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milazka · 4 years

Text

Distraction — Drew Starkey.

image found on pinterest

summary: the one where the quaterback of the football team helps you forget about your bad grade.

request: yes

content: fluff & smut

author’s note: it’s my very first story about a member of the cast of outer banks! i would like to clarify that all this is fictional, i only use the looks and the names of the actors and actresses. my masterlist will be linked at the end of this story if you feel like reading some other fics. this one is for my babe cort ( @pogue-writings ) because she is drew’s soulmate.

warnings: most of my stories may contain mature themes such as swearing, underage drinking, substance abuse, sexual language and scenes, fights and more. also, i do not intend to be offensive towards anyone who reads this blog, if anything written can be perceived as hurtful to any community or person, i apologize, it was never my purpose while writing it.

word Count: 1957.

The campus library has always been her favorite spot to study. It's quiet and the atmosphere is always soothing, the exact opposite of her dorm room where her roommate seems more interested in experimenting the male anatomy than studying it in her textbook. A few weeks ago, after catching her once again during the act, she had decided to find a new place to study. She had walked around the campus and eventually found this spot around one of the large hardwood tables that stand between the bookshelves full of old books about psychology. The perfect place to set her in a study mood.

For the past few hours, she has been sitting in her usual place, her textbook open in front of her eyes and her black notebook on her right. She only has one midterm left in two days and it will cover all the topics seen in her subconscious psychology course, which is one of her most interesting courses, but also the one that requires the longest hours of study in order to pass the exams.

The sound of a chair gliding on the floor makes her look up and she’s surprised to see Drew, a boy from her psychology of the subconscious class, sit on the chair in diagonal to her. Normally, the library is almost empty at this time of the night and she never saw him here; he seems like the kind of guy who spends more time on the football field than he does in front of his textbooks. They’ve been in the same class for four months, but she never really paid attention to him, except when he is disturbing the class with the two other musketeers, Chase and Rudy. She smiles nicely at him when their eyes meet and he raises his coffee cup which he pretends to drink all at once while they both laugh silently, hoping not to be warned by Mrs. Jones, the librarian who looks strangely similar to Roz from the movie Monster inc.

She tries to put her nose back in her book, trying to focus on the pages suggested in the study guide and highlighting important sentences from a passage about Freud and his discovery of psychoanalysis, but she can't help but look up discreetly at the boy. He is wearing a navy flannel shirt which, half-buttoned, reveals a white shirt that moulds his muscular chest. His trademark cap, which he always wears backwards, rests as usual on the top of his head, still letting a few strands of hair slip out of the hat. She particularly lingers on his muscled arms covered by the navy blue cloth, it's not surprising that he's the quarterback on the football team. The studious look on his face and the way he’s chewing on the tip of his pencil while frowning makes him look cuter than usual, she can’t deny it.

When she sees the lateness of the hour, she delicately puts her books back in her red bag, not noticing how intensely the boy is staring at her. He simply can't help but admire her sweet angelic face, her tired-looking little eyes, the thin, shiny layer of lip balm covering her lips that he would dream of kissing; he likes everything about her and cannot help but smile foolishly.

“Hey Y/n,” he whispers, catching her attention. “Me and the boys are throwing a party friday night, you should come.”

“Oh, yeah, of course!” she smiles at him, noticing his blushing cheeks and the little spark in his gaze.

“Great! Good luck on your exam.”

“Good luck to you too. I’ll see you friday.”

─── °• ❀ ───

The room goes from purple to blue, then from blue to pink, courtesy of the spotlights that change the colour of the room's luminosity along the rhythm of the music. The parties hosted by the university football team always do justice to their reputation, no matter what’s the occasion. It's not the first time she attends one, but it's the first time she’s been invited by the quarterback. Her mind did not stop playing back the memory of the little sparkle in the young man's eyes when she had accepted his invitation. Maybe it meant nothing, but a part of her wants to believe it didn't. Plus, she really needs to take her mind off things after receiving her mediocre grade from the last exam. She knew her teacher was strict, but not this strict.

As she makes her way through the dancing crowd, an arm slips around her naked shoulders, making her startles. She's used to being approached by boys at parties, but she hates it when they think they can do anything and touch her even if she doesn't want to. Looking up, she loosen up when she sees Drew's familiar face smirking at her and she's glad it's not a drunk who's asking her to blow him.

“I'm so glad you came,” he says to her as he hands her a red cup filled with beer. “How did your exam go?”

She pouts, taking a big sip of the golden liquid that tickles her throat.

“Really bad.”

“That sucks,” she raises an eyebrow at the boy as when he takes back the cup that he just gave her and drops it on the countertop behind him. “C’mon, I have the perfect remedy for a bad grade.”

Drew takes her tiny hand into his big one, guiding her to the backyard where several tables are set up to play beer pong. Small lights illuminate the yard where games have already started. People cheer each other up and yell like crazy when someone manage to get the ball in a cup. She recognizes Rudy’s familiar blond hair when he jumps into Jonathan's arms and she deduces they just won their game against Madison and Austin. Everyone laughs when the two boys lose their balance and crash into the grass, grunting at each other. Her hand is still holding Drew's firmly when he walks up to Chase who is sitting in a chair close to the fire pit with his girlfriend on his lap, grilling and eating marshmallows.

“Yo Chase! Me and Y/n vs Maddie and you?” Drew challenges his friend, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Game on, baby!” Chase exclaims as they both stand up and follow them to the table.

She and Drew make a fire team, throwing a series of winning shots and gradually getting Madelyn and Chase drunk. All the way through the game, she never worries about her bad grade, it's like it never existed. The alcohol in her bloodstream seems to be opening her eyes to Drew's attractiveness. The girl never really paid attention to how he is totally her type of guy. She bites her lower lip, obviously checking him out when he pulls off his hoodie and his shirt comes up, revealing the prominent V-shape above the hem of his pants.

“Like what you see, don't ya?” he teases the girl, an irresistible smile on the corner of his lips.

She blushes up to her ears, making Drew laugh, and he just adds to her embarrassment by putting his arm around her shoulders before throwing the last ball who lands directly into the last standing cup. Maybe it's the emotion of the moment for her, whereas he's been dreaming about it for months, but their eyes meet each other and suddenly their lips collide. The kiss doesn't last long, not long enough in his opinion. The flight of butterflies in the young woman's belly doesn't disappear when their lips separate, she needs to kiss him again, to feel him touch her.

“I need you, Drew.” she whines close to his ear, making his heart skips a beat. "God, Y/n," he breaths out, pulling her closer to him. "Do you know how long I've been dreaming about you saying that to me?”

She just winks at him and grabs his hand, pulling him toward the front door as he pinches himself on the arm, not believing that this is really happening. He throws a murderous look at Rudy and Chase who make fun of him by pretending to make out sensually. They pass through the living room which is still full of people swinging their bodies to the rhythm of the music and climb upstairs where Drew guides them to his room. He slams her against the door, his hands grabbing her hips as he kisses her again. She bites his lower lip, making him growl against her mouth. Drew starts to place open mouthed kisses on her neck and she tiltes it to give him full access to her burning skin. He leads her to the bed, pinning her on the mattress and he removes her short as he is now hovering over her half naked body. His hand slides down her thigh, making her squirm under him as he gets closer to her core. He plays with the waistband of her panties, smirking against her lips.

“Drew,” she moans, looking at him with her eyes filled with desire. He grabs her waist and flip them over so she is now straddling him. She unbuttons his khaki shirt, slipping his hands over his muscular chest. She starts to grind down on his lap, making him whine and dig his fingers into her buttcheeks

“It's not about me tonight, I'm not the one who needs to be distracted.” he whispers to her ear before flipping her over again so that he is now hovering over her.

She lets out a few muffled moans as he leaves a trail of kisses between her breast and on her stomach. He sucks and nibbles at the skin on her inner thighs, only increasing her desire to feel him on her already wet womanhood.

“You’re so pretty, all wet and spread out like this, just for me.”

“Drew, please…” she begs, but he cuts her short by placing a kiss on her clit, slipping her underwear off. He places an open-mouthed kiss just above her wet folds, making her buck her hips up.

“So eager, baby, I like it.” he hums just above her bundle of nerves, sending vibrations on it. She runs her fingers through his light brown hair, pushing him closer to her heat. He finally licks a full stripe through her folds, making her back arch to the so desired feeling.

“Oh fuck,” she groans as he inserts one finger in her, his tongue sucking on her clit. His hands are firmly wrapped around her thighs to keep her spread open for him. She clenches the sheets between her fists, her eyes close under the wave of pleasure that runs through her body when he replaces his fingers with his tongue. His nose rubs up against her clit as he moves his face, pumping his tongue in and out of her.

“Fuck I’m so close, please don’t stop,” she moans, making him pumps his tongue faster. A few profanities mixed with loud moans leave her lips as she reaches her high, legs shaking on his shoulders. He licks her folds a few more times to clean her up, sending electric jolts through her body when he touches her sensitive nerves from the orgasm. He lies down beside her, pulling her towards him with his arms wrapped around her body.

“What about you? I’m no the type of girl who doesn’t give back,” she starts but Drew shushes her with a quick kiss. “I’m sure you’re not, but tonight it’s about you and only you.”

“Fuck, you’re perfect, y’a know?”

“It was about time you figured that out!” he mocks her and she giggles, burying her face further into the crook of his neck.

─── °• ❀ ───

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blankdblank · 3 years

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Ash Pt 7

“Oh,” escaped your lips in a near collision with Celebrimbor’s chest that had you flash him a quick grin and say, “Sorry, lost to my thoughts.”

“Not a trouble at all, Your Highness.” However his eyes sank to the new chain around your neck that had his lips part to the obvious antler pendant that was a twin to his old friend’s he wore around his own neck. “Might I ask, Your Highness, where did you get that necklace?”

“Um, well, I don’t really remember. Just always sort of had it that I can recall. Apparently according to the chest it opens it means Thranduil is, well, that I’m, his One?” you asked through an awkward flash of a grin on how to word it right. “At least that is the term he used in explaining it to me. Everyone has one, a One? I don’t fully understand how to say it properly, among other things.”

Sloppily his smile had been spreading to your fumbled try to be calm and accepting about this new development in this monumental find for the once so hopeless King now set for a brilliantly bright and cozy future with such a kind considerate One to scare off his sorrows and miseries. “You have expressed it plainly and without fault. I congratulate you on this discovery. Truly now that this is discovered it may aid in planting roots here amongst our kin had you any doubts on comfort here.”

You nodded at a loss for what else to do and then asked in a glance at his fishtail braid draped partly across his chest in a slump from his shoulder thanks to the large bow on his back. “Would I be allowed to braid my hair back tonight? Last night everyone seemed to have theirs loose, and mine can be a bit hard to keep managed it seems while dancing, and drinking.”

“Wear your hair how you wish, Queen Jaqiearae, however you find comfort and ease. Shall you wish for one of our best amongst Ladies Maids who might assist you with a style of our culture to try something new?”

“That, doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Wouldn’t want to walk in with a bad braid to pair with the gowns and crown Thranduil and the Seamstresses designed for me.”

Promptly he nodded and stated, “I will send word at once and they should be at your dwelling promptly,” and in the click of the end of his bow to his quiver he was off and you turned to see him round the corner.

Softly saying, “Thank you,”

And true to his word the Master Smith was off to inquire about a hairdresser for you of the best they had to offer while on his larger plan to spread the news as rapidly and as far as he possibly could before the celebration would kick off adding another layer of elation to the occasion. By the time you had exited your quick bath in a plushy robe around your towel the pair of Elleths had arrived and with a joint cautious curtsy asked permission to get started and together they guided you to a stool and once you’d removed your hair from its wrap to keep it dry during the bath they got to weaving it into a regal style that would suit your look and not trouble the swan crown that again you would be wearing.

“What is this I hear of your informing the kitchen staff of the opening of King Thranduil’s trunk of Ones he was gifted?” Glorfindel asked with chest puffed out in a means to try and diffuse this situation he had no inkling on how the Smith had discovered this without listening through the apartment doors to their conversation with the King.

Celebrimbor’s wide smile returned in taking notice of his friend’s clear internal knowledge of this fact, “Queen Jaqiearae herself shared the news with myself on her way to prepare and I am returned from passing on her request for aid with her hair for tonight.”

Glorfindel raised a brow, “She wished to look special?”

“There was an inquiry on if a braid would be socially acceptable for this occasion. I am not aware of what style she might have been intending to try however I suggested our stylists might aid in help for a style from our culture.”

Glorfindel, “And you took it upon yourself to share the news?”

“Yes,” the Smith responded plainly. “Why? Upset that I spoiled your own plans?”

Glorfindel sighed and said, “I have to ready for tonight.”

Celebrimbor simply smiled wider and followed him asking, “And just what do you have planned for tonight?”

“I cannot share my plan.”

“Ooh, now I am doubly interested.”

“Contain your interest these are sensitive matters and if the Queen has informed you herself then I shall allow this to pass.”

“Mhmm, I will follow up on this.”

“If I am successful I will have some news sharing of my own.”

Pink, again backless with straps zig zagging across the back of the strapless gown that from the hip down was heavily ruffled that to an extent spurred an urge to twirl and send the wild ruffles about your legs hugged you to perfection leaving you without far of a single shift or slip. To go with the additional strand of alternating glowing round lasgalen stones and yellow sapphires to fill the gap between the lone strand and the chain with your key necklace that somehow felt wrong to remove before morning the swan crown you were given sat securely on top of the lovely braid the duo had helped to wrangle your stubborn curls into. Now past your hips that star speckled ebony curls hung in the braid that was wound up with lengths of ribbon and jeweled clips and pins topped with shimmering feathers.

Again entrance to the grand entrance hall where the stream of the celebration would begin left you frozen on the other side of it. Deeply a breath flooded into your lungs and gave you the strength to press onwards and take those steps to enter. Again the announcement of the title came and with it more smiles and stares than before that you didn’t expect and in glances to the new addition to your neckline the reasoning became clear. It seemed the news was out and to the assigned seat beside the light red robe clad King you moved through the crowd to claim it when it was moved back for that purpose. Compliments were traded once both King and Queen had taken their seats and Lord Celeborn headed the speech for tonight, after which a timid sip of wine was taken.

But dancing again though found a second glass downed and smiles out again with King who slipped for yet another dance between pre chosen dance partners for both. The light of the stars however in a pass between dance floors focus was lost until a voice drew you back to the present. Lord Glorfindel who smiled as he asked, “Would you care for another drink, Queen Jaqiearae?”

When your eyes met his a simple shake of your head was his first response, “No, thank you I am attempting to limit myself until I am more accustomed to wine.”

“There is more to offer besides wine, should you wish it.”

“Thank you all the same.”

“I take it your last night must have been weighty to cast such limits on the second. How might I ease your concerns, please do share what has troubled you, truly there is not much that could have occurred the night prior one of us in our youth has not faced in becoming accustomed to our vast supply of wines.”

Clearly he could spot the hint of reluctance and mask of a smile that had him more certain than ever your words were a farce. “I seem to have lost a break from the dance floor to a goodnight escort from the King.”

“Most often those blanks that even I have encountered will fill in, do not feel such weighty rules are required. No judgments will be made your friends are here to watch over you and ensure safe return to your rooms each night.”

“That is very kind of you, however, I cannot risk repaying all your kindnesses by ending up a fool in front of my new friends.”

“You will never be a fool and never have been or ever will be. What do you remember?”

“If anyone was to remember the gap King Thranduil might, and he has made it clear he doesn’t.” That had the Lord smirk in the turn of your head to the arrival of the Elf who had requested your next dance who you nodded your head to and then said to Lord Glorfindel, “For now, if you’ll excuse me, time to bound.”

While you were off to the dance floor on his heels he turned to find Thranduil in his own dance. Right up behind the King in timed back steps between the couples he strode light on his feet while he leaned in to lowly state in Doriathian that only he would know after a check of who was around him to know which dialect to use for optimum secrecy. “The impression of ignorance you gave was too convincing.”

Over his shoulder Thranduil glanced at the Lord asking, “Would that not be the intention of feigning ignorance in the first place?” Continuing to dance while the Lord moved along to avoid an overlap of paths between couples before the lift that followed with a chance for him to come back to the King’s back right after.

“Not when the Queen in question was in wait for word that the King in question recalled said events to act upon them again and is now rationing wine to avoid a second instance where she may yet be rejected a second time.”

“Re-,” wide eyed in a frustrated huff the King glared at his friend then turned with forced softer expression to his partner in the lift.

“Toss a hint,” Glorfindel added then slipped away to leave the King in a whirl of a dance both physically and mentally.

Dances and a few more glasses of wine led to another escort to your apartment door. “Hint,” the word echoed in the King’s head all through the night and into the morning from his breakfast to the stroll in search of the Queen in question. Upon being found in transit from a stroll to view the lingering colors in the sky over the dew cast pastures by the stables his hand like silk eased itself around the bared wrist closes to him. In a pivot your head turned and the tension in that wrist relaxed to the known sudden captor with a deeply king gaze to the request of, “I am required for a few tasks, however, would an hour past noonday be acceptable a meeting time for our meeting to approach our clock again?”

The look would have been enough in the hint of a tilt to his head in a means of a try to plead silent on top of the request, like a giant fox cub who was trying to use its adorable face to its own advantage. And up you gazed at the King who had given a bat of his lashes around those eyes that you now realized where you had just seen the color after having since that first meeting had been in search of, sunlit dewdrops. The moment of speechlessness almost had him drop the hold directly. Yet the prickle of a blush that crawled across your cheeks held his hand in place to hear, “Yes. That would be a fine meeting time.”

Promptly he nodded and the firm hold his hand had taken went slack. From the wrist his palm and finger shifted through a glide of fingertips along your palm they traveled under to the pat of his free hand on top of the back of your captured hand. Terribly formal this was not a casual farewell gesture and if there could be any means of mistaking the meaning of the act as anything that could pass between someone who intended to just be a friend onto the back of the knuckles upon their lift he leaned forward to press a gentle kiss. Again the palm on top placed to coat the back of the captured hand that in his retraction step was released to a feel the same as water run off of skin, suddenly gone but the warmth of its contact still lingering. “I shall not hinder your amusement, and await our time together.”

Long as possible those eyes were locked on yours still on him through and after the responding nod until to his body’s full turn away they left you to turn stoic again with just a means to soften once they fell upon you again. ‘Success’ had been murmured inside his head to the unmistakable gesture of a hint. Kiss for a kiss to hint a clue familiarity of contact was welcome. Yet alone nothing but crickets sounded in the ears of the stunned Queen whose released hand sunk to curl and be coated by its twin in front of your belly.

“Your Highness?” The voice itself would have made you jump as you had nearly onto the steps to your right you had just entered from that called the hand of the sudden arrived Lord Celeborn that held you from a surely painful tumble down to the wet earth of the pasture you had been captured leaving. “Forgive my startling you,” he added to the resettle of feet underneath both shoulders in shocked means to find stability again. “Are you distressed? There was a puzzling expression on your face.”

“No,” you said in a sharp shake of your head for a terrible try to feign calm for the Lord peering down at you with his halfway slumbering middle child draped across his shoulders and head on their way to an early ride on their pony his other hand kept upright and from a fall to the sway of feet down his chest. “Just, distracted in thought. Excuse me, I won’t keep you.” His head gave a subtle nod to yours in a move to have the child again flinch upright like it hadn’t nodded off again to see your path down the hall opposite where the King had gone in his released anchor of a hand’s drop to his side again.

“Come now, my guiding wind, to the stables.” He hummed to the child in a mental note to discover the dilemma later by means of questioning his friends for the latest whispers about the King and Queen to form a fuller question until the former could be questioned in detail.

Public breakfast followed by a fitting for more gowns that were completed and just in time for the assigned meeting for the next session on the clock you were outside the elk etched doors to the King’s apartment. Hastily with a flick of your tongue across your lower lip your hand rose to curl up and give the left door a pair of knocks. The door did open after what seemed to be a clear sign that no one was home. However it merely opened a crack and curiously your head tilted only to see an Elleth with a bucket of supplies for the fires she had been tending that nearly swung into you in its slide around the door who gave you a quick nod of her head and stepped aside stating, “My apologies, Your Highness, I did not expect anyone on the other side of the door.”

“I, did knock, maybe not loud enough?”

“These doors are of enchanted wood, normally we crack doors open to knock when required. Or if you were to feel uncomfortable opening the door there are the drawstrings to announce yourself.” She said with a glance up that brought the loop on a woven chain that went through a small opening in the stained glass mural above the doors attached to the bell mounted on the inside of the doorframe identical to yours that you somehow hadn’t realized how to use the feature for other people’s apartments.

“Oh, thank you for telling me. Should have noticed that…” To her ease through the opening beside you on your step in uncertain of what else to say you turned to take hold of the door that from the corner of her eye she caught the timid ease of the door shut again. Uncertainty as to if you were alone here or not was broken by the sound of a glass being filled and a deep sigh that had you creep further into the apartment past the empty rooms to the doorway of the same sitting room that sat open revealing the King who in a nudge of his glass he had just set down the fingers of his other hand tapped the back of his chair. From the clear tries to distract himself Thranduil’s head turned with wide eyes and brows lifted to the timid knock you gave to the open door.

“Ah, I poured us some juice, are you thirsty? I presume your fitting ran late.”

“Thank you, for the juice. No, I did knock, I didn’t know about the bell and the muffling wood enchantment.” You accented with a point to the front door.

“I apologize, I must have forgotten include that note in the tour.”

You shook your head and said, “I’ve seen the bell at my door, it just never clicked in my head somehow.”

Just a moment he looked you over taking in the latest outfit he’d yet to see then his body flinched to ease your chair out that you crossed the room to settle into. “Fortunately you were only left waiting a few minutes and we have ample time to work before the lunch my latest undercook is preparing for us to fuel the rest of our time until the clock decides we are meant to stop again.” Your eyes were already on him when he settled into his own chair beside yours and looked to you to suggest, “Afterwards I was curious if you wished to go for a ride through one of our more scenic pathways to show you a bit more than just the palace.”

“Ride, ride how?”

“My Elk Tuo agreed to carry the both of us, if you are not open to that we may always take a ride later when you are willing.”

“As long as it won’t be fast, last animal I rode on was a sheep when I was little and that was entirely accidental.”

That had him grin to himself imagining that fumble and ways to have landed you wide eyed latched onto the back of a sheep for a slew of adorable imaginings of a tiny awkward and mishap prone you until the day of the bartering that inevitably landed you here. “I assure you Tuo will not push your comfort level and has given rides to Estel even and several young fauntlings, or Hobbit youth, while we stay in Lothlorien quite often, there is no doubts on my part for his gentle nature for timid riders on their first try.”

To a nod you said, “Sure, I’ve seen a few maps here and it seems a bit like the Palace is where everything is centered and there is just trees left to the animals around it at least to my view.”

“Precisely the reason to begin a few tours of the forest to acquaint you with the full workings of this kingdom to make you feel more at home. We will even cross one of our guard points that tomorrow if you wish we could arrange a treetop tour of that post watch platform if you wished.”

“Platform, you have guards in the trees? What if they fall?”

Grinning at you he said, “Centuries of training and several safety measures. Each branch is no less than ten yards across. And our trees give warning before they stretch or rearrange their branches to any within their hold.”

After a pause and confusingly blank face his brow rose then dropped to your saying, “Maybe, that would probably be the last thing I do to get used to being here.”

Softly he chuckled to himself and nodded, “Understood, and will not trouble any of our other tours there is ample to show you yet. We have barely scratched the surface, why even our far northern villages would be open to a tour, they have quite lovely ground level markets and guest areas amongst their tree top dwellings reserved for just their approved citizens, though of course should you master your tentative reluctance to climb our miles of staircases you would be granted a tour of their finest hidden gathering areas.”

