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n3ptoonz · 4 months

Note

Okay but like the whole save a horse ride a cowboy thing… for Arthur?

'Snake on a Train'

THANKS FOR 300+!!🖤🖤❤️❤️

Pairing: Arthur Morgan/F!Reader

Fandom: Red Dead Redemption II

Warnings/tags: Smut; Explicit, i'm writing this like i'm from the old west bear with me it's really fun, post chapter 6 MEANING he's alive and DOES NOT have TB. never caught it. we live in delusion round these parts. dialogue driven y'all know me i love me some interaction, implied breeding knk, cowgirl, barely proofread writers block is fucking me up

fr tho read this in a southern accent shit is kinda funny i had way too much fun LMAO

i got so many arthur requests then realized i used THIS theme so i'm using this ask i hope those who sent in will find this!!

Word count: 2300

Explicit content under the cut

Never trust a "runaway" O'Driscoll ever again. You was on the run now, away from those freaks and needed a proper escape at least for the time being. Why you chose to not accept Arthur's offer of joining the gang was beyond you. You knew each other well in Blackwater before they had to leave, he suggested you join since you'd be a great addition and trustworthy, but you declined. Later on you were picked up by a "runaway", he sold you out and now you're high tailing it to the nearest escape.

You stumbled across a particularly high end looking train that looked like it was headed west--aka opposite way from this shit. Your initial intent wasn't to rob it, yet. You just needed a quick getaway from this madness. Quick and sneaky you were getting into the back past a few guards. You found an abandoned ticket under a seat and stuffed it in your pocket, walking around until you found an empty cart that looked quite fancy.

You kept your head on a swivel and constantly looked out the window for any suspicious activities when somebody barged in. You quickly stood up and drew your revolver when you realized who you laid your eyes on.

"...Arthur?" you said. His eyes adjusted from the sun reflecting off the window when he heard his name escape from your lips, recognizing your voice almost immediately.

"What are you doin' here?" you both inquired in unison.

"Put your damn gun down I ain't here to rob you." he said sitting down on one of the two seat chairs covered in leather. You slid it back into the holster with curious eyes still on him. Just how long had it been? Why was he here?

"You normally waltz into carts that aren't yours?"

"Ain't that what you did?"

...he had a point.

"Maybe, but I had a reason."

"You sayin' I'd hop onto a nearby train for no reason?"

"I ain't seen or heard from you in almost a decade, Arthur. I don't know what I know anymore. Where's the rest of Blackwater's finest?"

Arthur just leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. There was a deadpan look in his eyes as he recalled everything that went down in the last two weeks. All the betrayals and chaos started to montage in his mind all over again; how he was this close to death, but managed to escape somehow.

"Dead, on their own, or all the above. Remember John? I helped him and his folks get out. The others...well I don't rightly know where they are. And quite frankly I don't care."

You sat in front of him as you processed his words. What's understood don't need to be said, and you knew this well.

"Is that why you're here?" you asked. It felt like a question with an obvious answer but you honestly just wanted a confirmation. It wasn't like him to just run off, at least from when you last seen him.

"In so many words, I guess. Although I didn't expect to see a woman of your caliber running away from your bullshit either. I'd like to know too, if you don't mind."

"Oh hush that up." you waved his comment off dismissively, "I was sold out."

"Well I'll be. You know I always wondered what you were doing or who you decided to hang with if not us. Who in their right mind would sell out one of Blackwater's most wanted?"

In your time together you always had a playful relationship, but you could tell in his tone there was slight bitterness or sarcasm. Truth be told he started to feel some type of way when he realized you declined him just to end up with some other gang that clearly didn't give a damn about you.

"Watch yourself." you warned, your tone half serious half playful.

"What? You didn't want to be around folk who had your best interest that's fine. I won't say I told you so."

"When the hell did you tell me so?"

"The day before we left." he answered without hesitation. "The night we spent together? Ring any bells?"

Damn. You tried to forget that night since the day he had to leave and you too shortly after. You didn't want to remember all the fun you had. You didn't want to remember his hearty laugh at your stupid jokes. Hell...you didn't even want to remember just how good he treated you. He treated you like a lady, unlike most of the men you came across. All it took was one heated kiss, and you both were hooked. But also knew it couldn't be given both your circumstances.

When he offered for you to join you wanted to jump at the opportunity. So why didn't you? Because, well, you loved the man. You thought your own feelings would hinder the morale of the group somehow and break it apart, and you wouldn't dare that be on you. Plus you couldn't really tell where he stood. He's a guy who treated most people with respect despite how he grew up.

Back then he mentioned how people like them were hard to come by and that most gangs were either just downright pieces of shit or cultish. So he in fact did tell you so, and you tried to forget that as soon as possible. Didn't want any sort of thoughts of him clouding your mind or else you'd go crazy.

The only reason you two didn't get intimate that night is because he respected you and your boundaries. He still does. He didn't want it to feel like he was grasping on to the nearest thing to fuck with and then dip. That's not the kind of man he was nor will he ever be.

"What does that night have to do with why I'm here now?" you tried so hard to seem like it didn't completely take over your thoughts, but this is Arthur Morgan for christ sake. He's damn good at reading people.

"It can mean just about anything, sweetheart, but I know it meant something to you just as much as it did to me." he said. The tone of his voice sounded a bit like he was trying to convince himself that was the case. If it wasn't, he wouldn't know what to do.

You sat back in your seat but that didn't take away the feeling of his gaze pouring into your soul. "It did." you said looking down at your hands

"Then why decline? Was it me? I know it's not my lifestyle because we lived the same way."

"I didn't want to get in the way, alright? I knew you'd be gone often and would be out for days at a time while I worried if you'd come back in one piece. I've been there and done that. Wasn't doing that again."

Arthur leaned back up in his seat and ran his hand over his face, sighing. He didn't want to come off so strong, but he felt real feelings for you and didn't know how to process it properly. The woman who's been on his mind since the day the gang left Blackwater sat in front of him and he felt like a lost puppy all over again.

"Okay." he said softly, "Was I on your mind at all?" he continued looking down, mumbling under his breath but you still heard him.

"Everyday since." you said standing up. He slowly looked up at you with those pearly blues that never failed to capture you. He was just so relieved that it wasn't just him. That it wasn't one-sided. Grabbing his hand you pulled him up to meet your eyes--like he wasn't visibly looking down at you.

"I thought about you so damn much I guess I had to distract myself by running with some undercover O'Driscolls. I figured out who they was too late and voila, lawmen breaking down my door."

Arthur shortly chuckled upon hearing you explain more of your situation. To him it was unbelievable, and he never thought he'd hear that name ever again especially after seeing Colm swing.

"This evening is full of surprises. How do I know this isn't some big scheme to take me down once and for all?" he said while wrapping his arms snug around your waist and his voice grew more rugged and deep. Oh how he missed this. What this is, who knows, and who cares?

"I don't need some big scheme to take you down." you said placing your hands on his biceps, squeezing just a little bit. He smirked at this action and pulled you closer.

"That so?"

You hummed in agreement, and it didn't take long for you two to finally lock lips together after a bit of playful murmuring here and there. And just like that, you both were taken back to that night. That heated kiss you shared was the absolute highlight of your lives, and you intended to relive that again and more.

It's like you never left but kissed like it's been forever. He ran his cold palm up your back to hold you while the other unbuttoned your pants. Even after almost ten years, he didn't miss a beat. He still got it. Are we surprised? You followed his lead and kept one arm around his neck while the other attempted to pull him free.

His hands were quick and nimble like yours, so next thing you know your pants are on the ground and you're sitting comfortably in his lap. You was now clad in a loose collar shirt and underwear and his shirt remained unbuttoned at the collar. Your mouths never stopped dancing throughout this whole process too.

Arthur just kept groaning into your mouth at every subtle grind on his thigh. This was only the second time of you two getting together like this, yet it feels way more than that. That same drunk feeling from the night made its return and wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

You pulled back so you both could catch your breath, holding his face and running your thumbs over his stubble that was soon to becoming a full beard.

"I missed you...so damn much." you said in a tone just above a whisper.

"I can't imagine more than I have..." he replied while toying with the hem of your underwear. "Would you give this old outlaw the honor of... having you? All to myself?" he asked, looking deep into your eyes. You could feel him fully hard and his hands trembling a bit, but he still wants to hear it from you. One part is confirmation, but the other? He would easily gain satisfaction from knowing you want to give yourself to him.

"Well...I've saved a horse...and I plan on riding a cowboy," you whispered and smiled against his lips before leaning back in. Arthur chuckled into the kiss, wasting zero time pulling them panties to the side and slide right on in.

Your breath hitched as you eased on down his thick shaft. "That's my girl." he whispered, right next to your ear so he could physically feel you clench against him from his praises. You gripped his shoulders as your eyes closed shut, expelling light whimpers here and there as you set a place. He placed his hand on your back once again to encourage you, feeling a little smug at your struggle to keep up.

Best believe you weren't no bitch though; you swallowed thickly and kept on riding him. The ambience of the train was quickly fading as you two became lost in your own desire.

Were you expecting your orgasm to approach so quickly? Honestly, it made sense. Arthur knew all the right things to say and touched all the right places that churn your butter.

He was also nearing the end, and yet he had such a genuine smile on his face. He grunted with every time you sank back down into his lap and this meant he simply could not be happier. He's been dreaming of this moment forever, and finally. Finally, the woman of his dreams is having the time of her life because of him.

To keep yourself grounded you pulled his head up to rest your forehead on his, "Please, cum inside me," you begged. Your climax was seconds away from hitting you and you wanted to reach bliss at the same time.

You ain't have to tell him even once with how quickly he followed suit. Your hips slammed right back down into his lap as you both tried to stifle your cries of pleasure, still mindful of other passengers.

After you both calmed down in each other's arms, you cleaned yourselves up and plopped back down onto the two person couch you had just gotten intimate on. You held his bicep and laid your head on his shoulder with a content smile on your face. His the very same.

"You sure know how to get down for someone I ain't seen in a long time." he said playfully, looking down at you.

"Who said I ain't got none in a long time?" you replied a little too fast for his liking, looking up and seeing his expression comedically fall to a straight one. "I'm just messing, I wouldn't dare risk having anybody else's kids but yours." you continued casually before shutting your eyes. You had to stop yourself from laughing at the sound of his heart rate getting faster through his chest.

He chuckled, looking out the window at the scenery become painted with the pinks and yellows of the sunset passing by.

"You are something else."

#n3ptoonz #rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #arthur morgan #arthur morgan x reader #red dead redemption two #red dead redemption arthur #rdr2 smut #smut

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illtakeyoutowonderland · 1 year

Text

The One (Part 10)

The one were he left

Sihtric x Reader

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It took them at least a day to reunite and prepare to leave towards Aethelflaed's state.

Sihtric had somehow found a cart where Osferth could travel and rest at the same time, since he was in no position to ride a horse or even walk. Y/N rode silently right beside her friend all the way to their destination.

Once in Saltwic, Aethelflaed greeted her warmly. She arranged a bath for everyone and got her some new clothes while the one's covered in blood were being washed. If Y/N was being honest she didn't care if they burned them, but also she wasn't sure how picky she could be with their supplies

"I'm glad to see you again, Y/N" Her friend said once Y/N was bathed and changed in a new dress. Aethelflaed enter the room and sat next to her in her new bed "But I can see you are hurting. You can talk to me, you know?" So she did. And as tears fell down through her cheeks she told her friend what had happened. How she had run but the man had insisted, how she tried to push him aside but he just didn't let her go so she... "You did what you had to" Aethelflaed stated "I know it doesn't make it better, but it was him or you. And you survived" Her friend continue as she pulled her between her arms "You are safe now" And Y/N cried once more for the man she had killed, for being lost and missing her home. She cried accepting that maybe she would never go back.

After she pulled herself together, she and Aethelflaed went to find their friends. They found them in a hall, drinking and eating. Celebrating. Uhtred was the only one with a sad look on his face and Y/N assumed the news about his dead brother were finally sinking in. Aethelflaed followed him outside, leaving her to find Finan and Sihtric next to a fire, drinking

"There she is!" Finan said and handed her a cup of ale "How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay" She said, as she always did

"You don't have to lie to us, Lady" Finan said, catching her lie

"Okay, uhmm" She took a sip of her drink "I feel like shit. And I'm on the verge of an emotional and mental collapsing. But hey, at least there is alcohol around" She half joked raising her glass to the two men.

"Welcome to the life of the warrior" Finan hugged her from her shoulders, cheering as he finished his drink in one sip "We are going to need more ale" And with that he left, leaving her alone with Sihtric

He looked more relaxed than she has ever seen him since they met. Maybe as relaxed as the day at the nunnery before Haesten came along. "I still have your knife" She really did have the intention to give it back

"You can keep it" He said shrugging but with a smile on his face

"You sure?"

"It saved you once, better to keep it around" He nodded at her and she looked away at the memory. He cursed himself a little, he did not want her to think about that "New dress?" He asked changing the subject

"Oh, Aethelflaed gave me more dresses that I could ever ask for" She explained "Thought I could have some change. Something that does not make me think of... you know" She couldn't even put in words, but he understood

"Well, you definitely do not look like a Dane" He said referring to the first time he saw her in a dress "If that is the change you are looking for, Lady" He said with a small smirk and she laughed a little. Still he could see how something in her eyes had died since the battle

"You two laughing together?" Finan appeared with a new jug of ale "What did I miss?"

They both laughed and Y/N rolled her eyes as she took the jug from Finan's hand "I'm going to check on Osferth" She announced as she started to walk away

"She took the ale" Finan said to Sihtric who only laughed at the expression of his friend

She found Osferth in one of the rooms, sleeping. She let him sleep as she sat on a chair next to him, thanking for the peace and quite. He looked to be getting better, still his wound remind her of the battle, of the man that tried to... She took a sip of the ale. And then another and another until the jug was empty and she cried in silence til she felt empty, too.

The sun had started to set when she decided it was time to go back to the others. She found Finan and Sihtric eating at a table on the same hall as before and she walked to them "Where can I find more?" She asked as she stood next to Finan

"I can share mine with you, Lady" Said Dagfinn from a table across the hall, taking Y/N by surprise as she did not notice the prisioners there with them

"You will shut your mouth" Sihtric snapped at him making Dagfinn shrugged as he kept eating

"Why are they here?"

"Uhtred's orders" Finan simply said "How did Osferth finish an entire jug of ale in his state?"

"He didn't. He is sleeping I didn't woke him up" Y/N explained and both men shared a concern look realizing she had drank the whole jug by herself "Now, where can I find more?"

"I think maybe you had enough?" Sihtric suggested softly

"You don't get to decide when I had enough, Dane boy" She said, the anger clear in her voice, but their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Uhtred enteering the hall

"How's Osferth?"

"Sleeping" Y/N said as she sat down grabbing Finan's cup who, to her surprise, said nothing. Sihtric only stared at her from across his seat, while she ignored him

"As we all should be" Finan added "Just as soon as he is recovered, we should attempt to recover Skade"

"Once again" Sihtric said softly

"So long as she is free, Lord, you are cursed"

"Skade is with the Danes, we cannot reach her" Uhtred replied "We will not reach her to our deaths"

"Death will find us regardless" Sihtric said looking at Uhtred in the eye

"Do you have something to say, Sihtric?"

"He does not" Finan intervined

"Except that enough of us had died already" Y/N could see somthing in Sihtric's eyes. He was looking for a fight, maybe tired of everything that was going on. She couldn't really blame him

"You are a warrior. Death is a hazard"

"I've decided to go to Ragnar. I must help him find peace" Uhtred shared with his friends, sadnedd clear on his face

"All you'll find a Ragnar's graveside is ghosts" Sihtric kept his gaze on Uhtred as Finan and Y/N shared a confused look

"You will keep watch on Aethelflaed and Y/N, and you will rest" Uhtred orderd and Finan nodded

"No man who serves Uhtred can rest, not until Skade is reclaimed"

"Sihtric, you are drunk and you are tired" Finan tried to keep his friend quite but failed

"Yes, I am tired" Sihtric continued raising his voice "Of marching north and then south, being called a traitor. For what?"

"Then leave, boy" Uhtred simply said and even Y/N knew it had gone too far "If you are unhappy in my service, leave"

"I have fought for you!" Sihtric yelled at Uhtred as he pushed him

"Sihtric!" Y/N called him in an attempt to stop the situation as Finan stood between his friends

"You fight because you enjoy it" Uhtred laughed at him

"You would dismissed me this easily?"

"Stay or go, I do not care"

"Uhtred you do not mean that" Y/N's drunk state didn't let her process things clearly. Everything was happening too fast

"He does care" Finan said as calmly as he could "Now let us all sit"

"Stay or go, Sihtric Kjartanson, It is your choice" Uhtred calmly said staring at his friend "Make it!"

