Modern GoT: Bäahal: the perfect routine

 Modern GoT: Bäahal: the perfect routine

 

A/N: I love these two, I miss them too. I love how impactful her golden lion is for her.

 

XX

 

She took a deep breath and yanked her head back. The black locks of her wig were teasing the small of her back. The dim light of the changing room felt like a constant reminder of what she was doing there. Sunglasses and a wig were a small price to pay to do what she genuinely loved: dancing. She was a semi-professional in the underground world, working hard, perhaps harder than anyone else on her craft. She was flexible, sensual, toned, and passionate but it still wasn’t enough to compete at high levels. Behind the door of the changing room was the real competition. Pros from all around Westeros who would challenge the aptly dubbed “unknown princess” and show her what Dancing truly meant.  It was her second national competition, and the weight of her first loss was still overwhelming the young woman. Could she pull it off tonight? Could she truly face those professionals and win the competition?

 

Bäahal didn’t do it for the money, she was filthy rich. If she wanted to win, it was in order to prove herself. Dancing was in her DNA, it was what drove her and gave her a reason to endure her life. It was her true calling. The underground world was the only one where she didn’t have to face paparazzi or disappear behind her name. No. She wasn’t a Targaryen, she wasn’t one of the “8^th wonders” as they called her. She was just a very good dancer, ducking it off with some of the best dancers around the country. Winning only meant establishing her presence in this world, showing her true self and not the socialite assigned to representation duties as Daenerys and Viserys wanted. There, she could prove with her hard work what she was truly made of.

 

“Are you hiding?” -The stern voice of her mentor ripped through the silence that had settled in the room. The redhead had just entered the changing room after looking for her protegee near the stage. “It will soon be your turn.”

 

“I’m not hiding. I just needed a moment to think.” -Her voice was laconic, almost absent as she was stretching her legs. Magali lifted her brow, unimpressed with the heiress’ attempt at hiding her fears.

 

“You can lie better than this.” She sternly said, closing the distance between the two. “The first time you competed, you were green. Losing was part of the process you had to learn. Now, a couple years later, you can truly show who you are.”

 

“And lose again?” Bäahal lifted her face and despite the sunglasses hiding her purple hues, there was no doubt in the fiery passion that animated her gaze. Magali shrugged but didn’t move.

 

“Even the number 1 is afraid to lose. What truly matters here is not who will lift the cup and get the money. Even the number 1 isn’t satisfied when he wins, and you know why!”

 

“Is this a test, Magali?” Bäahal asked, while shaking her head. The redhead looked up and down and shook her head. “Then what is it?”

 

“I asked you a question first. Why is it that the number 1 isn’t satisfied with his routine, even when he wins?” -Bäahal pinched her lips together and looked down. She changed her legs and started to stretch the other one. “Why are you so reluctant to answer me?”

 

“I’m not—”

 

“Why aren’t you answering this simple question?”

 

“It’s not what you---”

 

“ANSWER ME!” -Magali hit the lockers on her left with her fist. She was angrier than usual and the sight of the redhead losing her cool was so surprising that the heiress stopped stretching and quickly wrapped her arms around her legs and pulled them up in a defensive move. Her mentor’s breathing became laboured and she genuinely regretted what she just did. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lose my cool with you. Something’s holding you back and I wanted to exorcise it off of you.” She admitted while crossing her arms above her chest. “I didn’t mean to scare you off. I won’t… I won’t hit you.” She tried to reassure her and clenched her fist out of frustration.

 

“It’s okay… you didn’t mean to.” Bäahal’s voice was softer now. While her body was relaxing now that she was certain she wouldn’t be hit, Bäahal put her legs back onto the floor. “The number 1 is not satisfied because all that matters is the routine. They want the perfect routine.. I want the perfect routine.” She bit her bottom lip and looked back at the redhead. “Maybe you’re right, I might be putting too much pressure on my shoulders. I just want a perfect routine.”

 

“Princess… Pour your heart into your dance, make sure that each move you make feels like you, expresses all that you can’t say. Make sure that each move is precise, perfect and yours and you would make a perfect routine.” She said finally sitting next to the black-haired-wigged heiress. “You came to me because you wanted to be yourself, the stage is nothing more but a place where you can express yourself. It is you who make the world stop for a minute to watch you grace our lives….this is not the other way round. This is /never/ the other way round. So, remember why you are going out there. Remember why you came to me.”

