#pallid elves

[aspiringwarriorlibrarian]

Okay this is a very niche topic but going over what little I know about troglomorphism (i.e. animals adapting to a subterranean enivornment), I was kinda disappointed by the changes to pallid elves stopping at loss of pigment and black eyes. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but I do like using real-life biology to spice up speculative biology, so here are some ideas on how to make pallid elves weirder:

- semitranslucent skin - elongated limbs/digits (probably slight due to relatively short time frame) - elongated bodies (also probably slight) - eye problems are a common feature of albinism in humans, so they probably apply here too. Don’t know how that interacts with solid-black eyes though. - slow metabolism (food is harder to find underground, so sleep more, move less, and you can eat less) - reduced need for oxygen (also feeds into slow metabolism) - bigger ears/possibly echolocation (some humans can do it, albeit very crudely compared to bats and whales) - sunburns. There is nothing protecting you from UV so you are taking damage every minute in the sun - circadian rhythm probably doesn’t align to diurnal/nocturnal stimuli even when those stimuli are introduced.

#explorer's guide to wildemount #pallid elves #critical role

[galaxyghost4081]

The Story of the Selyutuna

In the beginning, when the world was newly born, the mystical elves were one of the many races that lived within it. They were created by the wondrous Arch Heart and resided in the whimsical lands of the Feywild. However, the Moonweaver, a well-known mischief-maker among the deities, blessed some of the Arch Heart’s elves with her own divine magic. Thus, the first pallid elves were born. Inheriting their curiosity from the goddess, some pallid elves migrated from their homes in the Feywild to explore the Material Plane. Among them, the Moonweaver is best known for shielding mortals from the dangers of the dark with her magic over the night, but to the Selyutuna family, she is revered as much more. According to legend, the family would not exist today were it not for her role in connecting its very first members: Sely and Utuna.

Like many other pallid elves, Sely and Utuna wandered into the Material Plane long ago. The two of them experienced many of the world's wonders together - the land, the sea, the sky, and the primordial magic hidden within - but none of it satisfied the ever so inquisitive Utuna. She often wondered about the mysteries of the night sky up above - and what secrets the Moonweaver kept hidden within her domain. The world was still new, yes, but the other gods and goddesses had already created their fair share. The Wildmother brought forth thriving flora and fauna, the Dawnfather brought forth the light of the morning and midday sun, but what did the Moonweaver bring? Surely more than her pallid elves and a twilit dusk shifting into her realm of desolate dark.

Spurred by her curiosity, Utuna casted elven magics of both the Arch Heart and the Moonweaver and soared straight into the pitch-black sky. She left her beloved Sely as he rested on the earth below and flew higher than the clouds that the airborne aarakocra glided through. With each passing moment, the ground became further and further away, and soon enough, Utuna could only see the murky darkness around her. Even her sharp elven eyes, enhanced with arcane magic, could not pierce through the gloom. 

However, Utuna was adamant and refused to return to the earth below empty-handed. She continued toward the heavens, not knowing that her magic was growing weaker and weaker as she journeyed onward, and it eventually fizzled out. She was left floating high within the night sky, resorting to swimming through the shadows in a futile attempt to find her way. Unbeknownst to her, the Moonweaver’s mysterious domain was restricted to the goddess for a reason. Lost and weakened from her voyage, dark tendrils of night suddenly struck at Utuna, restraining her in place as their corruption pierced through her veins. As the pain worsened, the only thing she could do was cry out for help, not knowing if she would be heard to any of her mortal kin down below.

Much to her fortune, her cries were not in vain. Despite being trapped higher than the clouds, the sound of a pained Utuna had woken Sely up from his trance. He looked to the sky in the direction of his lover’s voice, but the shadows obscured any hint of his beloved save for her sound. As she gradually failed to endure more and more agony, he called to the Moonweaver for help as a last resort, knowing that the night was her very abode. The goddess heard Sely’s plea and streaked across the dark heavens like a comet, sparkling silver trailing behind her. Divine strands weaved around Utuna to protect her and shone with a dazzling radiance, dispersing her shadowy restraints before fading away in the night sky. Sely was overjoyed that Utuna's pained cries were no more, but where was Utuna herself? Surely the Moonweaver would have been able to return her to her mortal home with him. He asked this question to the Moonweaver, who answered it with an innocent sorrow in her voice.

