his hair tight and pulled. Jaskier moaned openly at the rough treatment. He took him so easily, he was so responsive to every touch. It somehow made his rage flare more.

“I hate you,” he breathed.

“Hate me harder,” jaskier responded, pushing back on his cock, urging him on. Well, if it was what he wanted. He picked up the pace, slamming into him and making the bed jostle with every thrust.

“Oh gods...” Jaskier snaked a hand underneath to wrap around his cock.

Filavandrel felt himself getting close to his peak, but he'd be damned if Jaskier wasn't going to come before him. He smacked his hand away and replaced it with his own. He jerked hm roughly in time to his thrusts. Jaskier dropped forward, unable to support himself any longer, until his head was pillowed in his arms. The elf kept his hips supported with his other arm. It didn't take long until Jaskier was clenching around him and crying out as he came onto the sheets under them. The elf's thrusts became erratic and a moment later, he stilled as he came inside him. He dropped his head to rest between the bard's shoulder blades, catching his breath.

After a moment, he backed away, slowly pulled out and sat back on his knees. Jaskier got up and threw a towel towards him, which the elf accepted with a bitter thanks.

“You could stay a while, you know,” the bard said after a while, “could order some food up? Wine?”

“No, I shan't stay here too long,” Filavandrel sighed as he dressed, “you know how it is these days.”

A miserable expression came over his face. The elf found that he did not like it at all.

“Of course.”

“And tell anyone I was here and I really will kill you.”

The bard nodded solemnly. Filavandrel pulled the cloak back over his head and made to leave.

“Wait-” The elf turned on his heel “-I'll find a way to help your people. If I can.”

The elf sneered at him.

“Of course you will,” he said, in a way that said he didn't believe him one bit.

[tobiasdrake]

Moving on into Gym #4 and, uh, this might be bad. We're at Cascarrafa now.

Looking at the team we've rolled up, we've got:

Masquerain

Gardevoir

Lycanroc (Midnight Form)

Krokorok

Salandit

Hariyama

We're at a Water Gym and we've got three separate Pokemon with specific Type Weaknesses to Water: Lycanroc, Krokorok, and Salandit. On top of that, Salandit and Krokorok are both on the weaker side. Those two would get merced five seconds after stepping onto the field.

That means Hariyama, Gardevoir, and Masquerain will have to carry this fight. Gardevoir's easily the strongest Pokemon we've got, so I've gone ahead and taught her Thunderbolt. That should help even the odds.

Before we can fight Kofu, we have to go through his assistant Hugo.

Hugo Pokemon #1: Floatzel

I lead with Masquerain, who drops an Intimidate debuff on entry. I think Floatzel favors Physical over Special, so this is a good opening. Let's mess him up even more.

Floatzel hits Masquerain with a Water Gun, doing trivial damage. Masquerain replies with Stun Spore.

If Floatzel thinks he can use Special attacks to make up for his Physical debuff, he's got another thing coming. Masquerain hits him with Struggle Bug next, dumping his Special Attack too.

I'm pretty sure Floatzel's next move is Aqua Jet in a desperate attempt to do some last-minute damage. I say "pretty sure" because he goes first, but his paralysis stops him from moving. Either way, it's over. An Air Slash finishes the job.

Hugo Pokemon #2: Clauncher

Oh hey, I just got one of these in a trade! That means I've got its data. Clauncher is pure Water with pitiful stats. Fairly balanced between Physical and Special, but the Mega Launcher ability applies a 50% damage boost to Pulse moves. So we can anticipate a preference for Special attacks.

Also he dump-stats Speed, which means I get the first move. With that in mind, I'll forego Stun Spore and go straight into Struggle Bug. Clauncher takes the hit and uses Hone Claws, boosting Physical attack and Accuracy. Unexpected.

Don't know where he was going with that, though, because an Air Slash put him down right afterwards. Good job, Masquerain.

A quick spot of auctioning later (I got a Rotom Catalog!) and we're off to the main event.

Kofu Pokemon #1: Veluza

Off to a vicious start, I see. As before, I lead with Masquerain. Veluza's a newcomer for Scarlet/Violet, but I did take the liberty of catching one when I was trolling around the sea looking for new Pokemon a while back, so I've got his data.

Veluza's a Physical beatstick who uses high HP to compensate for poor Defenses and Speed. He's also part Psychic. That's going to be a problem for him.

Veluza surprises me with the Flying-Type Pluck, dealing decent damage to Masquerain. But he only gets to do it once, and Masquerain's Intimidate means it's nerfed. Masquerain's Speed advantage allows him to deliver a pair of super-effective Struggle Bugs, ending Veluza's bout.

The fact that a Sandstorm is currently whipped up also surprises me. There's no visual indicator on the screen, but we're getting buffeted all the same. I should keep that in mind.

Kofu Pokemon #2: Wugtrio

I don't have data on Wugtrio, but I have caught a Wiglett. Extrapolating from Wiglett's stats, Wugtrio is probably a Physical blitzer. I'm seeing godawful HP and defenses, but incredible Speed and high Physical attack.

I'm going to take a gamble. Masquerain Stun Spores Wugtrio to try and dial back some of that intense Speed. Takes a Headbutt in the process, and sure enough, Wugtrio is indeed faster than Masquerain.

Headbutt, you say? Good. That will make this safer. Let's roll these dice and switch in Lycanroc.

Lycanroc hits the field and barely gets chinked by a follow-up Headbutt. With Wugtrio's precious Speed savagely reduced by Paralysis, Lycanroc gets a chance to strike before he knows what hit him. A single Thunder Fang rips through Wugtrio's papier-mâché armor and ends the fight.

Kofu Pokemon #3: Crabominable

Aww, shit. I know this one. It's on the tip of my brain.

Crabominable is the evolved form of.... Aha! The crab thing. The punchy crab. *checks notes* Crabrawler, there he is. I don't have data on Crabominable but I do have Crabrawler. Crabrawler's trick is that you think he's Water-Type 'cause he's a crab, but he's actually pure Fighting. The crab aesthetic is a ruse.

But this is Kofu's last Pokemon so y'know he's about to use Terastalization to "correct" that whole "not Water" thing.

And. I have Lycanroc on the field, who is weak to both Water and Fighting.

Well. This is bad. There is no way she wins this one.

Hmm. Crabrawler is a Physical blitzer. High Physical Attack, with solid Physical Defense and Speed. We'll extrapolate Crabominable's stats based on that.

I'm tempted to bring in Gardevoir but she's extremely vulnerable to Physical attacks. It won't be a problem if Crabominable throws a Fighting punch. But if he throws a Water punch, he could wreck her before she has a chance to move.

Okay, let's try and split the burden. Lycanroc's still got most of her HP. She leads with a Thunder Fang, which misses. Nuts.

