#xenk yendar fanfiction

[bi-bard]

Cruel Trick of Fate - Xenk Yendar Imagine [Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves]

Title: Cruel Fate

Pairing: Xenk Yendar X Reader

Word Count: 1,508 words

Warning(s): self-image issues (i think that's a good way to describe it), mention of attack

Summary: Xenk saves the life of a person in need. (Y/n)'s time spent healing brings the duo exceptionally closer than either of them considered to be possible.

Author's Note: I don't know if I'm surprised that this is happening or not.

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My story truly begins when I woke up in what I assumed was a cave.

I had no idea where I was or how I had gotten there. And once I blinked the sleep from my eyes, I realized those facts and shoved myself out of the bed.

I scrambled, doing a circle in the hopes of getting some kind of hold on my surroundings. It didn't do much.

I reached over blindly, grabbing a stick of some kind that I could use as a makeshift weapon.

"You shouldn't be moving around."

I jumped when I heard a voice. I held out my arms, trying to look more threatening to the man than I actually was.

"You hit your head," he said. "You should sit down before your head begins to hurt again."

"Who are you and where am I," I asked. "And why did you bring me here?"

"My name is Xenk Yendar, this is my home, and you were attacked," he answered simply.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "That didn't actually answer my final question."

"Your head was hurt," he repeated. "By the creature that attacked you. Do you not remember?"

"Head injuries can impact memory," I replied. "Shocking, I know."

"I do not find that shocking at all," his eyebrows furrowed for a moment.

"I was being- it wasn't- why am I explaining the concept of language to you," I scolded myself more than I truly spoke to him. "Let me go."

"I cannot do that in good conscience," he shook his head. "How are you feeling?"

"I- I'm fine," I blinked a few times when a spiking pain shot through my head, finding a place in my temple to continuously remind me of its presence. "I want to go home."

"If I allow you to do that and you end up even more hurt on the trip, then I would never be able to forgive myself."

"Then you can guide me, how's... how's that?"

I must've swayed a bit when I spoke.

Xenk stepped forward, only stopping when I shakily pointed the stick at him.

"You are threatening me with a stick and are clearly weak, please sit down," he pleaded.

I closed my eyes, my face scrunching up a bit as I did so. I felt him pull the stick from my hands before guiding me to sit back down on the bed.

"I will be right back."

I dug the heels of my hands into my eyes, not acknowledging his comment.

At the time, I decided that the entire event was decided by some cruel act of fate.

It felt like I spent ages with Xenk.

At first, I was angry. Dismissive. I made my discomfort very well known. The more that I looked back on that time, the more stunned I am that Xenk never told me to leave. He refused to give up on me until I was fully healed.

I did eventually begin to calm down. Anger and annoyance became something close to indifference. It was all much calmer. We would eat together, conversations were less awkward, and my constant need to fight or run seemed to dissipate.

When that indifference changed, I wanted to refuse that it happened.

It felt strange to think that such a change had happened. Ridiculous.

It was so much easier for me to ignore it happened at all.

And then, Xenk came back with a wound on his arm.

I furrowed my eyebrows as he walked in.

"Are you alright," I asked.

He nodded. "Just need to take care of this."

I watched him for a while as he cleaned his wound and attempted to take care of it. It didn't seem like a very intense wound, but it did seem a bit difficult for him to take care of.

It took me far too long to finally step in.

"Alright, stop," I walked over and swatted his hand away. "I may go mad watching your stubbornness."

His eyebrows furrowed for a moment. "How would my supposed stubbornness cause you to lose- you were figurative!"

"Yes," I nodded as I moved his arm. He hissed a bit. "Does that hurt?"

"Not at all," he replied, voice slightly strained.

I rolled my eyes before walking around him and sitting behind him on the mattress. He was able to lower his arm and I was still able to properly take care of his wound.

I remained quiet as I wrapped his arm. I was the youngest in my family. My experience with tending to wounds was minuscule. But I could do some of the bare minimum.

"How is that," I asked quietly after pulling my hands away.

"Better than I could have done on my own," he mumbled.

It was then that I noticed how... strange the moment felt. We were so close and it all felt so... intimate.

We fell silent again. We both seemed fixated on watching each other's eyes. As if we were attempting to read each other's minds before either one of us made a mistake.

I nodded somewhat awkwardly before going to stand from my spot. "I... I think I am going to make us both some tea. I know that it won't heal you, but it certainly couldn't hurt."

I went to walk away, but his good hand stopped me, catching my wrist before I could get too far away from him. I stopped, turning back to him.

"What is it," I asked quietly.

He blinked a few times as if suddenly realizing what he had actually done. "I... I'm afraid that I don't truly know. I'm sorry."

He let go of my wrist, still stunned by himself.

I paused for a moment. After contemplating my choices, I stepped closer to him. He looked up at me.

My eyes moved up to his forehead. I don't know why. I think holding eye contact with him was simply too intense. I heard him sigh as my eyes moved. He must have assumed that I was staring at the mark decorating his skin and not just trying to cope with my own emotions.

"That is why it has taken you so long to fully trust me," he muttered.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What?"

"The symbol of Szass Tam," he explained, looking away from me. "Some part of me will always be lost to it. I am closer to a monster than not... it is why you were so hesitant to trust me."

"No," I shook my head. "No, no, Xenk. That is not true."

He looked at me again.

"I didn't trust you because I was hurt and found myself in a strange place with a person that I had never met before," I corrected. "It was a very understandable reaction. But once I got to know you, I trusted you more. I cannot think of a single moment that the symbol on your forehead was what determined how I felt about you.

"You are also far from any kind of monster. You are a hero. You have saved many people, you protected me when you didn't even know my name, you have vowed yourself to a life helping others. I don't know a monster that would ever do such a thing."

Xenk seemed to scan every inch of my face, waiting for some sign that I was being dishonest. I reached up, gently running my thumb over the mark on his forehead. He took a deep breath, eyes falling shut as I did.

"Silly thing, really," I muttered. "I didn't even notice it when we first met. Did you know that?"

"Really?"

I nodded. "I was a little too focused on other things... like figuring out what had happened."

"When did you notice it," he asked.

"We were having dinner. That first night," I said. "I was refusing to eat until you did, so I had nothing to focus on other than you. That's when I started making out the symbol. I just... I couldn't bring myself to care about it."

"Why?"

"Don't know," I shrugged. "Instinct... fate?"

"I do not understand why fate would prevent you from caring."

"Maybe fate didn't want me to leave," I replied. "If I cared about the mark, then I would have."

"And why would fate not want you to leave?"

I could see something cross his face. Some small, knowing look. I bit back a growing smile at the idea. There was this air of safety and comfort. Security in whatever choice I made next.

I took a deep breath before leaning down and gently pressing my lips to his. I felt the hand of his uninjured arm reach up and touch the hand not resting on his face.

It was only a few moments before I pulled away. I slowly grinned at him. He smiled back at me.

"I'm glad that fate kept you from leaving," he muttered.

I chuckled. "So am I."

I leaned forward and kissed him again.

Quite a cruel trick that fate decided to play, wasn't it?

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Author's Note: I just wanna brag about the fact that I managed to guess where this movie was filmed while I was watching it with a friend. It was the coolest thing I've done in a long time.

Also, that I kept making comparisons between this movie and Ella Enchanted, but that's not really as cool.

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[moorishflower]

To the Ends of the Earth (Xenk/Edgin magical binding, Mature)

To the Ends of the Earth || Xenk Yendar/Edgin Darvis || Mature || Complete

Magical Bond, Pining, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Sharing a Bed, Gift Giving, Medium Burn, As in not quite slow burn, Imprisonment, Caretaking, Healing, Sharing Trauma, Hand Jobs, Geographical Isolation, Cold Weather, This was compared to Left Hand of Darkness and honestly I can't ask for more

Sent by the High Harpers to retrieve a criminal to aid in a desperate mission, and authorized to use binding magic to ensure his cooperation, Xenk comes to understand and long for the former Harper agent Edgin Darvis during the tenday they spend in Icewind Dale, surrounded on all sides by ice, and cold, and endless lonely nothingness.

[Read it on AO3!]

[sparklewrites1]

To Kiss a Prince

Xenk Yendar x Reader

About: a Cinderella inspired xenk yendar fic

Warnings: barely any romance. Very evil step family members. Kissing.

A/n: I HATE THIS SO much that I cut it off early. But I'll write another xenk fic soon.

A/n: toe mules aren't as ugly as they sound.

Word count: 4.3k

-

“You will not ruin this night for your sister!” Your step-mother shouted. She gripped your forearm tighter as she approached the cellar door. She took a key from a pouch that was attached to her waist. She inserted the key into the lock and turned it. Within the span of five seconds, the door was opened and you were thrown inside. Before your body could even hit the ground, the door was slammed shut behind you. “This is a very special night for Camille, and I will do everything in my power to keep you away from the ball!”

“Just one hour, Priscilla. Give me one hour to spend at the ball! I won’t even talk to anyone!” you begged through the barred window of the door.

“My answer is final! You will not go to the ball!” She yelled. 

“You won’t even have to pay for my clothes! I’ll wear my mother’s old gown!”

“Actually,” A wicked grin grew on her face. “Camille will be wearing it.”

Your heart dropped. Camille, your arrogant and foolish stepsister, wearing the only possession from your mother that you had left. Just then a plummy voice piped up from atop the stairs.

“Mother.” It was Camille. A smirk was on her lips as she neared the bottom of the steps. Your mothers golden dress was on her body.

“She looks gorgeous, doesn’t she?” Priscilla turned to you, with a smug expression on her face.

“Take it off.” Your voice shook as you commanded furiously.

“Ok.” You were taken aback by Camille’s response, confused as to why she agreed so fast. But before you could think any further, Camille brought her hand to the shoulder of the dress, she tightly gripped the fabric, and tore it.

“No!” You cried.

 “Whoops.” She taunted. Before lowering both of her hands to the skirt of the dress and completely detaching the fabric from the top half of the dress, leaving her in only her hooped petticoat.

