#ch: koriand’r | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

lothirielswandc · 6 months

Text

WE ALL PRETEND TO BE THE HEROES ON THE GOOD SIDE [VILLAIN, Ch. I]

Read on AO3 here!

— W A Y N E M A N O R —

The crescent moon was weak. The night’s soft smirk was useless against the shadows that slithered across the magnificent lawn. Blood-red skies were the only true light left; the death of the day.

Raven’s fingers trailed along the cool stone step. It was smooth; marble, not concrete. Knowing Alfred Pennyworth, the steps were probably clean enough to eat on, let alone sit on.

Warm gold light pooled across the steps as the doors creaked open. A shadow crept across the stone.

“Are you nervous?” the shadow asked. The voice was soft and deep. It’s usual demanding undertone was gone.

He sat down on the step beside her. Pine filled the air. Their knees brushed together. A small, delightful tremor ran through her body at the slightest touch.

His hand sought hers, quick to envelope it in warmth.

Raven shrugged, “A little, I suppose.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of.”

“You think I’m concerned for myself?” Raven met his emerald gaze. The green was darker in the dim light, its depths fathomless.

“I’ve met Constantine before,” he said.

Raven looked back at the dying sky. The blood was seeping away, fading to black. The birth of the night. Dread pooled in her stomach. Constantine had made his feelings clear before tonight.

‘He’s a menace! Everything that comes out of his mouth is an insult or a critique. He doesn't know the first thing about putting someone before himself.

‘I don't approve, love.’

His hand squeezing her made Raven look back.

“We don't have to do this if you don't want to,” he said.

Raven was shaking her head before he finished his sentence. “No. You’ve wanted to do this since we left. Besides, your mom is a part of your life.”

If Raven canceled, she feared that would send the wrong message. Looking cowardly wasn't her concern. Raven would not come between Talia al Ghul and her only son.

The heavy double doors opened once more. Alfred cleared his throat, “Master Wayne, Miss Roth, it's time.”

They stood as the butler added, “Last chance to run for the hills if need be.”

“Is that what you recommend, Alfred?” Raven smiled.

“I certainly would if I were you, Miss Roth.”

“Not funny, Pennyworth.” The stark utter beside Raven made Alfred chuckle.

They climbed the steps together. Light from inside chased the remnants of the night away. A hand stretched out towards Raven as she hesitated at the door.

“Ready to meet my parents?” Damian said.

Raven’s fingers slipped back into his, where they belonged. “As long as you can take mine.”

“Please. Zatanna’s infatuated with me,” Damian rolled his eyes.

“And King Shark still thinks you taste delicious,” she added.

“I prefer to keep that kind of commentary between us and no one else.”

They passed Alfred at the door and slipped inside. Raven didn't miss how the butler’s eyebrows were raised to his hairline.

Everyone had a baffled look on their faces recently. Raven always assumed it was because of her and her weirdness. Nowadays, she couldn't tell who the stare was meant for.

Damian’s hand held hers as they walked. The old-fashioned oil lamps along the walls filled the great entrance hall with warmth. Damian’s skin shone like bronze in the golden glow. He walked without the slightest hesitation; he didn't fear whatever the evening held.

“Depending on how the evening goes, I’ll tell them to do a closed casket,” Dick Grayson’s voice traveled across the parlor.

Dick stood at the bottom of the elegant staircase. Raven’s eyes started to travel down to Dick’s arm in a sling — she forced herself to look away. She focused on Koriand’r instead, who towered over Dick and everyone else. Kory’s great mane of curls shimmered like hungry flames as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

“I’m so happy for you! Meeting the parents is quite a show of intimacy, I’ve heard,” said Kory, clasping her hands together. Her tone made it sound like a compliment.

“Yeah, got that right,” Dick muttered. He shot what almost seemed like a questioning look at Damian.

Raven glanced at her shoes. She knew it was sudden. It had only been a week since they had returned from Europe. They stayed at Wayne Manor ever since.

In terms of gossip, a scandal probably lurked around the corner. But it was Batman’s family. As famous as they were, Bruce Wayne liked privacy. He kept to himself.

Catwoman was a different story.

