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landwriter · 14 days

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Ok, for the WIP title ask game, would An Eternity of This happen to be the Oaths follow up? 👀

It would be!! This snippet is the first thing that I wrote again after too many months with not enough writing. It's a scene with Thomas and Catte after Hob has gone out after Dream about the. V grateful to it for getting the gears going again, even though it doesn't quite fit in the rest of the coda. Pleased to have a reason to put it somewhere else, like riiiight here. ~1.1K of Oaths Coda under the cut:

When they were small, Catte had teased Hob for his lack of patience. When they were grown, she persisted in doing so, for he persisted in having none.

He took it in good humour, as was his character; just as it was hers to tease him in all the things she knew better about. It was a mercy that he had been born into a saddle and not to any other manner of work. Strong though he was, she suspected he would not be able to withstand waiting even for a dough to rise. Making a simple basket had nearly driven him to grief.

It was only now, that she felt the abashed stirrings of sympathy. Patience. She turned away from the window and sighed.

“By morrow, he told you,” she said, again.

“By morrow,” replied Thomas, again.

“How many times is that now? God’s blood. It’s not as if the answer is going to be different.”

“Four, I think,” he said dryly. “You’re beside yourself.”

Catte shook her head and scoffed. “So I am. Come and comfort your insensible wife, Thomas.”

He stood up from where he was sat by their hearth, and came to wrap his arms around her. Only she was insensible on the inside, and had to shut her eyes to resist the impulse to slide out of his embrace as soon as it caught her and go back to the window. Her husband was warm and solid and smelled of smoke and himself, and she could be still as him, even if she felt less like a woman and rather more like a flystruck horse in the fields, twitching and restive and nearly mad.

Thomas pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. “I’m not sure you can will yourself any calmer than this, hart. The others are surely drinking themselves blind tonight. If it wasn’t that your company was far better, I’d join them. You’ve more grace than us all.”

She smiled at the flattery and turned her face against his chest so she could half look out onto the dark moors. “I do have more practice.”

Thomas drew in a breath. “Is this what it’s like? Each time we ride out?”

Catte looked up. He met her eyes, and she thought of all the long winters, of waking before dawn and starting the day’s labours in the blue-grey light just for a reason to look to the horizon. Waiting for her Thomas before he was even hers, not wanting to put a name to the thing that already had her looking for him in the crowd of returning riders, dry-mouthed, no matter what they called each other.

She cupped his face and thumbed over his cheeks. Her husband now. Not that it made any kind of difference to how it felt, before or after, each and every time. But it was her work to carry the waiting, as riding was theirs. He should never have learned this feeling too. He’d recall it afresh when he rode out again and feel sorry twice over, for leaving and for knowing now how it felt to be left.

“Would you believe me if I say no?” she asked.

Thomas raised his eyebrows. “No. But I’d let you have it.”

“You shouldn’t let me have anything,” she said indignantly.

“Nay, you’d prefer to win it, love,” he said, hiding a smile, and she sighed. It was unjust that he knew her as well as she knew him. “You don’t need to explain. I just don’t know how you bear this.”

“It is like this. But it’s easier, too. Tonight is different.” When Thomas rode out, he was surrounded by good men, brothers and kin, some who she would grant were even as cunning or strong as her man. Hob had gone out with nobody, against a fell enemy they had never met before, not to chance suffering but to pay in it, and no way home but to withstand it all. It didn’t bear saying, so instead she said, “I have you with me. The bed won’t be cold.”

“You’re only trying to make me feel useful,” said Thomas. He pressed his face into hair. “Catte, I hate this,” he murmured.

“I know,” she said. “I hate it too.” Outside, rain gusted down, and they both fell silent, imagining Hob, outside and alone, making his way to Miles Cross.

“I’ll bank the fire,” said Thomas abruptly. Catte looked at the hearth and laughed. It had hours left in it. Thomas had been stoking it ceaselessly. It would take the whole bucket of cold ash.

“And I suppose then we’ll lie in bed and fall asleep,” she said.

He smiled crookedly. “Aye.”

But she did lie down in bed, and soon Thomas joined her, and pressed himself to her back like another bastle wall. Neither of them spoke. Catte had been surprised to discover how much she enjoyed the comfortable marital silence that came in sharing a bed, near as much as the very foremost activities of a marriage bed. Tonight, it hardly warmed her. Tonight, they were only silent because the remainder of their thoughts were too grim to speak aloud. They sounded awful enough inside her head.

Catte wanted to throw off the covers, shake all the fear off with it, but instead, she breathed slowly, and began to paint a picture behind her eyes. It was a childish habit, to soothe and distract. She hadn’t thought about it in years. Her eldest sister had told her to do it when Catte confessed she lost sleep for her nerves as soon her friends began to ride out. Think of someplace else. It doesn’t even need to be real, Effy had said solemnly. Name every detail of it, the smell and the sound and the feel, so you can go into it like another room.

A summer’s evening, she decided. A sky dark blue in the gloaming, the leavings of a perfect clear day. Sweet smelling air and a cool breeze in her hair. Dark enough for bats to be on wing in the field, light enough to point them out still, to her children, who were bonny and hale, and favoured her and Thomas both. But tonight they were indoors, sat at her feet on a yellow woven rug, listening wide-eyed to her fearful recounting of the Faerie Queen and the night their kinsman Hob Gadling won his love. Thomas comes inside, with more lines on his face and more handsome for it, and they pester him with questions, and he laughs—as he does, easily and often now, for here in this little room their future is plentiful and kind—and fetches Hob and his fey husband, both long since returned from the clutches of monstrous creatures, and then Thomas holds Catte in his arms the way he had since they were still half children themselves, and they all together listen to the only fairy story that was true, and ended happily.

WIP Title Ask Game

#wip title ask game #asks #oaths #the sandman

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cosmic-crybaby · 10 months

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Blue Skies - Tommy Shelby

Chapter 14: ‘Fade Into You’

Warnings In This Chapter: fluff,fluff,fluff. Some angst at the end (I can’t help myself, sorry)

Masterlist:

---

Thomas Shelby rarely got a night off.

Being a gangster came with the stress of the life they lived. Which also meant…

No time off.

But when your kids were away you missed their feet padding around the house. Without the sound of them running about, taking the horses out on the field, and whole mess of the Shelby Company Limited the two of you finally had the chance to enjoy each other's company over some dinner. After a busy week at the bakery, you were happy that you got to be alone with the man you adored. Much to your dismay, running the bakery by yourself just got harder and harder as the weeks went by. Polly was right.

Of course she was, she always was.

Ever since the night of the dinner party, the family was more open to you stopping by to visit Thomas in the office or joining him to the pub. This, of course, meant you would often run into Lizzie Stark. You didn't say much than a small head nod of acknowledgment before you would enter Thomas' office. If only she knew.

Thomas had a talk with you shortly after you had moved in, whether or not she should keep her position at the company. And being the forgiving and kind soul you were, you told him not to bother.

'Let her stay, Thomas…Do not punish her for your mistakes…but if I find out she fucks up again, she is gone…no further questions,' You told him sternly.

Plus Thomas knew better.

He also knew better than to invite you to any and all family meetings. With the exception of one. You and Thomas had attended a dinner with the rest of the business, and when Arthur started talking to John, who talked to Ada, who then brought Polly into it. At one point you found yourself slipping deeper in the knowledge of the family business. Shortly after it started, only did you wish you had stepped out. The longer you stayed, the more you realized how often you were getting involved with helping Thomas make decisions, double checking the accounting books, and being around to hear the gruesome carnage they planned, the more you tried to push the lifestyle away.

But you knew that was all inevitable.

So instead, you focused on your time with Thomas. You had sat across from each other at the dining table, eating chicken and vegetables quietly as it was all you could manage without feeling sick to your stomach.

“How was work?” You asked him, pushing the pieces of peas in a corner of your plate to eat the other, more desirable greens on your plate. Thomas takes a small sip of whiskey.

“Work was…” He takes a heavy sigh. “Well, work was fuckin’ work,” He muttered, making an obvious stop to the conversation. His work-life was overwhelming, of course anyone would find stress in a business like that. He glanced up at you for a moment. He wasn’t partial in talking about work while eating, most of the time, so these answers were always anticipated. But you still managed to make sure to ask him anyways, show him you’re still interested in him and that you still care.

He clears his throat before asking; “And you?”

“Busy as always,” You nod once. You refrained from giving away the fact that you were working yourself to the bone. Thomas would have you homebound in an instant if that were the case.

“You should look into hiring help, eh? We can get someone more than qualified…especially since you’re further along,” He arched a brow and motioned to your stomach. You chuckled dryly, putting a protective hand over the bump as your eyes shifted from your plate up to him.

“Thank you, Sweetheart but I don’t need any help right now. I am more than capable of handling the work,” You smiled.

“If I had anyone else behind that counter it would be like…” You paused. “Like an unwanted guest…It’s just tradition, love you know that all too well,” You shrug. He went quiet for a moment. You watched as he picked at the food on his plate. Sighing, you set your silverware down on the plate and stand up, pulling out the chair right beside him.

“Look,” He set his silverware on the plate as you reached for his hand.

“I know you are worried but I can handle this myself, I am not sayin’ I don’t appreciate your help, but all I want you to do is focus on the issue at hand…Stopping Luca Changretta, okay?” Your hands caressed his face as your thumbs brush over his cheek bones. His skin was warm as you glance at the freckles on his skin and the color regaining in his face. His eyes scan your face for a moment, a ghost of a smile causing the corner of his lips to turn up in the slightest. He reached his rough hands up to grab yours and bring them to intertwine with his.

“(Y/n)…” He paused, swallowing quickly. He was at a loss for words.

“Yes?” You peer through your long lashes.

He stared at you. The way your eyes looked so big and bright, your skin was glowing. Your voice was like heaven to him.

“Will you marry me?” The way his words casually flowed, as if he was having a perfectly normal conversation with you. Your eyes widened as your lips parted. Quickly leaning forwards to pull him into a hug. Your arms tightly wrapped around him as he gently kissed your temple and his hand rubbed your back. You held him close to you for a few silent moments, just trying to take in his proposal. You only let go and looked at him again when he whispered your name. Again you were at a loss for words as you looked up at him.

“I…I’m not sure,” You whispered, slightly shaking your head. You took his silence as a que to continue.

“I mean…If I say ‘yes’, God how can I say yes when we hardly know each other,”

Thomas caressed your cheek with his hand, using his thumb to wipe the small tear from the corner of your eye before it could roll down your face. As if he told you that everything was going to be okay.

“And how can I say ‘No’? I already love you so much,” Your voice cracked as you looked away, pressing your head to his chest as you listened to his heartbeat as it rapidly thumped against his chest.

“I am apprehensive…that if I do agree to marry you I will never know if we actually got married out of necessity or out of love…If I decline then I’ll never know if I passed up the love of my life,” You spoke quietly, holding him tighter. After another moment of silence, just soaking everything in before he said:

“I will never pressure you into giving me an answer…but know that I do love you, very very much and it would be an honor to marry you,” He said.

“If you’ll have me?” He added at the end with a small smirk. You let go of him, your hands clasp around his own as they rested by your sides.

“Yes…” You told him with a nod.

“Was that a yes?” He asked with a smile. After you confirmed he pulled you into a kiss.

“You thought I was gonna say no, eh?” You giggled. He exhaled in relief as he chuckled dryly. If he was being honest, he thought you were in fact going to say no. He pulls you into another deep kiss before reaching into his pocket to take out a small, velvet box. Opening it to reveal a ring. It had an oval ruby in the middle that laid on a golden floral bouquet design with small diamonds embedded, decorating the band.

You gasped at its beauty. Sniffling as he slipped the ring on your finger.

It was a perfect fit.

A few days later, you had stopped at the doctor's office for another check-up. With a clear head after learning your baby was perfectly healthy, you went home. You had gotten home a little later than usual but even at this time Thomas would usually be home by now, yet he was nowhere to be seen. You had waited up for hours, only to end the night eating dinner and going to bed disappointed. You were not aware what time it was when you stirred awake when you felt the mattress dip from his weight. He was exhausted and beyond aggravated as he let out a relaxed sigh after finally getting some kind of rest. He felt guilty for having drinks in his office rather than coming home sooner, unfortunately that’s expected when you live like a Shelby.

Thomas had to have been in deep sleep by the time you fully woke up in the middle of the night. Groaning as you rest a hand on your stomach to sooth the frequent late-night kicking. With his back turned to you, his slow breathing was a clear indication that he was fast asleep. You attempt to press your body against his, cuddling close to him. Craving that much-needed comfort from him. The second he felt your hand on his bare shoulder he pushed himself away.

Flinching your hand back, offended and confused, you sat yourself up. Hair a mess and eyes still dry and heavy with sleep. He grumbles groggily as you rubbed his arm with your hand. Testing to see if it was a genuine or involuntary reaction.

“Thomas…” You whispered. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m fuckin’ tired,” He mumbled, still facing away from you. You laid back down, making yourself comfortable again by propping all of the pillows around your stomach and between the two of you, giving him space as you laid awake staring into the back of his head.

“Do you…do you not find me attractive anymore?” You asked him.

You heard him let out a forced, heavy sigh before he shifted.

“I am very attracted to you but I need to sleep,” He mumbled again. “Please do not trouble yourself with this, not again,”

Rolling your eyes you laid on your back.

“I’m not it’s just…just painful for me that you refuse to touch me,” You whispered, the hurt evident in your tone. If he was looking at you, if he had taken a moment to just look at your face…your eyes, he would know just how hurt you actually were.

But instead all he said was:

“I’m sorry that’s painful for you,”

You fully turned to your side, your back facing him as well as you bit your lip as it trembled.