“Stop it!” You screamed

Camille didn’t listen, she only continued tearing at the dress until she was finally satisfied with her work and took off the entire thing completely and threw it on the floor, she was only wearing her petticoat and corset now. She giggled as she trod back up the stairs, and left the room. 

Your sobs echoed through the empty wine cellar as you sunk down on the floor.

“This is what happens to insolent girls who don’t listen.” You heard Priscilla’s footsteps fade away until the room was completely silent, aside from the sounds of your sniffles and cries.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. All you wanted to do was go to the winter ball. Everyone in the region who came from noble blood was invited. Despite how your stepmother and stepsister introduced you to others. You were still the daughter of a duke. You were the lady of your house, but unfortunately, when you were a child, your stepmother and stepsisters came along and took titles of duchess and lady before your father died.

That was why you were in this situation. A week ago you had tried to ask your Priscilla if you could accompany her and your stepsisters to the ball and she immediately refused and claimed she would rather be wearing servant's clothing than be seen at the ball with you.

You had tried reasoning with her. You reminded her that you were also a lady of the house. But she simply ignored you. When you tried asking again during dinner, the words she told you were,

 “I’ve grown tired of your nagging, {Name}. If you ask me again, I will take away your supper privileges for the rest of this week.”

After that conversation you waited until the night prior to this evening. And when you asked Priscilla at supper, she took the handkerchief that was placed next to her plate, and used it to lightly dab at the corners of her mouth. After that she got up from her seat and sauntered over to you, she grabbed your plate that had barely been eaten off of, and left the room without a word. You could only assume she had taken it to the kitchens to be thrown away.

Then there was this evening, when she had finally lost it on you and threw you in the wine cellar.

And now here you were on the floor of the dark and frigid room, mourning the loss of your mothers dress.

You tucked yourself into a corner with your back against the wall. You brought your knees to your chest, trying to generate some heat to keep yourself warm in this unpleasant area.

You used your knees as a cushion for your head, despite how uncomfortable it was. You closed your eyes in an attempt to fall asleep, you just wanted this nightmare to end as fast as possible.

As you tried to drift into an unconscious state, a knocking sound echoed throughout the room.

You lifted your head and looked towards the door to find a familiar face.

“Genevieve!” It was your other stepsister, Genevieve. She was so much kinder than her sister and mother, she always shared her food with you in secret when Priscilla took your dinner privileges away.

You jumped up from the floor and scurried toward the door.

“What are you doing here? You should be with Camille and Priscilla.”

“Did you actually think I would leave you in a wine cellar?” She smiled at you. “Look what I have.” She said in a sing-song voice while dangling the key to the wine cellar in front of the barred window.

Before you knew it the door to the wine cellar was open and Genevieve's arms were wrapped around you.

“I know you still want to go to the ball, and I know what Priscilla and Camille did to your mother’s dress.” She frowned. “That’s why I got some help from an old friend of mine.” She grinned.

“What do you mean?” You queried. Just then an oily voice with a french accent spoke.

“She means she came to me for help.”

You looked towards the stairs to find a man who looked like he was in his twenties, leaning against the wall. He was wearing a jumpsuit covered in sparkles and frills. And his brunette neck length hair was in a neat bun. 

“Who are you?” You questioned him suspiciously.

“I am one of many names and places!” He shouted. You and Genevieve flinched at the sudden outburst. “But you, sweet Madame, can call me Axel.”

“How are you going to help me? My mothers dress is completely destroyed,” Tears brimmed in your eyes. “And I doubt you could fix it before the ball has ended.”

“Repeat that last part for me.” He coaxed.

“My mothers dress is completely destroyed?”

“No, no the other part.”

“I doubt-”

“You doubt me?!” He bellowed. “You are a fool to doubt and underestimate my skills!” He shouted. “I will show you what a mastermind of fashion can do!” He reached into the pocket of his jumpsuit and pulled out a large glass orb that looked like it was filled with mint green fog. He raised his arm and swung it towards the floor, releasing the orb from his grasp in the process.

The glass orb landed on the dress and exploded into a million pieces. The green mist that was inside spread over the entire area and left you and Genevieve coughing and gasping for air. Once the mist cleared, in the place of your mothers dress was an extravagant golden ball gown, the neckline and bodice were white and decorated with golden accents, below the bodice was a long, golden, bouffant style skirt.

“How did you do that?” You stared at Axel with an incredulous expression on your face.

“It does not matter! Hurry up and put it on!” Genevieve exclaimed, while gently pushing you towards the dress.

“This skirt though, it is too long for me to wear, I’ll be tripping over the fabric all night.”

“You can use my extra petticoat, now go!” She gave you one final push as you grabbed the dress off of the floor and ran up the stairs, passing Axel, who gently grabbed her arm before she could go any further.

“You’re not wearing those shoes, are you?” He inquired, referencing the dirty flats on your feet.

“They are all I have.”

“Oh.”  he murmured. His eyes shifted down to the shoes. “I guess I could work with these.”  He turned his eyes back up at you. “Take them off.”

“Pardon?”

“The shoes. Take them off and give them to me.” You bent down and pulled both shoes off of your feet. You then handed them to Axel, “Thank you.”

“What am I supposed to wear at the ball if you have my shoes?”

“Just go and get dressed!” Genevieve and Axel both shouted.

-

Genevieve and Axel were now in the living area, waiting impatiently for you to come out from your bedroom. Genevieve was bouncing her knee nervously while Axel scoffed for the umpteenth time.

Just then the sound of a door creaking and soft footsteps were heard. 

There you were standing in the doorway of the living area in all your beautiful glory.

“You look gorgeous.” Genevieve beamed.

“You think so?”

“I know so.” 

“You were always my favorite sister, Viv.” You hugged her.

Axel cleared his throat. You and Genevieve parted from your hug and turned to him. He outstretched his arms, and in his hands were a pair of white toe mules embroidered with gold.

“For the pretty lady. I fixed your shoes.” he stated.

With a grin you took the shoes from him and swiftly put them on.

“Thank you, Axel. For everything.” You looked at Genevieve. “And thank you, Genevieve.”

“You’re welcome.” Axel smiled. “Now both of you go! You have a ball to attend!” He pushed you both toward the front door. “I already have a carriage outside waiting for you, so don't worry about that.” You and Genevieve stepped outside and saw an all white carriage waiting for you at the end of the path. “Have fun girls!” He waved you goodbye as you walked down the stone path.

You arrived at the carriage and the door was opened for you by a footman. You and Genivieve sat down in seats across from each other. And less than a minute later you were moving. You watched through the window as your manor became smaller and smaller, until it was finally out of sight.

“I still cannot believe that I am actually going to a ball.”

“Have you never been to one before?”

You silently shook your head. A moment of silence passed.

“Well, I will help you navigate your very first ball!” Genevieve piped up. She leaned towards you and grabbed your hand. “I will make sure you have the best night of your life.” She smiled, and you returned the gesture.

But your joy shifted into fear as a terrifying thought entered your mind.

“Camille and Priscilla, how will we avoid them?” You frowned. Genevieve sat back in her seat and pondered for a few seconds.

“I will stay with them, and I will keep them from spotting you.” She decided. “That way, you will be able to thoroughly enjoy your night.”

“Oh, Genevieve. You are the greatest sister I could ask for.” You leaned forward and captured her in an embrace.

-

After a fairly short ride, the carriage came to a slow stop. You took that as a sign that you had arrived at the royal castle. 

The footman opened the door for the both of you once more. Genevieve stepped out first and you followed close behind.

“How long do you think we can stay?” You turned your gaze to her.

“Mother usually is in bed by midnight, so I’d say we could stay until 30 minutes before midnight.” You nodded in agreement.

As you neared the gates, you noticed that the area was completely empty, save for a few guards who were scattered around the castle.

Once you were inside, it only took you about five minutes to find the ballroom, which was already full of guests from around the region.

Genevieve went inside first. She whispered something in the ear of the master of ceremonies.

“Lady Genevieve of the House of Blanchard!” The man announced.

Your heart was pounding in your chest as you passed through the large doorway. You turned toward the master of ceremonies and whispered a fake name in his ear.

“Lady Josephine of the House of Allard!” He announced.

You let out a shaky breath as the large crowd came into view. Heads turn in your direction, and you hear a few murmurs coming from the people. 

Your anxiety lessened as you spotted Genevieve successfully distracting your stepmother and stepsister.

You sauntered down the stairs. When you made it to the bottom, the crowd seemed even larger.

You let a shaky breath out as you observed the room. There were so many people, most of them you didn’t recognize, although a small amount of them you had seen around town when you were younger.

You took a stroll around the room, greeting people and making small talk as you passed them. After about thirty minutes you started to feel overwhelmed by all the conversation, so you went into a corner of the colossal room that was less crowded.

You stayed there for the next few moments, watching as couples danced to the elegant music that was played by a large band that was located in the corner across from you. You watched as people gossiped and laughed with each other. Your heart couldn’t help but ache at the sound of it. Oh, how you wished for a life full of joy and laughter. How you wished to have friends you could visit everyday. How you wished to have a home of your own that you could host get-togethers in. How you wished for someone who you could open your heart to, someone you could lay next to every night and converse with into the early hours of the day. How you wish you had someone to hold you in your darkest hours. Oh, how you wished for something that at least resembled true happiness .

But a life like that was out of your reach. You would never find love, You would never have close friends. And you would never have a home of your own. You accepted that fact long ago.

You couldn’t help but lower at the sight of everyone's joy.

“Are you alright?” A smooth voice spoke from beside you.

You turned towards the source and found a tall, handsome man, his face showing a hint of worry.

“I am fine.” You lied. “I am just… Anxious.”

“Is that why you are crying?” He inquired. 

You placed a hand below your eye and sure enough, there was a droplet of water on the tip of your finger.

“Oh.” You searched your general area for a handkerchief and found none. That was until the man next to you held one out for you.

“Here. It seems like you need it more than I do.”

