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andrewisdoing · 8 months

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Thoughts On God & I and The Christian Community

I’ve been thinking lots about God and my relationship with Christianity lately.

Recently, I took a long drive through Monroe and I couldn’t help but play albums that my mom played when I was a kid. Now, both my parents were/are Christians and while they did listen to secular music, they also played a LOT of Contemporary Christian music. I know it’s hard to believe but, in my opinion, my parents had the BEST taste in this genre. From my favorite, Crystal Lewis to Keith Green, I was raised on artists who were singing jubilantly and honestly about their love of Jesus and their walk with Him. I probably gained more wisdom from these artists then from the Bible. While on this particular drive, I couldn’t contain my joy while singing these songs, all of which brought bittersweet tears to my eyes mostly due to the memories that were attached to them. However, I couldn’t help but recognize the repetitive guilt fluttering around my stomach. The question that will occasionally float above me seems to always be “Do you even hear yourself? Do you know who you are singing about? You say you are a lapsed Christian and yet, here you are singing these Christian songs.” Then the BIG question follows… “Am I even allowed to be singing these songs and feeling joyful since I stopped going to church and giving up hope on being accepted into that community?”

If you’d ask me today where God and I stood, I would probably say that we’ve met, are still in touch but not exactly close anymore. Well, maybe it’s not God I have ended things with but it’s the actual community I estranged myself from. After being baptized during the pandemic, I thought I would’ve acquired a more urgent call to read the Bible, have a community of people who perhaps did accept me as me and be more firm in my standing with my faith. As of this moment, I can firmly declare that the chasm between Christianity and I has widened. Internally, the belief hasn’t been shaken but in terms of being deep in the game of religion, I willingly gave up. There were too many failed attempts. Since I had come out, I tried to seek out God and community and like Paul aka Saul, I feel like I have “fought the good fight” and seen enough to finally realize that my place wasn’t and will probably never be at church. Besides that, I had wanted to explore more philosophical, psychological and sociological ideals. I personally am of the opinion that for some people when they seek out a more traditionally American version of Christianity some stop seeking and asking big picture questions. If they do have questions, it’s not up for debate. It’s only “God created blankety-blank” and “The Bible says blankety-blank” instead of perhaps gaining understanding from other sources. Like Ariel in the Little Mermaid, who longingly looks above the watery surface, my mind was singing “I want moooore.”

Furthermore, 65 percent of the time, my questions weren’t with The Big Man Upstairs. I had more questions for the people surrounding me every Sunday because on the surface, everyone I’d encountered seemed to have their relationship with God figured out. When I was a teenager, I would watch the straight-laced folk, dressed up as hipsters who were “cool” and “down” with G.O.D. I began to suspect that they weren’t as “down” or “with it” as they outwardly proclaimed. They were as tight as the jeans that clung to their asses. My experience would vary person to person but I eventually discovered that the community that I yearned for wasn’t going to be here. I would always seem to come up empty when I would engage in conversations with church folks. These conversations were all spoken with smiles wrapped in shiny cellophane and would be so shallow eventually the wind would pick up, blowing the person away; the hollow conversation along with it. One example I can remember was going to these conferences as a teenager. Feeling quite out of place, as most teenagers, it would take me awhile to find real people to chat with. I remember having one of those breakdown moments I am pretty sure all young gay men have when you wonder if God does, in fact, love you. The encounter I had with one male youth counselor wasn’t as helpful as he may have thought.

“Are you sure you’re gay?” He asked

“Pretty sure. I just need to know if I’m okay and that I’m not going to hell. Am I?” I asked, pleadingly

“Well, lets just pray about it. I am more than certain if you pray, it might give you some clarity.” He said

I left still very gay but so damned confused and I can say a lot of my teens were spent half-heartedly convinced that God did love me but any time my heart got crushed, friendships ended or someone I loved died or hurt me in some way, I figured it was The Big Man Upstairs punishing me for fulfilling my desires.

Granted, I’ve found the hardest part about church is finding a true community of people who actually desire true friendship. Sure, I’ve made a few true friends at church but I do truly mean, FEW. I could count them all on one hand, though. The expectation that I had was these folks really wanted to be my friends if things got bad but that ended up never being the case. I can remember my first real High School youth leaders who had gotten to know me so well and made me feel so welcome that I even invited them to my Graduation, feeling so special. Fast forward a few months later, after getting my first apartment and dealing with my friends conniving fiancé, I felt trapped and alone. My best friends were busy and getting ready for year 2 of college. Who do I call? My youth group leaders for guidance, prayer and brotherhood. Who doesn’t answer? My youth group leaders. Months go by and not one word. I still feel myself wanting to throw something remembering how burned I felt. I should’ve prefaced this by adding that one of the leaders desperately wanted me to a part of his group after telling him my story so I can’t even begin to describe the sting of being dropped without so much as a goodbye.

I could fill more than this page with more stories from church and the people I encountered but I will just keep it short and sweet: Christian Community is complicated, messy and basically like High School but then what community isn’t? I am mostly happy to be out of it but I still am left with that question..am I allowed to rejoice to the music made for Christians and not for heathens like myself?

Here’s what I’m concluding: Yes. Why? I feel like I earned my stripes with Jesus and if he does indeed, see all, know all, like I think he does then he can be the one to give my heart the proper assessment when my time here on earth ends. I’ve also concluded that my relationship with religion will always be muddy and murky. Yes, while Jesus was my introduction to religion, the core of all these religions are drenched in love, which is why I understand why people buy the sugar peddled. While I have many bones to pick with believers, the biggest one the community has yet to answer for is the folks that are so “in it” that they use their bought truths to justify violent means and reason to ostracize peoples choices. THAT will never make sense to me.

Anyway, I’m off to go bump my “Heavenly Shit” playlist with all the messy and murky ex-Jesus Freaks.

#andrewisdoing #writing #essay #thoughts #vents #christianity #lgbt #questions #ex christian #gay #christian music #where I am #God and I #walk with god #high school #friendship #community #christian bible #prayer

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ducknotinarow · 10 months

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[07 Ariel and Summer - i know nothing about the film outside of it's a Hockey Film xD i just feel like it's always a surprise when Ariel mentions something not ocean related xD]

"So I watched the Mighty Ducks the other day," Ariel mutters, looking Summer's way, "Contain yourself Sums, I know, I watched a movie that wasn't the Little Mermaid, we're all as surprised as you are," Ariel claims, already anticipating comments, "Anyway, it's a film about Hockey...that's all I can tell you cause it was kinda bad, and I know nothing about Hockey, so like, probably didn't help," She shrugs, "Honestly, I think it's something Hockey related even you and Uncle Case wouldn't enjoy."

This may or may not also be an invitation for Summer to go on a deep dive about the sport. Hey, if Ariel makes Summer put up with her mermaid rants, it's only fair she tries to listen to one of Summer's own Hockey spiels.

| muse interaction

Don't get Summer wrong she loved her cousin, she dose, heck, she tends to see them as her sister and not her cousin. They were basically inseparable. Glued to the hip. Two peas in a pod. Seen near about like the next set of twins of the family even. Heck their parents spent a lot of time together so much so Summer saw her Uncle Donatello and Aunt Yvonne like a father and mother figure respective. If she couldn't go to her own Dad's for something she had them to go to as well and she knew she could that with out any worry or fear like with her own Dad's. So it was pretty normal for Summer to spend weekends with them and yeah the same went the other way they would keep Ariel for a weekend as well. Let the girls see each other and freed up the parents for some alone time and a break from their own gremlin. Which Summer loved. She loved having her cousin over she loved going over to see them, heck she would make trips through out the week to hang out with Ariel. Ariel was clearly her best friend she told her everything trusted her with any thought that crossed her empty skull time to time. Good or bad. They always had a blast together, Summer would strum on her guitar and Ariel would sing. They talk for hours and that where the issue streamed from.

How many times can one person talk about the same movie in such deep details that Ariel went into. Summer wished it was only the movie actually. But no it was anything related to it as well Summer swore she knew more about the movie than the old fogies who made it at this point. As she laid over her bed. Head resting over the side of the bed so dyed blue hair could spill down behind her letting the blood rush to her head as Ariel had been going on another tangent about the little mermaid.

Honestly it was impressive how no matter how much time had passed she just seemed to find more and more to love about the movie. Or anything in relation to it like apparently there was a Broadway show of it? Summer might love music but musicals weren't her thing. They were a bit too cheesy and boring and the idea of people just popping into song and everyone going along with it even down to full dance numbers and it was just normal? Yeah a whole street full of cars and such just stopped cause someone had to sign out their feelings? In the real New York they would get their handed to them for trying to make the traffic worse than it already was. It was why Summer had been replaying the game from the night before in her head.

Now that she got Sports! Sports were fun, and the best one was clearly hockey. It wasn't just a sport being a sport fan was so much more than sitting down and watching the teams play no! There was so much more to that! You were a commuinty with your team and true fans stuck it out no matter what. Through every loss and every win. Not like the stupid band wagoners who only cared when the Rangers were having a great streak and on the road to the Stanley Cup-

"So I watched the Mighty Ducks the other day,"

Summer's mind went blank at the mention a moment. Mostly because Ariel watching something other than the little mermaid? More importantly a movie Summer knew pretty well and loved even. Soon she was sitting right up face a bit red from letting it hang over the side so long but she was used to her head feeling light. Mouth ready to open when Ariel was quick to cut her off seeing she had Summer's attention.

"Contain yourself Sums, I know, I watched a movie that wasn't the Little Mermaid, we're all as surprised as you are,"

"Well it ain't funn if ya point it out Ari," Summer grumbles openly as she moves to cross her legs over her bed, elbows to her legs as she holds her hands to prop up her head a moment Still listening to see why Ariel brought it up in the first place.

"Anyway, it's a film about Hockey...that's all I can tell you cause it was kinda bad, and I know nothing about Hockey, so like, probably didn't help,"

"kinda bad?" Summer asks in pure and utter disbelief! what did she mean it was kind of bad! A movie about the underdogs banding together learning to be a team even the damn coach who like a major dick at the start of it all! Some dumb dick getting pulled over for being drunk and forced to coach this hockey team he could care less about but grew to care about! He even got fried for the team! and Ariel said it was bad! It was like the biggest insult to Summer's whole being in the moment. Likely why she happened spoke a word just letting her mouth hang open and her brow scrunch up in utter disbelief.

"Honestly, I think it's something Hockey related even you and Uncle Case wouldn't enjoy."

"First off ya 'ight an' we do. Dad, pop's an' watch all three of them pretty often. Sometimes we marathon the three movies. second off!" now her tone is shifting as she moves to get off the bed making way towards the shelf's in her room.

They were covered in all sort of a mess, stay things she set on them with the intention to put it away later. Only to find a new place on the shelf. Mostly it was where she kept all her memorabilia signed hockey pucks, her binder of cards some bobble heads of her favorite players and more miscellaneous items that she found related to hockey that she felt was good enough for her collectjon. But it was also where the families copies of the Might Duck Movies lived. Summer easily unearthed them from behind a practice mess jersey she tossed there and empty cans of monster.

"You are so wrong! they ain't bad an' ya don' need ta know nothin' 'bout hockey to get 'em." And now Summer was the one ready to go off about a movie. Holding up the three VHS cases in her cousins face "Cause it ain't 'bout the game! It's about the team! 'hat's what matters! ya can have the top players in any team and sure they may still be fine and do jus' enough ta keep 'em in the news and spot light on 'em BUT a team is more than good players an' 'hats what these show ya Ari! A dick head dude down on his luck made ta do community service he got no intention on actually doin' his job as a coach for the team. Dude don' even care 'bout helpin' them practice and all the kids they suck they are awful they need the direction they jus' wanna play though! But were told they can' cause they suck! which yeah they do but that ain't the point! So they all a bunch of losers stuck on the loser team expected just be 'hat and they ready to give up toss in the towel but dick head coach changes and decides maybe they could win! and fins out what each kids good at and how they can make it work cause they all still 'ike the game enough-"

This must be what it's like when Ariel's going one and on about the little mermaid but this was different Summer was defending her movie! Because her cousin dared to say it was bad! You'd swear she said the Rangers sucked with how amendment Summer was defending the film right now. "An' if it were bad why they make two more!? Granted the second one ain't as good but the third finished off strong! They even got actual NHL players to show up in the movies! Hell there even an actually Mighty Ducks team in Anaheim cause the films did good! Sure the name was changed in the 07 season to the Anaheim Ducks but they won the Stanly Cup that same year!!" Somewhere along the line summer forgot her own point here. "Ya know what we call 'hat?! We call 'hat heart! The movies got heart all three of them even the second!"

