#redhaired warrior

[carmendeiact2whenplz]

Things we don’t know about Old Mondstadt (that Hoyoverse refuses to tell us)

Aka things that haunt me (and probably many other old mondstadt fans)

(keep in mind- not all of these may be entirely unanswerable as of now, some have partial/vague canon answers, while some may have completely canon yet relatively obscure answers)

(for the sake of making things easier to write, i will refer to venti’s dead friend/the nameless bard as “nb” and the red haired warrior as “rhw”, and specifically wisp venti as “wispti”, and i will be referring to the group of wispti, nb, rhw, gunnhildr, and amos (and maybe decarabian too if he’s relevant in that context) as the “old mond gang”)

Note- lots of paragraphs ahead

1- why is nb nameless? does he just… not have a name? does he have a name that he either intentionally or unintentionally kept secret? did he have a name that he used openly and oftenly, but it was forgotten by history as time went on? if anything, did he at least have some sort of nickname people used for him (so we can stop calling him “some nameless guy or smth idk”)?

2- While nb being, well, nameless, may be a bit more justified, what about rhw? did he also have some sort of name? would calling him “ragnvindr” (or similar) be entirely un-canon? did he at the very least have some sort of code name/nickname?

3- what is the timescale of the rebellion? did it take weeks, months, years? decades? how long ago did thoughts of revolution start in old mondstadt? were the people always unhappy, or did old mond use to be a better place?

4- what is nb’s role in the rebellion? did he start it? is he just a leader in general? or is he just there for the moral support? was he on the front lines or in the distance, playing his lyre to rally the troops? is he a strategist? has he ever directly fought anyone on the opposing side?

5- actually, how old is nb anyway? pretty sure most people agree that the rest of the old mond gang are adults (not wispti but like. i’ll touch more on that later), but i’ve seen stories/theories/headcanons about how old nb was (at the time of death) ranging from around 14 to 23 years old- that is not a small range by any means. (according to a poll i made a while ago, 16 was the most common answer on what people thought their age was (my headcanon too), but there was definitely a lot of range in the answers)

6- If Amos and Decarabian’s romantic relationship is so toxic (for lack of a better word), how any why did they get together in the first place? Did amos enter the relationship aware decarabian was against some of the things she wanted most in life? did she enter the relationship purely to try to “fix” him? was he abusive towards her, or was it just a lack of attention/affection/caring about other things more than her? or was it that he never loved her/was attracted to her romantically at all? were they still in a relationship even until the very end, or did they eventually split up when they both knew they would have to fight eachother and that things wouldn’t work out between them?

7- according to the “biography of gunnhildr” book (i think that’s the name), it says they worshipped the wind spirit barbatos and treated it like a deity, while other sources say wispti was nameless and was like. just kinda there. is one of them the truth, or both, or neither?

8- does wispti have arms and/or legs of any kind? can he talk/communicate with people? if so, how does he go about doing so?

9- it’s implied in “a drunkard’s tale” (an ingame book) that the wind spirit that transformed into a fox and helped create wine is the same wind spirit as well. wispti. if that means wispti can shapeshift, to what extent can he do it? can he even become a human/humanoid (not to the same detail and/or time extent that modern venti/barbatos can do so but still)? if so, how does that impact his relationship with nb and/or the rest of the old mond gang?

10- how long did the members of the old mond gang know eachother? did most of them meet in relation to the rebellion, or did some of them know eachother before they got to that point?

11- what is the order of events between amos dying, nb dying, decarabian dying, barbatos getting the gnosis, barbatos taking nb’s form, the end of the fighting, and rhw leaving/abandoning (for lack of better words) everyone? how much time took place between all those happening?

12- what exactly are the purposes of the tower? is it just a living space/government building for decarabian and amos, or is there more to it? did other people live in the tower too? if the circular ruins/symbols seen in the tower present-day were also there back then, why and how are they there? are the light actuators in the tower related to anything involving decarabian’s power/immortality and/or the storm wall?

13- how impenetrable is the storm wall, really? is everything restricted from going in or out, or are some people able to move freely? what is the immigration/emigration rate of the city? how often are things imported and exported? does the wall have any intended purpose other than for keeping the blizzard out?

14- how did amos get her bow? why is it so (hypothetically) powerful? where did she get it and how did it “retain its power” to this day?

15- how “old” is wispti? he could theoretically be any “age” between “manifesting into existence shortly before his first interaction with nb” and 14 billion years old/as old as time itself(and you thought nb’s theoretical age range was large.) how much did wispti truly know before getting involved with the rebellion? was he technically a toddler (in terms of knowledge/mentality), or does he actually have thousands of years of knowledge?

16- to what extent did the imunlaukr (i probably spelled that wrong) and lawrence clans participate in the old mondstadt rebellion? were they involved at all? should the old mond gang be eventually expanded to include more people? (lawrence, venerare, etc)

17- HOW DID DECARABIAN LOOK LIKE? HOYOVERSE PLEASE. IF YOU WONT GIVE US HIS FULLBODY DESIGN WITH MULTIPLE POSES AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AT LEAST GIVE US SOME CRUMBS ABOUT HIS APPEARANCE (how tall he was, hair color, outfit style, special accessories he wore, weapons he used, etc)

18- what is the relationship of the old mond game to eachother? were they friends? found family? or were things far more complicated than that? (and what was their reaction to knowing amos, one of their biggest allies, was also the lover/partner of their (the old mond gang’s) enemy?

19- did some of the genshin weapons with lore relations to old mondstadt actually get used during old mondstadt? (aka did nb get to use freedom-sworn as an actual combat weapon)

I probably left out a lot of things so i may go back later to edit, but there are just. SO many things hoyoverse keeps behind the lore basement. If anyone would like to add onto this list, or provide personal headcanons and/or canon answers to the things mentioned here, i highly reccomend doing so.

@honorary-fool @amarisrosalette @gierosajie @lanternlightss @arson-n-quwubilder @littleblueberryartist @lilyandthegenshinbrainrot @elysianheresy

@goyayato @lordofthetower @nellfe-the-feral-creature @thatonenerdinyourclassroom

@yume-shirokuro

(if anyone tagged would not like to be tagged, please let me know)

#old mondstadt #genshin impact #genshin theories #nameless bard #venti #wispti #wisp venti #redhaired warrior #amos #amos genshin impact #gunnhildr #decarabian #writing prompts

[enthusiasmiert]

Notorious elven ear

#me #redhead #ginger #redhaired #auburn #elven #elvencore #amazon warrior #green eyes

[glknight]

SER AUSPUS

An investigator belonging to The Order Of The Holy Light, which has two main factions that act as their intermediaries. One is the Shields Of Darkness, those tasked with acting on behalf of the things unseen. The other is the Blades Of Light, the Martial branch of the Order who investigate rumors and pleas involving Humans who find their lives coming into dangerously close contact with the ancient and eldritch forces in the world.