"Although I have saved Utuna from her demise, the dangers of the night have tainted her soul far beyond my restoration. Her magic, mingled with the dark, barely lost against my divine abilities. I have weaved a sanctuary around Utuna to protect her from further harm, but I am afraid that she must remain among the shadows due to her unruly curse. But fear not, dear Sely. I can see her where you cannot, and I will keep her safe from any other night time dangers and threats. I promise."

Sely believed in her words, knowing that the Moonweaver would withhold her promise in her own playful ways, but the sound of his heart aching rang in his ears. He yearned for his beloved Utuna, but she would be up in the heavens with their goddess. For the rest of his life, no matter how long it would last, it would have to be lived without his love by his side. Nevertheless, Sely took faith in the Moonweaver’s words, trusting her with the one person he loved the most, and respectfully - albeit sadly - accepted them. Ever since then, Sely's life was filled with an immense longing. By day, he continued to live through earthly experiences without his beloved by his side. By night, he prayed to the Moonweaver for Utuna's safety, often speaking to the shadows in hopes that she would be able to hear him. Eventually, his mortal life had reached its end, and Sely perished under the shade of a particularly dark night.

The Moonweaver had listened to Sely’s wishes all the while and knew of his pure adoration to Utuna. Although his body was still, his soul lived on, and the goddess guided him toward the heavens above. She imbued him with sparkling slivers of her divine magic, protecting him from the dangers of the night as they journeyed deep within her domain. Soon enough, they arrived at Utuna's sanctuary in the sky, hidden with dark, illusory magic, and Sely was finally able to see his love once again. The Moonweaver had kept her promise all along. He wrapped his arms around his beloved in a passionate embrace. Elated to be with her, the love in his heart erupted in a wondrous, gleaming aura, for it was enhanced by the godly magic weaved into his soul, and illuminated Utuna's sanctuary in the night sky. The brightness weakened the darkness looming around it and beamed toward the earth below, offering the soft comforts of moonlight to Sely and Utuna's mortal kin.

From that point on, the families of the two lovers have honored the pallid elves by living together as the Selyutuna family, which is now known as an Elvish surname translating to Moondream in Common. Without the solace of his beloved, Sely dreamed of her well-being above all else, and it was his love for Utuna caused the Moonweaver's protection to become the moon itself. As the moon waxes and wanes, it is said that the two lovers are dancing happily together throughout the night. To this day, much of the Selyutuna family are devout believers and followers of the Moonweaver. They believe that the goddess leads them toward their soulmates, shields them with moonlit blessings throughout their mortal lives, and guides their souls to the heavens to turn into long-lived stars that twinkle alongside their ancestors. The story of Sely and Utuna is deeply rooted in Selyutuna history, for it depicts the tale of an everlasting love that shines through even the darkest of nights.

#dungeons and dragons #dungeons & dragons #d&d #dnd #critical role #the Moonweaver #Sehanine the Moonweaver #elf #elves #pallid elf #pallid elves #mythology #writing #creative writing #original character #oc: Sheaenin Selyutuna #cleric #moon cleric #elf cleric #pallid elf cleric #The Story of the Selyutuna #ao3 #forgot to post this here yesterday whoops

[shrikeseams]

Here's a thought that makes the ainur more interesting to me:

They're in the same position as the First Age Exiles.

Like, they chose to make a one-way trip into Arda because it offered opportunities that just were not available outside of it. They accepted the grief and struggle as a part of that choice. Most if not all of them probably left loved ones behind to do it. They've been told they're on the winning side, but let's be honest, they probably spend a lot of time not so sure about that. But they're in it, and there's no going back anymore.

