“Sexual abnormality”listen bitch if you not getting dicked down on the regular just say that. Don’t be a bigot.

Tachipen (Part 4)

Tommy x female reader

Summary: With the flip of a coin, Tommy makes a deal to bring a 20 year old gypsy girl into the Shelby clan. Considering her too young to marry, he employs her as a nanny. When tragedy strikes, he’s forced to confront the truth he has always known. 

Author’s Note: This was requested by @honey-im-hotdog who asked for a fic about Charlie’s nanny. I decided to turn it into a series. The story will be told through flashbacks, but I will note the year. Tommy meets y/n in 1919 and the story goes thru present time which is the year of the vendetta, 1925. 

Warnings: language, ethnic slur, violence, childbirth

1924, Tommy’s wedding day

A broken side window and a smell of petrol. Nothing left, but smoke and ash. You tried to put the disturbing thoughts out of your mind, but it was all you could think of as you sat at the long banquet table adorned with tapered candles and silver trays of food. Across the table, John laughed at his own joke, an expensive cigar in one hand and a glass of Irish whisky in the other. Isaiah clapped him on the back as he joined in and you wondered if they held a shred of remorse for what they had done.

“Y/n, is everything alright?” Ada asked, noticing the far off look in your eye.

“I need some fresh air,” you lied. Pushing your chair away from the table, you threw your napkin on the table and turned from the rowdy men as they called after you, feeling nothing but disgust. Finding the front of the house occupied by Grace’s family, you attempted to escape the sea of red uniforms with the rest of the staff below stairs. As you paced the darkened hallway outside the kitchens, you heard someone clear their throat and you looked up to find Arthur standing before you, hands in his pockets as he watched you carefully.

Unable to hold it in any longer you demanded to know, “I’m not allowed a man on my arm?”

Adopting the tone of a weary older brother reluctant to enforce his authority he began softly, “It’s about your choice of man. You know the rules.” You turned from him and he lay a hand on your shoulder attempting to console you, “Come upstairs and enjoy the party, love.”

You faced him, wiping a tear away with your sleeve. “Pretend we’re all a happy family, is that what you’d like?” you asked, failing to contain your spite.

“Aren’t you happy for Tommy?” Arthur asked, confused by your words. As he pulled away from you to study you with concern, Michael passed through with a girl on his arm. Motioning for her to go on without him, he stopped to speak to you.

“Everything alright?” he asked, the hazy, cocaine induced grin fading from his face. 

“You know it isn’t! You know why he didn’t come, don’t you?” you asked bitterly, placing your hands on your hips to stare him down.

“Who? You mean the wop?” he said scrunching his nose as though the very idea was repugnant. You could tell by his reaction he held no concern for Angel Changretta’s plight and that made you angrier than before.

“His name is Angel Changretta and his restaurant was burned to the ground to stop him coming tonight!” you corrected as you charged Michael, unable to believe his callousness.

Arthur stepped between you and Michael, placing a hand on your shoulder as he said in a calm voice, “Now, y/n, we tried to tell you. Angel Changretta weren’t good for ya. He’s a dangerous man. He’s had five different names in the last six years, and he’s got connections with the Naples boys.”

“How could you be that bloody stupid? The order was simple! No fraternizing with foreigners!” Michael spat at you from over Arthur’s shoulder.

You shook free from Arthur’s grasp, a wild look in your eye at the thought of being told what to do by the youngest member of the family. “You have no right to choose who I see in my own time!” you shouted at him. Micheal only returned an icy stare as you shook your head at him in disbelief.

Then you added more quietly, “Maybe I was stupid…to have told John that Angel showed me kindness.” Looking down at your shoes you said to more to yourself than to the men surrounding you, “Angel didn’t deserve this for being with me. I wasn’t even serious about him. Just passin’ the time cause I can’t be with the man I want.”

“Be glad it was only a warning then. Sometimes killing is a kindness and the Peaky Blinders do that very well,” Michael threatened, holding your gaze a moment before stalking off to find his girl.

You gulped as you watched him go, feeling chilled to your core. Your anger soon returned as you picked up a nearby vase and threw it as far as you could, letting out a scream of frustration. You slid down the wall, watching water drip down the subway tiles across from you. Arthur surveyed the damage, before shuffling toward you.

“It goes for all of us. We all have our orders,” he said as he extended a hand to you.

You ignored it as you picked up a crushed flower at your side, “But you have someone so you couldn’t possibly understand,” you answered sadly. Pulling your knees into your chest and pressing your cheek to your forearms you muttered, “Go back to Linda, Arthur, and leave me alone.”

Arthur slipped away quietly. As he passed Tommy on the stairs, Tommy asked, “Where’s y/n?”

“Downstairs, but she wants to be alone,” Arthur said as he stood in his way.

Tommy cocked his head and squinted at Arthur. “Have you said something about the order given last night? She wasn’t to know, Arthur.”

“She already knows, Tommy. I tried to explain it to her, but fucking Michael was high on snow. Made it worse,” he said running his hand through his hair.

Tommy punched the wall beside him in a fit of rage. He had only tried to keep you safe. He hadn’t intended to hurt you. 

From somewhere deep within the house calls for the groom could be heard and Arthur shifted uncomfortably. “We need to go back up, brother. Let’s go see your lovely bride,” Arthur suggested, but he could tell that wasn’t what consumed Tommy’s thoughts.

Tommy hesitated on the stairs as he took one final glance around. Massaging his sore knuckles, he murmured to himself, “I will make this right.”

—————————————————-

1919 

It was far too late for you to be awake, but you couldn’t sleep. Some nights you still dreamt of home. It was difficult not to think of your sisters at times, wondering what they were doing, and if they ached for you the way you ached for them. As you sat at the kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea, Tommy descended the stairs. He looked exhausted, braces hanging from his shoulders and hair tousled as though he had tried to sleep and failed.

“What are you doing awake, ey? Thought the kids would have worn you out,” he said, voice raspy from the late hour and too many cigarettes. He lit another as you thought of an answer.

“Why are you awake?” you countered, looking him in the eye. You wanted to show him you weren’t afraid of him, hoping to put the unpleasantness behind you and start anew.

Tommy sat back in the chair across from you, blowing smoke into the air. “I asked you first,” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“Alright, I was thinking of my family. What they’d say now,” you confessed, swallowing harshly.

Tommy nodded thoughtfully, then leaned forward, digging into his pocket. He placed a bullet in front of you, standing it on end and left it there for you to consider. “That’s what they’ve said. Go on, have a look,” he said, taking another lazy drag.

You watched his eyes as your fingers reached for the cool metal, rolling it over in your hand before reading his name etched on the side. You knew what it meant. His death had been ordered. You knew it wasn’t your father, he wouldn’t have bothered. Your sister would be married by now though to one of the men Tommy and his brothers had cut the day you had left so this could only have come from one family.

Nodding thoughtfully you replied, “This came from the Lees?”

“That’s right, love,” he said seemingly unbothered by the fact that men were trying to kill him.

“What are you going to do?” you asked, eyes darting to his for some sign he understood the severity of the threat.

“Nothing,” he replied simply.

“But…the bullet has been written, Tommy. They will kill you,” you stressed to him.

Tommy shook his head and a small smile crept onto his face as he leaned forward, “No, I don’t think they will. And do you know why?”

You shook your head, fearing what he might say next.

“Because you know everything that went on in that camp. So I need some information from you to implement a plan for my business. Do you understand?” he asked snatching the bullet up and holding it in front of you.

You nodded fiercely. “Yes, what do you need?”

“You can start by telling me what you know of the racetracks,” he said with a grin. 

————————————————————————-

“Are we going to see Daddy?” the children asked excitedly. 

“Yes, we are. We’re going to surprise him today,” you said with a big grin, swinging hands with Clara along the way. The sun was setting over Small Heath at the end of a long day and the golden light made everything look softer somehow. 

“I want to see Uncle Tommy!” William shouted.

“He’s not there now. He and Aunt Polly have gone away on business,” you explained as everyone began talking at once. 

As you came upon the front door, you noticed a Lee boy sneaking inside. Your stomach turned, knowing something wasn’t right. “Katie, why don’t you wait outside for me while I fetch your dad?” you suggested. She shrugged, taking Henry from your arms and you carefully ventured inside. 

The moment you crossed the threshold, hands clamped over your shoulders and the front door slammed shut. Before you could scream, the man holding you clapped a filthy hand over your mouth and pulled you into his sweaty body. You inhaled a sharp breath as a knife came to your throat. “So you’re still here, y/n,” a familiar voice hissed in your ear. The knife pressed against your skin as he tightened his grip on your waist. “Like being Tommy Shelby’s whore do you?” You attempted to shake your head, but thought better of it, replying through clenched teeth, “What do you want Erasmus?”

“Just taking back what’s ours, sweetheart. Every last dime you helped Tommy Shelby steal at Cheltenham” he spat. “And more because I know he’s got it,” he sneered. Angered by his words you fought with all your might, feeling the sleeves of your dress tear and nails drag across your skin as you pulled away. You jabbed and clawed your way free until you could sink one hand to your boot to retrieve the knife Esmerelda had given you to defend yourself. Unsheathing it quickly, you raised up cutting Erasums from his chin to his forehead. He reared back with a roar of pain, holding his face as blood gushed forth in bright red spurts.

As you tried to run through Polly’s house you were met with the sight of Ada, asking what was wrong. You gasped for breath as you replied, “We’ve been done over. Run, Ada!” But the warning came too late, as one of the Lee boys barged into the parlor with a gun pointed at you.

“You’re not going anywhere. Sit the fuck down,” he said and you did as he said, watching as the men who accompanied him, mostly kin, overturned the shop. They broke everything in sight and stole what money and valuables they could find, four cash boxes in total. When they were satisfied they had what they wanted, Erasmus came in to see you, jerking you up from your chair by your elbow. 

“You give Tommy a message from me,” he said, holding you harshly by the jaw.

“What’s that?” you asked defiantly. 

“Tell him we want our cut or there'll be more of this,” he said, striking a blow to your cheek that knocked you to the ground. Ada screamed, rushing to you as you fell. The men ran out as quickly as they had arrived and you were left alone in the disheveled house. Only then did you hear the children calling to you, grateful that they hadn't witnessed any of it.

You called them in, hugging them tightly to you. You rocked Henry until he stopped crying and checking everyone over to be sure they weren’t harmed. William shouted out in protest. “Y/n, you’re hurting me, let me go!” Soon your attention was stolen by Ada’s whimpers then a shout.

“Holy shit. Water!” Ada said, looking down at the puddle at her feet.

“What does that mean?” Katie asked.

“Means the baby’s comin’,” you explained. “Take your brother to the neighbors’,” you said trying to keep the fear out of your voice as you pushed Henry into her arms. Of all days for Polly to be away, you thought. 

“Alright, let’s get you comfortable,” you said to Ada, praying you’d be able to do just that, but knowing you were in for a long evening. As the night wore on, John eventually came looking for you and the children and was met with Ada’s screams. 

He’d obviously been drinking because he didn’t seem to notice the state of the betting shop or understand what was happening with his sister asking, “What’s going on in here? Someone strangling a cat?”

“I’m going to strangle you if you don’t get the fuck out, John Shelby!” Ada yelled at him before lurching forward to push once more.

“Keep going. That’s right. Push,” you encouraged her, trying to ignore John. Ada screamed out in obvious pain once more and you looked up to see the note of recognition wash over John. You shook your head at him as you felt her stomach, prodding at the top of her bump and then the bottom. He eyed you suspiciously, your look of concern sobering him instantly.

“The baby’s the wrong way round,” you proclaimed, feeling sick to your stomach.

“How do you know?” John asked.

“I’ve attended three other girls before in camp. One was like this,” you said, biting your lip and trying to think.

“What do we do?” John asked removing his coat and hat, rolling up his sleeves to show he was ready to help. Ada threw her sweat soaked head back against the pillows, too tired to care who was in the room now.

“There’s something else to try. Lean her forward,” you instructed and John helped you move Ada onto all fours. 

“It’s not long to go now,” you cooed in her ear, rubbing along her back, then helped her count “one, two, three. Push.” Ada groaned out a miserable sounding whine as she forced herself to push harder through the pain before trying to collapse onto her elbows.

“Ada, if you stay strong, I’ll fetch Freddie soon and he can see his son,” John said, and that gave Ada the motivation she needed. In two more pushes, her son Karl was born, wailing to the heavens.

“It’s a beautiful, baby boy,” you said as you cleaned and swaddled the child to hand to his mother. You helped Ada move into the rocking chair by the crackling fire just as Freddie burst through the door, tears glistening in his eyes at the sight of his wife and newborn son.

As you washed your hands clean of blood in the porcelain basin, your heart swelled at the sight of Ada leaning her head onto Freddie’s shoulder as he cradled their child and whispered to him softly. Sneaking out the back as quietly as possible so as not to disturb them, you collided with John who was waiting for you in the alley.

“You did well, tonight, love,” John said, moving toward you with a warm smile. 

“I couldn’t have done it all by myself,” you said, shyly. Then jerking your chin across the street you asked, “Do the children know you they have a cousin?” 

John nodded and added, “Yeah, but then they went back to sleep. They’re gonna stay with Mrs. Andrews tonight. Tommy just got back so I sent a blinder to tell him the news….how should we celebrate, ey?” he asked, placing a rough hand to your cheek. Your breath hitched as he leaned down to ghost his lips over yours, pressing against you gently until you were moving in perfect sync with him. The pad of his thumb caressed you softly as his tongue pushed your lips apart, seeking more of your warmth and you let out a quiet moan against him, feeling him smirk against you. 

Suddenly you heard someone in the darkness clear their throat and then you saw Polly’s figure come into view in the doorway, her curls outlined by the lamplight. “John, I would’ve thought you’d be at the Garrison by now wetting the baby’s head.”

John pulled away from you slowly, hand dropping to your shoulder as though unwilling to let you go as he replied, “Aunt Pol, when did you get back?”

Polly motioned to you as she offered, “Y/n, I’m sure you’d like a nice, hot bath after the day you’ve had.”

You realized what a state you must be in, moving to smooth your hair before ducking under John’s arm. “Thank you, Polly.”

She nodded, glancing back at John who still stood frozen in place, one hand against the brick wall. 

After you’d gone, Polly lit a cigarette, walking toward her nephew in slow, measured steps as she considered him. Standing at his back, she turned her head and blew smoke into the night air. “John, she’s only just found her footing here. She’s young and the last thing she needs is heartbreak,” She placed a hand on John’s shoulder, thinking of the many affairs he’d had since he returned home from the war. “Find someone else to put your fires out,” she warned.

John only nodded in reply and headed back toward the Garrison to join his brothers in celebrating their new nephew. As he opened the door of the snug, Tommy and Arthur greeted him. He stepped inside, removing his cap and glancing to the corner as he took in another familiar face, kind and beautiful. “Hello, John,” she said brightly.

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

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The Invisible Woman Chapter Twelve: Empty Eyes and A Ravaged Soul

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Jake Seresin x female!reader

TW:angst, memory loss, trauma, I think thats it?

Summary: You try to come to terms with everything thats happened.

Word Count:2k

Jake freezes upon hearing your voice say his callsign. He hasn't heard it in months, and he was starting to forget what it sounded like. His next thought is that you remember. You hadn't even known his first name, let alone his nickname. 

His head shoots up to look at you and he can see the chaos swimming in your eyes as the pieces come together. He hits the call button before grabbing your hand gently. 

"Hey, I'm right here Ozzy." 

You look disoriented, eyes wild as they dart around the room and try to place where you are. A few moments later nurses and doctors start filtering in and the heart monitor starts beeping rapidly as panic sets in. 

You rip your hand away from a doctor and start thrashing as they try to restrain you. Jake jumps up and tries to fight the anxiety crawling up his throat. 

He pushes past a nurse and leans forward to take your hand and whisper in your ear. 

"Baby. Baby, I need you to calm down and trust me okay? They're here to help. You have to let them help." His voice is pleading and you calm down just enough for the hospital staff to do their jobs. 

"So I take it you remember?" An older man asks and Jake scoffs. 

"Jesus Christ, it's been five minutes. Can she have a minute to settle down?" 

He's disgusted at how insensitive the man is being, and he wants it known. 

"Ma'am I think it's best if we speak alone." 

You shake your head immediately, desperate to be near Jake. 

"No, I want him in the room." 

The doctor sighs and shoots Jake a glare before turning back to you. 

"I'm sorry to push you, I know how sensitive this all is. But given the circumstances, the Navy is pushing for more information. Do you have any memory of what happened while you were deployed?"

You look at Jake for a moment before shaking your head slowly. 

"No, sir. I remember Jake and my life here. Aside from what I've been told, I don't know anything else. I'm sorry."

He sighs heavily and nods his head, marking something down in your chart. 

"Okay, well there's most likely going to be some officials coming by to take your statement as well as some specialists for psych evals." 

With that, he turns and exits, leaving you alone with the man you love. 

The two of you spend time catching up, deciding to wait a day before telling the squad the latest development. 

"So you really don't remember?" Jake asks, a French fry half hanging out of his mouth. 

"Nope, not a thing. I know this isn't what the Navy wants, but it's kind of best case scenario, right? I mean remembering the good parts and not the bad?"

He nods as he takes another sip of his drink, and swallows before answering. 

"Yeah, I would think so." 

It's quiet for a minute before you speak up again. 

"I'm really sorry for everything you went through. I can't imagine how you felt. Everyone is so concerned about me, but all I can think about is how you're doing." You whisper and Jake frowns. 

"Hey, I'm okay. I won't lie and say it wasn't hell on earth, but that's all behind us now. You're here with me, back where you belong, and that's all that matters." 

You study him for a moment and decide to let it go. You know he isn't telling the full truth, you can see it in the new gray hairs peppered around his forehead and frown lines between his eyebrows. All of this has taken a toll on him, but you love and respect him enough not to pry. 

"You would tell me, right? If anything was bothering you or any new memories start popping up?" He asks and you nod immediately. 

"Of course." You assure him, but he still looks nervous. 

"Promise?" 

You smile and reach out to steal a fry. "Pinky."

Guilt claws at your chest as the lie slips past your lips. Truthfully, you do remember. Not everything, but enough. 

You remember how your team got killed, you remember holding one of your best friend's hands as you tried to stop the bleeding and he begged you not to let him die, you remember running for your life. 

The only thing still blank is your time spent captured. You've gotten flashes of a dark cell that smelled of mold and stale water, but that's it. Honestly, you're okay with that. You prefer not to remember. 

The next day, another man with a high rank comes to visit and you sigh. He's new, and you figure they must be desperate for some insight. You watch as he pulls up a chair and press your lips into a thin line. 

"Ozzy," 

His voice is too sweet, and it immediately puts you on edge. 

"I think we both know you remember more than you're letting on. For everyone's sake, why don't you just rip off the bandaid and there won't be repercussions for lying to your superiors." 

There it is. The thinly veiled threat you knew was coming. Your eyes rake over his face for a moment as you ponder your options. He's older, definitely nearing retirement, and probably well-experienced in situations like this. 

You finally come to the conclusion that you really don't have any options, and nod slowly. 

"Okay, I'll tell you what I remember." 

The man takes everything down, periodically asking questions, and you try to be as detailed as possible. When he's satisfied, he stands to leave and you lean back exhausted. 

"That wasn't so hard was it?"

You resist the urge to make a snarky retort, settling instead for flipping him off when his back is turned to leave. 

Jake comes in a few minutes later with a concerned look and you give him a tired smile. 

"Everything okay? He was in here for a while."

You muster up a reassuring smile and nod. 

"Yup, just the same old shit."

He doesn't seem to fully buy it but lets it go. 

"I was talking to your doctor. He said that you should be ready to go home tomorrow."

It's not lost on you that it's because the Navy finally got what they wanted. You've known for a while now that you were physically okay to be discharged. They were holding you hostage in their own right, refusing to let you leave until they cracked you. 

"That's good. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed." 

The rest of the night flies by, and before you know it you're in Jake's truck heading home. It's exactly how it was before you left, and it brings you comfort. Your scrunchie is still on his gear shift, it still smells like his cologne and pine-scented car tree, and your sneakers you kicked off after a night out are still in his back seat. 

The newest addition makes your heart sink. Your hand reaches out to gingerly run your thumb along the cool metal swinging from his rearview mirror, and you feel his eyes on the side of your face. 

"Your parents got the ones from the funeral, but Ice pulled some strings and got me a copy." He explains softly, and you nod completely entranced. 

Neither of you speaks again, and your heart leaps into your throat as he pulls into your driveway. Nothing has changed and yet, it feels foreign. Jake has kept the grass mowed and the US Navy flag is still hanging from your front porch right where you left it. 

Your feet drag as you make your way to the front door, and Jake unlocks it with practiced ease. He holds it open for you and you have to force yourself to cross the threshold. You never thought you'd be back here again, and now that you are it seems surreal. 

The scent of your favorite candle fills your nose and a familiar feeling of nostalgia and warmth washes over you. It looks so normal as if you had just gone away for a long weekend on vacation. 

You register the sound of your bag hitting the ground as Jake drops it and flinch. Jake notices but doesn't mention it, not wanting to push you. He knows this is a lot for you to process, and he figures that even if you don't remember, there will still be some hesitation and skittishness for a while.

"You hungry?"

Your head jerks to look at him and you tilt your chin down just barely, but enough for him to understand. 

Twenty minutes later you're eating grilled cheese at your kitchen table like it's the most normal thing in the world. This whole thing makes you sick to your stomach. Everything is exactly the same, and yet you've changed irrevocably. 

Nothing feels right, and you feel like an imposter in your own life. Your life seems so far away, a distant memory that you barely even register as yours. You eat half your sandwich before standing and Jake looks up at you in alarm. 

"I'm gonna go shower." 

He doesn't get a chance to respond before you're walking away, and his gut is screaming at him that something is wrong. Of course, he knows something is wrong; hell everything is wrong. But the way your eyes look distant like you're not really here and your body moves as if you want to tear your way out of your own skin has him drowning in unease. 

He knows you better than anyone, even if you're not the same as you were, and he knows you're not telling him the whole truth. He doesn't know what it is, but he knows you're hiding something. He just doesn't know why. 

You stand in front of the mirror just staring at the reflection. You don't even recognize yourself anymore; it's a different woman looking back into your eyes. You've put on a good amount of weight and the physical injuries have healed but you're unrecognizable. 

There's no glint in your eyes anymore, your smile isn't as big, and your posture is shrunken. You're a shell of yourself, and you turn away unable to bear it anymore. The familiar scent of your shower products makes your head spin and you almost have to sit down. 

You rush through the process, wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed. That presents a whole new slew of issues as you eye the freshly washed comforter and photo on your nightstand. It all seems to mock you; a reminder that life carried on while you withered away. 

After a few minutes, you gather the courage to climb into the mound of pillows and pull the blanket up to your chin. Jake watches silently from the hallway, not wanting to alert you of his presence. 

He was so focused on his hope that you'd come home, he never stopped to consider what it would be like if you did. Now that you're here, his heart breaks even further as he watches the woman he loves collapse under the weight of everything. 

He doesn't know what the future holds, or if you'll ever be any semblance of who you once were. All he knows is that he'll be here for all of it, no matter how dark and ugly it gets.

His hand reaches into his pocket and he scrolls through his contacts for a moment before finding who he was looking for and pressing the call button. 

"Jake? Is everything okay?" 

Mavericks voice rings out and Jake takes a deep breath before responding. 

"She remembers."

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My Last 10 Reads

Here are my last 10!

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison - 3 stars - This one was... a lot. It wasn't what I expected, and things really went off the rails, in my opinion, as the plot progressed. Vesper Wright, protagonist, left home at 18 and has tried to remove herself from her mother (famous actress) and everything else from her formative years. Then a wedding invitation from her cousin arrives causing Vesper to head home. The secrets she unburies make for quite a wild ride. Well written: good mix of prose and dialog.

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward - 4 stars - I'd been waiting for this one! Protagonist Annis is a slave in the Civil-War-era South who has been sold. She endures a march, with other female slaves, to her new owner. This march leads her on a journey within herself thanks to the earth and water and spirits. Descended from an African warrior, Annis has been bred to survive the toughest of conditions. And this march is the toughest condition of them all. Beautifully written.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy - 5 stars - You could've asked me prior to reading this to pick McCurdy out of a lineup or tell you why she was famous, and I'd be unable to on both accounts. But this came from the hands of a trusted co-worker and fellow reader, so I had to give it a shot. And wow! I was immediately engaged. Short chapters showing bits and pieces of a relationship with her toxic mother kept me engaged throughout. I’m not sure who exactly I’d recommend this to, but I recommend it highly!

Lights Out by Elise Hart Kipness - 2 stars - This is a pretty generic murder mystery that had nothing that brought it above average for me. Former-Olympian-turned-sports-reporter finds herself in the middle of a career “scandal” when her best friend’s NBA-star husband is found dead. Said best friend is the main suspect. A simple read at best, and if you want a good mystery, you can find something better than this. 

The Last Girls Standing by Jennifer Dugan - 4 stars - I got this YA horror confused with another YA horror I read last month: You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight. Similar covers, plots, and character similarities. Sloan and her girlfriend, Cherry, are the sole survivors of a ritual killing at a summer camp. Sloan trying to uncover said ritual makes this one a solid effort. Solid YA!

The Witch of Maracoor by Gergory Maguire - 4 stars - This marks the third and last installment of the Another Day series. The title character is Rainary Ko - the granddaughter of the infamous Elphaba Thropp of Maguire’s Wicked series. As this is book three, no details. I wasn’t satisfied enough to give it five stars, but I was rapidly turning pages to get to the end. And consequently sad to get to the end as it was over. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a good series. But I thought that Out of Oz (Wicked #4) was then end, and then this trilogy arrived. Maybe Maguire will miss Oz enough to bring it back once again!

