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dragonologist-writings · 1 month

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Title: Love & War Fandom: Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Rating: M Status: Ongoing (11/?) Main Characters: Knight-Commander Cleo Ironbark, Queen Galfrey Supporting Characters: Yozz, Arueshalae, Woljif, Wenduag Ships: Knight-Commander/Queen Galfrey Additional Notes: Complicated Relationships, Angst, Rivals to Enemies to Lovers, Demon to Legend Mythic Path, Canon-Typical Themes Word Count: Word Count: 41.3k Summary:

Galfrey was a queen, a paladin, an icon for all that was righteous and just in the Crusades. Cleo was a barbarian, a tiefling, a personification of demonic chaos. By all rights and logic, the two should have been at each other's throats- and often, they were. But somehow, through war and struggle and sacrifice, they ended up finding more in each other than either ever expected.

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Chaper 1 Below:

The first impression Queen Galfrey of Mendev formed of Cleo, warrior of the Ironbark tribe, was not a kind one.

To be completely fair, the Queen’s opinion was not wholly condemning, either. It was quite impossible for Galfrey to condemn the woman who had pulled Kenabres from the burning jaws of the demons. Every report given to the Queen repeated the same story: Cleo of Ironbark had bravely led the charge against the evil cultists and demons who threatened the city. Cleo of Ironbark had stormed the Grey Garrison and saved them all from the poison of the corrupted Wardstone. Cleo of Ironbark was a hero.

But Cleo of Ironbark was also…raucous.

“Another round!” the warrior cried, holding her tankard aloft, and the celebrating soldiers cheered along with her. The tankard was refilled without a moment’s hesitation, and after taking a long drink, Kenabres’s champion resumed her dramatic recounting of the day’s battle. Her voice carried across the tavern, rising above the din of the crowd and filling the large room with echoes of her bravado. Irabeth and Anevia sat at her side, listening to the tale with fond weariness and open amusement, respectively.

Galfrey kept to the corner of the tavern, holding her tongue and a humble mug of ale as she watched the theatrics unfold. Her retinue was waiting outside; she’d ordered them to give her fifteen minutes of peace before following her in. The guards were always so touchy about letting her out of their sight, as if she couldn’t handle herself perfectly well.

The Queen sighed at herself. That was unfair; they were merely doing their job. Under normal circumstances, she would have been content to let them do so. But a procession of guards was something that tended to be noticed, and in this instance, she’d wished to make her observations from a place of relative anonymity. She’d feared she might be noticed anyhow, but no; the people’s attention was centered solely on the sword-bearing storyteller who had already nearly drained her third serving of ale. This could only be the famous Cleo- who else would be drawing such adulation from the victorious crusaders?

Yet, she was not quite what Galfrey had expected.

For starters, Cleo was clearly not of Kenabres. Not a fact all that odd on its own, perhaps, but she was no ordinary traveler, either. She wore the furs and leather armor of the northern barbarians, and when she called out to the crowds, a Kellid accent made itself clear in her words. As if a lone tribeswoman in the middle of a Mendevian city wasn’t odd enough, the people’s new hero was also a tiefling. With skin of deep green and small horns that poked through her dark, close-shorn hair, her abyssal heritage was impossible to miss.

Even so, the notoriously suspicious Mendevians around her watched with high-spirited adulation as she spoke, her tail lashing enthusiastically behind her all the while.

“-and then,” she was saying, “just when we all thought we were well and truly fucked, I charged for the Wardstone. Minagho tried to stop me, but it was too late for her- I had my blade in my hands, and I took the biggest swing of my life, and with just one strike I shattered that corrupted chunk of stone!”

She mimed the motion of her attack, and the crowds shouted their appreciation. Their cheers brought a cocky grin to Cleo’s lips, revealing sharp-tipped teeth.

“And of course once that was taken care of, Minagho didn’t stand a chance. Shame she’s so good at running away, but there’s plenty other demons out there to slay!”

This declaration brought another round of victorious shouts, but Galfrey remained reticent. The scene so far had only served to cement her final impression of Cleo of Ironbark: that she was in possession of a concerning degree of reckless arrogance. Cleo spoke loudly and cursed often; she lauded her own daring exploits; she relished in stretching out her arms to display the scars lining her well-toned muscles to her crowd of admirers.

Galfrey was hardly unaccustomed to such personality. The thrill of victory could go to any soldier’s head, especially when aided by ale and applause. But she had been hoping for something more substantial from the savior of the city, and to find behavior which bordered upon unseemly was…disappointing.

Across the room, Cleo let out a loud laugh and leapt to her feet, very nearly tripping over her chair in the process. She teetered over Anevia, leaned down, and- inexplicably- blew a kiss onto the small charm in Anevia’s hands. They both laughed again at the action, even as Irabeth swatted at her wife’s shoulder in half-hearted chastisement.

In spite of herself, Galfrey felt her lips pull reluctantly into a smile. Her judgments were harsh; revelry could certainly be permitted in times like this. This was a celebration, after all, and here she was sulking in the corner and thinking dour thoughts. It must be the endless war meetings taking their toll, fixing her into this permanently somber state. After so many decades, it was growing increasingly difficult to escape such a mindset, especially when she’d spent the majority of the march to Kenabres half-expecting to find nothing but a funeral pyre.

Instead, she’d found a city in the throes of exhilarating victory. Such a state was infinitely preferable, and the leader who’d made it possible had more than earned herself a carefree night.

With that thought in mind, Galfrey threw back a swig of ale and strode forward to join her subjects at their table. Her fifteen minutes of peace were almost up, and it was time to make her presence known. Better to make a jovial introduction, she decided, rather than be a weight upon the soldiers’ high spirits.

The reactions her reveal garnered were much what Galfrey expected: Irabeth snapped to immediate attention, the nearby soldiers backed away to a respectful distance, and even Anevia straightened her posture and pushed her drink away.

But not Cleo. Cleo just watched, dark eyes giving away nothing as she granted the Queen a lazy smile. “Have I had too much to drink, or are you really who I think you are?”

“That depends a good deal on who you think I am, doesn’t it?” Galfrey countered evenly. She kept her voice lighthearted, welcoming, and held out her hand in a simple greeting. “Galfrey, of Mendev.”

Cleo regarded the offered gesture for a moment, her gaze sliding from Galfrey’s hand to meet her eyes. The edges of her smile grew more pronounced. “I see the rumors were not exaggerated. Pleasure to make your royal acquaintance.” Without breaking her stare, Cleo wrapped her calloused fingers around Galfrey’s, and she brought Galfrey’s hand to her lips.

