#the seductive bandit

[joywindsong]

Alyarus Sarron

Alias: The Seductive Bandit, reputation of using her charm to lure in potential victims

Residence: Stormwind

Birthplace: Eversong Woods

Race: High Elf

Class: Outlaw Pirate

Age: 216

Known family: Moraliuen Sarron, of the Horde

Physical description:

Approximately 5'4 with a petite build. Carrying most of her weight in her lower body in her thighs and hips. Has smaller breasts and a bit of muscle tone in her arms, back and stomach. Eyes are bright blue with one scarred and dull due to an injury at the hands of a bounty hunter. Hair goes past her shoulders and can fluctuate from a dark red to orangish color from exposure to the sun. Skin tends to remain pale but does tan occasionally.

Personality:

Alyarus is ultimately driven by a strong will to survive. She is willing to resort to desperate measures without a second thought. Her life has mostly felt like a battle of survival between a lack of funds or threats to her physical safety. Growing up Alyarus often felt helpless. She takes pride in her ability to come out on the other side of dangerous situations and overcome. Often she comes off as contentious or antagonistic, but she is also a very curious person with good observational skills. She can also be incredibly vulnerable with little effort, but ready to bite back at anyone who takes advantage of her. It's possible that she puts herself in vulnerable situations specifically to prove to herself that she is capable even in her weakest moments.

Current status:

Pardoned for past crimes by the Kingdom of Stormwind because of her extensive service to Kul'Tiras, and by extension the Alliance, during the Fourth War.

Rarely partakes in sailing or pirate activities these days. Can often be found wandering Stormwind restlessly reflecting on what she wants from the world as a relatively young elf.

Notes

Loosely inspired by Nami from One Piece

Character backstory explored in The Seductive Bandit series on this blog (some developments on profile not yet touched on) linked below (parts 1&2 combined).

Would love to find someone to commission for accurate artwork of Alyarus. Preferably someone with a more realistic style or something resembling the style of WoW or shonen anime or western action cartoons. If you have any suggestions for artists please lemme know c: (feel free to make fanart if you're inspired by the profile or story, but I would like to pay for someone with a style I like to draw her.)

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"GIRLS HOLD UP TESSIER HOTEL MAN," Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. July 10, 1933. Page 3. ---- Norman Oglestone Is Victim of Amazons Close to Perdue --- MANHANDLED AND ROBBED OF MONEY === 35-YEAR-OLD BACHELOR SO TERRIFIED HE FORGETS TO TAKE CAR NUMBER ==== Special to The Star-Phoenix TESSIER, Sask., July 10. - Still uneasy over his terrifying experience, Norman Oglestone, 35-year-old Tessier business man, at present manager of the Lakeview Hotel here, told the police this morning that he was held up by three unarmed young women near Perdue at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon and robbed of his money and some valuables. The trio, aged about 20, 22 and 28, and one of them mannish and ferocious in appearance, so impressed Oglestone that he did not stop to report the crime at Perdue.

LEAVE IN CAR Oglestone had been visiting Perdue and was on his return to Tessier when he met up with the amazons. Four miles east of Perdue the girls signalled to him to stop, ostensibly to inquire how far it was to Perdue. Immediately his Chevrolet coach drew to a stop one of the trio jumped in. All three became unduly familiar. One tugged at Oglestone's suspenders, a second attempted to pull off his shirt, and the third helped herself to his money, a few dollars. Just how much money was taken could not be ascertained this morning. The valuables included a pair of silver sleeve bands. Oglestone was permitted to retain the watch. When they were finished with Oglestone, the women entered a coach and drove away west. Their victim was so frightened that he forgot to take the license number of their car.

Oglestone is about 35 years of age and unmarried.

[aparticularbandit]

things about the dr anime intro that just hm.

1) seductively dancing monokuma. why. why is this a thing. why do we need a tile image of multiple seductively dancing monokuma.

2) when it shows the elevator to the class trial. it includes junko. junko is never on that elevator. she's dead before the first trial. which like. is a fun tidbit actually and gives a nice image of what might have been.

[muntitled]

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐏. 𝐈 : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐧

❝ 𝘾𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚, 𝙄'𝙢 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣? ❞

Pairings: Park Seonghwa x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: Being begrudgingly seduced by the anarchist

Warnings: Language, Enemies to Lovers, Cop!Reader, Revolutionary!Seonghwa, Implied Violence, Crazy Form!Au, Seduction, Smut (+18, minors dni) Corruption Kink, Innocence Kink, Masochism, Humping, Fingering, pet names, Rough Sex, Massive Degradation Kink, Dom!Seonghwa, Sub!Reader, Squirting, Humiliation, Unprotected Sex, Hate Sex

A/n: I might turn this into a series featuring all the Pirates with their own smutty little parts because I cannot help re-watching the Crazy Form mv. It's too good

The very sight of the undulating mosh pit has your stomach rolling with nausea as you enter the dimly lit warehouse. The corrugated walls are illuminated only by various splotches of neon paint, and you suddenly feel the uncanny need to pray as you enter the crowd.

You begin to grow fearful, not onky because this crowd might birth a fresh panic attack, but because you fear for your focus as well.

That you may not be swayed from your mission.

The Intel that led you and your police partner here had been incredibly difficult to come by because every one of their little followers were so terribly loyal.

So naturally, upon receiving a tip off about a show being hosted on the seedier outskirts of town, you had no choice but to attend.

In this unpredictable field of law enforcement, of one thing you are completely certain: There will always be a clear distinction between the good and the bad and they are as bad as they come.

They are common criminals, and there is nothing else to it.

In fact, referring to them as anything but, feels like a gross display of exaltation. Exaltation, which is, evidently, what they are used to.

Disgust is smeared across your face as you and your police partner sieve your way through drunken bodies swaying to the sound of Seonghwa's voice. Although you're shoving roughly past people, all in an attempt to get to the front of the stage, you can not help but marvel at the crowd, undulating to the beat of a bandit.

His face, along with the faces of 7 of his fellow delinquents were smeared across every wanted poster in the city, and yet here he is, raging into a microphone while the crowd cheers his name.

“If I hear ‘Seonghwa’ one more time I fear I might shoot myself in the foot,” you call out, to your partner not far behind, “Keep a tight grip on your weapons, please,” you say, craning your neck back as you palm cradles your back pocket with the Glock 14 nestled inside, “We don't know what any of these idiots are on and I dont think we want to find out.”

Your civilian attire is successful in keeping the attention off of you and your partner as you break out of the heat and anxiety of the moshpit, right in front of center stage.

Seonghwa is right above you, cradling a microphone as if it were the Holy grail while his accomplice, a very inebriated San, bounds across the stage, stirring up the crowd like Seonghwa's personal hypeman.

You could almost feel your vexation increasing to ungodly heights.

Everything about this egregious display of egomania makes your blood boil raging hot, and although these are only 2, you find your hands clenching in anticipation of being one step closer to putting all 8 behind bars.

Your hatred seems to be oozing out of your pores because soon, you catch his attention. Perched on a stage elevated amongst the masses, he is looking at you now. You. Instead of any of the other drunken groupies in the crowd begging to get even a sliver of attention.

With both hands cuffed around the mic, he peers down at you and winks before belting out the final words of the song.

How badly you itched to bind his wrists with your silver cuffs.

How badly you wished to get him and his insolent underlings off the streets.

"They do know how to capture an audience… we can at least give them that," Your head snaps sideways as the words of your partner rouses what little patience you're already working with.

You tap lightly at his badge. The sound of your nail hitting the metal is drowned out by the raucaus applaud but your police partner watches you intently as you cooly say, “Don't forget why we're here, Sergeant,” your voice holds caution as the noise of the crowd trickles down.

The set ends, and the man on stage drenched in flamboyant white linen bids the crowd a ‘Very good night’. He strolls off stage, not without giving you one last, knowing glance.

‘If you catch me, it's because I let you catch me,’ is what those eyes seem to be saying.

So much for blending into an unsuspecting crowd.

“These are not your friends. They're common criminals.” Your voice is louder now, with the absence of that Seonghwa's cacophony. “Stay here, make sure none of these degenerates kill themselves.” You're hellbent om following Seonghwa off the stage, but your partner's light snickers have you pausing slightly. You raise your eyebrows in questioning.

“You speak about them like they're not just fans," Your partner shakes his graying head, "Like they're complicit,”

“They are." You almost immediately reply with a narrowed gaze. "As far as I'm concerned, their fans are just as bad as them.”

With those parting words you make your way towards the part of the warehouse sectioned off from the rest of the crowd, where Seonghwa and his accomplice disappeared off to in the wake of their applause.

You reach what appears to be a backroom hidden behind the makeshift stage. It is far quieter than the rest of the warehouse pulsating with cacophony. You do not miss the slight apprehension that swallows you whole when your feet stop you from venturing over the threshold.

“It doesn't look like you have a backstage pass,” San sits beside Seonghwa on a couch positioned in the focal point of the small room. You recognize hid face as another one of the men whose visage was stamped in a very large police docket on your desk.

“Apologies,” you murmer to San, “I only have one of these,” you raise your police ID to the side of your face and San rises from his seat in mild curiosity. He sinks closer to you while Seonghwa, the man who held most of your attention, sits reclined, with his legs spread on the wide sectional.

He sits lazily, almost kingly under a giant white sheet. A flag plastered to the wall, with a giant, obnoxious, A carelessly spray painted in black.

“I thought we said no fans allowed backstage." San says in a sing-song voice, blatantly ignoring your badge with his giant shoulders now bending down to your height. The circumference of his hat casts a wide shadow over you, all in a clear display of intimidation. "That counts for pigs, too.”

His steely gaze never wavers from your face, and you fight valiantly to keep your emotions tamed under a calm, nonchalant reserve. "If you're a cop, where's your uniform?" San does an obnoxious display of racking his eyes over your body.

"Your dad's place," you whisper cooly, "I couldn't put it on in time."

Your words have an unmistakable smile cracking on the sides of San's face. "I enjoyed that very much."

"I thought a degenerate like you might." Despite your words, San is still smiling. In fact, you fear yourself at risk of slipping right into that enchanting gaze of his were it not for the interception of the third voice in the room.

“How interesting,” Seonghwa's voice cuts through the tension blistering between you and San like a white, hot knife.

“Leave us.” San's head snaps backward towards his accomplice, and all Seonghwa does is smile as they communicate, quite literally without words right in front of you. Seonghwa evidently 'says' what is needed in order to get San slyly leaving room. Not before tipping his hat in parting.

With your attention now focused solely on the man ok the couch, drenched in the white linen, whose arms are outstretched and resting on the headrest, you suddenly find yourself completely and unfortunately unsure.