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due - 4 stars - My only beef with this one was that it was too long at nearly 600 pages. This book was getting a lot of hype in the literary podcasts and social media pages I follow, so I was excited to read it. It is a historical horror. Robert Stephens, 12, is sent to Gracetown School for Boys (the more formal name of the title place) in 1950 Jim Crow Florida after kicking a white man to defend his older sister. While his sister does everything in her power to get him out, Robbie quickly starts enduring the trials of life at Gracetown. The upper level staff there soon learn Robbie can see haints, or ghosts, and want to use this to their advantage. Based on a real reformatory in the South where a relative of the author spent time, this is a difficult read knowing that the real horrors of Gracetown were not the ghosts but the things that the residents endured in real life.

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger - 3 stars - I don’t quite know what to write about this one. I couldn’t get into it. I maybe should have saved it for another time. But here’s what the plot summary on the flap said: Imagine an America very similar to our own. It's got homework, best friends, and pistachio ice cream.There are some differences. This America has been shaped dramatically by the magic, monsters, knowledge, and legends of its peoples, those Indigenous and those not. Some of these forces are charmingly everyday, like the ability to make an orb of light appear or travel across the world through rings of fungi. But other forces are less charming and should never see the light of day. Elatsoe lives in this slightly stranger America. She can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her Lipan Apache family. Her beloved cousin has just been murdered in a town that wants no prying eyes. But she is going to do more than pry. The picture-perfect facade of Willowbee masks gruesome secrets, and she will rely on her wits, skills, and friends to tear off the mask and protect her family.

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry - 4 stars - I’m not sure when I pre-ordered this as Henry is an auto-buy for me. For some reason, our library doesn’t carry her books. I like that her books are so different from one another. You never know what you’ll get, but you can assure it’ll be good. This one has four parts. The first is about Celia who wakes up one day and does not remember at all the life she is living. She doesn’t recognize her daughter or husband despite seeing family pictures on the wall. She gathers what her job is and heads there to live a day in the life of whomever she seems to be. Next, Allie’s birthday trip turns into a disaster when her best friend’s boyfriend bring their group to a secluded cabin and finds the utmost trouble. Finally, Maggie finds herself in a most dangerous situation trying to get home to her daughter. Part four brings the four women together in a most unpredictable way!

The Princess by Wendy Holden - 4 stars - I’m not a know-it-all when it comes to the British royals. I didn’t know much about Diana before her life as the Princess of Wales. This fictionalization of Diana is told through different third-person perspectives of Diana and those she came in frequent contact with from when she went to college up until she married Charles. Though fiction, it is based on fact, and I learned some sad details about her pre-royal existence.

A brand new species of Coomaniella (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Coomaniellini) via Guangxi, China, with brand new distributional information as well as natural observations.

Lotus japonicus is a wild Japan varieties that varies from n . Hokkaido on the the southern area of Ryukyus as well as exhibits a number of the period in between seeding and 1st blooming. On this research, we all very first identified LjGI as well as assessed polymorphisms associated with LjE1 as well as LjGI among wild numbers within the entire syndication range of this kind of varieties throughout Okazaki, japan. LjGI a html coding sequence (Cd albums) amount of 3495 blood pressure as well as included 15 exons. The particular homologies associated with DNA as well as amino series between LjGI and GmGI were 89 along with Eighty eight % (positive price was 80 Per-cent), correspondingly. LjE1 harbored a few nucleic acid adjustments to any 552 british petroleum Cd albums, that had been nonsynonymous; several with the changes have been perfectly located at the central function area. LjE1 alleles displayed partially north-south distinction and also non-neutrality. In contrast, the particular LjGI harbored one particular interchangeable and one nonsynonymous alter. As a result, our examine points too LjE1 could possibly be mixed up in power over flowering periods, whilst LjGI may be beneath strong cleansing choice.Background: Tiny is known about the types of 'sit significantly less, proceed more' strategies in which interest place of work employees, or perhaps what components affect their employ. These studies considered your uptake regarding methods inside Spanish language school business office staff engaged in a great treatment, and the ones factors that enabled or even constrained method uptake. Methods: The analysis utilised a combined approach style. Semi-structured interview were executed with instructors as well as facilitators (n = A dozen; Forty four +/- Twelve suggest SD age; Some women) from about three details across the five-month input, information accustomed to recognize elements that inspired your subscriber base of strategies. Personnel which finished the particular intervention next concluded a survey ranking (in Equals Eighty-eight; 49 +/- 8-10 suggest SD get older; 51 females) your degree this agreement tactics were chosen [never (One particular) in order to typically (Some)]; further survey products (generated from interviewee info) ranked the impact of factors which enabled as well as minimal approach usage [no affect (One) in order to very strong impact (4). Review score distributions along with averages have been calculated and conclusions triangulated together with appointment information. Final results: Relative to base line, 67% in the taste greater stage counts publish intervention (d Equals 59); 60% reduced work-related seated (in Is equal to 53). 'Active work tasks' and 'increases in going for walks intensity' had been the strategies most regularly utilized by staff (89% and also 94% occasionally as well as generally utilized these kind of strategies); 'walk-talk meetings' as well as ` lunch break strolling groups' were minimal utilised (80% and also 96% hardly ever or perhaps never utilized these kinds of tactics). 'Sitting some time to step rely logging' was the key enabler of behavior change (indicate Idelalisib ic50 survey report of three.

Prison-movies such as Shawshank Redemption or Das Experiment are actually depicting the female prison (harem), which is still lead by older, female, rapists, who organize their other members in Wodin’s Wild Hunt of Human rape and attempted enslavement. We see this as the rapist attempts to hide he/her true intentions by mimicking anything that might appear “harmless”, familiar or “appealing”, though no liar Can keep up the facade forever, which is why traffickers attempt to keep the victim(s) busy, stressed and relocating to maximize desorientation. This library, for example, as many others like it operates according to the same principles, as corrupt, and abusive, members of both visitors and staff Can be experienced lurking around corners and actually backbiting indivdiuals they target to harass, gaslight, England and provoke in order to escalate such a Series of events into a conflict, which is repeated over and over untill one of the harassers verbalizes a threat; such as the elder male employee threatening to “exile me” (“would you like that! Huh?! Huh!? (Be very afraid)) following several in identity of his female colleagues behaving in a prison-lesbian manner while others, in different locations reinforce that stimulus in the same way a group of paintball players would when attempting to shoot Down a target behind a wall. But these events have already been described multiple times. By now attempting to initiate an open conflict towards violence Will look like upbringing political persecution, and that is beyond the jurisdiction of the national courts. Accusations of “crazy” Will not suffice as a “defense”; not for a public conflict; not for multiple assailants against just one; and not after the passing of years. That would be the same as a child specifically calling the sherif asking for protection and having to ring that Bell several times before biting a leg. It doesn’t look credible. Not after being confined in a picked space and quarantine extending beyond even the timespan mandatory to professional sailors and military personnel. That Will not fly. You’re screwed. https://www.instagram.com/p/CjFt0KUs3yr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Fish Out of Water

A Chenle fic that’s part of our Halloween Series!

Summary: You work at Neo City Aquarium. One night, you meet a peculiar but pretty boy named Chenle who claims to know you.

Pairing: Merman! Chenle x female reader

Genre: romance, fluff, angst

Warning: none

Word Count: 5.5k

(A/N: hiya! This is a little late and not proofread so I apologize 😭 I hope you enjoy! Thank you so much for all of the support for our stories!)

_______

[June 2020]

Your family was well known for their rehabilitation and release program at Neo City Aquarium. Your grandparents founded the aquarium and formed ties with wildlife rehabilitation centers in your hometown to expand their work into rescuing local marine life.

Following your high school graduation and having just turned eighteen, you were finally allowed to participate in dolphin rehabilitation. At the beginning of the summer, you joined your parents on a rescue mission to save a dolphin that'd been stabbed in a failed hunt for its meat.

You were tasked with nursing the dolphin’s wounds with the team of veterinarians and veterinary assistants. Socializing with wildlife animals wasn’t encouraged but you found yourself attached to the dolphin. You got to swim him when the rehab staff wanted to check his energy levels and confirm he was near his re-release into the ocean. You named him Happy for his smile and he was affection towards you whenever you fed him fish. Naming him Happy was a secret you shared only with him.

“Are you excited for your first dolphin release?” Hendery asked.

Joining Hendery, you entered into the dolphin pen at the beach, where Happy and three more dolphins were waiting to be released. Hendery was a college student who was interning with the rehab team.

You nodded. “Yes.” You were about to cry.

Hendery’s smiled faded. “What’s wrong?”

You couldn’t wipe your eyes because you’d been immersed in saltwater. You weren’t about to miss this release because you got salt in your eye. “Nothing. It’s just...I’m going to miss him.”

Hendery laughed. “I get it. My first release was emotional. Lucas, an intern from last year, had to hold me while I sobbed, begging the dolphins to come back and visit.”

You sniffled and smiled. “That’s so sweet.”

Hendery put a hand on your shoulder. “You’re okay. Happy is eternally grateful to you.”

“Yeah...I- Wait, how did you know I named him-”

“Your voice carries,” Hendery teased.

You splashed him. “Did you tell anyone?”

Hendery shook his head. “Don’t be embarrassed. I named these guys: Jisung, Sungchan, and Shotaro.”

“Those are human names!” You gasped.

Hendery raised an eyebrow. “Of all the names you could give a majestic dolphin...You named him Happy?”

“Okay, fine. To each their own.” You shrugged him off.

You were in charge of opening the pen that would grant the dolphins their freedom. These releases were so important because these animals were wild, meant to be free to explore the ocean to their hearts’ content. Because of global warming, people’s constant neglect for the environment, and animal cruelty, animals like Happy were negatively affected. Your family’s mission was to educate and rehabilitate. You planned to carry this mission on because the environment’s troubles weren’t going to go away for a long time, you were sad to say.

Releasing the dolphins meant that they would get a second chance to live freely and happily. You hoped no one and nothing would hurt them again.

As much as it pained you to say goodbye to these patients...They weren’t patients anymore.

“Okay, guys,” you addressed the dolphins, “It’s time to go home.”

You opened the pen and the dolphins quickly rushed out. They jumped into the air and whistled.

Happy was the only one who lingered and looked at you.

“Go on, Happy!” You encouraged him. Your tears fell but you were ecstatic. This was such a fulfilling moment.

Happy dove beneath the surface and joined the rest of the dolphins into the deep ocean.

_______

[July 2020]

When you weren’t at the rehab center, you worked at the aquarium as a tour guide. You were giving a tour for the governor and his family. Your family hoped to get more government funding for the aquarium so you could expand the rehabilitation center.

The kids were so wide-eyed and happy to be at the aquarium, seeing the fishes of all kinds of colors and the whale shark that loomed overhead.

The governor was hosting a private party at the aquarium tonight. The Neo City Aquarium boasted monthly sleepovers for anyone who wanted  to sleep with the fishes...

Literally, not figuratively.

The children ran around while the adults mingled at the buffet area that was set up for their party. You helped run the event with your parents. Your mom was helping out with the caterers. Your dad was schmoozing with the state’s elite.

You took a break and walked through the underwater tunnel. You stole some champagne from the party and sipped it lightly.

Someone tapped you on the shoulder and you almost spilled your champagne on the floor. “Agh!”

You turned around and found a boy who grinned from ear to ear. Donning a cerulean tux, he was handsome. He had soulful brown eyes, a boyish smile, an unforgettable eye smile, and his soft, straight brown hair that nearly reached his eyes. He couldn’t have been much older than you.

“C-can I help you?” You winced, feeling like you were caught doing something you shouldn’t have.

“Y/n, it’s me!” The boy said enthusiastically. He couldn’t believe he was here with you.

You frowned. “I’m sorry...I don’t…”

His smile faded but it returned full force as he tried to convince you. “It’s me, Happy!”

“Huh?” You tilted your head in confusion. “How do you know about Happy?”

He said it slowly, “I am Happy…”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that...If you’ll excuse me…” You weren’t getting anywhere with this guy, even if he was your type from a physical standpoint.

He lightly touched your arm. “You saved a dolphin off of the Nakamoto Coast two months ago…”

Now you were listening.

He let you go and explained. “I know that this is going to sound crazy but I was the one you saved that day.”

You furrowed your brows. “What are you talking about…”

“The dolphin you saved has a scar on his underside. It’s shaped like a lightning bolt, almost…” He raised his shirt to reveal his lower abdomen. “Like this…”

It was shaped exactly like Happy’s scar. You dropped your champagne flute. It was a good thing it was made out of reusable plastic. “I…”

He offered you his hand. “Please come with me.”

“Where?” You hesitated.

“To the beach,” he said, “I want to prove to you that I’m not lying.”

You shot him a look. “You better not be. If Hendery put you up to this…”

“You can tell him that Jisung, Sungchan, and Shotaro send their love...I’ve met them in my travels. They liked their human given names so much that they kept them,” he said.

How the hell did he know about those three dolphins?

Now you were curious.

You’d excused yourself from the party. Your mom was thrilled because she thought you finally landed a boyfriend at the ripe old age of eighteen. Like you didn’t have the rest of your life to find a partner. That’s even if you needed one.

The aquarium was located right on the beach so you didn’t have to walk very far. You took off your heels and held the pair on your left hand. Chenle took off his blue dress shoes and did the same. His look had been one color, matching the deepest ocean blue.

You’d reached the shore, where the water reached your toes. “You’re gonna try and drown me here, aren’t you?”

He laughed. “Are you kidding? You are the last person I would drown.”

Did that mean he was capable of drowning people? You laughed nervously. “Thanks?”

He wasted no time and ran into the water with his suit on. You started. “Wait, dude, what are you-”

The water began to glow a bright aqua green. You squint your eyes to see where the boy had gone. The light faded quickly and instead you saw a dolphin tail break the surface.

The boy who brought you here had just turned into a dolphin.

He was telling the truth: he was Happy.

You put a hand over your mouth and simply watched. He jumped into the air and made clicking noises.

“Happy?!” You exclaimed.

Once again, the beam of light appeared. It was brighter that you had to shield your eyes. Happy was gone and the boy’s upper body reappeared.

Along with an aqua green fish tail.

“I...I…” You started.

He made his way back onto shore and regained his nightwear as a human. He was back on two legs again. “I know you named me Happy...It’s a nickname I’ll always treasure in my heart. But my name is Chenle,” the boy said...

Excuse you, the merman said.

“You’re...you’re a merman…” You said.

“Yes…”

“But...you’re also a dolphin…” Your head was about to explode.

“I can transform into any aquatic being...Well, except for clownfish...I can never get the right shade of orange for them…” He started.

You shook your head. “If you were a merman...then why didn’t you transform back...all the time you were here?”

You started remembering just how much you’d told Happy...Chenle...about your life, your aspirations, about how some of your friends were moving away for college, and how you hoped you wouldn’t let your family down…You even made goofy faces at this guy.

You turned away from him in embarrassment.

Chenle continued. “The attack severely injured me...Had it not been for you and your family…I would’ve perished. I did not have the strength to transform back until you released me.”

“Oh…” You said.

He smiled. “I can’t thank you enough. You saved my life.”

You shook your head. “Oh, I didn’t do anything. The doctors and the rehab staff did everything.”

“But you were with me,” he said as he laced his fingers against yours without you realizing it. “You were the one who cared the most. The one whose face hasn’t left my mind since I was released…”

Your face felt warm. “Well, I…”

This was crazy. First, Happy was a dolphin. Then, Happy was a man. And THEN, Happy was a merman.

Someone must have laced your champagne with something. You passed out from the shock of it all.

“Y/n!” Chenle yelled as he caught you from hitting the sand.

A few minutes later, you felt like you’d awoken from a deep, uncomfortable slumber. You felt yourself wrapped in the arms of someone strong, warm…

Wet.

Your eyes opened and you found yourself in the water. What the-

“You’re awake! Thank Poseidon!” Chenle said as his arms were wrapped around you. He looked down at you, drops of water falling off of his slicked back hair. He looked absolutely glorious under the moonlight.

“Chenle, what are you-” You started as you shrugged yourself off of him.

Chenle shushed you. “Y/n, take it easy. I used some of my healing magic to help you wake up…”

“Healing magic?” You asked.

Chenle nodded. “Yes.”

You looked at him carefully. “I can’t believe you’re real…”

He sighed. “Really? You still don’t believe me…”

“No, I believe you...It’s just…A lot for me to process.” You said.

You still wondered if you were losing your mind.

You and Chenle talked for hours that night. He actually used magic to dry you and your dress. He was able to walk on land because of the full moon. That was why it took him a month to come see you and explain himself.

Chenle was the prince of the underwater kingdom, Atlantis. The mythical kingdom had proven to be real. Chenle told you all about it. How his parents ruled the seven seas in harmony. The merpeople had all sorts of abilities. They can transform into other marine life. They can heal. They can control the weather. They can manipulate water.

It was during the full moon every month that merfolk had the opportunity to walk on land to understand humans and their lifestyle. Chenle turned eighteen last year so he’d explored the human world a couple of times already. He was able to learn how to walk after the first couple of visits, apparently.

It was his first time visiting your hometown after being rescued. He’d only wanted to see you because you’d been so kind to him. He knew everything about you and he’d fallen in love. He couldn’t wait to see you again.

“So you’re a prince…” You started.

“Yes…” He answered.

“Then how come your...royal subjects didn’t come and find you?” You asked.

Chenle chuckled. “Actually, they watched me from afar…”

“What? Really?”

Now that you thought about it...You remembered pods of dolphins close to the shore the entire month Chenle had been at the rehab center.

“Yes...And they were relieved to see that I was in good hands. The entire kingdom wishes to invite your team down to the palace to bestow medals of honor to each of you.”

“Wow,” you said, “That’s...incredible...Too bad, we can’t breathe underwater or else I’d be the first to join you.”

He hesitated before he asked you the next question. “Actually...If you did wish to see Atlantis...I could make that happen.”

You gasped. “What?!”

He laughed. “Yes. So long as I’m in saltwater, I can use my magic.”

“I’ve noticed…” You said.

“y/n!” Your father called out to you.

Apparently, he’d been kept out of the loop about your “date”.

“Dad!” You started as you got up from the sand.

“Who is this boy?” He demanded as he walked over to you guys with his loafers still on.

Shocked at your father’s hostility, you said, “Dad! It’s Ha-”

You turned to Chenle and he raised his eyebrows.

“This is Chenle, my-”

Chenle continued, “I’m her friend from school.” He got up from the sand and stood beside you. His demeanor changed then. “It is nice to meet you, sir.” He extended his hand out and gave your father a firm handshake.

Chenle acted like he’d been fully employed with an MBA and a six-figure salary. That must’ve been his prince personality coming out.

Your dad was taken aback by how confident Chenle had been. “It’s nice to meet you, too...May I ask why you and my daughter are out here so late?”

Chenle continued, “I apologize, sir. I hadn’t seen her in a month...And I missed her so I came to see her.” He looked at you then, a meaningful look on his face. You knew he was being honest and you felt your heart sway, then.

Your father cleared his throat. “Well, that’s very nice of you, Chenle but...it’s 2 in the morning...It’s time you called it a night, you two.”

You both looked at each other then, disappointed. It wasn’t like you could call Chenle up on his phone. You wondered if technology could factor into Atlantis...Or if they even needed it. You doubted it.

“Okay, dad,” you said, “Do you mind?” You motioned for him to leave you and Chenle for a few minutes.

Your dad shot you a look, feeling quite overprotective of his only child. He relented when you gave him the same unwavering look. “Alright. Good evening, Chenle.”

Chenle nodded and your dad walked away.

“So much for the trip to Atlantis,” you said as you crossed your arms in disappointment.

“Next time,” Chenle said, smiling down at you, adoring the way you pouted.

_______

[October 2020]

You met Chenle at the beach at nightfall several times since the night you first met at the aquarium. It was your turn to get to know Chenle more since he knew most things about you with you knowing.

He admitted to some embarrassing secrets, like how, during one of the times he visited land, he’d talked to a betta fish in a tank located inside a convenience store and everyone looked at him like he was insane. But what was most embarrassing for him was that he failed to realize that he couldn’t communicate with freshwater fish.

Chenle was courageous and kind. He told you that the reason he turned into a dolphin the day you found him was because he’d gone to help rescue a pod of dolphins from being hunted. In the process, he’d been struck. A Good Samaritan reported his injuries to the rehab center and that was how you met.

Chenle was second in line for the throne for his older brother would soon be crowned king of Atlantis.

Today was the day you would go to Atlantis with Chenle.

“Are you ready?” He asked.

You replied, “I...think so…”

You both held hands as you stood in the water together.

“Trust me,” he said as he winked.

You sighed. Chenle explained and showed his process for helping you breathe underwater.

Chenle had the ability to create an air bubble shaped to your person that surrounded you and kept your oxygen intake high.

In August, you’d tested the air bubble 12 feet under the surface and in September you worked your way up to 1200 feet under the surface.

Each time, it worked seamlessly.

However, you were going thousands of feet underwater so you were freaking out a little. You tried to not show it.

Chenle took your face into his hands. “You’re safe with me.”

You nodded, meeting his beautiful eyes as they glowed the same aqua green from the first night he revealed his true self to you.

You both dived down and Chenle extended his hands out, enveloping you with the clear air bubble.

You were able to maneuver yourself with your legs, like you were the one who swam.

Diving down with Chenle was always an adventure but now that you dove deeper and faster, you saw more of the wildlife and greenery underwater. The ocean was a force to be reckoned with but to you, it was also the most beautiful part of this planet.

Holding Chenle’s hand, he controlled the speed in which you traveled. He wanted to entertain you with the most gorgeous sights the ocean offered. He loved the awe and admiration in your eyes. He wished to always make you happy.

Chenle moved you two faster because your hometown was hundreds of miles away from Atlantis. You two didn’t have a lot of time until sunrise when you needed to get back.

And Chenle would have to retreat. Humans couldn’t know of the merfolk’s existence.

You finally saw it: the kingdom of Atlantis. The buildings stood tall, looking almost like modern-day apartment buildings. The merfolks swam alongside fish and other deep sea creatures. As the people recognized Chenle, a group of armed mermen approached you two.

“Who is this, Your Highness?” One of the armed guards asked.

He continued, “Jaehyun, this is y/n.”

At the sound of your name, all of the guards bowed deeply before you. “y/n, the savior of our prince.”

You put a hand over your mouth. “Oh, no, please don’t do that…”

Chenle laughed. “Alright, let’s go greet my parents.”

“Wait, you parents?!” You exclaimed. Chenle never mentioned meeting his parents.

The guards escorted you to the palace doors. They were heavily guarded by the biggest jellyfish you’d ever seen so no one could break in or break out without getting severely injured. The doors opened and the castle was beyond your wildest dreams. It was translucent and the towers ran high, shaped like icicles. It glowed with a magic of its own with all colors of the rainbow glowing, depending on the angle from which you looked at the structure.

You entered into the palace and into the grand throne room where the king and queen of Atlantis stood. Chenle was the spitting image of his mother. It was in the eyes and the smile.

You bowed. “Your Majesties.”

The queen and king looked at you in adoration.

“We can not express our gratitude enough for saving our son,” the king said.

The queen continued, “Whatever your wish is, we can make it so.”

“Oh,” you said, shaking your head, “That’s okay...In fact, I wasn’t the only one who helped the prince...I don’t deserve anything.”

Chenle looked at you then with so much love and respect. “You deserve the world, y/n.”

You nearly choked. “Chenle...I mean, Your Highness, I-”

Another young man entered the throne room and greeted Chenle by rubbing the crown of his head. “Little brother, you’ve brought a girl home to mummy!”

“Kun, gah, knock it off!” Chenle asked as he pulled himself off of his brother.

Kun resembled his father more but he was also handsome. You realized he was the crown prince and bowed. “Your Highness.”

“Y/n, it is an honor to finally meet you. I’m amazed that the wedding festivities haven’t begun.”

“Wedding?!” You asked and shut your mouth, thinking you spoke out of turn.

Kun and his parents laughed. Chenle sighed. “You’ll have to excuse Kun. He has a flair for the dramatic.”

Once you finished your time with the royal family, Chenle took you to the highest point in the castle. You two looked over the palace. You could see the darkness of the deep blue sea that laid beyond.

“Chenle, this is nothing at all like I imagined it. It’s...a dream,” you said.

Chenle held your hand. “You’re a dream, y/n.” He took it and kissed it.

_______

[December 2020]

You haven't seen Chenle since your visit to the kingdom. Every night that you could visit him, he was never there. You started to wonder if something had happened to him.

You even started to wonder if you’d dreamed his existence this whole time. You cried to sleep some nights, missing him. Longing to see him again.

It was New Year’s morning a few hours before daybreak that you sat alone on the beach, resolute that this would be the last time you would wait for him.

That was when he appeared.

“y/n…” He started.

“Chenle, what happened?” You asked. “I thought you-” You broke down in tears on the shoreline.

It wasn’t a full moon that night so he couldn’t run up to you and hold you like he’d wanted to do since last he saw you.

“y/n...Kun… he died,” Chenle said, trying to fight back his tears. As he was not the crown prince, he had an image to maintain of being strong for his subjects. Strong for his parents.

But with you, he broke down. Hard. Kun died during his travels along the eastern continent. He’d been intoxicated from an oil spill. His body was recovered by the royal guards and he’d had a royal funeral. The kingdom has been in mourning since then.

You didn’t care if you got soaked. You ran into the water and held him. You cried with him. Because of the negligence of your people, marine life suffered. That always pained you but to see it hit so close to home now, you were livid.

You held each other for as long as you could. Daybreak would occur anytime now but you imagined that most people would be at home asleep, nursing hangovers or recovering from being up all hours of the night. You wanted to be with Chenle for as long as you could help it.

“Chenle...what does this mean for you?” You asked.

He sighed. “I am the crown prince and...y/n...I will be wed.”

You pulled yourself away from Chenle’s embrace. “What?”

“It is the custom of my people. My parents are stepping down from the throne. As the crown prince, I must get married and produce a royal heir.”

You put a hand over your mouth. Marriage and a baby? You’d only finished your first semester of college. Chenle was on his way to becoming a king, a husband, and a father.

