#✫ IC (Starlight(OC)) ✫ | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

acourtofmishapandmistakes · 2 days

Text

A Court of Ice and Shadows: Chapter 1

OC Character x Azriel

Summary: Set after "A Court of Silver Flames" (ACOSF), this story follows original character Lene, an elite warrior of the Hesker Clan from the Winter Court. Tasked with diplomatic duty in the Night Court, Lene's mission is to help retrain the Valkyries and help squash potential uprising in the Illyrian camps. As she navigates centuries-old animosities and discovers herself beyond the icy confines of her homeland, Lene must confront her past and decide who she wants to become.

Click here for other parts:

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Characters: Featuring original characters alongside core characters from the ACOTAR series.

Disclaimers: All characters and settings pertaining to the core ACOTAR series belong to Sarah J. Maas, with additional material created for the purpose of this fanfiction

Content Warnings: None.

Note: Some words used in this story are of Norwegian or Scandinavian origin. I do not speak either language, but adapted the researched words to fit the narrative. For notes regarding any of these words, see the end of the chapter.

Chapter One:

The frigid winds of the Winter Court had always been a constant in Lene’s life, whispering secrets of ancient magic and carrying icy promises of the future. As delicate snowflakes drifted gracefully around the towering spires of her home, Lene stood enveloped in her silver furs, her gaze sweeping over the frost-kissed gardens below. Today, the wind gnawed with an unusually penetrating chill, a sensation that Lene normally found invigorating, but now it stirred a restless unease within her. Something was shifting in the air, a change that tingled across her skin like a premonition.

Lene’s fingers tightened around the frozen railing, the warmth of her touch coaxing small beads of water to trail down the ice-glazed iron. She inhaled sharply, the biting cold piercing her lungs and mingling with a faint sense of dread as she exhaled a misty breath, watching it swirl and disappear into the frigid air. Snowflakes caught on the tips of her eyelashes, sparkling momentarily before melting away.

From the shadowed underbrush dusted with snow, a white fox emerged, its movements silent and cautious. The creature paused, its bright eyes scanning the quiet, snow-covered path before it boldly approached the grand manor’s doorstep. With an almost regal air, the fox reared onto its hind legs, as if checking the residence it had been tasked to find. Satisfied, it gently set down a scroll encased in a sleek glass cylinder, protected from the elements. After completing its delivery, the fox cast a quick glance over its shoulder, its bushy tail flicking playfully as it scampered down the pathway, leaving behind a delicate trail of paw prints as it yipped.

As the fox bounded down the path, Lene's eyes caught a glint of red—a vest intricately embroidered with golden threads that spiraled into the design of a complex snowflake. This was no ordinary courier fox; this one bore the distinct regalia of the High Court Palace. As the creature slipped beneath the iron gate and vanished from sight, a wave of curiosity stirred within Lene. What could the High Lord possibly need at such an ungodsly hour?

Turning, Lene retreated from the biting cold, pushing open the heavy double doors to re-enter the manor's welcoming warmth. A rush of heated air kissed her reddened cheeks, a soothing relief from the biting cold. With a fluid motion, she lowered the hood of her silver parka, untying it and draping it gracefully over the red velvet chaise by the entrance. Freeing her almost white, blonde hair from its confines, she let it cascade behind her shoulders, smoothing down her blue tunic that had bunched awkwardly beneath her coat. Despite the slight discomfort, she wouldn’t dare ask her grandmother to fashion her a new one, cherishing each piece the elder matriarch made.

Her boots left soft impressions on the plush rugs lining the floors as her footsteps echoed softly down the richly adorned hallways, framed by dark oaks and pine. Each step carried her deeper into the heart of the manor, toward the grand hall—a magnificent expanse where shadows danced with the roaring firelight and the air was thick with the scent of cranberry and pine. Lene took the staircase hurriedly, her feet barely touching the steps before she reached the grand hall floor, striding swiftly across to the large oak door that stood imposingly ahead.

Lene stretched onto her toes to peer through the frosted window panes, her eyes searching the ground where the fox had carefully placed the letter, now slowly being concealed by a fresh layer of snow. With a determined breath, she opened the grand door, its hinges releasing a soft creak that echoed faintly in the chilly air. Bracing against the cold, she stepped out to retrieve the letter.

Clutching the frozen cylinder, Lene hastened back inside, the door shutting swiftly behind her as a few rebellious snowflakes danced in with the gust of wind. Leaning against the sturdy oak, she wrapped the bottom edge of her tunic around the silver cap of the letter holder, using the fabric to insulate her fingers as she twisted it open. The cap finally gave way with a resounding clink, releasing the sealed message inside.

Lene tipped the holder, allowing the parchment to slide smoothly into her waiting hands. Tucking the glass container securely under her arm, she carefully unrolled the scroll, revealing the familiar, thin, and curled handwriting of High Lord Kallias. Her eyes quickly scanned the message, taken aback slightly by the formality of such a message:

“My Dearest Lene,

I apologize for the inconvenient timing of this message, but please know I would not call upon you without need.

I request your presence tomorrow morning at the castle to discuss a rather urgent matter regarding a neighboring court. Rest assured, the details are not grim, nor cause for any concern or panic. But this is a matter that will need to be addressed promptly.

Please meet me in the central court room tomorrow morning at 10 and I shall provide more details then.

I look forward to seeing you,

High Lord, Kallias”

Lene’s brows furrowed as she mulled over the cryptic nature of Kallias’s message. What urgent matter could involve another court yet not be cause for concern? With a twist, she secured the parchment back into the glass holder, the lid clicking firmly into place. Pushing off the door, she made her way through the grand hall entry towards the sitting room, her head swirling.

Upon crossing the threshold, Lene found herself enveloped in the warm embrace of firelight, illuminating her grandmother, seated regally in an aged wingback chair. The flames seemed to brighten her grandmother's braids, intricately woven threads of silver and white that shimmered with a touch of otherworldly luminescence. Those piercing blue eyes, sharp as the edge of winter, met Lene's gaze, reflecting a similar hue yet distinguished by whirls of deep sapphire. Her grandmother's brows knit together in keen scrutiny as tracked Lene’s march across the richly adorned sitting room, her hand poised elegantly around a glass of brandy.

Lene settled at her grandmother's feet upon the plush carpet, drawing her knees to her chest and resting her chin atop them. The scent of pine from the crackling fire mingled with the aged notes of brandy, weaving the comforting aroma of home around her. In the quiet, her grandmother studied her, the silence stretching between them.

"Something troubling you, elskling?" Her grandmother's voice finally broke the silence, a soft yet formidable sound in the dimly lit room.

Lene's lips twisted wistfully, her eyes remaining fixed on the dancing flames. "I'm not sure," she murmured, the words barely a whisper.

Her grandmother took a measured sip from her glass, finishing it in a slow, deliberate gulp before setting it aside. The crystal caught the light, glinting briefly. "You seem restless."

Lene paused a moment, "It's a letter from Kallias," she confessed, her voice a mix of curiosity and unease as she unfolded her legs, stretching one out while keeping the other bent. She retrieved a cylindrical holder from the floor, handing it to her grandmother. The elder's fingers, bony yet steady with the weight of years, accepted the parchment. "He's summoned me for tomorrow morning to discuss matters at another court."

Her grandmother unfurled the parchment, eyes scanning the words swiftly. "And what makes this summons so troubling?"

