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zukkaart · 8 months

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Uhh… can I get a number #19 with Zukka… side of beefy strong Zuko please ? 😗 (Sokka deserves to be hold💯)

Anything for you my love

Couple #1: Zukka Prompt #19: “Please put me down”

TW: violence

For the prompt game!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zuko’s 22nd birthday, everyone is having a hard time relaxing due to more frequent assassination attempts

"My metalbenders will be posted at every door, no one will get to him Snoozles don't worry," Toph reassured Sokka. Sprawled across his bed in full armor Sokka could tell that she was becoming increasingly exasperated with his endless questions.

"I trust you Toph I do. It's just that there have been so many attempts that aside from you guys I don't know who to trust. Their information had been so good that it makes me wonder if there's a mole inside the palace," Toph righted herself and placed a firm hand on Sokka's shoulder, causing him to huff about her messing up the tension in his braid to which she paid no mind.

"Your boyfriend is in good hands," "He's not my-!" Toph simply bent a strip of metal around his mouth to silence him. "Yet. I'm having the doors reinforced as we speak- just for the night since there will be so many people, but you need to remember it's mostly dusty old diplomats. I hardly think I'd have an issue taking one of them down, even if they do have an informant," She removed the metal which left light indents on his skin.

"Good" He sighed. Sokka spun on his heel to face her and dusted off his formal tunic. "How do I look?"

"Very funny Snoozles," She simply flicked him on the forehead and exited the room with an amused grin pulling at the corners of her mouth.

A moment after the door shut Sokka began reassuring himself of what she said. "He'll be fine, Toph can handle it. Get through the boring ceremony, dance a little, then quietly tell Zuko you're dizzy and need some air, he'll sweep you away to the turtle duck pond so you can ask him out. Foolproof plan, absolutely no room for error. "

Or so he thought ~~~ "If I have to hear 'Agni protect the Fire Lord' one more time I think I'll kill him myself," Katara mused lightly as they made their way to the food tables. Sokka didn't laugh, he was too busy scanning every corner of the room and death-glaring anyone who walked up to Zuko.

"Hey," Katara snapped him out of his frenzy, "He's fine, just relax. Let him do his Fire Lord thing then pull your little stunt. I'll sleep much better at night knowing I'll no longer have to hear you pine over him in the morning" "I do not-" "Shh! He's coming," Sokka turned and there he was, as radiant and royal as always. Sokka thought he'd look good in a turnip-potato sack but in his ornate ceremony robes he was just exquisite. Most of the gaang complained as the ceremony dragged on earlier, but the Water Tribe boy thought he could stare at him until Yue herself took him to the spirit world.

"Sokka, Katara, I'm so glad you two could come," Zuko smiled that easy smile which made Sokka feel like an elk-caribou left to roast too long. "Of course!" Katara responded, elbowing him sharply in the side. It was only then that Sokka realized he had only been staring, "Anytime! I love the food here!" Sokka responded sheerfully

"Oh I know," Zuko met his eyes. Sokka wished he wouldn't do that so much, it was too distracting when he was already on edge for what he had planned. "I have an extra stash of fire flakes in the kitchen with your name on it," Zuko winked, Sokka grinned.

"You're the best Zuko," "I try," "Hey Katara, don't you even think of stealing my-" He turned to engage his sister in the conversation but she was nowhere to be found, "huh" He said, mostly to himself. Just then, the band began to play. Zuko perked up, abandoning his glass of fire whiskey to a servant walking by.

"May I have this dance ambassador Sokka?" He bowed his head slightly and held out his hand, "It is only appropriate," "Well, who am I to reject the Fire Lord, especially on his birthday," So Sokka let Zuko lead him out in to the throng of people. They didn't dance long-nor did they dance with any intimacy, but a pair of young ladies soon swept them apart. It wasn't long before the older nobles began to take their leave, there was no reports of anything from Toph. (he of course had been checking frequently) Sokka decided to strike while the iron was hot.

He strode towards Zuko, making sure to stumble just slightly, but he knew Zuko would notice. Because Zuko always noticed.

"Sokka?" The young lord caught his arm firmly, he stood only a couple inches taller, but every time they were close- it still made Sokka's heart race. "I'm sorry I don't mean to interrupt," He said that just to be polite, Zuko actually hadn't been talking to anyone, "I'm feeling dizzy, I think I need some air," "Let me help you," Sokka nodded, letting his eyes dart around the room once more. No commotion, everything was fine. Good. There were no guards where the pond was, but Sokka could keep him safe.

It didn't take long for them to reach the pond, aside from assuring the guard by the outside door that they'd be perfectly fine. After all- it was the only entrance and the walls around the courtyard were very high. Zuko "helped" him on to the bend by the water. They sat in silence for a while, just watching the sleeping turtle ducks float along the calm water. Well, it's now or never

"Zuko, I have something to ask you," "Are you feeling better?" They spoke- and then laughed- at the same time, "I'm sorry," Zuko said with a smile, "What did you want to ask me?"

Sokka straightened up slightly and took a deep breath, Zuko shot him a worried expression. He was sure he didn't mean to, but Zuko's eyes were always too expressive for his own good. At least to Sokka they were. Sokka tried not to think about the fact that, that particular skill probably came from watching his eyes so much, but he just couldn't help it. They were beautiful, and captivating....and he's just staring again.

"Okay, well you know how we've been friends for a long time?" He took one of Zuko's hands in his own "Yeah..." Their knees were now touching, almost fully facing each other, "Well- you see- we've been through a lot together, more than most friends have, and I think you're really smart and talented and amazing and I really hope this doesn't make things awkward between us if you say no because I-" "Sokka!" Zuko interrupted him with a chuckle. Man, people have been interrupting him a lot today. "Whatever it is, it's okay, just ask."

Sokka took a slow deep breath "Zuko would you-" "Look out!" Before Sokka could finish his sentence he was slammed to the ground, air knocked from his lungs. He rolled on to his side and attempted to push himself up- gasping for air,

"What the- Zuko!" His vision cleared in just enough time to see Zuko being held back by three large men, but only held back- which was weird. Usually assassins just went in for the kill. Whatever their reason- Sokka was grateful. He lunged to his feet, ready to get Zuko free with his bare hands when he heard the unmistakable sound of an arrow flying through the air. No

He started to sprint towards Zuko, but barely made it a couple feet before a sharp pain ripped its way through his torso, forcing him to the ground once again. He gasped, shaking from the shock.

"What-" He looked down only to see an arrow head sticking out about three inches to the right of his navel. Nothing vital. Good.

He looked back to Zuko, through the haze of shock his terrified look grounded him immediately. This wasn't an attempt on the Fire Lord's life, it was an attempt on his.

"Sokka! No!" Zuko's voice ripped its way to the forefront of his thoughts. Blood had soaked its way through both sides of his tunic now, and was showing no signs of stopping. Shit. Maybe that arrow hadn't hit anything vital, but if he didn't get to a healer- the blood loss could be just as deadly. Maybe I'll just nap here. The stars are beautiful... and I'm so tired ~~~ No. No, nononono this can not be happening. Zuko frantically thought. The three men were still restraining him but that was the least of his worries as he watched the blood on Sokka's clothes grow darker and darker. The man who fired the arrow jumped down from the tree with a wicked grin on his face. He strode over to the motionless man and nudged him lightly with the tip of his boot.

"Don't you touch him!" Zuko yelled, writhing in their firm grasp. He felt his fire creeping its way to the surface. He was in such shock before but Sokka was in danger, and he would do anything to save him.

Without another thought flames erupted from anywhere he could chanel it. His hands, his feet, his mouth. His whole body and the bodies of his captors were almost instantly engulfed in flame. They dropped him and screamed. Jumping in to the pond to escape the white-hot burning. The man standing next to Sokka had the good sense to look scared.

He began to draw his bow, but before he could- Zuko let his fire reach out and turn it to ash. Next thing he knew his hand was around the man's throat, lifting him off the ground, his fire burning all the while. He only stopped when he could smell burning flesh. His man hurt Sokka, his Sokka, he deserved to wander the fog of lost souls forever, and Zuko was determined to send him there immediately.

"Zuko," A soft voice came from the ground at his feet, and all at one he was back in his body. He threw the man to the ground and the assassin landed in a heap with a black handprint like a necklace- unmoving. Zuko paid him no mind as he dropped to his knees beside Sokka.

"Sokka? Sokka can you hear me?" He only received a weak groan in response. That was good enough for him. "Sokka, love, I have to get rid of the ends of the arrow or I won't be able to move you okay?"

Zuko knew better than to remove an impaled object for risk of bleeding out, but he still couldn't transport Sokka like this. So he planned on burning the arrow on both ends until it was short enough so he could move. Turns out- he didn't have to.

"Sokka! Oh my gosh Sokka!" A familiar voice came from behind Zuko. He whirled around and lit his hands defensively, but found on Katara. "Katara, I'm so glad you're here, can you help him?" In her panic she still examined him as well as she would any other time. "Yes, but we've got to get his arrow out," "I can do that," Without hesitation Zuko turned the arrow head to ash, as well as as much of the shaft as possible. Sokka was unconscious again, "Hold him, and I'll pull it out,"

Katara nodded. He yanked the arrow out in one smooth motion. Sokka screamed, "I'm sorry love, I'm so so sorry," Zuko smoothed his hair as Katara set to work. The pain that contorted Sokka's face soon waned. The wound stitched back together nicely, but he had still lost a lot of blood. At least he's conscious now. Zuko thought to himself.

"Let's get him inside," Katara said gently, Zuko nodded in agreement.

He scooped Sokka up as quickly and gently as possible. Sokka groaned. Him and Katara walked back in to the palace side by side, she kept healing water on him the whole way which was making Sokka more coherent by the second.

"I'll call for a stretcher," "No," Zuko countered "I've got him," "All the way to his room? Are you sure? It's on the other side of the palace." "I'm sure. This is my fault, I shouldn't have brought him out there, and I should have been paying more attention," The Fire Lord felt tears well in his eyes as he stared down at Sokka who seemed to be asleep with his head upon his chest.

Katara truly seemed like she wanted to protest but Zuko turned down the hall before she could get another word out.

He had to admit that it was a very long walk to Sokka's room from the courtyard, but he would not let him down- not again.

"Zuko?" Sokka blinked his eyes finally. Peering up at him. "Shh it's okay, we're about halfway to your room. Katara healed you up, you're going to be just fine," That seemed to snap him fully back in to reality. His eyes opened wide, terrified.

"Katara? What? What happened?" Sokka peered down at his still blood- soaked tunic. He yanked it up to see the thick straight scar forming on his torso. Then it seemed to all come back to him at once.

"Uhh, Zuko?" "Yes?" Zuko smiled down at him gently, He's going to be okay "Did you uhm... Kill that guy?" Zuko's face suddenly steeled.

"I thought they killed you...." His voice trailed off, tinged with shame. "I lost my temper," They continued down the hall in silence, Sokka still held protectively in to Zuko's chest. His blood was soaking in to Zuko's ornate ceremony robes. They both seemed to notice it at the same moment. Zuko didn't care, but Sokka...

"Please put me down," "Not a chance," "But your robes," "Don't care, besides- we're here" And they were, Zuko pushed the door open with his foot. He then set Sokka gently down on the bed. "Wait here, I'll get you something warm to wear,"

It only took Zuko a few moments of rummaging to find Sokka comfortable clothes. He was about to hand then over when a mischievous thought graced him. Sokka reached for them but he stepped back.

"What are you doing?" "What were you going to ask me?" Sokka's face blanched, "Nothing important, give me my clothes Zuko." He demanded "If it wasn't important then tell me, and I'll give you your clothes,"

Sokka huffed, pondering his proposition for a moment. Then hung his head in defeat. He could of course have just gotten up and taken them, he was almost fully healed after all- but he was still dizzy from the blood loss, and figured it'd come out sooner or later.