The kiss she laid on Galfrey’s skin was short, but her eyes stayed fixed on the Queen- testing her, Galfrey realized. Pressing to see how quickly Galfrey would pull away.

Indignation surged through Galfrey’s veins, but she had decades of practice in disguising her annoyances. She did not pull away, nor did she flinch under that taunting gaze; she waited until Cleo’s touch retreated, and only then did she withdraw her hand.

“Thank you for the compliment,” she said stiffly, and Cleo chuckled.

“Didn’t say what the rumors were, did I? But you are quite welcome, your royal highness. To what do I owe the honor of your visit?”

The words were simply dripping with mockery, and Galfrey almost changed her mind right then and there. The mission she’d meant to bequeath upon the hero of Kenabres required some modicum of respect and discipline, and she could just as easily enlist any of her current generals who actually displayed those qualities.

Except…none of those generals, in all their years of service, had accomplished anything like the feat this woman already performed. If even half of what Cleo claimed was true, she should be dead ten times over. That meant that this woman was either a braggart lying through her teeth…or she truly possessed the type of power the Crusades so desperately needed.

It was a risk, to gamble on the latter option in such a way. But the war had been locked in a stalemate for far too long. Perhaps a certain amount of risk was warranted.

And besides, Galfrey reminded herself, Cleo was currently deep in her cups. In all likelihood, she would wake in the morning somewhat sheepish and ready to approach their arrangement with a bit more propriety.

“The Queen graces me with her presence, I see.”

Galfrey stifled a sigh as she entered the Cleo’s tent. Outside, troops bustled in preparation for the march to Drezen, their shouts and orders mingling with the familiar clang of plated armor. The soldiers had been all too eager to accept the hero of Kenabres as their new Knight-Commander- much more eager than Cleo was to actually act the part. The obstinate woman lounged at her table of maps, not even rising to her feet as she greeted Galfrey with her usual taunt.

This was a worthy gamble, the Queen reminded herself. This inexplicable hostility was a small price to pay, if her newly-appointed Knight-Commander truly had a chance at cracking Drezen.

“Indeed. This mission is a matter of great importance, Commander,” Galfrey said, happy to hear that her voice came out smooth, betraying none of her frustrations. She allowed the weight of her authority to creep in on that last word, hoping to emphasize the importance of the title. “Reclaiming Drezen would be an unimaginable boon to the Crusades…as I have told you. The people believe in you. You have ignited their courage, and their hope. It is these virtues which will bring us to victory.”

“You can ease off the speeches in here, you know. Save us both the time,” Cleo drawled, not bothering to lift her attention away from the maps spread out before her.

Galfrey scowled and moved closer, setting her hands firmly over the maps and papers covering the table. “We are all putting our trust in you. This is not something I say lightly, and I cannot leave without knowing that we have an understanding.”

For the first time, Galfrey’s words actually seemed to have an effect on Cleo; her lazy smile disappeared, and her dark eyes narrowed as she studied the Queen standing before her. She even rose from her seat so as to meet Galfrey eye-to-eye across the narrow table. She shucked off her fur cloak as she stood, revealing broad shoulders laced with scars and decorated with geometric tattoos which wound around the back of her neck.

“And where will you be,” Cleo asked, steady and sharp, “while we charge off fearlessly to victory?”

Galfrey arched an eyebrow, surprised, but it seemed an honest question. “I shall be preparing the defenses at Nerosyan and its sister cities, and planning the future of the Fifth Crusade. Does this satisfy your curiosity, Commander?”

Cleo gave an undignified snort, a look of self-satisfaction flashing across her face. “Should’ve known.”

“Do you have something to say?” Galfrey demanded harshly. Such a rebuke would have shaken any of her courtiers or generals. Even now, knowing Cleo as she did, she half-expected the other woman to step back at the sound of her cutting displeasure.

But of course the Commander did not such thing. She actually leaned closer, eyes flashing, as she hissed, “Just that what you mean to say is that you’ll be watching the battle from the rear, safe and hidden away in some cushy palace while your soldiers bloody the battlefield. Can’t say I’m surprised. I’m sure a throne room is much more amenable to your sensibilities than a war camp.”

Her sensibilities? Galfrey’s jaw clenched. This feckless stranger hadn’t the faintest idea what she was speaking of- what did she know of the battles Galfrey had seen, the blood she herself had spilled in the name of Iomedae? She knew nothing, and Galfrey owed her no explanation for any of it.

“I have already overlooked many instances of insubordination, Commander,” Galfrey said, her voice low. “Do not test me further.”

The warning was a serious one, and perhaps Cleo sensed it. She paused, her face still close, searching the Queen’s expression for- well, Galfrey still wasn’t quite sure. But at last, she let out a quiet breath and turned away.

“It’s only insubordination if you’re the one in charge,” she said, almost conversationally. “From where I sit, you’re not the one doing the leading on this particular mission. If you’ve really got the mettle, march on Drezen with us. You’ve been making all your speeches about how pivotal this mission is for your Crusade. So prove it.”

A few seconds passed in which Galfrey could not form a response. Cleo made no secret of her disdain for the Queen’s presence- why would she make this offer now? Cleo tilted her chin, boldly staring down Galfrey as she waited for an answer.

“It has been a very long time,” Galfrey said slowly, archly, with as much authority as she could muster, “since anyone has dared to speak to me in such a manner. I must ask, what is it you are hoping to accomplish?”

Cleo shrugged. “Believe it or not, I’m not actually trying to offend. I don’t know you well enough to know whether I want to offend you or not. And that’s the point. Where I’m from, we don’t give respect based on fancy titles. We respect the people who’ve earned it.” She paused, her eyes roving over Galfrey’s polished armor. “Whatever you believe about me, I do want to win this war. But I also like to know the people I’m fighting with.”

“On that, at least, we can agree.” Galfrey frowned as she found herself seriously considering the offer- no, the challenge. That was what this brash, impetuous tiefling had thrown at her feet. A challenge.

“Very well,” Galfrey said. “We march together.”

A grin crossed Cleo’s face, catching Galfrey by surprise yet again. “Looking forward to it.” She laughed, and the grin widened to show off her pointed teeth. “We’re gonna make those demons wish they never crawled out of their mothers’ hellholes.”

