#thank you for prompting the ramble alex!!! i appreciate u

[magic-is-something-we-create]

Hey Pax talk more to me about fantasy computers plus 👀

HI HELLO i posted that snippet and that call for discussion and then promptly got distracted, went to bed, and forgot to check tumblr pretty much all day. i wasnt sure id have much to say on the matter but i ended up rambling only half-coherently so <3 no hard feelings if its Too Much to read, let alone comprehend. im not proofreading it myself so good luck and thank u for prompting me to ramble <3<3<3

BUT

FANTASY COMPUTERS

aka normal real-world computers shoved into classic high fantasy land because i like to fuck with genre expectations like that. except like cyber/solarpunk future computers because again. genre is fake

anyways. the goblins of the ehlverse are a) the only people without either a magic source (see: elementalism, human blood runes, dwarven metallurgy, etc) or an inherently magical biology (see: dragonkin being literally made of magma, shara'i being feathered and mammalian and terrestrial and eyeless a la moles, etc) AND B) have been thus excluded from much of the world's politics and power due to magical inability for literally tens of thousands of years

so of course they invented computers and robots and sustainable electricity and gadgets and such that are capable of not only emulating certain commonly useful aspects of magic, but also of doing things no magic can, just to keep up

something that i've had in mind while building out the stories in the ehlverse (mainly TMS but it impacts whispers too) is the like. meta level of How the World Works. and technology like computers and such being a big huge useful innovation in real life!! and how to justify only the goblins and a scattered few other people around the world actively using them. and how politics and superstition and practicality for the majority all intertwine into the situation as it is in TMS and whispers

and like. a lot of the politics on ehl are like normal politics with magic added to the resources/skillsets of certain groups. so like that shit impacts trade and warfare heavily and it's basically useless to ally with another political entity that has nothing to offer you of the most important thing in the world, right? and so when it comes down to it, half of why computers aren't nearly as widespread as they could be is because the people in power in a lot of the world simply don't care to start trade negotiations for things that scribes and scrupulous bookkeeping and massive libraries can do just fine. because outside of the goblins, no one cares about like. the internet. the most enticing things are databases

superstition-wise, there's a lot of thinking in certain communities on ehl that if you spend enough time with goblins and only goblins, you lose your magic. and like there's no proof of it, but people believe it anyway, and oftentimes they extend that belief to anything goblins make, too

and THEN. practically speaking. the vast majority of ehlves (who are the global majority, probably ~70% of the people on ehl have recent ehlven ancestry) are fire, water, earth, or metal Elementalists. and guess what? elementalism means you have fun(!) ambient effects on your environment. like, say, a fire mage immediately overheating any computer they come in contact with. or an earth mage getting upset and causing microshakes that mess up the delicate stability instruments inside robots. or a metal mage's inherent magnetism completely ripping a phone apart from the inside out. or water mages doing some magic nearby and not realizing they made a full cup of water condense out of the air right onto their keyboard. and thats not even getting into light (aka electricity) mages and every way they can make things go wrong, even as a relative minority compared to the above

and until the superstitious (xenophobic) and political aspects get resolved, it's not likely that the practical ones will be solved. purely because you need lots of people to test these things to see if the solutions work

(there is a solution. it will revolutionize all of the ehlverse once it becomes widespread. it is found out in TMS and present in whispers if you think about a very specific detail when you come across it. but it will rely on governments getting their shit together so anything i write using that specific state of the world will require it being much further down the timeline than ive explored so far so)

#a&a #talking with: alex #idk how else to tag this. #thank you for prompting the ramble alex!!! i appreciate u

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Farewell to Hollywood U #7 : Moving In Together

Art by the always lovely and talented @/seirachannn (Instagram)

Characters: Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer (F!MC / OC) Book: Hollywood U (Art from Hunt Date #09, Drabble from #10) Word Count: <400 Rating/Warnings: General (fluff) Prompts: @choicesmonthlychallenge HWU ; @choicesaugustchallenge : “Well, I got bad news for you….”

Synopsis: Following Rachel's wedding, Hunt asks Alex to move in with him. Now, comes the unpacking.

[All Thomas Hunt x Alex Spencer Masterlists] [HollywoodU]

"Alex."

Her feet flitted out in front of her as she sat on the edge of her desk, still captivated by the new shiny, silver key occupying a space on her keyring. Her smile never faded as she continued jingling the keys in her hand.

"Alex!" His determined voice pulled her from her thoughts as he placed a box beside her. 

"Hmm? Oh, sorry!" She turned her attention back to him. Her brow wagged playfully at the sight of the sleeves of his white collared shirt rolled up to his elbows. "I like you like that."

"Unloading your boxes on my own?" 

"Kinda! But, you're doing such a wonderful job." Her head tipped to the side as she batted her lashes. "And, you're doing it quite handsomely, if I might add."

The back of his hand caressed tenderly over her cheek. "Nevertheless, I was hoping you would be assisting at some point."

