#ad merida sad

[usernamesuggestionsarefunny]

Wish spoilers ahead.

The start of Wish is exactly like that of Encanto but without all the heart. It is literally the meme of "Can I copy your homework?" "Yeah but change a few things so it is not too obvious."

Also Asha deserved a pretty dress in the end like wth are you going to sell to little girls Disney you are all about money and you failed miserably even at that.

And it is for real soooo unfair how the queen did get a pretty dress the whole movie and Asha only got some lazy ass sparkles added to her boring ass dress.

Asha... not bad, ok, but she is copy paste Anna, Mirabel, and Rapunzel. Youtuber ModernGurlz is right about Disney's "adorkable" problem. All their main girls since Rapunzel have the same "quirky" personality save a few details. I have liked them all but it is getting boring. Give me a princess with a monotone, sad personality, give me a shy princess who only smiles and talks around close friends, give me back the classic super girly personality Aurora and Snow White style, give me an angry girl with a brutal sense of humor like Merida. Be creative, please!!!

I love the queen's design, super gorgeous. Too bad her character added nothing. Her help was barely needed since Asha's friend had already sneaked them into the castle and it was her who deciphered the king's magic. A super villain couple would have been way more fun.

Oh, yeah, Asha's friends. There were so-damn-many of them and only like 3 were rememberable or needed for the story.

The villain is a complicated issue. I appreciated Disney's attempt at another fully evil character, I liked how he wasn't yet another badly set up "twist villain" revealed only at the end. But I didn't like the end result that much.

His backstory was super underdeveloped and to "get" his motives better, if they really wanted to make him evil-yet-complex, they should have shown us a flashback of him losing his family Encanto style (They copy pasted the start might as well do the same with the antagonist backstory.

What the hell was the missing piece of tapestry for if it wasn't going to have any significance later on? Did the writers just forget or what even?

Worst part for me: The stakes were low as fuck. Disney doesn't respect its target audience, nowadays it thinks that children can't handle anything worse than a main character getting disappointed. The worst this "super evil" villain does is make people sad temporarily, for like two minutes (Kid you not), like one character stays sad for longer but MOST people in the kingdom seem happy and normal after giving up their wishes, he legit just makes people sad a few minutes (Again, I kid you not, no one dies, the wishes he "eats" to make himself stronger come back, nothing he does has a permanent, devastating effect, he is not even revealed to have killed Asha's father in a dramatic way or something). Yeah he makes people forget their wishes which is pretty sketchy but up to that point he seemed to have complex reasons for that, reasons that seem to disappear or have never even been there the second half of the movie when he magically becomes more evil due to a forbidden green spooky magic he uses, and then suddenly he becomes Maleficent (The cool, perfect villain version, not the woobie one) style evil in a very, very rushed and over the top way. I feel like he should have started up as fully evil with no backstory (Just a simple, Gaston or original Maleficent style, self centered guy, who wants more and more power and adoration), and simply gotten worse and stronger OR given more complexity as to why he became that way, but instead we got this weird thing in between where it is clear he just wants power and love from the people for the sake of it and yet he has this half-made sob story on how his family died.

There was a great lack of originality in this movie at the climax as well. Anyone watched "The little mermaid II"? That was pretty much it. Villain gets power boner, says he will enslave everyone (Worst thing he does in whole movie and yet no one trying to defy him dies at least off screen or gets hurt in any meaningful way). Then heroine saves the day.

The funniest part of this movie is that the villain's fate is worse than anything he ever did in the movie I swear. He gets trapped in a freaking mirror and then locked up in a cell (Similar to the Little mermaid II villain's end too lol). That is straight up torture till death, it is so fucked up. And his wife who literally sees how the green spooky magic is the main thing responsible for his bad day (If we are being honest that is all it was, other than the taking wishes part he seemed to be a good king) leaves him to rot and becomes queen Catherine II style, it is hilarious. Like girl, you turned against your husband like five minutes ago because apparently through decades of seemingly loving marriage, you never knew he was evil but now somehow you are ok with him rotting in solitary confinement till the end of time? So dorky and silly. So bad, so bad.

Lastly, that goat was annoying as hell.

#disney wish #wish #asha #asha disney #disney princess #disney prinesses #rant #disney rant #wish rant #wish review #disney wish review

[jloves-pp]

Merida and Hiccup's story- chapter 12

Chapter 12-struggled and hope

"That was incredible!" Astrid praised Merida as the girls walked from the archery ring.

"You're not so bad yourself" Merida complimented her friend "I can't remember anyone who shoots arrows as good as you".

"Well, I've been athletic since I was 1" Astrid added. The girls had become the best of friends in the short time Merida had been in Berk, sadly Merida was going home tomorrow but she'd had the time of her life. Not only because she was on an island filled with excitement and adventure but also because she loved being with Hiccup who was now out flying with Toothless.

"Oh, my dad always told me I was meant to do archery, because I used to play with his bow" Merida said as they reached the blacksmith's shop. "I wish you and the others could come to DunBroch one day".

Astrid's face dropped, she would like to visit Merida's home land, but it was risky. It was hard enough for Hiccup but Astrid and their friends were more 'viking' than Hiccup so they would be imprisoned immediately.

"Merida, can I ask you something?"

"Aye. What's the matter" Merida asked as she saw Astrid's face change.

"Have you and Hiccup ever talked about if your parents found out the truth, you do know the risks both of you taking?" Astrid said.

"Well, it has crossed my mind but I try to not think about it" Merida replied.

"I'm not being mean, but I just want to you and Hiccup to think of the danger, you both could be executed for betrayal" Astrid explained.

"I know" Merida answered.

"It will start a war…" Astrid continued.

"I KNOW" Merida didn't realise she shouted till she saw her friends face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"It's ok" Astrid said softly, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder "I want to protect the two of you. It's a huge risk you're taking".

"Aye, but it's worth it" Astrid could see dream like look in her eyes.

"Yeah, don't stop fighting for your love. It's so rare to find the one " Astrid said.

"Since when did you become a romantic?" Merida joked and both girls giggled. Just then Stormfly trotted toward them. The girls petted the Deadly Nadder dragon who cooed.

"Want to go flying with us Mer?" Astrid asked.

"Sorry but I promised I'd meet Hiccup and Toothless here" Merida replied a bit sad but was relieved see a smile on her face.

"Oh, cool that's fine, we'll be back before the bonfire party" Astrid said "See you then" then the Viking girl held up her arm in front of herself. At first, Merida didn't quite understand but it dawned on her. Merida lifted her arm up and both girls knocked their arms together.

Soon Astrid and Stormfly flew off, Merida waved them off then she returned to the blacksmiths. She entered Hiccup's living quarters, it was a bit messy but still impressive with all the drawings of his inventions. She could see Toothless's saddle, some special weapons and plans to help the dragon adapt to Berk. The Redhead glanced at them admiring Hiccup's drawings, then she came across a notebook. Curious, Merida picked up the book and flicked through it. She saw some things she expected like drawings of Toothless, notes and other information. But when she turned a page, she found a drawing of her, she continued and saw another. They were full of detail and intricacies, some were normal portraits others were she was posing like one of her holding her bow and shooting an arrow.

When she'd had her portraits done at home, she'd felt uncomfortable, tired and itchy in the fancy dresses she'd had to wear. They'd made her look like a different person, but Hiccup's drawings showed who she really was.

"Hiccup" a voice boomed that made Merida jump. Large footsteps came closer, Merida quickly put the book down as Stoick walked in "Hiccup, there you are we…" Stoick stopped at the person who he'd thought was his son, but when Merida turned the Viking was very surprised. "Oh, sorry I thought you were my son".

At first, Merida didn't understand his mistake, until she realised was still wearing Hiccup's helmet.

'Oh, it's fine' Merida replied with a warm smile. Stoick wasn't at all what Merida had imagined, he reminded her of her father. He definitely looked like a man to be taken seriously, although there was something in his eyes, she could see the resemblance to Hiccup.

"I don't mean to be rude, but who are you? You're new around here" the viking man asked, wondering why a girl was in his son's workshop. At first, she wasn't sure what to say eventually said.

"I'm Merida, Astrid's cousin".

"A pleasure to meet you" Stoick said shaking her hand "How's your time been visiting Berk?"

"Oh, it's been the best, everyone's been really welcoming and the dragons are incredible she explained, which made Stoick chuckle, she was so enthusiastic.

"That's my son's doing, we'd still be fighting them, if Hiccup had never befriended Toothless".

"You must be proud of him". Merida commented.

"Aye, I am now. I was too stubborn and proud to listen to him, but we're closer now" Stoick said with affection. "Oh, I forgot to ask, where are you from?"

Merida froze. She obviously couldn't say Scotland, so she said the first thing in her head.

"Bear Valley" she tried to look calm but inside, she was panicking.

"Oh, Bear Valley, guess there's lots of bears on your island" Stoick said which made Merida inwardly sigh with relief.

'Aye we do" she answered truthfully.

"I've faced the few bears in my time. Hiccup was nearly attacked by one if I hadn't saved him…" he looked at the girl wistfully, then added "Well, I'd better be off. See you later at the party".

"I hope so" Merida said, waving goodbye, Stoick waved back and walked right into a pole. The princess tried not to laugh as the chief straightened up and walked on. Just as Merida relaxed, she heard the flapping of wings and glanced toward the door, Hiccup and Toothless had arrived.

"Sorry we're late. We found a lost baby dragon and we managed to find its mum" Hiccup apologised gently taking his sweetheart's hands.

"It's ok, I'll be there on the next rescue" Merida said kissing on the cheek. "Oh, and by the way I met your father".

"WHAT! what did he said to you? Did he ask you anything? Did he find us out?" Hiccup questioned panicking, he eyes filled with worry.

"Hiccup, it's fine. I didn't say anything. We had a chat and then he left" Merida said reassuringly, placing her hand on either side of his face. The boy breathed, then put his hands on top of hers.

"Ok, I don't know what dad will be like if he finds out, so don't be surprised if he goes berserk" Hiccup commented. Merida held his hands and put her head on his shoulder.

'Sounds like my dad. Looks like we're cut from the same cloth" Merida said which made Hiccup smile as they walked out for their next adventure.

As the sun settled, the evening was to hold the first anniversary of peace between the Vikings and the Dragons. It started in the meat hall, the princess sat with Hiccup and the other teens, eating and chatting away. Then Stoick stood in front of all the Vikings, and began his speech.

"My friends. Today marks our first year with dragons. From centuries of fighting, we hunted and we lost so many on both sides. But now, we stand together, fight for each other and now that the Red Death has gone, we have peace. It's all because of my son and his Night Fury. Raise a cup for Hiccup and Toothless" Stoick announced. A chorus of cheers rang out, making the boy and his dragon blush.

"Hiccup and Toothless" Merida cheered. Hiccup smiled at her before kissing her cheek.

Not too long after everyone was outside celebrating around huge bonfire. There was singing, drinking and dancing throughout the night. The dragons joined in by warming themselves around the bonfires.

"Who's next" Stoick shouted. He has been arm-wrestling and was on a 14-time winning streak. Merida was watching him with the others, Hiccup passed her a drink which she took gratefully. "Come on! Are you scared to face me?" Stoick challenged.

"Or if they do, they'll be on your bad side of a week" Hiccup said sarcastically, which made the other teens laugh.

"Have any of you challenged him?" Merida asked, taking a sip.

"Ur no, are you nuts?" Ruffnut said bewildered.

"He breaks your arm in pieces" Tuffnut added pretending his arm was broken.

"Yeah, dad doesn't lose easily" Hiccup said.

"Well then" Merida commented before finishing her drink "let's see" she stood up walked away.

"Merida what? You? and she's gone" Hiccup said staring in shock. He and the other teens quickly ran as the Princess reached the chief.

"I accept the challenge" Merida called out which made everyone turned to look at her.

"Well Lass, come and show your strength" Stoick said showing her a chair.

When the others joined the crowd. They saw Merida sitting across from Stoick, ready for her challenge. Astrid noticed Hiccup's face had turned pale. She patted his shoulder for comfort.

"She'll be fine Hiccup. Merida can handle it" Hiccup smiled, not as sure as Astrid was about her success. His dad and his love gripped each other's hands They were face to face.

"Ready…go" their clenched fists pushed against each other. The elder Vikings cheered for Stoick while the teens cheered for the princess. Hiccup just bit his lip, watching Stoick overpowering Merida, nearly touching the table but suddenly Merida smirked, Stoick and the other vikings mouths dropped as Merida started pushing the chef's arm in the opposite direction. Even though he tried, Merida brought the man hand down. The teens shouted in celebration, Hiccup was more than relieved, he cheered as Merida stood up with both arms in the air in triumph.

"Well, congrats lass" Stoick said holding out his hand. Merida instantly shook it. "You're only the second person to ever beat me".

"Who was the first?" the girl asked.

"My wife" Stoick answered. Merida could see a bit of sadness in Stoick eyes. She knew from Hiccup what happened to his mum, so she understood. "She may have looked frail but she was unstoppable" he added smiling brightly. She smiled in return before her friends crowded around her and Stoick walked off to get a drink.

Astrid offered to grab some drinks, Snoutlout, Fishlegs and the twins went off to find food.

"You'll be the talk the village for a long time" Merida turned to find Hiccup, beaming at her.

"Sorry if I worried you. I couldn't resist a challenge, even if was against your dad" Merida said walking up to her Viking.

"No don't be, I was scared but I need to remember that you're stronger than me" Hiccup said rubbing his neck.

Merida let out a small laugh and saying "Well you have the biggest heart I know of". This made Hiccup blush, just then they heard music started to play.

"May I?" Hiccup asked as he bowed and held out his hand. Merida grinned and curtsied to him before taking his hand.

"Well, I'm not very good at dancing, I'll probably stand on your feet all the time" she admitted as they walked to the where other vikings were dancing.

"Well, we can be bad dancers together" Hiccup casually said. The two began to dance, they both thought would be bumping into other people or stepping on each other feet. But no, Hiccup held Merida close as they moved across the floor, they hopped, clapped and twirled together perfectly. He never thought he could ever dance like this in his life, dancing with Merida felt like a dream. Merida was surprised, she was enjoying this, she thought dancing with a boy was the worst thing she could've experienced. Now, as Hiccup spun her around with one hand, she understood many girls' fantasies of a romantic dance. The world seemed to disappear and their troubles melted away. It was just the two of them, together at their happiest. They didn't realise everyone was watching them. The grown-ups were surprised at this but they could see the chemistry between them as Hiccup and Merida laughed and danced. Toothless watched in pride, he noticed that their love was rubbing off on to other people as they joined in with the dance. Astrid and the others returned, wondering where Hiccup and Merida were at until Fishlegs spotted them.

"Are they already practicing their wedding dance?" Snoutlout joked. Astrid shot him a look but she wanted them to work even though the world was against them. Stoick noticed them too, seeing how close they were. His son and the young lady reminded him of him and his wife when they were young. Happy and carefree, lost in their own private world.

"Only know each other for a few days and they're already love birds" Stoick was dazed by the dancing couple he was brought back to find Gobber next to him, offering a fresh drink. The chief took it and looked back to Hiccup and Merida.

"Thanks, feels like they know each other for years" Stoick said.

'Yeah, like you and Valka. Even though she had a huge compassion for the Dragons. You loved her regardless" Gobber commented "Now I know where Hiccup get his romantic charm from".

"What?"

"Yes. I was carrying some broken metal to the workshop when I happen to see those in the shadows, whispering, then they started kissing, like making out. I never thought he had it in him" Gobber explained, gulping down his drink.

Stoick thought it over, true there were many things about his son he didn't know yet like of course his friendship with Toothless, but he was still learning about Hiccup. So, knowing that Hiccup with someone he had feelings for, was a wonderful thing to see. Especially when he saw Hiccup kiss Merida on the cheek, hoping no one noticed it.

"So, you may have to give him the talk" Gobber noted his confused look. "You know, the birds and the bees" Stoick growled rubbing his forehead. He already knew it would be very bad, Stoick decided to leave his son but he would be there if Hiccup needed help. Stoick grinned as the couple returned to their friends, definitely having a good night.

Very early the next day, Hiccup and Merida got ready for a return trip to Scotland. Merida had put her dress on, thinking if mum saw her in viking clothes, she would freak out. Merida tried to return the clothes to Astrid and Ruffnut but they insisted she kept them. She packed the last of her bags before the girls headed out to meet the boys. Hiccup managed to fastened Toothless's saddle just as the girls arrived on the cliff side.

"Shame you're leaving so soon" Ruffnut said.

"Me too, hopefully I'll manage to visit again" Merida replied hugging her.

"Yeah, you'd better, we need to pick out a dragon for you" Astrid said hand on her hip.

"Who knows" Merida laughed and the two-arm bump together.

"What's that about? Snoutlout asked in confusion.

"It's our thing, when we say hello, goodbye and to celebrate" Astrid answered.

"Just give a high five like everyone else" he said and the girls rolled their eyes.

"Ok, all set. Ready when you are ready Mer" Hiccup said rubbing Toothless's head. Merida said her goodbyes, climbed onto the Night Fury and waved to her new friends. Hiccup, Merida and Toothless took off in the air. Just like last time, it took them 3 days to reach DunBroch. It was night-time we they landed on the outskirts of the castle. Merida looked out to her home, it looked the same as always, but at that moment home seemed different. She realised how much she'd missed it.

Hiccup joined Merida by her side and the dragon joined them.

"At one point, I would have done anything to leave and have my freedom, but now I can't imagine never returning home" Merida confessed. She felt Hiccup's hand slip into hers.

"Me too, I nearly ran away from my home because of everyone wanted to kill dragons, and I had to protect Toothless. Before that, I thought about sailing away, thinking no one would care if I disappeared" Hiccup told her. He felt Merida squeeze his hand and showed him a reassuring smile.

They stood and watched the night sky, when Hiccup glanced over he noticed the melancholy look on the princess's face.

"Mer, what's wrong" Hiccup asked.

"I'm fine".

"No, you're not. Please" Hiccup replied.

Merida shut her eyes, she didn't want to talk about it but they needed to discuss it. She took a breath before answering.

"Hic, do you think we have a future together?"

Hiccup was taken aback. Yes, it was question that had been on his mind but he didn't want to bring it up.

"Yes of course".

"Even though we are from different worlds. Even if it takes our kingdoms…our families..." Merida continued on the brink of tears.

"Merida please calm down" Hiccup said calmly pressing his hands on her shoulders

"We need some time to figure…." But Merida pushed his hands off.

"LISTEN TO ME!" Merida screamed, hot tears flooded from her eyes. "If our parents found out. They'll never listen to us. There'll be nothing but blood, death and hatred because of us. I never want to hurt my family again, we've been through hell and I don't want to lose them. I love you Hiccup. I will always love you but there's this huge mountain of hate between us and I don't have a clue to get through it" Merida covered her head as she sobbed.

Hiccup could feel the tears running down his face. Everything she said was breaking his heart, seeing Merida so upset. Instantly, he wrapped his arms around her. Merida buried her face in his shoulder and held him close, for fear he would vanish.

"I'm sorry" he whispered. Toothless groaned in sympathy, he came over and wrapped his wings around the couple. They stayed like this for a while until the Viking softly kissed Merida's forehead. "Mer. I've had those thoughts running through my head since our first week. True, I haven't any ideas, but we can't loss hope. If we could fix things that are 100 times bigger than us. That doesn't stop us from trying." Hiccup told Merida rubbing a strand of hair from her face "And even if things don't go to plan. It's not stopping us because I don't want to live my life without you Merida. I dream of you and me having a full life with adventures and marriage and maybe babies".

"You…you want children" Merida asked. He blushed, he wasn't sure if she wanted kids, knowing her views marriage.

"Yeah, I've being wondering what our kids maybe like" he managed to say.

"I want them too" Merida said a bit shyly "I've being thinking about babies. I never thought much about it, but after meeting you. I began thinking about it more".

The two shared a loving smile, Toothless could sense they'd calmed down, he unwrapped his wings and backed off to give them some space.

"I'd like to give our children the freedom and the happiness they deserve" Merida added.

"We'll make sure that dream becomes reality" Hiccup said looking into her eyes "No matter who stands in our way".

"You definitely know what to say" Merida said laughing softly.

"Well, I do my best" Hiccup said grinning which made his princess smile.

"Do you think we'll end up running away together?" Merida then said.

"Wouldn't be surprised, let's try making peace between both sides somehow" Hiccup said rubbing his neck.

"Aye, I just… I don't know if they will" Merida told him still worrying.

"Hey, hey. It's not like you to worry. I understand but I don't want you to be worried" Hiccup reassured her "I promise, we'll figure it out" That was one of the reasons Merida loved him, he tried to make a difference in the world, it gave her hope and incentive for them to keep fighting for their love. "No matter what happened, we'll get through this".

Merida hesitated for a moment until Toothless gently pushed her closer to Hiccup. They looked over to the dragon and smiled at him.

"I believe you Hiccup" Merida said. The two kissed more passionately than before. The dragon sat on the side as the continued. Soon after, they went to sleep against Toothless. When morning came, Merida decided to stay and see them, before heading home.

"I wish you could come to the games. You'd enjoy them" Merida said pushing her bags aside.

"Yeah, I'm not a fan of physical games, it might be riskier being around more people" Hiccup explained before walking to Merida. "I promise to make it up".

"Oh, like what" Merida said playfully.

"Well, you know, an adventure and get into a bit of trouble and maybe something more" Hiccup said which did made Merida giggle before they kissed. They noticed Toothless raised him eyebrows at them.

"Oh, wee lamb" Merida commented, walking away to the Night Fury, gently holding his face "You want your buddy to yourself, do you?" Toothless purred which she took as maybe.

