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gremlingottoosilly · 2 years ago

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The horror and the wild [!emperor!Konig x fem!Reader] ch.5

You had a nice, simple life. Serve the princess, obey the princess, protect the princess with your life. You never thought that this nice, simple life would bring you to be kidnapped by the infamous Northern Emperor. Konig never thought that kidnapping a wife would be much easier than courting one.

CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2| Chapter 3| Chapter 4| Chapter 5l you're here! AO3

Word count: 3188 Tags/Warnings: Medieval fantasy/Alternative European history AU, Age gap, Enemies(one-sided)to lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Kidnapping, Forced marriage, Size difference(Konig is absolutely huge), Somewhat one-sided slow burn, Yandere Konig

Warnings for this chapter: Predator/Prey kink, mild choking

Little princess doesn’t know what’s good for her. Little princess is dumb and naive and oh, so deliciously weak, it makes Konig sick just how much he adores her pouty face, her aggressive expressions, and that squeak in her voice every time he does something to embarrass her – which he does, a lot, in fact. Quite aware of how his war dog lingo would affect an innocent young lady like his precious dearest darling illustrious wife, he uses it to hi advantage – when you have your lady cornered, heavy panting and cumming from your tongue and your fingers in her tight royal cunt, she wouldn’t be able to open her mouth for something meaningless, right? Thou shall not think as thou would be a sin against god.

Emperor is a sinner, but he still believes that you shall always follow the religious instructions – as if not ever trying to oppose him and speak like you have the right to think in his presence. Perhaps, his devotion to making you weak and pliable in his arms is what led to this situation.

Little princess doesn’t know what’s good for her, so little princess runs.

You might brag about your best education and most elegant courses for women you attended in the palace – but he knows just how empty your adorable little head is, because you had no idea how much the thrill of the hunt turns him on.

You’re nowhere to be found, escaped through the window of the room you were stationed in – it was his mistake, assigning you a place from which you could jump so easily. Next time, he will cuff you to his bedpost, like a loyal palace dog lying on his legs. Next time, he will make sure to love you so eagerly that your legs won’t work for at least a few days.

He doesn’t even need his hunting dogs to catch you. Horangi offers his help, Tiger so eager to come out and play with a little princess, perhaps maul her a bit, showing the royal cunt what she deserves for disrespecting her emperor and his subjects – but oh no, this won’t do. König needs to discipline you himself, track your scent like the hound he is, and get you back to your wedding bed with your body in his teeth.

Woe on you, dumb little princess, as your emperor considers escape attempts the richest form of courting.

Following you through the forest near the castle, your footsteps are clear in the mud and dirt – a piece of your dress serves as a grinding light. Your scent, delicious sweetness, and fresh flower oils maid had infused you with made it laughably easier to find you. He can almost see the glimpses of your body running through the woods – god, he knew that he wanted you and was right about taking you away.

How can he resist a wedding gift from his bride who wants to play tag? He follows you like a madman, a dog, he sees through trees, trying to see where you could run. The deep golden brown of your dress almost made you look like a forest spirit standing in the depths of the woods – if it weren’t for König’s trained eye, he would rather mistake you for a tree. Or a particularly precious deer.

He licks his lips, a wolf approaching the bunny he was hunting for so long – you run away, still try to. These dumb skirts aren’t made for running away from your fiancee in a forest – you can barely walk in those, poor thing. You take a step back, panicking, squawking from fear, as he approaches you as slowly as possible.

Perhaps, if he gives you one more chance to run, it would make the chase even more precious.

He is used to hunting with his royal hounds, with a group of his closest friends by his side – war hawks helping hunt for prey, the animal snifters making the whole process laughably easy. He doesn’t have anyone for the company now.

Only you, him, and wilderness – and his adoring love for everything you do.

— Stop resisting, little princess.

You whimper, but your little annoyed expression makes him only harder. Hell, how he adores your frown, how much he wants to kiss your face right now – god knows he is holding himself back these days. Little princess doesn’t deserve to get her innocence taken on her back, legs open on the dirt of the royal forest – but sometimes you act like a good lashing, and some passionate mating is the only thing that would keep you in line.

He yells in your direction, hoping that even that dumb head of yours has some sense in it – the chase is fun, and he would continue it more until you’re completely unraveled under him, exhausted and defeated – but, oh, your silly desire to be free has led you to the edge of the lake. Dancing on the shaky, soft sands and warm mud of the pond, your clothes leave you with very small chances of getting out of here in one piece.

He doesn’t want to be the bringer of doom, but just one sleep, a nervous movement that you can’t control – and the little princess of his dreams will come flying in the dark waters. Even if your royal majesty knows how to swim, the heavy fabrics of your garments would be declared as your executioners.

You look so fragile like this – your skirt is lifted, showing your pretty ankles, as you’re trying to jump from stone to stone, as far away from him as possible. You’re scared, only reminding him more of the bunnies he used to hunt as a kid – and he is almost offended that you’d prefer that risk of drowning over getting in the hands of your husband again, but alas, princesses are usually not the smartest creatures on the planet.

— I’d rather die, Your Majesty.

You bite your lips and look at him, so stubborn and cute – the feelings in him rise, your arrogant expression making the thrill of the hint ever sweeter. God, he cannot control himself around you like this – you should stop trying to make yourself sweeter for him, he already wants to keep you chained in his bed and never let you go.

You’re so…

Ach.

His path of thought is stopped by the splash of water.

Dumb thing, you really decided to make the most of your words – like a cornered animal, you jumped in the lake, getting to the bottom almost immediately. Your dress is heavy and expensive, all the weight of the fabrics pinning you down in elaborate execution. Your emperor stands on the small beach, looking at the water circles going from where you fell…and then he jumps straight after you.

The last thing you remembered before the world went dark was the scream of a man who, for the first time in his life, had experienced genuine fear.

*** You wake up warm – and naked.

No wet clothes, no heavy dress lingering on your skin like a soft coffin.

You’re as naked as the day you were born, shivering despite the warmness of the room and the crackling of fire somewhere near you. You remember this room – a royal bedroom, quickly made as your quarters when you moved to this god-forsaken castle. Empire has some horribly extensive architecture, and this room, big, stony, and expelled of any decor, has only made you feel regret ever waking up.

You wished to wake up in the cold embrace of your Princess – but you open your eyes and see this room over and over again. Why couldn’t death come sooner?

— It was incredibly stupid even for you, little princess.

König sits on the edge of the bed. A future husband shouldn’t sit like this, resembling a servant who is scared for the health of his misstress. His eyes are filled with cold fury and other emotions that you can’t quite grasp – you don’t want to look at his face too much as even the mere glimpse is making you uncomfortable. God knows you are not in the mood for trying to talk to your captor.

God knows he doesn’t care about your wishes.

— If you can only provide me freedom in case of my death…

— You will not be free after your death.

You sigh, shocked – your brain isn’t nearly ready for this information when you just almost died. You shift in your bed, trying to pretend that you accidentally fell asleep – but the emperor pushes his hand on your cheek, warm fingers lingering on the cold skin. You sigh quietly, sealing his warmth.

You fight the desire to nuzzle in his palm like an obedient little pet.

— It’s not for you to decide, Your Majesty. I should be allowed to die on my own accord.

— I'm entitled to your life, my bride. Don’t make me remind you of this, ja?

— I would rather…

— I can deliver death to you, little one. In a verdammt heartbeat.

His hand goes from a warm presence on your cheek to an angry squeeze of your neck – you cough when he continues to shut your breath, fluttering of your neck in his grasp only makes your defeat even sweeter. König has you right where he wants it – under him, holding firmly in his grasp like some exotic bird he picked up from his travels.

Lack of air makes you dizzy – as ironic as it sounds, you feel airheaded, hands clinging to his massive palm in a poor attempt to make him let you go. You whimper, you cry, you feel death all too soon – you want to die, of course, maybe, willingly meeting in hell with the royalty you had sworn to serve, but you don’t want to be killed. Tears run down your cheeks when you finally see the other side of him – out of control, angry, worse even than the conqueror you saw when you first met.

