#coren

[softlytired]

⚔️🐉 Ikesoren Week 2026 - Day 1: Canon Era I love when Pelleas gets bullied 😚

[sewitchy]

the GIRLIE

[tealfling]

Circuit of Devotion

🛎️🛎️ @kimberbohwrites 🛎️🛎️🍽️ Order Up!

A/n: I wrote this for Kimerbohwrites by request based on this headcanon of mine.

Rolan x Coren (my tiefling Storm Sorc F!Tav)

Wc: 3,600

 It's stupid in love fluff, so no warning I think. well except bad grammar

⚠️NOW ON A03⚠️

 

 Rubbing the back of his neck Dammon hummed, considering everything he could have at his disposal. Dammon mentally listed every artisan and guild trader he'd met in the Gate. His eyes roamed his shop interior and landed on a canvas covering an old bucket. He had never found a use for the material inside, but maybe…

     "I have this," he said, ripping back the canvas and disturbing the dust. Both tiefling men shooed the dust from their face. Rolan waved hishand, magically cleansed the air so as not to cough. He peered down into the pail. There was some arcane essence emitting from the dark, speckled ore before him.

"And this is?" Rolan asked, arching a brow, not entirely sure what he was looking at.

     "Currently? Junk. These pieces are too small to forge into any worthwhile weapon or armor." Dammon held up his hand as Rolan's face began to sneer at the word junk. "But, it is Adamantine and I think it could serve our purpose. She traded this to me and I just never had the heart to get rid of it."

     Rolan regarded the chunks of highly rare, highly enchantable ore. Of course she’d somehow managed to come across such rare material. He considered everything he knew of Adamantine, its history, and innate properties. His head nodded as the possibilities revealed themselves, it wouldn't be easy, and would require their highest skills, but they could do it.

     "This could work," Rolan said, more as encouragement to himself than anything else. The tieflings shared a grin. Dammon couldn't contain his excitement at the challenge before him and it manifested in a subtle wag of his tail. It was going to be perfect.

A Few Months Later

     Coren nuzzled her cheek into Rolan's arm with a delightful sigh. The sun was low. Offshore a dark storm threatened to overtake the sunset. The breeze carried a chill signifying the changing of the season. The cobblestone streets heading towards Sorcerous Sundries were emptying for the day as they strolled leisurely back home. Coren looked back up at Rolan with another contented sigh. Home. Something, someone, she'd never had before. She couldn't help but squeeze his arm. 

     "Thank you for today. That place was delicious." Soft adoration plastered her face while she spoke to the man she loved.

     "I'm glad you liked it." Rolan replied with an equally smitten smile. "Getting on the guest list was nearly impossible. I hear it's currently a three ten-day waitlist." A meager hint of smugness to his tone. He readjusted the garment bag in his arm so that he could bring his hand up to place on hers.

     Coren paused with a giggle, "Oh, love, did you pull the 'Master of Ramazith's Tower' card? For me?" Her voice was riddled with teasing affection and a fiendly smile.

     "I did no such thing." Rolan drawled. "I didn't need to,” he admitted. “When asked what names to put down, the moment your name left my lips, suddenly a spot at the very top of the list became available. Apparently," he continued raising a brow, "you saved the owner's niece from absconding with a vampire in the sewers, the chef's brother from a cultist, and it seems the kitchen fire elemental is very close with a mud mephit and earth elemental couple you once met at a circus." He stopped to spin the woman on his arm to face him. "Tell me, how is it you're not exhausted from being so phenomenal constantly?" He questioned bluffing exasperation. "Also, you must share your secrets for accomplishing so many miraculous feats in such little time." Gentler than his playful tone, he used the back of his hand to push one of her white streaks of her hair back behind her ear tip. She shivered, leaning into his touch, with a contented hug. Enjoying his warmth and the warmth that seemed to spread through her very being when he was near.

     The blue sorceress stepped onto the air, using it to raise up until she floated to meet his eye level. Coren slid her hands up Rolan's jaw with a hum, "I suppose at the time, my two main motivations were ridding my brain of the Illithid tadpole trying to consume it and," Her blue eyes flitted to his lips, "getting my favorite wizard to admit he wanted kiss me." She smiled, "It makes it easier to push through a difficult time with a reward oriented goal in mind." Her nose crinkled playfully.

     "Well," Rolan's breath ghosted her lips, "you always were an overachiever." He slid his arms around the small of her back, drawing her close. Locking his gentle, yellow starburst eyes with her icy ones he smirked "And greedy. You never seem to have enough, but it is a price I am most enthusiastic to pay-" he leaned his forehead to hers, "even if it didn't secure the safety of the Sword Coast."

     Their lips met. Smiles pressed warmly. A soft gentle kiss. Heart fluttering so. If he weren't holding her, she felt as if she could float away. Very reluctantly, Coren pulled back first. Her instinct ever to seek more passion, to press forward with an inherent need to physically show the love that bubbled within her. To reassure him of her steadfast feelings. Still, she withdrew while she had the remaining wherewithal to remember they were in a public street and Rolan was publicly shy about intimacy. Though she did enjoy the little chase his lips gave hers seeking more.

