#vikkari/arueshalae

[queen-scribbles]

"When we're together, what does it feel like?" "It feels like freedom. Impossible, indescribable freedom." ---

Losing my mind over this incredibly soft VikkArue art from @valkblue brb🥰😍🦋

[errantgoatart]

Merry Christmas Cait! I decided to go for something cute and pastel-y this time around, I hope you like it! :3 (I had fun drawing these two!)

Vikkari Damson (c) @queen-scribbles

[queen-scribbles]

From the Brink

27. passionate hand-holding [Vikkari/Arueshalae]

---

Vikkari woke up sore.

That in itself wasn't an unusual occurrence. Even before the Crusade, before he set to wandering, there were more than enough tasks on a farm like his family's to leave you with sore muscles come morning. And the life he'd led since striking out still made various levels of sore an occasional companion.

What was unusual was the deeper, painful ache in his side that registered a moment later.

More than a cramp, more than simple soreness, the sensation was akin to someone trying to pin him to the ground using his own ribs. It pulled a disoriented groan from him as he awoke and Vikkari instinctively curled in that direction. As if that would help.

"Hey, no, chief, you gotta--" Hands on his shoulders, pushing back, gentle but stubborn.

Vikkari fought them for a moment before giving in. The pain did, indeed, subside as he relaxed, blinking the world into focus. He was in a tent, in his bedroll, armor off, and a purple tiefling perched cross-legged on the ground next to him.

"Hey, chief." Woljif flashed an exaggerated grin that did absolutely nothing to hide the lingering worry in his eyes or the way his tail was twitching.

"Hey." His voice came out in a croak. Vikkari cleared his throat. "Why...?"

Why do I have to lie still? Why do I feel impaled? Why are you here but no one else? An ethereal green butterfly landed on his cheek and he reached by reflex to shoo it back into motion as he tried to decide which question to actually ask. Or at least ask first. They were all strong contenders.

"There's a piece of sword or stone or somethin' still stuck in your gut," Woljif said, tail flicking up to curl around his arm and then back down. "Sos is worried 'bout it causing more damage if you move too much before they get it out--think he was hopin' you'd stay out longer--but he and Seelah needed a break."

Vikkari stared at him blankly, not at all liking the implications of that flurried sentence.

Woljif frowned upon seeing his blank expression and leaned forward. "Do you not remember, boss?"

Before he could reply, the tent flaps were nudged aside as a scaly purple head shoved in, blue eye sparking with relief when they locked with his. "Vikkari!!" Aivu bellowed. She withdrew, but a moment later shoved her head back in the tent side closest to his bedroll.

"Hey, I'm gonna have to restake that now!" Woljif moaned, but the dragon ignored him.

She wriggled in far enough to nuzzle the side of Vikkari's face. "I'm glad you're awake! I was really worried and they wouldn't let me stay 'cause they said I'm too big!"

"You are too big," Vikkari said with a chuckle. Even that faint movement made his side twinge and he bit back a wince.

Aivu made a purring trill as she nuzzled a moment longer, the small cloud of butterflies increasing their circuit to include her, then bonked her head lightly against his shoulder. "You scared us!"

"Sorry...?" Vikkari mumbled, still trying to work out what he'd done.

"Don't tell me you forgot the gargantuan demon, chief," Woljif drawled--by way of a hint, he supposed.

He had, but the sardonic words nudged things into motion and it started coming back.

---

There wasn't much to be found here; the terrain too rocky and crisscrossed by dozens of ravines or crevasses. Not that the demonic forces seemed to care.

The derakni was massive-- twice as large again from normal. And unlike most of its ilk, it wielded a scythe, equally large and razor sharp. A few smaller demons, dretches and babaus, as well as cultist warriors, grouped around it as if waiting for orders. Or prey.

There was no attempt at bartering, no puffed-up banter. The locust demon gave an eager, guttural cry and launched itself at them.

Its minions scrambled to join in, but they were hardly a challenge. It was the aberration itself that posed the most danger. Frothing poison, wide swipes with its scythe, its droning wings beat against their sanity and its chitinous hide deflected their blows.

One of the cultists angled for Arueshalae and Lann and Seelah rushed to interpose herself, hands and blade both glowing with holy light. Her reckless charge protected the archers but left her open to the deranki.

Vikkari snapped off a spell in her defense, the orange rush of fire glancing off the demon's shoulder but fully catching its attention.

It hissed as it wheeled on him, too fast to react, the scythe piercing his side and slamming him to the ground. It used the weapon to reel him in, a wide, horrible grin splitting its face.

"Looks like the butterfly thinks it can play with the locusts," it sneered, free hand snapping up to extinguish one of the Elysian butterflies. Its grin widened as it peered at him. "Ah, Galfrey's pet butterfly, no l-"

It snarled as Aivu bit down on one of its back legs and kicked out to dislodge her.

Protective fury numbed the pain for long enough Vikkari channeled a burst of magic into the thing's face.

It howled and jerked the scythe in a harsh upward sweep. The hooked blade was deep enough in his side to fling Vikkari in the air before it tore free, and there wasn't much he could do beyond brace himself.

Landing was going to hurt.

---

"Locust-boy had a good arm," Woljif said with strained nonchalance, watching him process the memory. "Me an' Aivu took off on the path you got tossed while everyone else finished off tall, pissed, and bugly." He fiddled with a dagger, spinning the point in the dirt. "There was a minute or ten, weren't sure we'd find you," he admitted. "All those crevasses. Lots of places for you to slip outta sight."

"Well, clearly you did," Vikkari said, petting Aivu's head and neck.

"'Cause of them." Woljif flicked a hand up toward the circling, much diminished, kaleidoscope of ethereal butterflies. "Apparently they stick around even when you're, uh, out. And you were were really out."