Lene watched her grandmother's expression, seeking any sign of insight. "It’s his formality and vagueness," she explained. "That’s unlike him. He’s normally much more blunt."

Her grandmother's hands deftly rolled the parchment back into its ornate glass cylinder, the movement elegant and practiced. Leaning forward, she passed the container back to Lene, her eyes narrowing slightly as they captured her granddaughter's troubled expression. "So, is it his tone that stirs this unrest within you?"

"It’s just peculiar," Lene admitted, placing the letter beside her on the lush carpet. Her gaze drifted away, lost in the shadows that the firelight failed to touch. "The last time Kallias and I spoke, he mentioned nothing about unrest or discord among the courts. Everything appeared...relatively quiet."

She hesitated, a frown creasing her brow. "In fact, it seemed as though Prythian was experiencing some form of odd harmony." Lene’s voice grew softer, more introspective. "I’ve harbored doubts about this peace, grandmother. It feels too quiet, like everyone is parading around in masks of smiles and happiness while something festers beneath the surface."

Turning her head to meet her grandmother’s age-wise eyes, Lene’s own shone with a mix of resignation and defiance. "I suppose I’ve been bracing myself for the reality to shatter it. For someone smart enough to take advantage of it."

Her grandmother absorbed Lene’s words, her aged face lined with understanding but tempered with the hardness of someone who had witnessed atrocities committed when thin layers of peace began to crumble. “I do not fault you for preparing for the worst. The most devastating storms often follow the calmest days.” Lene’s grandmother hesitated, thinking over her words, “But you cannot live your life on the calm days only fearing for what is to come.”

Lene let out a soft scoff, drawing her knees closer to her chest once more. "I appreciate the insight, Mormor," she murmured, her gaze fixed on the flickering shadows cast by the fire rather than her grandmother's face. "Do you believe there’s something more at play? Something... larger?”

Her grandmother reclined deeper into the wingback chair, the empty brandy glass twirling idly in her hand. "I don't believe Kallias would summon you without substantial reason," she mused. "You possess one of the sharpest, most tactical minds at his disposal. Perhaps he does indeed sense a shift on the horizon. But pondering the unsaid here is a futile endeavor. You will learn what you need to know soon enough. For now, perhaps there's virtue in the ignorant bliss of the unknown."

Lene smiled wryly, rolling her eyes affectionately. “You know I’m incapable of basking in ‘ignorant bliss,’” she quipped, her fingers air-quoting the last words.

At her grandmother's beckoning gesture, Lene moved to sit directly before the older woman, crawling on hands and knees before turning to face away from her. Her grandmother's fingers deftly began unraveling the small braids in Lene’s hair, undoing the intricate knots with gentle precision as she combed through the long strands. "You are very much like me, Lene," she observed quietly.

A laugh bubbled up from Lene’s throat. "I can imagine how delighted Mama would be to hear that comparison.”

Her grandmother gave a gentle tug on her hair, eliciting a slight hiss from Lene. "It’s your mind, elsking—it races too much, always darting ahead, never quite content to simply be here, in the moment."

As her grandmother tenderly rebraided her hair, the comforting touch that Lene often sought in moments of frenzy. "Mormor—" Lene began, only to be gently interrupted.

"It would do you well to allow yourself time to rest, to let your mind ease," her grandmother advised, her voice imbued with a soft firmness.

Lene drew in a deep breath, "I wish it were that easy," she confessed softly.

Finishing the braids, her grandmother expertly arranged the twin plaits over Lene's shoulders. Lene caught one, her fingers tracing the woven strands, pulling at a few loose ends as she contemplated her next words.

Her grandmother's gaze lingered on Lene, memories flooding back of a time when she was but a child, her small figure always close by. When allowed, Lene’s grandmother would allow her to sit with her in Kallias’s father’s court with Lene silently urging her grandmother to re-braid her hair while seated comfortably in her lap. Those moments seemed to echo in the quiet of the sitting room, where Lene, the red-nosed little snowflake, used to watch the other fae children play in the snow, always by the side of her mother and grandmother.

Lene parted her lips to speak, but her grandmother preempted her words with a reassuring hand on her shoulder, standing up from her chair. Lene looked up, meeting her grandmother’s eyes as she leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead. "You were born with a strong head on your shoulders, burdened with the desire to care for others, and you excel in your role. There's no need to unsettle yourself over possibilities that have yet to manifest, my elskling," her grandmother said, her hands cradling Lene's face, eyes searching hers deeply.

"I know, Mormor," Lene responded after a moment, her voice steady as she took one of her grandmother’s hands in her own.

Her grandmother smiled gently, a sparkle of affection in her eyes. "I know you know. I just want you to trust in that." She bestowed another tender kiss upon the crown of Lene's head before standing. "Get some sleep, Lene."

"I won't be much longer," Lene assured her, her voice soft but firm. "Sov gott, Mormor."

"Sov gott, my elskling," her grandmother called over her shoulder as she exited the sitting room, leaving Lene in the comforting solitude with only the crackling fire to fill the silence.

Lene glanced over the letter, lying on the floor, scoffing as she once again ran through the various possibilities for her summons before standing from the floor, drawing the letter up and retreating to her bedroom for the night.

Parts:

Notes:

Elskling - “Darling” in Norwegian

Mormor - “Grandmother” in Norwegian

Sov gott - “Sleep tight” in Swedish

Thank you for taking the time to read this first chapter of what I hope will be a larger series. I haven't written anything long form creatively in years but I am hoping through this I can rekindle some of my love of writing. I know that this may not be everyone's cup of tea but for those who are willing to indulge me in this, I so greatly appreciate you. I am slowly relearning to appreciate the art I can produce and allowing myself this outlet is so healing. Much love, and to many more. - A Court of Mishap and Mistakes

#acotar #acowar #acomaf #acofas #acosf #a court of thorns and roses #a court of wings and ruin #a court of mist and fury #a court of frost and starlight #a court of silver flames #acotar fanfiction #acotar fanfic #oc #a court of ice and shadows

11 notes · View notes

batmads-ao3 · 1 year

Text

Across The Universe

Detroit: Yuri’s done the math. He done the research and the consideration and the planning. This will be his last year of competitive figure skating, and this time next year, he’ll be moving on to grad school. No matter what, though, Yuri hopes to hold onto Victor in any way that he can. Even if he has to compromise and change his own dreams to do it.

St. Petersburg: Victor is tired of compromising. Tired of having dreams deferred, of stealing moments in the off season and after competitions to spend time with Yuri. The way he sees it, there are only two options: keep Yuri in competitive skating, or find a way to stay by Yuri’s side after this year is through. Because if there’s anything that Victor knows for certain, it’s that he’s never letting anything come between him and his soulmate ever again.

But how far are Yuri and Victor willing to go to protect the other’s dreams? And with a whole universe separating them, will a soulmate bond really be enough to hold them together when it matters most?

**Part Three of the Defy the Stars Trilogy**

Soulmates!AU • College! AU(kinda) • Happy Ending

Read Chapter Thirty-Two here!

In which Victor and Yuri feverishly hope that the other one will make the first move, and a stalemate ensues.

Posting every Friday (ish), chapter preview below the cut

Yuri was late to practice. In his defense, though, it had been a long flight, and a seemingly endless trip to the athlete’s village, and no sooner had he gotten to his room than Junichi was knocking on his door, peppering him with questions about how interviews had been and whether he’d managed to land a flip yet and by the time Yuri managed to actually eat something and change into practice clothes, he was supposed to be at the rink to start off ice warm-ups, and by the time he was there to start warming up, everyone else was already out on the ice.

