#the daughters of ys

[haveyoureadthiscomic-poll]

[godzilla-reads]

🌊 The Daughters of Ys by M.T. Anderson and Jo Rioux

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Based on the old Britton tale, there is a wonderful and luscious kingdom called Ys where a magical queen and her king rule, but when the queen dies and leaves the king in mourning with two daughters, the dark secrets start to emerge.

I had never heard of this folktale and I feel like after reading the story, the choice of a graphic novel to depict it was fabulous. This story dives into the dark reality of what it takes to keep an empire and how we can’t always have a happy choice. The two sisters showed the duality of this thought and I really wanted to hate Dahut, the younger sister, but I felt like she was created by her father into this image that she was made to fill.

Jo Rioux’s art style really made this tale come to life and it was reminiscent of movies by Cartoon Saloon, like The Secret of Kells or Song of the Sea.

[majesticlymortal]

Erin’s Reading Log

Top 21 of 105 Books Read in 2022

*some books listed contain explicit depictions of sex and/or violence, etc. Please check content warnings before reading. Especially for The Monster of Elendhaven and Captive Prince

**The Amaranth Enchantment, Coraline, Dial a Ghost, and Journey to the River Sea were all rereads

[twkirky]

Fanart of M.T. Anderson and Jo Rioux’s The Daughters of Ys

[booksandwords]

The Daughters of Ys by M.T. Anderson. Illustrated by Jo Rioux

Age Recommendation: Tween and up Art Style: Pencil style (digital) Topic/ Theme: Family, Loyalty and Repercussions Setting: The city of Ys on the coast of Brittany

Rating: 4/5

The first thing that you probably need to know about this is the thing that is written last in the book, though it was written in the blurb as well. "Daughters of Ys is based on an ancient Breton folktale.". Brenton is something of what became French, the land itself was in Brittany (aka Wales and part of England). All the existing version of the folktale provided by Anderson are in what appears to be French. This is relevant only because this all means it is not something that Anderson just made up. Also, it makes Rioux's art decisions fantastic, the style and colouring are well suited to indicate that it is an aged piece. It's not something new. This is a good way to story and I could see it being used in a number of ways in educational institutions (sorry that is my high school librarian side talking).

The Daughter s of the Ys tells the story of the two titular daughters of Lady Malgven after her death, Princesses Rozenn and Dahut. It starts with their father, King Gradion recalling their unusual meeting and coming together to Malgven's death and her gifts traits inherited by her daughters. "Rozenn, my eldest, to you she gave her love of wild things and lonely places... And to you Dahut her love of wonders and miracles". It is here the problems start. in a single person those are well-balanced traits, but practical sense they cause the sisters to have opposite world views. We meet the sisters as children but for the most part, they are young women of indeterminate age living vastly different lives. Princess Rozenn in the moors with the people and the wild things coming to court only when absolutely necessary as the future Queen, Princess Dahut the popular and necessary to impress court lady. The story is Dahut and their mother's secret unravelling in the most violent way possible and what happened next. It is a well-paced and written piece that makes good use of the art to tell the story where words would be too much.

Because the art is integral to the storytelling here it had to be done well. And it was that. It pulls you in. As already said the style suits the setting, the people look right, the art does not look modern if that makes sense. All the main character are distinct, which I find can be an issue in some graphic novels. Not only are the characters distinct the different worlds that Rozenn and Dahut inhabit their different lives. And it shows the changes in their worlds as they get darker. All in all, it's just a beautiful book, that is definitely work a read if you like historical works or graphic fiction.

[argetcross]

the tripartite god (birth, death, rebirth)

--

I collaborated with @petithiccup on this piece for my zag mortal au fic, wasting beats of this heart of mine! It was so much fun and they are so pro!!! <3 Check out the process gif here: (x)

[the-good-neighbors]

[coralcatsea]

Wanted to try a style based on a book I read called The Daughters of Ys.

[draconiclore]

sorry, i recontextualized your girlfriend. yeah she's about a sixteenth century briton folk tale now. her themes just aligned so nicely.....sorry.