Now, you had to shove down your growing feelings for Chenle. Because you’d fallen hard. And now this was the sign you needed to know that you two had been from completely different worlds. It would never have worked out.

So you swallowed your pride and said, “I understand...You came to say goodbye.”

Chenle’s eyes widened. “What? Goodbye?”

Your eyes become glassy. You tried so hard to keep yourself from crying. “You’re spoken for...And I’m sure your wife will not be keen on you coming up to see a human woman…”

“y/n-” Chenle began as he tried to hold you again.

You moved away from him. “Don’t. Please.”

Chenle put his arms down and looked at how defeated you looked. He wanted nothing more than to make you his wife. You would’ve been his first choice in the long run but now that Kun had passed, he was crown prince and with that position, there were responsibilities.

He had originally planned to wait until you were both older to ask for your hand in marriage and try to convince you to live with him in the palace...Somehow...But he knew that you belonged to the land...He could never ask that of you. So he kept his dreams to himself. He simply enjoyed being in the moment with you.

But, you were right, he realized. He couldn’t be with you like this anymore.

Chenle cried before you. “I’m so sorry, y/n...I love you.”

You froze. “What?”

“I’ve loved you since the moment you made that dolphin noise…” You both remembered your first days together, when Chenle had been Happy the dolphin. You were playing around with the other interns and you tried to make a dolphin noise to get Happy’s attention. Everyone laughed at your impersonation and you covered your face in embarrassment. Chenle thought you were adorable.

“Chenle, I love you, too,” you said. You started falling for him the day he appeared to you at the aquarium. But you fell for him when he showed you the ocean, told you his stories, and made you laugh. You both showed each other the best of your worlds and you hated that this was how you would part.

Chenle held your face and you wrapped your arms around him. You kissed each other for the longest time before you bade each other farewell.

_______

[July 2036]

It was moonrise. The sun had just set and night had fallen. You walked hand in hand with your four year old son. You walked along the shore you’d ingrained into your memory. The shore where you met with Chenle so many times. You hadn’t seen him since your last farewell so this beach once again became a happier place to be.

“Mommy! Mermaid! Mermaid!” Your son pointed out to the ocean.

“Sweetie, that’s probably a dolphin,” you said as you looked out into the water and recognized an aqua green fish tail.

Your heart nearly stopped.

Chenle, older and more handsome, swam closer to the shore and watched you. You looked just as beautiful as he’d met you. You had a more determined and confident look in your eyes. You become who you were meant to be. He could see it.

“Mommy, that’s a mermaid!” Your son said.

“Chenle,” you started.

Chenle walked out of the water, now in his human form.

“Wow!” Your son exclaimed.

“Just like your mother,” Chenle said to your son as he knelt down to greet him. “What’s your name?”

“Finn,” he said.

“Hi, Finn. My name is Chenle.”

“Hi, Chenle!” Finn said.

Chenle got up and met your shocked expression with his radiant smile. “It’s been a long time.”

You nodded. “It has.”

“Have you been well?” He asked.

You nodded. “Have you?”

“Yes,” he said, “Shall we sit?”

You and Chenle sat together with Finn playing right beside you. Chenle told you he’d married the daughter of one of the family’s royal advisers. She’d never loved Chenle either. They both entered the marriage as partners for the sake of the kingdom. They produced seven heirs, seven daughters.

Chenle’s wife had a lover, a man she’d loved since before she’d married. She’d told Chenle about him. Chenle also took on a couple of lovers over the years but you were all he thought about.

You’d done what you set out to do. You graduated college with a degree in marine biology. You went to veterinary school and graduated with high honors. Now, you were the leading veterinarian at Neo City Aquarium’s Rehabilitation Center. You’d met your husband Jeno through a mutual friend. You two hit it off, dated for three years, got married, and had Finn.

Chenle surprised you with the news that the condition of the ocean had improved in the years since you’d met. It was because of generous people like you who advocated for the respect of the seas that Chenle and his people could help their kingdom thrive. The temperature of the ocean overall had improved and oil spills and pollution were the lowest they’d ever been.

You two were happy in certain ways. But it pained Chenle to see you’d been happy with another man. A part of him that he hated so much wished you’d waited for him. It was a selfish desire but he couldn’t help it.

You knew from long ago that waiting for Chenle was a dream that you could never entertain so you pushed forward with your ambitions. You wanted to do what you could to protect the ocean. You loved it as much as Chenle had. It showed in your work with marine life and in your advocacy to combat climate change.

“Mommy, where is Daddy?” Finn asked.

You remembered that Jeno would be here at any moment. You checked your texts and Jeno told you he’d pick you and Finn up in ten minutes.

“Ten minutes, sweetie. That’s soon. Let’s get ready to go,” you said. You looked at Chenle’s eyes. You knew this was another farewell. Even if it was less devastating than the first. Both of you still harbored a little bit of pain over what could’ve been.

“Goodbye, y/n.”

“Goodbye, Chenle.”

“I’m happy that you’re happy,” he said.

“I’m happy that you’re happy,” you echoed.

He gave you a beautiful, polished conch shell. “Perhaps you can make a necklace out of it. I want you to have it. It’s a gift from my parents and I.”

It was a beautiful shade of cream with traces of pink. “Thank you.”

Giving you one last longing look, Chenle got back into the water and smiled at you before he dove into the water again. A tear escaped your eye but you quickly wiped it away.

[July 2076]

Your children had their own children now. You and Jeno had divorced when Finn was 19, Dylan was 17, and Kai was 14. You split on amicable terms. You simply fell out of love with each other. Jeno could always tell you couldn’t get over your first love. No matter how hard you tried.

What gave you joy was your children. And like you, they’d all been invested in the aquarium and the center. They kept the legacy on.

Your daughter Kai had gotten married today at the beach. Everyone was celebrating on the makeshift dance floor on the sand. You stood at the shoreline alone, feeling the water hit your toes. You enjoyed the sensation every time.

You saw his aqua green tail. You couldn’t believe it. You must’ve been seeing things. You’d recently retired. You were as bright and alert as that of a healthy fifty year old’s but perhaps your eyes were now deceiving you. You had been in your seventies, after all.

Chenle, as gray as you were but as handsome as he’d been the first time you saw him, beamed at you.

You told your kids about Chenle. Finn remembered meeting him. Your eldest son knew it wasn’t in his imagination so he begged you to tell him about Chenle, Atlantis, and the ocean. Kai and Dylan had also been curious. Now your three children watched as you met eyes with Chenle.

Your three kids walked over to you. Kai put her hand on your shoulder. “Mom...go be with him. We support you.”

“But Kai...Your babies…” You started. You didn’t want to leave your children so abruptly. Even if they were older now and independent, you wanted to be there for them in whatever they needed.

“My daughter is my first and last, I promise you that. You promise to come visit, right?” Kai laughed. She’d had her daughter with another man a few years before her marriage today. She’d named her daughter after you.

Dylan started, “Mom...You’ve given us so much love and support...We want you to go after what you want. Who you want.”

You fought back a sob and hugged your children. “I love you three. You are the loves of my life.”

“We love you, too,” Dylan said, wiping his tears with his jacket sleeve.

Finn waved at Chenle. “Hi, Chenle! I knew you were real!”

Chenle laughed. “Hi, Finn!”

You hugged your children tightly and walked into the water. Chenle had his arms wide open for you and enveloped yourself into his embrace. With his magic, you became a mermaid. You sported a radiant fuchsia tail. You both waved to your children before you dived deep into what always felt like home.

[Fin]

Come back tomorrow for another spooky story...

— dramione fanfic recommendations bc i don’t have a life;

[CHERRY] No one asked for this but I don’t have a life and I read a lot so.... why not? Majority of these are either on AO3 or FFN. 

— ONESHOTS; 

Best Shot by AccioMjolnir [Mature, 24k words]

Summary: It's eighth year and Hermione is trying to navigate her post-war friendship with Draco Malfoy and a relationship with Ron Weasley when she gets an unexpected visit from someone who knows her better than anyone: herself. Thrown back from the future, an older Hermione drops a bombshell on her: she has only three days to set things right, or Draco dies.

Amateur Cartography by worksofstone [Teen & Up Audiences, 21k words]

Summary: That one-night stand with Draco Malfoy was a mistake. Hermione doesn't make mistakes, or at least she isn't supposed to. She's working hard at her Ministry career, however frustrating and pointless her job may be, and she's also got to live up to everyone's expectations as Hogwarts's most famous Muggle-born and a top-tier War Hero. So, why is she still sleeping with Draco Malfoy, ex-Death Eater and infamous pureblood? And why isn't she certain that she wants to stop?

A Muggle-born Magic by Musyc [Mature, 50k words]

Summary: Regency-era AU. Physician's daughter Hermione Granger finds herself in need of a way to pay off her father's debts after his death. Draco Malfoy, retired from the politics of the Isolationists, a group of pure-bloods bent on separating 'true' magic from lesser folk, finds himself in need of a tutor for his son, Scorpius, who appears to be incapable of magic and must learn to survive in a world without it. Draco also needs a wife and mother for Scorpius, to satisfy a promise to his unwell father. After she saves his son from an attack by Isolationists, Draco hires the Muggle-born Miss Granger for the former, and after a riot in Vauxhall Gardens and a scandalous discovery made by his mother, weds that selfsame Muggle-born for the latter. While making the best of her marriage of (in)convenience, Hermione discovers that Scorpius' history of wild imaginings and dreams is more than just imagination. As she attempts to teach him about magical abilities no one expected he would ever have, she and Draco work together to raise Scorpius and learn to trust each other.

Ice by senlinyu [Teen & Up Audiences, 5.1k words]

Summary: Hermione works in Gringotts’ Records Department when Draco Malfoy comes on staff as a curse-breaker. His icy presence drags up memories she’s desperate to move on from and forget. She tries to ignore him, but every time she sees him, she feels chilled to the bone. DHr Advent 2018.

Fallin' (Adrenaline) by LeilahMoon [Teen & Up Audiences, 4.5k words]

Summary: When Professor McGonagall encourages all Hogwarts students to participate in a mentor scheme designed to promote inter-House unity, Hermione Granger is thrilled; she can’t wait to embrace the opportunity for further education. Unfortunately, she's not able to choose who she is allocated to and, when her mentor turns out to be Draco Malfoy, she’s certain she won’t learn anything at all.  

The Two Sided Triangle by Canttouchthis [Teen & Up Audiences, 5.2k words] 

Summary: In which Daily Prophet reporter Hermione Granger inadvertently becomes a superhero and her partner, the intrepid Draco Malfoy finds himself smitten. In other words, a Dramione inspired by Superman and Lois Lane.

Now Is A Gift by senlinyu [Teen & Up Audiences, 5k words]

Summary: Hermione is determined to give meaningful Christmas gifts to everyone in her Ministry department.

Everyone.

Even that anti-social arse Malfoy.

DHr Advent 2019.

riddle me this by megamegaturtle [General Audiences, 8k words]

Summary: Their fingers touch when Draco hands her the paper and Hermione's heart almost jumps out of her chest.

The note reads: How do you spell ‘cute boy’ with only two letters? -Riddle Me This

Hermione finds herself grinning. “Cutie. Q-T. That’s the answer to the riddle. You’re a cutie, Malfoy.”

[the one where someone leaves Draco Malfoy riddles to solve from the local coffee shop's community board and he enlists Hermione Granger for help.]

(Written for 2020 DFW Trope Fest: Double Trouble)

Library Rendezvous by WickedlyAwesomeMe [Fiction T, 2.9k words]

Summary: Hermes Granger just wanted to finish his homework in peace but of course, she always had to ruin his plans. Male!Hermione Granger/Female!Draco Malfoy. Genderbender

Relentless (Hogwarts Era Series) by realjane (Series of Connected Oneshots)

Height by senlinyu [Explicit, 8.7k words]

Summary: “Tall? That’s what you think I should notice about Malfoy? His height?”

Ginny quirked an eyebrow and licked the tip of her quill suggestively. ”Well, isn’t that your thing? Lockhart. Krum. McLaggen. Ron. The only thing they have in common is being tall enough to give me a neck ache.

”Hermione felt her ears grow hot, and she gripped her book tighter. “I don’t have a thing for tall men. Their height is—completely coincidental.”

Dramione Height Differences Minifest 2020.

Diamond Heart by artemisgirl [Fiction T, 8k words]

Summary: When Hermione approaches Draco Malfoy proposing a fake relationship between the two of them as part of a scheme, he's eager enough to participate - the potential benefits outweigh any costs on his time. But as it all progresses, Draco finds himself wondering what it would be like if what was 'fake' was real.

The Spring’s Chosen by artemisgirl [Fiction T, 5.5k words]

Summary: A golden unicorn appearing on the Malfoy grounds sends the Manor into a flurry of activity, to the confusion of one Draco Malfoy. It's just a unicorn that happens to be gold - isn't it? DMHG  

Courting Customs Most Sacred by HeyJude19 [Twoshot, Mature, 15k words]

Summary: Published in 1862 by Lady Apollonia Nott, Courting Customs Most Sacred is the comprehensive text for any pureblood family seeking to arrange suitable matches for their children. It’s also patently ridiculous and not at all appropriate for the modern era of dating. It is certainly not how one should woo Hermione Granger, at any rate.

— ON-GOING/WIPs;

Come Let Us Adore Him by thiscitychickk [Not Rated]

Summary: Hermione Granger scoured the subreddits, perused the checklists, and read virtually everything possible on how to be an all star Congressional intern and staffer. She had her job responsibilities well in hand, but instructions on how to handle the attention of an upstart Congressman Draco Malfoy were nowhere to be found. US politics AU: Congressional staffer Hermione, Congressman Draco

and with you, i fall by passionesque [Mature]

Summary: With Narcissa Malfoy striking a deal for her family — protection for information, the last thing anyone wants is Draco Malfoy seeking refuge within the heart of the Order. 

It would’ve been easy, Hermione thinks. So easy for her to hex him back to Voldemort’s clutches for all that he’s said and done, but being the bleeding soft-hearted Gryffindor she is, she doesn't.

* * * * *

“You should hate me,” he murmurs, flicking his gaze to her from beneath his lashes. 

She should, Hermione knows this. She really ought to hate him, but the memory of the haunted look in his eyes and the hoarse screams of his nightmares echoes through her mind and eases the storm in her heart.

She doesn’t. She can’t.

“You’re right,” Hermione says soberly. “I should. But I don’t.”

Post HBP. Canon-Divergent. HG/DM.

Love In A Time Of the Zombie Apocalypse by andgladly [Mature]

Summary: After Voldemort, there was this. The clock is ticking to create a cure to the unimaginable horror that currently grips the world. Hermione finds herself unwillingly allied with the most hated man in Wizarding Britain.

The Alkahest by Shadukiam [Mature]

Summary: The Marriage Law, once enacted, has the power to destroy Hermione's perfectly normal life. Luckily, she and Ron are already planning to obey the horrific law together as a team... Until a Malfoy-shaped wrench gets thrown into the works. Dramione.

In the Arms of Her Dragon by Wolf Blossom [Mature]

Summary: A random act of kindness (the life-or-death kind) draws together Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger in a way that nobody saw coming. The duo, in fact, did not want anybody learn the secret of their relationship, but their hope was in vain. All of Hogwarts, nay, England suddenly knew about their union. "Nobody said this would be easy, bookworm." Malfoy drawled. "Shut. Up. Malfoy."

Time Twisters by themirrorminder.372259 [Fiction T]

Summary: Narcissa ignores the sharp smile her little brother wears after Bella's funeral, in the same way that Lily ignores the ravenous gaze her little sister aims towards Knockturn Alley. However, Albus Dumbledore cannot ignore the ominous friendship between Draco Black and Hermione Evans, not when he hears blood dripping from their joined hands. {TimeTravel} {DRAMIONE} {Marauder's Era}

Beautiful Incongruence by charlie_weasleys_gf [Teen & Up Audiences]

Summary: “You are not an easy person to talk to, Granger.”

“Well, you haven’t made the prospect of talking to you sound very exciting."

Hermione Granger was ready for her third year at Hogwarts-that was, until it was interrupted by time turners and apologising assholes.

In which Draco Malfoy apologises (a lot).

How to Move On by longdistance [Mature] 

Summary: It's been nearly a decade since the war. A long time since she locked herself away. A long time since he faced his mistakes. She's what he wants. He's what she needs. It's time for both of them to figure out how to move on.

Through the eyes of blind love by Mixilip1 [Mature]

Summary: Torn between the heart and love of two souls thou shall find theeself. Post-war.

Following the war, Hermione finds herself not-so-happily dating Ron, but it seems she can't keep herself away from a certain blonde Slytherin who's determined to finally make her his witch. After hearing a prophecy about her future, she thinks her life might change for good, but what she doesn't know is that the prophecy also included a veela in it.

"Granger, don't be nervous. Just look at me and let go." He said, grabbing her chin, and her brown eyes met his.This is a story about love triangles and veelas. Veela AU

flesh and blood by forbiddenquill [Teen & Up Audiences]

Summary: Scorpius breaks his father’s Time-Turner and ends up getting transported into the year 1998, when the Second Wizarding World War has already ended and where Draco Malfoy is still trying to pick up the pieces of his shattered world.

With Scorpius’ arrival comes shocking revelations, burning questions, and a son’s image of a father Draco is sure he’ll never be able to live up to.

More importantly, it’s Scorpius’s bright brown eyes, so unlike his own, that bug Draco the most.

[alternatively, a multi-chapter fic where eight-year-old Scorpius follows Draco around the castle and tries to discover the secret identity of his mother]

The Other Side by sweetsolitude [Teen & Up Audiences]

Summary: A slow-burn Dramione version of 6th year, The Half-Blood Prince, told from the perspectives of Draco, Hermione, and Theo. No smut, no character bashing. Attempted to stay TTC and the general plot progression of HBP. Primary ship is Draco/Hermione. This fic is already completed at around 150k, will post chapters regularly.

The Hidden Duchess by Moxified [Fiction K]

Summary:  She had always been given everything she wanted ever since she was a child, spoiled to the very bone. Her life consisted of a strict regimen built for a princess that was followed to a tee - even after she came to Hogwarts. Leading two lives is stressful for anyone, especially a young lady with an equally young man curious enough to discover what secrets she was hiding.

An Unexpected Malfoy by RiverWriter [Mature]

Summary: Once upon a time Hermione Granger literally ran into Draco Malfoy in a bookshop. His mother sees a connection between her son and the muggleborn that she can't ignore and determines to get to know the girl. An imagining of how things could have gone if Hermione had been taken under the wing of the Malfoy family.

In Another Life by marana1 [Fiction M]

Summary: She walked over to the huge, full-length mirror. Staring back was her eleven-year-old self but with long, beautiful, silky platinum blonde hair and pale skin. Hermione ran her fingers through her hair, the reality of the situation sinking in. The fairy hadn't just made them switch places for a day... she sent them back in time and switched their lives. DM X HG. EWE. Slow burn.

Hermione's pianist by softblakegriffin, va_lentina [Mature]

Summary: Draco Malfoy was destined to play music since birth. A small prodigy in a family of long-standing musicians, he’s well on his way to become the best pianist of his generation. A month in Rome with his friends is the perfect way to leave the pressure and social obligations behind and relax, immersed in the eternal beauty and soul-stirring art.

Hermione Granger’s road to music wasn’t straightforward. She didn’t attend the Conservatory, everything she knows is the result of sacrifices, and she’s still searching for the perfect opportunity to make music her job. It’s her dream and she thinks Rome, with its breathtaking views and magical atmosphere, is the place where she wants to try and fulfill it.

He’s in Rome to enjoy a short reprieve from London, before going back home.

She escaped London and is in Rome to stay.

Will music and the treacherous city disrupt their plans?

Crimes of Passion by All3Unforgivables [Mature]

Summary: Draco Malfoy lost his family, his dignity, and his humanity during the Dark Lord's rise to power. The only thing he couldn't stand to lose was something that was never his to take. With no one left to mourn him, his disappearance goes unexplored. But angels like Hermione Granger do not go missing without notice. D/H OOC, AU. Very mature themes.

Nightcrawlers by malf0y101 [Explicit]

Summary: Returning to Hogwarts for her eighth year, Hermione Granger is depressed, resentful, and suicidal. That is, until Draco Malfoy presents an enticing offer to keep her alive. Soon after, the two embark on a torture spree of students, professors, and acquaintances while simultaneously engaging in a clandestine and dirty relationship. How long can they keep their game up?

What crawls in the night stays in the night.

Poet. by OneEqualTemper [Mature]

Summary: “Uh...Malfoy? Did you knock your pretty head into a wall this morning?” Ginny questions and slides into her spot next to Hermione.

Hermione gives her a quick glare, her eyes begging her to just leave it alone. Ginny ignores Hermione’s look and waits for Malfoy to answer. Malfoy does his best to ignore the red-headed Witch.

“Hello? Anyone in there?” Ginny questions and waves her hand in front of him.

Hermione grabs the Witch’s hand and pulls it down to the table, “He can sit here if he wants.”

Ginny scoffs but keeps her hand down on the table, “What’s wrong with his own table?”

“Ginny, stop,” Hermione hisses at her friend. “We’re friends. He can come and sit here anytime he wants.”

— COMPLETED;

Hindsight by floorcoaster [Teen & Up Audiences, 12 Chapters, 170k]

Summary: It's a New Year and Hermione decides it's time to make some changes.

Between the Devil and Draco Malfoy by QueenOfSmokeAndMirrors [Mature, 13 Chapters, 34k]

Summary: Seventeen is a dangerous age. Hermione Granger, arrogant and precocious and bored of her mundane life, thinks she can handle a deal with the devil. But Draco Malfoy - the devil's own son - plans on dragging her down to Hell with him. Dramione AU with demons.

Good Luck Kisses by Musyc [Teen & Up Audiences, 8 Chapters, 8.4k]

Summary: A good luck kiss for a Quidditch captain - it's ridiculous. It can't actually work.

But it does.

Every time.

Traditions by raven_maiden [Explicit, 14 Chapters, 69k]

Summary: She straddled him slowly, still biting her lip, her hands on his shoulders. He held her hips tightly as he stared up at her.

“So beautiful,” he whispered, and she flushed prettily, like she always did from his compliments. “You never need to hide from me.”

**

Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy fell in love during the war. One year later, they're heading home for the holidays so he can finally meet her parents. There's just one teeny little problem: her parents think they're both Muggles.

Fortuitous by MrsRen [Mature, 13 Chapters, 93k]

Summary: Recently divorced Draco doesn't believe in the ideology of having one true love. He certainly doesn't expect to meet his match in a Halloween themed coffee shop, but fate has a peculiar way of giving you just what you need.

Manacled by senlinyu [Explicit, 77 Chapters, 370k]

Summary: Harry Potter is dead. In the aftermath of the war, in order to strengthen the might of the magical world, Voldemort enacts a repopulation effort. Hermione Granger has an Order secret, lost but hidden in her mind, so she is sent as an enslaved surrogate to the High Reeve until her mind can be cracked.

Wait and Hope by mightbewriting [Mature, 12 Chapters, 95k]

Summary: “Harry,” Hermione began, voice very controlled, but she could feel the blade of panic slicing at her vocal cords. “Why was Draco Malfoy just screaming bloody murder about his,” and the word almost strangled her as she said it, “wife?”

Harry's green eyes blew wide. Healer Lucas pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly displeased with the recent series of events.

“He was referring to you, my dear,” she said. “That was the other question you got wrong. Your name is Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy.”

Hermione had to be sedated again.

Beginning and End by mightbewriting [Explicit, 48 Chapters, 242k]

Summary: Years. Broken into months into weeks into days—into hours, minutes, seconds—into moments. Simple at one end, complex at the other. In Draco’s experience, moments, even when simple, had a habit of becoming irretrievable. Moments grew, stretched, multiplied into ages and eras that defined whole stretches of measurable time. Draco regretted several moments in his life, some within his control, some without: all of them irretrievable in nature. At a certain point, wedged between ‘what-ifs’ of his own devising, he’d stopped trying to keep track of those regrettable moments: now and then, pushing and pulling, coming and going, beginning and end. Moments were only moments for just as long. After that, he had no control.

A Draco POV prequel to Wait and Hope.

Through the Years by WickedlyAwesomeMe [Fiction T, 11 Chapters, 93k]

Summary: Hermes Granger fervently believed that Malfoy's sole purpose in life was to make his life a living hell. Genderswap Dramione! Male!Hermione Granger/Female!Draco Malfoy. Companion piece to "Library Rendezvous".

Apple Pies and Other Amends by ToEatAPeach [Mature, 29 Chapters, 77k]

Summary: It’s not until she’s brought a basil and strawberry sponge cake to Neville Longbottom and his new girlfriend, Hannah Abbott, a dozen rhubarb hand-pies to Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood, and another basket of ganache-covered muffins to Dean and Seamus, that Hermione admits to herself what she’s actually doing: she’s making a thing of this. It’s a veritable PTSD tour. With pastries. And hand-skimmed clotted cream. And she has no idea why she’s doing it, but it’s becoming very apparent that she is.

Sometimes you're sad. Sometimes you need dessert. And sometimes, it's a little of both.

Arrogance and Ignorance by AnneM.Oliver [Fiction T, 38 Chapters, 140k]

Summary: A romance set in the era of Jane Austen novels, this is the story of a woman and a man. The man thinks he is better than all others, & the woman knows she is smarter. Their differences aside, they have one thing in common, both are smitten with the other.

The Babysitter by WickedlyAwesomeMe [Teen & Up Audiences, 29 Chapters, 145k]

Summary: It was a dark and stormy Sunday night when Hermione Granger unexpectedly visited his house and entrusted him with her daughter, Rose. Disaster ensues.

Slow burn Dramione with a sprinkle of cute, cute Rose!

The Best of Me by MrsRen [Mature, 21 Chapters, 82k]

Summary: Officially, Hermione Granger was killed in action during the Battle of Hogwarts. Unofficially, Draco Malfoy has never stopped searching for her. Years after the war during a mission in France, his salvation comes in the form of a little blond boy and a familiar half-Kneazle.

