#there is also the possibility that the guards would just murk them on the spot for even trying sadbnfdashfasdb but i feel like
Text
I wrote a thing for Na-No Swap AU :D namely its a rewrite of the confrontation in Evergloam in the quest, Lost in Translation. Also Veya as an apprentice Eye of the Queen because My City Now.
-----
The steps seemed to go on forever at first, forever curling around the unending mountainside as crows peered at them from their perches with glowing violet eyes. Unlike the creatures from the Clockwork City, however, not a single one of them spoke. They remained silent, observing the party as they pressed on along the unending path, trying their best not to trip in the dark.
At the head of the group, Maggie and Darien walked side by side, weapons drawn and ready for danger, but never straying far from one another. Behind them were the Psijics, Valsirenn and Iachesis, the latter’s limp seemingly worsening with every step he took. Val had his arm slung over her shoulder so that she bore most of his weight.
Watching their backs was Niraen and Veya, both living up to the name of their organisation as their eyes flitted from the mages in front of them, to the slope off the side of the path, and to the sky overhead where small black shapes - presumably more crows - were circling overhead. Veya had both axes out and at the ready, but Niraen didn’t seem to feel the need to draw her greatsword. Yet.
And then, finally, at the rear of the group was Venaya, who purposefully trailed a little further behind from the others. She held her staff tightly in her hands, but her eyes remained fixed on a single point. The mountain summit. The place where they would find the Heart of Transparent Law. Soon they would arrive, and they would discover the Heart’s hiding place… Venaya couldn’t help but be gripped with apprehension. Nothing about this could possibly be straight forward. Nothing ever was. And she highly doubted that Nocturnal or Iachesis would have left the crystal lying out in the open.
After what felt like many hours - and it may have been, as time in Oblivion was very strange - they finally reached the summit. Great stone pillars flanked the entrance to the plateau, and at its centre was a shrine depicting a woman glad in a black robe, with long flowing curls, and black birds perches on her wrists.
A shrine to Nocturnal. Venaya had doubts that this was the absolute heart of the Evergloam, but even now she could feel the power residing in this place. Not quite a beating heart, but like an artery - the magicka in the air was dense and rippling with energy, and while there was no sign of the Heart itself, Venaya could feel something. An undercurrent of sorts that didn’t quite flow with the rest of the power here.
The Heart… It had to be.
“This is the place,” Darien announced, glancing around. “So where is it?”
“I doubt Nocturnal would have left it out in the open for us to just pick up,” Veya said dryly. “We should take up positions, just in case.”
“Hey Niraen, can you tell your apprentice to stop telling me how to do my job?”
“Not my apprentice. And she’s right. We need to be ready,” Niraen agreed.
Darien might have been wearing a helmet, but Venaya recognised that slump of his shoulders. She’d seen it a few times in Coldharbour when he got chided by his friends from the Covenant and Mages Guild for his recklessness and glib tongue. Niraen just rolled her eyes and smiled wryly at Veya, who seemed quite pleased to have had her side taken.
As expected, Maggie remained close to Darien, her eyes narrowed as she glanced around the plateau. Niraen and Veya took up their own positions, while Venaya remained near the entrance at the back of the group. Iachesis took a moment to gather himself before he drew himself upright, stepping away from Valsirenn.
“Are you sure you’re up to this?” she asked worriedly.
Iachesis gave her an exhausted smile, and maybe it was just Venaya, but it almost looked like the journey had aged him significantly somehow. He certainly looked weaker than he had when they’d first arrived. Like he was less… vibrant, almost.
“I’ll be fine, Val. Soon the Heart of Transparent Law will be in our hands,” he said reassuringly.
She didn’t seem completely reassured, but she stepped back, her staff at the ready.
With his hands free and his strength seemingly returned for the moment, he began to weave his spell, with ribbons of blue and gold weaving between his fingers and spots of light wrapping around his hands. And then, just as he was about to speak the words, slivers of dark violet appeared and began to weave themselves into his spell.
“Gah Noro berrin, vo rah Larow e javeel!”
Venaya felt it first. Like the shadows had come to life around them and had pressed in with intense interest, like someone was watching through them, as Iachesis’ chest began to glow bright red.
“Iachesis!” Valsirenn cried. “Your chest!”
Iachesis doubled over, a hand clutched over his heart - or perhaps the Heart - sweat beading his brow from the effort of the spell.
"Of course…” he panted as the revelation dawned upon him. “I put the Heart inside myself. It was the perfect hiding place!"
“My, my… What do we have here?”
A chilling voice swept over the plateau, smooth and velvety, and that subtle note of anticipation… As if she hadn’t been expecting them to arrive at all.
The shadows began to sliver from the nooks and crannies of the ruins, depleting them as they surged together at the foot of the shrine and coalesced into a figure. At first a mere outline, but then the shadows became robes draped over a dark skinned woman with Redguard features and thick, coiled black hair. Crows fluttered down from the trees, preening at her bare feet as she observed the group, and as she raised her arms, two of them perched on her wrists.
“It’s been a number of years since you last set foot in my realm, Iachesis. Or perhaps its been minutes?” Nocturnal did not care to hide the smugness in her smile. “One tends to lose track.”
Iachesis grimaced as his chest almost seemed to lurch and throb as the red light emanating from it intensified, and he clutched his hands over his heart. Venaya’s grip on her staff tightened, and the others raised their weapons at all.
“I did what I had to…” he spluttered. “I hid the Heart… from everyone. Including you.”
“And who says that I want it?” Nocturnal laughed. “Perhaps I simply enjoy watching you squirm, Iachesis. You always did have to have all the pieces. You hated not seeing the full picture. How fortunate that K’tora simplified matters for you.”
Iachesis’ scowl darkened with hatred at the mention of the Sea Sload, but it was Valsirenn’s hand on his shoulder that kept him from lashing out at the Prince of Darkness. She was still smiling, still smug, still so self-assured in whatever victory it was that she hoped to achieve. As if any of them could ever really understand what it was she truly wanted.
“Why…? You… aren’t with the Triad,” he pushed on, trying to straighten up even as his chest lurched horribly again.
It was like the Heart was trying to force its way out of him, Venaya realised. The thought was too gruesome to think about, yet it was hard to look away.
“The Triad? What do I care for their squabbles?” she said with a dismissive wave of her hand. The crow perched there didn’t flinch or flutter away, just clutched her wrist. “I just need to deliver what they so desperately crave, and then I’ll have what I want.
“And that means I’ll be taking that Heart from you now.”
“You’ll… have to… kill me.”
Nocturnal’s smug grin turned cruel and callous as she snapped her fingers. Iachesis shrieked as his chest was torn open and the large red crystal emerged from within. The Heart of Transparent Law. It rose upwards into the air and gently floated to Nocturnal, who held out her hands as if to greet it.
The crows on her wrists fluttered down to join the rest of their murder at her feet as the Heart came to rest in her hands, and Iachesis crumpled to the ground. Dead.
Valsirenn screamed, as did Veya, and the two rushed over to the fallen Ritemaster while Niraen, Maggie and Darien, turned their weapons to Nocturnal. While they didn’t cry out or curse, Venaya knew their rage had been provoked. They were just disciplined enough not to lash out and get themselves killed.
“The Heart… Hm. It is beautiful, isn’t it?” Nocturnal mused, though she dared to look bored as she turned the crystal over in her hands. “How very droll. However, there is one final thing I require from you mortals. Ideally before my clients arrive.”
She looked at Venaya and their eyes met. Nocturnal gave the tiniest jerk of her head, and Venaya gripped her staff tightly even as her stomach churned. The others had been prepared to be attacked… but they hadn’t expected it to come from one of their own.
Venaya seemed to teleport across the space, dissipating from her spot near the ruin entrance and reappearing behind Darien in a haze of shadows. She struck him on the back of the head with her staff, hard, and as he fell forwards, she reached around to his front and plucked the Dawnbreaker from his grasp. Then she turned on the ball of her foot and moved away, facing her friends even as the remorse already began to claw at her throat.
They were stunned, apparently caught completely off-guard as Nocturnal’s grin widened.
“Well done, my Champion,” she cooed. “Bring me the sword.”
Venaya swallowed hard, trying not to look at the disbelief in her friends’ eyes as she flitted away into shadow, disappearing from where she had stood and reappearing at her mistress’ feet. The murder of crows dispersed, cawing loudly as Nocturnal’s Champion knelt before the Empress of Murk, offering up the glittering golden sword of Meridia.
“My sword! I just fixed that!” Darien exclaimed from below.
“Don’t take it so personally, Knight of Meridia,” Nocturnal said mockingly, her lips curved into a cutting smile as she took the Dawnbreaker in her hand. She admired the blade briefly. “It’s just business. And my Champion performed her duties to the letter.”
Venaya didn’t look at her friends, if she was even allowed to call them that. She rose to her feet, and her mistress clasped a hand on her shoulder. The Heart and the Dawnbreaker hovered in the air above the plateau, high out of reach and caged in shadow.
And once again, the air shifted.
“Ah, my clients have arrived. No doubt to collect their dues.”
And sure enough, one by one, the Triad manifested.
Clavicus Vile appeared in a puff of red smoke, with his curving horns resembling that of an oryx. Mephala unfurled from the ground with spider legs jutting out of her back almost like a halo, while her dress seemed to be formed from thick webs. And then there was Namira, dark and shadowy with her flesh appearing to be in varying stages of rot and decay.
While an arachnophobe would call Mephala the most frightening of the three, Venaya found Namira the most disturbing. It didn’t help that the Lady of Decay recognised her, grinning spitefully with narrowed eyes.
She clearly remembered Xal Ithix well and had not quite forgiven her yet.
“Ah Nocturnal. So nice to see someone uphold their end of the bargain,” Mephala purred, though it was impossible to see the disdain in her eyes when they flashed over her compatriots.
“Indeed. The Heart, and the Sword. As promised,” Vile agreed. His eyes then fell on the others. “And maybe even a little revenge on the meddling mortal fleas? Nocturnal, you spoil us.”
“So long as my Champion is not the subject of your vengeance, I don’t really care what you do with the rest,” she sniffed dismissively. “But have a care not to make a mess of my realm. You are guests, but that will not protect you should you choose to take advantage of my… hospitality.”
“Of course…” Namira hissed. “We wouldn’t dream of defiling your precious Evergloam, Nocturnal. We’ll be taking the Heart and Sword now-”
She lifted a hand, but then so did Vile and Mephala.
“I think you’ll find that I have it well in hand, Namira,” Vile grunted as his bright red magic seized the cage containing the Heart and Sword.
“No. I have it,” Mephala hissed, her dark red slivering around the bars of the cage, trying to tug it back in her direction. “Neither of you can be trusted.”