One would swear Ariel insulted her cousin with how she was actting right now. "Know what it is Ari? Ya jus' didn' watch it with the 'ight crowd clearly or ya knkw how fuckin' great these movies are! Oh!" An idea formed into Summer's head "seein' as it's movie night I think it only fittin' we make it a marathon night!" Summer declares making way for the door of her room to go tell her dad's the very same.

"Oh well go all out too! Make it full fun get 'ike press cause they look 'ike pucks an' put out the hockey shape bowl we got. Ya in for a great start to the weekend!" Any objections Ariel might give pr even have were very pointless and promptly ignored on Summer's end. "Hey Dad! Pops!" Os the last she has to say sealing her cousins face for the night.

#muse| summer jones #madamkezzie #aflockoffeathers #[ sister from another mister aflockoffeathers]#[ 07 verse]#muse interacction #ic reply #stayed qeued #((summer never been more insulted in her whole life Ariel now you're gonna deal with an tanget on a disey film uwu))#((also thiers a podcast series with 200 epsiodes on the triolgy of movies I didnt mention it but Summer probs listens to it XD))

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swordladywritesthings · 3 years

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Kiss The Girl

Pairing: prinxiety (surprise, i know /s)

Words: 987

TWs: kissing, just a little anxiety

AN: i was playing minecraft with one of my friends and this idea hit me so i was like “i have to leave immediately” and rushed over to my google docs (also I had to listen to this song for an hour straight to get the vibes right lol)

Well, this wasn’t exactly how Roman had pictured his night going.

He and Virgil were sitting on the couch in the living room of the mindscape, having their weekly movie night. It had become a tradition after Thomas met Nico in the mall, because if Thomas was around Nico, both Roman and Virgil were going to be nearby. So instead of sitting on opposite sides of the room in silence like they had the first couple of times, they decided to make use of the time and become better friends.

Well, friends from Virgil’s side, Roman was convinced. Despite the crush he had been nursing for upwards of two years, he had still managed to convince himself that he had no chance with him. So, ignoring every romantic bone in his body, Roman sat quietly on the couch with Virgil, just the two of them, every week. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

This week they were watching The Little Mermaid, one of Roman’s absolute favorites. Well, they were trying to watch, but they kept getting distracted by arguing playfully about the plot points of the movie. Currently Virgil was talking animatedly about how Ariel should have just written a note to the prince stating that she couldn’t speak, and Roman couldn’t help but sigh adoringly. This caught Virgil’s attention, and he turned his head curiously toward Roman.

Roman’s breath caught in his throat. Something about the way the TV’s light spilled across Virgil’s face, making the glittery purple eyeshadow under his mismatched eyes appear almost blue, made his heart skip a beat. His lips were raised in a confused but friendly smile, and Roman couldn’t help but echo it. They stayed there, frozen, for a moment, before Virgil snorted and the moment shattered.

“You good over there, Princey?” He asked, clearly teasing as he bumped his shoulder against Roman’s.

“I’m fine!” Roman said, and his voice did not sound squeaky, thank you very much. “Just considering your completely wrong opinion.”

“Yeah, okay, just be careful with your sighs, huh?” Virgil smirked, then turned his eyes back to the screen. He spoke out of the corner of his mouth, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that almost sounded fond.”

Trying his damnedest to ignore the blush on his face, Roman scoffed and put a hand on Virgil’s cheek, playfully pushing his head to the side. Virgil looked at him for a second, eyes shining with mischief, then launched at him, tickling his sides and laughing along with Roman’s giggles and snorts.

Virgil ceased his attack soon enough which left both of them laying down, Virgil stretching his body across Roman’s like a cat, giggly and breathless. Virgil crossed his arms over Roman’s chest and rested his chin on top of them, which made Roman lean forward to give him a bunny kiss, making him burst into giggles again.

When Virgil had finally calmed his giggles, he bumped their foreheads together gently. “Hey, Ro?” He asked quietly, voice slightly shaking, as he pressed the sides of their noses together.

“Yeah, Vee?” Roman said, sounding a little breathless himself.

“If I do something right now, can you try not to freak out?”

“Okay..? Stormcloud, what are you gonna-” His sentence was cut off suddenly by Virgil leaning forward to and pressing his lips, feather-light and quick, to Roman’s.

Roman froze, still as a stone, for a second, during which Virgil’s eyeshadow shifted to jet black. That little action was all that Roman needed to snap back into reality, as he cupped Virgil’s chin in one of his hands and met Virgil’s lips again.

They both moved hesitantly, flailing blindly to find boundaries or some set of guidelines. But then the beginning notes of Kiss The Girl played from the TV and Virgil huffed a laugh against Roman’s lips, letting them both relax a bit. Virgil smiled into the kiss as he threaded his fingers through Roman’s hair, trying to get him as close as possible.

Roman felt like he was dreaming. He had imagined this moment a lot of ways, from a heated make-out in the middle of a debate to a casual goodnight kiss so light that it didn’t even register until later. But he was glad it was happening like this. It felt perfect, the light from the TV screen still glowing from across the room, one of his arms wrapped lazily around Virgil’s waist, the cinnamon-and-coffee taste of Virgil’s lips. He felt like he could live in this moment forever, and he would die happy.

Unfortunately, they had to break the kiss for air, making Roman pout a little. That pout disappeared almost immediately, though, because he got to see the expression on Virgil’s face. He looked starstruck, like Roman had shown him the sun after living his whole life in darkness. It made Roman’s heart swell, and made him smile the widest he ever had. They stared at each other for a moment, silent save for their breaths, their heartbeats, and the movie still playing. When he had gained enough of his breath back, Roman found himself singing along with the music floating through the air.

“Sha-la-la-la-la-la, don't be scared, you got the mood prepared, go on and kiss the girl.”

Virgil snorted and rolled his eyes, though didn’t move away from where he was in Roman’s arms. “Are you calling me Ariel?”

“Only if I get to be your Eric,” Roman said smoothly, even throwing in a wink at the end for good measure. Virgil blushed and rolled his eyes again, but there was a grin on his face, so Roman figured he wasn’t too upset.

“Roman?” Virgil asked, looking at him with those gorgeous mismatched eyes, accented perfectly by the almost white eyeshadow underneath them.

“Yes, Virgil?”

“Shut up and kiss me,” he said, scooting closer again and pressing his nose against Roman’s like he had before.

“I thought you’d never ask.”

TAGLIST:

General:

@definitely-a-living-human @my-friends-art-and-writing @arodynamic-enby @ari-the-writer-enby @me-a-mess-morelikelythanyouthink @asexualtrashcan @the17thmeatball @inku-snas-art @fandoms-are-my-world

Prinxiety:

@nostalgic-shifting @humanbeingiguess @shade-romeo

#kat's writing #prinxiety #romantic prinxiety #ts roman #ts virgil #the little mermaid #im actually pretty proud of this one #tw kissing

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marciabrady · 3 years

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Cinderella?

Favorite thing about her?: I love everything about her but I think people overlook how sassy she is and her bite! All of her comments to Lucifer, and the singing bit about Anastasia and Drizella, are so enriching and add a great depth of character. But also, how realistic she is! This was totally erased in that live action, but in the animated version, she gets so FRUSTRATED at times. She even misplaces her anger at the clock and Lucifer in the very opening scenes. We see her fight back to Lady Tremaine and win in certain cases- like when she asserts her right to go to the ball- but we also see it backfire, like when Lady Tremaine gives her more and more chores to do. Just the overall depiction of abuse is so realistic and I think people dislike how close to home it is. Our modern sensibilities call for all female characters to be superheros- look at Rapunzel's hair, Elsa's magic, and Moana's connection with the ocean. No one wants to see the depiction of realistic abuse and how it can wear on someone, or what those family dynamics look like behind closed doors. They want Cinderella to beat up all three women in her household or start an Etsy business or something lol but for all that being said, I still marvel at her strength of character. The fact that she picked herself up and went to the ball after 1) years of abuse, 2) having to assert her right to go in front of three of her abusers, 3) being physically assaulted and having the very clothes violently torn off her body is so??? Like I get social anxiety from going to public places- I can hardly imagine how she must've felt with ALL of those circumstances AND the fact that she didn't even have a chaperon bring her to the ball and I just love Cinderella so much omg I'm not crying, you are

Least favorite thing about her?: This question implies there's something to dislike about Cinderella which is WRONG except if we're talking about the live action, which is literally awful. The live action got her character so wrong and the entire cast of that film went on a press tour bashing the original Cinderella while upholding their own as the feminist approved version and I literally can't even think about it without boiling in rage. Especially because the original Cinderella possesses more of the qualities they claim the 2015 version has and the original lacks. UGH if you ever want to talk about this HMU because I have THOUGHTS

Do I like her movie?: HER MOVIE IS SO GREAT. The music is so unique and I'm obsessed with all the vocal talent. Like, the fact that Lucille Bliss interpreted the words 'Mother, mother, mother' on a written script LIKE THAT is everything. I can't find a single unlikable character though, like everyone brings it from a vocal, characterization, and animation standpoint. Also, it's animated so realistically! Compare Cinderella's thicker waist to any of the Renaissance and post Renaissance princesses and you'll see what I mean. But also, it's just so fun and joyful and lighthearted while also not shying away from addressing and depicting abuse in such a realistic way. Lady Tremaine is actually my favorite villain of all time, to this day, because of how understated but effective she is. UGH I LOVE

Favorite outfit she wears? I ALWAYS loved the pink dress the mice made for her the most as a child! Pink was my favorite color and she had her hair down and lookeD STUNNING. Also the fact that it was a thrift from her mom's is so cute <3 That being said, she literally doesn't have a bad outfit. Her wedding dress is the best one Disney's ever come up with, I don't even need to explain the enchanting quality of her ball gown, the servant dress looks so comfortable and functional, and even the nightdress is flattering to her!

Favorite song from her movie?: The reprises she sings of So This Is Love is hauntingly beautiful. I can literally hear it echoing throughout that hidden staircase on the way to her little attic room.

Favorite animal (or human) friend she has?: I'm sorry but I LOVE Bruno and Major the horse way more than I should. I just love the idea that most people view Cinderella as this ultra glamorous princess and her sidekicks are literally mice, an old bloodhound dog, and a rail thin horse. But, the dog and horse remind me of when we see her with her father, and seeing their fall to grace too serves to give Cinderella a sense of companionship and community and history outside of the mice who she presumably meets later on.

Which trait of her personality do I most see in myself?: Probably her frustration at things that are beyond her control. I also think her FOMO moment of missing the ball and trying to talk herself out of wanting to go before concluding "and it'll be completely wonderful" is so cute. But I also try to get along with people I hate, for the sake of family and things like work, but also end up shading them like Cinderella lol but I think in order to be resilient and live a successful life, you kinda have to roll with the punches the way she did and always believe in the possibility of something wonderful happening and I hope I maintain that ideology as beautifully as does Cinderella

How would I rate her prince?: TOP TIER! Listen, that eye roll he did at the ball is EVERYTHING. Also I love the idea of a prince literally tearing a kingdom apart to find me after a single dance. Plus, with his father being as animated as he is, you KNOW that family is entertaining to marry into. Also, he's a TOTAL hunk (only counting the first movie)

Where does she rank on my top 10 favorite princesses?: TOP TIER AS WELL. Her, Snow White, Aurora, and Ariel are like on a whole other tier for me where they literally exist as my favorite characters of all time and they can't even be categorized as princesses because my love for them extends past any labels.

Put a Disney Princess in my ask and I'll answer!

#historianofenchancia #ask #thank you!!!#cinderella

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obanzi · 3 years

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Hi sweetie! Thank you so much for doing this!! <3

My name is Amber and one of my nicknames is Bee!! I go by she/her and am bi, but lean towards dudes. I am a Taurus :^)) and ppl say that I definitely have the vibes of one lol. My hobbies include gaming, knitting, roller skating and sewing. I love animals, naps, cold weather and singing. I also love daydreaming and creating fantasy worlds. l don't like crowds, leaving things messy or scary movies. I would like to be matched with a male human please! :)

Do you like PDA ?

-Not really, I am easily embarrassed! Hand holding at most.

What would be your breathing style ?

-Sun breathing! I would like to be radiant.

What’s your love language ?

-Acts of service. I'm a headstrong and otherwise independent person, so it means a lot to me when people go out of their way to help me!