So in the end he only got a weak warm-up in, nowhere near the amount of time he actually should have given it, and then an even weaker amount of time to actually get a feel for the ice.

And not just any ice. The ice. The main rink. Olympic rings below him. A scattering of spectators and media up in the stands to watch him, to speculate and criticize. It made Yuri want to throw up.

(How was it, just earlier today, that he’d managed to be excited for all of this?)

Seeing Victor standing at the other end of the rink, staring blankly at him, wasn’t any help. And Yuri didn’t have to wonder anymore if he had it in him to go up to his soulmate right away and reopen everything between them. He knew now that he didn’t have the courage to do it. And he was frankly relieved that Victor was the first person off the ice now that practice was over—while Yuri himself was still all the way at the other end of the rink—because that just meant he could put everything off for just a little bit longer.

Tomorrow, Yuri told himself. I can talk to him tomorrow.

Because one thing was for certain: even if Yuri’s cowardice and anxiety were swallowing him whole now, the moment he had seen Victor he had known in his soul that he didn’t want to let Victor go. He knew Patrick was right, that if he waited around to long, then Victor would move on. He had seen it in the way Victor was skating, before he’d come onto the ice. And Yuri didn’t want that. He wanted Victor to be happy, yes, but he wanted to be the one who made Victor happy. He wanted the life that Victor’s short program described.

Continue on Ao3

36 notes · View notes

starsmuserainbow · 6 months

Text

"It's kinda amazing." Starlight muttered as she was enjoying some cotton candy that she actually for once had paid herself. "Despite not knowing how clouds feel, as you all are clearly unable to get up there and touch them, someone recreated them so well in this delicious treat." A little more sticky and palpable than clouds were, but it did come surprisingly close, in Starlight's opinion. After a few moments, she stopped mid-biting-off a piece, and tilted her head slightly. "Wait. Did someone with powers invent this for you? This is human-invented, right?" Maybe some other species brought it here!

#✫ General Tag (Starlight(OC)) ✫#✫ IC (Starlight(OC)) ✫#idk the idea came to me randomly seeing a pic of sth with clouds #so have a starlight talking about clouds and cottoncandy I guess #I'm p sure this isn't actually how it would be to touch or feel clouds but hey #this is said by an alien girl with flight and colorful energy and colorful hair and and and; it's already all made-up so lemme just #is this an open? idk meh still gonna tag it as one #open starter

3 notes · View notes

starburst2000 · 1 year

Text

A small crossover between Starlight Express and some characters (real and made by me) from my idea for Wreck-it Ralph 3 fanmade movie: Fight to the Finish!

In this movie, the Litwak Arcade closes during the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing the videogame characters to move to the Internet; Slaughter Race has been deleted, but Vanellope has made herself a new home for herself, Shank and the gang, and friends old and new.

Vanellope and her new friends are also reharsing for Ohmydisney's company musical, which is a secret until the end of the movie (it's StEx, btw).

But, unknownst to everyone, an old menace from the arcade has returned, and wants to destroy the Internet and the Arcade characters once and for all, starting from the Glitch and her friend warthog with alithosis...

Wreck-it Ralph 3: Fight to the Finish! Coming soon, to theaters and on stream... someday.

#starlight express #stex #wreck it ralph 3 #my art #my ocs #traditional art #kalinka cossack #pearl fey #sunny emmerich #9-volt #eggette #weaseletta #vanellope von schweetz #bert wily #bowser jr #gijinka #ice climbers

10 notes · View notes

speeding-engines · 7 months

Note

"You've got me!" From Rusty to whirlwind ( @the-rustbucket )

To say that the Leviathan had been caught off guard by the sweet steam engine would be an understatement. Whirlwinds' face seemed hopeful but filled with a sort of anxiety about it, rolling forward and backward slightly while they thought for a second. He couldn't believe that anyone would day that they would be there for support of him getting over this fear.

"Are- are you sure? I mean- I don't want to embarrass you or anything..." Their voice hesitantly murmured out, looking down to the ground as they spoke, not wishing for Rusty to get even more bullied than he already does.

"I mean- what if someone sees you helping me out and I fail again? Wouldn't that like... make you picked on more?" They finally looked up to Rusty again, while they were clearly greatful for his hospitality, they also worried that someone might come along and see them.

#🏁racers heart🚂 whirlwind ic #🚂starlight express hear our plea🚃 ask answered #starlight express #starlight express rp #starlight express oc

6 notes · View notes

roselyn-writing · 1 year

Text

7 notes · View notes

zepskies · 5 months

Text

Green

Pairing: Soldier Boy (Ben) x F. Reader, Ben and daughter!OC

Summary: Ben spends the day alone with his daughter, to varying degrees of success. When you get home, it prompts a serious conversation.

AN: Another one-shot for the BMD-verse, set sometime after "Until Morning" (you'll see). This can be read as standalone as well!

Word Count: 2,500 Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Father and daughter fluff, followed by husband and wife spice.~

Read more of the BMD-verse! ⤵️

💚 Break Me Down Masterlist

Father and daughter were glaring at one another, gazes locked.

Green against green.

“Young lady, I’m telling you right now. I’m not gonna tolerate any more of your little attitude,” said Ben. “If you want to try me, be my guest.”

He held the ravioli poised on a pink plastic spoon. His daughter Lila sat in her highchair in the kitchen, boldly refusing any more of her lunch.

Her stubborn face reminded him entirely too much of you. But he needed her to eat. He wouldn’t have it said when you came home that he couldn’t feed a damn two-year-old.

He huffed. “Work with me here. Just a couple more bites.”

Lila made a shrill sound of refusal when the spoon came near her face. He knew she could use a spoon just fine. She was being difficult on purpose.

To demonstrate her resolve, she slapped at the ravioli with a chubby little hand, and it ended up splashing back into the bowl. A bit of red sauce splattered onto Ben’s cheek, with a pinch of it hitting his eye.

He blinked in annoyance. “Delilah Marie, I swear to Christ—”

She’s just a baby, a voice that sounded a lot like you infiltrated his mind. It still didn’t take away his aggravation.

“No!” Lila insisted. It was her favorite word, right behind Bluey.

She then pushed the bowl right off the highchair. It spilled ravioli and pasta sauce all over the floor in spectacular fashion. Ben was sitting in his own chair by the dining table, where he moved his feet back at the last moment. She almost got his Italian loafers.

“You gotta be f…” It took every scrap of patience within him to hold his tongue…and breathe calmly through his nose. He didn’t want to reward this destructive, disrespectful behavior, but he also knew that he needed his daughter to eat.

“Want some applesauce?” he said, as a peace offering.

Lila’s face scrunched.

“No applesauce, huh?” Ben muttered. He glanced at the mess across the highchair and the formerly white tile on the floor. “Your mother’s gonna have a conniption.”

“Mommy?” Lila asked. “Mommy’s home?”

“No, she’s not here right now,” Ben replied. “She’ll be home later.”

Lila seemed to understand, because that’s when she got upset again. Her red-stained finger drew a shapeless form in the sauce as she pouted. At least she wasn’t crying.

Ben sighed, once again, and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

Fuck it.

“You want some ice cream?” he bribed.

Her sadness dissipated at the thought; she smiled brightly and nodded. “Yeah!”

“Yeah, I thought so,” he grumbled.

