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yukidragon · 1 year

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Just a curious thought after reading past post of

Alice and Jack having children despite jack being a ghost while Alice is human it possible that Alice can

Have kids even if they genetically inherent jack ability but what if Alice is a male and jack is a woman witch would be Jill.

if Jill wanted kids how could it be possible if Jill the ghost

Ho, ho, ho~! What a fun prompt you've given~ Thank you for giving me the excuse to ramble about the gender bend that I came up with for Alice since Jill was first introduced.

First of all, the male version of Alice is named Arthur King.

Yes, the pun is intentional. It's actually what made me decide on King as Alice's surname.

No, I will not apologize for my love of wordplay.

Speaking of puns and wordplay, the puppet Arthur had as a child instead of Honey Bunny was called Sir Hopsalot. (For my pals who need to use a translator, it's a play on "Hops a lot" and "Lancelot".) As you might expect, it was a bunny dressed as a knight, complete with a felt sword and shield. Eventually I will draw this adorable puppet and a model sheet for Arthur when I can draw again.

Arthur has some small differences between him and Alice, having grown up with a the AMAB societal pressures rather than the AFAB ones. Also certain experiences Alice faced won't apply to Arthur's life and vice-versa. Overall though, he's got generally the same likes/dislikes/personality as his female counterpart. He's still self-conscious about his size and appearance, but he also has added worries about his height on top of his weight. He, like Alice, is pretty short.

Oh, and while I'm at it, if Alice/Arthur was neither male nor female, their name would be Ace. Their puppet would probably be either Honey Bunny or Sir Hopsalot, depending on whether they were AMAB or AFAB since I don't think Ace would really realize their gender identity until they were much older.

Then again... I could just use this as an excuse to make a third, nonbinary bunny puppet.

Or should I say non-bunnary?

No, I will not apologize for that pun either.

Anyway, regardless of gender, Alice is still weak to Jack regardless of his gender. Jill is going to make Alice/Arthur/Ace just as flustered as Jack can.

On that note, since this is a pregnancy headcanon post, there's probably going to be talk of the baby making process and related kinks, so expect some of spicy bits. You can also check out a couple previous happy pregnancy headcanon posts here and here, which also get a bit spicy.

Arthur, like Alice would be keen to have a big family with a lot of kids with his partner, even if it was necessary to use a surrogate or adopt. I imagine Jill would be keen on having kids with her sunshine as well if at all possible.

As I mentioned in the previous headcanon posts, like Jack, I imagine Jill would only be able to get pregnant if her sunshine consents to it. If Arthur/MC isn't ready, it's not happening. Consent is a big part of the character of Jack/Jill after all.

As was mentioned on the official tumblr, Jack can touch and interact with things the more attached his sunshine is to him. "Interact" in the case of pregnancy AUs/headcanons would be, well, getting his sunshine pregnant. It would be the same thing if he were the one getting pregnant as Jill. Pregnancy is combining two peoples' DNA into a biological baby storage container, in a sense. If Jack can make get someone pregnant, then Jill can get impregnated.

Jack, as we've seen from comments made in both the demo and side-game, Sleepy Time Jack, has a heartbeat. He feels warm and solid to his sunshine. He can sweat, has spit, and is capable of producing semen, likely blood too. He has powers that normal ghosts don't possess, which is probably why he's called a ghost(?) on the store page. I think Jack is something more than a ghost, something with the potential to become every bit as real as his sunshine.

So, of course, this would apply to his gender bent counterpart. The more attached MC is to Jill, the more real she becomes. Arthur gets attached to Jill like Alice does to Jack. Jill becomes more and more real to Arthur and after a slow burn romance they fall in love. Once Arthur feels ready for it and is prepared with both money and his job security, he'll want to start having babies with his partner, which Jill would only be happy to do with him.

Arthur would be concerned whether Jill could get pregnant, but she would encourage him that they won't know until they try. Their love is powerful after all. It doesn't matter what the world thinks, all that matters is them and their love.

Oh, and FYI, Jill is still the more dominant one in the bedroom. Arthur, like Alice, is still easily flustered, and Jill is still sneaky and manipulative like Jack - with love of course. Still, Arthur tries his best to pleasure his partner and show lots of love just like Alice does.

Once Jill takes a pregnancy test and it turns out positive, Arthur is stunned, reeling, but so happy. He wants to lift up Jill and spin her around with joy, too choked up to speak, but he's not strong enough. Fortunately, she's got muscles and can spin him around easily.

Jill is not only stronger than Arthur, but taller too, which does leave him feeling self-conscious that he should be more of a "man" for his partner, but she makes sure that he knows he's perfect just the way he is. Men can be sensitive, soft, sweet, and kind too. They can be cuddly and loving and still be a man. After all, he doesn't think of her as less of a woman for being tall with muscles, does he?

Arthur, of course, would insist that's not the case. Jill is gorgeous, practically perfect. He'd fumble to admit that her muscles and height are actually a turn on. He's not into being crushed or choked, but being picked up by his strong partner is just so exciting, even if it makes him feel flustered.

Jill would be trying to still be the one trying to take charge most of the time, taking care of her sunshine, but Arthur would be insisting she rest more for the baby while he takes on the lion's share of the work. He might have gone through a depressed period where he struggled to take care of himself, but Jill helped him appreciate himself more, and he was prepared to step up as a father knowing he had to put lots of work into it. He would try to cook, clean, and help his partner handle any pregnancy cravings and issues that might arrive.

One big hurdle to overcome potentially, if Jill still can't be seen by others even while pregnant, is medical care. They have to take care of her and the baby's health all by themselves. That means researching what nutrition is needed for the baby, what signs to look out for, and generally handle it on their own. Arthur will even have to be the one to deliver the baby, since he's the only one who can, and you bet your ass he'll be studying hard on how to do it right.

Naturally, there would be questions where the baby came from, but that would be something that they would be prepared to handle ahead of time. This pregnancy would only happen after they both had many discussions about it and plans for what they're going to do about the various issues that might come up. Documents can be faked, and Arthur has a big family as well as a few trusted friends who he told about Jill, so they're not alone in this.

Giving birth would hit Jill just as hard as it would Jack, maybe even harder since she would be getting the full force of the pregnancy hormones rather than just some spill over. Their baby looks just like her, or rather just like Josephine, right down to the mole. It would generate a lot of intense emotions, but Arthur would be there to support her and comfort her. There's also the extended family who would be helping support the two with the new baby, even if they can't see Jill.

Jill is at bigger risk of post-partum depression if she still can't be seen after giving birth. Sure, she can talk to other people besides Arthur through writing or passing a message through him, but she's going to be extra needy and clingy with her sunshine. It's something that Arthur would have worried about happening, so he would be extra supportive and attentive to her needs.

Oh, also, since it's something of a tradition in these happy pregnancy posts, there's definitely going to be a lot of pregnancy body worship. Arthur is going to be wanting to cuddle and touch the baby in Jill's belly and letting her know he's so happy that she's carrying their child. He's going to do all he can to make sure she feels loved and appreciated for doing something as demanding as pregnancy and birth.

Also, on a spicier note, Jill is going to encourage Arthur to get a sample of her milk as soon as she's lactating. He's going to struggle to admit it, but he is curious for a taste and when he does, well... he definitely is into the kink. It becomes a regular thing after that, and I'm sure with her powers she'll be able to make sure her sunshine and their baby get plenty of love to drink.

Really, considering we don't know the limits of Jill's supernatural abilities, she might have the ability to lactate even before getting pregnant. Heck, since it's likely that sunshine has summoned her to begin with and is likely responsible for her body existing in the first place, it might be possible for Alice to get Jill pregnant just by them both wanting it. Jack seems to be able to conjure up new outfits after all, like his pajamas and robe, after all, and we still are wondering where the blueberries for the pancakes came from...

Though, to be honest, I suspect that Jack's plan is to eventually be every bit as real as his sunshine, which means Jill would have the same goal. It's entirely possible that by the time Jill and Arthur are committing to expanding their family by having children, other people would be able to see the happy mother-to-be walking around hand in hand with her sunshine for all to see.

@channydraws @earthgirlaesthetic @sai-of-the-7-stars @cheriihoney @illary-kore @okamiliqueur

#Sunny Day Jack #Something's Wrong With Sunny Day Jack #SunnyDayJack #sdj #swwsdj #Headcanon Ramblings #Ask

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akampana · 3 years

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We need some Diarturia Here please sooooo how about What was their first kiss like? orrrrr If they get married, who proposes?What’s the wedding like?

DIARTURIA Modern AU (omg its a diarturia ask its been a while AAAA <3)

As most of my recent modern Au stuff features the characters on the older side, I went a bit younger for this one.

General 3 What was their first kiss like?

Arturia had been friends with Diarmuid since they were kids. They went to the same elementary and secondary school, they were both on the varsity team (although for different sports), and they always walked the same route home.

They were in the same friend group with Cú, Gil, and EMIYA, and even if she ended up dating the latter at some point, their friendship remained. Even when Diar got a girlfriend, he'd still drop everything to go see her when she was sad because nothing was supposed to come between him and Arturia. You can guess how their respective high school relationships ended up.

He didn't mention it to her, but the minute she said she was going to a different university, he died a little bit inside. But he made it a point to visit her anyway, scheduling his classes earlier during the day so he could show up at the gates to walk her to her apartment in the evening. He did it often, too often, enough that even Arturia realized it couldn't be good for him to keep this up.

As she climbed the steps to her door, she thanked him, but told him he didn't have to come so often. Two steps up, she felt his hand enclose her wrist.

She turned to ask if something was wrong, then his lips were on hers.

He pulled away before she could kiss him back.

"I apologize, I should have asked-"

But her small hands were gripping his collar, pulling on his flannel shirt till their lips met again.

Domestic Life 1 If they get married, who proposes?

After graduation, work pulls them away from each other. Arturia's crazy busy trying to climb the corporate ladder at a tea company, Diarmuid's working with his fathers in the next city, but they find time to hang out on the weekends. She kept her apartment, so he comes over on the Fridays.

Every day that passes though, nighttime dates don't seem like enough. Diarmuid doesn't want what happened to them in university to happen again due to the added distance.

One day, when they're cuddling in bed while she reads, he draws her closer to his chest and curls around her.

"Marry me."

Arturia freezes, calmly sets down her book and turns over.

"Are...are you certain? We are so young...we..." she doesn't even know why she's arguing back. There's no one in the world she'd rather be with.

"I have been sure since we were kids, I believe. No one ever came before you in my eyes."

Diarmuid then pulls her close till their foreheads are touching.

"Marry me?" he asks again.

She says yes.

Domestic Life 2 What’s the wedding like? Who attends?

It was a very simple wedding, thrown together by a few friends and relatives. They'd only just started their careers after all, and they hadn't had a lot saved up just yet. (Plus, neither of them really wanted to ask for too much external support. Especially not from the Pendragons who weren't too keen on her marriage.)

In fact, the couple themselves handmade some of the decorations for the garden venue and helped put them up. EMIYA homecooked the cake and the food, Cú helped set up and became their runner. Even Lancelot, who didn't like Diarmuid all that much, built a little flower arch for the makeshift altar.

Arturia's dress and Diarmuid's tux were both created for them by a certain very helpful graduating Fashion Major who'd been looking for a great project for her thesis. She was all too ready to help. Because Diarmuid's favorite color was green and Arturia had emerald eyes, Medea made sure to include green in the color scheme and basically ended up taking over some of the decorating at some point. Her dress was still white, but her accessories had green gems. Diarmuid matched her with his bow tie and other subtle accents.

Kay walked Arturia down the aisle. For once, he wasn't even that protective. He'd grown up with Diarmuid too, there was no one else he trusted her with more. Plus, there was a part of him that had been rooting for them both, even when they were little. Not that he'd ever tell that to the crying mess that awaited them at the altar though.

Even though they still went through all the lines, still gave out memorized vows, they knew they didn't have to. Diarmuid had long made his feelings for her clear, and he knew she loved him more than anyone or anything. Their friends, the crowd could coo all they wanted, they'd never understand what Arturia truly meant to him and what he meant to her. Their love ran much deeper than written promises and declarations.

They'd chosen to keep the veil down till after the vows, and when Diarmuid finally lifted it to kiss her, the whole room went silent in awe of her beauty.

She was smiling. Not the calm reserved smile, no. A wide, tearful smile of pure happiness sat on her lips.

Arturia whispered a quiet "I love you" just as he leaned in, and the childhood friends were married at last.

They came home that night to a different apartment, a place equidistant from her job and his. It wasn't even fully furnished yet, there were still boxes and bubble wrap strewn around, but it was perfect, situated in just the right spot so they could meet in the middle. He carried her inside all dramatic-like without a care. They stumbled over packaging tape and scissors, kissing all the while until finally they crashed onto their new bed for the first time as husband and wife.

;') Thank you for the ask!

Ask meme

#ah yes the childhood friends to lovers trope #akampana asks #-ship questions #diarturia #diarmuid #diarmuid ua duibhne #arturia pendragon #artoria pendragon #arturia #artoria #saber #lancer #fate #fate series #fgo #fate grand order #fate zero #fz

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rainbowvamp · 3 years

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"Your Grace."

A royalty/knight AU. Merlin as a prince. Lancelot is a knight of Camelot. They fall in love because of course they do. :)

The carriage he’s riding in bumps and drags through the streets of Camelot. Because he’s here as a prince, a visiting dignitary, he was asked to behave as a dignitary and ride inside the carriage, not on his own damn horse. Which made the ride entirely out of his control and fairly uncomfortable, and worst of all boring.

He could hear his father’s knights laughing and joking right up until they reached the gates of Camelot. He wasn’t jealous, per se, but he wished he could at least pretend he might be able to participate in the joking.

He couldn’t even entertain himself with magic because the carriage curtains were partly lace embellished and it might show through. That Ealdor allowed Magic openly was no secret in Camelot, but that the crown prince had it… that definitely was. And for the sake of certain trade negotiations, it was going to have to stay that way.

Merlin sighs with relief when the carriage finally stops and he hears himself being announced. Someone opens the door to his carriage and he puts on an air of princeliness that his mother would have been proud of as someone offers him a hand to help him step down.

The hand offered him is not the hand of one of his father’s men.

It’s the hand of a truly beautiful man, with dark brown eyes that look so earnest Merlin could’ve tripped over them. He did start to trip over his own feet, but the knight (and he must be a knight in that gorgeous Camelot red) quickly took Merlin’s waist in one hand to steady him.

Merlin might have looked gangly, but he was far from a waif of a damsel, so the feat required no small amount of strength. Merlin tried not to think about it too much, lest he become distracted.

“Your Grace,” the knight helped Merlin the rest of the way down (no more tripping) and bowed when he released Merlin’s hand. “I’m Sir Lancelot, knight of Camelot. It will be my honor to escort you during your visit. The king and the prince are unfortunately occupied with a trade deal that is taking much longer than anticipated. He had hoped to be done before your caravan arrived, but I’m sorry to say this was not the case.”

If Merlin were at home, he might have said something like, “Oh, great. Uther’s a nightmare.” Or better, “Arthur’s always been a prat anyway. I don’t send any regrets.”

But Merlin was here representing his father, his mother, and his kingdom. He’d do as was meant to be done, and he’d be amiable. “I understand. These things happen. I’m quite tired after the journey. Could you show me somewhere I might lay down for a minute?”

Truthfully, Merlin was a ball of energy, but he knew himself well enough to know that he was barely holding himself together, and a quick reprieve from society, with all doors shut and windows covered, would be the best thing he could do for himself right now.

“Of course. I can show you to your chambers. Prince Arthur offered the ones nearest his to you.”

Merlin tilted his head. “I was under the impression those were usually knight’s chambers.”

“They are, but certain improvements are being made to the guest areas of the castle. I promise you will not find them lacking.”

“I believe you.” Merlin didn’t, but he wasn’t going to make a scene. He hated that he was going to have to be close at all to Prince Prat. Why had his father sent him? What had been the point of this whole diplomatic visit? Merlin didn’t have any authority yet. It was just a cutesy show of alliance.

Or his Mother was trying to marry him off again while he was gone. It had only happened the once, and she’d promised it was an accident, but Merlin was skeptical.

“If you’ll follow me, Your Grace, I’ll show you to your rooms.”

“Yes, that would be great.” Lancelot offered Merlin his arm, and while usually Merlin would’ve refused…

Well, how could he refuse such a chivalrous knight. He put his hand in the crook of Lancelot’s elbow and was careful not to outwardly relish the contact. Even through the chainmail, Merlin could feel the sheer strength in Lancelot. It wasn’t at all unpleasant.

If her were home, he might’ve made a move to get Lancelot into his bed. But he was supposed to be amiable, so he settled for just smiling as Lancelot explained what new was being done to improve the castle’s fortitude and kept his mouth firmly shut about how it all sounded unnecessary.

“Here you are,” Lancelot opened the door to a chamber near Arthur’s. Merlin only knew it was Arthur’s because he’d been forced to take supper with the prince in them once while their parents discussed “private matters.” Whatever that had meant. It had been a stilted and awkward dinner, only barely saved by the grace of the Lady Morgana. “I hope you will find everything to your liking. If not, the servants have orders to bring you anything you might need to make your stay more comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Merlin walked into the chambers alone and… was actually impressed.

It was obvious the place had been very thoroughly cleaned, recently, and the drapery on the bed, the curtains, and the linens all looked incredibly beautiful. Well preserved or possibly even new. An obvious Camelot Red that looked much less fetching on bedding than it did on Sir Lancelot.

“Your grace,” Lancelot bowed and left Merlin to his rest.

He collapsed onto the bed as soon as the door was closed.

By the Gods, how was he going to make it through the week with this gorgeous knight around? Merlin was very glad this was only meant to be a short visit. Or maybe not so glad.

His servant came in a few minutes later with his things, and Merlin asked him to draw the curtains. Once the room was dark and he was alone, he pulled at the thread of magic that ran through his soul and muttered a simple spell to make the room glow.

The glow purposefully mimicked candlelight, ebbing in a way that would fool most people, but instead of fire light, the room was filled with magic that came from him and could be shaped into anything he desired. He made it a little bird and watched it flutter around the room for a while, letting the energy of maintaining the manifestation still him a bit. The bird’s flying became hopping around on the bed spread and then slowly it nestled down in the blankets to sleep, and Merlin, lulled by it, did the same.

—

Lancelot knocked thrice on the door to Prince Merlin’s chambers before entering. He had been asked to fetch him for dinner. Though that was usually a servant’s job, Lancelot didn’t hesitate to go up to the room that was usually his to retrieve the Prince.

He waited for an answer, but heard nothing. He checked the hall to see if any of Prince Merlin’s servants might be milling about, but had no such luck. He knocked again, louder this time. “Your Grace. Dinner is to be served soon, if you would like me to escort you?”

He still heard nothing. The Prince had mentioned that he was tired, and so perhaps it was possible the man was asleep. Lancelot tried the knob and found it unlocked. With no guard to be seen. Lancelot sucked his teeth and made a vow to either make the man lock his door to station a guard. The palace might be safe, and Merlin may have no enemies in Camelot to speak of, but it did seem like there was always at least one traitor within her walls. He’d hate for Merlin to be their victim.

“Your Grace,” Lancelot called again, entering the antechamber and closing the door to give them some privacy. “Are you here?”

It felt strange to walk into his own room like it wasn’t his. For the next week it wasn’t his, but he hadn’t been able to handle the idea of Merlin being put in a drafty room barely suitable for a card game, let alone sleeping for a week.

Arthur had been fine with it, but Arthur was not particularly hospitable. When Lancelot had offered up his own room instead, Arthur had only raised an eyebrow and waved his hand, which was as close to permission as he was going to get.

It wasn’t ideal to be making his way to the bedchambers of a prince unannounced, but if Merlin wasn’t there he’d have to start a search, and so really it was just practical. It had nothing to do with Lancelot’s own personal curiosity.

“Your Grace.” Lancelot poked his head around the bedchamber door and for a moment, he lost his breath.

Merlin was gorgeous, sleeping peacefully on top of the blankets, shoes not even removed, strangely, but that wasn’t what caught Lancelot’s breath. Sitting on the bed, nestled against Merlin’s chest, was a glowing orange bird, no bigger than a sparrow.

Oh shit.

Lancelot started to back out of the chamber to knock again, louder, but Merlin was already stirring, and as soon as their eyes locked the bird vanished.

They stood there, in quiet, tense silence for several moments, both of them trying to think of what to say. Magic was outlawed in Camelot, and they both knew what Lancelot had seen. To his credit, Merlin didn’t look like he was about to attack him with said magic, so that was good. But the threat of what might be about to happen hung heavy in the air between them, stifling any possible conversation.

Merlin was the first to clear his throat. “Did you need something?”

Lancelot’s mouth opens and closes without him saying anything, but soon enough he finds his voice, clears his throat, and says, “Um, dinner is to be served soon. If you’d like to dress.”

