for writing wednesday: do you have any dragon alec/cat magnus adventures to share? taste of your magic is my absolute fav cause possessive + cute malec is so 😻
Thank uuuu!
thank you! i'm very relieved to both be feeling better and back!
I do have some! because Magnus still has duties even when he just wants to cuddle his adorable, sleepy and magick addicted dragon.
i hope you enjoy <3
lumine
-
the taste of his magic
Alexander grumbles as Magnus picks him up, cradling the small draconic form as he uses magic to warm his arms and hands. If all goes well, they’ll both make it through the next several hours without Alexander waking up.
As he finally joins Ragnor his dragon’s tail twitches in his sleep before curling around Magnus’ wrist.
“I still can’t believe you’re bringing him to the meeting.” Ragnor mutters, shaking his head even as he opens the portal that will take them to the Spiral Labyrinth.
“Do you want him waking up while I’m gone and showing up uninvited because he thinks I’ve disappeared?” Magnus mutters even as he double checks and makes sure Alexander is still sleeping. Behind them Catarina snorts, clearly amused by both of them before she steps past Magnus, her eyes warm and fond when she checks them all over.
“Magnus is right, Ragnor.” Magnus preens at the evidence of his superiority even as Ragnor scoffs loudly. “Not even the labyrinth would be able to keep itself hidden if a dragon shows up demanding it release its treasure, Which is what will happen if Magnus leaves Alec for too long again.”
The reminder of the consequences have Magnus strengthening and tightening the magick he’s woven around Alexander.
As long as the thick blanket of magic that Magnus’ has been projecting stays in place, Alexander should remain content and asleep. Senses dulled and protected by the buffer of Magnus’ magic and scent and full from overindulging in magical gems. It’s something of a risk but Magnus isn’t going to take the other option. The one where Magnus assumes something about his sweet dragon and ends up mistaken with the rest of the world burning around them.
“This is going to be a disaster.” Is Ragnor’s helpful contribution to Magnus’ nerves and he sends a spark of irritated lightning at his rotten little cabbage.
“The only backlash that will happen is Alexander eating someone because they’re disrespectful again, Ragnor.”
“Oh, so we’ll be replacing the entirety of the Council of Elders once again?”
Before Magnus can form a rebuttal Catarina laughs, her smirk wicked as she winks at them and adds, “well not yet but you never know. We did it once and we can do it again.”
—
Alec wakes instantly, his eyes staying shut as he takes in the situation around him.
He woke up for one reason alone.
Magnus is upset.
He’s not actually distressed yet, but any form of emotional upheaval is enough to raise Alec’s metaphorical hackles. The bone horns of his neck flare and his tail shifts, his body shifting against skin and fabric as he reassures himself that Magnus is close to him.
—
Magnus freezes, the sharp words about to fall from his tongue turning to a reassuring rumble as Alexander nuzzles against him with a sleepy rumble and the miniaturized horns of his body flare, signally danger.
“Perhaps we should take a moment to cool down.” He offers to his fellow warlocks instead and from the blank silence around the table, perhaps a more believable excuse would be more easily accepted.
“Time won’t fix—” someone begins to drone and Alexander chirps.
The noise is muffled by fabric and magic but the chamber still rings with the power of his call.
“Perhaps it won’t fix anything but it will give everyone the opportunity to think twice. I’m not going to bother with explanations but I will advise you not to make the mistake of showing disrespect to a dragon," Magnus finally says. “I won’t raise a hand in aid if he takes offense.”
Alexander grumbles from Magnus’ lap and deliberately ignores the growing panic he’s helped create.
“Perhaps a little less misguided anger and a little more critical thinking will let the rest of you survive this session.”
Ragnor coughs quietly into his fist at Magnus raither pointed remark. It certainly isn’t as discreet as Magnus would have preferred, but perhaps it’s better this way. There’s no way to pretend that Magnus isn’t holding onto the threat that he is, especially when every time someone’s voice raises or slips into a mocking canter, the entire room reverberates with a dragons displeasure
As the lights flicker an image — a mirage born of rippling power — overlaps Magnus’ seated form. A dragon, far larger than the small beast curled in his embrace, watches knowingly from the shadow that curls over Magnus’ shoulder.
It’s there and gone in less than an instant.
A great hulking black hole of power.
But it’s now undeniable.
Magnus is under the protection of one of the great primordial beings born directly in a cradle of magic.
Things will not and cannot be the same after this.
