#and she ultimately gave her kid up bc she knew she couldn't give that to them at the time | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ellieslittlewh0re · 10 months

Text

Temptations - stepsister! ellie x fem reader

wk- 3.5k

summary- reader and ellie visit home for the summer after their time away at collage

additional tags: IM SORRY!! I know this is pushing it but it can’t be inc*st if they’re not blood related right? 🙃, reader is Joel’s bio daughter, sarah doesn’t exists in this bc I said so, ellie is adopted, rocker! ellie, band! ellie, loser! ellie, perv! ellie, weed! mention, ellie is kinda awful in this, like typical f*ck boy beat, reader and ellie are polar opposites so they kinda don’t get along, reader is a overachiever, ellie is a deadbeat, nothing too crazy happens in this part, masturbation! warning (ellie), no physical description of reader, mutual pinning and gay longing etc…

part 1 - part 2

psa!! I know this isn’t for everyone!! If you don’t like it, don’t read it!! 🥰

——————————————————————————

The sweltering blaze of the summer Texas sun made my thighs stick to the leather seat of my 97' Buick as I exited the car.

I looked up at the pale yellow house, peeled siding, and a crooked white picket fence hugging the perimeter. It was familiar. It was home. Memories, good and bad, rested in the floorboards.

I stood in the driveway, the strap of my tank loosely hung off my shoulder, backpack slung over one arm, and the other weighed down by a suitcase.

"Hey- kiddo! You're late."

A man shouted from the front porch, waving his hand excitedly.

"I know. I'm sorry. Traffic was bad moving' through Houston." I gave the old man an apologetic smile as he met me halfway, pulling me in for a familiar embrace of musk and pine.

"Jus' glad you made it safe, is all. Dinners on the table. Hope yer hungry- I think I made too much." Joel gave me a smile, the wrinkles on his face looked deeper than I remembered.

He escorts me into the house, taking my bags from me and relieving me of the extra weight.

The house looks the same, but at the same time different. Smaller maybe? The furniture was in the same positions, the walls the same color, although slightly faded from the years.

"Can you go get yer sister? Tell her supper s' ready." The man asks as he turns to the staircase off the entry, bags in hand to put them in my old bedroom.

I tense, my body physically rejecting the idea of my sister- well, step sister.

I was hoping to make it here before she did, give me a few hours of peace before she'd ultimately ruin it.

When Ellie came into this family, it didn't take long for me to become jealous. She quickly clicked with Joel, bonding with him over things that he took an interest in; building shelves, working on cars, hell, even playing guitar.

It's not like I thought my dad loved Ellie more or anything. I knew I'd always be his little girl that got perfect grades and stayed out of trouble, but seeing how his face lit up when Ellie was by his side, grease smeared on her cheek made me heart seare.

I start to head up the stairs, following Joel's lead when I remembered she hasn't slept up there since she was a kid.

During Ellie's angsty teen years, she had begged Joel for days to let her move her bedroom in the basement, claiming "a growing girl needs her own space."

Joel always shot her down, but Ellie wouldn't let up. One night when I couldn't sleep, I got out of bed to get something to drink only to be met with Ellie's 16 year old string bean self pushing her mattress over the railing, and ever since then, the basement has been her territory.

I turn, slowly waking towards the door off of the kitchen that led to said basement, not a hint of enthusiasm in my step.

I creaked open the heavy door, and the wooden steps creaked beneath my feet with each step. Sounds of electronic gunshots and disgruntled curses grew louder as I reached the bottom.

I extend my neck around the corner of the cement room, clothes and empty cans scattered on the floor, music and movie posters filling every inch of the wall surface.

"Els...Ellie." I repeat her name, but she doesn't acknowledge it, her focus never straying from the first person shooter game on the tv. The LED lights that outlined the room turned the space into a purple hue.

My patience wearing thin, I yell her name one last time.

"What?!" Ellie huffed, tearing off the headset that covered her ears and looked at me.

"Dinner is ready." I said plainly, rolling my eyes before going back up the stairs.

"What? I don't even get a hello?"

Ellie yells from her still seated position, a cockiness tingled on her lips.

I scoff, rolling my eyes even harder even if she couldn't witness it. I picture that familiar smug smirk on her face that she had whenever she was trying to piss me off, and it was working.

Ellie loved toying with you like this since you were 16, and she was 17, poking and prodding at you as she sat back, and watched you get worked up. Ellie would never admit it to you, but she loved how no matter how little she tried to rile you up; you'd always bite.

"How's yer classes going? Likin' your teachers alright?" Joel asked between bites of his burger, his eyes glancing at me and over to Ellie, more specifically towards Ellie.

"Good... yeah, everything's good." I nod towards him, giving him a sincere smile to assure him.

Joel winked, smiling back like he knew he could count on me when it came to that sort of thing.

Ellie didn't respond, too busy shoving food in her face which made Joel kick her under the table, jolting her attention away from her plate.

"Ow! What the hell?" Ellie yelled, throwing her hands up.

"Yer classes, Ellie. How are you doin'?" The man asked, a seriousness overtaking his tone.

Ellie groaned, throwing her head back over the top of the wooden dining chair.

"They're fine. Stop worryin'." Ellie gave him a glare before diverting her attention back to her food.

I watch her from across the table, my legs crossed as I quietly ate which was the complete opposite of her.

Ellie's elbows rested on the oak table, her body slightly hunched as she devoured every last bite like she was a starved animal.

I stood at the sink, washing a cup when I felt a hand grab my hip from behind.

"Sorry- here's another one." Ellie talked into my neck, her fingers digging into my hip slightly. Her chest brushed against my back, and her lips too close to my neck. It felt suffocating.

I hadn't realized her presence had me washing the same cup for the entire interaction.

"Hey, Ellie-"

Joel's voice boomed, interrupted into the kitchen, causing Ellie to push herself away quickly.

Joel stood in the archway, his forearm coming up to lean against it.

"I haven't been down in the basement for a long time- please sleep upstairs. I don't need ya gettin' bit by a widow or somthin'."

Ellie groaned, her eyes lolling back into her skull, but she didn't argue.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner was long over. Joel retreated into his bed room for the night, placing a kiss on the top of my head before doing so.

I was sitting on the couch; the tv show I was watching was the only source of light that illuminated the main floor.

It was quiet and peaceful, Ellie had gone back down to her dungeon shortly after dinner, playing video games by the sounds of it.

My quiet was disturbed as the heavy basement door swung open, revealing a homely looking Ellie. Her sweatpants hung low on her hips, checkered green and blue boxers peaking above the waistband, and black wifebeater that snugged her torso.

"Isn't past your bed time, young lady?" Ellie teased as she opened the fridge, pulling out a beer before lazily making her way to the living room.

"Who cut your hair, Hellen Keller?" I snapped right back, a smirk on my lips as she took a seat on the opposite end of the couch.

"Oh- ha. Ha. You're funny."

Ellie pulled a lighter out of the pocket of her pants, using the top to pop open the cap of the brown bottle.

Her chuckle was low and raspy as she brought the rim of the bottle to her lips, her head dipping back as she swallowed the liquid.

Ellie had changed a lot since the last time I saw her, almost two years ago. Her hair is shorter, choppier, and a darker shade of brown, almost black.

Ellie is also taller and more muscular like she really grew into herself. Her face has hardened, her cheeks and jaw more apparent than before.

