#and having your ashes scattered into the ocean | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

bumblesimagines · 1 year

Text

When Fire Meets Fate

Part 8

Request: Yes or No

~~~

The dark gray skies and cold weather greatly reflected the somber mood hanging over everyone. Sunlight peeked through the clouded skies, shining down on those gathered but more specifically on the stone casket of the beloved Laena Velaryon. There was no body, however, as the young mother had screamed for her dragon to save her from the very fate that befell Queen Aemma and thus had been reduced to ashes. But Lady Laena hadn't been the only one (Y/N) Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen mourned.

In an almost cruel joke, Ser Harwin Strong and his father had also been reduced to mere ashes in their very home. And while (Y/N) and his sons wished to attend the funeral, Rhaenyra rejected the idea as it would only bring more attention to them. (Y/N)'s departure with the princess had fueled more rumors at court despite Queen Alicent planting her own seeds and their father's return to court as Hand of the King. The last thing Rhaenyra wished for her family were more rumors, more doubts seeping into the minds of her young children.

"We join today at the Seat of the Sea to commit the Lady Laena of House Velaryon to eternal waters, the dominion of the Merling King where He will guard her for all days to come. As she sets to sea for her final voyage, the Lady Laena leaves two true-born daughters on the shore." The uncle of the late Laena, Vaemond Velaryon, spoke softly as the casket of his niece was prepared by knights, gaze settled solely on Daemon. The Velaryons, apart from Vaemond who wore black and gold, were clad in dark shades of blue and black. Laena's daughters, Baela and Rhaena Velaryon wept in the arms of their grandmother. Continuing, Vaemond turned his sharp gaze onto Jace and Luke. "Though their mother will not return from her voyage, salt courses through Velaryon blood. Ours runs thick. Ours runs true. And ours must never thin."

Giggling from Daemon broke the solemn silence, eyes turning in his direction as his shoulders shook. The Velaryons glared at him but nonetheless remained silent, looking back at the casket as the knights pulled on the ropes to push it toward the ocean. "My gentle niece. May the winds be as strong as your back, your seas as calm as your spirit, and your nets be as full as your heart. From the sea we came. To the sea we shall return." Vaemond finished as the casket plunged into the depths of the dark water.

Finally breaking his gaze away from the waves, (Y/N) turned his head and met his fathers' eyes. Otto hadn't changed much over the years other than his ever-so-slowly graying hair. There were more wrinkles on his face but his deep-set frown and hardened eyes remained. (Y/N) couldn't remember the last time he'd spoken to his father but he knew the conversation had been far from civil as always. However, it didn't stop a certain longing from developing in his chest. It'd been many years since he last felt the comforting touch of a parent and despite his age, he wished for nothing more than to collapse into the arms of his mother or father. But (Y/N) hadn't been granted the unconditional love of a father, far from it. His father's love changed as quickly as tides and (Y/N) had long stopped caring about meeting his expectations.

The crowd began to disperse with the funeral officially over. King Viserys had been given time to depart first with his wife and Hand, followed closely by the Velaryons and the others. Guests scattered around Hide Tide, sipping on drinks and eating the few snacks provided whilst they chatted or lingered around alone. (Y/N) joined the others on a large balcony overlooking the sea and looked out at the distant waves. He could feel stares burning into the back of his head, most likely his father and sister, but the chances of them approaching him in public were low. He'd betrayed the Hightower name by having bastard children and then dragged it through the mud by abandoning his twin sister.

"Uncle." A soft voice greeted from behind and (Y/N) turned, facing his nephew. Aemond offered a small timid smile and stepped closer, peering over the stone to take a glance at the sea. "Mother misses you terribly, Uncle."

"I miss her as well, Aemond." (Y/N) sighed tiredly, looking toward his sister and meeting her gaze.

"Then, come home. You can return with us when we depart."

"I'm afraid the Red Keep is not my home." (Y/N) responded, looking back down at the silver-haired prince. Aemond's pale brows furrowed and he tilted his head, fingers toying with the side of his dark green hood.

"Mother says you were raised there."

"Yes, we were." The older man confirmed with a nod, reaching out a hand to brush his fingers through Aemond's hair. "But the place you were born or raised in does not have to be your home. A home is somewhere, or someone, that makes you feel safe and loved, and wanted. The Red Keep has never felt like home for me and that's perfectly fine."

"Then... You're my home." Aemond looked up at his uncle and (Y/N) chuckled softly, patting the top of his head before dropping his hand to his side. Noticing the way Aemond's eyes followed his hand, he glanced down and spotted the ring the boy eyed. With a small smile, (Y/N) crouched down and slipped the ring off his finger, offering it to him. Aemond blinked, glancing between the ring and his uncle before hesitantly taking it into his hands.

"It's a sapphire." (Y/N) murmured. "One of my favorite gems."

"I can have it? Even if it's your favorite?"

"Consider it a gift from your favorite uncle." (Y/N) answered playfully, hearing Aemond giggle softly. The boy slid the ring into his pocket and stepped forward, arms wrapping around (Y/N)'s neck. (Y/N) rubbed his nephew's back, leaning back when Aemond pulled away and watching him weave through the crowd to show his mother his new ring. The Hightower stood up, looking away from the two when Alicent looked up at him. (Y/N) briefly met Daemon's gaze, a smirk toying on the prince's lips despite having just lost his wife.

"Have you seen Laenor?" Rhaenyra's voice reached his ears as she appeared at his side, momentarily eyeing her uncle. She turned her back to him and looked at her lover, a hint of worry swirling in her light eyes. The setting sun casted a warm glow on her face.

"He's just lost his sister, Nyra. He's most likely drowning in wine somewhere in the castle."

"Even more so a reason to find him," Rhaenyra muttered quietly, attempting to avoid drawing even more attention as she glanced around at the other guests. "You know how he is when he's had too much to drink."

"Well-"

"Retrieve your patron." Corlys' voice hissed through the crowd and when the couple turned, they spotted him with a hand tightly gripping Ser Qarl Correy, Laenor's lover. Releasing his hold after being coaxed by his brother, Corlys glared down at the knight and watched him leave to find Laenor before he could rain fury down on them.

"Problem solved. If you'll excuse me, I'm going for a walk. I've had enough of people's stares for today." (Y/N) exhaled heavily and stepped away from Rhaenyra, making his way through the crowd and toward the stairs, but before he could reach them, a body stepped in front of him. One glance at the pin proudly resting on their chest told him enough.

"Father."

"Son." A stoic exchange between the two but neither had expected tears and hugs at their inevitable reunion. Clasping his hands behind his back, (Y/N) tilted his chin up and finally looked at his father up close after the many years that had passed. How he wished the old man had remained in Oldtown. But Otto would be a vulture until his death, searching for power wherever he could find it and with the death of the Strongs, the position for Hand had fallen right back into Otto's lap. (Y/N) had no doubt Alicent helped convince the king.

"I see you've left King's Landing. I was surprised to hear you did so without telling your sister. Were you afraid she'd convince you otherwise?"

"Queen Alicent wasn't informed because her husband was and I assumed he would've eventually informed her of this. It appears he chose not to until we were already at Dragonstone." (Y/N) answered, giving a light shrug. Narrowing his eyes, the older man opened his mouth to speak but (Y/N) moved around him and headed down the stairs, sparing a glance at his eldest nephew who lay at the bottom of the stairs with a cup in hand. The stairs took him to the beach and he walked alongside the water, feeling the sand tug at his legs with every step, not that he noticed when his body had grown sluggish over the days. Every time he tried to sleep, he'd be plunged into a sea of memories and reminders of what he'd lost.

"Fuck." (Y/N) cursed, feeling the tears prick at his eyes. Feelings of regret and guilt erupted in his chest, his mind cursing at him relentlessly. He knew if his sister hadn't planted the rumors at court, their beloved Harwin would've lived. And as much as he wished to cast the thought away, he knew she had something to do with his death. How he desired to turn back time and properly say his goodbyes to Harwin. But as he climbed the sandy hills and reached more sturdy ground, he knew there was no point in wallowing in the 'what ifs' that plagued his mind. Being pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of his name being called, he turned his head and looked back at Rhaenyra as she clumsily climbed the hill.

"I know you are angry with me." Rhaenyra breathed, releasing the sides of her black dress walked closer to him, a frown present on her face. "I know you wished to attend their funeral-"

"I know why you forbade it, Nyra. I am no fool; I'm aware there weren't only just whispers of you and Harwin." (Y/N) interjected, resuming his walk but slowing his pace to allow Rhaenyra to walk alongside him. The princess sighed, gazing out onto the hills of sand and grass, the wind whipping back her hair and dress.

"I wished I had kept Harwin at court, (Y/N), I do. I wish I had decided on Dragonstone sooner and saved him from that dreaded curse."

"There is no curse, Nyra. Only scheming and coins."

"Do.." Rhaenyra swallowed, glancing at him before shaking her head. "I do not believe your sister capable of cold murder."

