Mirrorball, part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7(🌹) || Ridoc x OC! Iris Draven | Iris never expected that Ridoc, the charming, carefree rider with a quick smile and a reputation for flirting, would become her closest friend—and maybe something more. From the moment they met at Basgiath, their relationship was a dance of teasing banter and shared secrets, with Ridoc always pushing her boundaries and Iris trying to keep her guard up.
Playing with fire || (Fluff) Just Ridoc flirting as always but what happens when you lean into it?
Breaking point || RSC training goes hard on you and Ridoc is forced to watch.
Garrick Tavis
I can´t wait any longer || (Fluff) After almost dying in Resson, Garrick is not gonna deny himself any longer when it comes to you.
Edge of desire || (Fluff) A heated sparring session turns into something else
Aaric Greycastle
A Kiss Between Pages || (Fluff) Late night research session between friends.
Lazy morning || (Fluff) A day off spent in bed with Aaric
Summary: RSC training goes hard on you and Ridoc is forced to watch.
Masterlist
The cold metal chair creaked as you were chained beside Ridoc, your wrists bound tightly to the arms of the seat. It was supposed to be another day of training—Basgiath’s brutal test to see if you can endure torture—but your heart pounded in your chest. You glanced at Ridoc, who was already looking at you with a small, playful smirk.
“Hey, at least we’re getting some quality time together, right?” he joked, his usual grin plastered on his face, trying to keep things light. “Just you, me, and a couple of sadists. Romantic, really.”
Despite the situation, a weak smile tugged at your lips. Ridoc’s jokes always had a way of easing the tension, no matter how dire things got. You knew he was trying to keep you calm, and for a moment, it worked. He leaned back casually in his chair, as though he wasn’t bound, his carefree attitude on full display.
“So,” Ridoc said, his voice light, “what’s the odds on me walking out of here with all my teeth intact? I give it, 50-50.” he said with a laugh.
“Gamlyn,” one of the cadets sneered, stepping forward, ignoring his banter. “You won’t be laughing for long.”
“So cliche,” Ridoc muttered. He glanced at me again, this time with a rolling his eyes.
The first punch came without warning, aimed square at his jaw. Ridoc rolled with the hit, groaning theatrically. “Nice. Is that all you’ve got? You know if you rotate your body more, you can get more power.”
I couldn’t help the small, breathless laugh that escaped me. He was always trying to make light of things, even now.
The cadets exchanged looks, clearly annoyed at how unaffected he seemed. But Ridoc wasn’t their only target today. I saw one of them shift their attention to me, a slow, malicious grin spreading across their face.
“Maybe we need to change tactics with this one,” one of them said, looking at Ridoc then his eyes landing on me.
“Maybe Gamlyn needs a little more motivation.”
Before I could react, a heavy blow landed against my side, knocking the wind out of me. I gasped, struggling to stay upright, the pain radiating through my ribs.
Ridoc’s smile faltered. “Hey, come on,” he called out, his voice tight. “That’s low."
Ridoc's eyes flickered to you, his grin slipping slightly. “You good over there? You want me to tell them to ease up? I mean, I’ve seen you take worse hits, but I don’t want to bruise that pretty face.”
The cadets ignored him, hitting me again. This time, it was harder, and I could barely breathe. I saw Ridoc’s hands grip the arms of his chair, his knuckles white.
“Cut it out,” he growled, his voice losing the playful edge. “I mean it. Stop.”
The cadet’s eyes gleamed with sadistic satisfaction as they watched you suffer. “Looks like your partner here doesn’t enjoy the show,” one of them sneered, glancing over at Ridoc. “Not so funny now, is it?”
A fist connected with my stomach, and I doubled over, the pain blinding. I could hear Ridoc shouting, but everything was starting to blur. His voice sounded distant, like it was underwater.
“Stop hurting her! Leave her alone, damn it!” His desperation was clear now, all the joking gone. He was losing control, and I could feel the tension crackling in the air between us.
But the cadets just laughed, pleased with themselves. “What’s wrong, Gamlyn? You can take a beating, but not her?”
Another hit, and everything went black.
---
When I came to, the world felt distant, hazy. My body ached all over, but it was the sharp, rhythmic pain in my ribs that brought me back to reality. I blinked, my eyes struggling to focus on the unfamiliar ceiling above me. It took a few moments before I realized I was in a hospital bed.
I shifted slightly, groaning from the effort. That’s when I noticed a warm pressure on my hand.
I turned my head and saw Ridoc slumped in the chair beside me, fast asleep. His head rested against the back of the chair, his hand tightly wrapped around mine, like he’d been holding on for dear life. There was no sign of the cocky, grinning guy I was used to. Instead, he looked exhausted, his face pale and drawn.
I stared at him, my heart swelling with a mixture of emotions—relief, gratitude, and something deeper that I couldn’t quite name. Despite everything, he hadn’t left my side.
I squeezed his hand gently, and he stirred, blinking awake. The moment his eyes met mine, the tension in his body seemed to melt away.
“You’re awake,” he said softly, his voice rough with exhaustion. He leaned forward, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “I was so worried…”
I gave him a small, tired smile. “Took you long enough to stop joking around.”
Ridoc let out a breath that was almost a laugh, shaking his head. “Yeah, well, they weren’t exactly giving me much to work with.” His expression darkened as he remembered. “I’m sorry… I tried to stop them.”
“It’s not your fault,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “You couldn’t have done anything.”
He swallowed, his grip on my hand tightening. “I hate that they used you to get to me. That’s… it’s not okay. You shouldn’t have been hurt because of me.”
I shifted slightly, grimacing from the pain, but I managed to reach up and touch his arm. “I’ll be okay, Ridoc. You’re here now.”
He nodded, though the guilt didn’t leave his eyes. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against our joined hands. “I swear, I’ll never let anyone do that to you again.”
In that moment, I could see past the joking mask he always wore—the cocky front he used to hide the fact that he cared too much. And I realized just how much he cared.
It’s early morning, just before dawn, and you’ve made your way down to the river that runs along the edge of the Riders Quadrant. You’re sitting on the bank, the cool water brushing against your fingers as you watch the sky begin to lighten, waiting for the sunrise. The soft chirping of birds mixes with the gentle rush of the current, and for a moment, you feel completely at peace.
Unsurprisingly, Ridoc finds you there, as he often does during these quiet moments. He’s leaning against a nearby tree, watching you for a few seconds before he approaches, a teasing smile already on his lips.
“Up early again, huh? You never sleep, do you?” he jokes, sitting down beside you without waiting for an invitation.
You grin, glancing over at him. “I like being up before everyone else. It’s peaceful.”
He hums in agreement, though his eyes flick to you, clearly more focused on your presence than the scenery. “You know, you’re always out here by the water. Something about it draws you in, doesn’t it?”
You nod, tracing small circles in the water with your finger. “It feels… natural, calming. It’s where I feel most like myself.”
Ridoc leans back on his elbows, his gaze turning thoughtful as he watches you. “You’re like that, you know. You’ve got this calm about you, but then you’re all fire and attitude when you need to be. It’s kind of impressive.”
You roll your eyes, but there’s a blush creeping up your neck. “Yeah, well, someone has to keep you in line.”
He laughs, and the sound is warm, genuine. “I think you might be the only one who can.”
The sky is beginning to lighten now, the first streaks of pink and gold stretching across the horizon. Ridoc watches the colors reflect in your eyes, the soft glow of dawn catching in your hair. There’s a comfortable silence between you, and for a moment, everything else fades away.
“You’re pretty amazing, you know that?” he says suddenly, his voice quieter, more sincere than usual. “You’ve got this way of making people feel like they matter, like they’re seen.”
You glance at him, surprised by the depth in his words. “I just try to help where I can,” you say softly.
Ridoc smiles, but there’s something deeper in his eyes now. “Yeah, but it’s more than that. You’re more than that.”
The warmth in his gaze sends a flutter through your chest, and for a moment, the playful banter between you fades, replaced by something softer, something real. You look away, focusing on the rising sun, but you can feel Ridoc’s eyes on you, and it’s enough to make your heart race.
“Thanks,” you whisper, your voice barely above the sound of the water.
Ridoc shifts closer, his shoulder brushing yours, and in that quiet moment, you realize just how much his presence means to you.
It's late evening, and you’re sitting by the parapet of the Riders Quadrant, the vast sky overhead fading from a soft purple to deep blue as the last hints of daylight slip away. You’ve brought your sketchbook with you, taking advantage of the peaceful view to capture the mountains and the stretch of the parapet in the fading light. A lantern beside you casts a warm glow over your hands as you carefully sketch the landscape.
You hear the soft sound of footsteps behind you, and without looking up, you know who it is. Bodhi has a way of finding you when you least expect it, and tonight is no different. He walks over quietly, settling down beside you with that familiar air of curiosity.
“You always manage to find the best spots,” he says, his voice quiet and relaxed as he watches you sketch. “What are you working on this time?”
You glance at him briefly, a small smile tugging at your lips. “Just the view,” you reply, lifting the edge of your sketchbook so he can see the delicate lines of mountains, parapets, and sky coming to life on the page.
Bodhi raises an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. “You’re seriously talented. I didn’t know you were such an artist.”
You shrug, feeling a bit shy under his gaze. “It’s just something to do when I need to clear my head.”
He tilts his head, studying you more than the drawing now. “It suits you,” he says, his voice softer. “You’ve always got this calm about you, like you’re thinking ten steps ahead of everyone else.”
His words make you chuckle, though there’s a blush creeping up your neck. “I just like having something to focus on, I guess.”