-
notes:
alec who would stay asleep crossing dimensions if Magnus had his magic wrapped around him and was cuddling him: wakes instantly at Magnus distress even if it's just because Magnus is tired of arguing with people refusing to listen to what he's saying
alec: I will eat every one in this room that isn't Magnus and Magnus' family.
magnus: I am not yet ready to go through the horrors of training a new council alexander
catarina: if it means no longer dealing with this bullshit than I gladly volunteer all of them as fodder
magnus knows that you can't separate a dragon from it's hoard and (not written yet) but now that he knows he's alec's hoard he's not going to be silly and do something like go somewhere Alec can't get to him
alec is perfectly happy being carried around wherever Magnus wants to take him as long as he's with Magnus and if he has to threaten annoyances then he's happy to
you know what isn’t addressed enough? how Alec is all “turn me into a vampire now, Simon” this is a man who has dreamed of rising up in the clave and who was taught “clave first, happiness second” literally Alec does not care about the clave if he can’t have Magnus. “fuck the clave!” this is a man who changed the law, not just for his beloved but for DOWBWORLDERS!!!
Alec was determined (maybe even destined) to be with Magnus as long as he could be. I am #teamimmortal but the whole discussion kinda gets thrown out because then everyone’s like oh look at the alliance rune!!! also seeing Alec have warlock powers did not last long enough. in my head, Alec is destined to be a warlock or immortal in some way or form. ALEC WILL BE IMMORTAL. THERE IS NO IFS BUTS WHYS ABOUT IT. Alexander Gideon Lightwood will be with his soulmate Magnus Bane anyway he can
Five years, Ragnor decides. Five years, and then he’ll check in on the rest of the world again.
After faking his death at the hands of a Circle-sent shax demon, Ragnor Fell laid low for five years. Now, it's time to reunite with his family - but he may not be walking back into the world he expects.
Happy Wednesday! For guided by my unchained heart (which i have reread so many times since I saw the second part), can you do the meeting with the council or the backstory to how Alec ended up retiring?
so this is actually why he retired in this part, like the shadowworld is still going to shit around them rn. this isn't years in the future. Valentine isn't even dead yet.
Magnus is currently actively hostile with the New York Institute and refusing to aid them (and has ordered local warlocks to be wary about their aide and to never work without a contract). and has pretty much isolated the downworld territories with wards to keep nephilim out. something he can do now because he has a nephilim consort and free access to Alec's blood (Alec basically was like 'I'll activate a couple runes and you collect enough blood to ward your territory twice over and then you don't have to feel like you're interrupting my retirement until you run out."
Magnus can also go around warding places and fighting and return home to refresh himself with Alec's energy and then go back out, because Alec doesn't need to conserve his strength for his own battles. Magnus will eventually start taking Alec out with him but that's after Alec's had a decent retirement and gets bored or wants to fight next to Magnus.
Alec misses Magnus sometimes when he's off but he's honestly enjoying playing 'chained to the bed' right now. He is wallowing in it it. He is the smuggest he's ever been.
i hope you enjoy
<3 lumine
guided by my unchained heart
“You didn’t mention a consort at all when you were here last. Not even the possibility of one.”
Uzoma’s statement is normal, understandable and expected. What is not normal or expected is the small pair of spectacles perched on the tip of her nose as she attempts to peer down, imperiously at him. She is nearly five inches taller and so the peering might be intimidating, for someone who hadn’t helped her polish her scales after shedding seasons.
Magnus gives her the look the spectacles and the posture deserve and Uzoma sighs and takes off the glasses to throw them into the air where they disappear. Her tongue flicks out, tasting the air as she gives Magnus’ a moue of disapproval.
“Don’t look at me like that, we’re practically the same age, you and I.”
Magnus knows.
It’s why he’s not falling for the spectacle trick. Uzoma learned it from Ragnor and Magnus knows them both too well to fall for it. None of the Elder’s are as old as they imply and well, that’s just a trick of the trade.
Catarina snorts from where she’s slumped on a throne and summons a chalice and she takes a long sip before passing it to Ragnor who takes an even longer sip.
Uzoma glares at the two of them, either wishing to share or offended by the sheer trauma of Ragnor’s plump, orange tartan chair. As she’s currently acting as the Speake, it means she needs to at least pretend to be somewhat respectable.
“Oh who are we posturing for?” Seong-Min slams down a large crystal bowl into the middle of the table they’re all ignoring — except for an Elder who is currently using it as a chair. “There is no court and no Counsel to watch us. Do we really need a Speaker amongst ourselves? Are we not all kin in magic, in this room? Drink and be at peace before I drown you in the bowl instead.”
“Oh thank the gods, a man of sense.” Uzoma mutters and a moment later she yanks the chalice from Ragnor’s hands. Ignoring his squawk to down it and then she throws it to Catarina who catches it with a laugh and a quick hand.