Namira laughed, a high, hollow shrieking noise as a swampy green magic groped at the cage, threatening to swallow it.
“Trusted?! When has trust ever entered the equation, Prince of Secret Murder? I wouldn’t trust you not to pour salt on a slug, much less trust you not to keep the Heart for yourself!”
Venaya watched in terror as the three Princes began to bicker and fight amongst themselves, but then Nocturnal squeezed her shoulder.
“We’ll let our guests see themselves out, for the time being,” she said. “Come, Champion.”
Venaya looked from her mistress and back to her friends who were raising their weapons. Portals had opened below and daedra began to emerge - spiders, hoarvers, skafin, and dremora - and Iachesis was still lifeless on the ground with a gaping hole torn in his chest.
They would never forgive her for this…
“Come, Champion,” Nocturnal repeated.
Swallowing down her tears and the lump in her throat, Venaya acquiesced and allowed herself to be whisked away to safety.
#nightingale rambles#eso#summerset#na-no swap au#namira-nocturnal swap au#venaya sero#nocturnal#niraen rilis#maggie tyrne#darien gautier#valsirenn#ritemaster iachesis#veya releth#clavicus vile#mephala#namira#nocturnal at the end there be like: c'mon we can get a better view of the drama from here. you want popcorn?#she lives for causing problems just because she can
10 notes
·
View notes
Text
Both Sides of the Sky
II. In which things get worse
Ao3
Claire eyed the dark clouds on the eastern edge of the sky, willing them to hold back until her walk was done and they were all safely back at home. Getting rained on was the last thing she needed today. On the opposite side of the carriage her parents were also looking up at the sky and fretting.
Ophelia twisted her hands in her lap “Maybe we should turn around…”
“No!” Claire said, much louder than she intended “I mean...there’s no need, we should be finished with our walk well before the rain comes,”
The weather was something beyond anyone’s ability to control, but that didn’t mean Lord Strickler wouldn’t be angry all over again if they had to cancel.
The carriage pulled to a stop at the same trailhead as last week, only this time Lord Strickler and James had arrived first.
Claire and her parents descended the carriage and walked over to greet them, Javier glancing up and wincing not so discreetly. The sky above was not promising. Clouds loomed closer, dark and ominous, thunder rumbling in the distance.
Lord Strickler’s smile when he addressed them was tense “Thank you again for this opportunity, shall we send these two on their way before the weather makes a turn for the worse?”
Ophelia gave a brusque nod of agreement “That sounds like a lovely idea,”
In no time at all Claire and Jim were propped side by side at the start of the path, their parents prepared to follow and serve as chaperones this time around.
Claire took a deep breath, regardless of what happened and how she felt about all this, she really needed to try this time.
As the two of them took their first steps down the path, parents following shortly after, Claire willed herself to not look up to see how thick the clouds were and focus on James.
“So….” she began “It looks as though we’ll get at least one final storm before summer is through,”
James briefly glanced at her without meeting her eyes “Oh, uh ...yes, it does,”
She waited for him to say more but he didn’t.
Claire bit her lip hard enough to taste blood, it looked as though their roles were reversed this time around.
So this was what compupance felt like.
As they made their way further down into the woods towards the river, Claire tried to think of another way to try to make conversation with James. She had just been considering asking if he had been to the botanical gardens when she felt a raindrop on her forehead.
Both of them were out here against their wills, James was even more stiff and reserved than he was last week, and now it was starting to rain.
Lovely, just lovely.
Forcing dismal thoughts aside, Claire tried again “I’ve heard that your father is an explorer, you must have seen some amazing things with him,”
James’s arm squirmed beneath her hand “He never...brings me...on his trips,”
He fell silent, the only sound the dull roar of the river and the increasing patter of raindrops on the ground.
Biting back a slew of very unladylike words, Claire silently begged the rain to slow or cease. It was to no avail, the sky was getting darker, the rain was getting thicker, and neither showed any sign of easing up in the near future.
It was when Claire glanced back and saw Lord Strickler exchanging hushed whispers with her parents that she made up her mind. If the three of them were considering alternate plans then she and James would hardly be penalized for doing the same.
Claire slowed to a stop on top of an embankment and gave James a weak smile “The weather appears to be taking a turn for the worse, what do you say we forgo the walk and ask our parents if we can do something else?”
“Oh ...very well,” James pulled his arm away and Claire’s hand fell to her side.
They stood in uncomfortable silence, waiting for their parents to catch up so they could discuss other, drier options for getting acquainted. Claire absentmindedly gazed down the steep hill towards the river, wild and frothing from the storm. The weather may have bought her some time, but she and James were still going to have to make nice at some point today if she wanted Lord Strickler to stay happy. Claire was still trying to think of a way to salvage the situation when she felt the ground shift beneath her feet.
She had only seconds to remember how very old and worn this path, and by extension the embankment, was.
Old enough to be done in by a heavy storm.
The earth slid out from under her. With a screech Claire grabbed at James’s arm in a frenzied attempt to steady herself, but only succeeded in pulling him down after her. She caught a brief glimpse of their parents charging towards them, expressions desperate, then she was falling.
The world was a whirl of bumps and stones, rain and dirt, all spinning before her too fast to get a grip on, Claire flailed in a futile attempt to gain a handhold, a foothold, anything to stop or slow down.
And then she hit the river.
The blur of chaos was quenched in a crash of dark, icy cold water. In a flash of foresight Claire held in her breath as she went under. If she took in water now she was as good as dead. Instantly the current hooked her and dragged Claire down the river, dashing her against rocks and debris as it went. Claire floundered in the churning water, desperate to right herself, but the pull of the river was too strong, everytime she tried to move one way the river jerked her in another, lashing her with waves sharp as knives, Claire didn’t even know which way was up anymore.
Her lungs ached, she needed air but couldn’t find it. Despite being piercingly aware that she was surrounded by black water, the pressure was becoming too great. Unable to hold back any longer, Claire sucked in a mouthful of inky water, setting her chest ablaze and causing stars to flare in her vision.
Claire could hear the blood rushing in her ears as she struggled even more desperately against the raging river.
she was going to die here
She floundered in the churning water, jerking, twisting, trashing her arms and legs, anything to try and get closer to the surface. But Claire couldn’t see anything, save for muddy water and the burning spots in her eyes, let alone swim in any one direction. Her chest heaved as her body tried to pull in air that simply wasn’t there, lungs filling with even more mud and murk. Claire fought against the river with all her might, but she was growing weaker, vision fading, stark terror being slowly replaced with warm numbness. Despite how hard she struggled Claire was powerless against the uncaring river, mercilessly dragging her further and deeper and--
Something tugged her in a new direction. A bright burst of light, and then Claire could see gray skies above her head and feel cold wind on her cheeks.
Cool relief washed over her for a brief instant as she realized that she was going to live.
Then her ribs tightened like a vise.
Claire pitched to the side, her body constricting against her will, forcing out the river water she’d inhaled and replacing it with needle sharp air, racking her entire frame with massive, powerful spasms. The pressure was so great that it forced her to vomit as well. Ripping out the contents of her belly even as more air tore its way in. Tears trickled down her cheeks, ground glass in her chest and acid on her tongue. Coking and gasping all the while.
As the last of the water was cleared out and the pain slowly started to recede, harsh barks replaced with softer coughs, Claire came back to herself, and the world around her came back into focus. Breath coming in short, sharp pants, Claire raised a soggy sleeve with a trembling hand to wipe the traces of mud and vomit off her face, glancing around to regain her bearings. Dark clouds and tree branches above her head, sand beneath her legs, and water at her feet.
She was sitting on the river bank, the fine dress she had donned only a few hours previous was now a heavy, wet thing that clung to her skin like a leech, hair pulled from its pins and spun into wild tangles and curls stuck to her neck and forehead, breathing in huge lungfuls of cold, stinging, wonderful air. Somehow miraculously spared a death by drowning.
This was good, Claire was out of the river and out of danger of drowning. But how had she gotten out? Claire eyed the churning black water, gut twisting as she recalled how it had nearly claimed her life moments ago. From the looks of it there was no way the river would have surrendered her willingly, so then how on earth had she--
At twig snapped behind her.
Claire whirled around, heartbeat thrumming in her throat, coming face to face with messy black hair and wide blue eyes. It was James, kneeling in the muck just a foot behind her, looking equally wet and bedraggled.
The memory of grabbing his arm to try and stop her initial fall flickered behind her eyes. That was right, James had fallen in the river with her.
“Are you--” Claire coughed, voice weak and raspy from her near drowning “Are you alright?”
He blinked and remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly caught off guard by the question, before murmuring out a reply “Yes...I am well,”
For a moment the two of them just sat there staring at each other, soaked to the bone and caked in mud, the only sounds the roaring of the current and the pounding of the rain. Claire slowly turned away from James back to the still raging river.
Had he...dragged her out?
It was the only possible explanation, but Claire had barely been able to tell which way was up, much less swim.
How had James managed not only to keep himself afloat, but pull her to shore as well?
A boom of thunder, far too close for comfort, caused them both to jump and Claire to let out an undignified squeak. Inquiries could come later, for now they had to focus on getting back to civilization. Forcing the multitude of questions she had down, Claire glanced around, noting the thick untamed trees surrounding them. A far cry from the carefully groomed greenery surrounding the town.
It looked as though the river had carried them quite a ways indeed.
If she remembered right, the river ran past town, through virgin forest, and curved back up to where it met the main road and went beneath the bridge. Claire got to her feet, cold dirty skirt clinging to badly trembling legs. No reason to panic or become hysterical, all they had to do was follow the river out of the forest and up to the main road. And with any luck they would both be back home, warm and dry, before nightfall.
Claire glanced back over to James, he hadn’t moved from his prone position, eyes nervously flickering from side to side. She might not like or even know James, but they were out here together, and she was going to make sure both of them made it back home.
And seeing how James appeared content to huddle on his knees in the riverbank, it was up to Claire to take charge.
“Ok, here’s what we’re going to do, follow the river until we reach the bridge on the main road, then we should be able to find our parents no problem,” she extended a hand in James’s direction “Can you stand?”
For a moment she wasn’t sure that he heard her, then James slowly lifted up a hand, looking at her uncertainly. Claire reached out and grasped the extended hand, pulling him to his feet. Rain continued to fall around them in sheets, the earth slick and treacherous beneath their feet.
Well it certainly wasn’t getting any drier out here, time to head out “Let’s go,” Claire turned and headed in the downstream direction, hand still clasped to James’s.