“Because you would be bringing me?” You asked.

And he shook his head, “Not at all. Our forest has been whispering about its new Queen, quite favorably and they would welcome anyone who is seen favorably in unanimity of our trees who house and protect us and our loved ones.”

“Oh,” that had you nod again and in the sink of your eyes to his bent arm half rested on the table and the arm of his chair his head tilted in concern for what he might have said to upset you.

“Jaqiearae, what have I said?”

Again your eyes rose and after an open and close of your mouth you drew in a courage bolstering breath and asked, “When Estel got here, you had on armor.” To that he gave a nod and you asked, “What exactly would you need protection from?”

“Ah,” that had his hand move to shift and lay over the back of yours on the arm of your chair and he shared a bit on the warping of captured creatures into Goblins, Orcs and even Trolls that paired up with Wargs on occasion and to calm what he felt to be a justified raised pulse he added, “Rarely do we face attacks. Merely the pathways from Rivendell through the mountains have been uncertain as of late thanks to the shift of control of certain territories that Men have lost and been in a means to regain that require extra security for transport of travelers and goods.”

“And you’re, a good fighter? Certain people the King has to be the best, others the King is not put in danger, by my reading.”

“I am amongst our best warriors. Those who have fought in the Kinslayings do outrank me in skill by the spare centuries of war waging, but for those who fought beside me in the Wars of Wrath we are vastly higher in skill than those who were not alive in that age. I would not carelessly wage war or endanger myself or our people, ever. Rarely I join on guard but merely to remain present amongst any issues those on patrol might face.” His eyes scanned over your face in the nod and forced grin you gave him. “I promise you risking another loss in your life or that of my son’s will never be a welcome notion. I will avoid it at all costs. Have you learned any means of defense as a child?”

“Um, my cousin taught me how to use a slingshot and tried to show me how to be his sparring partner.”

“You learned how to spar?” he asked with brows risen.

“No, I held the sheet filled bag he punched and kicked, he taught me how to duck and weave to amp up the difficulty for him. So, fairly useless outside of magic.”

“You will never be useless. Duck and weave is quite an admirable foundation to begin with. Should you wish to revisit and expand upon those lessons we would be beyond welcome to assistance for those lessons. If anything to simply make you feel more at ease with a means to defend yourself if necessary.”

“Maybe after the feast. Hate to spoil the gown designs by showing off the bruises I no doubt will be receiving.”

“No one will bruise you, not one.”

“I jumped over a log tripped and hit my head on a root, no one has to bruise me at all I am quite adept at it on my own. Tuo can confirm.”

After a hinted playful gaze and huff he said, “Whenever you are prepared we shall arrange lessons for you.”

From the selection what seemed to be the base of the clock you continued to work the pieces in that stack together while from the head of the Elk Thranduil worked his way down. Around the legs of the clock rocks, interwoven roots and leaves came together, all in separate clumps that fixed together to overlap. “There is a second head…” Thranduil mumbled and lured your focus from your own pile to see the second head between his fingers.

“Well then there’s either two elk or there’s two headed Elk on the clock,” you teased and he chuckled and looked down to shift his fingers through the pieces to find the next one he needed. To the snap of another leaf to the root section you had just completed you asked blindly, “So, is there any other steps after the clock that we have to cheat death on?”

Aloofly you had asked and through a smirk he replied in an amused hum, “None such as the trunk. Each pair face their own tasks in realization as to their path ahead, however the trunk is the lone requirement by the Valar for Ones to complete together. I do believe we are making admirable bounds in completing each stack at this pace.” His eyes again shifted to scan over your puzzling expression. “Was it a hope of yours to have another task?”

“Just interesting, one person from the pair gets the chest.”

The underplayed hint of jealousy had him smirk and then hum, “Feel free to invent a challenge of your own for us to complete or a task you wish for me to undertake on my own to make up the slight to your side of the bond.”

“Careful, you may regret that offer not knowing what I might come up with.”

“I highly doubt I could ever regret a notion born of your imagination.” He said with a lingering smile laced gaze that you held still absolutely confused as to what this bond between you now meant and if that was why he had kissed your hand earlier or if he had remembered the night when you had kissed him and now felt with the bond he was forced to. Gently however the move of his free hand over yours lying on the table snapped that train of thought to a halt, “Choose whatever your heart wills and I will do my best to not disappoint.”

A cleared throat from the doorway however had your heads turn and his hand to retract for a sting until the motion was used to answer the cook’s announcement that the meal was ready. Up he stood and moved to help you out of your chair with hand offered again once yours were free to guide you to the table that had a hearty lunch to fuel the rest of your day until the feast would begin.

Pt 8

@devilishminx328, @fandomsstolemylife00, @lilith15000

#Thranduil x OC #The Hobbit #Night 2 #Give A Hint #Day 3 #Clock Session

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joontier · 4 years

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The King’s Guard | the minis ii.

pairings: kim seokjin x reader ; jeon jungkook x reader ; min yoongi x reader

rating: R (18+) | genre: established relationship! au, historical! au smut, fluff

warnings: explicit sex; (dunno what this kink is called) but jinnie likes being called the king by the lohs; kink discoveries; oral (m receiving); dom-sub undertones

word count: 4.9k

g/n: and because it’s seokjinnie missing hours~~~ Okta is also based off Okta in Hwarang and YES AHRO MAKES AN APPEARANCE WOOTTT also,,, chapter 6 might also come out real soon aCIfjoasdfj

The King’s Guard - Masterlist || navi.

It’s been a while since Seokjin had retired to your shared room after a long day. He’d initially considered waiting for you while he changed into his sleeping garments but after some time and eventually managing to finish a scroll he’d taken from his office, Seokjin gets up from where he’s seated by the window and asks for Yunho.

A different voice answers from outside, “Jeonha, the guard you are looking for is not with us right now.” Seokjin tries to push away the worry that’s starting to creep through him. The king chooses not to reply, quickly heading over to the dresser to put back on the clothes he was wearing earlier.

You’d never stayed out this late before and as much as he hated to admit it, the capitol isn’t always the safest place, even for its own citizens. There were rumors of an uprising rebellion in the south and the thought of you in danger - he couldn’t risk it. He won’t risk it.

The king asks for Chaeyoung, who was told to be by the palace kitchens. He flees out of the hanok as soon as he gets dressed, taking his sword with him. Just in case. With haste in his steps, Seokjin arrives at the kitchen in no time, asking the cooks if they happened to see you anywhere in the palace.

He receives no response concerning your current whereabouts from the gungnyeo’s quarters either, so he gestures to the guards to follow him, the group walking briskly towards the stables. When Seokjin discovers Yunho’s horse is likewise missing, worry grows in his chest, already praying to the heavens that nothing bad has happened to you.

Gesturing for the troop to hurry, he arranges the saddle on his horse by himself. “Jeonha!” Seokjin breathes a sigh of relief as he hears Yunho’s voice calling him from a distance. He pulls on the reins, directing the horse to turn around. The king, however, doesn’t see you with Yunho, nor does he sense any security in the guard’s worried expression.

“_________?” The guard bows briefly, before opening his mouth to speak. Realizing his current predicament does not need to reach the ears of the other guards, Yunho manages just in time to stop himself from speaking out loud.

“My King,” Yunho speaks, voice low as he guides his horse nearer to Seokjin’s. “Jungjeon-mama is uh…” the guard racks his brain for a better word to explain your present condition but attains nothing. Instead, he settles on the plain truth, despite how strange it sounds rolling off his tongue, “the queen is...um… she’s drunk, your grace.”

It takes Seokjin a moment to process Yunho’s words - the possible image of your drunken state too much for your husband to even picture properly. Seokjin worries for your safety - knowing that you’d never had any proper alcohol in your life. The king quietly prays to his ancestors to watch over you for the meantime while he recollects himself before anyone notices, not wanting to cause any more worry.

When Seokjin deems everyone ready, Yunho suggests the troop to prepare a palanquin after having seen your state - clearly far too intoxicated to even sit upright on a horse. Yunho escorts the king to the establishment where Haesoo had called for his help.

Much to yours and Seokjin’s luck there aren't many people on the streets, given it was already deep into the night - which only got Seokjin worried and wondering; what could possibly be the reason for you to visit such a place? And at such a late hour?

Were you unhappy with your marriage? Was he lacking as a husband? As a king perhaps? A million questions are running through his head - unable to think straight as his horse gallops along the dirt road.

“Lady Ahro! Why do I feel like my husband is here?” you giggle, leaning nearly all of your weight on the poor lady. Ahro has been watching over you since she called for Haesoo’s attention who then called for Yunho, and now the same guard had paid her for such a task. Watching over royals was never in her line of duties, especially those whose drunken selves are a pain to attend to, but the lady was willing to do anything as long as she’d get paid.

When someone came to inform her earlier this afternoon of the soon arrival of an elite client, she was banking on one of her regulars paying her a visit, but she never expected the nation’s queen to visit such a place like Okta.

The establishment was built by and for the elites, yes, but it catered to a more generally younger and more… for lack of a better word, carefree audience. People usually came to Okta for two things: to meet new people of the same societal ranking and to have fun, occasionally, a little too much fun in privacy of the rooms it provided.

It was awkward, at first, unsure how to approach each other. You take a deep breath and speak first, and you can sense her gratitude in the small smile playing in the corner of her lips. “I need your advice,” you start off, voice barely above a whisper.

The lady in front of you lightly raises an eyebrow at your request. “I believe you have to be more specific with your request, my queen. It is my belief that I am knowledgeable on most things - but I am not sure which field in particular you wish for me to share my insights.”

You gulp, completely frozen in place. Chewing on your bottom lip, you consider rethinking your life decisions. Why were you here? What actually got you here in the first place? Ah yes, to learn more about what goes on behind the doors of a married couple, or, if you were being completely honest with yourself, you wanted to know more about the pleasures of the flesh.

Confessedly, you and Seokjin were relatively a young married couple, you were together for quite a few years already, but you only had the chance to stay in the privacy of your shared room only after your marriage. Other than that, the only displays of affection you had with Seokjin never really went past kissing, or that one time he accidentally groped your chest when you almost fell out of balance while on a horse… if that even was to be considered under that category…

And it wasn’t that the both of you hadn’t been on that certain level of intimacy yet, but during those times - you felt like you could have actually contributed more. If you were being completely honest, you had mixed feelings about the whole matter - even questioning the fact that you are even concerned about this in the first place.

Due to the hushed rumors circling the noble class of the city, you’ve had the chance to eavesdrop about this particular establishment which allowed the citizens to enjoy art and music in a more...unconventional manner.

Okta was a crossover between an inn and a canteen but people apparently spent more time consuming alcohol while enjoying each others’ company (whichever came first) in the common and private areas inside the place.

You’d even heard of a lady who told tales of all genres, including erotica, in exchange for a few silver coins. The price was reasonable and with your curiosity and your married-woman-insecurities out on your sleeve, you thought Okta was perhaps the place where you’d finally discover the answers to your unspoken queries.

So you had secretly scheduled a meeting with the infamous “Ahro” and the only other person who knew of this rendezvous was Haesoo, who swore on her ancestors that she wouldn’t tell a soul of your whereabouts, unless it would be of a life and death situation.

Your intoxicated state was apparently considered one.

You had most definitely not intended to actually consume alcohol but considering the fact that Lady Ahro’s stories ultimately had the small hairs on your nape stand on end, not to mention those tips she occasionally throws in for you to use, (tonight too, just as she had advised!), you figured you might as well have a little wine running through your veins to boost your lack of courage.

How you got to this point however - practically clinging onto Ahro for dear life as you giggle uncontrollably - was beyond you. Both your mind and vision have become hazy as the hours pass and you’re barely aware of what’s going on in your surroundings.

She hears rustling from outside the room where you spent talking for hours on end, and she wonders if her temporary guardian duties will finally end. At least the handsome guard had already given her more than three weeks worth of her wages.

The king pokes his head in, eyes scanning the room. He finds you practically draped over Ahro who looks like she’d had to deal with you since time immemorial. Apologizing in your stead, he requests Ahro to leave the two of you for a moment.

It takes the pair quite some effort to pry you off the lady. Seokjin offers another bag of silver in exchange for her silence and Ahro almost considers not taking the payment to preserve her dignity, but quickly remembers she didn’t have much of it in the first place so with a wave and a gentle reminder to Seokjin to never leave you alone again in the establishment, Ahro takes her money and scurries off.

“Sarang, it’s time to go.” Seokjin tugs at your hand to pull you up but you decline, looking away as you put on your best cutesy angry face. He just chuckles at you, gasping in surprise as you tug him downwards, ultimately landing on the spot next to yours. “I still want to play.”

Feeling Seokjin’s chest vibrate with laughter, you pout at him. Since when did Seokjin have such a wonderful neck? It seems like this is the first time you’ve seen his bare neck in years - his throat and whatever is that lump that’s sticking out from his throat is suddenly so...attractive?

In fact, you’ve found it insanely attractive that you’re unable to stop yourself from placing a wet kiss on his neck, just below his jawline. His breath hitches and the action only spurs you further, peppering his throat lingering kisses, working your way down to his collarbone.

Seokjin exhales shakily as he gently tries to pry you off him. “_______, dearest. Not here jagiya. We need to get you home.”

“Can we play then? When we get home?”

He’s never seen you reply like this before and your husband is tempted to ask who you were and what could you have possibly done to his wife, but judging by your current state, he deems it’s not going to end well if he does. Instead, Seokjin just nods at you in reply.

He’s surprised when that actually gets you on your feet. Wincing at the sudden headache that booms through your temple, Seokjin holds you steady as you stumble in your stance. As the pain subsides enough to be tolerable, you shake yourself off of Seokjin’s grasp, skipping giddily out of the room.

Finding difficulty bearing with your drunken mood swings, your husband lets his head flop forward in exasperation as he rubs his face with his palms. Realizing he has yet to watch you in case your inability to walk in a straight line might strike again, Seokjin quickly runs after you.

Just as he had thought, you fall midway to the back door, landing on your knees. Your husband rushes to you, asking if you felt any sort of pain. The boisterous laugh that escapes your lips answers his question efficiently.

Because of the sudden sound, Seokjin sees some of the people from the common area are trying to peek through the slits between the wooden panels covering the hallways, wondering where that sound came from. With graceful haste, Seokjin scoops you up from the floor and walks briskly towards the end of the hallway where Yunho and the rest of the group were waiting with a palanquin.

Your husband ushers you into the litter but your unusually stubborn self continues to cling onto the silken fabric of his jeogori so Seokjin had no other choice but to climb in as well - the palanquin, thankfully, spacious enough to fit two passengers.

Latching onto his arm the moment you’ve settled in your seat, Seokjin wonders slightly if you’ll have any recollection of this once you’ve become sober tomorrow. The king heaves a sigh, finally getting the chance to feel that certain level of relief now that you were quiet and beside him at last.

Seokjin might have spoken too soon.

Next thing he knew, you were snuggling into his chest, fingers dancing lazily along his thigh while you’re at it. Your husband didn’t find it suspicious at first, but when he feels your digits trail dangerously up north, Seokjin gently pushes your hand away keeping them secure under his grasp as he places them on your lap.

Desperation can’t seem to stop anybody though. Even with your hands cuffed beneath Seokjin’s huge palms, you manage to latch your lips on his neck one more time, sucking on the sensitive spot along the creamy expanse of his throat.

The sound that reverberates throughout Seokjin’s body is something you’ve never heard of before - the almost animalistic sound canonically shooting a jolt of pleasure straight to your core.

You continue your ministrations until Seokjin gets a hold of himself after an embarrassing amount of time, pulling away from you with a stern look on his face. He calls you by your full name, scolding you slightly of a behavior unbecoming of a queen, reminding you that you both weren’t in the confines of your room and any occurrence of a scandalous event is unaffordable by the royal family. You cower slightly in your seat, not expecting your very own husband to use his authoritative king voice on you.

But just like the interesting turn of events in a short time span tonight, the alcohol coursing through your veins seem to have a mind of its own.

Instead of letting your husband hinder you from your intentions, you take advantage of Seokjin’s loosened grip on your hands, climbing onto his lap swiftly and gracefully, that the palanquin manages to not move much so as not to raise any suspicion from outside.

“Have I been a very bad queen, Seokjinnie?” Your hand purposely brushes through his crotch before trailing upward to cup his jaw. Seokjin staggers at the teasing tone of your voice, thoughts drifting off to whatever they made you drink inside that made you a completely different person. He badly needs to get a hold of those too.

Pushing yourself further into his lap, so close that he feels your breath fanning against his nose. “Jeonha,” you whisper salaciously, nipping at the shell of his ear, “Aren’t bad queens going to get punished?” Seokjin remains silent as he stares at you with an intense gaze, lust clouding over his dark orbs.

“Hmm?” you tap his chin once, feeling the faint stubble of a promising beard. Your husband’s face remains stoic even with your provocative efforts, so you decide to take it up a notch, inspired and fueled by one of Ahro’s stories earlier.

Your hand travels under your skirt, lifting it just a little to reveal that tiny sliver of skin to your husband and as you raise yourself a tiny amount from his lap, you swiftly untie the cloth covering your most private of parts, throwing them aside somewhere else inside the palanquin.

“I am most willing to take any punishment, jeonha...” you whisper as you grind your core on his crotch. Even with your thick skirt hindering you from experiencing the intense pleasure from grinding on his clothed cock, there’s still that faint feeling of his erection as you grind even heavier. “Twofold,” you state, gyrating your hips to match your counting. “Threefold…” another one. You see the lump on Seokjin’s throat bob up and down as he gulps. “Fourfold.”

“Don’t worry, my queen. I’ll be sure to punish you accordingly,” comes Seokjin's equally strained reply, not taking his eyes off you as he thrusts upwards.

Seokjin returns you back to your seat beside him effortlessly, not a word spoken. Well, it’s not as if it’s needed. The tension inside in the now-seemingly cramped space is enough for you to perceive what might happen in the next few moments. As if in sync with your thoughts, Seokjin reminds, “Stay still in your seat, unless you want more punishment later.”

You manage to stay still in your seat, despite your thoughts completely haywire. Maybe you wanted more punishment? Or are you already asking for too much? Was he really going to punish you?

Not before long, the palanquin halts, indicating your arrival at the palace. Seokjin spares you a look, heart melting at the sight of you already asleep, snoring slightly in your sleep.

He chuckles at your slumbering form, climbing out of the palanquin first before asking Yunho to assist him as he clambers to get you out of the litter. Seokjin then proceeds to carry you in his arms and up the stairs to your hanok.

Laying you gently on the bed, Seokjin undresses you layer after layer, knowing how uncomfortable it will be for you if you continue sleeping in the multiple layers of clothing you have on. Your husband delicately tears off your jeogori first, then laughs to himself as he turns you to the side to untie the knot on your skirt, remembering your alcohol-induced bravado earlier. The young king makes a mental note to ask someone tomorrow to get a sample of whatever they had given you prior...for research purposes.

He takes the bowl of water he’s kept by the fire to maintain its temperature, pulls out a small washcloth from your dresser and dips the same into the bowl. Seokjin drags the white fabric along the expanse of your skin not covered by your undergarments. When he deems you freshened enough, he pulls on the ribbon holding half of your hair up in a ponytail.

Fishing your favorite brush from a nearby drawer, a satisfied smile plays on the corner of Seokjin’s lips, running the brush along your hair fanned out on the pillows. Though he loves you for who you truly are, one physical attribute of yours that appeals to him most is your hair - he can’t quite put a finger on it, but there’s something about your hair that he finds so feminine, something he finds strangely, but insanely attractive - much more than he can ever admit out loud.

Propping an elbow for something to lean on, he finds brushing your hair particularly soothing and therapeutic, enough to even lull him to a deep sleep, one hand on the brush and the other holding your hand.

A raging headache and a parched throat wake you from your peaceful sleep, squinting as your eyes adjust to take in your surroundings. You try to recollect what happened last night, vague splashes of last night’s events splayed across your thoughts.

A royal robe covering haphazardly draped over someone’s legs discontinues your momentary reminiscence. Twisting your torso to the side, you see your husband, mouth slightly open as he snores away happily in his sleep. He must’ve taken off your outer clothes last night and — you rack your brain thinking hard if you had done something unintelligible and embarrassing.

Your brazen advances last night finally dawn on you, face cringing as you remember bits and pieces of how you were the night before. ‘It must have been a nightmare for Seokjin,’ you think to yourself, already conjuring up a lame apology for your inexcusable behavior.

Pushing your robe away from Seokjin’s legs, you take notice of the erection hidden beneath the confines of his pants. You make an attempt to not stare at it perversely but it was standing tall and proud like that, and oh - your eyes widen as you see it twitch, as if demanding all of your attention.

Wasn’t this a common occurrence in the morning? You might have felt it a few times during your rising when Seokjin spooned you in his sleep, but your timidity can’t seem to address the concern to your own husband.

Looking away, you shift in your position to share your blanket with your husband. Seokjin unexpectedly wakes up at the action though, giving you a small fright. “Sarang, you’re awake already? Seokjin is talking slower than usual, voice still groggy from sleep.

You nod at him with a shy smile, embarrassed at the fact that you almost got caught eyeing that thing between his legs. “Are you alright? Dizzy, perhaps?”

“Just a little, but I’ll be okay. Thank you for taking care of me last night,” you place a kiss on his cheek as Seokjin hums delightedly. “You must have taken quite the beating last night.” Fiddling with your fingers as you apologize for your behavior last night, Seokjin grabs at your hands and takes them between his.

“It’s fine, sarang. Actually, it was quite...amusing, if I do say so myself,” your husband comments, winking at you. Seokjin sits up, resting his back against the wooden board and beckoning you nearer to him.

As you scoot closer, you snuggle into Seokjin’s chest. Your husband places a kiss on your temple, before playing with your hair, just silently carding his fingers through them. “Do you mind telling me what actually happened last night - the things I said, perhaps? I can’t really recall them properly…”

“Truthfully I was worried when I didn’t see you here yesterday. It was already late when I returned from the office and I don’t really want to be that type of husband that locks you inside the palace but I became really anxious when you still hadn’t returned.”

“I’m sorry I made you worry,” you frown, mentally noting to inform Seokjin of your whereabouts before leaving the palace.

“It’s alright, really. Anyways, I found you practically attached to Ahro, was it? And then we went home. Now we’re here.”

“That’s it?” With the evident Seokjin’s haste in his recollection, you’re starting to get suspicious about how the previous night could have ended that quickly - that...uneventful.

“Nothing else happened? Like I didn’t do or say anything? Am I a quiet drunk?” Your husband looks overwhelmed with all your questions, gulping before he responds.

“You kind of said a couple of things...but! It’s nothing really, nothing major…” Seokjin chuckles nervously, scratching at the back of his head.

“That can’t be the whole story?” You raise an eyebrow at your husband, testing him. Sliding lower down his chest a little so you have a better view of him, you trace the faint stubble on his chin. “Tell me, my king? Please?”

“Don’t call me that,” Seokjin mumbles, looking away. “Doesn’t seem like you dislike it though, jeonha.” Your husband heaves a sigh, knowing you’ve won again. “You do know I love you with all my heart, right? And I don’t want you to think that I might take advantage of your drunkenness - which I didn’t, really, because you fell asleep too before anything actually happened…” He was stalling, you figured, as it might involve something that made him uncomfortable.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to tell the whole thing… I just… why do I only remember me saying something along the lines of punishment?” Seokjin looks down at you with dilated pupils.

