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sharpen-your-hatchet · 28 days

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What I Feel; What I Do; What I Want || Wenclair fic - Chapter 4

Description: "Frankly, all her life, she has felt separation between what she feels, what she does, and what she actually wants. Being royalty means there's often little room for opinion and desire [...]; Enid wonders how it'll feel to have her ingrained sense of duty be pitted against her unshackled curiosity. "

Six months past her 19th birthday - Enid, princess of The Kingdom of Nevermore, is allowed the chance to travel and explore the world as she sees fit. Unfortunately, it comes with a little caveat... in the form of some unwelcome company for protection. Cue Wednesday Addams, the only knight deemed worthy, and who is now Enid's personal thorn in her side.

Can they work together despite their differences? Or maybe fate has an entirely different plan for them altogether...

Pairing: Wednesday Addams / Enid Sinclair

Rating: Teens & Up

Word Count: 12,322

Click Here To Read On AO3 or read below!

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It’s been two days since the ritual Enid had partaken in and Wednesday finds herself feeling full of thought. They’re travelling again now – uphill, on the path to their second main location: a small humble town renown for its farms and food. Wednesday had expected some sort of begging or hopeful negotiation to stay longer in the Siren’s Domain…. Yet here they are, Enid strangely quiet and obedient on following their route. It seems unlike Enid to not dawdle, but Wednesday will not question the thankful silence.

The town they’re travelling to is unfamiliar to Wednesday. Though, thanks to the other knights back home, she understands the place they are heading is rather “pretty”, and that the food is some of the best in the kingdom. Their company was seldom wanted, but Wednesday must admit to herself that knowing about this place due to the other knights makes her less inclined to grumble. After all, knowledge is power. This upcoming town seems bearable, especially when opposed to where they just came from. Not to mention that seeing the Siren’s Domain disappear into the distance as she and Enid travel is a small blessing – To Wednesday at least. She expects Enid to feel quite the opposite, not that she cares.

Something Wednesday recalls of this town is the other knights fondly recounting a bakery there, one with food to ‘die for’. Wednesday is unsure whether they mean food containing literal poisons or food so good it’s worth dying over - which is ridiculous as a notion - but she hopes it is the latter. Alsoit rains a lot in this town, which is something the other knights complained about… Unsurprising though, as she finds many of the knights to be incredibly whiny. They likely were too dumb to realise the large volume of rain contributed to the success of the crops. To Wednesday, such miserable weather sounds wonderful; frankly, it’s been far too sunny for her taste. Not to mention the nice weather only encourages more of Enid’s irritating habit of dropping everything and running off to draw or write. Less of that would be ideal.

Alongside the other knights opinions, Enid also claims this town to be nice, according to the books and paintings she’s seen. Enid says everything is nice though, so Wednesday can’t exactly take that as a glowing review. She spoke greatly of the Siren’s Domain and all it was, was a bunch of carved rocks filled with sirens who would hypnotise you given the chance. Wednesday tried to give benefit of the doubt but between her general animosity towards the princess and the fact she finds sirens to be stuck-up and not to be trusted… well, safe to say, Wednesday will choose doubt from now on. She isn’t sure why she decided to deviate from such a decision in the first place, especially when there are many more places to visit. Fortunately, Wednesday is at least familiar with a few of these locales so she can ignore Enid’s opinions even more-so than usual. Frankly it is disturbing she’d rather believe what the other knights have to say for once.

They should arrive to this next town by tomorrow, and then Enid needs to complete the second task in the list she has been given. Wednesday isn’t sure what it is yet, and she cares not to check. At the moment her main focus is about getting to their next stable stop and blocking out whatever ramble Enid is speaking at her. She really does not shut up.

Though, Wednesday must concede something seems different about Enid now and it is piquing her curiosity. Despite her usual unending commentary and passion for wasting time, it seems… Duller, perhaps? Like Enid had a metaphorical spark above her head that fizzled out slightly. Not that Wednesday cares – she is simply intrigued at what has brought the change about. People are puzzles sometimes, and Wednesday does find it quite interesting to poke at them until she figures them out, even to the point of annoying them. Especially to the point of annoying them – it’s more satisfying that way. Enid has been quite easy to figure out so far – excitable, excessively friendly, has an opinion on everything, and is overall the picture of privilege… but now, and after that ritual in particular? Something is different. It is most curious.

