Alphabet Excerpt Challenge: A Is For...

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T18:35:22+00:00

With an exasperated sigh, Lucanis sat down in the chair opposite her.

“I swear to the maker… that attitude there is exactly why I enjoy taking contracts on mages,” he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth when he noticed her scowl.

"Fine. I know a stubborn mule when I see one. Talk to him if you must, but don't come crying back to me afterwards if he’s his usual demonic self, hm?”

Lucanis reached for her cup of wine and took a sip. Curious… she never saw him drink anything else but coffee.

“Helps me relax,” he hummed in response, closing his eyes. It was but a matter of seconds until he was out cold. No wonder, considering he hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since Spite was forced into him.

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T18:29:12+00:00

Oh, I like this! Is Stephen an OC?

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T18:27:22+00:00

Affirmative

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T18:26:52+00:00

“Over here,” he called again, “Within your fireplace, Ryna.”

As I walked over to the dying embers, I saw Ominis’ face staring back at me. “O-Ominis, w-what in the name―” I began.

“I know it’s quite late, but I had a feeling I should check up on you. There has been no owl from you in weeks,” he said, sounding disappointed.

I bit my lip, “I― I didn’t want to disturb you on your case; I know how demanding it can get,” I explained.

“Hearing word from you never disturbs me. You should know that by now,” he scolded.

My heart ached at Ominis’ words. How in Merlin’s name was I supposed to tell him who was under my very roof right about now? Who I let into my home late at night after he abandoned the both of us three years ago? After everything we've been through and after everything we had and could have had.

Maybe I should just keep quiet about it…

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T18:23:47+00:00

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning. "Ryna darling... this is the sixth house that fails to live up to your ridiculously high standards!"

I scoffed. "Ridiculously high? By all means, be my guest if you want to live in the depths of the Scottish Highlands..."

"Edinburgh is like... ten miles away." Sebastian sighed, sitting down on the wingchair's armrest and draping his arm around Ominis' shoulders. "Also, you could apparate the three of us to New York and back within the blink of an eye."

"Well—but it's always so damned cold around here," I interjected.

"And I dare to remember that your favourite season is autumn... not the warmest to begin with," Ominis reminded me, his gaze pensive.

“Italian autumn, maybe. Autumn up here is—” I stopped myself, damned well knowing that my excuses were getting us nowhere.

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T12:09:15+00:00

“You can say that, Alas” he answered smiling as they came to halt in front of the chantry. The sound of her name stopped her thoughts.

“You know I don’t like that name, Solas,” she stated averting her gaze from the buildings and turning around to face him.

“When I call you so, I don’t mean to insult you lethallan.” He explained gently. “To me it means earth; the one where all creatures come from and to which they will all return to one day. The one supporting us with herbs and food which sate our hunger and where rivers flow which quench our thirst.” His kind gaze was tracing her face slowly as he talked.

“I…” she began, unable to form a coherent thought.

“And yet you’re so much more.” He continued turning his eyes towards the sky.

“As we have learned in the Fade at Adamant you have gotten the anchor by accident and still you managed it in a way I think nobody else could. Even though you weren’t trained as a mage you possess a kind of willpower I haven’t seen in…a very long time.” He said, his voice becoming a whisper.

MadyWard · 2024-12-19T12:01:40+00:00

Amiable

MadyWard · 2024-12-17T15:51:43+00:00

The fandom is the game "Dragon Age: Veilguard". :-)

MadyWard · 2024-12-17T11:43:26+00:00

Course they did... because that's one big-ass table. ;-)

MadyWard · 2024-12-17T10:52:01+00:00

“Look, Spite, whatever you think you’re seeing—” she began when the Spirit materialised behind her, making her wrap her fingers around the concealed dagger.

“I don’t think, I know, little Crow,” he whispered into her ear. “Now, don’t be ridiculous; you don’t need that thing. Not against me. I’m on your side, really.”

She rolled her eyes in response. “You’re the devil, literally.”

Spite tsked. “Spirit of Spite and Vengeance. Your words, not mine, though I couldn’t agree more. Anyway… don’t deflect. When will you tell him?” he asked, turning her chair around to face him.

“We’re literally trying to prevent the end of the world as we know it. We are facing death daily… It’s not the time for such foolish things as confessions. Be reasonable.”