“I’m truly joyful that you both have this,” Kory beamed at Raven and Damian. Her glowing green eyes settled on Raven, “and I’m happy we have more ties to one another. That we’ll always be connected…”

If we’re not connected by the Titans, Raven finished her sentence silently. Raven still hadn't forgotten the conversation Kory and Zatanna had in her head about whether the Titans were a good fit for Raven. Or, rather, if Raven was a good fit for them .

“You’ll have to tell me how tonight goes at our next double date!” Kory said. “Maybe we’ll get fondue…? I’ve heard mini-golf is a popular pastime!”

Dick stifled a laugh as Damian’s face froze with horror, “That sounds like a great idea, babe.”

Alfred cleared his throat. “Miss Roth? Your death awaits — ahem , excuse me. I have a toad in my throat. Your dinner party awaits.”

Damian glared at the butler.

“Thank you, Alfred,” Raven said. She resisted the urge for her lips to curve up and failed.

They followed Alfred down a gothic-style corridor. The scent of expensive wood polish and old-fashioned oil lamps simmered in the air.

Alfred slowed his pace, lingering at Raven’s unoccupied side. His voice dropped to a murmur, “If, by some particular matter, you must leave early tonight due to unforeseen difficulties, I have arranged a rope outside the far right window of the room, for a quick departure.”

“Pennyworth!”

“All in jest, little master, all in jest,” Alfred raised a gloved hand to cover his mouth from Damian’s sight and mouthed the words, no it's not .

“You know I can teleport, right?” said Raven.

“Yes. And Mr. Wayne is Batman. And I punched Superman in the face. We all have our talents, Miss Roth. But it’s best to have backup plans.” Alfred faced forward after that, resuming his quick pace ahead.

Raven glanced at Damian. He frowned at the butler’s back.

“You pay him enough, right?” she asked.

“I have my own townhouse in Paris,” Alfred said.

Damian sighed.

They reached the double doors to their doom — the dining room (Alfred’s commentary was wearing off on her). The butler paused at the entrance, casting one last pointed look at Raven.

“Open the door, Pennyworth,” Damian said.

“What’s the magic word?”

“Azarath Metrion Zinthos.”

“That's three, little master. Not one.”

It took all of Raven’s willpower not to laugh on the spot. She squeezed Damian’s hand, feeling his deep urge to not obey Alfred.

So stubborn . Raven turned away from Alfred. She leaned up on her toes and whispered in Damian’s ear, “You know I’ll still find you attractive if you're nice to him.”

The deep force of opposition emitted from him wavered, but it was still intact.

“I could show you how attractive I think you are…later,” her lips brushed against the bottom of his earlobe, “if you behave.”

“Please,” Damian blurted the word.

Raven sank back onto her heels. When she faced Alfred, he was staring at her like he had just witnessed divine interference.

“You truly are magical, Miss Roth.”

“I know.”

Alfred bowed his head. “I hope you survive. You’d make an interesting addition to this family.”

He turned away and threw the double doors open wide.

Dining room was a modest description. Dining hall fit better. A long table was stretched beneath a massive map of Gotham on the high ceilings. Long enough to house all of the children Bruce Wayne had adopted.

Three were already seated at the table.

Raven let Damian lead as she took them in. Bruce and Selina Kyle sat side by side along the edge. Selina’s gaze trickled down Raven. It always lingered at the gem embedded to her forehead, which Raven tried to hide lately with bangs. Her eyes sliced across the rest of her, as if preparing quips critiquing her fashion choice and goth tendencies.

Raven’s eyes shifted to the head of the table, where an even more penetrating stare cut across the room.

“My son,” Talia al Ghul rose like the night seeping up to embrace the moon. She moved across the room swifter than a light breeze towards Damian.

Raven stood awkwardly to the side as Talia enveloped him in a warm embrace. She stared over his shoulder at Raven.

“Hi,” Raven said.

Talia parted from Damian and stood before her. Gorgeous didn't begin to do her justice. Models would’ve felt self-conscious in Talia’s wake, dressed in a green gown perfect for a red carpet appearance. Familiar bronze skin shone beneath the chandelier, completely scarless. The Lazarus Pit’s work, no doubt.

“So,” Talia’s eyes, a shade of green Raven knew well, seared into her. “You’re the demon girl.”

Read on AO3 here

37 notes · View notes

snothing · 2 years

Text

Starfire and Co. One Shot

Hey guys, I know it has been a while. I’ve been busy with med school applications and hospital jobs and yadda yadda, but I decided to post this unused portion of Ch 20 from the Birthday Present, which should be updated very soon! I had to omit it because overall, the chapter was already super long and this bit was irrelevant. But I still really liked it and hope you do, too!