Crabominable replies with Crabhammer, which oneshots Lycanroc. Even more nuts. >.< I hate losing Pokemon.

Alright. Masquerain's on his last legs, but I think he can contribute nonetheless. He hits Crabominable with an Intimidate as he enters the field. From there, it's a race to see if he can land a Stun Spore before Crabominable finishes him off.

Masquerain's Speed wins out. He hits Crabominable with Stun Spore. Crabominable misses his Crabhammer too! Fortune favors the almighty eye-bug!

Next move's going to be another Crabhammer. He's not going to let up on that. ...I'm going to be a troll.

Switch in Hariyama, because he's beefy enough that he can take a hit or two. Tank a Crabhammer. Switch in Masquerain for another Intimidate, sucker! Crabhammer misses Masquerain again because YOU CAN'T STOP THIS PARTY.

Hariyama in. Hariyama out. INTIMIDATE, SUCKER. Crabominable gets really pissy about this tactic and Crits Hariyama in the middle of it, putting him down. Aww.

Okay, Crabominable's formidable Physical Attack has been drained to 40% strength. I think it's safe to bring Gardevoir in. Crabominable welcomes her with a Crabhammer that takes off less than 1/3 of her HP. With her Speed advantage to his Paralysis, there's nothing he can do to stop her from wrecking his day with Thunderbolt.

Holy hell, I did NOT deserve to win this. Between Kofu and the previous Team Star battle with Giacomo, Masquerain is quickly becoming MVP.

[bitcofun]

Another central yield company has actually frozen consumer withdrawals in what can just be referred to as a clear and recorded pattern. Key Takeaways Another central yield service-- this time Freeway-- has actually closed client withdrawals. With many of these business folding in the in 2015, one begins to question if this is the standard instead of the exception. At this point, centralized yield suppliers have actually typically stopped working to show any factor that they must be considered credible stewards of consumers' cash. On Sunday, another business providing outsized yields on crypto made the headings after it closed redemptions and left countless consumers not able to access their funds. The business, called Freeway, provided users "Supercharger simulations," a buzzy name for what are basically deposits to an uncontrolled prop trading company. Highway offered these bond-like items, informing financiers they would make a cigarette smoking 43% APY after the business put their cash to work utilizing "advanced quant trading tech." A Recurring Problem As you've most likely currently understood, sustaining these type of yields throughout the existing crypto winter season is quite impractical. Highway put out an upgrade Sunday, notifying financiers that it had actually chosen to "diversify its possession base" to restrict direct exposure to market volatility. As an outcome, it would momentarily stop Supercharger simulations buybacks, indicating clients would not have the ability to withdraw their funds. Do not be deceived by Freeway's troubleshooting-- it's quite likely the business exploded its accounts and is purchasing time in the hopes it can repair the scenario. If history has any precedent, I would not bank on Freeway having the ability to work this one out. My heart truly heads out to anybody impacted by this. As a business, Freeway strove to appear expert and genuine. The business's site lists smiling photos of its creators and executives while ensuring prospective clients that they will have "more control" over their possessions. In truth, consumers offering their cash to Freeway is equivalent in danger to transforming your cost savings account into the most recent crypto meme coin. It may work for a bit and even make you some cash, however ultimately, it will all come crashing down. When I began composing this newsletter, I recalled over the last couple of months to examine all the stopped working yield platforms that have actually frozen withdrawals or declared bankruptcy. It's my task to cover this things daily, I was still surprised by the number of defunct business. In 2022, Celsius, Voyager Digital, Hodlnaut, Zipmex, CoinFLEX, Babel Finance, and a number of smaller sized platforms have actually all exploded, leaving their consumers out of millions-- if not billions-- of dollars. If the crypto area finds out simply one lesson from whatever that's occurred in 2022, I hope it's to stop relying on centralized yield platforms. You're taking a substantial gamble when you transfer your cash with among these business. There's no policy, openness, or on-chain footprint like you get with DeFi procedures, so you generally can't inform if a platform is insolvent or insolvent up until it's far too late. There will likely be chances to make juicy, sustainable double-digit crypto yields once again in the future, however not while the international economy and crypto market remains in such alarming straits. Now, the finest thing to do is to keep your possessions safe, strategy ahead, and wait for the bull to return. Disclosure: At the time of composing this piece, the author owned ETH, BTC, and a number of other cryptocurrencies. The details included in this piece is for academic functions just and ought to not be thought about financial investment guidance. Celsius CEO Suggests Pivot to Custodial Services in Move Nobody Asked ... Celsius executives think the business can carry out a redemption arc by rebranding to a custodial providers.

Mashinsky's Grand Idea Celsius is outlining a return that no one requested for. According ... Beaten by the Market, Vauld Becomes Latest Crypto Lender to Freeze Wit ... The crypto financing and trading platform Vauld has actually suspended consumer withdrawals and worked with monetary and legal consultants to assist it examine prospective courses forward in the middle of volatility in the crypto market ... Babel Finance Halts Withdrawals, Citing Low Liquidity News Jun. 17, 2022 Babel Finance, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency providing business, has actually revealed that it is suspending withdrawals. Babel Suspends Redemptions and Withdrawals Babel composed today that "redemptions and withdrawals from Babel Finance ... Hodlnaut Becomes Latest Crypto Lender to Freeze Withdrawals Hodlnaut has stated it is dealing with a healing strategy without revealing any extra details worrying the present status of users' funds. Hodlnaut Suspends Services Singapore-based crypto financing platform Hodlnaut ... Read More

[fallout-fucker]

What do we think of finessing the Fallout timeline a bit so that Fallout NV takes place after Fallout 4 (I'm working out details and looking into lore to see if this would work without a bunch of plot holes and what not. As far as I know it's not too interconnected to the other games so I feel like you could get away with a 6-8 year jump without too much going wrong) for a plotline where Sole and The Courier are the same person.

So after a bunch of Nuke World shenanigans, Sole 'takes care' of a lot of the people who were running Nuka World, but someone gets away. Anyway skip a few months and Sole and MacCready go to The Capital Wasteland to bring good ol' baby Duncan to the Commonwealth, as well as catch up with an old friend of MacCready's (The Wanderer) to look into the water purification thing that Sole would wanna attempt to do in the Commonwealth.

On their way back to Boston, however, they're ambushed by a group of raiders, who have links to some cult-ish faction down in Nevada. One of the raiders recognises Sole. It's the person that escaped Nuka World. For payback, they take Sole (MacCready manages to escape with Duncan when Sole gets them an opening) and sells them off to that cult. MacCready catches the name just barely. Caesar's Legion.

He gets Duncan back to Sanctuary as quickly as he can and immediately gets word to the rest of the companions. Preston had stayed to run the Minutemen in Sole's absence, Hancock to run Goodneighbour, Nick to carry on with the agency but also to attempt to keep peace in Diamond City after the Sheep's Clothing disaster, etc. Of course there's panic, and they begin to make a plan.