When Galfrey left the tent, she told herself this was a sound decision, made for sound reasons. The advance would benefit from her presence, and this way she could keep an eye on her new unpredictable Commander. All her reasons were all true, which made them all that much easier to believe.

But a small part of her whispered that the truth of it was…it had been so long since someone had truly challenged her. Maybe she just wanted to see what would come of it, and of this unprecedented Knight-Commander.

Gods above, Galfrey thought, shaking her head at herself as the thoughts rattled through her mind. What have I just unleashed upon the world?

#fanfic #love & war #pwotr #pathfinder wotr #pathfinder wrath of the righteous #galfrey #ch: cloe #queen galfrey

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the-raging-tempest · 2 months

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Backstory NPC's

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Ianthos Aldonlel

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Maternal Grandfather

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Kyonin born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Calistria

Class: Wizard; Spellbinder

Background: Noble, Diplomat, Arcane Scholar

Alignment: Neutral Evil

Appearance: Pale silvery blonde hair. Silver blue eyes. Triangular face.

Personality/Traits: Aloof, detached, cold, ambitious, analytical, apathetic, independent, proud,

History: Born and educated in the Kyonin capital of Iadara. Close with the Queen. Moved to Mendev to study and help the crusaders with the demonic invasion.

Current: Retired. Lives in his wizard tower with the Maelstrom. Visiting his daughter and grandchildren from time to time.

Long-lived ancient elf.

Has only one daughter, Ordielau. After his wife passed away mysteriously, he isolated himself and is now barely seen in public.

An accomplished dangerous high-level wizard who specializes in enchantment magic. A Kyonin diplomat. He passed down his title and role to his daughter.

Infamous and highly debated in academic communities for his immoral use of enchantment magic.

Spends most of his time locked away in his wizard tower which is rarely on the material plane.

Takes Lariel and Zrise into his family tree to save his daughter and son-in-law's embarrassment, but also in a very selfish interest in Lariel's sorcerer bloodline.

Helped in creation of the Wardstones. Has been in Nerosyan since the first crusade.

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Ordielau Ellvesem

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Mother

Pronouns: She/Her

Species: Kyonin born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Calistria

Class: Witch; Gravewalker

Background: Noble, Diplomat

Alignment: Neutral Evil

Appearance: Golden blonde hair. Sky blue eyes. Heart shaped face.

Personality/Traits: Charming, spiteful, insincere, conceited, excitable, judgmental, fickle

History: Born and educated in the Kyonin capital of Iadara. Moved to Mendev with her father and mother.

Current: Took over her father’s position as the current Kyonin diplomat in charge of research in fighting the demonic invasion.

Middle age elven woman.

A friendly and charming person on the surface.

Infamous for hosting hedonistic events. And equally known for her brutality in regard to those she views as 'lower' than herself, including her own servants and staff. Punishing them thoroughly for mistakes or thievery.

Gave away her and her husband's first child to a hag to fulfill her deal. Told her family she lost the baby.

Drowned her own son, Zrise. Also then attempted to kill his sister, Lariel.

With her father's help, they resurrected Zrise. The necromantic ritual was intentionally left incomplete as it would require a sacrifice.

Is the one who commissioned and made Lariel wear her anti-magic collar.

Has a bat familiar named Mori who often spies in her absence.

Her infidelity is a constant strain on her marriage.

Has been in Nerosyan since the first crusade. Though she often travels to other countries to make connections. Away from home often.

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Valondriel Ellvesem

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Maternal Half Brother

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Forlorn born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Calistria

Class: Magus: Spell Dancer

Background: Noble

Alignment: True Neutral

Appearance: Golden hair. Brown eyes. Square face.

Personality/Traits: Proud, motivated, immature, pretentious, impudent, mean-spirited,

History: Born to his mother and father.

Current: Heir to the joint Ellvesem and Aldonlel titles.

Elven teen.

Resents his half-elven half-siblings for 'ruining' his life. The sole heir of both his parent's titles and wealth.

The favorite child. Has a lot of pressure placed on him.

Spent most of his childhood tormenting Zrise. Ignores and avoids Lariel. Views them both as his family's biggest embarrassment.

He tries to study magic but finds himself lacking. Though is an accomplished fencer. Often dueling with Zrise.

___

Thohan Ellvesem

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Step father. Mother’s current husband.

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Forlorn born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Yuelral

Class: Alchemist; Tinker

Background: Artisan, Merchant

Alignment: True Neutral

Appearance: Mousy brown hair. Brown eyes. Square face.

Personality/Traits: Vigilant, focused, meticulous, unconfident, thin-skinned, gutless, uptight

History: Born in Galt capital of Isarn to a merchant family. His family still lives there. Traveled to Nerosyan where he met Oldielau.

Current: Travels for work around the Inner Sea region. Training Valondriel to take over his business.

Middle-age elven man

His family is known for specializing in enchanted high-quality jewelry.

Spends much time away from home. Traveling for business often.

Puts a lot of pressure on all the children. Though he hates and resents Lariel and Zrise.

He and Zrise's relationship is the worst. Viewing him as a worthless troublemaker. Has taken it upon himself to discipline him.

He treats Lariel with polite but strained tolerance. Often using her good behavior against Zrise in an attempt to push them apart.

Is the one who insists everyone at his home refer to them as, "boy" and "girl" in an effort to elevate his own son above them.

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Drago

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Mother's Loyal Butler

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Human: Ustalavic

Deity/Religion: Formally Urgathoan

Class: NA

Background: Servant

Alignment: Lawful Evil

Appearance: Older man. Pale skin. Once black hair that is now salt and peppered. Sharp features.

Personality/Traits: Loyal, callous, neat, meticulous, cold, silent, stern, observant, vindictive

History: Was 'saved' by Ordielau on a trip to Ustalav. Used to serve Count Manfray Muralt.

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Eithon

Status: Dead

Relation to the twins: Lariel’s Teacher

Pronouns: He/They

Species: Kyonin born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Sarenrae

Class: Sorcerer; Celestial Bloodline. Oracle; Seer

Background: Scholar

Alignment: Neutral Good

Appearance: Long silver hair, triangular face, silver eyes.

Personality/Traits: Charming, compassionate, dedicated, earnest, gentle, independent, observant

History: Left Kynoin once he was of age to be tutored by Ianthos.

Young adult elven man.

Lariel's teacher until his death.

Taught her via magical projection most of the time. Only saw her in person a handful of times.

Taught Lariel a lot of her skills. Including the harp.

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Venan

Status: ???