Do you like indoors or outdoors ?

-Bougie outdoor? I don't like bugs. Or mud. I could sit on a pier on the water for hours though. I love being near the sea!

What’s your favorite flower ?

-Daffodils, for sure. I love the white ones!

Top Kins ?

-Kanae Kocho, Bloom from Winx Club, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Ponyo,

What’s your ideal date ?

-Going to a festival! I want to try all the foods with my s/o and browse all the cute little shops :)

For the manga panel, my favorite color is burgundy! Thanks again for doing this! You really put so much effort and love into each match up, it is so cute and heart warming!! ❤❤❤

hellooo ! i hope u like ur match up <33 also it wont let me tag — oh also , he seems a bit oc sorry ..

Match Up For @emerald-tempest

You Got ..

INOSUKE HASHIBIRA

— i was also thinking Zenitsu and couldn’t decide so i flipped a coin .. ( kanao ^^ )

Songs Based Off Relationship :

I’ve Got a Huge Crush On You — SNCKPCK

Make You Mine — PUBLIC

Hometown Smile — Bahjat

How You Met :

You met Inosuke in the woods , you were on your way to a mission when you noticed a boar head guy sleeping next to a tree .. he had wounds all over him . You being you .. you took the boy in your home and cared for his needs . When inosuke woke up he saw a girl making some type of food — he screamed , alerting you he woke up !! You tried your best to explain why you took him in but he wouldn’t budge . He ran away with bandages all over his body that were slowly coming off — you thought you would never see him . One raining day , a boy came knocking on your door . You opened it and surprise surprise you saw the boar mask guy again ! He was soaking wet .. and that’s where your relationship started ! He would come visit for some odd reason , giving a lame excuse .. “i come make sure my servant is okay !!!!” You liked how the boy acted , you fell in love with him >:D did he too ? Well , Inosuke doesn’t understand the term “love” but after awhile .. you two would work out c:

Relationship Head-canons :

Inosuke wouldn’t know the term “PDA” but he will show you off to everyone , not necessarily kisses or hugs but a big yell — you’ll have to explain to him what PDA is and that you don’t like it that much , he’ll be okay with it but will sometimes forget — Inosuke will just randomly kiss you in front of Tanjirou or Zenitsu .. he secretly likes it when you get all blushy c:

Your first date with Inosuke will be a big mess , you both were at a food festival .. although in the end he will make up for it ! In the beginning he was yelling at everyone who looked at you , he would also try and pick fights — inosuke will probably only listen to you so you’ll have to handle the situation (ﾟ∀ﾟ) , it was tiring in your opinion . In end however , Inosuke will calm down and cling to you ( kinda , he would think your clinging to him ) . You both would walk together at night enjoying the quiet with all the lights lit up <3

Inosuke takes everything you dislike very seriously ( as he should — ) , you don’t like crowds ? he will yell and tell everyone to make space — you don’t like messy places ? He’ll clean up for you , somewhat .. he’ll put everything in one big pile so the floor is clean — although he’s trying c: you don’t like bugs ? He’ll squash all of them for you >:D you don’t like mud ? He’ll carry you across the mud pile —

I think Inosuke’s love language would be Gift giving and quality time ! He would bring you berries , rocks , flowers or anything he could find in the wild / forest . Along with your always with him ! He likes it better when your in his present ( did i use the right word — ) ! He also sleeps better , behaves better when your with him ! So tanjirou thanks you most of the time —

Inosuke wouldn’t understand “daydreaming” so you’ll have to explain it to him because he’ll think you froze or something — he’ll purposely punch you to make sure your okay .. after you tell him what the term daydreaming means , he’ll try it with you ! Although he will get bored quickly and drag you to the ramen shop afterwards — even so , most of his daydreaming is with you .. either it’s clam peaceful area or a adventure that could harm you —

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deliahscrush2003 · 2 years

Note

Hello dear 💕

Once again, I'm here for your OCs 🥰

What do they do in a long car trip? They sing? They sleep? They buy snacks? Do they like to be alone or in company?

As always, it is a pleasure, my friend! Thank you for gracing my inbox and for doing me the favor of leaving an ask 💕

I hope you don't mind but I will answer this by grouping my OCs in cars together and explaining which roles they will fall into in each car, so I hope that will suffice! 😊🌺

Road Trip

↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

CAR 1 : THE TEENAGE MENACES

Niamh O'Connor is voted the designated driver, after everybody agreed that there was no way in hell Vanessa was getting behind the wheel. Niamh is a steady driver and has the best eye out of them all (ironic considering she only has the one working). She also has the best reflexes.

To appease her, they didn't argue when she cried out shotgun and jumped into the front seat. Everybody was too relieved that they weren't going to die in a flaming car crash or worse, kill someone else on the road.

They can't deny that Vanessa O'Connor has the best taste in music and soon enough, they are all bopping to the early 2000s hits of childhood nostalgia that they all enjoy. She insists on pulling into every single Burger King they come across.

Kindred Blanche will start playing games like 'I Spy' or making up silly names for the towns they pass through, snorting through her nose like it was the funniest thing in the world. She's the one who is most likely to stare at strangers in the cars driving beside them.

Ariel McKinnon is hogging up space on the otherside, her long limbs thrown over the other girls in the backseat as she tries to make herself comfortable. She has her headphones in, blaring her classic rock loud enough to drown out the sounds of Britney. She insists on the AC being cranked up but is one of those people who will wind the windows down so its useless.

Bethany Meadowes is squished into the middle with Ariel's leg sprawled across her lap but she lounges into her seat as if its the comfiest position to be in. She has a content smile on her face as she is hit with the cool air from the AC and the wind. She's the one who has all the snacks on hand and brought her famous chocolate brownies. She might even pass around her joint in the back with Ariel and Kindred, careful to make sure none of it wafts through to the front.

CAR 2: THE INTELLECTUALS

As the two moms of the group (who are literally just in their twenties), Julia Simmons and Persephone Shaw take the front seats with little argument from the 'kids' in the back. While Perri would have preferred to ride her motorcycle, she reluctantly agrees to switch shifts in the driver's seat with Julia. Julia takes sips of her green tea while Perri insists on refilling her coffee at every drive through to 'stay alive'.

Julia Simmons spends her time not driving reading one of the many books she brought along with her while she listens to calming rainforest music and munches on her organic, gluten free snacks that she shares with the girls in the back.

Perri Shaw will try to get shut eye for the most part when she's not driving but she will also turn in her seat to make conversation with Serina Seda, whose adopted parents are heavily involved in the military and political scene. Being an FBI agent, Perri will try to answer as many questions as she can with her limited experience but she is surprised to find that Serina is extremely knowledgeable in the topic and makes an excellent and intriguing conversationalist.

Sometimes, Sylvia of Narnia will chime in, coming from a political family herself, but for the most part, she will sing softly to herself in the backseat until either Perri or Julia coax her into singing louder. Soon enough, Sylvia is singing some of the more popular songs and they have a walking, talking stereo in the back who sings better than the original artists.

Louise Hammond is the quiet one of the bunch, preferring to lean her head against the window and look at the road whirring by while she daydreams. Maybe when some of the others coax her to talk, Lou will ask Sylvia to sing some songs from the 60/70s because it reminds her of home.

CAR 3: THE JOYRIDE HELL RIDE

Kylie Pryce is the designated driver. She's the second oldest but Indy has too much road rage to be trusted behind the wheel. They all know she is not above playing bumper cars on the highway. Kylie is the one who was extra prepped for the road trip with extra fuel in the trunk, first aid kit, snacks and essentials in case they break down.

Adelaide Paige is in the front passenger seat. She spends most of her time texting Angelo to complain about the back seat drivers. She's the one leaning over to tell Indy to shut up when she gets too rowdy.

Farren Emerson spends most of the trip leaning between the two front seats with a map insisting the GPS is wrong and trying to tell Kylie which turns to take. She spends the rest of the time in the back seat smirking and trying to provoke Indianna Taylor, who takes everything as a challenge and starts getting violent.

Meanwhile, while all this chaos has been going on, Carina Gunner has been squished against the car door while Indy roughhouses behind her. Carina has her headphones in, but it does nothing to drown out the elbows in her side. She is ten seconds away from going off.

CAR 4: THE COOL KIDS

They're rich kids so you better believe that they're driving around in a convertible. Sapphire Etoile is the designated driver because she is a quick learner and the second most responsible in the car.

Lucinda Lestrange is the most responsible but she was raised in a wealthy equestrian family that lives in a country manor, so they rode horses everywhere. It takes sometime to even get her into the car. She's in the backseat and is in charge of snacks because she's lowkey the mom friend and knows what everyone likes. You can bet that she looks like that mysterious girl™ that boy's see on the drive by and wish they knew her secrets.

Angelo Reid takes the front passenger seat and spends most of the ride texting Adelaide Paige to try to get her to convince Kylie Pryce to race them down the highway. He reads her very pissed off responses out loud to the rest of the car and they all laugh.

Cecilia Malfoy has the signature white hair scarf and huge, glamorous sunglasses combo. She's in charge of the music because she can read the vibes of the trip so well and knows the perfect song to go with it. She's probably taking selfies with Rivin (unwilling) and Lucinda (willing) in the back seat.

Rivin Nox would spend most of the drive leaning against the side door in a very not-safe position, has his legs up between the front seats. Wears all black with the wind ruffling his black curls and as sunglasses on, earphones in and is trying to fall asleep to world politics podcast. They drive past the car Serina Seda is in and she almost has a heart attack when she sees him. He would lower his sunglasses just to wink at her despite the fact that their families hate each other.

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gamerwoo · 4 years

Text

Seventeen headcanons: Seventeen as Disney Characters’ Kids

a/n: you can thank my cousin forcing me to listen to the descendants soundtrack for this. may or may not do oneshots for these at some point so uh,,,,,,we’ll see

Seungcheol, son of Kovu and Kiara

a lot like his parents

is a little infamous because some people still see his dad as “evil” anyway

does whatever he thinks is right even if it’s not traditional

heir to be king and he takes that seriously

honestly he is lowkey trying to prove himself to everyone

hangs out with wonwoo a lot and usually goes to him for advice

also best friends with soonyoung since they’re kind of in the same boat

doesn’t want to be sheltered by his parents even though he has mixed reactions from the public

even if his entire kingdom doesn’t like him, he wants to be a good prince and future king

Jeonghan, son of The Cheshire Cat

sly and sneaky and mischievous lil shit

you don’t think he’s there but he’s there

he hears and sees everything

his favorite thing to do other than nothing is eavesdrop

he’ll be hanging out with his friends and as soon as someone is like “let’s go do this” he disappears without saying anything

often found lounging about with his tail swaying and flicking

typically up to no good but his seemingly sweet face always fools people

but those who know him know he’s typically anything but sweet

whenever he appears, you always see his smirk first

Joshua, son of David & Nani

surfer dude

i mean, come on, look who raised him

hangs out with seokmin a lot

he’ll sit on his surfboard out in the ocean and seok will swim up and rest his arms on the board and they’ll just talk or swim and stuff

he is a little ‘odd’ but his aunt is lilo and he was raised around aliens so can you blame him

but he really just wants to be normal because people have been judging him for his entire life

sometimes he’s a lil judgy just to make himself feel less weird

*insert that gif of him making that face in the going svt episode that everyone uses as a meme now*

but like he also keeps experiment 002 as a ‘pet’ after mrs. hasagawa couldn’t take care of her ‘cats’ anymore

so he still is a lowkey strange boi

Junhui, son of Thomas O’Malley

smooth as heck

a little goofy but that’s his charm

he comes from one of thomas’s many one-night-stands, so he lived on the street and was only raised by his dad for a long time

when he was brought in to live with duchess and her kids, she treated him like one of her own, and he got along well with her kids

would throw hands for his sister without question

still a flirt like his dad though

but he drinks his respect women juice i promise

usually playing around with his brothers or sometimes going off to help hansol

even though his family is loaded now, he still acts like he’s an alley cat lmao

kinda stays away from jeonghan because he finds him scary

can be found hanging around with soonyoung though

Soonyoung, son of Shere Khan

he wants to be a tiger so badly so

despite his dad being kind of yknow an asshole

soonyoung is a huge sweetheart

some people may think it’s an act or whatever but it’s just how he is

and his dad is trying so hard to get him to be less kind but the boy can’t help his fat heart okay

he hangs out with seungcheol a lot because the two can relate on being misunderstood

soonyoung is basically kovu

came from a shitty family but is just here for a good time

but if you fuck with him he can and will rip your throat out

hangs out with jun quite a bit because he makes him feel more upbeat and kind of grounded i guess???

