#A kingdom for a kiss: Or why you should really read the fine print before handing out real estate

[vannahfanfics]

Dawn and Dusk Part V

Before you read, here’s Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV!

Category: Romantic Fluff, Angst

Fandom: Yona of the Dawn

Characters: Soo-Won, Yona

Requested by: @lilc77​ (Tumblr)

Hey, friend! I hope you’re ready for more YonaWon! This is for the first of the batch that you requested for the theme “sexual tension and desire.” I thought it would fit perfectly within my ongoing “Dawn and Dusk” series of oneshots, so I hope you enjoy the latest installment!

The study echoed with gentle flip of pages. Yona sat among the towering tomes, her legs tucked primly underneath her so the thick, leather-bound book could rest on her thighs. Her dawn-colored eyes scoured the printed words carefully, though in the back of her mind, she doubted that a biological survey of Kouka Kingdom’s bird species would prove fruitful in her endeavor. Though she knew nothing would be hidden in the text, she entertained herself for a few moments more with the detailed illustrations of the songbirds and descriptions of their behavior. She got like this from time to time, looking for escape in the useless paragraphs after yet another day of finding nothing. 

Her fingertips skimmed over the inked drawing of a finch, its feathers painted in brilliant watercolor hues. The “sunrise finch,” it was nicknamed, not only for its brilliant red and yellow plumage, but also its propensity to be the first of the indigenous birds to rise. It awoke in the mere minutes before dawn to herald the oncoming sun with sweet tunes of the morning. Yet as the golden sun spilled across the trees, it would fall silent, its beautiful song swallowed up by the dawn chorus of other birds. Brief and fleeting, like the sunrise it worshipped. 

Yona wondered if that was her fate, to be brief and fleeting like the dawn. 

Sighing, she closed the book and replaced it on the shelf. Rather than grab another from the small stack beside her, she sat there a moment, reaching back to massage the flesh of her shoulder. Though soaking in the bath— however brief that was thanks to her surprise encounter with Soo-Won— had improved the strain significantly, she still found it twinging throughout the day. Perhaps I should retire early and give it some rest, she wondered, but looking down at the books next to her, Yona knew that would not happen. She had to keep searching, searching for any clues to the puzzle that existed between herself and Soo-Won. 

She turned to the window, where the moonlight streamed in to bathe the study in white, at least where the soft yellow light of the lantern beside her could not reach. She wondered if there was a bird that also called to the setting sun and rising moon. Did it mourn the loss of the sun, or did it welcome the appearance of the stars and night sky? Perhaps there was no bird at all, but a king’s fanfare is close enough, she supposed. Dusk had ruled this land ever since her father’s death, as the pale moon sat upon the throne, merely reflecting the light of the sun. A false light, but, did that mean it was no less worthy? She wondered that as she gazed at the sliver of moon hanging low in the sky. Dusk, dawn… It was all light, wasn’t it, chasing away the darkness? 

Who am I to truly say which is better? Yona thought with a sigh, looking back down at her lap. She felt her eyes begin to burn with the familiar sensation of salty tears brewing in the ducts. She often got this way when the watchful nights closed in, cast in light only by her flickering lantern. Everything was still so confusing; she knew not what path to take, what she should do for her people. It was maddeningly frustrating. She really only knew one thing these days, and that is that she still loved Soo-Won, achingly so, despite everything that had happened. 

The first tear slipped down her cheek just as the door to the study opened. Yona quickly swept it away with the sleeve of her kimono as Soo-Won walked in, a look of mild surprise on his face. 

“Ah. You’re still here? It’s awfully late.” 

“I could say the same to you,” she said, but not icily. “I wanted to look through another book or so before finishing up for the night. What about you?” she asked as he navigated through the stacks upon stacks of volumes covering the floor and sat at his small desk. He picked up his quill with a tut, uncapping the inkwell and dipping the pointed tip of the writing utensil into the black muck. 

“I have some reports that I have not yet read or signed off on,” he explained, skimming the contents of the first page before scribbling his signature on the bottom. He set it aside for the ink to dry, then began reading the next. 

Yona looked back to her stack of books, knowing that she should pick one up, but her desire to investigate any further had suddenly vanished. She looked back to the shelf, then stood to retrieve the book of bird species. She flipped back to the page about the sunrise finch, then slowly walked over to Soo-Won. He glanced up when she approached, then looked down at the open book in her hands. 

“Soo-Won… Have you ever seen this bird?” She turned it around so he could see the illustration. He studied it for a moment, then nodded. 

“Yes… They actually nest in the palace gardens,” he explained, and looked up when Yona gasped in delight. How had she never known such a gorgeous bird had a home in the plants right outside her window? Well… It wasn’t exactly often that she found herself up before dawn. However, that would soon change. She would wake up first thing tomorrow to catch a glimpse of this bird. 

“Thank you. I’ll leave you to your paperwork,” Yona said, then looked down at the bird and its brilliant sunrise plumage. She wondered if it would be as stunning in person. She was sure it would be. The anticipation brought a smile to her face, and so she replaced the book on the shelf. The sooner she got to sleep, the sooner the dawn would come. 

Soo-Won spoke as she headed to the door. 

“You were crying.” 

She stiffened. He had seen? She��d thought she’d been slick. She could feel his aqua eyes boring into her back, making warmth spread all over her back. His stare beckoned her like a siren call; she was helpless to his song, causing her to turn slowly around to face him. His expression wasn’t judgmental, not that she had expected it to be in the first place— it was sad, or guilty, even. 

He turned in his chair so he could hold his hand out to her. Entranced by that silent magnetic melody, Yona’s body moved of its own accord; she crossed the room to take his outstretched hand. His touch was soft as his fingers moved over hers, giving just the slightest tug to pull Yona until she was standing in front of him. He reached up with his free hand to brush over the tear stains she’d thought she’d scrubbed away, ghosting over the slightly reddened skin with a heartbroken look. 

“How is your shoulder?” Such an innocent question so at odds with the way his fingers skipped down to her shoulder, fingertips inching under her kimono to brush over the skin. She tried not to twitch at the electricity that shot through her nerves. Her body was stunned, electrified by his ministrations, but her tongue seemed to work just fine. 

“It’s better.” 

He didn’t say anything, just tilted his head while continuing to massage the top of her shoulder. Her heart thumped against her chest as her kimono sleeve slipped fully off her shoulder, exposing her upper arm and even the barest hint of the curve of her breast. Soo-Won’s eyes flickered up to hers, inspecting the minute twitches of her fate for discomfort. He didn’t find any, because why would he? By now, he knew the depths of Yona’s feelings, the way she yearned for his touch despite everything that had happened. 

When did his other arm snake around her hips? It had circled around her without her knowing, so she gasped when she felt him pull her forward until she bumped against his knees. He quirked a brow— a silent invitation. She bit down on her lip, debating. 

Would any good come from yielding to her desires? She should focus on ferreting out his plans for her kingdom, not yielding to her more base compulsions. Yet as Soo-Won’s aqua eyes met hers, she felt her inhibitions melting away as easily as that silk had slid off her shoulder. With a breath of his name, she climbed onto his lap, pressing every inch of their bodies together that she could. Soo-Won’s hands pushed into her dawn-colored hair with a reverent sigh, prompting her to crane her head back into his palms. 

He pressed his mouth to the column of her throat in an open-mouthed kiss. He lingered there for several moments, and then murmured against her skin, “I’m sorry. Ever since we met again, I have caused you pain.” 

Yona’s throat bobbed against his lips as she swallowed. Her eyelashes fluttered to fight back the tears, but they came anyway. Soo-Won must have felt the tears dripping down into his hair, because he sat up to press wispy kisses over her ruddying cheeks to catch the salty streams. “My selfishness has caused you pain,” he murmured against her face. “I tried, but… Yona, I love you so…” 

“I know,” Yona said with a shuddering breath. “I know. I love you too, Soo-Won, though it vexes me.” She curled her neck so she could bury her face into his hair. She inhaled deeply, and the scent of him flooded her nose— parchment, rose water, and a crisp coolness she could only characterize as moonlight. She wondered if she smelled like the dawn, spicy and warm? 

Soo-Won kissed the junction of her neck and shoulder, drawing her out of her thoughts. Just as a small bit of lucidity returned to her, he began a path up her neck and over her chin to claim her lips in a steamy, hungry kiss. Yona perched on his lap while his fingers roved up and down her back, leaving sparks in their wake. She tangled her tongue eagerly with his, and he tasted like cool moonlight, too. Her mind clouded over like it was filled with cotton as heat built up within her, like she was a pot filling with steam. 

Just as she felt ready to burst, he pulled away. Cool air rushed through her, chilling the warmth inside of her, and she exhaled shakily. Soo-Won petted her cheek with that sad look on his face again. She still trembled atop him, not sure how to feel. These short, passionate moments between them had become such a regular occurrence that it was hard to feel guilt or shame anymore. 

“Soo-Won,” she murmured, and his fine eyelashes fluttered when he looked up at her. They’d just exchanged some very passionate kisses, but she still blushed when she meekly asked, “Would you… Would you show me the sunrise finch tomorrow morning?” 

He seemed surprised by her question, his eyes going wide. Then, his face relaxed into a sweet smile. 

“I would love to. It has been a while since I’ve seen them myself.” 

When Yona prepared to get off him, his hands tightened around her hips. 

“Stay?” he asked, quietly, pleadingly. Yona tensed at first, then slowly relaxed when she saw the way he was staring down at his desk— so sadly, so miserably. Yona knew she ought not to, but she draped herself over him anyway, nestling her head on his shoulder. He held her against him with one arm while he turned to resume tending to his documents. Yona closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling of his chest rising and falling against hers, his heartbeat thumping against her sternum. It didn’t take long for hers to synchronize with his. Lulled by the melody of their tandem breaths and heartbeats, Yona found herself drifting into a comfortable sleep. The dawn would come eventually, and Yona would have to tend again to her priorities. However, for at least a few sweet hours, she would allow herself to bathe in the cool white light of the dusk— in Soo-Won and his deep, unconditional, heart-wrenching love for her.

Enjoy this oneshot? Feel free to peruse my Table of Contents!

[writing-the-end]

LoL Chapter 36- Addows

(what’s this, a chapter on monday? Yes! Starting today and for the foreseeable future, LoL will now update mondays and fridays! Hopefuly it will gain more attention when it updates more often,,,)

Masterpost

A Wizard Hermits tale (AU, designs, ideas belongs to @theguardiansofredland)

If the hermits hope to enter the most dangerous place in Lairyon, they need to know about the Forest of Memories. Xisuma, Cub, and Joe venture to the haunted city of Addows in search of information.

____________________________________

Mist swirls around Xisuma, his vision obscured by the thick fog of the city. Old, ancient buildings are all around him, once a city of the ancient ones still alive with the people of Lairyon. Massive stone temples, graveyards for heroes and legends, buildings with no known purpose that now house creeds and clairvoyants. 

Addows is a home of ghosts. Ghosts of the past, present in both tomes that the temples and libraries hold, and actual spirits that wander the eternally misty street. No one is spooked by the spooks, just another face in the crowd. 

