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th3lost4uthor · 2 years

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The Purple Lotus - Act 2

“And after that...? After that?!

- Nothing! Just like I explained to you!” Ligi became impatient. “It's incomprehensible...

- Not one little trick? Not a single caress? Not even one little kissy-kiss?

- He said he was coming “about his wife”, not “because” of her!” She rolled her eyes in exasperation. "And “a kissy-kiss”: seriously? Remind me how old you are and how long you've been here, Mia?”

On the other side of the table, where ancient parchments were competing against soft pastries and rare pearls, a woman with a waspish waist but voluptuous hips jiggled indignantly in an azure nightgown.

“But come on! How can anyone resist to your charms like that?

- He didn't want to sleep with me, I told you! We spent the whole night talking about his wife: her family, her obligations, her hobbies, her friends, her favourite food... I even got a detailed description of her wardrobe!

- ... Even the underwear?

- Valorie & fils, third address in the tailors’ streets: prefer them in yellow silk or with lace, satin ribbons only...

- By the Goddess...” A plump hand went to the lips painted in red. “He must be really in love with her... Not just any man from the Highlands would get so involved in his lady's affairs!

- Tss, in love? Desperate, yes. May the Goddess protect us, as you say...”

The so-called Mia dismissed her friend's cynicism with a dramatic gesture, taking the opportunity to snatch another orange fluffy sweet. After swallowing the treat in one mouthful and clearing her low-cut neckline of the accumulated crumbs, she said, mockingly:

“Don't tell me that you wouldn't like it if one of the customers get caught under your thumb, Ligi; every girl here dreams of it: a locket, a strand of hair, and off you go! No more Lotus!

- You read too many novels, Mia...” The other rearranged a few sheets of paper with tight but neat writing. “...and not enough of your etiquette classes: didn't you tell me you wanted to pass the purple qualification before the end of the year?”

A long sigh could be heard, threatening to loosen the corset's grip...

“Not everyone is studious like you, you know!

- And not everyone is as lazy as you are...

- Faggot.

- Stuck-up.

- Shrew.

- Bitch.”

A moment passed. The two women looked each other straight in the eyes. In the far distance, birds could be heard flying away... They laughed in unison.

“But still...” Mia said between two wheezing breaths. “Why did he ask after you in particular, that Lord Yuei, hey? You're not the only purple one here, and he might have found -no offense- better advice from Kat, or even Sonie, who are older!

- Apparently, his wife should be around my age: he thinks my point of view as a...” Ligi looked falsely superior and waved her fingers in the air to form inverted commas. “...young woman introduced to the art of seduction would be an asset in our exchange.

- Ha! If only he knew!” Her companion almost choked. “Surely the only thing we're being introduced to, and they introduced us with, is the “seduction” of these gentlemen!

- Your humour is a fucking mess...” Ligi snickered.

- I'm working in one of them, Ma’am I'm-losing-my-nights-helping-the-potties-for-free!”

The joke could have ended there. The two women would have gone back to their work, one reading, the other embroidering, but the downcast look and the pursing of her friend's lips brought back the actress-born on stage. Mia banged on the table, knocking over a few skeins in the process, widened her eyes comically, and...

“Nooo... Don't tell me he...? Not after booking an entire night with one of the capital's most renowned flowers all to himself?!”

Ligi struggled to suppress an embarrassed smile, and revealed a small leather purse from one of her sleeves. She opened it: a small pile of gold coins, stamped with the imperial seal, found their place on the battlefield that was already the polished wooden surface.

“By... By the Goddess... This is...

- I told you.” Ligi sighed as she retrieved her possession. “Totally desperate.

- Y-yet! Five Golden Feathers?! Just like that, in one night, and for what, I beg you?” She held her arms up to the sky, as if to summon an answer. “To talk about underwear!

- Hey, pssst! Don't speak so loud! If the old lady finds out I got a tip like that, I bet she'll want a slice! And not a small one if you know what I mean...

- Sorry, sorry...!” Worried looks, murmurs. “But... Five Golden Feathers...? That's the equivalent of what...? Three weeks? A month?

- And that is only if you come across big fishes... And that you agree to open your thighs regularly.” Another sigh.

“And he's coming back too?

- I have an appointment for next week.

The blue-robed courtesan fell back into her chair, not even paying attention to the cat, which fled yowling because of the inconvenience.

“I'm sorry, Ligi, but he's not desperate your Lord... He's mad as hell!”

I know that what I'm asking of you may seem strange, even unreasonable, but I...

She has just left her family, her world, and all of this because

her father thought that our union could strengthen

the status of our families... And she!

She... She's so...

young.

...

I don't want her to suffer from our marriage, you understand...?

I want to love her, and her, ...

me in return...

“Maybe so, Mia... Maybe he is...”

~ End of Act 2

______o.).O.(.o______

#fiction #original content #original fiction #original character #original universe #asexual #love story #romance #please don't repost without quoting or asking me!#Thanks!#french version avalaible

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lit-in-thy-heart · 3 years

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headcanon inspired by @little-ligi and @nextstopparis that may or may not become absorbed in a long immortal leon & merlin fic in the near(ish) future

arthur is thrust into the twenty-first century absolutely bewildered and also very apprehensive. he has no clue why he's been brought back and this once and future king stuff is going to weigh heavily on him for sure. he's going to be constantly panicking that he's going to be called to arms by the universe out of nowhere and he has no idea what he's doing. he's returned because he's the once and future king. that is his whole identity.

but it shouldn't be.

because merlin spent years thinking magic was his whole identity and his whole life in camelot was basically ruined by the whole magic and arthur destiny thing. he could never be happy because he was constantly worried about what was coming next. he spent the whole time looking around corners and never got to enjoy what was in front of him. and i think having one and a half thousand years to mull over that would mean that he would definitely make sure that arthur doesn't go the same way.

also it means that we can have them as tourists.

