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cdragons · 2 months

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Bound by Embroidered Chains - Aemond Targaryen x Seamstress!OC x Jacaerys Velaryon - Chapter Two

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Summary: Dragons have a habit in hoarding the prettiest of jewels, and pearls are of no exceptions.

Warnings- MDNI 18+ Obsessive Behavior (we all knew this was coming), tiny!Jace is delulu, tiny!Aemond is kind of a jerk in this one, Dark Themes, shit is going down, not betaread we burn like Harrenhal, etc. Also, translations for Valyrian will be added at the bottom! Also, I used an online translator for the High Valyrian, so it may not be great 🫠

Author's Note: I'M BACKKKKKK! I am so sorry for leaving this story alone for so long! I have been getting into other fandoms and making new stories because of those fandoms. But the two new trailers for HOTD season 2 brought me back! I swear I will be better at updating this story! But on the bright side, I made this chapter over 5k word length! I own only the plot and OCs of this story, please do not repost without my permission.

Despite living in the Red Keep for nearly your entire life, you still felt hopelessly lost as you walked down the corridors beside the prince. Like you and Aemond, the sight of you walking side by side with the heir of the Iron Throne’s firstborn son made for an unusual sight for the courtiers of the Royal Family. But this was not the case with the serving staff, which comprised smallfolk. Your mother was a favored companion by Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra. Despite coming from such humble beginnings, Doreah of Essos became a highly regarded member of the serving staff belonging to the House of Targaryen. All the maids respected your mother, while most stewards who served under knights idolized your father. And as your mother’s daughter, they were very used to the vision of one of their humble sewists’ children playing with the Royal children.

As a result, no one so much as batted an eye when they saw you walking down the halls directly beside Prince Jacaerys. It would have made a much more unusual sight if your presence was absent by either his or his uncle’s side. The older staff bowed their heads in respect to the prince while also flashing a small but kind smile at you. The younger serving girls were still too new in the ways of the court and beamed with broad smiles at the sight of you before acknowledging Jace. You grinned back as you inwardly beamed at the knowledge that Head Septa Marlow was with you.

She would have scolded those girls fiercely if she had caught them greeting an apprentice seamstress before the prince.

You turned your head to glance at your childhood friend, who happened to be second in line for the Iron Throne, as you both made your way to his mother’s chambers. Your eyebrows furrowed as you took in the troubled expression on his face. Just a few minutes ago, he was practically bouncing on his feet as the two of you left Aemond alone in the Godswood. But now it felt as if he was a thousand miles away from you despite being so close. Having been by his side since his birth, you always felt a sense of protectiveness toward the young prince. No matter his station, you were a month past your third name-day when he was brought into this world. It was natural that you were perspective to his shifting moods.

“Jace?” you softly called out to him. You were relieved to have brought him out of his thoughts. “Are you alright?”

Jacaerys stopped in the middle of the stone corridor. Staring at you with those large brown eyes, he looked much older than his actual age. When someone as happy and bright as Jace became somber, it was always a reason to worry. Was Rhaenyra all right? Had he been listening to those awful rumors of his true birth?

“Ashi’,” he began, “what were you and Aemond discussing in the Godswoods’ Heart Tree?”

Ah, so that’s what this is about.

You inwardly grimaced as you realized how foolish you were to worry. With Aemond and Jace, it was always something one did to the other. And almost every time, it was up to you to stop their squabbling by being forced into the middle. You were not as blind as everyone in the castle liked to believe you were. You knew that both boys had an unhealthy attachment to you for whatever reason they conjured in their minds. Reasons that were only encouraged by their mothers.

You were still cross when they interrupted you and your mother’s reunion with your father. The matter was really very stupid. Jace had made fun of Aemond for not having a dragon during their family supper with the King. However, Jace only did so because Aemond and Aegon were snickering to themselves about how fat Princess Rhaenyra had grown due to her third pregnancy.

It didn’t make any difference to you, in all honesty. All you remembered from that time was that your time with your beloved father was forcibly cut short. To make matters worse, the two boys’ outbursts startled your mother, and the stress was so terrible that it nearly caused her to faint.

As a result, you decided not to speak to either boy for nearly two weeks. It had grown to the point where Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra practically begged you to forgive their sons—but even a royal command would not budge you. It did not matter how many blueberry tarts or honey cakes they gave for your forgiveness. You made it very clear that you would resolve never to speak to either boy unless they sincerely apologized to your mother for the awful fright they gave her. You finally resumed your friendship with them after your mother asked you herself to forgive them after Aemond gifted her a lovely bouquet of blue and purple hyacinths, and Jace gifted her a basket full of her favorite honey lemon cakes.

“Jace,” you groaned, “you cannot be serious.”

“Ashi’, you’ve been spending so much time with him lately. I feel like I don’t ever get to see you anymore.”

Rolling your eyes, you walked away from him as you sped up your pace to reach their destination. You only made it a few meters from where you were earlier before Jacaerys caught up to you and firmly grasped your wrist to keep you in place.

“I’m serious, Ashi’!” he insisted. “Unless it’s for fittings or when the Maester seeks your help teaching us High Valyrian, I rarely ever see you anymore!” His eyes had a wet sheen in the light, and his lip quivered slightly. “I miss you. Luke misses you. And so does Mother and Father!”

If the pitiful sight was enough to fill you with guilt, his next question nearly broke your heart.

“Do you – do you still consider me your friend?”

“Oh, Jace-” you pulled your younger friend into your arms “- of course I do. I’ve been so busy with my duties and my mother’s health. She and Princess Rhaenys have been so concerned over Lady Laena’s pregnancy and are trying to convince Prince Daemon to travel to Driftmark for the baby’s arrival.”

Jacaerys wrapped his arms around you, eager to feel your warmth. If the gods were kind, time would stop, and he and you would stay like this forever. But he became sad at the mention of his Aunt Laena. He had heard his father recount hundreds of stories of their time together at Driftmark in their youth. Jace knew his father missed his sister terribly, and he was sure she missed him the same.

You noticed your friend’s change in behavior. You looked at him with concerned eyes, and his heart began to race at your care for him.

“Oh, Jace,” you whispered, “have I upset you somehow? I did not mean to!”

Jace frantically shook his head. “No, Ashi’! I just wondered…do you think I’ll ever meet my Aunt Laena?” he softly asked. “Do you think she’ll like me? Can you tell me more about my cousins?”

You rolled your eyes at his request. He had yet to do so despite your advice for Jace to send a raven or two to his cousins. You hadn’t seen the twins for many years, but the three of you wrote to each other so often that it felt like you would recognize them by how they spoke alone.

“I’m sure she and your cousins will adore you, Jace. Baela is excited about her new sibling. She says she’s close to riding Moondancer! Once she gets big enough, she hopes to ride her with Rhaena!”

Jace wondered how you’d react if you knew he didn’t write to his cousins because he was scared they wouldn’t like him. To be honest, he didn’t really care about them at all. He only cared about the way you smiled at him, and only him, when he asked.

“Mother!”

Still seated at her dark-stained ebony-wood desk, Princess Rhaenyra of House Targaryen scribbled away with her black swan’s feather quill, nearly hidden behind stacks of dusty tomes and piles of scrolls from across the Seven Kingdoms and, despite being heavy with child, remained to be one of the most exquisite beauties across the realm. Hearing her eldest son’s voice, she looked up from her papers and smiled at the two children standing in her chambers' doorway.

“Jace! You made it and brought our little Lady Ashirri with you.”

You looked down at your feet as your cheeks slightly pinkened at the attention brought to you. Princess Rhaenyra was one of your mother’s closest friends and one of the few belonging to the noble houses that approved of your father’s rise in status. But his title was only in name, and so many in the keep look down on him with ill-hidden disdain. And as a result, many in the keep looked down on you with the same contempt and disgust.

The image of Lord Otto Hightower’s cold and judging eyes gazing down at you with arrogance came to mind before you could block it out.

You lifted your skirts and bowed in a deep curtsy in respect for Princess Rhaenyra. “Yes, my princess. Prince Jacaerys told me that you required my assistance with something?”

Princess Rhaenyra warmly smiled and laughed. “Yes. My husband seems at a crossroads in deciding which fabrics best suit his sister. Although, as you can see, he is being unnecessarily picky about it all.”

Her husband, Prince Consort Laenor of House Velaryon, stood beside your mother with his arms spread wide apart. On each arm were textiles of luxurious materials and superb stitching patterns. His close friend and confidant, Ser Qarl Correy, stood close behind him. The crown princess spoke truthfully as the entire room was filled with dozens of fabric bolts, from brilliant orange-marigold Dornish satin to iridescent light-azure Yi Tish silk. Your eyes were filled with excitement and wonder at the magnificent sight. You raced to touch the imported textiles.

“Is this silk truly from Yi Ti?” you softly whispered while carefully stroking the surface with one finger. “It looks almost too pretty to be real. This color would beautifully complement Lady Laena’s complexion and silver curls.”

Your mother and Prince Laenor smiled in agreement. It was softer than anything you’ve ever touched. Yi Tish silk was famous for its textile quality. One bolt was worth double your mother’s monthly wage at the Red Keep. The color alone was mastery at its finest. You knew from personal experience that blue was an incredibly tricky dye to handle. Although it was a primary color, it was rare in nature. You had to devote hours, if not days, to find the correct materials to yield the desired tone and shade properly. But that work is useless if the dye ends up damaging the fabric. Dark blue was one matter – it was still stunning, and many nobles would pay a hefty amount of coin for it. But to own such beauty, you wouldn’t dare imagine the price for a few yards, let alone an entire bolt.

“Fine eye as always, little lady,” Laenor jovially laughed. “Yes, I’m sure at least one of these fabrics will make a suitable dress for my sister before she gifts me another niece or nephew. I’m afraid your mother is very cross with me at the moment. Any delay in choosing the fabric will result in her being unable to finish the dress before the baby is born.”

“Lady Laena will need it to be loose and not so tight around her waist,” you spoke matter-of-factly. “Muña says that most pregnant women have rashes and inflammations after giving birth, so the dress must be made of a fabric that won’t cause irritation. Let’s see…excuse me for a moment?”