---

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vwritesaus · 5 months

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TSC WIP snippets pt. 1

this is a RATHER LONG POST sorry so i will put everything under the cut :>

to @faithfromanewperspective:

‘Is this Adelaide?’ Thomas asks in a high voice, his tone coloured with surprise. ‘I see no churches at all…’ ‘It’s just… sand,’ Alastair mutters by way of agreement. … ‘Apologies for the intrusion,’ Thomas begins, grinning shyly, ‘but I think we’re lost.’ ‘Lost!’ The man bursts out into crowing laughter and slaps Thomas on the shoulder. Alastair winces from the force of the action and the sound echoing in the chamber. ‘Let me guess—you were bound for Adelaide?’ Thomas blinks. ‘How did you—?’ ‘You’ll be amazed how many Shadowhunters end up here instead of Adelaide,’ the man tells him. ‘I swear, ever since those Portals became popular, our travelling system has gone to the dogs! You can’t go wrong with a horse and carriage, or just a horse, but no—you simply must travel by Portal now. Extremely unreliable, I say.’

to my four lovely anons:

1— When Thomas peers into the box, whatever remaining confusion was on his face vanishes. He stares blankly at the inside, his fingers frozen in place against the corners, and Alastair feels part of his stomach drop. ‘Alastair… what is this?’ Thomas asks softly. Alastair is grateful to find no disappointment or annoyance imbued in his voice—and then immediately chastises himself for thinking something so ridiculous in the first place. This is Thomas, the man who took his heart and holds it like it's precious and worthy and wanted. The man who saw past all the nastiness, the cold front Alastair had put up for so many years, and continued to love him regardless. The man who Alastair wants to spend the rest of his life with, no matter the odds. So he clears his throat slightly, shaking away the anxiety, and says, ‘It’s my ring, Tom,’ as though he is merely commenting on the weather. ‘I can see that,’ Thomas replies. He lifts his gaze and sets it on Alastair, his eyes glimmering with an emotion Alastair can’t quite put his finger on. ‘Why is it in a box?’

2— ‘Your father won’t bite him,’ Sophie tells him, a shadow of an amused smile on her face. ‘I imagine he merely wants to get to know him better.’ Thomas shifts in his seat and glances once more at the open doorway Gideon and Alastair have just walked through. ‘I know,’ he murmurs, ‘and for that, I’m so glad. Only, Alastair… I know he’s feeling nervous.’ ‘Whatever for, love?’ Smiling furtively, Thomas looks at his mother and says, ‘He wants to make a good impression. He’s very conscious of his—how did he put it? “Prickly personality”.’

3— Charlotte came into this marriage with the sole belief that he’ll fall in love with her in time. That no matter how long it took, she would see it through for the rest of their lives. Because she loves him, and love withstands the test of time no matter how hard a situation becomes. Now… now, she’s not so sure. Perhaps it’s time to realise that Henry will never love her.But she loves him. She can’t deny that, and she never could. She loves him, and she’ll live with that knowledge until she draws her last breath. But she doesn’t know how much longer she can keep her true feelings behind an alabaster mask of indifference, or hide her face in the pillow when Henry looks at her for too long, or press down the flutters her heart does whenever he does something silly, or makes a breakthrough with an experiment, or merely smiles at her. And yet, perhaps all she can do is break her heart fully and accept that, like her position at the London Institute, her marriage to Henry isn’t something that can last forever. That perhaps love can’t withstand the test of time, after all. That not even five years of being together could have Henry fall in love with her.

4— ‘There’s no need to panic,’ Thomas says softly. ‘I’m right here, aren’t I? You’re safe.’ There’s a beat of silence after Alastair sucks in a shuddering breath, during which he stares at Thomas with wild, terrified eyes. Then an odd flutter crosses his face, his expressive eyebrows dipping dangerously close to the middle of his forehead. ‘I’m—I’m safe?’ he splutters. ‘You think… you think—? Oh you… you stupid man.’ He grabs Thomas by the shoulders, not giving the man a chance to feel anything except confusion, and shakes him violently. ‘It’s not myself I’m worried about,’ Alastair croaks out. ‘It’s you.’

to @ibrushmyteeth-donttellanyone:

‘The point I wish to make,’ Alastair interrupts, ‘is that during that picnic, Fairchild and I had a rather… frank conversation.’ ‘About?’ ‘As far as I recall, it had something to do with an autumnal masquerade ball up in Cambridge which promises to have formal attire, a range of posh sorts, and an abundance of alcohol.’ Thomas blinks in astonishment. ‘Cambridge?’ he echoes. ‘Quite,’ Alastair says in a sombre tone, and Thomas laughs. ‘Yet… I suppose it would be a different venture than our usual nightly strolls and patrols.’ ‘It would,’ Thomas replies with a nod. ‘And it would be rather dire to attend such an occasion without Fairchild’s opulent outfits and charming personality, but it does bring forth the opportunity to be alone with each other without the need to entertain a third party.’ ‘I wholeheartedly concur with that statement.’ Alastair is about to say something else, but stops himself. He instead purses his lips and narrows his eyes at Thomas. Thomas merely stares back expectantly, trying his hardest to keep his expression neutral. He knows what’s about to happen, and grins inwardly when, like clockwork, Alastair visibly withers. ‘Are you really waiting for me to ask?’ he states in exasperation. A large smile overtakes Thomas’s face at the question, and he leans in until their noses are mere inches apart. He relishes how Alastair’s eyes widen at the sudden proximity—always so full of surprise whenever Thomas does this—and quickly kisses him before he can protest or say anything. ‘You refer to waiting for my beloved to ask me to attend a masquerade ball with him in Cambridge, correct?’ Thomas lowers his voice until it’s the softest whisper and says with utmost severity, ‘If so, then yes, I am.’

and last, but certainly not least, to @drunkonimagination:

‘Welcome home.’ Pulling back slightly, Thomas kisses Alastair’s curved mouth and presses their foreheads together. ‘Goodness—Raziel, have I missed you.’ There’s a soft snort, and long fingers brush over Thomas’s shoulders. Alastair’s voice is light as he says, ‘Last I checked, Thomas, I am not Raziel. Have I been gone so long that you mistake me for an archangel?’ ‘Yes, mi amor,’ Thomas replies playfully, ‘you’ve been gone far too long. You must remind me exactly who you are, and it must be done now. Before it is too late and I forget who you are completely.’ Alastair laughs loudly, and is still laughing when Thomas presses fast kisses all over his face.

also yes you read that correctly, it does say "pt. 1". pt. 2 will be posted sometime this weekend, and it'll be snippets from the remaining chapters of dear christopher and ch2 of timeless, so stay tuned if you're interested!!! :D

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scotianostra · 6 months

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On November 8th 1576 Elizabeth Bessie Dunlop was found guilty of Witchcraft and sentenced to be burnt at the stake.

Today, she would have been seen as a wise woman, a psychic or a medium. But when Bessie Dunlop went on trial in Edinburgh in 1576, she was quickly branded “The Witch of Dalry”, tortured, then burned at the stake.

For years, she had been helping locals with potions, predictions and cures for cattle. But she was an early victim of the Scottish witch purges, when the saying: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live” was taken literally.

Records of Bessie’s trial survived through the centuries and, perhaps because of that, she remains one of Scotland’s most famous “witches”. Plays and books have been written about her over the years.

Most recent accounts portray Bessie as a woman who helped locals and their livestock with herbal cures. She also claimed to possess “second sight” – and talked to spirits and “fairies”.

Under torture, most witches would admit to almost anything – from consorting with the Devil, putting curses on locals or even killing children. Not Bessie.

Instead, she claimed merely to have met with a spirit guide, who introduced her to the fairy folk, who resided in Cleeves Cove – the secluded caves just a mile and a half from Dalry.

In her confession, she claimed that while taking her cow to a field, she came across an elderly man with a grey beard.

He claimed to be the spirit of Thomas Reid, a former Baron Officer to John Blair of Dalry, who had been killed at the battle of Pinkie in 1547.

At the time Bessie was stressed with worry, her child, husband and cow were ill, and it seemed that they would not recover. The old man comforted her and predicted that her cow and child would die, but her husband would make a full recovery. He then disappeared down a hole in a dyke that was to be much too small to let any mortal man pass by it.

On their next meeting, the strange apparition offered her material goods in the form of horses and cows if she would denounce Christianity. She refused and said that she would rather be whipped. The angry spirit disappeared.

On his return, he introduced her to the ‘fairies’. Swearing secrecy, he introduced her to four men and eight women of Elfame, another name for the fairy realm. They were dressed as humans but very smartly, the men like gentlemen, and the women had ‘all plaids about them’. They were very friendly towards Bessie but when she refused to go with them ,they left with a “hideous ugly blast of wind” leaving Bessie lying sick on the ground.

She claimed her spirit mentor taught her how to cure cattle and children. People came to her for advice on a regular basis and her reputation was beginning to spread. She was allegedly even able to tell people the location of missing items.

And it wasn’t just the poor folk of the town who consulted her.

Lady Johnstone sent a servant to consult her regarding the sickness of her daughter. Bessie in turn consulted Thomas. “Her sickness,” he is recorded as having told her, “is due to cauld blood that went about her heart, that caused her to pine away. Therefore, let her take equal parts of cloves, ginger, annis-seed, and liquorice, and mix them together in ale; seethe them together; strain the mixture; put it in a vessel, then take a little quantity of it in a mutchkin can, with some white sugar cast among it; take and drink thereof each day in the morning; walk a while after, before meat, and she would soon be better.” Bessie was also consulted by Lady Blackhall and received as payment a peck of meal and some cheese. Lady Thirdpart, in the barony of Renfrew, sent to her to discover who had stolen some coins out of her purse – Bessie named the culprit.

She was also consulted by the daughter of William Blair of Strand, who was to be married to the Laird Crawford of Baidland. Thomas, speaking through Bessie, suggested that if she were to marry him she would come to an untimely demise by her own hand. The wedding plans were dropped and the laird finally married the woman’s sister.

Thomas also allegedly predicted that Bessie would face trial for her dealings with the spirit world, but her neighbours would save her from evil. Sadly for Bessie, that prediction failed to come true.

The crime of which she was accused was “sorcery, witchcraft, and incantation, with invocation of spirits of the devil, continuing in familiarity with them at all such times as she thought expedient, dealing with charms, and abusing the people with devilish craft of sorcery aforesaid”.

Bessie is believed to have been burned to death on Edinburgh’s Castle Hill.

An alternative legend claims she was brought back to Ayrshire and burned at Corsehillmuir, Kilwinning. The court records fail to describe her final fate.

An ongoing campaign goes on in Scotland to have all those who were killed after a witchcraft conviction, tro be pardoned.

#scotland #scottish #history #witchcraft #Judicial murder #Cruelty

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look-at-the-soul · 2 years

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Tommy Shelby Master list

✨Separate Master list for mini series, one shots and long series.

Gif by @thesoldiersminute gif set

Mini series

Pre war series - Follow Tommy & Sabine’s story through letters and flashbacks before, during and after the war.

Adele song challenge: All I ask (Part 1), “Can’t love you in the dark” (Part 2)-

One Shots

Late -Summary: You are engaged to someone else. Tommy Shelby is married. If only you two had crossed paths sooner… Sometimes chances are late. And there’s nothing you can do about it.

Saving each other - Summary: Danny Whizz Bang died at the end of S01, he was killed by Billy Kimber, two years later, his wife, Rosie and their kids will need Tommy Shelby’s help. Grace has betrayed him. They will learn they can help each other.

Safest place to hide - Summary: Tommy’s mother passed away recently, his father, Arthur Shelby Sr abandoned them out of nowhere, leaving a few months old baby Finn with his siblings, while Polly took over as a mother figure to them. But you have some important matter to tell him. (Pre war)

Lips of an Angel- S6 Farewell Mr. Shelby, I hope you take your white horse and ride bareback.

This isn’t goodbye- Babba is an elderly gypsy who lost her vision a long time ago, but now she can ‘see’ through her hands. It’s a gift that allows her to know your deepest secrets. Tommy asks for her help because he can’t sleep, the Grace hallucinations are becoming too much, but instead he will find out something he didn’t know about his first love, Greta.

Love will keep you up all night - Tommy tries to calm his little girl after she started crying scared of the storm outside. So he shares a little story of how he met her Mum.

Moondance -Tommy and his wife have a particular way to communicate while being mad at each other; through their children. When he decided to start keeping his promises, he starts with a dance.

Do I - Tommy and you had a fight, now you both have to deal with the consequences of what you said and did.

What about now - After two kids and being together for a while, Tommy decides it’s the right time to propose to the mother of his children.

Unbreakable- Being best friends with Thomas Shelby had a lot of benefits; full protection, your business was always looked after to prevent getting robbed by from thieves, your daughter was attending the same school than his children because he loved Sally as if she was his own. But it also could get you into unsolicited trouble.

More than words -Tommy struggles to sexually satisfy his woman when in reality, all she needs from him is to show her how much she means to him.

Have it all - Modern AU Tommy Shelby: Professor Jeremiah invites a friend during his ethics class to talk to his students since they are starting their last year in college. Turns out you weren’t a stranger to Mr. Shelby.

Making amends- Tommy Shelby x reader: Tommy hires a new horse trainer. But she will do more than just train his horse, she will fix his broken relationship with Charlie and in the process, she will earn his heart.

Ain’t she sweet- Tommy x Reader: Charlie finds out his Mum was shot, he decides to be distant from you, as the relationship gets harder you ask Tommy to put your engagement on hold.

Someone like you - Tommy x reader: Tommy meets a mysterious woman that looks exactly as his mother, since they believe in reincarnation, he thinks his mother found her way back to him.

Drunk on you - Tommy Shelby x reader Tommy would only admit his feelings for you after, well a night of drinking.

New traditions - Modern Tommy Shelby x reader + Charlie. Who knew that new traditions could make Tommy go soft and do things he wouldn’t normally do?

Black Velvet- Tommy Shelby x OC (Eva Smith). Eva prepares a recipe after dreaming with it. But she adds a secret ingredient to grant Tommy’s eternal love.

Collecting moments, not things -Modern Tommy Shelby x Y/N (inspired by the Blind Date couple), they take Charlie to the orphanage to celebrate Christmas with the kids.

A new kind of love -Modern Tommy Shelby x YN. Join Tommy, Charlie and Y/N to discover a new kind of love, in the form of a little new (and very cute) friend 🐾

Straight to the heart -Tommy Shelby x reader (nurse). Tommy has brain surgery but he will meet the one person who will stay with him day and night and take of him without asking from anything from him, but his heart.

Save yourself- Tommy Shelby x reader; inspired by KALEO’s song, in this story reader finds Tommy cheated, her reaction will have Tommy wishing he never did it.