     As if to prove her point, the bell of a shop door opened then closed, and hasty boot steps grew closer. Coren lowered herself back to the ground and Rolan pulled back straightening his shoulders then drew his hands to smooth out his coat. Respectable in appearance once again. He looked so handsome with his longer hair pulled back. It would almost be a shame to dishevel him later.

     The approaching footsteps finally drew the lover's attention away from each other long enough for Coren to immediately recognize her favorite tangerine tiefling blacksmith rushing in their direction, donning a coat.

     "Dammon!" She waved. The three tieflings greeted each other. It was odd to see the blacksmith out at this hour. He was usually still wielding his hammer at his forge into the early evening. Instead his hands held a fine looking wooden box. "Did you close the forge early?" Coren asked, tilting her head inspecting the box.

     Turning to look over his shoulder, almost like Dammon was checking that he did indeed close the forge properly. Satisfied that it didn't slip his mind, he turned back to the mages before him. "Oh, yeah. I'm trying to catch Lakrissa at the Elfsong." He lifted the box at the other woman's name. It was a simple rectangular box, but expertly crafted to showcase the red wood's natural beauty.

     Coren's eyes went wide, "Is that for tomorrow?!" Her tail flitted around in excitement.

     "Sure is," Dammon smiled sheepishly. He leaned in as if he were about to whisper a delicate secret. "Would you like a peek?"

     She almost missed it. The way Dammon's blue hazel gold eyes flicked back over her shoulder up to Rolan. That was- odd. Something had just been shared between them that she was not privy to. She turned up to Rolan. His face gave nothing away. He just gently looked at her and nodded encouragingly toward Dammon's box. Coren nodded, the curiosity overwhelming her moment of suspicion.

     The lid creaked open. Two daintily crafted rings of golden rose metal and pink gems lay on a bed of velvet. A pair of larger, finely detailed companion horn bands, completed the set perfectly. Gazing at them felt like hearing a love song. Coren could almost hear Alfira's singing dancing around her heart. These were perfect, like the love they represented.

     "You made these, Dammon?" Coren gasped, hovering a hand over the rings as if to touch them, but worrying they were so delicate that she might break them.

     Dammon cringed, "Ouch. You don't have to act so surprised."

     "That's not what I meant and you know it." Coren pouted, narrowing her eyes. Behind her she could hear Rolan stifle a chuckle in his throat and batted his calf with her tail. He immediately caught her tail with his own and the two intertwined like a tether.

     Distantly thunder boomed and Dammon snapped the box shut. "I'd better get going. Lakrissa will kill me if this box gets ruined." He nervously slid the box inside his coat.

     Coren giggled, "We wouldn't want that."

     Rolan re-laced his arm through Coren's, "We'd better be going, too. Good day, Dammon."

     "See you at the wedding tomorrow. Tell Lakrissa I'll make sure this storm's past. She can expect gorgeous weather for two gorgeous brides!" Coren said, waving her friend off as he sprinted down the street.

     Sorcerous Sundries was still more than a block away. And with the sky darkening quickly, they knew they'd need to use the portals there as they'd never make it to the tower on foot. 

     Coren's smile, however, could not have been brighter as she returned home with Rolan. He looked down at Coren, a wealth of warmth spreading through his chest. "What's got you all smiles?"

    "I'm just so happy. For us. For everyone. Everything is perfect. Everyone is safe. We're together. Cal and Lia are doing great. You're the most admired wizard south of Waterdeep." Rolan scoffed at her playful jab, as she continued, "Dammon's smithing is doing well. Bex and Danis just had a baby, not to mention the success of their bakery. And Alfria and Lakrissa are finally getting married. When we all met our lives were kinda, well, shit shows. But look how far we've come," Coren was beaming, truly proud of them all. "Even Mattis and Mirkon are keeping out of trouble. I can't believe how good this feels. To have friends. To be with you." She glided up to place a kiss on Rolan's cheek. Thunder clapped over head.

    "Do you think we'll make it?" Rolan peered up assessing the sky.

    "No. I can feel it under my skin. It's too close." Coren tugged herself closer. "You're not afraid of a little rain now are you?"

    Rolan huffed playfully. "Of course not. I just don't want to get our nice clothes wet. Or ruin your dress for tomorrow." He said lifting the bag in his other hand.

    Coren produced a pout. "I'm not sure if I should take offense to that or not. You know I wouldn't let you get wet if you don't want to. I'll always be here to protect you, my love, especially from the Big Bad Evil Rain Storm."

    "As it should be, my dear," he smiled warmly, pressing his lips softly to her forehead between her horns. "But that's not the point and you know it." He held out his hand. "Let me Dimension Door us to the Tower."

    "Fine." She exaggerated a sigh, but tangled her fingers with his all the same. "But you know how much I like the rain. That first wave always makes me feel so powerful," she pouted over exaggerating her pillowy bottom lip.

    Rolan pulled her close, resting his forehead on her's and wrapping his other arm around her back. A mischievous grin pulled at his mouth as he whispered, "In that case, my dear, let me see what I can do." He lifted her up into a kiss, but this time she pulled herself closer deepening the kiss as they disappeared from the street in an arcane flash.