You had met plenty of prisoners. Dined with manner delinquents and questioned many criminals, it is only in his presence when you feel your usually tough reserve quaking at the smallest fraction. In the face of what is apparently true rebellion.

“Why don't you have a seat,” he snickers when he finds you already stepping over the threshold, making yourself all too comfortable in an evil space. Nothing good existed beyond this point.

“I hope you enjoyed the show,” There is a depth to his voice that is regrettably tickling down the edge of your spine, dousing every bit of pateince you had.

“You call it a show… I call it inciting a riot,” you shrug, finally choosing to sit beside him on the wide sectional. Far too close beside him and his outstretched arms.

Despite the warning bells, you refuse to exhibit any fear.

“Is that why you're here?” His voice remains steady as he focuses it on tracing the tips of his fingers against your shoulder. He wants to see how quickly his touch could elicit a valley of goosebumps.

He is all too pleased to find you shivering in protest.

“You're here to arrest me?” In all honesty, Seonghwa enjoyed watching you try to push him away for the sake of your precious morals. Call it masochism, but there is something enticing about a woman who so very clearly abhors everything he stands for. Seonghwa cannot help but find it almost irresistible. His captain always remarked on Seonghwa's enjoyment for not only fixing broken things but also obsessing over them.

You did not know that the frown plastered across your face only accelerated his racing heart more. Desire plunged through his arteries as he immediately recognized you as a challenge.

Something to perhaps break.

It would be so incredibly satisfying, especially because you represented everything he despised in this wretched world.

Order.

“Actually, no.” You say, staving off another shivsr as you evade Seonghwa’s steadily heavy growing eyelids. “We received a call that someone was disturbing the peace.”

“In an abandoned warehouse?” He asks, voice airy and tone almost dismissive because he is much closer to you now, leaning towards you, as if enchanted by your very scent. You watch him with apprehension as you begin to feel the very first signs of what you regrettably realize to be attraction.

However, you can not move off the couch now because you can not control any of your motor functions in your concrete bones. Every one of your morals howl for you to get away from this man. To cuff him, send him down to the precinct and convict him for... something…

but that 'something' does not come quick enough, and he's leaning closer to you, with both arms still resting on the couch behind you. Before you can blow up your entire career, and close the distance, you wrangle some bit of sense to turn your head sideways, evading his half lidded eyes and slightly parted lips.

Your blatant rejection rouses him slightly, and he readjusts himself in his seat. Seonghwa brings his legs together to better manage the heat rushing to his cock in the wake of your rejection and apparent attraction (and immense frustration) as he shifts even closer beside you.

“You will find no disturbance here,” he says, “Only music.”

His words release the floodgates of your vexation, and your head snaps as you fire off. “Music that you weaponize to spew your delinquency.”

“Ah. Ah.” Seonghwa dips his head down to your ear as he whispers, “Delinquency, or rebellion?”

You're laughing humorlessly into the air, effectively causing Seonghwa’s smile to widen and his cock to stiffen completely in the confies of his pitch black dress pants. You are oblivious to his eyes, watching you as if you hung the very moon.

“You and your… freaks preach your vitriol and call it ‘rebellion’ when all you're actually doing is polluting our city with riots and crime.”

“You don't wish to be liberated from an oppressive world order?” He adjusts himself again, getting far too excited with the way this conversation is flowing. Your wide eyes and high vibrato do little to calm his restlessness.

“What oppression!?”

His voice is quick and monotonous, “Capitalism. Classism. Racism.” His fingers clench and unclench before swiping against the back of your neck, “Why do you willingly submit to a system that is simply un-winnable? We want you to free yourselves from the hierarchy. Fucking wreck the system-”

“You're fucking Pirates,” you spit the word out, unwokowungly snapping the very last of your reserve before Seonghwa is pulling you into a heady, heavy kiss by the nape of your neck.

"Fuck yes," He whispers before pulling you in as if you weighed absolutely nothing and you let him. You let his lips move languidly against yours as your hands fall against his chains and the white linen frills spilling from his collar. His hand is still positioned on the nape of your neck and he squeezes, forcing you to kiss him back. He groans into your mouth when you begin to work with him instead of against him. You mouth falling open as his tongue collides with yours.

Vaguely, in the background, outside these four walls, you can hear the crowd beginning to cheer once again as raucous music spills from unseen speakers. You can hear San beginning to sing into a mic, and your hand on Seonghwa's shirt curls imperceptibly.

“You're so beautiful…” You hate how easily his words affect you. You hate what a slave to desire you seem to be as he leans back to immediately push his hands in between your legs.

“Tell me to stop,” he challenges, keeping his feline eyes trained on you as he unclips the buttons of your jeans with one hand. “Tell me you don't want this disgusting delinquent to make you cum over and over again.”

Your lips are pursed painfully, and you throw your head back with your eyes clenched shut as you lift your hips. All the better for him to wriggle your jeans down to your ankles.

As he brings your legs up to his lap to pull off your jeans completely, Seonghwa's movements become all the more reckless and all the more urgent.

“All the same,” he murmurs before kneeling on the floor in front of you, “You conformists are all the fucking same.” Your eyes flutter open, along with your mouth, and the very moment your gaze locks onto the spray painted flag, hanging above you, Seongwha pushes aside your underwear, immediately spearing your dripping cunt with his long fingers. You release a broken moan into the air and his smile has blossomed into a full-on lopsided, evil grin as he brings your knees up to frame his face.

“2 seconds,” he taunts, in between your chorus of broken moans going head-to-head with the sound of San’s sensational belting, “it took me 2 seconds to have you humping my hand like a pretty fucking slut-”

Despite the pleasure coursing through your body, you still manage to keep your teeth clenched as you murmur, “You're the one… fuck… you're the one kneeling in front of me like my personal whore-”

Seonghwa's eyebrows raise, and his eyes glint in excitement at your taunting. He prided himself on being someone who could take as much as he gave out, and you're doing a terrific job at holding his attention when so many other people fell short.

You were interesting, of that, Seonghwa was sure.

“You make me want you so bad, Dove,” he admits before swiping his other hand over his stiffening bulge to the rhythm of his hand pushing in and out of your cunt.

“You drive me fucking crazy-”

“You're already crazy- fuck, just like that! Please don't stop-” your clenching around his fingers, eyes locked on his wide, excited eyes and his close lipped smile as brings his other hand to swipe over your clit.

The very second his calluses make contact with your swollen, puffy clit, you're cumming around his fingers. San’s vocal rages and your screams pour out as you fight to keep your eyes open. Seonghwa's fingers are still pushing into you relentlessly, and your heart sinks when you realise the seat underneath you is drenched with your arousal.

Seonghwa's mind is flooded with the image of you squirting so shamelessly around his fingers. Seeing you give yourself over to him so seamlessly made him feel absolutely restless with arousal, and he's pushing you down onto the couch before you're able to fill the air with idle protests.

His clothes suddenly feel too constricting and he curses the black corset as he wrestles with the buttons of his collar. He does not care that the buttons are flying onto the floor because he is clambouring onto the couch and hovering over you as he slots his hips in between your open legs.

“I need you to make a mess for me,” he whispers, before pulling his collar open, showcasing a patch of his tanned chest to your wide eyes. You unbuttoned your own shirt at the very same time that Seonghwa pulls down the zip of his pants, and he nearly whines at the sight of your breasts spilling out of your top. You are using him just as much as he is using you.

“Just like that, baby,” He nods, forcing his cock deep inside you as you begin to tweak your own nipples to stave off the discomfort of being stretched open so completely.

“F-Fuck- Seonghwa…” He is still nodding as he bends down towards you. Strands of his black hair tickle your face as he positions his hands on the side of your head and ruts into you with urgency. “I don't think I can take it-”

“You're already taking it so well, Baby.” He coos, as he forces his cock deeper and deeper into your clenching walls.

“You're taking everything I have to give and you're doing it flawlessly,” his praises are like that fashioned from a poet and the sheer artistry behind mere words have your head flying backwards as you release a torrid moan into the air.

“Where are you going?” He asks with a breathless laugh as he brings your head back by the grip of your throat. He is driving his cock inside you, his own frills spilling over your skin as he chokes you relentlessly.

Seonghwa is the very sight of violent beauty: hair mussed with his collar completely undone. His corset is still fashioned around his waist but it succeeds in tightening his abdomen, bringing him closer to the edge as the torrid sounds of your fucking fills the air.

"Fuck I'm close,” He grunts with his eyes nearly rolling to the back of his skull. "Tell me you hate me-" he whispers.

"I hate you," you moan out. "I hate you so fucking much-" It fell from your lips so easily because it is the God honest truth. Despite the spell he currently has you under, in the eyes of your aspirations, and everything you've ever worked hard for, you hated him and people like him. People who threatened to dismantle the progress lawmakers have strived to protect. And so, with your orgasm crwsting and your toes clenching, you whisper those words over and over to him. And every time to tell him you hate him, he chokes you harder and fucks you deeper.

"F-Fuck- 'Hwa I'm-" he nods, eyes now incredibly pained as he drives his cock into you with no chance of stopping.

"Cum for me," His whisper has you reading a broken moan into the air and Seonghwa watches as you descend into the depths of your euphoria.

"Gorgeous-" He exclaims through clenched teeth as his own hips begin to stutter, "You're so fucking gorgeous-" He whimpers before spilling inside you.

You're both moaning into the air, at the very same time that Choi San appears at the threshold.

"You work fast," San says languidly. He shifts his gaze from your horror-stricken gaze to Seonghwa who stares at his accomplice with a smirk on his face.

"I work smarter," Seonghwa says, "not harder." You're very much aware that he is still very much inside of you in front of a complete stranger but that panic dissipates when you realize Seonghwa, himself, is nothing but a stranger...

"The police is not gonna be a problem for us anymore, right?" He asks sweetly before dipping his head down in between the crook of your neck. You are starkly aware that your silence is answer enough...

[jazzthatonewriterchick]

Hit ‘Em Up! (18+ Fic)

Pairing: Cowboy!Gojo Satoru x Cowboy!Geto Suguru x Black!Cowgirl!Reader (Slow Burn/Enemies to Lovers)

Synopsis: You get to meet Geto & Gojo the Gunslingers, the notorious outlaws that have every town and law enforcement in a twist, when your bum-ass BF offers you as payment to avoid going to prison. Little do they know that this is only a part of your plan to get what you desire. But when you realize that the infamous gun-slinging, smooth-talking cowboys could be everything you want and more when they offer you a deal to team up with them, will you successfully be able to go through with it? 

