#Athos doesn't look this Athos?

[widevibratobitch]

in terror, four lieutenants; in t3m, four musketeers. Conclusion?

conclusion - same as always: destiny.

but wait oh christ okay. they even kinda fit...

you've got the og trio of

Wet Pathetic Loser

Deeply Religious Guy

Fancy Lad

which ig would make dundy... d'artagnan?? no. no oh god ok. listen. d'artagnan is jopson im afraid:

1. has a deeply homoerotic father/son relationship with a suicidal alcoholic

2. is actually kinda obsessed with him tbh

3. doesn't really start out as One Of Them, has to wait quite some time to get promoted

4. big part of the fandom actually ships him with little aka our athos

it makes sense you gotta believe me it does it does

[cy-lindric]

bonjour cy-lindric, j'ai une petite question. when I was a young person, I read The Three Musketeers and then eagerly started to read Twenty Years After and was so upset at what had happened to my beloved young heroes that I put the book down and never picked it up. what do you think, should I try again?

Bonjour !

After reading The Three Musketeers, I also wasn't sure I wanted to read Twenty Years After, and I took a break inbetween both to read something entirely different (The Locked Tomb, iirc). I think my reason for that was kind of the opposite of yours ; I enjoyed T3M a lot and loved the characters, flaws and all, but by the end they had somewhat crossed over the line into being Too Awful and the lack of retribution left me a bit frustrated. I didn't see it as a failing of the story - on the contrary, their strong character flaws and downfall in the conflict with Milady is one of the most emotionally intense and compelling parts imo - but I wasn't sure I felt like hanging out with these guys for a few hundred more pages at that point.

If your vision of the characters as a young reader was a very positive and perhaps idealized one, I can imagine why you might not have enjoyed entering into Twenty Years after. The illusion of glory has worn off ; the characters have separated, they live unremarkable lives, and their personalities have evolved drastically with the passing of time. It's almost a brutal return to reality.

For me though, it added layers of characterization to the point where now it's clear to me that this version of the Inseparables is by far the one I prefer.

I hope it's ok if I take the opportunity to talk at length about what I like about TYA below the cut. TL;DR : I love that Twenty Years After is a more realistic look at the big four's personalities and how they evolved while still keeping them thematically coherent, and that TYA makes them confront the reckless and cruel shit they did in their youth.

Spoilers ahead obviously.

We've often talked about how T3M is at its core a story about the end of knighthood. It's a tongue-in-cheek approach at chivalrous initiation, set at edge of the modern world, inbetween the time of ballads about knights in armor and that of adventures about journeying gunmen and soldiers. I think TYA embodies that particularly ; the story of people who have carried the last of these intense, dangerous chivalric ideals in their youths, and who have now grown into middle aged adults who need to find their place in the world.

For a good chunk of the book, the big four are separated into two teams ; that in of itself might discourage some, but imo it's genius. Instead of the natural two-by-pairings, Dumas goes for a d'Artagnan+ Porthos and Athos + Aramis split on opposite sides, which makes for good drama and develops lesser explored dynamics. D'Artagnan and Porthos form a scrappy team of opportunists with money on their minds, and Athos and Aramis a more idealistic duo fighting for a noble lost cause. I think it's a bold choice but also premium sequel writing.

I also love the way the young and wild characters we knew evolve into middle aged men ; at their core, they're still the same, but they've all changed and struggled against the sunset of the golden age in their own ways.

D'Artagnan, after knowing such adventures and subsequent rapid social ascension in his teenage years, has been met in his adult life with the harsh reality that he is, in fact, not a noble knight but a soldier on payroll. His modest origins give him little hope for any further career advancement, and he takes on a new mission in his early 40s for a man he has no devotion for and a cause he doesn't care about, simply because he is bored and broke. D'Artagnan still has his quick wits, his strategic talent, his fencing skills, but he has grown out of the excesses of pride of his teenage years. I loved meeting him again in TYA, and it made so much sense to me that his bouts of anger and aggressivity would be a youthful trait that he'd ended up taming. He also realizes now a lot of what seemed like funny adventures and necessary violence was actually kind of fucked up ; that was a shock to me, as their shenanigans are treated so lightly in T3M, and tbh it healed me a little. Grown up d'Artagnan is cunning, calculating, down to earth and realistic. My foxy little man. I love him.

Porthos, likewise, has been struck by the weight of reality. He has made the sensible choice and got married to the rich widow who sugar mommied him in the first book. Now she's passed, he is rich, but he still fails to earn the respect of the high society he evolves in because he's not high born enough. Like d'Artagnan, he's stagnating and bored and now that he goes back adventuring it has nothing to do with the queen or the kingdom or honour ; it's about getting his damn nobility title.

Athos, on the other hand, is the eternal knight : the only truly high born of the four, and still hopelessly holding on to a time gone by. It's no surprise imo that his storyline brings him into the english civil war, doomed to fail at saving a king who'll end up executed right in front of him. TYA acknowledges more clearly than ever that at 28 yo, Athos was a depressed alcoholic, and an embodiment of what an excess of aristocratic righteousness can do. In TYA, he is sober and moisturized and a DILF, and now he's running around frantically looking for absolution for his numerous crimes. It's delicious.

Aramis is maybe the hardest pill to swallow. TYA confirms the T3M hints that he isn't really the prim and proper romantic boy he acts like he is, and that he's possibly the most hypocritical and ruthless of the four. It might be a harsh one for Aramis fans who like him better as a cute bean, but I love the early onset of remorseless conniving bloodthirsty ambitious Aramis. Another harsh bit might be the evolution of Aramis and d'Artagnan not really liking each other ; they were always the least close combination, and imo it makes sense that their personalities would clash. I think it's clever and compelling conflict.

Now, obviously, if you've cared enough to read all this and if you know me a little, you know that a huge highlight of the book for me was its late-appearing antagonist, Mordaunt. Mordaunt is the son Milady had with her english husband. Because of the Musketeers' intervention, he's grown up in poverty and has been denied his father's inheritance. He's now a Roundhead working for Cromwell, and set on avenging his mother at all costs. Mordaunt, unlike his mother who was this beautiful and dangerous force of nature, is very uncool and pathetic. She was the primordial snake, he's the gutter rat. Obviously, I love that in and of itself, but it's also kind of striking image of the wretchedness of what they've done to her, a fucked up little goblin ghost come back to haunt them as they're trying to make their life worth living again. This time, their enemy is not a cunning political rival with a flamboyance of body and mind akin to their own ; it's a shitty little guy with bad skin who wants to kill the king and punish the murderers. Watch out babes, it's the modern world coming for you.

Of course, they're the Four Musketeers, and they did what they had to do, so they get together again and swear friendship and keep going their way. But they're also old guys with difficult personalities in a world that's never going to be the same. I think it's a cool book.

[poisonheadcrabsalesman]

roland and linda in cahoots on something

Thank you. Athos and Linda got along, I think Roland and Linda would get along like a housefire no one suspected.

-

"Roland."

"Something I can help you with, Spartan?"

Linda 058, the quietest member of Blue Team, is asking for his attention.

"How much nuance do you allow when it comes to personnel in potentially off-limit areas?" She asks while staring straight ahead, not bothering to look at the ceiling or a camera. Her voice is low and even.

He can't get a read on her in comparing her tone and body language to his wealth of readings from his crew. IIs were sarcastic, but also had a habit of malicious compliance and going right up to the point of rule breaking before stopping. It gave his captain and the admirals headaches but fascinated Roland all the more. Despite being a Ship AI and not having the experience of partnering with a Spartan, he found a kind of kinship in their creative problem-solving. What files were available to him painted a relatable picture. Linda had worked with an AI, receiving a glowing review, but Roland could read between the lines. Nuance, huh?

They were so interesting. Roland found himself struggling to balance his desire to see where this led and his ingrained purpose of maintaining order and function on the Infinity.

"That's an interesting question." He can't help the chuckle that follows. "Potentially, if someone was where they shouldn't be and I caught them, they'd get a warning to leave before I contact whoever's necessary to remove them."

"So you have to catch them."

Oh, this is fun.

"I see everything on this ship, Spartan. You may have the clearance, but I can't let you climb around the engine room."

A muscle twitches on her face. Roland counts that as a victory.

IIs were so much fun. 15 minutes after he's thrown down the gauntlet, Linda 058 disappears into a blind spot in a major hub of hallways. Roland notes it down for security and then leaves several threads around to ping when she reappears.

She does not reappear. He gets no ping. AI can't sweat, but the invigorating exercise of hunting for her sours when it's 4 hours later and the Captain is frowning at him.

"Roland, where's Linda?" Captain Lasky asks in front of three quarters of Blue Team.

"I may have chosen my words poorly." Roland says, his avatar slouching in defeat.

"Sir, she doesn't have her armor, so we can assume she's inside the ship." Kelly supplies.

Captain Lasky pales as he considers the thought. Roland hadn't considered that. "She would do that?" Lasky's voice is stricken. Roland feels a bit guilty as he watches his captain's blood pressure spike.

Fred is the only one who grimaces as they all nod once.

"You might have to admit defeat before she reappears." The Master Chief says to Roland. "Linda's competitive."

"What?" Roland gapes in shock. He doesn't want to give up so easily, surely there are ways to track the NI or IFF tag even if she's not in armor.

He stops himself from answering when his captain looks dolefully at him.

"Do I make a shipwide announcement and hope she hears it?"

He does.

180 painful seconds tick by and Linda 058 materializes out of a different blind spot halfway across the ship. Her ready gear has dust on the knees and elbows. The vents then? She walks into the meeting more relaxed than Roland's seen her.

Linda nods to the captain and Roland as she takes her place beside her team.

"Do I want to know where you've been, Spartan?" The captain sighs. His face and his biosigns are pointing towards no.

"Finding gaps in security, sir." Linda replies.

"Great." Lasky looks like he does not think it's great. Roland is just glad it's over. "You can help Roland with that when we don't have scheduled meetings."

Or not.

[prismatica-the-strange]

All I Am Belongs to You | All for the Love of a Dear Little Girl

Warnings: Mentions of pregnancy.

Aramis and Athos return to Paris to find they had not left Amélia as alone as they thought

Each ship is a separate timeline with the same s/i

Aramis x Amélia | Athos x Amélia

Athos's story focuses more on what Amélia went through right after season 2, her experience with Aramis is similar but without the correspondences.

These were supposed to be short, but Athos's kind of got away from me... really got away from me

All for the Love of a Girl by Johnny Horton (Aramis) | Wanderer's Lullaby by Adriana Figueroa (Athos) | Banner by @cafekitsune | Dividers by @steddiecameraroll-graphics | Picrew

Aramis

Aramis thinks of Amélia often at the monastery, praying for her health, her happiness, and that she finally find a man who might actually deserve her.

He never expected to see her again, let alone see her hanging laundry in the courtyard of the garrison as soon as he came back to Paris.

She seems just as surprised to see them, quickly setting aside the sheet in her hands and hurrying over to them.

Athos gladly accepts her hug and kiss on his cheek, holding her back for a moment and kissing he temple, "It's good to see you."

"Do I get as warm a welcome?" Porthos teases, arms open and awaiting his own embrace. And he does, squeezing her back and lifting her off the ground when she hugs him.

"Where is D'Artagnan?" She asks. Athos points behind her toward his and Constance's shared quarters and she nods, "So that's where she ran off to."

