#madam chancellor

[womansfilm]

1870s down bad traits

#going back in time to give madame olenska a letter of introduction to olive chancellor and changing the course of everyones lives forever

[muffinwalloper]

I just realised....

Think about it:

- her name is ANGELa

- her father was a vicar

- she was undererstimated from day one

- learned all her political skills from a powerful old man (Helmut Kohl) and then took over his position

- made herself essential, so in the end her party (the CHRISTIAN democrats!) was nothing without her

- always calm and collected

- always in control

- ruthless but with a friendly face, so a whole nation named her "Mutti" as a joke

- in 16 years, nobody dared to defy her and if they did, their political career was in ruins literally the next day

- became the most powerful female leader on Earth!

Change my mind!

#angela merkel #lucifer #madam satan #the sandman #coincidence #i think not #german chancellor

[fanfic-obsessed]

Th CodyWan Obsession

This one is about how CodyWan, the obsession, could be used to fix the universe. 

It actually starts before Cody becomes Obi Wan’s commander. The 212th, with Alpha-17 as the commander, went to Kamino. This is still very early in the war, where Anakin is still a Padawan. Through some random set of events Anakin meets Cody, who is an ARC trainer, while touring the facility with Alpha (Obi Wan has some meeting or another and is not able to go with them). This conversation lasts all of 45 seconds before Anakin somehow divines or decides that Cody would be perfect for Obi Wan. 

Thus an obsession is born. 

Now Anakin has next to no subtly, but even he knows this obsession must be kept quiet at first. Because he believes he knows that, while Anakin is more than willing to break The Code to be with Padme, Obi Wan would not. So before Anakin starts matchmaking he wants a loophole in place.  His Master loves loopholes. 

So, on Anakin’s next leave he dives into the parts of the code that deal with attachment. His obsession is such that he even blows off Chancellor (He does at least call Padme, but spends no time with his new wife). Because he is looking for loopholes and different interpretations, h does not just dig into the actual wording of the Code (though he does that as well, and is surprised to learn that the interpretation he thought he knew- which he does realize later came exclusively from Palpatine- is wrong) but also into transcripts of the council meetings where that wording was was decided, an every meeting where it was rehashed. 

Madam Nu assumes, as most people do, that this had something to do with his infatuation with Padme Amidala.  She encouraged what he was learning, in hopes that it gave him a good direction. 

Anakin learns a lot during this deep dive into Archives. He learns that it is not so much the marriage that is against the code, but vowing to put one being over the rest of the galaxy (he also realizes that the vows he took with Padme did not break the Code). He learns the reasons why the Jedi caution against romantic relationships (all of which are very good reasons), and the variety of ways that the Jedi had mitigated the dangers and been in a successful, healthy romantic relationship, of which he made a mental note to bring up with Padme so they do not fall into some of the same traps noted (of which Falling and killing everyone you loved is one of many bad reactions). He also learns a great deal about the Jedi Order as a whole, and dispels most, but not all, of the incorrect views he had of the Jedi Order (the views that Palpatine so carefully shaped for Anakin)

So Anakin, now armed with all the arguments for why Obi Wan should date Cody, finds his first of many obstacles. Obi Wan has no idea who Cody is.  Anakin had not been paying attention to Cody’s ID number, nor did he catch that Cody was an ARC trainer, so has no idea how to find Cody. 

He is not able to find out who Cody is before Cody becomes Obi Wan’s commander, which makes him both feel guilty (for the torture Obi Wan and Alpha-17 underwent) and vindicated (because clearly the Force agreed with him about CodyWan).  Anakin then dedicates himself to being a matchmaker. He is not good at it. 

Neither Obi Wan nor Cody ever figure out what he is doing. This is not due to any subtlety on Anakin’s part, this is because none of his efforts to match-make looks anything like traditional matchmaking.  And while no one actually tells Obi Wan or Cody, everyone else in Anakin’s vicinity finds out within 15 minutes of his obsession with getting CodyWan together. 

Every conversation Anakin has with Palpatine after Cody becomes Obi Wan’s commander devolves into the wonders of CodyWan. For most of it Palpatine has no idea that Cody is a clone (as he does not know the Clone names, only their numbers).  Palpatine is split between wanting to help get CodyWan together (because Anakin is really compelling) and wanting to kill them both extra hard (because they had inadvertently derailed, and continue to derail, his corruption of Anakin). 

And Anakin’s corruption has been entirely derailed.   His research has given him a better view of the Jedi Order as a whole, and every attempt to besmirch the Jedi to him is met with actual concrete knowledge that the negative take is wrong.  He has gone through all the requirements for listing his relationship and marriage to Padme, so when she does get pregnant they are able to go to the Temple healers, thus no need to be worried about her safety.  Even the war is not pressing on his sanity in the right ways since about 40% of his brain is consumed with CodyWan at all times. 

Padme, who is a romantic in her own right (and just as bad a matchmaking), also falls into the CodyWan obsession. She is aware that Cody is Obi Wan’s clone commander, so much of her focus is getting the Clone’s rights and ending the war so that the two can be free to be together. Her former handmaidens are watching this all with awe, horror, and amusement.  

I know that CodyWan ends up together in this one. I feel like QueerPlatonic is right for them.  I also like the idea that they get together in spite of Anakin’s and Padme’s matchmaking efforts instead of because of it. 

Palpatine gets found out, by being a bit too heavy handed with Anakin, who has since stopped being corrupted by anything more subtle and is very oblivious. Somehow during this fight Palpatine finds out that Cody is the clone commander with the Jedi (which ironically makes him forget to activate Order 66) and announces Anakin’s wish for CodyWan to have a romantic relationship.    

This is news to both Cody and Obi Wan. This is not news to literally everyone else.  After Palpatine is defeated (not killed, in this one they manage to lock him up. The fight damages his vocal chords so he is not able to activate the chips) several bets were settled about CodyWan. Palpatine himself even managed to win some bets with several senators (there is some debate as to if they should be forced to pay out, and how, since Palpatine would be in a Force blocking cage for the rest of his life).

#star wars #star wars the clone wars #star wars au #obi wan kenobi #fanfiction prompt #anakin skywalker #codywan #sheev palpatine #anidala #bamf obi wan #Anakin ships Codywan #padme amidala #Padme Ships CodyWan #Palpatine is split about shipping CodyWan #Anakin does not fall

[songsofaine]

A Box Full of Memories

So i had this fic idea hit me at 3am as i was feeding my baby.

Basic premise: Obi-Wan has a tonne of keepsakes of Anakin's Padawanship that he was saving to share with Shmi once Anakin reached Knighthood.

In this story Jedi have the option after passing their Trials and before they swear in as Knights to return to their home planet to make sure that swearing in to the Jedi Order as a Knight is truly the path they want to take. Granting them the opportunity to know their birth families before making the monumental commitment of being a Knight of the Jedi Order.

Obviously, Shmi died before Obi-Wan could send Anakin on his pre-Knighting trip. Obi-Wan knew that he couldn't tell or show Anakin the keepsakes, once he hears that Shmi has passed,so its all just sitting in his rooms in several cardboard boxes. Each of the trophies/assignments/keepsakes has a letter from Obi-Wan to Shmi, detailing its importance and personal backstory. Fond notes and recollections of how proud Obi-Wan is of Anakin and his hope to share that pride with Anakin's esteemed mother. (Let's face it, everything 9 year old Anakin knew about his mother has been repeated over and over to Obi-Wan throughout the years, and in between the rose coloured lenses of a young boy's recollections, Obi-Wan finds the shape of an incredible woman who he would feel honoured to know.)

There are two ways the discovery could play out:

The happy version:

During a campaign shared between the 501st and the 212th, early during the 3rd year, Cody gets sick of hearing Anakin's bullshit of how "Obi-Wan never supported or believed in me. He is always holding me back, jealous of my power." (You know, parroting the Palpatine Persuasion.)

And like, Cody is pissed, because Obi is Anakin's No.1 cheerleader, more than the Chancellor, more, even, than his wife, Amidala. Cody knows all about Anakin's illicit victories on the Coruscant lower level racing tracks as a junior padawan, a late night over paperwork Skywalker had incorrectly filed had revealed. Cody knows more about Anakin than he ever wished to know, Obi-Wan won't shut up about him sometimes, but he's a good friend/boyfriend/queer platonic life partner/husband, and listens, because this is Obi's kid.

They return to the Temple and are working on after action reports together in their still shared Master-Padawan apartment and Anakin makes a comment about how Obi-Wan doesn't really care about him except to find fault (or something). And Obi-Wan just looks devastated, Anakin isn't even looking up, just continues looking at his datapad like he hasn't ripped Obi-Wan's heart out of his chest.

Cody has had it. He stalks into Obi-Wan's room and drags out four heavy boxes, directly in front of Anakin, confiscated his datapad, says " Happy reading, you asshole, stop sending my partner into guilt spirals about not caring enough." He pulls Obi-wan out of the apartment. "We're going to Dex's, don't call until you pull your head out of your ass."

Ani, fuming about how misunderstood he is, but ultimately curious opens a box and spots his award for the Junior Padawan Saber Competition and together with it sees a picture of him at age 11, beaming with Obi-Wan smiling, so proud. He hasn't even started reading the attached note yet and he's starting to feel a lump in his throat. Then he spots it ' Dear Shmi.....'

Cue Anakin ugly crying, because even opening the box, he can feel the love and fondnes that saturates the contents. He wipes his face and notices that it's ordered by his age and documented and stored according to the Archival Practise Code as set by Madame Nu, you absolute nerd Obi.

Anakin feels so very touched that Obi-Wan was trying to include his mum even as his galaxy is being rocked. There was undeniable proof that Obi-Wan 'the perfect jedi' Kenobi loved him. It's as he starts reading through the notes that he realises that some of them are dated past his mother's death. It becomes less Obi-Wan talking about his progress and achievements and more him worrying about where the war is taking Anakin.

He finds a letter with his wedding photos on several pieces of filmsi and realises that Obi-Wan has known this whole time about his marriage. The only words of censure on this letter was Obi-Wan asking what he had done to make his padawan no longer trust him and his hurt that his friend Padmè had hidden it from him, marrying his padawan when he was still considered a minor.

Everything he was worried that Obi-Wan felt about him is all wrong. Obi-Wan is proud of him, Obi-Wan loves him. How could his friend, the Chancellor have been so wrong?

From there we'd move into a fix it, there would be repercussions for the various and sundry illegal actions that Anakin has done *cough* Sand People Massacre *cough* with a focus on rehabilitive rather than punitive consequences. Palpatine is revealed to be a fraud and gets offed with a poetic type justice death. Mostly happy endings all around because I'm a sap and want my blorbos happy.

