Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Deet/Rian/Brea/Gurjin/Naia/Kylan/Hup: 

Truth or Dare:

              Deet, Rian, Brea, Gurjin, Naia, Kylan and Hup were all sitting by the fire when trying to lighten the mood Gurjin asked.

“Hey how about we play some Truth or Dare? We are going to be stuck together for some time so why don’t we get to know one another?” 

Thinking this might actually be a good idea and it would definitely help the group feel a bit better considering their losses as of late Rian said “Sure Gurjin, why not?” 

Feeling a bit excited as Deet had never heard of such a game before her ears perked up as she said “Ooo I’ve never heard of Truth or Dare before! How do we play?” 

Naia then said a little annoyed “Of course you Grottans wouldn’t know how to play. Living your lives underground and all.” 

Brea stated afterwards feeling sorry for Deet “Naia that was very rude! Deet sorry about that. I understand how hard it must be fitting in here.” 

Deet nodded a thank you as Rian said kindly explaining the rules “The rules are actually very simple Deet. Someone asks someone Truth or Dare. Whoever is up has to say whether they pick Truth or if they pick Dare. If they choose Truth they have to give an honest answer. If they pick Dare they will be dared to do some sort of action.” 

More excited now Deet exclaimed “Ooo how fun!” 

To which Rian answered starting the game “Gurjin would you like to start?” 

Gurjin nodded and then said as he turned to his sister “Naia, Truth or Dare?” 

Naia then answered her twin brother “Dare!”

 

Gurjin then stated “Do your best impersonation of the question asked or someone in the group.”

This made Naia laugh as she stated as she pretended to mock her brother as all siblings might “Hello I’m Gurjin! I’m Rian’s best friend and a fierce Castle Guard.” 

Causing the group to laugh before Naia stated going next “Brea, Truth or Dare?” 

Brea then said with confidence her sadness over her mother’s death temporarily leaving her as she shouted “Truth!” 

This caused Naia to ask “For what in your life do you feel most grateful?” 

After she sighed a little Brea answered with sure honesty “Well now I am grateful to have my sisters Tavra and Seladon.” 

This caused Deet to give Brea a warm and understanding look as Brea said to Kylan “Kylan, Truth or Dare?” 

Kylan then said with no hesitation ”I choose Dare.” 

Afterwards Brea said “Show the group your best dance move.” 

To everyone’s surprise Kylan happily obliged and started doing the best dance he could think of as the others clapped on and encouraged him until he got tired and sat down again beside Naia. 

Kylan then asked “Rian, Truth or Dare?” 

This caused Rian to state in reply “Dare!” 

Now since everyone knew Rian and Deet seemed to be close already Kylan said with a smirk “What is the one thing that gets you hot and bothered every time you are with Deet?” 

Rian then actually began to blush slightly with embarrassment as the group all looked at him curiously “To be honest almost everything about her as she is innocence in its purest form.” 

Rian then asked “Hup, Truth or Dare?”

Causing Hup to reply “Hup choose Truth!”

So Rian asked “What’s the grossest thing you’ve put in your mouth?” 

Hup then answered kindly “Mud! Hup finds other Podlings eating mud disgusting!” 

Hup then turned to Deet and said “Deet pick Truth or Dare?” 

Deet answered with a smile “I choose Truth Hup.” 

Hup then asked “Do you have any secrets?” 

Rather surprised that Hup would call her out on that she answered “Hup!” Making the others laugh so she answered “Actually I do have a secret. I know you all know that Rian and I seemed to have grown close and I wanted to come out and say that I have caught feelings for Rian.” 

Rian then said astonished at Deet’s confession “You like me?” Only to earn a nod in response as she turned to Gurjin and said as he was the last one of the group of friends to go “Gurjin, Truth or Dare?” 

Gurjin then answered back “Dare!” 

Deet said in reply “Spin in circles for 10 seconds.”