And it’s the perfect place for the hermits to dig up ancient knowledge. If anywhere would have information on the Forest of Memories, it would be the hallowed halls of Addows. Cub creeps closer to Xisuma, not quite sure if he likes not being able to see more than a few feet in front or behind him. He’s sure there’s some sort of proverb that Joe would spew at him about this and the past or whatever, but right now he doesn’t want to hear it. Joe, meanwhile, is loving this atmosphere. The spooky vibes, the aged buildings and haunting people. He could write entire novels about this place, how much it fits his aesthetic. He may just have to build a new library on Eremita to match this.  Plus, his fuzzy cloak is comfortable and fits in well with the shadowed passersby. 

The three hermits wander the streets, walking through the midday mist, watching as buildings appear from nothing and disappear once again. Joe gets distracted every once in awhile on a witch’s shop, books older than the kingdom, apothecaries with all kinds of rare materials, and about a dozen different colored candles. And lots of rocks. TFC would have a field day. 

But after what feels like both hours and seconds of walking down the twisting streets of the ancient city, they finally arrive where they need to be. A building so old that the rain and forest has weathered it down, and a whole new layer of detritus has turned to dirt, ferns, trees, and vines growing down the massive stone pillars. In the weathered carving, the purpose of the ancient building remains the same. It’s a library, the largest in all the kingdom and filled with the most extensive, the most knowledgeable, and the most ancient of works. In languages long dead and unrevivable, written by ghost writers that now haunt these halls, and recounted by the living and the dead that wander the stacks. 

“And a delightful young adult section with some of my favorite works for young readers.” Joe hums. “Anything, and I mean anything-” He pauses, letting Xisuma and Cub fill in what he means, “can be found in the national library of Addows.” 

“That means if there’s anywhere that will tell us how to handle the Forest of Memories, or what could be hiding in there, it’s here.” Xisuma wanders down the stacks. All three hermits itch to reach out and pull books of their favorite genres or authors. Cub wants to dive into the deep end of the ancient ones history. Xisuma wants to study the great works of the best astronomers. And Joe wants to read the most mind boggling pieces that make absolutely no sense. He loves that feeling of being left confused about what he just read. 

They search the tomes, from geography to history, history to science. They search every section- even the young adult section. Cub resorts to portaling around rather than running the worn stone stairs, but to no avail. In the end, all three of the hermits are sitting in an alcove of ferns and vines, staring out over the thick misted city. 

“It wasn’t in anything. Has no one ever written about the Forest of Memories?” Xisuma grumbles, pulling off his mask. It’s not like there’s any sun, he doesn’t need his brother’s creation. 

“Someone had to. It’s been around for eons and is nestled in the heart of Lairyon. I can think of so many epics that could rely solely upon those two aspects.” Joe speaks with his head on his hands, looking over the library. Where haven’t they checked? “I’m starting to think it’s not even real, just a bunch of folktales.” 

Silence, until Cub’s eyes light up. “Folktales! Where do you put everything that you don’t know or understand?” 

“In the trash bin?” Joe’s dry humor is not lost on Xisuma, but Cub is too excited. 

“The folklore!” Cub summons his magic, a portal opening between the hermits, taking them to the very entrance of the library. The beginning of it all. He jumps through, skidding into a cracked pillar, but the stone is held fast by roots of the forest. Joe and Xisuma follow after, the portal collapsing behind them. 

“Forest….forest...forest…” Cub whispers, running his fingers along books, scrolls, even just tablets of stone. “Forest, Evernight. Nope. Forest, Creation of. No…” 

He stops, fingers coming to rest on a manuscript. Two wood planks pressing fabric pages together. It has no written title, but the front of the book is a tree with it’s branches intertwined like that of a brain. Cub grabs the manuscript, opening it with fervor. “Godsdamnit.” 

“What’s wrong now?” Xisuma sighs, peering over the portal mage’s shoulder. But the symbols scrawled on the fabric are meaningless to them both. Not even Joe, who purveys in ancient and useless knowledge, has no ability to read the book. 

“Ahh, The Journey to the Center of Lairyon’s Mind. A very good work. Quite dense.” All three hermits shriek, echoing in the quiet library as a misty head appears through the bookshelves. They should have been prepared for a ghost, but in the heat of the moment, they forgot they were in the most haunted city in the kingdom.

“H-have you read this? Can you r-read this language?” Joe holds the book out. 

The ghost steps through the shelves, her hand becoming solid enough to hold up the piece. “It’s old kipling. Before they integrated into one oceanic script. Back in the early days, when Lairyon was just a bunch of warring nations. Ah, the oceans were so peaceful in comparison.” 

“What does the author say? What does this mean?” Joe points at the fine print of a page that the kipling opened. 

“It’s the dedication! It’s to me!” She laughs, ghostly fin ruffling with joy. “My wife was such a wonderful author, she is still curious to this day.” 

Xisuma surges up to the ghost, no longer afraid. “The author, she’s still here? Where is she?” 

“Why, I’m sure she’s moping around our gravestone, waiting for me to come back so she can tell me more stories that she picked up from the other ghosts.” The kipling ghost pauses. “Would you like to meet her, or rather just read through this dingy old book? Why not meet the real adventurer Cielle DuNord? Bravest woman ever, only person to enter the heart of the Forest of Memories and come back sane. At least...only recorded person.” 

From the oldest library, the hermits follow the bouncing kipling down the street to the oldest cemetery. Sometimes they lose sight of her in the fog, her ghostly figure becoming a part of the mist and disappearing. But it just takes a laugh and a call from Lady Nellaime, her dress swaying like kelp in the waves, and they’re back on track. The misty glen opens to reveal ancient tombs and stones, but Nellaime waltzes through the historic graveyard as she would saunter through a flower garden. 

Despite the spooky feeling, it’s not scary. The hermtis feel a sense of calm respect among the gates. Rare flowers bloom at the entrances of mausoleums, trees sprouting from burial mounds. Candles provide light along the well cared pathway, and a child runs by, smiling as he trips and hugs an ancestor’s gravestone. 

From the mist, a glowing form appears, hugging the boy back. The ghost settles down in the grass, chatting with the family. Nellie continues past, deeper into the heart of the graveyard, seemingly bigger on the inside. The tombs age the deeper they walk, until Nellie stops at a raised crypt. Carved in the ancient coral stone, two smiling faces rest on their backs, the women’s hands intertwined at the center. Nellie skips onto the tombstone, knocking on the nose of the other kipling. “My sweet Cielle, you have visitors! More fans of yours!”

The eyes blink open, misty blue lashes fluttering. A noncorporeal form drifts from the stone crypt, dress flowing from existing to not, strong arms reaching over and hugging her wife. “You always make friends so fast. Living or dead, you just make people smile. Just like lighting up my life, my little ghost light.” 

“Not in front of guests.” Nellie giggles, her fins fluttering from the sweet kiss. 

“To what do I owe the pleasure of such…” Cielle looks the three up and down. “Unique visitors upon my grave?” 

“Are you really the only person who has made it out of the Forest of Memories alive?” Xisuma wastes no time, which causes both ladies to titter.

“No, though I know Nellie here likes to be hyperbolic. Quite a few people have gone into the Forest without going crazy. But you have to be prepared to enter in.” Cielle leans forward, tugging a ghostly finger through Xisuma’s hair like a mother combing a child’s hair. 

“Prepare? What kind of spells do we need? Weapons?” Cub flips through the pages of the book, but it’s in a completely unknown language to him. 

“You can prepare yourself physically as long as you like, but it won’t do much. You have to prepare yourself mentally.” Cielle taps her head, and giggles. “See, for me, all I had to do was think about my fiancee back in Corelpi. I dunno how, but it was like a walk through a garden.” 

“But there is one place that knows all about the Forest of Memories. Where the most people have entered and returned relatively sane.” Nellaime grins, a few locks of hair falling from her messy bun. Cielle reaches over and fixes the loose locks. “Fielville!” 

“Of course,” Xisuma slaps his hand on his head, leaving a bright red mark on his skin. “Druids, insectia, the oldest traditions from the ancient ones are still practiced there.” 

“The elder there has entered and exited the Forest of Memories more than even I have- but then again, she lives longer than me, which isn’t fair.” Cielle sits back. “But be warned- no matter how prepared you think you are for that wood, it will be nothing compared to the true might of the forest. You will return with whatever trove you are in search of-” She pauses. “Or you will not return at all.”

[swanqueeneverafter]

The Once & Future Queen Pt.24

Woods. Night. (Soldiers chase Lancelot and the others through the woods. Tristan supports Isolde as they approach the mouth of cave tunnels. Agravaine leads the soldiers through the forest where a lone knight stands in the center of the path, blocking the way. He draws his sword. Agravaine and the soldiers stop.) Agravaine: “And just who might you be? (The Knight says nothing:) Where’s Lancelot?” Knight: “Be careful.” (Agravaine is confused.) Agravaine: “What are you talking about? Where’s Lancelot?” Knight: “This is your last chance. Turn back now.” Agravaine: “Tell me. Now. Or I’ll have to kill you.” Knight: “I don’t think so.” (Agravaine hears a dragon’s roar and looks up. Maleficent swoops down on them.) Agravaine: “Take cover!” (Maleficent proceeds to flame roast the soldiers while Agravaine flees the scene.)

Mountain Tunnels. (The group attempt to navigate the caves.) Henry: “Did we lose them?” Hook: (Entering the cave behind them:) "Aye, I'd say you're safe." Henry: "Hook! How did you-" Hook: "Manage to save your sorry behinds? (Smiles:) With a little help from a friend of yours. At least he said he was your friend." (Hook stands aside to allow a cloaked figure into the cave.) Henry: "Merlin! I've got to say, your timing is impeccable. Where's-" Hook: "Ah, I wouldn't go out there, mate, Maleficent's having far too much fun. Let's just say you won't have to worry about those soldiers out there much longer." Woods. (Agravaine and a few of his men come out of hiding to look out over the field of crispy soldiers. Maleficent roars again and comes back for another pass.) Agravaine: (Accepting his fate:) “Lord forgive me.” (Despite the soldiers all running for cover, they are all consumed by Maleficent’s flames.) Storybrooke. Storybrooke Heritage Park. (Emma and Regina walk along the waterfront with Maria in her stroller.) Regina: "I could get used to this." Emma: "Me too. Nowhere to go, nowhere to be, just you, me and baby makes three." Regina: (Laughs:) "You're so relaxed you're rhyming." Emma: "Must've been the brunch, that chowder was incredible." Regina: "Mm, yes it was. Especially after you 'accidentally' spilled your water over the Reporter and the poor dear had to go home and change." Emma: (Innocently:) "That was a shame, wasn't it?" Zelena: (Arriving as Emma and Regina share a laugh together:) "Aha! There you are. What's so funny?" Regina: "Nothing. Emma and I were just enjoying some time alone for a change." Zelena: "Well, don't let me stop you. I'll just take the little one off your hands and you can continue making goo-goo eyes at each other." Regina: "What are you talking about?" Zelena: "Today is my day with Maria, it always has been." Emma: "I'm pretty sure you see Maria most days. Sometimes more than we do." Zelena: "Don't blame me for your bad parenting choices. Now come on, hand her over."