Merlin looked down at his travel clothes, now slept in, and sighed. “I suppose I must.”

Lancelot nodded and closed the door to the bedchamber.

Oh shit.

—

“Fuck.” Merlin whispered to himself as he rifled through the chest of his clothes. Sir Lancelot might very well be running to tell the king about him right now. He searched his trunk for the clothes that he would usually wear to battle but then decided against them. He took a deep breath, elbow deep in fabric and necessities, and forced himself to shaky feet, grabbing the ensemble he’d planned to wear to the first dinner of his visit. He’d never needed mail or anything else to go into battle. He’d trained to fight in his royal clothes for exactly this reason. He’d at least take the chance that Lancelot was too stupid to know what he’d seen before he went out magic wielded. It was for the best.

He dressed quickly, even for being on his own, washing his face and hands, combing his hair and carefully adjusting the delicate his mother had given him specially for this visit. Why she’d felt such a need, Merlin would never know. Hunith was a strange woman, and only getting stranger, while Balinor seemed to be getting more callused. Still, he loved them, and all their eccentricities.

He felt luxurious in the deep blue and green dinner clothes, and that steadied him a little. If he was going to have to fight, at least he’d look good doing it.

And he had a dagger stashed on his person just in case.

He opened the door and found Lancelot standing a few feet away, turned away from him. Merlin kept his back straight and his gaze level as the man turned to face him.

“It’s been a while since I saw Camelot’s dining hall. I might need help getting there.” He could definitely have gotten there on his own, but he wanted to keep Lancelot close, just in case. It was always easier to hide using magic on someone when they were closer.

“Of course, Your Grace.” Lancelot extended his arm again, and Merlin decided to take it again. It kept his arm inconspicuously close to the opening of his coat, where he could reach in and grab his dagger if need be.

They made their way to the antechamber, but they stopped at the door. Merlin tensed at the way Lancelot didn’t reach for the handle.

“Your secret is safe with me.” Lancelot said, and Merlin started to pull away, but Lancelot held his hand at his elbow. “I swear it.”

Again, just like when they’d met, Lancelot has such earnest eyes, Merlin can’t help but believe him.

“I’m not a danger to anyone.” He swore in return, and Lancelot nodded, with a soft smile.

“I know. You did trip getting out of your carriage.” Lancelot’s little chuckle would’ve been cute if it hadn’t embarrassed Merlin so badly.

“I’d been riding for hours. My legs were unsteady.”

“I’m sure.” Lancelot reached for the door knob now and Merlin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Your secret is safe with me.”

And somehow, Merlin believed him.

#merlance #mercelot #lancelot #merlin/lancelot #merlin x lancelot #minimercelotweek2021 #day 2: grace

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ikeromantic · 3 years

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Skiing Lesson

A mini-fic for @hanafubukki featuring Jonah and his sexy sass. For my 400 follower celebration!

January, Jonah, Sweet and Spicy

“I don’t know how to ski, Jonah.” Alice stared at the jumble of poles and skis, thick fluffy coats and gloves, and winter boots. “I’m going to look like an idiot.”

Jonah smiled, wicked Queen that he was. “That’s different from normal?”

She slapped his arm. “Seriously. I’m just going to fall on my face tomorrow. In front of everyone.”

Her face was red and her eyes damp. Jonah realized this really bothered her and he stopped himself from making another snarky comment. “You’ll do fine, Alice. No one expects you to be a pro. And . . . Zero’s never been skiing either! So you won’t be alone.”

“So we can look like idiots together. Great.” She crossed her arms. “Maybe I just won’t go. You all can go and I’ll just wait at the retreat. I bet they have tasty cakes and hot cocoa and -”

“Hey! Don’t think you can get out of this,” Jonah protested. “I don’t want to go if you aren’t coming with me.” It was his turn to pout.

Alice sighed. “I - Ok. I guess you’re right. I’ll go. I just wish I could practice a bit on my own. So I won’t look so silly in front of all the officers . . .”

She looked so resigned - and sad - that Jonah felt his throat tighten. He couldn’t make his Alice feel like that. But he really wanted her to come with them to the ski retreat. Lancelot thought it would be a good way for them to bond and to learn how to support each other better . . . and Alice had to be a part of that. She was there for all of them.

Jonah stared at the pile of ski gear and then smiled. “I have an idea.”

“Hm?” Alice raised an eyebrow.

“We’ll practice skiing tonight. Then you won’t feel so nervous about tomorrow.” His grin widened. “I am an excellent teacher. You’re lucky I thought of this.”

She laughed. “Oh Jonah, you’re always so . . . you! It’s not a bad idea but you know there’s no snow here. We have to go up the mountain for that.”

Which was a good point, but the Red Queen had already considered it. “We obviously can’t practice going down slope, but we can try out the gear and I can show you how to move in it.”

“And that will help?” Alice still sounded skeptical.

“I said so didn’t I? And the Queen of Hearts doesn’t lie.”

First, Jonah showed her how to put on each piece of gear. His family often took a holiday in the mountains, so he knew it all well. “You know, the last person I taught to ski was Luka. And he was a demon on the slopes. My little brother is so talented. I wish he was coming with us -”

“You’re getting that look again Jonah. Focus.” She grinned at him and before he could pout, lightly kissed his lips. “You can tell me all about the adventures you had with Luka on the trip up tomorrow, ok?”

It was impossible to do anything but agree when she asked so sweetly. His lips felt warm from just that light touch, and he found himself wondering if he might have a little time alone with her in the hot spring at the retreat. He blushed to think of all the things he’d like to do there.

Alice wrinkled her nose. “And you say I’m an airhead. What are you thinking about anyway? Weren’t you going to tell me how to lace these?” She held up the boots.

Jonah cleared his throat. No way was he telling her what went through his mind just now. “Yes, the boots. So to keep them from tangling . . .”

It took awhile to show her everything and then get her geared up but soon enough, she was standing in the middle of the room, skis on, poles ready.

“So, uh, what do I do now? This feels . . . really awkward.” She took a wobbly step.

“No, not like that,” Jonah tutted. “Don’t pick your foot up, slide it across the carpet.”

Alice struggled a moment, then managed to shuffle forward.

“Good. Like that. See what an excellent teacher I am?” He grinned. “Now, if you want to turn, you lean with your hip.”

She wobbled. Her arms went out to keep her balance, a ski lifted off the floor. “I - I - Jonah!”

He was there before she’d finished calling him, his hands at her waist, steadying. “Not like that, Alice. Use your hips.” His hands slid down, cupping her curves. She was soft and firm and he could help but squeeze lightly.

“Hey, teacher!” She giggled. “I don’t think that’s part of the lesson.”

Jonah leaned forward, his head on her shoulder, lips brushing her ear. “It is when you’re my student.”

Alice blushed. Even after all their time together, she could be adorably shy.

“Mmm, now bend and sway.” Jonah moved with her, hip to hip, guiding her with his hands. He hadn’t meant for this to be so . . . so intimate. But it was. She felt good, pressing back against him.

She knew it too. She wiggled a bit, nearly losing her balance again.

“Not like that,” he scolded, trying to keep his voice calm.

“Oh? So how should I move then?” Alice looked over her shoulder coquettishly.

Jonah couldn’t keep the heat from his voice or help the way his hands pulled her even tighter against him. “That depends on whether you want to continue this ski lesson or get thrown onto the bed . . .”

Alice wiggled again, a challenging look in her eye.

“Bed it is then!”

“You can’t toss me in bed like this,” she laughed. “I’m wearing a parka! Jonah!” she couldn’t stop laughing as he lifted her up and laid her on the bed.

Jonah straddled her, the skis on her feet sticking out behind him. “Oh, I’m sure getting these back off of you is no challenge for the Queen. In fact, I could do it one handed.”

“How about no handed,” she giggled. Then reached up to draw a line down his throat to where his shirt buttoned.

“Your challenge is accepted.” Jonah’s eyes flashed. He loved her, and he loved their playful competition. This was one time he knew he couldn’t lose. He grabbed the edge of the parka with his teeth and pulled the first button loose.

“J-jonah, I was kidding!” She writhed under him, still laughing, breathless and gaspy with desire and humor all rolled together.

“Mmm, but I wasn’t. And when I finish peeling every piece of clothing off of you, I’m going to take my prize.”

It took longer than Jonah expected to actually remove all the ski gear, but it was entirely worth it. The wait only made the prize sweeter for them both. He gloried in the way she looked up at him, her skin shining in the lamplight. Soft and kissable breasts bare, her legs draped over his hips.

“I didn’t think you could do it,” she teased.

“The Red Queen never fails a task once he sets his mind to it.” The words were haughty, but his smile wasn’t. His smile was full of love and desire. “Now to take my prize.”

“And what will that be?”

“Mmmm, something so sweet I could never share it with anyone. This treat is all mine.” He leaned down to kiss the skin below her belly button, leaving a little trail of kisses. Jonah ached to take her, but he wanted to taste her first. And though he knew he was being greedy, he planned to take time for both. He would savor his Alice tonight.

Neither of them got much rest before the trip, but they didn’t mind a bit. The rosy glow in both their cheeks was proof enough of that.

#ikemen revolution #IkeRev Jonah #Jonah Clemence #red queen #otome guys #otome #fanfiction #fanfic #spicy #fluff

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lit-in-thy-heart · 3 years

Note

I'm so excited you've jouned in!!! 💕

You owe Merwaine some happiness after your VERY angsty episode analyses so I would love those two and Sleepy hug please!! 😍

@little-ligi i hope this makes up for the angst!!! thank you for sending a prompt and have merlin and gwaine falling asleep together when with the knights and arthur on a trip thing (unspecified) between s4 and s5 💕

once again, under the cut because this is the longest one yet...

Rearranging his cloak so it provided greater coverage from the brisk wind, Gwaine glanced over at the group who were gradually drifting off amongst the fallen foliage. Despite the undiluted thoughts that inevitably streamed through his head when on watch, Gwaine relished the uninterrupted opportunity to softly observe Merlin without having the eyes of the other knights on him. If he had an apple for every time one of them – usually Percival or Arthur, despite Elyan’s quiet requests for them to shut up – had called him out for supposedly undressing Merlin with his eyes, he would certainly have a bushel of them by now. Granted, Gwaine sometimes did have the habit of mentally undressing Merlin with his eyes when he looked at him, but more often than not the knight was simply gazing in wonder at how such a beautiful being had chosen to devote his life to Gwaine of all people.

Merlin had been out of his sight for the past couple of hours, having accompanied Elyan to retrieve firewood, but Gwaine knew that they were both exchanging new spells that they’d learnt over the past few weeks. Elyan had told Gwaine about his magic before Gwaine had even had his suspicions about Merlin confirmed. Or, rather, Gwaine had stumbled in on Elyan, when the call of nature had echoed in his head on the night they had first met, and had witnessed him throwing all five of Gwaine’s knives without touching a single one. Gwaine had been more bothered by the fact that he hadn’t even noticed that his knives were missing than by the fact that Elyan was a sorcerer. And then, several weeks later, after Merlin had confessed to Gwaine on the night they had found themselves in bed together after an evening in the tavern, Gwaine had told both Elyan and Merlin to meet him in the Darkling Woods, greeted them with the statement that they both had magic, and had left them to it. Although he forced his unwavering support onto Merlin at every given opportunity, Gwaine knew the value of having someone close who knew precisely the struggles being faced, and he was grateful that Merlin had that in Elyan, and vice versa.

With a smile, Gwaine’s gaze slid over to Merlin, cocooned in a blanket and laughing at some remark that Elyan had sleepily murmured, and he settled himself against a tree trunk, moving his eyes back to the space in front of him as he withdrew his sword and positioned it across torso, the point of the blade hovering dangerously close to his neck. It was probably best that he was keeping watch alone, so he wouldn’t get distracted by talking to someone – but it also meant that there was nobody to check him when his attention slid, as it always did, to Merlin. He squinted up at the sky, seeking out the moon. At least he wasn’t expected to keep watch all night. Not that there was much need. Perhaps it was somewhat of an invincibility complex but, ever since donning the cloak bearing Camelot’s emblem, Gwaine had felt untouchable. Almost. The cloak hadn’t made Lancelot untouchable. Setting his jaw, Gwaine took a deep breath and focused on the lazy wave of the leaves opposite, on the stars splattered across the deep canvas of the sky like a bloodstain, on the soft melody of the wind.

‘Come on, now, Gwaine, you know full well how hot you look when you hold a sword like that.’

Perhaps Gwaine, who had not noticed Merlin – Merlin, of all people – approach, had not been the best choice for watch. He looked up with the smile that always graced his lips whenever the warlock was near, eyes dropping with Merlin’s body as he settled himself next to him. ‘I am by no means opposed to making out right here, right now.’

To satiate his desire, Merlin scattered a trail of kisses along his hairline. ‘I don’t think the others would appreciate it.’

‘Mm, you’re probably right there,’ Gwaine murmured, his fingers tracing Merlin’s face. ‘And you should sleep.’

‘I’m okay.’

Gwaine’s hands found the shadowed purple beneath Merlin’s eyes and he fixed him with a look. ‘I know that you haven’t slept properly for the past two weeks. I can see it written all over your face.’

Scowling, Merlin pushed his hand away. ‘Well that’s rude.’

‘But not a lie.’

Expression softening, Merlin wrapped the blanket tighter around his body.‘That’s because you’ve been on night patrol for the past two weeks and haven’t slept next to me.’

‘I don’t enjoy it.’

‘No, but at least you get to talk to Elyan. I’m left alone with the ceiling and my thoughts, and you know how much I hate that.’ Realising how he sounded, Merlin leaned closer into Gwaine. ‘I’m not trying to guilt-trip you. I know full well there’s nothing you can do about it.’

Just as Merlin knew that, Gwaine knew full well that he shouldn’t do what his arm had already started to do but, noticing Merlin’s poorly-concealed shivers, he set down his sword and drew Merlin in so the warlock was resting his head in Gwaine’s chest. Then, kissing the top of his head, Gwaine pushed him away as swiftly as he’d pulled him in. ‘Go to bed, love. If you fall asleep here then your neck will not be thanking you in the morning.’

Looking up, Merlin held his gaze for several moments. With a sigh, he lifted his head and kissed Gwaine on the mouth before reluctantly standing and stumbling back to the makeshift camp. Gwaine watched as he settled himself at a slight distance from the other knights and Arthur, his back turned. The flickering embers cast subtle shadows across Merlin’s back and Gwaine’s gaze remained turned towards him for several moments more before he forced his eyes to travel away from the warlock’s form. Gwaine didn’t need to see it to know how it moulded to his palms when they were alone.

When around other people, Merlin always seemed to skirt around Gwaine, always leaving at least several inches between their bodies, as if afraid of causing Gwaine to shatter as a mirage if he made even the slightest contact with his skin. Gwaine had started wearing gloves more frequently in the hopes that Merlin would be more liberal in brushing against him then, but it had all been to no avail. Then Gwaine had continued to wear gloves anyway, just so that his bare hands wouldn’t have the nerves numbed by grazing surfaces before they reached out for Merlin’s skin. The result was a warm tingle that, to some, would be more of a scald, but Gwaine savoured every moment that his skin was set alight by Merlin. Having a particular skill with fire spells also helped him not feel the agony of burning so much, too.

When they were alone, though, Merlin was the one to remove Gwaine’s gloves and, every time his fingers skimmed the bones in Gwaine’s hand, the knight had to focus so as not to release skittering flames in Merlin’s direction. There seemed to be a ritual with Merlin when they were alone. The warlock would gently draw the gloves from Gwaine’s skin, toss them to one side, and then dedicate a substantial amount of time to tracing the marks on the knight’s hands, no matter how many times his fingers had already followed the cellular paths that day.

First, he always looked for new scalds or burns, disregarding Gwaine’s protests that they didn’t hurt in the same way that their ancestors had when he had first started learning magic, skimming his fingers over the marks as if the touch formed a mental note to treat them at a later date. After assessing the damage, Merlin’s lips always trailed behind his touch, silently reassuring each of Gwaine’s imperfections that they were so wonderfully loved and successfully sending shivers up Gwaine’s spine. Though those shivers always were abruptly severed when Merlin’s touch made its way to the thick scar just below the fold of skin between his right thumb and forefinger. Merlin had never once pushed him for more information about his childhood amongst bandits, but there was always a part of Gwaine that worried Merlin would one day get sick of the sight of the small branded letter, not quite concealed by the path the knife had taken so long ago, and would abandon him to the abyss he had been lost in before meeting the warlock.

But that hadn’t happened yet.

After studying Gwaine’s hands, Merlin then moved to stripping him of his knighthood and it was a death that Gwaine would gladly watch again and again if it was at Merlin’s hands. The chainmail was cast aside, the cloak thrown over a chair, and the sword noisily skimmed the floor until Gwaine was stood in only a shirt and his trousers, equal to Merlin. The only armour Gwaine had ever wanted covering him, since that day at the tavern, was Merlin’s hands. Arthur hadn’t really given him an opportunity to turn down the knighthood and, even if he had, there was always the possibility – in Gwaine’s mind, at least – that Arthur would have been offended enough to maintain his banishment, and then Gwaine never would have seen Merlin again. Being a knight did have its advantages, though: Gwaine never went hungry, nor did he have to sleep with one eye open, and he had been getting into fewer and fewer brawls over the years. Though that last one was perceived as more of an advantage in Leon’s eyes, who had always been the one to drag him out of any frays and then let him cool off in the cells on the odd occasion. Even when that had happened, though, Merlin had always slipped in and spent the night with Gwaine, heating his body up to unnatural temperatures to keep Gwaine warm. The first few times that had happened, Gwaine had been terrified that Merlin would spontaneously combust, but Merlin had frequently assured him that such a trick was not possible.

So they would stand there, facing one another in silence, Gwaine’s materialistic armour strewn across the room, and then Gwaine would take Merlin gently in his hands, tracing segments of the form he knew so well, and then their souls would fuse together with their lips.

When the stars had shifted substantially, Gwaine hauled himself from his position and shook out his legs in the vain attempt to rid himself of the cramp in his limbs, slowly advancing towards Leon’s form. He gently prodded him awake, instinctively lunging backwards as the reflexive swipe came from the blankets, and held out his arms to receive said blankets when a thickened voice quietly called out his name.

Turning around, Gwaine could just make out Merlin’s hands stretching out in a half-hearted wave in the heavy darkness and, telling Leon to forget about the blankets, picked his way through the sleeping knights, guided by the dropping syllables of his name. By the time he reached Merlin, the warlock’s hands had fallen to the ground and, smiling fondly, Gwaine hastily stripped down to his gambeson and slid into the nest Merlin had made.

There were significantly more blankets than Merlin should have had – not that Gwaine was complaining – and Merlin drowsily pushed several layers towards him, turning around to face Gwaine. His eyes flickered in the darkness as his hand fell against Gwaine’s chest and, from the point where Merlin touched him, the knight could feel a comforting heat pushing into him like a blade. Gwaine realised he probably should have tied back his hair so Merlin didn’t accidentally try to eat it in his sleep, but he was too comfortable to do that. With a smile, Gwaine encircled the warlock with his arms and rested his mouth against Merlin’s forehead as his eyes closed.

‘I missed you.’

‘I missed you, too,’ Merlin murmured.

Gwaine frowned, one eye cracking open. ‘You were asleep. You couldn’t have missed me.’

There was a pause. ‘You know I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I couldn’t sleep properly without you next to me, right?’

‘I did not.’ Gwaine waited until he felt five of Merlin’s exhalations drape themselves around his throat before speaking again. ‘Whatever did you do before I came into your life?’

‘Had a decent night’s sleep, because I wasn’t aware of your existence and consequently didn’t have to constantly worry about preserving it.’ Merlin shifted against him, hands crawling under Gwaine’s shirt and settling themselves on his stomach. ‘It’s so strange to think that we didn’t even know that the other existed. That we had no idea that one day we would be right here, in this moment.’

Merlin, when tired, always became philosophical. And usually when Gwaine was tired he couldn’t make head or tail of what his significant other was saying, but perhaps the cool night air had cleared his head more than ale usually did. ‘I think I prefer it that way,’ Gwaine murmured. ‘If we’d known that the other was out there, then I think we would have spent all our lives searching. We would have pinned our entire existence on the other person and that’s...That just doesn’t feel right. Not that I’m saying I don’t love you.’

‘No, no, I know...I know what you mean,’ yawned Merlin, pushing his head into Gwaine’s chest.

Tightening his arms around Merlin, Gwaine listened to the rhythm of the warlock’s breathing pattern, trying to match his own to it, and gently kissed the top of his head. There was a slight mumble, and something that might have resembled an ‘I love you’ and Gwaine murmured it back, just in case. It had been too long since the two of them had drifted off together, wrapped in one another’s beings, and Gwaine would forever bind himself to the soft form that was quite literally touching his heart.