"I believe her capable of trusting the wrong people, as she has time and time again. I know my sister is not innocent or an inherently good person but I know she would not want to cause such harm. She relies on people who only wish to use her for one thing or another. But I did my duty as her brother. I tried to be there, I tried to shield her, I tried to teach and guide her but she refused to listen. I am aware that underneath her now cold exterior is the Alicent I once knew... But I am afraid that when she finally becomes her again, it'll be far too late. This path was chosen for her but she's never made any attempts at straying off it or turning back." (Y/N) spoke, voice nearly cracking. The emotions he'd held back for so many years came crashing down. Coming to a stop, the man turned toward the sea and stared out at the dark water.

"You said it yourself, my love. You tried." Rhaenyra whispered, reaching out to take his hand into hers, gaze softening as she stared at him. "And for the most part, you succeeded. I've heard Alicent during council meetings and I see so much of you shining through. You've taught her well but you couldn't guide her forever. And I believe she knows that too, even if she refuses to admit it. When you are trapped... It is sometimes better to accept your cage rather than escape it."

"I wish to see her happy... Just one last time. I cannot even remember the last time I've heard her laugh or seen her genuinely smile." (Y/N) exhaled, fingers gently wrapping around Rhaenyra's hand. The princess stepped closer, bringing his hand to her face and delicately kissing it before she pressed his hand against her cheek.

"You are a good brother. And a good father, even if the boys don't know it." Rhaenyra pressed her chest to his and reached up with her free hand, placing it on the side of his neck and stroking the skin with her thumb. She leaned forward and pressed her lips against (Y/N)s', leaning her forehead against his. "I wish we could be together now."

"Laenor does need you, Nyra. Despite his flaws and albeit childish nature." (Y/N) sighed, eyes fluttering shut as he basked in her presence and comfort. Rhaenyra softly grunted, dropping her head to his shoulder and wrapping both arms around him. While they weren't able to mourn publicly, they could mourn privately and in the safety of each other's arms. (Y/N) rested his chin on her head and looked back out at the waves, their soothing song calming the storm in his mind and heart. Harwin wouldn't wish for them to grieve forever. He'd want them to be strong for the boys, to celebrate his life rather than weep over his death.

The sound of wings and a low rumbling sound pulled the two apart. They turned their attention to the sky as a large dragon passed overhead, flying through the clouds and diving down toward the water, skimming it with their wings and legs. There were only three dragons as big as the one flying and one had died long before either of them had been born. The other one resided on Dragonstone which left only one dragon and her rider had been put to rest that very day.

"Were you aware Vhagar was claimed so soon?" (Y/N) questioned, turning toward his lover. The surprise on her face answered his question and he brought a hand to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose and groaning softly. Turning toward Hide Tide, he watched Vhagar land near the castle to presumably drop off her new rider. (Y/N) could only pray to the Gods above that her newest rider wasn't one of his mischievous sons.

Taking Rhaenyra's hand, (Y/N) tugged her toward the castle, quickening their pace once the surprise wore off. By the time they arrived at the steps, Vhagar had already taken off into the skies. They hurried up the steps and entered Hide Tide, following the sound of voices until they reached the throne room and entered the crowded room. Knights, a few servants, the Velaryons, and Targaryens had gathered in the room. Sweeping his gaze over the room, he spotted why. In a chair near the crackling fire sat Aemond with a maester and a crying Alicent at his side whilst (Y/N)s' eldest sons stood on the other side of the room, bruised and dirty. Even Daemon's daughters had bruises on them.

"Jace? Luke!" Rhaenyra rushed to her sons, crouching down by Luke and gently prying his hand away from his face to look at his nose. "Who did this?"

"They attacked me!" Aemond shouted, whirling around in his chair to look at his older sister with a sneer. (Y/N) winced upon seeing the injured side of his face. His eye had swollen shut, a long cut trailing from his forehead down to near his jawline had been stitched closed. The children began shouting and arguing, accusing each other of attacking and protesting. But despite the loud bickering, (Y/N) heard the cause of the fight; Aemond had claimed Vhagar as his. (Y/N) sighed heavily, hearing Daemon snicker from his spot against the wall and King Viserys attempting to quiet the arguing.

"Silence!" King Viserys shouted, voice bouncing off the walls and effectively quieting the children. Exhaling, the old man leaned against his cane and began approaching his son, all eyes turning toward the king. "Aemond, I will have the truth of what happened. Now."

"What else is there to hear? Your son has been maimed. Her son is responsible."

"It was a regrettable accident." Rhaenyra quickly insisted, wrapping her arms around the boys and glancing in (Y/N)s' direction. The Hightower remained by the doors, gaze flickering between his lover and his sister. Both mothers with injured sons, both women he loved dearly, both women he vowed to protect who were now publicly arguing.

"Accident?" Alicent repeated with a scoff, brown eyes glittering with tears at the brutality her son faced. "The Prince Lucerys brought a blade to an ambush. He meant to kill my son."

"It was my sons who were attacked and forced to defend themselves!" Rhaenyra shot back at her, voice raising considerably. "Vile insults were levied against them."

"What insults?" King Viserys asked curiously, turning to his eldest daughter with furrowed brows. (Y/N) swallowed when Rhaenyra glanced at him once more, her lips pursing slightly as she gently took Luke's hands into her own. All too familiar insults, he assumed.

"The legitimacy of my sons' birth was put loudly to question."

"He called us bastard." Jace piped up quietly, face caked in dirt and blood. A heavy silence fell over the room as King Viserys absorbed the information whilst Alicent lowered her gaze. Others exchanged uncomfortable or knowing looks, some eyes flickering over to (Y/N). The young man kept his head up despite the stares from Daemon, Otto, and the Velaryons. He could only watch unless he wished to risk the wrath of either woman or even the King.

"My sons are in line to inherit the Iron Throne, Your Grace. This is the highest of treasons." Rhaenyra continued, taking a step forward and watching her father closely, pleadingly. "Prince Aemond must be sharply questioned so we might learn where he heard such slanders." She finished, lifting her eyes to meet Alicents' teary-eyed ones. The brunette stared at her former friend before she turned her head toward her brother, betrayal etched all over her face.

"Over an insult?" She breathed with raised brows, looking back at Rhaenyra and motioning at her injured son. "My son has lost an eye."

"You tell me, boy. Where did you hear this lie?" King Viserys questioned Aemond, leaning downward toward his son and tightly gripping his cane. Aemond kept his gaze on his lap, fingers digging into the armrests of the chair.

"The insult was training yard bluster. The lot of boys. It was nothing." Alicent alleged desperately for she knew the answer but her husband merely glanced in her direction, unconvinced by her answer.

"Aemond... I asked you a question." Aemond swallowed, nervously peering up at his father as King Viserys spoke, tone shifting into one of impatience.

"Where is Ser Laenor, I wonder? The boys' father?" Alicent attempted again when Aemond couldn't provide an answer, turning toward those present in an attempt to rouse them and push the attention away from her son. "Perhaps he might have something to say in the matter."

Her attempt worked, seeing as King Viserys looked upon his daughter. "Yes, where is Ser Laenor?"

"I do not know, Your Grace. I... I could not find sleep. I went out for a walk." Rhaenyra answered, clearing her throat and averting her gaze as (Y/N) avoided Daemon's knowing look. The prince smirked from his spot, eyeing the lord before he turned his attention back onto his brother and young nephew.

"Entertaining his young squires, I would venture," Alicent muttered, drawing glares from Corlys and Rhaenys. Ser Criston smirked and bowed his head to hide it but (Y/N) caught sight of his reaction and felt a wave of irritation wash over him. With his interest in Laenor's whereabouts quenched, King Viserys returned to Aemond.

"Aemond, look at me. Your king demands an answer. Who spoke these lies to you?" King Viserys demanded and Aemond swallowed, shrinking back into his seat and looking toward his mother. Alicent tensed, breath hitching as King Viserys and the others turned to her.

"It was Aegon," Aemond finally answered.

"Me?" Aegon breathed, staring down at his brother wide-eyed. Aemond relaxed when King Viserys looked away from him and instead focused on his older brother. The old man stepped toward his son, lip curling.

"And you, Aegon? Where did you hear such calumnies?" King Viserys questioned, patience beginning to wear thin. When his son didn't answer, he leaned toward his face and shouted, "Aegon! Tell me the truth of it!"

"We know, Father," Aegon spoke quietly, slowly turning to look at his father. "Everyone knows... Just look at them." He whispered. Rhaenyra tensed, desperately glancing in (Y/N)'s direction as she pulled Lucerys closer to her body, her own eyes beginning to water. King Viserys glanced back at Alicent, falling silent when he looked at (Y/N). The Hightower averted his eyes, digging his teeth into his bottom lip.

"This interminable infighting must cease!" King Viserys spat, slamming his cane into the ground and facing the people gathered. "All of you! We are a family! Now make your good will and share your apologies to one another. Your father, your grandsire, your king demands it!" Slamming his cane once more, he exhaled and shook his head, unable to meet his wife's eyes as he walked by her.

