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redheadspark · 3 months

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Ascend

A/N - I got an idea for this one shot from a TikTok I saw that showed, drones flying through beauty oceans and scenery. I hope you like it!

I was inspired to write this to the song Runaway by AURORA. I highly advise you listen to the song as your read this!

Summary - Druig's curiosity leads him to something that would change his life forever.

Warnings - A small hint of Angst but mostly fluff!

If there is one thing Druig loves, it's a good mystery.

The mystery of the human race, for example. He was always curious about the fragile and yet ever-evolving species, from the moment his eyes opened in the Domo so long ago. The humans were always intriguing, infuriating when it came to conflict, filled with joy and soul that would stretch out and be boundless like the sea, and yet there was always more to learn from them. It seemed to be like he was peeling back layer, after later, and finding more and more things about the humans that entranced him.

But it wasn't just the humans that were a mystery to him: his fellow Eternals were also.

No matter the years they spent together, Druig would find things to question about each of his Eternal Family. From their Leader Ajak and her blinding allegiance to Arishem to Ikaris and his cockiness in needing to be second in command constantly. Even Sprite and her moods and the sarcasm that was laced in her rants, Druig kept learning new things from each of them. Some of them are shocking, like learning of Kingo's favorite snack. Or memorable, like how Gilgamesh was light on his feet and knew how to dance well.

But with you, you were a genuine mystery to the Mind Controller.

You were someone who could fly, just like Ikaris, thanks to the use of the element of wind on your side. Being able to bend the wind to your will to have you fly amongst the clouds and cut through the sky above you. You were just as fast as Ikaris, if not faster, and with the Eternal's strength on your side, you were a fierce fighter against the Deviants.

Off the battlefield, you were more secluded than anything. Not that you were a loner, but you weren't a social butterfly either. Druig would see you sneak off on your own from time to time after a meeting or during a feast that the humans would hold for the Eternals, slipping out the door without anyone else noticing your absence. Perhaps you were no fan of feasts, much to Druig's amusement since most of the others were fans. Or maybe you didn't like a massive social gathering, which could make sense to Druig since they were mostly rowdy to begin with.

Druig was kind to you, he made sure to be kind to you. He could tell you had a good heart for the humans and cared for the planet. You reciprocated that kindness back to him, you two would chat every once in a while and were courteous to one another. There was always mutual respect, and Druig's curiosity and intrigue with would only grow over time.

"She likes to be alone," Then explained to Druig once when he asked casually, seeing you once again make your way out of the Domo right after another meeting that Ajak conducted. Druig has been puzzled where you were going off on your own, it was festering in his mind for the past month or two. Ajak never reprimanded you when you exited, which made his curiosity spike even more. So Druig went to the only other Eternal that you would talk to: Thena.

"Some of us strive to be in the spotlight," Then explained, gesturing to Kingo across the way in the Meeting Room who was conducting a story with some of the others who were listening on batted breath, "And there are others who need a moment of peace,"

"I take it you're the latter these days?" Druig asked with a smirk, Thena quietly laughing as she shoved her shoulder against his own.

"As of late, yes. But with her," She explained, mentioning you to Druig, "She prefers to have some peace and wait sometimes. Especially with us all together,"

Makkari was in the same boat as Thena when Druig asked her the same thing about you. Druig and Makkari were close, very close, but Druig also knew you were close to Makkari as well. Makkari was close to everyone on the ship. There wasn't a being on The Domo that would rub Makkari the wrong way, including you. So Druig had to ask the Speedster about you. Who gave him an amused look and huffed at him as she popped some fruit in her mouth while sitting Indian Style on top of Phastos's lab table.

"Leave her alone," She warned him with her fingers as Druig cocked a row at her, "The last thing anyone needs is a moody Mind Controller spying on them,"

"I'm not going to spy!" Druig rebuked and signed, Makkari raising a brow at him unconvinced as Druig kept going, "Haven't you ever wondered where she would wander off to?"

Makkari paused, her face seemed unchanged as she held up three fingers to sign the word "No". Before she could sign anything else, Phastos walked into his lab and saw the speedster sitting on top of his chest.

"Off of my desk, NOW!" He yelled, Makkari spewing off within a mili-second with a laugh on her lips as the papers flew in different directions.

You were still on his mind, the possibilities of locations you would sneak off to would flood Druig's mind, even late in the night when he would try to sleep. It was itching at his brain, the need to know a pinch more about the mysterious Eternal was gnawing at the back of his mind and it was growing by the day. He knew enough about it, up until this point.

He wanted to know more about you. Plain and simple.

He finally went with his gut one summer afternoon, the Eternals were sharing a meal at the Domo. The day was already busy, taking on at least 2 Deviants that were out in the North. You went to fight beasts with Ikaris and Thena, leaving the others behind in the city in case the Deviants would come near the humans. But you all were sitting together for dinner, chatting together about the events of the day.

Drug was seeing you sitting across from him, talking to Sersi and Thena at the same time about the Deviant fights. Although he couldn't hear the entire conversation arm his spot near Gilgamesh and Kingo, he could tell from the look on your face you were showing in how you were re-telling the story. He had no idea if it was the glimmer of light that shined over your head to highlight your hair, how the fluid motions of your fingers almost made it look like a dance as you were recounting every moment with your friends who wrestle listening on bated breath.

But something shifted inside of Druig that scared the shit out of him.

No one has ever made him feel like this, not even Makkari. You were the very first being to make Druig second guess his feelings. He was always sure in all his choices, never needing to pause and rethink something concrete in his mind. Whether it was his own beliefs and Arishem and the outlandish philosophy the Celestial had, or the ever-evolving human race that seemed to be more important to Druig than ever before. His foundation was never moved or never once shifted, until now.

Until you.

Druig saw you walk out of the Meeting Room a month later, making that his opportunity to follow you since there would never be a better time. He moved before anyone else in the room noticed, though Druig was not fast enough to be avoided by Makkari, who grinned at the sight of the Mind Controller chasing after you. Although she warned him about giving you space and not chase after you, she still thought of it as cute.

Something she could use against her best friend down the road whenever he would get cheeky on her.

Druig kept his ongoing distance behind you as he was watching you walk along the dirt path, your eyes were dead head with no signs or indications that you knew you were being followed. You had a pep in your step while you strolled along the path, something that was new for Druig to see. Not that you were. A killjoy, you did smile and you enjoyed yourself from time to time. But this, seeing you almost glide as you went through the forest, your hair swaying in the wind and your limbs loose, Druig was taken aback by the view. The last thing he wished to do was break that spell as he kept his distance and remained on your tail.

The walk itself was a good 15 minutes, cutting right through the thick trees and amongst the pristine foliage. Druig caught on that you were heading to the cliffs that overlooked the sea, a gorgeous view that was far enough away from the city but still close enough by walk. He's gone to the cliffs only a few times, not being able to go constantly since he was busy helping the humans. But seeing the bright blue ocean in front of you, past the tall pine trees and the sweet smell of the ocean mist coming through the branches.

Finally, you broke through the last line of trees into the opening that was in front of the cliffs, massive cliffs that were towering over the beach below and casting a shadow over some of the rock formations that were in the ocean waves. It was such a view to see, Druig losing his breath himself as you were walking along the grassy ground before standing a few feet away from the edge of the cliff. You were still then, though your hair was dancing in the wind as your backside was to Druig. He stayed along the tree line, his eyes on you to see what you were going to do next.

He saw your shoulders droop and relax within seconds, no longer hunched up or stiff like they would be most of the time. Your entire body was loose and calm, nothing making you stiff or rigid. The way you stood even was calm and relaxed, and Druig could see you take a few deep breaths to perhaps breathe in the ocean air. He watched on bated breath as you took another step towards the edge.

Druig started to feel a hint of concern then, knowing full well you were an Eternal who could take care of herself. But then again, being that close to the edge, it was sending off warning alarms in his mind. Why was he panicking over you? You knew how to fly and the last thing you would ever do was fall from a slip.

But your toes were on the edge, and you simply leaned forward and you fell.

Druig bolted out from the forest, his mind going on overdrive and his heart falling to the stomach. There was no way he was imagining what he just saw, it could not be a trick of the mind. You simply fell over the edge, almost like you were in a trance of sorts and you were no longer in sight. What drove you to do that? Why would you do something as insane as this?

But as soon as he slid to a halt in front of the very spot where you descended, he was shocked at the sight in front of him.

You were actually flying, but in a way he's never seen before. Your arms were along your sides, out barely like they were a small pair of wings as you were weaving in and out of the massive rock formations, making it look so smooth like a dance or even water. Like the very water that you were flying over, almost like you re morphed into a bird. Druig was speechless, watching in fascination and awe as you were flying all around the coast. Zipping through the holes in the rock formations, hovering over the top of the ocean with the water barely touching your armor, and with a massive smile on your face.

He saw you fly in combat, you were swift and smooth in how you would soar and dip and gain speed. But you had to be quick. Here, amongst the water and rocks, you were slower and almost at ease. A rolling sensation as you were ascending and descending, like the waves themselves. Druig could only watch with wide eyes how you were both embracing the wind around you to guide you and carry you, and drink in the very notion of nature to shut everything else out around you.

The sun danced in your hair, along with some of the spray of the ocean along your skin to make it glisten, your armor shined from the light and the reflection of the water as you were making your flight patterns with your eyes closed. You must have flown out here so many times you knew when to turn or where to shoot up or down with no need to look.

Druig realized what it was: you were free. Utterly free.

He was never free with his mind-controlling, he never felt like he was. He would always use his powers on the humans to help him or make them safe, also sensing and reading the minds of others. But he had to use them for others, not for himself. Not that he would complain about it, he would do it in a heartbeat for the fragile species that they swore to protect. But there was never a moment that he could simply turn his mind off, let it be at rest. He wanted it, so badly he wanted to rest his mind and rest what was crawling in the part of his brain.

Seeing you free, beyond free, he was envious.

Minutes came and went, you clearly had no idea Druig was watching you, nor was Druig caring he was out in the open and watched you in adoration and utter amazement. It seemed like time stood still for the both of you, nothing else mattered and nothing else needed your attention. Druig finally sat down on the edge of the cliff, his feet dangling and his hair flicking in the ocean air as his eyes were trained on you intensely and with love laced there as well.

Druig suddenly realized that he could watch you fly for hours on end and not lose focus or have any boredom. His heart flickered against his chest and his pulse quickened, a sensation he never had before on Earth. Nothing else excited him or made him smile, he would turn away any kind of earth possession or substance that could substitute. What he was feeling, and experiencing, seemed more organic and pure. All from watching you be free in your skin, being free and sensationally beautiful in his eyes.

It hit him sideways, he was in love with you.

You flew up along the cliffs, up in his direction and you finally saw him. Gasping, you flew past him, the force enough to make him fall on his back onto the grassy floor and look up in the pink and purple sky with a gasp on his lips and his eyes wide. You landed instantly, standing right above his head and perching over him with your head tilted at him and your hands handed at your side. Druig saw the look on your face, shocked mixed in embarrassment. Your hair surrounded your head like a halo, hiding you from the world as Druig blinked at you.

"What are you doing?" You asked out of breath, some anger in your tone as Druig found his voice.

"I was—" he was about to say when you huffed.

"Watching me? When I wanted to be alone?!" You asked, interrupting him as you clenched a fist at your side. Druig could see how hurt you must have been, needing this time alone and it was taken because of him. Seeing that anger with a mix of pain in your eyes as you spoke again, "I wanted to be alone, Druig,"

"I...I know," he replied, sitting up and turning to face you thought you were on your feet and he was still sitting on the ground, "I was curious as to where you were going every night,"

"You were looking to pry," You countered, Druig hearing the bite in your tone as he flinched as you glared, "I don't want anyone to pry with me and follow me here!"

You turned on your heel and walked away from him to head back on the worn that would go back into the forest. Druig's heart dropped, the spell you were once under that was free and open was long gone and was filled with bitterness. He knew it was his doing, and he wished to fix it as he scrambled to his feet to go after you.

"I didn't mean to pry, you know!" He called out to you as you were still walking, "I was merely curious is all since you go off on your own every night,"

"It's for a good reason," You replied over your shoulder, "Not that you need to know the reason,"

"You're right, I don't," he agreed, "I don't need to know the reason at all. But you should know that what I saw just now was beautiful. Beyond beautiful….and you looked like—"

You whirled around, eyes wide at him with some anger flickered in your eyes as you stared into his blue eyes, "Like what?!"

"An Angel,"

You stood still, looking at him with softer eyes now as you both were standing in front of each other mere feet away from one another at the very edge of the forest. Never once in your time on Earth did you hear something like that about your Eternal Ability. It touched deep, in the darkest corner inside of you that you never shared or rarely showed. It made you release all of your breath as Druig kept his eyes on you. His bright blue eyes you always admired and wished you had. The same eyes that saw through the flaws and pain of others and never once judged them.

"I know Angels are a thing amongst humans and their religions," Druig explained, taking another step towards you since he saw you were not walking away from him anymore, "Angels are pure beings, filled with happiness, and are rare beauties. I…I think that's you when you fly,"

Your heart swelled from what he proclaimed, your ear burning red at the tips. Druig was always truthful in what he would say, maybe sarcastic or aloof, but he would never lie. You hearing that from him, in such a truthful manner and with softness laced there too, it made you look at new in a new way as well.

"I…I fly like Ikaris," You tried to reason with him since it felt like your flying was nothing really special to be praised for. Druig shook his head at the mention of Ikaris, almost disgusted by the comparison as you were still gazing at him in disbelief.

"He flies like a machine," Druig explained, taking another step to him as he searched your eyes. He was finally close enough for you to see the blue specks in his eyes and for him to see the freckles on your nose, his fingers reaching down to lace yours with his with gentleness like you were made of glass, "You fly like an Angel,"

You both watched each other for a few seconds, not letting each other go. You drank in what he said, never once hearing something like this or any of the others, or anyone in that general. It moved you, truly moved you, since you felt like you had to hide how you wished to fly all this time. But for Druig to see it, and admire you in how you wished to soar and glide with no sign of negativity, you finally smiled. Druig smiled in return, then cleared his throat and looked down for a moment at his boots.

"I won't tell anyone else where you go, I won't do that to ya," he explained, you watched as he shifted on his feet and still looked at the ground, "And…I won't come back out here if you don't want me to—"

"Druig," You hummed, Druig's eyes going to yours instantly and you saw the smile still etched on your lips. This close, he saw so much warmth on your face, heard it in your tone, and felt it in your hand that was still holding this. You looked like an Angel then, the sun setting though still radiating off your face and armor as he felt like his heart skipped another beat.

"I…I don't mind you watching me," You reasoned, Druig's eyes widened as you kept going, "You're beyond kind to say such things about me—"

"Truthful things," he interrupted as you nodded.

"You wouldn't lie, and I know you won't say anything, to anyone," You went on, Druig nodding in agreement as you spoke again, "And….I don't mind sharing this place with you if you wish to come out here. As long as it's between us, just us. Deal?"

For you to offer him your sacred place, a place no one knew or wouldn't never dare to find, it moved Druig in more ways than he could ever imagine. He knew what it was like to have a place to be at peace, to not be guarded in, and he felt honored that you were willing to share that small piece of yourself with him.

"Just us," he repeated, your smiled growing, and he felt his heart burst all over again from your smile.

That cliff would be sacred to both yourself and Druig from then on out for the next 2 years you were there.

You both would escape there almost every night, walking side by side and talking about the day and all that happened. It was nice to have another person to talk to, at least for you, and Druig would sit on the cliff's edge as you flew. Knowing that he as kept an eye on you as you were soaring and gliding, weaving in and out and dancing amongst the wind, your little world was a pint bigger now. Druig loved watching you fly, fly in such a way that seemed so open and bare.

It moved him the most that you were flying that just for him, no other audience present. He would watch you for hours and hours on end, some days were joyous and you were speeding with ease. Other days were hard, you were still with grief or stress. You would escape to that place and simply fly to be out of your mind so to speak.

Druig would feel the same, needing to be out of his head or cry from not being able to help the humans. One night, months later, you stopped flying to see him weeping on the cliff with his head in his hands. It scared you, wounded you even since you never saw him cry in such a way before. This was not the Druig you knew, who would make you laugh or smile from his jokes or make you think about the humans so highly.

So you flew to hover in front of him, gathering him in your arms as he cried in your embrace.

You both fell in love with time, centuries coming and going but your love was never fleeting. You found new places to fly when you would move to another part of the planet to hunt Deviants, Druig right behind you to watch you be free. Having that time with Druig, away from others, was what you craved every day. Even sharing your first kiss with you hovering in the air and Druig on his tiptoes to try and kiss you a bit bolder and for a pinch longer. The first kiss, his hand on your jawline and a smile against yours was just as thrilling as flying in itself. You pulled away as he tried to chase your lips, you laughing as you flew up in the sky in bliss and Druig watching with adoration and affection in his eyes.

You both grew to accept one another and never let the other go, even when he fled from the family in the Amazon after witnessing a Genocide. You went with him, realizing he was the other half of your soul and you couldn't survive without him. Those first few years were hard for the pair of you, being away from the family you've been with for centuries and attempting to protect a village of humans. Wars and famines, life and death, it was all wrapped in one for you two to navigate. Especially Druig, who would fight tooth and nail to keep those humans alive. But he did, and you loved him all the more for it.

Just like before, he would watch you fly and dance amongst the tops of the jungle trees, considering himself lucky to have someone like you love someone like him.

And now, years and years later in South Dakota, right after the near Emergence and with the world safe you were sitting on the rooftop of Ajak's farmhouse, watching the scattered stars on the black sky in silence. You were thinking of Ajak and Gilgamesh and how you missed them, you were thinking of Ikaris and his betrayal against the family, and you were thinking about your husband and how he was almost taken away from you.

Druig found you there on the rooftop, after discussing with Phastos and Thena with what would come next. He knew you needed time away from all that happened, that time alone. Everything within the last several hours seemed so fragile and frazzled, all over the place, and for you to have your alone time was essential. He crawled out of the open window and sat next to you, wrapping you in his arms You tucked your head against his own as he rubbed your arms.

"Don't ever scare me like that again," you muttered to him as he kissed your hair, "I can't be in this world without you,"

"I would never dare," He vowed into your locks, "We are meant to be together in this life. You're my Angel, remember?"

His pet name for you ever since he used that term on you centuries ago. He would use it casually during his day to say actives or chores just to make you smile, or privately when you would be in bed and he would bring you to the brink of pleasure. To him, it was more just a pet name. It was who you were to him: pure, filled with happiness, and a rare beauty.

"I'll always be your Angel," You vowed in return. And as he let you go flying amongst the stars high above him, Druig was inwardly glad that he followed you that day. His curiosity led him to years of blissful happiness and joy. His intrigue led him into the arms of someone who saw him as more than a Mind Controller.

He watched his Angel fly with ease, a big smile on his face.

The End.

Tagged - @a-lumos-in-the-nox @hottpinkpenguin @virtueassassin @heartofwritiing @valeridarkness @ethereal-athalia

#druig x reader #fanfiction #writing #barry keoghan #druig #eternals #marvel #druig imagine #druig x female reader #the eternals #marvel cinematic universe fanfiction #marvel cinematic universe #marvel fanfiction #marvel mcu #mcu fanfiction #mcu #mcu phase 4 #druig x oc #druig x y/n

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redrydersrequiem · 8 months

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Golden eyed phantom chapter 2

Paring Druig x reader

Rating explicit 18+only,minors,ageless,blank blogs will be blocked

Plot: phantom of the opera au

Warnings theres no smut this time and sorry if its a little shorter then the first chapter

The audience's cheers roll over you like waves as the final curtain closes. You're quickly whisked away, Madame Ajak, bless her, swiftly guides you to your new dressing room before the reporters, opera patrons and fans could move to swarm the backstage area wanting to meet the new star of the Opera de Popular. Much to your dismay however the entrance was already chaotically crowded with people. Thankfully Mr Nelson and Murdock where already front and center, Mr. Nelson was gladly answering the reporters and basking in the crowd's awe while Mr Murdock alongside Gilgamesh provided a more physical barrier, not letting the over eager patrons near, allowing you and madame to finally enter the dressing room.

