#arslansenkifandomweek

[daryun]

PARSMAS 2020 - Day 5: Animals

Title: I’m a snake, I’m a snaaake!

Characters: little Daryun and Narsus, told off by Vahriz

Rating: G

Art by me, @colleyuriko. My problem is... Have I seen this before, or have I wanted to draw this for so long I feel like I��ve seen this fanart before!? I don’t even know where the idea came from anymore, was it canon?

If somebody does know if they have also seen this before please let me know OTL. If I’ve copied you’re idea I’m sorry!! This was so vivid in my head... ?

Basically Daryun and Narsus as children are being told off for mocking the Snake King Zahak, which can only bring bad luck, I figure.

@arslansenkifandomweek

[arslansenkifandomweek]

~PARSMAS 2020 IS OPEN~

Information post on this Arslan Senki Fandom Week December 26, 2020 – January 1, 2021 is here

We will be checking the #parsmas2020 tag for your works to reblog them!

@arslansenkifandomweek just to be sure as well.

- Colle

[dejavidetc]

Here is my gift for @daryun for the @arslansenkifandomweek!

Hope you like it)

[guardianspirits13]

"But your highness-" Elam protested, as the young prince stood over him. "You can't do this- I- I'm not royalty! There can only be one heir to the throne!"

Arslan laughed lightheartedly. He had the voice of an angel. "Relax, Elam. It's just a flower crown. Now kneel."

"But-"

"That's an order," Arslan said, trying not to smile. "It's simply tradition that you kneel at your coronation."

Slightly embarrassed, Elam knelt as Arslan gently placed the wreath of flowers on his head.

Finally, my Arslan Senki summer exchange gift for @ragidi !!!! I'm sorry it's late, I hope you'll forgive me!!!! This turned out way more aesthetic than most of my usual work, I hope you like it!

Also, a huge thanks to @arslansenkifandomweek for coordinationg the event! It's so fun to get together and do things with other creators in a fandom, especially one as small as this!

[vinyatar]

for @arslansenkifandomweek with “encounter” theme - 2v1 narsus & daryun vs hirmiz hilmes hermes silvermask.

for some reason, practicing dynamic poses always looks better in the rough sketch. i foresee a lot of sprained ankles

[blue-lumen15]

Colors

My gift to @narsuswaifu for the @arslansenkifandomweek Summer Exchange!

I hope you will enjoy it :) 

(French translation will come soon) 

Right to left 

[sparklillian]

Day 7: Free for All

Title: Liberation and Liberator

Day/Prompt: Day 7/Free-for-All

Author(s): Sparklillian

Character(s)/Pairing(s): Arslan, Biba Amatori, Ichihara Yuuko. Minor appearances by Elam and Daryun. One mention of Horobi, Maru, and Moro.

Rating: G

Warning(s): Biba is slightly out-of-character, but that’s because I made some story changes. Don’t expect him to be the same as the show Biba; the story was set several years before.

Summary: Through the meddling of the Dimenson Witch, Ichihara Yuuko, the leader of the Liberation, Biba Amatori, meets King Arslan the Liberator. Story told through a series of 20 drabbles, each under 100 words. Crossover of Arslan Senki, Kabaneri no Kotetsujo, and XXXHolic.

Dedicated to @innerchorus​. I hate and love you for getting me into the Kabaneri Fandom.

The last installment of the fandom week. I wasn’t able to finish the entire week because of school and homework, but I still finished some thing. The event was fun, and I hope that I could do it again! 

Wish: “Biba Amatori, what is your wish?” the woman asked. Perhaps it was because of the air around her, the artificial and frozen beauty that hung around her face, or the fact that Biba had been taking a stroll through one of the few guarded and safe cities left when he happened upon this unusual shop, but he knew she wasn’t normal. The woman, Ichihara Yuuko was inhumane, but not in the same way the kabane or even the kabaneri were. Interesting.

Smile: Biba smiled kindly back at her. He had mastered the art of smiling without feeling any semblance of happiness a long time ago. After all, a smile was simply stretching the corners and quirking the lips up. “Ichihara-san, I wish to liberate all the people from the kabane and from their fears.”

Human: Yuuko twirled her pipe and contemplated his words. “In other words, you want them stop being human.” To feel fear is a natural human reaction. One cannot prevent or liberate people from fear unless the people have surpassed the defined limits of a human being. What a foolish wish and sadly one of the many examples of a good desire gone wrong. Perhaps she could nudge him in the right direction.

Answer: Biba’s smile slipped when he heard her next question. “Then, do you truly know what liberation means, Biba Amatori?” Of course he does, wasn’t the answer obvious? “Liberation meant freedom; liberation meant the absence of something. By being liberated, one was no longer plagued by what had previously troubled them.” If he could liberate his father…, then maybe, they could become a family again. No, that was a foolish dream.