#Tolkien #I still think Manwe should have been kept away from political authority mind you #Gondolin isn't just Tirion Lite #It serves the same purpose to the elves that Aman does to the ainur #A pallid reflection of a safer home #Can I argue that choosing arda despite the marring is equivalent to going to beleriand despite the doom?? #It's just reflections all the way down #I'm sure someone smarter/more invested in the valar has had this thought already #But this is my tumblr so you get to witnesse having a thought in real time

[somelazyassartist]

Finally updating my Elf (and Elf-Adjacent) Ear Headcanons to fit my newer art style and also adding some ones that weren't included in my old charts :] this is just appearance-wise, I have a lot of other thoughts about Elf speculative biology :]

#three eyed cats in my living room #speculative anatomy #elf #elves #fey eladrin #coure Eladrin #bralani Eladrin #noviere Eladrin #shiere Eladrin #firre Eladrin #ghaele Eladrin #shiradi Eladrin #tulani Eladrin #LeShay #drow #high elf #wood elf #pallid elf #astral elf #bishtahar elf #tirahar elf #vahadar elf #zendikar elf #tajuru elf #juraga elf #mul daya elf #avariel elf #gurgach elf #sea elf #shadar-kai

[vindikat]

Last but not least is Tegwen, pallid elf Cleric of Sehanine. He specifically said he would wear a mask whether or not it was a masquerade party, which is pretty much classic Tegwen.

#my art #elf party party of elves #digital art #d&d art #d&d character #pallid elf #cspaint

[l-wannabe-dungeon-master-l]

My DND Characters pt. 1

Name: Bast Seren

Race: Pallid Elf

Background: Folk Hero

Class: Twilight Domain Cleric/ Circle of Stars Druid

Bast wandered into the forest one day as a child and was never found by his parents. He did get found by the goddess of the moon, Selûne. Since that day his purpose, as ordained by his goddess, has been to guide and protect any who find themselves lost in his forest. He started his adventure with his companions because his goddess sent him a sign.

I've played only one session with him but he's already so much fun.

#dnd #dungeons and dragons #d&d #dungeons & dragons #character concept #dnd art #elves #pallid elf #cleric #druid #my art #dnd character build #character design

[honeyboyfelix]

i am having,,, many dnd thoughts tonight

#dm: yeah your characters are going into about a month of downtime basically #me whos wanted to talk to basically everyone in the group about different things but weve been b u s y: 😳😳😳 oh? #since weve all talked together we have: #had horrible moon cursed nightmares about our traumatic pasts #fought a hoard of demons and been saved by the vision of a deva related to our holy quest were on #our half orc ansestral barbarian specifically has been having nightmares about being an elf killing orc ancestors of hers #<- our party is 5 elves/half elves.... including the barbarian whos half orc half elf #we pulled from the deck of many things and got a knight #immedietly threw that knight into the most stressful ass dungeon rip elliot youre still alive but i bet youre very confused #had to go thru every single room of the dungeon before we found the last room cause were cowards and kept avoiding the doors to go thru #every room was themed after a different betrayer god #we have 2 drow an orc and a pallid elf so none of us... particularly like the betrayers.... at all #somehow my tiefling half drow avoided all betrayer drama... somehow #the rest were not so lucky #also i did freak out in the vecna room nothing like an evil lich to scare your wizard #the half orc was having an especially traumatizing time and our full drow... has an arms of the betrayer now #so theres that #im nervous about that one cause thats super fucking not great #but anyway thats all happened in 4 days in game :/ #and weve talked about none of it #so im just... rotating my wizard in my mind... thinkin about what convos i need to have #especially with MY new knight... who i know nothing about but was very helpful in the dungeon 🥰

[aeleriaa]

me and my friend cori's characters!! these two are in our dnd campaign and i love them to death

#they deserve to be happy #dnd #dnd oc #dungeons and dragons #d&d #dnd art #dnd character #dnd artist #tiefling #moon elf #pallid elf #elf #elves #lgbt #lesbian #lesbians #wlw #rogue #dnd rogue #cleric #dnd cleric

[the-world-of-errakor]

People of Errakor - Elves

Aight so if you can't already tell this is going to be a longer one cause there are almost too many kinds of Elves to count. This post will mainly cover how they came to the plane originally and how some of them evolved. So if you like Elves and lore dumps have fun!

Originating from the Feywild initially, the Elves of Errakor were initally created by The Arch Heart and for many years the civilization stayed their solely in the realm of the Fey, before over time moving to other planes. In search of the wonders of the Material Plane’s wilds, the first tribe of elves decided to make their way to the world of Errakor, these Elves would become the first Wood, Sea, Frost and Desert Elves. Not long after many other Elves made their way to Errakor, creating many of the lineages of Elves we know to this day, those who wished to study and advanced their knowledge under the celestial bodies of Errakor’s sky became the High Elves (Sun and Moon), those who felt the call to worship The Moonweaver ventured to Errakor to share her wonder and became the Pallid Elves.