Once inside silence overcomes you, finally feeling like you could breathe deeply,counting to ten a few times to calm the ringing beating of your heart. It’s not till madame cleared her throat that you looked up, an explosion of color filling your gaze. Flowers of every size, shape and color fill every available surface, bouquets of some of the most exotic flowers you've ever seen.

“Wow” Madame just laughs at your shocked face

“This is to be expected my dear” she goes about the room examining the abundance of flowers, focusing on one of the bigger bouquets.

“Look, this one is from Count Ikarus and his family. It sees that young man is quite smitten with you”

“Yes so it seems”

“What’s wrong my dear.? You don't seem excited about your successful debut?”

“No it's not that Madame i'm truly grateful for everything that has happened.”

“But?”

At first you don't answer but Madame gives you one of her motherly looks and all resolve crumbles

“But…… it feels wrong somehow like something is missing.”

“Something? Or someone?”

As soon as the words leave her mouth the image of your angel comes to mind, bringing a light blush along with it.

“I see that look dear, it's alright. It’s perfectly normal for someone your age, all I ask of you is to be smart about your choices ok.?”

You just smile nodding yes not really wanting to go into a whole spiel with her right now, but thankful for her all the same. The women truly being the only mother figure you've ever known

“I will mama jaks.”

“Ohhh thank you dear, I haven’t heard you call me that in so long i've missed it”.

“I'm sorry I.”

“No no, none of that. I'm glad to be mama jaks to you, you and sersi are my daughters whether you like it or not.”

She kisses you on the forehead before urging you up from the sofa and towards the changing screen to help you out of the heavy gown you've been in all night.

Once deglamorized you stealthily made your way to the dancers entrance avoiding any leftover fans, walking quickly to meet up with sersi. Your whole opera family was celebrating your triumphant first show at Gil and thenas house, Gil’s cooking and drinks galore is what kingo had stayed. Not wanting to keep everyone waiting, you and Sersi begin the familiar walk. Now it does dawn on you, that two young women shouldn’t probably be walking in the deed of night in Paris’s strees but the promise of having Gilgamesh’s famous (your favorite dessert) all to yourself overweighs all those worries

“I can’t wait to see what all Gil cooked. I'm starving.” Sersi simply laughs at you

“How is all you can think about is food after the day you've had.?”

“Hey you try being poked and prodded at and then thrust in front of hundreds of people in a heavy costume and not be hung/“

Her hand grabbing your arm halting your steps stops you mid sentence. She’s even pushing you behind her when you finally notice the black carriage that has now pulled up alongside the two of you. You both give each other knowing glances as you assume the defensive stances thena had drilled into you.

Just as the door opens and you both go to move a familiar head of brown hair steps out.

“Ikarus?”

“Little (y/n/n) and friend. I apologize if I frightened you mademoiselles, i was caught by opera patrons and was unable to speak with you. Imagine my luck to stumble upon the new star of Paris opera walking along the street.

“Yes, how fortunate. I'm sorry, if i had known you wished to speak with me i would have waited at the theater.

“No it's my fault I should have tried harder to get away, um if you could, may I have a moment of your time.?”

“Of course you may!” Sersi answers for you. “I’ll be just over here while you two speak” she nods to both of you before stepping over to study a random storefront, acting the picture of innocents and not like she just threw you under a carriage. Turning back towards Ikarus you notice his eye haven’t left sersi.

“Ehhem”

Ikarus’s head snaps back into place a practiced smile falling into place

“what can i do for you count de solar?”

“firstly just call me Ikarus please”

“ok Ikarus it is then”

“and you? Are you still little (ynn) or are you now the new diamond of the Paris opera scene.?”

“no i'm simply (y/n)”

”very well simply y/n, i must say your performance was a revelation. It’s amazing to see how far you've come since I last saw you.”

“fifteen years is a long time, a lot of things change.”

“yes…..i heard about your fathers passing, my condolences. He was a brilliant musician and I'm sure he would be incredibly proud of you.”

“thank you that's very kind of you, he would have felt honored to. Hear such high praise.

“Listen, I don't wish to keep you or your companion out in this cold night air much longer, so I will simply ask if you would be willing to have a meal with me, to catch up?”

After a quick contemplation you agreed not wanting to turn down the benefactor of the opera or a count. Terrific he replies before turning to his driver to discuss something quietly. You take this time to all sersi back over

“Did you both figure everything out?

“Yeah, he asked me to dinner.”

“oh y/n that's exciting. Oh he's coming back”

“Well I thank you for agreeing to dinner but I do have one more issue.”

oh?” You ask the duke questioningly.

“Yes it would be ungentlemanly of me to allow two young women to walk the damp streets of Paris at such an hour please let me top you off to your destination?”

You're about to decline given Gil and thena home is only fifteen minutes more away but once more sersi interrupts, accepting the offer for you both and allowing Ikarus to help her into his carriage before you get even a syllable out. The quick ride is filled with mostly Sersi and Ikarus talking (flirting) while you nodded along with whatever they were talking about just watching how they interacted, both sporting light blushes as they speak. However your destination arrives before you can make any sort of comment

“Here we are, sir.”

“Thank you mr smith.”

Ikarus quickly hopped out helping you and sersi out. You both turn dipping into quick curtsies, bidding the young count goodbye. He gives us both a nod and slight bow, his gaze lingering on sersi once more before hopping into his carriage and driving away.

“I can't believe that just happened, you truly do know the count y/n”

“I told you I did. Besides, I don't think its that impressive to know a count.”

“y/n you should be excited! He's young,handsome, kind and comes from a wealthy Noble family. He would make a perfect husband.”

“HUSBAND?…….. No sersi. I know that all sounds nice to you but to me he will always be the boy next door that was nice to me one moment then would tease me the next till he all but disappeared one day.”

“Oh sweety im/“

“/no it's fine, I understand what you're saying but Ikarus just isn't for me, in fact I think you should take your own advice.”

She whips around about to gripe at you with a blush on her face when the door bursts open, kingos extravagant self standing there, before he pulls you both into the warm house. Music's playing lightly as the boisterous noises from the living room pull you all in. And there everyone is cheers ringing in the air as everyone is ready to finally celebrate your musical debut.

The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon, everyone had turned in, some (cough kingo and sprite cough) where. Forced to turn in after a night of one to many. You however couldn't find sleep for the life of you. Still too high on the adrenaline of the day to find peace so you decide to go for a walk. The early morning shops were setting up and beginning their days.Couriers race beside you. A few people wished you good morning before they went about their days. All in all it was a peaceful morning walk that ended in the same place it always did. The place you always go when you're alone or pent up or sad, happy, really any emotion. This was your safe place, the small cathedral attached to the Opera house.

Like always a few lone candles flicker in the room's damp breeze. Just as you go to light an additional candle for your father a musical trilling sounds in the room startling you. Looking around you see where the music came from. Under the cathedral's small stained glass window set a beautiful music box. It was a silver box, not large but not too small. It’s had (your favorite flower )designed on it rounding all the sides and laying carefully carved on the top, with tiny gems that sparkled like stars scattered around

(I cant pick one they’re all to pretty)

Where did you come from?” just as your about to touch the bow that familiar glowing aura brushes over you

“hello my little muse.”

There's that voice. That voice that teaches you with a stern hardness. Tha voice that caresses you at night covering your body in goosebumps and making your heart race. The voice you dream about that has you held captive. He was your teacher, your savior, your angel, your phantom.

“Good morning master.” you go to move to turn around hopeful to finally see the being that has overtaken every fiber of your body

‘Wait!” you pause, the air feeling charged as you obey his command

“Let me take you in first , my muse.”

The basic evening wear you wore yesterday didn't bother you when you put it on but now you wished you wore anything else, but nevertheless you felt his gaze roam your body like the finest piece of art. Out of your peripheral you can just make out the bottoms of his pressed black slack, the elegant polished boots and the swishing of the evening cape he had on the red lining accentuating his legs.

You attempt to see more but he steps directly behind you. His body is warm in the cold room, as you feel his fingertips glide up your back. Before his hands up your shoulders.

“my beautiful beautiful muse, how you shined like the brightest star in the universe. The goddess Aphrodite herself would be envious.”

“thank you master”

“oh how i relish those words do say it again”

“master?”

“emmmmmmm yes I do like the sound of that. Do you like your present my muse” he asks gesturing to the music box

“its beautiful”

“The song inside is of my own composition, please open it and tell me what you think.”

you reluctantly move away from his warmth to step back towards the music box, still not daring to look back over your shoulder. Tracing your finger over the flower on the top, taking a much needed breath and open the box

a hauntingly beautiful melody leaks out.

“Does it please you?”

“Its breathtaking”

“I'm pleased that something so small could elicit such feelings. I wonder how you would react to me then” a million thoughts rush through your head, he's finally going to let me see him.

“Would you like to see me, my little muse?” He laughs “I can hear the thoughts rushing through your head.’

yes master falls from your lips

his body steps up to you again. No room between the roof you as his breath fans your ear and hands take place on your hips. You feel like the earth would fall out from under you if it weren’t for his presence keeping you grounded.

“Are you sure my muse.”

“yes master”

“hmmmmmmmmmmmm”

you feel his. Lips kiss your shoulder and something cold above his nose brushing against you before he pulls back and the words you’ve waited so long to hear are finally spoken.

“Very well……… Look at me.”

Tags

@cdragons @ethereal-athalia

#druig x female reader #druig x y/n #druig fanfiction #druig smut #druig x reader #eternals fanfiction #eternals x reader #sersi eternals #phantom of the opera

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romancingromanoff · 2 years

Text

This is a Life

Andy of Scythia x f!reader

Summary: You end up escaping an arranged marriage set up by your abusive mother in a strange way.

TW: Verbal/physical child abuse (child is now over 18 but it is implied that it has been going on for some time), arranged/forced marriage, 1950′s typical homophobia, somewhat graphic death/injuries, accidental suicide?

Words: 4225

A/N: Hello I am alive! I’ve been wanting to get back into writing recently and I’ve been disappointed by the lack of Andy x reader content on here so here’s my contribution. More marvel stuff is in the works starting with Thena from Eternals!

“It’s my life!”

“And you are my daughter! You will do this if you wish to remain a part of this family!”

“I told you I won’t marry him!”

A cold hand hits your left cheek.

You were fighting with your mother yet again as the two of you had constantly done for the past 23 years, which was way too long for you to still be living under her roof according to societal standards. While you were inclined to agree, being forced to marry a man in six weeks was not how you wanted to escape.

On paper, you supposed Nicholas Turner was the perfect match, basically everything you could ever ask for in a husband. His wealth certainly appealed to your mother, though he was also kind and considerate with a pleasant looking face others might find attractive.

Unlike those that had briefly tried to court you in the past, what really set Nicholas apart was that he seemed to truly care for you and respect your opinions. There certainly weren’t very many men like him in the 1950’s who didn’t immediately insult your intelligence or worth as a member of the lesser sex.

Not too far into your relationship was when you were finally forced to come to terms with a fear that had been looming over you since your teenage years. It had been easy to tell yourself you were still normal when all the suitors you rejected were immature little boys with stunted emotional development and only seemed to be interested in your body. You could tell yourself that no woman would ever settle for such disrespect in a lifelong partner.

However, you knew there was no denying that Nick was everything you should ever want in a man. You waited for those butterflies you had heard about from your friends to fill you whenever he asked to hold your hand or guide you by the arm for a stroll. But those bubbling feelings of love never came no matter how much you tried to force them. And if they couldn’t show up for Nick, you knew that no man could summon them at all.

The only person that had ever excited you in that way was another girl a few grades above you in school. She tutored you in math for two summers and lived just down the street. You had never felt so drawn to anyone else before.

“I have three brothers so it’s nice that we can spend some time together, just us girls,” she had said. You couldn’t agree more.

As your friendship grew, rumors about her older brother being a… sexual degenerate spread throughout the neighborhood and your mother quickly forbade you from ever speaking to anyone in her family again. The last time you’d heard about your friend was when her parents had thrown her brother out of the house and cut all contact with him.

No part of you wanted to believe that your friend had agreed with their actions but what if she had? What would she say if she were to ever find out about your true feelings for her? She would surely be just as disgusted as your mother.

“Yes. You. Will. You think this is your life? Well I gave it to you and I can just as easily take it away!”

You weren’t too certain about that after the strange events that took place the day before. Another argument with your mother turned violent and she started throwing some of her empty bottles at you. Although none of them hit their target, one flew through the back window and caused glass to shatter everywhere.

After cleaning up inside the house, you made your way outside to assess whatever damage certainly awaited you there. What you hadn’t been expecting to find was that one of the bottles hit a poor baby bunny not too far from the window. Falling on your knees in front of it, it pained you to watch as its small body twitched only a few times before ultimately turning as still as stone. The thought of leaving it there for other animals to pick on or carelessly throwing it in the trash didn’t seem right to you, so with a sigh you decided to find a shovel and dig it a small grave. It’s not like you were in a rush to face your mother so soon anyway.

The shed with the gardening tools hadn’t been organized since the warmer months. Coughing at the cloud of dust that immediately filled your lungs as the door squeaked open, you blindly staggered in the direction of the shovel, trying to feel for it with your hands, when your foot found a rake that was lying on the ground. The wooden pole smacked you dead in the middle of your face, forcing you to fly back like in one of those children’s cartoons that often played before the main films at the cinema. It sounded like a tornado was tearing through the shed.

All you could feel was pain spreading throughout your body. There was no doubt that your skull had cracked open as a gooey warmth began to soak your hair and pool down your neck. A sharp object also seemed to be lodged in your middle area and it quickly became difficult to breath or even remember what life was like before this agony.

You almost tried to call for help, hoping that your mother might at least be decent enough not to wish for your death, but something about that idea stopped you. What would she even be saving you from exactly? You knew you were dying as a strange numbness began to take over all your senses, yet a part of you seemed to be at peace with what was to come.

Lying about who you were for the rest of your life was worse than a death sentence in its own way. Maybe this could be your mercy if happiness was never attainable for someone like you. Maybe this was for the best.

There was absolute darkness and a sense of peace that seemed to stretch on forever. Suddenly, all of that shattered as oxygen forcefully filled your lungs. Something inexplicable had brought you back.

While your body still ached, a quick assessment helped you conclude that your injuries had healed almost miraculously. Your skull was awfully bloody but definitely smooth and in one piece. Slowly sitting up, you discovered that a long pair of garden shears is what had impaled your abdomen where you were certain a few of your vital organs must have been torn.

You were covered in both dried blood and newly formed skin with no idea how any of it was possible. The only thing you could think of doing was running back into the house to wash yourself off.

Darkness had covered the sky by then and you knew your mother must have been asleep by that point. Initially that made you feel relieved that you could dodge any questions she had until morning. However, as you scrubbed the leftover blood and sweat from your body, the fact that she must not have been concerned at all dawned on you. You had died out in the shed and where had she been?

“No, you don’t get to hurt me anymore!” You shook your head and stood your ground with a newfound sense of power only coming back from the dead could have given you. “You don’t get to control me like I’m your puppet! I’m not going to marry him or anyone else you try to push on me either. I’ve known this for a long time and I think you have too. But I can’t because I’m–”

“NO! No, I will not hear this nonsense again! I have things from the store I need to pick up and I expect all of this sudden change in attitude to be over when I get back. Or I will be beating you everyday until it’s your husband’s problem!”

Somehow her words managed to hurt you more than any physical attack could. You tried your best to hold in your tears as she gathered her purse and keys before slamming the front door behind her, but your eyes began stinging just as you retreated to your bedroom. This time, your instincts were successfully able to guide you on where to step.

You don’t know how long you stood there, disassociating and losing track of the time as you urged yourself not to cry.

A hand landed on your shoulder and caused an instinctive shudder to roll through your body. “Please, don’t!” You whimpered at the contact which you expected came from your mother.

“I’m not here to hurt you. But I need you to trust me.”

You turned and your eyes shot up. The speaker of the voice was unlike any other person you had ever seen. Her hair was cut extremely short, like the style Audrey Hepburn was known for, but with no makeup or bold lip color she appeared more boyish. She was also very tall for a woman, about as tall as some men you knew, though it didn’t scare you to stand beside her like it would with them. It was subtle, but sometimes you felt like they relied on their height advantage to make sure you were on a lower peg than them.

This woman was different with the way she assessed you with a lack of judgment. Something told you that she was worried about scaring you, not wanting to come off like she was sizing you up. You could see it in her eyes and god were they gorgeous. They were a mesmerizing shade that made you believe you were seeing the color for the very first time. You would gladly let the woman hypnotize you with those glowing pools of green.

“Who are you?” Your voice shook even though you could sense she didn’t wish to harm you.

She kept her voice calm and steady. “My name is Andromache of Scythia. But you can call me Andy.”

Andy? Andy. Hearing the name caused something to resurface in your mind. Not quite a song or a memory but something you had definitely heard recently. A man had been screaming that name as you felt him die.

“I’ve seen you before. I dreamed you were trying to save a man. A friend. Two other people were there as well. You were all surrounded. You were dying.”

“There are five of us now, including you, and we all do the same thing. We die and come back. And I know you probably have a lot of questions, which I promise I can answer, but you need to pack some clothes and come with me now.”

“Go with you? Where?”

You had been on a rollercoaster once as a child. It was a tall wooden one with a large loop that initially made you change your mind about riding it. That was before your mother informed you she had already bought your tickets and wasn’t about to let the money go to waste. The fear rose within your stomach with every inch the giant wooden coffin you rode in crept higher and higher into the domain of the clouds and birds. Every voice in your head screamed that you weren’t supposed to be here. A part of you was so terrified that you considered reaching for your mother’s hand. As if she would comfort you.

But then you finally made it to the top. All you could think about as you saw the sun setting on the horizon was how badly you wished you could chase it. And then you did. The ride dropped and your fears dissipated as laughter escaped from your body instead. For the first time ever, you could taste a sense of freedom.

That’s what it felt like when Andy reached for your chin and gently brushed the back of two of her other fingers against the cheek most recently marked by your mother. You weren’t entirely sure what the future looked like with her, yet you were eager to find out and explore all the possibilities opening up before you. No one had ever held you with such tenderness and care while also making you feel protected and safe. You watched as the woman’s eyes flickered from your cheek to your slightly parted lips before she withdrew her touch. It left you feeling empty.

“The woman that hurts you will be coming back any minute now,” she announces quickly before she starts darting around your room. She pulls out a suitcase from your closet and stares at you expectantly, like she needed you to move as if the house was on fire. “We need to leave before that happens.”

“My mother? She’s done terrible things but she’s still my mother. I can’t just leave without letting her know.”

“What’s your name?” Andy asks you. You tell her.

“Y/N, please listen to me,” she sets the suitcase down on your bed before taking your hands into hers. A part of your soul leaves your body right then and there. “Individuals like your mother have hurt you your entire life when you should have been protected. I’m so sorry no one stood up for you before. You didn’t deserve any of that. But now even more people that want to harm you are going to be on our trail as soon as they find out who and what you are. Now that I’ve found you, I can protect you. Me and the other three guys on our team. So please, come with me so that I can keep you safe.”

“Y/N?! Come help me!” Your mother’s shrill voice rings through the house.

“Pack quickly, I’ll hold her off,” Andy urgently reaches for something in her pocket which is when you realize she’s had a knife on her this whole time. Your eyes go wide.

