aether's angel

carbo / 28 / she / selfship / @carbomcoco

[carbo-ships]

hello! welcome to my selfship blog.

★ Carbo / 28 / she / @carbomcoco / carrd

★ art -> #carbo-draws / art trades / comics

★ commissions -> OPEN

★ writing -> #carbo-writes

★ f/os:

Soldagand (Songs of Aalveir) -> story -> ao3

platonic: Aniketos

Aether (Ghost) -> story -> ao3

crush: Terzo -> story -> ao3

platonic: Papa Emeritus IV

Seeker (Dungeons & Dragons) -> story -> ao3

Clopin (Hunchback of Notre Dame) -> story -> ao3

[carbo-ships]

Seeker x Yvonne - Chapter 6

First / Previous AO3

The heat in Ank’Harel was punishing, as usual. No matter the time of year, the sun always seemed to have its eye on the Rumedan Desert. The colorful tapestries overhead that connected the stone buildings making up the narrow alley provided welcome pockets of reprieve as Yvonne weaved her way through the crowds. She adjusted her rucksack on her shoulders for the umpteenth time, feeling the stone tablets shift inside. She’d tried to tell herself that her nerves were just the result of being in a bustling city again, but as the Temple of the Mentor appeared on the horizon, those internal arguments fell silent. It was just her today. The rest of her party had split off to run errands elsewhere in town, and in all likelihood, get into trouble. She would be facing Seeker alone this afternoon.

There should be no reason for her to feel this intimidated, Yvonne tried to reassure herself as her feet carried her forward. Seeker was kind and professional, and she was just socially capable enough to have a dignified conversation with him. It was all in her head – anticipation of the way her heart would certainly flutter upon first seeing his handsome face, and the remaining twinges of embarrassment from that midnight conversation last year. Logically, there was nothing to worry about. She would drop off the tablets, they would chat about the journey that led to finding them, and then her party would pry into how her meeting with the archivist had gone, just as they’d done after their lunch three months ago. Is that why they’d all conveniently found urgent tasks that needed completing as soon as she’d mentioned going to the library of the Cobalt Soul? So it would just be the two of them secluded in his office again? Yvonne pushed the thought from her mind as she climbed the front steps to the foyer.

Whether through the use of magic or simply through the power of good engineering, the air within the Temple was significantly cooler than that on the street. Yvonne wondered if the patrons reading at the tables throughout the ground floor had come here through intellectual curiosity, or simply because this building was likely among the coolest in the Guided District. She supposed she would likely find herself sheltering here as well if she was a local. The archivists at the reference desk smiled politely as she approached. “Hello,” she said quietly, “is Seeker in today?” She’d given him a rough estimate of when her party anticipated arriving in Ank’Harel, but they hadn’t decided on a specific day and time to meet. She hoped he was available. The idea of needing to summon her courage a second time did not appeal to her.

“Ah, Yvonne, yes?” a receptionist said as he checked a list on his desk. “He’s been expecting you. I’ll show you to his office.” The young man stood and led Yvonne up the main staircase. She could feel her pulse quickening, but she fought to control it. He was just a man. She could handle this. The pair turned down the hallway and soon stopped in front of one of the offices. Her guide knocked on the closed door.

“One moment!” came a muffled voice from inside, followed by the gentle scrape of a wooden chair against the stone floor.

The wooden door swung open to reveal the towering form of Seeker Barrowwood. Good heavens, he was just as handsome as ever. His usual shawl was missing, leaving him in his tunic with the sleeve rolled up to his elbows. The dark veins of rock snaked up his hands and arms before disappearing under the pale fabric. His long copper hair was tied up into a loose bun at the crown of his head, likely to keep the heat off the back of his neck. “Yvonne!” he said, his face lighting up with a beaming smile. “Please, come in! Thank you, Weng.” The receptionist nodded and turned to head back down the hallway as Seeker ushered her inside.

