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#(midnight poppy land)
princessyuwa · 6 months
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When you find out your man can really sing 🎶
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His reaction when you basically call him superman 🦸🏻‍♂️
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But you ultimately brave up and spill your heart out to him before making it physical
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Chibi commissions I’ve completed!!!
You can have one toooo >:)
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dabisqueen · 7 months
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I'm curious about something. Aside from anime characters, are there any webtoon characters that your thirsty for.
There's only one. This man:
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He can fuck me, spank me, call me silly pet names. Anything. He's incredibly hot.
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genericpuff · 5 months
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Mpl is a mess indeed. The author keeps repeatedly goes into hiatus. There was no S2 summary, leaving us very confused. It just feels like the author has no interest in it anymore.
Yeah, it's a shame, I know the creator has gone through a LOT the past year, apparently during the midseason hiatus they lost a family member and IIRC they're struggling with the physical demands of keeping up with the deadlines, so I can fully empathize with the notion that lilydusk just sort of lost control of their own story along the way. When it comes to long-term projects like this, the condition you start it in won't necessarily be the same condition you end it in and that can reflect through your work. I do think it's clear that the creator might be kind of 'done' with MPL but still trying to finish it for the audience, which I can respect, but it shows when someone's burnt out and still forcing themselves to keep up with it and that can result in a lower quality story which won't make the audience happy, either. It seems like a really shitty situation to be in.
That's just my two cents though, I have no clue what's going on with lilydusk's side of things and from what they've said, it seems like they're going through a lot that's making it hard to focus on the comic.
I do really like MPL as a concept, but I think due to the amount of hiatuses that have happened due to the struggling of the creator, MPL has sort of "lost the plot" so now it's really hard to keep up with, it feels very disjointed in its ideas and execution. I feel like lilydusk just needs to take a seat and actually look at their plot, the story they're trying to tell, and map out a game plan to get there, because right now it feels like they're just sort of going from episode to episode with no clear direction.
S1 was definitely when it was at its strongest, I miss the Poppy / Tora dynamic as the central plotline </3
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lovelylittlesiren · 2 months
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webtoons im obsessed with! these are all romance 😂
Cursed Princess Club
Midnight Poppy Land
Taming the Marquess
Lore Olympus
Obsidian Bride
Love or Attraction
Down To Earth
Children of the Night
Eaternal Nocturnal
The Kiss Bet
Marionetta
Edith
Lets Play
The Devil is a Handsome Man
My Gently Raised Beast
Brass & Sass
Going Up
The Tyrant Wants to Be Good
My Husband Changes Every Night
The Dragon King’s Bride
Archie Comics: Big Ethel Energy
Hello Baby
My In Laws ws Are Obsessed With Me
Maybe Meant To Be
Your Wish
She Weeps for the Devil
Death of a Pop Star
Harem of LuuAnh
Feel free to message me im always up for convos about any of these!
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I didn't know we could submit prompts so here's one that feels like a fun draw the squad/ocs idea from my favorite webcomic Midnight Poppy Land
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its-champakali · 2 years
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Yes, I read 20 webtoons at the surface, taking general interest in the basic idea of the story. Reading when I can.
Yes, I also fast pass this one webtoon, which is the key to all my insanity. Yet I plan to sit and wait for every episode, even though I JUST read the latest one and I need to wait an entire week. I'm here to stay.
I am both sides of the spectrum.
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muchalucha91 · 2 years
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I’ve gone 31 years on this rock without knowing about webtoons…when I tell you I’ve INHALED a handful so far😅 It’s currently 1:40 am and I’m sobbing over Days of Hana it was so beautiful. If anyone has any recommendations I’ll gladly take them! 🖤 PS I’ll be adding more as I go. Please keep those recs coming!🖤
Here’s what I’ve read so far:
~Webtoon~
• Midnight Poppy Land (as of 3/24/2023) BACK FROM HIATUS!!! Welcome back Lilydusk!!🖤🖤🖤
• SubZero (also back from hiatus as of 2/19/2023!!!)