As a Blade Of Light, Auspus has the training to withhold her own in a fight, as well as several magical tonics and items to aid in her missions. But there are two things that really help her stand out among her peers. One is Salazar, a mace infused with the soul of a Salamander, granting it several magical properties related to light and heat. The other is the gift of Spirit Speak, inflicted on her as a child when her family was fooled into betrothing and almost wedding her off to a demon that disguised itself as an ancient forest god of her people. But with time and effort, she now uses her gift to speak and summon those that lie beyond mortal means to provide information and aid whenever she game. The scar on her cheek glowing a spectral whitish-blue when in use.

So if you meet a redhaired woman with a no-nonsense attitude and a keen analytical mind, pray that she is not The Demon’s Bride. For if The Devil’s Bride is here, then that means the veil has been lifted and danger is near.

- - - - - - - -

The first Ser Auspus story, “The Shadow Of Solstice”, is almost ready. So look for it soon. And the artwork was done by @/DragonRollZ on Twitter.​

#OC #original character #original story #commissioned art #dark fantasy #investigator #magic #fantasy #redhead #redhair #warrior #mace

[kal-ai-doscope]

Mind's Eye Warrior in Jade https://www.instagram.com/p/Ciu-RBMOxUf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#ai artwork #wonder ai #sci fi & fantasy #ai generated #ai image #redhair #red hair #female #fantasy warrior #fantasy #paladin #knight #fantasy knight #dnd ideas #character idea #midjourney #night cafe #craiyon

[anavrinai]

Warrior Goddess redhair ultra realistic 8k by anavrin-stock

#Warrior Goddess redhair ultrarealistic exclusive

[sleepingwoolf]

Die for you

Commission for RedRiese hope you like it ! :> COMMISSIONS ARE OPEN (if you don't have KOFI feel free to send me a note here) Follow me here: PILLOWFORT INSTAGRAM FURAFFINITY TOYHOUSE ARTSTATION KOFI ARTFIGHT DEVIANTART TWITTER INKBUNNY INKBLOT ART ITAKU TUMBLR

Posted using PostyBirb

#furryart #fursona #cat #catsona #catsoldier #catanthro #anthro #anthrocat #fursonacat #redhair #male #originalcharacter #oc #catoc #anthrooc #shotgun #constellations #warcat #warrior #warriorcat #soldier #soldiercat

[jk-antwon]

Finished this one up tonight! #art #comics #fanartfriday #comicart #redsonja #redsonjafanart #sketch #sketchcard #fanart #redhair #redhead #warrior #warrirowoman #barbarian https://www.instagram.com/p/CpEi8_eMLr_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#art #comics #fanartfriday #comicart #redsonja #redsonjafanart #sketch #sketchcard #fanart #redhair #redhead #warrior #warrirowoman #barbarian

[getakupepi]

[FR]

Ca faisait un moment que j'avais pas publié, je l'ai fini ya un moment et me revoilà. Je traverse une période d'artblock alors je m'excuse du manque de régularité. Je vous présente une #commission de Ghiala, une #roegadyn de #ffxiv très très classe, j'ai adoré la dessiner malgré le défi des détails, du bras de métal et des Dreads, mais je crois que je m'en suis plutôt bien sortie et je suis très contente du résultat ! Je vais essayer de retrouver un peu plus de temps pour dessiner, j'ai pleins de commi encore et de projets persos qui attendent au chaud dans un coin ! Merci à Ghiala pour sa confiance et sa patience !

[ENG]

It's been a while since I've published, I've finished it and here I am. I'm struggling with artblock so I'm sorry for my lack of regularity. I'm presenting a commission for Ghiala, a roegadyn from final fantasy xiv really really cool, I loved drawing her even with the challenge of the details, the metal arm and the dreads locks, but I believe that I'm doing pretty good and I'm very happy about the results ! I'll try to find again some time to draw, I have many commissions to do and personals projects that are still waiting ! Thanks to Ghiala for her trust and her patience !

06/02/2022

#commissionart #art #artwork #artist #artistoninstagram #artistontumblr #myart #getakupepiart #roegadyn #roegadynfemale #roegadynffxiv #warrior #warrior woman #monk #dreadlocks #dreads #helmet #redhair #woman #girl power

[chlorinewriter]

I'm working on a Mishanks piece for Whumpuary, tentatively titled Holy Heathens. It's going to be a self-contained one-shot for the AU I posted about priest-warrior Mihawk and heathen Shanks. Angsty (because we love a Mihawk who is so out of his depth) and very much playing around with the canon timeline (they've only just met like two weeks ago in the fic and are both adults) and I'm having so much fun writing! I don't wanna do too much worldbuilding but it's cramming its way in there anyways. So far on track to finish in January! I wanna keep myself motivated so here's a short fragment to share the angsty joy:

The first time Mihawk met the priest, he'd had other things on his mind. The duel with Shanks, the tie, the sheer strength of the man, the bewildering question of how a heathen could have such faith. It had been eating at Mihawk, and he'd gone to the priest of the small island solely to collect more information on his target.

He almost never approached his brethren clergy if he could avoid it, but the shaggy, redhaired sailor had surprised Mihawk. Shocked him, really. He didn't know where else to go to discuss the issue. The laypeople he'd tried to approach sang Shanks' praises or shrugged haplessly or muttered something barely comprehensible in their terror at his presence, no doubt remembering a neighbour slighted or a friend wronged and imagining Mihawk was about to wreak terrible redemption on their heads.

Not helpful for deciding if a heathen could somehow be holy.  

And as distracted as he was, Mihawk had taken about half an hour to recognize the signs. The fact it took so long is shameful, though he doesn't judge Shanks for not realizing fully that a devil was possessing Father Dresch, no matter how long it had been. As a Redeemer, Mihawk's training was brimming with ways to spot possession and sense demonic presences. Surely some backwater godless hadn't received such training.

Although apparently he had enough training to fight Mihawk to a draw. Whether that spoke to Shanks's intense proficiency or a dearth in Mihawk's training – a failure of the Church or Mihawk himself – was something he couldn't answer.

Regardless, the devil had not been disguised as well as it was claiming. "Fooling peasants is one thing," Mihawk says coldly, "and a Redeemer another thing entirely. You spent too long among peons if you forgot that." He pauses, returns the devil's stare with derisive aplomb. "The dirty hovel you were staying in suited you well, though."

Pain. It explodes inside him so suddenly that Mihawk cries out before biting off the scream. The agony continues in a billowing, hot miasma through his essence, and it's not until his forehead is grinding into the church's cold stone floor and the fire slowly ebbs that Mihawk realizes the devil has made him prostrate himself at its feet. As if kneeling wasn't enough.

Devils should not be able to influence him so much. The humiliation is an added pain, scalding his skin and making his heart pound like it's trying to find a way through his ribs. Could the devil really be such a powerful creature? Or is it something Mihawk has done or failed to do?

Even as he has the thought, it rings true.