"That is insufficient," Alicent protested, staring at her husband. King Viserys sighed softly and faced his wife. "Aemond has been permanently damaged, My King. 'Good will' cannot make him whole."

"I know, Alicent, but I cannot restore his eye."

"No, because it's been taken."

"What would you have me do?" King Viserys asked, voice bordering on desperate and exhausted.

"There is a debt to be paid," Alicent croaked with a trembling voice as she stared her husband in the eye. Clenching her jaw, the brunette turned toward Rhaenyra. "I shall have one of her son's eyes in return." She demanded, murmuring spreading through those present as Rhaenyra pushed her sons behind her, eyes widening in fear. Finally moving from his spot, (Y/N) quietly moved down the stairs.

"He is your son, Viserys!" Alicent implored with a whimper, her bottom lip quivering when she faced her husband once more. King Viserys stepped toward her, shaking his head.

"Do not... allow your temper to guide your judgment." King Viserys stressed, glaring at his wife for voicing such an idea. His cane tapped lightly against the ground when he turned away from her again, resuming his walk back to his room. Alicent's fingers curled into fists and she inhaled deeply, glancing at her son.

"If the King does not seek justice, the Queen will. Ser Criston... Bring me the eye of Lucerys Velaryon." She ordered the knight, the desperation that had previously coated her voice now placed by coldness. The knight stared at her in return as Corlys protectively took the terrified Luke into his arms. "He can choose which eye to keep, a privilege he did not grant my son."

"You will do no such thing!"

"Stay your hand." King Viserys quietly ordered Ser Criston.

Scoffing, Alicent raised a hand to her chest, pointing at herself. "No, you are sworn to me!" She shouted, turning her furious glare onto the knight when he made no attempt to move. Ser Criston swallowed, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot, the metal of his armor clinking together.

"As your protector, My Queen." He reminded softly. Alicent's brows raised, arm dropping to her side as her face went blank with defeat. (Y/N) turned to look at Rhaenyra and the boys, noticing Jace looking at him fearfully. (Y/N) sighed, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment.

"Alicent, this matter is finished. Do you understand?" King Viserys sneered, getting close to his wife. Alicent reeled back, lips parting as she met her husband's glare. King Viserys leaned back and stepped away from his wife, gazing over the crowd. "And let it be known: anyone whose tongue dares to question the birth of Princess Rhaenyra's sons should have it removed." He settled his gaze on his wife, shaking his head at her disapprovingly and turning away.

"Thank you, Father," Rhaenyra murmured, turning around and crouching down to inspect her sons once more. Striding forward, Alicent retrieved King Viserys' dagger and turned toward Rhaenyra, making a beeline for the princess as shouting and shoving commended. Frightened screams escaped the children as Rhaenyra whirled around and quickly caught Alicent's arms, a circle forming around the women.

"Alicent!" (Y/N) shouted for his sister, moving forward to push through the crowd. A blur of silver ran at him but before Ser Criston could reach the lord, Daemon put himself between them and shoved the knight back. (Y/N) paused, staring at the two men until Daemon nodded for him to separate the two women. (Y/N) pressed his lips together and looked away from the prince, forcing his way through the crowd and spotting the two.

"You've gone too far!" Rhaenyra shouted, arms trembling as she attempted to hold Alicent back, looking between the blade and the girl she once loved as a sister.

"I? What have I done but what was expected of me?" Alicent wailed, the tears slipping down her cheeks. "Forever upholding the kingdom, the family, the law. While you flout all to do as you wish!"

"Alicent, let her go!" King Viserys demanded but it fell on deaf ears.

"Where is duty? Where is sacrifice? It's trampled under your pretty foot again!" Ignoring even Otto's demand, she continued. "And now you take my son's eye, and to even that you feel entitled."

"Exchuasting, wasn't it?" Rhaenyra sneered. "Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are."

Grunting, Alicent and Rhaenyra shoved each other away, but not before the blade was brought down and sliced skin. A silence fell over as the women were caught before they could fall, the sound of dripping soon filling the quiet. Rhaenyra slowly looked down at her hand, extending her fingers as blood slipped between them and onto the floor. Upon seeing the blood, Alicent's breath hitched, the dagger falling to the floor with a clatter. (Y/N) approached his lover, gently taking her arm into his hands.

"Enough of this foolishness!" (Y/N) snapped, lifting his head to look over everyone "All the children must and will be punished for all of them behaved inappropriately. There was no need for their disagreement to escalate to violence, much less to bloodshed. Behaving in such a manner is below their stations as princes and ladies. They are no brutes, no savages. This matter could've been resolved peacefully in the presence of an adult. It is severely disappointing to witness such behavior from a bunch who I know were raised better than this." The children lowered their heads at his words.

"Lord (Y/N) is right but let us put this matter to rest for tonight." King Viserys spoke, finally being allowed to return to his bedchambers without interruption. Alicent followed after some coaxing from Ser Criston and he escorted her out of the room. Corlys and Rhaenys exchanged tired looks before urging their granddaughters back to their room. (Y/N) made brief eye contact with Daemon, giving him a thankful nod as the prince took his leave as well.

Escorting Rhaenyra to her room with the boys and maester, (Y/N) replayed the events of the night in his head. The first time Alicent and Rhaenyra had clashed so publicly, so openly. Sure, the two argued occasionally but neither ever dared raising a hand to the other. His sister had never been prone to such violence. (Y/N) made himself occupied by retrieving a bowl of water and having the boys clean their faces with a wet rag. The maester tended to them first before focusing on Rhaenyra and stitching her cut. The princess winced and hissed, flinching every few seconds. By the time he finished, the sun had begun to rise.

"I must prepare for our departure." (Y/N) muttered, giving Rhaenyra's shoulder a gentle squeeze and exiting the room. His legs took him to his room and he quietly thanked the maids already there, folding and packing away things. He picked out a fresh set of clothes and changed, retrieving a warm coat and watching the servants take away the few belongings he'd brought along. (Y/N) left his room, wandering the halls of High Tide until he reached a balcony and stepped out, looking out to sea. The cold wind nipped at his nose and cheeks but he didn't mind it. Eventually, he spotted the ship his sister and her husband were on, the dragons following not long after.

"I spoke to Laenor," Rhaenyra spoke from behind him, approaching his side. "And Daemon."

"Should I be worried?" (Y/N) asked, a hint of both playfulness and seriousness to his tone. Rhaenyra's silence only amplified the concern forming in his stomach. She stared out at the boat, fingers rubbing against the bandages wrapped around her arm.

"I must know, (Y/N)... Who do you side with? By blood, you are a Hightower and it would not be fair of me to ask you to turn your back on blood."

"They are not the only ones I share blood with, Nyra." (Y/N) murmured, turning his head to look at her. "You are the mother of my children and I have been by your side long before their births. The moment I devoted myself to you, I stopped being a green."

"Then, let us bind our blood. My claim may not be so easily challenged with you as my husband and king consort. Tonight, you proved to have the wisdom of a good king and you know the greens better than I ever could." Rhaenyra spoke firmly, determination laced into her voice as she faced the Hightower. (Y/N) studied her face, his face unreadable to the woman who knew him since childhood. Swallowing, she continued, "Since I was young, I always knew you and I were destined for many things. Together. Let us fulfill that by joining together in marriage once and for all."

"What of Laenor? You cannot marry unless he dies."

"I know. I sought out my uncle for a reason." Rhaenyra cupped her hands together, gazing back out at sea. "He claims to be a queen, my subjects must love and respect me. But they must also fear me. . It will cost Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys their only remaining child and the realm will whisper that we were somehow responsible. They will fear us. But Laenor will be dead to everyone but us as he will be living a free life across the sea. What do you say?"

✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶ ✶

Lifting the dragonglass blade, (Y/N) sliced her bottom lip, a droplet of blood slipping from the cut. Gathering the blood with his thumb, he lifted his hand and dragged his thumb down Rhaenyra's forehead. The silver-haired princess adoringly stared up at him, using the blade to cut his lip as well and mark his forehead before she cut her palm and handed him to blade. (Y/N) winced slightly, dragging the blade down his palm and taking Rhaenyra's hand in his, binding their blood together as a priest spoke. Their children along with Daemon and his daughters watched on.

Bringing the cup to his face, (Y/N) felt his bottom lip sting as he drank from it. He handed it to Rhaenyra and watched her drink, the cup being set down beside them. Once the priest finished speaking, Rhaenyra smiled and cupped her husband's face, stroking his skin with her thumb before they leaned in. (Y/N) could taste their blood, lip stinging from the pressure but he ignored it. Rhaenyra pulled back, her bottom lip smeared with blood and saliva. She rested her forehead against his. And now, before the eyes of a priest, they were united. One flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever.

"Avy jorrāelan, (Y/N)."

"Avy jorrāelan, Rhaenyra."

