#[ ship. ] inanna: 'will you when i'm gone remember me?' « merlin | avaloniamagus »

[starsasunder]

@avaloniamagus, cont. from here.

Though every time her eye caught his, the young princess ducked behind the safety of the queen consort's skirts, she was curious too. His moonstone-white hair fair glowed, and he had an open, friendly air that other children rarely graced her with. She found herself deathly curious, and was as eager as he to slip away the moment the adults' attention erred.

"Enchanted books?" she whispered, careful to avoid her mother's watchful gaze as she placed her hand in his and let him guide her from the settee. The rustle of skirts nearly gave her away, and her ears twitched toward the queen anxiously, but she was relieved to find her intent on whatever they were discussing.

"That sounds lovely," she whispered eagerly, tucking her hand into his as he led her away, discomfort forgotten. "Lovelier than here, anyway. I bet your stories are way different from ours."

[starsasunder]

Giggles, and leaves a smooch on her cheek~

Glances at the bingo card, then sets it down on the table to chase him instead. C'mere, silly magus! Take your kisses like a man - er, incubi! Clingycatte wraps her arms around his neck and peppers his cheek with kisses. Payback comes tenfold 'round here!

[starsasunder]

That annoying mage, Merlin

Send me "thoughts on" + a character name and my muse will tell you what they think of them.

You get a long thing, because the catte got mad.

Mentioning @avaloniamagus ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

There was a curious tilt of her head, silver eyes narrowing as she listened to the chatter of the ladies around her. She had grown tired of dancing, and had sought a quiet corner to rest. It did not stay quiet for long , quickly filling up with well-to-do ladies of the dreaming court who thought to gain her favor. So far she had remained silent, content to allow them to chatter while she listened.

After all, though it was a masquerade ball, it was not exactly like she was hard to identify. The people of Merlin's kingdom were many and varied, but there were no others like her - she cut an unmistakable figure. So she figured it was best to remain silent - to learn. At least, until that comment. It was quite ridiculous, given that they were speaking about her husband. But still, they were newlywed. Perhaps these ladies sought to test her allegiance?

"That annoying magus is the king, " Inanna began softly, tracing her finger around the outside edge of her wine-glass as she thought on how to reply. The ladies around her immediately fell silent, eyes flickering between the newly-anointed queen and the one who had finally gotten her to speak. "So I would think twice before I spoke ill of him, were I you."

"Still. I suppose there must be those who disapprove of his decisions... After all, no ruler can please everyone." It was a lesson her father had drilled into her since she was a girl. And after bearing witness to the turmoil surrounding their marriage - a renewal of the strong ties between two long-standing allies, which should have been welcomed by all - Inanna knew its truth well. "Yet still, I think the king has his people's best interests at heart. He works tirelessly in Insom's best interests, seeking to better the realm for everyone. But even if you put aside his actions as king, I think you will quickly find that he is more than just some annoying magus."

Slipping her bare feet back into her slippers, the queen rose to her feet and began to circle back around the table, to where the uncouth speaker sat among a few other gaudily-dressed ladies.

"I have heard many stories of King Merlin. I have heard he is kind. He welcomes any and all to Insom, so long as they are pure of heart and of good intentions. He makes little distinction between rich and poor, so long as they do the best that they can within their means. His mastery of dreams is second to none, yet he uses his powers to create a better world for his citizens rather than to conquer," she said, shaking her head with a soft smile, swirling her wine in one hand as she looked up on the group of ladies, who were listening to her praise with wide eyes.

Good. Let them hear of her admiration of him. And let them take her words back to whoever kept whispering in their court, behind closed doors. Merlin may have promised to be a good and benevolent king, but Inanna had made no such promise.

Her promise was to him - to be a loyal wife, and to rule by his side. And sometimes ruling could get messy.

That was a lesson her mother had taught her.

"I must say, I commend you for your audacity. To speak ill of our host and king so openly... I suppose that takes some degree of bravery, however stupid," Inanna said, considering her wine glass thoughtfully for a moment more before upending it and its contents into the woman's lap.

"Unfortunately, I think I've heard enough. I suppose it's a good thing you're due for an exit and a change, no?"

The ladies around her erupted into tittering giggles hidden behind fans and masks as the mystery woman shot to her feet, releasing a shriek that echoed around the ballroom. Her lady friends were quick to follow, gathering around her as she stomped off to make her exit in an outraged huff.

Inanna did not stay to observe. Pulling her mask from her face, she shook out her hair, making sure there were no doubts as to her identity. Turning on her heel, she gave one last derisive flick of her tail before heading off through the crowd to find her husband. Later, she would worry about the brashness of her actions. Hopefully she hadn't done too much damage...