 

“Are you... encouraging me, Magali? You’ve always had a snarky remark for me, always… why the change of heart?” She asked with a bemused tone. Magali shrugged and glanced at her “protégée”. “Unless you are not encouraging me?”

 

“Don’t start… Let’s say I took a liking in you after all this while training you. You are truly passionate about your craft, you are genuine. I don’t know you very well, it’s true. I can’t say I am a friend to you, and I’d like to stay away from your family drama… but I have noticed how happy you were lately. Something good is happening to you and your dance conveys those emotions as well. It’s… I’m happy for you.” She then patted Bäahal’s shoulder with her left hand. “I’m sorry about my outburst, it won’t happen again.”

 

“I… no, it’s okay. I was startled but I know you.” She gave her a sheepish smile and nodded. “And you’re right, I have been happier lately.” She decided to keep it to a minimum.

 

Bäahal and Magali had a deal. The redhead would train Bäahal but for their safety, the silver head would wear a wig and sunglasses to hide her true identity and she wouldn’t talk about her family to her. It was decided right after a distraught Bäahal started to talk about living in a gilded cage, on her own, without any other freedom but to dance. She talked about how dance was the only thing that made her feel free, and the gift her mother passed onto her. It was enough to make Magali cave in and take her in. Yet, despite the deal they struck, Magali still cared enough to notice when Bäahal was happy and enough to genuinely be happy for her.

 

Bäahal would not tell her that it was Jaime. The Golden Lion was the reason she was feeling much better these days. He brought something new into her life: a connection. He brought her something she wasn’t sure she could ever have with people. Jaime made her happy, the little moments they could steal for the two of them. He showed her a different side of life, a fun way to enjoy it and the anticipation of their next meeting. She was determined, yes, but through a moment like this one, she was wishing that Jaime was there. He had never really seen her dance before, and she wanted him to. She didn’t’ know how to make it happen, but she wanted him to witness her in her element. She wanted him to encourage her, clap for her, maybe even watch her train, but it was asking way too much from him given the circumstances they were in.  It wasn’t to be seen and known by the public, their relationship was to be theirs. It was to be secret, at least for the time being. This meant he wouldn’t be able to see her in public, she wouldn’t be able to hold his hand in public, she wouldn’t even dare say his name in public and Bäahal was okay with it.

 

Being okay with it, didn’t prevent her from wanting to see him here. In such a moment. She clenched her fists and sighed deeply. She would dance tonight as if it was for him. She wanted to give her best that night, dance as if she was dancing for Jaime because yes, she wanted to let her body express all she couldn’t with words yet. How confident he made her feel, how sexy, seductive, and powerful he made her feel. How happy she was when they were together. He was making her feel so differently from how her family was making her feel. He was making her feel so differently from how the world was seeing her. They were just Jaime and Bäahal. they were just JB.. they were just…humans.

 

“I will ask you once again… why are you going to compete?”

 

“I want to make the perfect routine.” She repeated while looking straight before her.

 

“Then go make it!” Magali patted her shoulder again and watched as the ebony dancer stood up.

 

Bäahal glanced at the front door and nodded with determination. Suddenly the stress she was feeling before vanished now that she was animated with a different desire. So, she went to the door and looked at the doorknob. Come on Bäahal, go on!

 

-TBC-

 

Chronicles of the primaeval gods: Life and death of Ishtar; Re-connection

 Chronicles of the primaeval gods: Life and death of Ishtar; Re-connection

 

A/N: My god of war was talking, so I indulged him.

 

Xxx

 

“Brother-mine.”

 

Ayasha’s sweet voice pierced through the silence that had settled around the New All-father. Ishtar shrugged when he heard her, his body still tense at the sound of her voice. He had time to think of what his late brother and rival, Leviathan, had told him about his sister’s devouring ambition. Ayasha had always wanted to be seen by the universe. She had always wanted their father to notice her and consider her strength to be important, at least as important as brute strength demonstrated by her siblings. Ishtar did notice that his father, Khaos, only respected the destructive raw power of his strongest children. All her life, he was dismissive of her true potential and she slowly grew frustrated with this situation.  