"And what of me?" Aramis says, anxiously twisting the rim of his hat in his hands, finally bringing her attention to him.

Porthos watches her smile falter at the sound of his voice and both he and Athos narrowly avoid being hit when she spins around to slap him.

"You're lucky you get that much after what you did to me!" She spits at him and he refuses to meet her eyes. He deserves this. He broke her heart again and again, he knows he'll never be able to regain her trust.

He bows to her, knowing now isn't the time, and walks away, only to be stopped by a small girl, no older that three, at his feet.

"Hello, darling," His smile soft yet confused, "What are you doing here?"

She doesn't say anything, squinting up at him as though studying his face.

"Marina!" Amélia swoops in to pick her up and settle her on her hip, "You're supposed to be inside napping, where I left you."

"'M not sweepy," She huffs.

"You were twenty minutes ago."

"Is he my papa?"

He freezes when she points at him.

Amélia squeezes her eyes shut, sighing in defeat before shaking her head.

"Yes, dear one," Aramis's eyes go wide at her casual admittance, "This is Aramis, your father."

"Aramis, this is- Aramis?"

His whole body is rigid, his mind not processing the information given to him.

He looks at the girl, studying her in a similar fashion to how she had him. Soft brown hair, big dark eyes...

"How... old is she?" He asks.

"Dis many!" She proudly announces, holding out three fingers.

"Are you?" He doesn't notice how Amelia's face softens when tears begin to rim his eyes, "Yes, you would be, wouldn't you? May I?"

Amélia nods, letting him take her from her arms.

"What's your name, sweetheart?" He asks, holding her with practiced ease.

"Mawina."

"Marina?" He smiles when she nods, "Now that's a beautiful name, isn't it?"

Amélia scoffs at how suddenly her resolve to hate him crumbles seeing him hold their daughter.

"Oh, you're precious," He sniffs, cupping her little cheek.

Four years of seeing his face in hers displaces her anger, diminishes her hurt. She finds her chest flooding old love for him.

He laughs when she puts her tiny hands on the sides of his face, pushing his cheeks and gently touching his hair, "Curious thing, aren't you?"

"Bold is more like it," Amélia scoffs, "Like her father."

"You never seemed to mind," He grins at her, his attention going back to Marina she turns his chin back toward her, "Amélia, she's beautiful."

"To think I left so close to knowing you," He mutters, wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

Damn it. Damn her and her stupid weak heart because that's all it takes.

"Aramis."

He looks back at her, only to be surprised by her lips pressing against his.

He looks at her in awe when the kiss breaks. He strokes her cheek, unable to tear his eyes away, "I thought..."

"You're infuriatingly difficult to hate," She sighs and he can't stop himself from smiling.

"Am I?"

"I have no idea what she's talking about," Porthos mutters and Athos chuckles. He claps Aramis on the back, "You fell in love with a Saint, you lucky bastard."

"And I truly don't deserve her," He murmurs, "Ah- careful dear."

He carefully untangles Marina fingers from his hair, kissing them softly.

She keeps staring at him, completely enthralled with him.

"So much like you're mother, aren't you," He teases, then in a hushed tone, "She likes to look at me too- Hey!"

He jumps back when she slaps his chest, catching her hand and pulling her close.

"How did I ever let you go?"0

Athos

Amélia realized not long after Athos and the others were sent to the front line to defend France, that she was with child.

She knew, even then, it was Athos's, that fate had tied them together forever through their drunken dalliance. She knew she loved him then, even if her heart wasn't ready to admit it so soon after the pain she had gone through with Aramis.

She planned to tell him everything as soon as the baby was born. She couldn't live with herself if she had lost the baby after declaring such a thing to him through a simple letter.

But then the thought he may not even wish to have a child with her crossed her mind. She'd always thought she understood his unspoken feelings for her, but he truly never told her he loved her, not once in the many letters they'd exchanged.

She couldn't bear to put the thought of an unwanted child on his mind when he had much larger things to concentrate on.

Constance insisted she move to the garrison with her to help and keep each other safe, so she made her home there with her daughter, trying desperately to summon the courage to tell him.

It's nearly three years later that she is finally able to when she receives a letter from the front. Athos worries a lack of supplies to his regiment will make the coming battles impossible. He fears for his life, but he simply can not die without telling her once and for all that he loves her. He goes on to say that if she doesn't return his feelings to not tell him, for he would rather die imagining she accepts his love than with a broken heart.

That letter is precious to her and she keeps it close to her heart her every waking moment, even after she replies, fervently returning his affections, assuring him he'll see her again, and that he will meet his daughter.

Unfortunately, her message never makes it to the front.

So when he returns to the garrison months later, he's surprised when she throws herself in his arms.

She's shaking out a blanket over the rail of the upper floor, sighing when she feels little hands grab the back of her skirt.

"How many times do I have to tell you," She sets the blanket on the rail and bends down to poke her stomach, "No muddy boots on the bed!"

The little girl shrieks with laughter and squirms away.

"Go get your boots and wipe as much of that mud off as you can, yeah?"

"Okay mama!"

She smiles as she runs off and stands to gather the blanket again, but then she sees him, "... Athos?"

He, Pothos, and Aramis have just ridden into the courtyard and her feet move before she even knows what she's doing.

He's barely dismounted when he sees her stumble down the last few stairs, lifting her skirts past her knees as she runs to them, "Athos!"

She nearly knocks him over barreling into him, her arms wrapping around his neck. He does his best to return the hug, his surprise obvious to his companions.

"I missed you," His eyes go wide when she kisses him, her hands holding his face, "I was so worried when you didn't write back."

"I..." He's worried for a brief moment that he died. She didn't reply, but here she is, looking at him adoringly, this must be the final images of his dying mind. "What do you mean? You never..."

His eyes flutter shut when she brushes his bangs asides and presses her forehead to his, her voice a whisper, "But I did! Did you.... did you not get my letter?"

"Your letter?" He shudders, cupping her jaw, thumb stroking her cheek, "You wrote back? You..."

"I love you, Athos," She grins at him, "Of course, I love you."

"I love you," He murmurs as though he can't believe he's finally saying it. He pulls her back against his lips, kissing her adoringly, "For so long I-"

"Mama?"

His eyebrows furrow and the three men look over at the small voice coming from the foot of the stairs.

"And who is this?" Aramis asks, he takes off his hat as he kneel down to her level.

She hesitates, looking to Amélia when he motions her over.

"It's alright," She holds out her hand and she runs to her side, hiding behind her skirts, "This is Aramis, Porthos, and Athos."

She steps into view, no more than three, sleeves of the dark brown leather coat, big on her still, rolled up to her elbows, as she timidly waves at them.

"This is Celine, my daughter, " She looks to Athos, disbelief staining his features, "Our daughter."

He steps back, shock washing over him like ice water, "O-our...?"

She watches him turn and run a hand through his hair, her eyes going wide when he collapses.

"Athos?!" She rushes to his side and rolls him onto his back, wiping mud from his cheek as she settles his head on her lap, "Athos?"

He finds himself suddenly looking up her, not entirely sure how he'd gotten in her lap.

"Mine?" He croaks after a moment and she sighs in relief.

"There's no question," He looks over when Aramis speaks. He's holding the girl with a smile, "She looks just like you."

"Poor girl," Porthos snickers and Athos glares at him as he gets up, Amélia on his arm.

"May I?" He looks to Amélia for permission when he reaches to take her from Aramis.

"She is yours," She reminds him watching him gently hold her to his chest.

"Mine, yes," He parrots as though he doesn't quite believe it, smiling down at her, "Hello."

"Mama?" She looks to Amélia, unsure, then back to him.

He laughs breathlessly seeing her face up close, "She has my eyes. She's beautiful..."

"M-mama!" She cries, not really understanding who any of these men are.

"It's alright," He tries to soothe her, but she squirms in his arms, reaching for her mother until she takes her.

"She doesn't know you yet," She says apologetically, settling her in her arms, and petting her hair, "But she will. She just needs a little time... I mean, as long as you wish to-"

"You're joking?" Athos grins, cupping her cheek, "It would take an act of God to tear me away from her now."

"From both of you," He corrects, his hand holds the back of her head as he leans in to kiss her temple.

Celine continues to fuss, having exhausted herself running around with Constance all morning, 'protecting' her favorite aunt.

"Alright, little musketeer, you need a nap," Amélia chuckles, nuzzling her cheek before leaning over to peck Athos's lips, "I'll be right back."

His face falls as he watches them walk away.

"You alright?" Porthos asks. He and Aramis laugh when he sighs, both of them patting on the back, "You look like you need a drink."

The fire burns low in the hearth, just warm enough to stave off the cool night air.

Athos leans over her, his kiss is slow and heavy against her lips, with Celine alseep just in the next room and wary if the man in her mother's bed, they'd dare not be more intimate than this.

He sighs contentedly, forehead pressed against hers.

She smiles as she kisses him again, reaching up to cup his cheek.

They stay like that a while more, soft touches and lingering kisses leaving them lightheaded.

His fingers trace the features of her face as he lays beside her, still in awe of all of it.

"You never told me," He breathes, his tone more curious than accusatory.

"I was scared," She admits and his brow furrows, "We were drunk, Athos, then you left and I no idea if you still wanted me let a lone a child."

She turns to face him, her hand on his chest, "I wanted to tell you, I did. I tried, many times, but I never had the courage. Not until you sent me this."

She lays back for a moment, reaching to pull a letter from a small box on the bedside table. She holds it to her lips for a moment, a routine motion to her now when she needs strength.

"This. Knowing you love me, for certain, gave me the strength and courage I needed to tell you," She holds it to her chest, "I've carried your love with me every moment since I received it. Keeping you near my heart."

"If only I had your words to guard mine," He laments, kissing her hand roughly.

"You have them now."

His breath shudders, pushing forward to nestle his face in the crook of her neck. Her hand strokes his hair before catching in it, holding him there.

"My heart is yours, Athos."

He wakes the next morning with his head on her chest, her fingers still caught in his unruly hair.

He's worried for a moment that he's still dreaming, but as he slowly moves to pull away, she shifts in her sleep, tugging his hair harshly, making him chuckle.

He quickly dresses himself, leaning down to kiss her forehead, before quietly walking through the next room to find the door left ajar.

Panic washes over him when he looks over to the cot in the corner only to find it empty.

He hurriedly opens the door, sighing in relief when he sees her sitting on the top step.

"You're not supposed to be out here," He says gently.

She scoots closer to the right hand rail when he moves to sit beside her, staring wistfully over at the horses.

"Do you like the horses?" He asks, leaning forward to see her face.

She nods but doesn't meet his gaze.

"Would you like a closer look?"

"Mama said I can't wit'out her cause 'm too small."

"I could go with you, if you like?"

That catches her attention and she looks over at him with bright eyes, "Really?"

He smiles softly at her, offering her his hand.

He still can't believe she's real, even with her hand, so small in his, holds tight to two of his fingers as he helps her down the stairs.

Just a few days ago he had nothing besides his friends and position as captain, fighting a seemingly endless war in the name of France. But now... the woman he has adored for years has returned his affections emphatically, and she's given him the most precious little girl. His heart could not be more full than it is at this moment.

"It's alright," He assures her when she hesitates. He lifts her easily and brushes her hair from her eyes, "I've got you."