Sweet Christ, just how badly has he allowed himself to be compromised? And all because of a fast sword and a captivating smile. All because of scarred eyes and a heathen who spoke about faith in a way that left Mihawk aching with dissatisfaction for what he didn't understand.    

For the first time since he broke through the church's doors, Mihawk is – not afraid, exactly. Or not afraid for his life. But he has not faced the prospect of failing one of his missions in more than a decade. He was supposed to investigate Shanks for heresy – a polite wording underlined by the tacit understanding he was to be executed – and now the man has probably lost his life and assuredly his arm defending Mihawk from an actual devil.

And Mihawk is going to fail. Fail his mission and fail Shanks, the heathen who ordered him with such ardent authority to do his duty.

The devil steps closer and it doesn't matter now. In his agony, in his negligence, Mihawk lost his grip on Yoru. He can barely turn his head, the skin of his forehead scraping against the floor as the devil's compulsion keeps him prostrated, and his eyes fall on the proud, black sweep of the blade. Not far from his hand. Still too far if he can't move.

And he barely can. But because he can, he does. Nothing could keep Mihawk still with Yoru so close. His hand drags across the ground, reaching for the solid familiarity of his weapon –

The demon steps on his fingers. Not with particularly spiteful weight – it doesn't want to damage his body, especially not when it can torture him in other ways – but hard enough to hurt. To pin him.  

More confidant now, and with Mihawk's insides shuddering in bewildered despair, it's no surprise, the devil reaches down. Actually touches Mihawk, if only to grab his hair in a fist and wrench his head up, making him meet those not-Shanks eyes. Too red, too red.

#mishanks #one piece #mihawk x shanks #mihawk #shanks #opla #one piece au #my fic

[goobiestar]

hc the other apprentices used to bully Redpaw about his future warrior name like "You have two choices! Redtail.. or RedHAIR lets hope they pick the latter goofy ahh"

#redtail #redpaw #warrior cats

[carmendeiact2whenplz]

Reblog this if you like Old Mondstadt

(and if you want, put in the tags your favorite thing(s) about it)

#trying to get a headcount here #genshin impact #old mondstadt #old mond #venti #nameless bard #gunnhildr #redhaired warrior #amos #decarabian

[decarabiandivorce]

AU where the entire old mondstadt gang gets revived into modern (as in version 4.4 give or take) teyvat. Nb and venti are absolutely overjoyed to see eachother again, gunnhildr and jean have an “:D twinsies!!!!!!!” moment, diluc has to take a few seconds to comprehend that the redhaired warrior is not in fact his dad (genetics is one thing but those two look nearly identical), and amos is off somewhere teaching amber and razor how to hunt. everything is going great until the traveler reports to venti a few days later that they can’t do their weekly dvalin bossfight because someone keeps arguing with him and occupying the domain (deca comes along too but the only reason no one knew is because he was too busy trying to negotiate who lives in the tower and how)

This is all wonderful but consider this: Decarabian is just laying on the floor of the boss fight and Dvalin is just. "TRAVELER PLEASE MOVE HIM. I THINK HE'S DEAD. HE HASN'T MOVED IN .... A WEEK OR SO"

Dvalin has no context on who this guy is. He smells kinda like Barbatos but why is just???? Laying down???? He could feel the sadness emanating from the guy and its Really killing the vibe.

The old Mondstadt and new Mondstadt team barge into the tower battle ready and are "..." when he's not even attempting to fight.

Deca is just in shock and has been processing things. For instance apparently his entire city hates him???? And then they tried to murder him???? And.... and they succeeded. He could feel ever speck of light inside him fade away. His citizens murder him. Amos murderes him. They set fire to the tower and killed him.

So many emotions are going through his head. Sadness. Bitterness. Fear for his citizens. Anger. All the stages of grief and betrayal!!!

Also theres a giant dragon here now and a blonde person with a talking toddler trying to swordfight. Huh. This might as well be happening.

#Diluc did not tell Keaya that his ancestor was back and so imagine his shock when he walks into Angel's share and sees his dad #<Diluc. You could have told me.> #<... you would have found out on your own> #<Oh hello! Are you friends with my kin?> #<His brother actually> #< :0. Diluc why didn't you-> #<That is none of your business. drink your wine and / or leave > #steel text #Decarabian #genshin #old Mondstadt

[baatarthefirst]

Hatred spell/curse/potion

Janaya are already together and get affected by it because of Karim.

The plan was perfect, utterly perfect. Poisoned love, the visiting mage called it . Karim didn't know how that magic worked, he didn't ask, it didn't matter as long as it ended in one of their deaths. He was assured that the magic would make Janai and Amaya hate each other more than anything in the world, and one would kill the other before sunset.

Janai and her human were much weaker divided, and divided they would be. If they were lucky, there would be fighting. Either Janai would kill the general, causing an uprising from the humans in her camp, or Amaya would rid his people of the false queen who refused to acknowledge his right to his throne. A truly brilliant plan.

Pharos cast a spying spell to see how things were progressing. The lovers were fighting, and it was a sight. Two great warriors, locked in combat, bystanders fled, soldiers in red and blue tried to pull their leaders away from the others.

After all options failed, the human's translator jumped between Amaya and her target. As the general dropped her shield to avoid striking him, Janai took the opportunity to knock Amaya off her feet, backhanding the redhaired human to the ground in the process. Karim waited with baited breath as Janai's sword was posed to strike the human down.

It never happened. Why didn't she kill the human? She ordered Amaya to be put in strong chains while she awaited a tribunal. Why didn't the plan work?

"What is this, you said they would kill each other!" He roared at the mage, who shrunk and started to sweat.

"King Karim," Pharos interjected, "He said the spell would turn their love to hatred, but he never said it would change their morals. To my knowledge, Janai has never struck down an unarmed enemy."

Karim saw red. Pharos took a few steps back, Miyana wisely stayed quiet while he delt with the lying mage. It was quick, but painful. There was a high price for misleading the Sunfire King.

Later that night, he was roused out of sleep, a Katolian blade at his throat, Miyana tied and gaged. Humans and sunfire soldiers in black attire surrounded him. So they were practicing stealth tactics now? That was not the sunfire way.

"What did you do to them?" The translator asked with an anger Karim would not have thought possible for him.

#tdp #the dragon prince #amaya #janai #janaya #Gren

[aliliceswonderland]

Archetypes in Metaphor: ReFantazio, and the Neverending Story

It seems like the new Personas in Metaphor are called Archetypes. This term is interesting because it's linked to C. G. Jung's psychoanalysis, that predates the Persona series and to a certain extent also Megaten.

Archetypes according to Jung are basically prototypes or templates that are present in the collective unconscious and, as a consequence, repeat in stories, myths or dreams along time and around the world. The Persona and the Shadow are also archetypes, and so are other Jungian concepts like the Anima and the Animus. But the archetypes also include figures like the mother, the father, the wise old man, the child, the maiden, etc, and other related to events such as birth, death or marriage. Oh, and the Tarot arcana! So it's a pretty broad concept, that has already been present in Persona even if not by name.

Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn't seem preoccupied with keeping the archetypes Jung mentioned. Not like that's a big deal, Jung himself considered that the amount of archetypes could be infinite. The ones used in the game seem taken from TTRPG classes, which doesn't surprise me given how at some point years ago they mentioned TTRPG as inspiration.

[ID: one of the very artistic menus from Metaphor. The word EQUIPMENT in big wide letters fills the top of the screen. On the left side, under the question "Change whose gear?" the characters are listed along with an eyes-focused close up of their "archetype" (as summonable monster) that fades into their own, as it follows: - Leader / Travelling Boy / he's a boy with slightly darker skin than the rest, blue hair and yellow and blue heterochromia / Seeker Rank Master - Party / Strohl / boy with a gray eyes and hair / Warrior Rank Master - Party / Hulkenberg / redhaired elf girl / Knight Rank Master - Party / Heismay / red-eyed animal creature with white fur / Thief Rank 15/20 - Navi / Gallica / auburn haired fairy, no archetype present The Travelling Boy is selected. The right side shows the art of an the archetype, presumably the Seeker, a somewhat robotic humanoid beast in white armor with vein-like red lights in their exposed parts and golden pieces. They're holding a black sword. On the corner right down it reads: "Learns a wide array of versatile skills including Wind magic, single target healing and attack buffs." Under them there are buttons for Archetype Details (Y), Confirm (B) and Back (A). A subtitle reads "Who shall take the throne?".]

Something I also noticed in this image is that Archetypes seem to have ranks. If you ever played the old Persona, you may be familiar with the rank system. It's basically levels for a Persona/Archetype that work independently from the player's level and are tied to skill learning. This makes me wonder if Archetypes will be interchangable between the characters as in the old Persona system, or similarly to FF5 job system.

[ID: Another screenshot from the Metaphor trailer. A man with long hair is sitting behind a book on a desk. In the background, a big metallic statue resembling a crowned Vitruvian Man with glyphs over his body hovers over the long-haired man. A menu on the left has the following options: Learning Archetypes, Inheriting Skills, Seeker's Research, Lectures and Listen. Big wide letters at the bottom read AKADEMEIA. Over them, the subtitle says "You've acquired a most interesting power." Some faint lines and glyphs that could belong in a technical sketch adorn the UI.]

The "Learning Archetypes" option definitely sounds like at least the protagonist is going to be able to change Archetype. The "Seeker's Research", however, makes me think that the Seeker will be inevitably linked to the protagonist. I really wonder how the system is going to be.

[ID: another screenshot. A dragon is performing an attack called Ripping Claw. At the top of the image, some stars sketch in several colors one over the other seem to indicate a press-turn system. On the bottom right, the life and SP bars are located. The characters are named not by their names but through the Archetypes: Ninja (the animal companion), Paladin (the elf), Trickster (the grey haired guy) and Soul Hacker (the protagonist). Their eyes are burning. The subtitle reads: "The truth of the humans is laid bare."]

In this screenshot we can appreciate the same characters with different archetypes. If you compare them to the ones in the equipment menu, there's a clear correspondance. These look like evolved Archetypes. Whether they evolve in the new Persona way or are obtained as in the old Persona games, remains to be seen, although this makes me think more of the first case, which would correspond to a fixed Archetype system.

Of course, there's one Archetype here that stands out. The Soul Hacker. I don't think you'll found this in any TTRPG. This seems to be the evolved form of the Seeker, which already deviates from the usual RPG classes or jobs. But it should be obvious to you where it comes from: the Devil Summoner's sequels. The first Soul Hackers game has the protagonist relive other people's last moments in Vision Quests. I'm not sure what this may mean for Metaphor. The fact that we can see the protagonist over a spaceship at one point in the trailer makes me think of visions of different worlds, but then again, it wouldn't be the first Atlus game to depict medieval fantasy and space in the same world (Last Bible games are crazy, I swear). I don't think the Soul Hacker Archetype was called like that as a mere reference, but it could be a symbolism I'm not totally grasping with the little context I have, for example, that he's good at making bonds, therefore "hacking" the souls of others (????). I don't know.

Anyway, this derailing about Vision Quests makes me thing of another point I wanted to make. This will get even more into theory territory, so take it with a grain of salt.

[ID: The screenshot has the protagonist in a black space surrounded by light or crystal fragments. Another man is out of frame. In the middle of the image it reads: "This is the mirror of reality."]

This sentence has haunted me. This along with the title of the game and that other phrase later on: "It all began with the novel in thy possession." And you know why? Because I know a book that started just like that. It also had a dying monarch, now that I think of it. A book that can be easily interpreted through a Jungian perspective, including archetypes. That had a scene about a mirror reflecting another mirror to symbolize the relationship between a world called Fantastica and the real world. That's The Neverending Story (and, if you've only watched the movie, I'm sorry but you're missing out A LOT here).

Now, I can't know if this book has had an influence here, but I have the feeling this is going to be a similar story. To those who don't know, The Neverending Story is a book about a boy called Bastian who steals a book and starts reading about a green skinned native boy (that probably didn't age well) that is chosen to save the world of Fantastica from the Nothing that is devouring it, by searching for a human that can give the Child Empress a new name. Now, spoilers. Jump to the next paragraph if you don't want them. That human is Bastian, and the moment he calls the Empress by her new name, he gets isekai'd to Fantastica, which is a world made of the collective human imagination. Then, he begins to travel around the world making up stories that become true while he forgets their own memories of the real world, and when he notices it, he begins to look for a way home, that he learns he'll only reach if he finds his True Will. Which ends up being to love (aww).

"What if the world we live in today is their utopia?" at the beginning of the trailer suggests a relationship between the real world and the world of Metaphor. Heck, the frigging Metaphor name suggests that. It's very likely that they know of the human world through books. Through stories (could books become Vision Quests to unlock Archetypes? That would be cool). The same way we know about them: through a story (this time in videogame format). Remember what I said at the beggining? Archetypes are found in myths and stories. It wouldn't be a surprise to me if this world was another Fantastica, a world made with human imagination. Or/and viceversa.

Related to this, there's the concept of the collective unconscious, ever present in the Persona series, and in Megaten through the Great Will, and where Archetypes reside. If this world is anything like Fantastica, it's bound to belong into the Sea of Souls. I don't think the human world in Metaphor is supposed to be the Persona world, since they've shown images more similar to the actual real world, but if that was the case, it wouldn't be too farfetched to think of it as a cognitive world. Lieutenant General Zula in P2EP PSP remake already talked about the existence of populated worlds into the collective unconscious. P5T seemed to show a similar thing, although it could still be just a personal world as in the PQ games.