#so compared to moee recent ones this does seem quite fluffy...#thanks again for the prompt!!!#tbh i'm surprised the knights didn't huddle together for warmth when sleeping more often #it can get fucking cold #merlin #gwaine #merwaine #hug prompts #lit writes #bbc merlin #*more

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gremlinbehaviour · 3 years

Text

Gwen's Their Saving Grace

Written for day 2: grace of mini @mercelotweek

Gwen looked up at the sound of a knock on her door, and after checking that it was someone she knew through the cleverly made peephole in the wood that Elyan had made for her, she unlocked it and let Lancelot in.

"What brings you here, stranger?" She teased. The knight had been in and out of her house all week to the point where she was tempted to make him a key. He had been using her house as a place to store the frankly ridiculous number of gifts he had bought Merlin for Yule. The servant had a bad habit of searching for gifts hidden in Gaius's room, and Lancelot decided that nowhere in the entire castle was safe. Today, though, he had no package in his hands, so either the gift was small enough to fit in a pocket, or he was here for another reason.

"Gwen, do you know how to dance well?" He asked sheepishly. "I want to dance with Merlin at the solstice celebration, and I don't know how."

"Oh! I can teach you!" Gwen offered enthusiastically. "Morgana taught me! Although, I only know the girl parts. She always led."

"Oh, um, that should be okay. Merlin probably knows the guy parts."

"Cool, okay, so, help me move this table to the side and I'll show you!"

Lancelot took easily to dancing, as it was similar to the footwork needed for swordplay. He didn't quite know what to do with his hands though, keeping them rigidly on her waist. Gwen teased him for his honor, but she was sure that he wouldn't have the same problem when he was actually dancing with Merlin.

"What're you going to wear to the ball?" she asked, and immediately Lancelot tripped over his own feet.

"Oh shoot, I haven't thought about that yet!" He stammered as he awkwardly regained his balance after stumbling into the wall. "Will you help me find something?"

"I'll make you something if you need it!" Gwen replied with a smile. "You two are going to look so beautiful!"

"You don't have to do that!" Lancelot insisted, but she firmly insisted that she wanted to and that if he felt that he needed to pay her back for it, he could buy the materials and make her dinner some night.

"I will, Gwen, I promise!" He agreed. "If I might ask, could you make it something that would fit Merlin alright as well? He always steals my clothes, and looks better in them anyway, so it seems a waste for it to not fit him."

"Of course," the seamstress agreed. "Ooo, I can't wait to see the two of you at the dance! You're gonna look so good!"

She wasn't wrong. In part, that was due to insider information; along with sewing a beautiful dress version of Lancelot's gambeson from embroidered silver and scarlet fabric, she had helped Merlin make his magic-infused tunic. It shimmered like a butterfly's wing, but only to those who knew where to look. They didn't want to draw too much attention, but that was a hopeless goal with how graceful they were. Every eye on the dancefloor was drawn to the way they barely seemed to touch the earth, floating like magic above it.

#minimercelotweek2021 #mercelot #gwen #lancelot #merlin #no beta we die like women #really not happy with this fic but i do not have any more energy to put into it #i like the premise but not the execution #day 2: grace #fanfic

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imagines-by-rose · 4 years

Text

New Recruit - FINAL

Hello, lovelies! I’ve decided to go ahead and post the last of the fic as one big finale rather than break it into small chapters. Thank you all so much for reading!

Summary: Y/n is brought into Kingsman as Lancelot after the events leading to Roxy’s death, and Eggsy is furious. As the two work together to stop a notorious jewel thief, however, attitudes change - and feelings develop.

Pairing: Eggsy Unwin x Reader

Genre: Angst w/ a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort

Warnings: Near Death Experience, Cursing, Blood

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An ‘out of body experience’ wasn’t exactly how y/n would’ve described it.

She was very much in her body, but it wasn’t hers. The now foreign limbs felt unimaginably long as her consciousness nestled itself fully behind her eyes; two enormous windows that cut through the darkness, showing her an unknown, yet vaguely familiar world. She looked on passively -- curiosity her only motivation, if one could even call it that.

He was crying, she noticed, his trembling hands firmly pressed against a wound that was now miles away.

It all seemed so strange to her. She felt nothing; her pain long forgotten. Why was he still trying to staunch the bleeding? Didn’t he know it wasn’t her anymore?

How odd.

Indifferent, she continued to watch him attempt to fix the empty body. Sometimes, if she focused, she could even hear his pleads echo in the fog around her.

“Please, y/n! I love you. Please don’t leave me--”

She almost pitied him. He looked so...sad, wasting his time on someone who didn’t even exist anymore.

It was only when those windows began to close that she truly remembered fear. She may not have felt any attachment to the world in view, but she dreaded the boredom that she knew would surely come with oblivion.

She let out a silent scream -- for a moment she thought she heard him scream with her -- as the waning light was finally snuffed out, leaving her in darkness.

* * * * * *

Eggsy could only watch helplessly as her eyes closed, her body now completely limp.

He cried out in horror, his instincts letting him do little else.

“NO! No, no no no! I can’t lose you, too! Stay with me. Open your eyes, y/n, come on! Please. Please!”

Her wound continued to weep blood, mocking his attempts to slow it.

“Merlin! Where the fuck is the damn evac team?!”

“They’re going as fast as they can, Eggsy! They’re nearly there, just a few more seconds!”

“She hasn’t fucking got seconds!” he bellowed. “I need them here NOW!”

His whole body was shaking. It was all he could do to apply more pressure to her chest. He felt useless.

“Please, baby” he begged, “don’t you fucking die on me. You can’t leave me like this, love. I need you here. I need you.”

Just then the doors burst open, a rush of Kingsman medics racing toward them.

Eggsy sobbed in relief.

* * * * * *

The first thing she saw was the clock.

She had no idea how long she’d been staring at it, her consciousness coming in waves. She could’ve sworn the minute hand sat by the three, but now it was hovering near eleven.

Where am I?

As her awareness grew, her eyes traveled around the room. Fluorescent lights were embedded in the tiled ceiling, and she noticed a track that carried a thin blue curtain. There was a window to her right -- is it nighttime? -- and a doorway to her left. Various medical instruments stood everywhere, a faint electric ring sounding every few seconds.

A hospital. So I’m alive, then.

She continued taking in her surroundings when she noticed a light pressure on the bed. She looked for the source, her eyes landing on Eggsy. He was sat in a chair, his head resting on her bedside as he slept. He held her hand so close that his soft breaths landed on her knuckles and his stubble just brushed against her fingers. He must not have shaved in a week, at least.

Still in a daze herself, y/n watched him sleep, admiring how peaceful he looked.

It occurred to her, then, why she was there in the first place. She had been shot, and Eggsy had been the one to save her. With guilt she remembered his desperate cries as he did everything he could to keep her awake. She could see now how worn his features were despite his relaxed state.

He must have been through hell.

Pain shot through her and she sucked in a choked breath, her senses fully returning. Eggsy’s sleep must not have been as deep as it appeared, as he was immediately upright and fawning over her with concern.

“Y/n? You’re awake. What can I do? How can I help?”

She tried to sit up. A pained cry left her as her ribcage screamed in protest. Eggsy’s hand came to rest on her shoulder, preventing her from moving any further.

“Woah, hey, easy now” he cooed. “Don’t try to move too much, yeah? That’s what the bed’s for, love.”

Strong arms carefully held her as if she were glass. Eggsy propped cushions behind her, hoping to make her as comfortable as possible while the bed readjusted to a more upright position.

“That better?” he asked after easing her back onto the pillows. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Y/n nodded, her movements strained.

“T-thank…you” she managed through harsh breaths.

I feel like I haven’t spoken in days. How long have I been here?

“I’ll call the nurse. They can give you something for the pain.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek. “I’ll be right back, y/n.”

Y/n tried to take even breaths, focusing on moving as little as possible. It wasn’t long before Eggsy returned, followed by a woman in a white coat. Y/n didn’t miss the Kingsman insignia on her clipboard.

“I've brought the doctor, love” Eggsy said, taking her hand. “You’ll feel better in no time. Promise.”

The doctor spoke in a kind voice. “Hello, y/n. I’m Dr. O’Malley. Glad to see you’ve finally woken up, Eggsy here hasn’t left your side at all these past ten days, you know. Maybe now you can help me get him off my nurses’ backs, hm?” she laughed good naturedly.

Y/n managed a smile, but she was sure it looked more like a grimace.

Ten days? I’ve been here for ten days?

No wonder she felt so weak.

Dr. O’Malley put something in y/n’s IV drip -- has that been in my hand this whole time? -- and the pain was almost immediately overtaken by a soothing warmth.

“There. That should feel better.”

Y/n sighed in relief, her body relaxing. “Much. Thank you.”

“This medicine can cause fatigue, so don’t be alarmed if you begin to feel groggy. I’ll give you a while to adjust, and then I’ll be back to run a few quick tests to see how you’re improving. Sound good?”

Y/n nodded.

“Great. Call if you need anything, you two.”

The room was quiet when she left. Eggsy was rubbing gentle circles into y/n’s palm. His eyes were somber and he looked like he wanted to speak, but his mouth kept closing as if he couldn’t.

“Eggsy?”

He took in a shaky breath. “Y’know…you gave me a real scare, love. I don't want to think of what could've happened, if-- "

Eggsy’s voice cracked. His lips pulled into a tight line, brows furrowed.

Y/n brought her free hand to his face, prompting red-rimmed eyes to meet hers. He looked miserable.

“Oh, Eggsy…”

She pulled him into her, guiding his head to the crook of her neck and rubbing soothing circles on his back. He was careful of her injuries, even then, making sure not to put too much weight against her. She held him while he processed everything that had happened.

Y/n kissed his head. “Eggsy, you’ve been through so much. I don’t even know how to thank you.”

He sat up, y/n’s hand affectionately following to wipe his tears. He put his hand over hers. “You don’t have to thank me, love. You went through the worst of it, anyway. I’d do it all again if I had to.” He turned to kiss her palm, his lips lingering over the soft skin. His eyes closed in relief.

She’s awake. She’s okay.

He threw her a sideways glance. “That doesn’t mean you have permission to get shot again, you know,” he teased.

Y/n chuckled. “I won’t make a habit of it, I promise.” Her expression grew dark as the severity of what happened settled in. She felt her own eyes well with tears. “But I’m serious, Eggsy. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I remember everything. You were so upset.” She sniffed. “I just-- I wish I could’ve-- ”

“I was upset because I love you.”

Her eyes widened.

“…what?”

Eggsy’s gaze never faltered and he threaded his fingers with hers. “I love you, y/n.” He quirked a brow. “Didn’t you hear me in the museum? And here I thought you remembered everything.” He faked offense, pulling their entwined hands to his chest and closing his eyes, drawing a tearful laugh from y/n. “I confessed my heart to her and she doesn’t even remember. I knew she was a wicked woman!” he shook his head.

“Oh, shove it. I love you, too, cheeky. And I already told you, I’m lovely, so don’t you start that nonsense again.”

He leaned forward, grinning. “You’re wonderful, love.”

They shared a tender kiss, Eggsy’s free hand lightly caressing y/n’s cheek as he rubbed her tears away. Y/n rested her head on his shoulder when they reluctantly parted, exhaustion beginning to overtake her.

“‘M Sorry. Guess those miracle drugs are finally kicking in, huh?”

She felt his chuckle resound in his chest. “S’alright, sweetheart. You should get some rest.”

Her head tilted up towards him. “And what about you? Dr. O’Malley said you’d been here ten days. You need to take better care of yourself, Eggsy. Have you eaten? Tell me you haven’t slept in that chair every night.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her nose.

The woman’s been shot and she’s worried about me. What am I gonna do with her?

Eggsy laughed, peppering y/n’s face with kisses while he spoke. “I have eaten. Merlin made sure of that. He says hi, by the way. And you win -- I won’t tell you that I’ve slept in the chair every night,” he smirked.

Y/n sighed, exasperated. “Baby, no, that’s not fair,” y/n tutted in protest, but the grogginess in her voice did little to make her sound commanding. Eggsy helped her lie back while he readjusted the bed. She squeezed his hand with what little strength she had left. “Don’t sleep in the chair again, s’not good for you. This bed is big enough, you should come up ‘ere with me. I’ll scoot over.”

Eggsy laughed. “Don’t you worry about me. I’m messing with you, love. They have cots here so I’ll be just fine. You caught me nappin’ is all. I can rest easy now that you’ve woken up.”

Y/n closed her eyes, her voice growing faint. She sighed into Eggsy’s touch as he softly brushed his fingers through her hair. “M’kay. Promise me you’ll eat something. And tell Merlin hi.”

“I promise, sweetheart. And I will.”

Eggsy brought his lips to her forehead. His smile was the last thing y/n felt before drifting off to a restful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: That’s it! I had a lot of fun writing this, and I really appreciate all of you who’ve read/liked/reblogged my posts! It really means a lot. I plan to keep writing and have a few imagines in mind, and who knows? Maybe I’ll start taking requests soon ;)

‘Til next time!

#eggsy unwin #eggsy imagine #eggsy unwin x reader #taron egerton #Kingsman #kingsman imagine #merlin #Galahad #lancelot #percival #kingsman secret service #kingsman golden circle

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troublesometrollhunters · 3 years

Text

Dawna's Journey

A/N: Guys this took so long XD. Please give me feedback/comments/reblogs if not on the post than anon. Look I proof read it so much now I'm sick of it lmao. I know theres grammer mistakes but If I didn't post it tonight it was never getting posted. Anyways please enjoy this!!! :D

~~~

Dawn stood at the edge of the kingdom. The night was still as the guards had retired for the evening and she was left alone with her thoughts. Standing at the gate she stared beyond the iron bars into the foggy night where the woods were.

She was steps away from what could be the biggest mistake of her life. By doing this, by going out into the woods to find the cure for one of the dying trolls in the dungeon, she was betraying her families name and their status along with the throne. Her uncle, her mother, her sister, Merlin, Lancelot. All of them would tell her this is wrong. That trolls were the enemy.

Swallowing thickly, hands glowing to illuminate the night she touched the cold stone of the castle's defense wall before brushing her fingers against the iron bars that kept the trolls and fae at bay. Hissing she pulls her hand away, shaking it to make the sting disappear. Frowning as she stares out at the woods they seem to beckon her. Walking away from the gate and along the wall she goes towards a thick patch of ivy. There hidden behind the plants was a small crack. One she found as a child and still used for situations like this.

Slipping into the greenery rough material scrapes against her catching on her clothes but she stays determined scooting through the stone. As Ivy brushes past her face, her boots sink into the soft grass and she edges herself away from the protection of Camelot. Looking back at the castle her hands shook as she stared at her room that overlooked the very land she stood on. She'd wandered the woods many times and explored their wonders but this time was different. This time she wasn't visiting peaceful territory or exploring her magical studies in secret, this time she was going straight to the Gum Gums. She was risking everything and what made her the most nervous about it, was she didn't care. It was the right thing to do. No matter how many people said it was wrong she felt in her heart it wasn't.

Backing away from the wall, away from her home, she realizes this could be the last time she sees Camelot if she fails. Taking it in, etching every small detail into her mind she sighs. Things used to be different. When Arthur had Gwenivere she breathed life into him and the castle. She made people hope and kept the kingdom together as the war against the Gum Gums raged on. But now the kind queen was gone and Dawn felt keeping the peace fell on her. However, as much influence as she had in the kingdom and over her uncle, Arthur never really listened after he lost his wife. He was too lost in his grief to hear reason. He banished most magic and as Dawn felt the cool air ruffle her hair she knew soon she'd be next. She couldn't fix Camelot. Not by herself but she could try and make her uncles wrongs right. Starting with the trolls he'd locked away.

Taking one last look, the moon shines silver light over her kingdom protecting her people inside the wall. Clutching her cloak tightly Dawn closes her eyes and runs into the woods, leaving no trace that she'd ever left. She feels the grass squish beneath her feet and the whistling wind almost knocks off her hood as she runs.

Magically summoning her silver and gold armor the chainmail echoes in the quiet woods. Her uncle had banned magic but that never stopped Dawn. Her sister did parlor tricks for fun but Dawn craved more. It was in these woods she learned the meaning of magic and through Merlin's notes she taught herself the way of the fae world. The elements were her teachers and she hoped they'd give her mercy tonight.

Running faster each step she takes makes a resounding clank that bounces through the trees. Pushing past snagging branches, brambles, and thick underbrush she keeps going only one thing on her mind, getting that troll cure so her friend would survive. What an absurd notion, that she princess of Camelot was friends with a common troll. Smiling as she thought of him she kept pushing on, chest heaving as she thundered through the woods. Stepping over small streams and avoiding roots.

White puffs left her mouth as she pushed on. The cold kept her awake and alert even as her legs burned from running so long. Dawn stops, armor now silent as the night returns to its previous stillness.

Killahead.

The girl swallows nervously and takes a cautious step forward. The bridge was old and full of divine energy, she could feel its power radiating from where she stood. It acted as a divide between the world of trolls and Gum Gums. Gunmar said he owned the whole woods but that was a lie. However, past the bridge there was no doubt that was his land. As she took in deep breaths chest burning she studied Killahead. Cracked stone, worn carvings from centuries ago, and overgrown moss greeted her. A bridge that once ran over a flowing river had been dry longer than Dawn had been alive. She knew this place had power. It held generations of knowledge and stories. It could be the rise or down fall of civilizations.

But unlike the trees and forest Killahead did not talk. It just listened. Cracked stone keeping the secrets of all those that walked past it. Closing her eyes she steps away from the safety of neutral territory and towards the tarnished stone.

Reaching out, her hand tightly clutches the side of the bridge. As she rubs her thumb over the side the stone feels smooth from years of being worn down. Stepping onto the Killahead bridge it's uneven with patches of grass slowly taking over the stone. Dawn feels the slickness of moss and dew under her boots and tightens her grip on the side she's holding as she trudges forward.

The moon shone above her through the leaves and pausing she tilts her head taking it in as darkness was soon to come. Listening closely, closing her eyes to hear the forest around her it was too silent. She realized someone was following her, that the GumGums knew she was here. Refusing to give up just because she felt fear she stood tall as she crossed the bridge. The branches overhead now choked out any light and it was a miracle she could still see as she made it to the end of the bridge. Standing there taking a deep breath her hand grazed the moss that had taken over Killahead. This was her last chance. To turn back and run. To go back to the castle and ignore her uncles troll business. To allow him to continue what he was doing. But... she could not.

Filled with determination she takes her first step off Killehad. Heading away from the bridge and into the deep woods she was officially in Gum Gum territory. Her weapon wasn't drawn and it was clear she wasn't an active threat. Though Gum Gums never were ones to pick up on hints, if she had to fight she came prepared but she'd rather leave the woods unscathed.

Venturing deeper into Gum Gum territory her chainmail echoes through the dense foliage. Low hissing and rustling could be heard from the bushes as scouts watched her. Golden and green glowing eyes all around her as she boldly kept walking. Her hand was now on her hip weapon ready to draw but she hadn't felt the need yet. She was hoping to speak to a general or a higher-up GumGum and somehow barter for the cure but as the growls got louder Dawn knew she'd have to fight. She was waiting for someone to come and address her and the soldiers watching her seemed to understand her silent demand as they kept their distance.

Hearing something Dawn reacts quickly. Turning boots sinking into the mud as she grouds herself her blade made a distinctive swish before it clanked loudly striking against Gunmars sword. Sparks fly and the temporary bright light causes her green eyes to shine under her cloak. The brute growled in her face and she growled back surprising the GumGum King.

"You wonder deep in our territory Knight." He hisses. Dawn responds by pressing her sword harder against his. Remembering what the knights had done, she leans back before she puts all her effort into her sword pushing the blade against his forcing him back. Stumbling Gunmar catches himself. His blue eye stares at her cloak as he pauses surprised by the human's strength. Tightening her grip on her sword showing no hesitation that she'd strike again he chuffs unamused.

His dark blue eye scans her form but all he sees is a long cloak and the shine of her sword in the dim light. Sniffing the air he chuffs surprised. It was a magical blade. A mage? Hadn't Arthur murdered them all?

"I don't want to fight. I come seeking your aid." Dawn states tilting her head to look at the GumGum king. He couldn't see her face but he could feel her stare, those green eyes haunted him. This was no normal human. No normal mage. Chuffing he sneers tilting his head.

"Oh? And why would I help a fleshbag morsel like you?" He snarls beginning to pace around her. Dawn followed his motions watching him closely. He admitted he was curious at what this knight could want at how someone could be so stupid and bold. They were foolish to come here but from the sword skills they showed he could see why they assumed they'd be safe.

"Because one of your own is dying and I'm trying-" Dawn starts but Gunmar growls bearing his fangs at her.

"SILENCE!" He roars. Dawn closes her mouth and waits. He comes close and sniffs her before huffing hot air in her face unimpressed. She reaches up to keep her hood on not wanting him to see who she really is. If he knew she was Dawna Noble of the PenDragon line it'd be over. He'd send her corpse to Arthur and her friend's life would be lost before she had a chance to win it.

Rolling his eye, he turns annoyed by her insistent presence. "Go home whelp." He orders. "Humans speak only lies and when it isn't lies it's stupidity. Get out and don't return and you may tell your friends at the Round Table you survived. You are no meal and you're not worth the effort." He huffs waving her off. Dawn stands shocked as he begins walking away. She just ran from the safety of her home to try and save a troll's life and Gunmar doesn't even acknowledge her? He pushes her away like she's just a confused child. Grip tightening on her sword she grits her teeth shaking. She had come too far to turn back now.

"I'm not going anywhere!" She snaps. Running to stand in front of the Gum Gum king she spreads her arms blocking his path. She's shaking making her chainmail rattle. She'd come so far he couldn't deny her now! "I came here to Gum Gum territory at night! It's important please at least listen to what I have to say." She begs. He looked annoyed and she frowned, lowering her arms. "I need something… and I know your people are the only ones who can give it to me." Stepping closer to Gunmar unafraid and praying for the life of her friend he growls at her. She's about to respond with a growl of her own when a sharp tug from her cloak made her stumble back from the King choking. She was so distracted talking to Gunmar she forgot to watch her back.

Tilting her head clawing at the clasp around her neck the Gum Gum prince was behind her and his claws had snagged her cape. He ripped at the fabric chuckling as she gasped for air. Unclasping the cloak knowing it was her life or her identity Dawn turned eyes blazing. The grip on her sword tightened making it glow as her green eyes glared into his red ones. She sneered at the Prince of Darkness teeth bared. He stumbled back in surprise eyes wide as he stared at her armor before staring at her face. Dropping her cloak he stepped closer curious as he sniffed her. Her amor bore Camelots symbol and stepping closer he clearly saw the Noble clans markings in the carvings of her amor. Dawn pushes Bular's face away when he gets to close and he chuckles.

"... Dawna? The King's niece? A child?" He laughs but Dawn stays undeterred. Her grip remains on her sword as she points the end at him. He chuckled amused. It seemed she was braver than the rest of her family or stupider.

"This child." Dawn says slowly eyes narrowed into slits as she feels anger course through her veins. Her hands burn coursing with energy and suddenly the trees begin to shake as the branches above them shift. Distracted she pushes Bular over with the butt of her sword forcing him against the wet grass. The Moonlight leaked through the trees as leaves swirled around her. Had it been the day she surely would've killed him. But that wasn't her intention.

She wanted him to see her. To fear her and as her armor shone as bright as the moon GumGums hissed backing up at the glare. "Is not one to be triffled with. I seek something and I'm not leaving till I get it." She states glaring down at Bular. He growls at her, angry she'd knocked him down but she seems unaffected by his silent threat.

"Like we'd ever help you." Bular huffs pushing her sword away from his face. Dawn puts it back in her sheath and sighs. As she took a deep breath she could see this wasn't working. She needed to switch tactics.

Thinking back on everything she knew of Gum Gums she paused, she'd need to choose her next words wisely. "I'm not asking for help. That's weak." She hisses. "I'm asking for a fair trade." Dawn finally says. She holds out her hand for the Prince but he snarls, snapping his teeth at her fingers. She pulls her hand away to avoid the bite and rolls her eyes. Turning away from Bular she looks back to Gunmar.

"You have nothing we want." The troll states uninterested. Dawn hums. No she didn't, did she? What was she expecting? The Gum Gums to reach into their darkened hearts and present her the cure like a gift? This was doomed to end in a fight.

Hand on her sword she hums as Bular shifts behind her. The brute huffs as he gets up, bumping her aside as he walks by to get to his father. Both the beasts now glared at her. Dawn wishes she could say she was without fear as they stared at her but she'd come so far she wouldn't turn back now.

"Leave your wasting our time." Bular says uncaring of her achievements or her power. "Your so skinny we'd choke on your bones." He adds. His father laughs head bomping his son but Dawn shakes anger radiating through her. Eyes turning a dark green she feels the grip on her powers loosen. In a perfect circle around the three of them the grass dies. The two trolls watch as the plants around them begin to wither, roots twisting and cracking as wood split and leaves fluttered down. Then it all turned black rotting away. Facing them her eyes burn with a need to prove herself. The moon shines on her and Dawn's armor reflects it's light showing her power as she stood in the dead grass.

"Then fight me. In a duel." She demands standing her tallest as she looks at them.

She wasn't leaving without that cure. She may fall here but she falls with more grace than either of these so called warriors.

Gunmar leans in close his horns jutting out like a crooked crown as he snarls at her. Dawn snarls back. She. Wasn't. Leaving. Without. That. Cure.

"... Fine. You wish to die? I will not stop you." Turning Bular and him begin to stalk away. Soldiers surround her and as she draws her blade eyes wide she sees Gunmar pause. The soldiers don't advance or go for an attack. Dawn turns and Gunmar stares at her waiting. She realizes she is supposed to follow. Taking one last look back at Killahead and the safety of the forest beyond she picks her shredded cloak off the dead grass before reclasping it around her neck.

It seems she got what she wanted.