Relation to the twins: Lariel’s first crush

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Half-elf; Urchin (Neither dual heritage or kindred raised)

Deity/Religion: Norgorber

Class: Rogue; Scout

Background: Urchin, Pickpocket

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Wavy chestnut brown hair, one brown eye, one glass eye that's blue. Scar across his nose and cheek. Freckled. Square jaw.

Personality/Traits: Adaptable, curious, cowardly, enthusiastic, dishonest, humorous, individualistic, manipulative, short-sighted, selfish.

History: Raised in an orphanage in Nerosyan. Started thieving young. Joined the thieves guild.

Young adult half-elf

In escaping arrest scaled the walls of the estate. Lariel helped him. Though he always kept a distance.

Venan used her affection and infatuation to get money from her. Promising one day to return and run away with her.

Only to be caught red-handed selling her things by Zrise who beat him, cut off two of his fingers, and left him for dead (without Lariel’s knowledge). After that, Venan never returned.

___

Kraler Karden

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Lariel’s fiance

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Half-elf; Kindred raised

Deity/Religion: Iomedae

Class: NA

Background: Noble

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Appearance: Dirty blonde hair, brown eyes, heart shaped face.

Personality/Traits: Arrogant, controlling, disorganized, greedy, haughty, irresponsible, lazy, social, brown-noser

History: Middle brother of a crusader family in Kenabras. His oldest brother is the current leader of the Knights of the Rampant Dragon. A socialite who does not want to marry.

Adult half-elf.

Engaged to a young Lariel whom he never showed interest in. She is much younger than him. He had no interest in befriending or getting to know her. Viewing their marriage as an obligation.

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Docilia Livianus

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Zrise’s swordsmanship teacher

Pronouns: She/Her

Species: Human: Chelaxian

Deity/Religion: Abadar

Class: Fighter; Mobile fighter

Background: Noble Warrior

Alignment: Lawful neutral

Appearance: Almost black dark brown hair, now salt and pepper, blue eyes, square face.

Personality/Traits: Abrasive, authoritarian, brutal, confident, eloquent, stoic, precise, thorough

History: Left Cheliax during political turmoil. Worked with crusaders in the Fourth Crusade where she encountered Ordielau. Becoming Zrise's teacher. As Thohan would not allow the boys to share.

___

Oria

Status: Dead

Relation to the twins: Zrise’s Calistrian’s mentor, ex-lover, first love

Pronouns: They/Them

Species: Aasimar: Musetouched (Azata-Blooded)

Deity/Religion: Calistria

Class: Cleric; Ecclesitheurge

Background: Acolyte, Courtesan

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Metallic silver hair, glowing gem like teal eyes, silver freckles, round face.

Personality/Traits: Fickle, sarcastic, unsentimental, spontaneous, persuasive, flirtatious, venomous

History: Their mother escaped Clelaxian slavery and became a faithful worshiper of Calistria. Oria was raised in a brothel. They along with their mother and siblings work with the Gray Gardener’s.

When they were both children Oria encountered a young Relik. They and their family took him off the streets. Offering him food and shelter. He came to worship Calistria as well.

Looked after and trained a teen/young adult Zrise.

In a hierarchical poly relationship/open relationship. Oria and Relik the primary couple. Zrise secondary.

Ended the relationship with Zrise, seeing his growing feelings as a betrayal against Calistria.

After this there was a fight that escalated that resulted in Oria and Relik’s deaths at Zrise’s hands.

___

Relik

Status: Dead

Relation to the twins: Zrise’s ex lover, romantic rival, tormenter

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Tiefling: Spitespawn (Div-spawn)

Deity/Religion: Calistria

Class: Rogue; Rowdy. Cleric; Cutpurse

Background: Urchin, Courtesan

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Almost black reddish brown skin, Black eyes, short black hair. Long ibex like horn, one broken at the base. Thick tail with tufted fur at the end.

Personality/Traits: Aggressive, aloof, callous, conceited, destructive, dogmatic, resentful, sadistic

History: An orphan who grew up on the streets of Isarn until they befriended Oria. Treated cruelly but those around him.

Unwaveringly loyal to Oria and their family.

Barely tolerates Zrise often taking his anger out on him.

In a hierarchical poly relationship/open relationship. Oria and Relik the primary couple.

Died by Zrise’s hands.

______

Characters the twins haven't met in Canon:

____

Lahaliel Aldonlel (Morgethai)

Status: Dead

Relation to the twins: Maternal Grandmother

Pronouns: She/Her

Species: Kyonin born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Mainly; Ketephys, but polytheism for the Elven Pantheon

Class: Shaman; Speaker For The Past. Druid; Menhir Savant. Riftwarden

Background: Guide, Healer, Diplomat

Alignment: True Neutral

Appearance: Strawberry blonde hair. vibrant green blue eyes. Heart shaped face.

Personality/Traits: Fawning, purposeful, perfectionist, hardworking, flexible, generous, dutiful, gullible

History: Born in the elven town of Riverspire. Through her connection to nature and the spirits of the past she befriended many fey. Wishing to help when she came of age she began traveling around Kyonin. Looking for ways to combat the demonic corruption. Her efforts taking her to the capital of Iadara where she met a young Ianthos. She is the reason he chose to go Mendev at the start of the opening of he Worldwound.

Came from the large Morgethai family.

Fey-touched, for her help and efforts she was given the gift of a favor by a Swan Maiden. She never took the opportunity in life. So it was passed to the first suitable along the family tree. Lariel. Manifesting as the Fey: Bloodline

Lariel's name is in part in reference to her Grandmother. Though it is unclear if it's meant as a slight or an acknowledgement of guilt.

___

Elowen

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Maternal Half-sister

Pronouns: She/Her

Species: Forlorn born elf: Aiudeen

Deity/Religion: Groetus

Class: Rogue; Counterfeit Mage

Background: Urchin; Pickpocket

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Dirty blonde hair. Brown eyes. Heart shaped face.

Personality/Traits: Adaptable, argumentative, calculating, cynical, erratic, hateful, morbid, power-hungry, secretive, uncharitable

History: 'Raised' by a Moon Hag, Auntie Agharna. She does not know her real family. Living on the streets of Nerosyan. Auntie mostly leaves her to her own devices until she is given a task to further the Harbinger of Last Days.