#yes i do anon asks when i'm too shy to message #thank you @nextstopparis for your sweet reply to that ask by the way <3 #and sorry ligi this is essentially my ao3 comment 😅#i shouldn't be writing a long fic rn #i need to finish the camelove stuff first #and keep on top of uni work #but *then*#then we plot out immortal leon & merlin #but yes this is here so i don't forget #merlin #headcanons #immortal leon #immortal merlin #arthur pendragon

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enigma-the-mysterious · 3 years

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Number 6 from the end of year ask meme? 😁

6. Least popular fic this year

As The Lamp Flickers if you're going by hits/kudos

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desbianherstory · 6 years

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Sancharram (2004), dir. Ligy J. Pullappally.

“Continuing the discussion on Sancharram, the first scene which shows both the girls as adults, Delilah offers fruit (grapes) to Kiran, invoking biblical imagery of Eve offering the fruit of knowledge to Adam, in this case Kiran. This is significant as Pullappally later critiques Christianity for its treatment of women, which is then juxtaposed to the loving lesbian relationship. When Delilah is about to get married to Sebastian in the last scene in the film, the priest reads out that “wives, be submissive to your husbands as to the lord...[and] wives are subject to their husbands”. This clearly establishes a dominant/submissive relationship binary between the man and the woman right at the outset. In contrast, such a hierarchical relationship does not exist between Kiran and Delilah. Thus, the offering of the fruit of knowledge then is freed from the connotations of sin and the fall of man, since the relationship between Kiran and Delilah results in a knowledge that both of them embrace with open arms.”

—Gurpreet Kaur, “The Issue of Lesbianism in Contemporary Indian Films: A Comparative Study of Transnational, Bollywood, And Regional Films” (2010).

#south asian lesbians #desi lesbians #films #the journey #lesbian films #indian lesbians #Ligy J. Pullappally #writing #Sancharram #Gurpreet Kaur #this seems like a stretch but 🤷🏽‍♀️

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sneakyboymerlin · 3 years

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I have seen so many merwaine fics where Merlin is pinning over Arthur and Gwaine is a rebound or a second choice, or just a placeholder until Arthur realizes “oh I’m in love with Merlin” and all I can say is- no one ships Arwen more than Merlin does, and my Gwaine and Merlin loving heart needs some happy Gwaine being loved right back, so, do you have any fic recs?

The order of biggest Arwen shippers is:

3rd Place: Fate

2nd Place: Arthur and Gwen (tied)

1st Place: Merlin

It’s sad that Gwaine doesn’t amount to more than Merlin’s second choice in some fics (let’s be honest, Gwaine and Lance are both Merlin’s type) but if you’re looking for fics that show Gwaine feeling just as loved by Merlin as he feels for Merlin…

I can’t promise that Gwaine will be happy in any of these, but he’s most certainly loved!

Rec list below the cut:

Ever With Me - Nebula5030

(wordcount: 2.6k)

While recovering after being stabbed during a bandit attack, Merlin realizes there's one person he wants to stay with him more than anyone.

This is a great oneshot (among others in this series of disconnected stories) for mutual merwaine. It organically portrays a uniqueness to Merlin and Gwaine’s dynamic that Gwaine is particularly insecure about, wrongly believing himself to be a second or third or last choice for Merlin. @the-astro-ace knocks his low self-esteem right out the window. Bonus points for hurt!Merlin and caring!Gwaine.

Among Friends - slightlytookish

(wordcount: <700)

Merlin wonders why Gwaine doesn't settle down, but perhaps Gwaine already has.

A quick little ficlet that takes place shortly after the pheasant scene in Eye of the Pheonix. Merlin and Gwaine’s night certainly doesn’t end where it cuts off onscreen, and this author fills in those blanks nicely. This one is especially good for the depth it gives Gwaine in its seamless extension from “Not Arthur.”

Fall Through the Trees - fishoutofcamelot

(wordcount: 1k)

Merlin and Gwaine are trees, somehow.

I… may be part of the reason this one exists. But the first thing you should know is that this is not the funny story it looks like. Honestly, every writing choice that @fishoutofcamelot makes here is full of skillful, brilliant angst. The perspective alone is an act of art. Inspired by this post, if you were wondering. Again, you have our resident fish to thank for this. And again, as this is Fish, there will be body horror.

Beauty’s Closed Eyes - KimliPan

(Wordcount: 1.3k)

Gwaine accidentally drinks a poison that was meant for Arthur. Mistaking the behavior for being drunk, he's put to bed and left alone, giving the poison a chance to set in. This is his recovery, with Merlin at his side to care for him.

I’ll admit that I’m partial to the dynamic of hurt!Merlin with protective!Gwaine as much as the next person, but we’ve seen Merlin be pretty protective of Gwaine in return, and I think this fic expands on that beautifully. If you’re looking for Gwaine to have Merlin’s full care and attention, poisoning him will do.

Breathing Spell - Eldee

(Wordcount: 10.5k)

Merlin can tell Arthur is troubled by the quest. And when he surprises Merlin with time off, Merlin travels to see a friend. (post-3.08 fic)

Warning for this fic: NSFW as hell. However, Merlin and Gwaine’s interlocking emotional arcs do well to sum up the conflict between Merlin’s duties and desires. It’s an excellent read for those of us who want to see Merlin learn how he can uphold healthy relationships outside of his imbalanced friendship with Arthur. Basically, Merlin gets some much needed time off, away from servitude and away from destiny. And he chooses to spend it with Gwaine.