~~~

An hour or two must have passed making Dawn fear she wouldn't get back before Daylight. If her bed was empty when the castle awoke they'd send a search party and she'd never be aloud to leave again. Arthur would watch her every move and Merlin… she'd never be aloud to learn another spell. Trudging on through the darkness of the woods fearing that Daybreak was near she felt weak. Her legs were tired from the long trek but she knew it was worth it. She watched as they passed trees with scratch marks in them and trollish sayings and carvings she couldn't decipher. Dawn pauses touching one of the trees and tracing the carving it flashed green and the words changed allowing her to read it. Tilting her head she squints.

"Home…?" She mumbled seeing the deep groves in the tree. Dawn felt she knew this language from a distant memory as if it had been murmered once before as if it'd been read to her. Trying to remember how she knew it, a jab to her back made her hiss.

Poked with a guards spear she walks away and observes her surroundings closely. Seeing more trolls watching from the bushes, standing guard Dawn realized they had led her into the heart of their territory. Her eyes are wide in wonder as she looks around enamoured. She'd heard such dark stories about the GumGums home but standing here she could only feel the warmth of fellow warrior spirits.

Tents were set up and huts made from the surrounding trees and rock. Everything was handcrafted in a way Dawn never knew trolls were capable of. Woven branches and carved rock shielded families from the cold as they laid together. Fires raged in pits and the flames made the GumGums eyes reflect as they watched her follow their king.

Younglings ran around the camp jumping into bushes only to leap out at their friends causing squeals of joy to ring through the camp. Mothers and fathers sat and chatted as they groomed their newborn whelps, licking them clean as they made little squeaks of protest wiggling in their parents grip. Soldiers sparred and played chuffing at one other as they rolled around and smashed their helmets against each other, kits cheering them on. The more she saw the more she began to question her faith and allegiance to Arthur.

Was this any different than home? They wove intricate baskets of grass that held food and supplies just like the weavers and potters of Camelot. There were some differences such as how and what they wove but the patterns told a story just like her people. Warriors brought back what they'd hunted putting them in piles for all to share similar to the town's trade center. Children played games with each other running around as adults took turns to watch. Was this not exactly like Camelot? Was the way the soldiers behaved any different than Camelots knight barracks or the teens copying the soldiers exactly like young squires? She could almost imagine the GumGums as humans in this light, as a thriving tribe deep in the woods who wanted nothing to do with Camelots culture.

As she was pushed forward by GumGum spears to keep pace, she stumbled lost in her own thoughts.

Stumbling forward trying to wrap her head around the fact that the GumGums weren't all evil she stared up at Gunmar. From this angle walking with his son he almost seemed... human. He could've eaten her or mauled her when they first encountered each other but instead he listened to her pleas and now he was giving her a chance to fight. That was more than what Arthur ever did for her. More than Lancelot believed she could do. Who was the real monster in this war? Was there even a need for war?

Turning Gunmar meets her gaze and she looks away. She decides to study his camp as this may be her only chance. Looking around taking in the dense foliage and how they'd made it a home she felt eyes on her. Turning whelps watched her curiously blinking owlishly at her. She wonders if they've ever seen a human. Well a live human. Bending down and pausing to wave they ran off squeaking to their mothers. Staring at the troll families who held their children close and their harsh gazes as they glared at the princess, Dawn realized she was the only monster here.

Bular chuffed amused, making Dawn blush. Of course they'd be scared of her. After all she was the enemy. Getting up and pulling her cloak closer plants nervously bloomed around her and nearby crystals glowed reacting to her emotions. She flushed embarrassed at her lack of control and quickly followed the King of Darkness, curious eyes watching as they left.

~~~

Lead to an arena Dawn pauses in awe. She was standing in the fabled GumGums battle room, she'd only ever heard stories. She never thought she'd see this place. Looking out at the various weapons placed around their training space. There were axes, swords, spears, javelins, maces, and other weapons she didn't recognize. Her green eyes widened in amazement studying the colosseum from the balcony they stood on. It overlooked everything and she was determined to write this down and document it later. The arena was large and wide carved out from the center of the mountain, hidden deep in the core. She could see statues of fallen warriors decorating the rims of the arena. Stone steps carved from years of work circled the colosseum allowing trolls to watch as others spared. She also noticed dents in the walls and wondered about the battles that caused such scars.

Running forward Glowing Green crystals jutted from the ground and tapping one, it glowed brightly reacting to her touch. Her heart swelled at the magic in this room, the history. She felt an ancient power in this place and could feel the souls of thousands of trolls who had fallen here. It was exhilarating unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Unlike anything in Camelot.

"Our rules are simple fleshbag." Gunmar states demanding her attention. Turning away from the balconies edge and focusing on him he snarls from his place on his throne beginning. Skulls decorated his seat and Dawn swallows before meeting his gaze listening closely. "Rule One. Always finish the fight and never hesitate." He states slamming his hand onto an old skull crushing it. Dawn nods aware of this troll custom despite how much she despised it. "Rule Two it must be your blade that ends the fight it can not be your enemies." Holding her sword tightly Dawn understands this. If she lost her weapon she could not use her opponent's to end them.

Gunmar smirked, leaning forward on his throne of bones as he chuffed in her face. Hot air sent her hood back and made her long hair shift as he leered down at her. "And Rule Three young mage. No magic." He instructs.

Dawna chokes hearing the last demand. No magic? Since when was that a Gum Gum rule? She was never informed that would be part of the deal. Looking over at Gunmars son she brings her sword close.

Bular was at least twelve feet tall and Gunmar fifteen. She was a third their size, maybe half at best.

Without her magic it would be impossible to defeat either of them. She could fight but she didn't have proper training in dueling only practice from when she copied Lancelot. Not to mention the split swords she'd brought were magic. She'd only have the weak weapon she swiped from the knight hall which to a troll was barely a dagger. She wasn't even sure it could go through a trolls skin. As they watched waiting for an answer, Dawn's hands clenched beginning to glow. She supposed magic would be an unfair advantage but wasn't it unfair to make her fight without it? Magic was apart of her, apart of this place. To deny her such a large part of herself… Trembling she felt sick. Perhaps Gunmar and Arthur shared more than she assumed.

"Well princess?" Gunmar sneers the title like an insult before smirking, licking his fangs. "What is your decision? Do not waste our time." Dawn shakes. He thinks her a coward, a cheat but she would always keep true to her word. She came here. She had to finish this. Looking at her hands before closing her eyes she takes a deep breath. The glow dies and their left in the dull light of the green crystals.

Looking up and nodding Gunmar chuffed staring at her. Sighing, she looked down at herself allowing her armor to fade away. She felt naked without her protection but If they considered magic cheating then she would respect their rules as she was on their land.

"I do not cheat. I do not need magic to win. And if I fall there's no one to go back to anyways..." Closing her eyes thinking of home she knows either way she wins. She either dies and meets Gwenivere in Avalon or she returns to the castle and saves her friend's life.

Whispering a prayer to her family and hoping this was not her last night alive Dawn nods. She stands before the King and Prince unarmored and defenceless cept a small blade she held. Gunmar turns and not a moment later an attendant walks in carrying what Dawn feared most. Ravenstone.

Rare and made from the dust of fallen magic users ravenstone blocked any magic from being used, containing the energy and even stealing it if a mage was around it too long. She holds the stone in her hands when the attendant passes it to her and pauses seeing they were cuffs.

She swallows as they watch her and closing her eyes she slips them on wearing them as bracelets. Shivering Dawn could feel them working, they would not only block her magic but drain her energy as well. She'd have to be smart in this battle or she'd surely fall.

Rubbing the cuffs nervously she feels the intricate runes carved into the stone. They told the story of her kind, the origin of magic. A zap of electricity goes up her arms making her feel more powerful despite the impediment. "I do not intend to lose." She states boldly. Bular chuffs sword dragging against the ground. Neither did he. Turning towards the arena she begins walking down the stairs, the brute following her.

It seemed Bular had decided he would be her fighting partner and Gunmar their witness.

Waiting at the bottom she paused. Spinning the sword in her hand she stared into the steel looking at her reflection. If she died today she died a hero. If she won it wouldn't be long lived. Dictatuous was running out of time. He needed the cure. Now.

Attacking her while she's distracted, Dawn quickly focuses back on Bular, on the battle. Their swords clash against each other creating sparks as they glare at one other. She was tired, had less fighting experience, and was weaker. Smirking Dawn pushed Bular back, she guessed that made this a fair match.

Clawing at the ground gaining his footing he snarls and charges at her. Dawn thinking quickly jumps up and flips over him as he swings his sword where she had just stood. Landing she turns holding up her blade as his crashed against hers. He sneered pushing down and she cries out feeling the increasing pressure as he pushes down. Huffing she kicks him back making both of them skid.

She breathes deeply grip tightening. The battle had just begun and she knew she was outmatched. Shifting her position she glances up at Gunmar. He sat on his throne overlooking their battle, watching amused. His eye met hers and she stares wondering what he must think of her, of his son before Bular crashes back into her, sending her backwards. Hitting the ground she rolls rocks digging into her skin. Her shirt catches and she hisses as the cloth rips open and slashes her flesh making blood spill. The first blood drawn from battle.

Getting up she stares at Bular. She couldn't get distracted. This wasn't like home, if she lost here she wouldn't get back up again.

Bular stalks towards her grinning as he dragged his two swords. Taunting her as they scratched deep groves into the floor. In the green light of the jagged crystals his eyes glowed and Dawn saw a blood lust she'd never seen before. Ducking behind a rock as he slashed his swords at her she inches around it before she rolls forward going under his legs aiming at his ankles. Making contact she quickly scrambles up also hitting him in the back right above his kilt. Holding her sword waiting for a counter attack the Prince roars. Snarling he turns, swords hitting her with so much force she's slammed into a wall. Making contact she drops her sword, gasping as she grabs her side. He'd gotten her. Twice now. But so had she. They were even. Grimacing in pain eyes wide in fear she stares up at the warlords son.

"Look at you. Tiny and weak human. You thought you could best me? I am the son of Gunmar! I am a conquer! And now for your ignorance you shall fall." He states raising his swords above her head. Eyes darting around Dawn smirks. Kicking him in the grocknuts as hard as she can he roars, dropping his swords and whimpering. She grabs her own weapon before charging. Kicking him backwards again she slashes at his chest causing black blood to spill.

"Miserable human your death will be painful for that!" He threatens as he smacks her away with his arm. Falling back sword clattering as it slips out of her hand once more Dawn groans.

Her breathing is rough as she shakes. Bular picks up his blades and as she kicks back trying to reach her sword his claws dig into her ankle pulling her towards him. He huffs hot air into her face keeping her pinned and she stares at him. He raises a sword but moving her head the blade simply sinks into the ground next to her. He snarls and she snarls back, body burning with pain but brimming with determination. She could not fall.

Smashing her head against his he hisses in pain, stumbling back as she stands. Blood drips into her eye and her ankle burns from the deep cuts but she still stands tall. "I don't intend to lose." She sneers and he growls at her. Tackling her to the ground Dawn grunts but smirks. He'd pushed her closer to her blade.

Smiling Bular stared down at her ready to smash her head in right as her sword pierced his side and went straight through his ribcage. She missed his heart intentionally though she wonders how his face would've looked if he had been beaten by such a "weakling" as herself. Smiling as warm blood dripped onto her hands from the wound she'd inflicted she forced him back before climbing on top of him straddling him. Grabbing his horns and pushing his head down she glares down at him huffing.

"You you you!!!" He roars thrashing but Dawn keeps one hand on the sword threatening to push it all the way through if he didn't listen. The other rested on his horn keeping his head down.

"Yield Bular. You've lost." Dawn snarls. Their battle was intense and she almost fell but Bulars cockiness had been his downfall. Her hair falls onto his face as she breathes deeply staring into his eyes. Bular chuffs growling at her but her hand remained on the hilt of the sword reminding him she could end him if she chose. She'd done it. Bloody but not broken she'd beaten Bular the Butcher.

"MY SON!" Gunmar screeches from his throne ready to charge. Dawn turns holding out her hand that'd been on Bulars horn. The GumGum king paused snorting at her boldness.

"I'll make a deal." Dawn states. "Declare I've won and I'll take off the raven cuffs, I'll heal him, and we never speak of this. And..." She takes a deep breath in blood still dripping from her wounds. "You give me what I desire." Dawn offers. Gunmar chuffs staring at her then Bular. Bular who was covered in blood and beaten by a mere mortal. His son. His legacy. Who was this girl?

There's a long pause where the only sound is Bular and Dawns wheezing breaths. Dawn and Gunmar stare at each other and finally Gunmar chuffs looking away.

"You have won." He growls lowly.

"Father!" Bular snaps before roaring at the movement. The pain from the inflicted wound was unlike anything he'd ever felt. Dawn turns eyes wide as she holds the sword still to keep it from hurting him further.

"Silence! You have lost Bular let the witch work!" Dawn nods and ripping off the cuffs she takes out the sword before placing her hands against the wound. His stone was warm despite being rock something she wasn't expecting. The texture was rough and marred threatening to slit her hands open if she didn't work carefully. Black and red stained her hands their blood mixing together and as her eyesight blurred she prayed that after the battle her magic was strong enough to heal him.

Closing her eyes focusing Bulars breathing and chuffing gets louder as electricity courses through his veins. Dawn feels the wound close under her fingertips slowly and putting more energy into it, more thought the GumGum Prince stares amazed as the rock melts and melds before becoming a small scar against his chest. Almost as if she'd never struck him in the first place.

Dawn pulls back still straddling him and he stares at her. This small human who just put him on the brink of death only to save him. Who was this human? This Dawna Nobel?

"... Can I please get the troll cure and go home now?" She begs falling off the dark prince to lay on the ground besides him. They both lay still after their battle, taking deep breaths in.

~~~

Gunmar held the potion as Dawn smiled. She had a small cut above her eye from headbutting Bular and a gash on her arm and leg from rolling on the ground but she'd done it. She got the cure to save Dictatious. Taking the bottle into her hands Gunmar leaned close.

"Do not let me see you here again." He chuffs. "And do not take this potion lightly. It could destroy my people but I put my trust in you as you've been the only honorable human I have met in some time. You bested my son and for that you will not be underestimated again." Holding the bottle close, feeling the warmth of it's magic through the glass Dawn looks at Gunmar and nods. That was the closet to a compliment she'd ever get from the GumGum King.

"You have my word Gunmar." Smiling she turns facing Killahead before she fades into the shadows disappearing.