I sneak peeks at her, looking her over and familiarize myself with my step sisters new look. My eyes travel down to the dark green-blue ink that covered her forearm, a moth with fern leaves. It was pretty, almost too delicate looking compared to her, but it suited her.

My eyes scale down further to her hands, long fingers and a prominent veins that curved along. I have to give it to her, she always had beautiful hands.

"Take a picture it will last longer."

Ellie's voice jolted me out of my trance, my head quickly turning back to the tv.

I try to think of something- anything to cover my tracks.

"Don't get cocky- I was looking at your tattoo. It's nice... who did it?"

Ellie lifted her arm, turning it over to observe it.

"My ex. She bought a tattoo gun online and needed someone to practice on." Ellie said nonchalantly, shrugging before looking back up at the tv.

"Well- she did good. Why is she your ex now? You should've kept her around and gotten tatted up." I ask with genuine interest.

Ellie shrugged, taking another sip of her beer.

"Dunno- We kinda just fell out? Plus she caught me with another chick and freaked out." Ellie stated, not a hint of guilt after just admitting she's a cheater.

Somehow it didn't surprise me after all the girls she'd bring home after school. I'd see the same girl come over a few times within the week, only for the girl to be replaced by a different girl, and the cycle continued like that until she left for college.

"You think your big sis is a bad person now?" Ellie asked, a grin on her lips and she took another sip.

"It doesn't make me think of you any differently." I lied. It did make me think of her differently; I started to imagine what her sex life was like.

What's so great about her? That had these girls constantly following her home like a lost puppy. Surely, it's not her sunshine personality.

My mind flicks back to her hands, my eyes still glued to the tv. Her long and rough, calloused fingers must be the magic touch.

Ellie hummed at my response unconvincingly. The light from the tv illuminated the freckles on her cheeks and nose.

"The fuck are we watching anyways? Some cheesy reality show? Wait- is this the gay one?"

Ellie's voice piqued in interest, her back shimming further back into the cushion to her comfortable.

"Um- yeah, why?"

I ask, side eyeing her, not really understanding what the big deal was.

********

The big deal was; Ellie never knew if you were into girls; or not. She tried to figure it out for years, carefully observing the people you brought home for school. You didn't make it easy, and truthfully you were kinda a loner, only having a few close friends that you'd invite over.

Although there was that one time; you came home from school with a different girl that Ellie had never seen before, and when Ellie tried introducing herself, you quickly took the mystery girl's hand in yours and ran upstairs, locking the two of you in your bedroom.

Ellie fought herself over it for a long time, trying to picture you with a girl. She wondered if you had kissed another girl, held another girl's hand, and it drove Ellie fucking insane.

Ellie had a dark secret that she wouldn't dare say out loud and definitely would never let you know about it.

Ellie started thinking about you a lot after you turned 16, and they were almost never innocent thoughts. When you turned 16 it was like Aphrodite came down to earth and blessed you herself.

Ellie wasn't proud that she had these thoughts, I mean, you were her little sis after all, but it didn't stop her from picturing you whenever she fucked random college girls in the fraternity bathrooms.

********

Ellie shushed my question, motioning for me to turn it up and I do.

Four episodes in, both of us were dead silent as we watched the horror that is reality tv dating shows. We shared glances at each other whenever one of the cast members said something outrageous, but other than that, we just watched and enjoyed the presence of one another.

It was getting late, my eyes grew heavy and harder to keep open.

"Alright- it's gettin' late, and I have to shower still. Pick this up tomorrow?" I pause the tv and stand up with a yawn.

Ellie pleaded for one episode, holding her hands in a prayer. I stand my ground, promising her we can binge it tomorrow and that seemed to work.

We go up the stairs, Ellie following close behind as we mumble goodnights to each other before we go into our designated bedrooms.

I rummage through my suitcase, pulling out a over sized t-shirt and underwear.

I turn on the light in the bathroom, closing the door, but not all the way. It was a bad habit that I never grew out of, leaving the bathroom door open a few inches whenever I took a shower or bath. I did it because growing up, I was terrified of the bathroom, scared I'd get locked in and somehow the lights go out, and the grudge lady would be hiding in the shower.

I slip off my jeans and my tank, dropping them to the floor and turn on the water. I wait, holding my hand under the stream until the temperature was up to my standards.

I get in, letting the hot water soothe my aching muscles from sitting in a car all day. I felt the tenseness of my shoulders relax and my heart rate slowing down to a more relaxed pace.

***********

Ellie laid in bed, her arm folding under her head as the springs in the mattress poked her back. She scrolled through various apps, checking social media, playing games and repeating.

The sound of the water running in the room down the hall could be heard faintly in Ellie's old bedroom. The walls were still painted a dark shade of blue, with doodles of planets and rockets hand painted by Ellie herself.

Joel couldn't bring himself to paint over them.

The joint (or a few joints) Ellie smoked after dinner; was starting to kick in and made her crave some sort of barbaric concoction.

Pickles with peanut butter, maybe?

Ellie sighed, lifting her myself from the bed lazily, scratching the back of her neck before she turned the nob.

Ellie entered the long stretch of the hall, passing your bedroom the illuminated with a soft pink hue. Coming up on the bathroom, she paused.

At first, she wanted to tease you, to scold you for still keeping the bathroom open when you showered. You weren't a little kid anymore, and you needed to grow up in Ellie's mind.

On the other hand, Ellie was intrigued. She found herself peeking through the gap, the steamed glass door of the shower made it hard to make out details, but it was enough.

She felt wrong about it. One part of her was pulling her body away, telling her to stop looking, but the other part of her (the more fucked up part) couldn't look away.

Her eyes trailed up the profile of your body; pausing momentarily at points of interest.

Ellie didn't know it at the time, but she was biting down on her lip hard as she looked at the curve of your ass, plump and full, and the way your tits sat so high and perky.

Her hand coming down to cup her cunt, rolling her wrist against her clit. A moan escapes her lips as she continued to watch.

The sound of the water shutting off made Ellie snap back to her senses. She quickly backed away from the door and as quickly and quietly, as she could, made her way back to her bedroom and shut the door.

She fell into the mattress, taking a deep and shaky breath as she realizes what she's done. A wave of guilt washed over her- no, more like a tsunami. You were her step sisters, and even worse you've know eachother since Ellie was 14 and you were 13. You practically grew up together, but how would've Ellie known you'd grow into that.

Ellie couldn't deny she thought you were beautiful. Not just the fake, superficial type of beauty, but naturally, you were breathtaking to her, and your body matched.

As Ellie conflicted with herself, she continued to picture you. She imagined what you looked like underneath her, what you sounded like when she was splitting you open.

The guilt was replaced by lust and hormones, but mostly; lust.

Her hand crept down to the hemp of her boxers, slipping inside. Her other hand grabbed the bottom of her tank and brought it up to hold between her teeth- leaving her breasts exposed.

Ellie's fingers glided along her folds, coating them in her slick. She teased her entrance, rubbing gentle circles around her clit.

"Fuuuck- look what you do t' me, y/n" Ellie stifled a moan, dropping the fabric from her teeth as her middle finger sunk into her pussy, pumping in and out, slowly.

She moaned your name; over and over, adding another finger and quickening the pace.