Regina: "No, Zelena! Emma and I are spending the day alone with our daughter." Zelena: "No you're not. I know about the Reporter that's supposed to be shadowing you all week." Regina: "How did you..." Emma & Zelena: "Snow." Zelena: "Yeah, that's right. Why would you lie to me, Regina?" Regina: "Because I'm a full-grown woman who doesn't have to tell her sister everything." Emma: “You know what, maybe Zelena should take Maria for awhile.” Zelena: “See? Listen to your wife, Regina.” Emma: (Continues:) “But in exchange, since you enjoy babysitting so much, you can also take the Reporter off our hands today.” Regina: (Smiling at this:) “What a wonderful idea. What do you say, Zelena?” Zelena: “All right, you’re on. I’m sure it’ll be a nice change of pace for them to have something interesting to print for once. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” (Zelena places her hands on the handlebar of the stroller and walks away with Maria. After watching her sister disappear into the distance, Regina turns to Emma.) Regina: “So, it appears our day has just been completely cleared. What shall we do with it?” Emma: “Whatever we want.” (Regina laughs then leans in for a long, lingering kiss.) Mountain.  (Lancelot and the others emerge from the caves on the other side of the mountain. Tristan supports Isolde and turns to Lancelot.) Tristan: “So, where now?” Lancelot: “To the plains beyond the mountains.” Tristan: “You sure? That’s Lot’s kingdom. He’s no friend of Camelot.” Ella: “Well, maybe we could find somewhere here. A house where we could rest?” Tristan: “We’re fugitives, a danger to anyone who harbours us.” Merlin: “He’s right. We must travel back towards Camelot.” Lancelot: “No, we need to keep going.” Merlin: “If we hold up in the Forest of Essetir, we’ll be safe at least for a while.” Lancelot: “No.” Merlin: “Trust me, Lancelot. Those who have survived Morgana’s raid on Camelot will be taking refuge there.” Tristan: “I know which I’d do. But, you’re our leader…” Lancelot: (Sighs:) “All right. Forest of Essetir it is.” (Tristan smirks and they all begin to walk down the mountain path.)

Camelot. Main Square. (Morgana’s troops march into the square.) Dungeons. (Xena is slumped in a corner, manacles on her wrists. Gabrielle tends to an old male prisoner who is lying on the bed, pale and weak. Guards open the cell. One restrains Gabrielle while the other picks up Xena and escorts her out.) Gabrielle: “Don’t you touch her!” Xena: (Reassuringly:) “Don’t worry, at least we get to eat.” (Gabrielle grabs the bars as the soldier locks the cell door.) Council Chamber. (Morgana unlocks Xena’s manacles.) Morgana: “So, you have another chance to sing for your supper. I thought I might make it a little harder this time.” Xena: “Seems fair.” Morgana: “Oh, but you can’t fight with your bare hands. (Morgana hands Xena a small wooden dagger:) Never mind. You’re the Warrior Princess. You’ll be fine.”(Morgana struts to her throne and the soldiers begin to cheer when a couple of mercenaries enter the circle to fight Xena.) Xena: “What the hell.” (Xena prepares to fight.) Forest of Essetir. (Isolde sharpens her knife while Ella and Henry start a campfire and Tristan and Lancelot collect more wood.) Tristan: “Well, well, well, look at you getting your hands dirty. But then again, why shouldn’t you? You’re just like everyone else. There’s nothing special about you, is there?” Lancelot: “I never claimed to be special. I am a knight. It is Guinevere who is special." Tristan: “Well, that’s your opinion. ���Cause as far as I can tell, she’s no longer Camelot’s queen. So where does that leave you, eh?” (Tristan walks off to leave Lancelot with his thoughts.)

(Meanwhile, back at camp, Ella and Henry work together under Isolde's scrutiny.) Henry: "Nice of Merlin and Hook to help set up camp, don't you think?" Ella: "I think we can give them a break. They did save us after all." Henry: "For now. Tristan's right, we are all fugitives. Morgana is sure to send more people after us." Ella: "Wouldn't be my first time travelling with a wanted man." Henry: "That’s true. Then have you considered that you might be the problem?" Ella: (Slaps his arm playfully:) "Hey." Isolde: "Have you two considered getting a room? (When they look to her:) Sorry, don't mind me. I'm just grouchy about not being able to do much." Ella: “Your wound had improved since the last time I changed your dressings. You have remarkable recuperative powers. You'll be good as new in no time." Isolde: "Given our current situation, that still might not be soon enough." Storybrooke. Library. (Alone in the library, Alice lays on the counter with her head hanging over the side, bored out of her mind. Tapping her stomach with her hands, Alice takes a deep sigh before sitting up.) Alice: "Right. Let's see what treasures these shelves can provide. (Browsing the library, she gives quick appraisals of each section:) Boring. Read it. Don't want to read it. Ah, the old standby. (Alice pulls a large book of stories about Robin Hood off the shelf:) Let's see how many inaccuracies we can find today." (Just as Alice is about to return to the front desk however, the door opens and Zelena enters. Alice puts down the book and hurries to hold open the door for her.) Zelena: "Thanks, Alice. (Wheeling Maria inside, looks around:) Busy as ever, I see?" Alice: "Yeah, it's a weekday you see and-" Zelena: "It's perfect. I need to ask you a favour." Alice: (Smiles:) "Anything you want, Mrs. M." Zelena: "Well aren't you delightful? I’ve agreed to give an interview for the newspaper and I need someplace quiet." Alice: "Oh, well as you can see, there's no place quieter." Zelena: "Mm. I don't really want a Reporter sniffing around my house so I wondered if I could possibly do it here?" Alice: "I think that's a great idea. Even better, I'll give you both some privacy while the interview's taking place. How long do you think it'll take?" Zelena: "Oh, no more than a couple of hours at most?" Alice: "Great. I had some errands to run today anyway, so if you don't mind stamping a few books should for anyone who comes in, the library will be all yours." Zelena: "Er... sure. I suppose I could do that." Alice: "Wonderful! See you later then." (Watching Alice skip from the library, Zelena wonders to herself just how many more favours she'll be asked to do before the day is out.) Camelot. Dungeons. (Xena stumbles into the cell and Morgana stands in the doorway with a half loaf of bread.) Morgana: “Enjoy your supper. (Morgana tosses the mouldy bread into the cell:) For it’ll be your last.” (Morgana exits and the soldiers lock the cell door. Xena gives the bread to Gabrielle, who gives it to the old man.) Gabrielle: “You need to eat.” Old Man: “Whether I eat or not, I’m not long for this world.” Gabrielle: “Come on, please.” Old Man: “I’ve spent my days watching the cycle of life. If there’s one thing I’m not afraid of, it’s death. Don’t waste your food. If your friend has to fight again, she’ll need all the strength she can get.” (Gabrielle looks to Xena who shakes her head. Gabrielle leaves the bread with the old man.)

Castle Corridor. (Morgana is joined by Helios, who was once Annis’ second in command.) Helios: “When the reinforcements arrived there, the ground itself was still on fire. They’d all been slaughtered, every last one of them.” Morgana: “And Agravaine?” Helios: “Dead.” Morgana: (Quietly to herself:) “Uncle. (She rallies, not wanting to seem vulnerable to her new ally:) There’s only one person who could’ve done this; only one man who could command a dragon. (She walks away from Helios, hiding her emotions:) This is the work of Merlin.” Forest of Essetir. (Having returned to their camp, Merlin now leads the group through the woods towards a clearing. As they walk closer, Lancelot is surprised when a crowd of knights and peasants appear out of the forest, Sir Leon, Sir Gwaine and Sir Bedivere among them. Merlin smiles. Lancelot glances back at him and sees Merlin’s proud expression.) Lancelot: “What is all this?” Merlin: “I’ve brought you an army. (To Henry:) Your mother suggested I do something useful.” (Henry nods in understanding then watches as Hook and Maleficent appear on top of the ridge above the clearing, leading yet more people. This time however, the faces are familiar. Ruby and Mulan walk alongside Anastasia and Merida, who's army looks eager to fight.) Merida: (Extends her hand:) "Lancelot." Lancelot: (Grips her forearm in the warrior's welcome:) "Merida." Merida: "Merlin came and found us, asked if we were ready to kick some arse." Merlin: "That's not quite how I phrased it." Merida: (Awkwardly:) "We have news about Guinevere." Lancelot: "Guin. Is she all right, does she live?" Merida: "Aye, she's safe in Storybrooke. (Glances at Anastasia:) Lancelot, I-" Anastasia: (Stepping in:) "We found Guinevere injured in the forest, but she’s fine. Dr. Whale patched her up and she's resting." Lancelot: (Relief etched on his face:) "Thank you. Both of you. I don't what I... what Camelot would have done if Guinevere had-" Merlin: "Camelot looks to you now, Lancelot." Lancelot: (Nods, squaring his shoulders, now ready to do what’s necessary:) "We must reclaim Guinevere's kingdom." A Short Time Later. (Lancelot walks with Leon, Bedivere and Gwaine.) Lancelot: “What about the drawbridge?” Sir Leon: “Well manned.” Sir Bedivere: “As are the northern gates.” Lancelot: “The battlements on the south side?” Sir Bedivere: “Lancelot, even if we can get inside, she has an army.” Lancelot: “And we have, what? A few hundred?” Sir Bedivere: “Even with Dun Broch’s army, they still outnumber us.” Lancelot: “Yeah, but only three to one.” (Leon chuckles as Isolde joins them.) Isolde: “And do you think they’ll fight?” Sir Leon: “Well, they’ll fight for Lancelot.” Lancelot: “It’s not me they have to fight for. It’s for Camelot.” Sir Leon: “No, Lancelot. It is you that people love. The love you share with Guinevere inspires everyone in the land. It is you that they will lay down their lives for. I know that I would ride into the mouth of hell for you.” Sir Bedivere: “And I.” (Isolde is surprised by this and looks back at Tristan, who is leaning against a tree, equally surprised.) Sir Gwaine: “And I.” (Tristan is won over by the loyalty of Lancelot’s men. Lancelot draws his sword.) Lancelot: “Into the mouth of hell it is.” (The knights follow Lancelot while Tristan watches in admiration.)