Sole on the other hand, was taken to the Legion. They managed to escape, but not before they were stripped of all their possessions. They have no money, no weapons, no food, no connections. No way to survive, and no way home. They scavenge, get basic supplies. Manage to ask around for work. They get a few odd jobs, not enough caps yet though to be able to get home. Until, they hear of a job through the grapevine. Some delivery that needed to happen, its important, but all hush hush. Doesn't matter much, the pay out is huge, if done right. Last time they took a job no questions asked, it didn't exactly go well, but they ended up with Hancock willing to be their companion, so who knows. Besides, reluctantce based on the unknown isn't so putrid next to the sweet smell of enough caps to tag along with a few trading caravans along the routes back to Boston.

Really, how dangerous can a delivery job be? Being a courier sounds like an easy job compared to being a General.

It should be easy. Should be. Until they're looking up the barrel of a gun. Until a bullet goes through their brain.

They survive, somehow, because they always do, don't they? It's in their name. Sole Survivor. Was it ever a surprise. You'd think they're immortal, a God, when neither a bullet to their brain or even a nuclear war can kill them. But they're not a God. They're human. So, it's doesn't take long for that kind of luck to run out. Like Russian Roulette, there's always at least one bullet in the chamber. You'd think in Vegas, it'd be worth the gamble. But, when they wake, they don't remember anything. Being a Courier sounds easy when you're under the belief that's what you always were.

Less easy when it seems everyone in Vegas and their mother is gunning for you, for whatever reason. All Sole is interested in is catching the bastard that shot them, and getting some damn answers. Both about the damn chip, and who they are themself. Not a single person in Nevada seems to know who the fuck they are, like they appeared from nowhere. The mask probably doesn't help, but it beats getting shot in the head again.

All they know is they have it out for Benny.

As well as a few strange things.

Like how a chill runs up their spine when they hear talk of the Legion, and have almost an instinct to stay away. The same happens with the Brotherhood of Steel. The name feels like it should mean something. Those men and women prancing around in clunky armour feels like it should ring a bell.

They hate the heat of the Nevada, but they know if they had to choose, they would rather boil to death than freeze. They pile on blankets at even the slightest hint of a cold night, which is rare in the desert anyway. But Six doesn't like to gamble. The threat of a bullet has a history of not going well for them. They didn't sign up to play this game. They don't want to know if the other gun chambers are empty or not. Something about the cold just doesn't feel safe, reminds them of something they can't even remember. It's just an inkling feeling, gives them anxiety of a looming threat. Especially going to sleep cold. Something about that thought keeps them up at night, scared to sleep. Like a haunting sense that when they wake up, things will be different.

They're a little paranoid of people whose movements seem too perfect, not entirely human, find themselves looking at the back of people's necks where there could be scars, as if they're chipped or have inplants. It's not like they're not actually human though, right? Right...? They have no reason to believe that. Maybe. They hear a folktale about how your phobias in your current life are warnings from your previous lives. Six doesn't know what they think of that theory. They don't know if past lives are real. Something tells them they could be, in a way.

Six also feels watched. Turns to look over their shoulder far too much. At first they blame the paranoia, but something feels too real. Something feels familiar. After a while, they start to notice the figures in the distance. Faces ducking back behind rocks when Six turns around at the feel of eyes on the back of their head. The man, or men(?), who wear the same Courier outfits as them. Who follow Six's every move. Who, from what Six has been hearing from their discreet asking around, seem to be trying to find out who Six is almost as quickly as Six themself. Six had wondered what had happened to the other Couriers. They wonder if it's actually them. Or maybe they hope they do. Otherwise, the reflective shine of a red lens in an identical mask that matches your own behind your reflection as your walking past a broken window gets too eerie for someone who still doesn't know if they even have a friend's house they can run to if shit hits the fan. At first it was one. Now it's a handful. Six swore there were only five more couriers other than them. Despite the unease, there's still something else. That familiarity. Like when Six sees that ducking of a head in the corner of their eye, it's like a hand on their shoulder. A guardian angel only you don't know if it's an angel just yet. It's like they're growing more confident, like they want to actually reach out. Six isn't so sure they don't want them to, isn't so sure they shouldn't just walk over to them the next time they see them lingering on a cliff in the distance. It feels as if their meeting is inevitable. As if it's not really an 'if', but rather a 'when'. Then again, they shouldn't be surprised.

After all, the game was rigged from the start.

[persephones-wren]

hii love, love your fics so I just had to request again! Could request a Kaz andd reader where he says something mean to her without meaning it but shes really sad an stattes crying to jesper and he gets angry and tells Kaz to apologise? Angst with a happy ending,please!! Thanks a ton darling💗💗

Forgiveness (Kaz Brekker x Reader)

thank you for requesting again! school has been kicking my ass, so sorry for how long writing this took, but I hope you like it! :)

Warnings: mentions of catcalling, (small) injury, idk?

Genre: angst to fluff

Word Count: 1910

To say you’ve had a shitty day would’ve been an understatement.

Heading to the White Rose to see Nina, you’d been catcalled multiple times. Maybe you were being dramatic, but the comments felt more scathing than usual, and it had gotten under your skin quicker than you thought it would. You didn’t want to use Kaz’s reputation to scare them off, but it wouldn’t have mattered. You’d still be viewed as a possession, just one that didn’t belong to them.

You had snapped at the last stranger who’d given their perverse ideals of you, and that altercation had left you a lovely slash on your arm from defending yourself. You had temporarily wrapped it up on a scarf, but you knew you would probably have to wrap it with gauze on it when you returned.

When you had asked the clerk where Nina was, he said that he’d seen her leave, but she said nothing to him. Which meant the entire journey here was a waste, and that you’d have to head home without her guaranteed cooperation with the plan your boyfriend was creating.

“Kaz, she’s not there. Clerk said she went out, but he didn’t get where. It was a waste of a trip,” you sigh, throwing down your cloak on a random chair.

Kaz sighs, lowering his head as he writes out another part of the plan. “Really, Y/N? You couldn’t go out and look for her? She told us a couple days ago that she was going to start taking trips to the market at this time. You could’ve found her there.”

“I’m sorry?” you scoff quietly, but try to adjust your tone at the icy stare he gives you. You could’ve said that nicer, sure. “I didn’t think to look for her there because I didn’t know that, Kaz. Are you sure she told us that?”

“Yes, she did. Were you not paying attention?”

“I don’t think I was there,” you refute. “I would’ve remembered if she told me.”

“I don’t have time to talk to people who can’t do their jobs,” he mutters. “Just get out and waste time for now. Let me finish what I’m working on and we’ll find her together later.”

“The hell you mean I can’t do my job?” you protest. “I did what you asked. I went to go look for her, and she wasn’t there. I thought your instructions were not to stray from my path, because you wanted me home quickly and safely.”