Offer: Hmmm, a tricky customer. She could still deal with him if needed. She motioned for Maru and Moro to hand her the case she asked them to retrieve previously. “Here is my offer,” She opened the case. “This black vial contained black blood, which can turn female kabaneri into a nue, or as you call them, a fused colony. The white blood contains the antidote. Also included in this case are instructions to create these solutions.”

Payment: Biba swallowed and gazed at the contents of the innocuous suitcase. Indeed, there were two vials, one black and one white, nestled in the foam. If this woman was telling the truth, then he certainly needed to move up his entire schedule and reorganize his plans. His eyes sharpened. It was clear any of his pretexts would be worthless on her. He needed to be direct. “What payment do you want in return?”

Precious: Yuuko took another long puff of her pipe. Now that was a good question. What she handed him would certainly cost quite a many human lives, but the consequences would not faze him one bit. Therefore, her price needed to make him second-guess himself. “Your sanity and rationality,” She finally said. “The closer your plans come to fulfillment, the more you will slip in your judgment. I will also offer the safety labels if you agree to meet someone.”

Decision: That certainly doesn’t sound to be a bad price. Biba never intended to live past getting his revenge on his father. What need did he have of his sanity? And this witch, to not include the safety precautions of the drugs, he should have been more careful next time he bargained. Perhaps he was losing his edge seeing as his captains and subordinates took care of most things. “As long as this person you want me to meet do not intend to cause me harm, I accept both offers.”

Transportation: Immediately after he declared his acceptance, a pruple circle glowed beneath him. The bright light blinded him, but Biba felt certain he could trace the outlines of an elaborately-designed staff. The last thing he heard was the witch’s voice telling him: “Do not worry, King Arslan the Liberator is a kind man who will not treat you badly. You only need to stay until the sun sets.”

Meeting: When he regained consciousness again, he was met with the green eyes of a brown-haired youth. Based on appearances along, he was younger than Biba by only a few years. “Ah, you’re awake,” the teen nodded. “You suddenly appeared out of nowhere into Arslan-Heika’s throne room. Everyone was quite surprise.”

Silence: Biba refrained from saying anything. During times when one was ignorant, less words and more observations were needed. Fortunately, the teen didn’t seem bothered by his silence, choosing to continue on. “If you didn’t have Ichihara’s note and seal on you, Arslan-Heika’s bodyguards would have killed you while you were unconscious. The King has instructed me to inform him as soon as you awoke. He will be here in five minutes. Be ready to tell him who you are and why you are here.”

Voice: Currently, it would be best to listen to his caretaker’s words. Based on his tone and manner, the teen was a long-time companion of this Arslan-Heika or a long-time worker in the place Ichihara-san sent him to. “Ah, it’s great that you’re awake.” A voice sounded. It was masculine, but still lacking the deep and smooth characteristic of the completion of puberty. He judged the speaker to be the same age as the teen in front of him, perhaps slightly older or younger.

White: When Biba turned his head to meet the new presence, his first thought was white. The teen’s hair was white, flowing straight down to hang just above his shoulders. His skin was fair and beautiful, as well. If Biba hasn’t heard his voice prior to meeting him, he would have assumed the teen to be a female. In addition, for some reason, Biba felt a sense of innocence, purity, and tranquility around the new presence that he never felt around anyone else, baring perhaps Horobi.

Introduction: “Pardon my sudden intrusion, my name is Biba Amatori, leader of the Liberation movement,” He inclined his head. He didn’t know who the new person was, but it was always best to act politely. “Ichihara-san suddenly transported me to this place. Please excuse me for any bother this has caused you.” He smiled kindly.

Introduction (2): “Haha,” the young man laughed. Suddenly, Biba felt hyperaware of how fake his smile looked in comparison to this white-haired man not even out of puberty yet. “It wasn’t any trouble. We understand Yuuko’s eccentricities. A pleasure to meet you, Biba Amatori. I am Arslan, King of Pars. I hope you will enjoy your stay here with us until Yuuko called you back.”

Discovery: This? This was the man Ichihara-san wanted him to meet? What could he do? However, immediately asking that, Biba felt that he already knew and that he finally understood why she asked him what “Liberation” meant. He may be the head of the Liberation movement, but in front of this Librator, he can’t seem to liberate anything.

Admiration: “There are such things as man-eating kabana in your world, and you wish to rid them for the people? That’s a very admirable goal of you.” Arslan placed his hands over Biba’s. His eyes gained a sudden sad light. “If it doesn’t bother you that we don’t worship the same gods, may I pray for the lost lives of your people?” This teen, no, it would be an insult to call him any less a King. This King called Biba admirable, but Arslan deserved much more admiration than he.

Prayer: “This is Farangis, a priestess of the temple of Mithra. Mithra is a figure of Covenant and Oath, but she is also a war goddess,” Arslan then turned to the scantily clad, dark-haired woman. “Farangis, this is our visitor sent by Yuuko. His name is Biba Amatori, and he is a warrior from a far-away land. Would you please offer a prayer for his people, both alive and wandering?”