The scene was honestly pathetic. Ellie's sweats and boxers tugged down to her knees, not bothering to take them off completely. Her breasts were the only thing holding the tank up, her hardened nipples- red and swollen as she harshly tugged at them.

"Fuu- your s-so wet, baby. You like when I fuck you like this? Huh?" Ellie babbled and stuttered, gritting through her teeth as she reached closer to her peak.

She pictured this is what you felt like as she sunk her fingers inside, curling against the spongy walls, hitting the spot that made you squirm with each pump.

She wanted to hear you beg, wanted to hear you say her name over and over until it didn't sound like a word anymore.

"Fuu-fuckin' bitch- d-dirty fuckin' whore-" Ellie curses, jaw slacked and her eyebrows furrowed upwards. Her rhythm became jagged as her hips bucked upwards, fucking herself through her orgasm.

Ellie panted, sprawled across the bed as bolts of electricity continued to send shock waves through her body.

Her inner thighs glistened, her breasts malled and violated.

It was official, Ellie had hit a new level of fucked up, but that's okay as long as you never find out.

It's not like you had your ear pressed against the wall as soon as you heard strange noises coming from your step sisters bedroom.

1K notes · View notes

bcolfanfic · 1 month

Note

re: when they revisit the kids thing they consider going to the infant adoption route but ultimately decide to go through an agency that places waiting kids in the foster system whose parental rights have already been terminated. surrogacy isn't something either of them really bring up except to bypass it.

(this might sound stupid so no need to post it if you think it is. this just reminds me of my step-siblings who were in the foster system.)

While they were at foster homes, they obviously met other kids and became friends with them. Once they got adopted, since they were quite young and didn't have phones, they couldn't really set up playdates per se. So, the foster parent contacted my step-dad, and the friends that my step-siblings made in their previous foster home were able to see them, and they were able to hang out. Does this ever happen with Josie? Like maybe one day at dinner, she’d bring up the fact that she wants to see this friend who Gale and John have never heard of before, and they know that this friend doesn’t go to school with her, but they eventually figure it out

oh no no it's not stupid at all! i appreciate this perspective more than you know!!! funny though bc right before you sent this i got an anon floating the idea of her kinda wigging out in public because she saw a former foster parent that she didn't like and thought bucky/gale were going to give her back to them.

and they do live in rural wyoming after all, so i can def see the above happening ^.

but re: the siblings thing- can see that too! her sweetie little voice at the dinner table talking about a little girl she knew- maybe she gave her one of her stuffies before she left and sweet josie feels a little bad that she still has it/is convincing herself in her little noggin that the other girl might miss it and want it back. i absolutely think gale and bucky would do their best to facilitate that/not want to deprive her of that connection.

#young vets au

5 notes · View notes

sinsmockingbird · 9 months

Note

Sure! I'll resubmit the request :3

Yukong is in love with the (F!)MC/Traiblazer, but because of the previous person she was in love with having died due to going on adventures into space she now feels a need to keep her in Luofu with her (basically have her settle down), in a very Yandere emotional-manipulation way, and by breeding the mc so she carries her child, a way of tying her to Yukong/Luofu, and also bc I refuse to believe fox characters don't have a breeding kink/desire to have children, at least during their rut. She'd probably just be possessive in general, which combined with the political power she has would make it easy to keep the mc to herself, safe.

"PROTECTING" | Yukong

PAIRING: Yukong x Afab!Reader

WARNINGS: Smut, NSFW, Sub!Reader, Dom!Character, Yandere!Yukong, Yukong has a cock, Emotional Manipulation, Breeding, Pregnant Sex, Mommy Kink, Overstimulation, Passing Out, Dacryphilia, Crying during sex

AUTHORS NOTE: Thank you for sending this request back in! I enjoyed seeing it the first time and enjoyed seeing it this second time as well.

EVER SINCE you had first come to the Xianzhou Luofu and met Madam Yukong, you knew you were in to deep. Being a Nameless meant you were constantly going from place to place, meeting all sorts of wonderful people. There was always a risk of getting attached to a place or person, a reason why most preferred not to get close with others.

You wish you had stuck to that. You wish you didn't get as close to the foxian as you did, because in the end you were only breaking your heart and her's when you ultimately left the Luofu. But Yukong wasn't going to allow that to happen. She didn't want to lose you, not the way her last love died. She wouldn't be able to bear with the fact, so she needed you to stay, to stay on the Luofu with her.

It had first started with her always wanting you in her presence, and you didn't entirely mind, because you enjoyed the woman's presence. These times would be spent with you helping her with paperwork, that then leads to you both cuddling, and there she would say small things. Things like, "If only you wouldn't leave, we could stay like this forever," and "Doesn't this feel nice? We wouldn't be able to do this if you left..."

Yukong mainly said these things to get into your head, to make you doubt wanting to leave, to make you feel like you wanted to stay in her embrace for forever. But you were still going to leave, because you were dedicated to the Nameless lifestyle.

That irked Yukong, so she decided the only other thing she could do- get you pregnant with her kid. If you had a child on the Luofu, then you'd have to stay in order to take care of them. You'd have to stay with the foxian woman to raise them. So, that's what she did, she knocked you up.

"W-wait, Y-Yu! I- I can't!" You cried, clinging onto Yukong desperately, nails digging into her shoulders as you held onto her, whining and crying as she repeatedly fucked her cock in and out of your dripping snatch, with no indicator of stopping anytime soon.

"Yes you can. Give mommy one more orgasm, come on." Yukong muttered, pressing her lips against your collarbone as she kept your legs spread, allowing her to fuck deeper into you.

You let out a cry, your pussy aching around her length from all the previous orgasms she gave you. You were to the point of passing out, each orgasm pushing you closer and closer to the black void. But Yukong didn't seem to care, not when her eyes would focus on your baby bump, giving her fuel to fuck you more and more.

The sight of your bump gave Yukong a wave of energy each time she stared at it. Knowing it was her child growing inside you made her want to fuck you harder and faster, wanting to fill you with more of her pups, even if she couldn't do that currently. Just, the more of her pups you had, the more reason you had to stay.

"F-Fuck!" You screamed, your head falling back against the pillows, your body freezing before beginning to shake uncontrollably, as you reached another orgasm.

Yukong smiled, looking down to where her cock disappeared and reappeared inside you, watching your cum form a while ring around her cock before spilling out onto your thighs and the sheets below you. She found the sight hot, watching you cum around her cock for, what was it? The 8th time?

She had lost count, not that she really minded, because she had no intention of stopping anytime soon. And you knew that, just by the way her thrusts began to pick up again as soon as you began to calm down from your orgasm.

"M-Mommy!" You shout, feeling her nails digging back into your hips as she began to bring your body back and forth against her, allowing her cock to sink deeper and deeper, hitting all the right places inside your pretty cunt.

"That's it, baby, take mommy's cock like a good little girl." Yukong breathed, sighing at the feeling of how tightly your cunt gripped her length, basically sucking her in more.

Seeing more tears leaving your eyes and rolling down your face sent Yukong into a frenzy, and she began pounding into you repeatedly. She grunted and groaned, dropping her head low and closing her eyes as she relished in the feeling of your pussy.

You were clawing at the sheets under you, back arching off the bed as you repeatedly screamed till your voice was hoarse. Black was beginning to creep up in the corners of your vision, and you were sure you'd be passing out when you orgasmed again. So you tried to say something to the foxian woman, but no words left your mouth.