___

Saesha

Status: Dead

Relation to the twins: Paternal Grandmother

Pronouns: She/Her, They/Them

Species: Sylph; Stormsoul. Raised: Varisian

Deity/Religion: Ashava

Class: Bard; Thundercaller

Background: Urchin, Nomad, Entertainer

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Appearance: Unnaturally pale skin, with white markings on her skin in the shape of Lichtenberg Scars. Dark brown, almost black, wavy auburn hair. Pale blue, almost white eyes.

Personality/Traits: Confident, spontaneous, welcoming, compassionate, independent, curious, odd, absentminded, hot-tempered

History: Born in Pitax. An orphan picked up in a traveling Varisian group who worshiped Ashava. Her heritage, adopted family, and strange makings always marked her outsider. Despite her friendly nature most people did not trust her. She learned music as a way to make a living.

Tried to keep her son's father a secret to keep him out of Brevoy politics. He does not know he is of house Lodovka.

Traveled and lived in Brevoy, Numeria, Ustalav, Mendev and the River Kingdoms

___

Banom

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Biological father; He doesn’t know they exist

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Human: Brevic. Raised: Varisian

Deity/Religion: Gorzeh / Desna / The Green Faith / Ashava Sarkorian spirits (Whatever suits him)

Class: Sorcerer; Elemental Bloodline Air

Background: Soldier, Pirate

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Auburn Hair, Green eyes. Strong jaw and underbite.

Personality/Traits: Courageous, dramatic, forceful, friendly, humble, loyal, passionate, playful, resourceful , stubborn

History: Raised on Acuben Isle. Traveling with his mother with no home city. Until he was made a page for house Lodovka. Becoming a soldier. Until he was imprisoned in an attempt at a political coup. Became a pirate using his previous training.

Current: Captain of the Bloodstone Rose. Pirate of the Lake of Mists and Veils.

Middle-aged human. Neither Lariel nor Zrise know him. He doesn't know they exist. Ordielau kept his identity to herself.

A sailor/pirate. In procession of the bloodline Lariel inherited. He uses it to control the weather.

Married with a wife and children of his own.

First wife passed away and he remarried. Has one daughter from his first wife. A son with his second wife.

___

Nelka

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Paternal Half-sister

Pronouns: She/Her

Species: Human: Brevic Raised: Kellid: Sarkorian

Deity/Religion: Stag Mother of the Forest of Stones; The Green Faith

Class: Druid; Mooncaller

Background: Acolyte

Alignment: Neutral good

Appearance: Mousy brown hair. Hazel eyes. Square jawed.

Personality/Traits: Competitive, outspoken, stern, faithful, insensitive, loyal, rowdy, strong-willed, focused

History: As her father was often away she grew to resent him. Her mother Yelen died while she was very young. She was made to fend for herself until taken in by Desha. How the two of them met after she gave him an earful for abandoning his daughter. She is much closer with her step-mother than her father. Her relationship with Banom is strained.

She is married to her wife Kalen. They take in orphans.

___

Korek

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Paternal Half-brother

Pronouns: He/Him

Species: Human: Brevic. Also; Kellid: Sarkorian

Deity/Religion: Whatever his dad says is convenient

Class: Skald; Totemic

Background: Entertainer

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Appearance: Red hair. Brown eyes. Triangular face. Freckled

Personality/Traits: Adventurous, arrogant, cheerful, contradictory, daring, inconstant, fun-loving, noncommittal, short-sighted, lazy

History: Was born after Banom and Desha married. The youngest of the half-siblings. He grew up hearing stories of his father's life. He looks up to him and wants to be a lot like him. Has taken to insisting he also travel with him. Though the life on the ship is a lot more boring than he thought.

___

Desha

Status: Alive

Relation to the twins: Paternal Step-mother

Pronouns: She/Her

Species: Human: Kellid: Sarkorian

Deity/Religion: Stag Mother of the Forest of Stones; The Green Faith

Class: Alchemist; Beastmorph. Arcanist; Occultist

Background: Healer

Alignment: Neutral Good

Appearance: Black hair. Freckled. Dark brown eyes. Triangular face. Freckled

Personality/Traits: Clear-headed, honest, decisive, eloquent, demanding, idealistic, obstinate, organized, reliable

History: Her clan fled Mendev after the Worldwound opened. Sarkorian Kellid diaspora. So she was taught in the Sarkorian ways but is an outsider in Brevoy. A trained alchemist who sells her potions to make a living.

Alignment: Neutral Good

Appearance: Black hair. Freckled. Dark brown eyes. Triangular face. Freckled

Personality/Traits: Clear-headed, honest, decisive, eloquent, demanding, idealistic, obstinate, organized, reliable

#lariel lore #zrise lore #this one took me longer than I'd like #I probably fucked some stuff up that I need to fix but alas

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dmagedgoods · 1 year

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There was this writing prompt in the wotr fandom, to describe why the KC loves the LI they chose, and I think I'm too late to the party, but since I didn’t post any writing for a very long time, well, I guess I just leave it here. It’s very rough and unpolished though.

"You maneuvered through the political shoals most elegantly, there is no denying it."

As always, she managed to make even a well-aimed compliment sound like a secret insult.

"You think me a usurper, don’t you, Lady Konomi?"

"This kind of candor would be inappropriate, my lord."

Her fork found its way to her half-empty plate. She ate the way she spoke: Stilted and with finicky consideration – allowing all too clear insights into her preferences and dislikes. He still had to get used to seeing her at least attempt to make use of her so-called diplomatic skills instead of only promoting them.

"But yes, I do."

A smirk played across his lips, amusement, almost delight. There it was. He enjoyed the confirmation that some things would never change.

"You must forgive me, but you ask us to put our faith, the wellbeing of this whole country, in an ambitious stranger.”

“A stranger, even now? I failed to prove myself in your eyes?” The calm amusement had not left his tone and he took a sip of his wine.

“As a military leader? You did without the slightest doubt. It is by no means my intention to disregard your impressive achievements. But to Mendev itself, with all its history and entanglements? I’m still of the belief that the successor of our dear queen Galfrey should be a member of the countries elite, not a visitor from Absalom.”

A visitor. He raised his brow.

“Though I admit, I underestimated you when we first met. I didn't recognize your skill and … determination."

"I know and love this country, Landy Konomi, and I was trained and educated for this very purpose: to rule."

"No matter the price, I assume?"

"No matter the exertion it costs."

"And no matter the tools, as it turns out. Although, observing your methods, I would have expected you to pick the one standing at your side with greater care. You want his name, I am aware, but with the reputation you gained, you could take your pick among other influential noble families of Mendev without choosing the worst rake this country has to offer."