“If you had any shred of common sense, then you’d know that I’d only say that because I’m supposed to care about you. I’d take information over your safety.”

You still. What?

He’s supposed to care about you? Does that imply he doesn’t? He would take information over your safety.

Does he want to break up?

Stop being dramatic. Kaz doesn’t play implication games with something like that. He’d tell you outright.

But he wouldn’t care for you if he got what he wanted.

“I-um, oh,” you take a shuddery breath. Your chest feels tight and your eyes are going to water. Kaz hates dealing with over-emotional people. He needs people who can keep their cool, people who can think their way out of things. You need to get out of here before he looks up at you. You’re useless, you’re an idiot, no wonder he said you couldn’t do your job properly.

Too late. He looks up at you, frowning at your silence, but you quickly turn away, still trying to hide your face.

You laugh, and even you can tell that it’s not genuine, just an attempt at trying to hide your wavering voice. “I’m fine, Kaz. Uh- yeah, yeah! We’ll go out later and-” your throat catches as you swallow harshly. “We’ll go out and look for Nina later. See you then.” You quickly brush your tears out of the way, opening the door and stepping out.

Your steps echo down the hall, and you try and find your way to your room through the tears that now stream down your face.

I’d take information over your safety.

You still don’t know if he means it. He’s angry, but- Kaz was usually extremely candid when he was upset.

He might’ve meant every word.

You don’t notice Jes in front of you, and as you pass him, he catches your arm.

You wince, his fingers land right on the slash, and he hastily lets go, looking at you with concern. Everyone was usually about as emotional as a rock in the Barrel. What made you cry like that?

“Y/N, you okay? What happened? Why did you flinch from me? Did I do something wrong?”

His face resembles a kicked puppy, and your heart constricts with slight guilt.

“No, no- it’s not your fault, Jes- your fingers landed right on a slash I got, that’s all.”

He looks at his hands, covered in slight blood. You tug at your soaked-through scarf and look at it, and it looks even worse than when you first got it. Your grimace. So much for getting him to worry less about you. “It looks a lot worse than it actually is.” Your words are frantic and stuttered, but you hope he gets the point.

“How did that happen? I thought with Kaz’s reputation, you would be untouchable. Why isn’t he taking care of you?”

You smile sadly. The mention of Kaz tightens your chest again.  “Guy scrapped with me for a little while after catcalling me. I didn’t want to use Kaz to defend myself- me, with him? He’d be even more of a target. And Kaz is a bit upset with me right now. He doesn’t know what happened.”

“Why the hell would he be upset?”

“I didn’t get the information he wanted,” your voice is small and weak. “And he said he’d rather have the information more than my safety.”

“Which is why you’re crying.” Jes’s face has a look of understanding.

“Yes,” you affirm quietly. “Today’s just been a bad day. I’ll be alright, though, really. I know Kaz doesn’t like dealing with weak people, so I thought I wouldn’t bother-”

“You’re not weak.” His voice gains a complete new edge, and his face is determined. You suddenly get a bad feeling. What’s Jes going to suggest you do? “We’re going to go confront him. Right now.”

“Jes, I look like I’ve been crying. I’d at least like to compose myself a bit.”

“No.” He makes sure he’s grabbing your other arm, before leading you back to Kaz’s office. “He needs to know how much he’s fucked up. He’s smart, but really,” Jesper sighs, “He’s an idiot. And you deserve better than that.”

Your heart warms at his words, but you’re still nervous as he leads you down the hall, and you’re definitely panicking when he opens the door without knocking.

Kaz looks up, and a brief look of surprise is in his eyes as he looks at Jesper. Why didn’t Jesper knock? And why would Jes need him, especially at midday? Wouldn’t he be out gambling?

Kaz prepares himself to hear something stupid. He doesn’t notice you standing behind him, and his attention drifts back down to his plan.

“What do you need?”

“Apologize.”

“For?”

“For being a bloody idiot and hurting your girlfriend.”

Hurting you? He looks back up to him, and this time, you’re standing next to Jesper.

“I didn’t-” Kaz starts, but your appearance makes him go silent.

Your expression is blank, but tear streaks clearly stain your face, and you clearly look like you don’t want to be confronting him. Jesper had put you up to this.

Were you too afraid of him to do it yourself?

What did he do for you to look like that?

“You didn’t do anything?” Jesper’s voice is incredulous. “She went to the White Rose to try and find Nina, and then you come home and treat her like she’s useless because she doesn’t get what you want. She’s your girlfriend, not a goon. Have some respect for her, yeah? She followed exactly what you said, to try and get home quickly and safely, and even then, she still gets hurt. Did you even notice the bleeding gash?”

“Jes,” you whisper, “it’s fine, really-”

He doesn’t listen, and grabs at your wrist to lift your arm, pulling down the scarf and revealing the bloody cut. Kaz blinks, concern and guilt briefly flashing on his face before he smooths back his expression.

How didn’t he notice? How did that happen?

“Y’know how she got that? Men were harassing her, and she fought one of them because she didn’t want to use your name as her shield. She was trying to prevent painting an even bigger target on your back. And then you go as far,” Jes laughs angrily, “as to say that she’s not worth more than information for your fucking plan? And through all of that, she leaves you alone because she doesn’t want to be an inconvenience to you. Your girlfriend thinks her emotions are burdening you. Get your fucking head out of your ass. Either you apologize to her, or she’s breaking up with you.”

You and Kaz are both left standing still, both watching as Jesper stalks back toward the door, opening it and slamming it shut.

The sound echoes through the silent room.

You don’t know what to say. Part of you feels vindicated, Jesper did the hard part for you, but part of you feels guilty- Jesper also made it a lot bigger than it could’ve been.

You let the guilt win out.

“I’m sorry, Jes’s wording was a bit harsh, I’ll take my leave, it’s really not that big-”

“Stay,” Kaz interrupts. “Please.”

You sit down on the chair next to his, and he turns to you, pulling out gauze and alcohol wipes.

“I can do it myself,” you say hurriedly. “I know-”

“You’re not a burden to me.” He avoids your gaze, he doesn’t want to see your reaction, in case he really would lose you after this. “Let me help you.”

“Okay.”

You hiss through your teeth as he cleans the gash, a small “sorry” escaping him as he continues. There’s still a silence hanging between both of you. He wraps it carefully, looking up at you when he’s done.

“Not too tight?”

“No,” you answer quietly. “Thank you, Kaz.”

There’s another silence between you.

“I care about you,” he says suddenly. “I wouldn’t trade your safety for anything.”

You know it’s his way of saying sorry.

“It’s okay,” you give a reassuring smile. “I know. I’ve just had a bad day, that’s all.”