After a scoop of strawberry ice cream for each of them (she liked it because it was pink), Ben wrangled her up out of the highchair and declared, bath time.

He did fine with the bathing process. He’d helped you with this before, and so he knew what to do in order to wash the sauce off her face, hands, and even her hair. It was what came after the bath that remained a problem.

Lila was stubborn beyond belief, even before she could articulate what it was about the soft green onesie that she didn’t like. No, she wasn’t satisfied until Ben pulled out the yellow Starlight themed pajamas. Probably because they had “Auntie Annie’s” face all over them.

He rolled his eyes, but this wasn’t a hill he needed to die on. He dressed Lila and tried to tuck her into bed for her afternoon nap. The problem was, she refused to lie still in the crib.

Instead, she was bouncing on the balls of her feet, using the edge of the crib for balance. He’d be impressed, if she wasn’t trying to climb out and give him a small heart attack.

He grabbed her and gathered her against his chest. Despite the super strength you’d temporarily displayed off and on throughout your pregnancy, Lila’s powers were latent at the moment. Dr. Baker seemed to think Lila would start to display them once she got old enough. Like Ryan, who hadn’t started growing into his powers until around 10 years old.

So for now, Lila was a mostly normal two-year-old who could still get hurt.

Ben frowned. “This is the time you usually go down. Why do you have so much energy?”

She just giggled at him and put both hands on his face, over his eyes.

“Daddy, guess who?”

He sighed, but couldn’t help smiling. As usual, he indulged her.

“Could it be my baby girl?”

He waited until her hands came away from his eyes, and he opened them wide.

“There she is!”

She squealed and giggled and grabbed his hair when he kissed her cheek. In the comfort of his own home, he could afford to be this openly affectionate.

Aw shit, he thought, as something occured to him.

He finally realized why she was so fucking hyper. Maybe it had something to do with the giant scoop of ice cream she’d had for lunch.

Goddamn it. Ben sighed and unwrapped her arm from around his head.

“Okay, let’s watch some TV.”

Lila didn’t seem all that interested in watching anything, or even playing with her toys. She mainly wanted to jump on Ben’s stomach while he was trying to relax on the couch. He put on a football game you taped for him. Or recorded, as you'd said.

“All right, enough. Your old man’s trying to watch the game,” Ben said, bringing Lila down to sit in lap.

That lasted for about two seconds. Thereafter, she was climbing up his chest and trying to smother him with her little hands.

He took her hand from his nose so he could at least breathe in peace.

“Where’s Mommy?” Lila asked, as she sat on his shoulder and beat a little fist on the top of his head.

“She’s with your aunt,” Ben replied. “Well, not your real one, the fake one.”

Lila made a sound of confusion. Realizing that she didn’t know what the hell he meant, he rephrased.

“She’s with your Aunt Annie. They’ll be back soon,” he said.

He didn’t mind you wanting a day out to yourself. What he minded was the attitude you’d struck when he suggested dropping Lila off with Louisa, your actual sister.

“What, you can’t handle her alone for one day?” you’d asked.

His pride hadn’t allowed him to say no to that.

So here he was, with a wily toddler who was doing her damndest to suffocate him. Better attempts than this had failed, but it was still annoying while he was trying to watch the game.

Somehow, he managed to tune it out while he watched the ref make a bad call.

“What was that?! You gotta be kidding me!” Ben said, holding Lila to his chest even as he pointed and shouted at the TV. “Son of a bitch. What a pussy call that was.”

“Bish, bish, bish,” Lila said, making a game out of the word. It called Ben’s attention.

He forgot about the game for a moment when he looked down at her. His eyes widened a fraction, even as a smile pulled at his lips.

“What’d you just say?”

“Bishhhhhh,” Lila repeated. “Somvabishhhh.” Her lips squished like a fish. And then she giggled, like it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard.

“Aw, fuck,” Ben uttered.

And he pressed his lips together with ever widening eyes at what he’d just said.

Lila grinned. “Fack!”

“Uhh, no. No. Don’t say that,” he said, trying to sound stern. Inside, he was trying not to laugh. He didn't really give a shit what she said, but you were particular about the kid not inheriting his vocabulary.

In fact, he was pretty sure you were going to go nuclear for this one.

“Why?” Lila asked.

“Because it’s uh…a bad word,” Ben replied, even though he wanted to roll his eyes at himself. This was what he’d become. A suburban dad.

"And it's not ladylike," he added.

“Fackkkk,” Lila giggled some more.

Christ on a cross. Ben bit the inside of lip hard to stop himself from laughing.

“Whatever. Just don’t say it around your mom,” he relented. He brushed his fingers through her soft brown hair. She preened at the attention, like the little showboat she was.

“Daddyyyy…” Lila wrapped her arms around his neck and snuggled as deeply into him as she could, like a koala clinging to a shaking branch.

Ben sighed and rubbed a hand up and down her back as he cradled her against him.

These were the moments he didn’t mind. In fact, these were the moments he did his best to remember. They helped block out the older, darker ones that this kid would never know.

Ben woke to the shutter of a camera going off.

He blinked his bleary eyes open to find you standing there with a highly amused smile on your face, and your phone poised in your hand.

He groaned, but he soon realized that Lila was sleeping in his arms, on his chest. You leaned down and rested a hand on her back. You also greeted him with a kiss to his temple.

“Long day?” you teased quietly.

Ben gave you a deadpan look, one that had you straining to taper down your giggles. Though he drew you closer by your hip and squeezed the soft flesh over your white sundress. He took you in with a lazy once-over.

You looked good. Sexy as hell, really. Your face was glowing and relaxed, and he liked the shade of red you’d done on your nails.

“You have a good time?” he asked.

“Yeah,” you replied, massaging his shoulder. Though you arched a brow. “There’s a catastrophe in the kitchen.”

Ben blinked.

Fuck. He forgot about that.

“Yep,” he said, giving you a teasing smirk of his own. “Right on time for you, baby.”

You chuckled, though your eyes narrowed in warning. “Yeah, right.”

You still helped him put Lila down in the nursery for the rest of her nap. She yawned and turned over onto her back. You pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, though you had to smile when it accidentally left the red mark of your lipstick behind.

You bit your lip and gently rubbed it off without waking her up. (An amazing damn feat, as far as you were concerned.)

Ben laid a heavy hand on your back, prompting you to straighten up and turn into his waiting embrace.

His lips curved as he looked down at you. “Hey.”

You laughed quietly. “Hey, yourself.”

Your hands glided up his chest, and further still to hold his face. You brought him down to kiss you, with your fingers slipping into his hair, and your nails dragging along his scalp. He hummed into your mouth.

“Miss me?” you teased.

Ben huffed. As usual though, his answer was in his actions. He held you close for a moment, just to feel you there.

Your arms slipped around his, clinging to his shoulders as you rested against him. This was your safe, comfortable place where you always felt at home.

But, you couldn’t help but break the spell.

“Come on. Clean up on aisle 12,” you quipped, reaching around to smack his ass.

Ben rolled his eyes, but when you pulled away from him, he followed you into the kitchen.

“You know, I had a lot going on. Your kid is a fucking menace,” he said. “Like a bull in a China shop.”

You scoffed. “She’s only my kid when she gives you a hard time. Where do you think she gets it from?”

“You,” he retorted.

You had to laugh at that one. It still didn’t get him out of helping you clean the kitchen from top to bottom.