"I was going to ask- Yue spare me," He pinched the bridge of his nose, "I was going to ask if you would consider possibly- maybe- going out with me?"

Zuko's pale skin flushed almost the same shade as his robes. "You mean like... on a date?" "You're right it's stupid I'm sorry I don't know what I was thinking it's probably the blood loss, why would you ever-"

"Yes," Zuko cut him off (again) resolutely "Yes?" Sokka eyed him, skeptical of which part of everything he just said Zuko was agreeing to. Zuko placed the clothes on his lap, and brought Sokka's hand to his mouth. He placed a gentle, reverent kiss upon it.

"I would be honored to go out with you Sokka,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay this is hella long buttttt I couldn’t help myself

I hope you love it xoxo

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asheanon · 2 years

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I'm not sure if this is something you have talked about before or sonething you feel like talking about, but; what is Sal's origin? And by origing I mean the process of how she first became an idea, then came to be the character she is today and how she has evolved over time. (I'd have a better question but they all poof when I really need them x'D)

Oh man. Okay. Time to dig through some prehistoric files for this one! 😆

I'm going to try my best to keep this simpler; it may not include every little tiny detail there is to include, but I hope it'll suffice nonetheless! So, let's see here… 🤔

(Word of warning for those who aren’t fully interested in this read and may see this: do NOT open. It’s a text bomb. Unless you’re down for a text bomb, I would NOT recommend it! Haha!)

If I'm not mistaken, Sal was more or less a manifestation of my sense of adventure as a kid. And a character that has always inspired me. 🤍

She could be mistaken as a self-insert sort of character (she has been before) but even since the beginning, I've never really considered her to be one! (Not that I have anything against self-inserts - it's just not what she is to me!) She's, as I've seen some Tumblr users on here word it, more of a "muse" of mine. One of my most beloved characters. And she always will be.

I seriously can't really say I know where she came from exactly (it's been a long time. I'm afraid to publicly recount how long it's been, honestly!) But… I do know her first initial identity!

In fact, I know hers and Chaku's first initial identities because yes, they manifested at the same time. You really can't have one without the other. 💚💙

— One of the first ever pieces done of Salaria (Sal) with Oreo (Chaku) and "Canyon," your friendly neighborhood mountain lion.

Sal, known only by her full name "Salaria" at the time, was simply a young human girl with a small kitten companion named Oreo. She was quite fond of the great outdoors; you were most likely to find her out in the woods at any given point, writing about her little adventures in a journal. The two lived in Maine and happened upon a portal in their backyard that took them to a different world where they met some wildlife buddies (like an elk and the aforementioned mountain lion) and had to take on an evil scientist named Lukar Kiman and free the magical spirits he had captured for study to restore balance in this magical world. Or something like that… (I was but a child at the time when I came up with this, if it wasn't obvious! Hahaha!)

But the key elements "has cat," "writes in journal" and "travels to different worlds" have been with her since the beginning!

Perhaps a handful of years after that, I became infatuated with Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time and Majora's Mask, which is probably the first canon series I ever experimented with injecting her into. Between that, Runescape and being more officially introduced to the wonderful world of "anime," there was a big style shift for Sal and the rest of my fictional army.

At the time, she was still a human that ended up wielding a blade and bow, just like Link, and had the casual long sleeves with bell bottom jeans combo upgraded to a more adventurous "shirt ripped to exposed midriff" look with bell bottom jeans (thanks, Runescape.) Things also started to get a little more wild and wacky as I started coming up with some much more mystifying critters for her to encounter, face and befriend during her travels. I also was obsessed with crystals and crystalline things and gave her a crystal sword because why not. Right? 💎

This is worth noting just as well: because of the musical nature of Ocarina Of Time and Majora's Mask, I firmly believe a lot of her musicality was inspired by that too! 🎶

— "New Age" (at the time) Sal, starring in a group photo of a rather interesting cast of characters who came to life from similar inspirations.

For the Ocarina Of Time phase in particular, though, that may have been when I truly began to realize just how much fun it was to throw a character into different places and have them interact with canon characters. Like, sure, Super Smash Bros. + Super Smash Bros. Melee very much pulled me into the idea of it more than anything at the time, I'll admit, but there was no story there... and being a creature who craves stories, to interact with an existing story in my own way felt incredible. This stuff was great! And I was going to continue doing it with more games and series as I experienced them in the future.

I'll mention that series like InuYasha, Yugioh, Rurouni Kenshin, Full Metal Alchemist, etc. and games like Pokemon, Legend Of Zelda, Fire Emblem, Soul Calibur and all that are VERY significant when it comes to things that went into making Sal who she is as we carry on with this little trip down memory lane, but there are two games/series in particular that stand above the rest, regarding her development later on.

First off, Tales Of Symphonia. That was a major pivoting point for Sal as a character. After having the Tales Of Symphonia experience, I fell head over heels in love with the "angel" designs from that game. I loved their wings… I wanted to create an "alien angel" species of my own that Sal would be a part of, because of it.

It was then that Sal's identity, no longer fully human, became that of an Ethereal.

— From 2011 or so, an old piece featuring Sal and Gabriel, what one may consider the "father of her wings." And still is to this day!

Ethereals as a whole were born soon after. From there, my entire personal series changed into something that revolved around Ethereal kind and, to be honest, it still kind of does! 😅

Second off, Kingdom Hearts. Particularly Kingdom Hearts II, for me. (I actually played the second one before the first one, forgive me...!) Kingdom Hearts is what truly helped me settle into the idea of her being a world hopper. To see a game that did exactly what I had already been doing with her as a character and to see how wonderful it all was inspired me so. Also, the art direction helped pull me even more into the Final Fantasy universe, where, needless to say, I fell into its chasm, forever lost and never to be found again. Happily. 😆

I would like to mention that the world hopping idea from Kingdom Hearts did a little tango with an old one borrowed from Super Mario 64 as well, with the paintings that you could pass through to enter different worlds within them. This helped to inspire Sal’s primary means of ��cosmic wayfaring.”

Though there is interstellar and some intergalactic travel via spacecraft and whatnot present within my personal series, there are also portals scattered all across the cosmos, taking on the unsuspecting appearance of mirrors (in which, these mirrors only activate and teleport entities through direct contact with a specific element.) These mirror portals connect to a hub known as “The Spiral.” And it is through “The Spiral” that Sal does most of her world hopping!

Because it is done in such a way that utilizes mirrors, it can actually be quite fun to write Sal into scenes, by the by! 😁 Pretty much any mirror can be theorized as one of those “portals” and she can come passing through it anytime. I’ve described her as a Dr. Who-like character, at times. I think that comes through most when she first appears through those mirrors. 😆

All of that aside, though...

Over the years since then, it's been more of a steady, less notable process of developing her looks and her character.

— Sal (and Chaku) design progression, 2009 - 2019 or so.

As with a few of these characters of mine, though, I think I truly got a feel for who and what she is after I ran into my first bouts of constructive criticism from others and actually RPed her (and RPed for the first time ever, for that matter) with some buddies.

I won’t lie, as one of those creatives who was more sheltered with their “head in the clouds,” oblivious to concepts like “Mary Sue,” “OP” and all that fun stuff, it wasn't easy on me at the time! BIG, big learning curve for me!

I value that experience so much to this day, though. Sal wouldn't be who she is today without it. I firmly believe in the power of RP helping you to develop a character's identity. Even if the process of learning how to play well with others may be a little rough at first! 💕

— Sal and Nat, the two biggest faces of RP and Original x Canon content for me, nowadays. Also known as my last two braincells.

I went through a period of time where I stuck to purely original content with her and other characters of mine, but inadvertently got sucked back into the Original x Canon thing once it proved to be a comfort during a tough time in my life. And… well, it continues to be a comfort. 💙

I think there's a lot to be gained from interacting and drawing inspiration from canon series that inspire you as well, though. Like RP, I'd honestly say it makes for a nice learning experience as a creative too.

— The most wholesome Original x Canon thing I’ve ever done to date. So comfort. Much learning experience too, I swear. 💕

Aaaand… Well, I would say that just about sums up where I am with Sal as a character today! (Without getting too carried away, that is...) 😅

Thank you for the rather thought-provoking question, my dude! Freaking A, Sal's been with me for so long that her origin is starting to become a bit of a blur, nowadays! She (and Chaku) have been with me for what feels like most of my life, really. We've been through a lot together.

I love that we have, though. Builds character (all pun intended.) 😎👆👉

— Professor Layton inspired cosplay. “Professor Kriston” and her tiny, furry apprentice. Closing this with them just because I can. 🕺

#that's a good question ❔#Sal 🌌🎹#Chaku 🐈💙#oomerkabaoo #The making of #OC #I said I wouldn't write you a thesis #I did it anyway #sorry

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atmoratimeshare · 2 years

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Heritage

It began simply, with my unfiltered questions.

What use is it, to recount the days? Each one was unique, in its way, but just as snow, one cannot distinguish a flake from the last in the storms.

I made my escapes in the mornings, on those days when I was not given tasks about the village. I became scarce among my people, and murmurs grew. Concern etched itself on their heavy brows as they mused on where young Vargran made off to, in the forest.

When the other children followed me, I threw them off. My footsteps would vanish with those of rabbits and wolves, boars and elk. Game trails would lead them toward reikling caverns and spriggan groves, where they were too fearful to tread.

The only proof they had, that I still lived yet, was my return by sunset.

Still I would learn from the Shaman and be present for his lectures, and still I would learn from the Hunter and be present for going afield. The truths of the All-Maker and the beliefs reflected in how we lived, and why, did not fade from me, but the presence of our god waned to dwell in the fringe of my vision and the back of my mind.

For if the All-Maker was indeed true to the name that we creations knew, was our god not above the gods of others? Standing and observing from afar, witnessing creation in all of its facets unfold and cycle?

As I had told the priest, so it is true. I had no parents to guide me, and depended on the charity of others in the village to feed me, teach me and raise me. Often they conflicted, but none were cruel, and none left me cold or hungry, or wanting for clothing, or even simply company.

My sin came from the absence of fascination, as the priest’s Jhunal held me fast. Her god, with keys to the gates between worlds, and ancient wisdom and the sorcery of writing, and the power of runes to speak in the mind and bear meaning all their own.

The All-Maker gave me peace, but Jhunal gave me purpose.

Jhunal, with ways to bring metal husks to life. Jhunal, with ways to send lightning from the fingertips, to call out into the great sea of Oblivion and return with strange mysteries and stranger whispers.

I could not bring the priest’s god with me to the village, nor could I bring the All-Maker to the priest; one was secret from the other, but both were given their temple within my heart and mind.

My truths, as I grew older, became all the more abstract. The priest was no wayfarer - perhaps she had been, once, but now with the surety of my own village, this place was meant to be her home until the earth embraced her bones.

And you may ask if she was like a mother to me, and to that I cannot say. What is a mother supposed to be like, I often wondered.

Is this it?

Do mothers teach us to read and write and weave poetry, or of the world beyond home? Do mothers teach us sorceries and other clever works dwelling on the fringes of it?

Do mothers teach us of gods, and of daedra, and which ones to court and traffic with for what end?

They may. The priest, however, was a friend. An ally, and a guide. I can say this much with certainty.

Some months, I was distant from her. Chasing girls, chasing elk. Some months, I was even called among the other able youngfolk to fight, when the reiklings knew lean days and sought our stores.

Other months, I was like a ghost to my own people. Here but not, and always soon to be gone once more.

The challenge came in keeping my worlds parted, just as Mundus was parted from Oblivion. One was home, the other my unrelenting drive.

When my limbs grew long and my body found a man’s waxing strength, she saw it fit to teach me spellcraft proper. And now, as I have seen, there are many paths to our goal.