His office wasn’t quite as tidy as it had been the last time she was here, she noticed as he closed the door behind them. It was clear he had been busy. Several open books and loose papers, including the rubbings she had sent a few weeks ago with her letter, covered the large table in the middle of the room. His desk wasn’t in a much better state. “My apologies for the mess,” he said with a sheepish chuckle as he quickly swept the papers off of the large table in the centre of the room and dumped them on a pile on his desk to make some room. “I have been rather consumed with my research since your letter. How are you?”

“Well, thank you,” she said politely, taking off her rucksack and setting it on the table to open it. “I have the tablets you wanted.”

Seeker moved to stand at her side. “I cannot tell you how excited I have been to see these. Thank you again for thinking of me. I hope they were not too much trouble to transport.”

She’d nearly forgotten how tall he was. At nearly six-foot-four herself, it was rare that Yvonne felt small. She couldn’t imagine that it was a frequent occurrence for Seeker either, hovering somewhere around eight feet by her estimate. She had yet to see another Firbolg in Ank’Harel. “Not at all,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “They’re fairly sturdy, but I bundled them up so that they wouldn’t get too scratched up on the way here.” She carefully removed the five stone tablets from her bag, each wrapped up carefully in a thicker article of clothing that she wasn’t using on account of the heat, and laid them on the table side by side.

Seeker eyed them excitedly with childlike glee. “May I?” he asked, receiving a nod before beginning to unwrap one. He untangled the thick stone from the heavy sweater and gingerly set it back on the table to appraise it. “This… My goodness, it is beautiful.”

“I hope they can be of use to you,” Yvonne said. “We weren't quite sure what to make of them.” The look of wonder and awe on his face was captivating. 

“They already have been, more than you know,” he said as he unveiled the rest. “The rubbings you sent were clear enough that I have already begun to do some research, hence the mess. They offer some insight into an ancient giant settlement that was lost quite some time ago, of the same civilization that developed the runic magic I use. We know of its existence thanks to a number of other texts, but its location has remained unclear… until now.”

Yvonne’s eyebrows shot up. She hadn’t expected them to be of much use beyond general intellectual curiosity. “Really? I had no idea.”

“I have already spoken with the research team,” he said, gently tracing his fingers along the tablets, “who have approved an expedition, contingent on the acquisition of these tablets and upon verifying their authenticity. I will need some time to confirm the inscriptions in the areas that were a bit smudged in the rubbings, but I should have enough funding for myself and, as luck would have it, a guide who can navigate the Kaal Mountains.”

His mischievous smile made her cheeks warm. Her? She could only manage to point at herself as a question, eyes wide.

Seeker chuckled. “Yes. I am asking you to come with me.” He hesitated slightly. “If your party does not object, that is. We would be away for about a month, perhaps six weeks, if my research is correct, and you would be compensated for your time. You are under no obligation, of course. I understand that you may already have commitments elsewhere, and the Cobalt Soul has no shortage of contacts that we could call upon as an alternative, but I would personally prefer to travel with a friend. I felt we made a good team on our expedition, and the board was impressed with you in my reports.”

Yvonne couldn't believe what she was hearing. He wanted her to travel with him again. Just the two of them. Because he trusted her expertise. Because they were friends. “Oh! I, um…” What could she even say? The thought of being at his side for so long almost made her blush. She doubted her party would mind if she accompanied him. They didn't have any imminent jobs planned. In fact, they would likely be quite happy for her. She’d never admitted just how fond she was of the man, trying to keep the relationships with her party largely professional, but it was clear they knew. “I would love to.”

“You will?” Seeker asked with a broad smile. She couldn't tell if it was excitement or relief. “Come, let us have a seat and discus the details of our journey. I want to hear all about how you found these, as well,” he said, moving to the curtained alcove in the corner of the room and waving her closer. “Coffee?”