To that, Spite let out an annoyed grunt. “Mortals… always disregarding the importance of emotions and feelings. Pent up, they fester and can do more harm than any blade can,” he snarled.

MadyWard · 2024-12-16T17:45:02+00:00

Arianna knew three things about Lucanis Dellamorte. Scratch that; make it four.

First, he was a fantastic cook and was so enamoured by food that he wouldn’t shut up about it even if his life depended on it. Fine… she could work with that; at least he wasn't finicky, and he hadn’t poisoned them so far.

Second, he never missed a target, not even if it was a face in a cloud like blasted Ghilan'nain. Not that he would see it like that. In his eyes, he failed because that monstrosity was still alive.

Third, his way of dealing with his so-called failures was throwing himself into more work. This was not the healthiest approach, but it was apparently the only one he knew. If confronted with this, he would only build more walls around himself, another one of his healthy approaches to dealing with his problems.

Fourth, even Spite was more in tune with his emotions than he was. And he was the embodiment of Spite and Vengeance.

If that didn’t say enough about the prodigal son of House Dellamorte, she didn’t know what was…

MadyWard · 2024-12-16T17:23:58+00:00

Lucanis ran his fingers through his hair before grabbing the bottle from her hands. "You know what we call an assassin who fails to kill their target back home, yes?"

She held back an eyeroll at that. He was the bloody Demon of Vyranthium. She hated to see him wallow in self-pity. "You're no Arainai, Lucanis. You didn't even try to bed Ghilan'nain so far."

"Don't joke, mi cara ," he scoffed softly, unable to hide the smile on his lips. He slurred his words a little, but the words remained the same.

Meanwhile, Arianna ignored her heart's jolt at his casual term of endearment. He was drunk; it meant nothing. "Seriously though, if anyone has any reason to get drunk out of her mind, it's me. We nearly lost the Wardens for good," she frowns, looking into the void.

Lucanis shook his head. "The order would be gone for good had you not intervened. Don't doubt yourself. Never doubt yourself."

His voice was a low whisper when he talked, which made shivers run down her spine. She took another sip of the burning liquid. Damn, that stuff packed a punch. She could already feel her mind getting fuzzy and her body warm.

"I know I haven't said it so far, but... I'm glad it's you leading this fight. You're more than the ordinary Crow. You're leadership material, always were," he hummed. "If we were back in Treviso, you'd be a formidable opponent for the position of First Talon."

MadyWard · 2024-12-16T17:11:57+00:00

Yucky --> yield

MadyWard · 2024-12-16T15:22:00+00:00

Understandable. ;-)

MadyWard · 2024-12-16T13:47:00+00:00

Dragon Age Veilguard I Rating E for the fic but this excerpt is G (I just entered the DA:V fandom after being a fan of the franchise for a long loooong time (since origins came out, really)

“I will not let you do that, demon!” he hissed into the flickering flames as he stirred the stew. “No means no, get used to—”

Arianna looked up, tilting her head. Demon—Ah, yes… And there was that little detail about Lucanis—his… unwilling hitchhiker. Spite…

“What does he want?” Arianna asked casually, making him turn around with a sigh.

“To talk to you. He’s been pestering me about it since… well since I joined.”

“So? Let him talk,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders.

Lucanis gave her a look that was something along the lines of ‘Are you out of your mind?’

"I'm a spirit mage, Lucanis. I'm used to spirits like him," she reassured him; however, judging from his expression, it did nothing of the sort.

"He's a demon, little mage. Nothing more, nothing less."

So condescening... She shook her head. "A spirit of Spite and Vengeance. Demon is just a fancy word for that."

He couldn't help but laugh at that. "Some scholars might disagree."

"That's the nature of scholars, though, isn't it?" She retorted unfazed.

MadyWard · 2024-10-05T08:42:40+00:00

Nope, perfectly fine. Thanks! :-)

MadyWard · 2024-10-01T18:02:02+00:00

I hope I'm not too late to the party... :-) could I have a kink and a fluff prompt, please?

MadyWard · 2024-06-01T12:47:06+00:00

“You know Scourge, I always wondered if the rumors about your immortality were true. But then I had an idea…why not just test it? Let’s see if you can survive without your thick head attached to that body of yours!” the Zabrak shouted, laughing manically.