"Well, you're a true friend Toothless, that will never change. So, I trust you to take care of him".

Toothless responded by licking her, causing Merida to giggle. Hiccup gave his friend a scratch behind the ear and gave Merida another kiss. Soon Hiccup and Toothless were saying their goodbyes and flying off back to Berk. Even though they seemed ok, inside their thoughts were filled of their future. It scared them but they knew their love would withstand decades of hate, whatever 

#mericcup #brave #how to train your dragon #merida #hiccup #fanfic

[444namesplus]

names/words i had on my discord notes channel labeled #_random-names

Sad Absa - also, Absaulenne "Abby" Baker, a post mortem minor deity of the poor and homeless. Has a portal leading to every poor man or woman's pocket at once.

Dasalot of Plurality

Enwitta Tilda - Ñ personification

Akoros - loves shiny things. (Сорока)

Wyen Wyelen - y/n character, might be a shapeshifter thief rogue whatever.

Ty Wdym Iibho Imho Sodn Gom

Sonuva - bitch

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ufarhauseins#Gothic Ufarhaus Eins — A disobedient vanguard.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/buggerare#Italian Buggerare L'Adep

Mudogorett

Nesalgos (согласен)

Heoth Heis, an army leutenant blonde elf. (he hot, he is)

Seagren

Ecilla

Van den Eynde

Shiphrah and Puah

Lomax

Nair Leena Menon

Ad Mingus-Ogden (goddamn genius)

Arie Huston

Thorin Esau

Etan Houris

Irena South

Noah Rustie

Luci Meadow

Avie Bugfop

Jake Oxquiz

Aaren Ethos

Anthea Rose

Renato Ashe

Rothaeneas

Ernesto Aha

Ora Shantee

Serena Thao/Taoh

Shenora Tea

Milo Aubert

Morita Blue

Umberto Lia

Aderim Kaollat (tall oak Merida backwards)

Jimarcus Freeman

Travon Lamb

Garon Ottey

Isiah Richie

Alcazar

Euabalong

Hryhorii Epik

Calzada de Oropesa

Nomedra Ekilra Nellafra Nomedak Ekilak Nellafak Rellikra Rellikak Ogelra Ogelak

Fulton

Emarginula Candida Anneveld Dubowitz

Sebők

Towcester

Tófa Angantyr

Heathoric Sifeca

Esgaio

SNYEYAPOVUL DIAYAIES

Aigenkey

Mervyn

Haisman

Seo Eun-Yu

Maovais Meuveos

Doelan - a name which means "name"

Bielefeld

yanna /ˈjanna/ n. life (lifetime), life (soul)

Ganimedes

Drazil - Lizard backwards

Yangon

Grandol City. ...once called Urbos Grandom, then Old Grandom, then Grand Old City. Now Grandol City.

Kinany

Ulagas = ULtrAGAS

Nedel = icen

Takor = tractor

Ytes

Anju

Baskfire

Earlene

Nollyopa, Liemauth, Retek, Dicleu, Efas, Desilatreun

Alazartis - Salaz(Ar)tist - Salazar Artist

Ariald

Kiwill

Kywill

Allardyce

Redruth

Oucas

Wikondon

Dareork

Holay

Froody

Abamesis Abelia Abikia Abimia Abisasis Abolia Acaquia Acecia Acelia Acisia Adaquisis Adas Adatia Adavia Adehia Adis Adoris Afakis Afalia Afania Afatia Afavos Afazia Afekia Afesis Afihia Afitia Afokia Agakia Agehos Agequia Agihia Agilia Agobia Agosis Ahania Ahaquia Aharia Ahatia Ahes Ahimia Ahivia Ahos Ahosia Ahosis Alalia Alaquia Aletia Aliria Alisis Amalia Amequia Ameria Ames Amesia Amibia Amikia Aminesis Anagosis Anasasis Anasia Anitia Anoria Anosos Apakes Apemos Apesis Apilia Apodesis Aporia Aquaria Aquas Aquefia Aquenia Aquetia Aquinia Aquos Aralia Aregia Arenas Arezesis Arobes Asabia Asas Asebia Aselas Aselia Asenesis Asisia Asohos Asopia Atamasis Ataquia Atasia Atebia Atelia Atimes Atomia Avamia Avaria Avefia Avolia Avoquia Azagia Azania Azasis Azecia Azegia Azelia Azesia Azofia Azoquia Azotia Badia Bania Bapia Baquia Barisis Basia Basis Batia Bedia Begia Besia Besis Bifia Bigia Binia Birisis Bisia Bisis Bitia Bogia Bolia Bomia Bonia Boria Bos Bosia Botisis Cadia Cafia Calia Cania Caria Cas Cavia Cekia Cemia Cenos Cepia Cequia Ces Cesis Cetia Cezia Cigisis Cimia Cinia Cokasis Conia Copia Coquas Corosis Cotia Covis Dacia Dagia Dakia Dalia Dalosis Damia Daquia Daria Dasia Debia Dedia Dehia Delia Dequia Desis Dicos Diles Dimas Dirasis Diria Disos Donia Doria Dos

Ebakia Ebasasis Ebecia Eberia Ebetia Ebisia Ebodia Ebotia Eceria Ecesia Ecezia Ecisia Econia Ededia Edenia Edidia Edipes Edomia Efalia Efamia Efania Efas Efedia Eferia Efetia Eficia Efidia Efiquosis Efis Eforia Egagia Egalasis Egalia Egas Eges Egigia Egimia Eginia Egis Ehinosis Ehokia Ehomia Ehonia Ehoquia Ehotis Eladia Eledosis Elemia Eles Elicesis Elidia Elifia Elimia Eliria Elis Eloresis Emagasis Ememas Emenia Emequia Emes Emesia Emiles Emiria Emisis Emolas Emoquia Enamia Enania Enatia Enebia Enesis Enimosis Eninia Enogia Enolia Enomia Enoria Enovia Epamia Epapia Epasia Epekia Epimia Epinia Epiquos Epiria Epis Equafia Equaquia Equaria Equavia Equazia Equenia Equequas Equesis Equibia Equicia Equimia Equis Equivas Equocia Equotia Eradia Ericia Esabia Esapia Esemia Esepia Esesis Esetia Esevasis Esilia Esisia Esocia Esolia Esomia Esos Etacia Etania Etedia Etekos Etes Etesis Etetia Etitia Etolia Etolis Etosasis Evakas Evazisis Everia Evigia Evilia Eviria Evonasis Evotia Ezabia Ezafia Ezesia Ezidia Ezigia Ezimia Ezitia Ezofia Ezos Fania Faquesis Faquia Fas Fatia Favia Fedia Fenia Feria Fifia Fihosis Fikia Filia Fimia Finia Firia Fis Fisis Fitia Fofia Fohes Foria Fos Fosis Gabosis Gagia Gahos Gakia Gaquis Garia Gazesis Gecia Gegia Gemia Genia Gequia Geras Gesia Gesis Gezia Gidia Gimia Gis Gisia Gisis Godia Gohia Gokia Goquia Goresis Goris Hacia Hahia Halia Hamia Haquia Haros Hasis Hatia Havia Hazosis Hecia Hedia Helia Hemia Henosis Hequia Hesia Hesis Hezia Hinia Hisia Hisis Hitesis Hitia Hizia Hobia Hogia Hogosis Homia Homosis Horia Hos Hotia

Ibapesis Ibapia Ibidia Ibisas Ibonia Ibopia Ibotia Icagia Icaquia Icasia Icasis Ices Icesia Icibia Icises Icitia Icolia Idehia Idenia Ideria Idogos Idoquia Ifania Ifavia Ifehia Ifelia Ifequia Iferia Ifesis Ifocis Ifodasis Iforia Ifos Igania Igatia Igecia Igedia Igoria Igosia Iharia Ihasas Ihepia Ihequia Ihetisis Ihigia Ihihia Ilepia Ilesis Ilipia Ilisia Ilisis Ilos Imamia Imas Imasia Imedia Imes Imifia Imikia Imilia Imosia Inemia Inenia Ines Inesia Inikia Inilia Iniria Inisis Inodia Inoria Inosia Ipaquesis Ipatia Ipenia Ipesia Ipinia Ipizia Ipolia Iporia Iquasis Iquelia Iquitia Iquolesis Iras Irasia Irequia Iresia Irikia Irinia Iriquia Irotes Irozosis Isebia Ises Isevia Isifia Isimia Itabia Itatia Itibis Itigia Itimia Ititia Itodia Ivakia Ivasia Ivesia Ivikia Ivisis Ivonia Ivosia Ivovia Izahia Izatasis Izimes Izimia Izisia Izosis Izozia Lamia Laria Las Lasia Ledia Lehia Lequas Lequia Les Lesia Lesis Letia Levisis Libia Licia Lifosis Ligia Lilia Liquia Lis Lisia Litia Lodia Logia Lokia Lolia Los Losis Lotasis Lotia Mahasis Malia Mamisis Marosis Masia Matia Mefia Memia Mesia Mevia Milas Milia Mimia Mis Misia Mobia Mofia Mokia Monia Mopia Moria Mosia Motia Nahia Nakesis Nakia Nania Naquia Nemas Nenia Nequia Nes Nibesis Nidia Nis Nitia Nolia Nomia Nonia Nopia Nores Nosia Nosis Nozia

Obasia Obelosis Obesia Obiquesis Oboria Obos Ocaquia Ocekia Ocenia Ocequia Ocevia Ocisia Ococia Ocohia Ocolia Ocosia Odas Odasia Odemia Odequis Odilas Odilia Odinia Odisia Odohesis Ofalia Ofas Ofasia Ofecia Ofegisis Oferos Ofesis Ofetia Ofodia Ofokia Oforia Ofos Ogasia Ogasis Ogavia Ogehia Ogemia Ogilia Ogis Ogokia Ogotia Ohanisis Ohehia Ohes Ohinia Ohitesis Ohitosis Olasis Olatia Oletia Oliquos Olis Olites Olopia Omakia Omomesis Omoquia Onaria Onenia Onimia Onopia Onoquas Opacia Oparia Oparosis Opelia Opemia Openia Opes Opibia Opinia Opiquia Opomia Oposia Oquegia Oquequia Oqueria Oquevosis Oquinia Oquoquia Oquotosis Orafia Oras Orasisis Orazia Ores Orevia Oriquia Orisia Oroquia Orosia Orotia Orozia Osagia Osatia Osemia Osesis Osibos Osilia Osohia Osoquia Otakia Otazisis Otesis Otihia Otilia Otohisis Ovegia Ovehia Ovequia Oves Ovesia Oviquia Ozafia Ozaria Ozilia Ozokia Ozolia Ozosis Pacia Pania Paquia Paria Pasia Patia Pavia Pazia Pecia Pehia Pekia Pepia Pequia Pigia Pilia Pimia Pipia Piquia Pisis Pitia Pivia Pizia Pofia Polasis Polia Pomia Ponia Posia Quacia Quahia Qualia Quapia Quaquosis Quas Quasia Quatia Quefia Quegia Quekia Quelia Quemia Quepisis Ques Quetia Quifia Quimia Quiria Quocosis Quokia Quonia Quoria Quosis Quotia Rabia Rahia Ralia Ranes Rania Rares Raria Ras Rasia Rekia Resia Resis Ricia Rihia Rilia Rinia Ris Risia Risis Rivia Rocia Rogia Rohia Romia Ronas Roria Ros Rosasis Rosis Salasis Samia Saquia Sasis Satia Sekia Senia Seques Serosis Ses Setia Sidia Silia Simia Sinis Siquisis Siria Sisis Sitisis Sobia Sogia Sokia Solesis Somia Sopis Soris Sosis Tabasis Tacasis Takisis Tas Tasis Tavia Tebis Tekia Temia Tenia Teria Tesis Ticia Tiquia Tiresis Tisis Titia Tobia Tomisis Tos Tosia Tosis Totia Vamasis Vamia Vas Vasia Vasis Velia Vequos Veria Vesia Vibesis Vimia Visia Visis Vivia Vogisis Vokia Vonia Vos Vosia Vozia Zabosis Zamia Zania Zapisis Zaquia Zaria Zasia Zatasis Zatia Zatis Zekia Zemia Zenis Zequasis Zequia Zesia Zikia

Zimosis Zisis Zizos Zocia Zolia Zoquesis Zoria Zos

kill > k word > kword > Quord

Ilatyne

Lünd

Barsolet - Laser Bot

Arthonis Evolia Arkadis Ardolis Eethria Larmonia Assendlea Andeis Andomiadis Anginnucis Apsilia Norsepia Lousia Readia Ashais Niolis

Ilveonel

Erutanis Erutania

Astereadis Astereadia

Angirnoumis Angirnoumia

Amnulocis Amnulocia

Almacis Almacia

Rasil

Offi

Tatwerguyjos

Tatwer Guyjos

Perohnal Tahner Fehdom Rehbel Gohd Pehron Ihron Wehser Nohric Lahke Mohner Furohrer Gohdan Lohver Bahner Hehroc Tahnin Godehder Forehver Dahrin Sohn Mahgic Suhgar Lenihdas Colehsol

Liggett

Tsitra Diret

Nisuq Norep Relik Luxes Nisic Renaxella Retob Laner Narepus Rasab Nixet Dowyloh Rawas Ronemed Cisab Larutan Ecycib Ralusum Renad Et Natum Retom Retaf Nassi Nilatti

Misundet

Soahn = John in Oceanic languages

Cartoonish - Caronis

ten yoko tate hane migi hidari harai ore kagi sori

Santane por Vida

Adel Marijo Aldo Marjie Almeda Jori major Delia Delora Jami

Jerold Maia Jodie Lamar Jodie Marla

Syllabah

Lingdar

Fenerin Issias Halangul Nandor Ahthaxias Nalogos

Criffon /krifˈfon/

Andagane

Maranello

infected - Dectenfi

Amga Olepha

Indaghinta - anti Gandi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashlar

Gavelive

Chall Cadomete

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibb's_Eve Eve Tibb

ekilanU

Azalea Wood

Vantil Volhel Lim Deldil Sael Firzaomval Menbah Yeorhamgal Khor Rahrem Varkhaerder Damdal Zangil

Walkil Giley Benelwin Adûnittô

Charion

Lobbach Arthur Hardy Monmouth Bernard Villemot

Fanuște Laenico Anio

Nevaeh - an actual name anadrome of "heaven"

Llamedos

Adaven

Actantoc- Aftel- Alkoy- Almap- Alondog- Ampac'cl- Andomiad- Angikam'cisum- Angivil- Angsideecopr- Ankacl- Ankibr- Ankutr- Anseloow- Antemarno- Antemegange- Antendmemmoc- Antepmuiqa- Archal- Ardoarbstepl- Arluc- Arodef- Arryow- Artitsheasw- Aryomem- Astev- Astirorret- Atchapwost- Athardbib- Atyilibom- Atyiluaxes- Atyirnete- Atyissecen- Deab- Duisq- Eapl- Eaurub- Ebordraw- Ecklash- Edgifr- Eentaruag- Eenzampich- Efidwim- Egassem- Encardocca- Enirugif- Enoireh- Epecr- Ercorkfow- Erit- Erusosclid- Esouh- Etuoq- Gob- Got- Ibo- Iemboz- Ieul- Larutarnepus- Leewh- Lerros- Meacreci- Mom- Nexiv- Niocta- Niossepred- Niosulli- Niotacificesp- Niotatidemepr- Niotaton- Niotavonni- Niotiaceppra- Niotimba- Niotisoped- Patr- Raj- Rebstol- Rendef- Rengis- Retemarap- Ronoh- Rotagistenvi- Tackej- Tairtrop- Temphlap- Toc- Wal'ni'rethobr- Xif-

Annakant = Innocent

Nthnmelur

Kandaralla Magak Kallar Antar Warawalf Saltan Parfama Sadakar Saraäs Rahl Rahlastak Klangan Alahn Gastradar Tarrafarmar Wazardla Wamsakal Kahntar Fahlds

Vultac

Anglasland Garmanland Fannasland Rassahnland Palasland Balgarahnland

Tennzeyl - Dancer Pàyjael - Baker Kuphe - Smith Dytzael - Teacher

Ytas

Vikiperida

Pravaka

Zimogorr Zimovikk

Bgunenber Annginbier Bengy Genibber Bunder, Bundre Gangy Bundber Bangeiney Buidener Gunger Buneder Gungy

Dovekie

Inommi Parattus = In Omnia Paratus = Ready For Anything

Jakk Antatlad - Jack the Untitled, a noble who disgraced his house and was stripped of all that was of it in him, including memories, using magic. Jakk dwelled the land and was an advisor for many people for periods of time, though, changing sides often.

Solcolrol - Scroll Dardak - Dark Elereder - Elder Masermater - Master Golgod - Gold Hanhadhas - Hands Aramas - Arms Rinrig - Ring Sartas - Stars Binerbider - Binder Joljot - Jolt Domeddomed - Doomed Morormodor - Mordor Citciy - City Loslot - Lost Toctuh - Touch Ferfas - Fears Ciphis - Chips

Sadaia Largaii - Large Soda

Largaia Sadaii

Van Buren

Philliams

Thawazim

Negwaudrain - NewGuardian

Biornata Guia - giornata buia = dark day

Diniera M'oro - miniera d'oro = golden mine Aro Camico - caro amico = close friend Ama Laffilata - lama affilata = sharp blade Vontagna Merde - montagna verde = green mountain Suon Bovrano - buon sovrano = good ruler

Catdelming - catcalling

Aramol

Asodas Audofon

Elebain

Gmardthgrim

Gib Bagul

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mestra Mestra, a shapeshifting lady.

Aintes Loukäm

Ankahnt - Ancient

Fenak

Anvantar Mantar Davalapar

Mheges

Kakato Rakata

Hythloday - from the book Utopia

Klaatu Verata

Aloysius

Lykke

Jelkä https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Reconstruction:Proto-Uralic/jelkä "trace, footprint, mark"

Agnichor

qiamind qisgird qicanlion qingno

Aethric

Harmac - (p)harmac(y)

Muflong

Mouflong

Standart Standartovich

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/aed

Aeferhogt Alevraan

atoxique

fjellvidde

acrimino

legmegtévesztőbb

desviviste

secandas

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ruerant

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/allignammo

Zebedon Arabeda

Jad Gamantis

Duenacáir Duenagáir

Artyar Deny

ko̊ḷpo

Ytess

Gulagoud

Andanda

вфкл ьфпшс Vefekol 'af-Pewec "dark magic" in ru keyboard

Jyhwgufodic Eba

Enibahos

Christopher Justice

Nymoire

Aldus leaf ❦ ❧

kintsugi -> Iguntsik -> Tiguntsike / Miguntsiki

activityscentclass discoverybirthdaymaid animalskypicture brickwomanrain inventionarchearthquake bbwbwubwuh screwcableplay partybirdcomparison impulsehaircuttaste spidertrainamount rhythmrailbeds boardcoaloranges incomewaxbulb runindustryvest slaveclubform campstationcorn powerstockingword effectshamewaste additionfrogdistribution coachbasketbadge labormarkerveil bikemilkinventor fleshtopsuit currenthallcanvas iciclechinpunishment trailpipegroup zootwistring moontreesmash

Ig-Ea Ar-Ater Ette-Hor Agnificen Orgeou Ajesti Iblica Onstrou Errifi Exua Aradoxa Requenc Arrio Lacksmit Mpt-Anva Eroi Rosio Orrosiv Rehistori Erewol Ate-Elo

Eugor It's just "rogue" backwards

airëailin - holy lake Nilëairai - egonym

palda ambar - wide world, "worldwide" Rambahaldapë

Adhegellelpmemengeorcischothov - God Help Me Overcome This Challenge

Efeanirosgoth The fear is gone

Craetora Dencar Guldan Sylvar Yrun Sevyur

Oddscare

-an, -anna, -elle, -eli, -im Kinig- Lorid- Tasik- Farim- Colid- Sitar- Lonig- Forim- Harid- Johin- Turik- Lanid- Canit- Lisit- Linit- Tirim- Worim- Kihan- Nexit- Minit- Parik- Molid-

Harim- Halit-

letmesoloher Rehol Osemtel

Azthur

Celessil - celestial Finannil - financial Esennil - esential Merurril - mercurial Docorril - doctorial

Nivec

Ahkrepo Arehkanpo Arepedto Arepohkan Arinepo Ohkanpera Opedtera Opehkanra Operahk Operina Rinotas Rohkantas Rotahks Rotasehk Rotyras Sahktor Satohkanr Satorin Satyror Sehkator Tehkannet Tenehkant Tenetyr Tenyret Tyrenet

Eugor (Kinigan Woolseller Normesis) - a robbing hood who ended up in a monastery at age 5 but ran away at age 15, seeing conflict since his view of what's good was different from the ones taught there (he is chaotic good, the priests - lawful good or lawful neutral). Has skill with writing and charisma, knows parlay art and is good with improvised combat/running away. Knows but refuses to use some basic priest spells. Steals from the rich and gives to himself and the poor.

Cantar- -is Mavamant- -in Salvant- -il Acad- -ix Salhaat'- -ios Dragan- -ias Lazard- -io Avaan- -ia Achta'- -iel Garman- -ien Anglas- -ius Franch- -ind Fannash- -ium Arash- -im Atalaan- -iom Talkaan- -iam Rassaan- -iare Akraan'- -ion Paland- -ilus Kang- -iax Ralar- -iac Manarch- -ist

g\cigas

[arianadevareux]

who's your favourite disney princess, prince, villain, and animal sidekick?? --- def could be from diff movies! <3

Going to Google dot come to figure out all of them because I can't remember anything I've ever seen in my life

Princess goes to Mulan. I was torn between her and Merida, but Mulan saved a whole country and wouldn't let anybody tell her she couldn't do it. (Did everybody in y'alls schools do Reflection for the talent show when this movie came out? Bc they did in mine.)