“Wait! Please don’t hurt her! I’ll go with you but you can’t hurt her. That’s my only condition, I swear.”

You haven’t known her for long. You wish you could spend the next hundred years studying her face and getting to know everything there is to know about her. But somehow, you can still tell that something breaks inside her because of your pleading. She holds your gaze for the shortest eternity before nodding back at you.

“Okay,” she promises. You can tell she’s going to be true to her word. “But you have to follow my lead. When I say we need to leave, we leave.”

“Okay.”

You scramble to pack the most important things that come to your mind. A family picture of you, your mother, and your sister. The bracelet that your grandmother gave you. Your drawing notepad. It’s not too difficult to decide what clothes you bring as you have no real attachment to any specific pieces.

Echoes of your mother marching down the hall cause you to freeze up instantly. There’s one last thing you need to grab and of course it has to be in the trickiest place to get to.

“There’s a box of letters under the rug and the floorboard right here. Can you please get it? I’ll talk to her.” Andy nods before you dart out a small crack in your door and quickly close it behind you. It brings you face to face with your warden and the only obstacle that stands in your way of escape.

“What are you doing in there? I expect you to help me bring in my bags from the car. Are you going deaf or do I need to slap some more sense into you?”

“I’m leaving,” you manage to blurt out before fear stops you from changing your mind.

“You’re what?”

“I’m leaving. I’m not marrying Nicholas. I can’t and I won’t.”

“This again? How much longer will you insist on acting like a petulant child? I demand you stop this nonsense at once!”

“No. I’m leaving and you won’t get to control my life anymore.”

A look that you can only describe as amused appears on the woman’s face as she gives you a scoff. “Oh really? And where do you think you’ll go with no car or money to your name? I know you’re nervous about the wedding but-”

“I will never marry him or any other man either!” This was the first time you had ever raised your voice this loud and it was having quite the effect on both of you. The woman in front of you was completely stunned at your change in demeanor, her eyes wide and mouth slightly agape.

“I’m not like you! And I’m tired of pretending to be someone I’m not. For so long, I’ve tried to feel the way I know I’m supposed to feel about boys but I simply can’t. And I think a part of me has always known that I’m-”

The swift sound of a crack silences you, though you don’t exactly register the pain straight away like normal. You bring a finger to your lower lip and it comes black with a droplet of blood. A second later, you touch the same spot and it’s completely healed.

“Silence! You’ll shut your mouth right this instant if you know what’s good for you. These ideas of… of perverse behavior aren’t you. You’re obviously ill and need to see a doctor immediately.”

“No mother, I-” You’re interrupted once again, although this time as your bedroom door swings open you aren’t scared of being struck or hurt. Andy’s presence alone means you are protected.

“Your items are secure. We need to leave now,” she takes a firm hold of your waist and pulls you closer to her body. From the threatening look she’s throwing at your mother you can tell that your presence is the only thing keeping the much taller and stronger woman from breaking out into a fight. Although, calling it that felt entirely wrong as it implied your mother would be able to stand a chance at winning.

“Excuse me?” The older woman spat like she had nearly swallowed a fly. “Who is-... Who do you think you are and how dare you come into my house!”

“Lady, all you need to know is that I’m the one that’s going to be doing what you’ve failed to do and actually protect your daughter from now on. Unless you want this to get violent, I would suggest stepping out of our way.”

No one had ever spoken to your mother that way and had anyone but Andy been foolish enough to yell at her, you would be worrying for their safety. But even after five minutes of knowing her, it was clear that Andy wasn’t easily swayed by a few empty threats.

“I–... Oh, now I understand everything completely. You must be the one that has corrupted my daughter with these wicked thoughts! Y/N, you can’t possibly believe this… this stranger intends to do anything but manipulate you! Whatever feelings you think you may have for her are wrong and can be corrected. I don’t want you to end up like this disgusting degenerate!”

“Don’t you dare call her that!” Your anger spikes hearing the venom in her words. Andy may or may not be immune to them but that doesn’t mean you can’t be offended on her behalf. “She actually respects me and treats me like a human being!”

“So what? Your plan is to run away together and go where? Do what? You are nothing without me and you know it! Since you were born-”

An involuntary scream leaves your body as the taller woman moves like a flash of light. Before she can even process anything, your mother falls to the floor into an unconscious slump at your feet.

“Oh my God.” It seems almost impossible to tear your eyes away from the sight before you. You’ve never seen someone so… still. Then it dawns on you that she might be…

“She’s just unconscious,” Andy cups your face in her hands and you’re forced to look at her, ”I promise. She’ll be fine but we have to go now.”

Nodding, the two of you set off like there’s still someone on your trail. For a few seconds you’re able to look back at your mother one last time. The woman that gave birth to you. Raised you. Hit you. Broke you. She’ll never be able to hurt you again.

You breathe a barely audible “goodbye” to her, wondering where you’ll be by the time she wakes up. There’s the tiniest twinge of guilt at the thought of her actually missing you when she does, yet with every step you make towards your new future you yearn to speed up.

Andy guides you straight to the front door and outside into the rain. The two of you don’t stop until you reach a car around the corner that she unlocks for you. Your body is cold and numb, which the other woman immediately notices and she tries to drape your body with a thin blanket from the backseat after she starts the engine. You doubted that this car had any heating but couldn’t care too much about that.

“Thank you,” you’re able to mutter. “I’m sorry she… about those things she said.”

“Y/N, you have nothing to apologize for. You are in no way responsible for her actions.”

You could get used to hearing Andy say your name like that. She had a way of saying it that reminded you how it was your very own. How you were your own person.

“No, I do, Andy. At least let me say this for my own peace. You got dragged into something that should have stayed between us and she made some wrongful assumptions about you. You are completely right to feel offended or upset with me. And now that you know that I’m… Well, it seems you know more about me than almost anyone else. What I mean to say is that I understand if you’re disgusted by me.”

Much to your surprise, the brunette calmy pulled the car over to stop on the side of the road so that she could better face you. Fear that she might ask you to get out flickered in your heart for a second, but then she carefully took your hand into her own, holding it so tenderly.

“Y/N, everything that I said in there still stands. I care about you and I want to protect you. And for the record, not that anyone else’s opinion but your own matters, I see nothing wrong with you. You love the way you love, that’s nothing to be ashamed about. You deserve all the happiness the world can give you, which is what I’m willing to fight for.”

The buildup of emotions from the past 24 hours combined with the softness in her words is enough to strip you of your very last defenses. Your vision blurs, though the slight stinging in your eyes is admittedly therapeutic. Andy, however, only grows more concerned for you based on the look on her face.

“No, no, I’m okay,” you promise her and crack a smile. “It’s just strange to have someone that cares about me. The real me, I mean. There must be some way I can repay you for everything.”

She analyzed you with such curiosity that it’s impossible to tell what sort of thoughts are running through her head. Her other hand slowly moves to move a stray hair from your face. You doubt she meant for the contact to feel so intimate, yet you relish in the tiny sprinkles of touch she gives you.

Andy releases a deep sigh. “You don’t have to repay me for anything. We’re a team now and that means we take care of each other.”

Of course you had forgotten there was a team, meaning there were more of you she must have been referencing aside from yourself. It felt stupid to think she could have felt differently about you after knowing each other for less than a day. And what were the chances she would even see you in that way?

“Right,” you struggle to wipe the tears from your face. “I guess I should learn about the others then. When will we be introduced?”

“Soon, I promise.” Andy goes to restart the car and you notice her chuckle as she begins to speed up to get back on the road. “I think you’ll really like them, actually. We all have a lot in common so there’s no chance they won’t immediately like you like I do.”

You swear that you almost died for a second time from a heart attack.

“You mean besides being able to come back from the dead?” You tried to play it cool, hoping she wouldn’t notice how nervous you suddenly were.

“Actually, yes. It’s about a three hour drive from here so you can get some sleep if you want. I know you must be exhausted.”

You can’t really protest when a yawn immediately escapes after the mere mention of a nap. So you drift away, driving off toward your new life, with Andy’s hand safely cradling yours.

#andromache the scythian x reader #andy the scythian x reader #andromache of scythia #the old guard #one shot #andy the scythian #the old guard x reader #fluff #andy #charlize theron #andy x reader #andromache x reader

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callsigndragon · 2 years

Text

The Christmas Date | Chapter 7: Winter Wonderland

Pairing: Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Fem!Kerner!Reader

(Ron Kerner is Slider, Iceman’s backseater)

Wordcount: 2.3k

Summary: Y/n “Athena” Kerner and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw hate each other. Everybody knows. What happens when they have to fake date for a whole week to avoid Iceman and Slider’s matchmaking plans?

(there won’t be smut in this series)

Warnings: fluff, fluff, FLUFF, mentions of car accident, mentions of coma, mentions of wanting to give up (aka die), you're gonna hate me for this one.

A/N: DID I JUST CHANGE THE WHOLE PLOT WHILE WRITING THIS BECAUSE THENA AND ROOSTER WERE BEGGING ME TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN? yes. i don't regret anything.

Taglist:@ducks118 @milestellerwife @craftymoonchaos @littlebadariell @xoxabs88xox @alexxavicry @tayrae515 @shrimping-for-all @mak-32 @my-soulmate-is-mycroft @harper1666 @purplevortexx @abaker74 @ssprayberrythings @melllinaa @loveless-simp @k-k0129 @mygyn @castle-bookworms-world @chaoticversion @one-sweet-gubler @loveforaugust

@taytaylala12 @benhardysdrumstick @diggorycullen @green-intervention @waatermelon-sugaar @smells-like-perfect-senses @interstellarloneliness @tay-bluey @diggorycullen @dhwanishah09 @inky-sun @luckyladycreator2

(If you want to be added, write in the comments! Those in bold I couldn’t tag you)

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Rooster's side of the bed is empty when you wake up for the second time. "Nugget?" you ask, wondering if he's in the bathroom.

You wait for a few seconds, the only answer you receive is a silent room and some giggling from downstairs. What is Jesse up to?

You get out of bed, feeling more relaxed than you've ever felt in years. Looking around the room for something comfy to wear over your pajama t-shirt, you find one of Rooster’s hoodies in the chair next to the window. You look at it, weighing the pros and cons of wearing it.

Pros: It's big and comfy. It seems warm, too. You have to wear your boyfriend’s clothes around your family, right?

Cons: Rooster is going to tease the shit out of you. Everyone's gonna think you did… something last night.

It's not worth it.

You walk toward the door when you think of one last pro. You turn around so quickly that you almost trip on your own feet, going to grab the hoodie.

Going downstairs a few minutes later, you overhear Rooster talking with the rest.

"Just... don't mention last night at all, okay?"

"Rooster," your dad is not going to stop until he knows, "Did something happen between you two?"

"Slider, I can promise you this has nothing to do with me. I told you I would never hurt her, right?" He says with a tired voice, as if the conversation has been going on for a while.

You decide that it's your turn to save him now. "Then what- Morning, sweetheart!"

You walk towards the men, kissing your dad's cheek, and then hug Rooster, just like the lovely girlfriend you are. "You left"

"I know, sorry," he says as he kisses your forehead and looks to Jesse, who is waiting in front of the oven with Becca for the chocolate chip cookies to be done. "Jesse thought you were sad last night and wanted to make you cookies. We helped him"

You move away from him, raising an eyebrow. "You helped?"

He rolls his eyes, smiling. "I didn't measure any of the ingredients. And Becca moved the salt to the other side of the kitchen so we didn't have an accident"

"So you just looked" you tease him, enjoying his hurt expression.

"I had the very important task of preheating the oven, you know."

You chuckle. "That's just pressing some buttons. I bet Jesse did more than you"

"I was in charge of kneading the mass!" He chimes in, proud of his task.

"And I'm sure you did a very good job!" you say, going with him and hugging him tight while saying hi to Becca.

She looks at you, eyes showing concern. "Thena, did something happen last night?"

You shake your head. "Don't worry about it" You look at Rooster, who is talking with your father while drinking his coffee. He looks so relaxed whenever he's home. He laughs at something your dad says, making you smile a bit, too. "I wasn't alone"

As if he can sense you are talking about him, he looks in your direction, winking, before rejoining the conversation with your father and Iceman, who has just entered the kitchen.

"Please," Sarah says walking in, pointing at Rooster with her index finger "tell me those cookies have sugar and not salt"

Bradley groans. "It was ONE time, Sarah"

"We had to throw one hundred cookies away," she insists, making you laugh. Sarah, Iceman, your dad, and Mav, who has joined in too, grab some coffee mugs and move to the living room, to sit in front of the chimney.

Rooster looks at you, eyes narrowed. “Grouchy, you shouldn’t be laughing at me”

“Oh?” he grabs the bag of flour from the counter, walking slowly in your direction with a devilish smile. “Don’t you dare, nugget”

“I think you have something on your face, look,” he says, grabbing a handful of flour and throwing it.

Jesse giggles. “Mom, mom, take pictures of Aunt Thena”

You blink a few times, looking at the bag of flour. “Bradshaw, this isn’t funny,” you mutter, faking to be angry.

His smile drops instantly. “Shit, Thena,” he says, looking around, trying to find something to help you clean yourself. He grabs one of the kitchen towels from the drawer, and when he turns around, you throw flour at his face.

“Looking good, fly boy!” you laugh, patting his chest, flour falling to the floor.

"Run,” he whispers, getting ready to chase after you.

You drop the empty bag and dash from the kitchen as fast as you can. Rooster is right behind you, sprinting when you get to the living room. He grabs your waist, lifting you off the floor. “You’re mine,” he says while tickling you.

You feel your heart skipping a beat at his words. You laugh it off, escaping from his embrace, and turn around to look at him. The air seems to shift around you two. Something feels different. You two have been closer than this, but... why does it feel different? Why does it make your heart beat faster? Why are your cheeks burning? Rooster’s eyes have always been this beautiful? He leans a bit, his flour-covered mustache makes you smile. “See something you like, Bradshaw?”

“You” he whispers, leaning closer. Wait, is this really happening? You two have kissed before, but it was just a quick peck for Jesse. This is completely different. But why is he going to kiss you? Do you want him to kiss you?

Sarah’s gasp is so loud that you almost jump away from Rooster. “Why are you two halfwits running around the house covered in flour? You two go upstairs and shower before coming back here and cleaning everything”

You and Rooster look at each other, smiling like teenagers who have been caught doing something they shouldn’t have been doing. And it kind of feels like it because you were about to kiss.

Was he doing it because the others were there? Yeah, that has to be it.

But when he winks at you before going upstairs to shower, you’re not so sure of anything anymore.

Today is the town's Christmas light switch-on. In big cities, by this time of the year, the lights have been on for at least a month already. But this is a small town, and they can’t afford it for so many days.

The Kazanskis have a tradition: they spend the morning making chocolate chip cookies or Christmas cookies and give them away after the switch-on, with some hot chocolate. This year, it’s the Christmas cookies. You’ve been decorating cookies in different shapes: Christmas trees, candy canes, and snowmen. The boys made the dough (Rooster was only allowed to knead it), and the girls and Jesse were in charge of decorating.

You’re walking toward the town square, holding Jesse’s hand. Rooster is holding his other hand. He seems to be the happiest kid in town.

“Uncle Roos, how big is the Christmas tree?” Jesse asks while jumping around.

“Hmmm, I think it’s 20 feet tall”

“Is that big?” he asks again.

Rooster nods, stopping and kneeling down to fasten Jesse’s scarf. “Oh, yes. Really big”

“Nice!” he says, waiting until Rooster’s done to go with his mom.

"So," the pilot says as he rises to his feet. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure”

“Did you wear my hoodie this morning on purpose or was it just an accident?” He raises an eyebrow while smiling.

You roll your eyes, ignoring his question and walking away. “You’re something else, Rooster”

“What happened with nugget?”

You scoff, “You really like it, huh?”

“Grouchy, just answer me,” he grabs your hand slowly, giving you enough time to pull away in case you don’t want him to touch you. "Please"

You sigh, looking at his hand. "...it smelled like you"

"And that's…good?" He says, his eyes moving over your face, looking for answers.

You bite your lip, deciding whether to keep talking about this or not. "It was like a hug. A never-ending, comforting hug. And I needed that today," you shrug as you try to walk away, but he stops you.

"You need a hug now?" He waits for you with his arms open.

It's kind of funny seeing a man so tall, with red cheeks and nose due to the cold, opening his arms in the middle of the street, waiting for a hug.

You walk into his open arms, a place that is slowly becoming a refuge. "I am supposed to hate you," you whisper, hiding your face in the crook of his neck.

“You don’t hate me,” he says, caressing your back.

“You don’t know that,” you grumble, getting closer to him and his warm body.

“Honey, you don't act like you hate me"

You raise your head, glaring at him. "And how do I act, then?"

"Like you wanna kiss me"

You let out a laugh, a nervous one. "Jesus, Rooster. You really are desperate"

He drops his arms, walking a few steps back. "Am I? Am I seeing things?"

"I don't know what you're talking about" you say, shaking your head.

"Y/n, you say that, but we both know that you had feelings for me"

"I'm not having this conversation with you" you turn around, looking for your family who is long gone.

"I heard you. After the crash. When I was in coma"

His words make you stop completely.

After the accident, when Rooster spent three days in the hospital and everyone thought he was going to give up without a fight, you didn’t move from his side. Well, you couldn’t, you had a severe wound on your belly, but you begged the doctors to put you in the same room as him. You wanted to see him, to make sure he was okay.

You didn’t allow yourself to close your eyes for two days, afraid that once you did, he would stop breathing.

On the second night, you got out of your bed as carefully as you could to not open your wound and walked to his bed, grabbing his hand and whispering to him: “If you need a reason to fight, I’ll give you one; I love you. I didn’t realize it until you said those beautiful things to me the night before prom. If you can hear me, please. Please, I need you to wake up. I need to see that smile again. And I want those pretty eyes to look at me once more. If you can hear me…”

“...wake up, please,” he says, your heart almost beating out of your chest as he continues reciting word for word what you said to him all those years ago. “I can’t lose the first person I’ve ever loved”

“Y-you heard me,” you breathe out.

“Of course I heard you! I was ready to give up. I didn’t have anyone left,” he says, moving closer to you, his hand slowly moving to your face, and waiting for you to pull apart. He doesn’t notice, but those gestures are driving you crazy. When you don’t move, his thumb caresses your cheek. “I was ready to go until I heard your voice. I couldn’t leave”

You let out a shaky breath, your body overwhelmed by all the emotions you’re going through at this moment. “W-why?”

"Because I couldn't leave my girl alone," his voice is thick; you can't tell what he's thinking right now. Everything is so new, and weird and different, and at the same time it feels like a dream. Like the 17-year-old girl inside of you, is living her teenage dream. He licks his lips, the hypnotizing movement makes your brain stop working. “Is there any possibility that my grouchy, the girl I’ve been taking care of these past few days… is that same girl that begged me to stay with her?”

Your body is shaking so much, and not because of the cold temperature, but because you don’t know the answer. Have these few days you’ve been back home rekindled some old feelings you thought were long gone? Have you become so immersed in character that you've forgotten this was supposed to be a lie? Are you hoping that after all of this, he is going to magically confess his undying love for you, just like in some Hallmark movie?

“What if it is?” you ask, not understanding your feelings, but wanting to know what he would do in that case.

“Then I’ll ask her for a chance. And I’ll make things right”

“Rooster, I- ” you choke on your words, tears coming to your eyes. This is too much; you can’t do this. What if he’s lying? What if he wants to laugh at you? No, he wouldn’t do that. What if he just wants your body, like Solo? He would never do that. You shake your head, trying to make those horrible thoughts disappear.