After a long shower, waking an errant child from her nap, dinner, and a joint effort of getting Lila to sleep for the night, Ben joined you in bed wearing just his usual sweatpants.

You’d opted for some black satin, he noticed.

Good, he thought, for the night to come. You’d spent the whole day getting massaged and moisturized and whatever else women did on a day out.

When he rolled onto his side, you greeted him with a smile and a hand running up his arm, already pulling him toward you. His hand glided along your bare thigh as you hooked it over his hip.

“I need to tell you something, but you’ve gotta promise not to say anything to anyone,” you whispered in the small space between his face and yours, and you tapped his chin.

Ben raised a brow and squeezed your thigh. Whatever it was, couldn’t it wait until long after he’d undressed you?

“What?” he asked.

“Annie’s pregnant!” you said with a wide smile. “Six weeks. She just told me today.”

Ben blinked at that one. “Is it Hughie’s kid?”

“Wha…of course, it is!”

“Wow. Guess he had it in him after all,” Ben remarked. “Who woulda thought.”

You shook your head, but his grin made you laugh.

“You’re ridiculous,” you said, through your remaining giggles, though you leaned forward and stole a kiss. It led Ben to want more, and more of you.

He started to ply you with slow, lazy kisses that grew deeper, becoming all-consuming as his tongue warred against yours. His hands dove under the satin covering your body, and his thumbs brushed the sides of your breasts.

“Maybe it’s time we go for number two,” he said.

You uttered another incredulous laugh, gripped a fist in his hair and tugged. “Excuse me?”

“You fucking heard me,” Ben said. He rolled you onto your back and pinned you there. “Ain’t no way we’re stopping at one. Lila needs a brother.”

“You can’t even handle one,” you teased. Your hands slid up his arms and then down his chest. “Baby, we can talk about having more kids, but—”

“And? We’re talking now,” he said. He dipped his head to start kissing a hot, wet line down your neck. It made your breath falter and your back start to arch. Your hips shifted against his, trying to find friction. You could feel his length hardening against your thigh.

“Ben,” you warned, and implored, but the graze of his teeth on your neck made you shudder.

Your grip on his arms tightened. “Please…”

“Please what?” he smirked against your skin. His hips rocked against your heated core.

This conversation was going into a no man’s land very fast.

You literally took matters into your own hands…by reaching down and grasping your husband’s cock through his sweatpants. You gave him a demanding squeeze.

His breath hitched. Ben paused, unlatching from your neck, and turning his lips toward your cheek.

“I’m listening,” he said, in a gritted voice. You smirked.

“We can, and we will talk about this,” you promised. “Just not when you’re about to be balls-deep inside me.”

You were back on birth control anyway (the pill this time).

Ben chuckled. His hand reached up and smoothed your hair away from your forehead.

“Fine,” he conceded. A smirk grew across his face. “But we can still practice.”

A giggle fell from your lips, just before he claimed them once again.

AN: A little callback to the BMD Epilogue at the end there. 😂

What did you think about the father/daughter time? And do you think Ben won against either of the ladies in his life? 🤣

Soldier Boy Masterlist

Main Masterlist

BMD Tag List (Part 1):

@this-is-me19 @waynes-multiverse @mrsjenniferwinchester @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @spalady26 @spnwoman @syrma-sensei @wirdbeimaufhebengebunden @muhahaha303 @123passwort

@xoxoviennaa @katherineann814 @lollag0w0 @globetrotter28 @nancymcl @ashbatz @secretdreamlandmentality @kristophalis @wonderland2022 @emily-winchester @shelh93 @sl33pylilbunny @spoonmynoodle @chernayawidow

@buckybarnes-1917 @asgardprincess97 @sometimes-i-sing @itsyellow @karnellius @kimberleymjw @is-this-a-febreze-commercial @iamsapphine @sanscas @se-fucking-hun @lassie-bird @jessjad @yepimthatperson @fromcaintodean @stoneyggirl2

@spnfamily-j2 @im-a-slut-for-fluff @lacilou @venicesem @mimaria420 @vanillawhiskeyflavoredkisses @tearsfortheyouth @agalliasi @chriszgirl92 @kazsrm67

#Green #soldier boy x reader #soldier boy #Dad!Ben #new dad #father daughter feels #husband and wife spice #daughter OC #Soldier Boy imagine #BMD verse #the boys #soldier boy/ben #soldier boy x female reader #soldier boy x you #Break Me Down verse #zepskies writes

808 notes · View notes

rlbbackup · 1 month

Text

Rachel's SxF Ao3 Masterlist

Just to keep things kinda organized. Honestly, the easiest place to find all of this is on My Ao3 in the first place, but I'll link it here for convenience! ❤️

If you are curious as to how I feel about certain things pertaining to my work, please see THIS post! My inbox is also open for any questions (and you can do so Anonymously if you wish!)

One-Shots

The Art of Lipstick Complete (TwiYor)

Amnesia Full Fic In Progress (Forger Family)

Ledgers and Reports Complete (Sylvia Sherwood & Forger Family)

White Roses Complete (Matthew McMahon & Yor Forger)

Strawberry Ice Cream Complete (Franky Franklin & Anya Forger)

What D'You Say We Make It True Complete (Anya Forger/Ken)

In The Downpour Complete (Twilight/Thorn Princess)

Oblivious Complete (Twilight & Yor Forger)

Coming Home Complete (TwiYor)

Deer in the Headlights Complete (TwiYor)

Fading Ink Complete (Loid & Yor Forger)

Glad You're Here Complete (Damian Desmond & Anya Forger)

Just This Once... Complete (Twilight & Yor Forger)

Heroes Always Get Married in the COOLEST Ways! Complete (Loidman/Yorticia, Anya & Becky)

Just a Kiss Complete (TwiYor)

The Way to a Man's Heart (Not through his ribs) Complete (TwiYor)

All For Naught Complete (Yor Forger & Yuri Briar)

Side by Side and Locked in Tight Complete (Anya Forger/Ken)

Don't Forget to Lock the Door Complete (Loid/Yor/Franky)

Little Black Number Complete (Yor Forger & Melinda Desmond)

Freestanding Multichaps

In the Rain Complete (Forger Family)

Flowers and Thorns Complete (TwiYor)

A Moment of Weakness Complete (Loid Forger & Melinda Desmond)

Floodgates In Progress with the lovely @creativwit CW: Graphic Violence (Franky/OC, TwiYor)

Bruises Series

Yor's Bruise Complete (Yor Focus)

Loid's Bruise Complete (Twilight Focus)

Dreams of Staying Series (Reveal)

Out of Routine Complete (TwiYor + Forger Family)

His Cuts, Her Cuts Complete (TwiYor)

Get My Heart Soft Into Sinking Complete (Yor Forger & Matthew McMahon)

Fighting the Heart Series

Snake with Blue Eyes Complete (TwiYor)

We Never Knew Complete (Anya & Yor + TwiYor)

Sleeping With The Telephone In Progress! (Forger Family + TwiYor)

Love Found, Love Lost Series

Just Another Day (in Learning How to Love You) Complete (Twilight & Yor Forger)

Oh Your Smile (Brightens My Life) Complete TW: Contains Major Character Death (Anya Forger & Ken)

Gone Rogue Complete (Sylvia Sherwood & Fiona Frost)

Briar Rose On Hiatus (Thorn Princess & Twilight, Yor Forger & Matthew McMahon)

Weapons Series (Reveal/Post Reveal-Pre Relationship)

Hypothetically... Complete (TwiYor)

Calibration and Titration Complete (TwiYor)

Weapons (On You, On Me) Complete (TwiYor)

Your Spare Blade Complete (TwiYor)

Rendezvous Complete (Sylvia Sherwood & Matthew McMahon)

Starlight Sky Series (Myth Au)

The Soldier and His Sun Complete TW: Contains Major Character Death (Roland & Loid Forger)

Beyond Sun and Moon Complete (Misc friendships + TwiYor)

Doubt Creeps In Complete (TwiYor)

Soothing Rays Complete (TwiYor)

New Moon Blues 1/2 chapters posted (TwiYor + Anya)

#Rachel Writes things #Pinned post #Spy x Family #SxF Fanfic #Masterlist #To be Updated!