because he doesn’t want his status or his father’s words getting to his head

honestly highkey worried he’ll become like his dad

Wonwoo, son of Milo Thatch & Kida

literally the perfect mix of his parents

the curiosity and shyness/awkwardness of his dad

mixed with the beauty and grace of his mom

he’s the prince of atlantis since kida became queen after the king died, and everyone absolutely adores him

has girls lining up to marry him but because he’s awkward like milo, he’s not really that interested in getting married anytime soon

hangs out with seungcheol and tries to give him helpful advice

pretty much always reading and learning about other cultures and kingdoms

has never been outside of atlantis and he’s highkey curious about what’s out there

but he’d never sneak out behind his parents’ back because he’s a good boi

Jihoon, son of Elsa

he’s a lot like his mom (from the first frozen i havent even seen the second one ok)

he also has powers like her which he doesn’t use often

even as a child, he preferred learning how to use and control it rather than just use it for fun

but now when he has to go out for royal things, he will sometimes make a little ice rink for the kids or create little flurries and dancing snowmen just to see the children laugh

and if you look at him, you can see the hint of a smile

spends most of his time in his room reading or sleeping because that’s just how he chooses to spend his time

tbh he doesn’t want to be a prince he just wants to do what he wants

but elsa is a single mom and he’s her only heir so he doesn’t want to let her down or stress her out

but if he could just,,,,,,not be a prince, he would love that

Seokmin, son of Ariel and Eric

everyone always sayin this boy looks like prince eric anyway so

he’s a mermaid like his mom so he can spend time in the water and on land

often goes ‘surfing’ with joshua but it’s basically josh surfing while seokmin swims in the waves and watches

sometimes he goes to visit wonwoo in atlantis but not often because it’s kind of hard to get to

spends 50% of his time singing whatever song is stuck in his head or just making up his own

he really is more like his mom personality-wise lmao

and of course more like his dad when it comes to looks

likes being on land and in water equally you can’t make him choose one

his best friend (other than josh) is a dolphin that goes on adventures with him and stuff, and an octopus that clings to him like a backpack

Mingyu, son of Eugene and Rapunzel

big clumsy but kind idiot

also does that weird smolder thing like his dad

honestly he’s kind of the perfect mix of his parents

very kind and curious

but he’s not nearly as trusting as his mom

he may be kinda dumb sometimes (he got the braincells from his dad ok) but he makes an excellent prince

he loves his kingdom and his kingdom loves him

he’s got so many suitresses but he put his training to be king first

however he highkey in love with the girl who sells flowers and planters at the market

Minghao, son of Cruella De Vil

like his mom, he’s very into fashion

unlike his mom, he prefers to find cruelty free ways of achieving fashion

he actually left home when he was 16 and has nothing to do with her

he’s become an anonymous fashion designer because he knows nobody would give him the time of day if they knew who his mother is

as a designer, he goes by the8

he designs all of seungkwan’s clothes too

he usually just stays inside and works on his clothing because people are mean to him when he goes outside

Seungkwan, son of Charlotte La Bouf

just wants to be a prince so heckin bad !!!!

likes to dress up in nice clothes and go out a lot

only wears things designed by minghao though

he’s boujee okay

honestly would give up his prince dream to help minghao make a new name for himself

he wants to be a prince more than anything but his friends and those he loves come first

but seriously can a princess just marry this poor boy already

Hansol, son of Robin Hood & Maid Marian

hands down the sweetest boy ever

he’s pretty well off so he typically just gives away his own things

but he will steal from the rich if he has to lmao

pretty much friends with everyone because he’s just so likeable

the only people who don’t like him are rich assholes lmao

may or may not have been arrested a few times but it was for good reasons i swear

sometimes has chan tag along on his adventures to steal from the rich

Chan, son of Mulan & Li Shang

he’s not a prince but damn he looks like one

the strongest warrior in his kingdom

his family is also very highly ranked so while he’s not a prince he’s still an important dude in the kingdom

girls swoon over him and men want to be him

can we blame any of them

if he’s not training/practicing, he’s off with hansol

often donates to the poor but also loves to eat the rich lmao

has also wound up in jail a few times but his parents are fine with it because it’s for a good cause

but if he’s not practicing or with hansol, he’s just fucking up assholes

those are basically his hobbies lmao

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a-distantdreamer · 3 years

Note

chris naming his baby girl Ariel and taking her to disneyworld for the very first time at 2 years old?

Oh gosh I just love this idea so much. I may have gotten a little carried away...

A Little Mermaid

Chris let out an impatient whine, jiggling on the spot from foot to foot, “She never naps for this long at home.”

Y/N laughed, gently rocking the stroller containing their sleeping two-year-old back and forth.

“Baby, she’ll wake up soon,” she soothed, “you don’t want her to be cranky when we go in, do you?”

Chris shook his head in agreement, holding the baby-sized Minnie Mouse headband in his hand, ready for his little girl to wear. He was anxious to see if she would be as excited about Disney as he was.

He was confident that she would; she loved the movies, and listening to the songs, singing along with them in her sweet baby babble. The house was always filled with the soundtracks of Chris’ childhood, and it made him so happy. He and Y/N had agreed to wait until their daughter was old enough to really appreciate the Disney experience, so now that she had turned two, they decided it was time.

The cast member assigned to assist them through the parks waited patiently alongside the couple for the toddler to wake. In her stroller, she slept soundly despite the humidity, completely unaware of how antsy her Daddy was becoming.

“She’s a real cutie!” the cast member, Selena, cooed, “What’s her name?”

Y/N giggled, bringing her palm up to cover her face. Of course, she loved her daughter’s name, but hearing Chris announce it at Disneyworld of all places, looking so proud, was hilarious and adorable in equal measure.

“Her name is Ariel.”

---

“What do you think, baby girl?” Chris cooed, watching his daughter intently as he held her on his hip.

Ariel stared at the incredible surroundings of Main Street, big blue eyes wide and dark lashes fluttering as she blinked. It was clear she didn’t know what to take in first - the magical lights and decor, the large number of people, or the majestic castle right at the end of the long street. There was just so much to see!

The crowds passed them on the cobbles, some noticing Chris but being polite enough not to bother him. It was clear he was enamoured with watching his baby soak in the magical atmosphere.

To his amazement, Ariel had kept the Minnie Mouse ears on without a fuss, cooing that they were ‘so pretty!’ - a sentiment that was of course confirmed by her Mama, Daddy, and Selena.

“Dada!” Ariel squealed, fists clenched in front of her in excitement. She wiggled in Chris’ arms and he laughed, shaking his head. The silky fabric of her jumpsuit slipped beneath his fingers as he struggled to hold onto her.

“Uh-uh, baby. It’s too busy for you to walk here,” he explained, “what do you see?”

Ariel looked like she was about to burst, cheeks flushed and tiny hands reaching out to grasp at the air, “Dada, me-maid!”

Chris followed her gaze, spotting a vendor holding an enormous bundle of character balloons. At the top of the bunch was a large balloon of the little mermaid, dancing with her aquatic friends Flounder and Sebastian.

He laughed at her excitement, pressing a kiss to his sweet girl’s cheek. He brought a hand up to brush the unruly blonde curls of hair back from her forehead, “I see the mermaid, baby. Would you like a balloon?”

Ariel blinked back at him, and gave him a look that melted him every time, “yes peas, Daddy.”

“Of course, sweetheart,” he murmured, leaning over to hand Ariel back to her Mama.

“Mama! Me-maid!” Ariel squealed, clinging onto her Mama and pointing excitedly over at the balloon as if she hadn’t witnessed the entire exchange herself.

“I know baby. You’re such a lucky girl, aren’t you?” Y/N cooed, trying to smooth her daughter’s unruly curls even as she bounced in her grasp. Trying to contain Ariel’s hair in pigtails was rarely a successful feat, but Y/N thought that it was a representation of her wild spirit.

Y/N laughed as Chris rooted for his wallet amongst the bags of Ariel’s snacks and other toddler necessities, “you really spoil her sometimes.”

Chris shot back a cheeky grin, before practically running over to the balloon vendor with wallet in hand.

---

After lunch, finished off with a sugary dessert of churros and quickly-melting Mickey ice-cream bars, Ariel fell asleep in Chris’ arms on the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride, head resting in the crook of his neck as he hummed the tune softly into her ear. He inhaled her sweet powdery smell, mingled with the scent of cinnamon sugar and rich chocolate that still lingered in the corners of her mouth.

“Poor baby is pooped,” Y/N commented, running her fingers through Ariel’s curls once they carefully disembarked from the ride, joining Selena again. The large Ariel balloon bobbing above the stroller made it easy for them to find her among the crowds.

“I see someone is all tuckered out,” Selena commented, smiling as she watched Chris lay Ariel into the stroller so she could nap comfortably out of the blazing sunshine. He crouched beside the stroller, stroking Ariel’s cheek when she stirred until he was sure she was fast asleep again.

Standing up, he placed his hands on his hips and slid his sunglasses down over his eyes, “What’s next on the agenda, ladies?”

“I took a peek at the character schedule, and there’s a slot for a visit with a certain Mermaid in about an hour?” Selena suggested.

Chris smiled widely, “that sounds perfect.”

---

Chris always imagined that when he took his baby girl to meet her namesake, he’d have to coax her along. That she’d be unbearably shy, just like she could be around her Uncle Scott.

Maybe he’d have to hold her hand, answer questions for her, and sit with her next to the ‘real’ mermaid.

Boy, had he been wrong.

Ariel had toddled straight over to the beautiful mermaid, curling her chubby arms around her outstretched ‘fin’ and clinging on tightly.

“I Iove oo, me-maid,” she babbled in her sweet little voice, stroking her fingers along the fabric of the fin carefully. The mermaid smiled and leaned over to rest her hand atop the adorable little girl’s head, feeling her soft curls of hair.

Chris chuckled and rushed after his daughter, hoping she wouldn’t cause an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. He scooped Ariel up, and the little girl waved wildly at the character beaming back at her.

“Hello, there! What’s your name?” the ‘real’ Ariel’ asked sweetly, as Chris hoisted the toddler to sit on the large shell too. Ariel gave a little wiggle to make herself comfy on the cushion, before turning back to the mermaid. For a moment, she seemed completely awestruck, her eyes wide as she took in the mermaid she’d only ever seen on her TV at home.

“What’s your name, baby?” Chris prompted, crouching beside his daughter and resting his hand on her leg. He was aware of Y/N off to the side, filming the exchange on her phone and did not want to block the camera and risk this not being captured.

Ariel smiled brightly at the mermaid, pointing at herself, “I Ariel too!”

“Oh! Your name is Ariel too!” the mermaid exclaimed delightedly, clapping her hands together, “how wonderful! Don’t tell my sisters under the sea, but we have the best name.”

Little Ariel giggled raucously, covering her mouth with her little hands.

The conversation continued, with Chris prompting Ariel to speak to the mermaid enthusiastically, even playing along with jokes and songs.

From her place beside Selena, Y/N cupped her lower belly in her palm, wondering how she would possibly tell Chris that another little Disney fan would be with them by next year.

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sinnerandafool · 3 years

Text

Winter to Spring - My Skyrim Thieves Guild Fanfic

This is my Skyrim fanfic, based loosely on my current play through. If you are able to use mods, I highly recommend Take Notes - Journal of the Dragonborn. Writing a journal as my character definitely made me more invested in her story.

Here is the link to the whole story on Ao3 x.

I’m a rookie fic writer, so any feedback is appreciated, but mostly I hope you enjoy it, and that it serves as a good distraction from the hellscape we live in (Americans).

Title: Winter to Spring

Chapters: 4/?

Warnings: Rape/Non-con (the MC experienced some in her past, and is experiencing sexual harassment in the first chapter.)

Rating: M (for violence, eventual sexual content)

Relationship: Brynjolf / Female Dovahkiin

Chapter 1

Aerlith woke alone, drowsily opening her eyes as the sounds of morning birds and running water filtered into her consciousness. A piney scent permeated the little fur tent. She rolled to one side, her sore muscles protesting. She closed her eyes, trying to fall back into the delicious dream she had been having. All she recalled were light touches, warm embraces, and a soft, deep voice calling her name. Well, not her name precisely. No one knew her true name, only the false one she used day to day. She sighed. For the thousandth time in her life, she cursed her past for making her a fugitive. She rolled over again, restlessly seeking sleep, but hunger nagged at her stomach, so she reluctantly got up and exited the tent.