• Atnomen
• My Gently Raised Beast (spin-off happening)
• The Witch and the Bull (back from hiatus)
• Days of Hana (complete)
• Brimstone and Roses (on hiatus)
• Down to Earth
• Eaternal Nocturnal (back from hiatus!! Another current favorite🖤)
• Phase (back from hiatus)
• Your Wish (on hiatus til 8/14/2023)
• Reunion (complete)
• Morgana and Oz (back from hiatus)
• Maybe Meant to Be (current favorite 🖤 and on hiatus)
• I Love Yoo (other current favorite 🖤 and also on hiatus)
• Let’s Play (complete, but feels unfinished lol)
• Happily Ever Afterwards (complete? There was a series finale, but it still says “updated every Thursday” so🤷🏻‍♀️)
• The Alpha King’s Claim
• Edith (no hate to the author, but I actually stopped reading. Love the art, I just don’t care about the story there, you know?)
• Lovestuck
• Lovephobia
• Hello Baby
• Now, I am a Demon King’s Wife
• Flatmates with Benefits
• The Dragon King's Bride
• Goth Girl & The Jock
• Annie Green Hates Girls
Stellar Wish (on hiatus)
What Melvin Left Behind
Fins
Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story
What the Evil Dragon Lives For
Who Stole the Empress?
My Far Too Tumultuous Marriage
Wished You Were Dead
~Manta~
• Under the Oak Tree
• Lies Become You
• Disobey the Duke if You Dare
• Moonrise by the Cliff
• Your Eternal Lies
• Falling for the Enemy (complete)
• The Golden Forest
• Totem’s Realm
• Bloody Sweet (complete)
• Taming the Emperor’s Hound
• Amina of the Lamp (complete)
• Isnelda
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Hello yes I've choosen violence
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lenaswritingandstuff · 8 months
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Y'all I need Webtoon moots 😭😭
Currently reading:
- SubZero
- The Remarried Empress
- Midnight Poppy Land
- The Dragon King's bride
Also reading Under the Oak Tree
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thedeathdeelers · 4 months
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…bruh…..🥲
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princessyuwa · 5 months
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A couple that fights together stays together ❤️
Help I'm Weak 😳
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Oh to have a guy like Tora call me "Brave Girl" 🥰(🥵)
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fallenangel27 · 10 months
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💓Tora 🥵😍 Webtoon: Midnight poppyland.
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thecrankymariachi · 10 months
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The harduous, laborious and very busy schedule of the Thuglets.... "Stalk Gil... and stalk Gil, *again*."
😂😶‍🌫️🤣
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hifftn · 1 year
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The Tiger and the Witchling Part 22 - The End (MPL Tora x Poppy)
Part 1           Part 2        Part 3         Part 4       Part 5         Part 6        Part 7    Part 8         Part 9          Part 10       Part 11         Part 12 (smut)       Part 13 (more smut)       Part 14         Part 15           Part 16         Part 17         Part 18 (smut)         Part 19          Part 20          Part 21             
This is it... it took me almost a year to finish the last chapter. A friggin’ year. I’m not proud - I’m just broken. Adulting sucks, but at least I finished this story.
@redheadkittys I know you get me. Thank you for your support, Zuckerschnute!
Warning: violence
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The tent was more spacious than Tora had expected. An opening in the roof allowed some light to come in, despite the cool air outside. A few candles brought more light and some warmth. “Come in and take a seat,” the leader of the rebels – at least Tora figured the man was their leader – invited them in. A few wooden chairs, a table and some pillows marked this not the personal tent of someone but rather some kind of meeting place. Tora waited until Goliath and the rebel leader sat down before he chose a seat. “I’ve heard a lot about you from your brother,” the blonde man began the conversation. “I haven’t heard anythin’ about ya so far,” Tora gave back. The man laughed. “My reputation hasn’t made it Narin yet, I suppose. I am going to change that.” Piercing blue eyes locked with Tora’s, the ice within them matching Vincent’s. “I’m Magnus Thoralfson, and you are Lord Balthuman’s bloodhound.” Tora held the gaze, not batting an eye. “As one of Balthuman’s most infamous soldiers, you will be a powerful addition to my army,” Magnus went on, his words chopped and hard, closer to the language of the Norsemen than the familiar tone of Tora’s mother tongue. “Addition to your army, you say?” Tora’s gaze flitted to Goliath who flashed him a tight smile. “Not only that,” Goliath affirmed, “Tora also brought a few dozen men.” Magnus hummed but Tora glared at Goliath. “I didn’t do anythin’ of that sort. Those men are under the command of Shing Ma and he’s loyal to Vincent.” Fiercely so. Tora had witnessed more often than he liked how Shing Ma made short work of those who betrayed Lord Balthuman, both on the battle field and back in the castle. While Tora was the bloodhound, Shing Ma was the blade of the Balthuman reign; sharp, precise and colder than a sword on a frosty winter day. “But many of them are loyal to you,” Goliath rushed to point out. “You trained them; they look up to you. If we can get rid of Shing Ma, it will be easy to –“ “Ya wanna try? Fightin’ Shing Ma, of all people?” Tora scoffed. “The man who trained us?” Goliath fell silent, his gaze flitted from his brother to Magnus and back. Tora got up, ignoring the way Magnus reached for the sword at his side. “Why the devils am I here? Care to tell me that? Ya obviously won’t tell me what you’re doing here, but what are ya plans with me?” “Just as I said, we want you to join our forces. And if you can also bring the men waiting a bit downhill, the better,” Goliath repeated. Magnus hand still rested on the hilt of his sword and Tora noticed the absence of a weapon on his brother. He still had to figure out what role exactly Goliath was playing in this farce. “And for that ya knock me out and drag me here instead of just – dunno, askin’ me?”