They slopped through the muddy forest in silence, all of their focus on putting one foot in front of another. They had to go a ways into the trees to find ground to walk on that wasn’t pure mud and slime, but Claire was very careful to always keep the river within sight. These woods ran wild and deep, and if Claire lost their only point of navigation they may never find it again.
How much time passed was impossible to say, the unchanging slate gray sky made discerning the hour impossible. Her soaking, muddy dress weighed on her, making an already unpleasant trek even more miserable. Claire forced herself to ignore these things and concentrate all her energy on continuing to carve a path through the woods, occasionally checking to make sure that her grip on James’s hand was still firm.
It was when a particularly marshy area of the riverbank forced them deeper into the woods than Claire would have preferred that she noticed it. A dark shape, nestled deep within the trees. She paused to get a better look, squinting into the distance. If she wasn’t mistaken it was a man-made building of some kind. But what was it doing out here in the middle of a virgin forest?
James came to a stop right beside her “What’s wrong Miss Nuñez?”
Claire kept her eyes locked on the mystery structure in the distance “I think I see some kind of building, we should go check it out,” if there was a building out here that meant people, and people could help them get home.
James followed her gaze, when his eyes found what had grabbed her attention he paled by two shades “I....I don’t think that we should,”
Well then it was a very good thing that Claire didn’t need his permission now wasn’t it “If there’s a building out here then there might be people that can help us. Stay here if you want, but I’m going to investigate,”
With that Claire released James’s hand, turned, and headed off deeper into the woods. She had gone about ten paces when she heard James’s frantic footsteps behind her in pursuit. Ignoring his presence, Claire pressed on, keeping an ear trained on the river. She didn’t have to necessarily see the river to navigate, just be able to hear its roar. In case the mystery building turned out to be nothing.
Even as she got closer to the shape, it became no more distinct, veiled in rain and leaves. It took longer to reach than Claire anticipated, but at long last she burst through the trees and saw it directly.
It was a massive stone arch, much larger than she originally thought, which would explain why she had seen it from such a distance, standing before her at the center of an almost perfectly circular clearing.
No, not an arch, Claire realized as she stepped closer, a bridge. A towering bridge over nothing and leading nowhere. She approached it, fascinated, running her fingers across the dark stone. Even through the rain Claire could see that this bridge was decades old at the very least, centuries most likely. The land beneath the bridge was perfectly flat all around. Perhaps long ago there had been a river or a stream that this bridge had spanned? But for enough time to have passed to leave no trace of any ancient waterway, this bridge must be truly old indeed, an ancient, pagan thing no doubt.
She ducked underneath the bridge’s arch, letting out a sigh of pleasure at relief from the unrelenting rain. Based on its age the people who had originally built this bridge were long gone, certainly unavailable to help her or James get back to town, but her skin was prickling with excitement at finding such an interesting, unusual thing.
James held back, halfway between the bridge and the tree line, clearly reluctant to step closer, face ashen “Miss Nuñez, we need to leave this place, now,”
Claire rolled her eyes, she’d never figured James for the easily nervous, superstitious type, but here he was, afraid of a lump of stone and mortar just because it was old and crumbly looking “There’s nothing to worry about, it's just an old bridge,” she rapped its underside with her knuckles “Sturdy to,”
James was not reassured by her words “Please...,” he said in a thin, frightened voice.
Were all aristocrats this spineless or was it just James? Well if he wanted to stay out in the rain that was his business, but Claire was going to enjoy her shelter for a little while longer. Ignoring James’s pleading, Claire examined the bridge with her eyes and fingers. It was rough hewn stone from base to tip, covered in moss and pitted with age--
No, not pitted, carved.
Claire leaned in closer and traced the damp etchings, mesmerized. The rock was engraved with the likeness of countless figures. Some of them looked like people, others decidedly did not, many fell somewhere in between. She stepped back out into the rain to get a better look of the bridge as a whole.
The carvings spanned its entirety, and if Claire wasn’t mistaken, they were all part of a single continuous mural. She placed her hand on the nearest carving, some manner of beast with horns and a tail brandishing a jagged sword, and followed its line of sight with her own eyes.
All the figures on the bridge were brandishing weapons of some kind, be it blades, clubs, or even their own claws. All pointing in the direction of the keystone set in the top of the arch. The keystone itself was bare save for a single carving, a solitary blazing eye, gazing out past the bridge and into the forest beyond.
Claire looked at the baleful eye for a few moments longer before glancing back towards the carving beneath her hand only to freeze. While the figure’s blade was still pointed towards the keystone, its eyes were fixed on her.
Hadn’t it been looking towards the keystone just a moment ago?
She willed the rapid thumping of her heart to slow. This was ridiculous, she was probably just mistaken about where she had originally seen it looking. And besides, the figure was a picture carved into rock, it wasn’t looking at her, it couldn’t look at anything.
Claire turned toward the other carvings to assuage her doubts only to have her heart skip a beat. It wasn’t just the one beneath her hand, all the figures etched into the bridge were gazing in her direction, if not directly at her. Despite herself Claire’s hands started to shake.
She had to be imagining this ...right?
Slowly and with an ever increasing sense of dread, Claire lifted her gaze back up to the keystone. Her blood ran cold as she saw that the eye of the bridge was fixed on her, staring down with all the authority of fate itself.
She knew it hadn’t been like that moments ago, she had just been remarking to herself how the eye seemed to stare off into the forest.
Claire jerked her hand away from the bridge as if it had been burned, a chill crept over her that had nothing to do with the rain.
It was impossible for a stone eye to move or see. But it had done the former, and Claire could feel in her bones that it was doing the later as well.
Shaking, she slowly backed away. Superstition or not James was right, they should leave, now. Claire forced herself to turn away from the bridge and all its baleful eyes and step towards James, who was still huddled in the clearing midway between the trees and the bridge, ready to join him in heading back to the river and civilization beyond.
She had only gone three steps in his direction when it hit her.
Claire couldn’t hear the river anymore.
The bleak realization stopped her in her tracks, heart plummeting like a stone down into the pit of her stomach. This couldn’t be happening, she’d still been able to hear the river when they’d first stepped into the clearing. Or maybe Claire had only been hearing the rain and had convinced herself it was the river.
or maybe she had heard exactly what the bridge wanted her to hear.
Claire whirled back and forth frantically, raking the perimeter of the clearing with her eyes, desperate to find a sign of hers and James’s passing, or a path, or a landmark, or something!
It was no use, the trees ringed the clearing in a seamless circle, a sinister island in a vast green ocean. Leaving no trace of where they’d entered or what direction the river was in.
Claire stepped closer to James, not even bothering to conceal how badly she was trembling, keenly aware that the two of them were the only people around for miles.
Throughout the day Claire had been dropped, waterlogged, and nearly drowned, but it was only now, with the trees pressing in and the bridge’s malevolent eyes on her, that she felt truly afraid.
#tales of arcadia#Trollhunters#both sides of the sky#claire nuñez#jim lake jr#jlaire#fanfic#rmvwrites
14 notes
·
View notes
Text
session 12 & 13 - It’s been a very long day
SESSION 12 - 4/13 📜🔪
youtube
> 🎵 Secrets / Vampyr OST
Picking up again moments later, the group inquire into what exactly the proposition Orin has is. Orin goes on to detail the deal as such, Vorde will lend the group his aid in apprehending the Letterheads in exchange for their help on a later job of his. Apparently he noticed their escape from the palace, thinking them either extremely lucky or skilled considering the circumstances, he became interested in the group and their skills subsequently.
Orin states the job in question is in Vorde’s home city of Antessa and would require the group to travel, hiring them as mercenaries of a sort, before saying he cannot say much else about it for the time being. He also states that the group would be compensated for their cooperation as well. As the group converse Orin then moves to the large hole in the wall of the building and calls out to someone, before a small strangely cute looking bat lands upon Orin’s shoulder.
Orin: “You met him at the ball too right?” he cracks another smile before poking the bat slightly “in person would be great pal”
youtube
> 🎵 Dracula's Castle / Castlevania: Symphony of the Night OST
The bat transforms in a quick flash of light in front of group into the image of the elven young man the group saw earlier during the ball, Finnian.
Finn: I apologise for the lack of introductions at the ball... I'm Finnian of the Barvotte family in Antessa. i recognise a few of you but we'll have to become acquainted properly this time
Rokka: yes I do, hello sir
Psalm: I'm Psalm
Plum: plum
Psalm: i thought you said your name was prune
Plum: what
Rokka: in rokka's mind: who is plum
Orin: i figured its better to have you out here than sitting in the shadows, makes us look less...nefarious?
Psalm: what's nefarious about turning into a bat am i right
Finn: He's been fidgeting with his cape for a moment, bringing it up to his face to hide for just a moment. whispering to himself. "i suppose so yeah.”
Psalm: not that it's a bad thing 💦
Plum: nice one hahahahaha
Rokka: rokka this entire convo
As the conversation continues Orin tells the group that Vorde will give them all the information he’s currently gathered on the Letterheads in exchange for their cooperation. He also states they’d loan them Finn to their party to help out, Orin stating he is quite skilled in his own right and that it should be a help towards their endeavours. Asked by the group, he then goes on to speak of what they saw him doing earlier, and why Vorde wouldn't come and give them this proposition himself.
Orin: “ I was trying to interrogate that assassin, but after a time he just wouldn’t listen to anything I would say, I had him pinned with my sword however and he was trapped" he huffs
"So I suppose he decided to lean forward and take the stab in the chest voluntarily. I don’t know if it’s a thing with corpses and death and their leader or if he just didn’t want to risk blabbing, but I wasn’t intending to kill the man at least.” He folds his arms in front of him
“a corpse is less useful than a talking man, and I kind of shy away from murking’ strangers”
Finn: "my uncles expertise lies more in gathering information and dealing with it. hes also already wrapped up enough in this." he doesn't have the time to be happy or depressed over Orin beaming by mentioning him.
"i'd appreciate it if you stopped throwing baseless accusations around like this though." a cold aura surrounds him once again.
The group then turn their attention towards the passed out man in the room before them, tied up in ropes across his top and middle section. Orin states he was sent here with Finn to investigate the man and that they found him like this curiously enough. He states he’s going to wake him up to question him but psalm tells him to gag the man first, orin asks if he wants to do it but psalm refuses to get involved. Though as Orin's about to poke him, Psalm decides to quickly gag him anyway beforehand.
Finn: finn is unsure what to think of psalms .. skillful rope tying
Psalm: PLOL PLEASE I'M JUST DOIGN MY JOB
Orin wakes the sleeping scruffy man laying half on the floor and he quickly snorts and shoots up, sitting on his knees, eyeballing the group with a dirty look because of the gag in his mouth. He gets up on his legs and stamps around angrily before Finn tells the man they're here to just ask him some questions and to not scream or they’ll be very sad about it. Orin removes the gag and the man states there’s nothing for them to rob if that's what they're after.