You took out the small leather-bound journal Kepa gave you as a gift from one of his many voyages with Lord Corlys that you kept in your dress pocket, along with a small stick of charcoal. You drew out the image as quickly as possible whenever inspiration struck, regardless of the time or place. It was a habit that could lead to horrible misunderstandings, but being scolded and berated mattered little to you if it meant you could train yourself to be half as talented a seamstress as your mother.

After flipping past all your previous ideas, you finally spotted a blank page. Racing to your mother’s side for help, you excitedly shoved the journal in her face.

You thought aloud and drew out the concept simultaneously. “I think it should be blue. Even if Lady Laena married Prince Daemon, she is still a Velaryon by birth! Maybe if we chose a material that looks like water, it would make her feel closer to Driftmark and Lady Rhaenys!”

Doreah beamed from ear to ear as she crouched down and took you in a tight embrace. It filled her with such joy to know her daughter had developed such a tender and compassionate heart. You were a deeply empathetic girl who always considered the needs of others before your own. Her little pearl had a heart of gold that shone through the darkest storms. She planted a loud kiss on your cheek before letting you go.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, my little pearl,” her eyes twinkled as she cupped your cheeks. “I have just the fabric in mind for it.”

Lady Doreah Pyke pulled out a large bolt of shimmering azure blue silk velvet. The rippled pattern and texture matched the transcendent and melancholy shores that surrounded High Tide. You gasped in delight at the sight of it. It was exactly the color you imagined! You gently caressed the hand-pleated panels, expecting it to feel crinkly and cheap despite its luster. But the fabric sheen and its soft, velvety texture made you want to wrap yourself with it like a warm blanket.

Your mother thoughtfully inspected the fabric. “Yes, this will be perfect. However, I think instead of a dress, it may be better to be used as a cloak. If the result is as beautiful as my little pearl envisions it to be, it would be a shame to be a dress for one lady. If it is a cloak, it can be passed down from mother to daughter.”

“An heirloom cloak…” you murmured in excitement. Your mother was a genius. “It sounds so romantic…the waves should be hand-painted and glass beads strung and stitched into the fabric. Oh, Lady Laena will look like a sea goddess! Would she like it enough to pass it down to Ladies Baela or Rhaena?”

Doreah chuckled at your delight and booped your nose. “She will love it, my darling – especially because you will be helping me make it.”

“A wonderful idea!” exclaimed Laenor. “Who better than our lovely Doreah and her little pearl to complete the task?”

“Really?” you gasped. To work beside your mother on such a prestigious project…was like a dream too good to be true. “Mother, do you…do you truly think I am ready?”

Jace jumped to his friend’s side to hug her. “Ashirri! This is wonderful! You and Lady Pyke will make the most beautiful cloak in the Seven Kingdoms - I know it!”

Rhaenyra and Laenor glanced knowingly at their son’s support for his dearest childhood companion. Everyone in the Red Keep knew of Jacaerys Velaryon's infatuation with Ashirri Pyke. If only the gods had allowed their stations to be so different. It seemed cruel to let two young souls meet and grow beside one another without the hope or possibility of love being borne.

You beamed at Jace with a brilliant smile that shone with so much radiance that looking at you felt nothing less than sin. You took his hand in yours as you squeezed his hand in silent thanks and appreciation for his words. In the young prince’s eyes, you were more heavenly than the Maiden herself. He hopes to be seen as strong as the Warrior in yours one day.

“Kirimvose, jorrāelagon raqiros,” you said in your mother’s native tongue, softly stroking your thumb on his skin as a rosy hue bloomed on Jace’s cheeks. “Muña, īlon līs jiōragon naejot mirre rȳ istin! Nyke jāhor sagon going ēlī!”

You were about to leave before stopping and tracing back your steps to bow to Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Consort Laenor quickly. Your cheeks were bright red from embarrassment from forgetting such basic etiquette.

“My princess, my prince, forgive me for not remembering to thank you for granting me this opportunity and forgetting to leave before you dismissed me. I was too caught up in my excitement. But, I swear that I will not let you down.”

The adults in the room shared amused expressions at your excitement. Ashirri Pyke’s transparent honesty and sweet nature were so refreshing to not only the Targaryen Princess and her prince consort husband but also the entire Royal Family. She was the perfect combination of her parents’ personalities. From Hotho, you adopted your father’s unwavering honesty and sense of justice. From Doreah, you were your mother’s copy in sweetness and purity. You were a highborn noble in all but birth and title.

Rhaenyra waved off your apology and nodded. “No need for apologies, little pearl. Run along. There is work that needs to be done, and your mother and I still have things to discuss between old friends.”

You pouted to hear that your mother would not be joining you. After all, this was a very important job, and you had hoped this would provide an opportunity to learn more of your mother’s secrets in her trade. But who were you to refuse a princess’ orders? You bowed once more before waving goodbye to Jace and everyone in the room before racing to your chambers. The disappointment you felt moments before was washed away by the jittering and buzz of your creativity rushing through your mind.

The waves would have to be hand-painted – that goes without saying. But should you paint silver instead of ivory for the sea foam? And did you have a steady enough hand to replicate each pattern perfectly? You were going to need a template to trace it.

You were going to need dozens if not hundreds, of beads ranging from violet to turquoise to teal. Were there any artisans in Kings Landing that could make such a large quantity? Were there any skilled enough to ensure the glass and crystals would yield such clarity and durability? You may need to ask Kepa if he made any glassmaker friends from Essos or the Free Cities.

Could you dip into your personal collection of sea crystals and pearls? Mother would be cross with you, but it would look so splendid against the fabric!

While racing down the many halls and past the flurry of chambermaids and squires, you came across Aemond. His trademark frown on his freckled face quickly turned to a kind smile.

“Ashirri! Mother wants to–”

But you did not have time to stop and quickly ran past him. You interrupted him with an apology.

“Usōven, Aemond! Yn issa muña se Dārilaros Laenor teptan mirros hen rōvēgrie import! Nyke emagon naejot jiōragon naejot mirre paktot qrīdrughagon!”

Aemond owlishly blinked before realizing you had spoken to him in High Valyrian. He took a few moments to mentally translate what you said before calling out your name and asking you to explain.

“Umbagon! Skoros gaomagon ao nūmāzma?”

But when he turned, you were nowhere in sight, and he was left alone in the middle of the stone corridor. His shoulders slumped in deep disappointment at seeing you running away from him. But he supposed that such a slight could be forgiven since you were his loveliest and dearest friend. On the plus side, he was gifted with the sight of how the sunshine rays peering through the windows darted your glossy locks and wrapped you in a warm halo that brought out even more of your natural charm and prettiness.

As soon as you reached your room, you shut the door and grabbed every colored charcoal stick you’ve been gifted since you began learning your letters. Grabbing your big sketchbook, you immediately began jotting down your vision. By the time your mother joined you, your entire floor was covered with pages filled with a kaleidoscope of blues, greens, violets, and silver. Doreah was ecstatic of the display of your budding talent and took you in her arms for a tight hug.

The next few weeks were the most thrilling of your young life. You would spend hours on end with your mother, going over and debating which colors would match the tone of the cloak. Your mother found out about your idea to incorporate your pearls in the stitching, and she gave you a lecture that put all her past scoldings to shame. Eventually, you relented. In truth, you were a tad reluctant to part with your pearls. Each pearl was a gift from your beloved kepa for each country he visited. He said it was his way of giving you a tiny part of the world to his little pearl.

Because you were so busy trimming and stitching, you barely had time to read with Aemond under the Heart Tree in the Godswood or watch Jace practice his sword fighting with Ser Harwin Strong. You and your mother could only be removed from the cloak when either Queen Alicent or Princess Rhaenyra ordered your presence. They often expressed their woes at your decreased presence in court. As a result, your mother would take small breaks to share tea with Queen Alicent to discuss your progress as a seamstress, or she would get called by Princess Rhaenyra to her chambers so that they may speak their most private thoughts and troubles in High Valyrian.

You would often escape their orders by spending time with Princess Helaena. She would sneak into your workspace to bring her own embroidery and ask for your guidance with the more intricate patterns. While most of the court found the second princess a bit…odd – you took to her presence like green to pink. The two of you greatly differed in personality, but that made your friendship with her all the more special. You always made sure to treat her with kind words and common courtesy.

The most rude you had been to her was when she showed you a massive spider in her hands, and you loudly shrieked before crawling under your bed as a reflex. It took a few minutes before you could rejoin her. When she asked if you liked to hold Gerald the Spider, you took your father’s thickest riding gloves before you went near the beast.

You only held Gerald in your palms a few moments before you cried and begged Helaena to remove him from your person. But despite the terrors you got from Gerald the Spider that night, it was worth it if Helaena could smile as happily as she had when you agreed. She was so pleased that she didn’t correct you when you called her by the nickname you made for her, ‘Hel.’ In fact, you were almost certain that the nickname made her happier than you holding the spider.

But despite the peace these past few weeks have brought you and your family, such joy was not granted to the rest of your friends. Trouble was brewing in the Red Keep for House Targaryen – a fact you were unaware of until much later. You were returning from the rookery after being notified of receiving a letter from Baela. She was so excited about the arrival of her new sibling. You were reading the letter until you heard soft cries in the library. Searching for the source, you were shocked to find Aemond crying in a secluded section of the Royal Library. Distressed at your friend’s tears, you immediately knelt and hugged him close to you.

Clinging to your arms like you were his anchor, you could only make out the words: ‘pig’ and ‘dread.’ When you voiced your confusion, Aemond explained once more.

“They gave me a pig!” he barked, wiping away the angry tears from his violet eyes. “They said they found a dragon for me, and it was a pig! The ‘Pink Dread’ they called it!”

You lowered his head to the crook of your shoulder. “Aemond, who’s ‘they’?” you softly asked.

“Aegon! Who else?” he exclaimed. Your simple linen frock muffled his yells. “My sister’s bastards were there, too!”

Your blood chilled. He couldn’t mean…Jace wasn’t…

“Aemond, you can’t say such things,” you warned. “It’s considered treason by your father’s laws.”