Make your heart my home - Tommy Shelby x reader; Y/N is running away from Durham until she gives in on a rainy night thinking there’s nothing left for her, until Tommy finds her.

Close your eyes, make a wish - Modern Tommy has to face a kind of war he’s never been into before.

The one - Modern Tommy met his gf through a modern tool, join their little weekend getaway.

My refuge - Tommy Shelby x daughter reader; after finding his long lost daughter, they develop a strong and close bond, making Michael feel off towards his niece because of her charming and sweet personality.

A thoughtful gift - Tommy Shelby x reader; Y/N has a present for Father’s Day, taking Tommy by surprise, but you’ll be surprised by Charlie’s joke

The way to a man’s heart - Tommy Shelby (dark). Y/N will play a crucial part tearing apart the Shelby family, and this is only the start.

Skyfall- Tommy faces one of the hardest moments of his life when his family goes to prison, but he won’t face it alone.

Hometown Glory - Tommy is forced to go back to his Watery Lane house after Jimmy McCavern planted explosives in his property and takes away something that really matters to the Shelby leader.

The choice - 🎃 Tommy is losing Ruby from consumption, so he rushes to ask for help to a woman he had heard owns some kind of special power. But changing the course of things around has consequences.

The Photoshoot- Peaky Blinders edition

Always with me- Tommy Shelby x reader (+Grandma) 👵🏻🎄 Follow Tommy to plan for a different holiday for his girlfriend who is dealing with a significant loss

Grandma knows best -

Because of you- modern Tommy Shelby

Endless love- Modern Tommy. Y/N is “forced” to leave her husband and baby for the weekend, so join Tommy to sort parenthood by himself for a couple of days. How will he deal with everything? Including a fussy baby.

Toy soldier- Charlie is scared by the noises in his bedroom, so Tommy finds the perfect way to brush his fears away by sharing a story his own mother told him a long time ago.

Series

All we’d ever need- You are Polly’s goddaughter, met Tommy when you moved in with your godmother. After Grace left, when he was broken, in a shell, moved by the pain… until he started noticing you. Then in a serious relationship some unexpected news will shake their worlds a little.

Every little thing you do- Y/N has been Tommy’s best friend since childhood. She had always been there for him when he needed her the most. Now as the Shelby family are in a better position, Y/N will need Tommy’s support when something she didn’t expect happens.

Brotherhood (coming soon)

Blurbs here

Series

#That’s what Cill said #tommy shelby #peaky blinders #cillian murphy #cillian murphy imagine #tommy shelby imagine #cillian murphy fanfic #peaky blinders imagine #tommy shelby x fem!reader #tommy shelby x reader #tommy shelby x you #tommy shelby x y/n #tommy Shelby smut #thomas shelby x you #Thomas Shelby fanfic #Thomas Shelby smut #Cillian x Tommy

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incorrectbatfam · 2 years

Note

duke thomas headcanons?

When he was 3, he made his mom buy one of those bear-shaped honey bottles and slept with it at night, refusing to let anyone open it and eat the honey. This went on for weeks, so his mom emptied out the honey and replaced it with honey-colored resin

He has an unexplainable distrust of 2% milk

One time he and Dick were on a bike ride and he made them stop so a turtle could cross, even though they could've easily moved it or ridden around

Duke collects dentist hourglasses (the 2-minute ones for brushing teeth) and whenever someone annoys him, he puts one in their bathroom

His first kiss with Izzy was when they were cleaning up after robotics club by themselves

Instead of stealing his siblings' stuff, he puts them in random places.

Dick: "Jason, why are your shoes on my toilet seat?"

Jason: "You tell me. Why is your grapple under my pillow?"

The worst cold Duke ever had was when he was 5 and his nose felt like they had corks shoved up them. After that, he swore never to get sick again, and he's been true to his word

He listens to lo-fi when he studies and Damian drew him as the Lo-Fi Girl

He's the only one allowed to be alone in the Manor because all he does is re-enact that dance scene from Risky Business

Bruce memorizes everyone's comfort candy. Duke's is the left Twix

Duke accidentally got a one-day job at a mall kiosk

Everyone thinks Jason brought the Welsh Christmas horse to holiday dinner and gave it a seat at the table, but it was Duke

#ask #anonymous #duke thomas #signal #batfam #batfamily #batbros #batboys #batkids #batsiblings #batman family #dc comics #headcanon #tw mari lwyd #tw food mention

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sl-newsie · 2 months

Text

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 8: Money Buys Power

“Knock knock.”

The voice stirs me awake, having fallen asleep while doing embroidery before bedtime. In the blurry light I see Thomas standing in the doorway. Is it a trick of the light, or is…?

My eyes widen. “Oh my God! Tommy, your face- you’re covered in blood!” I bolt upright and rush over to get a better look. Strangely the gangster does not seem disturbed.

“It’s not mine,” he replies as he takes my hands to calm me down.

“Dear Lord… Danny?”

He nods.

My head starts spinning. “Oh God… Will he have a funeral?”

Thomas squints. “Not exactly. But I’m not worried about that now. What matters now is the supply of guns. Actually, I’m- What is it you call it? A ‘bit of a pickle’ myself. You know those guns I told you about?”

“Yes.”

He gets a sly grin. “They’re not mine. They were sent by mistake on account of a few drunk idiots. Now the Crown’s looking for ‘em, which poses a threat to us. But I won’t give them back without something in it for the Peaky Blinders.”

That’s it. That’s why everyone’s been so on edge! Thomas, Campbell… It’s all a power scheme. A challenge for one to outwit the other.

“Oh, I get it. The whole ‘I’ll never reach Heaven, why not raise a little Hell’ bit?”

Thomas rubs some caked blood off his coat. “Something like that.”

“Here. Allow me.” I take out my handkerchief and start to dab the red smears off his face. “I thought you were supposed to dispose of the guns?”

“I changed my mind.”

By God I want to slap him. “Are you crazy? You must be crazy, ‘cause that’s one-a the craziest things I’ve ever heard in my life!”

Thomas laughs and pats my shoulder. “I love it when you get animated. Your accent gets thicker.”

I gawk at his laid-back mannerism. “Since when does my accent have anything to do with the fact that you’re stubborn enough to keep stolen artillery?!” I hiss.

“If they want it they’ll have to pay," Thomas replies coolly.

I was wrong. It’s not just about power. Money buys power. Money. It's a crime. Share it fairly, but don't take a slice of my pie. Money, so they say, is the root of all evil today. (Pink Floyd)

I lightly smack Thomas with the handkerchief and put my hands on my hips. “Money? This whole plot is about money? When will enough be enough for you Shelbys?” I point a warning finger. “You’re stubborn. And your arrogance is going to bring you, your family, and everything you care about crashing down on your head.”

“Are Americans always this cocky with their employers?” Thomas asks in a mysterious tone. “It’s a rich man’s world, love. You can’t help it as much as I can.”

There’s no use trying to change his mind. So instead I finish cleaning up what blood I can and pivot to walk back to bed.

“If you woke me up only to scare me with blood and murder then please leave.”

“Well, there’s some good news. Monaghan Boy won.”

The new subject of the gorgeous horse lifts my spirits. “He did? Congratulations!”

Thomas scoffs. “Arthur didn’t seem too happy. Just had to shoot my dear friend and he comes up raging about a bloody horse.”

Something’s up. Thomas speaks of killing a friend but he doesn’t look sad in the slightest. Instead he’s looking around the room at my few belongings; probably trying to determine my social status in America.

“Then why do you look happy instead of someone who’s supposed to be grieving?”

Thomas turns around wearing a devilish smirk. This intrigues me. It’s as if he expects me to decipher a clue-

“You didn’t kill him, did you?” He shakes his head. “Why? How?”

Thomas points to his head. “Sheep brains, darling. Made it look real convincing. Another magic trick, if you will.”

Even under that cold shell there is a sliver of compassion in Thomas Shelby.

A smile finds its way to my face and I walk over to pat his shoulder in respect. “I knew there’s still good in you, Thomas. Someday you will too.”

For some reason Thomas is confused by this but doesn’t question further. Instead he gets a certain look in his eye that tells me he’s thinking up a new idea. A few seconds of silence go by but I don’t mind. A quiet conversation of eye contact tells me twice as much as a whole hour of useless dialogue. I must say that I’ve started growing a tolerance to his icy gaze.

“If you’re up for it, we’re going out for a drive to the country tomorrow,” Thomas finally speaks.

“Is this for Peaky Blinders only? Why ask me?”

The gangster simply shrugs. “I thought you could do with some time away from this dusty place. Just a suggestion, so if you don’t wanna-”

“Are you bonkers?” I grin. “That sounds perfect. When do we leave?”

Thomas is intrigued by my interest. “7 am, bright and early. So it’s best to get some shut eye.” He wants to say more but stops. I shouldn’t push it, especially if he’s starting to warm up to me. Thomas may be a kind person when he wants to be but he’s still my boss. And now-

Now he takes my hand and presses a quick kiss to my wrist before tipping his hat in parting.

“Good evening, Ms. Steenstra,” Thomas mutters as he exits the room.

“Sleep well, Mr. Shelby,” I reply as I shut the door.

That man is a complicated puzzle if I ever saw one. One minute he speaks of murder and money, the next he’s discussing a drive in the country. And to say that I wasn’t touched by his goodnight kiss would be a serious understatement. It’s not every day that a fella takes the effort to pull off a charm like that, especially for a background nobody like me. Granted, father’s tried to set me up for courting with a few associates of the family but I never wanted to settle down. I still don’t. Do I? I- No. No I do not. I’m here to teach Finn, and that’s what I am going to do.

Before my mind can spin anymore outlandish ideas I climb under the covers.

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord, my soul to keep; If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord, my soul to take.”

If only Thomas could see there’s more to life than a mad scramble for power.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinder imagine #peaky fucking blinders #peaky fookin blinders #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby #arthur shelby #john shelby #finn shelby #polly gray #grace burgess #pink floyd

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saintmeghanmarkle · 26 days

Text

Narcissism 101: Using Google alerts and SEO by u/Imfryinghere

Narcissism 101: Using Google alerts and SEO I'm gonna rant here because still many of you do not understand how and what Narcissism works and its transformative and traumatic effect on their victims.@ Google Alerts and SEOYou might think these two matters more to the Dumble Dees but you forget their gift of gab as in oral skills is their bread and butter. They disseminate false information through their mouths and let them fester in their victims.Didn't we learn in this sub and dealing with narcs that they will twist anything to their own advantage? So why give them (presstitutes, sugars and the toilet bowls) ammunition?Examples:using William instead of just naming Harry who did the abuse on the horse. Did you ever think that one minion can or will disregard H because W (the bigger fish) is attached to the "killing" sentence?How about Anne Pasternak's hitpiece in the Tatler? Does it ring a bell to you?How about Giles Coren's 'there is an affair"? Did you all forget?Do you all want more twisted tales just because you don't want SEO searches on Harry where we can make sure the searches will actually go to the facts and not made up by them?@ Reimagining ScenariosNarcs are well-known to do this hence we get plenty of confusing statements/scenarios/events/people from their tales.Examples:Didn't Harry in his Spare book twisted how he wore the Nazi uniform because of William and with Catherine egging him on?Kill Notice on the family photo for Mother's day uploaded by Catherine. Russia/China hard-on by some people regarding the bullying against the Royal family when there's the Montecito, California USA gang, the Scotland group, Ireland, and even England groups.@ Lies, Lies and OmissionsLike reimagining scenarios, narcs lie, lie and lie 24/7 just so they can control the narrative and make people believe it. Examples:Narc minion Endgame named Charles and Catherine as racists supposedly in the Dutch translation of his book which he details his interactions with their "narcness" and then blame the poor translator for the blunder.Meghan was so smug to demonstrate how she curtsies in their Netflix show but her Suits tv series has shown she can actually curtsy properly.Meghan making lies that her father, Thomas Markle Sr, didn't pay for her college studies and a lot more lies against Thomas.@ Passive-Aggressiveness and BullyingNarcs have perfected passive-aggressiveness in the way they deal with their victims. They make you feel like you are the one who has wronged them when its actually the other way around.Examples:Meghan's pathetic letter to her father, Thomas Markle Sr, making up lies after lies about Thomas.Oprah interview with Meghan and Oprah weaving a tale of racist royal famiy where both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were seemingly the racists. Need I say more on this?Meghan's Bench and their visit to a Harlem school where they put the kids to sit on the hard and hot ground while she sitting on a good seat narrates her Bench wearing couture pyjamas and tacky bling-bling.Now, if you still do not understand narcissism, I just hope you aren't a current victim of one to be this blind. post link: https://ift.tt/vXg53Ar author: Imfryinghere submitted: April 02, 2024 at 12:19PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

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saintsir4n · 9 months

Text

___

1914

EDEN Dawkins was never the type that liked nature, instead, she preferred to be at home, reading or even at the Garrison to have a quick drink, especially after a long day nursing concussions, illness or even bruises and cut lips from the local bandits. She steered away from horses because her mother inspired a fear of them in her from a young age. But here she was, in Charlie Strong's yard, wearing her worst outfit, trousers, a thick shirt and riding boots that she brought for cheap and mended them.

When she met the icy pair of eyes that were beaming at the sight of her she tutted.

"I have a man Mr Shelby and he wouldn't want someone like you around me."

"And what am I like then eh?" Tommy asked, staring across his uncle's yard at her.

She shrugged, "A gangster, typa man to pull a gun on someone for looking at him wrong."

"He's got that right, I would. But he's missed something," he paused, coming closer to her, dodging the copious amounts of horse manure and loose hay he no doubt will have to sweep up.

"And what's that?" she withheld a smile when he appeared in front of her.

"I would pull the trigger if they looked at my woman wrong as well."

He caught the glimmer of happiness swimming in her brown pools as he inhaled the faint scent of cedar wood (his favourite smell) and alcohol, which she used as an anaesthetic at work earlier today. Breathing in, all she could sense was the whiskey, cigarettes and aftershave, Tommy's natural musk. She was sure that he would add the stench of a barrel to that as well.

"Oh really?" she teased, dodging his kiss by pressing a hand to his chest, "We shouldn't, I'm taken."