One group that unwillingly left the feywild were the original Drow, as they were cast out of the Fey Realm by Corrleon below the surface of Errakor for their support of The Spider Queen in her attempted murder of him where they began to cultivate communities in The Underdark.

Unlike many others that left the Fey Realm, the Elves now known as The Shadar-kai, did not venture to Errakor but its other Reflection, The Shadowfell, in order to best serve the God they followed The Matron of Ravens.

The last group of Elves are The Eladrin, whilst a large portion of The Eladrin stay within the Fey Realm, there are sizable populations of them found on the Material Plane. Within the Fey Realm, hundred of years ago there was city of Eladrin known as Ilhenor. During the Sundering The planar divides weakened and Ilhenor was dragged to The Material Plane. However this act of power sundered the city into four different spires, each eternally locked into a seasonal phase. These spires are now bastions of elven society and have been for over eight hundred years, hosting multiple different kinds of elves rather than just Eladrin, though any Eladrin at a spire is locked into the associated seasonal form when there.

#dungeons & dragons #dungeons and dragons #errakor #worldbuilding #d&d #critical role #writeblr #elves #dnd drow #dark elves #high elves #eladrin #pallid elf

[vaguely-humanoid-form]

this is my DND character Junebug in like. modern clothing I love them so much she's everything to me.

#ripley doesn't know how to draw #art #my art #dnd #dnd ocs #dnd elf #pallid elf #I don't actually watch or listen to critical role i just think pallid elves are cool #also i made an entire google site for this idiots lore because ive put so much work into it. im normal

[nosferatil]

"He LOOKS like he's lost his wife.." - My DM 😭

The kind-of sort-of 'there' father of my PC, Vali (He was trying)

I heart pallid elves man smth about them is just so ethereal <333

#Dungeons & Dragons #D&D #DND #Dungeons and Dragons #Critical Role #Elf #artists on tumblr

[outofangband]

Birds of Dorthonion

Flora, fauna, geography and environment of Arda Masterlist

Dorthonion was a region north of greater Beleriand. It was a cool region covered in steep slopes, conifer forests and Heath covered highlands. The mountain range Ered Gorgoroth bordered it on the south and above it was the fields of Ard Galen. It was inhabited by the Arafinwëan host following Aegnor and Angrod and later, the human host following Bëor. Nomadic and semi nomadic groups of the northern Sindar and Avari also possibly lived there

As always I included world building notes at the end so it’s not just a list of species

In the conifer forests: black grouse, willow tit, goldcrest, mistle thrush, pine grossbeak, common tree creeper, common redstart, black woodpecker, chiffchaff, coal tit, common raven, crested tit, wood grouse, goshawk, spruce grouse, black throated thrush, pine bunting, boreal owl

The highlands and around Tarn Aeulin: graylag goose, common nightjar, common kestrel, snow crane, hen harrier, tundra swan, horned grebe, common crane, blue duck, water rail, black francolin, northern pintail, velvet scooter, great bittern, pallid harrier, rough legged hawk, little egret, wood lark, corn crane, black necked grebe (migratory), garganey, Merlin

The cliffs and slopes: see see partridge, rock dove, great bustard, long legged buzzard, common quail, black headed bunting, booted eagle, chukard, barred warbler, northern wren, little owl, white throated dipper (near Rivil’s well), black winged kite, steppe eagle, roller

The mountain border: bearded vulture, red fronted serin, black stork, snowcock, horned lark, rock bunting, wallcreeper, blue rock thrush, red kite, peregrine falcon, golden eagle (rare), white wagtail

World building notes:

-The vague images of pine grossbeaks were embroidered on the blankets of Bëorian children using a diluted version of the dyes created from blood madder and coal. The name in Bëorian Taliska translates to pine song bird.

-The Arafinwëan host of Dorthonion as well as some of the Avarin groups hunt with birds of prey which are also used by some of the scouts. Kestrels and Harriers are the most commonly used species. The practice is less common than among the Noldor of Eastern Beleriand however.