Even if the human world is our world, I think the Metaphor world is supposed to represent a mirror of our own, made of our thoughts and anxieties. Truly, that could be said about pretty much every work of art ever. But not all of them treat that relationship between ourselves and art or storytelling as a theme. I can think of a bunch, though: Undertale/Deltarune, Utena and Princess Tutu, the already cited Neverending Story, the Quixote... Regardless, since the Jungian themes are so heavily present through the Archetypes, I think it's possible that this world is supposed to exist into our (or our representation in the game's) collective psyche.

Wow, I think my train of thought absolutely derrailed in the last paragraphs, sorry about that. Anyway, nothing more to say here. I hope you found my thoughts interesting.

#metaphor: refantazio #metaphor refantazio #atlus #project re fantasy

[thuriweaver]

🖊?

So! I have one main OC right now!

I started playing FFXIV in December--I've tried a few times before, but it never stuck, but this time! OMG! I got hardcore into it, and have absolutely fallen in love with my player character, in a way I NEVER did in World of Warcraft, even though I've played it off and on since 2005.

My Warrior of Light is R'aelyn Vahe, a Keeper of the Moon Miqo'te (catgirl). She started as an archer, but became a dragoon after the Bloody Banquet.

AND I LOVE HER!

She's cheerful, sweet, wants nothing more than to be helpful, and is also incredibly stubborn and determined and doesn't know when she's beat. She will keep going long past the point she probably should've given up--which is useful for saving the world, but not so great for saving herself.

She grew up in a small village in the North Shroud (forest) with her mother, her mother's partner, and her aunt as well as all their kids. Her father was a Seeker of the Sun Miqo'te, and in Keeper society males don't stay to raise their kids, they're raised by their mothers--but her mother liked her father well enough because he was a bard and charming that he stuck around until she was about five. She has two older sisters and a younger brother who she absolutely adores, as well as tons of cousins. But as much as she loves her whole family, she never quite felt like their small encampment was enough for her, so she headed to Gridania, the nearest city, to see how she could use her skill with a bow to help people--and that got her caught up in the events of the game.

She's traveled all over since, and made lots of new friends--the best of which is @maplelantern's WoL R'egan--and fallen in love. Which was a whole thing that extended over several expansions, thanks to a certain redhaired, redeyed catboy's noble self-sacrificing tendencies. (and also means that I'm writing for an m/f ship--though still queer since both of them are incredibly bi--which is a total departure from the usual for me)

And she's inspired me to write TONS of fun ficlets with an incredible freedom and abandon I haven't felt in years. I am so impressed with FFXIV's ability to make your player character feel like a real part of the action, like their relationships with the NPCs are real and matter--and like your WoL is important, even when it's an MMO. It's leagues better than WoW that way, and has given me a character I absolutely love, to the point where yes, she's an OC, but she's also a blorbo.

And if anyone even read this far and wants to hear more, I will blabber about her FOREVER so please. feel free to ask!

(in response to the "gush about my oc" meme)

[finanmoghra]

Cruel Summer

damn seasons part 1

pairing modern!Eadith x ofc

summary This could be a sweet friends to lovers story, if only the summer wasn't so cruel.

warnings angst/fluff, slight mention of aggression, implied smut/suggestive

word count 5.4k

a/n i used some stefanie's pics on the moodboard where she is blonde, but eadith still being a redhair right. this story takes place in no specific country or city. also, there's no blood feud between families in this, kjartan is tove and sihtric's father but he does not take place in the story, they actually live with their mom and stepdad, its not important at all, just the backstory i had created.

Eadith is her best friend. Tove have met her when she was 15, Eadith has just moved into her town and she started to study with her brother, Sihtric, and his band of friends, who are also Tove's friends despite being 2 years older than her. It was naturally, the boys —that includes Aethelflaed, 'there is nothing ladylike in the way she throws a punch' as Uhtred says — brought her to their circle of friends and as she was closer in age with Tove, their friendship just happened.

Since the first day it has been them, Sihtric, her big brother, is friend with Uhtred and Finan since they were babies, and when Tove was born, the boys were enchanted with their little princess — as Sihtric said, and later swore they will always protect her at all costs. The years went by and nothing changed, it was Sihtric, Finan, Uhtred and Tove, the princess in danger who they, the fearless warriors, need to rescue, as they always play. Until new faces were showing up, Aethelflaed, and her half-brother, Osferth joined the band when they were about 11, 10 years old. They were inseparable, and their families being close contributed to it.

When she first met Eadith, Tove felt something different about her, but she couldn't know what, so she let it go, she kept to herself this unfamiliar feeling everytime she was on Eadith's presence, in order to forget about it. Until her second year at uni.

Tove was studying ASNC - anglo-saxon, norse and celtic -, a subject she was always interested as her family has a big norse inheritance, and because of that she planned to do her master program in Denmark. In some way Tove could handle the studying life with their nights out, at a pub, a club or a party.

It was at one of those parties that everything happened. Tove was way too drunk, trying to find her way to a bathroom and she found one at upstairs of the house. What she didn't know was that Eadith was following her, trying to look after her, so when she opened to go out and found Eadith leaning on the doorway, waiting for her, Tove couldn't contain her surprise.

— Eadith! Hey, what you're doing here? — Tove asked leaning on the doorway as well.

— Tonight is my turn to keep an eye on you. — Eadith said, with a playfull tone, but she was serious. They all have this kind of agreement that at least one of them won't get too drunk for emergencies, it's their way to look after each other.

— I'm not even that drunk! — Tove's voice was disagreeing with her. — You can go and have some fun.

— I am not on the mood for party at all, I'm good here.

With a courage coming from nowhere - all the alcohol she consumed - she came closer to Eadith. — Well, then let's have some fun the two of us.

Before Eadith could say anything, Tove's lips were crashing hers. At first she didn't stop, because she's been wanting this for so long and Tove's soft lips against hers was definitely the kind of fun she was needing. But then she remembered Tove was drunk and broke the kiss.

— Okay, lady, I think it is time for you to go home, come. — Eadith said, still close to her, fixing her hair.

Tove didn't protested and Eadith took her to Sihtric, and they both agree to go home and left the party.

When the next day came up, it was like nothing had happened. Eadith didn't touch the topic and Tove didn't remember, yet. It took her a day or two to realise that it wasn't a dream, - c'mon, she had dreamt of this too many times to realise it had truly happened - she had kissed Eadith. And she wanted to do again.

However, she couldn't. Eadith is her best friend, she couldn't risk ending up their friendship for something silly like this. So she let it go, again.

The realization came several months later. Tove was one month away from finishing her degree and started to organize her life to her Master program. She and Eadith still being friends and very closer, Eadith thinking that she forgot about what happened that night, and Tove pretending she actually forgot.

One day Tove was walking on campus towards the library when she saw Eadith talking with a guy, he was obviously flirting with her and she was smiling to him. Tove got angry, she rushed to the library, and let the tears fall silenty. She didn't like this feeling, she didn't like what this feeling means. So she masked it as stress coming from the exams.