"Ooo—" Her face scrunched in consideration. Her shoulders shrugged. “Well, I got bad news for you….” The keys flipped between her fingers before falling and chiming again at her movement. "I just love the sound my new key makes!"

"I had deduced as much." He wrapped one arm around her waist; the other slid up her arm to her hand, holding the keys between them. "How about I hold onto these for a while?"

Alex rocked forward, closing the gap and brushing a kiss on his lips. "Nuh-uh! Mine!"

"Ours," he corrected, gesturing to the large house around them. 

She glanced around a moment, nodding in agreement. "Ours!" She grinned into another kiss, snaking her arms around his neck and slipping the keys out of his grasp while he was distracted.

Hunt pulled her closer, deepening their embrace. 

"Our house." The keys rattled behind his head as she giggled into his lips. "It has a lovely ring to it, don't you think?"

He shook his head, resting his forehead against hers.

Alex leaned back, her brow raising. "I thought you wanted to unpack."

"So, I did." Hunt pressed a kiss on her forehead. "Will you be helping now?"

Alex shook the keys once more before slipping them into her pocket. "Okay fine, but first, more coffee!"

He suppressed a chuckle. "Why am I not surprised?"

If you made it this far, thank you. I truly can not thank you enough for supporting these two. I know they are not a popular pairing and that HWU (and even RCD) is just a distant memory for most. The fact that there are a few of you who are holding on with me means more than I will ever be able to put into words. 🥺🥰😭 Just thank you!

And thanks for surviving another silly pointless drabble (honestly, feeling kind of meh about this one and in general). It technically had another small section, but I really wasn't feeling how it came out, so I cut it. I'm done rambling now. I don't know how many times I can say it, but thank you, truly! I appreciate your support.

#thomas hunt #thomas hunt x mc #thomas hunt x oc #red carpet diaries #professor hunt #hollywood u #alex hunt #fan fiction #choices #playchoices #choices game #alex spencer #halex #lovealexhunt #theartoflovingthomashunt #hunt x alex #thomas orson hunt #august2022 #hwuhssaw #farewell hwu #hwu #halex commission #commission #my commission #wedding bells #wedding bells date #moving in date #moving in

[senacal]

Hey! Would u wanna write one where right after cuba in the hospital charles asks her to sing to him, and all she can remember is an old song from sweden (slightly personalized in that, i hope you dont mind!!) called Flyktsoda by ebba grön, she sings in swedish and he translates lyrics by telepathy. she ends up kinda confessing with the line "dont be scared of me, i am so scared of you" bcz shes a bit scary and mad all the time but shes super weak for charles. then u can decide how it ends 🥺🥺

Request: Requested by Anon

Pairing: Charles Xavier x Fem! Reader

Prompt: Hey! Would u wanna write one where right after Cuba in the hospital Charles asks her to sing to him, and all she can remember is an old song from Sweden (slightly personalized in that, I hope you don’t mind!!) called Flyktsoda by Ebba grön, she sings in Swedish and he translates lyrics by telepathy. she ends up kinda confessing with the line "don’t be scared of me, I am so scared of you" bcz she’s a bit scary and mad all the time but shes super weak for Charles. then u can decide how it ends 🥺🥺

Warnings: self deprecation? Charles isn’t okay and neither is the reader 

Author’s Note: I don’t mind at all ^.^ I listened to the song and it was super catchy, even better when I found out what the lyrics translated to (I speak no ounce of Swedish lol 😅) Sorry it took so long btw, I fell into a funk but here I am, forcing myself out 😬

Requests Are Open!

After the events of Cuba, Charles hadn’t been the same. He wasn’t to blame, of course, his whole world had changed with a single bullet. It was heartbreaking to witness the once cheerful man turn into this broken person. He plastered on a smile when he needed to and he pretended to be the same cheeky man, but (Y/N) knew it was an act. Not only had he lost his legs, but he also lost Raven and his best friend Erik that day. Despite Erik being capable of making his own choices, Charles blamed himself for what happened. He blamed himself relentlessly and it annoyed (Y/N) because she knew the turmoil it was giving the man. She hated seeing Charles putting himself through that self-inflicting guilt. 

No matter how many times (Y/N) or Hank tried to tell him it wasn’t his fault, Charles still continued to place the blame on himself. Charles did stop communicating that guilt out loud around them when they visited him in the hospital, but (Y/N) was willing to bet that it still resided in the back of his mind. She didn’t have to be a telepath to know that because she could easily see it in his eyes. She liked to think that she knew him well enough through everything they’ve gone through together. 

Before Cuba, Charles and Erik had found her working a tireless job to keep herself off of the streets. She was barely scraping by and she lived in a crappy one-bedroom apartment. It was located in the bad part of town and the crime rates were skyrocketing, but the mayor didn’t care to fix that. So she suppressed her powers and forced herself to fight for what little she had. She couldn’t afford for her landlord to figure out that she was a mutant and kick her out. Thankfully her mutation was easy to hide, as long as her emotions were kept intact. The only hint at her mutant powers was the growing life around her wherever she went, meaning, she could manipulate plant life either with a thought or a simple touch. It aggravated her to see people treat the plants in her neighborhood soo poorly. 