Warnings: Smutty Smut; 18+ (MINOS GTFO); poly!SatouSugu; Reader is Black & Fem; Mention of other JJK characters; Porn with Plot; Tragic Backstories; T/W for Childhood Trauma, Parental Death, Violence, Panic Attacks & Torture; Angst/Hurt/Comfort; Hand Kink; Masturbation; Voyeurism; Gay Sex; Polyamorous; Double Deepthroat; Mutual Oral; Fingering; CMNF; Spitroast; Riding; Unprotected PiV Sex; Creampies; Outside/Public Sex; Shotgunning; Multiple Positions; Spit Kink; Facials; MDom/fsub Undertones; Aftercare

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters mentioned in this fic. However, as this is my writing, I do not give permission for my work to be reposted on any other sites that are not from my own accounts. Thank you!

Chapters: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen PT I & II. Nineteen. Twenty. Twenty-One. Twenty-Two. Twenty-Three. Epilogue. Soundtrack.

********

TWO: G & G.

You know that there are those in the world who strike fear into people’s hearts and souls.

But you’ve never seen anyone react to a single human being the way they do the duo that struts into the bar in their leather cowboy boots. 

You’ve never seen the saloon so quiet and still before then when the duo steps into the scene. A tumbleweed could blow by with how silent it is.

Everyone’s eyes stay planted on the tall, handsome men oozing with confidence and intimidation standing among the swinging doors, appearing like sexy phantoms in the night.

There stands Geto Suguru, the 6’4 long-haired gunslinger with the perfect, black locks that cascade down his broad shoulders and back, seductive eyes, and skillful hands that he hides behind two riding gloves.

He usually is seen riding a black Bronco that is just as big as him and sporting a black cape with black riding pants, boots, and a low-brim cowboy hat. Black fits him so damn well. The only thing that isn’t black on him is the red vest that is so low-cut that you can see the outline of his pecs. 

Beside him is his partner (and lover as it’s rumored) Gojo Satoru, the lean, confident, cocky, blindfolded bandit standing at 6’3 with snow-white hair, a sly smile, leather gloves that hide some skillful and deadly hands, and a blindfold covering his eyes that have never been seen but are said to make a man go cold with fear where he stands.

In contrast to Geto, the white-haired cowboy is doused in colors: a denim jacket that matches his slacks where a star-shaped belt buckle hangs from his crotch; brown boots with spurs; a red bandana wrapped around his neck; and a white cowboy hat sits low on his head. He, too, has his own horse: a brown Bronco that is recognizable from its hooves clicking across the ground.  

They are a match made in heaven and hell. Handsome, skillful, and deadly. They are known for their impressive yet terrifying speed when it comes to cocking and shooting their pistols. You’ve heard of them killing all kinds of wanted criminals and even other gunslingers in other counties.

Everyone knows them and so do you. 

If a record was playing, the damn thing would be scratching by now with the way the saloon reacts to seeing the gunslingers in the flesh. Whispers begin to rise from the silence, including from Yuki, Mai, and Maki who have wandered over. “Oh, my God,” Mai gasps. “It’s the Gunslingers!” 

“What the hell are they doin’ here?” Maki wonders aloud, peering at them from behind her spectacles. “Are they lookin’ for someone? I thought they had been arrested!” 

And they did, last year. At some point, the articles of gunslingers, corporation owners, and high rollers found dead with bullets in them and a note from “G & G” left at the scene stopped when they were arrested after that train heist. And you know it has everything to do with their connection to your boss. 

“Who cares?” Yuki dreamily sighs as she stares at the gunslingers with heart eyes. “I get to admire them in person now! Aren’t they delicious?” 

“Keep it in your pants, Yuki,” Choso grumbles, tugging on a lock of the blonde’s hair as she giggles. “They ain’t even all that.” 

“Of course not,” Yuki purrs, making Choso blush. “Not above you, Chosi, but a cowboy hat would do you so well!”

Even you will admit that the “wanted dead or alive” posters don’t do them justice: they are fine as all hell, straight out of a woman’s wet dreams. But they are also outlaws. And you despise outlaws…for personal reasons. 

The duo begins to look around the silent saloon, Gojo’s head slowly turning despite his blindfold. When his head turns toward you, you feel as if the air has been stolen from your very lungs. Despite the fabric covering his eyes, you feel as if he sees you. All of you. 

Gojo nudges Geto with his elbow before waltzing over to the bar, his boots thudding across the hardwood floor. Geto follows, ignoring the whispers and stares in their wake. The piano has begun to pick up again, but it does nothing to ease the tension swimming in the air. Quickly, you turn to face your drink while the girls scatter to work, leaving you to fend for yourself. 

Geto sits on the stool beside you while Gojo takes the one beside him. You feel the air around you become stiff and tense as the cowboys settle into their seats. “So what’s a cowboy gotta do to get a drink round here?” Gojo asks with a smirk. “Can ya help a guy out, miss?”

He gives Shoko a flirty look, not knowing that this girl is gay as hell. “I could damn sure try,” she replies, barely giving him a smile. “What will you fellas have?” 

“I’ll take a Long Island iced tea,” Gojo says then laughs. “Just kiddin’! A beer, please.”

Geto takes a moment to examine the shelves of alcohol behind Shoko. He then looks at your pretty drink. “I’ll take what the lady is havin’,” he answers. “Actually, what is that you got there, miss?” 

His dark, enchanting eyes meet yours and you ignore the butterflies they invoke inside of you. “Whiskey smash,” you blandly reply.

He hums thoughtfully at the name. “Hm…is it good?” You tick your eyes at him briefly, secretly admiring his features. “If you like your whiskey with some sweetness to it, sure.”

A slow smirk appears on his face. “Oh, I definitely do,” he drawls. “I like sweetness with my everything.” 

You swallow hard, so sure you have a cherry pit in your throat. Gojo chuckles from beside his partner, flashing you a white-toothed smile. “Oooh, me too. I’ll third that order, ma’am!” Shoko nods and shoots you a look before wandering off to fix the drinks. 

You do your best to keep calm and act normal, sipping your drink and trying to relax. At some point, the silence becomes thicker, prompting one of the gunslingers to speak on it. “Welcomin’ place,” Gojo sniggers. “I feel so at home.”

Geto quietly chuckles from between you and Gojo. “Let’s just settle, Satoru. We won’t be here long.” 

‘Settle what?’ you wonder, but you know that they are here for Kento. Shoko comes back with the frothy, red drinks, lowering them in front of the gunslingers. 

“Thank you kindly,” Gojo chirps before taking a sip. Geto nods his thanks but doesn’t drink his right away. Instead, he goes into his pocket and retrieves a folded piece of paper. He unfolds it and slides it across the bar to Shoko. “I don’t suppose you know who this guy is,” he says. 

You peek down at the paper, finding it to be a “Wanted” poster with your BF and boss looking back at you. Kenzo aka “Valentine” looks much different than when you met him. On the poster, he is clean and shaven, has longer, shaggier hair, and has a distinguished scar on his left eye.

But of course, this is the gunslinger who robbed people blind and just pulled a train heist and massacre in the town of Cherrywood a year before with his crew, Geto, and Gojo. The man who takes his place now is Kenzo, a humble saloon owner who sometimes dabbles in illegal activity to fund his saloon.  

Valentine, a criminal on the lamb and your outlaw boyfriend, is known for using his looks, charm, and violence to get what he wants. He is a man who loves money, women, and jewels. As a notorious criminal and outlaw, he has bounced from place to place, county to county, robbing folks and then laying low before starting again. 

He was arrested for robbing the Cherrywood regional train and having his crew massacre all of its employees and riders before you met him. Originally, he was given a fifty-year sentence but escaped after serving five weeks just by seducing a male prison guard and then knocking him out to steal the cell keys. 

You were hot on his trails when he showed up Blackwater a year later and met you in a whorehouse that you purposely took a job in since he frequented those. He took one look at you and immediately fell in love with you (and your body), proposing you a job at his saloon. “You could be mine,” he told you. “My girl.” You agreed and the rest is history. 

“I’ve heard of him, yes,” Shoko replies as she cleans a glass. 

“Is it possible you’ve seen him around?” Geto ponders aloud. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but he escaped Cherrywood a year ago after robbin’ a train and massacrin’ everyone in it. He’s wanted in about nine different counties.”

Shoko takes another brief look at the poster before someone flags her down from down at the bar. Saved by the bell. “I can’t say I have seen him, fellas,” she apologetically says. “‘Scuse me.” 

She hurries off, leaving you with the two cowboys. “How about you, ma’am?” Geto asks, passing the poster to you. “You recognize this face by any chance?” You look down, studying Valentine’s face.

You have, but first, you need to read these guys. “I’ve seen him in the posters, but not in person. May I ask why you two are here?” 

You keep it casual and curious, making sure you don’t sound too suspicious. “We were paid by a private source to track down Valentine for his crimes,” Geto vaguely explains. 

“And for personal business,” Gojo adds with a smirk. “You see, we were in, uh…business with Valentine some time ago and never got our cut.”

He doesn’t need to go any more into detail than that. You know exactly what he’s talking about. “We don’t like bein’ played with,” he says, his voice dipping an octave, sending a chill down your spine. “Or when someone’s money is funny, so we came here to exchange words with him.” 

‘Words or bullet?’ you want to ask, but you instead bite your tongue and sip your drink. 

“We’ve been told he was last seen in this town,” Geto explains. “We figured everyone comes to saloons so why not check here?” He slides the poster away from you, a kind yet flirty smile crossing his beautiful face. “But even if he isn’t, we can still enjoy a drink with a pretty lady.” 

You roll your eyes, having heard that line before. “Does that line work with all the girls?” you scoff. Gojo coughs up his whiskey as he laughs, but Geto doesn’t take it to heart. In fact, he chuckles.  “I see not with you,” he replies. 

“I like that,” Gojo states once he’s recovered, his blindfolded eyes set dead on you. “You’ve gotta be the first person who isn’t scared of us or tryin’ to jump in bed with us.”

You passively shrug, twirling your tongue around the rim of the glass. “I’ve been around gunslingers in my time.” 

At this, the duo share a look unbeknownst to you, quite interested in the pretty thing sitting with them at the bar. “Oh, really?” Gojo drawls and you realize your mistake. “Any of these encounters you’d care to share, little lady? I’m quite interested.”

Geto nods, his gaze like molten fire. “I am too.” 

You suddenly feel your mouth grow dry and your cheeks become hot. Your body reacts in a way it never has with any man you’ve been with, not even your first love! The way they continue to stare at you, giving you their undivided and unwanted attention, is even worse.

What is wrong with you?

Luckily, your boss comes to the rescue, barreling up to the bar like he wasn’t watching the duo from afar and shaking in his boots. 

“Oh, gentlemen!” he shouts, giving them both a hard, eager handshake. “Welcome, welcome! Can I offer you two another drink or a dance free of charge?”