Hers was not Meric, nor wrought of southern sense, but more of the mainland, akin in culture and craft to our own in ways. Clevercraft and root work, spirit-medicine and ritual invocation.

And perhaps she knew more, in the strange glyphs around her home; her refuge, and a second to my own, though I had no house to myself, and the whole of the village had served as such.

Together, in the years, a tent on a cliff became more. Not all of my instruction was magical, and I was grateful for this. The priest, in time, had a simple longhouse to call her own, built by our hands.

She was gracious enough to permit me space in the cellar, and her trust. Over tea from leaves and herbs I was sent to gather, she told me her name at last.

No longer “priest,” but Fjara Grey-Wise, of Winterhold.

I had given my own; I was simply Vargran, of no clan or title.

None known to me, at least.

Fjara told me that, in time, these would be mine in scores. I thought nothing of it then, no more than the mere consolations of a mentor to her troubled student.

With a name, she told me, there was power, and with the house came greater instruction.

It was not long that I was deemed a man among my own people, in the village. I endured my trials, with no small aid from my lessons. There was no fanfare among my own, though.

I was still an urchin, lost with no compass or bearing. Still without house and home, eking out a life among the Skaal. Coexisting as we coexist with every plant and creature, living in accord with the All-Maker’s intention.

My purpose came from Fjara, and her god Jhunal, and the darkness she gave court to, but not faith, and the old lores of our people between Solstheim and Skyrim, of our arrival to these lands and the nature of Old Atmora, and of endless winters and frozen, bearded kings.

The runes came to me, and the sigils made sense. It was grand design, and the arithmetic of the stars and the patterns that shape all things; the heart of stave magic and sacred geometries, of numbers and their higher orders.

They would be her greatest lessons, and yet the most fleeting.

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guileheroine · 3 years

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a sky full of song, chapter two

As her friendship with the Princess continues to deepen, a road trip to the Earth Kingdom compels Asami to reflect on her place in the world / Korrasami royalty AU / ao3 / chapter one

Asami exchanged eager glances with Miki and Khiem. Silaq stood by the door with his arms crossed casually, but they were all invested. As soon as the rickety panel separating them from the magic chamber slid aside and Korra emerged out, Miki caught her arm.

Asami caught the other one. "So what did she say?"

"Hey! That's between me and Mistress Meng." Korra winked, while Asami rolled her eyes. "Your turn, quick. She was meant to close fifteen minutes ago but I gave her a little extra so she'd do everyone. At the behest of the princess and all."

Asami almost expected her to wink again as she pushed her through the door. "We'll get dinner and head for the inn afterwards," she heard her say to the others.

Everyone meant the three waiting after Asami, so Korra must have paid the old woman handsomely indeed, and Asami expected to be rushed through the process. Instead she found herself in a smoky little tearoom, at the pointed end of a gaze glittering with curiosity.

"And who are you when the Princess isn't around?"

Asami coughed, eyes smarting in the smoke. "A blacksmith at the palace. One of her companions."

"I see. Married yet?" Mistress Meng posed the question as discreetly as possible, after her eyes had surreptitiously scanned Asami for any telltale glints of yellow gold.

"No, madam. I only wish." Asami bit the inside of her cheek and humoured the woman. This region of the Earth Kingdom was mighty superstitious, and the lady was smart to make a decades-long vocation of it. If Asami could see straight through it... well, Mistress Meng needn't know she was impervious to her airs.

"Very well." Mistress Meng pulled up her voluminous sleeve. "Drink of this vial and place your palm out for me."

Asami swallowed the sweet concoction she was handed and closed her eyes to protect them, while Mistress Meng put a papery hand under hers. She settled comfortably on the cushions, wondering what her fortune would hold.

Already life had taken a turn for the wondrous. They had been on the road for the better part of a week now, though it felt longer. The wedding of the Earth Prince was in another ten days, and Makapu Village here was one of their nightly stops on the great east road that would bring them to Ba Sing Se. Korra had convinced her to come along with her small hand-picked party, rebuffing the Lotus Guard that King Tonraq had offered. In the end, all Asami had to do was rush the final week of her apprentices' training and visit the palace dressmaker in between to have a couple of fancy gowns made—although Korra whispered in her ear, distractingly enough, that the finery was only for Ba Sing Se and they would wander free the rest of the time. So they had, riding down through the great forests of the north, crossing the choppy sea by ship, and camping in the mountains of the northern Earth Kingdom.

"My wisdom for you, dear," Mistress Meng pronounced dramatically, snapping Asami out of her reverie, "is that seeking true love is like asking for the moon…"

Asami's first faintly irritable thought was, that's not a fortune. The second, later that evening, quieter, would be, tell me something new.

"But," Meng drew the word out in a long croak, closing the other hand over Asami's, "it cannot come down from heaven, if you do not find the courage to ask."

Asami made a mental note, because the others would want to hear something as extravagant as that.

Early the next morning, they were dallying on the benches in the yard, mulling over whether to take a detour to the lake as they prepared to depart.

"Too cold to swim," said Miki dismissively, chewing on some berries she had brought out from the breakfast table, "even for me. And that one will freeze to death."

She had been chosen by Korra as part of the entourage for being one of the more intrepid and easygoing members of the staff, and they were good friends besides. She tossed a few nuts to Asami, who pulled her hand out from beneath her shawl just in time to catch them.

"You with the reflexes," Miki whistled, satisfied.

On the bench across from Asami, Silaq, bodyguard to the Princess (that was his official capacity), clasped his broad hands together over the map he had laid out. "Well, Mistress Meng did say I need to take some risks today." He winked at Asami, who scrunched her nose teasingly. He was a large and genial man, and had been kind to her since he was first tasked with helping haul her iron to the smithy from the ships that visited Agna Q'ela from the quarries.

"Wait, didn't she say that to everyone?" Korra piped loudly, directing her attention to the table and away from the innkeeper's son on her hip.

"She said that to everyone," Khiem said simultaneously. He had just finished saddling up their packs, and he stood tickling the reinmule's belly for a moment. Khiem took care of the Princess's dogs at home, and the pack animals on the road.

"Anyway, lake," Korra said with finality, and then softened it with a, "We're not in a rush, are we?"

It was settled. It wasn't that Korra was used to having the last word so much as everyone was generally in accord with her decision. Asami pulled the thick shawl around her, enjoying the crisp air. She had missed this—the kind of morning chill that made you shiver in relish rather than fright.

Korra had turned back to the innkeeper's son, who was being introduced to her mare. The child and the white-coated elk horse regarded one another with mutual caution. Asami sympathised with his wariness. It had taken her a while to warm up to the elk horses, who turned restless with cabin fever aboard the ship soon after Asami had first met them. But since then she had taken to the mount Korra and Khiem brought for her, a sable stallion who liked when Asami rested her face in the scoops of his ostentatious antlers.

"A show-off, like you," Korra said later, as they rode abreast, the lake behind them. "That's why I chose him."

Asami scoffed and laughed, not quite dismissively. She tugged the towel from her hair so that the midday sun could dry it. Asami had taken an inadvisable, yet irresistible, dip in the lake; her scream upon contact with the frigid waters had echoed through the forest bounding them, scattering the birds. Korra and Silaq, the resident waterbenders, had dove in without hesitation. It took a little extra effort to warm the waters as they swam, but polar people did it by instinct. Miki the non-bender had fought the cold valiantly, while Khiem abstained, laughing them off from the bank.

"I'm only moved by the spirit of adventure," Asami said, tossing her wet hair to her back.

The others rode a way ahead of them on the current path, a wide trail shrouded on either side by trees twice as tall as any at the north pole, strewn with their needles. The smell of spring came strong from the woods. Summer crept close on their tails.

"I wonder how they're doing back at the shop," Asami mused.

"You're not worried, are you?" Korra said, and before Asami could answer she corrected herself. "No, you're not. You've been having way too much fun this week."

Asami stared at her with a soundless laugh.

"And to think I had to drag you!"

"You didn't drag me! It's just that I was worried. But I didn't realise how much of a break I needed until we left." Over the week, Asami had provided some minor wheelwrighting services to those they met on the road, but for the most part she was blissfully free of strenuous work. Breathing in the clear air beyond the royal forge, she was sensible to sights and sensations she had largely been shut off from for a year, her escapades with Korra notwithstanding.

"Did you always know you wanted to be a blacksmith? I mean, did you choose such a gruelling trade?" Korra said.

"Oh," Asami said, staggering on the question while she caught up to Korra's thinking. "Um, actually, I'm not sure I ever thought about it—maybe I should have, huh? It's just what I was always supposed to do, growing up with my father."

"I know what that's like…" Korra sucked air through her teeth. Then she cocked her head. "For what it's worth, I'm sure there's a lot you'd be great at, if you ever wanted to switch things up."

Asami gave her a humble little mock curtsey, as far as possible on horseback. "And you? Have you wondered who you might be if you weren't the Princess of the North?" That was the title that always went before their company in these parts.

"Ah, not really." Korra sounded recalcitrant, like she didn't want to entertain the trail of thought for fear it might leave her wistful.

It wasn't a mood Asami wanted to encourage. "Well, then let me. First of all, it's quite easy to imagine the improvement on your personality we'd have if you weren't highborn—"

Korra wasn't hard to rile. "You're awful!"

Distraction achieved, Asami backed down. "And luckily, you really aren't," she countered without a beat, smiling her deference. She felt her own eyes soften when Korra returned the smile, disarmed and placated. Then Asami was humbled in sincerity, at the instant enhancement she had made on Korra's mood.

"You'd make a good princess," Korra said. "Better than me."

"No," Asami returned, "that's not true."

Though she meant it, she sounded less convincing to her own ears this time, because she was willing the bittersweetness out of her voice. "Your people love you," she added. "They don't see the slow parts. They see a warrior, passionate and big-hearted. And I know their trust means the world to you, even if you get impatient sometimes."

Some of the levity had dissipated, the air with all its scents was heavy now, and Asami wondered if she had overstepped. "Me," she continued, "I can't talk to someone on the street like I've known them my whole life."

After a long second, Korra said, "You could do the three hour round tables." It wasn't a counter to Asami's statement but a submission; and in responding so, Korra was gently accepting her kindnesses as well.

Asami concurred with a sigh. They would make a good team, then. They did .

The path was widening out now, but so were the trees, prickly branches curving into their way. A pleasant breeze rustled in them, softening the hard sunlight into an ideal haze. They both closed their eyes against it for a while.

"Well," Korra said, snapping off some needles from the branches pushing against her, "enjoy this while it lasts, because we'll probably have to sneak out at night if we want any freedom in Ba Sing Se."

"Uh-huh." Asami eyed her, brow arched. "Could it be that that's why we're taking the long route?"

Korra's eyes crinkled. "It's not a secret, Asami."

"Shh."

Korra threw her clump of twigs and needles at her, and they both laughed.

"You're kind of dreading it, aren't you?" Asami said. "Why… You'll be a great envoy for the tribes regardless of whatever the Earth elite think of us. And the King can't be too concerned if he let the council delegate to you... I mean, how hard can it be to attend a wedding?"

"You know, my mother's hoping it's going to provoke something in me."

"The mission?" Asami shielded her eyes as she gazed ahead to see where the others were. Accustomed to trips with Korra alone, she had forgotten to keep them in account.

"The wedding."

Asami turned back to Korra. "Is that right?" She pouted sympathetically. "She says that all the time. She's hoping everyone you meet with will magically infuse you with dreams of courtship."

"Well, this time, it's my dad, too."

"Oh… "

Korra gave her an exasperated look; Asami laughed, shaking her head.

"I mean, it's a funny thing to tell you when you're literally about to run away."

"That's what I thought! But I guess at least it means he thinks my sense of diplomatic responsibility has improved."