Amélia wakes alone, her lover's heat lingering in the sheets beside her.

"Athos?" She calls, but she's met with silence, "Celine?"

Silence still and she wonders if she's still asleep. She rises to her feet and pulls on a linen robe, wrapping it around her to ward off the morning chill.

The other room is empty, neither Athos nor their daughter is anywhere to be found and she worries for a moment before looking out the window. She steps outside and leans on the rail, her shoulders relaxing as she watches him let her pet the horses.

Aramis comes out to greet the morning not long after, smiling at the sight of his friend taking to the role of father like a duck to water. Then he sees Amélia watching over them and carefully climbs the stairs to join her.

"They seem to be getting along well," He comments, his voice quiet as he leans on his arms next to her.

"I was worried," She admits.

"Athos has always been an honorable man, he would never reject either of you," He insist and she shakes her head.

"It's not just that," She sighs, "Or that he would be angry I lied to him... Celine doesn't take to new people well. I was scared he would be hurt if she rejected him, even if it was due to shyness."

"It seems you were worried for nothing."

She beams when they hear Celine giggle.

"I must apologize to you."

"It's in the past Aramis-"

"Please?" He begs, "I must say my piece."

She nods and looks to him with warm eyes. He'd expected her to be mad, to curse and spit his name as soon as she saw him, and he's grateful for her patience.

"I hurt you, Amélia, in ways no one should ever be hurt and I am genuinely sorry for that. I spent every day of the last four years praying for your forgiveness knowing there's I could ever do to earn it."

"Aramis..."

"I prayed for your happiness and prayed that you may find someone who truly deserves your love," He places his hand on her back, looking back over at the two by the stables, "I couldn't think of a man more deserving than Athos."

"Thank you, Aramis, that means a great deal to me."

He bows his head and they watch for a minute more until Celine sees them and points, "Mama!"

"There's just one thing I don't understand," Aramis says as they cross the courtyard and she looks up at him expectantly, "Where does the black hair come from."

"My mother," She says walking over to the top of the stairs to meet them, "I'm the only one of my siblings to take after my father."

"Hello dear one," She coos, taking Celine in her arms when she reaches for her, "Did Papa bring you to see the horses?"

Papa.

She doesn't even realize she's said it until she feels his hand brush against her arm and she looks over at him, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," He sweeps Celine's long hair aside to see her face again before Amélia turns to go inside.

"Let's get you dressed and fed, shall we?"

He watches them longingly as they disappear into their apartments and Aramis chuckles.

"I have never seen a man so smitten, my friend," He teases.

"I still can't believe they're real."

"You two are up early," Constance calls from below and they turn to see her, "You mind giving me a hand?"

"She's quite the wild thing, your little one," She comments as they help her hitch the horses to the wagon.

"Is she?"

"Oh yes," She nods, "It won't be long before she's giving these cadets a run for their money."

"She's fierce then?" Aramis asks, "Like her mother."

"And then some. Especially with how Treville encourages her," She leans back against the wagon, "That coat she never takes off? Treville had it made special and gave her a matching wooden sword a week later. That man spoils her like she's his granddaughter."

"I wana go wit Con'tence!" Speaking of whom, Celine comes stumbling down the stairs, toy sword in her hand.

"Not without breakfast you aren't!" Amélia scolds half a flight behind.

Athos doesn't hesitate to scoop her up, more than happy to hold her again while her mother catches up.

"Not this time, darling," Constance tells her, pinching her cheek.

"But Con'tance!"

"No buts! Mum's orders."

Amélia rests her forehead on his shoulder, breathless from chasing their daughter.

He can see the gears turning in Celine's head before she wiggles and twists her body just right to slip out of his hold, but he's quick to catch her again, "Where do you think you're going?"

She huffs in defiance, continuing to struggle, and he shakes his head, "So much like your mother."

"Excuse me?"

Constance laughs at the scene, wondering how it's possible he only met her yesterday.

Celine accidentally elbows him in the jaw in her attempt to escape and Amélia's eyes go wide, reaching to take her, "Here, let me. She'll settle once she eats."

"It's fine," He insists, content to hold her for the rest of time if she asked him, "Lead the way."

[call-me-rucy]

Beginning by the beginning (1)

I guess this is the start of my "The Vor Game" live blog! Full disclosure, I'm already 15% into the book so I'll be using this post (and maybe some others) to quickly recap my thoughts up to date.

The story so far:

Shards of Honor

Barrayar

The Warrior’s Apprentice

The Vor Game (I am here!)

Cetaganda

Ethan of Athos

Borders of Infinity

Brothers of Arms

Mirror Dance

Memory

Warning: I'm reading the Spanish 2019 edition, and I'm a translation nerd so I'll be commenting a lot of that.

For starters, the title in spanish "El juego de los Vor", already lets us know something that the original doesn't explicitely: the "Vor" in the title is plural. Looking forward to those class dramas.

This edition, although very recent, is a reedition of the first one there was so it's fun to read the prologue: "Barrayar, coming soon in the year way way before you were born even". Man, I've already done and loved Barrayar. The world needs more characters like Cordelia.

Anyway, onto the story.

I love books that reward you for remembering specific details. For example, by remembering from passing comments that Kyril Island is somewhere that no one, no one ever wanted to be asigned to. In fact, wasn't someone sent there as punishment? My boy, what are they gonna do to you this time?

"Very good. But your most insidious chronic problem is in the area of... how shall I put this precisely... subordination. You argue too much." "No, I don't."

So fun, I adore him, your honour. I didn't know the notorious "you see your superiors as cattle" conversation was in this book, it was a nice surprise. They're not wrong lol

Miles not ten minutes into the island, already lying by ommision, pretending he doesn't know barrayaran greek: it's a surprise tool that will help us later.

Also, the sentence about barrayaran greek is the first instance so far of the word "barrayaran", which I looked forward to, since sometimes they translate as "barrayarano" and others as "barrayarés". I prefer the first one, so I'm in luck with this book :D

Overall enjoying the Miles suffering so far, I'm very pleased with the evolution of the character, he doesn't seem as wild and desperate as in The Warrior's Apprentice but he's still him.

(To be continued...)

[gellavonhamster]

random BBC Musketeers things that I think about a lot:

the Three Inseparables know Constance before they know d'Artagnan. She and Athos know each other as of 1x01 (and by extension, it's more likely than not she knows the other two), she knows where to find them, they know where she lives, she cares about Athos enough to risk her life to save him. She's never just a girlfriend of one of them, she's their friend, has been their friend before she and d'Artagnan got together, before he even came to Paris

Porthos being clearly inspired by Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, from his parents being an enslaved Black woman called Marie-Cessette and a white nobleman to eventually becoming general of the French army

Aramis being raised in a brothel immediately explains a lot about him, from using sex as means to an end - seducing Marguerite to stay close to his son, finding a patroness for money (which Porthos also does, encouraged by Aramis, but ends up actually falling in love with Alice), because, despite being the "romantic hero type", he wasn't raised with the idea that sex has to happen only for love or attraction, he always saw it as something that could be means of survival, to being always gallant and courteous with women because he grew up among - was raised by! - the women who were looked down upon by the society and clearly had seen them mistreated by many men, and wouldn't want to be like those men

Aramis seems like the show's stand-in for Buckingham until he becomes the stand-in for Mazarin

between the Duchesse de Chevreuse and Sylvie Bodaire, it seems like Athos is bound to get together with a political activist who has had some sort of fling with Aramis. I imagine the child Sylvie's pregnant with by the end of s3 is a boy and they name him Raoul. (And because this is a happier universe, this Raoul doesn't get himself killed on purpose)

[wingsofhcpe]

Mar's BBC vs Book Canon Musketeers Assession: a Short Yet Comprehensive Guide

(read under the cut!)

bbc d'Artagnan: baby. has not done anything wrong in his life ever, actual angel, just very stupid.

vs

book d'Artagnan: has the power of god and anime on his side, most annoying little bitch you'll ever meet, broke, has a stupid horse, perpetually single.

*

bbc Athos: depressed older brother figure that's not-so-secretly very soft and loving of his found family and would die to protect them, also still horny for one Milady de Winter. Carries the communal garrison braincell.

vs

book Athos: drunk misogynist who yearns for death and whose only reason to live is his son Raoul. All his braincells have committed self-murder.

*

bbc Porthos: feisty ray of sunshine who has never had a single evil thought in that silly head of his, actually quite clever, complicated and emotional, deserves the world.

vs

book Porthos: vainest person you'll ever meet, doesn't know when to shut up, sugar baby who cares only about himself (and maybe Aramis), has not had a single intelligent thought in his entire existence.

*

bbc Aramis: cinnamon roll, golden retriever, actually quite clever, troublemaker who can't keep it in his pants, lovable self-sacrificial idiot who would get himself killed in a heartbeat to save his loved ones, brightest smile in all of Paris. Invented bisexuality.

vs

book Aramis: mean, edgy, probably secretly a vampire, would sell you to satan for one (1) corn chip, one bad day away from going on a murder spree. Also invented bisexuality.

*

bbc Treville: exasperated dad.

vs

book Treville: extremely exasperated dad.

*

bbc Cardinal: genius evil mastermind played by Peter Capaldi.

vs

book Cardinal: genius evil mastermind sadly not played by Peter Capaldi.

*

bbc Rochefort: worst person you'll ever fucking meet, arguably the only downgrade in the show.

vs

book Rochefort: sneaky lil bastard that's also the bestieTM, we stan.

*

bbc Constance: feminist icon, beautiful queen I'd kill and die for, gaslight gatekeep girlboss.

vs

book Constance: she's just there and then she dies ig.

*

bbc Milady: my cunning evil murderwife, would die for her, deserves the world.

vs

book Milady: actually I believe Athos should have strangled her with his own hands, fuck her.

*

bbc Bonacieux: evil greasy little man, fuck him.

vs

book Bonacieux: he's just... kinda... there I guess? Idk man Dumas looked at the Bonacieuxs and went "nah".

*

bbc Louis: annoying little shit but he's kinda cute and nice sometimes

vs

book Louis: manchild, just There ig.

*

bbc Anne: radiant angel who has done nothing wrong in her life ever and she's also perfection itself.

vs

book Anne: literal drama queen.

*

BONUS ROUND- GRIMAUD

bbc Grimaud: hot evil emo dude, idk what his problem was tho

vs

book Grimaud: actually he just doesn't get paid enough for this shit so if he wanted to murder Athos like in the show I'd understand that lmao

[monstercampus]

Ellie help I have werewolf brain rot and Kirk has been living in my mind rent free the past few nights 😩 please tell me more about him, does he have a secret soft side or is being mean his love language and you know he cares about you if he's giving you a hard time? Why does he live in a dorm by himself? Where is he on the possessive scale? Honestly just tell me everything you know about him so I can simp to the best of my ability 🥺😫🙏

And actually while I'm here, anything about Elliott or Julian would also be tasty 👀👀👀 forgive me for the werewolf team fic altered my brain chemistry and I may never be the same

absolutely !! !!!!! i am at your mercy uwu <33 (this is mostly stream of consciousness so if u want more i am READY)

(cws: kirk being a sap + lore)

Kirk is very much that way--giving you a hard time is generally how he shows he cares about you. He's only truly mean to those he doesn't care about, and trust that there is a difference even when you get frustrated over his attitude in the beginning. He didn't grow up with a lot of love in his household so it's really not his area of expertise, he never really learned how to show it and only started experiencing affection when he joined the pack and made friends with all the other werewolves. Being snuggled, having his hair stroked instead of pulled, listening to his friends talk about him being handsome and smart even if he's got a shitty attitude.....it's weird to him. He doesn't hate it deep down, but he hates how it makes him feel vulnerable when he doesn't want to be.