“Hey, hey, fly girl. Look at me” you look at his eyes, ever so gentle. “It’s me, stupid chicken. I’m not going to hurt you. Talk to me”

"I'm so scared, Rooster," you sob, finally admitting that he's right.

“I know, love. I know," he says as he wipes your tears away with your scarf. “But I just want to treat you like you deserve. I want to show you what being loved feels like.”

You close your eyes and take a deep breath. How have things changed so much in four days? You feel Rooster’s forehead against yours before he speaks again, his hot breath warming your skin.

“Can you give me a chance, grouchy?”

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

A/N 2: OKAY NOW THAT YOU'VE READ IT. Remember how I said these two have too much to unpack before being prepared to be in a relationship? Thena being unable to love herself, Rooster always blaming himself for the accident.... just think of all that and all the consequences this can have in their relationship, if Thena gives Rooster a chance. I'll let you think about it FOR A WEEK.

And don't forget about Solo. We haven't seen the last of him yet.

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intothemultifandom · 2 years

Text

– 𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐀 || 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫

SUMMARY: If you were only ever created to serve Arishem, it did not feel like it. Not when you’d grown to cherish your people in the South Pacific and the entirety of Earth as reverently as you did and not when your heart, artificial or not, belonged to a man from beneath the sea. PAIRINGS: Namor x Eternal!Reader TAGS/WARNINGS: fluff ; light angst ; spoilers for Eternals (2021)

If you were only ever created to serve Arishem, it did not feel like it.

Not when you’d grown to cherish your people in the South Pacific and the entirety of Earth as reverently as you did and not when your heart, artificial or not, belonged to a man from beneath the sea.

In the aftermath of Ajak’s death, of Sersei’s frantic call that detailed what was happening–it didn’t take you too long to gather your belongings, to retrieve all the documents you needed just in case before you rushed behind your house, down the pathway and towards the secluded formation that was hidden deep behind your home.

In the cove you’d created decades ago, he waits for you as he always does. Somehow always finding his way back to your little hideout, again and again, as devoted as the waves that lapped at your shore.

Skin beaded with water, dark eyes pinned on you, always on you–the man you find does not match the names he’d been given over the past five hundred years, a fraction to your own existence.

K'uk'ulkan. Niño sin amor. Namor.

Legends only ever depicted him as one of two things: The merciless feathered serpent god worshipped by a long existing culture or the child without love, he who would light the world aflame if only he was not shackled to the ocean.

Here in this refuge you’d created, however, you’d learned that he was more than just that. Had spent nearly four hundred years unearthing every cavern of his mind, body and soul.

Without saying it, you know his worry has guided him through the currents today.

“I came to make sure you were unhurt after the Earthquake,” he says lowly, lacking the teasing lilt he often greeted you with. “But it seems you might know more than me already...”.

The armour you wear is dappered in metallic [favourite colour] with [complimentary colour] accents, something he has not seen before in all of your years together.

Wearing it not even a week after the world felt Tiamut’s movement is all the evidence he needs, a damning fact that the tremors felt all over the world are more than what they are.

Slowly, Namor rises from the water and as he does, sea-foam bubbles around him, the worry you weren’t even aware had begun to fester dispersing just the same.

“I take it this is not for pleasure?” he continues, his nonchalance contradicted by the twitch of winged ankles.

“I’m afraid not,” you reply in lieu of your normal greeting.

His eyes linger on the glow of your hands, of the way your shoulders and arms are taught in a way he is unfamiliar with and you’re warmly reminded that he is not the only one who has been made bare before in this cove.

As detailed as you can, you explain to him what you had learned in the past few hours: Arishem had created your family to evolve the human species, not for their own betterment; but so their progression could provide enough energy for a Celestial to emerge from the Earth’s core once the Deviants were eliminated.

The world is ending, you reveal, almost choking on the cold, ugly truth.

When Sersei had explained it the first time, between rasped breaths and soft cries, you didn’t allow yourself time to lament what it all meant.

But now, seeing what you’ve come to consider the architect of your very being in front you, the truth unravels in a way that you cannot deny what it is.

An anchor that will drown you, or has drowned you already, considering all you’ve lost before. The people, memories, the love.

"We’ve never fought a Celestial before,” you admit, thinking of Thena, anguished and desperate, the echo of infinity seared into her gaze, before you think of your people and of him. “But we want this planet to be our last. I want it to be my last.”

It is not the words, but they might as well be.

In an instant, Namor grips your wrist, pulling you back into him as you huff with surprise.

His arms band around your waist, keeping you caged where he can nose along the column of your neck, hear the hitch in your breath at his closeness.

“If this is then true, tell me why I shouldn’t persuade you to stay with me?” he growls lowly at the base of your throat, easily shifting between calm and not, as fluid as the sea. “I could compel you to stay here where it’s safe, where you can stay here with me,”.

You can’t help but groan under the ministrations of his teeth on your skin when he begins to nibble, hands moving towards his face as you summon every ounce of sensibility in you to turn his head away. A hard feat, given the way your blood sings as slivers of his siren melody bleed into his words.

“Because though you would rather see the world burn, you would protect your people by any means necessary,” you gasp, feeling your fondness for him swell when he stills, caught.

For Talocan, Namor would protect his Kingdom by any means and at any cost. Even if he despised the rest of the world and would gladly burn the surface asunder, he would not condemn his people to burn, too.

You and your family, as splintered as they’ve come to be, are the greatest gamble he can take to save them and everyone else. Even if it means he can’t join you.

Silent in his defeat, Namor–sweet, enchanting Namor– tilts your head to his languidly, leaning forward and bringing you in a kiss that makes you both want to leave and surrender yourself to him all at once.

Humming, he slots your mouths together even more as he shifts you in his arms, and you have to swallow the moan the bubbles in your throat once he pulls away, fingers digging into the flesh of your hips.

“The ocean has given me many miracles, mi puksik’al. But it has also given me many tragedies...” he says hoarsely, after a moment.

Leaning his forehead against your own to stare you deep in the eyes, it’s a wonder he’s only ever been called cruel and monstrous things when he all he is is bewitching. Wondrous even as he pleads: “I cannot afford one more, [Your Name].”

As he breathes, you press your nose against his and do the same. Feeling your heart break and mend all at once as you take life from his breath.

When you first landed on Earth, you found that there was no greater resource on the planet than its ocean. Deep, vast and endless. A force that could give as easily as it took away.

You’d revered it and its various forms the same way you did the man before you. Perhaps less than him now, you admit in this moment, when he leans back and brushes his lips against the crown of your head.

“Come back to me,” comes the murmur. “Meent’ uts”.

Closing your eyes, all you can do is nod as you take in the scent of salt and tears, rasping, “E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai” as you surge upward to breathe him in once more.

NOTES:

Since all the Eternals all belong to different ethnic groups, Reader is Polynesian. I imagine her living somewhere on the island of Niue, as it is a coral atoll and has natural coves and chasms already though you can imagine otherwise.

The way Reader “takes life from his breath” when pressing their forehead against Namor’s references the Maori people and the action of the hongi, which recalls the Māori legend of the creation of the first earthly woman, Hineahuone. She was formed from clay by the creator god Tāne, who then breathed life into her nostrils.

“E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai” is a Samoan proverb meaning that life may take someone far from home but they will always return. Case and point: Reader and Namor.

E lele le toloa ae ma’au i le auvai = The toloa bird flies far, but will always return to the water.

I am not an expert in the Mayan/Yucate language, which I believe is the main language Namor speaks, but I’ve taken the following translations from various online sources and apologise sincerely if its not quite right. Please correct me where I’m wrong and I’ll note it down for future reference. I’d also appreciate any reputable linguistic sources for all my fanfics moving forward, but anyway:

mi puksik’al = my heart

Meent’ uts = please

#black panther wakanda forever #wakanda forever #black panther: wakanda forever #black panther imagine #namor #talocan #namor x reader #polynesian!reader #eternal!reader #mcu eternals #mcu black widow #mcu imagine #poc!reader #talokan #namor imagine #k'uk'ulkan #mayan #intothemultifandom

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fieldofdaisiies · 10 months

Text

gwyn x balthazar | 2,7k words | warnings: none | masterlist

"Balthazar!"

The young Illyrian turns on his heels, hearing someone —a female— shout his name. His alarm bells are immediately on high alert, his gaze searching for any imminent danger. But there is none, only Emerie heading for him. She seems a bit out of breath, a thin film of sweat coating her face.

"Balthazar," she breathes out when she reaches him, bending slightly at the waist when she sucks in another breath. She exhales loudly, brings a hand up, brushes it over her forehead and then straightens up. "You are going to Velaris?"

He looks puzzled for a moment, wondering how she knows about it. And it's almost like the Valkyrie can read his thoughts. She chuckles softly, saying, "Do you think Gwyn keeps secrets from us?" Her eyes twinkle in the morning light as the sun rises over the Illyrian mountains.

He smirks, but inside, Balthazar feels incredibly happy, his heart doing around twenty leaps. Gwyn told her friends about him and that she invited him!

"So, you are?" Emerie bounces on her toes, a smug smile on her lips.

"I am, yes." He nods, unfolding his wings and spreading them wide behind his back. "I’m about to leave."

Emerie inhales deeply. "Is there a chance…that you can take me with you? You know…I…I—" "Of course," Balthazar quickly says, her pain somehow still so prominent.

She does not have to articulate what had been done to her by her own family. Balthazar knows about it, he won't make her talk about it if it is not necessary.

"Also, apologies. Do I have to address you as…Lord Balthazar now?" Tipping his head back, the young Illyrian chuckles loudly and when he straightens his posture, he shakes his head. "Please, don't. I am Balthazar to you, and will forever be."

Emerie smiles in return. She watches him closely, wondering when exactly he turned from a little, scared boy, into this strong, powerful and charming young male with the sparkling eyes and a smile that makes many females' heart melt. He turned into a male that will become the best camp lord Windhaven has ever seen, Emerie is sure of that.

When they were little her and Balthazar sometimes played together, not often but occasionally. Behind the laundry house, in the mud. She can still vividly recall how he would use wooden sticks to demonstrate various fighting techniques. It left her both confused and surprised — his willingness to teach her fighting skills. He was a male, younger back then, but still a male, and yet wanted to teach a female how to fight?

Nevertheless, she embraced these small lessons with him and to this day remembers what he taught her. Some days, in fact, most days, she couldn't help envy Thena for having a brother like Balthazar – a genuinely good male in her life.

Emerie shakes her head and with it the thoughts and memories vanish. She smiles at the young Illyrian who already has his hand extended, waiting for her to grab it.

She hesitantly reaches for him, moving closer to allow him to pick her up.

Balthazar does, as softly and gently as possible, lifting her into his strong arms. He holds her securely, not too tightly or close to his body, but enough to make her feel safe and at ease. "Ready?" he asks in a soft tone.

"Ready," Emerie whispers, the hurt about never being able to fly herself making her throat constrict. She has come to terms with it, has accepted her fate, but that does not mean it does not hurt anymore. It will hurt forever, the scars it left on her heart never vanishing.

Windhaven is only waking up when they start their ascent. The air is cool and crisp, a light breeze blowing over their skins and through their hair. Balthazar's large wings beat steadily behind his broad shoulders and slowly they move higher into the sky, above the tree tops.

"I think I've never asked," Emerie says and searches his gaze, "but how are you feeling after…after your father's death?"

Her own father, Proteus, died in the war with Hybern. And he died alongside Balthazar's father. They both lost their father that day and while Emerie was more relieved than in any way sad about it, she doesn't know how Balthazar dealt with it. Or is dealing with it.

"I am not particularly sad about his passing," Balthazar says, matter-of-factly. A muscle ticks in his jaw, his gaze trained upon the trees in front of him. Emerie can see that some emotion passes over his face — not grief, but hurt.

He guides them a little higher and draws in a deep inhale. "He…he was an abusive asshole. He hurt us, he hurt my mother, my sister. He hurt me. And I am glad he is gone." Rage simmers beneath Balthazar's skin almost like talking about what has happened evoked some whirlwind of anger to start brewing inside of him. But he does not let it break free, clamps down on it.

Yet, his eyes have turned teary, so have Emerie's and she wiggles an arm free, grabbing Balthazar's upper arm. "I know exactly what you mean." She opens up and starts to talk, telling him about her own father, about what he had done, how he had treated them. The words pour out of her, and she shares everything, knowing everything is safe with him. Her future camp lord.

Balthazar adds some of his own memories to her stories and slowly they realise that their childhoods have been quite similar in many ways. They lived a few huts apart from each other, but experienced the same exact things while growing up.

"I know with you being camp lord, nothing like this will ever happen again."

"No, it won't. When become camp lord, I will never let something like this happen again. No female will ever be treated like that again." It seems like this hope about changing the future, gives him so confidence, some trust and belief in himself that he can actually do it.

Emerie smiles through the tears. She gazes up at him, and her smile turns brighter. He will be the best camp lord Windhaven has ever seen. She can't wait for the day when it is official. And additionally, she also knows that this young male will be the greatest companion for Gwyn. Emerie couldn't have hoped for anyone better for her best friend than him.

"Do you trust me, Emerie?" Balthazar asks, his tone a little bit lighter now. His voice is still raspy, dried tears visible on his cheeks. It is something Emerie appreciates about him. He's not afraid to show his emotions, even in front of a female, which demonstrates his inner strength and confidence in his masculinity.

"I do…" she whispers, her voice a little uncertain concerning what is about to come. And she is really not at all prepared for what is about to come.

Within the blink of an eye, Balthazar shifts her in his arms, his hands sliding under her armpits where he holds her – rather holds her out in front of it, her legs or rather whole body dangling in the air.

Emerie shrieks a gust of wind brushing her exposed limbs. “Oh Gods!” she squeals, but then takes in the scenery that is provided to her - finally seeing it from a whole different perspective.

"Spread your arms, Emerie," Balthazar tells her and so she does.

"I will never be able to understand your pain, but maybe I can give you a little taste of what flying feels like. Let your feet dangle, spread your arms and most importantly…" His voice trails off, as they gain speed. "Close your eyes. You are safe with me, you have nothing to fear."

And so Emerie does as she is told, her lids closing, the wind softly stroking over her face, over her entire body and she feels…free. Weightless. Alive.

A happy squeak leaves her, her heart bleeding but slowly healing. Tears stream down her cheeks, tasting salty in her mouth. But they are no sad tears, they are happy tears, full of joy and love.

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

"Are you alright?" Nesta's voice is filled with concern, probably having noticed both their puffy eyes, her hand immediately reaching out to grab Emerie's. She pulls Emerie to her.

"Never been better!" The Valkyrie grins, her gaze moving to Balthazar and then back to her best friend. "He showed me how to fly. He let me fly. Can you believe that? I…I almost flew fully on my own."

Nesta's eyes widen, her gaze ping-ponging between Balthazar who smiles politely, and her best friend, who has glossy, swollen eyes but beams at her.

"That is…I am so happy for you." Nesta embraces her best friend in a tight hug, and when she does so, her gaze meets Balthazar's.

Her eyes, full of gratitude and admiration, convey more than words could speak in this very moment.

Balthazar's heart warms. And he knows it has been the right decision to accept the position of camp lord. If this sort of happiness is possible through such a small gesture, he knows he can do a lot more. Change many things for the better. He wants to do great things. He wants to have this sort of happiness all throughout Windhaven. Even outside the borders of the war camp.

"We should go find our places now, the service is about to start." Nesta steps away, and both of them nod. "Mor is inside already." They have met in something like a big Library, that Balthazar still finds himself marvelling at. He has never seen such large and towering shelves, filled with thousands of books. It is impressive and stunning, but it also makes him wonder why Gwyn would live here. Why in this place? It does not seem like an ordinary dormitory, rather like a…sanctuary of sorts.

At the mention of Morrigan Emerie's body goes a little rigid and a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. "How lovely," she expresses, strolling forward. "What are we waiting for?"

Balthazar's eyes widen in silent admiration, pupils dilating with wonder, as he takes in the service hall. The service hall is rather small, but nevertheless beautiful - like a hidden gem beneath the House of Wind. The walls of the hall are adorned with mosaic and immediately capture Balthazar’s attention, just like the benches and he knows they have all been meticulously crafted by talented hands. The ceiling seems clear and bright, creating a beautiful atmosphere inside that seems both enchanting and inviting.

Balthazar’s gaze moves around, to the group of priestesses at the very front, and his lips part.

Gwyn, wearing her beautiful pale blue robes, her long copper hair cascading down her back, immediately captures him. She is glowing and their eyes meet. Her smile, shy and heart-melting, is something Balthazar wants to remember forever. There is so much joy in her expression, so much hope and bliss. Never has anyone ever looked at him like that, and he wants to treasure this moment forever.

His heart flutters in response, and a warmth spreads through his chest, making him grin even brighter. Nesta next to him stifles a laugh, but Balthazar barely notices it.

Gwyn raises her hand in a delicate wave. And he returns it, folding his wings in so tightly that he can squeeze in between the benches.

When the service starts, the priestesses start to sing, and Balthazar knows that he has never ever before heard anything so beautiful, so mellifluous, it bewitches his heart.

Balthazar's whole focus is on Gwyn, his eyes and ears wide open in wonder and admiration. She is enchanting, there is absolutely no doubt about it, and his heart starts to beat faster, skipping one or the other beat. Her voice is the most beautiful thing he has ever heard and he has known this from the very first time he heard her sing on the rooftop. It is both enchanting and captures its heart like ribbons of silk curl around it. He is taken back to the moment on the rooftop where he shared his nightmares with her, and they truly talked for the first time. And he knew it back then…he was going to fall in love with this breathtaking female.

He is falling in love with her. This is what falling in love feels like. She has enchanted his heart, captured it, and he knows it already belongs to her.

Balthazar's lips part in silent wonder, so much happiness filling his entire being at the realisation of this. He is in love, and that for the very first time in his life. And this feeling —Cauldron and Mother— is absolutely amazing.

He is so caught up in his thoughts, in the happiness he is feeling in this moment, he doesn't even notice that the service has come to an end. He, half-dreaming, follows Nesta, Emerie and Lady Morrigan outside of the hall, almost like walking on clouds, not paying any attention to their conversation only thinking about Gwyn.

But suddenly, Emerie snaps her fingers in front of his face, fetching him back to reality. They have stopped in a place that looks like a huge library.

"So?" she asks, eyes sparkling mischievously, a wicked grin on her lips. "Are you able to answer, my dear camp lord, or is your mind still with…Gwyn's beautiful voice?"

Heat and most definitely colour fill Balthazar's cheeks and he opens his mouth, but no words come out. He tries to glower, but has to chuckle and gives his head a shake. "Females…" he breathes.

"Hey! Be careful, youngling, or those females will whip your camp lord ass." Amused warning flashes brightly in Morrigan's eyes and Balthazar has to laugh again, the sound rich and low.

"Apologies. Emerie, what did you want to ask?" His cheeks still feel hot, his palms a little clammy.

"If you want to go home immediately, or if it is alright if we stay a little longer?" Her voice sounds hopeful, and when Balthazar wants to tell her that he would love to stay, Gwyn beats him to it.

"I think he wants to stay little longer." Her soft voice wraps around him, dancing over his skin, and a moment later Gwyn appears in his vision, slinging her arm through Nesta's and his breath catches in his throat, heart hammering against his rib cage. Stunning…the only word to describe her in this moment.

"Did you like the service?" Gwyn asks and smiles.

“It was wonderful,” Nesta says. “Just like every service. There is always something different about it, but it every time it is touching and beautiful.” The Valkyrie is beaming at her best friend and also Emerie compliments the service.

As they talk a little about the songs they sung during the service, it becomes clear that Mor and Emerie would love to spend some time together. Alone. The stolen glances and shy smiles speak volumes.