Chronos Historia by In_Dreams [Mature, 27 Chapters, 98k]

Summary: Hermione and Draco stumble upon a mysterious portal and find themselves hurtled back through time a thousand years. Forced to team up to find a way home, they quickly realize that much of the history they believed to be fact, wasn't true after all. A founders era, time travel Dramione.

Presque Toujours Pur by ShayaLonnie [Fiction M, 38 Chapters, 174k]

Summary: Bellatrix's torture of Hermione uncovers a long-kept secret. The young witch learns her true origins in a story that shows the beginning and end of the Wizarding wars as Hermione learns about her biological father and the blood magic he dabbled in that will control her future.

omnia vincit amor by SyrenGrey [Explicit, 40 Chapters, 187k]

Summary: Dark days are here at Hogwarts, and the darkest cloud of all is hanging over Draco Malfoy's head. Already burdened with the impossible task of murdering the Headmaster, life becomes more complex when an elusive prophecy entangles him with a bushy-haired enemy, and a steamy forbidden romance unfolds. Sixth Year. Rated E for sexual content and violence.

Rose by longdistance [Mature, 5 Chapters, 20k]

Summary: A short tale of what happens after Hermione and Draco wake up with each other after a drunken night together. Alcohol often has consequences which they soon learn.

Rabbit & Bear Studios, a Tokyo-based studio formed by key creators of the Suikoden series, has announced Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, an ambitious new RPG planned for release in fall 2022. A Kickstarter campaign seeking $500,000 USD in funding for a PC release—with a single stretch goal to unlock PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Switch versions (or next-gen Switch, if one is available)—will run from July 27 at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET to August 28. A trailer will also debut when the campaign launches.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is led by Suikoden I and II veteran scenario writer Yoshitaka Murayama, alongside series veterans Junko Kawano, Osamu Komuta, and Junichi Murakami. The project marks the first time these four creators have worked on a game together, as well as the first time Murayama and Kawano have collaborated in 25 years.

“The first thing we decided when our members came together was, ‘It’s about time we made a really interesting game that we ourselves want to make,'” project lead Murayama said in a press release. “We chose Kickstarter in order to make an interesting game with the players in mind, hold the rights to the planning, world, and story of the game, all while keeping the fun of the project. Please lend us your support in this new challenge of ours! We promise to create something that heeds the call of your voices.”

Speaking to Gematsu, Murayama shared more information on the game’s similarities to Suikoden and what elements of the series will carry over.

“Eiyuden Chronicle is about war, or more importantly, the intention and feelings of the 100 heroes who fight that war from a variety of perspectives and for a variety of different reasons,” Murayama told Gematsu. “And of course the drama that can only occur when a group of different people from different walks of life come together and must wage a war of life and death.”

Murayama continued, “And the many characters that participate in this war aren’t just pawns added in as ‘war fodder,’ they have a living breathing soul and begrudgingly must fight to protect the things they believe in. Additionally, there are non-combat specialists, researchers, and other ‘heroes’ on the periphery that can help win battles or lose them. Each and every one of them is a living breathing character that the player gives life to through their choices.”

Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses that can be leveraged to help the player form a balanced team.

“Some characters are good are some things and bad at others,” Murayama explained. “But if you combine them with other characters that can strengthen their weaknesses, you can end up with a really balanced team. And based on that delicate balance your team make be more apt at mining or adventuring which will affect the overall game progression loop. One of the core game loops in Eiyuden is to experience the wide variety of different characters and personalities in your 100 person army.

“With each new character your ‘fortress town’ grows in size and ability. It is a key system in the game. As you increase your teammates, some members will be blacksmiths, some chefs and whether on the battlefield or not, each character will play a role in strengthening your resolve as an army. There are guilds that you can join which will largely change the visual make-up of your fortress town and grant different abilities. The more people you recruit, the stronger the snowball effect. As you level up, new trade options appear along with enemies and thieves that randomly attack your town in an effort to impede your progress. You need to make choices whether to strengthen your walls or hasten your progress. Each choice will make every play session feel different and have its own consequences.”

According to Murayama, all of this is “just the tip of the iceberg,” meaning that fans can expect much more to come.

Here is an overview of the game, via Rabbit & Bear Studios:

■ About

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is an ode to the classic Japanese RPG genre from the PlayStation era that will feature classic Japanese RPG exploration and battles in high-resolution 2.5D graphics, pixel-based characters, a story of war and friendship, a diverse cast of 100 unique heroes to join the protagonist’s endeavor, and a fortress building system to grow their army.

The game will feature a guild system that allows players to change their fortress attributes based on the guild they join. Battles will be turn-based with parties of up to six members and feature dynamic boss battles that change camera angle and rotate depending on the environment.

■ Studio and Staff

Rabbit & Bear Studios

Founded March 26th, 2020 by Yoshitaka Murayama, Rabbit & Bear Studios asks the age old question, what do gamers really want? It’s something we must never forget as creators. To continually focus on giving the fans the experience they really want.

We have created Rabbit & Bear Studios as the first step in realizing that dream and to have the responsibility that comes with it. That’s our core philosophy and we plan to lead by our actions.

Staff

Story: Yoshitaka Murayama (Suikoden, Suikoden II, The Alliance Alive)

Character Design: Junko Kawano (Suikoden, Suikoden IV, Arca Last)

System Design and Direction: Osamu Komuta (Suikoden Tierkreis, Suikoden Tactics, Arca Last)

Art Direction and Production: Junichi Murakami (Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, OZ)

Composers: Michiko Naruke (Wild Arms series), Motoi Sakuraba (Tales of series), and more.

■ Story

Welcome to the Continent of Allraan

“Our story begins in one corner of Allraan, a tapestry of nations with diverse cultures and values.

By dint of sword, and by way of magical objects known as “rune-lenses,” the land’s history has been shaped by the alliances and aggressions of the humans, beastmen, elves, and desert people who live there.

The Galdean Empire has edged out other nations and discovered a technology that amplifies the rune-lenses’ magic. Now, the Empire is scouring the continent for an artefact that will expand their power even further.

It is on one such expedition that Seign Kesling, a young and gifted imperial officer, and Nowa, a boy from a remote village, meet each other and become friends.

However, a twist of fate will soon drag them into the fires of war, and force them both to reexamine everything they believe to be right and true.”

■ Characters

Nowa (Default Name)

Sex: Male

Age: 17 years old

Home: A remote village in the League of Nations

Favorite Food: Anything with meat in it

“That’s who I am. A meddler. Always will be—just ask Leene. So don’t tell me to do nothing. I may not be able to help them, but I have to at least try.”

When the League of Nations recruits warriors to assist in a joint expedition with the Galdean Empire, our protagonist answers the call and leaves his remote village to test his skills. On the mission, he finds an ancient rune-lens, unaware that the discovery will spark a war between the League and the Empire. After the conflict begins, he joins a unit in the League’s border guard.

The protagonist is the “leap before you look” type. He doesn’t always weigh the pros and cons before springing to action, and while his constant need to involve himself in other people’s problems sometimes creates headaches for his companions, they like him for it and know his heart is in the right place. After all, if they ever got into trouble, he’d be the first person there.

Seign Kesling

Sex: Male

Age: 18 years old

Home: A noble house in the Galdean Empire

Favorite Food: Poached eggs

“I can dream all I want, but it won’t change a thing. The world is not that kind. So if the only way to achieve my ideals is to betray them first, then I will do that—unflinchingly. You have my word.”

The second-born son to House Kesling, a powerful imperial family. His older brother died on the battlefield. Seign is exceptionally gifted; after achieving outstanding grades at military academy, he was placed in command of a company of his peers and sent on the expedition to find the ancient rune-lens. During the mission, he meets the protagonist. The two warm to each other as they overcome adversity, and they learn of one another’s ambitions.

Seign’s strategic mind allows him to analyze things from a broad perspective and make sound decisions. People often confuse his clear mind for a cold heart, but he is guided by strong ideals and a deep passion to fulfill them.

After his brother’s death during a border rebellion, Seign began to think long and hard about what it means to fight.

Marisa

Sex: Female

Age: 16 years old

Profession: One of the Guardians who watches over the forest

Favorite Food: Herbed chicken

“You just leave the forest to me. I know where the water springs, where the rabbits burrow—and most importantly, where your enemies will try to hide.”

A young member of the Guardians, a clan that hallows and protects the forest. Since Marisa was very little, her family has instilled their ways and traditions in her. She has a warm, affable smile—except on the battlefield, where she wears the countenance of a warrior.

Although the Guardians live as one with the forest, they have respect for the outside world’s culture and technology, and they are not against integrating the parts of it that make sense to them. Marisa is particularly forward-thinking in this regard, and loves new things—especially cute things.

Over the generations, the Guardians have developed a unique method of wielding the rune-lenses. For that reason, both the Empire and the protagonist try to win them over to their camp. Whom the Guardians choose will prove to be a major turning point in history.

Melridge

Sex: Male

Age: 27 years old

Profession: A scholar of natural history

Favorite Food: Duck soup

“You should lay down arms and surrender. That’s the quickest way to end this… No? Very well. Then I suppose I’ll provide you with the next best thing: a winning strategy.”

A young scholar who specializes in natural history. He yearns to know of every last thing in the world, and exactly how it got there. He also happens to be a genius tactician, and will be a valuable asset to the protagonist.

That said, he views warfare as the most pointless of all human endeavors, and any personal contributions to it as a complete waste of time.

Garr

Sex: Male

Age: 32 years old

Profession: Warrior in a clan of mercenaries

Favorite Food: Pancakes slathered with whipped cream

“Only a soft-brained leader runs headlong into danger. Anyone who knows what’s good for him will tell you you’ve lost it, kid. But not me. If blaze-of-glory’s your thing, count me in. We all die in the end. Might as well make it interesting.”

A veteran beastman warrior. He and his clan make their living as mercenaries, and their vast experience and sheer brutality put them in high demand. War is all Garr has known, and to him life is one battlefield after the other until you die.

When a conflict breaks out, every army wants as many beastmen as they can afford. Because mercenary contracts are made with individuals and not the entire clan, it is not uncommon for Garr and his fellow beastmen to face each other as enemies in the field.

Lian

Sex: Female

Age: 16 years old

Home: A martial arts dojo

Favorite Food: Super-spicy ramen

“Uhh, maybe I’m dumbing this down a little, but—like—if a bunch of arrogant swine strut into YOUR home and started acting like they owned the place, what would YOU do? ‘Cause there’s your answer.”

After the Empire’s forces invade League lands, Lian is infuriated and runs away from home…without even the slightest semblance of a plan. She decides the first thing to do is hoof it to the biggest town she can find, and luckily that’s where she meets the protagonist and his companions.

Lian was born in a dojo, and her father wasted no time in teaching her. She was doing roundhouse kicks before she even learned to walk properly.

Mio

Sex: Female

Age: 27 years old

Home: The Far East

Favorite Food: Bamboo-wrapped sasa dumplings

“The road you walk is one, and yet its endpoints are myriad. You can still choose where the road takes you.”

A swordswoman who is journeying to perfect the way of the blade. She has a stoic personality and rarely speaks, unless it’s to challenge someone she views as a worthy opponent.

When she does open her mouth to say something, it’s straight to the point and usually dripping with wisdom, so the people around her have taken to calling her “sensei.” However, even the greatest of senseis do have the occasional brain fart…

■ World

The Waterstead of Quinja

The Seaside Cavern

Watch a gameplay teaser video below. View the first screenshots and artwork at the gallery.

Runeterra Retcons 5: Janna

Ah Janna: a classic example of League’s older champion design philosophy. While discussing a character’s actual appearance isn’t really my forte, nor is it the point of this series, I do feel like it’s an important aspect to bring up regardless. See, in my honest opinion Janna’s current lore state following the 2015 retcon was actually handled pretty well.

The issue I and many others have is that her design doesn’t really match her lore like, at all. They’ve redesigned her a bit for Wild Rift by giving her more clothes, but that, in my opinion, doesn’t really resolve the larger issue at hand. Before we can delve too deep into the current state of Janna’s lore, however, let’s take a step back and examine how she began as a Champion, and see where things went from there.

Alright, so her first lore portrays her as a mage so in-tune with wind magic that she effectively elevated herself to a higher state of being. At the time, this could easily have put her on-par with mages like Syndra, Zilean and Xerath: other characters who achieved higher states of being through pure skill and mastery of their craft. Sure, her outfit still looked like generic female fantasy get-up #347, but she her archetype was clear enough: wind mage.

Janna’s original lore is… OK. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it’s fine for what it is: she’s a street orphan who quite literally elevates herself through sheer talent, and now wants to use her new power to help others in need. This was, of course, from a time when the regions of Runeterra weren’t what we know today, and Zaun was apparently more about rampant magics than twisted science. Even still, Riot would go on to update her bio once Zaun became a more science-focus region.

Alright, so this version of Janna is still more-or-less the same as the first, but a little more fleshed out. The most notable change, of course, is the fact that she tends to ally more with Piltover rather than her home due to Zaun’s pollution and reliance on chemtech. Keep in mind that this was a time in which Zaun and Piltover were literally two completely separate cities, as opposed to different layers of the same one. In fact, it could be said that the reason for Janna’s current lore state is because Piltover and Zaun have been retconned into what they are today.

Now, let me clarify that I’ve got no real issue with how Piltover and Zaun are portrayed in the current lore state; in fact, I much prefer what Riot has done with those two regions and how both factions have their ups and downs. In the modern lore state of Runeterra, Piltover is directly responsible for nearly all of the pollution in Zaun, and both sides have their share of dubious science experiments going on. In fact, it’s because of this particular change that Riot chose to retcon Janna once again, and this is where things get complicated.

Before we delve too deep into that particular subject, let’s take a look at Janna’s third, and final lore state in League, shall we? In this bio, Janna is retconned into being a proper wind spirit, rather than a human who simply became a really powerful wind mage. As I’ve said before: I really don’t mind this retcon. It tells a lot about how spirits function in Runeterra and offers some interesting insight into the founding of Piltover and Zaun as a double-layered city.

That said, this was an excellent opportunity for Riot to give Janna a proper VGU and make her into a more spiritual-looking entity, yet they instead chose to keep as a generic fantasy babe with extremely revealing clothing. I mean, look at how the other spirits in Runeterra manifest: Anivia is a giant bird made of ice, Ornn is a big flaming anthropomorphic ram, and the Kindred appear as humanoid ram with a bow and ghostly flying wolf head! Yeah, sure, her Wild Rift design looks BETTER, but it still just makes her look like a typical fantasy elf rather than a literal embodiment of the wind.

There’s also the issue that Janna’s outfit in both incarnations doesn’t do anything to associate her with the region she’s supposed to be tied to: Zaun and Piltover. If anything, her white outfit with the gold trimmings makes her look DEMACIAN. It’s really just a simple case of her design contrasting her lore and character concept: she doesn’t look like a spirit, and she doesn’t look like she’s from Zaun. All of this could have been fixed with a simple VGU, but it seems like this is the design Riot wants to stick with, and thus it is the design we’re stuck with.

So, with all of that said, let’s get into the fixes, shall we? My mission for this rewrite is actually fairly simple: I’m going to give Janna a backstory that maintains her current status as a protective wind deity while ALSO giving a better justification for her appearance. So, without further ado, I give you: my take on the story of Janna. Enjoy.

For ages, mortals have put their faith in the winds. From sailors praying for a good breeze in their sails to children playing with kites, the people of Runeterra have long relied on the wind to bring change, good fortune, and prosperity. Of course, for many the idea that the wind can truly hear such prayers is nothing but a superstition. Those who truly open their ears, however, may hear the wind answer back.

The spirit that would come to be known as Janna began as little more than a small breeze, blowing aimlessly around the southern coasts of Valoran. Every now and then, sailors wishing for a fair breeze would find their requests mysteriously granted, even when the air seemed still only moments prior. Rumors spread, and sightings of a small blue bird appearing just before strong wind became frequent tales among traders. Over time, praying to the Wind Bird became a common ritual for all peoples of the coast, and none held this tradition more fervently than the seafaring folk of Oshra Va’Zaun.

For years, people prayed to the Wind Bird for guidance and protection, building statues and carving charms in her honor. Their belief empowered the spirit further, and it was through them she acquired the name Zephir, meaning “Guardian of Wind.” When uttered by foreign tongues, however, they frequently mispronounced her name as ‘Zephyr.’

Worship of Zephyr became commonplace, until the emperor of Shurima decreed that all “false idols” were to be discarded and the people place their faith only in the Ascended. The temples dedicated to Zephyr in Oshra Va’Zaun were torn down, and yet people continued to carry trinkets depicting her in secret, especially on voyages out to sea.

When the empire fell and Shurima was torn asunder by warring Ascended, the people of Oshra Va’Zaun, now referred to simply as Zaun, prayed to Zephyr for protection. Though her power was lesser than what it had once been, Zephyr nonetheless did all she good to drive back the armies of the Ascended with fierce gales and raging storms. As the war drew to a close, peace finally returned to the people of Zaun, and yet Zephyr was surprised to find her power weakening. In the war’s aftermath, the people of Zaun grew ambitions, wishing to make their city more than just a bustling trade port.

A canal was carved through the isthmus separating Valoran and Shurima, uniting two seas as one. This, in turn, brought peoples from all lands to Zaun in pursuit of greatness, and thus the prayers for fair winds were drowned out by desires of wealth, advancement, and expansion. Soon, Zephyr found herself reduced once more to a faint breeze, drifting aimlessly along the coasts as the world seemed to forget her… That is, until she heard her name spoken on the wind.

The culprit was a young woman named Janna, who had come to Zaun from the far-away kingdom of Demacia. Janna had grown up on tales of the ancient past, devoting her life to studying Valoran’s many myths and legends. Among them, Janna was particularly fascinated by stories of an ancient protector of winds, whose name had been all but lost to time. As the city of Zaun continued its expansion, widening the canal in the process, Janna continued her studies of this fabled guardian, and her fascination only deepened whenever the wind blew past her, as though a presence were calling out to her…

Then, the canal reached its completion, and a grand ceremony was held to celebrate the event. Thousands attended to watch the grand opening of the Sun Gate, yet what should have been a celebratory occasion turned to disaster. Construction of the canal left many areas of Zaun unstable, and the rumblings of the Sun Gate caused whole portions of the city to collapse and fall into the sea. Zephyr watched helplessly as hundreds of mortals fought uselessly against the clashing currents. Many cried out for help, though it was one cry in-particular that caught the spirit’s attention: it was Janna, calling out Zephyr’s name even as water filled her lungs.

In that moment, Janna felt herself being held aloft by a powerful gale. The air itself seemed to speak to her, telling Janna that her faith alone could rekindle the ancient guardian’s power and save the people from calamity. Putting her trust in the wind, Janna allowed Zephyr’s power to course through her, manifesting a staff to control the spirit’s power as her own. As others watched this miraculous display, their faith, too, began to return. Bolstered by their pleas, Janna and Zephyr summoned a massive gale to carry the people of Zaun to safety, before collapsing back into the sea from exhaustion.

Time moved on, and as the city of Piltover was built atop the remnants of Zaun, Janna’s miraculous deed that day also passed into legend. Even still, many continue to tell her story, and the faithful can be found wearing small bird-shaped pendants to honor the ancient spirit that protects Zaun. For those who struggle against the toxic fumes the Zaun Gray, wrestle with the tyranny of chembarons, or face any number of perils, it is commonplace to offer prayers to the wind.

Sometimes, if one truly believes, she may just answer back.

And there we have it. As you’ll notice, I kept much of the early lore the same, with one key exception: the spirit’s name. Now, Zephyr has always been a part of Janna’s character, even though it’s never explicitly referenced in her prior lore states. Zephyr was conceived to be Janna’s familiar: it’s that little bird you see in the background of her splash art. You know, the one that hovers around her in-game?

In her new lore, they try to say that Janna and Zephyr are one and the same; the bird is just a weaker manifestation of her power, though the art and game imply that she can manifest as the bird AND the woman at once? In her kit, Janna’s passive ability is still described as “Janna launching her elemental at a target,” as though the bird is still supposed to be her familiar. So, I decided: what if we kept the spirit as the bird, and made Janna herself human again?

Admittedly, I would have liked to flesh out this Demacian Janna more as a character, and I had a few versions of this bio in which that was the case, but I decided to stick to having the story of the spirit be forefront because I felt that would be closest to Riot’s current vision of the character. Even still, the one part of her current bio that DOES irk me a little is how suddenly the people of Zaun all collectively start praying to Janna to save them. I mean, no one had prayed to Janna for literal centuries, so why would that be the first thing they thing to do in a situation of peril? I felt it would make more sense to have her come back because of the ONE person who still somewhat believes in those ancient stories, rather than hundreds of people all at once.

Now, admittedly, this next part might be a bit controversial to some. Janna fusing with Zephyr might seem like a bit of a cop-out, but I’d like to remind you all that people playing host to spirits is hardly a new concept in League; we have Udyr, Lee Sin, and Illaoi, just to name a few.  I also think that it ties in well with the concept of Janna’s original lore, where she was a human that basically elevated herself into being an air elemental. Fusing with spirits to become semi-immortal entities isn’t even that much of a stretch either, thanks to Yone’s lore (though he might be a topic for a future episode.)

As for the conclusion of the story, well… I know it’s a little vague. What actually happened to Janna after she passed out? Where is she now? I decided to leave that up in the air (no pun intended) because I wanted to keep Janna in the same current lore state Riot has her in: an entity of the wind known mostly through myths and stories who might occasionally pop up if people pray hard enough. Plus, you could probably expand on that with her accompanying color story, though we’re not going to be touching on Deep Breath right now.

So, that’s Janna, the Storm’s Fury… Ugh, OK, let’s address that elephant in the room really quick. That is an AWFUL title for her. It sounds like something more befitting of Volibear, or maybe even Kennen. It’s certainly not a fantastic title for a benevolent deity known for showing kindness rather than fury. Maybe change it to something like The Gale’s Mercy or The Will of the Wind.

But alright, in all seriousness, that’s my take on Janna. As always, feel free to share your own thoughts, opinions, and comments down below.

baby pogue (part 1) pogue life

Series Summary: Lily Routledge is John B’s fourteen year old little sister, making her a pogue by default. After Big John’s death, John B is left responsible for his sister’s safety and well being. he enlists the help of the pogues to keep himself from cracking under the pressure. A rising freshman, Lily finds herself to be mature and independent. John B, on the other hand, sees her as the exact opposite. A young girl wanting to be grown -up like her brother’s friends, and an older brother begging the girl to not grow up too fast. A collection of stories from the life of Lily Routledge: the littlest pogue.

A/N: I’m so hyped to begin this new series!! Each part of this series will be a little different. Some will be longer like a classic fic, and others will be simply headcanons. These don’t need to be read in order!! Each is a separate story, just with the same characters. This will have a little bit of angst, a little bit of fluff, but will overall just be a cute and wholesome collection of stories:) Iw ill create a masterlist once I upload more parts! I hope somebody enjoys this series :)))

Part Summary: Lily learns that pogue life isn’t as easy and carefree as she thought. (kind of an introduction type beat)

Warnings: Mentions of abuse, mentions of death, dirty jokes/sexual innuendos, swearing, mentions of weed and underage drinking. (pretty much what’s in the actual show lol)

(i did not proof read so i apologize for any mistypes or spelling mistakes! if you see one don’t be afraid to point it out!)

let’s do it!

------

     Lily Routledge didn’t mind the pogues. Not at all. In fact, she loved them. Each and every one. She cared about each one of them in different and complex ways, but she loved them all nonetheless. 

     First, there was the unofficial leader of the group: John B. Lily’s older brother. Of course she loved him. She loved John B more than she loved anybody or anything else on this planet. They’d been through hell and back two times over, but had still managed to make it through. though they fought like cats and dogs, Lily would take a bullet for her brother, and she knew he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same.

     Then there was JJ Maybank. John B’s right hand man since third grade. Jj had also been through hell and back, but on his own. Lily had been made aware of his “home situation” since she was little. The blond would come over, beaten, bleeding, and bruised. When she asked questions, “home situation” was the only answer she received. As Lily grew older, she deciphered the what the statement meant by herself. Over the years, she had come to love JJ like a brother, and thought he was one of the strongest people she’d ever met.

     Pope Heyward. At this point, his name spoke for itself. Known as the poster boy for success in the cut, Lily knew Pope’s name before she knew him. Being Heyward’s son was helpful of course, but Pope had created a name for himself. He was polite, well-raised, respectful, responsible. He was astonishingly intelligent, and always did wonderfully in school. So, Lily couldn’t help but be surprised when Heyward’s boy joined the pogues. 

     Next comes Kiara. Where to begin? Kie was a kook, no doubt, but had the heart of a pogue. While most girls of her age and class had a soft spot for designer dresses and high heeled shoes, Kie’s soft spot was for baby sea turtles and the environment. Lily was endlessly grateful for Kiara. Not having a mother figure in her life was difficult, and it was wonderful for Lily when Kie swooped in like the older sister Lily had never had. Kiara had taught the youngest routledge everything she knew about boys, life, and being a female. Lily felt as if she could never repay Kie for her help.

     Finally, there was Sarah. Sarah was the kook princess, known throughout the whole island for her stunning good looks and rich parents. Somehow, she and John B had fallen in love, beginning Sarah’s journey with the pogues. At first, Lily hated the blonde. But only because Kiara hated her, and Lily was faithful to Kie no matter what. When Kiara learned to tolerate her, so did Lily. The three girls became quite close, and the two older girls fought to make sure Lily was included. 

     Lily didn’t even realize she was also considered a pogue until Kie told her that she was.

    “I am?”

     Kiara rolled her eyes and smiled. “Of course you are! Not only are you John B’s little sister, you’re our friend.”

     Lily had attempted to act as if this proclamation didn’t affect her, but it did. A pink crept into her cheeks and she couldn’t hold back a smile. Kiara had noticed and grinned right back.