Prince gotta be Eugene mf Fitzherbert. Cocky lil asshole with a sad backstory™ is my shit. He's written like a DnD character that somehow made it into a Disney film.

Villain is the hardest because I'm a sucker for a good villain. So I narrowed it down to only villains associated with the official princess lineup. So with that said - Dr. Facilier takes it. First of all - Keith David*. Second of all - he's smooth as shit. The entire Friends on the Other Side Sequence is flawless.

Animal sidekick is also very difficult because they're all very good. But if he counts it's Heihei the rooster from Moana. The only thoughts behind those big ass googly eyes are intrusive ones and I can level with that. Not to mention they brought in Alan fucking Tudyk - who went to Juliard - to voice this stupid goddamn bird I love him so much.

*Keith David also went to Juliard but I wanted that point to be as poignant as it is without adding more detail right there.

#anon ask #i love asks fr #disney #disney princesses #disney princes #disney villains #disney animal sidekicks #mulan #eugene fitzherbert #flynn rider #tangled #dr. facilier #the princess and the frog #hei hei #moana

[mosylufanfic]

The Game’s Afoot

Merry Christmas, @halflingmerry! I was your Secret Santa! You asked for a modern James Bond/Lara Croft AU, and I hope this delivers.

The Game's Afoot  

Report: Target arrived in town. She has been supplying herself for an excursion, indicating a local temple she wishes to investigate. The consensus is that she's just another bored, rich tourist who will probably die in the jungle.

Reply: Proceed as you see fit.

**

Jyn hired a guide in Merida. Tenoch spoke very little English, but Jyn's map and pesos communicated for her very well. He gave her a skeptical look when he saw the destination, but she added more pesos to the pile and he shrugged. 

They made good time the first day. She checked her GPS after they made camp for the night and did some calculations. If they kept this up, they were about two days out from the temple, which was what she'd planned for.

The satellite signal on her phone was a little shaky this far into the jungle but she could still get a video feed of her foster brother, Bodhi. "Oh good," he said when he saw her face. "You haven't been eaten by a jaguar."

"The night is young," she said. 

"You've got a good guide?"

She glanced at Tenoch, squatted down over the fire, stirring something in a little tin pot. "Seems to be. We're not doing a lot of talking. You know how crap my Spanish is."

Bodhi started to say something, then paused and changed it to, "As long as he stops you getting crushed to death by a - " He looked off into the distance. "Wait, what's that snake? The one that wraps around your throat and squeezes you to death?"

She rolled her eyes. "There are no boa constrictors in the Yucatan. I'm more concerned about falling down a cenote."

"What're those then?"

"Bloody great sinkhole with a lot of water in the bottom. If the fall doesn't kill you, the drowning will."

"Are you sure you're going to make it to that temple alive?"

"Probably not," she said cheerfully. "You'll inherit my millions."

"I'll be very sad about that," he promised solemnly. "I promise to wipe my eyes with thousand-pound notes at your memorial service."

"I only get a memorial service? Wanker."

"Yes, because your body is somewhere in the jungle, swollen to twice its size after being bitten by some hideously poisonous bug."

"Venomous," she corrected. "Poisonous is when you eat it." She thought. "Or touch it."

"Right," he said. "I stand corrected. I'm glad you called, anyway, and not just because it's proof of life. Saw Gerrera's been in touch."

She let out a heartfelt groan. "Come on, Bodes, none of that business stuff. It's so deadly dull."

Bodhi, who'd been neck and neck with her all throughout their MBA program, looked taken aback. She cut her eyes to his left, where his tall, dour new assistant was sorting out the day's mail.

He adjusted and sniffed, "Well, sor-ry, but it's your money, and you should know what's going on with it."

"No," she retorted, studying her nails, "your job is to know what's going on with it, Mister CEO. I'm the owner. I just have to sign the checks."

"And go gadding about the world."

"That too."

"As long as you're back for the founder's ball."

She sobered. "In twenty years, have I ever missed my mother's birthday?"

"No," he said, voice equally gentle. "Not even once."

They chatted a little more, Bodhi sharing some misadventure his youngest sister had got into over the weekend and Jyn telling him about her flight from London to Merida.

Just as Bodhi was asking her about her preparations for the excursion, his new assistant hove into view like an iceberg looming over the Titanic. "Mr. Rook," he said. "You have a meeting with the VP of finance in exactly seven and one-half minutes."

"Thank you, Kay," Bodhi said, giving Jyn a look through the video feed.

"I would end your call with Ms. Erso as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Kay," Bodhi said again. "Do you have the reports we'll be going over?"

"They are on your tablet."

"I'd like paper copies, please."

Somehow managing to impart that Bodhi was the most ridiculous and unreasonable boss in the world without changing his expression, Kay stalked away.

Jyn snickered. "Go on to your important and scintillating meeting," she said. "Me, I'm going to shovel down some rations and sleep like a log."

"Pace too rough for you?" he teased.

She flipped him off. "Jet lag, if you must know." She rolled her shoulders. "Love to your mum and the girls."

"Stay safe," Bodhi said, and signed off.

She shut her satphone down and leaned against a tree, thinking hard.

Bodhi's old assistant, Tivik, had left suddenly for a new job, and Kay had turned up as if by magic. They were neither of them stupid, and they knew Kyber Limited had its fair share of business rivals. Corporate espionage was to be expected. But she'd always felt it best to keep your enemies where you could see them.

Her satphone slipped from her hand and she made a grab for it.

There was a high-pitched whistle and a reverberating thud. 

Jyn's head jerked up. Her guide was a dark shape looming over her, both hands gripping a machete handle. The machete itself was stuck fast in the tree that she'd been standing under.

If she hadn't ducked her head to grab for the satphone, the blade would have gone through her neck.

Her heart hammered in her chest as she stared up into his shadowed face. Only a faint glint showed her where his eyes were. She had a knife in her boot and the machete was stuck fast. Could she reach her weapon before he could retrieve his?

A thump and a rustle by her feet caught her attention.

Half a snake flopped over the ground, still writhing, the mouth gaping open and fangs glittering evilly in the dusk. Instinctively, she kicked it hard with the steel toe of her boot, and the body soared into the campfire.

Tenoch watched it disappear into the flames with sizzling, popping noises, and then said, "Una vibora."

Viper.

She swallowed hard. "Si. Yo se." She nodded stiffly. "Gracias."

"De nada."

He wrenched his machete from the tree trunk, and the other half of the snake crashed to the ground. Put together with the front half, Jyn guessed it had been two feet long at least, and she swallowed bile.

Seemingly unaffected, he used the bloody machete to flick the second half of the snake into the darkness. "La comida está lista," he said, jerking his head toward the fire and the little tin pot he'd been stirring.

Thank god he'd covered it.

She followed him back to the campfire with shaky legs, cursing at herself. She'd been so deep in thought she hadn't stayed aware of her surroundings.

She of all people should know that the jungle would kill you to death given half a chance. It was what had happened to her mother. 

She and Bodhi might joke about it, but Lyra Erso had gone into this jungle and hadn't come out. Jyn was well aware she might not find a trace of her mother at the temple that had been her last, failed expedition, but she'd been planning this trip for years, and she wasn't about to let a snake or a bug or a jaguar or a cenote or even a taciturn guide stop her.

**

They agreed that he would take the first watch, and Tenoch settled himself cross-legged, with his back to the fire to preserve his night vision. From the corner of his eye, he could see Jyn Erso crawling into the tent.

He listened to the rustling and shuffling sounds of her getting ready for bed. The zip of the sleeping bag, the further shuffling of her getting comfortable and settled. He waited half an hour more, eyes tracking the jungle for animal or human intruders, ears cocked to the noises from the tent, patient as the grave. 

Then he rose soundlessly and made his way to the tent. He eased the zipper open silently, eyes and ears both attuned to the slow-breathing form in the sleeping bag. 

She lay curled on her side, one hand knotted up under her cheek like a child. The traces of light from the campfire behind him outlined her face. The line of her chin remained stubborn even in sleep, and her chapped Cupids-bow lips were ever-so-slightly parted . . . 

He shook himself. He was here to do a job, not moon over a pampered English heiress.

Although for a pampered English heiress, she'd done very well on the trail today.

Her pack was settled at her feet, right at the opening of the tent. He closed his hand around any buckles and metal pieces that would jingle and lifted it out of its place, letting the tent flap fall closed behind him.

He checked the outside pockets first. First aid kit, extra foldable canteen, iodine tablets, sunblock, insect repellent . . . All manner of small necessary items, but no top-of-the-line satphone.

He moved to the central compartments, pulling each item out and mentally noting the way it had been packed so he could replace it exactly the same way. Rice, dried meat, beans, carefully and thoroughly wrapped in plastic. Extra clothing. Soap, again wrapped in plastic. Rain gear. Toiletries, in more plastic.

No satphone.

His own, with its mirroring app pulled up and ready to do its job, waited in its pocket against his thigh.

She'd kept hers on her all day, gripped in her hand or locked into its case on her belt. He'd attempted to mirror it this morning as they set out, jostling up next to her on the trail, but the security on it was rather better than most. He needed more than mere proximity; he had to get his hands on it, possibly unlock it, in order for his own to do its job. 

Did she keep it on her body even as she slept? When did she charge it? The things sucked down power like a drunk swallowing rum.

Their trip would take at least a week more - two to the temple, one or two to explore, and three more back to Merida. He would surely have a chance to hack into it. 

But the longer he took, the more information his superiors could miss. 

Frowning to himself, he re-packed everything scrupulously back in its place and fastened it tightly closed. He lifted it off the ground and turned to go put it back in the tent -

And found the supposedly fast-asleep woman standing behind him, her heavy walking stick ready to swing at his head. In a deadly pleasant voice, she asked in perfect Spanish, "Find anything interesting?"

He went still, staring up at her, calculating which of several stories he could use.

“Don’t waste either of our time playing innocent,” she said. She switched to English. “And don’t pretend you don’t understand me, either. I know you were listening in on my call."

Some of the possible stories were discarded.

“Do you blame me?” he said. He layered his English with extra helpings of his accent. “I could sell this pack and all its contents for many pesos.”

“And what would you have done with me?” she asked silkily.

“You have experience, hiking the jungle. You might have made it back.” He shrugged, as if to say it was in the hands of a higher power. “Then again, you might not.”

She gave a little huff of amusement. “I might buy that if you hadn’t had a brilliant opportunity to let me die of snakebite earlier this evening.”

He wanted to scowl. He did not. 

"You're not just some con man out to make quick money. Not the way you ignored all my easily pocketed supplies and tools. You were looking for my satphone. You've been pointedly ignoring it all day, after you tried to mirror it this morning."

He felt the scowl almost emerge, in his forehead and the corners of his mouth, and purposely blanked his face. He was usually much better than this at controlling his expression. 

Her mouth quirked up smugly. "Who do you work for? Alderaan Corp? Mos Eisley and Company?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Not the Hutt brothers?"    

Calculations churned. 

It was a common misconception that spies always lied. Sometimes, if it would get them what they wanted, they told the truth.

He let the pack fall and rose to his feet, not missing the way she resettled her grip and her stance in response. "Interpol,” he said. 

"Interpol," she said with deep and withering skepticism.

He shrugged. Believe it or don't, the shrug said.

She eyed him. "And what does Interpol want with Kyber Limited?"

"Perhaps Interpol wants you."

She snorted. "It comes to the same thing."

Damn. He should have known better than to believe her loudly proclaimed disinterest in business. Not after she'd done an MBA at Cambridge. But the woman flitted around the world while Rook stayed in London at the Kyber Limited offices.

He tested her out. ""What do you know about Imperial Industries?"

She shrugged. “Weapons manufacturers. We don’t have much to do with them.”

“An energy company could have a lot to do with a weapons manufacturer.”

“Yes, well, the company my mother started doesn’t.”

“And your father works for Imperial.”

She snorted. “This is about Galen Erso? You’re barking up the wrong tree, Interpol. I haven't spoken to him since he left for California, the day after my mother's funeral."

"That's a very long time to ignore your only child."

"I didn't say he hadn't tried. I haven't responded. Kyber Limited does very well without Galen Erso." She frowned at him. "What's he done?"

"Interpol has reason to believe Imperial Industries is building a device that contravenes international standards."

"Those naughty boys," she said.

"And by international standards, I mean the Geneva Convention."

"A super-weapon, " she said. "How delightful. I'm sure we'll all sleep cozy in our beds, knowing the Americans have that."

"It may not be the Americans. Not if they're not the highest bidder."

A moment. Then - "Ah." Her thumb rubbed over a knot in the wood, the only betrayal of restlessness. "And my father's building that, is he?"

"His research has applications."

"Well, as I said, Interpol - "

"Andor," he said.

"What?"

"My name is Cassian Andor."

She could run his name and get proof that he was who he said he was, and he had no doubt she would at the first opportunity.

"Cassian," she said, and his eyes narrowed. "As I said, I'm not in touch with my father, and I don't intend to change that." She narrowed her eyes back at him. "I think if I did, he might get suspicious."

Cassian thought otherwise, but he kept it to himself. 

"So," she finished. "You can traipse off back to your superiors if you like. Let them know I'm a dead end."

"You hired me to guide you to the temple," he said. "I prefer to finish a job I've started."

"Do you even know the way?"

"I grew up in Merida," he said. 

"Merida's the state capitol. Lots of people grew up there. That's not an answer."

"I know the way," he said. "And I have my own reasons for wanting to check it out."

"Do you now? Because as far as I know, my father's never been here."

"No," Cassian said. "But his boss has."

"His boss," Jyn echoed.

"Orson Krennic," Cassian said. "In fact, he went at the same time as your mother's last expedition."

Her face went to stone. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying nothing," he said. "I'd merely like to do some checking of my own at that location. See what there is to see."

Her thumb rubbed over the knot on her walking stick again.

Cassian tested the waters. "Or we could go back to Merida. You could hire some other guide."

"No," she said, and cleared her throat. "No," she said. "We're already a third of the way there and I don't feel like wasting the trip. As you say, we've both got reasons to go."

"True enough," he said. "And perhaps we could help each other."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Interpol." She scooped up her pack. "Just you keep your mitts off my satphone, and I'll do the same for you."

**

Once back in her tent, Jyn slid her satphone from her pocket and texted Bodhi. You were right, he's Interpol. Counter-terrorism. Apparently, Imperial is being very bad indeed. What’s Kay after?

Bodhi texted back right away. Either his meeting was done or it was a crashing bore. So far he’s been digging through most of R&D. Nice to know he’s not going to sell the false leads I’ve provided. Have you got your fellow hooked?

Oh, yes. He even brought up Krennic himself. Now let's see where our two fish lead us.

**

Back by the fire, Cassian sent a text of his own. I dangled Orson Krennic in front of her and whetted  her appetite. Continue to monitor her communications with Rook. If her father reaches out again, she'll tell him. Galen Erso is the weak spot, and his daughter is our way in.

FINIS

#Cassian Andor #Jyn Erso #rebelcaptain #rebelcaptainsecretsanta #mosylufanfic lives up to her damn name #fanfiction #halflingmerry #Spy AU #star wars

[fangirlyah]

✦coffee shop visits - Draco Malfoy x Muggle!Reader (part 2)

summary: when things get complicated in draco and astoria’s marriage, a small coffee shop seems to be the solution

word count: 2,768

a/n: I hope you like the new part!  I'm planning to do just one more part and then finish the story but it's not confirmed. lots of love!

  after that afternoon, y/n's heart was broken and his brother did not collaborate in repairing it. 

"you should stop thinking about that guy and his son, it's not good for you" he said, watching his little sister close the curtains of the small shop with a lost look and tearful eyes.

"i know, but it's not that easy" 

all her expectations and dreams of months had fallen with the appearance of the brunette woman who had entered the coffee shop on draco’s arm 

"if we look on the bright side, he did not look happy being by her side" y/n's sister-in-law appeared from the kitchen taking off her red apron. 

"how do you know that, honey?" her husband asked. 

"the fact that he was watching you from the moment he arrived until he left even though he had his wife in front of him says something" 

y/n did not want to respond, because she would continue to create stupid thoughts that would not happen, he would continue to idealise what a life on the side of draco and scorpius would be like. 

that same night, she realised how in love she was with the blond man who had entered the small business months earlier with his son. the man with whom she had shared countless conversations with a coffee in front of her, the man who watched her do her simple job of making coffee and cutting slices of cake for customers.

y/n did not know and will never know but that very night, draco realised how much he was in love with that muggle whose job was to bring smiles to his face and serve coffee. he knew how bad it was, he knew he should not fall in love with anyone other than his wife, but it was impossible. with one look  she could knock out half the people of london including himself. 

it was only two days after their accidental encounter that draco and scorpius appeared in the coffee shop. wrapped in coats and with reddish noses, it was an image that would take time to eliminate from her thoughts. 

"well, hello gentlemen" even though y/n's heart was aching, the sight of the little boy in front of the counter was enough to soften her heart. 

"hello y/n! guess what we're here for? scorpius' little hands clutched the counter so that he could rise on his toes and get a better look at the girl. draco, however, would not take his eyes off y/n even though she had not raised her eyes at him. 

“to drink a cup of hot chocolate, i suppose” her voice was dubious and almost joking as he saw the boy so outraged with her reply. 

"no silly, we’re going to take you to the park!” that was the first time she looked into draco's eyes, she saw him with dark circles under his eyes and an expectant face, he was waiting for her answer. 

"well, it's a very fun plan but I don't know if I can...'' scorpius couldn't put on a sad face because merida, y/n’s sister-in-law, appeared to his salvation. 

"of course you can, there are few customers and you could do a day off" 

the child's celebrations were heard as she took off her apron and handed it over to merida with a grateful smile. 

if draco had known how beautiful and distracting she would look wrapped in her coats and smiling at his son, he would have planned that outing months ago when the girl was not ashamed to look at him. 

his thoughts wandered on the idea that she had feelings for him and that is why she found it so hard to process the fact that he was still married. 

although the snow had already almost melted on the streets of england the cold was impossible to bear without at least two or three coats on your body. 

scorpius was very excited about his departure. his mother and father never took him to the park because his mother did not like nature very much. according to draco when they went to school she was one of the few people who hardly ever went to the big hogwarts' meadows. 

the boy began to run as fast as his legs would take him to the green swings and slides, where there were children already playing. 

"come on y/n! come with me!" 

and y/n went there with a huge smile on her face. 

draco took a seat on a bench with a light layer of snow that would surely wet his clothes but he was too distracted watching his son and the pretty girl running and laughing. draco thought maybe he had never seen his son so excited but he quickly erased the thought. 

“look daddy, they are your favourite color!" scorpius shouted as she swung him on the swings because he couldn't on his own. she saw draco's big smile coming to stand where they were, happy to be part of the fun afternoon. 

"I see them son. they are very colourful" he noticed y/n’s discomfort of having him so close as he had stood next to her while she moved her son, but he did not move. they had things to resolve and acting like an uncomfortable child would not help. 

"this muggles' playgrounds are way more fun!” scorpius was a child and did not know what he was saying, he did not know that not everyone carried a wand to the kindergarten. 

y/n thought it was a word he had probably heard on a television programme so she did not care. although if she had seen the face of the child's father when he heard his exclamation, she would have been worried. 

the little boy's comment did not get a response as he himself began to speak again, a consequence of his enthusiasm. 

"y/n come on, it's your turn!” the little blond boy jumped out of his seat to look at the girl behind him. 

"I'm a bit old for these things, scorpius" she looked at the little boy’s pleading face who was standing in front of her as she heard his father's chuckle. 

"please?" 

a small pout was enough for y/n to sit on the swing next to scorpius. the two of them began to swing, side by side. laughter began to come out of the mouths of all three of them as the other people in the park watched. y/n's hair was loose and in the wind and her face had the biggest smile draco had seen since they had met. 

although y/n had agreed to swing, the boy was so excited and happy that he quickly stopped his swing to get y/n and him to another part of the park. 

draco followed them a little further back without interfering with their fun. 

"you have a very nice family" a man suddenly appeared beside him, he seemed to be in the same position as draco, because of the basket he was holding under his arm and as he was watching some children, very similar to him, and a woman. 

"thank you, you too" draco spoke without thinking. ‘why didn't I say that only the child was mine?’ he thought. 

"it's funny when you're excluded from the fun at the park, I'm always the one who ends up with the plastic bags and toys" the man added in a comical voice. draco didn't think it was funny but he laughed anyway. "how long have you been married?" the man's hand pointed to y/n as she was sitting on the grass with scorpius running around her.  

"a few years..." he felt like a piece of rubbish. first, he was lying, second he was faking a marriage that only existed in his dreams. 

"you want me to take a picture of you three together?, you must have a camera with you" at that moment draco wished he had been more involved in the muggle world as he would have had a camera with him. 

when draco wanted to answer, a voice exclaimed his name and kicked all the air out of his lungs

"draco! come here!" y/n waved her hand to the place where she and his son were sitting. 

"duty calls, it was a pleasure to meet you"

"it was a pleasure" as draco, the man went off by himself to play with his children. 

draco came to the place where he was called to meet a smiling y/n sitting on the floor in front of his son who was standing waiting for his arrival. 

y/n had spoken to him, she had called him by name provoking thousands of butterflies that a hormonal teenager should be feeling not a 28 year old man. 