But Aemond wasn’t listening. “I hate those bastards. They shouldn’t carry the Targaryen name. Their last name should be ‘Waters.’ It’s the name that bastards born in the Crownlands carry. Northern bastards are called ‘Snow,’ ‘Sand’ for Dorne, ‘Flowers’ for the Reach–”

“‘Pyke’ for the Iron Islands,” you snapped and let him go. “Am I a bastard, Aemond? Am I what you hate? Do you hate my father?”

Aemond was shocked at your venomous tone. When he realized what he had done, he quickly tried to make amends.

He shook his head. “My pearl…no, no, no,” he said. “You aren’t a bastard. I wasn’t talking about you. I was talking about–”

You clenched your fists and stood on your feet. “I know who you were talking about! That does not make it right!”

Aemond was getting angry. Why weren’t you taking his side? Had his whore of a sister already poisoned you against him? Had Jace already dirtied you with his filthy, bastard blood? He stood up and stared you down with fury in those beautiful violet eyes that you once so adored. But all you saw was his grandfather.

“Your father is a bastard,” he stated matter-of-factly. “He was a bastard from the Iron Islands that Lord Greyjoy didn’t want! He wasn’t worthy of his noble father’s house name, so he is named ‘Pyke’!”

You shook your head. “There is more to family than names and blood. I am neither a Targaryen nor a Velaryon. I do not carry a speck of your noble house’s blood, but I consider you and Jace my dearest friends! To me, you are my brothers! You and him are my family because I love you, not because of blood! Does that count for anything?”

“I never thought of you as a sister,” he spat out. “Not once did I consider you family.”

Devastation overwhelms your broken heart as tears flood your and Aemond’s eyes. He reaches out to hold your hand, but you step back. Once more, he tries to keep you closer to him, but you turn around and run to the door. When you reach it, he calls out your name and begs you to let him explain. Once more, you turn to face him to see he has not moved an inch. You feel so small and insignificant underneath the massive stone framework, but you summoned the sea of hurt and rage crashing inside your heart.

“I used to wonder how a horrible and mean-spirited man like Otto Hightower could be the grandsire of such a sweet boy,” your voice trembled, but you continued to steel yourself. “I thought…you were smart enough not to listen to such horrible things. I thought you were my friend. But I was wrong. I was so horribly wrong. What your brother, Jace, and Luke had done to you was cruel and unfair. But Aemond…what you had become…I-I don’t even recognize you anymore.”

With that being the final word, you raced to your mother’s chambers. You cried into her skirts and told her what happened – of the Pink Dread, Aemond’s cruel transformation, and the ruin of your friendship with him. You sobbed out your wish to leave the Red Keep and never return.

Doreah Pyke immediately thought of what Princess Rhaenyra had informed her in the afternoon. ‘Nyra told her that she would be moving her family to Dragonstone. Each day since her failed attempt to match Jace with Helaena, the Red Keep feels less safe and more hostile to her and her children. Since Harwin assaulted Ser Cole, tensions between the princess and the queen have reached an all-time high.

“Come with me,” her princess begged Doreah. “Come with my family to Dragonstone.”

“Oh, ‘Nyra,” whispered Doreah, “I don’t know. Dragonstone is so far from King’s Landing. And Ali would never–”

“Alicent is becoming more like her father each day,” Rhaenyra interjected. “She wants to put her son on my father’s throne – both she and her father are conspiring against me.”

Rhaenyra clasped Doreah’s hands in her own. “I know you want to believe she is the same girl from our youth. But Otto Hightower has sunk his poisoned claws in her and will stop at nothing to crown Aegon when my father passes. I need people I can trust by my side. People like you, my sweet Dory, and your husband.”

“…But Ashirri, my pearl,” sighed Doreah. “She will be so devastated. She grew up running in these halls, playing in the Godswoods, exploring this castle’s corners and shadows. This is her home.”

“Your daughter will flourish wherever she goes,” insists Rhaenyra. “She will never be alone – not with Jace, Luke, and Joffery by her side. And forgive me for what I am about to say, my friend, but…King’s Landing no longer agrees with you as it used to.”

Doreah sighed and gazed out the window with slumped shoulders. What her princess said was true but hard to hear. As she grew older, she found the air and noise outside the Red Keep more sour and rancid. It made her miss the clean and fresh sea breeze in Essos. Rhaenyra was not the only one who had noticed Doreah’s melancholy. Hotho, her beloved Iron Knight, has remained in King’s Landing after learning of her despondence. Her husband implores her to care more for her health – if not for herself, but their daughter.

Doreah waved off their concerns, but perhaps…they had a point. Stroking your hair to calm you down, your mother asked if you would be open to the possibility of moving to Dragonstone. She reassured you that she and your father would be there with you and that you would still be around Jace, Luke, and Joffery if you ever felt lonely.

You agreed before she finished and immediately started packing. By the end of the month, you had not spoken another word to Aemond and left with Princess Rhaenyra and her family to Dragonstone. You did not look back. You wanted to leave King’s Landing and Aemond as soon as possible. You wanted to leave this wretched castle and have peace once more.

While others stared at the obsidian castle with trepidation, you felt hope. Unpacking your things from your trunk and knapsack, you were determined to leave behind all the political headaches and focus solely on stitching with your mother and sailing with your father.

If only life could be that simple.

Translations:

Muña - mother

Kepa - father

Kirimvose, jorrāelagon raqiros…Muña, īlon līs jiōragon naejot mirre rȳ istin! Nyke jāhor sagon going ēlī – “Thank you, dear friend…Mother, we must get to work at once! I will bet going first!”

Usōven, Aemond! Yn issa muña se Dārilaros Laenor teptan mirros hen rōvēgrie importance! Nyke emagon naejot jiōragon naejot mirre paktot qrīdrughagon! – “I am sorry, Aemond. But my mother and Prince Laenor gave me something of great importance! I have to get to work right away!”

Umbagon! Skoros gaomagon ao nūmāzma?” – “Wait! What do you mean?”

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greyspirehollow · 7 days

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We lock eyes again [Request]

Pairing : Quaestor Valdemar x Reader

Fandom : The Arcana visual novel

Warnings : none

Summary : You do not remember how long it took you to finally find a suitable host for your soul, and go on a quest to find your long lost anchor to the mortal world ; the one who your thoughts inevitably converged towards, stubbornly holding you back from crossing the threshold of the afterlife.

It had been centuries. It had been too long. You'd lived many ages : through the eyes of the salmon, deer, and wolf. You would see it in your dreams ; the time you spent in limbo, waiting, patiently...Although, when you awoke, these dreams didn't make sense anymore ; only leaving behind a lingering sense of longing, a feeling that you had to find... What did you have to find? You couldn't put your finger on it...

You sighed, sitting up in your bed and stretching. Another one of those dreams... But you didn't have time to reflect upon them, today. Asra wanted to introduce you to the court of Vesuvia, as a sort of starting point to your journey as a magician's apprentice. You feel as if you've done this before. You got up, yawning, and rummaging through your wardrobe to find something decent to wear. Once you had your outfit all sorted, you decided to add a twinkle of jewelry, just to make it all a little less dull. You had heard about this kingdom's history : struck by a terrible plague that had decimated thousands, sacrifices, memory loss... It was all a bit confusing, so you had only paid attention to the plague bit. Asra eventually knocked on your door "Are you ready?" ; you quickly adjusted your attire before hurrying out of your room "yes! I... Do I look ok? is it not... a little too much?" the magician smiled, looking at you fondly "you look perfect. Now, let's go ; we shouldn't keep the Countess waiting." You followed, walking through the sunlit and busy streets of the kingdom, looking around with delight. You had not left the shop much when you had gotten here, and the lively markets, the colors, and the people actually did you some good (to your surprise).

Your eyes widened slightly as you and your master arrived at the Palace's gates ; you looked up at the shiny architecture with sparkles in your eyes. What snapped you out of it was the voice of the guards demanding you introduce yourselves. Luckily, the Countess had seemingly told them about you and Asra's arrival, as the guards let you pass after having heard the magician's name. You then advanced past the gates, still awestruck. You felt as if the sun was illuminating the Palace in a magical hue, and the more you approached, the faster your heart thumped in your chest. It wasn't just the Palace's glory : you had a feeling. Something that made you apprehensive yet eager to go inside. You felt as if you knew something, but at the same time it was missing ; you had to go in the Palace, but you couldn't figure out why ; it tugged at your heart, pumping adrenaline into your veins, as if strings were drawing you towards the place... However, you kept this to yourself, and quietly followed Asra as you both made your way towards the throne room. Now that you thought about it, you didn't see anyone guide you towards there, and you suspected Asra had come to the Palace before.

However, no one was sitting on the throne. You raised a curious eyebrow, but before you could utter a word, your master uttered a little "ooh" of realization, before saying : "She must be in the drawing room. I wouldn't be surprised if she wished to introduce you to the courtiers as well." You nodded. That made some sense ; even though you were slightly disappointed : you would've loved to meet the Countess in a more private setting. You followed Asra nonetheless. A few turns later, you both found yourselves in said drawing room. The Countess was elegantly sitting in a one-person sofa, while she conversed with five figures, which the diversity of... Struck you, to say the least. Despite your unease, you followed Asra inside, as the magician bowed to the woman whose purple hair draped over her shoulders with shocking delicacy. "Countess Nadia" ; you bowed as well. She smiled "Ah, Asra. And you are..?" she asked, looking at you with a soft yet undeniably authoritative gaze. You managed to stutter out your name, giving her a short bow of the head. "I am glad you two were able to join us for tea. Please, be my guests ; make yourselves comfortable. I will have a cup made for you this instant. Portia?" She called out to a servant, whispering to her something before the young lady hurried out the drawing room, to presumably go fetch the tea.

It is then that Countess Nadia gestured to the other people in the drawing room. So they were the courtiers, you thought, as she went over each of them, your gaze following accordingly. Procurator Volta. Consul Valerius. Praetor Vlastomil. Pontifex Vulgora. Quaestor-

You let out a soft gasp ; no one heard you. Your eyes widened as they locked with their red own. Suddenly, everything made sense. This is why you were here. This is who you had been seeking. The dreams connected themselves, perfectly falling into place at this exact moment. You remembered it all now, the limbo, your adventures from body to body, your struggle and ghostly tears, the longing, the waiting, all that for this person right there, sitting on this sofa amongst the others...