-Feathers (usually of peregrine falcons or common kestrels) were also used as a method of communication among Arafinwëan scouts during the times of year where weather would allow for this, left in strategic locations, lodged into the earth or tucked into trees to indicate presence or dangers.

-Eggs of various ground species were eaten by the Bëorian population and there was a practice of burying the eggshells. This was learned from the elves of Ossiriand prior to their settling in Dorthonion.

-Birds eggs appear in Northern Sindar art, in or separate from nests. Though the eggs of certain species have different meanings, they are commonly associated more generally with fragility and defense. Their images may be created through pigments made from certain actual eggshells as well as minerals and plant based dyes. One common motif involves a nest of eggs upon a steep slope or cliff.

-Birds appear throughout Bëorian songs and poems. Most commonly mentioned are the general name for the “fisher birds” (wading and diving birds) seen on and around Tarn Aeulin, as well as several of the smaller songbirds found in the pine forests such as pine grosbeak, tree creepers, and thrushes. After the Bragollach the names for some species became lost or translated differently.

-Also it’s been a headcanon of mine for awhile that Baragund would take Morwen when she was a young child out to the cliffs to watch the birds. He would teach her to identify them by their call. She remembers a lot of them, even as an adult though they are called different names and their habits are often unfamiliar.

#the silmarillion #the children of húrin #Dorthonion #beleriand #musing and meta #Morwen #baragund #houseless for exiles #northern Sindar

[fandom-reblog-central]

I wish there were more af x dp and af x dc content

Artemis is prime adoption material as a child genius with black hair and blue eyes, and the clone and time travel stuff with Danny would slay

Post TLG: “You… overshadowed your clone?” “He was empty.”

Tim may have figured out the Batfam’s identities as a wee lad, but Artemis discovered and finessed a fae government

Holly has to fight a rogue (from either dp or dc)

Danny meets another weird rich person who is at least a little evil and obsessed with something inhuman

Orion and the batkids become besties

Artemis is rich: there could be gala shenanigans

Artemis starts studying ghosts since he’s on better terms with the fairies and the Zone is confused by this pallid living boy and his tank of a Butler

There’s even a chance for reformed rogue nonsense since he was raised to be an unscrupulous figure

Everyone bonding over the massive responsibilities they have despite being children

Bonding over the lack of real recognition

Arty and Timber bond over their absent parents and batshit (heh) shenanigans

Perhaps even Artemis (post character development) bonding over being slightly annoyed about needing to protect and always be better (Danny or batfam tbh)

Liminal!/Halfa!Artemis since he’s died before

Butler and Alfred know each other

Bruce trained at Madame Ko’s for a stint and met Juliet or Domovoi

Danny brings a message from Root/informs the poor man about what Holly is up to with everyone’s least favorite Mud Boy (and maybe angst where they meet again??)

Would Orion be in the Zone?

Arty and Damian bond (first over scathing judgements of others, then over shared interests, or they fill in each other’s gaps of knowledge, and they both have issues with their parental figures that remain unresolved)

Damian bullies Artemis for being weak and having generally bad reflexes (he’s so stabbable)

Artemis helps Danny modify his parents’ inventions (and/or gets into a friendly competition with Foaly and/or Tim to do so, Mulch tries to steal it)

Mulch tries to rob Bruce Wayne and gets in over his head

Goblin in Gotham

Troll in Amity Park

Ghost in Fowl Manor

Constantine is desperately avoiding the LEP

Holly blows up the Nasty Burger in a mission gone wrong (why is the sauce so flammable???)

The Riddler just can’t get one over on Artemis Fowl II

Tucker and Artemis end up in a hack-off with Foaly as the ref (or any combo of that lol—maybe even toss the dc computer batkids in there)

The Batfam finds they can’t speak another language to avoid being understood by Holly

Damian giving into whimsy and trying to disguise it as a diplomatic/vigilante/“just curious” thing when asking Holly about elves

Foaly messes with the batfam or tucker (or even the fruit loop)

Arty and the Bats are allies, find Holly, and when they take her in, she says something like “reminds me of the time Artemis kidnapped me” (Cue concern and confusion from BatFam, or, alternatively, “yeah, that sounds right”)

Batsy adopts another emotionally constipated child with a moral compass that knows where North is most of the time, but doesn’t like facing that direction