There’s a comfortable silence as the two of you sit side by side, the night growing darker around you, and the stars slowly starting to appear overhead. Bodhi’s eyes drift back to the view, then to you again.
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately,” he says, his voice quieter, more thoughtful. “You know, with everything going on. But being here with you... it makes it easier to forget all that, just for a while.”
You meet his gaze, feeling the weight of his words, and something shifts in the air between you. The closeness, the stillness of the moment—it’s peaceful, yet charged with something deeper.
“Maybe that’s why I come out here too,” you admit, feeling the connection between you two grow. “Just to forget, even if it’s just for a little while.”
He smiles softly, his expression more serious now. “I get it. But you—you’re different. You make it easy to be around you.”
You blush again, and this time, you don’t bother trying to hide it. There’s something comforting in his presence, and you feel a warmth spread through your chest as he reaches out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear.
“I like this,” he says quietly, his voice carrying the weight of what he doesn’t say. “Being with you like this.”
You look up at him, your heart racing a little faster as his eyes search yours. The world seems to slow, and for a moment, it’s just the two of you, sitting together on the parapet under the starry sky.
“I like it too,” you whisper, feeling the truth of your words settle between you.
And in that quiet, beneath the stars and the vast night sky, you realize just how much this moment with him means.
Summary: A heated sparring session turns into something else
Masterlist
The clash of swords echoed through the sparring yard, the setting sun casting long shadows as you swung your blade toward Garrick. He deflected the strike effortlessly, his movements sharp and controlled, but there was an edge of frustration in his stance that hadn’t been there earlier.
“You’re pushing too hard,” he growled, their blades clashing again as they circled each other. “You’re going to burn yourself out.”
You narrowed your eyes, panting from exertion. “I’m fine,” you snapped, though every muscle in your body screamed for relief after hours of sparring. Sweat clung to your skin, but you weren’t about to give him the satisfaction of seeing you falter. “I don’t need your concern, Garrick.”
His jaw tightened. Without warning, he knocked your sword out of your hand in one swift motion, forcing you back against the stone wall with a forceful thud. You gasped, back hitting the rough surface, and suddenly, he was there—towering over you, pinning you with the heat of his body.
“You don’t need it?” he snarled, his face inches from yours, his breath hot against your lips. “You’re reckless. One wrong move and you’re dead.”
Glaring up at him, your heart raced—not just from the fight, but from something deeper, something you didn’t want to admit. Your pulse pounded in your ears, your chest heaving with exertion and something far more dangerous. “I can handle myself,” you shot back, though the defiance in your voice faltered under the intensity of his gaze.
His eyes darkened, the space between you crackling with unspoken tension. The shift was sudden but undeniable—where there had been only the thrill of battle, now there was heat, desire. Garrick’s grip on your waist tightened, his thumb brushing the bare skin just under your shirt. The sensation sent a shiver down your spine, pooling warmth deep in your core.
“You’re impossible,” he muttered, his voice rough, his breath ghosting over your lips. Before you could respond, he closed the distance between you, crashing his lips into yours with a fierce, desperate need.
Your mind went blank, the world dissolving around you as your body reacted instinctively. You tangled your hands in his hair, pulling him closer, your kiss just as urgent, just as full of unspoken longing. His hands roamed over your body, rough and possessive, as if he’d been holding back for far too long. Your skin burned wherever he touched, a fire spreading through you as you pressed yourself against him, craving more.
Garrick’s lips trailed down to your neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin there, drawing a soft moan from your throat. You arched into him, your hands sliding over the hard planes of his chest, feeling the tension coiled beneath his muscles, the barely restrained strength.
His voice was a low growl against your skin. “I want you,” he whispered, his hands already working at your waistband, his fingers teasing at the edge of your clothes.
“Garrick,” you breathed, your voice trembling as desire coursed through you.
Just as things were about to spiral out of control, the door creaked open, the sound like a bucket of cold water thrown over both of you.
“Oh, gods,” came a startled voice.
Your eyes flew open, heat rising to your face as you looked toward the door. Rhiannon stood there, eyes wide, her mouth agape with barely concealed amusement. Garrick froze, his hands still firmly on your hips, his body taut with frustration and desire.
Rhiannon’s gaze darted between the two of you, her expression shifting into a smug grin. “Uh, sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt… whatever this is,” she said, backing away slowly. “I’ll just… yeah.”
You swallowed hard, still breathless, your face burning with embarrassment. Garrick pulled back slightly, though the tension between you hadn’t dissipated. His grip on your waist lingered, and his eyes, dark with a promise of unfinished business, met yours again.
“This isn’t over,” he whispered in your ear, his voice low and full of intent, sending a shiver down your spine.
You nodded, your body still humming with the heat of the moment, your voice barely above a whisper. “Not even close.”
Garrick’s intense gaze lingered on you for a moment longer before he bent down to retrieve his discarded sword. With one last, smoldering glance, he straightened, his lips quirking in a small, dangerous smile. “We’ll finish this later,” he said, his words filled with certainty.
Summary: Ridoc is always a tease, but what happens if you go along with it?
Masterlist
You’re sitting cross-legged on your bed, fingers absently running through the pages of a book you’re not really reading. Ridoc is sprawled out at the foot of your bed, half hanging off the edge like he doesn’t have a care in the world. He’s been making snarky comments and joking with you for the past hour, and you’ve been giving it right back.
He glances up from where he’s lying, his usual smirk playing at his lips. "You know, I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me."
You raise an eyebrow without looking up from your book. "Avoiding you? I see you literally every day, Ridoc."
"Yeah, but that doesn’t mean you're giving me the attention I deserve." His voice dips, that mock-serious tone he always uses when he’s messing with you, and it pulls a reluctant smile to your lips.
"You’re so needy," you mutter, flipping a page.
Ridoc laughs, deep and low, pushing himself up on his elbows. “Needy? Oh no, love. I think you are. I see the way you look at me.”
You finally glance at him over the top of your book, pretending to be unimpressed. “You’re delusional.”
He crawls toward you, a mischievous glint in his eyes, and the air between you shifts just slightly. You can tell he’s up to something, but you can’t help leaning into it, drawn in by that infuriating charm of his.
Ridoc’s voice softens as he gets closer, hovering just inches away. “You sure about that? ‘Cause I can see right through you. You’re practically begging for me to make a move.”
You roll your eyes but feel a flicker of heat in your chest at how close he is, the way his breath fans lightly against your skin. “Begging, huh? Someone’s got an ego.”
He grins, and before you can react, he leans in just a little more, his lips brushing against your ear. “Come on. Admit it,” he murmurs. “You’ve been thinking about this… about me… just like I’ve been thinking about you.”
Your heart skips a beat, and for a split second, you’re caught in the moment. But then you snap out of it, biting back a smile as you push him back lightly. “Dream on, Ridoc.”
His eyes widen, clearly surprised that you didn’t just brush him off like usual. “Wait—hold up. Did you just—did you actually consider that?”
You give him a small smirk, leaning back on your hands. “I don’t know, did I?”
Ridoc blinks at you, completely thrown off his game now. “Oh, this is dangerous territory, love.”
“Is it?” you ask, your voice dripping with challenge.
He looks at you, eyes narrowing, like he’s trying to figure out if you’re serious or just messing with him. “You’re playing with fire,” he warns, though the teasing edge is still there in his voice.
You lean in, just enough to make it clear you’re not backing down. “And what if I am? Think you can handle it?”
Ridoc swallows, his smirk faltering just a little, and you can practically see the wheels turning in his head. This is new, this shift between the two of you, and he doesn’t quite know how to navigate it.
Then, after a beat of silence, Ridoc’s expression softens into something more genuine, his usual cockiness fading for just a moment. “You don’t get it, do you?” he says quietly, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from your face. “If you keep teasing me like this… one day, I’m not gonna be able to stop myself.”
The way he says it makes your breath catch, and for a moment, you’re not sure if you’re still in control of the game you started. But you don’t let that show. Instead, you tilt your head, offering him a slow, knowing smile.
“Well then,” you whisper, leaning in close enough that your lips almost touch his, “maybe I’m counting on that.”
Ridoc’s breath hitches, and for a split second, it feels like the world’s about to tip over. You can feel the tension crackling between you, the charged silence, the weight of everything unsaid but understood in the way he looks at you like he’s seconds away from crossing that line.
But just as you’re about to close the distance, you pull back, sitting up straight and grabbing your book again as if nothing happened.
Ridoc stares at you, dumbfounded, his mouth hanging open. “Wait. What the hell just happened?”
You don’t even bother looking at him, your lips curling into a smirk. “What? Were you expecting something else?”
He throws his head back with a groan, running a hand through his hair. “You’re evil. Pure evil.”
“Am I?” You shrug innocently. “Maybe you’re just easy to mess with.”
Ridoc narrows his eyes, scooting closer again, but this time the playfulness is edged with something darker, more intent. “Oh, love, I’m gonna get you back for that. Just wait.”
“Promises, promises,” you tease, glancing at him out of the corner of your eye.
Ridoc chuckles, shaking his head. “You won’t be laughing for long. I’ll make sure of that.”
You bite your lip to hide the smile threatening to break through. He’s still Ridoc, still playful and lighthearted, but you can tell that you’ve pushed him just far enough. Now, it’s only a matter of time before he follows through on that unspoken challenge you’ve set up between you.
Summary: For once you and Aaric have time to sleep in
Masterlist
The early morning light filters softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. You’re nestled comfortably in bed, your head resting against Aaric’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. The world outside Aretia seems to stand still, offering a rare, perfect stillness.