 

Ishtar didn’t need to be a genius to understand that Elpis’ birth was the catalysis of the goddess’ anger. He concluded that it was the lack of love from their father that both drove Ayasha to some extreme and facilitated her manipulation over Ishtar. The god of war had always wanted his parents love and got none of it. It wasn’t difficult for Ayasha to talk him into killing their father and becoming something better. Only “Ishtar” could become the new all-father, only he would know what to do and how to rule better than his father did. Only /he/ would be able to save them.  It wasn’t difficult to serenade the god and soothe his aching heart by painting Elpis as a traitorous demon.

 

“Ayasha… I didn’t think you’d dare come around me again.” -He sternly welcomed her. -

 

Ishtar still hadn’t come to terms with the truth. He still hadn’t come to terms with the rejection of his mother of his attempt at being forgiven by her. He still hadn't come to terms with the death of his brother at the hands of the Sin nor did he accept the fact his sister kept choosing Pride. Despite the 2000 years spent locked inside humans, unable to use her godly powers, unable to be remembered, she still wanted the sin. She still chose the punishment yet never stopped fighting. Ishtar was still in love with her, so much so that he didn’t know how to shake those feelings off of his heart. Why couldn’t he just stop loving Elpis? Why was it hurting him still? Why was he still jealous of the sin? So many questions he couldn’t answer. So many…

 

He still didn’t fully understand what was going on with Ayasha nor what her true motivations were. What he viewed as a petty desire to be noticed, hid a far stronger desire. He, like his father, was underestimating her, only taking a brief look at the surface rather than having a good hard look inside of her. Ayasha wanted to rule over the universe. She wanted to get rid of her rivals, including him but was far smarter than any of them. Ishtar was blinded by her wits and schemes and was unable to see the snake getting ready to bite his foot. Perhaps that was the tragedy of the god, to always be played, to always lose. Perhaps.

 

“I am the bearer of good news, Ishtar.”

 

“How so?” He tilted his head to set his eyes on her. She was standing tall, triumphant almost with the hands on her waist.

 

“I have spoken with my mother.” He curbed a brow, and the atmosphere became heavier all of a sudden as the pressure in the air became more intense. “You heard me well, I went to mother.”

 

“Why?” -Was all he could articulate. He clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on his sceptre.

 

“We need an ally. I cannot find Elpis because of sin’s ancient magic. Hades truly worked his ass off and was able to create absolute monsters. Nevertheless, Mother can locate her so I went to see her.”

 

“And… did you manage to get anything else but scorn from Mother?” He mused, his lips finally lifting up to form a smirk. Ayasha rolled her eyes and yanked her head back, allowing her blonde locks to cascade on her back and tease her tight small ass.

 

“Who do you think I am, brother-mine? She’s not here with us now, but I will soon reap what I sowed into her mind. She was hiding in the Philippines, pretending to care for those meat-suits when all she’s ever wanted was to be revered and worshipped.”

 

“What are you talking about?”- His voice boomed through the empty walls of his chambers. It sent a shiver down the spine of the goddess who shook her head and crossed her arms above her chest. She wasn’t impressed with his tantrums anymore and refused to bow down in fear, despite the shiver that went down her spine. –

 

“You know what I am saying.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose and walked closer to his strong frame. “ Mother was living a lie, this whole time. She refused to see the truth about herself, so I forced her to address it.”

 

She said, closing the space between the two gods. Ishtar grunted but didn’t answer her. He didn’t want to hear from her, nor did he want to listen to her words. Ayasha knew how to capture the attention of her audience and convince them with her silky words. The black-locked God knew that if he ever listened to her, he wouldn’t be able to keep his resolve safe. She would find a way to get into his mind and make him forgive her. Ishtar was still salty towards Ayasha and wanted to remain angry and sharp.

 

“I see. So you finally grew tired of playing games with me and chose to bother, Mother.”