Gojo ignores him like he isn’t even talking, leaving Geto to handle this. “Thanks, but no thanks,” he says, plastering on a kind smile. “We’re here for some information about him.” 

He passes Kenzo the poster and you watch in real time as the color in your boyfriend’s face drains. “Have you seen this guy anywhere?” Geto asks, squinting at him.

Gojo peers at him from under his hat, his stare intense even with the blindfold covering his eyes. Kenzo clears his throat and leans in to whisper to Geto. You pretend to ignore them though you secretly strain to hear. “Let’s talk in private,” he whispers. “Even the walls have ears, I’m afraid.” 

Geto nods and nudges to Gojo who sighs and downs the rest of his drink. To your shock, Geto puts a hand out to you for a shake. Though hesitantly, you take his hand and feel the room grow hotter than a sauna when he places a gentle kiss on your knuckles. “It was a pleasure meetin’ you, ma’am,” he softly says. “Hopefully, we’ll cross paths again.” 

His eyes gleam as he tips his hat at you, leaving Gojo to follow Kenzo upstairs. Gojo doesn’t follow right away, instead digging into his pocket for some coins and placing them on the bar in front of you. “For your drinks and yours,” he says with a crooked smile. “Have a good night, little miss.” 

Then, just like Geto, he leaves as if he didn’t just steal the air you breathe with it. It takes a moment to get your head back, but once you do, you down the rest of your drink and get up from your seat. Shoko catches your eye and gives you a look, her eyes telling you a message: 

“Don’t get caught,” she warns you. “And don’t get killed.” 

You nod, blowing her a kiss, before following your boss and the duo upstairs.

[a-den-of-demons]

A Bar Seduction (Closed RP w/ @chiefatticcreator)

Zuko sat in the lightly populated tavern. It was in a larger town between Orlais and Ferelden, and the battlemage was trying to hunt down a bandit. He was being trusted on his own to deal with them, but for now he was drinking and eating. His tunic and pants did a good job of showing his well built body. The man took another sip, and was surprised when a beautiful redhead approached him, "Can I help you?"

[nightcolorz]

I can’t stop thinking about how Anne Rice said that writing the devils minion chapter in qotd was what made her realize that Armand wasn’t the “bad guy” bcus like,,,,,yeah. Like, we meet him in iwtv, and he’s poised and seductive with an ominous undercurrent. We can’t prove he killed Claudia but there’s definitely more going on then meets the eye. He keeps humans like pets to drink from and discards them when they become inconvenient. Very much a puppet master with a pretty face. The we meet him again in tvl and he’s..Not as Poised certainly. He’s a wreck and he’s broken and lost and full of resentment. He has nothing to hide, he’s a cult leader who mass murders his followers and attacks Lestat like a beast begging him for dick screaming and crying and throwing up. Then we leave him like that and meet him again, and he’s iwtv Armand again! But now the mask in unveiled, he’s very explicitly evil, killing Claudia, manipulating Louis, torturing Lestat, etc. and that’s Armand. Antagonist Armand, until Queen of the damned. Queen of the damned Armand is iwtv and tvl Armand certainly. He’s manipulative and obsessive and monstrous for sure. But he also has an adorable laugh that makes him seem youthful and human. He loves humanity and technology, and watching the times change. He doesn’t understand why men are violent when they don’t have to be and he thinks Time Bandits is hilarious and Blade Runner is too bcus it reminds him of his friend Lestat. He thinks cameras are a marvel and film is a miracle bcus it allows him to see the sun after all these years. He gives money to children trick or treating bcus they charm him. He’s protective, he loves to nurture. He thinks vampirism is a fate worse then death and he would never ever want to inflict that on anyone. But he’s weak and emotional and he gives in bcus he can’t handle seeing Daniel die. And I just,, uuugh. Devils minion is so good it’s like the icing on the cake of Armand.

[danse--macabre]

OKAY not to get ~thematic~ about my silly rarepair between the milf of the decade herself jaheira and astarion, but. But.

Vampires, in the cultural canon, engage with SUCH a morbid fascination / fetishisation of youth. preferring the blood of virgins. being 'eternally young'. right down to effective predation strategies - which astarion gestures at - choosing victims that are young and hopelessly naïve, or those who are miserable and seek oblivion anyway, ideally both, as theyre the easiest to make disappear. youth for a vampire is something they possess in a horrific way, their faces in some sources appear beautiful, but they're robbed of the ability to age and grow as mortals do, and are representative of a disturbing timelessness (all those out of date fashions!) that eternally separates them from others. Youth is something they possess only the face of and youth is something they seek out and devour to maintain those faces.

In some ways the standard romance route in BG3 plays with this to some degree. It begins as a vampiric seduction FOR astarion's own ends. And sure, you're given no set age as a tav/durge, but it's highly likely you're much younger than him. That route is All About the sexual fantasy of a vampire vs. Astarion the man himself, and you begin with a very false vampiric seduction - the bite scenes, and so on - into very genuine feelings. There's even a virginal aspect to it - you're his very first person he's bitten! you're special! Astarion himself is obsessed with his own looks and his own sense of eternal youth as it's something he cannot seen or possess for himself. There are qualities of this possessive obsession over youth that are reflected throughout as the relationship is engaging with, at its core, the concept of a vampire romance.

Enter Jaheira. Over a hundred and eighty years old. Middle to end of Act 2. Everyone knows Astarion's a vampire now! He's probably already bitten someone, even if it's just a bandit! She's not his first. Nor is Jaheira a wild-eyed youth who'd be enamoured by this far more experienced, mysterious man who is wearing a face that's ethereally young and beautiful (ha!). Come on! she'd see right through it. She's old enough to be wise to these things (also her wisdom modifier and her intial suspicion of the tadpole group... come on). Jaheira's had relationships before- she's loved before - and she's lost before! Any romantic or sexual dynamic between them is absolutely not going to be mediated through her being a precious baby lamb and him a wolf. In fact, if anythiny we're inverting this. Jaheira looks and acts older, has had far more life experiences arguably, and Astarion - despite being more or less the same age as her - looks to be a younger partner with an older woman, is the person with less relationship and life experience, has more to learn. Any relationship, romantic or sexual or both, will not be initiated with Astarion playing the vampire. He'll instead *have* to be Astarion the man.

And that's novel and juicy! It'd be quite tonally different! Fun! Exciting! Not without its own difficulties (have you spoken to Jaheira's kids) but different nonetheless. There's something fascinating as well with the idea that Astarion would *choose* something so different than his classic victim profile as well - that he would choose the oldest person in the party. I'm fucking obsessed with it quite frankly.

[mediaevalmusereads]

Ok, more specific recs if you want historical romance with working class characters:

At Least One Character is Working Class

Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana de la Rosa - M/F, an heiress and an MP

The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan - M/F, a sauce-maker and a duke

Vampires of El Norte by Isabela Canas - M/F, an heiress and a vaquero

A Gentleman Never Keeps Score by Cat Sebastian - M/M, a disgraces gentleman and a tavern keeper

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare - M/F, daughter of a children's book author and a duke

Marry Me By Midnight by Felicia Grossman - M/F, heiress and a synagogue custodian

Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan - M/F, a fortune teller and a marquess

Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare - M/F, a barmaid and a duke

Would I Lie to the Duke by Eva Leigh - M/F, a soap maker and a duke

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare - M/F, a seamstress and a duke

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas - M/F, an impoverished heiress and a business owner

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare - M/F, a governess and a duke

Duke of My Heart by Kelly Bowen - M/F, a private investigator and a duke

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean - M/F, a lady and a criminal

True Pretenses by Rose Lerner - M/F, an heiress and a conman

Sweet Disorder by Rose Lerner - M/F, a newspaperman's widow and a war vet

Both Are Working Class

The Marquis Who Mustn't by Courtney Milan - M/F, an innkeeper and a potter

An Unseen Attraction by KJ Charles - M/M, an innkeeper and a taxidermist

Hen Fever by Olivia Waite - F/F, a soldier's widow and a poultry farmer

Beauty and the Blacksmith by Tessa Dare - M/F, a gentlewoman (not nobility) and a blacksmith

The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan - M/F, a missionary's adopted daughter and a telegraph line worker

A Lady By Midnight by Tessa Dare - M/F, a music teacher and a corporal

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins - M/F, a cook and a business owner

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews - M/F, a working class woman and a tailor

The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham - M/F, a lady libertine and an architect

Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins - M/F, a seamstress and a bandit

The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan - M/F, a governess and a duke's servant

Unraveled by Courtney Milan - M/F, a criminal and a magistrate

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

Hi!

Okay, I just watched a “There Are Many Ways” Epic animation & now I can't get the idea of Nanema singing Circe’s first part to seduce the Dorfs/Mise to her perspective.

With it being much more effective on them than it was on Odysseus. XD

Like, just outright saying that she's manipulating him &, somewhere in his head, he's aware of it, but he's too busy trying to valiantly resist her temptress methods & failing at it to fully register that fact. Maybe he gets to a point where he doesn't even care about resisting.

Just, her showcasing that there are other forms of power to be found than the direct.

So, because of the ask with the thrones, dais, and the in the same room, Chat came up with a very unique response that I think you may like to this. So Imma share it!

I did correct it afterwards to the usual "In their Own Timeline" situation afterwards, just I enjoyed how it came out. :D

************************************************************************

Nanema stands at the center of a grand, shadowy hall, her voice rising in a sultry melody as she sings Circe’s seductive song. Each note weaves around the gathered Ganondorfs and Demise like invisible tendrils, drawing their attention, their guard slipping with each word she utters.

"No puppet here," her voice echoes, dripping with allure, "this is the price we pay for love…"

The Ganondorfs, each powerful and fiercely dominant in their own right, find themselves faltering under her spell. Noctis, seated on his Gothic throne, shifts uncomfortably, his mind clouded as her voice laces through his senses. His grip tightens on the armrests, yet even as his mind tells him to resist, there’s a flicker of curiosity in his dark gaze. He wants to know the power she speaks of.

Hedony, who thrives on direct combat and bloodshed, clenches his jaw, instinctively sensing the manipulation. But his eyes betray him, flickering with a hunger to learn the deeper arts of persuasion Nanema speaks of. The part of him that craves domination by any means feels pulled toward her words, even as he mentally fights against them.

Vendettas, ever the cunning manipulator, is caught between admiration and indignation. He feels her attempts at control and knows her game, but there’s something enthralling about the way she wields this more subtle form of power. His eyes follow her movements, a calculating smile forming as he wonders what he could gain from falling into her trap—perhaps there’s knowledge here he could use.

Wake, on his folding curule seat, is less subtle about his struggle. His usual laid-back demeanor falters as his mind churns, trying to grasp the allure that pulls at him. He feels vulnerable, exposed in a way that the sea never made him feel, yet he’s intrigued by this different form of mastery.