Tove was miserable for days, and everyone noticed, including Eadith, but she got nothing from her.

Sihtric started to get worried about his little sister, he knew something was hurting her. It was a normal thursday, Sihtric was at home, so he found it strange when Tove showed up at noon when she was supposed to be in her lecture.

As soon as she arrived home, Tove rushed to her bedroom and lock herself there. Of course Sihtric followed her.

— Tove, open the door, talk to me. — he asked at the door, for the third time.

— I don't want to talk, Sihtric, leave. — she said and he could notice by her voice that she was crying.

— C'mon, at least let me be with you, you don't need to say anything now.

No answer came immediately, but after some time he could hear that she unlocked the door. When he enters in her bedroom, she's already back at her bed and he lays down besides her, giving her a tight hug and she cried more.

— You say you're fine, but I know it isn't true. Don't tell me it's the exams, I know there's something more. You don't need to tell me anything, just don't lie. — Sihtric gives her a kiss on her temple — But if someone did anything to you, that you need to tell me. — he said on his protective brother tone.

Tove let out a little laugh. She has the best brother in the world.

— It's Eadith. — she says after she calmed down — She's going out with that guy.

— And what's the problem?

— The problem is that I love her! — she exclaimed — Not like you do, I love her.

Sihtric didn't know what to say, he only knew that advising her to talk about it with Eadith wouldn't happen. Tove is a stubborn bastard, just like him.

He just said to her that if it's meant to be, it'll be. Sooner or later. And Tove cried at that, 'cause she know it won't.

Her final exams have passed, as Eadith's and Osferth's. —The three of them were the only ones that still at uni, as the others had graduated a year before.— And that was a reason to party, they said.

So there is Tove, at a friday night getting ready to go to some club they chose. She picked out a little black dress, one of the milions she has and was finishing her makeup when Sihtric knocked on her door.

— Are you ready to go?

— Yep — she answered after applying her lipstick. — You’re lucky I'm on the mood for party tonight, or I'd make it the worst night ever.

— You don't think I know? That's why I suggested we'd go tonight, I see you're in a good mood.

— So we should stop wasting time and go.

Well, she was on a good mood, really. But  not anymore.

Tove was all happy and excited, and suddenly her feelings got all blue after Eadith arrived with Bresal, the guy she is going out with. It made her blood boil seeing him holding Eadith's hand, it should be her instead.

Sihtric looked at her, worried, as Eadith started to introduce Bresal to the others, he saw Tove giving her best to look strong as she greeted them, and as soon as they turned their back, he saw how she ran away.

He waited a few minutes to go after Tove, trying to keep up appearances, he saw that some of them noticed Tove vanishing but no one said nothing. Sihtric soon found her at the bar, asking for another drink.

— Tove, we can go home if you want, you don't need to stay. — he tried, approaching her.

— And you don't need to leave just because I'm in this pathetic situation. — she finally says after a moment in silence.

— I won't leave you alone, you're my little sister, I'll ne-

— I'm leaving! — she cuts him.

— What? When? To where?

Before saying anything else, Tove led Sihtric to a more quiet place, so they could talk.

— I wasn't planning to tell you this now, but I was accepted into a master program in Denmark, and I don't know yet when I'm leaving. — she cuts Sihtric again as he tried to say something — Please, don't tell anyone yet.

— It's okay, it isn't my place to tell 'em. And I'll support you in anything you choose. — Sihtric hugs tightly — I'm gonna miss you, you know it, right?

— Of course you will, — she laughs as he pinched her side. — I'm gonna miss you too, but now let's go back before they noticed and before I start to cry.

They came back and acted like nothing had happened, just like the ones who noticed something was wrong. Tove tried not to think so much about anything at all, they went out to club and have a great time, so she will try to do so.

She gave her best trying to keep in the partying mood, but at the moment she left the bar and entered the cab to go home, Tove couldn't hold her tears anymore.

The next weeks was a complete mess, Tove's time was consumed by things related to her master program, she had to plan her moving, check her documents and so many more. Fortunately she had her family to help her, as they're the only ones who knows she is moving. She had planned leaving in the middle of summer, but she had to change her plans due to her friends announcement after her graduation ceremony, that they're travelling this summer to the beach. And this isn't the kind of event she can refuse to go.

So she got her things packed, both for their trip and for her moving, and just as she finished, Tove heard the bell ring. She wasn't expecting no one to show up, so she was really surprised to see Eadith at the other side of the door, and even more to see the tears in her eyes.

— Oh! Eadith, what happened? — Tove asked worried, and before she could get some answer Eadith throw herself in Tove's arms. And Tove could never deny a safe place to her.

She could feel Eadith grabing her shirt to keep her closer, and the absence of an answer made her even more worried, if it was possible.

— Hey, love, it's alright, — Tove whispered while caressing her hair, trying to make her calm. — Please, come in so you can tell me what happened.

Eadith noded and stepped back to follow Tove into her house. She led her to the couch and brought her to sit close to her. Eadith didn't say nothing on the first moment, but after a time playing with Tove's wristband, she started,

— I, I had an argument with Bresal, — Tove could feel her blood boil by only hearing his name — He got too hostile over me, and.. and he bruised me.

She motions to her wrist and Tove could see the bruise there, she had to control herself to not scare Eadith with the anger she's feeling now.

— I didn't know what do or where to go, I could only think of you so I came here.

— Eadith, you're ok now, right? I'm glad you came to me, you will always find a safe place with me, you know it? — Tove only felt Eadith noded while hugging her. — I swear if I see that turd he'll regret everything he has done in his life. No one dares to raise a finger to my pumpkin.

Eadith laughed at the silly nickname Tove had gave her years ago, when they met. —Your hair reminds me of pumpkin pies, so it's fair for you to be my pumpkin. — she said.

Tove felt relieved to achieve her goal, Eadith now is more calm and hearing that laugh made her heart warm. She could spend a lifetime hearing that laugh, seeing her girl happy makes her the happiest person. Her girl. Stop it, you fool, she's not your girl. Tove thought and regretted at the same moment.

Eadith got way more calm after spending some time with Tove, so she insisted to her to stay for the night. Eadith couldn't say no.

And when Sihtric went to talk with his sister after arriving at home and found the two cuddling while Eadith was already asleep, he didn't say anything, just smiled at Tove.

On the next day, they were all meeting to head to the airport, Tove and Osferth checking everyones documents and necessary items, as they always do before their trips, when they saw that turd, Bresal, passing by with a black eye and Eadith could only see a glimpse of a smirk on Tove's face while she continues to do her things, pretending she didn't see it.

The flight wasn't so long, and soon they arrived at their destination. The house they're staying was beautiful, close to the beach, it was perfect, except for having only a few rooms so they will all share. It wasn't a problem at all, Uhtred and Sihtric with their girlfriends got a room each, Finan and Osferth was sharing another, Tove and Eadith would also share the room and Aethelflaed was the only one to get a room only for herself. — I rented the house, so I get the room for myself. — she said.