He rolled his eyes, "This man can't be too good if he lets you around me."

She hummed, "Suppose you're right, he's not the tallest."

"Oi." he would've thrown her over his shoulders then and there but he knew Curly was around somewhere and hated seeing him being rough with Eden, even if it was a joke.

"Or the sharpest tool in the shed."

"Thinking of our Arthur are ya?"

She tapped her chin, "Perhaps but the prettiest one of you boys is definitely Johnny."

"Watch it," she could hear the amusement in his tone.

A smile tugged at her lips, "Only messing, now can I get a kiss?"

He blinked at her, "Want one from the smallest, ugliest Shelby?"

"Half of that is true...alright I'll stop, you're the most dashing man I've ever seen," she gushed, running her hands over his patchy jacket and up to his neck.

Fighting off the blush breaching his cheeks, he said, "And you're not too bad you're self."

"Leaving," Her smile dropped as she tried stepping around him, but his hands caught her waist.

"Calm yourself down, you know how many times I've had to fight someone off for hearing what they've said about you and your looks? I feel like I'm punching every man in Small Heath for underselling your beauty. Pretty don't do you, Justice, so I'll kiss you until I think of a word that does."

And with that, she melted into the kiss he'd been trying to steal.

Tommy and Eden had been dating for a couple of months and it hadn't been easy. Glares were thrown her way more than usual and jaws clenched around the couple like they had something to say but never did.

During this time, the quaint betting shop the Shelbys owned was drawing much more traction, more customers came in to put down money for whatever horse they believed would win and even though the family sometimes lost out money, they were still happy with their winnings. Considering it had been two years since they'd opened the shop, four since Arthur Sr left and five years had passed since Mara Shelby took her own life; their family was doing well.

"Not yet Thomas," she said when he suggested that she should come and see the new horse he'd been training.

"Thomas? You mad at me?" he asked, racking his brain for when he last pissed her off and god knows it was a lot.

"No, I just don't think I'm ready and you said it yourself, he gets scared if you breathe 'round him."

"I said that months ago," he tugged her over to an old haystack that was hidden around the back of the barn where the wild Mustang he had taken a liking to resided, "Y'know I'll be next to you when I show him off."

"Still doesn't have a name?" he saw through her oblivion's deflection.

Taking her hand in his, he stared at her, making her gulp slightly.

Tommy always had the ability to look through her, like he was seeing her soul, his gaze was the most powerful thing she felt and yet she loved it as much as she hated it. His stare was suffocating and only when he decided to let go was when she could breathe again.

Deciding not to press the matter, because he was cautious of how anxious she became he glanced down, trailing his callous finger over the back of her hand. He did it whenever he couldn't find the right words to say. He adored her hands, so delicate to the touch, often growing envious of the patients she had to treat because they would feel these nimble and gentle things all over them.

Eden could see there was something on his mind and she didn't know what it was, for the past couple of times she'd seen him, he tended to randomly stop talking which confused her as his voice was both his defence and attack. Without meaning to, it was also his instrument that he could play and manipulate to his bidding only when he decided to tune it properly.

"What's wrong, have you gone mute?" her tone was soft, yet impatient, but that didn't stop him from playing with her hands.

He huffed out a chuckle, "No."

"Oh, Tom have you got something to say to me? Just spit it out..."

What she didn't know was how many people kept approaching him about how close she and Lorenzo Changretta were and despite knowing they were best friends, he hated it.

"Those fuckin' eyes."

"What about 'em?"

He took off his cap, "Can't say no to you when I stare into 'em."

"I–" she glanced down, furious about how easily his charm worked on her, "I didn't ask you anything other than for you to say what's on that mind of yours."

Tommy wanted some whiskey, no, needed it to calm his nerves and no he wasn't a nervous man, Polly thought that emotion skipped him. Any drink would calm him, Christ, if only his brothers brought him some, but he knew they were tucked away in the snug getting so drunk they properly couldn't walk home. He didn't know why, but he always hated being vulnerable about Eden, even after all these months, even when Freddie said, 'She's your woman, just tell her, Women are more loyal than men nowadays'. Eden was loyal, she was more than that, she was his His Eden. His little safe haven. Although religion never sat right with him, he believed she was sent to save him.

There was something that he wanted to tell her, something that she deserved to know since they were together and had been for more than any other relationship he'd been in.

But instead, he kissed her like a starved man, for which she was the forbidden fruit that was dangling right before him and he would be damned if anyone would prevent him from taking a bite.

Cupping the back of her head with one hand and using the other to guide her backwards, he poured the passion he felt into her, lapping her tongue with his and feeling up and down her sides. When she moaned his hand only drifted lower, yearning to rip the clothing from the skin he craved to touch.

But their intimacy had some bounds.

She pushed him off before he could leave her indecent.

"We can do it here, Tommy, you wouldn't risk anyone seeing me would ya? I know how jealous you get," she breathed out, still appearing flustered when he stared at her, licking his lips. Almost a minute went by before he let go of her. Her grin faded when he tugged her forward, so she felt his hardened state and whimpered, "Tom."

He dropped his gaze to her chest, "Just wanted you to know that your actions have fuckin' consequences."

"Alright fuck off."

A voice interrupted them, "Yes nephew, you better not knock her up Tom, I don't wanna have to deal with Pol."

The couple immediately snapped their heads to the side to see Charlie standing there, with combs and brushes in hand and a grimace on his face.

When Eden went to jump away from Tommy, he pulled her even closer.

"We were about to look at the fuckin' horse," he stated.

Charlie shot him a sarcastic look, "Oh is that what they call it nowadays?"

Eden averted her gaze, feeling severely embarrassed as the two men spoke Rokker, judging from Tommy's face he hasn't too happy, but Charlie continued to tease him.

Shortly after Curly appeared, the stableman was in his element whenever it involved horses, Tommy believed he was one of the best horsemen in England. Eden thought he was cute, and much easier to talk to than Charlie, perhaps it was because he didn't have much to say at all.

"Eden... Tom, Tommy, we're almost finished setting up the new boy, he's a bit scared, just have to be nice to him," he mustered out.

Eden timidly smiled at him and Tommy noticed how nervous she was.

"We'll be there soon," he said, taking her hand.

Charlie frowned, "Don't be too long, it's Sunday, can't be missin’ out on Sunday dinners can we?"

"Alright alright."

And with that, the two men disappeared back into the barn.

Tommy reached into his pocket and withdraw his cigarette tin, all while Eden started playing with his cap, analysing the razor she and Polly spent a while stitching into his, Arthur and John's caps. The blade was peeking through too much and it was only a matter of time before she had to fix it.

She felt him place a cigarette between her lips, then lit it. They would always light each other's smokes, ever since they began courting it was a thing that had going on, small intimacies. Taking another drag she grabbed his chin, then blew the smoke into his parted chapped lips.

She was mesmerised when he exhaled.

But he honestly thought she looked even more beautiful with a smoke in hand, watching her cheeks suck in, showcasing the beauty spots that decorated her face. He counted every single one over and over again as he found solace in the tobacco. You have more smoke comin' out of you than a fuckin' train, Eden always joked, despite being the one to light them for him.

He smoked more than trains and she judged more than the police, he believed.

"What?" she asked.

They'd been sitting there for a few minutes, in silence, just listening to the sound of the trees blowing in the wind, the trimmed grass sway and the sounds of the horse's neigh. The drop in temperature had her shivering and Tommy wouldn't let that slide, so he took off his jacket and rested it on her shoulders, leaving him in a thick jumper with his shirt collars peeking through.

"You ready?" he asked, standing up and stubbing out the cigarette.

Eden scrunched up her face, "Do I have to go?"

He pulled her up, "Everyone looks more powerful sitting on a horse."

She scoffed, "Who said I was riding it?"

"Who said I weren't referrin' to myself?"

She groaned and shoved him to the side, he mimicked her groan, further aggravating her. Tommy and his impressions would be the death of her.

She gasped when they turned the corner, coming into the barn and seeing the dark brown trembling horse.

Curly and Charlie were nowhere in sight, it was only her, Tommy and the horse.

Oh fuck.

Tommy stepped closer, holding his hands up when the horse caught his movements.

Eden could hear the little cooling words Tommy spoke and she smiled, never seeing him in such a way. It was like she wasn't there, only him and the wild horse.

Gently grabbing the bridle, Tommy continued to whisper, rubbing its forehead down to his muzzle.

He cast a look to Eden holding out his hand, encouraging her to slowly walk towards them.

It was as if the horse could feel her nervousness and started stomping on the grassy floor, creating dents with his heavy hooves, driving her to a halt.

"Eden..." he whispered to the horse, "you're not scared of a pretty girl are ya, boy?" he motioned her to walk which she did, realising how big the horse was almost the same size as them which drove her nerves up the wall, "she's not gonna hurt you. You're not gonna hurt her."

Eden gulped when Tommy took her hand and carefully placed it on the horse's side, she was almost as apprehensive as the animal.

"See... there you go."

She heard Tommy's words as she kept touching the horse.

He smiled when her shoulder's dropped all the tension, though the look in her eyes told her that her fear wasn't gone, after all, it had been less than a few bloody minutes. He never had to search her eyes for meaning for too long.

Eden's eyes doubled in size when she realised that Tommy had let go of her hand and taken a few steps back.

"Gosh Tommy," she whispered, "Look."

A smile graced his lips at her excitement.

"I can see darlin'."

"Have you decided on a name yet?"

"I talked to Curly and Charlie...Curly wasn't too happy but he's lettin' you name him."

She gasped softly, not wanting to scare the animal that wasn't shaking as much any more.

"Really?"

"Yeah," he said, smiling and coming back to them and rubbing down its back. "You're a natural, not even freakin' out anymore."

"Shut up, I didn't freak out."

"Oh really? The bit of piss on that haystack over there –"

She gasped and extended her leg to kick him.

He dodged her attempts, softly chuckling at the glare in her eyes.

"Y'know, he never likes to be out during the day," Tommy commented, remembering when the horse acted as if the sun burnt him whenever it touched its skin.

Eden hummed, and then something came to mind, "Shadow, he should be called Shadow."

"Shadow, and why that?"

"He hides from the sun, ain't that what shadow means?"

He didn't really know or care, he just loved how she looked, whispering to the horse she claimed to be afraid of, only took a few months, and he promised that he would change that and did, well only a little bit.

"Whatever you say, love, whatever you say."

—

The day was coming to an end and the moon would soon be in their sights, no doubt her mother would send Isaiah to look for her since it was a Sunday, she couldn't be missing Sunday dinners, Polly was the same.

The couple left Charlie's yard after Tommy told her the time.

Walking along the cobble streets she was still slightly in shock.

It was the first time she'd been anywhere near a horse, let alone touched one. Sure she saw the Shelbys throughout the years ride them through the streets, but it stunned her to see how large they were up close.

"Are you gonna tell me what's going on in your head? You seem off," she asked, walking along the lane.

"Nothing was wrong."

"Sure?"

"I'm sure, just wanted to spend time with you, is that a crime?"

"It is, if I was out for another hour, mum would've killed you," she said, coming to her front door.

They only lived a few houses apart.

"You said she loves me."

"Sometimes."

She laughed when he nervously ran a hand through his raven hair, it was fuller on the sides and needed to cut it off soon.

"So... since you say you ain't mine, some random toff's girl, can I still steal another kiss?"

"A toff? You think that low of me?"

"Never."

She pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, drawing a smirk from him.

His fingers trailed over them, remembering how they felt against hers.

"Until we meet again love."

"Yeah yeah, get lost before my dad comes out with a shotgun," she said, taking off the jacket on her shoulders and giving it back to him, even though he believed it looked better on her.

"Wouldn't want his only daughter being led astray by a gypsy would he?"

"Too late for that now."

As soon as she shut the door behind her, she smiled to herself and took off her shoes, placing them by her parents.

She could hear them faintly as she walked in.

"Still saving lives?" she heard her dad say to her mum.

"Still making things?" her mum joked.

Nurse and carpenter they were and have been for 19 years. Celestine and Cecil Dawkins had been happily married for 20 years, the same couldn't be said for half the city.

"I'm home!" Eden screamed on purpose, startling her parents, her mother almost dropped the plate of mash over her father who was sitting at the table.

"And now the whole street knows that," Celestine remarked, then received a kiss on the cheek from her daughter.

Cecil chuckled, "No doubt Mrs Granberry across town can."

Eden rolled her eyes, "Mrs Granberry can get fuc–"

"Watch it," her mother warned, just as Cecil laughed with his daughter, who pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Cecil was a tall and tough man who would do just about anything for his girls, his darker skin would lead him to trouble which he never caused, the same couldn't be said for Celestine who was a lighter complexion than her daughter, the woman wasn't much taller than Eden, and looked great for forty.

Cecil turned to his daughter, "How was work sweetheart? Still savin'–"

"--Lives? No Dad, a patient succumbed to his wounds today," Eden admitted, taking a seat and not looking at her parents who were sending her pitiful looks.

"Sorry to 'ere that," her dad reached over and grabbed her hand, "why don't ya give our girl an extra piece of lamb," he asked Celestine who nodded.

"Here you go, need you to be in better spirits for tomorrow. Don't fret my girl, it happens to the best of us," Celestine remembered all the times when she couldn't save a patient, it occasionally took a toll on her.

"Thanks, mum," Eden forced a smile, then went to eat, but her mum slapped her hand as well as Cecil's.

"Ay, you may not come to church or even say your daily prays but you will wait to say grace at this table before you start stuffing those bellies of yours."

"Sorry mum," she muttered.

Cecil winced, "Sorry, love."

"And you young lady, where were you? I expected you to help me prepare the table," Celestine pointed the sharp knife at her, making her inch back in her seat.

"Next time I won't be late I promise," Eden spoke, avoiding her mum's piercing look.

"And since you grabbed for your fork first, you're saying grace."

Eden groaned, "Mum."

"Did I stutter?