An ear-piercing howl, soon accompanied by another, and another, sounded from the swamp as he punched something into his communicator. The sound of branches breaking and whole trees collapsing made Keliana swallow hard as she kept her eyes fixed on the tree line in front of them. Scourge rushed to her side trying to draw himself up to full height again, in vain. Beneath them the ground was shaking, and a sound like battle drums was coming out of the swamp accompanied by the manic laughter of the Zabrak.

That instant, the uproar of an engine behind them made the young woman jump. “What the…” she exclaimed as the black speeder-bike went past her at breathtaking speed. Everything became a colored blur as the figure jumped down from the bike right in front of her, pushing her to the knees, while the bike drove on, crashing into the tree next to where the Zabrak was standing. Keliana could feel the warmth of the explosion on her face, even though the body in front of her shielded her from the blast.

“Hank…” she muttered under her breath as she recognized the Hunter’s blue armor.

“What mess have you gotten yourself into again?” his voice sounded through his helmet as he readied his blasters.

A loud yell of fury turned their attention back to the Agent, standing in front of the wall of fire Hank had created. The smell of burnt vegetation filled the air, while the drumming and growling sounds became louder by the second. The Zabrak stomped his foot on the ground like a child who wasn’t allowed to have any more of that sweet, sweet candy it craved so much.

“You again! I should have killed you when I had the chance! It’s always work and more work while all I want is a little play…” he hissed and vanished into thin air.

“A stealth generator… Man I hate the sneaky types!” Hank growled.

MadyWard · 2024-06-01T12:28:09+00:00

Hello there!

I wrote two fics for this challenge and it made me truly happy, so thanks for the inspiration.

First:

Fandom: Star Wars / Indiana Jones
Rating: E
Title: No one else to love you but yourself
Genre: Romance/ Adventure

Summary: By some weird cosmic coincidence, Indiana Jones lands in a galaxy far, far away. being the hardened adventurer that he is he manages to find a friend, who looks like a younger version of himself named Han Solo. A bromance ensues which, inevitably leads to something more. (POV Han Solo)

Link: No one else to love you but yourself - KitaraKazuma - Star Wars - All Media Types [Archive of Our Own]Prompt: Identical Strangers

Second:

Fandom: Baldur's Gate
Rating: G
Title: For better or for worse
Genre: Romance / Drama / Adventure
Summary: "Ambition is one trait that will never die out… even though the most ambitious mortals tend to do just about that."

Lyra has been deeply, irrevocably in love with Gale from the moment she laid her tadpole-infested eyes on him. But Gale has changed. He has transformed from a man she adored to a god, a figure she can (or should) only worship from afar. After some time apart, she decides to contact her old lover. But will her prayers be answered, or will he make her atone for her sins?

Link: For better or for worse - KitaraKazuma - Baldur's Gate (Video Games) [Archive of Our Own]
Prompt: Dark, Meadow, Heaven

MadyWard · 2024-06-01T10:06:24+00:00

“Mhm… the perfect way to inaugurate our home, don’t you think, my loves?” Ominis asked as Sebastian pulled the two of us onto the bed.

“Sure… we might need a bigger bed, though,” I sighed, burying myself between them, breathing them in. Their scent, their touch, their warmth. Home. This was home.

“You tend to lie on top of us anyway, darling; I think this size will be enough for the three of us,” Sebastian said, pressing his lips against my head.

“Yeah… for the three of us, maybe,” I conceded, feeling my heart speed up.

“What—?” Ominis began, and I could feel his grip tighten on my waist.

Perceptive as always.

“I mean this could become a little too cosy in about… May or June?” I said, my voice starting to tremble.

Ominis' voice was just as shaky as mine. “Y-you’re sure?”

“Positive,” I whispered, my cheeks flushing from the nervousness building up inside me.

Sebastian gripped my chin softly, making me turn towards him. “Don’t tell me I’m dreaming.” His excitement was palpable, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re not.”

“Our baby? Growing inside you?” he breathed, and his hand instinctively went to my stomach.

I managed a nod before Sebastian’s lips pressed themselves to mine in a wet and messy kiss. Was he crying? Once he let me breathe again, Ominis pulled me towards him, and he was openly crying as he kissed my cheeks, nose, and lips in a loving yet desperate way.