Aaric stirs beside you, his arm pulling you closer. “Morning,” he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep as he presses a lazy kiss to the top of your head.
“Morning,” you reply quietly, not wanting to break the peaceful atmosphere. You smile against his skin, enjoying the simple warmth of being in his arms. There's no rush, no pressing duties—just the two of you, wrapped up in the comfort of each other.
Aaric lets out a contented sigh, his fingers lazily tracing patterns along your back. “We don’t have to get up, right?” he asks, voice playful but drowsy, as if he’s testing the limits of how long you can stay wrapped up in bed.
“Not unless you want to,” you tease, nuzzling closer.
“I think I’m fine right here,” he replies, pressing another kiss to your temple. His hand slides gently over your side, settling at your waist, and you feel his touch lingering a little longer, a little more intentional.
You glance up at him, catching the glint of amusement in his sleepy gaze. “What?” you ask, even though you already know.
He chuckles softly, leaning in so his lips are just a breath away from yours. “You know exactly what,” he murmurs before closing the distance, his lips brushing against yours in a slow, teasing kiss.
You respond in kind, your hands finding their way into his messy hair as you pull him closer. The kiss deepens, his fingers grip your waist a little tighter, pulling you on top of him, your bodies pressing together beneath the soft blankets.
Aaric’s lips leave yours, trailing down your jaw to your neck, sending shivers down your spine. “We really don’t have to leave today,” he whispers between kisses, his voice filled with that familiar playfulness, but there’s a heat beneath it now—a desire that matches your own.
“Good,” you manage to say, your breath catching as his hands slide beneath your shirt, his fingers brushing against your bare skin. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”
Summary: Late night study session between "friends"
Masterlist
It was late, and the soft glow of candles was the only light illuminating the small room. The sounds of turning pages and quiet murmurs filled the air as you and Aric sat together, surrounded by stacks of books and scattered notes. You were both researching, trying to dig up anything you could about the lore surrounding Violet’s unusual situation, desperate to find answers that no one else seemed to have.
You sat cross-legged on the bed, absentmindedly nibbling on your lower lip as you read through the same passage for the third time, trying to make sense of it. Aric, sitting on the floor beside the bed, had his back propped up against the mattress, his own book resting on his lap. You had been at this for hours, and the fatigue was starting to settle into your bones, but neither of you was ready to call it a night just yet.
“You find anything?” Aric asked, glancing up at you, his eyes tired but still sharp.
You shook your head, sighing in frustration. “Nothing useful. Just more vague references. It’s like they’re trying to keep this information hidden.”
He grunted in agreement, running a hand through his dark hair. “Figures. But we’ll find something eventually. We always do.”
The easy camaraderie between you and Aric had been built over years of friendship, trust, and the countless times you’d gotten each other out of tough situations. There was always an unspoken understanding between you, a quiet comfort that made it feel like you could tackle anything together.
You leaned back against the headboard, stretching out your sore limbs, and let your book fall to the side. “I need a break. My brain is fried.”
Aric chuckled, closing his own book with a thud. “Yeah, I could use one too.”
He stood up and stretched, rolling his shoulders to work out the tension from sitting on the floor for so long. As he did, you couldn’t help but notice how broad he’d become since the early days of your training. It was something that had been creeping up on you lately—the realization that Aric wasn’t just your reliable friend anymore. There was something more, something unspoken between you that you couldn’t quite put your finger on.
Aric turned to face you, catching the look on your face. His brows furrowed slightly. “What?”
You shook your head quickly, heat rising to your cheeks. “Nothing. Just tired.”
He stepped closer, his expression softening. “Yeah? You sure about that?”
The room suddenly felt smaller, the space between the two of you charged with an energy that hadn’t been there before. You swallowed hard, feeling the air grow thick as Aric took a seat beside you on the bed, closer than he usually would. His knee brushed against yours, and the simple contact sent a jolt of awareness through your body.
You glanced up at him, and there was something different in his eyes—something intense, like he was seeing you in a way he never had before. Your heart began to race, and suddenly, the idea of continuing the research seemed far less important than whatever was happening between you right now.
“Aric…” you started, your voice barely above a whisper.
He didn’t say anything, but his gaze dropped to your lips, and your breath caught in your throat. Before you could even process what was happening, he leaned in, his hand coming up to gently cup your face as his lips brushed against yours.
The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if he was giving you a chance to pull away. But you didn’t. Instead, you leaned into him, your hands finding their way to his chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt as you kissed him back. The warmth of his body, the feel of his lips on yours—it was everything you hadn’t realized you’d been wanting for so long.
The kiss deepened, growing more urgent as months, maybe even years, of unspoken feelings finally came to the surface. Aric’s hands moved to your waist, pulling you closer until you were practically sitting in his lap. You could feel the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath your palms, matching the wild rhythm of your own.
Your breath hitched as his lips trailed down your neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. “Aric…” you breathed, your voice trembling with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
He pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, his own dark and filled with a hunger you’d never seen in him before. “We don’t have to stop,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. “But if you want to, just say the word.”
You shook your head, your fingers tangling in his hair as you pulled him back down to you. “Don’t stop.”
That was all the encouragement he needed. In a blur of motion, you found yourself lying back against the bed, Aric hovering over you as his lips claimed yours again. His hands roamed your body, exploring, caressing, sending waves of electricity through you with every touch.
Your mind was spinning, your body alight with sensation as you lost yourself in him. Everything felt so right, so natural, like this was where you were meant to be all along. Aric kissed you like he’d been waiting forever for this moment, like he couldn’t get enough of you.
Your hands was running down his back, clawing at him, like he couldn´t be close enough.
But just as things were escalating, the door to your room swung open.
“Guys I think- Uh…” Ridoc blinked, clearly caught off guard, but a smirk quickly spread across his face. “Should I… come back later?”
You both froze, your breath caught in your throat as Ridoc stood in the doorway, his eyes going wide at the sight of you tangled up in Aric’s arms on the bed.
Aric groaned in frustration, his forehead dropping to your shoulder as he muttered under his breath. “Ridoc…”
Ridoc raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. “Hey, don’t let me interrupt. Just didn’t expect to walk in on this.”
You sat up on your elbows "You know people usually knock!" you tell him.
Aric sat up as well, his hand still resting on your hip as he glared at Ridoc. Then looking back to you he said, “This isn’t over,” his voice low and full of promise before turning back to you with a soft, lingering look that made your heart flutter.
"Sorry, I swear I didn't see anything" Ridoc chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. “I’ll make sure I knock next time.”
A/N: I´m really not the greatest at writing this stuff, but I try
Tags: @sweetsugarcoffee @lxnvmvrzx @lowytavis
Requests are OPEN, check bio
It’s a quiet night when Ridoc knocks on Iris’s door, the soft taps breaking the silence. Iris, who had been reading a book in bed, furrows her brows but gets up to open it, only wearing her sleeping shirt. As the door swings open, Ridoc stands there, leaning casually against the frame with his usual grin, but there's something different in his eyes—something softer.
“Hey, Blondie,” he says, voice hushed, though his smile still carries that teasing glint. “You busy?”
Iris raises a brow. “At midnight?”
Ridoc shrugs, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “I couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d come by, see if you were, you know... not busy.”
She rolls her eyes, closing the door behind him. “Right. Because you just had to see me right now.”
“Obviously.” He flashes her a smile, but there’s an edge of sincerity beneath his words. He crosses the room, standing close to her now, and his gaze flickers from her eyes to her lips. “I always need to see you.”
Iris feels her heart quicken, but she keeps her expression neutral. “Oh? Since when?”
Ridoc chuckles, running a hand through his hair. “Honestly? Since... well, pretty much since I met you. You're very distracting to be honest."
Iris takes a step toward him, her lips curling into a playful smile. “How am I distracting?” she asks, her voice light, teasing, as if she’s daring him to explain. She puts her hand around his neck and leans into him.
“Let’s just say... you have this way of completely derailing my thoughts.”
Iris tilts her head, her smile growing as she arches an eyebrow. “Oh? Is that so?”
“Yeah,” Ridoc breathes, his thumb tracing slow circles on her waist as he pulls her a bit closer, their bodies just barely brushing. “Every time you mess with me in class, or when you pretend you’re not paying attention while blowing my pencils off the desk… it’s like I can’t think straight.” His tone is playful, but there’s a tension in his voice now, something heavier lurking beneath the surface.
He leans in, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers. “It’s infuriating,” he whispers, his breath warm against her skin. “And... I kinda like it.”
The air between them is charged, and Ridoc’s usual lightheartedness is replaced with something rawer. He leans in, capturing her lips in a kiss that’s both gentle and desperate, like he’s been holding back for too long. Iris melts into him, her hands finding their way to his chest, and she pulls him closer, her body pressed against his.
The kiss deepens, and soon they’re stumbling toward the bed, their movements hurried but filled with a kind of urgency that neither of them can deny. When they finally collapse onto the mattress, Ridoc hovers over her, his lips leaving a trail of kisses down her neck.
“Iris,” he murmurs against her skin, his voice breathless, “You have no idea how many times I´ve dreamed about this.”
She laughs softly, her fingers tangling in his hair. “I think I might have some idea.”
Ridoc’s lips trail a path of fire down Iris’s neck, leaving her skin tingling with each kiss. His hands slide along her waist, tracing the curve of her hips, teasing at the waistband of her underwear. Iris’s breath catches as he hooks his fingers under the fabric, slowly pulling them down.
She watches him, her pulse quickening as he settles between her thighs, his gaze dark and full of intent. Ridoc pauses, flashing her a wicked grin. “You’ve been teasing me for months, Iris. I think it’s my turn.”