Asami got the impression that it wasn't that much of a bright side to Korra, and it coloured the air strangely again, but then she was startled into distraction. A butterfly had alighted on her nose, appearing from nowhere. It had been a long time indeed since she had seen one. Korra turned sharply at her gasp of delight. Gently, Asami coaxed it to crawl onto her hand, which she held out to Korra.

"These were my favourite! I used to plant flowers just to attract them."

"I see. So was that hard for you? Not being attractive enough for them all on your own?"

It took Asami a moment to understand her meaning, and then she sniggered. The butterfly wove around Korra and her stallion before flying off, and once they had watched it go, she said, "Hey, why are you in such a mood today?" She waited for Korra to return her pointed glance. "Tired of me already?"

Korra shook her head, sweeping her hand through the stallion's fur. "What? I adore you."

They did not look at each other then. Asami's knuckles tightened on the reins while the thrill of the words rose and abated. It was just a second in their familiar repartee, a long and blistering second. Korra fiddled with the bridle on her mount.

"Alright, well, since you're feeling so belligerent, why don't you race me?" Asami shifted on her mount. "We should catch up to the others."

It was for the best, because the farther they traveled from the Water Kingdoms, the keener the sense of possibility became, and the softer and more yielding the boundaries Asami knew, which meant all the more that she couldn't risk prodding them. And since the excitement she felt was for the fresh and familiar landscapes, not just from them, Asami directed her mind to that. Korra's spirits had been high and easy, too, from the advent of their journey—until today, it seemed. It occurred to Asami that Korra had never actually mentioned what Mistress Meng had divined for her.

In the town of Tenduk, it had been arranged for Princess Korra to open a new museum. Asami knew that cutting ribbons wasn't one of Korra's favourite activities, as it usually preceded a lot of sitting through—or worse, making—formal speeches. But the palace had arranged it upon request by the town, after the mayor learnt that they would likely be passing through that part of the kingdom when the museum was scheduled to open.

The night before, they arrived at the town's finest guesthouse. It was jam-packed, owing to the impending ceremony, but they offered Korra the final single room. Miki, however, was nursing the final strains of a back injury from a snowshoeing accident in the winter, and Korra insisted she take it with its softer bed. It left her to accompany Asami in the shared room. When they sat on the plentiful cushions over a nightcap of strong tea, they agreed it recalled Korra's apartments at home. Except the night outside was darker than it ever got with snow and ice around, and beyond was a foreign land that held them to no account, far from any castle, the room they lodged in belonging to neither of them. That made it different in a way they couldn't quite discuss aloud.

Once Korra was ready for bed, Asami shut the window, where she had been listening to the cicadas chirp in the moonless night. Korra turned out the smelly lamp. It was cool inside now, and the dark almost too eerie to sleep in. From the other side of the bed, she heard Korra sigh.

"Excited for tomorrow?"

"Sure. Asami?"

She was about to say princess, into the dark and thrumming night, but the circumstances might have carried it to an unfamiliar place, so she bit her tongue. "Hm?"

"Would you stay here, if you could?"

Here? Asami thought, before it dawned.

There was a beat before Korra spoke again. "In the Earth Kingdom. You miss it, don't you?"

"It's been a long time since I lived here. It was a long time before the war, even."

But it was a notion Asami hadn't realised she was nurturing, until Korra put it to words. It was true that the north was not the only place she could have made her post-war life—she'd simply taken the first chance that befell her to escape her father's legacy. In any case, the future certainly held other options, if the future looked the way she thought it might.

Korra didn't push, though Asami waited to see if she would ask again. Instead all there was was the dim whir of the cicadas, and the space on the bed between them.

"Maybe one day," Asami said finally. "Who can say?"

"Of course," Korra replied softly. The way she said it made Asami wonder, and suppress the immediate urge she had to reach out for her.

Korra cleared her throat. "Are you sleepy? I'm not."

"No." Asami sprang on the word, overhasty.

"Let's walk in the garden." Korra was out of bed no sooner than Asami had heard her words. "It looked so nice, and we probably won't have time tomorrow."

After a breakfast that included the fried cicadas Korra had begun to inquire about not five minutes into their stroll, they were led to the museum. Streamers hung from the building with the banners of all four kingdoms on them—it was the first public collection to open that brought cultural displays from across the world, a gesture of harmony after the war. After Korra cut the ribbon on the flagstones in front of a politely buzzing crowd, Asami and the others hung behind while she led the first patrons that had queued up inside. The impromptu tour that ensued, they later heard, had not been a part of the plan, but it proved a hit with the audience, who hadn't expected to hear the Northern Princess regale them firsthand.

"It must have been nice to put your royal history education to use for the first time ever," Miki commented, while they sat together picnicking afterwards. Korra spluttered her agreement, laying back on the mats they had loaned from the guesthouse.

"I just did the Water wing," she said, "so, um, the other hundred books could have been more useful."

"You can put some more of it to the test for the Earth Queen," Khiem said dourly, "impress her a little."

Korra struggled up and reached to steal some flatbread from his plate. "You want to feed me to the wolves!"

Asami giggled and followed suit, tearing some bread. Korra had done well, made the event her own. She was skilful now at knowing when to put her touch on things, how the line should be toed; a sense that served a figure such as herself well. Her mood, in turn, was vibrant today. Asami took the effort to gaze up at the sunset, away from Korra reclining in its glow.

Silaq was cutting persimmons from the trees around them, with permission from the warden that had scouted this spot outside the town for them. Some of the surrounding trees were blooming, while others were fat with fruit.

"Shake them!" Asami called. "You just have to shake them, and they'll fall."

Some of the fruit hit their heads on the way down. Asami took one of the blossoms in her lap and put it in Korra's hair as a token of congratulation, and Korra caught her hand for a moment as it left, beaming. As Korra stood to join Silaq in gathering the fruit, Asami thought that perhaps their moods had switched today. Korra's words last night had imparted an itch in the back of her mind. She bit into a persimmon and the silky cinnamon taste only intensified the nostalgic pang.

She turned to Khiem, who was a rare earthbender who had been born at the North Pole. "Khiem, how did you end up in Agna Q'ela? Did I ever ask?" She offered him the fruit.

"Same as you, I suppose," he laughed.

What did that mean? At Asami's creasing brow, he took a bite from the persimmon and continued.

"My father moved there from Yousheng prefecture to breed elk horses. The wild elk horses in the north… They're not suitable as mounts. When the King wanted elk horses for riding, my father was hired to take animals from the continent to breed with them so they could be domesticated, and to teach the royal stables how to keep them."

"Wow," Asami said. "I see—"

"Like your foundry."

"Yes, I got it," she laughed. "So he never came back?"

Khiem shook his head. "He fell in love with a northern girl." He handed the persimmon back; it was Asami's turn. "Are you planning to return? I hear your apprentices are shaping up."

"I haven't thought about it," Asami admitted. "But I think that thought will be due soon."

"Well, it's not an easy place to settle unless you grew up there. I doubt you have everything you want in the Water Kingdoms…"

No, indeed.

It was midday when they arrived in Ba Sing Se, sweaty and hungry. At the east gates of the Lower Ring, they were met by a representative of the Earth Queen, and another from the Water consulate here in the city, who took them up into the palace and housed them like all the other guests that had been filtering in from all four kingdoms. The wedding was tomorrow, and tonight they would soiree with the other guests, but they took their lunch with the Water consul in the Upper Ring.

The consul received them eagerly, and served them fresh seasonal fare, introducing the latest goings-on in the city.

"All the festivities down there are beautiful," Korra enthused. The party was already in full swing in Ba Sing Se; they only had one prince, after all.

"Wait until you see the fire show tonight," the consul said. "There's more than just gold in the Earth Queen's coffers. Gunpowder! They have the finest technicians working on it. That will be something to behold for us northerners."

Korra's face lit up at the mention of fireworks. Asami was ready to return her grin when she sought her gaze, as she passed her the bowl of sauteed greens. She smiled behind her cup as Korra told the consul all about her pyrotechnics.

"Your Highness," he said, when they sat in the veranda office and rested afterwards, "there is the matter of the wedding gift, and venue, and the list of attendees for the ball tonight with the Queen and the Prince… There are a number you should definitely meet with, the others I will leave to your discretion. The wedding itself will be at the Summer Palace in the morning... doubtless the Earth royals will be preoccupied, so make your acquaintances tonight and then enjoy the day, I say..."

While the consul engaged Korra on these matters, Asami turned to Silaq. "Will we all go tonight?"

"Yes, I think so. It's a party, not a meeting. Remember your titles, though."

"Titles? How will I know—"

He patted her shoulder. "For Korra, I mean. In the palace, in company, it will be your highness —or my lady, or miss if you're feeling brave… And we'll be her household, since we're all in the employ of the palace."

"That's kind of fun," Asami said, and they shared a quiet laugh.

Their rooms at the Royal Palace were lavish. Asami and Miki hurried through the halls once they were clear of any staff, admiring the thick tapestries and the ornaments of silver, jade, and cinnabar. Each object and surface seemed to heave with ancient grandeur. They slipped into their second finest dresses, the Water folk in shades of stunning and patriotic blue. Asami kept her hair down. She had been taking every chance to, since it was an impossibility when she was at work. The gathering commenced in a series of massive drawing rooms, the largest boasting a high, golden vault carved with star maps and scenes from legend. Asami could have spent all evening gazing up. While Korra met with various nobles, she and the others clung close to one another, drinking careful amounts and milling with the looser guests. After a while, they fell into a game of hunting the aristocrats, pointing and guessing discreetly from the seating map who each of the fanciest guests were. When it was time, however, they all had to be introduced to the man whose wedding they had come for.

"Princess Korra! You , my lady, look ravishing ."

Korra and Prince Wu bowed to one other; a shallower and stiffer movement than the one Asami was used to seeing in Agna Q'ela. He had removed the tasselled crown he first entered in, leaving his mantle of green silks to shine, which he wore over a matching tunic lined with gold brocade. If not for the top-notch tailoring, they would have swallowed him.

Korra held her hand out for him to kiss, and then when she kissed his cheek as customary, a look of daze befell the Prince that made Miki clinch Asami's arm and snort. In fact, Prince Wu kissed the hands of all the ladies once Korra had named them to step forward and bow—decorum be damned—and he even offered Silaq a rather shy pat on his solid arm. Korra's eyes were narrowed, lips pressed tight, caught between irritation and laughter. Korra didn't like the Earth Prince. Asami didn't think she would either, but he was certainly a character.

The prince's betrothed, on the other hand, while he did not turn heads, left a more curious impression. He was modestly but finely dressed—the seemingly plain cut shirt clearly made from the finest weave upon a second glance—but he spoke little and did not seem to capture any of the guests for long. Naturally, he was the first topic of conversation when they sat for a bite. Korra's party shared their table with a couple chatty ladies, daughters from some southern freehold, who seemed to know all there was to know.

"That man is a commoner," one of them hiccupped over her sweetmeats. "Nothing but a beautiful, common commoner."

Korra's head rose instantly and she set her chopsticks down halfway to her mouth. "Oh, really?"

"Rumour has it," her sister to her left leaned in with a conspiratorial tone, "he was born in the slums in the Lower Ring and abandoned by his hussy mother. He would have died if one of the maidservants here didn't rescue him and raise him as her own."

The final southern woman, clearly the elder, cast them both reproving looks, as if she was disappointed that they would relay this gossip before the Princess of the North..

"One of the staff I was chatting to in our foyer said he used to be the Prince's bodyguard," Miki said. "Far to go, huh?"

"Or close, I guess," Khiem said, next to Asami, elbowing Silaq suggestively. Korra scoffed at him.

"I wonder what the Earth Queen thought of that," she said.

The older woman answered cautiously. "I'd wager the Prince just pitched a fit until she relented. Love him or hate him, not having his way is a foreign concept to His Highness."

The youngest girl was bored of this now. She turned to Asami, who had noticed her hawkish gaze on her once or twice. "Are you from the Fire Empire, Miss? You have a look."