Storybrooke. Main Street. (After making stops at the butcher's shop and the grocery store, Alice cuts through Marvellous Madam Mim's Unmentionables, where she bumps into Regina.) Alice: (Walking into her:) "Oof, sorry, my fault. (Realising who it is:) Regina! Fancy seeing you here." Regina: (A little chagrined:) "Hi, Alice." Alice: (Looks around:) "Bit of all right in here isn't it? (Nudges Regina with her elbow:) Looking for some nice new frillies to start off your retirement with a bang?" Regina: (Starts to blush:) "Uh..." Alice: (Winks:) "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone I saw ya. Is Emma around?" Regina: "She's um-" (Alice looks over Regina’s shoulder towards the changing rooms.) Alice: "Trying on something eh? Very nice. No wonder you were eager to let Zelena take care of Maria today." Regina: (Begins to protest:) "That's not-" Alice: "Yeah, she's looking after the library for me while I run some errands so it all worked out quite nicely really." Regina: (Receives a text:) "Could you hold that thought for a moment? (Regina stands and walks over to the changing room, knocking on the door:) You ready?" Emma: "Open sesame." Regina: (Smiles then opens the door:) "Oh my..." Alice: (Suddenly standing behind Regina:) "Ooh, that's a nice colour." Regina: (Jumps, startled:) "Alice! (Regina slams the door shut while Emma can be heard laughing from inside the changing room. Trying to remain polite:) Do you think it would be possible for us to maybe catch up some other time?" Alice: (Smiles:) "Say no more. I'll leave you ladies to it. (Knocks on the door:) Bye, Emma. Those knickers make your bum look really great." Emma: (From the other side of the door:) "Er... thanks Alice." (Transferring her bags into one hand, Alice waves goodbye to the still blushing Regina.) A Short Time Later. (Staring down inside her bag at her purchases, Emma waits for Regina to make her selections. As before, Emma receives a text and smiles in anticipation. Walking over to the changing room, Emma lightly taps on the door.) Emma: "Ready or not, here I-" (Emma pulls open the door and all thought abandons her at the sight of Regina's ensemble.) Regina: (Turns, eyebrow raised:) "Come?" Emma: "Not quite, but almost." Regina: "You like it?" Emma: (Shaking her head:) "No, I hate it. (Grinning, she enters the changing room and closes the door behind her:) Let me help you take it off, right now." (Standing behind the counter, the sales assistant shakes her head and turns up the volume to her headphones, hoping to drown out the sounds of utter debauchery now coming from the changing room area.) 

[juleswolverton-hyde]

The Sword and Shield (BC x Reader)

Genre: Fluff, Idol AU, Quarantine fiction

Pairing: Bangchan x Reader

Warnings: Innuendos, nerdy Pokémon talk.

Summary: Every warrior needs a sword and shield to defend themselves against enemies. However, two nerds take up weapons in a vastly different fight. 

Masterlist

Credits for the banner art go to Satzzz Art.

Life between the sheets does not always have to be characterized by Sensuality because there is more to be found among the pillows and blankets. It is amiable comfort, dozing off together to the sunrays streaming in through the light bedroom curtains or listening to music while sharing earbuds to kill the boredom of quarantine by means of occupying oneself with whatever is at hand. After all, it is yet unknown for how long the global population is forbidden to leave their homes safe for retrieving necessities at the supermarket or drugstore.

A blessing in disguise, however, is being able to spend the period of restriction with a bunch of lively lads which includes the lover of little more than a year. The moment it became known countries were hauling in their own residents a foolhardy decision was made to remain in South-Korea and leave the life in the place of origin behind for a while. The choice did not sit well with Chan at first, not too subtly asking to reconsider it though soon finding a secret delight in finally being able to wake up every day in the same bed.

No thousands of kilometres distance.

No time to be taken away by management and time zone differences.

The pandemic has at least given us this.

A taste of life as a real couple.

 Just before IKEA closed as well, the lovable human kangaroo insisted on going there for the last shopping spree so personal taste could be added to the bedroom that would be shared. The well-meant idea was rejected at first, saying it was not needed and that the interior was fine as it was. However, once bleached locks have set their mind to something, it is barely possible to change the focus of determination and thus the private shared space has been decorated with a few candles alongside a new bookcase to house whichever books were already taken from home as well as a few pieces of art and a collection of postcards that have been pinned on a metal grate.

Our perfect little nest.

A haven of comfort for songs and nerdy thoughts.

‘Hey, babygirl.’ The mattress dips as the human koala joins the small kingdom in the sheets of sweatpants and loose tops that are somehow still deemed charming. Even the surface beneath the minimal layer of makeup is apparently preferred by the strong arm wrapping around the waist as platinum locks rest on the head and watch the screen held between hands. ‘What’re you playing?’

‘Pokémon Sword. It’s really good thus far and- Oh my god, it’s so cute!’ In an instance, the screen is lifted to show the six adorable balls clad in armor, a new creature which is called a Falinks. ‘Look at these little buddies!’

A wide smile breaks out on plush lips, wavy locks shaking in closed-eyed amusement before looking up again with the wonder of a new discovery. ‘So that’s why you’ve been kicking the air or screaming something is cute. I didn’t know you were a Pokémon fan?’

‘I have been since I was little, but it’s not something I tell others about.’ The true meaning of the grin no longer passes under the radar, igniting an ember of shame for harbouring a geeky side when it comes to the Japanese creatures. ‘Yes, I know, I am a mega nerd. Bite me.’

The jaw clenched in timidity relaxes when slender fingers tickle the sides as a big nose presses into the side of the neck to nuzzle it. The comment was not meant to provoke although the lowered voice suggests otherwise as it speaks against skin, teeth even cheekily nibbling. ‘Watch your words, Y/N, or I just might.’

However, the sensuous attitude fades as fast as it appeared as irises the colour of pure chocolate wander back to the device. ‘Can I see your Pokémon?’

Because the girl in the sheets is not the only trainer beneath the roof. 

‘Sure.’ With the same nonchalance that denies the suggestiveness from a second ago, the index of the creatures which are currently being trained is opened. The current team consists of a Corviknight, Obstagoon, Thievul, Drapion, Boltund and Cinderace. ‘I’m currently training these though I mostly specialize in Dark Types.’

‘Why doesn’t that surprise me?’ To get more comfortable, Chan slouches further down the bed to rest more properly on a beloved narrow shoulder. Nevertheless, the all-knowing grin from before remains plastered onto plush lips. ‘I suppose you’re also interested in training Ghost and Psychic types as well?’

‘I’m an open book, aren’t I?’

‘Just a little bit.’ The teasing is made up for with a chaste peck on the nose followed by one on the forehead. Just the way it is preferred and done whenever apologizing for something or to simply gain a smile. Withal, now, judging by the twinkle in mischievous eyes, it is definitely to say sorry in advance for what is to come. ‘Can you guess what my type is?’

‘Me?’

The witty response evokes the bubbly boyish laughter that has been loved ever since the first time it was heard. ‘You’re not wrong.’

‘Okay, okay, let me think.’ The scanning for clues on the face results in nothing except a brighter devilish glimmer in a loving look. Henceforth, the answer will have to based on personality and all the little things that have been discovered since being in a relationship and now prematurely living together. ‘Electric? Although, no, wait. Fire. Something tells me you at least have a Growlith or had but it has transformed into Arcanine. Then again, judging by that splendid performance of the theme song in your VLive, I’d also wager you have a Pikachu. However, you’re very sporty so maybe you specialize in Fighting types?’

‘You’re on the right track. The answer is somewhere in there.’ Instead of one mocking eyebrow, two rise in a failed attempt to exaggerate coyness while looking cool. ‘Or is it?’

‘Very helpful, Chris.’ Sarcastically disregarding the useless remark and lopsided smirk, the former ramble is composed into a somewhat solid answer. Anywhere close to the truth is better than nothing. ‘You’re a Fire trainer who is also interested in Fighting types.’

‘Almost. I’m a Dragon trainer who always starts out as a Fire trainer. I am, however, also interested in Fighting types too. I do have an Arcanine and Pikachu is an exception to the rule because it’s Pikachu. Every trainer should have one.’

‘I have one too, but it doesn’t have a name since it’s a female and I only name my male Pokémon.’

Focus shifts back to the screen, Chan reading the names of the amiable creatures that form the company on the journey to becoming the best. It started as a fun idea and the names matched fairly well. ‘So I’ve noticed. Are you associating everyone in the industry with a Pokémon?’

But nothing ever runs smoothly. 

‘I’m trying, but it’s bloody hard at times. I made Jackson a Pidove. Don’t laugh! I don’t know why I did it, but his name was the first to pop up when I caught it. Baekhyun is an Applin. Wait, he’s transformed already so now he’s a Flapple. Han is a Greedent because, let’s be honest, he’s a squirrel. Changbin, well, Bin is a Corviknight. I gave his full name to a Rufflet. Minho is a Sneasel, Felix a Thievul and I have yet to decide on the rest of the boys.’

‘Which one would be me?’ Judging by the suggestive tone of curious eyes and barely noticeable pout, there is the clear hope of a comparison with an awesome creature. The tightened grip on the hips betrays it too, blatantly so. Almost forcing the unknown comparison to one’s personal preference. 

‘Without a doubt, you are Zacian, the giant warrior wolf with a sword in its mouth.’ A deep sigh cannot be helped at the thought of the game’s challenge which does absolutely not allow for failure. ‘The legendary Pokémon of the Galar region. Dammit, Channie! Why do you have to be so elusive and exclusive?’

‘Because I’m an amazing catch.’ The cheek is turned by slender fingers, compelling lips to join in a playful giggly kiss which is broken up by a smug remark. ‘And warriors are not so easily bound to a master. You told me even Beowulf reluctantly helped a king, only to settle his father’s debt. 

‘Although,’ the train of thought is easily altered by hooking a digit under the silver necklace that was given as a birthday present, pulling the tease in yet holding off from melting into another kiss by backing away to continue the battle of wits and enjoy the small adorable whine of disagreement, ‘with the right trainer, I suppose I could make a deal.’

‘I plan on winning all gym badges and make myself worthy of the wolf.’

‘You will still have to win in that final fight. Until then, think you can take me on?’ Brows furrow in a suddenly hard-fought battle for concentrated control. Funnily contradicting oneself, the domestic koala shifts positions to hover over the coy soul who was able to tame the beast beneath the roof, faces inches apart and the Switch tucked in the small space between bodies.  

Which becomes noticeably narrower when transforming Innocence into Sensuality by creating the image of what might be given after testing out the waters of victory and win in a Pokémon battle. ‘I have more than enough times in this bed.’

To make up for the victory and erase any negative unspoken feelings. 

Though the soft growling suggests impatience, unwilling to be kept on a leash any longer. ‘Don’t change the subject. You’re fighting unfairly.’

‘Am I?’ The device is put aside on the bedside table, ankles hooking behind the waist to coax a hard shape into the warmth between the thighs as hands rest on broad shoulders. A much-appreciated action evidently, breath taken away by the friction between two concealed forms of wanting and nails digging into the skin beneath the comfy black printed fleece vest.

And the chest now making escape entirely impossible, hearts racing in harmony. ‘Yes. You’re distracting me.’

‘Says the person who’s distracting me from gaining those badges.’ Enough coherency lingers to remain cheeky. Bashful enough to lean in and utter a final double-sided statement of defiance. ‘I bet I can easily best you.’

But two can play that game, apparently. 

‘I think you’re wrong, babygirl. Or do I need to remind you of how good I am?’

‘Grab your Switch and bring it on.’ The challenge is accepted with a scoff which clearly started having different expectations in regards to the order of events. Fortunately, a sweet quick peck cures most of the shallow grumpiness as Chris is dismissed from the sheets. ‘And give me all you’ve got.’

‘Oh, I will. I always do.’

As became apparent in the few battles between teams.

The wolfish actions that followed unspoken hard feelings unhappy with the outcomes of the fights.

And a broken headboard in the morning.

[sephirotha]

Will we see a part 2 to Poor Unfortunate Stella? Octo-Ardyn is so creepy I love it!

