#hood: oasis flats | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

apratments · 4 months

Text

Top Amenities for Every Resident at SOBHA Neopolis

Sobha Neopolis apartment complex is spread over 25 acres. This luxury gated community has over 65 amenities for all age groups. These amenities are thoughtfully curated into four zones — ensuring something for everyone at SOBHA Panathur Road.

One of India’s leading real estate developers developed a landmark residential complex in East Bangalore, SOBHA Neopolis Panathur Road. This gated community of luxury apartments was launched by SOBHA Limited and is designed with modern living spaces and curated amenities. Residents can expect an elevated lifestyle here — with Greek-themed homes, sustainable features, amenities for all age groups, and proximity to IT parks.

Well-planned green areas, sports amenities, parks, pergolas, and walkways adorn the open spaces in SOBHA Neopolis. Individuals and families need to stay in the project to enjoy these facilities. Additionally, shopping areas and reputed educational & healthcare institutions are located near this apartment complex.

SOBHA Limited designed the project with world-class quality, architectural themes, and excellence in construction in mind. No wonder the launch of this highly anticipated project was quite successful, with hundreds of homes getting booked within a few days. SOBHA Neopolis Panathur Road is expected to become a landmark in Bangalore’s residential real estate, thanks to its dedication to excellence & its commitment to creating an opulent, fulfilling lifestyle for its customers.

Importance of Amenities in Luxury Residential Living

In India, amenities are one of the significant differences between regular flats and well-planned apartment complexes. The difference becomes more pronounced in large gated communities.

In luxury residential living, amenities transcend mere convenience; they are an oasis of relaxation, recreation, and wellness — fostering a balanced life. For example, state-of-the-art fitness centers help residents achieve their fitness goals, opulent clubhouses help them form social connections and host important events, and modern technology & security systems ensure peace of mind.

Amenities go beyond opulence and foster a sense of community by encouraging social interaction and contributing to creating a close-knit neighbour hood. Community bonds are formed when families and individuals perform activities together — amidst impeccably landscaped gardens, sparkling water bodies, and curated social spaces. For instance, office goers can play an invigorating game of tennis after their workday ends, while children can make friends in the play area, skating rink, or cycling track.

Amenities offer thoughtfully designed spaces with purpose and tranquillity in an urban setting. An escape from the bustling city life, amenities create a sanctuary of comfort and exclusivity for residents. These indulgences aren’t mere additions to the residential project; they are essential facets that enrich lifestyles, elevating them beyond the ordinary.

SOBHA Neopolis Amenities — A Summary

At SOBHA Neopolis, over 65 amenities across four distinct zones are curated for all age groups — from toddlers to seniors. Residents can pursue their interests at the Recreational Zone and celebrate amidst verdant greenery at Park & Plaza. Individuals and families alike can follow a healthy lifestyle at Active Zone, while kids can indulge in diverse activities at Kids’Kids’ Zone amidst enhanced safety. This luxury apartment complex offers many spaces for workshops & classes and areas to host cultural & community events.

5 Types of Amenities Available at SOBHA Neopolis

Active Amenities

SOBHA Neopolis benefits from multiple amenities for active living — including swimming pools, fitness centers, wellness facilities, and more. From intense workouts to serene meditation sessions, many health & wellness activities will keep residents healthy and recharged at all times. Here’s a detailed list of amenities in this Zone: Reflexology Walk, Basketball Court, Jogging Park, Fitness Corner, Activity Field, Grecian Trail, Leisure Pool, Tennis Court, and Indoor and outdoor Swimming Pools.

Swimming pools, gyms, basketball, and tennis courts are integral in helping families prioritize fitness amidst busy lives. Swimming is a full-body workout that supports cardiovascular health and is suitable for all ages. The well-equipped gyms at SOBHA Panathur Road cater to varied requirements, such as strength training, cardio, group classes, and more. Team sports such as basketball and tennis encourage community bonding and enhance agility & coordination.

This Zone is the ideal antidote to sedentary lifestyles and long-term stress typical of today’s urban lives. These amenities in still healthy habits in individuals & families, foster a culture of fitness & well-being, and help counter lifestyle-related health issues prevalent today.

Recreational Spaces

Handpicked recreational amenities at this Zone will enable SOBHA Neopolis residents to pursue their interests in the company of like-minded individuals. Varied activities like reading, open-air dining, relaxing by the water bodies, catching up with friends & family by bonfires, and watching favourite movies & series can be pursued at the clubhouses and community gathering areas.

Spread over 77,850 sq ft, the three clubhouses feature Santorini architecture characterized by vibrant blues and whites. Pristine water bodies and the finest indoor pastimes make these clubs the epitome of luxury. Residents can experience unique community living and socialize over various indulgences designed for all ages.

At Club Santorini, Club Athinios, and Club Syros, the amenities include a multifunctional hall, salon, spa, indoor play area for kids, coffee shop, restaurant, mini theatre, indoor games, coworking space, conference room, hobby room, banquet kitchen, banquet store, laundromat, banquet hall, necessities store, guest rooms, creche, clinic.

Other recreational amenities at SOBHA Neopolis are Santorini Village, Meandering Pool, Floating Deck, Eco Pond, Seniors Corner, Bonfire Court, Meditation Pads, Bio Pond, and more. Santorini Village is a unique space with multi-level decks, dome gazebos, a postcard alley, and a canopy dining area. Residents can enjoy al-fresco brunches and take photos in this area with their near & dear ones. While kids can spend time at the play area & activity lawn, elders can enjoy delicacies at the open kiosks and shop at the flea markets.

Children’s Play Zones and Parks

SOBHA Neopolis benefits kids of all ages — from toddlers to teenagers — as they can enjoy varied activities. Since all these amenities are located in areas where vehicles are not allowed, the safety of children is enhanced. A notable feature of this luxury gated community is Water Park, which is rarely seen anywhere in apartment complexes. The little ones will have a great time with their friends at the water slides, kids’ kids’ pool, play decks, and splash pool with fountain jets. At SOBHA Neopolis, the list of amenities for kids includes Aqua Park, Toddlers’ Toddlers’ Pad, Cycling Track, Skating Lane, Play Park, and more.

Green Spaces and Landscaping

A special mention must be made of the Park & Plaza zone, a respite from the concrete jungle that usually characterizes our cities. At SOBHA Neopolis, multiple green spaces host amenities that bring residents closer to nature. The outdoors comes alive with dense foliage, water cascades, pathways, lawns, theaters, and gardens. Couples can indulge in stargazing, families can celebrate festivals together, friends within the gated community can organize gatherings, officegoers can work from nature, and seniors can take leisurely walks.

There’s a long list of amenities in this Zone, including Entrance Plaza, Fiesta Park, Portico, Amphitheatre, Olympus Plaza, BBQ & Picnic Park, Celebration Lawn, Pergola Trail, Outdoor Workspace, Cascading Waters, Foliage Cross, and Moon Garden. A glimpse of these amenities can be found in the Entrance Plaza, which also has a spiral staircase, a clock tower, and a telescope that can be used to gaze at stars, planets, comets, and more. The centrally located Olympus Plaza is designed with grand steps and water cascades. Inspired by the Parthenon of Acropolis, this space features columns in a graceful arc. In Bangalore’s bustling and ever-expanding city, amenities such as lush gardens, landscaped areas, walking trails, jogging tracks, picnic spots, and outdoor seating hold immense significance. These sanctuaries of serenity offer residents a retreat amidst the urban chaos — improving mental well-being and enhancing their connection with nature.

From enabling active lifestyles to creating avenues for socializing and community bonding, these green spaces strike the right balance between the reality of urban life and the calming embrace of nature, which is a necessity. Thanks to these thoughtfully designed and carefully located amenities, SOBHA Neopolis is a holistic haven that offers an elevated quality of life.

Security and Safety Features

While finalizing one’s residence, some of the most critical parameters are the presence of 24/7 security personnel, measures taken to ensure surveillance, and access control for entry & exit of visitors. SOBHA Neopolis features related to safety & security provide peace of mind for its residents. From alert security personnel to 24/7 monitoring and stringent access control, this apartment complex has all systems & processes in place to enhance the safety & security of the numerous families and individuals residing within its premises.

Additionally, regular maintenance and housekeeping services ensure cleanliness & aesthetics and preserve property value. Timely upkeep enhances living standards and creates a sense of resident satisfaction, contributing to this community’s harmony.

Sustainability Initiatives

At SOBHA Limited, sustainability is a way of life. The company has yet to leave any stone unturned in ensuring that SOBHA Neopolis features are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. At the home level, design features such as large windows help reduce lighting-related energy consumption. Advanced rainwater harvesting techniques help conserve water resources at the gated community level.

Moreover, recycled water is used in gardening and bathrooms, reducing the strain on groundwater and ensuring responsible water usage. At SOBHA Neopolis, clean power is generated through solar panels — this helps reduce carbon emissions and the dependence on power sources that are harmful to the planet in the long run. Close to 78% of the project is open spaces — verdant greenery & many green spaces help residents experience organic living & biodiversity.

Conclusion

Every resident at SOBHA Neopolis will be spoilt for choice regarding indulgences and experiences. Over 65 amenities are curated for all age groups — ensuring that multiple activities, hobbies, or necessities can be fulfilled anytime for anyone from a toddler to a teenager.

With active, recreational, kids, and green themes, these amenities offer individuals, couples, and families a holistic lifestyle. Residents, guests, friends, and extended families can revel in luxurious living experiences at SOBHA Neopolis — thanks to the thoughtfully designed world-class amenities.

To know more about SOBHA Neopolis and its amenities

RELATED ARTICLE Sobha Neopolis

0 notes

vancouverkitchenrenovation · 1 year

Text

Design Ideas For Outdoor Kitchens

The best outdoor kitchens are built around a masonry base of stone or brick. A traditional masonry base with a running bond brick pattern is a timeless option. Other options include natural stone, retractable roofs, and Design-your-own sets. There are many different outdoor kitchen designs to choose from. Depending on your tastes, you can build a small or large outdoor kitchen that is accessible and attractive. However, there are several things you should remember when building an outdoor kitchen.

Design-your-own set

For those who are new to outdoor kitchens, there are a few things to consider when choosing a design. First, check building codes and consider the amount of space you have. Also, consider how many people you will be entertaining. Using a design tool is helpful to avoid mistakes and help you plan your budget. You can find several online design tools, and even make your own, depending on what you like and need.

Galley-style designs

If you want to add a gourmet touch to your backyard patio, consider a galley-style design. This style allows natural light to stream in from the adjacent room, and the cabinetry and built-in hood vent extend to the ceiling. The sleek, light-colored palette keeps the space feeling airy and spacious. It also allows for plenty of storage space. This design is the perfect solution for a small patio.

Natural stone

If you want to make the best use of the space you have outside, consider using natural stone for your outdoor kitchen. These stones are available in various prices and can be used for grills, fire pits, and barbecues. Depending on the size, the cost of natural stone for outdoor kitchens can range anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot. Flagstone, for example, is a natural stone that is often found in the Southwest and is best used for walkways and patios. Its thin, flat surface and regular pattern make it an ideal choice for outdoor kitchens. Another type of natural stone for outdoor kitchens is ledge stone, which is a stacked rock with irregular shapes.

Retractable roofs

Retractable roofs for outdoor kitchens are a great way to enjoy your outdoors year-round. A retractable roof allows you to have total access to your kitchen while still enjoying all of the elements. With the right installation and a retractable roof system, you can create a functional outdoor oasis for all weather conditions. Here are some tips to help you decide which type of pergola or retractable roof system is right for your outdoor kitchen.

Pergolas

Besides traditional cooking stations, an outdoor kitchen can also be a lounge deck, complete with a table and lounge chairs. For protection from the sun and rain, pergolas with retractable awnings are an excellent choice. They can be manually operated or motorised. Pergolas can be fixed or freestanding, and can be built just about anywhere. Pergolas are a great addition to any outdoor space, and they can also be used as a patio cover. Outdoor kitchens can be installed safely above awnings, but make sure to keep the flues well away from the heat source, such as the roof.

Pizza ovens

A growing trend among people looking for ways to add fun and excitement to their outdoor kitchen is the addition of a pizza oven. This appliance is a fun twist on a traditional barbeque experience and is great for grilling, roasting chicken, baking cookies, and more. If you’re looking for a unique way to entertain, a pizza oven may be the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen. Listed below are the benefits of purchasing a pizza oven for your outdoor kitchen.

Fire pits

A fire pit is a perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen. While many people use gas fire pits for their outdoor kitchens, you can choose a natural stone or wood pit if you prefer. The experts at Decker will meet with you to discuss your ideas and take measurements of your space to ensure the perfect placement of your fire pit. Fire pits are a great way to add ambiance and warmth to your outdoor kitchen.

.video-container {position: relative;padding-bottom: 56.25%;padding-top: 1px; height: 0; overflow: hidden;} .video-container iframe, .video-container object, .video-container embed {position: absolute;top: 0;LEFT: 0;width: 100%;height: 100%;}

youtube

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and plays a significant role in determining its overall appeal. If yours feels outdated or dated, you may feel less motivated to spend time cooking and eating in it. That’s why Vancouver kitchen Renovation is proud to bring you a Kitchen Design and Renovation package that will transform your space into something truly timeless and functional. Our Kitchen Design and Renovation packages will create a space that reflects your lifestyle and personality and gives you everything you need to cook delicious meals and entertain guests.

We understand that to be successful is to stay ahead of the curve. That means staying current with the latest technology and design trends. We always want to improve our products or services without breaking the bank. That’s why we stay connected to the latest technologies of NKBA, National Kitchen and Bath Association. In addition, at Vancouver Kitchen renovation, our primary focus is providing sustainable kitchen design and renovation packages, and we believe in sustainable living. Sustainable living is a way of life in harmony with nature. It is a lifestyle which focuses on the preservation of our environment. Sustainable living is a philosophy emphasizing respect for the environment and concern for its well-being. This means we should take care of the planet and treat it as if it were our home. We should try to preserve what we have and protect it from destruction. If we do this, we will enjoy the benefits of the earth’s resources for many generations. Whether you’re planning a major remodel or adding finishing touches to your current kitchen, we’d love to discuss your project. Book your showroom consultation online.

Main Areas of Service in British Columbia:

Vancouver

North Vancouver

West Vancouver

Burnaby

Coquitlam

Squamish

Whistler

Frequently Asked Questions

Should cabinets be lighter/dimmer than walls?

There are no set rules. This is a completely personal decision that will depend on your kitchen’s style, size, and shape. It is possible for dark cabinets to make your kitchen seem smaller or more cramped if it is small. The space will feel brighter and larger if you have lighter cabinets.

A large kitchen can be made more intimate by using dark cabinets. Lighter cabinets will allow the space to feel larger and open.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what look and feel you want for your kitchen and choose the cabinet colour that will help you achieve that. You can consult a professional to help you make the best decisions for your space.

What are the attributes of an ideal kitchen?

An ideal kitchen has plenty of storage space and should be large enough to accommodate cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and other activities. A well-designed, functional kitchen is also easy to access natural light and ventilation.

Where do I start when I want a new kitchen?

It is a good idea to begin by creating a list with your requirements and wants. This will enable you to communicate with potential remodelers and contractors.

– Budget: How much can you spend on your new kitchen?

– Size: How big is your kitchen? Are you planning to increase or decrease the size of your kitchen’s?

Layout: How is your kitchen laid out? Do you think it is necessary to modify the layout of your kitchen.

– Appliances: Which appliances would you like in your new kitchen?

– Storage. How will you store all your food in your new Kitchen?

– Style: What type of kitchen do you desire? Traditional, contemporary, rustic, etc.

– Colors – What colors would you like to see in your new kitchen’s design?

Now you are ready to start planning your new kitchen.

Which place should a fridge be located in the kitchen

The refrigerator should be located next to the sink to make it easy for people to access. You should place it so that it does not block traffic and is not too close to the stove.

Can a white kitchen be a good idea in Vancouver’s climate?

White kitchens are popular among homeowners in Vancouver because they brighten up the space and create a modern look. It’s important to use natural elements like wood, as we don’t have much sunlight in Metro Vancouver.

Planning a kitchen renovation?

There are many choices, no matter if you’re renovating an existing space, or building a dream kitchen.

Before you start, take some time to look online for inspiration. Seek inspiration by looking at pictures of kitchens. Note down design ideas. You can then use pen and paper to pinpoint exactly where each element should go.

Now think about ways you can improve on these spaces. What would you do differently? What would be your contribution? Ask someone who is an expert in your field to help you get creative.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want, it is time to get started. Start with the basics. Get rid of all unnecessary clutter. Take out appliances that aren’t used often. Replace old fixtures by newer ones.

Next, take a look at areas of your kitchen that are too small. This is where you need to find storage and countertops. Then think about how to make these places more useful. These spots could be turned into wine cellars, or pantries.

Lighting is also important. Is there an area that could be lit brighter? A wall sconce may be able to brighten dark corners.

Once you’ve completed your list of improvements, the fun part comes: implementing them!

Don’t worry if it’s not easy at first. Keep at it until you get it right. You will never be satisfied unless you love using it every day.

Do I really need to remodel my kitchen?

A kitchen remodel can be expensive so you need to make sure it’s right for your home. There are many factors to consider when deciding to remodel, including the age and condition of your current kitchen, your family’s needs and lifestyle, and your budget.

Remodeling can be a great idea to bring your kitchen up-to-date and make it more useful. If you have a growing family, a remodel can add storage or counter space. A well-designed kitchen will add value to your home.

A kitchen remodel is sometimes not the best option. It doesn’t make sense to renovate your kitchen if it is in good condition. Instead, focus on making small changes that will improve the look and feel of the space without breaking the bank.

How do you decide if a kitchen renovation is right for your needs? Here are some questions that you can ask:

Is your current kitchen functional? Remodeling can be a great option if your kitchen is outdated, inefficiently stored, or not functional.

Is your kitchen in desperate need of repairs? You may need to remodel your kitchen if your cabinets are deteriorating or your appliances are out of date. To fix these issues, a full kitchen remodel is likely to be required.

Do you want to add value to your home? You may be looking to sell or upgrade your kitchen. A well-designed kitchen can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and increase its resale value.

What’s your budget A kitchen remodel is expensive. You should set a realistic price range before you get started. When estimating your project’s total cost, make sure you include the costs of labor and permits.

If you answered “Yes” to any questions above, a kitchen remodel could be right for. To get started, talk to a professional contractor. You can create the kitchen of your dreams with careful planning and execution.

Statistics

In the Pacific region (Alaska, California, Washington, and Oregon), according to Remodeling Magazine, that same midrange central kitchen remodel jumps to $72,513, and a major upscale kitchen remodels jumps up $11,823 from the national average to $143,333. (hgtv.com)

It’s a fantastic thing about most home improvement projects: no matter the job. It often seems like the last 20% is the most difficult. (familyhandyman.com)

“We decided to strip and refinish our kitchen cabinets during a heat wave with 90-plus-degree temperatures and 90 percent humidity in a house with no air conditioning. (familyhandyman.com)

In large firms, the commission charged by the GC ranges from 15 to 25 percent of the total job cost. (thespruce.com)

Followed by cabinet cost, labour, and appliance costs consume 20 percent each of your budget. (hgtv.com)

External Links

homeguide.com

2022 Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator

2022 Home Addition Prices

hgtv.com

Choosing Kitchen Appliances | HGTV

HGTV

familyhandyman.com

Family Handyman

Create an Open, Craftsman-Style Kitchen (DIY)

thespruce.com

Open Floor Plan History, Pros, and Cons

Find professionals to estimate kitchen remodeling costs

How To

How Much Will Kitchen Remodeling Cost in 2022 These are 12 ways to save money

How much can you spend on a brand new kitchen? A kitchen renovation project can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on the size of your space and the features you choose. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, consider adding some upgrades to get top dollar at the market value.