Lithe fingers played with little feet. They counted ten perfect toes and delightfully discovered they were ticklish. Starfire watched in awe as they wiggled in her grasp, a squeak of indignation leaving the newborn in her hold. Green eyes sparked with betrayal, lips pursed in a tight frown.

These toes aren’t meant for tickling, Mama.

Starfire let out a dreamy sigh. “Oh, but I disagree, little bumgorf. These toes of yours were meant for all manner of tickles and kisses.” With the utmost care and tenderness, she readjusted the baby boy in her arms so his head lay in the crook of her neck. He was the most precious thing she had ever held, only rivaled by his sleeping twin.

She breathed in his scent, molten sugar and sunshine perforating her nostrils and filling her with warmth. Her fingers combed through his mop of black hair, peppering kisses along with his temple.

Starfire hummed in contentment. Twelve hours old, and she had discovered so much about her babies. Her Jaki was ticklish, and her Mar’i… well.

The floating crib held her darling girl. Plumper than a baby k’inoirax and louder than the most rambunctious grun’mbar, the Crown Princess of Tamaran slept soundly with her limbs splayed out, her toothless mouth completely open. Silkie was nuzzled in her armpit. Seeing the larva so lax was unusual, considering he had bitten Galfore for trying to touch her.

“Koriand’r, your Earthen pet refuses to release me,” grumped Galfore. The old guardian held his hand, revealing an incensed Silkie latched onto him.

“Silkie!” Starfire admonished as she rushed over. She had to tug the worm a few times before he finally released Galfore’s hand, a string of saliva connecting them. “You know my k’norfka would never hurt Mar’i. I’m so sorry, Galfore. I hope he did not injure you.”

Galfore waved off her rue. “Nonsense. A proud knight he is, protecting his princess.” He wagged his drool-covered finger at the hissing larva. “Know this, Sir Silkie, I will cuddle my grandchildren. Especially the one that produces seismic waves.”

Starfire giggled at the memory.

While her brother had been resistant to feeding, Mar’i immediately latched onto her breast and drank to her heart’s voracious content. Minutes later, the Princess flopped off, milk and drool dribbling down the sides of her face. It was then that she released the loudest burp Starfire had ever heard. So powerful her hair flew back, and the furniture rumbled. The burp caused acillating ripples on her plump cheeks.

Starfire blinked a few times before exclaiming, “You are magnificent!”

Her burp captured the attention of Silkie. The worm scurried up Starfire’s lap, examining this puny creature who could produce such a sound. He sniffed her before giving her a curious lick on the temple.

It was Mar’i’s snores that were enchanting. Smacking her lips a few times, her eyes and head rolled back, mouth wide open. Her tiny fat body rumbled as roar-like snores tore from her tiny body. The Princess was already over being born, and now, it was time for sleep, and sleep she did.

Her Jaki, however, was determined to check out the world. Bright green eyes blinked at her, examining every line and curve of her face. Just exactly was this beautiful creature with the bright red hair? Was this goddess his Mama? Starfire had been his home for the last nine months, and now, she was holding him.

“Hello, my son,” Starfire whispered to him. Tenderly, she traced the sides of his face. “Thank you for choosing me to be your mama. Thank you for being so wonderful. Thank you for being mine.”

Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. The love she felt for these tiny beings was overwhelming. “I’m sorry for getting emotional, Little Prince. I feel like I’ve been waiting for you my whole life, and I am getting weepy now that you’re here.”

Her heart soared when a plump hand touched her chin. She clutched it and kissed his knuckles. “Was it you or your sister who made me crave sweets, hm? You owe my kitchen staff an apology. The Capitol has been without zorkaberry tarts for six months!” She booped his little nose. “All because of you.”

The little babe in her arms gave her a gummy smile. She spotted a dimple in his chubby cheeks. “Uh huh, I knew you were the culprit. Is that why your sister was so hungry? You were hogging all of the zorkaberries, hm? I should let you know, Little Moon, that you’ll only be getting one a day. Don’t think that I’m so easily swayed by a cute feet and chubby cheeks?”

Jake let out a nonsensical gurgle.