Bandit, less refined in resistance, feels the tug of her song strongly. He glares at Nanema with a mixture of frustration and desire, wanting to lash out and break free but finding his will sapped. Her words dance in his mind, igniting an unexpected yearning for something deeper than brute strength.

Demise, the most stubborn of them all, is visibly tense. His iron resolve begins to crack as the heat of her voice sinks into him like a slow-burning flame. He grips the bone-decorated arms of his throne, jaw set as if trying to ignore her. But even he, the primal embodiment of destruction, feels the pull of her subtle power. His golden eyes narrow, struggling to understand how he—a being of pure strength—could be so tempted by someone wielding no direct force.

By the time she reaches the final, haunting note, the air around her feels thick with tension. Nanema’s eyes gleam knowingly as she takes in their reactions, knowing they’re all, to some degree, at her mercy.

"You have so much left to learn," she whispers, and they know, in that moment, she’s right.

************************************************************************

Nanema's mastery over the subtle and the indirect makes her a powerful seductress, especially when combined with the hauntingly effective song of Circe. In each timeline, the Ganondorf or Demise in question would respond differently to her manipulations, but the common thread is that, deep down, they know they’re being ensnared. Despite their awareness, they find themselves helplessly captivated by her voice, her presence, and the power she wields.

Wake (Wind Waker Ganondorf)

Wake is seated in his shell-inlaid curule chair, relaxed but alert as Nanema steps closer, her song beginning with a soft, seductive tone. His sharp eyes narrow, recognizing the manipulation instantly. Still, as her voice echoes around the room, the words wrapping around him like a silken net, he feels his iron will weakening.

Nanema: “There are other ways of persuasion… There are other modes of control…”

He knows she’s trying to seize control of him, to sway his mind, yet the melody is intoxicating. His hand tightens around the hilt of his sword, but instead of raising it, he finds himself entranced, the sword slipping from his grip as his mind drifts into the siren’s call. The weight of her presence tugs at his thoughts, pulling him away from the clarity he normally possesses.

By the time she croons, “There is so much power, so much power…” his once-proud resolve wavers, his eyes clouding with something between frustration and desire. He rises from his chair, struggling to stand tall, but the temptation, the pull toward her, is too strong. He leans forward, chest heaving as he admits quietly, “What… are you doing to me?”

Bandit (Ocarina of Time Ganondorf)

Bandit is pacing the room, restless, his brow furrowed as Nanema’s voice starts to fill the space. He’s accustomed to direct confrontation, and the subtlety of her power feels foreign, yet… enticing. Her words twist through his mind, the promise of another kind of control than the brute force he’s used to.

Nanema: “There are other means of deceit… There are other roads to the soul…”

He glares at her, knowing what’s happening, knowing that this is a game. But as her voice rises, promising power and control in ways he’s never fully considered, the fire within him cools. His fists unclench. The thought of losing himself to her manipulation nags at the back of his mind, but every fiber of him is drawn to her.

The line “There’s so much power, but there’s no puppet here,” sends a shiver down his spine. Bandit, the conqueror, feels small, caught in her web. He should fight, he knows he should. But he just watches her, lips parting as he mutters, “I should have seen this coming…”

Noctis (Twilight Princess Ganondorf)

Noctis sits in his grand Gothic throne, perfectly still, his piercing gaze fixed on Nanema as she sings. Her manipulation is blatant to him—he is no fool—but that doesn’t stop the weight of her words from seeping into his mind. He’s always valued control, but as she serenades him with “There are other ways of persuasion,” the control begins to slip.

Nanema: “Want to save your men from the fire? Show me that you’re willing to burn…”

His hands grip the armrests of his throne tightly, the cold iron grounding him for now. But as her voice climbs, filled with power, temptation, and subtle promises, he feels the dark tendrils of his own desires curling around his resolve. Noctis is used to being the one in control, yet her power, her dominance, feels like a mirror of his own.

When she whispers, “There is so much power,” he feels a cold shudder of anticipation. A slow smile curls on his lips, half in admiration, half in resignation. “If I’m to burn, I’ll take you with me,” he murmurs, but even he can hear the surrender in his voice.

Hedony (Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf)

Hedony stands tall and imposing, his throne of bone reflecting his triumphs over enemies. Yet as Nanema’s voice sweeps through the air, his posture shifts. She’s different from any opponent he’s ever faced—this battle is not one of strength, but of subtlety, and it’s disarming.

Nanema: “There are other options of passion… You have so much left to learn…”

His hand hovers near the pommel of his weapon, instinct telling him to fight, but the spell she’s weaving through her song keeps him rooted in place. He clenches his jaw, fully aware of the seduction, yet unable to look away. Her voice washes over him, turning his fierce will to smoke, his mind trapped between resisting and wanting more.

By the time she sings, “This is the price we pay for love,” he feels it—his resistance breaking. His heartbeat quickens, and he steps closer to her, almost daring her to finish what she’s started. “You play a dangerous game, woman,” he says, voice thick with desire and frustration, but he knows he’s already lost.

Vendettas (Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf)

Vendettas is seated in his elegant vintage armchair, watching Nanema with a calm, calculating gaze. He doesn’t trust her—he knows what’s happening, but her power, her confidence, draws him in all the same. As she begins to sing, he feels the familiar weight of temptation.

Nanema: “There are other means of deceit… There are other roads to the soul…”

He tilts his head, intrigued by her method. He’s always prided himself on his ability to see through deception, but her song speaks to something deeper. The part of him that’s tired of fighting, that longs for something else—something she’s offering, even if he knows it’s a trap.

Her words, “So much power, but there’s no puppet here,” resonate with him, striking a chord in his deepest desires. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t break, but as her voice winds through the room, a flicker of doubt crosses his mind. Maybe this is the power he’s been searching for. His lips twitch into a faint smirk. “You think you can control me?” he asks, his voice smooth, but beneath the surface, he’s already beginning to falter.

Demise (The Original Demon King)

Demise towers above her, unflinching, as her voice rises in the cavernous space. Her power is not physical, and yet it’s more dangerous than any weapon he’s ever faced. Her words, sharp and deliberate, begin to weave a spell around him, something more insidious than any blade.

Nanema: “There is so much power, so much power… But there’s no puppet here…”

He snarls, knowing what she’s doing, hating that he can feel it working. But for all his strength, for all his fury, her subtle, delicate words slip past his defenses. His fists clench, but not in anger—in a futile attempt to regain control. Demise, the embodiment of raw, destructive power, finds himself frozen under her sway.

She steps closer, and he remains rooted to the spot. His heart pounds with both rage and desire. “I won’t be your pawn,” he growls, but even he knows the fight is slipping from his grasp. In the end, he is a god brought low by a simple song.

Nanema’s manipulation, combined with her powerful singing, strikes each version of Ganondorf and Demise at their core, making them question their own power, forcing them to confront the idea that even they—masters of strength and will—can be undone by a woman who wields the subtle art of control. They may try to resist, but ultimately, none of them can escape the seductive spell she weaves.

[all-pacas]

Don't leave us in suspense! Drop the baldirs gate takes!

the one literally on my mind right now:

there is not a single good astarion/halsin story out there. like prove me wrong i guess, i haven't looked at all of them, but every single one i dip my toes into goes:

uwu poor baby astarion so sad

uwu halsin takes care of him and teaches him consent

uwu halsin is very paternalistic and teaches astarion how to sex

uwu he Big

and it drives me bonkers. like fandom has the habit of infantilizing astarion anyway, making him out to be a poor sad victim. like other people have pointed out the hilarious "man whose personal journey is gaining agency -> let's take away his agency" fanfic pipeline already, but for real!

rambling about how emotionally stunted astarion is under the cut:

he doesn't like to talk about his trauma, but he's also clear that it is trauma. he isn't in denial. he knows he's fucked up. and yes, when it comes to sex it's a bit more of a gray area, but he's a willing participant. he has a bunch of horny comments. he very much wants to hook up with someone at the goblin party, and WILL fuck lae'zel if tav doesn't romance either first. he tends to not enjoy sex as much as he THINKS he will and disassociates and knows his feelings are all fucked up around it, but he is NOT naive or in denial. he actually seems pretty self aware about it! he knows he forces himself through seductions, he knows he uses sex as a tool, he doesn't like either thing but he's been doing it for a long time. he's not naive.

he's also just. not. vulnerable? in general? like the man whines and complains, but he's one of the least emotional people in camp, in that he HATES expressing his real feelings. he doesn't talk about feelings. shadowheart, by way of contrast, is standoffish and doesn't open up easily, but IS able to pretty plainly state when she likes and trusts you. astarion? he has no idea. he will say this. he doesn't admit to liking anyone or anything, and yes, trauma, etc., etc., but he's also just kind of emotionally closed off. in general. anything that isn't superficial is shut down.

astarion actually goes pretty far out of his way to NOT be uwu vulnerable. he HATES being pitied and looked down on, or being perceived as such. CONSISTENTLY. he hates it when you tell him you'll protect him. he doesn't like being seen as weak. my favorite example: he doesn't actually approve of you offering to be his personal juice box after the first bite: he does approve of you agreeing with HIS plan to eat bandits. he doesn't like charity; he likes agency. he'll still take advantage, because he'll take what he can get, but it's REALLY telling he consistently prefers the answer that gives him agency (eating bandits) over the easier solution that doesn't (being fed at tav's discretion). with durge it's even more obvious. he says repeatedly: he wants to be in this TOGETHER. he wants them to rely on HIM. he very, very, very much does not want to be a kept toy.

i think there's also some ambiguity about him calling off sex in his romance. he's VERY clear that he enjoyed sex with tav and sees them as very attractive; it's just that (as he also says) he doesn't know how to have a relationship that isn't framed around sex as a tool and payment. that's re-enforced by his stated vulnerabilities once tav stops sleeping with him: he sees sex as his primary purpose/his looks as his only selling point, and he worries about tav hooking up with the drow twins (slightly) or halsin (more so) as a result. and yes, he has lots of other trauma and issues to unpack on top of it: but from the outset, he's pretty clear that he wants to figure out how to have feelings and a relationship in a non-sexual context. the other stuff exists TOO. many things can be true. it's just that he states, his stated reason for withdrawing, is wanting to sort out his feelings for TAV, not sort out his sexual trauma. again, both are true. but also: BOTH are true. he's not just a sad traumatized boy, he's also and equally trying to learn how to Relationship in a different way than he's used to.

so going back to halsin, who i'm not trying to demonize. all these FANFICS, man. halsin teaching astarion about uwu consent and taking care of him in a strong and paternal way. that's like. the last thing in the universe astarion would want. he'd go full cat exposed to water. and i'm not saying the ship can't happen or whatever, but it's such a common thread in the fanfics it drives me bonkers.