“As always, a man of action.” Magnus can’t help his own laughter and he offers Uzoma an arm that she takes as they walk over to Seong-Min together. “If only the Elder’s of the past had someone to remind them as we do you.”
“The problem wasn’t that they needed someone to remind them, the problem was that they didn’t listen.” Seong-Min dips a cup made from his own magic into the golden liquid and sips from it with a sigh. “So why exactly didn’t you share your little secret, no one here begrudges you a prize of war."
Uzoma’s fingers tighten around his arm and Magnus reminds himself to breathe through the sudden fury flickering in his veins.
“Apologies, Magnus.” Seong-Min looks truly regretful but not from fear but in courtesy. “I should not joke so lightly about your consort’s place in your life. Not when Valentine runs free and focuses once again upon your territory.”
“No—” Magnus sighs and flutters the fingers of his free hand signalling forgiveness for there was no fault. “You speak nothing but truth, and if we cannot joke amongst ourselves, then who can we laugh with? It’s not as if there is any shame to be had in such a jest either, Alexander would be proud to be a trophy of my conquest.” Magnus dips a glass of blue magic into the gold and takes his own sip and nearly shudders at how the drink twines in his soul. “It’s not you that has me on edge, dearest.”
Uzoma lets go of him to share her own magic and cup and the look of pleasure on her young face fills him with rebounding delight as it echoes through all who have drank. The cycle continues until all have shared and drank their fill.
In this way, there can be no betrayal and plots. Not when they’ve shared nectar made from their own souls and magic in intimacy and truth.
“Now, truly. Why did you not tell us?” Valois is hesitant and far less demanding than any other would be. He’s still the newest of their group and last adapted or comfortable with the rest of them, though he is among the oldest of those serving on the Council. “We would have celebrated your victory and rose in joy that you have found a consort, your magic has been growing melancholy with loneliness this last century.”
Valois also has a habit of saying rather brutal things he thinks everyone already knows and Magnus sighs, wishing to smack him and instead taking another drink.
“It was unexpected.” Magnus hesitates because it was hard to explain to Alexander but he thinks here, where his mind cannot tell him feelings will be hurt, it might be easier. “I did not want to tie him to me as a consort while he was still active in nephilim ranks. Especially with Valentine out and in my territory and with proof that there are traitors deep within the Clave. The power the Clave held over him, it was too great a risk and he would have been too tempting a mark.” Magnus swallows, remembering the belittlement that Alexander was forced to go through by Aldertree, while still doing most of the work to keep the shadowhunters in the Institute alive. Alexander’s entire life has been a facade of power — under all the effort and labor — and yet so rarely has his boy ever reaped the rewards or praise.
“To make him my consort when he had so little of his own authority and while the world is in such turmoil, it felt like asking to lose him. It felt like showing them my heart and how to tear it from my chest. He understood and asked if I would be willing to wait until he retired. That we would pick a time for him to sever his ties to the Clave so that he would be free for me to claim, safely and completely.”
There is a murmur of understanding and four of the warlocks who have consorts touch their chest in understanding pain. While not with enemies on the same level as nephilim, Magnus knows that those four also faced difficulties and danger when claiming their consorts.
“Still, you must know a nephilim consort is nothing we would shame you for. A consort bond cannot be made without true submission and adoration. None here begrudge you for taking an enemy as a consort, no matter that those without understanding mock you.”
No, for the Elder’s and the Council this is nothing but good news and Magnus knows that.
“I intended to tell you. In fact I planned on a glorious celebration some decades from now, adorning my consort in regalia so old it had not been seen in centuries and yet, he left the Clave and came to me, years early. Surrendered himself to me and to my authority and protection and how could I wait? How could I risk a single day without the title of my consort protecting him now that he was vulnerable? The Clave may have kept me from claiming him fully, but it also protected him.
“When he severed his ties with the Clave and retired, in full, my fears vanished. They cannot claim him from me, though they attempted to steal him back.” The glass of magic cracks in Magnus’ hands, turning to soft blue fire before reforming and he dips it for another glass.
A palm is pressed against his back and Magnus can tell from the way talons gently prick through the fabric of his clothes that it’s Seong-Min and he closes his eyes in gratitude.
Here, there is no weakness or shame.
“Alexander is no longer a weakness, but a strength. That is what changed, however the joy of him becoming truly mine did not outweigh the problems growing. There was no time to plan a true celebration. Not even Catarina or Ragnor joined me.”
Magic explodes in harmless surprise from several warlocks and Magnus bites back a titter.
