#((As is fairly typical of my antics I ended up playing through them while sick. I’m still sick….

[lastmurianwarrior]

((I feel like it’s worth putting here that I finally played through the Star Force series as Fire Leo, Zerker, and Black Ace.

And OH MAN. Yeah, there’s some after story stuff still. But for real, it feels like a milestone for me get through them.

Also, the first time I ever got SpinBlade1 i snapped a poor quality photo out of excitement. XD there is it.

… Also my brain is still squiggled over how different anime Rogue vs game Rogue turned out no matter how I look at it.

[goddess-aelin]

Antics

Made for Rowaelin Month Day 20: Drunken antics

@rowaelinscourt

Masterlist

Word count: 1k

Warnings: drinking, drunkenness

It all began when Rowan insisted Aelin needed a night out, something he absolutely should not have done. She had been working so hard in the year since the war, never taking a day off and doing her best to attend to the needs of every single resident of Terrasen. Until yesterday, when she almost half collapsed from exhaustion.

Rowan took it upon himself while she was resting to cancel all of her meetings for the following two days and adamantly insisted that Lord Darrow not speak to her the entire time. The latter alone would make her feel loads better.

All the while, Rowan played the part of doting husband. To anyone else, it just looked like he was taking care of his sick wife. But to those of fae heritage, he knew they could see the thin rope he was dangling from, fae instincts riding him hard, just moments away from stabbing someone if they even dared to come near his mate.

But that was okay, Rowan thought, since he got to lounge in bed with his mate all day. To his surprise, Aelin didn’t put up that much of a fuss about not working, something that was actually very concerning to him. When he said as much, she simply said that she’d rather be spending the day with her handsome yet overbearing mate than a bunch of stuffy old men. He wasn’t sure if he should’ve taken that as a compliment or not.

Once the end of the first day rolled around, Aelin was itching for something to do, he could tell. She had already read through the stack of books that he brought her and snacked away on enough cake that even she said she couldn’t possibly eat any more. And that was when Rowan decided it was time for a night out, just the two of them.

He knew that if they left through the front door, the guards would insist upon accompanying them, Aedion and Darrow would berate them otherwise. But Rowan didn’t want that. He wanted it to be just the two of them, a date of sorts. He could also tell that Aelin’s eyes lit up when he mentioned sneaking out of the castle, handing her a dark cloak and telling her they were going on an adventure. An adventure which ended with them in a fairly run-down bar, drinking the night away.

Rowan had a fairly high tolerance for alcohol so by the end of the night, he was barely tipsy. Aelin, on the other hand, not so much. If anyone would ever mention it to her, she would deny it to her last breath, but Aelin was a lightweight. And this delighted Rowan. Very, very, much. His Fireheart didn’t get to be the carefree young woman she was almost ever, so if he could give her this small slice of fun, of what life would have been like without a war, then his job was done.

And this was how he found himself half-walking, half-carrying the almost dead weight of his mate up the dusty road to the castle. There was absolutely no sneaking back in in their state, his large form supporting the stumbling and babbling Queen. Aelin typically had a lot to say on a normal day and when she was drunk? It was like a floodgate was opened into her brain. Anything she thought would make its way out of her mouth at some point, no matter the content. Rowan loved it. He loved her.

“You’re such a han-some buzzard. Di’you know that?”

With amusement, he nodded his head. “Only because you’ve told me 20 other times tonight.”

“Psh, I’m jus speakin the trusth.”

“Mmhm. And you, my love, are very, very drunk.”

Her contentment quickly turned into dramatic outrage. “No! No, I’m not! You’re the one who’sh dru–.” The statement was quickly ended by a stumble.

“See?” Rowan looked pointedly at her.

“Shut up, Buzzard. Jus’ carry me, damnit.”

“If I carry you, though, you’re going to fall asleep. And before you do that, we absolutely need to get some food into you. Otherwise, you’re going to wake up and regret every decision you made tonight.”

Aelin stopped walking and crossed her arms. “Hmmph. You’re a mean buzzard. You’re not my mate ‘nymore.”