“Would you have listened?” Goliath asked back. “I’m sure Vincent has already figured I won’t come back.” “Sure he did. Marked ya a traitor and sent someone after you,” Tora confirmed, still towering over his brother. “You, I presume.” Tora confirmed with a curt nod, still keeping part of his attention on Magnus. “See?” Goliath addressed the man next to him. “I told you that would happen.” “Indeed, you did. ‘Wait, he will come to us’ were your words.” Magnus’ smile didn’t reach his eyes and barely his lips. He kept his focus on Tora. “Come for what?” Tora demanded to know. All these hints and secrets didn’t sit well with the dull ache in his head. Magnus shared a glance with Goliath before he got up again. “You, my new friend, will do me an invaluable service: You will kill Lord Balthuman.” “Think about it,” Goliath chimed in. “You are the only one who can get close enough without raising suspicion.” “Are ya out of your damned mind?” Tora spat; his eyes drawn to Magnus’ hand on the hilt of his sword. “After ya dragged me here, ya think Vincent won’t have me killed on sight? He’s going to think I joined you, especially since Shin Ma has probably already figured I’m not in the camp.” “Then we can tell Shing Ma some story where you have been,” Goliath suggested, urgency in his tone. “Or kill him,” Magnus added. “Think about it, Tora. Your brother here has quickly realized what chances I can offer. But also that it’s not wise to make me angry. Or wait.” With a wave towards the tent entry he dismissed them, not without a warning glance at Goliath who answered with a curt nod.
Back outside both brothers were equally tense. Tora stalked over to a ledge where only a few bushes and grass covered the rugged stone. Sand crunched under his feet, he clenched his fists so hard that his nails bit into his palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks in the calloused skin. “You better stay calm, we are being watched.” Goliath kicked a pebble; it skidded over the edge and into the depth. “Figured,” Tora growled back. Goliath chuckled, hands joined behind his back. “If you keep clenching your jaw like that, you might lose a tooth.” “Ya might lose somethin’ else if ya keep pestering me.” Tora was as rigid and unyielding as the rock they stood on; his shoulders squared and back straight. “Come on, this is our chance! Once Vincent is gone, we are free. We can actually live our own lives, without death clinging to us all the time,” Goliath implored, urgency in his voice. “Ya really think that?” A gust of wind whipped their hair around, black strands against the blue sky. Grains of sand danced around them, tiny needles pricking their skin and forcing them to close their eyes. “Didn’t think ya were that stupid.” “Show a bit of respect, I’m your older brother,” Goliath spat, wiping his face free. “You’re my older brother, that’s true, but you’re also a fool. As if we could ever be free. Ya think it makes a difference whether we serve Vincent or that Norseman leader?” Tora glared at his brother, clenching and unclenching his fists. “Lemme tell ya, it doesn’t. This guy is a bastard, only seeking power and gold. How does that make him any different to Vincent?” “You don’t even know him.” Goliath’s defense lacked conviction; it was weak enough for Tora to press on. “He sees me as a mere tool, just as Vincent does. I bet he also considers you and everyone else in his army as disposable and replaceable. And yet ya want me to fight Shing Ma, the man who taught us everything about fighting, who is the best and most loyal of Vincent’s generals and swordsmen. Ya want me to risk my life for the cause of someone who doesn’t think of me as a person, to replace the tyrant who doesn’t see me as a person, either. Just how foolish can ya be? Sounds like a huge pile of devil’s crap to me.” Driving his brother closer towards a dead tree, further away from the cliff, Tora didn’t stop talking until Goliath swung at him. A clear hit, fist connecting with Tora’s jaw, shut him up, if only for a second. “You ungrateful bastard,” Goliath panted, fists up and ready to strike again. “Here I’m trying everything in my power to get you out of Vincent’s clutches, and all you can do is whine.” Tora grunted and rubbed his jaw. “Not whinin’, just pointin’ out where your plan stinks.” He kept his hands at his sides, not mimicking Goliath’s fighting stance. Instead