#burning ember

Anas bin Malik narrated that the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) said: "There shall come upon the people a time in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning ember."

Burning Ember is one of Vixen’s daughters, born to her and a lone wolf. However, Vixen had no emotional ties to the lone wolf, as she had only wanted pups so she and her mate Cardinal Flight could raise them.

Burning Ember and her sister Finch Song are more than happy with just their mothers, having no want or need to find the lone wolf that sired them. They are very close with their mothers, spending much of their time together, at least when Cardinal Flight is not on a hunting trip.

Daenerys Targaryen x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 2,371

Summary:

Warnings: None

People always say that when you die your life flashes before your eyes. That each individual moment you experienced, good and bad, appear in front of you in quick succession. That you felt warm knowing that everything was over. Finally laid to rest for eternity, reuniting with everything you have lost.

It was all lies.

There was no feeling of warmth and security. There was only coldness and despair that seemed to clog your lungs, more so than the water. All you could feel was the endless void that held nothing but wrath and hate. There was no mercy within it only a sense of darkness that your body shrank from.

There was no feeling of freedom or peace. You could feel the weight of the water crushing down onto you. You could feel the way your lungs burned with the lack of oxygen. You could feel the way that the water tore at your skin and seemed to sink into your bones. Chilling you and stealing the warmth you were trying so desperately to keep.

Even when you opened your eyes you could see nothing but darkness. The swirling water holding nothing but you.

You were alone and that weighed on you more than the water ever could, because you know that you didn't enter the water alone. You know that something else was in the water with you, and you know you needed to find it.

However, your mind was too foggy to remember what 'it' was.

You could feel the pressure starting to build in your chest. The need to inhale becoming stronger and stronger with each moment that passed, but you know if you gave in there would be nothing that could save you. Even though you, also, know that if you don't it would have the same end result.

The burning only grew as the darkness did. Your mind starting to deteriorate on itself, and there was nothing you could do. There was nothing that could stop this manic spiral that your entire being was in.

You simply squeeze your eyes shut and wait for the darkness to come. To feel the sweet relief that it would bring. The pain and suffering finally leaving and never returning.

You would be free, and you weren't scared.

Even as the darkness starts to fully consume your mind you did nothing but relax. Accepting the fate you had been bestowed.

Your body going limp just as your mind went blank. Your grasp on the world around you slipping like water does between your fingers. The darkness encompassing you in the sweet relief of tranquility.

Your body becoming numb even as you felt something, gently, lift you up.

-----

A sense of weightlessness enveloped you as chilling winds ripped across your body. Your entire being thrown by the elements. Only to stay in place by the warmth and strength that the being holding you had. The warmth soothing you from the frigid wasteland that was the North.

Finding the strength hidden deep within you, you finally open your eyes. The world was blurry at first but your eyes soon clear. Causing you to see nothing but white and grey, a common color it seems. Bringing your hand up you, gently, grasp the talons holding you. A small smile makes it's way onto your face at the sight. Your gaze already looking up before you could even fully comprehend anything. Only to see a sight that causes your heart to warm.

Viserion.

His beautiful scales seem to glow amid the whiteness of the North. His wings beating with resilience against the raging winds. You had never seen a more beautiful sight, and as you close your eyes you couldn't help but know that you would soon be with Daenerys.

As long as you walked this world you would always return to your dragon.

Nothing, not even the Night King, would be able to stop you.

-----

When you awaken once more you are surrounded by grey. The ground underneath you as cool as the snow outside, but a familiar warmth wraps tightly around you. His body exuding heat like a campfire would.

Pressing your body into his side you nuzzle into him. Relishing the warmth and comfort he was always able to give you. You could see that he was tired by the way his breathing became and more shallow.

Running your hand along his side you could feel the wounds he suffered from because of the fall, and the subsequent bout in the water. You couldn't believe that he was able to get himself out, and then go back in to find you. A fact that causes a tender smile to spread across your face. You didn't know what you've done to deserve such loyalty, but you know you would never do anything to jeopardize it.

Scanning your own body you could see that you hadn't gotten out of the fall unscathed either, but even the injuries you now suffered were a hell of a lot better than being dead.

Closing your eyes once more you lean you head back into Viserion's side. Allowing the moment of peace to wash over you and calm your nerves.

Your mind desperately trying to grasp onto the lightness that the moment gave you.

Knowing exactly what type of darkness was waiting for you out of it.

-----

It took three days for you to get well enough to be able to fly.

Three days of being left in the cave Viserion found when the need for food became apparent.

Three days of constant fear that the White Walkers would find you.

Three days of jumping at your own shadow, even when Viserion was right next to you.

Three days of worrying about Daenerys and missing her.

So on the dawn of the fourth day when you didn't feel a stabbing pain in your side every time you inhaled, you knew it was the day. The day that you had been waiting for.

The day you would finally be able to go home.