[serenatabrilhante]

𓂃𓊝 Intro: Long Journey

🪶 This blog is basically my personality

💫 Serenata brilhante = shinning serenade

📚 Português (BR), English, Español, ein bisschen Deutsch

🩵 Art enthusiast, cat, coffee and tea lover, night owl, daydreamer, bard of the RPG party, wish was an Arcadian poet (derogatory)

🧸 Safe place ❁ sfw

[lavenderleavened]

As somebody who really enjoys cartoon saloon, I find myself looking for similar content all the time. I'm certain I'm not the only one who does this so I figured i would compile a list of content that scratches the same itch as cartoon saloon's itish folklore movies

So here we go!!!!

1. The Daughters of Ys

Media type: graphic novel

About: The daughters of Ys is a graphic novel vatiation of a Brenton folktale. The art, story, and writing are gorgeous, and this is my top pick for similar content. I would sell my soul to get this animated.

Content warnings: nudity, implied sex, violence, murder

2. The Moorchild

Media type: novel

About: The Moorchild is a piece of children's fiction about a half-folk half-human, changeling girl. Despite being a children's book, it's one of my favorite pces of prouse. The story is engaging (even the second time around) and is better than most adult fiction I've read. Audiobook versions are available, too.

Content warnings: none

3. The Last Unicorn

Media type(s): Novel, graphic novel, animated movie

About: The Last Unicorn is a classic novel with an animated movie and comic adaptations. The 2d animated movie was released in 1982 by the Rankin/bass company. The film itself is whimsical. The animation is impeccable and is worth the watch for that alone. Also, they twinkified Prince Lir, hes so hot, oml.

There are several graphic novels from what I've seen. Each of them are just as good as the movie, but they tend to contain more of the world building.

The novel is worth the read even if you've seen the movie already. The lore and worldbuilding are so tasty, and there's so much cut out of the story cut out for the movie and graphic novel. Audiobook versions are available, too.

Content warnings: minor violence, nudity, and the movie has an overly sexualized tree you have been warned

I have more if you care to see them but right now i am tired as fuck, I'll make a part two later.

[annes-andromeda]

Long Post Incoming

——————

I don’t know who needs to hear this (*cough* TB stans *cough*) but Aegon has always had a stronger claim that Rha*nyra.

According to Andal law, a son comes before a daughter, and a niece comes before an uncle. The only time Rha*nyra had a strong claim was when she was Vis*rys’s only living child. No one wanted Da*mon on the IT because they knew that he would essentially be a second Maegor (or worse). Not only was Rha*nyra more well liked at the time, but in accordance to the law, she had a stronger claim that Da*mon.

At the end of the day, Rha*nyra being named heir had nothing to do with Rha*nyra. In the book, she was named heir so that Da*mon wouldn’t become king, and in the show, she was named heir because of Vis*rys’s guilt for killing Aemma. It was never about her. But, once Rha*nyra heard her daddy name her his successor, she rolled with it and refused to give up her claim. Which again, at the time, was at its strongest.

That is, until Vis*rys married Alicent and had Aegon.

Otto states that the succession changed the second Aegon was born, and although Otto isn’t the easiest man to like, he wasn’t wrong. As soon as Vis*rys fathered a living son, Rha*nyra was brought down from being first in line, to being second in line, with Da*mon now being third in line.

Now GRRM harkened back to Henry VIII and the succession crisis regarding his three living children (Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward), and states that Edward was third in line but was to become king first.

There’s just one problem. There was no succession crisis.

Edward, despite his age, was ALWAYS first in line for the throne. Everyone and their mother knew the second he was born, he would be Henry’s heir. Henry removed Mary and Elizabeth from the succession and denounced them as illegitimate because he annulled his marriages to his first and second wives, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.

Mary and Elizabeth were only returned to the succession through the Third Succession Act of 1543 because Henry did not father anymore sons, and he needed spares should anything happen to Edward. But Edward remained first in line nonetheless, whereas Mary and Elizabeth followed right after despite both of them being older.

Because of Aegon’s birth, Rha*nyra’s claim has weakened substantially, and while it’s still stronger than Da*mon’s, people will naturally gravitate towards Aegon due to the majority of Westeros, save for Dorne, following male primogeniture.

If Vis*ys really wanted to strengthen his daughters claim and instill her as heir, then he would’ve never remarried and had sons. He would’ve helped Rha*nyra gain allies, and teach her how to rule. But he didn’t. He just named her heir and that’s it.

Which is why Vis*rys still wanting Rha*nyra to be his successor despite having Aegon is stupid, because the law dictates that Aegon is first in line. And Vis*rys never changed the laws of succession, he only wanted his daughter to be the exception.