When Erik and Charles first went to collect her, she couldn't understand what they would want with a girl like her. She was on the verge of homelessness, worked a dead-end job, and had a criminal record. The charges against her weren’t too serious, a couple of shoplifting charges and she might have beat a guy up here and there who tried to attack her. But regardless, she knew she wouldn’t fit in with the others Charles and Erik had recruited. So when she met them, she glared her way through each conversation and ignored the CIA’s requests. But for some reason, Charles managed to worm his way into her heart. Maybe it was his charming smile that should have annoyed her or his eyes that were shockingly blue. Or maybe it was the fact that he understood her even though he was the complete opposite of her. Whatever it was, Charles was the only one who had seen her softer side. 

It was almost funny seeing Hank’s shocked face when he witnessed her caring side for the first time. They had both decided to visit Charles in the hospital when Charles had asked for a small favor, some comfortable clothes, and (Y/N) had readily offered to get them. Hank was possibly more surprised than was necessary. (Y/N) did nice things! The other day she helped Erik with his powers, granted that was before he betrayed them and Hank wasn’t there to witness it. Now though, (Y/N) reserved her soft spot for Charles. Hank seemed to understand, he didn’t make any comments about it; but that was probably because when Alex did, (Y/N) manipulated the roots of a tree to keep him stuck for a whole night until Charles turned a disapproving eye on her. He learned his lesson after that though.

But that was all before Cuba. Now it was just (Y/N), Hank, Alex, Banshee, and Charles. But even Banshee and Alex went their own way. (Y/N) couldn’t say where they went, she wasn’t sure. But she did know that their departure had added to Charles’ grief and guilt. She made it her duty to stay by his side while he was in the hospital, a reassurance that she wouldn’t leave him. Charles had turned her into this soft mushy person and it scared her shitless. She couldn’t remember the last time she had loved someone. But the thought of him leaving or being taken away terrified her. Charles terrified her. But she pulled herself together so he wouldn’t realize anything was wrong, he didn’t need any extra guilt.

(Y/N) sat next to Charles's bedside, a book in her hands to keep her busy while Charles slept. She arrived early that day because of the construction happening on the street where the hospital was located and she didn’t want to be late. She wasn’t expecting Charles to be awake which was why she brought the book. She was immersed in the story when Charles woke up, which is why he surprised her. 

“You’re here early,” He spoke groggily.

The flowers’ leaves on the other side of Charles’s bedside shot out of their vase and wrapped around Charles’s wrist, forcing it flush against the bed. (Y/N) might have gotten startled since she was distracted. She looked up with a guilty smile and released his wrist when he gave her an unamused look. “Sorry, you scared me,” She grumbled.

“It’s alright, love,” Charles rubbed his wrist. He hadn’t expected the grip to hurt since they were tulip leaves.

“How’d you sleep?” (Y/N) set the book in her hands aside and shifted so she could face Charles. 

“Okay, I guess. I’m ready to get out of here,” He shrugged. He adjusted the bed so he could sit up.

“I can ask the doctor when you can be released if  you’d like?” (Y/N) offered. 

‘No, it’s okay,” Charles waved her off, “I’d much rather keep your company a little longer,” He smiled. 

(Y/N) nodded, a faint smile on her lips. “Of course,” She drummed her fingers on her lap. “Did you need anything? The nurse? More medicine? Food?” 

“I’m alright for now, thanks though… Can I ask you a question?” Charles hesitated.

“Yeah, anything.”

“Do you mind if, you can say no, but do you mind if I ask you to sing me a song? I’ve been quite bored here and the radio stations are rather crappy and there’s never anything good on the telly,” He rambled.

“Oh, uh,” (Y/N) furrowed her brows, what song would she sing?

“Never mind, it was weird of me to ask, you don’t-”

“No, I’ll sing for you uh, Is it okay if it’s in Sweden? I can’t really remember any songs right now,” (Y/N)’s cheeks flushed and her fingers began to fidget in her lap.

“I don’t mind,” He smiled kindly.

(Y/N) nodded and cleared her throat, here went nothing, “Lyckan kommer, lyckan går. Dom säger tiden läker sår. Jag släcker lampor. Jag öppnar fönster. Letar efter mönster. Jag kommer aldrig. Jag kommer aldrig, kommer. Kommer aldrig komma hem.”

‘Happiness comes, happiness goes. They say that time heals wounds. I turn off lamps, I open windows. Searching after patterns, I will never, I will never, will never come home,’ Charles lay back in his bed, his eyes closing as his mind translated the lyrics for him, one of the better aspects of his telepathy, the ability to understand any language.

“Flyktsoda, ta mig i hand. Sätt mig i brand, ibland ibland ibland. Flyktsoda ta mig i land. Sätt mig i brand, ibland ibland ibland,” (Y/N) could feel her stomach flipping, her chest filling with anxiety. She hadn’t realized how much this song actually meant until now. She hadn’t been happy before Charles came into her life. She was merely going through the motions, living because it was expected of her, but with Charles, hell even Hank, they gave her a reason to keep going. Only Charles was her reason for staying.