Sitting on a boulder next to the stream babbling by, she stared up at the entrance of the ruin before her. The Twilight Sepulcher. The trials of the Pilgrim’s Path were still painfully fresh in her mind. Aerlith never liked ruins. The smell of decay, the damp darkness, and worst of all, the deafening silence, which often signaled the presence of slumbering draugr. She shuddered, recalling their evil glowing eyes and hollow flesh.

Despite her fear, Aerlith had been successful in her mission to return the Skeleton Key to its rightful place. She felt apathetic about Nocturnal, and suspected the lady of twilight felt similarly about her. Daedric princes were never concerned with the fates of their human worshippers, and to Aerlith it seemed a tad foolish to risk one’s life in exchange for unreliable favor. But no matter her skepticism, she’d completed Nocturnal’s trial, and at last reached the Ebonmere, where she returned the Skeleton Key. She didn’t do it for Nocturnal. She did it for her family.

She smiled sadly, thinking about Karliah and Gallus, saying their final goodbyes before he faded into the Evergloam. Gallus had extended his spectral hand to touch his beloved’s cheek with such tenderness and sincerity it made her heart ache. “Farewell,” Karliah had intoned softly, leaning into his intangible touch. “Eyes open, and walk with the shadows.” Her voice was even, and Aerlith couldn’t see her face, but something in her tone betrayed absolute misery at the parting.

Aerlith took the last bite of her apple and stood. She stretched, then set about packing up her camp. She was tired, yes, but she was also brimming with excitement. Nocturnal would no longer sabotage the luck of the guild, and their chances of success would increase. The wealth would marginally improve the lives of her newfound family, and she couldn’t wait to share in their happiness. And, of course, she was curious about what he would have to say.

Aerlith hired a carriage to take her from Falkreath to Riften, opting for comfort and rest in exchange for one hundred-fifty hard earned septims. But it was worth it, she thought, snuggled under a warm fur cloak and hood, watching the scenery pass by idly while the horse did all the work. Her life for the past few weeks had been constant hiking, camping and delving into dangerous ruins. She was ready for a break.

One long day and night later, the carriage creaked its way up a gentle rise, and Riften Stables came into view. Feeling lethargic and in need of exercise, Aerlith tapped the driver on the shoulder and asked him to let her off. He obliged, and urged his horse up the road without her.

She strolled languidly along the road, slowly stretching her stiff legs. The Rift was blooming. The aspens sprouted new leaves, wildflowers grew madly across the landscape, and birds were everywhere, singing their chirruping songs. Aerlith breathed in the clean spring air, intoxicated by the warmth and life of it all. After the dank Sepulcher and gloomy Falkreath hold, this was paradise.

By and by she reached the main gate of Riften, nodding to the guards in their livery, who smiled coyly at her as she passed. They knew who she was, or at least, they knew her reputation in the hold. She had been gone for a long time, and among the nosy guards there were several betting pools on whether she’d make it back alive. The guard guffawed and shook hands with his partner, who reluctantly tossed him a purse. Arielle had returned home at last, and he was rich.

Aerlith skirted the marketplace, moving quickly along the perimeter towards the keep. Though it was a warm day, she pulled her hood securely over her face, and kept her head down. Thankfully, it was a busy time in the market, so she was able to slip through without attracting much attention.

At the secret back entrance to the cistern, she nudged the button and waited for the coffin to slide back. As usual it made an unpleasantly loud grinding sound, and she wondered for the hundredth time why none of the citizens ever commented on it, or attempted to gain entry. It was another strange feature of Riften life. She still wasn’t used to the confounding apathy that permeated the city.

Below, she lifted the hatch and descended the ladder into the darkness. Though the cistern was damp and cool, warmth spread from her heart when she saw her guildmates gathered on the center dais. Everyone was here, safe, and from the looks of it listening raptly to Karliah. The dark elf stood beside Brynjolf, entertaining the small crowd with her part of the tale of the Skeleton Key’s return. Arielle approached silently to listen.

“I was working to clear some rubble when I saw the portal glow to life. I knew what must have happened, and I eagerly stepped through it and into Nocturnal’s sanctum. I just managed to catch the lady fading back into her realm, and then I saw Arielle. Her face was the perfect picture of shock. I called out to her and she looked at me as if from a hundred miles away. I swear I’ve never seen her look so bewildered.” Karliah smiled, and Brynjolf chuckled softly, looking thoughtful.

“In all fairness,” Aerlith said softly, feeling the eyes of her guildmates shift to her, “If you’d just taken a leap of faith, fallen toward your certain death, and then come face to face with a daedric prince for the first time, I imagine you’d look the same, Karliah,” she smiled, meeting her friends’ eyes.

Karliah beamed at her. “Welcome back Arielle!” She crossed the dais and pulled her into a tight hug. “Would you care to share your side of the story?”

“At the moment, all I would like is a bath and a bottle of Surilie wine,” she said, smiling. “And, to be honest, I think our lady would like to keep some of her secrets sacred.” Aerlith winked at Rune, who was staring at her with boldfaced shock.

Brynjolf stepped toward her, smiling. “Well done, lass. It’s good to see you in one piece.” He clapped her shoulder, then became more serious. “I’m not much good at things like this, but I need to thank you for all you’ve done for the guild. I’m so proud-”

“Oh, enough fluff Brynjolf,” Vex said exasperatedly. “We’re all happy. Let the poor woman have her bath in peace.”

Karliah grinned and squeezed Aerlith’s hand. “Indeed. Let’s all go to the Flagon and have a proper celebration!”

The guild all made approving noises and began to filter out, several of the members stopping to offer words of encouragement to Aerlith.

“Arielle!” exclaimed one, a handsome, burly nord with striking warpaint beneath his eyes. “I’m so glad you returned safely. ” He took her hand and kissed it, never breaking eye contact. “My sword and bow are always at the ready for you. You need not fear any foe with me by your side.”

“Hello Thrynn,” Aerith said tiredly. “Pleasure as always.” She pulled her hand away. “But I really would like to go relax now. It was a long journey from Falkreath. If you’ll excuse me.”

He stepped closer, a mischievous smile on his face. “Perhaps you’d like some company in the bath, little dove,” he growled softly, his voice like the ragged edge of an old battleaxe. She could feel his breath on her ear. A chill ran down her neck, goosebumps rising.

“No,” she said firmly, “Thank you.” She pulled away from him, and strode, head held high across the cistern to the entrance of the baths.

Thrynn admired her retreating figure until it vanished into darkness. He turned to go to the Flagon, but was stopped short in his tracks by Brynjolf, who leaned against a wall by the door, face wreathed in shadow. Thrynn scowled. “What are you doing skulking around like that, Brynjolf? Out of the way.” He tried to push past, but Brynjolf stopped him.

“When will you give it up, Thrynn?”

“Give what up?”

“Arielle. I don’t know how many times you need to be rejected for the message to come across loud and clear,” Brynjolf stood up, taking a step closer.

Thrynn laughed heartily at the threat. “You know nothing of women if you thought that was rejection,” he said, his voice dripping with menace. “Women always play hard to get.” He smiled lasciviously then continued, “That’s what makes Arielle so irresistibly delicious.”

Brynjolf’s mouth set into a grim line. “Don’t talk about her that way. She’s not a blushing lady for you to seduce. She is your sister in arms,” he said forcefully.

The bandit chuckled. “Not like you to be so hypocritical, Brynjolf. You hold your subordinates to a higher standard than yourself.”

“Not sure what you are implying, but I advise you to choose your next words very carefully.” Brynjolf’s green eyes hardened, the anger in them sharper than the finest glass dagger.

Thrynn swallowed. “Everyone knows about you and the fence,” he said boldly.

“Oh yes?” Brynjolf smiled darkly at Thrynn, and the bandit wondered for a moment if he should be ready to brawl. “Get out of my sight,” the second in command spat at him.

Relieved, Thrynn pushed past his superior and rushed through the door to the Flagon. Brynjolf frowned, his brow furrowed, and stared off into the darkness where Arielle had been a moment before.

Aerlith had never been so happy to sink into a hot bath. She wasted no time, quickly shimmying out of her light armor, leaving it in a heap on the floor. She lowered herself indulgently into the water. The grime from the Sepulcher, the dust from the road, and the cold of Skyrim that permeated her bones gave way to the warmth of the water. She glowed with happy contentment. She was home among her friends again. The faces of Karliah, Vex, Brynjolf and Delvin brought such joy to her. After her lonely sojourn through Skyrim, she had everything she needed. And Brynjolf was proud of her. His warm green eyes and welcome smile made her glow even brighter. She grabbed up her soap and began to wash, smiling to herself.

Her mind wandered unbidden back to Thrynn. The former bandit was friendly enough, though difficult to trust at the best of times. But his constant flirting was beginning to be more than just a minor annoyance. She’d failed to reject him firmly enough the first time, and he had been ignoring her subsequent tries with horrifyingly admirable gumption.

When Aerlith first joined the guild, Thrynn, along with practically every other man with eyes had been quite open about their interest in her. At first she had blushed furiously red when they complimented her, or touched her. She would always freeze in place and clam up, her mind unable to form thoughts, her mouth unable to speak. Her innocent reaction made them laugh, at which point they would ruffle her hair and leave her to go about their business. Aerlith began spending more time with Vex, observing how her friend would openly laugh at the men accosting her, and she learned how to handle unwanted advances with more confidence. As she rejected the men, one by one they moved on. It was better this way. She hoped their interest stemmed merely from her novelty, and not from any other motives.

Thrynn was not as easy to deal with. He pushed past her discouragement, whether it was polite or harsh. He continued to harass her, to touch her, to whisper vile things in her ear that made her blush. She felt beat down by his constant disregard for her wish to be left alone, and had resolved to just ignore him when she could. It reminded her a little too much of the way Jarl Siddgeir’s sneering, lecherous expression, when he cornered her in the darkened servant’s quarters all those months ago. She shuddered at the memory. She could still feel his body weight pressing her into the wall, the hard length of his arousal grinding into her angrily. Something died within her that night. She had no skills, no strength, and no way out. Her silver eyes hardened. Things had changed. If she ever met Siddgeir again, she would have her revenge.

Aerlith soaped her long, pale blonde hair, gently teasing out the tangles. She never felt more powerful, more able to protect herself at this moment. The frightened and helpless girl she once was had grown into a dangerous woman. Her mediocre skills with a dagger, which had been scoffed at by Vilkas of Jorrvaskr, had improved under Brynjolf’s friendly tutelage. Thanks to him, and to the other members of the guild who shared their expertise, Aerlith was silent, fast, and deadly.

Feeling clean and refreshed, Aerlith allowed herself a moment to wallow in the hot water. There was one man in the guild who was ostensibly uninterested in her: Brynjolf. His attentions to her were friendly, but professional. He patiently taught her the tools of a thief’s trade, gently correcting her when she needed it. She was grateful that he did not ridicule her inexperience. He offered his advice after giving her a job, and usually ended by staring her down with his shiny green eyes as he said, “And be careful, lass.”

When she returned successful and pocket jingling with coin, he would clap her on the back or shoulder, offering her encouragement and smiles that she hoped contained pride. She was his protege, after all. Thanks to Brynjolf, Aerlith had a safe place to sleep, and a well paying job that allowed her to keep a low profile. She was more than grateful to him, and their relationship was more than a simple friendship. But whether her feelings for him were platonic was a question she desperately tried to avoid. She knew he didn’t see her as anything more than a pupil.

However, Aerlith occasionally caught him staring at her from across rooms, his eyes serious as he contemplated her. It seemed unfair to her that she couldn’t decipher the meaning behind this. It was all too easy to imagine that he felt something for her too. On the night they met, Brynjolf flirted with her shamelessly, and though she knew now that his attention had been false, simply a means to an end, her attraction and interest in him that night was real.

Another memory fought its way to the surface. The guild threw a large celebration when the three Nightingales returned successful, Mercer dead and Karliah safely home again with her honor restored. That night, Aerlith begged off an arm wrestling match with Vex, opting to take a cup of wine to a quiet table on the outer ring of the din. There she sat and watched the merriment, laughing as Vekel hit on Tonilia and she slapped him forcefully for his impertinence, nearly knocking the slight man down. Tonilia huffed away, going to sit across from Brynjolf at his table. As Aerlith’s eyes followed the woman in amusement, they lit upon Brynjolf and stuck there. He was watching her again. She looked back at him, surprised. She couldn’t make out the expression on his face. The shadows made it too difficult to see, but the glint in his eyes couldn’t be mistaken.