Not that Yukong was exactly paying attention to you, to engrossed in her own pleasure. She was close to orgasming herself, her thrusts becoming sloppily and eratic, hitting different parts inside you, sending you more into a lustful haze.

Then finally, the dam broke for you both. With loud cries of pleasure from you both, you both began cumming. Yukong shot her load deep into you, burying her cock fully into you, groaning as she shook, her thighs shaking as she her little stength to hold herself up and keep herself buried till everything was inside you.

Once she finally finished, Yukong sighed in relief, before she looked at you fully again, a chuckle leaving her at the sight. "Guess I pushed to hard..."

Seeing you passed out, breathing heavily, was amusing to the foxian, as it was only a sign to her that she did good. Being able to fuck you so hard and long till you passed out was only a win, as it just meant that she gave you immense pleasure.

So, Yukong leaned down, pressing a kiss against your lips, before lifting a hand up to wipe away the tears still staining your face. When she did, she finally moved to pull out of you, moaning at the sight of your mixed cum quickly leaking out of your gapping hole.

She then moved to cuddle up besides you, pulling your body into her arms, one of her arms moving to snake around your stomach, one hand laying protectively on top of your pregnant bulge. She gently caressed it, while nuzzling her face into your neck, inhaling your familiar scent.

Yukong then just stared lovingly at your face, finding you absolutely breathtaking in your passed out, fucked out state. You were truly mesmerizing in her eyes, and she truly couldn't imagine ever having you leave her. Going out on your trailblazing expeditions, risking your life to explore space...

No, she wouldn't lose you or take any risks, and her child growing inside you was a promise of that. A promise of getting you to stay here with her on the Luofu, all in the name of protecting you.

Everything she did from now on was to protect you.

ENDING NOTE: Kept this mild in the yandere category, because I was writing this on this blog than my dark one. I hope this was wirth the wait for you.

#*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟsins writings #honkai star rail #honkai smut #yukong #hsr!yukong #dom!yukong #yukong x reader #yukong x you

672 notes · View notes

ravenempress101 · 4 years

Text

~Revolution Of Maddness~ Dionysus Greek Imagine Chapter 1

Authors note: finally made a Greek imagine. the legends of tomorrow did that on the episode. they picked my favorite love child to be Dionysus and had to write about it so here it is a new update and it will be a series cause it deserves one so enjoy my sweethearts! With everything going on have to spread happiness and love all of you my followers people who come across my story and heart i love you and truly be safe and love you! <3

Warnings: mind control, pure temptation, no smut, alcoholism, parties,swords

Words: 4.2k

"en grade newbie" "i am gonna kick your ass' Sara began to toss her frame in air cartwheeling her legs. her formation was about to take a final destination, she pulls her sword and swings upon y/n's side. y/n retracts her back inches toward the ground from the blow. as y/n stands up at Sara, the sword swings toward Sara's right side. the blow broke her defenses. twirling in the admits, her body collides with the floor. clenching her soft jaw at a winner of the sword fight. nick appeared from the door cups in his hand emblem with a mermaid locos monster on them.

"ooooo Starbucks thanks Nate"

Nate nodded at both of them while preparing the projector for the seminar. y/n paced over toward the cups capturing one in her hand, and niche her metal blade down onto the coffee table. Sara stood up and capturing one of the coffee. as she sat sat down sipping the espresso. Nate began to say 'your welcome i got you guys, double shot of espresso over ice, an american with a dash of mint, and a green tea with a hint of spearmint cause i was feeling freaky fresh today'

a mild chuckle escaped from y/n's lip at Nate. Sara slapped your arm to hide the laugh as she raised her cup in toast formation a smirk plastered on her lips commending Nate for the peace offering.“okay Nate no more reading joke books for a while”

as she takes another gulp of the raven liquid,he threw his hand up in embarrassment everyone making there way in the assignment lab. a meeting for a new mission were under there belt. as Nate said his hello to everyone for showing up to the meeting. capturing the red folders in his hand he gave a folder to all the members. y/n reaching for a red one Nate having one more folder with black and gold symbols on it. he placed it in your hand. y/n captured the folder in her hand wearing a puzzled expression.

"i think you gave me the wro...'

"alright case no.177 Dion's returned to his father Zeus by Dion or to be known as Dionysus" Nate flicked the screen. the screen appear to have a royal cup from the era of 950 BC. y/n blinked her eyes, refocuses to her folder opening it. there was a photograph of a young man with raven loose curls, deep dimples that covered his cheeks on his caramel cast a minority of freckles. "wait the god of winery is at a university, interesting" y/n scanning at a picture with the boy Dionysus with a basketball jersey of no. 52 in black bold on the front. Hes smiling but somethings off about how he poses for the picture.y/n was astound by the Greek god of winery. Zeus's son behaving like a animal. it was impossible for Dion to have any manners.

"sure is very" "that is an awesome cover up" Sara booming scribbling characters on her paper. Nate change the slide, the university and the sigma fraternity of the college that Dion was ruling over appeared. Dionysus was a regular kid on the outside but on the inside a bloodline of 1,456 years of pure immortality youth.

"not so awesome, y/n you would have to get Dionysus in your corner, his father Zeus needs him for his kingdom' y/n stalking off in a pointless huff. her anger burning at the words from Nate. "really me" "Oh no" "why me?' it's my first day"

Nate claps his hand together as rambling stopped. strutting over toward yourself placing your hand on your shoulder "you'll do great if i didn't know i would have never recruited you, this will prove to us and you that you can handle anything" a slight grin creep on her face at his encouragements. y/n knew she had a flame in her to fight but the god of madness was unknown to her. y/n praying that her charisma must prosper on him.

therefore, they appear a few days later at the university of the sigmas. college kids sprinting through campus. the teachers pulling out pink slips and the teachers sprinting after the kids, the smell of rose perfume in the air of the sorority woman dressed up in dresses of coordinating pink.y/n rolled her eyes of the desperate childishness memories that back when she was a 23 year old. The tables of the fraternities, sororities, and forities. mission was calling her name to sign up for one of the Greek organizations. Dionysus has to be in one of the big Greek leads.

"where is the god of destruction' a pink set of shirts wore by girls past her. y/n scanned her surroundings for the mysterious boy Nate set for her. the smell of dark chocolate feeling the air as Nate and her distracted by the rumbles of there stomachs. "dang can't believe it's been so long, they used to call me shot gun Nate' Nate walked over to one of the fraternity beer coolers and captured a beer. poking a hole in the side of the can and then cracked the seal at the top . downing the beer in seconds, y/n heart stopped at Nate her words held captive at what he did. the empty can collided with the floor and a 'woo" erupted from him as the students clapped an cheered "shotgun Nate" at his reenactment of his college days.

"shot gun Nate really" y/n giggled at the praised man. leaving the college students with amazement. "yes could drink a whole keg in three minutes or less, that was the big bang and then Dion.." college men with bullhorns started chanting"delta sigma phi" from across the sanctuary . men dressed in college t-shirts in formation convey a perfect angel from above.

"there he is"

y/n pointed at the tint shades being his hidden drunken state. His tan chubby frame leap off the throne.strutting over toward Nate and you at the sorority table you signed up for "where here, i love this day where i can meet all the fraternities and sororities with sweet alluring angels, hello angel whats your name' his orbs dance on your masterpiece. y/n nausea creep up at her throat. she took a big gulp forcing the food back down in her. y/n knew she was sick from his cockiness of attitude.y/n whispered to herself while Nate overheard her. "I'll break your bon...