“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you...it’s just…” your husband pauses, thinking deeply about what his next statement might entail. “I can’t think about it without getting hard…”

Seokjin looks almost strained as he looks to the side, avoiding your eyes. “If only you’ve seen - heard yourself last night, gods! It was like a different you completely”

Just as if the universe is on your side, you’re starting to get clearer recollection of last night’s events, realization slowly dawning on you. Likewise, Ahro’s words ring inside your head, urging you to go make your move. Relying on the last possible ounce of alcohol remaining inside you, you gather all your courage and make a proposition. “Am I still up for punishment? Jeonha?”

Seokjin dramatically exhales, rubbing at his face. “Don’t say things like that, ________!” Laughter is already bubbling in the pit of your stomach (just as much as the anticipation for what’s to come, in case your plan works out) but you control yourself, maintaining a straight face as you continue to query him.

“Why? Did I say something, my king?”

Your husband makes a sound, somewhere between a grunt frustration and resilience, and looks at you dead in the eye, “You saying those things just makes me really want to punish you.” Pulse rapidly accelerating, you make a final question, “What’s stopping you, jeonha?”

Seokjin wastes no time with your affirmation, connecting your lips together. Moaning into the kiss, he shifts in his seat to cage you between him and the bed, strong arms holding him up as he deepens the kiss.

Shamelessly grinding his erection against you, Seokjin grunts, gripping at your thighs to keep them spread, “Do you feel how aroused you get me all the time?” Mewling at the sensation, you manage to choke out a reply, “As do you, my love.”

Your husband deftly unties the undergarments you’ve slept in. “Seok…” a breathy whine escapes you as he latches onto on of your nipples. The foreign feeling of his warm, wet tongue sends you shivering and it takes all your might to stop him as you remember Ahro’s advice yesterday, squeezing at your husband’s lithe biceps.

“What is it, sarang? Do you wish to stop?”

“N-no. I want to take control, Jinnie.”

Albeit slightly taken aback by your behest, Seokjin nods, sitting on his heels. “Lie down, my king. I want to pleasure you.” Shock is evident in your husband’s features as he complies with your command, cock already twitching in anticipation. “Take off you clothes too.” Seokjin obeys without further questioning, unknowingly easing the mild worry nipping at you.

Just as what Ahro had told you yesterday, you splay your hands on his chest, before bending down slowly to place kisses all over the milky expanse of his skin. Moving further south until your reach that thin trail of hair, Seokjin’s sudden intakes of air continuously urge you on, until you finally get to his crown jewel.

Licking at your lips, you hastily pull his pants down, your desperation for a mutual release guiding your actions on instinct. As soon as his cock springs free from its confines, you get into action, placing a wet kiss on the tip of his length before slowly taking the head in your mouth.

“O-oh, fuck! What did that lady tell you back at Okt…” Seokjin cries out a broken moan as you pull your mouth back up then diving back in, eventually getting lower to the base. You feel your husband tremble with your every bob, subconsciously tugging at your hair in pleasure.

Seokjin starts to squirm around you, pushing your mouth away from his shaft. “My love, please…. please let me be inside you. I can’t cum like this, please.” Seokjin beseeches, torso already covered in a fine sheen of sweat.

Your husband switches your positions as he pushes you gently onto the bed, but your hand shoots out to grab at his wrist. “C-can...can I be on top?”

There’s a slight furrow in Seokjin’s brows at your request, but he smiles nonetheless, keeping his excitement at bay. “Of course, love. You’re free to sit on your throne anytime.”

He lies back down, both palms out to support you in your task. Gladly placing your hands on him, you crawl back on his lap, moving on your knees to position yourself to impale yourself on his cock.

Taking his length in your hand, you languidly swipe the tip against your wet folds. With one final breath, you push downward, sinking down on his cock until he’s fully seated inside you. Slowly you start, swiveling your hips just as you were told. Seokjin keeps his gaze at you through hooded eyes – a definite boost of confidence for you.

You settle on a particular rhythm, just gyrating your hips around before it gets too much like you’re almost at that point, but not quite yet. You start alternating by bouncing atop him, while your fingers find your clit, rubbing at your nether bud vigorously to push you towards your high.

Seokjin grabs at your breasts, twisting and tweaking your nipples, stimulating you further. He feels you clench around him as you orgasm nears quickly and his balls tighten likewise, painting your velvety walls white as he reaches his climax after you.

You fall to his chest, panting just as heavily as Seokjin. He decides on keeping himself still sheathed inside you for a while longer, reveling in the feeling of his cum dripping out of your pussy and onto his thigh. “The next time you go to Okta, take me with you, alright? I’ll have whatever you had back there.”

#bts smut #bangtanhq #ficswithluv #btsgoldnet #btswritingcafe #btsguild #hyunglinenetwork #bangtanarmynet #btsghostie #bayanihanboost #kim seokjin #seokjin smut

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otherworldly-healer · 3 years

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Challenge Part 1 [Preparation for Battle, Raine & Mariela] [~2530 Words]

It was well after dark at Sunlight’s Canopy. Oil lamps scattered around the room cast an eerie orange glow across the walls. Raine had called in a favor. She sat at a table alone, staring out onto the streets of Golden while she waited for the owner of the shop to enter the room. The half elf was listless. She was feeling so many things at the moment that her emotions sort of just…shut down on her. Clouds overtook the city that night, and rain thrummed on the window as her coffee grew cold on the table in front of her. A storm again, huh? Raine was transported back to that night when the full moon rose above stone plinths, changing her life forever. She could feel a chill run up her spine.

It started on the Spirale University campus. She overheard a group of students whispering rumors about two people trapped out in The Mistwood trying to leave the city. At first she thought it was just another newcomer to the city who got lost on their way exploring. It happened often enough. It wasn’t that strange. They would learn soon enough that in walking past the edge of the barrier that there was no escape. But… the rumors didn’t stop there.

As she was making her way across campus later that day she overheard more chatter. One of the two people was supposedly an elven woman with long silver hair, wearing a coat of green cloth. The other was a human man with light-brown hair. They had been seen traveling the solitary stretch of road between Cotes and The Mistwood, then turning into the woods together. There were too many coincidences there to make her feel comfortable. If it was them… they would never make it out alive. Her mother couldn’t fight. Her father was only one man, and while he knew useful medical skills and his way around a sword, in the past he always had a company with him in the Knights.

After Grimm had told her that the Stars had his son, it wasn’t unthinkable that they had Raine’s parents as well. Just like when she had to protect a younger version of herself and Genis, it was almost as if the Stars had set that up as a practice for this main event. They were toying with her again. She had gotten too comfortable here. She had to be reminded never to let down her guard. How could she catch herself slipping like that? That’s right…no place was ever safe for very long for the Sages. Trouble followed them wherever they went. As they could always count on the dawn, they could also anticipate dusk. For Raine, she never knew what dangers lurked there, but she always knew that it was inevitable that in time some monster would rear its head.

“Heeey. Sorry it took so long. I wish I could do more for you but…this is all I’ve got to spare right now.” Mariela walked in from the back of the apothecary, lugging a box filled with potion vials and round capsules.

“No, it’s fine. I know we’ve all been weakened here. Any help is appreciated but…I don’t mean to be a bother. You can’t find them, can you? With your attachment to the ley line?” The shopkeeper frowns and sits down across from the professor.

“I’ve never met them, so I’ve never come across their spiritual energy. I could probably find you like that if you were ever in danger but…not a stranger. On a night like this, I went out into the rain and with all the magical energy I could muster I followed my friend Caroline. It took everything I had. Even if I had met these travelers everyone’s talking about, the last time I tried to find someone like that, my soul almost got taken into the ley line for good.”

“Ah…r-right. I apologize. I didn’t wish to ask too much of you.” So, because Mariela was attuned with this ley line she could also distinguish one person’s presence from another. She’d have to ask her more about this in the future. It wasn’t exactly like a mana signature, but something similar at least.

“Naw, it’s alright. I get it. When Carol was missing I…I felt so scared. I can’t fight, so all I could do was lead other people to the place she was to protect them.”

Raine sighed, taking a moment to sip at her coffee so she had time to collect herself and think. Honestly... Raine could relate to what she was saying.

“Well. Your skills are impressive, and more than useful to others. Thank you again for meeting me here tonight. So, tell me a little more about these.”

The alchemist picks a potion vial out of the box, shaking it gently so that the foggy white particulate swirled in the liquid. Raine recognized this one. It was some sort of Monster Warding potion. Mariela had mentioned before that this kept monsters away, but she had yet to explain exactly how it worked. She asked now for some clarification.

“Alright, so you remember this one. It’s made from the same herbs that grow around the gutters on the roof. I can’t guarantee that they’ll work on every monster. After a certain level monsters become too strong to be affected by them. In my world, monsters all had a ranking system. D-ranked monsters were usually the weakest of them and they were found on the first levels of the Labyrinth. C ranks were stronger than those, then B, then A, and the strongest of all monsters would be classified as S rank. The same went for people. Anywho, the monster warding potions usually work for monsters up to B rank, but it depends. Dog monsters like wolves are especially sensitive to it. The smell it gives off will make them turn and run. If they’re too high of a level, you can at least throw it at a certain spot to guide them into groups so they’re easier to hit. That’s what we did with the orc raids every year.”

“So these potions won’t normally hurt a monster?”

“Nah. Not usually. It makes them really uncomfortable and might give some minor burns, but usually it’s just a deterrent.”

“Good to know. So then…these bombs.”

“Oh yup yup. This stays between you and me though. My shop has a strict policy that I don’t like selling anything that could be used to hurt other people. I trust you, but in the wrong hands…”

“I promise I won’t tell a soul.”

“Pheeeew. Thought so. I don’t sell poisons either for the same reason, even if I can make them. It’s just not moral to do it. So, you know about these flash bombs.” The shopkeep pulls out a bright yellow sphere. “They emit a bright light. Some monsters might be scared of light so it’s worth a try, but you’re gonna want to warn anyone else that you’re about to use one so you don’t get disoriented.”

“Then…the red ones.”

“Right-o. Those are actually bombs that cause explosions. Not big ones, when we were fighting the Labyrinth even kids used those, but they’ll definitely cause an injury. Be reeeeally careful with those. I’d suggest throwing them at the feet of a monster to demobilize them. Have you ever handled explosives before?”

“My light magic acts in a similar way and as for explosives…well. I know the dangers of them. I have never had handheld ones, but I have used them before.” At the professor’s answer, the alchemist had a concerned look on her face. Raine quickly followed up with, “Don’t worry Mariela. I’m not reckless. I like to make tactical plans before walking into danger if I can help it.”

Mariela nods. “These ones are made from incendiary plants. Less chance for collateral damage because there’s no shrapnel. And here.” The girl removes a leather belt with a number of pouches around it from around her waist, handing it over to Raine. “Carry it all with this. I really hope you find what you’re looking for out there. Be safe.”

“Thanks Mariela. I will certainly try to be.”

The alchemist put the lid back on the box and handed them over to the half elf. Raine scowled as she drew closer to the doorway, looking out to see that the rain had only started pelting the pavement with even more fury. The alchemist hopped up from her seat and peered out into the city streets herself. They both lived in this ward. She couldn’t just let her customer walk back home without at least a hood on.

“Wait up Raine! Let me just clean up and I’ll walk you right on home. I’m positive I’ve got a big umbrella here somewhere. We’re going the same direction anyway.”

“That would be wonderful, thank you.”

Mariela would throw the remains of the professor’s coffee in the sink and toss the container in the garbage. It was unlike Raine to clean up, but looking at her now, she was definitely out of it. She just stood under the awning in front of the shop and kept on staring out into the night, lost in her thoughts. Mariela looked around and finally found her umbrella, tucked into a corner in the living room. Then she locked up the door into the house and walked out the front door of the shop to lock that one as well. Then she began opening up the umbrella for both her and the half elf. It was a quiet walk home. Only the sounds of cars sloshing through puddles and their shoes smacking the pavement would be heard between them. It was scary, almost, to see a time when the professor was not excitedly chattering about her newest discovery.

After walking Raine to her doorstep, Mariela pulled a healing potion out of her pocket and handed it to the professor. She had already paid for the box in her hands, but being a healer herself she had figured that she could handle any injuries herself. Mariela told her that this one was on the house, and that you could never be too safe. The professor nodded and took the potion from her, unable to speak for a moment. She bowed her head slightly and thanked the girl again for her generosity, placing the potion in her own pocket. Mariela wished her luck and began walking down the street to her own building. Raine unlocked the door behind her and walked across the threshold, making her way upstairs to get to her apartment.

The room was quiet except for the usual sounds of the city that got filtered to the back of her mind. After taking off her shoes and hanging up her coat, Raine immediately headed for her room. She knew that she couldn’t do this alone. She wished she was more certain whether or not she was actually chasing phantoms but…she had made up her mind. She needed to know. If it was her parents after all, her father was there. That meant her parents were taken from a time before Kloitz had passed. That meant in turn that her mother had yet to lose her faculties. She could actually speak to them and get the answers that she desperately wanted to hear after so many years.

Above all…they didn’t regret having her, did they? Even though she was a half-elf, born to be scorned and despised. She was the reason they were on the run for so long. If the Imperial Research Academy hadn’t heard of her existence they would not have had to give up everything. It was her fault, wasn’t it? Surely, Virginia and Kloitz would have always been ostracized for finding love with one another, but if the siblings were never born perhaps they could have lived in Heimdall forever. Her father would still be alive if they were never chased out.

No. She would no longer think like that. If her Journey taught her anything, it was that she had the right to live regardless of her race. She would make her own place in the world...and here in Spirale...she didn’t even have to steal that place by pretending she was something she was not. People looked up to her. They accepted her, and cared for her, as hard as it was to believe most of the time. Her life was important.

What would happen, exactly, if those two people in the woods were her parents after all? After so many years of feeling abandoned and rejected, did she want an apology from them? Did she just want to be left alone so that she might move on—scars buried deep but never quite healed? Did...any of it even matter anymore? She no longer had to hide who she was. For the first time in so long she could see happier days ahead. Logically she knew it was time to stop living in the past. Whatever she chose, it seems that she would have to make the decision quickly upon seeing them.

…If it really was them.

She wasn’t strong. Especially here in Spirale. She was a healer and a mage. Then again Virginia’s words ran circles in her mind. “Please forgive your powerless mother”. Even if Raine had some magical ability she felt she was nearly powerless, just like her mother had felt. But wait…that wasn’t entirely true was it? Raine had been through hell and back. Even when it felt like there was no hope, and life had kicked her down she changed her plans and found a way to survive on her own. Even if her magic wasn’t powerful, she was strong. She was tenacious. She would never give up fighting to find safety and belonging for her family. Above all she was crafty. She had to believe if there were monsters out in those woods, she would do as she always did and claw her way out of danger by the skin of her teeth.

Raine lay on her bed and took out her phone, staring at the list of contacts. In the past Raine had been too stubborn to ask for help. She believed that she had to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders because the only person she could rely on was herself. But now…things were different weren’t they? People she held dear knew who she was. They knew of her struggles to find a place where she belonged, and they began to welcome her with open arms. So…would it not cause undue worry to march into the woods by herself, just like when she went off on her own to find the Otherworldly Gate? Genis would be so upset if she did. Raine needed to ask for help, just this once. So… she opened her messages, hoping it was not too late to be bothering others, and called in a few favors to her friends and loved ones.

#isola challenge #challenge pt 1 #releases part 1 into the wind and flees

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manuscripts-dontburn · 3 years

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Journal of a Russian Grand Duchess: Complete Annotated 1913 Diary of Olga Romanov, Eldest Daughter of the Last Tsar

Edited by Helen Azar

First published: 2015

Pages: 302

Rating: ★★★★★

Another excellent addition to the first-hand sources about the Romanovs. Just be aware that this really is a journal of daily events, not a novel, and may not be easy or super engaging to read unless you really are into the subject. Perfect if you want to do some serious research into the daily lives of the Imperial family

Only Plane in the Sky: The Oral History of 9/11

Author: Garrett M. Graff

First published: 2019

Pages: 512

Rating: ★★★★★

I read this book in record time partly because my human nature was fascinated with a new, intimate look into one of the greatest tragedies of my own lifetime, but partly also because I knew I did not want to spend any more time in the chaos and terror it represents so well than necessary. I was 14 when 9/11 happened and even though on the other side of the world, I watched live as that second plane hit and other hijacked planes were announced missing. I remember being numb all over and crying through the night, fearing that the Third World War was upon us and it was the end of everything I knew. The author himself makes you aware early on this is not a strictly structured narrative supported by the meticulous research of archives. This is a cry of those who lived it all.

The Phantom Atlas: The Greatest Myths, Lies and Blunders on Maps

Author: Edward Brooke-Hitching

First published: 2016

Pages: 256

Rating: ★★★★★

Gorgeously illustrated and engagingly written as a sort of encyclopedia - yet without being exhausting or dry - this is an utterly fascinating book. Read it if you are at all interested in old maps, discovery of the world, human obstinacy, shameless liars and pranksters.

If We Were Villains

Author: L.M. Rio

First published: 2017

Pages: 432

Rating: ★★★★☆

This is one of those books everybody knows about so I feel no review is needed from me. You either enjoy it or you find it pretentious. I personally enjoyed it. Certain parallels with The Secret History are inevitable, but even then the book stands the comparison more than well.

Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident

Author: Donnie Eichar

First published: 2013

Pages: 288

Rating: ★★★★☆

Even though my curiosity was immense, I have abstained from reading anything about the recent discoveries and explanation of the Dyatlov Pass Incident precisely because I wanted to read this book first and judge it on its own merit. I am glad I did. (And I would advise anyone to do the same). Although some of the parts in which the author narrates his own personal journey and research may seem slow and even unnecessary, the rest of it is a terrifying, haunting and genuinely disturbing wild ride. I found myself almost reluctant to turn the next page in fear of what it would bring to the picture. I also have to acknowledge that the author really tries to introduce all of the possible theories that were available and suggest his own, trying to be as impartial as possible. In other words, he is not courting scandal, he just really wants to know the truth. Yet again this book proves that real life can top any fictional horror book. And now I´m off to read on what actually did happen.

The Haunting of Hill House

Edited by: Shirley Jackson

First published: 1959

Pages: 246

Rating: ★★★★☆

Fantastic. Creepy. Heart-breaking. Weird. And so, so beautifully written.

The Forest of Enchantments

Author: Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni

First published: 2019

Pages: 372

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

This is not a powerful feminist retelling of Ramayana. It is a simplified version of the great Hindu epic told from Sita´s point of view. Here and there an outcry over the injustices Sita suffers appears, but for the most part, the language the author uses feels impersonal and reduces what could have been a truly magnificent story full of contradicting emotions and passions into a bland fairytale. Even Sita´s arguably strongest, the most defining moment in the story - the trial by fire - is rushed, unexplained and simply "undercooked" if you pardon the expression. I am deeply disappointed. (Sidenote: I always found it curious how Ram - a literal God - is in a way the worst and most unlikeable character in the whole of Ramayana.)

The Fall of Gondolin

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

First published: 2018

Pages: 304

Rating: ★★★★★

Every single sentence Tolkien has ever written sings. The dedication of Christopher Tolkien to his father´s legacy is nothing but awespiring. The illustrations by Alan Lee stunning and outworldly. These are the reasons why I am rating this much-welcomed addition to the Middle-Earth mythology so high.

Cinderella is Dead

Author: Kalynn Bayron

First published: 2020

Pages: 389

Rating: ★★★☆☆

This was actually a lot of fun, once I stopped expecting something grand and subtle. A wonderfully original idea that is the basis for the story is worth notice and some of the action scenes are truly engaging. If you don´t mind being hit over the head with the injustices (though I wonder if the lack of subtlety was brilliant or the opposite of that still) heaped upon women in this world, and if you are not bothered by insta-love, this is a good book to spend an afternoon or two with.

Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

Author: Jessica Roux

First published: 2020

Pages: 224

Rating: ★★★★★

Perfect coffee table book!

The Henna Artist

Author: Alka Joshi

First published: 2020

Pages: 366

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I enjoyed this book but... I have almost nothing to say? Somehow this is exactly the kind of book that is good.... but it is that "standard" kind of good. Like... sure. It was good. I have not had any super-strong feelings towards it.

Catherine House

Author: Elisabeth Thomas

First published: 2020

Pages: 320

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

It started with a promise, turned into a boring slog and fizzled out without anything resembling a satisfying climax. I may have enjoyed it more had it not been for other books centred around weird and creepy campuses (namely Vita Nostra and If We Were Villains) I have read this year, which were simply better in every way. I believe the author might win me over in the future, her writing was good and the premise itself interesting. Unfortunately what this whole thing misses are an actual plot and a finale. I did not feel scared or creeped out... I was just bored.

#booklr #wrap up #September 2021

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drakewalkerfantasy · 4 years

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Consequences: Chapter 12

Synopsis: Two people from two different worlds, two complete strangers come together for a night of solace from their moment of anger and hurt. By consequence, they were brought together and their fates intertwined. What will happen when the reality of the one night’s actions filled with lust and anger will hit them both? What will happen with two complete strangers who seem to have nothing in common? Or do they have more in common than they thought?

Words: 2813

Authors notes: Some chapters maybe NSFW or have a mature content. Also English isn't my native language so sorry for any mistakes I make.

Thank you for ready, please let me know, if you want to be removed or added from the tag list.

Beckett Harrington x TE MC (Maeve)

Cole Harrington x Liza Harrington

**Warnings: unplanned pregnancy**

Beckett stood still, leaning against the cold wall, his heart pounded as if trying to jump out of his chest. He could feel how his head began to spin, and his vision blurred, while his breathing became erratic. Quickly he leaned on the sink, grabbing the edges firmly with both hands, his knuckles becoming white from the force with which he was gripping on to it. Taking a few calming breathes, he raised his eyes, meeting their reflection in the mirror, his hair tousled, his eyes widened, and his face flushed. Turning on the tap, he splashed his face with the cold water, trying to calm down from the discovery he was still holding in his hands. He looked at the test, trying to think clearly, not letting emotions take over, not letting himself loose control.

Shit... he thought, splashing cold water over his face again, letting it run down his muscular chest, disappearing behind the waistband of his pants. Can this baby be mine? But she--- she told me that this isn’t possible as days weren’t right--- that chances were too small to get pregnant. Can this be this moron, who tried to take advantage of her during the party? Even a fleeting thought of this moron made his blood boil with rage. He knew that type of guys, unfortunately too well to know that he would never take responsibility for the child unless--- unless he needed something from the girl. And he was sure, that Maeve could hardly offer anything that could potentially interest this jerk. What could mean, only one thing, that he would want nothing to do with her or her child. He groaned with anger punching his fists against the wall on both sides of the mirror, feeling the pain shot through his hands, but ignoring it. The memory of his sister and the jerk who made her pregnant occupied his thought, making his gaze clouded.

“Kat? What are you doing here?” asked Beckett, watching his sister on the porch of their family’s mansion with a suitcase and a four years old child on her arms.

“I... Guy filled papers for divorce and threw me out of the house with Lydia, so I--- I just don’t know where else to go. Is mother home?” she asked weakly, swallowing the tears that ran down her face.

“Yes, she... she is in the cabinet. Come in, I can watch Lydia while you will speak with mother,” Beckett suggested, taking the little girl from his sister’s hands and putting her on the floor. Taking her hand carefully, he guiding her further into the hall, turning around to look after Kat, which disappeared behind the huge oak doors.

It took some time before Katrina finally walked out the door, her shoulders fell in defeat. Beckett raised his head, watching their mother walking behind her with the steel look in her eyes, without spare him even a single glance. Stopping just for a second to give an order to security guy whom she called earlier while in her office.