he stood tall and open, head high and gaze on his brother. Too many other fighters were around, although no one bothered stepping in. Still, Tora’s chances of striking down his brother and getting away unscathed were slim, and he wasn’t keen on taking the risk. Not yet. “It’s the best plan we got,” Goliath pointed out, hands sinking but not fully, keeping his defenses up. “So what? Killin’ Shing Ma, leadin’ Vincent’s men against him, killin’ him, too? So your Norseman can take the throne?” Tora summed it up and shrugged. “Doesn’t sound like much of a plan to me. More like a surefire way to an early grave.” Goliath chuckled, his shoulders sagged and his clenched fists loosened. “Since when do you shy away from danger, brother?” Falling back into his jovial big brother persona he reached out and patted Tora’s shoulder. “It’s just you and me, and we got nothing to lose. So what do you say? Are you with me?” Tora shrugged Goliath’s hand of and grunted once. “Just you an’ me, huh? Well, if ya put it like that, there’s not much for me to argue about, is it?” “Ah, the devils in hell are going to have a great feast. We’re about to send them a couple of the biggest demons walking on earth!” Laughing, he rubbed his hands together. “I knew you’d come around. This is our chance, we can get rid of Vincent and the vile duties he burdened us with.” “I wouldn’t call keepin’ an eye on Quincey a burden.” Tora spotted Magnus standing at the entrance of his tent. “But the rest? The bloodhound duties? Don’t tell me you came to terms with that. You used to rage about that every time he sent you out.” Goliath motioned back towards the tent but Tora didn’t move. “And I still hate it,” Tora admitted, fingers curled into loose fists. “When we kill Vincent, what’s goin’ to happen to Quincey?” “Ah…” Goliath glanced towards the tent once more and shrugged. “If he doesn’t do anything foolish, he might just get banned from here.” “And if he does?” Someone yelled something through the camp, getting the attention of everyone and causing them to gather in front of Magnus’ tent. Without giving Tora an answer, Goliath joined the handful of men while still more hurried over from all directions. Tora stayed at the cliff, arms crossed in front of him. Missing his weapons and equipment he kept his distance to the armed warriors, allowing the words of his brother to linger in his mind. They shared the same blood, to a point where people mistook them for each other at a first glance. The same black hair and golden skin, a similar built due to the same training for years. Goliath was a few years older, but also shorter. And his eyes were of a deep brown while Tora’s were like amber against the sun. They were brothers, the only ones left of their kin. Just the two of them against the rest of the world, that was how it had been since their childhood. Before Vincent had recruited them, molding them to his ideal of the perfect weapon for his ambitions, breaking their bones and their wills until they served without questioning anymore. A discussion had started among the men, one Tora couldn’t follow. They spoke in a foreign tongue, harsh to his ears and too fast for him to pick anything up. Goliath listened to someone next to him, occasionally nodding his head. Probably someone speaking his language. Whatever the commotion was about, it was enough to lure Magnus out of his tent. Tora strolled over to where Goliath was still frowning at what he just heard. If something important was going on, Tora better learned about it, too, since he was apparently part of this. At least no one stopped him or openly questioned his presence. “What’s this about?” he asked Goliath who raised a hand in a wordless prompt for patience. A few more words from the other man and Goliath nodded. “Vincent’s men are on the move. Still securing the area, but they are coming here. We have to get ready.” “How many men do you have?” Tora glanced around, counting maybe thirty armed Norsemen. “And what kind of weapons? Traps?” “Why are you asking?” the translator asked, eyes narrowed at Tora and hand resting on the hilt of a sword strapped to his hip. “Because I have a plan and I need to know some details to see how solid it is.” Straightening up to his full height, even taller than most of the Norsemen around him, Tora stared the foreign warrior down. “Come, Magnus will probably discuss