 

“Ouch, now you’re being salty Ishtar! I told you, we need an ally. Mother is powerful and I simply wanted her to admit the truth, once in her life. She craves power, she craves recognition and she fears Elpis’ wrath. Why do you think she’s been hiding for so long?”

 

“Go on?...”

 

And that was all she needed to capture his attention. He was willing to listen to her and she finally had the opportunity to reverse the situation and finally be able to control him. Somehow, to know that his mother was flawed and wasn’t as good as she pretended, she was talked to him and softened his hardened exterior. He was angry, he was aroused. He was intrigued, he was aroused. As she talked to him and told him what happened with their mother, the god of war mellowed towards her. He turned around to face her and cut her short with a searing kiss, the first of many he intended to give her that night. If her plan worked, and their mother joined them, it would have been a most welcome victory for him and a chance he waited for to finally get more from his mother than cold indifference. Perhaps, perhaps….

 

-TBC-

Doya : what a day

 

Doya: what a day

MOL Bunker, 07 AM

Oya wrapped the bathrobe against her waist and walked into the war room where Dean was sitting at. She found him reading newspapers as he always did and quietly leaned against the heavy table. He lifted his head to have a good look at her and smirked at her. She felt anew, refreshed and relaxed. After days spent healing, she had fully recovered from their last case and was now more determined than ever to put Pluto down once they would know enough about him. Because of the strange power upgrade of the pagan god, it was decided to find the reason for such an upgrade in order to elaborate a better plan to take him out. Dean went to Crowley, taking advantage of favour the king of Hell owed him to make him work. Oya went to Castiel instead so he could investigate on his way and come back to her should he find something.

Dean put his newspapers on the table and let his calloused hand ran over her strong smooth thigh. He watched as she tilted her head to the side and let her black locks cascade over her chest, barely covered with the bathrobe that was loosely wrapped around her frame. Hazel eyes stared at the dirty blonde hunter sitting next to her and she let her hand run over his gold locks. She shrugged slightly and looked at the ceiling of the war room. She purred at the sensation of his warm and large hand and bit her bottom lip. He was relieved to see that Oya was feeling much better now, to the point of even smiling upon seeing him in the morning. Gone was the long face she had when they had just learned about Pluto. Now, all he could see was her determination to defeat the pagan god.

« Now that feels good. » She said with a chuckle. « Dean, I was looking for you when I woke up. Did you even sleep? »

« I did, don't worry Oya. » He patted her leg and then put his other hand on the newspapers. « I think we're ready for a new case, I was looking through the newspapers. »

« You were? » She tilted her head towards the newspaper and glanced at the highlighted parts. « I see... I guess you found our next case already? » She lifted a brow and he shook his head. He pointed at the three circles he made with a red marker.

« I have found 3 cases across the country. I was trying to look for any clues regarding Pluto but these seem to be our regular hunts... no trace of that son of a bitch anywhere. »

« If he's gathering troops or perhaps needs more time to strengthen up, I guess we won't hear from him anytime soon. » She stroked her chin and left the table to sit on Dean's lap. A first, he was surprised, but then he wrapped his powerful left arm around her waist and pulled her towards his strong chest while his chin nuzzled against her neck.

« Aha..you're tickling me. » She chuckled as she looked at the papers. These were indeed regular cases. Just upon reading, she could tell there was a vampire nest, a werewolf on the loose and probably a witch. « I'm tempted by the werewolf on the loose. »

« Only because you want to fisticuff. » He pressed his lips to her neck again and grabbed one of the papers. « But I guess we both need to have a little fight to start over. » He mused.

« I'm not just bloodthirsty. » She fake-complained before she leaned against his chest. « But you are right, I need a little fight to get back on track. » She tapped her fingers on the table and then furrowed her brows. « Besides, we need to be ready just in case we face Pluto. » She bit her bottom lip at the mention of the name and lost the smile she had before.

« We will be ready O. » -He assured her.-

He knew Oya still had trouble moving on. Of all the times she nearly died, this one was hard to let go of. She told him once, that she had recurring nightmares of the god, most of the very last words he told her before he left her to die. He was haunting her, taunting her from her dreams, which was making her nights more agitated than usual. She sighed and nestled against Dean. At least a few days ago, it was his birthday and she took the opportunity to actually relax and celebrate with him. Oya and Dean had a ritual, one Oya enjoyed it very much. She would bring him a single doughnut or a slice of cake with a single birthday candle.