Having no choice but to do so Gurjin did as Deet requested and began spinning around until he got dizzy and about landed on Rian’s lap which made the seven friends laugh. That was until pretty much everyone began to yawn as it was quite late as Deet said “Well I’m getting tired guys.” Making the others nod in agreement as Rian answered her “Me too, we should all get some sleep. We all have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow.” “It was fun!” Exclaimed Gurjin as they all slowly fell asleep.

Chapter Text

           SkekSha the newly named Empress was sitting on her bed alone in her private chambers deep in thought. It had only been a few days since SkekSo her mate and beloved Emperor announced to the court that she was now his. It was only a couple days ago she was attending to her duties as the Peacemaker of the Skeksis. Doing her best to simply keep the other Skeksis from doing something foolish and simply keeping the peace between her kind. Never had she thought besides in her dreams that she would ever hold the position in court she now has so the thought of it was still new to her. She thought about everything that might be in store for her now in her new role. Would she be a good Empress? Hopefully yes however she also had a feeling that maybe it would be too much for her. She couldn’t forget how SkekShod openly mocked SkekSo in court after he was proclaimed by SkekZok the Ritual Master. Would she face a similar conflict from the other Skeksis? Especially since she was a female and many of the males such as SkekVar and SkekUng saw female Skeksis as the weaker sex. Most likely since there was so few females at all. Those being SkekLach the Collector, SkekEkt the Ornamentalist, SkekSa the Mariner and SkekSha herself. SkekSha knew she could be just as powerful in battle as any of the males but it may take some time to prove it. 

 

          As she was sitting on her bed still thinking about what her future could hold SkekSo the Emperor and her mate walked into the room having came from the Throne Room after another long and grueling day. There was times even before the pair got together that just seeing SkekSha’s presence made SkekSo’s day a whole lot easier as she always supported him. He was rather tired and ready for bed when he noticed that his lover was clearly deep in thought. Wondering what in Thra’s name she was thinking about that had her so focused that she didn’t even notice him arrive as he always did every night he spoke up hoping not to startle her after he cleared his throat which finally caused her to notice that he was there now “SkekSha darling, what are you thinking about? You seem to be deep in thought. Is something wrong?” 

 

       Since what was plaguing her mind was nothing she felt he could do much about she replied “No your highness. I’m fine just thinking that’s all.” She was still getting used to the fact that in private she could call SkekSo simply by name so he said reminding her of that fact “My love you know you’re allowed to call me by name now in private. You are my mate after all. Honestly hearing you say my name just sounds right.” Immediately apologizing as she was rather accustomed to receiving some sort of backlash from male Skeksis for making such a simple mistake she said “Oh right, forgive me SkekSo.” Having no doubt that some of his subordinates used to treat her horribly before he chose her to be his mate SkekSo answered as he sat down on the bed next to her “You’re not used to this type of attention from many male Skeksis are you SkekSha?” Causing her to shake her head as she simply said “Uh uh.” To which SkekSo replied as he moved closer wrapping his tail around her and intertwining his fingers with hers as he did so “Tell me about it SkekSha. I want to know how the other male Skeksis are treating you. If it’s something I can fix that will ease you then I’ll gladly do it. As your mate it is my duty to make sure that you are safe and not feeling threatened by others. You should especially not be having those feelings since you are the Empress now.” 

         SkekSha then sighed as she answered “To be honest SkekSo most of them treat all the female Skeksis like we’re nothing. Like we can’t be as strong and powerful as them even when it’s pretty obvious we could. Yes we aren’t as muscular as a male but we can still deal some heavy shit if we need to. They just ridicule us all the time! I’m tired of it! I want to be a good Empress and help you lead Thra but I cannot do that if I get no sign of respect in return apart from SkekSil, SkekOk, SkekZok and SkekGra.” SkekSo then answered with a protective growl as he looked her over as in this point in time the Skeksis weren’t wearing full robes yet. Only cape like ones that pretty much exposed their whole body still “Have any of the others laid a hand on you physically SkekSha? I need you to be honest and tell me if they did so.” To his relief however, she shook her head in response. 