Emerie and Balthazar agree they will head back to Windhaven shortly before the sun starts to set and so her and Mor leave, their soft giggles reveberating through the corridors of the Library until they are out of earshot.

“I will apologise myself as well, looking for my mate. I haven’t seen him all day,” Nesta says and turns to look at Gwyn, waiting for her to give her the signal that it is alright to leave her alone with Balthazar.

Gwyn bows her head with a sheepish but grateful smile on her lips. (Her and Nesta had arranged that Nesta would check in with her if it is alright to leave her alone with Balthazar, should he want to stay a little longer).

Alone, now only her and Balthazar in the corridor outside the service hall, they take a moment to simply look at each other and revel in the peaceful silence. “I would like to show you my room,” then Gwyn eventually says after a moment. “You showed me your wood crafting space, I would also like to show you where I love to spend my time." Gwyn smiles up at him, eyes hopeful, her heart beating a little faster.

~~~~~~~~~~ tag list: @a-frog-with-a-laptop @brekkershadowsinger @moonlightazriel @callmeblaire @headcanonheadcase @waternymphia @autumndreaming7 @devilsfoodcake22 @readercacau @sv0430 @bubybubsters @cyntia-ktn

#gwyn berdara #gwyneth berdara #gwyn x balthazar #balthazar #balthazar acotar #acotar #acosf #acofah #acourtoffateandhealing

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cdragons · 7 months

Text

"Strawberry Cream Frosting" - Next Gen Eternals AU

Summary: Ikaris and Sephia's son fell in love with Thena and Gilgamesh's daughter. Chaos ensues.

Warning(s): Fluff, accidental love-bombing, Thena and Gil being the best adoptive parents EVER, Mara can't process emotions for shit

Author's Note: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ONE AND ALL! I hope everyone had a wonderful day reading a bunch of fics and looking at fan edits!

When Mara opened the front door, she had her baseball bat ready and was prepared to give whatever fucking dumb solicitor was on the doorstep, ringing the doorbell for the tenth time on a Saturday morning.

She wasn’t expecting…whatever the hell this was.

“Happy Valentine’s Day!”

It was a giant box that looked about four cubic feet big and was wrapped in shiny red wrapping paper, pink ribbons, and glitter. On the top was a little sign stating, ‘Bee my Valentine?’ with a little crochet bee keychain attached.

Mara just stood under Gil- her parents’ doorway for thirty seconds. She didn’t say anything. She just blinked at the giant package- until she blurted out the first coherent enough thought in her mind.

“What the fuck?”

A head popped from behind the…thing, and suddenly, it all made sense.

Laurie. And from how insane his hair looked, he decided it was a good idea to fly from Scotland to Ka’ena Point, Oahu.

“Happy First Valentine’s Day!” he exclaimed before shaking the box for emphasis. As if she couldn’t notice how fucking gargantuan it was from just staring at it.

“…Laurie, what the hell am I looking at?” Mara asked. She pointed at it. “Is Arthur in there with a confetti cannon?”

Laurie furrowed his brow in confusion. “What? Oh! No, I know it’s a little big. But it’s your first Valentine’s Day, and I wanted to do something nice be–”

“What the hell is ‘Valentine’s Day’?” Mara interrupted. “Is it like a food day or something?”

“You don’t know what Valentine’s Day is?” he gaped.

She shook her head. “No…what’s the big deal? Is it like that Christmas thing I went to with the small boxes under the tree?”

The mega-watt smile Laurie flashed to her made Mara slightly worried. Despite how predictable he was, Mara could never get a good read on the guy. He wasn’t dangerous- that much was obvious. But whenever he and Mara were in the same room, he would act like he was glued to her hip. It didn’t help that Uri and Arthur immediately clicked on their first meeting.

And it really didn’t help when she shoved a shotgun in his face before his dad with the pew-pew eyes slammed her against the ground by her neck.

“Don’t make that face,” she ordered. “I don’t like that face.”

But Laurie wasn’t listening. He was jumping on the balls of his feet in excitement. “I have to teach you about it! It’ll be lots of fun, I promise! We can do a bunch of stuff! Wait, just let me–”

Mara moved to the side to let him in. “Oh, yeah. Just–”

He set the heavily decorated box on the ground before asking if he could use the bathroom. She pointed it down the hall. When he was out of sight, Mara tried to lift the box to see how heavy it was, and- holy shit, it must have been over thirty pounds.

How the fuck did that tall-ass twig carry this?

She felt a different heat presence behind her- whipping her head, she calmed down when she realized it was only Gil.

“My dad, everyone,” Mara thought wryly while wearing. “The powerhouse of strength in the Eternals, wearing a ‘Kiss the Chef’ apron.”

“Why was Laurie at the door? And what’s in that box?” he asked while holding his famous quiche in a hot cast-iron pan without gloves.

Mara just shrugged. “Hell, if I know. He said it was for Valentine’s Day or something like that.”

“Ohhhh,” Gil smiled. “For Valentine’s Day? And that big box is all for you? That’s Sephie’s kid for you all right.”

“What’s Sephie’s kid?” came a new voice.

Turning her head, Mara watched Thena walk down the stairs carrying Uri on her hip. It still baffled her to witness how the ancient goddess never had a bad case of bedhead the entire time she and her brother lived with her and Gil.

Gil answered. “Laurie came to visit, giving a certain someone a gift for Valentine’s Day.”

Mara’s dad wiggled his eyebrows at his daughter before setting the quiche down on the table while she rolled her eyes at what he was implying.

Uri looked at his sister and then Thena before tugging on his mom's sleeve.

“What’s Valentine’s Day?” he signed.

Smiling at her sunshine son, Thena explained. “It’s a day humans made to celebrate love. You spend it with friends and the people you love. When you love someone very much, you ask them to be your ‘Valentine.’”

She bopped his nose with a finger and softly laughed from hearing his contagious giggles. Mara smiled, too. Uri’s happiness was infectious. His smile alone was her reason for fighting and running as long as she had. She’d do anything to ensure he was safe, which made her happy to know it paid off.

He signed another question. “If my Valentine has to be someone I love lots, does that mean you, Mara, and Daddy will be my Valentine? Or can I only pick one?”

Mara replied as she reached out to hold him. “You can have as many valentines as you want, Uri. No need to ration out the love.”

She pressed a kiss on his chubby cheek. Peace washed over her when he pressed a loud kiss on hers before wrapping his arms around her neck to hug his sister. Uri was the sunniest sunshine summer child to be born. He radiated comfort with his entire being. There was more love and warmth in his toothy grin than…anything. He was her whole world, and she was his. That was enough.

Laurie walked back into view. “Hey, Uri! How’ve you been?”

Uri smiled wide before wildly clapping. He loved Laurie and his family. He mostly loves Ari, Laurie’s baby brother, who became Uri’s best friend after two minutes of meeting him.

She still remembers how Thena decked their dad after he asked if Uri gave his son any drugs after seeing them spin in circles in the dirt. Mara laughed so hard that tears came pouring out of her eyes.

Laurie put his hand to cover his mouth and loudly whispered in Uri’s ear. “Do you think I can take your sister out today? I want to teach her about Valentine’s Day.”

This distressed Uri as he scrunched his face while clinging tighter to Mara. He adapted wonderfully when Thena and Gil took them in, but he hated being separated from his sister for any period. The first day of her new school was a complete shit show because he cried while she was gone.

“But, I promise that I will bring her back shortly. We’ll even bring you souvenirs!”

Uri looked at her in confusion.

“Presents,” she clarified. “I’ll still be your Valentine, and we can go out and look for some pretty shells tomorrow, okay? You can show them to all your fishy friends.”

Although he liked the idea of presents and spending all of tomorrow with his favorite person in the whole world, Uri still didn’t want Mara to go- at least not without him.

“Why don’t we eat breakfast first? Laurie, can you help Uri get ready? I need to make sure Gil doesn’t dose his coffee with any booze.” She handed her brother to her…friend before going to the kitchen.

Gil had a big fucking smirk on his face when she walked in.

Mara snarled as she grabbed the apron he and Thena made for her as a new home present. “Not a fucking word. I don’t want to hear it. By the way, do we have any cinnamon rolls left in the freezer?”

He only smiled wider. “I wasn’t going to say anything. And we do. Why do you ask?”

Taking the leftover rolls, she preheated the oven. She then grabbed some oranges from the basket on the floor. Slicing them in half before setting the sieve over the plastic pitcher, and taking one half of an orange over the sieve. Taking a deep breath, Mara centered herself.

“Karla,” the name echoed in her mind as the soul covered her hand, and Mara squeezed the orange until the pulp was dry.

She took the rinds and absorbed the remaining qi inside it as a tribute of thanks for her friend’s help. Karla was the youngest and wasn’t called on as much as her other sisters, so Mara wanted to include her in something. The warmth on her skin when she returned to her ink-painted nest was a sign she appreciated the gesture.

Thena walked in and stood behind you. “You should go with Laurie.”

“Why?” she groaned out. “I don’t feel like it.”

The oven dinged once adequately preheated, and Mara plopped the rolls on the rack. She grabbed a metal mixing bowl and all the ingredients to make the cream cheese frosting- including some crushed-up freeze-dried strawberry slices. After measuring them and placing them in the bowl, she started to stir.

“You need more friends,” the two ancient beings spoke in unison.

Thena pressed a kiss on her daughter's head. “You don’t talk to anyone at school. And you can’t spend all your free time surfing, at the shop, playing with Uri, and studying.”

Gil pulled in for a giant bear hug. “Hey, no pressure. But you have to admit, it’ll be a nice change to have someone spoil you for once. And with a tall, pretty boy, too.”

Mara glared at her adoptive dad as he moved past her to get to the bathroom. She tried to fight down the red blush blooming on her cheeks. But she only continued to stir the bowl until it became thick and made the color she wanted.

“I get spoiled enough by the two of you as is,” she grumbled. “And also–”

Laurie and Uri, coming into the kitchen, cut Mara off. “We’re here! And I made sure Uri brushed his teeth and flossed. And – woah, Mara! Why is your face so red? Are you sick?”

He put down Uri and raced to her side. He put his hand on her forehead to take her temperature and used his other one to touch his for comparison. He was so close that she could smell the wind on his skin and the mint toothpaste on his breath. Mara stared at his face- how were his eyelashes so long? And why were his eyes so blue? She felt her face heat up even more and cleared her throat before turning her head.

“It’s nothing,” she croaked. “Can you…can you help Thena set the table? The plates and cups are in the overhead cabinets, and the utensils are in the drawers.”

Laurie moved to grab everything to help set up the table on the outside deck. Mara watched as Thena cupped his face with a warm smile and told him how tall and strong he was becoming. Gil returned and ruffled his air before asking if he was still set on becoming a doctor with how much his muscles had grown. Uri tugged on his sleeve to ask if Ari had missed him as much as he missed him.

This was the part of Laurie that Mara could never figure out how he fit in perfectly and seamlessly without issue or error in any situation. She could analyze and pinpoint a person’s position and physical weaknesses with her abilities without blinking. Every living thing had a heat signature that she could exploit.

But with Laurie…she didn’t want to do that to him. It was like his weaknesses only made him more appealing to others. Ever since the girl first met him, he would follow her around like a puppy desperate for attention from its owner. It bugged her for months. And if she were being honest, it still did after a year of knowing him.

Mara couldn’t really explain it. But it was like...his warmth was inherent- it came from a softer place where only goodness existed. It was less of a raging inferno like her own and more like a gentle campfire. If Mara was a snake, then Laurie was a bunny. A bunny nearly six-foot-tall with clear blue eyes and light freckles–

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

The oven’s timer went off- breaking her out of the analogy and into reality. She took the rolls out using an oven glove and placed them on a cooling stone.

“Are those cinnamon rolls?”

Mara looked over her shoulder, and Laurie was crouching right behind her. His chin was practically on her shoulder.

She nodded. “You like them, right? You said your mom made them for you for breakfast on your…um…what’d you call it?”

He was giddy with glee. “My birthday! I told you that at Christmas! We were all at Brympton d'Evercy to celebrate Sersi’s and Dane’s engagement! I can’t believe you remembered that!”

Mara supposed the way he smiled was…sort of cute… nowhere near as blindly adorable as Uri’s, but attractive enough.

“Yeah…well, you did fly to give me that…thing. And you're even teaching me about this Valentine’s Day stuff. So, I thought…this could be my present to you.”

If Mara was facing Laurie, she would have seen the softest look of love and adoration grace an adolescent boy’s face in the history of humanity. Laurie loved Mara Drake so much. His dad said he was too young for dating- let alone love, but he knew they were destined for forever.

He wanted to kiss her so badly. But he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be pinned down like how he was when they first met.

Mara scraped the little dried spot on the kitchen island. She so did not like feeling as stupid as she did right now. But…she had a gut feeling Laurie was worth it.

“Um…I crushed some dry strawberry things and added them to the frosting. It turned pink, and I thought that was okay since I saw pink on the box and thought–”

“Cinnamon rolls are my favorite, and I love strawberries,” he whispered. “And pink…pink’s my favorite color after blue. It reminds me of my mom.”

“And if you have time, we can…go find some good spots for sea-shell hunting. Uri can take forever, and it’ll save me some time. I know it’s kind of shitty- especially because you’re doing this whole thing.”

“I love you.”

Mara choked on her own spit and turned her head in shock. Her eyes were bulging out of your head.

What- what did he say?

“What?” her voice cracked.

Now, it was Laurie’s time to turn red. Did he really just say that? And with Gil and Thena literally less than twenty feet away? Was he trying to get the love of his life to hate him forever? Oh fuck, he needed to backtrack.

“IT! I meant to say, ‘I love IT!’ I’d love to help you find seashells! I could even bring some for Ari and Aggie! Actually – they made some Valentine's gifts for you and your brother, too! Ari made this really cool card for Uri. He summoned a bunch of turquoise and made this cool heart! So, um…thanks.”

His voice cracked as he stammered to save himself before awkwardly pausing to express gratitude.

An awkward silence echoed as the awkward future couple mutually decided that their feet were the room's most exciting part.

And the dads decided to make it even worse.

“MARA! IKARIS TOLD ME TO TELL YOU TO MAKE SURE THAT LAURIE’S VIRGINITY BETTER BE INTACT WHEN HE COMES HOME!”

Mara was caught so off-guard that she dropped the spatula in her hand. The pink frosting splattered all over the floor and would be a bitch to clean up.

Fucking-

“TELL HIM TO EAT A DICK AND FUCK OFF!” she yelled back as Laurie buried his face in his hands.

He really hoped Aggie had more luck not humiliating herself with Hamish the way he had with Mara.

Somewhere in Scotland, a little Ari sat on the couch with his mommy as she stroked his daddy’s hair. His daddy was lying in his mommy’s lap.

“Mama? Why is Da crying?” he innocently asked.

You only smiled. “Karma.”

At the same time, in the Amazon, a young girl was planning her and her forever love’s future wedding when she suddenly stood up and looked in the distance. Her future husband asked whatever was bothering his little lady love.

The young girl only sighed while shaking her head. “The idiot fucked up.”

Tagging: @ethereal-athalia, @valeskafics, @asa-do-your-thing, @arcielee, @jolixtreesunn, @beananacake, @redheadspark, @vikingqueen28, @lexyysworld, @lilacliquors, @tesha-i-guess, @tess-love, @inejismywife, @bumblebeesuniverse, @aphroditesmoon

Click on this link if you want to read more about this universe!

#eternals x reader #marvel x reader #druig x kaety #ikaris x sephia #ikaris kids #druig's kids #next generation of eternals #thena #gilgamesh #ikaris #druig #ikaris x reader #druig x reader #druig x oc #ikaris x oc #eternals au #valentines day #valentines day fic #ikaris imagine

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themculibrary · 3 months

Text

Taylor Swift Lyric Titles Masterlist

all too well (druig & makkari) (ao3) - camihearts druig/makkari T, 2k

Summary: All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) but make it Druig and Makkari.

don't blame me, (love made me crazy) (ao3) - fluffy_miracle loki/mobius M, 2k

Summary: Mobius is tired. Angry. He's been searching for Loki for fucking days because he ran after his variant and Mobius feels so fucking stupid because he should have seen it coming. Now the TVA has them both back in custody where they belong and Mobius is more than a little jealous. He wanted Loki to look at him like he does at Sylvie. How this god has affected his impulse control because Mobius finds himself shoving Loki up agains the wall and telling him exactly what he wants from him.

Loki doesn't respond the way Mobius thought he would.

dreaming ‘bout the day (ao3) - tellxmebby steve/tony T, 3k

Summary: Tony/Steve Highschool AU fic based on Taylor Swift’s music video “You Belong With Me”.

fearless (ao3) - softeninglooks steve/tony N/R, 1k

Summary: Where Steve catches up on modern music in Tony’s workshop.

hey, stephen (i’ve been holding back this feeling) (ao3) - hopelessrdj tony/stephen G, 11k

Summary: Tony Stark and Stephen Strange have never met each other before until the day every student at their university gets forced into attending one co-educative class not connected to their major. Both geniuses end up in the music department and in order to make it more interesting they come up with a competition between the two of them.

In Paper Rings, In Picture Frames (Oh, You're The One I Want) (ao3) - OceanSpray5 druig/makkari G, 14k

Summary: Or, Druig and Makkari get married and wait for the rest of their oblivious family to figure it out.

invisible string (ao3) - captasha_universe steve/natasha T, 4k

Summary: Three years after Steve divorces his ex-wife Sharon, Natasha and her daughter Lucy receive a surprise visit from Steve and his two kids, resulting in a wonderful day spent and Natasha and Steve rekindling their romance of the past.

it felt like home somehow (ao3) - orlandoblueberry wanda/vision G, 5k

Summary: After a dinner where the Avengers all come out as Taylor Swift fans, Vision seeks Wanda’s help to understand the appeal of this kind of music. Romance ensues, obviously.

loving him was red (and blue) (ao3) - 70sBabe mj/peter T, 22k

Summary: the story of Peter/MJ, told through the tracks of Taylor Swift's album Red

maroon (ao3) - MissAmyShay mj/peter E, 13k

Summary: In which Peter and MJ spend an eventful 24 hours together after three years apart.

on a wednesday, in a cafe (ao3) - TaraLy gilgamesh/thena T, 111k

Summary: Thenamesh Coffee Shop AU. No angst, no plot, only love (and food).

one single thread of gold tied me to you (ao3) - vegetativestate druig/makkari G, 1k

Summary: The smile this dredges up in Druig is brighter and more radiant than anything a Celestial could conjure, and Makkari thinks, there it is. The sun.

So they lie there, on the duvet, under the stars, centuries worth of lost time stitched together as they breathe their own galaxy into existence.

or, Makkari and Druig decide to take a vacation after the Emergence and before they leave Earth, where they talk and stargaze. Sensibly.

the more you say the less i know (wherever you stray, i follow) (ao3) - notcaycepollard sam/bucky M, 22k

Summary: It starts in the desert.

the way i loved you (ao3) - agayturtle wanda/natasha T, 3k

Summary: “It’s 2am and I’m cursing your name…”

Wanda and Natasha’s relationship didn’t last longer than a couple of months, but Natasha can’t help but wonder if they made the right choice when they ended things.

or The Way I Loved You by Taylor Swift but it’s Wandanat.

you are the best thing that's ever been mine (hold on, never turn back) (ao3) - lesbiannshit wanda/natasha G, 1k

Summary: Natasha and Wanda fight and Nat expects Wanda to leave, but to her surprise, Wanda stays. (loosely based off of Taylor Swift's song Mine)

you can call me babe for the weekend (ao3) - complicationstoo steve/tony T, 10k

Summary: Tony left his small town for Los Angeles after high school, leaving behind everything to pursue his dream. Ten years later, he comes back for the first time and finds that some things are impossible to let go of.

you can hear it in the silence (you can feel it on the way home) (ao3) - notcaycepollard steve/bucky/sam E, 2k

Summary: “Are you two drunk?” he asks, and Sam laughs, blushes enough to confirm it. Bucky gasps, just a little, and Steve narrows his eyes a little more. “Are you fucking?” Bucky giggles, something that turns into a breathy sigh halfway through, and god, they are, they’re drunk and fucking and Steve was at work, it’s not fair, they are the worst.

“It was Sam’s idea,” Bucky tells him, and Sam brings his hand up from under the covers, smacks him lightly in the shoulder.

“The fort was my idea. Drinking and fucking, that was all you, Barnes.”

you look like my next mistake (ao3) - littlemissstark315 loki/tony M, 3k

Summary: based off Taylor Swifts “Blank Space”, Tony beds the wrong woman for the weekend, barely escaping with his life intact.

#themculibrary #marvel #mcu #masterlists #taylor swift #fictitles #fictitles masterlist #taylorswift #taylorswift masterlist

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softquietsteadylove · 2 months

Note

official spicy time for the runaway bride AU pleaseee <3