Grabbing ahold of her parent's hands she sighed, "Alright alright. Dear God..."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

a/n:

just to reiterate, tommy is 22 and eden is 20. the shelby business had only been running for 2 years (i searched up when it started but it wasn't clear online, so I'll make it headcanon for this story). also, tommy might seem much more smilely and open and less cold and that's because he hadn't been to war just yet, none of them have, so everything in this story is much lighter, but that doesn't mean there aren't any future problems, because tommy's jealousy is a mean thing.

you'll meet more oc's throughout the next couple of chapters and even the other canon characters as well. hoped you enjoyed the first chapter guys.

also imma include as much horse terminology as i can, (tryna remember my saddle club days). also since i'm writing about the roma/ romani culture please correct me on anything (beliefs, sayings and more)

tommy and eden ship name?

#wattpad #fanfic #black girl #black reader #edendawkins #Tommy and Eden #tommyshelby and edendawkins #tommyshelby story #Tommyshelbyxblackreader

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friendly-books · 4 months

Text

Small Favor live blog

Small favor live blog

Happy Holidays!

Content warning: mind rape

Aw snowball fight with the Carpenters

I love this training

“The memory of my first shielding lesson under Justin DuMorne wasn’t a particularly sentimental one. “Baseballs”

“Mercifully God” Charity said, shaking her head. “How old were you?”

“Thirteen” I shrugged my shoulders. “Pain’s a good motivator. I learned fast.” pg. 15 That’s straight up child abuse

“Then Charity, standing behind me, dumped a double handfuls of snow down mother neck of my coat” pg. 18 Ha

“They weren’t terribly tall, maybe five-foot-six” pg. 19 I’m 5’6 thanks Harry maybe you’re just freakishly tall

Charity with a nail gun so cool

“They contacted me through Paranet, and I showed them how to give Fido the bum’s rush out of town.” pg. 31 Oh yay this is the thing Harry and Elaine were making.

“You look like a raccoon” pg. 35 Ha

Denarians in town or the rogue denarian from Proven Guilty.

Yes Marcone in this book! It’s always a good surprise when Marcone is in a book

Aw Toot-toot grown!

Pizza guard!

“Leave the doughnut!” pg. 67 Oh no

Mab make an entrance

Oh no Marcone got kidnapped. How did someone kidnap Marcone? Where are they keeping him? Why would someone kidnap him?

“Unless you should agree to take up the mantle of Winter Knight” pg. 81 Not yet Mab

“But I do know a little about horses, having taken care of my second mentor Ebenezar McCoy’s riding horses on his little farm in Missouri” pg. 89 Harry’s a horse girl

All this talk about Harry and the Winter Knight foreshadowing is foreboding

“The driver’s side-window rolled down and revealed a young man whom father of teenage girls would shoot on sight” pg. 104 Ha

“If they’re following the beacon, they’ll be running all over town” pg. 125 Ha

“I’m not terribly well motivated to bend over backwards to save John Marcone’s Armani-clad ass” pg. 127 Well Harry might not want to save Marcone but I can’t wait

No Harry bring Mouse

“He didn’t actually thank me, but it was his voice. I pretended that I hadn’t heard it there, which was what he expected me to do.

It’s a guy thing” pg. 138 That’s stupid

“Especially with the raccoon face I’ve got going on here.” pg. 143 Ha

Hendricks!

“I want to help your boss” pg. 152 It’s not lame. I love it

Oh no Gard :(

“Second, that a standard electrical pug was attached to the other end” pg. 161 The chain is like Elaine’s chain

“Without a word he set aside his shotgun and took the woman from me. I saw his eyes as he did, touched with worry and fear-and not for himself.” pg. 165 Hendricks/Gard ship let’s go I’ve made ships with less to go on

“Forzane” pg. 170 A force spell not a fire spell? Eh?

Thomas! Put the coin down

“Because,” I said, “maybe they went to recruit him.” pg. 184 Well Nick did offer Marcone a job back in Death Mask.

“Fu-“ I started to swear, but I glanced at Michael and changed it to “Fudgesiscles” pg. 189 Ha

“One of the most dangerous men I’ve ever known is about to have involuntary access to the knowledge and power of a Fallen angel, which would give the Denarians access to major influence within the United States. Not to mention the serious consequences for me if they succeed in making it happen” pg. 187 Interesting that this is Harry’s thoughts about Marcone taking up a coin. I wonder if he still thinks that now that Marcone’s taken up a coin.

“Michael caught Sayna’s hand on the way up, and pushed it gently back down” pg. 187 Ha

“This isn’t a democracy, Harry. We serve a king” pg. 187 Eh? I’m pretty sure this is a democracy Michael

“Transition: Don’t start another war, Harry” pg. 192 Ha and it’s only one war

“So instead you have placed your own life in jeopardy in order to protect his beliefs. You risk your body to preserve his heart.”

“I suppose he considers it a particularly messianic act.”

“That’s not why I did it” I said

“Of course it isn’t. He knows that. It isn’t easy for him. Usually he’s the one protecting another, willing to pay the price if he must” pg. 196 What’s some light treason to help your friends? And Harry is a good friend.

“We will watch over your criminals for you” pg. 202 Ha

So cool that Murph stood up to Tiny.

“War council?” Molly asked, wide-eyed. “Are we going to start another war?” pg. 226 Ha

“We might find a trail that leads back to the Nickelheads” pg. 232 Ha Nickelheads

“Someone highly placed enough to know the location of the safe house, and who will profit by Marcone’s absence” pg. 232 Helen maybe

“Nothing’s ever a convenient with you” pg. 234 Ha

“Hell’s bells. Do I really look like that? Maybe I needed a makeover or something” pg. 236 Aw Harry I’m sure you look nice, black eyes aside.

“I’m betting Marcone left her a sample of his hair to use to track him down, for just such an occasion as this” pg. 237 Smart

“I missed my staff. I missed my duster” pg. 243 No blasting rod? Eh?

“This isn’t over,” he said, a harsh edge in his voice. “We’ll discuss it after” pg. 262 Aw Michael and Harry are fighting :(

“Stop,” I said “Occam time” pg. 266 Ha

“I swear, by my own power, that I will abide by those restrictions” pg. 273 Oh Harry swore an oath to help Marcone.

“Can’t-get-a-date-itis. He’s supposed to be some kind of catalyst or conversion starter. Or failing that a consolation prize” pg. 276 Ha

“Grew up hard in the war, though that didn’t give them enough brains to keep from looking up to me.” pg. 279 Aw poor Harry :(

“The station’s lights went out. All of them. At exactly the same time.” pg. 280 Oh no

“Granted, He doesn’t always answer quite this quickly” pg. 289 Ha

“When things had gone dark and scary she had somehow rounded them up and gotten them into a room. That took a lot more moxie than most people had. I also noted that she had been kneeling between the customer and the doorway. I liked her already.” pg. 289 I also like Carol. I like that this shows that ordinary people can and do help others.

“I held up my right hand and with a murmur called a tiny sphere of flame. The spell sputtered and coughed before it coalesced, and even that the light was barely brighter than a candle” pg. 295 Something is up with Harry. He doesn’t mention his blasting rod and he doesn’t use any fire spells. It could be because Jim is using The Law of Conservation of Details but I don’t think so. Mind magic maybe? So that he doesn’t remember his fire or blasting rod. Like with Lea and Susan back in Grave Peril. But by who? Not a human practitioner or else the Wardens would come. Not Molly, she hasn’t shown up yet and she wouldn’t do that to Harry. Hmm Mab maybe but why would she do that? She’s not a human practitioner and she’s powerful enough to do it. I think she’s more powerful than Lea. But again why would she do that? She had time to do it when she was talking to Harry. But I’m stuck on the motive as to why Mab would do that when Harry is helping her. Wild guessing as there really aren’t any other suspects but Mab.

“You rush a miracle worker, you get lousy miracles!” pg. 298 Ha

So cool that Harry used the sprinkler system to wash away the Myrk.

“I don’t call him Fist of God as a pet name, folks” pg. 302 Ha

“Stupid, Harry. Stupid, Stupid” pg. 309 Stop being so self critical Harry. You need some more self confidence. Go read a self help book or something.

So cool that Harry used Gard’s locker to fight.

“Mercy? From a Winterbound?” pg. 312 Yep Harry’s cool like that.

“I’m not bound” I snapped “This is purely temp work” pg. 312 More foreshadowing for Harry.

Kincaid and Ivy! This book got better!

“Maybe it was just my imagination that it took Michael a second longer to answer than in the past” pg. 320 Aw :( I don’t like that Harry and Michael are fighting.

“But was prevented from going father by Kincaid hand” pg. 332 Let Ivy pet Mouse

Just Luccio taking a bath by the fire in someone else’s house as you do.

“The last thing I noticed, before I dropped off, was that under all the blankets I was entirely undressed.

And I was clean” pg. 335 Who undressed Harry and cleaned him? Luccio?

“Thomas gave me a look of his own. Then he thwapped me gently upside the head” pg. 339 Ha

“What does a woman need to do, Harry? Rip her clothes off, throw herself on top of you, and shimmy while screaming ‘Do me Baby!’?” pg. 340 Ha and knowing Harry it could help but more likely Harry would think that the woman would be cursed.

In defense of Harry I also didn’t know that Luccio was flirting with Harry. And Luccio needs to be more direct with Harry. He’s oblivious and dense. Susan was the one to ask Harry out back in Storm Front.

“I’ve never been hit on by a woman a hundred and fifty years older than me” pg. 340 Ha and what about Lara?

“Moran. Thank God Nicodemus is a man” pg. 341 Ha and with my reading of Bi Harry I won’t be too relieved there.

“Tiny” Sanya rumbled to Michael, clenching a demonstration fist “But fierce” pg. 346 Ha

Part 2

“The wind caught my coat and the cloak both, and almost knocked me over until I gathered in close to my body again and under control. Hendricks, solid and huge in his dark, sensible London Fog winter coat, went by me with a small smile on his face.” pg. 353 Ha and glad even Hendricks is amused by Harry.

“She can’t be here” pg. 355 I thought things ended well between Kincaid and Murphy back in Hawaii?

“She was watching two otters chase each other around the habitat, and smiling.” pg. 357 Aw :)

“Kincaid stopped in his tracks when he saw that. Just to see what he’d do, I tried to step past him. He shot me a look like he’d murder me if I tried to interrupt her, and my opinion of him went up a notch.” pg. 357 Aw :)

“He had a good voice, mellow and surprisingly deep” pg. 361 Bi Harry 29 I think I mean I hope not because it’s Nicodemus and Harry would have horrible taste in men.

“Archive guarantee his neutrality” pg. 362 Wow Nicky just assumes the police officer is a man. That’s a bit sexist. First Nicky was racist now sexist get with the times man.

“He was a man of medium height and build, his features handsome, strong, his eyes dark and intelligent.” pg. 363 Bi Harry 30 Harry what did I just say? Absolutely terrible taste in men. I see he and his mother have similar tastes. Harry has a type ie older scary men with silvery hair. Silver fox if you will.

“Sans demolition, if you think you can refrain.” pg. 363 Ha and no Harry can’t refrain from causing property damage.

“Nicodemus let out another quiet, charming laugh.” pg. 365 Bi Harry 31

“And you offer such insolence regardless?”

“Habit,” I said “It doesn’t make you special or anything, believe me” pg. 367 Ha

“Nicodemus.

Blinked.” pg. 369 Oh Nicodemus didn’t know. We have a rogue Denarius on our hands

“I glared up at him and debated slamming him through one of those Corinthian columns by way of objecting to be manhandled. But I decided that I didn’t want to piss him off.” pg. 369 Ha

“At least it has some survival instincts” pg. 370 Ha and Harry has no survival instincts

“Kincaid, get the kid out of here!” I screamed. “They’re coming for Ivy” pg. 373 Oh no if they hurt Ivy I demand there blood

“I guess it came down to a single question: whether or not I was the kind of man who walks away when he knows a little kid is in danger” pg. 378 No Harry isn’t that kind of man

“The thorny Denarian” Thorned Namshied

“…and he just ate my spell.” pg. 380 Ha and I wonder if Marcone can do that now?

I’m worried about the animals they can’t run away

“While the Archive would know that the proper decision would be to allow Kincaid to die in order to protect the sanctity of the Archive, Ivy wouldn’t be making the decision with the same detached calm. Kincaid was the closest thing she had to family. She wouldn’t. She couldn’t.” pg. 396 Aw and Harry she cares about you too. You Named her and I think she considers you a friend.

“I wish I knew,” I panted. “That way I could exercise free will while telling you to go fuck yourself” pg. 401 Ha

“I hadn’t extended my line of thinking beyond Kincaid. But of all the people who had dealt with the Archive, I’d been one of the only ones to take any interest in her as anything but a font of knowledge. I’d been the one to inquire after her personality. I’d been the one to give her a name. Sad but true, I was the closest thing that little girl had to a friend.

She couldn’t have let anything happen to me, either.” pg. 403 While I love that Ivy considers Harry a friend this isn’t a great time for this.

“I could use charts to make it easier for you to understand. And color them in with crayons. I enjoy crayons.” pg. 405 Aw baby’s first attempt at sassing the enemy

“I wasn’t certain but it sounded like the kid was trying to give the bad guys some gruff on my behalf. She needed to work on her technique, but it was the thought that counted. If I could have breathe, I might have gotten a little choked up.” pg. 406 Aw :) I’m so proud of Ivy. I’m glad she has a friend in Harry.

Oh no they took Ivy :(

“Michael had some serious pecs.” pg. 423 Bi Harry 32

“Never mind Michael’s pecs. Sanya made us both look like we needed to eat more wheat germ” pg. 424 Bi Harry 33

“Jared. Huh.” pg. 424 Kincaid first name is Jared really?

“She doesn’t have anybody else. No one” pg. 424 Aw :(

“And we fought them. That war could end. It could all be over” pg. 428 No unfortunately not

“Molly once burned my egg. My boiled egg. I don’t know how.” pg. 432 Ha

“You’re a creature of habit, Harry. You don’t like change” pg. 435 Yep

“So how they gonna get that creepy little girl a coin? Or one for the boss?” pg. 436 Good idea Cujo but rude for calling Ivy a creepy little girl.

“Molly was committing dinner by that time, aided and abetted by Sanya, who was taking who seemed to take some kind of Russian delight in watching the train wrecks in progress.” pg. 439 Ha

“Ivy,

You are not alone.

Kincaid is alive. I’m all right. We’re coming after you.

Don’t listen to them. Hang on.

We’re coming.

You are not alone.