43 notes · View notes

imoonblaze · 5 months

Text

[Gift drawing] Christmas with the northern lights

❄Drawing, Crystals of the Northern Lights (AU) and Diana Anderson (OC) belong to @imoonblaze (KlfunsskXD)

An early gift for ShadeTomlinson in Deviantart.

This was not supposed to be for the Winter Wonderland event but rather another drawing, however, I didn't want to have to do two drawings that would take away my time to do other things, so I decided to do it for the event and for the gift.

After having seen the new winter special of My Little Pony: Make your mark - Secrets of Starlight and having had an obsession with the northern lights, they have given me inspiration to create this fictional setting with a theme of crystals and winter... .which I will possibly make an AU about this world.

❄About my AU❄ AU: Crystals of the Northern Lights Crystal Northerns, coming from another universe, is a cold and cozy country full of magic and life where its nights are filled with beautiful colorful lights that give light to the darkness of the sky. In this country the nights are very long and prosperous, but the days are very bright, active and full of life due to the activity of the population having to live in a winter that never disappears... having among these the ones that go the longest to work as well as others who go to recreation and snow sports.

The buildings are created from a special material that allows their inhabitants to be isolated from the cold and for the heat to be concentrated inside their homes. But what most characterizes this country, besides the auroras, are the crystalline roofs of its houses, which give the illusion of being made of diamond or crystalline ice that shines in a variety of colors.

Its national flag is a very dark purple color that represents the night with an image of an aurora borealis from which three glass fragments of different colors emerge. The representative national gems of this country are Quartz, Topaz and Diamond, and the emblematic and representative animals are the reindeer, owl, fox, hedgehog and squirrel.

37 notes · View notes

guess-my-next-obsession · 6 months

Text

Starlight — Prologue

pairing: fae!ezra x princess!oc (Marigold)

rating: M (first person POV, split second mention of death, strained paternal relationship, arranged marriage, fantasy elements, i literally created a world and lore for this so if none of it makes any sense that is why, this chapter is just meant to build the world—we meet Ezra in the next chapter)

wc: 1.2k

a/n: hi everybody!! i’m well aware this book will not be one of my more popular series, but i really just wanted to write something fantastical, and even if i’m the only soul who reads this, it’s fine! we love a bit of self indulgence every now and again! anyways, hope you guys like this little prologue. i’m hoping to have the next chapter out within the week 🤍

series masterlist

All I’ve ever known is summer.

In my world, Etos, there are five kingdoms: Heims, Oceanus, Florere, Ember, Nox, and Solis. Anywhere else is far too dangerous for a mortal to step foot into, even if they could manage crossing the sea that separates us from the Fae lands and beyond.

The furthest land from my own is Heims, a frosty wonderland full of people hardened by the perpetually cold weather. Most of our coal comes directly from Heims, as well as my father’s toughest soldiers. My eldest sister, Wilhelmina, or Mina, as far as our family is concerned, married the charming Prince of Heims, Kristofer, and currently resides in the castle made of crystal so clear it almost looked like ice, setting the standard for the rest of my sisters.

Oceanus, too, was an important ally to have—their land producing the entirety of our fish as well as guarding the coast from those who seek to take back Etos. My father knew this well, and soon arranged for my second eldest sister, Peregrine, or Peri, to be married off to the King’s highest ranking emissary, Lord Titus, assuring the alliance between our lands. Luckily for soft-natured Peri, Titus seemed to be a gentleman and truly in love with my sister. I would have never allowed my father to marry her off if he wasn’t. Her gentle and kind spirit was far too precious to me to allow some man to ruin it.

Ember, a land of constant autumn, was where the academics went to study the arts and the sciences. My sister, Wilhelmina, was the actually the very first woman to be admitted into the university. I always admired her tenacity in the face of adversity, but even in my admiration, I feared her intellect and drive, just as my father must have after breaking down and allowing her to leave Solis.

The softer lands—at least in the minds of the northerners—were Florere, a land of eternal spring, and Solis, my land, the eternal summer. Octavia, the sister closest in age to me and by far the only one I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy due to her mean-nature and competitiveness, had recently left Solis to be with her betrothed, the Prince of Florere, Ignacio. I didn’t bother to vet her partner, but from what I could see by his solid gold carriage and fine regalia, he seemed to be just as pretentious as she was. A perfect match as far as I was concerned.

Even in all the beauty of Etos, all the varying climates and scenes, I never wanted to live anywhere else but my home. Solis.

Here there was no reason to be cruel and cold. Here, we appreciated the arts, and believed that leisure itself was an artform. We worshipped the sun, we worshipped our gardens, and when it came to love, we worshipped one another.

My father, his mother, and her father before her all wore the golden crown of Solis. Warmth and sunlight was woven into my bones, tanned my skin, softened my heart. My mother once told me, long before she passed, that my sisters and I were all born beneath a blazing sun at her request. I suppose she believed a warm birth meant we’d all live warm lives and die warm deaths.

As I wandered through the garden contemplating my newly revealed fate, I couldn’t help but wonder if her efforts were in vain.

My father, a once-loving, soft man I cherished more than the sun itself, had changed since my mother’s shocking and violent death after she was mauled by an injured wolf while attempting to remove an arrow from its side in the very forest I now padded my feet into. He grew cruel and hateful towards me, his youngest of five girls. I suppose I understand why, if I truly think about it.

Unlike my four older sisters, I took after my mother so much that even I found myself shocked at the resemblance. And even if I didn’t have her shimmering, gold eyes, or her caramel-brown head of long curls, or the same dimple in my left cheek, I had her heart. Soft, curious, and empathetic. Everything my father once loved about my mother, he now hated about me.

Of course he found it hard to look at me, to talk to me. I was his grief personified.

But even in all his iciness and hatred, I never expected that he’d sign my life away to the coldest, darkest realm in the world. To Nox. To marry the infamously insufferable King Kaius and become the future queen of the starland.

Whether I wanted to or not.

It felt personal, his choice in my betrothed. A daughter of the sun being forced to never see it again. It almost felt like another death to endure. Everything I have ever known and loved gone overnight.

As I found my place underneath my favorite elm tree, the one me and my mother used to sneak off to with our stolen bundle of sweets from the kitchen, I couldn’t bring myself to loathe him the way I wanted to.

Perhaps the distance would chill the warmth I still held in my heart for him.

Perhaps then, I could hate him the way he deserves.

My sister, Cosabella—the most cautious and maternal out of the five of us, happily married to the head of our father’s King’s Guard—and my father stood in front of our palace, its white marble and green grass beckoning me to stay. To fight for my right to live here in the sun, just as my mother had. But one look at my father’s cold and emotionless face and I knew there was no point.