359 notes · View notes

gumiluver · 5 months

Text

AN ODE TO YOU ~ NANAMI KENTO

synopsis: a visit to malaysia <3

lovers <3: afab!reader, nanami kento

byr: the content in this fic is most suitable for mature audiences, individuals under the age of 17 please do not interact, contains mature themes

cw: angst, bittersweet, self-indulgent (gege why…), this is a rlly sad one guys :(

✧༺♥༻✧ ✧༺♥༻✧ ✧༺♥༻✧

Perhaps, in another lifetime, you both would have made it to your destination honeymoon.

The warm salty air, the fresh breeze that makes the palm trees sway in the wind. A beautiful expansive ocean holding the unknown wonders and mysteries of this god-foresaken land.

This same land that now holds him, indefinitely.

It was he, who first brought it up to you, confessing his deepest desires to you at the dead of night. Afterglow of pure bliss radiating upon his tanned skin, accentuating his finely sculpted body that was delicately intertwined with yours. Blonde hair messily scattered about as his eyes bore upon yours, filled with a love unforeseen by the likes of many.

A love so deep and pure that it transcends time itself.

“Malaysia…” he whispers to you, shifting his hand around to caress the side of your face. His thumb giving gentle swipes along your cheek, causing a blush to spread across your already warm face. He smiles and pushes a strand of hair behind your ear, wanting to see the goddess before him basque in the silent bliss of his love. A gentle hum omits from your mouth, beckoning for him to further elaborate on his thoughts.

“Malaysia is where I’ll make you my wife, [y/n],”

Your heart skips a beat. The hefty rock on your left finger suddenly feeling warm over the mention of your wedding and honeymoon. A place that would allow the both of you to unwind with each other and enjoy the peaceful harmony that is your union, together.

You smile brightly and envelop him with a passionate kiss that takes him by surprise. He chuckles in the kiss, which makes you giggle with him. Giving each other gentle kisses, you move your hands upwards to cup his face.

His beautiful face.

So stoic, yet calming. Fine little lines gather at the corners of his eyes as he smiles. His sharp jawline and cheekbones accentuating his handsome features. His warm, tanned complexion contrasting his blonde, thick hair that you loved to play with when falling asleep in each others arms. Deep brown eyes piercing into your own, filled with so much adoration that you can’t help but tear up a bit.

“I can’t wait to marry you, Nanami Kento,”

“And I, you, my love,”

And here you are, standing in the sand as the sun beats down on you. Breathing in the fresh salty air and hearing the waves crash upon each other, just how he would have loved it.

You slowly walk up to the unsteady waves, wading your feet in the water. You hold the urn tightly in your hand, sighing a painful sigh that was laced with longing and grief.

Today, you were suppose to marry him, in your matching attire that the two of you specialized together. To hold his comforting hands and gaze into his loving eyes. To confess your unconditional love for each other as he guides you into a breathtaking kiss.

To take him as yours, forever and always, until death shall you part.

“We’re finally here, love,” you whisper, opening the urn gently, taking a moment to collect yourself as you hold the urn a bit tighter and closer.

“In another lifetime, you would have been mine forever,” you say, carefully spreading his ashes along the rustling waves. You can’t help the tears that cascade down your cheeks, the desperation in your heart wishing that it were all a nightmare.

Hoping that he was still here, with you, forever.

A solemn sigh escapes your lips as you finish spreading his ashes. You watch as the waves slowly take him away from you and you hope that maybe, just maybe, the waves will take him to the heaven that he deserved.

A heaven where he may find peace.

“Kento,” you whisper, now clenching the empty urn desperately to your chest. You let a painful sob escape, a sob with such grief that it shakes the heavens and earth. Tears flow freely from your eyes, now. You crane your neck upwards and close your eyes, wanting to curse the world for taking your love—your life—away from you.

And that’s when you felt it.

The familiar warmth of his hands just barely cupping your face. His rough thumbs swipe across your cheeks, wiping away your grief-filled tears. A gasp escapes you, and you open your eyes to see the water in front of you, no longer restless and loud, but calm. A warmth envelopes your aching heart as a bittersweet smile adorned your gentle features.

“I’ll love you forever, Kento. Until we meet again,”

✧༺♥༻✧ ✧༺♥༻✧ ✧༺♥༻✧

a/n: could u tell I was coping with the trauma of losing him while writing this lolol

want something lighter in mood? check these ones out!

| <3 | <3 | <3 | (all are nsfw!)

Likes, comments, follows, reblogs, and any other form of interaction is greatly appreciated <3 #supportcreators

54 notes · View notes

dellalyra · 11 months

Text

Family Formations - Wreckage

A/N: this wasn’t requested by i was listening to i bet on losing dogs and this popped into my head and since I’ve been in such a writing funk i decided it had to happen also it’s sad I’m sorry

CW: angst, mentions of violence, grief, mentions of death, also somehow soft like rly soft

Summary: a very short Drabble - inspired by I Bet On Losing Dogs - Mitski. Megumi and Y/N centric.

My baby, my baby,

You’re my baby, say it to me

This wasn’t your room; this wasn’t your home. This wasn’t your blanket.

No hint of sandalwood cologne tinting the air.

No smell of tea tree shampoo.

No smell of baby powder.

To you everything smells of copper, of iron, of grief, of ash, of smoke, of destruction.

Your lifelines scattered between this life and the next – limbs and eyes and loves just gone like dandelion tufts in a breeze.

You lay on this bed. These sheets. These pillows. You absentmindedly admire the pretty blue colour of them. Whoever lived here had nice taste – he would like these sheets. He likes blue.

He used to say his favourite colour was gold.

You’re gold to me, whispered into your ear.

You sit against the headboard – staring at the wall.

The door creaks open.

The shock of raven spikes are still visible in the darkness of the room. He shuts the door behind him. He doesn’t say anything - doesn’t need to.

Just crawls onto the bed beside you, and lays his head in your lap.

I bet on losing dogs

I know they're losing and I'll pay for my place

By the ring

He seems so small now – he looks like your little boy. Almost a whole foot taller than you at 16 and steadily growing, much broader and stronger. Sometimes, you think it’s funny how much he resembles him. Just, inverted. Dark hair instead of white (his father’s) but the height, the build, the slender hands. You forget he’s not biologically you and his.

His head in your lap, your hand moving to his hair, carding through it like you did for nightmares of boogeymonsters and creatures in the closet what seems like centuries ago. No more nightmares now. Just reality and boogeymonsters and creatures in your best friend.

He lets out a sigh. He doesn’t want to talk, he just needs you. You’re glad, you don’t know if you have the words. Do the words even exist?

The door creaks open again. A glimmer of soft pink in the darkness, it turns to move away and leave.

“Sit”, you whisper softly.

The figure – so many healing wounds turning to scars now. They shine in the faint trace of moonlight.

He goes to the side of your son, and lays behind him, wrapping his arms around the boy's waist, nuzzling his pink head into the nape of black hair.

You think of Geto.

The heartbreak he would feel at another young generation of sorcerers, the embodiment of the hope you all held – torn apart, obliterated, traumatised. Would the world have been different if you and Satoru had followed him that day? Would lives have been saved? Or would you have lost everyone?

In this reality; you have your boy and his love – curled beside you in the cocoon of warmth and safety you blanket them with. Nails lightly running over the scalp of the head in your lap, he loves that too – just like Satoru.

A baby is out there too. All white hair and eyes like his father. Safe, in your mothers arms. You don’t know where, you can’t know.

This gives you solace.

They are your lifeboats.

Because your ship that kept you afloat has sank, trapped and drowning. Not in an ocean but a god damn fucking box.

You don’t know who will get to shore. You’ll save all that you can. You’re scared of losing, of losing everyone. You’re not weak, you’re a beacon of power and strength – the embodiment of earth’s power and your love could cause earthquakes that shake to the earth's core. But somehow, you feel halved. You are whole, but not complete.

How can you be whole without half of your soul? When that half of your soul lost in a void? When you can’t feel that half of your soul since he was taken from you and trapped in a god damn box.

You and him are meant to be the strongest.

You almost laugh at the thought.

Where I'll be looking in their eyes when they're down

I'll be there on their side

I'm losing by their side

No.

No. No. No.

You can’t falter. You can’t crumble. You will not concede.

This boy, his boy, your baby, your love – you will not lose. You will destroy the world but never let a flame touch them – you will get them all home; you’ll raise your ship from the depths of the void in which he is trapped - you will keep them all safe.

My baby, my baby,

You’re my baby, say it to me

#jjk #jjk x reader #gojo satoru #gojo satoru x reader #gojo x reader #gojo fluff #anime #megumi fushiguro #yuuji itadori #itafushi #yuuji x megumi #megumi x itadori #pixie writes: family formations #jjk angst #Spotify

142 notes · View notes

mosthewitch · 9 months

Text

Happiness Charm

For this charm you will need:

three cord or sting

First cleanse your space, tools, and ingredients. There are many ways to do so including incense, candles, a bath, meditation, or physically cleaning the space. (You can also cast a circle but it is not a requirement)

Take three cords or strings of different colors, and braid them tightly together.