Here are our top 12 ways to cut costs without compromising quality.

Get appliances secondhand

DIY projects

Repurpose old furniture

Use salvaged materials

To do the work, hire a professional

Donate your stuff

Sell online

Paint colours can be creative

Go green

Please keep it simple

Make it unique

Be flexible

The post Design Ideas For Outdoor Kitchens first appeared on Vancouver Kitchen Renovation.

source https://vancouverkitchenrenovation.com/kitchens/design-ideas-for-outdoor-kitchens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=design-ideas-for-outdoor-kitchens

0 notes

pyreo · 2 years

Photo

GW1 (2005) // GW2 (2017)

The Free City of Amnoon

Since the time Amnoon was just a few battered tents around a freshwater pool, pyramids have been built to honour the founding of a modern city, then left abandoned and crumbling. The city itself now has a market, fortifications, a water treatment plant, and a casino.

The space of original Amnoon is, yet again, underwater, identifiable by its hooded and cloaked statues which seemed to exist at the Oasis even before it was settled. Seeker’s Passage, where ghosts lived in secluded tents, has become Seeker’s Village, the first place in Elona the Commander visits. Amnoon itself expanded over a large part of the Salt Flats.

There was a huge statue collapsed in the sand at the Amnoon outskirts, none of which can be found, but the dipped pathway beside it can be seen as the modern day path of Amnoon’s river.

“I need to see for myself where Glint fell and inspired her Zephyrite followers to take to the skies.“ “(sigh) Fine. I'll make sure to record your intended destinations, so we can notify your next of kin.“

#gw1 #gw2 #guild wars time split

67 notes · View notes

passmeabook · 3 years

Text

Servamp Tarot Analysis: Kamiya Tsurugi

I’ve decided to do an analysis of the tarot cards in Servamp. Many of the meanings are taken straight from the books they were found in because I feel they explain the meaning of the trumps better than my own words could. I’m looking not only at the official tarot cards assigned to characters, but also headcanon unofficial cards that may have been quietly assigned by the author.

First up is Kamiya Tsurugi. The official card assigned to him in canon is The Hanged Man. In this analysis I will also share headcanons of how he has been unofficially assigned the cards of: Justice and Death.

The Hanged Man #12

Number: XII

Alternative Name: The Traitor

Numerology Link: III, The Empress

Astrological Sign: Neptune

Element: Water

Hebrew Letter: Mem

Symbol: Water and the Oceans

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

The Hanged Man XII

The Hanged Man Key Meanings:

Transition

Waiting

Sacrifice

Enlightenment

Upright Meaning:

“Events are not moving with speed, but all you can do is wait patiently in the knowledge that the universe has its own plan. The card can also indicate that you may have made sacrifices just now and are eager to see rewards. Unfortunately, you cannot force an outcome that fits with your timetable. There are many other factors about which you can have no knowledge or influence. Therefore, you may also expect delays to travel plans and projects… On a creative level this card appears frequently when a person is feeling frustration with their progress… Another message from the Hanged Man is to try to see things from a new angle.” (Dean).

“In readings the Hanged Man bears the message of independence. Like the Fool, which signified doing what you sensed was best, even if other people thought it foolish, the Hanged Man indicates being who you are, even if others think you have everything backwards. It symbolizes the feeling of being deeply connected to life and can mean a peace that comes after some difficult trial.” (Pollack.).

Feeling trapped

Confined

Self-limiting

Uncertainty

Lack of Direction

Needing Release

Letting Go

Reversed Meaning:

“The Hanged Man reversed can be a sign of rigid thinking and martyrdom. You may need to revise your expectations; what you think you want may not be possible. In this position, the card asks you if you are hanging on to a fantasy that may make you a victim rather than a victor. Take another view and liberate yourself from a contract or other obligation that cannot offer you what you want.” (Dean).

“The trump reversed indicates an inability to get free of social pressure. Rather than listen to our inner selves we do what others expect or demand of us. Our awareness of life always remains second-hand, never a direct experience but only a series of stereotypes, like the person who models his or her behavior on the orders of parents and the actions of movie stars. The card reversed can also mean fighting your inner self in some way. It can mean the person who tries to deny some basic part of himself or simply the person who cannot accept reality and who in some way or other is constantly battling life.” (Pollack.).

Discontentment

Apathy

Disinterest

Stagnation

Impulsiveness

Negative Patterns

Detachment

The Hanged Man understands that his position is a sacrifice he needed to make in order to progress forward. The time he spends dangling from the tree will not be wasted on his journey. The hanging is not death, but life in stillness. It could be a repentance for past wrongdoings or even a calculated step back to rethink the path he will take once he continues on with his journey. If an approach isn’t working then look at things from a different angle to gain a new perspective. This card is one that tells its reader that waiting and suspension are sometimes what you need to do in order to achieve success. Sometimes action is not needed, and one needs to wait patiently for the proper opportunity.

The Message of the Hanged Man:

Use your time wisely.

The Hanged Man & Numerology:

“TAROT SYMBOLISM: Key 12 The Hanged Man. The keyword for the Hanged Man is reversal. The corresponding symbol means oasis, sea, or water. According to the alchemists, water was the basis of all life, the fluid substance that solidified into physical forms… Water was the first mirror in which the reflection always appears upside down. The significance of this card is that things are not as they appear on the surface. You must look beneath the surface for true understanding. The man is suspended by his foot, like a pendulum at rest. His crossed legs form a figure 4, indicative of key 4 Reason. His elbows and head form a triangle with the point down which is an ancient symbol for water. The Hanged Man represents a person who is poised in consciousness and under perfect control… He sees trouble in the world--people unhappy in marriage, in trouble financially and lost because they have no goals--and he knows it is because they all see things upside down. Yet they look at him and think that he is the one who is crazy. The Hanged Man’s philosophy sets him apart from the crowd and, at the same time, brings him peace of mind and perfect contentment.” (Javane and Bunker.) [Emphasis mine.]

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

Looking at these meanings and ideas I find that Tsurugi very strongly if not perfectly embodies the Hanged Man.

I speculate that for a majority of the C3 arc Tsurugi is in the position of the reversed Hanged Man. The lines that really stood out to me while researching this were, “Rather than listen to our inner selves we do what others expect or demand of us.” and “In this position, the card asks you if you are hanging on to a fantasy that may make you a victim rather than a victor.” because they seem to fit Tsurugi so well. Tsurugi clings to Touma and the idea of family he idealized Touma as being. Tsurugi also does what others expect of him, and before his breaking away from Touma just did what others wanted him to do. Even in the TAROT SYMBOLISM section that I highlighted the line about things not appearing as they seem on the surface resonated with me about Tsurugi because despite Tsurugi’s smiles on the surface inwardly he has a lot of trauma.

The symbolism the Hanged Man has with the connections to water, the oceans, and the planet Neptune also tie into together with Tsurugi. Water as an element is related to the Cups suit. Cups/Water has the meaning of “I feel”; the suit focuses on emotions and relationships. The planet Neptune, the Roman name for Poseidon the Greek god of the seas, holds the symbolic meanings of: dreams, intuition, and imagination. Which negatively connects to Tsurugi and his inability to metaphorically grow up, dreams and imagination being viewed as childish, but also to his magic Neverland. In the series we’ve seen Tsurugi be visually connected to water rather directly. Both in his drowning before being saved by The Mother/Freya in Ch. 56 “A Windowless Room”/Ch. 57 “Born” and also in the bonus chapter Ch. 57.5 “The Person Searching for the Key” where Tsurugi is underwater behind his locked door. Tsurugi is also an incredibly emotional person, and has worked on coming to terms with his emotions and what he really feels instead of just doing as other people tell him too.

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

Tsurugi’s/The Hanged Man’s Dilemma:

A great showing of Tsurugi and his dilemma of choosing between the upright and the reversed meaning of The Hanged Man is in Ch. 52 where Tsurugi is caught between Touma and Junichiro in making his decision to follow Touma’s orders or to heed to Junichiro’s words.

In Ch. 52 we have the scene where Junichirou and Touma are asking Tsurugi to come to a decision. Tsurugi is physically in the position of the Hanged Man, but he’s divided down the middle into a black side and a white side. On the black side where Touma asks him, “Are you going to ignore what I say again?” Tsurugi’s hair follows the course of gravity as if he were standing up, his long length of ribbon does as well, and his hood lays flat against his shoulder. Compare this to the white side, Junichiro’s side: the background is white and Tsurugi’s hair, hood, and ribbon follow the path of gravity that they naturally would if Tsurugi were hanging upside down. This choosing of Touma, and of the reversed meaning of the Hanged Man, allows readers to see that Tsurugi is not following the upright meaning of the Hanged Man, and that his trump has yet to be flipped to the upright position.

In the side by side comparison Tsurugi’s collar is black on Junichiro’s side and white on Touma’s, but when Tsurugi chooses Touma the collar is black. The collar represents both control and Tsurugi allowing others to make decisions for him. The removal of the collar in Ch. 74 represents Tsurugi taking control of his personal agency and decision making.

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

Headcanon Tarot Analysis:

Tsurugi is directly portrayed as the Hanged Man in Ch. 50 “The Hanged Man”. The closest version visually of the Hanged Man as it is as a trump card is on the cover page of the chapter. Then we have another section in this chapter later on which portrays Tsurugi as both hero and criminal. Right before this Mahiru has just asked Tsurugi if he has been fighting to protect people all this time. Tsurugi denies this and instead tells Mahiru that to humans he is viewed as a hero, but to vampires he is viewed as a genocider.

What is fascinating is that visually he’s portrayed as physically being in the position of the hanged man, only as both lauded hero and condemned criminal. As the hero of humanity he’s in a upright Hanged Man position. As the criminal he is in a reversed Hanged Man position with a noose. Looking at the two side comparisons I feel that they both represent #11 Justice & #13 Death more so than the Hanged Man, “In the major arcana sequence, the Hanged Man falls after XI, Justice, and before XIII, Death. We had our values on trial in Justice, and now we must hold on until Death, when we can figuratively let go. Death brings transformation, while the Hanged Man prepares to make the sacrifice Death needs so he can move on.” (Dean)

Justice XI

Justice Key Meanings:

Fairness

Balance

Perception

Objectivity

With Tsurugi wearing a cape and a sword I feel it represents a reversed #11 Justice. Tsurugi’s hero is in the upright position for the Hanged Man, but in the reversed position for Justice. Trump XI portrays the personification of upright Justice on a throne with scales and a sword. Important to see is that the Justice trump is not blindfolded, her vision is clear. The scales held in her left hand represent favoring the deserving with the scales of mercy, and the upright sword in her right hand represents seeking retribution for past wrongs with the sword of retribution. The scales also symbolize the thought process put into making a judgement, and weighing both sides of a story. The sword symbolizes the action that results from judgement. The sword, when it is held upright, symbolizes success.

Tsurugi as a reversed Justice fits in many ways. Tsurugi, as an instrument for furthering Touma’s and C3’s plans, is furthering the goals of those that use him via corrupt justice. Vampires are captured we've seen, but are they given legal trials and do they have protected rights? From what we’ve seen of C3 I highly doubt it. Hence why he is in the position of reversed Justice. Tsurugi has often been connected to a sword, and his name can even mean “sword”, look at the sword of hero-Tsurugi. It is covered in blood, but Tsurugi’s arms are held behind his back. The blood on the sword is not boldly in your face, and is even a bit hidden behind Tsurugi and a speech bubble. Tsurugi does not hold the sword in his hand showing that he himself does not actively choose to to make any decisions with the sword, and instead I feel it represents Tsurugi's passivity and his following what others want and will of him. Later on we also see that when Touma manipulates Tsurugi with his spell power Tsurugi becomes blindfolded, and this is perhaps a symbolism of justice being both blind (traditionally) and blinded (corruption hiding the truth).

#11 Justice Reversed

“Reversed, the card indicates dishonesty with yourself and others. It shows an unwillingness to see the meaning of events and shows especially that you are missing some opportunity for a greater understanding of yourself and your life. In outer life it indicates dishonesty and unfair actions or decisions. Sometimes it is others who are unfair to us. The reversed meaning can refer also to unjust legal decisions or to bad treatment from someone. On the other hand we must not allow the suggestion of unfairness to act as an excuse for denying our own responsibility for what happens to us… ‘Nothing can save you but yourself.’” (Pollack.).

“Life goes out of balance as work, relationships, and money issues spiral out of control. A decision may go against you, so there may be dishonesty or a miscarriage of justice. You are treated unfairly, which is compounded by bad advice from a trusted individual. You are not able to speak your truth and feel overruled by those who don’t understand your predicament. It is important to find your voice and stay strong to your values- if you are in the right.” (Dean).

Death XIII

Death Key Meanings:

Decline

Rebirth

Transformations

Change

As the condemned criminal Tsurugi is in the reversed position of the Hanged Man, but he’s also in the upright position for Death. With Tsurugi wearing traditional black and white striped prisoner clothing and have a noose around his neck I feel this gives weight to the idea of connecting him to #13 Death. Tsurugi in this side comparison is on a scaffold. He wears the clothes of a criminal and he seems to be a minute away from hanging. Yet, the noose around his neck is loose. As the Hanged Man trump has told us, the Hanged Man is not going to die. Instead he is merely hanging around waiting. The trump card Death arrives after the Hanged Man as death follows a hanging. Only in the case of the Hanged Man this is a spiritual death and rebirth after a time of contemplation. The black and white colors Tsurugi wears are associated with Death in the thirteen trump. In the trump Death wears black armor and sits astride a white horse while holding a black and white flag in his left hand. The thirteen trump is associated with change, an extreme change in your life to be exact. When I read this page I see Tsurugi’s Reversed Justice representing who he is right now, and that his Upright Death represents that he needs to and will undergo a great change. Especially since the manga is written in Japanese and we read the pages from right to left.

#13 Death Upright

“In diviniatory readings Death signifies a time of change. Often, it indicates a fear of change. In its most positive aspect it shows a clearing away of old habits and rigidness to allow a new life to emerge. In its most negative aspect it indicates a crippling fear of physical death.” (Pollack.).

“Death brings ending and beginnings-sometimes all at once. This is a time of fast and deep transformation and an opportunity to let go of whatever you no longer need. Unlike card XX, Judgement, which signals a process of self-examination, Death’s impact is sudden and may be shocking. You have little control over external events when Death looms, but in time you will be able to see this sharp change in circumstances as a blessing. A break with the past-from relationships and friendships to work that is no longer satisfying-is the only way forward. In this sense, Death can be a release and a relief. Death, after all, is the ultimate reality check, and he leaves you with the bare bones, the truth.” (Dean).

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

These are the views I have on Tsurugi and his tarot cards. I also thought about him perhaps having reference to the Ace of Swords, him being C3′s Ace and his name relating to a sword, but just decided to focus on the major arcana for now. Maybe I’ll do another post about that at a later date. I had fun writing this. I hope to make more posts like this in the future, but if I do they will likely be very, very sporadic.

References:

Dean, Liz. The Ultimate Guide to Tarot: A Beginner's Guide to the Cards, Spreads, and Revealing the Mystery of the Tarot. Fair Winds Press, 2015.

Javane, Faith, and Dusty Bunker. Numerology and the Divine Triangle. Whitford Press, 1997.

Pollack, Rachel. Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom A Book of Tarot Part 1: The Major Arcana. Aquarian Press, 1980.

#servamp #kamiya tsurugi #servamp meta #servamp tarot analysis #tsurugi kamiya #servamp tarot

32 notes · View notes

heartmeadows · 3 months

Text

WIP mall for Oasis Flats

#mine #the sims 2 #sims 2 #ts2 #exterior #interior #ts2 build #ts2 community lot #hood: oasis flats #does it even look like a mall??? idk pls tell me #also what else would a mall have?#i have a restaurant and gamestore/archade #cafe spot and boba tea spot #what else??#clothing store probably #it's been ages since I was in a mall lmao

248 notes · View notes

writingamongtheroses-archive · 4 years

Text

Silence

OCtober from @oc-growth-and-development, Day 10: Silence

This is from Bad End, pre-Flower Queen Mabel, right before she sells her soul to the Beast

It was silent.

Mabel shifted, humming happily at the lack of noise. It took a minute before her brain caught up. That was wrong. It wasn’t supposed to be silent. She sat up, blinking sleep crust out of her eyes.

“Lennox...?”

The space next to her was empty. Snow was falling slowly, slowly enough that she could see the footprints. “Lennox!” She tried to scramble to her feet, only to fall onto her butt.

She looked down, letting out a shriek at the sight of branches weakly wrapping around her form. “Get off, get off, get off!” The branches broke easily under her struggles, leaking dark oil. With a noise of disgust, Mabel gave one final yank, falling flat on her face.

She peeled herself up, looking around frantically. “LENNOX!” Her voice rang in the silence. Mabel tried again to scramble to her feet, managing to succeed this time. Screaming her brother’s name, she followed the tracks. Caught in a desperate run, she couldn’t stop herself when she tripped over something.

Mabel let out an angry screech, looking up. She froze in realization that all the tracks had been covered by the faster snow. Stomach churning, she looked over her shoulder.

Lennox’s pack laid there, Halloween candy spilling out.

Mabel let out a wordless noise of despair, getting to her knees. Cold fingers wrapped around the strap, pulling it to her chest. She kneeled there in the snow, sobs starting to shake her form. It was silent as she knelt there in the snow, wrapped tight around a pack full of candy.

“MABEL! LENNOX! YOU GUYS!”

She looked up, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Audrey?” she called out, confusion coloring her tone. A crow above changed direction, landing in front of her.

“Mabel!” The enchanted girl said in relief. The relief in her eyes changed to worry as she looked around. “Where’s Lennox?”

“I- I don’t...” Something, something from what must’ve been a few minutes before her mad dash, made her freeze. “He...he said goodbye to me. I thought he was just having a dream!” Audrey opened her beak to respond when singing started.

It was the Beast’s song.

Mabel was opening her mouth, prepared to scream how he could shove a cork in it. Then a younger voice joined his. The two froze in recognition- that same voice had been making up songs since he and his sister had arrived in the Woods.

Despair burned for a moment more. Then a red-hot feeling curled in her gut in a fierce mix of determination and anger. Mabel slung Lennox’s candy pack over her shoulder. “Audrey, you need to go home.”

“No!” The crow calmed when she was given a surprised look. “No. Not until Lennox’s safe.”

Mabel let out a sigh and a nod. “Okay.” She reached out and scooped Audrey, ignoring the crow’s squawk of surprise. She pulled up her hood and adjusted her cape to protect the both of them.

Then they walked away from the silence, following the song.

( @andiwriteunderthemoon, @shattered-starrs, @oasis-of-you)

#bad end #OCtober #prompt #writblr #writeblr

9 notes · View notes

namjoonspiration · 4 years

Text

ON [5]

Pairing: Jungkook x reader

Rating: M

Word Count: 10.1k

Warnings/tags: strong language and violence, scary creatures, battle scene, heartbreak, character death (not graphic)

Author’s Note: This is it... the last chapter of ON. Thank you readers for patiently sticking around for the whole thing and showing your support. I hope I did this justice. Put a comment or like the story if you enjoyed it 💜 Enjoy!

Masterlist

Part 5

Year 3062 – 401 years after the Fall of the World

“We should stop here for water,” you suggested, pointing at a little oasis in the far distance. You and Jungkook had been trekking for over three weeks now in the dry lands. Thankfully, the small ponds of water with trees had become more frequent.