Now if this were Dorne, where absolute primogeniture is practiced, then Rha*nyra would most certainly be the uncontested heir. But since she’s not Dornish, Rha*nyra’s claim to the IT is weaker than Aegon’s. And it only gets weaker once Vis*rys sires two more sons following Aegon.

With the births of Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron, Rha*nyra is pushed even further down the line of succession. And when Aegon has two legitimate sons of his own (Jaehaerys and Maelor), she’s pushed even further down the line.

It’s why Da*mon groomed and married her: so he would get closer to the throne. But even with their claims combined, and despite the fact that they have Aegon III and Viserys II, Aegon’s claim is still strong.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but this is what the succession should look like:

Aegon II—>Jaehaerys—>Maelor—>Aemond—>Daeron—>Rha*nyra—>Aegon III—>Viserys II—>Helaena—>Jaehaera—>Da*mon

Fans can scream about how Rha*nyra and the Blacks had more houses supporting them during the Dance (which realistically doesn’t make a lick of sense), but it doesn’t change the fact that Aegon has always had the stronger claim.

You can say that she was usurped all you want, but it doesn’t mean that Aegon didn’t have a claim to the throne. If anything, he had the strongest claim of them all.

And not only that, but Aegon had legitimate sons as his heirs, unlike Rha*nyra, who was trying to pass off her illegitimate bastard sons as her heirs, despite it being very illegal.

People say that Jace, Luke, and Joff were fighting for their claims when… they literally had no claims to begin with. They’re illegitimate bastards who shouldn’t be anywhere near the line of succession. Just because they have the last name Velaryon and Laenor “accepted” them, doesn’t suddenly make them legitimate.

That’s like that saying that because Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen had the last name Baratheon, it suddenly means they were Robert’s trueborn children, when we know they weren’t.

All in all, Vis*rys was the real reason for the Dance happening, all because he couldn’t make up his mind about the succession and was politically inept. And no, him marrying Laena wouldn’t have stopped the Dance from happening because there still would’ve been a chance that Laena birthed a son (or sons).

[fatum679]

Hello, sorry to brother you again, please lmk if u have enough of my rants 🤣. I wanna ask , don't you think it's somewhat crazy that due to this ridiculous a*ysmond vs. helaemond ship war, the character of Helaena Targaryen seems to have more haters among the TG than TB part of the fandom? I legit know several TB supporters/ content creators who claim Helaena deserves better and it will be cool if it turns out she has kids with someone who likes and respects her(=Aemond). Also, even TBs point out if the showrunners want to give Aemond a romantic subplot, helaemond will be a better option, since unlike a*ysmond , this relationship is a consensual one + Aemond's protectiveness and attachment to his sister appear pretty obvious... It's such a pity some Green fans diminish Hel's clairvoyance and claim it's useless and she's far less powerful seer and less interesting character than A*ys. They want A*ys' magic to be explored further, and not Hel's. Which I totally don't understand, since in GOT, we have already seen greenseers, woods witches and even Red Priests, but we still don't know much about dragon dreamers. Imo focusing on Targaryen magic in a Targaryen -centric show would be a far better idea. Also, HOTD's portrayal of Helaena could potentially be a really refeshing and original take on a magical woman. I mean unlike stereotypical sorceresses, usually dark-haired, clad in flowy, dusky gowns and dwelling in fantastic, Gothic manors, Hel looks like a sweet Princess ,but she's still blood of the dragon and a seer. I mean she doesn't need Gothic aesthetics and stuff to be "magical", since she herself is magic!

Hello! I'm glad to see your questions and glad that you are interested in my opinion 😊

The asoiaf fandom has always been toxic, no matter if you discuss books or series, there have always been wars in the fandom. Treat it like a game and don't spend a lot of energy on it.

Yes, there is a war of ships going on now. It's true, alysmond stans is the anti-Helaena and the anti-Helaemond. I don't understand why TG thinks Alys is part of the green party. Alys is not green. She has her own personal interests and goals.

Dance of the dragons is a Targaryen story, Alys is not a Targaryen, she is just a tertiary character (like Mysaria), she will not have more time.

I really want to see more of Helaena as a character, more of her magical abilities, more of her personality, more of her connection to the people of King's Landing, her family, her children, and her dragon. Rhaenyra did more action (in the book she sat on Dragonstone for the entire war), so I'm sure Helaena will have a lot of screen time.