this with a few others. Maybe you can help, with the knowledge of Shing Ma’s men down there.” Goliath led Tora away. “I’m glad you came around and joined us.” “Gotta do what ya can to protect the family,” Tora grumbled and stopped only when Goliath  blocked him with one arm. “Well, have you come to a decision?” Magnus asked, surrounded by five other men, all looking at Tora. “Goliath explained your plan to me. I got a few additions and changes, but basically we can try it. Gettin’ rid of Shing Ma, gettin’ at least some of his men to join us and then, takin’ Narin and draggin’ Vincent off his throne.” Tora’s gaze flitted from one face to the other, gauging their reactions and in some cases, wondering if they understood him at all. “Good. Tell me about the additions and changes you have in mind, then,” Magnus prompted and motioned to the others around them. “These are my most trusted friends, my generals so to speak. You can speak openly around them, they need to know anyway.” Tora nodded, rolled his shoulders and inhaled deeply. “We came here with 40 men, assuming those were enough to take out a rebel lair.” Some whispers, some laughter sounded from the group; it trailed off when Magnus scoffed. “Only 40 men? We have at least 70. That was a mistake on your general’s part, one that plays into our hands.” Tora tilted his head and shrugged. “Vincent barely has enemies around here anymore. You are the first real threat in ages, guess he got a bit – overconfident.” “And that will be his downfall,” Magnus confirmed. “What about your plan?” “I will go back and lure Shing Ma here. Alone. He trusts me enough follow me if I can give him a good reason.” Tora ignored the questioning gaze from his brother and focused on Magnus’ generals instead. Mostly older men, with battle scars and grim expressions. One of them was younger, though, not the broad built of his comrades, but slim. His expression was just as serious, though, a crease between his eyebrows and his jaw tense. With his fair hair braided back Tora could get a glimpse on a mole on his temple. His gaze fell to the man’s hand where a bandage covered a wound. Blood rushed to Tora’s head, bringing heat into his face. “What kind of reason?” Magnus’ voice dragged Tora back. “Dunno. Maybe finding the leader of the invaders in a vulnerable position would be good enough. Offerin’ Shing Ma the final blow. Yeah, bet he’d jump at that chance.” The protests around him left Tora unfazed, he raised his hands and shook his head. “Not for real, of course. That’s just gonna be what I tell him.” “That could work. We both know Shing Ma wouldn’t just believe it if you told him you killed Magnus on your own, not without a proof. But if you gave him the chance to finish him off on his own…” Goliath glanced to Magnus and after a curt nod, he shrugged. “So, what do you need?” Tora grinned. “We simply pick a slightly secluded place where your best fighters will wait until I get Shing Ma. Ten should be enough.” He nodded in the direction of Magnus and his generals. “But before that, ya gotta rough me up a bit. To make it believable.”
Covered in small cuts and bruises, his clothes dirty and torn, Tora dragged himself towards the camp. Goliath hadn’t held back, but he was the only one Tora trusted enough. And if he wanted his plan to succeed, trust was crucial.
Some branches cracked under their feet as Tora and Shing Ma made their way through the undergrowth. “Is it still far?” Shing Ma asked and snapped off a twig sticking into their path. “No, just a bit further.” Following the markings he had left earlier Tora led them towards the place where Magnus’ men lie in wait. Ambushes were an act of cowardice and dishonor, not the respectable hunt Tora preferred. War tactic was just a different name for deceit, only for those weak in body or trapped in desperation. It had been ages since Tora had considered himself either, but this was his only chance. Goliath had stayed behind with Magnus and most of his men, turning this into a test for Tora. If Magnus’ generals deemed Tora untrustworthy, he wouldn’t make it out alive either. “Risk of the trade,” he muttered under his breath and paused to surveil the surroundings. “It’s right over there,” he added, louder and mostly for Shing Ma to hear. “Well, let’s get over with it, shall we?” the swordsman suggested and walked past Tora towards the clearing.