Sihtric hesitated for a second before he replied "If you wish to make the square, Uhtred of Bebbbanburg, let us do it"

"Are you both out of your mind?"

"There will be no squares made, no fighting, just sleep!"

"I will leave first light, but I will return" Uhtred ignored both Y/N and Finan "And if you are here still then I will kill you" And then walked out of the hall

"Why?" Finan asked his friend

"He has cursed us all!" Sihtric said as he throw some cups from the table in anger. Y/N stumbled back in surprise as she gasped a little Sihtric looked at her with pain in his eyes

"She has cursed you all. Uhtred allows it" Dagfinn intervined as he kept eating and Sihtric turned to look at him "Abandon him, boy. It is your only chance. You are a Dane first and last "He continued as Finan made a signal to one of the soldiers to shup Dagfinn up

Y/N run out of the hall, her emotions getting the best of her. He tried to find Uhtred to make him see some sense in all of this, they were all tired, but failed. She was alone in her room trying to process what had happened. How Uhtred had promised to kill one of his closest friends just like that and how Sihtric was not the quite man she thought he was. She saw the knife he had give her sitting on one of the tables and anger took over her. She grabbed it and walked back towards the hall

Sihtric and Finan were in the same place she had left them minutes ago. She threw the knife in the table in front of Sihtric as both men looked at her confused "If you choose to betray your friend this easily, then I want nothing to do with you" And with that she left before he could say something to her. She walked back to her room and closed the door. She threw herslef on the bed and stared at the ceiling fighting the tears in her eyes. She had cried too much for on day already.

At some point in the night she fell asleep. No nightmares this time. She woke up to the sun entering throw the window and rubbed her eyes. Someone had put a blanket over her, since she didn't remember doing it herself. She sat up on the bed and as she looked around she saw Sihtric's knife on her beside table and run to the hall to see what had happened

She found Finan already up and eating his breakfast but no sign of Sihtric. She walked over to the table and sat in front of her friend as she still looked around in case she had missed him

"He is gone" Finan told her and her heart sunk a little. She didn't even tried to hide how this hurt her and Finan sighed at the look of his now hurt friend "I'm sorry, Y/N"

"It is not your fault" She genuinely said to him. She grabbed some food and put it on a plate with and with the excuse to check on Osferth she left the hall

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#the last kingdom #finan #sihtric #sihtric kjartansson #sihtric fic #sihtric x reader #sihtric the last kingdom #uhtred #uhtred of bebbanburg

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bijoumikhawal · 11 months

Text

Hunting Abbadon

This is a short story from a larger work I'm working on called Sycamores Before the Flood, a historical fantasy set in 4th century Egypt. It may or may not make it into the final work, but I sort of started working on it as a proof of concept, since most of what I have for it is scattered fragments, and I'm in research hell.

In this, the main character, Kalashire, is invited on a hunting trip by another soldier while they're granted leave. What are they hunting? Why, an escaped unicorn, of course!

(But the unicorn is also a metaphor. No points for guessing what its a metaphor for, however).

Warnings for: graphic violence against animals, depictioms of misogyny, harassment, and homophobia.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

It was not the custom of their enemies, but under the yoke of those same enemies, each man in Kime had been made a farmer, unless he was a Hellene or lucky. So the wisdom prevailed that soldiers, like plots of land, should be switched around so as not to deplete them. This was how Kalashire found himself on leave; it was his first, and he would be returning without his father.

At the thought, he bent his head low, staring at the road dust as he walked. He would need to tell his sister and brother himself.

"Are you on leave as well, brother?" Mina asked him, startling him out of his thoughts. He and Nahroou had caught up with him without his notice.

"For now." Kalashire replied, putting on a mask of wry humor. It was not successful; he must have flinched.

Mina laughed. "Ease yourself. I have a proposal that may cool your desire to be back in the fighting."

"What proposal?" Kalashire asked warily.

"A village a day away claims to have spotted 2 unicorns." Nahroou said, some dourness coloring him. "And- something that's more than gossip- it is known that one of the merchant families of Antiöe was trying to import some- and they failed to arrive."

Kalashire stared at him, taking a moment to catch on. "You want to hunt? Have you lost your sense?"

"That's what I asked him." Nahroou squinted at Mina.

Mina was unfazed; when God made him he had not given him a sense of shame. "If you won't hunt with me, at least accept my hospitality. Unlike you, I have a cart and a horse."

This was true: while Mina was not from down the river, his family was more prestigious, and his personal provisions had been such. Their unit had made use of that very cart while on duty, and it seemed they'd make use of it traveling upriver.

Walking would mean by the time Kalashire reached home he'd have to turn around immediately at best, and hiring a mule had been his current plan. Unfortunately for him, mules thought him foul. He'd been mentally steeling himself for being bitten. "Fine. And I might as well accompany you on the hunt and keep you from getting killed.

"Nahroou looked behind him. "Oh, lord save me."

Onhet, also from their unit, was rushing down the road towards him, Tsanna keeping her pace alongside.

They stopped not far away, and Onhet wrapped an arm around her shoulders to support her as she slouched, catching her breath. "Is this a last gathering before heading home?" He asked them.

"Something akin to that. Mina wants to kill a unicorn."

Onhet's face crumpled with disgust. His Prophet had declared even the killing of plants to be sinful; Kalashire doubted he wanted to explain to his Elect that he needed to be cleansed of the sin of going out of his way to hunt a unicorn.

"You can't believe everything you hear. Even if people say there's a unicorn, that doesn't mean it's true."

"What's the harm in seeing if if is?" Mina asked him.

"I suppose there isn't any- if you somehow have no relations that worried about you the past 6 months."

Nahroou glanced at Kalashire, who had his mask firmly in place. Kalashire did not know if it bothered him, truly, but if it did, he did not show it.

Mina laughed. "Well, I certainly don't have a girl to bring back home before I can marry her." He clapped Onhet on the back and winked at Tsanna.

She flushed, corners of her mouth dropping. "I'm his woman, not yours, you dog."

"A dog, am I? Does that make you a hare?"

Onhet knocked Mina's arm off him, also frowning. "You joke too much, Mina. I hope you know how to keep a still mouth during your hunt." He nodded to Kalashire and Nahroou, then the duo took their leave.

Mina stared after them.

Kalashire nudged him. "I thought you wanted to hunt unicorns, not hares. Besides, she doesn't like you and your parents would cast you out if you brought home a follower of Mani."

"Who says I want to bring her home?"

Nahroou frowned and narrowed his eyes, as he often did. "Didn't you say you'd convinced two other fools to come with you?"

"I did, I did. They went on to an inn; it's best that we rest tonight and set off tomorrow. If we start early, we'll be where the report came from by noon."

Kalashire sighed. "Let's go, then."

"Kalashire, Kalashire. You're almost as impatient as that heretic was."

"Much like the heretic, I have family affairs to settle. My brother and sister have bad news to receive."

Mina stumbled for the first time since Kalashire had met him.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

The evening had passed uneventfully. Kalashire had made himself on good terms with the other two men- a Dauid and Harmine, from the same village- and allowed Mina to feel his comment had been smoothed over, but had gracefully turned into bed early so he could get enough rest while accounting for an hour of staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep, and lacking any desire to do anything else.

They set out before the sun.

Nahroou and Dauid elected to walk for a stretch, at which point Kalashire and Harmine would get out and walk, allowing them to rest.Mina started chatter early.

"Everyone's fresh, except the smell of dear Holhol."

"You'd think after being the only one taking care of him for 6 months, you wouldn't be able to notice the stink at all anymore." Kalashire remarked.

"If only." Mina chuckled. "I suppose it's the price one must pay for peaceable feet."

"Oh, god." Nahroou said. "He thinks himself a philosopher."

Kalashire laughed. "From the school of dung. Half his students are beetles."

Mina picked up a spare walking stick and began prodding at Kalashire without turning his head. "Better than yours: a school of hot air, since that's all that's in your head."

Kalashire irritably dodged. "You're one to talk."

"I'd prefer air over dung," Harmine remarked, "but together I'd chose to make companions with a scorpion."

That made then both laugh.

"Surely we aren't that bad a pair!"

"I can hardly say, as a new friend." Harmine tilted his head. "You are the better judges, I can only extrapolate from what you say yourselves."

"Quit being a braggart, Min." Dauid said.

"Will you report me to our Abouna, Dauid?"

"What are friends for, if not keeping each other in account?"

"Fine group of comedians we've gathered here." Nahroou shook his head.

"You act as though we have something better to talk about."

Dauid spoke up again. "The unicorns."

That did effectively halt the prior conversation.

"All unicorns are male, you know." Mina said.

"Nonsense. How do they make more of themselves?"

"Perhaps they pop out of the ground, like plants." Kalashire said with no small sarcasm. It covered the racing of his heart, suddenly remembering a sight he'd seen while visiting the Therapeutae village.

"And what plants them?"

"Demons, obviously."

Harmine tapped his fingers on the side of the cart. "Some churches actually consider the unicorns as symbols of Iesous."

"That's perverse." Nahroou said. "A unicorn is more like a Hromanios than anything else. Certainly as brutal, if the stories can be believed."

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Mina and Holhol trotted off, looking for an inn. Mina had long decided to put him up while they were out; it was known unicorns were vicious, and would rip a horse to pieces if provoked.

Of course, the best thing to do was not to provoke a unicorn at all.

The town was larger than the one Kalashire had grown up in, and likely many of the villages around here came to it to buy and sell specialized goods. Narhoou looked to Kalashire as if he wanted to say something, but Harmine was scribbling out a merelles grid on the dirt, and cajoled them to set about finding suitable playing pieces.

The playing order was the same as their riding order- Harmine and Kalashire first. It seemed each of their close friends had determined it was best to put two tiring persons together so they could conserve their strength.

There were other people about; going about their normal lives, running errands, coming home from here, leaving home from there. It was not a distracting mass, not the way a true city could get, but Kalashire's attention could not leave them. To them, they could have looked like normal men, sitting in their traveling clothes just outside the town entrance. But the truth was, age and sex marked them out for why they had been traveling.

Unsurprisingly, he didn't win the game.

Dauid and Nahroou were in the middle of play when Mina returned.

Most of their gear had been left in the cart- they need more information before the hunt could begin, and there was no need to openly carry around things that would make people nervous. Harmine had made that clear, though none felt otherwise. It was more reminder to the air around them, that they were on leave.

"According to the stable boy, someone ten houses that way," Mina gestured, "saw them yesterday."

"Them?"

"It seems there are two."

Dauid's head snapped up as he wiped sweat from his forehead. "Two?"

Mina snorted. "Don't be afraid. There are still five of us. I managed to catch the butcher as he was about his business- we can go to him once we're done without cutting through town and he'll handle cutting the horn, separating the hide, and the rest."

Nahroou looked at Dauid. "You go with him. Make sure he asks the right questions."

Mina huffed, but only turned, expecting Dauid to follow. Harmine's brow furrowed, and he went along as well.

This left just Nahroou and Kalashire. Nahroou didn't turn his attention to Kalashire immediately. He gathered the stones they'd used been using as game pieces up, making a little pile of them.

"If you're burdened, it's better to relieve yourself quickly." Kalashire finally said, uncomfortable with the silence.

"I've known you a long time."

Kalashire inclined his head, still unsure of where this was headed.

"You've never mentioned siblings. Neither did your father."

Kalashire started to speak, but his mouth froze. That couldn't be right. Surely they'd said something once- yes, before now he'd only seen Nahroou when they traveled to buy special things, but surely his brother had come once?

Had things already been bad then?

"You don't have to tell me your family matters. It just made me realize… you've never told me anything about yourself by your own prompting."

Kalashire could feel the rough stitching of where his tunic had needed to be repaired where it pressed tight against his skin, and the cloying heat from wearing his thoracomacus and cloak, but he felt naked.

It was often said of Nahroou- he had a long and exacting memory.

"I've never thought of it." Kalashire said honestly, and immediately realized that was worse. It had taken him no effort to keep his life in shadow from a close friend.

Nahroou, to his credit, took it like a duck took rain. "I know. You meant nothing by it." He opened his mouth once more, but closed it before starting again. "Last chance to back out."

Kalashire smiled, mask re-donned. "And leave it four to two? That'd be cruel."

"It's dangerous."

"We're all used to that by now."

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

According to the girl they'd spoken to, she'd been out delivering some sheep a distant neighbor had bought when she saw the two glowering at her a stones throw from the edge of the green along the bank. She'd done them the favor of describing the area, and thought it was about two hours away from her house.

According to Harmine, when Mina had questioned the wisdom of sending a girl on such an errand, she'd kicked him in the leg hard enough that he fell over.

"Damable girl." Was all Mina could say about the matter.

Kalashire and Nahroou had already gone and gathered their gear. There was the real purpose of the "walking sticks"; all of them had several spear tips in their gear. In fact, Dauid only carried speartips and a knife, no sword. The weapons were disassembled temporarily so as not to alarm anyone, but could easily be put back together. Some additional nails and a piece of wood, and a crossbar could be fashioned. It was a similar logic to what they'd heard of boar hunting.

Dauid got the honor of carrying the gear.

"I'd feel better if we were doing this with dogs." Harmine admitted.

"If you were anyone here, you wouldn't risk a good dog on some strangers." Nahroou had the rest of the gear.

"And they'd do all the work." Mina snorted.

"Oh, so that's why you're so eager for this."

"Of course. Why did you agree to come along?"

"To keep you from getting killed." Nahroou said.

"And the parts fetch a good price." Kalashire admitted.

Dauid hummed in agreement, and Harmine shrugged. Mina looked at them and shook his head. "No sense of sport…"

"I'm sure you enjoy drinking poison in your leisure time as well."

"I water my wine plenty. You, however…"

Kalashire kicked him in the leg, making Mina swear. "Nahroou, I think Kalashire wants you to fail in your goals."

"I'm playing. If I wasn't, I'd have knocked you down just like that girl did."

Mina rubbed his leg, now limping. "Knock me down after the hunt."

"Yes, reftosh. Shall I fetch you refreshments afterwards as well?"

"You might as well, it's the friendly thing." Mina promptly dodged as Kalashire swiped at him.

"Stop it, you two." Nahroou scolded. "This is serious business. Besides, for all we know we're walking faster than that girl was- it's better to be quiet and alert so we don't get surprised."

Kalashire thought to himself that the girl had only mentioned them looking at her, so how dangerous a surprise would be was in question, but Nahroou had a point. It wasn't really worth arguing.

Were unicorns intelligent? Would they know their aim by looking at them? Kalashire assumed them to be much like horses or some other four legged beast, but what did he know? All any of them had were stories.

He looked to Mina, casual as ever. If none of them had agreed to come, he would likely have given up.

As if he were of the same mind, Dauid spoke up. "Do we need to do this?"

"Mm?" Kalashire said, quietly encouraging him.

"Money is nice, but I'll live without it. So far, they haven't been causing any trouble- no senseless gorings, or destroying property. I don't need to be praised either, I know my skill and bravery well enough."

"If you wish to leave and wait for us at the inn, you're free to do so." Mina said.

Dauid said nothing more, and neither did Kalashire.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

They'd stopped not long before the spot the sighting was reported at, having indeed made it there sooner than two hours. To no one's surprise, the beasts weren't still there, though signs they had been were.

Nahroou and Mina went forward to scout and track, as they were the most quiet and least nervous, respectively.

Kalashire, Dauid, and Harmine had set about reassembling the spears. The plan was not to immediately engage the animals, but to see where they were and any obstacles, return and discuss any issues. That said, they both brought their swords with them: unlike Kalashire's single edged semi-spatha, they each carried a gladius.

The matter of their armor wasn't much of an issue. They each had donned a leather thoracomaci and pteryges before even entering the town, and some covering to wear on the road over top. All had had bad experiences with Hromanios soldiers in the past, and while the heat was wretched, they'd rather take the heat than walk brazenly as those men had.

Kalashire discarded his casula, finally too sick of the heat to bear it anymore. They were out of the way of most people, and frightening someone by the sight of his armor was the last concern any of them would have if someone wandered into their hunt.

Dauid readily discarded his lotix as well, before going back to hammering a nail through the wooden crossbar on Mina's spear.

"Do you think our reftosh will scold us if he notices we put a nail through these?" Kalashire asked aloud.

"If he does, I'll remind him he didn't pay for them." Dauid picked it up and examined it closely.

"And I won't be joining you in whatever punishment he gives you." Harmine remarked.

"How cruel. And I thought we were almost like brothers to each other."