Orin asks the man if he knows anything of the Red Letterheads, he quickly reacts with fear and strange laughing stating he’s not letting them nab him again.
Finn: are you the so called foot folk? marvellous. I’ve always wanted to see a peasant with my own eyes!
At their statement that the group is looking for the letterheads the man seems to calm down ever so slightly and tells them what he knows of the group and why.
Sammy: "i was minding my own business as i always do, down there just outside the front this place, weren't many people around.." he stamps his feet "doesn't mean i was asking to get grabbed by weird bastards!! about two weeks ago it was....they knocked me out and before I knew what was going on I was in this horrid looking place, locked up with all these sacks around me” His eyes grow somewhat frantic
“all I could hear was footsteps echoing, but every now and again I heard a scream come from all around the walls, I thought I was gone get skinned alive but i was so tired... just kept going in an out of consciousness haha...” his teeth start chattering
youtube
> 🎵 Questions / Vampyr OST
Psalm: so how'd you end up back here?
Sammy: “whatever cage they locked me in for the time wasn’t that securely kept together, i was able to pull myself together at one point and I bashed my head on it a few times and it rocked open" he gestures at his head with his knee "I never saw anybody actually the entire time I was there so I booked it as fast as fucking possible” he stamps again
Sammy: “when I found the exit and burst out I found myself running into the middle of the business district in broad daylight” he shakes from side to side his bound shoulders shifting “I was so stunned I just stood there dumb jaw lying open, when I turned round the door behind was completely different to the one id come out of, building even, I thought I was still underground somewhere” his teeth start to chatter
“I made for the sewers as quick as I could, the city up there scares the piss out of me and being covered in blood is a good way to get hauled off by the crooked guards”
The group ask him how he knew who took him to which the old guy states he saw a symbol carved on the wall and recognised it as their moniker. Apparently dwelling down here he’s catches wind of all sorts of unsavoury types and their ilk, though not enough to avoid them apparently. When he describes the symbol the group realises its the same one on the small tokens they grabbed from the assassin's bodies.
Psalm: hey what's your name?
Sammy: he stares at you for a moment psalm suspicious "....you tell me yours first...."
Psalm: you're not really in the position to be asking for my name now are you?
Plum: psalm's his name, i'm plum, that's rokka
Psalm: .................................
Plum: why are you tied up
Sammy: THIS kind stranger is how I sleep, makes me feel good and secure, who are YA'LL anyway? Coming into my house? Criticising how I get to sleep at night huh?
Psalm: * under breath * "no wonder you got kidnapped"
Plum: ..............................alright
Finn: kinky
Plum: how do you get untied...
Plum: turning to orin "weren't y'all the one on a job to ask this guy questions"
Orin: he looks down at you "but you guys seemed to be having such a fun time of it"
Finn: finn flashes a polite smile "you're doing a good job!"
Finn & Orin: ^_^
The group then question the man as to why he was yelling about the letterheads a week back to which Sammy responds to with utter confusion, he doesn't remember doing that. The group stare at each other confusedly before stating a few theories, Plum bringing up maybe this guy has a doppelganger too or if they controlled him somehow while he was in their care
Orin seemingly satisfied with the questioning then makes to leave with the information Sammy’s told them. Plum throws a random pillow on the ground at Orin but he dodges it and it instead goes sailing out of the giant hole in the wall. Orin goes to reassure Sammy before leaving that they’ll take care of the Letterheads, somewhat awkwardly, before telling the group to think on Vorde’s proposition and meet them on the other end of the cavern in three hours should they agree to work with them. Finn and Orin then hop out of the hole in the wall, disappearing from view, leaving the group and a confused Sammy in their wake.
As the four consider what to do afterwards they hear a knock at empty door frame to the room and a man they’ve never met before poke his head inside.
---
Meanwhile a small time before the group question Sammy the other half of the group make their way back to Renny’s and subsequently over towards the East Dive. Once they arrive they seemingly spot Plum staring up at the derelict looking building and come over to speak to them.
Han: i walk over like “HEY LIL SIR” smack them on the back
Plum: they jump somewhat and whip around but let out a “oh it’s all of you” while raising a brow and looking around.
Han: yea i mean. you guys told us to come here, so whats up what did you guys find
Plum: uh...nothing yet the others are…around, we got separated I don’t know where they ran off too…
Keva: wait. what were you doing at the night of the ball?
Plum: they stare at you for a moment "i was with all of you?"
Han: ah.
The group seem to suss out this isn’t their plum and Han and Keva quickly move to act, Han quickly trying to grapple them but this plum seems to be able to snake their way out of their grasp quite quickly
Plum: what the hell ??
Han: just giving u a hug bro
Plum: a very aggressive hug
Han falls to the floor failing to tackle them, quickly after Keva strikes them with her dagger, hitting and cutting them, though strangely she doesn't see any wound appear on plum’s visage despite their cry of pain.
youtube
> 🎵 Let Go of Fear / Howard Harper-Barnes
Quickly after Plum runs off into the building the group give chase, albeit the other three a little confusedly at the sudden bolting. They make their way running through the definitely-not-safely-traversable building chasing after where they spot the fake plum skittering away. Eventually they come across a long haphazard beam between corridors on the second floor. Cimmorro and Vinny quickly make their ways across though Keva has a bit of trouble, Han and Cole stumble falling off completely back onto the ground floor, landing atop a pillow groaning in pain.
Vinny and Cimmorro are close but arent sure which path in front of them the fake plum ran down
Cimmorro: vinny please your huge BRAIN needs to work here
Vinny: "UH IM NOT SURE WHAT WERE EVEN DOING" he looks about confused "should we just pick at random?"
Cimmorro: bro u got any magic to track stowaways or sumn
Vinny: “uhh" he thinks for a moment while you two are running "no but i can make us float?"
Cimmorro: ??????? i don't think we need that right now... do we???
Vinny: probably not but i mean its there if we need it??
Keva heads up a floor higher once she’s crossed the beam, sighting plum at the far end running into a room and slamming a door behind them, she gives chase hopping over a large hole in the ground. Underneath on the floor below, Cimmorro and Vinny see her leap over their heads. Cimmorro shouts at Vinny to use his spells now frantically climbing and grabbing him to which he quickly complies, hurtling them a floor up and landing them at Keva’s feet in a heap. In the meantime Cole and Han make their way quickly back up the flights of stairs.
Cole: han you pull u and cole's asses off the ground and round to head back into the building, she tries to cheer you up a little on the way
Cimmorro: plz tell me cole pats hans bum :/
Han: ye she does
Cimmorro: HGJFKHG climbs on top of vinny like a cat and screeches
Rokka: i imagined vinny t posing while floating and cimms just clinging onto his back
Cimmorro: JGKHSBXC<BX<MCBN<B
Keva manages to get the door open but finds herself looking out into an empty derelict room, large holes in the rickety wooden walls, the fake plum seemingly nowhere to be found. Keva huffs and informs Han, the two then head back to the ground floor and try and angrily search about for them while the other three watch them from up in the empty room tired from all the running.
----
youtube
> 🎵 Darkening Developments / Kevin Macleod
Cutting back to the other group for the moment, the new man who’s entered the room appears to be a tall drow, wearing a hood and an eyepatch. He remarks that he didn’t know Sammy had friends over to which Sammy then complains about him being 6 hours late for something.
Before the two can can discuss whatever it is though Plum quickly tells Sammy that they want to check him first before they go, to see if he has any weird symbols put on him by the letterheads. Sammy is suspicious at first but seemingly relents after Plum tells him of the weird symbol they saw on a corpse before. In the meantime Psalm speaks with the drow, who introduces himself now as Nickel, apparently a friend of Sammy’s.
Rokka: waves
Nickel: he waves back at you rokka
Rokka: WOW SOMEONE FINALLY WAVES BACK
Ezra from the corner of the room he’s been situated has been giving the drow a stare since he’s walked in, to which Nickel comments on, Psalm also inquires into the look.
Ezra: "I've seen you before, just making sure where from.." he pauses before walking up to stand next to you psalm "you wouldn't happen to run with a group called the blue hoods" he cocks a brow
Nickel: he laughs and raises a brow "the dark blues actually, got a little confused there pal?" and he smiles
Ezra: ezra's eye narrows "right..." he looks back at where plum is poking sammy "strange for you to show up in a place like this is all i think"
Ezra informs Psalm that the dark blues are a group of underground traders who deal in all sorts of items across this city though he finds it strange that sammy would be a customer.
Psalm: you wouldn't happen to have any connections in the west would you
Nickel: he raises a brow "why ya asking?"
Psalm: just some insurance i guess, call it paranoia if you want, but your uniform looks too similar to someone i know
Nickel: he raises a brow "haha got plenty of enemies do you, always good to be prepared huh"
Psalm: i wouldn't say plenty :psalmface:
Psalm: if any, let's say shady organisations from the west come asking though just pretend i wasn't here
Nickel: nickel looks at you and shrugs "if i have a reason too sure, maybe if you buy something off me later" and he laughs
Psalm: you'll be the first person i come to if i need anything then
Nickel: oh too kind sir
As the conversation ebbs on Plum finally finds an old looking brand on Sammy’s back and informs the others, calling them over to look. As they inform the two strangers and tell them he ought get the brand checked out, Psalm looks out the large hole in the wall of the building, and in the darkness spots Han and Keva grumpily searching around.
He calls out to the two of them beckoning them to come upwards. They make their way back inside swinging by the other three and heading up 7 flights of rickety stairs, meeting back up.
Rokka: BROOOOOOOOO
Han: BROOOOOOOOOOOOO
Keva: wait have we done the password HAN
Keva immediately asks the secret question while holding her dagger but the other group heckle her over saying it first thing, she quickly gets fed up from this and the plum debacle earlier and stalks out to wait in the hallway fuming slightly.
Psalm: oh look what you did plum you upset her
Cimmorro: i love drama!
Vinny: vinny looks at keva leave the room before looking at you plum "....whats your favourite colour"
Plum: pink?
Vinny: he nods "real!"
Han quietly informs them they just ran into plum’s doppelganger hence her apprehension. The group then turn and ask who the two strangers are to which the other group explain a tip on the letterheads led them here, they also tell of Orin’s appearance, Keva listens intently from outside the doorframe on that. The group inform them of the proposition they were given before telling sammy he should be good probably if he doesn't die so be sure to not do that. Sammy grumbles with his head in his hands.
Before the group scuttle off Han quickly asks Nickel what exact services he provides as she’s heard of the dark blues before in passing.