Jungkook agreed, his horse trotting forward happily to the water. Both of you refreshed yourselves and refilled your canteens. You took of your shoes and dipped your hot feet into the edge of the water. Jungkook followed your lead, sighing at the pleasant feeling of the coolness. You sat there for a while, giving yourselves and the horses a little time to rest.

You closed your eyes for a bit. When you opened them, you caught the barest hint of a man on a horse looking down at you over a large sand dune before disappearing over the edge. “Someone is watching us,” you whisper to Jungkook. He nodded, having noticed too. Both of you quickly slip your shoes back and mount your horses.

You track the prints from the man’s horse over the sand dune and onward for another hour, the figure a tiny black dot in the distance. As you had predicted, trees, albeit scraggy and dry-looking, started to litter the environment. Sand turned into dirt, scattered with thick grass. You and Jungkook cleared through a forest of those scraggly trees before spotting a dark green truck under a weeping willow. Weirdly… in the truck bed was a giant red drum. Cautiously, you and Jungkook approached the truck, riding around it into a clearing.

A little man in a black shirt and striped pants sat on the hood of the truck, holding a brown drum that was about as half as big as him. “Hello?” Oddly, he didn’t even spare at glance at either of you. “Hello?” Jungkook tried again. He dismounted his horse and walked in front of the man. Although Jungkook faced him, the man’s eyes looked beyond him. “Do you need help?”

“He won’t talk.” A strange voice called from behind the mountain of drums piled under the tree. Another man waltzed from around the drums towards Jungkook. The loose white shirt and brown pants he wore rippled with the late afternoon breeze. “I’ve known him for over four hundred years, and he’s never said more than five minutes’ worth of words to me. I doubt he’d even get a syllable out in the thirty seconds you’ve been here.”

“I’m sorry, and you are?” You ask, not necessarily meaning to sound as sassy as you did.

He turns to you, smirk lighting up his face. The sun made his blue hair shine purple in the light. “Hello, beautiful. It’s been a while since such a lovely thing graced my presence. What’s your name, love?” He extended a hand to caress your face.

“That’s none of your concern,” Jungkook growled, stopping the man’s hand from touching you. You remained steady in your stance, staring down at the man. over your nose.

He merely chuckled. “Oh, is she taken?”

“I asked, who are you?” You replied sternly.

The man huffed, rolling his eyes. “You two are clearly together. I’ve never met a pair of people who are too serious to take a little humor.” He steps back and bows dramatically. “I am Park Jimin. And this little man over here,” he points a thumb, “is my dear friend. I would love to tell you his name except I actually don’t know what it is myself.”

“Oh!” You exclaim. “You’re the last descendant. The one Jin mentioned.” You directed your last comment towards Jungkook. Remembrance dawned on him.

“Jin? Whose Jin?” Jimin questions.

“The last descendant of the ‘all-powerful’ Park family,” you continued. Jimin’s eyes to narrowed at you.

“Are you mocking me?” His jaw set in anger. “I would be careful if I were you. My line descends from the Mother Goddess herself. I have the kind of power that levels cities in the blink of an eye. I may be the last of my family, but I’m more powerful than all of them combined. Those pathetic fucks only sent me away to be ‘watched’ by this monk because they were all threatened by my power, and you both should be too!” With every word, Jimin’s power began to emanate from behind him like a pair of wings.

“Quit with the façade, boy.” Those five words came from the monk sitting on the truck. He was gently patting the top of the drum.

Jimin’s power suddenly shattered, almost comically, like a pane of glass. His mouth opened in shock before spitting at the man. “You! You haven’t said a word to me in decades, and now you choose to? How dare you humiliate me?!” He took long, threatening strides towards the monk.

He simply held up a hand, which sent a wave of magic to knock Jimin flat on his ass. “Learn control and balance. Keep your emotions in check.” Those were the last words you would hear from the monk.

Jimin swiftly jumped back on his feet, dusting off the dirt from his clothes. “Stupid man going on about stupid stuff,” he mutters.

“Enough,” Jungkook said. “While this has been fun, this has also presented a timely opportunity.” Jimin quirked an eyebrow at him. “War against the darkness is on the horizon. We are from a Mage settlement down South looking for anyone who can help us fight it. Would you help us?”

“No,” Jimin retorted.

Anger sparked in your chest at his dismissive answer. “If you are really all-powerful, then you’d help us.”

“Wrong,” he hissed. “The strength of my power does not correlate with my desires. I do not desire to help you, but my magic remains the most powerful there is.”

“Why won’t you help us?” Jungkook pushed.

“Because I do not want to. I’ve seen the Fall of the World and walked this empty land for over four centuries, and I cannot wait for it to end. The power and immortality of my bloodline prevents me from simply dying, so I figure… Why not let the darkness created by the greed and violence of those living on this wretched earth swallow it whole and end it all? What’s the point of saving what’s left of mankind when it has brought me nothing but pain and endless loneliness?” His tone was despairing, but bitter more than anything.

Tense silence consumed the conversation. Jimin looked expectantly between the both of you like he was waiting for you or Jungkook to say something—anything. Like how that’s not true, or it’s going to be okay, or you shouldn’t think like that. But neither of you said anything of that. Jimin finally turned away from both of you in farewell.

“I’m not going to apologize or give you pity because I know that’s not what you’re looking for Jimin,” you suddenly said.

He scoffed. “Oh, yeah? If you know, then what is it that I’m looking for?”

“A reason to live. Not to survive or exist, but to live,” you continued. Jimin tilted his head, considering your words. “I’ll admit I don’t know what that reason is, but I know this. This is the one and only world we get to live in, and we can’t just sit by and let it be destroyed. There are good people, human and Mage, left on this earth that are fighting for it and the rebuilding of a better world that awaits. Some of these people have gone through hell and back,” you glanced at Jungkook, “but they haven’t given up hope.” Jimin remained unconvinced.

“There’s a man in our settlement. He and his sister narrowly escaped the darkness. He has lived the last thirteen years of his life with that darkness festering in his veins—”

“Sounds like a horrible existence,” he muttered.

You ignored his petulance. “But he doesn’t give up because of his reason to live. To leave his sister in a better world than the one they were born into.” Silence. “Jimin, she’s a Seer.” This piqued his interest; a little bit more than he would have liked to let on. “She’s had visions of a Promised Land. It’s coming soon. I’d say that’s a fair motivator to live.”

“But only if we fight the darkness out there,” Jungkook added, standing right behind you in support.

Jimin thought it over for a few minutes, sitting on a nearby rock. He stared at you and Jungkook skeptically, those ancient eyes practically reading through you both. Finally, “My answer is still no. For now.” He got up from the rock and shoved his hands in his pockets.

It was better than nothing. “Alright. If you change your mind, our settlement is about a three weeks ride South. You will always be welcome there.” You all said your farewells. Mounting your horses, you and Jungkook continued your journey north.

…

Another two months pass before you reached the Scholars Mountain. An early Fall chill has already reached the stone peaks and slopes. When you and Jungkook arrived, you were both sought out by the mountain’s guards. It was anything less than a friendly introduction; nonetheless, with some persuasion, you got inside the Scholars Mountain.

Swiftly, you were escorted to a meeting hall decorated in swaths of red silk that hung from the sling. Rows of scholars, dressed in dark robes, held lit candles between their palms. With their heads bowed, their bodies faced the back of the hall where a man, who wore a white cotton shirt, kneeled before several bright candles beneath a shrine to a deity you knew as the Mother Goddess.

The guards place you and Jungkook to stand behind him before settling back to their posts. After several minutes of silence, the man finally rose and stood in front of you. You glimpsed a flash of orange in his eyes briefly before returning to a brown color. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and scrutinized both of you. You opened your mouth to introduce yourselves, but he stopped you by holding up a hand. “I know who you are, and I know why you’re here.”

“I’m afraid we don’t know who you are.” You quickly felt impatience flare in your chest at his dismissive tone.

“My name is Min Yoongi. I’m the Principal Scholar of the Northern Mages. But you could say I’m the Principal Scholar of all Mages as I’m the last one.” He seemed rather smug with that last remark. You and Jungkook both eyed him suspiciously. Yoongi cocked his head to the side. “What? Whatever ones I didn’t fight to the death were foolish like you, thinking you can take on the Evil One.”

“Why does it seem so foolish?”

“Because you have nothing but your magic and no other weapons. What battles have your people and that irrational General of yours won?” He answered for you before you could even open your mouth. “None. Tell me, is he still releasing doves out onto the battlefield, praying that the dove returns—a sign of hope?” He chuckled at the thought, causing your jaw to clench in anger. “Your entire settlement is running a fool’s errand.” Yoongi said rather petulantly. “As I’ve told your war general before, my people and I will not be involved in your war.”

“Our war? Your people?” Jungkook scoffed. “This is everyone’s war. We all will die if we don’t find the darkness that’s out there. You’re a Mage, too, and I’m sure a number of your followers are Mages as well.”

“My followers are believers, scholars, conveyers of the final prophecy… They are not fighters. We simply wait for the day when the Mother Goddess returns and heals the earth.”

“How do you know she will return?”

“My followers and I can see visions of life and death. We are connected to the forces around us. We know the Mother Goddess is still watching over us. However, we cannot demand her to return. She knows the right time when to return and reveal the Promised Land to us.”

“What if she doesn’t return in time?” you objected. “The darkness is poisoning the land and killing and enslaving those who cannot escape fast enough. You are not protected here!”

Suddenly, Yoongi was nose-to-nose with you, as if he sped through the air in under the blink of an eye. His gaze flared that brilliant orange again. “You speak of blasphemy, Mage.” Yoongi sneered at you. “We are protected here. The Mother Goddess recognizes our devotion and protects us from the Evil One. It’s not wise to question her presence for I can assure you that she will not save you.”

You’ve absolutely had it with this arrogant coward. He had nothing to show for either.

“You’re the fool,” you bit back, matching his challenging gaze. “You’re condemning these people to death if you do nothing. Is that what the Mother Goddess would want? Leading your followers to a slow, cold, painful death shrouded in the darkest materials of this universe? Because that is what’s coming for you and everyone in this room.”

Yoongi looked murderous, but after several tense seconds, the orange faded back to brown. He took a step back. “I guess we’re all fools then. There’s no point in fighting something that cannot be fought with even the strongest Mages left.” He nodded towards Jungkook, “Not even him.”

Jungkook narrowed his gaze at Yoongi. “What do you know about me?”

“I know your magic is still driven by your rage and a need for revenge. Burning the Citadel was not enough for you, was it?” At Yoongi’s words, you looked at Jungkook in surprise. He seemed to shift uncomfortably on his feet. “You need more. You’ve had that fire in your soul much longer than when you were imprisoned as the last Mage. It sparked the day when you were taken away from your parents, and it became a wildfire when you had everything taken from you. It has fueled your desire to take revenge on the whole world. That blaze needs to be fed, Jeon Jungkook. Fortunately for you, the enemy is close, but you may just lose yourself in the process.”

What was he saying? That Jungkook might die in this world? That he might truly not be the Jungkook you know and love after he unleashes his magic on the battlefield? As of immediate concern, why wasn’t Jungkook objecting?

“It seems I’ve seen your past, present and future correctly.” After several moments of silence that sucked all the air from the room, “Are you scared, Jeon Jungkook?”

The old, familiar taste of heavy metallic weighed on your tongue, along with new heavy, rippling waves in the air. “No. Not anymore.”

Yoongi smirked. “Looks like you might have a weapon after all. However, just Jungkook alone won’t be enough.”

“We met Park Jimin on the road. We asked him for the help—”

“Ha!” Yoongi laughed. “I’m sure he said he wouldn’t do it. That loser has been sitting on the same pile of dirt since before the Fall of the World. I doubt he will be of any help when it comes to the end.”

“You get ahead of yourself Yoongi. Are you sure you’re connected with the forces of the future?” You took satisfaction in the jab, especially at his following expression of sheer annoyance. “He said his answer was no for now,” you continued. “But only after we told him of a special young girl in our village and her brother, who will stop at nothing to make sure she lives in a peaceful world.”

“Touching, but what’s so special about her?”

“She’s a Seer.” It was your turn to smirk this time. Yoongi’s reaction was nearly identical to Jimin’s.

The flames on the candles behind him flared to life. He fell to his knees, pressing the heels of his palms harshly into his eyes. A thin layer of sweat glistened on his skin. His breath came out in a low groan.

“Yoongi?” You questioned.

His head snapped up to look at you, hands dropping from his face. Chills tracked down your spine.

Frightening cold pools of silver swirled in his eyes, blinding him from human sight. Just like how Tae described his sister’s eyes. “Oh my god,” you gasped. “You’re one of them, too.”

As quickly as the vision came, it was gone, and Yoongi returned to the present. “Leave us,” he ordered his followers. They filed out swiftly and silently. He took in deep breaths as if he had been drowning moments ago. “I’m only half a Seer. My Sight is only a fraction of what hers was. She could see what the Evil One wanted to do, where he was going at any moment in time. I can only see the aftermath long after a possible scenario of what might happen. My Sight is of no use. But hers…” He rose to his feet. For several moments he seemed at odds with himself—fighting between reason, disbelief and fear.

Jungkook objected. “What do you mean ‘was’? His sister’s not dead.”

“That’s not possible. I saw her die.” Yoongi explained gravelly.

Panic iced your blood. “What do you mean, you saw her die?! Just now?” Did something happen while you and Jungkook have been traveling? Would you go back to the settlement to find one less Mage and a lonely, heartbroken orphan?

To your relief, Yoongi shakes his head. “No.”

But you definitely weren’t prepared for his next answer.

“I saw her die over four hundred years ago.”

Quickly, Yoongi retreated into himself, becoming withdrawn and distraught.

“She was my little sister. Her name was Ella. She died trying to stop the Evil One from destroying the Old World, but she couldn’t… and no one came to help. She sacrificed herself to give us these last four centuries to figure out how to survive and defeat the Evil One.

“Ella disappeared completely. I never found her body. I couldn’t see her in my past memories. I remember her being there, but I couldn’t see her—interact with her to hopefully get answers to what she knew. I tried for so long to find her, but I couldn’t take the pain of it anymore. I just stopped trying.” He sat on a bench with his head in his hands, fingers gripping the silver ends of his hair.

You moved to sit in front of Yoongi, folding your legs underneath you. Jungkook took a careful seat next to Yoongi on the bench.

“I wondered… for the longest time,” Yoongi continued. “If she went to a happier place; if she and her soul were ripped apart into oblivion by the darkness… or if she was simply waiting in the wings for the right moment to return to the stage. I never knew the full extent of her powers. I learned here that Seers cannot just reveal the future in hopes of preventing tragedy. We can only just set up a catalyst and hope that someday that someone uses it to make the world better.”

“I believe you’re right, Yoongi. Ella has given us that. And, now might be the last chance to finish what she started. Now is the time for you to make her your reason to fight.” You tried to encourage him.

“I just can’t believe that she could be alive. Not after all this time…”

Yoongi kept talking himself in circles for the rest of the evening. Four hundred years’ worth of grief and pain gripped his heart like a vice. It made his magic fade to nothing in his veins. Never did he feel or look more human than he did that evening. He felt every part of his being break down into numbness.

Eventually, Yoongi asked for them to leave him. He was no longer interested in talking or thinking about anything of this.

You and Jungkook decided to head out at first light the next morning, both of you feeling as though all options had been exhausted. You weren’t sure where Yoongi stood. You write a letter to him, telling him about the settlement, the details of Jin’s timeline for the war, and where the final battle might take place if he decided to fight one last time.

…

Year 3063 – 402 years after the Fall of the World

The long three-month journey back to the settlement was miserable. The winter cold came much faster and stronger than you had anticipated. It was a relatively silent three month’s ride back home. You only conversed with Jungkook when it regarded food, directions and how to not freeze to death while you slept. He kept to himself, and it worried you greatly. Was he regressing back to before? He seemed millions of miles away some days, and you had no idea how to reach him.

With the new year and the flesh-biting cold of one of the harshest winters you’ve ever lived through trailing behind you, you and Jungkook arrive back at the settlement empty-handed. Seokjin had met you two at the entrance with a hopeful expression on his face that quickly dismantled into sheer disappointment and disappear. Then, it switched into something empty and emotionless, and he stormed off to direct and finish war preparations.

The settlement only had the rest of the winter and spring before it would happen.

While you and Jungkook were unpacking in your house, you began to ask him about what Yoongi had said to him back at the temple.“It’s hard to explain,” he murmured. You could sense he was teetering between wanting to open up and not wanting to. Even if he did, he didn’t know how.

“Do you want me to go get Taehyung? Or Namjoon?”

He shook his head softly. “No, they… already know.”

You weren’t going to lie to yourself. It stung, but you couldn’t blame him. You couldn’t take it to heart—not after everything that he’s been through. It’s only been a year and a half since he was freed, and he did appear to open up a lot more to the guys. It’s not that Jungkook didn’t trust you, but it was easier to be more vulnerable with Taehyung and Namjoon, who had become his best friends.

“I wanted to talk to you about it.” Jungkook began to explain. “I just didn’t want you to worry about me. I wanted to protect you.”

Tears prickled at your eyes. “Jungkook, you’re so selfless, and it’s so incredible and frustrating at the same time.” Your voice cracked with each word, and it became harder to speak.

He appeared bewildered. “What?”

You rushed forward and wrapped him in a hug, burying your face in his shoulder. “You don’t have to do that for me. I want to protect you, Jungkook. You’ve sacrificed yourself over and over again for me, and I can’t let you be the only one who does that. I want you to be able to feel like you can share your burdens with me. I’m ready when you want to share it.” And you leave it at that. You have no room to pry or force him to open about something that is strongly tied to the trauma he experienced for almost his whole life.

Jungkook wrapped his arms tight around you, pulling you close to him. He laid a kiss on your head. “Thank you, y/n. I love you.”

“I love you more than anything, Jungkook.” You pressed a loving kiss to his lips. “I’m always with you, no matter what.”

…

As the war drew close enough to be counted down in days, everyone became extremely anxious for more help to arrive. Seokjin convinced some more Mage tribes and settlements to join the fight. However, the two people you had asked for help hadn’t shown up. Not even a word from up North.

One evening, Taehyung became extremely desperate. He didn’t think the war could be won. He told his sister she must continue to travel as far East as she could, to the coast, and not to come back until it was safe—if it ever was. He wanted to give her another chance at life. “You must go with the other young children East. It’s not safe here. I don’t want you to be in danger, and I wouldn’t be able to protect you.”

“No!” She protested vehemently. “I want to stay with you!” She hugged her big brother tightly. Never in their whole lives had they been apart.

Taehyung was heartbroken. “I can’t protect you here. I’m… I’m very sick.” In truth, he was dying. The curse inside him finally started to tap at his heart, which puts him through very long fits of vomiting and passing in and out of consciousness regularly.

When sobs racketed her little, Taehyung couldn’t hold back his own tears. He had hoped he could give her a better world to live in before he passed from this world. However, that proved harder than what he was able to do. He thought that if he couldn’t give her that, he could still give her a chance to survive.

…

“Hello again, little Mage.” You whipped around from gathering herbs. Namjoon had sent you on a full day’s run to get surplus of materials to make medicines and salves.

“Jung Hoseok. It’s been a long time.”

“Almost three summers. It’s just in a couple days, little Mage. I believe you owe me something that will make me happy.” He took several steps toward, hands stuffed in the pockets of his dark jeans. His face was tilted in inquiry.

You hadn’t forgotten about your deal with the death spirit. You just didn’t figure it out, much less be able to work towards finding it. Truthfully, when Seokjin had declared that the war would happen this summer, which is less than a couple days away, it had presented a timely opportunity for you.

“Do you have it?”

You took a deep breath. “No. I don’t.”

Rage, frustration and then disappointment flickered across his face. “Why not, little Mage?”