You feel replaceable and small – he squeezes your throat like you aren’t his bride like you don’t mean anything to him, and, yes, it makes you feel hurt. Vulnerable as ever, your manicured nails have zero power over him – he only laughs at your helpless expression. For a second, it makes you think this is it – the last thing you would ever see is the cold anger in the eyes of your emperor.

When your vision finally got blurry enough so you could not see anything anymore, König softly lowered his face closer to you, lifting the bottom part of his weird, strange hood. Smothering you with his lips, delivering the air you were craving for – if only to make himself feel even more in control. You’re lightheaded and a bit dumb, still, your mind is too delirious to actually understand anything that is happening around you.

His lips are warm and dry, you steal air from his lungs with each second – you feel the energy feeling you up again, eyes are finally set enough to see at least some part of his face. Chiseled chin, covered in scars, tanned skin – you’re surprised that he is not as pale as you thought he must be, with his love for the masks.

His veins are dark and rotten – you don’t understand how he can survive with his blood looking like this, but the dark tendrils of his body almost make him more of a curiosity than an actual human being. It’s only his lips that are still holding you in realms of the living. You don’t want to think of the implications and gossip you heard from some servants that were allowed to go out – allowed to witness the growth of the empire that was soon to eat you all.

König finally lets go of your mouth when you start falling asleep again. You don’t allow him to simply cover his lips with his hood again though – your hands are heading to lend on his neck, fingers tracing the outlines of his veins.

A medical curiosity, this emperor – you squeeze the rot of his neck, and he moans like you just did something that he liked too much.

It’s only fitting that he has the body of a monster – for all he is done, you wouldn't be surprised if his head actually resembles the one of an octopus from silly books you were reading or a mess of dark tendrils, wiggling and swarming. Your delirious, oxygen-deprived mind still wants to touch him more, to satisfy your curiosity in all the more fitting ways. Maybe take your research a bit further down to see if he truly is a man down there.

But oh well, you saw his body before – although you never as much as paid attention to that detail. Did he change in a few days that passed? Does his veins start to spew out darkness because he is…

He crushed your hand in his, almost making you feel a crack in your dainty lady fingers. God forbid you feel like your hands are being torn apart.

— Never try to defy me like this again.

He spews the words with anger than would be fitting for the enemy – and he is, for you, but you were sure that he didn’t consider you one of them. The contrast with his soft actions earlier, you can feel tears collecting in your eyes as he slowly lets go of your hand.

Not knowing what to do, you roll to the side, burning desire to never see his face – or lack thereof – ever again. Like an angry cat that doesn’t know how to stop biting, you feel like you’re going to cry again and again.

You whimper, trying to escape the haunting gaze of his eyes – and his face softens, if only for a bit. He presses his hand against your damp forehead, checking the temperature. You don’t want to forgive him just yet – for anything at this matter, but he is soft at this moment, and somehow, it is almost enough. Somehow, you almost feel like you can breathe again.

— I was so scared, little princess. I don’t like being scared.

You laugh dryly, your face is still deep in the pillow. You are trying to ignore the beast, but the beast decided that you’re his best option for a nice free snack. Beast decided to take off some of his clothes – you don’t see it, but you hear the sound of fabric hitting the floor, and you don’t want to even think how much it cost.

You try to cover your naked body with the silk sheets of your bed, but soft fabric only entices your desires in a way that can only be called sinful. You remember the sensation of his tongue between your legs, your desire to simply run out of your skin because of how good it felt – each stroke made you strive further and further away from your duties. Like a good little maid you are, a perfect lady in waiting, waiting for her demise, you have to ignore all the mortal pleasures.

If you want the royal family to truly forgive you in their graves, you would have to join them. Perhaps, you gave up on drowning too fast.

— It wasn’t my intention.

He shifts, the bed is too small for someone like him. You feel his legs, clothed, thank god, touching your naked thighs – and you immediately stir to the further side. You keep your arms and legs in check, getting into a small ball of limbs as you’re trying to comfort yourself without his touch. You don’t want to admit it, but König is warm, warmer than you thought he had the right to be, and you’re freezing. The phantom feeling of cold water on your skin is making you shiver.

— What were your intentions then?

If the emperor knows about manners and how a fiancee should behave around his bride that he didn’t even consummate the marriage, he is ignoring that knowledge. Large hands pinning you to his chest, warm and firm – to your utter dread, he took off the armor plates and even the simple shirt under it, making you helplessly squish your cheek against his muscles. He smells like a man, and you never knew you’d feel that smell in your life.

You don’t hate it.

— You killed by parents, Your Majesty.

He only laughs, his hand goes to stroke your back. This is a contrast with his coldness before – he is soft and warm with you, and you hate that you don’t hate it. Gigantic palm goes to settle between your shoulder blades and you simply sigh, trying to get used to his touches. You don’t want to, but a good servant should adapt to everything, so you do just that. Adapting, deforming, melding yourself in something you never knew you even could be.

Your head hurts, and you whimper when his gentle massage relaxes your sore muscles. You hate his gentleness, you hate his firmness.

You want him to let you go, but you don’t even know where you would go.

— Your parents, little princess? Really?

There is a vile mockery in his voice, and you immediately remember who this man is. Not some devoted lover and slightly obsessive romanticist – he is dangerous, horrible, he is the conqueror of your country. You may not have warm feelings about the royal family, but he doesn’t know this – his laugh and mockery of your “family” must be real. It has to be, or else you’re going to die after your deceiving has been opened.

He pushes you even closer to him, and you whimper like a dumb little dog without any means of stopping him from touching you. There is some freedom from being exposed like this, but you still don’t like it. Still feel like he is going to murder you, given the reason.

— If anything, my men did it. That dog you called a father did not deserve my sword.

Anger fills your whole body – not because you were particularly close with the king, but because König is parading his mockery of your supposed family. He hugs you with hands that are covered in blood, no matter if he is just the one to give orders.

You try to get out of his grasp, but apathy fills you. What’s the point if the royal family is dead? What’s the point if you aren’t even the real princess.

— You will not call my father…

He makes you shut your mouth when he kisses your head. Sweet and soft, you do not understand his intentions. If anything, it feels like yet another mockery.

— I will call him like I want, meine Liebe. And you will still be mine.

— I won’t just take it, Your Majesty.

He laughs again. You feel sick.

— With our wedding tomorrow, little flower, you will have to take it. Not the last thing you’ll take on that day, little princess.

You feel like you are going to be sick.

König kisses you again, forcing you to sleep in his hands.

#cod #konig x reader #yandere konig #konig #cod x reader #cod x you #call of duty #yandere cod #konig mw2 #reader insert

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pokemonshelterstories · 10 months ago

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I was having a picnic with my fiancee yesterday and a small group of Caterpie came up towards us and started bobbing their heads at us for a few minutes. Is that something they do normally? The way they were wobbling back and forth I was surprised they didn't fall over!

yup! caterpie are very wobbly bobbly guys. the bobbing helps mimic the movement of leaves in the wind, so it helps them blend into foliage while they're eating. their wobbling has been shown to increase in intensity around novel stimuli, probably as an automatic response to ensure their safety around potential predators.

as for why they didn't fall over, their lil feet are very good at gripping onto surfaces! this is how they're able to climb vertical surfaces like trees, but it also keeps them secure as their bobbing around on high branches.