It had been a brutal fight, despite the clear advantage in numbers. Most of the blood on Tora wasn’t his, but a few new cuts and bruises had joined the healing ones. It had been worth it, though; Tora came back with proof of his victory. The severed head of his prey dangled from his grip, bloodied and barely recognizable, the hair turned into a makeshift strap. Magnus came to greet him, a few of his warriors in tow, Goliath trailing behind them. “I see you bring me the head of the infamous Shing Ma for my collection,” Magnus’ voiced boomed through the camp. “Nah, this one here is for my own collection,” Tora objected, staying at the edge of the trees. “But I brought ya Shing Ma, that part is true.” A volley of arrows whirred past Tora, taking down a few of the men around Magnus. “I brought him on one piece, though,” Tora yelled, sword in hand. From behind him Shing Ma and Vincent’s army emerged, meeting Magnus’ panicking men with battle cries and their weapons drawn. Tora left Magnus to Shing Ma; he had another goal. One which was just darting off, probably to get his sword. Parrying some swings from other attackers Tora pressed on, trusting Vincent’s army to deal with the enemies. Many of them had trained with him, and many others had been trained by him; they could take on the Norsemen. Goliath, though, was Tora’s personal task. He found him near the cliff where they had talked earlier that day, a blade in each hand. “You ruined everything!” Goliath howled. “You betrayed me!” “Funny, I just wanted to say the same,” Tora spat, both hands on the hilt of his sword. “Ya ran away and joined the enemy. Left me behind – again.” “Devils, what is this crap?” Circling each other the brothers kept their distance, neither of them ready to strike just yet. “Remember how I begged ya to run away with me? How often ya shot me down? Tellin’ me ya could make it, could become rich and powerful if ya played your cards right?” Someone stumbled towards Tora and he pushed the man back, taking his eyes off Goliath just long enough for his brother to lunge and slash Tora’s sleeve open. “We both were children,” Goliath roared, his voice barely audible over the noise of a dozen small battles. Screams and shouts, the clanking of metal against metal, of feet trampling down the tents, of swords driven into flesh. “Exactly! We were children, we still had a chance for a life. But now…” Tora parried another hit and danced backwards. “I have hurt people, Goliath. I have killed them. They haunt me in my dreams, in my waking hours. I have turned into a monster, only because ya thought ya could become some kind of noble if Vincent only acknowledged ya.” “We both have hurt and killed on his command.” Goliath lunged again, stabbing with one blade while the other came in a wide swing from the side. Tora evaded the first and parried the other. “Yeah, but it was you who suggested I would be a good whipping boy. Ya sacrificed me because ya were hopin’ to gain his favor!” With a barrage of blows Tora forced his brother backwards, using the head as weapon. “Careful with that, Goliath sneered. “Isn’t it a present to Vincent, to get you off the hook?” Tora grunted and went back into his fighting stance. “Nah, this one’s for Quince. Figured I owe him the weasel who almost cost him an eye.” “You owe him nothing.” Another combined attack, the blades aimed on both his sides. Tora deflected one with his own sword, yet wasn’t quick enough to evade the other. It cut his leather doublet open and ever so slightly broke his skin. The adrenaline kept the pain at bay so Tora used the moment of Goliath’s triumph to deliver a hard kick into his brother’s stomach, making him stumble backwards, struggling for balance. “I owe him my life. Without him, I would have gone mad years ago.” The exertion met Tora’s overall exhaustion, the lack of sleep and decent food. His legs grew weak, his knees shaking. “I agree, Vincent is a plague, draining the country rather than making it prosper.” He spat out, a coppery taste on his lips. “But Quincey… he isn’t like his father. He can do better, he will do better as a leader. All – all he has to do is survive until then. And it’s my duty to – to make sure…” Breathing got difficult, the air around him felt like fire, down his lungs and through his veins. He blinked a few times to chase off the shadows creeping in from the sides. “What –?” “You really think I’m stupid enough to go into a fight without anything up my sleeve?” Goliath barked a curt laughter, blades held into the light of the slowly setting sun. “Found this on one of my travels through the country. It numbs any area it comes in contact with. But when it gets into your blood…” Tora’s vision blurred, his knees buckled, he lost the grip on Sawen’s head; it rolled a few steps away, sand and small pebbles sticking to the mostly dried blood. “Ya poisoned me?” Tora croaked; his throat tight. “Don’t worry, it won’t kill you.” Goliath stepped closer, both blades still pointed at Tora. “Although I should kill you for the betrayal.” “And I should kill