But Merlin could scold her for it later - right now, she needed to show them all her commitment to him. And that she was not changing that any time soon.

[starsasunder]

@avaloniamagus sent this in forever ago, and it's now well-past Beltane, so receiveth of the mun a starter based upon its contents. woe, catte be upon ye. Even though he knows that Inanna perhaps wouldn’t wear it while attending to her duties, a pair of silver anklets with bells attached to them were left somewhere for her to find, alongside a new book ( I thought you’d like this one! It’s quite delightful. ) for her to read while enjoying the Beltane festivities. There’s also a small platter of freshly made tarts for her to nibble on as well.

It had been a few weeks since the Beltane celebrations had ended, yet still the knight found herself ruminating upon the celebrations that had taken place. It was far from her first Beltane - she had spent many summers in Avalon thus far - but this one had been particularly special, given that it was her first Beltane among Lady Vivian's personal guard. The dancing and the food and the fire leaping had been as enchanting as they had always been, but this year Inanna had finally been able to relax and thoroughly enjoy the festivities, given that her position among Vivian's elite was at last secured.

Midsummer was now on the horizon, and though the celebrations would be different, some things never changed. Having discarded her armor for a simple, pretty gown, Inanna's every step tinkled with the sound of bells as she danced about her chambers, entirely focused on recalling the siren's call of drum and flute that had serenaded them that night. So intent was she upon her dancing, that she failed to notice the knock at the door, or how the magus let himself in.

[starsasunder]

A kiss pressed ‘gainst the nape of her neck, as Merlin fastened his Yule gift – a necklace that sparkled with the stars, and a pretty shawl he made for her. His darling cat arian, being so pretty as always~

A soft huff, fingers coming up to trail along the shining silver chain as it draped gently over her collarbones. The shawl was light as gossamer, but still warm, and as it settled over her shoulders, she pulled it tighter around her. Silver eyes met lilac in the mirror and she reached up to take his hand in her own, thumb sweeping over his skin.

"Thank you, Merlin. I love it," she murmured, a faint flush settling on her cheeks. She would not be taking either off any time soon.

[starsasunder]

who was that, anyway?

He was herding her, and she was letting it happen.

Backing up until her back hit the trunk of the tree behind her, she did not flinch as he penned her in with his body, blocking her view of the party-goers. A soft laugh bubbled up from her throat as he leaned into her space, nuzzling at her throat, his hands settling at her waist.

"You know? I don't think I recall," she said as nonchalantly as she could, holding back her laughter at the sound of his frustrated huff. His breath at her throat sent a shiver down her spine, chin lifting to give him better access as he leaned in to kiss at her heated skin.

"Some... fae or another. I think they said they were from the autumn court. ...Or maybe it was the winter one..? I'm having trouble recalling." She knew damn well who they were; the wolf-masked fae had been flirting with her all night. Camelot had been rather demanding lately, and her dear husband had been absent from the revels for too long - the fae should have known better, and would not normally have risked his wrath - but that was their problem now.

Well, their problem later. Right now her husband was busy occupying himself with dragging his teeth across her collarbone, and she had no intention of letting his attention wander any time soon.

[starsasunder]

For his darling cat arian, she will find a bundle of sweets – but watch out! Some of them are tricks in disguise; gifting her some temporary changes to her appearance if she eats that blueberry and lemon muffin! The note left behind for her to read when she woke read, Happy Samhain! Breakfast is ready when you are, my dear!

 Along with the sound of clattering going about in the kitchen.

It is a sleepy cat arian who awakens to his gifts, largely due to how late she had stayed up stargazing the night before. And really, she ought to know her husband's tricksy nature better, but when has she ever turned down a sweet with her favorite fruit?

A bite couldn't hurt, surely! She wouldn't entirely spoil her breakfast, not when she could hear him clattering around downstairs. Unfortunately for her, one bite was more than enough to tell on her.

And so she enters the kitchen entirely oblivious, her hair an untamed mess of now-blonde curls. Hiding a sharp-fanged yawn behind her hand, she pads up behind him and loops her arms around his waist, nuzzling against his back. "Happy Samhain," she murmurs sleepily, peering over his shoulder. "Whatcha cookin'?"

[starsasunder]

Bites.

Aa- Oh, so that's how it feels.

"Hello, my darling husband," she huffs, gritting her teeth past the initial sting to reveal in the pleasure that follows swiftly after, her voice soft as lashes flutter shut and fingers tangle in fluffy white locks. "I do hope you plan on finishing what you've started, now that you've got my attention."

[starsasunder]

A hand curls itself into blue locks, though his grip is only gentle as he plays with her hair. “Will you let me brush it?” Merlin asked, smiling at his wife gently. “It looks like it could use it.”