    Rain softly pelted the tower windows. Coren lightly skipped over the sopping wet clothes passionately thrown across the bedroom floor after being ripped from heated bodies. That was future Coren's problem. She slid into bed, handing Rolan a fresh glass of water, and seated herself beside him. Coren took a bite of leftover strawberry lemon cake she'd gathered as Rolan gulped down his drink.

     "So," she continued, dusting the crumbs off Rolan's shirt that hung loosely over her smaller frame. "What was that weird look between you and Dammon earlier?" she asked, chewing another bite of sour sweet cake.

    "What look?" Rolan asked, not hiding the small awkward cough of water as well as he thought.

    Swallowing her snack, Coren continued, "Dammon gave you a look when we met up earlier. Like you knew something I didn't. So, 'fess up."

   "As I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about, there is nothing to ‘fess up.’"

She studied him for a moment. He held her gaze with his sunny sunflower eyes, but Coren sensed he was holding something back.

   "No, there was definitely something weird between you two when Dammon wanted to show me the wedding rings." Rolan readjusted himself, placing his glass on his nightstand. “And since we’ve been together over a year, I think I know when you’re trying to hide something from me.”

  “Oh, do you now?”

   “Yes, so what has you all cagey about Alfira’s rings? Why would you and Dammon- '' A thought struck her at that moment. “Unless,” she started, more to herself than him. A flutter of excitement stirred in her stomach. “Unless there are other rings you two talk about. Are you going to ask Dammon to make rings?” Her tail curled behind her and she threw her weight forward on her arms invading his space. 

   Rolan’s neck tensed, he averted his gaze, and scoffed. “I don’t need to ask him to make anything. It’s already made.”

   Coren bounced back on her thighs, “You had rings made for us?! Let me see!” Her tail thumped behind her and her voice burst little too loud.

   “No. I had a ring made. Your ring. One. And I know the second you see it you’re going to put it on.” Coren shook her head in agreement. That’s exactly what she would do. Without a doubt. Rolan sighed, “I just haven’t found the right time to ask. I wanted the moment to be as perfect as you are.”

   Coren almost groaned, “If that’s what you’re waiting for, then I’ll never see it. Just a little peek. Please.” She purred, leaning forward, “You know I never beg. Pretty please.” Her tail swished behind her.

   Pinching the bridge of his nose Rolan relented. “Fine. No use keeping it from you now. But, just one look.” 

   Coren was vibrating with her giddiness. He knew now that she was aware of its existence, Coren would certainly spend every unsupervised moment tearing the tower apart in search of it. Might as well save himself the trouble of cleaning up the destruction in her wake. Rolan leaned over, opened the drawer of his bedside table and pulled out nothing. Clutching an empty hand he muttered a dispelling incantation. A beautiful purpleheart wooden box was revealed in his hand. 

   Coren gaped, “It was there the whole time!?”

   “Easily concealed from the wandering eyes of a sorceress by a simple Invisibility charm.” Rolan bragged as Coren pouted, protruding her plush bottom lip, and grumbling about wishing she’d taken Volo’s eye. She thumped her tail behind her. Rolan eased the box open, revealing a single stone dark metal band.

   Springing forward, Coren snatched the ring from its box and held it up to her face closely examining it. It was a simple ring, but Coren didn't mind. There was something familiar about the cold dark blue-grey metal that she couldn't quite place. The band itself was almost plain looking except for a few faint runes Coren could feel, but not really make out. She'd never seen anything like the dark center stone before, but she could sense it tugging at the magic within her. 

   Drawn in by the stone, Coren hadn't realized she had lined it up with her finger ready to slip it on until Rolan grabbed her hand.

   “Wait,” he paused, sliding the ring out her hand. "You must be sure before you put it on." 

    "Why? Is it cursed?” Coren smirked. “Did you make me a cursed ring I could never take off?" she quipped.

    Immediately Rolan rebutted, "Of course not. But you would be the one to wear a cursed item without a second thought."

    Coren leaned in to tease. "Did you curse it so that I would never leave you? Because you were already cursed with that the moment I survived the Absolute."

     "Is that so?" Rolan chuckled, a soft grin pulling up to one side. "No, it's not cursed, but it is heavily enchanted,” he stated. “Everything from the Adamantine metal to the gems, Astral Shard, and engravings were all meticulously selected for their specific arcane properties,” he explained, turning the ring over in his fingers as he did. “I wanted something that would not only look beautiful, but enhance the natural abilities of its talented wearer.” He looked at her with a cheeky smile before his brows knit together. “It will immediately attune to you once you put it on, so you must be sure.” With a wistful sigh he continued, “I only wish I could have come up with a worthy way to ask you to wear it.” 

    Coren arched her brow and smiled softly trying to lighten the mood, “Like, what, getting down one knee in front of the Baulderan fountain? That guy’s an asshole.”

    “Ha, it had been a thought.” Rolan admitted. “I wasn't sure if it would be better to ask in the traditional Baulderian manner, or if one of the many tiefling customs would have been more appropriate. I-"

    Coren slid her hand over Rolan's, "Darling, you're overthinking this. My answer would be the same regardless of the way it's done. Do what feels right for you. Don't hold yourself to the standards of others- we know they fall short of your greatness anyway.” She smirked trying to boost his ego a little before continuing, “Alfria proposed to Lakrissa in song because that's what bards do. Do what feels comfortable to you. I can't answer a question I'm never asked, but don’t doubt yourself. Because- I hope you know- there’s no doubt about my answer.” Coren's words were earnest before she looked down in his hand, “I am still going to put the ring on though."