        Afterwards, SkekSo began nuzzling SkekSha’s neck with his beak after he gently moved some of her long black hair out of the way. He knew that right now if either of them were going to get any sleep that the best thing he could do to calm her nerves was to show her any kind of affection he could. Once SkekSo began nuzzling her neck SkekSha laid down and adjusted herself so that SkekSo had better access to her as she knew what this always led to. Her theory was proven accurate as soon after she did that SkekSo laid down beside her before he again pulled her close and then after nuzzling her neck one more time he gently began to nip at her neck which soon led to small bites here and there as he knew she loved that kind of attention the most. As he bit different areas of her neck she couldn’t help but close her eyes at the treatment. Receiving any type of attention like this from a male Skeksis was something she would usually only dream of but to be receiving it from the Emperor himself was a huge privilege in her eyes. She had been given such attention ever since she became his mate as SkekSo knew from whispers within his court that so many of the other male Skeksis wanted her. Every time she was given it however she relished in it as it was one of the few times she genuinely felt safe. SkekSo soon changed his position and began biting along her shoulder blades where there were already older love bites that were now healed over. With every fresh new mark SkekSo gave her the more content he was as he reassured himself that she was in fact his and his alone.

 

 

          SkekSha eventually fell asleep to the wonderful treatment she was receiving in fact as she felt so safe and secure in SkekSo’s embrace. It actually took him a little while to realize but once he did he couldn’t help but smile as he watched her sleep. Until he found himself growing tired as well and slowly but surely he too fell asleep.

Chapter Text

      One night SkekSha was heading to her chambers when she was suddenly pulled against a wall by SkekShod and he said acting really suspicious as he knew that another male Skeksis definitely staked their claim to her due to all the love bites on SkekSha’s neck. He then said with an angry hiss as he started to sinisterly sing “Ah, Did you get your fill?” At first SkekSha had no clue what he was talking about as she answered “What are you talking about SkekShod?” Only for him to continue on “How did he make it feel?” To which SkekSha replied understanding now “Oh SkekShod if only you knew.” As she tried to walk away only for him to pin her to the wall again as he continued on “And how did you conceal the moans? Oh I bet it was real.” This started to anger SkekSha a little bit as she said “I don’t have to answer any of that!” To which he replied “Oh I wanna know his name. The one you screamed like Thra’s in vain. Cause I know you don’t have no shame.” 

Only causing SkekSha to say with a growl now “SkekShod stop it!” As he only continued on and said “Yeah, tell me when you came to meet him for drinks.” She then said getting more unnerved by this “SkekShod I said stop it! What happens in my personal life is none of your business!” As he again adds on noting the fact that she no longer wears a ring he once gifted to her about a trine ago “Ahh, tell me when you took off the ring.” SkekSha then said “SkekShod I never said I wanted you to get me anything when you gave me that ring plus it wasn’t really fitting my style of fashion sorry to be real with you.” SkekShod however only prodded on as he said “Yeah, how long did it take for him to get you on the floor?” She then finally said “Fine! If you really want to know the details I can start by saying that it didn’t take my admirer long at all.” 

 

SkekShod then went on again as he said “I don’t know how it could be worse than what’s in my head. See a new stain on your side of the bed. Next to a note that you left unread. You were busy doing something else instead.” Only for her to add on “SkekShod you know that bedding other male Skeksis is something I’ve always done since I was given my title by SkekSo himself! Someone needs to keep an eye on the court in away that not even SkekZok can.” Ignoring her however, SkekShod said “You put a black hole inside my mind and I don’t want to fill it with a happy lie. I’d rather hear the worst than a false reply.” To which she replied knowing now that SkekShod now is just provoking her “SkekShod!” Only for him to add on again “Spill it all, baby, don’t be shy.” 