Valdemar.

They looked surprised as well, their eyes never leaving your own, as they seemed to be deep in thought. The conversation around you faded, your whole attention focused onto them. The memory flooded back in your mind, nearly playing out in front of you...

The little cottage. The lingering scent of herbs and wood in the air. The shelves with dried plants, stuffed birds and other animals, skulls they had found on their trips to the forest... And Valdemar themselves. They excitedly opened their journal on the desk, signing you to sit next to them enthusiastically. "Here ! -they said- I've found something ! I think you're going to like it..." You smiled and chuckled. "If I didn't know any better, I would think you managed to capture a frog" They snorted at your reply "I'm past that. No, look... I've managed to make an antidote with snake venom ! I just diluted it, added some... ah, I forgot the plant's name- it's all in my notes, look" they were smiling widely as you approached, standing mere millimeters away from them, your hand brushing against theirs as you flipped through their research journal. It smelled peculiar, it always did : a mix of something like oak and leather, with a hint of vegetation. "It's impressive..." you nodded as your eyes squinted slightly, having a hard time reading certain words because of their highly cursive and optimized handwriting. Valdemar looked at you expectantly. "It is brilliant" you finally said, looking back at them. Your heart skipped a bit at that precious smile of theirs, which pushed their freckles-adorned cheeks. Oh, how you'd kill to pamper those in kisses... "why, I'm quite proud of myself" they said, looking back at the pages. However, their grin faltered slightly "...but what if... what if all this disappears? what then?" your heart ached slightly. You knew how important their researches and breakthroughs were to them. You didn't resist this time : you wrapped their arms around them "do not fret. Your knowledge will not be lost." you spoke softly, hoping to soothe their worries, even temporarily. "...You're right... It and I will live on forever..." They say after a few beats of silence, embracing you back. You smiled, content to see them somewhat reassured.

With that, the memory faded. Your throat tightened and you had to excuse yourself. Your eyes hadn't left Valdemar's for all this time. You made your way to the bathroom, closing the door, but not locking it. You took in a quivering breath, the tears coming to your eyes despite your best attempts at holding them back. Tears of joy...

After a while, someone softly knocked on the door, but before you could get a chance to answer, the door opened, revealing the Quaestor. They stepped inside, carefully closing the door behind them without a sound, and pulling down their mask. As they set eyes on you, their expression softened somewhat. You sniffled, quickly wiping your tears away. You were about to say something, but suddenly stopped yourself. No. You didn't need to talk.

You looked at them... They had changed... You were unfamiliar with this lab-coat, those supposed horns wrapped in bandages, and this sickly green skin... But you'd recognize that thin nose and those thin lips, those freckles and those wide, curious eyes, even if they had turned red, anywhere. You had to bite back both your tears and a smile, as you felt them examine you. They took a step or two towards you and carefully lifted your hands into their own, as if to take a closer look at them. They were... Confused. And a foreign feeling tugged at their heart. They didn't know what it was. They just knew it was... Human. Which only confused them further. Scared them, even, although they wouldn't admit it.

Your eyes.

Your soft hands ; their thumb brushed onto the back of them.

Why do you feel so familiar?

This specific accent they heard when you greeted the Countess earlier.

Your warmth.

It's all so familiar...

Who are you?

Why can't they remember?

They remember someone, they can't say who. They remember them like an essence. A feeling. Nothing concrete. They don't remember their face or their voice but they know how they felt around them. They know they talked to them, even if they don't remember the words they said. It's all blurry. It feels like a dream...

Had it been too long? Did their deals make them forget? Why did you trigger their pseudo-memories of that someone?

They don't remember...

Their brows furrowed as despite their best attempts, the answer just wouldn't come back to them. Their grip on your hands tightened slightly.

But you do. You remember now. You can't help a soft smile from tugging at your lips as you look at them fondly. They haven't changed one bit... Factually, they did. But to you ? They were still the same. Deep down, they were still your sweet alchemist. You had missed their voice... You had changed as well, beyond recognition. You were aware of that. Those tedious years you spent in limbo had carried you into body after body, having to live as a wild animal once or twice as to not disappear... You wouldn't tell. Even if your soul was the same. They would either recognize you, or they wouldn't, and you were perfectly fine with both. Your alchemist... They were there, in the flesh. You had to hold back your tears of joy, yet again.

Valdemar sighed, briefly closing their eyes. "...I do not know who you are -they started-, nor do I know where you come from" your heart tickled in your ribs. They locked eyes with you again. "... But I feel as if I am happy to see you again". You nearly lost it, briefly closing your eyes and tilting your head down as to not burst in tears "strange, -you started- I feel the same about you" you chuckled. "Maybe... Forces we don't know of are into play?" you looked back up at them. They didn't seem to like that idea too much "I hope not... I would rather know who is playing with me like that" their tone held nothing negative. You couldn't help but chuckle again "w-well..." you cleared your throat, trying to keep your voice from shaking too much "Whether it is planned or... conducted by something in some way... I don't think this is too bad, eh?" you tentatively asked. They seemed to turn the thought into their head, their red eyes briefly flickering to your hands.

"...I suppose not."

You nodded, fighting for your life tears to not roll down your cheeks. You knew it made you look somewhat suspicious, but if they'd noticed, they didn't comment on it.

"...Say, -they spoke once more- what do you think after... the end of your meeting with the Countess, we spend some time in the library? I feel as if... We have... uhm... Something to catch up on." oh Gods, they absolutely hated when things were blurry and inexplicable. You nodded, practically beaming "I-I would love to." you said, once more looking at your hands in their own.

You both exited the bathroom, hand in hand. You softly let go once you had come back around the drawing room, and Valdemar did the same. However, they sat down next to you. While you joined the conversation between Nadia and Asra, their eyes never left your hand resting on the sofa, withing reach, and once more endless questions tossed and turned in their head... But it looks like the mystery of you was going to stay unsolved...

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arcanarubinaito · 5 months

Text

Short Story Taglist

I’ve been meaning to compile a list of content tags I will commonly use, and their meanings. This both gives me a handy reference to use when I’m finalizing everything to post—because honestly I blank out on how to tag it once I get to that point, lol—and I figure I’d post it as both a reference for my own readers and a potential resource for other minific authors here on Tumblr.

This list will be updated as needed; and if you have any tag you think should be added, please comment your suggestions!

I will not be adding tags for certain taboo subjects, as that content will never be on my blog and I’m sure those who write it already know how to properly tag it.

I will not be adding ship tags because frankly there are too many to add.

Please note that this list contains Content Warning tags.

Spoiler Warnings

Asra’s Route

Nadia’s Route

Julian’s Route

Muriel’s Route

Portia’s Route

Lucio’s Route

Tales (Insert Specific Tale Here)

Upright Ending

Neutral Ending

Content Warning Tags

Graphic Depictions of Violence

Gore

Suicidal Tendencies

Self-Harm

Torture

Sexually Explicit Content

Substance Abuse

Depictions of Alcohol

Mild/Mentioned Alcohol Use

Depictions of Drug Use

Mild/Mentioned Drug Use

General Content Tags

Platonic Relationship(s)

Romantic Relationship(s)

Comfort

Hurt/Comfort

Anxiety/Comfort

Hurt/No Comfort

Angst

Whump

Cuddles

Fluff

Major Character Death

Minor Character Death

Slow Burn

Series

Miscellaneous Tags

SFW (<18)

NSFW (18+)

[x] Words

Ask Box

Request

Commission

Gift

Character Tags

Reader/OC Tags

GN Reader

AFAB Reader

AMAB Reader

Nonbinary Reader

Female Reader

Male Reader

Transfem Reader

Transmasc Reader

Self Insert

Apprentice OC

Original Character(s)

Main Six

Asra Alnazar

Nadia Satrinava

Julian/Ilya Devorak

Muriel of the Kokhuri

Portia/Pasha Devorak

Lucio/Montag Morgasson

Familiars/Animals

Faust

Chandra

Malak

Inanna

Pepi

Mercedes & Melchior

Camio

Chimes & Flamel

Jaeger

Courtiers

Consul Valerius

Praetor Vlastomil

Procurator Volta

Pontifex Vulgora

Quaestor Valdemar

Side Characters

Aisha Alnazar

Salim Alnazar

Tasya/Anastasia Devorak

Lishka Devorak

Mazelinka

Halinka (A Warm Welcome)

Khamgalai of the Kokhuri

Morga Eirsdottir

The Satrinavas

Nasrin Satrinava

Namar Satrinava

Nafizah Satrinava

Nazali Satrinava

Navra Satrinava

Nahara Satrinava

Nasmira Satrinava

Natiqa Satrinava

Gavin (The Bazar Job)

Minor Characters

Chamberlain (One of the Palace servants. Unclear if ‘Chamberlain’ is his name or his title.)

Ludovico (Palace Guard)

Bludmila (Palace Guard)

Selasi (The Baker)

Saguaro (An acquaintance of Asra’s, from Nopal)

Tilde the Leech Monger (A leech merchant near Mazelinka’s house.)

Barth/Bartholomew (Bartender of The Rowdy Raven)

Aedile Velos (Once slept in the Palace’s haunted guest room.)

Major Arcana

The Fool (0)

The Magician (I)

The High Priestess (II)

The Empress (III)

The Emperor (IV)

The Hierophant (V)

The Lovers (VI)

The Chariot (VII)

Strength (VIII)

The Hermit (IX)

Wheel of Fortune (X)

Justice (XI)

The Hanged Man (XII)

Death (XIII)

Temperance (XIV)

The Devil (XV)

The Tower (XVI)

The Star (XVII)

The Moon (XVIII)

The Sun (XIX)

Judgment (XX)

The World (XXI)

#the arcana #the arcana game #arcanarubinaito #rubin rambles #rubin’s writing #taglist #tags #minific tags #fandom resource #tagging resource

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witchofhimring · 29 days

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(Silmarillion OC)

Caranthir x OC

Ilë was the youngest of two sisters, born to Vanyarin parents. Ilë's family was heavily involved in the court of Finwe and were highly respected courtiers. Her mother was a handmaiden of Queen Indis and her father served King Finwe. Ilë used her mother name since she was little.