"wow wow aye now"

Nate raising his index finger and gave her a death glare.y/n smiled innocently at her mentor transforming her attitude to positive. returning back to Dion’s gaze at her chubby frame while capturing his bottom lip in between his teeth. curves carved by Aphrodite herself set Dionysus in a vibe. "i mean hello and what is your name sir" "well its Dion and i see your participating in the zeta omega the charlie's angels of the sorority' Dion purring at her.the god of ecstasy pools of chocolate appear slight soberness toward y/n as she side eyed Nate. Nate couldn't get her out this one. it was time to prove her worth. "yes i am and what fraternity yourself apart of" y/n placed her free hand underneath her chin. soaking up Dion's beauteous features he portrayed "the sigmas also known as the forbidden fruit of the campus but Hun i'll make arrangements for you" Dion stepping closer toward y/n. his slender rough finger guided along your arm. y/n's body quaked from the touch of Dion. y/n stepped back from the gorgeous man.

"ugh i’m good Nate, i am done with this mission' a fire-seed rose up in y/n, as she began gritted her teeth. silence fell upon her as she stormed off. her footsteps were acid like movements burning the ground she walked on. the sparks in her brain at Dion's actions where uncalled for. Nate chased right after yourself. furrowing his eyebrows your way.being selfish was the only option y/n had made this whole mission.it was time for y/n to be selfless this one time for the legends. "then your kicked off the legends, y/n hes not that bad' Nate placing a burden upon y/n. Dion as went through nails and dirt and y/n couldn't even pushed down her ego.his attitude toward girls can change for the better. a journey for the both of them was underway.

"yes he is, a childish boy that thinks hes so awesome but really not look at him" both of you glanced at the Greek god as he downed his golden cup of wine that he created from his vineyard. the 5 gentlemen that followed him waved there hands in front of his chiseled face. a smirk came your way as he waited for your presence to disrupt his atmosphere.Dion wanted yourself so bad and he would do anything to get you sprung over him.time and patience is all he needs. "just try the best you can do with him we need him for Zeus and he needs care' as Nate scanned a cocky Dion placed his finger pointing at y/n wiggling it for a gesture of "come my why" y/n clenched her jaw as she saw red giving him the death glare on the naive men. Nate jumped right in front of her for a distraction. he soothed her anger.

"ugh fine' y/n through her ego away and walked back over to her project. "alright Dion i'm y/n do you wanna help me pick out a sorority crown i have to wear' capturing the catalog in her hand. scanning at all the majority diamond crowns and looking back up at Dion with a shy smile. side eyed the followers of men for agreement.they all nodded Dion captures his arm in yours. 'oooo first day and you wanna hang with me leggo' y/n and Dion walked out into the building and on the sorority neighborhood he owned.

"great!' victory was at hand for y/n and she couldn't be more happy next, Dion sitting in the kitchen chair. a laptop placed on his lap as he organized a guest list for his ultimate party of the century. the god of ecstasy made euphoria a place for all his parties. "so y/n coming to my party tonight since i helped you pick out the tiara for your sorority" "mhmmm i don't know i have to get stuff together for this sorority' Dion and you were in his house. a silent whisper fell upon both you.y/n thought Dion had classes but he skipped and bride somebody to go to his classes for him.

"it will be fun if your there, sound like the party type and it will get me a better chance of having fun if your there with me' 'mhmm i don't know i have to get stuff together for this sorority" pointer finger captured in between her teeth as she bite tiny marks on her fingernails. Dion plastering a smile convincing you to his rage. y/n didn't sign up for a drunken teenager as the mission went on. staying on her feet and having her senses high alert was her main priority. "okay okay stop your begging Dion i'll go" "that’s what i do best and great i'll save you a spot" while Dion winked your way. his head found his way onto your shoulder. once came in contact with yourself y/n's organs shivered. her soul glowing from the Greek god that touched her. as Dion was scanning his computer screen. y/n forehead flared up with sweat droplets. puzzled on how her body react with his touch was amazed.

Stumbling over her "great" the words stayed in her throat. Dion retracts his touch from her and y/n inhales deeply as her insides stood at a still. everything going back to normal, and the sweat disappear. Dion getting up from his seat and walking into the kitchen. y/n looks over her shoulder while capturing her iPhone from her pocket. as she unlocked her phone. started typing a message to Nate, "omg Nate i have to go to the party Dionysus is planning really???" the iPhone buzzed and y/n scanned at the text that he left on her phone "yes you do! the mission must be going really well, don't drink to much" cursing under her breathe. as she typed away the next text and pressed send. "omg fine you owe me one"

Dion made his way back into the room. a plate of rice in his hand and chop sticks in the other he sat down and took a bite and held the plate to your face. as y/n shook for a refusal he went back to planning. the darkness filled the air as the stars decorated the sky. y/n walked toward Dion's fraternity house. two boys Turing up beers and smashing the cans on there heads while shouting violently. wandering eyes landed to the lawn of all the toilet paper from the trees and the signs the sigmas created for there fraternity. y/n turned on her heels and walked back over toward her sorority house. y/n was in defeat at the accomplishment "look who made it, know you show up' Dion wrapping his words around your body. pulling yourself back towards the fraternity house. Dion ran down the steps capturing your hand guiding yourself into the sweaty body's grinding on each other. "hey Dion yes i'm here' "good i'm very glad you are,we have a long night ahead of us, lets get a drink shall we?"

"its a very special drink i want you to try' Dion forcing your body to his wine table. the table was covered with Hennessy and vodka. the bottles labeled with his name on them and sliver ribbon were around the alcohol bottle. "you have a lot of wine' guiding your free hand over the wine. y/n capturing one in hand and about to slip it in her pocket. Dion captures both of your hands in his some grapes from the table and starts smashing it between his rough palms with your soft ones. a fine liquid filled the glass of the self made wine that he mastered. "yea i make it here try a sip' the navy blue liquid filled to the rim. y/n captured the glass from his hand and placed her nose above the special drink. the contents were sweet but a bitterness tickled her nose. "cool so how long have you been part of the fraternity?" y/n scanning down her glass while mixing the drink. the drink was filled with darkness. a raven liquid filled with night. "a few years, i really find myself humble while ruling over the campus, drink up sweetheart"

placing the wine glass toward her heartshappes and tossed back the glass. the bitterness wine gliding down her throat. a Delicious taste invade it her taste buds. as sweat flared up on her forehead. her body temperature rising. "i feel hot Dion' Dion took a sip.the alcohol entering both of your bodies.y/n body felt hot to the touch. she felt like she wanted to strip all her clothes and jump in the pool just to release the steam she was feeling inside. "oh you'll cool down, how’d that taste?" Dion's cup colliding with the floor and he took your cup and the cup following behind. y/n's mouth erupted with coughs. pupils dilated and a source of enlightenment to her frame. her body floated from the high that his drink possessed.