‘Escapesoda take my hand. Set me on fire, sometimes sometimes sometimes. Escapesoda bring me to shore. Set me on fire, sometimes sometimes sometimes,’ Charles inhaled deeply, (Y/N)’s voice soothing the ache in his chest. He appreciated everything she has done for him while he was hospitalized. If it weren’t for her, he was sure he wouldn’t have made it out in one piece. He barely made it with her there, but her persistent presence kept him grounded and kept him from falling into despair. 

“Var inte rädd för mig. Jag är så rädd för dig,” (Y/N)’s voice stuttered over the words. They pierced her heart when she sang them. They rang true and she was afraid it revealed just how much Charles affected her.

“Don't be afraid of me. I'm so afraid of you,” Charles's eyes opened when he heard the vulnerability in her voice. He looked at her with questioning eyes, he almost felt bad when he read what she was thinking. 

“Do you really think that I am afraid of you?” He asked softly.

“I, well, everyone else was, why not you too? I hurt you just a little while ago,” She pointed to his wrist.

Charles's wrist was rubbed raw from the leaf, but it wasn’t too bad, plus he had startled her, “I startled you, it wasn’t your fault.”

“That’s not the point Charles, I’ve done some bad things so why wouldn’t you fear me?”

“You fought to protect yourself. You are so much more than your powers, (Y/N). You’re magnificent, you’re amazing.” Charles wished he could reassure her and comfort her more, but his fucking legs couldn’t move. He shifted as best as he could, “Now why do you fear me?” He wondered.

(Y/N)’s heart was racing, she swore her heartbeat was louder than the heart monitor attached to Charles. “I- you don’t- why-” She ran her hand through her hair. “If I tell you, promise me this won’t change anything between us, okay? You’re all I have and I can’t lose you as a friend.” She spoke softly.

Charles nodded, “You could never lose me.”

(Y/N) bit her lip, wondering how to start. How does one even tell the person they love they fear them because of the hold they have on their heart? Charles managed to shove his way into her life and now she couldn’t picture her life without him in it. “I fear you because how easily you fit into my life,” She looked up at him, tears in her eyes, though she didn’t know why she was crying, shame maybe? “For a long time now it’s been just me, I had nobody, my parents didn’t want me, my landlord was looking for any reason to evict me, my co-workers were all selfish assholes, and I’ve been attacked countless times by men in the streets. I made sure no one could misuse my trust and I made sure no one could hurt me, but here you are,” She wiped a stray tear that ran down her cheek, “You pushed through the walls I’ve built and now I’m afraid to lose you.”

(Y/N) ran her hand through her hair again, she probably looked so pathetic to Charles.

“You could never look pathetic,” Charles reached his hand out to her which (Y/N) hesitantly took, “I know I said this wouldn’t change anything, but perhaps it can change just a little?” 

(Y/N)’s brows furrowed in confusion.

“Perhaps once I get out of here we can go on a date?” Charles asked nervously, “You don’t have to agree, and we can continue like normal, but now that I know for sure that you harbor feelings towards me maybe we can-” 

(Y/N) stood from her seat to press her lips to Charles’s cutting off his ramblings. She pulled away from the kiss and smiled, “I’d love to go on a date with you.”

Charles grinned, almost looking like his old cheeky self. He might have lost some things in Cuba, but he gained something too. He’d be damned if he let (Y/N) be taken away from him too. “I hope you know you’re stuck with me now.”

“I guess I can live with that,” (Y/N) laughed, “But promise me one thing okay?” At Charles nodded, (Y/N) continued, “Never tell anyone that I sang to you.”

Charles laughed despite her serious look, “I promise not to tell anyone.”

#Charles Xavier #charles xavier x reader #charles xavier x fem reader #x men x reader #X-men #x-men x reader #x-men x fem reader #mutant reader

[reachfolk]

For the writing prompt, let's go with ruin.

request: alexandria silver-blood + "ruins" (elder scrolls writing prompts — OPEN)

summary: Alexandria's teaching methods may not be conventional nor are they always pleasant, but Lucien can't deny their effectiveness.

tags: fluff, lucien flavius, canon-typical violence, alex and lucien are still pretty new as companions so he's still Baby, lexi is an arguably good teacher, not proofread bc it turned out so long lol

warnings: none

word count: 2.3k

ao3 link: [tough love]

author's notes: for those that don't know, lucien is a modded follower who starts as a wimpy little imperial scholar and you train him to get better at combat. this was SO much fun to write, i feel like it really shows some of my fav things about lexi and her dynamic with lucien! thank u so much for the request dearie <3

The door to the old nordic tomb was jammed after what must have been centuries without being opened, but with a heavy shove, Alexandria was able to force them to give. As soon as they swung open, the smell of decay and rot overwhelmed Lucien's senses, and he found himself struggling to hold down that morning's breakfast.