Again, Wednesday does not care – If Enid is suddenly less enthused than before, it can only be a positive in her eyes. Wednesday is here to do her job and that is it, so anything that lowers Enid’s friend-making attempts is welcome... but there’s just something following that first task that’s made Enid shift a little, and it’s got Wednesday’s brain ticking tremendously.

Wednesday wants to think a little more on it. Fortunately, Enid seems completely unaware of Wednesday not listening to a single word she says, and considering they are on a rather straight bit of path, there’s no better opportunity to have a bit of a think back…

Okay. So… Following Enid’s return from the ritual, she seemed tired; quiet. It seemed unusual but not unexpected… Wednesday can only imagine such a task is momentous. Mostly, the quiet was welcome. An evening where Wednesday can have peace and quiet seemed unheard of since beginning this journey, and Wednesday wasn’t about to ask questions about the ancient waters or what process Enid had to go through. Despite her curiosity, Wednesday had and still has zero desire to take a personal interest in the princess and her life.

After some time settling, Enid had appeared in the doorway that connected their rooms at the inn. Wednesday had previously stated that unless it was an emergency, they were not to talk until the following day. If her days belonged to protecting and watching the princess, she at least deserved a modicum of peace at night. So when Enid appeared, Wednesday simply stared at her.

Go away, her mind said.

“What is it?” Her lips had said instead, in her usual stoic drone.

Enid remained quiet for a moment. She fidgeted with the hem of her sleep shirt. An irritating habit.

“I understand how it feels now.”

Wednesday remembers her brow raising, perplexed by the princess’ sullen state. She did not respond, still wishing Enid to leave. She did not care (still does not) for whatever dramatics she was being invited into.

Enid mumbled something nearly incoherent afterwards. With her voice quiet and her words uncharacteristically stumbled, Wednesday can only remember the word ‘duty’ and something about having to do things you don’t like amongst the angst-ridden words before Enid disappeared again into her own room.

It was a short interaction, no longer than maybe a minute… The following day Enid said nothing of it, and continued to emit her sunshine personality as though nothing was different.

And now, the day after that, the same can be said. Enid acts as though nothing is different with her, but there is… and with no other stimulation to keep her busy, Wednesday cannot help but needle away at it.

She stares into the back of Enid’s head. Wednesday has never been good at people; never really wanted to be good at them, either, but they do make good puzzles. With this latest change, Enid is certainly a little more intriguing. Not enough for Wednesday to be invested personally… more so like a scientist probing a specimen.

“It’s starting to rain.” Enid announces, her concerned voice pulling Wednesday from her thoughts. They’ve moved a fair distance uphill and closed in on some rain clouds above them, turning the sky grey and dreary. Water droplets bounce onto the leather of Enid’s gloves as she holds her hand out, and seconds later, Wednesday feels water drip onto her head. It’s ice cold and feels like misery as it seeps into her scalp. Perfection. This is exactly what she had been hoping for.

Enid glances back, her face screwed up in discomfort. Wednesday is not surprised that the princess cannot handle a little bit of rain water, but feels inconvenienced by it nonetheless. It’s ironic, considering she adored the Sirens. Alas, this likely means she is going to request to stop… and their progress will be halted once more.

Be quiet. Be quiet. Be qui-

“We should find somewhere and take shelter from the weather.”

Unbelievable.

Wednesday glares daggers back at Enid, annoyed at the prospect of having to slow their progress even further. They cannot stop. It’s just a bit of rain; there is no need to slow down. They can dry themselves when they reach the next stables and warm up with whatever poor excuse for food they are serving. Better yet, there’ll be a warm fire to dry their clothes… If they stop then they have to sit in cold, wet clothing and whilst Wednesday relishes in misery, even she does not enjoy the idea of sitting in a damp tunic. Her knight gear is heavy enough as it is.

Wednesday responds to Enid with a firm “No.”

Enid’s discomfort changes into something Wednesday recognises as… Upset? Anger? It’s a bit pouty and a bit how she imagines a scolded child would look. As noticed before, these negative expressions sit on her face in a way that’s awkward and pathetic, like a kicked puppy. Though, it ignites further annoyance as opposed to the sympathy Wednesday suspects Enid is vying for. Enid should know her well enough by this point.

“But it’s cold.” Enid says.

Wednesday stares at Enid. Oh, how she stares. Of course you’re cold she thinks, still glaring. You will be colder if we stop moving. Someone educated like a princess ought to know better… and yet. Here she is, watching Enid pout like a baby. All because of a little rain. Ridiculous.