Rowan chuckled at her grumpy expression. “I’m not sure that’s quite how this works but, sure.” He started walking away, knowing that as soon as he did, she would try to follow.

And follow she did, albeit crookedly and looking like a baby fawn who just found their legs. Abruptly, she stopped and stomped her foot. “Why can’t you just carry me?”

“If I carry you, are you going to fall asleep?”

She kicked her foot through the dirt guiltily. “No.”

He chuckled and walked closer to her. “Fine, I’ll carry you.”

A smile lit up her face and she stretched her arms out to the side to embrace him. But Rowan had other ideas to carry her, bending down and hauling her over his shoulder, her hair falling down his back and her ass in his face.

“Hey!! Put me downnn!” Aelin’s voice was a screech in his ear, probably loud enough to wake up the entire city, though definitely loud enough to catch the attention of the guards standing by the palace gates.

“Hey! You there!” Both guards turned toward Rowan, spears pointed. Rowan quickly pulled his hood back, revealing the silvery hair only a few in the entire world had.

“Your Majesty! I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize it was you!” The poor guard looked frightened, probably ready to throw up at the prospect of what punishment he’d get for pointing a spear at the King and Queen. “Is she…is she okay?”

“No worries. She’s fine, just dramatic.”

“Hey!” she cried.

“Now if you’ll excuse us, I have to get this one,” he lifted the shoulder that Aelin was flung over, “back to the castle before she wakes up the entire city.” Indeed, Aelin was now jauntily singing a sailors tune, her voice loud enough over the unsavory parts to make the younger guard blush a deep tomato red. Both of the guards simply nodded and cleared the way for Rowan to enter.

“Hey where’r we goin?” Their path to the kitchens, at least, stopped Aelin from singing long enough to give his ears a tiny, much needed break.

“To the kitchens, remember? You need food.”

“Nooooooo, I sleep!” She started wiggling violently, causing Rowan to almost drop her when trying to set her down. He huffed a laugh. If he knew taking care of drunk Aelin would’ve been like taking care of a child, he never would’ve suggested a night out.

Who was he kidding, he’d deal with anything his Fireheart threw his way if it meant she was happy.

He took her hand, trying to pull her toward the kitchen, enticing her by naming all of her favorite foods. She tugged back with a surprising strength for someone who was heavily intoxicated.

“No, I sleep!”

“You need food, Fireheart.”

She put her finger to his lips, “Shhhh.” With surprising dexterity, she wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder. “No food, only sleep.”

He chuckled, once again trying to get her to relent. But unfortunately, drunk Aelin was just as stubborn as sober Aelin. “You will regret it tomorrow morning if you don’t get some food in your stomach.”

He felt rather than heard Aelin’s scoff. “Sleep is food. I sleep.” He could tell by the pauses between words that she was just seconds away from falling asleep on his shoulder. “Dream of meat. Meat on a stick!” Her laughter was maniacal. Yet a few seconds after it began, it abruptly stopped and he could hear her breathing even out.

Rowan let out a sigh. Looks like he wasn’t getting her to eat something tonight. Gently, he maneuvered her so he was carrying her in his arms again, this time bridal-style. She settled in, nuzzling his shoulder and curling her hands between their chests. The sight was so cute it almost made him stop in his tracks. He settled for a gentle kiss on her forehead and made his way back up to their suite.

To Rowan’s dismay, Aelin woke up before him the next morning, fit as a fiddle and ready to start her day. Rowan, on the other hand, had a splitting headache. Though it hurt, he just shook his head with a smile and was grateful that his Fireheart was happy.

A/N: I had at least two other fics before this that I was planning on writing but didn’t get to do keep an eye out!