Hallucinations - whumpling (LiGi)

(Wordcount: 1.4k)

Gwaine has a high fever and it's making him see horrible things.

This is technically not merwaine (though it can be interpreted as pre-relationship), but it definitely fulfills the need to see some caring Merlin content. It’s not often that you get to see Merlin’s own protectiveness over Gwaine shine through, but this story beautifully exemplifies how protection can come in more forms than one. Just as Gwaine defends Merlin with his strength and skill in swordsmanship, Merlin comforts Gwaine through his compassion and skill in healing. Beware of the angst.

Alone Together - SneakyBoyMerlin

(Wordcount: 8.5k)

If Merlin and Gwaine keep this up, maybe their lovely host will be inspired to let them go. If it was peace and quiet he was after, he should’ve chosen someone else to kidnap.

What? Nobody said I couldn’t self-rec. In any case, this fic is pretty popular with my followers, especially those interested in hurt!Merlin/protective!Gwaine. Unfortunately for our Heroes, I must warn that there’s some mildly graphic torture in this. But at its core, this is a story about what happens when you get kidnapped and tied to the annoying jokester who you’re in love with. Kidnappers hate them!

Deserter - fishoutofcamelot

(Wordcount: 6.9k)

For the second time, Gwaine says goodbye to Camelot. He always figured this day would come. What he didn’t expect was for the king’s clumsy, kind-hearted servant to join him in exile.

Of course I recced a second Fish fic. Fish is a genius with words. The emotional depth they give to all the characters, especially Gwaine, draws you in before you can even help yourself. This fic focuses mainly on Gwaine’s insecurities being overturned, his loneliness disappearing with every smile he gets out of Merlin. And eventually, he learns how to smile again, too. Warning because it’s a REAL tearjerker.

Anyways, hope these recs satisfy your need for mutual merwaine !!!!! We, as a society, can always use more merwaine ;-)

#merlin emrys #sir gwaine #mergwaine #merwaine #bbc merlin #fic rec #fic recs #mine

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whumptober · 3 years

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2020 Whumptober Completionists

You’ve toiled and trudged for 31 days. Now it’s time to sit back and marvel at the fact that you just created content for 31 Whump prompts, possibly even more! So without further ado, the Whumptober Mods proudly present (in no particular order) the Whumptober2020 Master Completionist List.

(Format: Tumblr Username (AO3 Handle))

Congrats to everyone who participated! This year was phenomenal and we can’t wait for 2021!

@maybetheremaybenot (MaybeThereMaybeNot)

@doctordiscord123

@h2-oh-fic (cliniclyInsane189)

@thetragicallynerdy (tragicallynerdy)

@bluejayblueskies (bluejayblueskies)

@sassydefendorflower (AuroraKant)

@whumpfigure

@whumpateer

@cynic-cognitive-dissonance (cognitiveDissonance)

@ilikedolphinss (ilikedolphins)

@psychoseal (liesorlife)

@sableflynn (sableflynn)

@its-all-related (Safealpaca)

@evilwriter37 (evilwriter37)

@stairre (Stairre)

@faofinn

@just-another-whumper

@appalachianapologies (AppalachianApologies)

@braddersbangerz (dabberdees)

@memoriesofthealhambra (MemoriesoftheAlhambra)

@kinsbournescream (Analinea)

@valdyers (RobinsonsWereHere)

@splat-dragon (splat_dragon)

@mythyk-art

@liliability

@thedumbestavenger (TheDumbestAvenger)

@fogsrollingin (fogsrollingin)

@pebr-writes (Pebr)

@sweetwhumpandhellacomf

@heres-my-damn-whump-blog

@galewritesfanfiction (Huntress8611)

@endless-whump

@rejectedmarvel (Rejectedmarvel)

@whump-side

@omgiamwish

@kirrithian (Kirrithian)

@theskylarkin (TheSkyLarkin)

@ohmywhumperflies

@sammy-2306 (Sammy2306)

@whump-tr0pes (whump_tr0pes)

@mrmustachious (TheWeatherOutside)

@echele-78 (Echele78)

@into-the-ironverse (thunderstruck)

@embyrinitalics

@viva-la-whump (Arlothia)

@someone fantastic (fanfreak611)

@thatsgonnaleaveamark

@ford-ye-fiji (Ford_Ye_Fiji)

@yelpfic (yelp)

@just-a-glittery-fan (Fangirl_in_distress)

@kono-rohan-da (Kono_Rohan_Da)

@sharada-n (Yessica)

@ailendolin (Ailendolin)

@keysmashtitles (oofmilk)

@lantaniel (Lantaniel (rosysea))

@cowthropologist (dimerization)

@strangestarlightmusic (hopeful_foolx)

@geminihurt

@lif-61 (Lif61)

@haro-whumps

@stargirl720 (Seastar720)

@howtowhumpyourhiccup (AHeartForStories)

@jakkwrites (Jakkuor)

@ashintheairlikesnow

@ladyigraineofhistory (EWM)

@aceofwhump

@pingo1387

@blaidd-gwyn (BlaiddGwyn (dragonLeighs))

@pandora15 (Pandora151)

@quietlyimplode (Quietlyimplode)

@alternatewarning (Alternatewarning)

@whumpdoyoumean (221Browncoat)

@noxbait (Noxbait)

@artisticabandon (artisticabandon)

@fallenfurther (FallenFurther)

@princesscutie9 (Princess_Cutie9)

@iwhumpyou

@jinmukangwrites (Jinmukang)