SkekSha then turned to leave again feeling annoyed more than anything until SkekShod grabbed her again and said “My lovely liar, I praise you while you’re creeping on me. I almost admire the way you sweeten shit like honey.” She then said with a growl “SkekShod stop it! You do not want to test me!” Only for SkekShod to say back “Do you think I’m that naive?” To which she shook her head as she said “No SkekShod I know you aren’t.” As he answered “To pull the rug out under me? My lovely liar.” To which she said “SkekShod I said stop it!” Only for him to say yet again “My lovely liar, my lovely liar.” She then said finally snapping “SkekShod I am a Skeksis same as you! It is in my nature to lie to other Skeksis. It’s no different than when the rest of you do it. I’m sorry but it’s my job to keep an eye on things as ordered my the Emperor.” 

 

SkekShod then added on again continuing to provoke her “Oh, now you wanna go back?” “Put it in the past?” To which she answered “I never said that SkekShod now if you would please excuse me!” As he added on again “While you still got bite marks on your neck and I’m not the Skeksis who gave you that.” To which she replied “I’m very aware you’re not and I don’t think you really want to know who is because that encounter probably won’t end well for you!” SkekShod though continued on “Can’t go back to before I knew you let another soul get close to you.” This immediately caused SkekSha to answer back “Ah, possessive are we? I knew you were when it came to treasures but I had no idea you felt this way about female Skeksis to SkekShod.” Only for SkekShod to add on for the final time about done with this conversation “Now I don’t want to know what else you did. I think I might actually die from this.” SkekSha thought said being the Peacemaker that she is and trying to resolve the whole thing “No you won’t SkekShod. Eventually you will find the right female Skeksis for you. That Skeksis just isn’t going to be me.” 

Just then the two bickering Skeksis hear a dominating and commanding voice say “Treasurer that is quite enough!” This caused SkekShod to jump in surprise until both he and SkekSha turned to see SkekSo standing there as he said “What goes on in the Peacemaker’s personal life is no concern to you. Do I make myself clear?” To which SkekShod slowly nods as he replies “Yes Emperor, very clear.” Not wanting to be on the receiving end of SkekSo’s wrath again SkekShod wisely leaves. Once he does so and SkekSo is sure they are alone he says softly and in a much more loving tone then his normal court tone of voice “Are you alright my love? I overheard everything he said and knew I had to act.” SkekSha nodded in reply as she said “Yes, thanks to you.” Causing SkekSo to reply as he now walked her to her room “If any Skeksis talks like that to you again tell me.” She nodded at this as she said “Yes Emperor, I promise I will” Afterwards, the two fell asleep in SkekSha’s bed. SkekSo feeling extra protective over SkekSha as he protectively wrapped an arm around her. 

 

Chapter Text

    It was Christmas morning and Rian, Deet, Brea, Gurjin, Naia and Kylan were gathered by a Christmas tree with their friends Vuhl, Nithi, Distant, Kin, Tint and Meheel. They had each decided to pick names and get a gift for someone in the friend group as the Gelfling called it Secret Gelfling Gift Exchange. The male gelfling all decided to be polite and let the female gelflings go first. Now the rules of this gift exchange were a bit different from the way humans do it. Each gelfling must get a gift for someone from each gender. After deciding who should go first Brea said kindly “Well since Deet has been so kind to all of us I think she should go first.” Deet then picked out two gifts with her name on it. Then she opened a small blue-and-gold present and saw a beautiful Stonewood-style ring with the letters “R + D” engraved in it and she said immediately knowing who made it “Rian thank you so much! You didn’t have to go out of your way to make this for me!” Rian then said with a smile as he walked over and hugged her “Oh Deet it was nothing. I thought this was a true way to express how thankful I am to have you in my life.” After sitting down next to her, Rian handed Deet the second present. This one had purple-and-white on it. She opened the gift to find a beautiful dress inside and said after reading the card that came along with it “Thank you Brea!” Before she kindly gave her a hug as well. Next it was Brea’s turn. Just as Deet had done Brea walked over and picked out the two gifts with her name on them before she sat back down in her spot. She opened a red-and-yellow present first and revealed a beautiful gold necklace with diamonds on it and she said as she turned to Vuhl “Thank you very much Vuhl. The necklace is very beautiful.” To which Vuhl answered “Your welcome Brea, Seladon may have helped a little.” Brea then hugged the fellow Vapran before she opened up a silver-and-white gift. It was some sort of Lotion and she said being polite “Thank you Kylan, I’m sure I will use this lotion during this particularly cold time of year.”