Helaena doesn't have to be a stereotypical and banal goth girl. Comparing her to Alys is a waste of time. Helaena is beautiful, she looks like an elf and a fallen angel to girls from sagas.

Helaegon stans opposes Aemond, and they don't like all the allusions to Helaemond. I'm not anti-Aegon, but I'm anti-helaegon because there was no love between Aegon and Helaena in the show or even in the book. It was a forced marriage. Aegon had a mistress and other children. helaegon is lmao. helaegon is an abusive relationship. Abusive to Helaena. This is the reality and the truth.

“Princess Helaena was breaking her fast with her children when the Kingsguard came to her…but when asked the whereabouts of Prince Aegon, her brother and husband, she said only, “He [Aegon] is not in my bed, you may be sure. Feel free to search beneath the blankets””

“Though the good septon admits Prince Aegon was with a paramour when he was found, he insists the girl was the daughter of a wealthy trader, and well cared for besides”

“We have nothing in common”, “You [Aemond] marry her [Helaena], then”

“She's an idiot”

“I regret the disappointment you [Baela] are soon to suffer. But if you ever wish to kniw what it is to be well satisfied, all you have to do is ask”

“It isn’t so bad. Mostly he just ignores you…except sometimes when he’s drunk”.

“Think of the shame on your wife, on me” [Aegon r*p*d the Dyana who helped Helaena with her babys]

“I will find a ship and sail away, never to be found” [Aegon wanted to run away, abandon Helaena and her children]

I think Aegon always wanted to be on Rhaenyra's side. Perhaps he thought that Viserys would start to notice him and love him if he was closer to his older sister than to his other siblings. Even as a child, he was more interested in spending time with his nephews, and he did not take Alicent's words seriously until Aemond's eye was gouged out (Aemond could have died after such a wound)

“If Rhaenyra come into power you very life could be forfeit. Aemond is as well. She could move to cut off any challenge to her succession”

“Then I won’t challenge”

Aegon has a bad relationship with his mother and siblings ("She's an idiot" "He's a twat"). I think Aegon was more interested in love from Viserys and Rhaenyra than from his real family.

“My sister is the heir, not me,” he says in Eustace’s account. “What sort of brother steals his sister’s birthright?”

“He [Viserys]didn't like me”

Perhaps Aegon liked the idea of marrying Rhaenyra?

Sorry, I got a little off topic.

I agree with you, it would be great if Helaena's children were with the man she loves (Aemond). It is very sad and terrible that Helaena had to endure drunken se**ally har***ment from Aegon 🫣 😱 Poor girl 🥺 😭 I hate Aegon for this! Alicent, why did you let this happen? Helaena could have Aemond! Helaena was scared when Otto and Alicent asked her where Aegon was. She lowered her head - this is a gesture of protection. I don’t understand people who “like” Helaena and support the helaegon ship. They support abusive relationships and domestic vio**nce. It is a fact. This is anti-Helaena relationships.

#We need more Helaena in season 2!

[marine-indie-gal]

My Own Personal Interpretations/Takes of one of My Mutuals' OCs (@djinarocks) of her own Cartoon! Beatles Fankids from YouTube drawn in my own Arstyle.

I've also decided to make each of the Kid look closer towards their own Fathers' artstyle from One of the Movies from the Beatles (most likely "Yellow Submarine").

For those who are often curious about which Child from My Friend is the Spawn of Which Beatle, I will give you the Links.

Jade, Sayana, and Melar (Paul's Children)

Rosie (John's Daughter)

Elmer (Ringo's Son)

Jaiden and Landyn (George's Sons)

Before anyone starts to comment or reblog this, please note that this has absolutely NOTHING to do with the IRL Beatles (considering that they did had their own Wives in RL), My Best Friend's AU of one of her Favorite Musicians mainly focuses on the Cartoon Beatles (most likely the YS one) since both the Cartoon Adaptations of The Beatles have their own universes as their own Fictional versions of the Band.

Again, before anyone gets super confused, this has Nothing to do with the RL Beatles, this is only from a AU of The Yellow Submarine Cartoon Counterparts of the Former Band (not the actual ones, if you're gonna start to wine about it since I do know Historical Facts. 🙄)

Characters (c) @djinarocks

[thesteriuswife]

The three eldest daughters of Ys and Lajavard, Nafiset (goddess of spring / seasonal harvest), Nagwa (a harvest goddess local to the region of Thracia), and Naia (goddess of rain and symbolic of the rainbow, mostly worshipped in Paros).