@reucrion

@aquietwritingcorner (RealityBreakGirl)

@fade-from-the-light (Fade_from_the_Light)

@PenPatronusWhump (Penpatronusaooo )

@ssgtmeowmix (Krit)

@gaywhumpvampire (yergothfriend)

@set-phasers-to-whump (escapismandsharpobjects)

@sylvanfreckles (ThousandFreckles)

@feckyeswriting (firelord65)

@70thousandlightyearsfromhome (Shayney)

@siberianthewriter (Siberian)

@usablehoney

@wingedauthor

@redrobinhoood (redrobinhood)

@flimflamfranky (PilotStudios)

@whump-my-dear-watson (matimae)

@lady-wallace (LadyWallace)

@admirabletragedy (admirabletragedy)

@stars-in-my-tea-520 (StarsinmyTea)

@spiffythespook

@deiliamedlini (DeiliaMedlini)

@leighbirdart

@whumpqin

@simplygrimly

@isis-astarte-diana

@dmitrimolotov (DmitriMolotov)

@little-ligi

@honey-bays

@aini-nufire (Aini_NuFire)

@peach-coke

@clintbartonruinedmylife (asamandra)

@asamandra (asamandra)

@m-spn-e26 (M_spn_e26)

@talesofedo

@swiftieanimeacat (suckerforlove24)

@blepydoodles

@comic-brew (yawning_inF)

@silivren-vera (Batsarefluffy)

@actress4him (actress4Him)

@illusion-of-sea-axes

@laireshi (laireshi)

@29-pieces (29Pieces)

@theundercovermarvelfan (VoicesOffCamera)

@smartbuckleystrand (smartbuckley)

@lithium223 (lithium223)

@cherrymarysupportsyou (Cherrymarysupportsyou)

@kaesaaurelia (Kaesa)

@cipher-wise

@pipernightshade (PiperNightshade)

@septic-dr-schneep (Bofur1)

@rollercoastermoon (rollercoastermoon)

@kittytheroseofkirea (LelsieSphinx)

@prince-everhard

@abused-sides (chemically-imbalanced-romance)

@sunflower-le-tournesol (Le_Tournesol)

@the-itzy-bitzy-spider (tetrodotoxinb)

@rose-of-pollux (Rose_of_Pollux)

@short-form-whump

@anoddreindeer (Merkwerkee)

@azalea-scroggs (Azalea_Scroggs)

@pepperf (PepperF)

@much-obliged-timothy (Nightwinging_it)

@itsreganingrain (ReganingRainyRain)

@embyrinitalics (embyrinitalics)

@foxthefanboi

@awhitehead17

@latenightwhump

@sparrowvanya (sparrowvanya)

@end-ofthelinee

@angsty-violet (HiddenViolet)

@just-horrible-things

@aravenwhumper (aravenwood)

@avian-american

@copics-and-renegades

@adzeisval (adzeisval)

@promptsforyourwhumpfic

@perchingowl (Perching_Owl)

@tissueoflies

@agent-murica (AmateurScribes)

@crowanddelphi.tumblr.com

@neko-nez (Nezomi)

@random-fandom-whump

@ccwritesstuff (CC_Writes_Stuff)

#completionists #eventinfo2020 #completionist list #completionist masterpost #whumptober2020

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little-ligi · 2 years

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When you're writing a long fic and then in the middle a character makes a decision that completely screws up all of the plans you've made for the rest of the fic...

#writing is hard #writer problems #ligi writes #yeah i'm looking at you arthur #messing up my plan #damnit #yes i am procrastinating by making a gif post again #ligi procrastinates

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thesorcerersguild-quests · 3 years

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A big shoutout to everyone who participated in the Polyamory Appreciation Week!

Thank you to:

@the-mother-of-lions, @thebookluvrr1816, @camelotsheart, and @donttouchtheneednoggle for their amazing gifs!! The beautiful coloring and the text were so well done and we were all blown away by your talent!! We absolutely love the creativity you all had with the prompts and the wonderful polyam ships that were given lots of love and exposure!! Thank you for creating works for us, it means so much to us!!

Also, thank you to all of our fic writers:

@donttouchtheneednoggle, @lit-beyond-measure, @the-ballad-of-deancas, and @little-ligi for your participation!! It means so much to all of us that you would work so hard on creating such incredible fics for us!! Seriously it means so much to all of us, so thank you so much!!

You are all so wonderful and we appreciate all the work that you put in writing and creating such lovely and stunning works. It blew our minds just how many people participated, so we just wanted to thank you all very much from the bottom of our hearts!!

**And just a reminder that this fest and the other ones that we have done -- Let Leon Live and Adios Avalon -- are all still open for you to post! We will still submit any works you create for it and our ao3 collections are still open if anyone would like to post it that way!!

#the sorcerers guild #the guild keepers #PAW #thank you #bbc merlin #merlin #merlin fests #merlin gifs #merlinedits #merlin fanfiction #polyam appreciation week

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fanficwritinggremlin · 4 days

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MERCELOT/MERLANCE LINE ANALYSIS

"Your destinies were Entwined/Intertwined (not much difference)" -> Canon statement from Gaius

Meaning: When two people get entwined, they see every aspect of each other. Which makes sense because Lancelot and Merlin knew EVERYTHING about each other. They saw each other's true selves and loved each other regardless.

"Bregdan Anweald"

Meaning : "Bregdan Anweald" is equivalent to "to make more powerful" or "to draw power". Lancelot's is Merlin's POWER! He is the one that encourages Merlin to be more confident and himself. He is the one who found out about Merlin and accepted him without question (even if he could have gained Uther's trust by outing him). He is Merlin's pillar/support/source for solace. And these are things that give Merlin strength/power.