Meaning: “Arslan-Heika, Ichihara-san said she will transport me back once the sun set. Before I go, may I ask you a question?” Despite the troubles and the protests of his subordinates, a black-clad man in particular was vocal about his disagreement; Arslan had accompanied him through the entire day, teaching him various things about the various culture, food, weaponry, and sights of Pars. “What is the meaning of liberation?”

Return: Upon opening his eyes once after the second transportation, Biba saw Ichihara-san’s mysterious smile as she wordlessly slid the case to him. He nodded and left. Yuuko could only hope that Biba kept in mind what he had experienced today. Certainly, as his sanity and rationality left him, it would become exponentially more difficult. However, she made the correct decision to send him to Arslan-Heika. His Majesty’s answer was a wonderful one. She made a note to write it down later.

[colleyuriko]

Arslan Senki Fandom Week - late entry

Title: Sharing memories

Day/Prompt: day 6, memories

Characters: Daryun & Jaswant

Rating: g

I was at the Warrior Treasures exhibition at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, UK, where there was an info board pointing out that because sword ornaments were so intricate and often very small, only family and close friends would know about them. So I wanted to draw Daryun and Jaswant exchanging stories about their swords, since they seem to be sword-sharpening buddies, haha.

[hyakunana]

Arslan Senki Week, day 7, free for all

Even if the week were between 22 and 28, I enjoyed working on these little works a week before it until today! Actually I’m thinking about doing more of those AU’s once in a while~ (modern especially, i need more zott gang) 

Now we sit and wait until next manga chapter cough cough movie/3rd season/whatever will come up :)

[daryun]

Parsmas 2020 - Day 3: Gifts

Title: Azrael likes you

Characters: Azrael, Merlain, and Jaswant

Rating: G

Warning: a dead mouse

Art by me, @colleyuriko. Azrael and I just thought Merlain and Jaswant would get along. 

Sorry if it’s a bit morbid...

@arslansenkifandomweek

[arslansenkifandomweek]

7 Days of PARSMAS Prompts

Dear Denka’s Army, Thank you for sending in your prompts for 

7 Days of PARSMAS! ( #7daysofPARSMAS )

December 25th – 31st

Based on your submissions, we have summarised them into the following themes:

Day 1 (Dec 25th) : Illumination Day 2 (Dec 26th) : Giving Gifts Day 3 (Dec 27th) : In the Snow Day 4 (Dec 28th) : Good Company Day 5 (Dec 29th) : Seasonal Songs Day 6 (Dec 30th) : Festive Food Day 7 (Dec 31st) : Free For All

Please have a look at our information pages to find out more on how to participate: About | Rules & Guidelines

And do not hesitate to drop us an ask, we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

YASHASUI~IN!

[ooriens]

Arslan Senki Fandom Week +  ♪♪♪

=u=b Thanks for the event and prompts!!

Day/Prompt: Day 1 / Body and Clothing Character(s): Gieve Summary: Gieve sings a tale that takes 7 days~

Day/Prompt: Day 2 / Loyalty Character(s): Arslan, Daryun Summary: Daryun is the greatest bodyguard. T^Tb

Day/Prompt: Day 3 / What if... Character(s): Arslan, Narsus, Daryun Summary: What if Daryun tried doing art? :3c

Day/Prompt: Day 4 / Dreams and Regret Character(s): Arslan, Daryun Summary: Angst. I must have angst... B)

Day/Prompt: Day 5 / Journey Character(s): Daryun, Arslan, Narsus Summary: In which this journey is full of laughter but also pain and sadness.

Day/Prompt: Day 6 / Smiles and Memories Character(s): Daryun, Arslan, Vahriz Summary: In those carefree days, they took it for granted. (Just kidding, probably not for granted, because they love that uncle. ;3;)

Day/Prompt: Day 7 / Free Character(s): Arslan Summary: He’s not free as long as he’s going to be King~ o3o I... took it too literally. HAHAHAhaha

[breadje]

Title: Uncle Zandeh Day/Prompt: Day 2: Love/Loyalty Author(s): My tumblrless friend Character(s)/Pairing(s): Zandeh, Hilmes/Irina, OC Rating: G Warning(s): none Summary: Zandeh goes on an important quest but things don’t exactly end the way he expected

A/N: Good morning fellow trash! I am not sure what my dear friend – who is posting this crap – has told you but this is my first ever fanfic being posted – I’m kinda new in the trashcan. In other words, please be nice? More importantly though; please enjoy!

Note: No Zandeh’s were physically harmed during the writing of this story

(Oh by the way, do not be fooled by the first part of the story. This story is not at all a serious one.)