“The New York Institute is currently a problem. I cannot say how long I will let things go on before I escalate. However, that’s not why we’re here. Lorenzo Rey and Evangeline Rose. They took a mission from the Clave against a High Warlock and an Elder. Whatever bitterness and jealousy they held in their hearts, it empowered them into thinking such a thing would be allowed. I want it made clear. I want the rules of protocol sent to every warlock we hold the magical signature of. No warlock should ever go through the trauma of treason in their own home. Of their own people trying to steal away and harm their consort in front of them, on their own territory when their presence was only allowed by trust.”
The Elder’s all nod as one, agreement without a single dissent.
Magnus knows his next demand — because it is not a request — but a demand, will be harder.
“I am activating the war wards of my territory. All currently are to be resworn to me. If they refuse they will be exiled and none who are new are allowed to even visit without first presenting an appeal to me. I don’t care if they simply want to fuck, drink, sight-see or do business. I am no longer lenient. My own home was invaded under the pretense of requesting aide, by warlocks I should have been able to trust. My home, a personal sanctuary that I have allowed to used as a safe haven for over three centuries, is now sealed off. I have created another building for safety but no longer will I share the sanctity of my own space.” Magnus sighs, letting the quiet gather, “tis a sad day when an Elder cannot trust his own people, especially when it’s someone asking for aid.”
AN:
Magnus could not claim Alec as a consort when there was a chance he might put his people at a disadvantage to protect his consort. There are rules to these things, protocols and unspoken oaths because a consort is everything to a warlock and therefore, they have to be worth it. Not just for a warlock but for the community, especially if they’re of high rank and value like Magnus.
Alec understood this. Magnus just had a lot of anxiety about the conversation because he didn’t want his or alexander’s feelings hurt and it got a little complicated and there were a few misunderstandings but Alec was willing to work with Magnus for compromise for both of them... until the Institute was given to Jace.
Alec realized it was the whole ‘Jace’s shadow all over again’ and taking care of the Institute and fixing all the problems while Aldertree fucked everything up. Except the blame would go on Alec and the praise to Jace and Alec’s done with that. He’s played that game. He’s tired.
Jace cannot give the Institute back to Alec at this point. It’s not happening, he's done stuck until he can figure something out. The Institute is not doing well, Imogen is fudging reports and sending over more people to help but things are spiraling out of control.
Jace is not qualified to run an Institute. We even see it in canon (even if it is a small portion and mostly joked off) but he literally isn’t capable. He has none of the training required and while he knows some stuff from Alec... can anyone tell me Jace actually pays attention to what Alec’s jobs are?? Without Alec telling him or ordering him? (besides Jace always trying to hog and be the person to make choices that ended up getting entire groups of people in trouble. Seelie queen (him and clary insulting her, such smart choices). Etc etc etc. also he’s being enabled right now. By his grandmother with a lot of power and a family connection Jace is craving. Jace went ‘sorry people who have raised me and loved me and ones even given me a aprt of his soul, i’m going to say fuck you to all of your hard work and accomplishments because granny promoted me and loves me and is proud of me!! I’m gonna go put trackers in people cause it makes her pat me on the head!’
The Elder’s make up part of the Council but not the entirety. There is the Council of Elder’s which is specifically Elders and then there is the Counsel (elected/volunteered/voluntold warlocks) and Court (warlocks seeking aide or advice or mediation etc).
For every dozen Counsel warlocks there is one Elder who can overrule them and the amount of Counselors allowed is based on the amount of Elder’s willing to be involved.
The Elder’s are the top authority over The Labyrinth and Warlocks... which is often like herding cats and they mostly stay out of things unless it involves something big, the labyrinth itself, etc.
Most of them don’t generally concern themselves with the rest of the shadowworld or even other downworlders that much. Unless a shadowworlder is a consort of one of their warlocks, that’s not their problem. Elder’s are ofc allowed (if they have their own territories) and expected to take care of all downworlders in that area. However their oaths mean their main loyalty is to the preservation of their own people, culture and magic.
Even the Valentine situation, they’d prefer the warlocks retreat to the Labyrinth and then plan a siege of something but again, herding cats and most warlocks don’t want to commit to the labyrinth (Elder’s and Counselors have a far easier time going to and from the spiral than most warlocks).
High Warlock’s report to the Elder’s though they can come before the Counsel if they want a more varied meeting (or a more chaotic one, or just to spice things up).
Magnus is rare in that he’s an Elder, a High Warlock, and also
Also since the Labyrinth is full of warlocks who dedicate themselves to study, you can gain titles that way.
Ragnor is an Archivist.
Catarina is a healer but in order to heal you also must learn to destroy and she’s more Toxicologist/Healer
Seong-Min is a Blacksmith/Forger which means he makes everything from jewelry to weapons to scalpels to writing utensils to needles for those who use thread magic.