Before she can respond, his mouth is on her. His lips press against her inner thigh, sending a shiver up her spine, and then he’s kissing her deeply, his tongue swirling around her most sensitive spot. Iris gasps, her hands instinctively gripping the sheets as pleasure jolts through her body.
Ridoc takes his time, his mouth working in slow, deliberate motions, savoring every reaction from her. Iris’s hips lift off the bed, her back arching as she bites her lip, trying to stifle the moans threatening to spill out.
But Ridoc isn’t having it. He slides his hands around her thighs, holding her in place as his tongue moves with more intensity, sending wave after wave of pleasure through her. “Don’t hold back, Iris,” he murmurs against her skin.
She can’t help it—her moan breaks free, loud and full of need. Ridoc’s name slips from her lips as her fingers find his hair, tangling in the soft curls as she holds him close. He groans at the sound of his name, his pace quickening as he brings her closer and closer to the edge.
The pleasure builds steadily, a fire growing hotter and hotter until it feels like she’s going to explode. Iris’s breathing becomes ragged, her body trembling uncontrollably. “Ridoc, I—I’m close.”
With a final, movement of his tongue, he sends her over the edge. Her entire body tenses, her back arching as she cries out, pleasure washing over her in crashing waves. Ridoc stays with her through it all, his lips gentle but relentless as he draws out every last shudder of her climax.
When she finally comes down, breathless and flushed, Ridoc pulls back with a satisfied grin. “You taste even better than I imagined.”
Iris is still trying to catch her breath, her body humming from the aftershocks, when Ridoc moves up her body, pressing a kiss to her lips. She can taste herself on him, which only makes her want him more. She pulls him closer, her hands slipping beneath the waistband of his pants.
Ridoc groans into the kiss as she frees him, his arousal evident and ready. He pulls his pants off and positions himself between her legs, his cock pressing against her slick entrance. There’s a pause, his gaze locking with hers, filled with so much unspoken emotion.
“I’ve wanted this for so long,” he whispers, his voice raw and full of need.
Without another word, he pushes into her slowly, filling her completely. Iris gasps, her body arching into his as he moves inside her, the sensation overwhelming after the intensity of her orgasm. Ridoc groans, his forehead dropping to hers as he starts to thrust, his movements deep and controlled.
They find a rhythm quickly, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony. Ridoc’s usual humor is gone, replaced by a focus that makes Iris’s head spin. His hands on either side of her head, his thrusts becoming harder, faster, as their shared desire takes over.
“You feel incredible,” he murmurs, his voice strained as he loses himself in the sensation of her. “Gods, Iris…”
Iris can only respond with a breathless moan, her nails digging into his back as he drives into her, their bodies working toward the same goal. The pleasure builds again, faster this time, the intensity of his thrusts pushing her closer and closer to the edge.
Ridoc’s breath is ragged, his movements erratic as he nears his own climax. “Iris,” he groans, his voice full of desperation. “I’m so close.”
Her own orgasm crashes over her suddenly, her body clenching around him as she cries out his name. Ridoc follows her, his hips stuttering as he thrusts deep one last time, his release hitting him hard.
They collapse together, tangled in the sheets, their bodies slick with sweat and their hearts racing.
Ridoc pulls Iris close, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead as they lay there, still catching their breath.
“I can’t believe we waited this long,” Ridoc mutters with a chuckle, his usual playful tone returning.
Iris laughs, her chest still heaving as she snuggles into his warmth. “Me neither."
Summary: Iris faces a moment of truth with Ridoc, where emotions run high and their connection takes an unexpected turn. Will she finally let him in, or keep her walls up?
Part 5 || Part 7
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Tags: @sweetsugarcoffee @lxnvmvrzx @lowytavis
Requests are OPEN, check bio
“You kissed Ridoc?” Violet asks, leaning in slightly. “Like, for real? Not just flirting?”
Iris nods, her face burning. “It wasn’t just that. We had a fight—about Kellan, about Jason—about everything, really. And then we kissed, and it was... I don’t know. Intense.”
Rhiannon gives her a sympathetic look, tilting her head. “And now you don’t know what to do.”
Iris sighs, running a hand through her blond curls. “Yeah. It’s just... I pushed him away. After the kiss, I didn’t say anything. And now I’m afraid I’ve messed everything up.”
Violet studies her carefully, her sharp gaze catching the little tells in Iris’ expression. “You’re scared. But scared of what, exactly?”
Iris hesitates, not entirely sure how to explain it. She’s never been good at opening up, even to her closest friends. But there’s no point in lying—especially when Violet is involved. Iris knows she can sense more than she lets on. Not to mention that her own truth-sayer signet would make it impossible to hide anything if the conversation veered into uncomfortable territory.
“I’m scared of losing him,” Iris admits, her voice quieter now. “Not just as a... whatever this is, but as a friend. We’ve always been close, and I don’t want to ruin that.”
Rhiannon leans forward, resting her chin on her hand. “It sounds like it’s already more than friendship. You’re afraid of letting him in because it means you can get hurt. But Iris, you’ve got to ask yourself—is the risk of getting hurt worse than the regret of never letting him know how you really feel?”
Iris fidgets, her fingers playing with the edge of her sleeve. Rhiannon’s words hit hard, but it’s not like she doesn’t already know that. She’s just never been great at navigating this kind of emotional mess.
Violet chimes in, her tone calm and thoughtful. “And you know Ridoc. He jokes around a lot, but he’s not the kind of guy to walk away easily. He’ll be there for you if you let him. But you’ve got to make a choice, Iris. You can’t stay in this limbo forever.”
Iris looks between her two friends, feeling the weight of their words. They’re right. She’s been hiding behind her fear for too long, and she knows Ridoc deserves better than that. He deserves the truth, even if she’s terrified of what it might lead to.
But admitting her feelings means tearing down walls she’s carefully built. And what if Ridoc’s feelings aren’t as deep as hers? What if it’s all just a momentary fling for him?
Violet’s eyes narrow slightly as if she’s sensing Iris’ internal battle. “Don’t overthink it. Just talk to him. You’ll never know until you try.”
Iris takes a deep breath, nodding. She knows she has to confront this head-on. The truth, after all, has always been her strength—even when it’s the hardest thing to face.
“Okay,” she finally says. “I’ll talk to him.” But even as she says the words, the fear lingers in her chest.
---
Iris had been determined to talk to Ridoc. After her conversation with Violet and Rhiannon, she was sure of it—she’d tell him how she felt. But when she finally found him, her heart sank. He was standing with Jason, their conversation too close for her comfort. She froze at the edge of the courtyard, watching as they exchanged words. Her stomach twisted painfully, and every ounce of courage she had melted away.
Her mind raced with doubts. She cursed herself for thinking this could be different, that maybe Ridoc cared for her in the way she cared for him. It felt foolish now, watching them together. Unable to face him, she turned on her heel and walked away, her chest tight with frustration and disappointment.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, Iris found herself at the top of the tower where she and Ridoc had first met. The place where their playful banter had blossomed into something more, something she hadn’t been prepared for. The wind tugged at her curls as she leaned against the stone wall, staring out at the fading light, her heart heavy.
She cursed herself quietly. Stupid. Stupid for getting attached, for not saying anything yesterday, for letting her guard down. The fear she’d tried so hard to ignore had clawed its way back up, and now she felt like she was spiraling, unsure of where to go from here.
The sound of footsteps behind her made her tense. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. Ridoc’s familiar presence washed over her, his soft breath catching as he stopped just a few feet away.
“Iris,” Ridoc’s voice was quiet, hesitant.
She didn’t move, keeping her eyes fixed on the horizon. “What do you want, Ridoc?”
He took a step closer, and she could feel his gaze on her back. “I’ve been looking for you. We need to talk.”
Iris let out a bitter laugh, her heart racing but still too stubborn to look at him. “What is there to talk about? You were with Jason earlier. That pretty much said everything.”
There was a long pause, and she could hear the rustle of his clothes as he shifted uncomfortably. “It’s not what you think.”
“Isn’t it?” she snapped, finally turning to face him. Her eyes flashed with frustration, her voice sharp. “You’ve been stringing me along, Ridoc. One minute we’re kissing, and the next you’re back with him like nothing ever happened.”
Ridoc flinched at her words, but he didn’t back down. He stepped closer, his voice low and steady. “I wasn’t getting back with Jason. I was ending things with him. For good.”
Iris blinked, caught off guard by his admission. He was telling the truth. “What?”
Ridoc rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling slowly. “After what happened between us, I couldn’t keep dragging it out with him. It wasn’t fair to him, and it wasn’t fair to me.” He glanced away, his voice softening. “I needed to sort things out before I could come to you. Yes I was flirting with him but to be honest that was mostly just to distract me from not thinking about. About the way I thought I couldn't have you.”
Iris’s heart pounded, her anger slowly ebbing away as she processed his words. He had ended things with Jason. For her.
Her throat was tight with emotion “You just... walked away.” she said softly.
Ridoc’s expression softened, a flicker of regret crossing his face. “I didn’t know what to say. I kissed you, and then I panicked when you pushed me away and then you didn't say anything. I thought... maybe you didn’t want this. Maybe you didn’t want me.” He let out a humorless laugh.
Iris stared at him, her walls crumbling in the face of his honesty. She had been so wrapped up in her own fears that she hadn’t stopped to think that maybe Ridoc was just as vulnerable, just as terrified of losing what they had.
He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch her arm. “I care about you, Iris. More than I’ve cared about anyone in a long time. But I need to know... do you care about me?”