"well tastes... awesomely delicious and i feel..' y/n's word started to muffle out her mouth. placing a foot in front of the other sounds of the crowd becoming a blur. her foot steps boomed in her ears. her heart at a slow steady speed. a clogging feeling to her ears. Dion's smiled turned dark staring at your frame. "Free almost right?, i'm going to ask yourself some questions" y/n felt like her body gave up on her conscious and were following her new leader. Dion, his voiced boomed in your soul. her orbs made its way toward Dion's chocolate ones. swimming the the looseness he conjured upon yourself. "are you really here for a sorority?' y/n blinking her eyes, refocusing on coming back to her body. the siren he position was a strength like no other. y/n mentally fighting but physically giving into the temptation. fading out of conscious.

"y-y-e... no' Dion strutted over towards yourself. Dion found pleasure in what he was doing. "tha’ts it baby girl cmon' "really why are you hear of all places?" his concerning question filled with care.y/n was becoming in denial and trusting of him in all one sitting. y/n chasing her thoughts back and slowly backing up from Dion for ehat he was did. stuttering forcing on her lips. the cover couldn't be blown.

"Hun don't struggle, you'll tire yourself out, just let go" senses shifted from his words as y/n's legs gave out. her frame collided with the floor. trembling filled her body as Dion crouched down to her level. her eyes started to loose her natural color and form into Dion's his rough fingers landed underneath your soft chin. y/n relaxed under his touch as Dion scanned for any control your body, soul, and mind for him to rule over. her blinking ceased and tears welled up in her eyes. one tear escape from her orb and found its way down its cheek. "i'm not here for this sorority, please see your dad he needs you" the moment Dion realized what had came from your mouth is heart broke. his feeling like he was drowning underwater. as Dion paused in front of yourself at the information he gathered. his rough palms trailing up and down your arms. warmth fell upon yourself.

"now isn't that better, the truth is better and look princess your reward is being here with me don't need you running off now your special just as your mind is" Dion's eyes filled with a soft venom of anger and a clenched jaw. a daze came over y/n as she nodded at the command. "yes i will be he-rr-e for you and only you Dion" shoulders relaxed. as a questionable peace came over her. as y/n began to embrace Dion she felled straight to the floor in front of him. her body knew his commands right away. a bow she took. Dion thoughts in his brain of your schedule he place you on.

"that’s so very tight to hear, can' wait to hear the little cries as you worship me' Dion taking your chin forcing yourself to look up at his gaze. Dion summoned one of his followers to him and Dion whispered in his ear "get the legends of tomorrow on the phone, they will be proud of me and her for what i done" Dion evilly grinned at yourself. all the thoughts of you and him were causing excitement for him.y/n trapped with the caramel man side. the euphoria crashing through her body and Dion was the supplier toward that feeling. Dion shouted and men appeared from the shadows toward his command "men, help her change into something sexy, i found what i need and shes the kindest goddess ever. the men nodded there way toward him and captured your arms in there hands leading yourself in a room as yourself left. Dion waved his free hand at yourself of a gesture of welcoming to a new home.

55 notes · View notes

babineni · 4 years

Text

The Path Not Traveled (part 2 of 2)

Sooo... ages ago I started writing my own take on Edér’s personal quest in Deadfire and I finally managed to kick my own butt to finish it. Here’s roughly 3800 words of... whatever this is.

Part 1 here:

Gaura took a deep breath as she left the Temple of Gaun, trying to clear the oppressive smell of mold and incense filling the sanctum. Just as she was about to take another, her nostrils were struck by a sweet and earthy scent she knew well. Edér exhaled a puff of smoke when he felt her gaze on him and winked at her, trying convey some semblence of confidence. But Gaura still saw that he bit on the stem of his pipe slightly harder than he usually did.

'So... To the Gullet, then?' The Watcher let out a tired sigh. 'Wonderful.'

'At least this time we won't have to scour the place for decades old clues,' Edér tried to cheer themselves up. 'Though, at this point... wouldn't even be surprised, if we did.'

'This does feel a bit familiar,' Gaura added. If she had to be honest with herself, this was an understatement. The longer the search went on the stronger she felt it: that Edér once again gambled his peace and happiness on something that he would ultimately fail to reach. 'I just hope... Can you promise me something, Edér?'

'What?'

'If this reunion doesn't go the way you'd like... Can you promise me that you'd still come away with some measure of peace?' The Watcher gave the farmer an apoligetic look for her request.

He let smoke escape his mouth slowly, frowning, carefully processing his friend's words.

'Dunno. I'd just prefer if we left with what we came here for.'

'And what would that be?' Gaura crossed her arms.

'I told you...'

'I know what you told me. But you've gotta be more specific than that.'

Edér glared at the Watcher for a moment. Then he emptied his half-smoked pipe, cursing under his breath, and put it away.

'Y'know how I been rebuilding Dyrford for these few years? Was trying to make it a normal village. I wanted it to be the kinda place that really felt like the home we had before the war. In a way, I was... turning it into something like Gilded Vale used to be,' he rubbed a sore spot on the back of his neck. 'But it didn't feel the same.'

'I can think of a few reasons why you might've felt that way.'

'Yeah,' Edér chuckled somewhat bitterly, 'I do make it sound like I was turning Dyrford into something it wasn't but... that's not what really happened. And that's not what kept gnawing at me,' he averted his gaze from the Watcher almost as if he was ashamed. She waited for him to continue but the words did not come.

'It was you,' she guessed. 'You realized that... even if you managed to bring your old life back somehow,' Gaura cossed her arms and sighed sympathetically, 'you no longer would've had a place in it.'

'Dunno 'bout that,' he replied, 'haven't really felt I had a place anywhere for 15 years or so. I got used to it.' The veteran stayed quiet for a few moments. Gaura couldn't tell if he was pondering her words to find some new revelation about himself or if he was wondering if she spoke out of experience. 'But... I dunno maybe you're right.'

'And how does Elafa come into the picture?'

'She's...' Edér stopped himself to choose the words that followed cautiosly. 'She's pretty much the only person from Gilded Vale who knew me before the war and didn't see me anything other than who I was when I came back. If... If I'm gonna have a family one day... If I'm to give them a life free from the hate and violence that drove her away in the first place... Then I need her,' he let his head hang for a moment before he looked Gaura in the eye, his eyes full of clarity and sincerity. 'Because I can barely remember what that life was like.'

The Watcher's heart sunk and yet those words still left her with discomfort. 'So you want to move forward by going backwards and you just hope Elafa would remember your past for you?!'

'It's hardly fair, I know...'

'And it's really unhealthy.'

'I know, but I can't help it,' he stepped closer to her as he pleaded, 'and I'll try my hardest to make her happy in turn, I swe-'

Gaura raised a hand to silence him. 'It's not me you need to convince. I promised I would help.'

Edér let out a sigh of relief.

'But you gotta fill me in on what exactly went down between the two of you.'

'Yeah... Sure,' the farmer nodded somewhat awkwardly. Gaura gestured towards the stairway running beside the Temple of Gaun and leading to the bridge to the Gullet.

When the Defiant arrived at Neketaka, Edér asked the Watcher to go with him alone. Elafa was a suspicious sort, he said, and as strange as it felt to travel without her companions, Gaura was now grateful to be left alone to process Edér's recollections. He told her of all the times he asked Elafa to be more than just friends sharing a bed on occasion, and of all the times she said no. He told her of the day his parents left the Dyrwood and how he found himself back with his old Eothasian flock - or better to say what was left of it. He told her of the days leading up to the Purges in Gilded Vale. He told her of the Reaping, his reunion with Elafa, her Hollowborn son. He told her of the offer he made once again, and how Elafa said no. He told her of Elafa's escape. He told her of the offer he made for the last time and how, for the last time, she said no.