Poor Unfortunate Stella

Happy Ending

And now, Sephirotha presents the twisted, dark creepy Octo-Ardyn in an alternate ending.

--------

Stella’s eyes hurt.  She let her legs dangle over the pier, her feet getting splashed by the gentle waves of the sea.  She shivered a little as she cast her eyes up at the sun steadily setting over the horizon. She swallowed.

She failed.  Ravus was cold, unapproachable and couldn’t even be bothered to eat dinner with her and his younger sister, Luna.  Stella tried to take solace in what memories she had on land, before she would be turned into a daemon.

Luna took to her almost immediately, but perhaps that was because she had been lonely as the princess of her own kingdom.  Stella knew all to well of the isolation.  At least she had been blessed with a twin brother and a clumsy, curious merman for company.

Stella smiled bitterly.  She’d always wanted a sister.  Perhaps if she’d taken a deal where Luna would have granted her humanity permanently, she wouldn’t be a weeping mess, waiting for her last minutes to ebb away.

After all, it wouldn’t do to just turn into a flopping mess in the middle of the castle.  Even if it was in front of Luna, she had the awful feeling Ardyn’s curse would just turn her into a daemon and she’d hurt her.

Another tear rolled down her fair face as the sky began to turn darker. She heard something break the surface of the water.  She turned away.  She had an inkling who it was.

“Why is it that every time we meet, I see those beautiful eyes full of tears?”

Yup.  And let’s hope he left the ink in his damn cavern.

Stella moved to the side as a couple of tentacles landed near her, pulling the warlock out of the sea.  Ardyn settled beside her, reaching out to push their hair out of her face. Stella slapped his wrist away and he frowned.

“Really, you ought to be nicer to your uncle,” he said as his tentacle went around her body and finished pushing the hair out of her face.

Stella lifted her legs and turned her back to him, hugging her knees to her chest.  Ardyn sighed.

“And do look at me when I’m speaking to you.  Really, where are your manners?”

Stella shoved the tentacle that settled on her shoulder off.  She turned her head, her mouth forming words that she was unable to voice.  Ardyn wrapped a tentacle around her ankle and spun her a hundred and eighty degrees, holding her in place whilst folding his arms.

“I will chalk this rude behaviour up to you being distraught,” he said as two tentacles snuck around her abdomen and brought her closer.  “Must I really put up with this melodrama?  It isn’t the end of the world to be mine.”

Stella’s hands pressed against his chest as she managed to maintain an arm’s length of distance in the very least.  She gave him a questioning look as he cupped her face, his thumb gently stroking her skin.

“Ah, already forgotten our terms of agreement?” he chuckled as he pushed closer.  “It was live happily ever after with either your human or me.”

Stella’s questioning expression turned into horror in under a second.  Ardyn grinned wider as he pulled her closer still, his forehead pressed against hers. He wrapped one arm around her waist and gripped her hand with his spare hand.

“Oh yes.  It matters not if you somehow slithered out of my deal, you’d be married off sooner or later.  Why waste your affections on the common merfolk, when I can enrich your mind, body and soul?”

Stella struggled in futility as he squeezed her hand.

“Now, I have something to return to you, dearest.”

Stella’s eyes widened as he crushed his lips into her.  She wriggled as his hold on her grew stronger, pressing her into his chest.  Something went down her throat and she gagged, whimpering as she tried pushing him away.

She let out a gasp when he finally broke the kiss, turning away from him.  Her lips wobbled as she tried not to burst into more tears.

Ardyn smiled as he licked his lips.  “The first of many, my darling.  Ah, your voice was wonderful company to have.  Alas, I do believe it would be even sweeter coming from your lips.”

Stella glared at him as he let one arm go down and scoop her legs up. “Creep!”

“Your pet names could use some work, but we do have eternity to work on it.”  Stella thrashed as he picked her up, holding her close and facing the sunset.  “Just a few more moments…”

Stella kicked her legs and tried to shove her palms into his face. Ardyn leaned away from her hands and squeezed her leg.

“Dearest, if you move them like that, the transformation back will be more painful.  Do try to keep them still and together.”

“Let me go!  I’d rather die than be your plaything!”

“So hurtful are your words.  After listening to this voice tell me such sinfully sweet longings, you wound me, my star.”  Ardyn glared at Stella, his nails digging into her shoulder.  “We had an agreement, Stella.  I have your signature as proof of your commitment.”

Stella’s stomach dropped as one tentacle presented a scroll before unravelling it.  Ardyn lifted it so she could see her signature glaring at her smugly before her eyes.

“Perhaps you should read the fine print next time,” he muttered and rested it in her lap.

Stella’s hands shook as she picked up the bottom part to look at the words glumly.  Ardyn pressed a kiss to her forehead, shifting her so he could rest her head on his shoulder.  

“You are to be my queen.  You are to be by my side for all eternity.  You shall give me heirs, grant me the family that your ancestors denied me.” Stella dropped the scroll and Ardyn wiped away another tear from her eye.  “As if I could turn my beloved into a mindless daemon.  Not with your face…her face…”

Stella looked down at the sea with defeat in her eyes.  Her breath hitched and she closed them, her hands reaching for her legs.  Ardyn felt the change through the cloth of her dress and held her closer.  Stella sobbed against him as he caressed her lower body, eyes trained on her feet.

Once the last of the sun’s rays were gone, Ardyn was caressing Stella’s tail.  The princess wept harder, covering her face.  Ardyn pulled one hand away and squeezed it.

“Now, now, this isn’t the time for tears,” he chastised her gently. “Let us return home.  This is a new chapter in our lives, let us embrace it.”

Stella glared at him as he tightened his hold before leaping into the dark sea with her.

[tenoutofonehundred]

I’m wishing for the one I love to find me

I’m currently obsessed with Henry Cavill while in quarantine, and I am also very gay for Lily Collins so I made this! Link is to my Ao3 version. https://archiveofourown.org/works/23238784

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?“ 

 The queen looked deep into the eyeless face before her, daring the face say any name but hers. The face is silent for longer than it should be and the queen grows impatient. 

 "My Queen, for eighteen years you have been the fairest woman in the kingdom. But now…the title passes to another. Snow White, your stepdaughter.”

 The queen shakes her head, fear growing in her eyes, “She died years ago! The huntsman killed her when she was thirteen! I have her heart!” She grabs the box from its pedestal and opens it to show the apparition. The face merely stares at her before going cloudy. The fog clears to reveal the woman in question: Snow White. Happily trudging up a hill to a lighthouse on a cliff, to meet a girl with a red hood. 

 "IMPOSSIBLE!“ The queen raises the box and throws it to the ground, shards of wood flying everywhere. A feral snarl takes over her picturesque face. “The hunter who was supposed to kill her so long ago has failed. Even as a wretched werewolf he was unable to kill her!?”

 The queen screams and rips her books from her bookshelf, throwing them across the room in rage. When the red subsides from her vision she pants heavily on the floor. A book had fallen open during her tryst and lies before her. A smile cuts across her face as she reads the description.

 "Very well. I will curse him with insatiable hunger until Snow White is truly gone for good!“ 

 Into the woods~~~~~~

 Snow White maintains her pure demeanor from childhood, but her eyes now carry the weight of her kingdom. After the huntsman had failed to kill her, she had been taken in by a group of dwarves who worked as Robin hood bandits. They taught her swordsmanship and survival in the unforgiving woods. Now she escorts the child of the lighthouse keeper into the woods to visit her sick grandmother. 

 "What’s it like? Adults taking you seriously? I wish my parents saw I wasn’t a kid anymore…” Red riding Hood prattles on about adolescence while Snow keeps an eye out for danger. Even so, she still has a playful spark. “I have more responsibilities as an adult. One of them is keeping you safe.” Snow laughs, flicking the hood off Red who glares and yanks it back on.

They’re not too far before they come upon the fork where the main road hits the shortcut. Snow looks down both paths before nodding,“We’ll take the shortcut.”

 "Mother said not to!“ Red blurts, then slaps a hand dramatically over her mouth. Snow lets out her tinkling laugh and places a reassuring hand on the smaller girl’s shoulder.

 "Yes, but you have me.” Snow pats the handle of her rapier before heading down the darker, denser road. Red shrugs and follows. 

 Much too near for comfort~~~~ 

 The werewolf runs through the forest, silently but deadly. The only thoughts in its head are primal commands: hunt, feed, kill. A small dear is unlucky enough to fall in the path of the beast. The werewolf barely stops to consume the mangled deer before taking off again. The blood attracts a man on a large white horse. The trail of blood leads into the woods. The horse is urged by its rider to canter into the dark recesses of the forest. 

 On a bridge over a river~~~ 

 "Oh no. It’s the three Ashley’s.“ Red shudders and mimes gagging as Snow frowns at the three girls spitting on innocent passersbys. 

 "They don’t seem like they’ll be much of a problem.” Despite Red’s protests she squares her shoulders. Snow marches to the bridge as Red trails behind, fervently wishing to be invisible.

 "Uh oh! What us THAT? A zombie? LOL! I guess they ran out of flour for your makeup!“ The Ashley’s high five as Snow steps onto the bridge. She gets to the center before the children block her way.“Hold on sister! You gotta pay the toll!” Snow looks down her nose at the blonde girl almost the same height as her in roller blades. 

Really? Is this bridge owned by you or by the kingdom?“ The children glance with confusion at each other,“Because last I checked, the kingdom owned it, therefore I demand to see your seal from the lord allowing you to collect a toll.”

 "Ugh! Fine, you don’t have to pay! Geez old lady, what crawled up your pants and died?“ The bubble gum pink girls move to the side to allow Snow and Red through, grumbling loudly to each other.

 Snow confidently steps past, with Red following closely on her heels, less confidently. "Wow. You sure handled them well!” Red’s eyes sparkle with admiration as Snow shakes her with a sad expression.

 Several minutes later on the bridge ~~~

The werewolf knows he’s approaching his prey, smells the fear from Red before the bridge. The Ashley’s barely have time to scream before they are swallowed into the black abyss of the wolf’s stomach. 

 Back in the woods~~~ 

 "That’s the third trap we’ve almost stepped in! What kind of hunter leaves traps everywhere?“ Snow angry resets a tree trap near the area by the road they had stopped for lunch. While her back is turned, Red quickly steals a couple cookies meant for her grandma. The container seems a little more bare than it was when the two set out. 

 Snow shakes her head before sitting next to Red on the log. With a grin she playfully bumps her shoulder into Red’s. "Sooooo, any cute boys in town?” Red turns the same color as her cloak, staring intently at the leaf covered ground.

 "Um, no. Nope. No one. Boys are kinda gross.“ She stammers before her face twists into a grimace. Snow laughs at her obvious disgust at the thought of the boys in her town. "I’m sure you’ll find-” a scream cuts her off, and she jumps to her feet, sword out in a fighting stance. She blindly reaches behind her to shield Red, who clings to her basket in fear.

 In the trap that Snow had just reset hangs a large man in a sheepskin jacket, groaning in confusion. "Excuse me sir, are you alright?“ Snow tentatively asks, watching him writhe upside down.