"I am," Asami said. "Though I was born here in the Earth Kingdom. But I'm a blacksmith in the north now."

"A blacksmith." The girl repeated. She looked ahead, and her chin turned up a fraction as she sipped. "My sifu defeated the master arrowsmith for the Yuyan Archers during the war, and he says Fire Empire smiths are deadly warmongers."

Asami's heart sank in a flare of regret. From the corner of each eye, she saw the girl's sister shooting her a warning glance, and Korra clenching her jaw. Korra, of course, was not above invoking her station to put an enemy in their place.

"It's alright," Asami said quickly. "He's correct, unfortunately. But I haven't been with them a long time. I'm making amends."

Korra grazed her arm under the table. She already felt guarded here and she knew that Asami felt doubly conspicuous in these grand halls. At least the young lady had the good sense to look contrite.

"You look like... a goddess of the forge," Korra said, her cheek in her palm, leaning back to assess the gown.

Asami snorted, her sharp stance before the mirror failing. They had risen early and were mostly ready by the time the sun was fully up. It would take a half hour by rickshaw to reach the Summer Palace, and they would need to get there long before the prince in his palanquin.

"Nooo, don't go all red. See, it's gone now."

"Well, it's warm in the forge," she retorted. "Are the others ready?"

"Almost. Khiem's shining his shoes." Korra rose up onto her elbow reluctantly, yawning. She turned to the little box of jewelry she had brought, which lay open on the bed. "Hey, come here. Do you want to wear some of this?" She held up an elaborate necklace of pearl and pink ruby. I think this matches you better… And you know, they like seeing this stuff, at least the Earth Queen does."

"Right, the heavier the gold, the more highly she'll think of you," Asami said, bungling a mantra someone at the party last night had mentioned. She smoothed her dress one last time, glancing at Korra. Korra was arrayed in deep and regal teals, stretching the dress code a little only as a comely and commanding young princess could. The code for the wedding was simple: green, the colour of the Earth Kingdom, the colour of spring. Asami's own jade gown was embellished with pink spring blossoms. It was oddly exhilarating for them to be in summer garb, and Asami, for her part, couldn't recall the last time her arms had seen the sun.

She knelt on the bed and examined the jewels in Korra's hand. Asami's own gold had been paid in reparations, along with most of the other assets her family had held, after the war. All she kept were a few pieces that had belonged to her mother. Asami cleared her throat.

"Is it alright for me to wear this?"

Korra nodded mildly no sooner than she'd asked. "Of course. It's mine. Turn around."

She climbed to her knees behind Asami and unclasped the necklace, pausing first to sweep her hair from her shoulder. Asami's skin pebbled before the cold metal touched it, and she made her exhale soft. Though she said nothing, Korra must have noticed because she placed a hand over Asami's shoulder while the other straightened the chain at the back of her neck.

"You wear it really well." Korra placed her other hand on her too now, almost down at her own hand. "You look beautiful."

Asami didn't dare look up into the mirror; instead she felt the cove of Korra's shoulders, tucked around her own, close. When she had rescued her voice, she managed, "Thank you." She knew what she had to say next— which one are you going to wear? —but it was impossible not to defer it another second, two seconds—

There was a pointed cough at the doorway. Korra's hands dropped; Asami turned and sat on the bed, retracting to one corner.

It was one of the palace staff; wearing the doormen's colours, albeit in what looked like a special silk for the occasion. She gazed in the middle distance and rattled off, flustered. "Your Highness and our esteemed guests are expected in the reception rooms in twenty minutes for departure." Before they knew it, she had bowed vaguely and scampered.

Miki materialised where had been. "Oh, good. We're almost done, no?"

"Yes," Korra said, searching for Asami's eye, and Asami nodded blankly.

"I'll—go put on my shoes then."

Korra put on a necklace and a glimmering silver coronet. Asami picked up the shawl that matched her dress. They were finished in minutes, ready to head for the foyer. Asami shut the door of her suite firmly behind her as they left.

#korrasami #korrasami fanfiction #lok fanfiction #legend of korra #**#asfos

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occasionallygardevoir · 6 years

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Chapter 8 Aura

“Uhm… yes? Lady?”, the Lucario turned to face us, looking confused. “Who’s there? There’s something really weird with the auras in this room.”

I could only wonder what exactly he meant by “auras”, but judging by the pale reddish coloration of his eyes, I realized the Lucario was blind. Both his wrists and ankles had a pair of shining cuffs made of metal, as well as the one on his neck. They gave off a faint gleam under the candle’s lights.

“This one here’s Ange, my cousin. She used to work with us before you came along, so we’ll be doing her a favor. Are you done with your tasks?”

“Ah, yes. There’s enough food for some days so I don’t need to go fetch any more.”

“Don’t worry about me now, young ones”, a low, hoarse voice said, “Old me was about to go back deep into meditation again. Feel free to use the room, if you don’t mind my presence.”

“Actually, we could use your help as well, Elder. If that wouldn’t disrupt your work too much, that is.”

“Please, my name’s Elk”, he lifted up a dismissing hand. On his pointy, wrinkled muzzle, was a small smile. “I’ll try assisting you to the best of my ability, then.”

Lady Noir sat down on the floor next to Elk, and both I and Tales followed her lead.

“So”, Tales said, resting his paws on his lap. “Nice to meet you, Ange. What can we help you with?”

“Oh, I- Nice to meet you, Tales”, I said, stretching out a hand which Tales took on his paw and shook firmly, making his cuffs emit a metallic sound. “Nice to meet you too, mister Elk”, I bowed, though unsure if he could see anything with his eyes closed like that.

“The pleasure is mine, miss Ange”, he smiled again. “Pardon me my curiosity though, but what are you carrying there?”

Yes, apparently he didn’t need to have open eyes to see things, I mused to myself.

“Ange, show them the kit”, Lady Noir said, taking a heartfelt sip out of her pipe. I took my cape out of the way to reveal the basket where the child was tucked inside, and placed it in the middle of us.

“Hmm...” Elk muttered in an understanding tone, stroking his long beard as if doing so helped him concentrate. Tales blinked, looking surprised; he lowered his head to face the dormant child.

“I found her a few days ago”, I said, wanting to clarify the situation for them. “I, somehow, could grasp a kind of psychic connection with her, and that’s how I was led to finding her in the woods. She just… won’t wake up.”

“The most efficient way of discovering things are looking into one’s thoughts or memories”, Elk stated. “However, I suppose you already did so, miss Ange?”

“Yes, that’s right…”

“And what did you see?”

“Nothingness. It felt like I was peering into a ghost’s mind, and I, myself, started to get engulfed in darkness. I couldn’t keep our minds linked for more than mere seconds.”

“It seems not only reckless, but pointless if I were to try doing so myself, then.”

“I wouldn’t ask something like that from you, Elder”, Lady sighed. “Your mind is powerful enough to keep our barriers up night in and day out without becoming tired, but you do acknowledge you’re…”

“Old”, he giggled, looking amused.

“I wanted to go with ‘frail’”, she shrugged as if being caught in a mishap. “But, your sight is much keener than ours, youngsters. Aren’t you able of seeing anything into this kit’s future?”

“For now, I’ll just keep listening, fair Lady. I think young Tales here may be of more assistance to you until I gather all my thoughts on that matter.”

As Elk addressed him, our gazes promptly turned back to the Lucario. He shuffled uncomfortably.

“Uh, welp”, he stuttered. “I… can see something odd in her aura. It may sound off to you, but it’s what I see regardless.”

“Aura?”, I asked, remembering his mention of it earlier. Maybe it was some kind of esper power? “What’s this?”

“Basically, every living being has energy of its own, to put it simply. Usually others call it by spirit, soul, all sorts of names. We, Lucario, call it aura, and are really sensitive to it. And so far, this is the first time I’ve ever seen something like this.”

“Please, go on.”

“The kid’s aura is almost… most completely detached from her body”, Tales furrowed his brows, expressing his bewilderment. “Her body is right here, but most of the aura connected to it isn’t. I can clearly sense an aura, but it doesn’t seem to be hers at all.”

“Y-you mean…?”, I gasped, while Lady seemed oddly calm about the situation.

“Dead things have no aura, so she’s still alive, even if by a little stretch. The meaning of being alive… is that energy generated from within a physical body, and energy that comes from its mind are both present.”

“As psychics, I’d say we’re pretty much aware of that, having to protect ourselves from hungry ghosts and all”, Lady stated, waving her pipe around before taking another sip from it.

“It’s very hard to separate body from mind energy-wise, so they make no distinction”, he kept explaining, averting his gaze on Lady’s direction. “Feeding on mind energy on instinct, attempting to seek a physical body to be theirs since they have none. The only energy left on ghosts is the one that comes from the ‘mind’ of their former selves, but it usually isn’t located in the ‘living realm’.”

“So, what do you make out of all that?”, she said, letting out a stream of purple smoke.

“Either she’s currently a ghost, or she’s a normal living being whose aura is located somewhere else.”

“I’m sure we can check out of the list her being a ghost, I mean; she’s a bit too solid for that.”

“I’m… not sure. What I sense doesn’t seem to be alive, but again, it does differ from what seems to be the kid’s aura. Sorry if that doesn’t help much, this looks as weird for me as it does for you.”

“Tales, are you able of telling from where it’s coming from?”, I leaned in, catching the Lucario’s attention. He closed his eyes, concentrating.

“…From a faraway place”, he said after a short while. “Through the seas, all the way to the south. A land of peaceful and valiant hearts. Far beyond a circle of white, little plants, I see… a tree.”

That didn’t sound as describable as I had expected. I’d never heard of such a place, and not only were the seas too vast, we couldn’t possibly swim for that long while searching based solely on a vague description.

“Uhm… Lady?”, I looked back at her in uncertainty, wanting better explanations. She seemed to know what was going on much better than me.

“That further confirms your suspicions, Angie”, the mafiosa Gardevoir nodded. “That’s what happens to folks alien to that world. Magical energy is abundant, and if one were to trespass uninvited – one which isn’t the same of our kind -, the body is left behind. All energy has a magical source so it blends in easily, but not all physical bodies work the same.”

“And let me guess… It’s probably very, very bad if a body keeps detached from its soul for too long… right?”, I asked, and she remained silent. “Why? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner…?”

Even though I was aware there had something dark about the fairy world, I couldn’t see a reason for Lady to keep shut about such an important detail; now, out of all times. Before I could argue on her motives, Elk, whom had been silent until now, spoke up.

“Mmhm, I see, I see…” he nodded, stroking his beard again. “I’m devoid of doubts now. I did not expect to see this child so soon, although. Pardon me my delay, but predictions shall not be handled recklessly.”

“What?”, I exclaimed, in surprise. “Did you see something, mister Elk???”

“I’ve seen this child’s arrival here in a vision a few years ago. However, I didn’t expect they’d end up in the fairy world.”

The sudden mention of the fairy world surprised both me and Lady, as we hadn’t properly addressed it by name not even once during the conversation. It seemed not only Elk’s future sight was keener than ours, but his knowledge was also much greater than we had anticipated. Even though Tales looked a bit lost once the subject was brought up, he listened closely to the Elder.

“It was naive of me to think their past wouldn’t interfere in their present… Future has too many open paths, thus it is always changing; reshaping itself. However, what dwells in the past can no longer be changed. That much, I can share with you. The place you’re looking for is the Southern Island.”

He lifted his palms and, between them, a vision formed.

“I can’t guarantee a successful outcome on your ordeals since future’s handles move back and forth with your every action, but I can say for sure there’s not much time left for this child. You might want to go see the Madame, as for she will greatly help.”

[continue…]

Tales’ and Elk’s profiles have been updated!