"Your secret is safe with me" -> Canon statement from Lancelot

Meaning: Lancelot wanted to be a knight of Camelot. That was his ambition. Once he found out about Merlin's magic, he could have told Uther and be a full knight, since Uther would appreciate a knight against magic. But he CHOOSES NOT TO! He chooses Merlin OVER pleasing the king! Let's also not forget that this is Season 1. Merlin and Lancelot knew each other for about a week, yet Lancelot chooses to keep Merlin's magic a secret. This is the start of a true friendship.

"Lancelot needed you and you needed Lancelot" -> Canon statement from Gaius

Meaning: They needed each other. Lancelot became a Knight/fulfilled his dream thanks to Merlin and Merlin could be himself with Lancelot. Also, had Lancelot lived in season 5, Merlin wouldn't have been so paranoid and magic would have been legalized earlier. And more trouble would have been solved.

Tag List: @aaand-read-all-over @nie-narzekam @comma-souptra @cursedmerlinedits @lancelotdeservedbetter @little-ligi @lit-in-thy-heart @lanccelot @legowolas @sapphickittykatherine @fratricideknight @gwen-cheers-me-up @observaureium @owlswithfins @rainbowvamp @toocool2btrue @twosidesofthesameidiot @that-nerd-who-writes-fanfiction @taxicabinmemphis @kairennart @in-love-with-morgana-pendragon @eruthiawenluin @eowynlyra @wlwlancelot @queer-ragnelle @bbcdumbsterfire

#bbc merlin #bbc lancelot #mercelot #merlance #merlin #lancelot #hot take

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bellamyblakru · 3 years

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my merthurweek2020 masterlist ft the beginnings of each💞!!

just for convenience if anyone was interested in reading what i wrote this week all in one place!🥺💞

Day 1 - don’t look down (‘cause we’re still rising up)

Magic was legalized, Morgana was MIA at the moment, and Arthur was ruling fairly well. However, his great rule did not matter to his councilmen who have been persistently on his ass lately about “obtaining a wife.”

Day 2 - now ‘til eternity

It was during the celebration feast that Merlin’s heart finally felt entirely full for the first time in his life.

Day 3 - fight through the dark

Arthur still wasn’t talking to him. It’s been a week since that dreadful trip to Nemeth—where Merlin’s entire world shifted and fell from underneath him.

Day 4 - we say we’re friends (we play pretend)

“This needs to stop,” Merlin grumbled under his breath, racing down the next corridor. As he skidded to swig into the turn, he yelled behind him, “ARTHUR! I will magic your ass to stop chasing me if it comes to it!”

Day 5 - write in every empty space (the words i love you in replace)

Merlin was going to tell Arthur today. About everything. He said that yesterday though—and the day before that.

Day 6 - this moment is ours to own

Gwaine had enough. The two idiots were flirting on the training field right now, and both had no idea that they were in love with each other. The Princess was paying so much attention to his Merlin that he hadn’t even noticed all of the other knights stopping to watch them instead of sparring.

Day 7 - keep holding on (never look back)

Merlin came back limping, barely conscious. The fight was brutal, messy, and unnecessary, but it became inevitable when they wouldn’t stop threatening Arthur—and, well, no one continuously threatens Arthur and survives.

(i got this idea from @little-ligi so thank you!!🥺this is a great idea)

#merthurweek2020 #ashley writes #merthur #merthur fanfiction #merthur fanfic #canon era #masterlist #fluff #angst #ALL HAPPY ENDINGS #thank u v much #bamf merlin #smart arthur #bbc merlin

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th3lost4uthor · 2 years

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The Purple Lotus - Act 4

It would soon be two and a half months since Lord Yuei had first walked through the threshold of the Purple Lotus with the purpose to engage Ligi in a crucial mission: to make his spouse, whom she would eventually come to know as none other than Tricia Primer, Marshal Primer’s second daughter, a steward of the army as much renowned for his uprightness as for his attachment to tradition, and now Tricia Yuei, love him.

In short, another girl who must have been born in silk

but educated under an iron grip...

At least, we can't take away from her that

she was lucky for her wedding.

Visits were weekly, but sometimes the strange man would show up in the middle of the day to ask her another of his wacky dilemmas, before returning as quickly as he had come, though always with a certain class and elegance that did not fail to attract the eye of the customers. The advantage of the establishment was that it practised a particularly strict policy of silence and selection compared to the other houses of the Pleasure District: if you were admitted in the Lotus, it meant that you were already belonging to a certain social rank... So, there was no point in boasting that you had met such figure or celebrity there, unless you also wanted to spill the beans about your own wanderings.

After the fifth week, Lord Yuei had even started writing to her! It was nothing elaborate, a scribble on a torn piece of parchment asking for advice on a pair of tights or on a visit to a popular place... But never were missing, at the head and end of his messages:

“To Milady Ligi of the Purple Lotus, ...

... With my most sincere affection.”

It was only a polite form of address, like the thousands that the Archivist was writing in a single morning of work...

But it's always nice to think of it...

Autumn passed, and then the first days of winter, but the visits did not stop nor become less frequent. The prospect of a regular income wasn’t displeasing to Ligi, who was sometimes looking forward to the weekend, thinking about the games she could introduce him to and keeping her tea cabinet stocked with the freshest samples. However, she couldn't help but worry: Tricia Yuei's affection for her husband had made little progress, and worse, she felt that the man was starting to get bogged down in a one-sided relationship. It had to be said that Lord Yuei was someone who... knew how to find satisfaction in the simplest ways of life, to put it politely. A smile, a kind word, a nod in his direction: the slightest form of attention delighted him and encouraged him in the pursuit of his love. Fortunately, he seemed to have retained a bit of lucidity, for one evening, as the two of them were, once again, sitting around a board of Gyu, he threw out:

“Milady?” Two marbles were moved to the other side. “If you were to compliment me, say on... my appearance or even my person, how... how would you proceed?”