“Oh, alright. You make a solid point. You are a growing boy,” relented Starfire with a cheeky smile. “Two then! But you should know that your mama is a negotiating woman. I may let you have another one for a kiss or two, maybe a cuddle.”

Starfire puckered up and kissed his little nose. Like a hum, the energy buzzed between them. His was quaint, but it radiated throughout her body, bringing alive every cell in her body. She pulled back and found his eyes crossed. “Silly, silly boy.”

#starfire #jake and mar'i are twins #jake grayson #Tamaran #mar'i grayson #fanfiction

17 notes · View notes

avengerdragoness · 7 years

Text

Trauma and Healing: Meeting the Outlaws [Jason Todd x Reader]

A/N: Part 2 my dears! Hope you love it <3

Warning: Mental Illness (hearing voices)

Ch. 1 - Ch. 3 - Ch. 4 - Ch. 5 - Ch. 6 - Ch. 7 - Ch. 8 - Ch. 9 - Alternate Ending

_________

Ch. 2 Meeting the Outlaws

Waking up felt… strange. It’s warm and soft, comfortable even. There was a soft light trying to penetrate through your eyelids. Was this a dream? You haven’t felt like this in years, not since you were taken. Having forgotten this feeling, before it was just something you imagined and tried to remember, but now it’s real.

You move your hands around where you were laying. Feeling sheets and a comforter, the pillow under your head. Taking a deep breath, noticing the smell of cigarettes, gunpowder, and green apple? A surprisingly nice concoction. Opening your eyes, greeted by the warm light streaming in from the windows.

Sitting up slowly, wincing when feeling pain pulse through your temple. Bringing your hand up to massage the side of your head. Looking around, first noticing the red blanket wrapped around you. Then seeing a few guns on a dresser, also seeing a desk with a laptop and manilia files. A rather large collection of novels scattered on a bookshelf. There was a copy of ‘The Outsiders’ marked and on the night stand.

“Where?” Mumbling while still surveying the room. Hearing the door click, eyes shooting in the direction.

A woman peered in, she had green eyes with orange skin and hair. “You are awake” she smiled. Turning to what seemed like gesture someone to come.

Seeing a man with red hair come in, wearing sunglasses. Then the man who saved you the night prior, remembering the red helmet. “Who are you? Where am I?” staring at the three. The three exchanged looks, “I’m Arsenal, then there’s Red Hood and Starfire” the red haired man introduced them all.

You simply continued to stare, “You’re in our safe house, can you tell us your name and what happened to you?” Red Hood asked next.

“I, uh, I’m [F/n] [L/n]” you paused. “And I’d rather not talk about it” grip on the blanket tightening.

“We don’t mean about the trafficking. About your powers is what we mean.” Arsenal clarified whilst taking a hesitant step forward. You had to stand up, “I-I don’t know what you mean. W-What p-powers?” stuttering as, mind trying to wrap around the accusation.

The two looked at Red Hood who came and stood in front of you. A familiar smell of cigarettes and gunpowder wafting toward you. “When I took King down, you looked as if you were hearing things. You were yelling for something to ‘shut up’ before an energy pulse came from you.” He explained calmly, you stared at his mask before turning away and running a hand through your hair.

“I-I hear whispers sometimes. But it’s just from being held for so long.” You shook your head, trying to convince yourself. The three looked back at each other, “Were you in Central City the night of the particle accelerator explosion?” You heard Arsenal’s voice from behind you.

Thinking you walked and looked out the window, seeing the skyline. Remembering back through all of the times you were ever sent to Central City. Rubbing your face when remembering the night in question. You had been.

Crossing your arms across your chest and rubbing your upper arms. Looking over your shoulder nodding but keeping your gaze on the floor.

After that night the whispers started.

“We should let you get cleaned up, please use our bathroom and shower. I could let you borrow some clothes of mine.” Starfire offered.

“Thank you, I’d appreciate that” Looking down at your old, dirty clothes.

The three exited the room, leaving you to stare out the window. Taking a deep breath you went into the bathroom that seemed to adjoin the room. Seeing a towel laid out already. Closing the door behind you before turning on the shower. Not able to remember the last time you had taken a shower.

The warm water washed away all of the dirt and grime from your captivity. Observing the bottles of soaps. Eyes landing on the shampoo called ‘Harvest Apples,’ smiling upon remembering the scent that came off the sheets earlier. So, Red Hood was the one to offer you his bed.