Nickel: “underground trading yes, we provide typically illegal wares that we smuggle into the city here" he smiles "illicit herbs, concoctions, materials, weapons, armour, all sorts of things, we take on requests too should our customers desire something specific" he clasps his hands in front of him "should you find yourself in need of our lovely groups' services you can find us down near the docks, our inventory changes quite a bit" he smirks happily
Satisfied the group then quickly take their leave of the place, heading back to Renny’s where they can safely discuss their next plan of attack.
SESSION 13 - 4/14 🦇✨
After arriving at Renny’s the group begin discussing the various things they learned while separated as well as what transpired right before they met up with one another, Keva keeping quiet for most of it.
Han: right so. outside that building we saw a copy of plum, keva kinda saved our ass by remembering the code so props to her
Psalm: for safety's sake we should change it next time, but yes good job keva
Han: like its obviously going to sound awkward but that’s the whole point, we just need to hear the actual words
Plum: so where’d my doppelganger go? guessing they ran off
Han: yea we lost sight of them
Plum: wow sure hope they aren't robbing a fucking bank right now!
Han: they already killed a person as you
Plum: why do you guys take me so seriously for crissakes
Rokka: u look serious plum
Plum: fair, that’s just my face
Cole: its the furrowed brows
Han: its a very serious face
Han: wait why are you calling them plum
Psalm: plum is their name?
Han: no its prune?
Plum: what, no it's my name, prune is my sister's name
Rokka: YOU.................LIED?
Han: ............did you lie to us about ur damn name? and it wasn't even that good of a lie?
Plum: did i..................
Psalm: you lied and you don't even remember amazing
The surface group detail the things they heard above ground, and who the guard are apparently looking for. They also mention gossip they heard about this maybe being a coup or assassin's sent by Talornia as well as the victims of the attack. Upon hearing of SIlversoul, Rokka’s mood visibly dampens and he sulks somewhat in a corner of the room.
Psalm then brings up something he thought against telling Han in the room in the East Dive at the time, that they came across Rickert while looking for information in the cove earlier. Though Han doesn't seem to take much interest.
Psalm: i just thought you'd be interested in the bounty is all
Plum: oh were you not interested in ripping him in half? guess we read you wrong
Han: no i. [sighs rly deeply] ye listen that was. an embarrassing moment of weakness going all crazy, i dont ... like doing it and i dont want to be like that.... new page and all that. i took a nap, meditated, calm down. thought about my bad decisions. s'all good now
Plum: oh so that’s not your usual mood? glad to hear it
Psalm: no need to be embarrassed
Plum: nothing speaks new page than probably having to change our identities now that were wanted am i right
Han: LAUGHS WEAKLY
The two then heckle Psalm for clearly being on the lookout for something or someone to which he replies he was just kidding about actually having to change his identity before this.
Han: you do give off a vibe of wanting to disappear
Psalm: i just try to leave as little of a footprint as possible
Han: yea that sounds like somebody who is on the run
Psalm: yes well can't help what it sounds like can i
Psalm: that's why you shouldn't go giving out my name to strangers plum 🙂
Plum: sorry i didn’t know you had some kind of hitman after you 🙂 no seriously sorry, we weren’t getting anywhere
Psalm: *visibly agitated* i suppose it was the only way
Plum then asks Han about whether or not they got the stuff they asked for from their room, to which Han replies they did, handing it over easily enough. Psalm asks what plum’s big pink potion actually is, they tell the group that its a medicine for themselves.
Plum: if i don’t drink it then i get this awful pain in my stomach, every now and again, but how it actually helps i don’t know, well that’s just one of the symptoms. As you would imagine i haven’t tested out not drinking it.
Psalm: oh, that's more serious than i was expecting
Han: han just looks at you like ?????????
Plum: also would i carry around a bottle this large for a trivial reason
Han: i like u plum, u helped me up in the basement n stuff :(
Plum: also i like you more han now that i know you're not actually as bloodthirsty the day we met
Han: aw thanks
Psalm: when you're not pinning people against walls that is
Han: u deserve that one
Plum: yeah
Psalm: well
Han: i dont know if you think the rest are stupid but its pretty obvious when you start talking in whatever language to someone its more than a little creepy
Psalm: if you ask nicely i'll explain what that's all about some other time maybe
As the group continue conversing with one another, Vinny who has been seemingly studying his spellbook for a time next to Cimmorro, seems to pipe up about something and turns to him.
Vinny: he eyes the book before suddenly turning right at you “sir cimmorro!”
Cimmorro: cimm tilts his head slightly towards vinny going "yes????? hello?"
Vinny: he leans in towards you a little, his eyes intent “remember ah…during the ball when you asked my compatriots about an affliction you had, how we said it seemed to sound like a curse or sorts?”
Cimmorro: yeah i remember... what about it?
Vinny: he pauses "after your kindness so far i feel very grateful and uh" he taps his spellbook briefly “and well, im not sure if it would work at all but I do have a spell that can remove curses, smaller ones, and yours well, it does sound a touch more serious than that! but I figured we could try it out? See if itll work- I figure why not!”
Cimmorro: cimm's face beams and also falls kinda nervously as vinny shares his ideas with him and kinda darts his eyes around "like, you mean, now? try it here??"
Vinny continues to happily detail the process, though cimmorro seemingly doesnt jump at the chance to be cured, instead asking if he could teach it to him somehow, though Vinny replies that he doesnt think it'd be possibe for him to learn at the moment. Cimmorro then reveals that its a friend of his who's cursed and not him dejectley.
Vinny: he tilts his head "ohhh, i see...well good to know you dont have such an affliction at the very least!" and he pats your shoulder jovially "would you mind if i asked who for?"
Cimmorro: "friend back home." he said hesitantly "so it's pretty important... though if you say you're not even sure if it works, then it would be a waste of time to go back there and head out again in case it fails, ye?? which is why i'm trying to 'collect' them..." leaning closer to vinny "i might just have to drag you back with me at some point : )"
Vinny: he nods through your explanation "my heart goes out to your friend then, id imagine it'd be worse for someone without your uh....scaly constitution" as you say that last sentence he gives a loud laugh "well depending on how this ends up we might need to leave shorewater soon anyhow, i'd be a willing enough kidnapping victim at this point" a smile "ill try and keep this in mind then for you"
Cimmorro: "ah well," cimm visibly relaxes before continuing "i'm relieved i'm getting somewhere with these at least... and you certainly owe me big time!" chimed in a jokingly tone and sticks his tongue out at the end "oh don't worry, i'll be sure to tell your wife before taking you away" he laughs a little
Vinny: he laughs as well until you say the wife bit and pouts "i told you she's not my wife! augh i would never dream of courting such an uppity woman" a beat passes before he groans and points at you "if you ever meet her you better not say it to her face, most of the upper accord already think of me an idiot i dont need people to give them ammunition"
Cimmorro: "an idiot huh.... is that why someone's out to kill you"
Their conversation ebbs on to discuss if Vinny has any theorie's as to why he was targetted, though Vinny states he assumes it was someone trying to get back at the Accord or something along those lines. He doesn't have much fondness for the group.
Vinny: he tilts his head at your last comment "....am i really that dim...."
Cimmorro: cimm just smiles but in like. an 'are u for real' way before saying "though it still could be them trying to kill you because you DO want to leave?" he shrugs "in any case, i dunno what kinda shit you get yourself into but this is whack.... maybe you really are that stupid damnnn" he looks at vinny and shakes his head
Vinny: he sighs "augh getting into this situation somehow maybe i am that stupid, though if Berryl was trying to kill me i think id brain the man the next time i saw him for being so roundabout with it, why bother with blackmail at this point" he huffs another louder sigh before turning his head back towards you "it is whack"
Cimmorro: i just imagined him saying "it is whack" like he's one of those middle aged people who's trying to get in with the youthful lingo "it is, indeed, what the kids call, Whack™"
Cimmorro: cimm pats his back in attempt to cheer him up "on the bright side, being stupid doesn't necessarily make you a bad guy though. so you're okay in my book... from what i've seen at least." he flashes a big grin "though i do have to request you to tone down the idiocy a bit. don't want you dying since now i need you too, yea?" he nudges vinny with his elbow
Vinny: he gives a laugh at cimms big smile "thank you its appreciated, and the same for yourself sir!" before giving you an incredulous look, smirking after the nudge "i'll do my best to stay alive then, though i think you're just poking fun at me now on purpose"
They continue on before cimmorro broaches one more question, to ask Vinny if he knows of any Jasidian high priests to which Vinny responds that he doesnt, as there arent many worshippers in the city outside travellers. Though there was a group of them who came through the city a year ago which caused a bit of gossip. Locals wondered aloud why they were there as they always do with the rest of the roving population, a few rumours including: them looking for some strange artifact, speaking to the church of Heiron, or raising the dead. They left within the week as well, upon hearing this information Cimmorro seems to deflate while Vinny tries to cheer him up.
As the conversation ebbs on eventually the group discuss what they’re going to do about the proposition Vorde has given them all. The decide they ultimately dont have any better options for the moment, though Han states she trusts Vorde as far as she can throw him.
Cole: as you say that han cole stares intently at your arms
Han: THE IMAGE OF HAN THROWING VORDE PHYSICALLY IS RLY GOOD
Han brings up that she’ll look out for the group and that they should be able to rely on each other in turn since they cant really trust Vorde. Everyone else agrees to try and keep each other alive to the best of their abilities and to not backstab one another in the future, and that they dont have any real reason too either.
youtube
> 🎵 Darkening Developments / Kevin Macleod
Partway through their conversation however, Vinny seems to spring to attention looking about frantically before putting a finger to his lips to shush the group. He hops up from his spot in the room and quickly scuttles out into the hallway, pressing himself against the farthest wall while keeping the group in his eyesight through the doorway.
As the group all spring to attention wondering what on earth is going on, across the hall he seems to be gesturing to them to stay where they are while mouthing a word. Keva reads his lips as the word scry and says it outloud, though not knowing what it means, Plum picks up on it and its meaning and informs the group.
Realising Vinny is probably being scryed on, the group decide they should probably leave and ask Vinny if they should, who anxiously coughs once for yes. Ezra suggests he and Cole stay behind so he isn’t alone and the group agree and quickly make their escape from the Inn.
Ezra: ezra sighs "we know where you will all be for a time...if we can regroup we'll head over"
Han: i just. do a salute
cole waves at you all, vinny kinda does a shrugging motion at the suggestion of heading back to shorewater, ezra gives you all a nod
The group make their quick escape, heading over to the designated meeting point Orin gave them on the other side of town. They make quick enough pace however on the way over Rokka feels eyes on him for a moments time before they dissapear, unnerving him. Psalm asks Rokka what's wrong after he crowds behind him, to which he apologises and responds he felt he was being watched for a moment.