You gently grabbed the handkerchief from his hands, and dabbed the area underneath your eyes.

After you were finished, you went to hand the handkerchief to him but he politely refused.

“I have others, that one can remain in your ownership.”

You mumbled a thanks and continued to grasp the handkerchief.

“What is your name?”

“I am Josephine of the House of Allard.” You lied.

“I don’t recall a ‘House of Allard’. Are you from this region?”

“Yes, I live in this region. My family is not exactly popular.” You lied once more.

“Is that so?”

You nodded. You silently gulped as his eyes scanned you for a second, then he opened his mouth.

“Would you like to dance?”

You momentarily froze. Dance? Did you know how to dance? You never recalled taking any lessons, so it was safe to assume you didn’t. You looked toward the crowd, the dance everyone was doing didn’t seem to be too complicated, but you doubt you could memorize it. You turned back toward the man.

“I don’t know how to dance.” You nervously explained.

“I will teach you.” He held out his hand for you to take.

You hesitantly place your palm in his and he led you to the middle of the ballroom. A new melody started to play. You nervously stood in front of the man, one hand was on your hip, the other was still grasping your hand. You placed your other hand on his shoulder, and the dance began.

You tried your best to follow his moves, and although you did graze the tips of his shoes once or twice, you did surprisingly well.

As time went on, it felt like you two were the only people in the room. You slowly, but surely memorized the steps to the dance that you are now aware is called, ‘The Varsovienne Waltz’.  You and the man moved gracefully across the ballroom floor. You observed the way his golden brown skin glowed under the bright lights that were scattered around the room, his short locs were swept to the side of his head, and his gorgeous brown eyes stared deep into yours.

As the music slowed and you continued swaying with the man. You started to notice the stares that were placed on the both of you. You let your gaze lower to the ground as your face grew hot. Were you two being watched the entire time? If so, why?

But unbeknownst to you, among the sea of people, there were two sets of eyes that placed their glares upon you.

“Is that who I think it is, Genevieve?” Priscilla questioned.

Inside Genevieve was panicking. She was supposed to keep Priscilla and Camille occupied, and she was successfully doing so! That was until events took a turn for the worse, when you and the prince himself were seen waltzing in the middle of the ballroom. Genevieve tried her best to keep her sister and mother from looking, but the large crowd gathering around you two drew their attention. And now here she was, trying to come up with an explanation as to why you were dancing with the royal prince.

“That is not her. I swear. I left her in the cellar.”

“She's lying, mother.” Camille’s jade green glare was placed on Genevieve.

“Don’t you think I know that.” Priscilla snapped. She looked towards Genevieve once more. “Genevieve,” She started. “This is a very special night for your sister. It is supposed to be your sister who is dancing with the prince. Not the unwanted orphan who we give shelter to.” She placed both hands on Genevieve's shoulders. “Now I want you to go over there, Grab {Name}, and bring her to me, so that I can have a ‘talk’ with her.” She commanded.

“I won’t.” Genevieve responded.

Priscilla took in an irritated inhale. “And why won’t you?”

“Because they are gone.” Genevieve tried to contain the small smirk that was growing on her lips.

Priscilla turned her eyes back to the center of the room, and sure enough, you and the prince were nowhere to be found.

“Where has she gone?!

-

You and the man were sitting on a stone bench in the castle gardens. After the dance, you had told him that the stares were making you anxious, after that statement, he had told you that he knew a place where you could both respite. He had led you to a private garden that was hidden behind the castle, and taken you to a stone bench that sat in front of a small pond.

“Should we even be here?”

“It’s alright. I have access to this location for a reason.”

“And what is that reason?” You slightly leaned towards him.

“I will tell you, but only if you tell me your name.” 

“I have already given you my name.”

“I know that there is no ‘House of Allard’. I want your real name.”

“My name is, {Name}, of the House of {Last Name}.”

“{Last Name}? As in Duke{Last Name}?”

“He was my father. But he died long ago. Now I live with my stepmother, and stepsisters, who are also of noble blood, and they are here tonight.” You said with a bit of sadness in your tone.

“Are they?”

“Yes. But I do not want to talk about them now.” You declared. “But now, you must tell me about yourself, to make it fair.”

“Alright. My name is Xenk. Xenk Yendar. I am the prince of this kingdom, and this is my private garden.”

Your jaw dropped. There was no way you were sitting next to the actual prince of Quisritis.

Oh no.

Oh no.

You danced with the prince! You stared into his eyes meaningfully! (?)

This wasn’t supposed to happen. You were just supposed to come to the ball, enjoy yourself for a short time and leave. What you weren’t supposed to do was get friendly with the prince.

There were so many things going on in your mind at the moment and you couldn’t process them all, you wanted to say something but you couldn’t even think of the right words. So you said the first thing that came to your mind.

“You’re fucking lying.”

Your hands flew to your mouth. You jumped up from the bench, and as quickly as you got up you dropped down to your knees in front of him.

“I apologize to Your Highness! I did not mean to say such vulgar words! I ask for your forgiveness!” You pleaded.

“There is no need to apologize. I appreciate your honest words. Now please, can you get up?” He awkwardly requested.

You rose from your spot on the ground and stood in front of him. 

“Sit down, please?”

You sat.

“You should not have to apologize for speaking your mind. In fact, I implore you to speak it right now.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now. Whatever you are thinking, I am interested in hearing it.” He smiled.

“Well, I think that… You are very handsome, and I think your taste in flowers is impeccable.” You picked at your nails, waiting for a response. (I'm crying this is so ew.)

“Thank you.” He smiled. “And my taste in flowers, why do you think that?”

“I was observing the pond, and I noticed how you had pink dahlias and lavender hydrangeas next to each other. Although other people would find it strange, I feel that the similar shapes of the flowers compliment each other. Also, I know that it was you who changed your family crest from a purple clematis to an iris. A purple clematis symbolizes royalty while an iris symbolizes hope, which leads me to suspect that you purposely chose the iris to show that your rule means hope for the future.” You rambled.

“You are observant. I admire that.”

“I don’t consider myself observant. I just pay attention.”

“Is that so?” he tilted his head slightly.

You nodded. Looking up at him through your eyelashes. You noticed how his eyes went down to your lips for a split second. You tried to ignore it, but you couldn’t. You leaned forward and so did he. Your noses were touching. His lips were grazing yours. Just as the final move was about to be made, Chimes of a bell echoed through the air. You turned your head towards the clocktower and your heart dropped when you saw the time.

It was midnight.

You were supposed to have left thirty minutes earlier, but you had gotten sidetracked when you were with the prince. You turned back towards him, grabbed the side of his face and pressed your lips against his in a hasty fashion, after a good second or two, you pulled back.

“Apologies, my prince, but I must be going!” Before he could respond you turned around and ran away.

 You sprinted through the large halls of the castle until you had finally gotten to the exit. You saw your carriage and footman still waiting for you at the end of the path, but Genevieve was nowhere to be seen. You could only assume she went home with Priscilla and Camille. 

When you got to the carriage, you practically jumped inside. Instead of waiting for the footman to get the door, you grasped the handle and closed it yourself.

You huffed as the carriage started moving. You weren’t in the clear just yet, but for now you could relax just a little bit. As you got in a comfortable position, you felt a strange sensation. You felt carpet rubbing against your foot. You pulled your skirt back and sure enough, your shoe was gone. You groaned, already knowing Axel wouldn’t be too happy to hear about losing your brand new toe mules. But that was the least of your concerns.

You arrived at your manor after what felt like hours, even though the ride had to have been twenty minutes max.

You stepped out of the carriage and rushed toward the entrance of your manor. When you opened the door all was quiet. You ran to your bedroom in the attic and quickly changed out of your gown, and into your pajamas. You gently took your gown and shoe into your hands and hid them in the loose floorboards under your bed.

You got in your bed and pulled the covers over yourself, hoping to fall asleep before Priscilla and Camille were home, and you eventually did.

Meanwhile, a certain prince stood on the steps of his castle, holding a golden slipper…

[reaperofravens]

Write the hurt Xenk you wish to see in the world.

[apple-juice16]

I need more fics with bardic magic

[veryace-ficrecs]

Xedgin Fic Recs Part 2

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

Click Here for general recs,

and Here for part one!

find my way back to you by Percyjacksonfan3 - Rated G

Of course they run into Xenk again. 

Mark of the Thay by BlankPersonality - Rated E

Edgin didn't escape the Beckoning Death untouched. He survived, yes, but it left him with a familiar mark. The visions of Zia that had haunted him since that day complicated things too. And now Xenk is at his door...? 

tys hard to be a seinte in the cytie by indigostohelit - Rated E

“The Material Planes are not realms of punishment,” said Xenk. “The gods no more deny us the warmth of physical pleasure than they would the warmth of the sun. They only warn us, through each, of the dangers that lie in excess.”

“…Huh,” said Ed again, and, lacking further retort, grabbed up the new tankard and swigged deeply. Then he spat it across the bar.

“This is water, though,” said Xenk peacefully. “You are going to have a hangover in the morning.”

Five Times Xenk Came into Edgin's Life by urisarang - Rated M

The third time Edgin ran into Xenk he had to wonder if he was cursed.  What were the odds he would run into the man not once, not twice, but three times?  It would have been different if they ran in the same circles but Edgin was no Harper, nor was he a hero.  He had done exactly one good deed, that hardly made up for all the wrong he had done—and it wasn’t like he was planning on doing any more good deeds thank you very much.

He was already a hero of Neverwinter, he had argued in favor of sending Forge to serve a life sentence in the very prison he himself had been sent to rather than be executed for his crimes.

What more could Xenk want from him?

“I have learned the whereabouts of the Thayans who killed your wife.”

So damn perfect by Have_a_great_day_please - Rated G

Doric gave a small smile. "Xenk!" She called, raising her hand to wave, and Ed's heart sank.

Exactly what he needed- for the perfect, flawless paladin to join them for a drink.

-

After their adventure is over, they run into Xenk again in a tavern.