Leave the hellish wasteland of the North and head back towards Daenerys. You know that she would be getting ready for the Dragon Pit meeting, if not returning from it.

The thought of seeing her again, and your sons, causes your heart to lurch with joy. Soon you would be surrounded by warmth and the coldness of past three days would be behind you.

You and Viserion would be safe, you just had to take off.

Climbing onto Viserion's warm back, you clutch the spikes. Gripping them tightly when he begins to move, flashing back to the moment you fell. One of your hands unconsciously releasing his spike and traveling to your side. You could feel the makeshift bandage you had put around it. Could still feel the twinge of pain every time you applied pressure.

Snapping yourself out of your dark thoughts you grip Viserion's spikes once more. Leaning towards Viserion's face you whisper. "Sōvegon, Visērion, sōvegon lenton."

Letting loose a soft croon in response Viserion takes off. His wings carrying you both higher and higher into the air. His scales glowing underneath the shining light of the sun. You couldn't help the smile that grows on your face when you feel the wind across your face. You had been on the ground too long, you had no idea how much you would miss the sky. The feeling of complete freedom and peace. The warmth of the sun on your face and coolness of the wind. Experiencing something that many would never get to, it was exhilarating.

Your smile on grows more when pass the wall and are back in Westeros. A weight lifting from your shoulders that you hadn't even been aware was present. The feeling of safety settling over you as Viserion continues to head south. Far away from the North and its icy land.

You know that you would have to return, but at least for now you would be warm in the south. The people you love and trust by your side. There would be no greater feeling than that.

You just had to wait until Viserion arrived.

-----

Scanning the ground beneath you, you could see the sea of Unsullied and Dothraki. Their weapons glinting menacingly in the light of the sun. You have never, truly, realized just how large Dany's army was. The scope of what she was able to accomplish.

Angling Viserion higher, above the clouds, you pass the outer walls of King's Landing. You could see the deserted streets and the overall silence that seemed to wrap around the city. It was a disturbing silence even for you, and you had never even stepped foot in the great city.

Moving you gaze in a lazy arch you notice an almost decrepit coliseum type building, which you know was the Dragon Pit.

Nudging Viserion in the general direction of the meeting you couldn't help but feel your nerves starting to act up. You know that there was nothing to be nervous about and that Daenerys would welcome you back with open arms. It was just the feeling of what if.

What if she was better off with you gone?

What if she had already moved on?

What if she hadn't missed you like you had missed her?

Multiple scenarios ran through your mind, only causing your nerves to fray more, but you quickly steel yourself when Viserion is directly over the pit.

Looking down you could see three canopies situated on the raised platform in the middle of the pit, all the color of blood. You could hear the muffled sound of voices, and then saw the familiar flash of black.

Targaryen black.

Seeing the color soothes you immediately and you couldn't help but grin. Glancing at Viserion you could feel his excitement as well. Nudging Viserion to dive you do nothing but hold on as he gives a shrill cry to announce his presence.

Watching his wings fold tightly into his side causes your mind to flash back to last time he had done this. A thought that causes your body to shrink on itself, but you shake it off. Calming yourself down with the thought that Viserion was with you, fine, and soon you would with Daenerys.

Everything would be as it was supposed to be.

You watch as the people in the pit stand. You could hear startled exclamations but you could only focus on one figure that was moving towards where Viserion was about to land. Her ivory gold locks glowing in the sun and you felt like you could already see beautiful violet.

You could feel the way the stones crumbled, slightly, when Viserion landed. Shifting beneath his feet as he begins his descent down. A smile pulling at your lips when he gives a warning roar to all of the people near him. Clearly saying that no harm would come to either you or Daenerys. Not if they didn't want to deal with his and his brother's wraith.

Viserion starts to slowly lower himself to ground. Not wanting to jar any of your injuries and you pat his neck in silent gratitude. You would have to give him something later for being so thoughtful.

However, as of right now you had another matter to deal with because the second that your feet touched the ground slim arms wrapped around you. You could feel the warmth that Daenerys exuded as she pulled you tightly to her body. Her nose pressed against your neck as she held you. You could feel the stares of all the people in the pit, and the awkwardness their stares caused.

Viserion noticing your emotional change wraps his body around the both of you. Blocking everyone from looking at you and Daenerys.

Bringing your arms to wrap Daenerys you couldn't help the sigh that escaped your mouth.

You were finally home.

Daenerys soon pulls, slightly, away from the tight embrace. You could see the tears that were streaming down her face and you could feel your heart jolt. You hated seeing your dragon crying and the grief that came with it.

"Dany don't cry, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere," you say, your voice coming out in a low whisper. Your eyes sparkling with love and affection.

"They're happy tears, my love, I thought I lost you," she says, her face crumpling at the last words. Causing you to automatically pull her into your body.

"You could never lose me Dany, you are my home and you never leave your home for long."

A soft chuckle escapes her lips and causes your chest to warm. Your happiness growing at the small noise.