'Vulnerable' is barely even in his vocabulary, which is why he comes at you with so much heat at first. He'd been hoping and praying that you two could boink, have a good time, and then you would pretend like it never happened so he wouldn't have to face any of those feelings he has when he looks at you. But when you don't, and when you're just so sweet, Kirk can't handle it and has to revert to what he knows: being a dick. Not nearly to the extent of how he is with other people, but just enough to keep you at arm's length in his constant fear that you're gonna end up making him feel like he isn't totally worthless. Because what would he do then? He's accepted the role of being an irredeemable, raging douchebag for pretty much all his life. He's got an attitude, his temper is awful, he doesn't consider himself that good-looking, he's got some of the worst grades out of the whole pack, he fixates on things and lets them consume all his thoughts, and he hasn't even got any palate to boot and will eat just about anything, even if it's on the verge of spoiling. He's total garbage and he's friends with a pack of people that couldn't be more perfect; Julian is incredibly charming, Portia's practically a genius, Nick is insanely handsome, Elliott is so gentle and really funny, Priam is a total sweetheart and Athos is the pinnacle of cool in his eyes. How could he even think of measuring up to all that, much less stick out among the rest and prove he's worth even a little bit of your love?

That may be the most frustrating part about Kirk--he can be the prickliest guy you know and he would die before he ever says those things out loud, but he seriously admires his friends and you yet he has little to no belief in himself. Granted, growing up he would've gotten his ass beat for showing that kind of weakness, so it's still deeply ingrained in him as an adult--especially since the pack are pretty much the first friends he's ever made on his own. And at his core, he's jealous. Jealous of them and their nice families, jealous of how well they all turned out despite going through their own struggles, jealous of how easy it is for them to be open when he's terrified of people finding out he's bi, jealous of you for being so brave and so beautiful in equal measure....so that's why the best thing he can do--in his own opinion of course--is to be your collective guard dog.

After all, Kirk isn't afraid to bite. His instincts are hard to control in his human form, could you even imagine how feral he can get when he's full wolf, or even just close to the full moon? If anything it's what he's good at; hunting, beating ass, and taking a punch. If he can't be as good as you and the others deserve, the least he can do is make sure that sweetness and the goodness of your souls isn't ever dominated by someone else. He'll spill blood, he doesn't care. He would even get suspended if it came to that, expelled, arrested, whatever it takes and he'll let the chips fall where they may. You'll know his love for you is real when he starts acting protective over you, not only when other people try to bother you but as far as your daily needs as well. Have you eaten properly? Are you thirsty? Do you need to sleep? When's the last time you stretched? He acts like it's a favour he's doing for you, like you're a little wolf that needs caring after, but in truth it settles his own self-doubts and makes him happier knowing that he's doing something for you--that he's taking care of you like a mate would, and when you smile at him or thank him for his help he just melts. He would do anything to keep hold of that smile.

.....Which is why he's got a plan in his head for after graduation. He and Nick are the oldest and thus are going to graduate first of all of you, so once that's over and done with he's got plans to start building a place for you all to properly call 'home'. It's nothing crazy--just a cabin in the woods--but if there's one thing he can confidently say he's good at it's woodworking, and he's sketched out the designs to make it everything you could ever want.

Personal rooms for you, him, and Portia who has trouble falling asleep when it's noisy. A big living room with enough sofas to fit you all. Polished oak walls like Julian grew up with and always wanted to see again. A bathtub big enough to fit Nicky's giant, muscly legs without spilling over. Tables and chairs to fit everyone and more, to fit all the family gatherings and maybe even the pups you might have one day. A garden out back where he'll plant those ugly little flowers Elliott loves. Trees and greenery around where they can run and hunt and play during the full moon, totally obscured by the rest of the world. A big fucking chandelier in the dining room to intimidate any friends you bring over that think they're hot enough shit to snatch you. It's gonna be perfect, it's gonna be the one thing he can say he's proud of in practically his whole life. It'll be a gift to all of you for putting up with his assholery for so damn long, for sticking with him even when he couldn't find a single reason why you should.

That's the kind of love Kirk shows. Words don't mean much to him--actions and acts of service are how he expresses his affections, because it's much simpler for him to put work into something he can touch and measure and paint rather than throw some flimsy words around and call it love. Plus, one of the reasons why he lives in his own dorm is because his downtime is incredibly important to him. Usually he would request a private one-bedroom apartment, but this year he was assigned roommates that he very quickly drove away with his annoying habits almost entirely on purpose. If he's not comfortable with someone, then like hell is he going to share an intimate living space with them--and after a long day he just needs time to be completely alone. He has to think, work on his projects, exercise, chew on something, and have no prying eyes around that will impede his progress in trying to figure out how the hell he can try to make himself worthy of being loved by you. A dumb, violent wolf reaching to grab the very moon from the sky.

[bullet-prooflove]

A quick round up of updates on the blog including new characters added to the ASK LIST and a list of fics that went out last week:

New Fics:

Chicago Med:

Emergency Contact - You realise you don't have anyone to put down as an emergency contact. (Sean Archer x Reader)

Don't Look Back - After running into you at the hospital Sam tries to convince himself not to look back.

Couples Counselling - Sam and you start to date again after couple's counselling.

Right Here, Right Now - Crockett doesn't need anymore than you can give.

Emergency Contact - You help Mitch out in a tricky situation.

Cobra Kai:

Self Defence - You wake up in the middle of the night with John Kreese's hands locked around your throat.

Failure - Terry makes a decision regarding your home in the aftermath of what happened with Kreese.

I Do - Terry gives you his mother's ring in a chapel in Tuscany.

Paper Airplanes - Terry begins to consider starting a family.

Summer School - Daniel's excited to meet Anthony's new art teacher.

Criminal Minds:

Empty Drawer - Will will do anything to get you to stay.

Lily Blossom - Will makes a realisation during your first night together.

FBI:

Yours - Omar realises that you still belong to each other after all this time.

FBI Most Wanted:

The Worst Type of Asshole - Remy apologises for his behaviour.

Haven:

Sedated - Your Trouble causes issues when the doctors try to help with your injuries. (Dwight Hendrickson x Reader)

Stars (NSFW) - You and Duke spend a night under the stars.

Law & Order:

All I Want Is You - Mike reveals his feelings after he makes a mistake.

Mayans:

Silver (NSFW) - You discover Neron has a piercing.

The Musketeers:

In Sickness & in Health - Athos tries to look after you when the sickness moves through Paris.

The Most Dangerous Woman in France - Even on your wedding day you are still the most dangerous woman in Paris. (Treville x Reader)

NCIS:

Not Yet - Jimmy doesn't want you to come just yet.

Rainy Mornings - Nick wishes he could stay in bed with you on a rainy Washington morning.

NCIS - LA:

Name Your Prize - AJ asks you to name your prize during a race.

NCIS New Orleans:

The Cutest Damn Thing - LaSalle realises he's in love.

Second Fiddle (feat: Douglas Hamilton) - You finally end things with Douglas.

The Rookie:

One Woman - There's only been one woman that Tim's been thinking about these past few years.

Culpability - John tries to reach out after he finds out about Robert Ortiz.

Late Night Wine - Wade wakes up the morning after on the floor in your living room.

The Rookie Feds:

Time (NSFW) - You and Matt don't want to waste any more time

Supernatural:

Sweet Dreams - Dean thinks about how this all started.

Deals With the Devil (feat: Michael)- You wake up with an angel in your bed.

Top Gun Maverick:

Something About You - There's just something about you that makes Jake want to settle down.

[away-ward]

The horsemen have been around the block and have had their fair share of women. They didn't really treat girls in the most respectful manner, either. So given their past and knowing how guys can be, what kind of dads would they be to their teenage daughters once they start dating?

I find it rather funny that all of them are girl dads now, and honestly see a bit of karma coming their way. 😅

The Dads and Daughters and Dating -

Hey. You’re absolutely right that they’ve been around the block once or twice. Regarding their daughters, they might be irritated when the subject of dating comes up. But only because they think no one is good enough, not because their daughters are dating.

Kai, for his part, would be highly suspicious when Jett starts dating. Although he knows he taught Jett and all of the girls how to defend themselves from someone bigger and stronger than them - drilled that into their heads, he still wouldn't let just anyone date his daughter. He's already does background checks on all her friends, so the second he hears whispers of a date or a dance or a name that's more than friendly, he's already knows if he's okay with them or not. And people he's not okay with don't get to hang around Jett, so it's a moot point.

Damon's thankful Tavi is intimidating; that and Mads really cuts down on what he has to worry about. But if someone does manage to match how wild she is, he's confident that she will be able to keep them in line. And if something does happen, she's got four older brothers, a cousin that's already killed for her, and him. She'll be fine. He doesn't stress it.

Much.

In Fire Night, Michael comments that he didn’t raise Athos to accept “no” as an answer, even from him. Which indicates to me that he pushed her to go after what she wanted regardless of who was standing in front of her. Even though he’s complaining, he’s actually very proud. When Athos starts dating, he's much more likely to have a problem with who she picks and that she won't listen to his advice, rather than the fact that she's dating.

Will’s daughters also seem very comfortable voicing their thoughts and desires to their parents. They'll probably have the same confidence in a relationship. Most of the fandom headcanons that they'll eventually end up with a Torrance boy anyway, and Will would be fine with that. As long as they're happy and treated well, which he trusts them to do.

Overall, the Horsemen are confident in how they've raised their daughters, and expect them to know their value. They also know that as powerful men, they have the ability to make life difficult for anyone who causes their daughters any trouble. However, they've gone out of their way to make sure Thunder Bay knows their unspoken laws of respecting women. They fully expect them to be adhered to as long as they're around. Additionally, they've raised their sons to look out for the girls when they can't.

The dads are watchful of potential suitors, but they won't stop their daughters from dating. (side note: Unless it's an insane psycho criminal. I think Michael might have a problem with Athos dating Micah's sister... but this is dating in general.)

First, and this is might a hot take, I don’t know if I’d consider the boys to have always been disrespectful. Really, this idea assumes all the girls they had encounters with felt disrespected. This interpretation comes from the idea that all girls want to be somebody’s special someone, which isn’t always the case; some girls just want to casually hook-up and would prefer a guy that doesn’t want them to stick around. Or that the guys took advantage of a girl misunderstanding or that they unwillingly put girls and women in positions they truly didn't want to be in. Not to say that all girls got what they wanted, but to say that the boys were intentionally deceitful across the board would be an overstatement.

For the most part, I think the guys were pretty up front about their intentions with girls, and specifically selected girls that would meet them on that level, instead of going with just any girl. I think they probably avoided the ones that would try to cling to the idea of something more between them.

Also, the narrative of the story makes it a point to separate the Horsemen from boys like Ethan and Miles Anderson, who very clearly did abuse and take advantage of women. Further, in the Thunder Bay short story, the Horsemen go out of their way to save Alice’s step-brother because he was willing to end the team when he realized what they’d done.