Uncle Zandeh

The heat was burning, but this did not stop the young knight from galloping through the mountains at full speed. He had important news and he needed to deliver it quickly to his lord before night fell. Night in this area fell quickly and Zandeh was not familiar with the terrain or the area in general. He knew a night out here would not be a pleasant one. Whilst it was still very warm, nights out here were notoriously cold. He spurred his horse to gallop faster still, trying to reach the top of mountain path quicker than the sun which was making its way down to the same place on the horizon. Zandeh anxiously dug his heels into the horse’s flanks once more. When he reached the top of the path, he was glad to notice that the path would go downhill for a while. There weren’t any cliffs for several miles so the sun’s rays would not be blocked for at least another thirty minutes or so. He stopped his horse to look for the water in his saddle bags and quickly took a few sips before jumping back in the saddle.  

When he found the path he tied his horse to a tree and started jogging towards the house that was supposed to be at the end of it. The trees made it harder and harder to see where Zandeh was going but he knew he was close. He sped up his running as he ran along the precarious path. He had to get to Lord Hilmes!

‘Oi you!’

Zandeh briefly wondered why Hilmes would choose to let his wife live in such a dangerous and remote area, but Lord Hilmes’ relationship with those around the palace made it clear why the rightful ruler of Pars had to withdraw to a mountain hut. Surprisingly he wasn’t even talking about that boy claiming the throne and his murdering dog. With the explanation clear in his mind, he ignored the threats and comments the bandits threw at him due to him looking like a high-ranking soldier. He grabbed his mace and quickly dispatched of the group. A few thunderous blows later, he was jogging along the trail again.

Good thing I didn’t bring my horse here, Zandeh thought to himself. The path was illuminated quite poorly in the waning light and it was riddled with dead trees. Zandeh paused for a second to catch his breath. He looked up and saw the moon had already entered onto the night sky.

No time for breaks!

With a deep breath he steadied himself and ran full speed towards the faint light that had to be the cottage where Lord Hilmes and Lady Irina lived. As it drew closer, Zandeh’s heart pounded harder. Finally, he reached the cottage and forgetting about his manners, he burst through the door.

‘Lord Hilmes! Important news from the royal capital!’ he yelled.

Taking a second to look around the cottage the only person he found was Lady Irina looking quite startled.

‘Z-zandeh?’ she stammered his name in surprise ‘I am afraid my husband is not here right now; he is running an errand in the village.’

Zandeh immediately fell to his knees – although the lady could not see it.

“My lady! I’m sorry for so rudely disturbing you! I wasn’t thinking!”

‘Oh, that is quite alright,’ she giggled silently, accustomed to Zandeh’s enthusiasm and sense of duty.

‘Apologies!’ Zandeh said once more. ‘I must find him immediately! Good night my lady.’

‘Ahm, Lord Zandeh?’ Irina interjected before he left ‘I do not think it to be a wise idea if you were to leave at this hour. You know it is perilous during the day and seeing as you are not familiar with the surroundings, I would not feel well if you were to leave now.’

Zandeh stopped in his tracks – already at the door. Lady Irina was right, if he were to go out now, he would probably get lost. This would mean he would not be able to deliver his message until morning fell and he could regain his bearings. He also could not leave the message with Lady Irina. Although there was no doubt that she was to be trusted, Hilmes was adamant about not involving her in their political struggles.

‘But you are welcome to stay here of course.’ Lady Irina spoke. ‘My husband should be back before long.’

Out of habit, Zandeh bowed before her before realising he would have to vocalise his gratitude.

‘Thank you, Lady Irina!’

‘No need to be so polite. Come sit down!’ Lady Irina smiled kindly and Zandeh obeyed. ‘I shall make you some tea.’

Zandeh looked around the hut that his lord and lady lived in. It was definitely something else than the palaces that Lord Hilmes and his wife were used to. But it was a massive improvement over the nights they had spent together in the field during sieges and before battles. This, however, did not diminish Zandeh’s indignation over the fact that the rightful ruler of Pars was being forced to live in such circumstances by a little boy. He clenched his hands. He had sworn he would serve Lord Hilmes and help him reclaim the throne. But that seemed little more than a pipe-dream at the moment.

‘Lord Zandeh?’ Irina spoke when she heard wood cracking. ‘Are you quite alright?’

Zandeh snapped back into reality and immediately unclenched his hands from the chair.

‘Yes my lady, apologies for making you worry.’

Lady Irina put down a cup of tea in front of him and he politely thanked her for going through the trouble herself. She should have at least ten maids who would scramble to make tea the second she gave the order. Zandeh swore to himself that he would see her live in her own palace once more.

‘Lord Zandeh?’

‘Apologies my lady,’ he said, deciding to put his hands on the cup of tea rather than the abused chair.

He emptied his cup in silence, staring into nothingness, whilst Lady Irina went back to stitching Lord Hilmes’ clothes – Zandeh was genuinely impressed she could. Lord Hilmes was taking an awfully long time to come back and he felt it rude to just sit in silence. He looked around the cottage in a desperate attempt to find some topic for conversation. When Irina stood up to ask Zandeh if he wanted another cup of tea, he noticed that her belly was slightly bigger than it had been when he last saw her.

‘My lady, could it be -’ he paused for a second, if it was not what he thought it was and she took it the wrong way, that would surely invoke the wrath of his lord. ‘Could it be,’ he started again ‘that you are with child?’