#charlietalks #pkmn irl #pokemon irl #pokemon behavior #caterpie

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vivianbernadetteaurora · 3 months ago

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Mars in virgo ♍️

Right here is the lolita , a placement.I like 🎀

Call call it lo litre as in the the lolita . From the story by vladimir, sorry I can't pronounce his last name.But if you look at all these examples. Brook shields, Cameron Diaz , britney spears3, hayden panitere, and not forgetting ariana Grande Virgo ....... So what does this placement rule over, think of all the firms of virgo, being organised, being older before their time. Got it! Here's what you said written down:Mars in Virgo, what's it rule over? So it rules over everything to do with Virgo, like being your daily routine, being old before your time, being very clever and witty. This is why I call it the Lolita placement because everybody I've seen who has this placement, who is famous and female, I see the themes with it, e.g., Brooke Shields and Ariana Grande and the rest of the people I have put in this post."Here’s the continuation, keeping your tone and flow:So Virgo also rules over grooming. So, people who have this placement can either be groomed or become the predator. You look at people like Sean Diddy Combs and the fact that he was a Virgo moon, so he could have started out being abused but then became the abuser. But with these ladies I see of this placement, who I'm talking about now, it's not the same. Like Britney Spears, she got shoved into that conservatorship. She wasn't well anyway. She needed to be in some sort of conservatorship, but not one that took away all her rights and took away all her money. Ariana Grande, they did what they did with Britney where they dressed her up looking really young."

---

I almost forgot my favourite home girl bobby jean brown he was also sexualized because she was a music video star , but she was also tommy lee's fiancee before he broke it off and got with pamela anderson , this is why I don't like pam much

#astro observations #astro placements #astro community #astrology #astrology observations #astro notes #astroblr #iconic #fypage #mars in virgo #classic lolita

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fatsackfails · 1 year ago

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Surprising no one, tonight's episode of Smartypants explores topics that the mainstream media is too scared to even acknowledge:

- the true mastermind behind Groundhog Day

- how watching two fiancees foul each other in basketball is hot

- why the absurdity of sunglasses for a predator animal placed on the face of a prey animal will never move merchandise

I really appreciate the effort and extra silliness put into the design of the presentation slides. Major shout out to the graphic designers for their great work every time. Also I did check NoThankYouTheOcean.com and it does go to the Dropout merch store 👍🏼

#dropout #smartypants #rehka shankar #paul f tompkins #kimia behpoornia #zach reino #ethans silly posts

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mermaidsirennikita · 11 months ago

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Best historical romance retellings/takes on Beauty and the Beast?

The Wickedness of a Highlander was just discussed in a previous ask, but that one is very much a clear BatB vibe! He's not ugly, but he is big (over 6'5" lmao) and growly and grumpy and sorta semi traps her. She's beautiful and fixes his place up and is obsessed with roses. The intention is clear lol

The Bastard by S.M. LaViolette has big shades of this. The hero is this hulking bareknuckle boxer-turned-successful-businessman (with Glasgow grin scars) who's out for revenge against his biological father, which leads to him ruining his father's wife (not the hero's mother). The wife's sister is this sweet woman who basically agrees to marry him (he's very smitten) in order to get the dogs called off. It gives that sort of "bargain" vibe, and there's a lot of healing power of love stuff. This hero has one of the most traumatic backstories I've ever read. So! Tbh I got the revenge!

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare, of ocurse. The hero is very scarred and needs a wife for an heir, so ends up just marrying the woman who made his fiancee's wedding dress after said fiancee jilts him (due to his scars). A big reason why this makes me think BatB is that the hero initially just wants to have sex with the lights out, which reminds me a lot of the Cupid/Psyche stuff that predated BatB.

When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Lorraine Heath is obviously evocative of the fairy tale! Though this beast is very quickly QUITE sweet. Being a Lorraine Heath book, it made me highly emotional when the reason why he was so ostracized was revealed lol

My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid. I want to be careful as recommend this because to be clear: The hero is by no means "beastly". He's a hot duke. However, he thinks himself beastly because, following an injury, he's had to used a wheelchair and has limited mobility. It also has the whole "COME BACK TO MY PLACE OF LIVING AND STAY HERE AS A PART OF A DEAL GRR I'M V MEAN AND HATE BEING AROUND PEOPLE SO COME BE AROUND ME" thing.

(This book also has a really sensitive approach to the hero and heroine's sex life that I love. And it's also super hot.)

#romance novel blogging #romance novels #book recs

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majorasnightmare · 2 years ago

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Zora Cultural Differences

Yona canonically comes from a different domain than Hyrule's Zora's Domain but in true TotK-fashion does little to no elaboration on what her domain is like or her role or position within it, with us only learning that she's Sidon's childhood friend and his fiancee. With her character not existing at all whatsoever in BotW, having no mentions in memories, flashback scenes, dialogue, or diary entries, or even scenes where we get to see Sidon's childhood, that means nearly everything about her origins is left completely blank. And the one thing I hate more than a disrespected female character is a barely-written disrespected female character.

Consider this a sequel to my other zora post, link in reblog

Going under a readmore because i like the zora to be shamelessly weird

Yona's domain is further east in the Akkalan Sea, and takes about a week of travel time to get to Hyrule's Domain. Her ocean climate is tropical, and is reflected in the marine life the zora of that domain emulate and resemble

Yona and Muzu are both from the same domain, both being manta-emulating zora

When the great flood swept hyrule, most zora perished in the illusory waves. A small population survived with the help of Valoo on what would become Dragon's Roost Island, but an even smaller population managed to escape beyond the borders of the ocean. This population would slowly recover, and post Wind Waker began to thrive. This population of zora would begin to migrate outwards and diversify as they adapted to their new ecosystems, and some would eventually make their way back to Hyrule once the waters receded, establishing themselves as what would become Sidon's Domain.

The Zora are fairly consistently long lived, and new zora hatch from eggs laid in clutches. Your average individual zora will typically only have kids once or twice in their multi century lifetime

With these circumstances, you'd want to find some means of adaptation to help ensure the survival of the next generation, and each domain adapts to their ecosystems in their own unique ways

Yona's domain is built into and alongside a massive barrier reef, fed by the myriad currents flowing into their tropical ocean. Zora here tend to be brightly colored and varied in their marine animal appearances, with zora resembling nudibranches, mantas and other rays, and a plethora of fish types.

The Zora of Yona's domain have adapted to open ocean on all sides by having specially dedicated nurseries built into the coral, full of small nooks and crannies to help protect the zora eggs. They tend to be laid in small clutches of four to six, and baby zora will hide in the corals until their strong enough to swim away from danger.

Siblings will stick together as they grow, and will have food brought to them by their parents until they're capable of accompanying them. Afterwards, the siblings will school together with other clutches of siblings for safety and companionship, and will be supervised by two to three of the school's parents while the remaining family members take care of non child rearing tasks

Yona's domain, in continuing the ancient zora tradition of music (seen in the zora fingerlings (REAL TERM FOR FISH YOUNG BTW i just googled that) that resemble music notes and the tadtones in skyward sword) helps keep schools together via a distinctive series of whistled notes audible underwater

Sidon's Domain notably has a fairly large population of predator-emulating zora, Sidon himself resembling a shark. This is in part because Hyrule's rivers and lakes are home to particularly aggressive species of octoroks, who can squeeze their mollusk bodies into the small nooks and crannies zora usually use to keep predators away from their egg clutches. The Zora of Hyrule's Domain have adapted to these circumstances in a collection of ways other zora may find... off-putting.

Lacking the protective reef barriers of Yona's domain, and Hyrule's rivers being prone to flooding in times of crisis (alongside mudslides and other geography altering disasters that can strike at a moments notice), the zora of hyrule's domain have opted against hiding their young entirely

Early in the spring, the Zora celebrate the turning of the season, and the snowmelt it brings down the mountains, with a week long celebration. Emphasizing the chaotic nature of water, and the resurgence of new life, most years it is simply the domain's biggest festival. As the years pass, Zora couples interested in raising a family will inform the festival leaders of their intentions, and when a certain amount of interested families are gathered together, the zora come together to decide whether the coming year seems auspicious enough to bless with children. This is a decision that often takes weeks to months to arrive at a conclusion, taking into account both the state of the zora's population, the river and lake ecosystems and their health, and trends in fish population and other food sources

When all the conditions are right and everyone's in agreement, Zora's Domain closes off access to their waterways as best they can, and expecting couples return to the rivers that once raised them. The strategy Hyrule's Zora settled on is one common to sea life everywhere: sheer overwhelming numbers.