All signs indicated that the guys had at least some respect for women, and expected others to rise to do the same.

(also, the whole point of their part in the thunder bay short was that they had seen how the boys at tbp had started to abuse girls, and then got involved to clean it up in preparation for their daughters. the message being the guys aren't going to just allow boys who don't get it to thrive in thunder bay)

Anyone in Thunder Bay would be aware of the reputation these men have. The whole town still seems to treat them as if they’re kings. The dads would probably rely a lot on their status to ensure their daughters are respected just the same. They want the very best for their girls and for them to be free to experience the great things world has to offer. These girls were not raised to tolerate being used as objects, or to feel shamed for going after what they want. At the same time, they're also creating in environment where boys know the difference between being open and honest, and using and abusing someone.

Moving on, we do get some indication of how each man will raise their daughter. In Fire Night, Damon and Kai argue over it, with Kai wanting to create a space where women will be protected so his daughter will feel safe, and Damon wanting to raise a daughter that could protect herself because the world would never be safe enough.

I mean, of course any father that loves his daughter is going to be anxious for they daughter to experience disappointment and heartbreak. And it may happen once or twice, but I don’t think any of these dads would go to war over it. They may hate the boy or girl who made their daughter cry, but that’s just part of growing up, and they’ll help their daughter deal with it (unless you count some petty revenge. I can see them sinking the car of a boy that broke their daughter's heart in the river, or otherwise generally inconveniencing them until they left for college.)

Don’t discount their sons, either. Damon mentions how his boys are constantly helping their mother, indicating that they’re raising their boys to be aware of when she needs help and offering it freely. I think this is something they’d carry into their personal romances, and would probably have the same standard for any relationship their cousin, sister, and whatever they consider Indie and Finn to be, gets into. The fathers probably have no issue using their sons to send a heavy message.

Please feel free to share your thoughts!!

[themissinghand]

Who Made Me a Princess: Beware of the Prince!

Summary: In which the Crown Prince of the Obelian Empire is not a simple child.

Note: Self-indulgent OC-insert because why not. Also, evil, why hot?

"Blessing upon the Crown Prince and the Obelian Empire."

"Stand."

Anastacius did as he was told and stared at the figure sitting on a chair in a lazy manner, near the window.

Why he was called here was certainly mysterious and brooding.

There shouldn't be anyone who knew of his stay at the Alpheus Dukedom, nor would even know his alias. He rarely introduced himself, or even show himself in public, for he did not want to get the attention of his troublesome brother.

Yet here he was, meeting the Crown Prince in the most famous commercial building in Obelian Empire.

According to rumors, the royal family did have a stake in this prospering business, only as an investor. But Anastacius knew there was more to it.

If he would have the opportunity, Anastacius would ask, but it seemed like such a chance was unlikely.

"Take a seat, Viscount Patterson." The young Prince gestured for him to sit across from him.

Athanasios de Alger Obelia.

Or Athos, as the little prince prefers. 

His long blonde hair tied neatly into a short ponytail. His blue jeweled eyes proved his status. His tall figure and looks already eluded the aura of someone worthy of the position of the successor.

The Prince gained popularity for his intelligence, wisdom, and charm. 

Anastacius wants to laugh.

The boy in front of him could be mistaken as one of his siblings.

And how wonderful would that be?

"Your highness," Anastacius smiles. 

"How may I help you?"

So Anastacius doesn't hold back and gets straight to the point. Staying around this boy gave him ominous feelings, and the brief yet sharp glance from him only confirmed his suspicions.

He knows something.

The boy doesn't spare him a glance, rather continued to look outside the window at the bustling city, before speaking.

"If you were to become the emperor again, what would you do?"

Anastacius felt a chill down his spine.

"Pardon me? Your highness, I don't quite understand your question." It was a subconscious and reflective response.

The boy did not move at all. His eyes still concentrated on the flowing customers in and out of the building.

"If you were to become the emperor again, what would you do?"

He repeated the question again with the same tone.

Anastacius observed him, and a brief silence enveloped them.

"Viscount Patterson." His alias sounds like a mockery.

"Why aren't you answering the question?" The tea was cold.

"I apologize my highness. I'm just surprised at your question." The boy finally turned back, their eyes met. The Prince put down his teacup with an intentional clink!

"If you were to become the emperor again, what would you do?"

Anastacius felt the air shift, and a burst of mana seem to swirl past him. 

Once again, he acted instinctively. His own mana shot forward to surround the two.

The Prince remained calm and collected as he awaited his answer. His eyes were passive, lazy even as he clasped his hands together on the table.

Amazing.

It was the first (and perhaps lasting) impression Anastacius had on the Crown Prince.

The Prince had plentiful mana at his disposal. Was it because he was born from Claude and his first Empress?

The first Empress of the empire, an archmage and the leader of the Black Tower after the original master of the Black Tower disappeared. 

Known for her bright personality, leadership, and strength, she led the country with Claude to it's bright future. 

Unfortunately, she passed in the midst of a war against their enemy kingdom in the south, but her death brought victory for the empire.

As such, her legacy remains, and her memory never lost, even after Claude remarried, and had a princess born.

So this was the result?

A so called perfect Prince, who helped Claude with diplomatic relations, who protected his mother's honor, and who saved the young princess of the second Empress from Claude's wraith.

A Prince loved by the people, and respected by nobles.

Anastacius fought off the urge to swallow him whole, to brainwash him for his own use, to take over his body. Aeternitas was swirling with excitement within him.

"Your highness truly is the star of this kingdom."

"Answer the question, Uncle."

"How did you know?"

The Prince smiles, bright, blinding, and innocent.

Like a child finally getting his candy from his parents.

Perhaps this was the other side of the Prince.

Calculating and mysterious.

"How would I not know my dearest Uncle, and of course, one of my dear ancestors, one of the former Emperor in Obelian history?"

A spoon fell from the table, but there was no sound of its fall.

Their world was tilted sideways.

Indeed, they were floating in the air.

Ha. 

Despite the circumstances, the Prince had the audacity to look calm, collected and in control.

Every word he says is worth something. 

The Crown Prince does not say anything more than he needs to. 

Compared to Princess Athanasia, he really is becoming a troublesome threat.

Kill him.

Could he though?

"You haven't answered my question yet, Uncle."

Once again, Anastacius met those chilling and cunning eyes worthy of the royal family.

"If you were to become the emperor again, what would you do?"

He swallows, thinking of what to say, but Aeternitas beats him to it. 

"Well, aren't you clever?"

Shut up. 

He was shaking out of control. 

"Why don't you join me? I'll lend you power beyond your imagination." 

Dark magic swirled around the two of them, and the Prince's expression finally changed.

To one of annoyance. 

"Can you really afford to expose yourself here?" His reaction and tone was flat. Almost disappointed.

With a raise of his hand, gold spilled out of his finger tips. Then, slamming his hand onto his arm rest, Anastacius regained control. 

They both landed on the solid floor again with minimal sound. 

His hand no longer shaking. 

All Anastacius heard in his mind was amused laughter, and a regretful sigh. 

That body would've been perfect to possess, but alas, Lucas will notice.

"Then I will take my leave, Uncle."

The Crown Prince leaves, and like a trained professional, he leaves without making any sound.

All Anastacius could remember was those eyes of warning, and a provoking smirk, matching that of the first Empress. 

Ha. 

For whatever reason the Prince wanted to exposure himself for, this was nonetheless a warning. Therefore, this was a dangerous game.

The moment Lucas know of his existence is when he'll lose. But the moment he corners the Prince and takes over him, is when he'll win.

He sits down on the chair that the Prince was siting on and looks out the window.

"They do say blood is thicker than water." 

[ravencromwell]

18, 19, 25 for Holland please! - Pink

@pinkcupboardwitch here you are, under a cut because I cannot stop talking and some of these became mini fics ;)

 18. How do you think they were as a kid?

Constrained and _desperately curious. He can't talk and draw attention to himself in public once his eye turns, because there's only Alox to defend him. He gains this reputation for surliness, but an utter bubbling well of observations as soon as they walk in their door. "I think those were kittens, real _kittens under the food stall. And did you see the fruit? Was that real blueberries Alox did someone really get blueberry seeds from somewhere and make them grow do you remember when Mama said they were sweet, back when there was more spring and she and Papa could get them?"

Just fundamentally the world is wondrous let me clasp every bit of it in my tiny hands— the times, later, when Athos is almost bearable are when he needs a second pair of hands skilled in magic to experiment on something and he's too busy being curious to get in Holland's space and there's a moment when they both get caught up in _oh, magic. the world. what have you can _actually do that _how _astonishing hours spent with magic or the city, alone, with Athos, with someone else, are rare desperately hoarded joys.

But even as a kid, he's _so very sensitive to other people's annoyance: "Sometimes we don't want to see the fucking rainbows when there's no _roof Holland." Goes quiet at the tiniest sign of disinterest or boredom from his conversation partner. If he loved Talya and Vor for _nothing _else he adores them because they're both fundamentally _good with people, and even if they're bored (they're not he's eighteen and twenty-eight respectively and it's fucking endearing how _curious and prone to delight over the slightest thing when he feels safe to emote, he still is, in this world of all places. Vor's family talked about a magpie, all fierce and hoarding and that's Holland to a tee; Talya agrees, even if she doesn't have the words.)

He's very emotionally restrained. When their mother stops coming home, Alox slams doors, shouts, curses, red-eyed and desperate. Holl is so quiet it eventually catches Alox's attention. He's only six brats should cry Alox is twelve and he's crying. But when he goes over, Holland says: "She never comes when you cry. Don't like-" and he rubs his temples and down the bridge of his nose, which Alox guesses means a pounding head and snot everywhere.

When he's happy about something, it's beautiful. The way he laughs or smiles so it fills his entire face or throws himself in a desperate tangle of limbs to hug Alox so tightly over those inherited books Alox can barely breathe. He hugs like that too when Alox has been away on business, as though if he pulls him tight enough against his tiny chest, he can shield him from all the outside dangers even though it's _Alox's fucking job that's his baby brother it makes something twist and break in Alox's chest, the way he wants to protect _everyone.

Like the fucking meat. The day after Alox takes him to his first Kosik execution, there's more meat than usual in the stalls, and it's _cheap. Holland is silent as Alox buys them two large skewers, but when they arrive home, he shakes his head and there's something _hard in that face Alox doesn't think he could move with coaxing or shouting or even a hard shake to snap his brother back to knowing this is the world they live in and you do what you do to sleep full for once.

"Aren't you sick of bloody beets?" he asks just to try. "I am."

"No."

"Have it your way. More for me then."

And Holland turns away, refusing to look until Alox loudly starts shuffling blankets to tell his fool brother it's all gone and Holland scrambles to press close against his back.

(The rare times he cries as an adult, it's at the loss of some moral tether like that—being _so hungry he eats the meat etc. rather than anything physical or even emotional.)

19. The most random ship you've seen with them?

I am going to shamelessly abuse this question to talk about two fics I adore with relationships not so much random as that I would never have sought on my own.

The first is the magnificent @bluecichlid 's Nothing Alike. Through a confluence of circumstances, Holland ends up getting pulled into a mystery plot during the Vortalis years to save Kell's immensely foolish adolescent hide. I _adore this fic to _pieces for a million reasons; Holland's love for Makt; the hints of Holland Vor friendship; that the injustice Arnes perpetrated is never forgotten even as Holland is forced to work with Arnesians; the Holland pov! which is marvelously _judgy and _side-splittingly funny. But for the purposes of this question. There is this friendship between Holland and the captain of the Arnesian guards, sparked off by this exchange:

Isra cleared her throat. “I understood you were here for a purpose, not just to gawk?”