Barbara powers through some interference trying to defeat a rogue and discovers the LEP

Portal issues lead to Arty and the gang in the Zone or Gotham

Lazarus is a portal to the demon world, explaining the hair change (and possibly rage)

Dick trains Artemis to get more flexible, Jason bullies him into lifting weights or working on his punches, Damian keeps him on his toes with the whole stabbing thing—

Danny is enlisted by the LEP to tail Mulch underground, finds BatCave

There’s so much that could happen

This was so fun and exciting to think of, but I can’t do any of them justice

I am not a fanfic writer but I want this so bad

If anyone has any more concepts or perhaps even a snippet, please tag me!!

#af x dc #dc x af #dp x dc #dc x dp #af x dp #dp x af #af x dc x dp #af x dp x dc #dp x dc x af #dp x af x dc #dc x af x dp #dc x dp x af #Artemis fowl #Artemis fowl crossover #dc crossover #mulch diggums #Foaly #Holly short #danny phantom #danny fenton #the batfam #bruce wayne #Batman crossover #danny phantom crossover #please I’m begging you #crossover prompt #fanfic pls #would if I could #an original post? here?

[lordgrimwing]

On Crossing The Helcaraxë

[for March of the Noldor, hosted by @march-of-the-noldor]

Crossing the Helcaraxë was not easy. Hard does not even begin to describe the enormity of the undertaking or the torment of the Noldor upon the ice. When they reach Middle-earth, when they finally step off that barren waste dividing Arda from Aman, they are changed. Their families and friends back home might struggle to recognize them: gone are the beautifully styled hair, the gleaming gems, the heavy necklaces and bangles, the easy hope. They wear thick furs, crudely stitched together with sinew; their hair lays long and limp, dull in the sunlight and fragile in their hands; their bodies are thin, worn down to pallid skin stretched over the bones of their faces. Yet in their eyes, a pale light gleams, the light of the trees shining out of them, sustaining them just one step further.

The Sindar looked upon them with awe. These tall elves with features sharp as a blade, who did the unthinkable and crossed the endless ice desert, mighty and powerful. The awe fades when the truth comes out about their flight from Aman.

For some, crossing the Helcaraxë changed more than their bodies. They looked after each other on the ice, called out dangerous patches, fended off strange predators, and always shared what they found. Either they all ate, or no one did. If there was not enough food for a mouthful each, they gave it to the weakest. Anyone caught taking more than their share or trying to hide a small animal they caught was swiftly punished. Even after centuries in Middle-earth, some of them cannot set aside what they learned in the bitter cold.

Some never escape the hunger. They starved across the ice for decades; saw the rising of the moon and sun while gnawing bones of the wild animals and the unlucky; stumbled across the heaving ice, faint with hunger, as the mountains grew higher behind them, baring the path back. Over the years, the endless hunger wrote itself into their souls and the bridle remains of their bodies. In Arda, surrounded by food, they feel that this bite will be their last, that they will never be full again. They think ever of where they will find more food for everyone.

Some can never escape the lingering chill. They wear heavy robes, with cloaks lined in thick furs. Their skin is rarely uncovered. Woolen socks, gloves, and facecloths are common. For those seeking the comfort of a covering more than warmth, linen is preferred. When they must rest, either revelry or the exhausted sleep of Men, blankets keep the memories from creeping in like bitter frost.

Few who crossed the ice remain in Middle-earth by the Second Age.

#edited version of part of something i posted previously #crossing the helcaraxe #the noldor #marchofthenoldor #cw: eating disorder #grimwing writes

[comfort-questing]

26. "help them"

she wasn't the first soldier by far, that day, to come stumbling up to the healers' tent with a half-conscious companion leaning on their shoulder; but she was probably the most genuinely nervous-looking about it. not distraught, just - nervous, which set Thrace thinking right off, as she stood just outside the tent door flap with a basin of water balanced across her body.

"you're in luck," she said, in case an encouraging approach assisted; "most everyone's stable by now, and things aren't as busy as they were earlier just after the last companies returned..."

she didn't seem to be listening, just sank to her knees and let her limp burden slide to the grass.

"please," she said, "help them."