Name(s):

Ilë (Star) Mother name

Melyanna (Dear Child) Father name

The Fallen Star Moniker

Genealogy: Vanyarin

Date of birth: Y 1368

Date of death: SA 3319 (Fall of Numenor)

Family

Father: Falastir

Mother: Erulissë

Sister: Ellótë

Husband: Caranthir

Children: none

Physical description: Golden blonde hair that hung to her waist. Periwinkle blue eyes, round and slightly hooded. Pale skin with flushed cheeks. Ilë is 6'1 making her of average height for a female elf. She has a round face, prominent cheeks, deep dimples and a slightly upturned nose.

Personality:

Ilë was a bright and happy person before the rebellion of the Noldor. She loved to love and be loved, craving affection. She is very loyal to people and gets attached easily. This intense loyalty can sometimes put her in a difficult position. Sometimes Ilë is unaware than her clinginess can make others uncomfortable. Ilë is the type to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Story: (short version, Ilë will get her own one shot as some point)

-Born into an important Vanyarin, Ilë's family moved to live under the rule of King Finwë shortly after her parents married. Ilë's early years were spent in close proximity to the children of Arafinwë and she struck up a friendship with his daughter Galadriel.

-As an adult she became a lay-in-waiting to Queen Indis and became an apprentice to Findis. Her craft was writing and during her time in Tirion Ilë wrote many books.

-She met Caranthir during a masked ball. They ended up striking up a relationship that evolved into a marriage. Unlike the rest of his brothers Caranthir lived away from the rest of their family. Choosing to stay out of politics the two lived a quiet life.

-When things got worse between Feanor and Fingolfin they were forced to return. When Feanor is exiled Ilë follows Caranthir into exhile despite her misgivings.

-During the rebellion of the Noldor Ilë follows Caranthir into Middle Earth and his holdfast.

-Ilë only leaves Caranthir when he orders her to stay with Celebrimbor in Nargothrond. From then on she stays in the household of Celebrimbor. She will eventually hear of Caranthir's death. -During the second age Ilë lives with Celebrimbor in Eregion and becomes reclusive. Shortly before the fall of Eregion Ilë is placed under the care of Elrond. When she hears of Celebrimbors death Ilë has a complete mental breakdown and does not recover in this life.

-The descendants of Elrond's brother look after her. As Numenor grows Ilë is well looked after. But soon the last king of Numenor usurps his cousin. While Ilë is kept alive she is imprisoned. When the sinking of Numenor happens Ilë watches the city being pulled under the waves. She closes her eyes and welcomes death.

-Ilë will spend some time in Mandos. She refuses to see her husband and is reborn a century before the events of The Hobbit. Once back in Valinor she lives with Nerdanel.

#the silm #the silmarillion #the silmarillion x oc #caranthir #caranthir x oc #tolkein #middle #middle earth #silm fan #silm fanfic #sons of fea #feanori #feanorians

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bakuliwrites · 2 years

Text

Arcana Headcanons Table of Contents

Here are all my Arcana Headcanons, including the ones on my AO3! This will be updated as I post more

AO3 Headcanons

Aging Lucio

M6's Auras

M6 and Sexy Keepsakes

Intimacy with the M6

Surprise Dates w/ the M6

M6 Make-Up Palettes

Courtiers Make-Up Palettes

M6 Proposing to MC

M6 w/ a Pregnant MC

M6 on TikTok

Kisses w/ the M6

MC Falling Asleep on M6's Lap (Baewatch)

M6 when MC's Family Does Not Approve of Them

M6 w/ Med Student MC (Isekai)

M6 Regaining Memories from Objects

M6's DND Classes

M6 and Jealousy

Julian x Lucio x MC Jealousy

Poly Route Julian x Lucio x Apprentice Headcanons

Set 1

#table of contents #arcana headcanons #arcana headcanon table of contents #dani's headcanons

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graveyardarcana-blog · 5 years

Note

Oooo! I was wondering if you could write for Valerius and a female apprentice who keeps on surprising him with her knowledge on wines, elements and critiques of plays, politics, or just the hobbies that they have like archery? The Consul just needs to be shown that there are people out there are worthwhile to know that meet his ‘standards’. You can change it up, it’s just an idea. Thank you! (@apprentice-althaea)

i recently just started liking valerius' character as i started the ending chapters of nadia's route, so this is definitely a concept i would like to explore. thank you for the suggestion and i hope you enjoy the story!

•《🥀》•

Bright morning light shown through the elegant palace windows as I explored the halls. I had been staying here for a while, however I came to find that there was always new things to see and secrets to be found. My curiosity frequently got best of me, and well, the palace was a good place to let my spirits wonder. It is relatively safe here. Along with the watchful guards, warm, positive energies spun in the open space, twirling around my arms and legs. I closed my eyes and danced throughout the halls, spinning and bowing at random. I smiled in delight, graceful movement taking over my body. My hair flowed about, matching every step I took. The sunlight's warmth caressed my skin, and I felt a pure sense of comfort and freedom.

Suddenly, I ran straight into another person that I hadn't noticed. I fell back and gasped, following the sound of glass shattering. A deep red liquid splashed onto the marble floor, and shards of glass flew in every direction. My heart was racing, and out of shock, I quickly began sweeping up the glass with my bare hands.

"Oh my, I am so sorry, I didn't even see you," I said frantically, swiping the translucent shards into a small pile. "I apologize, I will clean this up right away, oh goodness," I continued, panic seeping into my soul.

The figure towering over me said nothing, only sighing in what seemed to be frustration. "Magician," he began, his voice deep and raspy. "Watch where you're going," he continued.

"I apologize Courtier Valerius," I said, recognizing who it was just by his voice and how he addressed me. "Say, is this Cabernet Sauvignon?" I asked as I took off my over shirt to clean up the spilled drink, not really caring that the stain would never come out. "From the Bordeaux region?" I continued as I cleaned up the contents.

"Why, yes, yes it is," he answered, surprise in his voice. "How did you know that?" he questioned, bending over to pick up the pile of glass.

"The fine red color and strong grape scent," I replied, rolling up the soaked shirt. "I have a lot of free time on my hands, so I figured I'd learn about something interesting. Besides, it's not everyday you meet someone who can tell you the name and details of your drink just by looking at it," I explained, sitting back on the marble floor.

"No, it's not," he stated, clearly impressed by my knowledge of wines. He placed the glass shards on the liquid-stained shirt and carefully wrapped them up. "I'll send a servant to this wing when I get the chance," he said. "I appreciate you cleaning this mess up, however I'm still unimpressed by your clumsiness," he continued, extending out his hand to help me up.

I smiled and took it, allowing him to help me. He pulled me up, a bit closer than I think he wanted to. Flustered, I stepped back and dusted off my clothes. I cleared my throat and made eye contact with him. He seemed slightly embarrassed as well.

"So, tell me magician, what wines are normally yellow in color and derive from white grapes?" he asked, eyebrow arched and arms crossed.

Such an easy question. I held my head up and responded, "Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc, although it is more green in color than yellow."

Valerius huffed, obviously impressed, but trying to hide it. "Smart girl," he said, nodding to himself.

Grinning, I decided to give a cocky response. This is simply some light payback for all his arrogant comments and being so judgmental towards me. "Yes, I am aware," I replied, placing my hands on my hips.

"Is that so?" Valerius questioned, chuckling. "Tell me then, do you have any knowledge of Shakespearean sonnets?" he asked, thinking he outsmarted me on this one.

"I do in fact have plenty of knowledge on Shakespearean sonnets," I retorted. "His sonnets comprised of three quatrains and a concluding couplet, rhyming abab cdcd efef gg. His sonnet structure allows for more space to be devoted to the buildup of a subject or problem than the Italian and Petrarchan forms, and is followed by just two lines to conclude or resolve the poem in a rhyming couplet," I stated, arching my brow at the end of my explanation. "Any more questions, Courtier?" I asked.

Valerius stared at me in shock, a light blush burning on his cheeks. He cracked a smile and shook his head. "Call me Valerius," he replied. "I never knew you liked these subjects, let alone studied them heavily," he said, embarrassed by his judgment.

"Maybe you should give people chances before being cruel to them," I stated. "You could've just asked, you know. And left out the unnecessary insults," I concluded, furrowing my brows together.

Valerius sighed. "I suppose you're right, magician," he replied.

"My name is MC," I established. "And you can call me... MC," I added jokingly, attempting to lighten the mood.

He smiled softly and nodded. "That name suits you," he said, looking down at me. "MC... Yes, that is a lovely name."

I grinned, happy to befriend the grouchy Courtier. "Thank you," I replied, running my hand through my hair.

"Would you like to join me for a drink on the balcony this evening? I understand if you don't want to accept, but I believe I would enjoy your company," Valerius invited, a tinge of sadness in his voice. He seems lonely. Perhaps that's why he's so cruel.

"I would love to," I accepted.

Valerius looked at me with a surprised expression. "I- Really? Oh, wonderful," he said, eyes sparkling with joy. "We can learn more about each other," he suggested, seemingly excited to have company later.

I nodded and replied, "I'm looking forward to it, Valerius. I will see you at sunset, yes?"

"Yes of course mag- ahem, MC," he confirmed, standing up straight. "Sunset, yes. Sounds lovely."

"Good. I've got matters to attend to now, but I will certainly be of company this evening. Farewell, Valerius," I said as I began walking down the halls.

"Farewell," his rumbly voice echoed against the stone walls.

•《🥀》•

i hope you enjoyed this story! i tried to make it less lengthy than the last, but still with a good amount of detail and a firm storyline. i think it turned out quite well! if you have any suggestions, please check out my request post and send them through an ask. thank you!

-liv🖤

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portias-husband · 3 years

Note

Idk if you're still doing HCs for the courtiers but if you are how do you think they'd react to a MC who is totally okay with walking in when they're trying to be intimating or threatening and just absolutely not give a f. Like for example if valdemar/volgra was in the middle of threatening their staff/worriors and MC just walks in "hi! My love. You forget your papers/knives at home xx anyway I have to go. Byeeee xxox" and kiss on the cheek and leaves.

Absolutely destroying any fear or tension in the room lol bonus points if they do it on intentionality

That sounds so funny! And cute at the same time!