"daddy come sit here" with his little hands, scorpius sat him down next to y/n, so close that he could feel his legs rubbing against each other and her characteristic aroma. a mixture of coffee, vanilla and sweets that he would find hard to forget. 

"scorpius wants to show us something he learned in the kindergarten" his son nodded as he listened to the words y/n, very softly, said to his father. it was almost like a whisper because of their closeness. 

"are you ready?!" exclaimed the little boy looking at the adults in front of him. on seeing their smiles, scorpius placed his hands on the ground and made an untidy cartwheel that almost made him lose his balance. despite how awful it had been, both draco and y/n began to applaud as if the cirque du soleil had been presented. 

with a smile of satisfaction scorpius ran off to the slides, this time without dragging y/n with him. 

draco and y/n were left alone sitting on the cold grass. for a moment an uncomfortable silence had formed which y/n quickly cut through. 

"I didn't know you had a wife" she went to the point. she didn't want to be messed around, they were old enough to talk about it in a civilised manner. 

"sorry I didn't mention it" even though she looked into his eyes he couldn't. 

"a simple comment would have been great" y/n thought she had misinterpreted all those looks, touches and talks. but she was not wrong, draco looked at her, touched her and chatted with her with the same intentions but he had more ties; which she did not know until recently. 

"I'm not happy with her” draco was still not looking at her, his eyes were on his son who seemed to have made a friend in the small garden hut. 

"I am not going to interfere in your marriage, draco. that you are not happy with your wife is something you must resolve on your own" 

"I'm telling you this because-" his sentence was cut off as she stood up from his seat. 

"I'm not some kind of entertainment for your failed marriage" 

draco wanted to tell him that if anyone was the second course it was his own wife, because he was in love with the beautiful girl who had received them months before in a coffee shop. 

he couldn't because y/n had left his side to go and check on scorpius. she left him sitting on the floor, staring at nothing. anyone who had passed by would have thought he was some lonely, sad man; and maybe he was.  

the rest of the afternoon they were apart, that was all their interaction. scorpius had spent every corner of the garden dragging y/n with him. 

from time to time, draco would look up to see them. his son would explode with happiness and y/n too, or maybe she pretended very well. 

suddenly the sun fell and so did scorpius' smile. but that did not last long as y/n invited them to eat a piece of cake at her brother's coffee shop. that made the boy's smile return immediately, he began to run but this time in the direction of the shop. 

when the three of them entered, the child radiated joy while the adults did not. 

but the smile that scorpius had recovered, on hearing the news that a piece of cake was waiting for him inside the shop, fell slightly as he saw his mother sitting on one of the counter stools, looking towards the door with her purse in hand. her face was serious as always but this time she looked impatient; as if she had been sitting for hours waiting for her husband and son to arrive. 

"well, hello..." astoria stood up from her seat and came face to face with the three of them.

"hi mommy" his mother did not even look at him as she was staring at y/n and draco with murderous eyes. 

"where did you take my son?" draco's wife looked at him intently. her husband had never been the affectionate type but for some time now he was hardly ever inside the house. he was always there, in the coffee shop. she suspected that he was not just going to have a cup of coffee and seeing him enter with y/n at his side confirmed her suspicions. he was going to see her. 

"we went to the park mommy. don't be angry" scorpius' little hand rose to take his mother's hand but astoria took her own violently away before he touched her as she saw the remains of dirt that her son had impregnated. the boy recoiled wrapping his arms around the legs of y/n who grabbed him protectively. 

"emm..excuse me but don't treat him like this, he is your son" draco was surprised by y/n's words. the girl's bravery was a new facet he was just getting to know.  

"you shut up! you're just a homewrecker" everyone knew that was a lie. their home was already broken long before y/n appeared in their life. 

"don't talk to her like that!" now, to y/n's surprise, draco came out to defend her. 

it was already seven o'clock in the evening, so the clientele inside the business was few but enough to make some heads turn in their direction. 

"this is not the place to do this, i am going to ask you to leave" y/n opened the door inviting them to leave. the first one to leave was astoria, who looked at her with disgust before stepping into the pavement outside the shop. the second one was scorpius, who pulled her down to give y/n a small kiss on her cheek and leave the place. the last one was draco, who came closer and whispered in her ear an apology. 

it was only a matter of time before tears came to y/n’s eyes. as soon as she reached her flat, the crying began to overflow her face. it was a mixture of frustration and sadness. 

she was sad because she knew she had fallen in love with a man who could never be with her. with a man who was married, unhappily but he was. she had fallen in love with a man who had a beautiful son who had won her heart. 

she thought, lying on the sofa in her house, that the marriage of draco and astoria was already miserable before her; but she believed that much of their problems were her fault and that made her sink into her sadness even more. she was ruining the marriage of scorpius' parents and one of her greatest wishes was that the boy could always be happy. 

but what she did not know was that in the house of the, if we can call it, family; draco was in the same position as her. lying on a sofa in front of the fire with his son in his lap and his angry wife in the bedroom. scorpius had traces of tears in his eyes, the remains of the tears that had come out because of his parents' screams. astoria had cursed at the cries the day she had married draco, and he had sworn that if it had not been for the pressure of his parents he would never have set foot on the altar. 

"dad..." draco watched his son curled up in his lap "why is mommy angry with y/n?" he did not know what to say, scorpius was too young to understand how an arranged marriage worked. 

"your mother doesn't like her, she-"

"but y/n is very nice"

his son was right, y/n was very nice. very beautiful. very smart. very brave. she was what he had always wanted. but he was stuck in an unhappy marriage, that he wanted to end soon.

#fanfic #fanfiction #draco malfoy #draco x y/n #draco x reader #draco malfoy imagine #draco malfoy fanfiction #draco malfoy x reader #hogwarts #muggle #coffee #harry potter

[eirian-houpe]

The Library Beneath the Clock Tower - Chapter 45

Fandom: Once Upon a Time (TV)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Belle/Rumplestiltskin | Mr. Gold, Belle/Gaston (Once Upon a Time)

Characters: Belle (Once Upon a Time), Rumplestiltskin | Mr. Gold, Red Riding Hood | Ruby, Widow Lucas | Granny, Grumpy | Leroy, Maurice | Moe French, Evil Queen | Regina Mills, Merida (Once Upon a Time), Jiminy Cricket | Archie Hopper, Gaston (Once Upon a Time), Le Fou, Mad Hatter | Jefferson, Prince Charming | David Nolan, Gus | Billy, Huntsman | Sheriff Graham, Mother Trude (Fairytale Character)

Additional Tags: Bookshop On the Corner, slightly AU, Cursed Storybrooke (Once Upon a Time), Alternate Universe - In Storybrooke | Cursed (Once Upon a Time), Eventual Smut

Summary: Storybrooke has no library, and neither does Belle, not since the library where she worked in Boston discovered her past as an inpatient at a mental hospital. Taking her future into her own hands, Belle travels to Storybrooke where her intention is to open up the town library, but all does not go according to her plan. Obstacles and false starts, and diversion along very wrong pathways interrupt her journey toward fulfilling her dream, as well as taking her rightful place and becoming a part of the Storybrooke community.

Winner of the 2020 Espenson Award, Best Book AU.

Read previous chapters on AO3

Chapter 45 - The Graces

Promising to return as soon as she could, and eliciting a promise from Paige that she would help when she did return, Belle retraced her steps to the library, seething inside that no one in the so-called tight-knit community had reached out to help the Graces before now; that no one had even seemed to know and so they had fallen through the cracks. She couldn’t help but find Missus Trude guilty for being in some way complicit, and wondered just how far her influence went. What would she have to gain from keeping them as they were - power over them in some way? But to what end?

She was so lost in her thoughts and trying to make sense of how she might best help in the long term and not just for now that she almost literally ran into Mister Gold. Not looking where she was going, and trying to find the apartment key on her key-chain, she stopped barely short of colliding with his backside as he was bent over slightly, working on something at the lower part of the door.

Belle yelped, and dropped her key-chain, which Mister Gold retrieved for her before straightening up and turning to face her.

“Miss Marchland,” he greeted her, apparently calmly. “I was just working on the door. Seems a little attention was necessary to ensure it closes properly.”

“Well…” Belle took a deeper breath, composing herself, before she said, “Thank you, Mister Gold. I appreciate it.”

“Well, we can’t have just anyone walking up to the apartment without invitation, now, can we?” he said, more a statement than a question, with a raised eyebrow in her direction.

“No, indeed,” she answered, and before she could stop herself, her answer came with an implicit reference to the previous evening, when he had walked up on her as she had been trying on Maggie’s dress. “There’s no telling in what state they might discover me.”

She blushed as she realized what she’d said, but Gold, as gentlemanly as ever, said nothing but, “Don’t worry, I’ll be out of your hair before too long.”

Without warning, his mild mannered reasonableness, and the way he seemed absolutely unaffected by what happened between them at the Miner’s Day festival more than irritated her, and that, coupled with the memory of his behavior at the shop on the occasion she had spoken of her concern for Paige, made her speak first and consider the consequences of what she had said later.

“What didn’t you tell me what was happening with Paige!” she snapped.

He frowned. “I beg your pardon?”

“Paige… Grace,” she clarified, and dismissed his odd reaction to the way she spoke the girl’s surname. “The girl that helps me in the library?”

“Yes, I know the girl to whom you refer,” he said. “However, I fail to see what I should have told yo—”

“Oh, drop it, Gold!” she scoffed. “You knew, and you said nothing. That poor girl has been… maid and… nurse, and… who knows what else besides. I could have done something, could have helped. Instead you pretended there was nothing wrong, and let it all continue.  And for what!”

“Be… very careful, Miss Marchland,” Gold warned, his voice low and dangerous in a way that vibrated through the whole of her and sparked an ache low down and in an entirely inappropriate way, given the topic of their disagreement. “You know very little of which you speak, and none of the harm your interference could—”

“Interference?” Belle’s voice was high in pitch and with incredulity. “Only you could think of offering help as interference. You are unbelievable, you know that?”

“No, Miss Marchland,” he said, exaggerated patience in his voice that only served to further irritate her. “I am a man that simply knows how, and when to best take sides.”

“Take sides?” she threw up her hands along with the tone of her voice, “This is a child’s life we’re talking about, not some meaningless argument about… parking restrictions on Main Street.”

“Indeed,” he agreed. “Which is exactly why I have acted as I have.”

“Done nothing, you mean,” she spat. “At least you didn’t try to deny you knew what’s going on, at least I’ll give you that.” She huffed as he said nothing, and then she began to step forward, to push past him as she added curtly, “Excuse me, I have cleaning to do.”

He caught her by the elbow as she did, and stepping closer, momentarily held her in place against the open door.

“Everything comes with a price, Miss Marchland,” he half growled, half purred almost into her ear. “So you need to be very sure how much you’re willing to pay.”

She fell into the intensity of his gaze and was held there for several moments. The words were familiar to her somehow, and yet were not quite right, and for a second time, his nearness and his quiet menace sent a thrill of danger to warm her core. Then as angry at herself for allowing such feeling to cloud her intention to do what she knew was right, as she was at him for saying nothing when first she came to him with her concerns, she snatched her arm from his grasp, pushed past him and up the stairs to gather her cleaning supplies.

As foolish as it made her feel, Belle left through the library so as to avoid another confrontation with Mister Gold, and quickly made her way back to Paige’s house. Paige was waiting by the door when she returned, almost wringing her hands with such a stricken look on her face that Belle wanted nothing more than to wrap her in a tight hug and never let go, instead of the gentle embrace she gave her.

“All right then,” she said quietly as she released Paige and stepped back a little bit. “Let’s get started, shall we?” She held out a pair of rubber gloves and a large trash bag in the girl’s direction and instructed her to pick up all the papers and the mail from the hallway and gather the trash from any other room in the house where things had gotten away from her, and with a smile added, “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

Belle went to work with an almost practiced air, beginning with the dishes that were piled in the sink and on the counter top, setting them to drain while she cleaned the stove-top, kitchen table and the cupboard doors. Next she dried and put away the now clean crockery and cutlery, making space for her to tackle the job of cleaning out the refrigerator. She was surprised to find some unspoiled food remaining in the fridge, but there were also plates of covered, left over food, remnants of previous meals, that were covered in plastic wrap and were of highly dubious quality. She decided it was best to dispose of it all, and wash the plates thoroughly before returning her attention to the fridge itself, and cleaned and organized everything within.

Next, she swept and dusted, and mopped, spending a good deal of time inside the pantry, to make sure that nothing inside was spoiled, but it contained only non perishable goods; tins of soup, and beans, and airtight containers of pasta and rice.

When Paige came in to tell her she had finished with her assigned task, Belle gave her a duster, and a damp cloth, and told her to go around the downstairs rooms to clean and dust all the surfaces, and in the meanwhile, she swept and mopped the hallway, and scrubbed the bathroom until everything was almost shining.

She had no idea how long the two of them worked together to clean the house but as late afternoon began to turn toward evening, there remained only one room. Her mother’s bedroom.

“Why don’t you run up to Granny’s and get a tub of her soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches? There’s money in my wallet,” she suggested to Paige, as she searched in the linen closet and found clean sheets and blankets, and some clean towels for the bathroom. Paige seemed relieved at the suggestion, and Belle ruffled her hair a little and gave her a gentle push toward the kitchen, where she’d left her purse.

She watched after her for a moment before she went and knocked on the door.

“I feel so bad that you’ve both been working so hard while I do nothing but lie here,” Missus Grace said, by way of greeting.

Belle smiled and shook her head. “No need. It’s my pleasure to help,” she said.

She set the new bedclothes down on the trunk at the foot of the bed, and then, for just a moment perched on the edge of the chair. “Missus Grace,” she began, but the woman waved a trembling hand in her direction.

“Please, call me Chloe,” she said. “I don’t think we need to be so formal after all of this.”

“Then you must call me Belle,” she said, and Chloe smiled, but it was a sad kind of smile.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough,” Chloe said and then more sadly, “I suppose you’re going to have to involve the authorities now… it’s just that Paige is so worried, and I’m all she has and—”

She stopped as Belle reached out and took her hand.

“Missus Grace… Chloe,” she said correcting herself at once. “It would be better, yes, both for you and for Paige if Social Services knew what you were going through, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re going to swoop in, and take either of you away from each other. These days they try to keep people together, and teach you to be a little bit self reliant, provide help for the things you can’t do for yourself, and find you medical treatment, which might make things easier for you to do some of the things you can’t right now, because of your illness.”

Chloe seemed to be truly listening to Belle’s explanation, then with a sigh said, “I only want what’s best for Paige.”

“I know that,” Belle said. “That’s why I’m willing to help as best as I can until you can make the best decisions for yourself and not have others tell you what to do all the time.” She paused for only a moment before she said, “I dare say that neighbor of yours has been filling Paige’s head with all kinds of horror stories about what would happen if anyone found out.”

“Not just Paige,” Chloe said, with a good deal of shame in her voice.

Belle tried not to let her expression show just what she thought of that, or now of the woman in question. Instead, in an attempt to lighten the conversation, not to mention to facilitate being able to change the woman’s bedclothes, she said, “How about I go and run you a nice warm bath? I can help you into the bathroom, and let you soak for a while, then if you like, I’ll come and wash your hair for you.”

“You’d… you’d do that?” Chloe asked, and Belle heard the way her voice choked as she spoke.

“Of course,” she said. “I want you to be comfortable and happy as well as Paige.”

She had to blink away her own tears as Chloe’s eyes filled with gratitude for her concern and her compassion. She squeezed the other woman’s hand before getting up from the chair and going to run the bath, putting in bath salts which she hoped would help to soothe her. Not too long afterwards, she had settled Chloe into the tub and went back into the bedroom to strip the bed, turn the mattress and put on the clean bedclothes and blankets.

By the time Paige returned with the food, Belle had settled Chloe into an oversized arm chair, which she had brought in from the living area, propped cushions around her, and covered her knees with a blanket to keep her comfortable. She had drawn the small table closer to Missus Grace’s chair, and brought in another dining chair from the kitchen, like the one that was already in the room, so that the three of them could share the meal, and some good, wholesome, and companionable conversation.

It was nearing dark by the time Belle left, admonishing Paige to make sure that she went to her own bed that night, and not to drift in slumber in a chair in her mother’s room.

“Your mother will be fine,” she said, “so I want you to promise me that you will sleep. You won’t be able to help anyone if you’re too tired to think.”

Instead of a promise, Paige threw her arms around Belle and held her tightly. “I wish I’d trusted you better; told you sooner,” she said.

“So do I,” Belle murmured, placing a tender kiss on the top of her head, “but I know now, and I’m going to help make sure that everything works out, and will be all right.” Paige sighed, still holding tightly to Belle, and her heart lurched as she thought she heard Paige whisper, “I wish Papa were here.” There was little she could say to that, and so instead she simply gave the girl another squeeze.

Bone weary and heart sore, Belle made her way homeward to take a hot, deep bubble bath of her own, taking the long way around so that she could first clear her head. That path took her past Gold’s shop, and in the gathering night she could see the light spilling out onto the sidewalk from within. She wasn’t all that surprised to see it, as she knew Gold often kept late hours, but as she drew level with the pawn shop, and glanced in through the window, she was surprised to see Jefferson’s tall frame standing toe to toe with Gold. She slowed her steps, and eventually halted altogether, and watched the two of them as they seemed locked into what looked to be a somewhat heated discussion. Fingers poked and pointed, arms flew in grand gestures, and she could almost feel the atmosphere seeping out through the brick and glass of the shop front.

The sign on the door read, ‘closed’ but she couldn’t help but wonder if she should go inside and try to mitigate whatever had come between two whom she knew to be as close as Jefferson and Gold. Before she could act upon her thought, Jefferson turned and stormed toward, and then through the door, and she had to almost jump aside as he ploughed on without pause.

“Jefferson…!” she called after him, but he did not even appear to have heard her, let alone to react to the sound of his name.

#Rumbelle #slight au #cursed storybrooke #eventual smut #the library beneath the clock tower #The Bookshop on the Corner

[lady-of-the-spirit]

☕️ Once Upon a Time and ☕️ Supernatural

OUAT: I stopped watching after season 1 and from the sounds of it I made the right choice lol 

I do know a little bit of what happens? Vague details and things, I know some of the plots but I don’t know how they were resolved. 

I will FOREVER be pissed off about how Graham’s character was treated and how his plot was resolved. Like, fine. He dies. I’m going to be sad forever about it but whatever. But what I cannot forgive is that Regina raping him and abusing him and murdering him was never mentioned again. FUCK THAT.

I also just don’t like how Regina’s character became “I was a queen, you added evil to my name!” like girl you murdered hundreds of people and doomed them to live in a constant time loop. I’m pretty sure that’s evil. Nothing they hold against you is unjustified (and even if it is I’m sure there’s plenty they hold against you that is justified). While we’re on topic, how is Emma bringing back Marian to reunite with her husband and son in any way bad? Regina got pretty pissy about that like it was a personal attack on her.

And I despise the transition from “we’ll have some shoutouts to the Disney films but for the most part we’re doing our own thing” to “Elsa and Anna and Merida are here!!!” Seeing Elsa, Anna and Merida in their Disney Costumes looking like cosplayers infuriates me. The whole incorporation of actual Disney things into this show infuriates me. for fuck’s sake. God. I’m getting mad just thinking about it. 

Supernatural: to quote above:  I stopped watching after season 1 and from the sounds of it I made the right choice lol

I literally do not care about the show at all except for Sam Winchester and his personal happiness. And Jack Kline. Maybe Castiel but I never watched an episode he was a major part of tbh. Except for all the ways I will happily listen to people point out the sexist, racist, homophobic and ableist nature of the show. 

Dean Winchester is a sexist, racist, abusive piece of shit. The way he treated Jack - a child? the child of one of his best friends? - leading Jack to be scared of Dean, committing self-harm because Dean made him think he wasn’t worthy? I’m. Going to fucking snap. And all of this, and people still are like “Oh, look at Dean! such a good dad!” like get some fucking standards, please people. And people are (rightfully) constantly calling John Winchester out for his treatment of his sons in his grief over losing his wife, and yet? The majority of the fandom do not hold Dean to the same standards even though Dean is objectively way worse. 

The treatment of the pagan gods gets me riled up, too. Artemis was in love with Prometheus. Isis, the Egyptian goddess, was played by a white blonde woman. All of these gods are portrayed as lesser than the Abrahamic ones with absolutely zero respect shown, even to gods of religions that still exist today like Hinduism, and then they were all killed off. the disrespect. 

And I’ve talked about this before but so many of the monsters on Supernatural are just literally a dude. Maybe some facepaint or makeup and that’s it. Ugh. American Gods did this AND the above issue better.

You chose two of the things that I know the least about that get me riled up the most. Thank you!

send me a ☕️ and a topic and i’ll talk about how i feel about it

#ask #disneyfan50

[swanqueeneverafter]

Sins of the Past Pt.10

Camelot. Past. Hall of Ceremonies. (A great feast is being held in the name of unity and forgiveness. Uther stands to give a speech.) Uther: “Standing here, seeing so many happy faces, seems almost like a dream. I can tell you, I have not felt like this in a long time.” Morgana: “What, drunk?” Uther: (Swats her playfully with his napkin:) “Drunk with happiness. I would give the entire world, the seas, the skies, the stars, for that smile. Morgana, there are no words. You mean more to me that you will ever know. (Raising his goblet:) To Lady Morgana.” All: “To Lady Morgana.” (Uther and Morgana embrace, Morgana’s forced smile faltering.) Uther: (Unbalanced momentarily:) “Oops. I need some air.” (Morgana watches him leave the room, a malevolent smirk upon her face.) Castle Courtyard. (Uther staggers outside on wobbly legs.) Uther: (Hearing something:) “Who’s that?” (Uther walks to the well and looks inside. Suddenly a vision of Ygraine, Uther’s long dead wife and Morgana’s mother, grabs his arm and screams.) Ygraine: “Please. Please!” Uther: “AHHHH!” (Uther continues screaming, curls up in the fetal position and rocks back and forth as guards run to check on him.)