Irina let out a gasp of surprise, and Zandeh shrunk in fear. To his relief she spoke with a bright smile on her face.

‘Oh my! Is it showing already?’ she rubbed her belly fondly and spoke ‘This one will be a great warrior just like the father!’

‘It would be an honour to serve alongside your child. I’m sure he would be a warrior like this world has never seen,’ Zandeh spoke.

Irina seemed to like the idea as her smile grew brighter still.

‘My valiant little hero,’ she giggled softly

Time passed as Zandeh ran out of things to say about the baby’s future and fell back into silence. Meanwhile Lady Irina went back to somehow stitching Hilmes’ clothes. After an hour or so, Zandeh could hear a voice outside. He stood to look out the window to see who it was �� though he sincerely doubted that raiders would dare come near. As he suspected it was indeed Lord Hilmes, but without his silver mask, instead he wore a black patch that covered about half of his face. He appeared to be talking to himself and Zandeh thought he could see a displeased frown on his lord’s face.

Hilmes walked in and slammed the door shut behind him.

‘A silver piece for those loaves of bread?! Are they insane? Just who do they think I am, some kind of k-’

‘Hilmes, we have company.’

Hilmes’ head shot up whilst Zandeh’s quickly moved down. ‘Zandeh, I told you before that you need not bow or kneel to me whilst I live here. It is good to see you, though. Tell me, what news do you bring?’

‘Yes, my lord! I bring news from the royal capital. The former slaves have taken up arms. This might be an opening, my lord!’

Hilmes pensively looked away for some time, seriously considering the chance. It was true that this was the perfect opportunity to swoop in and claim what was his. There were still vassals that had sworn loyalty to him, he could use them. But there was one matter that he was not content about.

‘Hilmes? What are we going to do?’

Hilmes looked at his pregnant wife. If there was a war to be fought, he could not take her with him, nor could he leave her here alone.

‘Would you not rather raise our child in the palace?’ he dodged her question.

‘It would not necessarily be a better environment to raise our child,’ Irina replied. ‘The plotting we both know to be going on is definitely not something I would like my child to be raised in. Also, I can’t help but think of the families that would be destroyed by the war. Think of how many sons we would send to their graves.’

Hilmes looked studied his wife’s expression and her arguments. She was not wrong.

‘But we would finally be able to realise your dream, Hilmes, and if it brings stability to Ecbatana, I will do everything in my power to support your cause.’

Hilmes thought on it for a few minutes but eventually turned his attention to Zandeh.

‘My lord’ Zandeh enthusiastically exclaimed, ‘shall I put the preparations in motion?’

Hilmes’ looked at his wife behind him. ‘I am sorry Zandeh, we will require some time to think on the matter.’

‘Yes, my lord.’ Zandeh affirmed, having lost a part of his enthusiasm. ‘L-Lord Hilmes, forgive my rudeness but might I ask what happened to your mask?’

Hilmes looked at him for a moment and blinked. ‘Why, we bought this house with it. It was a silver mask after all, it was not hard to find a good deal.’

A gasp from his general indicated to Hilmes that he was seriously shocked. He could not help but wonder why. Between roaming around dangerous mountains with his pregnant wife, or giving her some permanent shelter and a relatively comfortable life, the decision was made rather quickly.

‘I shall speak of this with Irina this evening. You can rest Zandeh, I will prepare an extra bed for you.’

The next morning after a nice, hardy breakfast

‘Zandeh, we have decided that we will not pursue the throne further. At least whilst our child grows up.’

Zandeh could not hide the disappointment in his face. He was ready to fight alongside his lord again but he seemed to have given up on what Zandeh had believed in all this time. Although Zandeh saw all their work of the past years crumbling, there were things he could believe in. He kneeled to his lord for the last time in a long time.

‘Yes, my lord!’

‘Zandeh, please rise.’ Hilmes said, his tone carrying an unmistakable edge of compassion. ‘What will you do now that you no longer have to accompany me on campaigns?’

‘There is but one thing I can do, my lord. I will serve you!’ His lord looked genuinely surprised by these words. ‘I will serve you and Lady Irina, whether you are pursuing the throne or not, I shall follow you!’

Although he would never admit it in more than three words, Hilmes was relieved that the only man he could consider a friend was committed enough to stay with him.

‘I am glad’ were the only words he spoke

Several years – and a hardly explained genre swap – later. But not too many years, because we have to return and peek into business that wasn’t ours like the trashy people we are. Don’t even try to deny it.

Hilmes was leaning against the table with his right hand covering his face whilst Irina was giggling uncontrollably – trying to hide her laughter behind her hand – and Zandeh just did not know how to respond anymore. Zandeh was on his knees, with Nasrin on his back whilst she called ‘hyaa, uncle Zandeh hyaa.’