Uzoma is an Earth Singer (Rock breaker, home maker)
Magnus is a Mentalist (until better word is found)
Valois is a Glassblower
Etc
Etc
There re other elders but spoons and i want to write more fic stuff
Also no one besides the Elders know how many Elder’s there actually are.
Lorenzo Rey is exactly the type of callous asshole who would happily take any opening at Magnus he could. Half of his identity is wrapped up around ‘poor me, magnus has it so much easier and thats just because his daddy is powerful (magnus barely tells anyone who his father is) and use it to justify breaking Labyrinth laws because ‘well how was i supposed to know it wasn’t true?’
When he should have first checked in with another high warlock and then an elder etc.
Dear Lumine, if you take Wednesday Prompts this week, I would love to read more in the utter delight of a verse that is your eldritch delight verse. Their wedding, perhaps? Or anything at all, really. Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories with us.
it has been a while but finally responding and this is to set the stage for their wedding and i'm very glad you find it a delight! it is incredibly fun to write as well so i hope you enjoy!
last part here
<3 lumine
this eldritch delight
The moon blooms a haunting red as it hangs low in the sky.
The grove is dark.
The branches of the weeping willows sway in the wind and the sound of the leaves echoes the tears of a mourning widow.
It’s far from what most would consider romantic, Catarina thinks to herself even as she helps hang the last strand of pearl and sea-crystals up to catch the light of the moon. The pond itself glows with an eerie green light and the fires and torches that have been lit burn silver, not orange nor yellow.
Golden orbs hang in the sky, just out of reach and bobbing in a breeze that smells of lilacs and blood.
The ceremony will be held not on a dais but at an altar.
Already preparation has been made and the large elk that Alec hunted — with bare hands apparently — has already been properly mounted with a gruesome flair. The bone white of it’s antlers have been swathed in greenery and gems.
A gift of providence and opulence.
Yet surely it’s the very least of what Magnus deserves.
Already, Cat knows that Magnus plans to have a coat made from the strange, silvery pelt and a headpiece with the antlers. No doubt the bone will be turned into jewelry and accessories as well.
Magnus’ offering is that of a wyvern. A corpse as dark as the void with scales that swallow the light rather than reflect it. While the elk is perfect for Magnus — a statement piece and something he can wear to stand out, the wyvern is the opposite. It’s bold but understated and it’s perfect for Magnus’ fiance. Perfect to guard and hide him in the very shadows he hunts in.
The table of the grooms is hidden behind a shimmering dome of violet light. Two guards stand on either end, ensuring that no one accidentally passes through the safety barrier or drinks or ingests what Magnus and Alec intend to consume.
It’s far too deadly for a wedding, as Ragnor complained incessantly. However Cat is not going to be a part of restricting the palette of Magnus and his spouse at their very own wedding.
The sacrilege of the very thought had her voice booming so quietly yet deeply that Ragnor’s very marrow shook in his bones. For once, he’d been more frightened of her than Magnus and he’d wiped away the sweat on his brow with a sigh before agreeing.
And then immediately complaining even as he researched how to fix it.
“I really do blame him.” Ragnor mutters even as he joins her. “I understand why you insist upon it. I even get why I gave in. However Magnus should know better. There is plenty of food he can enjoy that is simply a little less toxic. In fact I would happily make him as much poisonous jam and jellies and even teas as he likes. I just wish I didn't need to research how to create a shield that will ensure the safety of over a dozen different species! I am retired Cat!”
Cat rolls her eyes because this is the sixth time they’ve had this argument. If it can even be called an argument when it’s really just Ragnor bemoaning the fact that he’s had to spend several days researching a solution.
Unfortunately, the delicacies and favorites that Magnus and Alec both enjoy are too strong and potent for guests to be around. And while they may somehow cancel out for each other, it only makes them more deadly to others.
Magnus' treats are more dangerous for faerie and nephilim alike while what Alec enjoys is often worse for those with demonblood.
Regular shielding doesn’t contain the fumes nearly enough and the very tableware used had to be carefully sourced. Less the poisons eat through metal or wood or even ceramic.
Instead they’ve used crystal.
A smoky quartz in color with rose and amber as well each holding dishes and delights from all over many places in the world.
Or perhaps merely the most deadly.
—
It needs to be a disaster.
That’s what has Magnus' foot tapping as he looks over the too-perfectly manicured appearance of the place where he is to marry Alexander. Magnus does not wish for the first time he shows off his legal claim of Alexander to be somewhere so dull.
Truly, to have snatched a prize like Alexander is a garish delight.
Worthy of horror and envy.