Gil closed the door behind him as he came back into the cabin. He was done washing up after what was a harrowing day for them, and that was keeping in mind that they had already experienced plenty before now.

He had given Thena a foot bath as soon as they got back, and she had all but dozed off then already. It would probably be for the best if she was dead asleep by now.

He couldn't imagine what it must have felt like for her. She had been faced with her past in her own home twice now. Had they dragged her off the porch? Did they break in the door and bruise her ivory skin like monsters? The thought made his stomach turn.

Gil sighed, seeing Thena lying on her side in their bed.

There had been a time when he hadn't wanted to lie with her. He wanted her to remain a proper lady, with him on a straw bed so he could respect her independence (newfound and fragile in the beginning). Now, they cuddled every night. Well, now they did more.

It was still a lie that they were married. No one had officiated anything and her father hadn't approved any bans. But they lived together, for more than a year now, they laid together, their hands were on each other most nights, now.

He certainly felt that if he had a wife, surely it was Thena.

He walked over to the bed, no shirt, just his cotton trousers rolled up to his knees. He tossed the cotton he used for a towel over one of the bed posts. He thought of the proper bath room he had wanted to build. Now, it was possible that the best thing to do was leave their home all together.

Thena rolled over. She was awake.

"Hey," he whispered, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

She said nothing, reaching up with her hands to bring his lips to hers. He granted her request, always happy to offer a sweet kiss. She asked for more, though.

Gil braced himself on the bed, hands on either side of her as she kissed him deeper, her tongue venturing further. As tired as he was, he felt himself ache for her. He groaned.

Thena rose in the bed to sit up. Her shoulders were bare. She kept the blanket pinned under her arms around her. "Gil, lie down."

His hair stood on end. He couldn't be sure, but he could feel something in the air. Thena made room for him in the bed, still holding the sheets around her. The fire in the hearth was waning but the light and deep shadows bent and stretched over her bare skin.

Once he was in the bed, Thena moved on top of him. It wasn't unheard of for her to position herself this way. It was easy for them to please each other in this position. But Gil blinked as she sat up, letting the sheets fall around her. His eyes travelled around the globes of her breasts, down between them and over her pale stomach.

She did nothing to stop his eyes from roaming her body. She did eventually tip his mouth closed and his chin back up to look in her eyes. When she had his attention again, she leaned in for another kiss.

His hands slid over her. His palms glided over her soft, warm back. He had never touched her like this--or this much of her. He would become addicted. He was already a little too excited about it.

But Thena moved deftly, grasping a handful of him and pulling him into the open air, even holding him upright in her palm. "Gil, I do not know what the future holds."

He held his breath as she looked at him. She moved smoothly, adjusting her hips so she could take him into her. They both moaned as first contact was made.

"But I don't want to wake up tomorrow and know I have never truly made love with you."

Gil grunted as she slid herself the rest of the way down onto him. Her soft bum met his pelvic bone and he grasped her hips to keep her still for a moment. He looked up at her, trying to grasp the expression on her face. "Thena, a-are you okay?"

She wiggled some on top of him. She had no idea the enticing effect her bouncing breasts had on him. But she took in a breath, dignifying herself the way a princess would. "It is far more pleasurable than horse riding."

Something about that, and the way she was so perfectly poised atop him, made something connect in his mind for the first time. He lifted his hips, enjoying and admiring the way her jaw dropped and her lips uttered a soft moan. He puffed through his nose.

Thena moaned again as he lifted his hips higher. She leaned forward, bracing herself against the headboard of the bed. Her unbound breasts swung into his view.

Gil happily took one into his mouth. Thena squeaked, her spine snapping, but he dragged his teeth along until the nipple left his possession by force. He looked up at her. She blushed.

Gil moved more rhythmically. He thrust up into her, in a way he had only done in his dreams. Even Thena's palm on a lazy morning didn't compare to this. He kept her leaning forward, looming over him in all her glory.

Thena made a sound for every thrust. Her hips began moving to match him, instinctively, her needs matching his. Her knees dug harder into the bed, spreading her legs more to let him go deeper. He hit the frontmost walls of her, and she mewled as if enjoying a good stretch in the morning.

"That's it."

Thena bit her lip as he started moving at his newer angle. She picked her head up, her blonde hair swinging around her with their movements. Her chest flushed pink and a sheen of sweat glistened on her skin.

Gil let his eyes wander again, travelling over Thena's body--the body of an absolute siren, apparently. Watching their connection, their hips meeting, her legs spread to either side of his drove him in a way he had never experienced before.

Thena cleared her throat. "This is not some brothel display."

He chuckled, directing his eyes back up to his love's. His moved his hands from just above her buttocks to running over her back, tapping his fingers where he felt her ribs. "Sorry, sweetheart."

Thena had to crane her neck to do it, but they kissed again, tongues nearly meeting before their lips did. He moved more feverishly than ever, and her voice rose in pitch. "Gil!"

He was nearing his end. His nethers tightened and he didn't think he was being hopeful and imagining hers doing the same. He took one of her hands from supporting her weight, moving it down. Her brow furrowed, her eyes shut and focused on finding the conclusion they had only begun achieving for her recently.

"Here," he whispered, guiding her hand to where they were joined. "Feel it?"

She bit her lip again. But he trusted her to feel around her own body better than he could. It did hinder his view somewhat, but there was a completely different pleasure to watching her do this for herself.

"It's okay, that's it," he encouraged. Her fingers began making a circular motion, assuring him that she had found what worked for her. He picked up his pace again. "I'm close."

"Close," she either asked or repeated, it was indecipherable. Her hand moved faster, the flush in her skin spreading quickly. "Gil, I-I-I-!"

Thena came quickly. She could teeter on the edge for some time but when she came, it was with her whole body. He let her bear down on him, all her weight moving to her hips grinding against his.

He groaned as he released not seconds later. It was an easy thing to do, with Thena's warmth encompassing and encouraging him. She made a purring sound as she felt him shooting into her, pump by pump. Exhaustion had no meaning to the organ dominating his actions currently.

They took time to catch their breath, the day and what had just taken place catching up with them. Thena's occupied hand had moved to using him as a support, right in the middle of his chest, the heel of her palm pressing into his sternum.

She whimpered as he moved her off of him and onto her side. He grasped blindly for the towel he had abandoned, moving it between her legs. She grumbled in quiet protest of it but he still thought she didn't quite know that such things did not simply dissolve after they were done.

He rolled over her somewhat, kissing her cheeks and lips more gently than they had been doing. "You okay?"

"Hm," she mused, although she sounded awfully contented. Her hands pawed at his chest, as they liked to do when she was satisfied. "Quite. You?"

He liked it when her lovely and eloquent speech left her for more singular statements. He kissed her again. Her tongue chased him but even if she could endure more tonight, he could not (deeply unfortunate). "I love you, Thena."

Her eyes opened, and the lovely flush in her cheeks deepened to a proper blush. She bent her head, nuzzling it against his neck. "I love you, too."

He smiled to himself, letting her curl into him as she liked. He was happy to hold his wife - in not so many words - as she desired. There was still the matter of what they would do. He could ask her how she felt about finding a spot for themselves in the village. But that could wait.

He had to find some way to get a ring, first.

#Thenamesh Runaway Bride AU #pt 2 #Thenamesh 18+#it's finally time for these two #I think Thena likes taking control for herself #it's a new avenue for her to explore #and she wants to be proactive about it #so she looks at Gil and says lie down cause I'm gonna fuck your brains out #I'm only somewhat kidding #Thena has been thinking about this for some time #ever since they've started doing things of this sort #eventually she's like wait I can...oh #so she says okay #and I mean once the sun rises again she's like shit I'm still naked #she remembers last night #and how amazing it was #and also how Gil has seen...a lot more of her than she planned #she remains cuddled up to him #and when he moves she keeps the sheets covering her #he on the other hand has no shyness and gets out of bed #swingin' around...as it were #Thena averts her eyes #he just chuckles and says that she'll have to get used to it #but he does put on trousers because she's still a lady #and he retrieves her night dress for her #which she had wiggled out of and thrown aside the night before #also I don't think people wore rings in I dunno let's say the 1600s-ish but whatever

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lovelyfanatical · 1 year

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I Get a Sugar Rush Whenever I'm With You - Chapter 10.2

Happy weekend fellow Drukkari stans, or whatever day it is for you! Hope you're enjoying the new season of Bake Off if you watch! We're getting down to the final installments. There may even be an epilogue as well! If you missed any previous chapters and need to catch up, you can find them all on my Table of Contents here. Sersi finally talked some sense into Druig! See what happens next at the big picnic in a brand new mini-chapter of Drukkari in the Great British Bake Off, featuring random Marvel guest stars!

Sunday arrived swiftly, and Druig found himself back at the gardens outside of the tent. It was strange only being there to eat and not to bake, but Druig had a very different challenge ahead of him. Before that, however, he had friends to greet.

Punctual as ever, Ajak and Karun had already arrived as Druig walked up. Ajak surprised him with a hug before introducing him to her partner. Karun was accompanied by his boss, some American inventor called Howard Stark.

"Mr. Stark was the one who suggested I should apply for the competition," he explained.

"How could I not? Of all the assistants I've ever had, Karun makes the finest cakes by far!" Mr. Stark said proudly.

"You're too kind, sir," Karun replied, a humble smile on his face.

"Sounds like how I got Druig to apply, right mate?" Hunter interjected, giving his co-worker a heavy clap on the shoulder, much to his annoyance. He'd practically begged Druig to let him come to the picnic. Druig had reluctantly agreed, but he was beginning to regret that decision.

"Yeah, take all the credit for my success, why don't you?" Druig responded, rolling his eyes.

"I will take credit! I got you into baking in the first place!" Hunter replied indignantly.

"Well, it's good that you did. We're all quite impressed with Druig's work," Ajak added with an amused grin. "By the way, how far into the competition did you get?"

"Semi-final," he answered, trying not to look too pleased with himself.

"Wow, congratulations!" Ajak said, her grin taking over her face.

"Well done, Mr. Druig!" Karun said.

"Thanks," Druig said with a small smile.

As they talked, a few more bakers and guests trickled in. Thena had come alone, giving them all a nod and a small smile of acknowledgment as she arrived, but Sprite was followed from a distance by her mother, father, and a hoard of younger siblings, much to everyone's amusement.

"Good day, everyone," Sprite said as she approached the group.

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your family, Sprite?" Ajak asked.

"Nope, they agreed to stay at least ten feet away," she answered. "I wanted it to be thirty, but they negotiated me down."

"Well, you can stay here then while I introduce myself," Ajak replied cheerfully. She began to march over to the group, Karun following close behind. Hunter observed all of them with amusement. Sprite merely groaned and rolled her eyes.

"So, how have you two been?" Thena asked, turning to Sprite and Druig.

"Fine, busy with school," Sprite said glumly.

"Gilgamesh tells me you made it to Week 7. You should be proud."

The red-haired teen softened a bit at this. "Thanks, Thena."

"And I hear you made it to the semi-final, Druig. Congratulations."

"Thanks," he said softly, ducking his head. Next to him, Sprite's eyes resumed their usual glare.

"I'm gonna go find Ajak," she said before stomping off. Thena waited until the teen was out of earshot before turning back to him.

"So, have you been patient?" Thena asked.

"A bit too patient, perhaps," Druig mused. Thena merely raised an eyebrow at his words.

"What's stopping you now?"

"The walls of that tent."

"Well, that won't be a problem for much longer," she remarked with a sly grin. Thena then walked away, rejoining Sprite as she properly introduced her parents and siblings. Druig hung back, and Hunter was walking back over to him when they were greeted by a familiar call.

"Hey, Druig!" Sersi said as she approached him, hand-in-hand with Dane. They were followed by an older couple, presumably Sersi's parents, and a shy but handsome gentleman who was gawking at everything around him. Dane introduced the man as his colleague, Steven Grant.

"Glad I'm not the only one!" Hunter declared, inserting himself into the conversation once again. "Did you also dare your work mate to bake a cake, which escalated into him entering a televised baking competition?"

"Um, not exactly. No. We used to be flat mates, and I got him to start watching the show," Steven mumbled.

"He taste-tested a lot of my bakes when I started out," Dane explained.

"Is that really how you started baking, Druig?" Sersi asked, equal parts incredulous and amused.

Before Druig could give an answer, Hunter had already jumped in and was soon regaling Steven and Dane with his (much-exaggerated) version of the story. As they talked, Sersi pulled Druig aside.

"So, are you ready? You have a plan?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah. I'll wait until after they announce the winner, then I'll take her aside to talk to her," he explained.

"Good. Simple and straightforward. Anything I can help with?"

"If anyone asks where we've gone, keep 'em distracted?"

"I'm on it," Sersi answered confidently.

Just then, Druig noticed Ikaris walking up to the picnic area.

"Although, if you're otherwise occupied, I'd understand," he said, his eyes fixed on the approaching man.

Sersi turned to look at him, too, her eyebrows raising only slightly in response. She let out a quite breath as she turned back to Druig and stated, "I'll be fine. I promise."

"Alright. But if they start fighting and you need someone to intervene, I can always jump in," he replied nonchalantly.

"Seriously?" Sersi asked, more amused than taken aback.

"What? I can hold my own in fight."

"Thank you, but I really don't think that will be necessary."

As he got closer, Ikaris's gaze met Sersi. She gave him a slight grin and a nod of acknowledgment, and he returned it in kind. Before he could say anything, Ajak had wandered over and struck up a conversation with him. With that, Sersi returned to Dane's side. He and Steven were still avidly listening to Hunter, who was in the middle of another (probably embarrassing) story about Druig. Druig merely rolled his eyes and turned his attention elsewhere.

While they were talking, a few more groups had arrived, including a father and son that Druig soon recognized from photos Phastos had shared with them over dinner. He realized he'd been staring a little too late, as the father looked up and gave him a tentative wave and smile. Druig waved back as the man and son approached.

"Hi, we're here for the picnic," he explained.

"You've come to the right place. Ben, I presume?" Druig asked.

"Yup, and this is Jack! Say hello," Ben said, ushering the boy forward.

"Hello!" Jack greeted with the biggest smile.

"Hello, Jack. I'm Druig," he responded. The boy's eyes grew big at the sound of his name.

"My daddies talk about you all the time!" Jack said excitedly.

"Is that right?" Druig asked, an amused smile tugging at his lips.

"Jack, why don't you introduce yourself to the other kids?" Ben asked hurriedly. Jack was all too happy to zip ahead, making fast friends with Sprite's siblings. Ben turned back to Druig with a sheepish look. "I'm afraid the gossip has been too tempting to resist."

"It's alright. Phastos was quite upfront about who he shares all our secrets with," Druig remarked, drawing a chuckle from Ben.

"Well, then I have to ask. How's everything with Makkari?"

"Good. Things are good with Makkari."

"That's a relief! I was worried for a little while."

Just then, someone else caught Ben's eye. Druig followed his gaze back to Sersi and Dane, who were both laughing at something Steven had said.

"Is that…" Ben began to ask.

"Sersi and Dane? I can introduce you, if you like," Druig offered.

"That would be great!" Ben answered cheerily.

They walked over to the group and chatted pleasantly as the day wore on.

Bit of fun before the big finale, coming next week! It'll be up on AO3 a day early!

Part 36

#lovelyfanatical shares #drukkari gbbo au #drukkari #druig x makkari #eternals #eternals fanfiction #all the guest stars!

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mirkwoodshewolf · 1 year

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IATCOD Chap. 23; Guardian of the White city

*Author's note*

Jesus am I on a roll with this story or what? Already I think this is a far better improvement than my last LOTR fic cause I've got TOO deep into this story to just let it be abandoned. Now I was thinking whether or not to wait till I got the next chapter done before I posted this but I decided to just go ahead and post this chapter and I hope that sometime this week I'll finish up the next chapter and let you all enjoy a double update in one week (that is if I can do it but who knows).

Not much for warnings except this is mostly battle sequences, there's talk of male hierarchy (apologizes if this chapter ends up a bit too political but this is what Hela has dealt with, especially in Gondor and MOSTLY with Denethor II).

Also IMAGE BELOW IS NOT MINE!!!! CREDIT GOES TO THE CREATOR I'M JUST USING IT FOR VISUAL PURPOSES ONLY.

NEXT CHAPTER

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@queen-paladin

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@gay-and-ready-to-cry

@thats-s0-ravenn

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After the beacons were successfully lit, I had ran towards the armory in search of my old Gondorian armor that I had forged myself when I was Captain of the tower guard. Now knowing Denethor I would’ve thought he’d had this destroyed or thrown out so that there was no more trace of a Celestial ever being here.

But surprisingly I had found it not in the chest I had kept it in, but in a special display near the King’s of old armories and weapons. The armor shined and my sword still sharp. As I finished fastening the last bit of my armor, I saw Haldir leaning against the doorway of our room.

“You wish to come and fight at my side.” I told him.

“I know you wish to protect me but I cannot take being locked up in this kingdom another second.”

“And I wasn’t going to let you. But I have one very specific request you must follow.” I walked up to him and reached up to his face. “When you see any Nazgul, do not engage with them. You will turn and ride as hard as you can.”

“I promise.” He said after a brief period of silence.

“Thank you, now come, our steed awaits near the gates.” I held the back of Haldir’s neck and used Makkari’s speed to get us there in just a few seconds where a dark brown horse with a white patch up along its nose stood. He let out a startled neigh before he huffed and shook his head. “So sorry Anárion. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“Anárion?” questioned Haldir.

“Yes, this here was Boromir’s horse. Ever since his rider’s death, I sent a message to him to return home and await my arrival.” I reached out and touched Anárion’s nose and he let out a few huffs. “He’ll be our steed in battle. Now come, we don’t have much time.” We both got on top of Anárion and I ordered the guards to open the gate for us and soon I urged Anárion forward and with great speed, he rode us towards Osgiliath.

When we got within the city’s range, Haldir told me.

“The city’s overrun. Orc archers are up along the walls ahead of us.”

“Easy pickings.” My right wrist glowed and using Thena’s magic, I summoned a shield that stood just a few inches away from Anárion’s charging form and that was able to cover over both mine and Haldir’s heads like a roof. Orcs arrows bounced off the shield as we charged in and Haldir used his bow and arrow to fire from behind and kill the six archers that had been shooting at us.

As we rode deeper into the city, I took Aeglos off from around my chest and stuck his blade into the ground before dragging it across the graveled path. Thanks to some of Thena’s enhanced magic, his blade didn’t break as he was able to brig up some of the gravel and dust from the city floor to provide a good cover for some of the Gondorian soldiers or the Ithilien Rangers to use their weapons and strike the orcs down.

Anárion rode in a full gallop as I took back Aeglos and let out a battle cry holding him outward and impaled an orc from the back, raised its limped body in the air before it’s fly right off of Aeglos’s blade. Haldir used his bow and arrows to bring down any orc that tried to come at us.

I could sense a good number of lives being lost further into the city but the outer rim still needed aid.

“Take the reins!” I cried to Haldir.

“What?!”

“Just take the reins! Keep aiding the men along the outer perimeter of the city!” I quickly adjusted myself so that I was facing Haldir and his arms came around me to take the reins. “You elves aren’t the only ones with fancy moves.” I said smirking at him. He looked at me perplexed as I perked my brow at him and did a flip move that I learned from Cain.