“The Arendae name will be of immense value,” he admitted openly and in complete calmness while putting his empty glass down on the table and giving the waiter a gesture. “Barely any other name in Mendev carries the same weight.”

“This move leaves us with this dangerous wastrel on the throne you’ll share.”

“A throne he is the next in line for – without me in the picture as well.”

“A right he would never claim without you in the picture.”

“Maybe so,” The waiter refilled his glass with graceful routine and silently left them again. “And it would be a tremendous loss for Mendev and its people.”

Konomi looked at him with undisguised discontentment.

“It’s not a disguise,” she observed. “You actually have a high opinion of him.”

“The highest. Or I would never have fallen in love with him.”

“But …” A hint of genuine surprise lay on her features. “But why?”

He leaned back and crossed his legs.

“You don’t observe, I’m afraid. You think in categories and clichés, but you don’t see him. – Not even in the field you call your profession. His wit, his broad knowledge, his charm and courage, all of it allows him to disarm and maneuver political allies and opponents alike. It’s remarkable to watch and a pity he likes to disguise his qualities. Nonetheless, I love him for those remarkable features he hides as much as for this endearing mask.

I love him for the obvious things, his eloquence, his taste, his intelligence. But even those seemingly superficial things go much deeper: It feels good to be with him, it feels like belonging.”

Konomi listened attentively without interrupting him, curious for more, it seemed, and so he continued:

“I love him for his lightness that makes every burden disappear, for his humour, as dark as it will get, the offended faces of those around him who can’t even tell when he is joking and when he becomes serious, for the way he bathes in their reactions.”

“Quite despicable,” she commented.

“You think so? I cherish his skillful, shameless provocations. But even more his shining passion for life itself. He enjoys it in remarkable ways and every single day. It’s intriguing. It’s inspiring.”

A little smile appeared on his face.

“I love him for the things we have in common – in upbringing, our hobbies, vulnerabilities we prefer not to show and if we do …, well, then never easily. At the same time I love our differences with an equal amount of passion. He complements me, opens my eyes to new points of view, corrects me in anything I have been too sure about. Every once in a while, I think that he may know me a little too well.” No one before had ever made an effort to go that deep. – While, of course, he’d vehemently pretend not to. “He understands and even in cases he doesn’t …” The smile on his lips turned into sobriety while he searched the words for an emotion too big to be captured by sentences and his little speech. “He is at my side, there for me, no matter what it takes and he has proven it over and over again during the crusade.

I love him for his courage, for his deep loyalty, for the moments the good in him becomes so strong he can’t hide it, but also for those where the cruelty wins over. He wants me as I am, the inconvenient parts as well, and I want every facet of him, the bright and the dark. What we build we build together. And what scared him in the beginning of our journey became his true freedom. Our true freedom.”

Konomi stayed silent for a long time before she eventually cleared her throat. “Well, I have to admit you still surprise me. I didn’t take you for a romantic.”

The amusement was back in his eyes. “Only a chosen few are aware of this little fact.”

“In this case, I feel honored, commander.”

Something in her face – and he couldn’t quite place it – seemed softer than before. She took the menu and started to look for desserts while the waiter came and took their plates.

“And thank you,” she suddenly added, “I may reconsider my opinion about him. Slightly.”

“Please don’t.” He smiled and took his glass. “He would be inconsolable and never forgive me, I fear.”

#pathfinder wotr #pathfinder: wrath of the righteous #daeran arendae #daeran #commander x daeran #knight and dae #daeran x commander #lady konomi #knight commander salvadore #oc: salvadore #my ocs #dmagedtexts #my writing #LI prompt

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dujour13 · 3 months

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10, 32 and 28 for Sia?

Thanks Harper! 💕💕

10. What lie do they most frequently remember telling? Does it haunt them?

Answered here. Basically - “I promise” and yes.

32. Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke?

He has so many stories there isn’t exactly a classic he trots out for every occasion, but there are a couple he’s especially fond of.

He often comes back to this one from his pre-Crusade days in the Andoren diplomatic corps. (It would take some retrofitting but I like the idea that he may have met Daeran before the Crusade.)

A couple of years ago there was a Taldan Duchess who claimed that a certain young Mendevian Count had put her in a delicate condition at her debutante ball, and via the royal family was pressuring his cousin, the Queen of Mendev, to force him to marry her, escalating the political stakes when he categorically refused. He protested his “innocence,” claiming he gained entrance only by the back door, metaphorically speaking.

As a neutral 3rd party an Andoren diplomatic delegation was called in and Siavash drew the short straw to have a chat with the Count.

He never tells exactly what they said to each other, but they both came out of the sitting room wine-drunk and Siavash informed the delegation there was nothing for them do; the Count had it all under control.

The Count proceeded to make himself at home with his new fiancée.

He hired some unsavory types to burgle the estate and deliver to him the family’s sensitive documents, perhaps in an attempt to dis-inculpate himself and prove the whole pregnancy was a sham to begin with, but stumbled upon the dire secret that the Duchess’ gambling habit had frittered away most of the family fortune. This the Count released to the press, but not before drawing the Duchess into a pyramid scheme that finished the job.

He also proceeded to:

Encourage the servants to unionize; train the family dogs to hump guests’ legs; purchase a shocking quantity of love elixir in the Duchess’ name; encourage certain salacious habits in the Duchess’ teenage brother, which ended in minor injury when he slipped off a window-ledge; and, as the cherry on top, seduce his fiancée’s father, the Duke.

The family sent him packing back to Mendev within a month.

As Siavash does hilarious imitations, especially of nobility, this story gets a lot of traction.

28. Would they prefer a lie over an unpleasant truth?

On trivial matters he’ll take a pleasant lie over an unpleasant truth anytime, and he’s more than willing to return the favor. Tell him how great he looks in those green striped bard trousers.

But when it comes to more important matters he puts a lot of stock in honesty, because owning up to his mistakes and using them as a chance to improve is important to him. He hates letting people down. He can accept constructive criticism because he’s always been good at appearing to take it gracefully. (I should say, from anyone except his dad and Regill.)

#thanks for the ask!!#camelliagwerm #siavash

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cassynite · 4 months

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Sparrow Happy AU please? I'm so simple ;3

Aaaah thank you so much Arrow!! Sparrow Happy AU is so fun <3

This story details an adventure in Mendev featuring Passerene Cygnarus, a young woman who used to be called Sparrow in her youth and who was never captured by slavers. She grew up with her brother Isore in Dehrukani, before Isore finally started his years-long ambition of carving footholds in positions of power to help steer the general cultural and sociopolitical atmosphere of Avistan as a whole. Big plans, and Rene is mildly wary of the fact that her brother has major Evil Guy vibes, but he's her brother and she owes him for the years he sacrificed raising her, so she plays assistant.