2. The Angsty Version:

I typically do not enjoy riding the angsty mcangst train, but here's an attempt.

Darth Vader is going through the rooms that once belonged to Anakin, setting out to destroy what remained of the weak Jedi and his traitorous former Master. He stalks through the rooms, blocking out the warm memories that filled a place he once called home, destroying the furniture in his towering rage as he goes.

He enters the room of the man who should have loved him, but instead tried to murder him and finds these boxes, clearly labelled "Shmi Skywalker." The unexpected name jolts Vader out of his destructive rage and the small spark of Anakin still residing in his heart is curious and that curiosity consumes him.

He reads through all the little notes, the keepsakes are rifled through (in a quiet part of him, where the small, scared shadow of the child, Ani, resides, he longs to touch the lingering warmth embedded in them with his bare skin, he's so cold).

Through all the letters and stories that denote Anakin's childhood, words of love and pride for a man left to die on lava shores.

He doesn't know whether to rage or repent, the lies of his Master Sideous, had blinded him to the love of a father that he had so desperately craved and now, now it was too late.

He spends his life, a black hole of self-hatred and regret, drifting through the rise of his so-called glorious empire, alone, no wife, no brother/best friend/father. He cannot bring himself to burn and destroy the last evidence that Anakin Skywalker was loved. He was loved wholly and completely for who he was, not how powerful he was.

#star wars #obi wan kenobi #commander cody #anakin skywalker #star wars fanfiction #fanfic ideas #Codywan flavoured #Fluff or angst choose your ending #Going back over your handwritten notes the next morning trying to piece together your plot #my writing

[the-yuri-librarian]

Review: Her Tale of Shim Chong

Summary: Her Tale of Shim Chong (referred to as Her Tale from here on) is a Korean manhwa written by Seri and illustrated by Biwan. Set in feudal Korea, Her Tale is a historical, girls' love retelling of classic Korean novel The Tale of Shim Chong. It tells the story of Shim Chong, a beggar who is desperately trying to make ends meet to feed her and her blind father, and the soon-to-be second Madame Jang, who has been sold into marrying the Chancellor to give her family a better position. After a chance encounter, they build a friendship -- and eventually more -- that transcends class boundaries. But not everyone is happy with the Chancellor's new wife, and Chong's presence is far from welcome in the royal palace. When the Chancellor falls into a mysterious coma after the wedding night, his children make plans to oust Madam Jang, and it may be up to Shim Chong to save not only their relationship, but their lives.

Minor spoilers under the cut:

The Good: This writing in this manhwa is, overall, excellent. Chong and Madame Jang are complex characters with a variety of competing wants, needs, personalities, and flaws that elevate the conflicts in the story and bring them to life in an extraordinary way. As a result, their relationship is very realistic, developing organically thanks to their dazzling chemistry. But, not all is easy in this story; as our protagonists grow closer, they are met with fierce opposition, sometimes from each other, that adds much needed drama to the story. In particular, Jang's daughter-in-law and Monk Sumin are incredibly effective antagonists, each challenging Chong and Jang in unique ways. The long term conflict -- the raging waters of the Indangsoo Sea -- is also an ever-present threat, growing and growing until the characters in the story have no choice but to take drastic action. All of this is brought to life by Biwan's incredible art, which injects a vibrancy to the story that elevates it from a great story to an unforgettable one.

The Bad: Despite how much I clearly love this story, Her Tale does have some shortcomings, the most glaring of which lies in the pacing. This story has, putting it lightly, a lot of ground to cover and, though it is a solid 81 chapters long, there is not enough time to cover it. This results in some major plot points being resolved incredibly fast, particularly at the end of the story, and other plot points being seemingly dropped with no explanation. A good example of this is in the first half of the story, when it is revealed that Madam Jang may be poisoning the Chancellor and causing his coma. Initially, this seems like it is going to be a big deal in the story, but at a certain point, it is dropped and never brought up again. This leaves the audience no insight into why Madam Jang would potentially do such a thing, despite the crucial fact that the Chancellor's coma is actively making her life harder. Additionally, while some of the antagonists are well-written to the point of being lifelike, others are antagonistic to the point of being over the top, making them feel cartoon-ish and overall clashing with the tone of the rest of the story.

The Overview: All in all, Her Tale is an excellently written and plotted story that drew me in and raised the bar for what it means to tell a visual yuri/girls love story. Shim Chong and Madam Jang will stick with me for a long time and I really look forward to rereading this series sometime in 2024. It says something that my biggest criticism of the series is a complaint about the pacing, which ultimately boils down to wanting more of the story. I truly can not recommend Her Tales enough and will certainly be looking for more girls love stories by Seri in the near future.

Overall rating: A-

#her tale of shim chong #the tale of shim chong #yuri #girls love #gl #manhwa #webtoon #korean literature #review

[lbibliophile-sw]

Guess Who

Also on AO3 [680 words] For @jedijune - week 5: tragedy averted Inspired by The Guessing Game by Kelpie_Mist

Master Vos shrugs at the assembled Council members.

“That’s all we’ve got. We know that the Sith has been playing a long game. We know that they have ties to the Separatists, if only through Dooku. We know that they have high-level influence or authority in the Senate and the GAR. We know that there is a growing Darkness centred on this hemisphere of Coruscant. But beyond that, we’re at a dead end. We’d have just as much luck throwing darts at a list of names. A list consisting, mind you, of half the Senate, two-thirds of the GAR admiralty, and most of the adults in the Order. I’ll keep looking, but at this point we need a miracle.”

Master Vos leaves, and there is a long moment of silence as the Council processes the situation. It is hard not to feel hopeless.

“Very well then, if we are all to be suspects, I accuse Ki-Adi of being the Sith Lord. You stole the last seaweed cookie in the refectory yesterday. Surely a sign of great evil.”

No.

Everyone jumps as the Force chimes in response to Kit’s joke, chuckles running around the room as the tension breaks.

“Really Master Fisto, what an accusation! How does the saying go, ‘you snooze, you lose’? If we are attempting wild guessing now, then we might as well start at the top. Master Yoda, just how long have you been hiding as a Sith in our midst?”

No.

“Offended, I am. Sith, I am not. Too much work, all that scheming is. Particularly when deployed, a certain someone is, and leave me with his flimiswork he does. Sith Lord, Master Windu is, hm?”

No.

“It was your turn and you know it. But if we’re talking about headaches, I’m calling out Skywalker as the Sith. I’m tired of the migraine I get any time that walking shatterpoint enters the room.”

…no.

Everyone straightens to attention.

“That… was a very tentative ‘no’.”

“Does that mean that Skywalker is involved?”

“Is the Sith Lord close to him?”

YES.

As the ringing dies away Obi-wan shifts uncomfortably, everyone in the room either looking at him or studiously avoiding doing so.

“Obi-wan?” It is Depa who breaks the awkward silence. “For the record’s sake, I have to ask. Are you the Sith Lord?”

No.

“See, I always told you I was incorruptible.” His smug smile can’t hide the worry in his eyes.

It is Saesee who speaks next.

“If not the Master, then perhaps the Padawan? I hesitate to re-open wounds, but with the timing of Ahsoka Tano’s leaving the Order, could she be…?”

No. “Little ‘Soka would never! And she is far too young besides.”

The Force and Plo object at the same time, prompting a ripple of guilt and regret through the group.

“Look outside the Order, we must. Married, Skywalker is. A different bond, that could hide. The Sith Lord, Amidala could be?”

No.

Obi-wan glares.

“Really. Are we just going to start listing everyone Anakin spends time with? Who’s next; Admiral Yularen, Captain Rex? Madame Nu, Master Drallig, the rest of this room? Dex? Are you going to start listing out every single one of his troopers? You might as well suspect the Chancellor of the Republic while you’re at it!”

Shaak Ti leans forward in her seat, blue hologram flickering as she frowns.

“Why haven’t we suggested him yet? He fits all the criteria Master Vos brought us. He has been mentoring Skywalker for years. And I know that we have repeatedly raised concerns at the increasing scope of his emergency powers. Is Chancellor Palpatine the Sith Lord?”

There is absolute and deafening silence in the Force.

With a growing sense of dread, they all focus their attention and Mace repeats the question.

“Is Sheev Palpatine, current Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, the Sith Lord and Master we have been searching for?”

Very faintly, as though straining to be heard through the empty void of space or thick clouds of choking darkness, the answer reaches them.

­YES!

#jedijune2023 #jedi council #the force #the force as a lie detector #darth sidious revealed #bingo fill #fanfic

[mihcor]

Madam Chancellor Based on @teapots-and-hats white day Ardyn (this one)

#ffxv #ff15 #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ff15 ardyn #art tag

[aaronburrdaily]

November 18, 1809

Glückstadt, November 18, 1809. Forever in some trouble about the day of the month, but am never more than one or two days out. Our amiable friend le Commandant Donsur took us this morning to see le haut Chancellier de Holstein,¹ le Baron de quelque chose² which shall be found out and told anon. It seems he had already announced us, for his Excellency knew all about us. Received us very courteously and understanding that we are to leave town to-morrow, asked us to dine to-day en famille; agreed. Went at 1/2 p. 2. Y: Madame ———; M———, the third Judge, and ———, a literary man of modest, intelligent appearance whose name I regret to have lost. The Chancellier appears about 47; small, maigre,³ but sprightly, courteous, and sensible; something like Madison⁴ in appearance. A la Soedoise, we all stood and said our grace; and after dinner all rose at once, and after returning thanks, bowed, &c, adjourned to the drawing-room. The dinner was of several courses. Each dish served in succession, first being carved by Madame, and then handed round by the servant. At each two plates a bottle of wine (claret), tumblers and glasses; each drank as he pleased. Some choice wines were sent round, a glass to each. Madame has four lovely children, the three youngest particularly; the two eldest, girls. Home at 7. Snow and hail. The house at which I lodge is the rendezvous of the Club. The noblesse⁵ of the town meet every Saturday evening for conversation, cards, and supper. (The ladies' club assemble at the same house every Tuesday evening.) I went in a few minutes, but I declined to join at cards, as well from an aversion to lose as because I must pack up, and so adieu, Madame, till that labour be gone through. Minuit.⁶ Done, even the picture; all, all packed, ready for starting at sunrise. I bid you bon soir a dozen times before I shut you up in that dark case. I can never do it without regret. It seems as if I were burying you alive.