Firmly tie a knot near one end of the braid, thinking of your need for happiness.

continue to tie knots until you have tied seven.

the charm will help you find happiness, once you feel like the charm has worked its magic, take it and keep it in a safe place, or burn it and scatter the ashes in the ocean or stream.

#witchythings #witch community #baby witch #witchblr #pagan witch #pagan #spellcasting #spellwork #spellcraft #witchcraft #witch #magick #beginner witch #beginner friendly #happiness #charms

65 notes · View notes

wildflower-otome · 6 months

Text

[Translation] Shuuen no Virche - Adolphe Short Story

Writer: Satomi Nakayama Source: Shuuen no Virche Error Salvation Visual Fan Book

NOTE: Spoilers for Adolphe's route below.

Chrysanthème ~Flowers of the dead • Unchanging Love~

This is the “tale of a certain day” before I met Yves once more.

December. Adolphe’s birthday was approaching, so I was spending the day enjoying myself— by thinking about what to give him this year.

(I can’t seem to think of any more ideas…..Maybe I’ll go to the lycoris flower field and try thinking about it there.)

I began to make my way towards where my other family lived, in order to relax and contemplate.

Today too, the lycoris flowers rustling in the sea breeze seemed to be gently welcoming me as their compatriot.

‘A bouquet…..might be nice. But Adolphe doesn’t have any flower vases at his place…..so it may just end up being a bother to him.’

As I continued to consult the lycoris as I stood there alone—.

‘…..…..-!’

A strong sea wind blew, causing my hair and clothes to flutter wildly.

At the same time, lycoris flower petals all at once scattered across the blue sky—.

‘How beautiful…..’

Just as my gaze was captured by the lovely sight—.

‘…..Adolphe?’

I saw the figure of my adopted brother by the seaside—in the direction the flower petals had blown in.

He couldn’t swim, so he rarely visited this place aside from when he took Roland out for exercise.

(Did he come here to look at the ocean?)

So that I wouldn’t disturb him, I slowly walked up to him from behind. However—.

‘…..…..…..…..’

In one hand he held a bouquet. It was made up of beautiful yellow-coloured flowers—and Adolphe was slowly throwing them into the sea.

‘…..…..Adolphe?’

‘!’

As I instinctively called out to him, he turned around, looking flustered.

‘…..Oh, it’s you. Don’t startle me like that.’

‘Sorry. When I saw you Adolphe, I just- …..What were you doing? You weren’t just—throwing the flowers away, were you?’

‘…..…..…..Ah, no, that’s not it.’

Adolphe fell silent for a little while—and then for a moment looked upward.

‘…..It’s sort of like a grave visit. There was someone I knew who…..had their ashes scattered in the sea.’

‘! They didn’t become a reliver…..?’

‘…..No. They lived out their life unconnected to things like that.’

I see, I said, giving a safe response.

‘For you to bring them flowers, they must have been someone you were pretty close to. …..If it is alright with you, might I pray with you?’

‘…..That’s fine. I brought too many flowers, so do whatever you want with them.’

Taking up the extra flower bouquet at his feet…..I gently began to send them into the sea.

The flowers that at first drifted around at our feet slowly—began to flow out towards the open ocean.

‘…..I hope they don’t end up going out to the Sea of Death.’

‘…..Yeah.’

After Adolphe and I exchanged words, I put both my hands together and prayed for a peaceful rest for the departed.

Watching me from the side as I did so, Adolphe spoke—

‘…..The ones I brought these flowers for-‘

He spoke quietly, in a voice that sounded somehow younger than it usually did.

‘-Were my benefactors, who were like a starting point for me. …..If they hadn’t protected me back when I was weak, I wouldn’t even be alive right now.’

Hearing what he said, I was a little surprised. Because up until now, Adolphe had always lived an independent life, only trusting a select number of people…..

I wondered at what point in time there had been so many people he was able to trust.

‘…..I see. Then we better make sure to thank them all properly.’

So that my gratitude would reach the people sleeping in the vast ocean, I prayed.

(Thank you for being there for Adolphe. Even though I don’t know your names or faces, I’m sure the reason I’m able to be with him as family like this right now is all thanks to you.)

And also.

(The Adolphe you protected is someone I love, very much. My dear brother, that I’m more proud of than anything in the whole wide world— I hope that you can be proud of him, too.)

After spending a long time praying, I looked up. —And as I did so-

‘…..…..You. Everything you’re thinking, you say out loud.’

‘Wha-…..!?’

With reddened cheeks, looking half fed up, half embarrassed, Adolphe was staring at me.

‘S-Sorry. Maybe because I felt so strongly about what I was praying…..’

‘…..You don’t need to apologise. …..Although I can’t say so for sure. I’m sure “those people” were happy about it.’

So speaking, Adolphe put a hand on my shoulder as we faced out towards the ocean.

‘—This is my precious little sister. She’s good at cooking, and loves cleaning. She possesses a strong spirit, that can cry and feel hurt for other people….. …..If not for your guidance, I would never even have met her. I’m grateful to you.’

—Speaking in a gentle voice, he proudly introduced me to those unknown “someone’s.”

***

23 years ago.

‘—Listen, ■■■■. We’re about to be sold. Considering who the buyers are, we’ll soon be killed.’

‘However, you alone must survive. Even if it means drinking down muddy water, no matter how miserable you feel—’

‘Until you meet that precious someone, a person you want to give flowers to.’

‘—You must live.’

‘We will be-‘

‘We shall be-‘

‘Watching over your journey from the heavens.’

#shuuen no virche #virche evermore #translation #adolphe #otome game

27 notes · View notes

rinstrumental · 1 year

Text

all the wrong places

zutara

# not proofread, part 2 here

part one - disclosure

The night air was still. The only sounds in the vicinity were the lapping of the waves against the shore and crackling of the bonfire that had been going since sunset. The flames flickered in the reflection of Katara’s pupils, her gaze focused as she threw branch after branch into the blaze.

Zuko watched her hands carefully. At times they danced a little too close to the fire, ash and fire licking at her scarred fingers.

“You don’t have to do that. It’s a nice night,” he said. It was the first time anyone had talked in a half hour, his slightly hoarse voice cutting through the tranquil night.

Without looking away from her self-assigned chore, Katara replied. “Toph gets cold easily.” As if on cue, the girl dozing behind her rolled over and began to snore.

The two of them were the only ones left awake, their companions scattered around them and sleeping like logs. The usual palpable, awkward silence that came when they were the only two people in the room was as apparent as ever.

Zuko couldn’t bear it. Just being around Katara already made him anxious. Not that she was an unpleasant person, but there was just something about Katara that made Zuko desperate to prove himself. Despite her forgiveness, every time he thought of Katara (often), all he saw was an intangible spider web of betrayal, his feelings, her feelings, their convoluted past and possibly somethingmore. What did she think of him? He wished he had the courage to ask.

“What was it like, coming here?” This time Katara was the first to speak, yanking Zuko out of his thoughts. “As a kid, with your family and everything.”

He winced. Not wanting to have to think about his family, Zuko tried steering the conversation in a different direction. “It wasn’t just my family. Sometimes Mai and Ty Lee would come along too.”

Katara finally looked up to meet Zuko’s eyes, waiting for him to continue.

“It was fine, I guess. Azula kept them occupied most of the time. I just spent time with my parents. But at night, we would sneak out of our rooms to ‘play’. At Azula’s behest.”

The girl sitting opposite him finally cracked a smile. “She’s always been the one bossing you around, isn’t it?”

“Just like you with Sokka,” Zuko chuckled. Katara pulled a face.

“What games would you guys play?”

“Stupid games, if you can even call them that. Gymnastics competitions, dress-up, fire flake eating challenges,” Zuko muttered, deep in thought. “Sometimes truth or dare...”

“Well,” Katara sighed. “Since we’re both still awake with nothing better to do, maybe we could play one of those games.”

“What, dress up? Now?”

“Of course not!” She crossed her arms, laughing. “Do you see a catwalk and closet filled with royal Fire Nation attire anywhere around here? I meant something like truth or dare.”

“Alright. try me.” Katara’s laugh felt like liquid courage, flowing through Zuko’s veins, lifting him up high. He could do anything.

“Truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

“Go into the ocean. I want to see you completely soaked when you come out.”

Zuko eyed the midnight blue sea, already anticipating the bone-deep chill. But a dare is a dare, right?

He pulled his shirt off over his head, dumping it in the sand. Before Katara could react, Zuko was running towards the waves.