#occasionallygardevoir #shiny gardevoir #mega gardevoir #shiny mega gardevoir #gardevoir #zorua #alakazam #mega alakazam #latias #lucario #haulia #long post #plot #halloween mini plot #surprise surprise! bet you didn't expect a new chapter today!#should I also make a tag for Lady Noir's leggy

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j-writes-and-suffers · 6 years

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NaNoWriMo Day Seven

Actually waking up to his alarms this time, Philip was relieved to see that his phone was fully charged, and he wasn’t spectacularly late. He had time to eat a real breakfast, shower, and even put on clean pants. He realized he should probably dress comfortably; the parade around town would be a hell of a workout, and slacks were definitely not workout clothes. Settling on basketball shorts and an Elk Grove t-shirt, he headed out the front door, much more energetic than most mornings.

By the time he arrived, students and faculty were gathering by the football field. Lined up in the parking lot were a dozen parade floats, the drivers waiting patiently for their cue to head out. Philip found his liberal arts colleagues standing near one of the frontmost floats. “Is this always so big?” He asked, a little surprised by the massive turnout.

“Usually, yes.” Dr. Samuels replied. “Good to see you’re punctual this time.”

Philip forced a smile, wondering if his boss would ever let him live that down. “Yes, sir. I tried my best.”

“Good. Come on, the parade is about to leave. Get in position.”

Philip nodded, following his coworkers to their place in the parade. One by one the floats filed out, accompanied by hoards of Stags chanting pridefully. As they made their way into the town, passersby smiled and waved. When they marched through neighborhoods, many of the families, especially those with small children, were standing outside, cheering and staring in awe. Even though they saw it every year, something as colourful and energetic as a parade was bound to win over kids; they squealed in delight, when the mascot, Stanley Stag, waved in their direction.

The march around town was long and effortsome, covering nearly five miles and taking upwards of three hours. The weather was nice, though, and everyone was in good, if tired, spirits by the time they returned to campus. As the parade disbanded, Philip made a beeline for the picnic. Breakfast had been hours ago, and he was starving.

The courtyard was filled with the smell of homemade food and the chatter of hungry students. Most of them had only been eating takeout and cafeteria trash as of late, so this was a welcome and delicious change. Philip took a deep breath, savoring the smell, and his stomach growled. Grabbing a plate, he hurried to get in line, not wanting to miss out on anything. He piled his plate high with food, asking for a helping of anything that looked good. As he made his way down the row of tables, his eyes locked on a tray of cheeseburger sliders; he could see bacon peeking out of the buns, and his mouth started to water.

“Would you like to try one?” A familiar voice broke Philip’s starving focus, and he looked up, blinking in surprise.

“Oh, uh, sure, yeah…” He squirmed where he stood, not sure how he was supposed to speak to Lucien at the moment.

“Is something on your mind?” The taller man frowned as he placed a slider on Philip’s plate. “You look upset.”

The young blond looked up at Lucien with confusion. “Well, I mean… do… do you still wanna talk to me?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Lucien raised an eyebrow.

“You abandoned me at the poetry slam yesterday. I figured you’d gotten sick of me.”

“No, no!” The brunette shuffled awkwardly behind the table. “I was just a bit... overwhelmed. It was getting really loud, and everyone was crowding us… I didn’t mean to ditch you or anything. I just kind of freaked out.” He admitted, staring shamefully down at his shoes.

“So… you still wanna do dinner next weekend?” Philip asked hopefully.

Lucien nodded. “Yes, of course!” He glanced down the line, looking at the hungry students piling up behind Philip. “We can talk more later. I think the crowd is going to kill you if you don’t move soon.”

“Right! Shit. See you later!” Spirits raised, Philip waved and hurried off down the table.

As the sun started to set, the food was running out. Many picnic-goers had left, and the remaining ones were simply waiting for the bonfire. Long finished eating, Philip climbed to his feet, gathering abandoned paper plates and half-eaten snacks to toss in the trash. As the sun went down, a few of the teachers gathered to start the fire. Another group brought out hot water heaters and cocoa mix, as well as ingredients for s’mores. Philip had cozied up on a bench, content to sip hot chocolate and chill, when someone dropped down onto the seat adjacent to him.

“Evening. How has your day been?” Even in the dim light, Lucien’s green eyes seemed to glow. A smile flickered across his face as he moved closer to Philip.

“It’s been… It’s been good. I’m kinda tired, but I ate good food, and the parade was really fun. It was great to see all the excited kids. Some of them even walked with us for a bit.”

“That sounds lovely.” Lucien mused, resting his arm across the back of the bench. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”

Philip nodded, “Yeah… me, too.” He found himself unconsciously scooting closer to Lucien, almost leaning against the taller man. Lucien didn’t seem to mind it, his arm moving from the bench to Philip’s shoulders. The young blond sighed contently; for the first time all week, he was properly comfortable and totally relaxed.

The growing chill in the air was countered by the fire’s radiance, its glow casting long shadows around the populous courtyard. Students and teachers sat around the softly pulsing flame, roasting marshmallows and making friendly conversation. The last glimmer of sunlight faded, and the half moon shined overhead. Now that it was properly dark, Professor Noctus came creeping out of the administration building, a mischievous grin on his dimly-lit face.

“Good evening, friends. Would you like to hear a ghost story?”

While most of the crowd murmured in approval, once voice piped up from the back. “You’re not that scary. I bet your stories suck.”

“Oh?” Balthazar raised an angular black eyebrow. “You think my stories are bad, or you think my storytelling is bad?”

“Both. Ghost stories are lame, and so is your dumb gimmick.” The brazen boy was hard to make out in the firelight, but he had stood up to confront Noctus, and was planted firmly in place.

Philip and Lucien exchanged a glance, wary of what was to come. They waited patiently, but to their surprise, the professor hardly reacted.

“Then why not leave?” He shrugged, “If my stories bore you, get out. Or, if you’ll be so kind as to tolerate them, sit down and shut up.”

The boy dropped into his seat, bitter that he hadn’t started a real argument. Meanwhile, Balthazar had taken a candle from his pocket, lighting it in the fire. He held it beneath his chin, his features more sharp and bizarre than even in the flickering uplight. He bared alarmingly angular teeth in a broad grin, and Philip wondered to himself whether they were filed down or prosthetic.

Well into the night, Professor Noctus told tales, of monsters and men, and the world they shared. He warned of children whisked away in the night, regaled about families brutally slaughtered, even spoke of good friends that had met rather gruesome demises. Though none of the stories were remarkably original, the air filled with a chill that couldn’t be fought with fire. The audience’s souls grew cold as Balthazar drew them in, his remarkable wordplay and flare for the dramatic making generic old tales refreshingly horrific.

As the moon crept across the sky, the fables grew more ominous, more gruesome, and more bone-chillingly awful. Students started to dissipate, growing fearful or uncomfortable; certainly none left of boredom, for as the tales grew more terrifying, they also got more captivating. As a particularly nasty story drew to its close, Philip pressed against Lucien, shivering and snuggling up.

Without saying a word, the older man slipped off his jacket, wrapping it around the trembling blond. Though Philip’s choice of attire had been appropriate for a long walk during the day, the temperature had dropped massively, and even the fire wasn’t enough to make up for his light shorts and thin shirt. Lucien’s jacket was a welcome addition to his outfit - soft and insulated, it soothed the chill that had been creeping up Philip’s spine. He felt a tickle in his nose and stifled a soft sneeze, sighing in annoyance.

The evening drew on, and Philip continued to sniffle and sneeze. Lucien reached up to feel his forehead, worrying that the younger man might be ill. “You’re not feverish, I wonder what’s wrong…”

“I don’t know.” Philip shrugged, his voice nasal from congestion. “I’d say maybe allergies, but I don’t think anybody brought their dog…”

“Dog?” Lucien’s voice wavered awkwardly.

“Yeah,” Philip nodded, “I’m allergic. You’re probably confused cause told you about Callie, but she’s an Afghan. They’re hypoallergenic.”

Lucien nodded, pretending that’s why he was troubled, “Ahh, I see. That makes more sense.”

“She’s pretty great…” Philip mused, “you should meet her sometime.”

“Maybe,” Lucien shrugged. “I’m not great with animals.”

Philip shook his head, “Don’t worry, man. She’s super friendly. Really chill, too.”

“Oh… sounds… nice, then. It’s getting awfully late. I should probably leave. Feel free to keep the jacket for tonight, I know you have a long walk home.” Lucien climbed to his feet, waving briefly before slinking off into the darkness.

Philip frowned. He hadn’t wanted Lucien to go yet; it felt like they were starting to bond better, and he was a little uncomfortable listening to Balthazar’s stories alone. After one more hair-raiser, he ended up heading home himself, the whole way flinching and squealing at every snapped twig and shadowy movement. He continued to sneeze throughout the walk, grumbling under his breath about allergies and what the hell and he didn’t even notice a dog. By the time Philip got home, it was the wee hours of the morning, and he was ready to pass out. Still dressed, he curled up on the bed, tugging Lucien’s jacket around him.

#nanowrimo #nanowrimo 2017 #fantasy #modern fantasy #comedy #school #my writing

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crazililwabbit · 7 years

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Until The Daybreak - A Skyrim Fic

This story is part of the ‘Seal Upon Your Heart’ Series, find the timeline here.

You can find my fanfic master list here.

“Dyre is new in Skyrim, and is ready to start her new life. But she is having to learn that sometimes for something new to grow you need to burn what was there before.” Farkas/OC Dovahkiin

Rated M, for some adult themed content, and drug use.

Chapter One - And Shadows Do Flee

It was dark outside by the time I left Dragonsreach and the temperatures had dropped immensely. All I had was the armor I had managed to pull off a dead body at Helgen, and it wasn't doing much to block the ice cold wind. I made it down the steps, back to the circular walk.

I glanced at the Inn the guard had pointed me to earlier and reached for my coin purse. It was light, too light. I wouldn't have enough for a room.

'I won't make it a night out here on my own,' I frowned. 'It's too cold.'

I smiled at the guard that was passing me, trying not to shiver to violently. Watching him walk away I caught out of the corner of my eye the light in the windows of Jarrvaskr.

'Maybe they'll let me do some work in trade for a room for the night,' I mused and began heading towards the large building.

'What if they don't remember me,' my worry began to nag at the back of my mind. The idea of being scoffed at was more than I could bear. I was too proud for that, I would have taken my chances at living through the night outside before I would take being laughed at.

But my feet didn't feel the same way as me, and I was already at the large, ornately carved door. I felt the roughness of the wood beneath my fingers. I hadn't felt this small and ashamed since I was little when I would wait at the back door of the Argonian woman's home for the food her children didn't eat.

I leaned all my weight against the door and felt it give way. It creaked as it opened and the warmth from the large fire pit in the middle of the main room rolled over me. My skin felt as though it was on fire, I hadn't realized how cold I had gotten.

There were tables set up around the fire pit and the food that is being prepared smelled wonderful. My stomach growled and my shame deepens. As fit as I was to care for myself in the lush forests of Cyrodiil I was helpless in this foreign land. I had learned on my walk here that my bow and arrows were no match for the looming elk that made the best meals out here. It was like being stung by a bee for them. I hadn't eaten since the food Gerdur had graciously given me in Riverwood.

I was taken aback for a moment by the brightness of the fire that burned in the center of the mead hall, and I had let go of the door, which closed with a loud thud. Embarrassed, I glanced around to see if anyone had taken notice of my entrance. I quickly realized that no one was even looking at me, they were all looking at the commotion taking place further into the hall. I took a step further into the room and craned my neck to see what fascinated so many people.

I could hear the fight before I could see it.

"You're pathetic!" I heard a woman yell.

"Keep it up, you'll wear him out!" the man on my right calls out in reply.