Tagging:

@cretaceous-therapod @morganofthewildfire @tomtenadia @live-the-fangirl-life @charlizeed @violet-mermaid7 @euphoric-melancholyy @kritical24 @rubyriveraqueen @dealfea @wellofnothing @ayaashryver @moonknight-spector @leiawritesstories @whoever-you-choose-to-love @holdthefrickup @heirofflowers @thecrispypotatochip @shanias-world @rowanaelinn @bruiseonthefaceofhumanity @hanging-from-a-cliff @fantacysoup @swankii-art-teacher @thegreyj @fromthelibraryofemilyj @westofmoon @lovely-dove-zee @books4eva04 @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks @backtobl4ck @dreamer-133 @elentiyawhitethorn @writtenonreceipts @shyvioletcat @aelinchocolatelover @captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship @athena127 @highqueenofelfhame

[ashleyswrittenwords]

How To Be A Queen [Part 2]

Note: Part 2, so soon! I couldn’t help myself. Here we’re taking a deeper look at palace life and how Zelda copes with it. And not without surprises! I hope you like it! Also, I crave validation.

Summary: Princess Zelda is at a loss. Her handed royal responsibilities have begun to weigh heavily on her and she is eventually backed into a corner. Live a life she loathes or run away from everything she’s ever known? Navigating life is hard, and Link forces her to learn that she doesn’t have to do it alone.

Warning: Just Zelda’s antics.

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How To Be A Queen

The days preceding me weren’t much different. The winter solstice wasn’t far, in two days in fact, and they were growing longer with each passing hour. The circles under my eyes darkened and I was basically a walking zombie. It wasn’t just the preparations that were making me this way, but the long hours I stayed up coping with everything. From dawn to dusk, I have been whisked away each day to do some type of formality. I chose the drape colors for the dining hall, the menu for the kitchen, the number of candles to be at the table, and so much more I’ve pushed away for the meantime.

I stared down at a bowl of oatmeal and played with the fruit that sat of top. This is a metaphor, I thought while smushing down the blueberries, a metaphor for my brain. I haven’t eaten much of it. Mushy grains weren’t my cup of tea. It confused me why I was even dealing with oatmeal.

“Darling?”

I looked up with a start, not used to having my father at the table. The dining table was said to be cut from a large, ancient oak and the size was emphasized as I looked across at him. I swallowed my thoughts, “Yes?”

“Do you not like your food?”

He had glanced down at my bowl already and I wondered how he noticed from that far away that it was still full. Must be a father’s intuition. He put down the morning paper and looked critically at me through reading glasses. Even now, you can tell he exuded influence. He was the king after all, and you could still tell without the crown. I wondered if people could say the same about me.

“No, it’s fine,” I said, sleepily. I don’t understand why I’ve been lying about my food preferences lately, I suppose saying “fine” is better than a morning argument where I must think about my responses. I shrugged and glanced up at him again. He didn’t seem too convinced. I shoveled a spoonful into my mouth. Ew.

Finally, he looked back down at his paper.

“You know the Yiga Clan has ramped up activity again.”

My eyebrows raised. Oh, an exciting topic. “Have they, now?”

“Oh, yes. They’ve recently raided the royal banana stock to the south and left a note!” He flipped a page to the paper, not seeming particularly bothered but the tone in his voice said otherwise. I think he knows how much I loved the subject. Castle life gets boring, but any mention of danger usually got me excited. Immature? Yeah, probably.

I feigned a serious expression, “And what could the note possibly say?”

“Something about a big attack planned for the solstice. You know, Zelda,” he looked up from his paper with an amused demeanor, “Perhaps you should let your uncle know. We should have proper protection during the festival. Hyrule does not negotiate with rebels!”

The Yiga Clan is notorious for empty threats, and it’s widely known that they’re realm of influence is fear. Not action. Nevertheless, I suppressed my grin as I dutifully stood, “You can count on me, Father.”

I lifted my bowl and walked towards the kitchen. The back door led to a passage, which in turn could take me to the barracks.

My uncle was a general and reported directly to Father. Though he was the eldest, Uncle seemed to favor the art of war over politics. I don’t blame him. I set the bowl down near the sink so that the kitchen boy would be able to see it when he woke. It was still fairly early. The sun wasn’t fully in the horizon and my body could feel it. I tried blinking the sleep out of my eyes as the drapes and décor faded into stone walls. The original designers of the castle obviously assumed non-royalty didn’t need the technicalities. Feeling alone enough, I let myself fall into a daze. The zombie was back, but I don’t have the energy to care.