Their latest project is to help rebuild a "fuck you mansion" for one Count Daeran Arendae, after his home was destroyed in the demon attack on Kenabres. He was briefly conscripted to the Crusade, before the newly minted knight commander booted him out, so now he's lavishing in Kenabres employing architects to build him a new home.

The story mainly follows Rene following a long an adapted version of Daeran's companion quest, where she figures out he's got a head full of ghosts, befriends him (and maybe more) and saves him anyway <3

See a snippet below the cut!

"And after?" The count gives an elegant shrug. "It was good fun while it lasted, but camping in the cold rain in the armpit of the Worldwound? I can spend my time better in a privy." Rene had done her research on the count long before they accepted the commission, and knows that he's not quite telling the truth. He had been in Kenabres during the demon attack that had incited the current Crusade, though whether he actually helped or not isn't verified. What is verified is that his honorable cousin, Queen Galfrey of Mendev, appointed him to the Crusade as an attache to the newly minted Knight Commander, possibly in response to the alleged heroic actions he took in Kenabres. It didn't matter either way why she did it, because the brand new leader of her armies took one look at Count Arendae and informed him his services were not welcome. Rene winces just thinking about it, the slight and all it implied. Though looking at him now, she understands why a military commander decided against dragging him on a campaign to retake the lost city of Drezen. The young noble hardly seems like the kind of man who would stand mud up his trousers or sleeping on hard ground for weeks at a time. The embarrassment of the rejection might not sting so much when the kind of job he was turned down for was trying to fend off the encroaching demon scourge. But it might also be why he's building this fuck-you mansion to begin with--it would be a way to distract from the recent shame by pointing attention to some new outrageous thing, and also make it clear that the social stumble was not something that bothers Count Arendae one bit.

And a second one, mainly because i like this one a lot but it feels too short to put on its own:

"That was the most haunted man I've ever met in my life." Isore gives her a placid stare. "I found him rather irreverent, personally." Rene snorts. "Come off it, you know what I meant. That man's got a ghost, or a curse, or both. You could feel its fingers on your neck." "And it likely will not kill him until after we are finished building his ridiculous house. Let it go, Passerene. He is not our concern." Isore always had the final say on such things, but then he usually is the one who points them out. "Isn't it strange though? Aren't you the least bit curious?"

#cassy answers #arrow90-art #oc: sparrow #daeran arendae #oc: isore #cassy writes #cassy wips #pwotr pals #also featuring rene creating an interdimensional rift and meeting kc sparrow! but that's a minor plot point

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queen-scribbles · 1 year

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I LOVE HER SO MUCH

#queen in mendev #arueshalae

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spyridonya · 1 year

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An answer to a Discord PWotR challenge of, 'Why Does your Knight Commander love their chosen LI?"

Kadira, in game canon, chose Daeran over all others.

"Why do you love Daeran?"

Kadira's hand pauses as the Queen asks the question, pin that is supposed to hold up the pile of curls shining as the former knight commander freezes. It's not so much the question, not even the way Galfrey speaks it in a manner that is holds only a taste of curiosity and bewilderment, civility making the expression on her statuesque beauty so very mild.

It really is a matter of when the Queen decided to ask this, just an hour before the engagement party of her cousin to the Knight Commander, the formal announcement of what East Mendev - and the entire kingdom - knows.

The pin slides deftly in the black curls; she had thought the Queen would have come in robes of state to gravely inform her that the engagement would be pending due to some ancient tradition that the kingdom buried and forgot generations ago. Rather the queen is dressed in red and white, embroidery of golden thread mirroring patterns of a Mendev that had been more wild and free. There's civility, but there's grace.

"Well, not for his money." Kadira says, looking at the queen's reflection before she turns, mindful of the skirts and her tail. "I've seem to come across mounds of it on my own. Nor was it his reputation, even sheltered girl like me knew of him, couldn't say it repulsed me, such a term is unfair, I think."

"Repulsive, Commander, is a word that could be used for the man he became, by many."

"Not by me." Though she could accuse Galfrey as being one of many, but what did it matter? What points to be won in a question that is asked in pure bewilderment? She could throw into Galfrey's face that the late Sir Lant spoke harshly of Countess Sileana's fidelity and that he spoke in defense of a slaughter of of a village ten miles of Kenabras some 70 years ago before his helmet was turned into a chamber pot.

"You were not there the first time I saw him smile at a teenage girl scarred by zealotry he mocked. How his voice changed in an instant, how he was kind and gentle." The Lady of Drezen closed her eyes and took a breath, "Nor were you there when he made me laugh... Perhaps mocking Terendelev was wrong, perhaps laughing was wrong and a heresy in the eyes of many… but there was a knot between my shoulders that been lodged there for… I suppose since I fell into the ravine? But when I laughed for the first time in days," If not years, "And when I stopped laughing and joined in his humor, the knot was gone and my mind was clearer. I could go on and do what I must and so could he."

The celestial's hands settle on her lap as her eyes open to a blue gaze not so different from her own, while everything else about Galfrey - and the entire remains of the Royal family - looked so angelic. "I could blame you and your little prank upon your cousin for making this all worse."

The queen merely nodded at this, the quirk of the lips hiding everything - the libertine that gawked in horror a year and a half ago was different from the man that strode by Kadira's side from Threshold. Perhaps one day Kadira could tell her family such a prank by the Queen was petty, glib, a demonstration of revenge upon the back of a last chance of salvation. Perhaps. She would have to see how the world saw Galfrey.

"When we went to Heaven's Edge," The former commander continued after the queen remained silent, "I made the decision to be present and mindful from Daeran's party until Inquisitor Liotr found what he needed to save the count."

"Truthfully, I couldn't tell when it became real until it was too late and I could see past the edges he displayed like a peacock. I saw what he could be. I can't deny the cruelty he has done out of duty and of pleasure, but to deny the man who braids Ember's hair doesn't exist? The man who teases and defends a youth that could be his younger brother? The man who saved and comforted broken and lost girls whose light was nearly extinguished in the abyss? That man exists, too, and that man needed to be acknowledged."