“I have something better.” He quirked an eyebrow at you. “The Promised Land is within reach.”

Hoseok scoffed, rolling his eyes. “What the fuck? How is that better?”

“If we can just win the war—”

“Win the war?!” He shouted. He released a laugh of disbelief and one that was absolutely hysterical. “You’re such an idiot! You think you can bank this deal—a piece of happiness for me—on the most impossible chance that this war could be won?” You felt a shiver travel down your spine at his outburst. He pointed an accusatory finger at you, “I’m not going to feel bad when I drink your soul because you denied me something that could finally give me happiness after four hundred fucking years of sorrow and anguish.” Unexpectedly, Hoseok started to cry. You couldn’t but feel bad for him. He was living a horrible existence as a starving ghost doomed to walk the earth for eternity, watching and waiting for the death of fellow humans so he could get some relief.

“What would bring you happiness?” You inquired softly when he dried his tears.

He was silent for a few long moments before he said the most honest thing you’ve heard from him. “I want to see my sister again.”

“Where is she?”

“In Paradise.” More tears left his eyes. “I couldn’t save her from the Fall. I did everything I could, even selling my own soul… but it wasn’t enough. I’ve regretted that decision every moment of my immortal existence. If I hadn’t done that—if I had realized that there was a better place beyond this one—I would be able to see her in the clouds. But I’m forever bound to this fallen world.”

“I’m sorry, Hoseok,” you said sincerely. “I don’t know how to help you.”

His expression became hard. Suddenly, his tears had dried. “Then, you should expect me to come for your soul in a few days. Because I’m a merciful spirit, I’ll even let you fight on the battlefield for your cause before I collect it. Although, I don’t think that will be a very long time. I guess I’m also a patient spirit.” He said rather bitterly. He shoved his hands back in his pockets and turned on his heel.

“Wait, Hoseok,” you called him before he disappeared. “I know I’m in no position to ask for a favor, but I mean this sincerely. I know the chance of winning is slim, but what if we did win? The darkness would be gone. Things might change for everyone, including you… So, consider fighting with us. Gather other death spirits and help us achieve a different world.” You let your offer hang in the air. Hoseok was still, except for the turn of his head to give you a mournful glance.

Then, he was gone.

You were hopeful for a yes, but at least he didn’t outright give you a ‘no.’ You seemed to be experiencing a lot of that lately. You’ve just come to the conclusion that uncertainty was high and not many promises survived in this world. You just had to be hopeful that the right choices will be made when the right time comes.

…

With the next few passing days, the darkness drew closer, which sent the sun running for cover. It hurried the last of the preparations during the rare hours of light left in the day until there were none left. When complete darkness ascended the sky, Seokjin commanded everyone, except the frontline, to move to high ground. Up there on those several large rolls of hills, massive bonfires were lit in front of newly constructed shelter. When everyone was finally in position, it was a matter of waiting for the signal.

Despite the heavy silence in the air, you heard quickening breaths, hammering hearts and dripping sweat. Chitters even made your unsteady. You wrapped your fingers around Jungkook’s tightened fist, stabilizing yourself and providing a grounding force for him. You stood between him and Seokjin at the front at the top of the hill. Lines of Mages and human soldiers stood tall behind you. You all looked like a rag-tag team of street fighters, not a navy ready to take down the biggest threat in all the world. But sometimes that’s who was needed…

People.

Even people who couldn’t or chose not to fight. There were builders, craftsmen and healers all waiting inside the shelter. Namjoon stood right behind the fighting lines with a bag packed with medicines and bandages to help those hurt in action. Lastly, you still held out hope that not everyone had shown up yet.

Out of the corner of your eye, Seokjin surveyed the men and women he’s about to lead to victory or the end. The weight of it caused his wide shoulders to sag. But he could not show his fear or weakness. He had to be a strong leader for them. He took a deep breath of humid air, straightening his spine.

Below you, a sudden spark of the fire glowed between the thick, quiet trees.

A deep chill ran through the air.

The adrenaline kicked in to awaken still senses, fire muscles into action and rip war cries from dry throats.

The singing of a conch shell boomed in the air.

It left a ringing in your ears that soon muffled the shouts and screams of your fellow soldiers when darkness descended upon you. As planned, everyone broke their red Witch flares on their belts, revealing everyone’s location amongst the oppressing black air. You stuck back-to-back with Jungkook, drawing flames from the bonfire to burn the horrifying shadow monsters that left their refuge in the dark to destroy you.

It was fast and never ending. You swiped fire with one hand and then immediately had to dodge an oncoming attack. You had times where you missed, and the pain sent your blood rushing in your ears that were already straining to hear strategy and commands from various fighters against the screeches of the demons and the screams of the dying.

“ADVANCE!” You heard Seokjin roar. Down the hill, he met the feet of the darkness where they planted themselves on the plateau. You were gaining ground.

But at what cost?

It was hard not to trip over the bodies of the frontline soldiers at the base of the hill.

As you ran forward, everything became more suffocating and a bone-chilling freeze replaced the humid summer air.

And cries of temporary victory soon became cries of last words.

One particular cry made you turn in alarm. “Jungkook!” He clutched his arm, blood spilling through his fingers.

Then, he became absolutely enraged. With the blood that stained his hand and ran down his arm, he created his own white-hot fire, which he lashed out like a whip and ended the demonic being. You stared at him wide-eyed as he just ripped through shadow demon after demon, wielding his bright fire, until he cleared a full-on path behind him.

In your distraction, you failed to notice a disturbingly human-like creature tackle you to the ground. You fell flat on your belly with a yelp of surprise. You felt the wind get knocked out of you. You struggled to flip around, your hands flying out to try to get your magic to protect you. Before you could even feebly attempt to do so, the demon was already turning to ash above you. Jungkook grabbed you by the hands and hauled you to your feet.

“How—how did you do that?” You sputtered out after a shaky apology.

“No time.” He growled. He resumed position back-to-back with you. That’s when you felt how hot he was through his shirt that was soaked with sweat. He was burning up.

“Jungkook, cool it down! You’ll burn yourself out!”

“I feel fine!” He shouts back with a tone that doesn’t sound like him at all. It was so foreign to you that you spared a glance to make sure the words were leaving his mouth.

Any hesitation from the surrounding shadow demons at the demonstration of Jungkook’s power ceases, and they begin attacking again. You try to aid him in clearing the area around you by forcing the demons into Jungkook’s white flames with your magic. Although it appeared that you and Jungkook were making progress leading the front line, you hadn’t realized that your fellow soldiers were not. As a result, more and more demons came up behind you as Jungkook moved forward, effectively separating you from the rest of the army.

“Jungkook, stop!” But he couldn’t hear you. He just kept slashing through each creature with mad swings of his fiery whip. You tried to cover your 6 o’clock and the sides, but it slowed you down as Jungkook got farther and farther away. “Jungkook!” You tried to call for him again.

You lost him amongst the dark chaos. Panic swells up within you at the fact you’re now fighting alone against several demons. Your moment of distraction allows one of them to take a swipe at you. Its claws seared through the skin of your arm. You cried out in pain, clutching your bad arm as you were forced to defend yourself with it. You clenched your jaw in pain. However, your slowness had cost you as another demon hit you across the face. You flew back into the ground, a scream escaping your lips. Fresh, hot blood dripped down the side of your face. You only had a moment more before the demon descended on you again, raising a lethal looking claw to rip your guts out.

Suddenly, the demon withered into ashes with a loud pop. You whip around to see Namjoon flanked by two Mages helping him clear a way to you. “Y/n!”

“Namjoon! What are you doing out here? It’s too dangerous!” You get to your feet, and he met you halfway. Immediately, he dug through his bag and pulled out a salve and generously coated it on your wounds.

“I could say the same thing! You must be more careful. Where��s Jungkook?” He looked around frantically.

“I don’t know. He got ahead of me. Give me some of those grenades!” You demanded, rifling through his bag to grab a few. “I’m going to try to catch up with him. He needs help!” You turned on your heel, but Namjoon grabbed your shoulder to spin you around to face him again.

“Be careful! It’s not safe around him right now. I don’t think he’s in complete control of his power. “

“But I can’t just leave him by himself! He needs me with him! I told him he wouldn’t have to do any of this own,” tears prickled at the backs of your eyes. You looked ahead to the direction you saw him go last. Sure enough, you saw the blindingly white light of his fire in the far distance—so, so close to the center of the darkness.

He was going to confront the master controller of all this, and he was going in alone. He was going to get his revenge, even if it cost him his life.

Your biggest fear of today was coming to fruition. You shouted his name one last time into the air, pushing the waves of sound through the air to him with your magic. It was all you could do left to stop him.

But your effort proved futile. Mere moments later, his white fire was swallowed by the darkness. “NO!” You pusedh Namjoon’s hand off you and surge forward into the cluster of demons. You threw all your grenades to clear an area in front of you wide enough for your magic to be effective in throwing them out of the way or burning them to ashes. Sweat dripped off your face, signaling that most of your magic has been spent. You cursed at yourself for your magic never having as much depth and range as Jungkook’s.

Your hits became less powerful with each one. You could hear Namjoon and the other two Mages calling for you to come back to them rather than fight alone. But it was too late. More demons had already poured behind you and blocked the path like hedges in a never-ending maze in which you can never go back. It wore you down to the bone until you made a futile mistake that put you once again in a vulnerable position.

This was it. You were out of weapons and magic, surrounded by hundreds of horrifying monsters with no one able to help you. Your vision began to grow darker, and for several seconds, you thought you had just entered the deepest, darkest circle of hell.

Then, the sun started to come out. You blinked blearily eyes. The demons began to scurry away from the patches of light shining on the ground back towards their master. You hurried to your feet and dodged creature after creature as they ran past you.

You looked up.

And there was help up on the hill.

Park Jimin was standing in the front. Ripples of magic emanated from him, controlling black tendrils of the darkness from beyond. It twisted and writhed against Jimin’s magic. The monk stood next to him, beating a steady rhythm on his red drum.

Then, there was Min Yoongi, hand-in-hand with Tae’s sister. Around them were hundreds of Scholars dressed in red robes. You couldn’t believe it. They were actually here. You didn’t have much time to think how, but it was apparent enough that Tae’s sister had found Jimin and Yoongi on the road and had convinced them to come.

The way back to the hill became clearer. Teams of healers were dispatched to the wounded and the remaining able-bodied soldiers snuffed out the last of the demons. It invigorated you to keep forging forth. You ran towards Jungkook’s direction and found him lying on the ground. You roll him onto his back. To your relief, he becomes aware of your presence rather quickly. However, it is short-lived after you realize the horrible shape, he is in. Bloodied from fresh wounds, dirt covered his face, and sweat drenched his clothes. His skin was unusually pale, and his lips were cracked from dehydration.

“Hurry, we have to get back to base. You can’t fight like this.” You urge him as you help him get up and put an arm around him for support.

“I’m fine. I’m just a little tired,” he said breathlessly and unconvincingly.

“You’re burnt out.” You hissed at him. “Gosh, you’re so stupid. I can’t believe that you would just go that far alone without anyone to watch your back.” He didn’t have much energy left to fight you dragging him back towards the camp.

Above you, Jimin’s magic kept the darkness at bay. He didn’t seem to be defeating it, but rather buying everyone time to regroup and get back to safety. You crossed the open field back to the bottom of the hill.

“Take the of the injured, eat and rest. Unfortunately, this battle is not over yet.” Seokjin declared to the soldiers, patting them on the back, trying to encourage them. You had been fighting on the field for a number of hours already. Namjoon spotted you with Jungkook, and he rushed over to him to aid you. You refreshed yourself with some water and food as well.

Then, you heard Taehyung calling out his sister’s name, voice hoarse, as he stumbled around the base looking for her. He looked so sick. He was unnaturally pale, which provided a stark contrast against the darkness raging in his veins all over his body. When he finally spotted her, he cursed himself. “What are you doing? You should be on the coast right now! How could you be here?” With every word, he grew more and more upset, and he collapsed to his knees. His sister didn’t say anything; instead, she ran to her brother and wrapped him in a hug.

Yoongi approached them cautiously. Taehyung eyed him wearily and stood shakily to his feet. Yoongi held out his hand, “I’m assuming your Kim Taehyung. I’m Min Yoongi. It’s great to finally meet you.” They shook hands. “Your sister told me a lot about you. She found us. When she was traveling north. But, um… it sounds like she was supposed to go East,” He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “Don’t blame her, though. It’s because of my stubborn ass that she had to come get me so I and my followers would be able to help.”

“Okay, I’ll blame you then,” Taehyung responded with a quip. It definitely wasn’t the politeness Taehyung should have showed to his elder, but also wasn’t a normal day for sure. And Yoongi must’ve also understood Taehyung’s frustration.

“Please don’t fight, Taetae. I couldn’t leave everyone when I need to be here to help win the war.” His sister explained. Immediately, Taehyung’s mood shifted to that of understanding, but concern as well. She has never said something that she didn’t mean or know to be true. “And it requires the help of the Scholars and the last descendant of the Mother Goddess.”

“We also need a vessel,” Yoongi interjected.

“What do you mean?”

“Someone who is willing to sacrifice themselves in order to destroy the Evil One. It has to be a Mage. Humans are not strong enough to handle the integration.”

Taehyung did not hesitate. “I’ll do it.”

“No!” His sister protested.

Yoongi stared at him, surprised that he would volunteer so quickly. “That’s very courageous of you. But you do know that this would mean complete obliteration of your soul? There will be no Paradise afterwards. Only oblivion.”

“I can’t let you do that Taehyung.” Seokjin spoke. “I do not wish for anybody who dies on this field today to go anywhere other than Paradise. There has to be another way.”

“Sadly, there isn’t.” Yoongi said sullenly. “Actually, Taehyung would have to—need to be the vessel. He has the darkness within him. If we are to destroy the Evil One, we have to destroy everywhere he is hiding, even in those that we know.”

“No! I don’t want this to happen!” Tae’s sister cried. “I didn’t want this part to be true…”

Taehyung looked shocked. He felt his heart breaking even more. He bent down to her level in front of her and wiped away her tears. “It’s okay. I’m sick anyway, and this way I can give you what I’ve always wanted for you—a better future. Nothing would make me happier than to have my dying wish for you be fulfilled.” Each word seemed calm and serene.

It only made her sob harder. “I don’t want to be in a world without you.”

“Please… I want to do this. I have to help make it right.” Taehyung pleaded. She didn’t accept it, but you realized she also didn’t have a choice. Taehyung gave her one last hug. He turned to Yoongi, and they headed back up the hill to Jimin.

Seokjin approached you and Jungkook. He spoke specifically to Jungkook, “How are feeling? Are you up for another fight?”

“Yes.”

“Good, because we’ll need your magic for this.”

…

Soon, Jimin’s magic slowed with the beat of the drum until the darkness was allowed to recede back to its master. If this was going to work, Jimin had to redirect his magic. Everyone was prepared this time, however. Soldiers were strategically placed in groups across the plain between the hill and the thunderheads of inky black. Taehyung stood in the center of all of it, chin raised to stare down the enemy. Jungkook was near him, slowly readying his magic for one last spiraling burst of power that could hopefully end this war.

Then, a new beat of the drum began, slow and steady yet more intense than the last time.

The young girl watched the Evil One with careful eyes, and then closed her own beneath her blindfold. She channeled into the depths of her visions until she broke through the bottom-most barrier of her mind into that of the evil entity across the plain. She could sense its unrelenting need to dominate and conquer every living thing it crossed. Everything that it wanted her to see. However, unaware of the true strength of this girl, the Evil One unwittingly revealed everything that she wasn’t meant to see.

Focused and sharp as a new blade, she opened up another channel in her mind—one that would let Jimin in. He saw what she was able to discover about the Evil One and his movements. Thus, began the final plan of attack.

Ever so slowly, Jimin coaxed the darkness away from its master, stealthy like a snake. Except this time, instead of leading it into his grasp, Jimin made it so Taehyung appeared as bait. An oasis amongst endless desert. It should be the easiest part—Taehyung had a piece of them within him. He should seem familiar like an old friend.

Soldiers readied their weapons of choice for when the moment came when the Evil One would soon realize what they were doing. A steady trickle of lesser demons ran out of the shadows but were swiftly defeated.

Everything seemed to be working according to plan. A thought after several tense minutes that sent cold sweat dripping down everyone’s’ spines.

The darkness was close to Taehyung. It curled and slithered towards him, tapping at the air around him until it seemed sure he was safe. It pushed against his chest and began to sink into his skin. Taehyung’s muscles started to tremble at the physical manifestation of evil wrapping around his heart. He tried to keep steady and control his reactions. If he spooked it at all, the plan would go to hell.

But it was so hard. With the intrusion came pain that started out as a deep ache but became so blinding that he couldn’t control his own body anymore.

He fell to his knees.

A forceful disturbance was palpable in the air with a spike of metallic fear that quickly followed.

The earth shook under your feet.

Around you, soldiers looked around wildly, bodies tensed for a fight.

Jimin struggled to maintain control of the hands and feet of the Evil One. Sweat plastered his blue hair to his forehead. The young girl by his side struggled herself to stay within the mind of the Evil One as he relentlessly tried to push her out.

Then, the dark creatures poured out from underneath the cloak of the Evil, and they came back with a vengeance. These were much faster, stronger and smarter—significantly harder to defeat. It took teams of two or three Mages to even take down one. Seokjin called for everyone’s groups to close in on the center of the formation, where Taehyung was standing. He must be protected at all costs until it’s time. But you were getting hammered out there, much worse than before.

Your fellow Mages fell around you. You tried to help them or see if they could still be saved, but the demons were so aggressive. Each defense you put up they were already a step ahead of you with another offensive attack. It became too much, and you quickly found yourself on the losing side of the fight.

Within the grasp of the demon, ready to be mauled apart by its claws, you watch with wide eyes as a pair of human hands break the monster’s neck.

No. Not exactly human.

“Hoseok!”

“You should be more careful, little Mage. These guys aren’t as friendly as they appear.” He threw the carcass aside and spat on it. “Are you hurt?”

“A little, but I’m fine. Thank you for coming.” Your expression of gratitude was strained as you both work to fight off another demon.

“Don’t thank me. I didn’t come for your cause. My friends and I came here for revenge.” With another trick of the eye and snap of his wrist, he downed another enemy.

“We?”

As if in answer, the air chilled with the presence of thousands of death spirits—hungry for the blood of their masters who hold their souls hostage. “Fall back with the others, y/n. Protect your vessel. We’ll take care of the rest of these motherfuckers.” Hoseok cracked his knuckles and stretched his neck to the side in intimidation.

You fell back, urging others to follow you to form a defensive cluster around Taehyung. The darkness around him kept trying to pull back. Jimin wasn’t going to be able to do this alone. He needed help, and thankfully he had some.

Yoongi directed his followers to grab a hold of the Evil One and bring it to the vessel. Hundreds of red robed Scholars raised their hands in unison and created a force of energy that sucked all the air inward towards the circle around Taehyung like funnel. The dark clouds followed, allowing the sun to shine through.

The darkness became a tornado above you, more and more of it being sucked into the spiral that kept going down, down, down into Taehyung. His body blackened with the presence of the darkness inside him. He was crying out in pain or rage. It could not be distinguished because no one knew if it was still Taehyung or if it was the Evil One. One of them stopped fighting because then the rest of the Evil One rushed into Taehyung.

It was silent for several moments. The pounding sun was a shock to everyone, but a welcome one that helped to invigorate many of the soldiers. Taehyung was heaving on the ground, trying to catch his breath. His breathing slowed, and he stood up. But the eyes that stared back were not Taehyung’s.

“NOW!” Jimin bellowed from the hilltop.