Alexandria, on the other hand, had no such qualms. Instead, she took a deep breath and smiled at the smell. "Ah, I love these old tombs. You can just feel Lady Namira's influence in the air. Makes the eyes water though, doesn't it? Or maybe that's just the dust." She fanned her face, letting her eyes dry out for a moment before readying her sword in one hand and a simple Firebolt spell in the other. "You ready?"

"Uhh," Lucien hesitated. "Do I have a choice?"

"Nope!" With that, she pushed him through the doors, and he nearly toppled over. "You'll be taking the lead this time, alright?"

"What?! Me?!" He sputtered. "Are you sure that's a good idea? No, don't answer that. It isn't a good idea whatsoever."

Alexandria didn't seem to share a single one of his concerns as she placed a hand on his back and pushed him deeper into the old ruins. "It's a chance to practice sneaking and to test out that Turn Undead spell. Two birds with one stone, as they say."

"I only learned that spell last night. Who's to say it'll even work? Don't you think the stakes are a little too high?"

"Of course they are," she said in her usual, all too cheery tone of voice. "You're not going to learn anything by staying firmly in your comfort zone. Besides, don't you trust me to keep you safe?"

It was certainly a good question. In spite of how she presented herself, Alexandria was a difficult person to read. While he often did appreciate her optimistic attitude (it was certainly an improvement over the glum nature of most of Skyrim's citizens), there were more than a few moments where it almost felt like she enjoyed tormenting him. This wouldn't be the first time she pushed him beyond his limits; ever since she started training him, she seemed to make a game of torturing him and justifying it with reasons such as, "You need to learn to take a hit," or "You've got to get out of your own head." And, well... he wanted to trust her methods, but she make it quite difficult.

"If you take any longer to answer, it's going to hurt my feelings, you know."

"N-no, I don't mean to imply anything bad!" Lucien sputtered. "I'm just nervous, is all. You've been a wonderful guard and I don't mean to offend you in any—"

His ramblings were interrupted by her bursting into laughter, and the sound echoed throughout the chamber. He felt a brief panic, but it seems the sound didn't reverberate far enough into the ruins to alarm any draugr. Alexi, it seems, didn't share his worries at all.

"Calm down, will you? I was joking!" She chuckled. "Believe me, no one understands anxiety better than I do. But that doesn't mean I'll allow you to let it control your life."

Lucien had a hard time believing she of all people, in all her confidence and self-assuredness, could relate, but her words were a comfort nonetheless. "Right," he replied, letting her words sink in. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then firmly regretted it as the stench of death filled his lungs.

Alexi chuckled again at him and patted his arm. "You'll get used to it."

"I really don't want to," he said, but readied his spells nonetheless.

*

The pair made their way through the old ruin, crouched low and sticking to the shadows, just as Alexandria taught him. The muffle spell she cast helped them stay quiet and made it easy to make out the sound of draugr footsteps farther into the depths of the tomb.

Lucien stopped in the middle of the hallway they were crouched in and leaned his head around the bend, leading into a larger chasm. Two draugr patrolled the area, moving in circles around the perimeter.

Alexi leaned back on her haunches and whispered, "So, what's the plan, boss?"

It was strange, the way their roles were swapped. "Uhm," Lucien thought back to what Alexandria did the last time they were in this kind of situation. "Wait until they wander to opposite sides of the room, out of each other's sight, and shoot them down one at a time."

"Okay," Alexandria said simply, but the minimal response was enough to send Lucien doubting himself.

"Is that not a good plan?" He asked, unsure.

"Huh? I never said that. I told you, you're the boss here! I'm just following your lead."

"Right," Lucien muttered. "Right. Uh, I just... need to be more sure of myself."

Alexi didn't respond beyond glancing around the corner, watching the draugr.

"Right?" Lucien asked.

This time, she simply chuckled. "Dearie, how are you not realizing the irony? You're still asking for my approval. It's a good plan. Now go ahead before you start getting in your head again."

Unfortunately, his doubts already took root and refused to budge. Even as he drew his bow and had it aimed at the target, he found himself frozen in place.

After the second opening he missed due to his own hesitation, Alexandria leaned over his shoulder and whispered, "Can I give you some advice?"

"Please do."

"Great!"

She grabbed him by the neck not unlike one would grab a housecat, dragged him up from where he was crouched, and tossed him into the open chamber with the two draugr. As he yelped in surprise, the two draugr turned at the sound and drew their weapons.

The rational response was for Lucien to be angry at her for being so cruel, but in the moment, it was all he could do to bash his bow against the draugr that rushed at him with a greatsword. The attack staggered the enemy and interrupted her mid-swing, giving Lucien enough time to switch out his longbow for a sword and spell.

Just as the zombie had regained balance, Lucien took a swing, putting all his might behind it. It wasn't enough to bring her down, but as the sword connected with her shoulder, the two-handed sword she carried fell from her grasp. He used the chance to shoot a Firebolt spell at her, which sent her flying backwards, unmoving.

Before he could celebrate his victory, an arrow whooshed past his face, just barely grazing his skin and taking a few of his hairs with it. It would've sent his heart racing if the poor muscle wasn't already working at full capacity.