Perhaps it was something so routine that had him drawn to her side – after all; how often did she insist on brushing his own? “We’re free for the afternoon if you wish to escape for a moment or two.”

It was instinctual for Inanna to lean back into that touch, eyes fluttering shut as her husband carded his fingers through her fluffy locks. Early spring winds had swept her curls into disarray on her morning walk; she had been reluctant to begin the long process of de-tangling it. "That sounds lovely," she hummed, tapping the excess water from her paintbrush before setting it in the little tray beneath her canvas. Her stool swiveled as she turned to face him, smiling up at him before rising to wrap her arms around him and draw him into a hug.

"Did you have a good morning, Merlin?" she asked quietly, voice muffled against his chest. "You were gone when we got back, so I let the little ones play in the garden with Cath Palug for a while. They're napping now."

[starsasunder]

You seemed a million miles away just then. / dream au uwu

BALDURS GATE 3 PARTY BANTER PROMPTS LIST // accepting.

It was raining again. Despite the lanterns hanging along the outside of the palace walls, the gardens outside her window were shrouded in darkness and a dense fog, obscuring the furthest reaches from the view of the third story tower window. Just inside the ring of lantern-light, flowers bobbed beneath the heavy droplets.

Overhead, thunder rolled and cracked, chased by a crackle of lightning that lit the world up in a flash of brilliance. And among the hedges, movement. The shape of a person, or a beast - Inanna wasn't sure yet. She had been watching for the better part of an hour, unable to sleep due to night terrors and unable to relax her mind enough to pursue anything else due to restless thoughts.

She was so occupied, she hardly noticed as he settled in next to her on the window seat. Ears gave a mere flick of acknowledgement, her mind too wrapped up in anxiety to engage. His hand enveloped hers, warm and encompassing, and his thumb began to stroke against the back of her hand. Eventually, the gentle, repetitive motion drug her from her thoughts, and she looked up to find him watching her.

"You seemed a million miles away just then."

"Did I?" she answered airily, tilting her head. "I suppose I have a lot on my mind. I couldn't sleep."

[starsasunder]

A gentle wreath of pink-and-silver blossoms, intertwined with lavender and the English rose are rested ‘pon her head, her husband taking the seat beside her. “Dream blossoms,” Merlin commented, “With some from your own home. One of our exchanges they had given us seeds from your hothouses, so we grew some here to see how they would interact. If you’d like, I can take you to them?”

He offered Inanna a warm smile, though made no move to get up right away. “I’d actually like to show you, if you don’t mind me imposing. I think we could use a proper eye over how they’re cared for.”

The scuff of his boots woke her from her light doze, the warm sunlight streaming through the window lulling her into slumber after days of insomnia. She yawned widely, lashes fluttering as she opened her eyes to see him settling next to her in the bay window, then blinked in surprise as a weight settled over her head. "Wha-" she muttered sleepily, reaching up just as he began to explain, her fingers brushing over the cool petals carefully.

Well, that made sense.

She drew the flower crown down to examine it, evaluating the blooms with a practiced eye. The familiar blooms were interspersed with new ones, and curiosity quickly got the better of her.

"Do you have the time?" she asked tentatively, looking to her newly-wed husband with more eagerness than she had shown in some time. "A change in scenery sounds lovely."

[starsasunder]

you're safe here with me.

Wingbeats. Wingbeats in the silence. The sound was bone-chilling in its familiarity, making her blood run cold and her hand drift automatically to the sword sheathed at her waist. Eyes darted around uncertainly in the pitch black that surrounded her, trying to locate her ancient enemy. 'How can it be here? It was supposed to be destroyed!'

In the waking world, Inanna's tail flicked anxiously beneath the sheets, her sleep restless and uneasy. Her brow furrowed in her slumber, fingers trembling as they dug into the mattress. But just as quickly as the nightmare appeared, it was soothed away. A gentle sweep of the fingers brushed her bangs aside, allowing the magus to place a kiss upon her forehead. His arms tightened around her, drawing her in close as she woke with a sleepy whine.

"Mm?" she murmured as he began to stroke at her hair, whispering reassurances into her ears as he stroked them soothingly. Dazed silver eyes fluttered open to regard him in the darkness of their shared chamber, legs stretching daintily before tangling with his once more. Inanna yawned, fangs glinting for a moment in the moonlight, before nuzzling into the crook of his shoulder as a loud purr started up in her chest.

It was a nightmare - nothing more. She could rest easy, knowing she was safe in his arms.

[starsasunder]

‘I know what I am asking of you. but I ask it. for me.’ / what? yes.

While Inanna had long known of the gluttonous fox that stalked the denizens of Tyre, it had only recently become apparent that the creature was the very same kitsune that had haunted her childhood nightmares. This, coupled with a recent report from one of her informants in Tyre that claimed the fox had been circling ever closer to the royal family, had inspired the queen to begin packing for home post-haste. But of course, her husband would hear nothing of it.