     Lily had grown up with the pogues. When her father was taken from her, she felt as if she had been blessed with a group of loving older siblings as a form of compensation. She looked up to the group with admiration and slight jealousy. They could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. John B and JJ hardly went to school, even though John B made Lily go. Kiara’s parents trusted her wholeheartedly, meaning she could spend the night wherever without prior plans, and could go wherever she felt like going. Sarah’s parents had their own issues, and couldn’t be bothered with worrying about what their daughter did. Pope’s father was a lot more strict, but Pope seemed to get away with everything anyway. 

     They were young and wild and free. Lily longed to be like them. Whenever they went out to the marsh on the HMS pogue, and Lily had to stay home and study, she reminded herself there was only a few more years before she could join them. Be them. Truly be a pogue.

     She expressed these thoughts to her brother over a dinner of 79 cent ramen one night. John B furrowed his brows at what his little sister had said.

     “Is that really what you think? You think we do nothing? All day long, we drink and smoke and hang out on the boat? That’s what you think?”

    Lily simply nodded, shoveling nooddles into her hungry mouth. John B shook his head and set down his fork. By this, Lily could tell she was in for a lecture.

     “No, Lily. That’s not what we do. Me and JJ don’t go to school anymore because we can’t afford it. We have to work. In order to stay alive. If i went to school, we’d starve. We’re so damn lucky we own this house, and have our own water source. We’re damn lucky Uncle T pays our phone bill. If he didn’t, we’d have gone completely broke months ago. I work so hard, every day, and can barely pay our electricity bill. I can barely feed us. It’s not fucking fair. These kooks own million dollar houses, with three vacation homes in other states, and they can’t pay me enough to feed my little sister. 

     And Kie? her parents care. She’s had to prove herself trustworthy. And Kie works her ass off constantly at The Wreck. She’s come crying to me so many times, worrying about the resturant being understaffed. But they can’t afford any more staff. She’s struggling too.

     And don’t even get me started on Pope. His dad works him to the bone almost every day. Delivering shit across the island, and then coming home and studying for his merit scholarship for hours. Heyward is constantly on that kid’s ass. He’s going through it.

     And, yeah, Sarah’s life may seem perfect. But it’s not. It’s far from it. Sure, she doesn’t have any financial struggles like the rest of us do. But her Dad’s a dickhead who hasn’t paid any attention to her for years. Her older brothers’ a drug addict and a violent asshole. Her stepmom’s a bitch. Her life may be easier, but it sure as hell isn’t easy. 

     We’re all fucked up, Lily. In astronomical ways. We drink and smoke and go out on the pogue to take some of the edge off of life. We do that shit because we’d break down if we didn’t. I make you go to school to keep you safe. You’re smart, Lils. Smart like Pope. You could get a scholarship or something. You could make it out of here. I don’t want this life for you. You deserve better. But you have to work hard, okay?”

     By the end of his rant, John B was crying. Lily moved over to him and hugged him as he sobbed into her shoulder. After a few moments, John B pulled away. “I don’t let you do shit with me and my friends because I love you too much to let you in on the shitshow that is our lives.” 

     Lily nods. They finish their food in silence. Eventually, John B announces he’s going to his room for the rest of the night. The siblings said their goodnights and i-love-yous before retreating into their rooms.

     That night, Lily sat in her bed and cried. Everything she’d thought was a lie. How could she not have seen how they were struggling? She wished she could help, but knew that she couldn’t.

     Being a pogue wasn’t perfect. Not at all. They may not have money, or good parents. But they had each other. Always,without fail, they had each other.

   That, Lily decided, was enough.

-------

A/N: There’s the end! This ended up being much longer than I anticipated and I kind of don’t like the way it turned out. It’ll get better I promise!!!! Thank you for reading it, if you did. If you could reblog i will be so thankful <3 more parts are coming soon! I hope somebody actually liked this haha. Please drop feedback/tips/words of advice in my asks, anon or not! I welcome all comments, whether criticism or praise :) 

WAIT! Before you go I just wanted to remind you that you are so so so loved. Never forget that. You are beautiful and incredible in every way. Please never let anyone tell you otherwise. You are unstoppable. And you are loved <3

The Hierophant

The Hierophant: a muggle guide to tarot

A Hierophant, now there is something you don't see every day. Never actually. A Hierophant is a high priest or the pope as this card is sometimes called. Not exactly something that is part of our everyday life. It reminds me of a photograph on the mantelpiece of the house I grew up in, showing my grandmother and pope John-Paul II (pope from 1978 to 2005) from when he visited my home town in 1985. My grandmother told me it was the best day of her life. So we are obviously dealing with a religious figure here, with some authority but the meaning of the card goes way beyond that. This card is fairly simple though, so don't panic.

> ltr: Renaissance Tarot; Rider-Waite; Wild Unknown Hierophant

Symbolism

The Hierophant is almost always an elderly man adorned with the symbols of one or other religion, most often Christianity. You will see headdresses, robes, staffs representing guidance and power. He is mostly seated (thus stable) and accompanied by two pupils who seek knowledge and advice from him. He is flanked by two columns representing the gateway that this card challenges you to pass. In the Renaissance tarot the pillars are topped by acorns, making them obviously penis-shaped and indeed representing fertility as the acorn carries in itself the potential of the mighty oak tree. In the Dutch language they go even further: the Dutch word for acorn also means glans of the penis or head of the penis. A deep manliness exudes from this card. We also notice the all-seeing eye representing arcane and other knowledge.

Upright meaning

The Hierophant has several layers. The first one is the most obvious: the authority of institutionalized religion or believing what is in a certain old book or what old men tell you. The second is institutionalized knowledge as in formal education, taking lessons at a university for example. It's less about learning and more about the transfer of knowledge from a smart or wise person to another person. Thirdly it concerns rituals, ancient rituals to be exact: baptism, marriage (the ceremony, not the feelings), funerals but in a smaller sense also your everyday rituals and habits. On the deepest level this card is about conservatism in its purest sense.

> The beautiful and abstract Soul Cards Hierophant with both a key and some religious references if you can spot them.

Now I know a lot of you people out there have a deep dislike for conservatism because of the association with right or far-right politics or fundamentalist religion. Try to wipe that of the board for a second, we'll talk about that later. In it's purest sense conservatism cares about keeping what is valuable intact. I believe that to be equally valuable to changing things for the better. Everyone wants to change certain things in their life or in the world and everyone wants to keep certain things exactly as they are. Probably more than you imagine, because we tend to take a lot that is for granted and only notice it when it's gone.

> Hierophant from the True Black Tarot, my newest set. 

So far in our tarot journey we have encountered a rather progressive bunch: the fool asks us to be ourselves without any compromises, the magician asks us to use our abilities to shape the world as we like and the high priestess grants us all the new and exciting knowledge our curious heart desires. With the emperor we encountered a figure that is a little more conservative, asking us to make a structure or habit out of some of the good things we do. The hierophant asks us to make rituals out of those habits. The difference between a ritual and a habit is that you know why you made a habit about of a certain action (let's say to brush your teeth every day). A ritual is a repetitive action where the meaning of the action has become obscured and unquestioned or has transcended For instance forcing your children to brush their teeth even when they don't give a rats ass about mouth hygiene, it becomes a ritual they blindly follow. And they better do, especially since the cakes made out of poo incident. Or to put it another way: where a habit reflects a practical value you adhere to, a ritual is based on your deeper beliefs about right and wrong and the meaning of life.

Often, the key in life – and the key is a symbol often shown in this card – is to follow your deeply anchored and relatively unchanging core values. Look at it as you own personal bible, your own never changing truth. When confronted with a dilemma I find it often extremely helpful to consult my core beliefs. Of course this does not solve all dilemma's because once you think you have figured something out, life will kick you in the face and laugh at you. And obviously core values change over time, but that is not what this card is about. This is about clinging to them, believing them and applying them.

As an advisory card this one asks us not to rush into things, to think of what we could loose. To wonder if this is really something that aligns with what you stand for. It asks us to look at the present and truly see what has led to this and if that is really a bad thing. To the hierophant change is bad, unless embedded in tradition, ritual and a clear, uncut continuity with what has gone before.

> the Hierophant by the talented Kaylee Pinecone from her webcomic Tales of the Tarot, see the Hierophant here and the full series here

If this card represents a person it is mostly someone older and wiser, a teacher or professor perhaps. He dislikes change and likes tradition, old knowledge, he likes talking but considers listening to you a waste of time. Listen to him and take his advise seriously.

> the enigmatic Keymaster Tarot Hierophant: an imposing figure in formal robes and staff

Reverse meaning

When the Hierophant appears upside down things tend to get tricky. It can mean a number of things that are drastically contradictory so be careful and consider all possible meanings. Pick the one that feels most uncomfortable contemplating.

Opposite: craving change for the sake of change, being an iconoclast, a naive rebel, being against things without having a sound or realistic positive alternative. This all sounds bad but sometimes we need to get rid of things before we can see clearly where we want to go. A typical meaning is rebelling against your parents' religion or core value system. It can be very hard to shake beliefs you have grown up with but no longer serve you. But there is a warning though. As the iconoclasts in the 16th century destroyed valuable pieces of art in churches across Europe, so you are capable of inflicting irreparable damage to valuable elements in your life. If this card means you need to destroy tradition or if it warns against the possible disastrous effects of it, is up to you. Choose wisely.

Blocked: Authority and tradition are blocking you somehow. You revel in submissiveness to people in authority or to beliefs you might not even be aware you have. You might be redirecting responsibility in your life to things you see as uncontrollable or beyond your grasp. Ask yourself if they are indeed unchangeable. Drastic solutions are also solutions. What can you do yourself? Are these structures really what you believe in? Or is it simply wishful thinking.

Taken too far: now we enter the realm of reactionary reflexes, authoritarian power, a deep urge to reject everything new, challenging or uncomfortable. This is the realm of craving a past that never existed: when things were simple, truth was singular, change slow, identity reassuring and accepted. It is the realm of ultra-conservatism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, ableism, Romantic beliefs in a forgotten past when nature was pure, society a cohesive community and social relations fixed and comfortable. This past has never existed and never will again. It only leads to exclusion of anything and everyone that does not fit this ideal, which is ultimately everyone.  

> a rare female Hierophant by Casimir Lee, though it still has most of the traditional symbolic elements.

One cars spread – meditation on the hierophant

The hierophant asks us to awaken our inner conservative. To look beyond the modern idea of the individual capable of doing everything himself, free of all bonds of power or authority. It asks us to be passive, receiving in stead of transmitting or communicating. It asks us to be quiet, silent even and think of the past, tradition, rituals and if there is something meaningful in there for you. As homework the Hierophant asks you one thing: what do you want to conserve in your current position? How can you protect that?  What ritual (daily, weekly, monthly or yearly) can you put in place, or keep doing, that highlights that element? How can you truly embed that in your life so it never leaves?

No pop culture references this time, The Hierophant doesn’t go for that kind of things. Next episode: The Lovers

TLDR:

upright meaning: conservatism, formal education, core values reverse meaning: iconoclasm, submissiveness, ultra-conservatism

Rona’s Journey

   Rona Ni'ess woke with the dawn to a glorious summer morning.  Her comfortable, somewhat burrow-like bedroom was lit up a pair of sun-chimneys reflecting light from the roof of her family's rof'orth. The building was one of the hillside house-compounds the Bilobi tribe commonly built as their dwellings, an elaborate but sturdy structure that housed the two dozen members of her family.  Rona's room, as all the unattached young adults in the family, was carved deep into the hillside where it was cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  The sun-chimneys allowed both light and air into the chamber, with screens to keep out the pests.  It was a safe and cozy space.    Rona was a young woman of average height for her tribe, with a slim and athletic body.  Her skin was a pale brown, albeit seasonally darkened, and her hair was long, black and thick.  She was naturally quite pretty, her quick smile and strikingly grey eyes complementing her toned, but still very female, form.   Rona yawned and stretched, and dressed herself.  Short leather breeches and a light hempen crop-top were suitable for the weather, as it was going to be quite warm quite soon.  Early summer was generally a warm and humid time in the rugged region that the rest of the world knew as the Solbanian Hills.    Rona ventured out to the bathroom first.  The Bilobi, like many of the Solbanian tribes, had incorporated a limited amount of the "civilized" technologies, one of those being the blessing of running water in their dwellings.  Other concepts such as glow-lights had not been embraced, the tribes choosing to use their metal resources to forge mainly weapons and tools.   The Bilobi were a practical and resourceful people, and being in a state of perpetual near-war forced them to focus on defense and armament above all else.    Out in the community area, various members of the family were already digging into a breakfast of jura, hearty cooked grains, the smell of sweet spices filling the room.   Rona procured a cup of strong tea and a dish of the jura; her mother Nona, working in the kitchen, gave her a wink and a smile in passing.  The matrons of the family took very good care of their flock, and were treasured for it; but Rona already knew that such a domestic life was not for her.      Finishing her modest breakfast, Rona left the dishes for the younglings to wash and ascended the stairs to the top balcony.  A couple of the elders were basking in the morning sun there.  One was her great-aunt, Mida, and her life-partner Yari sat beside her holding her hand.  Rona greeted them respectfully.  "Bright morning, sh'wenga."    Mida was an aged woman, but by no means infirm.  Short of stature, she was still physically solid and her hair had not yet turned completely white.  Rona was one of her favorite young people, and she smiled and held her hand out.  "How is our little scout today?  What are you up to, going out to steal some hearts, perhaps?"   Rona blushed a little at that.  Mida was always teasing her about how pretty she was, and how easily she would be able to sneak around and steal the boys' hearts away.  "No, sh'wenga, I've no time for such prey today.  I have some fishing to do."    "Fishing?!" Yari chimed in.  The tiny woman was still beautiful despite her hair being completely whitened by time.  "Well, don't forget your elders, if you catch a fine trout!"    Rona chuckled. "Of course not!  I know how much you like a good fried trout.  Is this clear sky going to hold up today, then?"    Yari nodded, eyes flicking toward the horizon.  "Nothing but sunshine today, dear.  A fine day for fishing, and swimming."    "Thank you, sh'wenga.  I will seek out a suitable place for such ventures." Rona touched the elders' hands with her fingertips and went downstairs for her equipment.     She filled her light pack with her fishing gear and a water flask, strapped on her weapon belt and her trusty tomahawk, and put on a sun hat to round out her ensemble.  At the house entryway, her uncle Darib was on guard, casually sharpening a knife.  He grinned at her cheerily and she gave him a quick hug.  A veteran warrior, Darib had been one of her teachers in the skills of weapons.      "Enjoy your day off, halita," Darib said as she sauntered out the door.   Rona waved and set out down the path, humming a tune to herself.    The songs of birds added counterpoint to her own as she walked, down the path to the main road and southward.  Soon she reached the bridge that crossed over the Callahee RIver, although it was more of a stream here close to the headwaters.  Up and over the next ridge the carefully paved path led, into the next valley where her friend Dugi lived.  It was not a long distance, just enough to stretch her legs.  She descended into a broad valley, where her friend's farm was built into the western hillside; one of many such structures lining the sides of the valley.    The farm itself was a series of well-built terraces, spreading from the house at the top all the way down to the stream at the bottom of the valley.  The path ran by the banks of the stream, and a ramp led up to the farmhouse at a gentle incline.  Rona ascended the ramp, spotting Dugi on one of the upper terraces, working the plants.  She called out a greeting. "Ho, Dugi!"    Dugi was a mountain of a man already, even though he was barely a month older than Rona.  His wide mouth split his bearded face with a smile when he saw her. "Ho, Rona!"    She made her way along the terrace walkway to where he was, surrounded by young squash plants.  "Whatcha up to today? I have the day off, want to go fishing?"    "Oh, now, that is a tempting thought indeed," Dugi chuckled.  "I need to finish clearing out these weeds before I can go, though."    Rona eyed the patch of plants he was working.  "Doesn't seem like too much of a chore.  How about I give you a hand and we can go all that much sooner?"    "That would be great!" The big man smiled again.  He was very easy-going and good-natured, and had been friends with Rona for most of their young lives.      With no further ado, Rona set aside her pack and joined in the work.  The fertile earth yielded the weeds easily, but the patch was large.  Dugi worked this farm alone most of the time, as his parents had passed away a few years before.  Despite his youth, Dugi was the sole proprietor of the farm and had already earned his full ranking of kagori, "plant-tender", an honored position in the tribe.  Among the Bilobi, a farmer was treated with the same respect as a warrior or a craftsman.    Before long, the patch was cleared of invasive plants and they were ready to go.  They went up to the farmhouse for a cup of cool mint tea and set off for the fishing hole.  Further up the valley, the paved trail gave way to a well-trodden path that led up onto a ridge before dropping back down into a wild, lush stretch of forest where the stream was slow and formed several large pools among ridges of black rock and large, ancient tree roots.      They spent the bulk of the morning there, enjoying the simple leisure of setting the lines, lounging in the soft summer grass, and trying to lure the wily fish out from under the banks with various lures and tactics.  When the heat became oppressive, they splashed around in the cool water and dried out in the sun.  It was not a hugely successful venture, as they only actually landed a couple of fish worth keeping.  Finally, hunger drove them to pack up their fishing rods and head back to the farmhouse to cook them properly.    The path over the ridge was lined with boulders and gnarled bushes sporting brilliant purple flowers.  Distracted and relaxed, Rona and Dugi were both startled at the appearance of two people on the trail ahead, rounding a bend along the highest point; they nearly collided with the two, who were going the other way.    Inri and Waro were a pair of boys who were not among Rona's favorite people.  A couple of years older than her, they had been pests and teases to many of the girls, in the callous way of boys.  They were both trained warriors now, and strutted like a pair of roosters, in Rona's opinion.  Inri had actually made sexual overtures to her only a couple of weeks before, but she had turned him down flat at his arrogant and entitled approach; leaving him red-faced in the road in front of several of his older compatriots, who had been quite amused at the turn of events.    "Well, well, well," Inri said, immediately reacting to the appearance of the two friends.  "Look what we have here, a sneak and a dirt-stirrer," he sneered.  Waro laughed, but his eyes were hard, calculating.   Rona's eyes narrowed at the tone.  "At least we do something useful, muscle-head," she retorted.    Inri barked a humorless laugh.  "Useful? Oh, you're going to see trouble coming, scout?  Then run back and hide behind the warriors?  Hardly useful." He spat.  "I can think of a good use for you, girl."  Waro laughed again, coarsely.    Dugi growled at that, his large hand clenching around his walking staff.  "You're barking up the wrong tree, lashka," he said.    Inri took a half step back, hand creeping up toward the hilt of his sword.  "Oh, you're going to claim her for yourself, dirt-stirrer?  I knew she had bad taste."    "Nobody's -claiming- me, meathead," Rona replied angrily. "I'm a free woman and I'll do what I want!"    Inri eyed her up and down and grinned lewdly. "Well, you should want to use that body of yours to make a warrior happy.  We're your protectors, after all.  Come on, just a tumble in the grass with me will show you the error of your ways."    "Hmmph.  In your dreams!  Why don't you just go play with yourself?  Don't get caught this time." Rona gave him a sneer of her own.  All of them knew about how the boy had been caught spying on the women's bathing pool the previous summer, and been soundly switched by the matrons all the way back to his family's home.    Inri's face contorted and grew red with anger.  "You little... I think it's time you learned some respect, bitch."  He drew his sword.    Rona had her tomahawk out in a flash, adrenaline surging as she shifted into a combat stance.  "Honorless cur!" she spat angrily.  "You have NO right!"    Waro drew his own sword, glancing sidewise at his partner.     "Subdue her," Inri ordered. "I'll take this fool dirt-stirrer apart!"  He whirled his sword confidently and advanced on Dugi. "Don't hurt her too much," he sneered disparagingly.    In a heartbeat Rona and her friend were fighting for their lives.  Time slowed to a seeming crawl as the two warriors moved in confidently, their superior weapons flashing in the sunlight.  Inri came in slashing at the farmer, who backed slowly, trying to fend off the blade with his stout staff.     Waro circled to come at Rona from her right side, sword-point moving in an infinity pattern, then stabbing at her in a series of quick thrusts.   Rona used her agility and speed to dodge away, spinning and trying to get a slash in with her shorter weapon, only to be forced back by the warrior's quick defense.    Inri pressed his attack, feinted high, then lunged forward and stabbed Dugi in the thigh when his staff was raised too high to deflect the blade.  The farmer grunted in pain, swinging hard even as the warrior spun away, blade flicking a stream of red droplets across the rocks.    It was all Rona could do to evade Waro's calculated attacks; she could spare hardly a glance to her ally's plight.  Waro was careful to keep his guard up even as he probed at her own defenses.    Dugi staggered momentarily, but kept his feet, roared with anger, and charged at Inri, his staff a whirling blur.  Suddenly the warrior was the one on the defensive, backing up quickly from the long-armed farmer, deflecting the staff mere inches from his face.  Inri tried to come in under the arc, but Dugi swung the staff lower, forcing the warrior to block again.  Wood chips flew from the force of the impact.  Dugi kept the momentum of the swing, however, sliding his hands further down the staff for extra reach as he put his substantial strength and mass into the strike.  Inri's attempt to back away and parry the blow were too little, too late, as the farmer's staff connected with the side of his head with a heavy thud.  The warrrior crumpled soundlessly to the ground.    Waro, meanwhile, continued his attacks, finally catching Rona on her non-weapon arm with a slash.  She cursed and dodged away.  He pursued relentlessly.    Then Dugi rushed at Waro from the side, thrusting the staff like a spear at the warrior's ribcage and forcing him to turn and defend himself.  Rona immediately attacked , blood running down her arm as she swung her tomahawk.  Waro parried her swing as he moved, trying to keep either of his opponents from flanking him.    They faced off momentarily, the warrior's eyes narrow and cold; the two friends bleeding, enraged.   Waro's gaze flickered toward his fallen comrade, but there was no emotion on his face as he moved into an aggressive sword-form, blade weaving intricate patterns as he attacked them.    Even outnumbered, Waro was a deadly, well-trained opponent, and for some time there was a desparate dance to keep his sword out of their bodies.  For a few long minutes, heavy breaths, guttural growls of effort, shuffling boots on gravel, and occasional clash of steel on steel were the only sounds to be heard.  Finally Rona was able to slide inside the warrior's guard and get a solid chop into Waro's abdomen, rolled away from his counterattack, and bounced back to her feet.      There was no pause as the warrior cursed and and lunged after her murderously.  She weaved away from the blade like a phantom, the edge cutting only air time and time again.  Dugi followed as best he could, swinging the staff until he finally caught the warrior's leg, sending Waro staggering and off balance.      Without hesitation, Rona pounced, kicking the warrior's sword arm aside, and at the same time swinging her razor-sharp tomahawk in a vicious downward chop into the side of Waro's neck.  She leapt away from his backhand slash, and he staggered back several paces, eyes widening as he clamped his off-hand to the wound.  Blood spurted through his fingers, spraying across the trail in a dramatic fountain for a few heartbeats before he fell; sword slipping from his nerveless fingers, he twitched, bled, and died.    Panting and wild-eyed, Rona and Dugi stood transfixed for a minute, gazing down on the bodies of the vanquished.  Finally Dugi staggered over to Inri and stooped to look closer.  "He lives."  He glanced over to Waro's body and looked away. "We're gonna have to summon the Council."   "Yeah." Rona regained her breath quickly, and her wits, although drenched in sweat. "Oh, my Goddess, you're hurt!"      Dugi leaned against a rock, blood seeping down his leg and coloring the dust beneath him.  "You are too.  It's not that bad.  Just need to wrap it with something for now."    Rona quickly bound the wound with one of her bandanas, and Dugi returned the favor on the shallow slash on her arm, which was also bleeding profusely.    Then she helped him to his feet and they continued their journey home, the farmer leaning heavily on his staff.    As they descended the path into the valley, the import of what had just occurred began to sink in.  They walked in silence, deep in thought as the shock of the violent encounter began to wear off.  Even the birds had grown silent in the oppressive midday heat.      They climbed the ramp up to the farmhouse, entered, and shed their burdens. Dugi sank gratefully into a cushioned chair, grimacing as he raised his leg onto a footstool.  "Damn, that stings."    "I'll go ask the neighbors to summon the j'sarka and the eshtale," Rona said.  She took a moment to wipe her face with a dampened cloth, then hurried over to the next household to ask their assistance.    The tribe's shaman and spiritual guide, j'sarka Miasa, was always available for the people in her community, or one of her trusted acolytes.  It was she who arrived first.  Rona was waiting at the door, too anxious to stay seated for long, even after the adrenaline of battle had worn off.       Miasa took one look at Rona's face and folded the girl into a giant hug. "Oh, Goddess, you poor dear!"  At that, Rona burst into tears.  Miasa held her close, stroking her hair and soothing her while she wept.    After a few moments, Rona composed herself and Miasa took a look at their wounds.  She clucked her tongue at the damage, but did not comment.  She invoked the Goddess and cast healing magic on them both, erasing the physical damage of the fight as if it never had been.    Soon afterward, the eshtale ascended the path to the farmhouse.  The eshtale was the designated peacekeeper of the day, a duty which rotated among all the senior warriors of the tribe.  Today's eshtale was Oriv, and he had brought one of the junior warriors with him to bear messages.      Oriv bore the ceremonial rod of the office, an ornately carved hardwood stick with a bright blue gemstone imbedded in one end where the Osinagi tree had grown around it.  It was widely thought that the rod gave the eshtale the ability to detect lies.  "What crime has been committed?" Oriv intoned formally.    Rona answered just as formally. "I have killed a member of my tribe, eshtale."    Oriv's face grew grave, and the junior warrior gasped, eyes growing wide.  "Where did this happen?" Oriv asked.    Rona told him, and the junior warrior was sent running to get more help.    Oriv separated the two friends and asked them what had happened, first Rona, and then Dugi.  Miasa bore witness to the inquiries.  By the time they were done telling their stories, a squad of warriors had arrived to assist the eshtale in fetching the fallen.  "The council will hear the testimony, and send for you when they've made their decision," Oriv announced, and away they went.    Miasa went with them, after giving the farmer a hug and a word of praise for his courage and honor, and a motherly kiss on the forehead for Rona.  "It's going to be okay, honey.  One way or another.  Come see me when the ruling is made, and we will ask the spirits to give you guidance."     They spent the afternoon mostly in quiet reflection.  Rona cleaned and grilled the fish they had caught, and Dugi made wondrous herbal salad, and they feasted.  Afterward, they laid down in the cool depths of the farmhouse and rested, although neither was able to fall asleep.      Just before sunset, a messenger boy arrived to summon them before the Council.