The three outlaws stayed in the common room. Jason was leaning against the back of the couch, of which Roy was sitting, and Kori was sitting on the floor cross legged.

They didn’t speak until they heard the shower start. Kori broke the silence first, “Do you think she is a metahuman?” watching the two men in front of you.

“It’s possible, from what I saw it seems that way.” Jason looked between the two. “Maybe we should call Ollie and Bruce? They will know how to figure out what she can do.” Roy suggested, fiddling with one of his arrows.

“That may not be a bad idea” Kori affirmed, they both looked at Jason.

He may be on good terms with Bruce again after forming the Outlaws but he still preferred to keep Outlaw matters separate from the League. Though he knew they were right, they had a Tamaranean, an archer, and a marksman. They didn’t exactly know too much about metas.

Sighing, “Fine, but just them. The League doesn’t get involved.” Jason stated as they both nodded. Roy went to call Oliver while Jason headed on to the fire escape to call Bruce. Kori headed into her room to find some clothes for you.

Finding a pair of jeans and a sweater. Walking back to Jason’s room, where he offered to let you rest. She laid the clothes on the bed, noticing your discarded clothes on the floor and the bathroom door closed. She lifted up the dark green button up shirt you once wore, taking note of the holes and tears. It was dingy and tattered.

She heard the shower turn off and headed back to the common room, finding the two back and done with their phone calls. “Well?” questioning upon stopping in front of them.

“They’ll be here early tomorrow morning.” Roy began, crossing his arms. “Bats promised to keep it out of League matters.” Jason continued on relaying the messages they received. Kori nodded, “I put some clothes in there for her, I think I’ll let her keep them. The other clothes are littered with holes.”

“When I was in there the shower turned off, I’d get your helmet and glasses if you wish to keep your identities secret” Kori observed as the two men nodded and searched for the items. Though you never came out.

“Should we check on her? It’s been 45min.” Roy stared at the still closed door. “She will come out when she is ready” Kori commented, flipping through a magazine. Jason nodded reading the book he swept off the nightstand before leaving the room earlier.

After 15 more minutes Roy’s curiosity was getting the better of him. “I want to see what she’s doing” he stood and walked to the door. Quietly cracking the door open. He peered in the room the others coming behind him. You were sitting on the floor head in your hands, hands covering your ears. They could hear you faintly mumbling something. Listening closer, hearing “Just be quiet. Stop.. Stop!” in a faint whisper.

Though your voice grew, hands beginning to pound on the side of your head. “Stop! Stop! Just shut up!” yelling. Jason ran into the room, the others right behind him.

He grabbed your hands and kept you from hitting yourself, “Stop! [F/n] Stop!” yelling to get through to you. When you looked at him your eyes had changed color from [e/c] to fiery gold, a magic of the same color swirled around your hands. He let you go and stepped back as you stopped resisting.

Your eyes widened at the sight, taking deep breaths. The magic faded and your head dropped in your hands again. Rubbing your eyes before looking at the three, “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for” Kori kneeled beside you.

Jason and Roy looked at each other, Jason looked back at you. His hands went to his helmet, he pulled it off. Roy followed suit with his glasses.

“[F/n]” he sat in front of you. You were shocked to see the two without their mask and glasses on. “You’re welcome to stay with us, my real names Jason Todd. That’s Roy Harper and she’s Koriand’r or Kori. We want to help you with your powers.” He watched as your eyes returned to their initial shade as you relaxed.

“I-I couldn’t burden you like that.” You looked between the three.

“No burden at all, we’d be honored to help you.” Kori smiled, placing a hand on your shoulder. “You already almost punched Jay, you’re an Outlaw already” Roy laughed, receiving a glare from the marksman.

“I don’t know what to say” looking back at Jason. “That you’ll let us help you” he instructed. You were stunned at first before allowing a smile and nodding. Kori smiled and hugged you. It had been so long since you felt a friendly touch. Usually you’d recoil from such an embrace but no this time you accepted it. Though Roy was soon to tackle the both of you. Jason only laughed, you smiled up at him.

This caused what felt like butterflies to form in his stomach. What’s that about?

You were happy to have help from them, but you couldn’t help but think. ‘There’s still so much they don’t know’

276 notes · View notes