He enjoyed it, a perfect compromise between a full-blown party and an intimate moment between the two of them. She would sing him a happy birthday and she would spend time with him. He loved to see the lit-up face and the smile that graced her features. He would be happy with just the simplest things, but Oya always managed to surprise him. She always managed to make him happier that day than he ever was before. And she had to admit that she enjoyed it more than she let on. Celebrating his birthday was definitely something that brought the ebony hunter some joy, for a moment she would forget about the plight of the world and the urgency to find and kill the pagan god. It was a moment for the two of them where Oya could take care of him.

They would be ready tomorrow and face whatever they had to face. Today, however, was a day for the two of them. Dean pressed his lips to her neck and as she turned her chest to face the hunter, she grabbed his cheeks and pressed a kiss to his lips. A light one, followed by another chaste one and then another that lasted a little longer. She then pressed her forehead against his and smiled at him. Today was a day she wanted free of worries, a day for the two of them. She would pack and prepare herself for the case they would be working on tomorrow, but she would mostly spend time hugging, kissing, and caring for her partner. Her hand ran over his dirty blonde locks and she grinned from ear to ear.

« I'm excited about the hunt... I'm excited about getting our shit together but more importantly... I'm even more excited about spending some time with you. » She rubbed his nose with hers and tried to get up, but Dean kept her down on his lap.

« Where do you think you're going? » He teased her, almost tickling her with his fingers. She chuckled and tried to escape his hands but he didn't let her go. She was ticklish and he wanted to hear her laugh this morning, so Dean kept going and it made her break into a burst of loud

laughter; she punched his shoulder to break away from him, but he didn't let go. She giggled and started to attack him with kisses. He stopped tickling her and ran his hand over her black locks and gently pulled her into a nice kiss. « I want you here with me. »

« Well... it's asked so gently, how can I say no? » She giggled again and gently wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned against him. She would stay like this morning, enjoying coffee, breakfast and preparation for another case. She would spend the day with Dean and if Sam and Castiel returned from their investigation, then she would be able to see them too. Oh, what a day! What a lovely day!

-TBC-

Got (regular verse): stay with me a little longer

 Got (regular verse): stay with me a little longer

 

#I remember Missandei's eyes when she asked me about the Golden Lion. I remember her fear. #

 

Bäahal opened the window of her bedroom, she was staring at the quiet landscape of King's Landing. It was quiet and if it wasn't for Drogon and Rhaegal screeches, silence would have been deafening. Today was yet another day where she wasn't able to convince her sister to give her blessings. Today was yet another day where she was not able to truly be herself because way too many people hated the Golden Lion. Jaime warned her, the whole kingdom wanted him dead. He was an oath breaker, a traitor who didn't hesitate to kill his king. He was a man who could not be trusted and a man who went as far as entertaining an incestuous relationship with his twin sister. Bäahal realized that she wouldn't be able to convince those Jaime wronged in the past, including those hurt by the Lannister. Jon might have seen her truth and claimed that all he wanted was for her to be happy, she knew that the rest of the Starks wouldn't see eye to eye with her and the ire she would draw towards her would become more and more difficult to deal with.

 

#She didn't tell me that very day, how scared she was for me. Why would she try and take Jaime away from me when she knew it was the only thought I took with me at night? #

 

Bäahal felt the fresh wind whip her face and closed her eyes as tight as she could. She had not anticipated how hurt she would be because of the situation. She still remembered the promise she made Jaime, back at Casterly Roc, that she would fight All the seven gods for him if it was what it took to be happy. Her resolve didn’t dissolve over time. She was determined to protect him at all cost, even if that meant she couldn’t speak with him a whole day. She was determined to keep her promise to Kyra and stay away from him if that meant he wouldn’t be hurt by Daenerys or Jon. She was determined to sacrifice her own happiness if that meant he wouldn’t die. She was upset, however, even more now that she couldn’t shake off the bitter taste of pain. Her last conversation with Daenerys kept playing in her head, as a cruel reminder that perhaps, she wasn’t meant to be happy and would always have to lose something to make sure her beloved was happy. She would always have to lose something.