“Keep going.”

Wednesday pulls her horse ahead and brings up the pace, hoping taking lead will encourage Enid’s silly display to be silenced… or at the very least, it stops her seeing said display. Wednesday doesn’t see the point in being pouty, even moreso when someone else is doing it. It’s childish and admits weakness. It is much easier to be objective and tackle your goals without allowing emotions to affect your stance. Alas, this is not a lesson people are taught, nor apparently a conclusion they reach themselves – as evidenced by Enid’s sudden and diversion from their path only seconds later.

“Enid.” Wednesday grunts, feeling a lick of pain as her teeth clench in displeasure. She whips on Nero’s reins and – to her behest – chases after Enid. Wednesday had hoped whatever minor change in Enid would qualm any adventurous, rebellious spirit. It would’ve made for a much easier journey... but it would seem those hopes are dead in the water. It’s saddening that Wednesday cannot even take happiness in such a death.

Regardless, she follows Enid as she is paid to do, withholding the urge to yell the princess’ name a second time as she watches Enid and Sol disappear into the mouth of a cave. It is pointless, and Wednesday does not stoop to pointless things.

She slows, staring blankly at the cave.

She will die in that cave like the naive fool she is, Wednesday grumbles to herself. The idea is quite delightful… though, admittedly not as delightful as she’d hope. After all, it is technically her job to care about the princess’ well-being. Whether she actually cares or not is nothing to do with it. Enid stays alive; she gets paid; she gets to stay in her high-up position amongst the knights. Staying in a high rank is important regardless of how she feels about her peers. After all, it’s about holding the cards.

Sigh. Wednesday knows she must follow. Gently, she directs Nero into the cave, noting that Enid has (surprisingly) done the smart thing and left Sol close to the entrance. Otherwise, there is little to note about the cave – there is some greenery, dirt and stone. Light penetrates maybe 20 meters or so before petering off towards the back of the space. The cave is not particularly large, but spacious enough to provide shelter… not that it is needed. Too much time has been wasted as it is.

Wednesday squints into the darkness, noticing a figure shuffling around. Enid.Of course, the princess does not have the means to create torches and she’s much too eager to wait for assistance. So naturally, she has plunged herself into the darkness; practically asking for a wolf or bear to come attack. Now, that would be entertaining…

“There’s nothing in here!” Enid calls back to Wednesday. Her voice is smug; aggravating. “We can make a fire and keep shelter until the rain stops.”

Enid returns with a bundle of sticks in her arms, procured seemingly from nowhere. Wednesday stares at her. She scowls. Enid rolls her eyes. Gods, Wednesday despises this attitude. How could she be so foolish as to believe Enid’s spirit had been even slightly broken?

Whatever Enid had claimed to sullenly understand the night prior seems to do little in hindering her skill at being perfectly annoying.

“I am protecting you from yourself,” Enid hums. “Sometimes you need to slow down and rest.”

Incorrect.

Enid builds the sticks in a clumsy pile, trying to imitate what Wednesday assumes is a typical campfire. Wednesday watches, eyeing the wood as it collapses for the umpteenth time. As Wednesday broods, her mind wanders. Those sticks...there’s something off about them. They’re uniform; shaved of their bark. At a squint, they look crudely sharpened – not with a knife but perhaps with a rock. It dawns on her that they are too perfect for randomly found wood. No – these are not just sticks. They feel intentional almost. Crafted.

They clatter to the ground again; the noise echoes amongst Enid’s frustrated huffs.

“You can hate me all you want – but at least help so we’re not both freezing.”

Wednesday’s eyes do not meet Enid’s desperate gaze. They fall behind the princess, widening slightly as her adjusted vision spots a modicum of movement. There’s a quiet pitter patter; a scuttle of noise. The rain? No. Something different. Too erratic.

We shouldn’t be here.

Enid frowns, turning her head. The scuttling grows closer; becomes footsteps that contain a heft. A figure lurches from the shadowy depths. Wednesday’s hand falls to the sword sheathed at her side.

And as Enid’s shaken breath cuts through every other sound, Wednesday does not even think as she plunges herself and her weapon into the darkness.

#Wenclair #Wednesday x Enid #Enid x Wednesday #fanfic #Fantasy AU #Zelda inspired #Slow burn #enemies to friends to lover #Sorry this took 6 months #Life gets in the way #But I Lived Bitch

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