Her breath caught in her throat, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the fear that mirrored her own. And for the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to be vulnerable.
“I care about you, Ridoc,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “But I’m scared. I’m scared of what this means, of what happens if we mess this up. I don’t want to lose you.”
Ridoc’s eyes softened, and he closed the distance between them, gently cupping her face in his hands. “You won’t lose me, Iris. Not unless you push me away.”
And in that moment, standing on top of the tower with the sunset painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink, Iris finally let herself feel the hope she had been so afraid to embrace.
“Iris... I care about you. A lot. But I need to know—do you feel the same way? Or was last night just a mistake?”
Iris swallows hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She could push him away again, keep him at arm’s length like she’s done so many times before. Or she could take the risk, let him in, and hope that maybe, just maybe, it’ll be worth it.
She looks up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. “It wasn’t a mistake.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and for the first time, she let herself believe that maybe this wasn’t doomed to fail. Maybe, just maybe, they could figure this out together.
“I’m done pushing you away,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Ridoc smiled, the tension between them melting away as he leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. “Good,” he murmured. “Because I’m not going anywhere.”
At the end of their heartfelt exchange, the tension between Iris and Ridoc lightened. Ridoc smiled, his signature playful glint returning to his eyes as he leaned in just a bit closer, his forehead still pressed against hers.
"You know," he murmured, his voice soft but teasing, "I was starting to think you were avoiding me. Thought maybe I smelled or something."
Iris gave a quiet laugh, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, that must be it."
Ridoc chuckled, brushing his thumb along her cheek. "Good to know it wasn’t my overwhelming charm that scared you off."
Iris smirked, shaking her head. "Irresistible, huh? Someone’s got an ego."
He raised an eyebrow, flashing her a grin. "What can I say? It’s part of the package. Humor, looks, and the ability to get under your skin."
She nudged him lightly. "Don’t let it go to your head."
Ridoc’s expression softened, his hand slipping into hers. "Too late for that, blondie."
Iris tried not to smile, but her heart swelled at his familiar banter. Even after everything, he could still make her feel at ease.
"I’m not going anywhere," he added, his voice more serious. "Unless, of course, you throw me off this tower."
She shook her head, laughing softly. "Tempting."
Ridoc grinned, squeezing her hand. "But you like me too much for that."
With the sun casting a warm, golden glow around them and Ridoc’s familiar, playful smile lighting up his face, Iris found herself laughing again, a sound she hadn’t heard from herself in days. “Yeah,” she admitted softly, “I guess I do.”
It was a relief to see Ridoc return to his ridiculous self. The tension that had gripped her chest for so long began to ease, and for the first time in days, she felt like she could finally breathe—finally let herself relax.
The infirmary was quieter than usual, just the soft rustling of bandages and the occasional clink of glass jars filled with healing salves. You were crouched next to a wounded rider, your hands glowing faintly with the familiar, soothing warmth of your mending signet. As you worked, the rider’s shallow breathing evened out, and you breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
Just as you were about to stand, a voice from the door startled you. “Impressive,” Bodhi said, leaning casually against the frame, his lips curling into a lopsided grin.
Your heart did an unexpected flip at the sight of him, and your cheeks flushed despite yourself. “Oh, hey,” you said, trying to sound casual as you quickly wiped your hands on your tunic. “What are you doing here?”
“Just checking in,” Bodhi shrugged, stepping closer. His eyes flicked to the rider you’d just healed. “Seems like you’ve been busy.”
You smiled, though you felt the familiar heat rising to your face. “You know, just... doing what I can.” You got up and walked to him
Bodhis gaze softening as you met his eyes. “You’ve got a gift, you know. I could only ever dream to make the difference you're gonna make. You make it look so easy too.”
The compliment caught you off guard, and you felt your usual outgoing nature falter for a moment. “I... it’s not always easy,” you admitted, your voice quieter than usual. “But I do my best. And when it comes to you Bodhi, don't sell yourself short. You got your signet for a reason, you might just know why yet,”
He gave you a small, understanding nod, and for a moment, there was silence between you, just the two of you surrounded by the quiet hum of the infirmary. Bodhi’s usual laid-back demeanor seemed softer, less guarded, and it was hard not to notice the way his gaze lingered on you.
“You know,” he started, his voice dropping a little, “I’ve been meaning to tell you... I think you’re amazing. Not just your signet, but... you. Everything about you.”
Your heart skipped at his words, and for a second, you weren’t sure how to respond. Your mind raced, trying to find something—anything—to say that wouldn’t make you sound like a complete mess. “Bodhi, I... I didn’t realize—”
He smiled, a soft, almost shy smile that made your stomach flip. “I’ve been feeling this way for a while,” he admitted, his voice quieter now, more vulnerable. “I just didn’t know how to say it.”
Your breath caught in your throat as the weight of his words hit you. The moments you’d shared—training together, laughing at stupid jokes, helping each other through rough patches—they all flashed through your mind. It wasn’t just friendship anymore, and now, standing here in the soft glow of the infirmary lamps, it felt like everything had shifted.
You swallowed hard, trying to gather your thoughts. “I... I care about you too, Bodhi,” you whispered, your voice barely audible. “I just... I didn’t think you felt the same.”
Bodhi’s smile widened, and for the first time, the space between you felt charged, like the air was thick with something unspoken. “Well,” he said, his hand brushing lightly against yours, “I guess we’ve both been a little slow on that front.”
You laughed softly, your nervousness fading as the warmth of his touch grounded you. Maybe you’d both been a little slow, but now, in the quiet of the infirmary, it felt like you were finally on the same page.
And you couldn’t help but smile, knowing that this—whatever it was—was only just beginning.
You laughed softly, the air between you feeling lighter, but as Bodhi’s hand brushed against yours, your heart started to race. He leaned in, closing the space between you.
His lips met yours in a soft, gentle kiss that made your stomach flutter. It was brief but enough to make you freeze, caught between surprise and the undeniable warmth that spread through your chest.
When he pulled back and presses a soft kiss to your forhead, his thumb tracing your knuckles lightly. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while,” he admitted, voice low.
Summary: After almost losing each other at Resson, Garrick comes to your room. He's done not acting on his feelings for you.
A/N: I´m a sucker for Garrick
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Requests are OPEN, check bio
It had been one hell of a day. The battle you’d barely survived was still fresh in your mind, every near miss and flash of steel playing over and over in your head. The adrenaline had faded, but the weight of everything that could’ve gone wrong clung to you. You were sitting on the edge of your bed, running your fingers through your messy hair, trying to calm your racing thoughts. But no matter how hard you tried, the fear, the relief, the emotions of almost dying wouldn’t let go.
A soft knock interrupted your thoughts. You glanced at the door, frowning. Who would be coming by this late? Slowly, you stood and opened it, and there stood Garrick, his face a mask of seriousness you weren’t used to seeing. His usually cocky demeanor was gone, replaced by something raw, something real.
“Garrick?” you asked, confused, but your heart skipped a beat at the intensity in his eyes.
He stepped inside without asking, closing the door softly behind him. “I almost lost you today,” he said, his voice hoarse, like he’d been holding it in for too long. He didn’t wait for you to speak. He moved closer, his presence overwhelming, pulling all the air from the room. “I don’t want to waste any more time.”
Your breath caught in your throat as his words sank in. “Garrick…”
“When I saw you were running from the venin all I could think about was... I can’t—I won’t—die without being with you.”
You felt the flood of emotions hit you all at once—relief, fear, the exhaustion from the day—but above it all was the heat in Garrick’s eyes, and the way he was looking at you like you were the only thing keeping him grounded. You wanted to push him away, to fight the vulnerability you always kept hidden, but your resolve crumbled under the weight of the day and the raw need in his voice.
His hand came up to your cheek, brushing away a stray hair. His touch was warm, steady, and it made something inside you break. “I want you,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I’ve wanted you for so long, but almost losing you today... I can’t wait anymore.”
Your heart pounded in your chest, and before you could even respond, his lips crashed into yours. The kiss was desperate, intense, filled with everything the two of you had been holding back for too long. Your hands found his chest, pulling him closer, your body responding to the heat and urgency between you. You could feel the pounding of his heart, matching the wild rhythm of your own.
He kissed you like it was the only thing that mattered, like it was the last chance either of you had. His hands slid around your waist, pulling you against him as the kiss deepened, the tension that had built between you for so long finally breaking.
You didn’t resist as he lifted you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist as he walked you back toward the bed, his lips never leaving yours. Your back hit the mattress, and Garrick hovered over you, his eyes locking onto yours, searching for any sign of hesitation.
But there wasn’t any. Not tonight.
“I need you,” he murmured, his forehead resting against yours, his breath warm on your skin. “I need this.”
You reached up, your hand cupping his cheek. “Then take it,” you whispered back, your voice steady, even though your heart was racing. “I’m yours.”
That was all the permission he needed. His lips found yours again as his hands slid beneath your shirt, the warmth of his touch sending shivers across your skin. You tugged at his clothes, eager to feel him, to be as close to him as possible, and within moments, the rest of the world faded away.
It was all Garrick—his warmth, his touch, the way he moved against you like you were the only thing that mattered. The night was filled with whispered names, heated kisses, and hands exploring places that had only been imagined until now.
Summary: As emotions run high and the tension between them grows, Iris has to decide if she’s ready to risk their friendship for something deeper—or continue keeping her heart locked away.
Part 4 || Part 6
Masterlist
Tags: @sweetsugarcoffee @lxnvmvrzx
Requests are OPEN, check bio
The next morning, Iris woke up feeling the familiar ache of tension in her chest. She had tossed and turned most of the night, thinking about Ridoc—The unspoken tension between them had grown heavier, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it.