"I thought you were dead!" Aivu interjected. "Only for a second, but it was really scary! Don't do that again!"

Vikkari patted her snout. "I'll do my best."

"So your dragon pal stayed with you, I ran back for the others, Sosiel and Seelah healed you up best they could, but we did just fight a bigass demon." Woljif shrugged, relief gleaming in his eyes despite the laidback façade. "The rest of us found a good spot to camp and set up while they rested. Also, Sos found that whatever-it-is in the wound an' wants to not be all shaky an' exhausted if he's gotta go digging it out."

"Yes, I'll appreciate that myself," Vikkari said dryly. Knowing what it--probably--was made it hurt more.

Woljif snorted a laugh. "I bet." His posture was much more relaxed. "Lann's keeping watch and your girlfriend's doin' her thing to camouflage the campsite from any other baddies that might be around."

Vikkari's neck warmed at the casual needling, but Woljif wasn't completely wrong, and it explained where Arueshalae was.

"Since I didn't have anything else to do, I got 'keep an eye on the chief and make sure he doesn't hurt himself if he wakes before the healers are ready to finish what they started' duty."

"Quite a mouthful of a title," Vikkari said lightly.

"Tell me about it," Woljif laughed. "But I don't mind."

The tent flaps parted and Sosiel leaned in with a smile. "I thought I heard voices. Good to see you awake, Commander."

"In large part thanks to you, as I understand it," Vikkari said. He could still see traces of weariness on his friend's face, but Sosiel didn't look ready to collapse from exhaustion at the moment. "Thank you."

"Of course," Sosiel nodded. "Though I didn't do it alone, Seelah was invaluable-"

"But Sosiel did the lion's share," Seelah interrupted to insist as she pushed past him into the tent. "Pulled you back right from the brink." She made shooing motions at the tiefling and the dragon. "Woljif, Aivu, out. There's not room for all of us, and we" --she gestured at Sosiel-- "gotta finish patching Vikkari up. You can bug him later."

Woljif didn't protest as he ducked out. "Unless someone else wants t' bug him first!" Aivu whined but also withdrew. Some of the butterflies went with her.

"It shouldn't take long to finish," Sosiel said, his smile now apologetic. "Just, with the battle..."

Vikkari waved off the the regretful tone. "I imagine there was a lot to fix." The derakni had flung him hard, and the fact he couldn't even remember hitting the ground meant it had likely been far from pleasant.

Seelah snorted a laugh, but the accompanying smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "You could say that."

"Fortunately we were able to tend everything save the initial wound," Sosiel said. "It cracked if not fractured a rib, and I believe there's still a fragment of the scythe blade embedded, just needed to recover some energy before attempting... something to remove it."

"You don't have to justify it, Sosiel." Vikkari started to sit up until the cleric held up a warning finger. "I wouldn't want any of you burning yourselves out for me."

"Thank you, Commander." He and Seelah moved close, Sosiel kneeling and her plunking cross-legged by Vikkari's bedroll. Seelah reached for his hand and Vikkari sent her a quizzical look.

"I'm mostly moral support this time," she explained. "He had an idea, and from the sound of things, this is gonna hurt."

"Thanks for the warning," Vikkari deadpanned, gaze on Sosiel as he chanted a spell, one fist clenched.

A faint light briefly danced around the gauntlet he still wore on that hand, and then he held it out just over the wound. There was a jolt of blindingly sharp pain that had Vikkari biting back a curse and squeezing Seelah's hand hard enough to crush a more delicate one. She murmured what sounded like a prayer to Iomadae and the pain eased, but his grip stayed white-knuckle and the remaining butterflies swirled agitated circles in the air around them.

And a sharp-shiny something flew out of his side into Sosiel's waiting hand. "Ah, good, it was a fragment of the scythe."

"Good?" Vikkari managed between clenched teeth.

"Yes, because otherwise the spell wouldn't have worked and I would've had to dig something this size out of you." Sosiel held out the gauntleted hand, a glittering, bloodstained line of dark metal crossing the width of his palm. "I did not relish the thought of causing that level of prolonged pain, even in pursuit of healing." He set the gauntlet and weapon splinter aside, one hand now curling around his holy symbol and the other extended to the freshly bleeding wound in Vikkari's side.

There was nowhere near the same level of pain this time; the slight discomfort of bone realigning as the broken rib fixed itself, of flesh knitting back together. But then it was done, and the soothing warmth of magic retreated.

"There," Sosiel said, weariness more pronounced but smile still warm, "You should still rest tonight, as should we all, but everything is healed."

"Thank you," Vikkari said with a smile of his own. "Both of you." He gave Seelah's hand another squeeze, more grateful and less desperate. "For all your hard work."

"You're welcome." Sosiel checked the wound was fully healed and stood to leave. "I need to cast the protective wards before I turn in..."

"Just make sure you get some sleep," Seelah admonished, and he nodded as he departed.

"You look like you could use some yourself," Vikkari said as he shifted to a more comfortable position. Now that he was out of danger, he could lay in a way that didn't make his back and shoulders sore.

"You're not wrong," Seelah said with a small laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. "Broken bones have never been easy for me to mend, let alone a few in a row--"

"A few?" he echoed.

She sent him a you really wanna know? look. "Arm in two places, leg in three, few more ribs beyond the one from getting impaled, collarbone. Skull. Must've hit real hard." Her teasing laugh was a bit stilted. "Surprised you didn't leave a crater."

Vikkari's nose wrinkled. "That's... more than a few."

"Yeah. But we got it all fixed." She winked. "Good thing you're my best friend so you're worth."

He chuckled. As if you wouldn't do it for any of us. "Thank you, really."