Sputtering as she falls into one of the many castle halls, Dawn can't breathe as she lays flat on the carpet. Breathing deeply her hands dig into the lush fabric as her eyes go blurry. Groaning light leaks from a nearby window onto her face and she sees it's sunup, sometime in the early morning. Grunting body burning in pain as she slowly gets up she begins to limp down the hall sweat and blood dripping down her face. But holding the potion close she can't bring herself to care about her pain. Heaving in air, she could feel the night and the toll of magic finally catch up to her. However she couldn't quit rest yet. Clawing at the wall as she continues walking she pulls herself forward cradling her prize close.

~~~

Dawn paused looking around the corner. The guards that were usually stationed for prison duty were gone on shift leave, giving her a window of opportunity. Opening the door that led to the dungeons quietly she sneaks inside to the staircase before closing the door. Staying in the shadows and avoiding the torches she creeps down the stairs careful not to make a sound. Peaking, her head out she sees most of the trolls were resting or trying too. Hacking could be heard and she winces, listening to Dictatious as he continued to cough.

Walking quietly across the stone floor, trolls don't pay her cloaked form any mind. Standing near his cell she holds the mug of tea and potion close. She'd changed her clothes to look more presentable. She'd also slipped into the kitchens when no one was looking to grab a few things. Holding the potion and tea in her hand she pauses outside his cell. She could study the potion Gunmar gifted her, reverse it. Make a weapon and wipe out the GumGums once and for all. Magic would finally be respected. Arthur would respect her. But...

Hearing his loud pained coughs Dawn closes her eyes as she pours the potion into the tea. She sticks the cup through the cell bars allowing Dictatious to take it. The hacking stops and Dawn slowly opens her eyes. Dictatious looks at her untrusting and she frowns her hand with the tea shaking.

"Please it'll help I promise..." She begs him. He blinks before looking at Dawn through the bars that seperated them, all six eyes peering into her soul through the darkness of the dungeon.

"... why?" He asks voice barely above a whisper as he forces it out of his raspy throat. He had gotten worse while she was gone but she believed Gunmar had fulfilled his deal as she had hers. That his sickness would be cured once he drank what she'd fought for and that he'd live just as she had.

"Because this is wrong and I'm sorry. Please..." Dawn continues to offer the cure, cloak hiding her face but Dictatious knew her. She was the King's niece. She was Camelots jewel. She was that girl who would sneak into the woods to learn magic and come down into these dark dungeons to hear the stories he told other trolls to keep their hopes up.

He sniffed the tea, it was a spicy moss blend that Dawn found many trolls enjoyed. The ingredients in the kitchen were slightly different from what trolls used but she hoped it'd appease him. Dictatious and her were by no means close but she wanted to amend that. They'd met in the woods when she was small, he'd helped her home. And once more he'd seen her practicing magic and had gifted her a troll book about ancient spells. She'd hated trolls for months after Gweniveres passing. She'd hated her magic but then she remembered. She remembered her aunts love and kindness. Her passion for the arts and her interest in magic. She would not let Arthur get away with this if she was still alive. But she was dead so it was Dawn's responsibility now.

It helped that Dictatious told stories whenever she came down to explore the dungeons. Although they never directly interacted he showed her not all trolls were evil. Before he got sick he spun tales of his world explaining magic in a way Dawn had never heard before. He was not a beast like Arthur described and she couldn't bear for him to die when he became sick and could no longer tell his stories. She couldn't stand that these trolls were trapped, that so many had died here. But for now all she had to beg for forgiveness was the potion.

"..." Dictatious studies Dawn humming as he looks her over. He takes the cup, his hands touching hers. She smiles and he looks grateful as he takes the warm mug. Looking at the princess with glazy eyes he snorts amused. "You are not like your family. You are different..." Dawn tilts her head but he doesn't add on as he chugs the drink. Once done he hands the cup back before curling into a ball on the dungeons cold floor. Dawn stares at him panicked. Had it been poison? Was he dying? Had she killed him? Had Gunmar lied to her?

"Dic…?" Going to open the cell bars she paused watching his chest slowly rise and fall. Sleeping. The troll was just resting. Sighing and letting out a laugh Dawn falls against the bars exhausted. Chuckling she hugs her knees close. As she looked at Dic slumbering and listened to the rumbling trolls around her, her eyes fluttered. Yes she could use some of that too...

~~~

Dawn feels a hand on her shoulder. She startles awake looking around confused before she remembers visiting Dic in the dungeons. Groaning she isn't sure when she dozed off but apparently she had.

"You stayed?" Turning Dawn takes off her cloaks hood and pauses seeing Dictatious look at her. Smiling she stands, excited the potion worked as he looked much healthier.

"You're up." She states ignoring his previous remark. Studying him he seemed to be in good health despite the terrible circumstances. Dic hums in response reaching his hand through the bars to touch Dawns face. "Are you well?" She asks ignoring as he poked her.

"I am but what of you? What happened to you?" Dawn blushes remembering the bruises and cuts all over her face from the duel. She didn't have the energy to deal with them last night. Letting out a chuckle she shrugs it off.

"Don't worry about it." She responds, muttering a quick spell to heal her injuries. Dictatious watches with wide eyes as the cuts slowly close and the swelling goes down. She still had some light bruising but she looked much better. He had not seen her last night in the darkness of the dungeon but he'd recognized her scent and voice. Plus she was the only human who really came down here other than the Knights.

"You are a very strange human." He states crossing his arms. Chuckling Dawn nods. She was indeed different than her family.

"Can you walk? What about run?" She questions suddenly. Dictatiouses face scrunches as he tilts his head. What was she planning now?

"Yes I feel fine now but why?" He asks. Dawn nods at him before she summons her armor. If she'd fallen asleep against the cells in the morning than it had to be dark now.

"You've been here long enough. All of you. It's time you go home." She states.

"Dawna what are you doing?" Dictatious demands grabbing at her arm but she was already walking away from his cell to the center of the room. Making the torches burn bright, light fills the room showing Dawn. "... You don't know me!" Dawn addresses them and the sound of grating stone can be heard as they turn and shift towards her. Eyes of all shapes and sizes watching the girl speak. "But I believe Trolls aren't evil. And I promise you, neither are humans. I do this because what my uncle Arthur did to all of you was wrong. I do this to show we're not all like him." Dawn fueled by saving Dic holds up her hand and all the cadges glow. Trolls gasp backing away before the locks suddenly click and the doors swing open. They… they were free? "Follow me and I'll lead you home!" Pulling her hood up Dawn runs out of the dungeon towards the castles entrance and the trolls, goblins, stalklings, and gnomes follow. Dictatious pushes past other trolls and rushing out of his now opened cell runs to be in the front right next to her.

"Dawna this could be your title! This could be everything. Your very life! What are you doing?" He demands pulling on her arm but she just smiles, winking at him.

She leads a charge, directing the various creatures through the castle. Bigger creatures pick up smaller or sicker ones to help them keep up. The freed trolls follow behind her trusting the emboldened mage who had saved them. Their thundering footsteps echoing through the castle.

Making it to the front entrance she bursts the door open with her magic, leading everyone out of the castle and through the labyrinth of Camelot cobblestone streets before finally arriving at the gate. Focusing and saying a spell she hoists the iron bars open and they nod at her in thanks before they run.

It was early morning and the sun slowly begins to rise but for now there was enough shade for the night creatures to travel safely. Dawna can hear commotion coming from the castle as knights scurry around trying to find the escaped trolls and missing princess. Laughing as she watches the trolls flee, seeing them return home to the woods her chest flutters in happiness. She'd done it. She'd used magic and she'd freed them.

Feeling a pull Dawn stumbles almost dropping the gate and pausing she turns.

"Lets go." Dictatious states yanking at her hand. She blinks surprised before staring at the troll.

"What?" She asks softly. He pulls again wanting to drag her into the woods with him. With all of them. Some trolls pause on the bridge looking back and waiting for her decision.

"Come with us. Please." Dawn blinks before she stares at Dictatious. Tilting her head she gazes outward, to the woods and their lush forest. With the freshest of fruits and gorgeous flowers. With friends. With Safety. With Magic. With sparring. And Freedom. She'd have freedom. She feels another pull and hesitantly she takes a step back so she doesn't go running away with them.

"My family is here..." She mumbles but she longs to leave with Dictatious. To go to their troll safe haven and explore the troll world. Too read endless books and immerse herself in their culture and magic. Too see what she'd only heard stories about. To become what she could only dream.

"You don't belong with them." Dictatious lightly bumps her head with his before squeezing her cheeks. Dawn is confused but laughing she smiles realising he had just given her the equivalent of a platonic troll kiss. He saw her as kin and he wanted her safe. She didn't belong in Camelot anymore did she? Her home was the wild surrounded by trees and magic not cobblestone and iron. But if she stayed she could help and maybe someday she would ascend to the throne and she could fix things. She could repair the damage done by Arthurs anger and she could rule with Gweniveres love.

The loud clanking of armor gets closer and Dawn hugs Dictatious feeling his rough stone against her before she pushes him to flee. He runs understanding her decision but at the end of the bridge he hesitates sending her a hopeful glance. He waits but Dawn simply bows a last goodbye and he nods taking off into the safety of the woods. Looking up again about to bring the gate back down Dawn pauses.

Gunmar stood at the edge of the woods watching. Tilting her head he nodded slowly at her. He did not trust humans and the Royal Family was at the top of that list but Dawn hoped she had earned his respect. If she ever fell by his hand she hoped it would be a quick merciful death. Something he granted few.

The iron bars slam down as her magic burned out, separating her from the woods and all that lied beyond. Dawn signs looking away. Once again she was trapped.

~~~

Gunmar stood at the woods edge peering into the Humans putrid village. He had come to scout and see if Dawna would keep her word. If the potion she won truly was for a troll or if she was lying and planned to use it against them and slaughter his troops. His single eye widened as the gates opened. He growled ready to tear open her throat but paused as a flood of magical creatures poured out rather than the army he was expecting. He could see trolls of all kinds, stalkings, gnomes, and goblins and amongst them stood an unafraid Dawna. They towered over her and had ten times her strength and yet she didn't fear them. They all left and Dawna was alone. Going to turn and leave he paused. Some trolls remained. A cloaked troll had stayed back and now they were clinging to her. Even from the distance he could see they were small and sickly, barley recovered despite the potion it seemed. The troll pulled at her as the others encouraged her to leave with them. Gunmar snorted enraged at the notion they'd invite her into the woods.

The girl simply nodded no, trying to urge them to leave. A wise decision on her part. The troll looks up and saw he was running out of time, the light was coming and with it his death if he didn't hurry. He leaves but Gunmar watches him hesitate. The trolls look back and Dawn smiles before bowing goodbye. The trolls run to the shelter of the trees and the princess watches them leave. The gate is about to drop before her green eyes lock onto him. Their gaze meets and she slowly nods to him. The gate slams down separating them before he can respond and he hums watching her run off as knights come. Perhaps if things were different. If she was born a troll or even a GumGum in another life they could've been allies. Maybe even friends. He turns feeling saddened that she chose to remain imprisoned when she clearly could be free. What an odd human.

#dawn #dawna the shapeshifting mage #dawna #magic user #original writing #orginal characters #o.c #trollhunters #magic character #toa #wizards #t.o.a

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coinofstone · 4 years

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2x11 The Witch's Quickening

Hey Arthur, remember last time you were on a manhunt in Camelot and it led you to Morgana's chambers, and she talked you out of searching them and later admitted that she'd been hiding a fugitive in there? Have you learned NOTHING

And Merlin too, he doesn't like, double back and confront Morgana or suggest Arthur do that?

Why is Arthur yelling at Merlin so much in this? Who wrote this episode.

::Coin watch the show instead of playing on her phone challenge::

Morgana being manipulated by a nine year old

Why is Arthur insulting the food as if Merlin cooked it himself? Every other meal he brings up is from the palace kitchens but on this occasion Merlin cooked himself? Ok.

Even the fkin dragon is OOC in this ep

Morgana is so much more intelligent than this.

Gaius needs to bring this to Uther in the throne room like a member of the public? He couldn't get a private audience with the king? Ok.

I really don't remember this episode being so terrible, maybe I'm in a bad mood.

You know, not for nothing, but from Mordred's perspective Merlin is being an absolute dick, not only siding with the oppressor but actively working to sabotage their plans and hurt their people. As we, the audience, are privy to the reasons behind this, WE don't necessarily questions Merlin's actions, WE know he's after the crystal because he's trying to prevent Mordred and Morgana from teaming up and bringing harm to Arthur - that's all good and well but like... Merlin could never bring himself to kill Mordred because he's just a boy, but yet he's allowed the boy to go off and become somewhat radicalized (I say 'somewhat' because honestly, it's not all that radical to plot to overthrow the king that has been waging a genocidal war against your people for twenty fucking years) without ever trying to bring him into the fold. If Merlin had explained his and Arthur's destinies to the boy, made an argument for waiting out Uther's reign in the hope that Arthur's reign will bring peace and magic back to Camelot, but which may not happen if he sees his father killed by sorcerers, and explained his reasons for hiding who he is from Morgana, regardless of Mordred's ultimate destiny to be Arthur's doom, Merlin would've at least had a shot at cultivating an alliance or at very least an understanding between them. Instead, all Mordred sees is this supremely powerful sorcerer who isn't even a druid, serving the very people that would bring an end to their entire race if they could. Although, it seems as tho Mordred has forgotten who exactly snuck him out of the castle and back to the druid camp in three first place. Makes you wonder if Morgana never explained to him that she was believed to have been kidnapped when they found her with the druids last time, and that she went along with that lie for her own safety.

Tl;dr: communication is important kids!

Do I even need to point out how much sense Morgana's little tiff with Uther did not make? Or her sudden distrust of Gwen? If anything she should think Gwen would be an ally considering a) her father was killed by Uther, as an innocent victim of Uther's war on magic, b) Gwen was party to Morgana's previous involvement in aiding and abetting a druid fugitive, c) Gwen L-I-T-E-R-A-L-L-Y sacrificed herself to save Morgana from Hengist's men, the is zero reason to question Guinevere's loyalty to Morgana, and d) Gwen has never said a WORD against sorcery or hinted at any kind of prejudice against druids or anyone with magic.

I looked up the writing credit for this, it's Jake Michie who is also credited with some fantastic episodes like Lancelot, Beauty and the beast, and the Lamia to name a few. It was directed by Alice Troughton who has also done some good eps, including other eps written by Jake Michie, so like I really don't understand what went wrong here.

Oh God there's a commentary track on this episode. I don't wannnnnaaaaaa but maybe I'll learn something, like why it turned out the way it did.

Commentary by Julian Murphy, Alice Troughton, and Katie. I do not have high hopes.

Katie right off the bat explaining shit that's important to note, God I love her on these tracks. Apparently, this was one of the last things to be shot (Merlin films everything out of order and films several episodes concurrently, depending on filming location.) and it was being shot while three other episodes were being wrapped up - so they had FOUR episodes filming concurrently and a lot of THIS episode was directed by Julian Murphy, and Jeremy shot some of it as well. This COULD explain a lot of the inconsistency, but I question how much since Julian seems to be involved in filming lots of scenes in lots of episodes. But I guess it's possible that just that on top of the rush to finish and the pressure of so many spinning plates in the air right at the end. They've just said that for this episode they had the least amount of days to shoot it out of all the episodes they've done, which is partly why they had so much going at once. It's as good a reason as any to explain it being so off, but I don't really see that explaining the wildly off characterization.

Katie going on the whole thing about Alvarr-as-revolutionary and Alice picks up on Morgana's sort of desire to be in that position and they're having a quite meaningful discussion then Julian:I think she just thinks he's hot 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Katie says the script changed a lot even as it was filming, and that things were being changed as it was filmed so I'm kind of thinking for whatever reason this entire thing was a mess and that's why it came across looking so disjointed to me.

At least Julian realize the soup scene was terrible.

Idk why they're ganging up on Katie over the chemistry between her and Alvarr. She says she wasn't playing it that way and that she wasn't feeling it and they're just like "yea uh huh sure."

They're talking about having two units filming like a few feet away from each other in the forest, while there is another two units going in France.

Julian says they had added Alvarr's girlfriend in because they wanted to dramatize his charisma and calculation... but it's not manipulation - ?????????? Someone get the man a dictionary. 'We added a random blonde in four him to kiss so that the audience knows he's got a girl already, who sees him working his charm on Morgana and comments on it 'you played her well', but Alvarr isn't actually manipulative' ??????????

They've just pointed out two entire significant beats within a sequence that was constructed on set and off script. Arthur's confrontation with Alvarr in the forest and Merlin's slow motion tracking the crystal to show its got a powerful draw. The more they describe the specifics of filming the more it sounds like an utter disaster which kind of makes me feel bad for being so harsh on the episode.

I keep having to rewind to focus on what they're saying and I feel like I've been watching this episode for about 4 hours.

Awkward bit of prop-exposure there. Trying to work out what LK could even stand for.

Idk everyone's really happy with this scene between Morgana and Uther and I'm still sitting here thinking the dialogue was utterly ridiculous.

They talked about changing that final scene, where Uther clearly knows/suspects it was Morgana who helped Alvarr escape, so that it doesn't prematurely push the story too far ahead. They cut a look Morgana gives Merlin which, rightfully so, because it would've been too much too soon. The ending to this episode still feels wholly unsatisfying to me. I understand the little tag with the dragon yelling for Merlin to release him, I don't mean that, but the ending to the main story where Alvarr just escapes and Uther not only accepts that but also accepts that Morgana must've helped him. Overall Uther's been entirely sort of neutered throughout this episode, which I understand that partially has to do with it being Morgana, but like, in previous episodes when she's been so defiant against him, he's had her by the throat and locked her in a dungeon overnight. So I just doubt understand him being so subdued here, especially since he directly threatened her when he found pr Mordred escaped, and now another druid's escaped and he essentially knows she was involved given how she spoke to him, yet he doesn't do anything? Just wildly inconsistent behavior.

Anyway apologies for overanalyzing this episode, I realize I tore it apart pretty thoroughly during the commentary and the post became quite long. I wish there was a way to add a cut on mobile but there isn't. I'll have the S2 finale post up in a few hours - I might hold off on posting until I've watched the extras, I didn't do that for S1 but then I felt the extras didn't quite warrant a whole post on their own, so I might just tack on any thoughts I have to the 2x12 post. We'll see.

#bbc merlin #merlin #bbc merlin spoilers #merlin spoilers #merthur #2x11 #bbc merlin 2x11 #merlin 2x11 #the witch's quickening #onceandfuturerewatch

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fandom-collective-writers · 5 years

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I will always protect you

Fandom: Ikemen Revolution Pairing: Sirius x MC (Alice) Prompt: ‘I feel safe with you’ Requested by: Anon Genre: angst Written by: @plumpblueberry

Was it the memory of her innocently sweet words that brought the wave of remorse upon him? Or maybe was it the fact that he was helpless just when he should’ve been stronger than ever? It also could be the mere thought of the easy smile tugging at her perfect lips.

Sirius eased his heavy body down on the bed. Was it body that was heavy or his soul? Either way it was bringing him down and down, deeper into a hole of despair he wouldn’t crawl out of. Tired violet eyes fixed on the ceiling looking at something beyond the physical world. He wanted to reach the place where she was now, trying for the world to forget about him.

Skin got speckled with almost painful goose bumps at the mere ghost of a touch on his lips, the vivid memory burnt into his body and mind for eternity to come. Chest clutched with a sudden flood of words spoken in the past, he tried to breathe through the suffering of his own making. It was his fault. And no one else’s.

He could still clearly hear and see. Just a few weeks before the tragedy fell upon them and all the walls went tumbling down, taking the floor from under his feet, making him lose balance.

They had been very busy for a few days in a row, not having too much time to do more than pass each other by in the corridors and exchanging quick pecks in the shadows, out of sight. So when one night both of them finished at sensible hour he took her hand using no words at all and pulled to his room.

She was very tired, but a smile bloomed on the beautiful face like flowers in the spring. It’s all she was – the spring of his life. The everlasting growth and a great outburst of sun’s infinite light. Little did he know that she was as fleeting as the late day’s rays diving behind the faraway horizon. She didn’t oppose when he pulled her into the bed and brought close, their noses almost touching. Sirius studied Alice’s face and the delighted glint that dark blue eyes gave off.

“No resistance?” he finally spoke, stroking gently girl’s long brown hair.

“Why would I resist you?”

“You didn’t even know where I was leading you, but you went after me anyway. You’re far too trusting for your own good.”

She giggled softly, drawing a puzzled expression out of him. His fingers ceased their steady movement to rest on her slightly flushed cheek. She smoothened his black tie and laid down her head on his chest, nuzzling against it. Sirius hugged Alice, bathing in her everlasting warmth.

“It’s not that I’m too trusting,” she mumbled, voice muffled by a great urge to close the eyelids and drift off to sleep. But it had been far too long since she enjoyed his company last and she wanted to endure the experience, even if just for a few more minutes. “I just feel so safe with you that I could follow you to the moon and back and have not a single complaint.”

Thank heavens she couldn’t see him then! A hot blush crept up from the base of the neck, tickled through the cheeks to finally burst out with fire at the tips of the ears. Sometimes she would say such disarming things completely mindlessly and it made her all the more perfect.

“I love you, Alice,” the confession fell out of faintly smiling lips for the air to swallow it all, the one whom it was meant for soundly asleep. “I will always keep you safe.”

Sirius thought himself a man of his word. Especially when he promised something to the one he loved. There were no lengths he wouldn’t cross for Alice. That smiling beam of light meant the world for him, even long before he had realised it. And he would never forgive himself for appreciating it too late. Their time together had been cut short for no other reason than his foolishness.

Queen of Spades was more than aware that he couldn’t handle his liquor well. Then why did he say ‘yes’ to having a few glasses of wine back when they visited Harr with Lancelot and Alice? With mind growing light and practically floating out of his head he was unable to think clearly. Night grew very late and she asked him if they could go home already.

And he let her go back alone.

She blamed him and was right to do so. ‘I will always protect you’? It turned out to be the biggest lie he had ever told. Alice’s swollen face and tears drowning her perfect features in sadness were still alive under closed eyelids. And the worst moment when he came back the next day and reached out to touch her.

And she shuddered, avoiding the touch she used to trust so much.

She wouldn’t have been assaulted if he was there to protect her. Alice was full aware of it. The way he hurt her, the wound inside was too severe to be healed easily. He felt a lump in his throat every time he remembered how those big blue eyes wouldn’t meet his, how she quivered when he tried to take that delicate pale hand in his big and strong one. But it wasn’t a hand she trusted anymore. It was a hand of the man who let her go in the worst moment imaginable.

He wouldn’t hear those beautiful words ever again… ‘I feel safe with you…’

She had had a heartfelt goodbye with everyone but him. She’d only shot him a glance and said ‘farewell’ through clenched teeth before going off with Ray and Fenrir to the top of the Civic Center to get swallowed by the bright reflection of moonlight. To be never seen again.

He had had three full weeks to fix it all. Three full weeks before full moon appeared mocking him at the velvet dark sky, biting away the rest of the time he had left with her. But he’d spent, no -wasted those weeks moping instead of trying his best. It was possible, just within his reach, and Alice had never lost hope deep inside her heart, but seeing no initiative from him pushed her to leave. Forever.

Sirius stood up suddenly. It had been four months. Too long. In a spur of a moment he made up his mind. She had left her safety here in his hands, taking Sirius’s heart away in exchange. It wasn’t right. He had done that once, he would do it again. He still had that ribbon, tucked away in one of the drawers.

Impatiently awaiting the next full moon to grow between the stars he decided he wouldn’t come back from the Land of Reason. Not without her.

And once they’re back he’d learn from his mistakes – he would protect her. Always.

#ikemen revolution #ikerev #ikemen kakumei #Sirius Oswald #sirius x mc #angst #alice the second

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snowrobin-133 · 5 years

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Fairies in Cradle Chpt. 2

Hewo!! Chapter 2 is here~! Hope you guys like it! Word Count: 2095 Characters: Zero x Alice (Echo) Warnings: Near Death, angst

what? I’m the angst hell leader on cradlesona discord you guys. I gotta add in some angst obviously xD

~~~~~~~~~~~

Zero started to come to the forest regularly as her wing healed. Echo even started to open up and relax around him. Every time they met, a warmth would blossom in her heart and he occupied her thoughts every second of the day. How strange. Just what does one call this feeling?

