#semanticsreally

at least part of my theory also hangs onto the fact that I think the modify memory didn’t last as long because of his keen mind feat and feeblemind explains exactly why he doesn’t remember anything and why he lost the levels that Liam mentioned he lost in the asylum

It was, by all accounts, a Taako day for the young elf.

The house? Empty.

The cats? Napping.

A quiet day was a rarity after being as busy as a growing entrepreneur and scholar and pet owner and family man. This day had the inkling of an entire pamper day ready to burst into a fiery blitz of satisfaction. 

And Taako is a man who refuses to not be satisfied. 

That’s why the elf found himself lounging in shimmering purple and golden bathwater, scented candles lit wafting a gentle warm vanilla small through the room and halls. Somewhere, soft music was playing, some enchantment he had started and let play out for the ultimate Taako-Day, when something a bit strange occurred.

Well, stranger than usual.

A sliver of cucumber was lifted lazily as he eyed the steaming-- burning? crack that just sorta appeared and hovering in place. His other free hand shifted and lifted the edge of the glass of cherry wine to his lips as the portal rippled once.

Twice.

Then immediately disperse, leaving no evidence that it was ever there.

“--Next time knock if you’re gonna barge in!” He called out before sitting up. sloshing water around the tub. His ears twitching just a moment and honestly, had it not been for the fact he did hear something ripping open loudly and then a crash, he would’ve laid back down. 

His wand was-- not in the bathroom, but a rolled up newspaper would make do as he hoisted himself from the tub and wrapping a towel around his chest and hair. Taako pushed the door open, his makeshift wand pointed at the heap of a rough looking human man on his floor.

“ why is it you always seem to show up at the worst times? your masters really so invested in this shit? i thought they had bigger issues to worry about. “ 

of course if he’s here they must know about this politician’s dealings. or at least have a suspicion. assuming they’re not involved. 

no matter what, she can’t let on what she knows. not until it’s clear whether or not their goals align this time. 

it’s hard to predict with him and those he works for. 

“    WOAH ;    HOLD ON, TAKE IT EASY NOW...   ”    adrenaline of a fight now beginning to subside into the usual ragged feeling that comes with taking a few hits, fjord is ready for it when caleb wobbles into his shoulder, clasped hand pulling him back up to stand more-or-less on his two feet and then catching the wizard’s weight, as the other steadies the middle of his back.

what little skin now peeks out from behind a muddy mop of ginger hair and the violent spill of crimson has turned white as sheet   ;    fjord hadn’t seen caleb get hit, had presumed their efforts to keep the thing distracted on whatever was bothering it up close would be enough to keep it from realising the real hard hits were coming from further back.

apparently he’d been wrong.

Keyleth was gentle with the wizard in front of her, guiding him to sit in the soft loam beneath their feet. Even though he was tiny, the magical strain around him could even be felt by Keyleth.

(oh he looked so so tired... she’s seen that look before.)

she’s not supposed to get attached to people. she’s the asshole on the periphery; never liked and never liking, temporary wherever she goes until she pisses someone off enough that she has to leave. 

but it’s been different with them... 

maybe because they’re all assholes in some way. or maybe... maybe because they’re all really so fucking good. 

she likes them too. loves them. loves him. 

her brother- the one she never had, and one her parents would never want which only makes her like him more. real family. 

the empire kids. broken and fucked up and shitty people but god they’re both trying to be better. and fuck if they aren’t succeeding. especially him.  

she remembers when she first met him and how he carried a death wish like chains around his throat. and she remembers their conversation- just a few days ago- sitting at the bar even as the others all filed off to bed and he told her in that quiet, starkly raw way he has that he’s glad to be alive. and she told him she’s glad he’s finally ready to stick around. 

the irony makes her hands ball in fists so tight her knuckles go numb. 

when he wanted to die he was always so fucking careful in battle, but now that he’s living, wanting to live, he throws himself in like he’s not made of fucking paper. 

he saves her. and she fucking hates him for it. 

she drags him out, limbs aching, brow bleeding into her eyes until she can’t even see. she drags him out and keeps going until her strength gives and she collapses. 

she can hear her own voice, ragged and screaming for jester, for caduceus, until they finally find her. 

she meets jester’s eyes and she can see the tears there, the hopelessness, the helplessness, and she doesn’t understand. 

“ fucking heal him! what the fuck are you doing? “ 

jester shakes her head and beau blinks at her, anger burning, aching, eating. realization sets in and her ears ring, her blood rushing so loud she can’t make out what she says next. 

but she doesn’t need to. she already knows. 

they used the diamonds. 

they used them on her. 

tears blur her vision and for a moment she sees purple skin and curled horns before she blinks and it’s caleb’s pale, slack face staring up at her again. 

she’s not supposed to get attached to people. she’s the asshole on the periphery; never liked and never liking. 

Send me ✫+ an AU and I’ll write 5 headcanons for that AUDread Pirate Fjord + Archmage Caleb

Fjord never met the M9 as the M9. Uk’otoa got its scales around him early, and created something of a second Avantika out of him. He was devoted and searched for the cloven crystals and released Uk’otoa

Vandren didn’t survive, but Sabian did. His pact with Ukotoa is a continually growing thing until his revenge is taken out. His abilities extend beyond the scope of normal magic, but it takes its toll on his body.

In extreme cases, Uk’otoa actually begins to change Fjord, or take control of his body. Something similar to recreating a more suitable avatar for him to take over when Fjords contract ends.

His ship is called the Leviathan’s Crown, and similar to Davey Jones it has control of a kracken. He is TECHNICALLY the plank king of Darktow, but he has someone sitting in his place as a face cover, and poses as an admiral / dread pirate instead so he can keep his freedom.

Fjord is a lot more intimidating in this au, often over utilizing his charisma to bully his way out of fights. Threat displays, very little fighting. He can fight, but doesn’t prefer it. But honestly, he’s terrified. He’s become so dependent on his powers and abilities, recieved all the boons possible and it’s so much a part of him now, he’s afraid of ending the contract. Afraid of what he’ll become. A monster….. or worse. Mortal.