[carbo-ships]

Seeker x Yvonne - Chapter 6

First / Previous AO3

The heat in Ank’Harel was punishing, as usual. No matter the time of year, the sun always seemed to have its eye on the Rumedan Desert. The colorful tapestries overhead that connected the stone buildings making up the narrow alley provided welcome pockets of reprieve as Yvonne weaved her way through the crowds. She adjusted her rucksack on her shoulders for the umpteenth time, feeling the stone tablets shift inside. She’d tried to tell herself that her nerves were just the result of being in a bustling city again, but as the Temple of the Mentor appeared on the horizon, those internal arguments fell silent. It was just her today. The rest of her party had split off to run errands elsewhere in town, and in all likelihood, get into trouble. She would be facing Seeker alone this afternoon.

There should be no reason for her to feel this intimidated, Yvonne tried to reassure herself as her feet carried her forward. Seeker was kind and professional, and she was just socially capable enough to have a dignified conversation with him. It was all in her head – anticipation of the way her heart would certainly flutter upon first seeing his handsome face, and the remaining twinges of embarrassment from that midnight conversation last year. Logically, there was nothing to worry about. She would drop off the tablets, they would chat about the journey that led to finding them, and then her party would pry into how her meeting with the archivist had gone, just as they’d done after their lunch three months ago. Is that why they’d all conveniently found urgent tasks that needed completing as soon as she’d mentioned going to the library of the Cobalt Soul? So it would just be the two of them secluded in his office again? Yvonne pushed the thought from her mind as she climbed the front steps to the foyer.

Whether through the use of magic or simply through the power of good engineering, the air within the Temple was significantly cooler than that on the street. Yvonne wondered if the patrons reading at the tables throughout the ground floor had come here through intellectual curiosity, or simply because this building was likely among the coolest in the Guided District. She supposed she would likely find herself sheltering here as well if she was a local. The archivists at the reference desk smiled politely as she approached. “Hello,” she said quietly, “is Seeker in today?” She’d given him a rough estimate of when her party anticipated arriving in Ank’Harel, but they hadn’t decided on a specific day and time to meet. She hoped he was available. The idea of needing to summon her courage a second time did not appeal to her.

“Ah, Yvonne, yes?” a receptionist said as he checked a list on his desk. “He’s been expecting you. I’ll show you to his office.” The young man stood and led Yvonne up the main staircase. She could feel her pulse quickening, but she fought to control it. He was just a man. She could handle this. The pair turned down the hallway and soon stopped in front of one of the offices. Her guide knocked on the closed door.

“One moment!” came a muffled voice from inside, followed by the gentle scrape of a wooden chair against the stone floor.

The wooden door swung open to reveal the towering form of Seeker Barrowwood. Good heavens, he was just as handsome as ever. His usual shawl was missing, leaving him in his tunic with the sleeve rolled up to his elbows. The dark veins of rock snaked up his hands and arms before disappearing under the pale fabric. His long copper hair was tied up into a loose bun at the crown of his head, likely to keep the heat off the back of his neck. “Yvonne!” he said, his face lighting up with a beaming smile. “Please, come in! Thank you, Weng.” The receptionist nodded and turned to head back down the hallway as Seeker ushered her inside.

His office wasn’t quite as tidy as it had been the last time she was here, she noticed as he closed the door behind them. It was clear he had been busy. Several open books and loose papers, including the rubbings she had sent a few weeks ago with her letter, covered the large table in the middle of the room. His desk wasn’t in a much better state. “My apologies for the mess,” he said with a sheepish chuckle as he quickly swept the papers off of the large table in the centre of the room and dumped them on a pile on his desk to make some room. “I have been rather consumed with my research since your letter. How are you?”

“Well, thank you,” she said politely, taking off her rucksack and setting it on the table to open it. “I have the tablets you wanted.”

Seeker moved to stand at her side. “I cannot tell you how excited I have been to see these. Thank you again for thinking of me. I hope they were not too much trouble to transport.”