“Make sure, that these two would never cross through the threshold of the premises, and call everyone to gather here, I have an announcement to make,” Mrs. Harrington said in an unemotional voice before turning to Katrina who was now cradling next to Lydia, picking her up. Her face was puffy from tears that stopped flowing from her big eyes that matched Beckett’s and hold the depth as his. A huge red mark was visible across her cheek. Beckett carefully reached toward her hand, placing his on top of hers to get her attention a silent question deep in his eyes. She shook her head as if letting him know, that he shouldn't ask a question he wanted to ask, a silent conversation passing between them until their mother spoke.

“Beckett, leave her...,” she instructed, not even looking at him, her eyes focus on all servants that started to gather in the lobby. Her voice loud and clear thundered through it, making everyone's blood curl up with fear, knowing that Mrs. Harrington is serious. “From now on, I forbade you or anyone else in that household to have any contact with this woman and her bastard. She caused that on herself, so now, until she will learn her place, she is no one. If I will find out that anyone helped her in any way, this person will be punished. Is that clear?” she roared, looking at everyone, watching them nod their heads, too frightened to say anything against the woman in front of them. “Beckett...,” she requested, still no sparing him a glance. “Yes, mam,” he hissed, looking at his sister and at her kid, who were sitting on the floor, both looking hurt. Small girl watching at him with her silver eyes filled with tears, her world crashing around her within one day, too young to understand why everyone turned their backs to them.

Beckett could feel how his heart got filled with rage and hatred to the woman who called herself their mother, to the woman who was the reason why Katrina ended like that. Not sure yet why Guy has finally filed papers for divorce, the only thing he knew for sure, that even that, was on their mother’s order. He sighed heavily, his heart broke and bleeding for his sister and this little kid in front of him who have watched him with these big silver eyes hoping that he will somehow protect them, not letting for their world to fall apart. This look in the child’s eyes filled him with determination, and he softly smiled at her picking her up in the air before helping Katrina to get on her feet.

Looking around, he noticed that they finally were left alone, whispering to Katrina to wait for him at their grandma's, the only place where they both felt safe and loved. Making sure that Kat and Lydia left safely, he ran upstairs taking out all his savings, his heart thundering, full of determination that whatever would happen next, he will never let his sister down. Hoping that this money will be enough for her to start an independent life, somewhere far away from their mother, somewhere where no one will be able to find them. Somewhere where she will find happiness.

With great effort, he shook himself from the memory, his thoughts returning to the present, and his eyes darkened from the single thought that another man like Guy could hurt another girl who was naive and stupid. Or who was used--- His hands curling into fists, and he looked into the mirror, the decision forming in his mind almost immediately, his face full of determination.

I need to do something. I need at least be here for her and make sure she will not get hurt. No one should get hurt the way my sister was--- and if I can do a damn thing about it, I will.

Taking a quick shower Beckett went to check on Maeve, once again softly tapping at the door. He waited for a moment longer, trying to clear his thoughts before finally entering her room. He noticed that she didn't change her position still lying curled up on the edge of the bed, her hands covering protectively her yet flat stomach, and her eyes were closed. The throw blanket slipped slightly from her body during her sleep. Trying to not wake her up, he came closer, carefully pulling up the blanket before turning around, throwing a last glance at her, not able to tear his eyes away. His heart skipping a beat when she sighed quietly in her sleep, wanting nothing more than to stay there and watch her sleep, making sure she wouldn't be alone when she would wake up. But he knew that he shouldn’t, at least not yet. Finally, with great effort, he looked away and exited the room.

After hours have passed, and the evening began to draw near, he started to worry. He came to check on Maeve more than once during the day, adjusting the blanket with which she was covered and making another cup of tea after the first one got cold. But every time he checked on her, she was still asleep as if exhaustion and reality were too much for her to handle. Getting down to the kitchen after another round to her room, he leaned on the counter with a heavy exhausted sigh, listening carefully to the smallest sounds that would come from Maeve’s room, but everything was still dead silent.

It was already past ten pm when he felt how his stomach started to rumble as if reminding him that since this morning he didn’t have a single bite in his mouth. His brows slightly furrowing when it occurred to him that Maeve probably was as hungry as him and still deep asleep in her room. The single thought of her made his heart flutter and an image of a blonde girl with eyes of a forest, protectively cradling her belly in her sleep, emerged in front of his eyes, making his stomach somersault inside of him. He never felt like that for anyone before, except... he gritted his teeth, his jaw clenching, while a pain struck his heart. The pain he didn’t felt in years coming back as if never leaving him as if he never promised himself not to think about it, not to remember that only time when he lowered his guards just for his heart to be ripped apart. Shaking his head as if trying to shook the memory away, he thought about Maeve and hunger they probably both felt. Quickly he opened the fridge looking at what they had in there, just now realizing that he had not the slightest idea, what pregnant woman should eat or what she shouldn’t. The worry line cut his forehead when he thought about accidentally do something wrong and by that hurting Maeve or her unborn baby.

Throwing a glance at his watch, he checked the time before dialing the only person’s number apart of his sister’s, that he knew may help him. He took a deep breath when he heard a signal coming through his phone, knowing that this would be the quickest and most accurate way to get the information than to browse through hundreds of internet pages looking for recipes. Thinking that he will explain later why he needed that information. After a moment the sound of gruffly a little bit out of breath voice came through the dynamic.

“Harrington, be quick. Or pray to God, I won’t go all the way to you to kill you or stuff the phone up your ass,” answered the man’s voice from the other side, making Beckett smirk.

“Dear cousin, I’m happy to hear you too, and send my greetings to your lovely wife, who found your threats amusing by the sound of it," said Beckett, listening to the soft giggles through the dynamic.

“Beckett, I’m serious,” growled the young man.

“Did I interrupted something?” Beckett asked, leaning on the counter with his back.

He met his cousin just a couple of years back when their grandma died. He came to the funereal only to be accused by Beckett's mother that he wants only her inheritance. Trying to bribe him to waive all claims, trying to threaten him. But instead, he just smirked at her, ignoring her for the rest of the evening. Surprisingly but Beckett and he immediately got along. It helped that by the time of their first meeting, they both loathed Beckett’s mother and the fact that they both had trust issues. Trusting only a couple of people who were close to them, but still not letting anyone get too close. Although Cole had at least one person who was closer to him than anyone ever got, and who owned his heart unconditionally. This person was Liza. His everything. Something, that Beckett would never have... He was torn back from his memory with a threatening but at the same time concerned voice coming from the other end.

“Beckett...”

“Cole, sorry I zoned out, but I need your help or... or Liza’s,” said Beckett with a sigh. He was silent for a moment before asking the question that was on his mind, hoping that this will not reach his mother or anyone they both knew. “What can a pregnant woman eat? What food is recommended, what to avoid and what is healthy,” he quickly rumbled through the phone, holding his breath after that. He could literally hear how the wheels in his cousin’s head were turning, working out why all these questions, and what Beckett is up to or have done.

“Beckett, did you make someone pregnant,” carefully asked Cole, feeling the warm hand of his wife running up and down his chest, trying to ignore the desire that boiled his blood every time she did that. He gently took her hand with his and squeezed it as if letting her know that this isn’t the best time. Not when his cousin seems to make someone pregnant.

“No... I... I didn’t,” breathed Beckett, hoping that Cole didn’t catch the stuttering in his voice before continuing to speak. “I didn’t,” he said more confidently. “But someone may... and I’m sure as hell this prick will not take responsibility. He is one of these guys who only use them... I feel sorry for her, so please don’t laugh, and not give me a damn speech that it is not my business. I know it... but I also know that she has no one to turn to, and if I can at least make her something to eat, as she didn’t eat from the morning I need to do that. Cole... please."

“ ‘Key,” simply said Cole, not a single note of judgment in his voice. He quickly listed everything that Liza craved at the beginning, and what food would be good for the girl or what to avoid. Liza chimed in after Cole stopped talking, listing recipes that are healthy and tasty. The ones that both could equally enjoy.

“Thank you,” Beckett finally said, writing down everything that was said. “I really am grateful,” he added after a moment.

“No problem, but Harrington, if you will interrupt us again, I will not hesitate to come all the way down there and shove that phone up to your arse. Understood?”

“Clear as day,” smirked Beckett, ready to end the call before his cousin's voice sounded again.

“Have fun with whoever this mysterious pregnant girl is,” smugly said Cole before hanging up the phone, not giving Beckett time for a reply.

Beckett looked at his phone with a mix of annoyance and amusement at his cousin for his last remark. Mumbling under his breath that he isn't planning to have any fun with a girl before moving to the fridge and starting to look for ingredients for the dinner. Something that they both would enjoy.

After an hour of preparation, he was finally finished and looked satisfyingly at the tray in front of him. He had put a big plate of beetroot risotto with feta and peas, and a bawl of fresh fruit salad with various colored fruits that were cut neatly into small pieces. He also made sure to put a new cup with his grandmother's herbal tea and the jug of orange juice with a glass. Everything looked nice and colorful on a big tray with a couple of red napkins and cutlery to use. After making sure he didn't forget anything, he made his way upstairs, taking a deep breath before entering the room. His gaze softened when he saw Maeve still laid curled up on the bed. Her breathing even and her hand gently placed over her belly as if protecting her unborn child from anything that will come their way. He quietly went further into the room, closing the door behind. Sitting on the edge of her bed Beckett leaned closer to her, inhaling a sweet lavender scent that made his head spin.

“Hey, wake up,” he whispered softly into her ear, brushing away a strand of her hair with a free hand, while the other was holding the tray firmly. His hand moving to her forearm, shaking her slightly. “You need to eat something,” he said, watching her stir in her sleep. She blinked in confusion as if trying to understand where she is before turning her head to the side, meeting Beckett's piercing gaze and their lips almost touching due to her movement. Both simultaneously feeling how their breaths hitched, and Maeve's eyes flew wide open.

“What are you doing here?” exclaimed Maeve, bolting up and almost knocking out the tray with a dinner from Beckett's hand. Her body tensing, and her eyes narrowed.

Tags:

@fluffy-marshmallow-heart @annekebbphotography @thequeenofcronuts @symonde @lapisreviewsstuff @madampugzalot @emichelle @lilyofchoices @msjpuddleduck @feartheendlesssummer @catlady0911 @the-soot-sprite @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @xxrainbow-princessxx @cordoniasmost @kingkassam @laragazzaconunsogno @desireepow-1986 @choices-bound @choicesloversstuff

#the elementalists #beckett harrington #beckett x mc #the elementalists fanfic #beckett harrington fanfic #beckett harrington fanfiction #cole harrington #choices fanfiction

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thedistantstorm · 4 years

Text

Project Compass 28

Read along on AO3 Here

<< Previous Chapter << >> Next Chapter >>

This time: Ivant and Thrawn seek out an old ally.

Next time: The enemy lies in wait.

Thrawn looked down at his left hand, clenching it as though he could still feel the phantom of Eli's calloused hand in his from days before. It had been warm, but humans ran warmer than Chiss. That was a biological fact. Chiss were able to sustain far cooler temperatures, though they were capable of handling intense heat as well, their bodies simply more adaptable to extremes.

Beside him in the cockpit of their transport, Ezra hummed, directing his question behind them. “So why, exactly, don’t you want me to come with you guys?” His tone indicated it was nice to speak Basic for a change.

“It’s for your best interest.” The left corner of Eli’s lips lifted in a half-smile, and there was something amused in the gaze he gave Thrawn. “I don’t think my contact would do anything, but,” Deep brown eyes met luminous red.

Thrawn said, “Krennic is dead.”

Eli nodded, and Ezra calmly steered their shuttle into the bay they’d been given by the control tower that overlooked the port. A moment later, Eli mused, “Yes, he knows.”

“And he doesn’t like the Emperor, therefore this should not even be a consideration.”

Ezra looked over his shoulder, seeking clarification. “How many ex-Imps do the Chiss employ, exactly?”

“The question you mean to ask is ‘How many Imps did Thrawn ship off to the Ascendancy,’ and the answer is two.” There was humor in his gaze and his voice as he added, “Be grateful you’re stuck with me."

Thrawn didn’t laugh, but his quiet huff was as good as. For Ezra’s benefit, he said, “I doubt Brierly Ronan would sell him out to the Empire.”

“I told you he still calls me ‘the traitor,’ right?”

Thrawn swiveled the co-pilot’s chair around to face Eli, who stood, leaning casually against the hatch. “Yes,” The Chiss said. “However, as I've said, he doesn’t like the Emperor which should make him an ally.”

“I think I also told you he’s attached to House Chaf?” The look on the human’s face was flat as he argued back. “As in, he's the very publicly recognized liaison to Formbi, who even more publicly despises your brother?”

“Surely Syndic Chaf’orm’bintrano would not appreciate such an indelicate statement, Captain,” Thrawn all but crooned. “Besides, my service to our military negates any benefits I would receive from my house.”

“Right,” Eli agreed, both sarcastic and reluctant, all at once. He was all too aware of a multitude of situations - not just Thrawn’s own - that might suggest otherwise. “Regardless, Ezra is staying in the ship for his safety, on the off chance, well,” He broke off, admitting, “I don’t think Ronan’s about to try and contact anyone, but consider it a favor to me and keep an eye on the ship, okay?”

Ezra scoffed as he activated the landing gear and methodically toggled the brake and shut down protocols to begin as necessary. Eli might have total control over the Navigators, but Ezra had one final card to play: Ezra was no Navigator, and he answered to Thrawn. He tried not to think about the vast number of close friends who would be very concerned for his mental state at the thought as he said, “No offense, but you’re not my boss.”

“Fine,” Eli said, turning away from them to toggle the door hatch. He didn’t lose that casual-confidence Thrawn now associated with him, even with their mission starting. “I’ll go alone.” He stepped out.

“You will not.” Thrawn looked at Ezra, who sulked with a shift of his lips. “Bridger will stay on the ship,” He called louder, addressing his fellow captain’s retreating back.

“If I didn’t know better,” Ezra murmured slyly, leaning back to cross his legs and prop them up on the dash, much to Thrawn’s displeasure, “I’d think Captain Ivant is just trying to get you alone.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“You are insufferable,” The Chiss hissed in reply. It seemed the prospect of being behind bothered him more than he realized.

“But I might be right.” Ezra sang in a buzzing hum.

“We are professionals, on a mission from our Admiral,” Thrawn insisted. “That is not what this is.”

“Riiiiight,” Ezra drawled, “And I’m a Sith Lord.” He met Thrawn’s glower with a dull expression. “Call it what you want, but you better catch up with him before he leaves you behind for real. I’ll keep the ship company like a good aide.”

Thrawn did lengthen his stride, noticing Eli waiting for him in the open doorway of the building that lay on the outskirts of the docking bay. It was newer in design, the architecture of an age after Thrawn had departed on his mission, though it was at least a decade old. The outside of the building had been smoothed by Csilla’s unforgiving climate.

It had been a long time since they’d naturally fallen into step beside each other on a mission without one or the other forced to stand a step behind and to one side or the other, following social etiquette. Something long forgotten, yet still familiar bloomed in Thrawn’s belly. Even at Royal Imperial, all those years ago, they hadn’t truly been on even ground, though it had been nearly impossible to notice. Now, though, he felt it. He had always wondered if a day like this would come.

He wasn’t disappointed.

Eli steered him to a longer ancillary corridor to the left with nothing but a subtle shift of his stance, only looking up at Thrawn at the last second. He smiled briefly. His eyes were clear and bright, like polished riverstone. When his wrist brushed Thrawn’s forearm as they stepped through the doorway, he didn’t react. Neither did Thrawn. But he didn’t step back, content to let their sleeves brush as they continued on their way.

Had this happened before, in the Empire? Thrawn wondered. He hadn’t been looking, hadn’t considered this a possibility for himself, much less for his then Commander. They’d been what he’d hoped were friends. And regardless of his valiant actions, Thrawn had come to realize that Eli had hoped for the same.

Thrawn wasn’t used to being so hopeful, but he found that he didn’t mind. The concept of discovery was exhilarating.

Eli’s lips thinned and twisted as they approached another door leading to what sounded like a far more busy place. “This is the main drag,” He informed Thrawn as the hydraulics did their job, and a beautiful mezzanine was revealed. “Usually I wouldn’t indulge Ronan by meeting in such a place, but I like the café.”

His fellow captain completely ignored the beautiful, whimsical art, suspended from the ceiling and done in expansive murals on almost every wall. In fact, Eli paid the art little mind until Thrawn had stopped several paces back, inspecting a crystalline sculpture that seemed to accept the rare glow from the sun that peeked through the skylights overhead and warmed to a kaleidoscope of color in the infrared, subtle and intricate in its execution.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen that look,” Eli said into Thrawn's analysis. He licked his lips, wetting them. “I can’t wait to hear you tell me the artist’s entire life story later.”

Thrawn glanced away from the tangle of elements that comprised the complex, suspended piece. “Oh?” He asked, surprised.

“I know who the artist is. We can test how well your art-sense is now that you’re back where you belong.” The words weren’t playful, more inquisitive, curious.

The Chiss turned back from the artwork and let Eli guide him. “You know the artist?”

“Oh, I do,” He said. “And I’m not telling you the story until you give me your analysis.”

“She came onto you,” Thrawn speculated immediately. His eyes flickered between the piece and Vanto, narrowing as he appraised the human.

“She?” Eli questioned. His eyebrows accentuated the question.

“He?”He frowned. “No. The artist identifies as female. You can tell-”

Eli’s head tipped back and he laughed, honest and unbidden, interrupting Thrawn’s absurdly accurate conclusions. Thrawn’s lips quirked upwards into a tiny, helpless smile.

“Was my speculation correct?” The Chiss couldn't help but ask.

“Hell," Vanto was still laughing. "You don't miss a trick, Mitth’raw’nuruodo. I missed that.” Before Thrawn could think on those words or their meaning, Eli clapped his arm. “C’mon,” He drawled, “I don’t want to listen to Ronan bitch because we’re late.”

The cafe was upscale and incredibly dim by human standards, playing up the Chiss side of superior sight. The mugs, Eli had been told, were a kind that lit up beautifully in the infrared, despite being made of some flimsi-like material so patrons could take their drinks to go. Considering the cautious look Thrawn gave a table’s beverages, that seemed to be about right.

Ronan, as expected, proceeded to scoff at the sight of Thrawn. “I’d heard you weren’t dead,” He said drolly in accented Cheunh as he stood to greet them. He shook Thrawn’s hand delicately when the Chiss said his name in greeting. Then, “Hello, Traitor.”

Rolling his eyes, Eli shook his fellow ex-Imperial’s hand in greeting. “Glad to see you haven’t lost your charm,” He said in Basic. “I think we can save your horrific attempt at that posh accent. I’d like to get through this without you needin’ to repeat yourself all the time.”

“I’ll have you know my accent is that of House Chaf. The population on Sarvchi speaks many different dialects of standard Cheunh. It isn’t my fault your military education didn’t properly culture you,” Ronan said primly, adjusting his yellow cape. Thrawn looked to Eli instead of speaking, and Ronan’s eyes lit up. “I thought he wasn’t on your good side?”

“Things change.” Eli said, foot nudging Thrawn’s before the Chiss realized the snarl threatening to break through his seemingly blank expression.

“Formbi won’t be thrilled,” Ronan snorted. “We do not want any part in your war.”

“Formbi is, as always, welcome to join us. I have yet to hear this sentiment to my face.”

“You know he has far more important things to do,” Ronan said with a self-important adjustment of his bright yellow cape. It drew Thrawn’s attention, and the syndic’s aide noticed that attention immediately. “It’s an upgrade from the drab one I wore during my time in the empire, don’t you think? Savit bit a hole through it during his little temper tantrum.”

Eli buried his face in his hands. Thrawn shrugged, not nearly as affected as Eli had thought. “It is… yellow,” The Chiss captain settled for commenting.

“That’s one word for it,” Eli muttered into his palm, then straightened and got down to business. “Did you get me the files I needed?”

“You could at least say please,” Ronan rebuked his lack of manners.

“I’ve got info, I don’t need to beg,” Vanto said, straightfaced.

“Of course,” Ronan said idly, producing a datacard. “The information you requested for your little project. There’s not much. The Empire was keen to make everyone forget what came before it.”

“Anything is something,” Eli commented mildly, pocketing the tiny chip within a hidden compartment in his tunic and producing another. He didn’t set it on the table between them, but held it between his fingertips, even when Ronan reached for it. He looked to Thrawn, calculatingly, then back to Ronan.

Ronan tapped the table twice, nonchalantly, then picked up his drink from the heavy coaster it rested on. It was a jamming device, the deep blue indicator blinking intermittently to show it was active. His gaze rose back to Eli as he set the drink back down.

Thrawn stroked his chin. “Were you followed?” He asked.

“There is a guard posted nearby. Two of them,” Ronan said. His expression gave away no indication of concern.

“Can you lose them?”

The pale human grinned. “With ease. Formbi is always disappointed when I don’t.”

Eli rolled his eyes, though he didn’t appear entirely irritated. Lower, he intoned, “I could give you this, or we could go to our ship and discuss things in detail.”

Eyes gleaming, Ronan asked, equally soft, “Is that where you’re hiding the Jedi? My sources say he doesn’t stray far from Thrawn.”

Thrawn eyed Ronan coolly, taking Eli’s earlier warning seriously. “Any actions you consider taking against my aide, I suggest you consider carefully.”

“Oh, please,” Ronan waved him off. “I wouldn’t.” He gestured to Eli. “This one’s just paranoid.”

“For good reason,” Eli said, stone-faced. His eyes remained hard, though his eyebrows rose. “What do you want to do?”

Smiling wanly, his aura shifting to become every bit the overworked Syndic’s assistant he was advertised to be, Ronan rose, ripping the datacard from Eli’s fingers with an over-dignified harrumph. Loudly, for effect, he said, “This conversation was incredibly pointless, per usual, with nothing of value for me.” Sliding his gaze between the two captains, ignoring Eli’s hiss of discomfort from the card scraping his fingernails. “You’re welcome for the information, Vanto.” He barely spared Thrawn a glance as he turned, drink and jammer in hand, letting his cape billow over his shoulder like an obnoxious victory flag.

Thrawn waited a few moments, watching as the yellow-clad human took his leave with all the air of pompous importance he remembered, then saw the two Chiss that were very clearly his escort follow at a calculated distance. They were subtle, Thrawn could give them that. “He will find our ship?”

Eli nodded. “Docking info is on the datacard he yanked out of my hand. He should be able to access a terminal somewhere to get what he needs after he dodges the two goons on his tail.”

“This was the plan all along,” Thrawn voiced, after a moment of comfortable silence.

“Why do you think I had Ezra stay with the ship?” Eli’s smile was knowing. He nudged Thrawn with an elbow. “At least this way it should give you enough time to check out the rest of the art on display in the mezzanine before we head back.”

Thrawn nodded, his eyes sharp and eager, though his mouth was held in that typical, serious line. “You should hope that Ezra won’t attack him,” He mused to his fellow captain.

This time, Eli’s grin was alight with amusement as he shrugged, “Well, we’ll find out how well he listened, now won’t we?”

Ronan was sitting at the small table in the shuttle’s living area when Eli and Thrawn made it back.

“I see you two took the scenic route,” He commented. He held up his wrists, which were in binders. Ezra leaned against the wall beside the hatch, at a good angle to see Ronan and also get the drop on any unwanted visitors. The room was entirely empty save for the table and chairs bolted to the floor of the cabin.

“Good work, Bridger. The binders were a nice touch,” Eli said, extending a hand for the tool that would unlock them.