He turned his head to the archer, who already had nocked another arrow and shot it in his direction. He just barely managed to dodge by side stepping behind a column. There was no way he could rush at the archer with his sword, and he was clearly outmatched with a bow. Should he just try to pelt it with Firebolts, or—

Suddenly, he remembered the new spell he'd just learned the night before. It was a risk trying it now of all times, but the adrenaline rushing in his veins made it difficult to rationalize it too much. He charged the spell, then ducked out from behind the other side of the column and cast it before the draugr could even release the arrow it had readied.

The second the spell hit, the draugr immediately pulled its arrow back and turned it's back, running in the opposite direction in the signature awkward steps that all draugr take. Now that the threat of being pelted with arrows was gone, Lucien rushed at the creature and grabbed it by the back of its thin, wiry hair. He stabbed his sword through its back with enough force that it jutted out of its chest. When the creature stopped moving, he released his grip on it and let its limp body fall to the ground.

It took him several seconds to catch his breath. When his heart rate finally returned to normal, a high-pitched squeal broke through the calmness and spiked it once again. Thankfully, he realized quickly enough, it was only Alexandria excitedly cheering for him.

"Good job, Lucien!" She applauded, rushing towards him from where she watched. "Oh, I knew you could handle it!"

"I... I did! Didn't I?" It was still hard to believe he could manage in a battle with her support, so to win two-against-one was inconceivable to him.

"Obviously," she laughed, giving him a playful shove. "See what you can do when you stop freaking out? When you don't have time to doubt yourself, your real skill shows."

He couldn't help but join her in the laughter as the reality of his accomplishment dawned on him. "Does this mean I'm now a proper adventurer? I never thought I had it in me!" He puffed out his chest proudly, beaming at his companion.

"I'm well aware of that. That's always been your biggest problem," she said. "Lucien, you've gotten so used to thinking of yourself as some weak little milk-drinker that no matter how much I trained you, you refused to recognize your own progress. I needed to do something to get it through your head."

"Not to imply that I'm not grateful, because I truly am," he replied, "but was throwing me to the draugr really the only thing you could think of?"

She gave a shrug. "It's how I was taught. Well, for me it was sabre cats. And fire. Oh, and also flowers, but that one's less exciting. And plenty of harsh lessons, really. How do you think I got these scars?" To prove her point, she lifted up both arms, showcasing a large array of scars, burns, and calluses that she'd acquired over the years. They moved down throughout her body, displayed for all to see under her Forsworn armor. The injuries had accumulated so much that it was hard to tell one from the other, let alone deduce what had caused them.

Lucien was curious about it since the day they'd met, but it felt rude to ask. But seeing as she brought up the matter herself, and she didn't seem to have any discomfort talking about it, he found himself asking, "What actually happened?"

"Oh, what didn't happen?" She chuckled. Pointing at the rough shape of a bite mark on her right arm, she explained, "I got this one when Auntie Ursula wanted me to get sabre cat teeth because I'd used up her entire supply when making potions. She wanted to teach me a lesson about recognizing alchemy as more than just mixing things together. Respecting the ingredients the land blesses us with, and honoring the Hunt as a crucial part of the life of an alchemist."

She then pointed to the burn marks along her palms and fingers. "I got these when Mother Helle was training me in Destruction magic. A lot of mages hesitate to progress their knowledge of the arcane arts, so she often pushed us to lean into the pain rather than fear it. Learning advanced fire-based spells results in plenty of injuries, but I couldn't have learned them if I didn't stop being scared of getting burned. After getting lit on fire a few times, it stops being so scary. And, more importantly, you learn to control it better."

"What about the flowers?" he asked.

She held up her fingers and wiggled them a bit. They were rough and calloused, and the state of them made him wonder how she could even comfortably hold a weapon. "These were the first scars I ever got. When I first started working as Auntie Bothela's assistant—I think it was shortly after my tenth winter, she made me dethorn every single flower that was in stock at the store until my hands bled. Then she made me use those same flowers to make a health potion to cure the cuts, and then I'd start over. I wasn't so good at it in the beginning, so my skin didn't end up healing very well. But once most of the skin was scarred, it stops hurting, and it helps when working with more advanced recipes."

"That sounds... quite harsh," Lucien observed. It was odd how she described such unpleasant experiences with a bright smile, as though they were treasured memories.

"All my teachers were Reachfolk, and usually followers of Lord Hircine," she explained. "It's part of his teachings—to suffer is to learn and all that. It's not exactly the nicest way to teach, but I always found it... kind, in its own way. They were with me through every step of the way. There was never a moment of my training that I felt alone or lost."

Then, her voice grew softer, a kind of uncertainty he hadn't seen in her before. "I hope I've been that kind of teacher to you. It may not always be easy, but I wouldn't put you in any situation that I don't trust you to handle, even if you may not always trust yourself as much. And, well... I know you're still making up your mind, but I do consider you a friend. I want the best for you."