"You'd do the same for me, and I know you were only its target 'cause you were watchin' my back."

"You'd do the same for me," Vikkari said, smiling as his mimicry earned him an eyeroll and light punch to the shoulder.

"In a heartbeat," Seelah said as she stretched, her gaze flicking to the tent entrance. "But you're right; I should go rest. Someone's gotta take your watch tonight-"

Vikkari opened his mouth to protest he could sit and watch the surroundings even if he was still recovering.

"-and I think you have another visitor," she finished with a grin as she pushed to her feet.

He took the hint to look and couldn't stop a smile at the familiar silhouette--horns, glittering red eyes, leathery wings folded close to her back as she lurked in the doorway.

"Iomadae's left pauldron, you're smitten," Seelah snickered, and Vikkari shrugged rather than argue, which made her laugh again. "I'm done with him, Arueshalae, he's all yours."

There was a small gasp of surprise and Arueshalae smiled shyly as she slipped into the tent after Seelah departed. "I didn't want to intrude..."

"You aren't," Vikkari assure her, pushing himself up to a sitting position. "I was just thanking her for her part in saving my life."

A worried--and adorable--little frown furrowed her brow for a moment, and Arueshalae headed for the spot Seelah had occupied with steps rapid yet somehow hesitant, her wings folded in close to manage the confines of the tent. "It was... terrifying," she whispered. There was no similar hesitance to the fervor with which she took his hand and squeezed, her fingers almost hot enough to burn. "You scared us."

"So I've heard from several sources." Vikkari squeezed her hand back, thumb running over her knuckles in an almost-caress.

"You scared me," she said softly, biting her lip.

"And I'm very sorry for that," he said just as softly. He tugged up his shirt to show the unblemished skin (despite the bloodstain marring the fabric). "But I'm alright now." He tried not to dwell on the litany of broken bones Seelah had reeled off as he caught Arueshalae's gaze and squeezed her hand again. It did make sense of how rattled all of them seemed, though. "I am, Arueshalae, I promise."

"You weren't." The words were so quiet he barely caught them. "You-" Arueshalae swallowed, her hot, delicate fingers briefly brushing his cheek. "It was so close, Vikkari. Your eyes were so dim--dark--and I hated it and it scared me so badly--" She caught a shuddering breath, gaze dropping to their linked hands. "And it's worse because I-I shouldn't..."

Vikkari's heart squeezed, seeing her so distressed. Yes, you should. "I am sorry I scared you, truly I am. I wish I could promise never to do it again. But I can't, not with the lives we lead, the goal we seek to accomplish. I promise to do my best, and" --he tipped her chin back up-- "my eyes will always shine for you, if I have any say in the matter."

She blushed ducked her head again, studying their hands, tracing an old whittling scar on his. "That's... Thank you. It's very sweet and I know it's the best you can promise." She continued tracing his knuckles, his palm. "You're always sweet, and so kind and... I was praying," she admitted abruptly.

He waited out the pause that followed.

"The whole time I was working to disguise the camp. Panicked, inarticulate little things." Arueshalae gave a small, shaky laugh, pressing both of her hands tight around his. "Desna, don't let him die. Or let him be alright, we still need him. For Seelah and Sosiel to have what they needed." She met his gaze, eyes shining with relief and unshed tears. "I'm... glad She listened, despite me being me."

"Of course She did," Vikkari said, softly, gently. "You're a good person, and you were asking for a good thing." He huffed a wry laugh. "Selfish as that may sound coming from me."

She shook her head. "No, it's-- We... the Crusade needs you."

"And you still have me," he promised, not entirely referring to the Crusade with his reassurance. He watched a teal butterfly alight on one of her horns and bit back a smile.

"I know," Arueshalae nodded. "I just needed to remind myself of that." She looked down at their hands, let one of hers slide away. "But I should let you rest now..."

Despite the implied intention, she didn't let go of his hand, barely loosening the rest of her grip.

Vikkari smiled, gave her hand another squeeze. He'd be lying to deny weariness setting in, but, "You can stay, if you want. I'd rather your company than be alone." He meant it, and her reluctance made him think she would prefer that as well.

The shy smile that bloomed across her face confirmed his suspicion. "Alright."

Their reluctance to release each other's hands made laying back down a bit tricky, but Vikkari managed. He shifted to his side so the angle wasn't a strain for either of them.

"Sweet dreams," Arueshalae whispered, and he drew her hand close to kiss her knuckles as he felt the exhaustion of the long day--and ordeal he'd been through--creeping up on him.

He dreams were very sweet, indeed.

But even sweeter was finding her still there come morning.

[queen-scribbles]

(if you got the previous ask no you didn't :'D)

talk about Aru 4 Vikkari?

I see I am surrounded by people of taste <33 He's all too happy to oblige. take two bc tumblr is DUMB

---

"Talk about Arue?" Vikkari's face visibly brightens, his eyes glowing. "My favorite topic. (The dragon curled up next to him huffs and he grins as he pats her flank. "You're a close second, Aivu.") Arueshalae is... amazing. Seelah says I'm biased, and maybe she's right, but it's still true.

"Right from the start, that she'd outright rejected her demonic nature and was working to atone? Even knowing how hard it would be, and how long she'd have to work, and that redemption might not even be possible? The courage and will that took to not only start but stick to it is incredible. Demons branded her a traitor, the Crusaders branded her a liar and manipulator and she knew there was a very real possibility no one would ever trust her but she did it anyway because it was the right thing to do."

He shakes his head, a faintly awestruck look on his face. "And then she stayed in the demon army, surrounded by danger and temptation and reminders of who she'd been, to act as spy and pass information to the crusade and saved gods only know how many lives, because it was the right thing to do. And she wants to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is, no matter what it costs her, simply because it's right, and I... that's just... amazing.