It was okay for Tove to share a room with Eadith, nothing that they haven't done before. The real problem was that the room have just one bed. So Tove will have to share a bed with Eadith for three weeks, and she doesn't know how strong she can be, having to sleep so close to the woman she aches for. It will be a cruel summer with her.

The first nights were a bit awkward, but no one said nothing until they got used to it. A couple days have passed since they arrived, they had spent most of their days at the beach, and wandering around the small city they're staying at. Now it's evening and her friends are getting ready to go out for dinner, Tove have already decided she wasn't going with them tonight, and someone have asked her to check if Eadith is going with them.

So that's what Tove was going to do when she entered their room at the same time Eadith was leaving the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, looking for her clothes. Tove's mind was getting far from what she was supposed to do it, she could only think how she wanted to touch her pale skin, and trace her fingers the same path as water drops. She was so lost in her own mind that she didn't noticed Eadith calling her.

— Tove, everything's alright?

— Oh, yeah yeah, — she could feel her cheeks getting warm after being caught — I just came to ask if you're going out for dinner or if you're gonna stay?

— I'm gonna skip it today, I need to get a rest, 'm still too tired from the beach.

If I could do everything that I want, the last thing you would get is a rest. Tove thought. Gods, I need to stop thinking about this.

She only nodded and left, heading downstairs to tell her friends they're staying. After getting herself a quick snack, Tove went back to her room and found Eadith brushing her hair.

— Oh god, you scared the shit out of me! What are you doing here? — she asked exasperated, making Tove let out a laugh.

— I'm sorry, bae. — Tove got closer and left a kiss on the top of her head, — I didn't want to go out neither. — she said while looking for some comfortable clothes to sleep.

After a while, they were both lying in bed, Tove was trying to read but couldn't focus on other thing than Eadith turning from side to side. She left her book at the bedside table before turning to Eadith.

— Can't sleep?

— No. — she pouted her lips and Tove couldn't think of anything cuter than this.

— Come here, then. — Tove opened her arms and Eadith accepted her embrace. She felt her body tensed but as she started caressing her hair, she could felt Eadith's body relaxing.

The silence remained for a while, Tove thinking that Eadith had already slept but suddenly felt her body tensing again.

— Tove? — she asked with a low, muffled voice, as her face was pressed against Tove's neck, which made her feel shivers.

— Hmm, yeah?

— Do you remember that last party at Erik's? — now it's time for Tove's body tenses.

— I, I.. Yes, I remember.. Wh-what about?

— When you.. when you kissed me, — she moved to look at Tove's eyes. — Did you really meant to do that, or.. you were just drunk acting?

— Eadith...

— No, tell me, I need to know Tove, please.

Tove hesitated a bit before answering, — I did mean to do it.

— Then why did you pretend you didn't remember? — Eadith frowned her eyebrows.

— 'Cause.. I wanted to do it again! It was easier to pretend I didn't remember and didn't want to do it again. It was easier to try to forget than bring this up and ruin our friend-

Her words were cut off by Eadith's lips crashing against hers. Tove was too surprised to react at first, but she didn't miss a second after realizing what was happening. She had Eadith's lips against her owns again. And this time was better than the first.

Tove didn't waste more time, guiding her hands through Eadith's body until it reaches her waist, pulling her even closer. She let out a soft moan when Eadith pulled her hair, making her smile against Tove's lips, happy to cause that reaction on her.

Tove's hands found the way under Eadith's shirt, the contrast between her cold fingers and the warm skin made the ginger gasp, which opened the way for her tongue between Eadith's lips, deepening the kiss even more. Tove could die on her lips and she wouldn't care, she desire this for so long.

She grasps all flesh she can reach, not wanting to let it go, she wants to live this forever, nothing seems to be enough. She can't get enough of Eadith. It was all so new, the shape of her body. Making out with a woman it was definitely better than she imagined. She needs to have her at least once in her lifetime, before she goes.

— Love, you don't need to rush, we have the whole summer, hmm. — Eadith says after breaking the kiss, her fingers now caressing Tove's face.

And Tove didn't have the courage to tell Eadith they didn't. She didn't have the courage to end what had started now.

So she just muttered in agree, letting go.

The next day, Tove is awakened by the sunlight hitting her face, making her grumble. She misses the feeling of Eadith's body pressed against hers so she quickly get up, which cause Eadith to laugh from the other side of the room.

— Calm down, love, I didn't go anywhere, — she says climbing one the bed coming closer to Tove, giving her a soft kiss. — Good morning. — she whisper to her, putting her hair behind her ear.

Tove turns her face to kiss Eadith's hand, — Morning.. — she muttered against her palm. — I missed you next to me, it was sooo comfortable. — Tove's voice was a bit hoarse from the sleep, and that made Eadith feel something, definitely.

— I wish we could stay like this but you need to get up, Finan came to say we're going to another beach today, which is far so we need to leave earlier.

— Just more five minutes, please.. — she asks, snuggling in Eadith.

— It's tempting, you know, but we really need to get ready. — she says and leaves the bed again. — And if you don't get up, you won't be sleeping with me tonight.

It was comical the way Tove got up so quickly.

They didn't tell anyone what was happening between them. They use to be this close since always, so it wasn't awkward to see Tove and Eadith holding hands, cuddling, living in their own world. But Sihtric noticed it was something more, and he was sure something was happening when he saw the love bites. And Sihtric knows his sister well enough to know she didn't said anything about leaving.

One night they were all at the house deck, chatting, drinking, playing some card games until it was very late and one by one started to retire to their rooms, only lefting Eadith, Tove and Sihtric. The ginger one whispered to Tove she'll be waiting her and said good night to Sihtric before leaving. Tove blew a kiss to her and was smiling at the direction she went, until she heard Sihtric calling her.

— So, what's up between you two?

— Hm, what d'you mean?

— C'mon, I'm not blind, are you two finally together? How did that happened?

Tove sighed, knowing she couldn't hide anything from her brother even if she tried.

— It just happened. We didn't talk about what we are, we just enjoying each other, it's summer after all.

— So, you did tell her you're leaving, right?

— I didn't..

— Tove, you- — Sihtric started but Tove cut him off.

— Don't say it, I know I'm being stupid, but I can't tell her, I cannot not have this with her, at least for now. — Sihtric was trying to say something, and Tove didn't let him. — I'm a coward, I know and I don't need you saying this and how wrong I am. — Tove didn't noticed the tears coming to her eyes and starting to fall. — I just.. I have longed this so much, I need to have this with her even if it's going to end soon, but I can't leave without it.

Sihtric came closer and held her, wiping her tears. He waited until she calm down to say something.

— I won't say what you want to hear, because I care for you and I want you to do the right thing. And I also care for Eadith, so I can't let you carry on with this and not tell you to talk with her. I know you won't gave up moving, it's your dream after all, and she would never ask you to do so. So please, tell her, I know she will understand. Tell her before it's too late and you hurt both of you.