Uther’s Chambers. (Arthur and two other guards set Uther down on the bed.) Morgana: “Careful. Is he going to be alright?” Guinevere: “He should sleep ’til morning.” (Guinevere motions for the others to leave. She watches Morgana dote over her father before she too leaves the room. Now alone with Uther, Morgana drops her father’s hand and smiles. The mandrake beneath Uther’s bed is having the desired effect.) Morgause’s Cave. Morgana: “Already the rumours are spreading.” Morgause: “The mandrake’s poison does its work well.” Morgana: “Soon all of Camelot will believe that their king is going mad.” Morgause: “And a kingdom without a king is ripe for the picking.” Morgana: “When do you go to Cenred?” Morgause: “Tomorrow.” Morgana: “And he will do as we wish?” Morgause: “Cenred wishes only to please me.” Morgana: "Then your time with him has been well spent.” (Morgause adds another mandrake to the cauldron much to Morgana’s delight.)

Storybrooke. Present. Regina's Vault. (A large group has gathered inside the vault as Lancelot speaks.) Lancelot: "My men and I covered the entire forest, the tracks lead back to Dun Broch." David: "And? Did you find Mulan?" Lancelot: (Glancing at Guinevere before answering:) "Camelot has a treaty with Dun Broch, no soldier can cross into their lands without prior consent. It would be akin to starting a war." Xena: "You fool! Macintosh started the war the moment he poisoned Dun Broch's recognised leader. In the event of a coup d'état all treaties are invalidated. We have to get Mulan out of there!" Zelena: "Hey! Everyone calm down. Now thanks to Ruby, I have something of Mulan's bubbling in this cauldron that will allow me to make a potion which will show us Mulan's exact location. As soon as my sisters finish their potion to revive Merida, she'll be able to tell us where Mulan is being held. Now those of you who aren't doing anything useful, please give us some space to work." Antechamber. (Sitting with Belle and Snow, Ruby continues to worry about Mulan.) Belle: "Hey, listen. You and I both know just how tough Mulan is, right? I mean Merida can kick all those men’s arses and Mulan trained her so really, there's nothing to worry about?" Ruby: (Smiles, through her tears:) "Right." Snow White: "Ruby, you're my best friend. I know you and I can see how worried you are, but we will find her." Ruby: (Nods:) "You're right. It's just... I've never been so scared about anything before."

The Vault. (Regina is mixing ingredients with the crushed up Mortaeus flower.) Emma: "Will it work?" Regina: (Shrugs:) "One thing I know for sure is this poison was created using magic." Emma: "So that means Macintosh wasn't acting alone?" Regina: "Unless he has magic, he can't have been. (Adding the last ingredient, Regina motions for Emma to step back. The potion sizzles and foams for a moment. Ladling the potion into a small cup, Regina walks over to Merida:) Hold her nose." (Emma pinches Merida's nose while Regina pours the potion into her mouth.) Regina: "Swallow, Merida. Swallow it." Emma: "She’s stopped breathing. What’s happening? Regina?" Regina: (Putting her head on Merida's chest:) "Her heart has stopped." Ruby: (Entering:) "She's dead? She can't be! It’s my fault. If I’d have got here sooner. If I’d have ran faster...” (Ruby turns and cries in Snow’s arms.) Snow White: “No, no. This wasn’t your fault.” Merida: (Her voice croaky:) “Careful, Snow. You don’t want to make Mulan jealous.” (Everyone looks down at Merida who slowly opens her eyes.) Ruby: “Merida! You’re alive.” Merida: “No. I’m a ghost come back to haunt you. (Moves to sit up:) What happened? The last thing I remember is drinking from the goblet.” (Everyone gathered looks to each other before Ruby begins bringing Merida up to speed.) Camelot. Past. Council Chamber. (Uther and Morgana are seated side by side while Arthur gives his report.) Arthur: “We’ve had reports that mercenaries are streaming into Cenred’s kingdom.” Uther: “Do we know why?” Arthur: “There is rumour that Cenred is amassing an army. I think we should send a patrol out to assess the situation. (Uther stares past Arthur:) My Lord? (Arthur turns to see what the king is staring at. The court looks back at Uther. Uther sees a small drowned boy standing in the council room, dripping water all over the floor. Uther stands up and points at the boy.) Uther: “Leave me alone. Get out of here.” Arthur: “My Lord, will you…” Uther: “I said get out! Get out! I’ll have you hanged!” (Arthur and another knight restrain Uther and drag him from the room.) Uther: “You hanged! You…! You…!” (While the court members are aghast, Morgana lets a smile cross her face.) Storybrooke. Present. Regina's Vault. (Merida sits beside the cauldron.) Zelena: "Ready?" Merida: "Aye." (Zelena adds the final ingredient and the potion bubbles up. Images begin to form inside the billowing smoke.) Zelena: "Do you know where that is?" Merida: "I do. The Southern Moor. Macintosh, the bastard."

Guinevere: "Merida, my army is at your disposal. Do you give us permission to enter your lands?" Merida: "Ordinarily, your Majesty, if I allowed Camelot soldiers entry into Dun Broch I'd face a rebellion. But seeing as one of my own has already betrayed me, I say desperate times call for desperate measures." Cenred’s Castle. Past. Throne Room. (Morgause rides alone towards Cenred’s castle. Surrounded by Cenred’s men, she enters the throne room where the regent of the land is waiting for her.) Cenred: “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Morgause: “If you will not leave your castle, then I must come to you.” Cenred: “I see that you’ve lost none of your audacity.” Morgause: “I wish I could say the same. But I find the great King Cenred cowering in his chambers when he should’ve met me at the border. Perhaps he has lost his nerve. Perhaps he is a coward.” (One of Cenred’s men draws his sword. Morgause magically throws him backwards with a look. Cenred’s other men draw their swords. Cenred holds up a hand to stop them.) Cenred: “You are very beautiful when you’re angry.” Morgause: “Is that why you continue to defy me?” Cenred: “Well, you wouldn’t like it if I made it easy for you.” (Morgause laughs.) A Short Time Later. (Now alone, Cenred pours Morgause a drink and sits across from her.) Cenred: "I’m certain you’ve not come all this way just to drink, Morgause.” Morgause: “You know me well.” Cenred: “Extremely well. And yet, somehow, we’re still close.” Morgause: “I’ve come to talk to you about our old friend, Uther Pendragon.” Cenred: “Yes. I have heard the sad news. He’s finally lost his mind.” Morgause: “Camelot is weak, weaker than it’s been for years. the kingdom is vulnerable, just as I promised.” Cenred: “Yet it doesn’t change the fact the citadel is still impregnable.” Morgause: “So, even without his wits, Uther is too strong for you.” Cenred: “You’re a woman of great courage, Morgause, but I don’t think with my sword. An assault on Camelot cannot be undertaken lightly.” Morgause: “You forget. We have an ally in the court.” Cenred: “That is no guarantee. Traitors blow like the wind.” Morgause: “Not this one. She can be relied upon until the end. You can be certain of that.” Camelot. Night. (Morgana enters the King's chambers to check on a comatose Uther. Waving a hand in front of his face, Morgana smiles when his expression does not change. Holding up a fresh mandrake, Morgana wraps a string around the mandrake root and strangles it several times. Uther becomes more terrified with each scream the root makes.) Corridor. (When Morgana leaves her father's chambers and walks along the corridor, Guinevere steps out from the darkness and decides to follow.) Lower Town. (Guinevere ducks behind walls, carts and whatever else she can in an effort to continue following Morgana through the town and into the woods.) Woods. (Sensing that she will be discovered if she moves any closer, Guinevere watches from a safe distance as Morgana meets with Morgause.) Morgause: “Sorry you had to wait. There was much to discuss.” Morgana: “But your visit was successful?” Morgause: “Cenred’s army ride for Camelot on my command.” Morgana: “There is nothing you cannot do.” Morgause: “It is you that gives me strength, sister. How goes the battle for Uther’s mind?” Morgana: “When Cenred marches on Camelot, he will find a kingdom without a leader. Finally we are ready.” Morgause: “Not quite. I have had to agree to an additional guarantee to Cenred to quell his fears. Do you trust me, Morgana?” Morgana: “Completely.” (Although unable to hear their conversation from her position behind the trees, Guinevere does witness Morgause’s eyes glow and Morgana pass out in Morgause’s arms. Forcing herself not to move, Guinevere watches as Morgause lays Morgana on the ground and begins to draw a circle around Morgana with a stick.) Morgause: “Acene slæp swilce … Acene slæp swilce … Acene slæp swilce …” (Before Guinevere’s very eyes, Morgana begins to glow.)

Storybrooke. Present. The Vault. (Guinevere relays memories of her past to Lancelot.) Guinevere: "This is just like before you came to Camelot. Morgause used her magic on Morgana to turn her against Uther. Now I suspect the same has happened to Lord Macintosh." Lancelot: "You think Morgause is back?" Guinevere: "She has to be. She's gathering an army to take back what she believes has been stolen from her. Morgana." Lancelot: "We won't let that happen." Xena: "You've already let it happen. The time you've wasted trying to avoid a war may just have given Macintosh and this Morgause person the chance they need to strike first!" Lancelot: "If Macintosh and his men attempt to attack Camelot, my soldiers will crush them." Xena: "If you plan on winning a war from a defensive position you've already lost." Gabrielle: "Xena's right, we have to take the fight to them and rescue Mulan before it's too late." Lancelot: "I will not lead my men into a trap against an army that for all we know is imbued with Morgause's magic." Xena: "Then you're a coward. Ruby and Mulan were right to come and find us the last time you and your army failed to arrive for battle." (At this exchange of words, Xena and Lancelot attempt to lunge at each other. Both held back by Gabrielle and Guinevere respectively.) Emma: "Alright that's enough! We don't have time for any of this. Now here's what's going to happen. Zelena, you will take Merida, Ruby, Guinevere, Lancelot, Xena and Gabrielle out of here to Camelot.” Belle: “Hey, I want to go too. (As everyone looks to her:) What? I haven’t had a proper adventure in ages.” Emma: (Nods then continues to Zelena:) “You will collect the Camelot army and then you'll transport everyone to The Southern Moor and rescue Mulan." Merida: (Liking this idea:) "Arriving in a cloud of smoke with Camelot's army behind me will wipe that smirk off Macintosh's face." Zelena: (Excited:) "And it's about time I got to flex my magical muscles against a worthy adversary again." Emma: "Good, now that's all agreed, the one thing none of you are going to do is disturb my daughter. So, Zelena, when you're ready." (Zelena nods and with a wave of her hand, magics everyone out of the vault. Seeing no reason to stay, Snow takes her leave as well. Finally alone, Emma walks over to Regina who is watching over Maria.) Emma: "Is she...?" Regina: (Nods:) "A few moments ago." Emma: "You know it's pretty late, there's no point trying to move her tonight." Regina: "She always wakes up even when we use magic to move her anyway." Emma: "Yeah. So I'll just go get the room down the hall ready, okay?" Regina: "Okay, thanks. (Emma turns to leave:) Oh, Emma? The necklace really does suit you." (Emma rolls her eyes and smiles, watching her wife dote on their daughter before heading down the hallway to prepare their bedroom for the night.)

Kingdom of Valencia. (Returning home from the festival, King Richard and Queen Roberta attempt to enter the castle but are prevented by guards.) King Richard: (A little tipsy:) "Ho there, I am King of this castle and I demand entry." Queen Roberta: "Shh, they know who you are, Richard." Guard: "Well I don't." Queen Roberta: "Excuse me?" Guard: "I don't know who he is, never seen him before." King Richard: "What do you mean, you've never seen me before? I'm the bloody King!" Queen Roberta: (Eying the guard:) "Actually, Richard I think he's new. (Looking at the other guards:) I think they're all new." King Richard: "Oh great. Well who ordered a shift change on the one night of the week when we actually leave the castle. Of course they're not going to know who we are. (To the guards:) It's all right, lads, it's our fault. We'll just wait here until the guards who know our faces take over." Neo: (Stepping out from behind the guards:) "Actually, Sire, that won't be possible." Queen Roberta: "Neo, what's going on?" Neo: "Sir Gareth ordered all castle guards to be reassigned to the infantry and so..." Queen Roberta: "None of the guards will know who we are." King Richard: "Now hang on. I may not be the sharpest pencil in the box, but even I know that's a pretty stupid thing to do. What was Gareth thinking?" Neo: "I'm not sure, Sire, but these men are under orders not to let anyone into the castle until further notice." King Richard: (Taking a step forward:) "That's absurd! (The guards draw their swords and Richard and Roberta take two steps back:) There must be some mistake!" Queen Roberta: "Neo, be a dear and fetch Sir Gareth so we can sort all this out." Neo: "Regretfully, Milady, I am merely the messenger. (Backing away:) If you would like an appointment to see Sir Gareth, I'm sure the happy couple would be only too happy to receive your correspondence. Good night!" (Neo turns and re-enters the castle.) King Richard: "The happy couple?" Queen Roberta: (Knowingly:) "Catrina." Gareth’s Chambers. (Gareth and Catrina ready for bed.) Catrina: “It’s been such a beautiful day.” Gareth: “The first of many, I hope.” (He kisses her cheek.) Catrina: “Oh, Gareth, just think how fine it would be to have all of this at your command.” Gareth: “Trust me, I tried it once. It was more of a burden than anything.” Catrina: “Well, let me share your burden, My Lord. (Producing Richard’s crown from behind her back and presenting it to Gareth:) Together we could achieve so much.”  Gareth: (The enchanted medallion around his neck glows:) “You know there’s nothing I’d love more.” Catrina: “Oh, and My Lord…” Gareth: “Hmm?” Catrina: “Would it not be a good idea send a message to those who doubt us? To show all of Valencia the strength of our love, our commitment?” Gareth: “Yes. What did you have in mind?” Catrina: (Moving behind Gareth to massage his shoulders as Gareth contemplates the crown:) “Well, I was thinking of something traditional. (Moving around to face him, Catrina kisses a dumbstruck Gareth:) Something permanent.”

Storybrooke. Regina's Vault. (Having made sure Maria is tucked in and sleeping soundly, Regina retreats toward the rear of the vault. Pressing the secret stone in the wall, she pushes open the door and enters.) Antechamber Bedroom. (Upon entering the room, Regina's breath is stolen at the sight that greets her. Kneeling on the floor and draped over a high-backed armchair, Emma waits for her clad only in red bra and matching thong underwear.) Emma: (Glancing over her shoulder, pleased by her wife's reaction:) "Seeing as you were such a fan of the necklace, I wanted your opinion on this lingerie I bought recently. (Trying do keep a straight face as Regina strides towards her:) What do you think, does it suit me?" (Receiving a sharp slap to her backside in answer, Emma chuckles and allows herself to be drawn upwards onto her knees to accept a spectacular kiss from Regina.) Storybrooke. Back Alleyway. (Locking up for the night, a surly looking Maleficent exits through the back door. Walking only a few paces before hearing a noise, Maleficent stops and waits. Hearing nothing out of the ordinary, she continues on. Just as she's about to turn the corner onto Main Street however, Maleficent is grabbed from behind by a dark bearded man. Whispering something in her ear, the man catches the tall blonde as she stumbles. Putting her arm around his neck, the man turns and walks with Maleficent in another direction, leading her into the darkness and out of sight.)

#sq #swan queen #swanqueen

[asktheghosthost]

🆗️

There was a light rap on the front door that could only be described as elegant. A simple knuckled "knock knock" that was going to wait patiently until it was answered, because it had plenty of good faith to know it would be.

The patience paid off, as within moments the door slowly creaked open.

"Ladies..." the deep, uncharacteristically tired voice of the Ghost Host greeted. "Do please step inside."

Aurora and Cinderella shot each other a concerned glance before they walked into the dark mansion.

A little green fire grew in the foyer hearth, offering more light. Then that was followed by the curtains pulling back to allow in more sunshine. Still, their host remained mostly invisible. If the women peered hard enough, they could make out faint blue outlines of a tall, skinny body, but it flickered in and out like a dying light bulb.

"I do apologize for my lack of appearance. I hope you don't think me rude."

"Not at all, Beauregard" Cinderella was quick to speak up. "We understand you ghosts are sensitive to lights."

"Oh, it isn't that, princess..." There was a soft groan, and they could see an indent in the seat in front of them. "Without mortal visitors, there is no abundance of sympathetic vibrations to give us the energy to properly materialize. And with how things have been the last few months, well..." He let the obvious hang in the air. Feeling guilty at their sad expressions, he quickly added, "But look at me being such a rude host. I'm sure I could fetch some tea--"

"No!" Aurora put out a hand. Then she cleared her throat. "No, thank you, that's not necessary. We won't be long. We've come by to let you know the parks will be opening soon."

"And we're planning a party at the castle to celebrate," Cinderella said with a smile. "You're invited, of course."

Aurora reached into the pocket of her skirt to pull out an envelope. It was painted with beautiful birds and swoops and swirls, clearly Rapunzel's handiwork. "We'll be going over everything that'll be..." Her smile became a slight wince. "Different, for the time being."

Beau stood to take the invitation, but it slipped through his hand non- corporeal form. "Sorry, I'm sorry, I--"

"Don't worry, I've got it!" Aurora was quick to grab it and place it on a nearby table.

Cinderella went over to the windows and began untying the curtains, plunging the room back into its former darkness. "We've got more of the Kingdom's residents to see, and you should rest."

After their good byes, the two princesses stood on the porch, grappling with what had just happened.

"We dropped the ball, Cindy. It's past midnight and the pumpkin is splattered."

"Right. So we have to fix it."

***

A few hours later, there was that elegant knock at the front door again.

"Dorian... could you answer that?" Beau called from his chair, vaguely waving a hand. "I got it last time..."

Dorian practically oozed out of his portrait. "Don' wanna." But he dragged himself to the entryway anyway. It took slight effort to pull the door open, but at the sight of the bright, dozen grinning faces on the other side, he was figuratively and literally glowing. "Princesses!" He fell into a bow.

"Oh, there's no need for that!" Snow White giggled and reached down to help him up. "We heard you weren't feeling good."

"Nothing some beignets won't fix," Tiana announced, leading the charge inside. She and Rapunzel carried armfuls of plates piled with treats.

"An' plenty o' games to get the spirits up... spirits." Merida gave Dorian a playful punch in the arm as she went past, hauling various painted targets and wooden darts and arrows.

Dorian could only watch, flabberghasted, as the parade of princesses headed down the hall. "What is all this?"

"Think of it as a much needed morale boost," Moana said.

"Yeah," Anna agreed. "Believe it or not, some of us have a pretty good idea what it's like, being stuck inside for days and days and days and--"

Moana nudged her.

"Days. You start to go a little stir crazy."

Elsa went past, using her magic to amplify the damask designs in the wallpaper, making them shine and sparkle. They created just enough light to help guide the women, while keeping it dim enough for the ghosts. It was a hauntingly beautiful effect. "You need a change of scenery..."

Jasmine put her fingers to her lips and whistled. Carpet zoomed in, scooping up Dorian and Beauregard. "And a little help getting around!"

Carpet took off with the ghosts, zipping through the corridors, until he came to a stop in the ballroom. He hovered above the ground, letting them sit and watch as the princesses set out the food and games and decorated.

While the women were working, a change came over the ghosts. Their features became more defined. A glowing hue took over their forms. Fully visible now, they jumped down and rushed off to gather their fellow undead.

Soon, a great party had started, and once faint and weary spirits were laughing and dancing, back to their old selves.

It was later that evening, amidst quiet chatter and while a few souls were still playing Merida's target practice, (Constance was tied with Mulan), that Cinderella approached the Ghost Host.

He was sitting at the far end of the table, watching the others, content to be an observer.

"Hey." She sat down next to him. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Much." He found it hard to look at her, though, opting instead to stare down at his transparent, clasped hands. All this fussing over him was getting uncomfortable.

"Beauregard..." She leaned over, attempting to look him in the eye. "I'm sorry."

Shocked, he shook his head. "Sorry? Princess, what on earth for?"

She pressed her lips together, preparing what to say. "Aurora and I help Mickey watch over the kingdoms. It's easy to remember the other girls, or the rowdy pirates, or the... singing... dolls..." They simultaneously shuddered. "With you ghosts... sometimes we overlook you. It's not intentional. We know you like to take care of yourselves and keep to the dark, and we try to respect that. But with how everything's been lately, we should have checked up on you. This lack of interaction can take its toll on anyone. You're part of our family, and I promise, I'll never forget that again."

Beau felt a lump in his throat, and the old ghost couldn't help smiling. "Thank you, princess."

"However!" She held up her index finger. "I want you to promise, too, that if you need help, you'll ask for it. No staying quiet until things are dire. Promise?"

Sometimes Beauregard hated calling Cinderella "princess." "Queen" was a far more deserved title for her. He gave an obedient decline of his head. "Yes, princess, I promise."

She smiled at that. "Good." A tiny pause. "Also, you can stop addressing me as 'princess' all the time. Family is on a first name basis."

"Yes, prin-- Cinderella."