Jungkook let his white fire rage forth towards the Evil One. You prepared for the winning blow, but it didn’t come. The Evil One was quick to react. He threw up a defensive wall of his own, blocking Jungkook’s flames from reaching him. Jungkook pushed harder, willing his magic to overcome the Evil One’s dark powers. You could tell it was wearing on him.

You had to do something.

You ran to him and threw your magic in with his.

“Y/n, what are you doing? Get back!” He urged you.

“I told you you’re not doing this alone because you don’t have to. You never let me fall, and I’m going to return the sentiment.” You grabbed his hand in yours and channeled your magic to him. The white flames got hotter and brighter.

He turned to face you and saw a familiar light in your gaze. He was reminded of that night in the dungeon in the Citadel all those years ago when he helped you express your magic. Suddenly, he didn’t see this war as revenge anymore. No, it was about burning out the impurities in this world and remolding in into something new and beautiful. It’s not about hate—it’s about love.

The world became much brighter, but the flow of magic persisted. The Evil One tried to fight it, but he couldn’t beat something that time and time again survived even the hardest of days. Jungkook’s fire broke through and penetrated the soul of the dark entity. The body that it held hostage roared in fury and pain. The rivers of black ink that covered the body burned away and disintegrated into ash in the air. The Evil One tried to escape the body, but the soul within kept him grounded and forced him to endure every second of his lasting defeat.

Around you and Jungkook, every Mage and human was silent as they watched the long era of death and suffering come to an end. No longer would they have to look West and wonder how long they had to run before they were next.

The last of the darkness left Taehyung’s body. The flow of magic stopped.

It was over.

Taehyung collapsed to the ground. Namjoon and Tae’s sister rush to him.

You barely catch Jungkook as he falls to the ground from exhaustion. This weight caused you to sink your own tired body to the grass. He groans. His skin was burning hot. You used the last bit of your energy left to cool him off. He appears to be alright otherwise.

You’re thankful. He chose not to lose himself or let the darkness take him with it.

“He’s not breathing!” Namjoon shouted. More medical personnel ran to help him. You watch helplessly as they tried to save him.

Yoongi and Jimin descended the hill to assess the situation. Their expressions mirrored everyone else’s of deep sadness. It was as though the war wasn’t won. Tae’s sister tugged on Jimin’s arm and pleaded, “Please, please do something to help him.” Tears fell down her face and soaked her blindfold.

“I can’t. I don’t have the power to bring anybody back.” He replies softly laced with disappointment.

“Ask her.” She begged. Jimin knew who she was referring too.

He looked at her in earnest. “I’ll try.” Jimin sat next to Taehyung’s body and placed his hands on his chest. He closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. “Mother…” He seemed to search for her, chin slightly swaying and turning until he stopped at the sky. “This man is… He’s a good man. Better than good—he is the most courageous and selfless person I’ve never met. He gave up his life for the world you’ve given us… And I think he deserves a second chance to live a great life.” Jimin opened his eyes, flooded with tears.

A tear fell from his face, and with it—

It started to rain. The droplets rejuvenated the life in every living thing around it. The grass perked up from its roots. The leaves on trees became greener. Men and women tilted their heads back to the skies to feel the cool water on their skin.

Taehyung took his first breath for the second time.

“Tae!” His sister was overjoyed.

He blinked blearily towards the sky before he began to focus on the scene around him. He finally saw a big smile on her face—for the first time since he could ever remember. “Hey,” he greets her with his own smile. “What happened? Did I hit my head or something?”

Everyone around him lets out a chuckle. “Something like that,” Jimin smiles at him. “Good to finally meet you formally, Kim Taehyung. I’m Park Jimin.” He shakes Taehyung’s hand. Taehyung returns the sentiment. It puts everything at ease, and the recovery finally can start.

…

A couple days later, after everyone tended to the wounded, buried their dead and began to rebuild the settlement, Tae was walking with his sister to find Jimin. Suddenly, she wandered off. Taehyung found her just outside the edge of the woods.

Standing before a gate that wasn’t there before.

These white walls were nothing like the walls of the Citadel. These walls were more like a white picket fence as opposed to towering giants. Vines crept up the sides of the walls as if nobody bothered to take care of the place. But still, there was something about it…

Then, he knew.

“This is it.” His sister said. Taehyung kneeled in front of her. She looked beyond him towards the gates. Carefully, Taehyung gently tugged the blindfold from his sister’s eyes. And was greeted with warm brown eyes instead of milky ones he saw so many years ago. She smiled at him. It made Taehyung’s heart soar.

She was no longer cursed with being a Seer, and she can now start living a real life. Now she was just another human girl.

A rumbling sounded from the white gates, and they began to open. Taehyung stood next to his sister and took her hand. They watched as a new world was revealed to them.

“Taehyung!” Jimin called from the tree line. Then, he saw the open gates. “What is that?”

Upon hearing the commotion, you, Jungkook, Namjoon and Yoongi emerge from the woods. You saw what was beyond the gates. Untouched earth that was luscious and green. A towering rock guarded over the whole oasis. Other people from the settlement came as well, wanting to see what the excitement was about. Seokjin appeared not too long after, carrying a bird cage in his hand.

He stepped to the front of the crowd and released the dove from its cage. Everyone waited anxiously. And then the dove came flying back with several over doves. No one could believe it. This was it.

The Promised Land.

Cheers went around the crowd. Seokjin, who grinned broadly, waved for everyone to follow him. They ran with him into the new land. You squeezed Jungkook’s hand in excitement. He looked so hopeful, eyes sparkling with happiness. He pulled you into a kiss. Like the first time he kissed you, everything seemed right.

“Little Mage,” you turned to see Hoseok behind you. He smiled at you in greeting, “I wanted to thank you.”

“For what?” You asked.

“For finally giving me something that brings me happiness. You and everyone.” He gazed towards the Promised Land. “I can finally be free.” The way he said free—he didn’t mean just on this Earth. Hoseok walked to the gates of the Promised Land.

And disappeared.

Hoseok’s spirit traveled to Paradise, where he was finally reunited with sister.

“Come on,” Jungkook jerked his head to the open gates, “let’s go in.” He smiled lovingly at you. Hand-in-hand, you walked into a new world together.

A world where Mages live freely and peacefully with humans.

Seokjin decided to retire his leadership position among the settlement. Namjoon took up the mantle and became a great leader. A leader that brought together mankind and the Mages so they would live in harmony.

Yoongi and his followers were released from their vows as Scholars and went on to live normal lives. He lost his Seer abilities just like Tae’s sister, who he realized was not his sister, Ella. However, after the Evil One was vanquished, he felt reunited with Ella in spirit.

Jimin chose to lead a quiet life after the war. He remained with the settlement, finally feeling like he has a family with the other boys.

In fact, even during all the hardship and tough days, all of you gained a new family; and the bonds between all of you were stronger than any force to exist on this earth.

#bts fanfic #bts music video #bts #bts fanfiction #jungkook x reader #Reader x Jungkook #interpretation #on #on music video #kim taehyung #kim namjoon #kim seokjin #min yoongi #jung hoseok #park jimin #jeon jungkook #fantasy

25 notes · View notes

eighthchiharu · 4 years

Text

Stories I’ll Never Write

I saw someone else do this and it was great, so

Fantasy Desert AU: Reylux

About two desert tribes, the Skywalkers and the Palpatines, and a mage from far away.

Kylo and Rey are the fiercest warriors of their respective clans. Traditionally, to keep from tribal war, the strongest warriors settle disputes by combat. They stride into the circle with wooden swords or nothing at all, and fight each other into submission.

It’s the only time they get to touch.

They can't say tell anyone they enjoy each other, because that would anger everyone. After the sun sets, they sneak off to be alone together without the pressure from their grandfathers, but it's hard, and sometimes they almost get caught and have to abort. They go to bed lonely and wistful.

One day, a ship lands at the nearest sea. Rey and Kylo travel there with a few pack animals and a few cousins from both tribes, to retrieve the goods they ordered. They wait on the beach as the ship’s crew unloads the rowboats. Several people in black velvet robes also disembark from the rowboats.

Kylo exchanges an excited glance with Rey. It’s clear those are mages from a foreign land. No-one in the desert would wear such robes, that heavy cloth doesn’t breathe the way it should. Neither of them has ever actually seen a mage, since there's no reason for one to visit their tribes and no one would hire one, since that would upset the delicate feudal balance they have. Perhaps they’ll be treated to a display of magic!

The last mage exits the rowboat. They lift their heads, looking around like tourists as bandits on horseback surge out of the hills, screaming, riding hard toward the sea.

Kylo and Rey both move to guard their people, but the bandits gallop toward the mages. They race to the boat on the beach, scimitars out. The mage with the blackest robes steps in front of the others, throws up his hands — and is beheaded by a bandit.

Kylo gapes. Mages are valuable, and these are clearly unarmed. Rey scowls, and they spur their own horses into action with loud shouts, dashing down to the beach.

The bandits claim another victim, the head of a second mage rolling on the sand, and the two warriors drive their horses to greater speeds. They reach the bandits as one raises his sword to take another life, and Kylo slices that bandit's head from his shoulders. Rey takes another bandit, stabs him and kicks him from his horse.

There's only two bandits left. One of them wheels his horse around and gallops off, and the fourth stabs at the nearest mage. He slices through the robe, and Kylo slams his horse into the bandit's, and Rey cuts the bandit's head off. The two remaining mages collapse on the sand, huddled together. Kylo stands in the saddle.

"He'll bring help. I should go after him. Stay here and help your people."

Rey shakes her head. "My people will claim both mages. Stay. If that sandrat brings any more thieves, we'll kill them as well."

Kylo can't argue with her logic. He wheels his horse around and looks the mages over. Their hoods have fallen back in the fight, and he can see them clearly. One has red hair, like a sun fairy. The other’s hair is

a more natural black. They're both pale, white-pink like cactus flowers, and the one with red hair is holding up the other one. Blood spatters their faces and their robes, and darkens the sand at their feet.

"Please," one says, his accent thick, "help my friend. He's injured. We can pay you —"

"Rey!" Her people call out, one of them glowering. "What are you doing with that Skywalker?"

Rey's jaw tightens. She glances at Kylo, ignoring her relatives to wave at the sailors. "Unload our goods! We'll protect you!"

Kylo dismounts and gathers the dead bandits' horses. The bandit corpses he leaves on the beach. The water will carry them away, and the fish and sea predators will dispose of them. He leads the horses back to Rey, holding out one set of reins. "Here. Take one, I'll take the other."

The red-haired mage makes a distressed sound. "No! Don't separate us, I can heal him, I just need —”

"REY!" It's one of her uncles. He urges his horse closer, glaring at Kylo as he approaches. "You children have been at this too long. No more talking, Have these two mount, and they will return to the oasis with us. Mages are useful. We will each keep one."

Warriors Kylo and Rey might be, but they are not chiefs, nor elders. Rey bows her head. "Yes, Uncle."

Kylo says nothing. Rey's uncle cannot command him, but this is not the time to start an argument. Not when Rey is here, and he can still work with her without her grandfather's evil eye upon them. He assists the mages onto the horses, lashing the black-haired one to the saddle. The red-haired one mounts on his own, his black robes rucking up to show bare legs. Kylo frowns. They'll both burn in an hour. They need to hurry back to their territory.

The redhead speaks up, clutching the reins. “I’m Armitage Hux. That’s Dopheld Mitaka. We need to stay together, please.”

Rey shakes her head, ever so slightly. She cannot disobey.

They take Mitaka and Hux back to the camp. Per Rey’s grandfather, Mitaka is quartered in a tent with one of Rey’s married aunts, who is trained in healing. Kylo’s grandfather orders Hux to stay with Kylo, both for safety and as punishment for Kylo’s willfulness.

---

Hux is given a pallet across from Kylo in Kylo’s tent. This sort of life is much the same at the magic college, except washing and changing is done inside the tent. Hux sees much more of Kylo than he ever expected. That, coupled with Kylo’s interest in mages and kindness toward Hux, eases Hux’s fear that he or Mitaka will be ill-used. It’s worse.

They are not used at all.

Mitaka is kept away from Hux, and Hux is not allowed to do anything but sit. He came here for a reason, an important one, but no-one will listen to him, nor even let him speak more than four words. Water, food, and clean, light desert robes are all brought to Kylo’s tent, and Hux can do nothing but accept them.

After several days of this, eating dates and nuts and flat bread and having nothing to do but talk with Kylo when the latter isn’t on duty, Hux offers to show Kylo a bit of magic.

Tactfully, he mentions that he saw how Kylo and Rey looked at each other out there on the beach; they clearly wish to communicate but can’t. Hux offers to show Kylo how to send messages to Rey with his mind, so the two of them may talk without even leaving their respective tents. Hux admits he can’t do it himself very well at all, but Kylo may have better luck.

They sit together, holding hands over a small bowl of water. Hux explains that his is related mostly to water. This sounds useless in a desert, but Hux lives on an island in the middle of the sea, where water is plentiful. He can summon fog, or clouds; with blood, he can change sand or dirt to water; he can influence waves or rain; he can purify liquids; and he can also draw water from anything that holds it. He can also do "simpler" things like telepathy, empathy, and scrying. He can't make others capable of using telepathy, but by holding Kylo's hands, he can guide Kylo through the meditation that may allow him to tap into his own magic.

Much to Hux’s surprise, it works.

It's painful to sit there, to hear Rey’s shocked surprise and warm pleasure. To listen to Kylo and Rey flirt with each other. Hux clutches Kylo’s large, calloused hands, stares into the tiny bowl, and realizes it hurts because he’s fallen in love.

He knows Kylo loves Rey, so he's not going to try to get involved with Kylo. Maybe Kylo would choose Hux if he knew how Hux felt and Rey was okay with it, but Hux doesn't want to rock any boats. He needs to get to the capital, and he needs to make sure Mitaka heals up and can come with for the mission. Getting involved with Kylo — who is practically engaged, Hux can hear every loving word he and Rey say to each other — would be a mistake.

---

Two weeks of brief hikes and daily mental conversations with Rey, Hux asks Kylo for help. He’s assisted Kylo and Rey because he wants Kylo to be happy, and because Rey relays news of Mitaka through Kylo. He doesn’t say this to Kylo, his tentmate for a fortnight, but he does meet those clear brown eyes and formally requests assistance. Surprised, Kylo sits across from him on the thick carpets and listens.

Hux tells Kylo what no-one but Mitaka knows: that they crossed the sea to save Kylo’s country and help his king. Hux suspects the bandits were hired to assassinate the mages so they couldn't travel to the capital of the desert country. He and Mitaka need to go.

Kylo has come to respect Hux enough that he doesn’t laugh, but his skepticism is written all over his face. Giving in to his frustration at last, Hux grabs the small bowl, pours their precious water into it, and holds out his hands, palms up. Kylo hesitates, then slides his hands into Hux’s. Hux closes his eyes and opens that memory, the one with the Arch Mage, the planning. When he opens his eyes, Kylo’s face is grim. He pulls his hands away and exits the tent.

They start for the capital that night, Kylo, Rey, Hux, and Mitaka.

---

The journey is only a day, but it’s long enough for them to construct their own plan to reach the king. When they get to the capital, they separate. Kylo goes with Hux, and Rey goes with Mitaka, so each mage has a guard. When they're in position inside a shed outside the palace, waiting for the sun to go down, Kylo asks to speak with Rey. Hux agrees, and holds Kylo's big, rough hands. They shut their eyes, and Kylo reaches out to Rey. Their link is so strong now that they can practically see each other, which means Hux can see them, too. The way they look at each other, all that devotion. How they tell each other to be brave, and safe, and that they'll find a way to be together after this, when Hux is gone.

Oh, they don't say that, they're too polite, but he's in their thoughts along with them. He can tell what they mean. Kylo doesn’t need Hux to speak to Rey, not anymore. They’re strong enough on their own. Hux should tell them. But if he does, he’ll never touch Kylo again, and he can’t bear that thought.

When they're done talking — when Rey is done kissing Kylo in her mind’s eye— Hux decides to ditch Kylo. He'll finish the mission on his own, and Kylo will be safe and with Rey, just like he wants.

It isn't hard to slip away when Kylo goes out to check the perimeter. Hux merely waits until he's briefly out of sight, then walks off in the other direction. He can't call down fog or clouds — too obvious in a desert town, too out of place — but he's had plenty of experience making himself unseen. He makes his way through the darkness to the capital building. They'll be glad to have Hux off their hands, they just have to get used to it.

He sneaks into the palace. There are guards, but Hux evades them easily. He knows one of them is rotten, but he can’t strike yet. He doesn't know which one will try to assassinate the king. The scrying told them only that it was tonight, and then their Order dispatched four members to bring word and protect. Now there's only Hux and a barely-healed Mitaka to complete the mission. Hux can’t fail.

He locates the king, still in the audience chamber. The balcony that runs along the top half of it is dark and empty. Hux crouches there and waits, watching. He uses what faint power he has to read the emotions of the guards and the king. So far, there is only boredom or pride or satisfaction. No-one with anxiety or bloodlust or deceit. But it IS today. It will come, and it will be someone trusted...

When the king sends away all but one of his guards, Hux thinks this is it. This is the moment —

"— and especially those desert barbarians," the king says. "Once we sell them to the Naftii and claim their oases, we'll make money like never before!"

His empathy is still active, the King's feelings clear as crystal, and Hux doesn't have one moment of doubt. The King speaks the truth. He will take Kylo's people and dispose of them like garbage, steal their freedom and sell them into servitude to fatten the crown's coffers —

Before he can stop himself, Hux is on his feet, his magic flaring into life, green as the island from which he hails. Bright green, poisonous green, tendrils shoot out, seeking water and latching onto the most plentiful sources, dragging it out of bodies as through cheesecloth.

The screams of the King and the one guard are brief. When Kylo appears on the balcony with Rey and Mitaka in tow, it's too late. The deed is done.

Rey and Kylo stop when they see the King's desiccated corpse. They glance around and see Hux at the balcony railing.

"Hux?" Kylo asks, disbelief echoing.

Hux doesn't answer until he's back on the first floor, the tiles swirling patterns around his feet. His deed can't be tolerated. Surely Rey will strike him down where he stands.

“Oh, Hux.” She shakes her head. "You helped us, but you've done something unforgivable. We won't attack, but neither will we assist. They’ll come for you, you're a fugitive now."

Mitaka is frantic for the truth. Hux is his friend! "No, wait, you can see his thoughts. He had a reason for this, surely. I'll go in with you and you can see for yourselves!"

Rey is doubtful, but Kylo agrees. They grab hands quickly, all four of them, and then Kylo says, upset, "But Hux, what were you THINKING?!"

Their minds are open to each other, and startled, without control, Hux accidentally shows them what he was thinking.

He had to protect their people, but he had to protect Kylo most of all. And since it's telepathy, and because the thought is so strong, they can all feel what Hux was feeling, and they know it's true. All secrets are revealed: the planning, the King’s words, and Hux’s deepest, most shameful secret of all.

Hux is in love with Kylo.

Mitaka drops hands, this wasn't what he thought would happen and he doesn't know what to do. Rey is also partly shocked, partly embarrassed, partly saddened for Hux. Of course someone would fall in love with Kylo, Kylo is wonderful.

Kylo doesn't let go of Hux's hand, though. He holds on tight, even when Hux tries to pull free.

Kylo didn't know Hux felt that way about him. Hux is angry and still embarrassed, and he tries to pull away again, but Kylo just won't let go. He makes Hux listen. Hux cared enough about Kylo to want to save him, even though it meant trouble for Hux. Killing a king is serious, it's going to be difficult to explain to people, but Hux did it anyway — and Kylo won't abandon him.