She didn’t look away. Neither did he. Aerlith felt heat beginning to rise in her cheeks, but she was transfixed. His green eyes shone at her as he leaned forward into the candlelight, resting his chin on his hand. The light revealed his faintly amused smile, which she returned hesitantly. But then, Tonilia said something to him and he looked away, the tension released. Aerlith felt let down. The rumors of Brynjolf and Tonilia’s romantic involvement may not have been true, but to Aerlith it seemed they shared a closer relationship than was usual. It pricked her to see him smile so easily and openly with Tonilia, joking raunchily and teasing her. With Aerlith, Brynjolf acted as the wise teacher, the helpful mentor. Her gratitude prevented her from feeling resentment, but her disappointment could not be helped.

Aerlith finished scrubbing her hair and rose from the bath. She toweled herself quickly and dressed in a simple shirt and trousers, pulling on her stockings and boots. She didn’t bother to arrange her hair or apply any cosmetics. Fatigue wore on her, and she wanted nothing more than to lose herself in the giddy depths of a bottle.

She entered the tavern a few minutes later. Karliah, sitting with Vex and Delvin, saw her come in and motioned for her to join them. Aerlith smiled and went over.

“Here you are, yer ladyship,” Delvin said gruffly, pouring her a cup of her favorite Surilie vintage. “Only the best for the woman of the hour.”

Aerlith sat down and picked up the cup. Seized by a sudden emotion, she raised it and said, “To the guild! May it last another thousand years.” The others raised their flagons as well, adding their “Hear, hear”s and “To the guild!”s. Aerlith drank deeply, draining half her cup in one go. She wasn’t planning on drinking lightly.

“So,” Vex said, “Care to tell us more about your exploits, Arielle? Delvin is practically foaming at the mouth with curiosity.” She smiled wickedly at him, and he smacked her hand.

Aerlith laughed. She had missed the banter of her friends during her long journey alone. She drank again, considering. Vex was still looking at her curiously, so she said, “Not much to tell I’m afraid, Vex.”

Vex scowled. “You Nightingales and your secrets,” she muttered darkly. But she brightened up quickly when she spotted something over Aerlith’s shoulder. “Watch out,” she said, smiling sneakily at Aerlith and rising from the table. “Delvin, Karliah, come here. I want to show you something.” Vex beckoned them across the room, leaving Aerlith alone with her wine.

Puzzled, Aerlith drained the rest of her cup, and reached for the bottle to pour another. A larger, rougher hand covered hers and tightened it against the glass bottleneck.

“Thirsty tonight, eh little dove?” Thrynn’s rough voice whispered in her ear. Aerlith pulled her hand away, and watched as Thrynn poured her wine, filling her cup nearly to the brim. He moved and sat down in the chair next to hers, resting his head on one hand lazily. “I can think of many more delicious ways to quench your thirst.” He licked his lips, the suggestion obvious.

Aerlith rolled her eyes. “Thank you for your input Thrynn.”

He chuckled. “So cold. Any other man would think you hated him.”

“Then why don’t you take the hint?” Aerlith asked sharply.

Thrynn leaned back in his chair and regarded her. She felt his eyes roaming over her face and body. “I want you to sing for me, little dove,” he crooned, taking her hand in his. “I’ve the skilled hands of a thief and the strength of a barbarian...care to take a ride?”

Aerlith yanked her hand away, standing unsteadily and staring down at him. She swallowed her nerves and said, “I am not your little dove , Thrynn. I am a Nightingale, an agent of Nocturnal. And believe me,” she said, her words pure venomous threat, “I am more than capable of making you sing for me.” She rested her hand on the hilt of her dagger, staring at him pointedly.

Thrynn stood and pulled her to him, his hands tight on her waist. His eyes burned with desire. “That’s the fire I love about you,” he said roughly. Before she could react, he pressed his mouth hungrily to hers.

Panic took hold of her, and she tried to wrench away, but he was too strong for her. Desperately, she fumbled for her dagger, drew it, and stabbed it mercilessly into his thigh. Thrynn howled and released her. Aerlith pulled her dagger back and brandished it, sinking into her fighting stance.

“Little bitch,” Thrynn spat. He reached for his battle axe.

“Enough,” Delvin said, stepping between Aerlith and Thrynn. “Calm down the lot of you.” He looked over his shoulder at Aerlith. “All right?” She nodded. “Good. Now, get yer hackles down Thrynn, before I gut you like a fish.”

Thrynn looked from her and back to Delvin. The tavern had gone quiet. Aerlith did not turn around, but from Thrynn’s mild panic, she could tell the thieves were watching the scene with little love for the bandit. “Fuck you,” Thrynn spat at Delvin, and turned to leave the Flagon from the front entrance. The door slammed behind him.

Aerlith breathed out, slow and steady. She grabbed a linen from the table and wiped her dagger on it, sliding it back into the sheathe. Karliah appeared at her shoulder. “Are you alright, Arielle?” she said with concern.

“Fine,” Aerlith said, anger still coursing through her. “That bastard deserved it.”

“He did indeed,” Karliah said, a smile curling her lips. Around them, the thieves returned to their drinks, and conversation began to buzz again.

“I need a drink,” Aerlith said, beginning to relax again.

“It’s on me,” Karliah laughed and headed to the bar to procure another bottle.

Aerlith sat with Karliah, watching her guildmates fraternize and drink. Delvin brought out his lute, and Dirge his drum, and the two began playing a lively tune. Tonilia got up and started to dance, her lithe body and agile feet drawing the eyes of every man in the room. Aerlith’s eyes drifted to the bar, where she saw Brynjolf sitting the wrong way round on his stool, leaning back on the bar as he watched Tonilia dance, smiling and occasionally sipping his drink.

He is so handsome , Aerlith mused. Brynjolf had shiny long hair the color of garnet, which set off the color of his deep set green eyes. But it wasn’t his appearance as much as his personality that made him stand out. He had a habit of catching her off guard with a sly look in his eyes, saying her name with his lilting accent, catching her in a daydream when she was supposed to be learning lockpicking. She would snap out of her trance and meet his eyes, and get lost again for a moment before smiling apologetically and telling him to continue with his teaching.

All the lifesaving lessons he taught were sorely needed. After her family went missing, she arrived in Skyrim and became a ward of the old Jarl of Falkreath, the suspicious and feeble Dengeir. Her mother had a cousin who worked in the longhouse, so Aerlith was allowed to live there in return for working in the kitchen and cleaning up after the Jarl’s family. She didn’t hate it there, but when Dengeir’s nephew Siddgeir assumed the throne, the trouble began. Siddgeir took an unhealthy interest in his ward, resulting in the terrifying night he had confronted her in her room. Worse, once he had his fun, he threw Aerlith cruelly out into the street, claiming that she was a liability he couldn’t afford any longer. He may very well have been correct, but without his protection, Aerlith was a sitting duck.

The day two strangers came through Falkreath asking after a pale haired girl with silver eyes, she fled with her few possessions and never looked back. Aerlith didn’t adjust well to life on the run. She arrived in Riverwood hungry, filthy and tired, and nearly collapsed on the porch of the inn. She had enough money to pay her way, but being a weak young lady with riches and no protection, she soon lost half her purse to a sneak thief in the night. Desperate, she moved on from Riverwood to Whiterun, with shallow hope that she would find sanctuary at the Temple of Kynareth.

Lost in reverie, she realized she was still staring at Brynjolf. He hadn’t noticed her yet, so she turned back to her bottle, attempting to drown out her thoughts with the intoxicating liquid. Karliah regarded her, sipping from her own cup. “Something on your mind, friend?”

“That business with Thrynn took me back to a different time,” she said, her face hard. “I haven’t always been as good with a blade.” Aerlith wanted to unburden herself and share her troubles with Karliah, but she couldn’t risk it. From Falkreath to Riften, she was hunted by various heavily armed strangers. She suspected they were the same men who took her parents away, come to finish the job. Telling her story to anyone was foolish and could possibly bring harm to them.

Karliah smiled sadly. “Being a woman in Skyrim is tough. But you are strong and worth their respect,�� she said, gesturing vaguely to the gathered guild. “It is good that you remind them now and then.”

Aerlith grinned. Though Karliah knew nothing of her past, Aerlith always felt that her friend understood her perfectly. It was a comfort beyond measure. “At least I have you, my friend. I couldn’t ask for a better sister in darkness.”

The dark elf laughed and patted her hand. “I’m off to bed,” she said, standing. “Eyes open, and walk with the shadows.” Aerlith nodded at the familiar send off.

“Good night.”

Some time later, when the music had ceased and most guild members had stumbled off to bed, Aerlith tipped the bottle into her cup once more, only to be disappointed when nothing poured out. She sighed and leaned over the table, contemplating throwing in the towel and going to bed. Questing in the interest of the guild was great and noble, but it definitely didn’t make her rich. She tiredly imagined how many jobs she would have to take on before she made up for all the traveling expenses.

While she was lost in thought, Brynjolf came over silently and plunked a full bottle of wine on her table, making her jump a bit. “You shouldn’t have an empty cup, lass,” He said, looking down at her with playful eyes and a warm smile.

Aerlith nodded her approval and reached for the bottle. She noted that Brynjolf also looked pretty deep in his cups. His cheeks were reddened and his eyes were extra shiny.

“May I join you?”

“Of course,” she replied, taking a sip and offering him the bottle when he sat opposite her. He poured out a cup for himself, then looked at her for a moment.

“I never got to thank you properly earlier,” he said.

Her heart swelled, but she kept her voice even as she said, “I got all the thanks necessary from Lady Nocturnal herself.”

“Oh, I doubt that very much,” he laughed. “But truly, without your help, the guild would still be under the thumb of Mercer and suffering from a daedra’s displeasure.” He looked at her seriously, and she felt herself beginning to blush. “I’m very glad I chose to scam you of all the people in the city that day,” he said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Aerlith took a swig of wine to cool herself. Feeling vulnerable, she spoke quietly, “If you hadn’t tried to rob me, I never would have joined the guild, and would have wandered alone forever.” She chanced a look up at him. “All the skills you’ve taught me have saved my life countless times already. Performing this task for the guild was nothing in comparison to what I’ve received.” Saying it felt right, but Aerlith thought Brynjolf would laugh at her sincerity as he usually did.

He surprised her by reaching across the table and grasping her hand tightly in his. His grip was warm, his calloused fingers rough as they held hers fast. “Don’t be silly. You’ve accomplished something great, and I’m proud of you, Arielle.” He stared intensely into her eyes, burning her with the heat of his conviction.

She pulled her hand back and took another long drink from her cup. She grinned at him. “It’s a strange thing, hearing a thief speak so earnestly,” she joked, trying to dispel the tension she felt.

“As I said, I’m not one for sincerity. Enjoy it while it lasts, lass.” She relaxed a bit, knowing that the hard part was over. “Now, about that bandit,” he said, looking at her smugly.

“What about him?” She asked, twisting the silver ring on her right hand repetitively. Maybe the ‘hard part’ would never really be over with Bryn.

“I enjoy seeing Thrynn being put in his place. Well done indeed, Arielle,” he replied, a sly smile playing over his lips.

Oh. He saw that . Shame burned a blush in her cheeks. She didn’t like to imagine what Brynjolf must have thought, seeing her with him. The memory of Thrynn’s hands on her felt dirty. “He wouldn’t leave me alone,” she said, looking down. “I did what had to be done.”

“And did it well,” he said gently. Aerlith raised her eyes to his. Brynjolf smiled. “Chin up, lass. That bastard couldn’t best you if he trained for a hundred years.”

A poignant feeling of relief and sadness stung her. Aerlith fought back tears, disguising her pain by gulping deeply from her cup. She wanted to say something, but her thoughts were scattered. Her mind’s eye kept flashing to Thrynn’s face, his mouth stealing hers, his hands gripping her painfully. Siddgeir slid into her thoughts too, clouding her vision with fear and shame. She breathed out shakily, carefully training her gaze into her cup.

“Arielle? Are you alright?” His chair scraped the floor as he stood, coming up close beside her. He rested a hand on her shoulder.

Finally, she looked up at him. “I don’t know,” she said, voice breaking. She felt tears begin to fall and blushed, looking down again. Brynjolf knelt down and leveled with her gaze.