“It’s not,” he argues. “If you ever need to defend yourself, use my name if it’ll get them to stop. I don’t care if it paints whatever sized target on my back.” You open your mouth to interject, but he continues. “I’m already a wanted criminal in Ketterdam. However much you increase the target by doesn’t matter, so long as you come home alright.”

“Okay,” you nod. “I will.”

“I love you, darling.”

Your eyes widen at his words. He doesn’t say it often, he knows that you already know that.

Jesper must’ve really shaken him.

“I love you too,” you reply softly. “Thank you.”

It’s his turn to look surprised. “For?”

“For caring,” you respond. “For being you. For loving me.”

A faint smile etches on his lips. “I always will.”

[douxie-casperan]

Rise of the Titans and the assassination Hisirdoux Casperan’s character development

I’ve been ranting so much since Wednesday morning that I finally condensed by thoughts of WHY this one subject keeps setting me off namely the utterly diabolical way they handled Douxie and Archie’s relationship in Rise of the Titans and how it wasn’t just enough to hit him with the nerf bat.

Please note I’m at the point where I literally cannot tell the difference between Aaron headcanons, Teny headcanons and my own they are all mixed together in the blender that does funky things. I also apologise for typo/weird wording it’s half 1 in the morning and I’d rather sleep than edit.

~

If asked to sum up Hisirdoux Casperan there are certainly several things that come to mind:

Sees the value in people as a whole and will find do anything if there is a chance of help someone out

Prefers tactics that disable/banish rather than kill an enemy yet willing and able to pull the trigger if circumstances become forced

While not academically inclined he is very capable of thinking on his feet and outside the box calling back to his time on the streets where a split-second decision making is the difference between being caught and not

Terrible at planning he’ll be in there figuring it out as he goes along which is what makes the previous point so vital to literally how he goes through life

A natural charmer that would let him talk his way out of trouble 9/10 providing a perfect cover for his distrustful nature and reluctance to be touched by random people

Very down to earth, humble and never one to brag unless outright sassing someone

Will bang out some hot tunes at the drop of a hat, his love of music has never wavered once since he caught the bug despite instrument hopping ironically becoming a jack of all trades much like his magic style

The earliest memories he can recall are him as a young boy lost in the woods where he was for an unknown amount of time before his soon to be familiar finds him amongst the roots covered in dirt and drying tears, there is nothing before that. Unbeknownst to him is the colour of his magic matches the blue of a lost mother’s eyes and the song that haunts his nightmares as much as fire could well be hers though there is no way to be sure. From that moment on Archibald, shortened to Archie, would become his entire world and their friendship only becoming closer during the years they prowled Camelot together trying to keep themselves in one piece until the fateful day Douxie tricks the wrong person leading him straight into the path of the famous wizard Merlin Ambrosius.

It's no real secret that Merlin is a very closed off person who keeps his emotions as well guarded as his secrets, prefers the style of negative reinforcement over positive encouragement and is a very strict perfectionist in his. At this point in his life he can be very easily described as a disaster that is genuinely doing his best with every little mistake held of his head and his future self when brought back to that time period is belittled by Lancelot (Errand boy) and Arthur (Boy) too meaning it’s hardly a wonder his confidence was very fragile revelling in the times where he could do things without being told off for it. With Morgana largely ignoring him too (Though personally I like to think as he got older she’d occasionally take an interest until the blistering arguments with their master started to talk over daily life) a certain disguised dragon would have remained a lifeline and give that physical affection he craved much like being told he’d done well never seemed able to earn.

With Killahead he’d lose that home and family he made leaving just the two of them behind struggling to figure out their place in the world that had abandoned them.

There wouldn’t have been the words for it back then but the way he had been treated prior was outright abusive instilling very bad habits into Douxie yet by irony he was always willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and help those in trouble without thinking earning a reputation as the Shepard of Fire. He refused to become like him seeking to be better, perhaps not as a wizard (Even though he was learning new charms and spells along the way) but certainly as a person. Despite everything he suffers through or witnesses in the intervening years, the loss of friends and kindling of far newer ones he never loses his good heart 

That said is it any wonder that after rightfully sassing Merlin for resurfacing, ignoring his existence despite being in the same town and only visiting him to run a finding errand that all the confidence he’d managed to build completely from scratch after Camelot wavered causing him to fall back solely into trying impressing his old Master who was acting like his humble apprentice must have coasted the past few centuries who himself fell back into old habits of belittling? It’s only when Merlin started to truly listen and acknowledge that this was not the same Moppet he once knew after Excalibur was fixed that their relationship finally started to become more like equals. After the defeat of Janus the changeling that broke into the castle he touched Douxie’s shoulder with a genuine smile and for a second he simply didn’t know what to do because the old man never did this before his brain kicked into gear and realised he’d finally earned that one thing he’d been so desperate for his entire life: That in Merlin’s eyes he could be more than a failure who only caused problems for the closest thing to a father figure he’d ever had, never solved them.

A staff will be earned, history would be set back on trap by banishing Morgana tag teaming with Archie because they know one another inside and out, as promised he’d get the kids back to the present but soon after things would go badly wrong. They’d lose Jim and because of his very nature he’d make a gamble to try and get him back because that life is worth trying for just for in a moment of surprising selflessness Merlin would be sacrificed to save him. The only constant in his life apart from Archie would apologise, openly express pride and how the greatest thing he’d ever done was saving this orphan, call him son for the first and final time before turning into ash in his arms. There would be no time to grieve for things will barrel into the crescendo of Douxie sacrificing his own life to buy everyone time to escape because if they did that everything he’d ever done would be worth it with one last whispered goodbye.

(Zoe sees him fall, so does Archie – His heart would break if he was conscious just like theirs does when his body crumples into the ground)

On the very fringes of the Light Realm he is gifted one more conversation with Merlin in a truly heart-breaking sequence (THANKS TENY) where they can just talk without any fear of consequence or politics and just be completely honest. Douxie is allowed to stand equal to Merlin, to have the hug he’d needed since he was a child and be allowed to simply let go of every pretense and cry his heart out because this can never happen again. He’s allowed to say goodbye to both his master and Morgana who had both shaped so very much of his life but like the painting he’d always remained firmly in the long shadows of until that moment.

When Hisirdoux Casperan finally leaves Wizards if we just accidently deliberately put the shawarma back in along with checking in with Zoe before departure, it is with having learned to live during his wandering years but this is the point of true freedom because he can finally escape into his own light with Archie by his side to keep Nari out of the hands of those that would see the world harmed. It won’t be easy but it feels possible somehow even with the knowledge everything is simply running on borrowed time.

Then Rise of the Titans happens.