“Wait, I was kidding, but are you actually gonna do it?” she shouted in disbelief. As she watched him get closer to the water, Katara finally grabbed a cloth and chased after him, maybe against her better judgment.

She heard it before she saw it. A loud splash, followed by a yell. “Fuck, it’s freezing!”

“I was kidding,” she repeated breathlessly, throwing the makeshift towel over Zuko’s head. “What if you get sick or something now?”

Zuko pulled the cloth aside to thank Katara, and was surprised to see the look of pure worry on her face. Well, maybe annoyance, too. But was she actually concerned about his well being?

“You can’t get sick just before Sozin’s Comet, that was so stupid of me!”

Oh, right, Zuko remembered. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t a little disappointed, suddenly remembering the hard-hitting reality of the circumstances that brought them here in the first place. “I’ll be fine, I’ll just get back to the fire and dry off. I promise I won’t get sick.”

Katara’s furrowed eyebrows relaxed. “Okay, I shouldn’t get stressed over small things like this. Keeping our composure is the most important thing we can do right now.” Zuko nodded in agreement.

The both of them settled down next to the bonfire again - this time next to each other, Zuko couldn’t help but notice. He leaned towards the heat, sighing in relief. He felt a bundle of fabric drop in his lap, recognising it as his top when he looked down. All of a sudden Zuko was hyper aware of his lack of clothing. Katara laughed when she noticed the blush rise on his face.

“Sorry,” he mumbled bashfully as he hastily pulled the shirt back on. “Forgot about that.”

The silence took over again, but this time it felt more comfortable. Like falling asleep under a big blanket after a long shower. Zuko looked down. Katara’s knee leaned against his own, her hand brushing carelessly against his whenever she reached for the pile of branches again. The fire was still going.

“Truth or dare?”

Katara didn’t miss a beat. “Truth.” He swore he could hear the smile in her voice.

“What’s your most embarrassing secret?” Oh my God, she’s going to think that was weird.

She laughed again, a beautiful, resonating sound. “I didn’t think we were going to get personal.”

He shrugged. “I mean, you did make me run into the sea in the middle of the night.”

“I told you that you didn’t have to do it, you didn’t listen, and now you’re putting the blame on me? You’re unbelievable.”

“Okay, fine. Secret for a secret.” Zuko turned to face Katara, his expression serious.

“Now you’ve got me interested. You go first.” She smirked smugly, resting her chin in her hand. “What kind of terrible, humiliating life story does the almighty prince of the Fire Nation have to tell me?”

“Um… do you remember what I told you just now? About the… games I’d play with my sister and her friends?”

“Sure.”

“Er… I… was the one getting dressed up.”

“Are you kidding me?” Katara exclaimed. “Tell me something I didn’t know!”

Zuko felt the heat return to his cheeks. “How’d you know?”

“Come on, I have a brother too. We all know ‘dress-up’ means putting the only boy around in a skirt and doing his hair!”

Zuko couldn’t help but begin to laugh as he recounted how he had worn Azula’s dresses as Mai smeared makeup on his face and Ty Lee braided his hair, the three of them giggling hysterically the whole time.

“I think that might be the first time I’ve heard you really laugh,” was all Katara had to say when Zuko had finished talking. The smug smile on her face had shifted to something more genuine, like she was actually enjoying listening to him ramble on and on. Zuko’s heart skipped at the thought.

“Ah, well, your turn now,” he said quickly, changing the subject again.

“For the record, I think that was a lame ass secret,” Katara sighed, sitting up straight. “But what I’m about to tell you absolutely cannot be known by anyone else. Especially Sokka.”

Zuko couldn’t help but feel nervous as the stern look returned to Katara’s face, her intense stare boring holes into his skull. What was this, a murder confession?

“I lied about kissing Jet that one time. I lied about having my first kiss to rub it in Sokka’s face.”

He didn’t know what to say. What should anyone say to that? “Oh.”

Katara groaned and turned away from him, flustered. “It’s so stupid, I know. But it’s really my most embarrassing secret. I don’t even really know why I’m telling you this, I guess I trust that you won’t tell Sokka. You probably don’t even get it! You’re the older brother, you wouldn’t understand why I’d even lie about something so trivial- shit, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned th-”

Zuko gently squeezed Katara’s shoulder, bringing her breathless rant to an abrupt stop. “Katara, it’s okay. I won’t tell Sokka or anything, because who you’ve kissed or whatever is none of my business. But I do get it, the whole competition thing.”

“Of course you do. Sorry, it was just stupid of me to bring it up.”

“It’s okay.”

This time, the silence was thick and heavy. Zuko’s hand on Katara’s shoulder, their knees leaning against each other, the general closeness of their bodies - he was suddenly made aware of it all. He could hear her shallow breaths and his own heart thumping against his ribs.

“I… felt like I had to prove myself. To you.”

“What?”

“That’s why I took on your dare. Even though I hate the cold, and I��m scared of the ocean at night.”

“Ah.”

“I’ll never forget how I left you… all… in Ba Sing Se. And I don’t think you ever will either, even after we went after Yon Rha and everything. I know that was just one stupid dare that didn’t mean anything, and I know my betrayal was so much bigger than that, but… I think I just wanted to say that I’m still willing to do anything if that means I can show that I’ve changed for the better. For the sake of the world, for Aang. For you.”

“…I see.”

“…Agh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to dump that on you.”

“No, no. That means a lot, Zuko. Thank you for telling me that.”

A breeze swept the beach. The bonfire cried out in protest, doubling over in the wind and eventually dying out.

A flame formed in Zuko’s hand, and he held it out in between him and Katara to share.

It was warmer than the bonfire ever could’ve been.

#avatar the last airbender #zutara #zutara fluff #zutara fanfiction #zuko fanfic #zuko x katara #katara x zuko #atla fanfic #atla zuko #atla katara #katara #zuko

87 notes · View notes

ecc-poetry · 11 months

Text

WORKING TITLE: GAY QUESTIONS FOR LOBSTER DADDY

Remember when pride was a sin? Order goeth before the fall. Remember when we stole fire from the gods? Remember when our mothers were like, so bad, and our fathers had their reasons? Remember when Saturn ate six of his children? (Chaos from calories.)

Remember the great nothing of sea and sky? Remember the flood? Remember when blood ran the clocks, when we tumbled the moon out of heaven and drove thorns through our tongues? Remember the great mother? You remember her: Her tail is split like history. She tributaries, capillaries to capulet capture: her scattered children drink. She is a healer of maladies–order from chaos. Remember when we lived in the swamp in a chicken-legged house? Remember when Hera wished for a son and whipped her ordered cells to holy parthenogenesis? Remember when the husband laid down at the feet of his wife? Remember the lamb? Remember when property was a sin? Leave all things you have. Remember what the wolves did under scarcity? Remember when all the witches got together and they hanged the town fathers? Me neither. Remember when the regiments came? Remember fire? Chaos from orders. Remember when love was a commandment? Remember when my girl taught you to play vinyl backwards and she reknit Osiris? Remember when the girls were all turning into laurel trees and the boys were all turning into swans? Quadrupling their chromosomes! Remember when the angels came down from heaven and fucked the shit out of us? Remember how this poem is not a biography? Remember Gaia? She loved her children the same, the communist. Remember when I gave birth to you? Remember how you told your mother the material world was an illusion and she smacked you with her jewel-encrusted spoon? Remember the queen who was feted with her own two sons? Chaos from hors d'oeuvres. Remember the lesbians who lived at the bottom of the sea? Remember when pride was a catalyst? Remember how fire was so thirsty for the moon? Remember when you were wet with miracles? Remember how we cried ourselves whole again? Remember when the girls were wine, how their laughter fizzed like champagne floats and we drank and drank? Well–you didn't. Remember when the men stiffened with milk? How we drank and drank! You mistook the trees for the harvest again, orgasm from chaos. Remember when we could always tell what not to do by the little piles of ash? Remember the time before gravity? Every natural law looks like chaos while you're inside of it. Remember how late you got to the vineyard? Remember more things in heaven and earth? All that is seen and unseen? Remember all the things we can't see? Remember when the world was an egg? Remember before it all went wrong? Remember how I stopped apologizing for my body and now my body lives rent-free in your head? Remember when I was made of flowers? Remember when I was made of blood? Wearing Hecate's three faces of maiden, multiplier, swamp. Remember when I went skinny-dipping in an ocean of milk? Remember how you blamed me for something I did in a dream? Remember how physiologically, you're bigger than me with more upper body strength, and how spiritually I don't care? Remember when I hid my heart in a knotted oak so I couldn't be killed? Remember how I danced the night after my wedding was spoiled: Drowned and dragging seaweed, order from choreography. Remember how this poem is not a biography? Remember when flesh was a prison? Life sentence. Remember the lady in a cage? Remember how we really lost Eden? Remember how evil is not just good backwards? Remember when the mask of your face sloughed off and all that was left was a hole no man could fill? Remember that this poem is a biography? Remember when love was a commandment? Do you remember when pride was a sin?