Harry” pg. 444 Aw I love this bit so much.

“You know me, Michael. I’m always careful.” pg. 447 Ha

“What” he said in a low, deadly tone, “is that?” pg. 449 Oh Nicky is scared of Mouse

“It’s been a little while since anyone was quite that insolvent to my face.” pg. 450 I’m pretty sure the last person was also Harry back in Death Mask.

“Do you always retreat into insouciance when you are frightened, Dresden?” pg. 450 Ha and yes he does

Nicky is a terrible boss. He doesn’t even remember Rasmussen.

“After all those years of baseless suspicion and hostility from your own Council, that must be a painful realization.” pg. 453 Aw :(

“The Council doesn’t need my help to be a bunch of tools.” pg. 454 Ha

Harry being incredibly melodramatic with Michael.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you!” pg. 462 Aw :(

“I don’t share everything with you,” I retorted. “I don’t share everything with anyone. That’s nothing new.” pg. 462 Harry you should talk to your friends.

“Because in thousand years, no one has rid themselves of the shadow of one of the Fallen” pg. 463 So cool that Harry was the first person to rid themselves of a shadow of the Fallen. Sad that it meant that Lash died.

“Have I suddenly gone crazy on you?”

He arched an eyebrow

“More so than usual” pg. 465 Ha

“Harry,” he said quietly, “what happened to your blasting rod?” pg. 465 Oh good someone else is worried about Harry and his blasting rod

“Someone had been in my head

Someone had been in my head

Oh God” pg. 466 Oh no this is just like when Murphy was mind raped back in Grave Peril with the Nightmare.

Harry isn’t having a good time.

So Molly looked around in Harry’s head

“You aren’t the sort of person to do things by halves, Harry. Grand gestures included.” pg. 469 Ha

“In the event that you haven’t figured it out, I’m not the kind of person to be casually involved in much of anything” pg. 473 Yep

“Dresden, it seems to me that you’d lock yourself up pretty tight if someone took a regular bullet for you with a regular body. Much less if you were under psychic attack and this imaginary friend died right inside your own brain. Something like that happens, shouldn’t you have expected to be a basket case, at least for a little while.” pg. 476 Yep Harry loves his friends and having someone die for you will leave a mark.

“You remember when Karvos struck his fingers in my brain?” pg. 475 I see Murphy is drawing parallels away from well.

Not the biggest fan of this Luccio/Harry ship aren’t they subordinate and boss?

“You might be able to empower such a circle for half an hour, Dresden.” pg. 483 I’m glad Luccio knows that Harry is powerful

“I was going to put the dinosaur back,” I said. “But I was unconscious” pg. 485 Ha

They have Ivy at Deamonreach? How’d they get there and not get booted off?

“You couldn’t spot a pop culture reference if it skittered up and implanted an embryo down your esophagus.” pg. 503 Ha and is this why Harry makes so many pop culture shout outs?

“The creepy part was that it felt familiar.” pg. 515 Creepy maybe the island knew that Harry was going to be the next warden of the island.

Poor Ivy :(

Why doesn’t Ivy have clothes? Never mind, I don't want to know.

“I’d made that mistake once already, on a stormy night much like this one” pg. 522 Yep Grave Peril parallels

“Gentleman Johnnie Marcone” pg. 525 Is this a spelling error or is Harry being Harry?

“Something had ripped off the top half of his left ear.” pg. 525 That makes a very cool picture of Marcone

“Insufferable, arrogant little monkey,” Namshiel hissed. “Playing with the fires of creation. Binding your soul to it, as if you were one of us. How dare you so presume. How dare you wield soulfire against me. I, who was there when your pathetic kind was hewn from the muck.” pg. 533 I take it Namshiel isn’t happy that Harry has soulfire.

“I glared at him. He returned the glare with a faint, knowing smile.” pg. 536 Ha

“Ride of the Valkyries” pg. 541 Yay Gard to the rescue.

“He shook his head and pointed his fingers at Ivy” pg. 542 Yay

Part 3

Oh no Michael

“A bar of blue-white fire so dense that it was nearly a solid object lashed across the distance from me and Tessa and slammed into her like an enormous spear.” pg. 547 So cool. Don’t mess with Harry’s friends

“I find myself largely clueless about why mortal women do what they do. It will take a wiser man than me to understand what’s in a fae women’s mind.” pg. 557 Ha

“They tell children stories about you guys, you know,” I said.

“Still?” He said

I nodded” pg. 558 Aw :)

“We hear tales of thee, young wizard.”

I blinked. “You, uh?”

“We too like stories about…” His eyes searched his memory for a moment before he smiled, pleased. The gesture looked pleasantly nonviolent on his face.

“Underdogs” pg. 558 So cool that the fae tell stories of Harry.

“I want you,” I said “to get me a doughnut. A real, genuine, Chicago doughnut. Not some glamorous doughnut. An actual one. Freshly made.”

“Nay, but prithee, with sprinkles ‘pon it instead,” I said solemnly “and frosting of white.” pg. 560 Ha

“Harry Dresden speechless,” Nicodemus said. “I can’t imagine this happens every day.” pg. 564 Ha

“It’s gone!” pg. 565 Oh no the coins are gone.

“Deceitful bitches” pg. 565 :0 I was not expecting that kind of language from Nicodemus.

“Please. No one so obstreperous has been corrupted by anything other than his own pure muleheadedess.” pg. 567 Ha

“Lasciel’s shadow,” I told him, “doesn’t live here anymore, The Fallen have no power over me. And neither do you” pg. 568 So cool

“In fact, I squeezed harder” pg. 570 Good

Drat Nicodemus is still alive. Better luck next time. Third time the charm.

“I was wearing fresh clothing too. Thomas. He didn’t say anything about it, and neither did I. It’s a brother thing.” pg. 582 Aw :) Yay!

“His heart. They hurt his hurt.” pg. 586 Aw :( Poor Molly

“Families stay, Harry” pg. 587 Aw :)

“Given what he’d been saved from, it would be consistent with his character for Marcone to repay the people who bailed him out with whatever aid he could render in turn. It irked me that Marcone could ever be in a position to offer significant aid to Michael, regardless of circumstances.” pg. 590 Yep Marcone is cool like that

So Harry meets Uriel. I think God likes Harry despite Harry’s thoughts.

“You will not. I do not belong to you-“ pg. 598 Not yet

What made Mab so mad?

I take it the White Council would be mad if they find out and Bob.

“I get it,” I said. “You don’t think I should get close to her. Unless you’re worried about what’s going to happen when you wake her up and she’s really scared and confused.” pg. 608 Hypocritical much

“They did things to me,” she said

“I know,” I said quietly “Been there. But I was all right after a while. You’re going to be alright. It’s over.” pg. 609 Don’t like those implications with Harry and Ivy experiencing the same thing and using the same words. Add to it that Ivy was naked upon rescue doesn’t help.

“Couldn’t find its heart if it had a copy of Gray’s Anatomy, X-ray vision, and a stethoscope,” I said “No. They can lay down the law about magic. But they aren’t telling me who I’m allowed to befriend.” pg. 609 That’s a little cult like. The White Council can’t tell people who they can or can’t befriend.

“Morgan told them you’d say that. So did McCoy and Listen-to-Wind. The Merlin wouldn’t hear it.” pg. 609 Morgan! He knows enough about Harry to know that Harry wouldn’t go for it.

I’m glad Harry hugged Ivy and that she got his letter. Ivy needs a support system.

“He has a teddy Glock.” pg. 610 Ha

I’m glad Murph is also concerned about Luccio and Harry.

“Marcone. I’ll look into it.” pg. 614 Harry knew already that Marcone took the coin?

“I don’t have it,” Marcone said.” pg. 616 Either Marcone is lying outright or using exact words. Hmmm

“The child” Marcone said “Is she well?” pg. 617 Aw :) I hope Ivy and Marcone talk to each other after this.

“Then you should get some rest,” Marcone said. “You look”-his mouth twitched up at the connors-”like a raccoon. Who has been run over by a locomotive.” pg. 617 Ha

“A lot of men talk to the women they sleep with,” I said “That’s always been true. And it would give you a really good reason to get close to him”

“He’s like a lot of men,” pg. 618 I can’t picture Marcone doing this. Also I can’t believe I was right about Helen being the leak.

“Oh that.” Anastasia said. “Your Sight’s coming in. That’s all.” pg. 622 Oh cool!

Final thoughts

As always I liked the fights and thought the book was funny. Bi Harry moments up to 33. I question Harry’s taste in men. What I’d like to see is Ivy and Harry interacting more. Maybe play dates with Ivy and Maggie. I think it’s cool that Harry got Soulfire. I’m glad Harry and Michael are friends again. I wish we got more Marcone in this book. I’m surprised I was right about mind magic and Mab. And with Helen and the safe house. Not a fan of this Harry/Luccio ship. The White Council continues to be the absolute worst. They can’t tell their members who they can and can’t befriend that ridiculous. The fact that Harry and Thomas have to pretend not to be brothers and not interact much because the White Council will use them is terrible. It’s also a little cult-like. They do similar things to them and I could probably use the Bite model to show that they’re cult-like. Nicodemus is definitely scared of Harry now that Harry’s strangled him twice now. As for Executive Priority Health, why would Marcone buy the old Velvet place? As for Harry I wouldn’t want to be within 100 yards of the place but Harry seems ok? With going in.

Mind rape

Now onto Harry and the mind rape. As with Murphy back in Grave Peril this is essentially rape. Harry’s reaction is full on breakdown. While it’s similar to his reaction in Grave Peril it’s different in that Micheal is there to help and he isn’t in a laundry room. I wonder if Harry will have similar actions to paranoia and insomnia. I continue to wish Harry gets therapy. Maybe one of the small practitioners in the Paranet is a therapist. There was some parallels to Death Mask in this book with the mind rape and sacrad hospitality. Could Jim stop hurting Harry please.

Marcone

Now I know Marcone has the coin. Whether he accepted the coin yet is another. I can’t imagine what he went through with torture and hurting Ivy. Do you think he was reminded of Amanda and that’s why he took the coin. Surly Gard told him about the Fallen. He wouldn’t pick up the coin unless he knew what he was doing. I can’t picture him saying anything about his safe house to Helen. And I don’t see Marcone killing Helen. That would make Amanda an orphan. Maybe the guilt is making him do things he wouldn’t normally do.

Onto the next book!

#dresden files #harry dresden is bi #Small favor #battle ground spoilers

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creativepawsworld · 2 years

Text

Silence Chapter 2

Pairing = Thomas Shelby x Original Character

Summary = Arriving at the Betting Shop on Watery Lane is overwhelmingly intimidating for Anastasia, feeling lost and out of place she attracts the attention of a certain Shelby brother.

Warnings = Gambling

Word Count = 2591

Wrapping the beige coloured coat tighter around myself to protect from the cold wind, I couldn’t believe what I was doing, I was willingly walking into a lion’s den, a street I had chosen to avoid for the last ten years of my life. As a child I used to play in this street with a friend, Anabelle Winters whether it was with our dolls or our skipping rope we were always together. One day her sister told us to play somewhere else as the children of the Shelby family, especially Thomas threatened to put gypsy curses on whoever he didn’t like or who looked at him the wrong way. We didn’t want to be cursed so we started playing outside my home in Marshwood Croft a few streets away just to be safe. As children we believed in curses, in witchcraft and the bogeyman it was all things our parents warned us about to keep us safe despite its deceptive nature and it worked.

We grew closer as we grew older but by the time, we reached the sweet age of 18 in 1912, Anabelle died of consumption. Her death hit me hard as apart from my brother she was the only friend I had, Birmingham was a big city, but Small Heath was a tiny town in comparison.

My parents were looked down on for being different because of what they did for a living. Instead of working in factories or cleaning houses. They were seen to have a cushiony life, surrounding by fabrics all day. However, this wasn't the case, we struggled just like everyone else around here but just because my father didn’t come home covered in soot, dirt and grime it just wasn’t the same.

The grasp on my coat loosed slightly when I realised, I wasn’t wearing the appropriate footwear for these streets. My main concern was not to step in any dirty, sooty puddles and soak my feet. Wearing my simple black T-bar kitten heeled shoe, the only shoes I owned as I never had to go far, mostly to the shop and back home. That was my life, I never needed another pair.

This was a onetime thing; I would go and place the bet for my brother to help him as he was desperate. I never seen him so bad. I just prayed to God he got the correct tip regarding the horse this time.

Shortly after Anabelle's death I became aware of my brothers' gambling issues. He got a few lucky bets with the horses at first, suddenly he started to feel untouchable until he lost his first bet. It was a sizeable loss, but he shook it off. It wouldn't happen again, until the next. The biggest bet he encountered was with Arthur Shelby. I truly believed in my heart that after the vicious beating he received, he would be done with gambling. That would be the end of it.

Clearly, I was wrong.

Stepping into Watery Lane I inhaled deeply, the memories of Anabelle came flooding back to me as I looked down at her door, I wondered who lived there now as after her death Anabelle’s parents and siblings moved out of the street and to Southampton for better opportunities, but I believe they simply didn’t want to be around so many memories of their daughter.

Shaking the thoughts from my head I looked towards the other side of Watery Lane. I knew the Shelby’s practically owned ever home on this side, enough for each sibling to call their own and at least another two for their betting shop. Rumours were always riff around Small Heath, so it wasn’t hard keeping tabs on the family you wanted to avoid. Taking my time, my heels clicked on the path as I walked down the lane hoping to find the right door belonging to the betting shop but not one stood out from the next.

“Great” I huffed to myself as I walked to the end of the street. Looking around me the street wasn’t quiet but it wasn’t busy either so I decided to stand for a moment watching to see if anybody would walk in or rather out of the betting shop.

After what felt like an eternity but was probably only five minutes a man covered in black soot, a potential factory worker walked towards a door in the middle of the row only to reappear a few moments later, a white betting slip in his hand he was clutching it tightly to his chest, kissing it and offering it above his head before tucking it safely in the inside pocket of his jacket.

Nodding and convincing myself I could do this I began walking in the direction the man had disappeared then reappeared again, standing outside a black door. Inhaling once more I was about to step forward when another man appeared, hurrying out of the shop and down the street. In that instant I knew I was at the right place; I held the door open with my hand peering inside. It looked chaotic.