When I’m queen, I should really consider updating the barracks. Stone walls, the lack of drapes, not even a coat of paint? How drab. Not to mention the chill that penetrated my skirts. The path from the kitchens to the barracks weren’t exactly a secret, but they were tucked away to the point that you wouldn’t notice them if you weren’t looking carefully. That thought made me smile, like my own secret that wasn’t really a secret. Oh, well. Close enough.

I came around a bend, and not bothering to rush I peered through an embrasure that was cut out of the stone. It overlooked Castletown below as the city was waking. An embrasure wasn’t a window per say, it was built for defense long before we had the peace to afford luxuries. Luxuries being normal windows, if you look closely enough the typical window in the castle was relatively new. They were added in the last century when my great grandmother had enough of the darkness and demanded some natural light. Can you imagine not just being locked in here, but also in the dark? I felt the etched-out stone of the embrasure. I suppose I can see myself being able to aim an arrow through it, but it doesn’t exactly scream clear visibility… I wonder if anyone has ever actually used it for its intended purpose? A chilling breeze entered through it and I breathed in sharply from the shock. Goddesses, why am I here again?

Oh, to see Uncle. A gave out a “hm” and let my feet start walking before my head could catch up.

Then, I smacked into something. Something hard, I almost thought I was dumb enough to run straight into a wall until I noticed it was warm. I let out a weird noise as I doubled back and felt myself tip over. There was a shock of adrenaline and the person I crashed into grabbed onto my shoulders. Heels weren’t made for stone cracks, and it really shows.

“Oh, shit, I’m sorry,” they exclaimed, and I caught my breath.

“It’s okay! I should be the one saying sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” and it’s true. I wasn’t expecting anyone else to even be awake.

“It’s alright. Don’t worry about it,” the man let go of me and I paused.

Wait.

I squinted, the small corridor was still full of early morning shadows.

Oh, Hylia, I shouldn’t have come this way.

He wasn’t in uniform. Instead he wore a simple white shirt with brown pants. Loose and relaxed, the complete opposite from when he was at his post. His blond hair was shaggy from sleep and stopped just below his ears. But, goddesses, he didn’t look bad. Really the opposite. The air around him was completely different. Far more comfortable, almost warm and he was probably not far from the state I was in. I felt my cheeks flush.

“Link?”

And at the flip of a switch it donned on him. Link looked almost flustered, if I wasn’t the same it would have been endearing. He opened and closed his mouth several times while looking at me with wide eyes as if I was an apparition. I never noticed how deep a blue they were, I had always thought they were a shade of gray. To be fair, it wasn’t like I was wearing a crown. I wore a simple blue dress with no frills. Other than the material, I would’ve looked like a simple kitchen maiden. It wasn’t what I usually wore, and this wasn’t where I usually am.

“Princess?”

I really should treasure this moment. What is that? Three sentences now? I swallowed and tried not glancing down at him, a thin shirt showed a lot. Has he always been like this?

Before I could speak, he spoke instead, “I apologize, I shouldn’t be here.”

He’s stiff now and looks over my head. This is annoying. He has every right to be here.

“Of course you should be. Why not?” I scowl. A sudden anger courses through me and I realize once more of my place. Always business. He’s on leave, why can’t he speak to me like he does to others?

“Because,” he pauses. I look at him critically. I know I shouldn’t, I’m doing nothing to quell this, but I can’t help it. I’m not just tired, I’m sick of the formalities. If I hear him say-

“Your Highness, I-”

“Zelda!” I raise my voice and he looks at me for a moment in surprise. It’s refreshing, but I suddenly feel horrible. I probably look like a crazy tyrant to him. I clear my throat, “Please. Call me Zelda.”

His rigid shoulders loosen. I can only assume out of confusion. He is still staring at a space above my head. I glance at my feet and apologize again, “I’m sorry, Link.”

I was probably making him uncomfortable. I bite my lip, trying to come up with the most diplomatic way to wrap up the confrontation. What would Uncle say.