She made her way to the training grounds, where the Riders were preparing for the day's drills. The moment she spotted Ridoc, her stomach twisted. He was sparring with Aaric, his movements sharp and more aggressive than usual. It was clear that something was bothering him.
When their eyes met, there was no playful smirk this time. Ridoc’s gaze was cold, distant, and he didn’t bother to greet her. Iris frowned, feeling the weight of that look more than she expected. She approached the edge of the training circle, watching him carefully.
After Aaric and Ridoc finished their spar, Aaric gave Iris a quick nod before heading off, sensing the tension between the two of them. Ridoc barely acknowledged her presence as he grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his brow, clearly still fuming.
"Morning," Iris said, trying to keep her voice casual, though her heart was pounding.
Ridoc didn’t answer at first. He just kept his eyes forward, tossing the towel aside. When he finally spoke, his tone was clipped. “Morning.”
Iris crossed her arms, tilting her head at him. “You going to tell me what’s up, or are we just going to keep doing this?”
Ridoc shot her a look, his jaw clenched. “Doing what, Iris?”
She rolled her eyes, already sensing where this was going. “You know what.”
Ridoc scoffed, shaking his head. "Well I’m not the one hanging all over Kellan like he’s the last rider in Basgiath.”
Iris blinked, her frustration flaring. “Oh, so this is about Kellan now?”
“You think I didn’t see you?” Ridoc continued, his voice low but sharp. “The way you were laughing at his jokes, touching his arm. You know exactly what you were doing.”
Iris’s eyes narrowed, anger rising in her chest. “Oh, please. Like you didn’t know what you were doing with Jason. Sitting there with him practically in your lap, whispering in his ear. Don’t act like you’re some innocent victim here, Ridoc.”
Ridoc’s expression hardened, and for a moment, they just stood there, glaring at each other. The usual banter, the light teasing—they were both gone, replaced by something heavier, something real.
“You think this is a game, don’t you?” Ridoc’s voice was bitter, the frustration he’d been holding back finally breaking through. “Flirting with Kellan, just to get a rise out of me? It’s always a game with you.”
Iris’s heart sank at the accusation. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. She wasn’t sure how to explain it, how to tell him that it wasn’t just a game to her anymore—that it hadn’t been for a while.
“If I flirted with Kellan,” she said slowly, her voice trembling with restrained anger, “it’s because you made me feel like I had to. You were so damn cozy with Jason, I didn’t know what to think. What was I supposed to do? Just sit there and watch while you flirt with everything on two legs in every room you walk into?”
Ridoc’s eyes flashed with something—hurt, maybe, or regret—but he quickly masked it with anger. “I wasn’t—” He stopped himself, taking a breath before running a hand through his hair. "This is about you and me, and how we keep playing these stupid games, pretending like nothing matters.”
Iris’s breath caught in her throat. He’d never said it so plainly before, never acknowledged the way they danced around their feelings, always testing the boundaries without crossing them.
Ridoc stepped closer, his voice lower now, more vulnerable. “Iris, if you don’t care, just say so. If this is all just a game to you, then fine. But I can’t keep doing this. Not when…” He trailed off, the words hanging in the air between them.
Iris swallowed hard, her heart racing. She wasn’t sure what to say. Part of her wanted to lash out, to push him away like she always did when things got too real. But another part of her—the part she’d been trying to ignore—wanted to tell him the truth. That she did care. That maybe this wasn’t just a game anymore. But her words stopped in her throat.
"Forget it" Ridoc muttered, stepping back. His usual lightheartedness was gone, replaced by something more guarded. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "I should never had kissed you"
The words felt like a smack in the face. He didn´t mean it, not really but the words still stung. Her vision blurred for a moment as her eyes filled with tears she refused to let fall. Iris felt her chest tighten, watching him start to turn away. Her instinct screamed at her to say something, to stop him. But the fear clawed at her. What if this went wrong? What if she let him in, and he left? She’d lose not just whatever this was—but her friend. And losing Ridoc would hurt more than she cared to admit.
So she stayed quiet.
"I think we should just go back to being friends." His eyes flicked back to her for a moment, as if waiting for her to say something. But when she didn’t, he let out a quiet sigh before walking away.
Iris stood there, frozen, her heart heavy with the weight of everything unsaid. Had they even ever been just friends? The moment was slipping through her fingers, and all she could do was watch it go. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to run after him, but fear kept her rooted in place.
It was easier to push people away than to risk losing them. But as Ridoc disappeared from sight, she couldn’t help but wonder if this time, it had cost her more than she realized.
@shadmist Hope you've read onyx storm, I ship you with Dawn Aetos!
The clinking of metal rang through the dimly lit training hall, each strike from your sword feeling more like muscle memory than focus. You drilled the same movement again and again, determined to perfect it. But it still didn’t feel right.
“You’re turning too soon after the strike,” Dain’s familiar voice broke through your concentration, steady but not critical.
You paused, letting out a frustrated breath, and turned to see him stepping closer. His gaze was focused on your stance, his brow slightly furrowed, but his presence wasn’t overbearing. He was always methodical, always patient, and in moments like this, it was a relief.
“I think I’ve got it,” you muttered, though the doubt crept into your voice.
“You’re close,” he said, offering a small smile. “Here, grip the hilt a little higher. When you strike, follow through, don’t rush the recovery.”
His hands moved gently over yours, adjusting your grip. You swallowed hard, your heart beating faster as you tried to focus on what he was saying. His touch was firm but careful, and as he stood beside you, guiding your movements, you felt the difference immediately.
“Better,” Dain said quietly, stepping back to let you practice again. “Now try again.”
You nodded, taking a deep breath as you reset your stance. With his corrections in mind, you struck again. This time, it flowed—the strike, the follow-through—clean and precise.
“That’s it,” Dain said, a note of approval in his voice. “Much better.”
You exhaled, some of the frustration melting away as you glanced over at him. There was a small, satisfied smile on his face, and for the first time in hours, you felt the tension in your chest loosen.
“Thanks,” you murmured, still catching your breath.
Dain nodded, his expression softening. “You’ve always had the skill. Sometimes it’s just about slowing down.”
You laughed lightly, the tension between you easing, but there was something unspoken in the air. He had always been there, helping you improve, supporting you, but this felt different—like you were both on the edge of something more.
As you lowered your sword, wiping the sweat from your brow, you caught Dain watching you, his gaze steady but unreadable. He had that way of looking at you—not just seeing your technique, but really seeing you. You’d grown used to that over the countless hours spent training side by side, but today, something about his stare felt heavier, charged with something unsaid.
“You’ve improved so much,” Dain finally said, his tone softer than usual. There was pride in his voice, but also something more, something that made your heart stutter.
You gave a small, tired laugh, wiping your hands on your tunic. “Thanks, but I’ve had help,” you replied, your eyes meeting his. “From someone who’s annoyingly patient.”
He smiled at that, a rare smile that lit up his usually serious face. “Maybe I just wanted an excuse to spend time with you.”
The words hung in the air between you, surprising you with their directness. You blinked, taken off guard, unsure if you had heard him correctly. Dain was careful with his words—always calculating, always in control—so for him to say that, here, in the middle of the training hall...
“You—” you started, but he cut you off gently.
“I’ve been thinking about this for a while,” he admitted, his voice quiet, almost hesitant. “About you. About us.”
The weight of his words hit you, but instead of overwhelming you, it felt right. All those moments you’d shared—the training, the banter, the way he seemed to always be there when you needed him—suddenly made sense. You realized now that it hadn’t just been about training or duty. It had been more, all along.
Your chest tightened, the rush of emotion catching you off guard. “I didn’t realize you felt that way,” you murmured, your voice soft but steady. “But... I think I’ve known for a while. I just didn’t let myself believe it.”
He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to graze your arm lightly, his touch warm, grounding. You felt a smile tug at your lips as you met his gaze. For the first time, the space between you felt like it had always been meant to close, as if every shared look and unspoken word had been building to this moment.
Dain’s hand lingered on your arm, sending a shiver through you. His gaze was intense, but soft, and you could feel the weight of everything left unspoken between you.
"Maybe we were both too stubborn to say it," he murmured, his voice low, meant just for you.
You smiled, heart racing. “Maybe.”
The silence hung for a moment, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was filled with something deeper—something both of you had been avoiding for too long.
Dain stepped closer, his hand gently cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing your skin. His eyes searched yours, and then, without hesitation, he leaned in. His lips met yours in a kiss that was soft but full of everything you hadn’t said. It was steady, deliberate, and felt like the moment you’d both been waiting for.
When you pulled back, your forehead rested against his, and you couldn’t help but whisper, “I guess there’s no turning back now.”
Dain smiled, his voice warm. "No," he said softly, "but I don’t think either of us wants to."
And in that quiet, shared breath, you knew whatever came next, you’d face it together.
Summary: Tensions run high as Iris and Ridoc find themselves caught in a storm of emotions. After weeks of unspoken feelings and jealous glances, a heated argument brings everything to the surface.
Masterlist
A/N: Hope you like it xoxo
Part 3 || Part 5
Tags: @sweetsugarcoffee
Requests are OPEN, check bio
When the group went to the bar that night, the atmosphere was light and familiar—like countless evenings before, filled with laughter, drinks, and banter among the riders. They had a table in the corner, slightly removed from the loudest part of the crowd, but still surrounded by the hum of conversation and clinking mugs.