    "Wait!" Rolan said, adjusting to his knees. "One moment." His eyes frantically darted around nothing as he worked through a thought in his head. Rolan lifted his hands drawing purple arcane sigils, whispering an incantation under his breath.

    The bedroom around them slowly disappeared into darkness. A deep, unnatural, pitch-filled darkness. It almost reminded Coren of the imposed darkness of the Shadows Curse, but there was no impression of evil. A sense of ease fell as Rolan's magic settled through the room like a warm blanket. The arcane nature of the spell almost made it difficult to see even as Coren strained her dark vision to make out the outline of the man in front of her. There was stillness for a moment while she felt the arcane energy in the room shift as another spell was cast in the darkness.

    "Coren," Rolan breathed gently, grazing his fingers along her own until he held her hand in his. The moment he spoke movement in her peripheral drew her attention away from the direction of his voice.

    Across the room deep in the darkness, a tiny mote of golden light flickered like a firefly.

    "My beautiful storm. My peaceful center." Another slightly bigger green light appeared. Then a blue, and a purple. A colorful assortment of lights began to spark into life around them as Rolan spoke. "Since the moment I met you, I have called you many things. There were a few I– admittedly–regret, but the rest, you, have brought me so much joy."

    The chromatic oscillation surrounding them was memorizing. Like standing in a field of dancing technicolor fireflies. Try as she might to focus on Rolan, Coren couldn't help but look around in wonder. The stars themselves didn't sparkle as bright. She recalled this enchanting feeling forming in her chest. The way her heart skipped a beat in her camp by the Grove while she watched Rolan perform for his siblings. A precursor to the magnificence engulfing her now. The longing for people that cared for her like this little family clearly cared for each other. It was breathtaking.

    With a gentle squeeze to her hand, Rolan brought her back to him, he held the dark metal band over her finger. "Would you please allow me the long overdue honor of calling you my wife?" He whispered, sliding the ring onto her finger.

    Bright, electric blue light crackled around the metal of the band, followed by a softer icey blue feathering. The interior of the center gem whirled like a galaxy and flickered like a storm. A warm sensation crept from Coren's finger up her arm, through her very veins, through the threads of Weave inside her. Small jagged crystals in shades of white & blue jetted up around the center shard. 

    The warm sensation spread through her chest like a deep, calm breath. It rippled through her body like a beating heart and the primordial elemental magic inside her beat with it. Tears silently slid down her cheek. Where once she felt the constant clawing to contain it, now she felt like it lay in the palm of her hand. Ready to wield. The magic enveloped her like a familiar embrace. It felt like power. It felt like love. Like Rolan.

    “Coren,” Rolan whispered, touching his horned forehead to her’s, “are you going to give me my answer?”

    If she wasn’t so damn enthralled by him right now, she knew there was a joke to make there. Stupid wizard and his enchanting displays of affection. She nodded her head and cupped his cheek in her hand.

    “Yes.”

[bronzeandsage]

∇ - TOMBSTONE - who they are versus who they appear to be.

For each or any of yours.

Sevlaz "Misplaced plans with a guilty conscience."

Fenrag "A wayward man searching for his place."

Cahall "Haunting souls seeking redemption for the uncontrollable."

Erik "The carefree nature burdened with crippling doubts."

Qinhou "Steadfast friend struggling to keep up."

Mary "Untethered and lost but curious of her new role."

"And you?"

"Me?" The steward blinked as he looked past the floating plate biscuits between the pair. Coren's eyes unfocused for a moment and returned curious at such a question. He'd never thought about it very much. "I would say 'hopeful for all, but doomed by his fate."

"Cryptic."

The older looking man shrugged as he stirred his tea with a small spoon. "Life within an hourglass."

@safrona-shadowsun

[ladyofcrowsandcoffee]

Storms and Sleepovers

I finally edited this piece full from when I was snowed in. So have a fluffy Au piece for teen Isa.

Coren belongs to @tealfling

Ma'na & the unnamed children belong to @faerunsbest

Rackal and the unnamed children are owned by @barbwillbrb

Isa wrapped her arms around Coren and laid her head on her shoulder. Coren played with Isa's hair. The auditorium was massive and cold despite the warm toned wood that filled the space. A half elf a few sets away whispered are they dating to their friend. Isa was never one to avoid being affectionate towards her friends even if it caused wild rumors. She shivered as the doors opened again.

“Did you forget your jacket again? You're colder than my ice spells,” Coren whispered.

“It's drying roof started leaking above my seat. Wynnie is bringing my back up,” Isa groaned.

“Storm is going to get worse. I can feel it building.”

“Bet that's why we're in here. If we're getting sent home early I'm grabbing lavender hair dye on my way home.”

Coren gave Isa a glare as thunder cracked. She could tell Coren liked the color idea but was more upset over her not taking the storm seriously. Isa booped Coren on the nose as the headmaster started the lecture about the storm and getting home. I'll be fine I can teleport if it gets bad enough, I'm not wasting my freedom over a storm.