#crazypercheron #ask #drabble #short story #fan fic #Beau #Dorian #park verse

[themagicalreads]

Journey Home (Mature/Prompt)

Rapunzel was hot despite the biting cold wind of the sea rushing outside, and it was all the captain's doing. Jack sucked at the nape of her neck as he moved against her, drawing a long moan from her lips. She ran her fingers up his back, pulling him as close to her body as she could, before moving on to his hair.

"Mmm," his mumbling was deep, husky. She tugged at his white locks to bring more out of him, and he obliged wonderfully.

"Oh, captain," she whined in pure bliss.

He pulled away from her, suddenly, eyes sinking deep inside her soul.

"Jack," she corrected herself with a small smile. He rewarded her with a smirk and his tongue slipping in smoothly beside her own. Her entire body buzzed with energy, with light and tingles and love. Pure love, and shared ecstasy.

Rapunzel tightened her bare legs around Jack's hips as they continued their rocking. Then, she gripped his pale shoulders and flipped him onto his back so she now sat atop him, in control. His chest shivered as she ran her hands across it, feeling drunk by his very presence.

This was the most ruthlessly handsome man she'd ever laid eyes upon. The youngest captain to sail the Seven Seas on a fully crewed ship. And yet he had the biggest heart she'd ever had the pleasure of knowing. One he liked to trap inside of a birdcage called his ship. The Zella. A nameless ship named after her, of every human in existence.

The way he looked at her now with heavy-lidded eyes made her question how it had taken her so long to let him in, even after he'd saved her from a life no one wished to have. It had taken him a while to break apart his cold-hearted persona to her as well, but he'd shown her vulnerability long before she could even muster to reveal hers.

He gripped her hips gently, running his hands over her thighs and back again. To places that made her insides flip completely in the most wonderful of ways.

When they were finished, Jacks head dropped against the pillow as he tried to catch his breath. After a few seconds of relishing in his sweet scent, Rapunzel sat up on his hips and brought his suddenly-distanced mind back on board with a soft finger to his chin.

"Your heads off somewhere in the moon again," she said as his ice blue eyes, warm as the sun, met her own. They were full of sadness, and love, and pain.

"Is it?"

Rapunzel nodded.

"You're beautiful."

Tingles rushed over her spine, but she ignored them, to her body's dismay. She plucked his crumpled, white, linen shirt off the bedsheets beside them and pulled it over her chest. It was much more flowy on her than it ever was on him, which was one of the reasons why she loved wearing it to bed so much. Immediately, she felt fingers playing at its hem, tugging up and down. "And you're ignoring my questions again," she told him.

Jack sighed, pulling his wandering hands away from her to palm at his eyes. "Because it's a decision I've already made. We're going for the Black Treasure."

Rapunzel shook her head in disbelief. "Everyone's gone for the Black Treasure, you and I both know it's a death trap." She lowered her palms to his stomach. "No one's caught word of the Golden Flower yet, save from us, the Sea De Vil, and the Jolly Roger. And we're the ones closest to the island, as far as word carries. It'd be stupid not to go."

Jack shifted, gently pushing at her hips until she swung off of him. While he pulled his breeches on, Rapunzel sat patiently on her legs until he grumbled: "I'm not going back to Corona. I made that clear with you before you joined the crew."

"And I haven't said a word about it in six years. It would've been longer if Nicholas hadn't told us about the sighting."

Jack shook his head again, then glanced over his shoulder at her. "It's a magic golden flower. There's no such thing."

Rapunzel smiled softly, crawling over to sit just behind his shoulder. She slid her chin down over it, wrapping her arms around his own in an embrace that set her soul of fire. "I don't believe in magic," she mocked, in a horrible imitation of his voice. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard you say, Ice Man."

"I was cursed. There's a difference."

"You've never viewed your magic as a curse before. And even if it was technically a curse, the fact that it exists is proof that this flowers' powers can very much be real, too. We can't miss the chance of someone else finding it. Imagine the gold people would pay for it—more than all the treasures we've kept and sold combined. We can treasure it, too. Keep it to ourselves."

Jack was quiet for a long moment. She knew he'd grown up on the island, same as she, but he'd never confessed why he refused so strongly to go back, and she'd never felt the right to push. She hadn't told him everything about her long years in Gothelitch either. He had a right to his own privacy as everyone else did with things that didn't involve her.

He opened his mouth to speak, finally, when a loud bang! suddenly sounded from the door. "When you two lovebirds are done rubbin' up all over each other," Merida, the Zella's master gunner, yelled from the other side, "we got somethin' out here ya might wanna see."

"Aye!" Jack answered. The both of them hurried into their own garments and out of the captain's quarters. Out on the main deck, most of the crew stood gazing at something far off to sea.

"Ya see 'im watching us too?" Hook Hand's eyes glared under the hand pressed over his brows, shielding the sun.

"I can feel 'im," Big Nose added.

"Aye, captain! First lady," Merida sauntered over, nodding to the both of them. "Sailin' master's caught somethin' on the horizon. Gettin' easier to see by the second. Aye, Haddie," she yelled out to the sky, suddenly, where Hiccup Haddock stood on the main mast. "How's it lookin' up there?"

"Definitely him!" Hiccup yelled back. "I recommend we set sail East soon, unless we want a repetition of the blood moon!"

Rapunzel glanced at Jack, whose face was still as a frozen lake. The battle on the blood moon had been a nightmare, worse than any they'd been in. The Zella usually did its best to avoid physical conflict between other ships and coastal villages—it was how other pirates got their ships sunk to the ocean's bottom so quickly in their early days of sailing, or how they lost their treasure faster than they earned it, what with all the repairs it cost 'em. The Zella was more so of a silent threat, he'd say. We were a legend, never seen, yet wielding a deadly strike.

Their run-in with the Sea De Vil hadn't been planned. Jack was usually good at tricking others and tracking their thoughts long before they even made them, but he'd made a slight miss guess on Captain Crell's plans. He hadn't expected the renovations he'd given his ship months back for faster sailing. Guess someone else caught on to Jack's tricks—when you scream your plans out for the world to hear, surprise is an impossible thing to achieve. But if you put them to motion under the cover of sealed lips and well placed coins, diverting expectations most often turns victorious.

Now, that very ship was sailing straight for them, only but a small blip on the horizon. It would take a day for them for meet up if they continued on their current route.

"He's sailing for Corona," Rapunzel told him. "Heading South. We're a bonus treasure on his path."

"We're sinking him next time we meet." Jack's voice was stiff, and incredibly determined. There was no doubt in her that his words were true—the Zella's was easily the toughest ship on the Seas. "The Jolly Roger, too."

"You really think words not going to make it to the others if we take those two down? It's a useless endeavor. They'll just cost us more gold in repair, and for what? Temporarily stopping pirates from sailing for the Golden Flower?"

Jack's lips were pressed in a neat line. She knew she was getting onto his nerves about the topic, but she was itching to head home, despite what she told him. The one thing that had kept her from dangerous thoughts after she'd been forced into white slavery was the thought of seeing her parents again. She hoped her disappearance hadn't affected their protectiveness of her sister to a point of extreme. Slavery was a common thing, but her family had cared about one another far too much to let it become an unspoken topic, she knew.

"Please," Rapunzel whispered. She knew she was being cruel, torturing him this way, but she needed to see them at least one last time. She needed to know they were okay, and that she was too.

Jack refused to look at her. The pain he was trying so hard to hide in his eyes tore her heart to pieces. What was she doing to him? She knew she was right in her talk about the flower's worth, but Corona had always been the one thing he'd refused to hear talk about.

He scowled, finally, starring deep into the horizon. "Turn the sails south," he ordered.

***

They arrived at sunrise three days later. The Coronian seas were calm as they anchored down around a mountainous bend, covering them from prying eyes.

"Everyone, ready yourselves for a quick leave," Jack announced as he marched down the main deck. "I won't be long."

The crew groaned in disagreement.

"Ya mean none of us are comin' with, save for Zel?" Merida complained. "No offence, Cap, but that's idiocy at its best."

Jack shot her a dangerous look.

"You'll need Haddie for his navigation skills. And you'll need me, for added protection, yeah? Ain't that what we usually do?"

"This isn't a usual case," Jack informed her. But Merida had never been one to give up. It was a wonder Jack bothered keeping any of this crew around, considering how much they talked back at him. Rapunzel suspected he liked it, deep down. It made their days on the ship that much more entertaining and pleasant, considering the business they were in.

"We do make a good team," Hiccup had just climbed down from his mast, ready for departure. "Zella's four heads of ship."

"Fine." Jack gave in. "Shorty! Lower two boats. We leave immediately." And immediately they did. Rapunzel found herself sitting in front of an emotionless Jack in a matter of no time. His gaze was glassy, fixed on nothing as he rowed their boat off to shore. His grip on the paddles was tight; it worried Rapunzel.

"Talk to me," she said, finally, over the sound of waves tugging them along. "What are you thinking, Jack? It's no good keeping things bottled up inside. You're not a treasure map, or a letter lost at sea."

That brought out a brief chuckle from Jack. "It's nothing."

Rapunzel frowned. "You're worse than a lady. It's not nothing."

"Doesn't matter anyway," he shrugged.

The boat scratched to a stop against the sand, but Rapunzel made no move to get out. Instead, she hopped onto Jack's lap, legs on either side of his hips, and gently pried his fingers away from each paddle. They moved to rest on her waist, only to lower back to his side. The subtle action hurt Rapunzel more than she cared to admit. She leaned forward, oh so slowly, and slipped her tongue between his lips, soothed when she felt his hands return to caress her.

"I love you," she told him.

Jack closed his eyes, gripping at her hips with each rock of the boat. "Don't say that."

"Why not? It's true."

She felt one of his hands reaching up to rub against her hair. "It'll hurt more when you leave."

Realization dawned on her suddenly—he thought she would leave the Zella as soon as they docked in Corona. His sudden failed attempts at distancing himself from her made much more sense now. From the past three days, he'd been trying to rip away his attachment to her. Rapunzel gripped Jack's neck, brushing her fingers against the hair at his nape. "I just want to visit them," she clarified. "I want us all to know we're okay—that I am, now. The Zella's my new home, captain."

Relief flooded over Jack's face, something he was brief to show. A smirk suddenly found its way back to his lips. "Bad girl."

Rapunzel smiled against his lips, warmth swelling inside of her. "Forgive me, sweet, sweet, Jack."

"Aye!" Merida yelled from somewhere off to their left. She and Hiccup had just arrived. "Got a magic flower to find, eh?"

Hiccup chimed in, "Nicholas mentioned it was somewhere by—"

"I know where it is," Rapunzel interrupted, joining up with the others. She looked at them almost guiltily. "I might have done some of my own research after Nick clued us in. If I read the riddles right, it's on top of a hill just out of town. Oh no!" Rapunzel patted at her dress. "I drew a map of how I remembered the island! I was so excited, I must've forgot it on the ship, but that's alright," she was quick to add, grinning at Jack. "We can grab one in town—it'll be much more accurate, and we can visit my family on the way!"

"Sounds like a plan, Zel," Merida agreed, happily.

"If they're as sweet as you, we should invite them on the crew," Hiccup added, only to earn an elbow to the gut from Merida.

They all laughed, save from Jack. "I'm not going," he told them.

"Oh, but they'd love you!" Rapunzel insisted. She was quick to give up her attempts at convincing, however. She knew could do it, he'd crack in a few minutes time, but the trick in gaining a silver tongue was to know when not to push. Jack never wanted to go back home in the first place. Something must have happened in town—something he didn't want to remember. He could meet her family another time, then. "We'll meet back here in half an hour," she told Jack once they'd reached the main bridge.

"Make it an hour," Jack said, but Rapunzel shook her head, keeping it at half. If she spent too much time with the family, she might forget how strongly she loved being at sea.

She might want to stay.

Rapunzel pressed a kiss onto Jack's cheek in goodbye. Then, she followed an ecstatic Merida and Hiccup down the bridge.

Corona was just as beautiful as she remembered, with his big, brick building, and sunny flag. She'd been caught after wandering too far on the outskirts when she was but a seven year old girl. She'd spent another seven in the grips of white slavery, where dirty men used her in ways no child or adult should ever be used. When Jack had stopped by Gothelitch in search for the islands solid gold tooth box, he'd had a run-in with the head of operation, Sir Black. Merida had been the one to spot her first, and she'd convinced Jack to unleash the crew of the Nameless to free our group of imprisoned girls. They'd succeeded, to her surprise, despite them only having been in the pirate business for barely over a year—he'd started when he was but fourteen, Rapunzel's age at the time.

If she hadn't been so curious, she never would have left Corona. She never would of met Jack, or Merida, or Hiccup, or even the rest of the crew. She was grateful for everything that had happened to her, in a way, but she still had nightmares of her time in Gothelitch. The town itself was lovely, but it had been tainted by her reason for being there.

Hiccup located a map easily. Finding Rapunzel's parents had been harder but, with a lot of asking around, they finally found themselves before an old brick home. Her parents looked the same as she pictured, but little Poppilia was almost her height. She was seventeen now, almost a grown woman, just like Rapunzel. It hurt her to know she'd missed out on watching her grow up, on creating memories only a big sister could give her. Still, her sadness gave way to relief at knowing they were still safe and okay.

"Where have you been?" Her mother asked after many hellos.

Rapunzel briefly explained what had happened to her, sparing them of the awful detail. Only she would bare that burden. "I've been sailing on the Zella since," she concluded. But instead of pure joy at her safety, her family looked fearsome.

"Doesn't Captain Jack own that ship?" Poppy asked, worry etched on her brow.

"Yes," Rapunzel smiled. "He's the most wonderful man."

Her father turned to her mother. "He was an Overland, wasn't he? Left at thirteen. I remember him."

"Oh, Punzel!" Her mother sighed, taking her shoulders. "Stay with us! Please, it's so good to have you back. We'll protect you from that man." Her green eyes flicked to Merida and Hiccup, standing a few paces behind Rapunzel. "Your friends too, they're absolutely free to stay."

Rapunzel's brows formed a neat V as she pushed one of her mother's hands free of her shoulder. "I can't stay," she told them, expecting sadness, instead of the worry they all suddenly wore in their eyes. "But I'll visit. I promise."

She made to move away when her father suddenly reached for her wrist. "Sweetheart, please! Don't go back to that devil! He'll flay you, just like he did his family!"

Rapunzel stilled. She saw her friends do the same as well—except they weren't watching her father.

They were watching her.

"What?" Rapunzel asked her father.

"The boy murdered his entire family, an older sister and two younger brothers. Then the coward had the sense to run away and get himself into that pirate business. No one's dared chase after him, not after everything he's done."

Rapunzel's head spun wildly, a headache blooming at her temple. When she turned to Merida and Hiccup, she found them completely unsurprised by the news she just been given. It was true, then. Jack had killed his own family. That explained why he ran away—why he didn't want to come back.

Rapunzel ripped her wrist out of her father's grip. There was an explanation, there had to be! Jack wasn't a monster. But why hadn't he told her what he did? Why hadn't he...?

She stormed out of Corona, ignoring her family's pleading calls. Merida and Hiccup said nothing, but she was pleased to hear they were struggling to follow her quick pace.

"Explain!" She yelled at Jack when she found him hanging by the bridge. Tears already stained her cheeks, but she didn't attempt to wipe them away. She could see it on his face, then, the horrified realization that she knows. Rapunzel knew what he'd been trying so hard to hide from her.

"I..." he started, but failed to continue.

"Your own family!" Her yells were drawing attention from the townsfolk, but she couldn't stop, couldn't stop it with the utter pain radiating through her.

"Not to interrupt," Hiccup hesitantly started, "But can we talk about this while—"

"It's there!" Rapunzel jammed her finger over a spot his open map. "Go find your damn flower!"

Red tainted Hiccup's cheeks, sending a rush of guilt swishing through her stomach. He and Merida rushed off without another word. She'd apologize to them after—they'd done nothing wrong. This had been Jack's secret to share, and he'd failed to do so. "Why?"

His blue eyes flashed. He glanced around them quickly. Then, he took her elbow and led her behind a nearby stand. She should have felt afraid, but he was so familiar. She'd trusted him far too much, and now her body couldn't even be afraid of him.

"It was... It wasn't me," he explained. "I mean, it was, but it wasn't. Not really."

Rapunzel lip quivered. "You're not making much sense."

Jack let go of her elbow and turned away from her. He rubbed a hand through his hair, pulling. Finally, they dropped tiredly to his sides. "It happened after the curse," he whispered. "I stole from the wrong lady. She was talking gibberish to me, saying how she was gonna curse me and all that. Thought she was just rattling out stuff that she knew would scare a normal kid." He shook his head, deep in memory. "I ran back home. Went to sleep thinking my brothers would have the laughs of their lives after I told them about what happened tomorrow." His shoulders shook, but Rapunzel couldn't hear him crying. "I woke up in the middle of the night. All I remember is sitting in the backyard, looking at—at their bodies, all—"

Rapunzel's hand betrayed her. She placed it over his shoulder in comfort, and he turned his face toward her in reflex. They were tear-filled; he had been crying after all. "You don't have to—"

"I flayed them alive. Probably did more, too, seeing how frostbitten they looked. I don't remember anything other than sitting in the yard looking at them. And then running for the fastest boat off land. I knew even then that nothing I could do would bring em' back."

Rapunzel could feel her heart wrenching, twisting harshly at the memory. How horrible must it have been to live with such a sight engrained in your mind? And she'd thought she'd experienced scarring things.

Frostbitten. It explained why he'd refused to use his powers during her first years on board. It took three entire years for them to become close friends, for Rapunzel to develop a crush she hadn't known he returned until that evening in the ship's stores when they'd gotten closer than usual. "Can I kiss you?" He'd asked, face only inches from hers. He had her pressed against the wall as soon as she'd whispered, "Yes." But the flashes of her past still haunted her, then. More than they did now that she knew she was safe. It had taken her long to let him share more than simple kisses in the shadows with her.

It had taken him just as long to give in to Rapunzel's constant encouragement for him to make use of his powers.

"Did you ever try pursuing the witch?" She asked him. "Maybe she would have known how to reverse it."

Jack bobbed his head up and down. "She was Black's mistress in Gothelitch."

Betrayal bloomed inside Rapunzel like a poisoned flower. "That's why you came to the island. To the house. To get your revenge on the Great Dame. You weren't planning on saving us at all, were you?"

Jack looked away, and Rapunzel slid her hand off of him. "Please," he begged, suddenly, looking back at her with widened eyes. His hand had quickly found its way to the crook of her elbow. "The crew really did want to get you girls out of there after we made it. I did. You know I would never lie to anyone on board, especially not you."

Rapunzel closed her eyes as his palm reached her jaw. He pet a thumb against her cheek, sending sparks running through her skin with every stroke. "I wouldn't of hated you if you'd told me," she whispered. "I could never hate you."

"You should," he whispered back. "You really should."

"Jack," Rapunzel opened her eyes. "It wasn't your fault. What you did. Your heart's as good as the Gods above, it was the curse that—"

"There he is!"

Rapunzel twisted fast toward the street, where Poppy stood pointing with a guard at her side. Fear shot through her heart—Jack was not welcome on this island, that much was clear to her now. "Run!" He pulled him away with her, just as a gunshot sounded. Its smell soured the air around them as they ran to shore, fast as their legs could take them. More gunshots came as they found their way to their boat and started rowing. Rapunzel watched as they pulled Merida and Hiccup's boat off shore—they'd have to come find them later.

Then, one last gunshot fired, and it had its eye on Jack's back. He lurched forward as Rapunzel cried out. "Hold it!" She told him, taking charge of the rowing. Her arms were already starting to burn from the pull, but she was glad to see Jack finally do what he was told. "Rip my skirts," she added.

Despite his situation, Jack still managed to smirk. "I don't think now's the time for that, princess."

"Rip my skirts," she said again. "Use it to cover the wound until we get on deck"

"Princess," Jack struggled to hum again in her lap. He was silent for a moment as he tried and failed to move himself upward. "I can't feel my right hand, and my thigh's going numb."

Rapunzel was breathing hard, sweat beading at her brow. She rowed faster. "What?" She said, looking down at him. "You—no. No, you'll be alright." She stopped rowing, suddenly, and helped him into a sitting position at the bottom of the boat, despite his protests. She wasn't strong enough to tear the fabric of her skirts, so she made sure he kept his left sleeve against the open would while she took Jack's previous place and worked all of her energy into rowing. "You'll be alright," she kept telling him.

But the both of them knew he wouldn't be.

"The Golden Flower has healing magic, doesn't it?" Rapunzel asked.

"It'll be too late," Jack answered.

"No," she insisted. "I'll hop on a boat with Vladimir as soon as we get back. We'll tie a second one with us and carry it along for Merida and—"

"No, Zella." Jack's voice was stern, decisive. It left no room for argument. "We're going back for them, just not now. They're smart enough to hold out on their own."

"Jack," Rapunzel's voice was weak, broken. The bullet had hit his spinal cord. He was being forced to succumb to paralysis, something she couldn't imagine would ever be easy for Jack to bare, considering how active he always was. He'd realized it, too, she knew. How horrible must he be feeling, knowing his fate? And after everything he'd gone through.

It wasn't fair.

Nothing was fair.

Rapunzel cried out for the crew as soon as they were close enough to the Zella. Nothing was fair, that was true, but from now on, she vowed, she would make sure to make that very saying as untrue as she could.