"And you are my North Star, you are the thing that guides me to where I have to be. Without you I am lost and I never want to be lost again," Daenerys whispers, nuzzling further into your embrace.

Your next words are filled with conviction as you whisper gently into her ear. "You never will Dany. I promise you that I will always return to you. It may take me a while sometimes but I will always return."

Raising her head Daenerys looks into your eyes. Her own violet starting to sparkle with renewed life. A smile starting to pull at her lips and a sense of lightness returning to her.

"I'll hold you to that promise, my love."

With a gentle smile you bring Daenerys back into your arms. Your eyes tearing up as the realization sinks in that you're finally home. That you weren't dead and that you would be able to be in your Dany's arms once again.

The realization brought happiness into your heart and soul, and as you look at Daenerys burrowing into your embrace you knew that the promise you made to her would never be broken.

You would always return to her.

Just like how the sun always returns to the moon.

You would always return to Daenerys and guide her home. Shining bright against the darkness that wants to consume her.

You would be her North Star.

You would be her light.

You would be her fire.

Farewell, Stormblood.

Through the course of this expansion, an eventful year or two was certainly had. I’ve made a stack of new pals, met someone now very close to mine and Dornn’s heart alike, worked extensively on progressing my Aerslaent side of storytelling things, which I’ve yet to release... But ultimately, I’ve parted ways with some, and joined paths with others.

Real life has been nothing short of eventful, either. A new internship at the highest monetary institution of my country, a move on the horizon to the capital and even winning a vacation at my college’s raffle for a cruise across the Mediterranean... A good haul so far, I’d wager.

For the upcoming expansion, I’m looking forward to meet even more new folk, forge even more lasting ties, progress Dornn’s relationships extensively, delve deeper into my Aerslaentean world-building, and ye gods, someone make me finish leveling the rest of my alts.

I’m also planning on actually opening the Free Company <<YARR!>> to the public, eventually, for all fellow Aerslaent and Sharlayan denizens. Eventually. Yes. Help.

Legend says I’ll one day manage to decorate the Large I have on Balmung and the Medium of the FC--but hey, nothing like a bit of decoration-delegation, eh @roemom?

The blogs on here that I cherish already know who they are without mistake. Thusly, I’ll avoid tagging a wall, for now--but know that we’ll have even more shenanigans come ShB. That much, I promise.

The bonds I’ve made, the achievements I’ve accomplished, and the kingdom I’ve built with my friends and dear souls alike fill my breast with a great deal of pride, and I would not change a single damn thing about it.

Not much is left there to say, despite tumblr not allowing me to upload the rest of the amazing screenshots my pals took (of a part) of our amazing little group, even though timezones are hell, but the rest were with us in spirit. Here’s to a new season, where I hopefully get back to writing not just In Your Shadow, but with actual people, too. I think. 

sun rays.

effervescent smiles, dandelion puffs, bare feet, beach waves, flowers pressed into books, champagne glasses, rose-gold eye shadow, boho skirts, wire-rimmed glasses, hair in loose waves, kaleidoscope eyes, sunshine in your hair, fire in your soul.

incandescent bulbs.

crop tops, floral print, dancing in the rain, quiet defiance, hand-knit beanies, rosé, painted bookmarks, marble floors, cirrus clouds against a blue sky, polaroid pictures, hands held, fingers intertwined, flower crowns, baby bluebirds.

stardust.

lace bralettes, brisk breezes, jasmine-scented perfume, books with yellowed pages, tracking constellations, sterling silver, violin music, chess games, iced coffee, glittery dresses, high heels, secret grins, midnight meetings, wishing upon a star.

candle flames.

denim jackets, gladiator sandals, braided hair, messenger bags, movies at the cinema, stolen kisses, wax-sealed envelopes, haiku poetry, cherry wood, succulents, fountain pens, jigsaw puzzles, soft tired eyes, hidden smiles, cuddling with someone you trust.

moonbeams.

newspapers, over-sized sweaters, dancing shadows, fleece throws, cutoff shorts, piano chords, red wine, messy buns, embossed journals, a hint of blush dusted across your cheeks, freshly fallen snow, tranquil solitude, burning incense, light hair and dark skin.

auroras.

combat boots, burgundy lips, infectious laughter, spiral-bound notebooks, pencils used down to the stub, ripped jeans, painted nails, cloud-watching, summer thunderstorms, hiking trails, vinyl records, film cameras, skating on a frozen lake, hot chocolate by the fire.

fireworks.

dancing until the break of dawn, Heelys, being wheeled around in a shopping cart by your best friend, the euphoria of soaring through the air, being excited for what the future holds, group hugs, colorful tattoos, bronzer-highlighted cheeks, hugging a stuffed animal, lifting a child onto your shoulders, space buns, bright streaks in your hair.

Stolen from someone on my dash, I’m sorry I can’t remember :c