Ligi looked up and tried to forget the calculus she had been engaged in, in the hope of winning the round.

“You see, if your teachings have indeed been of great help to me - rest assured that I bear no doubt on this subject - however... I have come to think that... Is it ultimately not my actions that disappoint my dear spouse, but rather the way I... can praise hers?” Weary sigh. “Perhaps my way of complimenting her does not suit her? Doesn't match her efforts?”

Lord Yuei then tilted his head -the opposite side of his monocle- and crossed his arms; a pose he used to take when judging a complex work, a foreign idea... or someone else. The courtesan straightened her spine up as much as her cushion, now softened by long sessions of games, could allow it.

“If I understand your request correctly, my Lord, you wish to learn the art and manner of flattering your w-spouse?

- Absolutely!” A broad, almost childlike smile suddenly lit up his face.

“In that case..." Ligi mused. It would better if...” I think it's better that you start ahead.

- Are you sure?” A worried pout. “Wouldn't it be more appropriate for you to show me an example first?

- But then how would I be able to adapt my lesson without knowing first what you might be “missing”, Lord Yuei?

- Um...” The man smoothed his beard for a moment, mechanically playing with the silver ring. “Yes, that makes sense.” Deep breath. “Then let's see, give me a moment to...”

He did not finish his sentence. His eyes were fixed on Ligi, inspecting from the first lock of her white hair to the last fold of her lilac dress. On reflection, the young woman was beginning to regret her decision. Indeed, if letting the man take the lead to spare her the risk of a faux-pas had appeared to be the safest strategy at first, it also meant that she fell prey to his sharp gaze. The latter, unlike others she had already encountered, bore no trace of any lustful desires, nor even some hidden danger. However, it was difficult not to waver from its intensity. Lord Yuei had a very particular way of observing the world around him, for behind an anxious and awkward appearance for someone of his rank and age, there was, for those who knew him, a fine strategist. An observer. He could pass for a loner in an imperial court where everyone socialised, but it was above all because he knew how to surround himself with people for whom he had recognised the value and sincerity. This was one of the reasons, besides his spirit, that had allowed him to rise so quickly to the top of the Empire. He only rubbed shoulders with people he had seen for what they really were.

“Ah, I think I've got it!” The tiny prickles stalking Ligi's skin faded as the other straightened his monocle. A discreet clearing of the throat. “If I have ever been able to express my gratitude to you in the past, Milday, know that I won’t have enough of all the world’s languages to tell you how this encounter has been one of the most wonderful in this old man’s life…”

Well, a bit melodramatic.

Although it should please those

of the High Crown...

“You didn't have to grant my request, and yet you surpassed it.” Smiling lightly. “Our nightly games and discussions are memories I wish to keep close for the decades to come.”

Ugh... It's sincere, but he'll have to be careful to avoid any tendentious innuendo:

that's the problem with noble prose.

“I appreciate your liveliness as well as your strength of character; and even if your subtle cynicism is not always to everyone's taste, I must admit that it is refreshing to have something other than some rag doll to talk to...”

Hm... ?

“Where I always find myself anxious around my spouse, despite all the affection and respect I have for her, you have managed to calm my fears - by Noth's beard, you even managed to get me to drink outside of a formal dinner, and I can assure you that this is a feat in itself!”

He...

“You know how to entertain a lively discussion, you're a wonderful partner when it comes to Gyu, you don't give in to the others, no matter their rank...” His features stretched a little more. “You're insightful, caring, and... And...!” An embarrassed chuckle. “And, in all honesty, Milady... Your eyes are...”

No, he wouldn’t d-!

“...Magnificent.”

That was the last straw. Facing the other's incredulity, the courtesan lost what little restraint she had left. In the sky, the moon was still young, but under the golden roof of the Purple Lotus, a laugh resounded in the darkness, one of those laughs worthy of those evenings when the alcohol flowed freely and the herbs were not the ones left to infuse. Frank. Free. And Ligi was its victim.

Lord Yuei had not moved an inch, stunned by the metamorphosis that had just taken place. The delicate flower that he had spent days with... And she was laughing! Laughing! As if it was the best joke she had ever heard in her entire existence. Tears had even begun to ruin her make-up, strands of hair escaping from her elaborate hairstyle held tightly in place by an ivory comb.

The hysteria finally seemed to subside after a few nervous hiccups that were difficult to suppress, but a handful of seconds passed without either of them saying a word. It was she who broke the silence, her cheeks still flushed with her glow:

“I-I beg your forgiveness, L-lord Yuei.” Inspiration. Control. “I meant no disrespect whatsoever. Forg-...

- No.” Calm, serious. “I'm the one who should apologize.” Ligi straightened up. The man's eyes were clouded with grief. “Did I... did I say something wrong...?”

So that’s...

That's the best one so far.

“No, no, I assure you: nothing is your fault, your compliments were very... well thought out, it's just that...

- I hurt you.”

It was an observation. A statement, but one that was requiring an elaboration... Explanations. Ligi sighed.

“Yes and no... Let's just say that I didn't expect you... to go there.”

Now she was losing her noble-speech!

“Why is that?” A question. A simple one.