“Thanks for the heads up, by the way,” Ezra commented dryly.

It was Thrawn who skirted around the rest of the humans and took a seat to Ronan’s left. “Plans change, Bridger. You must adapt.”

Ezra waved the multitool nonchalantly but gave it up to Vanto with a sigh. He gestured to Ronan. “He said this was always the plan.”

Rubbing his wrists as the thick cuffs were removed, Ronan motioned to his bag and Ezra retrieved it with an exasperated sigh. The jammer from before was produced, as well as a holorecorder. “You understand I will have to record this for Syndic Chaf’orm’bintrano.”

“Yeah, I know,” Eli said. He exchanged a glance with Thrawn, who did not look so at ease. “You really should have brought him. Recording is dicey, especially considering the subject matter.”

“I will not be galavanting off on a galactic tour. I am going directly to Formbi the second this meeting is adjourned. He is nearby.” Reorienting the conversation, Ronan said, “House Chaf wants nothing to do with militaristic enterprises. That I am even here is only because you promised me samples.”

“I did,” Eli said, pulling a small, well-concealed cylinder with a tiny vial from within his tunic. He laid it out on the table. “That’s enough to kill three Chiss,” He said. “If it’s used on one, cardiac arrest is more or less instant. If you spread it out, you’re just slow, but fatal torture.”

Ezra swore and turned away, disappearing into the cockpit. Ronan’s eyes tracked him Almost silently, he murmured, “And the antidote?”

Eli sighed. At this point, it was what it was. Ezra was bound to find out eventually. He spoke soft, but even, and didn’t plan to mince his words even when the Jedi returned. “That’s where house Chaf comes in. We cannot research it ourselves, and House Chaf has both the technology and the defenses to do it without our protection.”

“An interesting proposition.” He furrowed his brow. “Admiral Ar’alani would be willing to concede control like that?”

Thrawn looked between them briefly, then intervened. “It is a necessary concession,” He said. “There is a traitor within our midst.”

“Aboard your ship,” Ronan commented doubtfully. “Surely you can-”

“No,” Eli said. “Within the Aristocra.”

“Who?”

“We believe it is one of the ruling families,” Thrawn said. “We do not yet have-”

“It’s Inrokini,” Eli said.

“We suspect,” Thrawn interjected, looking at Vanto strangely. “We do not yet have-”

“Well,” The other captain leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Regardless, this is a Grysk poison that was not created by Chiss hands. The risks in accidental exposure are too great. We’re concerned about our science team even taking it out of vac-seal to put under a microscope.”

“Syndic Formbi will be pleased you at least consider our research teams above your own,” Ronan said smartly. He frowned, though. “Why do you suspect Inrokini?”

Thrawn said, “The most recent casualties were all supporters of House Inrokini.”

Eli looked at Ronan. “I think they’re going to frame House Chaf, use Formbi’s hate of Thrass as a motive. They’ve already tried to kill Thrawn once.”

Huffing, Ronan had to ask, “So how many bolts did you put into the idiot’s head, really?”

“Only one,” Eli commented. “I don’t miss.”

“Shame they denied the promotion.” He shrugged. “I figured it had to be worse, considering they had Kresh take your ship out from under you. That woman sure knows how to make a reward look like a punishment,” He said sharply.

“The promotion was a sham and you know it,” Vanto said, more to abate Thrawn’s curious look and Ezra’s head, peeking back into the unsealed doorway between cockpit and main cabin. “Back to the point: We need house Chaf’s help.”

Ronan nodded, his usual bluster melting away. “Look, I can take it to Formbi and plead your case. But it’s military. I don’t think he’ll go for it. He barely tolerates the CDF engaging the Grysks as it is.”

“The traitor situation may change his mind,” Thrawn said. “Whomever is getting this poison from the Grysks,” He indicated the innocent-seeming vial of fine, crystalline powder, “Is working with them directly. We believe it is a plot to subjugate one of the houses and take control of our people from the inside out.”

“You mean,” Ronan looked up in surprise. “That is - the Grysks are trying to make us a client species?” He looked between the two men. “Like those-” He shuddered, well aware of the Scratchlings. “Can they do that?”

Eli nodded. “Given enough time and the right access, I believe they can.” He shrugged. “Besides, it’s easier to get information and build power if two of the families are fighting to eliminate each other from power. If you were smart, you’d convince him to speak with Thrass and form an alliance.”

“You clearly do not understand the nuances of Chiss politics. That is impossible.”

“I think they could put aside their pride and turn their mutual disdain on a worthy target for a few cycles,” Thrawn interjected. “My brother is petty, that much is true, but he does not have a death wish.”

Ronan nodded, though he didn’t seem convinced, and contemplated. “Like I said, I’ll make your case. Suggest that he speak to Ar’alani, if not the two of you.” He indicated the vial. “Is there more? This is nowhere near enough for an in-depth study.”

“Yes,” Eli said. “I can have some folks run it to a place of your choosing if the syndic agrees.”

“Oh great,” Ronan said. “I do love receiving visits from Commodore Faro.”

“It’s Commander now,” Thrawn offered.

Ronan made a look that clearly said ‘of course it is.’ “How do you continuously convince these beings to give up everything and stay all the way out here?” He asked. “I didn’t think recruitment was part of your duties.” He wasn’t really expecting an answer.

He got one, anyway.

“Hey, he’s a likeable guy,” Ezra quipped from the doorway. “I mean, once you get over wanting to kill him a little.”

#thranto #eli vanto/thrawn #eli vanto #ezra bridger #mitth'raw'nuruodo #brierly ronan #my writing #sw fanfiction

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tlbodine · 4 years

Text

How to Love Revision

A lot of you lovely folks are doing Nanowrimo right now.

Which means that, in a few weeks, you will have a steaming pile of pages. A rough draft. A word-baby, if you will. And you might, at some point, want to turn that messy jumble into a real book, perhaps something to send to a publisher or publish yourself or just share with people.

I see a lot of writing advice about finishing first drafts -- and a whole lot of it is in the vein of “Just write it! Fix it in post! Finished is better than perfect!” which is great advice for pushing through, but does tend to leave future-you -- the editor you-- with problems.

Lucky for you, I happen to love editing (really! it’s my favorite part!) so I am here to give you some advice on how to turn those pages into a proper story without ripping all of your hair out or screaming into the void (but if you need to scream, it’s OK, I won’t judge you.)

First Off: Credit Where It’s Due

My current revision process draws heavily from Holly Lisle’s One-Pass Revision technique: https://hollylisle.com/one-pass-manuscript-revision-from-first-draft-to-last-in-one-cycle/

Her writing guides are golden, and I heartily recommend reading them all, starting with that one up there.

I don’t do one-pass revisions, but her ethos really helped me. Before I found her advice, I would get caught in the endless revise/rewrite cycle. I was going through 9+ drafts of every story and it kept morphing into something new and sprouting new problems, hydra-style, every time I tried to redo it. So nothing was ever finished, nothing was ever satisfying, and I hated it.

So I found a better way! And it freed me! I’ve written six books since then, four of them published (one Wattpad-exclusive) and I learned to look forward to the second draft.

So how does this magic work? Let me show you!

Step One: Put the Damn Thing Away

Editing requires intellectual and emotional distance. So finish your story, and set it aside for a while. Stop thinking about it. Actively put it out of your mind. Work on something else for a while. Read a book. Catch up on all the TV you missed. Whatever. The point is -- you don’t want to come back to revise your story until you can look at it with fresh eyes.

How long this will take depends on you, of course. It’s a very personal thing. It could be weeks. It could be months. For me, a good guideline is to wait until I can no longer quote whole passages from memory.

Now then. Let’s do some triage.

Before you can start editing, you need to know your goals. If you’re a planner, this might be easy because you have an outline you can compare against. If you’re a discovery writer like me, well, this is the time to figure out what exactly it is that you discovered. Grab a notebook (or a notepad file, if you’re a digital native) and follow this process:

Write a one-sentence elevator pitch that roughly encapsulates the concept of the story. It doesn’t have to be pretty -- you’re not showing this to anyone but yourself -- but it does have to be honest. My one-sentence pitch for River of Souls was “Self-aware zombies struggle for equal rights, but the medication they rely on to retain their humanity doesn’t work as advertised.” My pitch for The Hound was “Lesbian thrift shop owners invite the devil into their home after buying a cursed taxidermied dog.”

Write down your theme(s). In the draft, themes might take the form of questions. In this draft, you’ll want some answers. What do you want the reader to feel when they’re done? What is the message you’re trying to tell? When I wrote Nezumi’s Children, I knew it was a story about religion -- “What should we put our faith into?” In the end, I decided the answer was, “We should put our faith in each other.” That dictated the ending. (I also wanted to be careful not to inadvertently support abandoning your pets -- so I couldn’t let the rats be happily feral at the end. A happy ending for them meant being owned and cared for).

Write a 250-word synopsis of the story. Again, it doesn’t have to be pretty. It just has to introduce the characters, the world, and the general shape of the story arc -- the inciting incident, the escalating stakes, and how the character changed at the end.

You may find that you struggle with this part, and that is totally find (and honestly to be expected). You may discover, for example, that your character doesn’t actually change, or that there isn’t a core conflict. That’s okay! That’s what you’re here to fix! I have absolutely, definitely written a book and then discovered 80,000 words later that it didn’t have a plot. It’s OK though, because you’ll fix that problem in the next step.

If you do indeed have a plot and escalating stakes and characters who go through developmental arcs, you’re ahead of the game. Now you’ve got the skeleton of an elevator pitch and the makings of a query letter (or a jacket blurb).

Next: Map Out Everything

When I was in elementary school, I had to start writing my first essays. I was supposed to make an outline, then write the paper to follow the outline. I wasn’t very good at doing it that way, so instead I would write the paper, then hastily draw up the outline to match what I said. Oops. Nothing has changed, honestly.

With your trusty notebook (or blank text document), compile the following:

Write out a list of scenes. Just a couple words describing the events of what happens. Now - are all of those scenes necessary? Are any redundant? Do you need to add foreshadowing or establish something earlier in the story to make sense of it? Are the scenes in the wrong order? Does every scene do some work to advance the plot, deepen the character, flesh out the world? Does the ending resonate with the theme? Re-write the scene list in the correct order, with scenes added or removed as necessary to tell the proper story. Now your scene list is a handy dandy roadmap/outline for your revision!

List out all of the characters in the story. Write down their role in the story. Does every major character have a goal? Do motivations make sense? Does each one change in some way during the story? Are all of your walk-on roles necessary? Are there characters who don’t really do much, and could you combine them?

Fixing plot holes on your scene list is a lot easier than fixing them in the manuscript itself. Keep tweaking your scenes until the story feels like it works. Make sure there’s a logical flow between events -- cause and effect, escalating stakes. Consult structure guides like the Hero’s Journey or the Three-Act Structure if you need some help with your plot.

Here’s a part that’s really important so it’s going in all caps: THE SCENE LIST IS FINAL. Make all the adjustments you need to the plot while you do the scene list, but do not -- DO NOT -- deviate from the story once you move on to the next step. You don’t stop modifying your scene list until you’re happy with the story, and once you’re happy, THAT is the story you’re writing. Get new ideas for things that can happen? Great, save ‘em for the next book.

Now Roll Your Sleeves Up And Get Dirty

Some people like to print their manuscript off and do edits in pen, but I don’t have reliable printer access most of the time and hate wasting paper. So instead, I pull up the rough draft and adjust it so it takes up one half of my monitor. Then I pull up a fresh, empty file and put that on the other half of the screen.

Now, using my scene list as a guide, I pull up the rough draft and rewrite it, scene by scene. Yes, that means re-typing every word. You’ll find that when you do this, you’ll fix a lot of language mistakes without even realizing it. I’m an under-writer, so my drafts usually double in length during this process because I spend more time lingering on sensory details, adding scenes, teasing out character dynamics, etc. etc. etc. Just let yourself go, get immersed into the scene. If you forget what you were doing, just refer back to your outline and original draft to get back on track.

I find this process works best if you can do it quickly. Try not to let the story get cold. Ideally, work on this every single day, or even set aside a long weekend to just hammer it all out.

Finally: Make a Second Pass

Now that you’ve got a second draft under your belt, it’s time to celebrate! Set the book aside. If you have beta readers or an editor, now is the time to send this to them. Hang out for a bit. Figure out who you’re querying, if you’re doing that. Find a kick-ass cover, if you’re self-publishing. Build yourself a Lego mansion. Whatever. Just sit on your draft for a little bit.

Now that a couple weeks have passed, it’s time to make a final pass. Gather all of the feedback you’ve gotten from beta readers and editors and decide what advice you should take and what you can ignore. Here’s a guideline: If someone says something and you think, “oh, yeah! that’s exactly it!” then you take the suggestion. If they say something and you think “uh, well, no, that’s not really the story I was trying to write....” or something similar, you can ignore the feedback. Good feedback will always feel true in the “duh, why didn’t I think of that” way.

Open up your new draft and, starting at page one, just read the damn thing. Make adjustments to the writing as necessary:

Correct any misspellings and typos you come across.

Eliminate weak words and phrases and replace them with stronger ones.

Add some variation to sentence structure if you notice that it’s become repetitive.

Eliminate redundancy. Fix your metaphors. Fix your symbolism. Keep your poetic language on-theme. In The Hound, I replaced a ton of random metaphors with dog imagery. It’s subtle, but it lends thematic cohesion.

Some people use things like Grammarly or Hemmingway App to help with this. I’ve never used them, so I can’t speak to their effectiveness. But if you find that they help, awesome! Use them!

Here’s a really important point: This step can ONLY come AFTER the rewriting stage. There is no point at all in tweaking sentences and fixing up the language in a story that has no plot. Fix your structural issues FIRST, and be sure they are AIR TIGHT, before you start dicking around with the words. Ok? Ok. (Someone go back in time 15 years and tell this to young me please)

And now...you are done!

Spend some time tweaking your elevator pitch and query letter at this point, if necessary. But no matter what, you do not go back into this document and change ANYTHING unless an editor tells you to. The book is DONE. Maybe give it a final proofread before you self-publish it (but honestly, you’re better off hiring someone to do it at that point, you’re going to be too zorched to notice the typos you missed) but otherwise don’t touch it. Don’t think about it. Write the next book.

And that’s it! That’s my mostly painless revision process!

Obviously every person is different, your mileage may vary, etc. But I hope this serves as a helpful jumping off point. I am more than happy to answer any questions or provide clarification on things -- just drop me a line :)

#writing advice #writing tips #editing #writeblr #long post

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iwritethat · 5 years

Text

Jason Todd: Engravings

A/N: Italics are flashbacks, this ones a lil different to my usual style.

>>>>—————————>

———

"They're cool, kinda badass and luckily these ones are blank!"

"They're cheap and tacky. They haven't been engraved yet - where'd you steal 'em from?" He was always quick to pass judgement but it came from a kind place.

"Stall on the corner, I want to carve my name into it but I'm scared of messing it up."

"..."

———

"(Y/n) - Boss, we've captured the intruder and tied 'em up downstairs - want us to dispose of him?" Your peaceful drink at the bar was interrupted causing a halt to your paperwork as you glared at him.

"My my, so quick to get to the murder. You know it's both polite and resourceful to at least ask what they wanted, so come on." Placing down your pen, you ensured you looked presentable before heading down to the basement with your men strictly following like soldiers.

———

Your hands shook ever so slightly, fingers guiding the knife situated between them in sheer concentration though you'd yet to even graze the shiny steel. You winced, pulling away the blade with a frustrated sigh.

"Give it here, a knife is too big anyway." The exasperated tone of your friend reprimanded, briskly untangling the chain from your fingertips, then glaring at it before shoving it in his pocket and walking off into the alley leaving you with no explanation which left you to business on the streets.

———

The doors flung open signifying your arrival and the discovery was less than pleasant, a decently built male securely tied to a chair with guards standing on either side and his jacket and under armour folded on the table beneath his crimson helmet.

"Why did you uh... remove half of his clothes? That seems a tad unnecessary..."

"Ah that symbol electrocutes anyone in close proximity as Mal discovered but we didn't make that mistake twice." A henchmen quickly answered, sheepish expression on his face.

"Hm, clever. Is Mal okay though?" Not many held concern for their hired guns but you were a rare exception which is why your company were renowned for their loyalty toward you. Nevertheless, one of the guards nodded with a smile, once more placing down the offending piece of armour.

"Alright dumbass, what were you thinking breaking into my fine establishment?" Came your charming voice, fingers grazing across the back of the chair before stopping in front of your ravenette prisoner.

"That's no way to talk to your guests sweetheart, but admittedly it's one of the nicest places I've broken into." His icy gaze finally met yours, and that was when you noticed the reflective glint on his bare chest.

Instantly you knelt before the handsome stranger, fingertips barely brushing the heated silver before you received a vicious threat.

"Touch that and I'll personally make you regret it."

Regardless of his venomous attitude, you gently grasped the engraved dog tags - the gesture definitely not unnoticed by their wearer nor the foreign expression that briefly crossed your features.

———

"Oi!" The moment you'd acknowledged the voice, a slither of steel was slung in your direction capturing the light of the moon as it flew through the air.

You barely caught it, faltering before recognising the item and running your thumb over the new alterations.

'Name: (Y/n) (L/n)' accompanied by your birth date with enough space for another line if needed. However, you filtered through the next one as the tags originally came in a pair but this one was different.

'Name: Jason Todd'

'DoB: 16/08'

———

What surprised the majority in the room was your next swift movement, using the chain entangled around your digits you pulled him down to your level bringing your lips to his ear to prevent eavesdropping guards as a precaution.

"If you're Jason Todd, then what does (Y/n) (L/n) mean to you?" With your secretive whisper, the males muscles instinctively tensed and he looked to you with shock in his irises before scowling.

"That's a bold assumption."

"No, the fact you wear jewellery underneath your getup suggests it's sentimental. As it's a pair of engraved dog tags I would've thought military but there's no ID number and they're close to your heart aren't they?" Was your solemn explanation despite knowing exactly what they represented, though you still felt resentment radiating off of the captive as you waved your guards out of the room to speak more freely.

"How do you know I'm not (Y/n) (L/n) smartass?" Was his comeback, wrists twisting in his restraints.

"Because they're incredibly attractive, duh."

"Wait - you know (Y/n)? If you've done anything -" His voice seemed more lively now, like emotion was tied to that name and the hope of finding them.

"Just tell me why you're here already as I might be able to help." Unbeknownst to him, the person he seemed interested in stood right before him - not that you’d tell Jason that just yet.

———

"Why's your name on here?" You mischievously inquired, smirking at your now flustered friend.

"Wha- well because I made it, it's my signature duh." He shoved his hands into his pockets, gaze diverted to Gothams' skyline and pout upon his lips that only made you laugh.

"Uh-huh suuurre."

"If you don't want it then throw my one back." Came the snappy callout, Jason now looking at you expectantly.

"And split them up? That'll look weird." You shook your head, playfully pulling the tags away from his grip as he went for them and proudly clipped them around your neck.

"People probably say the same about us to be honest."

"What was that red?!" You didn't quite hear whatever he'd muttered under his breath, but knowing it would've been somewhat sentimental his defensive reply was expected.

"Nothing jeez!"

———

"I want Black Masks location. Now your turn."

"Roman has no influence over me or my club but I know some regulars who work for him so we can sort something out." With a brisk motion you'd slit the restraints on his wrists thus freeing him.

It was a stupid thing to do, your fingers instantly reaching for your necklace out of nervousness once you'd turned your back on him - it was a habit, you'd put your faith into a common criminal and were hoping he wouldn't kill you now he had the opportunity.

Instantly you realised your mistake, seconds later you ended up with your back roughly trapped against the table, knife to your throat and 6ft war god holding you right where he wanted you.

"Thanks for the assist doll, but you never answered my question about -" As he pulled back, there was a strain, a twinkle of metal against metal as the two chains kept you tied together.

His gaze flicked from the interlocked dog tags then back to you, recognition flooding him instantly as the knife clattered against the tile and his brows furrowed as of analysing you.

"You were right, (Y/n) is incredibly attractive..." Jason was breathless, a contrast of awe and snugness on his handsome features.

"Speaking of, clothes!" You’d grabbed the folded material and shoved it into his chest with a huff whilst subtly attempting to hide your undoing due to the close proximity.

It didn’t take much to detangle the chains so he could get dressed but not without a somewhat interesting reunion - it had been a few years since you were misguided street kids.

"I heard you were dead." Jason started, no doubt he’d inquired about you on the streets but judging by the last man any of your old acquaintances saw you with, you didn’t blame them for their presumptions.

"I heard you were dead."

"Touché, I came back though. Not 100%, but back." Jason commented, scratching the back of his neck which already told you this was a sensitive subject that you noted to delve into in the near future among other things.

"We really changed huh, you got adopted by Bruce Wayne, I got taken in by Carmine Falcone and now we're on the same side again. Sort of..." You playfully shrugged, offering your friend a small smirk.

"Falcone - you became a freaking underground crimelord?!" His shock was evident, jacket dropping to floor whilst he rubbed his temples then gesturing for you to elaborate.

"Says you! Look I did what I did to survive, after Falcone was killed I stayed out of everyone's way and kept this club and it’s profits under my control. No one owns me anymore. But nice to see you kept my nickname for you Red Hood!"

“I knew you’d do great and I have my reasons, it’s not just because of you. Anyway, Black Mask - we should probably y’know...” The big bad vigilante was flustered, a gift of yours that supposedly maintained its effectiveness through the change and so you couldn’t help but continue.

“Are you sure, you did call me attractive.”

“Yeah well you are so... whatever. And besides, you’re rich but kept the cheap dogtags so I guess I’m not the only sentimental one.” Jason closed the distance as he spoke, a gentle brush over your heart as he tugged on your tags with a smirk.

Since you seem in so much of a hurry I’d love to properly catch up some time if you’d allow it. So I f you’re quite done staring at my lips Jason I’ve got a club to open and there’s someone we need to speak to.” You tilted your head in a challenging manner before making your way to the staircase with a devious smirk as you finished your implied invitation.

“...I haven’t missed you at all. Just so you know (Y/n)!” Your partner hollered after you, hastily throwing on his jacket and grabbing the helmet before joining your side with a playful nudge as you walked to the bar.

———

"Even though you're rich now, you still haven't grown out of throwing things at people!" You mocked anger, huffing at the offender.

"Not people, just you." Jason wittily replies along with a wink.

"Oh wow, thanks I'm honoured." Your sarcasm was fluent, inspecting what he’d thrown at you before commenting on the chain.

"Jason what's this, they're replicas of the dog tags I wear already."

"Yeah I know, but these are silver. They're better." His light blush went amiss as he stopped before you with his explanation.

"You brought these?"

"Figured I might as well get you something, besides like you said, I'm rich now."

"Keep 'em." You effortlessly tossed them back, Jason catching them with both disbelief and confusion.

"But I-"

"I don't care - I don't want them. I like my ones - they're had crafted by Jason Todd and I have the crafters signature to prove it. Although since they are almost a matching set..." You trailed off, Jason's curiosity piqued as you unclasped the silver and walked behind the male who, despite his wealthy residence, kept his red hoodie.

"You should keep it, that way you'll have me close to your heart like you are to mine." Came your continuation, latching the tags around his neck whilst you walked around to face him, fingers lingering on the silver in the centre of his chest.

"Never knew you cared."

"Oh I don't, but I still have the original Red. And the originals are always more valuable."