ya… for abandonin’ me when I needed ya the most…” Tora panted. “For allowing Quincey to get hurt… for makin’ me come after ya on Vincent’s order.” “You’re not in the position to kill me.” Goliath bend down to peer at Tora’s face. On hands and knees, struggling to breath, sweat beading on his forehead and in his neck, he wasn’t in the condition to kill anyone. But he was still alive, still breathing and fighting. His grip tightened around his sword as he yanked his arm up, fist and the hilt of his weapon colliding with Goliath’s nose. Even over the cacophony of the fights raging around them Tora could hear the crack of cartilage and bone, the howling and cursing of his brother. His free hand reached for his belt and his dagger. With a wild swing he sliced Goliath’s face open, from his chin over his lips up to his eyebrow. A wave of dizziness hit him and Tora slumped down. The sensation of falling from a great height paired with the pressure of being stuck between two mountains. His heartbeat thundered in his head, a high squeaking noise in his ears drove him almost insane and dark spots danced in front of his eyes. Goliath squirmed on the ground, both hands pressed against his face, blood seeping out between his fingers. “I… wouldn’t kill ya… either way,” Tora grunted as he forced himself back up and on his feet. “Doesn’t mean I’m gonna spare ya.” He staggered over and kicked the blades away; better safe than sorry. “Gonna drag ya back to Narin. Vincent can decide what’s goin’ to happen to ya.” “You better kill me now,” Goliath demanded, his voice muffled by his hands. “He’s not going to show any mercy and you know that!” “’s your own fault, for betrayin’ him. ‘s nothing wrong with wantin’ a different life, but not like this. Not when it puts Quincey at risk. Not when it puts everyone we know at risk.” Tora plopped down net to his brother, looking over to where still men were fighting. He spotted Shing Ma, but saw no sign of Magnus. “Ya should just have left. I would have searched for ya a bit longer, but in the end… I doubt Vincent would send me after ya when ya leave the country. He needs me here.” Goliath’s wails grew softer. “Ya dead already?” Tora nudged his leg with his foot. “If so, I could just – ya know… leave ya here. Gotta bring back that bastard’s head. Can’t just have a couple of people’s body parts hangin’ from the saddle; Ferra wouldn’t like it.” He spat out to the side; the coppery taste only slowly fading. “I don’t need your sympathy,” Goliath snarled, one hand slipping under his doublet to pull out a piece of cloth to press against his wounds. “I know ya don’t,” Tora agreed. “And you’re wrong. This isn’t me lettin’ ya escape. It’s just me givin’ ya a head start. Ya better leave for good or I swear next time I’m gonna chop your head right off. For today though -,” he struggled on his feet again and rolled his shoulders, wincing at the pain and the fire shooting through his muscles, “- I’m sure Vincent will be pleased enough with Magnus’ head on a stick and also the head of that stupid bastard tryin’ to kill his son. As for me…” He watched one of his men running towards them, followed by some others. “I don’t have a brother anymore. He’s dead to my, and that’s what I gonna tell Vincent.” Goliath grunted, a wet sound gurgling in his throat. Tora wiped his face, sweat, dust and blood covered every bit of exposed skin. “But I get it. Wantin’ out. A life of your own. So make the best of this, it’s all I can offer ya.” Without paying attention to Goliath’s protests and curses, Tora met Brian, Damien and some of the lower ranking soldiers. They could tell him about the outcome of their ambush; from the looks of it not many Norsemen were still alive. They had been outnumbered; Tora hadn’t told them about the almost one hundred additional men who had joined their forces on the way. He hated deceit, calling it strategy or tactics didn’t change that. But he also saw the need for it sometimes. It never been a fair fight, and both sides had lied and tricked and done everything to get an advantage. Shing Ma would be proud of him. Vincent wouldn’t probably even acknowledge his efforts. It didn’t matter, as long as Quincey was safe. “Big brother Tora! Master Shing Ma has bested the Norseman leader and most of their men are either dead or taken prisoner,” Damien informed him as soon as he was close enough. “Good. That means we can go back to the castle soon.” Tora bent down and picked up the head he had dropped earlier. It was in a bad condition, hopefully it was still enough to serve as proof. Tora’s fingers were strangely numb and he swayed on his feet; the poison still taking its toll. “Let’s find someone to take a look at you and your wounds first,” Brian suggested, not sharing Damien’s enthusiasm. “Nah, that can wait until Narin. How are our losses?” One hand pressed against his side, the other holding the head they rejoined their army where Tora reported to Shing Ma who listened without batting an eye and dismissed Tora and his group, ordering them to go back and inform Vincent.