Hux can't endure that, it's too much for him. Kylo really is perfect, and he's all Rey's, and this is the worst day of his entire life, and he wants to die.

He pulls again, harder, but Kylo still holds on. Kylo glances at Rey, and that's even worse, salt in the wound. She comes closer, and says quietly, unbelievably, "Did you know Kylo enjoys the company of men as well as women?"

Hux doesn’t understand — and then he does. His eyes widen and he moves to flee, but Kylo keeps him there, and says sincerely, "I didn't know you felt that way about me. That... changes everything."

Kylo feels so badly for him, Hux can sense it, and so does Rey and gods Hux can fucking feel them feeling bad, they're so close and they really mean it and — "I can't right now, please, Kylo! I can't! Let's just — Mitaka, fetch their people's leaders, we need them here when we're arrested for regicide. Kylo — later, please?"

They don't have much choice, someone is starting to bang on the door. Kylo reluctantly agrees. They let the guards in after Mitaka escapes, and sure enough, they're all arrested and imprisoned. But with the dawn, not only do Anakin and Palpatine come to the capital, but so does a messenger bird from the Order. Everyone has witnesses regarding the mission and Hux's character, and upon prompting, the surviving queen (by marriage, not an heir) reveals she knew of the king's plans, though she didn’t know how to countermand them, and shows them proof in the king’s own journals.

Hux, Kylo and Rey are all released. The journey back to their territory is quiet, with Anakin and Palpatine glaring at each other. When they reach the oasis, the elders decree that they have been foolish, and the two clans should feud no more. To prove it, they will allow the marriage of their honorable heroes, Rey and Kylo.

Hux wants to die all over again. He's happy for Kylo, but now that Kylo knows Hux's secret, even if Kylo sometimes prefers men, he can't stay. He sends Mitaka to ask the elders for help booking passage home.

The reply he receives is Rey and Kylo coming to him in his own temporary tent, granted by the elders since Hux is not a burden now but a hero.

They come in and sit on the pillows, the carpets warm beneath their feet. They block the only exit. Hux could crawl out under the tent flap, but Kylo takes one hand, and Rey takes the other, and he's trapped.

"No," Hux says.

"Please," Kylo says.

Hux shakes his head once, violently, and looks pleadingly at Rey. "He's yours."

Rey nods. Her hands are as warm as the carpets. "Yes. And he wants me. But I also want him to have whatever he wants. Hux, he wants us both. He wants you."

Hux can't find anything to say. He looks at Kylo, and the expression on Kylo's face is one Hux has only seen when Kylo watched Rey. Now, the same devotion is there, though tinged more with hope than with settled confidence. Kylo isn't sure Hux will accept this, that he will accept Kylo and share him with Rey.

Hux makes up his mind then. His hands tighten on both of theirs, though his eyes meet Kylo's.

He opens his mind and lets them see his answer.

THE END

P.S. It's "yes", and the three of them live happily ever after, and Anakin and Sheev can go suck eggs.

#reylux #kylo ren #armitage hux #rey palpatine #kylux #reylo #my writing

24 notes · View notes

mellifera38 · 6 years

Text

Mel’s Big Fantasy Place-Name Reference

So I’ve been doing lots of D&D world-building lately and I’ve kind of been putting together lists of words to help inspire new fantasy place names. I figured I’d share. These are helpful for naming towns, regions, landforms, roads, shops, and they’re also probably useful for coming up with surnames. This is LONG. There’s plenty more under the cut including a huge list of “fantasy sounding” word-parts. Enjoy!

Towns & Kingdoms

town, borough, city, hamlet, parish, township, village, villa, domain

kingdom, empire, nation, country, county, city-state, state, province, dominion

Town Name End Words (English flavored)

-ton, -ston, -caster, -dale, -den, -field, -gate, -glen, -ham, -holm, -hurst, -bar, -boro, -by, -cross, -kirk, -meade, -moore, -ville, -wich, -bee, -burg, -cester, -don, -lea, -mer, -rose, -wall, -worth, -berg, -burgh, -chase, -ly, -lin, -mor, -mere, -pool. -port, -stead, -stow, -strath, -side, -way, -berry, -bury, -chester, -haven, -mar, -mont, -ton, -wick, -meet, -heim, -hold, -hall, -point

Buildings & Places

castle, fort, palace, fortress, garrison, lodge, estate, hold, stronghold, tower, watchtower, palace, spire, citadel, bastion, court, manor, house

altar, chapel, abbey, shrine, temple, monastery, cathedral, sanctum, crypt, catacomb, tomb

orchard, arbor, vineyard, farm, farmstead, shire, garden, ranch

plaza, district, quarter, market, courtyard, inn, stables, tavern, blacksmith, forge, mine, mill, quarry, gallows, apothecary, college, bakery, clothier, library, guild house, bath house, pleasure house, brothel, jail, prison, dungeon, cellar, basement, attic, sewer, cistern

lookout, post, tradepost, camp, outpost, hovel, hideaway, lair, nook, watch, roost, respite, retreat, hostel, holdout, redoubt, perch, refuge, haven, alcove, haunt, knell, enclave, station, caravan, exchange, conclave

port, bridge, ferry, harbor, landing, jetty, wharf, berth, footbridge, dam, beacon, lighthouse, marina, dockyard, shipyard

road, street, way, row, lane, trail, corner, crossing, gate, junction, waygate, end, wall, crossroads, barrier, bulwark, blockade, pavilion, avenue, promenade, alley, fork, route

Time & Direction

North, South, East, West, up, down, side, rise, fall, over, under

Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, solstice, equanox, vernal, ever, never

dusk, dawn, dawnrise, morning, night, nightfall, evening, sundown, sunbreak, sunset

lunar, solar, sun, moon, star, eclipse

Geographical Terms

Cave, cavern, cenote, precipice, crevasse, crater, maar, chasm, ravine, trench, rift, pit

Cliff, bluff, crag, scarp, outcrop, stack, tor, falls, run, eyrie, aerie

Hill, mountain, volcano, knoll, hillock, downs, barrow, plateau, mesa, butte, pike, peak, mount, summit, horn, knob, pass, ridge, terrace, gap, point, rise, rim, range, view, vista, canyon, hogback, ledge, stair, descent

Valley, gulch, gully, vale, dale, dell, glen, hollow, grotto, gorge, bottoms, basin, knoll, combe

Meadow, grassland, field, pasture, steppe, veld, sward, lea, mead, fell, moor, moorland, heath, croft, paddock, boondock, prairie, acre, strath, heights, mount, belt

Woodlands, woods, forest, bush, bower, arbor, grove, weald, timberland, thicket, bosk, copse, coppice, underbrush, hinterland, park, jungle, rainforest, wilds, frontier, outskirts

Desert, dunes, playa, arroyo, chaparral, karst, salt flats, salt pan, oasis, spring, seep, tar pit, hot springs, fissure, steam vent, geyser, waste, wasteland, badland, brushland, dustbowl, scrubland

Ocean, sea, lake, pond, spring, tarn, mere, sluice, pool, coast, gulf, bay

Lagoon, cay, key, reef, atoll, shoal, tideland, tide flat, swale, cove, sandspit, strand, beach

Snowdrift, snowbank, permafrost, floe, hoar, rime, tundra, fjord, glacier, iceberg

River, stream, creek, brook, tributary, watersmeet, headwater, ford, levee, delta, estuary, firth, strait, narrows, channel, eddy, inlet, rapids, mouth, falls

Wetland, marsh, bog, fen, moor, bayou, glade, swamp, banks, span, wash, march, shallows, mire, morass, quag, quagmire, everglade, slough, lowland, sump, reach

Island, isle, peninsula, isthmus, bight, headland, promontory, cape, pointe, cape

More under the cut including: Color words, Animal/Monster related words, Rocks/Metals/Gems list, Foliage, People groups/types, Weather/Environment/ Elemental words, Man-made Items, Body Parts, Mechanical sounding words, a huge list of both pleasant and unpleasant Atmospheric Descriptors, and a huge list of Fantasy Word-parts.

Color Descriptions

Warm: red, scarlet, crimson, rusty, cerise, carmine, cinnabar, orange, vermillion, ochre, peach, salmon, saffron, yellow, gold, lemon, amber, pink, magenta, maroon, brown, sepia, burgundy, beige, tan, fuchsia, taupe

Cool: green, beryl, jade, evergreen, chartreuse, olive, viridian, celadon, blue, azure, navy, cerulean, turquoise, teal, cyan, cobalt, periwinkle, beryl, purple, violet, indigo, mauve, plum

Neutral: gray, silver, ashy, charcoal, slate, white, pearly, alabaster, ivory, black, ebony, jet

dark, dusky, pale, bleached, blotchy, bold, dappled, lustrous, faded, drab, milky, mottled, opaque, pastel, stained, subtle, ruddy, waxen, tinted, tinged, painted

Animal / Monster-Related Words

Bear, eagle, wolf, serpent, hawk, horse, goat, sheep, bull, raven, crow, dog, stag, rat, boar, lion, hare, owl, crane, goose, swan, otter, frog, toad, moth, bee, wasp, beetle, spider, slug, snail, leech, dragonfly, fish, trout, salmon, bass, crab, shell, dolphin, whale, eel, cod, haddock

Dragon, goblin, giant, wyvern, ghast, siren, lich, hag, ogre, wyrm, kraken

Talon, scale, tusk, hoof, mane, horn, fur, feather, fang, wing, whisker, bristle, paw, tail, beak, claw, web, quill, paw, maw, pelt, haunch, gill, fin,

Hive, honey, nest, burrow, den, hole, wallow

Rocks / Metals / Minerals

Gold, silver, brass, bronze, copper, platinum, iron, steel, tin, mithril, electrum, adamantite, quicksilver, fool’s gold, titanium

Diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, topaz, opal, pearl, jade, jasper, onyx, citrine, aquamarine, turquoise, lapiz lazuli, amethyst, quartz, crystal, amber, jewel

Granite, shale, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, diorite, basalt, rhyolite, obsidian, glass

Earth, stone, clay, sand, silt, salt, mote, lode, vein, ore, ingot, coal, boulder, bedrock, crust, rubble, pebble, gravel, cobble, dust, clod, peat, muck mud, slip, loam, dirt, grit, scree, shard, flint, stalactite/mite

Trees / Plants / Flowers

Tree, ash, aspen, pine, birch, alder, willow, dogwood, oak, maple, walnut, chestnut, cedar, mahogany, palm, beech, hickory, hemlock, cottonwood, hawthorn, sycamore, poplar, cypress, mangrove, elm, fir, spruce, yew

Branch, bough, bramble, gnarl, burr, tangle, thistle, briar, thorn, moss, bark, shrub, undergrowth, overgrowth, root, vine, bracken, reed, driftwood, coral, fern, berry, bamboo, nectar, petal, leaf, seed, clover, grass, grain, trunk, twig, canopy, cactus, weed, mushroom, fungus

Apple, olive, apricot, elderberry, coconut, sugar, rice, wheat, cotton, flax, barley, hops, onion, carrot, turnip, cabbage, squash, pumpkin, pepper

Flower, rose, lavender, lilac, jasmine, jonquil, marigold, carnelian, carnation, goldenrod, sage, wisteria, dahlia, nightshade, lily, daisy, daffodil, columbine, amaranth, crocus, buttercup, foxglove, iris, holly, hydrangea, orchid, snowdrop, hyacinth, tulip, yarrow, magnolia, honeysuckle, belladonna, lily pad, magnolia

People

Settler, Pilgrim, Pioneer, Merchant, Prospector, Maker, Surveyor, Mason, Overseer, Apprentice, Widow, Sailor, Miner, Blacksmith, Butcher, Baker, Brewer, Barkeep, Ferryman, Hangman, Gambler, Fisherman, Adventurer, Hero, Seeker, Hiker, Traveler, Crone

Mage, Magician, Summoner, Sorcerer, Wizard, Conjurer, Necromancer,

King, Queen, Lord, Count, Baron, Guard, Soldier, Knight, Vindicator, Merchant, Crusader, Imperator, Syndicate, Vanguard, Champion, Warden, Victor, Legionnaire, Master, Archer, Footman, Gladiator, Barbarian, Captain, Commodore,

Beggar, Hunter, Ranger, Deadman, Smuggler, Robber, Swindler, Rebel, Bootlegger, Outlaw, Pirate, Brigand, Ruffian, Highwayman, Cutpurse, Thief, Assassin

God, Goddess, Exarch, Angel, Devil, Demon, Cultist, Prophet, Hermit, Seer

council, clergy, guild, militia, choir

Climate, Environment, & The Elements

Cold, cool, brisk, frosty, chilly, icy, freezing, frozen, frigid, glacial, bitter, biting, bleak, arctic, polar, boreal, wintry, snowy, snow, blizzarding, blizzard, sleeting, sleet, chill, frost, ice, icebound, ice cap, floe, snowblind, frostbite, coldsnap, avalanche, snowflake

Hot, sunny, humid, sweltering, steaming, boiling, sizzling, blistering, scalding, smoking, caldescent, dry, parched, arid, fallow, thirsty, melting, molten, fiery, blazing, burning, charring, glowing, searing, scorching, blasted, sun, fire, heat, flame, wildfire, bonfire, inferno, coal, ash, cinder, ember, flare, pyre, tinder, kindling, aflame, alight, ablaze, lava, magma, slag,

Wet, damp, dank, soggy, sodden, soaked, drenched, dripping, sopping, briny, murky, rain, storm, hail, drizzle, sprinkle, downpour, deluge, squall, water, cloud, fog, mist, dew, puddle, pool, current, whirlpool, deep, depths, tide, waves, whitewater, waterfall, tidal wave, flow, flood, leak, drain

Wind, breeze, gust, billow, gail, draft, waft, zephyr, still, airy, clear, smokey, tempest, tempestuous, windswept, aerial, lofty, torrid, turbulent, nebulous, tradewind, thunder, lightning, spark, cyclone, tornado, whirlwind, hurricane, typhoon

Man-made Item Words

Furnace, forge, anvil, vault, strap, strip, whetstone, brick, sword, blade, axe, dagger, shield, buckler, morningstar, bow, quiver, arrow, polearm, flail, staff, stave, sheath, hilt, hammer, knife, helm, mantle, banner, pauldron, chainmail, mace, dart, cutlass, canon, needle, cowl, belt, buckle, bandana, goggles, hood, boot, heel, spindle, spool, thread, sweater, skirt, bonnet, apron, leather, hide, plate, tunic, vest, satin, silk, wool, velvet, lace, corset, stocking, binding

Plow, scythe, (wheel) barrow, saddle, harrow, brand, collar, whip, leash, lead, bridle, stirrup, wheel, straw, stall, barn, hay, bale, pitchfork, well, log, saw, lumber, sod, thatch, mortar, brick, cement, concrete, pitch, pillar, window, fountain, door, cage, spoke, pole, table, bench, plank, board

Candle, torch, cradle, broom, lamp, lantern, clock, bell, lock, hook, trunk, looking glass, spyglass, bottle, vase, locket, locker, key, handle, rope, knot, sack, pocket, pouch, manacle, chain, stake, coffin, fan. cauldron, kettle, pot, bowl, pestle, oven, ladle, spoon, font, wand, potion, elixir, draught, portal, book, tome, scroll, word, manuscript, letter, message, grimoire, map, ink, quill, pen, cards, dice

Coin, coronet, crown, circlet, scepter, treasure, riches, scales, pie, tart, loaf, biscuit, custard, caramel, pudding, porridge, stew, bread, tea, gravy, gristle, spice, lute, lyre, harp, drum, rouge, powder, perfume, brush

bilge, stern, pier, sail, anchor, mast, dock, deck, flag, ship, boat, canoe, barge, wagon, sled, carriage, buggy, cart

Wine, brandy, whiskey, ale, moonshine, gin, cider, rum, grog, beer, brew, goblet, flagon, flask, cask, tankard, stein, mug, barrel, stock, wort, malt

Body Parts

Head, throat, finger, foot, hand, neck, shoulder, rib, jaw, eye, lips, bosom

Skull, spine, bone, tooth, heart, blood, tears, gut, beard

Mechanical-Sounding Words

cog, fuse, sprocket, wrench, screw, nail, bolt, lever, pulley, spanner, gear, spring, shaft, switch, button, cast, pipe, plug, dial, meter, nozzle, cord, brake, gauge, coil, oil, signal, wire, fluke, staple, clamp, bolt, nut, bulb, patch, pump, cable, socket

torque, force, sonic, spark, fizzle, thermal, beam, laser, steam, buzz, mega, mecha, electro, telsa, power, flicker, charge, current, flow, tinker

Atmospheric Words

Unpleasant, Dangerous, Threatening

(nouns) death, fury, battle, scar, shadow, razor, nightmare, wrath, bone, splinter, peril, war, riptide, strife, reckoning, sorrow, terror, deadwood, nether, venom, grime, rage, void, conquest, pain, folly, revenge, horrid, mirk, shear, fathom, frenzy, corpselight/marshlight, reaper, gloom, doom, torment, torture, spite, grizzled, sludge, refuse, spore, carrion, fear, pyre, funeral, shade, beast, witch, grip, legion, downfall, ruin, plague, woe, bane, horde, acid, fell, grief, corpse, mildew, mold, miter, dirge

(adjectives) dead, jagged, decrepit, fallen, darkened, blackened, dire, grim, feral, wild, broken, desolate, mad, lost, under, stagnant, blistered, derelict, forlorn, unbound, sunken, fallow, shriveled, wayward, bleak, low, weathered, fungal, last, brittle, sleepy, -strewn, dusky, deserted, empty, barren, vacant, forsaken, bare, bereft, stranded, solitary, abandoned, discarded, forgotten, deep, abysmal, bottomless, buried, fathomless,unfathomable, diseased, plagued, virulent, noxious, venomous, toxic, fetid, revolting, putrid, rancid, foul, squalid, sullied, vile, blighted, vicious, ferocious, dangerous, savage, cavernous, vast, yawning, chasmal, echoing, dim, dingy, gloomy, inky, lurid, shaded, shadowy, somber, sunless, tenebrous, unlit, veiled, hellish, accursed, sulfurous, damned, infernal, condemned, doomed, wicked, sinister, dread, unending, spectral, ghostly, haunted, eldritch, unknown, weary, silent, hungry, cloven, acidic

(verb/adverbs): wither (withering / withered), skulk (skulking), whisper, skitter, chitter, sting, slither, writhe, gape, screech, scream, howl, lurk, roil, twist, shift, swarm, spawn, fester, bleed, howl, shudder, shrivel, devour, swirl, maul, trip, smother, weep, shatter, ruin, curse, ravage, hush, rot, drown, sunder, blister, warp, fracture, die, shroud, fall, surge, shiver, roar, thunder, smolder, break, silt, slide, lash, mourn, crush, wail, decay, crumble, erode, decline, reek, lament, taint, corrupt, defile, poison, infect, shun, sigh, sever, crawl, starve, grind, cut, wound, bruise, maim, stab, bludgeon, rust, mutilate, tremble, stumble, fumble, clank, clang

Pleasant, Safe, Neutral

(nouns) spirit, luck, soul, oracle, song, sky, smile, rune, obelisk, cloud, timber, valor, triumph, rest, dream, thrall, might, valiance, glory, mirror, life, hope, oath, serenity, sojourn, god, hearth, crown, throne, crest, guard, rise, ascent, circle, ring, twin, vigil, breath, new, whistle, grasp, snap, fringe, threshold, arch, cleft, bend, home, fruit, wilds, echo, moonlight, sunlight, starlight, splendor, vigilance, honor, memory, fortune, aurora, paradise, caress