She’d nearly forgotten how tall he was. At nearly six-foot-four herself, it was rare that Yvonne felt small. She couldn’t imagine that it was a frequent occurrence for Seeker either, hovering somewhere around eight feet by her estimate. She had yet to see another Firbolg in Ank’Harel. “Not at all,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “They’re fairly sturdy, but I bundled them up so that they wouldn’t get too scratched up on the way here.” She carefully removed the five stone tablets from her bag, each wrapped up carefully in a thicker article of clothing that she wasn’t using on account of the heat, and laid them on the table side by side.

Seeker eyed them excitedly with childlike glee. “May I?” he asked, receiving a nod before beginning to unwrap one. He untangled the thick stone from the heavy sweater and gingerly set it back on the table to appraise it. “This… My goodness, it is beautiful.”

“I hope they can be of use to you,” Yvonne said. “We weren't quite sure what to make of them.” The look of wonder and awe on his face was captivating. 

“They already have been, more than you know,” he said as he unveiled the rest. “The rubbings you sent were clear enough that I have already begun to do some research, hence the mess. They offer some insight into an ancient giant settlement that was lost quite some time ago, of the same civilization that developed the runic magic I use. We know of its existence thanks to a number of other texts, but its location has remained unclear… until now.”

Yvonne’s eyebrows shot up. She hadn’t expected them to be of much use beyond general intellectual curiosity. “Really? I had no idea.”

“I have already spoken with the research team,” he said, gently tracing his fingers along the tablets, “who have approved an expedition, contingent on the acquisition of these tablets and upon verifying their authenticity. I will need some time to confirm the inscriptions in the areas that were a bit smudged in the rubbings, but I should have enough funding for myself and, as luck would have it, a guide who can navigate the Kaal Mountains.”

His mischievous smile made her cheeks warm. Her? She could only manage to point at herself as a question, eyes wide.

Seeker chuckled. “Yes. I am asking you to come with me.” He hesitated slightly. “If your party does not object, that is. We would be away for about a month, perhaps six weeks, if my research is correct, and you would be compensated for your time. You are under no obligation, of course. I understand that you may already have commitments elsewhere, and the Cobalt Soul has no shortage of contacts that we could call upon as an alternative, but I would personally prefer to travel with a friend. I felt we made a good team on our expedition, and the board was impressed with you in my reports.”

Yvonne couldn't believe what she was hearing. He wanted her to travel with him again. Just the two of them. Because he trusted her expertise. Because they were friends. “Oh! I, um…” What could she even say? The thought of being at his side for so long almost made her blush. She doubted her party would mind if she accompanied him. They didn't have any imminent jobs planned. In fact, they would likely be quite happy for her. She’d never admitted just how fond she was of the man, trying to keep the relationships with her party largely professional, but it was clear they knew. “I would love to.”

“You will?” Seeker asked with a broad smile. She couldn't tell if it was excitement or relief. “Come, let us have a seat and discus the details of our journey. I want to hear all about how you found these, as well,” he said, moving to the curtained alcove in the corner of the room and waving her closer. “Coffee?”

[aetherslongsleeves]

Ghost - Full Show!!! - Live HD (F.M. Kirby Center 2018)

[carygrantsbeard]

Me reading my mutuals’ blogs in the morning

[carbo-ships]

Seeker x Yvonne

Stars were starting to appear in the sky as the party stopped to camp for the night. After eating and discussing their plan for the following morning, each member selected a sleeping spot under the small overhang in the cliffside. The group had established a watch order for the night – Yvonne would be the first, stationed at the edge of camp so she could review her maps and notes in the light of the full moon without disturbing her sleeping companions. Seeker knew this would likely be his only opportunity to speak with Yvonne alone.