Beckoning Death, Brushing Lips by Every_Raindrop7 - Rated T

Weeks after the events of the film, Xenk finds the group in a tavern. What he sees there is a shock to the system after he walked away from them on the shore. 

keystone by weatheredlaw - Rated E

or: edgin dies, but there's magic for that. holga and xenk make good on a thirty-five year old favor to bring him back from the other side.

key·stone

noun | a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the pieces together.

To the Ends of the Earth by Moorishflower - Rated M

 "It is done," Xenk says. He holds up his own right hand to demonstrate, displaying the golden light that is already sinking into his gauntlet and disappearing beneath. "We are bound, you and I, until the magic is dispelled."

 "What the fuck," Edgin whispers. He scrabbles at his sleeve, yanking it up to examine the faintly-glowing runes that have encircled his wrist. "What the fuck? What do you mean, bound?"

Sent by the High Harpers to retrieve a criminal to aid in a desperate mission, and authorized to use binding magic to ensure his cooperation, Xenk comes to understand and long for the former Harper agent Edgin Darvis during the tenday they spend in Icewind Dale, surrounded on all sides by ice, and cold, and endless lonely nothingness.

aspect of faith by weatheredlaw - Rated E

“What’s our story, by the way?”

Xenk shrugged. “There is no story. You’re my husband, and we are asking after the relic.”

He saw Edgin fiddle with the silver band on his finger, the one they’d worn as a ruse on the island. Edgin smiled. “Alright. I can work with that.”

or: xenk once again finds himself running errands for the temple. sequel to "tenets of devotion".

A Bucketful of Feelings by setinstone - Rated T

*

 After Zia, the Harpers had left Edgin be.  

 After Forge and Neverwinter and the beckoning death, they’d tried to remind him of his oaths, but Edgin wasn’t interested.  

 After enough ignored messages, the author changed.

Or, Xenk convinces Edgin to come along on a Harper job before he gets in real trouble. Real trouble finds them anyway.

Sunlight is a Kind of Burning by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels - Rated E

Ed's excited to get his life back on track in the wake of saving Neverwinter. He's less excited at how a certain paladin keeps popping up everywhere he goes.

Except for how he's starting to miss the guy when he's not around.

Yeah, let's not think about that too hard.

lay on hands by Tidecaller - Rated G

Edgin was sure he’d never met a man quite as irritatingly virtuous and as touchy at the same time as Xenk Yendar was. 

The Question by min0uze - Rated G

Xenk tries his best to answer Edgin's question

(No word count, this is a comic)

Close Your Eyes (You'll be Alright) by veryace - Rated G

In the days after Neverwinter, Edgin doesn't sleep. The nightmares that plague him won't allow it. An unexpected visit from a familiar stranger may be the help he needs.

or: Xenk and Edgin cuddle, thats the fic.

[alpaca-clouds]

Thick as Thieves [DnD:HAT Fic]

Alright, I did something I normally never do: I started uploading a fic, that I have not yet finished. But, yeah, I could not help myself. I really wanted to write a sequel to the movie, because I just loved it so much.

The fic is an adventure fic, but there will be eventuell Xedgin romance and a lot of shenanigans with those two.

Also, your usual bardic bullshit!

[lupines-slash-recs]

Rec: Counterpoint by Geese_In_Flight

Title: Counterpoint Author: Geese_In_Flight Canon: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Pairing: Xenk Yendar/Edgin Darvis Rating: Teen [PG] Word Count: 26,481 Summary: “You know he’s not being a paladin at you,” Holga says. Five times

Continue reading...

[writeious-hand]

Holding Out for a Hero: Part 4

Ok, I got an idea (finally) and I'm ready to write COMBAT. Links to earlier parts are below the cut, or on my page.

XenkxCleric!OC

No Beta - we die like men!

Warnings: Combat, Angst, Blood

Alariel was about to get ready for bed when she heard the shouting and sounds of battle. Grabbing her quarterstaff, she rushed from her tent into the chaos.

Several fires burned in the distance and villages were running past her, toward the main wall of Loudwater. The sky was smoldering, and the moon was barely a crescent.

Checking on a few people along the way, Alariel made her way toward the combat itself. She could see the bald heads and dark clothes, a few with swords or spears, and others with cantrips dancing at their fingertips.

It seemed like the Heros of Neverwinter had managed to corral the Thay assassins into one area, and were attempting to lead them out of the city. Already, a few were in rough shape. There was a nasty scrap over Simon's brow and Holga had taken a few firebolts judging by her burnt armor.

Alariel snuck behind the main combatants, ignoring them and hoping the assassins wouldn't think much of her. Reaching Simon, he gave her a double look, not remembering who she was for a moment.

"What are you-"

"I came to help. These people don't deserve to have their lives uprooted."

She took out her everlasting quill and drew a sigil on his back. Immediately after she activated it, his forehead knit back together.

"There we go, good as new."

"HEADS UP!"

Turning, Alariel noticed that all of the assassins' eyes were on her. They had sensed the divine magic, and one had even tried to throw a dagger at her. Holga had been able to deflect it, but Alariel's heart was still in her throat. It had been so long since she had seen combat.

Grabbing her holy symbol once again, she began drawing lines of gold in the air. As quickly as she started the lines floated and aligned together in a casting of Spiritual Weapon, a spectral staff adorned with golden flowers.

Xenk kept his focus on the leader of this group, Nor'enth as she was called. Much faster than Dralas, but had less strength behind the attack. Though if any of his current companions went against her they would be paralyzed immediately by her poisoned daggers. Keeping track of the battle in his peripherals, he could see the shimmer of radiance of what could only be Alariel's magic.

Now, when the other assassins were going down, they stayed dead. By guiding bolts, hits from the spiritual weapon, or another spell from the knowledge domain cleric, the undead were driven off.

Only a few remained when something went wrong. Nor'enth noticed the depletion of her forces and the holy power that was at play now. Disengaging from Xenk, she instead threw her poisoned blades toward Alariel.

"You'll never get her, fiend!"

Taking advantage of his enemy's attempt to drawback, he was able to fatally wound his opponent before taking a moment to turn and check on Alariel. She was looking directly at him, the daggers having made only one small cut in her shoulder instead of landing in the center of her chest as he had feared. As her eyes widened looking past him, he realized his error. Xenk could feel the small blade sink into his back before his vision began to blur.

The rest of the Neverwinter party furiously defeated the lingering assassins, as Alariel rushed over to the fallen paladin.

"You idiot! What were you thinking? Never take your eyes off your opponent." She pulled Xenk's head onto her lap so she could begin casting a more powerful Cure Wounds. "You were the one who taught me that."

"You still tell my stories." Her hurried hands stilled for a moment. "You were telling-" A rough, wet cough interrupted the normally eloquent man.

"Just be quiet! The blade could have lodged in your lung, you could drown in your own blood if you're not careful." He had no right to smile at her like that when he was in the process of bleeding out. Now to think of it, he was probably delirious from his injury. Alariel could feel his eyes watching her as she continued her work.

"You've gotten better, at fighting that is-"

"What did I just tell you, be quiet!" She had to hold herself back from hitting his chest. She let them linger in the silence for another moment.

"I had to get better at defending myself, since my knight in shining armor rode off without me."

His searching eyes now wouldn't look at her.

"Your stable at least now, should be able to heal yourself in a moment. I need to make sure those undead stay dead." She moved his head gingerly from her lap, embarrassed at how emotional she had gotten when he was injured.

Alariel used her spiritual weapon to destroy the undead for good with radiant damage. When it was all officially over, Nor'enth was nowhere to be found, most likely having escaped after downing Xenk.

Alariel stood with Edgin after the clean-up was completed. Well, at least they had repaired what they could and Doric had put out the fires, and they had gotten rid of the remains of the dead assassins.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us? We could really use someone with your talents in our team." Edgin had been kind enough to hold off his questions until now, but Alariel could see the questions in the ex-Harper's eyes.

"I appreciate your support, but my combat magic really is rather basic against the full potential ability of say, a war cleric against the undead. My specialty lies in books, literature and stories."

"Don't sell yourself short! Any sort of divine power is quite the gift. Especially against all this magic evil wizard bullcrap. Besides, we have plenty of stories to fill your books with."

"You have plenty of divine power with the paladin. Where is he? He should be up already, I have never known an injury to keep him down for long." Alariel had been trying to keep an eye out for the paladin, hoping to avoid any awkward confrontations.

Edgin looked confused at her, "Xenk is asleep. What do you mean heal himself? I think Doric was able to help him get rid of the poison in his body, but we had him rest. Holga stayed with him-"

Alariel stopped listening to the bard after hearing that he wasn't even able to remove the poison himself. She had left him conscious. He should have used his divine healing. He should have been able to remove his own poison. He should have smited the leader of the Thay Assassins, used his aura to heal Holga during the thick of the fight. There was so much more the paladin could have done! More than keep the leader occupied while the others sundered the grunts.

Reaching the tent where Xenk was laying, Holga was also beginning to dose when she stormed inside. She looked at Alariel, then at the sleeping form of Xenk, and back. Slowly standing upright, she patted the cleric's back as she left. "Thanks for the save earlier. I'll make sure you get your privacy."

And that left them alone.

[dragon-fics]

DnD: Hungry for Freedom pt. 2 (Themberchaud)

Summary: Now out of Gracklstugh, exploring the overworld for the first time is a whole new challenge, that requires the aid of a mysterious ranger...

Requested on wattpad

Please like and/or reblog as my account is small and I'm in some financial trouble and my work is made for a select few

pt.1

“You could’ve warned me about being needed!” I heaved and puffed as I attempted to open one of Themberchaud’s shackles. The hinge was clogged with dead scales and rust, practically fused shut.

He huffed, flopping his tail on the ground. “It was a very last-minute decision! I didn’t know what to do!”

I bit my cheek and shoved the toe of my boot in under the latch of the shackle and forcefully tried to turn the key. The key suddenly clicked into place and the joint separated, the iron falling off Themberchaud’s wrist with a hefty clunk that rang through the open-aired lair.