Harmine elbowed him. Kalashire was sure he'd only imagined Harmine giving him a look. He hadn't given any inclination of his… affliction. There was no reason to give him a look.

Kalashire settled for double checking his work, and triple checking it. There wasn't a flaw to be found; not one that could be fixed, at least.

Mina and Nahroou were back within an hour of them finishing the work.

"Well?" Dauid asked them.

"We saw two of them, like the girl said." Mina said, stripping off his kaihmic. "They didn't notice us. It's a fairly flat area, no trees. A few large rocks. They're fairly docile now, but on alert."

Dauid hummed. "Not that much cover, then."

"No. Some plants, but none higher than the knee. I expect they might move soon." Nahroou agreed. "You and Harmine have throwing spears, yes?"

"Yes, we do."

"You two and I will be up first: we'll wound, and attempt to kill the two of them. If they don't die, it's Mina and Kalashire, since they know how to use thrusting spears."

"Lucky us." Kalashire muttered.

Mina clapped him on the shoulder. "Really, you shouldn't be so gloomy. It's not like you."

Kalashire give him a look through the mask that he hoped conveyed some flippancy, before standing and taking his weapon and cloak in hand. "Let's be off then, unless there's something else we should know."

The walk was tense. Nothing interrupted them. Kalashire strained his ears, trying to ensure they all kept quiet. The sound of insects only added to his anxiety, somehow.

Mina and Nahroou led, and the latter abruptly held up an arm. He indicated they drop lower to the ground.

They did, placing their cloaks on the ground as well and splitting up to take advantage of the two noted rocks.

Kalashire peeked out.

They were great and terrible things. The body was like that of an oryx, though more dense and powerful. They were larger, overall, with long legs, a hide in red and black, with a stripe of white down the spine. And of course, at the top of their heads was a black horn, on either side covered with spines, giving it a serrated shape.

There was still a good distance between them and the beasts. Kalashire looked to Nahroou, raising his eyebrows. Would he be able to hit either of them from here? Kalashire wasn't entirely sure he'd be able to run to meet them without being outstripped himself.

Nahroou was determined, face set. If he was to turn back, he would have done it earlier that day.

The three of them took aim. They were not lucky enough to kill immediately, though the arc of the three spears as they sailed through the air was certainly impressive.

Puzzlingly, neither of the beasts took flight, instead tossing their heads with full indication they were ready for violence. It was a half mercy that one of then was injured in the flank, making running a chore.

Kalashire readied himself to rush out, but froze upon hearing two small sounds.

No, Kalashire had not seen a unicorn before, and yes, he only had stories, but he was a man who had grown up around a great deal of animals, and knew the call of a yearling beast when he heard it.

Mina had heard too, but paid little mind. After a moment of hesitation, Kalashire joined him, heartbeat loud in his ears.

It was too late to change tack now.

Kalashire was too tense to think, only running and keeping his hands steady. The tip went into its shoulder, and at the same time the animal's leg failed it.

As it fell, it knocked into Kalashire, hard. They both went down, and he scrambled for his blade, putting the edge to its flesh as quickly as he could. His other hand blindly sought a grip, in an effort to hold the head still. He caught the ear at the base, and held fast even as the combination of earth and animal knocked the air from his chest.

He and the beast were still for a moment, both weakened.

Kalashire's grip tightened on its ear, some of his panic replaced by a deep, wretched sorrow. They had only been trying to protect the two young ones.

The creatures dark eyes settled on him, wet, ragged breaths ravaged enough to feel on his thighs through the flaps of his armor and his tunic. It knew it was to die, it knew they were all to die, and it hated him for it. It was an animal, he realized, that had spent much of its life in a cage. Unicorns were never captured once fully grown. Death was better.

Kalashire's eyes stayed locked with it as he pressed the sword edge to its throat, and pulled a good, quick cut across it.

As the blood welled forth, he realized he hadn't given much consideration to this part, assuming distance, or that he'd be in more control. A spare spurt of it hit his lip; nothing from his waist down was spared from the gush of red.

He could not help but remember the weight of his father in his arms on that terrible night a few months prior, blood smearing over his clothes then too. Kalashire had the mad thought that if he was going to spend so much time bloody, it might be better to walk around naked.

He didn't know how long he sat there, legs pinned under the mass of the thing. He couldn't stand those eyes, accusing him even in death.

A butterfly alighted on the corpse, seeking out the tacky blood smeared all over it. Kalashire reached to touch it, but it naturally fluttered away.

Finally, Kalashire felt hands grab at him, and it startled him out of the state he'd found himself in. He wiggled out of the grip. "What am I, a child? Push the thing off me if you want to help."

Nahroou appeared at his side, hands up. "Ease yourself. You looked like you were elsewhere."

"Well, I'm not, you heretic." Kalashire snapped, squirming out from under the corpse at last.

Nahroou's eyes narrowed, and he held his hand in front of his face as the extent of the gore smeared over Kalashire was made evident. "Mina went back to town to get the cart for transporting the bodies." He said, voice muffled.

"I'm going to find my cloak." Kalashire muttered.

He shook his head, trying to steady himself. He looked around for Dauid and Harmine, and wished he hadn't. They were busying themselves with the two yearlings- not dead, not yet, but it wasn't a sight Kalashire found pleasant.

His cloak was exactly where he'd dropped it. The others had already been retrieved. He picked it up and stared down at it.It was still hot.

He didn't want to cover up, truthfully. He wanted to be naked, if anything.

It wasn't that he'd never killed before. He was a soldier. He was a farmer's son. He had. This time simply... struck him. That happened sometimes, surely?

He looked to the river, several meters away, shook his head, and began walking back.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Mina, wise for once, had managed to find some ratty lengths of fabric for wrapping the bodies in. None of them were keen to sacrifice their cloaks, and Kalashire imagined their owners hadn't minded temporarily parting with them upon hearing what's blood they'd be stained with. He'd also brought water, rope, and fresh clothes.

As he slumped against the wall of the cart to rest, Kalashire wondered, quite seriously, how more unicorns came to be if it was that they were all male. Did they just appear? Did two older ones appoint themselves as parents? Was it two, or simply collective responsibility?

Some of the rope was for the yearlings. They had no horn, and at first might be mistaken for a more common animal from a far away land. It was quick work to bind them to the cart, so they would walk behind. They would sort out what to do with them later. Kalashire had a suspicion as to what was in Mina's head about the matter, but knew whatever it was, he could not be dissuaded.

Mina took the cloth from the cart, handing it to Nahroou. He approached the body of the one Kalashire had not had to kill with rope he had slung over his shoulder.

Kalashire felt frozen in place as several things happened in rapid succession.

First, the loose soil by its nostrils was stirred- it'd been being stirred the entire time, but the movement was so small and subtle he had not noticed it.

Second, Mina had not noticed it either, and was well within the reach of its horn.

Third, that horn slashed through the air, catching Mina hard on the arm. He was knocked back, blood rushing forth as he swore, hand clapping over the wound.

It's head fell back to the ground, a few heavy ragged breaths still in it, before the earth stilled entirely.

Mina breathed through his teeth. After a moment of Mina steeling himself, Nahroou was at his side, having torn off a strip of fabric. He wrapped it around his arm.

Kalashire started to move towards him, a moment too late, and was waved off. The two of them bound it's legs and began dragging it towards the cart.

Kalashire was useful enough to at least help them lift it up into the bed, and again for the second one. Nahroou set about covering the bodies. Dauid handed him a skin of washing water, and poured some of it over each of his own hands.

Kalashire looked at the puddled water, and wiped at his lip, which still had blood on it. Brow furrowed, he wiped again.Soon, he was madly scrubbing at it; in his reflection, the shape remained.

His blade was stained as well, he realized. He'd thought some dirtier water was simply clinging to it, but a flick confirmed the blade was dry. It wasn't as though blood remained; the grey glint was simply now marked with streaks of orange on its edge.

He turned to his companions, still rubbing at it. They were taking care of the blood as well. None of them bore a stain.

Kalashire knew already that when he got a proper bath tonight, he'd find his legs not simply bruised, but stained as well. Mina's scar would be one he bragged about. Kalashire wasn't sure what others would say looking at him.

━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━

Further notes:

This story plays with the older idea of unicorns are horrifying and dangerous. There are plenty of positive associations with unicorns as well in Coptic culture; in my experience they are in fact, more common. For more about monstrous unicorns: https://www.coptic-magic.phil.uni-wuerzburg.de/index.php/2019/04/26/jesus-and-the-unicorn-easter-and-the-harrowing-of-hell-in-coptic-magic/

If you're curious about the deal with Onhet, he's a Manichean, which was/is sort of a Christian sect considered heretical and sort of not, especially later on; early Manicheans often considered themselves Christians, but after a certain point they stopped doing so.

Kalashire's sword has a special significance; it's based on a depiction of The Massacre of the Innocents from Abu Hennis. It's basically a rectangular blade with a right triangle cut out of the tip; similar blades were found at the Ballana graveyard in Nubia.

"Kaihmic" is not an extant Coptic word, it's from the words for sheath and mantle to describe a type of fitted coat of Persian origin found in Coptic graves. The evidence for this is a little later than the setting, but I'm not above a little fudging.

Apologies for any inaccuracies with the details of spear hunting, but in my defense neither I nor any of these characters have gone spear hunting before.

#cipher talk #My writing #original fiction #SBTF

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dogueteeth · 10 months

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FOr the WIP ask. Two in particular make me curious. Please tell something about "5 Camels and 10 White Horses" and "vice & vicodin".👀 I am looking forward to all parts of "capsaicin", but I will be patient and let myself be surprised.🙂

Ooh so glad you asked!!! (Also dw you won't have to wait long for most capsaicin bits >:3)

5 Camels and 10 White Horses

Tiny morsel snippet that works as a synopsis teaser:

" he doesn't have the same urges in Ace's body as he does in his own. doesn't feel the needy twitch in his left hand as it fumbles in his pockets for a cigarette, doesn't feel the oncoming headache that grows when he can't find any. it reminds him of darker times, fumbling blind through alleyways, the taste of grime and motor oil burning away behind a plume of smoke. "

This one is a one-shot between Dr. Mortum and Constantine!! I think this is my first fic for Constantine beside a capsaicin WIP between the two. It's a puppetstuck!ending that explores Constantine and his past, and it sheds some insight to him about how he could be different if he decided to change his ways. This fic is a reminder to him that he's not alone anymore. The title is a bit odd so I feel I should explain it— "Camel" and "White Horse" are the names of two cigarette brands! Not many people know of White Horse anymore but it's Constantine's favourite.

vice & vicodin

Long Snippet (WARNING TWs: Mentions of self-harm and drug abuse);

" But she's been bed-bound for weeks and only recently gotten the clear from Mortum's doctor-friend to whirl around in a wheelchair. She's not keen to rebreak her legs before they've even gotten a chance to heal, but it's been hell, trying to keep herself occupied. She feels like one of those ex-military dogs, retired and told to play house. Pent up and out of place. A lion put in a cart, pacing across straw and ten-by-fifteen wooden boards as the circus music plays. Lightning in a bottle.

She's already gone through pile after pile of evidence, cleaned up the lair, and repaired her armor. Downed some Vicodin after hitting her leg against the wall and organized more plans and files. Took another blunt, researched Carter's info, stared at the ceiling and wished it would fall on her, went through evidence piles again, avoided and failed staring at the knives and did it all over again. Twice. Took a bit more Vicodin than she probably should have. That's going to be awkward to explain to Dr. Halabi.

Did it all over again, thrice. Multiple times with more variations. Some involving more blood and bandages. Those ones were often spent reassuring the Rat King that she's okay afterwards. She's not going to die. Not yet. It's just blood. It's just more wounds that will heal. Horizontal. Not vertical. She promises the Rat King she'll give it a break. For now.

Rat King.

Now there's something that she can do. Something to occupy her mind with. "

Oh boy, vice & vicodin is the first part of a new series I have planned called "it's called "freefall" about Isa post-guilty crash, set after Retribution and crossing into Revelations; kind of like my own little continuation of Retri since we don't know what Revelations will be like yet!

Writing-wise, I feel very odd about this series, as I plan to kind of go at it with whatever my mind tosses at me. I have some POVs of other characters (Daniel and Ortega mostly) planned for the series that I will go through my usual process of writing for, but most of it will be from Isa's POV and what I'm trying to accomplish with that is the pacing and sentence structure that you can see a bit of in this snippet.

Her thought process is a bit everywhere, not sure if that reflects in my writing here in comparison to my other works, but it feels starkly different in tone to me at least. Not sure if it makes for a good read, so I do look forward to future feedback on that and deciding if I want to keep this style for this work or if I should comb through it to make it easier to read. But, then again, this series is not planned to be an easy, lighthearted read beyond syntax and grammar, but content-wise as well.

#dogueteethwips #fhr #fallen hero retribution #fallen hero: retribution #fhr sidestep #sidestep #fallen hero: rebirth #oc #isa becerra #Constantine Becerra #fanfic wip #ask game #thank you for the ask!#love sharing my works #cerrísa becerra

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forthegothicheroine · 2 years

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Hi!! So I don't really know if this counts as a headcanon request per se, but... I was wondering what the Princess of Swords LIs initial reactions to Rowena being kidnapped were? Because by the time we see them they're all basically in rescue mode, so I was curious as to what they were like when they first realized. (Also, I'm super glad you're continuing PoS and I can't wait for the next part!)

This is a great question, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to answer! It is a lot of fun thinking about this stuff! It's also a good chance to think about what feelings they were already starting to have for Rowena at the time. I think we can assume that after she vanished while riding, if Arthur and his knights couldn't tell from any trails left behind where she'd gone, then Merlin made sure to give helpful clues to speed the plot along (a wizard did it!)

Lancelot liked Rowena, though he was also dealing with a crush on Guinevere that had not yet fully blossomed (at least, not in his path!) He accepted her favor on an impulse, but still took his role as her champion deadly seriously. In "The Knight of the Cart", his original story, much is made of Lancelot just fucking bolting on foot and horse and cart when he learned Guinevere had been kidnapped, and I think that probably happened here, especially if he was propelled by an explosion of anger because how dare this happen to her.

Gawain rocket-propels himself into action much like Lancelot, but he'd be a lot more optimistic about being able to save her. While I generally prefer the "flower of chivalry" Gawain from poems like The Green Knight, I do like him to have at least a touch of Mort D'Arthur's "dangerously unstable hothead". Of course that medieval dickweed Maleagant kidnapped a princess, someone was going to have to do something about him sooner or later, but now time is imperative that the princess-kidnapper get his shit wrecked!

Kay liked Rowena a bit against his own will, and I imagine dealt with three reactions- "I'm going to go take care of this right now!", "Let some younger man do it, I've never been anyone's epic hero" and "What if a younger guy fucks around showing off or looking for glorious fights and gets her killed?" (Pointed look towards Lancelot and Gawain.) This would lead to the knightly version of those latter-day westerns where the aging gunslinger gets out his coat and weapon because someone has to do something, even if it has to be him.

Morgan spent her whole life clawing her way towards a place where nobody could ever hurt her, so while there would be some of Lancelot's rage, there would also be a deep and profound fear that this sweet girl could be placed in danger with none of her own defenses to help her. She'd helped Arthur before but rarely went on her own "quests", but this one was extremely personal. Someone should have been there for her mother, too.

Mordred, of course, didn't know Rowena had been kidnapped until he saw her in the tower! He was already falling for her, but in that moment, when he saw that she was in danger because this lowlife he was manipulating put his hands on her, he made an instantaneous decision that her safety was more important than any immediate scheming he had going on. It wasn't even a question.

Arthur hadn't done much personal riding to the rescue since the last war, but if there was any chance his presence could bring Rowena back safely, he would go. He would feel immensely guilty because Camelot was supposed to be a safe place where this sort of raiding by the nobility didn't happen, and now someone he'd become fond of in a short time was in danger because he had failed. (He's also probably the only one to have the thought that if she died it might mean war with Ireland, but that was an additional weight on top of everything else.) He also felt guilty again afterwards when Guinevere pointed out that if she'd been kidnapped he would have sent Lancelot to rescue her. He worried that she was right.

#princess of swords

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jaimebluesq · 1 year

Text

It's my Cake Day Today + WIP Wednesday

I'd like to thank all my mutuals for making my days so much fun and interesting - you save my mental health on a regular basis!