At first everything is genuinely fine! No more running, they engineer a solution shut the Order’s magic down to make them a lot less dangerous and potentially at least incapacitate them until they can come up with a longer-term solution but all the best laid plans and all that. Douxie’s quick thinking stops the train from crushing any of the people below and it’s a very him style move to switch places with Nari to stall for time because for some reason the plot disabled Claire from portaling her or any of the threatened people/heroes to safety. He openly sasses the Order despite knowing the consequences will be bad for him because once again he’s managed to trick them, buy time that at the other end isn’t even slightly utilised until he’s forced back into his own body in excruciating pain. Archie immediately mobs him with comfort just as he has done every single time the wizard is distressed or collapsed with exhaustion without thinking because that is what their bond is like, incredibly close and far more than the Soul Bond mark that connects them together. They’re very alike in that regard, you have to earn the right to touch while equally knowing exactly what form the other needs the most in that precise moment in a way very few others could.

Bar the moment of figuring out that an illusion is in place to hide where the Order is opening the Genesis Seals and the brief insistence on reconnecting with Nari somehow Douxie manages to forget everything that makes him who he is after this point choosing to stand in the background being very no thoughts head empty or can only use the most basic spells of his youthful days not the seasoned master wizard he should be. Nomura is treated like an innocent slip rather than an outright death he did absolutely nothing to prevent (Not to mention the stupid daytime thing) nor seems to care particularly about afterwards yet with Nari’s he’s allowed to openly grieve in a gorgeously animated visual showing how he’d failed to keep her safe despite everything. He did nothing to help here either mind despite allowing himself to be tortured in the same piece of media to keep her safe, just watched another loss happen right in front of his eyes in his conga long line of them.

Then there’s Archie, oh god then there was Archie.

The dragon who even here he’d been shown to have an incredibly close bond with him decides you know what sod that tell him goodbye I’m going to make a joke about having a kingdom now dad and me are trapped in here forever. Douxie on his part looked sad for all of three seconds saying that he hoped he’s happy like it's a pet that wandered out into the world one day and never came back instead of a lifelong companion that has been there for as long as he can remember. He was now completely alone in the world since Zoe was also written out entirely and because every bit of his background had been forgotten about it somehow meant nothing. This wasn’t “I know you miss him, I know you need to grieve but you are running out of time” moment like things had been with Charlie, this was “cool shapeshifting dragon cat is now stuck in a plot hole that’s a shame” with zero pay off or any of the genuine reaction that should have been there or hell even trying to Ohana him back that very second because it never should have happened in the first place. Then even this wasn’t enough somehow, they managed to de-power Douxie even further into uselessness bar the (Admittedly nifty!) sticky feet stunt, the one who fought Skrael and Bellroc to a stalemate was shunted aside with barely a thought and his head would somehow get even emptier.

The one person who knew the danger of time magic the most stood by and said nothing.

The one person who would suffer the most by a reset because the lynchpin to his issues would be asleep if you got it wrong and should have drilled it into Jim’s head the best time to aim for stood by and said nothing.

The one person who had just suffered the loss of his familiar, best friend and only family along with the almost sister like Nari stood by and said nothing.

Then to add further insult to injury the caption when Douxie and Archie is shown says Some go their entire lives living an existence of quiet desperation because every drop of his character growth, his ability to finally start addressing his trauma instilled back in the 12th century, the staff he longed for was instead openly mocked by going “Aww he got his cat friend back how nice!” Everything he’d rightfully earned and had now would be unable to progress until certain criteria are met because it hinges entirely on the Trollhunter going to Merlin’s tomb and there’s only so much your support network of two (One if she’s written out) can do, the root of the majority of his issues all stem from one man.

And this folks is why I’ve been going on multiple rants about Douxie in particular, everyone was hit with the out of character bat to some degree in this film but when they came for him they didn’t just stop after they took his legs out because they wanted him to suffer from something he’s never had any control over to begin with all over again. Abuse survivors deserve better, these characters deserve better and we as viewers deserve far far better writing than we were forced to endure.

[theregoesmylurkerstatus]

Listen. Listen. The more I think about Essek’s reality the more amused I get. It’s like the Mighty Nein EXISTED to fuck his life over in the kindest way possible. 

One of their first functional (and one of their most defining) actions as a group was when they stole a Beacon -- one of HIS Beacons. A Beacon he took from the Dynasty and gave to the Assembly in an INCREDIBLY risky gamble, so risky it ultimately plunged the continent into war, because that’s how badly he wanted learn something about it.

And the Mighty Nein, on a fucking whim, vanished it from under their noses. NOT ONLY was Essek deprived of further research, but he couldn’t even smooth over the tensions on either side. Essek was probably the only person alive, besides the Mighty Nein, who could know for a fact that neither the Empire nor the Dynasty had what the war functionally started over. By stealing the Beacon, the Mighty Nein made sure neither side could be happy, and Essek was the one stuck in between.

But then, they returned it to the Bright Queen! Surely that’s good for Essek, right? Except, one, now he gets no more of the research he enabled a war for, and two, it wasn’t even traded as a price to stop the bloodshed, which seems to be something he genuinely wants. So, cool! Beacon #1 is certainly out of his hands, out of the hands of the people who might have told him SOMETHING about it, and it wasn’t even for the sake of the war ending. ...Great! Fun. Okay.

But what did the Mighty Nein trade it for? Why, the freedom of Essek’s prisoner, of course! Because surprise! That’s one of their number’s husband. And it’s a complete coincidence.  Were you using one of the poor saps conducting the research as a way to finally learn about said research, Essek? No longer. Yeza’s gone now. Suck it.

So, the Mighty Nein took a Beacon completely out of his hands, made it useless to him in every way possible, and removed his access to his one (1) avenue of information on the Beacon. That’s surely already Fuck These Guys territory for Essek, right?

Well, guess what Essek! YOU have been chosen to be the lucky drow who gets to babysit them! For the entire time! They’re here!

But hey, they’re only visitors, just keep them at arm’s length for a few days and then you’ll never have to see them aga- Oh look, your Den and by extension YOUR MOTHER gave them a house. They live here now.

And Essek just has to sit there like “... :).”

AND ON TOP OF ALL OF THAT, EVERY WEEK OR SO, THEY COME BACK AND SAY:

“Hey Essek! We just thought you should know, we think there’s a traitor in the Dynasty, crazy right?”

“Hey Essek, we think this possible traitor actually GAVE the Empire the Beacons, isn’t that WILD?”

“Hey Essek, did we mention that we have connections not only to the Empire but to the Assembly specifically, AND we have easy access to the Empire in general, so we can totally dig around there AND here as much as we like? Wow, not many people could do that, huh?”

“Hey Essek, did you know our monk is trained to ruthlessly ferret out the truth no matter what, and also she’s super invested in the well being of all these civillians? Boy, she sure seems to want to get to the bottom of things!”

“Hey Essek, did you know that our wizard who knows a lot about the arcane and is super interested in dunamancy and also has a perfect memory was a Scourger in training and speaks Zemnian? He can interrogate another one of your captives for you, wonder if they know anything about traitors or what the Assembly might be up to!”