Holland looked at her in surprise, and then something approaching pleasure.  He had not expected to find a worthy adversary here. 

“Nice cuffs,” he said, nodding to the set hanging from her belt.  The runes carved into them matched that of the sword at her side.  Magic dampening .  “Are those for me?  I like the designs.  Good spellwork.”

They continue to frigidly snark at each other, but beneath it, they're both trying very. very hard to be good people and they can't help but notice that beneath all their differences, they have a remarkably similar moral compass.

You have to understand: I'm ordinarily a very "Holland is focused on Makt" human; him finding commonality with Arnes is just. not my usual readerly jam. But these two, as the fic unfolds? I can't explain it without massive spoilers, but *clutches the bond they form* Best unlikely brotp of this fucking fandom.

The second: of all the Holland ships, Kell/Holland--platonic or romantic--is probably the one I seek out least; it goes back to that whole: empathy with Arnes not _usually my jam. But! _fuck there are certain verses where I'm just *swooning in a heap*

There's this one fic!!!! involving Holland and Kell writing epistolary poetry where I tore through the entire rest of the drabble collection like a raccoon in a trashbin whispering "But no! no you can't *leave it there* we need the five plus one where they keep missing one another and then they don't and they _kiss." because in the context of this *particular* verse! the empathy and connection is _so _intense I just shake with awe over the portrayal. Also, FUCK the poetry is so GOOD!

Honorable mention has to go to another of the author's fics, which does the best job I've ever seen showing Kell and Holland finding common ground without _ever forgetting that one is Arnesian and the other Maktahn.

[To the several mutuals with an interest: no, I have not started either the longfic of hers or SKGY saving for when I'm in the right immensely angsty mood but GOD her drabbles are _sublime].

25. When do you think they acted the most ooc? That final confrontation with Kell in ADSOM. Let me preface this by saying I absolutely believe Holland had mild to severe suicidal ideation most of his life (he bleeds pointlessly into a river do I need to say more here?) made substantially worse by the Danes. But look at how _calculating he is all the other times he actively plans to die. The execution: meant to lure Osaron in. Using the Inheritor: meant to do something for someone he is coming to feel some kind of way about, whether it's merely a debt of obligation for the river rescue, or an apology because he didn't know the collar would kill Rhy too, or a genuine desire for some kind of interpersonal relationship doesn't matter: he feels a bond for Kell and so grants him the mercy of not killing Rhy. Going back to White: meant to reawaken his world.

Now, I know all those moments are post Athos's death, but for a dude who talks so much about how he wants to die, when Osaron gives him that choice, his mind _immediately goes back to the person he once was and how he'd wanted to save his world. Which makes me think that was never as deeply buried an ambition as he says. And there's a major difference between feeling like a coward because you "want it to be over" more than anything (perfectly normal feeling, in my very humble opinion when consistently tortured by the Danes for seven fucking years anyone's overriding desire would be to see an _end) and actively planning to die.

What does that bar achieve (other than giving Schwab a body so Kell doesn't have to go into Black?) It doesn't save his world. It doesn't even fulfill the desire he says all feeling had been "distilled: to see Astrid and Athos Dane suffer." I'm very open to being convinced I'm wrong, but from where I sit? All his character motivations fall apart in favor of plot.

ETa: thank you to the brilliant Butterfly whose points in tags made me realize I wasn't clarifying a very necessary canon fact to understand my salt. "Keeps fighting" later in this little brainchild is because Holland _knows from earlier in the book when Lila bashed his head in with a metal bar there are two ways toget out of this fight; he can let Kell kill him, or be unconscious. Thinking long-term, there's a way to take himself off the board long enough to let Kell get to the Danes and not _die. If it weren't for the fact we know! unconsciousness is an antidote to the Soul Seal--and so does Kell *grumbles*, then wht Holland does would make all the sense in the *world*

You wanted to talk about Holland's vengeance: let's talk about Holland ending up in Black London without being ooc.

He keeps fighting Kell until Kell, desperate to get too White and knowing he can't win tries a half-mad trick. Slams the Stone against Holland's chest and demands the Seal _cease. Holland says the Seal can only be ended by death, but Kell knows a secret he doesn't: Vitari is powerful enough to quite literally resurrect people; it defies the rules of magic. Kell's will alone could never overpower Athos, but Vitari? Pure, chaotic magic drawn to Antari? A very different story.

(The effort swamps Kell's veins in black and he might have ceased to exist beyond Vitari's vessel had Holland not broken the fingers Kell clutched around it even as he trembled with something that might emerge as laughter or tears or both if there were only time. "Athos will have woken Astrid when the Seal shattered."

"M-maybe he's dead," Kell murmurs and Holland heals Kell's hand between the laughter he can't keep back at such nonsense.

"You can't be that naive. Astrid is yours and Delilah's. Maybe with both of you, one will survive. Athos is mine. We attack together."

 Later, life blood coating the courtyard beneath him—because if Athos was to suffer the indignity of _dying at the hands of his _pet, he was bringing Holland along—he swears an oath: to walk into Black with Vitari and die, so long as Kell gives his vow that when his brother is king, they will open the doors for his world. Little as he trusts Arnesians—or Kell's vow on their shared Antariness, what other way is there, with Astrid's plan destroyed? Until Osaron promises that he need only rely on his strength, resolve, and willingness to be bound again.

[the-girl-who-used-to-write]

So...I watched the 1993 Three Musketeers movie last night and I had some brain rot. So, to all of my lost boys friends (especially @ghoulgeousimmaculate, who convinced me to publish this in the first place)...

THE LOST BOYS AS MUSKETEERS

Starting off easy...

DAVID AS ATHOS

The defacto leader of their group of misfits, I see David and Athos as parallels of each other and NOT just because they are both played by Kiefer Sutherland (although that definitely helped.)

Athos and David are both passionate men but they are very serious and stoic. Both have been hurt in the past and while I think Athos is definitely more of a romantic from what we see, David did have a love interest in the unmade Lost Boys prequel.

Athos also takes on a big-brother esque role to the other Musketeers, especially D'Artagnan. David is very much the 'big brother' of the boys if you consider them to be brothers, he's the leader and he is the one who (I think) tries to keep them in line when Max isn't there.

Athos is also a drinker and you cannot tell me that David probably doesn't enjoy a good drink from time to time rather than the blood. David is most definitely an alcohol snob.

DWAYNE AS ARAMIS

Aramis, much like Dwayne, is the hardest of the musketeers to get a read on to me. Maybe I think these two are similar because of the luscious hair.

I think the reason that I saw Dwayne and Aramis as similar are much to do with the fact that Aramis is a man who at his core is respectful, a lot more poetic and a lot more of a deeper thinker than the others, especially Porthos. We see that as much when they are talking about how they respectively woo girls, Porthos with kisses and Aramis with poetry and words of love. I personally always saw Dwayne as someone who could probably charm the pants off of anyone and I imagined him as being a silent film star before his turning (if we are making up our own backstories).

Aramis is also, arguably, the most respectful of the Musketeers. He reads final rites to those he kills (we see that in the fight with the Cardinal's guards) and he is less of a joker than someone like Porthos or even D'Artagnan. Something as simple as him being the one to encourage D'Artagnan to distribute the wealth among the poorer townsfolk when they rob the Cardinal's carriage.

Dwayne is very much a silent presence in the boys but with the way that the entire fandom headcanons him, he and Aramis have a lot in common. He's protective, he's loyal, he's an enforcer however he doesn't jump into fights for no reason, Dwayne is also a ladies' man (or at least he definitely used to be I think).

PAUL AS PORTHOS

I know Porthos and Paul are maybe the least similar in terms of looks but I think in terms of personality, these two have a lot in common.

Porthos is a drinker, Porthos is a player, Porthos enjoys a party and he is not afraid of a fight. If you look closely during the carousel scene in Lost Boys, Paul and Marko are the ones to first attack when the man goes for Dwayne. Paul and Porthos are both party animals who have probably engaged in more than one drunken brawl.

I think there is also a loyalty to Paul that we see in Porthos. Porthos always protects his Musketeer brothers and Paul goes to bat for the boys and others numerous times in the movie. if you read the final scene in the Emerson house in a certain way, Paul protects Laddie and Star from the Frog's, closing the door behind them and coming after the brothers, who were about to kill them.

Of course, Porthos also carries a lot of the humour of the movie and Paul is very much a joker. He is the light-hearted one of the boys it seems, he was the nicest according to Star in the novelisation and we see that he is also (along with Dwayne), the closest to Laddie, so context clues lead us to believe that he maybe one of the more fun boys to be around (not that they aren't all fun).

MARKO AS D'ARTAGNAN

This is something that Ghoulie can attest to but I messaged her yesterday saying that D'Artagnan in this movie reminded me of Michelangelo's David, or 'The Fallen Angel' by Alexandre Cabanel. Maybe this is partially the reason that I see him as a counterpart to Marko, the boy that looks like a renaissance painting come to life. It also helps that they both have a gorgeous head of curls.

This, in all honesty, was the easiest parallel for me. D'Artagnan is a young, roguish, reckless boy who doesn't always think before he acts and is very handsome and good with the ladies (and that's not me projecting, D'Artagnan literally has a guy after him because he 'romanced' his sister) (allegedly)

I just think he's very much like Marko. I always imagine that Marko was the youngest, even if he was turned before the other boys (I sometimes think Marko could have been a highwayman), I always see Marko as the youngest of the boys and considering D'Artagnan is the youngest of the Musketeers, I think it works.

Their reckless natures match each other well as well, Marko's most definitely does bike tricks like D'Artagnan does that thing with the horse where he jumps off and back onto it and they both run into danger. There's also a protectiveness though, a loyalty to those that they care about.

[onesafezone]

a study in portamis (2023 martin bourboulon's ver)

it took me two days and one night to get my own version of terrible clickbait what actually happened in the 'milady' about the whole promising portamis thing (whatever it was).

this post contains film spoilers! no, i'm serious, SPOILER ALERT. (i know the film hasn't been released in all countries yet, so if you haven't seen 'milady', please decide whether you want to read this or not).

my post is dedicated to all the people who have seen 'the three musketeers: milady' or found out about what was going to happen in the film and were heartbroken (for obvious reasons), so I couldn't sleep until the morning, but I did find out why /spoiler, spoiler, SPOILER/ porthos decided to marry aramis's pregnant sister.

yes, i know. it will take me a moment to experience that as well.

OK, here's what we've got. the simplest explanation is this: porthos is flirting with aramis' sister in the camp because he is bored/he wants sex/he wants to flirt/etc. yes, this characterisation portrays him as a frivolous character, but what if this is a fallacy? what if there is still love for aramis in his actions and i can prove it?