Iris sat with Rhiannon and Violet, casually sipping her drink as Ridoc sat across the table, surrounded by Sawyer, Aaric, and a few others. As usual, Ridoc was his charming, easygoing self, laughing loudly at something Sawyer said, but Iris could feel his gaze flick toward her more often than usual.
Rhiannon nudged Iris with a smirk. “He’s been glancing your way all night. Care to explain?”
Iris rolled her eyes, trying to hide the warmth creeping up her neck. “Nothing to explain. We’re just... friends.”
“Uh-huh, sure,” Violet chimed in, clearly not buying it. She leaned in, her tone teasing. “Is that what all that tension was about earlier? Because it feels like more than just friends.”
Iris didn’t respond, instead taking another sip of her drink and avoiding their knowing looks. She could feel the tension between herself and Ridoc building all evening, just like it always did when they were near each other. But Iris was not gonna be someone's second choice, someone he goes to when the thing with the guy from third year ends or Ridoc gets bored. She´s not gonna be the one pining for a guy that might not even be interested her beyond a good fuck.
The third year, Jason was his name, came up to our table and sat down next to Ridoc. Iris could feel her chest tighten at the sight. Enough was enough, she needed a distraction. She spotted Kellan at the bar, he´d try to flirt with her before but she had shut it down. He wasn´t really her type but he'd do.
She stood up and told Vi and Ri she was gonna get another drink. She was gonna get another drink, just hopefully it be Kellen buying. As she came up to him, she brushed her hand over his arm and she already knew she had him. He lost all interested inn his buddies and turned all his attention on her.
At their table Ridoc was now fuming. Iris laughed at something Kellen said, though she barely registered his words—her attention was divided, fully aware of Ridoc watching her from across the table.
She met his eyes and for a moment they just looked at each other then he looked back to Jason next to him. but. She'd been so stupid to think he was actually interested inn her. The third year leaned in close to him, laughing at something he said, his hand resting lightly on his arm.
She caught Ridoc’s eye across the table, and there it was: his signature smirk. He raised his glass in a silent challenge, as if to say, jealous?
Kellan leaned in closer, his hand brushing her arm as he asked her something, but she didn’t quite catch what it was. She was too focused on Ridoc—how his eyes kept flicking toward her, how he seemed to be deliberately ignoring her, as if that wasn’t exactly what she was doing too.
“Hey, are you listening?” Kellan’s voice snapped her back to the moment.
“Something on your mind?” Kellan asked, a playful smirk on his lips, he put his han around her waist pulling her in a bit closer, obviously trying to keep her attention.
Iris opened her mouth to reply, but just then, she saw Ridoc push his chair back and stand up. Jason reached for him, asking something, but Ridoc waved him off, his eyes locking on Iris again. That smirk was gone, replaced by something darker, something more intense.
She turned back to Kellan, knowing full well what she was doing. “Actually, I think I’m going to step outside for some air. Too much noise in here.”
Kellan blinked, surprised. “Uh, want some company?”
Before Iris could answer, Ridoc was suddenly beside her. “She’s good,” he said, his voice smooth but with an edge, not even bothering to look at Kellan. He was focused entirely on Iris, and she could feel the tension radiating off him in waves.
Kellan frowned, looking between them. “Everything okay?”
“Iris and I need to talk,” Ridoc said firmly, giving Kellan a look that brooked no argument.
Iris shot Kellan an apologetic look before following Ridoc as he led her out of the bar. The cool night air hit her as they stepped outside, the sky overcast, heavy with the promise of rain. They were just outside the bar’s entrance, far enough from the noise but close enough that she could still hear the muffled laughter and clinking glasses from inside.
She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling defensive, and turned to face Ridoc. “What the hell, Ridoc? I was in the middle of a conversation.”
“A conversation?” he repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “With Kellan?”
“What does it matter to you?” she shot back, her frustration bubbling up. “You seemed pretty busy with Jason.”
Ridoc let out a sharp laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Oh, so this is what this is about? You’re jealous?”
“Jealous?!” Iris’ voice rose. “Of course not! Why would I be jealous of you and him?”
“I don’t know, you tell me,” Ridoc retorted, stepping closer to her. “You were practically throwing yourself at Kellan in there.”
“I was talking to him, Ridoc. You have no right to—”
“To what?” he cut her off, his voice rising with frustration. “To care? To be pissed off when I see you flirting with some guy?”
“Oh, so it’s okay when you’re flirting with Jason, but when I talk to someone, it’s a problem?” Iris shot back, her anger flaring. She could feel the tension between them crackling like the air before a storm, and she was done pretending it didn’t affect her.
“I wasn’t flirting with Jason,” Ridoc growled, his eyes flashing. He was telling the truth, she could feel it. But that didn´t make her any less angry. “And don’t act like you don’t know what this is about, Iris.” he continued.
“I don’t, Ridoc! I don’t understand you at all!” she snapped. “One minute, you’re distant, you’re pushing me away, and the next you’re acting like I’m the only person in the room. What do you want from me?!”
Ridoc stepped even closer, his face inches from hers, the intensity in his gaze making her heart race. “I don’t want to push you away,” he said, his voice low and rough. “But damn it, Iris, you drive me crazy.”
Before she could finish, the sky opened up and rain began to pour down, drenching them in seconds. But neither of them moved, too caught up in the storm of emotions raging between them.
“What the hell do you want, Ridoc?” Iris snapped, trying to mask the vulnerability she felt creeping up her spine. She wasn’t going to stand there and let him pretend like nothing had been happening between them, like it wasn’t affecting her.
Ridoc walked closer, shaking his head in frustration, his voice firm but not angry. “We should go inside, you’ll get sick.”
“That’s what you’re worried about?” Iris let out a short, bitter laugh, her heart pounding in her chest. “You think I care about the rain right now? Really?”
He stepped even closer, close enough now that she could see the tension in his jaw, the way his chest rose and fell as though he was holding back something. His voice was low, the words almost lost in the sound of the rain. “No but I care about you, so stop yelling at me and get back inside" Iris didn´t move.
She shook her head, her voice trembling despite her best efforts to keep it steady. “You have a funny way of showing it. One minute you’re all smiles and smirks, the next you’re off with Jason or flirting with whoever catches your eye. What am I supposed to think, Ridoc? That I’m just some... temporary amusement for you?”
Ridoc’s eyes darkened, his hands clenching at his sides. “That’s not what this is.”
“Then what is it?” Iris shot back, the rawness in her voice making her throat tighten. “Because I’m not going to keep pretending that it doesn’t hurt every time I see you with someone else.”
She turned to walk away, her heart aching in a way she hadn’t expected, but before she could take more than a step, Ridoc reached out, grabbing her arm—not forcefully, but enough to stop her.
“Iris, wait,” he said, his voice rough now, desperate. “It’s not like that.”
She stopped, looking back at him, rainwater dripping from her chin. “Then what is it like? Because I don’t understand you, Ridoc. One minute you’re all over me, the next, you’re acting like nothing matters. I’m not playing this game with you.”
"I´m not playing games with you!" he yells back stepping closer.
"Fuck this" Iris yells back then turns to walk back to Basgiath when Ridoc grabs her hand and pulls her back, making her turn to face him. "What-" She starts but is silenced by Ridoc pulling her close and kissing her. For a brief moment, she let herself get lost in it—the feeling of his lips on hers, the way he pulled her close. But then the frustration, the confusion, the hurt bubbled back up, and she pushed him away, her breath shaky.
Their eyes meet and they just stay quiet.
Before Iris can speak Ridoc breaks the silence “See you tomorrow, Draven.” Then walks back towards Basgiath leaving Iris alone in the rain. As Ridoc walks away, his heart races, the taste of her still on his lips. He wanted to say more, to explain everything, but the words got caught in his throat. Damn it, Draven. He wasn’t sure what scared him more—how much he wanted her or how much he had to lose.
Iris stood there, frozen in place, watching him walk away. The rain soaking through her clothes, but all she could feel was the heat of his lips on hers. Her mind raced, torn between the anger still simmering in her chest and the undeniable pull she felt toward him. She wanted to hate him for how easily he messed with her heart, but the truth was, she wasn’t sure if she could.
Summary: Ridoc is falling, and falling hard. And when will Sawyer start to read the room?
Masterlist
A/N: I´m so excited for you guys to see the next part xoxo And might change fancast but I do love him, just not a lot of gifs to work with off him. This is more like a filler off them and their relationship to give you a good feel of them.
Part 2 || Part 4
I also make ship imagines, check bio.
Tags: @sweetsugarcoffee
Requests are OPEN, check bio
The classroom at Basgiath was always filled with the sounds of scribbling quills and murmured discussions, but Ridoc had gotten used to another sound — the gentle whoosh of a warm breeze brushing past his ear. He grinned to himself, not even looking up from his notes. He knew exactly where it came from.
Iris was sitting a few rows back, pretending to be fully absorbed in her studies, but Ridoc knew better. Whenever the lectures dragged on too long, Iris couldn’t resist using her magic to stir things up. A warm breeze, subtle but noticeable, always floated past him, sending a shiver down his neck and making him turn his head. It was her way of saying, I'm here.
Today was no different. As soon as Ridoc began to relax into the dull drone of their professor’s voice, he felt it — that familiar breeze, like a caress on the back of his neck. He turned around, eyes narrowed playfully, searching for Iris. She didn’t look up, her face calm and composed as if she was focused entirely on the lesson. But Ridoc saw the tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
He shook his head, amused. As he switch his focus back on the professor his quill fell to the floor. He blinked in surprise and leaned down to retrieve it. Violet beside him gave him a look, like get it together before Rhiannon yells at us kind of look. Just as he picked it up, another soft breeze swept by. He smiled, of course, he should have known. Iris.