"She admitted to her deception at Greengates because it was right, even knowing we might send her away or not trust her. She tried to save--or at least apologize to--Dimalchio, because it was right, even though he'd been tormenting her, even though it hurt her to see him and be reminded what she'd done. She's never tried to hide from or deny the wrongs she done, rather does her best to fix them when she can. She'd done that to him, she'd corrupted him, and she faced that down to try and make it right, and I just... can't imagine the strength that took. She tore down her borrowed dream and waited to build her own" --a smile curves his lips-- "even though it hurt to sacrifice that achievement because it wasn't hers, she needed to do it the right way, have her own dreams, not ones stolen from others.

"I don't think I've ever been prouder of anyone in my life than watching her turn down every chance the Abyss offered to slide back to her old ways, be good and kind and try to help even when it spat on her efforts." His finger absently circles a small burn scar on the back of the opposite hand. "Because that's who she had decided to be. Someone good. Someone kind. Regardless of how people or anyone else treated her as a result. Even if it was antithetical to her nature. Even if she struggled.

"And she is. She is one of the kindest, sweetest, most amazing people I've ever met." A small laugh escapes at the irony of saying that about a former succubus. "The way she finds joy in helping others, in the simple things... I'm so proud of her, so honored to know her, that she... trusts me as I trust her." He runs a hand down his face, clears his throat. "Her determination and kindness are... humbling. However much help she claims I gave her in her quest for redemption, know she did at least three times as much of the work herself. She is... amazing." There's a catch in his voice as he concludes,

"Her love is a gift that I treasure every day, and she is my happy ending."

[queen-scribbles]

and 46 for a platonic pairing of your choice!

46. linking arms with each other [Vikkari & Seelah]

---

Seelah was easy to find in the crusade’s warcamp--you just followed the sound of cheerful humming. It was slightly more of a challenge once they retook Drezen, but still a surefire way to track her down--if you could pick the humming out from all the other city bustle.

Today the humming--a Mendevian tavern song, if he recalled correctly--led Vikkari to the second floor of the barracks. Seelah was perched cross-legged on a bench, using the light of a nearby window to polish her armor.

“I don’t think I know that one,” he said by way of greeting.

She looked up and flashed a wide grin. “Hang around the Half Measure enough nights and I’m sure you’ll learn it.”

Vikkari tipped his head in agreement. “I suppose I will. Hiding, or trying to avoid distractions?” he asked, nodding to her position.

“A bit of both.” She unfolded her legs and scooted over in unspoken invitation.  “Been long enough since I gave this” --she tapped the spaulder in her hand-- “a good cleaning, but there’s so much goin’ on.” She laughed. “And if I have to recount our ‘glorious assault on the demonic horde’ one more time, my brain might ooze out my ears.”

Vikkari chuckled as he took a seat next to her. “Wouldn’t want that. You could always point them at Nenio. Either she’ll rejoice in her captive audience or they’ll have the shine worn off by her incredibly detailed account.”

“That’s an idea,” Seelah said, nudging him with her elbow. “Or I could send them your way. Commander.”

“Please don’t,” he groaned, pulling out a half-carved butterfly to work on further as they chatted. I’m sort of hiding from them, too. “I have enough on my plate as it is; supplying the city, deploying armies, diplomatic relations, all the councils, people questioning my choice of allies....”

His gaze drifted out the window, even if the chapel wasn’t visible from here, but he still caught Seelah’s smirk before she commented, “I’ve got your back on that one; I believe her.”

“Hm?” Vikkari  paused in setting knife to wood as he arched a brow at her. Was he that obvious she could tell he wasn’t talking about the Hellknight, the tiefling, or noble of ill repute?

“Arueshalae.” Seelah’s expression was all innocence as she polished the spaulder.  “I think she’s tellin’ the truth about renouncing her nature and wanting to help us. Very brave of her.”

“Mm-hm.” He turned his attention to carving the butterfly, notching out the division between upper and lower wing.

She finished with the spaulder and set it aside. “Don’t worry, I won’t blab about your crush.”

The knife skidded against a curve, just a little, but enough to have Seelah grinning when he looked up at her. “I, um, wouldn’t call it a crush,” Vikkari fumbled.

Seelah snorted as she stretched. “Not callin’ it that doesn’t make it somethin’ else, Vikkari.”

“I... she...” Iomadae preserve him, this was not helping his case. “I admire her, yes. She’s committed to a long, hard, dangerous road. Demons will hate her, many in the Crusade will never trust her, no matter what she does. And she’s... still doing it.” He ran his thumb around the finished wing, gauging how to make the other match as he sorted his thoughts. “Because it’s right. And she cares. And... I just want to be sure she knows someone believes her. Believes in her.”

“Well, I can help with the believing in her part.” Seelah stood and started arranging her polished armor to put away. “‘Fraid I don’t have any experience that would help with the rest of the stuff on your plate. Growin’ up on the streets doesn’t exactly prepare you for commanding armies or high-stakes diplomacy.”

“What, you think life as a famer’s kid turned wandering soul did any better?” Vikkari scoffed, tucking away the whittling project so he could help her with her armor. He sent up a silent prayer of thanks for the conversational shift.

“‘Least all that traveling gave you some insight into how other cultures function, right?” she countered, taking the armor pieces as he passed them to secure on their stand.

“And your upbringing has you very in touch with what the common folk are going to care about,” he said with a shrug. “And very passionate in making sure they aren’t overlooked or mistreated. Not that I would, but it’s good they have someone in what I guess is my ‘inner circle’ now? who will speak up in their favor or defense.”