Wynnie threw Isa the waterproof jacket as she and Coren left the auditorium. Isa threw it on careful not to ruin her makeup. Coren's tail twitched as the thunder clapped louder this time. Isa drew a circle on Coren's forearm with her finger removing some of the built up static. She smiled softly as Coren exhaled.

“I've gotta run Sylvie skipped the lecture to get a carriage home. It's getting bad Isa's usual alleyway shortcut has water rushing out of it.”

“Oh no I'll have to take the long way that passes the store with hair dye,” Isa giggled.

As the three of them went through the door the rain picked up. Wynnie waved as she sprinted to her brothers. Isa tried shushing the nagging voice in her head that said maybe we should ask Coren if we can crash with her. Coren looked at the sky her nose crinkling.

“I'll walk you to carriage depot,”Coren said nervously.

The wind howled and the rain started pounding down. Isa and Coren were both soaked. Coren's tail was coiled around Isa's waist. Multicolored lightning filled the sky as they reached the carriage depot. While Isa was getting a time estimate Coren pulled out a silver carabineer. She put it around both of their bags and in one Isa’s jacket loops. Coren quickly casted arcane lock. That's an insanely long wait time I'll just run home hide in the library if it gets too bad.

“I'll just run home Coren. Go your Mom is going to be worried sick about you,” Isa said her teeth starting to chatter.

Isa started walking up the road only to feel something tugging behind her. Coren stood there with her arms crossed.She quickly tried unhooking the bags only to see the arcane lock light up.

“What the fuck Coren drop the spell. Go home it's just a storm.”

“Nope you're going home with me,”she said tugging on the bags forcing Isa to follow.

“This is kidnapping. I'm not a stray cat!”

Isa pouted waiting for Coren's response as she got dragged towards the lower city. Coren being just as stubborn as her adoptive father when I get into trouble wasn't something I expected.

“I'll feed you and make you something hot to drink. Mama was going to make banana bread.”

She exhaled knowing what she was about to say would add more evidence to her being like a cat. The rain was starting to sting as it hit her skin.Coren may be right but I didn't need to be kidnapped.

“Banana bread sounds delicious fine drag me with you. Just know I'm still upset I didn't get a say in this.”

Coren lead her through the winding streets. The storm was getting worse and the rain seemed to have a vendetta against Isa's skin. It felt like a knife coated in salt. A cottage that barely met the requirements of being in the city limits caught Isa's eye. Every stone and wood beam looked hand carved. She shivered as Coren unlocked the door.

Isa was soaked and had puddles forming around her when she stepped inside. A very pale short woman was in the kitchen to the left humming as she poured batter into a loaf pan. Coren nudged Isa's arm. Isa removed her drenched coat and boots. She wasn't sure where Coren placed them as one of Coren's younger siblings gave her a towel before vanishing. While Coren has mentioned her siblings Isa couldn't figure out which kid was which.

“Mama I'm home. This is Isa she's staying with us .”

The pale woman dusted herself off before walking over. She was the same height as Eletha which meant Isa stood close to a full foot taller than her. Isa was drying her hair with the towel accepting her clothes were just going to get magic used in them.

“I'm Ma’na lovely to meet you. Make yourself at home,” she said sweetly.

“Thank you for your hospitality I'm Isadora Lunelis just call me Isa,” she said cringing a bit at her introduction defaulting to that.

“ Coren go borrow her some clothes poor thing will catch her death otherwise. Worse case scenario your father will just be down a shirt until she can get home. I'll make some hot chocolate unless you prefer tea.”

“There’s no need to fuss over me but hot chocolate sounds divine,” Isa said.

Coren motioned for Isa to follow her and Isa did so. She'd never admit it but she was a tad overwhelmed between the noise the gaggle of children made and being made a priority instead of told to use magic to dry off before being ignored. Coren vanished into a room that looked like a bedroom.Her hair was twisted up in the towel by time Coren came back with pants that would fit Isa and a very baggy black t-shirt.

“Got lucky that Mama hadn't folded laundry yet. She probably forgot who's bedroom she left the basket in.”

Coren lead her down the hall to a door with a sign that said keep out on one side and enter on the other. The arrow was currently placed on keep out. Her room was decorated how Isa expected. A stained glass sun catcher on the window casted rainbows onto the floor every time lightning struck. The rest the room was decorated in blues and blacks with personal touches throughout. Isa changed into the dry clothes not caring that the black shirt was trying to eat her whole. Coren was already in black sweatpants and a grey poet shirt with blue clouds embroidered on the collar.

“ I can modify one my spells to dry my stuff off. So I can change out of these in like an hour.”

“Don't waste a spell slot Mama will insist they get washed so empty your pockets.”

“I'm just staying until I can go home Coren there’s no need for extra laundry to be done. Isn't this a bit much?”

“This is Mama toning herself down. You're lucky she isn't signing adoption papers.”

“Why would she adopt me?”

Coren just gave Isa a look that screamed really and threw her wet clothes into a basket. I can't even point to something my dad did recently as a counter argument as he got into a fight and kicked out during my last swim meet. Isa emptied her pockets and placed her clothes in the basket.

“Mama won't let you sleep in the couch so we're either sharing my bed or you're getting the cot with a pile of blankets.”