Thrace was about to swallow a well of course when she saw the color of the tattered jacket underneath the cloak wrapping the injured soldier, and the faintly silver undertone of their pallid face. her breath hitched a bit.

"that's - "

"yes. an elf. I know." the soldier swallowed hard, her lips trembling. "but - they're hurt, and I couldn't just leave them there."

she could have - she very well could have; Thrace was sure there had been any number of half- and three-quarters-dead elves left on the trampled woodland lanes of their battlefields recently. nobody else had bothered bringing one back for tending.

"they don't have any weapons, do they?"

"of course not. and - anyway, they're really not going to hurt anyone like this."

they weren't, really; not as they lay crumpled on the dirty grass there, with with an arrow through their side and a nasty slash across their upper thigh, half-staunched by what was probably the soldier's kerchief. they were a pitiful sight, a far cry from the fearsome archers and spellcasters that haunted the trees along their path.

"well - bring them in, then," Thrace said, bending down over her water basin, "and after I get the arrow out and clean them up I think you'd better find somewhere else for them to stay. or just don't be here, and I'll forget I saw you, huh?"

the soldier faltered a smile up at her, then, and staggered upright again with the elf limper than ever against her - "whatever you'd like," and then, " thank you."

"you're welcome." Thrace nudged the tent flap open with her boot, steeling herself for the familiar smell and sound of misery beyond, and let the others go in ahead of her.

she just hoped they weren't all going to be blown up in their sleep for this. but - maybe there was a reward for mercy in the end, or at least she could hope for it.

#whump #hurt comfort #febuwhumpday26 #febuwhump2024

[afoolandathief]

Find the word tag

Tagged by @faytelumos to find the words bind/tie, fall, avoid, flicker, and grace.

Tagging, if you'd like, @ceph-the-ghost-writer, @talesfromaurea, @authortango, and @authoralexharvey to find proper, text, sweep and sun.

TWs for language, references to nudity and hypnosis, guns, and severed heads:

Bind (Something Wicked)

Most Fae didn’t go by their true names, at risk of it binding them in a spell. Elves opted for flowers or plants as green and pretty as they were, and dwarves precious metals. But Caesar had aspired to something as big and shiny as the casinos lining the Strip. The little hobgoblin spent most of his days conning tourists out of their own names, and, if that didn’t work, their social security numbers.

Tie (The Friendly Visitors - couldn't help adding this one too)

Benji looked down at the pallid head of Slaughter Olsen. “I guess we’ve handled that, ah, issue,” he said. “I feel like I’m forgetting something, though.” “Could it involve the naked broad tied up in those chains over there?” Leech asked.

Fall (The Friendly Visitors)

Leech wasn’t wrong when he called him a coward. But the man had just threatened Dove, and his pistol was tucked lazily in his waistband. Benji shot forward, the last of his blankets falling off him as he pulled the gun off Leech. “What the -?” Leech started. “Shit.” He had his hands up, his beady eyes suddenly enormous. Benji pointed the gun at him and squeezed the trigger.

Avoid (Something Wicked)

She twisted her fingers through her bag strap and sighed. “What do I have to do to act like a thrall?” “A blank expression is fairly common,” Caz said. “At least when you’re first hypnotized. And I’d just avoid talking altogether, to be safe. And walk a few steps behind me.” Jade rolled her eyes. “God, this is the most sexist -” “Hey,” Caz cut in, snapping his fingers in front of her. “Thralls and vampires can be of any gender. We’re not sexist, just toxic.”

Flicker (Those Horrid, Horrid Things)

“We could work together, you and I,” she said. “We’ve helped one another before.” They crouched down and brought a finger to her cheek, pulling back a thread of gold. A smile flickered on their face, spreading into something white-hot and fierce. “Third, Freyja.” Gold tendrils wove across Freyja. Her eyes widened as Loki worked the spell into her. “You should never, ever threaten my family.”

Grace (Those Horrid, Horrid Things)

“Haljurunna Lokisdottir,” she said. “Do you know who I am?” Hel nodded. It was Frigg, Odin’s wife, the one who knew the fate of all. “You have a very special gift, my dear girl,” she said, and a little smile graced her lined face. Hel had never had a grandmother. She wondered if this was who she would be like.

#tag games #find the word tag #my writing #something wicked #those horrid horrid things #the friendly visitors