It was difficult to get a moment of privacy on an expedition like this, Seeker had quickly realized. There was always something to do, somewhere to go, usually as a large group. How was he meant to talk to Yvonne under these circumstances? He had been waiting for the right moment – or perhaps putting it off – for nearly a week. Now, he couldn’t deny that this opportunity was practically gift-wrapped. He couldn’t delay this any longer. About half an hour after everyone had turned in for the night and Yvonne had taken her position, Seeker silently rose and crept from the camp. He took a deep breath to muster his courage, then approached the younger woman.

Yvonne was sitting on a felled tree illuminated by a beam of moonlight that had filtered through the canopy of trees above, flicking through her worn journal. Her mouth formed silent words as she read, seemingly deep in thought.

“Yvonne?” he said softly so as not to startle her or alert the rest of the party.

She turned her head to look up at him, surprise evident on her features even in the dim light. “Oh, hello,” she responded just as quietly as she closed her journal. “Is everything alright?”

“There's something I'd like to speak with you about, if I may,” Seeker said gently, doing his best to mask his nerves. It clearly didn't work. Suddenly, she was giving him that “startled deer” look he'd grown so accustomed to over the past several weeks – eyes wide, quickly scanning him, seemingly searching for something. The first time he'd received it was when he'd first let his hair down around her, then again after she'd finally seen him in battle. At first, he'd attributed it to the girl just being shy. After all, she didn't exactly appear to be a social butterfly and he knew his size and scars often made him appear rather intimidating. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that he was the only member of the party she looked at that way. Romance had been the farthest thing from his mind for a few decades, but he wasn't dense. He knew a crush when he saw one.

The realization had surprised him. Yvonne had a crush on him. He could hardly remember the last time someone had developed feelings for him. Well, that he knew of. He didn’t have time to even entertain the thought of a relationship, though. With mounting responsibilities within the Cobalt Soul and his own research to develop, there simply wasn’t room in his life for such a thing. He resolutely pushed the thought away whenever it would inevitably float back into his mind. It simply wouldn’t work. But why him? There were plenty of strapping young men in their party. And wasn’t he a bit old for her? It hardly mattered either way. He’d already made up his mind. He was too pragmatic to let such thoughts get the best of him.

The difficult part, Seeker had quickly decided, was determining the most tasteful response to this information. Initially, he felt it would be best to pretend he had never noticed that Yvonne had taken an interest in him. Why put the poor girl through any unnecessary embarrassment? There was no immediate need to address it, and given that she didn't appear to have any intention of actively pursuing him, it would likely be possible to avoid a conversation about it altogether. However, something about that approach did not sit right with him. It was that panicked look she kept giving him. She was clearly nervous around him and ineffectively attempting to hide her attraction. Perhaps it would simply be better to clear the air – he knew, he wasn't upset, and he unfortunately was not in a position to seriously consider a relationship, nor was it in his nature to recklessly indulge. Yes. Although it would be uncomfortable in the moment for both of them, this was likely the more merciful option. This was the thought in his mind that had led him to follow Yvonne to the edge of camp that night, the tension now palpable as she stared up at him from her spot on the log. “Do you mind if I join you?” he requested.

“Oh, um, not at all,” she stuttered out quickly, motioning for him to take a seat next to her and setting her notes aside. He thanked her with a nod and settled onto the log. Even when they were both sitting, he was still a few inches taller than her – something Seeker was quite accustomed to, but that seemed rather foreign to Yvonne. She looked up at him nervously.

“Well, I, uh…” Seeker paused, struggling to look her in the eyes. He'd rehearsed this countless times in his head over the past few days, and even more in whispered tones to whatever bird would listen. Why couldn't he remember what he was meant to say? “I couldn't help but notice that, well... You seem to have taken an interest in me.” That was not the way he had intended on phrasing it, and likely wasn't as clear as he'd wanted it to be, but it was the best he could do at the moment. “Is that correct?”