'I'm really sorry, Edér, for both of you,' Gaura knew how great an effort it was for her friend to open up to her like this, and she knew such a flimsy show of sympathy was probably an inadequate response.

Edér didn't seem to think the same. 'Don't be,' he said with a rueful smile. 'Should've told you about this a long time ago, I reckon. I just... Never been good at this sorta thing.'

'It's fine, I get it,' the Watcher swallowed thinking of all things she kept from Edér. All the fears she couldn't afford to show, the wear and tear she had to hide, the uncertainty that once defined her every waking moment but for the first time she wasn't sure how to adapt to it. She didn't know how long she stayed quiet as they walked beside one another, crossing the bridge that seemed endless.

'Promise me something, Edér,' Gaura broke the silence eventually. 'Promise me... that you stop looking to others to grant you peace. There are... things to which the world doesn't have an answer, but you still might find it within you. Promise me you'll start looking for those answers within.'

The Watcher looked to her friend, whose poorly concealed and uncharacteristic anxiety was now replaced with open worry.

'You don't think you can convince her, do you?'

'Even if I can, do you think things with her will turn out the way you want them to? That you can go back to the days before the war?'

Edér didn't respond. He looked at the bridge ahead and Gaura glimpsed a look on his face that she only ever saw once: five years before on the fields of ClÎaban Rilag, when she failed to give him the answers he desperately needed.

'I'm really sorry,' she apologized once more. She wasn't sure if she did it for the past or the present.

'Yeah, so am I,' he took out his pipe but this time his movements reflected resignation rather than just nerves. 'I know you mean well, and twenty years ago I would've been real grateful for the advice... Hel, I'm kinda grateful for it now... It's just that...'

'I know. It hurts like Hel. But with Eothas out there, doing who knows what... It's probably not the best idea to make anyone an anchor,' the Watcher scratched her chest right above her chimes.

Edér chuckled. 'Yeah, I definitely needed to hear that twenty years ago.'

'Ugh, twenty years ago... I didn't even have my horns yet,' the Watcher remembered. 'I was just a squishy ball of flame.'

'You still are.'

Gaura elbowed him in the side, prompting him to laugh. She couldn't help but laugh with him. None of them said anything for a moment but they both knew they needed that laugh. Then the moment passed.

'Can't promise anything,' Edér said. 'I was told I shouldn't make anchors.'

'Wow. I guess, I should be glad you listened.'

The sun was already setting by the time they reached the Gullet. Gaura wasn't surprised to see all the Dawnstars walking around aimlessly. The Rauataians either stayed at Hasongo or left for the Brass Citadel. The Children of the Dawnstars, however, only had the Temple of Gaun to themselves, and when that filled up, there was only one option left.

'Let's start with The Hole,' the Watcher suggested, 'if she isn't there, we'll check the Sanctuary. If she isn't there, we'll start asking around.'

Edér, however, wasn't listening. His gaze was fixed on a lanky boy with brown hair and freckles so prominent that Gaura could see them even from a distance. The farmer swallowed hard, then approached him. The Watcher had to skip to keep up with his long and determined strides.

'Hey, kid,' he called out. When the boy met Edér's gaze, he stopped in his tracks and whatever confidence he had disappeared in a second.

'Fine day to you,' the boy spoke cautiously. He took a double take at the flames framing Gaura's head then forced his gaze back to Edér. ' Is... there something I can help you with?'

'I'm looking for someone. Uh... She's my age, about this tall, always wears her hair in braids, she's got freckles just like yours...' Edér's words replaced the look of caution with a look suspicion on the boy's face, but he didn't seem to notice. 'Her name is Elafa. Elafa Maesy.'

'What do you want with her?'

'Nothing bad, I'm an old friend of hers,' Edér slightly lifted his empty palms.

'I know all of mother's friends and you don't look like any of them,' the boy crossed his arms.

'Oh...' the veteran froze for a fraction of a moment. 'You really are her son... Just as I thought,' the boy raised an eyebrow at Edér, prompting him to continue. 'I've known her before you were born. Has she never mentioned me? Edér? Teylegc? From Gilded Vale?'

The boy's eyes widened slightly and stepped forward, interested. 'She mentioned Gilded Vale before, but only like it was a slip of the tongue. I could never get her to talk about it.'

'Yeah... she didn't exactly leave under pleasant circumstances.'

The boy frowned. 'And how do I know she wasn't running from you?'

'Well, you don't,' Edér scratched the back of his head. 'Huh, you've got her spirit.'

The boy's frown deepened.

'You just need to trust us,' Gaura said. 'And we're a trustworthy bunch, just ask anyone here.'

The boy cocked his head at the Watcher and watched her silently for a short while. Then he gasped as if a realization dawned on him.

'You're the Captain of that Dyrwoodan ship! The Defiant, was it? Everyone is talking about you here.'

'We might've helped out a bit,' Gaura gave him a knowing smile.

'I... suppose... you're not here to start trouble then, the boy turned back to Edér. 'We're renting a room in The Hole. Mother is probably there, she doesn't like being out in such a crowd.'

'But the Gullet is always crowded,' the Watcher added.

'Exactly,' the boy smiled at her, satisfied with his display of wit.

'Just one more thing: what's your name, kid?' Edér asked.

'Bearn.'

'How old are you, Bearn?'

'I'm turning 17 soon, why?'

Edér's expression darkened as he made his calculations.

'Then... you're too young... Never mind, thanks for your help,' he rushed past the boy, leaving him dumbfounded.

'Uh, I gotta catch up to him,' Gaura gestured towards her companion. 'We'll be docked at Queen's Berth for the next couple of days, if you wanna chat. Bye.' She quickly said her goodbyes and gently pushed her way through the crowd slowly forming around her.

Edér was already talking to the innkeeper by the time the Watcher reached him. He took a deep breath and reached for his pipe, but just as he was about to light it, he stopped. He stared at nothing in particular, then he put away the pipe and looked at Gaura.

'You might get yelled at, so... Sorry about that in advance.'

'I'm used to it, but thanks,' the Watcher replied with a reassuring smile. Edér made his best effort at returning it then he stood up to guide her to Elafa's room. 'Ready?' Gaura asked as they stood facing the plain wooden door.

'Not really,' he said as he knocked.

There was no reply.

'Elafa?' Edér called out. 'It's me, Edér. Remember me?'

Still, there was no reply, but Gaura glimpsed a shadow moving under the door. She turned to Edér who gave her a nod - he noticed it too.

'I know, it's been a while but uh... Got some business here in the Deadfire and I thought I'd come and see you. Been to Hasongo too. I uh... I'm really sorry for what happened there.'

The door still didn't open but Elafa was standing right behind it, Gaura was sure of it.

'Maybe she can see us, too,' she whispered to Edér.

'Oh, right,' he aswered before he turned his attention back to the door. 'I'm here with a friend. Best one I made in years. No need to worry about her, she can be trusted.'

For a moment there was silence and then...

'You still believe in friendship? After everything that's happened?'

Edér was left speechless for a moment. The Watcher saw about a dozen different emotions flashing across his face, finally setting on a mixture of relief and tenderness.

'I missed your voice.'

Elafa hesitated with her answer.

'You didn't answer my question.'