Yet still, Magnus would prefer for the atmosphere to be less peaceful and more macabre. Alexander will fall asleep on Magnus in the middle of his vows at this rate! Magnus' darling, monstrous boy is far too precious to be forced into such a ridiculous display.
A vicious curl of his fingers sends a fine dust into the air and a few moments later he hears the gentle but sturdy flap of wings.
Moths and bats alike soar through the air like fear through a nightmare.
They ignore each other, focusing on the golden orbs that Magnus tailored exactly to their tastes and the air feels alive again as they dance in the sky. In the pond there is a snap and a splash and he looks over to see Alexander setting down an empty bag. His husband-to-be is a dreadful delight. Not just in looks but in action. Even now he’s a treasured blade to the heart. A dagger through the ribs and piercing an organ that already beats only for him.
Magnus croons and nearly steps closer except he might interrupt.
It’s too much of a delight, watching the horror that is Alexander feeding his blood to the river reeds and suddenly the water is awake. The plants bloom into life with a cruel brilliance that will soon fade when the fervor of consuming unholy blood fades.
The red gleam of the moon is absorbed by the petals of lotuses as they float, glowing across the surface and attracting large dragonflies the size of his palm.
“It's hauntingly gorgeous.” He assures his wretchedly beautiful boy.
And Alexander’s ghastly smile a caress to Magnus’ poisoned soul.
AN:
Ragnor is happy to help, he just wants to complain which is fine, but cat has limits and is tired. So first she made it very clear that ragnor was going to listen and do it properly (which he agreed to) and then cat was fine with him complaining because she just wanted to make sure it was done. Now she just ‘mhmss’ and dismisses him while he summons her drinks and snacks.
The drinks and snacks are 1) to make sure she eats something while invested and distracted and 2) a bribery since cat is letting him complain and ragnor understands the privilege that is
Btw ragnor being scared of cat is like. Your very good friend nearly gave you a heart attack accidentally out of startled surprise and now your heart races for a few days when you hear their voice because your brain still is in recovery mode. (say and saeth often startle me and I scream. Especially because if I dont have my glasses I can’t see what surprised me or I can’t recognize it. Which has let to me accidentally thinking there are strangers in the house before.) or like, I have screamed mistaking the cat for things before.
-
cat and ragnor watching magnus and alec 'decorate' while standing out of the way and sharing drinks and a sample wedding cake.
cat: i will trade you one hair care session for a massage after this
ragnor: agreed, however please tell me this sample wasn't made with the same poisoned jam that they used for magnus'?
cat holding out a small shotglass: bottoms up.
ragnor: why is poison so damn delicious. i thought it was the lemon zest and cayenne that had my mouth tingly. not that my skin was melting.
cat: alec sounded like he was having an orgasm when he tried this cake. do you know what kind of flavor it takes to get a slab of marble to sound like that without it involving magnus?
ragnor: yes fine. it was worth it. i truly hate everything sometimes. please tell me at least the tea we're drinking is safe. this really is a lovely blend
cat handing over another antidote shot
ragnor: lilith fucking hell (she's the mother of all demons okay)
Hi, all your wonderful series are just chef's kiss.
Could I ask for a follow up after Magnus and Ragnor discussed who needs to be offed to prevent Kelpie!Alec from finding out. Would love to see if they found a ritual for the council to discreetly cleaned up everyone. Especially Camille and making jewellery out of her soul for Alec.
Thank you.
thank you so much! uh this got a bit more team immortal being soft about each other? I think I don't know I just love them. here is the last bit I hope you enjoy
<3 lumine
undertow
“Camille was before Alexander and while I know I’ve mourned her plenty, I haven’t even seen her in the last half a decade.” Magnus says half an hour later as he frowns at a page, “I don’t think using her as a focal will work. Now for what we want, or need. What I had with Camille was something far deeper than what I’ve shared with any since she broke my heart.”
Ragnor’s heart falters before galloping wildly in his chest, he begs the world and his very magic that Magnus has not changed his mind, that Magnus will not relent in his justice against Camille once again.
“But she still needs to be dealt with.” Catarina’s voice cuts through his panic. A soft, gentle reminder yet firm, like a life-giving river that still cuts through rock, over time.
Magnus doesn’t react poorly.
He doesn’t even turn, a half-hearted scoff of laughter bursting from his lips as he flips another page.
“Of course she does, and quickly. I just don’t think she should be included in this ritual... will make it a bit messy don’t you think?” And then Magnus hesitates, finger tapping on a line of faded ink. “And while I have wooed Alexander by his own customs, I’ve hardly courted him by my own, let alone what is demanded for a warlock of my rank. Something made from the heart of my last true lover will do nicely to prove my sincerity.”