Feel free to send me anything on your mind in my Ask box - questions, headcanons, requests, etc - and you're always welcome to take a peek at some of my fic on AO3 and leave a nice comment.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and finds something to make them smile :D

And since it's also a Wednesday, my birthday gift is a snippet from a WIP featuring our favourite One Braincell Trio

~~~

The night hunt was successful. The ghost had been calmed with few problems and nobody had been hurt in the process. Unfortunately, Yao JiChen had been a little too excited about his first night hunt – as they'd began their trek away from the site, he tripped and fell over tangled tree roots, severely twisting his ankle and leaving him unable to walk without assistance.

He was currently leaning into Wei Wuxian's side, using him as a support as the group made their way in the early morning light.

The road was mostly empty with only a couple of merchants passing by, taking advantage of the early hour to make a head start on their day. The disciples, despite the small injury, were still excitedly talking about their first hunt and prodding Wei Wuxian into giving them advice and praise.

They really were adorable.

“So the next time you try that talisman,” he finished his explanation to Li Lian, “put a little less qi into it.”

“Shixiong?” Hong YuMei tugged at his sleeve. “Someone's coming.”

The group shifted to the side of the narrow road, anticipating the passing of another merchant with a cart full of wares. When he glanced back, however, Wei Wuxian only saw a horse and rider wreathed in the morning's shadows. As they approached, they passed through a beam of sunlight that had managed to make its way through the canopy above, highlighting the rider.

Wei Wuxian grinned.

“Nie-xiong!” he shouted, lifting a hand to wave to his friend. “What are you doing in Yunmeng? You're a week early.”

The horse's canter quickened until it came to a stop next to the group of disciples. “Wei-xiong!” Nie Huaisang patted the horse's neck, and it snorted in response. “Da-ge was threatening to cancel my visit if I didn't train my saber more, so I thought it best to leave home before he made good on his threat.”

“I should have guessed. It isnice to see you again, my friend.” He felt pressure on his shoulders as Yao JiChen shifted his weight. “I... don't suppose you could spare your mount for a short while?”

Nie Huaisang glanced down at the way Yao JiChen was leaning on Wei Wuxian. “Can he ride?”

The disciple nodded. “It's been years, since before I joined the Jiang, but I still remember the basics.”

Wei Wuxian was relieved when the disciple pulled away a little bit as he reached out to pet the horse's flank. Nie Huaisang nodded and gracefully dismounted. “Laopo is very gentle, so she shouldn't give you much issue.”

Together, Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian helped the injured disciple up onto the horse, and moments later, the young man was trotting away alongside his fellow juniors. Wei Wuxian slung an arm over Nie Huaisang's shoulders and stayed back a little so they could speak among themselves.

“I'm actually really glad you came early, Nie-xiong – I have something I need your help with.”

“Oh?” A folding fan snapped open and moved to cover Nie Huaisang's curving lips. “And what in the heavens could that be?”

“A mission of utmost importance. I need some time off, and for that, I need to get Jiang Cheng married.”

Nie Huaisang nearly stumbled over something on the road. “<i>Married</i>?!”

“Keep it down,” Wei Wuxian hushed. “You know we're rebuilding, and most of the sect is so young, so Shijie and I are pretty much the only ones really helping Jiang Cheng get the work done. But if he were married, with a proper Jiang-furen there to handle a good part of the load, then all of our lives would go so much easier.”

“You'd even have time to make a visit to Gusu,” Nie Huaisang responded with a glint in his eye. “For some Emperor's Smile, of course.”

“Of course.” He grinned. “So, what do you think? Are you up to helping me find Jiang Cheng a wife? I figured if there was anyone with a romantic bone in their body, it would be you.”

“Well I'm very flattered, Wei-xiong. I don't suppose it would be <i>that</i> difficult. Jiang-xiong is quite a handsome man, and a sect leader, both attractive qualities.”

“At least until he opens his mouth and barks at you.”

Nie Huaisang shrugged. “In that he's no worse than Da-ge, and we still get letters regularly asking him to meet with some sect leader's daughter or sister or maiden aunt. Some of them can get rather... explicit.”

“At least we know where to start.”

“The list?”

Wei Wuxian grinned. “The list. I doubt there's anyone who could fit all of his qualifications, but I'm sure there must be someone who fits enough that he might like them a little.”

“And what sects will we look to for candidates?”

“Not just sects. I want Jiang Cheng to be happy, and he doesn't need to marry a cultivator. As long as she's good for him, it doesn't matter where she comes from. And you don't need to cultivate to manage a lot of the administrative work around Lotus Pier.”

Nie Huaisang made a face. “So much work, running a sect.”

“Don't worry, we won't put you to work while you're visiting – other than helping me with this, that is.”

“I'm very reassured, Wei-xiong. But I do have one question.”

“That is?”

“Have you asked Jiang-xiong what he thinks about this?”

“That's why I have you, Nie-xiong. I trust in your powers of persuasion...”

#happy birthday to me!#wip wednesday #ask away #thank you to everyone for being so awesome

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long-distance-love · 1 year

Note

Hi! First and foremost I'd like to say that I love your blog and how it makes me feel not so lonely and judged by my relationship. Thank you guys 🤍

So, I don't know exactly where I'm going with this, looking for advice maybe (if it's advisable). My boyfriend and I are together for 5 months now, about 932 miles away from each other, although it might not seem a lot, it's been pretty hard. I unfortunately can't travel to see him due to financial reasons and his life is kinda all over the place, he's trying to manage the business he inherited from his dad, he didn't even want but now can't really get rid of it, for that reason he's now having to study to figure it all out therefore can't come and meet me also. Because of that he's already previously tight schedule became even tighter, he can barely call me in the morning (which he did every day ever since we started dating, even if it was just to say good morning and hear my voice) and pretty much don't ever call me at lunch (which he also did every day). And that makes me feel bad because he pretty much put the decision in my hands, he was having a meltdown about how he was feeling bad for not giving me enough attention, he sensed I wasn't happy about it, led us to an almost breakup and he told me all that was going on. Honestly I thought he was going to breakup with me at first, he was saying how he wasn't being able to manage all and was afraid he was not letting me live my life and meet people and losing opportunities but breaking up wasn't in his mind either. I said that I didn't want to lose him (our connection it's amazing, we've never felt what we feel for eachother for anyone else before, we've both stated we're the love of eachother's life, no exaggeration) we love each other and that's enough for us to fight this rough situation, but for that we had to talk more about future and what we wanted out of this relationship and if we wanted each other in our life's in the future for it all to be worth it. He said he agreed but he was planning to talk about it in person when we would see eachother next, which happened to not happen at all. and now I kinda don't know what to do, I don't want to push him for us to have the talk and demand his attention and calls because he's going through a lot lot and I agreed to it, but I also miss him too much, sometimes I feel like he's not making an effort, cause I would literally go sleepless for him if I had to and we don't even video chat for 5 min before going to bed. is that to much effort? that would be kinda enough for me, seize a lot of my anxiety and overthinking but I don't know how to go about it without being pushy, idk if I'm just being needy and unreasonable. Am I putting the cart ahead of the horses? Is it to soon think about the future? Am I an arsehole for kinda wanting to get back on my word, maybe wanting to set a schedule for us to talk more? Am I just too much?

Sorry for the way to long ask.

(2/2)

It's me again haha just wanted to add that he's great, we've never had issues communicating at all, until now, he's so caring and loving. he makes me feel like the only girl in the world, really. But the past few weeks have been tough, he was going through a lot and didn't tell me but had to eventually and said he was trying to protect me and not burden me with all that, and I told him that by doing that he was doing the opposite of what he wasn't wanting to do, and keeping me out was bringing he's fear of us becoming distant from eachother to life. Am I just bring too emotional?

Dear A.,

Thank you for being here, and for trusting us with your troubles. 💕 I'm very sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but as I've explained in this post, this blog has been facing some issues and unfortunately that has curbed our usual motivation and momentum when it comes to managing this blog. But here we are, and I still hope this response will help you. 💕

(continued under the cut)

First I feel like laying down a few heavy hitting truths to drive them home for you:

5 months is a long time, long enough to demand to know how your future will look like together

Being understanding and supporting is a good thing when your partner is going through things, but being ignored to a point where your boundaries aren't respected and your needs aren't met isn't acceptable

If he wanted to, he would (no matter how busy he is)

Wanting to call every day in a long distance relationship shouldn't be labelled as too much - it's baseline imo

You're not needy for wanting attention (read this again please)

From what you've told me, I feel like you've been put aside for the sake of this business he's inherited, or he's using that as an excuse to not be so close to you. You two need to have that conversation you've been tabling as soon as possible. Tell him how you feel. Tell him you feel neglected and tell him you want more conversation, intimacy and closeness. I refuse to believe he doesn't have an hour for you in the evening when he's relaxing or cooking or watching Netflix or whatever. If you were priority, calling you wouldn't be a chore but rather it'd be a joyous task. If someone has to be asked to call you when you're supposedly the love of their life, that's a major red flag to me. However. I don't want you to freak out, or rush to break up with him. This is salvageable, and you two could learn so much from this and grow together. But that's a lot of work and he needs to be willing to put the energy and time into it. Same as you.

In my native tongue, a romantic relationship is called párkapcsolat, which means a relation between a couple and I really like that. It emphasises the relation between two people who are in love with each other and who take care of the connection between them. And it really always comes down to two people, and it's okay for your efforts to be different sometimes. The work divided is rarely ever 50-50, sometimes it's 40-60 or 20-80. And that's okay as long as it's acknowledged, appreciated and temporary. You cannot keep a relationship alive alone forever, no matter how hard you try. Your partner needs to understand this as well. He wants to be committed to you, he said so himself. He doesn't want to lose you or break up with you. Well, it's time for him to put in the work too. Even when he's tired. Even if it's not 50% of the work right now because he's very busy with life. You have boundaries and needs that need to be respected in a relationship, and you have to respect yourself as well and acknowledge when those boundaries are disregarded and when your needs aren't met.

So, just to reiterate, my advice to you would be to demand that previously tabled conversation because you deserve an answer no matter how busy your partner is. He's making you suffer and he should be aware of that. And you're not needy for wanting his attention. You've given him almost half a year which is a very long time, you're in a committed relationship, it's time for him to act the part.

Wishing you nothing but the best (and lots and lots of strentgh)! 💕

- Danny

#benny & danny asks #long distance relationship #long distance relationship advice #relationship advice #relationship advisor #long distance love #long distance problems

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margaretjockwood · 1 month

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Fitsmart Fat Burner UK Reviews: The Ingredients, Side Effects and Benefits

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I could say that Fitsmart Fat Burner is a dilemma.

Fitsmart

Fitsmart Fat Burner

Fitsmart UK

#Fitsmart Fat Burner #Fitsmart UK #Fitsmart

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fluffwrittenhorror · 7 months

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I'm Not Prey

Prologue

A/N: I know it's been like a year or so since I last posted my story. I don't really have a reason other than I lost interest in writing. But I'm hoping that what I'm about to do will help and make up for it. In honor of Attack On Titan ending, there's a game called Attack On Titan 2. You make your own character and make friendships. So I'm taking that, a oc I guess you can say despite the fact you make yourself in the game. I'm taking that and following the storyline of the game along with some other things.

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

The year was 845, that same morning, it was so simple. It started like any normal day. Wake up, brush her hair, change clothes, eat breakfast, play with her siblings, and take care of the farm. It was so simple and a easy day. At the moment she was feeding the horses until her mother called her name. Setting the bucket down and then patting the horse she closed the barn door. Rushing back to the house in a bit of excitement. Opening the door she walked in.

"Mom? You called my name, what is it that you wanted?" She asked her mom, standing there watching as her mother cleaned. She was rather excited.

"Yes, I did, I called you because your older brother is going into town to get some food. I was thinking that you could go with him to help get some stuff." Her mother turned to look at him, a soft but tired smile on her face.

"Wait, really? You're giving me permission to go into town with Theo?! Really?!" The little girl was now extremely excited. A big smile appearing on her face. She never really gets the chance to go into Shiganshina. So this was a bjt new the exciting to her, "But wait, what about you? You'll need help on the farm, won't you?"

"No darling, I have your other siblings for that. Just do me a favor and be careful, okay?" Her mother walked over to her, wiping some dirt off of the little girl's face, "Now, go get onto the cart, I have to talk to Theo first."

"Okay Mom!" The little girl exclaimed as she rushed out of the house. Running to the small cart with a horse attached to it. Running past her older brother in the process. Her mother and Theo watching her before her mother brought Theo in.

"Whatever you do, don't let her see the scouts, they're supposed to return soon. And I'd be damned if she sees them, so keep her away from them at all cost. You got that?" Their mother snapped at Theo.

"Yes Mother, I understand." Theo said as she nodded and started to walk over to the cart. The little girl waving her arms I'm excitement. When the siblings got seated they were off to Shiganshina.

"Woah! Look at it. So many houses!" The little girl exclaimed as they enter the Shiganshina District. Her eyes scanning everything and taking it in. Living on a farm and being under strict rules to never be in Shiganshina, she never got to see so many buildings. It was honestly beautiful. The horse's hooves were clanking against the stone pathways.

"Yes, it is indeed a big district with a lot of houses and markets. Now let's not forget, this is rare for you." Theo turned to his little sister, she turned back to look at him. "So you need to be on your best behavior, okay?"

"Okay, understood." The little girl nodded before going back to looking around. She never truly understood why she was kept at the house. Meanwhile her older siblings were allowed to have somewhat of freedom to go. What was so bad about the Shiganshina District? It looked perfectly fine to her.

They continues along the path until she found the road with markets. Stopping the cart out of the way of people. Theo didn't really have a chance to say anything as the little girl already jumped down. Her eyes went wide at the amount of people.

"Come on, let's stop and buy some animal feed first, olay?" Her brother said as he walked up to her. Putting his hand behind her back and softly pushing her. The little girl nodded and started to walk next to him.

Because it was so crowded and she wasn't uses to it, she stayed close to her brother. Holding onto his sleeve as they walked up to one of the markets. Entering it the bell above the door rung as they entered.

"Ah, hello there, you seem new. Here to buy some food for farm animals?" The guy at the counter asked he turned to his to look at them.

"Yes, we live in Wall Maria." Theo explained as he spoke to the clerk. His attention turning to the different types of food. Ones for basically every type of farm animal. His little sister also looking around, stopping at a bag of horse feed.

"Theo, do you think that spot would like some of this?" The little girl turned to her brother, pointing at the bag of horse feed. Despite how young she was, she already had a horse. A spotted horse that she named, simply, spot. Her older brother softly laughed as he looked at the bag.

"Maybe, but we can't just get a bag just for Spot. We need to get some for the other horses as well. But I'll get it for you." Her older brother softly laughed, picking the bag up. Scanning some other ones and picking them up as well. They bought some chicken, cow, and pig feed. Paying for it then bring it back to the cart.

As the day went on, they continued to shop, buying food, clothing material, farming equipment. The basic necessities for living. As they were walking back from the last market, a loud bell rang. The little girl stopped, turning towards the direction it was coming from. From the area she was from, she saw that it was over top of the gate. Turning back to her older brother who kept walking with items. It wouldn't hurt to get a peak in, would it? Turning back towards the rest of the town she started to rush towards the gate. Pushing past people and other kids, holding her skirt up a little so that way she wouldn't trip of it.

When she got down there, it was hard to find an opening. Too many people were in the way. She could hear horses walking along with footsteps. But she didn't understand. Who would go outside the walls where there's titans? She knew the stories, why they lived inside the walls. So why would anyone want to go outside.