Irina had started laughing at the point that Nasrin had jumped onto Zandeh’s back with an audible grunt from the former knight – who had some of the air pressed out of his lungs. Although she could not see, by the sounds Nasrin made, she quickly figured out that her child was trying to learn how to ride a horse on a former army general’s back. The irony of Zandeh being in a horse’s position was not entirely lost on her either.

‘M-my Lord!’ Zandeh stuttered to Hilmes ‘How do I proceed-oof’ he gasped as a set of heels landed in his flanks.

Hilmes, by this point, was just barely containing laughter but somehow managed to speak a few words.  

‘Just go with it,’ he said in an uncharacteristically uneven voice.

‘Hilmes,’ Irina giggled ‘would you not describe this scene to me?’

‘Well,’ he started, having difficulty to not start laughing as he walked over to his wife ‘Nasrin has managed to force Zandeh to sit on his hands and knees, saying she was looking for a toy and he had to help her find it. Then she jumped on his back and is now trying to learn how to ride a horse. She keeps digging her heels into Zandeh’s sides to try and make him move. His face has a mixture of confusion and desperation written onto it. It’s quite the sight. Our daughter seems to have relentlessly tamed one of the most powerful generals of our time.’

Irina’s giggling intensified when her husband described to her how Zandeh followed his order and went with it. Eventually the general-degraded-to-horse had a smile on his face as well as he happily Nasrin rode on his back across the house.

‘Uncle Zandeh is a bad horse.’ the little girl uttered

‘Why is that?’ her father asked her.

‘He doesn’t make horsy sounds.’

‘Well Zandeh, I would suggest you learn from this girl or we will have to find her a new horse.’

After a few more heels in his side, Zandeh decided that there was no helping it. With a sigh he resigned himself to the fate he had gotten himself into when he “helped search the girl for her toy” and crouched down on his hands and knees. He led out some poor whinnying sounds and Nasrin laughed happily. This brought a smile to Zandeh’s face – and sent his lord bursting out laughing. Irina took his arm and they laughed together.

Another few years – and several hundreds of thousands of etiquette lessons for the lovely Nasrin – later

‘Uncle Zandeh, would you care to join my mother and I for tea?’

Said uncle shot a panicked glance at his lord, who decided it was a good moment to conveniently put his nose down on the scroll he was reading.

‘Please, Lord Zandeh, it is impolite to outright deny a woman’s request’ the girl’s mother piped in.

As Zandeh moved towards the table that the girl had decorated for her weekly tea party with her mother, she gave him a shocked look.

‘Why, Lord Uncle! You cannot possibly be trying to tell me that you would attend a ladies’ tea party whilst you are wearing such rags. We cannot! We must not have it! Come! Come with me! We shall mend this debacle lest your social standing would be destroyed!’

She took his hand and pulled him over to her box of toys and creations. Zandeh did not like where this was going. He knew that in the wooden box she kept several fabrics that she had modelled into a sort of clothes. He did not know that she shared them with anyone so he had never seen the box as a threat. Until now.

‘No, no, no. This is all wrong. Maybe if we try- Yes! That is it! Lord Zandeh, would you please come over here? Here you go, put these on and you shall be able to attend our social gathering without damage to your socials status.’

Zandeh stared at the clothes that were pushed in his hands as though he asked for bread and got mud – not that he had asked for anything in the first place. Lady Irina and Nasrin seemed to be enjoying themselves though, and that made Lord Hilmes happy in turn. Therefore, Zandeh would pull through this struggle as well. He had faced the fiercest of enemies. He had fought the Mardan fu Mardan and lived – though he didn’t win – surely he would be able to survive a tea party with his lord’s wife and child?

‘Lord Zandeh?’ said Irina in an amused tone ‘It is very impolite to keep the Lady Nasrin waiting after she so generously invited you.’

And so they sat down as the women chatted of all and nothing whilst Zandeh sat awkwardly sipping his tea.

‘Lord Zandeh, you have been quiet thus far. Tell me, what are your thoughts on the current state of the palace? Whilst my mother, the Lady Irina, argued that we are quite well and the walls are in decent state. I, however, argue that she cannot see.’ Zandeh nearly choked on his tea as the girl continued ‘Would you share your insightful opinions with us?’

Zandeh threw a distressed look at Lord Hilmes who waved it off and continued reading.

‘Lord Father! I find your current conduct to be quite unworthy of the lord of this palace. Know you not that when we have guests, you should display hospitality instead of working in your office? Mother are you not ashamed of his poor manners?’

Hilmes looked at his daughter, completely dumbfounded. He tried to find a proper response but before he could, Irina interrupted his train of thoughts.

‘Indeed I am quite ashamed, my daughter. His current conduct leaves room for improvement’

Hilmes’ eyes widened in shock. It was not every day that both his wife and daughter challenged him like this. Zandeh gave his lord a pensive look pondering the fate they had gotten themselves into. Once respected men in command of thousands, they were now defied by Lord Hilmes’ wife and their seven-year-old daughter. It was quite a longshot from the throne they had both imagined or the army they would have commanded. Regrets, though, seemed something neither of them had. Zandeh had – rather unflawlessly – rolled into the role of godparent and uncle. Hilmes gladly took up the role of father and provider for his family. Just four commoners with common jobs, miles and aeons away from court life. Zandeh looked from the two would-be ladies to his lord and saw they were smiling – except Hilmes who was still dumbfounded – and he smiled himself.