 

      Causing Kylan to nod as he replied “Your welcome Brea.” Next was Naia’s turn, first she opened a gold-and-silver present. It was a new set of boots and some new armor. Then she said also being kind “Thank you Distant, that was very thoughtful of you. I definitely can use a new pair of boots and new armor as well.” Next she opened up a small green-and-gold box and revealed two white brand new hair ties and she said “Thank you very much Deet. I will certainly use these. I’ve been using my old hair ties for quite a while now.” Making Deet say in reply with a smile “Your welcome Naia.” Then it was Vuhl’s turn, she opened up presents from Tint and Meheel which were a Trinket Box and a bracelet. After that Nithi opened her gifts, she got a new dress from Naia and a Potion from Kin. Then it was time for the male Gelflings to open their presents. It was decided that Rian would go first. He opened up a new set of armor and a new shirt from Deet who he graciously hugged back and a new pair of boots from Gurjin who he was also very thankful towards. Next it was Gurjin’s turn and he opened up a new sword from Kin and a new helmet from Brea. After Gurjin opened his gifts and thanked Kin and Brea, it was Kylan’s turn and he opened up a new flute from Meheel and a Potion from Nithi. Then Distant went next. He opened up a new sword and some new armor from Tint and a Trinket Box from Deet (some of the female gelfling had to get extra presents for some of the male gelfling). After that Tint went next. He got a new pair of boots and a cloak from Brea and a lotion from Meheel. Finally it was Meheel’s turn. He got a couple of shot glasses from Rian and a new shirt from Vuhl which he was grateful for since he had a reputation of being a party animal at times. After opening up their gifts the Gelfling spent the day hanging out together and just being friends. After all Christmas was all about spending time with one another and it was no different for the Gelfling on Thra. 

Chapter Text

Oh, his eyes, his eyes

Make the stars look like they’re not shinin’ 

His hair, his hair

Falls perfectly without him tryin’ 

 

He’s so beautiful and I tell him every day

 

SkekOk and SkekLach were in the steam spa together when SkekLach started to reminisce about the days when all the Skeksis were younger and more beautiful then they were now as he exclaimed “Oh SkekOk I miss the days when I was young and beautiful.” Causing the Scroll Keeper to look the Collector’s way and say since they were alone “You are still beautiful SkekLach. You’re just overthinking it.” However, the Collector said with a saddened tone “No I’m not! I’m hideous! Just take a look at me SkekOk!” 

Yeah I know, I know

 

When I compliment him he won’t believe me 

And it’s so, it’s so

Sad to think that he don’t see what I see 

 

But every time he asks me, “Do I look okay?” 

I say

“Do I really look ok to you?” SkekLach cried as SkekOk stated feeling sympathy for his crush “Yes SkekLach! You are perfect just the way you are. Unfortunately since we live for so long we were bound to age at some point.” “Trust me SkekLach I too miss the days when we all had better appearances. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not still an amazing Skeksis because you are nonetheless.” 

When I see your face 

There’s not a thing that I would change 

‘Cause you’re amazing

This cheers up the Collector slightly as he says feeling a bit better “Do you really think so SkekOk?” Making the Scroll Keeper smile knowing that the Collector was starting to cheer up about his insecurities as he replied as they both got out of the baths and began to dry off “Yes SkekLach I do, you’re a wonderful Skeksis no matter how you look.” After they put their robes back on SkekLach actually hugged the Scroll Keeper as he said “Thank you SkekOk, I owe you one.” To which he answered “You’re welcome SkekLach. I hate to see you so upset like this.” This made SkekLach smile as they started to walk away from the steam spa.

 

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for a while 

Cause boy, you’re amazing 

Just the way you are

Yeah

 

This made SkekOk smile as well since he was glad to have helped his crush feel at least a little better about himself.