I slumped against Themberchaud. “There we go,” I sighed and thought about the endurance I’d need for the other three… and his collar. I groaned, face against his scales. “Well… I need a new cane now… and I have no money. All that’s at home.” I forced myself to stand and hobbled over to his rear leg.

Themberchaud watched me. “Oh… I didn’t think of that. I… I’m sorry,” he sniffled, and his voice strained, like a child getting in trouble for the first time, tragically mourning its parent’s pride.

I turned to look at him and reached for his face, big round black opals set in topaz shone back at me. His eyes were too pretty. “No, no. It’s okay… We’ll figure it out somehow.” Stroking my thumbs on his cheeks, I shushed softly to soothe him. “It’s okay.”

The corners of his mouth curled up a little. “Okay, (Y/N). If you say so,” he nodded, gaining his confidence again.

I smiled and dipped my head. “Then let’s work on this.” I turned back towards his shackles. It was a struggle, but my technique seemed to work; jamming my toe between the metal and his scales and forcing the key to turn. The hardest was the collar on Themberchaud’s neck. He kept laughing and flinching and shaking all over. I could never imagine someone being so ticklish, and his huge jiggly mass made it worse. I plopped down beside him, feeling my leg give out and burn.

“There. All done,” I huffed and rested against him, hand on his muzzle.

Themberchaud hummed. “Does your leg hurt?”

I nodded. “I’ll need to find a new cane soon. The floor here is… uneven.” I took it all in. It was a huge crater in a hollowed-out mountain, moonlight illuminating it all… not that there was much. The greatest decoration was the stars high above. All we had was whatever gems Themberchaud had brought with him. And I presumed it would all be needed, like the chain he’d brought to fly. We were curled up in a nook of the stone wall. Outside was a sea of trees. We were south of the Evermoors, that much I knew.

Themberchaud hummed. “We could try fly to a town? I think I saw a few close by.”

I shook my head. “I’ll go alone. You need to stay safe. I’ll… figure it out… somehow.” I sighed and stared up at the sky. I’d not seen the sky much ever. Jack had snuck me out a few times during the winter to come see the stars from the docks…

Now everything was so different. I was out in the overworld… alone.

Themberchaud sighed and rested his head down, getting ready to snooze. I suppose I wasn’t alone-alone, but he knew next to nothing about living. He had very few skills. None of which were useful. No could I imagine they’d be useful.

I put my head on my bent leg. I had no skills either. The most I’d ever done in life was feed Themberchaud. We both had so much to learn…

*~*~*~*

The following morning was a struggle. The nearest town was not as near as I’d had hoped. And with a weakened leg, the distance was longer. Thankfully the town wasn’t walled off, it seemed relatively unpoliced. More like a trading post that had evolved into a town. Travellers and rogues wandered the street, buying from stalls and passing charms and papyrus between each other. I felt some eyes land on me as I rested against a wall. Curious or judgemental eyes mainly.

I returned the favour, watching all the people in the cobbled street. Not a single one of them seemed to be a settler of the town. There weren’t many houses to live in either. What sort of village was this? I thought this would be a more permanent place like Gracklstugh. The River Surbrin bubbled close by and I passed a fairly unkempt cemetery on my way in. From asking around, it had no real name, it was just called the Travelling Post. Not a town nor village, just a place. Nowhere really seemed to be fitting to find a job. I found a few loose coins in my bag and bought some bread, spuds and a dull dagger. It’d have to do for now.

I spent most of the day sitting, ragged and exhausted. I must’ve looks like a beggar with my damaged leg outstretched. I suppose I was a beggar. I had no home, little food and an injury to take pity on. Can’t say I was surprised when some coppers were tossed at me through the morning.

But such an appearance had its advantages; I started to hear things. After only a few hours I’d heard of a new Lord of Neverwinter and the suspicions regarding the last one’s death. Something about the sorcerer the new lad had brought with him.

I was invisible to these people.

Another group that passed seemed hopeful, but ragged. A bit of eavesdropping revealed that they were headed to Mornbryn's Shield, hoping to meet a ranger. Xenk or something. Their hope was for him to help one of their companions, that he had a wide knowledge of all things magic. That seemed promising… hopefully his knowledge extended to dragons and where to hide them.

“We’re not far now,” said the older of the women as their wagon’s wheels creaked and clicked on the cobblestone road. She reminded me of my mother, short and plump with greying hair. “Mornbryn’s Shield is just west of here.”

A lump burned in my throat, and I turned away. Now was not the time to be upset and regretful, I had so much to figure out.

A cool wind from the lake grounded me. It was time to move. There was nothing here for me and if people were travelling for a ranger, he must be willing to help anyone. I pushed myself to my feet and looked at the as the matriarch pulled the pony to a stop. Would they be willing to help?

I drew in a breath and hobbled up to their wagon. There were a couple of children, presumedly their mother, and grandmother, all on the small wagon. Their mother was a few years older than I, with two wee lads about six years old. I wasn’t sure how willing they’d be to take on someone else for the last few leagues.

The taller of the boys, definitely twins, looked at me as their mother hopped off the cart to go to the baker’s stand. I gave the boy a smile and hobbled over slowly. “Excuse me?”

The grandmother looked over at me. “Oh, hello!” she smiled and looked me over. Her gaze was fixed on my lower leg as I moved. Maybe it would be an advantage this one time. “You’re having some trouble?”

I nodded and stopped a few feet away from the cart to avoid pressuring her—not that I seemed anything more than hapless. “Aye, I am.” I held the strap of my bag. “You wouldn’t happen to be headed to Mornbryn’s Shield I suppose? Or even close to it?” It seemed wiser to act like I’d not heard her conversation.

She nodded. “We are indeed. You too?”

Again, I nodded. “Aye. I walked from the forest just south of here.” I gestured my hand towards the wall of green in the distance.

Her face darkened. “The High Forest?”

I tried not to make a face. I’d fucked up. “Aye, well, just on the outskirts. My friend… he’s in no shape to move so I thought I’d find someone to help here and well… that’s not really possible.” I looked at the stalls and travellers around.

She glanced at her grandsons, then her daughter coming back to the wagon. “Just… give me a moment.” She shuffled to the other side of the bench to lift food onto the wagon and, not very subtly, talk with her daughter.

I looked away and thought while they talked. The Undercity’s education never really covered the geography and name places of the Surface. This was my first time seeing the trees and so much sunlight. I needed to know the land better.

“So, you need a lift to Mornbryn’s Shield?” the daughter asked, getting me out of my thoughts.

“Aye, I do. Just if you’re willing. I’ll figure something out somehow.” I shrugged.

She looked me over, just as her mother had done. She noticed my weaker leg bent, toes barely touching the ground through my boot. “Do you have a cane?” her mother tapped her head from her sea on the wagon. She snapped her head around to give her a look.

“I did. But it snapped on me yesterday and we needed to use it for firewood.”

She looked at me and thought for a moment, glancing at her sons. “I suppose it won’t be for long. Welcome aboard for the next hour or so.” She held out her hand to me.

I smiled and shook it. “Thank you very much. I have just a spare copper to offer I’m afraid.”

Ther grandmother shook her head. “Oh don’t be silly! Just hop up and sit with the boys and we’ll be fine!”

Her daughter seemed content with that, though I presumed she was still wary. She stepped aside to let me get on.

I nodded and gripped the handle to pull myself up. “Thank you, again.” She tried to reach to help me but I levered myself up quickly to avoid that. “I’m alright!” I moved to sit beside the end of the wagon and the boy that sat on that side moved to sit with his brother. I could hardly blame him. This close to him, I saw that the smaller boy had some sort of large scar, or birth mark, on his face.

It was spread over the left side of his face, and down his neck. It was a pale purple, like a healing bruise, brown spotting of the rest of skin peeked out in places. I felt bad for him. It looked like it hurt. I shifted my gaze away. The judgement from scars and weaknesses always felt so shameful.

The grandmother looked back at me. “I’m Shyla. This is my daughter Kait.” She smiled warmly.

“(Y/N).” I inclined my head. “Pleasure to meet you all.”

They made a nice travelling group. The boys murmured to themselves and Kait and Shyla yapped to each other. I pulled back the sleeve of my jacket to looked at the bracelet Themberchaud had given me. He’d want to know what I was at.

I touched the ruby and closed my eyes. An image of him slowly formed, lying down on the cool cavern he’d settling in.

“Heya Thember!” I called.

He perked up. “(Y/N)! Are you on your way back? Did you get a new stick for your leg?”

I shook my head. “No. not yet. I’m on the way to hopefully get help. There’s word of a ranger, maybe he’ll know something. And proper village that should have somewhere I can buy a cane. And food.”

Themberchaud pulled a face. “I don’t like that plan. We don’t need a human interfering.” He huffed.

“A human was what got you out of there. Two actually.”

He growled. “And hundreds have kept he enslaved! Who’s to say he won’t do the same?”

I was silent for a moment, trying to stay focused on him as my body grew cold. We were passing under a shadow.

“See?! You know how bad humans are!”

I chewed my cheek. “Oh stop it! People are coming from all weird corners of Faerun to get this lad’s help!” I calmed myself. “He’s obviously a good guy. But if I find him to not be trustworthy, I’ll scrap that plan. Deal?”

Themberchaud thought about it for a moment. “Alright. I understand. You made a good call with your brother so maybe that’s enough.” He nodded. “If he’s mean though I get to hurt him, right? And burn them all?”

I stared at him. “Absolutely not.”

The sun stunned me out our connection and I blinked to get the red hue from my vision. As my eyes righted themselves, the boys opposite me were staring at me.

“What?”

The taller of the two lifted his nose a little. “Where’d you get that?” he pointed at the bracelet.

I tugged my sleeve over it. “From my friend. The one I’m trying to help.” It was then I’d noticed that my weak leg had been outstretched to be more comfortable during the connection. I pulled it closer with my hand to lessen the pain of moving it.

“What happened to your leg?” the other, scarred, one said.