‘I, too, am of the opinion that Lord Hilmes’ behaviour is quite outside of the expected.’ Zandeh said, defying his lord for the very first time, with a careful grin on his face.

Hilmes’ look, if possible, displayed an even greater amount of disbelief. He could only stare at the three faces that just defied him, once crown prince of all of Pars. Then he blinked and bowed in an exaggerated fashion.

‘Why of course, my ladies, my lord. How very rude of me. I shall join you at once.’

Once he raised his head, there was a reserved smile on his face. He could live this life and never look back at what he lost. He sat down at the table and took the cup of tea that was already made for him.

‘However, Lord Zandeh, I would say that the manner you dare speak to me is out of place as well.’

Zandeh’s face drained of all colour and he swallowed hard.

‘A-apologies, my lord!’

The corners of Hilmes’ mouth turned up into an evil grin.

‘The punishment is death, if proven guilty of course. We shall hold a trial by combat to decide your fate. Your opponent shall be,’ Hilmes paused for a second ‘the Lady Nasrin.’

The colour returned to the ex-general’s face, but just for a second. Even he realised that combat against Lady Nasrin – whether in jest or not – would be neither easy nor enjoyable. He looked at the girl who smiled wickedly, slowly set down her cup, and spoke in a too-sweet voice;

‘Let’s step outside, shall we. Uncle Zandeh.’

[numanumagay]

Arslan Senki Fandom Week

Day 7: Free For All

Title: Denka Memes

Characters: Arslan, Rajendra, Hilmes, Gadevi, Guiscard

More puns! Only this time its the royalty I’m targeting!

author’s note: i regret nothing

[pethfics]

A Prayer to the Goddess Ashi;

Gieve decides to play matchmaker for Arslan and Étoile and here’s his cheesy playlist.

Companion to this Fic.

i. serenade / galavant ii. can you feel the love tonight? / the lion king iii. beauty and the beast / beauty and the beast iv. tell him / strange magic v. i won’t say i’m in love / hercules vi. bella notte  / lady and the tramp vii. that’s amore / enchanted viii. kiss the girl / the little mermaid

[listen]

[sparklillian]

Turning Point

Title: Turning Point

Day/Prompt: Day 3/What-if

Author(s): Sparklillian

Character(s)/Pairing(s): Tahaminay/Andragoras, Osroes/Osroes’ unnamed wife. Minor mentions of Gotarzes, Arslan, Hermes, and Pazarid.

Rating: T (just in case)

Warning(s): implied rape, misogyny

Summary: Osroes and Andragoras have always had a great sibling relationship, surprising considering that their existence threatens their chances of inheriting the throne. However, the breaking point between came in the form of a beautiful blond woman, Tahaminay. What if Osroes had back down instead of attempting to steal her for himself? How would things have gone?

@ryukoishida Your summaries allowed me to have enough context to write this.

Okay, because I’ve been busy with schoolwork and other miscellaneous things. I didn’t have time to write full on stories for the entire seven days of ArslanSenkiFandomWeek, but I’ll settle for drabbles instead. I don’t think I’ll even have time to do the entire week, but I’m trying. Per the old rule, drabbles have a maximum limit of 100 words each.

Betrayal: Of all the stupid things his superstitious father had done, Osroes V had to name this deed as the most vile, even above naming his own children with the expectation that one will succeed the other. The Parsian King slammed his fist into the nearest wall. Of all the things that a father can do, he slept with his son’s wife

Wrath: When his wife came to him in tears, his natural reaction was to comfort her. His second reaction was to murder that insolent bastard who committed such a crime. However, he foolishly did neither. Instead, Osroes V allowed his wrath to consume him and banished his wife from both his chambers and his presence.

Attempt: After learning of his father’s misdeed, Andragoras attempted to comfort his older brother. No one other than the two brothers knew the full details of what occurred during their talks; however, Osroes was in a noticeably better mood afterwards.

Distance: Despite the apparent success of their talk, Andragoras noticed that Osroes’ relations with his wife remained cold. The King of Pars still spend time with his wife, but the frequencies decreased as her belly enlarged. Similarly, the Queen’s kind smile belied her sadness and anger at her husband for his earlier dismissal.

Secret: The whole country celebrated the news of the Queen’s pregnancy; very few people, countable on one hand, knew the entire truth. The royal family couldn’t be happier, but the undercurrent of bitterness flows undeterred.

Badakhshan: Orsoes, Andragoras, and the citizens of Pars merely viewed Badakhshan as another country they could add to their growing collection. Nobody could have expected the advent of Tahaminay and the storm she would bring.