   The Council was composed of nine heads-of-households, six women and three men.  Rona's father Jorjio was one of the men, and when Rona and Dugi entered the ceremonial Council chamber, his was the first face she sought.  Impassive at first, when their eyes met, the warrior gave her the slightest of smiles before returning his expression to neutrality.      Miasa was there, of course, and the eshtale announced their entrance, as per custom, as they took their place upon the central pedestal.  "Rona of clan Ni'ess, stands on the charge of causing the death of a tribe member. Dugi of clan Ketall, stands on the charge of assault upon a tribe member."    Olika, the eldest of the Council, stood and addressed them directly.  A strikingly beautiful woman despite a half-century of life, she met their gazes levelly as she pronounced the judgement of the Council.    "We have heard the testimony from the eshtale, and the verification of the witness to the testimony.   This is a sad day for the Bilobi in many ways."    "One family has lost a son, and another has brought shame upon himself.  As you are entitled to defend yourselves, Dugi of clan Ketall, you are absolved of wrongdoing."  Olika turned her eyes to Rona.  "You are entitled to self-defense as well, Rona of clan Ni'ess.  However, there is now a blood debt  to be paid to the family of the man you killed today."    Rona lowered her eyes in acceptance of the judgement.  All the tribe's children were emphatically and thoroughly taught the rules and laws that they were expected to live by, so it was no surprise.  Neither were the councilwoman's next words.    "To pay this blood debt, Rona of clan Ni'ess, you are hereby banished from the lands of the Bilobi for a year and a day, beginning in two days at sunset.  Make sure you are beyond our borders at that time."  She sat down.    The eshtale turned to the pair and waved the rod.  "Do you accept this judgement?" He asked.    "Yes, eshtale, they said, almost in unison.    Oriv tapped the ceremonial gong with the rod of office.  The rich sound vibrated through the room, and it was over.

   They exited, and after a few moments, Jiorji caught up with them outside the chamber.  He gave his daughter a quick hug and motioned for them to follow him back to the Ni'ess rof'orth.      In the darkening twilight hour, people were going back and forth at various tasks and errands, the lamplighters sparking up intermittent candles along the pathways.  It was a pleasant summer evening, and the sounds of music, laughter, and banter echoed from the various households they passed.   Several young people hurried by, on their way to an evening training session in the Weapons yard, saluting the Council member politely.    They reached the house, and came inside to a warm welcome.  Rona could immediately smell her mother's signature cheese-covered flatbread baking, Rona's most favorite food.  Her mouth immediately began to water even as her eyes started to fill with tears.  Her mother and aunts gathered around her in a warm enveloping of sympathy.    Jorjio turned and clasped Dugi's hand in the traditional warrior manner.  "Thank you, kagori.  You are a fine and honorable man, to defend my daughter's life and freedom as you did.  Words cannot say enough how grateful we are for your courage and strength!"      Darib, the councilman's brother-by-marriage, stepped forward and offer the farmer a hand-clasp as well, then handed him an ornate weapon.  It was a war spear of great quality, with a long metal-shod haft and a foot-and-a-half-long double-edged blade of a peculiar silvery hue. Rona noticed the transaction and involuntarily gasped.  The spear was one of the family's greatest treasures, and had been a family heirloom for many generations.  "Take this gift, friend, and know that you can count on us if you are ever in need of help.  May it serve you and your descendants well, should you ever find your life threatened again."    Dugi turned the spear over in his hands, eyes wide with awe.  "Thank you..." he looked around the room at the gathered family, and bowed somewhat awkwardly.  "Thank you, all of you.  I will treasure this weapon."    Everybody wanted to hear the story, so they told it together as best they could.  The children ooh'ed and aah'ed at the description of the fight, especially Rona's little sister, Nuni.  A girl of only seven, she felt inspired enough to demonstrate some kicks and punches at an imaginary foe while they told about the battle, which made everyone chuckle.      There was a general consensus among the family that the blood spilled was justified, and the ruling of exile was somewhat unfair, but the law was the law.  The rules were in place to prevent the tribe from internal conflicts and power struggles, and a millenium-long tradition of sustained self-government gave the free people of the Bilobi great respect and trust in those rules.  Rona would be exiled for a year and a day, and her family would send her off as prepared and educated as they could possibly make her.    Dinner was served and the family ate with gusto.  The family was a whirlwind of caring and compassion around Rona, and she savored it while she could.      After the delicious meal, various musical instruments were produced, and the family sang some songs together.  Rona's father brought out a bottle of fine spirits and poured a round of drinks for anyone that wanted one.  The first glass, however, he handed to his daughter. When they were all distributed, he raised his hand for a moment of silence.    "A salute, dear ones, for my brave daughter Rona.  She has proved her commitment to freedom today!  And whatever the laws say, she will never be outcast from MY heart."  With that, he lifted his glass and they all shouted "Hai-ai!" together and drank.    The fiery liquor quite took Rona's breath away for a moment.  Someone started a drumbeat, and the family launched into a traditional tribal song celebrating those who had fallen in the cause of freedom.    After a few more songs, some individual dances, and another round of drinks, and some luscious berry-cake dessert, the family began seeking their bedrooms, and Rona was no exception.  The drinks had made her a bit dizzy; but when she lay down, she quickly drifted off to sleep.        Her dreams were troubled.  She woke several times during the night from dreams of fighting, killing, and being hunted.  Finally she drifted off for a final time and slept peacefully, the whispered voices of a prayer echoing through the quiet house, or her dreams, or both.

   It was mid-morning when Rona awoke to the smell of tea.  She opened her eyes to see her little sister holding a cup next to her bed.  Nuni smiled, "Mama said you needed this."    "Ha! She is right, as usual," Rona sat up and accepted the cup, drinking deeply.  "I slept in, it seems."    After some breakfast and some conversation, Rona put on her sun hat and headed up the valley to the sacred grove to see the j'sarka.      Nestled into an elevated box canyon on the west side of the valley, the grove of OsinagiI trees was a place of almost unearthly beauty.  The stairs leading up to it were artistically carved from the solid rock, as was the temple itself, in the south wall of the box canyon.  Miasa herself came out to greet her on the wide patio in front of the temple.  This ceremonial area was paved intricately in a geometrical design, worn smooth by dozens of decades of dancing.  It was a familiar and special place to most of the residents of the community.  Rona had danced in the moonlight many times here.    Miasa welcomed her into the temple and led her back to the inner sanctum.  It was cool and comfortable inside the solid stone.  The priestess directed Rona to the purification bath, where a great tub carved directly into the stone stood steaming and ready.  Miasa left her there to cleanse herself and change into one of the soft white robes that hung ready by the door.  From there, Rona entered the prayer room and knelt before the altar, a supplicant.    Miasa emerged from a room behind the altar, clad in a ceremonial ensemble of silver jewelry, including an ornate tiara, and a wispy white robe that barely concealed her lithe brown body.  She paused by the altar and rang a silver chime.  Its pure tone filled the silence. She knelt before Rona and offered her a small cup.  "Let us pray, and ask the Goddess to give you visions."    Rona took the cup carefully, raised it in salute to the altar, and drank.  The liquid was sweetened with honey, but even that could only partially mask the bitterness of the karana root tea.  She finished it dutifully and handed the cup back to Miasa, who rose and returned to the room from which she had come.    After a moment the priestess returned, and gestured for Rona to move to one of the prayer mats she had already laid out on the shiny grey-green-tiled floor.  They spent the next half-hour moving through the ritualistic stretches and poses of the Centering exercises.     Rona began to feel queasy and sat back, trying to concentrate on her breathing.  "I feel faint," she said.  She was having a hard time focusing.    "Lay down," Miasa said.  Rona did so, and the priestess knelt beside her, passing her hands over the girl.  "Hmm..." She then whispered a prayer and gently cradled Rona's head in her warm hands.      The heat from Miasa's hands seemed to infuse Rona from her head, rippling through her until her entire body felt warm and glowing.  The nausea and ill feeling swept away, replaced by a deep sense of comfort and well-being.  She closed her eyes and slipped into a trance.      The steady light of the lanterns in the prayer room faded away to a faint glow, and then somehow she opened her eyes and was gazing up at the midday sky.  The sun was bright, but she felt fearlessly compelled to look straight at it, and its light seemed illuminating instead of blinding.  She gasped at the unexpected beauty.  Then rainbows radiated from the orb, bending and curving into complex patterns.      A flicker of movement distracted her, and she moved her perception to another patch of sky.  A barely-discernable shape was flying there; but when she concentrated, she could see clearly a sinuous winged creature.  She recognized immediately a Sriwi'ani, a dragon of the Air, and felt a little thrill of joy at seeing one for the first time in her life.    She watched the dragon as it glided in a slow figure-eight, then descended to a craggy ridge of stone.  Her perception moved toward the ridge, approached the cliff, and then tilted upward as if she were flying herself.  Then she was on top of the ridge, and the rays of the setting sun were painting the sky in colorful hues.  Beyond the ridge was another higher ridge, and as she ascended, winged people launched from cliffs above and floated dreamily around her.      Atop the cliff she came upon a beautiful little meadow, full of tiny yellow flowers.  She lay her presence down there and looked up to the darkening sky.  Stars grew brighter as the sun's light faded.    Flickering light drew her attention.  Beyond the mountains to the east, she could make out a massive storm cloud, dark and menacing, lit by lightning within and around it.  An undercurrent of foreboding touched her at the sight.  The storm seemed unnatural and out of place for some reason.    From somewhere nearby she heard someone giggle merrily, then a sweet and melodic voice began singing, in words that she could not understand, but seemed familiar somehow.  Rona had the impression of a silhouette of a woman sitting on a rock nearby, moonlight shining behind her.  The sky, the mountain, the plants, all began to glow, and the stars were connected by rainbows.  As a complex pattern began to be seen, light filled her vision completely, and she heard the sound of a silver chime.  She opened her eyes and was back in her body, lying safe on the prayer room floor.    Miasa approached her and knelt beside the prayer mat.  "How do you feel?"    "Good," Rona replied, sitting up.      "What did you see?" The priestess handed her a cup of water, which Rona drained.    Rona described her vision as best she could.  Miasa listened carefully, nodding and smiling at the girl's words.      "Truly a blessed vision.  The omens are showing you a path.  I think you should go and stay with the Sky People.  They will welcome you and it will be a safe place to live during your exile."  The priestess frowned a little in thought.  "The storm... I do not know what that means.  I'm sure it signifies something important, but that is not an immediate concern.  It seems to be something that you will be involved with somehow.   You will discover its meaning, with time."    Rona nodded slowly, the vision still strong in her mind's eye.  "Thank you, Miasa.  I will prepare for my journey."

   On the stairs down from the sacred grove, Rona saw a pair of women ascending.  Rona knew them both; Chira and Usia were the mother and aunt of Inri, and Rona paused when she recognized them, unsure of their reaction.  They saw her and continued up the stairs to her position.    Chira was a tall, strong woman with long mahogany-colored hair flowing from under her black sun hat.  She wore black clothing and her face was grave as she ascended the last few stairs to where Rona was standing.  "Well met, Rona of clan Ni'ess."   "Matron," Rona replied warily, nodding in return.    Chira gazed at Rona for a moment, studying the girl's face.  "I am sorry for the shame my son has brought upon our house, young one." She paused and looked at her sister beside her.  Usia reached out and squeezed her hand in encouragement.    "This is not the way a warrior is supposed to behave.  We did not teach him this... disrespect."  Chira raised her gaze and met Rona's eyes.  "I fear that my son has been listening to some tainted follower of the cursed path of Azhilo."  She spat to the side at the name as if she had tasted something foul.      "My son has been sent to the northern border to spend time at an outpost, where hopefully he will learn some humility and appreciation for his life." She paused, looking down again. " I will not speak his name until your exile is over.  Because of his arrogance, his friend is dead, and he will need many years before he regains his honor in my eyes."    Rona let out a quiet sigh of relief.  "Your words lighten my spirit, Matron."    Chira took the last two steps up to the girl and embraced her.  "Be well, young one, and I wish you a safe and pleasant journey, wherever you end up going."    "Thank you," Rona whispered, returning the hug.  "May the Goddess smile upon you and your family."

   Back at the Ni'ess rof'orth, Rona spent the rest of the day assembling her equipment and packing her possessions for storage.  One of the younger ones would take her bedroom.  There was a sense of finality to the process that Rona could not shake.      The future was always murky, but it was clear that this was the ending of her childhood and the beginning of something entirely different.  It made her somewhat sad, but also determined to face the changes with her head held high.   The prospect of travelling beyond her tribe's lands to the mountainous hold of the M'Chal was exciting and scary at the same time.    When the tasks were done, there was a last evening with her family, filled with laughter and joy, and a few tears as well.  One last night in her home, lying awake for much of it.  Rona managed a few hours of sleep before dawn.  Her little sister awoke her again, and it was time for her journey to begin.

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   It was another beautiful summer day, albeit with a heaviness to the air that promised rain in the afternoon.  Rona set off at a good pace, for she had some distance to cover to make it to the edge of her tribe's lands.  Up over the first ridge she went, following the same path she had taken to the swimming hole two days before.  At the site of the battle, a familiar figure stood, lit by the first rays of the sun.    "Hail, Rona," Dugi called.  "I thought you'd be passing this way."    She jogged up and embraced him, her pack and weapons making it somewhat awkward.  He held the heirloom spear in one hand as he enfolded her in his massive grip.  They stood that way for a long moment.        Finally Dugi released his grip.  "You had better go.  Luck be with you, my sweet friend.  You'll be brave.  You always are."    Rona smiled, even though tears were welling in her eyes.  "Be well, my friend, until we meet again."  She trotted away.    Up the valley she went, past the swimming hole, over a bridge and up the larger ridge to the east.  From there the trail led south again, along the top of the ridge.  She passed a couple of guardposts before the trail descended again, cutting slightly east to proceed along a craggy slope leading down the the river valley far below.  Rona stayed alert by habit, even though there was little danger to be found in this well-watched area of her tribe's lands.      The view from the trail was magnificent. The wide forested valley to the east was frequented by Bilobi hunters and berry-gathering parties.  The tribe claimed the land all the way to the river.      To the southeast rose the magnificent stony ridge of the Blackspur Ridge.  A sheer granite cliff in many places, the ridge rose a dizzying thousand-and-a-half feet above the forest slopes beneath, only to be crowned by a second, smaller ridgeline of streaked black rock, that rose nearly as high again.  Wisps of clouds drifted about the taller, spikier peaks. There was Rona's goal; the home of the M'Chal.    Around mid-day she stopped and feasted on some of the cheese bread her mother had wrapped for her.  Clouds were starting to form above her, so she took advantage of the intermittent shade and made as much progress as she could before the rain began.      As the first drops fell, she stopped and took off her equipment.  She rolled out her rain cloak and attached it to her backpack, also wrapping it around her bow and quiver.  She put her equipment back on, the cleverly designed cloak hooding her face and wrapping around to buckle in the front, easily released if one needed to shed it quickly.  The waterproof oiled hide was light but durable, and the cloak was designed to double as a makeshift tent as well.  She continued as the summer storm drenched the thirsty land around her.  The trail was neatly paved here, so mud was not a problem, and she stayed dry and comfortable under the cloak.    By mid-afternoon she was approaching the southeast border outpost. A squat stone tower stood on a narrow ridge, the trail running to the mouth of  a tunnel which had been carved through the ridge underneath it.  The massive doors were open, and as Rona approached, a guard stepped out from the shade to greet her.   "Hail, askuri," he said, using the formal title of a blooded scout of the Bilobi.  "I am Olfor.  We've been expecting you."   "Well met, Olfor," she replied, touching her palm to his in the traditional greeting.    "Your uncle sent word that you would be passing this way.  Come, set down your things and have a drink.  I'll fetch the shiragi, he will want to speak to you."  He directed her into a side room where there was a couple of benches, and a table that held a pitcher of fruit-sweetened water and several glasses.  The drink was blessedly chill compared to the warm water in Rona's waterskin.    The shiragi, leader of the oupost, was an older warrior called Gyrag, known to Rona as a friend of her father and uncle.   He entered the room and gave Olfor a nod.  The other warrior leaned on the wall outside the door casually keeping watch.    "Hail, Rona.  Darib informed me that you're heading up the Blackspur."  Gyrag spread out a map on the table.  "Now I'm sure you've studied some maps already, but I'll just point a couple of things out to you.  Once you exit the gates on the east side of this outpost, you are officially outside of our tribe's lands.  I recommend finding somewhere to camp tonight in this area above the springs." He pointed to where the springs were marked, then indicated the trail to the base of the cliff.  "That way you can start up the trade-trail in the morning.  It's the safest way up to the top of the lower cliff, and the M'chal patrol it frequently."    He pointed to where the trail began its ascent, skirting a fair-sized lake at the base of a deep ravine.  "The trail is narrow along the lakeside, so you will want to be especially wary there.   It's a good place for an ambush.  Further up the chasm, there are many stretches of trail that are exposed to view from above and below, but there are places for a tricky askuri like yourself to elude any problems there. "    "Once you reach the top of the lower cliff, the High Forest will be a more open terrain.  The Sky People will keep close watch on this area.  You're likely to see some of them flying around on their false-wings."  Gyrag pointed to a cleft in the upper cliff.  "Here there is the main trail up to the M'Chal lands.  Once you are in that rift, you will likely be under constant observation by M'Chal lookouts and under their protection there, as well."    The warrior turned his eyes to meet Rona's. "There are always Z'Krol raiding parties lurking around the base of the Blackspur.  They are, as always, the greatest threat.  Especially to a lone female.  You would be a prize indeed, young one, so take great care."      Rona nodded somberly.  "I will, shiragi," she promised.      "I know you have been trained well, askuri.  Be as a ghost.  And whatever happens..." Gyrag put a hand on her shoulder, voice grave, "DON'T let them take you alive if they find you."