“Really?” Boldness now, great to better. She didn't care anymore. “Come now, my Lord, I understand you're not familiar with our “profession”, but you must have a little idea, right? “The Farlands’ Witch”? “The White Devil”? All those nicknames have made me famous as they’ve given birth to my reputation: a creature you hear about, that you pay a lot of money to admire... and even more to borrow. But no one really cares where this difference comes from.” Fists clenched under the silk. “I am... sick. Don't worry, it's not contagious, it's... from birth. My hair, my skin, even my nails if you look closely: they may look beautiful on the outside, but they're fragile. Anything can damage them. And the worst thing are my eyes...” She forced herself to raise them to her interlocutor. “You may think they're magnificent, but to me they're a burden. My prison. I... I can't go outside because of them - the one time it happened, when I was a child, I had to lie down in the dark for two whole weeks. My skin was covered in burns.” She pushed aside a piece of cloth, revealing one of her shoulders. The other recoiled. “The scars are hardly visible anymore, and as some people have already told me... patrons... it only adds to my charm. Like a doll sewn back together with gold thread - hey, hey...” Sigh. “I've always found it pretty funny that people romanticise other people's suffering, but never their own, hm?

Again, there was silence between the courtesan and her host. Ligi now kept her head down: she had failed after all. She, a purple flower, had broken her mask in front of the man who had “hired” her, a senior officer no less. However, what bothered her most at the moment was not so much the disrespect or even the revelations made to a Lord, but, strangely, the fact that this Lord was Lord Yuei.

Seconds became minutes. The man had not moved and you could barely hear his breathing. Finally unable to take it any longer, Ligi tried a bait. Whatever might come out now, all she wanted was a reaction from the other. For him to leave, even, to let her take the air she was lacking of!

“And well... A compliment on a lady's eyes? With all due respect, my Lord, that's a bit of... déjà vu. It's cliché, really, even for one of those sappy stories. Hey... hey, hey...”

Nothing.

“I know a lot about it, though...!” Forced laughter. “Spend even an hour in Mia's company, and I assure you that you'll be able to recite all the streets’ poems by heart!”

Still nothing.

“Why not giving a shot to new inspirations? I don't know, hands, feet, a mole?”

No sign. Her skin began to itch again.

“And why complimenting, anyway, right?” She was losing patience. “If they're only meant to please the other person and not be true, then we might as well not-!

- It's true.”

Ligi swallowed her cry in a hiccup. In front of her, Lord Yuei's face was adorned with an almost insolent smile as radiant it was, his gaze unreadable.

"You are right, Milady: a compliment without sincerity has no value in itself. Words can be thrown around without discernment, and while one may find them charming or even pleasant at first, one soon becomes disgusted..."

Slowly, as if to give her the opportunity to apprehend his every move, he came closer to her. When the two of them were only an arm's length apart, he continued, his tone lower, as if sharing a secret:

“But perhaps does the problem lie elsewhere?” He reached into one of the many inner pockets of his tunic and pulled out what looked like a tiny astrolabe. The object was made of glass and chiselled silver. “This, Madam, is a Stellerium, an indispensable tool for any good officer dealing with the Navy as well as the Defence. Indeed, this little marvel makes it possible to predict with great precision the route that ships will have to take with the help of the stars.”

Gently, he placed the instrument in the Ligi’s feverish hands, who, already troubled, was now anxious at the thought of damaging the precious possession. Lord Yuei, on the other hand, had kept his encouraging smile.

“You must have heard of, if not seen, this kind of tool before? I seem to remember that General Gonti has his, shall we say, habits with some of your sisters?” Pause, followed by a slight chuckle. “Well, you tell me, so do I now in a way!” He then tapped against the crystal surface. “So, Milady: do you know how to use it?”

The young woman's mind focused on each detail of the famous “Stellerium”. A welcome respite. She turned it over in one direction, then in the other, inspecting the cogs and mechanisms that could be seen through it. It seemed that the sphere was only one possible form of the instrument: the metal ring, divided into several concentric smaller ones, suggested that, like the astrolabe she had compared it to, the tool could be oriented manually. A few deft turns, memories from her countless readings, a resounding clatter, and...

"Here...?"

In her hands, the upper half-sphere had retracted to reveal a multitude of needles and engravings.

“Bravo!” The man took the object from her hands, as abruptly as enthusiastically. “You did it without any help: this is indeed the first step!

- First step?” Frown. “Can't we read the coordinates already?

- In fact, you can! However...”

After a brief glance around, he decided on a small oil lamp, which he then grabbed. Carefully, he placed the glass surface over the flame, and...

What the...?!

In a fraction of a second, the humble room, which had previously had a subdued atmosphere, had simply exploded in a turquoise fire. All over the walls, the ceiling...

“You see, Milady...” The deep voice suddenly brought her back to the other's face, also lit up with symbols and dots, stars, glowing. “Sometimes you just have to put things in a different light to reveal their true nature. I like to think it's the same with many things: facts, emotions, people... words.”

Almost as suddenly as they had appeared, the flashes of light vanished. Lord Yuei had just put the instrument away and Ligi was already suffering from their absence. It had been so...

“I... Thank you.” She turned to the other. “What you just showed me, I... I've never experienced anything like that. I didn't know such a wonder was possible, it was so... technical but beautiful at the same time, intense but also soothing. It was...

- Magnificent?”

His gaze had not changed throughout the whole demonstration.

“Sometimes we allow ourselves shortcuts: we express in one word what our heart wishes to say in a hundred. Those easy options allow us not to lose ourselves in explanations, but sometimes it is also the others that we lose if we do not give them the keys...” As she had done so many times before, he took her hands in his. “Magnificent, a term derived from magnus, meaning “great”, “imposing”, or even “lavish”. Regularly used to describe something beautiful, grandiose, someone who “does things in a great way”. And more rarely...” He whispered to her. “... for someone who “makes things greater” ...”