This was how he wanted it.

“Take care of yourself,” Cosabella warned, slipping me a golden dagger. “Do not trust anyone. Write when you can. I will see you…” She trailed off, but I knew why. She didn’t know when we’d see each other next, if at all. “Just…be careful. Remember that just because the sun is gone, does not mean mother isn’t right there with you. She lives in you, Mari—“

“Enough,” my father shouted, gesturing behind me at the carriage waiting with two footmen and two Kingsguards. “Off you go.”

“Yes, father,” I replied, my voice as small as a child as I gave Cosabella one final hug, memorizing the citrus of her perfume.

“Go on, now,” she smiled as she pulled away, wiping the tear from my cheek. “Go introduce Solis to Nox. Bring them a little light.”

“I love you,” I managed, nodding my head at her command. “I will see you.”

“I love you too.”

I knew she wouldn’t promise me anything she couldn’t assure, but it didn’t help my cracking heart as I climbed into the carriage, leaving everything I’d ever known behind.

I placed my hand upon the glass window and watched as she lifted her own, waving at me before resting it over her equally breaking heart.

“Make yourself comfortable, Princess,” the footman that I’d known since I was a child called back into the carriage. “It’s a long ride to Nox.”

To the eternal darkness.

I wasn’t sure how they managed any of it. How cold they must be, not only their bodies but their hearts and minds. I couldn’t imagine any beauty in a black sky.

I’d heard about stars in my astronomy courses, learned that the sun itself was a star, but it never seemed to make any sense to me to spend time contemplating a billion little specks of light when I could lay beneath the biggest. A light bright enough to shine over the entirety of the world—except for Nox.

My father had said it was cursed by the fae Kings and Queens who once ruled over these lands, a punishment for the mortal revolution. And based on the description he gave of his own visits, I was inclined to believe him then. But now…

Curse or no curse, this was my fate. I could either accept the cards dealt to me and make something of them, or I could fold.

My mother taught me to never fold.

#pedro pascal #pedro pascal fic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal fluff #ezra prospect #ezra x oc #ezra x ofc #fantasy #starlight

30 notes · View notes

trainqueen379 · 3 months

Text

Meet Blitz, the premium class IC coach, Jason’s race partner!

#starlight express #stex oc #blitz the ic coach #my oc #my art

8 notes · View notes

acourtofmishapandmistakes · 2 days

Text

A Court of Ice and Shadows: Chapter 2

OC Character x Azriel

Click here for other parts:

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Characters: Featuring original characters alongside core characters from the ACOTAR series.

Disclaimers: All characters and settings pertaining to the core ACOTAR series belong to Sarah J. Maas, with additional material created for the purpose of this fanfiction

Content Warnings: None.

Chapter Two

Lene awoke to the gentle, wet nuzzles of Lumi, her spirited pet white fox, on her nose. Blinking open her eyes, she found herself gazing into Lumi’s mischievous black eyes. With a groggy hand, she reached out to scratch behind Lumi’s ears, earning a chorus of soft, happy yips. Stretching languidly, Lene yawned deeply, arms reaching towards the morning light as Lumi, energized, bounded off the bed. Her small paws clicked against the wooden floor, disappearing under the bed in a playful scurry.

Sitting up, Lene observed the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains, gently brushing sleep from her eyes. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet touching the floor just in time for Lumi to playfully nip at her toes. "Lumi, sluta!" she commanded with a laugh. The little fox, undeterred but obedient, retreated under the bed, where the sound of her digging resonated softly against the wood.

After a thorough morning ritual of bathing and grooming, Lene braided her hair in an elegant crown around her head, allowing her remaining blonde locks to cascade freely down her back. She chose a red tunic edged with soft white fur and paired it with lined black trousers, slipping her boots on over them. With Lumi trailing behind her, yipping playfully, Lene made her way to the dining room for breakfast.

The dining room buzzed with the chatter of other fae women, each garbed in luxurious furs and fleeces that matched their pale winter complexions. As Lene walked in, she acknowledged the morning greetings with nods, making her way to the head of the room. The breakfast table was laden with an array of foods: stacks of fresh bread, rolls, and eggs prepared in every conceivable way, alongside bowls of various flavored yogurts and granola. With a stomach beginning to twist with nerves about her upcoming meeting with Kallias, Lene chose a simple bowl of plain yogurt.

Below the table, Lumi darted about, nearly tripping Lene in her excitement. With a smile, Lene tossed a hard-boiled egg to the floor for her fox. Lumi caught it midair and scampered off, instantly pursued by two

Lene surveyed the bustling dining room, her gaze flitting past her grandmother, who was deeply engrossed in quiet conversation with two other venerable fae matrons. Her search for a seat continued until her eyes landed on Kindra, her forthright and somewhat boisterous friend. Kindra was animatedly waving her over, a slice of toast in hand, liberally sprinkling crumbs onto the unfortunate soul seated beside her. Lene made her way over and settled down on the ornately carved bench beside her.

No sooner had Lene taken her seat than Kindra wolfed down another mouthful of her breakfast and, without missing a beat, scooped a spoonful of yogurt from Lene’s bowl.

"Oh sure," Lene remarked dryly, "not like I was going to eat that or anything."

Kindra rolled her eyes. "There’s more up there."

"My point exactly," Lene retorted, idly stirring her yogurt.

"What’s got you in a mood?" Kindra inquired, stretching across the table to nab an apple slice from another diner, who promptly snatched her plate away.

"Nothing, just have a busy morning ahead," Lene muttered.

Kindra leaned back, eyeing the breakfast spread as she considered whether to reload her plate. "Busy with what?"

"I have a meeting with High Lord Kallias," Lene replied, taking a tentative bite of her yogurt and grimacing slightly as a wave of nausea hit her.

Meanwhile, Kindra was attempting to coax a young girl with flaming red hair and an arctic wolf at her side for another pastry. The girl merely shot her a glare and walked off, leaving Kindra to theatrically throw up her hands in mock indignation before turning back to Lene.

"What does he want?" Kindra finally asked.

"He didn’t specify, just said he wanted to meet," Lene murmured, swirling her spoon through her yogurt.

"So how long will you be gone?" Kindra asked, delving into her own bowl of orange slices.

"Meeting starts at 10, so I doubt I’ll be back for lunch."

"Will you be around for the hunt this afternoon?" Kindra mumbled, her mouth full.

Lene glanced over, her expression one of mild disgust as Kindra continued to devour her meal with gusto. "Gods, Kindra, slow down—your food isn’t going anywhere."

Kindra peeked up through her brows at Lene and began to eat comically slow. Lene shook her head, "I’m not sure when I’ll be done, so don’t wait up for me."

"Suit yourself," Kindra replied, her exaggerated slowness causing an orange slice to tumble from her spoon and land on the table with a slap.

Lene scoffed lightly, pushing back from the table and swiftly reclaiming her bowl of yogurt just as Kindra reached out for another taste. With a slight smile, Lene moved through the dining room to where her grandmother was engaged in conversation, gently placing her hand on the elder’s shoulder. Without pausing her discussion, her grandmother warmly clasped Lene’s hand, her thumb tracing soothing circles over her knuckles. As the conversation came to a close, her grandmother turned her sharp gaze upward to meet Lene’s.

“I’m leaving a bit early, just wanted to say goodbye,” Lene announced softly.