Even though Echo was less guarded, she could still see the omen of war clinging onto him. Oh how she wanted to get rid of it.

Zero came at the same time he always did and Echo went to greet him. They spent their day like they usually did, but Echo noticed something was off. The omen of war was overwhelming, but she waited.

When their time came to an end and Zero was about to walk away, Echo spoke up, "Is something wrong?" Echo asked as she watched his expression.

He hesitated, "...War has been declared."

Echo froze up, "...War?"

He nodded, avoiding her gaze.

"...You will be fighting in it, won't you?"

"...Yes."

Echo stayed silent in shock for a few seconds. Before she knew it, she had hugged him from behind.

He froze up, but slowly relaxed, putting a hand over hers.

"...Be safe." She murmured as she tightened the hug. She could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks but ignored it.

"...Right." he replied in a low whisper.

After another minute or so of hugging him, Echo reluctantly stepped back letting him go. She already started to miss the warmth of his body.

He turned to look at her, a small sad smile plastered on his face. With a nod, he walked away.

A few days later. As Echo woke up, she immediately gagged. The omen of war and tragedy was everywhere and it was strong. *It appears that war has started…*

She glanced at her wing. It was fully healed by now. She fluttered it a few times, trying to readjust to being able to fly again.

She flew outside, noting that multiple fairies under her care was outside, frowning.

Landing next to Kandis, she glanced at where she was staring at, "So war has started, huh?"

Kandis tore her eyes from in front of her to Echo, "Y-yes…"

Echo glanced back, "...I will be back." She didn't give Kandis a chance to reply as she flew straight up and to the edge of the forest.

Hiding up in the trees, she watched as two armies, one clad in red and white and the other in black and purple, stand next to each other.

*Huh…? I thought this was a war between the two armies…?*

She could see all the leaders of both armies discussing with each other.

Echo's eyes narrowed, *...What are they planning…?*

They were facing the forest and Echo's suspicion grew. Did Zero betray her trust? Are they planning to destroy the fairies? She clenched her fists, drawing blood. If these men are here to destroy her realm, then they will face the consequences.

They then started to march into the forest and Echo followed them, noting that they weren't headed to the fairies.

The men marched out into a clearing in front of a large tower, one that she has watched carefully ever since it was built. The men that were in the tower wore robes and babbled in magic, something she looked down upon.

She watched calmly as the leaders rode on their horses and started to yell out orders.

*What are they planning…?*

With a mutter, Echo made her decision and jumped down from the tree branch she stood on. Landing gracefully on the ground, she made her way to the leaders. Several soldiers turned to gawk at her and quickly moved out of the way, afraid of her wrath. Murmurs exploded between the soldiers and the leaders noticed, turning around to see Echo standing before them.

They jolted in surprise. A fairy. A fairy hasn’t been seen ever since the war from 500 years ago came to an end. They had closed themselves off from the humans, hiding and moving any traces of where they could be or lived. Some even started to believe that fairies no longer exist. Yet, those theories were proven false as one stood before them.

Zero spoke up first, "Echo?"

“Echo? Is that your name?” a tall male with blond hair spoke up.

“...You do not need to know. Although, I must ask who you all are, after all, this is my forest.”

“Ah...then you must be the guardian…” another one spoke up, except this leader belonged to the opposite army. With black hair and emerald eyes.

Echo didn’t reply, staring intently at the blond man with cold eyes. She didn’t trust any of these humans, and she wasn’t sure if she could trust Zero either. Glancing at him from the corner of her eye, she noted that he was simply watching the scene unfold before him with a surprised expression. Echo tore her gaze back to the blond man who seemed to be thinking.

After another few minutes of silence from him, he spoke up, “I am the King of Hearts; Lancelot Kingsley."

Echo glanced to the army clad in red and white, "Your army was the one that decided to torture my kind, correct?" She murmured loud enough for him to hear as her eyes narrowed.

He seemed to flinch as his gaze hardened, "...My predecessors made mistakes but I will not do the same."

Echo's gaze returned to him, eyes cold as ever, "...We shall see, King of Hearts."

A tall man from the opposing army with brown hair spoke up, "Will you be joining us?"

"...It depends. What are you doing here anyways?"

The same man from before with his black hair being thrown about from the wind, "We are here to siege the Magic Tower and end their atrocities."

Echo crossed her arms, "And just what atrocities did they commit?"

"...You will see if you come with us."

Her eyes narrowed, *Why not just out right say it? This is something I have never once understood…"

"Well, we do not have time to discuss this further. If you wish to come, then you may." Lancelot spoke as he shifted in his spot, turning the horse to face the tower.

"...Very well." Echo nodded, walking to the side. She exchanged concerned glances with Zero, *I do pray that everything goes well…* she thought to herself.

The men charged into the clearing to find robed men standing in front of them holding magic crystals.

She watched as the two sides clashed, doing nothing to help either side. She merely monitored the situation. But, her eyes kept going to Zero. She was worried. Why? Echo didn't know. She looked away, trying to distract herself.

A warmth in her heart always ignited whenever she saw Zero. Was this what Humans called love? It couldn't be. A fairy like her, falling in love with a human? It sounded bizarre. Yet deep in her heart, she knew the truth.

She was then snapped back to reality as she noticed orange and red colors swirl around from the corner of her eye.

With a sharp turn of her head, she noticed flames. Flames of red, orange, and yellow, whirling around the clearing. Yells, screams, panic and chaos ensued. Men were running away from the bright flames with terrified faces.

Echo stood glued to her spot, eyes wide and mouth agape. What had caused this fire? She had been distracted so she hadn't noticed. But now she was afraid.

How amusing, a fairy guardian *afraid* of something as simple as a fire. Yet, this wasn't simple. The raging fire was spreading. Quickly.

She watched as men tried to put it out, yet was unsuccessful. Echo knew she had to do something as guardian of the forest, but she was afraid. Fires rarely happened. And when it did, they were small and could easily be put out.

This fire on the other hand, was large and quick. Plants and anything it touched died by its flaming hands. It was growing closer, so close that she could feel the fiery heat.

She finally snapped out of it when she heard Zero call out her name. She quickly realized that the fire was close enough to burn her and she immediately jumped to the ground. Hurrying over to Zero, she watched as the branch she had stood on be engulfed by flames. How could she had gotten so distracted? How stupid of her.

With a shaky breath, Echo glanced at Zero, "...I'll get the fairies that can help."

Zero nodded but stopped her as she was about to leave.

She looked at him in confusion, "Is something wrong Zero?"

He hesitated before shaking his head, "No, nevermind."

"...Alright…" she was slightly disappointed but she didn't let that bother her. With a nod, she quickly went off to gather help.

Echo hurried back to the clearing. A small group of fairies that could control water, hurrying behind her. About ten minutes had passed, and hopefully they weren't too late.

They barged into the clearing and immediately the fairies went to work. Gathering water from the small containers they held and from the river, they started to extinguish the fire.

The soldiers watched in awe. This was their first time seeing fairies, especially ones in action.

As the fire slowly died down, Echo looked around for Zero. A pit was forming in her stomach.

The stench of death was strong and she was scared. Scared that Zero had died.

*No, don't think like that. He's strong, isn't he?* she thought to herself.

Suddenly, Echo's attention was brought to quick footsteps coming towards her. Turning around, she saw a soldier clad in red and white panting as he caught his breath.

He sharply looked up and Echo was taken aback by his desperate eyes. "Please...please help the Ace of Hearts." He pleaded quietly.

"What happened to him?!"

"...He was burnt really badly when he saved me and a few other soldiers."

"...! Take me to him."

The soldier led her to the site and she could see Zero laying on the ground. His shirt and jacket was removed and she could see the horrendous burn on his chest. His chest heaved heavily and Zero's eyes were screwed shut in pain.

Echo's eyes widened. Before she knew it, she was kneeling by him putting her hands over the burn. She felt a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time. Fear. Fear that Zero would die before her eyes. But she would not let that happen, even if it required all of her power.

Healing magic radiated from her hands, slowly healing the burn. If only she was an expert in healing magic. Yet she wasn't. Tears started to spill from her eyes and decided to accept the feeling of warmth she had always felt with him.

"...I love you, Zero, don't die under my hands now…" she whispered under her sobs. Echo poured all of her energy into healing him. She knew what would happen if she used up all her energy, but right now she didn't care.

Echo could tell as time passed that she was about to lose her energy. But the burn was just about healed. *Just a little more…* she thought to herself.

Finally, the burn was healed. Zero's eyes slowly opened and all the soldiers who held their breath cheered in relief.

Slowly he sat up and looked around in puzzlement. His eyes landed on Echo, she was smiling with tears falling from her eyes.

Time seemed to slow down as she then collapsed into his chest.

"E-Echo??! Are you ok?!"

She smiled softly at him. Her body started to glow a soft light and Zero's eyes widened.

"...I'll be fine, Zero."

"But…"

Tears flowed down her cheeks at a faster rate, "I...I just need to sleep…"

Zero held Echo closer to him, hoping that he could stop whatever what was happening. Deep in his heart, he knew that he didn't have the power and he started to cry.

The glow grew brighter until she was enveloped in the bright glow.

Slowly, the glow died down. But, Echo was no longer in Zero's arms. Instead, a flower stood in her place. The flower had large black petals and had a soft glow. Magic could be felt radiating from the flower.

Zero's sobs grew in volume. He never got a chance to even tell her he loved her. Nor did he hear her tell him she loved him.

#cradlesona event #cradlesona mythology #ikerev zero #ikerev #ikemen revolution

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everlastingdreams · 3 years

Text

Weeping Monk x Reader : Playing With Fire chapter 14

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Story Summary: The Huntsman, that is what they called your brother. A name he had earned by hunting down the fey for coin. Coin that is given by Father Carden for his services. You refuse to stand aside and watch how your brother hunts down those who are fey. When you start to warn the fey camps your brother wishes to attack, you find yourself behind enemy lines. But when the Weeping Monk becomes suspicious of you, you realise you are playing with fire.

Chapter Summary: The Monk reveals his name to you and the boy. Despite the lack of trust you have towards him, you know you cannot just abandon him in his wounded state after what he did for you and the boy.

Notes: I might try and post chapter 15 as well. Because then I can post the cliffhanger chapters in the weekend haha. It’s hard proofreading with a headache btw. Let me know what you think, please. ^.^

Warnings: None in this one I think.

Word count: 2463 words in this chapter.

Chapter: 14/ 33+ something (buckle up, it’s a wild ride.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You had rode next to them in silence, the last thing you wanted was to draw the attention from other enemies. And you actually didn't know what to say to the Monk, you had never expected this to happen. The sun had risen when the Monk broke the silence that hanged between the three of you. "What was your name, boy ?" "Squirrel." The boy replied somewhat annoyed by the question. The Monk remembered Wicklow's words, how he had thought of him as an animal instead of a person. This could not be the boy's really name, he had noted the hint of defiance and avoidance in the boy's voice at the question. "A squirrel is an animal. What name were you given ?" The Monk insisted. "I don't like that name." An honest reply from the boy. The Monk sincerely wished to know the name of the brave boy that had risked his life to help him. "It's still your name." He prodded for the answer again. You watched with interest as the Monk tried to convince the boy to tell him his real name, something Squirrel had not even told you. "Fine." The boy relented at the Monk's unyielding inquiry "It's Percival." The Monk was pleased with the small victory and repeated the name “Percival.”

“I like it.” You quickly reassured the boy, but you were left to wonder why the boy didn't like his real name.

Then the boy asked the question not even you had ever dared or thought to ask the Monk “Do you have a real name ?”

Needless to say that it drew your attention. The Monk looked over at you for a moment before putting his attention on the boy again.

“Lancelot.” He sounded like it was something he had wished to say “A long time ago, my name was Lancelot.”

The boy raised a brow and looked at the Monk muttering “That's worse then mine...”

You snorted trying to stop yourself from laughing at hearing the boy's comment.

“Still better then 'Fey Guardian'.” The Monk looked over at you, having heard you trying to muffle your laughter.

You rolled your eyes “That must have been some blows to the head if you think that, Monk.”

The moment you called him 'Monk' again he let out a deep sigh, he did not expect you to become friendly after everything that happened but it showed him that you still did not trust him. To you he was still the Weeping Monk who had made your life miserable.

Percival's eyes darted between Lancelot and you, clearly not aware that you had met each other far more then that time he had captured you both in the forest. The boy's brows drew together and you just shrugged.

Silence fell once more between the three of you.

After an hour or so Lancelot felt his eyes grow heavy, the pull to unconciousness grew stronger and he knew he had to stop before he would fall off the horse and risk pulling the boy with him to the ground. "We'll stop here for a moment." He spoke up, he hoped that walking around would wake him up a bit more. You looked over at him, noticing how pale he was looking now “Alright...”

Quickly you dismounted your horse and walked over to his, there was a silent understanding between you and him when you helped the boy down from the horse, having guessed that it would prove difficult for the Monk to help the boy now.

The moment the boy was safely on the ground he dismounted Goliath as well. He groaned at the pain he felt shooting down his back. He had managed to block a lot of the blows from the flails but some had landed on him anyway. The fresh lashing wounds mixed with the bruises from the blows caused a burning pain spreading all over his back. And the blows to his head had given him a terrible headache. He leaned against a tree as he tied Goliath's reins to a branch, and then he shut his eyes for a moment as a stinging pain went through his head that made him awfully vertiginous.

You and the boy walked around a little, stretching your sleeping legs from riding so long. But you had noticed that the Monk looked anything but fine. He looked like a ghost, a very bloody ghost. You were wary of him, he did threaten to kill you not long ago. And truthfully, seeing him kill those Trinity Guards on his own did not calm your nerves. It was a reminder how easy it would be for him to kill you if he changed his mind. Still, you refused to show that you were in fact afraid of him. You had always kept that hidden, not wanting to show him or the paladins fear. Not wanting to give them the satisfaction of it. You took a deep breath and approached him, the closer you got the more you realised just how bad he looked. He had blocked many blows and as a result blood was staining the fabric on his arms. The blows he took to the head was what worried you the most. The left side of his head was covered in dried blood.

The thumping pain from his head was why he had not noticed that you were standing rather close to him now. You reached a hand to his face and he flinched away before you could touch his face, not expecting the movement.

"Sorry... I just..." You stammered awkwardly "You're still bleeding there. Let me see if I can help."

You never thought you would see this man flinch. Little did you realise that he would sooner expect to be slapped again then his health to be the subject of your concern.

He looked at you, trying to read your expression "I'm fine." Your brows shot up at his blatant lie, and you collected your courage and reached out for his head again. This time he didn't flinch, he just tried to stay out of your reach but failed. "You're burning up..." You concluded after feeling the heat radiating off of his forehead for a second. "I'm fine." He claimed stubbornly, trying to understand why you would even care if he wasn't.

You let out a scoff this time, growing impatient “Your definition of being fine could be anything from 'I just stubbed my toe' to 'I've just lost an arm'. Let me take a look at that gash on your head !"

The moment you reached for his head again he grabbed hold of your wrist, stopping you. You thought he would be annoyed at your attempts but the look in his eyes told a different story. He seemed conflicted, it appeared that he didn't trust you either, but it was as if he wanted to trust you. And you weren't aware that your eyes betrayed that you were dealing with the same conflict.

Finally he let go of your wrist, before calmly replying “I will be fine, y/n.”.

Your eyes went to his arm, the fabric was stained with fresh blood, the gash there was bleeding profusely. “I wouldn't be so sure of that, Monk. You might actually lose an arm by the looks of that.” The concern was audible in your voice.

Lancelot looked at his arm as well now, it did not look good. He was losing blood too fast “I just need to bind the wound...”

He took one step away from the tree to look for something to bind his arm with when the world around him started to spin. He quickly supported himself against the tree, not caring that he had also touched a leaf in the process.

“Monk ?” You grabbed hold of his arm, seeing how he was imbalanced and had gotten even paler.

He could no longer reply, everything sounded so far away. He slumped against the tree and the last thing he heard before everything went dark was your alarmed voice.

OoooOOOoooOOOoOOoOOOooOooOO

You had tried to wake him up by using the water in the flask that you had found in the horse's satchel to no avail. It was midday now and you were on your knees next to the unconcious Monk.

He looked far less intimidating now, you never had a chance to study his face before. At least not without it being awkward to do so. His features were almost angelic to you, even with the bruises. The boy had continued to splash water in the Monk's face, even tried to slap him out of it which you had prevented. You had taken off your scarf and used it to bind the wound on his arm, it seemed that it had stopped the bleeding for the moment.

“Is he going to die ?” The boy looked at you, eyes filled with sorrow.

You swallowed thickly, it was not looking good for the Monk. He was running a fever, you guessed it was from the infected gash on his arm. Or from one of the many other wounds he undoubtly had that you couldn't see without undressing him, which seemed like a terrible idea to you even though he was unconcious. It terrified you.

“No, but if we don't help him soon, he will succumb to the fever.” You replied honestly while taking a look at the wound on the side of the Monk's head. The bleeding there had stopped and after washing some of the dried blood away with the water you concluded that it looked worse then it actually was, making you sigh in relief.

“How ? Who would help him ? He's the Weeping Monk.” The boy brought up an important question.

You owed your life to him and now this man was bleeding to death. You had to have some faith that maybe there was more good in him then he had already shown. Your concious gnawed at you, you knew you had to help him to repay him. You did not like to feel like you owed someone something. The only thing you could think of to help him was taking him to Mirstone and treat him with the medicine the fey had once given you that you kept hidden in your home.

“I will. We need to get him back to my village.” You answered resolutely.

Then the Monk stirred as he let out a deep pained groan, his eyes opened but shut again immediately as they were met with the bright sunlight. You sighed in relief, it would be far easier to get to Mirstone if he was concious “How are you ? Let me guess, you're fine ?” His voice was hoarse and he coughed as he spoke “How long was I unconcious ?”

After taking a deep breath you started “A couple of hours. We've been trying to wake you up, in case you're wondering why you're wet. I took the liberty to bind that gash on your arm, but it will need to be sewn shut and soon for that matter."

He carefully opened his eyes again, turning his head so the sun didn't blind him “You could have left me here to die." You handed him the flask of water and he gratefully took it and gulped some down. His throat felt better already. "Yes. I could have.” You were silent for a second “We need to get you back to Mirstone, I can sew those wounds shut before you bleed to death.”

“Mirstone ? Your village ? No, pardon me, the Huntsman's village ?” The Monk did not like that idea.