———

#jason todd #jason todd imagine #jason todd x reader #red hood #red hood x reader #red hood imagine #dc #dc imagine

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felassan · 5 years

Text

Faces of Thedas Part 1

(Part 2 is here)

Soooo I came across what seems to be the whole of Faces of Thedas free online. 0:

I’m picking through it and there’s some cool/interesting stuff in there. these parts were the highlights and most notable bits for me so far. not suggesting this is all new or that these things are all good, just that they were what stood out most to me.

- it specifically notes that it’s a useful guide to their characters, with their histories and personalities carefully researched and detailed. i.e. it’s official information. I do have to say there are quite a few typos (Par Vallon? Kal-shirok? Teveinter? Bartran? Sa arebas? bit sloppy) and even several lore-errors in it. not a big deal, just you’d think it’s the kind of thing they would have caught during editing and proof-reads

- blond hair and blue eyes are distinctive features of Anderfels mountain men

- Leliana’s features are very Fereldan

- it describes Cass as a “cactus patch” LOL, dragon-hunting as a limited field with just two classes of practitioners - “skilled” and “deceased” - and lists Anders’ Awakening-era equipment as including Ser Pounce-a-lot (yey!) and dried mackerel (yuk). includes notable quotes from some of the characters; Dog’s is “Woof!” (of course). Varric is totally making Cass a character in his next bestseller. Cole’s equipment list ends “and an unusual hat”. Stitches is one of the best healers in Ferelden. Dalish the Charger is a flirt. Varric’s allegiances include “the Champion of Kirkwall”. ;__; Harding’s role is “Adorably Sarcastic Lead Scout”, and her family mabari Contessa weighs 170 pounds. an aside, but descriptions of Origins-era Anders cause him to strike me as an Enneagram 7

- if Hawke killed Anders for his actions at the end of DAII, disciples (like-minded mages) elevated him to martyrdom for his valiant blow against their oppressors. if Anders lived, after the Kirkwall Rebellion he’s not only a pariah but arguably the most universally despised person alive in all of Thedas. even among the Rebel Mages he’s considered an extremist, and there’s apparently hardly a mage alive who’s in any way pleased with his actions 8| according to this book, hundreds died when Kirkwall Chantry blew up

- one of Alistair’s few indulgences as King was commissioning a custom pike designed specially for him. it’s a masterwork ironbark twohanded spear, and was inspired by Oghren’s old off-color jokes about pike-twirling.

- “Alistair is one of the few truly good people in Thedas”

- he sees siring Morrigan’s child as a fate worse than death

- whatever her outcome, Anora remains a Queen of Ferelden in her heart

- Leliana is still the girl that had a pet nug she named Schmooples, despite it all

- after the Fifth Blight, Dog was allowed to rest/retire, settle down, find a mate, and produce many Mabari pups. these pups share the ferocity of their father, and could prove equally valuable companions to those worthy of their loyalty. after his passing, there’s a good chance that interested parties would be after his bones to display them as a prize or curio.

- far from just using the network of mirrors to hamper both sides in the Orlesian Civil War, back when Briala had control of the eluvians she also used them to bring food to alienages, gaining the support of City Elves in the process, and to aid elves in other ways too. she’s also noted to have been doing what she could to gain the support of the Dalish, and that her logic was that the longer she could drag out and harry the Orlesian war effort, the more time she would have to free her People from their bonds. her goals are for all of the elves of Orlais, City and Dalish both, and she’s making efforts to bring unity between the two. in the Orlesian court she spends time, through intrigue, supporting nobles who support elves and tearing down those who do not. Briala is bae ok I added that last bit myself

- “Many Dalish don’t see city elves as being truly elves and so don’t see any particular reason to help them, and for that matter why would anyone want to have equality with a shem?”

- in need of an Inquisitor to head up their soon-to-be-hatched recreation of the Inquisition of old, and potential allies of the Chantry and the Divine, Leliana had set out in search of the Hero of Ferelden while Cassandra sought Hawke.

- rogue Seekers as well as the templars and rebel mages were in attendance at the Conclave. before the sky opened, Cassandra and Varric were supposed to address the Conclave, so that Varric could recount his tale of the Champion

- I like this snippet on Cass’s development: “introspection is a difficult skill to learn, however, and her brash impulsiveness often leaves her deeply chagrined or ashamed of mistakes that could have been avoided had she taken time to consider before rushing to judgement. Or to paraphrase her own recriminations, recent events taught her anything, it’s the extent of her own ignorance and short-sightedness.” I like to think this sort of reflection and development applies to her looking back on some of the ill-thought comments she made early in the course of DA:I, like asking Lavellan “Isn’t there room for another god?” and similar.

- Cass and Galyan could never make a stable, serious relationship, but they did get together when they could and harbored feelings for each other right up until he died at the Conclave Q.Q

- “Celene does, in fact, have sympathy for the elves,” ಠ_ಠ

- Cole perceives pain as very nearly a physical thing with which he can interact. his unhesitating stream-of-consciousness recounting of peoples’ most painful memories occurs because he wants to excise the pain by exposing it and helping his subject through it

- This part on how Dorian can potentially be used by GMs in campaigns: “Dorian provides a strong candidate for a high-society Tevinter who would employ the heroes. Due to his position in Tevinter nobility as well as his experience in researching arcane lore, he would be able to provide access to Tevinter archives or artifacts in return for tasks the party performs for him.” Echoes of Dorian’s role in Dragon Age 4, perhaps?

- idk i just really like the parallels in the Grey Warden order recalling Fiona to Weisshaupt and making the shocking discovery that she was cured of the Taint, and the order recalling the Hero of Ferelden upon learning that no Warden died to deal the killing blow on the Archdemon, if Morrigan’s ritual was completed

- literally everything about Fiona

- Fiona’s silverite battlemage staff is emblazoned with the Theirin coat of arms.. my heart...

- the lil section on romancing Harding

- bit more insight into Qunari views on gender and trans people

- an alternate version of the story of Flemeth and Conabar; Flemeth was betrothed to the poet Osen, but they were very poor. The nobleman Conabar struck a deal with Osen to buy her. she agreed but Conabar recanted, claiming he had no money to pay. he killed Osen and imprisoned her. she called upon the demon to aid her, but it only became her guide and never possessed her. she killed Conabar and fled.

- Harding’s calling cards in guerrilla warfare are latrines booby-trapped with Antivan Fire or hornet nests. a former bard and fellow scout even immortalized one such escapade in a spectacularly graphic limerick

- Josie’s dangerousness, hardworkingness, talent, formidableness and high sense of personal responsibility/ethics is emphasized 👏 “she is one of the most gifted communicators and stateswomen alive”!!

- the Charger Dalish “hails from a secret group of elves. It has long been thought that the elves had regained the secrets to lost magic, and Dalish is living proof”.

#dragon age #bioware #dragon age 4 #the dread wolf rises #video games #cassandra pentaghast #alistair theirin #morrigan #cole #feels #lul #queen of my heart #my lady paladin #fav warden #spirit boy

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fallout4holmes · 4 years

Text

Journal 59

The preparations took weeks, but regiment by regiment the Brotherhood of Steel began the march home. Preston, Danse, and Valentine returned home long before, while I stayed in Cambridge to coordinate supply runs and as a gesture of goodwill. Paladin Brandis took it upon himself to act as a sort of liaison between me and the more stubborn soldiers. Proctor Teagan was just glad to have a willing source of supplies who wasn’t going to charge him an arm and a leg. I tried not to interact much with anyone else.

Preston and Danse came back to Cambridge on the final day of the Brotherhood’s departure. They claimed it was to escort me home. I believe that to be true, but more significantly I think Danse wanted to say goodbye.

We stood down the street from the police station, watching the final preparations. A Scribe hurried over to us, “General Holmes?”

“Scribe Haylen,” I greeted.

“When you see Deacon again, could you tell him I said thank you for helping me out? He distracted the Proctors when I was almost caught for jamming the communications array.”

“When you what?” Danse exclaimed. It was fortunate we were a distance away from the rest of the Brotherhood.

Haylen was offended, “It seemed like the only way to prevent the war was to stop the orders from coming through! How was I supposed to know no orders would be coming?"

Danse was astounded, “Why would you do something so foolish? If you’d been caught, your career would have been over, if not your life!”

Haylen stood tall and firmly stated, “Former commanding officer of mine always taught that I should stand by my principles, no matter what, sir.”

Danse was silent a solid two seconds as Preston and I tried not to smile. “Hmph. Well, he’s an idiot…” he softened with a small laugh, “a grateful and damn proud one.”

Haylen smiled. “Thank you, sir.”

“You don’t have to leave, you know,” Preston quietly suggested.

“Thank you, Colonel, but no. I need to go home.” She took Danse’s hand, “I'm glad to have known you, sir.”

“I feel the same.” He let go, “Take care of yourself, Haylen.”

“I will,” she said, and hurried off.

We watched in silence as the last vertibird took flight back toward the Capital Wasteland, the last caravan of soldiers marching south. The Brotherhood of Steel had left the Commonwealth.

Danse removed his helmet. “It’s strange, seeing them leave. I’m not as upset as I thought I would be.”

“You’ve a life to look forward to here,” I smiled. “A brave new world, all over again.”

Preston grinned, “Time to get back to work.”

After the Brotherhood's departure, the Railroad was free to spread out from the Boathouse as a less clandestine organization and more of a community service for synths. There are still plenty of people in the Commonwealth who are afraid of synths and react with anger upon their discovery, but without the Institute and without the Brotherhood to literally hunt them down, the Railroad has less and less reason to relocate them, and more and more reason to help educate the populace.

Liam Binet decided to move into the remains of Covenant, and turn the now overgrown and rundown settlement into a Minutemen Research Center. He was disturbed by the human remains littering the ground outside of town, and paled when I told him of the town's former purpose. Tinker Tom rigged an explosion to safely collapse the tunnel to the Compound; Liam wanted no part of that legacy of horror. Institute refugees were welcomed, along with any settler willing to apply themselves and learn what the scientists could teach. I insisted upon complete transparency, and Sturges and Curie both will make regular trips to see what progress is being made.

Isabel Cruz has thus far proven good to her word, working with Ada to design robots to defend settlements and assist with Minutemen patrols. As for the Minutemen themselves, Colonel Garvey plans on making regular trips to the Castle, though his office will remain in Sanctuary. Lieutenant Colonel Danse will also continue to oversee the training of the new recruits in Sanctuary. The current system in place works, and has even become a rite of passage for the new generation of recruits. The Minutemen grow stronger every day, and I can think of no two better people to guide them.

Two weeks after the Brotherhood of Steel left the Commonwealth, Valentine and I brought Shaun, Codsworth, and of course Dogmeat, on a trip to Sanctuary. Hancock and Cait escorted Piper and Nat at the same time, making quite the merry crowd on the trip north. We arrived at Sanctuary to see even MacCready and Duncan had been invited, and Deacon was there as well. Curie was bustling about the town, overseeing soldiers and townspeople alike as they decorated and prepared food.

I must admit, I was a bit nervous. Danse and Preston had asked me to perform the greatest honor I could imagine as their General, and more importantly, as their friend. I even dusted off my official uniform for the occasion. Valentine joked I should feel right at home, “seeing as how you’ve got experience impersonating a priest.” Oddly, it didn’t put me at ease.

Well, it was nearing time for the event, and neither groom was anywhere to be seen. Valentine went to check on Danse, while Sturges went to find Preston.

.......................

“Hey, Danse? You ok…” Nick trailed off into a quiet chuckle at the sight of Danse scowling at his reflection, a tie hanging twisted and undone around his neck. “Here, lemme do that.” Danse sighed and allowed Nick to help. “Never learned how to tie one of these things, did you?”

“Why would I?” Danse demanded, exasperated. “Neither of my uniforms required them.”

“Good point. Didn't want to wear your uniform?”

Danse looked down over his grey suit and blue vest, the same colors of his armor. “In a way, this is a different sort of uniform. I don't anticipate wearing this again.” Nick finished and stepped back. Danse looked in the mirror… and sighed, “Why am I doing this?”

Nick’s brow rose, “Thought this was your idea?”

“It was. I thought… clearly, I was malfunctioning on some level.”

“Hm. Can't say I've ever had a malfunction that made me propose to the fella I loved when I didn't want to.” Danse crossed his arms with rolled eyes, and then set to straightening his already straight jacket. Nick smiled, “Don't tell me you're nervous?”

“No. This is just,” he glanced at the window, “more than I thought.”

“You mean the party waiting? Hell, first marriage Sanctuary's seen, can't blame folks for wanting to celebrate.”

“I don't, but it's… uncomfortable. Valentine, why haven't you and Holmes married?”

Nick blinked. “You know, I think it just never occurred to us? Been living together, and Shaun became like a son to me so fast… guess I slipped into being married without stopping to think about it.” Nick paused a moment, “You wanna elope?”

Danse was confused, “What?”

“Skip all this, run out of town with your man down to Diamond City, have the reverend say a few quick words, honeymoon anywhere you want?”

Danse grinned, “Abandon my duties?”

That brought a warm chuckle. “Not even for love, huh?”

“Not for what is supposed to be a symbol of devotion and affection,” Danse clarified. “I know Preston would agree.”

“Suit yourself,” Nick shrugged. “Why'd you wanna do the symbol of devotion and affection anyway?”

Danse was quiet a long moment, looking off to the side but not really seeing what was in front of him. “It seemed like a good idea at the time. I'm not very good at telling him… it felt like something I should do.”

“He knows you love him, Danse. You've told him that much, at least?”

Danse chuckled, “Yes. But a wedding felt like a promise, with all the weight the ritual places on it. Something I can hold in memory, a…” he grasped for a fitting description, and when he found it he looked at Nick like he’d discovered something amazing. “It’s an initiation. Of sorts,” he faltered, sighing, “That sounds idiotic.”

“Nope,” Nick said.

“Really?”

Nick nodded with a smile, “Really. You ready?”

Danse took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes.”

Sturges hurried to find Preston. Danse was using their house, so Preston was in Sturges’s place. Why the hell the two people getting married couldn’t be in the same room he didn’t know, but Curie had been insistent that this was some sort of old tradition, and the two lovebirds had actually liked the idea. “Hey boss, you ready… oh c'mon, you ain't even dressed?!”

Preston stared at him, confused, “What do you mean?”

“Danse is in a suit.”

Preston looked at his uniform, “… shit. A suit? Fuck.”

“You didn't even look in the box, did you?”

“What box?!”

“The box with your name on it? Compliments of Anne Hargraves?”

Preston rushed to the box on the dresser Sturges was pointing to, opened it, and said, “…oh.”

Sturges rolled his eyes, “Man sees a custom made suit and he says ‘oh.’ Hustle, boss, the bride's waiting.”

“Don't let Danse hear you call him the bride.”

“Don't think he's gonna care, now hurry up. What the hell have you been doing in here?”

“Thinking. Pacing. Mostly thinking. Is he really waiting?”

Sturges glanced out the window, “He just stepped outside, folks are talking, you're not that late.”

“Late to my own wedding. Holy shit I'm having a wedding.”

Sturges smirked, “Sure are, boss. Kinda surprised Danse suggested it.”

“So was I. But it seemed important and… and yeah, I wanna spend the rest of my life with him. I love him.”

“This what you were thinking about when you should have been getting dressed?”

Preston laughed a little, sheepish, “Yeah. Still can't believe… any of it. That this is how my life is turning out.”

He looked in the mirror. The blue suit fit perfect, the grey vest reminding him of the Minutemen flag. He straightened the tie, it had been ages since he’d worn one, and Sturges put a hand on Preston’s shoulder.

“Glad you stuck with us, Preston.”

Preston smiled, “So am I.”

Sturges grinned, “C'mon lover boy, let's get you out there. Rest of your life is waiting.”

.......................

I’ve seen multiple weddings, some of which I was even invited to, and this one surpassed them all by far. The unbridled joy on their faces after the wedding kiss was a sight to behold. They didn’t leave each other’s side the entire evening. Preston even taught Danse to dance, a simple slow sway to a song on the radio, but dance just the same. Stories were told, multiple people produced packs of cards, the wine flowed freely, as well as some stronger substances courtesy of Mayor Hancock, but he also kept stock of who had had enough. The night was growing late when Preston suddenly interrupted Danse recounting a battle to a handful of recruits to kiss him, deeply. Danse’s expression completely changed, the recruits giggled maniacally, and set to ensure the newlyweds would leave the party immediately and unhindered.

“About time,” Valentine said to me as Danse and Preston hurried home. As I laughed, he put his arm around my shoulders, “Why haven’t we ever done this?”

“I am perfectly content to support my friends, but I can’t imagine being the focus of such an event.”

“We could always elope.”

I smiled, “Do you have a sudden desire to get married, Nick?”

He chuckled, “Not particularly, Sherlock. Just a question we never asked, is all.”

“I see. In that case, Nick Valentine, do you promise to have me as your partner, to love, comfort, and honor, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live?”

He smiled, small, and his eyes seemed to glow a little brighter. “I do.”

It is strange the emotion that so simple a phrase can elicit. “So do I.”

We left the party, made sure our son was sound asleep in bed, and followed the example of the newlyweds.

I am not so naive as to think the future will be easy. The Minutemen have made great progress, but there are still plenty of cold and bitter hearts and minds in the Commonwealth. Yet no matter what challenges we may face, no matter how strong the winds of conflict and war, as long as there are people who value compassion and justice before all else then a cleaner, stronger land will lie in the sunshine when the storm has cleared. We'll make sure of it.

#fallout 4 #fan fiction #danse #preston #nick valentine #danse/preston #brotherhood of steel #the minutemen #sherlock holmes #crossover

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bubblyani · 5 years

Text

A Pleasant Reversal Pt. 2

(Nikolai x Reader)

Part 2 of Nikolai One Two Shot (The Song of Sway Lake)

Rating: Mature (18+) it’s Nikolai..c’mon 🔥

Author’s Note: Bless the Anon who wondered if there would a continuation for this supposed ‘One Shot’. It was such a great discovery that this story had potential for a part 2. And I must say I enjoyed writing this immensely, increasing my love for this Russian Sex God. Enjoy y’all! *wink*

Part 1 HERE

Bliss was what you felt, while the softest touch of your fingers caressed your skin on the crook of your elbow, drawing small triangles out of the blue for no reason, as you relished the comfort of your bed.

After a much needed cold shower, you lay sprawled in bed, the towel still wrapped around your body. And randomly , you could not help but recall the not-so random incident that occurred that fine morning.

The incident that made you bury your face shyly into the mattress, giggling to yourself, biting your lower lip as your thighs pressed together tightly. The incident that felt so incredibly unreal, of how won you a date with Nikolai, the handsome Russian. The Sexy naked man, who certainly lived up to your expectations. Just the thought of it made you giggle even more.

But enough wasting time! You had chores to do, and a date to prepare for.

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7 o’ clock 7 o’ clock....just you and me.

You kept your composure as you walked along the pavement. You weren’t late, you were sure of it. Still you couldn’t help but wonder, were you walking towards a possible embarrassment? What if he never shows up? What if you end up drinking alone?

But the sight of the Nikolai’s towering figure in the distance suddenly eased your mind, allowing you to sigh in relief. The tall and very handsome Russian stood outside the bar, grinning from ear to ear the moment his eyes found you walking towards him. Dressed in beige trousers and a bright blue shirt, he certainly looked good with clothes on as he looked good without any.

And you did not hesitate to look your best as well. Black Downtown Cami paired with denim shorts, sandals and a ponytail, definitely brought out the sun kissed tone in your skin even during the night time.

“Hey” you said, giving a small wave with a warm and excited smile. “Hey...” Nikolai greeted back, smiling with a slight nod.

Surprisingly nervous, you didn’t know how to proceed with your greeting. Yet A sense of familiarity was mixed with an unfamiliarity at the same time. Admittedly, the physical nature of your relationship didn’t exactly begin in the way anyone ever expected. For there you both were, passionate and physical in the manner of lustful lovers this early morning. But tonight, you both acted as if this was your first ever date. And technically, it actually was.

As far as “First Impressions” went that night, Nikolai was indeed a gentleman. Opening the door, ordering the drinks, you felt pampered. “Y/N, I bet you have never tried vodka with a Russian eh? Here...” You chuckled as Nikolai placed the shot glass in front of you. Funny how it felt so different from the first time you ever laid eyes on each other at the bar. And you were grateful that there were no misunderstandings this time. “Oh my...” you began, taking the glass “Now I’m so interested to get to know you, I think I might die of curiosity” you chuckled. “Shhh...” You were suddenly silenced by Nikolai’s index finger resting on your lips. “Don’t die just yet” he said softly. You swore you could feel your lips burn by his mere touch, instantly taking you back to the moment those lips indulged his own. A part of you was ready on all fours, ready to straddle this man before you, ready to kiss him and ensure your means of living. But your self control had the upper hand tonight.

“Wow...I forget how impressive your English is” you replied, attempting to hide your flush, eyes never leaving his own as you emptied your glass. “Well...America has been kind to me” the young man said, “So...you live here then?” “I used to...” you said, “now I’m only here for the summer, helping out my folks” “Oh...they have business here?” “Hehe...i guess being the owners of the oldest grocery store here can be called a business” you smiled, as the bartender surprised you both with two plates of appetizing savory treats.

“On the house” the older man said with a smile, moving over to the other customers. Nikolai looked at you with bewilderment. “Like I said...the oldest grocery shop. We practically know everyone here” you said shyly, offering him food. “What about you guys?...you’re on holiday...or? ” you asked. “Oh...I’m here with Ollie on a ...” he paused, “...special mission...” “Really? So special you can’t tell anyone? No...” you chuckled, “...don’t worry...you don’t have to tell me...” “No I wish I could..but..it won’t be good to Ollie...” “No i understand...loyalty is important” “You know Y/N...when I first came here...I didn’t realize what an amazing life Ollie’s grandparents actually had” Nikolai said, his hands moving about with purpose as he spoke “looking at their photos...just...” Your eyes couldn’t help but shine bright by those words. “I’ve always felt the same about the Sways...” you spoke out, “I have nothing but great memories with them” you were happy to find a kindred spirit in Nikolai, someone who agreed.

“By the way... “ you began, “I really appreciated how you stood up for the Lake House this morning ...you know...against Jake” you said, “Maybe I’ve just been spending too much time with the Sways but... I wish Jake and the others could just...leave the Lake alone...ya know?” “No you’re right ...they should...” he said with a tone of assurance, “I keep telling Ollie: “Ollie! You should protect your property ...like a man!”” You nodded, surprisingly enchanted by his enthusiastic response and his passionate expression. You were oddly comforted, you couldn’t help but chuckle out of the blue. “What?” “Just...” you paused, sighing with a warm smile, “You are quite the fascinating character” “Really? You think so?” The young man leaned forward with interest. “Yes I do...” you said, leaning towards him “and I also I have a feeling you’re so fascinating...that all the girls know it...” you said, proceeding to whisper, “and so do you” “Ahhh well...” You felt chills upon hearing him reply back in a whisper too. “Heheheh you don’t have to be so humble about it” you said. “My ...fascination wont matter at all if I don’t have the right girl...” “Hmmm...then I hope you find her” “What if I already did?” You parted your lips in surprise as he replied, looking at you with a confident smile. “Aha!” You snapped your fingers in defense, “See? Classic line...right there! You are so smooth...Cheers” Clinking the glasses, you really had a hard time suppressing your innermost desire with Nikolai. Yet you somehow found comfort conversing with him, which was surprisingly enjoyable.

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“I will never enough of this view...ever” You said, looking at the starry sky with much longing. After a much entertaining evening of drinks, food and conversation, a relaxing ride on the ‘Adirondack Guide-boat’, as Nikolai specifically mentioned, seemed like the perfect idea.