“Hey Essek, we have a cunning plan to interrogate ANOTHER prisoner of yours! You know, that one who totally sold the Beacons! Aren’t we smart, don’t you like it?”

“Hey Essek! This prisoner seems to be innocent? Like, his memories were planted and he’s almost been... framed, or something? Wild! Let’s go tell the Bright Queen together!!!!”

“HEY ESSEK! Crazy news, we almost single handedly coordinated a peace talks, and we’ll be overseeing all the big interactions on both sides! Wonder what we could learn from those interactions? Anyway, bye!”

IT NEVER ENDS. IT NEVER, EVER ENDS FOR ESSEK. HE LIVES NEXT DOOR. JESTER MESSAGES HIM CONSTANTLY. HIS MUM OWNS THEIR HOUSE. HE’S BORDERLINE AT THEIR BECK AND CALL. 

AND IT’S ALMOST LIKE THEY WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO COUNTERACT HIS EVERY MOVE.

WHICH HE HAS TO HEAR ABOUT. CONSTANTLY.

Not only should the Nein by all rights have disliked him, he by all rights should FUCKING HATE the Mighty Nein.

The Mighty Nein were the bane of his existence. He must have laid awake some nights, wondering if they were taunting him. How could they know so much, and yet not realise he’s the last person they should be confiding in? How could he have run into a group with an ex-student of one of the men he’s illegally working with, by accident? HOW could he have kidnapped, out of all the researchers involved with the Beacons, the one married to a Mighty Nein member? Why does the truth-sniffing monk know Undercommon now. WHY is the firblog so fucking perceptive. And please, please, why won’t the tiefling stop messaging him?

Surely, they’re taunting him. They’re his own personal hell.

And they keep inviting him to dinner.

...I think I’ve made the joke several times now that somewhere out there, the big players in the war must fucking hate the Nein, accomplishing so much by accident.

Well I’ve found out who that big player is and his name is Essek. It’s him. Everything the Nein have done of any significance has made specifically his life harder, and on top of all that? 

They don’t even let him hate them properly, like Actual Nemeses™. Instead they gave him a morality crises. 

Because that’s the final, most poetic indignity of them all. 

After all that, he likes them.

[bakingandbooks3]

A Court of Song and Serpents

A bit short but the begging of a project I'm SO excited for- hope you love this as much as I do.

Summary: What a time to be alive as Nesta Archeron, going backward to move forward and finding that the places she once called home are now empty tombs.

Nesta

Nesta held her breath for a moment, a pause, and stilled entirely. The Court of Nightmares. She knew the verdict would be severe, but never would she have expected exile to a world of terror. The horrors of that place, of how it was once the main residence of the High Lord- till Rhysand.

Rhysand, the man who boasted of lands bountiful with choice and reason, now sat across from her donning unmasked hatred. A look he kept shielded from his mate, reserved just for Nesta. The kind that rips one apart from the inside out, would carve out the belly of a beast, burn a witch on a wooden pyre.

Nesta felt nothing, she always did. It wasn’t hard to see what he was thinking of her, how his beautiful wife’s wretched sister was little more than a gambling thief who slept her way through his glorious city. Now, fingers smeared that blank canvas so pure of her darkest shades.

Eyes flicking back, she studied that same sister. The Cursebreaker, the Savior.

How small and insignificant she became next to the glimmering shining thing Feyre was. The lands spoke of her beauty and kind touch, and how she sacrificed everything to save a world of people, and Fae that she was raised to despise.

Nesta wished it’d be known that her touch wasn’t always kind.

She built her bricks firm enough that her house of grace never shattered; Held firm, it was all she had left in her. Too many eyes on her filled with grief, excitement, retribution-Nesta was keenly aware of how this Court of Dreams felt of her.

“This is an exile.”

Rhysand's smirk peaked so slightly, his mate tensing.

“No, no. This is an intervention, a chance for you to find yourself away from bad influences and habits. You can’t keep living like this, and I refuse to let it continue happening and I take the fall for it. Your decisions are impractical and immoral. You are sober much less than you are drunk and-”

“If you’re going to condemn me, do it. But don’t sit here and act as if this is out of kindness.” Nesta snarled. She hated the barbed words, but it’s what she felt. “Who are you to question my morality?”

“I think I can speak for my wife when I say that your presence here is….” Rhysand growled but pulled back, like he forgot Feyre was right there, too.

Nesta wished he would’ve let go, so maybe that facade Rhys reserved for Feyre was broken. No, that’s cruel. As much as she hated this and him, he was making her sister happy.

Something Nesta could never do.

“I do not give a shit what my presence is doing. The decision has already been made, so stop scolding me like a child and make good on your word, Rhysand.” Bile rose in her throat, the words feeling nothing but slimy and disgusting. Foreign, yet habitual all the same. Sometimes, she forgets there once was a woman called Nesta who was so much more than the viper living in her now.

Sometimes she remembers that she can’t ever be her again.

Home was nowhere for her, not in a person, not in a place, certainly not in this bombastic group of “heroes”. Nesta didn’t need a hero, she just needed someone to care. But Nesta knew better, no one would. She was taught to be unlovable, just a woman to be sold off and married- to climb her mothers' ever-growing social ladder.

But Nesta on her own was never enough, even with her mother six feet under and rotted away there were unsung expectations unmet. She was a catastrophic failure and a dark smear on a family name that never truly held weight to her.

Nesta looked up, felt everything all at once again, could only see one man pacing a worn-through tether between them. He wasn’t going to stop this, but she could see it, how it looked like he wanted to jump out of his own flesh, the veins of his arm prominent and knuckles normally so brown a new fresh fallen snow.

There was no prince to save Nesta, much less any will to save herself. So when Mor took the pleasure of bringing her to a living Hell, Nesta did not fight.

She was tired of fighting, after all, she fought an inescapable fate for the first twenty years of her life…

Flowers always made Nesta sneeze, but Elain lit like lights during winter whenever she could thread them through her hair. They all symbolized something, Laine would say. There are ones for good days, and hard storms, for sunshine and stars.

Nesta was always adorned in flowers that paralleled the estate. Astute, cold, tired, where she was warm, comforting, and smelled like cookies- ones that Celia normally baked for the sisters. She never asked Laine why she picked the ones for her that she did, her reasons would stay silent for now.

Spring was a high time of activity in the Archeron estate. There was always a flurry of activity, from preparing their mothers' obscene balls, to guests at every corner in every room. The halls were sprinkled in candles and on walls hung frames nearly kissing it was packed so tight.

They were in the gardens. It was an Elain day, as the girls would call it, and no matter how boring or mundane her wishes were they’d be fulfilled. Nesta was propped on the floor in front of Laine, who was bunching handfuls to weave in tangled auburn coils that gathered on Nesta’s head- as a bird's nest would.