I glanced at it. How many stories had I made up about why it was this way? At least a dozen. “The story I tell everyone,” I leaned closer to them, “is that I was sleeping in my home, when a red dragon came along and lit our house on fire. And my leg got caught in the flames as I escaped!”

The boy covered his eyes and squeaked, drawing his mother’s attention. I looked at him softly.

“But that’s not true at all. I was born in the undercity, Gracklstugh. The lack of sunlight made my leg weak. It’s not uncommon.” I smiled softly. “I’m just born this way.”

The smaller boy looked at me. “Oh well… That’s better than fire I suppose.”

I chuckled a little. “Yeah. I suppose.” My smile dropped. It didn’t feel better. A burn would’ve healed. This issue went right to the bone.

*~*~*~*

I hopped off the wagon as the boys grabbed their bags. I offered a hand to them to hop down. Kait appeared opposite me and one after the other they jumped down from the cart.

“I’m sorry about your leg,” she said as the boys ran off.

I nodded, dismissive of these comments. “It’s fine. I gotta make do. Thanks again for the lift. You’ve saved me a bunch of time.” I rummaged for my spare copper.

She lifted her hand. “No. keep it. Hopefully you get the help you need here.”

I stopped my rummaging. “Thanks. And you too.” I faltered. “Or whatever you’re here for. I hope it goes well.” I gave Shyla a wave and quickly limped away, leaving them confused and probably concerned.

I walked into a crowd of people and hugged the corner of a cottage.

Leaning on the wall, I thought. I needed to find Xenk. Maybe the ranger could help. He was a kind man with some sort of power. Good to know. So, what did I need exactly?

Somewhere to hide Themberchaud… could the ranger be trusted with that?

“Hello. Hello!” My attention was drawn to a tall man opening the door to his—I presumed—home. He was of lean build with some sort of scar or tattoo on his forehead. He was talking with Shyla and Kait. He nodded as he heard their story and invited them into his home. I watched for a while. When they emerged while later, the smaller boy’s face was unmarked. He was grinning and bouncing with his brother. Shyla held the man’s hand in hers as she and Kait thanked him.

It was amazing… and terrifying. How could he do it?

I watched the family leave and run off to an inn close by. Would it be selfish to want the same for me? He’d hardly do it for a single copper would he?

“Impressive, ain’t he?” chimed a man from behind.

I nodded. “Absolutely.” I looked at the man. He was a few years old than me, strong and hairy, much like Jack. “Does he charge much?” I looked away.

“Nay. He wants nothin’ in return. Xenk’s a good man like that. Not too sure where he came from. Lotta rumours goin’ around.”

So that was Xenk. Impressive. Hopefully he could help me… and Themberchaud. I looked back at the man. “What does he do?”

He shrugged. “Protects the town. Just being here chased off any ill-will from comin’. And he’s a skilled man. Bow or sword, he’s there to protect and heal and help howeve’ he can.”

I nodded slowly. “Thanks.” I shuffled away and gave him a half-wave to be polite. I made my way towards his home. I felt more exhausted than ever just getting closer. I was about two steps away from the door when it swung open, Xenk appearing.

I flinched and he stared at me, his eyes peering at me for a long moment. He looked around at the people passing through the street.

“Come in,” was all he said and before I could do so myself, he grabbed my arm and tugged me.

I yelped and pulled my arm away with a huff as the door clicked shut. “What—?!”

His gaze was firm on me. “You’re in trouble.”

My face twisted into a sceptical frown. “No I’m not.”

“Yes, you are. Come.” He turned away and strode down a hallway.

I followed as quick as I could, entering a small room filled with shelves lined with various books.

“Tell me your name.” He stood in the middle of the room, spinning perfectly on the spot to face me. Behind him was a solid oak table with a map and papers laid out.

I watched him. “(Y/N). I’ve come from Gracklstugh.”

Xenk didn’t move at all to acknowledge what I said. “That explains it,” he said without missing a beat.

“Explains what?”

“Gracklstugh just lost its dragon did it not? Part of the city was damaged in its escape.”

My heart dropped and I leaned on the nearest bookshelf. Had I hurt anyone? What was destroyed? What did they th—?

“You didn’t know?”

I lifted my gaze to him slowly. “I did not,” I whispered.

His gaze softened a little and pulled out a chair by the table in the middle. He tapped it and I felt compelled to come forward. My leg was ready to give way in both exhaustion and shock.

I slumped down and my vision blurred. I had doomed them…

I don’t know how long I was zoned out; I was brought out by Xenk putting a small porcelain cup beside me, a soothing scent taking me out of my wordless sorrow. My gaze shifted to him sat across the table with his own cup.

“You came to me for a reason, correct?”

I bobbed my head and grazed by hand under my eye to wipe my tears.

“And it’s not to help Gracklstugh, because you did not know of their fate. So why are you here?” He leaned on the table, cradling his cup between his hands.

I drew in a shaky breath and took a sip of what he had offered. It gentle, warm and a little sweet. My throat cleared and my breathing calmed. “I helped the dragon escape… If I didn’t, I feared… I feared he’d do worse to the city. He’d burn it all, tear down every pillar, kill us all… I thought, maybe…” I looked at the cup, the white transparent liquid reflecting my face and shaken state.

“I see… you were noble in your act. There is no news of a loss of lives. Reports said that the people were evacuated far from where he would escape.” He watched me with an expectant yet knowing eyes.

I nodded and sighed. “Aye. With my brother, we stirred up some talk, got everyone out of the way… well tried to. I can’t be sure no one was hurt.”

Xenk was silent for a few moments. His face seemed blank but something about his eyes told me he was thinking. “So why are you here?”

“Well… I heard people come to you for help. And maybe you’d have knowledge of the land, enough to uh…” I dug a tooth into my lip, “Help me find somewhere to keep Themberchaud?”

That made him falter, and a pit opened in my stomach. I was about to plead when he stood up. “I may have somewhere for him.”

*~*~*~*

My mother always told me to beware of men who kept secrets and bore blades—even though she’d tried convincing me to court a guard for a summer. Themberchaud was starting to sound like her in his suspicion.

“Why are we trusting him again?” he grumbled as we walked out of the High Forest. I was looking at a luminescent map Xenk had given me from my seat on Themberchaud’s shoulders. Our target and path were mapped out from us in glowing blue and yellow ink.

I’d learned that the forest we’d been staying in was deemed the most magical place in all of Faerun, fabled for its history and even now its home to so many races… and for Inferno. Who we had thankfully avoided.

“Because I think we can. He gave me a new cane and everything, and he’s helped so many people that it has to be worth it.” I tapped his scales. “Please, Thember. We know next to nothing about this place and Xenk has basically handed us the key to get you a nice home.”

Themberchaud snorted. “I don’t want to be underground again.” He forced his way through the trees. They bent and snapped and splintered against his weight and force.

I nodded. “I know big guy, but I don’t know where else to put you. Until you can hunt and fight, a mountain would be off limits. This is the only place not held by a dragon that’s big enough to hold one.”

He was quiet for a bit, the moonlight catching his big puffs of breath. “Okay. But you better not plan on leaving me after.”

I hadn’t even thought of that. Where was I going to stay and live? What was I going to do?

“I will do my best to stay close to you, Thember.”

Xenk waited for us at the edge of the forest. Themberchaud looked at him and sniffed at his armour and blade.

“Well, aren’t you magnificent.” Xenk bowed his head in appreciation. “You, Themberchaud, are the only dragon I’ve ever seen this close up before.”

“Careful I don’t make it your last.” He snapped his jaw at him. Xenk didn’t move.

I swatted Themberchaud shoulder. “What did I just tell you?!” I hissed.

Xenk chuckled and waved his hand. “Don’t worry, (Y/N), I’m sure he was just being playful,” he said as he turned around. Themberchaud snorted, unamused. Xenk either didn’t hear him or ignored him. “Let’s make our way to the Underdark shall we?”

With only flying for short lengths of time, with a slow walking pace and only travelling at night, it took several days to reach the Sword Mountains.

“There’s a large entrance to the Underdark in the mountains. It should be big enough for you to get through, Themberchaud.” Xenk looked up at him, who was a panting mess yet again from flying over the Long Road and manoeuvring around the foothills.

I slowly slipped off his back and stroked his neck. I looked at Xenk “Thank you for your help.”

He bowed his head. “I’ll lead you into it, and help you get settled. Both of you.” He gave me a smile.

I wasn’t sure what that smile meant, other than he had a plan or an idea that involved me. I pulled out my cane to distract myself.

It was foldable, which would be good for storage and travelling. Made of some sort of dark wood with hinges at the folds and a handle cushioned by a spongy wrapping. The first length of it concealed a small blade. I liked it a lot.

When Themberchaud had caught himself, I nodded to Xenk. “Let’s head in.” The sun was lighting up the horizon and we had done so well to keep eyes off us so far, even when crossing the Long Road, which never seemed to get a break.

Xenk led us to a partially buried entrance, blocked off by loose boulders.

I frowned at the wall and looked at Xenk. “How’s this supposed to work?”

He winked and walked forward, walking through the stones. One second, he was before us, the next we saw were the bare stones.

Themberchaud bared his teeth. “Magic,” he growled.

I attempted to soothe him by petting his cheek. But he wouldn’t have it. He thumped his tail on the ground. “I won’t be surrounded by that stink again!” he roared.

I flinched and gripped by cane in fright at his intensity.

Xenk reemerged. “Do not worry, Themberchaud. This will keep anyone away from you and let you live in peace while having easy access to the Sword Mountains and the Kryptgarden Forest.”

Themberchaud glared at him. “I will not have magic around me!”

I looked up at him. Maybe I was tired and sore. Maybe I was homesick. Maybe I was just done with him. Maybe it was all that, but I couldn’t take it anymore. “This is the only way to hide you Thember!” I hissed. “This is the only way to protect and keep you from even worse powers. Do you want to go back to Gracklstugh? Do you want those magicians forcing you to be a puppet?” I glared at him, my heart thumping. He blinked at me with widening, wet eyes. “I sacrificed everything for you! My brother is hurt, Gracklstugh is broken. We hurt people by getting you out! This is the only home for you now until you’ve learned to fend for yourself. You’re not the only one stranded here! This is the only spell we’ve encountered. And it’s going to help us. So please! Stop complaining and trust Xenk! Trust me.”