1 The High Chancellor of Holstein 2 The Baron of something. 3 Thin, spare. 4 James Madison, at this time President of the United States. 5 The nobility. 6 Midnight.

#that last line. OUCH. #aaron burr #the private journal of aaron burr

[wonder-worker]

It was assumed that, as a woman and one not born to rule, (Anne de Pisseleu) was prey to passions and vengefulness, that she could have no consistent 'policy'. / *Anne’s political activity has often been described as incoherent and Anne herself as a flighty interloper in the male business of politics…whose “role in court politics under Francis I was essentially capricious, with changes of alignment according to the whim of the moment”.

*Contemporary reports are partly responsible for the interpretation. / For Benvenuto Cellini (1500–1571), who saw too much of her for his own peace of mind, she personified fortuna in all its caprice. For the papal nuncio Hieronimo Dandino (1509–1559), who saw a great deal of her and noted her dislike of gossiping Italians, the king in 1543 was more a prey than ever to his lasciviousness and under her sway. He thought the secret of her success was the spirit of contradiction, always saying the opposite of what others did. For the Imperial envoy Nicolas Villey de Marnol, Anne had been légière (unstable) all her life. This was the same view as that of the Venetian envoy Marino Cavalli (d. 1572), who reported in 1545 that, despite her previous preference for peace with England, she was pressing for further war, hoping that failure would undermine Admiral Annebault, her rival. Literary views were similar; for instance, Rondabilis, the protagonist of the 1546 Tiers Livre by François Rabelais (1494-1553), views all women as frail, variable, capricious, and inconstant.

*(However,) in her political actions nothing distinguishes (Anne) from her male counterparts. Court factions resembled neither modern political parties nor social cliques. Factions formed around a central dispute—in the case at hand, around the long-standing rivalry between Brion and Montmorency over their competing desires for supremacy, or, to put it slightly differently, over their incompatible strategies for dealing with the emperor. In 1540 Montmorency, himself on shaky ground, spearheaded an effort to get Brion investigated for fraud. Begun by the chancellor Poyet in August 1540, the investigation resulted in the admiral’s conviction in February 1541. In general, other quarrels then formed around the central one, with different players joining in when they thought that to do so might further a cause of their own. Factional players changed tactics with shifts in the situation— Marguerite of Navarre and Montmorency switched sides with noticeable frequency, as did François I, Henry VIII, and the emperor—leading to an impression of constant treachery. But such side-switching is quite simply the inevitable result of factional politics, which is, by definition, the spontaneous formation of groups to promote results in the absence of overarching institutions formally invested with the authority to arbitrate. Nothing like a political ideology of the type that unites members of a modern political party and determines their response to issues motivates members of factions. As for the perception of factions as social cliques, it is even more difficult to find evidence of friendship as a motivating factor. Despite the well-known language of love that marks exchanges of the period, decisions were in a strange way also fundamentally impersonal, motivated by family interest.

-David Potter, "The Life and After-Life of a Royal Mistress: Anne de Pisseleu, Duchess of Étampes" / *Tracy Adams and Christine Adams, "The Creation of the French Royal Mistress: From Agnès Sorel to Madame Du Barry"

#historicwomendaily #it's truly insane the way Anne has been criticized as capricious & inconsistent & duplicitous because she changed sides...in situations #that were inherently fluid and volatile which required people to change sides depending on the current context #like it really cannot get stupider than that lmao #anne de pisseleu #french history #16th century #my post #queue #also to be clear: I've merged two different books and the * symbol is put before the Adams' writing

[coruscantguard]

FoxQuin Week, Day 2

Written for the alternate prompt, Fox kills Palpatine. Woooo!!!! The Sith is dead!!!

@foxquinweek

(Ao3 Link)

"In my defense," Fox says slowly, carefully choosing his words. "I didn't mean to."

It's not a very good defense. In fact, it's a pretty shit one. It's the kind of defense that the Prosecutor's office usually hopes a defendant will blurt out when they're taken in for questioning, because it makes their job easy. (At least, that's the impression he's gotten from working with the Prosecutor's office in the past.)

[[MORE]]

General Quinlan Vos looks at him, looks at the remains of the body on the floor. Looks back up at him. "Sorry, can we back up to the part where he exploded and the Force instantly got ten times lighter? Because I'm stuck on the part where he exploded and the Force suddenly got ten times lighter."

"I wouldn't know that, sir, I can't feel the Force," Fox replies, sneaking another glance at the remains of the Chancellor's dead body. Yeah, that was the Chancellor once, that's for sure. "I'll have to defer to your judgment regarding that."

General Vos laughs at that. It sounds... a little high-pitched, a little strangled. "You just saved the galaxy from a Sith Lord, Commander, you don't need to call me sir."

Fox has no idea how those two things are meant to be linked. Or what a "Sith Lord" is. Weren't they evil Jedi, or something? Was the Chancellor a rogue Jedi?

... Yeah, he's not about to ask General Vos that one. Fox hasn't gotten as far as he is by asking questions. Although, to be fair, where he "is" is the Chancellor's office after having killed the Chancellor, so maybe he should be asking more questions.

"Kriff, this is gonna give Mace such a bad headache," General Vos says after a moment of silence from Fox. He laughs again. It still sounds a little strangled. "Right, well, you'll probably need to come to the Temple, Commander, so we can make sure you're safe as we sort out the red tape surrounding this. It's going to be a little complicated, as historically, it's only the Jedi who are legally allowed to take action regarding Sith Lords, but I'm sure Madam Nu will figure something out. Maybe there's a Good Samaritan law we can use, since I was here, and you were technically protecting me."

What. "What?"

General Vos looks up to meet his eyes. He's starting to look a little concerned. "Legal protection, Fox. Are you okay? Were you injured in the explosion?"

"I'm fine, sir," Fox starts, then pauses, tries to figure out how to delicately ask this. Fails. Okay, whatever, he's already screwed, kark it. "I just killed the Chancellor of the Republic. Why are you trying to protect me from the consequences?"

"I mean, the Chancellor of the Reoublic was a Sith Lord. You just killed a Sith Lord." General Vos paused, presumably to let that sink in. Unfortunately, Fox has no idea what that means, so the only thing that sinks in is the realization that he's missing something big. "That's justifiable, you know, you shouldn't be punished for it."

Fox blinks. Stares. Tries to formulate a response. Fails. The Jedi is obviously going to be stubborn about this. Maybe it's just best to go along with things, for now.

Kriffing Jedi.

"Whatever you think is best, sir," he finally says. He's certainly not going to complain about not getting decommissioned, no matter how weird the reasoning behind it. "I'll follow your lead."

(And… maybe that thought is a bit fonder than it should be. Maybe. But he’ll never admit it out loud.)

#commander fox #quinlan vos #foxquin week #foxquin #vox #my writing #nat writes #tcw #swtcw

[savage-rhi]

Mending Shadows // Chapter 22

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

Click here to read on AO3

There was not a single word or sentence that could describe the full magnificence of Altissa, but if Y/N had to assign it something, it would be “heaven on Eos.” Surrounded by waterfalls, canals, and vast architecture that could make the most stoic of men stop in awe, the capitol of Accordo demonstrated a mighty grace that matched the sea god who allegedly slumbered nearby. Y/N recalled a time where friends mentioned traveling here, and how if they had the gil to return, they would’ve settled in Altissa. The thought nearly brought a tear to Y/N’s eye as they grinned in admiration. 

Y/N was so enraptured by the scenery, they nearly missed Ardyn beckoning them to stay close at his side after docking. Upon standing at his right, Y/N couldn’t help but notice his entire demeanor changed in an instant. The mask he was wearing this time around, was one of arrogance; but with the softened blow of a smile that demonstrated fealty. Dare say even his scourge felt off as Y/N captured a brief photograph of Ardyn’s feelings through their bond. 

Taking their eyes off of Ardyn, Y/N stared past the Imperial officials who went ahead of Ardyn, and met the fierce gaze of Accordo’s state leader: Madam Secretary Camelia Claustra. Her smile was both intimidating and full of warmth, contrasting with her experienced features. Her clothes, dull greys and blues further amplified her older grace. Y/N could tell she had been through much, but her poise and confidence hid whatever woes she had swimming under the surface. 

Ardyn had a talked a great deal about Camelia. It was one thing to hear about her no-nonsense energy, but another to be meeting it head on. Y/N felt it best not to say hello, and merely observe unless directed otherwise. This wasn’t a woman who liked to play games, nor did Y/N get the impression she could be won over with small talk. This had Y/N wonder what sort of trifling antics Ardyn was going to pull off, and they couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Y/N was no fool. Despite Ardyn holding a reserved warmth for them, they knew he didn’t show compassion to most. It was one of the few misgivings they harbored toward him. 

“Chancellor Izunia, warmest of welcomes.” Camelia stated with pride, giving a bow with her head to which Ardyn returned in favor with a formal bend and a tip of his hat. 

“The honor is mine, dear Madam Secretary.” Ardyn smirked as he returned to form. He held out his arms for emphasis. “Might I compliment your radiance? It’s unfortunately not something my eyes are used to back home among the council of men with one foot in the grave!” 

“Spare me the pleasantry, Chancellor. There is much preparation to be had for the betrothal ceremony, and your fleet arrived two days late.” 

“I assure you, the extra precaution on our end was worth the wait. The empire cannot afford to doddle when it comes to security. You know that better than most with the recent assassination attempt on your head! I do hope your psyche has been seen to after such a horrid experience!” Ardyn oozed with false affection. The glint in his eyes further lit up when he saw Camelia’s throat tense as she held back what was no doubt an onslaught of profanities that wanted to creep past her lips. 

“I may not have fought on the field, Chancellor, but I’ve had my share of battles that come with the task of keeping the people of Accordo safe. I appreciate the concern nevertheless.” 

“But of course!” Ardyn nodded, his cadence lathered with impish elegance. “I do hope my concerns didn’t drudge up ill feelings?” 

“None at all.” 

Y/N had a feeling if Camelia didn’t have an audience, she would’ve ripped Ardyn a new one for the not so subtle jab. Nevertheless, they were surprised at how she had no fear calling Ardyn out on his bluff right out the gate. He didn’t seem bothered by it, and in fact chuckled amusingly. 

“Your ambition is inspiring to us all in the realm of politics,” Ardyn complimented. He let out a sigh, and gestured for some of the Imperial soldiers near to begin gathering belongings off the airship. Once settled, he followed Camelia’s lead and began to walk at her side then subtly gestured to Y/N to stand behind him out of protocol. 

It was once the group were off the docks and walking on land, did Camelia speak up. 