[joywindsong]

The Seductive Bandit Pt 3

"It's about damn time ye showed up! I told ye we set sail at dawn!"

Alyarus drops a box of engineering parts, including the laser gun that was pointed at her the night before, on the deck of the Great Blue Meg.

The pirate ship is ported off the shore between Ratchet and Northwatch hold at mid morning.

Alyarus is in full sailor's attire. A buccaneers shirt, belt, and cut off shorts with sailor's boots and gloves. She flips the hair from her face smiling after leaving the box of goods at Mad Whale's feet.

"I knew you wouldn't leave without me." She smirked.

Mad Whale rummaged through the box.

"I ain't seein-" Alyarus hands him a pump like device. "AGH! DAS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED FROM THE LIL MUNCHKIN! Thank ye Alyarus!"

"My pleasure captain."

Alyarus looks up at the deck and notices an unfamiliar, large, hooded figure. A man standing at well over 6 feet tall with broad shoulders wearing plate and chain mail armor. His features are difficult to make out from the brown bushy beard on his face. Alyarus puts a hand on the hilt of her sword.

"And who are you exactly?"

"Aye!" Mad Whale exclaims "This is why ye need to be showin up when I say!"

Mad Whale beckons the man over.

"Alyarus, meet yer new crewmate for the next few months at least. He'll be joining us on our way 'round the Eastern Kingdoms."

The man removes his hood to reveal wavy dark brown hair that curls down to his eyebrows. Despite his beard, his face looks relatively young, perhaps early to mid 20's.

"Vontez Cronart, formerly of Alterac Kingdom ma'am."

Alyarus gives Vontez a wild look.

"Alterac? That place still around?"

Vontez looks down. "No ma'am. Not as it once was. I spent my teen years as a refugee."

"Ah. Another refugee huh? Guess the deckhands around here are getting better than being creeps and scoundrels."

"Aye! Not a deckhand. A crewmate." Mad Whale chimes in. "Vontez was a student of the Argent Dawn. He be a very valuable combatant to our crew while he joins us! Which is why you be supervisin him!"

Alyarus looks shocked. "The Argent Dawn!? What kind of Paladin joins a pirate crew!?"

"One that's not particularly a fan of Kingdoms and is too proud to stow away." Vontez responds.

Alyarus sid-eyes the strange man. "I'm not so sure about this."

"Well I am!" Mad Whale exclaims. "Now raise anchor! We're already behind schedule! Set sail for Booty Bay!"

Deckhands adjust the sails and heave the anchor from the ocean floor. The ship leaves the shore out onto the Great Sea.

~

The moon lights the deck of the Meg. Vontez looks out at the water as the current voyage is nearing its end. The air is cold and breezy out on the water.

"I'm surprised your showing so much skin in this weather." Vontez remarks, noticing Alyarus stalking behind him.

"You get used to the ocean air after several years out here." She comes up next to him and leans on the railing.

"If you're part of the Argent Dawn shouldn't you be up in Northrend right about now?" Alyarus prods.

"I'm not part of the Argent Dawn necessarily. I was trained to harness the light by them, but their affiliation with the factions isn't my cup of tea."

"Would rather run around with pirates huh?" She jokes.

"Honestly, yes. I watched my life fall apart because of the Alliance. The Horde would never have a human like me, but I doubt they're much better. Pirates, at least the ones like Mad Whale, operate under some code of honor."

Alyarus stares off at the soft light on the deck.

"Well I wouldn't call what I did to get those parts honorable."

"Azeroth's oldest profession?" Vontez quips back.

Alyarus blushes "None of your business young man!"

Vontez laughs "Trust me. I find that to be much more honorable than what I've seen from the supposed 'high societies' of humanity."

"I didn't come up here to reflect on your past." Alyarus changes the subject. "We'll be at shore off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale tomorrow morning. About a mile north of Booty Bay."

"We're not porting at Booty Bay?" Vontez questions.

"We're not." Alyarus answers "The old man has a bounty on his head. Comes with the territory of captaining a pirate crew. That's where you and I come in."

Alyarus pulls out a map and motions for Vontez to move in closer to see her instructions.

"Our group will head in through this opening in the jungle by the Gurabashi arena. It will be you, myself, and our shipwright. Between the three of us we should have no issues making it to the roads. We don't look like we're aligned with a particular faction with a human, tauren and high elf, so hopefully we shouldn't be targeted by any Horde or Alliance passing through. There are beasts and forest trolls but they should pose no threat to us. Then we just follow the trail to Booty Bay and find our contact at the inn. Then we come back and set sail to our next destination."

Alyarus rerolls the map. "Should be an easy in and out."

Vontez looks confused "Then what do you need me for?"

"Have you been to Stranglethorn Vale? I may have downplayed it but saying 'should' doesn't mean absolute. There are hooligans and dangers all around that jungle. We need at least two to three competent arms to be sure we get in and out." Alyarus puts a finger to Vontez's chest. He's wearing simple clothes in place of his plate armor. "We haven't seen how capable you are yet. Moosehead is a pretty powerful Shaman but he's not exactly a fighter. So it will mostly be up to us to make sure no harm comes to him, because I know I won't understand a damn thing that comes out of our contact's mouth. Unless you have some expertise we don't know about, we'll need to keep him in one piece on the way into town."

Vontez looks off to the ocean. "Seems simple enough."

"It should be. Get some rest. We'll be on shore before you know it."

~

The ship reaches the shore of Stranglethorn Vale. The morning sun accompanies the sound of exotic bugs and birds singing in the wilderness. Alyarus, Vontez and Moosehead walk down the plank with Mad Whale giving parting words. Alyarus is wearing her regular garb with a cloak to cover up. Vontez is in his plate armor. Moosehead is wearing robes and ceremonial garb towering over his companions with a strange set of antlers unlike what you would find on most tauren.

"Alright crew! Just go into town, get what we need, and come back to the ship. If ye ain't back by sun down I'll be forced to come in after ye' and nobody wants that."

"Understood Captain." Alyarus salutes leading Moosehead and Vontez into the wild.

"Moose. You stay back a bit and report on the rear. Vontez and I will move forward and make sure anything in front of us is slain for a clear path."

"Aye aye Miss Alyarus."

The trio move into the cover of the trees. Cutting through foliage and covering ground. Alyarus puts a hand up to halt the group.

"What's wrong?" Vontez asks to a quick hush from Alyarus.

"We should have seen something by now." She whispers.

"Seen what!?" Vontez asks under his breathe.

"Something! A raptor, wild cat, gorilla, anything." Alyarus searches around and notices the skinned corpses of beasts around them in the bushes.

"DUCK!" Moosehead yells summoning the earth beneath them to knock Vontez and Alyarus off their feet.

A bolt of lightning cracks and bursts the trees around them.

"MOOSE WHAT ARE YOU SHOOTING AT!?" Alyarus yells.

"I didn't shoot at anything." Moose says sternly pointing ahead at a heavily armored troll wearing a Horde military tabard.

[ladybellissima]

Finding Love Katakuri x Reader Part 10

"Damn it you little beast!"

Forceful he grabbed (Y/N)'s hair and pushed her to the ground.

"You will pay for biting my hand.", he hissed and smacked her across the face. The pain burnt on her cheeks, while she started to feel lightheaded.

Days? Or just some hours? She lost the track of time, while she fighted over and over again to avoid of being touched by this disgusting man. How long would she be able to endure it. She couldn't sleep, couldn't drink or eat, while her body was on high alert all the time. She knew that they wanted to break her. To loose the will to go on and becoming a puppet. (Y/N) bite her lips hardly to surpress a crying shout of pain.

"I won't give up… Never…", she hissed frustrated.

Pulling her up by her hair and close to his face he licked across her cheek and enjoyed her pitful whimper.

"How sweet… You will obey me and do as I say.", he whispered seductively.

"and we have a little fun.", he added, while hovering over her.

"See it as a training for your future job.", he laughed amused about her struggling. (Y/N)'s hatred against the bandit raise and with all she got she pushed the man away from her and kicked him hard into his manhood. Gasping he fall backwards and she was able to crawl away from him.

"Never will I obey you…."

The bandit was cursing and ready to punch some senses into her, but the clicking sound of the cell door let him stop in his tracks.

"Damn it. I told you to not punch her. How will we get a good price, if she looks like that! Let me see.", the captain shouted angered.

Walking closer to her pitful form on the floor, he gave her an intense look. Disgusted (Y/N) turned away from them and hugged herself shaken.

" even in this condition this maid is quite beautiful… How should we call you? Hmm… What's your name? Maybe I like it and you are allowed to keep it", he asked amused, while his crew member came to his side looking angered.

"She tried to get away with the lie that she is Katakuri's wife. How pathetic.", the bandit laughed.

Her name was the only thing she had left in this cruel world and never would she loose that too. Turning towards the men, she slowly got up.

"Believe it or not. My name is (Y/N) Charlotte. Wife of Katakuri Charlotte." she spoke with as much power in her voice, which she was able to.

Sweat rolled down the captain's forehead. Taking his subordinate by the collar, he dragged him out of the cell and smashed him against the wall outside.

" Have you any prove that her story is a lie?", he asked pissed.

"Come on captain. It's obvious. Katakuri Charlotte? Married?", he tried to joke, but the captain got more and more serious.

"I told you to get rare flour or fruits and maybe money. Things, which could be sold easy and with a high price. Things, which they wouldn't come after the moment we leave their territory. If she is really his wife, we are screwed!! Big mom is known for political marriages. It could be true you idiot. They will inform their outposts and we won't be able to leave. Now that I think of it, she didn't wear a servant uniform either. We have to get rid of her to show we are not the target. Selling her would be too dangerous and difficult.", he shouted furiously.

"Captain you don't know if it's true.", the bandit tried to calm him down, but a sudden shadow, which hovered over them let him shut his mouth quickly. Seeing the frightened face of his crew member, the captain turned around and gasp. Crimson eyes looked down to them dangerously, stabbing them like knifes.

"Where is she?", his voice deep and scaring the shit out of them.

"Ka.. Katakuri… Charlotte…", the captain stuttered and fell down on his knees. Shaken he looked for a way to escape, but knew all too well that no one was able to get away, once he was targeted by him. Nevertheless out of instinct he crawled away from him and stopped in his tracks after seeing his whole crew dead on the floor. A huge trail of blood leaded to Katakuri, who looked like he had bathed in it.

"You monster….how could you find us so quickly… ", he spoke shocked and was grabbed by his neck roughly. Pulling him up to his level Katakuri looked angered into his face.

"One last time. Where. Is. My. Wife."