I stood heaving for a while, leaning on my cane. Tears trickled down my cheeks and I wiped them furiously. Themberchaud lowered his head and whined softly. “I’ve not led you wrong. And Xenk hasn’t led us wrong… please. We’re almost safe. Let’s rest. I’m tired,” I sighed.

He was silent for a little while. “Alright… But if anything happens—.”

“—aye. I know. You can do whatever you wish. Crush and bite and devour. Just please, step inside.” I reached a trembling hand to his snout.

Themberchaud hummed and lifted his head. “I’ll go. But you’ll be the first to be devoured if something goes wrong.” He glared at Xenk.

Xenk, of course, was unmoving. None of Themberchaud’s threats ever made him move. Themberchaud could have his maw spread open to Xenk and he’d be motionless. At least, that’s what I’d imagine would happen…

*~*~*~*

Thankfully Themberchaud had taken to the Underdark.

Unfortunately, I was still left without a place to call home.

Xenk quickly left once Themberchaud was settled. He was still as mysterious as the day I’d met him, despite travelling for almost a week together.

“I must take my leave now. My job is done.” He bowed his head and rested his hand on the pommel of his sword.

I faltered, the peak of my exhaustion had finally hit, and the warmth of the midday sun was challenging me in my quest to remain awake. “Oh… well uh, travel safe?” The idea of him leaving opened a void in my stomach. I needed him.

“Do not doubt yourself, (Y/N).” Xenk put a hand on my shoulder. “Your determination and heart will guide you, just as it has now. Plus, you have a red dragon on your side—”

Themberchaud hummed from behind me. I looked over to see his head poking out from the fake stone wall and nothing else.

“—and he won’t let anything happen to you.”

Themberchaud nodded in agreement. “No, I won’t.”

My lips lifted a little in a smile, but it fell quickly. “What should I do though? I can’t hunt. Nor can Themberchaud.”

Xenk drew in a breath and pointed to the Long Road. “There’s a town called Triboar. You should be able to find some work there. Travellers pass through all the time. They’d need some permanent staff.”

I considered his proposal. “That sounds reasonable. Thank you, Xenk.” I looked away for a moment to fetch my last copper, but before I could fish it out, he was gone.

Themberchaud warbled. “He moves quick for an old guy.” I turned to him and frowned. “Don’t look at me like that! You’re grumpy because you are tired. Come sleep. You still have a bag of food that the ranger left.”

My brow creased deeper. “What food?”

Themberchaud was right. Xenk had subtly left a bag of food and supplies for me to get more comfortable in Themberchaud’s new lair. It was enough to help me temporarily; some meat and cooked vegetables, bits of wood to burn, a lantern and a bedroll and pillow. The pack itself made me look like a real traveller, which would help with the backstory I was about to make up.

And Xenk was right about Triboar. The constant stream of passersby made the prospect of a permanent worker very appealing. The issue was, of course, my leg. Most wouldn’t hire a crippled woman, much less one that had shown up as a refugee from Gracklstugh. But one took an interest in me.

“Don’ y’all have a dragon ‘n da city?” Bernard gnawed on the end of his pipe. He was heavy man with dirt across his forehead and sweat around his pits and chest. He seemed kind enough, if the swarm of animals around him were any indication.

“Aye, sir. We did.” I glanced at the dog licking my free hand while a kitten used my cane as a scratching post.

“Were ya e’er close to it?”

I found myself nodded before I could lie. “A-aye.” I cleared my throat. “Aye. I fed him regularly actually.” That probably sounded more like a lie than an actual one.

“So yer good wi’h big animals?”

I nodded. “Huge even!”

He thought again for a long moment. “Alrigh’ then. Let’s see wha’ yer like, seeing as Sandy and Pumpkin like ya so much.” I must’ve pulled a face because he gestured to the golden dog and the ginger tabby. “Sandy is my right-han’ dog in e’erythin’,” he started off across his bustling yard, “an’ Pumpkin is da newest kid on the block.”

I hobbled after him, Sandy and Pumpkin following me. “Well, I’m glad they like me then?”

Bernard laughed and walked me into the stables. “Sandy ‘as a good sense fer folks. I trust ‘im with helpin’ me find the righ’ stable hand fer years now. Anytime he wasn’t all ove’ them, I learnt quick enough why.” He leaned on a stable door, his huge palm on the heavy half-door. “So, if he says yer worth hiring, I’ll listen.”

I looked at Sandy, then at him. He seemed very serious about Sandy’s judgement of me. “So, where do I start?”

He liked that answer, grinning. “Tha’s the a’itude!” With that, the large head on a bay mare was lifted over the stable door to look at me. “Let’s get you started.”

Never in my life did I think that my experience in Gracklstugh would pay off, but there I was, taking care of travellers’ horses, day-in day-out. I liked it actually. I could sit most of the day and Sandy helped me carry, or drag, anything heavy. It wasn’t very taxing either. Just had to do what was asked of me; feed, water, groom and/or polish tack and armour that the mount had. The only hard part was saying when we couldn’t lodge horses in the stables. This was nothing compared to feeding Themberchaud.

And I got tips too, which when added to my pay and my lodging with Bernard—and his family—made getting comfy easy enough and getting Themberchaud new treasure. The hard part was getting to see him.

Mid-week was when there was slow filing of travellers through Triboar. So that was my weekly meeting with Themberchaud happened. Most of the time I brought large cuts of meat or trinkets with me. He was even starting to hunt himself, so he wasn’t shedding much weight, but his flight was getting stronger. He was liking the peace. We both were.

But about a year after we’d gotten settled, Xenk came to visit.

I sat on an upturned bucket, plaiting a filly’s tail, when I felt a shadow fall on me and cooling my skin from the late morning light. “I’ll be with you in a moment!”

“Please. Take your time.”

I snapped my head up and blindly finished the braid. “Hello!” I stood up quickly, grinning. The bucket fell over and the clatter startled the horse. I reached for her lead. “Eh… one sec!” I turned her out into the small paddock with the other horse’s she’d arrived with.

I rushed back to Xenk, hurting myself more than I’d intended. “It’s great to see you.”

He smiled. “And you too! It’s good to see you doing well for yourself.”

I nodded. “Thank you. What brings you to Triboar?”

Xenk looked at me warmly. “I need your help.”

I hesitated and stammered. “My help?”

He nodded. “Yes.”

I managed to be more confused by that. “Alright? Uh, let me ask my boss so we can talk.”

He nodded and stepped aside. “That would be appreciated. This is urgent.”

I grabbed my cane and walked to Bernard in his home. His children were helping him bake bread. “Um, Bernard? Do you have a minute?”

He lifted his head slowly and glanced at Xenk shadowing me. “Is thi’ da ‘friend’ you run off ta meet e’ery week?” He crossed his big arms.

I shook my head and tried not to pull a face. “No! No. Xenk is a friend of mine. And one I owe a huge favour too.”

I felt Xenk looked at Bernard over my shoulder. “I assure you, kind sera, this is a matter of urgency that only (Y/N) can help me with. It’ll take no more than two days. But we must leave immediately.” Looking at him, I saw his gaze was firm and sure.

Bernard was silent for a bit. Xenk has the effect of confusing, stressing and assuring people all at the same time. It must be a strange power to have, if he knew it was even a power. “Alrigh’. You can go.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Bernard.”

I followed Xenk out and he led me to a small group of people leaning on the paddock fence with a few horses. One was a bard, with his instrument on his back, a stubbled beard and bangs curtaining his face. He seemed to be impatiently thinking, it made me nervous. Then there was a barbarian woman, strong built and a heavy axe to her side as he munched on some fried potato bites from the stall down the road. Then there was a lanky-looking boy, maybe a sorcerer? There was no sign of a weapon or staff. The final member of the group was, I believe, a Tiefling, red locks, horns, and a tail. Her shades of green made me think of a druid and their ties to nature. A mixed batch of a party.

The bard turned to me and looked me over with those worn-out eyes. I had a feeling all of the people with him were some sort of recruits, additions to the party. He didn’t want anyone else to join. “You never mentioned you had an addition to the team?” his tone made it sound more like she’s not coming. Don’t fight me on it, Xenk.

I shifted uncomfortably and looked at Xenk. “(Y/N) is necessary for what we’re about to do.” He put his hand on my shoulder.

The maybe-sorcerer peered about the bard’s shoulder. “Why?”

“Because we are about to face something in there only (Y/N) can tame.”

I looked up at him. “What are you lot doing exactly? And why would I be useful?”

Xenk turned us around and took a few steps. “We need to enter the Underdark. We won’t go near Themberchaud. But even so, I need you there to keep him calm.”

I stood there blinking in confusion. “You’re joking right?”

“Why would this be a joke?”

I sighed and rubbed by face. “Why do you need to enter the Underdark and why—?”

“Please, (Y/N). I need you to help us. What they are doing is very important.”

I clenched my jaw and glanced back at the party. “But if I can just tell—”

“Is she in or not? We don’t have time!” the bard called. I had a feeling I was really going to dislike him.

With that, I sighed and Xenk said; “yes! (Y/N) will join us.” I hid the bracelet under my sleeve. I wasn’t going to get a chance to warn Themberchaud.

*~*~*~*

I learned their names quick enough: Edgin, Holga, Simon, and Doric. They were headed for Neverwinter. And after that I didn’t dare get nosy. With the help of a borrowed horse, I was able to ride with them to the Sword Mountains. They didn’t seem too interested in me for the most part—which was fine. It was better for them to not care than to care in the wrong way.

As we met the mountains, I nearly turned off, but Xenk grabbed the reins. He shook his head and I stayed with the group. With the travelling, I couldn’t let Themberchaud know what was about to happen. Nor did I want to get robbed, which was apparently what this lot did. I chewed my lip.