“I do hope the accommodations my men are providing will suffice, Chancellor.” 

“I don’t see why not,” Ardyn smiled. “Each time myself or a member of council have visited your land, we’ve been greeted with nothing but the best!” 

“Speaking of visiting,” Camelia began. “How is your Emperor fairing these days? It’s been almost five years now since he’s witnessed Altissa’s splendor.” 

“Ah,” Ardyn furrowed his brows, feigning a frown. “The poor man could use such a tranquil place to rest. The war has been unforgiving as you can imagine, yet we prevail! Speaking of, we have much to discuss about Lucis and future plans that Accordo should be in alignment with. I trust you have carved out time for conversation?” 

“Of course,” Camelia stated. “Keeping our alliance stable is our highest priority. This wedding I hope will quell tension among my citizens who have been critical of our partnership.” 

Although she had much conviction in her voice, there was a sadness to Camelia’s features as she finished her sentence that Y/N honed in on. It seemed she was crushed at the fact rebellion wouldn’t bear fruit. Not when Niflheim was keen on keeping people compliant with their goals. Y/N had mixed feelings. Though they were acting as a poster child for the empire, they didn’t like how shackled they made folks like Madam Secretary feel. 

Y/N realized they must’ve been staring for too long, for Camelia and the rest of the entourage stopped. They swallowed as Camelia eyed them with scrutiny, and gestured after giving a slight huff. 

“A pardon Chancellor, but who is this young thing following your side like a hound to a trail?” The jest had the group of Imperial officials and Accordo envoy’s chuckle. 

“Oh dear, I’ve forgotten my manners!” Ardyn exclaimed. He shot a quick glare at Camelia, noticing how she savored the look of surprise he held seconds ago. He cleared his throat, and ever the cordial gentleman, gestured to Y/N with high regard. 

“Madam Secretary, may I have the privilege to introduce Y/N Y/L/N, a new Imperial Icon of Niflheim. They are my guest of honor, and have kindly volunteered to aid me with matters involving the betrothal ceremony.” 

Y/N wasn’t sure how to address one such as Camelia formally. This was something that Ardyn neglected to go over with them. Feeling the scourge rise in their chest, Y/N went with their first instinct without thinking, and Ardyn held in his breath. 

“It’s nice to meet you,” Y/N said with a smile, presenting their hand out to Camelia. The older woman seemed taken aback at first, but even with the gasps coming from the Imperials and Envoys, she reached out for Y/N’s palm and took it into her own, giving a strong shake. 

“I don’t believe I’ve ever had an Imperial greet me in this fashion.” Camelia smirked with amusement. Her eyes lit up in a manner that hadn’t been seen in a while. “You don’t strike me as a typical sort.” 

“Forgive me,” Y/N laughed nervously, all the while trying their hardest to avoid Ardyn’s gaze. “I’m still getting my bearings.” 

“Y/N is a former Lucian,” Ardyn cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation so as to not have Y/N potentially drag themself into a pit. “They had suffered much under their own country, and Niflheim has taken them in with open arms.” 

“Oh yes,” Camelia said. Her demeanor seemed to shift as she let go of Y/N’s hand and regarded Y/N in a manner that suggested she felt pity for them if anything. “I’ve heard a great deal about you through word of mouth, the Lucian who abandoned everything.” 

“It was not an easy situation,” Y/N stated, trying to ground themself. “Niflheim, and Chancellor Izunia have been generous to me. I owe Chancellor Izunia a great deal, and I look forward to helping him ensure this wedding goes through without a hitch.” 

“How noble of you.” Camelia murmured.

For Y/N, it was hard to tell if Camelia felt disdain toward them or further pity. Probably a mix of both. Y/N imagined Camelia probably thought they were out of their mind for throwing allegiance to the empire, based on what Ardyn told them in the past about her history with Niflheim. 

“Chancellor,” Camelia spoke up.

“Madam Secretary?” 

“I’ve enjoyed meeting your companion, alas we have matters of privacy to discuss in the House of the Courts. If there is anything you’d like to disclose to your ally before we proceed, I’d suggest doing so now.” 

“Pardon me for a second!” Ardyn grinned. He motioned for Y/N to follow as he led them both away from the main group. He waited until the eyes and ears of the gang were off himself and Y/N before whispering. 

“You alright?” 

“Mostly,” Y/N murmured, wincing at themself. “I can’t believe I screwed up formality. A handshake? What the hell was I thinking?” 

“On the contrary, I think you made a good first impression.” Ardyn mused. He gestured with his chin over to Camelia, motioning for Y/N to briefly look upon her. “Trust my word, Madam Secretary isn’t one to return a favor in kind if she doesn’t care for the company.” 

“Can I count on your personal experience to vouch for that?” Y/N snorted, seeing the raised brow Ardyn gave before further explaining. “You both seem to have it out for each other.” 

Ardyn snickered. “Hate and admiration go hand in hand in politics. We both enjoy reminding the other of that. Regardless, your little stumble didn’t damage either of our respective reputations. I wouldn’t fret.” 

Y/N sighed in relief, turning their attention back to Ardyn in full. “So what happens now?” 

“Well,” Ardyn paused as he looked around, then settled his eyes on Loqui and Tuti from afar. He watched them assist with unpacking belongings from the airship, and gestured toward them. “Lieutenant Tummelt and Tuti will escort you to our lodging. From there, you’ll meet up with Ms. D’Bhara and her fellow socialites for an afternoon tour of the capitol. They’re expecting you for a luncheon after you become acquainted with your place of stay.” 

“And here I thought I was going to have to jump through hoops in order to meet her.” Y/N said in surprise. 

“I may have pulled some strings to get the ball rolling. Alas, I’m counting on you to find out what you can about the tomb.” 

“What if she doesn’t tell me anything?” Y/N furrowed their brows worriedly. 

“Even if the pair of you don’t become bosom companions, I’m sure she’ll let something slip.” Ardyn shrugged. “You’ll come to find that the rich and powerful, regardless of alleigence to country, love nothing more than to yak. Take it from someone who plays the game himself.” 

Y/N did a poor job suppressing a giggle at Ardyn’s last remark. They both smiled at each other fondly, only to be interrupted by a small and plump man who approached and cleared his throat rather loud. 

“Yes?” Ardyn irritably sighed. 

“A pardon sir,” The man chirped. “The group is wondering if you’re close to wrapping things up?” 

“One moment,” Ardyn held up a finger for emphasis before he gestured at the man to give Y/N and he some space. Once that was sorted, did he give his attention to Y/N. “I more than likely won’t see you until tomorrow. In the meantime, stay near Tuti and Lieutenant Tummelt, and don’t go outside of the capitol unless instructed otherwise.” 

“At the rate you’re going with precaution, you’d give a mother goose a run for its gil.” 

As much as Ardyn enjoyed the quip, and the soft giggle Y/N made, he remained firm. 

“I’m being serious. I want you to stay safe. Although Accordo is an ally of ours, we need to be careful.”

“The same thing applies to yourself. I know you seem to enjoy rattling Camelia’s cage, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.” Y/N urged. 

“You’re afraid on my behalf? How quaint.” 

“I’m being courteous!” 

“Y/N, promise me…”

“Alright,” Y/N murmured, sensing he was in no mood for further jest. “I promise I won’t do anything stupid.” 

Despite the reassurance, the look of disbelief Ardyn gave them had Y/N roll their eyes.

“I won’t do anything stupid within reason.” 

“That’s the spirit.” Ardyn grinned. He took Y/N’s right hand into his own, and bowed his forehead to their knuckles out of respect. “I’ll call on you later.” 

He let go and offered one final glance of acknowledgement before the mask went back on. The dare say compassionate Ardyn was replaced by the mischievous Chancellor once again. Y/N watched as this character came out in full swing while Ardyn graced his presence to the group, and then they were off. 

Y/N didn’t take their eyes off of Ardyn, not until he and the rest of the officials became specks in the distance. They swallowed, and felt a pain of sadness grow in their chest. It bloomed like a syelleblossom losing it’s petals before it’s prime. 

Gods be damned… Y/N shook their head. The scourge fed the sentiment further. Y/N decided to redirect their emotions by forcing their feet to move them toward Loqui and Tuti’s location. 

An hour later, and Y/N found themself in the lodging Ardyn and they would be staying at. For what was supposed to be a hotel room, it was quite vast and built like a small one story house with two bedrooms, a half kitchen, and a full bathroom. Like the rest of Altissia that Y/N had come to see, it had some beautiful architecture and felt more like a vacation dwelling than a temporary rest point for visiting foreigners. 

“Like what you see?” Loqui quipped, laughing when he saw Y/N snap out of their thoughts and shot him a brief glare. 

“I’m trying to keep in mind not to break anything. It all screams don’t touch me, I’m expensive.” Y/N laughed. 

“I wouldn’t worry!” Tuti chirped as she hurriedly and with excitement began to rummage through her suitcase and put away things.  

Loqui crossed his arms, moving out of Tuti’s way as he watched on with amusement. He couldn’t believe someone of such a smaller stature could zip through so many places at once. 

“It’s all covered by Madam Secretary. But should the Chancellor tick her off, it’s not like he can’t afford this himself.” 

“How much does it even cost to stay in a place like this?” Y/N asked while they found themself admiring some various plants that were strategically placed near the walls, complimenting the Mediterranean color palette. 

“Easily 15,000 gil a night.” Loqui scoffed. 

“15,000?!” Y/N exclaimed. 

“You heard right!” Loqui laughed. He let out a grunt when Tuti collided into his chest. After a series of apologies, not giving the man the chance to counter her, did she make her announcement. 

“I’m going to tidy up the bedrooms and then Y/N, we should get ready to meet the men and women of The Serpent Society!” 

Loqui frowned when Tuti once more zipped away before smiling at Y/N.  “If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to take advantage of being your assigned guard and treat myself to samplings in the kitchen!” 

“Pfft, like that’s all I’m good for…” Y/N jokingly muttered. They ignored Loqui’s faint quip from the distance, and felt drawn to sliding doors that led to the deck. 

When Y/N stepped out, they could feel the warmth of the sun crackle their skin. The pain was brief, and subsided the further they ventured out. Having Ardyn’s immunity to the rays of the star was a blessing that Y/N realized they had taken for granted. Regular daemons would either burn to a crisp, or suffer burns the likes of which would only add to their horrific appearance. 

Y/N recalled watching that happen weeks ago when a barrage of Flexitusks were reported along the outskirts of Gralea. Ardyn had decided to capture some of the creatures for Verstael’s research, and Y/N accompanied him. The entities were formidable as they were savage, even catching Ardyn off guard at times, but he came out unscathed. The experience was both eye opening, and one Y/N didn’t want to repeat. 