 He looks up and gives the two a sheepish smile. "Well, yes, but all the blood is rushing to my head he he….think you could get me down?” Snow glances at Red before nodding. Red creeps with Snow as her shield to the ropes holding the trap up. The man falls with a thud as it’s undone.

 "Thank you kindly. You’re both just so sweet…“ He advances on the two, and just as Snow raises her sword in preparation his teeth grow larger and sharper, nails growing into claws as he reaches out- A bang breaks the tension. 

The man howls and takes off into the woods. Snow whips around to look at where the noise came from. She squints and grunts as she is forced to look into the setting sun to see their savior.

 "Are you alright?” The man asks, musket still aimed at where the man had been. “Talk to my attorney Cowboy.” Red snaps before she can stop herself. Snow squints and shushes her rude tone. 

 "Talk to mine. You’re on my property.“ The man seems more amused at the small girl’s snarky comment than offended. "Did you untie that trap?”

 “Yeah. You need to be more careful about where you put those traps! You caught that man and almost caught us!” Red moves out from behind Snow to glare up at the hunter, hands on her hips. Snow sighs and sheathes her sword.

 “That wasn’t a guy. That was a werewolf.” Snow’s head shoots up, eyes wide with fear. Her skin turns paler than its usual shade. 

Red is just as quick as Snow’s reaction, causing the hunter to focus on her. “Yeah right! I bet you made that up!” Snow grabs Red’s arm protectively, dragging her back several steps, while shushing her again as the hunter stiffens in his saddle. 

 “You’re just a spoiled little kid. Look down at your Gucci’s, angel.” Both Red and Snow look down to see paw prints scattered where the man had been. The prints were far too large for any natural animal to have made.

Dismounting, the hunter advances on the pair as Snow moves to place her hand on her sword. “That werewolf attacked and killed both of my parents.” Snow can feel Red go lax against her and she glances down in concern.

 Red is staring with her mouth agape at the hunter. Snow glances back up and sees why. The hunter is dashing, now that Snow can see him out of the glare of the sun. Soft brown curls frame his suntanned face, his green eyes reflect the sun and make them look like a stained glass window.

 “Thank you for protecting us. We appreciate it.” Snow nudges Red who stares transfixed at the man. He walks over to his trap and Snow catches him trying to hide a smile.

 “Who are you?” He has given up and is almost laughing as he turns to look back at Red, who turns her respective color and rushes through her introduction, words blurring together as she tries to expose as much of herself as she can.

 “Who, me? Everyone calls me Red riding hood. Because I always wear this red hood!” The hunter is smiling in amusement at Red’s clear infatuation, and Red is stammering even harder as his dashing smile lights up his face.

 Snow watches with fondness and smiles at the young girl in her charge. The hunter seems to notice this and turns his attention to Snow. “My name is Hunter. You must be her sister.” He extends his hand and Snow takes it. Before she can shake it, however, he brings it to his lips and places a soft kiss on the back.

 “My name is Snow White.” She can’t hide that she is charmed by the rugged beauty of the hunter, and doesn’t try to hide her gaze as she checks him out. “You are mistaken though. I am not her sister. I am her escort.” 

 “Well I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I didn’t escort the escort to the road. Follow me, Snow White.” He smiles and slowly drops her hand as if he didn’t want to let go. 

 Red’s face twitches in jealousy and blurts out, “So how do you know that guy?” The trio fall into line on the narrow path; Snow leads, with Red walking her bike behind her and craning her neck to look back at Hunter, who walks his horse.

 “I told you. The werewolf killed my parents.” He explains to the clueless child that werewolves can change at any time, and can take the image of their last victim. Red drinks it in with rapture. Snow remains quiet as he describes the horrific incident that took his parents. 

 “I’ve met this man before. He tried to kill me too.” Snow says softly. Hunter is too far away to hear but Red stops short in her tracks, causing the huntsman’s horse to snort in alarm at the sudden halt.

“He tried to kill you?” Red is staring in disbelief at her guardian. The beautiful adult she had always idolized had survived a werewolf attack. She now knew why Snow practiced her swordsmanship for so long 

 “It was a long time ago. He lied to the queen and said I was dead. The queen must have found out that I’m still alive.” Snow suddenly went pale as her face dawns in realization. Twirling to grab Red, she brings the child closer, “Red, we have to hurry to your grandmother’s, she could be attacked.”

 Snow is barely containing her anxiety, her whole body twitching from the need to run. Red takes her hand and squeezes it. “Its OK Snow. The wolf isn’t after me. Hunter can walk me to the road. You go on ahead.” 

 Snow looks torn, and looks up at Hunter for guidance. He sends her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry angel, I’ll get her to the road safe and sound.”

 “Thank you. You’re too kind” Snow whispers before turning and running into the woods. Its several seconds before the two left standing in the forest can no longer hear her footfalls.

 At grandma’s house~~~ 

 The wolf can smell Red faintly from his position near the house on the cliff. He knows that she’s not inside, but the human part of his brain knows she will be. He sits down to wait. 

 The wolf doesn’t have to wait long. He hears Snow White running to the house. He howls to let the queen know of her presence. The queen appears beside him in a puff of fog, summoned by his howl. She watches Snow White head for the house.

 “Let’s pay a visit, shall we?”

 Running through the woods~~~ 

 The only thing Snow White feels is panic. She brought this here. The wolf was here because of her, and anyone who died was her fault. She skids to a halt, panting and gasping for breath. Thoughts stream through her head; the memory of her mother dying, her father being poisoned by her stepmother, the huntsman trying to kill her once again. The responsibility she had to the town to keep them safe.

 Snow sinks to the ground, pants turning into sobs. “I should have let him kill me the first time!” She sobs, barely breathing as the tears continue to flow. 

 The tears stop an incalculable time later. All she knows is the moon is higher than it was when she had stopped. Sniffing, Snow gets to her feet and prepares her sword. Setting her jaw, she looks to the house.

 “I’m coming for you huntsman. This ends tonight.”

 Inside the house~~~

 The wolf takes the form of the grandmother, getting into her bed and waiting for Red Riding Hood. The queen puts on her own disguise: an old woman making apple cider. 

 The expected knock sounds at the door. “I’ll be right there! These old bones aren’t as spry as they used to be!” The queen cackles and hurries to the door. Snow points her sword at her face as soon as it opens. 

“Where’s Red’s grandmother.” She asks in a polite tone as she herds the old hag inside with her sword and closes the door. She smiles politely but coldly, her eyes icy as she crowds the hag further in.

 “She’s sleeping dearie! She is sick you know! I’m her good friend from down the road.” The panic in the old woman’s voice has Snow lowering her sword sheepishly.

 “I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” The old woman relaxes and hobbles over to the kitchen to show her the apples as Snow sheathes her sword.

 “Would you perhaps like an apple? You did come all this way.” Snow takes the offered apple in reconciliation. The peel is too red, too shiny. However, she has also not eaten since lunch, and by now the moon is high, casting shadows in the dark house. 

 “You’re very kind. Thank you.” The first bite confirms the apple is perfect: the inside is crunchy and sweet. It’s the most delicious apple Snow has ever had.

 The queen watches Snow fall to the ground. She lets out a cackle as the apple rolls across the floor from Snow’s limp hand. The old woman brings out her dagger- and stops as the door swings open. 

 Red steps into the dark house. “Grandma? I brought you soup!” Looking around, Red lights a candle and starts up the stairs. Opening the door to her grandmother’s room, she finds several lit candles around the bed. “Grandma?”

 The wolf stares at her from his disguise. But something isn’t right and Red knows it as she feeds her grandma the soup.

 “What big eyes you have grandma…” the light glinting off those eyes is too bright. “And what big ears you have grandma…” the wolf is losing control over his form, beginning to turn in response to his meal creeping away. “WHAT BIG TEETH YOU HAVE!” Red screams as the wolf lunges at her. 

Bolting down the stairs, she aims for the door but the wolf is too fast. He leaps over her head and snarls at the small girl. Red screams again and runs into the kitchen, desperately opening drawers looking for a knife or anything to hurt the beast with.

 Semi-human laughs spill from the werewolf. “There’s no place to run!” He lunges at Red, who barely dodges him. Back to the living room she grabs the sharpest object she can find: steel knitting needles. Just in time, the werewolf is upon her! Plunging the needle straight into his chest, Red gasps as the wolf’s own momentum impales him further on the needle. 

 He howls in agony and falls to the ground at Red’s feet. She stares, gasping at her own deed before running out the door. The wolf angrily rips the needle out of his chest and watches it heal up. Red is almost to the tree house when the wolf gets her.

 Right in the doorway, the last thing she sees is Snow White in a gold and glass coffin before being swallowed by the wolf. His task finished, the wolf stops. The command to kill has left along with the insatiable hunger.

~~~

 Reverting to his human form he falls to his knees. “What have I done?” He whispers, bringing his hands to his face. There’s no sign of the monster beneath his skin. Skin that glows in the moonlight. His shoulders shake with sobs.

 “End my suffering!” He wails to the moon. The moon who views his deeds with a cold eye, and is both judge and surveyor of them.

 The crack! Of a gun breaks the silent forest. The werewolf stiffens, then falls forward. Hunter lowers his gun and presses his lips together.

 The body of the werewolf explodes and people appear everywhere just as the sun peaks over the horizon. The sky lights up in shades of red and orange as the people rejoice in their freedom.

 Embracing his parents, they share a tearful reunion, as friends and neighbors cling to each other in glee. Red hugs her grandmother, and promises to never, ever go into the woods again. Hunter looks up, hoping to see Snow among the crowd of survivors. His smile drops as he looks around, panic slowly settling in.

 As the people begin to return to their homes, he still sees no sign of Snow White. “Red, have you seen Snow?” She shakes her head as her grandmother thanks him profusely. Soon it’s only Hunter and his family with Red and her Grandma. Still no signs of Snow White. 

 “Wait! I just remembered! She’s up there!” Red points to the tree house. Hunter rushes to climb to the house. Red starts after him but is stopped by her grandmother. “This is something that only needs two people.” 

 Hunter pauses at the top of the stairs. He imagines Snow White’s body with a dagger in her heart. Steeling himself, he opens the door and steps in. 

~~~

 The newly risen sun shines on a coffin of gold and glass, and on the body of Snow White. She has a new, white dress that reflects the sunrise; gold and red lights dancing across the walls. 

Hunter can only look at her body before falling to his knees. “I’m sorry Snow White. I’m sorry.” He leans over to place a kiss where he wanted to put one since he saw her. A soft kiss on her rose red lips that taste of strawberries. He rests on her side, tears quietly tracking down his cheeks.

 “Hunter?” He shoots up the weak sound of his name, gasping as he looks into Snow White’s beautiful brown eyes. “Snow!” He grasps her as she sits up, helping her to sit, embracing her once he can. “I thought I lost you.”

 “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” This time it is Snow White who kisses first. Hunter picks her up during the kiss and stands.

 “What are you doing?” Snow laughs as he carries her bridal style out of the small room.