People were everywhere, smoke was everywhere I was surprised people knew where they were going, the place was completely overcrowded. There were only a few desks were people sat to take the money and bets. Further down towards the back of the room was a staircase, and on the backwall a blackboard. There a man wearing a tailored suit stood people shouting at him, and he them as he wrote the odds against the horse's names on the board with chalk. Just off centre of the room was a cage, an actual cage with a desk, I assume that is where the counting of the money happened at least several times a day considering the amount of money that appeared to be sitting on the desk and it wasn't even lunchtime yet.

“Now, you look like you are in the wrong place.” A deep voice spoke from behind me while I continued to look around the shop. Freezing as the words left his mouth, I swallowed and held my head high, it was time to be brave I thought to myself. I turned on my heel ready to confront whoever was talking to me but once my eyes locked onto a pair of crystal, blue eyes my bravado faltered. My heart began beating wildly in my chest, my palms became sweaty, my mouth dry as I got lost in what was the most beautiful colour I had ever seen. “Are you lost Miss?” The man spoke again seemingly breaking me from the trance like state his eyes held over me.

“Oh my, I do apologise for being so rude.” I reply softly looking away from his eyes, only to take in his haircut, long at the top but shaved in at the sides. Travelling down to his sharp jawline, to his white collared shirt with light blue lines running down his toned chest only to disappear behind a tweed grey waist coat which was accessorised with a golden pocket watch. Taking in his appearance it became obvious, I was standing before a Shelby.

“That’s quite alright but you didn’t answer my question” He responded, my eyes going straight to his pink full lips, watching the words fall from his lips as he spoke.

“No, no I’m not lost Mr Shelby.” I answer with a small shake of my head. “In fact, I am here to place a bet on a horse.” I tell him looking over his shoulder and back towards the back of the room where the blackboard was located trying to remind the name of the horse my brother had given me.

“Is that so?” I heard him chuckle mainly to himself rather to me. It wasn’t common for women to makes bets so I suppose I could understand his humour. “And what horse would the lady be betting on today then, eh?” He asked stepping into my eyeline so I could no longer see the blackboard only those majestic blue eyes that stole my breath once again.

“Well, it's not really my bet Mr Shelby so I would have to say none” I tell him only to see his eyebrow furrow in confusion. Hadn't I just told him I was going to make a bet? Why else would I be standing in his betting shop, guinea in hand if I wasn't making a bet. “The bet is for my brother, Mr Shelby” I clarify for him, once the words settled in his mind, I heard him click his tongue before looking down at the money in my hand.

“And what horse does he want you to put this on then eh?” He asked reaching up and taking the guinea from my hand slowly, his fingers grazing my own as if they would break if he pressed too hard. Once the money was fully in his grasp, he tossed it towards a worker who I hadn’t even realised was watching the entire exchange between us. When I didn’t answer his question, he tilted his head softly to the side, a smirk threatening to spill onto his lips only he fought against it, his stoic face remaining.

“Oh, um, it was the horse Monaghan Boy” I tell the worker with a soft smile as I looked down at him. He seemed almost nervous taking the bet and I didn’t blame him; I wouldn’t like having my boss standing over me as he watched me work. never mind a Shelby. Although, Mr Shelby wasn't watching him, his fierce stare remained on me as I spoke to his employee. “Please.” I tell him hoping this situation would be over quickly. Just as he was about to write the horses name on the betting slip, Mr Shelby simply stopped him with a wave of his hand.

“Put down Maid of Arms, Harry” Mr Shelby spoke continuing to look at me rather than to his employee Harry, hearing what he had to say I immediately snapped my head towards him, it was my turn to be confused.

“Excuse me Mr Shelby, but I believe I made a bet for Monaghan Boy, not Maid of Arms.” I tell him completely taken back by his complete dismissal in my choice of horse but once the words left my mouth, I couldn’t believe what I had said. I was about to apologise for the rude outburst when Mr Shelby gave me a small smile, a flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes before quickly dissipating.

“And I’m telling you to change your horse to Maid of Arms” He returned standing tall, his shoulders back, hands clasp together in front of his waist. “Is that a problem for you?” He asked, almost encouraging me to talk back to him but I was already rude to the man twice in one visit did I really want to push it to a third.

“No Mr Shelby” I swallowed back what I wanted to say, my eyes focusing on the T-Bar shape on my shoe, mentally cursing myself for not having a backbone.

“Good, it’s a stronger horse than Monaghan Boy, less odds but better chance of winning, trust me.” Mr Shelby spoke up, his voice bringing my attention back to his face the stoic expression returning to his features. Sighing I felt myself nodding as I looked towards Harry ready to take the betting slip from his hands only it was intercepted by the man in front of me. “Good luck Miss…” He trailed off holding the slip in front of me to take.

“Adler, Miss Adler” I reply reaching up, taking the slip from his hand, never once breaking eye contact until the slip was firmly in my grasp. "Good day Mr Shelby.” I tell him turning on my heel and walking out of the shop and into Watery Lane.

A strange feeling overcame me as I left the shop, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it was most definitely a happy feeling, a content feeling. Whatever it was, the feeling was new to me, and it was Mr Shelby that had brought it out on me. If I didn’t know first-hand what the Shelby family were capable of, I would have believed that the rumours and stories were all smoke but no flames. For the second time today, I had to shake the thoughts from my head, entering my family home where my brother was pacing the living room anxiously, awaiting my return.

“Did you get it?” He asked once he noticed I entered the home, rushing towards me to take the slip from my hand. “Maid of Arms? Ana, I told you Monaghan Boy. Maid of Arms has zero chance of winning what have you done?” He asked panic rising in his eyes as he looked between my face and the slip in his hand.

“I tried to put a bet on Monaghan Boy, but Mr Shelby stopped the bet before it could proceed.” I tell him, hanging my coat on the coat rack in the hall. Walking towards the small two seat sofa and taking a seat waiting for the twenty question I knew would be on his tongue at the mention of a Shelby.

“Mr Shelby took the bet?” James asked rushing to my side, sitting next to me. “It wasn’t Arthur, was it? Did he know it was for me?”

“It was a Shelby brother, I recognised the suit that dad made last month but I’m not sure which brother it was. I saw two of them I think but no he didn’t take the bet. He made the bet for me with your money.”

“What did he look like?” James asked rushed, his eyes almost coming out from their sockets as I told him what had happened only moments ago. “If it was Arthur he would fuck me over just to get more money out of me, Ana tell me it wasn’t Arthur.”

“I don’t know James” I tell him getting frustrated. I knew of the Shelby brothers, but I didn’t know what each individual brother looked like. I was a recluse since Anabelle died, spending my days at home or working, maybe the odd walk around the street, that was it.

“It was probably John; he always works in the morning. Yeah, if it was John, we will be okay. He is the decent brother, the human brother… wait you said there was two of them?" My brother started talking to himself, it was clear the attack Arthur lead on my brother still affected him badly, mentally.

“I have to get to work James” I tell him calmy trying my best not to startle or worry him any further. I just hoped that if this bet came through, he would be done with gambling all together for his own mental wellbeing and mine. “He had blue eyes and a razor-sharp jawline if that helps.”

“How blue where the eyes?”

“Piercing, like really blue” I tell him a smile creeping its way back onto my face as I thought about the eyes of the Shelby brother. But my smile dropped when I saw the fear on James’ face, the next thing I knew he ran off towards the kitchen to be sick in the sink. “Oh my…” I gasped running after him to rub his back as he brought up the bread and water our mother had served for breakfast that morning.

“You made a bet with Thomas Shelby Ana”

#tommy shelby #tommy shelby fanfic #tommy shelby x reader #thomas shelby x reader #Cillian murphy #peaky fucking blinders #peakyblinders #fanfiction #original #thomas shelby fanfic #peaky blinders #peaky fookin blinders

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duskwoodraven · 2 years

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Spoilers! ... I just need to vent about Thomas. Like. Seriously, dude? Like, I can understand his fake friendliness at the beginning of the story, because he needed to find out who MC were, and why they were involved with Hannah. And I can understand why he took Hannah's phone, while no one should've touched it in the first place. But. But! Dude, Thomas, my man, MC forgave you and helped you during a breakdown. Like. Why are you now so eager to push them in the arms of a killer? I'm so sad, man.

*deep breath* okaaay let’s talk about Thomas

Spoilers below.

I think to understand Thomas as a character and how his brain works, you basically have to see him as Jake. And I already know what you are thinking, “but Duskwoodraven, Jake isn’t like Thomas at all!”

To that I would agree but also heavily argue against, for they are eerily similar in the way that they value and behave towards their romantic partners.

Let me explain.

Jake, when you take the romantic routes with him, develops a very deep protectiveness and care towards you, the MC. He states multiple times that your safety is top priority, you are the one he cares about most and the one he trusts/will listen to (as long as your request doesn’t jeopardize your life). He is willing to sacrifice information about himself to Alan in order to keep the police off of you, to risk his life and being caught by going in a mineshaft just so you won’t have to.

Jake cares about his sisters, and their friends, he doesn’t wish for anything bad to happen to them. But when we get down to it, you as the MC hold a different level of priority.

Thomas thinks the exact same about Hannah, Thomas cares about Hannah in the same way Jake cares about you.

She is his number one priority.

Thomas from the first day we met him has been devoted to finding Hannah and her safe return. He loves and cares about her deeply, he will do anything to bring her back. He will go into a mineshaft to get her, will confront the MWAF at night in order to take him down, and will break into anywhere to get even a snippet of information to bring her back.

That’s why I find the moment when Jake firmly tells Thomas to stop begging us to go to Duskwood, to be really intense. Because you have two people with very similar attachments, slamming heads in the pursuit of protecting someone they care about.

Now this is where we split back into the differences between Jake and Thomas. Thomas, bluntly put, is like a horse with blinders on when it comes to Hannah. He doesn’t think deeply about the consequences his actions will cause, only the goal. Jake on the other hand thinks about the whole picture, he is distinctly mulling over every detail. While he will also do whatever it takes to achieve that goal, the consequences will negatively affect himself more so then anyone else, to the point of destroying him if it’s deemed “necessary” by his standards.

Jake takes the self sacrificial options, Thomas takes the fastest one. Leaving consequences behind him till it’s too late to turn around. Both unhealthy and dangerous in different ways.

In short, I don’t think Thomas hates MC, or is fake with them. I think towards the end, he does care, just not as much as he does about Hannah. If the MWAF said he wanted Jessy to go instead, Thomas would have told her the same thing. But once something else snaps him out of his blinders, Thomas settles back down. That’s why he backed off when Jake told him to, and stopped begging you to go after the group discussed it further and Jessy gave her speech.

Thomas is a good person down to his core, but he’s also a toddler you have to keep on a leash so he doesn’t get hurt/damage anything. Overly reactive and overly emotional just like Dan said towards the beginning.

I like the doofus but dang is he tiring lol.

#Jake and Thomas parallels are real I swear #duskwood jake #duskwood #duskwood everbyte #duskwood game #everbyte #duskwood jake x player #duskwood thomas x hannah #duskwood thomas #duskwood mc #duskwood hannah #duskwood theories #duskwood episode 10 spoilers #duskwood episode 10 #duskwood spoilers

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titleknown · 6 months

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-TRESSCHANKA is an Equestrian Colonel of Hell, with 1500 rider-horses and 23 non-contiguous fronts of combat. She may grant perfect aim with artillery and expanded range with explosives, and may teach in all arts millitary, equestrian and pseudo-equestrian.

She appears as a woman in a general's outfit with the head of a horse, riding a great bear of metal festooned with cannons. Do not question her advice or she will cause great injury to your houses-

...As a person Tresschanka is one who would coloquially be called "an old war-horse" if one weren't worried about a 21--centimeter shell to the skull upon saying this. Which I very much was, given that is exactly what happened when one demon whispered that while I was at her training camp asking for an interview.

She was one of the earliest generations born in Hell, as she will loudly and vociferously state to anyone within earshot of insufficient obsequiousness, and will talk at end upon end about the reason Hell isn't fighting Heaven now is sheer weakness rather than pragmatism (or, at least, overtures towards acnowleging pragmatism) and her training camp shows it, given the amount of bodies of the "weak" I noticed in the architecture. And the weaponry. And the rations. And the furniture.

Her ruthlessness even applies to her symbiotic "mounts," which despite their animal intelligence and undying loyalty she has a very... well, a friend of mine by the name of Ooky-Spooky would put it as a "We're gonna need a new Timmy" attitude to the organisms, and I would say perhaps that sums it up well.

While I have seen many sights on this multiversal axis I would rather not have, seeing her drag her upper torso from one war machine to another, organs trailing as she barks invectives is one more of those.

While the training camp she runs is harsh and austere where it's not baroquely decorated with what were formerly the "unworthy," a striking feature is the gargantuan guns jutting from the top. She takes massive pride in them, speaking all the time about how she erects new and greater ones constantly, how stiff and sturdy they are and how she polishes them all the time. I decided it was wise not to comment.

And it is for the ultimate purpose of her academy that the guns are used. It is known that her dropouts; the ones that escape anyway; are some of the most brilliant martial minds in hell. But those that stay, are fated to be very literal cannon fodder.

For, she aims her guns at heaven, firing horsemen to lead a charge of the light brigade against the light... only to land upon the battlefields of Hell instead with a puddle of gore, most of it the riders' own.

The battlefield, curiously, is always Troupier's, no matter how high she builds those guns, serving as additional munitions of torture to those souls on that battlefield. From looking at records, Troupier also appears to be the most major source of funds and students for her training school. If she is aware of the implications, she does not speak a whisper of it.

Though, I do not think she is. She is too much a true believer in war and the great lie thereof to know the truth of where it ends...

-Xavier X. Xolomon , Monsterologist and Understudy to The Librarian Of Babel

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

...So, this one ended up a lot darker than I initially thought it would. Which is good at least I think, I worried I wasn't including enough darkness in my Hell setting, and I think this at least added a proper bit of thematic nastiness back in.

As per usual the whole descriptions, designs, ectcetera from this project are free to use as you see fit under a CC-BY 4.0 license so long as I; Thomas F. Johnson, am credited as their creator!