(adjectives) gentle, pleasant, prosperous, peaceful, sweet, good, great, mild, grand, topic, lush, wild, abundant, verdant, sylvan, vital, florid, bosky, callow, verdurous, lucious, fertile, spellbound, captivating, mystical, hidden, arcane, clandestine, esoteric, covert, cryptic, runic, otherworldly, touched, still, fair, deep, quiet, bright, sheer, tranquil, ancient, light, far, -wrought, tidal, royal, shaded, swift, true, free, high, vibrant, pure, argent, hibernal, ascendant, halcyon, silken, bountiful, gilded, colossal, massive, stout, elder, -bourne, furrowed, happy, merry, -bound, loud, lit, silk, quiet, bright, luminous, shining, burnished, glossy, brilliant, lambent, lucent, lustrous, radiant, resplendent, vivid, vibrant, illuminated, silvery, limpid, sunlit, divine, sacred, holy, eternal, celestial, spiritual, almighty, anointed, consecrated, exalted, hallowed, sanctified, ambrosial, beatific, blissful, demure, naked, bare, ample, coy, deific, godly, omnipotent, omnipresent, rapturous, sacramental, sacrosanct, blessed, majestic, iridescent, glowing, overgrown, dense, hard, timeless, sly, scatter, everlasting, full, half, first, last

(verb/adverbs) arch (arching / arched), wink (winking), sing, nestle, graze, stroll, roll, flourish, bloom, bud, burgeon, live, dawn, hide, dawn, run, pray, wake, laugh, wake, glimmer, glitter, drift, sleep, tumble, bind, arch, blush, grin, glister, beam, meander, wind, widen, charm, bewitch, enthrall, entrance, enchant, allure, beguile, glitter, shimmer, sparkle twinkle, crest, quiver, slumber, herald, shelter, leap, click, climb, scuttle, dig, barter, chant, hum, chime, kiss, flirt, tempt, tease, play, seduce

Generic “Fantasy-Sounding” Word Parts

A - D

aaz, ada, adaer, adal, adar, adbar, adir, ae, ael, aer, aern, aeron, aeryeon, agar, agis, aglar, agron, ahar, akan, akyl, al, alam, alan, alaor, ald, alea, ali, alir, allyn, alm, alon, alor, altar, altum, aluar, alys, amar, amaz, ame, ammen, amir, amol, amn, amus, anar, andor, ang, ankh, ar, ara, aram, arc, arg, arian, arkh, arla, arlith, arn, arond, arthus, arum, arvien, ary, asha, ashyr, ask, assur, aster, astra, ath, athor, athra, athryn, atol, au, auga, aum, auroch, aven, az, azar, baal, bae, bael, bak, bal, balor, ban, bar, bara, barr, batol, batar, basir, basha, batyr, bel, belph, belu, ben, beo, bere, berren, berun, besil, bezan, bhaer, bhal, blask, blis, blod, bor, boraz, bos, bran, brath, braun, breon, bri, bry, bul, bur, byl, caer, cal, calan, cara, cassa, cath, cela, cen, cenar, cerul, chalar, cham, chion, cimar, clo, coram, corel, corman, crim, crom, daar, dach, dae, dago, dagol, dahar, dala, dalar, dalin, dam, danas, daneth, dannar, dar, darian, darath, darm, darma, darro, das, dasa, dasha, dath, del, delia, delimm, dellyn, delmar, delo, den, dess, dever, dhaer, dhas, dhaz, dhed, dhin, din, dine, diar, dien, div, djer, dlyn, dol, dolan, doon, dora, doril, doun, dral, dranor, drasil, dren, drian, drien, drin, drov, druar, drud, duald, duatha, duir, dul, dulth, dun, durth, dyra, dyver,

E - H

ea, eber, eden, edluk, egan, eiel, eilean, ejen, elath, eld, eldor, eldra, elith emar, ellesar, eltar, eltaran, elth, eltur, elyth, emen, empra, emril, emvor, ena, endra, enthor, erad, erai, ere, eriel, erith, erl, eron, erre, eryn, esk, esmel, espar, estria, eta, ethel, eval, ezro, ezan, ezune, ezil, fael, faelar, faern, falk, falak, farak, faril, farla, fel, fen, fenris, fer, fet, fin, finar, forel, folgun, ful, fulk, fur, fyra, fallon, gael, gach, gabir, gadath, gal, galar, gana, gar, garth, garon, garok, garne, gath, geir, gelden, geren, geron, ghal, ghallar, ghast, ghel, ghom, ghon, gith, glae, glander, glar, glym, gol, goll, gollo, goloth, gorot, gost, goth, graeve, gran, grimm, grist, grom, grosh, grun, grym, gual, guil, guir, gulth, gulur, gur, gurnth, gwaer, haa, hael, haer, hadar, hadel, hakla, hala, hald, halana, halid, hallar, halon, halrua, halus, halvan, hamar, hanar, hanyl, haor, hara, haren, haresk, harmun, harrokh, harrow, haspur, haza, hazuth, heber, hela, helve, hem, hen, herath, hesper, heth, hethar, hind, hisari, hjaa, hlath, hlond, hluth, hoarth, holtar, horo, hotun, hrag, hrakh, hroth, hull, hyak, hyrza

I - M

iibra, ilth, ilus, ilira, iman, imar, imas, imb, imir, immer, immil, imne, impil, ingdal, innar, ir, iriae, iril, irith, irk, irul, isha, istis, isil, itala, ith, ithal, itka, jada, jae, jaeda, jahaka, jala, jarra, jaro, jath, jenda, jhaamm, jhothm, jinn, jinth, jyn, kado, kah, kal, kalif, kam, kana, kara, karg, kars, karth, kasp, katla, kaul, kazar, kazr, kela, kelem, kerym, keth, keva, kez, kezan, khaer, khal, khama, khaz, khara, khed, khel, khol, khur, kil, kor, korvan, koll, kos, kir, kra, kul, kulda, kund, kyne, lae, laen, lag, lan, lann, lanar, lantar, lapal, lar, laran, lareth, lark, lath, lauth, lav, lavur, lazar, leih, leshyr, leth, lhaza, lhuven, liad, liam, liard, lim, lin, lirn, lisk, listra, lith, liya, llair, llor, lok, lolth, loran, lorkh, lorn, loth, lothen, luen, luir, luk, lund, lur, luth, lyndus, lyra, lyth, maal, madrasm maera, maer, maerim, maes, mag, magra, mahand, mal, malar, mald, maldo, mar, mara, mark, marl, maru, maruk, meir, melish, memnon, mer, metar, methi, mhil, mina, mir, miram, mirk, mista, mith, moander, mok, modir, modan, mon, monn, mor, more, morel, moril, morn, moro, morrow, morth, mort, morum, morven, muar, mul, mydra, myr, myra, myst

N - S

naar, nadyra, naedyr, naga, najar, nal, naal, nalir, nar, naruk, narbond, narlith, narzul, nasaq, nashkel, natar, nath, natha, neir, neth, nether, nhall, nikh, nil, nilith, noan, nolvurm nonthal, norda, noro, novul, nul, nur, nus, nyan, nyth, ober, odra, oghr, okoth, olleth, olodel, omgar, ondath, onthril, ordul, orish, oroch, orgra, orlim, ormath, ornar, orntath, oroch, orth, orva, oryn, orzo, ostel, ostor, ostrav, othea, ovar, ozod, ozul, palan, palad, pae, peldan, pern, perris, perim, pele, pen, phail, phanda, phara, phen, phendra, pila, pinn, pora, puril, pur, pyra, qadim, quar, quel, ques, quil, raah, rael, ran, ranna, rassil, rak, rald, rassa, reddan, reith, relur, ren, rendril, resil, reska, reth, reven, revar, rhy, rhynn, ria, rian, rin, ris, rissian, rona, roch, rorn, rora, rotha, rual, ruar, ruhal, ruil, ruk, runn, rusk, ryn, saa, saar, saal, sabal, samar, samrin, sankh, sar, sarg, sarguth, sarin, sarlan, sel, seld, sember, semkh, sen, sendrin, septa, senta, seros, shaar, shad, shadra, shae, shaen, shaera, shak, shalan, sham, shamath, shan, shana, sharan, shayl, shemar, shere, shor, shul, shyll, shyr, sidur, sil, silvan, sim, sintar, sirem, skar, skell, skur, skyr, sokol, solan, sola, somra, sor, ssin, stel, strill, suldan, sulk, sunda, sur, surkh, suth, syl, sylph, sylune, syndra, syth

T - Z

taak, taar, taer, tah, tak, tala, talag, talar, talas, talath, tammar, tanar, tanil, tar, tara, taran, tarl, tarn, tasha, tath, tavil, telar, teld, telf, telos, tempe, tethy, tezir, thaar, thaer, thal, thalag, thalas, thalan, thalar, thamor, thander, thangol, thar, thay, thazal, theer, theim, thelon, thera, thendi, theril, thiir, thil, thild, thimir, thommar, thon, thoon, thor, thran, thrann, threl, thril, thrul, thryn, thuk, thultan, thume, thun, thy, thyn, thyr, tir, tiras, tirum, tohre, tol, tolar, tolir, tolzrin, tor, tormel, tormir, traal, triel, trith, tsath, tsur, tul, tur, turiver, turth, tymor, tyr, uder, udar, ugoth, uhr, ukh, ukir, uker, usten, ulgarth, ulgoth, ultir, ulur, umar, umath, umber, unara, undro, undu, untha, upir, ur, ursa, ursol, uron, uth, uthen, uz, van, vaar, vaelan, vaer, vaern, val valan, valash, vali, valt, vandan, vanede, vanrak, var, varyth, vassa, vastar, vaunt, vay, vel, velar, velen, velius, vell, velta, ven, veren, vern, vesper, vilar, vilhon, vintor, vir, vira, virdin, volo, volun, von, voon, vor, voro, vos, vosir, vosal, vund, war, wara, whel, wol, wynn, wyr, wyrm, xer, xul, xen, xian, yad, yag, yal, yar, yath, yeon, yhal, yir, yirar, yuir, yul, yur, zail, zala, zalhar, zan, zanda, zar, zalar, zarach, zaru, zash, zashu, zemur, zhent, zim, ziram, zindala, zindar, zoun, zul, zurr, zuth, zuu, zym

A lot of places are named after historical events, battles, and people, so keep that in mind. God/Goddess names tied to your world also work well. Places are also often named after things that the area is known for, like Georgia being known for its peaches.

My brain was fried by the end of this so feel free to add more!

I hope you find this reference helpful and good luck world-building!

-Mel

#worldbuilding #d&d #dnd #writing resources #fantasy #word list #dungeons and dragons

10K notes · View notes

erikismybitch · 5 years

Text

Waiting In Vain: Chapter 11

First Base.

Erik was coming over tonight . It was a spontaneous matter. He was coming to help her install her security doorbell. He told her he wanted to give her a gift , turns out it was just that. “You live alone , you need to know who’s at your door... people prey on women” he told her . She let him know that he probably needed to Install it for her . That was like music to his ears , he just wanted her to invite him over . Erik insisted that she let him do it . “You ain’t gotta pay nobody , I got you”

It was the end of the afternoon. Erik told her he would swing by late night , he was busy. It would be the first time she seen him since that eventful night at the strip club. She was dwelling on how it might be when he came , so instead of letting her anxiety get the best of her , she tried to occupy her time . She was on her living room floor . Watching youtube trying to find out how to add fake braiding hair to her natural style . Marley was a do it yourself type of girl , and never backed down from a challenge. Her living room was full of free strands of kaneklon . Her wild blow dried hair was pinned with every metal clip she could find. She took a deep breath and blew the hair out of her face , this was harder than she thought . This was only braid one .

“Oh my fucking god” frustration overtook her as she un-did the the braid for the third time . Marley started from the beginning , just as the chipper girl on YouTube showed her . Then there was a knock on the door right in the middle of the braid. Marley thought it was a part of the video, until she heard it again. Then it sounded like her door .

“Who is it!” she made her voice aggressive, a tactic she followed ever since she was a child . It always made her feel safe when she was home alone . Like the voice would scare the unwanted away. Silly, she knew that . Nobody responded . She figured it was another one of her elderly neighbors welcoming her . They had been bringing food and plants all week. One woman told Marley she reminded her of her grandchild, and spend the afternoon showing her pictures of her. They looked nothing alike , but Marley wouldn’t dare tell her that .

The knocks continued. She crept to the peep hole and looked out . Erik, who wasn’t supposed to be there until later was standing at her door. “Erik, I thought you were coming later” Marley observed him through the peep hole . He stood back with his feet facing out and apart . His hands held at his front holding the doorbell in a package.

“I’m here now, so open the door” he looked right at the peep hole , as if he could see her . Marley quickly moved to the side and tried her best to lay her big hair down. She really didn’t want him to see her like that . “Marley, what the fuck” Erik was growing impatient.

She opened the door slowly, but stood behind it . Erik walked in, a bit puzzled because he didn’t see her . She shut the door and prepared herself for his lude comments about her hair. He stared at it with big eyes, then began to laugh .

“Don’t laugh at me , I’m in the middle of doing my hair” she ran her hands through it and held it in a ponytail.

“What are you doing to it?” Erik was being sarcastic , he made sure to bug his eyes out for emphasis .

“I’m trying to braid my hair” Marley walked back to her living room and sat down in front of her laptop . Without saying anything , she pointed to the small tool box on her kitchen counter . Along with her power drill that she never really used . “Thank you for doing this”

Erik nodded and grabbed everything he needed to install the security doorbell. Marley continued to do her hair as Erik worked.

He kept the front door open , his glare reverting back and forth from Marley and the doorbell . She was so focused on what she was doing. It was pretty obvious to Erik that this was something she wasn’t good at . She kept cursing, huffing and starting over . He cut on the drill and it made Marley jump, that made him laugh again. But it only frustrated her further more , she tossed her fake hair across the floor .

Erik finished the doorbell with lightning speed, then came inside . Since she had no furniture yet, he sat on her kitchen counter . Marley decided to give up. Her arms were getting tired and her fingers were slightly sore. She took a deep breath and rested her arms behind her . Marleys soft face looked at Erik. He was already staring at her .

“All you need to do is connect your phone to the camera ”

“I feel safer already” she joked.

Erik hopped off the counter . He circled the living room and looked around. “Give me a tour” Erik held his hand out for her to grab, when she did he pulled her up with ease . She pretended not to be phased at how strong he was. Or how cute he was , or how good he smelled or how his dimples made her heartbeat speed up.

“A tour?” Marley asked , seemingly distracted by him. She even forgot that her hair was still a mess.

“Of the apartment”

Marley showed him every room except for hers, that was last . She made sure to give him the excuse that she’s working on getting more stuff . Marley was embarrassed at the fact that her place was so empty . Although Erik didn’t feel she had anything to prove . They stopped at her bedroom door . Marley gave this exaggerated speech about her exuberant room. She told him she didn’t let many people inside of her room. So it was a privilege for him to witness it.

It was light and airy. The wind from the open windows made her sheer curtains flow freely . On her floor was a huge lilac shag rug that made Erik want to take off his shoes and rub his feet on it . It was neat and organized, down the the matching vases full of flowers that sat on her dresser . Right below her flat screen . Erik fought the urge to ask her who molded her TV for her . But that wasn’t his place yet . Ironically, just like her , Eriks found his favorite part was her bed. Big fluffy and white . He thought she had to have at least twenty pillows on it . She plopped herself on it. Erik couldnt help but watch her chest bounce lightly .

“You hungry?” Marley questioned casually but her words lit him up.

“For you, always”

“You real corny”

“You like it though”

Erik was cocky , it had always got him far. He was mysterious to many , those who didn’t know him could literally see the guard he held up . But to know him, was to love him. Erik had a kind heart that he only revealed to a few. Most knew his other side . Erik could be cold , his emotions had the ability to cut off like a switch .

There was a light in Marley the first time he saw her . She smiled and said “Hi” to him. For the first time in his adult life, Erik found himself unsure of what to say. He was always quick and ready for any thing . That night he was stuck, so he decided to move onto something easy and familiar. Tiana.

Back in those past times, Erik admired how Marley was always working and busy . Coming in late all crabbed and tired . While he was fucking Tiana, he wanted to know everything about her day. That’s why he would catch her in the middle of the night in the kitchen. But that unfamiliar emotion would take over him and he always said something to offend her . As if he was punishing her for making him feel a way . It didn’t stop there . Erik enjoyed eating her good left overs when she didn’t come home at nights . He always ate everything she cooked, subconsciously pretending as if she made it for him. One night after he’d Put Tiana to sleep with the power of his penis, he went into her room . It was an oasis and seemed to be displaced in this apartment. It smelled so good, she always smelled so good. Marley had a big bed that was made perfectly. Her closet was filled with shoes like his . On her nightstand laid her iPod, he didn’t even know people still used those . It was connected to a mini speaker . Erik pressed play . Music began to play softly, Stevie Wonder Golden lady . He went home that same night , because he never spent the night . Erik shamelessly played Stevie wonder with thoughts of her . He tried to invade her privacy again the next night . Tiana caught him in her room . He played it off as if he was searching for condoms . Erik laughed about that often . It was amazing to him that she lived in a different apartment , and in such a short time she had managed to make it smell exactly the same.

“We can’t go eat with your hair like th-”

“I’m gonna fix it” She cut him off and went into the bathroom. While she used a spray bottle and some product to form a slick low bun. Erik told her he’d be waiting for her outside in his car. Marley found a hoodie that semi-matched her joggers . She slid on some sneakers and went outside.

Marley didn’t see him at first until he honked . “Of course that’s your car” she spoke to herself . A fancy sports something she didn’t know the name of . It was loud and white . He reached over and opened her door from the passenger side, which was a big step up from him honking . Erik took off down the road , driving past the speed limit . Marley didn’t fret because she drove fast too . He got on the freeway , Erik didn’t say much . Just mentioned that he wanted Mexican food, and he could only eat from one spot . Marley thought it was a little dramatic , it was a bit far from her house . Then again, looking at it as a person who loved good , maybe it was that good .

Erik exited at a part of the city that Marley didn’t frequent . He was taking her to the hood. Not that she felt too good to be here, she just didn’t have a reason to . Marley didn’t have a stuck-up bone in her body . If anything , places like this humbled her . Same with Erik . He wanted to see if she’d be comfortable in the setting , humility was important to him.

He parked in front of a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant. There was an unnatural amount of litter on the sidewalk and a middle aged homeless man who was asking for change . Erik ignored him , while Marley promised to take care of him on her way back out if he was still around.

For the place to be so run down. There were quite a few people eating inside . There were small booths with pepper sauce and napkins on the tables . Erik told Marley to sit down while he ordered for the both of them . Marley liked how he had taken charge, but warned him not to get her anything too spicy . She was easy like that . Erik ordered and stood at the pick up window for a long while . He scrolled through his phone casually, sometimes glancing at his surroundings and checking Marley out . They called his order number and he brought it back to the table . A platter of tacos with different meat, and sides of rice and beans. Two Mexican Cokes and pickled carrots. Marley was impressed , and wasted no time telling him so . He flaunted because he knew she’d like it .

They began eating , and conversing about everything under the sun . She spoke with food still slightly in her mouth and when she drank her soda she burped . Giving Erik a small look at the real her , without even knowing it. Erik thought she was so pretty , without even trying . It was the small things . Especially her loud laugh. She was laughing at something he said about a movie that they both had recently seen. Some super hero flick that they agreed wasn’t that good .

“Would you rather be a hero or a villain in a movie?” Marley asked him . She would bet her money that Erik wanted to be a villain . Erik played the villain in her life for a little while.

“You go first” he licked the salsa off his fingers and awaited her answer . Marley shrugged her shoulders slowly , she had asked that question without coming up with an answer of her own .