The confession made Lucien's heart swell, and he wondered how on Nirn he ever doubted her intentions. And, after today, he couldn't doubt her results. "You have been," he said. "I'm glad to have you by my side, friend."

Her eyes lit up at his words, and the sight was reminiscent of that of an excited puppy. "Me too!" she said, her voice back to its cheery tone.

With that, Lucien drew his sword again and gestured to the path leading deeper into the ruins. "So, are you ready to press on?"

She gave a salute and followed his lead, drawing her own sword. "Sure thing, boss!"

#lucien flavius #tes #tesblr #skyrim #skyrim oc #elder scrolls #cozy writes #oc: alexandria silver blood #alexi is a daedra worshipper and it Shows lol #cozy answers #moots #thanks again for the request!! it was so much fun to write #this is 100% meant to be platonic but lexi would absolutely have a puppy crush on lucien and i wonder if u can tell lmao #she has crushes on everyone tho so this is her default slkjflksj #ship: alexandria x lucien

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Be Present

Masterlists: [Hollywood U] || [Red Carpet Diaries]  || [Baby Hunt]  || [Love & Scotch HWU/OH]  ||  [#HollywoodHacks HWU/LH]

Characters: Thomas Hunt, Alex Prompt: Loneliness/alone @choicesmaychallenge; @kinda-iconic​ Setting: Red Carpet Diaries Book 3, Chapter 3 (at the art exhibition) *Hunt’s dialogue in the first paragraph is taken from the chapter. The rest (including the exhibit described) is original content.

Notes: I’ve definitely been struggling with creativity, motivation, and my mental health lately… I have moments that I felt like Hunt in RCD3. I know it is ridiculous to get this upset with myself over creativity, and I know that fighting myself only makes it worse, but like Hunt I can’t seem to help myself. So, as I struggle like Hunt, it made me think of what might I tell someone else if they had this struggle. So I guess I’m Hunt, but I’m trying to be Alex and give myself this same advice? I apologize if this is a rambling mess. I definitely fought back and forth with myself as I wrote it. 

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“To be honest with you, I’m starting to wonder if the next idea will ever come,” Thomas admitted his gaze shifting over the smooth geometric surfaces glistening with bold colors. “I truly feel stuck… I know I’m being ridiculous, I just can’t seem to help it.”

"Thomas," Alex breathed softly, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. She knew he was in the midst of a creative block, but she hadn’t realized how deeply his struggles went.

He turned into her, his uncertain eyes weighing heavily on him. “I feel like there’s something wrong with me.” 

She wrapped her arm around his, as they moved into the next room of the exhibition. A handful of patrons mulled about, each captivated by the illuminating art, offering them a bit of privacy. "There's nothing wrong with you, Thomas. A creative drought doesn't make you any less brilliant or incredible. You will get through this. I know it!”

“I appreciate your vote of confidence. However, I am unsure I deserve such beliefs,” he sighed dejectedly. “Perhaps, it’s time to accept that this is it for me, that it is possible I have no more to offer.”

“Don’t do that! Don’t devalue your worth based on your productivity. Everyone needs a break, even the great Thomas Hunt.” Her thumb brushed over his beard as she tried to break through the wall she felt him slowly building back up brick by brick. “You are more than what you create. You’re more to me! You have everything to offer me. The rest will come. I know it. But don’t do this to yourself. I need you!”

“Alex,” her name quietly exhaled from his lips. “I didn’t–”

“Come with me,” she interrupted, taking his hand and dragging him across the gallery.

She led him to a small room in the corner furthest away from the “Living Sculpture”, the exhibition’s main attraction. As they entered the room, the darkness of the black walls enveloped them. Tiny lights oscillated around the room, dancing through the unknown.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, leaning into him. “Close your eyes.”

He chuckled softly, “Why? It’s already dark.”

“Just do it!” Alex demanded. Under the dim twinkling light, she could just about make out he had done as requested. Her arms dropped away from him, as she took a small step back, leaving him there. “Just listen.” 

“To what?” he questioned.

“Everything,” she answered, closing her own eyes. “I know you. You get so focused on details and trying to make sense of everything that you forget to be present. I wonder if you even saw half the works of art we’ve visited… truly saw them for more than their physical properties, but for all they are. Your mind is turning over and over again, racing against itself to find an answer, but when you don’t stop to just be present, you lose all the magic of the moment. Just listen, take in every sound you hear, loud and hushed. No detail is too small.”

After a few minutes, she moved closer to him, her fingers traipsing up his arm, settling on the nape of his neck. “Let yourself feel. Focus on every little touch.” Her voice was a whisper in his ear, the warmth of her breath tickling his neck. Her lips hovered over his skin, ever so slightly until she let them drag across his jaw; his beard tingling as she moved with a painstaking pace. Finally, she brushed a kiss over his cheek. “Every touch is a memory waiting to be born... Your turn, but keep your eyes close.”

His hands found her hips, pulling her flushed against him as they traveled down behind her. She didn’t need to see to imagine the smirk playing on his lips as he gently squeezed her. 