#my art #my writing #helloween #demon #demons #war #war crimes #horse #war machine #character design #creature design

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scotianostra · 1 year

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On November 8th 1576 Elizabeth Bessie Dunlop was found guilty of Witchcraft and sentenced to be burnt at the stake.

Most recent accounts portray Bessie as a woman who helped locals and their livestock with herbal cures. She also claimed to possess “second sight” – and talked to spirits and “fairies”.

Under torture, most witches would admit to almost anything – from consorting with the Devil, putting curses on locals or even killing children. Not Bessie. Instead, she claimed merely to have met with a spirit guide, who introduced her to the fairy folk, who resided in Cleeves Cove – the secluded caves just a mile and a half from Dalry.

In her confession, she claimed that while taking her cow to a field, she came across an elderly man with a grey beard.

He claimed to be the spirit of Thomas Reid, a former Baron Officer to John Blair of Dalry, who had been killed at the battle of Pinkie in 1547.

Bessie is believed to have been burned to death on Edinburgh’s Castle Hill. An alternative legend claims she was brought back to Ayrshire and burned at Corsehillmuir, Kilwinning. The court records fail to describe her final fate.

An ongoing campaign goes on in Scotland to have all those who were killed after a witchcraft conviction, tro be pardoned.

#Scotland #scottish #Judicial murder #Edinburgh #ayrshire #Kilwinning #history

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enm-enthusiast · 1 year

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Thomas' Misadventures Ch. 6 - A night out at the club - Part Two.

Thomas

I couldn’t believe my eyes as Seb raised his hand to volunteer, and my cock twitched inside my shorts at the prospect of watching him strip to nothing but his undies, or perhaps more…Seb offered no explanation either, instead he just kept that same smile on his face as he walked up onto the stage and a couple of guys nearby said “wow, look at that, this new guy’s a looker” “yeah, for sure, I bet he’s hung, let’s hope he shows the goods” they said. I couldn’t help but agree, and got a slight hint of satisfaction from already knowing that he was, indeed, hung as a horse.

Mr. J whispered something in Seb’s ear before walking away from the center stage, which made me wonder just how involved he was in all of this. But I turned that aside in the face of a decision I had been agonizing over ever since I found out what tonight’s event was. Seb continued to prove to be the kindest, most gentle soul I’d ever met when he made my participation my own choice, but I just couldn’t help but freeze up at the thought of being naked in front of all these guys…But seeing these previous volunteers, including Seb, be so confident in themselves that they’d strip of their own accord in front of this entire crowd of horny, gay guys? It made me wonder if maybe, just maybe….perhaps I could…

I was brought out of my thoughts, however, as Seb started a slow, but study set of movements, running his hands over his button-down shirt and massaging his own chest before grabbing the buttons on either side and pulling. The buttons easily gave way and some popped off and fell onto the stage, but the crowd was transfixed at seeing Seb’s bare chest which was quite tan and hairy, but very well-muscled. Out of all the volunteers, only the redhead came close to his muscle mass and it was clear how much work he put into keeping in shape to everyone here. Seb knew he had the crowd’s attention, so he took it up a notch by pumping out his chest towards them, running his hands over his muscles and hair, even twisting his own nipples and biting his lip, his eyes closed as he did so.

Suddenly, he moved into more quick motions, dancing aggressively and performing wide thrusts with his hips, the edges of his shirt dangling at his sides, and using his legs for support. Then suddenly, the shirt came free as he tore it off of him, tossing the garment into the crowd who merely watched, mesmerized as they watched Seb show himself off. Next, Seb turned his back towards us, and my cock pulsed in the fabric of my jeans as he danced with his back to us, even twerking his own magnificent ass which made the crowd’s lust grow ever stronger. However, Seb wouldn’t make the redheads mistake and kept his distance from the edge of the stage and continued to tease the crowd with aggressive, fast movements and showing off his body.

Then, without warning, Sebastian grabbed the sides of, and completely ripped away his pants, throwing them into the crowd too, leaving him in just his black briefs. The crowd went wild as Seb thrusted backwards now, and danced to further tease his backside, even slightly pulling down his briefs. But he wasn’t done yet, I could tell, as he turned around and sure enough his bulge was prominent, the crowd whispering and muttering about his package. He then reverted to the same moves as before, only now he moved slower, and became more sensual with his movements, teasing his own body to tease us, it drove them, including me, mad.

He continued like that for a while, and I occasionally caught him looking at me, smiling as he knew what he was doing. The crowd’s impatience became words as the blonde adonis volunteer from before started chanting “take them off!” “take them off!” and the crowd slowly joined in. Soon, as one they demanded Sebastian strip off his last piece of clothing. But he was never one to give into pressure, and he ignored their pleas until he felt it was time for the grand reveal. The crowd wouldn’t have to wait until too much longer, however, as he turned to face them and he slowly undid the drawstrings on his briefs…

As he did so, I quickly thought to myself just how open the crowd was to seeing nudity, and didn’t react with anger nor violence when they didn’t get what they wanted right away. Despite his nervousness, and obvious embarrassment at the prospect, plus my aroused state, of course…Seb’s performance gave me the final push I needed and as he grabbed the sides of his briefs and slowly tugged them down his legs…I made my decision.

Some in the crowd gasped as Seb stood back up to reveal his erect, 7 ½ inch cock which he gladly thrust outwards to them, mostly in my direction which made heat rise in my cheeks as I noticed for the first time guys in the crowd noticing and checking me out. Mr J. came forward, and shook Seb’s hand, still completely naked and he gave me a quick glance before smiling and whispering into Mr J.’s ear. The owner smiled at whatever it was he said and let go of Seb’s hand as he left the stage and made his way back towards me. “Well, what’d you think?” he said and I could barely speak at first, staring right at his still-hard cock. “It was…amazing” I said, smiling which made him grin even wider.

A couple of guys from the crowd made their way to make passing gropes on Seb’s body and I couldn’t help but feel a stab of jealousy as they caressed his ass, his abs, even slapping his dick and grabbing his balls…We were all brought back to reality when Mr J. spoke up and said “Why, I must say I think that performance will be tough to beat, I hope our next volunteer is up for the challenge, and in keeping up with the spirit, let’s aim for another of our newcomers, shall we? Let’s end the night with a bang!” he said. As he finished, I noticed many in the crowd whispering to each other, glancing and pointing…at me. I suppose it was rather obvious who the only newbies were here tonight, and I heard their whispers over whether the new cutie would volunteer.

Well…wonder no more, and I swallowed hard and my heart thundered in my chest as I raised my hand in the air, and Seb smiled wider than seemed humanly possible. Mr J. saw me almost immediately and said “well looks like we got our last volunteer folks! Come on up here!” he said and Seb gave me a reassuring smile and a quick slap of my ass as I made my way onto the stage.

As I climbed up the steps, I took a deep breath to calm myself and walked the rest of the way to the center stage and Mr. J just whispered in my ear “remember, just have fun with it” he said before giving me the stage to myself. I looked at the crowd, who merely waited and stared at me and I nearly froze until I saw Seb, and there was something about the look in his eyes that made me walk forward to the edge of the stage…and my strip dance commenced.

Not even Seb knew this, but I had taken dance classes as a young kid, and still danced privately from time to time but never thought I’d perform for a crowd…especially not like this. Seb was surprised at how expertly I performed my stance switches and moved with more elegance and grace than most guys would expect and I turned it to my advantage by using my free hands to caress my chest and thighs, even teasing the edges of my crotch while my body moved about.

I moved about the stage to keep up the pace of my movements and to ensure no one from the crowd got too antsy and tried to steal my clothes. I knew I had their attention now, oh yes, my soft hip thrusts and hand movements of teasing my own body were driving them crazy and my obvious bulge wasn’t helping. I blushed as I thought about that, but I also felt a rush of excitement as I slowly lifted the hem of my shirt up and off it went into the crowd, much to their delight, my chest glistening with sweat from dancing about.

Now my hands touched bare skin, and I moaned ever so softly as I gave my nipples a quick twist, and felt my cock pulse within the fabric of my shorts…I’m sure the crowd noticed, and they loved seeing me aroused as I stripped and danced for them. I took a few more aggressive moves, thrust my hips a few times to show off my obvious bulge, and while one hand caressed my chest I sent to the other to open the top of my shorts…

The crowd tensed, getting eager to see if I’d finally pull off my ever-tightening shorts. In that moment, that rush of excitement gave way to pleasure, and for the first time I looked, really looked at myself and saw how my lithe yet well-built muscles rippled as I moved and the sweat making my skin glisten all the while my bulge continued to pulse and ached for release from the shorts. I felt sexy about my own body…something only Seb made me feel in the past, but here and now…

I wasn’t about to let the crowd off too easily, I wanted to give them a show they wouldn’t forget and so I continued to taunt and tease them by moving through my previous dance stances and movements while thrusting and gyrating my body as needed. Still, I grew restless with the crowd, my cock was aching to be let out but the crowd was growing hungry and I had to be careful because more than once as I danced on stage some stray hands tried to catch me off guard. They’d soon get to see what the longed for however, as I made my way to center stage and lowered my zipper and felt my shorts drop to the ground as I stood back up, and out of my discarded clothing, leaving me in just the thong with straps that Seb had given me.

The crowd drank in the sight, my cock was at full mast and clearly strained against the fabric and as I kicked my shorts off the stage I gave them a good look at my nearly bare ass and I heard loud cheers and whistles. One guy, I think it was the redhead from before, said out loud “damn, what an ass this kid’s got!” he said and murmurs of agreement ran through the crowd. Seb merely smiled and nodded as I glanced at him, lust in his eyes. The crowd’s comments gave me another surge, and unlike the others I paid special attention to my backside, even giving my ass a few slaps as I danced on stage. My thong barely covered anything, as my hip thrusts made my erection all the more prominent and the crowd was growing hungry again, and I was nervous some of them might lose their patience and come take the damn thing off themselves.

However, none did, they all waited, transfixed as I showed off and flaunted my body and repeated a few of the others moves by slowly lifting my underwear down before pulling them back up, and I continued to give my ass more slaps which I’m sure reddened my cheeks just a bit. I wondered when I’d finally tug the thong off too, I wanted to end the show with a bang after all…fate answered for me however because as I made another thrust of my hips forward the strain of my hard cock had become too much, because next I heard and felt the straps of my thong go *snap* and suddenly my cock bounced free and the thong fell down to my feet, leaving me completely naked.

The crowd erupted with cheers of approval, despite my shock and because of their reaction I quickly recovered myself and even threw the thong to them, and gave them one last dance of me naked on stage. As I finished with a bow to the crowd and a quick stroke my cock, Mr. J came back to the center of the stage and said “My my, well that was quite the show, and I think I know who I think should win, but let’s see where the crowd’s favor falls, place your votes in the boxes please” he said. I moved off stage as Mr. J talked, and as I passed by guys in the crowd, I felt stray hands touch my body, even light slaps on my ass and one quick tug of my cock before I made it back to Sebastian. “Did you have fun?” he said, his face plastered with that grin of his. I took a moment to answer, consciously aware we were both still naked, then said “fuck yeah I did” and he gave me a quick hug and said “come on, lets hand in our votes…”

I voted for Seb, of course, and I’m sure I knew who it was that he voted for and we waited for Mr. J to collect and count all the votes. Before long, he stepped up center stage once more, and in his microphone he shouted “and now, let’s announce the winner of tonight’s Volunteer Stripper…” He said and he pulled out a piece of paper and as he read it, he said “and the winner is…Thomas!” He said and the crowd cheered as I was practically pushed back onto the stage, still naked and my cock still hard which I’m sure the crowd wanted to see more of.

“Congratulations Thomas!, it’s rare for a newbie to win one of these, the crowd must really like you, I know I did” he said glancing down at my cock. “Now, as a special honor to young Thomas here, his ‘final thrust’ as it were will be used as future promotion of our Volunteer Stripper nights!” he finished and my cheeks flushed red as Mr. J pointed to a tv monitor that was playing a short clip of my dance onstage when my thong snapped off and revealed my cock to everyone…And this meant that all newcomers would see my hard cock exposed like that…

The thought both embarrassed, and excited me too, even felt my cock pulse out in the open which caught the crowd’s attention. Suddenly, Mr. J said “Also, thanks to an…interested party, the winner must perform one crowd favor before the night’s end, so, what do you all say? What favor would you like your young hottie to do?” He asked and the crowd didn’t hesitate, with the blonde adonis from before yelling “he should get some release, that cock is leaking!” and another chimed in with “yeah! He should jerk off and make himself cum!” and the crowd shouted in agreement, including Seb who just stood there, naked and defiantly smiling at my rising embarrassment. However, I wasn’t letting embarrassment ruin my night, and didn’t hesitate to grab a hold of my cock and start stroking…

I almost lost myself in the pleasure, and got an added thrill knowing that all these guys were watching, and from passing glances a few had gotten their cocks out as well, getting hard at seeing me so exposed yet so turned on. I looked at Seb, who was softly tugging at his own member as he watched me pleasure myself, and from all the stimulation from tonight, it didn’t take long before a familiar sensation washed over me and I didn’t even bother to contain my moans as I came closer and closer until…Thick shots of my load erupted from my cock, hitting my face, chest, and dripping onto my now drained balls.

Mr. J. then quickly returned the crowd’s attention back to him, and said “Let’s give our young winner a round of applause for being such good sport and giving us a very, shall we say spicy, show” the crowd clapped in approval and cheered as I left the stage to find Seb standing there, still stroking softly. Before either of us could say anything, Mr. J said “well that concludes our annual Volunteer Strippers Night! Hope you all had fun and I’m sure we’ll be seeing some familiar faces again soon….goodnight!” he said and walked off the stage.

“Ready to go home?” Seb said, and I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him close and giving him a brief kiss before I nodded, pretty drained of practically everything. But suddenly, looking around I realized that…”Uhhh, Seb, where are our clothes?” I said and he looked around nonchalantly, shrugged, and said “guess they’re gone…we’ll have to run back as quick as we can” he said and gave me another wink before hurrying towards the entrance, cock and balls bouncing between his legs. I fought down my blush and brief shock before saying “ah fu-”

End of Part Two.

#cmnm #enm story #male strip show #stripped

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