Nikolai smiled, whilst rowing effortlessly through the Sway Lake, under the veil of the moonlight. “Mrs. Sway used to tell me, how she and her husband would swim in the lake ...naked, when they were young” you said, with a mischievous smile, “It must have been so exciting ....and brrr so cold” “You’ve never done that before?” Nikolai asked nonchalantly. “No ...absolutely not” “Why not?” “I...I don’t know...hehe”you laughed nervously, “Oh look!” So the chatter was indeed true, Jake really did organize a small party in the little island. “Oi! Ollie!!! “ you were suddenly startled by Nikolai’s loud voice, which echoed through reaching Ollie’s ears,who happened to be at the party, chatting up with Isadora. The four of you greeted each other with waves. With youthful energy brimming with most of the young crowd gathered together, the party can be described as fun. “Do you want to join them?” Nikolai asked, although you could tell he did not sound excited. Heather and her posse did not hesitate to throw you dirty looks instantly from the crowd. “Nah!” You shook your head, “...not interested” And you didn’t regret it, the moment his beautiful eyes flashed and his face lit up with his signature smile.

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Given your shared enthusiasm with the Sways and the Sway Lake itself, Nikolai suggested to end the date at the Lake House. And you didn’t object one bit.

“Ahh...I just love this place” you breathed, the moment you entered the living room, “I remember Mrs. Sway would play some of her old records to me...good times” you said, admiring the space around you. “Then we shall listen to some music” Walking over to the record player with confidence, Nikolai bent down to pull out some cases. Being the guest, you cherished the freedom as you walked around looking at the old framed photographs. “Ollie...he recommended some good ones...you want to listen?” He asked. You nodded enthusiastically, “I would love that...” you said, watching the tall figure of Nikolai bend down to carefully place the record to play.

The atmosphere felt lively by the sounds of a samba tune that started playing. Walking over rhythmically, you felt bubbly and vivacious by the wonderful music that flowed in to your ears. “Oh wow...this is good ” you said, unable to stop smiling as you stared at the record player. It didn’t take you long to realize how Nikolai watched you with such interest. The moment you turned to him, the clever young man spun around, offering you his hand. “Shall we?” Holding his hand to dance was no different to when you held it to climb out of the boat. For you felt warmth in equal measure. Your attempts on Latin dancing was not perfect but commendable, but at least you had the feeling of rhythm, and you did not shy away from swaying your hips. Gleeful laughter filled the air, at least until he finally pulled you close to him, allowing your hands to rest on his shoulders while his rested on your waist. Being this close, being touched this way, you couldn’t help but remind yourself of this morning. His touch suddenly felt like fire, lighting your haystack of frustration so fast you felt you were almost losing balance. “Oh!” And you finally did. Fortunately Nikolai’s strong arms held on to you, helping you stand up.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

Panting softly, you heard your thoughts out loud the moment the song ended.

“Yes...” you panted, “more than okay”

He smiled, panting alongside you.

Those green eyes shone bright, you wished they were stars. Then You suddenly wondered why his face was that close to you. “I...” you began, “I feel so hot” and that was the truth, your body could not take it any longer. “Oh Nikolai-“

To hell with all control, you kissed him. Pulling away instantly, you made sure it was short.

But Nikolai’s pleased and proud look signaled your move was not in vain, as he hurriedly kissed you back.

And all you wished for, at that very moment was time. Which was purely uninterrupted and uninhibited.

Impatient kisses from Nikolai greeted your jawline, then your bare neck. You felt his impatience even more the moment he lifted your ponytail up just so he could sprinkle his soft lips on every inch of bare skin that was available. Moaning softly, You wondered if he was as hungry as you were, for you had a hard time bottling yours up. Your hand reached down, stroking his manhood over his pants, gleeful the moment you felt an erection grow, making him wince by your constant caress. Greedy, you proceeded to dip your hand inside, craving for better access. But you were too late as he distracted you with his lips once again.

Nikolai’s kisses contained the same enthusiasm and passion that was infused in his words. His kisses made you feel wanted, they were more intoxicating than vodka.

You found yourself backing him towards the sofa, finally pushing Nikolai down to sit. Pulling you by the hand, you remained standing in front of him. His hands held on to the ends of your cami, pulling it up to your surprise, slowly revealing your stomach. It clenched with shyness as his captivating eyes focused on it, as if he just discovered lost treasure. “Y/N...” he began, “Your body...it’s so beautiful” A gasp escaped your lips the moment his kisses resumed. But on your stomach instead. You held on to his refined curls in his head as he continued to savor your exposed stomach, kissing every inch ranging from your exposed rib cage to your hip bones. The heat between your thighs grew as his tongue suddenly inserted itself in your bellybutton, forcing your grip on his hair to tighten.

Groaning in frustration, you dove down, hands on his belt hoping to unbuckle it.

“No no wait...” Nikolai’s voice was soft yet certain. “But...” you began, as you knelt before him, “I want to make you...feel good too” You paused, becoming the center of attention once Nikolai held you by the head, surprising you by removing your hairband. You felt relaxed as his fingers went through your hair, allowing it to fall on the sides of your face. “Y/N...” he said, now holding your hand, pulling you up to his lap as he spoke. “You... being with me...tonight...that makes me feel good...my darling”

You were tempted to clutch your chest. My darling. Young men these days rarely used that. But he did.

“Oh...You’re such an old soul Nikolai...” you said, as you straddled him “...just like me...” your toned laced with sheer warmth and adoration.

“Which is why...I’m sure you know how...” you said, “ to push...” you continued, brushing your nose against his,”my...buttons” suddenly your tone progressing into a lustful one, inciting a sound of satisfaction from him. And it grew louder as you relished taking the time to pull your cami off your head, revealing your black strapless bra.

You two may be old souls, but that did not stop the fun. You heard him growl, as he leaned forward, hungrily holding you by the waist whilst he kissed your collarbone, moving down to the exposed cleavage.

Impatiently, he looked at you, while his hands traveled towards, hoping to help you with much needed removing.

Stopping him, you bit your lip with a naughty grin, gingerly unhooking the piece of lingerie off your torso.

“You know...I’ve been thinking...” you said as you threw the bra away, inciting a deep breath of satisfaction from Nikolai, with view he indulged.

“You look really really good in blue...” you purred, to which he purred back, inching closer. Quickly holding his face, “But then I wondered ...” you said playfully, “How would that look on me?..” “Oh ...” he chuckled, “So... you like my shirt yes?” He asked in a deeper tone.

“Hmmm...” you hummed, brushing your lips against his, “да” Yes

Nikolai’s eyes grew wide with surprise as he heard your reply. Suddenly he was more distracted, as you kissed his jawline, slowly unbuttoning his shirt at the same time. Kissing along his neck, the low moans that exited his lips fueled you, making you place longer and more enthusiastic kisses, forcing him to lean back on the sofa.

His responses of pleasure continued to please you, as you proceeded to shower kisses along his collarbone and his chest. Undoing the last button, you pulled the shirt off of him, stretching yourself against him, that your nipples hardened as they brushed against his toned chest, affecting both of you in different ways.

“Finally ...” you whispered in his ear, “It’s mine now” quickly getting off his lap as he recovered.

This felt torturous for Nikolai, as he was forced to watch you stretch your body whilst putting on his shirt in front of you, dressing up instead of dressing down.

Also, the way you moaned softly by the soft cotton material of his shirt brushing against your bare chest, certainly made his lips part in pleasure. You on the other hand, close to insanity as you imagined his musk, his sweat against you.

Motivated to tease him further, you buttoned it back up, much to his disapproval.

“Y/N...Y/N” he clicked his tongue with frustration.

“Well...what do you think?” You spun around, “Do you like it?”

“I do...” he replied, with lips that needed licking, “It’s like ...I’m wrapped around your ...beautiful...body” he said, leaning forward, his eyes growing more lustful.

You pouted, “Mmmm...it’s quite big though...” as the shirt almost covered your buttocks, “guess I don’t even need my shorts” Turning your back to him, you couldn’t believe the adventurous side of you that had sprung out as you unbuckled your shorts, pulling them down while bending over. A victorious sense came over you when you heard Nikolai shudder loudly, exclaiming in Russian. “Ah...” you said, as you turned towards him, “...much bet-“ Super frustrated, you were suddenly hushed with Nikolai’s passionate lips. And he certainly was not merciful.

“Stop driving me crazy Y/N!” He breathed between kisses, hands slithering around your waist.

If you were ever needed to be distracted, then Nikolai’s kisses were truly essential. Pulling you closer, his tongue begged permission to meet yours, and you didn’t waste a second to approve, opening up deepening it to the point you feel your legs might turn into jello. Moaning in to the kiss, you felt his hands grab on to your buttocks.

“Jump” he breathed into your lips, bending down as you complied, wrapping your legs around his waist. Once you were secure, he guided you over to the dinner table, which was thankfully empty. Kisses continued with much intensity, you wished the both of you morphed into one.

“This shirt ...” Nikolai said, as he sat you on the edge of the table, “...it looks good on you ...But...right now...” he said, “I prefer it...off” he purred, whilst slowly unbuttoning it, and there you were, watching him, breathing heavily.

Your heaving chest waited impatiently, as it was revealed to him finally.

Holding on to the table and to your dear life, you threw your head back and kept your balance, moaning as he resumed his quest from this morning, his hungry lips suckling on one hardened bud, while his fingers rolled and pulled the other, later switching it around. He certainly seemed to enjoy it. And so did you.

The tease was certainly over. At least for Nikolai.

Those moans of yours grew shamelessly loud as you felt surprising light strokes between your thighs through the thin material of your panties.

For it seemed that his other hand was certainly crossed and bored, and had decided to take action.

Flushed faces with swollen lips began staring at each other, the moment his hand realized how damp you were down there.

Now the teasing was definitely over, for the both of you.

Peeling those wet panties off you seemed like a piece of cake for Nikolai as he watched you proceed to unbuckle and unzip his pants with much enthusiasm and focus.

Finally undressed together, your eyes shone by the light of his own as this Russian god of a man entered you with ease.

“Did you miss this?” He asked, softly as he began to move inside you. “Yes...” you whispered, in sweet recollection of this morning, of the first time

“Did you miss ...me?” He asked, as he began increasing speed.

“Yes...yes” you panted, unable to fathom the doses of pleasure injected in you, which increased more and more.

“Ahhh YES!”

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The peaceful expression of sleeping Nikolai was as soft as the skies at dawn, and as sweet as the birds that sang outside.

Curled up together, the passionate night of ravishing ended up at the carpet, exhausting the both of you to sleep right afterwards. And of course you woke up to find yourself facing the man you had no regrets with.

With your fingers caressing his skin on the crook of his elbow, You hoped Nikolai was in bliss as you drew small triangles out of the blue, but with much reason.

Your imagination mindlessly wandered everywhere. It wandered to an imaginary instance where Nikolai would tirelessly clean the race boat, fixing it while you watch him, admiring his strength. It wandered to an instance where the both of you would spend countless hours talking, sharing stories with vigor, either with your elbows on the table or with your naked bodies wrapped around each other, after a passionate session of love making. And Oh, the love making. Anywhere , everywhere, anytime, every time.

You didn’t hesitate to imagine it either. Whatever this will be, you wanted to be ready. You wanted to look forward to it.

Your thoughts suddenly vanished the moment you heard Nikolai wake up. Eyes opening slowly, he hummed deeply yet sleepily, tempting you to lean over, to nibble on his ear. “Mmmm....You’re up?” He said. “Uh huh...” you replied with a smile, turning to lie on your stomach while he lay on his back. “Спасибо” You said, softly with absolute sincerity. Thank you He couldn’t be more surprised. “Did you just...Thank me in Russian ?” He asked with pure curiosity. “Hehehe...” you chuckled shyly, “Sorry ...that’s all the Russian I know” “Well...I like it very much “ “Really?” You giggled, “My pronunciation might be a bit o-“ You loved being interrupted by his kisses, for he just did. Hovering over, your body was reborn as his hands roamed all over, his lips joining them later on.

This certainly was the best way to wake up, you thought. Suddenly your eyes were reunited with Nikolai’s eager ones. “Y/N...I know what we should do...”

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“Come on Y/N...don’t back down now...” “I don’t know ...I’m having second thoughts” “No! I won’t accept it...never surrender!”

Taking a deep breath, you gingerly took a step outside, the morning chill suddenly enveloping you to your dismay. But as you saw Nikolai hold out his hand to you, surrendering was the last thing you hoped to do.

Being the first time that you have ever walked outside naked, you wondered if you were dreaming, for your never imagined yourself gracing through the woods without a single stitch of clothing on you. And never had undergone such a daring feat. Until today.

But with Nikolai alongside you, it all felt so exciting. And the fact his hand never left yours, reassured you were not alone here.

You felt your heart jump as he began to run, pulling you along with him. The two of you ran, the two of you pranced, till the dock was in your sights.

You took in a deep breath as you finally jumped into the lake together followed by joyful screams.

If the young Sways could do it back then, then what stopped the two of you?

Heads finally popping out the water, you felt your senses reawaken by the chill of the morning water.

“Now I can understand why it’s a habit for you...” you laughed, for this was certainly exciting.

“Y/N...” Nikolai said, pulling you over, allowing you to wrap your legs around his waist as he floated.

“You may have convinced me to stay here a bit longer”

Suddenly, you didn’t feel the chill, for his words warmed your heart enough to warm your body. Suddenly, you wished time would stop, for you longed for this summer to be endless.

“Well...” you said softly, “I hope you won’t regret it” His grip tightened on you, as his lips brushed against yours. “Never...”

Nikolai said with confidence, sealing your lips with his, pampering you with intoxication in the break of day, over at the Sway Lake.

———————————————————————

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lokibug · 5 years

Text

Always

Pairing: Loki x Fem!Reader

Summary: Loki searches for his reincarnated lover, for years and finally finds you.

Warning(s): Death

A/N: This idea hit me at 2 AM and It’s taken awhile to tailor it just to my liking but I’ve attempted. Enjoy!

Story Song: Bruises by Lewis Capaldi

Loki’s POV

In my one thousand plus years of existence I’ve encountered what true love is once...two times. Now this may appear to puzzle most beings but, I’ve come across a wandering spirit. A spirit that has taken various forms, a spirit that has taken my heart hostage various lifetimes.

In her first form she was granted the name, Asta. Divine beauty in birth long lasting till she departed. A creature gifted with such an alluring aura, she came to me in my younger years. Mother always did her best in describing what love can and could become if given the opportunity. After all, one of the two between Thor and I would be bestowed the thrown of Asgard. With a great king was an even greater queen.

Given these years were tough amongst the both of us, training was a tribulation that was never ending. I often found myself hiding towards the shore of our Asgardian waters while in distress over my continuous battle for sun against my elder brother. That’s when I found her...rather, she found me. Asta had dodged the rock I had skipped in her direction without notice. Never had I seen anyone in my time being there. Yet, there she was soaking her feet in the shallow water. Her hair flowed and she shouted at me for being disgraceful. It amazed me how anyone could look incredible while still being irked with me. At the time being seen as royalty I hadn’t engaged in a level headed conversation with anyone outside of my relative circle. Embarrassing as it is, I must admit I had been choked up. My words struggled as they scrambled out of my parted lips and found their way to her perfectly perched ears.

Forgiving me for my inconvenience, she had become something I’ve never truly had...a friend. Thor had various warrior friends that trained alongside us, sure they put on the show in front of him...but in actuality they were never my friends. Asta was mine and mine alone.

She became my constant. My morning, afternoon, and evening. When I woke, I hurried for training so I could be released earlier, during training I day dreamed ways I could impress her with my growing combat skill. While with her, her attention could never wander from the two of us and her laughter was a symphony unheard to any living creature. At night when I was forced to depart...I dreamed of her.

Needless to say, I was falling in love. With my lack of it, attaching to her was easier than I had thought.

I hid my relationship with her from everyone in fear of being scolded by my father for loving the wrong woman.

I should’ve known better than to lie about my whereabouts because my mother had known the entire time. Thor only found out after he attempted to follow me while on my way to meeting her. He had never been the best at hiding, given his heavy footed stances.

Apparently after I confessed to him, being excited that his little brother had found a woman to love, he suggested to our father that she be granted to a dinner with us.

Just as I feared, I was to remain in my chambers away from Asta.

An attack within our own citizens of Asgard resulted in the death of many...including my beloved.

Not much can explain my down fall, besides excessively finding ways to bring her back.

With guilt heaving him, Thor found it best to promise to help find a resolution. In that resolution, we traveled to a small planet in search of a woman of magic. My long time investigation finally payed off when I came face to face with Asta’s grandmother. A woman of magic, she explained to me of her granddaughter’s spirit. Hence the term wandering spirit. Non resting, Asta was out there...all I had to do was find her. I needed to find her.

The wait was gut wrenching, my mind never wandered from where she could be. I resented my father for his part in ceasing my chances in rescuing her from her departure. The confused parts of me that were not resenting him, were constantly attempting to prove I was worthy of becoming a divine ruler even without a properly functioning heart.

That’s exactly what I had done. For the next 100 years, I focused on my journey to the thrown. Magic and combat was what I dreamt of, replacing Asta’s laughing face in my slumber. I had begun to believe that she was never returning. The memory of my once beloved was dwindling and I found myself almost finding peace once more.

Of course this was until the renewal of Asgard’s army. In the ceremony, I met a woman by the name of Sage. She had been staring at me all night, until I had finally confronted her. Yes, I must admit I was in the slightest offended. As if not ashamed at all, she told me that she found me attractive.

I did what any god of my status would of course...I blushed. After meeting her on the combat field, she had much to say. She was full of wit and jokes, intriguing me in the way the other warriors fought to silence her. They hadn’t succeeded because even in failure, Sage never backed down her moral status. In the beginning, I began to push her in the opposite direction. I had feared being betrayed by allowing someone near. Regardless of my attempts, she remained.

When I realized how much she reminded me of Asta...I wondered if possibly she was Asta. Gathering up my research from Asta’s grandmother, I read through various journals that would help me in my journey of finding Asta. In many ancient stories of these wandering spirits, they carried small physical traits along with them. In Asta’s case, a birthmark was to be found upon her midsection.

Upon further investigation, I had indeed found that Sage carried the birthmark of Asta. Consequent to my discovery, I wanted nothing more than to scoop Asta into my arms and never release her again. Relocation hit that, this might’ve been Asta, but Sage had built a life for herself...her own woman. The idea of her not accepting me as hers was one I was not ready to encounter.

Yet eventually, she had. Sage had become someone very dear to me, just as Asta had. I remember telling her that we’ve met before in a past life. A wave of relief went over me when she responded positively. Sage learned from a witch that her spirit had wandered and was one of elder age. She often had dreams of Asta’s childhood, embracing them as her own. Being drawn to me must’ve been a little trick she played amongst herself.

This angelic woman possessed my heart once more when I began to believe there was nothing left. Then again, she really never rid of it to begin with. We were unstoppable in battle. Even more unstoppable in our own world. Thor knew of Sage’s alliance with me and that she had been Asta previously. Learning from his past mistakes, he kept it secret.

I must admit, it was all is mischievous fun when I would sneak her into my chambers. There we spent our nights speaking of the future. A future of ruling...a future of family...a future that existed. I was determined to never let her slip through my fingers once more.

It was my mistake by making my intentions blatantly clear to her. Being the stubborn woman she was, she insisted that no harm would come to her...again. I battled in words various times against her, but she...she had a way to still my demons with her delicate touch.

Then, events began to turn darker than expected. The King of Jotunheim allowed his people to attempt to steal back a relic of sorts from Asgard. This wasn’t taken well by my brother nor my father. Odin specifically told Thor not to proceed with his attempt at war with these Jotuns. Not following through with being told what to do, he organized a plan anyways in which I was guided into as well. Sage, along with other warriors were also to attend. Despite my pleading in private for her not to follow, she did so anyways.

Along with Fandral, Sage was also struck by various sharp edged pieces of ice. Thus...ending her life as I held her in my arms once we returned back to Asgard.

I had been too distracted to save her, upon discovering my true identity as a Jotun. It didn’t help ease the pain I felt losing her...knowing I was one of the monsters that did so.

Years and years of plotting and destruction enveloped my entire being. I no longer felt for anyone in such a way, nor had I yearned to. I swore it off entirely. After all, my life wasn’t seen as settling down in any near or far future...

Or so I had thought.

The honking horns drained my ear drums as I made my way down the pavement. Brushing various shoulders, I made an effort to push through and keep my eyes out.

It has been about a year without any chaos. I’ve had time to practice my healing and adapt to the ways of my peers. Who would’ve believed my peers would be of that on Midgard. I embarked on finding her again...much to my luck, she wasn’t far at all. In the same realm to be exact.

I watched as she made her way through the crowded shop and ordered a coffee. She set down her bag and sat at a wooden table. Calmly and collected, I ordered myself a coffee. After collecting it, I gently walked to her table and tapped the chair across from her.

“Mind if I gather a seat by the window?”

“Not at all,” she smiled, “Let me get that.” She gathered her bag and set it by her leg.

“Thank you,” I sit down and scoot in, “Loki.” I outstretched my hand.

“Y/N,” she shook my hand and instantly I felt a tingly feeling, “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

Loki taglist: @drakesfiance @sunflqweroses @bambamwolf87 @pandaqua @bonelessbarnes @dorkybryan @hunter-demigod-timelord @thatmemequeen @powerstrangerdacre @barnes-infinity-bucky @kcd15 @evanicoya @yuukiiiiasuna @lou-makes-me-strong @gabealien12 @vethrvolnir2 @noahlizzz @archy3001

Permanent Taglist: @libbymouse @keithseabrook27 @maladaptive-ninja-returns @nephalem67 @tina8009 @marvelismylifffe @gwendolyn-loves-gay

#loki #loki odinson #tom hiddleston #loki x reader #loki x oc #loki x y/n #loki x you #avengers infinity war #loki oneshot #loki fanfiction #loki fanfic

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benjaminwilliamsonphoto · 4 years

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Best Places to Photograph in Maine - Coast

How to Use this Guide:

The goal of this post is to get you started on your journey of discovery on the coast of Maine. I’ve done my best to lay out some of the most inspiring and beautiful places to make photographs. These are proven winners, so to speak. If you haven’t seen them before, you will revel in visual impact of these locations. That said, I hope that you go beyond this list and find your own favorite places and create new and exciting images that haven’t been done before. Thankfully in outdoor scenic photography, changing weather conditions provide changing opportunities to capture familiar places in a new light. And, before you copy that composition that you saw someone else do, take a look around and consider how you might see things differently. Go beyond the obvious. Remember, there is much more than just checking off icons. Explore, drive aimlessly, look around on Google Maps, surf the web for interesting places and find out where they are. That’s where the real fun for me is, the feeling of discovery and the creation of something that hasn’t been done before. So, show us what you are interested in and how you see the world.

1. Nubble -

The Cape Neddick Light, also known as Nubble, is a can’t miss location for several reasons. The lighthouse sits at the peak of a rocky island just a few yards offshore. The tower is connected by a covered walkway to a beautiful gingerbread-style keeper’s house, with several outbuildings neatly arranged around it. These just happen to be painted a photographer’s favorite colors, red and white. The very exposed location means it is subject to the extremes of light and weather. Most photographers like to visit at sunrise, because facing east, the sky is likely to be more interesting. That said, I’ve seen many compelling images of Nubble taken at sunset, as direct light falls on the lighthouse and island. The accessibility of this location makes it very popular, but also a great opportunity for folks with limited mobility and for photographers who don’t want to have to hike for miles. The view from the parking lot is great! If you are a bit more adventurous, I suggest you photograph this lighthouse from the rocks below the parking lot and include some wave action in your foreground. Just be careful because the ocean isn’t something you should mess around with. Always be aware of the water and remember no photo is worth hurting yourself, or even worse, your gear!