I picked up my legs and I soon flipped over both Haldir and Anárion. When I had leapt, I was first curled into a ball but when I felt my legs coming towards the sky, I straightened myself out until I finally landed on my feet before some orcs that stood before me. Using Aeglos and my own strength, I took each of them down. Slicing off their limbs or twisting their necks with my bare hands.

I turned briefly to Haldir and gave him a firm nod and he gave me a nod back. He urged Anárion onward and I soon saw them both disappear into the battle. My admiration soon turned to hatred as I growled lowly and blocked an orc that had raised its mace at me and I used Aeglos’ staff to block it. I kicked the orc’s stomach to send him flying towards one of the buildings as three more tried to come at me.

Both Cain’s teachings and Thena’s powers were making my blood boil and adrenaline pumping. I crossed blades with two orcs while another one tried to come at me from the side. I pulled up a Celestial shield to block his attack then used that shield to disarm him allowing me to kick him and see his body skip like a rock on water.

I pushed back the two orcs I had crossed blades with and easily relieved them of their heads before I raced further into the city. Any orc that I came into contact with, received the full wrath of the Celestial of death and I gathered up as many men who still had a fighting chance to come aid with the town square of the city.

I leapt up along the old buildings and took down the orcs that were using the towers as high ground for their archers. I slammed one orc down onto the roof while I punched another orc right in the throat disabling him before I stuck Aeglos’ blade right through his skull.

But all too soon I heard them. Their piercing screams that felt like nails slowly scrapping across the floor. From the dark clouds I saw them riding on fellbeasts. The Nazgul had come.

I watched in horror as their fellbeasts swooped down like a dark shadow and began scooping up any Gondorian man they could find. I also could hear the men calling for a retreat and saw them all starting to ride back to Minas Tirith. My heart broke as I knew it to be true.

Osgiliath was lost.

Swallowing my fear, I took to the skies using Ikaris’ gemstone and flew off towards one of the nine who had about four guards in the claws of his fellbeast. As the demonic creature released them to fall to their deaths, I intervened and caught each of the men and carefully set them down.

“Make for Minas Tirith! GO!!” the men nodded and quickly took off running. I soon heard the screech and roar of both a Nazgul and a fellbeast heading towards me. I flew out of the way but both chased after me.

“Give up and surrender yourself Celestial of Death!” the Nazgul spoke to me.

“Over my dead body.” The fellbeast soon shot its neck forward and tried to capture me in its horrid jaws but I fired a couple of star bolts at it to deter it away from me. It let out a cry of pain as I took off flying away from it. Suddenly out of nowhere a second Nazgul came at me and nearly had me in his grasp but with some quick reflexes I was able to avoid his fell grip.

The two Nazgul soon took chase after me. So long as they targeted me and not the men, I can give them some time to reach the city. Oh I hope Haldir made good on his promise and is fleeing with the men now that the Raiths are here.

“Alright you guys, think your fellbeasts can beat the speed of the Starlights?” I then took off flying high above the clouds and the Nazgul continued to resume chase.

Their fellbeasts surrounded me and tried with both jaw and claws to catch me, but I was too fast for them. I fired more star bolts at them as well as their riders and I saw as they curled themselves inward at the power of my Starlight brother Ikaris.

Suddenly out of nowhere, the third Nazgul, and this one I did know by name. The second deadliest of the nine to ever be named, Khamûl The Easterling. His fellbeast roared in my face and I was suddenly struck with fear as these creatures (much like their masters) had a fell air about them that made anyone feel utter fear and despair. Khamûl then grabbed hold of my throat and I struggled in his grip as he hissed at me.

“They will all die. And you shall watch them.” The two Nazgul dove back down to attack the retreating Gondorian armies and Haldir while Khamûl still had me in his grasp. He pulled me up to him and my vision soon became hazy as I felt the affects of the Black breath come onto me.

I tried to resist and use my own powers to overpower the dark aura of the Black breath but Khamûl was not to be trifled with. Next to Angmar himself, he is the second most deadliest of the Nine. Both in life and in death he was a foul, foul man. However, unlike if I had been the Celestial I was back then I would’ve easily given in.

It took everything I had to muster the Starlight’s Blaze within me. Those men, Haldir, the people of Gondor. My body slowly flickered until my eyes glowed pure starlight and I said to him.

“You will not hurt any of these men! Khamûl the Damned!!!” I then felt a burst of light burst out of me and I heard Khamûl let out an agonizing scream as both he and his fellbeast recoiled from my Starlight blaze and took off flying.

As quick as the attack came, it was snuffed out and the affects of the Black breath had fully taken over me and I felt myself falling from the skies and my vision went dark.

*3rd Person POV*

While the men and Haldir made their retreat from Osgiliath and rode to Minas Tirith with all their might, they thought that thanks to the Lady Celestial they would be home free with no orcs or Nazgul chasing them. But their hope was soon snatched away as two of the Nazgul came swooping down and attacked them. Grabbing either men alone or men plus their horses before allowing them to fall from a great height to their deaths.

Haldir kept watch on the skies not seeing Hela in sight, his heart pounded fearing the worst when he noticed up ahead Gandalf and Pippin riding on Shadowfax charging head on to aid them. Suddenly from the clouds burst a powerful bright light and it aimed for the backs of the Nazgul. Haldir had seen that kind of light before and he knew exactly who it was that was making it. It was also at that moment, Haldir saw Gandalf used his own staff to aid the bright light that had shone down from the dark clouds.

With no way of flying back to Osgiliath, the Nazgul fled towards the mountains as Gandalf soon joined the men in leading them back to the city. But Haldir still caught no sight of Hela from the clouds, that was until he had seen her falling and unable to stop herself.

“HYAH!!” Haldir urged Anárion with great haste, Boromir’s steed ran with what almost felt like the speed of Makkari. But even with all his speed, Hela seemed to be getting closer and closer to the ground with no chance of slowing down. Something had to be wrong, Haldir could feel it in his gut. “HELA WAKE UP!!” he cried but that still didn’t seem to rouse her awake.

Finally Hela landed with a loud BOOM. And Haldir was just barely a few short feet from reaching her. Anárion reared and neighed fearfully at not only the sound but seeing that Hela had not moved ever since her fall. Haldir quickly got off his saddle and raced towards Hela.

“Hela! Hela!” Haldir knelt down beside her and pressed his head over her heart and could hear it beating. He breathed a sigh of relief but it was gone for a moment when he could see no physical injury but her face had looked even paler than it normally was.

Very carefully, he picked her up in his arms and placed her on top of the saddle before mounting just behind her. He allowed Hela to lean against his chest and he urged Anárion onward back towards the city.

Back in the city, Gandalf and the soldiers of Gondor and the Ithilien Rangers immediately began to pile the city gates after just barely escaping with their lives after a long night’s battle.

“Mithrandir!” Gandalf turned around and saw Faramir riding his horse towards them. “They broke through our defenses. They’ve taken the bridge and the west bank. Battalions of Orcs are crossing the river.”

“It is as the Lord Denethor predicted. Long has he foreseen this doom.” Spoke one of the soldiers as he unmounted his horse.

“Foreseen and done nothing!” snapped Gandalf. When Gandalf had urged Shadowfax to fully turn around, Faramir caught sight of Pippin riding in front of his mentor and friend and was taken back at the sight of yet another halfling in his sight. “Faramir?”

Pippin taking notice of Faramir’s intense gaze upon him, slightly turned his head away almost trying to make himself invisible when Gandalf realized why Faramir was looking at him the way he was.

“This is not the first halfling to have crossed your path.” Faramir shook his head and replied with a verbal no. At that statement, Pippin’s eyes grew wide as he stared up at Faramir and asked him.

“You’ve seen Frodo and Sam?” Faramir nodded.

“Where? When?” asked Gandalf urgently.

“In Ithilien. Not two days ago.” Pippin looked up at Gandalf in pure joy while Gandalf’s heart raced in relief. Oh such a blessed news to know that the two hobbits were still alive and had not been gone from this city in barely three days. But Gandalf’s relief was hindered as Faramir told him, “Gandalf, they’re taking the road to the Morgul Vale.”

“And then the pass of Cirith Ungol.” Gandalf finished, his eyes widened in fear. Faramir nodded again.

“What does that mean? What’s wrong?” asked Pippin. But Gandalf didn’t hear the young hobbit’s question as he urgently demanded to Faramir.

“Faramir, tell me everything. Tell me all you know.” But before Faramir could say a word, another voice broke through the crowd.

“Help! Help! Mithrandir help! It’s Hela!” the three of them turned and soon riding up was Haldir with Hela. The three of them turned to Haldir and their eyes widened in shock (mostly Pippin’s and Gandalf’s). “She has yet to awaken. And she fell straight down to the earth like a fallen star. Physically I cannot see any injuries but I’m still worried.” Haldir explained.

“Set her down.” Gandalf told Haldir. Haldir got off of Anárion and carefully took Hela into his arms and set her down on the floor. Gandalf and Pippin got off of Shadowfax and Pippin quickly went up to Hela and touched her face.

“She feels cold. Gandalf what’s happened to her?”

“The Nazgul.” Faramir answered. Pippin looked up at him. “I’ve seen this happen many times since they’ve arrived to haunt this very city. Some have claimed that this is a technique they use to petrify their victims.”

“Yes. It is a technique known as the Black breath.”

“Is she going to die?” asked Pippin fearfully. Haldir turned to the halfling offended he’d even suggest such a thing.

“To some they have.” Answered Faramir.

“But to Hela it surely won’t. But she has taken a great amount to render her unconscious.” Gandalf gently pushed Pippin aside and pressed his hand to Hela’s forehead and began to softly chant a healing spell to awaken her.

As the men began to take notice of a woman wearing Gondorian armor on the ground, they started to crowd but Faramir ordered them to give her some air and let Gandalf do his job. Suddenly Hela let out a gasp as her chest began heaving.

“Steady Hela, steady my dear girl.”

*My POV*

One moment I was in nothing but complete darkness and the next I suddenly felt myself shooting upwards awake and I tried to fight whoever was in front of me but when I caught sight of both Gandalf and Haldir, and Gandalf’s voice slowly becoming clearer from my fuzzy hearing.

“Hela, steady my dear girl.”

“Gandalf?”

“Yes, I’m here. And you’re lucky to be here too. If you weren’t who you are and had had that much Black breath affected you, you’d be beyond any help.” I then turned to Haldir and was relieved to see him alive and in one peace. I embraced him to which I felt him tense up slightly but he instantly wrapped his arms around me.

“I was so worried they’d—”

“You and Mithrandir saved all of us. How are you though? You were the one who fell from the sky at great speed and fell straight into the earth.”

“Did I? I—don’t recall that.” Haldir looked at me to see if I was jesting but one look in my eye and he knew I wasn’t. Truly I don’t remember anything after I had unleashed the Starlight’s blaze on Khamûl. Suddenly I felt another body collide into mine and I looked down to see that it was Pippin.

“Oh Pip.” I said lovingly as I embraced him.

“You were as cold as death, no pun intended with you being the—but I had feared you were…..”

“Shhhh. It’s alright Pip. I’ll be okay. Takes more than some Nazgul to break me.”

“As I live and breathe, Gandalf spoke the truth.” Pippin and I looked up and at first I thought I was seeing double. The man before almost resembled Boromir to a T but he was younger, had a slight lighter shade of hair color and wore the uniform of the Ithilien Rangers. He looked at me in pure awe.

“Hela, this is Faramir. He said he had seen Frodo and Sam.” My heart leaped in rejoice as I stood up with Haldir’s help and asked him.

“You have? Where? When?”

“As I told Gandalf and your halfling friend just moments ago. Not two days ago in Ithilien. But they have taken the road to the Morgul Vale.”

“What?!” I asked fearfully. “But that leads to—”

“Cirith Ungol. Yes. Faramir was about to tell us everything he knew before your ranger friend came to us with you unconscious.” Gandalf told me. Knowing to keep Haldir’s true identity a secret I turned back to Faramir and asked him.

“Yes. Please tell us all you know of what happened when you came across our friends.” Faramir nodded then ordered any and all guards to take the wounded to be healed not in the House of Healing, but in the secondary medical Halls. I found it strange Faramir would not have his men go to the main healing house but that would have to be a question for another time.

Faramir soon guided us away back towards the royal stables to put Shadowfax, Anárion and Faramir’s horse away. All the while, Faramir explained to us everything that had happened when he came across Frodo and Sam. To me, it comes as no surprise that Gollum finally tracked down his ‘precious’ and by taking them to Cirith Ungol, I knew he was leading them there just to reclaim his precious back.

For a creature has made that her nest for centuries and only one time did I encounter her and that was when Druig, Makkari and I first went into Mordor when we were younglings. I’ll never forget the first time we saw her, we barely escaped with our lives and Druig still had the scar of her bite to this day on his chest. All to save me.

As our horses were now untacked and could now rest in the comfort of the stable, a messenger soon came forth and he said.

“Lord Faramir, your father requests to see you and the Lady Celestial right away.”

“Tell my father we will be there shortly.” Faramir told the messenger.

“He’s insisting now. Especially you my lady Celestial.” Oh no, this could only mean one thing.

“Tell him we’re on our way. But tell him that he may unleash his wrath upon me first before he even speaks a word to his son.”

“Hela,” Pippin started.

“Pip, you keep practicing your initiation. I’ll even have Gandalf or Rahl quiz you.” I looked down at him, giving him a firm look to not say another word on the manner. “Come Faramir, let us see what your father wishes to speak to us about.” As I took a step, I felt myself suddenly grow faint as I suddenly staggered forward like a newborn foul but both Haldir and Faramir caught my arms.

“Perhaps I should accompany you Hela.” Haldir tried to offer but I told him.

“Lord Denethor has required only our presence. I dare not allow you to be taken under his wrath and scrutiny. Please return to our room Rahl and take some rest.” I looked at him with soft pleading eyes and as stubborn as this elf is, he abide my request.

“As you wish.” I mouthed a thank you to him as Faramir took off and helped guide me to the throne room.

“You sure you do not wish to seek a healer my lady? The Black breath of the Nazgul is no wound to tread lightly.”

“I appreciate your concern young lord. Unlike most of your men who have in some cases been petrified to death, the Black breath has never gone that far with me. I may have some fainting spells now and then and quite possible some nightmares at night but that is all the damage they can do to me with their accursed breath.”

“If you are sure, but if you do need any assistance, I will do what I can to help aid you.” I gave him a loving thank you as he continued to guide me to the throne room.

When I felt like I was able to walk on my own, Faramir reluctantly allowed me to take a few steps until he could see for himself that I was now fine. And it was at that moment we had arrived at the doors of the throne room. We entered inside and I held Faramir back so that I could go first.

He looked at me with the same reluctance but I assured him with a firm nod as I held my head up high and slowly walked towards Denethor who glared down at me from his throne with Perses and Deimos at his side.

As I stopped before his throne, I put my hands behind my back and stood at attention while Denethor stood up from his throne, a menacing look in his eye. He came down from the throne, stood face to face with me before winding his hand back and gave me a hard backhand across the face. His ring giving me a small cut as my breathing harshened and I soon turned back to him.

“Ever you have wanted to prove your worth more to the World of Men. Celestials prancing about thinking they were superior to us. Claiming to teach us, when all you do is look down upon us like we’re scum. Like we can’t fight our own battles! Treating us no better than children. Or an undisciplined pet.”

“I did what I judged to be right Denethor.”

“What you judged to be right!?” he sneered lowly.

“The Celestial has ruined the plans I had given the men at Osgiliath. Now because of her, the city is lost!” Deimos proclaimed.

“Those men all through the night were greatly outnumbered and outmatched. There was no victory to which there would be any survivors had I not intervened.” I said trying to keep my cool. “Denethor, your men were lead into a massacre. How is there victory in a fight such as that?”

“Osgiliath was our only line of defense, now it is lost because of you.” Denethor hissed in my face, his hot breath dancing across my skin as he shook with rage. He turned to go back to his throne as Deimos said.

“If I may have permission my lord, I could teach this Celestial what happens when a soldier goes out of line.” I saw the gleam of a silver blade shine at his hip as his red eyes grew crazed as he stared down at me with a lustful desire for blood.

“Deimos. Out of the two of you the Lady Hela could easily take you down with just the flick of her wrist.” Perses spoke up. Deimos growled as he turned his attention to Perses.

“And what of you old man? I seem to recall you screaming for mercy as I had you weaponless.”

“What must be taken to order is a punishment that fits the crime. Exile would do no good nor would death even stop the Celestial of Death. Imprisonment is useless for there’s no cell strong enough to keep her.” Perses said.

“Perhaps there is a punishment best fitted for someone of your—stature.” Denethor said with a malicious grin. “Perses, take her to the East wing and have her fitted for her new duties.” Perses bowed his head then he came down before me and gestured for me to follow him.

Of course Denethor would put me in this position believing it would humiliate me. Having served as councilor to the King of Gondor, then fought alongside the armies as one of the tower guards, eventually moving up the ranks as Captain. Some had even called me the Guardian of the White city, but now at Denethor’s command, I have been sentenced to the ranks of scullery maid.

Now wearing mere peasant rags and given a bucket and rag just to clean the very floors of this entire palace. I dipped my rag into the bucket of water and then proceeded to scrub the floors as hard as I could in order to give it that ‘mirror-like quality’ as per Lord Denethor’s orders.

I wiped the sweat from my brow having already been at this for hours and I let out a deep, heavy sigh.

“This is my thanks to the city?” I scoffed shaking my head. “To now be no better than a servant and for what? Saving the lives of his own soldiers.”

“It was well noble of you my lady.” I looked up to see Faramir standing at the end of the hall before coming over to me. “We would have lost double the amount of men had you not come to aid us.” I dropped my rag and wiped my hands against the apron of my raggedy gown and went to curtsy to him. “Please, none of that my lady Celestial.” I stood naturally as he stood just a few inches from me. “My apologies on his behalf. If it were up to me, you’d be rewarded for your valiant deed, not submitted to such a degree of hard labor.”

“Well your father’s not the first Man to try and degrade me for being a female warrior. And he won’t be the last I’m afraid.”

“I hope as payment, you should at least deserve this back.” He soon handed me my Gondorian armor that I was forced to surrender before being given these rags. I smiled and took it from his arms and said as I stroked the White tree engraved on the chest plate.

“Truthfully I would’ve thought your father would’ve had this either destroyed or thrown out. I was surprised to see it in such a display and in good condition too.”

“That’s because a young man of the city took great honor in caring for it. A very foolish one. Who wasted many hours slaying dragons instead of attending to his studies.”

“You did that?” I said astounded.

“Yes. When Gandalf told me the stories of the Celestial of Death serving and protecting our city, I knew such an armor had to be taken great care of till she returned.” He then bowed his head to me in respect.

“And I thank you Faramir. If only you had been there when I first made this armor. Most of the men couldn’t believe their eyes, said they’d roll in their graves at the day a woman would be Captain of the Tower guard. And boy did they.” The two of us softly laughed before he told me.

“People doubted me too. Boromir was always the soldier.” His tone grew solemn as he continued, “They were so alike he and my father. Proud, stubborn even, but strong.” I set my armor down to the floor and placed my hand to his shoulder. The two of us stared into each other’s eyes and I told him.

“Both you and your brother share the same fighting spirit. But I also see in your eyes strength of a different kind. And I know your brother saw it. He spoke so highly of you during our time together.” Faramir’s eyes held a sense of sorrow for the loss of his big brother.

“How did it truly happen?” he asked me. “I had heard one side from your other hobbit friends that passed through here. Was it truly because of the Ring he died?”