Plum: yo weren't we supposed to be careful of lupine traders
Psalm: oh for fucks sake.
The group decide to disguise Rokka for the time being, ducking into a small alley with Han giving him her Ring of Self Alteration. Rokka changes his form to that of a human man, with similarly coloured hair and no shirt (though he does have a cloak on)
Rokka: everyone w/ rokka
you are all stunned by this sexy man
Han: have to wait a round to unstun
Keva: i am uncomfortable with this feeling
Rokka: how do I look?
Han: great bro
The group quickly make their way to the meeting point, spotting Orin, Vorde and Finn standing at the end of a deserted street, Orin holding a lamp to provide light. The group slowly make their approach taking sight of the men before them and their surroundings as they do.
As you come closer they all turn to face you as they spot you. Vorde eyes you all with a cool gaze, Orin giving a small smile directed towards you first Keva before eyeing the rest of the group. Finn gives you all a small nod of acknowledgement Vorde finally speaks up
youtube
> 🎵 Doctor Sith / DGS2 OST
Vorde: “And so we meet once more, intrepid party-goers” he brings a hand up to his chest “an honour ”
Vorde says they must have questions before they strike their deal and to ask them now as they wish. He specifies he was tasked by his family to take out the Red Letterheads which he says hes loathe to do but he also states that it seems to be in his best interest to do so for the moment. He does not speak much more about the job in Antessa outside what Orin has told the group, though he states the fact that it will not be a short job. He states he needs their cooperation before he can tell them anything else about it.
As the conversation progresses Han inquires into Orin’s supposed ‘death’ to which Keva immediately bristles towards.
Psalm:
The group dissolves into an argument about questioning their employers to their faces or the point of it, Keva particularly upset that Han is seemingly is prying into her old friend’s and her own business. Though Han simply seems to want an answer about whether or not the men across from her are undead are not, not caring about any of the other details of it
Finn: finn slowly tears his gaze away from vorde, dread overcoming him ever so slightly. he looks distressed. he eyes the group. "im undead yes. some of you have already seen me .. transform. are you satisfied now?"
Orin: He looks at you for a moment before getting what your implying "oh!" he pauses "not me"
Satisfied with these answers Han backs off ready to go through with the deal and the rest of the group frustratedly sigh to themselves. With that the group agree to cooperate much to Vorde’s peace of mind. He pulls a blank paper out from a case hanging on his side and a quill, asking each of them to sign their names on what he calls a contract. Each of the party make their way up and sign their names one after another.
Rokka: i grab the quill and write my name first with a smiley
Psalm: i'll sign my name next might as well
Plum: i also go write mine
Keva: after i hold the quill awkwardly and just do a squiggle
> cimmorro.txt also writes his
Han: i write "Han." still grimacing
with a flourish as you complete each of your signatures the ink glows a slight purple before settling back to black. Satisfied Vorde pockets the parchment placing it back within the small wooden case
As Psalm eyes the procedure he recognises it from things hes seen before, the contract seems to be a modified alarm spell, altering Vorde that should the gang stray from its terms he would be immediately be notified.
Satisfied Vorde restates the terms of their cooperation, he shall give them the information he has on the letterheads and once they have been dealt with, they shall accompany him to Antessa and do as he asks, with compensation. Vorde then moves to detail the group with what he has discovered about the Letterheads so far, stating:
🔶 Firstly their leader goes by the name Theyord but it seems it was previously ‘Ansam’ and though there were only 6 assassins at the ball, he has a number of others working under him at his base of operations. He also has reason to believe that the recent sets of missing’s persons in the withered bone can be attributed to the group. He’s still looking into Ansam’s background for the moment.
🔶 Theyord seems to desire bodies, corpses, for some sort of purpose, at the very least he is strictly opposed to established groups of power in Shorewater. Vorde also seems to be currently working under the assumption that he has made a deal with a devil of some sort to attain some kind of powers of necromancy or reanimation.
🔶 Vorde continues to detail through a long serious of spying sessions and bribery that they’ve ascertained that their base of operations is somewhere deep in the withered bone or its caverns, the changing building was the tip off, its somewhere on the far edge of the watery cove along the water, deep in one of the tunnels.
🔶 It is guarded by an enchantment of some sort that allows its position to warp, though there has to be a way for his assassins to find it to report to their boss correct? Vorde then moves to pull out a small token from his pocket, the same one you all nabbed from on top of one of the bodes, the symbol of the Letterheads.
🔶 Vorde thinks that carrying this will reveal the entrance where a simple wall or dead end would appear to the average passer-by. A plan he figures will work is to get a boat and row by the edges of the outer tunnels until they notice something.
After this Vorde seemingly satisfied turns to make his exit with Orin, leaving Finn in the groups care. Before he can though Han and Psalm bring up that there’s some things they want to tell Vorde that they’ve seen in the time they’ve been running about by themselves. They describe the ordeal they experienced with the corpse coming back to life and speaking to them, Orin ponders why they dragged a corpse back to their room as Vorde listens.
In the meantime Plum begins questioning Finn bout his undead status and what exactly it entails, as the conversation ebbs on Psalm also hears Ghester pipe up in the back of his head. He briefly splits off down the end of the street to speak to him as the others talk. Watching the group split up into separate conversations for the moment Keva walks up to Orin and drags him down the street where the others can still see them, but not hear what they're saying
Plum: you said you're undead, wtf does that mean
Finn: he breaks eye contract briefly, sorrow written over his face but he tries to keep it Not Personal. "im a vampire."
Plum:oh izzat so? that means that our new boss is one too?
Finn: my uncle is not undead, no
Plum: huh... could’ve fooled me
Finn: really? i guess we do share the same aesthetic.
Plum: yeah he definitely looks like one, though im no expert considering i didn't know they actually existed til just now
Finn: "ah...yeah we aren’t exactly common i guess." hes frowning a bit. "but i assure you my powers will be of good use to you sir plum”
Plum: oh im not worried about anything like that? i just dont know much about them, are you gonna be alright walking around in the sun and all that shit. also just plum
Finn: im sensitive to sun light and i wont be able to travel with you during day time. im not sure how we should go about that yet
Plum: even while you're a bat?
Finn: yeah, even as a bat. when ive been with my uncle closed carts have proven to help with it. i need to be shielded properly from the sun.. then it should be okay
Ghester: “I feel I should note this since it feels applicable but that the brown one… I feel an almost similar presence to that of your own” a beat “though the purple one….im trying to place his ilk exactly
Psalm: the purple one being finn? he's a vampire right?
Ghester: “yes! vampire thats what he is" and a chuckle “I haven’t seen a being like this in millennia, you do well to entertain Psalm, all sorts of kinds of people to befriend”
Psalm: haha because that's absolutely what i want from all of this, back to 'the brown one. You're saying he was on the brink of death and some god swooped in and saved him? so what is he warlock?
Ghester: you hear a humming noise psalm "perhaps, if he isnt undead, i feel something on him, reminds me of myself, but not exactly" he pauses "curious"
Psalm: vague as ever
Ghester: you hear a laugh "im old theres quite alot for me to remember sometimes" he pauses "youll see when you're older”
Psalm: so you're saying your memory's gone bad because you're old ? some excuse. I guess i'll keep an eye out though. in secret so keva doesn't kill me anyways.
youtube
> 🎵 Reminiscing ~ At Ambition's End / DGS2 OST
Psalm moves to rejoin the group after his conversation with Ghester, sidling up to Plum and Finn’s conversation while Keva and Orin have their conversation with one another out of earshot.
Keva: i eye orin carefully "are you okay? are you hurt anywhere"
Orin: as you speak to orin he smiles "im fine but i can see why youd be worried hah" as you observe him this close you can clearly see now some old scars on his face he did not have before
Keva: I GET ANGRY AGAIN AND SLAP HIM UPSIDE THE HEAD [Orin yelling OW here] i'm hissing "are you- are you fucking- do you even know- do you have any idea what you put me thru and THAT'S what you have to say to me oooooohhhh my fucking gods you're lucky there are other people here or i'd beat your face in so hard it would come out your ASS" also i hit him a couple more times while i say that
Orin: he puts his hands up to brace against your hits but regretfully, but he seems to understand "i did look for you yknow! but when you were nowhere in the city..." he sighs "i was little glad for it though, meant those thugs wouldnt find ya"
Psalm: psalm like hmm maybe i'll keep what i just learned to myself while watching this don't want keva to brain me
Keva: i'm breathing harder while talking "so what the fuck did you get yourself into now? GODS i thought you were fucking dead i thought i was- and i wouldn't even be able to bury you and-" keva tryin not to tear up
Orin: He looks sadly at you as you say that "im sorry" he glances back over at vorde "boss vorde over there helped me out when i was running about the city, when i uh...well..." he thinks "to cut it short i dont have memory of what happened to me after you left...when i came too i could well" and he thinks
"i could use magic? is how i would put it
Keva: i look at him confused "what do you mean you could use magic? what happened?"
Orin: "i was also confused! i also didnt know how to use it at all" he pauses "it was kind of scary, few days later boss vorde over there found me in the city, he offered to help me figure out how to get a grasp on what was going on, he hired me to work for him too" he starts to smile, very sincere
Keva: i rub my eyes partially to wipe tears but also bc i'm trying to piece things together [he puts a hand on your shoulder reassuringly] "okay so, you permanently work for him now" i say with my hands still on my face
Orin: "i mean, for the moment" he thinks "i was a bit suspicious as well at first, he does alot of uh..spying and such" a beat "but i dont have much of an issue with what he does, and he keeps me informed and most of the time he seems to be investigating real bastards too." he huffs "feels like get to enact a little good sometimes" he turns back to Keva "half of why i joined him too is because he seems to travel alot" and he pauses "well i figured maybe id come across you too eventually" a smile
Keva: i eye him for a bit considering how happy he seems with his new situation
Orin: he eyes you back keva "at any rate...glad your alright" he pauses "and were coworkers now" he laughs a little
Keva: i eye him a bit longer while thinking before sighing with acceptance and as i do so i let my head fall forward until my forehead hits his chest
Orin: he envelops you into a big bear hug
Keva: my voice muffled in his shirt "i can't believe you're goin to leave me with these chodes again"
Orin: he laughs "they seem...interesting?" a pause "its always good to meet new people" he ruffles your hair
Keva: i hold on a little longer before letting go "i think we have to go" i eye his scars and gently touch one of them "don't do anything stupid again"
Orin: he smiles at you keva "ive been in safe hands so far, same to you" he looks back at vorde before giving you a noogie and walking back over to Vordes side
Keva: i "rrrrrr" a little at the noogie and i join the others too
As the two reconcile, Psalm, Plum and Finn try and come up with ways they could carry Finn around or allow him to travel with them during the day, brainstorming with one another, eventually they call over Rokka for his input on the topic. In the meantime Han continues detailing information to Vorde that seems pertinent.