The Zora of Hyrule's domain have another advantage: they hatch bloodthirsty. In addition to losses from predation, newly hatched Hyrule Zora will often eat each other, similar to tiger sharks, to increase their odds of survival and having enough food. Unable to hide from octoroks (who try to prey on even adult zora), Hyrule's Zora rely on overwhelming the octorok population with potential food, ensuring that at least some of their young will survive, and that those young will be able to take care of themselves early on in life, able to hunt and feed themselves almost from birth.

For the duration of the festival's week long celebration, Hyrule's rivers are a horror show for those unacquainted with Zora ecology. Octoroks are tenacious nocturnal predators more than willing to squeeze through the metalwork of the elaborate zora architecture, and zora eggs suffer at high elevations and without flowing water, and attempts to raise zora eggs higher on mount ploymus have ended in tragedy for those reasons.

The Zora claim their children as soon as they can, which is usually around a few months after hatching when theyve grown past the fingerling stage and have defined limbs. Similar to the Blaschko Lines on humans, Zora have near invisible patternings on their scales that non zora simply don't have the eye structure to perceive, though underwater they may be faintly visible. Zora parents use these lines to identify their young, as they're incredibly distinctive. This trait is present in all Zora, though Hyrule's Domain has a stronger reliance on it

Of the multitude of eggs lain, on average one to three zora will survive to be claimed by their parents and raised in the domain proper. Most of the instinctive bloodlust has worked its way out of the younglings system by then, as they grow more curious and explorative as they age and develop, but it takes some time and careful parenting and socialization before the kids will be comfortable interacting with strangers

Notably this keen battle instinct can be honed as a Zora grows older, and the Zora of Hyrule's Domain balances their love and appreciation of art, decoration, writing, and engineering with a proud (and vicious) warrior culture (though some zora can never quite tap into the instincts of their youth again)

Having such a brutal early childhood has resulted in Hyrule's Domain having a strong appreciation for the arts of healing and medicine. To survive at all is blessing, to live is a gift, and should be nurtured whenever possible. Mipha is honored both for her skills as a warrior, and for her dedication as a healer, and many young zora, injured in the frenzy or otherwise disabled, thank her for the greater quality of life she helped to bring them. there is no wrong way to live, for to be alive at all is a joy

This cycle is seen as being spiritually emblematic of water's free flowing chaotic nature. Water brings both great life AND great death, and which one it chooses to bestow on you can be as random as luck. Subject to the full force of nature's brutal circle of life, Hyrule's Zora find spiritual meaning in their struggles and allow tragedy to enrich their joys. Mipha's death was such a cultural shock that it was enough to jar the Zora from this mindset, unable to find any comfort in her loss or any healing from the destruction the calamity inflicted upon the Domain and Hyrule at large.

Hyrule's Zora set their dead adrift on the river, as after a long life rich with experience, their body must now feed the waters that birthed them, and the guardian spirits that have protected them and aided their prosperity. In return for this feeding, the myriad spirits help guide the Zora to the horizon line where the ocean meets the sky, and cross over into the heavens where the light of Hylia can glint off their scales and provide light and guidance to their relatives down below

By contrast, Yona's Domain entrusts their dead to the wings of seagulls, who consume the body for energy and take the soul into the sky with them. They construct boats and rafts, and decorate them as befitting a proper celebration, before sending them on their way to contribute to the grand cycle of life that governs the ocean.

Mipha's manner of death was considered ESPECIALLY blasphemous, as she perished alone inside her divine beast, her body unable to be recovered, unable to be returned to the waters of her home, unable to be guided by the guardians of their people, unable to receive funeral rites from her family, trapped in a metal beast too far below to be reached by anyone

needless to say its all a bit of a culture shock to yona lmao

#loz totk #loz zora #totk headcanons #totk sidon #totk yona #loz headcanons

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relleytrots · 2 months ago

Note

2, 3 & 8 for anyone

Let's talk about Riley some more!

2. How do they usually hunt? Are there any unusual things about their methods of procuring blood?

Riley is probably my most conventional predator! They're a high society Siren, and during the 1880s that means they effectively have two hunting routines, depending on the time of year.

During the Season, they haunt the ballrooms and parlours of the gentry, as a tantalising prospect for the young ladies being presented, and an even more delightful indulgence for the spinsters who no longer have to be respectable.

For the rest of the year, they have to work a little harder, cultivating relationships with particular families - and specifically, their lonely, isolated female members. Wives whose husbands are away for the grouse season; daughters whose fiancees are off with the regiment; sisters whose brothers are up North, managing the factory.

Woven through all this is the one-vampire trans panic Riley represents. They get away with a lot because, at the crucial moment, they reveal that they are - at least physically - a woman, and one who's awakened desires the Herd didn't even know they had. A kiss on the hand, a flash of the eyes, a turn around the Pleasure Gardens and a clinch after baccarat - it all adds up, and has all the deliciousness of an affair with, as far as the addled minds of the prey are concerned, none of the usual risks. After all, even Her Majesty can't conceive of what two girls might do together...

3. What is their Ambition? How are they planning on achieving that goal?

To live the life of Riley, if you'll pardon the anachronism! (That phrase doesn't appear for another twenty-odd years...)

Riley squandered their first chance at life, you see. Sent down from Trinity, on the run from Ireland, and rendered undead on the whim of a sire they never even knew by name. Living in somewhat reduced circumstances, they couldn't really refuse when the Camarilla came a-calling, but they've turned this obligation into an advantage.

See, what they've got now is a coterie. Connections. Access. Advantages. They've abused their coteriemate's sire-husband's credit for a new wardrobe, charmed the Bahari slum queen so they've a new haven, and been assembling a delectable blackmail package for the Seneschal and her inner circle. Everything is known, from the illicit Embrace of children to the multiple Tremere chantries operating underground across the city, even the dark past of the Seneschal's lover.

Their endgame is a fancy West End haven, where they can host and prey to their heart's content, and a certain degree of immunity guaranteed by their mastery of secrets.

(I should explain, at this point, that Riley has the Ravnos alternate bane from the Player's Guide. Deadname them, and they have no power over you, nor the will to resist your power over them. I really like this "true names" angle, and the sense it gives of the Ravnos as otherworldly, devilish, almost fairylike tricksters.)

8. What annoys them the most about other vampires? How about specific clans or sects (specify)?

They're not the world's biggest fan of the Camarilla. They play the game well enough - grace and favour, boons and secrets - and recognise the Traditions as valuable, but they resent being bossed around. That whole attempt to blackmail the Seneschal came out of a reprimand for their ill-timed terror frenzy in a suburban chuch, and the gall of the woman to hold this over them.

They're also not the world's biggest fan of Blood Sorcery, in general. Their first embarrassing terror frenzy incident came in the cellars beneath Camden, when they first encountered the experiments an underground chantry had been conducting, and were deeply unnerved by the mandrake roots. It's nothing personal, it's just - not fair, and not proper.

They're also also not the world's biggest fan of Mawla, or Mentor, the background. Riley had the stereotypical wash-n-go Ravnos Embrace, very little in the way of instruction and nothing at all in the way of support. Hung out to dry when they were already at their lowest ebb and given a whole new set of problems to deal with. As such, they're jealous of Kindred who have been "properly brought up," and very jealous when their relationship with real or actual mentor figures is threatened - even if the threat isn't really there at all.

#vtm #vampire the masquerade #victorian age vampire #ravnos #oc: riley halaghan #thanks for asking!

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dashinhfuzzydeer · 6 months ago

Text

Chapter 7

The crisp autumn air vibrated with anticipation. Landon stood, stiff and unyielding, facing Vaughn across the neatly manicured lawn. The fencing master, a man named Dubois, had just finished explaining the rules of the practice match, the usual masked and tipped affair.

Landon's stance rigid, the unfamiliar weight of the fencing sword clumsy in his hand. Across the manicured lawn, Vaughn smirked, the afternoon sun glinting off the polished steel of his own blade. The air crackled with unspoken tension, thick enough to choke on. This whole thing was ridiculous. He just wanted to learn fencing but here he was, about to spare with his fiancee with absolutely no formal training.