Also since Valdemar is aroace, them and the MC have a queerplatonic relationship :)

Valdemar and Vulgora with an MC who interrupts them when intimidating people

- They actually find it cute, but they don’t show that on their face, just smiling that creepy smile which actually intimidates the people they are threatening more

- Actually invites you to stay and “help with the experiment” and sometimes you watch, with them going even more threatening on the people, although if you don’t stay, they will catch you up on what happened afterwards with that creepy ass grin

- They frickin love it and hate it at the same time

- Like they get to see the love of their life and have them be really cute but it also kinda undermines their whole atmosphere

- They will blush and their face will soften when they look at you, you’ll kiss them on the cheek and then turn back to the people they were threatening and start yelling at them again while you giggle

#the arcana #the arcana game #the arcana courtiers #the arcana vulgora #the arcana valdemar #the arcana x apprentice #the arcana x mc #the arcana x reader #the arcana x you #vulgora #valdemar #vulgora x mc #valdemar x apprentice #valdemar x mc #the arcana headcanons #the arcana hc #the arcana headcanon #arcana headcanons #arcana headcanon

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t-toxic-waste · 3 years

Text

Hell Yeah!

Yes the cloud of red smoke is Valdemar's demon form

#i know this looks bad #but i spent half an hour on this #bo burnham #the arcana #the arcana game #portia #portia devorak #portia x mc #portia route #portia x apprentice #count lucio #valdemar #valerius #volta #vulgora #vlastomil #the courtiers #let me hear you say hell yeah

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consul-valerius · 2 years

Text

Day One: Baths + Group sex +Orgasm Denial + Food Play (The Courtiers x Donna)

Day one for the @the-midsummer-masquerade; AO3 link here // Masterlist here

Donatello and Valerius are side-tracked by Vesuvia's finest courtiers who they have no concept of time nor consequences.

Content warnings (other than the day's themes): monster/human relationships, tentacles, group sex, bondage, spanking, choking, verbal humiliation/general foul language, dirty talk, vaginal fingering, oral play, food play, cucking

W/C: 5515 because I apparently have no fucking chill

A/N: We are starting this week off with a very loud bang aka a proper courtegy 😤😤😤 lots of banter, rough sex, and bullying of Valerius ahead

MINORS DNI OR I TAKE YA LUNCH MONEY🤺🤺🤺

Volta was the last person Valerius expected to see dragging his Donatello down a winding palace hallway, and yet there she was, politely but urgently tugging along a sheepish Donna. Blinking, Valerius tilted his head, some part of him wondering if he had eaten something bad today or if this was some trick or illusion. Donna should have been with him getting ready in the private rooms Nadia had procured for them . The masquerade was still some time away, but already the palace was bursting with frantic staff, each one hellbent on ensuring all of the evening’s plans was up to the Countess’s high standards. Donna should have been frantically making sure they were up to Nadia’s high standards. With him , not Volta of all people.

Frowning, Valerius quickly trailed after them, glancing nervously at his pocket watch. There was still time. But not enough for whatever those lot had planned.

***

The consul was shocked as Volta led the way to one of the palace’s baths; truly, she was full of surprises it seemed. He could hear Donna laughing with her, allowing her to drag them along. Part of it was endearing, hearing their laugh. Another part was aggravating—they had things to do! Since when were they so irresponsible? That was… Well, it wasn’t his job , but it wasn’t like Donna to promote such bad behavior either.

“Donatello!”

He couldn’t deny the small rush it gave him to see them jump at their name being called. He had seen them instantly wilt when Nadia would utter it; he could get used to them doing so with him.

“Valerius? What are you… Volta , did you lie to me?”

It was the procurator’s turn to turn into a sheepish mess, frantically fluttering her hands as Donna crossed their arms. Valerius quickly stepped to their side, wrapping his arm around their shoulder.

“Yes, Procurator, please explain what you are doing with my partner of all people.”

“Oh! Oh! Volta didn’t want to lie, Donna! But you see… You see, brutish Vulgora did not want Valerius to join our games!” Valerius felt his entire face ignite, anger and jealousy stinging his ears. Donna deflated at that, pouting down at the frazzled woman. “It was Vlastomil who insisted that Volta lie! Oh, but Volta is so so sorry! She does not like lying to her most beloved friend, Donatello!”

“For the last time,” Donna sighed, suddenly raising their voice so that they could be heard in the next room over. It was then that Valerius noted the faint sounds of a commotion in the baths; splashing and shouting, for the most part. “Valerius is my lover . You do not get to lie and exclude him just so you can all… Do whatever it is you want to do to me. Either he comes or I’m leaving. Got it, Vulgora ?”

“What? Valerius is here? What the fu—Volta!” Volta tugged at her hair as they could all hear Vulgora bellowing from the baths. Valerius was too hung up on the word “lover” to even properly react; his heart was racing as he fiddled with his braid. Donna nudged their hip into him, trying to remain in control of the situation.

“Volta tried! Valerius is too weaselly!”

“ Weaselly—?” Valerius's face could not become redder if he tried.

“You’re a big ol’ coward sending Volta to do your dirty work, Vulgora!” Donna shouted over him, a smug grin on their face as they heard the tell-tale sound of Vulgora slapping out of the bath. “You wana fuck me, then you gotta put some effort in. That goes for you too, old man!”

Valerius hugged Donna closer to himself; gods, they could be so vulgar with their language, and it always made him… feel things, things he didn’t want to think too hard about.

“Since when does fucking you involve effort , little bug?” Vulgora pounded around the corner, fully nude and dripping with water and suds. Volta and Donna both seemed unphased; Valerius kept his face turned, his eyes focusing on the wall and not on their bulging biceps or glistening gut or thick, thick thighs that could easily do irreparable damage to him if they— “Oh this is the worst, Valerius is already popping a boner. At least Donna puts up some sort of chase.”

“P-Popping a—I am not , how dare you—”

“Oh, hush. If dealing with your prissy attitude is what I need to get my dick wet, then I’m all for it.”

“Your dick’s already wet,” Donna teased, tilting their chin up at them. Vulgora stood roughly the same height as them, though they were much girthier than Donna was. Still, provoking a fight with them was always fun; perhaps Sam had rubbed off a bit too much on them? “I can dry it off for you though.”

“Oh, you wana go already—?”

“Is Donatello here? I’m getting bored , and Valdemar is the worst possible company!” Vlastomil’s nasally voice suddenly cut into the conversation; the small group thought they could hear a faint giggle too, undoubtedly Valdemar.

“You idiot, they’re here with Valerius ! We established this like… five minutes ago that our dear Volta fucked up!”

“Volta did no such thing! The consul is a weasel!”

“Stop saying that! All of you stop insulting me this instant! ”

“Or what , pretty boy? Gonna have Donna beat me up for you?”

“Oh my stars, can we just go into the bath already before the night is over ?”

Donna didn’t wait for anyone else’s approval; they were already stripping off their day clothes as they stomped to the bath, kicking off their shoes as they marched away. Valerius let his complaints die in his throat; they didn’t have time for this, and yet now that he knew he wasn’t invited to… well, whatever this was, he wasn’t going to leave now. He followed after them, sticking his nose up in the air as he politely stepped out of his heels and placed them aside. Vulgora growled, easily flinging Volta over their shoulder as she giggled, her frantic mood subsiding.

“Donna is always much better with the consul anyway, dear Vulgora!”

“Little Volta, I do not want to hear it from you.”

***

As expected, Vlastomil was already bathing while Valdemar sat on the edge of the bath, kicking the water at him as he whined. They were both wearing sheer, black robes; Valdemar’s usual headwraps were swapped for a more appropriate bonnet. Donna bit the insides of their cheeks, resisting the urge to make a comment about it.

Vlastomil instantly perked up at their arrival, very interested in their unabashed nudity.

“ This is the shindig you all were begging me to come to?” Donna laughed, slowly dipping their toe into the steaming water. It was hot , much hotter than how they normally would want it. But then again, they shouldn’t have been surprised by this group . “I can watch Valdemar upset people any time of the day.”

“The missing component was you, wormlet,” Vlastomil quickly swept over to them, cutting through the water with ease as Donna sank into the bath. They sat themself down on the wall’s built-in seat, smirking up at him. He was much taller than them, taller than all of them actually, and they enjoyed that about him immensely. Valerius huffed, still clothed, as he watched Donna eye the praetor up and down with little shame. “Though I would have loved it if we didn’t have a… sour grape in our mix.”

“Sour grape? Really? Your immaturity speaks volumes , praetor.”

“See, this is exactly why we don’t want you here, sour grape ,” Vulgora butted in, pushing past Valerius as they submerged themself back into the steaming water next to Donna. Valerius squawked, nearly toppling over with the force of their shove. As Volta straightened him out, Valdemar giggled, scooting closer to Donna and the others on the edge of the bath.

“Volta is sorry, Valerius.” Volta smoothed down Valerius’s arm as he seethed. “They will all be calmed soon enough with the help of your Donna.” His face heated up as she slowly began undressing, fully at ease with her motions as she stripped. Once nude, she had stepped aside to an alcove and retrieved two robes and a hefty basket full of different fruits at her hip. Only Valerius was clothed as he awkwardly stood outside of the circle, too many conflicting thoughts buzzing in his head.

“I am about… hmm… Two seconds away from leaving?” Donna piped up, reclining back on their elbows as they glared up at Vlastomil. He squirmed under their stare, his cheeks igniting. “Insulting my lover does nothing if you want to get me going.”

“Y-You misunderstand me, Donatello—”

“Oh right, it’s insulting you that gets you off, right?” Vulgora cut in, easily looping their large arm around Donna’s neck. Donna’s confidence was momentarily thrown as they sputtered, digging their nails into the meat of Vulgora’s arms as they flexed, choking them. “How could we forget?”

“I know you guys— ah !—aren’t the brightest bunch, I get it—” Before Donna could finish, Vulgora began strangling them properly, cutting off any more of their words. Valdemar leaned forward, their interest growing as Donna’s face turned redder, their hair suddenly igniting into a similar hue as Vlastomil stepped between their legs.

“How curious,” Valdemar finally spoke, reclining forward on their arm. “If you black out, does your hair also lose all color? I would love to see it.”