Yvonne looked absolutely mortified. Yes, it seemed she understood exactly what he meant. Seeker was starting to regret his decision to have this conversation, but it was far too late to backtrack. “I– I am not upset! Far from it,” he quickly assured her. “I am… incredibly flattered. Truly. You are a lovely, beautiful young woman, Yvonne. It's just that, well… This sort of… thing… is not something I have the capacity for at the moment.” Beautiful? That word seemed to surprise both of them. Seeker mentally chastised himself. That had not been part of the original script. He sighed, frustrated by the way he was stumbling through his words. “Am I making any sense?”

"Of– Of course!" Yvonne stuttered out frantically, looking anywhere but his face. "I’m sorry, I– I'd– I never intended to– I mean– I admit, I–" After fishing for her words for a moment, she sighed and looked up at him again. "You're a very handsome man, Seeker."

His ears were burning. Knowing she thought so was one thing. Hearing her say it was another. He couldn't tell who was more embarrassed. Seeker cleared this throat, trying to pull himself together. “Thank you,” he said, successfully keeping his voice steady. Handsome. That was a word he hadn’t heard in quite some time. Didn’t she consider his scars to be a bit unsightly? He certainly always had. Even so, she seemed to like what she saw despite them. Or was it because of them? No, now was not the time for such questions. He was curious, but that was a step too far. He was certain this conversation was uncomfortable enough for her.

Yvonne’s gaze shifted back to her lap. “I never planned to tell you,” she assured him, “or do anything about it, or–”

“I assumed as much, do not worry,” Seeker said quickly, resting his hand on her knee. He was almost starting to feel like he could breathe again now that the topic had successfully been breached. He was no longer confronting, just comforting. “I only bring it up because it seemed to me that trying to hide your feelings was causing you some stress, yes? If I did not know better, I would have thought you were afraid of me! And as I said, I am not upset, or offended, or uncomfortable, or… All this to say, it is alright. I am not particularly available at the moment, but I certainly do not mind if you find me attractive. Okay?”

Yvonne took a deep breath to calm herself. “Okay. Are you sure?” She still seemed quite nervous.

He let out a little chuckle. “Yes, I am sure,” he insisted. “And please, do not make yourself a stranger. You must know I enjoy your company.” Her ears flicked slightly in response, making him grin. It was cute. She was cute.

Wait.

Shit.

Next

[carbo-ships]

the monk you're traveling with says there's nothing going on between her and that archivist but quite frankly you don't believe her even a little bit

[tisthenightofthewitch]

Budapest

Koncertmagazin.hu

[forlorn-crows]

@askingforthesun and what if i said mountain ghoul philtrum as well

[likerofgonstandothers]

Aether's teef

[firefrightfic]

to anyone missing my writing please know i am also missing my writing

[carbo-ships]

Seeker's not even a flirt but he has Yvonne wrapped around his finger nonetheless

[carbo-ships]

fun facts about Seeker:

- he's somewhere around 8' tall (hot)

- the dark marks on his body are veins of rock from a magical oopsie (hot)

- he's a bladesinger which means he's a wizard and swordsman (hot)

[carbo-ships]

the monk you're traveling with says there's nothing going on between her and that archivist but quite frankly you don't believe her even a little bit

[carbo-ships]

I live in the middle of a city and like 6 weeks ago I saw a live chicken on my way to work and now I've seen it again this morning

where on earth did you come from. it's just apartments and industrial stuff out here. nobody even has a yard. whose chicken are you

[carbo-ships]

trying to think up what affectionate nickname Seeker will give Yvonne that will start out silly and slightly teasing but eventually start to be how he expresses his tenderness

[carbo-ships]

how do we feel about "little mouse" (he has a vaguely Russian accent)

[carbo-ships]

Wicker trailer has me thinking Soldagand thoughts

like wdym they literally say

"It's against the gods, isn't it, to marry a tree?"

"Does he have all the... bits to him?"

"I heard that he's strong as a tree and just as hard."

SOLDAGAND.

[carbo-ships]

trying to think up what affectionate nickname Seeker will give Yvonne that will start out silly and slightly teasing but eventually start to be how he expresses his tenderness