Her grandmother responded with a tender smile, reaching up to plant a warm kiss on Lene’s cheek. “Safe travels, dear. Give Kallias my best wishes,” she murmured.

With a final nod to her grandmother, Lene exited the bustling dining room. She collected her thick parka by the doorway, fastening it securely around her neck and buttoning up the sides against the biting cold. Just as she opened the front door, Lumi, in a burst of energy, darted from an adjoining room. The fox’s hurried paws caused the runner in the hallway to bunch up and fly into the air behind her, adding a comic flair to her dramatic exit as she dove off the front steps.

Lene shielded her eyes against the bright reflection of the sun on the fresh snow. As her vision adjusted, she spotted Lumi joyfully burrowing her snout into the snow, scooting along the surface and carving a shallow trench in her wake. The path leading from the house had been cleared earlier that morning, prompting a chuckle from Lene as she made her way out the front gates toward the stables. Lumi yipped happily alongside her.

Lene swung open the stable doors to reveal twenty majestic elk standing in their pens, bathed in the blend of fae light and the golden sunlight that seeped through the barn's creviced walls. She had always cherished her visits to the barn since her childhood, fascinated by the elaborate life of the elk raised by the Winter Court for both transportation and sport. She reveled in the memories of learning to ride them, guiding them through the thick snow, and utilizing their innate instincts to navigate mountainous trails. The summer months brought a different joy, watching the elk herders drive the herds through cascading waterfalls to shed their thick winter coats and refresh in the rushing rivers.

As Lene strolled down the stall hallway, Lumi busied herself amongst the hay bales, hunting for mice. The elk grumbled and shifted, their eagerness to roam palpable in the cool morning air. The stable hands had already fed them but had yet to release them to the day's freedom.

Lene retrieved a harness and saddle from the storage rack and proceeded towards the end of the hall to Brynjar’s pen. Brynjar, a formidable bull and her mother’s personal elk, now Lene’s, looked over his shoulder as she approached and set down the riding gear onto the straw-covered floor.

"Morning, gorgeous," Lene cooed affectionately, her gloved hand gliding over Brynjar's broad back. The bull responded with a grunt, shifting his hooves slightly on the stable floor.

Lene circled Brynjar, her eyes scanning meticulously for any signs of injury or discomfort. Her mother had instilled in her the wisdom to treat these noble creatures as warriors; they should appear ready and unencumbered for the day's tasks. If an elk showed any sign of unreadiness, it was best not to strain them.

Satisfied with her inspection, Lene dragged a stool over from the corner of the stable under Brynjar's watchful, albeit indifferent gaze. Standing at an impressive 7 feet tall from hoof to ear tip, with antlers that added several more feet to his height, Brynjar towered over Lene. Even with her head just reaching his broad shoulder, saddling the stout elk was no minor feat.

She hoisted the saddle over his back, eliciting a low groan from the animal. "You big baby," she teased, securing the saddle strap around his midsection. "You're going to grumble now, but once you're out in the snow, you'll be the happiest there," she chided gently.

Indeed, Brynjar had shown a marked reluctance to leave the barn since her mother's passing. It had required months of patient coaxing and gentle reassurance before he would even consider stepping outside with Lene or anyone else. The stable hands had nearly given up, contemplating retirement for the old bull, but Lene couldn’t bear the thought of him fading into obscurity within the herd—not when her mother had so lovingly branded him with the family crest and devoted years to his training.

The day Brynjar finally ventured back outdoors marked a turning point. Lene, overwhelmed by frustration and sorrow, had sobbed, screamed, and wailed at him, pleading for him to accompany her into the woods on the trails her mother had cherished. When he remained unmoving, Lene had stormed out of the barn and collapsed in the snow, her grief pouring out. It was only then that Brynjar, perhaps moved by her despair, had ambled out to lay beside her, offering his warm, albeit malodorous, side for comfort. Since that poignant moment, Brynjar had complied with nearly anything Lene asked of him, whether it was wearing garlands in his antlers or sporting a wreath around his neck for the solstice parade.

Once Brynjar was fully saddled, Lene climbed onto his back, feeling the massive elk grumble under her weight. The stable hands had often advised her to remain on the ground while fitting the bit, but Lene had her own methods. She preferred to have Brynjar dip his long snout so she could more easily slide the bit into his mouth, using gravity to her advantage. Even the stable master could only shake her head, half-amused and half-baffled by the unique rapport Lene and Brynjar had forged, and Lene's insistence on her slightly unorthodox techniques.

With the bit securely fastened, Brynjar lifted his head back up, and Lene dismounted, guiding the massive bull out of his stall. A rustle from the neighboring pen caught her attention as the elk next door let out a discontented bark and a rough stomp. Glancing over, Lene called out, “Lumi, whatever you’re chasing in there isn’t worth getting stomped on.” True to form, Lumi, ever the little mischief-maker, wriggled her way out from under the pen door, her white fur now tinged with dirt.

Lumi darted ahead of Lene and Brynjar, bounding out of the stable into the snow-blanketed landscape, quickly disappearing among the white drifts. Brynjar, moving at a more sedate pace, followed Lene out of the barn. She secured the door behind them and then pulled gently on the bit, commanding, “Buga!”

With a resigned grumble, Brynjar lowered his front legs, kneeling into the snow to facilitate Lene’s ascent back onto the saddle without the need for a stool. At her next command, “Opp,” Brynjar obediently straightened, lifting Lene with him as he rose. Once securely seated, Lene guided him forward with a light tug, and the pair began their slow, deliberate trek through the snow towards the dense forest that bordered the manor grounds.

Notes:

Sluta: “Stop” in Swedish

Buga: “Bow” in Swedish

Opp: “Up” in Swedish

8 notes · View notes

batmads-ao3 · 1 year

Text

Across The Universe

**Part Three of the Defy the Stars Trilogy**

Soulmates!AU • College! AU(kinda) • Happy Ending

Read Chapter Twenty-Four here!

In which the Grand Prix Final of tears comes to a close.

Posting every Friday (ish), chapter preview below the cut

The first tear slipped out before Victor could stop it. Hot and fast, down his cheek. It landed on the back of his hand. There was a thing, in movies, where they would replace sound with ringing after an explosion, muffle all the voices. Victor had always thought it was laughably unrealistic. But it was happening to him now, and yet it still somehow felt laughably unrealistic.

We need to stop dating.

He swallowed, as if that would get rid of the lump in his throat, but the second tear still came, just like the first one. He could see the vague shape of Yuri sitting next to him. The ugly pattern of the hotel carpet on the floor. The door, just beyond his reach.

We should break up.

He felt more than saw Yuri brush his bangs away, and on instinct more than anything else, he slapped his soulmate’s hand away.

“Victor—” Yuri started.

“I—You—” Victor tried. It was surprisingly hard to speak around his tears. “Where is this coming from?”

He was twelve again, in the car with his mother as they were hit, and he was fine, and he was fine, and she was falling apart.

Vitya, she whispered. Brushed his cheek with a trembling hand. Tu es blessé.

Non, Maman, he wanted to say. C’est vous.

But he was here, in a hotel room, with Yuri. His Yuri. His soulmate, Yuri.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, actually,” Yuri said, “and don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about it, too. I know you have. You know this is for the best, same as me.”

Victor could laugh. He could cry. He did cry, tears coming harder and faster than they had before. For the best? He felt like his heart was getting ripped out. Actually, that was accurate. That was what was happening here.

Continue on Ao3

41 notes · View notes