-elisa chavez

#poetry #jordan peterson #HAPPY PRIDE #have a hingeless ???#cw: gore #spot the mythology reference

30 notes · View notes

klaineccfanficlibrary · 10 months

Note

OK . . I think I did this right? For the 2023 Klaine Bingo

1.) Debut Fanfic:

Trick or Treat by bitbybit (puttingittogether)

2.)Page-turning Fanfic that made you stay up past your bedtime:

Soulsongs and Seastars by GleefulPoppet

3.)Fanfic that made you reach for a box of tissues:

The Edge of the Light by gemjam

4.)Fanfic where one has an unusual occupation.:

Bicycle Patrol Unit by CoffeeAddict80

5.)Wild Card - any fanfic you wish to highlight.:

Yule Be Mine by scatterthestars

6.) Fanfic set during the summer:

Miles To Go by hundredindecisions

7.) Fanfic is written for a challenge.

Myosotis series by maanorchidee ( Written for Klaine Advent Challenge 2019)

8.) Fanfic that made you laugh out loud.

Skylight by DivineLady91

9.) Fanfic that you enjoyed using a genre/trope that you don't normally read.

Until My Dying Breath by EmilianaDarling

Thank you Anon - for your contribution to the 2023 Klaine bingo event! ~Jen The Bingo Collection now on Ao3!

1. Debut Fanfic

Trick or Treat by bitbybit (puttingittogether) @bitbybitwrites

Summary: It’s Halloween and Blaine’s favorite time of year. Little does he know that his husband has a bit of a trick and treat waiting for him when he gets home.

Based off of the Klaine Creative Challenge #1/ Halloween/Costume Klaine from the Klaine 40 FB group.

Prompt: where Kurt is in costume and ready to go out, and Blaine walks in and sees him like that. Inspired by Chris Colfer's 2021 Halloween video from Instagram and his outfit.

2. Page-turning Fanfic that made you stay up past your bedtime:

Soulsongs and Seastars by @GleefulPoppet

In a world where Doms and subs depend on the symbiotic relationship their pheromones provide, it can be a matter of life and death to go too long without a claim. When one of the most powerful Doms in New York comes home for some much-needed family time, he stumbles upon a scene that throws his instincts into high alert as he witnesses a sub do something he’s never seen before. Will the bravery of one man change his life forever? Kurt Hummel knows there’s only a one-in-a-million chance of finding his Soulsong, but what are the odds it could happen in a run-down mall in Lima, Ohio?

3. Fanfic that made you reach for a box of tissues:

The Edge of the Light by gemjam

After Kurt calls off their wedding, Blaine spirals into a bad place that he never manages to get out of. He accepts his life, working the streets at night and sleeping his days away, until a chance encounter two years later leads Kurt back into his life, and Blaine has to re-evaluate everything to see if he can really earn a happy ending.

4. Fic where one has an unusual occupation.:

Bicycle Patrol Unit by CoffeeAddict80 @caramelcoffeeaddict

When NYPD bicycle cop, Blaine Anderson, begins to fall for Kurt Hummel - the gorgeous man that he first notices while Kurt is jogging through the park during Blaine’s patrol there - it causes a rift between him and his patrol partner, Sebastian Smythe

5. Wild Card - any fanfic you wish to highlight.:

Yule Be Mine by @scatterthestars

Crashing weddings is nothing new for Kurt. Being caught, however, is. When a handsome stranger comes to his rescue, he has no problem going along with Blaine's plan of pretending to be his boyfriend for the night. But one thing leads to another and Kurt soon finds himself agreeing to spending a week with Blaine and his family for Christmas. What can go wrong? He'll play pretend. Hang ornaments on the tree, decorate some cookies, and have fun in the snow. He won't fall for Blaine's family. And definitely won't fall for the handsome, great guy he's pretending to date. Right?

6. Fanfic set during the summer:

Miles To Go by hundredindecisions

In the wake of Finn’s death, Kurt struggles to keep up with schoolwork at NYADA or engage with his life in general. He finally finds purpose again when he decides to spend the summer venturing west, to scatter Finn’s ashes in the Pacific Ocean. The road trip is long and lonely and challenging, but Kurt’s luck starts to turn around when he meets a handsome man named Blaine, who’s heading to California for his own reasons. After crossing paths in Colorado, they decide to travel together. As they get closer to the west coast they start to let down their walls, learning more about each other and revealing what they’re really seeking on this trip.

7. Fanfic is written for a challenge.

Myosotis series by maanorchidee ( Written for Klaine Advent Challenge 2019)

Kurt remembers meeting Blaine very vividly. After all, they only just met. Blaine also remembers meeting Kurt very vividly, but to him, it's been years since they met. Now, the two of them have to find ways to (re)connect and see where their relationship goes.

8. Fanfic that made you laugh out loud.

Skylight by DivineLady91

When Blaine's mom calls from the airport to inform her son that she's shown up early for Christmas, he and Kurt are forced to scramble and clean before she arrives. Seeing as they were indulging in morning-long sex-capades, they'll need all the time they have. But their cleaning efforts get called on account of something inappropriate stuck in an unexpected place.

9. Fanfic that you enjoyed using a genre/trope that you don't normally read.

Until My Dying Breath by EmilianaDarling

*Sorry written 2012 - doesn't qualify for this bingo which is 2018-23!

#2023 klaine bingo #klaine fanfic #klaine fanfiction #glee fanfiction

30 notes · View notes

kerryweaverlesbian · 1 year

Text

Pondscum

Family doesn't end -

But it doesn't begin either.

Stagnant pond not rushing river,

Stale and lifeless, no channels, no estuary.

I reach my hand under the surface,

Not cool water but boiling weeds,

I pull them up as they pull me down,

Slimey, incongruous scalding in a cold, wet grave.

It's rotten work.

It's bitter, thirsty,

The oysterbirds mock me:

Why are you wasting your time on this?

There's water in Heaven,

Water in Heaven,

Water enough for us all.

But the water is here, I see it, I touch it,

Only choked out by the fact of neglect,

Only made history by history.

I clear out the azolla and a dead fish rises,

Pale, floppy and frightened through its expressionless death mask.

I give it a spot next to the others, tenderly, brushing smooth head with coarse fingers.

When I am done I will take them to the ocean,

A scattering of defrosted ashes,

A mourning for the lives they missed, as well as the lives they had.

The life I have -

Knelt at the pondside, gritted green with watermeal, pulling up weeds.

My jeans becoming saturated, mud and mud and water,

Primrose growing over me, part of the landscape,

Musty green infesting my nose, my throat my lungs.

I don't think I will ever smell anything else without the tinge of green surrounding it.

It's rotten work.

Rotting work, metastasizing,

The more I dig out the more it digs in,

The lesson; that water brings life and life, suffering,

And yet -

As I start to abandon myself to my own inevitable drowing -

The sky cracks above me,

Thunderous, wonderous, blasphemous rain.

I turn up my face and open my mouth.

It cleanses my lungs, my throat, my nose.

Lightening screens through me, a light then a crash,

I am struck with a vision: the project, completed.

A clear and fresh spring,

A lily,

A koi.

Remade, I continue, refreshed and renewed,

Family doesn't begin -

But it doesn't end, either.

For the @spnpoetryrenaissance prompt "cycles". I'm so proud of this one and I never would have written it without this poetry month.

#spnpoetryrenaissance #poetry #I wrote it to start with as dean pov but realised it could easily be cas pov as well which is apt I feel for the theme #to have it apply to multiple guys #cawis creates

39 notes · View notes

dabokolo · 1 month

Text

Trying to get back into writing and I wanted to do something for the KH anniversary.

Five birthdays Riku spends with Sora.

Riku couldn’t believe his friend sometimes. Sora was tugging him along excitedly, going on and on about how much fish they were gonna catch today. Sora’s father was a few feet ahead, heading towards the dock to their family fishing boat. He didn’t know why his friend wanted to spend his birthday fishing on the play island, they could do that any day of the week. Birthdays were the one day you got to do something special.

If it were him, he be asking his parents to take a trip to the mainland. Anything to leave this boring island. But, today was Sora’s birthday, not his and he wouldn’t dare ruin it with his negative feelings. He let go of Sora’s hand and started racing to the port, knowing Sora would immediately catch on to the challenge.

If he slowed down a bit to let Sora win, no one could blame him. It was Sora’s birthday after all.

Riku watched as Kairi and Sora headed towards the shore, keeping at least a couple feet of distance between them and the water. Riku spent too many birthdays with Sora to know what would happen next. Now that Kairi had become a permanent member of their friend group, she had to learn her lesson the hard way. As soon as they reached the shallow part of the water, Sora went for the attack. The younger boy splashed the water, hitting Kairi right in the face.