Tove didn't tell her.

She couldn't tell her when she entered the room and saw Eadith in a tiny purple matching underwear, waiting for her in their bed.

The only things to leave Tove's lips that night was praisings and soft moans.

She was longing for Eadith, but she wasn't rough on her. Tove loved her on the most pure and passionate way, lustful though. She needed to let Eadith know how much she loves her through her acts.

Every single touch, kiss, bite, was full of Tove's passion for her. Tove could only hope Eadith would get it everytime Tove looks up grinning like a devil after bringing her to the edge, she hoped Eadith would get how much she worshiped her.

Time just flew by and the last week came. They're a few days away from going home so Tove decided to spend more time with Eadith alone. The redhead was almost sleeping after returning from the beach when Tove called her, telling to get ready.

Half an hour later, they're finally arriving at their destination.

— It's a date then, uh? — Eadith said after many times trying to know where they're going.

— Oh, shut up! — Tove said playfully, intertwining their hands again to lead her on the rocky way.

— It's so cliche of you taking me to a date on a secret place, you know that, right?

Tove stopped and turned back to her, her hands now cupping Eadith cheeks, which turned red after Tove looks at her with such intensity, she leaned on her, their lips now brushing against each other. — I know.. — she whispered and gave in, kissing Eadith deep. Tove will miss that so much.

They only broke the kiss when breathing was needed, the two girls panting heavily after an intense kiss. If Eadith's cheeks were already red, now they're even more.

It was only then that Eadith noticed where Tove had take her. They were at a viewpoint at the rocks of the beach, the sun was now setting and they had a privilege view of it, which made the place even prettier. But still, for Tove, the most beautiful thing to see there is Eadith. Her hair and skin were glowing against the sunlight, her eyes shining, completly enchanted by the view, and Tove completely enchanted by her.

— I found it earlier this morning when I went out, I thought you'd like to see. — Tove said only loud enough for Eadith to hear, not wanting to break the atmosphere.

— Oh, I loved it, It's so pretty. — Eadith answered, still focused on the view.

— Yes, so pretty... — Tove let out a little laugh, taking Eadith's hand in hers again, bringing it to her lips and leaving soft kisses all over it.

Tove led her to a bench there, bringing Eadith to sat on her lap, rounding her waist and resting on the crook of her neck. They just sat there for a moment, the quietness only being broke by the sound of the waves and the gasps and soft moans as they kiss. After breaking the kiss, they just stayed there in silence, their foreheads resting against each other, their breaths becoming just one.

— Tove, I think I- — The brunette shut her up by kissing her. She knew what Eadith was about to say, and she couldn't let her do it.

— There's no need of words, babe. — she whispered and Eadith just nodded and kissed her again.

Tove wish she could say it, and hear Eadith saying it, but she just couldn't. Not when she's about to leave.

When the day came, Tove gave her best to hold the tears when she look at their room and the beach for the last time. She was too quiet on the way to the airport and Eadith noticed it, and tried to cheer her up, — The summer is not over yet. — she said. But it is over to Tove, the moment she gets off that plane it is over.

While in the flight back to home, Tove decided to enjoy these last hours with Eadith, with too many kisses and sweet words, which made Finan change seats with Osferth, saying he couldn't stand one more minute with 'these two love birds', making them laugh.

And too soon, the time has come. As soon as they landed, they took their baggages and headed to the arrival gate to meet Ragnar and Brida, who were to be their ride to home, but they were all surprised when they met not only Ragnar and Brida, but also Tove and Sihtric's parents.

They all greeted each other and was talking about how the flight was, until Aethelflaed noticed the amount of baggage next to Tove's parents.

— Wait, are you going to travel again? — she asked looking between Tove and Sihtric.

— No, not them. I am, actually. — Tove answered starting to feeling nervous.

— What? To where? — Finan asked confused.

Tove could feel her hands shaking before she answer. — A University in Denmark accepted me in a master program, so.. I'm moving.

— Why you didn't tell us such good news? — It was time for Osferth to ask and he came to give her a hug, congratulating her.

— Yeah, and why didn't you tell us you were going today? — Uhtred questioned.

— I didn't want to ruin the trip mood making it a farewell trip. I know you will miss me, but don't worry, I'll be back and you won't even notice I was gone. — Everyone laughed at her coment and they all started to say goodbye, wishing her good luck on this new journey.

The only one who didn't make a move was Eadith, she was still shocked at the news, not even knowing how to act. She waited everyone talk with Tove before approaching her.

— Tove, hmm, can we talk? In private? — she asked with a low voice, uncertain of what to say.

— Oh.. Sure, yeah, let's.. Let's get a coffee. — Tove felt like she was freaking out. She was regretting so much not telling her she was leaving.

When they left, Tove could feel the gaze of all her friends, the atmosphere was now heavy and they sensed it.

They went to one of the millions cafeterias at the airport, Tove got a black coffee for her and Eadith's favourite tea before they went to a table.

Tove was about to say something when Eadith started, — So that's it, you're leaving?

— I have to.

— After all these weeks, you didn't think about telling me that it would be over as soon as we came back?

— Look, Eadith- — Tove's words were cut off by Eadith.

— No, after all these nights we spent together and now you're just leaving? Did I mean nothing to you? Did that night mean nothing to you? I gave myself to you and now what?

— Babe, please, hear me. — Tove took Eadith's hands in hers but she pulled it back.

— Don't call me that.. — Tove's heart broke even more after hearing that, she could feel how Eadith was broken because of her.

— I'm sorry, I know I should have told you, look, I tried to but I couldn't. You mean everything to me, every night we spent together mean everything to me. But I just couldn't leave without knowing what it is to be with you. I know I'm stupid and a coward, I swear I know, — Tove had to stop to breath and she noticed the tears were falling down her face, — Believe me, I hate myself for hurting you, but after having a glimpse of what it is to be with you, I couldn't stop, 'cause I'm so fucking in love with you that I wouldn't stand leave without have even kissed you again.

— I was afraid of telling you because I was afraid of loosing you. I need to go but I also need you, and this isn't the kind of thing I can choose between. Now I see I chose the worst way to go and not only lose you, I hurt you, so I'm sorry.

— I would never ask you to leave your dreams behind, Tove, you know that. I wouldn't want to choose me over your dream, you didn't need to choose between one or another, you could have it all. — She got up from her seat and approached Tove. — But I'm afraid you can't have it anymore. Farewell, love, enjoy your time there, I know you'll do your best. — Eadith left a last kiss on her forehead before she walked away.

And Tove? She stayed there for a while, tears still falling, too many eyes on her, before she decided it was time to go. So she left, she said goodbye to her friends and family one more time and boarded to Denmark.

#ems500 #eadith x oc #eadith x reader #modern eadith #modern tlk #the last kingdom #the last kingdom x oc #tove kjartandottir