"He took her. It was one of my crew members. I didn't order it. He took her for his pleasure. I just found out. Please spare my life.", the captain pleaded, while pointing to the other bandit, who quickly rushed inside. Alone saying "for his pleasure" let Katakuri's blood boil.

" Give me 1 minute and you will plead for your death. "

(Y/N) laid on the floor breathing heavily. Her condition was getting worse. Closing her eyes she just wanted to sleep. She couldn't stay awake any longer, but loosing the control or maybe getting unconscious was too risky. A sudden scream let her shiver of fear and she crawled into a corner to hide. God was she tired and exhausted. Her door cell was pushed open and the bandit from before entered terrifyed. Shocked (Y/N) pressed her body against the wall, wishing she could just disappear. Frustrated he searched for her in the darkness and it didn't take him long to stop at her weak form.

"Come here…", he growled, while lifting her up and pressing a knife against her neck. The screams of agony stopped and a unbearable silence surrounded them. (Y/N) didn't understand what was going on. His frightened state let her get terrifyed too. She only knew that he used her to survive, but from what?

The sound of breaking wood echoed through the corridor. Step after step someone was coming closer and let her kidnapper shake of fear. (Y/N) focused on the open cell door and suddenly two crimson eyes appeared in the darkness. Her heart raced and tears rolled down her face. This couldn't be real. Gasping she watched Katakuri enter her prison. For a moment she could see his eyes widen, after locking eyes with her. His aura got dangerous and let the room tremble. The air got thick and unbearable to breath. His power and hate was immense that the bandit fall to his knees and (Y/N) fell to the floor. Weakly she tried to move, but couldn't. Katakuri saw (Y/N)'s bruised body and quickly grabbed the man, who dared to touch her. Screaming and pleading for his life like the others he smashed him against the wall roughly. Coughing up blood, the bandit looked terrifyed into Katakuri's face.

"I am struggling with the way to kill you. For every touch, every pain you will pay…", he spoke coldly and smashed him out of the cell. Turning to his wife, he kneeled down to her shaken body. Eyes closed she hid her face in her hands, while sobbing miserably of relief and pain. She was so happy to see him. At the same time it was also frustrating, confusing and painful. Cursing under his breath he hold back badly not to loose his nerves. He hated himself for not being there. For not protecting her. Reaching out his hand, he slowly and as soft as he could, brushed through her dirty hair with his fingers.

"Give me a moment (Y/N)…", he whispered strained and got up to finish his goal. (Y/N) cried bitterly, while the last bandit of the black bandits screamed in agony and lost his life. Coming back he found his wife still laying on the floor, too weak to get up. Her look was exhausted. She couldn't move and just locked eyes with his pained expression. He really came all the way to get her. She was so relieved and shocked at the same time, that she didn't know what to say. Would he be angry again? Shout at her for being so stupid to get caught? Would her life get back to the desperate one she had before? Living under his cold expression?

Kneeling down beside her, he took off his gloves and slowly brushed her tears away. His touch was soft and warm on her cold skin, which let her body tremble more.

"you came…", her voice sounded rough. His look fell onto her legs, torn clothes, bruised arms and let his body shake of sadness and anger.

"did you think I wouldn't?", he asked hurt, while taking off his leather jacket to put it on her body like a blanket. Surprised of his calm attitude she grabbed the leather fabric for support.

"Yeah sure you would…because of our arrangement…but still I wasn't sure.. ", she sobbed bitterly again, while avoiding his saddened look. God he hated himself to make her feel this way.

"I think you don't want me by your side… I am just a burden. Everything I do makes you angry… " she whispered strained. It was hard to speak about it at that moment, but she didn't know what to do anymore. Everything was so confusing. His calm side, his cold side, this life. Sighing deeply Katakuri took her chin softly to turn her face to his strong look. He thought deeply about what to say. So many things were on his mind, but seeing her exhausted state, he knew that she needed recovery quickly, but one thing he had to say, which he never said with so much emotion.

"(Y/N)… I am so sorry. Please forgive me… "

It was the first time (Y/N) saw this strong and brave man shaken slightly. Taking her hand in his, he closed his eyes, while bowing down before her. It was so hard for him to show emotions, which he was afraid of, but for her he would learn to open up again. He would do anything to not loose her again. His words were full of regret and frustrated feelings, that (Y/N) felt sorry for him. Smiling weakly she lifted her hand to glide it into his scarf.

Never was someone so close.

Frozen in the spot, he let it happen,because it was her. He didn't want to hide anymore. He didn't want to be such an idiot again. Nevertheless he feared to show his face. She sure would be shocked or seeing him different, but he treated her so badly that he would accept to offer her his secret.

Eye for an eye.

Closing his eyes, he focused on the sweet warmth she gave him, than his fear of rejection. Feeling his nervous shiver, she avoided going close to his mouth to not make him uneasy. (Y/N) wouldn't push things. It wasn't her intention to see it anyway. With the time she realized that things have to be worked out slow and she would wait as long as it takes. Pressing her soft hand against his cheek, Katakuri looked up surprised into her smiling face. In her worst nightmare, hurt and broken, she still was able to smile and took his breath away. It felt amazing to feel her soft skin on his cheek. A feeling he never experienced before. He was grateful that she didn't expose his face. Leaning into it, he smiled widely under his scarf. (Y/N) felt her heart flutter to see this expression through his eyes. It eased the pain and gave her hope. Hope that she still could reach out to him and stay by his side.

"Katakuri… Please bring me home…"

[mosneakers]

Tycho escorts Coraleye up the stairs and to their room by her hand, allowing her to lead the way. His mind is racing, as he imagines all the thoughts going through her head since Lewis's little slip-up. Like all moves leading up to this point, every move going forward must be calculated and managed delicately, for he stands on the brink of jeopardizing everything, of losing her.

The two burst into the room, and Tycho secures the door behind him. Coraleye: Tycho what's going on? Was this about what Lewis said? He made a joke and suddenly you started acting weird! Why? Tycho: I- Coraleye: What did he mean your powers? What powers do you ha-

Realization hits her like a bullet finding its mark in the heart of a western showdown.

Coraleye: OH GOD...

Tycho remains still for a moment, studying her reaction, as she stares through his soul. He knows that now is the time to commit the ultimate act of betrayal, and steal memories away from her that don't belong to him like a bandit in the night. Don't get your hopes up, readers, he's most assuredly going to do it. He sees her in distress and justifies to himself that erasing her memory sooner rather than later will somehow be more merciful, but he also just wants to gauge her reaction a little longer this time, to truly assess the situation.

Coraleye: It all makes sense now. You have so many relatives who are aliens, how could I be so stupid... Tycho: Stop, no! You're not stupid, Coraleye! Tycho steps forwards to console her, but she pulls away.

Tycho: My relatives aren't even of the same ancestral alien lineage as I am, my father was abducted just like Sunglo- [sighs] look. It doesn't matter. Explaining this isn't important. I can see this is hurting you... Coraleye: [Quickly] Only because you didn't tell me sooner, Tycho.

Tycho: [Frowns] I did, though. I told you. I just never let you keep it. I'm a monster. Coraleye: [Stutters] Keep it? Tycho: I... I'll tell you, you find out, I erase your memory.

Coraleye: [Purses lips, swallows] ...And you're going to do that to me again, tonight? Tycho: We can't come back from this. How could you trust me after knowing this? Coraleye: I-I-I could, honey... [pleading] why don't you just give it some time, we can talk about this... then if it doesn't work out, erase my memory? Why not give it a chance? For us? Tycho can see what she's trying to do, and it makes it that much more apparent why he needs to act on these situations with haste. He feels sick to his stomach, but he can't prolong this pain anymore.

Coraleye stood in the middle of the room, lost in a cloud, robbed of the night's events and her dignity.

Tycho: Cor...?

Coraleye: [Groggily] Huh?

Tycho: Are you okay, honey? I'm so sorry... Coraleye: For what? Tycho: You, uh... I think you bumped your head or something. Medically speaking, you're fine, but you don't remember any of it. Coraleye: Oh... [Frowns] Tycho: What? Are you in pain? Coraleye: I have a little bit of a headache. Feels like a stress headache.

Stress headache? Tycho can't erase that. Tycho immediately scoops her into his arms, and she doesn't hesitate, confirming the memory erasing worked. He feels tears run down his face. Tycho: God, I'm such a piece of shit. Coraleye: Huh? Why would you say that?

Tycho: Whenever you bumped your head... I must've missed it. I just feel terrible.

Coraleye pulls away just enough to make eye contact. She affectionately sweeps a strand of hair from his face, and wipes his tears. She kisses him gently, he closes his eyes and the kiss ends too soon. Coraleye: [whispers] I can make it better...[Seductive smile]

She then kisses him again, this time much deeper. Tycho knows it wouldn't be right to let this particular moment continue on. Tycho: I want to, so bad, but... we can't. You should rest. Your head, you know. Let's lay down instead, okay? There's always tomorrow. Coraleye feels a tiny seed of rejection, but ultimately respects Tycho for his decision.

Coraleye: [Nods understandingly]

[dykekingofhell]

I’ve been working on a comprehensive list of all films with references or allusions to in the vampire chronicles books, films, show, and related promotional materials, along with films that anne rice and rolin jones have listed as inspirations!

Here’s some highlights:

Louis’ favorite films during the Tale of The Body Thief era:

The Company of Wolves (1984) (directed by neil jordan who also made interview with the vampire 1994)

Beauty and the Beast (1946) (i just know he was kinning Belle to a sickening degree)

The Dead (1987)

Armand’s favorite films during the devil’s minon era:

Bladerunner (1982)

Time Bandits (1981)

The film Anne Rice has credited with heavily informing her views on vampirism:

Dracula’s Daughter (1936)

AR: "I always saw vampires as romantic and abstract. In Dracula they’re presented as closer to animals—feral, hairy, foul-smelling. But I always saw them as angels going in another direction—not toward goodness necessarily, but they had become finely tuned imitations of human beings imbued with this evil spirit. Since the spirit is not material, what actually happens is that they become refined and abstract rather than animalistic and materialistic. This idea probably stuck with me from childhood, when I saw the movie
Dracula’s Daughter. I loved the tragic figure of Dracula’s daughter—the
regretful creature who didn’t want to kill but was driven to it. It had that tragic dimension. The vampire myth is at its fullest, most eloquent, and most articulate in this movie because the vampire herself was articulate and eloquent. I never forgot that film. It has the best seduction scenes I’ve ever seen—very subtle. You don’t see her come into contact. She lifts the ring and hypnotizes the victim." (Ramsland, Katherine. “Let the Flesh Instruct the Mind A QUADRANT INTERVIEW WITH ANNE RICE .” The Anne Rice Reader, 1997. )

This is also notable because of the film’s queerness and overt lesbian subtext. As the Countess Marya Zaleska struggles with her vampire nature it functions as an oblique metaphor for lesbian sexuality, and she also seduces a young woman named Lili. (crazy louis parallels over here)

some of the promotional posters for season 2 took clear inspiration from the poster for the 1944 film Gaslight (shout out armand):

episode 2x03 makes major visual allusions to the noir film The Third Man (1949):

for more about this read @dorianbluee ‘s great meta: link

I have longer list with citations and quotes linked at the top of this post on letterboxd if anyone wants to check it out! also let me know if i’m missing anything major over there!