"He loved me first, you know? Even before the words formed in my head. He loved me first." Kadira's fingers played against the soft material of her dress, cut Talden style, the sky blue muting the brightness of her almost too red skin. "What turned out to be a mission to protect the crusade and my companions became… giving Daeran the freedom to decide what he truly is. I would love the man of sharp cunning and cruelty who wanted nothing but pleasure, I would love the man who mourned a culture forgotten and loves you so much, he made you hate him for your protection. And I loved the man who saw my weakness in the abyss, who followed me into the darkness, and did everything he could to make me smile when he could have easily staked a knife into my heart by leaving me."

Kadira looks at Galfrey, her gaze stern and honest. "He loves me because I'm mortal, regardless of what I've become. I love him, because he's so very mortal, regardless what he will become."

#daeran arendae #commander x daeran #queen galfrey

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miseryscrowned · 22 days

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Hope I'm not too late! How is Angra problematic?

she never did anything wrong in her LIFE (has been raiding merchant ships belonging to the council since she was like 5) she’s literally perfect (has no concept of the law) and an angel (makes up shit for giggles)

I’ll be honest it’s really hard to think of reasons why she would be problematic because she’s overall a good aligned character with a heart of gold (as chaotic as she might be)

IG the people of Mendev could find her problematic for some of her choices like accepting the Hellriders as allies (she doesn’t understand them, probably has never even met one before Regill and when he offered help she was like ok sure) or the fact that she will defend a literal succubus with her tusks and nails because she loves Arue and believes in her, or the fact that she refused to give the lexicon to the Queen but I don’t think that in a fandom context there would be people like making callout posts bc she’s problematic or fighting Angra Stans

#thank you for the ask <3 #oc: angra lievens #wotr commander

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dragonologist-phd · 10 months

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Love & War - Chapter 4

Galfrey was a queen, a paladin, an icon for all that was righteous and just in the Crusades. Cleo was a barbarian, a tiefling, a personification of demonic chaos. By all rights and logic, the two should have been at each other’s throats- and sometimes, they were. But somehow, through war and struggle and sacrifice, they found more in each other than either could ever have expected.

Mendev wasn’t just fighting a fire- it was fighting the whole of the Abyss. It needed a fucking inferno of its own.

Cleo reminded herself of this as she stormed down the many steps from the citadel to the courtyard, where Galfrey and her revenue were in wait. The queen was returning to the capital today; as Knight-Commander, Cleo had to be there to bid her farewell, no matter how little she was looking forward to that conversation.

It should please her, shouldn’t it, to see the queen’s departure? Sure, Cleo had her fun poking the dragon…but that was before Drezen. Before Cleo’s latest surge of power.

A lot of things had changed since then.

read on ao3

#love & war #pwotr #fanfic #galfrey #ch: cleo #yeah this is a long one #gotta get thru act 3!#i know i wanna get back to the cleo/galfrey interactions but a lot happens in act 3!#and at least we get some of that good good pining

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undyingembers · 7 months

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Owlcatober Day 22 - Nobility

My entry for @owlcatober! Enjoy!

When Leonosa entered Nerosyan Castle, she knew she had nothing to be afraid of. She was the Commander of the final Crusade, the one to have rid the world of the Worldwound forever, and she was the governor of Drezen and a countess besides. No one in their right minds would ever say that she shouldn’t be allowed in the royal court (at least not openly). Knowing all of this, however, did not erase decades of being told that someone like her shouldn’t even be here, that the court wouldn’t accept it, that everyone would think that she was a taint, and all sorts of excuses Leonosa’s family came up with to keep her within Castle Marhaven’s walls.

Daeran had spared no expense in making sure that Leonosa wore the outfit of her dreams: the wide ballgown with shining silks, elaborate jewelry, and a trip to the most high-end salon in Nerosyan.

“It is quite overrated I can assure you,” said Daeran. Daeran very much didn’t believe in Mendevian’s nobility’s ability to give a fairy tale romantic evening, and neither did Leonosa, to be perfectly honest, but Leonosa was grateful that he was indulging her that night.

“Count Daeran Kael Nevis Arendae,” the footman announced as they entered the ballroom. “And his wife Countess Leonosa Catalina Beatricia Arendae.”

“Let’s get this farce over with,” said Daeran as he and Leonosa walked arm and arm into the ballroom.

As a country that prides itself on its militaristic asceticism, Mendev would be the last place to hold the classic swirling romantic balls. The only adornments allowed here were ones that honored Galfrey, Iomadae, and the Crusades. Daeran gagged at the sight of it, and even Leonosa was rather disgusted. Back in Drezen, at least Leonosa had been able to add a bit of culture. There were more festivals, and the people could celebrate more than a century of war and an oppressive god.

Leonosa’s family was there. Thankfully, her mother was back in Marhaven, but Leonosa still got to see some of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. The interactions were cordial, too much so. It was all smiles and congratulations. None of Leonosa’s relatives wanted to acknowledge the treatments her family had made her endure or how she had to have been locked away behind walls for much of her life.

As a matter of fact, everyone at the ball wanted to ignore these unpleasant facts. No one cared that Leonosa was a tiefling, but they also didn’t care that people like her had been accused and persecuted. They all wanted to pretend that none of it had ever happened. No reckoning, no accountability.

It was rather frustrating and disheartening, really.

At least Leonosa got to dance with Queen Galfrey again. Despite everything, the queen was an excellent dancing partner. She was every bit as graceful as she seemed, and dancing was one of the closest Leonosa had ever seen of her queen letting go and having fun. They were free to talk about interests and events without politics getting in the way. Leonosa suspected that Galfrey was just as grateful for their very rare dances as Leonosa herself was.

Of course, Daeran could help but cut in to get a dance with his wife. The count turned his face very pointedly away from Galfrey as he took Leonosa away.

“I must say that tonight has been quite a letdown,” said Daeran. “I would have hoped for a bigger reaction to your presence here, perhaps even a gasp or a whisper or two behind a fan. Just…nothing.”

“I am so sorry to disappoint,” Leonosa responded dryly.

They went a few rounds around the ballroom. No matter the setting, Leonosa would never tire of dancing with her husband.

Daeran sighed. “Well, I can definitely say that I am completely and utterly bored to tears of this venue. Shall we take our fine selves to the tavern?”

“Gods, yes!” said Leonosa.

#pathfinder wrath of the righteous #commander lenarius #lenarius #daeran arendae #lenariusxdaeran #owlcatober 2023 #my writing

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