Tentatively, his eyes searching hers, he reached up and touched her cheek. His thumb brushed a tear away, and she inhaled shakily, unsure of how to react to his touch. “It’s all right, lass. Whatever the trouble is, we can make it right,” he said slowly.

“I can’t shake them, Brynjolf,” she said, trying to speak through the sob choking her. “No matter where I go.” She hung her head again, resting it in his palm. “I will never be free from my past,” she concluded, and despair overwhelmed her. She cried softly in front of him, hating herself and hating her weakness. But she was tired, so very tired, and his kindness had opened a floodgate within her.

For a horrible moment, Brynjolf stayed very still, and she dreaded his reaction. But he didn’t say anything. Instead, he took her hands in his and pulled her to him, carefully encircling her in a gentle embrace. “All right, Arielle. It’s all right,” he whispered. He stroked her hair, letting her ride out the sadness. Finally, her crying quieted into sniffles, and she felt him pull her tighter to him “That’s it, lass.” He pressed a kiss on the top of her head.

Aerlith tried to calm her breathing. She squeezed her eyes shut as visions of the past threatened to take her over again. With her head pressed against his chest, Aerlith could hear Brynjolf’s heartbeat. The steady rhythm pulled her focus back to the present. Gradually, she felt herself coming down to earth as her breathing slowed and her thoughts cleared.

Reality rushed back in like frigid water, a cruel reminder of who she was, who he was, and where they were. Aerlith pulled away from Brynjolf quickly. “I’m sorry,” she said, bowing her head. “I should go.” She nodded to him and tried to make a hasty exit.

“Wait,” he said, and grabbed her arm. Aerlith didn’t look at him. She couldn't. “I’m worried about you, Arielle. Can’t I help you?” The worried kindness in his voice almost made her break again.

Aerlith steeled herself. Turning to her mentor and smiling brightly, she said, “Nothing’s much wrong, Bryn.” His brow furrowed as he watched her skeptically. “I’m just very, very tired, and I think I’ve had too much wine. I’m sorry to make a scene.”

“Alright, lass, if that’s really how you feel.” He looked thoughtful for a moment, then pulled her into him again, wrapping her in his arms tightly. He held her silently for a long moment. Aerlith listened to his heartbeat again, wishing she could hear it forever. I broke so easily for him , she thought, squeezing her eyes closed. Wrapped up in his warmth, she realized that for the first time in a very long time, she felt totally safe. Safe enough that the iron doors of her resolve cracked open, revealing the vulnerability and fear within. The revelation scared her, but she didn’t pull away this time. She breathed him in. His scent was leather, wine, smoke, and just a hint of sweat. Eyes closed, she let him lull her into a state of serenity.

Finally, he held her out at arms length. “Get some rest then,” he said, smiling gently. Before she could move, he took her face in his hands and kissed her on the forehead, lingering there. Aerlith's eyes widened in surprise. So many invisible lines had been crossed tonight, but what truly surprised her was how right it all felt. Brynjolf took a deep breath and pulled away, blowing it out slowly as he stared at her. The look in his eyes confounded her. It was a cross between tenderness and fiery determination, with a touch of heated aggression that made her breath catch in her chest.

Aerlith smiled. “Thank you, Bryn,” she whispered. He nodded, his eyes still burning with that mysterious energy. “Good night, then.” Aerlith walked off to bed, praying to the divines that it hadn’t been a dream.

#brynjolf #f!dovahkiin #f!dragonborn #skyrim fic #thieves guild #fanfiction #romance #brynjolf x dragonborn #are there even tags for this ship?#brynjolf x dovahkiin

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somedayonbroadway · 4 years

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Could you do “The Little Mermaid (Sprace)”?

I am so stoked for this one!!!!!

The Little Mermaid (Sprace) AU

Characters

Racetrack Higgins (Tylilleprins) — Ariel

Spot Conlon — Prince Eric

Jack Kelly (Jaqeleder) — Sebastian

Alberd DaSilva (Alberdybhav) — Flounder

Bryan Denton (Brydenbeskyttelse) — King Triton

William Snyder (Snydehavheks) — Ursula

Medda Larkin — Carlotta

The Delancey Brothers (Osvraggods and Mostrandingsgods) — Flotsam and Jetsam

Mermaid colors:

Race has a blue tail.

Jack’s tail is green.

Al’s is an orange-red

Denton’s is like navy blue

Oscar’s tail is dark dark green, almost black

Morris’s is dark red

Snyder’s is a cecaelia (half human, half octopus) but his color is purple. Obviously.

Okay, so this AU actually takes place in modern day. Spot is the son of a very rich man who is practically royalty in Manhattan and basically lives the life of a prince.

Anyways,

Race, a fifteen year old merman with the birth name of Tylilleprins, is a prince of Atlantica in the Atlantic Ocean. He is the youngest prince, second only to his big brother Jaqeleder who he calls Jack. They speak their own mermadian language (in my head it is made up of small clicking sounds, almost sounding like purrs mixed with dolphin sounding noises and sometimes and some actual vocal words). His father, Brydenbeskyttelse, is the king (yes he has a very long name. It’s shorter in mermaidian).

Race is fascinated by the human world. Him and his best friend Alberdybhav (Albie) often go off to explore sunken ships and swim as far up to the surface as they can before Jack catches them.

Jack catches them a lot.

Al doesn’t always go with Race willingly. Race often drags him along on adventures even though it is forbidden by the king to go to the surface.

The king and the older prince of the sea have their reasons to hate the human world, but Race does not, so he has this curiosity that Jack warns him time and time again is very dangerous. He doesn’t heed Jack’s warnings.

One day, Race and Al eventually make it to the surface and hide behind seaweed and small rocks of the ocean while they get closer and closer to shore, gazing at the beach. He catches sight of a boy, about his age, maybe a little older, getting ready to go surfing with some friends. Of course, Race and Al have no idea what the boys are doing.

Eventually, Al says something that makes Race remember something.

They were supposed to be at a party in which Jack was being presented as the kingdom’s next leader. When they get back, Jack’s already mad at him, but is even more worried about him. When he finds out where Race was, he swims away and shuts Race out for a little while so their father can lecture Race about going to the surface, grounding him as he’s yelling at his youngest son.

Race and Jack had always been close, despite being at odds a lot of the time. Jack is extremely protective of Race, often shooing off potential suitresses and suitors who are after the crown. He tells Race he’s too naive to be in a relationship because there will be a lot of merpeople out there who are after him for status and power.

Race doesn’t mind that Jack is protective of him, though sometimes it breaks his heart that so many people he finds himself interested in are using him.

He doesn’t like that Jack won’t let him up to the surface.

What Race doesn’t know is that Jack hates the human world because he witnessed the humans murder their mother when Race was only a baby. Jack and her had been playing up near the surface at sunset and a group of fishermen spotted them. To protect her son, their mother pushed Jack behind a buoy and tried to swim away, drawing attention to herself and away from Jack. He watched them shoot her with something to slow her down and drag her up onto their boat with a net. She screamed for him to swim away so Jack did. They tried to shoot him too but they only grazed his chin. It’s how Jack got the scar that’s there.

After Race misses Jack’s party, their father persuades Jack to keep an even closer eye on the kid, trying to get Jack to forgive his little brother and somehow Jack ends up following Race and Al to the surface where he tries to literally drag the boys back down to the castle. But he hides behind a large stone when he finds that Race is watching some surfers.

Jack starts to get a little bit more frantic when he realizes how close they are to the shore. But they can’t swim away without someone seeing them.

Eventually, Jack finds that Race is infatuated with one of the boys in particular. They watch him for a long time until the boy is out there alone, riding waves until he wipes out, hitting his head on his board and falling under water.

Race’s reaction is immediate as he dives to save the boy from drowning. Jack screams at him to come back, forcing Al to swim away as he chases Race who doesn’t listen to him at all.

Race swims the stranger back to shore, taking in the sight of him and falling in love with him immediately. He talks to the boy, but to humans their language sounds like song above the water, while below the water it just sounds like ticking and dolphin noises (In some myths I believe Sirens, not mermaids but still, sound like song above the water and screeching under the water).

But when the boy starts to wake up, Jack grabs Race and panics, dragging him back under the sea before the boy can fully see the person who saved his life.

Spot Conlon is the son of a rich business owner. His father is rarely around, leaving him with a lot of butlers and maids to keep him company in his mansion that he practically lives in alone. He has a few friends from school, Hot Shot, Kid Blink and Rafaela. He loves to spend most of his time with them at the beach.

His mother used to tell him that he’d live in the ocean one day. That is, before she left them for another man. Regardless, Spot loves the ocean.

He has a tattoo on his arm of a mermaids tail along with a seashell on the back of his shoulder. His father technically paid for them, but he doesn’t know that. Spot gets them out of spite. He knew he was supposed to be a perfect child, but he hated that.

Anyway, he goes out surfing with his friends on his birthday. They all leave by sunset, but he stays a little longer, not wanting to go home to an empty house.

He loses his footing on his board and hits his head, going under.

He wakes up for a moment, hearing someone singing sweetly. He can see bright blue eyes above him before he goes unconscious again.

When he wakes up later, he’s in his bed with a doctor hovering over him as Miss Medda, the head of staff at his mansion, worrying over him like she always does.

Spot begs to know who saved him but Medda tells him he got washed to shore by the tide. Spot tries to explain that there was a boy that saved him and sang to him, but Medda tells him he must’ve been dreaming.

Spot promises himself he’ll find the boy who saved him.

Meanwhile, Jack is scolding Race for making contact with a human before Brydenbeskyttelse finds them and scares Jack by asking them where they were. Jack gets skittish and eventually manages to cover for Race, not wanting to get in trouble himself. But he quickly finds that Race is still curious about the boy he saved and the human world in general. Before he can try to talk to Race about it, his brother is gone, off being completely lovestruck.

Al teases Race and tries to figure out who made such an impression on his friend before realizing it was the human he’d saved. He gets a little nervous and Jack tries to talk Race down, eventually following Race to a small grotto filled with things from the human world. Race doesn’t seem to mind at first that Jack is there. In fact, he seems happy that his brother finally gets to see his collection.

Jack is horrified.

He doesn’t want to, but he tells their father.

The King is furious, scolding Jack before finding the grotto and frightening his youngest son. Race tries to explain to him that these things won’t hurt anybody, but Brydenbeskyttelse destroys everything within his sight with his trident. Jack is horrified by this too, trying to calm his father down, but only getting screamed at in response.

In case anyone was wondering: Race calls Brydenbeskyttelse “Daddy” because he literally is Ariel and he’s the baby and he loves that and his father had never gotten this angry at him before.

Their father leaves and Jack tries to apologize, trying to tell Race he was only trying to keep him safe, but Race would yell at him to go away, scaring Jack and Al who had unintentionally watched the entire exchange. Race ends up breaking down on the floor of his grotto, feeling alone and betrayed by his brother who he trusted more than anyone else in the world.

What he didn’t know is that he’d been watched.

Osvraggods and Mostrandingsgods have been watching Tylilleprins since the beginning of the story, in fact, they’ve been watching him for years, waiting for him to be at a vulnerable place where they could sneak in and try and comfort him.

Os and Mo circle around Race at first, creeping him out when he sees them. They coo at him and wipe at his tears. He’s scared and almost cries for Jack before they tell him there’s someone they know that can fix all of his problems. A sea witch named Snydehavheks. Race is skeptical, knowing that witch was dangerous, at least according to his father.

But the mermen promise Race that he will be able to be with the man he loves and away from those who destroyed everything he adored. So Race goes with them.

He is unknowingly followed by Jack who was trying to go back to check on him and Al follows him closely behind.

Together they watch the whole exchange. Snydehavheks is a strange but powerful man. No one knows much about him, but he reveals himself to be Race and Jack’s uncle who was banished from the kingdom after a few spells gone wrong. Race tries to retreat after hearing this, but with eight arms, the guy grabs him easily and holds him back, explaining that he’d turned over a new leaf and wanted to help.

Jack tries to go in and help his brother, but is stopped by Os and Mo who hold a “knife” to his throat (its sharp fish bones fashioned as a weapon).

Race still doesn’t know he was followed.

Snydehavheks offers Race a deal, one he describes as very good and well worth the cost. In exchange for two weeks on land with human legs and the ability to understand English, the witch will take his voice. The only catch is that Race has to get Spot to kiss him by the final sunset on the last day to remain human permanently or else his soul would belong to Snydehavheks. See, mermaids' tails can turn to legs when they’re on land, but walking on them is painful and horrible for them. So this offer is to take the pain away and make sure his legs stay no matter what for two weeks.