Nafiset is the most well known of the sisters 🙏🏾 art here is from 2022

[stories-and-chaos]

Tarnished pt 14

[Helluva Boss AU where Blitzø’s childhood theft from Stolas’ palace is discovered and major consequences ensue for everyone involved.]

[Part 14/?? Word count: 2518 Cw: language]

—————

Loona and Blitzø had ‘discussed’ what their options were. That the discussion was held at full volume was a given with them. Loona wanted to break down the door, grab her sister and run. As satisfying as that would be, Blitzø had some inkling of consequences. First, that just because Scarlet and Vex hadn’t seen any security didn’t mean there wasn’t any. Second, if this ‘Slicker’ did have a hold on his employees' souls, busting heads wouldn’t help.

And third, Dina might not want to leave. Blitzø didn’t think that was likely, considering how she’d come to be there. But it was a possibility he’d have to keep in mind. She’d run away from Loona when the girls scented each other. He could imagine multiple reasons why she’d run back into the brothel, but they didn’t have anything concrete.

“Loonie, let’s have Scarlet and Vex make another trip.” She snapped at him in frustration, making him dodge around the couch. “Whoa, sweetie, I know you wanna get her out of there asap.” Another dodge as she flung a cushion at him. “I do too! I think more information on Dina specifically would be best!” A comical scramble and pratfall had the Hellhound pinning him to the floor.

“She’s been stuck there long enough Blitzø! And I’ve been working long enough to get her out! I can handle myself,” she said, with a desperate growl in her voice.

“I know you can! But being prepared can’t hurt. It’s why you two were planning ahead for when you’d age out, right?” She snarled but at least moved her teeth from his face. “And, if those two can request Dina that night, we can have them call you.” That made her sit back on her haunches.

Her eyes, bright crimson sclera and white pupils, looked at him hopefully even as she kept her expression in an angry snarl. “You think they can?” The question had an edge to it.

Blitzø nodded and sat up. “I’ve known them for ages. Neither of them are fighters but they’re two of the most capable demons I know.” At her flat disbelieving stare, he doubled down. “I shit you not! They’ve been running rings behind the harpy’s back for years. Scarlet especially can talk her way out of anything. And Vex is a sneaky bastard that has spooked Stolas more than once.”

Loona looked away, weighing their options. She stalked off to her room, unable to fully suppress the growl in her chest. “One more time. Then I’m rescuing my sister one way or another Blitzø,” she said firmly before retreating behind her door.

“Fuuuuuckin Christ,” Blitzø said under his breath as he fell back onto the floor. Getting chased around by any Hellhound for any reason would make most demons piss themselves. Maybe he should be glad she trusted him enough to fight back?

Whatever, he needed to text Stolas.

Loony sayd ys, axe Skalert and vxe wen thye can go aigin

He didn’t have to wait long for the prince’s reply.

Scarlet says they’ll be able to in three days. She wants to space any excursions out so they don’t seem desperate for anything and I agree. I take it you mentioned the possibilities of obtaining Dina as their audience and a potential phone call if they can? I assume that would be the reason our dear temperamental Moonbeam would agree.

Blitzø hadn’t realized Stolas had given his daughter a nickname. It matched his nickname for Via, Starfire. Despite the stressful situation, it made the imp smile, if only a little.

yeh, seyd shrs gonna gif em 1 moar go, theen sheds recsuung dIna

Oh dear. I understand her urgency but we had best have a plan in place before she destroys the building. Not only is she a formidable melee fighter from what you’ve described, her growing knowledge of the arcane means she has other resources than her physical strength. I don’t think she has quite grasped that as of yet. However, an emotionally volatile confrontation could trigger inadvertent usage of her power.

Gud 2 now my bby grl can kiik ass and expold shirt wth hr brian

Not the reaction I would have expected to discovering one’s daughter can level a city block in a fit of rage, but you never fail to surprise me Blitzy.

>:p <3

<3

Now he had to convince Loona to wait three days.

It helped to remind her that Dina’s safety could hinge on what Loona did (or didn’t) do. That combined with the possibility of a phone call and some actual administrative work for I.M.P. kept her occupied enough.