Han: we know one mans been branded but he seems alive and well, albeit a fucking weirdo
Vorde: "i see, the man i sent orin and finn after then" he pauses "guess he failed to look that closely" and he kind of sighs in a very subdued way "i wouldn't worry if he's alive but...it is good to know in any case, ill keep him in mind"
Han: we also know the red letterheads are definitely still using our faces to get around. at least plums for certain.
Vorde: i assumed they would, why drop your faces now that your wanted fugitives. If people recognise them they can drop it easily enough in the moment
Han: "actually, we nabbed one of the assassins from the ball... most info are things you already said just connected better, but they also mentioned theyord speaks to his "disciples" in their minds, if that helps any." han looks away awkwardly "both of those people are dead now."
Han: "another thing of matter... you know we left with one of the victims. vildristin. he is a store keep up in shorewater and also a member of the berryl accord. i dont know the exact things the berryl accord does but i cant imagine they are going to make things easier. we believe they were scrying on him when we left him."
Vorde: he taps a finger on his crossed arms "i know of the man yes, he seems powerful if a little simple" he ponders your statement "I caught wind a wizard of theirs arrived earlier in the day, i suppose shes already gotten to work" he thinks "you knew he was being scryed on? how"
Keva: vinny sneezes from the hallway
Psalm: the one scrying on him "bless u"
Vorde: vorde seems to furrow his brow slightly "people who are being scryed on typically do not know that they are, hence why it is such a powerful spelll" a beat "this Vildristin is curious indeed"
Han: just keep an eye out on him, for your and our sakes
Vorde: he considers that for a moment with his cold gaze "kind of you. If you know where he is, it would be possible for me to keep tabs on him for periods at a time at least"
Han: "currently he is holed up in [rennys inn] with some friends, otherwise his shop is on [street name goes here]"
Han: and han would like to whisper "im not here to start a fight, but i want to make my position clear. i dont trust you, and you have done very little to make me trust you back. however... it would be silly to think that you trust us any more then we trust you. and... if not now, then later, i would insist on telling me where your loyalties lie."
Vorde: he eyes you as you go his expression of distaste not shifting in the slight "I would find you stupid and blind if you trusted me at this point in time and vice versa, i feel that was quite evident from our earlier conversation" he eyes you cooly "If you want to build a rapport than i suggest you do not approach people you are negotiating with with such denseness"
Han: "i have no interest in playing pretend or making nice here, so i thought i would state the obvious" and smiles mockingly sweet
Vorde: he continues to eye you his face going neutral once more "apologies for assuming you would require dignity then madam" he turns, ending the conversation
As this happens Finn briefly plays around with transforming and turning into a bat, hiding underneath Psalm’s cloak as the others watch.
Finn: psalm, rokka and plum are briefly flashed by a light. before them a little bat is flapping around. he swiftly takes to flying under psalms cape, hanging himself upside down, around where psalms back is.
Finn: okay im squeaking then,....positively? its comfy, after a few minutes of comfyness i emerge again...... the flash blinds everyone again for a moment and im back to normal! zalgo! "i think that could work.. thank you for the offer psalm."
Psalm: alright, glad i could help for now
Ghester: finn for a moment you also hear a voice suddenly pipe up in your head "good to meet you " and laugh before it fades away
Finn: i look around to look for the voice. "???" visibly written on my face.
Psalm: :psalmface: something the matter?
Finn: "nothing at all.." he doesn't know wtf that was but better not to look senile rn. "did you hear anything or was that just me?"
Psalm: no. maybe it was just the wind?
Pondering what just transpired Finn turns and notices Vorde making to leave, he moves to give him and Orin a quick wave. Vorde states he’ll be leaving Finn in the groups care before giving Finn a small bow back, turning and heading down the opposite end of the street. Orin gives both Finn and Keva a quick wave and follows him, the two eventually disappear from sight.
youtube
> 🎵 Victory Fanfare / FFVIII OST
> 🦇 Finn joined your party!
The group discuss what to do next, deciding they’re in need of some supplies, making to head towards the docks where Nickel had pointed out his base of operations was earlier. Rokka laments his form as a human for the moment which Finn reacts supremely confused towards hearing until the party fill him in on the whole Lupin thing. As the group make their way down Psalm also sidles up to converse with Keva about the things he gleaned from Ghester about Orin.
Psalm: keva can i talk to you for a second
Keva: no
Psalm: your decision, it's about your friend but if you would rather not speak to me i understand. forget i said anything then
Keva: i give a tired "what"
Psalm: oh so you're interested?
Keva: i can change my mind if you don't get on with it
Psalm details that he may have made a pact with a being of some sort, and that his situation sounds a little similar to something he’s heard of before. He implies it’d be a good idea to keep an eye on him anyway since this is mostly conjecture.
Psalm: it's not like i know why he isn't dead for real
Keva: yyyeeaaahh okay
Psalm: good! great talk!
The group all eventually make their way to the docks and sus out where Nickel’s base of operations is. As they peer about they watch alot of people around here come and go moving items off of boats and ships lit up by lantern lights. They all quickly come across a wooden building half covered by a large grey cloth tent, people wearing similar outfits to Nickel coming and going periodically.
youtube
> 🎵 Town / Diablo OST
The group head inside and find him in a cluttered looking space, things hanging from the ceiling of the tent and crates abound, Nickel himself behind a busy desk before he looks up and warmly regards the group before him.
Psalm: i did say you'd be the first person i'd come to if i was ever in need
Plum: sammy good? not dead yet? hahaha
Nickel: he eyeballs you psalm and laughs "always love a faithful customer" he looks over at you plum "doing well, not come back as a corpse as far as i know?"
The group ask about for items they desire and things of interest, Psalm subtly eyeballs the inside of the storefront seeing if he can spot any Lupin claws as well (he doesn't) though Nickel does eyeball Rokka in his human form for a moment. After finishing up their shopping spree and lamenting how poor they all are, Nickel gives them a warm farewell, thanking them for their patronage and the group exit. Finding themselves once again back in the empty cavern of the Withered Bone, the group ponder what to do next, the weariness of the day finally starting to fill their bodies. The late evening has finally come, though down here it's hard to tell when the day ends...
—
Notes
🗡 Keva bought a new set of「 Thieves Tools✨ 」for 25gp
🐺 Rokka bought a shirt for 5gp
🍺 Plum bought a new set of clothes for 10gp and a「 Woundbind Poultice ✨ 」for 50gp
🦇 Finn bought a thick cloak for 8gp
—
👛Nickel’s noted wares
Amulet of Non-Detection - 750gp
Hat of Disguise - 800gp
Potion of Healing - 50gp
Potion of Greater Healing - 150gp
Demondrug - 50gp
Potion of Sleep - 50gp
Potion of Darkvision - 75gp
Potion of Euphoria - 60gp
Potion of Disguise - 120gp
1 note
·
View note
Text
[I was struck with an idea the moment I read the ask, and I've been fiddling with it in my head until I finally sat down to write it. It got a lot��longer than I had originally planned. I took a bit of liberties with the prompts (and skipped one oops)—but hey, that's half the fun! Also decided to swap between POVs some. ...RIP mobile users.]
[And yes, I was partially inspired by that one post on tumblr. You'll know the one.]
Gramm/merfolk reader, nearly 200 writing prompts
“ I can’t stand the thought of loosing you. ” , 90: “ Catch me if you can! ”, 95: “ Give it back! ”
Life flowed gentle and free, just like the waters surrounding the den in the lake.
Your community wasn't large, especially not compared to the distant ocean-dwelling cousins your family met with every year... but it was home. It was calmest at the depths, a cozy blend of darkness and murk, that never failed to make the merfolk living there comfortable and safe. Lessons were led by the eldest, and even at their most strict they would never end the lesson before getting a laugh out of the students. You learned to sing, to weave, to defend, to dance.
Every new moon brought a celebration, of being one with the world around you and teasing out its greatest treasures. The waters would glow all through the night, as if the moon had trapped the sun below before hiding in shame. And every full moon, a time of reflection and inviting water sprites to visit their homes. It was a peaceful, yet lively existence, at the bottom of the lake.
Even by merfolk standards, though, you were a bit of a wild spirit.
There were very few rules to be followed in the community. Participating in the moon festivals was heavily implied, though that could be as simple as designing the decorations. Never insult a visiting sprite. Singing the fish into a frenzy was prohibited. And no one, under any circumstances, was to go upstream.
Well, you'd already managed to weasel out of your father's costume designing, tail-slapped a sprite, and you were grounded from the festival anyway for setting the eels loose to wreak havoc. (An accident, you swore. Your friends begged to differ.) And that was just this month. What was one more broken rule?
Finding an opportunity, of course, when your sister left her “troublemaker-watching” post to dance, you snuck out and darted to the northeast side of the lake.
Thanks to your many years of living in the murky depths, and the soft glow of your pendant, the darkness didn't stop you. What nearly did were the shapes that undulated like eels, but were far more massive and had extra wiggly bits. Curious, you followed them from a distance. Their scales were larger than you! Wait, no, those were plates.
After a time, you were too daring and got close enough to brush a hand across one's belly. As you thought, it was smooth and hard, like stone. But it immediately retaliated, twisting in the water to turn sharp pincers on you. You were lucky to be so nimble, as those snapped through the spot you had been. Not willing to stick around and see what it could do, you swam past them and further upstream. You hardly cared about that, distracted by adrenaline—and that was why you smacked into something so suddenly.
Shocked, you spluttered and pushed it away, heart still racing from the previous close encounter. But it was merely a frog, albeit one decently larger than you'd ever seen before. You could cradle it in your arms like a child! So many big things were upriver from your home. It swam away before you could examine it further, its belly glowing softly.
All right... now that you were away from those large things, you could admit that maybe this had been a bad idea after all. You pressed a hand to your chest, checking the flutter of your heart.
That was when you noticed the pendant was gone.
.
It was another quiet night on the river, and Gramm really wasn't supposed to be here. But he was looking for something. Something very important to him.
Wringing many hands, he gently poked the riverbank with the branch he'd picked up on the way. He had to be quick, but, how was he supposed to find anything in the dark? Without the moon to guide him, and unable to bring a light in fear of being caught, he had to rely on luck and the pity of the river.