You understood his reluctance, but it was the only option. You knew of no other villages nearby and doubted they would be very helpful if there were “The fever alone will kill you, Monk. Besides, my brother will not have returned yet.”

“How can you be sure ?” He looked at you with strange interest.

You smirked at him “I made some adjustments to the maps he took with him. He will be gone for another day.”

The Monk narrowed his eyes at you, now openly admitting just how you had sabotaged the Huntsman.

Finally he gave in, knowing that you were right. He would die either from bloodloss or the fever. He looked up at the sky “It's midday, if we leave now, we should reach Mirstone in the night.”

“And with some luck no one will have heard about what happened to the Trinity Guards yet. They won't bat an eye to see you there. And if anyone asks why the paladins let me go I'll just say that it was an act of...” You gestured to him.

“Clemency.” He would have rolled his eyes if his head wasn't killing him.

“Exactly. Now, let's see if you can actually walk or not...” You stood up from the ground and held out your hand.

He sighed once deeply before taking your hand with his, it took some effort from you to get him on his feet. Once standing he steadied himself against the tree. "What's that on your neck ?" Percival suddenly asked and you send him an inquisitive look. The Monk's eyes went to your neck at the boy's question and then you remembered. You had forgotten why you had been wearing the scarf in the first place, your hands went to your neck. You had taken it off to bind the Monk's wound, having forgotten about the bruises. You avoided their eyes "Bruises.. I guess the paladins don't like it when you elbow them in the teeth." The Monk knew you were lying, the bruises did not look recent enough to have been obtained at the paladin camp. He had seen similar ones on your arm once but decided not to mention it. There was a reason why you weren't telling the truth.

“Those paladin scum.” The boy cussed, believing the lie.

You had to change the subject “Do you think you can ride your horse without falling off of it ?”

“Yes.” He was but all too aware that you were trying to change the topic.

“Good.” You quickly turned on your heels and headed to the horses.

He turned his attention to the boy “You should ride with her. Just in case.” The boy looked at him with narrow eyes “Fine...You're not just going to ride off are you ?”

The question suprised him, he was until now unaware that the boy felt some form of attachment to him “No. No, I am not.”

Percival stared at him a little longer before he seemed satisfied with the answer, then he and the boy headed to the horses as well.

Taglist:

@itsjustjenna @ourlazydetectivekitten @the-great-adventures-of-me @linkpk88 @mixedchicaq @boredoomfm @soccmoss @fxrchxldws @elenaoftheturks @slytherlight @beananacake @tanyaherondale @lancelotapricot @captainbucky-yt @crystallizedtime @thesneakylittleminx

Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the taglist.

#weeping monk x reader #weeping monk x you #lancelot x reader #lancelot x you #cursed lancelot #The Weeping Monk #Cursed Netflix #cursed fic #cursed squirrel #percival

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advernia · 5 years

Text

fic: a bite of fairy floss

— she’s no magic spell or elaborate trap, but he’s been captured all the same. - post pt.20: the king of hearts, alice the second, and the morning before a long-awaited war.

1: spoiler warning for those who haven’t gone through lancelot’s route! tread lightly folks (°∀°)b

The dark skies were beginning to crack open with the faint rays of the first light when his eyes flutter open, his bedroom ceiling coming into view as a mural of hazy reds. Encased under the comfort of his duvet with his limbs still unmoving, he blinks the sleep from his eyes once, twice, thrice; until finally the ceiling comes into a proper focus.

A few more seconds later when a languid fog had also cleared itself from his mind, the first thing he muses about is why the bed - his bed - felt warmer than usual. (The question of why he decided to sleep naked last night also came through in passing, but that wasn’t really much of a problem.)

So he wills his body to shift position, to lay not flat on his back but to lie on his right side. He closes his eyes as he does so, a low grunt escaping his lips as the movement causes a slow flare of exhaustion to spread through his body. Stranger and stranger, he frowns. What on earth happened last night that he would be so -

Ah.

His eyes flicker open the same time his thoughts click themselves together, the answers to his questions suddenly rushing through his mind; jigsaw pieces pulled apart but then syncing to form a clear picture of events.

And now, the sheer proximity between him and his companion has his breath catching in his throat and his senses bursting with sudden activity.

A disheveled mass of caramel and honey - blooming, curling, weaving - going around and about all directions it could extend, captures his vision and begs for his attention. But in the midst of the glossy sea that flowed down her neck and shoulders like a makeshift shawl, despite the strands that shield parts of her face from his eyes and the long locks with their tips that seem to reach out to him; his gaze is drawn to the spots of bare skin that her hair and duvet could not conceal: a peek of soft knuckles curled into loose fists under her narrow chin, unblemished cheeks dusted a faint pink, slightly parted lips softly swollen.

(He briefly wonders if he successfully broke those lips. or her.)

His gaze lingers on Alice perhaps far too long - slumber seemed to soften her features and made her appear demure, far from the determined woman who would pester him to no end with her curiosity and concern. There’s a wash of relief that spreads in his ears as he is spared from her incessant prattling, but strange jitters within him when he doesn’t hear the vibrant melody of her voice and when he is unable to see the bright sparkle ever present in her open eyes.

He chuckles wryly, the air stuck in his throat released with ease.

When he breathes in, the air carries the smell of her - perhaps she had been a confectioner for so long that in the process of mastering her craft, her countless days of toiling in the kitchen eventually bore fruit to her undeniable skill and her delicate scent: she always smelled sweet; as if the aromas of baked goods and butter, sugar and honey, then chocolate and cream had stirred themselves together to weave a heady mist - light as a passing breeze yet surprisingly distinct, lingering about her very being and branding itself onto her skin as if it was her special perfume: subtly drawing others in with wafts of delectable sweetness, but never meaning to cloy those who would draw closer.

Her scent did not betray her taste as well.

She was definitely not cloying, and last night he had learned that far too well for his liking: his lips, mouth and tongue had trailed over the expanse of her bare skin repeatedly, almost desperately through every inch of her he could expose until they had fell to exhaustion - yet the taste of her would only linger, cruelly so: it was only a sliver of taste that remained on the surface, not enough to satiate his hunger for her nor was it enough to brand her flavor on his tongue.

Perhaps this was punishment: he had kept her at an arm’s length as long as he could but now that she had finally reached out to him, now that he succumbed to his desire of her warmth, of her very being and company… time had decided that it has seen enough.

The hourglass in his desk felt the same as well, its top end finally empty.

Her name - her real name - passes through his lips like a whisper of a spell before he moves forward to claim her lips for the last time: the kiss is feather light and as brief as he can muster, his lips barely touching the skin and warmth of her very own; and when he pulls away something resembling a sigh escapes him.

She doesn’t hear it, for she’s too deep in sleep to feel that a hand of his drew over her closed eyes; pads of rough fingers applying a light pressure on her skin.

For seconds, he hears the steady sound of her breathing. He feels her warmth creeping into his own skin, enticing like the sight of her parted lips. He breathes in again; and all he can breathe in is the sweet mist of a woman who begged him not to go, not to die, but to live and stay by her side; like she had done for him in a span of thirty days.

Alas, if only he could.

If only thirty days could dissolve five hundred years of duty.

(He starts casting.)

He leaves his bed as soon as the light of his magic had faded completely - he proceeds to dress himself and then gather Alice’s clothing, setting her dress by the foot of the bed and her shoes on the floor directly under it. Lastly, he takes his cape and his sword from where he had hung it last night: as he attached the former to his uniform and strapped the latter to his belt to hang at his side, he was now completing his ensemble as the King of Hearts, the man all of Cradle knew as a beautiful beast.

All, save for one. His eyes drift back to the bed behind him once more, to the one person who ever wanted to be with him.

He had cast his spell on her and it could not be reversed.

When dawn’s rays would fully break through the sky and would stream through the windows, she would wake and forget.

Then when the sky turns dark once more, the moon would rise over the gardens and she would return - she would go back to the land where she truly lived, a land far away and a mystery to him like how she saw his own, but that was the land where she would surely find true happiness.

Because that was where she belonged: a land where she would be out his reach - permanently.

With quiet strides, he makes his way to his door - it opens without a single creak and when he steps outside and closes the door behind him, he begins to walk down the empty corridor, his cape fluttering behind him.

The taste of sugar tingles the surface of his tongue and a fleeting warmth still dances teasingly on his lips, but he doesn’t look back.

2: fairy floss is another name for cotton candy in the UK. 3: this was supposed to be posted in this blog the same time i uploaded this in my a03 which was like… a year ago??? hmmm??? what went wrong??? so i decided to post it here anyway for activity’s sake lol + red army content - don’t get me wrong folks, i love the black army but *points to the red army* pls love these dorks too 4: personally, i think lancelot’s route focused more on the conflict rather than the romance which was actually refreshing??? plus points since despite the conflict™, their relationship flowed pretty well. that, or i probably need to replay his route again, it’s been a year already folks (for educational purposes). 5: canon states in multiple parts + bonus stories that mc smells good, but that’s it. i shoved in my hc that she smells of sweets / baked goods, bc i’m actually really fond of the fact that she’s a confectioner. 6: realistically speaking tho it’s a pretty unconventional job, moreso for a young woman - mc canonically lives in 19th century london, where it’s more common to see women working for textiles / clothing factories. lucky girl - i’d like to think mc really worked hard for her job.

#ikemen revolution #ikemen kakumei #ikerev fanfic #lancelot kingsley #ikerev alice

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oswaldsirius · 6 years

Text

Home-Part II

Sirius || Celeste || Lancelot

Summary: Some choices can’t be unmade no matter how they might wish it. But what if a different choice was made than what was expected? (An alternate take on a choice in Lancelot’s route)

Pairing: Sirius Oswald/Celeste Morreaux

Word Count: 7050

Ao3 Link

Warning: Spoilers for Chapter Eight of Lancelot’s route (less so in this chapter but still putting it here).

A/N: Proper note at the bottom again. Let’s just say I have a lot of emotions for my small child and it translated into this beast. @kashimalin thank you again for helping it come to life ❤ ❤ ❤

“You’re home.”

The words hung in the air, even after he’d whispered her name, and she couldn’t bring herself to look at him. They weren’t exactly what she’d wanted to say, but something was off with Sirius and it was making her nervous. So those were the words that had come out. Embarrassment had immediately filled her, realising that wasn’t a proper thing to say at all. Even if it was true.

She’d thought she was fine with the Red Army. She hadn’t lied; they showed affection in their own ways. It took a while to see it, but it was there. Her agreement to stay with them had stemmed from the discovery that they didn’t truly mean her harm. But that resolve had wavered when she’d seen the Black Army in the square.

They’d accepted her without question almost as soon as they’d met her. She’d been given a place to stay where she was a welcome guest. No, more than that. She was part of a family. There hadn’t been any hesitation on any of their parts and, even if her stay was temporary, they’d taken her in with open arms. She’d never had that before, had never felt so at ease with people she didn’t know. They’d slowly chipped away at her walls in the handful of days she’d been with them without her even realising it.

It had been impossible to miss the relief on their faces when they’d seen her in the square and her heart had made its decision. She couldn’t stay with the Red Army. She just couldn’t when the men who had grounded her from the beginning were right there, looking at her like she was the missing piece to their puzzle. There’d been no words spoken between them, but she knew that with any sign from her, they would have moved to reclaim her.

For those few brief moments, she had soaked in all of them, resolving herself to breaking the words she’d given the Red Army not an hour before. Then it had gone to chaos.

Celeste jumped when warm fingers tipped her chin up and she found herself looking into violet eyes. Sirius’ face was tight, but there was something fragile in his gaze. Something she had never seen before. “Do you mean it?” he asked lowly. “You’ll come back with me?”

He was watching her so intensely it stole her breath. All she could do was nod. He’d been giving her the strangest looks since the forest. No, since the square. She’d felt his gaze weighing the heaviest on her and she’d known why. His promise to keep her safe had echoed through her thoughts, wrapping around her until it was hard to think of anything else.

That something trembled in his gaze before he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. She was very aware of how the hand she had taken shifted, threading their fingers together. “Stay close,” he said softly. “They’ll be coming back soon.”

“Yes,” she whispered.

When his eyes opened, the something was gone but it had been replaced by a fierce determination that stole the rest of her breath. “I will keep you safe, Celeste,” he promised. “I’ll get us home.”

I already am. She couldn’t say those words, but she nodded, trying to show that she knew. She’d known from the moment he’d first said them to her, known that if he’d been with her that day, he would have fought with everything he had to keep Edgar from taking her.

His thumb rubbed against her chin in a slow stroke before his hand fell. “Let’s go, little lady.”

When the attack in the square had happened, a numbing coldness had spread through her. It had shut down what she was feeling and forced her to act, to do what she’d needed to. It had helped her get Lancelot out after he’d collapsed. But it hadn’t faded once she’d gotten them both away. If anything, the fear that had slipped through had sapped what little warmth she’d had left. She’d been freezing and unable to shake it.

But his touch scorched through her. It had happened when she’d taken his hand in the forest and it was happening again. Her skin felt tight in the wake of it, the contrast so great tears were pricking at her eyes. But she wanted more, she needed to feel again, wanted that numbness to leave her. She wanted him to keep touching her, to replace her cold with his heat. Anything to let her feel again.

Now wasn’t the time for that. She’d have to content herself with holding his hand for now.

Following him as he turned back to the stairs they’d used to come here, Celeste said a silent goodbye to the Red Army. She appreciated the insight she had on them now and knew they weren’t all the monsters she’d thought that first day. But she needed to go back to her family.

“You’re home.”

The words made her flush the more she thought of them and she couldn’t stop them from coming back. She knew she needed to focus, that they were running out of time to make a clean getaway. But she couldn’t stop thinking about what she had meant. In her heart, she knew, but it scared her. For so many reasons.

“Don’t do it, little love. Be better than me. Promise me.”

They paused as they reached the base of the stairs, both listening for any sign that they weren’t alone anymore. Sirius waited past what she would have thought acceptable, his hand squeezing hers slightly. He’d only taken a few steps before she bumped into him as he froze. “We need to hide,” he hissed.

Celeste blinked in surprise before she heard it, the murmur of voices further down the hallway. “This way,” she said, tugging on his hand to lead him away from them.

It was deeper into headquarters and away from where they’d left his horse, but he followed her without question. He kept close to her, his entire frame tense. He hadn’t been like this when they’d brought Lancelot through. Cautious, yes, but now he seemed like he was extremely high strung, that he was seeing enemies in every corner they passed. Was it because they didn’t have much time left?

“In here,” she said, pushing a door open.

He didn’t wait, pulling them both inside. She expected him to slam the door, but he carefully closed it, holding the handle so it didn’t even make a noise as it shut. He looked back at her for a moment before his gaze moved over the room.

She saw his brows draw together a little and his eyes flicked down to her. “Where are we?”

“Lancelot’s office,” she whispered.

He made a noise low in his throat, looking around again. “We shouldn’t stay here long. They might come here to look for him,” he said, starting across the room.

Her hand was still caught fast in his and she couldn’t do anything but follow him. Not that she wouldn’t have followed him anyways. Her heart lurched in her chest and her gaze dropped to her feet. No, no, no. Don’t.

Sirius went to the window, standing to the side of it as he looked down at the grounds. “It could work,” he mused quietly. “Would be quicker.”

Celeste blinked at him. He wasn’t thinking of going out the window was he? They were still two stories up! “Sirius, I-”

He turned to her, his free hand stroking over her hair and leaving heat in his wake. She shivered a little, praying he didn’t see it and knowing he must have. He cupped the back of her head, making her meet his gaze. “Trust me?”

“Yes,” she breathed without hesitation.

He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. His fingers ran through her hair for a moment before he was letting her go.

She watched, wide eyed, as he opened the window carefully. Both of her hands moved to cover her mouth to stem her squeak as he swung his body out of it.

His mouth quirked into a crooked smile as he hung onto the window sill. “This is nothing, little lady,” he murmured.

Disbelief filled her and she crept closer to the window to watch as he scaled down the side of the building. He took his time, carefully finding grips to support his weight and avoiding any pockets of light. How was he making it look so easy? Had he done this before?

Forget pounding, her heart was fluttering at the strength and control it took for him to do this. He didn’t expect her to follow him, did he? She’d considered using the window to escape on her first night here, but this had never crossed her mind. There was no way that she could possibly do that. How was she going to follow him now?

His grunt as he landed on the ground rolled up to her before he was suddenly ducking down into the bushes at the base of the building.

Celeste barely had time to react as she heard the voice coming around the corner, but she tugged the window mostly shut and hid herself in the curtain. She heard the conversation the soldiers were having but none of it made sense to her. Fear was coursing through her, terror that Sirius would be caught because she had chosen to go with him and he couldn’t leave as fast as he would if he was alone. Or that they’d spot her and make her stay when she’d decided to leave.

Oh, please, let him stay safe. She didn’t know what she would do if he got caught.

“Little lady.”

The soft call broke through her thoughts and she peeked out of the curtains. She could barely see Sirius standing among the bushes again from this angle. Reaching out a hand, she pushed the window open and leaned out just enough to see him.

It was too dark where he was standing to read his expression, but a sudden, strange feeling coiled through her gut. “Still trust me?”

Oh, why was he asking that? “Y-Yes?”

“Good. I need you to jump.”

Her stomach rioted, plummeting to her feet before shooting back up. He needed her to what?

“We don’t have a lot of time and you aren’t going to be able to climb down easily. Not in that skirt and I don’t want you to risk it. You have to jump.”

A broken sound-a laugh, a whimper?-left her. She hadn’t been able to do it before, how could she do it now?

“Little lady,” Sirius’ voice called, warm and strong, “trust me. I’m not going to let you get hurt.”

Squeezing her eyes shut, she tentatively sat on the window sill. Could she do this? Could she actually do this? Even with his reassurance, there was the chance that this would end poorly. She didn’t think she could do this. She could sneak out of headquarters somehow and meet him at the horse. She could-

“Celeste, I’ll always catch you.”

Her breath shivered out of her. Why did he have to say things like that? Looking down at him, she wished she could see his face. “On three?” she asked nervously.

“On three,” he agreed.

“Can you count? Please?”

“Of course. Ready?”

No. No, she wasn’t ready to throw herself out of this window even if it would end in his arms.

“One.”

Her lips parted on a silent cry. No! She stiffened when she heard a noise from behind her, her head whipping around to look back into the office. Was someone coming to check for Lancelot?!

“Focus on me, little lady.” He was quiet until she looked at him again. “Two.”

Her breaths were coming in short gasps and she shifted nervously on the sill. Someone was definitely coming down the hallway, she could hear the voices-Jonah and Edgar?

“Three.”

Shoving herself off the window, she squeezed her eyes shut as she fell through the air. The same panic flooded her as when she’d fallen into Cradle. The weightlessness, the rapidly approaching ground, the inability to do anything but fall. However, it was short lived this time and she found herself snugly held against a warm chest before she knew it. She didn’t open her eyes, blinding reaching to wrap her arms around him and turning her face into him.

“My brave girl,” he whispered.

A frisson of pleasure wound through her at the words and she inhaled deeply. She’d been surrounded by the sharp and crisp scents of the Red Army for so long, the woodsy smell rolling off him was like a breath of fresh air. His brave girl? There was a possessive tone to his voice she’d never heard before but…she liked it. Celeste, don’t.

“Who left the window open?”

The moment was shattered by a voice coming from above, reminding them that they weren’t out of this yet.

“Hold on,” Sirius hissed.

She hadn’t had plans to let go of him but she still clung tighter as he practically threw them into the bushes. A soft grunt left him as he cushioned her with his body, holding her close as he hid them. His arms slid fully around her, one hand cradling the back of her head to press her to him.

Holding her breath, she trembled against him. She could tell herself it was nerves, the fear of getting him caught, but the truth lingered on the edge of her thoughts. It had started in the square, circling around her as she had felt him watching her. Retreating when she’d tried to help Lancelot and surging back in when Sirius had found them. But she’d been warned-twice-and she knew better. She couldn’t put a name to it; if she did, she’d be damning herself the same way her mother had.

But she still turned her face into his neck, pulling in as much of him as she could in the moment. She lost track of time as they lay there before he was slowly rolling them, gently moving over her. She blinked up at him, but he wasn’t looking at her. He was looking through the bushes, scanning the area. Pressing her lips together, she stayed quiet and merely waited.

“Let’s go,” he said lowly, pushing off her and helping her to her feet.

He didn’t let go of her hand, his fingers winding through hers again as they moved around the building. It was slow going as they dodged windows and lights from inside. More than once, she found herself tucked between the wall and his chest as he kept them out of sight. His big body crowded hers, blocking her completely from view.

Trembling as they waited for the soldiers to pass the window above, Celeste leaned her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. She was tired. Between everything that had happened in such a short time, she was running out of energy. How was she supposed to not slow him down when exhaustion was licking at her? Surely he would have been gone if she hadn’t wanted to go back with him. Did he-

A small sigh left her as he leaned back from her, looking around, before they were moving again. Had they really left his horse so far away? When they stopped again at a corner, she looked up at him when he squeezed her fingers.