 “You know, I don’t think you can walk. I’d better carry you.” He looks smugly at Snow as she smacks his chest while laughing. He thinks her laugh is the most beautiful sound he’s ever heard, her smile the most beautiful sight he’s ever seen. 

~~~

 Red squeezes her grandmother’s hand in disappointment. Her grandmother looks down at her crestfallen face and croons sadly. “Its alright. I’ve got ice cream in the freezer.” Red nods and follows her inside, taking one last look at Hunter as he sets Snow down and introduces her to his parents. 

 Snow looks just like a bride, she thinks before she closes the door firmly behind her.

Unseen by the crowd, the huntsman had slipped into the woods, curse lifted and now completely free

 The sun shines on the fallen figure of an ugly hag; crushed on the rocks below a tree house attached to a house on a cliff.

  ~And they all lived happily ever after ~ 

~~~~~The End~~~~~

[adara-of-the-flame]

the-name-is-hoggle

When Selva mentions Jareth getting his name wrong during their past confrontation, Hoggle can’t help sighing out a soft "He says the wrong name on purpose” in exasperation. Truly the blond man could be so immature at times it was astounding, despite having always been a fully grown adult. No wonder he’d tried to win over a literal teenager in the past- too bad she proved to be too mature for him!

His brows furrow when the Summer Queen continues, taking them in as she drops some gems of information. Namely, that the other high fae didn’t actually know what was up with Jareth. Which surprised the dwarf greatly, honestly. How did the other monarchs not even have an clue….?

Mars’ mentioning of this Bowie-knife person again barely registers to him, other than to remind himself that he has to explain to her that the work of human bards and artists really hadn’t crossed into fae culture after Shakespeare and all of those ballets…..

“Really? You guys don’t know….? From what Beetleglum told me, The Owl King and Jareth- or him as a baby I guess? - fell into some weird machine together and sort of…mixed…?”

He softly claps his hands together once as they begin to pass over the Stolavor Urngorr. Seemed dwarves had a long history in the region if their words were used to name landmarks….and Selva was correct. Dwarvish always sounded cooler.

“They melded together like molten metals and became a being who’s of the two…? Or something…? Frankly, he was never clear on what exactly he meant by that. But I always took it to mean that all of Noctus’ knowledge was passed to Jareth…..”

Hoggle suddenly shakes his head lightly,

“I guess that isn’t the case….”

adara-of-the-flame

To her credit, the Summer Matriarch didn't drop them. "Old Noctus Labryinthus and his machines. I always figured he'd fall by one of his inventions one of these days." The hot air in her voice had increased from a summer breeze to an uncomfortable swelter.

"Did you know him?" Despite the stillsuit, Mars found herself needing to fan her face.

Selva Roja chose her words carefully. As much as the Alpha-fiery reveled in gossip, some stories were not her's to tell. Even fairies can know respect. "Not closely. More like aquaintances. Noctus and I worked with some of the same people, so it made sense we'd occasionally meet." She confided truthfully.

The mountains were practically upon them by now. Mars could make out the sturdy, angular architecture of the surface dwarves who'd made their home in Selva Roja's tropical biome. Paradise in the crags of mountains high above the clouds. What a world.

Idly, the half-Urru's mind went back to that red-headed dwarf in the tropical print shirt. She didn't understand what they were saying, but something about them told her they'd at least passively made fun of Hoggle. She frowned, and wrapped an instinctive arm around his much smaller shoulder as the Summer Queen made her landing.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

the-name-is-hoggle

Hoggle’s brow furrowed in confusion, a few loose strands of hair fluttering lightly in the wind.

Jareth? In the Summer Realm?

The dwarf gives a distracted but polite Hello to the humming bird before turning his attention back to Selva. Allowing the bird to remain on his shoulder.

“Why is Jareth trying to sneak about your realm? I…is is because of us? Me? He was caught spying on us in the Spring realm too…”

He frowns thoughtfully.

“He’s been really concerned with this whole thing…..actually…it’s all his fault, really. Dumbass shouldn’t have forgotten that the Bog of Stench was Spring Realm territory and then "given” it to me in a fit of petty rage.“

adara-of-the-flame

The Summer world below continued to slide smothely under the travelers as though Selva Roja was gliding on butter. "Of course it's because of you." She answered.

"Though...he kept getting your name wrong. 'Hogwart' and all that. He made up some nonsense about being worried about his, 'old groundskeeper'. Though, why would he bother with a disguise--and a stupid one at that--if his motives were so innocent?"

Mars' ears perked up. "What kind of disguise?"

"A goblin, believe it or not."

"Did he look like David Bowie? But, as a gobllin? A goblin-Bowie?"

"I don't know who that is, dear." Selva Roja finished patiently. "And, I don't think he so much forgot, Hoggle, as in, Jareth really didn't know. At least, that was the impression he gave me--while trying to pretend he knew exactly what was going on. "That coaxed a hot chuckle from the Alpha-Fiery's beak. "Truly, in the centuries since Noctus Labrynthus died, and the Stolen Babe just somehow miracuiously appeared in his wake, we've never been able to figure out what exactly he is. Or, why he seems to have most, if not all of the old kings powers. Or...why there was never a body found."

Whether the omnious pause that followed was intentional or not was interuppted at familiar moutains began to grow larger with their approach. "Annnnnd, here we are, back at good ol' Stolavor Urngorr." One of Selva Roja's enormous eyes glinted down at Mars. "That just means, 'Summer Mountains', but the Dwarvish makes it sound cooler."

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

the-name-is-hoggle

Hoggle had sat down on the palm of the Summer Queen’s hand and braced himself for the ride….only for them to just glide through the air instead. Despite multiple pairs of impressive wings being Selva’s chosen method of flight, there was only that initial rush of their take off to worry about.

Now it was just smooth sailing - smooth flying? Even the beats of the giantess’ wings were subdued. Pleasant background noise along with the wind. Hoggle needed to stop being thrown by the abilities of Court Fae….

Especially since he’d apparently be able to perform similar feats. Someday, anyway. If he proved worthy…

It honestly shouldn’t feel as daunting as it did. Jareth was hardly “worthy” of his station, at least he tended to act so, and even he had Ever-Presence. At least, it was something like it? The Goblin King seemingly always aware of whatever occurred within The Labyrinth. And able to appear around any corner he wished.

He’d once boasted to the dwarf that he knew the “layers” of the ever changing Labyrinth like he knew the positions of his own limbs. And could move them all with just as much ease.

Perhaps that was how Selva’s Ever-Presence worked as well?

“ShiverBells?…He’s the leader of the Winter Court, right?”

Hoggle finally replies, head cocking slightly to the side as he looked up at the Summer Queen curiously.

adara-of-the-flame

"They are." Selva Roja verified. "You'll be seeing them soon. I think at the rate going, you'll only need a week more in my kingdom before you're ready for winter."

Mars couldn't help but giggle. "Winter, right after Summer?"

"Ironically out of order, isn't it?"

"Is it because the Autumn Queen is still mad?"

"Ummm....yes and no." Selva Roja let an unusually awkward expression crease her features for a moment. "It's probably better this way--Cornucopia's share of Saisho No Me's abilities are a bit more...tricky."

The half-Urru seemed to undersand. "Sort of like, she's got the advanced lessons?"

"More or less."

"Why was she so angry that she shut everyone out of her kingdom?"

"That's private." The Summer Queen frowned. "But, I'm still glad you brought that up. I'm going to have to have a talk with her about that. ShiverBells and I both will, probably." Another pause. More pensive than one might expect from the jaunty Queen. Her eyes again turned towards Hoggle. "Speaking of which, Spring Prince...have you by any chance heard of anyone named, 'Skubbin'?"

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

the-name-is-hoggle

“Heh, you look good in a bun as well. Nice braiding…”

The tubes in the nose looked a tad bit concerning to Hoggle, but his friend didn’t seem to find them uncomfortable. So he wouldn’t worry needlessly for Mars. Otherwise, the bard’s outfit was really something. Formfitting and practical, she looked great… And like an actual bodyguard indeed.

Not that he felt he really needed one….so far there hadn’t been any sign of battle needing to happen…

His attention turns to the Summer Queen when she rises to her immense feet, the dust she shakes off somehow not reaching them at all. Even as small thin clouds puff out all around them. Hoggle blinks at the mention of Ever-Presense, would that really be the type of magic he could do? Someday…?

Leaving a pin in that thought, the dwarf makes his way to walking onto Selva’s manicured hand. Hoping he didn’t track any sand or dirt onto it all the while. He’d argue against such a transport method, but it definitely beat riding or walking out of the desert. So with lack of a better idea…

“Yes, let’s. I hope the others haven’t been too worried…”

adara-of-the-flame

Mars lacked any reservations when it came to the method of transport provided. The tall, lanky Half-Urru practically skipped onto Selva Roja's open palm.

"Well, now I hope everyone's settled..." A pair...another pair...and another pair of wings extended from the Summer Queen's back: What had at first been mistaken for fluffy attire spread long, powerful shadows over the sand. Uber-Fieries really had an advantage when it came to body parts. "And, we have....liftoff!" A jolt, a burst, and they were airborne.

It was surprisingly how smooth the flight was. Despite the imense size of the Summer Queen, despite the deep, rythmic flapping of her wings, it was almost as if they were sliding through air rather than flying. Whole cities and countrysides slipped under and away from them as they traveled.

"Selva Roja? What's Ever-Pressence?" Mars decided to make conversation.

The giant fiery looked down at them both. "Oh, that's something all fae monarchs have. It's kind of hard to explain. It's like...knowing everything that's going on in your kingdom, even if you're not there. And, the ability to be anywhere in your kingdom immediately, even if you're leagues away."

"Isn't that overwhelming?"

"Not really. It's not like you have to think of everything all at once, even if it's all there." She arched a perfectly mascaraed eye when she saw the Half-Urru's confused attempt at understanding. "I wouldn't think too hard on it, dear."

"But, what about Hoggle? Is he getting that, too?"

"Of course! But, not from me." A giant eye swiveled over to Hoggle. "You'll be getting that from ShiverBells. When you're ready."

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

the-name-is-hoggle

“Even if I am the poor choice, I wouldn’t have let her just hit the desert sands. I would’ve found a way to break her fall one way or another. I didn’t need magic to save a girl last time.”

Hoggle answers with the ghost of a grouchy huff, for a moment looking all the world just like he had at the start of the journey. Before the magic of Spring had started it’s work in smoothing out his wrinkles and sharper edges.

He could hardly argue against such a test. It was just the way fae worked. Especially with such high stakes involved. But still! Hmph!

The moment passed, and he then was walking across the platform to the side where the sand horse still waited. Grazing lazily at the few remains of cacti in the “front yard” of the castle. Hoggle raised a hand and more plants began to grow around the cactus. Date, apricot, pomegranate, plums, various desert friendly citrus- the knowledge of which plants to grow for the area and climate came to the dwarf’s mind as if he’d always had it. And he knew he’d very much hadn’t just a few days before.

All the same, Hoggle just lets it come to him. Trusting the magic. He uses it as he needs to. Soon enough, there’s a fine selection for them to pick for breakfast. He grins at the handiwork for a moment before turning to the Summer Queen with a questioning look and a nervous show of hands.

“How’s that?”

adara-of-the-flame

"WOW! You did a great job, Hoggle!" Mars clapped all four of her hands. She raced over to the newly-created orchard, still clad in her pink-silk nightwear. The half-Urru was never one for formality.