Catarina understands his meaning before Ragnor and she smiles, teeth sharp and gleaming with delight as fondness and joy crinkles the corners of her eyes. Her hair gleams like starlight against the deep indigo of her skin and the universe blinks at him when her lashes flutter and her eyes close with laughter.
“If your boy does ever find out the truth, you can prove your intentions are true despite the misunderstanding. As is your ardor. Doubling up, even tripling the courtship gives it more legitimacy as well. Your Alexander can hardly feel cheated when you’ve chained him to you with vow and magic, oath and deed.”
Magnus nods, pleased by the answer they’ve found and Ragnor finds that he’s just still marveling at how easily Catarina follows Magnus during one of his moods.
Mainly the kind of brilliant mood that Ragnor is far too old and exhausted to keep up with this late in the season.
“How on earth did you manage to glean all that from what he was saying?” Ragnor can’t help his grumble even though he keeps it low. “I was still worried we’d have to re-convince him to do away with the leech.”
Catarina tuts and smacks his fingers with a flick of magic but doesn’t disagree, which means she’s agreeing.
“Yes, I could see your panic when you thought that once again, she’d escape what she’s due.” Cat’s voice dips into an anger so soft it feels like ash against his ears, “however Magnus is too enamoured to currently remember anything but his disdain of her. The pain she’s held over him, toyed at him with, it’s not vanished but it’s no longer raw.
“She can no longer hold the good memories like a sword against the bad when he’s creating almost nothing but good memories with his boy. There’s something now that exists, more interesting than the pain, more bright than her bitterness and in order to not let the wounds be reopened, he knows he has to let go. Before—” Catarina’s voice trails off and she glances over to where Magnus is engrossed in a diagram, “before he had to hold onto the pain. It was proof she cared for him, loved him, at one point. Even if it was all a lie, he needed that lie, but he needs it no longer.”
A moment passes between them, silent and understood and full of love for each other and Magnus, who gleams like a small sun under their adoring gaze.
“This one,” Magnus calls to them, voice raised with dark glee. “Not only will it rejuvenate the wards of the Labyrinth. It will also work without the other Elder's needing to be involved beyond their magic in the ritual."
“Oh, very clever.” Ragnor himself would never have considered using such a unique ritual in such an innovative way, but that’s all the more reason for why he insists Magnus join him when he researches.
The ritual will erase connections.
Typically those of blood but Magnus has no blood to erase left in any realm, except that of his father. However there is another use, for those who hold worshippers and wish to cleanse their followers and start anew.
With the use of semen and saliva instead of blood or a tether of worship, Magnus can instead find those anointed by his touch and in a way, excommunicate them.
From life.
AN:
Alec is napping (magnus is not sleeping right now he’s just disappearing when Alec does sleep to plot) in the new roof pond and Magnus is going to have a hell-of-a-time luring his darling out from the cool waters
Magnus is going to sleep eventually, he just wants some things straightened out first.
Hi! Could I please request another installment of Eldrich Delight? Prompts/ideas - Ragnor meeting Alec; Does Magnus help with/see the Trueblood menagerie; something regarding Camille?
Feel free to use any, all or none of the above.
SFW/NSFW - your choice, however I will admit I'm morbidly curious what NSFW would look like in this universe.
So glad you're feeling up to writing again! Thank you!
here we are!! and this is from outside POV since it wouldn't be fair to poor Ragnor to be perceived by Magnus or Alec on their first meeting. I hope you enjoy! Cat has met Alec before, but this is Ragnor's first time. the poor bloke. it's not nsfw because Ragnor wouldn't survive having to witness that in this verse and I like him alive.
<3 lumine
this eldritch delight
Ragnor’s barely made it through the portal before he’s turning, as if to go straight back through and Cat cuts the connection without a drop of guilt.
“You fiend.” Ragnor mutters under his breath, “utterly heartless, truly.”
She smirks and just raises an eyebrow because really, she’s been the one dealing with it up close and personal and he thinks this is enough cause to flee?
Magnus and his fiance are on the patio, something Cat had specifically not mentioned.
“Have I not suffered enough?” Ragnor mutters and then it’s too late for him. Cat has sent him across the room and into Magnus’ enthusiastic hug. It’s lucky for him that Alec isn’t the hugging type, though Ragnor’s sanity is still at risk.
Especially with how much skin Magnus is showing, the way he’s sharing his tea directly with Alec and the fact that Alec is holding Magnus’ bare hand. In fact not only are they constantly holding hands but they keep touching in other ways.
Without Magnus’ paramour collapsing.
“You thought we were exaggerating.” Catarina can’t hold back her laughter as she finally lets Ragnor have a break, using the excuse of making more tea by hand.