She screeched in outrage and immediately went to retaliate but Sora was already running in the opposite direction. Riku would give them another minute before he joined in. He may not understand why his friend like to spend his birthdays on the island so much but, moments like made him see the appeal.

Kairi and Riku rowed in silence, knowing there was nothing they could say that would cheer up their friend. Sora held a small box in a white-knuckled grip, eyes dazed and Riku knew nothing would get through to him. Once they reached the play island, it took a few moments of proding to get the younger boy out of the boat. His movements were robotic, probably heading towards the shore on muscle memory alone.

Kairi and Riku flanked either side of Sora as he waded in the water, stopping when it was a bit past his ankles. He knelt down to empty contents of the box, and they watched with bated breath as ashes start floating on the surface, watching as it slowly got pulled further into the ocean mixing in the waves. Until they became one with the waters.

It’s tradition on Destiny Islands to scatter the ashes of a loved one on the third day of mourning. You are supposed to do with your family but, Sora’s mom has been checked out ever since the funeral. Not even caring that Sora’s last moment, last birthday with his father falls today.

It doesn’t matter, Kairi and Riku are Sora’s family all the same. They wouldn’t abandon him when he need them the most. Riku needs to find a way to get them off this island. He refuses to be bound to this island even after death and won’t let his friends have to suffer the same.

He decided this would be the last birthdays they celebrated on the island.

It’s kind of ironic that Riku had spent so many years wanting to leave the islands and wished Sora would pick any place but there to hang out. If only his past self could see him now, he was sad that Sora (his Nobody at least) couldn’t go to a beach. Well, a simulated one but a beach all the same. It was surprising how much Roxas was like Sora sometimes.

He stepped away from the computer and wandered towards the pod to where Sora was being held. He watched as his friend slept peacefully and vowed he’d get him back home in time for his next birthday. For the first time in his life, he wished that he was back on the play island again.

At least then, he could wish his friend a happy birthday.

Riku wandered around the city, slightly overwhelmed by all the noise and bright lights coming from the buildings. If it were any other day, he would feel panicked and lost on what direction to even start his search for his friend. But, there was only one place Sora would be on his birthday and he asked one of the locals where the closest beach was.

It wasn’t a long journey, just a one-hour train ride and ten-minute walk from the station. He walked slowly across the sand and took a moment to smell the sea breeze, wondering why his younger self could hate places like this. He let his feet guide him, knowing his dream eater bond would lead him to his friend.

It wasn’t long before he found him, standing at the edge of the shore, and gazing into the ocean. Riku didn’t waste his time and ran over to him, trapping him in a crushing hug.

He felt Sora wrap his arms around his waist and return the embrace with as much vigor. He tried to keep together but couldn’t help the tears that fell from his eyes. “Happy Birthday Sora,” he managed to choke out, not caring about being the sappy one.

Sora grinned up at him with tears of his own and Riku was so grateful that he would get many more birthdays with him. Even if they would always hang out at the beach.

#kingdom hearts #kh #sora #riku #kairi #kh fic #my fic

6 notes · View notes

ehlnofay · 9 months

Text

Summerfest Day 7 - PROFANE

There are two funeral pyres alight on the dark sand of the beach, and two silent mourners watching them burn.

It’s late in the day, the last sunset light seeping like oil on water from the sky in the west. In the east, all is dark. In between, the sky and the ocean mirror each other, a glowing clouded purple; it would be beautiful if it weren’t for the pits gouged into the ground, the towers of wood, the dimly shaped bodies in their silken cerements. The fires burn too bright to see them properly, but the loose end of the red shroud flickers, blown by the flames devouring it as though they are an evening breeze, and it’s a little sickening.

Caelestis supposes that the painstakingly built pyres, the fierce, leaping blaze, even the strongly scented smoke could be beautiful too.

It isn’t. Not to zem. Ze’s too close to see it.

The smoke spirals into the sky, grasping at the stars winking into being above. Caelestis wonders what it will find there. If they’ll find anything at all. Where do dead gods go?

No-one knows, yet. Not really.

Caelestis Vitellius (Nerevarine, Godkiller) stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Last Living God, huddled in a dark cloak, bare feet sunk into the black sand. The two dead ones are turning to ash in front of them. Beginning to, at least; it’s a long process, Caelestis understands, especially in the open air, with the sea nearby. The pyres have only been lit for a little over an hour.

It’s been an uncomfortable hour. There is a chill in the wind blowing in from the sea and the fire is blisteringly hot. Vivec is silent, and despite his cool-voiced assurances Caelestis doesn’t feel quite welcome.

(After what ze did to them both – ze has no right to be here.)

There is another damp breeze rolling off the ocean. Ze feels it spreading over zir exposed skin like decay scrambling for purchase.

“I’m sorry,” ze says.

Vivec does not look away from the pyres. Ze does not blink. Standing straight-backed at hir side, Caelestis can see only the Chimer side of hir face, gilded livid-bright in the light of the flames. “Stop apologising.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Though it was, a little. Caelestis has apologised a lot in the last few days. When ze first arrived back, hir brother’s withered flesh sloughing from zir bones. When he asked what happened. Even earlier today, lifting what was left of Seht’s mingled, mangled remains onto the pyre. Ze is sorry – ze’s choking on it all – but, “I’m sorry for your loss, I mean.”

Vivec’s face doesn’t change. Caelestis doesn’t think he’s moved since they stood here. Ze’s not certain he’ll ever move again.

“And I yours,” they finally say, jewellery flashing in the firelight, and for a moment Caelestis feels their fingers pressing on the back of zir hand.

(It’s gone almost before ze can register it.)

The smoke keeps rising, reaching up into the fathomless sky.

“What do you want to do with the ashes?” Caelestis asks, watching it.

“I,” Vivec starts. He stops. It’s the first time ze’s heard him hesitate in speech, and now ze wants to apologise all over again. “I don’t know.”

Another gust of damp wind, and embers scatter over the sand at their feet.

Vivec says, “They can’t be interred as they deserve. Not without the Temple’s knowledge.” And the Temple can’t know. Not that only one of Three remains. Not what their hero, Vehk’s champion, Protector of Morrowind, had to do with it all. Not what their hero – Nerevarine, Incarnate, Godkiller – is now. “They must be laid to rest. But it cannot be public. It must be worthy of them. It must be tended after I have gone. I don’t know where would fit that description.”

The twin fires crackle.

The burning hasn’t gone on for long, but long enough; Caelestis’ impression of the bodies buried in flame grows ever weaker. Ze can’t do anything with ash – ze knows, ze’s visited the tombs dotting Morrowind. It’s a relief to feel them fading. Ze doesn’t want to desecrate their bodies again.

“Almalexia would want to be in Mournhold,” Vehk says.

“You could scatter the ashes in the Temple,” Caelestis offers. “They’d always be tended there, even if there was no name put to them.”

It’s not a good idea, but what is a good idea, under these circumstances? It’s the best ze has.

Vivec remains still, expressionless eyes fixed forward. “And when the people beg for aid, the gods they pray to will reply from the dust on the soles of their shoes.”

Caelestis looks at hir sharply. “That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

One of the logs shifts with a creak, sending a flurry of sparks into the air. When Caelestis blinks, the jagged pattern of cinders is burned into the backs of zir eyelids. Vivec repeats the only motion ze’s seen them make since the pyres started burning – a simple, smooth gesture, raising their hand with the fingers splayed as though they’re drawing up a puppet tied by string to their pointy knuckles – and the flames leap high, rejuvenated.

They say, “Ayem would have been better at this.”

The smoke stretches, eddying, above their heads, carrying on it the stench of something not unlike burning meat.

(Not quite like it. But definitely not unlike.)

“She would have known the best thing to do,” Vehk says. He amends, “Perhaps not by the time you met her, Caelestis. But once. It was always her way.”

Caelestis nods sombrely. “Mercy,” ze murmurs, eyes on the pyre.

“Mystery,” Vivec replies, an odd half-echo, and for the first time today ze turns to look Caelestis in the face. “And now Mastery is all that’s left.”

Ze can hardly say I’m sorry again, but what else is there to say? Ze looks back at hir, front strand of plaited hair falling in front of zir weak eye.

He smiles. (Almost, a wry twist of the lips, but it’s more than he’s given in a while.) “I knew it would end like this,” he confesses, casting another long look at the pyre. “I’ve known for a long time that it must end sadly. I just hoped I would not be the last.”

Caelestis wraps zir fingers around his wrist. “I’m sorry,” ze says, because what else is there to say?

Vivec looks back at the pyres, glowing gold silhouettes against the black of the ocean, and their face goes blank again.

“It is all very, very sad,” they say quietly, turning their arm so their fingertips can brush the back of Caelestis’ hand; and they both stand, enveloped by sea and sand and smoke, until the sun has risen again and the pyres are burned to bone and ash.

9 notes · View notes