 

It became clear for her at this instant, that this love story would end up with her losing something to ensure her beloved was safe. Her mother sacrificed her life to ensure she wouldn’t die when their masters discovered they wanted to escape. She had to let Missandei leave King’s landing to start a new and better life with her beloved. For someone who had nothing, it was the most she could give and now, now that she finally had something just for herself, something she could fight for, something she had earned, Bäahal might have to sacrifice it to ensure Jaime’s safety. The thought had her jaw shake again and her eyes started to fill themselves with fresh unshed tears. There were very few options offered to her, very few she had already discussed with Jaime. If her sister gave them her blessings, then they would be able to live a decent life and at least walk with pride together. If Daenerys didn’t, then they would have to be separated. Bäahal tried to remain positive and drew strength and hope from Tyrion’s words of wisdom. He told her to lay low for a while and give the silver queen some time to digest the news. She had to think things through, make the best decision for both her kingdom, allies, and herself.

 

Bäahal tried her best to share his optimism, after all, if he was convinced of the genuine feelings Jaime shared with the princess, then perhaps the queen would be too. But it was a big “perhaps” and being the pessimist she was, the silver princess understood that it was most likely to never happen. She had to prepare herself to a life of misery, to the endless pain of missing her beloved, to never being fulfilled again. She had done it in the past, hadn’t she? She had always given herself to others, to ensure their goals were met, to protect their lives and dreams. She gave her very life to Daenerys’ cause and would so in a heartbeat if her sister asked her to. Was it selfish for her to ask for this simple thing? For her to freely love the Golden Lion? Was it selfish for her to ask for a little bit of love? Could Dany understand? Bäahal wasn’t sure of that and this uncertainty certainly brought tears to her eyes and weighed down on her shoulders. It was an excruciating pain that refused to calm down, akin to an open wound that was rubbed with salt. She prayed for an answer. Any answer.

 

 

#Here I am, alone among the wolves. I didn’t anticipate how difficult the situation would be. I am…so exhausted. Missandei seemed to know more about love than I do myself. She knew the hardships ahead of me before I even admitted I fell in love with Jaime. I couldn’t understand why she was worried, not when her congratulations were heartfelt. She was genuinely happy for me… and genuinely scared too. How strange! #

 

 

 

The noise of the bedroom’s door had her turn around and face whoever wanted to enter. Part of her wasn’t willing to face her sister at this moment. Indeed, Daenerys didn’t want to listen to her. She was way too upset to understand the love Bäahal had for the Lannister. While the silver queen respected Jaime for what he did for them -sacrificing his life to fight for the living against the night king- she hated him for the suffering he brought onto others, especially the Stark family. Given how things went this morning, Bäahal wasn’t interested in yet another lecture from her sister. She didn’t want to be “reasoned” with or to be told she was betraying her family and allies by loving the wrong person. Yet, the princess expected it to be her sister or perhaps her Hand, Tyrion Lannister.  The door finally opened, and Jaime crossed it. That made her sigh in relief and shake her head. It wasn’t Dany! It was Jaime

 

“Jaime….” -She leaned against the wall and looked at his intense green eyes. -

 

Their eyes locked for a moment, enough for him to see how exhausted she had been and how much she cried. Her eyes were puffy and red and white dried streaks were covering her cheeks. Those weren’t just mere tears; those were testimonies of her sobbing her heart out

 

“Princess.” He closed the door behind him, -. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop by earlier. I was with...”  

 

“I understand, Jaime.” She cut him short and closed the distance between the two of them. She didn’t need to hear him say more, at least not now. As soon as he entered the room, it was suddenly filled with his presence. The room became warmer all of a sudden and for a brief moment, the princess didn’t feel alone. she didn’t hide her tears, nor the slight shivers that were going down her spine. She was relieved to see him with her. She was relieved to hear his voice and akin to light piercing through the darkness, Jaime saved her from her own misery. “I understand. please stay with me for a while.” She begged, hugging him as tight as she could.

 

“How could I not indulge such a request?” he asked with a soft smile on his lips.

 

How could he?

 

-TBC-