“ The storm will pass before this becomes a sleepover. Do you think the hot chocolate is ready yet my bones feel cold.”

“It won't. Storm is pulling on my magic hard it won't pass until tomorrow night at the earliest. We can check worse case scenario we're getting fed fruit or something.”

“Not all of us have natural way to predict the weather Coren,” Isa said playfully.

Coren laughed and her tail wagged. Isa was trying to weigh her options for sleeping when Coren threw a pillow at her. She caught it as she ducked making both of them laugh.

The house was starting to smell of toasted spices and banana bread. Something about that combined with everything else made Coren's home feel extra cozy. Coren wrapped her tail around Isa and lead her downstairs. Ma'na had nine mismatched mugs on the counter. Isa wasn't sure if she miscounted the number of siblings Coren had or if it was in case one her siblings wanted a different mug. I'm pretty sure even if her dad was here we'd only need eight mugs. One the mugs had a crow among purple flowers design. It's so pretty.

“You don't have any allergies do you sweetheart,” Ma’na asked as she rummaged through the cabinet.

“Not unless one developed overnight.”

“Perfect do you like cinnamon and nutmeg?”

“Yes,” Isa answered sounding unsure.

Ma’na added a stick of cinnamon to a pot on the stove. She stirred before adding a bit of nutmeg. A few moments later Ma’na motioned for Isa to pick her mug first. Isa immediately grabbed the one with the crow on it. She watched as Ma'na ladled the velvety hot chocolate into Isa's mug.

“Do you want any things like whipped cream,it'll take just a few minutes to make. I also have some homemade marshmallows,”Ma'na said.

“Marshmallows please. Preferably not burnt to a crisp.”

Ma’na chuckled before plopping two giant star shaped marshmallows in her mug. Isa took it and carefully walked to the table in the kitchen. Coren slid next to Isa. The hot chocolate was bubbling and slowly making the stars melt into shooting stars. Isa’s eyes widened as she did a happy shimmy. Coren looked amused at Isa's excitement.

“What? It's cool I didn't expect it to melt like a shooting star.”

“Your reaction is adorable and joyful. It's like you saw a triple rainbow.”

“Wait they can do more than double? Coren you gotta show me when Talos isn't trying to destroy the city.”

“We’ll find one eventually I swear. Making them isn't the same.”

Isa tried taking a sip of her hot chocolate. Still too hot to drink. Coren rested her head Isa's shoulder before summoning two ice cubes into their mugs. Ma’na placed a massive plate of sliced fruit on the table and tiny plates. Isa took a small mountain of fruit consisting mostly nectarines. They had been one her favorite fruits since she was small but she couldn't remember if it was her mom or Tathaln who always shared them with her.

A few moments later she was savoring the hot chocolate as Coren told Ma’na about her day. It was the best hot chocolate she's had outside a cafe. Something about it made it feel richer with every sip. The banana bread was also amazing but the hot chocolate was the real star. Ma’na was focused on every word Coren said. Unfortunately Isa spaced out and had no idea what was being talked about.

“The hot chocolate is amazing.”

“Thank you honey. I spent a lot of time perfecting it to work the same on the surface as it did in the caves.”

The angry bleating of a goat made Isa turn her head to the window. A goat with an aura that made the hair on the back of Isa's neck raise. Something about that goat was interacting with her wild magic. Ma’na pulled out a bucket of vegetables and put a handful of sugar cubes in it. The goat took off with the bucket to what Isa could only describe as a goat palace.

“That's Pinky he just wanted snacks. You'll meet him officially when he's not sulking about the weather,” Coren said.

“ He's been spoiled rotten since he hatched from that egg,” Ma’na said.

Isa wasn't sure how to challenge a goat hatching from an egg so just nodded. Maybe animals in the Under dark are just super weird. Coren offered Isa the last piece of her fruit. She happily took it forgetting her concern about a goat coming from an egg.

The storm continued to howl against the cozy cottage. Isa had set up a mini station with all the makeup she had in her bag. The two younger kids Isa assumed were the twins buzzed with excitement by Coren. One of them wanted colorful flowers and they other want a dragon but would settle for something else if she couldn't. Normally Isa wouldn't have given into puppy eyes but they buttered her up by saying her makeup was prettier than Coren described.

Ma'na brought in another round of snacks smiling. Being fed constantly was something Isa had to adjust to. Coren's mom is super nice even with her taking my jacket to have another layer sewn in for warmth. Isa worked quickly on the designs. Coren was handing her brushes and reminding her younger siblings to keep still by pointing with her tail spade. The two kids giggled at Coren every time she did that gesture. Her hands were steady as she added more detail. Isa prayed to the universe that the eyeliner she applied with her left hand was even on the flowers. The twins got what designs they wanted even if the dragon was cute and barely resembled a dragon. They both ran off happy to a different part of the house.

“Alright Coren now that we got those two out our hair what design did you want?”

“No clue I just want eyeliner as sharp as you usually wear.”

“Fine but lay down and don't move it's easy to smudge it.”