The intense fist fight looked like it had been going on for awhile and like it wasn't stopping anytime soon. The dark elf seemed to be taking most of the blows, but when he managed to land one on the Nord woman they were sound and heavy. I was fascinated by how they moved, it seemed almost like a dance. One would move, and the other would match the movement. The woman seemed to effortlessly dodge most of the elf's attacks and in the same move would put so much power into her blows.

The elf cried out as he fell to the ground. "I yield!" he shouted, raising an arm.

I was shocked to hear the Nord woman laughing. "Good job Athis," she reached down a hand to help him up, "you lasted much longer that time."

"I thought I almost had you," he took her hand and hoisted himself up.

She laughed even harder, "right, Athis. It's me."

"Who are you?" the man standing next me had turned and was staring at me.

"I, uh..." he had caught me off guard, I didn't know what to say. 'Hello, I am a pathetic excuse for a Nord who can't survive outside for a night and has no money. Can I stay here?' thinking it made my thoughts from earlier of staying here for a night almost comical.

"Hey," a familiar voice called, "I remember you." I turned to see the man I had met earlier that day, outside of the hold.

"Oh, Farkas," the man turned his attention away from me, "do you know this whelp?"

"Sort of," he scratched his head, "she was near where we killed that giant today. I told her to stop by."

The older man, who was much taller than the man I already knew, sighed, "Farkas, you can't keep inviting just anyone to come to Jarrvaskr."

"Sorry Skjor," he mumbled.

"But," he looked at me again his single blind eye boring into my soul, "she looks strong. Take her down to see Kodlak."

"Alright," Farkas looked at me and smiled, "follow me."

I followed him silently through the hall, trying not to make eye contact with too many of the residents. People made me so uneasy, I was much more at home in a tree, talking to the birds and foxes. He led me down into the sleeping halls and past what seemed like designated rooms. The stone hall was long and ended with a room that had two men sitting in it.

"My brother Vilkas is a better talker than me," Farkas smiled, "he's right in there with Kodlak. Go on in."

I stood there and watched him walk away. I felt abandoned, left alone in a world I didn't know or understand.

"Vilkas, a moment please," the old man at the table interrupted the younger one, "a stranger has come to our hall." He turned and looked at me, a warm smile on his face, "come in Lass, please come in." He motioned for me to enter.

"I, I didn't mean to interrupt," I looked at the younger man. He did look a lot like Farkas, eerily much so. But cleaner, he didn't have a beard and his hair was trimmed shorter and tucked behind his ears. "I am sorry," I mumbled as he just stared at me, a blatant look of disapproval on his face. Surely this hard, mean looking man wasn’t related to the kindhearted man I had met.

"What can I do for you Lass?" the older man smiled.

"I was told to stop by, that perhaps I could join your group here," I tightened my grip on the strap of my bag.

"Oh, were you now?" he sat back in his chair and stroked his beard, "well, let me take a look at you."

I wasn't sure what he meant. I was standing right in front of me, hadn't he been looking at me? He stared at me. His eyes were much older than he seemed to be, they seemed to see through me as if he knew my whole life's story, all my most honorable moments, and my darkest secrets. He was beginning to make me uncomfortable, I felt like I was squirming in my own skin.

"Yes," He sat forward in his chair, his eyes still burning into me, "a certain strength of spirit."

"Kodlak," the hard man stood, "surely you don't mean to accept her?"

"Vilkas, we have many empty beds here that need to be filled with shield-siblings who's hearts are full of fire," he chastised the younger man.

"Of course," he took a step towards me. It felt threatening like he was testing me, "but their skills matter too."

"Of course," Kodlak sighed and sat back in his chair, "of course. In the morning you can take her to the yard and test her. You will train her if she needs improvement."

"Aye," Vilkas relented. He glared as he shoved past me.

"Forgive him, Lass," the old man stood now, "he is a good man. Just hesitant to trust strangers. He has a strong heart and will be the best to teach you." His smile warmed me somewhere inside my chest that felt as if it had never been warmed. It filled me from the inside out, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, Sir."

"What's your name Lass?" he rested a hand on my shoulder.

"Dyre."

"Welcome," he lead me out to the hall.

"Now," he placed his hand on my shoulder, "let's find you a bed."

I could still hear my mother telling me about the mountains and the crispness of the air like she did when I was little. She would curse my father for dragging her from her home in Ivarstead to the city of Leyawiin in Cyrodiil. He died shortly after I was born, leaving us with very little money. My mother had always wanted to return to Skyrim, but she was too poor and too ill. She followed my father to Sovngarde when I was only four years old. The Argonian who lived next door to us always made sure I didn't starve to death while I was too young to fend for myself, but she could never be bothered far enough to bring a Nord child into her home.

I grew up outside for the most part. Learning to live on my own, and selling the few animals I was able to spare from my hunting for a few coins now and then. When I got old enough I learned that as a woman I had other things I could sell, and I could make good money with myself. My tall, muscular build, green eyes, red-blonde hair and ivory skin helped me stand out among the other women in southern Cyrodiil. So I sold myself. I didn't mind it so much. I could run free during the day, I was tied to nothing and no one. Especially not a man.

During the nights I belonged to them, the obese, smelly, pathetic men and I hated them for it. They were disgusting. I would remind myself all night that the days were coming. I could always rely on that sun to crest over the horizon and my freedom would find me again. I would run through the forests, bathe in the rivers and lakes. I knew the land and the animals, and it knew me. Every night before I would return to the town I would hide my money in a tree along with the ribbon my mother use to tie in my hair when I was young. She had to be kept separate from my nights, she was pure and strong and my nights were twisted and contemptible. I would hold it in my hand and marvel at the blue it was, like ice.

"Just like the skies in my homeland," she would say as she weaved it in my hair.

"I'm sorry Momma," I would whisper to it with a kiss before tucking it in with my gold.

That night was particularly bad. I had been with this man before. He was a traveling merchant and would have me visit when he stopped in Leyawiin. He was rather self-serving in the act and tended to sweat profusely. He had fallen asleep quite some time ago and I was drifting off to sleep myself.

"Dyre," I hear a woman's voice call me, "Dyre, little one."

"Momma?" I whispered, confused, "Momma, is that you?"

"Go home," she whispered back, "go home my child."

"I don't understand..." I sat up in the bed, "Momma, I am home."

"Be free. Go home."

I was beginning to panic. I stood up and quickly gathered my light hide armor, quiver, and bow. I glanced around the room and saw the merchant’s coin purse sitting on the dresser. I snatched it and bolted out the door, silently. The Innkeeper looked at me knowingly from behind the counter. I was in here too often for her to not know what I did, but tonight I didn't care. I didn't stop running until I made it back to the tree where I had stashed my belongings.

I found a good spot near the top of the tree that I wouldn't roll out of if I fell asleep and settled in for the night. The next thing I knew it was morning. The sunlight was turning the inside of my eyelids red. I dropped out of the tree and made my way to the nearby stream, where I knelt and washed my face. I stared at my reflection for a bit in the stream and was amazed at how much I looked like my mother. I sat down and pulled the blue ribbon out of my satchel.

Pulling all my hair to one side I braided the ribbon into my hair just like my mother used to. I stood and breathed in the dewy air.

"Alright Momma," I hoped she could hear me in Sovengarde, "I'll go home."

The sun still hadn't risen over the horizon when I woke from the dream that was part memory, and part nightmare. Between the unfamiliar surroundings and the howling coming from the wolves that lived beyond the walls of Whiterun, I hadn't slept well. I was just ready to get the day started. I silently slipped up the stairs from the living quarters to the main hall. The fire was still going strong and the smell of food still saturated the air. I closed my eyes and filled my nose with the sweet smell of confections and meat. My stomach snarled at me, I still hadn't eaten since the morning of the day before.

I tried to move through the hall as quietly as I could, I was hoping to be able to slip out and save myself the embarrassment of being seen the morning after being taken in like a lost dog.

"I haven't seen you before, dear," the voice of an old woman startled me. "You must be the new recruit Kodlak mentioned."

I turned around and tried to regain control of my pounding heart. "Err... yes," I managed to return her smile.

"Well child, I am Tilma. I have cared for the Companions for probably longer than you have been alive," she patted my shoulder. "Would you mind helping me get the platters of food for the morning meal? I do have trouble carrying them in my old age."

"Of course," I had wanted to sneak away, but I couldn't tell this lovely woman no.

"Thank you," she walked over a table in the corner. "I managed to fit them all on two platters this morning."

The platters she was talking about were about three feet long and two feet wide. "That's a lot of food,” my eyes were wide at the small mountains of food piled on the platters.

She laughed, "need to keep warriors good and full, so they don't feel like they need to go eat elsewhere."

I nodded, but I didn't understand, what was wrong with them wanting to go get some food at the local Inn? I picked up the platter filled with sweet rolls and some other amazing looking confection. I walked it over to the long tables that wrapped around the fire and tried to place it as close to the center as I could.

"What are these?" I asked pointing to the cakes with cream coming out of the top, they looked delicious.

"Oh, those are boiled cream treats. My specialty," she winked at me. "Go ahead, have one."

"Oh, I couldn't," I shook my head, "I don't actually live here."

"Nonsense," she waved her hand at me, "have one. You earned it, helping me."

My stomach growled again, and I blushed, "okay." I picked up one of the cakes. It began to fall apart in my hand and the sugar-coating cracked. I quickly ate the piece that was falling off.

"Mmmm..." I couldn't help but moan as the treat melted in my mouth. The custard-like filling was creamy and sweet. I had never had something so wonderful. Before I could stop myself I had sunk into one of the chairs by the table. I was so absorbed in my treat I hadn't noticed the waking warriors.

"Who is that?" one woman whispered to another.

"I don't know, but she looks..." they stared at me, "odd."

I froze where I was sitting, the boiled cream treat half in my mouth, my cheeks full of food. I tried my best to smile at them, but I imagine I looked like a small child with her mouth stuffed full of something she wasn't supposed to be eating.

They burst into laughter.

I could feel my cheeks turning red as the heat from embarrassment rushed to my face. I placed the treat on the plate in front of me on the table and tried my best to clean my face off.

'Just get up and leave.' I scolded myself, 'it’s not worth the humiliation.'

"Morning," a familiar voice mumbled.

I looked up to see Farkas, half awake and looking down at me. His face was curved into a half-smile as he sat down next to me, and I could feel the red in my cheeks deepen. He was only half-dressed with a pair of loose-fitting pants on and not much else.

"I take it Kodlak let you stay," he continued to smile as he piled meat and bread onto his plate.

I nodded. I wasn't sure what to do with myself. I had expected to make it out of here before anyone saw me, let alone talked to me. Social situations were more than uncomfortable for me, they were painful. I had always been the dirty Nord girl no one wanted to associate with. Nervously, I tried to find something to do with my hands, in an attempt to keep them from shaking. They made their way to my hair, which I pulled to the side and tried to braid. I pulled the blue ribbon I always carried with me from the spot where I tucked it next to my hip and secured the bottom.

"That's pretty," Farkas pointed to the braid, "none of the women here ever put anything pretty in their hair." He took a bite of the venison he was holding.

"Thank you," I tried to steady my voice, "it was something my mother gave me."

"That makes it prettier," he smiled.

I smiled back, and we sat in silence around the large tables while everyone slowly gathered and ate their morning meal. I avoided eye contact with most of the people at the table and most of all I avoided looking even slightly towards Vilkas. I still couldn't believe these two were brothers. I glanced over at Farkas to see him still smiling while he ate his food. I hadn't dared to look at Vilkas since he rose from the lower level of the hall, but I remembered his face. It was dark and full of anger. The anger etched into him had reached out from his very person and touched me. I didn't want him to test me outside like Kodlak had said, and I certainly didn't want to spend time with him for training.

"Are you going to eat that?" Farkas asked, pulling me from the rising panic in my chest. "You haven't eaten anything while we've been sitting here."

"I'm not very hungry," I mumbled, as my stomach growled, betraying me.