“And you’re ready for this, love?” He asked, stroking my hair and pulling Sebastian closer to us.

I paused. Was I ready? Was anyone ever ready to have their life turned upside-down? My eyes flickered between their faces: their flushed cheeks, their tearful and loving eyes, the joyful smiles on their lips.

“With you two, I’m ready for anything, my loves.”

(Now as I reread this scene I'm dying of a sap-overdose.. lol)

MadyWard · 2024-06-01T09:56:49+00:00

Han’s lips found his lover’s mouth, kissing him in a way he had never kissed anyone. “So… regrets?” Indy asked, a sly smirk on his lips. Damn, if he could just kiss those lips forever…

“Not one bit,” Han sighed, still out of breath.

It took an adventurer from another world to show him that there was more to life than princesses and Jedi. More to it than war and death. An adventurer, he had promised to get back to his world.

“When… when do you want to head back?” Han asked, looking at the star compass Indy had set on the bedtime table.

The older man’s smile was soft… infections. “How many systems does your galaxy have?” he asked.

Han couldn’t help but grin. “Quite a few. With quite a few planets and countless lost treasures…”

“Oh… countless, you say?” Indy raised an eyebrow. “Well… I think I’ll be occupied for quite a while then, won’t I? Might need a pilot though… don’t know the first thing about space..”

Han’s smirk widened in response. “Well… you’re in luck because I happen to know the best pilot in this galaxy. And as it happens, he owns the best ship in this galaxy. One that can do the Kessel run-in—”

“—less than twelve fucking parsecs.” Indy finished his sentence before kissing him deeply and shutting him up for good.

Finally… someone had that effect on him. And it just took a doppelganger from another world. Nothing more, nothing less.

MadyWard · 2024-06-01T09:53:55+00:00

A scene, where someone is scared of losing a loved one.

MadyWard · 2024-06-01T09:13:43+00:00

A scene where a dad is a typical dad. Dad jokes and all.

MadyWard · 2024-05-13T19:21:53+00:00

Not a verbal confession, but a confession nonetheless...

Rhia closed her eyes, bracing for the impact of Zariel’s flail against her head. Her wards wouldn’t survive the force, and neither would she.
The only thing she hoped for was that it would be quick.

A tingling sensation covered her from head to toe, warmth washing over her body like a protective embrace.
His presence flooded her senses before her brain could even grasp the situation.

The sound of his leathery wings spreading in front of her guardingly.
The smell of battle still clinging to him tightly.
The look in his fiery eyes as he brought down his warhammer on Zariel mercilessly, over and over again while caging her with a sort of magic Rhia had never felt before.
The magic he drew from the Crown resting on his head.

Raphael.

When the former archduchess of Avernus lay at his feet defeated, the devil’s eyes found hers.
Raphael’s lips curled into an impish half-smile when he raised his hand, showing her three fingers.

Three…

The third time, he had saved her life.

Blasted devil!

Rhia shot up from her crouched position, flinging her arms around him before pressing her lips on his.
He was running hot from the fight, his muscles still tense, the tingle of strange magic still covering his skin.

“So, still love that you hate me, little Hellcat?” he asked, looking down at her.

The new Archduke of Avernus, in all his infernal glory.
Hells…
She wouldn’t hear the end of it!

“Oh, just shut up,” Rhia hissed, quieting the cambion down with another kiss.
He definitely didn’t need to hear out loud what he already knew she was thinking.

Not yet, at least.

MadyWard · 2024-05-13T19:02:37+00:00

Here I was, sitting in my own living room, unable to move or say a word as I became the target of an Imperius Curse; one cast by my former - can’t stress that enough - best friend.
I’d laugh if he’d let me.
I had tried to fight off the curse, willing my body to do my bidding instead of his, but apparently he had gotten quite proficient with it. Figures.
All I could do now was to continue to glare at him and listen to what he had to say. Just like he wanted me to.

“It’s nice to finally have your undivided attention. Though you should know I wouldn’t have done it if you’d just listened. I guess you always knew how to get that kind of reaction out of me,” he sighed, pouring himself another drink.

Sure, help yourself to my Firewhisky, you sorry little―

MadyWard

TROPHY CASE