And he, Landon, a former lacrosse player through and through, was supposed to pretend to be thrilled about having a fight with this…....this enigma.

Vaughn, dressed in pristine white fencing attire, his dark hair impeccably styled, held an aura of effortless grace. He was a predator in disguise, Landon thought, a beautiful, dangerous predator. Vaughn, with that infuriatingly charming smirk playing on his lips, had thrown a gauntlet into the air, a glint of challenge in his deep-set eyes.

"Before we begin"

Vaughn announced, his voice carrying across the expectant crowd of follow fencers.

"I propose a slight adjustment to the rules"

A murmur rippled through the assembled members. Adjustments? To a friendly fencing match? Landon's jaw tightened. He knew this was coming. Vaughn enjoyed twisting the knife.

"Instead of traditional fencing"

Vaughn continued, his eyes locking onto Landon’s, a challenge blazing in their depths. Vaughn's voice, smooth as aged whiskey, cut through the murmur of the assembled crowd.

"let’s make it a military challenge. No masks, no tips. First to draw blood wins".

The murmur escalated into a hushed gasp.

This wasn’t sport anymore.

This was a blatant display, a power play.

The assembled guests, a mix of old money, young blood and ruthless ambition, were immediately captivated.

Landon's stomach churned. He’d never held a fencing sword until five minutes ago, let alone engaged in a proper duel.

A collective gasp rippled through the group of onlookers, mostly members of their own universities and the local gentry.

Landon's jaw tightened.

This was Vaughn’s doing, designed to publicly humiliate him, to assert his dominance.

He could already tell that Vaughn was a prodigy in the sport, a master fencer. Landon, on the other hand, had never held a fencing sword in his life.

Yet here he was, forced into a spectacle because of his stupid fiancee's provocation. A forced situation will not break me, Landon thought, his resolve hardening.

He could not show weakness in front of everyone.

He would not.

It was to either win with luck or lose with dignity.

Either way, Landon knew he couldn't back down. Not in front of all these people and certainly not in front of Vaughn. He'd be damned if he let Vaughn think he was intimidated.

Landon met Vaughn's eyes; they held a mixture of amusement and something else Landon couldn't decipher. His own glare was meant to be lethal, but it was likely ineffective given the thunder that was beating in his chest. He nodded curtly, the word 'accepted' caught in his throat, a bitter pill to swallow as he spoke up,

"Fine"

He bit out, his voice barely a rumble as his deep blue eyes stared into Vaughn's hazel ones.

"But don’t expect me to go easy on you, asshole"

Vaughn’s lips curved into a wider, more predatory smile as if he found Landon's threat very amusing. The swords, long and silver, were placed in their hands. Landon’s fingers closed around the hilt, the cold steel a foreign, unsettling sensation. He positioned his feet as he’d seen the fencers do, remembering the graceful lunges and parries when he heard Vaughn say,

"Wouldn’t dream of it, wifey"

The insult, the possessive endearment, ignited a fire in Landon. He gripped the sword tighter, his knuckles white.

He might be outmatched, but he wouldn’t be humiliated.

He was a Lacrosse player, quick and agile, his body used to movement and attack. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t make a complete fool of himself.

The whistle blew, and Vaughn attacked.

The match began.

Landon stood awkwardly, but he tried to mimic the graceful movements he'd seen in movies. He moved his feet carefully; his mind screamed at him to dodge, parry, do something!

Luckily his years of lacrosse gave him a natural athleticism, a raw agility that surprised him as much as it seemed to surprise Vaughn. He dodged Vaughn's initial lunge, the tip of the sword whistling past his ear.

Landon reacted purely on instinct, his reflexes honed from years on the Lacrosse field. He parried Vaughn's initial thrust, the clash of metal echoing in the sudden silence. He didn’t think. He moved, letting his body guide the sword.

They circled each other warily, a deadly dance of steel and unspoken animosity. Each parry, each thrust, was charged with a silent language only they seemed to understand.

Landon, fueled by adrenaline and sheer stubbornness, managed to hold his own. He focused on Vaughn's movements, mirroring them as best he could, relying on instinct and reflexes to deflect the relentless attacks.

The crowd was silent, mesmerized. They had come expecting a polite exhibition, but they were witnessing something far more visceral, far more dangerous.

More interesting.

The only sounds were the clashing of steel, the rasp of their breaths, and the pounding of Landon’s heart.

Each parry, each dodge sent a jolt of adrenaline through Landon. He was not just defending; he was reacting, learning, adapting.

He was locked in Vaughn's gaze, a fierce intensity passing between them that seemed to strip away the formalities, the forced engagement, leaving only raw challenge and a strange, undeniable chemistry.

The world seemed to fade, the onlookers becoming a blurry, indistinct mass as their focus narrowed, their presence a charged energy that pushed others back, an invisible force field separating them from the world.

Landon felt Vaughn's gaze bore into him, dissect his movements, stripping away his defenses. It was unnerving, intimate, a violation of a different kind. He felt exposed, raw, as if Vaughn could see straight through him.

Yet, there was also an undeniable thrill, a dangerous spark of attraction that he desperately tried to suppress.

Vaughn, Landon realised with a jolt, was toying with him. He saw the subtle shifts in Vaughn’s stance, the barely perceptible hesitations before each attack.

Vaughn could have ended it anytime, but he was prolonging the game, savoring Landon’s struggle.

A slow and painful torture.

They circled each other, a deadly dance of steel and grace. Landon's initial fear gave way to a strange focus.

He watched Vaughn’s movements, trying to anticipate his next strike, his mind a whirlwind of observations and instinctive reactions.

Vaughn's every move was fluid, precise, the product of years of practice. He was a predator, testing its prey.

And Landon, against all odds, was holding his ground.

And yet, there was a strange, almost grudging respect in Vaughn’s eyes.

Landon saw it in the way Vaughn adjusted his attacks, as if subtly testing him, pushing him to his limits.

It was infuriating and…...strangely flattering.

Vaughn, though moving with practiced ease, was genuinely impressed. He hadn't expected Landon to hold his own. He had expected a swift victory, a display of his superior skill.

But Landon’s raw talent was a surprise, a dangerous and alluring one.

He had a natural aptitude for this game, and Vaughn found himself drawn to the flicker of defiance in his eyes, the silent refusal to be dominated.

He found himself thinking that it was impressive, far more impressive than he'd imagined.

His wifey was surely full of surprises, he concluded.

But as the minutes ticked by, Vaughn knew it was time to end this little game.

Finally, with a fluid movement that Landon barely registered, Vaughn struck.

A searing pain erupted on the side of his neck, instantly followed by the metallic tang of blood.

A swift, precise movement, the tip of his sword tracing a shallow cut along the side of Landon's neck.

It wasn't a major blow, but it was enough.

Enough to draw blood.

The horn blared, signaling Vaughn’s victory.

Landon stumbled back, his hand flying to his neck. He looked down at his fingers, stained crimson. He’d lost. He’d actually lost this ridiculous charade.

Loss, a bitter taste, filled his mouth. His eyes, wide and shocked, met Vaughn's. He could only grudgingly admit to himself that Vaughn was indeed a formidable player, a natural, a master.

He forced himself to meet Vaughn’s gaze, a mixture of anger and begrudging admiration swirling within him.

"Well played"

He managed to say, his voice tight with the loss he just faced as he spoke up.

"You’re…...formidable. Congratulations"

He said, the words clipped and rough. He turned to walk away, the sting in his neck a mere inconvenience compared to the sting of defeat.

Before he could retreat and lick his wounds in private, Vaughn was there, blocking his path. Vaughn reached out, his hand closing around Landon’s arm, stopping him in his tracks.

He turned back, an annoyed frown creasing his brow, but Vaughn’s gaze was softer now, concern etched onto his features.

He took Landon’s hand, his touch surprisingly gentle, and pressed a crisp white handkerchief against the wound.

"I apologize, wifey"

Vaughn said, his voice low, almost… sincere? He pressed the handkerchief to Landon’s wound, his touch surprisingly light.