As she rushed around she found a area to a roof. Softly huffing she began to climb up the boxes and onto the roof. Finally having a good view, soft pants falling from her lips as she looked towards the path. Her heart beating with excitement before it turned and she felt sick. So many people, bloodied, injured, wide sleepless eyes. They wore the same uniforms has a Garrison and Military police. But she thought they were the only branch.

She didn't know what to think, she was sick to her stomach. Why? Why would these people go out and fight titans? It didn't make any sense. Humans had walls to protect them, they were fine. So why did they need to fight. As she looked at every soldier, she made eye contact with one. His eyes were a little wide, but they slowly closed before turning away.

One by one she watched them leave, her heart was so low that it felt like it was in her stomach.

"I think it's bullshit."

The little girl's head turned towards the voice. A bit curious of what this man was talking about.

"The Scouts purpose is to reclaim the land, and yet everytime they come back we loose more folk."

"Oh well, good riddance, the less there are, the more food if I'm being honest."

Her heart twisted at the thought, they were fighting to reclaim the land? The land that the titans roam and control? As much as she hated seeing people like that, it was brave of them. These people were hiding and thinking that these people were stupid for fighting. A frown forming on her face she climbed down from the roof. Looking at the people who were talking.

"Atleast they have the courage to fight! You're just wasting away like cattle while they're trying to reclaim our land!" She yelled out of anger, but immediately regretted it. The big men turned to face her, clear signs of anger on their faces.

"What'd you say, brat?!"

Out of fear she turned and ran, going through alleys and small areas as they chased after her. Hearing them yell in frustration as she disappeared into the crowd. She didn't stop until she was sure that she lost them.

Standing there to the side, she sat and regained her breath. Looking around at the people, it seemed so peaceful. But it hurt to think that there were brave people fighting for their land, and they were being treated poorly. It angered her.

As she sat there, staring blankly, reality was setting in. She didn't know where she was, she was lost. Her older brother was somewhere, but she didn't know where. Panic setting in as she stood up and started to walk around. Speeding around people as she tried to find him.

The day continued on into late afternoon, and yet, she was still lost. No idea where she was going. No idea where she was at. And she was too nervous to ask for directions. Her feet ached from walking so much and for such a long period of time.

When it became too much, she finally sat down to rest. It was so quiet. So peaceful in that moment. There was barely any sound. At that moment, she felt a bit relieved, she could actually think clearly. The little girl started to think about where the market could be. But soon her thoughts were interrupted by a loud bang and the ground shaking.

People around her were gasping and slightly screaming from what had happened. She herself was confused. Standing up she looked towards the area that the sound came from. It was the wall. Where the gate was. Did something happen to the wall. People were gasping and rushing towards the wall. But she didn't, her eyes only widened in terror as she watched the hand grip the wall. The large hand with no skin, leaving a indent in the wall.

It only took a couple of seconds before a head appeared. It was a titan. A big titan that was taller than the wall. Her eyes went wide as her heart started to pound in her chest.

Other people were gasping and whispering in terror. What was it doing? Why was it there. Reality set in once again as she witnessed how it had kicked the gate that was there. Creating a hole in the wall. Debris flying everywhere. People screamed in terror as everything started to set in.

"The titans! They're inside!"

That's all it took for her to turn and sprint away. Making a smart idea to follow other people as they were running. Everybody was pushing and leaving stuff behind. Even she was being pushed to the side and being shoved over.

"Everyone man and woman for themselves!"

Some people yelled, dropping everything as they ran. She could barely stand back up and get with the crowd. Tears starting to prick at her eyes as she heard faint sounds of death stomping. People screaming and crying. As she stood up hands grabbed her. She let out a scream but stopped when she realized that it wasn't a titan. A horse was galloping through alleys and people.

"Dammit it! What did I tell you about behaving?!"

It was her older brother who was holding her and putting her on the saddle. She looked up at him with tearful eyes.

"I'm sorry Theo! I truly am! I didn't mean to-"

She couldn't get a word in as the horse was shoved over. Knocking them off. Theo shielded her from the fall.

"Give me the horse!"

"No way I sat it first!"

"I touched it first!"

The little girl witnessed in terror at how the poor horse was being trampled with people and being in every direction. But she didn't have time to think. Theo making her stand up and sprinting away from her.

"Come on! We have to make it to the gate and inside to wall Maria!" Theo yelled, basically dragging his little sister with him.

She didn't protest either. It was all happening so fast. People were screaming and dying, houses were being destroyed by titans. People were being eaten. Even as she looked around, she caught the eye of a titan far away. More tears streaming down her face. But she didn't have time to think. Theo picked her up to make things faster.

"Don't look, okay?! Just keep your eyes closed! We're almost there!" Theo yelled, the gate to wall Maria was in view. Garrison soldiers were flying around, going to fight titans.

But she didn't have faith as she closed her eyes tightly. Crying very, very hard as she listened to everything going on. Minutes felt like hours. She didn't know how close they were, her heart still pounding in her chest.

Things went silent for some reason, the screams fading out, she heard it. Loud running footsteps. Loud stomps that were getting closer. She didn't have time to think, she didn't have time to warn, she didn't have time to truly look at her brother.

A titan grabbed him harshly, she fell from arms. Gasping in pain as she watches in terror as two titans started to grab at her brother.

"Theo!"

"R-Run!"

That was all she heard, she didn't want to run. But she had to listen, getting up, she sprinted away. She didn't get far though before a small titan started to chase after her. Her heart sinking in fear as time slowed. The footsteps of death pounding her ears as she heard heard brothers cries and screams at being eaten alive.

But soon, the footsteps of death were overthrown by the sound of horse hooves. Yet again, before she knew it, she was being picked up again.

"Are you okay?"

She opened her eyes, shakily looking up at the blonde man. He looked atleast 37 years old, but more importantly. He was wearing that Scout uniform. He was a scout. She was in too much in shock to exactly speak.

"Don't look." His voice was deep and tough. "I'm sorry that you have to witness this. It'll he okay." He tried to comfort her. It was hard as she began to sob, everything was gone. Her family, her home, there was no way any of her family would survive. They lived so far out.

And she was right.

On that day, after witnessing a boy around her age deckare war on titans. Swearing to kill all of the titans. She made her own decision.

She would fight the titans too.

Five years later...she was in the 104th cadets.

"This day, training and war starts..."

#attack on titan #eren yeager #aot #aot oc #shingeki no kyojin #odm gear

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chao-writes-stuff · 3 years

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DELTARUNE SPOILERS

Heyyy! I wrote a thing involving Jevil and the Chapter 2 Superboss! I'm going to put it under the cut, but at the end, there will also be an Ao3 link if you wanna support me there!

Thank you! Remember to Reblog if you wanna

The Lightner Trio walked down the stairs in the Queen's massive manor, their hurried footsteps echoing like a rough pitter-patter in the technological nightmare. The massive lair confused and bamboozled them, but they definitely wanted to figure out the mystery behind what the Fountains were about, what Queen's true intentions were… and what was in the basement?

"Uhh… Kris?" Ralsei asked, his soft voice echoing out. "Why are we even here? Aren't Queen, Noelle, and Berdly upstairs? And not here…?"

Susie quickly interrupted him, punching his arm lightly to get his attention. "Of COURSE they aren't here. But whatever is here is probably important. Right, Kris?"

"I guess!" The currently blue human replied. "I've been asked by some… guy, about doing these weird favors for him. He really wants me to be alone."

"We sure he ain't a p-" Before Susie could finish her thought, Ralsei muffled her mouth with his scarf. "Who is he? And why does he want you to be alone?"

"His name is Spamton, I think. I don't know much about him, but he gave me this Loaded Disk earlier, and--"

Suddenly, a strange, chaotic voice rang out. Everyone recognized it. The tail attached to Ralsei's cloak popped off, diamonds and hearts flying out with it. The tail spun and took form, and the chaotic Jester they quite literally put to rest yesterday was reawakened.

"Spamton? SPAMTON? The same Spamton who wished for me to go, to go, and be free, free?" Jevil laughed chaotically, with Ralsei caught quite off guard. "You know him?"

"That dorito chip was part of the reason why I was set free, he was! He used to rule this world, before the Queen I've been hearing oh so much about took over. Oh, I MUST know more of how you met that ridiculous lunatic! And that's coming from ME, ME! Spamton, oh Spamton, I'd like to have a word with him~!" Jevil looked quite pissed off, his normally jovial expression looking slightly stern.

"I didn't wanna go down there anyway. Just come back, okay? You're kind of carrying us with your defense boost." Kris, with a neutral expression, gave the clown the disk they were gifted by the malignant salesman, and watched as Jevil immediately sprinted off into the basement. They could hear an echoed "Buh bye~! I'll be back in a few hundred words!" As the jester descended into the decrepit basement below...

Jevil entered the musty, rotting cellar. Despite him rarely stepping on the ground, each step he did take left a haunting impact on his feet. It was silent, save for the occasional rustling of his clothes. He didn't have long to do this. His physical form only had a few hours to be out and about before he solidified, just like the young boy and the puzzle freak. Thankfully, that's all he needed. He was getting excited, almost giddy, to interact once more with his old acquaintance. Oh, what a wonderful conversation they'd have!

He didn't walk for too much longer before he found the train station that was buried deep below. Or was it a roller coaster? Whoever had this built clearly had some elaborate roundabout in mind… too bad they were still imprisoned, haha! Jevil walked and floated across the tracks, reaching a room with a decaying robot inside.

He knew this was a bad idea. But when did he ever have good ideas?

Without hesitating, the joker put the disk into the robot. At first, nothing happened, and he was getting impatient VERY quick. He gave the robot a swift kick in the lower area, before stepping back out of the room.

Step…

SLAM! The clown was admittedly caught off guard with how fast the silhouette from above came and pushed him onto his knees. With a small gasp for air, Jevil looked up slowly at the encroaching menace. The jagged movements, the glitchy, unsolidified form… this was him alright.

"KRIS… MY LOYAL [Sponge!] THANK… YOU. THE [Clown Around Town!] I REMEMBER YOUR [Disgusting] FACE. EVERYONE WAS SO [Thrilled] TO SEE YOUR [Calcified] FACE." The massive robotic behemoth loomed over Jevil, rage in his glasses. Spamton NEO.

The clown got up, a smug, shitfaced expression on his mug. He knew damn well that the dorito in front of him was pissed off, so he leaned back in the air to retort. "At least I drink plenty of milk, uee hee hee! As for you, you haven't changed one bit since we last spoke~! Or would it be a byte, a byte? Regardless, I do hope you've given up on the illusion of freedom, freedom~! The only one who can be free is MEEE!"

The robotic menace swung around to the other side of Jevil, making it very clear who was in charge of the conversation. A small concentrated blast of Pipis was fired at the jester, pushing him back with a surprising amount of force. "YOU ACT SMUG, BUT YOU [Crashed our stocks!] AND THEN YOU [Spoiled relations with our Esteemed Partners!] I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU… GOT IN HERE, YOU… [Tuna Fish,] BUT I'M NOT FALLING FOR YOUR [Roundabout!] AGAIN!"

Jevil laughed maniacally at this thought. This guy was mad! Over something that happened how long ago? Why even bother holding a grudge still? Petty, petty! He knew why, and it's why he came back too. "You influenced him. That pretty little kitty. You gave him enough funds to release me into that carousel of bliss and innocence! But I wasn't done, not one bit! And all those years, spent being free… they made me realize something, my dearest Spamton."

The oddly calm tone coming from the jester put Spamton NEO at an incredible amount of unease. "WHAT? WHAT COULD YOUR [Calcified Lump] THINK OF THAT WOULD MEAN ANY GODDAMN THING TO ME?"

"I CAN DO ANYTHING!"

The joker used his latent power to pelt the giant mecha with small white hearts. Spamton was caught off-guard, stumbling back a fair amount. Of course, you have to fight fire with fire, so the robot used his abilities to send out a Big Shot of blue Spamton Head Pipis.

"YOU [Saturated Marketshare!] YOU CAN'T SIMPLY ATTACK ME AND EXPECT IT TO WORK [As seen on TV!] I'M A [BIG SHOT!] [BIG SHOT!!!]"

Jevil hopped up onto the ceiling, clearing the first few Pipis on the lower row heading his way. Unfortunately, the higher row caught him clean in the face as he bounced between the two, making a small Jack-in-the-box melody as he pinged around.

"SPAMTON, MY BELOATHED! I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND, UNDERSTAND, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE TRAPPED IN A CAGE WITH A SHARK, A SHARK! YOU GET BITTEN AND CHEWED UP!"

The fool retaliated by running circles around Spamton, turning into a carousel of horse bullets! The robot, in a surprising feat of puppeteering, dodged the attack almost perfectly… until a stray horsie cut a string, sending the mech's right arm into the horse race. One thing about arms with cannons on them? They fire.

As soon as it happened, Jevil was face to face with a swarm of Pipis all around him. He was stuck. All of them exploded brilliantly, sending the clown flying clean across the rotting tracks and into the wall. Tauntingly, mockingly even, Spamton NEO retorted.

"I'M THE SHARK NOW, JEVIL! I'VE CHEWED UP SO MANY [Failed Buisness Partners] THAT I COULD MAKE A WHOLE [Presentation] OUT OF THEM! STAY OUT OF MY GODDAMN WAY, OR [Sparkle like new!] YOU BRAT."

The buisnessman charged at Jevil, his hands becoming phones. "IT'S FOR YOU." Suddenly, before either of them could react, loud blasts of garbage noise manifest expelled from the phones, attacking the court jester with white blasts of energy. There was nothing he could do to stop this robot's onslaught, it looked like.

"OH SPAMTON, IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK? THAT YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S SO POWERFUL RIGHT NOW, NOW? I'D SUGGEST YOU LOOK UP, UP! YOU'RE NOTHING WITHOUT THOSE STRINGS IMPRISONING YOU, UEE HEE HEE! YOU'RE NOT A BIG SHOT, YOU'RE JUST A LAZY FRAUD WHO CAN'T STOP HANGING ON TO HIM! I GUESS SLEEPING FOR 100 YEARS DOESN'T MAKE LITTLE OLD ME MISS MUCH, RIGHT?"

Without warning, Jevil was myseriously gone from his corner. The spamware looked frantically for his target, before being struck in the arm, the leg, and the chest by scythes. Devilsknives. The last knive cut a few strings clean off the puppet, who briefly hit the ground before rising back up.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! [Hyperlink Blocked.] I'M STILL HIS LOYAL ASSOCIATE! HE MAY NOT HAVE TALKED TO ME IN [Employee of The Month for 144 months!] BUT HE'S STILL THERE…"

Jevil interrupted him cleanly and concisely. "FACE IT. YOU'RE NO BIG SHOT ANYMORE, SPAMTON G. SPAMTON. ALL YOU ARE IS A FAILED INVESTMENT, UEE HEE HEE!"

With those words, a purple blast came from behind the clown, striking the robot right in the noggin. He flew back a bit, giving the joker enough time to turn around to meet his esteemed guests.

"Ah, my imprisoners~! Didn't you guys have a Queen to rock-em sock-em?"

Susie immediately cut him off, as she punched him in the arm (causing his head to spring up, naturally.) "Well, Kris over here couldn't shake the feeling things were off. So they forced us down here, and now they're right. Somehow?"

"I know I'm right.. Jevil, who the hell is Spamton?" Kris replied, their worry about the situation starting to rise.

"It's of no concern to you~! His screws were almost as loose as mine, and I don't think it's my job to tighten them~! Uee hee hee! Thank you for the help, but I can do anything~! Even tell you guys that 3 coasters are about to come down and force you guys along for the ride~!"

Ralsei immediately stuttered something out. "Three… what?"

And just like that, with a loud rumbling, the heroes were swept up into 3 old, rusty carts, barrelling down the track. Jevil laughed to himself, proud of what he got to do. "Ah well, it's a shame I can't finish him personally…"

"But oh well! Are you proud, proud? They took care of him…"

"Doctor."

Ao3 Link!

#Deltarune #Deltarune Spoilers #Deltarune Chapter 2 #Jevil #spamton #kris #ralsei #susie #undertale #okay cool thank you byyyyeeeee

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miss-magician-of-the-woods · 2 years

Text

CROSSED WORLDS THE BALLAD OF MEMORIES

Chapter 6

It's been hours since we left the tribe... I don't know exactly how many hours it was, but I'm no longer able to hold the ivisibility spell like Rose, we know that the moment our spell breaks our aunt will smell us and stop the cart… We would have to be lucky that she lets us keep her in Vesuvia, I cast my telepathy spell to communicate with Rose

Lyanne: Rose… I can't hold the spell anymore, if I keep it up I'll be too tired to cast any other spells

Rose: Me neither sis.... We better undo the spell soon and hope that Aunt Jasmine doesn't fight so much with us

We undid the invisibility spell and the presence cancellation spell, after about 5 minutes the carriage stopped.... We heard Aunt Jasmine get off the wagon quickly and open the back door with force.

Jasmine: TELL ME I'M HALLUCINATING! – I opened the lid of the box where I was hiding with Poppy on top of my head and looked at her with a shy smile

Lyanne: Hmm.... Yes you're hallucinating - Right away Rose also opened the lid of the box where she was hiding, with Felix clinging to her shoulder

Rose: Err... or are you just dreaming - Rose said smiling the same way I was

Poppy and Felix: Dreaming!

Jasmine: ...For the love of the gods.... NOW YOUR PARENTS WILL DEFINITELY KILL ME! - Aunt Jasmine said, running her hand through her hair with an anxious look, but after a few minutes she... She started to laugh at the situation, got into the wagon and held out her hands for both of us - Come on you little brats, get out of there before you two break some trinket of mine