Ardyn had taught Y/N about daemons and their weaknesses that early dawn, and how such weaknesses either applied or didn’t to the likes of them. Y/N had learned from Ardyn, that though the sun couldn’t penetrate their skin to where they’d die; if a concentrated light source or magic based weapon were to be used against them, it would be a death sentence. Not for he, not for Adagium, however. 

Y/N swallowed when they recalled Ardyn sharing with them that Accordo had such a weapon on hand for daemons before they departed for Altissa. They made a fist, suddenly glimpsing the image of the three people they had slain long ago; imagining the light that left their eyes merging into a singular source. Swooping from the heavens to consume Y/N and the darkness that writhed under their flesh. 

While the trauma of that ill fated night remained with them day by day, Y/N did what they could to keep it under lock and key. Ever since Ardyn and they shared a bleedthrough, and he had bore a taste of their suffering, Y/N didn’t want him to experience the night they had become a daemon. Not after what they had seen through his eyes when he lost Aera. 

It dawned on Y/N how much they missed him already. 

“You alive in there?” 

Y/N fell out of their thoughts as Loqui walked over to their side. He smiled and handed a piece of an orange to Y/N. They popped it into their mouth and chewed. 

“I’m just thinking.” 

“About all the duties you have in Altissa?” Loqui inquired. 

“More or less,” Y/N shrugged and smiled after swallowing the fruit. “I haven’t seen much of you these past two weeks.”

“Been busy chasing away Lucian spies from the coast with Commodore Aranea. It’s been quite riveting,” Loqui said sarcastically, and then smirked at Y/N. “Did you miss me that much?” 

Y/N snorted. “Only your wits.”

“Owch!” 

“You asked!” 

“Point taken!” Loqui chuckled as did Y/N. 

Loqui’s gaze of admiration made the tempo of Y/N’s pulse stutter. While it was endearing and Y/N had valued the friendship that had grown between themself and he, there was something about the way he stared that had Y/N nervous. Nervous enough to change the subject. 

“What’s the status on your dad? I haven’t heard anything about him for a while.” 

Loqui let out a content sigh, enjoying the cool breeze that picked up while he and Y/N admired the tropical scenery before them. 

“Dad’s stationed in Galahd currently. That side of Lucis is in another stalemate battle wise, so while there’s no bloodshed, everyone’s on edge. Y’know, I’m surprised but grateful Chancellor Izunia approached me to be your guard on this trip. It’s gonna be nice having a distraction, not worrying about dad or whatever is going on over there. Although, I’d be lying if I didn’t feel left out. I feel like I should be fighting alongside him, but…I’m stuck at homebase.”

Y/N furrowed their brows, recalling previous conversations they had with Loqui about his military pursuits. Some men were born to be farmers and politicians. From birth, they felt a calling. It was no different than Loqui’s passion for battle; he was meant for it. Nevertheless, Y/N worried about him. It seemed as of late all he fixated on was either following his fathers footsteps, or being left behind in his shadow. 

While Y/N hadn’t been brought up in that manner, they could relate to Loqui’s need of wanting to prove himself. Y/N reached a hand out to Loqui’s shoulder, and gave a small squeeze. They giggled as did he when their nails scratched at the shoulder padding of his uniform. 

“Your dad is strong. I believe he’ll be alright, but I can understand why you’re scared. For what it’s worth, I think he’d be proud of the things you’ve been accomplishing for Niflheim.” 

Loqui smiled sincerely once Y/N let him go. “You really think so?” 

“Yeah! If I didn’t have faith in that, I wouldn’t have asked the Chancellor for you to be my guard in the first place.” 

Loqui made a face, crossing his arms as he averted his eyes. He chuckled afterward. 

“What?” Y/N asked flabbergasted, worried they might’ve hurt him in some way. 

“I had an inkling Chancellor Izunia’s request wasn’t out of the good graces of his heart. I should’ve known better.” Loqui responded with bitter amusement. He made it clear however he held no ill will toward Y/N as he grinned. “How in the six did you convince him to hire me?” 

“He knows pissing me off won’t get him anywhere, for starters.” Y/N snorted. “Also you and your dad are the only two I feel remotely comfortable around for a job like this. I’ve been an imperial citizen for a while, but I’m wary. I know there’s still a great number of people that don’t care for me. I told the Chancellor I didn’t want to put myself in a risky situation with people I’m not familiar with.” 

Y/N couldn’t help but notice both the disdain and intrigue that Loqui wore on his face. It reminded Y/N of a child being told of something interesting, but it came with resentment. 

“At this rate, you almost sound like a married couple!” Loqui scoffed in jest. 

Y/N gasped, slugging his shoulder they had gently squeezed moments ago. “Bite your tongue!” 

Loqui laughed hard, ignoring the pain. “No, but seriously, how have things been living with the guy?” 

“What kind of a question is that?” Y/N balked. 

“Why can’t you just answer it?” Loqui teased. He giggled at the roll of Y/N’s eyes. 

“He’s better than roommates I’ve had in the past, I’ll give him that.” Y/N shrugged. “He’s been kind to me. Er, as kind as someone like him can be to another person I should say.” 

“He hasn’t made you…uncomfortable, right?”

“Come again?” 

“Forgive me for being forward. Has he physically imposed himself upon you in any fashion?” 

Y/N’s brows furrowed at the emphasis of Loqui’s tone. It took them but a moment to realize what he was driving at. A part of Y/N felt honored that Loqui was checking to be sure the Chancellor wasn’t being predatory toward them, and yet Y/N also felt tempted to slap him across the face for insinuating something that despising about Ardyn. 

Y/N’s memories traveled back to the Vixen, and the day Ardyn fed upon them. While he lost himself in the thrill of consumption and brought them to the edge of death, Y/N never felt he would take advantage of their vulnerability. While Ardyn had been creepy in the past, and at present too flirtatious for his own good, Y/N couldn’t see him going to the extent Loqui implicated.

“He’s never hurt me like that,” Y/N murmured firmly in Ardyn’s defense. “Where is this coming from?” 

Loqui bit the inside of his cheek. “I’ve upset you, and I apologize. It’s just---”

“Just what?” 

Loqui sighed. “The last several times you and I have had audience together, I’ve noticed him having no care toward your boundaries. That, and he leans a lot into you.” 

“Leans?” 

“Leans.” 

Y/N raised their brows, making a face before they snorted. This was getting more baffling by the second. “Okay, time out, what do you mean by leans?” 

“He was, well…leaning toward you!”

Y/N shook their head. “I’m not following, Loqui. Is this because I gave him a brief side hug after the imperial banquet?” 

“No, no, you’re misinterpreting me. A side hug is way different than this...” His voice trailed off as he approached Y/N calmly, getting into their personal space. He consistently watched to be sure he wasn’t being aggressive while giving his demonstration. He offered a playful smile, all the while capturing Y/N’s eyes with his own. 

Y/N swallowed as they felt their back press to one of the beams on the deck that was holding up another above them. They could feel Loqui's breath fan over their skin as he spoke. 

“This is what the Chancellor was doing, leaning in to admire you. Does this answer your inquiry?” 

The intimacy was thick, as was the deep blush that crept against Y/N’s cheeks. They nodded in reply, for no words could move past their lips. 

“Ahem,” Tuti cleared her throat from the distance. She glanced between Loqui and Y/N, watching the former back off suddenly before making her pleasantries. “Y/N we should be getting ready. It’s important for you to be punctual while in Altissa.”

“I couldn’t agree more!” Y/N responded. They turned their attention to Loqui, giving a small bow with their head. “I’ll speak with you later?” 

“Of course.” Loqui murmured, furrowing his brows as he returned the bow. He watched Y/N quickly retreat back into the residence. Not long after, he sighed and decided to leave the lodging so he could scout the area. The defeat in his eyes lingered as he watched Tuti and Y/N venture down the hall. Loqui contemplated what his next moves should be. The warnings from his father echoed through his mind as he left after shutting the door behind him. 

As Tuti led Y/N to their bedroom, they let out a sigh of relief as did she. 

“You okay?” Y/N asked. 

“I should be asking you that.” Tuti smirked, although her eyes held concern. “I didn’t want to overstep, yet I couldn’t help but notice you looked uncomfortable. Did I ruin the moment?”  

They shook their head in response to her question. Y/N had an epiphany as Tuti dragged them further into the dwelling to change. 

Y/N liked Loqui, and even admired him a great deal. He had been nothing but chivalrous and like Tuti, a confidant that they felt safe navigating Niflheim with. By all accounts, it was a miracle to be in the good graces of someone with the prestige he had. However, Y/N was uncertain they could return what Loqui sought of them. Not when Ardyn’s smile once again invaded their thoughts, and their body shuddered. 

“No, you didn’t.” Y/N murmured.

#mending shadows #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn x reader #canon x reader #ffxv fanfic #final fantasy xv #final fantasy xv fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #fanfic writing #fanfiction #fanfics #gender neutral reader

[the-indie-owl]

Here's my very own First Shipping Chart of One of My Fandoms (SpongeBob SquarePants).

Please Be Civil in the Comments and Reblogs, These Ships that I rank are just my Personal Opinion. So please be respectful. If you disrespect in the Comments or Reblog, I will either Delete Your Comment or Report your own Reblog if you don't be civil about personal views.