"I didn’t mean to hurt you. I am sorry"

Landon stared at him, bewildered. The apology, the tenderness, the genuine concern in Vaughn’s eyes… it didn’t fit the image he had of this calculating, ruthless man.

The unexpected tenderness startled Landon. He stared at Vaughn, the heat from his touch radiating through the fabric. A shiver, not entirely unpleasant, danced down his spine.

He snatched the handkerchief away, his cheeks burning.

"It’s nothing"

He mumbled, turning away. Landon said, his voice sharper than he intended as he snatched the handkerchief away from Vaughn. The gazes of the crowd felt heavy, all eyes on them as they were clearly the main event.

He couldn't meet Vaughn's gaze any longer. It was too confusing, too unsettling.

"Just… try not to do it again"

Landon walked away, his back straight, his pride stinging as much as his neck.

But Vaughn. Oh, Vaughn. He was like an annoying shadow, following closely, his steps light despite the fact that he was a man of impressive stature.

"Wait, wifey! Wait for me! Let’s go back to the mansion together"

He called out, his voice laced with teasing amusement, the “wifey” said with such intentionality that Landon stopped, his shoulders slumped with exasperation. He turned back, seeing Vaughn walking towards him with a puppy-dog expression.

"There you are wifey"

Vaughn said with a smile as if it wasn't the second time he had wounded Landon. The teasing tone was back, the charming facade firmly in place. Landon resisted the urge to groan. He was going to kill Vaughn, he decided. Slowly and painfully.

Landon groaned. He was beginning to think that this was going to be a long engagement. A very long engagement indeed.

Outside the grounds, Landon, still simmering with resentment and confusion, stopped abruptly after a thought crossed his mind as he suddenly spoke up,

"I’ll drive you back to your…...estate".

Vaughn raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. Of all things, essentially with Landon’s words earlier, he didn't expect this proposal from Landon as he spoke up,

"Are you sure? I can drive on my bike"

Landon however had already unlocked his precious McLaren, lost in his thoughts about something as he snapped harsher than he intended to.

"Just get in"

He needed to get away, to process everything that had just happened. And get answers to questions that are cross his mind.

And maybe, just maybe, a car ride with Vaughn would offer some answers.

Vaughn, ever the enigma, simply smiled and nodded, not minding Landon’s temper at all.

"As you wish, wifey"

He gestured to a nearby bodyguard, who sped off to collect Vaughn's impressive Kawaski Ninja motorcycle. As they sat in his McLaren, speeding down the roads, Landon couldn’t resist asking while driving.

"How long have you been fencing?"

Vaughn leaned back in his seat, a smug look on his face as he looked at Landon,

"Since I was five. So, sixteen years in total wifey"

Sixteen years. Landon swallowed. He’d been holding a lacrosse stick for less than six years, and it had shown. He was confirmed that Vaughn went really easy on him and could have really killed him with that sword of his if he wanted to.

"What else do you do?"

He asked, hating the note of curiosity in his voice because of the questions in his mind. He however was not at all ready for the answer Vaughn gave him.

Vaughn’s smile widened with pure pride as he crossed his arms over his chest and spoke up,

"I’m a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, 4th rank in Jeet Kune Do and Black-Red belt in Muay Thai. I’m also a professional swimmer and diver, a basketball player, and an ice hockey player too. And-"

He added to the long list with a wink at Landon as he spoke up with a smile

"an excellent marksman and archer"

Landon stared at him, speechless.

He blinked, trying to process all the things Vaughn just said and connecting the information to his circuit.

He was called a prodigy his whole life because he was good at everything he touched, but sitting besides the future Pakhan, he really questioned how he had spend his childhood growing up.

He didn't have the nerve to be jealous of Vaughn right now because he found it all hard to even believe as he could only say one word,

"Overachiever"

Vaughn chuckled, leaning back conformably on the seat as he looked outside at the passing by scenery as he spoke up lightly,

"I prefer prodigy"

A flurry of playful insults flew between them, a bizarre mix of animosity and burgeoning.......something.

Something they both didn’t want to label.

Then, Landon took a deep breath, bringing his mind together and said with his eyes fixed on the road.

"Teach me"

Vaughn blinked, taken aback by the words that just came out of Landon King's mouth. He took a second to believe what his fiancee just told him.

"Teach you? What do you want me to teach you wifey?"

Landon rolled his eyes at Vaughn's reaction as he turned to look at him, still keeping an eye on the road while making sure it was clear to pay attention to his fiancee.

"Everything"

Landon said, his voice firm and holding no place for any nonesense or arguments at all.

"Fencing, Taekwondo, everything you know. I'm going to be your the 'future pakhan's spouse' you know"

He spoke up, exaggerating the words as he turned his attention back on the road from the bewildered Vaughn as he continued to speak,

"And as the 'future Pakhan's spouse', I need to be able to defend myself. And maybe"

He added, his gaze locking with Vaughn’s holding a firm determination as he voiced his inner thought,

"be on your level, to some degree where you won't have to hold back?"

He didn't know why he said it. Perhaps it was the challenge in Vaughn’s eyes, the need to prove himself, or the undeniable pull he felt towards this infuriating, fascinating man and his achievements.

He saw something flicker in Vaughn’s eyes – surprise, curiosity, and something else entirely. A hint of…....admiration?

Vaughn’s smile returned, wider than ever as he spoke up,

"Very well, wifey"

He said, his voice laced with amusement and something more profound that Landon failed to pinpoint.

"I will train you. Personally"

Landon hummed, turning his attention back to the road and leaving Vaughn to stare at his fiancee, wondering was this really the heartless narcissist his friends talked about?

Was it really the same prideful Landon who bowed before no one even if he had to face death?

Was it really the raging Sociopath who caused all the trouble the Bratva heirs went through on Brighton Island?

Yes, it was the same person, asking him to train him into a formidable warrior to enter the mafia world and stand on equal grounds as the future Pakhan himself, not just as his spouse but really as his equal in mind, might and spirit.

Vaughn smirked to himself, discovering yet something new about his wifey today that he considered a victory as the Heathens mansion came to their view. The silence between them being comfortable in it's own ways.

#vaughn morozov #landon king #annika volkov #brandon king #cecily knight #creighton king #god of malice #god of pain #god of ruin #god of war #god of wrath #jeremy volkov #nikolai sokolov #mia sokolov #killian carson #glyndon king #legacy of gods #eli king #ava nash

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asher-writes · 2 years ago

Text

The space at night between the comfort of 3am and the exhaustion of awake too soon hold a mystery that can never be solved. It takes the shape of every person I thought I loved - just to grow bored, or restless, or irritated with.

Their silhouettes hold my interest through the gaping wound of time, but the second that I imagine a life where we still know each other, time snaps shut like the extensive jaws of a starving predator. Instead, I am alone; and the portal - the hungry mouth of time - always wants more than I can give. It pleads with me for a name, or number, or address.

Time opens in the surface of a mirror, and from it spills; an acid trip I had at 18, the battered engagement ring I was proposed to with by my now ex-fiancee, a bent out of shape aromantic pride badge, and a receipt for a cafe that no longer exists.

It opens on the scratchy surface of my threadbare carpet, as I remember nights holding her with the sheer desperation for love. To be loved. Time exists in a lint-filled pocket of a pair of jeans next to a crumpled note with a scribbled phone number.

I can reach out and touch 2021 in a strip of photographs where my hair is still red and she still believes in living. Portals, everywhere. Time like a loose thread unravelling around us, like the frayed edge of my duvet. Some part of me wants to just pull, see what knots untangle in the remnants of what was.

Time, carnivorous, has mouths in almost everything. Even the darkness holds his name, and there's a particular way the sunlight hits the window that brings the taste of cigarette smoke to my mouth. Time is not a straight line. It's a series of continuously opening wounds that, when you dig your fingers into, you can transport yourself back to simpler, happier times.

For the price of a little blood. A little heartache. A little whisper of her name. A lie. A false promise.