Next was the Kryptgarden forest. The ground was uneven and after only ever riding on the smooth ground of the Long Road, which made me a nervous rider with a bad leg. My mare didn’t like how much I pulled at her reigns and hugged her flanks.

As we dismounted, Edgin was conversing with Xenk. “Orifices?”

Xenk assured his rope was firmly around a wide trunk, giving it a strong tug, before walking in a straight line onto bare ground. “The Underdark has many entrances.” He stopped and slowly turned around, rope in hand. “This is one of the less conspicuous.” With nothing else, he leaned back, and the ground gave way beneath him as he fell.

I yelped covered my mouth in shock. Stepped closer, there was a jagged, black hole. “Great.” I grumbled.

“I’ll go last,” Simon volunteered.

I sighed and after Doric I made my way down. Xenk had left yet another secret remains hidden; it’d take a day to get to the helm they were after. I trailed after the rest; my role would probably not even come to pass.

I hoped not at least.

*~*~*~*

My mother always told me to beware of men who kept secrets and bore blades.

Maybe I should’ve listened to her.

Xenk was both mysterious and carried a blade—many blades it turned out, and while he protected others from danger, he was in the habit of drawing attention.

The murderous and stalking kind.

Like Thayan assassins.

Which were, apparently, undead. Another secret to the pile.

But their mistake was not to challenge, Xenk. Their real mistake was come to come to Dolblunde, so close to Themberchaud’s lair.

I’d stayed on the suspended city, close to where the helmet had been kept for who knows how long. I was of little use to a fight and much less able to run from assassins.

First, I heard a mighty huff, and taking a peek, saw the party was thrown back. Then came the glowing eyes, the roars, and growls, before Themberchaud made his entrance into the light.

Even undead assassins know to fear a dragon.

It was amusing seeing Themberchaud roll down his hill of bones as he gobbled up each Thayan assassin, one after the other. By the time the party and him had made it to me, they were all eaten.

I made my way to my feet, and Holga grabbed my arm.

“Come on kid!” she yanked me.

I fought against her. “Stop!” I held out my hand and Themberchaud slid to a stop before me. His pupiled widened rather cutely.

“Surprise?”

I pet his snout. I knew it was wrong to be mad at him, especially after he helped deal with the assassins. “Good job!” I scratched his muzzle and made my way to scratch his horns as best as I could.

Themberchaud smiled and tapped his tail on the ground in bliss. I stopped after a bit, feeling eyes on me. He stood up and looked at the party behind me. “I uh, can explain that. They didn’t mean to disturb you.”

He hummed and eyed them suspiciously. “And?”

“And they’re done now. They’ll be on their way soon enough.”

Xenk walked towards us first, and the party, more warily, followed him. “Well done, (Y/N). And thank you for aiding and sparing us, Themberchaud.” He bowed his head.

Themberchaud watched him for a moment. “Oh. You’re the guy that brought us here!”

I tried to stifle my laughter. “Yes. This is Xenk, Thember.”

“Wait so you,” Edgin, the bard, started, “led us into the lair of a dragon knowingly?!” he jabbed a finger into Xenk’s armour.

“I had no intention of stirring him. But that is why I brought, (Y/N). In case this—” he gestured to the entirety of the Dolblunde. “—happened.”

Themberchaud bared his teeth. “You’re not so pleasant yourself.”

Holga chuckled from behind Edgin. “I think he’s cute.”

“Themberchaud is quite the dragon.” I nodded and looked past him as best as I could. His lair was easily accessible from here, as would the hidden tunnel.

I looked at Xenk. “We should probably leave right?”

He nodded. “Yes. Best not disturb this place much longer.” He turned to leave the way we’d come.

I looked at Themberchaud and nudged him gently.

“There’s…” he huffed, “a shorter way out.” He gestured a wing towards his lair.

I petted his head. “That’s it,” I whispered.

Xenk turned around. “That is appreciated, Themberchaud.” He looked at Edgin.

He sighed and shrugged. “Sure. There’s weirder shit that’s happened today.”

[treesspeaklatin]

✨Finding✨

A long time ago, Szass Tam's magic took something away from Xenk Yendar. And now it is time for the paladin to go in search of the parts of himself he has lost. Guess who will help him? 

Idiots in love

5+1

chapter 2/7

[moonbearmeliox]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Simon Aumar and Edgin Darvis Characters: Simon Aumar, Edgin Darvis, Doric (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves), Holga Kilgore, Xenk Yendar, Kira Darvis Additional Tags: Post-Canon, Angst, Found Family, Daddy Issues, Simon Aumar has Daddy Issues, Original Character(s), Edgin Darvis is basically Simon's Adoptive Father Summary:

Simon didn't like the idea of going back home. Going back home meant facing the people who had high expectations for him. Sadly, the current quest that he and the party was on, required them to head to his hometown to get information.

Simon hates the weight that his last name brings.

A.K.A Simon's father is a dick and Edgin acts as a good father figure to Simon

Yea I loved this movie so much I started writing fanfiction for it. And I will probably write more.

[moorishflower]

If not by faith (Edgin/Xenk Pre-Canon AU)

If not by faith || Edgin Darvis/Xenk Yendar || Explicit || WIP

Family, Single Parents, Travel, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Strangers to Friends to Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Emotional Baggage, Moving On, Male-Female Friendship, Slow Romance, Canon-Typical Violence, POV Edgin Darvis, Parent-Child Relationship, Learning How to Be a Better Parent, Fantastic Racism, Drama, Light Angst, Anal Sex, Fantasizing, Barebacking, Cowgirl Position, Courtship, Adventure & Romance, Forgotten Realms Lore Compliant (Mostly)

When frost giants attack the city of Bryn Shander in 1491, Ed and Holga make the decision to take Kira and make the perilous journey south to Mornbryn's Shield, where they hope to start a new life away from the unpredictable Ten Towns and the memory of Edgin's wife. Along the way they meet a paladin of Ilmater who agrees to escort them as far as Mirabar, setting off a chain of events that will have Ed questioning his beliefs, evaluating his relationship with his daughter, and perhaps even let him heal enough to finally find happiness again.

[Chapter 1 on AO3]

[sparklewrites1]

HES SOOO HES SOOO HOOOOTTTTTTTTT 😫

I'd also like to take this chance to let yall know I will be writing more xenk fics soon

[fate-motif]

What business did an unreliable sorcerer have with a cleric of the god of death?

Turns out this is a very relevant question. Especially when the sorcerer has a long history of grand larceny and may have used a magical item implicated in this business to desecrate a graveyard. It was all for a good cause, you know. I'm sure Kelemvor understood.

so part 2′s out if anyone’s interested.

[letmetellyouaboutmyfeels]

Tumblr Fandom: A Year in Review 2023

Tagged by @mistmarauder and I'm pretty sure I'm contractually obligated to do as she says so...

Top Five Blorbos: Eddie Diaz, Evan "Buck" Buckley, Patrick Jane, Edgin Darvis, Xenk Yendar

Top Five Fandoms: 9-1-1, Fast & Furious, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Mentalist, The Witcher

Top Five OTPs: Buddie, Xedgin, whatever the hell Dom/Brian is called (there is so little fanfic for them I am weeping), Jisbon, House/Shenanigans uh I mean House/Wilson/Cuddy

Shoutout to Some New Friends: @princessfbi and @tulipfromtheinternet have been very kind to me, leaving treats out on their porches for me to sniff. I even let them pet me after a few months of slowly earning my trust!

Shoutout to Some Old Friends: @mistmarauder and @catdadeddie are two friends I grew closer with this year, and have done a lot to restore my trust in people. They've put up with an unfair amount of prickliness and distrust on my part with grace and love. @evcndiaz has also put up with me dropping into her inbox with fun (horrifying) facts about human anatomy, which earns her a gold medal. And of course @givemeunicorns @devilsbrokerank @captainofthefallen and @extasiswings continue to be my rocks and remind me that there are good people in this world, and that some of those good people might actually love me.

Favorite Creation You Posted This Year: Genuinely I feel like with my Halloween fics I have done the best work in my fanfiction career. I'm shocked at how proud I am of the fanfics I put out this year, including my Wednesday fic and my Xedgin fics. It's impossible for me to choose a favorite.

Favorite Creation Posted by Someone Else This Year: @kittykatthetacodemon had me reading fic for fandoms and ships I'm not even in or shipping? she's just that fucking good? holy shit go watch Mag7 and then read her fics just. just do it.

People Who Brightened Your Year: @lisbonsteresa always and forever brightens my days, and it was a delight this year to be in the same fandom again as she got me hooked on The Mentalist, @mistmarauder always makes me laugh even (especially) when she's roasting me, and @extasiswings helped me get away from the real world a couple times when I needed it.

Anyone Else You'd Like to Mention: I'm so grateful to all of my readers, always. Your enthusiasm and comments are what keep me going. Thank you thank you thank you.

Five of Your Favorite Authors This Year: I'll be honest I have barely read any fanfic this year since I simply haven't had time but a quick shout out again to @kittykatthetacodemon because Mist forced me to read her fanfics at gunpoint and I've never been so happy to be at gunpoint after reading them. I've reread her Hobbs & Shaw fics literally a dozen times, she nails the hysterical over-the-top banter from the F&F films and it has me giggling every time.

Oh and @henswilsons. Forever and always making me laugh with your delightful fics. Never stop, dear.

Five of Your Favorite Artists/Gifmakers/Podficcers/Etc. This Year: @captain-hen so many times I see a gifset that makes me insane and it's by you, you menace. @like-the-rest-of-la lovely art from a lovely person. @bucksketch you make art that has me screeching and twirling my hair and kicking my feet. @mistmarauder your podfics, babe, you know how much I adore them. Um I'm terrible at remembering urls (I'm even worse with names). Uh. Um. Uhhhh. Uhhhhhhh... *we're all still waiting days later*

Three Things You're Looking Forward to in 2024: 9-1-1 SEASON SEVEN BABEEEEEEY