“Um, well, carry on with your business.” Ew, gross, why did I say that. That sounded completely foreign, even to me. I put my face in my hands, brush past Link, and pray to the goddesses to end me quickly. The embarrassment is too much and I hurry down the hall thinking about my sins from the conversation.

 “Why does your face look like that?” Uncle glanced up at me as I walked into his office.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Why does it look weird? Did you do something wrong?”

I wasn’t going to tell him the truth and he knew it. I gave him the look and went for the door.

Uncle chuckled, “No, no it was banter, Zelda. Please, sit.” I closed the door and sat in one of the chairs. It felt like I was about to be interrogated. He was a stocky man with a full gray beard. He wore a relaxed uniform with the royal emblem. His hair was quickly thinning, but no one dare tells him. The hair was a sensitive subject. His large nose fit my father’s and luckily I inherited my maternal nose. His face was of a hardened soldier, but it was softened with a smile. Uncle leaned back in his chair lazily, “So, what do I owe the honor of being in the presence of the Princess Zelda?”

“Well, General,” a smirk cracked through as I folded my legs, “I actually come here on business.”

He gasped, making me give into a full-blown grin, “My, my, my! Business!”

“Yes, General Nathaniel, it appears my father,” she looked pointedly at him, “the King would like enhanced presence at the royal winter solstice.”

Uncle sits up and takes a pencil that was positioned behind his right ear and flips through a large book. “The Winter Solstice Celebration,” he muses to himself and stops on a page. He looks up momentarily, “The Yiga situation, yes?”

I nod and watch him think. I shouldn’t be surprised that he knows, it’s his job to know.

“I do think I can make some adjustments,” he scratches his chin, “I could call the men who are supposed to be on leave in that night.”

I pause, they would be visiting family. I purse my lips, “Is there anything else we can do?”

Uncle leans back again, “We don’t have many options. For morale purposes, I thought putting them on leave would be beneficial. However, with other factors in play I have been considering rescinding that order.”

Apparently, I gave off a displeased impression. “I’m sorry, Zelda. But the family’s protection holds precedence,” Uncle gently said. I sighed and offered a small smile, “Thank you, Uncle. I’ll let Father know.”

The day went on as it normally did. I went through the guest list with my father who tested me on every minister attending and I attended the final fitting for my solstice gown. Mrs. Bea said nothing except for when it would be completed, and for that I was thankful.

Afterward, I slipped away. I wasn’t sure if they were finished with me yet, but I needed some sanctuary. I climbed the stairs and cursed my shoes along the way. I could feel blisters forming through my stockings. I sighed loudly after ascending the last step. Dusk was settling in the sky and I wanted nothing more than to be alone. My voice was shot from speaking so much and my legs were weary.

My footsteps were heavy and loud, but I couldn’t find it in me to care. I sniffled and surprised myself. Was I coming down with a cold?

No, I was tearing up too. Why am I crying?

Now I was angry.

Stop crying you Twit, I told myself, you have nothing to cry about. I aggressively rubbed the tears out of my eyes. Stop crying. Queens aren’t emotional. Ugh, you’re always doing this to yourself. I reached for the door my quarters.

“Zelda?”

I froze at my name and looked up at Link. Was he always there? Oh, Din, of course he was. That’s like his job. He was staring at the wall like he does and for a moment I think I’m just hearing things.

“Why are you crying?” His voice is low and I can’t stop staring. A weird feeling hits me after he spoke. Happiness or satisfaction, I’m not sure.

“Oh, um,” I sniffed and tried to dry my nose with my hand quickly, “I don’t know.”

He’s silent and I think he’s not going to reply before he says, “You seem tired, you should get to bed earlier.” I blink and look at the ground. He isn’t wrong. Link shifts a bit, “I’m sorry, I overstepped.”

My eyes widen and I speak fast, “No! You’re not! I needed to hear it.”

Link glances at me, somewhat unsure but he doesn’t say it.

“Thank you,” I look away from him and open the door, “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” he responds, and I shut the door behind me.

That night I slept better than I did in weeks.