Ridoc bit his lip to keep from laughing. He turned, catching her eye this time. She was barely suppressing a grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Her fingers twitched slightly under the desk — a clear giveaway that she was the one summoning the wind to mess with him. She practically glowed when she smiled like that. Damn he loved that smile.
"Really?" Ridoc mouthed, raising an eyebrow. But Iris just tilted her head innocently, feigning ignorance.
"Alright, you win," he mouthed back, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
But as soon as he bent down to pick up the pencils again, a stronger gust blew his quill right off his desk once more. Ridoc let out a low groan, but he couldn't stop laughing.
"Ridoc, shut it!" Rhiannon snapped from the other side of Violet. He did but the smile remained.
---
Later that day in Ridoc room
“Alright, spill,” Violet said casually, her legs stretched out in front of her. “What’s going on with you?”
Ridoc raised an eyebrow, playing dumb. “Just being my normal charming sexy self, what going on with you?” He said looking up from the book he was reading.
Violet closed the book she was holding and gave him a look, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t give me that. You’ve been acting different lately — ever since you started hanging around Iris.” She leaned forward slightly, her tone teasing. “You’ve got a little crush, don’t you?”
"A little jealous Violet?" he shot her a wink avoiding the question, but Violet wasn’t convinced. "I see the way you look at her."
Ridoc paused for a second before answering. “We’re just good friends. Sparring partners, study buddies, that’s all.” He said leaning back on the bed avoiding eye contact.
Violet wasn’t buying it. “Please. When the two of you are together you’re practically in your own little world.”
Ridoc hesitated for a moment, as if considering what to say. His usual bravado faltered slightly, and Violet caught the briefest glimpse of uncertainty in his eyes. “I don’t know,” he admitted after a long pause. “It’s different with her. She’s... different.”
Violet smirked, leaning back against the wall. “Yeah, different as in you like her.”
"Shut up, like you weren´t pining over our wingleader the whole of our first year" He laughed then shot her a half-hearted glare, but there was no real heat behind it. “It’s not that simple,” he muttered, his voice quieter now. “We just... get each other. I don’t know. It’s easy with her.”
Violet nodded thoughtfully she could tell this wasn’t just some casual flirtation for Ridoc. “She challenges you,” Violet said, her tone softening. “I get it. You like that.”
Ridoc didn’t respond, but the look in his eyes told Violet everything she needed to know. He was in deep, whether he wanted to admit it or not.
“Just don’t mess it up,” Violet added with a grin, nudging his shoulder. “I like Iris, I don´t wanna have to stop haning out with you if you fuck it up, cause I will choose her” She says jokingly elbowing him gently.
“Ey, why do you assume I´m gonna be the one most likely to fuck up” He says happy that their serious moment had passed.
Violet didn’t push any further. She knew Ridoc would figure it out in his own time. But she couldn’t help but feel a little amused by it all. It wasn’t often that Ridoc got caught off guard, especially by feelings, and seeing him wrestle with something as messy as love was oddly endearing.
---
It was one of those rare moments when everyone managed to gather around the same table in the dining hall, the sounds of clattering dishes and lively conversation filling the space. Iris, Ridoc, Rhiannon, Violet, Sawyer, Sloane, Imogen and Aaric were seated together, sharing stories from the day and exchanging playful banter.
But the atmosphere shifted when Sawyer, as blunt as ever, turned to Ridoc in the middle of a conversation and asked, "So Ridoc whatever happened with you and that guy from third year? I saw you two talking the other day."
Ridoc visibly stiffened, his usual laid-back demeanor faltering for just a second. His eyes flicked toward Iris before quickly looking away, his discomfort evident in the way he tensed. "Uh... nothing," Ridoc muttered, clearly caught off guard by the question. "Just... we were talking about training."
"Didn't look sound nothing. It-" Violet then stepped hard on Sawyers good leg. "Auch, wtf vi--" He stopped as soon as he met Violets death stare.
Iris tried to keep her face neutral, but her heart sank as she picked up on the unease in Ridoc’s voice, he was lying, something had happened between him and the third year. She didn’t want to sit here and listen to whatever it was Ridoc didn’t want to admit, especially with the strange weight between them still hanging in the air.
Iris couldn’t sit there any longer, feeling like the tension between them was becoming more visible to everyone at the table.
"I actually forgot I have some things to take care of," Iris said quickly, forcing a small smile as she stood up from the table. "I’ll catch up with you guys later."
The group glanced at her, some surprised by the sudden departure. As Iris left Rhiannon shot a pointed look at Sawyer and then, without warning, elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "Way to go, Sawyer," she hissed under her breath, shaking her head. "Read the room."
Sawyer blinked, clearly confused. "What? What did I say?"
"Seriously?" Violet whispered back, rolling her eyes. "You’ve got no tact sometimes, you know that?"
Ridoc remained silent, staring at his plate, his mind clearly elsewhere. As Iris walked out of the hall, he fought the urge to go after her, torn between his feelings and the growing weight of his own fears. He knew this wasn’t just about a stupid misunderstanding—it was about everything that had been simmering between them for so long. But admitting it out loud, especially in front of everyone? He wasn’t ready for that.
Rhiannon sighed, exchanging a glance with Violet. "Honestly, men are idiots," she muttered.
"Agreed," Violet said with a small smirk, though her eyes lingered on Ridoc, sensing that something much deeper was going on beneath the surface.
As Iris left the dining hall, her chest tightened with frustration and confusion. She didn’t know what was happening between her and Ridoc, but she knew one thing—she was not gonna be some second choice or wait around for Ridoc if he didn't feel the same way. She should have known. She almost laugh at her own stupidity. Ridoc flirts with everyone. But two can play that game.
Summary: After enjoying the company of one another on top of the tower, Ridoc can't wait to hang out with Iris again when he gets the chance. The usual quick witted, talkative man finds he dosen´t feel the need to always perform around her, he can just be him.
Masterlist
A/N: I just love a slow burn guys, I promise it´s gonna get better. Let me know if you want me to make the parts longer xoxo
Part 1 || Part 3
I also make ship imagines, check bio.
Tags: @sweetsugarcoffee
Requests are OPEN, check bio
The next time Iris and Ridoc crossed paths, it was in one of the long hallways of Basgiath. Ridoc spotted Iris first, catching up to her as she walked, a stack of books tucked under her arm. “You always this studious?” he teased lightly, falling into step beside her. The air felt different between them, like something had shifted since their meeting on the tower.
Iris glanced at him with a smirk. “I like to keep my priorities straight. Besides, someone has to study while you’re off charming everyone in sight.”
Ridoc laughed, shaking his head. “You wound me, Draven.”
They walked in companionable silence for a while, their footsteps echoing in the nearly empty hallway. Somehow, without either of them deciding on it, they started heading toward the library together.
As they entered the quiet space, the scent of old parchment and ink filled the air. They found a table in the corner, far from the other students, and without a word, they began to study.
After settling into the quiet of the library, Ridoc leaned back in his chair, glancing sideways at Iris as she immersed herself in her studies. He tapped his pencil lightly on the table, not to annoy her this time, but out of curiosity. There was something about the silence between them that made him want to know more, to break through the small walls she still kept up.
"You ever use your wind magic for more than just to mess with people?" Ridoc asked suddenly, his voice low so as not to disturb the quiet of the library.
Iris looked up from her book, a slight smile tugging at her lips. "Sometimes. It’s good practice."
"Fair" Ridoc chuckled before continuing. "But seriously, I’ve seen what you can do. You’re stronger than you let on."
For a moment, Iris considered his words, her light blue eyes studying him. There weren’t many people who noticed how much she held back. Most thought her playful breezes were the full extent of her abilities. “The wind's... tricky," she said finally. "It's more than just making breezes. It can be wild, unpredictable. Sometimes it’s hard to control it the way I want.”
Ridoc nodded, leaning forward with more interest now. “I know what you mean. Ice is... relentless. It doesn’t bend or shift like wind. It’s cold, unyielding. But that makes it hard to wield with precision, you know? Like, once I unleash it, there’s no pulling it back.”
Iris tilted her head, intrigued. "What the most recent use of your power that you've found?”
Ridoc grinned, “I can freeze moisture in the air, create ice walls, blasts... but it takes a lot out of me if I push too far. I’ve shattered a few things by accident.” He looked up, there was a hint of pride in his eyes, then worry. “But don’t tell anyone that.” he added.
Iris smirked, but there was understanding in her gaze. "Don´t worry, your secrets safe with me." She pause before continuing. “It’s not easy, is it? Everyone thinks we’re in complete control of our signets, but it’s a balancing act.”
Ridoc gave her a half-smile. “Exactly. People see us having fun with it and they think we’ve got it all figured out. But they don’t know how much effort goes into making it seem effortless.”
There was a pause as they both sat with that thought, the weight of their shared experiences settling between them.
“Is it ever scary for you?” Iris asked quietly, her voice softer now. “Like, when you’re training?”
Ridoc’s smile faded slightly, and he hesitated before answering. “Yeah. Sometimes it is. One wrong move and I could hurt someone. Or myself.”
Iris nodded slowly. “yeah.. "
The two of them exchanged a quiet look, a shared understanding that went deeper than their usual playful banter. Ridoc placed his hand over hers, squeezed it slightly and gave her a gentle smile. They might have different signets, different ways of controlling their power, but underneath it all, they were more alike than either had realized.
As the night grew later, their conversation drifted to other things—training, classes, and life at Basgiath. They learned more about each other in that one evening than they had in all the time before, and by the time they left the library, it felt like they had always known each other.