“The Ring tempted your brother and took him yes, but it was not because of the Ring he died. He kept his honor as Captain of the Guard, a true noble warrior and Man of Gondor by aiding me, Pippin and another hobbit friend of ours from an army of Uruk-hai. Saving my life from an Uruk’s blade with two arrows already in his body. It wasn’t until the third arrow that he was unable to fight anymore. Your brother died a hero’s death.” I watched as Faramir swallowed hardly as he took in the true story of his brother’s death.

“Now I know at least he did not die with darkness in his heart. And that he died the way he would’ve wanted to go. Fighting to his last breath.” I smiled solemnly at him and gave him a soft nod before embracing him.

Almost immediately Faramir embraced me back and I could feel the wetness from his tears as they slowly slid down and landed onto my shirt. Neither of us spoke a word until I knew his moment of grieving had passed.

After it passed, he offered me a spot to witness Pippin being sworn in as the new guard of the Citadel. I looked down at the floor and said to him.

“I think your father would greatly see my head on a platter if I were to disobey his orders.”

“You were charged to follow the orders of the Steward and his sons, were you not? By order of Perses.” The way he spoke his name held some sort of venom to it. So not even Faramir trusts him.

“Aye, that was his command.”

“Then as the youngest son of the current Steward, I order you to stand at my side and watch your friend be sworn in. I have a feeling he’ll need you there for him.” Since it was to be announced that Pippin was going to be sworn in at this very hour, Pippin had been sitting in a shroud of anxiety and insecurity. He had begged me to write down the oath for him because he had already forgotten what he was supposed to say (of course I obeyed his wish).

“I take it you have met him.”

“Yes. A noble heart your friend has. Even said the same thing you had told me about my strength, as well as my father hoping to see that one day.” I could already see it in his eyes. Heck even Boromir has told me during our time at Rivendell of how much his father verbally discriminated Faramir for his own victories in favor of his (Boromir’s) own.

Truthfully I hope Pippin’s right. In my experience with Denethor, they weren’t always in positive light for he held a deep-rooted jealousy and hatred for both Aragorn and myself respectfully during our time here.

“First let me return this armor to my room as well as check on my friend who helped me to aid you.” He nodded and picked my armor back up before handing it to me and I walked off back towards my room where Haldir was mending the wound on his arm. “You got hurt?” I said racing over to him as I dropped my armor. He took my hands into his as he assured me.

“Thankfully it was just a graze unlike the wound I had received at Helm’s Deep.” Haldir looked me up and down and he said with venom in his tone. “He didn’t.”

“Afraid so. Been demoted all the way down to scullery maid. Thankfully Faramir is allowing me to see Pippin be sworn in. After all I am to serve not only the Steward but his sons as well, as per Perses’ orders.”

“A loop-hole. Does Denethor know of that slipped detail?”

“One way to find out. You sure you’ll be okay up here on your own for a while?”

“I’ve had my fixture of battle and air for the day. Go and support your friend.” I nodded.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.”

“I know you will, don’t fret over me.”

“Old habits.” I softly smiled at him and he gave me an encouraging nod to go on my way. I shut the door and sighed deeply before racing off towards the throne room to meet with Faramir so that we could enter together.

“If my father should question why you left your post, I’ll take the blame.”

“No Faramir, I cannot let—”

“I won’t allow you to be scorned by my father anymore throughout your time here Lady Hela.”

“You are willing to take the rod for me even though we barely know each other?” he nodded. “And there is no chance I am going to convince you otherwise, is there?”

“If you wish to debate we can, but I get the feeling you’d rather be there for your friend rather than trade words with the Captain of the guard.” He’s clever I’ll give him that. Druig was the same way when it came trying to out-best any one of us in a debate, especially with Ikaris (boy he loved to toy with him a lot. Same with Hermes).

“You’re very kind Faramir.”

“Only doing what is right my lady.”

“Promise to call me Hela and no longer add any formalities and I’ll willingly keep my mouth shut around your father.” He softly chuckled before we both entered the throne room together side by side.

There we saw Pippin standing just a few feet away from the foot of the Steward’s black throne, some additional court members scattered throughout the room, Perses (as always) at Denethor’s side.

“I thought I had sent you away to have the corridor floors cleaned?” Denethor snapped at me.

“My Lord I ordered her to be my personal handmaid for the time being. As is command, she is to also obey my orders as well.” Denethor sneered then Perses spoke out.

“Yes, so it was as command. But the young woman must refrain from speaking until the initiation has been complete.” I bowed my head in acceptance to Perses (even though I loathed to do it) then he turned his attention back down to Pippin. “Peregrin Took, son of Paladin Took. You stand before the council and the Lordship of Gondor to pledge your loyalty to this city. Please recite the oath of the tower guard.”

Pippin knelt down with his left knee forward and he soon recited the oath that I had taught him.

“Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor. In peace or war, in living or dying. F….from…..” C’mon Pip, you know this. I could hear him faintly muttering the oath under his breath as he continued, “from this hour henceforth until my Lord release me—or death take me.”

“And I shall not forget it.” Denethor said. He stood up from his throne and stood before Pippin as he held out his ringed finger for Pippin to kiss as he continued, “nor fail to reward that which is given.” Internally I scoffed at Denethor’s demeanor towards Pippin. I saw as Pippin finally sealed his fate by kissing Denethor’s ring before the Steward cupped his chin to force him to look up at him as he continued, “Fealty with love, valor with honor. Disloyalty with vengeance.”

Denethor walked over towards a large table where various foods had been spread out and I saw his eyes come towards Faramir and I as he said the ‘disloyalty with vengeance’ phrase. Pippin rose up and turned towards me and I gave him a soft but proud nod. Denethor snapped his fingers and like a dog I was forced to come over to him.

“Prepare for me the best arrangement of food.”

“Yes my lord.” I spoke lowly as I began reaching out for various food items for him to consume, he then spoke to his son.

“I do not think we should lightly abandon the outer defenses, defenses that your brother long held intact.”

“What would you have me do?” asked Faramir and immediately his father responded.

“I will not yield the river in Pelennor unfought. Osgiliath must be retaken.” Is he crazy? Those men were lucky to get out of there alive just barely this morning and now he’s going to send them back there?!

“My lord Osgiliath is overrun.” Faramir tried to reason with his father but it fell on deaf ears.

“Much must be risked in war.” Why is it when he said that, it sounded like Deimos was talking to him now? “Is there a captain here who still has the courage to do his lord’s will?” yes me! If you want Osgiliath back, send me! No need to waste anymore lives that had already been lost to you.

Then after a long period of silence, Faramir would say something that would break my heart for the rest of my days.

“You wish now that our places had been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived.” As Denethor picked up a chalice of wine he spoke in a dazed whisper but it held so much truth behind it.

“Yes. I wish that.” My heart broke for Faramir. All he ever wanted was his father’s approval and love and now to be told this just before you send him off on a suicide mission?! I turned to Faramir and could already see the tears forming in his eyes but he kept a strong face as he said to his Lord.

“Since you were robbed of Boromir…I will do what I can in his stead.” He bowed his head to Denethor and proceeded out of the throne room. Pippin and I watched in shock and heartbreak at Faramir’s decision to die for a father that openly admitted to wish that he were dead and his eldest son were still alive. “If I should return, think better of me father.” Faramir said brokenly before walking off again, hoping for one last stretch of love from his father.

But all Denethor said was this in a sneer.

“That will depend on the manner of your return.” Once Faramir was gone, I slammed his tray down, scattering the food and even denting the table itself.

“HE IS YOUR SON!!” I shouted. “Your only living son no less! How can you treat him this way!?”

“Faramir knows his worth to this city and his family’s name.”

“So you will send him and those men to die for your honor! Have them all die in your name whilst you sit on your arse and engorge yourself in food and wine!”

“They will die doing what’s right for Gondor.” Denethor rose up from his seat as he and I stood almost chest to chest staring each other down.

“Boromir would be ashamed to be your son if he heard what you have told his little brother! He was more of a father than you’ll ever be!”

“And your Celestial kin would be greatly disappointed for you not willing to free them. With all your power and nearly an Age since you became the Last Celestial of Middle Earth. What do you think they would tell you?” I clenched my fists tightly as they shook with rage and I glared at him.

But right now I couldn’t bear to sit behind and watch as Faramir and those brave men throw their lives away.

“Your father and your father’s father roll in their graves. You, Denethor II are an insect amongst men who governed before you.” I knew that would get to him. His own body shook with rage as I summoned my Celestial armor back over the rags I was forced to wear before retreating to find Faramir but also to contact an old friend for additional help.

*3rd Person POV*

There was silence in the city as the people gathered to watch their soldiers march back to Osgiliath in full Gondorian armor. But there was no hope in their eyes, nor cheers of praise or good luck, for they all knew that these soldiers would not be coming back alive.

Some began to throw down flowers along the graveled pathway as their horses slowly walked down the city towards the gates. Some of the soldiers took the flowers from people’s hands as their last gift they would be given. Suddenly a voice broke through the crowd.

“Faramir! Faramir!” Faramir, who was leading his men up front, turned to see Gandalf walking through the crowd until he came up and walked beside his horse. “Your father’s will has turned to madness! Do not throw away your life so rashly.”

“Where does my allegiance lie if not here? This is the city of the Men of Númenor. I will gladly give my life to defend her beauty, her memory, her wisdom.” As Faramir spoke, Gandalf could already tell that Faramir had lost all hope in ever obtaining what he longed for most.

The love and approval of his father. And without it, there was just no sense in trying anymore. So he’ll do the one thing he can do, die trying.

“Your father loves you, Faramir.” Gandalf assured him as Faramir rode on. “He will remember it before the end.” Suddenly riding pass through the crowds riding on Boromir’s horse was Hela, with her cloak on and the hood covering her head. She rode forward and came before Faramir to stop him in his tracks. Faramir’s horse nickered alarmed but stopped which caused the army to stop.

“Hela, this is not your fight. By order of the Steward’s son, I ask you to step aside.”

“You think you could really order me around, little brother?” she removed the hood to reveal her eyes glowing of pure white light. Faramir’s soulless eyes began to sparkle with a brief sense of light.

“Boromir.” Hela’s voice then spoke with both her voice as well as Boromir’s mixed together.

“Hela told me what father has said to you. Please little brother, I know we have been through much together in our lives and you have followed me everywhere but I ask you to cease now. Do not follow me into death.”

“If not me then who will?” asked Faramir brokenly. “Your reclaim over Osgiliath has fallen because of me. To not fight for your honor would shame me.”

“Forget your honor then!” Boromir’s voice rose. “I made my choice when I had fallen down my path. You—you have always been smarter than my little brother. For once in your life do not be stupid as I have been!”

“I am sorry brother. But I must do what I can do defend this city.” Faramir then guided his horse around Hela and Boromir’s horse and the men did as their commander did as they finally came to the gates.

“Faramir.” Boromir whimpered as Hela’s eyes returned to normal and she quickly rode back to the palace, her face buried into Boromir’s horse’s mane.

Once the armies of Gondor were out of the city, they formed two long lines and rode onward to the fallen city they had barely escaped from earlier that same day. The banners of the white tree waving proudly in the breeze as they rode onward.

Soon the orcs began to emerge from the ruins of the city to see what their next move was. Even they knew that these men were riding towards their deaths.

Back inside the throne room, Denethor was eating his meal with Pippin at his side, there was no one else but the two of them and they stood there in silence until Denethor asked Pippin.

“Can you sing master hobbit?” Pippin turned to the Steward and said.

“Well….yes. At least, well enough for my own people. But we have no songs for great halls and—evil times.”

“And why should your songs be unfit for my halls?” Denethor said. His chin stained with juices from the grapes he had just eaten. “Come sing me a song.” He then demanded as he kept eating his feast. Pippin slowly turned his gaze away from the selfish, gluttonous Steward and sung a song that was held in his heart.

Whilst out there on the fields of Pelennor, Faramir lead his army in full charge knowing full well that none of them, not even him would make it out alive. The orcs of Osgiliath all gathered around the edge of the city and their archers readied their arrows to fire at the oncoming Calvary.

*Pippin*

Home is behind the world ahead

And there are many paths to tread

Through shadow to the edge of night

Until the stars are all alight.

Mist and shadow

Cloud and shade

All shall fade

All shall….

Fade

Arrows whistled and the sound of the thunderous hooves were quickly silenced from the fields.

As Pippin finished his song, he turned to Denethor to see if there was even a hint of any remorse or grief at knowing what he had done. But Denethor kept that blank stare as he kept stuffing his face with food. Pippin lowered his head in anguish as he had never felt this level of heart break in his life.

Meanwhile, up in Hela and Haldir’s room; the two were both on the floor up against the bed as Hela wept into Haldir’s lap. Tears streamed down her face as she could hear every last one of those soldier’s heartbeats stop and felt their souls leave to the great beyond. Clenching her heart in pain as she tried to suppress the pain but it was all too great for her.

Haldir, could only hold his Celestial in his arms. Hoping that just being there for her would ease her pain, but he knew deep down there wasn’t anything else he could do for her. This was a burden that she had to deal with thousands of times, and thousands of times she’ll have to bear it then.

Suddenly she stood up and like a risen corpse, she soullessly walked out of the room to head for the tombs of the Kinds and Stewards of Gondor to seek peace and council with the dead.

*Haldir’s POV*

No matter how hard she tries, no matter how strong she becomes, there will always come pain whenever a soul passes away from Middle Earth, for Hela will always feel it. And for a ‘Lord of the city’ to send those soldiers to be massacred and not care what happens to them? This is what confuses me about mortal Men.

Why must their pride and stubbornness govern their correct judgement in battle and war? Now all those lives, including his only remaining son are now dead. Who now will defend this city if not Hela? Mithrandir? Or even Denethor himself?

I retook Hela’s cloak and put it back around me and headed out. I will allow Hela to have some alone time, right now there was a cause of action that needed to be taken. What Hela and I did when we first came here, find out just who the three council members of Denethor are.

As I walked back towards the underground library, I passed by a room where Perses’ voice spoke up.

“So how many does this make now Nergal?” huh? I quickly raced back and pressed my back against the wall right where the door was cracked open.

“This makes 998 souls in total.” Answered Nergal.

“Grah! Why are we wasting our time with this? We should make our move now!” I heard an unfamiliar voice speak. Could this be the third one that neither Hela nor I have come across yet?

“What you severely lack is patience Deimos. If we leave in a hurry, Hela and the wizard will think that we’re up to no good.” Answered Perses.

“We have been wasting over 40 years here! If we are to attack, the time is now before the riders of Rohan come!” The voice, Deimos replied harshly.

“The bond between Gondor and Rohan is severely damaged. Thanks to us, Gondor was unable to aid Rohan in their time of need at Helm’s Deep. Theoden wouldn’t dare answer the call to a kingdom who didn’t come to help him.” I heard Nergal say. “One thing I know is the poison that severs old alliances, mortal pride. And Denethor clearly showed that the loss of his son was greater than that of Rohan’s safety, much less his own city’s.”

Mortal pride? The way Nergal spoke about mortality sounded similar to the way my kin spoke of the world of Men. Their mortality, their pride, stubbornness, their brief lives.

“Plus we must continue to be cautious. Hela has been poking around trying to figure out just who we are. After all she has been Gondor’s aiding Celestial since the days of Elendil.”

“With the massacre I convinced Denethor to agree on, she’ll be out of commission for a while.” I heard what almost sounded like a lustful moan from behind the door from Deimos “I can still taste the blood in the air.” Deimos said.

“Enough of your demonic pleasures Deimos. We must proceed on with phase 2 of our plan whilst the orcs move into the city. And this time, the Lady Hela will play a big part in our plan.” Perses told him.

“And just how will you convince her? As we have already said, she’s suspicious of us and will not come willingly.” Nergal said.

“Which is why we won’t go for her directly. Deimos, answer this riddle for me; A Mighty warrior goes to war. Unlike those who are of brute strength, this warrior is cunning. He makes more armies surrender than any other soldier before him. How does he do it?” I thought of the riddle in my head but never before have I heard this one.

“The heart. He goes for their heart.” Oh no! Mithrandir and the halfling! I must warn them. I raced out of the corridor and searched for them throughout the palace but I couldn’t find either of them anywhere! As I came around another corridor I noticed two guards up ahead and saw as they turned to me.

I moved Hela’s hood to cover more of my face and slowly turned back but saw three more guards coming towards me blocking my way out. With no other choice, I walked a ways out and told the guards in front of me.

“Is there a problem gentlemen?”

“You are the Ranger that accompanied the Lady Celestial to Gondor, are you not?” one of the guards in front of me said.

“If I am? There’s no law against Rangers from entering the city is there?”

“There is if he doesn’t show his face. A man who hides under his cloak like a shadow is a coward, if not an enemy spy.” One of the bigger guards that stood behind me said.

“I assure you I am no spy to the enemy. If anything the spies you seek are within your own council.” I told them. I evaluated just how many of them surrounded me, their weapons on hand, as well as how they would try to overwhelm me by trying to come at me all at once (as per the usual move men usually do when facing an enemy).

“You’re coming with us, outsider.” Said the tallest guard out of all of them.

“And if I refuse?” I questioned as I slowly reached for my dagger.

“Then we take you by force.” He replied as they all surrounded me from every side, closing any chance of a quick escape. I eyed all five of them before they all came at me.

I swiftly took out my dagger and ducked as I sliced at one of their legs, right behind their calves where there was no protection before coming back up and managed to block another guard’s dagger with mine. Our blades crossed before I threw him back and that’s when I felt a rope come around my neck pulling me back against an armored chest.

I struggled and tried to free myself but my vision was quickly going black. In one final attempt, I headbutted the guard who had me by the throat which caused him to drop the rope and release me. Quickly taking a deep gasp of air I grabbed my dagger and tried to throw it at the man who had nearly choked me to death, but something felt off.

My arm was frozen in place. Suddenly my hand twisted oddly and I was forced to drop my dagger. As I gripped onto my wrist trying to stop it from bending back any further, my arm suddenly shot to the left then to the right before I felt myself crumbling down towards the ground.

This sensation was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It was like my own body was beyond my control.

‘You really thought we’d go for the wizard or the Halfling?’ a voice said in my head.

“Deimos.” I whispered painfully.

‘There’s no one closer to Hela than you, Haldir of Lórien.’ How did he know my true name? I soon felt my hands being forced to grab Hela’s hood and no matter how hard I tried to fight, his will was stronger than mine as I revealed my true identity to the guards.

“Bind him!” Deimos’s voice soon echoed through the room and the guards soon came at me with ropes and shackles. “Wait!” the guards soon stopped. “Gag him as well.” Deimos spoke in amusement. Soon my mouth was forced open by their grubby hands as a rag was forced around my mouth and I was dragged out of the palace like a dog. ‘Now what say we take a little rest for a while?’

Suddenly my senses were hazy as my will to fight, or even move vanished and I felt myself go limp against the guards.

*3rd Person POV*

What was unaware to anyone, including Deimos, was that a small creature had witnessed the whole thing from just behind one of the columns. That small creature was none other than Pippin.

“Oh no, Mr. Haldir. I’ve got to find Hela!” he quickly ran off to find Hela and tell her what had happened to Haldir.

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