❤️OTP❤️

King Poseidon X Queen Salacia (Polacia)

SpongeBob X Sandy (Spandy)

Patrick X Princess Mindy (Mindrick)

Squidward X Squilvia (Squidvia)

🧡Platonic🧡

SpongeBob & Patrick

King Neptune & King Poseidon

Queen Amphitrite & Queen Salacia

Mermaid Man & Barnacle Boy

Gary & Spot

Larry & Patrick

Pearl and Fred Blutang

Perch Perkins and Goldfish

Fred & Nat

Fred & Harold

Harold & Nat

Tom & Harold

Gus, Martin, & Scooter

The Trawler Cabin Squad

Sticky Fins Whiting and Dorsal Dan

💖Crack💖

Queen Amphitrite X Queen Salacia (SalAmp)

SpongeBob X Flying Dutchman (DutchBob)

Nartrick (Patrick X Narlene)

Sandlene (Sandy X Narlene)

Squidward X Squidabeth

Squidabeth X Barry

Sam X Blackjack

Chocoleg (Fred X Tom)

Nazz Mimi X Nancy Suzy

Shelia X Sheldon

Phil X Molly

Sadie X Abigail Marge

Mary X Lonnie

Old Man Walker X Mable

Miss Shell X Norma Edna

🩷Love🩷

King Neptune X Queen Amphitrite (Neptrite)

Squidward X SpongeBob (SquidBob)

Pearl X Squidina (Peardina)

Gary X Snellie (Snary)

Slappy X Slippy

Fred X Nurse Bazooka

Nat X Shubie

Mable Monica X Lenny

Dale X Abigail Marge

Frankie Billy X Nazz Mimi

Tom X Nancy Suzy

Dave X Nancy Suzy

Henry-Bart X Shelia

Vera X Medley

Tina Fran X Evelyn

Jennifer Millie X Jimmy Gus

Tom X Martha

Dennis X Mable

Old Man Walker X Mary

Frank X Debbie

💛Like💛

Mr. Krabs X Mrs. Puff (Kruff)

Sandy X Karen (Karendy)

Larry X Sandy (Landy)

SpongeBob X Kenny

Patrick X Tony (Tonyrick)

SpongeBob X Princess Neptuna (Spongetuna)

Bubble Bass X Kevin C. Cucumber

Squilliam X Perch Perkins (Fancykins)

Man-Ray X Dirty Bubble (Dirty Ray)

Stanley X Harold

Shelia X Don

Slappy X Nosferatu (Slapferatu)

Merlina X Entity Punkfish (Mertity)

💚Neutral💚

Pearl X Chip

Plankton X Karen (Plankaren)

King Poseidon X Madame Kassandra

Patchy The Pirate X Burger Beard

💙Ok💙

Squidward X Sandy (Squandy)

Squidward X Larry (Squarry)

Mrs. Mayor X Mrs. Puff (MayPuff)

Tina Fran X Charlie

💜Meh💜

Plankton X Mr. Krabs (Plabs)

Plankton X SpongeBob (PlankBob)

Plankton X Karen 2.0.

💙Dislike💙

Squidward X Squilliam (Squillward)

Squilliam X SpongeBob (SquilBob)

Princess Mindy X Sam

King Poseidon X King Neptune

💙Hate💙

SpongeBob X Dennis (SpongeDennis)

SpongeBob X Flats

Squilliam X Squilvia

🖤Crash & Burn (NOTOP)🖤

SpongeBob X Bubble Bass

Pearl X Dylan

🩷Ship with OC🩷

Prince Triton

Larry

Charlton Hawkfish

Nosferatu

🟤Stay Single🟤

Nobby

Ouchie

Old Man Jenkins

Chancellor

Tiffany Haddock

Lady Upturn

Bubble Buddy

Rube Goldfish

Gale Doppler

Plankrab

Boat Salesman Shark

Hieronymus Glove

Prawn

Sage

Otto

Lord Poltergeist

DoodleBob

Don Grouper

Richard

Archie

Harry

Francis

John

Mevis

Buddy

Perry

Horace

Halbert

Frank

Clay

Harold (Red Fish)

Lou

Patty

Norma

Nathiel

Thaddeus

Billy

Harv

Lloyd-Rich

Cara

Paco

Sylvester

Sandals

Pilar

Doctorfish

Norton

Frank (Life Guard Guy)

Bubbles

Bitsey

Electric Skates

Those who are interest in doing their own version, here's the Link.

#indie text #spongebob squarepants #shipping chart #shipping meme #the spongebob squarepants movie #sponge on the run #sponge out of water #the cosmic shake #battle for bikini bottom #spongebob squarepants musical #kamp koral #the patrick star show

[mandalhoerian]

total eclipse of the heart | 2

Pairing: anakin skywalker x reader

Note: fem!reader, jedi librarian!reader

Summary: Love is the death of duty, and duty is the death of love. This is the story of you and your fellow Jedi Anakin Skywalker orbiting around each other in this never-ending, all-consuming cycle.  

Warning(s): angst . pining. you having negative thoughts

Word Count: 2686

1 | 2

Senator Amidala of Naboo had gotten herself into a pickle. 

When you were contacted urgently about the issue, you had wanted to say you and the squad under your command were fighting off a Separatist fleet in the Outer Rim with pride, but the tender inexperience rattled in your bones in an inevasible, pity-inducing way; nobody could look at the picture and say their Jedi ‘General’ was leading them. It was your clone troops holding you up from both hands as if they were guiding parents, and your captain was the greatest gift you had received in this struggle. 

You were not a warrior, but you would certainly say they were. 

That’s why leaving them to go aid Anakin in his one-man mission to get the senator out had you thinking it was better for your men you were getting out of their way; more often than not, you were an obstacle they had to look out for instead of doing their jobs in battles. It was with a clean conscience and an overjoyed skip in your step that you took off with the starfighter you didn’t even enjoy piloting.

Anakin had told you with a heavy heart that you were the only Jedi close by when his call for help came in from a nearby planet. You could be denying your feelings all you want, it was no reason to leave a fellow Jedi stranded, helpless and in need.

Granted, it was for sure you’d be his last choice to have his back in danger from the way he was frowning, a reasonable opinion that had no reason to hurt the way it did -- you weren’t an expert in combat in the first place, you’d spent nearly all your life cemented next to Jocasta Nu in the Archives, barely ever using the green light saber hanging from your hip. 

If you weren’t overly conscious and cautious of him, you would have asked for tips from Anakin when he was available; and if you were feeling particularly brave, some sparring sessions with him to draw on his wide catalogue of lightsaber combat skills and experience. But you had no business taking up his time like that, especially as he was the busiest person in the whole galaxy after The Chancellor. If he had spare time, you wanted him to use it to rest, anyway. 

Arriving at the rendezvous point, you heard Anakin sharply whispering  "Over here.” You were inspecting the area and searching for him with laser-focused concentration, it was not hard to notice his whisper in all the droid talking and beeping.

You swiftly crossed the corridor without being noticed and took cover beside Anakin. “Hey.”

He nodded curtly. His eyes were dead-serious as he took in your greetings - and even with their darkened pigment you could swear his eyes were the bluest ones you had ever seen. It was quite unusual to see him on the edge in this way, strong eyebrows drawn together, beads of sweat rolling down his temples and wetting his tousled sienna hair; and yet despite all this his mouth twitched upwards. "They don’t call you Flutterfeet for no reason.”

"I’m sorry?”

Even though he was holding his lightsaber with one hand, he managed to flutter his fingers in your direction. “Flutterfeet. Younglings say this is how you book it when you’re chasing them.”

Book it. Smartass. “You’re joking.”

“A wise observation, years of practice with reading elevated your comprehension skills?”

“No, I,” Your throat let out a strained sound of frustration. “They call me Flutterfeet?”

“Apparently some mix you up with Jocasta Nu when they say Madame Librarian, so they got creative.”

“Flutterfeet,” you deadpanned.

“C’mon, it’s cute. You run on your tiptoes, you ever notice that?”

Heat shot up from your neck. “Do we have time for this right now? What about Senator Amidala?”

Anakin’s smile faltered and something sharp chipped at your heart as the warm exhale coming from him gently fanned your face. “I know where they’re holding her.”

It wasn’t the flickering fluorescent lights above you that cast wavering, erratic shadows on him, his presence in the Force was moving just the same, akin to a suffocating animal running in circles for a way out in a cage just a tad bigger than its size. It left you breathless how he wore his beating heart on his sleeve, on a silver platter in the vulnerable flesh. Having to be around him all the time definitely would drive you insane, the desire to have a glance inside his transparisteel shields was dangerous, you always had an uncontrollable desire to read if the chance was presented to you. 

“They wouldn’t do anything in harm’s name. We’ll get her back just fine,” you said, his icy concern for the senator was pressing on your body in needles.

Anakin’s eyes widened almost unnoticeably. “How’d you know I was worried?”

“Oh I know how to read between the lines.” You gave him a quick, small smile, shaking your head in a manner you’d picked up from Jocasta Nu that looked absurd on your young age. “Years of practice on comprehension skills, remember?”

Then he laughed, most likely involuntarily from being caught off guard, but it still reverberated sharply from the metal walls of the ship and you just froze there for a second before clamping a hand on his mouth in reflex and pushing him further down into the cover, your stomach flipped upside down as if you unexpectedly dropkicked into hyperspace. Mechanical sounds of head turning filled the tense silence and you wished you’d never tried to cheer him up. Was it really that funny? Did he think you were an aspiring comedian or something? 

You two stared at each other, ready to strike if you were discovered despite your bodyweight pinning him on the floor. Adrenaline had taken over the autopilot for you to remain worried about being too close or touching and your hand remained on his mouth;  in fact, the detail went uncared for by you until his lips moved against the damp palm of your hand, mouthing something you directly felt hot against your skin and shot directly through your body. The impact was clear, a wave of electricity sent a shiver down your spine and you jerked your hand backward, fingers twitching. Your accelerated heartbeat kept its rhythm for a different reason this time and boomed in your ears.

The obvious thing is that the droids ended up discovering you. Lucky you to be swept away before anything could become awkward between you and Anakin. 

At least you were able to assist him a bit by redirecting blaster shots with your saber when he was busy slashing droids the way someone would cut through a cake. It was over within seconds but your limbs were shaking regardless, you were definitely not cut for anything violence related. Every single time you had to draw your lightsaber out you were confronted with why you had chosen the Jedi Consular path. 

Yours was a peacebound heart of an unstirred pondwater, surrounded by the smell of freshly cleaned polished tiles of the quiet Archives and comfortable solitude in your studies, artificial light of datapads and holograms seeping from endless shelves casting a dim, blue glow onto your serene features, making you appear like a phantom haunting the place, scrolling through all of the content you wanted with the mellowest smile toying at your lips. It was all you could have asked for in life, and the bitter resentment towards your old master for recommending you for the field was still deeply engraved as a wound at the back of the shadow in your heart. A stumbling child humiliating herself had replaced the wise librarian, and you battled with the shame every single day on your own.  

It was Anakin’s first time being present in combat with you; and he’d obviously noticed the state of dissociating in self-pity you were in. His hand, big and warm yet affectionately gentle, took you from your shoulder and he leaned in to have a better look at your face, the faraway smell of stardust filled your lungs. “You holding up okay?” 

“Yes.” Throat clogged up all of a sudden, you took a step back, causing his hand to fall to his side. It’s was a small, considerate question. One that had saltwater stinging at the corners of your eyes that you blinked away with how rare it was that you ever heard it from someone these days. It had you almost crumbling like a sand castle with the gentlest touch of seawaves. “Lead the way to Senator Amidala.”