“I thought Magnus was lost in a bloody daydream and that you were enabling him.” Ragnor admits, though it’s not a surprise considering how concerned he’s been in their last call. “Not something I normally accuse you of, but honestly how is it possible?”
Catarina shrugs, already done with searching for answers with no end and honestly, what does it matter if Magnus is happy? Ragnor seems to have come to the same conclusion as he’s already simply making two pots. A poisonous one, and a safe one with a little bit of an antidote, just to be even more safer.
“At least the tea won’t go cold before he can finish the pot now.” Ragnor mutters, as if that’s truly been his greatest concern with Magnus’ ongoing inability to form as close a connection as Magnus wanted or needed. Or that they aren’t warlocks and all of Ragnor’s teapots have stasis and heating wards on them.
“Yes, such a relief.” Catarina can’t help her giggle, or the fact that Ragnor is rolling his eyes but smiling back, a relief to him that is growing bolder and broader the more he sees how content Magnus is.
“I think it’ll take me a good few years before I’m not surprised to see him kissing Magnus without dying, but they’ll be enjoyable years. Seeing how happy Magnus is.” Ragnor is something of a romantic when he lets himself be, not for himself or for anyone else, but for Magnus he is.
If not for Magnus, Ragnor would turn his nose up at the very notion, but romance is what Magnus wants and therefore it is what he should have. Even if Cat has a feeling that Ragnor still doesn’t quite understand the notion of romance.
Besides, it’s the commitment to the cause that’s meaningful.
Magnus laughs, a sound that has Ragnor wincing, his pallor blanching and he dabs his forehead with a handkerchief as sweat beads at his brow.
“One of these days,” Ragnor gripes to himself, “I will laugh and see how he likes it.”
“He loves it when you laugh.”
“That is hardly the point, Catarina. I’m going to laugh in a way that makes his spine curdle and then we’ll see who is laughing.”
“It would be you. And I don’t think either of us want to be capable of making the kind of noise that would cause someone like Magnus of all people, to be afraid.”
“As always, despite your fraud you are nothing but a font of wisdom.”
“Is it really fraud if you didn’t believe the truth? Which is what led us here?” Catarina hides a smirk, giving Ragnor a soft, gracious and forgiving smile. It’s with a huff that her dear friend nearly slams through the door, his magic softening the drama so that it neither makes a loud noise or damages her door.
It’s simply dramatic.
Yet not dramatic enough.
Ragnor ends up slamming both pots of tea down onto the table with magic and even that isn’t enough for Magnus and Alec to stop kissing. The sight is terrifying and unsettling as much as it makes her happy and Catarina finds that the air near them has become a nightmare of clashing temperatures.
“They’re going to burn through my furniture and cool the tea despite the heating charms at this rate.”
“I’m not letting your reckless snogging ruin my good tea!” Ragnor bellows it, taking a cool, stale cup of tea and tossing it at the two. It crystallized with ice even as it evaporates with heat, but finally they part.
“It’s not my fault you took so long to make tea.” Magnus pouts at them. Waving away the light mist that was tea, as if that will make him look innocent rather than a horror yet to be discovered.
“Oh please, you probably started kissing him before the door even shut.” Catarina doesn’t let Magnus have this one, she knows the truth and he sighs, the sound a torment and delight at the same time.
“He did.” Magnus’ Alexander throws Magnus under the bust with merciless glee, looking at his fiance with vicious tenderness. “He—”
Magnus shoves a biscuit with baneberry jam into Alec’s mouth, ignoring the deadly glare it earns him, that he probably considers a pout.
AN:
Cat and Ragnor, fighting their instincts since the beginning and getting annoyed at their stupid body’s stupid reactions. Like yes Magnus sounds like a ghoul murdering a lost soul but that’s no reason to flinch? Who cares if his smile looks like the gateway to hell?
Alec and Magnus flirting like no other and touching and cuddling and being a regular couple touching without any dying.
Ragnor: ... it’s real? IT”S REAL?
Catarina: what i can’t believe is real is your doubt. Oh ye of little faith.
Ragnor: you think i have faith in Magnus’ ability to keep a partner alive?
Catarina: i meant your faith in me
Ragnor: now in that, i will admit i have made a grave error. I never should have doubted you.
*WHITE BANEBERRIES ARE ACTUALLY POISONOUS DO NOT MAKE JAM OUT OF THEM. Ragnor has a poison patch to make homemade goods for Magnus and so Cat can make antidotes ahead of time.
Ragnor still really has no idea what romance is. he just assumes whatever Magnus wants is what most romance is like. which logically, considering what an outlier Magnus already is, doesn't make sense. but Ragnor doesn't care and isn't interested in romance enough to actually think that through, no matter how smart he is.