Washed and patched up hastily Tora burst into Quincey’s bedroom only to find the prince awake and back on his feet. “Took you long enough,” Quincey huffed and glared at him. “Have you even the faintest idea of how worried I was?” “Good to see ya, too,” Tora replied and plopped down on an armchair. “Got ya a present, might lighten up your mood.” “What is it?” Suspicion crept into Quincey’s voice, he narrowed his eyes on Tora who shrugged. “It’s outside. Ya might not want to look at it if you’ve just have eaten.” He had often joked about Quincey being delicate, about his aversion to blood and violence and how it made him so unlike to his own father. “Ah, I take you have found him.” Quincey’s hand flew to the bandage over his eye, the fingertips softly touching the clean cloth. “I did.” Tora had found him, singled him out in the ambush and made sure the boy understood what exactly he had done to deserve Tora’s wrath. No remorse, on both sides. “Good. Does that mean you have fulfilled your latest hunt to my father’s satisfaction?” Quincey poured some wine into a silver goblet; it was mostly for show, something to occupy his hands. “Well, he’s gonna let me live, so I guess…” With a single shrug Tora summed up one of the most unpleasant audiences in his life so far. Vincent was unpredictable when he was furious, but Tora had also survived this encounter. “Ya know, usually I don’t care and just do what Vincent tells me to do, but this time…” “This time it was your brother you had to hunt down.” Quincey nodded, the strands of his golden hair shining in the lights of a dozen candles. “Its not about the blood we share,” Tora calmly objected. “It was the crime Vincent accused him of.” “Desertion? Treason?” Quincey offered and reached for his wine. “Nah, that was just the consequence of what Goliath actually wanted. And it wasn’t even much. Just a life of his own. The chance to make his own decisions.” Tora leaned forwards, resting both hands on his thighs, head hanging low. His own hair, black like the feathers of a raven, a stark contrast to Quincey’s, just served as reminder that this man in front of him wasn’t his brother in blood. Yet he had picked him over his actual brother. “I see. Well, you are right, that isn’t much to ask for.” Ignoring the wine Quincey took a seat opposite of Tora. “You know, while you were gone, I wasn’t idle, either.” “Devils, don’t tell me ya came up with a new song. Haven’t I suffered enough already?” Both hands on his face Tora slumped further into his seat. “Shush, you peasant! They will sing my songs for generations to come, you will see!” Quincey smoothed down his clothes and sighed. “No, I have gotten word that some of the villages around the castle become more and more dangerous. Small things, theft and mindless acts of violence. But also others, some that the local authorities can’t deal with on their own.” With a bright smile Quincey paused, giving Tora time for a reaction. Any kind of reaction. He was met with the usual stoic stare, though. “You are no fun,” the prince wailed and sighed again. “I figured we better send some men out there to train a couple of villagers, make them some kind of guard. Sentinels, maybe. I haven’t decided on a name yet.” “To report in case another rebel group or invasion disturbs the peace?” One eyebrow raised Tora straightened up again. “Something like that. Anyway, it has to be someone who’s both used in training others but also in acting on their own. Someone who knows all kind of tricks.” Quincey jumped up and walked past Tora, towards his lyre. “Someone who wouldn’t mind staying away from the castle most of the time.” “That rules out all the power-hungry bootlickers,” Tora pointed out. Quincey nodded and tugged at a string only to tune it and tug again. “Exactly. And it has to be someone who has our trust. Now, my dear friend, where could we find someone like that?”
His side was still burning; whatever had coated Goliath’s blade was a hell of a poison. It delayed the healing process and caused Tora even more nightmares than before. Ferra was indifferent to her master’s suffering; she gave him a good jolt on the way back to Moonbright. First, he had to find Joseph and inform him about his new orders. Second, he had to find that vermin of a miller’s son, just to make sure everything had happened as Tora had planned. And once that was taken care of, he had a promise to keep. The ax was safely stored in his saddle bag. He could almost smell mix of honey and herbs, almost hear her laughter. Well, the first thing he would probably hear would be a good scolding, considering his condition. He was covered in bruises and cuts, hadn’t had a proper sleep in days and it showed on his face and in the dark circles under his eyes, and he still suffered from the poisoning. She would be furious. And yet he couldn’t wait to listen to her ranting about his carelessness, couldn’t wait for her to order him around so she could have a look at every single cut and injury he had suffered. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he sent silent thanks to Quincey for insisting on his foolish plan. For once in his life Tora would be selfish. For once in his life, it was worth it. He clicked his tongue and nudged Ferra into a faster pace. He couldn’t wait for this new life of his to begin. With Poppy.
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lovelylittlesiren · 3 months
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hi my name is Sadie and im addicted to reading romantic webtoons now that i gave up all social media 🫠🥰
p.s. im down to talk about any of them! although im not super far into “taming the marquess” bc its a daily pass 🙄😒 and i just started “the dark lords confession”
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