Prize: When Andragoras asked for one woman as his prize among all the riches, glories, and lands offered, Osroes knew he had to visit the beauty who caught his brother’s eyes. He felt genuine happiness, but was careful to stayed on his guard in case this beauty turned to be a lying viper.

Beauty: The first words Osroes said to Tahaminay was a breathy “beautiful.” Indeed, with flowing blond hair, white skin, large blue eyes, and pink lips, it seemed as if the goddess Ashi had descended on to Pars or had blessed this woman

Decision: For a moment, all the bitterness from his father’s immoral act returned and slammed into Osores with the force of a river. Why should Osroes be the only one to suffer? Why should Andrgoras be allowed to claim this vision for himself? His decision appeared to be clear: take Tahaminay for himself.

Men: “Are you the next man who wishes to conquer me?” Tahaminay asked. She lifted her eyes from beneath her white veil, careful to not raise her head. All the men she met before had wanted her merely for her beauty, something she had no control over. Would this man be the same? Based on his previous comment, she doubted it.

Sight: Osroes jolted at her question. For the first time, he opened his eyes and looked at her. While beautiful, everything about her felt cold, artificial. Her pale skin, for instance, could only be maintained through minimal exposure from the sun. The thought of him being locked up like that utterly repulsed him.

Women: Was this really their culture? Based on her question, Osroes could determine that Tahaminay was a woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, but she never dared to meet his eyes. Was this really their culture that reduced such a beautiful soul to nothing more than just a beautiful husk of a body? And…what about his wife?

Change: In another world, Osroes would have tried and failed to take Tahaminay as his own, thus creating a rift between him and his younger brother. In this world, Osroes came away with something more. Thus, a new future, a new path, was created for Pars.

Doubt: As Andragoras waited for Osroes and Tahaminay’s meeting to conclude, a niggling doubt filled his mind. He fully trusted his brother; however, he also trusted himself to not be lured by any woman’s beauty. What would he do if his brother wanted her, as well? Would he fight for his love against his beloved brother?

Apology: “You will be treated well, here,” the King assured his brother’s future wife. “Thank you for opening my eyes.” She jolted, wide-eyed and stared at him. He smiled, inclined his head, and left, barely seeing her curtsey from the corner of his eyes. It was high time he apologized to his wife.

Pride: She stared at him, half in disbelief and half in joy. To think that a proud man like Osroes, no matter how kind he was and no matter how much he loved her, would bowed his proud neck and bend his stiff knees for a woman. The Queen of Pars smiled and forgave him.

Birth: The Queen watched her husband carefully, clutching her child protectively near her chest. Osroes may have sworn to honor any child of hers as his own, but words were meaningless without the resulting action to back them up. However, it seemed her fears were unfounded once more as Osroes stroked the child’s cheeks gently.

Wedding: Out of consideration of the Queen’s pregnancy, Andragoas and Tahaminay postponed their wedding until after she had given birth. The ceremony was grand, the fair and white bride contrasting sharply with her husband clad in black. Tahaminay hoped this happiness could last.

Solution: Osroes felt a sense of déjà-vu as Tahaminay simultaneously cradled her newborn baby girl and glared at Andragoras, as if daring to take the child away. Osroes could certainly understand his brother’s worries. Per Parsian laws, a female heir could not inherit and could not take care of Tahaminay if Andragoras met an unfortunate accident. However, Tahaminay’s body could not handle another birth. The obvious solution was to get rid of the baby and steal a male child from someone else, but maybe there was another solution.

Trio: In the end, Pazarid was allowed to stay, but she became the younger twin sister to the adopted child, Arslan, instead of the firstborn and sole child. She and Arslan often played together with their older cousin and brother figure, Hermes. Nobody could believe how much this trio could change the world and Pars.  

I’ve been rolling this idea in my head for a while, because I want to see a realistic situation in which Hermes and Arslan are on the same side from the start. I debated on which canon points I should change, but I eventually decided on the fight between Osroes and Andragoras as the turning point. I don’t know much about Gotarzes and his superstitious nature, but I certainly know something about Osroes and Andragoras’ relationship based on Ryukoishida’s book summaries.

I also like this turning point the best because I felt that Andragoras and his brother had a great relationship that balanced each other out. I believed it was mentioned that they really got along, which was odd for me because of the succession problems. Why didn’t Osroes felt trouble that Andragoras might assassinate him and take the throne? Why did Andragoras feared that Osroes would kill him because he thinks Andragoras wanted the throne? If their relationship was as close as I thought, it would be pretty traumatizing to have your respected older brother suddenly snatched away the one thing you really wanted and for him to ask you to kill him.

I’m not trying to justify Andragoras’ reasons, but I wanted to portray him in a more realistic light than just a war-hungering mongrel. How did he become that way?

So I asked myself: what if Osroes didn’t fight with Andragoras over Tahaminay? What if Osroes truly love Hermes and didn’t ask Andragoras to burn him and his son in the fire? How would things change?