Rose: You... Aren't you mad at us? - Rose said as she took Aunt Jasmine's hand out of the box with Felix carefully

Jasmine: ...Honestly? No, I'm not angry, if I were in your shoes I would probably do the same and take your father along with me whether you like it or not - She said as she took me in her arms - I already imagined that you two would get tired of keeping asking to your parents to come with me, just as I'm tired of this nonsense, you two are already big enough to venture out with me, protecting the children too much only makes them end up doing what you two did, go with or without permission

Lyanne: So... You're not taking us back?

Jasmine: And listen to another sermon? Another speech made about how dangerous the world is? Oh hell no! – We ended up laughing and hugging her

Lyanne and Rose: Thank you Aunt Jasmine!

Jasmine: You're welcome my loves... But unfortunately I'll have to talk to your parents as soon as I get to my store, so they at least know you two are alive, I'll need to convince them to let you two stay with me in Vesuvia for this month until we have to go back to the Zyron festival

Rose: .... Do you really need it?

Jasmine: Yes my fireball, I really need it, now... your magic is low, we're practically at the gates of Vesuvia - She said putting me on the ground, aunt Jasmine started rummaging through some boxes until she found the box that she was looking - We need to disguise you two until I get to my shop and can make a potion to revitalize your magic, take these clothes and hide your ears and tails - We took the clothes and obeyed her using the black hooded cloaks to hide our feline ears and we hide our tails inside our clothes - Great, now come, you better come with me in front of the cart, some items here are dangerous for you and if I don't keep an eye out your mother will ask for my head as a dish main festival of Zyron – We got out of the wagon with her, Aunt Jasmine closed the wagon door and helped us to the front with her – Okay, now before we go promise me you won't leave. go running and get out of my sight! Or the two of you will go back to the tribe taken by the biggest bird I can find in this forest!

Lyanne and Rose: Y-yes ma'am!

Jasmine: Great. Come on Kiki, you can continue our journey - Said aunt Jasmine, signaling for her horse to walk again.

We finally arrived in Vesuvia, the sun was shining as well as our eyes, we had never left the tribe and absolutely everything was new to Rose and I, with every street we turned we filled our aunt with questions, about what it was, how it worked and so on. on. We arrived in front of a store, with a plaque containing the design of a snake clinging to a small pot, Aunt Jasmine's famous store where she offered card readings, potions of various kinds and other services involving magic, we went down the carriage with the Aunt Jasmine and we entered the store, each was spacious, with our aunt's personal touch, calm and comfortable. Our aunt took a basin of water and sat at a table, she looked at us and called us to sit on her lap.

Jasmine: Ok.... Time to face the two beasts - Aunt Jasmine poured some potions into the water in the basin, which in rainbow colors started to glow, after a few minutes we started to hear our parents' voices... . Who were in a mix of anger and anxiety at the same time, talking about the two of us, how they knew it would happen someday, and how they were worried that some human might have seen us and be doing atrocities with us right now – Aaron? Carolyn? Can you hear me? – We could see the two of them immediately stopping what they were doing and running towards the direction of our aunt's voice

Aaron: Jasmine?! For Zyron's sake, tell us they're with you!

Jasmine: Yes bro, they are with me, they came hidden in my carriage and I only noticed their presence when I practically arrived in front of the gates of Vesuvia

Carolyn: Did you get hurt?! Has any human seen you?!

Jasmine: They're fine Carolyn, I put disguises on both of them and we're now in my shop – Aunt Jasmine pulled us closer showing us so our parents could see us

Rose: Hi mom...

Lyanne: Hi Dad...

Aaron: ..... Are you guys really okay?

Lyanne and Rose: Yes...

Aaron: Great... YOU TWO ARE GROUNDED UNTIL YOU TWO CREATE FACE WRINKLES!!!

Lyanne and Rose: WHAT?!?!?!

Carolyn: You heard your father! What were they thinking running away from the tribe just like that?! What if a human saw both?! I don't even know which punishment I'm going to go with but you can bet your asses they won't get out of it until they're graying!

Lyanne: .... WE COULDN'T TAKE IT ANY MORE, ALRIGHT?! – I said, already starting to cry, I felt Rose holding my hand in an attempt to calm me down – THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTING FOR THE TWO OF US! All our lives we obeyed every command of the two of you, and it hurt to hear your adventures in the human world with Aunt Jasmine and the adventures of the other adults! We didn't want to run away ok?! But we didn't see another alternative!

Rose: We asked your permission several times so that we could go with Aunt Jasmine's supervision and it was always no after the other... I don't even know how many nights we spent awake reading the books that Aunt Jasmine brought, looking at the images of distant cities and places that you yourselves said you had already visited and we wish from the bottom of our hearts... to be able to go to those places with the two of you! We know that you guys are only concerned about us and we can't imagine how many lives were lost in the past because of humans

Lyanne: But don't you think it's time to stop trapping us in the tribe like we were birds trapped in a cage? Can't you guys at least give us a chance this time to prove that you two can trust on both of us? Please mom... Please dad... We can't take it anymore

Carolyn and Aaron: ..... – The two sighed after hearing us, looked at each other and then looked again at the two of us

Carolyn: We didn't know it was being this painful... But we didn't plan on keeping you two here, when you reached your adulthood we would let you both go with your aunt

Jasmine: So why didn't you both sit down and say that?

Aaron: Because it wouldn't matter.... The two of them would probably get tired of waiting and do exactly what they did today at some point.... One month, you two will stay with your aunt in Vesuvia for a month, don't leave the field of her vision, don't call the attention of humans, don't mention where you two or you aunt came from, your aunt will be responsible for both of you and if I get to know you two disobeyed or caused some trouble, I don't care how, but both of you will return home even they're carried by a bear! Do you two understand me? – We couldn't believe what we were hearing, we started to smile so much that I think we'd end up with a cramp in our face.

Lyanne and Rose: YES SIR!

Carolyn: Jasmine, teach the two of them to use your spell to look like humans, Lyanne don't use your super strength on humans at all! They are fragile... It can end up killing, and Rose that goes for you too! Don't use your compulsion power on humans, one might end up noticing and drawing unnecessary attention to our race, do you understand me?

Lyanne and Rose: Yes ma'am!

Carolyn: Alright... Jasmine, please protect my girls

Jasmine: I would give my life for these two, no need to worry

Aaron: When it comes to these two? yes we need.

Jasmine: All right, now go rest! You guys are too stressed, I will always be in contact with you, I promise

Aaron: Right.. – Our father broke the connection from the spell letting the water return to normal

Jasmine: ... You two are pretty lucky huh? - Said our aunt laughing a little - So? Ready for your first adventure

Lyanne: Absolutely!

Rose: We were born ready!

Jasmine: That's how I like it! Now let's start.

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enbeast · 4 years

Conversation

hey yall I noticed that there don't appear to be any transcripts for A Study In Ichor, so I figured I'd type some up, please note I am literally just going off the audio and I might get some stuff wrong.

mission 1

:readmore:

CLIP ONE

Workhouse Owner (WO): RUN FASTER, WORKER FIVE, THAT TREADMILL WON'T TURN ITSELF. As you can see, Master Yao, our workhouse not only provides food and shelter for three hundred inmates but makes a healthy profit too. For example, Worker Five has been running on one of Cubbad's “treadmills” for a mere twelve hours today and has already milled five hundred pounds of flour. Got the odd nail in it but it's good enough for the Rutherhive slums [laughs]

Sam Yao (SY): Twelve hours? Without a break?

WO: The alternative of life on the streets is an excellent motivator. And with your investment we will be able to build even more machinery, maybe even increase rations to three bowls of gruel a day.

SY: I want to use my inheritance for good, and if I'm honest, I have some concerns about your worker's wellbeing.

WO: Oooh I seee~ Yes, I suppose it is rather fashionable nowadays to worry about unfortunates, but I assure you Master Yao, once you've had to make your way in the world, like myself or your uncle, a fine man, you'll learn that revenue is the important thing, not how it's made.

(note, as Sam talks there approaching footsteps)

SY: Surely, there's a way to- OW!

WO: YOU THERE, IN THE CAP, watch where you're going, you just ran into a potential investor. Where's your worker number?

Pick pocket (PP): (in a stilted cockney accent) Sorry, Guv'ner.

SY: No, no, it's fine, I was in the way.

WO: It is not fine. Young lady, break time isn't for another three hours. Get back to work. (retreating footsteps from PP) I'm dreadfully sorry, Master Yao, this workhouse is full of ingrates.

SY: My watch! It's gone, the chain's been snapped...

WO: That worker stole it, she's a pickpocket! Worker Five get off that treadmill and chase after her DON'T COME BACK WITHOUT THAT WATCH!

SY: Uh, I'll come with you, Worker Five, I don't want to make a fuss, but that watch is important to me. Come on, let's run.

CLIP TWO:

SY: Hey, mind your step, Worker Five, I've heard about this, rows of people crushing animal bones to make fertiliser. Ugh, the smell is awful. Pickpocket just ran out into the street, we've got to follow her! Five, I hope you don't mind if I call you Five, through that door! (sound of door opening) There! I see her, she's heading towards the Temm's tunnel, it goes under the river from here to Whopee, an engineering marvel- a-apparently, my uncle's an engineer, he's building an underground railway. I try to keep up with the industry but... It doesn't come naturally... I mean, I-I know the tunnel was built using Bruno Cockren's tunnelling shield but I still barely understand what that even is, I don't ac-ARGH! Oh! (gasping) Five! If you hadn't pulled me aside that horse and cart would have run me over! Ugh, I-I'm sorry, I should have been paying attention, but well I-I don't often get to talk to anyone who isn't my uncle, or someone who's interested in my inheritance... Not that I need all that money, of course. I just want to be sure it's going to help people, it's what my parents would have wanted. That's why the watch is so important to me, it was the last thing they ever gave me before they died. Reminds me of what's important. If, if it was any other watch, I'd... just have let that pickpocket keep it, I'm sure she needs it more than I do... Ah, she's just hopped the barrier at the Temm's tunnel, it's in that round red brick building the entrance shaft is underneath, come on, Five, let's experience this engineering marvel first-hand, quickly, before we lose her!

CLIP THREE

SY: Ah, this tunnel is incredible, can you believe we're RUNNING under the Temms, makes me feel a bit funny... Mind you, we're here now that it's safe, uh, some of the people that built it died in the flood... Oh! Maybe I should spend my inheritance on something that'll make projects like this safer for workers, what do you reckon Five? Oh, Oh no... The pickpocket's already climbing the stairs! Ah- she's getting away! (panting) Whopping's all alleys, if she slips down a back street, we'll never find her! Up the stairs! Run!

CLIP FOUR

SY: (panting) And we're out of the tunnel, the pickpocket just ducked down that alley, after her. (Running sounds) Uh, we've got you cornered, now please. Give me my watch back.

Amelia Spens, formerly known as the Pickpocket (AS): Oh, I don't think so. Lads! (sounds of several sets of footsteps closing in) You're surrounded.

SY: Five, it's a gang of pickpockets.

AS: I'd have been happy with just the watch, but since you followed me, allow me to introduce the Abel Street Gang, they're all over the rooftops and they've all got knives.

SY: Please, don't hurt us, Five here has nothing to do with this!

AS: There'll be no need for bloodshed as long as you both give me all the money you're carrying.

SY: Five doesn't have anything, but, uh, (mumbling, followed by the sound of a heavy bag of coins hitting the ground) That's all of mine.

AS: W-he-hell, aren't we the wealthy one.

SY: I-I've got more! Lots more! And I'll give it to you, I promise, just please return the watch. It's my most treasured possession.

AS: I see! Not an especially experienced negotiator, are you. Hmm, let's take a look at this watch, see what's so special about it. Hmm, pearl face, silver plating, and... an engraving...

SY: It's uh... it's Chinese, those are my parent's names, and that's mine. Sam Yao.

AS: Y-you're not even going to try and make up an identity? What- (laughing) You're lucky I'm just a pickpocket and not someone REALLY nefarious, I- Helloo, what's this? (music starts playing)

SY: There's a tiny music box behind the face, that melody was special to them.

AS: Ooh, a bit twee if you ask me.

SY: So you'll give it back?

AS: I might have sold it back to you for a few sovereigns before you told me who you were, but as my luck would have it there just happens to be something that only you can do for me, Sam Yao. Your uncle's digging a railway underneath London, isn't he?

SY: H-how did you know that?

AS: I read the Society Pages, in my line of work one needs to know who's on course to inherit what fortune, and which Saloons they're likely to fall out of after one too many brandies.

SY: My fortunes from my parents, not my uncle.

AS: Yes, but you're his ward, or at least you were until you came of age recently, correct?

SY: Yes.

AS: There's something I want to show you. Follow me and keep up the pace. There are far more unsavoury types than me in Whopping and they'll take more than your watch. Run!

CLIP FIVE

SY: What's your name?

AS: I'm not telling you my real one, but you can call me Amelia.

SY: Uh, if you don't mind me saying, Amelia, you're quite well spoken for a pickpocket.

AS: Well, even an educated woman is not replete with options in this day and age. We might have a woman on the throne but I had to choose between penury, marriage to a seventy year old rector, or this.

SY: Well, it's not easy for me either, I'm lucky I have money because, well, being Chinese, people have misconceptions.

AS: Yes, you really should choose your friends wisely. Down this side street.

SY: Ugh, Mm. What IS that smell?

AS: Cover your mouths with your handkerchiefs, both of you.

SY: It's alright, Five, you can use mine.

AS: The smell is coming from that huge pipe, you see the emblem embossed on it?

SY: Ah! It's from my uncle's engineering company!

AS: That's right. The pipe is a ventilation shaft from his railway tunnel, now let's get away from it so we can breathe.

SY: (Gasping) Whoah, Oh that's better. What is going on down there?

AS: That's what I want you to find out.

WO (distant): MASTER YAO! WORKER FIVE!

SY: Ugh, it's the workhouse owner.

WO: (approaching footsteps) (panting) Master Yao, I followed you all the way from Rutherhive, one of my workers told me this woman is actually part of the Abel Street Gang! She only came to the workhouse to target you.

AS: This worker, was he a handsome fellow? Smarmy grin?

WO: That's right!

AS: Brent. (Sigh) That'll teach me to use former paramours as spies. Fine. (gun clicking) Hands up!

SY: Amelia! Don't shoot him!

AS: I'm not not aiming it at him, Sam, I'm aiming it at you.

WO: Steady on!

AS: Mr Workhouse Owner, unless you want future investors to know you got this one killed, I'd advise you to stop following us. Sam, Five, come with me or I'll shoot you both. Run!

CLIP SIX

AS: We lost the Workhouse owner, time to put this away (clicking sound)

SY: We would have come with you, Amelia, there was no need for the gun!

AS: Don't tell me how to take a hostage. Now listen carefully, for reasons that elude me, not everyone who falls on hard times opts for criminality, some people would honestly rather perform manual labour, and your uncle happens to be a proliferate employer of such eccentrics. I wouldn't care, except that many of his employees have family in the Abel Street Gang.

SY: I can ask my uncle to pay them more. But... He doesn't really listen to me. I'm Rather naive, apparently.

AS: Well, fortunately I have no need of your dreadful negotiating skills, I need you to solve an even stickier problem. Several of your uncle's workers have gone missing. Even though I've repeatedly explained to my gang that it's a waste of time caring about anything besides one's self, they're refusing to work until they learn what's happened to their loved ones. It's hurting my bottom line.

SY: That's awful... For the workers.

AS: Ahh, they're probably dead. If WE can barely breathe the noxious fumes near the ventilation shafts, what do you think it's like underground?

SY: I can't imagine! Those poor people... I'll stop what's happening, I promise, even if I have to spend every last penny of my inheritance.

AS: Do that and I'll give you your watch back.

SY: It's a deal.

AS: Mm, my favourite words. Righto, well, if that's settled then I'm off. There's a debutante ball this evening and I need to be in good time if I'm going to harvest some pearls. (retreating footsteps)

SY: There she goes. Look, Five, ah, I feel a bit awkward asking you this, but, would you maybe consider working with me? You were quick out there, really impressive, I've just moved into a house by myself and I could do with a hand. I promise it'll be a lot easier than the workhouse. I know it's been a funny old day, but for me it's actually been nice having someone to talk to. Talk at. Sorry, I know I go on a bit. But if you want to let's shake on it. You did save my life. Great! Now, I'm starving, how about some steak and oyster pie? Maybe we'll come up with some ideas about what happened to those missing workers over dinner., then tomorrow, we'll visit my uncle. Lord Earnest Van Ark.

#A study in ichor #ASII #zr #s2s #master yao #sam yao #worker five #amelia spens #transcript #ASII M1

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briannafrostgirl · 4 years

Text

Paper

An original story by BriannaFrostgirl

The prison cart shook violently with every bump of the road, which were numerous on the clay roads of Lemoyne. With each bump, the shackles that were wearing into Brianna Murphy's wrists and ankles rattled like an angry ghost. She'd long since given up on trying to pick the lock. Her fingers never had been well suited for such fine work and as such her skills were more than a little rusty. Her charm on the other hand...

The bounty hunter was a woman and a beautiful one at that. And well, Brianna had always had a way with the ladies...