It was a dizzying thought, that he was in charge of enough, surrounded by enough people to have what would be considered an inner circle. Let alone that it was more than maybe two people. He wasn’t used to thinking in those terms--until a few months ago he would have just said friends. But he supposed it was possible for both to be accurate under the circumstances. Seelah was his friend, but he also trusted her instincts and opinions. And since Queen Galfrey had put him in charge of the entire bloody Fifth Crusade, that would make her part of his inner circle.

A thought occurred, and Vikkari grinned as he passed Seelah the last pieces of her armor. “Maybe you should be on one of those councils.”

“Right, that makes sense.” Seelah snorted a laugh. “Urchin turned paladin advising the leader of the crusade? No way for that to go wrong.”

He shook his head. “One friend making sure another keeps his feet on the ground, and remembers his decisions affect the rank and file just as much as--if not more than--the... more visible parties.”

She arched a brow. “Don’t see that being a problem for you, Vikkari.”

“Well, then, maybe I just trust you and value your input, Seelah,” he retorted with a grin, warmed by her confidence. 

“That’s your first mistake,” she deadpanned, grinning.

“I don’t think it’s a mistake.” Vikkari shook his head, bumped his shoulder to hers. “Can I talk you into it over a drink?”

Seelah pursed her lips, then laughed. “Probably. But only if you’re buying.”

“Obviously,” he said with a matching laugh.

She linked her arm through his. “Then lead the way, Commander.”

He rolled his eyes but couldn’t fight a smile as they headed down the stairs. He didn’t bother to point out that this close on the heels of liberating the city, Fye was unlikely to charge them anyway.

Seelah was humming by the time they reached the street, the same tavern song as when he’d found her. Vikkari knew the tune, if not the words, so he joined her as they walked arm in arm toward the Half Measure.

“Think I could convince you to sing that one someday?” Seelah teased.

“Only if you teach me the words first,” he reminded her with a laugh.

Her eyes lit with mischief over a wide, gleaming smile. “Oh, that, my friend, I can definitely do.”

[queen-scribbles]

Using another of my hoarded WIP tags to tease Vikkari & Seelah buddyfic prompt fill :D

His gaze drifted out the window, even if the chapel wasn’t visible from here, but he still caught Seelah’s smirk before she commented, “[...] I believe her.”

“Hm?” Vikkari had pulled out his whittling knife, but he paused in setting it to wood as he arched a brow at her. 

“Arueshalae.” Seelah’s expression was all innocence as she polished her spaulder. “I think she’s telling the truth about renouncing her nature and wanting to help us and all. Very brave of her.”

“Mm-hm.” He turned his attention to carving the butterfly, notching out the division between upper and lower wing.

Seelah finished with the spaulder and set it aside. “Don’t worry, I won’t blab about your crush.”

The knife skidded against a curve, just a little, but enough to have Seelah grinning when he looked up at her. “I, um, wouldn’t call it a crush,” Vikkari fumbled.

Seelah snorted. “Not callin’ it that doesn’t make it somethin’ else, Vikkari.”

Open tagging since Idk who’s been hit with one of these recently

[queen-scribbles]

7 and 10 for WOTR ask? ^^

7. How did they react to/feel about Galfrey stripping them of their rank?

Vikkari was extremely annoyed, bc it felt like she was punishing him for being too good at his job. He stormed the Fane early, saved everyone, rescued his allies every single time they called for help, basically got the best possible result. But because he did it without ~waiting for her~ her he was "reckless" and "irresponsible" (says the woman who loses Drezen and charges Iz underprepared and gets massive chunks of her army killed while he's gone :))))) ) and she strips his rank and sends him to the Abyss. Ostensibly on a mission, but it sure feels like a punishment. That's where his opinion of her really started to sour tbh. Between that and how unforgiving she acts toward Arueshalae there, my boy was Not A Fan of the queen when he left.

10. What did your KC think of Alushinyrra?

Oh, he hates it. Absolutely loathes the place. All the buildings move, and everyone wants to eat him or enslave him, and it's full of bad memories for Arue and they STEAL his DRAGON. Alushinyrra is basically Vikkari and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day(s). He hates having to fight in Battlebliss, he hates currying Vellaxia's favor, he hates all of it. The only good thing that comes of it is helping his friends with some of the demons(literal, in most cases) that plague them.

WotR (2) Asks

[queen-scribbles]

💋: favourite romance? 🛑: least favourite quest, or a quest you refuse to complete? and ❤️: any npcs you liked, or even wished you could romance? for emoji ask :3

💋: favourite romance?

I mean, I've only finished Arueshalae's and am halfway through Lann's, but I'm pretty sure Arue is gonna stay my favorite. I am, however, intrigued by both Daeran and the Woljif mod, and flirting with Sosiel was fun until Arue swooped in and stole Vikkari's heart xD

🛑: least favourite quest, or a quest you refuse to complete?

More than Nothing. I love Nenio, but FUCK her personal quest, man. Most of it isn't so bad, but I spent three hours tearing my hair out in the Enigma before I caved and used Toybox to give myself like 80 blue and green binding sources and shamelessly used a guide for the puzzles.

❤️: any npcs you liked, or even wished you could romance?

Aside from typical faves like Irabeth and Anevia, I really like quartermaster Wilcer Garms, Ciar, and Chadali from the Trickster path council(the whole council is great, but Chadali <33333). Ramien and all the Azata path npcs(Ilkes, Aranka etc). uh, oh, what's her name... Miammir, the half-elf scholar in Wintersun.

Also Hilor. I really like Hilor. He's the only one I would maybe possibly want to romance, but there's so many options among the companions it's already gonna take a while to get through that. xD Also I can’t remember, he might be married already, in which case nvm

WotR Asks

[queen-scribbles]

For the OTP asks, #1, 19, 29, 41, 50 for Vikkari and Arue?