Scarlet had shifted around her work schedule, letting the rest of the staff know that Vex was taking her out for another date. Stella’s pet Hellhounds were definitely watching all staff members and feeding any news back to her. The household servants had seen the disheveled state the pair returned in last time and the consensus seemed to be they found a new favorite sex club.

Loona and Blitzø were back at the palace for the night. It wasn’t too out of character for him to split his time between the apartment and Stolas’s chambers, but the addition of Loona did result in questioning looks.

“Having to think up plausible excuses for what I do in my own home is getting quite frustrating,” Stolas said once they were ensconced in his chambers. Loona would be using the safe room while Blitzø spent the night with Stolas.

Blitzø was stretched out on the lounge, trying to not check his phone every five seconds. “This would all be a lot fucking easier if you kicked the feather duster out.” Stolas, currently examining the bookshelf, paused to glare at Blitzø. “Just saying’.”

“One crisis at a time darling.” He found the book he was looking for and handed it to Loona. The girl had been pacing around the room, her tail anxiously flicking behind her. “Here we are Moonbeam, read this while we wait. It’s a treatise on sigil enhancement that you should review.”

“Thanks Stolas, but shouldn’t I study it with Via?” The owl shook his head. “She won’t need it until she reveals her sigil. I want her focused on her current subject without adding anything superfluous.” Loona nodded and curled up into one of the chairs.

Her raised hackles, flattened ears, and swishing tail showed her agitation. But as she started puzzling out the runic text, she relaxed somewhat. She was even asking Stolas to clarify a few sections with unfamiliar symbols.

Blitzø started to tune them out; he was miles behind Via in magick knowledge and trying to catch up now seemed silly. Instead he retrieved his sketchbook from the safe room. Drawing his horse OC’s was a much better use of his time.

He was working on his current shipping chart when Vex’s ringtone broke the silence. “Oh shit!” His hand jerked, making an OTP line between Rickyroad and Blue Custard instead of Rickyroad and Maze Window. (Ricky and Blue would never work, they’re both too top even with all the tension from their one night stand.)

He could fix it later. He scampered to the phone and but it on speaker. “Vex? Lety? I’ve got you on speaker.”

“Blitzø, man, it’s good we got here early. Dina here has way too many thirsty fuckers coming round here.” Vex’s voice had a slightly distant quality from being on speaker. “Good thing we tipped so good last time, we got first pick.”

“The fact he basically got a paid night off helped too.” Scarlet was quieter but still audible.

Loona grabbed the phone before anyone else could answer. “Dina’s there? She’s with you now?!” Her voice was shaking and Blitzø could see her struggling to grip the device carefully. She was more than capable of crushing the phone. As it was, his ‘Ride Me’ case acquired new scratches.

There was a choked sob on the other end of the call. Some rustling sounds and soothing words from Scarlet followed. Then, shakily, “L-Loona?” The trio could hear the fear and exhaustion in the voice, mingled with a hint of hope.

“Dina! You’re ok- you’re alive…” Loona had been about to say ‘you’re okay’ but it was obvious her sister wasn’t. “Dina…I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner. We’ll get you out! I promise, I’ll save you this time, I tried before but I’ll do it now Dina-“

“No!” Dina’s yelp cut through her sister’s babble. “You can’t come here Loona. Slicker…you don’t know what he’s capable of!” She started breathing rapidly and they could hear the imps help her calm down. Loona had sunk to the floor at Dina’s adamant refusal, looking lost.

A shaky breath came through the phone speaker. “I don’t want you to get hurt by him. I signed a deal when I got here.” Stolas and Blitzø both perked up at the mention of her deal. “Once I pay off my debt I’ll be done with this place.” Blitzø snorted, certain that ‘debt’ was designed to inflate constantly and be unpayable.

Stolas had grabbed the sketchbook and started writing on a blank page. He ignored Blitzø’s protest and held up the book, instructions written in crayon. Loona blinked at her teacher and read it out loud. “Dina, did you make a deal or sign a contract?”

“Huh? What’s the difference…?” It sounded like Vex was urging her to continue. “I signed paperwork?”

Stolas scripted out another question as best he could with the crayon. “Was there any magick involved?” Loona asked slowly, having to parse his handwriting through the thick letters.

A swishing sound. “No, I don’t think so. Loona, what does it matter if it was magickal or not?” Everyone else on both sides of the call sighed in relief.