'Sorry, I got a bit... Yeah, I learned to believe in it again.'

The door finally opened. However as soon as Elafa's gaze fell on the Watcher's face, she pulled out a pistol and pointed it right at her head.

'Charmed, I’m sure,' Gaura let out an exasperated sigh.

'Elafa, there's no need-'

'You're "making friends" with Magranites now?!' Elafa's voice rang with fury and old heartbreak.

'I'm not a-'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Edér asked before Gaura could protest.

'You know godsdamned well! But I never thought you would bed someone who would hunt us,' Elafa's gun wavered in front of Gaura's face. She shot a confused look at Edér who replied with an equally confused shrug.

'I think you got the wrong idea about us,' the Watcher said. 'And especially about me.'

'Is that so?' Elafa laughed bitterly. 'Then just who are you supposed to be?'

'Gaura, Captain of the Defiant, the Watcher of Caed Nua, the Herald of Berath and a friend of Edér's.'

Elafa's expression slowly softened. She turned to Edér for a moment who nodded in agreement with the Watcher. She lowered the pistol as she turned her gaze back to Gaura.

'Then... You're the one who ended the Legacy.'

'That's me. Edér helped too. A lot.'

'I was target practice for her enemies,' he joked. But Elafa didn't laugh.

'If you'd done it sooner, I'd have two sons now instead of one.'

Gaura looked away for a moment, trying to hide her guilt. This was not the first time she had to face the sorrow of a mother whose child has been taken by the Legacy, only to see their neighbors' restored. It hasn't gotten easier.

'I'm sorry I couldn't help your child. But I can help you and your other son now.'

'We're hunting Eothas now,' Edér explained. 'Whatever he's up to, we'll make sure he doesn't get to hurt you or Bearn. You have my word.'

'As well as mine.'

Elafa looked to Edér and scoffed. 'Again you're fighting our god. You really haven't changed.'

'You got tougher, though. Looks good on you,' the comment has earned him a faint smile.

'And you still make clumsy moves, I see.'

Gaura watched silently as the tension between her friend and his old flame started to relieve. She was just about to offer to leave them alone when Elafa invited them both into her room. There was barely enough space in there for two beds and a table with some stools.

'So what brings you to the sunniest spot in Neketaka?' Elafa made a poor effort at humor as they got seated.

'You, pretty much,' the Watcher answered.

Elafa blinked at her in disbelief. 'You really came down here, just to meet up? How did you even know I was here?'

'That's... a long story,' Edér added. 'But it's true. Just wanted to catch up, is all.'

Elafa stared at the farmer's hand for a few moments. Edér rubbed an old scar there when he felt her gaze on the back of his hand.

'I remember the last time we just had some catching up to do,' she said.

'Yeah, me too.'

'Didn't even matter, in the end. The babe died on the way to New Heomar. He was... too frail to handle the journey.'

Edér shifted his weight uncomfortably, and Gaura caught a glimpse of sorrow in his eyes.

'Really sorry to hear that,' he said.

Silence spread in the room, and grew more and more suffocating with each second passed. The relief the Watcher sensed earlier was gone and she again found herself wanting to leave.

'Did you ever regret it?' Edér eventually asked the question that hung heavily in the air. 'That you didn't let me come along?'

Elafa just watched him for a while, trying to figure out how to respond.

'There was one night. When the mobs took my husband. I thought back how you fought those guards to help me and my son escape. I thought... maybe you could've saved him too.'

Edér quietly acknowledged the answer and reached for his pipe. 'You mind?' he asked. Elafa shook her head. The veteran lit the pipe and took a long draw from it. The way he exhaled the smoke almost seemed like a sigh.

'So you got married.'

'Had a son, was widowed, sailed out to start over,' Elafa chuckled ruefully. 'I'm getting real good at that last bit.'

Edér kept nodding to himself. Gaura elbowed him in the side and gave him a pointed look. When he didn't seem to catch her meaning she spoke up.

'We could help you with that actually. Well... Edér could. I currently live on a sloop.'

Elafa raised an eyebrow at the Watcher. 'How so?'

'I left Gilded Vale too,' Edér finally found his voice. 'Settled down in Dyrford instead and became the mayor. We... still got a few empty plots of land. Free for anyone willing to take care of them.'

'And you think I'd want to take on that offer, huh?' Elafa said bitterly. 'Y'know when we left New Heomar, we could've gone anywhere in the world. We could've stayed in the Dyrwood, we could've stayed in the Eastern Reach. But we came here instead.'

'Guess, that's a no.'

'That, it is.'

Gaura sighed and leaned forward on her stool. 'Elafa, you left before Eothas came to Hasongo, so you probably don't know the state the outpost is in. It's... not good. Even if it was possible to rebuild everything as it was, would it not be wiser to consider your options?'

'I have considered them: I get to choose between uncertainty in a safe community or comfort surrounded by people ready to backstab me at any moment...'

'I would never let that happen, Elafa,' Edér's tone was tense but sincere.

'I know,' she smiled at him, 'but I can neither ignore nor forget what happened in the last twenty years. I'd rather face hardship here than what I've left behind.'

'So you're just gonna run?'

'And you're just gonna hold on to something that is long gone. Why do you think I refused to let you come along?' Elafa looked Edér in the eye and sighed, bracing herself. 'Edér, no matter how sweet you were... Nothing could've worked between us. Not after the war. I was willing to adapt but you... you tried so hard not to let the war change you. It was endearing but... That was it. I couldn't be like you and I couldn't take this away from you.'

'Why, that is good to know,' Edér said with gritted teeth after a few moments that felt like an eternity. 'And it would've been good to know twenty years ago too,' he stood up. 'Y'know there was a lot I was willing to do for you... There still is... '

'I can tell,' Elafa seemed strangely heartbroken as she spoke, 'which is why I think you should go.'

'Agreed.'

'But I...' Gaura wanted to protest but neither Edér nor Elafa seemed interested in what she had to say. She sighed as she stood up as well. 'You see, Caed Nua may be gone, but know that you have a place by my hearth wherever that may be. Edér's friends are my friends.'

'I can see why he likes you,' Elafa glanced at Edér leaving the room. 'Take care of him, will you.'

'Yeah and you take care too,' the Watcher flashed a quick and apologetic smile at her before she left as well.

Gaura hurried after the farmer down the hallway. She caught up to him at the base level of The Hole. He didn't seem particularly angry or sad. Just tired. 'Sorry about how things went down back there,' she approached him. 'I should've done more...'

'Hey, cut it out,' he gave her a faint half-smile. 'You've done more than enough. Guess, you were right about... Well... Everything.'

Gaura wasn't sure what else she could've said. So she embraced him without another word. Edér hugged her back, hesitantly at first, then so tightly it nearly hurt.

'Edér, you're squeezing the soul outta me.'

'Sorry about that. Lemme buy you a pint as a proper apology,' he inclined his head towards the bar.

'A pint of the swill from here? You're trying to kill me?'

The veteran managed to laugh at that. It was a half-hearted laugh at best, but it was something. Gaura could work with that. Whatever small measure of peace she could help him achieve was worth the effort.

#pillars of eternity #watcher wednesday #edér teylecg #gaura sélfolgh #oc fic: gaura #this is really all over the place but it's also the longest piece of fic I wrote in a long time #so idk #sorta proud sorta not #poe fic #Wrytinge™

19 notes · View notes