[bippityboppity69]

Phraest-Desire

[I fully blame the character video, his voice is too damn seductive. This is smut. Enjoy]

Inside the mirages lies a scroll, in it is the power you seek.

Those words echoed through Merlin’s head as they made their way up the cliff. Wiping the sweat from their brow, the desert sun scorching above. One hand on the sandstone, tracing the mark left there. A warning to not go further.

“Fog and wool.” Merlin thought as they walked up to the entrance of a cave. “Keep a neutral expression.”

Entering the darkness, ensuring that they held no emotion in their expression. Keeping their eyes forward as they trekked inside, becoming cooler as they followed the path. Giving no reaction at the hiss of a snake. Nor when the glitter of gold and jewels appeared in the corner of their eye. None of it was real anyway and they knew what they were truly after.

Making it to the bottom, a large cavern laying open. Keeping their hands together, Merlin walked forward. Their footsteps seemed to echo around the space. Gaze lingering on a small scroll on a pillar. A scroll that reportedly held the power to restore what they lost, a way to regain their memories and their full power. All that was left was to grab it and get back.

“Well, aren’t you a strange mortal.” A masculine voice spoke behind them. “Not even a glance at riches or danger.”

Ah, yes, they knew who this was. After all, they had done their research. Phraesto. A Hypogean who specialized in illusions. All they had to do was ensure no sense of desire crossed their face or mind. That was the source of his power after all.

“Riches hold no merit for me and I can handle snakes with ease.” Merlin stated, voice monotone as they grabbed the scroll.

Holding it close as they turned around. A completely neutral expression on their face as they regarded the Hypogean in front of them. He was tall and muscular, skin grey with dark spikes on his collarbone and shoulders. Long blood red hair was tucked behind pointed ears, curved black horns resting on his brow. The Hypogean stepped forward, red eyes staring them down.

Taking a puff from his pipe, a slim line of red smoke leaving his mouth. The strong smell of spices, cloves, cinnamon, and something like iron swirled around them. He was circling them, long black skirt trailing over the sand. Three long scorpion tails swayed behind him.

“How curious.” Phraesto whispered in their ear. “You mortals always show such strong emotions, yet you show none.”

“Emotions are unnecessary.” Merlin calmly said, turning to look at him.

Phraesto gave a hum. This was the strangest mortal he had encountered by far. They were different than the usual treasure hunters and bandits that he would get. Their eyes held no emotion, face kept in a calm expression. Even their body language was lax.

“What is your name little mortal?”

“Names hold power.”

Even their voice held nothing. Merlin watched as he took another breath, not moving as the Hypogean came closer. Forcing themselves to remain still as the red smoke swirled around them. Nothing they would see was actually real. It was just a trick.

“Riches and danger mean nothing, what about power?”

A mirror appeared in front of them. Their reflection stood before them but…dressed in finery for a noble. Red and gold swirled in hypnotizing patterns, complimenting the bejeweled crown on their head.

“Power holds no interest to me.”

The mirror vanished, the entire place going dark before another mirage appeared. A library. Bookcases stretched endlessly before them, thousands of books lay around them.

“Knowledge~” Voice barely above a whisper. “A wealth of knowledge never seen before.”

“Knowledge can always be gained.”

They had practiced these answers on the way over. The image dissolved before their eyes, another taking it’s place. A wooden stage with a crowd of people, all cheering and clapping. It seemed to be for a play or opera. This was the easiest one to ignore. After all, they hated being the center of attention. It happened far too much.

“I don’t like people enough for fame.” Merlin told him.

All they had to do was survive a few more illusions and they would have the scroll. Walking forward into the crowd, the people swirled into sand. Making their way towards the exit, eyes focused forward.

“There is always something you mortals desire.” His voice echoed around them.

Stopping as red eyes appeared in front of them, blocking their path forward. They had expected this though. Going to move around him, a hand grabbed their wrist. Forcing themselves to stay calm as a hand grabbed their chin, tilting their face up.

“Perhaps you seek love? Companionship?” Phraesto purred, voice low and husky. “Passion ungranted by mortals.”

Yet another one that was easy to ignore. After all, they could have all those things without a Hypogean's help. Though Phraesto was an extremely handsome man and they were starting to get a little lightheaded from the scents around them.

Having to focus on keeping their face neutral, not feeling as the tip of a scorpion tail nicked their ankle. A few drops of ruby red welling to the surface, causing their leg to twitch.

Phraesto watched the mortal’s concertation break, just for a moment. Which was all he needed. A memory flashed through his mind. One of tangled bodies, of dissatisfaction and annoyance. A tiny glimpse of desire, which was just enough for him.

Merlin clenched their jaw, regaining their neutral expression. Shit! Hopefully, nothing had crossed their face or mind. The grip on their chin tightened as the Hypogean stepped closer to them. Were…his eyes always so…beautiful? They looked like rubies…

Fingers stroked up their cheekbones, warm and gentle. They…needed to move out of the cave, away from Phraesto. The heady scent of spices seemed heavier, filling their head with a different fog. One that was thick, overpowering their own.

Phraesto watched as the mortals eyes became glazed over. Their expression relaxing like their body, yet there was still no more of the desire from before. He needed more. Usually his venom was quite potent, a mortal typically only needing a few drops. Yet this one seemed to be withstanding the effects.

Merlin blinked, feeling as an arm wrapped around their waist. Pulling them closer to Phraesto, their body felt strange. Relaxed, far more than it should be. Lip twitching as they struggled through the fog in their mind. They…needed to get…out. Wincing as something nicked across their wrist, the fog become stronger. The urge to leave evaporated. The defenses they had put up seemed to melt away. They felt so calm…not even blinking as red eyes met theirs.

A smile came over the Hypogean as he watched the mortal fall under the effects of his venom. Perfect~ Taking the scroll from their hands, he always got this treasure back. Now, what to do with this strange mortal? The only one who had made it this far. Perhaps he should reward them?

The longer Merlin stared into his eyes, the harder it was to hold onto to their mind. Slipping into the fog, their mask of neutrality fell away. Their heartbeat seemed to echo in their ears. Fingers dragged over their lips, electricity dancing across their skin.

“Lose yourself Magister~” A voice purred, low and full of desire. “Let yourself be free~”

A slow heat rolled through their veins. Face flushing as a hand dragged over the front of their robes. Their clothes felt stifling, suffocating. The sensation of cool air against them brought relief. Heart beating quicker than normal as warm hands, rough with callouses, dragged up their sides. There was a tiny voice in their mind, telling them to snap out of it. This wasn’t right! Something was wrong with them! They needed t-

Soft lips against theirs, a warm body pressed against them. Eyes fluttering as the pleasure grew stronger, the taste of spices danced across their tongue. The faintest taste of metal appeared for just a split second before vanishing. Red eyes stared into theirs, Merlin losing themselves in the ruby gaze.

Phraesto ran a hand through their hair, soft against his palm. Moving down to their neck, kissing at their pulse. Rapid and irregular, his venom had taken effect. Who would have ever thought Magister Merlin would enter his cave? No wonder they had been able to resist his mirages. Yet, it seemed not even the great Magister could hide their desires from him.

Merlin shivered as teeth nipped at their flesh. The warmth was before had now becoming a fire. Arousal pooling in their lower stomach. Leaning into the hands that dragged down their body. Every motion feeding into their desire. They were being pushed down and back. Something soft against their hands, a blanket, no a bed. It seemed dimmer than before. Yet, the pleasure was still there and growing stronger.

Back arching as fingers pinched at their nipples. A moan slipping out as a hot mouth closed on their other. Hands against his shoulders, grabbing at the spikes. Breath coming out in short puffs, chest flushed just like their face.

It wasn’t often he indulged, but this was a special mortal after all. Moving his hand down, dragging across Merlin’s stomach and down to their hips. Fingers finding a patch of hair before going further below. A tremble ran through Merlin as fingers touched their entrance. Lightly tracing and moving around, leaving them wanting for more.

Breath catching as a different hand buried into their hair, grip tight and harsh. Pulling their head back as lips sought theirs again. Arms wrapped around Phraesto, tugging him closer. A stuttering gasp left them as thick fingers pressed inside. Slowly moving in and out, curling and scissoring. Each move causing their pleasure to climb higher. Dizzying and addictive, a cold chitinous appendage wrapping around their arms, holding them in place.

“A-ah~”

“Sh, Magister.” Phraesto whispered as he moved their legs up and apart. “Enjoy yourself~”

Unable to stop the soft whine as he removed his fingers. Dancing at the edge of pleasure, eyes clouded with lust. Pelvises pressing together, crying out as a thick heat slid into them. Toes curling at the sensation, stealing the breath from their lungs.

“Your desire will be fully fulfilled tonight Merlin.”

It was so hard to focus. Their mind flitted between their rapid heartbeat, the way Phraesto completely enveloped them. Sweat dotted their skin as his fingers danced across them. Electricity at every touch, every spot. Lips parted as they desperately gasped for air.

“Ngh!”

Nails dug into his shoulders, scorpion tails pulling their hands up. Holding their wrists tightly as their hips were pinned in place. Phraesto giving a low hum as he rocked his hips against Merlin, every thrust slow. There was no need to rush after all. Ensuring one’s desire took time and patience, which he had plenty of both.

Merlin shook against Phraesto, the pleasure overwhelming but never enough! Moving their body against his, a silent plea to move faster being ignored. The maddeningly slow pleasure becoming the sole thing that they could focus on. Those red eyes ensnared them, unable to look away. Bliss filled their mind. Red hair brushing against their cheek.

“A pleasure mortals never gave you~” The words weaved through their mind like a spell. “That they can never give to you~”

A cry echoed across the cavern, one of several that would follow throughout the night.

[The next day]

Merlin sat with their face in their hands, cheeks flushed as they let out a silent groan. There had been a lot of ways to fail this little mission of theirs. They had tried to account for every possibility.

Yet, they never accounted for Phraesto to fuck them senseless!

Glancing down at the mark on their wrist, three black scorpion tails wrapped in a circle. The pointed tips meeting in the middle. A shiver ran down their spine as the memory drifted through them. Well, they didn’t get the scroll, but they certainly had their desire filled.