“ That won’t be happening,” Valerius interjected, leaning down over them. They turned their nose up at him, rolling their eyes.

“Oh, lighten up, sour grape,” Vulgora drawled, finally releasing Donna as Vlastomil pet through their hair. They were swooning, trying to heave in more air. The heat of the water made it harder to breathe, their heart hammering in their ears. Still, a wide smile was already on Donna’s face as they spread their legs wider under the water, subtly stroking themself on Vlastomil's thigh. “Everyone here is having fun but you. And you wonder why we don’t want you here?”

Valerius pouted, his cheeks stinging. Volta tugged at his shirt sleeve, sheepishly offering him a robe. Rolling his eyes, he turned before beginning to strip.

“Aw, no show for us, consul?” Vlastomil called out to him as he changed his and Donna’s positions; he sat and balanced them on his lap, facing Donna towards himself. Vulgora moved to stand behind them, keeping their hands close to their neck as they dragged their teeth over Donna's shoulders. It was clear that Donna was trying to hold back their moaning—and was failing. Valdemar had taken a strand of Donna’s hair, noting every subtle color shift as Vlastomil bounced them in his lap. “So sorry that annoying ex-count isn’t here. Perhaps then you would feel more motivated, hmm?”

“ You—! ” Valerius whipped around, pointing an accusatory finger at the man before he bit down on his tongue. Gods, Donna looked so good like that, clearly blissful as Vulgora nipped their neck, Vlastomil’s large, thin hands cupping under their breasts. Their head lolled to the side as Vulgora once again began to choke them, this time much slower, methodical even. Valdemar was looking back at him, a wicked gleam to their eyes as they grinned up at him. Huffing, Valerius shook his hair out from its braid, glaring at the group as Volta sat back down at the bath’s edge next to Valdemar. She watched the trio intently, an obvious blush on her face.

Seeing as all the attention was on Donna, Valerius quickly stripped off and folded the rest of his clothing. Only Valdemar was staring at him, and he chose to ignore their burning stare.

“You’re erect already.”

“I’m aware.”

“Tell me, does seeing your lover getting fondled by your coworkers turn you on?” Valdemar seemed to have choked on the word “lover,” which would have been funnier if Valerius wasn’t being engulfed by a wave of shame. “Would it be more alluring if it was a group of say strangers? Or does knowing the parties give it a certain… edge?”

“You… It isn’t—”

“You didn’t want Valerius here to kill the mood, yet you all have Doctor Sex Ed narrating for us in the dryest way possible?” Donna suddenly cut in, their voice hoarse and a bit shaky. Valdemar’s head snapped to them, their mouth a thin line. Valerius giggled, always elated at how quickly his Donna would come to his defense. He flipped his hair over his shoulder as he stepped to join Volta’s side, glaring over her shoulder at the quaestor.

“Oh? Is the little duckling upset the attention wasn’t on them for once?” Valdemar leaned closer to Donna, pulling their hair harder. They yelped, shifting on Vlastomil’s lap. They felt the ridges of his erection pushing up against them; they shivered, hissing as Valdemar yanked their hair again. “Okay, we can play this game; I love games. Tell me, then: does screwing older men do something special to you? Is there a certain thrill to being on the lap of someone not twice but possibly thrice your age?”

“Oh fuck off , Valdemar—”

“They do have a point, wormlet,” Vlastomil purred, licking up the water on Donna’s breasts, flicking his tongue over their nipple. They gasped, crying out as Vulgora squeezed the meat of their hips, digging their nails into their skin. “I’ve met that horrid man you called a lover before. He’s a bit old for you, no?”

“Like this little slut cares about any of that,” Vulgora huffed into Donna’s neck. “They don’t care about age or how someone looks—if they can get a quick fuck, they’ll take it .”

Donna all but screamed as Vulgora bit down on their throat; their hands shot to Vlastomil’s shoulders, their nails digging into him as he laughed into their tits. Their head was swimming; they thought they could feel their heartbeat down south, their entire body on fire and yearning . Gods, they hated when these assholes were right , and yet they couldn’t even form a retort to anything they had said.

Valerius was silent, his eyes wide as he watched them all. Volta was eyeing him up curiously as she bit into a pear. His erection looked painful , and yet he wasn’t touching himself at all, instead digging his own nails into his thighs to the point that she feared they would be bruised. Donna was shrieking and gasping as Vulgora and Vlastomil toyed with them, each biting and pinching every tender spot on them. Valdemar prodded them the entire time, their back to Volta and Valerius as they happily taunted the poor scribe.

“Volta cannot tell if you are enjoying yourself or are upset, consul,” Volta whispered, a strange air of glee tinging her words. This snapped Valerius back to reality. He had been so consumed with his own thoughts, he had forgotten he was even there to begin with. Bashful, he tried to hide his erection with the robe.

“I… I am fine, I just…”

“You seem faint. Here, have this,” Volta plucked out a cherry from the basket, offering it up for Valerius to take. However, she pulled it away from him when he tried to reach for it with his hand. Stunned, he blinked at the woman as she only smiled at him.

Oh ?

Lowering his glare, Valerius leaned forward, opening his mouth as he inched closer. Volta’s smile grew wider as she pulled the cherry away again, just as he was about to make contact with his lips. He huffed, his original annoyance now replaced with something else . Since when had Volta ever been… this coy ? Normally, she was just a feeble little thing, but this sudden switch was not unwelcomed at all. For a brief moment, Valerius wondered if it was all a ruse, if this was finally her moment to let her mask slip.

“What’s wrong, Consul? Volta is just trying to help.”

Volta all but squealed as Valerius lurched forward, practically fumbling into her lap as he caught the cherry into his mouth, making a point of sucking on her fingers as he pulled back with an audible pop. She giggled, nudging the basket closer as she settled neatly into his lap instead; she was shorter than Donna and much lither; it was like she was barely there. Still, he shuddered as she rubbed her ass against his skin. His hands landed on the small of her back, keeping her close as she fished out another fruit to taunt him with.

“You… You knew I was going to follow you. You knew from the beginning, didn’t you?”

“Volta doesn’t know what you are talking about, sour grape . Here!” Volta shushed him by pushing a rather fat grape between Valerius’s pursed lips. “Much better. Have another.” Valerius squirmed as he was practically force-fed different fruits. Juice and pulp tickled his chin and cheeks as Volta giggled. He all but melted when she licked the growing mess away, humming as she did. Any time he tried speaking up, she would silence him again, wiggling her hips as he struggled to swallow. “The consul should be happy he gets to sample this food—Volta does not like to share.”

As Valerius struggled to grasp exactly what was happening to him, Donna was struggling to swallow down Vlastomil’s absurdly long tongue. He licked their lips and mouth with little care, moaning as Donna whined and pretended to try to inch away from his mouth. Vulgora was steadily pumping their cock against Donna’s ass, keeping an arm around Donna’s neck to hold them in place. They would flex their muscles at random, cackling at the way Donna would choke and sputter.

“P-Ple ase , I cah… can’t breathe!”

“I do not understand why you feel the need to declare the obvious,” Valdemar mused, resting their chin in the palm of their hand as they studied the scene intently. “Besides, we all know erotic asphyxiation is one of your many fetishes.”

“Who’s the one… the one declaring the obvious?” Donna slurred, shoving Vlastomil’s face away just to glare at Valdemar. Valdemar glared back, pouting for a moment before their expression turned neutral.

Donna didn’t like that.

In an instant, Valdemar slipped into the water, going under the water as Donna struggled in Vlastomil’s and Vulgora’s embraces. However, there was nothing to be done; in an instant, Valdemar was on them, easily pulling them away and under with them. Valerius tried to turn his attention back to them, panic ringing alarm bells in his head. However, Volta, kept him seated, putting all her weight down on him as she pinched his face in her small hand, cooing down at him.

As quickly as they pulled Donna under, Valdemar released them, hooking their arms behind their back as Valdemar allowed them the liberty to catch their breath.

“You have tried my patience far too much, duckling. My original theory was that you were a “service sub,” but it’s clear you’re nothing more than a sniveling brat .”

“Wow… You went to school to learn that or something? Studying up to impress everyone at the masquerade? That's cute.”

“I see you will never learn how to pick your battles. But you will find I am a strict teacher.”

“I thought you were a physician— fuck !” Donna screeched as their hair was pulled again, their head snapping back. Vulgora and Vlastomil had sunk down into the water, grinning ear to ear as they watched as tendril after tendril writhed from Valdemar’s back. Valdemar kept Donna’s head pulled back, forcing them to look into their eyes.

“Any more foolish remarks?” It was barely a whisper, Valdemar’s icy tone cutting through the heat of the water. Donna blinked up at them, their thoughts whirling.

“… So you’re not a physician or a teacher—you’re a squid?”

Valerius erupted in laughter, nearly choking on a peach slice as Volta giggled. Valdemar hissed , yanking on Donna’s hair one last time before they seized the smaller scribe with a cluster of slick tentacles. Donna gasped, wriggling as they were easily hefted out of the water. Shit . Valdemar tightened each tentacle around their arms, legs, and waist until it was near bruising. They pondered, briefly, how Valerius would explain to Nadia that they had been hate-fucked by a steaming tentacle demon before the night even started? Perhaps they should script something now, just to make sure she wouldn’t think too lowly of them—

“Hold on there, Valdemar,” Vlastomil interjected, rising up from the water. Donna nearly wept, a smile tugging on their lips. “The horrid little Pontifex and I were not finished there.”

“Geez… my knight in shining armor.” Donna groaned, though their words held less weight to it. They whimpered as Valdemar struck their thigh with a thinner tendril with a wet thwack.

“Well your real hero is a coward,” Vulgora sneered, rolling their eyes before glaring sharply at Valerius. He was too preoccupied keeping Volta balanced in his lap as she kissed and nipped his lips and cheeks. Donna slumped forward, already too exhausted to put up any more of a fight.

“What are you both proposing, then?” Valdemar sighed as they kept Donna suspended in the air. Idly, as if bored, they forced Donna’s legs open, keeping their hands pulled behind their back. There was an added layer of humiliation knowing Valdemar felt almost nothing from this display; meanwhile, Donna could hardly breathe at being exposed like this, at feeling all those eyes glued to their sex.