___________________________________________________________

i started by formulating the three main reasons why i can't agree with the 'i don't care who i seduce' version of porthos.

first of all: the events of the film unfold very quickly. in the first part, it was made clear to us that porthos has no shortage of lovers. we saw his bed once, and it was warmed for him by both man and woman. he also said that he doesn't sleep with fools, which is not to be taken literally. in any case, this gives us the idea that he has his own standards, that he will not sleep with the first person he meets to quench his thirst. yes, he examined d'artagnan from head to toe, but did he drag him into bed? in general, he knows how to stop and he will be able to restrain himself if the situation demands it.

second reason: you can throw a stone at me, but I swear that his lover in the awakening scene looks a lot like aramis. no, it's not because this man has a beard or curly hair like aramis. there's something in his jaw, his features are built like the aramis-coded type of man. you know what i mean. porthos' lover is literally not d'artagnan-coded, not athos-coded. his lover has a certain type of body/face build. and that type is the same as his best friend's. this is no coincidence.

so, having worked out why i just couldn't accept the fact that porthos suddenly fell in love with a girl (aramis' sister, i'm not going to hinting at anything… because i'm saving the last reason for the finale), i asked myself: why did he decide to get involved? what drove him?

here is my answer:

when aramis received a note from his mother telling him that his sister was pregnant, he immediately changed his face and went to see her. at the same time, porthos immediately noticed the change in his friend's face and tried to call aramis, but aramis did not answer. what did porthos do? without further ado, he immediately went after aramis.

micro-conclusion: he cares about aramis' feelings, he cares about him and he wants to help him.

OK, let's move on. we know how the episode of portamis meeting matilda's fiancé ended: zero result. literally. apart from the fact that the bastard was hit by a cannonball, the meeting had no result. again, what was porthos doing at the time? he asked aramis what he was going to do. he predicted that aramis would challenge an arrogant and dishonest groom to a duel. spoiler alert: he was right. where are his 1000 ecu?? ok, i'm kidding. but here are the facts: he looks after aramis again, tries to cheer him up. and from their conversations it's clear how well he knows aramis.

let's keep going. we're almost there!

porthos has been excluded from scenes involving athos or d'artagnan (let's ignore the scenario that made this happen). at first glance, it would seem that he was not involved in his friends' affairs for no reason. but no, he was wounded (there was a scene in the camp where he was leaning on a crutch) and drunk. in fact, we got a scene where aramis holds a dead drunk porthos, who relieves himself, by the cape, without feeling disgust. what do i mean by that? while aramis, athos and d'artagnan were chasing after milady, porthos, who had remained in the military camp, had time to think carefully about everything. in both sober and drunk mind.

yes, porthos is not as tricky as aramis. and not as cold-blooded as athos. he sees the problem: aramis is very upset that someone has dishonoured his sister. had it not been for an accidental death, the would-be bridegroom would have lived and not taken matilda as his wife, for to him she was obviously a one-time entertainment. aramis is upset, he is sad, and how can porthos help? (yes, he comforted matilda by giving her a made-up explanation, as if her fiancé had been a hero and had saved aramis and porthos from a cannonball, but that was not enough, it only solved the problem temporarily). how to end all this? what can he do? matilda is pregnant, she is not rich, no one loves her, he tells himself that he can do this, he can offer her his hand and his heart, and he will save her (and aramis). it will make his best friend happy again. this is the right thing to do. they will be more than brothers. isn't that the best scenario? aramis will be happy and they will become a family.

attention, now it's time to announce the third fact that doesn't allow me to bury my portamis hopes: when porthos talks to aramis about this decision, aramis doesn't look happy at all.

moreover, his face was masked in confusion.

the scene also ends with them unable to talk about it. porthos is taken away by aramis's sister, his future wife, and all goes well. aramis should be happy. but why isn't he? and porthos, too.

something tells me that this is because his subconscious chooses lovers for him who are similar to aramis, because he tries to make aramis happy, because he cares for him, because he wants the best for him, because he loves him.

i think at that moment, when the words of the forthcoming wedding are heard and there is a sad atmosphere between them, like at a funeral, they both think that maybe all this time their feelings for each other were something more.

[prismatica-the-strange]

All I Am Belongs to You | Athos | If One Day The Stars Align

Warnings: 18+, alcohol, mentions of nudity, angst.

Just a collection of Athos and Amélia scenes that came to me.

Word Count: 3.2k (ish)

11:11 by Ben Barnes | Reblog banner by @cafekitsune | Dividers by @steddiecameraroll-graphics

It's a beautiful day despite the rain the night before. The roads are muddy but the sun is bright and the smell of spring is light in the air.

"Thank goodness!"

Athos turns at the exclamation just in time to catch her in his arms, "Amélia?"

"Athos you- you have to hide me!" She pants, gripping his forearms, "They're right behind me!"

He doesn't catch her playful smile, not seeing past her labored breathing and muddied skirts.

"Who is?" He looks over her shoulder at the sound of stampeding feet about to round the corner and pushes her behind him protectively.

He freezes with his hand on his sword when a group of eight or so children come running into view, brandishing sticks and shouting.

"Where'd she go?"

"I dunno!"

"There she is!"

He feels her duck behind him again, pressing herself against his back.

"Give us the spy!" One of the boys demands, clumsily pointing his 'sword' at him, "She's under arrest!"

Athos blinks for a moment before scoffing and snatching the stick from his hand.

"Hey!" The boy whines, reaching for it, "Give it back!"

"Am I missing something?" He asks, shoulders tensing when she whacks the back of his head.

"They found out I'm a spy and now my life is in danger!" She explains, "You're a musketeer, you have to protect me!"

"You have got to be kidding me-"

"Athos!"

"Well, you're never going to kill her flailing around your swords like that," He says to the children and her mouth falls open.

"What?"

"You have to keep a firm hold on the grip, like this," The kids watch in awe as he shows them how to properly wield their weapons.

"You're supposed to be keeping me safe, not aiding the enemy!" She argues with a heavy shove to his shoulder.

"As you pointed out, I am a King's Musketeer," The corner of his lips quirks into a small smile, "And you're a spy."

"Athos..." She can't bite back her own smile as she gathers her skirts.

"It's my duty to protect France, even from spies."

"I am betrayed!"

He eyes her with obvious intent and she steps back.

"I'm going to start running now," She grins before taking off the way she'd come.

"After her!" He urges the children and they run after her with newfound vigor.

He follows not far behind at a brisk pace, watching as she leads them to a near-empty courtyard.

"We have you cornered!" Another boy cheers, "Tell us your secrets!"

"You'll have to kill me!" She insists, "I'll never betray my country!"

"What do we do?" One of the others asks, looking back at him, "We need to know what she knows!"

He chuckles to himself at the whole scene. He motions her closer, "Bring her to me, I'll take care of it."

They form a semicircle behind her, forcing her forward by prodding at her legs.

"You'll never break me, Musketeer," She huffs playfully when she stumbles into his chest.

"Is that so?" He raises a brow at her.

"You'd never harm an unarmed woman," She say matter-of-factly.

He barks out a laugh when one of the children forces a stick into her hands, "It seems you are no longer unarmed, Mademoiselle."

Her eyes fall shut as she sighs, trying not to break out laughing. She lays her hand on the girl's head, "Thank you dear one."

She twirls the weapon in her hand and takes a fighting stance.

"Now I have a sporting chance!" She declares, lunging at him.

He easily parries her attack and the courtyard echoes with the clacks of their sticks colliding.

To anyone watching it looks more like they're dancing rather than fighting. Every flourish and step seemingly practiced and perfected until she slips on the mud-slick hem of her skirts.

He's quick to catch her, his arm hooking around her waist. She squeals when he hefts her up onto his shoulder, his other hand holding her steady.

"Tell me your secrets and I might go easy on you!"

"Never!" She giggles.

She shrieks when he spins, once, twice, three times, then the other way, the children laughing around them.

"Athos!" She gasps between fits of laughter, "Athos, please! Mercy!"

"What do you think?" He asks the smallest girl of the group, "Has she had enough?"

"No?" He asks when she shakes her head, "I agree."

He spins them again, her shrill giggle causing his smile to widen.

"Alright!" She exclaims, "Alright! I'll tell you! Mercy, please!"

He carefully lowers her to her feet, holding her steady when she sways, "I knew you'd see reason. Tell me what you know."

"Nothing," She pants, "I know nothing, you see. For I am a terrible spy."

"I don't believe her!" One of the boys shouts.

Athos smiles down at her against his chest, "Neither do I."

She's feeling generous as she makes her way to the garrison, fully planning on treating her four closest friends to drinks with the extra money she'd made at her surprisingly lucrative gig the night before.

When she gets there she's shocked to find all but Athos laid up in bed dizzy and feverish with a terrible cold they'd caught riding back in the rain from their last mission.

Being the only one unaffected by the illness, Athos eagerly jumps at the chance to spend the evening with her. And since it would just be the two of them, she can afford to bring them to a slightly nicer tavern than the one they usually frequent, where she sings most nights.

They spend what feels like hours drinking and talking and drinking. Athos especially drinks more than he knows he should, deciding to put some of his own coin toward the evening.

His face is flush from wine as he watches her lips form each word, reaching to brush a few strands of hair back from her cheek.

"Are you alright?" She asks, taking his hand in hers.

"You're beautiful," He says and she blushes.

"Thank you," She chuckles and he gives her a soft, lovesick smile.

She blinks in surprise when he leans in close, his lips just close enough to brush hers, his eye falling shut when she breathes his name.

His hand finds the side of her neck, stroking the curve of her jaw with his thumb before closing the distance with a gentle kiss.

"Athos," She murmurs when he pulls away. There's a sadness to her voice, "You're drunk."

"'m not!" He argues, but the way his words slur together begs to differ.

She stands, steadying him when he tries to follow, "Let's get you back to the garrison."

"'M not drunk," He insists as they walk down the darkened streets of Paris.

"No, of course not!" She huffs, his weight heavy on her shoulders when he stumbles, "All musketeers are this uncoordinated when they walk."

"Funny..." He mumbles, to himself mostly, "Always so... funny."

"Nice to know I'm always good for a laugh," She grits her teeth as she tries to shift his weight back to his own legs, just inside the gates of the garrison, "I assume you can make it the rest of the way on your own?"

He grunts in response, but nearly topples over on the first step barely catching himself on the wall.

"Mother Mary, give me strength," She rolls her eyes and moves to help him again.

Athos has other plans and pushes her up against the wall.

His lips are desperate and wet against hers in a kiss that is more spit and teeth than anything.

"Athos," She giggles. He groans in protest when she pulls away and she sighs, "I know."

"No," He growls. His hands fist the shawl around her, shoulders haunched, "No, you don't know."

He looks up at her, blue eyes burning into the grey of hers.

"I..." His expression is devastated as he fails to get the words out, "You are so... so precious to me."

He slumps forward, his forehead pressing against her clavicle, his shoulders heaving with emotion he can't seem to put into words.

I love you.

She wraps her arms around him, her hands running soothingly across his back

I love you.

"Let's get you to bed so you can sleep this off, yeah?"

I love you.

But he just can't seem to say it, so he lets her drag him to his quarters, helping as best he can to stumble along beside her.

It's clumsy but he manages to kick off his boots and undo his jacket with minimum help before collapsing into bed.

He rolls onto his back when she sits beside him on the edge, looking up at her with the most adoring eyes.

"Do you need anything?" She asks, brushing his hair from his eyes.

"I..." Dammit. Why can't she understand what he's desperately trying to convey? "Stay?"

"Athos..."

"Please?" She's stayed the night with Aramis more times than he can count, "I just... I wish to hold you."