“I’m always somewhere in the middle. I’d probably be the hero’s love interest who died and he avenged my death” Marley took a sip of coke and began eating another taco , even though she was getting full .

“Damn girl”

“You’d be a villain huh?” Marley cheesed because she knew she was right .

“Definitely a villain, who wins”

Marley clasped her hands together and sprung her grand idea into action. “You would be the villain who killed me and the hero had to kill you” she stared off into space imagining the visual.

“Or I was in love with you and killed the hero for not protecting you from death”

Her eyes cut straight back to him , she was stunned. Especially with those words “love” and “you” formed together in a sentence .

“Did we just write a blockbuster smash ?” .

“We did, Marley”

The little smile she let out after he said her name left him curious . So he said her name again making her smile ever harder . Her version of blushing ,she tried to hide it with the bite of a taco . He found it adorable that he could make her nervous . But she could also be herself too. Erik was learning that Marley had these soft spots . When he got close to her , looked in her eyes too long , or said something provocative. And now , it was the way he said her name .

“What exactly do you think about me?”

Erik was also learning that he didn’t have her all figured out the way he thought . He didn’t know exactly what she meant with that question.

“What kind of question is that ?” Erik diverted with another question because he was unable to answer it .

“It’s a valid one” Marley’s tone was a little more straightforward now.

“Well...” he looked heavenward then back down before he spoke again . “That’s not a question I’m ready to answer right now”

“Judging on how we ended up in this situation, I need to know that I’m not making a mistake by entertaining you”

“So I’m just entertainment ?”

They both took a step back , not a literal one but just a moment. Marley thought she could have phrased that better . Considering that dealing with feelings head on may not be his strong suit. Erik didn’t want to make her upset, based on how he treated her in the past he understood the conflict. She opened up her mouth to speak, but Erik thought his response was more important. He interrupted her.

“Im here with you cause’...I want to be” it was plain and simple just like that .

Markey didn’t know if it was the itis that had kicked in and relaxed her . But that was actually enough validation for her . Right now. It was enough to get them started on whatever journey they were taking.

They finished their food , and since Erik paid , Marley cleared the table before they left . They both walked the garbage filled pathway to his car . The homeless man from before had gone . In his place an intolerably drunk man was approaching Marley’s side . Erik casually gripped her waist and moved her out the way , closer to him. The drunk man mouthed a few unrecognizable words but they just ignored him. And when he got too close to Marley again, Erik wasted no time threatening him . She felt protected in that moment. It was ironic though . In a sense Erik was the one who put her in the face of harm, but he wouldn’t let anything harm her.

He opened her car door from the outside this time . She got inside , and he soon followed . Strategically, Erik turned the volume up on his car audio. To Marley’s liking, Stevie wonder was playing . She stared out the window and hummed the melody to Visions ... she found it funny. A song she listened to when things weren’t going well . Visions, a song that asked the question, will things be better as if I imagined them. Maybe it was a sign that things were looking up for her .

He padded her thigh and let his hand remain there , she snapped out of Wonderland and turned to him. “You good?” He noticed how she had zoned out. She nodded.

“I just really love this song, that’s all”

Marley glanced at his hand, and fought the urge to slide her fingers in between his . Holding hands was one of the ultimate signs of affection to her . But if he pulled back , she couldn’t handle that rejection. So she did nothing , just allowed him to rest his hand there . Affection wasn’t the only thing she wanted to feel , Eriks hand was at the top of her thigh signaling her blood to rush to the pleasure points of her body . She cleared her throat and released tension .

“You liked the food huh” He basically told her .

“Hella good” Marley joked about how that might be her new Taco spot . Erik said it was cool, as long as he was with her every time . That was a deal she happily made . He soon pulled up to her apartment complex and found a spot right in front of the fountain . The water was all they could hear on account of the cars silence. Marley wanted him to come inside badly . She wasn’t sure if sex was the right thing to do so soon, but her body said otherwise. He wasn’t moving .

“Alright then” he hit her thigh softly , in a “be on your way” type of manner . Then placed it back on the wheel .

“Bye, thanks” The look disappointment she could not cover. He could tell too. Right as she opened the door to exit, Erik grabbed her back inside by her left arm.

“It’s not that I don’t want to come in” he gave her a once-over . “Trust me ,I do... I do for real I do” he repeated himself .

“It’s okay” that look of dissipointment was still there.

“I put some stuff off to see you early, it can’t wait” Erik didn’t want Marley to feel like he was pushing her away.

“ I said it’s okay” she sounded as if she was trying to convince herself as well as him.

“You had that look on your face , I just had to let you know” her face crept into a smile . All Erik did was make her smile this day . A big change from how they used to be. Erik intertwined his fingers with hers and kissed her palm . “Bye...be good, answer when I call”

“I promise” she took her hand back . He melted at the innocence in her voice. Marley shut his door and let him go. She walked to her complex entrance , Erik waited until she shut the lobby door to pull off .

“Promise , who says promise !” She palmed her face in embarrassment. A few tenants were in the lobby staring at her oddly for talking to herself . But she didn’t care , all she cared about was Erik .

#erik killmonger fanfiction #erik killmonger imagine #sorry it took so long #i got yall #i want a tuna melt #somebody order me one

212 notes · View notes

drabbleitout · 5 years

Text

Chapter 9: The Falconer

Previous | Wattpad

Descending into the gorge took time and care. Not to slip. Not to overheat.

Having rest in Franson paid off, giving them the energy to ride on through the night. By morning they met the gorges of the east, deep, sandy canyons with little to no shrubs or grasses. They were patient with the horses, not wanting to press them too fast and end up with an injury, or worse. In reaching the floor, they walked with the horses, searching for a place to hide for the inevitable heat of the day.

“I get why Falconers worry you, but why their birds?” Myghal stopped Nepi, turning to wait for Ira. He took pause to remove his cloak, both agreeing it was the hottest day of the summer. The beating sun and burning sand didn’t help.

“That’s how Falconers find you.”

“Do the birds attack you?”

“No,” Ira chuckled, shaking his head. “All they do is search. They hunt you down and then tell their Falconer where you are.”

“Wait,” Myghal struggled with the idea, “Tell their Falconers? How?”

Ira sighed, wiping his brow as he caught up. “Falconers have some magic. They're given the language of birds to be able to work with them. Their birds aren’t simple pets, it isn’t like a hunting dog, it’s a partnership. Some even say some Falconers have connections with their birds to be able to see what they do.” He shrugged his shoulders, “I can’t say if that’s true, but it would explain how they’re so deadly.”

“Is that how they caught you?” Myghal dared.

“What are you talking about?”

“When you say you were arrested by the Empire, taken to Dungaree, at some point they had to catch you, right?” Ira threw his shoulders, leading Berma by the reins. If she wasn’t so thin, Myghal would have worried about her dark coat in such heat.

“Something like that.”

“Did they take you to Dunagree because you’re the Rook?”

“Oh, no,” Ira laughed. “For killing the magistrate of Felmire.”

“I thought you said you weren’t an assassin. You were a thief, right? You didn’t kill people.” Myghal had hoped after being honest and open with Ira in Franson, he would gain the same in return. Of course, they hadn’t said much in trying to stay ahead of Falconers and Harpies, but it didn’t mean he wasn’t disappointed when Ira let it trail off into silence.

“I wasn’t…” Ira’s voice leaked out of him like the soul of a dying man. Myghal barely caught it. He turned back to watch Ira slowly catch up, eyes downcast, reins loose in hand.

“You weren’t a thief?”

“I wasn’t an assassin.”

“So you didn’t kill the magistrate?” As he said it, Myghal realized what it meant. “You… you were framed.” Ira opened his mouth to speak but only drew in a painful breath. “That’s what you meant by jealous. Other thieves framed you?”

“No,” He scowled, “They didn’t frame me.”

“But you didn’t kill the magistrate?”

“No.”

“But they put the blame on you. That’s framing you. They framed you for his murder.”

“Not me. It,” he huffed out a breath of air, “it started a long time ago. Back when I was first brought into the guild. There were a lot of orphans, most left behind from their parents being sent back to their native countries. It meant more pickpockets, more thieves, and it meant thieves already in the guild decided they needed an edge. Most turned to assassination. Darts was one of them.”

“Darts was an assassin? Really?”

“One of the best. She already knew how the guild worked, was a skilled thief by the time she brought me off the street. But assassination wasn’t what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted to learn magic, to be an enchantress.”

“Which she did.”

“She did,” Ira agreed. “She isn’t an assassin anymore. She’s out of the guild and doing something she cares for.”

Myghal stopped.

Noticing he wasn’t following, Ira turned, glancing from one ridge to the other in search of anything dangerous. “What is it?” He whispered, reaching for his dagger.

“You took the fall for Darts.” Myghal shouldn’t have said it so quickly, but the idea made his insides twist. Ira relaxed, clicking his tongue with an aggravated sigh. “Didn’t you? Because you weren’t an assassin –you didn’t kill the magistrate.”

“She didn’t either.” He defended. “The guild framed Darts because they didn’t trust her magic. They thought she might turn them all to stone or frogs, anything so she could take over. And I…” he drew in a slow breath and quickly released it. “We were in love. She was the only one who was kind to me, from the beginning. She brought me off the streets, into the guild. She taught me everything I knew, and we grew close. So, when the den leader tried turning everyone on her, I admitted to their accusations.”

Myghal swallowed roughly. It hurt and he felt selfish for it.

“I told them to let Darts go, not to bother her, and we made a deal. I would go to Dungaree and she would be free of her contract so she could start a life over. There was no sense in her being arrested merely because she wanted to make a living with magic.” Ira took in a deep breath, as if saying all of this had suffocated him. “I’m glad to see she’s come this far, that she isn’t in the guild, and that she has a life as if none of this happened.”

He made a motion towards his cloak.

“I can see why you love her.” Myghal nodded, “She’s knowledgeable and kind—”

“I loved her, Myghal. But we both thought Dungaree would be the end. We moved on in completely different directions. I can tell it. We’re just not right in the way we used to be.” Ira laughed, shaking his head. “And, to be honest, it’s probably the best for her. No sense in wasting time on a would-be assassin who probably won’t survive to see the Emperor finished.”

“Don’t say that.” Myghal snapped, hurrying up to him. “I’m serious, don’t say that.”

“I’ve just never been able to imagined life after. Killing him, sure. But anything after that?” He threw his shoulders, “It doesn’t feel like I’ll make it that far.”

“Well, start planning on it. Why not now? What are you going to do after? Take the crown?”

“No,” Ira’s face turned sour, stepping back as if smelling something rancid. “Why would I want to be Emperor?”

“I don’t know. I just thought, well, that was the reason you were after him. To take his crown, become the new Emperor to change what you wanted.” The scowl turned into a glare, head tilting, eyes narrowing.

“You think I want to be Emperor? That I want to kill him because…?” his stare caught something else, distracted as his face lifted to the sky. Myghal looked too.

High up in the cloudless, blue sky, a tiny dot drifted about. He knew it was a bird, or at least hoped it wasn’t an angry dragon looking for its eye, but couldn’t tell what kind.

“Falconer,” Ira warned, “he didn’t give up so easy. We need to get under cover,” He threw on his cloak, a sharp turn getting him on Berma. Myghal mounted Nepi, searching the rocky walls for a tunnel, trees, something besides flat rocks and open ground. There wasn’t anything.

“Better move,” Myghal circled in front, hurrying them ahead hoping there would be something there to work with. The walls sloped back, the gorge floor widening as they rode. He hoped it led to a river or an oasis, something where trees could be found. Birds capable of flying that high or that small didn’t exist in the arctic ridge. This wasn’t Northmen they were running from, which meant they were after Ira.

A red line of caped footmen drew out at the end of the gorge, cutting them off from the open plains ahead. “Dammit,” Myghal pulled on the reins, hooves sliding in dust. Ira rounded Berma into a turn, cursing in a foreign language as he heeled them into a retreat.

“Not that way,” was all he said and Myghal turned to follow. A yell bellowed out behind them and something on the ridge caught his eye. More men. More red cloaks. They ran along the top of the rim, whistling to one another in signal of changing formations to narrowed any escape.

“Ira, the walls!” The hood tilted, right and then left, shaking it as he stood in the saddle. Berma’s head swung down and she launched into a gallop. Myghal egged Nepenthe in hopes of keeping up. The way they entered the canyon was already blocked, hooves sliding on dirt with no way out. Ira looked at him, jaw set and brow low.

“They’re not here for you.”

“We talked about this already.” Myghal grabbed his staff, jumping down from the saddle. “There’s only, what? Thirty of them?”

“Myghal,”

“We can do this! We’ve fought Harpies and Dragons, what’s a few Imperials?”

“They’re not just soldiers.”

“Falconers, whatever!” He took his hatchet from the saddle, giving Nepi a pet before sending him off out of the way. “We didn’t come this far just to give up. Are you with me, Rook?” Ira muttered something as he slid off his saddle and sent Berma off. They watched as the red cloaked Imperials reached the gorge floor, yelling growing from behind.

“I should have left you with the Thunder Hills.” He muttered.

“I knew you wanted to,” Myghal chuckled. It’s why I couldn’t sleep. “Because you think I want to go with them.”

“No,” Ira glanced at him, frowning, “because you don’t deserve this.”

He took off, racing headlong towards the incoming pack. Myghal jarred, fumbling to take off after him. The first attacker leapt, Ira dodging in a slide. Myghal was there when they landed, knocking them off their feet and lobbing them across the head. Ira had the next on their back, dagger in their chest.

Myghal caught up, staff knocking two back and stabbing for a third. Ira came out from under him, ducking the final swing of his staff as he pounced on a reeling soldier. Myghal kept the back guarded as those from the walls caught up behind them. He and Ira stood heel to heel as more of the raiders circled around. Ira hissed, wincing, and Myghal turned expecting the worst.

Ira pulled a hand from his side, coming away with blood. There was a slit in his shirt, tearing a gash as the wielder of the dagger danced back into the crowd.

“Alright?” Myghal blocked a sword, swiping under to disarm them.

“Just a scratch.” Ira tore a dart from his cloak, throwing for unguarded thighs.

“Go low,” and Ira did. He crouched, giving room for Myghal to sling his staff around, knocking overhead, spilling a number who were occupied with the darts in their legs. Ira sprang up, tearing the sword from one to lodge in another.

Myghal noticed they didn’t fight like soldiers. There was a lack of organization, numbers, and a variety of weapons. They moved with speed, light on their feet and constantly changing position. It felt more like a rebel force than a military. Still trained, but deadly. Precise. They were more like assassins.

Ira staggered into Myghal’s back, but it was the sound he made that frightened him. A gag. A choke. A forceful huff that was always fatal. Worried he had been run through, Myghal turned, blocking as Ira staggered, clipping his shoulder.

He went to the ground.

Myghal only caught a glimpse of his face before having to defend them. Ira’s eyes were wide, bleary, and he was coughing. Myghal drew his hatchet off his belt, slinging it with a scream.

He didn't need to see it bury into the attacker’s neck. He didn't need to draw his short sword. He didn't need to cut down the remaining three. But he did because he saw the look on Ira's face: the pain, the cold fear, the wide-eyed shock of a dead man.

Myghal centered his stance, standing over Ira, quickening the spin of his staff. The raiders bobbed back and forth, like hungry pack animals hoping to land a bite. They brandished knives, faces covered in masks and wraps. There were still at least a dozen.

Someone lurched forwards, Myghal slamming his staff down on their head. But they were already falling. There was a blade in their back, ripped free as a man in a straw hat advanced. He wielded a spear, too fast for Myghal to block as it’s pointed end shot towards him.

It missed –not meant for him but the lunging raider behind him.

“Don’t fall!” He ordered, rumbling voice deep and loud. “Stand your ground!” They pivoted, dragging the dull end of their spear across the ground throwing dirt into the crowd’s eyes. Myghal complied, backs pressing to one another as they stood over Ira.

Together they picked off the pack until the last one scrambled in a retreat. A falcon dove from above, wings bent until the last moment where it landed on the back their neck. They fell, not getting back up.

“Step aside.” The man in the straw hat pressed on Myghal’s shoulder, moving him away from Ira.

“No.” Myghal pushed back. The falconer was towering, broad in the shoulders, dressed in layers of quilted greens and leathers. They wore a wide brimmed conical straw hat and thick gloves that ran to their elbows. They were darker than Myghal, darker than Darts, one eye scarred over that ran down to their jaw. They regarded Myghal with a tilt of the head.

“Is this your target as well?” They asked, disguising a threat.

“If you want to get to Ira, you’ll have to go through me.” Myghal, didn’t back down, staff ready in hand.

“I’m not here for his life.”

“Then back away.” When he didn’t, Myghal swung for a knee. They blocked, the contact of their weapons making a dense clack.

“You’re mistaken. We’re on the same side.” He flashed teeth, looming and tense.

“Same side? You’re an Imperial bastard.” Myghal swung again, for a shoulder, their middle. The spear retaliated with a jut for his hip, his face, having to back away to dodge its curved blade. Ira tried crawling back, struggling to keep his head up as his heels slid uselessly over the packed dirt. He mumbled something, arm lifted in a last-ditch attempt to defend himself from the Falconer. His other arm gave out, slumping him on his side.

Myghal charged.

The man in the straw hat leaned away from the first hit and caught the second.

“I am Noph, soldier of the Imperial family, and I can’t protect the Prince if you keep interfering.”

“Protect the Prince by killing Ira?” Myghal yanked back on the staff, kicking for their middle. He met a hip.

“You don’t have to play stupid anymore. I know you’ve been looking after him. I’ve been following you.” Myghal swung a fist for their middle and was caught in the thick glove.” Ira is the Prince!”

Myghal was sure he heard him right. He had said Prince, hadn’t he?

“This is the Son of Lady Sarika. Those were the Emperor's assassins and they may just have done their masters bidding."

“What?”

Ira flopped in the dirt causing Noph to curse. He shoved Myghal back, staff and all, and took a knee by Ira’s side. It was then Myghal noticed Ira was shaking, convulsing as something dark leaked from the corner of his mouth.

"Don't!" Myghal lurched forwards, thrown to the ground as a weigh fell on him. Beating wings and a small chime wrestled with him, fluttering off as he got to his hands and knees. A blue-grey falcon hopped across the ground, away from him towards the Falconer. They had Ira sitting up, flaccid and pressing something into the wound.

"Bring a horse!" Noph demanded, lifting Ira from the ground in his arms. "Now!" Myghal fumbled to his feet, unsure who the man was but agreed if he wanted to help Ira. Myghal brought over Berma, petting her nose. "Get on, follow me, and whatever you do don't drop him." Myghal climbed up, helping sit across the saddle. It wasn’t the easiest way to carry him, but he had to keep him from slipping off.

His breath was rasping, shaking, an exert making Myghal worried a lung had been hit. “Let’s go!” Noph ordered and Nepenthe charged past carrying the man. Myghal had no clue who he was, knowing only he was a Falconer and a soldier of the Imperial family. The Emperor’s family. Is that why he was helping Ira? Was he really a prince?

The Lost Prince?

Berma shot forwards with ease. Her stride smooth and quick, jarring them very little. They didn’t have to try at all to keep up with Nepenthe and he wondered how frustrating it had been for Ira to constantly fall back for him. A whistle broke the air and the falcon rose with beating wings, high up and ahead of them. When it turned, so did Nepenthe, and Myghal followed. Ira made a thick clicking sound, lurching a number of times before giving a frail wheeze.

Myghal hooked an arm around him, holding him closer as he urged Berma on ahead of the stranger, following the soaring falcon. If Myghal wanted answers, he needed to get Ira help.

#AU Time!#This is the last one on here #I promise #posting it early because I'm excited #my writing #fantasy au #fantasy stories

5 notes · View notes