Eventually, Nesta would have to learn braids or risk knotting the curls entirely.

The eldest basked in the silence she created from mentally muting her middle sister, and spared a glance at Feyre. What she saw was not surprising, but required far more willpower than she expected to not burst into laughter and risk the flowery rat's nest on her scalp.

Feyre appeared to be so bored out of her mind she was eating discarded flowers of Elains. Actually, ingesting them, as if she was a critique. When Elain wasn’t looking at Feyre, she’d grab another couple and study them- analyzing her next experiment. Glaring at the blues and yellows as if she was speaking to them, “Which one of you will make me puke the fastest so I can run away?”

In time, Feyre looked up from her taste tests to see Nesta grinning at her so violently you’d think Feyre hung the moon.

And Feyre beamed back, crossing a pinkie across her chest and pointing it back to Nesta. Then she viciously spit out the grass she’d just finished chewing, crying directly at Laine, “This MUST stop at once, my stomach hurts far too much to continue on here.”

Elain, in a garden so quiet, simply ignored her sister's poor attempts at escape. Making Nesta work even harder to stifle the shaking of her shoulders, covering her mouth and nose before she started wheezing. Elain would hardly hurt a fly but sent Nesta a glare that could’ve easily killed a man.

Nesta cleared her throat, “I do believe there are more of the blue flowers down that hill near the pond. Would you mind getting some more for Laine?”

Feyre was already on her feet, mouthing her thanks as Elain turned her back to get the next bunch of flowers, “Why of course I will!” And with a very bad curtsey, Feyre threw off her shoes and was rolling down the hill, spinning wildly, her laughter sure to be heard in meadows far beyond theirs.

You would find the Archeron sisters all together, or never in the same place.

Laine was the easiest to find, by the waters or pond on the east side, in gardens surrounded with bugs and willows calling to the young girl. She could hardly read but if the text included any mention of colors and blooms, suddenly she was a scholar. Elain was not simple or dull, but rather a passive spirit, like a summer wind- brief, fleeting, but teeming with love and hope.

Feyre, as their mother said, was a reckless wild child. Far too young to care, far too small to be whipped into shape. If you were sent to find her and your life depended on it, may the Mother bless you. Feyre liked the kitchen, because of the immaculate food and maids who would shove any sweet down the littlest Archerons throat. But, also for the immeasurable amount of sharp items to be found in there. If it was pointy and could stab a wall or scare their ice-cold mother, Feyre would be running the halls with it in hand or making targets of her fathers old trade route maps.

Then there was Nesta, the firstborn. Molded to be another woman that she somehow couldn’t fit, as if her feet were too big or hair too long, Nesta was outgrowing the standards forged into her being. You would see her as a ghost, floating in and out of rooms, comfortable in silence and slumber, but never escaping people. She loved the maids and could recite all of their names like clockwork, and the workers loved her in turn. Always stuck in new worlds between pages or willingly dragged by the two youngers, Nesta teemed with liberation. She was often alone, but never lonely, and found new loves in the library or in the fields beyond marble confines.

Adela was constantly dissatisfied with her eldest's progress inside these walls, as if at eight she should’ve already been engaged to a prince. Granted, Adela knew better. Nesta would never truly find another kingdom to buy into when she already had a crown waiting for her elsewhere. She was known as fair and beautiful beyond her years, would age like fine wine, and become so much greater than Adela ever was. What Nesta saw as fit would normally come to be, an instinct Adela was unprepared she would inherit. Nothing left her more confused than this daughter only by blood, who was hated by both her parents for reasons far from the same, and how at less than ten years had an entire mansion wrapped around her fingers.

But Adela would wait, and simply leave them be for now. When viper's strike, they kill. And even though the Matron of the house wanted her little queen gone, she had other ways to see this through.

Anyways, children's blood on her hands would stain her diamonds.

---

Cassian

Cassian was violently fucking ill. Watching whatever the fuck that was did not help in the slightest. The second she was gone, so was he.

The General and High Lord were not on speaking terms, his presence was an obligation and not a request. When Rhys first displayed his plans, Cassian just about murdered him. Had his brother on the table in a chokehold that the Shadowsinger had to come and release Rhys from. The way his so-called family planned her exile was… horrific.

Cassian was full of light and humor, but not dull the way his family made him out to be. He could see this for what it was, punishing an already broken female for not meeting every damn need of a fully grown woman that was no longer her responsibility. Cass knew better than to downplay the sacrifices Feyre made, but he was also well aware that Nesta's habits were hardly a financial problem and more of a reputation scandal.

That’s what the High Lord did best, when his Court was breaking at the bonds, the mess would “disappear”. Just like the Illyrians hidden in the mountains, the displaced families of Spring, the homeless warriors of Night.

Cassian loved his brother, but more often than not he wondered when Fate would come to bite them in the asses for Rhys’ neglect.

Now, here he was, in his mothers' cabin, wings dragging behind him wiping tears long since shed over a woman who was thrown to the wolves and torn into so many scraps he wasn’t sure how he could put her together again.

He missed his Nesta, the one who threw glares and begged for her people, not this one who hardly spoke and caved into herself enough that she couldn’t see where she was heading.

Cassian fingered for his mug in the wooden cabinets and hit his mark, soon placing water to heat over a small fire over the counter.

He was not okay, not okay at all.

When you look for something in the dark for too long, you eventually find what you need but not always in the way you expect. Cassian coped the same as Nesta Archeron in his first years post-war. It was suffocating trying to be the happy one while dying inside. He watched men he looked up to fall and a lover he admired take her last breath- too much in far too little time. Cassian was not an idiot, he was simply perplexed. Why was he allowed to grieve in unacceptable manners, but Nesta was a sinner in holy clothing?

Bright walls and unlit rooms in the house were silent, only the winds of the mountains singing outside. The newly dusted snow wrapped the dirt in a delicate kiss- a forbidden touch. It was the peak of winter, just after Feyre’s birthday and another insufferable party.

One that Nesta wasn’t invited to.

Cassian wished he wasn’t invited either.

The cup in his hands was dwarfed in comparison to the bulky Illyrian holding it, but at least it was warm. At least it wasn’t empty.

Because if there was one thing he knew, it could always be worse.

Cassian knew that if things were a little different, he’d be the one sitting in a prison of darkness and Hell because of mistakes made as a child. He’d be exiled by family, cast away by the only living remains of a life once lived.

Nesta didn’t know but long before this he had called it even, their sins atoned for in hurting each other equally.

She was the only one in the world who could tell which smiles he was faking.

To anyone on the outside, one kiss was merely that. How curious it was, the iceberg went far deeper.

So when the mug crashed against the wall, and in its wake resembled his inner turmoil, Cassian took to the skies and found himself at the door of a place far too familiar.

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