Farkas laughed. It was a hearty, full laugh that filled the whole hall. "Eat it," he beamed at me.

I smiled. I couldn't help but smile with how he was smiling at me. "Okay," I reached for my half-eaten treat. My stomach thanked me as I finished it and two more before Farkas rose from his chair.

"I'll see you in the yard," he was still smiling; I was pretty sure he hadn't stopped the entire time he was eating, "Vilkas will be testing you soon, and I want to be there when he does."

I heart leaped. Not only would I have to hold my own against a foe twice my size, but I had to do it with an audience. Yet there was something comforting about knowing he would be there. Perhaps he wouldn't allow Vilkas to kill me.

@iwantthedean @goldenangelbloodcastiel , I wasn’t sure if you wanted to be tagged on these too. @apurdyfulmind

#crazililwabbitfics #skyrim #thecompanions #dovahkiin #chapterone #andshadowsdoflee #dyre #farkas #SealUponYourHeartSeries

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theload · 7 years

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Haruchicken’s Prize

@haruchicken here is the first half of your prize. Let me know what you want the “From The Talon Of” to be about.

Landilizandra sat off to the side, watching as the elves walked this way and that, all about the room. Every so often one would stop and bow to her, would compliment her scales, or the ribbons she had dangling from her horns. But none would stay for extended talk, most of them were intimidated by the presence of their house deity. She may be a minor one, seen more as a powerful patron than a true god, but she was a god none the less, and there wasn't a single household in the kingdom which didn't hold a small shrine in her honor.

Landilizandra was willing to tolerate it, so long as she didn't need to guide any spirits to the next life. But still, it could make these parties rather boring at times, when none but the royal family were willing to speak with her.

A red ball rolled by, knocking into her tail, and she looked down then looked up, finding the twins Mere and Sylph looking at her. They were young by elf standards, only fifty years old, and could be excused some play, especially since they were a prince and a princess. Thrumming, Landilizandra scooped the ball up with her tail, bounced it a bit, then knocked it over to them. The squealed in delight and rushed over to her, trying to climb up onto her back.

"Watch the spines," she warned, though there was little point. They had played on her back so often, they were well aware of the dangers.

Mere had taken it upon himself to try and climb up to her horns, possibly because he wanted her ribbons, but he misjudged the gap between the spines and slipped, falling from her neck. In an instant her head snapped to the side, her jaws catching the back of his tunic the way a mother cat would scruff her kits. Gently she lowered him down to the ground and, after a brief moment of consideration, snatched up his sister and lowered her as well, ignoring the girl's protests.

"Careful, little ones," she said. "I would suggest you avoid falling from my back, at least until your wings grow in. Now, go find your mother. I'm sure she would love to be bothered." The twins giggled and ran off, no doubt forming a plan to cause some sort of mischief.

As she watched them run off she saw Rose, the Twins' eldest sister and heir apparent, enter the room, looking as put off as only a new mother could. Her blessing had not included eggs, so Rose had been forced to deliver the way any elf would, and her stomach was still swollen under her gown. Her breasts as well were swollen, heavy with milk, and Landilizandra thrummed at the thought of the tailors having to create an entirely new dress for just this occasion, and none other. She wondered if Rose had thrown a fuss about it. Standing up, she made her way over to Rose, before once more sitting down.

"Where is my new Godson, Rose?" She asked. "I want to finally learn what you decided to name him."

"It's not time yet," Rose said. "You know that as well as I do. The Queen has to bring the child out, say the blessing, invoke the spirits..."

"Invoke me," Landilizandra finished. "Yes, I know the ritual. It's been needlessly complicated since it began. I should know, I was there." She sighed wistfully. "River's own was so simple. Just a touch of my talon and she was gifted with a dragon's form. Now it's all pomp and ceremony."

"Such is tradition," Rose said. She frowned, looking around at the crowds. "Where is Forest?" Landilizandra snorted smoke.

"You mean he isn't here?" She asked, her voice a parody of offense. "The young Prince Forest, too immature to see his own nephew's christening? I cannot believe it. I refuse to believe it."

"Point taken," Rose muttered. The lights dimmed then, her brother Vulcan killing some of the torches, as Tribute brought out Rose's son. Named him Drake, which earned a pleased sound from Landilizandra.

The ceremony continued, (with Forest finally arriving about halfway through) until Rose was called forward to hold her son, and Landilizandra was called forward to bless him. She stepped forward, looking down at the naked infant.

"Drake Sgiathach," she spoke. "Long ago, your ancestor River pulled me from a river, when I was but an egg. I would never have hatched had it not been for her, and so I bless her line. In the name of River, my savior, I bless you, Drake Sgiathach, to be elf and dragon both. May River's spirit live strong within you." She tapped his chest and a strand of magic, a strand of herself, entered the infant. It shifted over his body, before settling down around his navel, forming what appeared to be a yellow sun burst upon his belly. Landilizandra made a pleased sound, not knowing exactly what his magic would be, but suspecting it would probably connect with either fire or light.

The boy shifted in his mothers arms and began to cry, and that was a sign to all that the ceremony was completed, and that Drake was in desperate need of his dinner. Which, Landilizandra mused, eyeing the large elk placed upon the table, she had to agree with.

#Landilizandra Art Contest #Dragon Tales #haruchicken #Landilizandra

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ariarichardson · 4 years

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Top 15 Irish and Scottish experiences

Many of our US visitors on trips to Ireland often carry out a Celtic tour, pairing Scotland and Ireland tours into one holiday. This is an amazing and worthwhile idea, both locations are famous for their natural beauty, experiences and easily accessible from one another. Here you will find just some of the incredible things Ireland and Scotland have to offer. There are simply too many to list so here we are going to compile a list of the MUST SEE locations and experiences for your Scotland and Ireland travel itinerary.

1. Ring of Kerry

When it comes to Ireland vacations nothing compares to the Ring of Kerry. From Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Lady’s view and the Gap of Dunloe the Ring of Kerry is world famous for its breathtaking views and warm welcomes. A must for Ireland trips, the Ring is a carefully designed route showcasing all that the kingdom of Kerry has to offer. You simply haven’t been to Ireland without passing through this majestic place.

2. Whiskey!

Both of these incredible nations are renowned for having the most ancient and delicious ties to whiskey, (whisky in Scotland). In Ireland you must visit the Jameson Experience in county Cork home to both Jameson and Midleton Whiskey whereas Highland Park is Scotland’s most northerly and award studded distillery. Their Magnus Eunson tour allows guests to taste seven of this truly incredible malt whiskys. Allow yourself to get spirited away by the dark and caramel tones of this amazing liqueur.

3. Discover the great outdoors

Trips to Ireland and Scotland allow visitors to enjoy the most outstanding nature and scenery. In Ireland Killarney national park is home to great lakes, red deer and incredible castles. The Europe hotel is situated on these lakes and is the perfect place to call home during your visit. Not to be outdone Scotland’s impeccable highlands such as Rannoch Moor , where sky, bogland, mountains and lochs bleed into one another forming stunning vistas that are a spiritual experience all of their own.

4. The Wizardly Jacobite train

Known as the greatest train journey in the world, this journey is a perfect way to see some of the most incredible Scottish scenery in one day. You may recognise this train and its famous Glenfinnan Viaduct from the Harry Potter series. You will be captivated by the magical scenery and understand how this journey would become a muse for J. K. Rowling. Enjoy their incredible cream tea service from the comfort of your luxurious seat and lose yourself in this once in a lifetime experience.

5. Food

Ireland and Scotland have some of the richest and most remarkable dining experiences found anywhere in Europe. In Ireland Miyazaki’s , Izz Cafe , Chapter One and Aimsir are absolute must visits. While Scotland has the Kitchin, Loch Bay Restaurant, Pataka and Aizle. From Japanese cuisine to Palestinian and Indian cusine there is something for everyone with traditional champions such as Chapter One and Kitchin showcasing the very best of local fare.

6. Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way boasts many of the famous tourist attractions all in one scenic region. There is truly a postcard image everywhere you look. From the rustic countryside of Kerry and the Skellig islands, the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the otherworldly Burren National Park and Ailwee Caves, the nightlife of Galway city there is something here to suit every taste.

7. Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline of Edinburgh city, Edinburgh Castle is a tourist favourite and it’s easy to see why from its historic halls, rich characters, turrets and functioning cannon timekeeping display (yes you heard right). Tickets are affordable and offer a whole day’s worth of fun and exploration without leaving the city itself. To offer the best experience currently, they are operating on a limited admission basis due to social distancing so make sure to book in advance to secure your visit to this amazing destination.

8. Lough Ness

The large deep and picturesque loch is located in the beautiful countryside of Inverness. This incredible 23 mile lake with its own islands, fisheries, world speed records and of course Nessie the lochs very own cryptid. When visiting Scotland a lake tour is a cheap, family friendly and incredibly rewarding day out.

9. Aran Islands

The Aran Islands located off the coast of Galway will transport you back in time. Locals here are still native Irish speakers and live independently from the mainland. The islands themselves are home to spectacular scenery and ancient pre-christian forts situated on top of sheer cliffs. From their warm Aran sweaters, lush countryside and welcoming smiles these Islands offer a fun and exciting day out for those who want a real taste of old Ireland. Grab a pint and listen to the tall tales and traditional ceol of the locals.

10. Isle of Skye The Isle of Sky is famous for its rugged landscape and its sheer natural beauty. If amazing hikes, nature trails, northern lights, highland cows and pints with sing-songs are to your fancy you will love this memorable and beautiful location. The locals are incredibly friendly here and it may well be the most scenic area in all of Scotland with high rolling hills and mesmerizing crystal clear fairy pools.

11. Giants Causeway

The Giants Causeway is a remarkable stone formation that has caused myth and scientific speculation alike due to its crisp and almost handcrafted hexagonal faces. These stone stacks are a true natural wonder and must be seen to be believed. The newly built sleek visitor center boasts incredible displays and information about the causeway and local area.

12. Newgrange

Older than the pyramids of Egypt this ancient structure was used as a burial tomb for the stone age locals. This tomb has a passage which allows light to enter only on the solstice , a mind baffling feat of engineering for its time. This massive tomb was built in an era when mammoths and Irish Elk still walked the earth. It’s ancient geometric patterns and carvings show the work of true craftsmen and will instill a sense of wonder and awe in all that visit.

13. Golf

If golf is your thing then you’ve come to the right place! Ireland is home to some of the most impressive and respected courses in all of Europe with popular destinations being The old head of Kinsale, Fota, Ballybunion, Portmarnock and Lahinch. These courses are situated around green rolling hills, and stark rugged coastline making for the most captivating of experiences. Meanwhile Scotland is home to the game, pot a hole in St. Andrews the worlds first ever course or gaze at the Mull of Kintyre from Turnberry.

14. Spend a night in a castle

Spending a night in a castle is a special and romantic experience. Both Scotland and Ireland castle tours are sure to please with a range of luxurious castle hotels that will leave you feeling like royalty. In Ireland Ashford castle and Adare Manor offer the most regal and elegant hotel breaks in Ireland with outstanding service, food and activities on site. Meanwhile Scotland boasts the elegant Inverlochy Castle Hotel, which Queen Victoria stated she “had never a more romantic spot” or Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle.

15. Go off the beaten path

Ireland and Scotland have so much to offer that simply cannot be reduced into such a brief list. Make the journey your own by incorporating your own hobbies and interests and take the road less travelled, it’s always worth it. There are many hidden gems in these stunning and welcoming destinations, talk to locals and do your homework in advance. Also keep an eye on our blogs which regularly feature hidden gems, top tips and many other vacation ideas. Additionally view our range of Ireland and Scotland CIE Tours for inspiration.

from Ireland Vacations with DiscoveringIreland.com https://ift.tt/33aviL7

#Ireland Vacations with DiscoveringIreland.com

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