The man then resumed to his position in his seat, the same one he had before he started all this flattery and the chaos that had ensued.

“By coming here, to the Purple Lotus, I had already run through all my options. I was...

- Desperate...?” Ligi tried, almost embarrassed to use the same adjective she had thrown at Mia to describe him.

“Yes, that's right, hé-hé, I was desperate. Despite everything I had undertaken, my spouse was not thriving in her new life, she was... I'm afraid so, but... I think she hated me.” Sigh. “How can you blame her? Being forced by her own father to marry an old man she only knows by name? I've learned to be kind over time, but how to love? That's another kettle of fish, if you allow me the expression! However...” His gaze wandered. “If only you could see her smile when she is happy... hear the charming words she is able to offer you... I don't know what happiness is for anyone else, so I will be unable to provide it. But if loving is wanting to live these moments over and over again... then yes, I believe I am in love with Lady Tricia, my spouse.” His eyes fixed on the courtesan again. “And ever since I met you, since I took your advice, I seem to see her happier than she ever was with me! Even our games, our mundane discussions, they... They have given more colour to my life. Your vision, your perspective... Your eyes, Milady, have widened my universe of possibilities. They have “made it greater”.” Smile. “Your eyes, Milady... are magnificent.”

The aplomb with which this last sentence was pronounced gave it the air of an observation more than a real compliment, the undeniable conclusion of a devious equation. There was no other possible solution, for it was not so much the pleasure of his interlocutors that Lord Yuei was searching after in the art of flattery... It was to offer them another angle of approach: one that would allow them to see themselves as he saw them. Honestly. Completely.

“Ha... Haha...” She wiped her cheeks with her sleeve, not caring about the powdery marks she would leave there. “Very well, very well, I believe you, my Lord. And I also believe that... I understood where you’re getting at.” Behind the cloth, a smile. “Nevertheless, you'll still have to revise your vocabulary. Magnificent? Nobody uses that word nowadays! Why not “ravishing” while you're at it?

- How?!” The other put a hand to his heart, pretending to be hurt by the remark. “You will learn, Milady, that I have been trained by the greatest Scribe-Masters: no language holds any secrets for me!

- But tell me, my Lord, do your Scribe-Masters, know how to speak with their Highness from the Crown?

- Absolutely!

- And the Ancient Speech?

- They use it to ask for bread and salt!

- Then I suppose that you and these great scholars have a whole chapter, what do I say, a whole shelf, devoted to the language of the ladies' hearts?

- Hm...” Defeated shrug. “Touché, Milady, touché...”

The two companions of misfortune exchanged a mischievous glance. They were kids who had built a hut around a blanket, cups of tea, and a game board. The storm had passed, and once again they had held out.

“Splendid, then...?” The man with a monocle ironized. “Charming, perhaps?

“Don’t mind the terms, Lord Yuei.” She tried to smooth out her dress, without success. “Just... take the time to explain them to her? Let her tame them in her own way and if, by some misfortune, they happen to hurt her...” A flash of guilt crossed the dark irises. “Talk about it together...? Like we just did?” She suppressed another nervous laugh. Frowning. “I'm really sorry that tonight's lesson was so...

- Don't worry about it!” He had regained some of his natural eccentricity. “What is theory without practice after all? I didn't know that you... well, that this was a sensitive subject for you. I think I still have a lot to learn about... all these things.

- No, no, it's nothing! It's... You didn't know, it's more of a mistake, than a... fault.” She turned away to the plates and cups lying on the coffee table. “Anyway, I don't pay much attention to it anymore. At least I try not to.”

The scholar nodded gravely, an affirmative rumble to back it up, before also getting up to collect the few personal belongings he had scattered around. Outside, night would soon give way to day.

Ligi was busy tidying up her quarters to save herself the task once she had caught up on her sleep, ready to give her host one last greeting before he left, when she was alerted by a timid clearing of his throat.

“Um, please forgive me for the interruption, but...” The man pointed to the door. “Could you unlock the door, please? I thought I saw you take the key when I entered.” Hand playing with the silver ring. “I mean, I can always try to go down by the balcony if you like, but you know that at my age - heh!

- Oh, no, don't worry, you can use it, that’s-”

The young woman stopped dead in her tracks. An image had just crossed her mind. A memory. A realisation. Mechanically, she grabbed the key, left on her dresser, and headed for the door. One turn, two turns, a metallic clink: the door opened.

I... I didn’t lock... ?

"... that's what it was made for.

- Thank you very much, Milady! But next time, I insist that we take the time to put this room back together: I'm a bit angry at myself for having left you this job. On that note...” He handed her a small cloth pouch, weighted down with several coins, gold ones no doubt, before bowing slightly. “May I hope to see you next week?

- Of course, my Lord. Lunis, around nine o'clock?

- I will wait for you in the hall.

- I'll come to welcome you.”

A smile, and they parted to return to their respective worlds. She was finishing straightening the covers of the armchairs and was about to put on her clothes to finally go to bed and enjoy a sleep she knew she deserved, when suddenly:

“Ah, and... Milady?” She raised her head just in time to see him disappear into the night again. “I find him quite charming too... Your laugh.”

Later, as she slipped into the cool sheets of her bed, closing her eyes and sinking with delight into Epheus' arms, one last thought made her smile.

He's not so bad after all,

at compliments...

~ End of Act 4

______o.).O.(.o______

#fiction #original content #original fiction #original character #original universe #asexual #romance #love story #please don't repost without quoting or asking me!#Thanks!#french version avalaible

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