   Rona set out from the east gate at a trot, feeling refreshed.  The air was cooler from the rain and a light breeze across the top of the hills made the journey pleasant.  Rona followed the trade trail for a half mile or so before leaving the trail on the north, downslope side.  She followed game trails, picking her way carefully eastward as the afternoon wore on.  It was slow travel, as she took pains to walk over rock and gravel where she could, to conceal her trail.  Nonetheless, she reached the vale where the springs flowed a good hour before sunset.    She found a promising niche between a couple of large boulders and set up her bedroll there.  She took her weapons down to a pool and quickly bathed, reveling in immersing her body in the cool, fresh water.  She refilled her waterskin, and as twilight gathered, ate the last of the bread with some dried fish and some wild grapes she found nearby.    After her eyes adjusted to the starlight, Rona took a final scouting trip in a rough circle around her campsite, moving quietly from one vantage point to another, waiting and watching for a bit, then moving on again.  The area was full of the early nocturnal activity of numerous animals, but nothing threatening.  She returned to her spot, and used a leafy branch to brush her tracks from the sand as she backed into her niche and used the branch to further conceal her hiding place.  Then she snuggled up in her blanket and drifted quickly into sleep, spurred by both her exertions of the day and her deprivation of the night before.   Rona awoke in the night, an indeterminable amount of time later.  She lay, breathing quietly, listening; she was unsure what had woke her.  After a moment, an insect began chirping nearby.  She turned over quietly and watched the clearing beyond her leafy camoflauge.  The hair rose on her neck as she saw a shadow moving through the trees stealthily.  In a patch of stronger starlight, she made out a human figure, a large one, moving extremely quietly across the uneven ground.      She carefully unsheathed her tomahawk as she continued to watch.  The shadow paused a few yards away, then a dim light shone on the ground nearby.  In the reflected light, Rona could see a man, holding a smalll incandescent object with which he was examining the ground in a wide swathe, obviously looking for tracks.  Concealed in shadow, Rona was not in danger of being seen, and she remained lying perfectly still as the man investigated, then the light switched off.  After a moment the shadowy figure moved on, creeping through the forest toward the spring Rona had bathed in earlier.    She stayed there, motionless but alert, for quite some time.  The blood seemed to boil in her veins at the thought of an enemy scout venturing so close to her tribe's lands.  She considered following him and ambushing him, but there was no telling if he was alone.  It was a risk not worth taking, she decided, and lay quiet until the adrenaline faded.  Sleep was a long time coming.    Soon after dawn, Rona awoke, feeling rested and lively.  She carefully emerged from her niche and did a quick circuit to assess her surroundings, bow strung and ready.  All was quiet.  She relaxed a bit, and prepared for the day.      Before she set out, she looked for the trail of the intruder.  With a keen eye for the signs that even an experienced woodsman would leave, Rona quickly found where he had passed, and followed the trail down to the pool.  From there the man had gone west, then turned back to the south, towards the trade trail.  She decided that heading due east was the best route to avoid him, and proceeded that way after returning for her pack.    Through the rocks, meadows, and trees she went; moving quickly, but cautiously avoiding clearings and ridgelines where she could be seen from further upslope.  The only creatures she encountered were a family of deer that she startled, who bounded away quickly when they caught her scent.      Soon the land became steeper, and she found a narrow valley to ascend to the trade-trail just before it met the shadow of the cliffs.  She could see the trail pass over a small ridge, beyond which the gigantic cleft loomed.  She trotted along the trail and quickly passed over the ridge into the valley at the base of the cleft, which was filled with a wide, deep lake.    As Gyrag had said, the trade-trail was carved into the rocky ridge alongside the west bank of the valley, with very little in the manner of cover, especially further into the defile.  The lake itself was possibly the only escape route.  Rona took a few deep breaths as she unstrapped her bow and strung it.  Holding the bow and an arrow in one hand, she took off at a quick pace, striving for a balance of speed and silence.    Deeper into blessed shade, the air still held a refreshing coolness.   A few birds chirped in the cliffs above the trail, but that was the only discernable sound for some time, until Rona began to hear the muffled roar of the waterfall at the innermost end of the canyon.      The lake narrowed quickly as she penetrated the canyon, until there was only a stone's throw separating the walls.  The trail itself was carved into the solid rock of the cliff at this point, and even underneath an enormous overhang for a long stretch, making it feel cave-like.  As she emerged into the canyon beyond the overhang, Rona rounded a corner to see the trail begin to rise ahead, a steep slope up to a spur of rock.  She ascended to this point and paused to assess the path ahead.    Instinctively crouching by a boulder, Rona scanned the trail and the steep slope above her to the west.  She could see where the trail switched back ahead, and glanced upward to get a feel for where it ascended.   Just then, a flicker of movement drew her attention ahead, to where the trail turned.    She froze as she saw the figure of a man - no, two men - approaching the first switchback ahead of her.   They moved with the quick and furtive pace of hunters, which immediately alerted her suspicions.  She drew closer to the boulder and pulled the edge of her rain cloak down to disguise her profile.  At this distance, in the deep shadow of the cleft, they would be hard-pressed to see her if she stayed still.   She watched, motionless, as they rounded the switchback.  The rearmost stopped for a quick view of the trail behind them before continuing.    Rona watched carefully upslope, trying to catch a glimpse of the hunting party on the trail above and ahead of her.  From the angle she had, there was only a couple of places where she saw movement.  Taking a deep breath, she started up the trail herself, staying quiet, as close to the slope as possible.  Her adrenaline rode high, and she grasped her bow firmly as her senses sharpened.  She stalked.  Rona had done some hunting in her life, but never for a prey as dangerous as this.    At the switchback she quickly darted around the corner and continued up the path.  As she had suspected, the trail was wide and well-built, and she was able to move quickly and close to the wall.  Her eyes were constantly moving from the trail ahead, to the slope above her, ears alert for any sound of her quarry.   She was quite confident that they had no warning of her presence, and took great care to maintain that status.    As she drew closer to the next switchback, she heard low voices from the trail above.  She froze, next to a good portion of steep wall, and listened intently.  Quiet footsteps, and then another low mutter, too faint to distinguish any words.  When she could no longer hear footsteps, she continued.    After the next switchback, the trail rose more steeply, even having broad stair-steps at a few points.  The trail rounded a ridge and continued deeper into the canyon, much further than the first switchback.  Here the path was built on the steep jagged slope of some ancient avalanche, overgrown with vines and a few stubborn trees and punctuated with massive boulders.  The cliff wall high above was broken, and Rona knew that the trade trail would ascend to the Upper Forest there.    She continued trailing them cautiously, wary of the increasing light as the trail rose higher.  The roar of the waterfall was closer here, making subtle noises unhearable.  The trail wound around boulders and crossed the path of a small rivulet before switching back again.  The trail reversed directions four more times before Rona caught another glimpse of the others.    There was a bridge across the trench dug by the little stream here, and when Rona saw it up ahead, she also noticed a man crouched in the shadow just beyond.  He was holding something up to his eyes, a short object pointed toward the cliff on the opposite side of the great cleft.  Rona froze in place, and slowly flattened as she slid back around the tree she had just passed.  Just in time, as the man turned the viewtube in her direction. On the ground already, she concealed herself fully.  Heart pounding, she waited for twenty breaths before peeking again.    The man had put away his viewtube and was relieving himself over the edge of the trail.  Rona relaxed slightly.  When he was done, he picked up his pack and continued, as did she.    After three more switchbacks, the trail was nearly high enough to be exposed to the full light of the sun.   The trail was rapidly shortening between the switchbacks as it grew close to the top of the cleft.  Rona spotted her quarry crossing the rivulet again - two men, this time, not looking her way.  She stayed in the shade of boulder until they disappeared, then followed.   Now that she knew where they were, she closed the gap a bit, stealthily moving from vantage point to another.  So when they stopped, she stopped as well, and found a friendly clump of vegetation to hide behind while she watched them.    The two men had found a deep niche alongside the trail, and were busy setting up some sort of equipment there.  One of them strung a wire across the path, drove a spike into the rock on the downslope side, and attached the wire to it.  He then lay the wire on the path and concealed it carefully under gravel and dust.  The other end went into the niche, where Rona could not see from her angle.  The other man was doing something else in the niche at the same time.       After a bit, Rona noticed something very unusual - a hint of movement in the air further along the trail, a slight blurring quite unlike anything she had ever seen before.  Blinking, she studied the optical effect intently.    Suddenly, the blur opened from the center, revealing a man standing in the path near the niche.  Rona nearly gasped at the unexpected sight.  The man was large, very large, and bore the ritual scars of the Z'Krol.  He shrugged off the robe he was wearing, which she could see clearly from the inner side as he lay it over a nearby rock.  It was an eerie and disconcerting sight to see him appear from seeming nothingness.  He disappeared into the niche.    After a short time, the man stepped back onto the path and wrapped himself in the transparency cloak again.  Rona could see that it was a long robe, brushing the ground, with a fitted hood that covered everything but the man's eyes.  He pulled the robe closed in the front and fastened it, and was virtually invisible once again.  Only his eyes were visible, and only when they were briefly turned in her direction.  Then the slight blur was the only sign of his presence, as he moved away further up the trail.    Soon afterward, a blur drew Rona's attention in that direction again.  The process was repeated, although this was a different man.  After a brief interlude, he too donned his transparency robe and moved up the path.    Rona tried to interpret the situation as best she could.  A group of at least four Z'Krol warriors, encroaching on the territory of the Sky People, setting an ambush on the path; while two of them were using some sort of invisibility magic to conceal their invasion into the Upper Forest.  She could think of several possible objectives for a raiding party such as this, and it stirred her blood with anger.    Determined, she set a course of action.  She would bypass the ambush site, cross the Upper Forest, and head for the final ascent to the home of the Sky People.  That path would be guarded, she was sure.   Rona looked for a place to ascend to the next level of the trail, making sure to stay out of sight.  She soon found a promising-looking crack, unstrung and stowed her bow, and started to climb.    The crack soon dwindled to nothing, and Rona was forced to climb on the open rock.  To make matters worse, she was fully exposed to the sun and quickly found herself flagging from the exertion of climbing.  She found a somewhat secure foothold where she could rest for a few minutes, and take a drink of water, before continuing.    After a few more grueling minutes, she reached the trail, where she found a bit of shade under a tree and gratefully shed her pack.  She wiped her face with a cloth, and restrung her bow.  Just as she lifted her pack, she heard the scuffle of footsteps from down the trail.    Even though alarmed, she finished putting the pack on and buckling it securely, then picked up her bow and calmly nocked an arrow.  There was nowhere to hide here.  The two men from the ambush site rounded the turn as she stepped out into the trail, drew and fired in one swift motion.  Her aim was true, the arrow striking the first man in the middle of the chest, but his leather breastplate stopped most of the impact.  He was more surprised than hurt, but bellowed once and staggered back, his companion cursing and ducking for cover as Rona nocked another arrow.    A long moment passed while Rona tried to get a clear shot at the warriors; and they scrambled back, one fumbling for weapons and the other trying to pull the arrow out of his breastplate and his flesh, and both trying to find cover.  The unwounded one finally rose, bow in hand and murder in his eyes.  Rona's arrow left her bow a split second before his did, grazing one arm and cutting a bloody furrow on the way by.  His arrow she barely avoided, twisting to the side as the breeze from its passing tugged at a stray strand of hair.  Time seemed to slow to a crawl as she shifted her balance and drew another arrow.      Again Rona was quicker than her opponent.  This time her arrow struck true, piercing his leather leggings and the thigh beneath.  His concentration was not broken, but his arrow whistled through empty air as the girl lowered and flattened her profile.    The other warrior came charging then, holding a sword and a shield high as he leaped past his comrade, his pierced breastplate apparently abandoned, and sprinting toward Rona.    She immediately whirled and fled, ducking instinctively as another arrow flew through the space she had occupied just an instant before.  Accelerating to full speed in a few steps, Rona ran for her life, the pounding footsteps of the warrior growing louder behind her.    Encumbered by the pack on her back and the bow in her hand, Rona could hear him getting closer.  Eyes on the trail ahead, she reached the next switchback only a scant few yards ahead of the warrior and cut the corner as closely as she could.  She gained a couple of steps with the turn, as the man's greater bulk took him on a slightly more rounded trajectory.  The man's companion was limping along some distance behind, and Rona caught a glimpse of him drawing bead on her as she raced up the trail.  The arrow passed behind her as she pushed herself to run faster than she had ever run in her life.    The trail turned again and wound upwards into the cleft at the top of the mountainside, the slope more gentle here.  The race continued; the warrior's longer legs giving him the advantage on the straighter parts, while the scout's agility gave her better ability to maneuver around the frequent twists and turns.  Even so, he gained a couple of paces on her as they ascended the narrowing valley, not letting up his chase in the slightest.    Time stretched for Rona, each pounding step she ran calculated and executed perfectly.  Ahead, she knew, there would be the others, the cloaked ones, and they would likely be on or near the path itself.  Her eyes scanned incessantly, alert for any visual abnormalities that would give away their presence.  The trail broke the crest and she was suddenly on the massive plateau of the Upper Forest.  The path smoothed and began curving to the left;  Rona immediately saw the disadvantage for her on this stretch, so instead of continuing along the trail, she picked a spot before the curve and plunged into the woods, the warrior still in hot pursuit.  She heard a startled shout from behind her, which the warrior responded to with a brief, hoarse yell of his own.  He sounded a bit out of breath.    Forests were Rona's element, but this one was unfamiliar to her.  The underbrush was more prevalent than the deep forests of the lowlands, the tree cover more sparse.  She was forced to plow through some bushes, using her bow to push branches aside, and leap over others, to maintain her scant lead over the onrushing warrior.  Little by little, however, she increased the distance between them.    The terrain was fairly level here, but soon her path crossed a trickling stream in a rocky little valley, where she took her opportunity to suddenly change directions and dart eastward, upstream.  Here she was able to use her agility to great advantage, bounding up, onto, and over rocks and boulders; scurrying along brief ridges at full speed, over fallen logs and gravelly slopes; as swift and sure-footed as any creature of the wild.  She heard him falling further and further behind, but she didn't stop running until she couldn't hear him anymore, and she didn't stop moving until she had covered another quarter-mile or more, picking her path more carefully .    Finally she dared to stop, hidden behind a great tree in peaceful sunlit copse.  Panting shallowly, drenched in sweat, sporting numerous cuts and scrapes from the plants she had ran through; but alive.  Alive, and free.  She took out her waterskin and guzzled nearly the entire thing, and drizzled the rest over her face.    After a brief respite, she continued her journey, going quietly and cautiously, leaving as little mark of her passage as she could.   This was her specialty, and she did it to perfection.   Only a master of tracking could hope to follow the trail she left, and that only with great time and patience.  She made her way toward the crevice in the upper cliff that she knew was the trade-trail's route to the homeland of the M'Chal.    A drifting ghost would perhaps have disturbed the serene forest more than Rona did passing through.  It was a beautiful place, full of exotic-looking flowers and sturdy vines climbing the boulders.  The trees themselves were a mix of narrow- and needle-leaf, with a few fruit trees interspersed, some laden with nature's bounty.  She took a few moments to harvest a handful of dark red cherries and ate them as she walked.    Perhaps an hour later, she intersected the trade-trail again and took to it after a cautious assessment.  The ascent to the M'Chal lands was sure to be watched closely, she knew; therefore, she abandoned trying to conceal herself.  She unstrung her bow and strapped it into place, donned her sun hat, and trotted up the trail.    The path rose to the base of the cliff ahead.  Ahead of her, a man rose from behind a crag and stepped out into the trail, holding a spear.  Her heart pounded in trepidation, but Rona slowed her trot, approached, and hailed him.  "Bright morning, guardian."    The man nodded back to her.  He wore armor of hardened leather and blackened metal, and a helm painted with feathers.  "Light upon you, traveller.  Who are you, and why do you come to our lands?"    "I am Rona, exile of the Bilobi.  I seek refuge in your lands, if you will hear my plea."  She lowered her eyes to the ground between them, joining her hands in a gesture of supplication.    There was a moment of silence.  Rona peeked up to see the man waving some sort of signal to someone behind him, then turning back to her.  "I am Tol, of the M'Chal.  Your request is granted, Rona, exile of the Bilobi.  You may enter our lands and plead your case. "    She let out a low sigh of relief.  "My thanks, Tol."  She paused, and looked back along the trail behind her.  "There are other travellers here, however, whose intentions are not so peaceful..."    "Oh?" Tol stepped closer, beckoning for his companion to join them.  "Tell us."    "A raiding party, I'm quite sure they were Z'Krol.  Four of them, I believe.  Two were cloaked in some sort of ... transparency.  I don't know, it looked like magic of some kind.  They went ahead, leaving two to set an ambush on the second leg down of the switchbacks.  The two that stayed were not cloaked, but hidden in a crevice.  I tried to sneak past them by climbing up the cliff, but they must have saw me, and they both chased me.  I stuck an arrow through one's leg, but the other chased me into the Upper Forest before I lost him."    Tol's face grew darker with every sentence, and his grip tightened visibly on his spear.  He nodded brusquely to her.  "My thanks."  He turned to his companion that had joined them, a slightly shorter man, similarly equipped.  "Signal the strike team."  The man hurried back toward their outpost.  Tol turned his gaze back to Rona, then down the trail.  "We will teach these scum to stay away from our lands," he growled.    Rona nodded, a savage smile creeping across her face.  "I would be happy to help in any way I can."    The signal was sent via heliograph to the top of the cliff, and in a matter of minutes, a pair of gliders launched above and sailed above the forest.  Rona watched with keen curiosity, having only heard stories of the manmade wings of the Sky People.  They were large, triangular shapes with the human occupant controlling them from a framework below the wing.   The scouts circled a few times before a band of warriors swiftly descended on ropes to the guardpost.    "We have a group of foragers out in the berry-bushes," Tol explained, as his comrades assembled with an impressive array of weaponry.  "We will send some to inform them of the danger and guard them, while the rest of us go to the trade-trail and seek these invaders.  I will lead this effort.  You are welcome to accompany us."    "Gladly," Rona answered.    Soon the teams were ready and they set off; four of the warriors angling off to the northeast toward the berry pickers, while the other seven, and Rona, trotted down the trade-trail.

   The Z'Krol, it turned out, had decided to vacate the area completely.   A thorough search of the area where Rona had been chased found only a few tracks, and further investigation down the trade-trail found no sign that the raiding party remained in the area.  The flying scouts continued their patrol as midday crept into afternoon; after posting guards at the top of the lower trail, the teams of warriors returned to the guardpost.  The foragers joined them there as well, a group consisting of boys, giggling maidens, and more serious matrons, bearing baskets laden with ripe berries.     Further back in the cliff wall, an ingenious system of ropes, baskets, and counterweights allowed the foragers to relinquish their burdens and ascend the long stairs to their home, Rona and the warriors in tow.  The stairway itself was cleverly constructed, carved into solid stone for the most part, with some sections supplemented by solid, well-maintained plank bridges.  Gleaming metal poles connected the levels between switchbacks at regular intervals.  Rona puzzled over their function, until she finally had to ask her escorts about them.  The poles were used as effective shortcuts for the downward descent, it turned out.

   The air changed as they climbed, and Rona felt a bit light-headed at times as she adjusted to the altitude.   Clouds were forming above the lowlands, a sign of the daily afternoon rain. A pleasant breeze kept them cool as they reached the top of the stairs, and the panorama of the homeland of the Sky People spread out before them.  A craggy landscape full of jagged spires of black rock, the terrain was bewilderingly mazelike to Rona's unfamiliar gaze.  The party was hailed by another mixed group, those who had been raising the lifts at the top of the cliff.      The foragers took up their baskets and wound their way eastward toward their village, seemingly simultaneously bursting into song as they began to walk.  Their voices echoed from the rocks around them, giving joyous praise for the bounty and beauty of summer.  Rona could not help but smile for the exuberance and vitality of these people, and found herself humming along to the song as she learned it.      Soon the paved trail crossed a ravine over an elegantly shaped bridge of pure black basalt, and ascended a ridge until they were overlooking a picturesque valley.  Dominating the skyline, a tall outcropping of the black rock rose perhaps another thousand feet above their present height, and at its peak, several columns of sparkling crystal scattered the sunlight in a million different directions.      Nestled into the base of the steep spires, a large village was built.  Houses were mounds of earth with doorways and chimneys; several larger structures were also built into the ground, with sturdy-looking roofs.  Below the village, a swath of terraces displayed a bounty of vegetation, and at the bottom of the valley a lake of crystal clear water lay like a splendid invitation.  There were people everywhere, and little goats darted here and there, chasing children or being chased.  People farming, swimming, flying kites, and a host of other activities.   Rona estimated the population of the village as perhaps a thousand.    The harvesters were met by a flock of children and baby goats partway down the slope, squealing in delight and trying to sing along with the summer song, some babbling excitedly, and all trying to finagle a sample of the harvest from the baskets.  Laughing matrons hugged their children, and some of the goats bounced around their humans in obvious delight.  There was an infectious feeling of celebration in the air as they brought the song to a final chorus and began dispersing into the village.

    Tol and a pair of the other warrior leaders escorted Rona to the largest structure in the valley, in the middle of town.  The aboveground portion of the building was impressive in its solidity, constructed of massive slabs of basalt and a large metal-bound gate at its entrance.   Rona's people had a similar structure, a fortress to retreat to in times of great peril.    Up a broad flight of stairs they ascended to the top of the edifice, where a stone watchtower rose, as tall as a tree.  There was a a pleasant little table beneath a broad awning beside the tower, and there they could set down their weapons, and Rona gratefully shed her pack and equipment belts.    They sat down on pillowed chairs and were brought refreshing juice by a lovely young dark-haired girl.  The breeze was perfect, the temperature was comfortable, and the juice was delicious.  They enjoyed the ambience in silence while they awaited the eshtale.      After perhaps twenty minutes, three people approached and ascended the stairs toward them, two men and a woman.  The men were mature, older warriors in their prime. Dark-haired and sun-bronzed, they were typical specimens of the Solbanian tribes.  The woman, however, was quite different indeed.  Her hair was shockingly blonde; her skin was somewhat tanned, but still pale.  Her face had a delicate quality to it, almost childlike.  She was dressed in a light, flowy white dress that looked eminently comfortable, and a matching white sun hat.  She also bore the rod of an eshtale.    The two warriors split to either side and the woman approached between them, as Rona and the others rose to greet them.  Rona stepped away from her comfortable seat and stood before them.    "Greetings, Rona."  The woman's voice had a melodic quality. "I am Raebessa.  Welcome to Crystal Tower."  She was a bit taller than Rona and had intense, light blue eyes.  Rona abstractly noted that her ears were slightly pointed.  There was something familiar about her that Rona could not quite place.     Rona tore her gaze away from Raebessa's mesmerizing eyes, and bowed her head in gratitude. "My thanks, eshtale.  I seek refuge among you, as I have been exiled from my homeland."    Wordlessly, the fair-haired woman reached out and cupped Rona's face gently, and then embraced her quickly.  "You are welcome here," she whispered in that moment.      At the woman's touch, a tingling, almost electric shock cascaded through Rona's body, leaving her momentarily breathless.  Raebessa stepped back, a sweet, secret smile pulling at her lips as their eyes met again.  "Let us sit, now, and you can tell us all about it."

   Rona related her story to them as the afternoon wore on.  The warriors were particularly interested in hearing about the camoflauging robes, and what Rona had observed of the raiders' tactics.  When all the questions had been answered and various repurcussions and extrapolations discussed, the hour was growing late and the smell of cooking food began wafting from the village around them.  They concluded their meeting and dispersed.      Raebessa bid her tribesmen farewell, then turned to Rona.  "I will inform the elders of our decision to accept your request for refuge. You can stay with me, if you want.  I have a spare room in my little temple for guests."  She waved in the direction of the spires above the village and smiled shyly, "And I'll bet you could use a hot bath."    "Oh, now that sounds delightful!" Rona exclaimed.  With no further ado, they picked up Rona's equipment and headed up the wide walkways toward Raebessa's home.

   An amazingly short time later, Rona was soaking in a luxuriously warm bath, set in a large bowl carved into the black stone of the hillside.  The bath was fed by an ingeniously designed system of trenches and switches to bring water that had been heated by the sun in pools in the rocks above.  The bath was above a small private garden nestled in the boulders behind the house that Raebessa referred to as her temple.    The house itself was carved into a short spire.  There was an elegant but comfortable sitting area in the entry room, a kitchen on the garden side, and a pair of side rooms that contained niche beds and storage shelves.  The main room was also Raebessa's bedroom, it turned out; it was a beautiful space surrounded on every wall with polished crystal ornaments, statuettes, and sparkles from every direction.  There also hung several paintings of an erotic nature that had made Rona blush at the sight, and the enormous round bed in the center of the room had given her no doubt about the kind of activities that went on there.    Raebessa had shown Rona the room she would be using, explained how to draw the bath, and given her a massive fluffy towel and a robe before leaving to address the elders.   The place was so peaceful and her hostess so sweet, that Rona felt immediately comfortable.  Now she relaxed in the warm water gratefully, feeling the soreness and exhaustion seeping out of her in the elemental luxury.  She drifted into a reverie for some time.    When she opened her eyes again, it was to the sound of a door closing and light footsteps on the mosaic-stone walkway leading through the little garden.  The sun had set and twilight gloom was deepening.  Raebessa appeared through the vine-and-flower-covered trellis and set a basket and a lantern down on the little table there.  She glanced up at Rona and smiled brightly.    "I brought us some dinner!  My grandmother made some of her koshgal meat pies, and I am so blessed to be in her good graces today!" Raebessa giggled and went back into the house.      Rona extricated herself from the bath, reluctantly, but also realizing how great her hunger had grown.   She dried herself off on the great towel as Raebessa returned to the table and set out utinsels. Rona watched the fair-haired woman curiously as she slipped on the light robe and tied the belt closed; then she descended the short stairway to the cozy tea-table.    Rae pulled out a chair for her. "Here you are, dear... well, then, you do clean up nicely, don't you?" Her eyes roamed over Rona's face and form for a brief moment before their gaze met.  There was a sparkle in her eyes that Rona could not attribute entirely to reflection, and she found herself quite lost for a long moment.  Rae's lips parted slightly and she leaned forward a bit, before catching herself with a small shake of her head and a throaty chuckle.      "Some hostess I am, getting distracted... sit, sit." Rae giggled again. Rona complied, and Rae opened the basket to release a mouth-watering aroma from the freshly baked goodness within.    It was perhaps the most delicious meal Rona had ever eaten.  The combination of her hunger, the struggle and portentiousness of the day, the strange but serene surroundings, her enchanting hostess - all conspired to fill her senses. It was almost like being intoxicated, but instead of numbness she felt actually more alive than she could have dreamed possible.   She devoured the meat pie, the seasoned sweet potatoes, oil-and-spiced tender greens, the mushroom soup and salty crackers, and the berry tart; all in rapid succession.  A glass of sweet plum wine set off the flavor of the tart nicely as Rona finally leaned back from the table with a contented sigh.      Night had fallen completely, and the stars shone brightly above.  The spires, the rocks around them, the temple, the plants, and her hostess all seemed aglow with the gentle light.    Rae pushed her own plate away and delicately dabbed away the tart crumbs from her berry-darkened lips.  "Oh, summertime." She laughed, a silvery tinkle blending with the trickle of water and the chirping of various insects around them.  "It is my favorite season, and the food has a lot to do with that."    "I can only agree," Rona rubbed her belly contentedly. "I haven't met your grandmother yet, but I already know she's amazing."    "Yes, she is," Rae agreed with a chuckle.  "Amazing enough to land an Aelven lover many years ago..." She stroked the tip of one ear.    "Oh!" Rona exclaimed.  "Tell me about her?" she suggested.    They spent some time talking about Raebessa and her family.  Her grandfather was a wandering Aelven adventurer by the name of Enobosil,  who had come and lived among the M'Chal for a number of years.  He had become quite smitten by the gorgeous young Wiusa, Rae's grandmother, and she with him; their exceptional love bore them a child, a rare happenstance indeed for the two species.  That child was Rae's father, Norbosil.    Enobosil was a scholar, a scout, and a mage, come to the region to investigate the numerous ruins in the mountains to the east.  While he was careful in his planning and preparation, the missions he took deep into Hobgoblin territory were dangerous.  Some of the more daring warriors of the M'Chal had joined with the Aelf for these excursions, and they had some successful trips, coming back with scouting reports, mineral and biological samples, cultural analysis, and even some valuable loot.  Then, the party did not return from one of these summer trips, and none were ever seen again.    Wiusa was heartbroken, of course, but moved on to start a family with others after a while.  Norbosil was slow to mature, so much so that even his ten-years-younger sister reached puberty before he did.   He became a hunter of uncanny ability, spending much of his time in nature.  He was loyal to his family, though.      Norbosil and Rae's mother Mivana become lovers, and then oath-bonded, and Rae was born soon after.  She was also slow to mature, although not quite as much so as her father.  She was now, she informed Rona, twenty-nine years old, although she appeared no older than Rona herself at eighteen.  She was already eshtale, she explained, because she had pledged herself to the Goddess of Love and been given the power of Peace.  This ability was certainly very convenient for someone whose job, quite often, was to settle inter-domestic disputes and cool hot heads; and that she could offer counsel and comfort to the suffering made her even more valuable in the position.    As the priestess talked, Rona started to understand why her community trusted her implicitly.  Rae was so open, enthusiastic, and overflowing with love and gratitude for her tribesmen and family, that Rona was quite caught up in the tale; until she suddenly realized she was having trouble focusing her eyes, and smothered a yawn.    Rae took her by the hand then, and led her back to the room they had set her gear in.  A cozy bed was set up in a deep niche in the back wall.  Rona sank into the fluffy mattress gratefully, Rae obligingly tucked the blankets around her, and she fell asleep even as the priestess quietly closed the door.

   The next day, Rona started to become acquainted with the community of Crystal Towers, with Rae as her guide.  The priestess was not eshtale this day, and they were free to wander about.  Rae was well-liked by her tribe, and greeted cheerfully wherever they went.  The children especially were happy to see her, and they engaged in numerous games throughout the day, frolicking and laughing.  Along the way, Rona was gifted some clothing and adornments by other women, so she soon was wearing a comfortable sun dress and fancy sandals.  Rae was complimentary and supportive to everyone they came across, leaving the women beaming and the men grinning; or sometimes, blushing and stammering.  It was a relaxing and enjoyable day, full of tales and laughter and enough introductions to make Rona's head spin.    Night fell and once again they dined together in the garden.  Afterwards, their conversation took a more serious tone, as Rona told Rae the full story of the altercation that led to her exile, and of her journey to the M'Chal.  Speaking of the events of the last several days moved Rona to tears, as even then she was still trying to fully comprehend the sudden life changes that had taken place.  Rae was very understanding and sympathetic, and when Rona cried, she cried with her; and held her until the tears stopped flowing.  Rona slept well again that night, at peace with what had happened.

   The next day Rona spent with the warriors, getting a grand tour of the town's outposts and defenses, and an overview of the aerial abilities of the M'Chal.  From the gliding wings to the rope-jumpers, the M'Chal were masters of their mountainous environment, and Rona could see numerous new skills and equipment that she would like to learn.   A training regimen was decided upon to best complement her abilities, and Rona went back to the temple feeling inspired and hopeful that she could quickly become a valuable asset to her gracious hosts.    That evening, after dinner, Rae led Rona up into the rocks behind the temple; up a steep winding stairway to a small basin at the top of one of the towers.  The view was spectacular from here, the waxing moon above lighting the towers around them with its gentle glow.      They looked at the stars for a while, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape along with the sweet-smelling herb they smoked out of a sparkling crystal pipe.  It was quite heady stuff, and as Rona gazed at her companion's silhouette, recognition dawned on her.  "You were in my vision!" she exclaimed, and then had to explain what she was talking about.    Rae seemed very interested in the vision, asking several questions about one detail or another.  The sriwi'ani in particular she was curious about; and when Rona had answered her questions as best she could, the priestess sat down close to her and whispered in her ear.      "A few are friends of mine.  Look, up there."  Rae pointed up into the sky, tracing a line.  "They are watching, much of the time."  She giggled. "They seem to find us amusing, or at least entertaining.  Especially our love lives.  We mammals do things much different than they do."      Rona laughed. "I can only imagine."  She thought she saw a blurring of the stars where Rae was pointing.  The priestess's body was warm and soft and neither of them felt inclined to separate while they watched the night sky.    After some time, thirst drove them to descend to the garden for more plum wine.  Rae filled their glasses full and toasted her guest with a sparkle in her eye.  "To you, Rona, a beautiful addition to the Crystal Towers!  I am blessed by your presence."    Rona blushed a bit and lowered her eyes modestly.  "I am the blessed one, priestess, to have found my way to your light."  She raised her eyes to Rae's again, and they both drank deeply.    Rae's face was slightly flushed, and she stood on her tiptoes and inhaled deeply.  She exhaled slowly, keeping eye contact with Rona, and smiled, her full lips glistening in the moonlight.  "I think it's time to go inside for my light show."    The light show turned out to be spectacular.  Rae lit lanterns in the corners of the main room and dialed knobs underneath them; these little machines rotated the lanterns slowly as they unwound, the cylinders around the lamps pierced with holes to let the light shine through intermittedly.  The result was a myriad of sparkling from all the crystal ornamentation in the room, rainbows and colors and shimmering reflections in every direction, constantly changing in a bewilderingly complex array.    Rona found herself sitting on the edge of the great round bed, sipping the delicious plum wine, bedazzled and relaxed and utterly lost in the moment.  It was somehow perfect when Rae sat next to her, intimately close, her long smooth legs brushing against her own.  Rae's skin was warm and the electric feeling rushed through Rona again as she turned her gaze on her fair hostess.  Rae wore only a filmy short nightgown now, and Rona drank in her ethereal beauty.  Her hostess smiled languidly and caressed her face lightly, then kissed her tenderly.    Rona's entire being seemed alight then, the sensations and emotions heightening as her body responded to Rae's gentle touch.  The priestess's hands caressed here and there, stroking her neck, her hair, her arms; brushing against Rona's erect nipples, down her ribcage and gently across her soft abdomen.  Rona rose to her caresses, body yearning, as the passion flared from a spark to a roaring inferno.      Soon the scant clothing had been discarded and they made sweet love together, with a seemingly insatiable hunger.  Despite her inexperience, Rona was instinctive and enthusiastic as she explored Rae's beautiful body with her fingers and her lips, delighting as the priestess's breath came in gasps, and little moans of pleasure; and as her dripping womanhood grew warm and swollen, the kisses and caresses grew ever more heated.    Time seemed to stand still for them as they brought each other to peaks of pleasure and finally to writhing, moist climax; then, they cuddled together in an intimate embrace, sweaty, covered in each others' juices, and utterly satisfied.  As Rona lay spooned against the priestess, her arm draped over her lover's ribcage, feet tangled together as if in tribute to their ecstasy; her last thought put a smile on her beautiful lips as she drifted off to sleep.    She was home.  