And then you're home once more, alone in the dark. Your wounds are just wounds, the mirror is just a mirror, and time is just the price you pay for the knowledge that some days you were better than you are. Some days you were worse. Either way, the clock strikes 5am and the darkness is a warm blanket begging you to sleep.

Taglist:

@gabe-killed-me-with-ace-cream

@carefulpyromancer

@captain-kraken

@moonshinemagpie

#my writing #short story #writeblr

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queenpiranhadon · 2 years ago

Text

A/N: So I basically wrote my version what what would happen if Grady and Edaline replaced Brant and Jolie in KotLC. My friends were not happy lol Here's my masterlist!

Warning(s): Neverseen!Grady x Black Swan!Edaline Oneshot, angsty, read at your own risk, death, Grady and Edaline basically become Jolie and Brant.

Pairing(s): Grady Ruewen x Edaline Ruewen, slight Jolie Ruewen x Brant [redacted]

•─────•°•❀•°•──── ʜɪꜱ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ────•°•☁︎•°•────•

Edaline Kelia Ruewen.

Grady smirked at the seventh name printed on the list, as it automatically harbored his name in his mind. He liked the way it sounded, his name with hers - as if it was meant to be.

The amber-haired elf in question was undoubtedly the sweetest he's ever met, she would stop by during his detention to give him desserts, run after those who called him ‘freak’ in the hallways (despite his protests) and her smile... it could seriously light up the world.

Not only was she sweet, she was strong. Grady could remember watching the color drain out of the instructors' faces, as they saw the competitive glint in Edaline's eyes at the mention of wresting being the objective of the day. Not to mention he definitely felt his heart sink when she set her gaze on him immediately , like a predator choosing her prey.

But most of all, she was patient, rubbing his back soothingly as he tried with every fiber in his being to repress the psychotic impulses his ruinous ability cursed him with. She would squeeze his hand, rub his back in circles, and used her soft but calloused hands to gently wipe the tears and sweat that formed on his skin. As friends do. Right? He wasn’t sure.

But the packet in front of him could finally give him the answers he wanted.

And he got them.

He would always remember the way his heart thumped in his chest when Edaline shyly asked him to dance at his Winnowing Gala.

The way her hand fit perfectly in his, the way her hair smelled like caramel as he pulled her close, and how her cheeks dusted a light pink as her eyes fluttered shut, and her lips curved into a soft smile against his. But he loved it the most when they pulled apart and she leaned in to whisper the words: "I love you".

There were only two other times he was sent into complete bliss by the three words.

The first was when they got married. During their dance alone, it felt like it was just them, despite the onlookers. All he could see was her. His Edaline. His love. His only.

And when she tenderly cupped his jaw and tearfully said "I love you", he swore he fell in love with her all over again. Not as a fiancee, as a husband. Her husband.

The second time was when Jolie was born. Jolie. His daughter. Their daughter. She was like the moon, sleeping serenely in her mother's arms, a halo of golden hair framing the perfect face she could only get from her mother. Edaline in contrast was the sun, tears in her eyes and a smile so bright it was blinding. But Grady stared at the sun, and with awe, as he moved to her side, wrapping his arms around the both of them, holding the sun and the moon in his arms, his queen and his princess. His wife leaned in close, whispering the three words that meant the world to him as they held their universe within their embrace.

Edaline never truly knew how much it meant to Grady when she told him she loved him.

The way his heart fluttered and his lips stretched into a goofy grin.

But it felt different the last time she said it.

They were in an abandoned buildings just within the outskirts of a large forest. The building itself was in shambles, with fissures and cracks covering every surface.

Edaline was in tears, her frantic eyes searching his face for any sign of remorse.

"How could you Grady?" her voice broke. “You murdered so many people... Don't you feel a singe drop of remorse for all of the lives you’ve taken?!"

Grady refused to look at her as he looked at the black swan that dangled from her neck. It reminded him ot the eye emblazoned on the arm of his black cloak.

“I loved you! How could you do this to me? You lied to me, lied to Jolie!"

The words felt like a stab to the heart. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he liked the Neverseen. The way they made him feel like his ability wasn't something to be feared, but embraced.

But staring at Edaline's tear stained face, he thought about whether or not it was worth it.

Black cloaks turned into black swens as they flew across a turquoise sky, the color of Edaline’s eyes, the eyes that fluttered shut whenever she kissed him passionately, or shone bright as she wrested with mastodons. Grady felt himself slipping, as his mind spun, yearning for control, begging for some form of release.

Nightmares spun into reality, colliding and polluting any rational train of thought, like black tendrils enveloping every and anything. Grady lost grasp on whatever tethered him to rationality.

“Grady stop it!” a shrill shriek rang out through his ears as he shakily looked up to see Edaline, the female unable to move as she pleaded to him with terrified eyes.

But he couldn't. He was tired ot repressing himself, his potential. He was tired of forcing control onto himself, so he gave it up to his subconcious, not caring what he did, or who he did it to.

Until he remembered just who he was doing it to, and tore out of his trance just in time to see his wife's head snap back with deadly precision.

Guilt can do many things to an elf.

The next few years of his life was torture.

Jolie and Brant had gotten married despite the latter’s lack of an ability. She had tried to get her father to attend, but Grady was too unstable to even leave his secluded home.

Not even the moon could shine without the sun.

And eventually the moonlark entered their lives.

Jolie adopted her under Grady’s name, (she would done it herself but she didn't want the girl to face the scorn of being the child of a bad match) and they had a family of three again, Grady, his moon, and now a star.

But without his sun, his mind was plagued with endless darkness. And no matter how much he tried to forget, those frightened turquoise eyes would haunt him for the rest of his indefinite life.

He saw his wife in Jolie, who reminded him of her in every way. He saw her in the moonlark, created by the same organization that drove them apart. He saw her everywhere, her sweetness, her strength, and her patience.

His queen

His sun.

His wife.

His fiancée

His only, his love, his Edaline.

His friend.

#keeper of the lost cities #kotlc #bookworm #grady ruewen #edaline ruewen #jolie ruewen #oneshots #angst #im not sorry lol #hehehehe #grady x edaline #grady ruewen x edaline ruewen #edaline x grady #edaline ruewen x grady ruewen #kotlc edaline #kotlc grady #⋆｡‧˚ʚ 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖈𝖑𝖔𝖚𝖉 𝖆𝖗𝖈𝖍𝖎𝖛𝖊𝖘 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

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cherchersketch · 2 years ago

Photo

Daisy - How to become the Duke’s Fiancee

Is this another ~contract marriage~ with a stoic duke marquess (but not from the north)? Yes. Yes it is.

The artstyle changes halfway through but I think it still looks ok. Though you can really tell the difference when they put in flashbacks with the previous artwork. Lol

Summary Our main girl, Daisy, travels back in time after being drowned to death. Back to the day one of her useless dad’s creditors showed up to the house. Instead of blending into the background as she did before, this time she boldly approaches the ~cold duke marquess~ with an offer of marriage. Because he’s totes going to need that in 3 years when grandad kicks the bucket and his will states that his successor needs to have been married (happily) for 3 years or more. It’s a win-win because she’s sworn off love after the events of the previous life and he doesn’t believe in love because of his family’s history. Of course, they eventually fall in love, even though it’s just meant to be a ~contract marriage~. Come on, it’s a shoujo manhwa after all.