After several minutes of frantically deliberating which fruit to try first, she settled on a plump apricot. ..Which she proceeded to place whole in her long, inhuman maw before chewing and spitting out the seed. Ah, the benefits of only being half-human. "It's delicious! Spring-fresh!"

"I should hope so. They came straight from the Lord of Spring himself." Selva Roja settled on a the more exotic choice of a pomegranate. "I agree. Sweet work, Hoggle. This is practically a new oasis in my kingdom now, I love it! And, as for you--" The giant Alpha-Fiery then turned her gaze to Mars, booping the girl on the snoot with a long, perfectly-manaicure claw. "You need to summon yourself out of those jammies and into something more substansial before you both melt out here."

Was she trying to teach Mars, too, or just making an order? It was hard to tell. Regardless, Mars licked her lips and agreed.

...Which was easier said than done. The half-Urru knew many songs, but so few of them were surprisingly about clothing. At least, the clothing she was looking for. She remembered her time in the little Fiery's glade: those were not the songs she needed now.

She regarded the desert sand around them. Save for the castle, the new orchard, there was nothing else. They were probably in for a day of travel. In the desert, in the dunes---

Wait!

"Oh, I got one! My sister would do it better on her guitar, but I think this'll work." She pulled her keytaur seemeingly out of nowwhere.

"Okay, so, I dunno if you guys know about this book called, 'Dune', but there's been like, three different movie versions. And, they're all great, in my opinion, but the soundtrack from the 1984 one has always been my favorite. TOTO did it. Can you believe it?"

And so, a desert of the Summer Realm became the first place where the opening score of 1984's Dune was played, flawlessly, on a simple keytaur, with a half-Urru's voice echoing eerily for miles through the sands.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

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Hoggle could only blink as Mars went on to talk about….whatever the hell she was talking about in concerns to her sister.

What was dreamfasting? He assumed it was some sort of long distance communication…? But done in sleep??

He knew what a school was but funding? Also how could protesting as a single person change whatever that was…? Let alone by sailing in a boat and playing music…?

What was Google??

“……Right….That sounds like….alot…”

Comes the diplomatic reply, Hoggle not feeling up to asking Mars all the questions he’d have to to make sense of what she’d just told him. He’s more than happy to be finally let go and have a nice stretch himself. Standing up from the bed as he did so.

When the Urru repeats her comment about the size of the room they were in, the dwarf finally had a look around. And found that she was correct. The green glass room they were in had not only grown in size but apparently new extensions had been added on over night. All Hoggle can do is gasp slightly in surprise before the Queen of Summer announced herself.

And then he was gasping once more at the sight of her eye through the window.

“Uh…..glad you like it….?”

Is all Hoggle can reply, giving Mars this confused look before venturing outside into the morning sunlight. He takes a few moments to adjust, using a hand to shade his eyes so he could look up at the giant fae monarch.

“We’re doing well, thank you ma'am! Just woke up…”

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"I can tell." Came Selva Roja's good-natured reply.

Mars emerged soon after, still sporting her pajamas and unbrushed hair. She just waved.

Selva Roja's grin grew wider. "Still sore about about me tossing you into the desert, I see?"

"It was a little scary." The half-Urru yawned. "I think I got more of a mouthful from my sister about it than anything. Hoggle made a big flower that broke my fall, though."

"Good. That's what he was supposed to do."

"...What woulda happened if he didnt?"

"Then, Saisho No Me would have choosen poorly, and we'd be completely without an heir to the Spring Throne." Such a heavy thing, spoken so easily, so freely. "So, little King, why don't you get some practice in, and summon some fruit for breakfast. And, your friend can summon a change of clothes."

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

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Everything new that Hoggle seemed to learn of the late King of Spring always veered towards the bittersweet. And this dream vision definitely was more of the bitter, more of the sad. Whatever this was, it was what had led the path towards the desiccated corpse Hoggle had met. One so desperate for rest and to revive the Spring Realm, that a dwarf like him had been acceptable for the throne.

Hoggle took it as a reminder to choose all of his actions wisely.

He awoke with no grogginess, and feeling actually well rested. Refreshed, even. Full awareness.

Mars still had her arms around him in a grip that had barely slackened in her sleep. How did she do that??

“Slept pretty well, uh, thanks for the all night bear hug?”

Comes the amused response from the dwarf, looking up at Mars with a raised brow.

“How’d you sleep?”

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"Pretty good." Mars admitted. "My sister and I long-distance dreamfasted. She's angry because they cut the arts and music funding at the school we used to go to, so she's thinking of doing a one-woman protest." The half-Urru spoke like her sister's choice of rebellion was not unusual, and was just another in a long line of attempts to change the status quo. "She talked about 'borrowing' a tugboat and blairing music up and down the docks as part of her seige. So, I reminded her she didn't know how to drive a boat, and she said you can find anything on Google." Mars sighed. "I'm a little worried about her."

Finally, she relented her four-arm death-grip Hoggle, stretching in the early sunlight. "I still think this place is bigger than it was last night." And, indeed, the walls and windows seemed higher; the room seemed wider. A quick inspection of the hallway turned up more rooms that Mars was certain weren't there the evening before. "I wonder if this means your cactuses are still growing?"

"Don't worry. They're not." A familiar voice chipped in. "It's a nice castle, I'll admit. I'll just chalk it up as a nice gift from your kingdom to mine, so thanks!" An enormous eye peeked in through the window: Selva Roja was sitting cross-legged in front of the castle. A red giant next to a green one. "How is everyone this morning?"

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

the-name-is-hoggle

Hoggle really didn’t dream often, and when he did they were dismal things that weren’t worth having. What he was used to, was the sleep of the exhausted. Fall into bed, get comfortable, and then pass into unconscious like the proverbial sandman had him by the ankles. Then nothing at all, until he awoke to his life of nothing.

Well, his former life of nothing.

So to suddenly find himself dreaming at all was a surprise. The even larger one was to realize….somehow…..that what he was seeing wasn’t something from his own mind at all.

He was being shown something.

Something important.

And it made his gut twist from the start. He’d heard and seen many a similar scene during his time on the road, traveling across all the fringes of places there were between the Blue Mountains and the Labyrinth. Death wasn’t the only Grand Equalizer….

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When is love not love?

That is supposed to be an easy question.

It's amazing how many out there get it wrong.

Love is patient, love is kind, love is giving.

Love is not control. Love does not threaten, love does not demand.

Easy. Right?

So, why are there so many who don't seem to understand?

And in the final stages of this dream-memory, as the shadow of the former Spring King relents and give in to the shadow of his demanding beloved, the leaves, the flowers, the very purity of the land around them grows a little paler. A little sicker.

Something festers in the land of the fresh and new.

Be careful who you love.

Mars stirred in her plush, emerald-silk bed as the first light of dawn: gold-turned veridian, filtered in through the green castle's glass. She blinked. "Hey, Hoggle, is it me, or is this room bigger than when we went to sleep?"

Then, she looked down. "Oh--OH! Hey, there!" The half-Urru couldn't resist a chuckle. "Sleep well?"

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

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If anyone had told Hoggle that he looked like he’d come from any sort of painting, he scoff at what was no doubt some sort of airy insult. Jareth was always full of those; insulting on two fronts instead of just one.

Mars though, even while red faced and blubbering, she looked sweet as could be. Dark hair as silky as the sheets in the dying firelight. He just tries to continue comforting her, encouraging the Urru to just use a spare bit of sheet to wipe her eyes and nose if necessary. Unsanitary perhaps, but since they lacked tissues…

The dwarf just blinks at Mars vehemence at the end, with the smooch to the forehead robbing him of whatever response he could’ve made. All he manages, face lightly flushed, is a grunt when he’s pulled along by Mar’s grip. Held as if he were a much loved plush doll while the bard finally passed out.

“…..um……”

A few feeble attempts to escape the trap and a sigh of defeat later, Hoggle too would give in and just go to sleep like that. It was just the pair of them anyway, right? It didn’t matter, just that they both got a good night’s sleep and then get going in the morning…

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Mars's dreams, as usual, overlapped with her sister's if both girls were alseep. If one was awake, it was a tossup between sinking into the other sister's subconsius, or just dreaming on her own. The half-Urru snored through her snoot; a light, airy, almost calming sound.

She continued to hold tight to Hoggle, who probably wasn't dreaming his own dreams at the moment.

The old Spring King was dead. Dead and happy. And, all that he bequeathed to Hoggle was now Hoggle's to do with what he wanted. Though...sometimes things imprint, overlap. Just a little. The magic had been Saisho No Me's, and now it was Hoggle's. And, magic remembers.

What is a bargain to a fae? A deal? A contract? Something that humans seem to toss around and throw away and forget at the drop of a hat. But to fae...

A bargain is life and death. It goes past the sign on the dotted line, past the seal, past the blood. It goes down to the soul. Down to the soul, down to the very essense of self. It kills, it forces, it pulls. And, it usually rewards. Why else would fae deal with something so powerful?

All faries, despite their careless, flipiant nature, from the tiniest slime to the highest-ranking ArchFae, always go by one singular rule: Never, ever break a bartain.

But...what if you have to?

'I want it.'

'I've already given you too much.'

'You don't love me.'

'No, I do. I do! I would not have bound myself to you if I didn't!'

'You don't! If you loved me, you'd give me what I want You HATE me!'

'Why do you always do this?'

'I HATE you! Give me what I want, or I'll never love you again!'

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”

[adara-of-the-flame]

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Absolutely one of the weirdest pep talks the dwarf had ever had. Probably the first pep talk the dwarf had ever had, if he really thought about it. And all Hoggle can do is blink through it, both weirdly amused and concerned for Mars at this point.

When one was not used to being cared about, suddenly being around someone who really really did care took a bit to process. He wasn’t entirely sure how to react, really. Though Hoggle was touched…

“Mars, breath. Breath and relax for me, huh? I, uh, am glad you hold me in such high regard.”

He tries, patting at the hands and arms that held his face.

“My life hasn’t been the greatest, but my path has led me to making good friends. Like Sara and Sir Didymus, and now you. So I think it will be okay, okay?”

He pats her arm once more, hoping it was comforting enough for the Urru to start to relax a bit.

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To any prying eyes...or, rolling eyes around, the pair seemed reminicent of an oddly shaped, renaisance sculpture. An intimate embrace among folded silk, bathed in emerald glow. Pretty, really. Even stunning, even if the subjects in quesiton were a bit wonky-looking. Even if they were just friends comforting each other.

It was still enough to give any spectator ideas...

Mars did her best to heed Hoggle's advice. Though, breathing slow amidst a sympathetic sob-storm wasn't easy. Her eyes drooped under her waterfall bangs. The whole thing had worn her out.

"You're gonna totally be King, Hoggle." The half-Urru finally uttered. "After all you've been though, you deserve it. You're gonna get that throne, you're gonna get that crown, and no one's ever gonna treat you like that again." She kissed him lightly on the forehead with that snoot, leaving a faint mark of pale, pink lipstick. "I'm gonna make sure of it."

And, then she flopped over, fast asleep.

...Would've been great, too, if she wasn't still gripping Hoggle.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the stench of this terrible blog…bleck!”