7:10 - auston matthews 

summary: it’s been months since the 3 am confession, and months since auston and you had last spoken to each. it was fine you were busy with the Wild and him with the Leafs, it was perfect actually. Only perfect doesn’t last for long. 

warnings: swearing?, kinda angst,

word count: [3,140]

3:15

Masterlist 

“You land yet?” Was the first thing you heard from the blond Swede. “Because Steph wants you to come meet us for dinner.” Sighing you grabbed the backpack acting as a carry-on before filing out of the plane. “I get it if you don’t want to, Mitch and I tried-” 

“-No, no I want to. We just landed, so how about I text you when we get to the hotel,” you offered with a hopeful smile. It had been at least a year since you last saw all of your friends from the Leafs and you couldn’t wait. “I literally just walked off the plane.” 

You could practically hear Will nod his head with a goofy smile. “Great, I’ll pick you up there, and we can meet the lovebirds. Oh, and Y/n/n feel free to bring your playbook so we know how to beat you on Saturday night.” 

Laughing you rolled your eyes at the forward. “Even if you saw the playbook Willy, you should keep dreaming about winning because you couldn’t get past our defense if you tried.” He was quick to defend himself and his teammates. “Okay hot shot, I gotta go, see you in twenty.” 

Sliding your phone into the pocket of your team jacket you looked to your left to see Jordan Greenway. “Flirting with the enemy are we coach?” He asked in a teasing manner.

“I’d watch what I say next if I were you Greenway, I could make you a healthy scratch for the game on Saturday,” you replied with a smug smirk. His smile fell as he stared at you shocked. “I’m only kidding Jordan, there’s no way I’d let that happen with how you’ve been playing.” He was quick to smile in response before jogging to catch up with Charlie and Luke. 

Slowly you made your way to the team bus knowing Bruce would be handing you a full scouting report on the Maple Leafs, just like he had for every other team. “See you’re catching on,” his voice called with a cheery smile, “I knew you would, then again you caught on before you even started. You’re a smart kid Y/n.” You smiled widely at the head coach before saying a thank you. “That’s why I’m counting on you to find a way to shut down the Matthews and Tavares lines.” 

And then the smile was gone. “Shut them down?” Your voice cracked a little at the game changing task you were given. Last year those two lines had absolute games against Minnesota, each recording three goals. “I - I, how?” The pair of you walked on to the bus the older man still smiling at you. 

“The same way you got the team to shut down Crosby and Malkin. You’re hockey IQ is incredible Coach Y/l, you’ll find a way. You always do.” Bruce dropped down into a seat allowing you to take your own. The whole ride to your hotel you were staring down at the points and production for each line on the Leafs, but only one name stood out against the rest: Auston Matthews. 

The locker room was full of laughter and normal conversation, a refreshing atmosphere compared to the one of last night. The rematch of the 2018 2019 Eastern Conference Final was one the players would like to forget. Just like that series the Penguins had showed up to win, with the Leafs doing the same, only to fall short once again. One bad bounce off of Auston’s stick landed right on to Crosby’s, and in the back on the net. 

Something that the center couldn’t get off his mind, it was on constant repeat. If there was no bad bounce the game would have forced overtime, and maybe they would have won. He was so caught up on that game, that he didn’t even realize that you’re team was in town next, that was until Babcock announced to the team. 

“Okay boys, I want you here a little early tomorrow for some film, and then practice after,” the same process the team had heard countless times before. “Morning skate on Saturday to brush up on a few things. Then we got the Wild that night, and let me tell you, with Coach Y/l on their staff it’s not gonna be cake walk.” With that the Canadian coach disappeared back into his office leaving Auston dumbstruck. 

Turning to his right he found both Mitch and Will staring at him gauging his reaction. “The Wild?” The Arizona native asked the pair with a head tilt, “Y/n, we play Y/n.” 

The two shared a look before turning back to tan skinned male. “You knew this was going to happen at some point Matts, what’s the big deal? You moved on,” Mitch stated with a frustrated look. “So did she.” This caused Auston’s face to fall even more. His brown eyes met Will’s blues ones knowing he could help since he was the only other person that knew the truth. 

“She moved on?” Auston then asked hoping no one else heard this conversation but them. A frown had painted the young stars face as he unlaced his skates. It hurt him to hear that you had moved on, even though he knew you didn’t love him. “She has a new boyfriend?” He added praying that Mitch’s answer was no, because he couldn’t bring himself to love anyone other than you. 

The brunette shook his head, “No, she doesn’t. What I mean is that she moved on from needing you, and so did you Auston. You’re doing just fine without her.” Was he doing just fine without you? No, he wasn’t. “Now I gotta go, I’m taking Steph out to dinner, but wanna jump on PS4 later?” 

“Yeah, yeah sure,” Auston answered looking up from his hands, “have fun at dinner.” He finished getting undressed before turning to the blond, “Do you wanna go get food?” The Swede’s head snapped up from his phone to meet Auston’s gaze and question. 

“I, uh, no I can’t,” Will answered stumbling over his words. “I can come over after this thing, and we can talk about - you know.” Both fell silent knowing very well that’s the reason Auston wanted to go out, to try and get his mind off of you. He wanted to talk about what seeing you for the first time since that morning would mean, how much it would hurt him. “I’ll be there Matts okay,” he said with a sad smile, “and we can figure it all out.” 

With a nod of his head Auston looked back up to see that William was gone. Sighing he stood up from his stall and disappeared out of the locker room his mind switching from Crosby to you. Of course he knew this was going to happen, he knew you’d end up back in town at some point. Auston just didn’t think it would happen so soon, but he should’ve. 

He’d been following the Wild’s success all season long just because that’s where you were. Every press conference, interview, and media scrum you had he watched, or listened to. Auston knew it was stupid, that you wouldn’t care he was proud of you. You made that very clear to him since he walked away, but he couldn’t help but imagine what it would’ve been like it he didn’t break up with you. 

You would still be his girl, and Auston couldn’t help but smile thinking about it. He’d be able to make you laugh at his stupid outfits when you were stressing out over a loss, or make you smile when you were crying. All of the little things he pictured himself doing like you had for him. He’d be there for you as much as his schedule allowed, and it made his heart skip a beat thinking about it. And of course he’d tell you he loved you, over and over again. Until you got sick of hearing it. 

But then again this was all just a fantasy to Auston, the sound of a car horn pulling him out of his daydream. Making his heart break all over again as that night flashed through his mind. His fell smile and tears clouded his eyes because that was never going to happen as much as he wished it would. It wouldn’t happen because you didn’t love him, at least that’s what he thought.

You couldn’t but smile as you listened to Mitch and Steph bicker over what appetizer to get. This was the first time in months you felt stress free. Sure on off days you weren’t at the rink, but you were always doing something to make sure practice or the next game would run smoothly. But right now you didn’t feel the stress of the media, and expectations you placed on yourself. You felt happy and relieved. 

It had been ages since you had seen Steph, Mitch, and Will but god did the wait make it all the more worth it. Sure you talked to the three on a daily basis, but it was different. It was more personal being with them face to face. And you had Steph to thank for that. Your best friend had this all planned since you were announced as the new assistant coach for the Wild. She called it their congratulations dinner to you, even if it was five months late.  

“So Y/n/n,” the blond female said with a wide smirk, “got your eye on anybody?” And just like that your smile flattered, but thankfully only Will had noticed. “Well?” Steph pushed for answer something that you just couldn’t give her, and if you did she probably wasn’t going to like it. 

When Auston broke up with you of course you were heartbroken, but god for awhile there you thought Steph took it worse than you. She refused to talk to Auston for two weeks, so telling her that you still loved him wasn’t in your cards at the moment even if she was your best friend. In your mind nobody needed to know you loved Auston expect for yourself and him. 

Laughing you managed to recover from the blind sided question, “Yeah I have one, and his name is Lord Stanley.” This earned a laugh out of everyone of your friends including yourself. “But in all honesty I’ve been way too busy to worry about trying to find anyone else,” you lied knowing very well you could find somebody if you wanted them, so you smiled and hoped she would buy it. That the two hockey players would buy it. 

The smiles on their faces made it seem as if they did, but who really knew. Normally these people would catch you in a lie before it even left your mouth, because they were your best friends. “Well if there’s no guys then let’s get down to business,” Mitch stated his tone becoming more series than before. “Where’s your playbook?”

Laughter spilled from your lips only to come to a complete stop when you saw that Mitch and Will weren’t laughing. “Wait you actually wanted it?” You asked suddenly feeling your heart break, “Because there’s no way I’d give it to you - to anyone.” 

Then the laughter came, “We know that Y/n/n, we’re just messing with you.” Nodding your head you were slow to smile, and only did once you saw Steph’s smile shining over at you. That’s how the rest of the dinner went, jokes and playful shots at each others teams. 

The dinner ended with a friendly wager and some more chirps before Will drove you back to your hotel. “So Lord Stanley, huh?” Will questioned with his signature smile something you’ve seen countless times tonight. 

“Yeah, what’s so wrong with that? I mean he’s always running through your mind right?” You responded nervous to tell him the truth. Maybe he would be okay with it you thought. You for sure knew he’d react better than how Steph would.

“You’re lying,” he sang looking over at you with a smirk. “I saw the way you stopped smiling, and how you hesitated to answer. So who is he?” Now that you weren’t expecting. When you had lied to all of them you figured nobody would have picked up on it, only Will did. He saw the way your smile fell when Steph asked about it, because he was good at picking up on stuff like that. Just like how he knew Auston needed someone to talk to.

Taking a breath you decided if you were going to tell anyone you were happy it’s Will. “You know him actually,” you whispered giving him a small smile, and just like that you thought he was going to die from smiling to much. His head whipped around to stare at you and not the road. 

“No, no way. You’re joking right now,” he called his voice loud over the radio, “Y/n, you really don’t mean Auston, do you?”

“I love him Will.” When he heard you say this he couldn’t help but think back to that night, and how heartbroken you had made Auston. He realized you lied to him, and Auston’s tears were all for nothing. 

The first thing Willy had heard was the door being pushed open, then the second was a muffled crying. His head whipped around away from Miracle to see Auston’s brown eyes were puffy and red. “S-she doesn’t-” without another word the blond jumped up from the couch and wrapped his friend in a hug. The normally happy and full of energy Swede felt himself break just by looking at his friend. 

Will couldn’t help but think this was his fault. He suggested that the twenty-two year old go see you. “She doesn’t love me.” Auston hiccupped. “She doesn’t love me anymore.” And with those five words William Nylander could’ve sworn he felt his heart break. 

“What do you mean you love him Y/n?” It was like a switch flipped inside of Will. That suddenly the idea of you and Auston getting back together was a bad thing. Your smile fell when you saw him start to panic almost. 

Scoffing almost you narrowed your eyes at one of your best friends. “That I love him William, what less would I mean?” You hissed arms crossing over your chest. 

“Then why didn’t you tell him that five months ago Y/n? Do you know how heartbroken he was when he got back?” He questioned at a red light, “How heartbroken he is now?” Your throat went dry. You knew he still loved you, but figured he would get over it. Now you knew you made him feel how you felt.

Shaking your head you turned to face the blond again. “I did.” It was the truth, “I said it back but he never heard me.” Will’s blue eyes glanced to you before pulling up in front of the hotel you were staying at. “You have to believe me Willy,” you whispered almost as if you were begging for forgiveness. He looked away from you making you sigh and getting out of the car. 

So much for trying to fix things.

His eyes were glued to you, as you spoke with the crazy Toronto media for the first time. You had put him into some sort of daze, and he couldn’t break it. Auston listened closely to all of the questions asked, and even closer to your answer. Noticed how you spun the charm bracelet when asked a though question, or how your tongue darted out to wet your lips. 

Then your e/c eyes met his brown ones, and he could see how stressed you looked. How out of it you looked. Without a second thought he pushed himself away from the wall and made his way towards you. “Do you think your looks helped play a roll in getting hired?” 

Auston looked from you to find the reporter who asked it. He was seeing red. “I think that’s the end of this,” he announced stepping to you fully. His arm wrapped around your shoulder as he pulled you to safety from all of the questions. When he finally looked down into your eyes he could see the tears starting to form. “Shh, shh, you’re okay Y/n/n, it’s okay.” 

He knew that it seemed strange he was helping you, but after talking with will last night he couldn’t help it. Will had told him you still loved him so he knew he had to take the chance that was given to him. 

Your head shook at him trying to step the tears, “I don’t know how to be in this world.” He stayed silent knowing you weren’t done. “Tell me how to be in this world. How to breath in and feel no hurt.” His thumbs brushed away the tears that slipped out of your eyes. 

“I will, Y/n I promise,” he whispered hands going to cup your cheeks, “I promise you I’ll show you how too.” He felt as you slowly nodded your head against his palms with a frown painting your face. 

“What if you walk away again?” You asked his eyes never leaving yours, “I can’t go through that again Auston. Not when I’m coaching and already stressed out, so please don’t make me go through that again.” The way you begged him made his heart break all over again. 

Shaking his head he gave a small sad smile. “You won’t, because this time I know you’re more important Y/n.” His confession got a smile out of you, “I love you Coach Y/n L/n, but I’m sorry to say you’re gonna have to lose tonight.” 

With the tears finally stopping and a smirk working its way on to your face you gained your confidence back once more. “So you think Matthews,” you teased, “only there’s a new coach in town and from what I hear she doesn’t take no as an answer.” His smile flattered a bit, “But don’t worry I won’t love you any less tomorrow just because I beat you.” 

His laugh rang throughout the area as did yours causing both Mitch and Will to look at the pair. Their smiles found their way to their own faces as they saw the two of you slowly working your way towards what you used to be. “You see Coach L/n, the thing is you have to shut me down before you win.” 

“What like its hard?” You asked pulling away from him. He watched as you started to walk back towards the Wild team, only to turn and through a smirk over your shoulder. “You’re going down Matthews.” 

“I wouldn’t have it any other way L/n,” Auston called after you his smile growing even wider because not only did he have you back, but he knew you weren’t going anywhere this time. 

【ＯＣ　Ｉｎｔｒｏ：　Ｃｈｉｍｉｔｓｕ　Ｚｅｓｔｒｉｎ】

【ｃａｔｅｇｏｒｙ】 Protagonist ➳ Main ➳ Anti-Hero

【ｎａｍｅ】 Chimitsu Zestrin

【ａｌｉａｓｅｓ】Chi, The Wulf, The Shade, The Resurrectionist, Huntress, The Lady of Houndswood Fell

【ａｇｅ】23 at the start of Feast of Shadows, but she is a good couple thousand years old by the end of the series

【ｇｅｎｄｅｒ】 Female

【ｓｅｘｕａｌｉｔｙ】Heterosexual

【ｓｐｅｃｉｅｓ 】Shadowswift

【ａｌｉｇｎｍｅｎｔ】Chaotic Neutral

【ｍｏｔｉｖａｔｉｏｎｓ】Animal instincts, survival, revenge, Mael, her son

【ｍａｃｈｉｎａｔｉｏｎｓ】Animal violence, shapeshifting / lycanthropy, speed, hand-to-hand combat, staff combat, large scale combat (civilians expendable), intimidation

【ｆｉｒｓｔ　ａｐｐｅａｒａｎｃｅ】Feast of Shadows, Ch. 1

【ｆｉｒｓｔ　ｌｉｎｅ】  Run. Run.

【ｓｙｎｏｐｓｉｓ】Born human, Chi remembers little of her mother and wishes more that she could forget her father. Her father was Captain of the Guard to the King of Vreshtai, her older brother one of his lieutenants, and her? The family disappointment. Even before she became a wulf, Chi was treated little better than a hunting dog, kept to heel and strictly disciplined. Her family was, ironically, particularly prized for their legacy of hunting lycanthropes, a factor that led to her father’s promotion when the racial tensions in Vreshtai came to a boil. Chi was hunting one night when she found herself in the stead of prey to a wolf much larger than even any lycan had a right to be. In a last ditch effort, a bitter, petty need to go down fighting, Chimitsu drives her knife through the skull of the creature as it crushes her rib cage between its jaws. She never should have woken up the next morning. Feast, War, & Silence of Shadows detail her journey in reconciling the creature she has become with who she is, and what she is willing to become to protect the things, or people, she holds dear. She is vicious, bitter, and violent, and for the sake of those who think her different, she would shed oceans more of blood.

【ｆａｖｏｒｉｔｅ　ｆｌｏｗｅｒ】Wild Roses, those small and feisty little vines & Gladiolus Lilies, blade-leafed lilies that bloom on battlefields where blood has been shed.

Gency Week: Day 7

And the fic is finally finished along with gency week. I forgot how good it feels to finish a multi-chapter fic. It’s been a really fun week, thank you to all those involved for hosting this wonderful week with all its wonderful prompts. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did~

And now, I return to hell in college with my 5 classes ;u; Perhaps one day, I’ll return to work on my next fic series.

Title: Four Halves Make A Whole Theme: Family Word Count: 1873 Rating: G (for God there’s fluff everywhere)

It would not be for another half-decade or so that they would finally consider starting their own family. Angela was all too busy with the ascension ceremony and her studies about magic, along with learning about everything else that was needed for ruling a kingdom. Her husband was fortunately gifted with the knowledge of the inner workings of the streets, allowing him to appeal to the people rather easily. He had that going for him at least.

She felt bad for making him sit in on so many conferences that he hardly had a clue about, with the council people very purposefully using big words and archaic terms to mess with him. However, Genji was not one to surrender easily, or at all. He studied books after books through the nights with his wife snuggled up to him, knowing that he shouldn’t be a useless burden to her forever.

The day that he very offhandedly dissed a counselor’s use of resources and casually suggested a solution that would eventually come to reform the entire system for the better, he was showered with a lot of kisses after the meeting and rewarded for his cleverness with yet another sleepless night, only without the books.

Eventually, there came a day when they found themselves with a king declaring war on them. Or more specifically, Genji for stealing his wife. It was probably one of the potential suitors she had met who got his head so far up his ass that it actually came back out of his neck again.

That being said, the issue of having a significant kingdom declaring war with them, no matter how opposed their people may be, was still rather serious. There would undoubtedly be a battle or two and might end up ruining both their reputations, not to mention their trade routes and any casualties during the battle.

As such, Genji offered to go there in person and talk the man down. While many of the counselors opposed, having finally gained a respect for their king, he left anyway without regardless of what they had to say. Angela was also left behind, left to pout and mope at being left behind and all alone for the first time in a whole year.

It only really took her three days to recall what exactly her husband was and what he could do. But by then, it was much too late to stop him. However, it was not as if she needed to. In the single day he spent in the capital under disguise, he had found out that the previous king had a much more capable heir who was unfortunate enough to be female and younger than the prince. All that remained was for him to cause the prince to look out the window one night and accidentally fall off. His fault for living in such a high castle.

He was very promptly chastised and met with very angry yelling in their room, before Angela hugged him tightly and told him to never leave her without telling her again. Realizing that the problem was not in his plan for the fact that he abandoned his wife, Genji took all the necessary measures to reassure her that he did love her and that he would do it again. A candlelit dinner, a long bath, and even a new set of undergarments which she very generously modeled for him that night.

They had various problems in the following years, some of which they dealt with peacefully and some which were strangely dealt with by some unfortunate accident or another. He had to do some freelancing assassination for other friendly kingdoms as well, to ensure that everyone didn’t connect the dots between the relation of conflict towards his kingdom and a random death of his adversary.

Eventually, things settled down enough that they began to think more about themselves. They had many advisors and trustworthy men and women helping with every aspect of running the country. While their opinion still greatly mattered as the rulers, having others to contribute different ideas and views was very useful. It was an idea that Genji proposed to the council in an attempt to get people more specialized in different fields as to have a better system of balancing power around the throne. Just one of the many things that he used from his time of being an assassin.

Actually, Reinhardt found himself with a new partner, the retired knight turned assassin. They ended up working together as instructors and advisors of the army. With them and Genji, Angela had never felt the need to fear for her life. There was only one occasion when an assassin tried to hurt her. In the time it took for her magic to detect the hostile presence, her two veteran bodyguards had already drawn their swords and her husband was already busy pinning the culprit against a wall to interrogate him about his employer.

And so, they decided to have a child. Actually, they ended up having two. After their first child had been around for a year, they realized how wonderful it was and wasted no time in having another one. The elder one was female, who had a talent for finding her dad despite him utilizing various assassin skills to hide during hide-and-seek. Eventually, he resorted to climbing on top of the roof, much to the amusement of his wife, only for them both to realize that their daughter had inherited flight. Even if only temporarily.

After a near accident that gave them a nostalgic reminder of their past, they began to teach her how to use her skills in earnest. Much to her mother’s disappointment, she took more to her father, opting to learn various combat skills after seeing him practice.

As such, the castle staff soon found out about Genji’s past, something that he had kept hidden from them all that time. It was inevitable that they would question how the eldest child of the Shimada bloodline managed to evade etiquette lesson and got access to the kitchen 24/7.

As for their second child, he was the opposite. Somewhat reserved and opting to be more studious, he stayed by his mother’s side and watched as she used various magic to restrain her rampant daughter and heal up wounds. They soon found that he had a large potential for magic, being able to use the same magic as his mother despite still being quite young.

The two children got along as well as any siblings would, with bickering and bullying aplenty. However, they looked out for each other. Before the younger would gain his confidence as a magician as a young man, his older sister did not hold back a punch to defend him. They were allowed to go to a public academy under the watch of Reinhardt’s friend, though he was hardly needed for their protection. It turned out that the kingdom loved the two children to death, so much so that talking badly about them in the slightest at a bar would be enough to start a brawl. No one wanted to harm them and they got to enjoy the academy as anyone would.

Angela was glad that they got to experience life as kids, not as royalties. She had always been sheltered and felt that life was always so empty before Genji came along. Their children got to experience it all. Crushes, bullying, terrible education rectified by superb tutoring at home, shitty food, and most importantly of all, friendships. It only took their parents a talk with the academy administrator, a close friend of Angela’s father, and the kids proving their own worth for others to see them not as the children of the throne but as children.

Eventually, they grew up and became close to being adults. They began to learn more about their parents' jobs, though it was obviously the younger one who was more studious and diligent in learning about everything.

“Sis, I thought I would find you here. I didn’t even have to use magic this time. Now, will you come to the lesson?”

She simply pouted, flipping backward off the rafters to hang upside down to look at her younger brother. “But it’s so terribly boring. It’s the weekend and I want to go out to see my old friends. I bet they’re out doing something fun, like uhm .. preparing for the festival!”

At the excitement of recalling the upcoming festival, she found herself falling off, only to be caught inches from hitting the ground with a sigh from the brother. “Isn’t it the elder one’s job to watch out for their sibling, not vice versa?” he thought to himself.

“In any case, I’m aware that you have some poor innocent soul that you somehow convinced to go with you but you should ask mom and dad first, should you not?”

“They said it would be fin- Wait what do you mean poor innocent soul? What’s wrong with me asking my best friend to come to the festival with me?”

“Because I know for sure that even if the fireworks went off a million times, you’d never confess your feelings to her.”

There was a silence before the older sister’s cheeks would heat up, punching her sibling’s chest repeatedly (albeit gently, at least by her standards). “H-How do you know about that?? You better not tell mom and dad.”

The younger brother simply smirked, “I took a wild guess. Oh boy, she is really going to suffer isn’t she? The poor girl has been hopelessly in love with you for what … a year now?”

She simply sat there brooding for a bit over that thought before her eyes regained their fire. “Oh, as if you’d be making a move on that girl you like. What was her name again … Elenia?”

His eyes widened, looking around in panic before grabbing his sister by the collar, “Where did you get that name? I was sure we never even talked anywhere near you.”

“Your diary could use a slightly better magical lock and a better hiding place than under the false bottom of your desk drawer.”

Genji would later relay all this information to his wife, who would laugh and hug him tightly, talking with each other through the night about their memories. About all their secret meetings and endeavors, their strange meeting, and that wonderful festival that they could never forget.

Theirs was a strange life led by a strange fate. A princess whose life felt dictated by a single path by her heritage, all but resigned to her fate as being a pretty face for some unworthy prince to claim. An assassin whose life existed in only absolutes, kill or be killed, and the cold, merciless solitude of his path. In a single failed assassination, they found themselves in a brand new life that they could have never imagined. A life of happiness and fulfillment. One where they would never have to spend another night alone or afraid. A life where they could live with their children, watching them grow and become the next chapter of their family’s story.

The love story of a princess and her assassin.