Coren laid down by the spread of make up. Isa kneeled down and got whacked in the hand by Coren's excited tail wagging. Change of plans forgot how her tail seems to always hit my body. She straddled Coren making sure neither knee hit Coren. As she leaned in to apply eyeliner Coren's tail rested against Isa's back. It acted as a surprisingly good stabilizer. With a flick of her wrist Coren had the perfect wing sharp enough to stab someone. Isa hummed as she moved to work on the right eye. She mimicked the same wrist flick. Another wing was created it was the same level of sharpness but wasn't identical. Coren giggled as Isa tapped a brush into some sparkly purple eye shadow. Her hands worked to make a storm themed look using purples, an icy blueish white, and soft pink. She did a smokey eye then free-handed on lightning bolts.

The front door swung open. In stepped a drenched Rackal. His black hair and beard was plastered to his skin. The water pouring off him brought out the grey streaks throughout both his hair and beard. Isa turned her head and held a fluffy brush covered with highlighter off to the side. Rackal didn't seemed too phased by what he walked into.

“Glad you made home fine Coren. Good to see you Isa I must have forgotten you were sleeping over.”

“It wasn't planned Coren kidnapped me due to the storm.”

Rackal took a deep breath as if he had to think of how to word his thoughts nicely.

“Before I take this armor off do I need to let your father know where you're at,” he said his blue eyes flashing with anger on the word father.

“No he's on another one of his trips. Won't be back for like three weeks.”

Rackal nodded and had his brow furrow slightly. Isa knew what he was about to ask from that expression.

“ He left me with supervision this time. His brother is watching me until he's back.

Rackal's face went from being angry to concerned. No clue why he keeps trying figure out how to word simple questions.

“Which uncle is watching you and do they need to know you're here,” he said in a hesitant tone.

“Uncle Calenor, the Flaming fist uncle for clarification.”

Rackal's body language relaxed instantly.He said under his breath oh thank fuck.Isa wasn't sure why he was concerned her Uncle Liraen might have been watching her. Last time Uncle Liraen watched me we explored a super cool ruin and he punched a Flaming Fist at the tavern he took me to for dinner.Isa turned back to Coren and applied the highlighter.

“If you're still here when I have to go to work tomorrow I'll let him know. Coren I'm not even going to tell you not to kidnap your friends in this situation it was the right call,” he said peeling off his armor.

Coren stuck her tongue out at Isa Ma’na brought over a towel and kissed Rackal. Coren made fake gagging noises mixed with laughter as they kissed. Isa glared at her as the gagging noises made it difficult to finish the look. They switched positions so Coren could do a gemstone inspired look on Isa.

The next few hours were a blur. Coren had brought the cot in just in case her tail whacked Isa too much for her to sleep. Ma’na had brought in some hot tea while the two girls gossiped. Whatever was in that tea relaxed Isa enough she was the first one asleep.When breakfast was called the next morning she had no idea what century it was or why the future smelled like baked cinnamon apples and waffles. She nudged Coren awake as she pried herself from Coren's grip. The storm was still raging on as Isa enjoyed a plate of hot waffles accepting she might be here for a few nights.

[opliscadumere]

A Gallery wishes to feature your most prized treasure in a month-long spotlight. Whether created or collected, what Art would you temporarily contribute, and as all Art bears a story, what would onlookers find themselves coming to know?

A gentle grip would lift the camino with a curious eye, the bronze flecked blue eyes taking in the beautiful jewelry as Coren rolled it in his palm. Ivory for sure as his thumb traced the outline of the beautiful visage upon it and circled it about to touch the fine black onyx stones tracing the outside. Exquisite craftsmanship even for a mortal as he let his mouth twitch into a soft smile behind his soft white beard. "Tell me your story beauty."

Sands within his orb would begin to shift and turn as he slowly lowered himself to sit cross legged upon the stone floor. His palm gently lifting as the bits of cosmic energy would float and coalesce into some other time and perhaps another place as well. Coren's soft smile never left his lips as he knew these characters all to well.

"Light, Ops. This thing is beautiful," whispered Zexx, his blue eyes looking up at the blonde haired woman straddled over him. Oplisca smiled sweetly to her dark haired rogue beneath her as she reached up to her chest and gently touched the jewelry resting against her skin.

"Oh so you finally noticed?" Tilted her head at him, Oplisca smile matching the usual wolfish grin of the young man she had taken a lot of fancy too. "Here I thought you were just staring at my chest all night."

The man had a cackle to shake windows, but fortunately at this intimate moment he'd managed to keep it at a low decibel as his chest shook. "Well can you blame me? I mean you did wear the dress."

"I did," Oplisca smiled wider as she shifted her hips, causing a soft sigh to escape her as much as a wince came to his face. The smile grew as she saw causing her to lean over him. "Did I hurt you?"

Depsite his wince, Zexx's grin could never fade with the beautiful girl on top of him. "No more than I asked."

"That's for sure," Oplisca giggled as she ran her nails along his chest before gently swinging her leg over to squirm off him. A true groan of disappointment followed her as she called over her shoulder. "Relax< I'm just going to put it away. You get to rough and I don't want it to break."

"I get too rough?"

Oplisca's thin fingers would reach behind her neck to unclasp the bronze chain that held the bauble, laughing again as she felt the hook release the weight. "Fine, we get to rough."

"That's sounds more like us," the rogue would call back as he laid back into the old mattress with a huff, his eyes never leaving her bare back as he followed the easy curves. "Where'd you get it?"