#JackunzelFS20 #pirate au #jackunzel #jack frost #rapunzel #merida #hiccup haddock #the big four #rotbtd #wattpad fanfic #jackunzel week #jackunzel prompt #jack frost x rapunzel

[my-makeshift-masquerade]

The Lion King 2 Was Good: Change My Mind

SPOILERS AHEAD

Now, I know that no film is perfect. I’m saying that this sequel gets a lot of hate online, and I don’t understand why at all. Keep in mind that this movie was a direct to DVD release, meaning it had barely had a comparible budget to the original. It was made in 1998 and used traditional styles of animation. Considering these factors, it’s no wonder it cannot live up to the legendary masterpiece that it’s original film will be until the end of time. But I think the creators of this film did an amazing job, and I want to provide some reasons as to why.

The writing for this movie is often criticized as lazy and unoriginal. I think this complaint is more reflective of a genre difference than anything else. The Lion King was based on Hamlet, and the Lion King 2 was based on Romeo and Juliet. Both are Shakespearean tragedies, but the latter is far more focused on romance for obvious reasons. That means the overall pacing and writing for the second film is slightly different from its predecessor. For example, while the original had the intense Mufasa death scene earlier in the film, the death of Nuka in the second film was near the end. If viewers only wanted a remake of the Lion King script with different animation, they’d clearly be disappointed in this sequel.

The characters get criticized a lot, too. Kiara is often called a brat, but really she shares a similar arc with many other female characters from Disney. You know, the one where the girl disobeys her overprotective or controlling parent because she has a desire to be/achieve something more. The arcs that also occur in characters like Rapunzel, Merida, Ariel and Mulan. We don’t call any of these characters brats, do we? They did essentially the same exact thing as Kiara.

Timon and Pumbaa were there, and Rafiki too. They didn’t have as much of an impact as the central cast though, so let’s get to the rest of them.

Simba and Nala were hardly the same characters we saw in the first film, but there’s a good reason for it. Simba clearly has some issues from the beginning. He’s like a lion racist, on top of bejng extremely hypocritical and protective of his daughter. Clearly his traumatic experiences with Scar affected him very deeply. We even get a whole dream sequence about how he subconsciously sees Kovu as another Scar in the second film. Nala is more level headed as usual, but she still is understanding of what Simba is going through.

Kiara is the one who doesn’t hold back on criticizing her father for his prejudices. She even tells him straight up what he needs to accept: “You will NEVER BE MUFASA!”

Now, onto the Outlanders. Zira was an amazing character, and quite a revolutionary villain. She lived up to Scar’s evil legacy, and then some. She is so underrated and honestly I don’t get it. This is the mother gothel before mother gothel. “Mother Knows Best” and “My Lullaby” had the same manipulative energy and the only difference between these two villainous ladies is the details of their motivations.

Nuka... Oh Nuka. I want to give him a hug, because this poor boy needs it. Despite his obvious flaws in the eyes of his own mother, he was absolutely committed to his family, in a way that made his death scene so sad. His last words were: “I’m sorry mother. I tried.” He deserved to live and nobody can convince me otherwise!

Vitani, while being a minor character, is very well done. She is likable and her sibling dynamics with Nuka are fun to watch. She even has an arc as at the end of the film, she sides with Kovu and Kiara rather than her mother.

Now for the furry maker himself. Kovu is such a likable character, even without all the charm the animators and voice actor gave him. He clearly has a big heart and the relationship he has with Kiara feels very genuine and mutual between them both. They listen to eachother and work together perfectly. I don’t see why so many people think the relationship is forced...

The animation did leave a lot to be desired, but the music sure didn’t. The songs in this film do what they’re meant to do, and sound amazing.

In my opinion, I think the Lion Guard is comparable to a fanfiction. I’m sure it’s not that bad of a show, don’t get me wrong. I say this simply because of the way it shoved itself into the Lion King 2 canon, and added a bunch of lore that had never been established prior. It feels like it has to be an alternate universe if anything. With all the magic and marks and other friend animals, some that Simba even asks Timon for specifically when he’s hungry in the first movie. Not kidding, he asks for hippo meat. It just pushed itself into the story line and didn’t bother trying to keep the originality of the lore in place. But this is Disney we’re talking about.

It also bugs me that they felt the need to add Kion rather than using the already free spirited cub Kiara as the protagonist. Seriously. They changed her entire character to make this new cub seem different. Kiara says bluntly as a cub that she didn’t want to be queen in the second film, then in the Lion Guard, she is all stuck up about being the queen and brags about it? Makes zero sense. For those who say she learned to take on the responsibility, bullshit. She didn’t even accept her royal responsibilities as a young adult in the second film. Alternate universes have to be at play here. A character can’t have their personality go 180 that fast. That’s just bad writing.

Well, that’s my post defending the Lion King 2, because nobody else seems to want to talk about the positive sides of this film. Feel free to give your opinions, but there’s no guarantee I will immediately respond.

#lion king 2 #lion king #lion guard

[calofdunbroch]

Merry Christmas Darling

I've just one wish on this Christmas eve I wish I were with you

Tiana’s was hardly ever empty. One of the most popular dining spots in all of Auradon City, there was almost always a wait. But today was different. The restaurant had been virtually empty, with just a few stragglers and lonely diners floating in and out. Currently the number of patrons could be counted on both hands. Two old men sat across from each other, laughing over a tall plate of beignets and reminiscing of holidays come and gone. A family of four were snuggled into a tiny booth; the two children’s eyes widening as the lone waitress dropped their cups of hot cocoa before them, a mountain of whipped cream adorned with green and red sprinkles slowly melting into the warm beverage. At the other side of the bar sat a man with his scarf wrapped up to his ears, quietly humming along as Karen Carpenter crooned a sad, slow holiday jingle from the radio, pausing only to enjoy a spoonful of gumbo every few seconds. 

Callum sat alone, watching the other patrons with a quiet reverence. His gaze followed them curiously, dropping down to then allow his hands to replicate the scene on a page in his sketchbook. Despite the invitation, he had opted to decline Beatrice and Fairy Godmother’s request to host him for the winter. As much as he would have loved to have been there, spending time with the horses and other creatures on their quaint farm, Callum felt uncomfortable with the idea of invading on the holidays. It felt like too intimate a time to be in another person’s home. But most of all... He hated the idea of anyone being audience to his homesickness and melancholy. This time of year brought that sadness that lurked within the deepest reaches of the boy directly to the surface, bubbling and desperate to break free. His stoic nature and powerful reserve were no match for the warm tears that seemed to lull him to sleep almost daily. He missed home, more than he’d like to admit. It had already been over a year since he left Scotland, and would be even longer before he could rightfully return. Time was weighing heavily on him, and the last thing he wanted was to appear vulnerable in front of anyone else. So he did his best to lock up the feelings, straying out into the cold only to be at this empty diner where the other patrons were too occupied in their own little worlds to pay him any attention. 

“That’s really good. I’m impressed... Really. Are you studying illustration?” 

The worlds pulled him from his thoughts, his hand pausing mid pen stroke as he looked up in time to meet the warm, chestnut colored eyes of the waitress. She’d been making frequent rounds to check in on her customers, perhaps the only people she had been able to interact with most of the day. It was Christmas Eve after all, very few places were open and even fewer people were going out. 

Cal followed the trail of her gaze to his sketchbook where he had been doing his best to replicate the wide smile the little girl across the way made when she first got her hot cocoa. Subconsciously he glanced towards the child. The whipped cream was long gone, remnants of sprinkles now peppering her chin as she giggled along to something her father said. “Uh... Aye, yes,” he finally blurted out. “I study art over at AU. It... Kinda keeps me calm.” A grateful - albeit rather small - grin graced his lips momentarily as he moved his pen away from the book. “Thank ye, for the compliment.” 

The waitress shrugged, “I’m just giving credit where it’s due, kid. You’ve certainly got a gift there.” She flashed him a warm grin, which Callum hadn’t noticed he reciprocated, before nodding at his empty mug. “Would you like some more coffee?” 

Blinking, Callum spared a glance at his cup. He had almost wanted to say yes, until he’d noticed the time. Quarter after five. He needed to go. Shaking his head, he closed his sketchbook and began gathering his things. The waitress laid his check down on the counter but Cal barely registered it before fishing out all the cash in his wallet and dropping in onto the counter. The waitress gathered the bills, her eyes widening at the amount he’d laid down. “Um, sir,” she began to protest but her words were drowned out by Callum’s exclamation of, “Happy Holidays, ma’am, have a great rest of yer Christmas Eve, aye?” 

And before more could be said, the young man got up and walked out of the diner, ducking his head as the icy winter air kissed his the exposed skin of his face. Callum readjusted his scarf to cover his vulnerable ears as he began the walk back towards campus. He couldn’t be even a second late. It was rare that he got opportunities to talk to his mothers, and given how desperately he missed them... He didn’t want to chance missing any second. Listening to the rhythmic crunch of the snow beneath his shoes, Callum practically ran back to the dorms. His roommate wasn’t in. Thankfully. Callum was gifted with an empty dorm throughout most of the holiday break. He had no idea where the Hart kid had run off to, and honestly he didn’t care. He wanted privacy for what he’d been anticipating all month long. Within the warmth and seclusion of his dorm, the young man tossed aside his heavy winter coat and tartan scarf, shaking out his wet hair to wipe out the snow flakes that gathered upon his head on the walk, and settled down onto his desk. 

His hands smoothed over the cool lid of his laptop, closed and waiting to be used. As his fingers began to push the monitor up, he paused and looked at the alarm clock he’d had by his bed. Just five minutes until six. Showtime. With a deep breath, Cal pushed the monitor open and quickly typed in his password, waiting impatiently as the computer came to life. Skype instantly popped up, already prepared for the call, and Callum sat straighter in his seat as he waited for the chime. The second he heard it, he’d wasted no time in answering, and his eyes widened as the screen came alight. At first the image was pixelated, but it wasn’t too long until the lag cut off and everything came into focus. The first thing he saw were bright cerulean eyes, equal in shade and shape as his, framed by thick dark hair and followed by a smile that made his heart both soar and ache. 

“Cally,” The nickname came out in a breathless whisper that the microphone had barely picked up, and yet Callum heard it loud and plain. A smile larger than any smile he’d managed in the past year spread over his face, dimpled and full of the kind of happiness only two people could bring out of him. Before he could speak, Caitriona was turning away from the screen to call out to another. “Mer! Mer, come quick, He’s on! Come over ‘ere, a leannan.” 

“Alright, alright! I’m comin’,” Cal could hear coming from the background. It was not long before a flash of red appeared on the computer screen, a petite redheaded women coming into focus, as Merida joined Cait before the monitor. The second she sat and came into focus... Callum thought he was going to lose it. “Oh, my boy,” Merida practically melted, her gaze, full of love and joy, clearly fixated on the monitor. “Oh my sweet, sweet boy!” 

“Ack, dinnae tell me yer already crying,” Cal chuckled, hiding his face as if he were embarrassed. In truth, he was checking to be sure his eyes hadn’t betrayed him just yet. There was a slight quiver to his voice as he spoke which he hoped his mothers hadn’t picked up on just yet. 

“Shut yer mouth, I’m nae crying,” Merida responded, Cait laughing softly along in the background. She shook her head but her grin had not faltered one bit. “I’m just so glad to see ye - it’s been a wee bit.” Both of their eyes were scanning the screen and Callum suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable under their scruitenizing gazes. Video call or not, they knew him better than anyone and could read every subtle twitch in his expression. He held his smile, though, a grin which for once reached his eyes and conveyed his happiness at just hearing their voices. Merida’s brows furrowed in response, which had him momentarily worried until she said, “'S it just me or does he look wee skinnier than he did last time we skyped?” 

Cait lightly smacked her wife’s arm in response, shaking her head at her, and turned her attention back to the screen. “He looks fine - You look fine. How are ye doin’, Callum? How have yer classes been? Tell us everythin’! We want ta ken all about it.”

“How’s archery been goin’? Ye been practicing, right?” Merida added with a bit of a stern voice which contradicted the beaming grin on her face. 

Callum resisted the urge to roll his eyes, instead chuckling under his breath and shaking his head lightly. “Yes, mum, I’ve been keeping up with archery. Two hundred and fifty shots a day, six days a week... Just like ye taught me.” 

Merida nodded curtly, about to respond when Cait interrupted her. “Oh never mind that! The two of ye can talk about archery another time - I want to hear about everything else. Tell me about school - How have ye been doing? Have ye been making friends?” 

Before Cal could respond, Merida added, “Wooing any young ladies?” The young man groaned in response, burying his face in his hands. He could hear Cait hissing something at Merida, likely chastising her for the outburst. Merida responded with a louder, “What? He’s a grown man now. And I would like some grandchildren before I’m old and gray like mammy is. Ye hear that? I want grand babies, Callum, that’s my Christmas wish this year.” 

Callum’s head rose from the comfort of his hands. “Ah, yes, speaking of which - Happy Christmas. If I’m nae mistaken, it’s after midnight over there... How in the bloody hell are ye two hags up this late?” He spoke affectionately despite the insulting words. Both of the women erupted into laughter on the other end, speaking over each other. He caught some of the gaelic words being flung at him, but just smiled in response. “To answer yer many questions - I’m doing alright, mammy. Classes have been good, I’ve gotten a few clients over the past few weeks which has meant extra cash in my pocket. Ye know... Aside form the money the two o’ ye sneak into my bank account. Aye, I ken what yer up to.” He chuckled, not about to pick a fight with them about it but appreciative nonetheless. Obviously Merida and Cait weren’t fans of their only child living the “starving artist” lifestyle, he couldn’t blame them for worrying. “I even gave a piece to the King of Auradon, odd as that sounds. Still not really sure how that one happened, but it did. I’m making friends, yes, though nae always willingly. And... No. There are no ‘young ladies’ in my life for ‘wooing’. Sorry, yer gonna have to keep that Christmas wish for another year, mum.” 

Merida let out a sigh and turned to Cait, her voice low but not low enough for the mic to not pick up. “He’s still stuck up on that Charming girl.” 

“Wha - I... I’m nae stuck up on anyone!” His cheeks burned as he protested, though the women were not listening.

“Aye, well, she is a pretty little thing last I remember,” Cait conceded. 

“And charming, probably,” Merida snorted. “Oi - why can ye nae date that Anderson girl? She’s cute. And she talks to ye, right? Probably the only girl that does.. He’s so hopeless at socializing. Honestly where did we go wrong?” 

“I’m just fine at socializing, thank ye very much. I have some friends,” Cal tried to interject, but the women were quickly speaking animatedly over him. 

“Ooo, Elsa’s girl! We do like Queen Elsa,” Cait responded to Merida instead. 

Merida snickered. “Well you most certainly like Elsa. More like fancy her, ye do.” 

“I do nae. Stop that.” 

“I’ve seen the way that ye look at her. I understand, she’s a bonny lass. Nae as pretty as ye mo nighean donn, but.. Well that is a sandwich I wouldnae mind being caught in...” 

“Can we please stop talking about my friend’s mum like this?” Cal groaned, hiding his face in his hands again. He was beginning to remember the one downside to family skype calls.

Cait narrowed her eyes at Merida before turning back to her son. “Anyway. I’m glad to hear yer doing well, Cally. Ye ken... We worry about ye often.” There was a sudden shift in the tone and Callum became aware of that lump that was sitting in his throat. He felt a new warmth in his face, followed by that sweeping melancholy that settled in whenever he thought too much about home and how much he missed it. How much he missed them. His eyes burned. 

“Aye, I ken,” he said hoarsely. 

She continued, “It hurts that we have to communicate like this... That ye cannae just come home and be here with us to celebrate the holidays. They’re just nae the same without ye. Everyone - absolutely everyone - misses ye terribly son. There’s a gaping hole here and we just... Nothing can fill that. We miss ye so much.” Cait’s voice broke and she turned away to subtly dab at her eyes. Callum didn’t see this though. His eyes had dropped to his hands which sat folded in his lap. He could see his gaze growing hazy but bit back on his tongue hard and willed the tears to stay inside. 

“Things could be different, ye ken.” It was Merida who spoke now. “If ye just... Came back, and faced the lairds’ sons... Then things could be different, Callum. Ye could come home, whenever ye wanted to. Ye could be here with us.” 

He blinked, jaw tightening to the point where he thought his teeth might shatter from the pressure. He could hear Cait whispering a warning to Merida, but he didn’t pay it much attention. Looking away, his gaze landed on the tartan scarf he’d been wearing earlier. DunBroch Tartan. The Tartan of the Royal Family. He felt another emotion rising up in him, the embers of his anger smoldering in the pit of his stomach. He felt sick.  

“All ye have ta do is -”

“I ken what I have ta do,” he barked back, annoyance coating his words. He closed his eyes momentarily, willing his fury to calm down. It had grown quiet and Callum sat still for a while, attempting to get his breaths to even out. 

“Ye dinnae have to do anything,” Cait finally said in a stern voice. He glanced up to see that his mothers were staring at one another, a silent battle brewing between them. They quickly dropped it and both looked back at him. “Dinnae worry about it. We are working on that. Every day we all work tirelessly to stop this conflict with the lairds. Yer mum and I, yer gran, even yer uncles have started joining the conversations... We’re certain we can pacify them and get them to back off from the call for a Highland Games. And once that is settled then ye will come back, Callum. Ye’ll come home and we will all be waiting here with open arms, ready to welcome our prince home.”

“Because that is what ye are... Yer the prince of DunBroch,” Merida added firmly. 

Callum looked away again, just letting the words hang there. Prince of DunBroch. That’s what they were fighting over ‘tirelessly’. A title - his supposed birth right. Yet Callum felt far from it. He didn’t feel like a prince. He barely felt like a member of the clan most days. Still, he bit back the feelings threatening to spill over and just nodded and smiled half-heartedly at them. “Aye,” he breathed. Blinking, he hadn’t realized how misty eyed he’d gotten, his gaze shifting to the clock. How had they only been talking for half an hour? He sniffled and smiled again at them. This time his smile had not reached his eyes, which remained stormy and distant. “It’s getting a wee bit late over there... Ye must be tired. Perhaps I should let ye go.” 

Both women appeared crestfallen, and Merida opened her mouth to protest. But there was a look of understanding on Cait’s face. She knew him better than most - after all, he was her son by blood. Her smile was small and warm, but there was a sadness teetering on the edge of her expression. “It has been a long day... The family of course sends their love, Cally. Gran Elinor, yer uncles... The dogs even.” All three let out breathless chuckles. Callum wanted to ask where they were, but the last time he had skyped and the dogs were in the room they went wild at the sound of his voice. It was better this way. More quiet. More intimate. 

“We love ye, Cal. And we will see ye soon... Sadly nae in time for Hogmanay but, hey - maybe ye could try introducing it to those Auradonians. Make some actual friends that way, aye?” Merida spoke in a teasing tone, trying to lighten up the atmosphere of the call, and Cal couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him, as well as the eye roll.  

“Who’s hosting Hogmanay anyway this year?” The women looked at each other before responding in unison, and in a monotonous tone, with, “The Dingwalls.” The boy grimaced and shook his head at them. “Aye, well... Hopefully it’ll be a good time.” 

“I’ll be very drunk, so I’m sure it will,” Merida laughed, and Cait shot her a look that seemed to contest her plans. They fell into another silence then, though this was more comfortable than the last. Callum swallowed against the hollowness in his throat, sniffling as he fought, and failed, to conceal some of those hot tears which wanted to fall. “Soon, M’annsachd,” Merida added. “We will be together soon.” 

As he swiped at his cheek, the only thing he could think to say in response was, “I love ye both. Happy Christmas.” His jaw clenched and his gaze dropped from the screen, unwilling to let them see the pain in his eyes. He didn’t want the call to go this way - he didn’t want it to end on such a sour note. What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he just maintain his composure and have a good talk? He didn’t even get to find out what was going on at home - how the family and the staff was. He felt even more distant from them and his homeland than he’d ever felt before and it was all his own fault.  

“We love ye too. Happy Christmas, Cally,” Cait spoke up for both her and Merida. They fell once again into a silence, which hung in the air a moment longer. Callum sucked in a breath, ready to look up and see them one more time. But before he could, he heard the chime signaling the end of the call. When he looked up, the screen was blank, and the warmth that had entered into the dormitory, and seeped into his bones, all but vanished in a matter of seconds. He felt cold; cold and hollow. Broken. He just sat there, staring at the screen for a few minutes longer until finally he snapped the monitor shut. Gathering his things, he slumped onto his bed, curling into a ball facing the wall. 

After a few moments alone, engulfed in the silence, Callum moved to turn on the radio which sat on his desk, the speakers coming alive with the tunes from the local radio station. He paused as he found himself listening to that same Carpenters’ song which played back at Tiana’s when he’d been dining there earlier. Laying on his back, he closed his eyes and listened to the words, feeling his bruised and broken heart cracking more and more with each lyric, as warm tears welled and slid down the curve of his cheeks. 

I wish you Merry Christmas Happy New Year too I've just one wish on this Christmas eve I wish I were with you I wish I were with you

#&& self paras. #ft. merida fraser dunbroch #ft. caitriona fraser dunbroch #back dated: christmas eve #tried to write this up on my phone while home but that didn't go well #so belated (un)happy holidays to my son ig #a leannan = my darling #mo nighean donn = my brown haired lass #m’annsachd = my blessing #didn't want to publish this but knew i would anyway so here we are and i'm gonna peace out before i regret my life decisions

[lou-bonfightme]

Catnapped 2: This Time, It’s Purrsonal || Part Five: The Strength of the Wolf || Merlou

In which Merida and Toulouse make a mistake...[takes place: February 3, 2020]

@heart-of-dunbroch​

[tw: none]

TOULOUSE: They had gotten a late start the next morning and run through the day, but they still had not reached the outskirts of London by the time the sun had dropped over the horizon. The wolves had stopped in a clearing with a brook as the sky turned pink and purple, their noses turned up. Even without a way to properly communicate, Lou knew they were going to have to keep running. And Lou wanted to keep running. The wolf was anxious to be there as soon as necessary. So, his wolf had looked to Merida’s, both their ears and noses twitching, wet tongues lolling from their mouths in panted breaths, before Lou wagged his tail once in silent agreement and Merida bolted off into the trees once more. 