1. Who wakes up first?

Vikkari, but not by much. They like to have tea/coffee and watch the sunrise together, so they're both early risers.

19. Who puts their cold hands/feet on the other?

Well, since it's canon that Arue runs really hot, and I countered that by making Vikkari run cool, this one goes to my boy. He's not super cold, but to her it feels like it. He also doesn't do it much on purpose, but it will happen unintentionally in his sleep sometimes.

29. Who licks the spoon when they’re baking brownies?

Both. Vikkari's usually the one doing the baking, mind you, but Arue is a ready and able kitchen helper, and he's happy to share that step with her. It usually turns into kissing the chocolate off each other's faces, which takes a while. Chocolate is stubborn. Neither of them is complaining, though.

41. Who is the big spoon/little spoon?

See, this one's tricky, since Vikkari's on Azata path, so they both have wings and spooning is kind of a pain. I'm very close to saying his can go intangible/incorporeal for precisely this sort of scenario, but in the meantime... What they usually do for cuddling is Arue leaning against something with a low back, like the arm of a sofa(since her wings join at her shoulders and Vikkari's are mid-back, so she can do this without it hurting) and Vikkari laying with his face on her chest/stomach. She likes to play with his hair, he likes to listen to her heartbeat. Win-win.

50. Who gets overwhelmed by small acts of kindness?

Oh, that's Arueshalae, for sure. Vikkari is in the habit of doing small acts of kindness for people anyway--the figures he carves, doing a chore for them he knows they don't like, baking favorite cookies on bad days--so he does them more. Since it's a habit of his, he'd be appreciative but not surprised if someone did some small kindness for him. Arue never really stops being delightedly surprised by small acts of kindness people do for her.

OTP Asks

[queen-scribbles]

3, 8, and 10 for Vikkari!

3. Companions: your OC’s platonic best friend?

AIVU. Bestest Dragon Friend, literally inseparable aside from That One Time in the Abyss. He adores her and vice versa. When she was smaller, she'd sleep with her head in his lap, and once she gets gigantic they nap with him using her as a pillow

97% of why he went with storming the Midnight Fane early was bc Aivu thought it was a good idea lol. And he spends a ridiculous amount of time perfecting his cookie recipe just for her.

If Aivu doesn't count, it's a tie between Seelah and Lann, he appreciates that Seelah treats him as a normal person and her friend first, Commander second, and really enjoys Lann's dry, dark sense of humor.

8. First thing your OC did after closing the Worldwound?

Aside from getting out safely and returning to Drezen... it involves Arue and is very, very redacted. 😇👀

10. Thoughts on Queen Galfrey?

Oookay. So. Vikkari grew up in Qadira, and was far enough removed from Mendev prior to the attack on Kenabres, Galfrey was a borderline mythological figure to him. Someone you heard stories about, virtues espoused, deeds ascribed that you couldn't more than half believe actually happened bc no one could do all that(could they?). When he actually met her, he was initially very impressed. She's handling a heavy responsibility with grace and skill, she's shown admirable commitment to her duty, she seems to strike the balance of caution that doesn't lean into paranoia(/cough Hulrun /cough).

The first cracks in his positive opinion came when she got so mad at him for initiating the assault on the Midnight Fane without her and her troops. They won, they saved everyone, caught the demons off-guard and had no casualties, and she still acted like he did something wrong bc he didn't ask her advice/do it her way. AND THEN she started Judging his decision to trust Arueshalae and really landed herself on his shitlist bc boy was full-on smitten by that point and Arue had done nothing but prove herself for ages. (Honestly, Seelah speaking up in Arue's defense there earned her MAJOR Vikkari friend points) Getting sent on a mission to the Abyss sure felt like a punishment for not toeing the line, no matter what she said, extra bc Vikkari hates the Abyss. HATES IT. He's aasimar; people kept talking about wanting him as either a slave or a meal, it was awful.

AND THEN he comes back from the Abyss and Drezen is fallen (again) and she stormed Iz while he was gone and he was very much done playing nice. Especially bc Irabeth died in the assault on Iz, several of his friends almost died fighting Deskari, and the crusade was kinda in shambles from her management.

He's... coolly indifferent to her by the end; understands the burden she carries and the hard choices she's had to make, but is also pretty well convinced even if it wasn't an initial draw, she's gotten too comfortable and accustomed to the accolades that comes with being The Savior Queen who Holds the Demons at Bay and is pissy at someone else getting a share of the glory.

WotR Asks

[queen-scribbles]

“How many times do I have to remind you to just come in? You don’t have to knock.”

“And miss the way your eyes light up? Never.”

---

Vikkari/Arueshalae are my third (and final 😅) V-day commission from @emedeme and my heart’s making happy screechy noises at how CUTE they are. 

[queen-scribbles]

9. holding hands across a table [Vikkari/Arueshalae]

(Big time act 5 spoilers, so whole’s things behind a cut)

---

“What if I’m willing to sacrifice my life if it means closing the Worldwound?”

The words echoed in her head, every repetition driving a spike of fear a little deeper into her heart because she knew he meant it. He was too honest, too good to make such an offer frivolously. And she’d watched him give of himself to protect the world, to help the downtrodden. She had no doubt that, if called for, he would make good on his word. He would die to save the world.

And that terrified her.

Her fingers tightened on the wooden butterfly talisman she held, so hard she could feel the details he’d carved pressing into her skin. Desna, please don’t let that be asked of him...

“Arueshalae?” His voice, as always, centered her back in reality, out of her fears. “Is something wrong?” Chair legs scraped the tavern floor as he took a seat, reached across the small table for her hands.