Tropes - died and came back to life X years before to escape the death flags - just throw this gambling-addicted father away - this is just a contract marriage he/she would never love me - these grandad dukes really love putting in a no-marriage no-inheritance clause

FL - Daisy Filberlin D’Essel

- oh no it’s the ~middle child~ syndrome ;w; - so glad she is now never gonna get together with the trash man ;w; (though I’m interested to see if he’ll ever show up in the current timeline) - employers love her: the 20 year old with 20 years of work experience - 10 steps ahead of everyone (being from the future helps) - gaslight gatekeep girlboss - a lady’s battlefield is tea parties and banquets

ML - Marquess Killian D’Essel

- wow a rich noble who actually works (and not like sits behind a desk of paperwork all day) - not a duke yet but he already has the cold duke of the north personality nailed - richer than you’ll ever be - the guy always falls in love first ;w; - put him in horny jail

this series doesn’t really have cute little chibi scenes ;x;

Rating: I enjoyed my time reading this It’s a chill, cute romance. Hehe Status (as of 11 Nov 2023) Ongoing. Honestly, it’s probably way longer than it needs to be. We’re just barely touching on the whole ~madness of the OG Duke family~ plot. But as a bingeable series it’s fairly interesting I guess. Though it should really be like half the length ;;;

Same Same but Different - The Predator’s Fiancee - The Villainess Lives Twice - No more Nice Sis

full rec list

#Daisy - How to become the Duke's Fiancee #manhwa #CherCher reviews manhwa #manhwa recommendation

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laresearchette · 2 years ago

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Saturday, November 04, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: NEVER BEEN CHRIS'D (W Network) 8:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE (TBD - Lifetime Canada) OWN SPOTLIGHT: OPRAH & NICOLE AVANT (TBD - OWN Canada) PLANET EARTH III (TBD)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRME CANADA ONE FIGHT NIGHT 16: HAGGERTY VS. ANDRADE

NHL HOCKEY (SN) 3:00pm: Predators vs. Oilers (TSN3) 4:00pm: Jets vs. Coyotes (CBC/SN) 7:00pm: Sabres vs. Leafs (City TV/SNEast) 7:00pm: Habs vs. Blues (SN1) 7:00pm: Lightning vs. Sens (CBC/SN360/SNPacific) 10:00pm: Stars vs. Canucks (SN/SN1) 10:00pm: Flames vs. Kraken

CFL FOOTBALL (TSN/TSN4) 3:00pm: Eastern Semi-Final: Ti-Cats vs. Alouettes (TSN/TSN4) 6:30pm: Eastern Semi-Final - Stamps vs. Lions

NBA BASKETBALL (SN Now) 7:00pm: Lakers vs. Magic (SN Now) 9:00pm: Bulls vs. Nuggets

CRIME BEAT: MOST WANTED (Global) 7:30pm: Recently released on bail, a middle-aged man returns to a home he's been ordered to stay away from and allegedly attacks; after a miraculous recovery, a traumatized teenage girl and her mother wonder where Harry Rajkumar is.

THOR: THE DARK WORLD (CTV) 8:00pm: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) forms an alliance with treacherous Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save Earth and the Nine Realms from an ancient enemy that predates the universe itself.

`WOULD YOU KILL FOR ME? THE MARY BAILEY STORY (Lifetime Canada) 8:00pm: The lives of three generations of women take a turn for the worse when one of them becomes trapped in a toxic relationship with an increasingly abusive man.

A CHRISTMAS FREQUENCY (CTV Life) 8:00pm: A young radio show producer sets her recently separated boss up on live-on-air blind dates to save their dying show but accidentally falls for one of the contenders and must choose her head or her heart in time for Christmas.

THE STORY OF LOVE (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm: Ruby, an aspiring romance novelist, joins a writers retreat in Tahoe to win a book deal. However, when Woody, the outdoorsy hotel owner, shows her nature's beauty, she reevaluates her choices.

EVE OF ABDUCTION (Super Channel Fuse) 8:00pm: When a single mother becomes engaged, she receives an anonymous threat -- either break off the engagement or her daughter will be kidnapped.

LEGENDS OF VENOM (Nat Geo Wild) 9:00pm (SERIES PREMIERE): The filmmakers showcase the incredible world of cobras, from giant cannibalistic kings, bird-hunting specialists, to semi-aquatic toad hunters.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 (Crave) 9:00pm: With the price on his head ever increasing, legendary hit man John Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin.

ABOUT MY FATHER (Starz Canada) 9:00pm: Encouraged by his fiancee, a man and his father spend the weekend with her wealthy and exceedingly eccentric family. The gathering soon develops into a culture clash, allowing father and son to discover the true meaning of family.

BABYLON 5: THE ROAD HOME (adult swim) 10:00pm: John Sheridan unexpectedly finds himself transported through multiple timelines and alternate realities. Along the way, he reunites with some familiar faces and discovers cosmic new revelations about the history, purpose and meaning of the universe.

#cdntv #cancon #canadian tv #canadian tv listings #crime beat: most wanted #nhl hockey #cfl football #nba basketball

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paigemathews · 2 months ago

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i'd love to see some info ab your ocs!! 🥰🥰🥰

If you'd like a list with a minor description to pick, lemme know and I'll share. (I have so many. So, so many.) But here is a random one! I picked Robin Montana, the witch who runs the private investigation agency that DJ Morris (who is also an option lmao) works for. I affectionately consider her basically the lesbian noir witch.

01. Full name: Robin Montana (undecided on if she'll get a middle name! If she does, I kind of like Jessica as a shout out to Jessica Jones, who is an aesthetic inspiration for her.)

02. Best friend: DJ Morris, although she doesn't really admit it. In the years after her sister's death, she's pushed pretty much everyone away, but DJ is... basically immune to that bullshit after a lifetime of being besties with the Halliwells, so too bad for her. It's a fun dynamic to me. There is a ficlet somewhere I'll post eventually of them.

03. Sexuality: Lesbian

04. Favorite color: Black

05. Relationship status: Single but in the noir detective heartbreaker way.

06. Ideal mate: no one someone intelligent, quick-witted, and most importantly compassionate with a... not idealistic view of the world but a balance of optimism and realism. someone who will push her on her shit but has a light in them.

07. Turn-ons: being able to kick her ass, pretty eyes

08. Favorite food: Chinese takeout

09. Crushes: the kind and stubborn SFPD detective with pretty eyes

10. Favorite music: hmm, not totally sure! kinda tempted to say jazz noir bc that witch noir aesthetic is integral to her character, but maybe also rock?

11. Biggest fear: it's hard to fear when you don't really... care about anything anymore? (fun fact! she is depressed as hell.) probably never finding answers about her sister's death.

12. Biggest fantasy: justice for her sister. or perhaps vengeance. her younger sister emma back. (like all noir detectives, she is in some desperate need of therapy.)

13. Bad habits: smoking, drinking way too much, isolating herself, driving herself mad with guilt, etc. eventually, it'll get better, but robin is... kinda in the downward spiral of her life rn.

14. Biggest regret: not getting to emma in time.

15. Best kept secrets: how many times she'd had to replace or fix shit in the office after setting it on fire (her powers are thermokinesis and pyrokinesis). also her file on what killed her sister. (her family would try to help her, but robin is determined to do this by herself, even though she lowkey fully expects it to kill her.)

16. Last thought: honestly, super dependent on where her arc goes. on one hand, there's always the option of letting her heal and find a future for herself. on the other, there's the tragedy of letting her follow the path she's laid out for herself. for now, i'll just leave it as "finally."

17. Worst romantic experience: hmm, i think i'll actually give her an ex-fiancee who tried to support her during the aftermath of emma's death. unfortunately, however, robin, stuck on her crusade, pushed her away, and the relationship crumbled. (might have her meet up with robin again and it could be healing or hurt robin more depending on where she's at.)

18. Biggest insecurity: that she's dangerous to be close to. that all she's good for is fighting. both predate emma's death as well, because robin was born during the feud with the Calloways. she was never actually on the field during it, but she was raised with the expectation of fighting and defending her family. paired with a... slightly aggressive temper, terrible coping skills, and her powers, there's always the lingering thought that she is always a threat to those she loves and will always be too late to save them.

19. Weapon of choice: besides her powers, a gun.

20. Role Model: honestly, I actually might say Phoebe Halliwell. phoebe was someone who was tempted by her inner darkness and resisted, even while getting justice for her family. beyond that, she suffered greatly but was able to find peace and healing. some part of robin wants that, even if she doesnt really think its an option.

#asks #abi's ocs #robin montana #thanks for the ask!! i really like all of these different characters lol so getting to talk about any of them makes me excited #robin is also one of the ones that i've actually tentatively planned (but havent actually) rped so i have a story for her #and she's someone who i could honestly separate out from the charmed world into a completely original story #there are a few like that actually lmao

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