His mouth parted, blue of his eyes getting heavy with grey rainclouds in distress. “Did you get hurt?”

“I’m fine. Why would you say that?”

Anakin reached out once more and tentatively touched your hand that was wrapped in a fist around your lightsaber with his fingertips. Heat blossomed from the feathery contact. “You’re shaking.”

Him trying to pick your reactions apart spooked you, it was as if he was ready to peel you away layer to layer until he got to your core, and it was right in the middle of a rescue operation. You were wasting precious time and the uneasiness you were yet again being a burden on another person had started pulling you down from the stomach, cold and heavy. “I’ll be fine, it’s the adrenaline. Let’s move on, yeah?”

Anakin’s shoulders tensed and his eyebrows twitched together, eyes misted with determination. “I’m hearing the rest of this when we get back.” The full smile he gave you in encouragement trembled in your ribcage and you physically had to refrain yourself from staring at him. 

Get back where? You wanted to say you’d both be going on separate ways, and you had to get back to your clones, but he was courteous enough to show some worry, ruining that display of basic kindness wouldn’t be worth it. 

But the weakly pulsing heartache had nothing on what you were about to face when you reached the captive senator. 

"Ani!" she chirped with joy, hands curling around the metal bars she was behind when she saw the two of you storming in. "What took you so long?"

Ani made your steps stutter and you fell behind to Anakin, it looked like your presence was transparent to her intimacy with him as they held eye contact together as Anakin cut the steel away. 

Then she noticed you, as he took her by the hand and helped her jump over the half-melted lava-like pieces. The brunette Senator's champagne brown eyes measured you and contemplated for the longest time before you started wondering why she was staring at you this hard. She hadn’t seen you before, that was for sure. You tried to pass patting at yourself as professional when it was just you trying to check if you had something that bad on you that warranted the senator’s solicitous gaze. 

Anakin was amused, but his attention was on this woman nevertheless. "I'm sorry Padmé, we're going to get you out of there immediately, don't worry." He thought you were busy fixing your clothes, so he didn’t think you’d see tenderly brush back some hair that straggled onto her neck. An invisible drawn line set itself as the feeling of alien intrusion washed over you. You’d intruded on something you shouldn’t have. 

Oh. 

Your longing soul recognized the glint in his eyes when he looked at her, how the blue of his irises lightened up and how his whole demeanor of the experienced Jedi Knight melted away in to soften himself just to be able to welcome the ephemeral touch of hers. Your chest tightened up as you looked away, the sight had scorched you and spikes of goosebumps went down your back, but you couldn’t shut out his Force signature buzzing with warm excitement.

He loved her. He really does love her.

Anger burgeoned within you, a blistering fever directed at yourself, at this predicament. It was suddenly hot and cold at the same time; your blood liquid lava coursing through your veins but your heart nothing but a bulk of ice desperately trying to stop the cracks from forming.

You swallowed your emotions before they were visible to him like a whole holobook to read, again. The echo of him introducing you to her rang in your ears, and you picked yourself up just in time for greetings. "Are you in pain in any way, Senator? I brought medical supplies with me just in case."

She made a beeline for the blaster lying around on the ground, her boots softly clanking against the surface. "It's quite alright, nothing of the bad sort happened."

Anakin was hot on her tail as she poked her head out of the door to scout for any enemies. "Why are you here anyway, Padmé? You were supposed to --"

Her eyes found you, and once again the urge to look away or just get out of there to leave them in their own world penetrated your comfort zone. She had turned to him just as fast, and you weren't able to see her anymore as Anakin's figure totally enveloped her small stature, but her hushed tone was way too pointed for you to not pick up the secret meaning behind it. "I don't think it's a good time to have this conversation here General Skywalker."

Anakin cleared his throat. "Right."

They took the lead in navigating through the bowels of the battleship and you were right behind them, uncomfortableness grimy all over your skin.

Senator Amidala, though, didn't want you to be succumbed into silence for some reason, and slowed her steps to walk at your pace. "Excuse me for asking, but how are you here, General? I've heard your work station was in the Temple."

If you had an ability of the such, you would morph all your facial features into a grotesque question mark. "You've heard of me?"

Anakin did a double take to glance back at both of you over his shoulder, you genuinely couldn't have a shot at why he looked that hilarious doing it. "Uh."

"Of course. I make sure to thank all the Jedi that help us in my campaigns when I can. We may have never met but your name naturally came up in those conversations."

Her kindness and seasoned diplomacy eased away some of your stomach-churning discomfort. "I see. I work in the Archives, Senator. My job is primarily being a Lore Keeper."

A smile lit up her face. "Like a librarian?"

"Precisely."

Leaden sorrow pushed her shoulders down, tight-lipped yet empathizing, Senator Amidala was mourning in your stead. "It's sad that you had to be sucked into this. How are you faring? It can't be easy. Forgive me and I mean no offense, you don't look the part to leap into battles like General Skywalker here."

You weren't offended, a heavy heart consoled by mantras of the mysterious will of the Force had accepted what was required of you. "We lost a lot of our own in Geonosis. It was inevitable even for the clumsiest of us to take their places."

"You're not clumsy," Anakin said all of a sudden.

You would have laughed if the utmost priority of getting back to your ships weren't occupying your mind. "Am I not? I do the bare minimum. Having a protocol droid watch your back would be more useful."

"You're doing remarkably, Madame Librarian. Don't be too hard on yourself."

You didn't get his insistence to validate and reassure you about this, but you were as grateful as you were sure it was out of the kindness of his heart. "Very generous of you, Anakin."

"No, seriously -- "

The senator seized both of you by your elbows and yanked you back with all her strength, Anakin got her free hand and you got the blaster sharply digging into your skin. "Patrolling droids ahead!"

Ah, well. There it was, the chance to let her decide and evaluate how you were handling. You quirked a suggestive eyebrow at Anakin signaling what you were thinking, and he reciprocated the message by igniting his lightsaber to leap right into the belly of the action.

But the senator wasn't even there to stand back and watch, she was already shooting down at them in eerily scary precision. What had the galaxy come to? Even a politician was better at this than you.

#anakin skywalker x reader #anakin skywalker x you #anakin x reader #anakin skywalker imagine #anakin skywalker fanfiction #anakin x you #story: total eclipse of the heart #anakin skywalker #star wars x reader #star wars imagine #shai's writings

[howlingday]

Frosted Knight, Part 2. After calling Ironwood for his combat medic, planning out everything Willow has one flaw...she doesnt know how she would ask him out, sure she had sex with him but that waa it she had no other experience so she asks Klien for some advice afterwords she walks up to mr arcs house this time in clothing to ask him out much to his surprise

Part 1 / Part 3

Willow took a deep breath as she looked over the number again and again. It took a considerable donation on her part to loosen the general's lips, but love never had too high a price. Though, looking back on it, the thought of using an excuse like "love" to hemorrhage her personal finances made her stomach turn. But she held firm. She had to be right in this.

"Madam Willow?" She looked to the side and saw Klein waiting expectantly. "Do you... require assistance?"

"No," Willow gulped, "I should be fine." She stared at the simple device in her hand. Buttons, speaker, and reciever. If only there were a device like this, but with a screen so you could speak face to face. She shook her head at the outrageous thought, and with the push of a button, she hurled herself into the unknown.

The phone rang once. It rang twice. Her fingers drummed along the handle, sweaty with ice blood inside. On the third ring, it ended with a click. Her heart seized in her chest.

"Chancellor Ozpin's office." A woman's voice answered. "This is Glynda Goodwitch speaking. How may I help you, sir or ma'am?"

"Y-yes," Willow gulped, "this is Willow Schnee of the Schnee Dust company. I was hoping to speak with Mr. Ozpin."

"May I ask the purpose of your call?" Glynda asked. It was getting more uncomfortable to breathe.

"I... I am looking for someone, and I was told Mr. Ozpin was the person to contact."

"And who is the reference from, Miss Schnee?" Willow's mouth felt dry. If only she had her flute. Six Swans always made her feel more confident.

"General James Ironwood." Willow answered. She heard a groan on the reciever, as well as a murmured curse. "Is there a problem?"

"No," Glynda said, "I'm reeling from the conversation I had with him prior." This relaxed Willow a little, knowing the woman on the other end felt relaxed enough to air her grievances. "The man called on your behalf earlier, and used it as an opportunity to attempt to woo me. Can you imagine that? Using a professional line to engage for personal reasons?" Suddenly, the ease Willow felt evaporated almost instantly.

"Er, no, I can't say I can."

"Ah, Mr. Ozpin just stepped in. Please hold." Willow gulped as the woman's voice disappeared.

She put the phone to her breast and let out a long, pained sigh. Klein approached, but stopped as she held out a hand. With a quick, but deep, inhale and exhale, she steeled her nerves. If she was a fool for attempting this, then she would fail as a fool who tried. She put the reciever to her ear, meeting the click of the other side in time.

"Chancellor Ozpin." The male voice on the other line spoke. It was a much older voice, spoken with decades of experience. It reminded her of her father. She shook her head at the wretched memories and pushed forward. "Am I correct to assume this is a business call from the Schnee Dust Company?"

"Er, yes, in a way." Willow replied. A lady replied quickly with her thoughts, as her mother taught her. Better a half-truth than a full lie as her father taught her. Reply, then explain her friend told her, though he was now silent across the room. "It was in regards to speaking with one of your soldiers."

"Oh?" Ozpin said, voice brimming with curiosity. "I was unaware a soldier had business with the Schnee Dust Company."

"Y-Yes, you see," Willow swallowed a dry lump, "I am searching for one Jaune Arc. He is a combat medic of yours."

"And what business does the head of the Schnee Dust Company have with this Jaune Arc?" He asked. "I can't very well give out his personal information without his consent. That would violate many ethical standards, as well as the Privacy Act of-"

"Uh, you see, sir..." Willow interrupted him. Her jaw clenched as she realized her foolish haste in this course of action. She flared her nostrils, breathing away from the reciever before powering through. "He has done me a great service, and I simply wish to repay the kindness he's shown me."

"I see." There was a long silence as she she heard the clacks and clicks of a typewriter on the other end. She assumed it was Glynda, typing up daily reports for her employer. With a ring, she heard Ozpin speak again. "I have the information, Miss Schnee. Shall I tell you, or would you rather I have it delivered?"

"To be honest, sir," Willow exhaled, feeling relief at the ease of this exchange, "if I could, I would rather hear it from Mr. Arc himself. But since that is not possible-"

"Hold, please." Willow was surprised by the interruption. She stood silently for a few seconds before a voice came again. A different, younger voice. His voice.