"It's an old family heirloom," the tailor's fingers would gently caress the ivory as she traced it.

Zexx could be heard muttering something as Oplisca did her best to avoid hearing it though she made clear the one name that could end their fun all to quickly. Kinowin.

Clearing her throat, Oplisca would gently set it on her night table and turn back to face him her hands coming to rest on her hips with a tilt of her head. "It was my father's actually. Well technically his first wife's but he felt that I deserved something beautiful to wear on the day of his wedding to my mother. She didn't want it of course, and he never asked it back from me. He said the likeness was actually Kinowin's mother."

"I take back what I said then," Zexx grumbled as he reached down to the floor near the bed. The green bottle of spirits following as he lifted it up to take a quick pull of the fine Alterac brandy. Oplisca was already padding back to the bed, her hand reaching out to take the bottle from him with ease as Zexx gave a look of disappointment.

Wagging a finger at him, the young woman would hold it away from the rogue as she smiled. "Easy pirate, I don't need you getting falling asleep before I'm done with you."

"You think I'm that easy?" Zexx laughed as he looked up at her with equal adoration and lust.

"Do I need to answer?" She shot back as she took a healthy drink herself before setting down the bottle and leaping to attack her lover with a greedy cry. The rogue would laugh as he engaged in their nightly 'duel'.

These were the good times.

Coren would close his hand again and slowly the sands would relax to gently seek their home within his orb again. He would lift the camino again to gauge the cut of the silhouette once more, nothing the soft elven features of the woman and note they bore no resemblance to Oplisca. But how those cheekbones and dainty smile matched another so well and had not been in his vision for so long.

"My poor Kinowin, if only you knew how much she loved you," Coren remarked softly as he closed his hand about it and felt the silent thunder of returning it to it's original place. His hand opening again to find nothing once more. "For you were so aware of how much he hated you."

@handhourgalleries

[spiritxshackle]

Artfight Week 3 attacks!

Following OC's belong to: @gio-scrabbles and @redrockbluerock <3

[zexxcandell]

A Gallery wishes to feature one of your prized treasures in a month-long spotlight. Whether created or collected, what Art would you temporarily contribute, and as all Art bears a story, what would onlookers find themselves coming to know?

There was pain on two ends as Xaya's elbow swung back around with a healthy crunch as it connected with the hadozee's snout. The creature gaze a howl of pain and rage as it stumbled back hands flying up to try and staunch the flood of blood following. A swift blow to stun the opponent was just what she needed as she followed up her first attack with a swift kick between it's legs and downward followup with her fist. All normal sounds following as she struck again and again before it fell flat on the ground with a senseless moan. It wasn't dead but it was definitely not feeling good.

Gritting her teeth, the eldest of the Candell children would pivot on the balls of her feet as her fist rose into a defensive posture. The other four members of these would be robbers would halt as they faced the monk. Each held metal rods in hand, a soft glow to each tip as they filled the dark alley of the city. She could easily recognize stun batons and knew that a few thousand volts of electricity was not her idea of a 'good time'.

"She's just one!" Yelled the first ape man, his rod raised to point at her.

"And you're just four," she growled back as she slid one foot forward a bit and found herself crouching more into a tiger stance of sorts. Her old master in Pandaria would have tutted her as sloppy in her form, but she was honestly could give two shits what he'd think right now. The quiet monastery training was one thing, out here in the Sea was an entirely other thing. Aliens, monsters, creatures of dreams, and nightmares. This was the life she had chosen.

Alone.

Xaya's hands would raise as she gave a yank to the scarf around her neck and slowly began to wrap it around her right hand and wrist. The four robbers watcher curiously still as she grabbed it again with her left and pulled it tight in a line in front of her ready to use the improvised weapon to face them.

The silk was soft and tight, harder than it should be and definitely not just meant for her neck. It had been one another Candell's for a long time as she remembered as a child and when he gave it to her that final time so long ago.

'Now go on kid, be a good girl for me.'

She'd carried that duelist's scarf forever and ever after Zexx Candell had stepped away into that portal. Xaya had been angry with her parents for a long time after that and it had carried through a good time of her life after. She should be able to forgive him, knowing full well why he did it and what they'd all sacrificed. They'd found him and they'd gotten back together.

But she was her father's daughter. She was always mad.

"You gonna stare all day or we gonna do this?" Xaya spat again at the four hadozee, the group more than intimidated by the angry young woman. She'd had enough waiting around. "Let's fucking go."

~

Coren held the scarf gently in his hand as he stared at the soft cloth, his fingertips running over the item. He wondered what happened to the angry young woman he'd left in his former steward's charge. She'd been a sweet little girl who some would say soured far to fast and for all the wrong reasons behind the mists of Pandaria. It was hard being so different in a world she had no business being in. None of the Candell children deserved it.

But he had no choice, he'd made an oath to keep them safe.

"Oh Xaya," Coren folded it and gently sent it away to whatever time it had come to him from. Nostalgia was a hell of a drug and the bronze guardian was on a hard high this evening remembering those lost beyond his sight. One forged in fury, one surviving darkness, one seeking the wind, and one seeing all like him.

He loved all four of them.

Or was it five? As he blinked his eyes and looked into the sands again.

@handhourgalleries

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