"If I do not go, it will mean abandoning my parents, my birthplace, to a monster I created," Inanna protested, her voice a soft whisper as she wiggled toward the edge of the bed in a half-hearted attempt at escape. An attempt that ended as quickly as it began, a soft sigh leaving her as he wrapped his arms around her and drug her into his arms. A muffled whine left her as he tucked her head beneath his chin and began to stroke her arms soothingly. "Merlin... That creature exists because of me. Because of my powers, my imagination. You know this."

Her fingers dug into her pillow, her tail lashing between his legs beneath the covers. "I know you would have me remain here, and safe, but..." Her other hand slid down to rest upon the swell of her belly, and the child within. She huffed softly as his own followed, linking his fingers with hers before she could protest. "I worry about them, about us, constantly. What kind of mother will I be, when I cannot even protect my own family from a creature I dreamed into being?" She sighed, ignoring the insistent nuzzle of his lips at her ear as she became lost in thought, chewing at her lip until she tasted blood.

The fox had made its desires clear - it wanted her, and it would continue terrorizing the people of Tyre until it got her.

What would become of her family, her birth kingdom, if she allowed her husband to continue shielding her? And could she live with the consequences if she did?

[starsasunder]

“My, my. A new face in my domain,” their voice is amused and deeply intrigued, by how Merlin appeared; cloth billowing softly in the air as they landed with ease beside Inanna. The river shifted serenely on its course, as the fae king bowed in greeting, “You have come at long last, have you not? My Queen.”

They were staring intently into the water, focused entirely on the reflection of the moon in its rippling surface. So deep in their trance were they, a soft flick of the ear was all the acknowledgment Merlin's approach warranted, the wind bringing their scent to Inanna before their arrival. But as Merlin drew closer, they seemed to snap out of it. Silver eyes turned to them, bright in the dim light of the waning moon. They had been away for some time now, but the new moon was near, and it was time for them to return.

"My king," they murmured, lifting a hand to lace their fingers with Merlin's, drawing their clasped hands to their cheek so that they could nuzzle into their king's palm. "I'm home. Did you miss me?" A graze of teeth, teasing and playful, before they twirled out of reach.

"The night is young, and the stars are bright! Come and dance with me, my love!"

[starsasunder]

@avaloniamagus, cont. from here.

He’d never slept so soundly, or deeply for that matter. Traversing the dreamscapes often meant that Merlin had to be careful about not following certain paths. Avoid certain doors – who knew what laid within them? Locked as they were, he couldn’t enter without a key granted. Yet here, as the sensation of something brushing against his face. The gentle shake. The hold of someone’s hand on his face. Violet eyes fluttered open, at the mention of –here, a soft noise leaving his lips, “Mhn? ‘Nanna?” Wait. Inanna –! The shock, and sudden realisation made him reach out, “It’s you? It’s – Inanna, you’re here?” Where had she been? Why couldn’t he find her? Oh stars – it’d been months. Months and years and eons. “But – how are you in here? This dreamscape is mine.” It had to be, the flowers, the grassy plains – it all spoke of Merlin. He retreated here when his reserves had dropped beyond his normal capacity, to rest and recover from whatever hell he’d put himself through. Burning magic to spare a life, to save a world, to – “Why can’t I find you?”

Well, that answered the question of when in their timeline this version of her husband had come from. Her breath caught in her throat as his hand pressed against her face. Warm, so warm - how long had it been since she had felt the touch of another? She could not recall. She had long ago lost track of how long she had been here. To track it had been maddening. It was easier to let the present slip away from her, to focus on the fights ahead and the happiness she had left behind.

"I-I've been here all along," she said softly, ears lying flat against her hair as she readied herself for his anger, his admonitions. He had every right to scold her - every right to be angry. She had missed him so much she would take every word of it, if it only meant she could spend a little longer with him.

But they didn't have longer.

"Merlin, you can't be here," she murmured, her voice urgent. "It could sense you and come back any moment. I'll be fine, but I worry for you."

[starsasunder]

You look like a winter’s night. I could sleep inside the cold of you.

A faint flush warms pale cheeks at the compliment, hands sweeping over the shimmering, pearlescent gown that shimmered like water as it draped down her frame. Her maids had done her hair, pinning her hair up into an elegant twist to ensure that the star of the show was her dress and the gorgeous shawl that draped across her shoulders.

"Flattery, my king, will get you everywhere," Inanna purred, tail flicking playfully as she held out her arms and gave a twirl to show off the gorgeous ensemble. "I have to commend you on your taste - this might be the prettiest dress I've ever worn."