“Vikkari.” Arueshalae tipped the carved butterfly onto the table, let her hands slide into his. His touch was cool and soothing, a balm for the panic that seared her heart. She smiled faintly as she squeezed his fingers. “I was just...” Her voice trembled, and his eyes glowed with concern, and she couldn’t deflect her worry. Didn’t want to. “What you said to Iomadae, being willing to...” the word caught in her throat, but from the way his hands tightened around hers, he knew. “You meant that, and I-I don’t...”

I don’t want to lose you. Not so soon after finding you. Desna forgive her, it was selfish, but it was true.

Vikkari was silent a moment after her words trailed off, studying their joined hands. “I don’t want it to come to that, either,” he said softly, drawing her hands closer to brush kisses light as butterfly wings against her knuckles. “I want to stay with you.” He turned their hands and repeated the kisses against her palms. “I also said I’d fight the Abyss itself to make your dream come true; our dream.” He picked up the butterfly, placed it in her palm, covered it with his hand. “I meant that, too.”

“I know,” Arueshalae whispered. There are stronger forces than the Abyss, love. She interlaced her fingers with his around the butterfly. Even as far back as her first dream, when she’d asked what his was, he’d said Peace.

“And with Areelu tied to the Worldwound as well, I don’t think I’ll be required to... sacrifice that much,” he continued.

“I know,” she repeated with a nod. It was true; the circumstances being as they were, sealing the Worldwound was unlikely to cost his life. Or so she told herself.

Because the possibility it might made it hard to breathe.

The first time she’d found acceptance, and trust, and love--not lust, not charmed infatuation, love--and the Worldwound might swallow it whole. No. No, that wouldn’t happen, it couldn’t--

“Arue.” Again his voice, so tender this time, quieted her fears. He freed one hand to cup her cheek. “Don’t make it bigger than it is.” His eyes flickered over a warm smile as he leaned closer. “You have me now. Focus on that.”

Arueshalae shoved all her fears away and smiled back as she likewise leaned in to ask softly, playfully, “Just now?”

Vikkari chuckled, chair legs scraping the floor again as he closed the gap to rest his forehead on hers, his thumb caressing her cheek. “And always, if I have any say about it,” he murmured.

As she leaned into the kiss he offered, felt the butterfly press into their palms, Arueshalae hoped with all her heart that was a promise he’d be able to keep.

[queen-scribbles]

For What It’s Worth

8. squeezing hand for comfort and encouragement  [Vikkari/Arueshalae]

Hurrah, these two finally have a fic! Vague spoilers for Act 4, specifically the sidequest with Latverk, even vaguer mention of the main quest.

----

 It was the tension in his shoulders as they left Battlebliss Arena that was the straw to break on the camel’s back. Why a camel’s back? Arueshalae mused as she quickened her pace to walk next to him. That was one mortal creature she had yet to encounter; were their spines particularly hard? Although, straw was flimsy in her experience, wouldn’t it break just as easily on any creature? But those were questions for later. There was a much more important one for now.

“Are you alright?” she asked softly as she fell in step next to Vikkari.

A wry smile pulled one corner of his mouth. “I’ll manage,” he said, just as softly.

Arueshalae shook her head. “That’s not what I asked.” 

“What do you think?” He turned to look at her and the golden light of his eyes was tinged orange and red from the lava flows around them.

“Not well?” she guessed.  She could sense his urgency, his discomfort and righteous anger at how things worked in the Abyss, helpless frustration that he not only couldn’t change it but had to play along. She’d always been good at reading mortals’ emotions. It was vital to... her old life. And even if she’d left the life behind, the skill remained.

“Very astute.” He huffed out a sigh. “Leaving aside that people keep commenting how delicious ‘my kind’ tastes, there’s so much cruelty here, for no reason, it’s anathema to everything I am, and people here delight in it. And I have no choice but to play along if I want to get what we’re after.”

“I’m sorry,” Arueshalae whispered. Hard as it was for her to be back here, to be reminded of who she used to be, she couldn’t imagine how horrible it was for him. Evil laid bare, and unlike in Golarion, he could do nothing to stop most of it.

“It’s not your fault,” Vikkari said, giving her a wan smile. “Much as she makes my skin crawl, I chose to pursue Vellexia’s patronage, because the other options...” He shook his head as a bloodthirsty cheer went up behind them. “I can’t. And I need to be done here. I need... I miss the grass. Buildings that don’t move. Rain. Air that doesn’t reek of sulfur and ash.” A wry, almost sardonic laugh escaped him. “I miss the sun, Arueshalae.”

Her heart broke for him, for the unvarnished desperation in his voice. “I wish I could help,” she murmured, brushing her fingers against the back of his hand.  Vikkari caught her hand as she started to pull away, his fingers curling around the edge of her palm to give a light squeeze.

 “You do,” he said simply, then let go and strode on through the streets.

Arueshalae didn’t have to wonder why those two little words made her heart flutter and stir warm in her chest. She was smiling to herself as she dropped back to her typical rearguard position, her hand curling in a loose fist as if she could preserve the coolness of his touch.

---

Her hands shook with rage and she couldn’t make it stop. How dare he?! Gifted by birth and blood what many struggled their whole lives to achieve, and he dared to make excuses--

A hand gently touched her arm and Arueshalae paused, the connection breaking through the fury that whirled white-hot in her head.

“Are you alright?” Vikkari asked softly.

She studied her boots, hands knotted together, ashamed it had been that obvious. “I’m sorry, I-”

“You don’t need to apologize.” He eased her hands apart, held them in his as he waited for her to meet his gaze. “You don’t.”