Fortunately, it seemed the waters were merciful tonight, for a glimmer in them finally brought his attention to a familiar face. Chelicerae shifting, he tossed the stick aside before throwing a lasso to tug them back onto shore. He knelt on damp soil to pick them up, bringing them level with his many eyes.
“Kevin. I have been looking everywhere for you,” he scolded. “Do you know how much trouble you are in?”
“Ribbit,” said Kevin.
“By the look on your face, I doubt it.”
“Rib ribbit.”
“You are particularly chipper. I would bet, you wouldn't be so smug if I put you in time-out, would you?” Whatever frustration he had finally melted away, a free hand resting gently on the frog's head. “I can't stand the thought of losing you. So please, no more diving off the side of boats.” He decided to examine his slimy friend. His eyes were drawn to a faint glow in Kevin's belly. “What's this? Have you eaten another firefly light?”
“Hey!”
Gramm leapt to his feet, fangs extending in fear. He had been caught! Glancing about, however, proved the riverbank was still empty, save for him and his frog. Unless they were hiding? He clutched Kevin to his front, wincing as it immediately became damp.
“Give it back!”
That was much closer. He looked out to see if a boat had approached, but instead was startled to find something poking out of the water barely a leg's length away. A person? There was a person in the water! How was that possible? Hardly anyone around here could stand getting wet, let alone diving straight in.
Seeing they had his attention, they suddenly lunged forward, fingers clutching at Kevin's hindlegs, and tugged him away with surprising strength. It was all he could do to hold onto the thread lasso, nearly falling into the water before he dug some hands into the ground as anchors.
“Ah! Let—go!”
“You first!”
This person was as slippery as Kevin! They twisted with such ferocity, he was terrified he was going to be dragged in as well! But he wasn't going to lose his friend a second time today. He threw another lasso in desperation, wrapping it around the offender, and heaved—to bring something much larger than a fish flopping onto the bank. He then snatched the frog away, earning a startled squeak from him and a frustrated cry from the stranger.
“That little toad stole it!”
“Kevin is not a toad, he is a frog!” Petting the frog with one hand as others checked him over for injuries, Gramm took a few cautious steps away. “Why would you steal him?” And what was this frog-thief? They had a fish tail, but their upper half was devoid of scales or chitin.
The person wriggled until they could sit up, tugging at the thread trapping them. “He stole my necklace!”
“Necklace?”
The two of them stared at the frog's glowing belly.
There was a commotion somewhere to the northwest. Stiffening, Gramm decided to cut the thread and make a break for it. Maybe he could escape before any guards asked him what he was doing out here. The stranger called for him to wait, but he didn't pause. Swinging on silk, the tarantula left the river, swearing that he would never return.
.
You were sure as fish spawn getting your necklace back.
It had been an ordeal to get back home without bumping into anymore trouble, and you were chided for sneaking out. But the punishment of collecting discarded scales was the least of your worries. No one suspected you had gone so far from the lake, so at least that secret was safe. (You had your strong tail to thank for that.) Though it was only a matter of time before someone asked about your missing necklace.
It took time and patience to find chances to escape again, but at every one, you power-swam up the river to scour the bank around the spot you had run into that criminal frog. You sang in the hopes of drawing it out, but didn't find the one you needed. You kept trying, but you were afraid you'd never get it back...
And then one night, your song was interrupted by a splash.
Ducking underwater on instinct, you examined the rock sinking to the bottom. How rude! You rose once more and shouted, “That nearly hit me!”
“Quiet, quiet.”
Frowning, you watched as something came out of hiding. He certainly looked like the same individual you had witnessed run off last time: Dark short hair covering his body, a few orange markings around many limbs. And held in two of them was the offender, “Kevin.” Still glowing, and staring at you with those patterned eyes. Come to taunt, had they?
“Give me back my necklace,” you demanded. You kept a safe distance from the shore, not wanting to get tangled up again.
“You can, can have the thing, I don't want it.” His voice was barely audible, as if he were trying to keep this a secret. “Just—help me get it out of Kevin.”
You frowned, eyeing the frog. You were not getting close to that thing again. What would it steal next?
“Please. He's, he's not well, keeps spitting out this foul gas and water, and... he's going to be taken, away, if they think he keeps eating our lights.”
Common sense would say not to trust him... but even as you watched, the frog bulged, then croaked loudly. Water sloshed to the ground, which the individual stepped sidestepped with quiet chittering. You couldn't read him well, but he did seem sincerely worried.
“...all right, fine,” you huffed. “But none of that net stuff!”
“O-okay.”
You warily came onto the bank, once again disturbed by the lack of water to support you. The person was just as cautious, but eventually he was convinced to part with the frog, barring the string he had attached. Bringing Kevin up, you were subjected to another of these “burps,” and made a face at the smell.
“Oh, that's definitely saltwater.” You couldn't help gagging. Even the diluted water used for cousin-meeting made you ill.
The stranger fidgeted, using all six of his arms on various parts of his person. “Why, is there salt in the water? And, why is it in Kevin?”
You rubbed the frog's belly, feeling for the tingle of magic. “The pendant. It was a gift from my cousin.” And a prank. The memory made you snort. “Said it was the closest I could ever be to the ocean.”
“Ocean?”
His tone made you look up, searching his alien features. Was he kidding? “Yeah. The ocean. You know... The gigantic world lake?” Your cousins hated it when you called it that.
“I... no, I do not.”
“What?” You hefted the frog up, turning him around to face the stranger. “Have you never gone down the river?”
“No. I hardly touch the water, except to find Kevin...”
Now that you were in conversation with him, his voice was getting quieter and meeker. He angled his head away as you stared. But you couldn't help it! He sort of had pincers like that large creature in the river, but he also had several eyes, and was much softer with his hairs. In a way, he reminded you of the crabs your cousins had brought as gifts. You didn't think he'd taste as good, though.
“What's your name,” you finally asked, after some silence.
“...it, it's Gramm.” Then his head whipped to you as you hugged Kevin tightly. “H-hey, what—”
“Incoming!”
Splat! Gramm was rewarded with a faceful of seawater, and you, the pendant that you sought. You clutched the small twisted shell, watching it glow between your fingers. Success!
“Kevin!”
His volume returned, albeit directed at the frog instead of thanking you. It seemed that was where Kevin inherited his rudeness. You made a face, then scooted backwards on the dirt. Someone needed to be taught manners. When Gramm asked what you were doing, you flashed an impish grin. “Catch me if you can!”
And then you dived backwards into the water, frog in your arms and laughter in your throat.
What had prompted you to start this game is unclear, but you enjoyed every moment of it. The fuzzy-crab ran up and down the riverbank, following every slap of your tail, until finally he managed to craft a net to snare you in. But this time, you were practically bubbling as you were tugged onto shore, only pouting playfully as he wrenched Kevin from your grasp once more.
So you tugged them both in instead.
.
Gramm will be the first to admit that he never would've expected to willingly return to the river. At first it had only been his worry for Kevin, since the stories that sprung up of the haunting melodies on the waters had spooked him. And the scare you had given, tossing him in after that, almost made him swear off the river forever, again. But, you were unique, and playful, and with the pendant returned you now glowed in the waters like a firefly. And Kevin seemed to like you, so he figured you must be all right, if a bit of a pain.
...no wonder Kevin liked you.
In the end he was glad he did return, because you had such interesting stories to share. He sat as close to the water as he dared (bringing an extra set of clothes, just in case) to listen to your tales of an entire community hidden at the bottom of a lake, and the many animals that lived there. The pendant you had was apparently once home to an ocean creature, and you let him examine it and listen to the ocean breeze trapped within. You brought him an eel once. He admired it until it slapped him in the face. Of course you laughed at that.
Honestly, he liked to hear you talk, and not only because he liked animals. You were much nicer than the people he served, and you didn't view these creatures as simply livestock or ornaments. You appreciated each individual one like a neighbor—even the troublesome Kevin.
So one day, he decided to bring you a gift. Of course that was the day Kevin went for round two of Eating Things He Really Shouldn't.
Offering the frog to you, he was quiet with embarrassment as he asked you once more for help. Your laughter reminded him of the bells that rang alarms in the manor, but yours at most were a warning for your pranks. Thankfully, this was not one of them. You finally convinced Kevin to give up the goods, and found yourself with a lapful of garment.
“What is this?”
“It's... spidersilk.” Gramm held it up, shaking off the slime. Presenting it to you, he admitted, “I had to, tailor it a bit, because of the... arms... thing.”
You accepted it, looking shocked. “Wait... for me?” He muttered nervously... then nodded. Would you like it? He hoped he had remembered your favorite color right. Or maybe the dimensions were wrong. The uncertainty grew until you had finished staring at the tunic to throw your arms around him, trapping Kevin between you two. “Gramm, it's wonderful! No one at the den has anything this gorgeous! Thank you!”
Now he was wet again! He could never leave without you splashing him somehow. At least this time, he had gotten splashed from your gratitude. If he'd had a mouth like yours, he would've been beaming as he watched you shimmy into it. It wasn't like your usual attire, but you didn't seem to mind.
“What is this for? I love it,” you reassured him, “but, you didn't have to get me anything.”
He began wringing his wrists and avoiding your gaze—here was the really embarrassing part.
“I... Well. Well, there have been some, rumors about invasions from the river, since that's the only place we can never, fully defend... And you are so, fleshy.”
“Hey, we can't all be hairy crab people,” you shot back playfully. His chelicerae squeaked together.
“I just... The spidersilk, it, it's soft but it has strength to it, and... and it'll keep you safe.” You stared at him, seeming at a loss for words. He took a deep breath and admitted, “I... I can't stand the thought of losing you, to... well, whatever is in the river.”
Carefully, you picked at the fabric, testing its give. But even your roughest tugs couldn't split the threads. Your gaze met his again, understanding the gravity at last. And though he still didn't understand everything you did, there was no mistaking what it meant when your smile became brighter than even the pendant beneath your new tunic. Or the gentle touch to his leg.
“Thank you,” you told him, saying so much more with your soft laugh.
Seeing an opportunity, Kevin wriggled out of his grip to try to make another daring escape. But you and Gramm both leapt to grab the leash, creating another splash.
The tarantula may have been soaking wet once again, but being able to sit here with the two individuals most important to him... It was a secret joy he hoped to keep revisiting for the rest of his life.
#snippets#original fiction#monster boyfriend#x reader#romantic#merfolk reader#gramm#spider boyfriend#dragon writes
9 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
daebom
night crawling
hornygreaser
Mari 🇵🇹-🇵🇹
mrfocuschikamsosworld
Mr_Focus
einhornwunderland-blog
Wiebi
ploophy-blog
You Have an idea for a good title ? I don't