"H-Hello?" Her heart jumped into her throat. Jaune was talking to her. Jaune's voice was on the other end, speaking to her. "This is Jaune Arc speaking."

"Jaune." Willow breathed.

"Willow?" Jaune asked. "I heard him say Miss Schnee, but- Well, I thought he was talking to the head of the Schnee Dust Company."

"He was." Willow giggled, tears in her eyes. She sniffed loudly.

"Ah, Willow! Are you okay?"

She gave a breathy laugh. "Nothing a combat medic can't fix, right?"

Jaune chuckled. "Until there is combat, I'm simply a medic, Ms. Schnee."

---------------------------------------------------

It was a miracle if ever she heard one. He was visiting for his annual check-up with the Chancellor himself, a task his position and rank as a senior member of his squadron required to prove his worth to his nation, and he walked out both keeping his position, but also recieving a new one as the date of one Willow Schnee!

It was so crazy, it almost made her laugh. She spoke to Klein about her travel plans, and was surprised by his forfeiture on her behalf.

"A lady such as yourself needs love like a flower needs water, Willow." He said with a smile. "Or, at least, that's what my wife tells my little girl."

And that's what Willow was to Klein. True, he was only a few years older than her, but he saw her as if he were her father. He dried her tears, aided her in life's greatest troubles, and supported her in every decision she made. This time would be no different.

"And how do you intend to woo this gentleman?" Klein asked, before blinking and his irises became red. "Assuming he is one, that is."

"He is, Klein, I can assure you." She replied, brushing her hair. She set down the brush and sighed. "Sadly, I've been so wrapped up in this madness, I haven't taken a second to consider how I intend to court him."

Klein blinked again, his eyes becoming purple. "Oh, then allow me, Madam Schnee." He reached into his back pocket and removed a pocket notebook from behind him. He wrote down a few sentences, small conversation starters, then tore the page out to handed it to her. "I hope these are to your satisfaction, Madam Schnee."

"Thank you, Klein."

"Oh, and one final piece of advice, Madam?" Willow looked to him. "This young man found you at rock bottom. He has seen you at your very worst. Show him the rest of you. It would be prudent for you to be on your best behavior and have fun." His smile shined through his mustache. "Be yourself."

---------------------------------------------------

Willow stood outside the restaurant, the warm summer evening doing little to ease her tension. She agreed to meet with Jaune here for their reunion, but there was a small pit of doubt in her stomach.

Who could blame her? She was meeting with a man in another country she did not frequent to court him into a relationship that initially started after one drunken night of passion between the sheets. It sounded like something out of those magazines she was interviewed for last week. A wasted effort, as the magazine wasn't going to be well-known for her interview as Atlas' first high-priced female business owner. No matter what "Miss June" told her in the waiting room.

An olive green junkheap pulled up across the street from where she stood. When the door slammed, the man on the other side removed his hat to reveal himself as Jaune Arc. Her heart lept to her throat as she watched him stand there in his blue overcoat. He looked to her and smiled before walking across the street to her.

"Hello again, Miss Willow." Jaune greeted, dipping his head in a sort of bow, much like they do in Mistral. He must have picked it up from a friend over there. He placed his hat on his buzzed haircut. "It's nice to see you again."

"Y-Yes." She gulped. "I... I must apologize. I'm not usually one to be so forward on a first encounter."

"You've got nothing to worry about." He chuckled. "I'm usually not lucky enough to escort a beautiful woman at all, let alone one who finds me good enough for her."

"Oh, hush!" She tittered. "As I see it, you're the only man on Remnant worth my time."

"Oh, uh, w-well, thank you." He blushed. He held out his arm, which she grabbed and held as he guided them across the street.

"I thought we were eating at the restaurant?" Willow asked.

"We are." Jaune chuckled. He pointed his free hand forward, to where he parked. Just beyond the car was a diner, much smaller than the restaurant that loomed behind them. "How do you feel about burgers?"

"I... can't say I know about them." Once they were across the street, Jaune stopped to stare at the woman. Had she offended him? Was it customary to discuss burgers before romancing in Vale? Her heart began to beat double time. "Was... Was it something I said?"

"I'll say!" He said removing his hat, placing it over his heart. "What a horrible life you must have lived!"

"I... beg your pardon?"

"A life without a hamburger is like a date without dinner!" He shook his head. "Sure, you could live it, but is it really living?" He put his hat back on his head. "Come on, I'm about to change your life forever."

At these words, Willow couldn't help but believe him.

---------------------------------------------------

Willow had dined in many venues and supped upon many dishes. She was an elegant woman of high society, raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, and taught the many pitfalls and nuances of the art of social interaction. At age nine, she gave her first public speech. At age fifteen, she bartered a deal for a plot of land that became her first mining operation, one she would continue to oversee to this day. In high society, she was often compared to a mythical creature; elegant, charming, and powerful.

None of that prepared her for this date, and what had came of it.

Seated in a recently wiped down booth, she watched as Jaune explain the subtle details of the diner, it's meals, and the patrons who operated here. It was like watching her father explain how to speak and act in a boardroom. She smiled as her nostalgia and reality seemed to meld.

"Over there is a detective." Jaune pointed in the corner booth, where a trenchcoated man sipped from his mug. "And over there are the high school burn-outs. Probably out past curfew and causing trouble." He chuckled as he pointed to the lanky teens in shabby clothing stare at a menu together.

"Order up." Their waitress from earlier, a much older woman, called to them as she approached with two plates. "Two bacon cheeseburgers with fries, and I'll be right back with your milkshakes."

"Thanks, Laura." Jaune nodded. She turned away, leaving the two alone. "You ready for the best food ever?"

"I don't understand." Willow said, staring at the sandwich in front of her, dripping with fluid. "Where are the forks and knives?"

"We don't need them." Jaune smiled, picking his up with his bare hands. He demonstrated how it is held from every angle. "See?"

"And I just," Willow grimaced as her fingers sank into the hot mass of bread and meat, "bite into this?"

"Uh-huh!" Jaune nodded. "Try it for yourself!" He bit into his, crunching through with fluid dribbling from his fingers and chin. "Mm!"

Willow parted her lips, opening her mouth as wide as she could. She hovered the sandwich closer, before sinking her teeth into the breading. She cleaved through, bringing a sizeable chunk into mouth, both soft and solid.

The flavor was incredible! The tang of the ketchup paired with the intensity of the mustard, blended with the crisp and hearty crunch of the lettuce and bacon, which perfectly complimented the flavorful beef and cheese together. It was beyond words, but not beyond expression.

"Mm!" Willow set the burger down. "Thish ish sho good!" She swallowed, a blush coming to her lips as she realizing she spoke with her mouth full.

"I knew you'd like it!"

Jaune chuckled with a beaming smile. She had seen many men and women smile before. Most of the time, they were demure and barely visible, only creased just enough to show the minimal amount of approval. Jaune's smile blew them all out of proportion, going as wide as he could, and showing the world his teeth, unafraid of judgement!

"Erm, Jaune?" Willow pointed to him. "You have a bit in your teeth."

He slapped a hand over his mouth. Maybe not as unafraid as she thought.

---------------------------------------------------

"Thank you for a wonderful first date." Willow sighed as she rested her head on Jaune's shoulders. "I haven't had this much fun in years."

"Well, it was only dinner." Jaune admitted.

"True, but it was the best dinner I've ever had since..." Willow cut herself off as they reached her hotel room door. She looked away. "Since my father died."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Jaune said. "I'm sure he was a good man."

"There was no one better." She sighed. "That is, until I met you. You're so kind, and generous, and understanding, I... I think he would have like you."

"Wow, you're making it sound like you want to get hitched already." He chuckled. Willow was silent, but he continued as if he hadn't noticed. "But from what you've told me about yourself, I can tell he would be proud of you. Because, well, I am."

"You're proud of me?" Willow tittered.

"Yeah, of course!" Jaune stepped away, but held her hands. "You're smart, and resourceful, and respectful, and strong-willed enough to run your own company. If he wasn't proud of you, I'd say he should start being proud of you." His face flushed. "Uh, sorry if that was too much."

"Not at all." She leaned into him. "I appreciate your honesty, and I can't help but..." She bit her tongue back. "But to want to be closer to you."

"I wish you weren't gone in a week." He sighed, looking into her eyes.

"I know." She leaned close and planted a kiss on his lips. "Good night."

He planted a kiss on her lips, holding a second longer. He gulped. "Good night."

She turned away, walking to the door. With a turn of her key, she opened it, pushing the door wide. She turned again as she watched Jaune watching her. She stepped closer to him again. She held his cheek and kissed him again. "Good night."

"Good night." He breathed before kissing her again, this time prodding his tongue between her lips. They breathed deeply as their hands roamed each other. Jaune's mind clicked as he realized they were moving too fast a first date.

As he pulled away, Willow pushed herself onto him, tongue slapping against his as she held him in a tight embrace. Jaune threw his logic aside and walked with her into her hotel room, neither leaving each other's lips until the door was shut.

Inside, Willow let out a moan as she felt Jaune roughly paw through her dress. She felt like she was melting from his touch as he stripped himself and her bare. They fell into bed with a great hunger for each other.

For the rest of the week of her stay, Willow and Jaune fulfilled every desire they could before her departure. And only rarely did she ever leave the hotel until then.

#rwby #willow schnee #jaune arc #willow knight #frosted knight #klein sieben #glynda goodwitch #ozpin #willow's knight

[whiskygoldwings]

Last Line Challenge

rules: in a new post, show the last line you wrote (or drew) and tag as many people as there are words (or as many as you feel like). 

Tagged by the lovely @riinoaheartilly - Ah I got tagged in another of these things! The warm and fuzzies!

I've posted the last two things I've written just now, so have the last line of The Ballad of the Guard that I've done instead.

The Chancellor looks delighted, “Madame Senator, that sounds like you may have a middleground for us!"

no pressure tags: I honestly have no idea who to tag that hasn't already been, so if you haven't and would like to do it, count this as your tag!

#This is not a good thing #Skeevy Sheevy #Manipulative fook #The middle ground is not in the middle #It is bad ground #very bad ground

[daily-klingon]

qo'

qo' world (n)

As used in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country:-

Kerla: DIHIvlaHtaHvIS DaH DIHIvnIS! Attack them now, Madam Chancellor - while we still can...! First General: DIHIvbe'chugh qo'chajDaq toy'wI''a' DImoj! Attack or be slaves in their world! (literally If we do not attack them, on their world we shall become their slaves!)

#tlhingan hol #klingon language