The hunter was dressed smartly in shades of grey and black, with a red tie around her neck providing a splash of color and a gold pocket watch tucked into her best pocket. Her curly brown hair was tied up in a simple ponytail, her posture was impeccable, and she had just the right amount of sweat on her brow. She already looked plenty formidable but it was her eyes that told the full story. Deep brown and full of loss and sorrow and determination. The eyes of a woman not lightly crossed. She was focused on the road but Brianna had no doubt that she was more than ready to use the Lancaster repeater on her lap at a second's notice. She was taciturn but the smallest smile played at the corner of her lips, giving the Irishwoman the confidence to try.

"That's a fine gun," she said cheerily in a thick Galway accent. "Looks like it's got a custom frame and grip, if I'm not mistaken."

"You are not," the hunter replied with a little smile, brandishing the gun like a proud mother. "She's my pride and joy, so I keep her well maintained. Only the best for my baby, right? You like her?"

"Oh aye, she's a masterfull piece of work alright," Brianna replied with a grin. "As is the woman holding her."

The other two prisoners - a couple of Lemoyne Raiders who didn't know about bathing or laundry from the smell of them - both groaned but the hunter let out a little chuckle.

"You comin' onto me, miss?" She asked

"Depends. Is it working?" Brianna replied with a smirk.

"Only a little," the hunter laughed. "Not enough to let you out of that cage of that's what you're wondering."

"Would it help if I said I was framed?" Brianna asked playfully, batting her eyelashes coquetishly.

"Well, I got a paper here says you killed three men in Valentine" the hunter replied, brandishing the paper in question. "That true?"

"Well, you're missing some crucial context there..."

"Which is...?"

"They took my hat," Brianna shrugged. "And they cheated at cards. They were assholes, no one will miss em."

"Well that clearly ain't true since someone put a price on your head, Miss Murphy," the hunter chuckled to herself.

Brianna sighed and slumped back down in her seat.

"Looks like you done struck out," one of her traveling companions said with a gleeful smile that showed off his three remaining teeth. "I always heard you Brits was queer but Lord knows I didn't know how right that was."

"Shut your mouth or I'll have to be hanged for four murders instead of three," she replied sulkily.

"Save your threats, Irish," Toothless chuckled. "We'll be out of this cage soon enough. The Lord provides. Or in this case, my brother."

Brianna looked up from her shackles, her eyes narrowed. "Your what?"

BOOM!! The cart was thrown to the side of the road in an explosion of dirt and fire. Brianna could hear the horses bolt, could feel the blood slick on the back of her head. And she could see the other two prisoners gleefully slip out the back, cheering and hollering like wild dogs. With a groan, Brianna rolled out of her seat and followed them.

The side of the road had been torn apart by dynamite, leaving a deep rut that would no doubt annoy travelers for years to come. Toothless' compatriot had his shackles around the hunter's throat, a revolver to her head. Another man in confederate wear, the brother, she supposed, was busy breaking the lock on Toothless' handcuffs.

"What did I tell you, Irish?" He chuckled gleefully. "The Lord provides..."

His chains broken, the talkative bastard bent down and scooped up a revolver from the dirt, tossing it into Brianna's outstretched hands.

"We gotta get outta here, Clem," his brother said, his eyes flitting every which way - a walking, talking bundle of nerves. "No way the sheriff in Rhodes didn't hear that blast."

"In a minute," Toothless replied, rolling his eyes. "Jesus, Joe, you worry too goddamn much. We gotta deal with our captor first..."

He chuckled gleefully, picking up her repeater and reloading it.

"Jesus, Clem..." Joe groaned. "Just put a bullet in her head and let's go."

Brianna winced in spite of herself. "Isn't that a little excessive? Why don't we just tie her up and be on our merry way."

Toothless let out a nasty gaffaw. "You going soft, Irish? You caught feelings for this bounty huntin’ piece of trash."

He approached the hunter, getting his face within inches of hers. "Don't you want to get even with this bitch? She was gonna hang you..."

Brianna rolled her eyes.

"I think I'm gonna make it slow..." Toothless added, his voice getting even nastier if that was possible. "A drop of blood for every one my brothers she's seen hanged."

The hunter gave Brianna a determined stare. "You really sure these folks are the kind you wanna associate with, Miss Murphy?"

Brianna looked at her feet. "It's better than dyin'."

"Is it?" The hunter's gaze remained fixed on Brianna, ignoring her captors entirely. "I don't know about you, but I'd rather die with my honor intact than throw in with these inbred bastards."

"Shut the hell up," Toothless growled, jamming the gun butt into her head. "Maybe I should just put a bullet in you right now."

Despite the blow, the hunter's gaze remained fixed on Brianna.

She sighed and cocked her gun. "Fuck it."

And with the speed and ease of a practiced marksman, she spun her revolver up and put a round into Toothless' skull.

"What the hell???"

Both Joe and the man who was holding the hunter turned their guns on Brianna, their faces full of shock as their compatriot's lifeless body slumped to the dirt. Quick as lightning, the hunter jammed her knee into her captor's groin, causing him to double over in pain and drop his revolver into her waiting hand. She spun it with grace and put two shots into Joe's chest. Before he even hit the ground, she had put a round into the third man's head and easily extricated herself from his grip.

Brianna stared at her, dumbfounded. "You... You didn't need my help at all, did you?"

The hunter winked at her. "Not really. But I wanted to see what you'd do."

Brianna's cheeks flushed. "I guess we’ve got a stop to make in Rhodes, huh?"

"I guess that depends on you..." The hunter smirked.

She pulled a piece of paper from her vest pocket and wrapped it around her revolver, tossing it to Brianna. She unfurled the paper, her jaw dropping at its contents.

"A bounty hunting license?"

"It pays the bills and it's good honest work," the hunter replied. "And as long as you're doing good, honest work, you and I don't have a problem."

She held up Brianna's wanted poster and tore it in two. "Just try not to shoot anybody else over cards, okay?"

Brianna grinned as she pulled off Joe's gun belt and slipped her two new revolvers into it. "No promises, but I will try."

"Fair enough," the hunter laughed.

She glanced around at the carnage around them, her hands on her hips.

"Well if you wanted to start on your new line of work early, I got three bodies to take into the sheriff in Rhodes and no wagon to transport them," she said with a smile.

Brianna shrugged and hoisted Toothless' corpse up onto her shoulder. "Well I got nowhere better to be, so..."

As the two women headed off down the road, hauling the three confederates along with them, Brianna glanced at her new traveling companion.

"So, uh... About earlier. I didn't have a shot with you, did I?"

The hunter gave her a playful grin. "Well, buy me a drink once we hit Rhodes and we'll see..."

#red dead online #red dead oc #red dead original character #my OC #original writing #Brianna Murphy #lesbian #bounty hunter

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fijiangecko · 5 years

Text

When the Sun Rises in the West

Prologue

A/N: AHHH IT'S HERE!! I'm so excited to finally share this! I'm planning on posting chapters every couple days so I make you all wait for it 😉 this whole series was entirely based off of this playlist, and every chapter will have a theme. This one isn't super edited but I actually love this series. Heavily based off of GoT (locations and dergons) but no spoilers. This story doesn't use the same plot or same characters.

C/N = City Name

Word Count: 1,700+

The barren wasteland of Essos was home to many people for the past several centuries. From dry deserts to scattered mountain ranges, the people couldn't have been happier to be alive and not in Westeros, dealing with the war of the iron throne. Blood shed, tears, agony and resentment are what wars left behind, not the virtues of peace and prosperity they promised. You, for one, would never want to experience anything like it. As heiress to a city newfound within the last century, your heart is only filled with love for your people. Never in your life would you wish to put a sword in a child's hand and tell them to fight for your honor, and not their own.

There's a reason your people haven't had to fight yet. Both the natural defenses that C/N holds and the ferociousness of native animals. C/N lies in a valley between several mountains. It is deep enough to have its own water supply, and no sane ruler would have his army climb over such steep mountain tops. Plus, they've only heard rumors about you, but no one would dare see if they were true.

The people of C/N love your family and care for you deeply, wishing you good health and even better prosperity. Children walk with you through the streets as you treat them to exotic fruits and pleasantries. The adults are thankful to all gods that they have found this Oasis, this sanctuary of peace and happiness. After trekking across the Red Waste and the Dothraki Sea they found a home for both themselves and their families. They smile as you walk by, greeting you and presenting you with their wares. Oftentimes, they will want you to take it for free - a gift, but you refuse every time. You live with the head family, there's no need for you to get freebies. Everyone lives in simple splendor with their everyday lives; content at the opportunity to have an easy life until they die.

"Y/N!" You snap out of a memory where you're dancing around a great pyre to an ancient song with the town elders. It was the celebration of your fifteenth birthday, an important day in a young person's life as they graduate from childhood to adulthood. "You know you have to leave soon, right?" Your mother walks around the grand table to you, and tests her hand on top of yours. She smiles sweetly as she waits for a response.

"I know, I just don't want too." Your eyes travel downwards at the new memory. Your birthday was in two months, and the 22nd birthday through your family lineage meant marriage. Although you wouldn't be taking over C/N anytime soon due to Fathers good health, there's still a need to have good trade relationships with other cities across the nation. You know that they wouldn't force you into a relationship, as their parents didn't, but let something grow naturally with one of the children of other head families. Out of so many there was bound to be one that caught your favor… or so they hoped.

"It'll be okay pumpkin, we didn't want to send you away for so many months, but Masaru's son is the only person in the world that is like you. There has to be a bond there we don't know about." In the past few months, head families have traveled to meet you and hope that they can tie the knot with you. They were all turned away, due to a couple big factors. 1) they were too young, 2) they had a stick up their ass, 3) they didn't give a shit about what happened to the citizens of their towns and would profit off of their tragedy and 4) there were allegations of slave trade among them. True or not, you would not stand to put a price on human life. If there were allegations, then that means someone connected to them was either in or around the trades themselves. It was sickening to think about. As far as you know, the Bakugou bloodline doesn't have any affiliations with slave traders, their son is your age, if not a little older and cared about his people in an odd way.

"Why am I going for so long? I'm going to miss my 22nd celebration…"

"Well, the Bakugou's haven't been sending us a lot of materials lately, so you're not only there for personal interest but diplomatically. We need these materials for more homes. Those children you live are becoming adults, but we don't have the means to help them." She squeezes your hand. "You can help them. Missing your celebration will suck, I know, but we'll have it as soon as you get back. Plus we'll need to talk about who's going to marry who."

Anxiety bubbles in your chest, but you pop it with a calming smile. "I know. I don't like any of the other candidates, but if the rumors about the younger Bakugou are true than I shouldn't have to worry. If we are the only two in the world that are this way, isn't that a sign from gods old and new?"

"That's the spirit Y/N. We'll finish packing your stuff. Go finish saying your goodbyes." Your mother smiles sweetly and give you a tight hug before letting you go. The rest of the night you reminisce with old friends. You all talk about old shenanigans and pranks you used it pull on older people, but now you're the older people having pranks pulled on them. It is a great night of food and friends with a light dusting of sadness topped off with tears. You were gonna miss everyone, but you must do what they need you to do. They weren't crying because they were acted for you, more like they didn't want you to leave.

At first you misinterpreted their tears, "Guys, I'm gonna be okay! I'll have Rhaegal and Viserion with me."

"No Y/N, we don't want you to go!" Mina cries from across the tavern table. The tears were appreciated, and broke your heart.

"I'll be back before you know it. Maybe I'll even have some eye candy at my side." Everyone laughs and you take the rest of the night to enjoy their company. You wouldn't have been able to sleep anyways, so this was a pleasant alternative.

The morning sun is bright when your eyes crack open. They hurt for a couple seconds, but it passes as your body adjusts to new circumstances. The sun itself is only cresting over the mountain tops, creating a golden glow around everything the light touches. That's when it hits you - this is last sunrise you'll be seeing for who knows how long. If all goes well diplomatically, then you'll be able to return home within a month, but if conflicts arise… you try not to put much thought into it and just watch the hues of peach and orange dance across the sky.

Softly, someone places a hand on your shoulder breaking your stream of thoughtlessness. "It's time to go." Your mother spoke quietly, as though cooing a newborn. Her velvet voice helps calm you even further. It'll only be for a little while. I don't even have to focus on Masaru's son if I don't want too. "C'mon, let's go grab Rhaegal and Viserion."

Walking towards the edge of town, a cart with all of your things lies ahead on the path, waiting to be pulled by 2 horses and their carriage master, Kota. He smiles at you, and you back to him. You can't help but wonder how such a sweet stable boy would want in Mereen, but maybe he just wanted to take Clyde and Grumm out for a walk after being cooped up for so long. You and your mother walk around the base of one of the surrounding mountains to a cave entrance. It's too dark to see inside, but you know the two are there; waiting to be set free since the last incident.

"Ñuhyz zaldrīzesse." Screeching bounced off of the cavern walls, the cacophony animalistic gurgles and grunts echo both out and further into the tunnels. An orange flame lights up the room suddenly, and the scale from the beasts glisten in the fire light. Large cuffs are wrapped around their necks that have chains bolted into the mountain walls. "Ñuha riñar, Rhaegal se Viserion. Iksan vaoreznuni." You walk over to the chains and unlatch them. Their large bodies tower over your own, but you can feel that they mean no harm. Rhaegal nuzzles his chin on the top of your head, as if saying "I know". His green scales shine Viserion bellows out another flame. Altogether, you exit the cave.

"They don't seem agitated." Your mother stands back quite a ways; she knows that they would never harm her but they are very large creatures.

"No, they learned their lesson." You run a hand over Viserion's cream colored scales, looking into his golden eyes. "Daēz." Upon the last sound leaving your lips, the spread their massive wings and take off, spurring dust clouds at their feet.

"Hopefully the Bakugou boy is as caring as you are." She laughs as you both walk to the wagon. Kota stares at the beasts in the sky, marvelling at them as they sore and howl.

"If he's the only other person in this world who has one, then he better be taking care of it as if it were his child."

"There is a reason they call you Muña Zaldrīzoti, my dear." You both laugh for a second and you look up at her.

"I'm going to miss you." You take her hands in your own, and squeeze them. She reciprocates it by releasing your hands and going for a hug.

"You'll do great. I know it and so does your father." She squeezes her arms before releasing. "Now go off and do amazing things." Tears prick the corners of you eyes, but you hold them back as best you can. With one last glance at your smiling mother, you hop on the carriage next to Koda and start on your journey to Mereen.

Ñuhyz zaldrīzesse - My dragons

Ñuha riñar - My children

Iksan vaoreznuni - I'm sorry

Daēz - Be Free

Muña Zaldrīzoti - Mother of Dragons

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awkward-uwu · 6 years

Text

A Royal Journey pt.4

Previous//Next

Genre: Fluff, Fantasy

Pairings: Female Reader x Felix || WooChan (Woojin x Chan)

Word count: 4,186

Warnings: Blood and Violence

Summary: Finally getting somwhere.

The next morning you wake up with a blinding headache and you can't remember much from last night. You use lesser restoration on yourself which takes away your headache pretty fast and you also start remembering more of last night. You remember dancing with Felix, you remember the way he smiled at you, and you can't help but to smile to yourself while you get ready for the day. Once you're almost fully dressed you hear a knock on your door, “Y/n, Jeongin is still out.”

“Aw, ok, I'll be in there in a minute, I'm still getting dressed.” You quickly finish up and make your way a door down to the boy's room and knock on the door. It opens and you see Jeongin lying on one of the two beds in the most uncomfortable position you've ever seen and you just laugh, Felix is sitting on the edge of the other bed putting his armor on, when he sees you come in he smiles brightly. You start tapping on his shoulder, “Jeongin… hello?” You cast the same spell as you did earlier on him and he starts waking up, he blinks his eyes and looks up at you, “An angel…?” You laugh, “No Jeongin, just me,”

He sits up, “Eh, close enough.”

“Sure,” you laugh.

“Whoa, I feel way better!”

“Well yeah, I used a pretty good spell on you.” Chan laughs, “Ok Jeongin, now that you're up hurry and get ready, we're leaving right when Changbin gets here.”

“Ok ok I'm moving, but I can't get dressed when she's in here,” Jeongin points at you.

“Oh! Right! I'll go over to the pub and order breakfast. Should I bring it back here?”

“Nah, we'll be there in a little bit,” Chan says holding the door. You nod and leave. When you enter the pub you see Han and Minho at the bar eating, you sit down next to them and order your food. “Oh Y/n!” Han smiles brightly.

“Hi guys” you smile.

“You and Felix did great at the dance last night! You're such a cute couple!”

“Oh, uh, we're, not a couple…”

“Uh huh… so that means you're available?” Han smirks. “I, uh, well technically I guess…” Minho flicks him in the back of the head again, “Ow! I said stop hitting me!”