There was just enough light from the nearby windows for her to see his face, but she almost wished she couldn’t. Oh, what was that look for now? “We need to run,” he said quietly.

Run?

Gloved fingers stroked her hair back from her face. “I know you’re tired, Celeste,” he murmured. “I know, but do this one last thing for me and I promise you can rest.”

She stared up at him and nodded slowly. How could she resist that gentle coaxing in his voice?

His brows drew together, his body swaying toward her a little. She didn’t move, blinking slowly up at him even as her heart thumped madly in her chest. He seemed to catch himself before anything happened and he pulled back. “Follow me. Stay close.”

Confusion flooded her. What had just happened? Her heart was still pounding but she tried to ignore it as he squeezed her fingers again. He didn’t need to say anything; she was watching him so as soon as he tensed, they both took off running.

The shadows were long across the training grounds, but they spooked her more than anything. They gave them cover in their mad dash, but what else was hiding in them? But Sirius didn’t slow and didn’t stop so neither did she.

Her chest ached as they raced across the grounds, but she didn’t let herself slow no matter how much it hurt. He was already shortening his stride for her, she knew he was. She wasn’t going to hold him back even more than she already was. It would kill her if he got caught because of her inability to keep up.

As soon as they made it through the nearest gate, Sirius spun her into his arms and leaned back against the wall. “Just breathe, little lady,” he whispered, his voice far more ragged than she would have expected. “Breathe.”

She sank into him and did as he said. But every breath brought his scent in and chipped away at her resolve. Without thinking, she leaned into him fully, winding her arms around his middle and burying her face in his chest. She thought she felt his hands tighten on her, trembling for a moment, before he was rubbing her back.

“I’ve got you,” he promised. “We’re almost out. Just a little more.”

“Running?” she asked, her voice muffled by his shirt.

“No. No more running. For either of us.”

He’d whispered the last so softly it was almost lost in her pants for air. But as the words registered, her heart kicked off again. What did he mean?

He slowly pulled away from her, gently taking her hands in his. The softly glowing lamps along the wall let her see the frown that tugged on his lips as he rubbed her hands. “Celeste, you’re still freezing. Why didn’t you say anything?”

She shrugged. What were they going to do about it when they were trying to escape? “Oh, no, Sirius, please no,” she said quickly when he let go of her to shrug out of his coat. “No, I’m fine.”

“You are not,” he said firmly, wrapping the jacket around her. “I promised I’d protect you and I’ll do it from you as well if you don’t take care of yourself.”

“It’s not my fault,” she protested, having no choice but to attempt to slide her arms into the sleeves as he swiftly did up the buttons in the front.

“You should have said something.”

I’m fine when you touch me. He was looking at her so intensely, as if he could hear her thoughts. She turned her head away, staring at a spot on the ground and curled her hands into fists in the sleeves. No, please. Please, I….

His hands brushed over her hair, his sigh washing over her skin. “I’m not mad, little lady. I just-” He stopped abruptly when they heard a noise from the other side of the wall. “We need to go,” he whispered.

No, she wanted to know what he was going to say! She flushed as he caught her hand through the sleeve and led her deeper into the shadows. A soft nicker had her jumping before she realised it was his horse. Had they actually made it?

Sirius let go of her and easily swung himself up into the saddle. “Come here, little lady.”

He was leaning over the horse, holding his arms out to her, but she hesitated. She knew they needed to go, that she was wasting time but…he’d held her so much in this short amount of time so why did this feel different? Was it because now she had the choice of whether to go to him or not? Before he’d been keeping her safe, hiding her, doing it before she had a chance to realise it was happening. But not this time. This time she would choose to go into his arms.

“Celeste?”

The sun was nearly gone and she couldn’t see him. She wanted to see him when he said her name like that. She wanted to see him. She wanted him. Her lower lip trembled as the thought slammed into her, slammed into that wall enough to crack it, and a quiet sound slipped out of her. No, she couldn’t let herself!

The horse shifted, nudged forward by him, and she shook when his fingers found her cheek. “Are you crying?” he whispered.

She didn’t know anymore but she reached for him.

Strong hands caught her around the waist and he effortlessly hauled her onto his horse, settling her in front of him. “I’m sorry,” Sirius breathed. “I know this was a lot for you.”

It was, but she knew it wasn’t that. Every kind word, every warm touch, weakened her, sent cracks and fissures through her defenses. Every moment with him broke her down a little more.

“Rest, Celeste,” he murmured, tucking her close to him even as the horse started off. “Rest. I’ve got you now. These old boys will get you home.”

She knew he’d said it to make her smile, to try to cheer her up, but it only made her choke up further. How much would he try to do for her? Her eyes closed and she could feel the tears slipping down her cheeks now. She’d been warned. She knew better. She couldn’t let this go any further. She had to be strong. She had to-

Waking as she was shifted, Celeste glanced around in confusion. “Where…?”

“Shh, go back to sleep.”

It was tempting. She was cradled in strong arms and surrounded by that earthy forest scent that was so soothing. Her limbs felt heavy from sleep and she was so wonderfully warm finally. Something tickled at her sleepy brain before it clicked. “Sirius?”

“Sleep, little lady,” he murmured. “You’re safe.”

She rubbed her cheek against his shirt and sighed deeply. She could feel him moving, carrying her? “Oh!” Celeste gasped, pulling away from him.

He easily kept a hold of her despite the sudden movement and stopped to look at her. “Little lady?”

“You can put me down,” she whispered, flushing.

“I’d rather not.”

What? She stared up at him but he started walking again and didn’t look at her. She’d been tired before but the nap had helped and she was perfectly capable of walking on her own. It was only a few stairs and a hallway or two.

But he seemed intent on carrying her and short of trying to squirm out of his grip there wasn’t much she could do about it.

Enjoy it. The thought had her shivering which only made him pull her closer.

“You’re still cold,” he muttered.

She really wasn’t but she didn’t want to explain why she was shivering.

He quickly carried her inside, slipping in a side entrance. He was almost as slow moving through the hallways as he had been getting out of Red Headquarters. What was he doing? Why was he sneaking? Weren’t they safe now?

The questions piled up, all of them unspoken as he carried her upstairs to her room. Sirius barely paused as he got the door open and strode in, pushing it closed with a solid click behind him. She was shifted slightly and light filled the room. Before she knew it, he was gently settling her on the bed, his arms sliding out from under her. She was slow to let him go, watching his face.

“Stay there,” he said quietly.

She didn’t completely listen, pushing up on her elbows to watch as he crossed the room to her bathroom. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she leaned down to start unlacing her boots. But her thoughts were on him. How could they not be?

How many times had he saved her tonight? Could she even count them all? Why? Was it only because he’d promised to keep her safe? Because the Black Army wanted her back?

“My brave girl.”

Celeste shivered, wrapping her arms around herself and realising she was still wearing his jacket. No. It wasn’t because the Black Army wanted her back. The way he had said that hadn’t been between friends or family. There’d been…a possessive pride in his voice. Would his promise make him feel like that? Was it his sense of duty driving him? No, why would he say that to her if that was it?

Standing, she carefully took his coat off, her thoughts whirling. When she’d told him she was coming with him, his dark eyes had been so intense, burning into her. He’d held her close so many times, using his own body as a shield for hers if need be. He’d praised her, encouraged her, comforted her every step of the way. And she’d soaked every word in, desperate for more.

The door clicked open and she twisted to look. He’d paused in the doorway when he saw her, his lips turning down a little that she wasn’t where he’d left her. But…he looked like a dream standing there, one she didn’t ever want to lose.

I can’t…can I? She trembled a little as he watched her and she broke the stare first, moving to drape his coat over the end of her couch. He was still watching her, her skin prickling with that heat again even without him touching her.

“You didn’t have to take it off,” he finally said.

“I’m fine,” she whispered. Was she? Her heart wouldn’t stop pounding and she couldn’t look at him.

Sirius sighed. “You’re not and you don’t have to keep saying you are. Not to me.”

She jumped a little as he gently caught her arm and led her back to the bed. When he gave her a small push, she sat on the edge of it and fidgeted nervously. What was he doing? She nearly jumped again when a warm cloth brushed over her cheek.

“Easy,” he murmured, catching her chin with his fingers to tilt her up to him and slowly washing her face.

His fingers were rough against her and caused an all new set of sparks to race through her. She’d grown used to the softness of his gloves but this was different. Not unpleasant, but different. Letting him turn her as he would, she bit her lip as he continued his task, watching him. She didn’t miss it when his eyes dipped down to her mouth before returning to the washcloth. His brow pinched slightly and his thumb shifted, rubbing against her for a moment then stilling.

Did he have any idea what he was doing to her? Did he know how close he was to breaking through her wall? Did he know how much he was scaring her with how easily he was doing it?

“Don’t fall in love, little love. It might seem like a good idea at the time, but it will only hurt you in the end. Listen to Mama and promise me you won’t.”

The words shivered through her, trying to reinforce the wall they’d originally built. But as his fingers brushed her cheek, it cracked further.

Sirius quietly pulled away, his eyes moving over her face before he smiled. “Tuck in, little lady,” he said, turning to walk back to the bathroom.

She watched him go, one hand lifting to touch her cheeks. Had she had something on her face the entire time and he hadn’t said anything? The thought made her want to dive under the covers and hide. She glanced down at her dress, frowning at the rips and tears across the hem, the dirt smudged across the skirt. No, she couldn’t get into bed like this. “Sirius?” she called nervously.

“Mm?”

“Could you…stay in there for a minute?”

There was a long pause before the door to the bathroom quietly clicked shut. Gratitude filled her that she didn’t have to explain and she quickly shucked her dress. She hurriedly pulled out a nightgown to change into, smoothing the fabric down as soon as it settled. One hand lifted to her hair before she shook her head. She didn’t want to deal with it right now. Tying it off at the base of her neck, she quickly slipped under the blankets. “Thank you,” she called.

The door opened and she watched him from above the hem of the blanket as he came back to the bed. He was smiling faintly as he leaned over and brushed a hand over her shoulder. “Get some sleep, Celeste,” he said quietly. “We’ll talk to the others tomorrow morning, alright? I’ll come get you so we can go down together.”

Her heart suddenly leapt into her throat. He was leaving? Reaching out, she caught his sleeve as he turned away. “Please. Stay.”

The words came without thought and she watched his expression tighten, his eyes darkening.

“I don’t…I don’t want to be alone,” she said in a small voice.

Sirius kept studying her, not giving her anything. Maybe this was too much to ask for. He’d already done so much for her. She was pushing too far. Even if she didn’t want to be alone, was scared this was all a dream and she’d wake up alone in her room in the Red Headquarters, she couldn’t ask this of him. He’d done enough. She needed to let him go.

“No,” she said, rolling away from him. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long night and I’m just tired. Good night, Sirius. Thank…Thank you.”

She could hear him breathing, evenly spaced. slow and not moving. He was watching her and she didn’t know what more she could do. Except wait.

Her own breathing became choppy the longer he didn’t move. Was he waiting for her to fall asleep? Because that wasn’t going to happen with him watching her like that! She tugged the blankets up and burrowed her burning face into the pillow. She’d said he could leave so why wasn’t he?

He finally sighed and she listened as he crossed the room. She heard the faint tap of fingers against the lamps to darken them and the solid click of the lock being flipped on the door. But it never opened and she couldn’t hear him moving anymore. What was he doing now?

Her eyes flew open when the bed dipped behind her and she rolled over to gape at him. There was just enough moonlight to highlight his face and she could see him watching her as he leaned back against the headboard. “Is this alright?” he asked when she kept staring.

He was going to stay? “Y-Yes.”

He smiled faintly, pulling his cap off to set it on the bedside table. “Try to get some sleep, Celeste,” he said quietly, settling against the head of the bed. “You need it.”

She watched him loosely cross his arms over his middle before she rolled back over. She’d completely twisted the blankets around herself but she didn’t try to fix them. It had been her idea, she had asked for this…so why was she so embarrassed? Because she’d never shared a bed with a man before? Even as innocently as this was? Or was it because it was Sirius? Was it because he was swiftly making a place for himself in her life without realising it?

She was so close to following in her mother’s footsteps, to breaking that promise she had made so many years ago and leading herself to ruin.

But…what if it wasn’t ruin that waited for her at the end of that path but him instead?

Her thoughts ran in circles as she lay there, listening to his breathing. The slow, steady pace of it was so pleasing to listen to and the thoughts gradually gave way to darkness.

“Mm.”

The soft sound had her opening her eyes, blinking against the sunlight filling the room. She blinked again as she finally focused on a broad chest. Her eyes flicked up and found Sirius’ sleeping face far closer than it had been last night.

She stared, her breath freezing in her lungs. He’d been sitting on the bed the last she’d seen but he’d slumped down on it at some point, stretching out beside her before curling his big frame to fit on the mattress. Had she rolled toward him sensing the warmth pouring off him? Because there was only a handspan between their bodies now.

The wall around her heart quivered, shaking at the very base. He’d stayed with her. Not until she’d fallen asleep, but through the entire night. Pressing her lips together, she hesitantly reached out to him. Her palm flattened on his chest and the steady thump of his heart filled her.

He’d said she could trust him and he’d followed through on every promise he’d made her. He’d kept her safe and brought her home. She trusted him enough to jump out of a window, to run from his enemy’s base with him, to sleep in his arms. Surely, she could trust him with more. Surely, she could trust him with her heart.

“Sirius,” she whispered, her fingers curling into his shirt a little. Oh, it was there in her voice. She could hear it now. Did he hear it when she said it?

But he stirred, his brow scrunching and his lashes fluttering open.

Celeste quickly closed her eyes and tried to school her breathing. She realised too late her hand was still on his chest as his larger one curled around it.

She didn’t move as he pressed her hand flat to him again, holding her there. “You’re here.”

The quiet whisper had her heart skipping a beat. There was so much in his voice! She wanted to look at him, but she kept her eyes shut. She couldn’t help turning into his touch when he let her go to brush her hair back.

“Wake up, little lady.”

She shivered at the husky demand and slowly opened her eyes. He was smiling faintly at her and she wondered if he knew she’d been awake the entire time. “Good morning,” she whispered.

“Good morning,” he said, pulling his hand away and rolling to the edge of the bed.

She immediately missed him. Staying where she was, she watched him sit up and run his hands through his hair. It was easy for him to smooth it back into place before he was grabbing his hat and standing.

“I’ll wait outside for you,” Sirius said, looking over his shoulder at her with a smile.

“Alright.” There really wasn’t anything else she could say, but she followed him with her gaze as he strode toward the door, scooping up his coat as he went.

When the door closed behind him, Celeste flopped onto her back and threw her arms over her eyes. What was she doing? What was she going to do? Everyone was focused on sending her home…but did she even want to do that?

She rolled out of bed and crossed to her wardrobe. Dressing swiftly, she hurried into the bathroom to deal with the rest of herself. He was waiting and he had more patience than she’d ever seen on anyone but he’d already done so much for her. She didn’t want to push this too far and she wanted to look better. Last night hadn’t been a shining moment for her and she wasn’t looking for a repeat.

But…he hadn’t once looked at her like the mess she’d surely been. There’d been warmth in his gaze, tenderness…affection?

Celeste set the brush down and pulled her hair over one shoulder. Was she simply imagining the last because she wanted to see it…or was that what she hadn’t been able to pin down in his gaze last night? Was it all the emotion in his voice she could hear?

“I’ll always catch you.”

“My brave girl.”

“No more running. For either of us.”

“You’re here.”

Her breath shivered out of her and she pressed her hand to her heart. Blanc had warned her that first day. Don’t fall in love. She’d never go home if she did. It was a different situation, but it was the same path her mother had walked. Fell in love and lost everything she’d had. She’d warned Celeste to not follow her down it, to be cautious, vigilant. Yet here she was, halfway down it without even realising.

But…Sirius wasn’t like her father. He was good and kind and caring and wouldn’t abandon someone who loved him. He was also waiting for her.

That thought had her rushing from her bathroom and hurrying across the room. Opening her door, she smiled at Sirius as she stepped into the hallway. “Thank you for waiting.” She paused before shaking her head. “No, thank you for everything, Sirius. Everything before and everything last night.”

He gave her a smile in return. “It’s my pleasure, little lady. Shall we?” he said, gesturing down the hallway. “Everyone should be up by now.”

Her nerves twanged but she nodded and walked with him down the hall. She could hear the sounds of people moving all around her, pleasant calls coming from outside. It was so different from the Red Army, so much more relaxed, and she hadn’t known she’d missed it until this moment.

Glancing at Sirius, she silently thanked him again for chasing after her and Lancelot. For making her realise where she truly belonged. She followed him down the stairs, smiling faintly at the few soldiers they passed who did double takes and then grinned at her.

They quickly came to the closed lounge door and she could hear the voices through it. She stiffened a little, her teeth catching her lip. Seth…Fenrir…. She could easily hear their bickering and she smiled despite herself. If those two were there, surely Ray and Luka would be too.

“Ready?”

A helpless laugh left her. “Count to three for me?” she murmured.

He chuckled. “You’re brave enough to face them without it this time,” he said, pushing the door open.

“Where the fuck did you go?”

The question came from across the room, silencing the other conversations, and she saw Sirius pause in the doorway as soon as it came. It was Ray’s voice and it was a far harder than usual. Which meant he hadn’t checked in at all and had spent the entire night with her. The thought had pleasure coiling through her and making her wonder what it would be like to have more of those nights.

“To finish what we started,” he said after a moment, stepping further into the lounge.

She stayed where she was, just out of sight and watching his profile.

“What do you mean?”

Sirius exhaled slowly before twisting to hold his hand out to her.

She couldn’t move, nerves eating at her suddenly. What if she had made a mistake? What if they didn’t really want her here? What if they only did want her to break the Red Army’s spells? What if-

He smiled softly at her, soothing her fears. No. This was where she was supposed to be, with them, with him. Reaching out, she put her hand in his and let him pull her into the room.

“Bringing Celeste home,” Sirius said, filling the stunned silence of the room.

She gave him a shy smile before glancing at the others. Heat filled her cheeks when she saw they were all staring-gaping-at her. “H-Hi. I’m…I’m back.”

None of them moved, seemingly frozen to the spot at the sight of her and worry fluttered through her for half a second. Fenrir and Seth snapped out of it first; both of their chairs knocking over as they scrambled out of them. She squeaked as they reached her at the same time, throwing their arms around her to hug her tightly. Her grip on Sirius broke, but she didn’t have a chance to miss him as they squeezed all thought out of her.

“Oh, we were so worried about you! You don’t know how worried we were!”

“You’re alright, aren’t you? Nothin’ bad happened?”

They didn’t expect her to answer when they were squeezing her like that, did they? Apparently not as the questions kept coming without a word from her. A soft touch on her hand had her glancing as much as she could to see Luka standing beside them.

“I’m glad you’re back,” he said softly, smiling at her.

Well, now she couldn’t breathe for an entirely different reason!

“Alright, that’s enough. Give her some space.”

They didn’t let her go; if anything, they all shifted closer.

“Guys.”

One more squeeze before they were stepping back from her.

It didn’t do her any good. They were looking at her with the biggest smiles that sent her heart to pounding. How could she have ever thought they wouldn’t want her back? They were family and had taken her in. Home. Family. Everything I want.

“Welcome back, Celeste.”

Her gaze turned to Ray, taking in his small smile edging toward a smirk but she could see the honest relief in his eyes. “Thank you,” she whispered. The words weren’t enough for everything they had done and did for her, but they were all she had.

“Oh, we gotta have a party now that she’s back! We have to celebrate!”

A helpless laugh left her as excited chatter started to fill the lounge. They didn’t change.

“You’re home, Celeste.”

Those were...her words. they sent a tremble through her, her breath catching as they sank into her. It was there in his voice, the affection. She wasn’t imagining it...he meant that. Her gaze slid to Sirius, taking the soft smile and warmth in his eyes. For her. She could get lost in both of those so easily. Lost in him. I’m sorry, Mama. I can’t.

The last bit of wall gave way as she smiled back at him, love flooding her. She couldn’t resist this. She couldn’t resist him. Yes, she thought, you are my home.

A/N: One day I'll get to explore Celeste's backstory and how much it's fucked her over, but for now this was about as much as my heart could handle for it. Originally, it was only going to be Sirius' part but I realised that no, there was still more story to tell and they couldn't just walk out of headquarters as if it were easy. And as much as these two parts hurt me to write, the last might straight up murder me.

#ikemen revolution #ikerev #sirius oswald #sirius/oc #ikerev fanfic #celeste morreaux #ray blackwell #fenrir godspeed #luka clemence #seth hyde #my writing #fanfiction #au-canon divergence #spoilers for lancelot's route #not as much in this one but i'm keeping the tag just in case #sirius/celeste

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