Race tries to argue, not understanding how he’d get Spot to kiss him if he couldn’t speak, but Snydehavheks would tell him that he still had everything he needed to make it happen and he’d offer Race a contract.

Jack would finally get the weapon away from the brothers in front of him and cry out for Race not to do it, but Race would just get even more angry and sign the thing.

His voice would be gone immediately and his legs would start growing. His fangs would turn into regular human teeth and his claws would shrink and flatten out.

He’d quickly find that he could no longer breathe.

Jack would act fast, Al right behind him. They’d swim Race up to the surface so he could breathe and Jack would be screaming at Race the whole time until Race was too stunned to listen. He’d be human and he’d be terrified.

Jack would tell him that they could fix this. That he’d go back and talk to the sea witch, but Race wouldn’t let him. He’d grab Jack’s arm and try to hold him still. Jack can see how shaken Race is and Al doesn’t know what to do so he can’t just leave the two of them up there.

Eventually, Jack tells Race he needs to go get some sort of clothing. While Jack doesn’t understand humans, he used to observe them too and knows they don’t just walk around naked.

Race would steal someone’s clothes that were left on the beach, realizing how difficult it was to walk when he’d never tried it before. Jack would panic and try to tell him to come back to the water, but Race wouldn’t and Al would tell Jack that even if he did make a deal with Snydehavheks, Race would still be human for a little bit and someone was bound to find him sooner or later.

Jack would try to get their father but before he could, humans would catch sight of Race. Jack would try to drag him into the sea by his ankle, but Al would force him under the water and away from the shore.

Race, who is now on the ground, would be approached by the very boy who he’d gone up there to see. It’s early in the morning at this point. And the boy who introduces himself as Spot was going out for a morning surf.

Spot asks Race if he’s alright and Race goes to respond, realizing again that his voice is gone. He starts to panic and Spot asks him where he can take him or who he can call. Race just shrugs and shakes his head which Spot takes to mean as he’s alone.

Jack and Al watch as Spot leads Race away from the ocean and Jack has no idea what to do.

Taking Race to Miss Medda, Spot tries to communicate with him, finding that this mysterious boy can’t read or write, but seems to understand him just fine. Spot finds that something about this boy reminds him of someone but he knows he can’t be the boy that saved him because the boy that saved him had hummed and sang to him.

Miss Medda gets Race cleaned up and washed up and redressed in modern clothing that fits Race perfectly. Spot offers to show him around since Race agrees that he doesn’t know where he is really and doesn’t have anyone he knows there.

Race is nervous and anxious about everything but gets excited about little things anyways. When he sees Spot’s tattoo, he grabs the other boy’s arm and studies it for a long time. So Spot asks him if he liked Mermaids and Race immediately smiles and nods his head.

Spot decides to then take Race to the local aquarium where they meet a scientist named Mr. Weisel, who Race immediately finds he doesn’t like. Weisel tells them about a mermaid they caught years and years ago (Race’s mother) who they unfortunately killed a little bit too soon. A lot of people don’t believe there was ever a mermaid, as mermaids are myths, but Race puts the pieces together easily. He shows them a necklace made of shells that Race recognizes immediately as his mother’s.

He gets upset and even more scared so Spot would take him home.

Now it made sense why Jack, who seemed so fearless, was terrified of the human world.

From then on, Spot talks to Race about mermaids and how he was sure he’d seen some in the past (he’d seen Jack when Jack was little, playing with their mother).

Eventually, he takes Race back to the ocean where Race meets his friends who think he’s a bit odd, but Race doesn’t mind. They’re at the beach and Race can see Al. When he finds a way to get to where his friend is hiding, Al says that Jack is losing it. Race feels guilty, knowing it’s his fault his brother is so worried. Al tells him that Jack still hasn’t told their father what’s happened, explaining that Race was sick and wouldn’t leave his room and always finding an excuse for the king not to go see him.

When Spot finds him, Race shoves Al back beneath the water and pretends to just be watching the waves.

Spot and his friends teach Race how to surf.

Race is surprised at how much he likes it.

For the next few weeks, Spot and Race get very close. Spot starts to teach Race how to read and Race shows Spot how to appreciate the ocean in an entirely new way.

About a week in, Spot becomes infatuated with Race and starts to hold his hand. Race loves it.

At some point, they almost kiss in a lagoon, but are interrupted by Os and Mo who were sent by Snydehavheks to stop Race from succeeding.

Jack and Al, who were trying to help Race succeed, see the other two mermen and follow them back to their cave to figure out the sea witch’s actual plan where they learn that Snydehavheks is after the crown and plans to use Race as leverage to get it.

By the time they try to get back up to Race to warn him, it’s the end of the last day and he and Spot still haven’t kissed.

Weasel, who suspected there was something off about Race from the beginning, was watching him and Spot who were sitting at the edge of the water.

All in all, it’s a big mess.

Race begins to transform back into a merman and it causes him physical pain. He cries out, realizing his voice is back and tries to swim away before remembering that if he goes back, he belongs to the sea witch who gave him legs. So he hesitates just long enough for Weasel and a group of fishermen to throw a net over him and use long sticks with formed edges (not pitchforks but something similar) to pin Race to the shore. He tries to squirm away and cry out for help. Spot is confused and at a loss for words but tries to do something.

Race starts screaming for Jack who is hiding behind a buoy farther out in the ocean. Jack is paralyzed with fear and doesn’t know what to do so all he can do is watch them put his little brother in a large tank and pack him into the back of a truck and take off with him.

He dives back beneath the water and begs Snydehavheks to tell him where his brother is, reluctantly offering up his soul in exchange for information and help getting to Race.

The sea witch offers to help, but doesn’t grant Jack land legs. He simply tells Jack to swim up to shore and the rest would be made clear to him.

So Jack does what he says.

On the shore, there’s a uniform waiting for him. It’s a janitor’s uniform from the aquarium. He pulls himself from the water and puts it on, standing up on scaly legs and finding it extremely painful to walk on them, like thousands of needles piercing his skin. But he forces himself to walk and get to Race.

There’s an invisible trail leading Jack straight to his brother.

Race is being kept in a display tank for now in the aquarium. He’s been there for almost a full day by the time Jack finds him. He doesn’t like being in there. People tap on his glass and call him a freak. At first he’d hiss at them, showing off his sharp fangs and daring them to continue taunting him. Eventually he just gave up and turned away from the humans, curling up in a ball on the floor of the tank and trying to imagine his brother was there with him. Jack never let him be scared. Even when he’d wanted to shut down Race’s curiosity, he hadn’t wanted to scare him.

So he’s laying there with his tail pulled up to his chest and he’s crying, knowing he can’t do anything until he hears someone speaking his own language behind him and he turns around to find Jack standing outside his cage, looking like he was in pain, but still managing to look relieved that he’d found Race.

Race presses his hand up against the glass and Jack matches it crying at the relief of seeing his brother alive.

After a minute, he tries to break open the tank with anything he can find around him. He gets it to crack after a while, so Race starts hitting at it, trying to break it. Eventually, Jack manages to shatter the glass and Race gets pushed out onto the floor.

That's when a worker finds them, just as Race is regrowing his legs. Jack immediately sits down and pulls Race to him, hissing at her because he’s not a full human and has his fangs and claws still.

The woman, Katherine, Race reads off of her name tag, is shocked at first. He tries to speak English for the first time in his life, saying things like “please” and “ocean” and “daddy” because he knows that Jack is there but he still wants his dad.

Katherine would melt at the sight, finding some pants for Race to wear. That’s when Weasel would rush in. Jack was still holding on tightly to Race and Katherine would stand in front of them ready to defend them because she didn’t agree on keeping the merman from the beginning.

When Weasel tries to get to Race, Jack claws at his arm, deep enough to make him bleed.

That’s when Weasel figures out that Jack’s a merman too.

He grabs for his walkie talkie and calls for backup just as Spot breaks into the aquarium to try and break Race out. He finds Race and Jack on the ground behind Katherine and goes to get closer to Race. Jack tries to lash out at him, but Race stops him, though he still is a bit cautious of Spot because Spot didn’t save him while he was being captured.

Spot tries to ask Jack for his permission to help take Race back to the ocean. Race has to translate for him the best he can. Jack let’s go of Race, knowing that as long as Race made it home, he could be happy.

Eventually, he lets go of Race with one more kiss to his head and let’s Spot scoop him up as Katherine starts to fight with Weasel, tasing him with his own taser as more backup arrives.

She helps Jack stand and realizes walking must pain him, so she takes his weight and tries to get him back to the water.

They have a very hard time getting out of the building as Katherine has to hide them from Weasel’s men. Jack takes a reluctant liking to Katherine as she helps him through the building and back to the water. Even though they can’t understand each other’s language, Katherine manages to make Jack laugh and Jack finds himself intrigued by this woman.

Once they get back to the water, they find Spot on the shore panicking.

He tells Katherine that Race was there a second ago but the second he was fully in the water, some kind of octopus dragged him down.

Jack doesn’t understand, but he sees the panic on Spot’s face and immediately finds a place to dive into the water, going to find his brother only to be caught by two other mermen who drag him down beneath the water.

It’s Osvraggods and Mostrandingsgods. They tell him that Snydehavheks is there to collect him as he is now his property.

He finds Race struggling against Snydehavheks, who has his tentacles wrapped around the boy as they are forced to face their father who demands to know what on earth his half brother thinks he’s doing.

The sea witch shows Brydenbeskyttelse the contracts his sons signed.

The king knows what his brother wants. So he gives it to him.

With one final look at his sons who are begging him not to do what they know he’s about to do, he offers Snydehavheks the crown and his trident after making the other man promise that no harm would come to his boys. Snydehavheks agrees before making his half brother sign a contract and then taking the trident and turning Brydenbeskyttelse into stone.

Jack’s heart breaks as he watches his father fall but he demands that the sea witch release them as he made a deal. He rushes to grab Race before Race can go to the statue of their father and forces him to stay close, unsure of truly what to do.

Eventually, the younger prince fights his way out of Jack’s arms and tries to fight Snydehavheks who nearly kills him with the trident. After that, Race rushes up to the surface to get away from the man who’s now chasing him and Jack goes to help him.

At the surface, Spot and Katherine are still standing confused on the shore. But when they see Race struggling to get away from a giant half man, half octopus, Spot rushes to help him, managing to hurt the sea witch but eventually getting dragged beneath the surface.

Katherine tries to rush to help him, but Jack grabs her and helps her back to shore before Os and Mo can grab her.

Jack and Race then manage to get Spot to safety before Race finally takes his father’s trident and stabs Snydehavheks in the back, killing him. Jack then takes the thing to scare Os and Mo away. Once he does that, him and Race swim down to their father, freeing him.

Brydenbeskyttelse hugs them tightly before Race remembers Spot and rushes up to the surface again, hugging Spot immediately and trying to apologize.

Spot holds him back just as tightly before pulling away and kissing him.

Jack swims over to see Katherine and they have a cute little moment where Jack says in his own language that there was something about her he just wouldn’t be able to get out of his mind. She doesn’t know what he said, but she gives him a kiss on the cheek.

Their father watches the exchange, asking Race if he truly wanted to be with Spot. When he hesitantly nods, the king reluctantly gives Race the ability to walk on land without pain, even though he can still return to the ocean if he wants to.

Race doesn’t go without hugging his family again.

Eventually, Spot and Race do get married. But every time they get in a fight, Race goes back to find Jack and stay with him for a little while.

Spot gives the merpeople “human names”. He calls Race “Tyler”.

Jack visits his human friends and his brother once a week at least, learning how to speak English and finding that he was falling for Katherine who was just as quickly falling for him.

She finds herself fascinated by the life of the sea and eventually lets Jack take her down after he has his father’s permission. Brydenbeskyttelse turns her into a mermaid (her tail is yellow and orange). And her and Jack eventually become married and she gets to be a queen.

I know all of their names look like I was just typing random letters but I actually looked up the Danish translation for somethings (just on google, so I have no idea how accurate it is) because The Little Mermaid is a Danish story.

Tylilleprins — Lille prins means Little Prince

Jaqeleder — leder means leader

Brydenbeskyttelse — beskyttelse means protector

Alberdybhav — dyb hav means deep sea

Osvraggods — vraggods means flotsam

Mostrandingsgods — strandingsgods means jetsam

Snydehavheks — hav heks means sea witch

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed! I really like this one! Writing mermaids is interesting.

Let me know if you guys wanna see any scenes written out!

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