“Then stop making her uncomfortable!” At this point the other three walk in as the bartender brings you your food, you all go sit down at a table. After eating for about ten minutes Changbin walks in, he sets two scrolls on the table in front of Jeongin, “What are these?”

“Spell scrolls we found in the bosses stuff, figured you could use them” Jeongin's face lights up, “No way!! I'll definitely use these! Thank you!” He then spends the rest of the time you're in the pub reading over the spells and copying them to his spellbook. You spend another twenty minutes eating and then all four of you leave the pub, but as you're leaving you hear someone shout behind you, “Wait!!” Han and Minho run up to you, “Can we come with? It doesn't matter where you're going, we're just wandering around anyways, having people other than Han to talk to would be great…”

“Rude.”

You look at the rest of them and they just shrug. “Sure why not, as long as you're aware there's possible fighting, and you might get hurt,” you say with a somewhat serious face. The two of them look at each other and then look back, “I think we can handle it” Han smirks. You all then leave the town together and head back to Ironwind. You actually get there in one day this time due to no issues popping up, but it's beginning to get pretty late at this point. The guards stop you at the gate until they see Felix, “Ah your highness, you've returned much sooner than expected.” The guards bow. “Yes, but I'm not staying long, I just need to speak to my mother, and it's important, may we borrow some horses?”

“Of course your highness, but we only have five, so a few of you will have to share,”

“That's fine, thank you.” Five horses get brought out to you, Han and Minho share one and you get on with Felix. At first you don't hold on very tight because you've never been that close to him and you're a little nervous, “Y/n, hold on, I don't want you falling off.”

“Uh, ok…” you wrap your arms around his waist, as he kicks and the horses take off. They go much faster than you were expecting and you let out a small squeak and shut your eyes tightly as you wrap your arms around him tighter trying not to fall off. Felix on the other hand is a smiling blushing mess, which he's very happy no one can see. After a moment you open your eyes and watch the houses speed past you and you're hands slowly start slipping from his waist. Once he notices he reaches down with one hand and pulls you up to hold on better, “You ok?” He glances back at you. “Yeah, I'm fine,” you readjust yourself and tighten your grip on his waist as he moves his hand from yours. After you get used to the speed you realize just just how close to him you are, you heart rate begins to speed up and you start grinning to yourself.

You make it to the castle far sooner than you would have liked. Felix jumps off before you and then reaches up with both hands to help you down, you hop into his arms and he lowers you to the ground. You're faces are very close at this point and Felix takes a quick step back, “I'm going in with Chan and Changbin, you four stay here,” You nod and sit down on the benches by the doors as they go in. They walk into the throne room but the queen isn't there, Felix sees two guards, “Excuse me, where's my mother?”

“Oh your highness, she's in her study.”

“Thank you!” He grabs Chan and Changbin’s hands and runs off. They stop in front of a large door on the second floor and Felix knocks. “Yes?”

“Mother? It's me.”

“Felix?” There's some shuffling behind the door before it opens. “What are you doing back so soon…?”

“I have something important to talk to you about.”

“Oh… alright, come in.” The three of them walk in and the queen sits down in a chair in front of a desk, “Now, what is it dear?”

“Have you ever heard the name Tema?” Felix asks as he sits down in a chair next to the door. The queens eye go wide, “Where did you hear that name?!”

“I- um, from Changbin…”

“Who's that?”

“Oh right! This is Changbin, we met him in the forest, he used to be a bandit, but now he's not, we helped him beat up his old boss.”

“I see, it's a pleasure to meet you,” she smiles and nods towards Changbin as he bows. “Now Changbin, where did you learn that name? No one should know it, that name, and it's owner have been dead for years...”

“Well, your majesty, with all due respect, you're wrong, for the name at least. Because my group was working under her, she was having us spy on the city, and she doesn't like you or your family at all…”

“But that's impossible, she died, he killed her… She's gone! You must be mistaken!” She stands up and walks over to the window on the left side of the desk. “Mom…” Felix stands up, “Who is- or was she…?”

“She was a good friend, an ally… but, she changed, her mind got twisted, she started messing with things she didn't understand, she put the kingdom in danger… she put you in danger… and she shouldn't be alive! You father sacrificed himself to kill her… he trapped her in her lab, he caused it to explode with both of them in it… she shouldn't be alive…” They stand in silence for a moment, “Mom… why have you never told me this?? Isn't this a little important??”

“I was going to! I just never found the right time… I'm sorry.” Felix thinks for a moment, “We need to kill her. If she really is still alive we need to kill her.”

“Felix no, she's too dangerous, I can't lose you too…”

“Mom, I'll have friends with me, we'll practice, please, let me do this for father…” Felix has an extremely determined look on his face. “You're majesty, take it from me, we can handle this, we even have two more people with us willing to help.” Changbin speaks up. “I just- I don't know…”

“Mother. Please.” She sits there thinking silently for a while, “Alright… but if you don't come back I won't forgive you.” Felix runs up and hugs her, “Don't worry, I'll be back, I promise.”

They smile at each other, “I love you Felix, and I'll never stop.”

“I love you too mom,” Felix smiles brightly and the three of them leave. The queen sits down at her desk and puts her head in her hands. They make it back out to the rest of you and explain everything. “Wait, so we're gonna fight some possibly super strong crazy woman who killed your Dad?” Jeongin asks. “Essentially, yes.” Felix responds.

“Awesome!”

“Jeongin, you sound way too excited to possibly die,” you laugh.

“Well when you put it that way it sounds worse…” the rest of you laugh. “Ok, since we'll be leaving in the morning why don't you three come stay at the temple? We have extra rooms.” You say looking at Han, Minho and Changbin. “That's a good idea, Felix, why don't you go with them, I'm gonna go talk to the guard about getting a cart so we don't have to walk.” Chan says as he mounts his horse and leaves. The rest of you nod and mount your horses as well and head to the temple. You show the three of them around and explain to the other clerics what's going on. They get them settled in and you and Felix take Jeongin to his place by the garden, after he goes inside you speak up, “Hey Felix?”

“Yeah?”

“Why did you take me with? Couldn't you have dropped Jeongin off by yourself?”

“Well, yeah… but I wanted to show you something.”

“Oh, alright,” you smile as Felix gets off the horse and starts leading it with you on it. “Close your eyes.”

“Ok…?” You say with a small smile. You walk for a small while before you stop, “Ok, open your eyes.” As you open your eyes gasp, you see the pond in the middle of the garden and you see a full moon and all the stars due to the clear night. “Felix… this is beautiful…” you sit in awe. “I knew you'd like it, this is my favorite place to come when I need to think.” He smiles softly. He helps you down again and he walks you down a bridge leading to the small island in the middle of the pond. You sit down on the small bench and stare at the stars and moon, “This is just so beautiful… I-” you turn to look at Felix who is smiling at you. “I-... Um…” you look away down to the other side.

“Y/n?”

“Hm?” You look back up.

“I've known you for years now,” You look down at your hands in your lap. “and ever since that first day you helped me the temple, I've always thought you were the most beautiful girl I've ever met...” At this point your heart is beating so fast it feels like it might pop out of your chest, you want to say something but your mouth won't move.

Felix continues, “I've known from that moment that I've liked you, I just haven't had the guts to tell you… I understand if you don't like me back, I just needed you to kno-” before he can say anything else you're grabbing the sides of his face and are crashing your lips into his. He freezes for a second before he moves his hands to your waist and kisses you back. It's like fireworks are going off in your head, the world almost seems to spin as he slowly moves his lips with yours.

You slowly pull apart and just stare into each other's eyes almost in a dase, “Hey Felix?”

“Yeah?”

“I definitely like you back,” He chuckles before kissing you again pulling you closer as you slowly run your hands through his hair.

You two lie down in the grass and watch the stars together holding hands, you point out constellations you've learned and how the stars look like his freckles. You stay like this for about half an hour before he stands up, “Come on, we should really get going, we've got a lot to prepare for.” He gives you his hand and helps you up, once you're up he laces his fingers with yours and walks you back to the horse. He takes you back to the temple and walks you up to the door before he softly caresses your cheek with his thumb and leans in to kiss you one last time, which you you gladly return smiling.

“I'll see you tomorrow,” he smiles as he gets back on the horse and leaves for the castle. You go inside grinning like an idiot and lean your back up against the door as you shut it. “Fun night?” You just about jump out of your skin as you see Han, Minho and Changbin all sitting on the couches in front room of the temple.

“I- uh-” They all just laugh, “Calm down, you don't have to tell us anything,”

You sigh, “You guys scared the crap out of me, why are you still up??”

“We were waiting for you.” Changbin says still laughing a bit.

“Why…?” They all just shrug and you roll your eyes, “Nevermind, it doesn't matter, but we do need to go to bed, we have a lot to get ready for.” They all whine and get up and go to the guest rooms near the back and you go to your room. As you lay in your bed you just stare up at the ceiling, “Did that really… just happen…?” You touch your lips and smile. As you fall asleep the only thing on your mind is Felix's face.

The next morning you wake up just before sunrise and before the boys wake up to make breakfast. Which the smell of food wakes them up pretty quickly. After eating for a few minutes there's a knock at the door, you go and open it to find Chan, Felix and Jeongin with a cart drawn by two horses. When you see Felix you can't help but smile and blush a little remembering last night, and Chan definitely notices. You run off and finish getting ready as the boys finish up eating and do the same. Once you're all ready you pile into the cart and Chan gets in the front to drive and Changbin sits up there with him. The cart is definitely faster than walking, but not by much, it's definitely easier than walking.

You make it to and through most of the forest in about half a day, once you make it to the crossroads again Changbin speaks up, “We should go to Silvermire, that's the way Tema’s goons go every time they report back to her,” Chan nods and you go left this time.

You make it to Silvermire in about an hour, at this point it's a few hours after middy. The town is on the very edge of the forest and is in much better condition and much larger than Deepwood. It once again has a wall around it but it's much taller, and it has an actual gate, but it is open. It's a very busy bustling town with people selling things from carts and people getting off work going home or to the local pubs.

You make your way through the town and make it to a larger inn with a pub in the downstairs. You all go in and it's just starting to get active. Chan goes up to the bar and buys three rooms, “Hey is there a place we can keep our horses?” He asks. “Oh yes, we have a public stable near the gardens. Just go follow the main road for a while and you'll see it.” She smiles as she hands Chan the keys for the room. Chan smiles, “Thank you,” he turns to leave and stops, “Oh wait! One more thing, do you know anything about a lady named Tema?” She thinks for a moment, “Hmm it sounds familiar… you know who might know? The druid who helps with the gardens, lots of people like to hang out there so he knows almost everyone, he's very friendly.” Chan smiles and thanks her again before giving everyone their keys, one to you, one to Han, Minho and Changbin, and the last one stays with Chan because he's sharing with Felix and Jeongin. “We gotta get more girls in this group, bunking by myself is sorta lonely…” you whine as the rest of them laugh.

“I'm gonna go find a place to leave the horses, and also possibly learn some about Tema. Who wants to join me?”

“I will!” You all say almost in unison. You all start laughing. “Well ok then, I guess this'll be a group thing.” Chan chuckles as you all start making your way to the gardens. Due to how large the town is it takes about ten minutes to get there. It's a very large garden, maybe about half the size of the castle’s, which is saying a lot, the castle garden is very large. You easily find the stables and Chan pulls up to it, a young man comes out and helps tie the horses up and parks the cart behind the building, Chan pays him a few gold. You all make your way to the garden, which is beautiful, it has all sorts of different plants and trees, there are bright flowers everywhere, and multiple pathways throughout it with a small house in the center. The house has a stone path leading up to it, and on one side of the house is a small koi pond, and a chicken coop on the other. As you walk up to the door and Chan knocks you ask, “Hey Chan? Who is this person anyway?”

“Some druid, apparently he might know about Tema, he's probably some old man-" An attractive younger man, not much older than Chan opens the door. He's wearing loose dark brown and green clothes and has a small silver circlet with little flowers on it on his head. “Can I help you?” He asks softly. “I- um- uh-” Chan stumbles over his words as Felix pushes him out of the way, “We're looking for someone, we were told you might know something.”

“Oh alright, why don't you you come in? I just made tea,” the man smiles softly gestures inside. “Alright, thank you.” Felix smiles and goes inside with the man and the rest of the boys, except Chan who's still standing in the same place as before, staring where the man was in the doorway. “Chan? Chaaan,” you wave your hands in his face, “Chan!” You snap your fingers at him. “Ah! What? Huh?” You laugh, “Great first impression,”

“Y/n…” he grabs your shoulders, “This guy is way too pretty, what do I do??” He whispers in a panic. You start laughing harder than before, “Oh my gosh Chan, calm down, just be normal ok? Try not to freak out.” You state calmly. “Ok ok…” Chan takes a deep breath.

“You ready?”

“Nope, but I'm going in anyway.” He says as he goes inside. You simply chuckle and follow him in. The inside is full of plants and vines climbing up the walls, there's an orange tabby cat in the window and a hot kettle of tea on the table, it's a very warm comfortable house. You and Chan sit down at the table with the rest of the boys. “I'm happy you came, I haven't had many visitors recently,” he starts pouring everyone tea, “My name's Woojin, I take care of this garden.” He smiles softly as he sits down. “It's a pleasure to meet you,” Felix smiles, “I'm Felix, and this is Y/n, Chan, Jeongin, Changbin, Han and Minho.” You all nod and smile as he says your names. Woojin and Chan make eye contact for a split second and Woojin smiles a little brighter, and Chan can swear his heart explodes. “Wonderful,” Woojin smiles, “Now, you said you were looking for someone right?”

“Yes, we're looking for a woman named Tema, do you know anything?” Felix asks.

“Hm, Tema… that sounds familiar…” Woojin thinks for a moment, “Oh! I do know that name! She came by about a month ago looking for some very poisonous plants, which I obviously don't have, she got very mad that I didn't and burnt down some of my plants and killed a few of my chickens… it was horrid…”

“That sounds about right… do you know where she might have gone..?” Felix asks.

“I think she mentioned something about Everbell… it's a town in the mountains, it's very far, and very dangerous…” You all sit there thinking for a moment, “I guess we're going there next,” you shrug. “Wait, you guys can't go there by yourselves, there are some crazy elementals, giants and harpies up there, you'll never make back alive if you don't have someone who knows how to navigate the mountains with you.”

“Well where would we find someone who can do that?” Felix sighs. “I mean, I used to live up there…” Woojin states. “Oh! So would you be able to come with?”

“Well… I could, I do have someone who could watch the gardens for me…” he sits there for a moment thinking it over, “Sure! Why not? I haven't been out of this town in a while.”

“Great! Would tomorrow be ok for you?”

“Sure! I'll be ready in the morning!” He smiles brightly.

You all stand up and make your way out of his house, at this point it's beginning to get dark and you see people lighting the lanterns throughout town, you all walk back to the inn, and om the way there you almost go over to hold Felix's hand but stop yourself since no one else knows yet.The pub in the bottom of the inn is bustling and lot's of people are talking and laughing, the boys want to stay in the pub and hangout, but you're exhausted and are ready to sleep, so you head up to your room as the guys order a round. After they all finish their first beer Felix speaks up, “Ya know, I'm actually pretty tired also, I'm gonna go up to the room, can I have the key?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, here,” Chan hands Felix the key and he heads upstairs, but he doesn't go to his room. He instead knocks on your door, which you answer pretty quickly since you weren't asleep yet, as you open the door you smile. “Hey,” Felix grins and you let him in. Almost immediately he has his hands on your hips and turns you around and up against the door as he presses his lips to yours. You slowly move your hands up is body and to his hair as he tilts his head into the kiss. You part and he sighs as he presses his forehead to yours, “I've waited all day for that…”

“Why can't we just tell the guys so we don't have to hide this?” You move your hands to his back.

“Because, they'll tease us.” You pout, “But I wanna hold your hand and stuff in front of them… and I don't wanna have to wait to kiss you…” He sighs, “I know… me too… I'll tell them in the morning, ok?”

You smile and peck him on the lips, he then pulls you into a deeper kiss and you giggle into the kiss which makes him smile and you two end up just laughing with each other. As he pulls away he takes your cheeks in his hands and squishes your face, “Wow… how are you so cute?” He kisses the tip of your nose and you blush and hide your face in your hands. He chuckles and lets go of you, “I should go before Chan comes looking for me…” he kisses you one last time before he quickly leaves. You sit there grinning at the door for a minute before you lay down and go to sleep.

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