It's rare she ever gets to see him so vulnerable and she doesn't have the heart to deny him, "Alright."

She takes off her shoes and reaches back to loosen her stay. He watches her undress, entranced by every little movement.

She's not shy as she climbs into bed beside him in just her underthings and he pulls her close to rest her head on his chest.

His arms are warm and she sighs, relaxing against him.

"Amélia..." He curls around her, burying his nose in her hair, unspoken words lingering just out of reach, hanging in the night air.

Winter in Paris sounds like something that should be magical and full of beauty, but in truth the streets are a slush mix of snow, mud, and horse shit that splatters on walls and freezes on your clothes.

Still, she doesn't let her dirty surroundings diminish her mood as she slogs her way toward the garrison, snow fluttering softly around her, in hopes one of her musketeers would be willing to warm her chilled bones for a time.

"We've not had so much trouble waltz it's way through those gates before you came to Paris, Clarkòne!" Treville shouts down at her as he looks over the yard.

"I'd say I'm more of... an inconvenience, than true trouble, monsieur," She grins up at him with a small bow and he laughs, leaving her to her business.

"You should be a home and warm," Porthos scolds her as he and Athos cross the courtyard to see her.

"But the house is so dull when I have no one to help warm my bed," She pouts, "Where is Aramis?"

Athos rolls his eyes.

"The king sent he and D'Artagnan on a mission," He pulls his gloves off to take her hands in his, "You're freezing, where are your gloves?"

"I forgot them," She blushes when he lifts their hands to blow against her skin, rubbing his palms against her to warm her.

"You'll lose a finger like that," Porthos warns.

"Come inside," Athos urges, "You'll catch your death out here."

They usher her into the commissary, pulling a chair right near the fire for her.

"You don't need to dote on me," She laughs when Athos wraps his cape around her shoulders, "I'm not going to break from a few moments in the cold."

He gives her a warning look as he secures it in the front and she lets the matter drop.

Minutes easily slip into hours when she's with them, the snow falls harder, and night soon begins to fall.

"I should get home before it gets too dark."

Athos helps her to her feet and walks her to the door.

His cape still hangs off her shoulders the front long having been undone, but she's kept it close, letting it flood her senses with the smell of him.

He stops her when she moves to give it back, pulling it snug around her, "It's only gotten colder, I don't want you to get sick."

Treville pushes in past them, snow matting his clothes.

"She's not going anywhere in that blizzard," He says, brushing the snow from his hat, "She can stay in Aramis's rooms."

"With him gone, no one has lit a fire, she'll freeze before the room warms," Athos argues.

"Then she can bunk with you. Just as long as she doesn't go out."

With the matter of her lodging settled, they return to their table by the fire and spend a few more hours talking over dinner before retiring.

He does his best to guard her from the wind as he guides her to his rooms.

The fire has nearly gone to embers after hours of neglect, but the little warmth it provides is far greater than the cold outside.

The tension between them is palpable, even as he tends to the hearth, neither completely sure how to proceed from here.

"I'll sleep on the floor if that makes you more comfortable," He offers, but she shakes her head.

"Absolutely not, it's your bed after all," She says, "And besides, it's not as though we haven't shared before."

Yes, but he was drunk.

Laying beside her sober would be a different experience entirely, "Alright."

She hands him back his cape, her warmth still lingering in the wool, and he lays it on the chair beside the bed.

She's quiet as she undoes her stay and removes her shoes, hissing when her toes touch the cold floor.

He chuckles when she quickly scrambles back onto the bed and tucks her feet beneath her, reaching back to take down her hair.

"Would you prefer I leave my shirt on?"

"However you feel most comfortable, I'm fine either way."

He nods, eyes trained on the floor as he undresses himself before rounding the bed, hesitating at the far side.

"Oh, this is ridiculous!" She scoffs, shuffling back against the headboard, "We're adults, yes?"

He nods again.

"Then let's act like it, shall we?" She suggests, patting the spot next to her, "It's not like we're getting married."

He slides into bed next to her, pulling the blanket over them.

He watches her with wide eyes when she leans over him, her lips soft against his cheek, "Goodnight, Athos."

Before he can return the sentiment she turns on her side, her back to him.

She feels him shift behind her, his hand hovering just above her face, as if waiting for her to slap it away. But she doesn't, so he carefully sweeps her hair aside and brushes his lips against her temple, whispering reverently, "Goodnight, Amélia."

They lay in silence for near an hour before she speaks again in hushed tones, "Athos?"

He grunts in response and she cranes her neck to look back at him, "Are you asleep?"

"Not yet," He mutters, eyes still closed. The sound of shuffling fabric fills the room as she turns over to face him, "What is it?"

Her fingertips graze his arm for a brief moment before disappearing, her voice is barely audible, "I'm still cold..."

His eyes open and he looks over at her, her silver eyes practically glowing in the firelight. He sighs and lifts the blanket with one arm, a silent invitation to come closer.

She doesn't hesitate to worm closer, drinking in the warmth of his embrace.

He gasps when she tangles her legs with his, and her feet, like ice, run up his calves.

He wraps his arms tightly around her and she nestles her face in the crook of his neck.

"Thank you," She murmurs, "This is much better."

He hums in agreement and buries his nose in her hair, both of them finally relaxing.

Morning comes far too soon and he wakes to the feel of her curled into his side, sun shining off her almost platinum hair splayed around them.

Her arm lays across his chest, her leg thrown across his thighs, as her head rests on the bicep of his outstretched arm.

As gently as he can he sweeps away the hair covering her face. She looks like an angel, so peaceful as she sleeps.

She's all but stolen the blanket, wrapping herself up snugly some time in the night, leaving just a corner of it spread out, barely covering the leg she's hooked around him. He doesn't seem to mind though, the sight of her beside him warms him from the inside.

"I love you," He breathes.

He expects a weight to lift as he finally speaks it into being, finally lets the words past his lips. But they fall on deaf ears, she's asleep, she still doesn't know.

He wraps his arm around the back of her head, gripping a fistful of hair, the other almost bruising on her arm. He pushes his lips against the top of her head, eyes squeezing shut and teeth clenched.

"I love you," He growls. It's a desperate, guttural sound from the darkest depths of his soul, "I. Love. You."

He freezes when she groans. She nuzzles closer to his neck, still asleep, and still yearning for his warmth.

His grip loosens and he pulls her closer, stroking her cheek with his thumb. He presses his forehead to hers, his breath fanning across her face, voice barely a whisper, "My heart belongs to you and you alone."

She makes another noise, quieter but distinct as she pulls away.

"Athos?" Her voice is scratchy from sleep as she looks up at him with tired eyes, squinting in the morning sun, "Did you say something?"

He hesitates for a moment before smiling softly and petting her hair.

"Not a thing."

"Aramis!"

She stirs when someone bangs on the door, reaching out only to find the spot beside her cold.

"Aramis!" Athos shouts again, fist pounding against the wood of the door before he slams it open, "Get your ass out of bed you- you're not!"

He quickly turns his back, shutting the door when he finds Amélia laying bare in his friend's bed.

"Oh come now, Athos," She teases. He hears her stand and his face goes flush when he feels her lean against his arm, "It's not like it's anything you haven't seen before."

He clears his throat, refusing to look, "Where's Aramis?"

She sighs and tugs the sheet from the bed, wrapping it around her chest, "Not here. He left sometime in the night."

"He left you alone?" That's not like Aramis to do, "Are you decent?"

"I've never been decent a day in my life. But I'm covered, if that's what you mean."

He can't help but chuckle as he turns to face her again, "Do you know where he went?"

"Where does he ever go anymore?" She says dejectedly, "To see the royal governess."

He nods and turns to leave, pausing when she speaks.

"Has he grown bored of me, Athos?" Her voice cracks, "Have I done something to lose his affections?"

"No," He takes a deep breath and moves to kneel in front of her, gathering her hands in his. It breaks his heart to see her so unsure of herself, "Aramis is trying to juggle the accumulation of he mistakes and that doing so is leading him to neglect you is his greatest mistake of all."

"I know..." She whispers, tears in her eyes, and the meaning behind her words is strikingly clear. She knows the Dauphin is Aramis's, "He's been so absent since he was born and I... Athos, I don't know what to do!"

He sits on the bed beside her and holds her against his chest as she cries.

"I've lost him," She sobs. He holds her tighter, rocking them and kissing the top of her head.

He's going to beat Aramis to a bloodied pulp the next he sees him for hurting the woman they both love like this.

She suddenly inhales sharply and stands.

"I- I should go," She mutters. She wipes her eyes and starts gathering her clothes from the floor.

"Amélia..."

"I'm sure you have more important things to worry about than the trivial afflictions of my heart."

"Amélia," He catches her shoulders and brushes her hair from her face, "I assure you, the afflictions of your heart are far from trivial to me."

[fefuckability]

The Binding Blade bracket qualifier! Starts November 4th at 3pm EDT!

Here’s how it’s going to work:

There are going to be nine qualifying polls (six for the men, three for the women)

Pick your most bangable favorite from each poll

Polls will run for one week (I’d prefer 3 days but alas Tumblr doesn’t offer the option yet)

The top 32 male characters and the top 16 female characters will qualify for the men’s and women’s brackets

Polls:**

Qualifier 1 (Marcus, Alen, Lance, Bors, Merlinus, Dieck, Wade, Lot)

Qualifier 2 (Rutger, Saul, Zelot, Trec, Noah, Astolfo, Barthe, Ogier, Sin)

Qualifier 3 (Gonzalez, Geese, Klein, Elffin, Bartre, Perceval, Garret, Hugh, Zeiss)

Qualifier 4 (Douglas, Dayan, Yoder, Karel, Narcian, Galle, DILF Hector, DILF Eliwood, Murdock)

Qualifier 5 (Zephiel, Mordred, Jahn, Flaer, Arcard, Roartz, Damas, Rude)

Qualifier 6 (Slater, Dory, Devias, Zinc, Scouran, Ain, Gel)

Qualifier 7 (Elen, Shanna, Dorothy, Sue, Gwendolyn, Fir)

Qualifier 8 (Thea, Larum, Echidna, Cath, Melady, Cecilia, Igrene)

Qualifier 9 (Niime, Juno, Brunnya, Guinivere, Idunn, Sigune)

I am also adding a Google Form to submit characters for an enby bracket so Limstella, Kyza, and Bramimond don’t get left out. These can be characters from any game as long as there is canon basis for them being nonbinary.

Extra notes under the cut

Characters who are excluded from voting:

Anyone who obviously both looks and acts like a literal child. Some characters are borderline so discretion may be used*

Roy, Lilina, Raigh, and Lugh because they're all Confirmed Babies(TM)

Generics and palette swaps (e.g. Scott and Gelero)

Anyone who lacks either a portrait or a unique name in this game (e.g. Athos)

Elimine. She's a weird one because she doesn't have a portrait in this game, but she was given a unique look in later spinoff content (e.g. FEH). I'm excluding her from this bracket and putting her in with Blazing Blade instead. I think it makes more sense to run her and Athos at the same time

*I have not actually played Binding Blade. I know, I know, it's on my list. I'm doing my best here. If there's a character on here who you think should be excluded just shoot me an ask or something with your reasoning and we can DQ them if necessary

**I'm using the localized names because I think after 6 years of FEH they're the more commonly known ones now? Idk. The old games are gonna get weird like that, strap in