Photo Tips: I recommend using a wide-angle lens here, something in the 24mm range on a full frame camera. That way you can craft a classic landscape composition with interesting rocks and crashing waves in your foreground, the island and lighthouse in the mid-ground, and hopefully a beautiful sky in the background. At super wide angles the lighthouse appears too small in the frame, so I usually stay away from anything smaller than 16mm. For this same reason, I find the mid-ranges of 35-70mm to be useful, as you can set up further away and pull in the lighthouse a bit for more “normal” perspective. Those interested in just showing the arrangement of buildings should use a telephoto lens.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise, Pre-Sunset, Blue Hours

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Tides: Mid to High

Access: Easy

Other Notes: Nubble has become a go-to destination to capture a dramatic moonrise. This is done with a long telephoto lens, usually 400mm or more, from Long Sands Beach, between November and February, as the angle of moonrise is farther to the north. Also, round the Christmas season, and also during a “Christmas in July” celebration, the structures are decorated with lights, making a beautiful photo op at twilight or after dark.

2. Marginal Way Ogunquit -

Marginal Way in Ogunquit is one of the most popular places in Maine to take a walk along the ocean. The trails are well maintained and the grade is gentle, providing an easy way to enjoy the jagged rocks of the Maine coast. More adventurous landscape photographers tend to shrug their shoulders at the idea of making images here, but it should not be ignored. If you like to create seascapes, I think Marginal Way is possibly the best location in Southern Maine to practice this. Sure, there are great rocks down the road at Bald Head Cliff in York, Ocean Ave. in Kennebunkport, and at the tip of Biddeford Pool, but Marginal Way has the best combination of rock formations, sandy and rocky beaches, angles of light, and accessibility. I really like the beaches to the left of Israel’s Head. There are many rocks embedded in the sand here that create great foreground interest as the waves lap over them. To the right of Israel’s Head are a more uniform expanse of jagged rocks. Of special interest is a large chasm that marks the edge of the head to the southeast. There is a bit of elevation at points along the walking path, but if you stand too far back from the water, the foreground can be far too busy, without discernible lines and shapes, to be of much use. I recommend getting close to the water’s edge where you can get a simpler, more dynamic image.

Photo Tips: A wide-angle lens is my go-to for capturing waves crashing over rocks in my foreground along with a great sky. Try varying your shutter speed from anywhere from 1/15 second to 5 seconds to show the motion of water in your image. A ND filter can help you achieve these results as the light gets brighter.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise

Best Times of Year: Summer

Tides: Mid to High

Access: Easy at sunrise, restricted by a large number of tourists creating very limited parking in season during the day and evening

Other Notes: Like most of our coastal locations, this spot can be much more interesting in high surf. As for parking, I like to park on Israel Head Road by the small concrete “lighthouse”. This probably isn’t an option any time after 9 AM, especially in the summer, but again, my preferred time to be here is at sunrise, not when everyone else is here!

3. Cape Porpoise -

Seemingly just in the last year or so, Cape Porpoise has been discovered by photographers. What is everyone coming for? An authentic working harbor almost smack-dab in the middle of the crazy tourist nonsense that is the south coast of Maine. Standing on the pier at sunrise or sunset, I rarely come across anyone other than fishermen. From there you can see Goat Island Lighthouse, lobster boats and dinghies, and often, piles of lobster traps stacked around you. The big photographic attraction these days, though, is across the harbor at the brand-new, made to look historic, fishing shed on stilts near Langsford Road Lobster & Fish. There has been a steady stream of New England photographers all getting their take on this subject, and it’s easy to see why. The best time to capture this is at high tide in the winter, when the sun rises behind it, hopefully with still water so you can get a great reflection. Parking might be a challenge here, and there might be a time when locals tell us to buzz off, but in the meantime, I think this area has a lot to offer the photographer looking for great scenery in Southern Maine.

Photo Tips: I use the full range of lenses in Cape Porpoise, a wide-angle to capture the sunrise behind the shack, a medium lens to juxtapose boats in the harbor with distinctive buildings, and a long lens to pull in Goat Island Lighthouse. If you are looking for inspiration here, Bob Dennis is a great local photographer who has many beautiful images from this neighborhood. Find him at www.kportimages.com.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise

Best Times of Year: Fall and Winter

Tides: High

Access: Somewhat Restricted

Other Notes: Please be mindful of both private property and folks trying to live and work. Don’t be a jerk and make the rest of us look bad and lose access to this wonderful place.

4. Old Orchard Beach Pier -

Old Orchard Beach is a tourist trap during the day, but during the golden hours and bad weather, it’s one of the best photo opportunities in Maine. The long pier loaded with tacky businesses jutting out into the ocean is an easy-to-capture subject in an extremely easy-to-reach location. Sometimes I think the easiness can be misleading, and we relax our creative muscles when approaching it. I like to see photographs that capture something different, and this can certainly be a challenge. Sunrise at high tide can seem like the most flattering time to capture the pier, but actually, low-tide sunsets have provided the best images I’ve seen. That’s because the muddy sand takes on a glossy sheen at low tide that reflects the pier and ferris wheel at the adjacent Palace Playland amusement park. The angle is not looking out to sea, but instead, looking back at the land from out beyond the pier. There are also opportunities to capture large waves, sea smoke, and other visual delights on this stretch of sandy beach. Be creative!

Photo Tips: Try going from a wide-angle to a telephoto lens, slap on a ND filter on for long exposures, walk up and down the beach, get low and get high. One popular way to capture the pier is to shoot the sun through the pilings at sunrise in the winter. You can also find patterns in the sand at times, and the shadows from the pilings at sunrise make a great foreground.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise year-round and Sunset in the off-season

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Tides: Low to High

Access: Easy at sunrise, restricted by a large number of tourists creating very limited parking in season during the day and evening

Other Notes: Hot summer day? Stay Away!

5. Portland Head Light -

This place deserves every superlative and more. I simply cannot think of a better location to make a landscape photo in Maine if I could only pick one. The generally east-facing shoreline makes this a sunrise location. I’m not a fan of sunsets from this location, as it falls into shadow long before, but you could prove me wrong and capture a great sunset here. Just be aware that they start asking folks to leave the park then, and sometimes you might be kicked out just as things are getting good! My favorite time to capture PHL is when the sun’s first rays are hitting the landscape. There is an obvious photo op from behind the fence to the right of the lighthouse looking out to sea. With a strong c-curve and a well balanced composition with the lighthouse placed at the intersection at the left and upper third, this is a no-brainer great shot, but I advise you to do more. They’ve been kind enough to install a gate to allow people who like to climb around on the rocks to go explore. That’s where I like to be these days, looking for leading lines in the rocks above and getting down close to the waves, as well. On the other side of the light, to the north, you can walk out on a high cliff and capture a beautifully backlit scene during winter sunrises, or get directional light from the northeast on the cliffs and buildings in summer. You can also walk further up the path and down onto beautifully rounded cobbles that make a fantastic foreground for those willing to risk falling on the extremely slippery stones. I visit at all times of year, but I must admit that winter is my favorite for the drama, and the fact that I can usually have it all to myself.

Photo Tips: I use all of my lenses here, but most often a wide-angle. In the spring there are beach roses that make a great foreground subject, and at all times of the year you have great rocks and hopefully some wave action to create interest in your images. Don’t forget to look out to sea and see Ram Island Ledge Light, which makes an especially great subject to capture with a full moon and also large waves during an ocean storm!

Best Times of Day: Sunrise

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Tides: Low to High

Access: Easy, although be aware that the gate can be locked before 5 AM and you will be ushered out of the park at sunset.

Other Notes: A lot of folks worry about getting into the park early. In my experience, the Cape Elizabeth police usually open the gates around 5AM, which is fine every month of the year except June and July, when the sunrise time is extremely early and the gate can sometimes be closed.

6. Portland Waterfront -

Portland’s waterfront can be an absolute playground for photographers. You just can’t think of it as a pure landscape photo-op. This is gritty, working waterfront, with dirty boats, dilapidated sheds, concrete piers and wooden pilings, and these days, fancy yachts, restaurants, offices, condominiums, and a gleaming cruise ship terminal. These contrasts are what makes it interesting. Portland has become a hotspot for travelers and especially foodies, but it remains only lightly touched by photographers. That means you can and should explore the wharves and search for your own unique compositions, unaware of any preconceived notions. My favorite areas to look are behind Harbor Fish Market, Widgery Wharf, and at the end of the Portland Fish Pier. The waterfront really extends all the way around Portland Harbor to South Portland, and there are great views looking back at the city from that side. While you’re at it, you might as well head down to Bug Light, an awesome sunset and sunrise location. If you make it there, you might as well continue on to Spring Point Ledge Light, one of the most impressive sea smoke photo opportunities in the world with that great leading line of the breakwater. Is that still the Portland waterfront? I think so.

Photo Tips: There are a lot of opportunities for detail shots here, so photographers who aren’t just into grand landscapes will go nuts. Bring a mid-range lens and a telephoto to take advantage of these smaller scenes, and think about what kind of stories you want to tell. This place really shines in the fog, and overcast days are just fine, too. I like to shoot across the harbor looking back at the city during the blue hour, and also look for the full moon lined up with one of the spires with a telephoto lens.

Best Times of Day: Any

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Access: Mostly Easy, some of the wharves are restricted, and parking can be a challenge in during the day and evenings in season

Tides: Low to High

Other Notes: I love stopping at Becky’s Diner after a sunrise shoot for breakfast.

7. Lookout Point -

A hidden gem for the most part, Lookout Point in Harpswell offers two great delights for photographers, a working lobster pier and two picturesque islands sitting just offshore. This allows you to capture either a pure landscape, or, as I like to do, show something of the culture that makes this part of the world unique. Along with Marshall Point and Bass Harbor Head Light, this is one of the finest sunset locations in the state. The shoreline faces generally west, with a big open bay and more islands offshore. There is a great opportunity to see the progression of the sunset from northwest in the summer to the southwest in the winter. It really is eye-opening to how photo opportunities change with the seasons. I love watching storms roll in here, and I’ve caught some awesome lightning bolts from the safety of my hatchback. Don’t be afraid to walk out on the pier, the owner Albert is a nice guy and loves sharing the beauty he enjoys on a regular basis.

Photo Tips: I usually shoot into the light at sunset here, focusing on silhouettes of the islands, hopefully with great reflections at high tides. Another way to approach this scene is to shoot side-light on the lobster fleet parked to the south. This is also a great location to shoot in the fog. I find the wide-angle range to be very effective looking at the islands to the northwest from the pier, but I like to zoom in a little tighter when I’m shooting from the parking lot or the pier looking southwest.

Best Times of Day: Sunset

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Access: Easy

Tides: Mid to High

Other Notes: On the other side of the parking lot, you can sometimes find a dory filled with fishing nets that makes a wonderful photo opportunity. I hope it is still there when you read this.

8. Five Islands -

Maine has many wonderful fishing harbors. It’s hard to single out just a few, because they are all special. What sets Five Islands a notch above are the namesake islands sitting just offshore. These provide a dramatic setting for a working harbor filled lobster boats, the town wharf, and a popular local seafood shack. I rarely visit in the summer when this place can be very busy, but even when I have, I usually have it to myself at sunrise. In the summer you’ll see a few sailboats and pleasure craft among the work boats, but they don’t really detract from the sense of place. A red cottage sits at the end of Malden Island, and this has been incorporated into many of my favorite compositions from here. There is also a yellow cottage sitting on a cliff to the right when you come down the hill, another great subject.

Photo Tips: Putting together a strong image can be a challenge here. Most of the time, boats are my main subject, and I build the image around them. A wide-angle lens is a good place to start, but a mid-range lens will be effective just as often. Walk around to get a feel for the place, and notice any dinghies or skiffs that are pulled up to the wharf that might make a good foreground. The buildings are quite unique here, and I love incorporating them in my images, or making them the focus entirely.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Tides: Low to High

Access: Easy

Other Notes: The seafood shack is a great place to grab lunch if you find yourself there on a sunny summer day.

9. Pemaquid Point Light -

A true gem of Maine, Pemaquid Point has some of the most interesting coastline in the state, and a picturesque lighthouse with sweeping ocean views from the northeast to the southwest. Down East Magazine calls it the #1 lighthouse in the state. It was also chosen to represent Maine on our state quarter. Surely that’s enough to recommend this awesome location. I like coming at sunrise, but I’ve seen good images made at all times of the day and night. Of course, during the day in the summer, you will have to clone out hundreds of people from your images, so it’s best to come either very early, very late, or in the off-season. The best angles are from the rocks and rosa rugosa bushes down to the left when you walk from the parking lot, and of course from the incredible striated rocks to the right. The famous puddle reflection will beckon you, and you should listen and go ahead and take it. It’s cliched for a reason, the composition is really cool. But please, look around and make your own images, there’s still a lot to work with!

Photo Tips: A 24mm lens on a full frame camera or 18mm on a crop sensor will gather the majority of your major scenics here, but there is so much more than just the big views. I love making graphic compositions with the bell tower, the chimneys, the fence and lighthouse tower, the windows, etc. Try to include the ocean in your photo, which can be a real challenge here. Photograph the rocks by themselves and look for interesting abstracts.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise, Any Time

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Tides: Low to High

Access: Easy (fee during the day)

Other Notes: Pemaquid is extremely dangerous when the surf is high. The rocks are terribly slippery, and there is really no way to get back to shore without getting pummelled against them.

10. Monhegan Island -

While well-known among painters for centuries, Monhegan has been generally overlooked by serious photographers. Maybe that’s because it requires a little effort to get out here. You need to take a ferry to this small island that’s ten miles from the mainland. The island itself if barely a square mile, and when you walk around you feel like you are going back in time. There are less than 70 year-round residents, and no cars. You definitely want to stay overnight if you can to take advantage of the golden hours here, and the relaxed pace, perfect for art-making. Over half of the island is a nature preserve, and if quaint New England fishing villages aren’t your scene, there are 150-foot cliffs on the back side of the island. These are the tallest cliffs on the eastern seaboard of the U.S.! The wooded paths are beautiful, and perfect for photographing on foggy or overcast days. The village itself is a dream for photographers like me who revel in culture as well as natural beauty, with spots such as Fish Beach and the Landing holding all kinds of potential. There is also a shipwreck on the south side of the island, a large rusted hulk of metal splayed out on the rocks. The best location on the island has to be lighthouse hill. The view from the top is stunning. You are looking down on the entire village and also Manana Island, and behind you is a beautiful 19th-century lighthouse with the classic New England architecture of a main house with sheds and covered walkways added on throughout the years, creating a beautiful jumble of boxed shapes and lines.

Photo Tips: The backside cliffs can be challenging to capture, and I think midday light is sometimes better than the deep shadows of the sunrise, especially in the summer. There are many, many opportunities for detail shots here. I particularly like the hand-painted signs you see everywhere. At sunset, the best places to be are at the lighthouse, fish beach, and the landing. Be sure to turn around and notice what the light is doing around you. Many times that will be more interesting than the sunset itself.

Best Times of Day: All Day

Best Times of Year: Spring and Fall

Tides: Low to High

Access: Difficult

Other Notes: Ferries leave from Port Clyde, New Harbor, and Boothbay Harbor. There are 3 Inns on the Island, and I like them all. Monhegan Brewing Company is a must-visit, even if you don’t like beer. I’ve seen two people who have never liked beer sit and enjoy one here, and it’s a great opportunity to meet other folks who live on or visit the island. It really is an amazing place.

11. Marshall Point Light -

Sunset locations in Maine can be hard to come by. Most of our shoreline faces east, in the direction of the rising sun. There are a few exceptions to this, however, and Marshall Point in Port Clyde is one of the most notable. The walkway is the defining feature of this lighthouse, and the keepers house is also particularly beautiful. In the summer it can be crowded at sunset, and more than once I’ve seen wedding parties here, crowding the walkway for the majority of the time. I like to visit in the fall and winter, as the walkway points more to the southwest, so you get a better angle on any potential sunsets anyways. In addition to the obvious down-the-walkway image, there are opportunities to photograph through the pillars on the porch, behind wildflowers on the shore, and the rocks all around the lighthouse. I’ve seen one or two stunning puddle reflection shots here, too.

Photo Tips: A medium range lens is your friend at Marshall Point. I find that a wide-angle lens makes the lighthouse appear too small in my images. Try stitching a panorama of the view from the rocks far over to the left. More adventurous souls can walk out onto the rocks and get dramatic impressions looking at the tower from underneath.

Best Times of Day: Sunset

Best Times of Year: Fall and Winter

Tides: Mid to High

Access: Easy, closed after sunset

Other Notes: This used to be a wonderful place to capture the milky way at night, but since they replaced the lantern with an led light, it just doesn’t look as good. They are also shoo-ing photographers out after sunset, from what I hear.

12. Boulder Beach -

There are a few of what I would classically beautiful, pure landscape photo opportunities in Maine. This is one of them. The wonderfully rounded boulders that give this location its name make a perfect foreground for a sweeping c-curve that brings you to a focal point of the wonderful Otter Cliffs and then into what is hopefully a beautiful sky. The angle of light is from the side year-round, but in the winter you are much more likely to get colorful clouds in the field of view. The trick here is to carefully compose around the most picturesque boulders. Most of these are found above the high tide line, but there are a few at and below this line that can be captured with waves crashing against them. I think both of these options work.

Photo Tips: A wide-angle lens can seem like the obvious option here, but again, the background just looks too far away at 14-18mm. I like to stay in the 24-50mm range, and keep Otter Cliffs looking impressive.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise

Best Times of Year: Fall and Winter

Tides: High

Access: Somewhat challenging due to very slippery stones and a steep climb down an embankment.

Other Notes: This is a great location to capture the milky way. The best time of year to do this is in March and April, when it rises right in the most optimal position above the beach. It will likely be bitterly cold, and maybe even snowy, but you will love the results.

13. Jordan Pond -

Wait, you say, this isn’t a coastal location! While not on the ocean, I’m considering Jordan Pond a coastal location based on the fact that it sits a little more than a mile from the sea in the middle of what is considered the finest coastal national park in the United States. Acadia has many popular spots that are totally overrun with tourists and selfie-takers, this being one of them. While this is true during the day, don’t let that deter you from visiting at sunrise or sunset. Even at the height of the summer season, you can find a spot to set up on the shoreline and have some peace and quiet, along with about 1,000 mosquitoes and a couple of other photographers. The form of the two hills rising behind the pond is very attractive. Why it is so attractive, I can’t be sure. I think it has something to do with them resembling certain parts of the human anatomy. Anyways, I digress.

Photo Tips: You can go for the obvious composition by placing rocks in your foreground, the pond in the mid-ground, and hills in the background, but you can also incorporate attractive trees, some mysterious underwater pilings, and water streaming through the rocks to take your composition to the next level. A wide-angle lens works here, but also try exploring opportunities in the mid-range, as well.

Best Times of Day: Sunset

Best Times of Year: Year-Round, more backlit in summer

Tides: N/A

Access: Easy

Other Notes: If you happen to be in Maine when there is the opportunity to see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, this is the place to be. The north view across the pond with the two hills makes the perfect photo opportunity.

14. Bass Harbor Head Light -

I almost left this location off the list. Why? Because it is insanely frustrating to shoot here most of the time. There is really only room for a few people to set up tripods in the most optimal spots, and even then you aren’t guaranteed that someone won’t simply walk in front of you when the light is going off. Parking can be a nightmare. The only option in the summer is to arrive hours before sunset and claim your spot, and then wait. A much better plan is to come back in the off-season, when the light is actually better, anyways. That’s because the shoreline here faces south, and in the summer the sun sets behind the lighthouse and land to the north. A much more flattering set up happens in the fall and winter when the sun sets to the south out over the water, and can cast wonderful golden light on the landscape. Did I mention that there are too many people here in the summer?

Photo Tips: A wide-angle lens makes the most sense here because you are literally feet away from the lighthouse. Although the optimal position is right below the light, on the shoreline with waves crashing at your feet, you can get good images a little further up on the rocks, too. I’ve seen lobster traps washed up here that make a great foreground, and sometimes you can get a nice shot looking at the lighthouse framed by trees, as well.

Best Times of Day: Sunset

Best Times of Year: Fall and Winter

Tides: High

Access: Challenging due to crowds and treacherous footing on slippery granite.

Other Notes: This might be a good time to brush up on photographer etiquette. At no time is it OK to set up in front of someone who is already there and set up for their shot.

15. Raven’s Nest -

Another pure landscape location, with no sign of the hand of man, Raven’s Nest is a dramatic perch on tall cliffs looking west on the Schoodic Peninsula. This used to be a very hard-to-find spot, although now it has been marked on Google Maps. There is only room for a few cars to park here, so arrive early and claim your spot. The cliffs are very dramatic, and you’ll see great views to the south and west here. There is a spot you can wedge yourself underneath the trees and point through a chasm that nicely frames the cliffs to the south. If you find that too treacherous, the views to the right looking back at MDI and Cadillac Mountain are great, too.

Photo Tips: One of the better night locations in New England, Raven’s Nest is a great place to practice Milky Way photography. I’ve been lucky enough to capture bioluminescence in the water here, one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. Use a wide-angle lens to accentuate the drama, and time your visit with high surf if you can. The basic setting to capture the night sky are as follows: Use your fastest wide angle lens, hopefully f/2.8 or better. Open it up to the widest aperture. Focus manually on the brightest star or distant point of light you can find. Set your shutter speed from 10-30 seconds. Set your ISO from 3200-6400. Check your histogram to insure that you are getting the proper exposure, remembering that the lcd can be deceptively bright at night.

Best Times of Day: Sunset and Night

Best Times of Year: Summer

Tides: High

Access: Challenging due to limited parking and unstable footing at the edge of very high cliffs.

Other Notes: My friend Adam Woodworth is a world-renowned expert on landscape astrophotography. Download his free e-book to learn more about the subject by clicking on this link: Adam’s E-Book

16. West Quoddy Head Light -

It is fitting that the last item on this list happens to be the easternmost point in Maine, and also the country. West Quoddy Head is a spectacular location. The light tower has very distinctive red and white stripes, and there are expansive views of the ocean, a prominent rock just offshore called sail rock, and the impressive cliffs of Grand Manan Island, which is part of Canada. I like to walk all around here, and not just around the lighthouse.

Photo Tips: A wide-angle lens usually makes the most sense when you are underneath and very close to the lighthouse. The most obvious composition utilizes some wooden fence posts to the left of the lighthouse, which require you to walk through a field full of, no joke, porcupines. You can also get nice views from right around the light at sunrise.

Best Times of Day: Sunrise or Sunset

Best Times of Year: Year-Round

Tides: Low to High

Access: Easy, but it takes a long drive for most of us to get here

Other Notes: There’s more to explore here. A fantastic walking path to the right of the lighthouse goes along the shore with views of and from very impressive cliffs. The forest here looks positively primeval and can be a great subject as well.

Runners-Up (to be featured in another blog post): Bald Head Cliff, Biddeford Pool, Pine Point, Willard Beach, Spring Point Ledge Light, Giant Stairs, Popham Beach, Reid State Park, Southport, New Harbor, South Bristol, Friendship, Port Clyde, Camden Harbor, Vinalhaven, Stonington, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, Cutler Coast, Lubec

I hope you’ve found this list useful. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. I offer tours and workshops to many of these locations, and I also have galleries with more images to inspire your visit. Please visit www.benjaminwilliamsonphotography.com to find out more.

#maine landscapephotography maineguide guidetomaine lighthouse lobster newengland

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