Loona, near tears of relief herself, managed a reply. “It matters a lot Dina. We can work with a paper contract.” Stolas held a talon to his beak. The Hellhound nodded. “I can’t say too much over the phone. I’ll…work something out. I won’t go on my own!” she said before Dina could object. “Please? Let me try?”

They could hear Dina start to cry. “Okay. Just… please please please be careful. I love you Loona.”

Loona was crying too. “I love you too Dina. We can talk more later.” She handed the phone to Blitzø as they heard rustling on the other end. Vex had his phone back too. The Hellhound curled back up into her chair, face buried in her arms and shoulders shaking.

Blitzø and Vex agreed they’d have another call in the early morning before the imp duo left. By then, Loona and the two men should have some sort of plan. Hanging up, the imp crouched next to his daughter. He didn’t touch her but he did call softly, “Loonie?”

She lifted her head just enough to look at him. “She didn’t want my help, Blitzø,” she managed through sobs. “She ran away from me and told me not to help. I’m the tough one, I’m supposed to protect her.”

Blitzø had to think of what he could possibly say, crouched there with a stricken look. “You’ve been protecting and looking for her because you love her.” She nodded. “She loves you right back. So she wants to protect you however she can. The best way Dina can do that is to keep you away from the bastard she’s got a contract with.”

Loona was still crying, but not as hard now. “I’m not surprised; she’s your sister Loonie. A self sacrificing protective streak seems like a family trait.”

She snorted and wiped her eyes. “Like you should talk Dad.” She saw the mess her running mascara made on her arm. “Fuck, that’s gonna take forever to get out of my fur!”

Stolas ushered her up and toward Blitzø’s room. “Why don’t you get cleaned up? If my darling Blitzy will allow you inside, you can make use of the bath.” Somewhat dazed, Blitzø let her through the door.

“I’m not imagining things, right Floof? She called me ‘Dad.’” Blitzø looked up at Stolas, his eyes big and gleaming with joy.

“Hmm, yes I believe she did. Although I do recommend not pointing that out to her if you ever want to hear it again. Now, let’s discuss our options while Loona washes up.”

By the time Loona reemerged in a sleep shirt and shorts, with the fur on one arm sticking up in weird directions, the other demons felt they had a workable plan. They were debating on the use of a disguise or not.

“Even among the Goetia I am a dashing and memorable figure. Do we really want me to waltz in there as I am?”

“Stolas. Babe. Most demons can’t tell one royal from another unless they work for one.” Blitzø punctuated his words with chops of his hand. “Best bet for intimidating or paying off this creep is to pull rank, so you gotta be there as a royal. We don’t have enough time to practice for fake name and one of us is gonna slip up if we try.”

“Wait, what are you plotting?” Loona shoved her way into the debate. Stolas gave her an overview of their plan. “I mean, I still wanna tear this ‘Slicker’ apart but that’ll probably work? I’m with Blitzø though, no magic disguise.” Stolas started to give a rebuttal but Loona shook her head. “You’ve taught me that the more complex a spell is, the more chances it’ll go wrong. Especially when you add new shit. Pretty sure that applies to the rest of life.” Stolas was left with his mouth hanging open.

“Better close that unless you want me to stick something in it,” Blitzø said, tapping the prince’s chin. “Ugh, gross!” Loona made a face as Stolas’s jaw snapped shut.

“Just wear the least fancy getup you’ve got Floof. No cape, no top hat.” Blitzø paused. “We’ll look through your closet. At least those rompers you like won’t be out of place.”

After that, there wasn’t much to do until Vex called around three in the morning. They each took a nap but couldn’t manage more than that. Stolas gave the valet and maid instructions before they gave the phones to the Hellhound siblings.

“Hey Loona.” Dina sounded calmer at least. Vex and Scarlet must have helped her in the interim. “Looks like tomorrow? Or later today…? You sure they can do it? That we can trust these guys?” The fear was still in her voice, making it thick and shaky.

“Pretty sure. They haven’t kicked me out yet and you know what a bitch I am,” Loona tried to lift her spirits. She was rewarded with a little giggle. It was more nervous than humored but it was better than crying.

“And without me there to give the puppy eyes of forgiveness.” A deep breath and a sigh. “Okay, let’s try it.”

“Just don’t act like you’re expecting anything. Business as normal.”

“I’ve gotten pretty good at that.”

—————

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