“Lower them a bit,” Vlastomil continued, threading his long fingers together. Shrugging, Valdemar used more tendrils to bend and bind Donna’s legs, dipping them so only their knees were submerged in the water. Donna whined, gritting their teeth as the three courtiers enclosed them. Now their ass was on fully display, and the rising heat of the water was making it harder and harder to think clearly. They could only focus on those eyes, gods all those eyes, and those smiles all on them.

“I take it that, ah… sorry , is a bit too late, huh, V?”

“ Very late, duckling. But I suspect you’ll enjoy this anyway—actually, it will be quite intriguing to watch you reach orgasm over such torture.”

Volta perked up, turning her head back to look at the scene behind her, finally allowing Valerius to wheeze and catch his breath.

“ Gods, woman, you are insatiable —”

“Your beloved is about to be thoroughly debauched, consul,” Volta said so flatly that Valerius hardly registered it. But hearing his Donna screech as Vulgora laid a rather heavy slap to their ass brought him back to reality.

“Donatello—!”

“Is perfectly fine! But let us join them, quickly now, before all the fun is over!”

Volta easily shimmied off of Valerius’s lap and into the bath; she glanced back at him to grin before sweeping over to peer from behind Vulgora’s back. Valerius hissed as he submerged himself in the hot water, quickly sloshing to the scene at hand.

Donna was gritting their teeth as Vulgora delivered another harsh slap to their ass. They could hardly focus on the shooting sting as their breasts were again being fondled by Vlastomil, a lecherous smile on his face as their face twisted between pain and pleasure.

“Tell me, Donna, does it hurt more when Vulgora spanks you now that your skin is wet? I have heard it stings more this way.”

“F-Feels… like a little mosquito bit— Ow! ”

“Feels like a what?”

“ Fuck you !”

“Language, wormlet. You’ll make Valerius faint.” Vlastomil cooed, voice oozing with a tingling sweetness. Donna groaned, shutting their eyes as another strike was dealt, this time harder and at the very seat of their rear. They were too focused on bracing themself for the next slap that they didn't notice the way the skin around Vlastomil’s arms shifted, at the new, creeping appendages looming closer to their mouth. Valerius opened his mouth to speak (or more likely insult the demon), but one of Valdemar’s own tentacles slapped across his lips, silencing him.

“Tut tut, Consul,” Valdemar cooed, wagging a finger at Valerius. All too easily, several tentacles reached for him next, easily dragging him to their side. Valerius screeched into the inky mass over his lips, wriggling in their slick embrace. “Your role in this is to watch , nothing more and nothing less.”

Whimpering, Valerius tried one final time to break free before slumping his shoulders in defeat. Satisfied, Valdemar hefted him out of the water next, mindlessly running each of their tendrils over every inch of Valerius’s body, paying no mind to the way he whined and struggled.

Donna was not better off; they could hardly speak, hardly think , as Vulgora shifted their tactics to running their thick fingers between their lips, laughing as they rubbed angry circles at their clit as Volta too eagerly scratched her sharp nails over their flushed ass. Despite wanting to scream, they could only let out muffled groans as Vlastomil roughly fucked their mouth with both of his slimy tendrils, using his actual hands to grope and pinch their breasts. Donna refused to think of the word “wormy,” though that would be a better description; they kept their eyes shut tight as they were filled on both ends, stray tears coating their lashes as they moaned helplessly. This was quite the humiliating defeat, and the night hadn't even started.

“Look at you, wriggling like a little worm for me,” Vlastomil breathed out, punctuating his sentence by twisting both of their nipples. Donna screeched around his tendrils, trembling as Vulgora pressed their fingers deeper between their lips. “I don’t see why you put up such a struggle every time. Your bratty attitude is easily thwarted.”

“Emphasis on easy , bug,” Vulgora spat, giving Donna’s ass another hard slap before they bit down on one of their cheeks. Donna screamed again, thrashing as Valdemar tightened their tentacles around them; Donna could feel them pulsating over their skin, the sensation clouding their thoughts more and sending an even more aggressive tingle between their legs.

It didn’t take long before Vulgora was slipping two of their thick fingers inside of them; Donna arched back into them, wincing at the fullness. Volta moved to stand behind Vulgora, reaching for their erection and cooing private praises to them as they roughly fingered Donna. Donna moaned loudly around the tendrils in their mouth, their eyes shut tight as they subconsciously rocked with the rhythm Vulgora had set. They couldn’t see that Vlastomil was touching himself now too, keeping one hand to Donna’s throat as he fucked their mouth.

“Look at that, consul,” Valdemar drawled, pulling Valerius closer to their side. He twisted away from them, his face flushed. “See how your little lover so readily gives themself to us? I must know, in as much detail as you can muster, what about this turns you on? Do you wish to be Donna right now? Or do you wish you were in Vlastomil’s place, or even Vulgora’s? Or is it something else entirely?”

As they spoke, they removed the tentacle from Valerius’s mouth. He sputtered and spit out the residue it left on his lips, gritting his teeth as more tendrils slipped between his legs, tightening around the base of his erection. Gods, it hurt, but he knew already Valdemar would never let him finish. They had made that extremely clear.

“I don’t… have to… answer you .”

“You two are made for one another, truly.” Clicking their tongue, Valdemar bent Valerius forward. They closed their eyes as if they were contemplating something as they used their tentacles to spank his ass ruthlessly; perhaps they were savoring the screeches he had let out, the wonderful noises of pain they were so eager for. Or perhaps they were thinking of something else entirely—it was hard to say.

“ Stop it! No! ”

“You can make it stop very easily.”

“I don’t… I can’t— Ow! Ow!— answer you!” Valerius sounded near tears as he kicked his legs, the conflicting feelings of being spanked mixing with those slick tendrils wrapping around the head of his cock. Stars, what a tease.

“You don’t know what you want? How curious. And entirely unbelievable.”

“ You’re unbelievable— Ack! ”

Valdemar only giggled, bouncing Valerius a bit in the air as they struck out at him over and over. His shouting mixed with Donna’s muffled moans and cries; that they could savor, that’s what made any of this tolerable: sweet humiliation and even sweeter pain. They would prefer something a little less human , but they could always indulge in more fun distractions later.

“Your torture is completely self-imposed,” Valdemar yawned as they stretched out their neck. “Just answer my question, and it stops.”

“It’s both! It’s neither, I— gods , what more do you wa-ant from me?”

“So it is the fantasy, then? Your imagination runs wild seeing your lover all beaten and groped? You both envy them and wish to hurt them—is that it?”

Valerius let out a pathetic sob, kicking his legs once again as he could only shake his head. Gods, he just wanted to cum, he really just needed to cum.

“That slut is never going to answer you, Valdemar,” Vulgora finally piped up, their voice huskier as Volta stroked them under the water. “Just like this slut can’t say anything either, even if their mouth wasn’t being fucked.”

“Ooh, and what a lovely mouth it is, ” Vlastomil panted, twisting his tendrils between Donna’s waiting lips. Their tongue swirled between the two of them, drool dripping from their bottom lip as they groaned around them. Their eyes were glazed over, the roots of their hair beginning to swirl with a mix of colors; they were gone, everyone could tell, and they loved every moment of it.

It didn’t take much else for the trio to each reach their climaxes; Vulgora came first with a loud shout as they dug their teeth back into Donna’s ass; Volta squeezed them under the water, giggling as she watched their spent mix in with the water. Vlastomil was close behind them, hissing in Donna’s face as they moaned into his. He withdrew his tendrils from their mouth, slowly shifting into a form that was more human.

Valerius watched on, his eyes half-lidded, as he watched Donna writhed and whimpered, crying as Vulgora curled their fingers, finally, just where they needed them. Fuck, he wanted to be them so badly. Or maybe it was the opposite? Gods, he would never be able to answer.

“More, please, more !” They babbled, the colors in their hair growing more and more abstract and blurred. Valdemar slid their own tentacles all over their body, squeezing their breasts, their thighs, their neck. It was all too much; all those eyes on them, that ruthless pace Vulgora had set, the musky taste still in their mouth. They came with a loud, shrill scream, their toes curling and legs stiffening.

All at once, Valdemar withdrew their tentacles, a wide, satisfied smile on their face. Both Donna and Valerius were dropped unceremoniously into the water; Valerius, despite how fuzzy his own head was, quickly joined their side, taking them in his arms as he looked over their neck and face.

“Pretty boy to save the day,” Vulgora chuckled, sitting back near the wall of the bath with Volta in their lap. Vlastomil was close behind, nearly completely submerged into the water, too content to speak anymore.

Valerius only glared at them; he could barely think of a good enough insult to utter. Only Valdemar hung close to them both, peering over Valerius’s shoulder as Donna easily settled into his arms. They grabbed a piece of their hair in a swift motion before Valerius could stop them.

“How curious. Next time we play, I must have them unconscious. I wonder if the body will still respond this way if the mind is not aware?”

“You… You are impossible.”

Valdemar tilted their head, their smile still wide on their face as they blinked at Valerius. Donna only swatted their hand away, grunting something intelligible to them.

“I may be impossible,” Valdemar stared as they ran their fingers through Valerius’s hair next. He shuddered; their fingers, despite the heat of the water, were icy cold. “But you two are late.”

Valdemar laughed at Valerius’s grave expression; he looked even paler, his expression falling.

“I… What?”

“While Donna was screaming, I heard a clock chime. The masquerade will be happening very soon. It’s lovely to see you two have so much free time this year. You are always welcome to spend it with us , your fellow courtiers, Valerius.”

But Valerius was already dragging Donna away, cursing all of them as he practically was pushing them out of the water. Donna could only follow him blindly, their body heavy and eyelids heavier.

“This is not over!” He shouted back to them, trying to keep his voice sturdy and angry. His only response was a collection of laughter; it followed him as he bolted out the door, Donna’s wet feet slapping behind him.

#bottom writes #lemon #vesuviaafterdark #midsummer mask 2022 #the arcana courtiers #fan apprentice donna #donna x valerius #donna x the courtiers #i would apologize for the length but this is truly just. what my brain has been producing this year dsifhgfdgh

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