Lou followed behind, as he had been doing, not as fast as Merida and even as a wolf, unfamiliar with the terrain. Rarely did he run through the trees back home, on occasion he got the itch under his wolfskin but he was usually perfectly content to follow Hades about the house on full moons, to the point where Hades cursed about almost tripping over him constantly. Which was it’s own form of embarrassing, just like an insatiable urge to run through the trees howling at the moon would be.

Thankfully, the wolf didn’t feel embarrassment. It was only the man, after awakening in his own skin, who blushed at pictures Belle and Hades took on their phones and stories they told him. The same was true now. When they regained their wolfskin tonight, Lou’s cheeks would blush in the dark at the dirt on his skin and his windswept hair; dirtier than he’d ever been before and uncomfortable in such a state. Merida would probably laugh at him, which would just make the blush deeper. 

The wolf didn’t care so much about these things. Yes, it still did its best to avoid the muddiest of paths or branches that would tangle leaves in its coat, but that was not its main concern of the wolf. The wolf was thinking first of Claude; second of following on Merida’s tail; and third: of how good it felt to run in the moonlight. His muscles burned pleasantly as he jumped over fallen logs and loped on silent paws through the woods. The temperature dropped as the moon rose in the sky and the tickling wind stroked its fingers through Lou’s fur and made him think of Hades’ doing the same thing and put a longing for home in the pit of his stomach that only served to drive him forward. The cacophony of the woods at night had never been something he paid attention too, but now, he felt the urge in his belly to sing along.

MERIDA:  For Merida, there was only the run--the chase. 

She was chasing not a little human boy, but the moon. 

In the wolf’s skin, everything else dropped away. She was aware of her human self but like always, it was like being underwater, or trapped underground, only a sliver of light available to her. That light was the moon and so Merida craved it too. The wolf followed the moon, weaving from shadow into its light whenever she could, so the red undertones of her coat caught fire. The world was alive like this when the moon washed over it. She smelled every creature that rustled here. Her belly tugged her here and there, mouth salivating for deer, for fox, for the shrews that hobbled out of their holes. But Merida convinced her wolf to ignore it all for the moon. Keep an eye on the moon, Keep her nose turned up toward the moon. Keep going and going, let the chase be the meal, let the burn in the muscles feed her and then send her into a deep, satisfying sleep later, when they curled up among the litter.

That would not be until later, much later still. She pushed and she pushed and if the wolf’s mind wandered, Merida just made the wolf smell Lou at her heel, and then the wolf remembered that she was not hunting on her own, but leading a pack. 

The wolf loved that feeling. It was a strange emotion to recognize inside the beast. Merida had only ever felt her hunger and her rage. Those two emotions were never far from the surface, and always seemed to be two sides of the same coin. There was a hunger for meat and rage when her stomach was empty; there was a hunger for outside and rage for being kept indoors; there was a hunger for sex--or at least, for warmth, other bodies curled around her body-- and rage when she was kept alone. 

Only right now, under the moon, was the wolf’s appetite finally satisfied. She was well-fed. She was running. She had the world laid out around her and the soil in between her toes. And she was not alone. 

The trees thinned, the moon pouring into the forest’s gaps. It flooded everything in pools of white. As they crossed into this swath of light, Merida’s wolf and Merida both paused. Merida could see clearer now. A peace settled inside her. Her nose quivered and she lifted it, then her mouth opened, and she drank the moonlight as she’d drink water. It gave her strength.

Panting with hot breath, she looked behind her to see Lou padding up beside her. In the moonlight, his yellow-white pearled and glistened. Hers burned and burned. She waited until he was beside her and for the first time, her wolf did not bristle, only felt comforted. 

She licked her muzzle, then stretched her neck, tilting her head all the way up to the moon, her crown.

And Merida sang. 

TOULOUSE: Despite the domestic nature of his wolf, Lou had always loved the woods, the outdoors. His childhood home had been suffocating. Nothing in it was for children, there was nothing to touch, nothing to smear fingerprints on. Nothing was ever out of place. As a little boy, Lou had felt stifled by all of this. It was a rambunctiousness smoothed out of him by time, but once—he had been a little boy who escaped out his window and walked along the Seine. Who caught frogs on the muddy banks of the river and tracked dirt into that immaculate house. 

He grew up into someone with an affinity for nature and his walks through Enchantra were his escape throughout adolescence and young adulthood. His bedroom was covered in plants—hanging from the ceiling, spilling over the tops of his bookcase, he had lovingly coaxed ivy around the posters of his bed. He enjoyed helping his Nounou in the garden. He had a special pair of jeans for it: with green and brown stains on the knees.

That was the boy the wolf understood best. It was the boy who appeared tonight and appeared whenever the wolf got the itch to run, to feel the cool, spongy earth on the pads of its paws. That boy was more or less faded from the memory of most, but here in the woods, the wolf and that boy understood each other. The wolf gently took over and showed the boy a new side of the wild. 

The woods to the wolf’s eyes were bright in the dark. There was no trouble navigating through the trees, over roots. The greens turned rich and dark. The browns black and fertile. The woods to the wolf’s eyes were lively in the dark, nothing to be afraid of. Rabbits twitched in the underbrush and owls swooped overhead. It was far from quiet. 

That was, until he padded up next to the darker wolf, who had stopped in another clearing. When he looked at her and she looked back, their eyes glinted in the dark and there was an understanding there behind them. It ran deeper than human, more instinctual than anything the human could explain. 

The she-wolf’s head tilted back and she sang. 

Lou’s ears twitched in response and he whined once, soft and low in his throat. There was a hesitation, brief and more human than wolf. The wolf was stronger in this skin, in the night, in the woods. Instinct won, the tug in his gut too strong. 

He raised his own muzzle towards the moon, which shown brilliant silver-blue in the sky, and began to sing along. Their howls mingled in the air, their hot breath mingling like mist. The tune was haunting, sad, and beautiful, low and long, like they were calling out across the unfamiliar woods looking for home—both lost, both wanting to be found. 

MERIDA:  She could not remember if she’d sang before. 

There were two different answers to this question. There was the question of the wolf and the question of the girl. The wolf might have sung and Merida might not have known, for there were huge gaps in her life now since the beginning of last year...stretches of darkness that meant nothing to her. Within those gaps, the wolf could have done all kinds of things and Merida wouldn’t have access to the memory. Maybe the wolf bit other people. Maybe the wolf slaughtered a herd of deer and tore them limb from limb. And maybe the wolf had sung a song like this, only more mournful, the notes long and lower. It would be a song about misery and loneliness, for this was perhaps one place where Merida and the wolf understood each other completely.

Merida, though, Merida had never sang. Not until now when the moon beckoned her and the instinct urged. Briefly, she had the thought that she was standing opposite the wolf. She was her woman-self, naked, and the wolf stepped close to her and pressed its wet nose against Merida’s palm, as though asking for permission. The wolf never asked anything of Merida, only demanded and fought and took. But in that thought, Merida touched the wolf between her dark eyes and loved her.

That thought was why, when Merida lifted her snout, the two different answers had become one answer. For the first time, she didn’t feel like two bodies pulling at one. She sang with the wolf’s voice; the wolf’s voice was her voice.

She sang and her heart kept the rhythm when Lou added his voice to the song too. If her wolf had ever sung before, this would be the first time the song was not a sad one.

The notes arched gracefully through the air, long and timorous, before fading softer and softer still. The song fell to silence, but only long enough for Merida to open her wolf’s eyes and see the moon again. Then she howled a second time, pitching her voice as though her song could reach the moon-- as though the moon might join her-- as though the stars would tremble and fall to the earth.

This song went on, Merida not knowing or caring how long. They sang and the night held their song aloft, reminding all the other creatures across the plains and hiding in the trees that the wolves were here. The pack had arrived. 

TOULOUSE: As they sang, Lou thought of lullabies. 

He thought, most recently, of Belle—who hummed little songs to Opal without noticing she was doing it. Her voice soft and soothing, falling and rising like a little sparrow gliding through the air. Lou often felt his own heart ache at the sound. It reminded him of his own maman and how she had once sung to him. Even as a boy he’d been plagued with nightmares and would creep into his mother’s room and crawl under the warm covers with her, and lay his head against her chest. Her voice was crisp and clear, even in those lullabies like crystal chandeliers and sunlight on the river. 

He thought of his brother at the piano. The companionship of Chopin, Liszt, and Debussy, whose presence had floated from room to room like pleasant ghosts, filling the sonorously empty spaces in their home. 

He thought of his sister, singing along to old records and forcing him to perform duets with her. Those songs had always been chuckled up with fond laughter. 

He thought of his father too, who sang at Christmas Mass, his voice low and modest. Those words mostly lost amongst the choir of piety, but still rang deep and true to Lou, as they stood shoulder to shoulder. 

And standing shoulder to shoulder with Merida now, he thought of the wilds of the woods. They were no church or empty house. They were no bed to crawl into and throw the covers over your head. No, when the wolves sang, the world peeled back. The wind carried the melody across the meadows and back again. 

Lou thought of all these melodies in his life, old and brand new, and felt them tangling together in his heart. For the moments that it continued, the song unwound itself from his chest and it felt like a confession. It felt like a bloodletting. As if he wanted to sing and sing until his throat was raw from it and he had poured out every ugly part of him. The wolf had no room for ugliness, for doubt or for sorrow. There was only the stretch of land in front, the twinkling lights of the city below, the heavy blue moon above, and the burning wolf at his side. 

As the song wound out it’s course and Lou lowered his muzzle, he stood in contemplative silence for a moment. A shiver ran through him and made him shake out his fur a bit, blinking as if he had just awakened from a deep sleep. He looked out over the woods, moving in the darkness as if the treetops were clouds. 

“It feels so different like this. Beautiful,” he thought to himself, as far as he was aware. It was the clearest thought he’d ever had as the wolf, the truth of it ringing through him—the wolf in satisfied agreement. 

MERIDA:  When the song was done, Merida licked her muzzle and also looked out on the woods. There was a part of her that was sleepy now. If the song was a lullaby, then it was one she’d sung to herself. Its melody sank into not just her bones, but in her blood, and she wished to follow its trail to some place safe now… a dark burrow somewhere in the woods, underneath the shelter of a tree with hanging branches and thick foliage. Or if she could find an abandoned den of a smaller animal to squeeze herself into, she would. 

She didn’t know if this desire for rest now was the wolf or herself. For once, the line had blurred. It made sense if it was Merida, the human, who knew that the dark meant to sleep. The wolf, however, should be more awake than ever.

It could be hunger. All the running and now with this momentary rest, the wolf was feeling the demands of her body. She needed warm, fresh meat to fill the belly. Even a rabbit would satiate-- give her the burst of speed to reach the outskirts of Londontown at last. 

She glanced toward Lou beside her and there was an order forming in her mind, not so much human-words as just the thought of hunting. Together, they could accomplish more than a rabbit--

The thought never fully finished forming because in the next moment, there were human-words in Merida’s brain. Loud words. The first that the wolf had ever truly heard like this, and she didn’t understand it, but Merida did--

It feels so different like this. Beautiful.

They were not Merida’s thoughts.

They were not Merida’s words.

They were not in Merida’s voice. 

Merida startled. Her head swung and shook as though something had landed on top of her and she wanted to dislodge it. Her paws scraped at the ground as she stepped back once, then twice.

The wolf wanted to snarl at Lou to remind him of his place. 

Merida-- 

Did you say something to me?! She thought back, pushing the wolf’s confusion aside to make room for her own.

TOULOUSE: The peaceful reverie was broken by Merida. Of course.

Lou’s ears flicked and he turned his head towards her, watching the other wolf shake out her fur, as if she’d just climbed out of a river. He blinked and his tail flicked once in confusion. Turning his muzzle, he glanced around them, ears perking forward, making sure there was nothing around them that could have startled her.

But it was just them on this rocky outcropping.

Did you say something to me?! Merida’s voice bounced around in his head and Lou actually yelped a little in surprise. It was a quick, sharp bark, as if someone had stepped on his tail or bit his ear too hard in play.

He’d just—he’d heard Merida’s voice in his head.

Why was he hearing Merida’s voice in his head?!

Oh, fuck, he thought to himself.

“Oh, fuck,” he accidentally said to Merida. “Fuck.”

He’d read about this, because of course he had. Belle had a surprisingly (well, really, unsurprisingly) thorough collection on werewolves and she’d stacked them in his arms the first chance she’d gotten and told him to read. And he had, because he wanted to know, as if there would be some clue within the pages as to what to do next. He perused articles, journals, old books, newer textbooks, memoirs—anything he could get his hands on, anything that Belle had checked for authenticity on. There was not much, to his dismay, and what he could glean from the rest only came in half-truths and hypothesis.

Wolves rarely wrote about the experience of being a wolf.

(Someone should change that.)

But Lou—he’d read about this.

A pack is created when two (or more) wolves, transform together and howl at the moon in synchronization… Werewolves within the same pack have the ability to telepathically communicate when in their wolf-form… Alphas also have the ability to command their pack.

All these thoughts flipped through his brain—Belle and her books—the words written—the meaning of what hearing Merida’s obnoxious voice in his head meant—like pages off a book, quickly turning, until they landed on a conclusion, one singular, clear thought.

“She—you—” he corrected himself, realizing he could think his accusing thoughts directly towards her, “—did this on purpose!”  

MERIDA:  Merida knew very little about being a werewolf-- at least, on paper.

Her tutelage with Adam, however brief, had existed off the books. He’d talked to her about listening to the wolf, respecting the wolf, but not letting the wolf be in control. You are not two different people, he’d told her but Merida had only shook her head. His words didn’t match with the experience she knew, the one where her wolf’s presence loomed dark and long, a second shadow, not simply a reflection. She tried to tell him. She tried to tell Adam that since the bite, she’d not been alone a day of her life. There was always that second pair of eyes over her shoulder...always those empty pieces of her, as open as rooms, but that she could never enter. 

And then, when she dared to let the wolf out--

The wolf pushed her the way she pushed the wolf. So they could not be one in the same. They were constantly battling for dominance; Merida didn’t know any other way.

That was her experience. If she learned anything, it was how to broker a tepid peace….listening to the wolf, yes, even if the wolf’s voice was still different from her own. When Lou invaded her brain then, he dropped an encyclopedia inside it. Bam! It kicked up dust. Words flashed through her brain. Memories, not hers, papers with rubbish titles, Belle’s face, her kind smile, dim lamplight illuminating yellowed pages--

Merida was absolutely stuffed full of these things, much of which she did not understand. The wolf didn’t want it and Merida backed up again, whining high in her discomfort. She shook her head again. 

Then her eyes flashed as Lou snarled at her.

“Did what on purpose?!” she snapped back. Her wolf’s retreat ended abruptly. She surged forward those steps she’d lost. “I didn’t know! How could I have known something like that?” 

If anyone knew-- it was the wolf, not Merida. But it was the type of knowin’ that wasn’t knowin’ at all, but rather an instinct. To sing, to invite Lou into a pack, perhaps it had all been on purpose. But it had fooled Merida too. 

TOULOUSE: Toulouse’s ears flicked back as Merida’s confused thoughts collided with his own. That was what it felt like—a collision. He got whiplash from the impact of it. Was it on purpose? Yes. No. Yes. No. The wolf and Merida argued. He didn’t like it. Not just because his own wolf and he had never argued like that. (Honestly, there had been very few times, now that Lou thought about it, that he hadn’t been of the same opinion with his wolf.)

Lou had never liked arguing. He didn’t like when his friends did it. When he overheard it when he was out and about. Hardly ever engaged with it himself. It always reminded him of slammed doors and the roaring of his father’s voice, his mother’s tears—

As hard as he could, Lou slammed the door on those thoughts. This was not the time. He suddenly felt like he was scrambling, his world knocked off kilter. It seemed impossible that only moments ago, he’d felt peaceful, content, and even beautiful in his wolfskin.

“I don’t know!” Lou growled back at her, his lip twitching. He didn’t back down when she came towards him, even if his tail pressed more firmly to his haunches. “Let’s just—we can figure it out when we return,” he decided. Belle’s face appeared in his mind again. “Belle will know what to do. We don’t have time to figure it out right now. Just—stay out of my head.” 

MERIDA:  Stay out of my head.

Like it was the easiest thing in the world to do.

Merida knew next to nothing. Even with the information crammed in her head, she could not parse one piece of it from the next and certainly not from the rest of Lou. But what she knew enough-- knew right away, if only because the wolf seemed to know-- was that Lou was a part of her now. The wolf wanted it that way. The boundaries of her own mind had blurred and there was Lou inside her walls, Lou, suddenly, in places where even Merida before had not been able to access. Lou had kicked down those doors for her. And so now the wolf was everywhere, and Merida was the wolf, and it was like taking off sunglasses and seeing how bright the world had become.

Is this what you wanted? Was this a reason Merida could never fully access her own body or mind or memory? Was the wolf simply satisfied with a pack and would let Merida do whatever she wanted now?

She could see the wolf’s face in her mind’s eye-- a flash of orange iris. And she knew that wasn’t entirely true. But the wolf was happier than she’d ever been. The wolf didn’t want to stay out of Lou’s head at all.

Merida grunted, growled, and prowled forward. “Try not to give me orders,” she said briskly as she passed Lou. “She doesn’t like that. Stay close.”

The order slipped from Merida as easy as the song had, as she turned her muzzle up to the night sky. She found her direction again, and picked up the journey where she’d left it.

#bdrpmerida #merlou #catnapped 2: this time it's purrsonal #part five #the strength of the wolf #IS THE PACK

[ao3feed-hiccstrid]

another broken hallelujah

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/352mKFm

by darkducktales

Lifetime best friends Hiccup and Merida have always been friends and companions, except when they weren't.

Words: 3345, Chapters: 1/3, Language: English

Fandoms: Brave (2012), How to Train Your Dragon (Movies), Tangled (2010), Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death

Categories: F/M

Characters: Merida (Disney), Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, Rapunzel (Disney), Jack Frost (Guardians of Childhood), Eugene Fitzherbert | Flynn Rider, Pitch Black (Guardians of Childhood), Mother Nature | Seraphina Pitchiner, Stoick the Vast, Astrid Hofferson, Fergus (Disney: Brave), Angus (Disney: Brave), Elinor (Disney), Triplets (Disney: Brave), Valka (How to Train Your Dragon), Nicholas St. North

Relationships: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III/Merida (Disney), Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III & Merida (Disney), Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III/Astrid Hofferson, Merida & Rapunzel (Disney), Hiccup Haddock III & Jack Frost (Guardians of Childhood) & Merida (Disney) & Rapunzel (Disney), Eugene Fitzherbert | Flynn Rider/Rapunzel, Merida (Disney)/Pitch Black (Guardians of Childhood), Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III & Pitch Black (Guardians of Childhood), Seraphina Pitchiner & Merida (Disney)

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Implied/Referenced Cheating, Non-Linear Narrative, Coming of Age, Alternate Universe - Childhood Friends, unrequited Jack Frost (Guardians of Childhood)/Rapunzel (Disney), Unresolved Emotional Tension, Unresolved Romantic Tension, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Angst, Bucket Load of Angst, astrid i'm so sorry sweetie you deserve better, study of mythology and storytelling, this is sooo sad man, be warned, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, American Merida, i little women'd this bitch, the big four was 2012 but here i go

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/352mKFm

#IFTTT #ao3feed #fanfic #hiccstrid #how to train your dragon #HTTYD

[thedipster]

Jail Bird || Sink Demo

Merida was in jail.

Dipper had learned this first from the Swynlake Squire, then Maui confirmed it in a text message.

It turned out their months long quest to find Merida ended with more of a whimper than a bang.

Dipper didn’t know how to feel really. On one hand, he was kinda upset that Merida had actually done those bad things he’d heard about and he felt super betrayed, because he’d trusted her and even though he’d been a shitty friend – and even shittier prom date – she had his back. Through Weirdmaggedon, to him confiding in her about Terence. But it turned out she wasn’t who she said she was and Dipper had had a whole lifetime of people (and demons) turning out not to be who they said they were so it was kinda super discouraging and disappointing and most of all just…sad.

But on the other hand, he was glad she was safe.

He debated going to see her, he really did, but then decided he had to see for himself before he drew conclusions (because what if it was actually an alien pretending to be Merida?).

After class, Dipper trudged over to the police station. He’d never trudged over to a police station – no, that was a lie. Except, it was more that he had been trudged to a police station following the first Bill debacle. He’d never gone to see anyone in a police station.

He took a deep breath, then pushed the door open and walked to the front desk.

“Uh. Hi.”

The person at the counter glanced up at him, face unamused. Dipper swallowed.

“I, uh, I’m here to see. Well, not to see, I was wondering if I could see – “

“Spit it out, kid.”

“Merida. I’m here to see Merida. How does jail work do I need to sign in or something…?”

“One second – fill out this sign-in sheet.” The person stood up and walked through a door. Dipper signed his name and added the necessary information and then counted in his head by prime numbers. The door creaked open again. “Alright – head on in.”

He shoved the paper forward, gave a thank you to the officer, and then ducked his head, stumbling into the back area of the station – to the jail, really.

“Hi,” he managed to creak out when he saw Merida, clutching the strap of his messenger bag with both hands.

 @heart-of-dunbroch

#how does jail work idk i #am making things up #jail bird #sink demo