“Good.” She bit her lip trying not to laugh. “Now, smell. Smell is an important but often overlooked sense. A familiar scent can trigger old memories and intense emotions. All of which may bring back a time or place that you have forgotten about that could spark inspiration... Inhale slowly, try to let your mind wander as you do so.”

She placed her hand on his chest, capturing the rise and fall of each breath he took. 

“Now, open your eyes. Follow the movement of the lights across the room. Let their motion, ease your thoughts. Be present. Nothing outside of this room—this moment—matters.”

The shifting lights lit up the darkness like stars in the sky. As their eyes adjusted to the environment, more and more details were visible. In fact, not all the lights were real— it was part of the illusion, some were merely reflections off of well placed, almost invisible, mirrors. 

“I don’t know if that helped,” Alex shrugged. “I hope it did. I find that when my mind is racing and I feel like I can’t catch up, grounding myself in a moment offers some relief and perspective. No matter what happens, you’re not alone in this.”

“Thank you!” Thomas cradled her face in his hands. “You are the best part of my life and that in itself is all I could need...But you forgot one of the senses.”

“Did I?” She teased. “I wonder which one that–” 

Before she could finish the thought, his lips had captured hers. He poured all of his emotions, doubts, and fears into that kiss. Trying to follow her advice and let every bit of that moment be all that any part of him felt or thought. Living in the moment was not something he had ever been particularly good at… actually, it went against everything he had ever felt. But in theory, she was right, a single moment could offer endless possibilities if he just let himself be present.

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Perma tags: @lilyoffandoms​ ; @raleighcarrera​ ; @mfackenthal​ ; @the-soot-sprite​ ; @virtuallytakenby​ ; @zeniamiii​ ; @kaavyaethanramsey​; @choicesobsessed; @xjustin-ethansgirliex​ ; @caseyvalentineramsey​; @trappedinfandoms​; @anotherbeingsworld​ ;

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#Thomas Hunt #Thomas Hunt x MC #Red Carpet Diaries #Thomas Hunt RCD #Hunt x MC #fan fiction #alex spencer #alex hunt #thomas x alex #halex #rcd 3 #rcd

[theartoflovingthomashunt]

Burnin’ Up

[Red Carpet Diaries Masterlist]  ||  [Hollywood U Masterlist]

– – – Characters: Alex, Thomas Hunt

Rating: PG

Notes: @choicesnovemberchallenge Day 7: Illness; @choicesjanuarychallenge2020 “Let’s say, this is completely hypothetical of course, that I need help hiding a body…?”; @prompt-nonny: A: “Trust me.”, B:  “I have no reason to do such a thing, so no thank you.”, A: “Would you please trust me just this once?” (sorry it’s a day late) @rcd-appreciation, @the-choices-fanart-giver; 

– – –

“Let’s say, this is completely hypothetical of course, that I need help hiding a body…” Alex requested. 

It was a notion that was curious enough to make Thomas look up from the manuscript in his lap. “You’ve been watching too many detective shows.”

“No! Just go with it.” Alex smirked. “Trust me!”

“I have no reason to do such a thing, so no thank you!” Thomas offered and went back to reading the manuscript in front of him.

“Would you please trust me just this once,” Alex pressed, reaching over to knock the distraction away from him. She missed and collapsed beside him pouting.

Thomas moved his hands through her hair as she laid beside him. “Go back to sleep, my love.”

“No, we have to go now and hide the evidence,” Alex continued trying to sit up in bed. 

“Shh,” Thomas wrapped an arm around her, pulling her against him. 

“But the hypoth-hypothesis-thetical–the body. We have to go. Why don’t you trust me?” Alex struggled against his arms.

Thomas rested the back of his hand against her forehead. “Alex, you’re still burning up.” 

“I'm burnin' up, burnin' up, for you, baby,” Alex bopped his nose and laughed to herself trying to dance to the song in her head. 

“You need to rest,” Thomas insisted.

“You need to rest,” Alex pushed him playfully but ended up falling into him. 

“Okay,” Thomas breathed moving the manuscript to his night table. She was clearly not going to let him get any work done. “Let’s compromise. We’ll both rest.”

“Okay.” Alex relaxed against him. “But, the–”

“Close your eyes,” Thomas quieted her, caressing her back. “Tell me more about the body.”

Thomas listened to her fever ridden ramblings as he waited for her to fall back to sleep.

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Tags:  @the-soot-sprite  ;   @lilyofchoices  ;  @hopelessromantic1352   ;  @flyawayboo   ;   @twin-skltns   ;  @alleksa16  ;   @alj4890 ;  @mfackenthal  ; @riseandshinelittleblossom   ;  @thearianam  ;  @prompt-nonny ;   @rcd-appreciation  ;    @choicesnovemberchallenge ; @choicesjanuarychallenge2020

#thomas hunt #thomas hunt x mc #thomas hunt fan fiction #red carpet diaries #rcd fan fiction #fan fiction #thomas x alex #alex x thomas #halex #choices november challenge #choices january challenge 2020 #rcdaw #rcd appreciation week #choices random prompts #the art of loving thomas hunt #taolth