The firmness of his words lessened the ache in her chest a little, but her eyes still prickled with the burn of emotion too strong to contain. She wondered if he could read the small, brief, vindictive twist of satisfaction she’d felt when Latverk met his end at the hands of his victims. If he had added it to the tally alongside every slaver or peddler of pleasure that had recognized her, every time attention was drawn to the lusts she’d indulged before. 

She swallowed hard, unsure what to say.

“I’m proud of you, you know,” Vikkari said.

Arueshalae blinked. “What?” She hadn’t known that. Hadn’t expected it.

He squeezed her hands and smiled. “Every chance you’ve had to... lapse you’ve rejected. I can’t imagine the strength it took to do that, especially with such poise.” His thumbs brushed over her knuckles and his eyes glowed warm gold as he repeated, “I’m proud of you, Arueshalae.”

Her face went hot and she ducked her head. Couldn’t bring herself to let go of his hands, though. “I... I fear your pride is misplaced. I was so angry... back there.”

“So was I,” he said gently. “And so was Seelah. Righteous anger toward true evil and satisfaction at its defeat isn’t a bad thing, as long as you keep it in check. And I understand. Why it would affect you so.” He looked at her with a strange sort of longing for a moment, before turning his gaze to the shifting islands of the Abyss. The Fleshmarkets were drawing near, so they only had a few moments more. “There’s no need to be ashamed of your anger.  Especially because you’re a better person than I in that regard.” Her skepticism must have shown on her face, because he clarified, “You said you were angry at him but didn’t want to kill him. I did. His actions were reprehensible, the anger itself is nothing to be ashamed of.” Vikkari gave her hands a final squeeze. “I wanted to be sure you knew that.

“Thank you, Vikkari,” Arueshalae said softly, reluctantly slipping her hands free as the edge of the Fleshmarkets rapidly approached.

“Any time,” Vikkari promised with a smile, and she knew he meant it.

[queen-scribbles]

So uh. This happened. 🥰 (Abridged version; much as I’d love to share the whole thing it’s really long) I’m definitely not crying. Absolutely not having a high level of emotions about this. Totally didn’t play through it three times.

Bonus:

(same girl)

[queen-scribbles]

a kiss on the temple?

Angel boy snagged this one, since that's one of his favorite places to kiss Arue :3 Sort-of spoilers for her romance ending, but they're all below the cut.

---

There were few things that made you appreciate the sight of home more than having a long road behind you. Today, as usual, the sight of the familiar, unassuming cottage silhouetted against the sunset was invigorating. Weary feet regained the speed they'd lost over the last few miles, golden eyes glowed with anticipation under the hood of his cloak, but Vikkari still knocked when he reached the cheerful yellow door.

There was a moment of quiet, then the door swung open, a practiced "What can I do-?" interrupted when Arueshalae registered it was him rather than someone seeking aid. She gave a delighted gasp and hugged him with such fervor he had to take a step back to keep his balance. Her hands pressed hot to the back of his neck to pull him down into a kiss even as he laughed and hugged her back.

“How many times do I have to remind you to just come in?” she scolded playfully as she tugged him into the house. “You don’t have to knock.”

“And miss the way your eyes light up?” Vikkari's hand slid up into her hair and he smiled as his kissed her back. “Never.”

Arueshalae giggled and clasped her hands behind his neck. "You have very good timing, love."

"Do I?" he murmured, resting his forehead against hers. The warmth of her touch chased away the chill of the road. "How so?"

"I just made tea." She nudged at his hood with her fingertips until it fell. "The blackberry one you love."

"Mm, that is excellent timing on my part," Vikkari agreed as he groped behind him with one hand to push the door closed. "But I hope it needs a little longer to steep, b'cause I missed you" --he brushed a gentle kiss to her temple-- "and I'm not ready to let go yet."

Arueshalae hummed happily and leaned into the kiss. "Me, neither," she said softly. She slid one hand around to cup his jaw, her thumb tracing over his cheekbone and lower lip. "It will keep." Stole another kiss. "Or I'll make another pot."

"A good plan," he said, quiet, almost yearning even with her right there. He leaned in, needing to be closer, needing her after so long apart. As if she'd read his thoughts, Arueshalae hugged him again, her arms tight around his neck as his slid below her wings to hold her just as close.

They lingered like that for several minutes, only occasionally shifting enough to brush kisses over cheeks, temple, forehead, lips. Finally, though, Arueshalae eased back and tugged him toward the kitchen. Vikkari followed, one hand clasped in hers as the other worked off his cloak and tossed it at a chair. He didn't look to see if it missed.

The small teapot in the middle of the table was painted with vines to match the flowery ones that crept along the walls, and steam wafted cheerily from the open top. Arueshalae smiled at him and added a second teacup beside her own. The vines over the fireplace budded and bloomed despite the sinking sun as she lifted the strainer from the pot, small touches of color to further brighten the room.

"This time was long enough to be quite the adventure," she commented as she poured the tea and they sat at the table.

"It was certainly that." Vikkari laced his fingers with hers and inhaled the fragrance of blackberry and honey, a deep contentment settling over him as he began the tale.

Adventure was a fine thing, but nothing held a candle to coming home.

[queen-scribbles]

Have some Vikkari/Arueshalae headcanons on this fine October morning😁

Remember how I said Vikkari got sun poisoning as a kid and is now super wary of it happening again? If they’re traveling in an area without little/no shade on a sunny day and Arue picks up that he’s getting nervous about that, she’ll walk next to him and use one of her wings to give him shade.

The first thing Vikkari whittles that’s for her is a butterfly (of course) that’s about half the size of her palm. Arue loves it (of course) and puts it on a cord to hang from her quiver. Like a good luck charm.

This one’s purely an adorable mental image, but ya know the whole “succubus kiss = death” thing? Them overcoming it ala Ned/Chuck with the Golarion equivalent of plastic wrap. You’re welcome.